“It’s all right.” He pulled her back into the couch. “He asked if I’d mind. I told him to go. From what I could decipher, Ashley’s going to be there.”
What? “Who’s Ashley?”
He gave her a knowing look. “Ashley’s a girl in his Lit class. He hasn’t come right out and said it, but I think the boy has a thing for her.”
“He’s never mentioned her to me.” The thought that Wes and Trey had a secret she wasn’t privy to stung.
He kissed her temple. “Don’t get your hackles up, Momma. No seventeen-year-old is going to talk to his mom about a girl.”
“I realize that. I don’t like it, but . . . did you remind him about protection?”
“Easy. I don’t think he’s said more than two words to the girl. Don’t think that’s in the cards any time soon. On the other hand, we have the night to ourselves.”
She ran her eyes over his body. “So why do we still have our clothes on?”
“Good point.” Standing up, he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. When he opened the door, she was overcome by the soft light that filled the room. Dozens of candles covered every flat surface available on the sparse amount of furniture. She would have never thought it possible, but the generic room was actually inviting. Romantic.
“I like what you’ve done with the place.” She couldn’t stop the goofy smile that broke free. A family dinner had turned into an intimate evening for two. When she turned to look at him, he didn’t look sly or silly. He actually had a raw honesty in his eyes, as if he were that eighteen-old-boy who’d wanted nothing more than to please her. She jerked her head around to study the room again.
“Glad you like it.” He sat her on the bed but didn’t join her. She reached for his belt buckle, but he backed away. “Hold up. I’m the host of this party.” He left the room, then returned with the wine and their glasses.
Before she could take a drink, he stopped her. “To us.”
She rolled her eyes, then noticed he stiffened. She hadn’t meant to hurt him, but she couldn’t handle serious. “To an empty house.” She took a quick sip, not giving him a chance to respond. “How much time do we have?” Setting her glass aside, she got on her knees and began to unbutton her blouse. “Is Wes coming back here tonight?”
“We’ve got plenty of time.” He stilled her hands and moved them down to her side. “And I intend to take full advantage of it.”
She reached for his shirt. “You have my full support.”
Again, he stopped her. “No. You don’t do anything tonight. Just enjoy.”
What was he up to? She wasn’t going to wait around and watch the show. She stroked him through his jeans. When he groaned with pleasure, she thought she had him. But then he grabbed her hands. “Do I need to cuff you?”
A thrill shot through her, but she knew he was pulling her chain. “Oh, Mr. Harrison. Promises, promises.”
“God, I love that smart mouth of yours,” he said, running his thumb across her lower lip.
She bit it gently. “If you’re lucky, you’ll get to—”
Bringing his fingers to her lips, he stopped her mid-sentence. “That’s another thing. No talking.”
What the? No touching, no talking. Was he serious?
As if sensing her question, he shook his head. “No talking.”
He took her lips before she could tell him where to take his directions. His kiss was tender, but not sweet. The man was too sexy for sweet, but he was gentle and delicious. So maybe he had some crazy-ass rules. The kiss told her she’d like the game.
When they paused, he had the strangest look in his eyes, as if he wanted to admit something. Could it be what she was fighting? Electrical shocks fired off in her chest. She wanted to hear those words but feared them at the same time. Thank God, the silent rule seemed to apply to him as well. He traced his fingers down her cheek, then over her lips. He leaned in, but instead of kissing her, he took a strand of her hair and pushed it behind her ear. The move was tender. Intimate. It sent a shiver down her spine that had nothing to do with her libido.
* * *
Trey saw the panic in her eyes. Rightly so. This was a new game for them, and she didn’t like being caught off guard. It lessened her control, and she didn’t give that up easily. Hell, never. But tonight she would.
Physically, she gave herself completely. Making love with her was miles beyond anything he’d ever experienced. That’s why it was always too damn fast. He should be embarrassed, but they laughed about it, both recognizing that once the fire began, they had no desire to bank it. The heat consumed them every time.
But she always held back a part of herself. Tonight, he needed more from her. So much was riding on it. He wasn’t about to make a decision until he had a better understanding of her feelings.
Thus, the no-touch, no-talking rules. The woman could take him from coherent to out of control with just the touch of her hand. And her words, whether sharp or hot, were just as effective. He’d come to realize she used these talents for their pleasure, but also to stay in control. Her eyes were her only weakness. She couldn’t hide the raw emotion that poured out of them. But even then, she’d quickly recover and put on her game face. Tonight, he was taking her weapons.
She knew something was up because the fear didn’t leave her face. Was she this scared of intimacy?
Let me in, baby. Wanting to show her she was safe, he kissed her lightly, but she immediately turned the kiss urgent. He cradled her face in his hands and pulled away. Instead of giving in to their needs, he would work her slowly. Hell, who was he kidding? When he was with her, slow didn’t have a chance. He’d try for gentle.
He nuzzled her cheek and moved down to her neck. Her scent reminded him of summer nights. Melting into him, the woman was made to be pleasured. Pulling the blouse from her skirt, he took his time unwrapping her. After each button, he pulled apart the silk and kissed the soft skin that was exposed. Her perfume was more obvious here. He imagined her taking the time to dab the scent between her breasts, which only made him hungrier.
He returned to her lips and gazed into her eyes, looking for her reaction. But she’d shut them. Was she losing herself in the sensation or hiding from the truth?
He took his time, teasing her with his tongue along the edges of her lacy bra. Her sighs were replaced with moans, and she leaned back, giving him better access. He quickly unsnapped the front clasp and palmed the warm weight of her breasts, brushing his thumbs across the peaked tips. So fucking perfect.
He took one nipple in his mouth and suckled hard like she liked. She cried out, but then groaned in frustration when he stopped to give the other one attention. He lowered her body on the bed and crawled up beside her, taking her mouth in a hungry kiss. She answered, using her tongue and lips to share what she wanted.
Her skirt was the next to go. He trailed his tongue from her belly button to the top of her silky panties, loving her soft skin and the muscles that trembled just below the surface. She pressed her hips toward him, tempting him to throw all plans away and take her immediately. He put that need into pleasuring her. He had the scrap of lace off in no time and used his mouth to make love to her the way his body craved. She didn’t say a word, but he knew what she needed when her body tightened and her legs locked against his head. When she finally crashed, crying out his name, he stayed with her, easing her into another climax. This time, she could only muster a whimper.
Winding his way up her body, stopping for tastes, he found her eyes closed and her arms draped lifeless to her sides. He laughed when he saw the lazy smile on her face. So beautiful. The scene was complete when she let out a sated sigh. His ego was off the charts, but the pressure he felt in his chest blew that out of the water. He lowered himself beside her and gently traced her lips.
She opened her eyes and, just for a second, looked at him as she had all those years ago, when she’d loved him so freely. Then, in a flash, it was gone, replaced with the seductive gaze of a wom
an. “You know what—”
“No talking.” He shook his head. She gave him an exasperated glare but didn’t speak. Her irritation vanished when he moved over her, settling between her legs. He took each of her hands and slowly, one at a time, raised them over her head. He noticed the flash of surprise in her eyes when he held her wrists in one hand. He used the other to adjust his body to hers. As he entered her, he held her hips still, trying to restrain them both.
Despite the pleading and frustration in her eyes, and using his own excruciating control, he took his time until they were joined completely. They’d get their release, but not rushed and frantic as usual. He let go of her hands, but she kept them in place. Now if she’d let go of her heart.
He kissed her as he moved in her, loving her the only way she’d allow. When he looked to her, she’d only give him glimpses, then close her eyes. He wanted more, demanded more. He stopped, having to close his own eyes to hang on to his sanity. Feeling the beating of the pulse where they were joined pulled on his body for release, but he fought it.
When he finally regained control and opened his eyes, she was staring at him, searching his face, obviously wondering why he’d stopped. Keeping his eyes locked with hers, he started moving again, slow and deep. The sensation was overwhelming, and she closed her eyes on a whimper. He stopped, his breath ragged with need. This game continued for several minutes until she figured out what he was demanding. After a tortuous, silent battle, her barriers finally crumbled. She stayed with him, watching him, as he began to love her the way he wanted.
Moving her arms down, she grabbed onto his back, clinging to him. Her eyes filled with need, but there was more. A vulnerability. A connection. Love. Seeing this, finally having all of her, sent his heart spinning. He took her hard and fast, and they lost all concern with the rules of silence.
“Feel it.” He groaned out her name through jagged breaths. “Feel it, Sue.”
“I do.” Her breath caught. “God, I do.” She cried out his name as her body shuddered around his, sending him over. His body shook with his release, then he fell on her, unable to move.
When he finally caught his breath, he lifted up to see how she had fared. Nothing had ever come close to this. It took one glance to know it was the same for her. She gave him a beautiful smile that could only be answered with a kiss. When he pulled back, she cupped his jaw, then gently traced his cheek. Her touch, so soft, so innocent, made his chest tighten. He grazed his lips against hers again. Searching her eyes, he found them clouding with tears. Wanting her to know what was happening, he spoke without doubt. “I love you.”
The joy in her eyes flickered, then drained away, replaced with panic. She pushed at his chest, trying to work her way out from under him. Her rejection had nothing to do with his weight, but everything to do with what he’d just said. Dammit. He’d pushed her too soon. Wanting to kick his own ass, he rolled over onto his back. But that wasn’t enough for her. She scrambled out of bed.
“Where are you going?” He prayed she wouldn’t run home.
“I have to use the bathroom,” she said, without looking at him. The ice queen was back. She walked into the adjacent room and shut the door with more force than necessary. Then, he heard the lock click. The sound hit him like a kick to the head. He jumped out of bed and threw on his jeans.
“Why the hell are you locking me out?”
“I need some privacy, do you mind?” Her tone was pure bitch, and it only served to set him off.
“Have I ever walked in on you without knocking? Without your permission? Ever?”
She was silent, which pissed him off even more. “Sue?”
“Go check on the food, Trey. I’ll be out in a minute.” The shower started. So, she was running.
Fuck. Trey pounded his fist against the doorframe. “Talk to me.”
“I’m going to take a shower, and then I’ll be out. Jeez, can you just give me a freakin’ minute of peace?”
Her sudden need for privacy drove away all attempts at civility. “Fine. Stay in there. But you’ll run out of hot water before you can rebuild your damn fortress.”
She hesitated just a second, then yelled, “You’re such an asshole!”
“And you’re a chickenshit!” His words knocked him back to Earth. What the hell was he doing?
She opened the door, a bath towel her only shield. “What the hell did you say?”
“I’m sorry.” God, he was ruining the night. “That was out of line.”
“Damn straight. No one talks to me that way!” She was spitting fire, but he could only hear her fear. His silence seemed to provoke her more.
“I’m not scared of anything,” she said on a shaky breath.
“Then why are you hiding?” She turned away, adjusting her towel. He wouldn’t let her run this time. “Look at me.”
“Please, Trey.” Her voice cracked. “I need some space.”
Oh, baby. He almost gave her a break. Almost, but this was too important. “No. Not after what just happened. I know you felt something, too. Don’t run away from me.”
Turning, she took a shaky breath, and the last veil of defense fell away as tears pooled in her eyes. “I can’t do it,” she said, shaking her head. “I can’t let myself feel that for you.”
“You can.” He wiped away a tear that escaped. “I love you, Suz.”
“Stop.” She pulled out of his reach and went to the bed. He walked over and sat beside her, trying to wait her out, which proved impossible.
“Why does that frighten you?”
She let out a sarcastic laugh and wiped her tears away. “I can’t do it again.”
“Do what?” He couldn’t stop from taking her hand in his. She finally looked into his eyes. He’d never seen her so exposed.
“I don’t know if I can recover when you leave me this time.”
* * *
She couldn’t believe she’d said it. Talk about letting your weakness show. All guards were down tonight, nothing but the truth. It scared the shit out of her.
Making love—and yes, that was love they shared—had never been like that. To feel and give so completely . . . God, it was amazing. She’d always thought herself uninhibited when it came to sex, but it seems she’d never truly let go. It had been so much more than physical pleasure.
He had chipped away at her defenses, and in the end, she’d given him everything. She’d let herself feel the love that had been tearing at her heart for the last four weeks. She’d jumped off that cliff and had experienced a fall that was the most exhilarating experience in her life. Before she’d had a chance to gain her bearings, he’d whispered, I love you. Hearing those words that mirrored her heart made the moment perfect. But then, just as quickly, she’d plummeted back to earth, remembering that promises didn’t last and people walked away.
Who could blame her for wanting to hide? But he wouldn’t let it go, he just kept digging. Was it not enough that he’d seen what she really felt? And now she’d gone and told him her greatest fear.
He lifted her hand to his lips, tenderly kissing her palm. “I don’t want to leave.”
Exhausted in misery, she dropped her head. “We don’t always get what we want.”
He cupped her cheeks and turned her face to his. “Listen to me. I want to stay here . . . with you and Wes.”
Wes. The truth was so bittersweet. After a god-awful rocky start, she’d grown to appreciate the relationship the two guys had established. She knew it was good for Wes. It obviously changed Trey’s world. But it would forever remind her of her place in Trey’s heart. And how pathetic was that? It wasn’t that she was jealous of Wes. It was the constant reminder of why Trey was here, and now with her.
“Wes won’t be here much longer. Literally, in months he’ll be taking off to make his mark. And yes, I’ll miss him like crazy, but I want that for him. And when he’s gone, why would you stay?”
“I’d stay for you.” He said it with such conviction, as if he really thought he wou
ld.
“But you came back for Wes. All those years ago, you reached out, but it was to meet Wes. I was the guardian you had to go through back then. Now, I’m just some . . . fun treat that’s along for the ride. Get the full father deal with a side of ass.”
He grabbed her shoulders and shook her. “What in God’s name are you saying? You have never been something on the side. I love you. I’ve always loved you.”
“Then why didn’t you come back?” The yell echoed off the walls. Yes, she was heartbroken, but there was fury, too. Fury from years of wondering. As much as she loved him, then and now, she could never shake that question that haunted her. If he had truly loved her, like she’d loved him, why didn’t he try for her? “Why didn’t you want me?”
“I do want you. I want us to be together and—”
“No.” She shook off his hands. “I’m talking about back then.”
“I was scared shitless and couldn’t think of anything but myself. That’s why I left.”
“I know that. But I’m talking later, when you reached out for Wes.” God, she’d never shown a man her insecurity, but if all the shit was coming out, she might as well bare it all. “Ten years ago, you asked to see Wes. That was it. I was just the surrogate in charge of what you wanted. You didn’t ask to meet me. You had no desire to reestablish anything with me. And before you say a word, I kept you away from Wes for his security. Even though it hurt like hell that you couldn’t care less about me, my decision was based purely on my child.”
“Baby. Listen to me.” He kneeled before her, gripping her hands tight, probably knowing how his touch always got her. “Ten years ago, I didn’t believe I could have another chance with you. I hated myself as much as I’m sure you hated me. There was no way to justify asking you to take me back. You deserved someone strong and brave like yourself. But as crazy as it sounds, I thought Wes might want me, even if I was a selfish ass. You don’t get a choice with your parents. I thought he could at least know I existed and thought about him. I didn’t deserve either of you, but I thought Wes might want some piece of a dad.
Then He Came Back (Love From Austin Book 2) Page 23