ONE To Watch Me (The ONE Series, Part 1, Book 1)

by Alicia Maxwell

  Breaking my stare away from the ocean, I look back at Alex. His face is serious and his jaw is clenched. He’s fighting an internal battle of some kind. I wish I’d never said anything. It looks like I’m losing the only person who seems to care about me, just me. On second thought, he cares for the girl he wants to see, not the girl I’ve revealed myself to be. Hurt spreads through my chest and rises up to choke my throat. I look away, focusing on the ocean to suppress the tears. Wave after wave, it hits the beach, forming silvery-white foam. Then, the magic disappears; the white foam slowly dissipates. Until another wave hits the shore, forming the pearly bubbles that themselves will soon be swallowed up by the dark waters. It makes me think of meeting Alex. The magic was there from the moment we met, but it’s starting to disappear, swallowed by the darkness and ugliness of reality. How ironic.

  "Angel, look at me." Alex's hand snakes around my neck and his finger graze my chin. I hesitate for a moment before turning my face to him. The irony of the whole situation is sitting heavy in my chest, not letting me take a deep breath.

  "I know I looked upset, but I wasn’t upset with you, I was mad at the things you had to go through." He kisses my forehead, and the heaviness feels a little lighter. I try to relax in his arms.

  "I care for you, like I haven't cared for anyone in a very long time." His lips are on my forehead, kissing gently, trying to kiss away the worry that must be showing there again. I can’t hide from him. And surprisingly enough, for the first time ever, I don’t want to. Looking in his eyes I say:

  ”I care for you too. When I'm with you I feel safe."

  "I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. I promise!" Alex's eyes are on fire, full of emotion, making my heart skip a beat. There is so much emphasis in his words, so much meaning he’s trying to convey. I realize no one ever said anything like that to me before. Running my hands along his jawline I whisper:

  "Make love to me." My lips touch his, and he opens his mouth to let our tongues dance together.

  I wrap my arms around Alex's neck and broad shoulders, while he slides his arms under my butt and lifts off the chair. Stepping inside, he goes straight to the dining room.

  My dress goes first, then his shirt, both flying over our heads. I am standing in front of him in my nude lacy underwater, while he is bare chested with low-hanging jeans. I turn my head to the mirrored wall and our gazes meet. We’re both panting, chests rising and falling, but in this moment, I see us together, half-naked, overflowing with desire, and I have never seen anything more beautiful.

  He comes behind me, runs his palms along my flat stomach, kissing my neck, all the while keeping eye contact in the mirror. I look at how perfectly we fit together, like yin and yang. My lightly tanned skin against his darker flesh, his muscular frame bending over my smaller, feminine one.

  Alex opens my bra clasp in the front and cups my breasts in his large hands. He gently kneads on them, cupping their weight and pushing them together as his thumbs get under the lace of my bra and find my nipples. He strokes the tender peaks softly, and I feel moisture building between my legs. My nipples get hard and I pant and writhe my body against his. My butt finds his bulging erection and I rub against it. He groans and pushes his leg between mine. His hands lose their hold on my bra and it falls down my arms and onto the floor revealing my breasts, heavy with desire, their weight no longer supported. My beaded nipples are hard and pink against the white triangles the swimming suit left around them.

  Alex’s hands glide along my hips, up my waist, brushing lightly over my ribs and finally getting back to the underside of my breasts, his touch sending jolts of electricity through my body. My head falls back on his shoulder.

  "Look at me!" His voice is raspy, but the tone is demanding. My head flies up and our eyes meet in the mirror. The worry in his eyes is gone, instead replaced by heat and desire. His eyes are burning into me, demanding constant contact with mine.

  Strong hands cup my breasts and start rolling my nipples, and I almost close my eyes again. A pinch on one nipple, border lining on painful, has my attention back on Alex’s eyes. My mouth is slightly open, I lick my lips and struggle to keep in place. My arms are at my sides and I raise them to go around his neck and pull him closer to me. I arch my back reaching for him, riding his thigh, creating a much-needed pressure on my clit and pushing my breasts into his hands in offering. He chuckles softly and keeps rolling my nipples between his thumbs and forefinger, applying more pressure as he goes. He learned my hot spot pretty quickly.

  I try to wiggle out and turn to face him, but he has a strong hold on me, keeping eye contact all the while. I’m panting and moaning. Then his right hand lets go of my nipple and breast and moves lower, to my ribs, waist, running a circle around my belly button, only to resume on its path lower and lower until it reaches the perfectly waxed and bare skin of my bikini line. His foot pushes slightly against mine to part my legs a little wider. Once I oblige, his fingers move lower and cup my sex. I take a sharp breath in, unable to stand still, and squirm against his body.

  "Don't move!" He whispers in my ear.

  I oblige again, surprised at how naturally it comes to me. As I submit to his will, I feel desired and worshipped.

  His hand is still cupping my sex through the lace of the underwear. Feather-light touches are mixed with more intense ones. The sequence is unpredictable and totally driving me crazy. The lace is soaking wet when it is pushed to the side, and his fingers open my folds, soaked with moisture from my arousal. With no delay, he finds my tight bud and settles on running gentle, mind-blowing circles over it. I moan aloud, a sound so carnal and unfamiliar I almost doubt it comes from me.

  I'm getting close, every ounce of my body feels alive. Then, when I’m ready to lose it, he removes his hand completely. I whimper at the loss and beg him to continue. He grabs a chair with one hand and drags it closer to us.

  "Put your foot on the cushion and open your hips." His eyes are on me. I blush and try to protest.

  "Do it, don't think. I want you to see how beautiful you are when you come." I can’t argue—my body is still buzzing with an anticipated orgasm, and his words make me even more aroused.

  I reluctantly put my foot up on that chair, and he opens my knee to the side, revealing my sex in the mirror in all its glistening glory. I can't pull my eyes away from it. This is simple, yet so sexy. This is my body, but I feel as if I’m discovering it for the first time.

  His takes my arm in his and moves us down to my pelvis. I’m self-conscious and can't concentrate, my fingers feeling foreign to me. I’ve never pleasured myself in front of anyone. He kisses my shoulder, running a trail of kisses up my neck and grazing his teeth over my jawline.

  "Relax, just do what feels good." His words are a faint whisper in my ear.

  I drop my head back over his shoulder and relax against him. My eyes close on their own accord and I try to run my fingers over my swollen lips. The touch makes me shiver. Then I feel his fingers pushing inside of me. I gasp and push against him, the sensation overwhelming.

  "Open your eyes!" His voice is commanding. My head flies up again and our eyes meet in the mirror.

  "Look at yourself, look how beautiful you are!"

  I look over my body, from my eyes filled with lust, to my wet lips, to my heavy breasts with peaked, hard nipples. His body is wrapping mine, strong shoulders and arms around mine, hugging my waist, his leg next to mine on the chair to allow me something to lean on. Our hands interlaced on my sex, mine rubbing, his plunging in and out. The image burns itself into my memory. This is the sexiest thing I’ve ever done. I’m mesmerized by our reflection. The orgasm is approaching with a renewed force, wave after wave coursing through my body, coiling in my core. I’m climbing the mountain of pleasure, ready to be pushed over the top. I look him straight in the eye.

  "I'm close, oh Alex, don't stop now. More, more.....oh Alex."

  As his name falls off my lips, he plunges inside of me one last time and I’m d
one. The orgasm rips through my body with such force that my knee buckles. I’m caught by his strong arm and lean back against his chest, my core clenching around his fingers as he lets me ride the waves of pleasure. I struggle to keep my eyes focused, and as the last aftershocks leave my body, my eyes close and my head falls back on his shoulder.

  He moves just a bit and is sitting on the chair in front of the mirror. I’m lowered onto his lap and gently guided to push his rigid cock inside of me. I gasp at feeling his length entering me. My eyes fly open. He’s holding me up, not letting me swallow him whole. Once our eyes meet, he loosens his hold and I lower myself a little more. The sheer size and width of him makes me hot all over again, and I watch, fascinated, as our bodies meld into each other. I descend until he’s buried deep inside of me. Then I push even deeper to feel him reach the farthest corners of my core and squeeze my muscles. Alex exhales a rough breath, holding me in place as he gathers his strength.

  "You are so perfect and tight around me. God, you are beautiful."

  I see our reflection in the mirror and couldn't agree with him more. We do look perfect together, as if meant for each other.

  I feel him twitch inside of me, and that’s my cue. I start moving up, watching his cock leave my body, stopping just barely at the edge before I'd lose him completely, then I plunge forcefully back down, swallowing all of him. He groans and tightens his grip on me. I lift again and watch, hypnotized, the point where our bodies are joined. He guides my moves, slowly up and down, creating the perfect friction to prolong both of our pleasure. I feel him growing thicker and harder, realizing he’s close. His hand moves to tease my clit. He knows just the right touch to push my body over the edge. Our eyes are locked in the mirror, fighting to stay open as we both focus on the impeding peak of our pleasure. My insides are coiled and I begin shaking, unable to control it any longer.

  "Come with me, now!"

  I’ve never been able to come on the spot, but his skillful fingers and words are my undoing. I close my eyes, if only for a moment, my whole body shaking, and clench tightly around him. A loud groan escapes his lips as he comes hard and fills me, pushing himself deeper inside.

  I watch his face and never ever want to miss the view of Alex coming apart. Knowing I did this to him, to this beautiful, strong man who seems flawless and impenetrable on the outside, gives me the strength and self-confidence I’ve been missing all these years. For the first time, I see myself fully revealed, and I see the effect I can have on a man. The feeling is euphoric. My head is still spinning with images of us in the mirror.

  As we both come down from our high, I feel boneless. I want real eye contact, without the mirror, so I turn to kiss his lips. I hold his face in my hands, brushing my lips gently over his, our noses nuzzling, eyes locked.

  “Thank you.” This is all I can say, but Alex understands the simple phrase is loaded with meaning. He gets me somehow. He knew I needed this, to be reassured of my beauty and confidence. I wish I could see through him as well. He remains a mystery to me. I’m slowly trying to peel away layers of his outer shell. Catching unguarded looks, reading his eyes, gauging emotions. It still feels like scraping at the surface.

  He cradles me in his lap. My hands wrap around his neck and I kiss him gently and possessively all at once. I have no claim on him, but my kiss tells him I want him all to myself.

  He lifts up effortlessly from the chair and takes us both into the shower. I barely have the strength to stand on my own. In minutes, we’re both clean and back in my bedroom. He puts me on the bed and pulls the sheet over me. I’m not sure if he was planning to leave or stay, but I can't let him go now. I need him, I want him next to me.

  "Would you stay the night?"

  I look up in his eyes, not knowing what awaits me there. He is tearing down my walls one by one, getting closer to my heart. I never planned on having any feelings, but I can't help what's happening. I need his closeness; I need his intimacy. After what we’ve done, I need to seal the memories with his touch. Being alone right now will make me doubt all my actions. I have to reassure myself I’m not falling into a rabbit's hole I won’t be able to climb back out of.

  I must have a whole mix of emotions on my face again. Looking in his eyes, I see relief and concern. He kisses my forehead lightly.

  “I thought you’d never ask.”

  Just like that, no more words are needed. He climbs into bed next to me, settling down on my pillow. I find a comfortable spot in the nook of his arm and press my body against his, tangling our legs. His hand follows slow circles around my back, while the other is holding the arm that was just hugging his chest. He kisses my knuckles gently and whispers.

  "Good night, Angel."

  "Good night."

  I am vividly aware of every inch of our naked bodies touching, but the sensation is so comforting I feel my lids growing heavy as sleep takes me. I want to fight it, to enjoy his touch a while longer, to remember every moment, but soon I’m deep asleep, our breathing in sync, our chests rising and falling together as one.

  Fourteen

  I am awakened by my phone, a loud ring that echoes through the entire condo. The damn thing is still plugged into the sound system. I jerk up from the bed and take in my surroundings. The bed is empty, sans me in it. Alex is gone. I check the time: nine thirty. That’s way past my normal waking hour. I guess the events of last night completely wore me out. Knowing from our runs together that Alex is a morning bird, I’m not too surprised he’s gone.

  The familiar ping of voicemail rings through the air, breaking the silence. Reluctantly, I get up from the bed and go to retrieve my phone. I go around naked, not stopping to put anything on and completely unbothered by it. Talk about what one therapeutic sex session can do for my ego…

  The missed call is from my father. The presence of a voicemail makes me anxious. What could have possibly happened that he would be calling me at half past eight, their time? I turn it on and listen, my heart beating at an erratic pace. I hate that he makes me feel so nervous.

  "Hello, Emily. I need you back in Chicago immediately. There is a situation that needs to be addressed without any delays. Kelly has the next available flight booked for you. Call her and get the details. I'll see you later today."

  Just like that, he has me flying to Chicago on a moment’s notice. So like him. No consideration for my plans. The frustration is building inside of me like a summer storm. How dare he? What could be so important?

  I dial my assistant’s number and get the flight info. While talking to her, I ask if she knows what happened, but she has no clue. Things are as planned, nothing out of the ordinary. No loose ends on any of my deals. Now I am even more confused and mad.

  Packing just a few essentials, I head to the airport. There’s no way I'm cutting my time in Miami short. I call Kelly back and tell her to book me on the last flight out of Chicago today. Then I shoot a quick text to the number Alex left the other day, letting him know I have to tend to business in Chicago, and that I’d be gone for the day.

  Despite wanting to drive my rental convertible to the airport, I decide against it. I’ll be flying in at an ungodly hour, exhausted, so best to avoid driving. Besides, if I get stuck in Chicago longer, the airport parking bill will not be pretty. So, Uber it is.

  I-95 is barely moving, an accident ahead blocking several lanes. I check my watch every few minutes, anxiety building higher each time. I can’t be late. Kelly booked me to fly out of Miami, the bigger of the two local airports and a nightmare to get to. Luckily, I should be flying into Fort Lauderdale. It’s closer and easier to get in and out of.

  I barely make it on time for the flight, thankful I have no luggage to check in. As I step onboard, a different kind of anxiety sets in. Damn planes, I hate flying. I take a seat by the window and try to relax and steady my breathing. The hardest part, takeoff, is still ahead. I should start drinking something strong, or taking tranquilizer pills. But the control freak in me cannot deal with a clouded min
d. Especially when I’m on my way to meet with my father. Never a pleasant event. God knows I’ve tried to please him, to look past all the criticism I’ve heard my whole life. I have tried in vain.

  Our interactions have been curtailed to the bare minimum—modern methods of communication allow me to keep him keep him up-to-date on business deals while avoiding any real, personal contact. My life has been gradually getting easier. I can even pretend at times he’s not overshadowing every step I’m taking and every decision I am making. No matter how successful my track record is, my deeds are never enough, and I’m never fully trusted. Oh well, there’s nothing I can do. I’m just happy to be building business relationships under my own name and creating a positive and trustworthy image with my clients and associates.

  What bugs me though is, what could have possibly happened that he requested I fly back right away? I think and rethink the latest deals, looking for a flaw, loose end, or leak of information. All in vain. I know how I work, so it must be something else. But what? That’s a good question.

  My thoughts are interrupted by the captain’s announcements. We’re on time and will be lifting off in minutes. I assume my iron hold on the armrests, close my eyes, and concentrate fully on breathing evenly. Inhale through my nose—one, two; exhale through my mouth—three, four. One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four. I’m pushed into the seat as the Boeing accelerates and we lift off. One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four. Finally, the plane reaches a higher altitude and I open my eyes to an endless horizon of blue skies and snow-white clouds. The sun is bright and blinding. Despite its fiery glare, I can’t keep my eyes away. At some point my eyes become clouded with tears from the intensity of the light outside, but my mind is calmer, the serenity of the view working its wonders as usual.

  I give up, lower my lids, and relax back against the seat. My mind wanders to thoughts of Alex. His blue eyes and crooked half-smile when he’s teasing me, making me relax in his presence. Glazed-over darkened eyes and partially parted lips when he’s aroused, holding me in his strong, skillful hands, taking his time to unravel my insecurities and help me overcome them. He reads my emotions like no one has ever been able to. We know so little about each other, yet have shared extremely intimate moments together. I am drawn to him. It’s like a magnetic pool. Yet, I do not feel him infringing on my independence. I want his nearness, yet I’m afraid to lose myself again. I need to become stronger, rather than dependent on another relationship, and what’s incredible is, I think Alex senses that. He’s been trying to empower me. Give me more confidence. I miss him terribly and wonder what he would have to say about this whole mess, with crazy flights back and forth. I dread the moment I'll be meeting my father. My gut is telling me something big is about to happen. The scared girl in me is trying to break loose. Instead of fear, I realize I feel exasperated.