by L. A. Miller
Bailey ran her hands over his shoulders and down his arms leaving a trail of fire wherever she touched. As he moved closer to her apex he could smell her excitement and sliding his finger beneath her panties felt the wet dewy musk that clung to her soft hairs. He didn’t bother to remove her panties they disintegrated with one pull. Her breath caught when he slid his tongue over her nub and he felt her thighs tremble beneath his hands. Pulling her folds apart he buried his mouth around her licking, nipping, sucking till she swelled. When he slid first one then two fingers inside she arched moving her hips closer to increase the pressure. Shifting her hands behind her she placed her feet on his shoulders giving her the leverage needed to move her hips in rhythm with him. He moved his fingers now to her rhythm as his mouth and tongue continued to attack her spot. When he felt her walls constrict around his fingers he thrust deeper as she suddenly shuddered calling out his name when the first wave of her orgasm exploded. As the waves rolled over her he lapped up her juices.
Standing now he undid his own jeans as he kicked off his shoes. Dropping his jeans and briefs next to hers he stepped between her legs and taking her hand he guided her to his shaft. Her fingers slid around his girth gently applying presser as she began to pump. He retook her mouth driving his tongue inside letting her taste the mixture of her juices with his natural taste. Her fingers felt like fire and ice alternating as she slid her hand up running her finger over his tip. He needed to feel her heat and grasping her hips he watched as she guided him inside. He entered her slowly and once inside she wrapped her legs around his waist giving him a deeper access. Baileys hands rested on his shoulder while his remained on her hips As his hips began to move she looked up to meet his gaze. He started slowly despite his need. He wanted to make her come again before he found his release. Moving slowly he slid in and out of her and with each stroke he paused watching the frustration on her face. She tried to buck her hips but he held her firmly in place. He knew the long slow strokes were heightening her reaction and he took his time.
“Beckett…” she moaned. “Please….I need …”
“What do you need?” He growled against her lips. “Tell me...”
“I need you…please.”
“Not yet.” He said moving his lips to her ear lobe. He nibbled on it and she gripped his shoulder harder. “Let go Bailey…don’t fight it.”
“I can’t.”
“Yes you can.” He said retaking her mouth as he began to move faster.
He fought to hold himself back wanting to feel her release and finally when her body convulsed and her juices rushed over him he let go pumping deeper till he finally tensed, closing his eyes he released his seed deep inside. Bailey collapsed against him and he wrapped his arms around her in support as they both tried to regain their breath. Finally pulling back he looked down at her face still flushed with their passion.
“We should get dressed; Tristan and Alexis are probably looking for you.”
“I know.” She sighed.
“Still want to go riding?” He asked as he reached down picking up their clothes. When she looked at the remains of her panties he just smiled. “I’ll buy you a new pair.”
“I don’t know….I might have naughty thoughts of what you could do between my legs while we’re riding.” She teased.
Beckett looked at her raising one eyebrow not mistaking her intention as he pulled on his jeans.
“This could be fun.” He grinned wickedly.
Chapter 45
Bailey stood before the mirror examining her appearance. She did not recognize the woman that was before her. Regina had arranged for her personal hair dresser and make-up artist to assist in Bailey’s appearance. Her hair was pulled up with a few wisps artfully pulled out to frame her face. The make-up was seamless enhancing her natural beauty without being overpowering. The smoky shades around her eyes made her violet color pop and the fresh tint of blush and lip gloss gave her the illusion of innocence. The lavender gown clung to every curve of her body leaving nothing to the imagination. Even with her three inch heals she knew Beckett would be taller than her as they greeted the guests below. A week had passed since their first night together and Bailey couldn’t remember her life before him. Each day was filled with work and secret rendezvous. Sometimes they would share a kiss in the break room; other times Beckett would find a way to pull her into a closet or empty office where they could do more. He would leave her little notes that would pop up on her computer randomly, flowers in her drawer and once even a written note the role of toilet paper in the restroom. When she had asked him what he would have done if someone else had found it he had told her he would deny it. Bailey slipped in screen shots on his power point presentation to his brothers, left a receipt for her underwear in his briefcase with a photo of her in them and once during a board meeting she had deliberately wore a short skirt that revealed her garter when she crossed her legs. She made certain to sit where only Beckett had a view than proceeded to taunt him as he went over his figures. Trent must have caught on because he commented about the temperature in the room rising after Beckett finished.
Their nights had been filled with appearances and they had no problem presenting the image of a young couple in love. Bailey knew she was in love with Beckett but was unsure of his feelings for her. Neither spoke about that. They spoke of what their lives were like growing up, the differences between her being an only child most of her life as opposed to him growing up with four brothers. The pressures she felt after first her father’s death and then her mother are, of her trying to keep a roof over their head and food on the table. He talked about competing with his brothers in everything from schoolwork, to sports to the family business. She was surprised to find this vulnerable side of him when he seemed so confident in the office. Trent was always better with his hands, Justin with the sales, Ethan with the paperwork. Beckett was the designer. He could look at a building no matter what shape it was in and visualize the final product. He left it to his brothers to make it happen. Often he could be seen swinging a hammer or knocking down a wall with the rest of his brothers but knew Trent was the artist when it came to the final product.
Their nights had been spent in each other’s arms. Some nights they were gentle and slow as they learned to master each other’s body. Other nights were heated and intense where neither of them seemed to get enough of each other. As with the first night, no matter which room they occupied they would separate before the sun rose. Tonight they would make their engagement official and to mark the occasion Beckett had presented her with a diamond pendant. A simple oval cut diamond suspended on a delicate chain. She was fingering it as she looked at her reflection. Since coming to her grandmothers subtle changes had occurred. She had added a few pounds but Beckett assured her they were needed. The dark circles under her eyes and the constant worry lines on her forehead were gone. Her eyes were no longer fatigued but bright and clear from the happiness that consumed her. Even Tristan and Alexis had improved. Both enjoyed their school, Tristan had made a few friends and no longer relied on Alexis for companionship. Alexis had a list of admirers and never came home without either a note or flower from some boy at school. Beckett had teased her telling her he planned on marching down to the school to set those boys straight and she had just smiled telling him his brothers had already done so when they picked them up from school. Tristan’s new doctor was trying him out on new steroids and Beckett had found a therapist who was working with Alexis on her dreams. At that moment her life was perfect and she refused to look ahead to the future. She had two more weeks of bliss with Beckett before it came to an end and she planned on enjoying every moment.
“Wow” Beckett said as he stood in her doorway. “I didn’t think you could get more beautiful, I was wrong.” He smiled.
Bailey turned and felt the blush spread as she looked at him. Dressed in a Christian Dior tuxedo he looked like he had stepped out of a James Bond movie. It was tailored made to fit his frame enhancing the width of hi
s shoulders and narrow width of his waist. Bailey visualized the rigid muscles beneath and longed to run her hands over them. As if sensing her thoughts he grinned.
“You know, we could always be fashionably late.”
“My grandmother would kill us” She replied though was tempted to agree. As long as they stood in her bedroom her bed would be too much of a temptation. “Have the guests started to arrive.”
“Not yet.” He said “I was sent to fetch you before they do.” He said walking up to her.
He stood behind her and putting his arms around her waist looked at their reflection in the mirror. Bailey could feel the heat of his body along the length of her back and the scent of his aftershave filled her senses. She leaned back closing her eyes as his lips grazed her bare shoulder.
“You know it’s going to be murder having you so close to me and not being able to make love to you, all I will be able to think about is what you are wearing under this dress.”
Bailey opened her eyes and met his in the mirror. She smiled knowing what the effect would be when she told him.
“Nothing.”
His eyes darkened and she felt the quick intake of breath. Slowly, never losing eye contact he ran his hands down the length of her body. She felt the result as his desire pressed into the lower part of her back.
“Damn” Was all he could say. “You’re killing me woman.”
She turned in his arms and placed her hands on his chest as she looked up. “I didn’t have a choice; there was no way to hide the lines.”
“Good thing you have an incredible body that can pull it off.” He smiled as his lips descended towards hers.
At first his kiss was soft teasing her as payback for her attire. When she parted her mouth he slipped his tongue in and she could taste the combination of his mouthwash and his distinct spicy flavor. He deepened the kiss as his hands slid lower pulling her body closer to his. She felt his need press against the pit of her stomach and knew if the kiss continued they would be late. Sensing this too Beckett pulled back and smiled.
“We will continue this later.” He promised kissing her nose as he adjusted himself to hide the obvious.
Taking her hand he tucked it into his arm and led her out of her room and down the hallway. They stopped at Alexis’s door where she and Tristan were lost in their latest video game. They barely looked up as Bailey came in and grudgingly accepted a kiss before getting lost in their game. As they descended the stairs together Bailey couldn’t help feel as if she was entering another time era. The staff was dressed in their formal attire after spending the day cleaning the manor from top to bottom. Flowers and candles were place strategically around the room and the sound of the string quartet filled the air. The only difference was instead of tails and ballroom gowns the men would be in their tuxedos and the women in evening dresses. Regina was dressed in a long black evening dress and despite her age could still turn a few gentlemen’s heads. She smiled approvingly as they approached her.
“The gate just called and the first of your guests have passed through. Your parents will play host in the ball room and your brothers have graciously agreed to escort any single females.”
“A task I’m sure they will enjoy.” Beckett smiled as he looked at Bailey.
“You will greet our guest as they enter but when I tell you I want you to lead Bailey into the ballroom where we will make the announcement and you will share the first waltz.”
“A waltz?” Bailey asked.
“Yes.” Her grandmother confirmed. “After the first dance you should be prepared to dance with our guest until dinner is announced. You and Beckett will lead our guests outside where the tent has been set up. After dinner the dancing will continue back in the ball room but the music will be more to your taste. It will not be necessary for either of you to continue dancing with our guests but I do expect you to use common courtesy in the matter.”
“Yes ma’am.” Beckett replied trying to contain his smirk.
“Is this amusing to you?” Regina asked narrowing her eyes at him.
“No ma’am.” He responded. “It’s just a little orchestrated don’t you think.”
“These things must be planned and follow a direct order. I understand your generation doesn’t hold to tradition but you will find that by honoring the older guests it will go a long way in making your presence here acceptable.”
“Then we shall be on our best behavior.” Bailey said trying to assure her grandmother while avoiding Beckett’s expression. She knew if she looked at him she would not be able to contain her laughter.
As the butler moved to the door they took their positions with Regina first, then Bailey and finally Beckett. As each of their guest walked through the door the butler announce them then Regina would greet them and make the introductions. Within the first half hour Bailey realized she would never be able to remember everyone’s names. After an hour Beckett whispered in her ear.
“I think we need nametags.”
They had been standing for nearly two hours when Bailey froze. She almost didn’t recognize him dressed in a tux. Matt was always more comfortable in ripped jeans and his favorite team jerseys. When his name was announced she felt Beckett tense and looked up to see the frown on his face. Bailey looked at her grandmother who seemed to be studying her reaction.
“I thought an old friend would make you feel a little more comfortable.” She smiled as Matt approached. “Mr. Driscoll, I’m so pleased you were able to come.”
“Thank you for the invitation.” He said but his eyes held Baileys for a moment before looking at Beckett.
Bailey could feel the tension between the two men as they sized each other up. As he moved to stand before Bailey there was a moment of awkward silence.
“Hello Bailey.” He smiled.
“Matt.” She smiled back. “I almost didn’t recognize you.” She joked trying to lighten the tension.
“Not quite my style.” He acknowledged. “You look stunning.”
“So do you.” She said and again hesitated before stepping forward hug him.
When he wrapped his arms around her she sighed. He was familiar, a memory of home. Despite all the bad Matt had been her constant keeping her anchored. He had been there when her father died, offered her a shoulder when her mother died. Held her hand through more hospital emergency rooms than she could remember and every time she wanted to give up he had been her rock. She stepped back and with one hand on his arm she turned to Beckett. She wasn’t prepared for his expression and for a moment she froze till he masked his anger.
“I’m Beckett Birmingham.” He announced holding his hand out to Matt. “Bailey’s fiancé, I’ve heard so much about you.”
Bailey felt Matt’s irritation as he took Beckett’s hand. “Matt Driscoll and surprisingly I haven’t heard anything about you.” He challenged looking at Bailey now.
Bailey stepped back to Beckett’s side feeling caught between two lives. Her past was with Matt and he would always be an important part of her life. Her future she had hoped was with Beckett but there had been no promises. When Beckett slid his arm around her waist she knew it was a silent signal of possession and she saw the way Matt reacted. She had meant to explain to Matt about her arrangement but until she knew where she and Beckett stood she didn’t know what to tell Matt. He was looking at her now for an explanation.
“Beckett, would you excuse us, I need a moment with Matt.” She said looking at Beckett.
“Your reunion will have to wait my dear.” Her grandmother interrupted. “It’s time the two of you move to the ballroom for the announcement.”
As Beckett led her away she could feel the tension in his arm. When her grandmother asked Matt to escort her it only added to his tension. As promised his family was playing hosts to their guests and when they entered only his family sensed the trouble brewing beneath the surface. They followed her grandmother up the front of the room while Matt remained by the door. Bailey noticed the way Trent was looking
from them then back to where Matt stood and she saw him frown. She turned to Beckett to explain that she didn’t know Matt would be there but he just shook his head silencing her. She heard her grandmother make the announcement then the next thing she knew Beckett was leading her forward as their guests broke out in applause. Once in the center of the dance floor he took her into his arms and as the music began he took the lead gracefully guiding her across the dance floor. Bailey felt the rigid strength of his muscles beneath her touch as if they were a coil slowly tightening. When she looked up she saw the muscle in his jaw flex as he fought to control his anger.
“Why didn’t you tell me he would be here?” He asked now meeting her gaze.
Bailey almost stumbled at the anger she saw but his hold on her easily covered her misstep. She couldn’t understand why he was so angry since she wasn’t the one who had invited Matt and was just as surprised as he was when Matt appeared.
“I didn’t know” She said honestly. “Not till he showed up at the door.”