Gemma laughed. She walked over to the high chair and scooped him up in her arms. “Yes, baby,” she said, nuzzling her son’s sweet neck. It always smelled of talc and she loved having him in her arms. It was the most comforting thing in the world. “And it’s going to be so much fun!”
But three hours later, Gemma wasn’t having much fun at all. The clown hadn’t shown up – they’d had two very tense phone conversations where he yelled into the receiver that he was stuck in traffic and would likely be any minute now – and Gemma was starting to panic. At first, the party had gone well. The backyard was full of toddlers running around and shrieking with glee, their faces smeared with cake. The parents had all sat down to one side and exchanged catty looks about whose child was better. Gemma had served tea and lemonade and finally, in a fit of desperation, wine from a box that she’d been storing in the fridge for a few months.
“Is it wrong that I feel totally drunk?” Talia giggled and put her head on Gemma’s shoulder. Gemma was feeling tipsy herself, but more nervous. The energy of the toddlers was beginning to die down. The magic show was planned as the peak of the afternoon, and now that the clown hadn’t shown up, Gemma had no idea what she’d do to entertain twenty hot, riled up, smelly, sweaty little kids.
“Okay kids,” Gemma said loudly, clapping her hands together and stepping into the middle of the backyard. “We’re going to play a game.”
“Or we can do some magic tricks,” a deep male voice said. Gemma jumped a foot into the air out of surprise. She whirled around to see a tall guy with shaggy brown hair and golden eyes stepping away from the line of parents. “I’ve brought my kit with me, who wants to see?”
All of the kids roared and giggled, rushing towards the man. He gestured for them to sit and amazingly, they obediently fell into small piles on the grass in front of him. Gemma watched, bewitched, as he pulled a magic wand seemingly out of nowhere and waved it in the air.
“Abracadabra!” The man waved his arms in the air and suddenly, a bunch of silk scarves appeared high above him. The children all cheered as the scarves floated down into the air, and Gemma stared in amazement.
“How does he do that?” Gemma whispered into Talia’s ear. Talia brushed her sister away, like she was an annoying fly or a bug.
“I don’t know,” Talia said. She breathed heavily. “He’s gorgeous though, isn’t he?”
Gemma’s mouth went dry. She had noticed that one little thing. Plus, even though she was more than willing to chalk it up to the wine she’d drunk, she couldn’t help the feeling that the man was staring at her.
“And he’s staring at you, lucky,” Talia said enviously. Her face showed that she was green with envy. “Who is he?”
“I don’t know,” Gemma said. She furrowed her brow. “I guess he must have come with one of the kids. I’ve never seen him before, though.”
Talia laughed. “That’s so typical,” she tutted. “Men don’t really do that great a job raising their young, you know? You never see them. It’s always the moms who take their kids out. You can tell – when the kid fucks up, the Dad always thinks it cute. Mom wouldn’t take that shit, though.”
Gemma looked away. Her sister’s cynicism sometimes felt like too much for her to deal with. It was true that she didn’t know who the man was – and even though he wasn’t wearing a wedding band, she wasn’t holding out hope. She knew that he was probably just a dad of one of the kids that she’d never met; it was true that primarily mothers shuffled the kids around to various play-dates.
The kids were magnetized to the man. They couldn’t stop watching as he did a variety of tricks with the silk scarves and finally, a top hat with a real white rabbit. It had a twitching pink nose and soft ears. The man leaned down and set the bunny into Arthur’s lap.
“For the birthday boy,” he said with a flourish. “My gift to you.”
Even though he wasn’t talking to her, Gemma flushed hotly. She watched as Arthur’s cheeks pinked. Please say the right thing, she begged her son mentally. Please don’t embarrass me.
“Thank you,” Arthur said perfectly, in slightly stilted English. “Thank you for bunny.”
Gemma grinned. She blushed again as she watched the man lope over to the corner of the yard and lean against the fence. For such a big guy, he was incredibly graceful. She’d loved the way his fluid hands had moved through the air with the scarves, enchanting everyone in the yard.
As everyone was beginning to leave, Gemma collapsed into a plastic lawn chair. Her legs were aching and she felt sweaty and dirty, no longer glamorous in her new dress. Talia walked over with Michael in one hand and Arthur in the other.
“Is it okay if I take him for the night?” Arthur was still clutching his bunny. “Michael thought a pizza party and sleepover would be nice.” She winked at Gemma. “And this way, Mommy gets some alone time.”
“Mommy definitely needs some alone time,” Gemma replied, stifling a yawn. She leaned forward and hugged Arthur. “You behave,” she said. “And leave your bunny here, I’ll make sure he gets a cage and something to eat.” She scooped the soft white rabbit up from Arthur’s arms and tucked it in her lap. The bunny looked at her with brown eyes and Gemma felt her heart melt a little. Even though she’d never wanted a pet, she did have to admit the rabbit was quite cute.
Talia shuffled the kids out of the yard and Gemma glanced around. Almost everyone had gone, except for the man who had stepped in to play magician. Gemma watched as he grabbed a plastic bag and walked around, tossing paper cups and plates inside.
“No, no,” Gemma said quickly. She stood up and walked over. “You don’t have to do that.”
“Please,” the man said. He smiled at her with an easy grace. “You look exhausted. I know how tiring those kids can be.”
Gemma laughed. “It’s true,” she said. “My sister told me I was high when I told her I was planning a party for Arthur. But it was so much fun!” She glanced away. “You really saved the day, though,” she added. A blush came over her cheeks. “You were a big hit. How did you plan that?”
The guy shrugged. He gave Gemma another goofy grin and she felt like her heart would burst. Just being around him was making her mouth dry and her breath come in short little hiccups. “Just a lucky guess,” he said with a grin. “So, was I a hit?”
Gemma laughed. “And how did you know that Arthur had been dying for a rabbit? Did your kid tell you?”
The guy grinned and shook his head. “Lucky guess,” he said, winking at Gemma.
Gemma felt a hot pink flush take over her cheeks. She bit her lip. “Um, would you like a glass of wine?”
The guy shrugged. “Yeah, that sounds good,” he said. He stuck out his hand. “I’m Rock, by the way.”
Gemma’s jaw dropped. “Rock?” She giggled. “Like Rock Hudson?”
Rock cleared his throat. “Except I like women, but yes.” When Gemma placed her hand in Rock’s, his skin was hot and rough. She could feel heavy callouses on his palm and the touch excited her – a shiver of arousal crawled down her spine. Gemma wriggled. She wasn’t used to feeling things like this, and she knew it was probably dangerous but right now she didn’t care. She was alone with the hottest guy she’d ever seen and he was going to have a drink with her.
Gemma darted into the kitchen and poured two glasses of wine. “Here,” she said softly, suddenly shy again. “This is all I have. I’m sorry if it sucks.”
Rock laughed, exposing a row of even, white teeth. “I’m sure it’s good,” he said in a low voice. Gemma shivered again. Rock’s voice was low and deep and it made her toes curl in her leather sandals. She didn’t want to think about what would happen if Rock stayed around….
Ten minutes later, the two of them were sitting on Gemma’s porch swing. The heat of the day had faded into a dusky, warm evening. The humidity had dried up and Gemma finally felt like she could breathe again. The sky was beautiful pinkish orange and she felt relaxed, calm. Like everything was going to be okay somehow.
“I’ll get more,” Rock said in a smooth, easy voice. He stood up from the porch swing, sending Gemma flying back through the air. “Want anything to eat?”
Gemma bit her lip. She was hungry, but not for food. “No, thank you,” she said, blushing as Rock’s golden-brown eyes stared into her own. They were just the color of backlit honey, of sunbeams on a dark morning. She loved them. They were the most beautiful eyes she’d ever seen. Oddly, they reminded her of big versions of Arthur’s.
Rock came back, walking in a fluid motion. He gracefully handed Gemma a glass of wine and sipped his own. He’d filled the glasses so high that wine was sloshing over the brim and Gemma giggled as spots of Pinot Grigio landed on the front of her sundress.
“You look gorgeous in that,” Rock said. He turned to her and stared at her frame. Gemma felt another heated blush come over her cheeks and she bit her lip, glancing down at Rock’s muscular body. Even though he was clad in a loose plaid shirt and dark jeans, she could tell he was really built.
“Thank you,” Gemma said softly. Before she knew what was happening, Rock was kissing her. It was a beautiful kiss, a kiss about petal-soft lips and gentle touches. As Rock pressed his wide lips against her own, Gemma melted into his arms. Her wine was forgotten as she wrapped her arms around Rock’s neck and pulled him closer. As Rock’s tongue slipped between Gemma’s lips, she let out a long, quiet moan. Between her legs was tingling and thumping with arousal, and when he put his hands on her chest she wriggled and squirmed with delight.
“Let’s go inside,” Rock whispered breathlessly into Gemma’s ear. She nodded and then she felt his strong arms snaking around her body and scooping her into the air. Rock carried her gently, like she weighed no more than a feather. As he walked, Gemma pressed her face into his neck and gently kissed and licked the skin there. Rock’s chin and neck were covered in brown stubble and Gemma found the sensation of the hair brushing against her face to be erotic. She could smell Rock, and that thrilled her, too: he smelled like the woods, all musk and pine.
Rock pushed Gemma’s bedroom door open with his foot and dropped her on the bed. Gemma squealed softly as she felt her body land on the soft mattress and she reached for Rock, instinctively pulling him on top of her. Even though this was the farthest she’d ever gone with a man, she wasn’t scared. She felt a strong current of love and trust radiating from Rock, and somehow she knew that he wouldn’t do anything to hurt her.
“You’re so beautiful,” Rock murmured as he moved his head down Gemma’s neck, nipping and biting at her soft skin. She moaned as he slipped his hands under her dress and stroked her thighs with his rough hands. Instinctively, Gemma spread her legs until Rock was stroking her through the damp material of her panties. She blushed hotly and tried to pull away but soon realized the sensations rocketing through her body were incredible. No, she didn’t want to stop, she didn’t want this to end. Gasping as Rock dragged his fingers over a particularly sensitive area, she closed her eyes and reclined on the pillows. Gemma was barely aware of Rock pulling up her skirt and scooting down her body until she could feel his hot breath on the taut skin of her lower belly.
“I haven’t shaved in a long time,” Gemma said, giggling nervously. “I’m sorry.”
Rock chuckled. “You’re beautiful,” he repeated, in the same low growl. A shiver of lust and anticipation went through Gemma as he tugged her panties off and tossed them on the ground. When she felt his tongue and lips licking her inner thigh, she thought she was going to die of anticipation. As Rock moved closer and closer to the pulsing center of Gemma’s pleasure, she moaned loudly. He slipped a finger inside of her and moved it around as his lips fastened on her swollen clit and sucked. Gemma thought she was in heaven.
“Oh my god, Rock,” Gemma moaned. “That feels so incredible!”
Rock popped up from between her legs and grinned. “I want you,” he said in a husky voice. His golden brown eyes stared into Gemma’s face intensely and she felt another shiver of exhilaration. “I want you so badly.”
Gemma swallowed. “This is…” she trailed off. She didn’t want to say anything to spoil the moment. There had been so many times Talia had cautioned her against being truly honest with a man, and she didn’t want to ruin anything. “There are condoms in the drawer,” she said instead, blushing as Rock’s hand went to the drawer and yanked it open. She’d bought them years ago – she hoped they were still good.
Gemma couldn’t keep her eyes off Rock’s body as he undressed. He was sinewy, strong, muscular. He was the biggest man she’d ever seen, she reflected to herself as he tossed his shirt on the floor with her panties. Gemma tried to wriggle out of her dress but Rock shook his head.
“Allow me,” Rock said softly. Gemma sat up and Rock pulled the material over her head, leaving her naked. When she realized that he was staring at her chest, she blushed furiously. No one, aside from her doctor, had seen her naked in years. She covered her breasts with her arms but Rock grabbed her wrist and looked gently into her eyes. “I want to see you,” Rock breathed. “You have a beautiful body.”
Gemma allowed Rock to tug her arms out of the way. She felt her nipples stiff and hard with desire, and when Rock moved his lips to her breasts, she felt overwhelmed with pleasure. Her lower belly was tight with anticipation and lust and the hot feeling between her legs was too much to bear.
“Kiss me,” Gemma whispered. Rock pressed his lips against hers and climbed on top of her body, spreading her legs with his strong hands. As he positioned himself between her thighs, Gemma bit her lip and screwed her eyes closed. She’d always heard that this part was exceptionally painful. But as Rock pushed against the entrance to Gemma’s most secret place, she didn’t feel in pain at all. It pinched – just for a moment – and then a sensation like a warm bath came over her body. Rock slid his massive cock all the way inside of her, until their hips were touching.
“You feel so good,” Rock whispered in Gemma’s ear as he thrust against her. “I love the way you feel.” Her body responded to every motion of his; Gemma felt like they were truly joined as one. As he began to thrust in and out of Gemma’s pussy, Rock arched his back and tightened his muscles. Gemma wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist, whimpering and grinding her hips at the incredible pleasure that was filling her body.
“Rock,” Gemma moaned, throwing her sweaty head back on the pillows. “Rock, please don’t stop!” She shivered and dug her fingernails into his back, pulling him closer. He felt so good inside of her, like he filled her completely. Like they were made for each other. As he bucked faster and faster, Gemma felt her lower belly clenching harder with each thrust. Finally, a sensation like an explosion came over her, with little shockwaves of pleasure following each thrust. Gemma was barely aware of the sounds she was making: strangled little cries and grunts of ecstasy. Rock slammed his body against hers and groaned loudly, pausing for a moment and then arching his back. Gemma could feel his cock pulsing and twitching inside of her.
“That was incredible,” Rock murmured as he lay down on top of Gemma before pulling out and rolling to the side. He wrapped an arm around Gemma’s sweaty waist and pulled her close. “That was the best thing in the world.”
Gemma sighed happily. She felt sated and exhausted. She yawned. “I’m going to close my eyes for a little bit, okay?�
�
“Okay,” Rock murmured sleepily. “I’ll be right here.”
Chapter Two
In the morning, Gemma’s eyes flew open. For a moment, all she saw was the white ceiling and lavender walls of her bedroom. What a crazy dream I had, she thought blearily. I dreamed I lost my virginity. To the most gorgeous man I’d ever seen.
Colby (BBW Western Bear Shifter Romance) (Rodeo Bears Book 3) Page 17