by A. C. Wilson
“He didn’t say anything, but it was the look in his eyes that made me turn to run. I tripped over my heels when they snagged on the rug and I fell to my knees. He was so fast. I didn’t have time to react. He…uh…grabbed my hair and pulled me up against him. I thought he was going to kill me when I brought my heel down on his foot. It loosened his hold enough that I ran for my room.” Her heart was hammering in her chest as she remembered the yellow wall paper and the pictures hanging in the hallway.
“Those damned heels tripped me again and this time I felt a sharp pain to my back. It knocked the wind out of me and before I could register what was happening there was another excruciating pain. I honestly thought I’d broken my back. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t do anything but feel the pain.” Hysteria crowded in on her and Bailey felt light-headed. Blake couldn’t have held her tighter without crushing her. His cheek never left hers.
“I must have passed out because the next thing I knew I was waking up in the hallway on the floor. My mother’s thick yard stick laying broken beside me. She had been using it to measure for new curtains the day before she died and I couldn’t move it. I couldn’t put it away.” Bailey turned sideways in Blake’s arms unable to comfort herself and hoping that she might be able to disappear inside him.
His bare chest was warm and she plastered herself to it. Tears still coursed down her cheeks and she couldn’t stop shivering. Her heart felt like it was a caged bird hell bent on trying to escape to the point where it was slamming against the bars. Blake’s fingers gripped the back of her head and slid into her hair. His other arm was anchored around her waist as if she might suddenly be ripped from him. She could feel Blake shift on the couch and then with brute force, he lifted them both up. His arms held her securely and she was so shocked by the movement that she didn’t squirm.
With purposeful strides, Blake moved them into her bedroom and carefully deposited her on the bed. Pulling the light throw blanket from the end of her mattress, he covered her trembling body. It wasn’t until he crawled into position on the other side of her bed and took her in his arms did she realize how bereft she felt without his body around her. Unable to turn her back to him again, Bailey shifted so she was flush against him and her head was tucked into his shoulder. Pressing his lips into a tight line, Blake placed the throw around her shoulders so that only her head was without its warmth. His free arm slipped over her waist beneath the blanket and then shifted her shirt aside until he was caressing her skin. She closed her burning eyes as she felt his fingers tracing that devilish scar on her back. He continued to outline it, memorize it and she thought he sought to comfort it somehow.
Bailey wondered just what scars he harbored and lay hidden just under the surface. She knew a tortured soul when she saw one for the similarities were easy to recognize. She had opened herself to him in a way she had never done before with anyone else. It only reaffirmed the bond that was held tentatively by silken lines. Blinking back the fresh tears, Bailey lifted her face to his and took note of the startling blue staring back at her. They were nearly the color of tropical waters off some private island and she fancied that she was the first to discover how beautiful they were. She liked to think that maybe they were only this shade of blue for her. Lifting her chin a touch more, she leaned forward so that her lips might touch his. They were warm, smooth much like earlier in the rain, but now they were waiting. His palm in her hair held her steady as his tongue dueled with hers.
She freed her hands from the blanket. She had to touch him and her fingertips smoothed up chest. His muscles were firm and defined as her fingers marveled over the rises and dips. Blake sucked on her tongue and she was momentarily distracted from her quest. The hand near her waist was gently brushing the soft curve of her breast. With blatant intent, Bailey arched her back, pressing her breast into his rough hand. Triumph was exciting, but not as sweet as the moment the pad of his thumb swiped across her nipple. Her mouth opened for more air at the exquisite explosion. Her eyes nearly rolled back into her head as Blake trailed open mouth kisses up her jaw to her ear. His breath whispered across her skin and she swore this had to be the sweetest music.
Coming to the surface again, Bailey lowered her hands to his waist and tentatively slipped her fingertips in the band of his shorts. As if her fingers were brands to his skin, Blake inhaled sharply. She watched him carefully, but didn’t retreat. Having so little experience with a lover, Bailey could only do what she felt to be right. She slid her barefoot up along his shin to his knee and then back down again. It was hard to ignore the steel length of him pressed into her stomach. Instead of giving her pause, she was exhilarated by the fact that he was attracted to her. It was a heady sense of power to know that Blake wanted her as much as she wanted him. He seemed to be ignoring her quest for more.
When she was nearly there, her fingers touching course hair, Blake doubled his intensity. Shifting further down her body, he latched onto her breast and sucked boldly. Her attention transferred efficiently to the feel of his lips, tongue and teeth on a sensitive and protruding bud. His fingertips trailed over her ribs to her hips and his thumbs pressed into the indentation at her waist. His tongue continued to swirl causing sensations to dart lower. She couldn’t seem to focus on just one thing he was doing or one emotion he was stimulating because it all felt so good. Her fingers twined into his hair of their own volition.
“Oh my…” Bailey moaned as she tipped her head back and closed her eyes. It was all so much to take in and at this very moment she felt like she was melting into a puddle. Blake’s hold on her breast broke and she could have sworn she heard him chuckle. Those talented lips connected with her stomach and trailed to her navel. She trembled with anticipation. The fact that she had lost her own quest was of little consequence now. Her breathing was quick and shallow as she followed the connection of his warm breath on her skin.
Blake tucked his fingers underneath her hips and continued to knead the flesh of her bottom and thighs. Bailey was so engrossed in his lips that she didn’t have time to try to shield herself. His fingers hooked the capris’ band and tugged them seductively down her legs and off. The break from his mouth left her dizzy and struggling to reconnect somehow. She looked up into his face and immediately she locked onto his eyes as they looked at her. It seemed like he was gauging her reaction and asking permission all at the same time. A small, wicked grin twitched the corner of her mouth and she watched as he lowered himself again to her bare stomach. His palms spanned the tops of her thighs and his thumbs rotated in soothingly erotic circles. She squirmed at the sensitive touch, but Blake nipped just below her navel. It jolted her back to his mouth and he grinned at the effect.
His lips moved ever closer to the ache she wanted to appease and his thumbs traveled up the tender flesh. Her breath hitched and she jumped slightly when he brushed her center. Her eyes rolled back and she thought she might die from the unbelievable torture. Blake was a master for all she knew. She was no expert, but this was so far beyond what she had imagined it might feel like. Then with a swift move his mouth replaced his fingers and brushed her core. His tongue wiped away all thought until all she could do was ride the waves of desire and passion.
***
Blake couldn’t help but watch with avid curiosity how Bailey reacted to him. Her sweet body was in tune with his every move. Her tempting essence was still on his tongue and he savored it. The moment her muscles contracted and she came around his fingers was one he would always remember. It was so real and so pure. He would also remember how achingly hard he was and had stupidly denied himself the same satisfaction. The moment she opened those beautiful brown eyes he knew she wondered why he hadn’t come with her. It even made his heart ache knowing how closely connected they were and weren’t.
Blake stretched out beside her, pulling the blanket up over her naked body. He wasn’t ready to completely break their bond and tentatively slipped his arm underneath the covering. He let his palm span over her sto
mach as he lay his head back on her pillow. His eyes wandered over her flushed face and bright eyes. Bailey was a captivating and beautiful woman, but right now, she would rival any angel in the heavens. He would bet his life on it. It was quiet in her bedroom except for the drumming of the rain on the roof. For the first time in a long while nothing bothered him. He wasn’t afraid or angry. He didn’t feel trapped or threatened. He was happy and that was all due to Bailey.
“That was amazing.” Bailey sighed, her cheeks turning a warm shade of pink. Her eyes slid hesitantly up to his and he couldn’t help but smile. She was embarrassed and it was cute.
“It was.” Blake’s voice was still husky and low. He cleared his throat and closed his eyes at her inquisitive brow. Much to his discomfort, Bailey shifted her nakedness into him and brought his hand up to her breast. He couldn’t contain the growl that erupted from deep within him.
“I think you may have overlooked something.” Bailey whispered in a sexy siren’s voice. It rippled over him and hit the spot he was desperately trying to ignore. He shook his head as he felt a longing to pull her up over the top of him and sink deep within her warmth.
“No, I didn’t.” He would have rolled his eyes if they weren’t slammed shut. He was certain that if he looked into her face, he would be lost to the summons of his siren. He waited for her to argue. She did something much more effective. Bailey took hold of him in a firm grip and began a rhythmic pulse. His breath was already coming in ragged waves, his chest heaving. He didn’t know what to do. His body wanted this almost more than anything, but his brain was shouting to stop it. His baser instincts growled and demanded their due.
“Blake?” Bailey’s voice parted the fog of his brain and he opened his eyes. She tipped her head in question. His gaze wandered down her neck to the naked portion of her breasts and the pooling of the blanket at her waist. He felt her squeeze him again and it drew his attention. His hand held her wrist from moving. He couldn’t deny he wanted it. He couldn’t deny that it would be sweeter coming from her. He looked her in the eyes once more and with a sense of trust, Blake began moving her hand in an up and down motion. She smiled as he pushed off his shorts and she could hold his throbbing cock. Shifting closer her breath whispered across the head and he swore he would explode then and there. It had been so long and at this moment it seemed ages. Blake was glad that it was with Bailey and no one else. If he had his way, it would never be with anyone else ever again. Of course there is a time for everything and that conversation would come later.
In the middle of his inner battle, Blake was completely aware when Bailey’s tongue slid over him, taking him into her mouth. He nearly lost all mental function as the heat of her mouth surrounded his cock. He reached for her, fisting his hand in her long blonde hair. She sucked harder and he twitched in appreciation. His hips moved of their own accord to the motion she simulated with her mouth. Her fingers clamped around him once more and it was a quick climb after that. He was almost embarrassed as to how quickly he came, but the satisfied gleam in Bailey’s eyes smothered his thoughts. She was proud as she smiled mischievously at him.
“Looks like we could both use another shower.” Bailey grinned at the mess he had created and he was more than certain of how wet she was. He grinned.
“Looks like it.” She slid off the bed and walked unabashed to the bathroom. Blake shook his head wondering how lucky he had gotten.
If luck has anything to do with it.
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
Blake pulled into the driveway of the Johnson Therapy Center and instead of stopping at the office, he drove nearly right up to the stairs of Bailey’s loft apartment. It was still a bit muddy from the thunderstorm yesterday. He couldn’t help the wide grin that spread across his face when he thought about it. The thunderstorm could have turned out to be such a horrible thing to wade through, but Bailey had changed it. She had dared him to go against his fear and when it looked like he had nothing left, he focused on her. Seven days was all it took for her to change him and it was beyond incredible. There was no way he could have foreseen any of this happening. Perhaps that is what made it all that much sweeter.
Turning off the engine, Blake opens his door and steps out. He rubs his sweaty palms on the thighs of his black jeans. He takes a deep breath and is about to climb the stairs when he hears the door open. Looking up, he completely forgets why he was nervous. Standing on the landing of the stairs is the most beautiful angel. Bailey is breathtaking with her long blonde hair down and curled slightly. Her makeup soft, her arms bare as he trails his eyes down her white, lacy strapless dress to the tiered hem that brushed her black boots. Bailey clasped her hands in front of her and smiled brilliantly down at him.
Yep. There it goes.
Blake felt his chest constrict and his heart nearly stop beating. He was certain that if she ever truly smiled at him that he would fall in love with her forever. Well, he had been right and his heart was truly gone. It was stolen by an angel.
“You’re early.” Bailey said as she took each stair as elegantly as a queen. Blake could only put his hand over his heart as he still fought for breath. She tipped her head quizzically as he remained silent.
“Are you okay?” Her chocolate eyes widened as she waited for his answer. He could only nod his head and tip a palm up for her to grasp. She came down that last five stairs until only one remained between them. It made her slightly taller than him, but he had the best view into her face.
“I wanted to be early. I needed something before we go.” He nearly whispered, his voice husky and low. Bailey tilted her head to the side as she began to smile. She had read him well and he was pleased by that. He didn’t want to hide and definitely not from her.
Bailey lowered her lips to his and Blake pulled her into his arms. She opened her mouth in surprise, but soon melted into his chest. Her fingers spread from his neck up to the back of his head, anchoring him to her. He held her tightly as he plundered her sweet mouth, taking in the delicious velvet that welcomed him. Blake felt himself getting carried away and there wasn’t time for that. He would love nothing more than to take her back upstairs, but the Sweet Hearts Dance was important to her. He wanted to make today memorable and filled with all things good. He leaned back and firmly imprinted her image in his mind-her full, kiss-reddened lips, her bright eyes and the seductive bloom of her cheeks. Every bit of it he wanted to remember.
“We should go.” He smiled at her and she nodded her head. He could tell that she was nervous and maybe even a bit hesitant. Sliding his arm around her waist, Blake escorted her to the passenger side door and opened it up. Helping her inside his truck, he took a deep breath. There would be a great many firsts today.
They pulled into the parking lot of the community center. Bailey was busy worrying the lace hem of her skirt. They both sat there in the quiet of the truck’s cab and when he couldn’t stand her fretting any longer, Blake reached over and took her hand in his own. He squeezed it when she looked at him. The fear slowly ebbed from her eyes as she came back to him. Bailey was going to have to overcome this particular hurdle, but she wouldn’t be doing it without him.
“Ready?” Blake asked and Bailey looked down at her hem again. “Or we could stay in here for the foreseeable future.” He sighed rather dejectedly and slumped his shoulders like a boy who had no hope of getting the toy of his dreams. Bailey gave him a considering sidelong glance and shook her head.
“No, I’m not hiding out, especially with the most handsome man escorting me.” She offered a sweet smile. Her chest was still rising and falling quickly. He knew the only way to move forward was to move. Opening his door, Blake made his way around the truck’s front to open Bailey’s door.
“I have your back, babe.” Blake kissed her gently on the lips and took her hand in his own. Together they made their way to the building where other couples were entering.
The large ballroom was decorated with silver, pink and white balloons and ribbons. There were tables linin
g the dance floor with white linen table cloths. A DJ and his collection of music, speakers and lights was positioned up on the short stage. The room was already half full and Blake watched everyone. His hypervigilance was taking over as he took down the exits and every person in the room. His chest tightened as did his grip on Bailey’s hand. She winced and then jerked her head to look at him. Irritation was dispelled quickly as compassion took its place and Bailey stepped in front of him. His gaze was brought down to her face as she looked into his eyes with love and affection.
“Trust me, Blake. I have your back as you have mine.” She ran her hand up his arm and stepped a touch closer to his body without pressing up against him. He swallowed hard and nodded. Bailey stayed right beside him as they found a table toward the back where it was darker and less crowded.
People milled around them, but didn’t move closer. Blake noted the looks on their faces as curious. There was no malice or dislike. They were quiet, but not unfriendly and that led him to think that they hadn’t taken the time to get to know Bailey Campbell. Rumor was a terrible thing. It often closed people’s minds without any experience being tendered.
“I’m so glad that you both could make it.” Blake turned to see Matt and a very pregnant woman beside him. “Blake Phails this is my wife, Andy and of course, you know Bailey.” Matt introduced them all and Andy smiled. Her green eyes sparkled as she tried to maneuver around the close tables and chairs.
“It is very nice to meet you, ma’am.” Blake took her hand and squeezed it. He pulled out a chair for her to sit and with a thankful smile, Matt’s wife struggled to settle herself. Blake felt sorry for her. Even being male, he knew what a burden it must be at this final stage of pregnancy.