by Ciara Lake
“Are you sad now?” He leaned toward her.
“No, I feel fine. The memories aren’t as difficult for me now.”
“That’s good. It takes time to heal.”
“Yes, it does.” She played with her straw. “I really enjoyed the storm last night. I forgot how much I liked it here. I love being close to the ocean.”
“You enjoyed the storm?” He leaned back, relaxing even more. His legs bumped hers again. Every time he bumped her leg, she felt a sort of zing rush up her leg.
“Yes. Strangely, I’ve always loved thunderstorms.” He bumped his legs against hers again, and this time he seemed to delay pulling away.
“They can be beautiful, so full of vitality.”
The waitress arrived with their meals, she served him first using a hot pad. Steam rose from the plates. Then she sat Tabitha’s plate in front of her, knocking some of her shrimp off onto the table.
“Wow, this smells and looks great. I’m glad I took your suggestion. I love seafood.” She stuck her fork into the fried cod.
“Could you bring her two more shrimp, since you dropped hers on the table?” Jax asked the waitress.
“Yes, certainly.” The waitress rushed off to do as he requested.
“I hope you like it.” He picked up his fork and began eating.
The food was delicious. The time passed quickly, and their conversation became easier. Tabitha found him less aggressive in his questioning of her. Jax seemed to open up, and he shared a lot about his conservation projects. She told him about her parents and about growing up in Vancouver. Their initial uneasiness eventually evaporated, making her like him more and more. His smile grew easier too.
The more she talked with him, the more questions she had. For sure, she was enthralled by him. Flirtatious at times in her conversation, she fully enjoyed herself as she became more familiar with him and at ease. “I’m very comfortable talking to you.” She smiled at him, then looked down because she felt her face heat up.
“I’m comfortable talking to you too.” He leaned toward her. “It seems like we’ve known each other for some time. You’ve made me laugh, and I needed to.” His expression softened making him even better-looking. Her body reacted to his looking at her. He looked at her so deeply, as if he was sizing her up. It made her ache with need. He was getting under her skin.
Tabitha looked away, out the window. “It looks like the sun might come out. I guess we’ve been here a while.”
“Yes, three hours or so.”
“Three hours?” Tabitha asked in surprise. “Are you kidding?”
“No.” He grinned.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize so much time had passed. I’ve talked too much.”
“Don’t be sorry, I’ve enjoyed every minute. We were both relaxed. The food was good. The scenery’s beautiful.” He winked. “You’re very captivating, Tabitha. I’ve enjoyed my time with you. In fact, I can’t think of a better way to pass my time.”
I think he is saying I’m beautiful.
“Thanks.” Tabitha’s face grew hot. She wiped her mouth with a napkin.
“You missed a spot.” He motioned. “You have some tartar sauce on the corner of your mouth.”
“Thanks.” Tabitha giggled and wiped her mouth again. “Did I get it?” Her face flamed hotter.
“Yes.” He smiled. “Would you like to take a walk with me? We could look in some of the stores. I can get an umbrella.”
“Yes, I’d like that.” She looked out the window again. “It’s not raining too hard—we don’t need an umbrella. The wind might defeat one anyway.”
“Okay then, let’s go. There’s a store I like to browse in. They sell sporting goods and a variety of other interesting things.”
“I know the store.” Tabitha nodded. “I like it too. My father and I used to spend time there. Let’s go take a look.” Tabitha picked up her purse and opened it.
“Put your money away.” He put up his hand. “I’m paying for lunch. I invited you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course I’m sure.”
“I can at least leave the tip.”
“I’ll take care of it all, really.” He picked up the check. “Let’s go, I’ll pay at the front register.” He slide out of the booth, then stood close to her side, waiting for her. He was so close she could feel his body heat.
He smells wonderful, a mix of body wash and. . .man. All of her senses were overcome by his nearness. Because he was so close to the booth she hesitated to stand up. How can I stand up without brushing against him? She looked up at him, still he did not step back. He offered his hand to help her out. He has such large hands and long fingers. I’d like him to touch me.
“Here, take my hand,” he said. “I’ll help you up.”
When she touched him an incredible sensation raced up her arm, directly to her heart. It was so pleasurable, so intense, it was almost painful. It stunned her, and her heart skipped a beat. She could see he’d felt it too. His expression fluctuated between amazement and confusion. He gripped her hand. Her heart fluttered as if she’d been shocked with voltage. Swallowing hard, she inhaled deeply, his exquisite scent filling her lungs. Desire took hold of her, gripping her like a vise, making her body react, readying herself for him.
She was faint, nearly swooning. Jax did not move. He continued to crowd her. She stood up anyway, bumping against him. His body was solid all over. He didn’t budge, he was like a stone wall, making absolutely no effort to move. She stepped on his shoes. He didn’t flinch.
“Sorry. I’m so sorry for stepping on you again.” Tabitha’s voice was shaky.
He bent in toward her. “You’re a beautiful woman. You can step on my shoes anytime.” He kissed the side of her face. She shivered with pleasure. “You’re soft, I like your softness.” He hugged her, touching her hair, caressing it down her back. She pressed her breasts into him. “I’ve enjoyed this time with you. I hope you don’t mind I kissed you—I couldn’t resist.”
“No, I don’t mind.” Her voice was so soft, she was unsure if he heard her.
“Good.” He kissed her cheek again. His warm lips lingered on her skin, making her tingle. Abruptly, he turned, and with her hand in his, he led her to the front of the restaurant.
After paying the bill, they stepped outside. The cool air hit her hot face, rapidly cooling her. It calmed her nerves. The sun peeked out from behind gray clouds. Tabitha jumped at an unexpected boom of thunder. It echoed from across the sea.
“You okay?” He touched her back, slightly rubbing it. The sensation of his touch made her want to melt, her body was on fire.
“Yes, I’m good.” She pushed her hair back over her shoulder. “The thunder startled me.”
He took her hand again, and they strolled down the sidewalk. The streets were nearly empty. The extraordinary feeling from their connection continued vibrating up her arm. She felt the surge of energy all through her body to her toes. Everything tingled. His energy poured into her, locking her hand to his.
It weakened her at the knees. Her body reacted to him as if he were a magnet. She fought the urge to throw herself into his arms, to kiss him all over. Images of pressing herself into him filled her brain. She thought of laying back and spreading her legs wide.
When his arm bumped her breast, she wanted to whimper from the pure joy of it. She felt herself dampening between her legs. The wind whipped her hair around her head like a sail. Tabitha pushed it out of her eyes.
My body is taking over. I need to get control of myself, or I may throw myself at him. I’m in heat. Oh, dear God, I’m having one of my episodes while I’m wide awake and with someone. This is awful. What am I going to do? I’m clinging to his hand like a crazy woman. She tried to let go of his hand, but her fingers wouldn’t comply.
They spent an hour looking through the stores and then walked back to their cars. Tabitha pushed the button on her car door, it sensed her key in her purse and beeped as it unlocked.
&nb
sp; “So this is your vehicle?” He stood closer, looking down at her.
“Yes. Thank you for a wonderful day. I really enjoyed it.”
“Me too.” He still did not release her hand.
Tabitha lifted her face to his, then his lips were on hers. He kissed her passionately. Fully responding, she allowed him to devour her mouth. He tasted exquisite. A swell of energy more powerful than before surged through her. She couldn’t move, it grounded her to the earth and against him. Jax pressed her against her car, his body fully against hers. He moved his hips ever so subtly, pressing against her in a rhythm. She could feel his manhood growing. His kisses moved to the side of her face, down to her neck. Unable to stop herself, Tabitha pressed up into him and put her arms around his neck.
“I think we’re attracting onlookers,” he whispered to her. “But I don’t care if you don’t.” He pulled back slightly and looked her in the eyes. His expression was intense, passionate. He bent down and kissed her again.
Gently, with her hand, she pushed on his chest, moving him back. He stopped and stepped back slightly. She couldn’t remove her hand from his chest. It too was as if glued to him by the surge of power pouring through them.
Jax gazed down at her hand, then back into her eyes. His sapphire eyes intently held hers. He took hold of her wrist and removed her hand from his chest. He kissed the inside of her wrist. Wondrous shivers made her weak. He slowly released her. She turned her back to him, reaching for the door handle.
“I have to go. I’ve behaved. . .unusually. I’m sorry.” She looked over her shoulder but didn’t meet his gaze.
“It’s my fault.” Jax leaned into her again, pressing his body into hers. He kissed her briefly on her lips. He was intoxicating. Closing her eyes, she allowed the passion to encompass her, to move through her body. “I’ve come on too strong, but I can’t help myself.” Then he released her completely, stepping back.
At his withdraw, Tabitha was chilled, she felt abandoned. The power which had animated her, vacated her body, leaving her deserted.
“My car’s over there.” He pointed to a silver sports car. “Can I see you later? Tomorrow?” His fingers weaved through her hair.
“I don’t know.” Tabitha shrugged.
“Are you busy?”
“I’m not sure.” She shook her head.
“Not sure if you’re busy, or not sure if you want to see me tomorrow?”
“I’m. . .I have a few things I need to get done.”
“I want to spend time with you.” He pulled out his wallet and gave her a business card. “Here’s my cellphone number. Give me a call tomorrow morning, or I’ll stop by for a visit.” He winked.
Tabitha took his card. “I’ll call you.”
“I hope you do. Maybe I can help you get those few things done.”
“Okay, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.” Tabitha was shaky as she opened her car door. He sure goes after what he wants. Barely able to quiet her shakiness she managed to get in and close the door. He wants me.
Breathless, she dug in her purse for her keys. With no luck, she sighed. Oh great, I’ve lost my keys along with my brain. Jax stood outside watching her, making her feel all the more anxious. Damn, I’m an idiot, I forgot this car is keyless. Feeling foolish she pushed the button under the steering wheel, and the car started. Jax stepped back, and Tabitha waved, then drove away.
Hurriedly, she made her way out of town. When she looked into her rearview mirror a silver sports car was right behind her. As she pulled into her driveway, he beeped his horn and continued on.
The garage door opened, and she pulled inside. She noticed that her phone, which was sitting in the cup holder, was flashing. She picked it up and saw that there were several messages from Jessica. Tabitha pushed redial. “Hey, Jessica, I see you called.”
“Yes, five times.” Jessica huffed. “I nearly called the sheriff.”
“No, not really?”
“Well, no, I wasn’t sure if I should call the sheriff or the local police.”
“Jess, you wouldn’t.”
“Of course I would. I was worried sick. Where have you been?” Jessica’s tone was near a screech. “It’s been about five hours since you called me to tell me you were going to be meeting a complete stranger for lunch.”
“You said you knew who he was.”
“Yeah, I know who Jax Aquila is, but I wasn’t sure you were actually with him. After thinking about it, it sounded too good to be true.”
“Really, you wouldn’t expect Jax Aquila to want to go to lunch with me?”
“No, that’s not what I meant. Of course he would want to have lunch with you, you’re a beautiful woman. But I wasn’t sure he would be there, I mean there in Oceanside, right now. After all, this weekend was the grand opening for his facility.”
“It was delayed.”
“I know, I just got worried. You know me. The power’s still off here.”
“I think it is here too. Only the emergency light came on in my garage.”
“How did your lunch go?”
“Jess, I’m so embarrassed.”
“Why? Whatever for?”
“We made out like teenagers. I’m stunned it happened. I was. . .so into him, I don’t even think I can look at him again without melting into the ground from embarrassment. If we were alone I would have stripped off my clothes and. . .I would have thrown myself at him, begging. He made me feel so. . .needy. It was like I was drugged with an aphrodisiac.”
“What? Are you serious? You would have had sex with a complete stranger? Are you sure he didn’t drug you? That just doesn’t sound like you.”
“Yes, I mean no, he didn’t drug me. I was eager all on my own.” Tabitha sucked in a gulp of air. “At least, I don’t know how he would have been able to drug me.” Tabitha shook her head. “No, it was pure lust. Lust for the most—”
“For the hottest man you’ve ever met?”
“Yep. I have to go take a cold shower now. He asked me to call him tomorrow.”
“Go, girl.” Jessica giggled. “Be sure not to look too eager though. You don’t want to seem slutty.”
“If that was my approach, I already blew it.” Tabitha sighed.
“Tabitha!”
“I told you, it was intense. I was in heat, I still am.” She fanned her face with her hand.
“I’ve never heard you talk like this. You’re typically so. . .”
“Proper, such a prude.” Tabitha laughed.
“No, but you’re sure not a slut, you’re a lady. I guess even ladies can enjoy a handsome man. Maybe you shouldn’t call him. . .let him pursue you. That might be best.”
“I think you’re right. Besides, now I’m a chicken. I feel. . .I don’t know. . .strange. I really did throw myself at him.”
“Well, it sounds like he enjoyed it.”
“He seemed to.” Tabitha giggled. “I didn’t act alone.”
“Go take a shower and cool off. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Okay, bye.” Tabitha pressed end call, put her phone in her purse, then went inside the house.
The sunshine spilled across the living room floor through the upper windows. It was almost too bright.
“Hello, Kittyman. I’m home.”
Her cat ran over to her and rubbed against her legs.
As if a shadow passed over the sun, the light dimmed. It became almost dark.
“Where did the sun go? It disappeared fast.” Tabitha picked Kittyman up and held him in her arms. “You’re so soft and sweet. I like your company, kitty.” He purred approval as she hugged him and rubbed his silky hair. “I suddenly feel like I need a hug from a friend. I’d forgotten how nice it is to touch someone, to be held, to be kissed.” She sighed. “You’ll have to do for now.” She kissed the cat on the top of his furry head. He purred deeply.
The loudest boom of thunder yet, sounded. It made her jump. Kittyman sprung from her arms and dashed under the sofa.
“Wow, it sounded like a
bomb went off.” She pulled back the blinds to look out the French doors. A flash of lightning lit the shadowy sky. “Looks like it’s starting again.”
As if on cue, rain poured down out of the sky. It was as if a spigot had been turned on. Sheets of water fell to the ground. She could hear it hitting the roof.
Opening the doors, she slipped out onto the screened porch. “This is sleeping weather. I suddenly feel tired.”
Kittyman followed her out onto the porch. There was a cool breeze. The house moaned from the assault of the wind. A gust of wind caused the rain to hit the windows on the side of the house.
“Let’s go upstairs to bed. I think I’ll sleep better in an actual bed tonight. I love to nap when the rain’s hitting the roof.”
Tabitha picked Kittyman up again and headed to her bedroom.
Changing quickly into a nightgown, she climbed under the covers. “Hmm, this feels nice.” She closed her eyes and drifted to sleep.
Chapter 7
Jax entered his home. He threw his wallet on the kitchen table. The power was still off, and it was stuffy inside. He opened the sliding glass door. The cool breeze soothed his heated emotions, but then the wind became too brisk, blowing wildly into the house. Papers on his desk swirled through the room like a tornado. Another storm began to rage, and lightning flashed over the sea. The sky looked eerie even to him. He closed the door then snapped his fingers, and the papers reassembled themselves on his desk.
Jax walked into his bedroom and sat on the end of the bed, burying his head in his hands. “What am I doing?” He kicked off his shoes, then flopped back on the bed and closed his eyes. The scent of her was still with him. Each time he inhaled, the sweetness of her overwhelmed him. I need to wash her off of me. How can I feel such desire for a Forsaken?
He took off his clothes and got into the shower. For an hour he stood under the cold water. It washed over him, soothing his heated body. I need to get her face out of my mind. Desperately he tried to cool the fire burning within him.
His cock was still erect from their encounter. Shamelessly, he had pressed it against her. She’d pushed against him too, responding with equal passion. She wanted me as much as I wanted her. Sexual desire rushed through him like his very blood. The image of the beautiful woman played over and over in his head.