The One That Matters

by Elle Linder

  “You’re not going to disappoint me. Maybe I’ll disappoint you,” he joked.

  She laughed heartily. That wasn’t likely. “Promise me something?”

  He stiffened when her tone turned serious. “Depends on what you’re asking me to promise.”

  “Don’t stay with me out of obligation. If you find me repulsive or a joke in bed, all you have to say is, ‘I can’t.’ Or if a younger woman comes along, I’ll set you free. Just say, ‘I can’t.’”

  He shook his head, aghast. “Marie, I can’t…take much more of this talk. You obviously don’t know how incredible you are.” He kissed her with a neediness that she hadn’t felt before. He pushed her against the arm of the loveseat and covered her with his broad chest, possessing her with a passionate, searing kiss.

  Music played in the background, adding another well-planned layer of stimulation. Marie tingled from her head down to her toes, losing her mind with every kiss and touch Parker gave her. No doubt he knew exactly what he was doing in orchestrating a perfect evening. And she, the lucky recipient. Marie unbuttoned his shirt, and he helped slip it off. Staring at his muscular, sexy physique, she wanted him…needed him. Tonight, she would have him.

  Parker stood and extended his hand. This was it. In her core, she knew what was to come next. Such a simple gesture produced goosebumps on her arms as she accepted his hand and stood. Face to face he gazed at her, drinking in every inch of her. She exhaled deeply from holding her breath, and he smiled. Then he splayed his hands on her hips turning her around and brushing the tips of his fingers across her lower back. The sound of the zipper slowly moving down her dress accelerated her pulse. The cool air on her bare back roused her senses as the dress dropped to the floor. Frozen in place, she held her breath, awaiting his reaction to her near naked body.

  In new sexy black lingerie, Marie was poised for the taking, but Parker was not in a rush. He brushed her long, black hair to the side sensually kissing her shoulders, while his caressed her stomach. Marvin Gaye’s voice filled her ears, “Sexual Healing.” Was there ever a more perfect song? Marie’s head rolled back weakly against his chest, feeling his strong, warm hands on her skin. They glided across her pelvis to the beat of her heart, down her thighs, and between her legs. She trembled and whipped around.

  “My turn,” she whispered, looking into his lustful eyes. A small nod of approval released her to undress him.

  She started with the belt, giving it a playful tug. Feeling his intense gaze, she looked up, locking her eyes to his. In a long, drawn-out move, Marie unzipped his pants then undid the button. A mischievous grin formed on her face as she slid his pants off his hips, letting them fall to the floor like her dress. She stopped breathing. Was it shock? No. Embarrassment? No. Desire? Yes.

  Parker sported a full erection that caused her heart to pound. Did she dare touch him? Yes. She needed to touch him, wanted to feel him. Her small, delicate hand rubbed over his boxers, and he didn’t so much as flinch. And he felt so good…

  “My turn again.” He gripped Marie’s ass, pressing her into him. The firmness of his erection on her stomach drove her wild. She wanted him inside her…now. He unhooked her bra, and she let it fall to the ground. Feeling exposed and vulnerable, fearing what he would think as he saw her, she closed her eyes. She nervously bit her lower lip, imagining him studying her disgusting body.

  Not a single word was spoken.

  The silence killed her. Was he stunned speechless at the sight of her horrid body? Lou Rawls interrupted her thoughts singing one of her favorite songs, “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine.” The timing was impeccable. How did he know which songs to select? Did he have a view into her mind…her soul?

  Parker took her hand and kissed the tips of her fingers. She opened her eyes as he guided her to the bed. On the side of the king size bed, he sat down on the luxurious white linens, pulling her in front of him.

  “You take my breath away.” His eyes traveled over her body as his hands discovered her. “Perfect, absolutely perfect.”

  Relief filled her, then desire. Parker stroked her legs, then softly pressed the palms of his hands over her hips, making his way up to her breasts. He took possession of each one, fondling and teasing. She watched as he licked his lips, stimulating her nipples into firm pebbles. A look of mouthwatering thirst covered Parker’s face while her soft gasps of enjoyment urged him further. He pulled her onto the bed as his hot mouth took in her soft, luscious breast.

  “Oh…Parker…”

  Marie weaved her fingers through his hair while she arched her back into him. The seductive music continued as her body danced on the bed, and a sensual wave of pleasure filled her. When he moved to the other breast to give it equal attention, she tightly gripped his shoulders. The flood of electric sparks between her legs surprised her and increased her need for him.

  “So far so good?”

  She nodded with her mouth slightly open. By the rise and fall of her chest and her sweet panting, all was better than good.

  “You can stop me at any time.”

  Stop him? Never.

  Parker resumed where he left off. He kissed her neck, bringing his tongue into play, licking a tantalizing trail down between her breasts. The way her body moved beneath him, it seemed to urge him to give her more, like a silent request he was more than happy to fulfill.

  The sounds of their mutual enjoyment filled the room. If this was just ‘foreplay,’ Marie could go all night. Abruptly he stopped, a sly grin on his face as he slid her panties off; she thought she would die. Seconds later, he kissed a trail down her torso. She flinched when he stopped at her soft stomach. Would he notice the small stretch marks?

  He lifted his head, “Are you okay?”

  “Mhmm…yes,” she gasped.

  He continued his journey downward, and she gripped the comforter tightly. If he was heading down south, she was going to lose her mind. And God help her, he continued down. He kneeled on the floor and looked at her with a willfulness in his eyes, fully intent on giving her everything she’d never experienced. Their eyes connected as he spread her legs apart. Breathe Marie. She trembled with desire for the undiscovered. Parker caressed her inner thighs, moving closer to the one place that would take her to an unknown pleasure. The tips of his fingers brushed across her center, and she held her breath. Before she could think twice, his face was buried in her.

  “Oooh Parker…” The way his tongue discovered her was like nothing she’d felt before. Delicious, indecent sensations swept through her body. To feel him taking pleasure in her in such a provocative way was inconceivable to. But it was happening, it was real, and she loved it.

  The awareness of his hands lifting her pelvis up to him was erotic. She couldn’t believe he was down there. What he was doing between her legs took her to a place she didn’t know existed. The slickness of his tongue moving in her and the pressure of his lips tantalized every inch of her.

  Her moans ignited as a roll of unadulterated ecstasy traveled through her body from her toes up to her face. Marie grabbed the comforter tighter while her whole body clenched. “Parker…oooh, Parker…” Naturally, she wanted to thrust into his mouth, but she fought the urge, uncertain of what to do with herself. The shock of how her orgasm was reached blew her mind. She could hardly believe it. It was so mind-blowing she craved more.

  Parker kissed his way up to her, taking his time while enjoying the sight of her aroused body on the bed. Eager to be one with her, he slid off his boxers and grabbed a condom out of his bedside drawer. Within seconds he had the package ripped open, and the condom rolled on.

  Marie forcefully pulled him to her, covering his mouth with an intensity that made his groin tighten. It surprised him, but also thrilled him.

  This was a side of Marie that didn’t exist before now—to control, rather than be controlled… to be empowered. On fire, Marie playfully taunted him, caressing his firm backside. The scent of her on his face seemed to arouse her in unimaginable way
s. This rousing moment was more than he had hoped it would be. It was erotic. Intoxicating. Delicious.

  “Parker, please,” she begged. “I want you… please,” she panted.

  His name on her lips brought a smile to his face as he moved into position. “Okay, baby.” In one long, firm thrust he entered her. A deep groan flowed out of him…he was inside her…joined as one.

  “Marie, you feel amazing. So warm and soft.” He kissed her passionately as he gently rocked in her.

  She gripped his biceps, held her breath and took all of him in. “Oh…oh Parker…”

  Parker put his hand down between them. The move startled her, and her eyes widened in surprise. While still rocking in her, he found her erotic knot and went to work caressing and stroking her into an unhinged, lusty state. Marie cried out as her nails bored into his back and she bucked against him as another orgasm took form. It only took a brief moment being devoured by him when she suddenly bit down on his bottom lip in her ecstasy. He flinched but didn’t stop.

  Through another powerful orgasm, she came apart beneath him. Controlled by the ravenous pulses charging through her body, she could only yield, having no control. The flood of her warmth sent Parker over, and he struggled to not explode in her just yet. She held tightly to him, trying to regain control, but he didn’t want her to come down from her high. No, he would take her over the edge once more. The oneness he shared with her was everything to him…he wanted to make her his forever.

  The strong connection he felt with Marie was like nothing he’d ever had with anyone. It drove him to give her the most passionate, explosively intimate experience she’d ever had.

  Her body joined him in the rhythmic dance, while another orgasm quickly took shape. She wrapped her legs around him, pulling him closer like she needed him deeper.

  “Oh Marie…yes baby,” he groaned against her mouth. His kisses turned desperate as he pumped into her faster and faster. Then he shot off like a rocket at the same time her orgasm reached its peak. They tensed together through an explosive climax as Parker braced himself above her, but she pulled him onto her.

  “I like the weight of you on me.” A tear rolled down into her hair.

  “Sweetheart, did I hurt you?”

  She shook her head no and kissed him with love and tenderness. Finally, she pulled back with a satisfied glint in her eyes. “I don’t know what to say…thank you seems so trite,” she said with a contented smile.

  “No, that was amazing. I should be thanking you. The way your body responded to me, mmm, I loved every bit of it.”

  “That’s just it, my body has never responded like that before. I had three orgasms. Do you know how crazy that is?”

  “I know, I was there…you were incredible.” He kissed the tip of her nose.

  “Parker, it’s never been like that for me before,” she whispered.

  “How’s that possible? You were married for a long time.”

  “Craig was all about himself. If I didn’t enjoy sex or have an orgasm, it was my own fault. He did his job, sticking his dick in me as if that should have been enough.”

  Parker’s expression soured.

  “And foreplay—we didn’t need it for the five minutes it took him to get his. It’s so embarrassing. That’s why I was worried about disappointing you. I wasn’t sure I’d know what I was doing.”

  “Marie, that breaks my heart. And you didn’t disappoint at all. But I’m curious, how did you get yours?”

  “In the bathtub,” she admitted. “What just happened between us…I’m without words. I didn’t know sex could be like that. But then Ann always told me I was missing out on mind-blowing sex with Craig. I just thought she was giving me a bad time. Parker, this was a mind-blowing experience. And I can’t believe you’re still here with me…in me.”

  “I don’t want to leave you.” He nuzzled his face in her neck. “But Marie you should know, this wasn’t just sex for me.”

  She looked at him, perplexed. “What do you mean?”

  “I made love to you. I didn’t have sex with you. It was emotional for me. Every touch, kiss…taste. I wanted to connect with you and create an unbreakable bond.” He stared into her eyes. “You matter to me. More than anyone has ever mattered.”

  “Oh, come on,” she teased. “You were so good, you’ve obviously had a lot of experience.”

  “I’ve been with women, yes. But, I don’t do everything with every woman. I took my time with you, and the night isn’t over, baby.”

  Her eyes widened.

  “I’m going to run to the bathroom then I’m coming back to you…for round two.”

  The morning light warmed her face, and her eyes blinked open. Parker was next to her, sound asleep. The clock said 8:15 am…wow. She was naked beneath the sheets, and so was he. A smile came to her face. This can’t be real.

  It was well after midnight when they had finally quenched their desires, contentedly exhausted. Hours. They pleasured each other for…hours. He made love to her…love. She was convinced he had the stamina of a hundred men. The way he had guided her in experimenting with positions to create a new experience for her every time was fiery and sensual.

  The entire night Parker had treated her with love and tenderness, but the way he craved her drove her wild. Never for a second did she feel used for her body the way Craig made her feel. With Parker she felt adored, cherished, and loved.

  It was an unforgettable night. So amazing that her feelings for him deepened and she knew she was falling in love with him. And the icing on the cake, she still had one more day and night with him.

  Feeling his body heat on her skin aroused her. The smell of his hair…his musk…she tingled, he was so intoxicating. Marie rolled toward him, running her thumb gently across his cheek. “You’re so handsome,” she whispered. His eyes slowly opened. There was no resisting him. Marie pressed her lips to his and kissed him softly. To her surprise, his hand moved over her hips. “Mmm.”

  Parker pulled her closer to him and she felt the tip of his erection against her leg, and a lustful yearning filled her.

  “Really…now?” She smiled at her blithe assumption. He nodded and pulled her onto him. She had just died and gone to heaven.

  Chapter 14

  Taking Time To Process

  It had been the most spectacular, orgasmic weekend of Marie’s life and she was enthralled with Parker. The direction they were heading together was one of love and commitment. The raw and vulnerable intimacy they shared created a strong foundation for their relationship to be built upon. They were blissfully happy when they arrived at her townhouse an hour before Jackson was to come home; neither could keep their hands off the other.

  “Parker…Jackson could blast through the door any second. Control yourself.” She giggled.

  “Na-uh, I haven’t had enough of you yet. And tomorrow, I’m leaving for a couple of weeks.” He kissed her with his hands under her blouse.

  “How is it possible you haven’t gotten enough? Since Friday night we’ve been locked in your bedroom having…”

  “Making love,” he interrupted her with his intense, amorous gaze. “We made love for twenty-four hours.” He resumed fondling her. “Have you had enough?” He reached under her skirt, slipping two fingers into her panties. “Uh-huh, just as I suspected…wet.” He groaned.

  Marie rocked into his fingers, and it didn’t take long before she covered him in her hot juices. As she clenched around him, she pulled him into a lustful kiss.

  “I don’t want you to leave me for two weeks,” she said through her kisses. “I’ll have to start taking baths again.” She pouted, stroking his cheek with her thumb.

  “Just as long as you think of me in the tub.” And she started to laugh. “What? What’s so funny?”

  “I have thought of you in the tub. You’re better in person.”

  His brows shot up. “Now I’m curious.”

  “Later. We need to clean up before Jackson gets home.”

  Mari
e was trying to make lemonade in the kitchen, but Parker was doing an excellent job of distracting her when Jackson yelled for them.

  “Moooom…Parker!!! I’m hooome!” Together they went into the entry and Jackson ran into Marie’s arms. “I missed you, Mom.” He hugged her tightly. Parker came alongside her and briskly rubbed the top of Jackson’s head. Jackson flashed him a broad grin.

  Craig walked through the door and frowned at the happy reunion. “Jackson, here’s your duffle bag and souvenirs.” His brash tone startled Marie, and Parker stiffened. He gripped her shoulder, reassuring her that he was with her.

  “Did you have a good time buddy?” Marie asked, just as Sasha ran into the house.

  “Jackson, you left your cell phone in the truck.” She smiled at him, giving him the phone. Then her eyes connected with Parker’s and they beamed. “Parker, oh my God. Parker!” She wrapped her arms around him, giggled as if reunited with a long lost friend or was it long lost lover? Marie’s mouth went slack. Craig’s eyes bored into her, his irritation equal to hers.

  “Sasha, wow, this is a surprise.” Parker stepped back nervously.

  “More like a small world. I can’t believe you’re the celebrity Jackson’s mom is dating. I can’t believe I didn’t connect the dots when Jackson would talk about you. I have to say, I’m surprised.” Sasha didn’t think much of Marie; her own conceited nature matched Craig’s. Marie glared. Her biting words hurt.

  Parker reached for her hand. “I know right? I’m the luckiest guy. It was a miracle she said yes to a date with me.” He kissed Marie on the cheek, but she was squeezing the hell out of his hand. Craig glowered as if she had just screwed up his life.

  “Well, who would have thought that our paths would cross this way. I’m mean, after we broke up, you know.” She shrugged her shoulders and leaned into him. “And here we are once again in each other’s lives. With people who were once married. It’s just the craziest thing ever.” Her ridiculously high-pitched cackle that made both Jackson and Marie cringe with annoyance filled the room.