Grace

by Laura Marie Henion

  For a moment, they stared at one another.

  Grace wondered if Max was equally aware of the attraction, the need and sexual desire. She wondered if Max knew what he did to her. She could feel the warmth of his body against her side and the strength of his arms. His cologne, his manliness filled the air around her. Even that was embracing.

  Grace couldn't help but question whether falling for Max would be a mistake.

  Pondering these thoughts, Grace laid her head back against the pillow. Max represented so much and her need for him had to stem from the losses and the heartache in her life.

  God, Freud would have a field day with me.

  Her father would have liked Max. Grace covered her face with her hands a moment in an attempt to hide the falling tears. She was grateful Max stayed silent as if knowing it wasn't the time to ask questions.

  She was fully aware of her need for him. Physically, he was a large man, and his presence could fill a room, never mind arouse her femininity. Her body called out for his touch, his attention. It was clear she wanted to be with him, to fall into the safety of his embrace and the comfort he could provide.

  Max lowered his body down next to Grace on the bed, holding her close, as if waiting for her breathing to go back to normal.

  Running his hands through Grace's hair, he kissed her forehead softly.

  Grace leaned her head against Max's shoulder.

  "Grace.... Do you want to talk about it?” Max continued to caress her hair.

  She was silent a moment.

  "No."

  "You're not alone, Grace. I'm here, aren't I?"

  She stayed silent. She didn't want to admit her fears. The words echoed in her head three times before she could say them out loud.

  "I'm alone when I close my eyes ... when I dream,” she whispered.

  He apparently heard the slight whimper in her shaking voice. He reached down, cupping Grace's chin in his hand as he spoke softly to her.

  "I'll stay here with you. You don't have to be alone.” He looked deeply into her glossy green eyes.

  "I bet you would,” she replied sarcastically, then tried to pull away.

  She was fighting him every step of the way, but Max was up for the challenge.

  He held her face, made her look into his eyes, force her to see she had no reason to distrust him. Then he placed his lips very close to hers.

  "I told you once before, don't attempt to put up any barriers with me, darling. I will knock every single one of them down."

  As his lips softly covered hers, his hand glided against her cheek and ear.

  As Max continued to take command of Grace's mouth, he rolled halfway across her.

  Grace held onto Max, loving the way he made her feel, enjoying the weight of his large, athletic body against her hipbones, her stomach. She felt the instant warmth between her legs as her heartbeat sped up.

  She needed this man, one she hardly knew and the emotion from her desire and the realization of just how much she needed him got the best of her.

  * * * *

  Max felt the wetness against his mouth and cheeks.

  Grace was crying. Slowly he broke the kiss.

  "Am I scaring you?” He shifted his weight off of Grace.

  She shook her head from side to side as more tears emerged following the same pathway as those before them.

  Max's heart ached with the overwhelming desire to make Grace happy.

  The other night, Max wanted her in the kitchen. He wanted to strip the leather dress from her body and release all that sexual tension between them. But now ... now he felt something stronger, more intense and deeper than just sex alone. He wanted to protect Grace. He wanted to take care of her, to make love to her and as badly as his body ached for her, he had to be sure she felt the same way.

  He bent his head toward Grace and lightly kissed her forehead. “Why are you crying? Do you want me to stop?” Gently Max wiped away the tears and kissed Grace softly on the tip of her nose.

  She tried to speak, but it was obvious she had difficulty getting the words out. Grace slowly moved her hands against Max's cheeks. As she traced his lips with one finger, Max captured it in his mouth. His desire and want surely must have showed.

  A small sound escaped her parted lips.

  He released her finger and his palm went on her waist.

  "Tell me that you want me as much as I want you, Grace. Tell me that you feel it, too. Tell me,” he whispered with their lips inches apart.

  Grace pulled him against her. “I need you. I hardly know you. I thought I hated you ... and here I am needing you."

  Max watched another tear run down her cheek and pool near her collarbone. Then he gently kissed her.

  "I'm here, Grace, and I'm not going anywhere.” He rolled to his side to remove his badge and gun from his hip, reaching to the bedside table to set them down. He slowly straddled her hips.

  * * * *

  Grace felt the nervousness and excitement combined. It had been so long since she allowed herself to feel anything. She couldn't help but wonder if she would fail at making love. Something so simple yet so intense and deep. Could she allow herself to release the fear, give into the need of Max's touch? Her body shook.

  One at a time, Max took each of her hands and lightly kissed her palms, then her wrists. They stared into one another's eyes. Her body felt numb, her mind traveled in a chaos of thoughts and negativity despite her body's natural reaction to Max's touch. He placed them back down against the soft, champagne-colored sheets on either side of her head with his palms against hers. Then he smiled down at Grace.

  Inhaling deeply, he glanced over her body as if contemplating his next move. It was brief and Grace waited with much anticipation. She suddenly felt feminine and desirable.

  She sensed the fluttering and excitement from Max's touch and his lustful stare. She attempted to shift her hips but the weight of Max's body prevented her from doing so.

  Max leaned forward, kissed her then made his way down her neck and throat with his lips. Here and there he would pause ever so slightly to lick her skin that had to taste of salt from the tears that pooled near her collarbone.

  Slowly, he undid the buttons of her blouse. The weight of his knuckles against the fabric of her blouse sent streams of desire through her body. She wanted to feel his skin against her own. Grace inhaled, then exhaled while her arms remained above her head, exactly where he had placed them.

  That small retreat to his control had come naturally. Was she trusting him already? When had he penetrated the walls she so determinately built up?

  Her thoughts were interrupted by his touch, his large, talented hands.

  Meticulously, he was careful not to reveal her flesh at once as if savoring the moment.

  When he finally had all the buttons open, he glided his palm against the fabric and the mounds of flesh it covered from Grace's neck, down her ribs and to her firm belly.

  As if on cue, the silky material spread open, revealing Grace's trim waist and perfectly plump breasts. Max looked into Grace's eyes, kissed her lips softly then smiled.

  "You're perfect."

  He leaned closer, letting his tongue glide against her skin colliding with the satin and lace material of her bra, which served little purpose since it was barely covering each breast.

  Holding her bra and the center clip in his hand, he then lightly, slowly, rocked his hips against Grace's. His eyes closed. It looked as if he fantasized about being inside her.

  Grace watched him intently and as Max opened his eyes, he smiled seductively while he expertly undid the clip with one hand. The touch of his fingers against her skin sent goose bumps down her belly to her core. In response, she lifted her torso toward him, closing her eyes.

  They inhaled in unison while the fullness of each mound of flesh parted in freedom. She absorbed the moment, the intensity of being in such a provocative position and content in it.

  Max glided his finger across each mound. Her stomach musc
les responded to his touch as well as the pink flesh that now stood hard at attention. There was no denying her responsiveness.

  Instantly, feelings of impatience replaced any lingering uncertainty. Grace's body responded with more goose bumps and she grabbed a fistful of the sheets trying to maintain some control. The thought made her realize she didn't want to appear easy while simultaneously her body screamed, “Who the hell cares."

  She felt as if she were on a rollercoaster of sensations, of wanting to explode, then trying to maintain control. This was not a normal every day occurrence ... nor a monthly one for that matter.

  Trying to maintain composure was useless once Max's mouth attempted to consume as much of her right breast as possible. She moaned ... he sucked deeper.

  The man was on a mission. His hands roamed over her body, touching, caressing while continuing to taste every inch of her skin. He released her breast and as she inhaled a recovery breath, he moved onto the other.

  She held his shoulders, rubbed the palms of her hands up and down the length of his arms. She wanted to see his body as she began to unbutton the top button to his dress shirt.

  "Max..."

  Grace ran her fingers through his hair as Max continued to drive her wild.

  Momentarily, he stopped to assist Grace and remove his shirt to toss it to the chair by the side of the bed.

  His fingers crawled in slow motion, seductively under the elastic of the silky lounge pants and between her thighs, preparing Grace for the moment when they would finally become one. She laid the palm of her hand against his cheek and smiled. He continued to seduce her, bringing her body to the next level. He kissed her lips. Softly at first, then more deeply only momentarily stopping to nibble on her bottom lip while his fingers drew her deeper pleasure.

  Moaning quietly, Grace still held back, afraid to give in to the wonderful sensations Max caused within her. A fear of letting go, giving in to the weakness of emotion, desire even just plain lust was difficult to say the least. The fear attacked her all at once out of nowhere. Her eardrums hummed in defiance, her mind argued nonsense points of view that her body just didn't seem to hear. She battled against the walls of control and the openness of letting go and opening up to Max.

  He challenged her resistance.

  "Come on, baby ... let me hear you. Don't hold back,” her lover whispered his demands, and the raspy, sexy voice sent shivers through Grace's body, forcing her to stop fighting the inevitable. She was lost in his eyes and in his touch. Her hips thrust against his hand while she squeezed her eyes tightly.

  Grace knew she could easily fall for a man like Max. He appeared out of nowhere and seemed to know exactly what she needed and wanted, and he was thorough, gentle yet intense. With the desire evident in his eyes, Grace knew he held back for her. There was no doubt in her mind he wouldn't put her needs first.

  Max's lips covered Grace's once again and his tongue demanded this time, his hands thorough.

  As Grace moved her lips against Max's neck. Hearing him moan with pleasure gave her confidence to continue. She began to undo Max's belt buckle.

  He slowly removed his fingers, gliding his hands over her thighs to her hipbone, giving it a gentle squeeze before kissing Grace. Again the kiss started off soft, then he pulled on her bottom lip, giving it a nibble before he stood up from the bed.

  Simultaneously, they removed their clothing, their eyes never leaving one another's. Grace was surprised by the multiple tattoos on Max's defined biceps. They made him appear even more intimidating as well as sexy.

  When he was completely undressed, Max opened his wallet, pulled out a condom then removed the wrapper. Grace watched his leg muscles flex, as he stood to the side of her bed, proud and confident.

  He had every right to be. Grace thought he was a perfect specimen. He winked at her, smiled and was back on top of her again, covering her body with his. A small giggle escaped her lips as excitement and enthusiasm so natural and right that her spirit soared. It was Max. He was amazing in every way and exactly what was missing in her life.

  She couldn't believe she imagined such a deep emotion for a man she hardly knew, so she focused on the moment with no concern for tomorrow.

  Max stared deeply into Grace's eyes before consummating their relationship.

  "I want all of you, Grace, and nothing less. Do you hear me?” His hands now entangled in her silken brown locks, his hold firm and serious.

  Grace hoped he meant that this wasn't some one-time thing, a one-night stand or casual sex. She couldn't be sure ... only time would tell. She was fine with that.

  "Yes. I want all of you, as well."

  Max took that moment to inch his way inside her, slow, deep. She moved her legs, thrust her hips toward his as she straddled his waist. Grabbing onto his shoulders they began their rhythmic motion, their destination to be completely one.

  Grace and Max panted, grabbing, touching every part of one another as they rocked back and forth. Then their fingers entwined, their stares locked as Max slowed down his pace, moving deeply inside Grace. The need and desire appeared to match Grace's and she couldn't help but feel fulfillment with each thrust.

  The longer their bodies locked together as one, the deeper Grace fell. Her eyes closed, her mind only focusing on his touch, his body, the fact they were making love. It was amazing, enlightening.

  "Open your eyes. Don't hide from me,” Max whispered.

  Grace smiled as Max covered her lips with his. He released her lips and their gazes locked again. Grace licked her lips, desire clouding her eyes, and Max obviously couldn't wait any longer.

  He picked up speed. Their bodies collided again and again. She never felt such sensation. The need to want more had her pulling him closer, rubbing her hands along his waist, his shoulders and chest. She just couldn't get enough of him. The combined intensity of penetration and their emotion caused them to explode simultaneously.

  As Grace held him close, kissing his neck, loving the sticky salty coating that now covered both their bodies, Max fell against her. He slowly moved to his side but kept his hand against Grace's hip. Their legs entwined as they inched closer.

  Staring at one another again, neither said a word but smiled, then they moved toward one another simultaneously for a kiss.

  Grace's belly growled and they laughed.

  "I didn't eat today,” Grace admitted.

  "Well ... I took the liberty of invading your refrigerator. I can throw something together."

  He continued to touch her. He couldn't keep his hands off her body.

  "What else did you take the liberty of invading?” Grace asked. She was worried Max would find Jessy's file. It was property of his department not hers and she didn't want Max to think the worst.

  "Don't worry, Grace. I didn't snoop. I just looked at the pictures you have on the wall downstairs."

  Grace nibbled her bottom lip.

  "You look suspicious, Detective Martin. Is there something you'd like to confess?” he teased, then pulled her hips against his.

  "Nothing to confess, Lieutenant, unless you're not telling the truth."

  "If there was information I needed to know, I'm sure you'd tell me.” He kissed her.

  Grace snuggled against Max while he caressed her backside.

  "Oh, really?” Grace grabbed his hand, stopping it over her hipbone.

  "Isn't that what you promised Commander Franklin? Or was that just something between the two of you?” His question was laced with jealousy, and he attempted to remove his hand from her hipbone.

  Grace took his hand and placed hers against it, amazed at the significant difference in size.

  "Don't be jealous, Max. You've misinterpreted my relationship with Gus."

  "Gus, huh?” He raised his eyebrows in surprise.

  "Gus Franklin was a good friend of my father's and he's still good friends with Uncle Nicholas. He's been there for me over the years. We're like family."

  "Like family, huh?” It seemed he tried h
ard not to reveal a smile but still couldn't shake that feeling of uncertainty.

  "I told you all or nothing, Grace. I've never really been the jealous type, but with you, it's automatic. I can't help myself.” He twirled a curl of her hair between his fingers, then brushed his fingertips against her cheek.

  Grace smiled. “There's no need to worry, Max. I'm not seeing anyone and haven't for a while."

  "Me either. So who was your dad? Was he on the ‘job?'” Max asked and Grace's chest tightened instantly.

  She could do this. She could tell Max about her parents but nothing more.

  "I didn't mean to shock you, Grace. Is this too personal or something?"

  Grace closed her eyes a moment as if not looking at Max would make it easier to respond.

  "It's just difficult for me. My dad was a cop, a detective. He worked with Uncle Nicholas for years. He and my mother were murdered.” Grace then took a deep breath. Amazingly, it wasn't as bad as she thought it would be. It had to be Max. The thought made her happy, relieved.

  "I'm so sorry, Grace. I had no idea."

  "No, don't be sorry. It happened many years ago when I was a child. I thought I would have too difficult of a time telling you, Max. It's hard for me to talk about it, that's all."

  "That's understandable."

  Max pulled her closer to him and Grace grabbed the blanket to cover them.

  "Oh, don't do that.” Max pushed the sheets back down.

  He had noticed the short scar above Grace's hipbone. He trailed his finger around the perimeter of the scar, then over the mound of flesh she had unsuccessfully tried to cover up.

  "How did you get this?"

  Grace turned onto her side, covering her breasts with her arm.

  "You have no reason to be shy, Grace. You're perfect."

  Grace snuggled her face against Max's collarbone, and he rubbed his hands over her backside then thigh.

  "Well?"

  "It's a long story. I got the scar while trying to play super cop."

  Max smiled. “I've got a few of those, as well."

  Grace didn't want to tell Max about the scar or how her partner in Vegas Metro nearly died. They had been chasing a murder suspect. The guy had just brutally killed his girlfriend in front of a crowd of people. Grace and her partner, Jim, had gotten the call and were the first to respond on the scene. With their suspect in their sights, they were engaged in a six-block foot pursuit.