Then He Came Back (Love From Austin Book 2)

by Chris Campillo

  “So what? It can’t go anywhere. Hell, you’re leaving for the freakin’ Middle East next month, and I’ve got my life here. Let’s not make this anymore . . . complicated than it has to be.” She squeezed her eyes shut and pressed her fingers against her temples. When she finally faced him, she looked desperate. “Why can’t you just let it go?”

  He didn’t have a logical answer for that. Everything she said was true. But he didn’t want to think rationally. All he could think about was getting closer to this sassy woman and taking her in every way imaginable. And even with that, he realized it would never be enough. None of it made sense, but he didn’t care. “I can’t.”

  His eyes burned into hers, wanting her to feel the same way. “Quit trying to control everything and tell the truth. Do you want to stop this?”

  She stared at him for the longest time. Finally, she whispered, “No.”

  His kiss was overpowering. Part celebration, part possessiveness, needing to wipe away any memory of the other man. The thought made him even more aggressive, and he grabbed her bottom and pulled her up so she could feel his need.

  She sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck, giving as good as she was getting. He ran his hands over her hips, the silky dress accentuating her smooth, firm ass. She trailed her hands down, stroking his chest, then moved them down and under his shirt. Touching the muscles in his stomach, she moaned. “God help me, but I want you.”

  Her words set him on fire. He was ready to take her there on the kitchen counter, but he didn’t want another quickie. Not this time. He lightened his kiss, then pulled away. “No rushing this time.” He rubbed his thumb across her cheek. “I want to savor every inch of you.” She stared at him for the longest time, with dark, hooded eyes before she finally nodded.

  Holding his hand, she led him into her bedroom.

  “Turn on a light. I want to see you.” Amazingly, she did what he asked. The lamp wasn’t bright, but it illuminated her body, which was all he wanted. Walking up behind her, he could see her tensing. There was no way he would let her block him out now. He lightly caressed her shoulders and bent to nuzzle the spot just below her ear. She shuddered and leaned back into him.

  Gliding his hands down her arms, he began to kiss her neck, stopping to take nips, guided by her sighs and moans. When he moved his hands to her stomach, she grabbed his wrists and held on tight as if she needed an anchor. He pulled her back into him, his erection pressing her bottom.

  She broke his grasp to turn and take his mouth with a hungry kiss. They quickly stripped each other’s clothes, only slowing to love each part as it was exposed. On the bed, he took the time to caress every part of her, enjoying her beauty and feel, learning her most sensitive areas.

  “Now, Trey. Now.” He didn’t need any coaxing. But instead of entering her right away, he rolled on his back and lifted her above him. Straddling him, she slowly lowered herself. The pleasure forced a curse from his lips, but he resisted his urge to take her hips and pound away.

  When they were completely joined, he looked up to see her eyes closed, her mouth parted. Her breaths were shallow. He grasped her waist and thrust up, causing her to cry out. Damn. She was so intoxicating. He’d never felt pleasure to this degree, and from the looks of it, she was enjoying herself as well.

  Soon they found a rhythm that quickly grew to a frenzy, and as their moans filled the room, all plans of taking his time vanished. He clenched his jaw, trying to hold back, but as soon as she came, he lost it.

  They remained joined together, limp with satisfaction. Mustering enough energy, he stroked his hands up and down her back, not ready to let go. “Do you think we’ll ever go slow?” he whispered into her hair. He kissed her neck and felt her body tremble with a laugh.

  Without lifting her head, she mumbled into his chest, “Does it matter when the sex is this good?”

  He chuckled. “I guess not.”

  “No more talking,” she murmured. He smiled like an idiot when he felt her snuggle into his body and sigh. “Let me rest.”

  “Okay, baby.”

  “No talking.” Her voice was a little firmer but still laced with exhaustion. She’d always need the last word. Normally a point he would argue, but right now, he was sated and indulgent. He squeezed her rear, feeling very possessive, then joined her in sleep.

  Chapter 37

  Lily jumped on the bed, waking Sue. It took but a second to realize she was draped over Trey’s body. She lifted her head and felt the drool on the side of her face and thus on his chest. She might have been embarrassed, but as she carefully eased off his body, it was evident he’d shared some fluids as well.

  She slipped out of bed, freshened up a bit, then put on her robe. Lily remained in the bed, sniffing around Trey. After a few minutes, she turned to Sue and let out a spitting hiss.

  “You still don’t like him, huh?”

  An angry meow was her answer.

  “Hush. Be quiet and I’ll feed you.” The cat was off the bed and out the door with just a tiny thump to mark her jump. After providing for the queen of Sheba, Sue grabbed a water and walked to the door of her bedroom. The man was still out. Somewhere along the way, he’d turned off the lamp, but light from the hallway illuminated the room, so she took a moment to study him.

  He was still on his back, one hand thrown up over his head, the other resting by his side. Lord, he was good-looking. The peace of sleep resurrected the boy from all those years ago. Back when they’d talked about all the possibilities for their futures and made choices that would forever shape them.

  Now, they were back together, in this temporary who-knows-what-you’d-call-it relationship making more choices. How would these play out? Would there be any long-term consequences? And if so, could she survive them?

  Please. A ridiculous question. She’d learned seventeen years ago she could handle anything thrown her way, but that didn’t mean she lived recklessly. So why was she playing this stupid game? Because she couldn’t fight her attraction to the man. He didn’t back down no matter what she gave him. The fact that he had the audacity to challenge her filled her with the intoxicating combination of rebellion and respect.

  And then there was the sex. Toe-curling, rise-out-of-your-body sex. Maybe it was because their first time had been so painful, figuratively and literally. Perhaps feeling the polar opposite was what made the pleasure jump off the Richter scale. Hell, she didn’t care. Why think it to death? Just enjoy.

  So, she would. She’d live in the moment. It was risky, but she was a big girl. They both knew the expiration date. Thirty-seven days. God, when had that become such a small number?

  Lily walked up and rubbed her back against Sue’s legs. “You want some lovin’?” She picked up the old kitten and held her in the only manner the cat would tolerate—her rear paws resting on one hand, the front paws resting on the other, ready for a quick escape. Lily purred as Sue rubbed her nose against the soft, furry head. Their bond lasted all of a second, because Trey rolled to his side and Lily hunched down, ready to pounce.

  “Does he make you nervous, girl? Me, too.”

  Trey rubbed his face and opened his eyes. His smile melted her on the spot. “When did you get up?” Lifting up on his elbow, he looked like a lion resting in his lair. Lily must have noticed it, too, springing to the ground and racing upstairs.

  Despite the fact that she was covered in a fleece robe, he ran his eyes over her body in a way that made her feel like his prey. She glanced down his fine form, and oh my, he was definitely in attack mode. An electric shock pulsed all the way to her toes.

  She shrugged, trying to hide the need racing through her. “About ten minutes ago.”

  He checked the alarm clock, then sat up on the edge of the bed. “Come here.” She went to him without hesitation. Good Lord, when had she become so freakin’ compliant? He took her by the waist and pressed his face into her chest, taking in a deep breath. When he looked up, his eyes were earnest. “Can I stay?”

&nbs
p; His question threw her. Not that he’d asked, but that she was so ready to say yes. The man was, once again, making her consider risky choices. It had nothing to do with her son catching them. Wes was gone for the night, and knowing him and his friends, they wouldn’t get up before noon. Her worry was over being in the man’s arms all night. Could she be that close and still keep it light? Don’t kid yourself.

  But despite the flashing warning lights, she didn’t want him to leave. Ignoring the emotional pull would be easier if she focused on the physical. And why not? The man’s body deserved her full attention. When she looked into his eyes, they reflected a cockiness that, well, honestly, he’d earned. That didn’t mean she’d support his ego.

  “I might consider it. But you’ll have to prove your worthiness.” She dropped her robe and strutted into the bathroom, knowing he would follow. When she turned on the shower, she caught his reflection in the mirror and had to bite her lip to keep from moaning at his beauty. Equipped and knowledgeable, gotta love that.

  He crossed his arms and glanced down. He gave her a sexy wink that made her insides tremble. “I’m up for it.”

  She thought of all the delights he offered, but she wanted to show him who ran the show. Or at least pretend she had some control. Opening the shower door, she glanced over her shoulder. “Actually, I was thinking you’d go down for it.” She gave him her most wicked smile and relished in the flash of surprise on his face. But that was immediately replaced with a heat that would’ve made the devil sweat.

  “Whatever the lady wants.” He guided her into the spray of water and went on to prove that Trey Harrison was more talented than she’d ever imagined.

  * * *

  He opened his eyes to the early morning light breaking past the edge of the bedroom’s blinds. A smile of contentment covered his face. He felt Sue’s leg draped over his thigh, and he looked down to find her head resting on his shoulder. She nestled into him, still asleep, her hand lying on his chest. The feel of her body wrapped around his was beyond satisfying. But it was holding her in this vulnerable, trusting state that made his heart race.

  Last night, she’d let him take her anyway he wanted, and he’d been happy to return the favor. His body stirred remembering the hours. But this was different. She was at peace in his arms. He didn’t kid himself. She was only in this position because they’d finally collapsed from exhaustion. Her body moved in sleep without her control, something she rarely gave up. But the knowledge didn’t stop him from wanting this trust from her. The trust she’d given him so freely when they’d been kids.

  Look what that got her. The guilt hit hard, but he pushed it aside. They had moved into a new relationship. They both had their eyes open, no one would be betrayed. She’d made it clear—painfully—this wouldn’t be a heart and soul affair. The right call, all things considered. So, why did he still want more?

  A thump on the bed interrupted his thoughts. He looked over to find Psycho Kitty stalking toward him. Fuck. How could a four-pound fur ball look so threatening? He refused to move and wake Sue. A few scratches were worth keeping her in his arms. Thank God, the sheet covered his goods.

  The cat walked up to his face. Close enough for him to feel her whiskers while she sniffed him thoroughly. “Hey, girl,” he whispered. “How’s it going?” She stared at him, her eyes menacing yet curious. “It’s okay. See, your momma trusts me.” The cat looked down at Sue, as if understanding his words. That was a scary thought.

  Lily turned back to him, as if reevaluating his worthiness. “Hhhhssssss!” The cat jumped off the bed, digging her claws into his chest before she left.

  Sue started to stir, putting an end to his perfect morning. “Damn cat.”

  “What?” she asked with sleepy eyes. He leaned over to kiss her, but she jerked away, breaking their connection.

  Damn cat. Oh well, at least she was still in the bed. He propped up on an elbow and eyed her body before she pulled the sheet up, covering the paradise. “Morning, beautiful,” he said, tracing her arm with his fingertips.

  She shuddered. “Yes, it’s morning.” The woman actually looked nervous, darting her eyes around the room. All he wanted to do was strip the sheet from her, but she seemed ready to run out of her own house. He reached out for her hand and squeezed her cold fingers, the ones that had been so warm resting on his chest just a minute before. Fucking damn cat.

  “You okay?” he asked, rubbing his thumb across her palm.

  She pulled her hand from his and gave him a false smile. “Never better.”

  As much as his ego wanted to believe her, he wasn’t buying it. “Talk to me.” He searched her face and was actually relieved when she dropped the happy façade.

  She sat up and turned her focus to anchoring the sheet under her arms. “It’s just hard to believe we’re here.”

  His chest tightened. “You regret it?”

  “No.” She faced him head on. Her immediate and decisive response eased his concern. “But I’m not so sure about the sleepover.”

  “What? I didn’t earn my keep?”

  She ran her eyes over him and gave him a wry smile. “You delivered.”

  “What then?” He sat up and leaned against the headboard next to her.

  “I don’t normally have sleepovers.”

  God, he loved hearing that. “I guess with Wes around, you don’t often have that option.” She shook her head. “I respect that.”

  She turned to him. “I’ve never let anyone stay.”

  Her words might as well have been a gunshot. After a minute of being stunned, pride, joy, and possessiveness filled him. Sue Brinkley was a passionate woman that enjoyed her body and wasn’t a novice to making love. He still felt a jagged cut of jealousy thinking about the other men. But now he knew they hadn’t had all of her. She’d only shared her most personal place with him. He grabbed the back of her head and pulled her in for a deep kiss. “You know how to make a man’s day.”

  “You said that last night after we got out of the shower.” God, he loved her sexy, smart mouth.

  Brushing his lips across hers, he chuckled. “Fine, you’ve made my week.”

  “Hmm . . . I do love a challenge.” She dropped the sheet, then climbed over and straddled his lap. “Let’s see if I can make your year.”

  Chapter 38

  “You let him sleep over?!” Kate grabbed Sue’s arm, forcing her to stop in the middle of the Town Lake trail. The older couple they’d just passed sent them dirty looks as they walked around, but Sue wasn’t concerned with pathway etiquette. No, it was the shock, then delight in Kate’s eyes that troubled her. She pulled free and took off, but her friend stayed right by her side. She never should’ve said anything. “For God’s sake, Kate. It’s no big deal. I’m thirty-five. I can keep a man in my bed if I want.”

  “But you’ve never let a man stay at your place. Even when Wes was in Germany and you had the whole house to yourself. So yes, darling. It is a big deal.”

  Sue focused on the path. If she looked at Kate, her friend would know she’d hit the nail on the head. “Whatever.” Trying to push the thought aside, Sue increased her pace. The fact that Kate had to jog to keep up with her didn’t stop the woman.

  “Whatever,” Kate mocked.

  “Don’t make me hurt you,” Sue said, trying to give her best friend the scary eye. Kate giggled, but then stopped, thankfully, when her need to breathe took priority.

  The whole point of the walk was to clear her head of Trey. She’d thought about him too much already. Way too much for a supposedly casual affair that would end in a few weeks. You’re lighting matches by the gas can. She hadn’t thought about her mother’s favorite phrase in years, but it was so apropos at the moment. Falling asleep in his arms had felt much too right. Waking up wrapped around him was even better. What would it be like to start each day that way?

  “Do you think I’ve lost my mind?” She stopped, finding Kate more than happy to end her workout. She collapsed on a nearby bench, and Sue joi
ned her.

  After a minute of catching her breath, Kate could talk again. “I never thought I’d see the day a man would make you nervous.”

  Her attitude—and the truth—pissed off Sue. She moved to leave, but Kate wrapped her arm around Sue’s shoulders and squeezed tight. She pretended to fight it, but the truth was, it felt wonderful. She needed something solid and safe. “Why are you doubting yourself, Sue?”

  “Hello? It’s Trey. How can I be drawn to this man? You know what he did.” How he broke my heart. How he’s working his way back in.

  “Honey, I can’t imagine that situation . . . what it was like for you. But from what you’ve told me, the guy has bent over backwards to make amends. It sounds like he’s crazy about Wes and obviously crazy about you.” Kate shrugged. “I like the guy.”

  “You’re just a romantic. You like the idea of some great reunion.” Maybe I do, too.

  “No,” Kate argued. “I mean, okay, yes, that always makes for a great book. But I’d like him even if you two had no history. He keeps you on your toes. I love that there’s a man out there who challenges you. He doesn’t take your bull—charming personality.” Her face turned tender and she grabbed Sue’s hand. “I think you’re worried because you’re feeling more than lust for the man.”

  Was she that transparent?

  Kate squeezed her hand. “Is that such a terrible thing?”

  Sue glared at her friend but knew she was right on the money. “What does it matter? This whole thing is crazy. The man’s leaving in thirty-sev—thirty-six days.” Damn. The loss of one day made her stomach knot. She dropped her head, rolling it from one side to the other to ease the tension.

  Kate patted her leg. “Everything’s different now. He’s already made plans to see Wes on a regular basis. That includes seeing you. Who’s to say what will happen?”