by Lane,Lena
Reacting to his onslaught, her body craved him. Already, her insides were clenching, wanting him to fill her. She bent over a little bit and rubbed him again. It was her turn to sneak a hand around, to touch him. While he was busy with her breast and neck, she grabbed his crotch. Although she was very distracted, she managed to undo his zipper but then struggled with the button at the waist. She growled with frustration.
Still pinching a nipple with one hand, he undid the button with his other. “Thank you,” she hissed as she snuck her hand home. He was so big and ready, already hard, which was fine with her, since she was more than ready for him. She leaned forward, using the wall for balance, and he lifted her skirt. No bikini bottoms this time, pink or otherwise. Tonight she was prepared with a sexy thong.
He moved the underwear out of his way and then slid a finger right in. “All ready for me,” he groaned in her ear. Quickly, he sheathed himself with protection, and in one swift move, slammed into her, rough, hard, fast. She gasped at the intensity of being so full so suddenly. The lights flickered around them, and the heavy metal drove them. She swore he was keeping tempo with the fast drums of the music.
Scott drove them at a fanatical pace, needing an immediate release. The act was so fierce, so piercing, she didn’t have time to tense up. Her climax washed over her in waves, and she squeezed him within her, asking him to join her. With a primitive growl in her ear, he did. Satisfied, she sighed and flattened herself against the wall for support.
There would be no tenderness here; there was no time. He pulled back and fixed his pants quickly, giving her a slap on the butt when he was done. Knowing she couldn’t waste time recovering from the session, however intense it was, she grabbed her vest straps. She was fumbling with the clasps when the lights stopped flashing and the music grew faint.
Sarah’s cheeks were blazing red as she walked out to meet Bas. She wondered if Bas could tell what had just happened, and she avoided his eyes. She hoped he attributed her red face to the thrill of the game and nothing more.
“Well, that round mustn’t have been exciting,” Bas said, looking at the stats on the computer. “Only a few shots fired.” His gaze bounced between them. “You couldn’t find each other?”
Thankfully, Scott answered because she’d lost her voice altogether. “It wasn’t until the end that we came together.”
She blinked at him repeatedly. Did he just say that?!
He winked at her. “C’mon, Sarah, you look flustered. I’ll take you home.”
Sarah began to walk away before she remembered some manners. Over her shoulder, she said, “Have a great night, Bas.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Great Times
Scott had seen many women holding hands with many men. It was common enough. Really, he had no problem with public affection; he’d engaged in plenty of his own. At some points, he’d even crossed the line into the illegal kind, doing things in public that should remain behind closed doors. He didn’t care. He’d even seen ex-girlfriends with new men but never had he experienced such disgust as he felt now.
Dear Cousin Dave was holding hands with Sarah as they sat by the pool. Sharon had invited most of the family to their childhood home for their annual family Fourth of July barbecue. This included Dave, of course, and apparently his date for the day, Sarah.
They hadn’t seen each other since that night when they’d played laser tag. It’d been a pretty good night, far better than he’d planned. After the game, he’d driven her home and they’d chatted about movies. Nothing of real importance. She hadn’t invited him in, which was fine, he would’ve declined anyway. But he’d expected to see her again in the few weeks after. Unfortunately, business had picked up and he’d been spending his days running around. Scott wondered if Dave had been keeping Sarah busy in his absence.
Beautiful Sarah was looking stunning in a tiny pink bikini, reminiscent of the bottoms she’d worn during their first encounter. Her skin was kissed by the sun and currently glistening with the sunblock Dear Cousin Dave had applied on her. Scott had been in the house grabbing a beer when he saw it happen through the kitchen window. She’d been lying on the pool chair, her flat belly begging for a kiss as Dave rubbed lotion on her body.
And that’s when Scott first experienced the unpleasant sensation of jealousy. It was a new feeling for him, and Sharon had had to explain it to him. She’d come in for a drink too when she saw him, standing by the sink, staring out the window.
“Hey, what are you looking at?” Sharon had asked, leaning over the sink to try to see for herself.
Dismissing her question, Scott had walked away, calling over his shoulder, “Nothing.”
But Sharon had a history of being a nosy busybody, always asking questions about things that were none of her business. Scott had ignored her, of course, and had gone to sit at one of the tables setup outside. He’d started a conversation with his great aunt, who proceeded to share with him the story of how she’d purchased the best summer sandals she’d had in years. Sharon had followed and sat at the same table, feigning interest in Great Aunt Betty’s story, while keeping her eyes on Scott. And apparently noticing how Scott’s eyes constantly traveled to the pool, where a pretty brunette named Sarah sat holding hands with Dave.
“Burgers and dogs are done!” Someone had called, and Great Aunt Betty had gone off to find herself some lunch. Not interested in food at the moment, Scott had stayed behind to drink his beer. Sharon had also remained at the table, not for the beer but for the gossip she expected Scott to share with her. Even if he had no intention of doing so.
“Do you know her?” Sharon had asked without preamble.
“Yes.” There was no use in lying to her. By now, he knew, Sharon had guessed the truth.
“Have you slept with her?” She probed.
Scott took a long swig of his beer. “Why must you insist on sticking your nose into everyone else’s business?” He took another gulp. He speared her with a quick glance before looking back at Sarah. She was sitting up now, speaking to Dave’s parents and smiling gracefully.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” She paused watch at Sarah and Dave, too. “Does he know?” Scott ignored that question, too. “I’m going with a no on this, considering he’s just introduced her to Uncle Tom and Aunt Loretta.” Sharon had sat back in her chair and had begun to play with the fringes of her bikini top. “I never imagined I’d ever see you jealous over a girl. I think I’m going to record this as a historical event.” She had stood and began to look around. “Where the hell is Sammy? He’s going to love this.”
Scott had had enough of her rambling. “Shae, you keep your mouth shut.” Using an old trick, he’d stood up and used his height to bully his little sister. “Why don’t you go find something better to do with yourself?” Really, she had no idea what she was talking about and now she was making up stories and was about to throw gossip around. There was no need for this crap.
Suspicion had entered her eyes. “You’re very sensitive about this girl, Scotty.” She had looked at him with laughter in her eyes and grinned with a hunch. “Oh, my God, can it really be?” Sharon had looked at him, blue eyes wide with shock. “Do you love her?”
“Of course not.” Arrogantly, he’d sat back down and grabbed his beer again. “Why do you always have to be such a girl?” It wasn’t meant to be a compliment. Of course he didn’t love her. He barely knew her. Lusted after her, for sure, but that was about it. She was fun to be with, that’s all.
“Well, you obviously care about her. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t be trying to kill Dave with your glare. Let me guess, fire?” Once again she had followed his gaze.
“Sharon, I’m not jealous of Dave. Nor am I imagining him on fire.” Shaking his head, he’d said, “Go away, I’m trying to enjoy the Fourth and get drunk.” He had taken another drink from the bottle, blatantly ignoring her.
“Fine.” She’d said, throwing her hands in the air. Sharon had spun around and walked away, looking for bet
ter company, he presumed.
Scott had been telling the truth; he hadn’t been imagining Dave on fire. He’d been fantasizing about throwing his dear cousin into the pool and forcing him to stay there until he decided to leave Sarah alone. Instead, Scott remained at the table with Great Aunt Betty and Great Uncle Chuck, who had just returned with their lunch. Now he pretended to care as they talked about their Friday night bingo games. “Great times,” he mumbled under his breath and then he drank some more beer.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Family Portrait
The food was delicious and Sarah had eaten far more than she should have. She lazed on the pool chair like a stuffed lion, enjoying the feel of the sun on her skin. Drowsily, she watched everyone around her. Dave’s family was so warm and sweet. It was no less than what she’d expected. They were an extension of the man.
Sharon had stopped by a few minutes ago to say hello, her appearance reminding Sarah that this was also Scott’s family, although she hadn’t seen him yet. Scott’s sister looked very much like a female version of him, with stunning blue eyes and full lips. Sarah imagined she did very well in sales, considering how friendly she was. And her gorgeous face and arresting body would certainly aid her in business.
Sharon had only sat with Sarah for a minute or two, but somehow managed to ask several probing questions about her relationship with Dave. Sarah had smiled and answered them as honestly as possible, considering her need to keep certain things private, especially certain things about her brother. “Yes, Dave is really a great guy.” Followed by, “No, things aren’t serious yet,” ending with, “No, I haven’t met all of the family but I’ve met your brother Scott.” That last answer produced a mischievous smile from Sharon, eerily similar to one of Scott’s. It made Sarah a bit nervous and she blinked rapidly, wondering what was in store for her. Still, she had enjoyed their quick chat.
Throughout most of the afternoon, Dave had stood by her side, making sure Sarah was happy and that she had everything she needed. But his attention was almost overwhelming. She had wondered if it would be rude to go inside and hide in the house somewhere, then quickly dismissed the idea since everyone else was outside. Luckily, the sun was tinting the sky with the gorgeous colors of sunset, purples and oranges. Soon enough, the fireworks would start and then she could head home.
Sarah wasn’t sure if Dave hoped this would be the first of many family get-togethers with her, but she knew better. He was so sweet, gentle, and kind, but there was no spark. Days and nights with Dave would equal boredom. Sarah hung her head in sadness. It wasn’t fair to him, either, considering he did everything right. The only problem was that he wasn’t Scott.
The night air blew a cool breeze, chilling her, and she seized the opportunity. Turning to Dave, she told him, “I’m getting cold so I’m going inside to change. Be right back.” She stood up and wrapped her beach towel around her waist.
“Do you want me to go with you?” He offered sweetly, getting ready to stand.
“Nah,” she said quickly, “I’ll be fine.” Before he could insist and follow her, she headed for the house.
Just as she reached the back door, it swung open. Standing there was the man she’d been secretly looking for all afternoon—possibly the reason she’d come at all. Her heart began to pound and her belly turned excitedly, the dragon spreading its wings to fly. Looking as gorgeous as ever in jean shorts and a gray T-shirt, Scott stopped and leaned against the door when he saw her.
“Good evening, Sarah,” he said smoothly, the deep rumble of his voice resonating within her.
“Hi.” Unfortunately for Sarah, she was not as suave. Even that simple word came out as more of a sigh than an actual word.
“Would you care to come inside?”
I would like to go wherever you are… “Yes, I need to change.” She looked down to emphasize her lack of attire. “It’s getting cool.”
He stepped back to welcome her in. “Where is your… Where are your clothes?”
Frowning, she realized she didn’t actually know. “I’m not sure.” She looked around and paused to think. “A blonde took my backpack when I got here.”
He raised a sarcastic brow. “A blonde?” She shrugged. At her lack of additional information, he continued, “Sarah, have you noticed how many blondes are here today?” The harshness in his tone surprised her.
Chagrined, she simpered. Quite a number of his family members were blonde. Some were dirty blonde, while a few others were strawberry blonde. “Um, pale blonde with a short bob?” Sarah made a cutting motion along her chin to indicate the length of hair.
“Maddie,” he stated. Waving her inside, he said, “I’ll send her a text. No matter where she is, her phone is close by.” Pulling his own phone from his shorts pocket, he began to text, absently closing the door behind Sarah after she stepped inside.
“Thanks.” Awkwardly, she walked over to the kitchen counter and placed her hands on it, not knowing what to do with herself.
It was strange to be in Scott’s childhood home. She wondered if it had changed over the years. Probably, considering that his brother and father built new houses. It wouldn’t be a stretch to think they would’ve started with this one. Looking around, she noticed it had a similar feel to the house on Oak Hill, with an open first floor living area. From where she stood in the kitchen, she could see the dining room and the living room beyond it.
Unlike Oak Hill, however, this place was a home. There were things scattered around that were unique to this family. There were pops of red everywhere; the mixer in the kitchen, the pillows on the living room furniture, the tablecloth in the dining room. Someone had added flowers and plants to soften the place, too. There were also signs of life; the kitchen was a mess, including dirty dishes in the sink, and there were summer jackets hanging by the door and mail on the table in the foyer. Sarah could also see pictures hanging on the walls and was tempted to get closer. She wondered if one of them contained a young Scott.
“It won’t be long,” Scott said, interrupting her musings by putting the phone down on the bar in front of her. With the text sent, he leaned a hip against the bar and watched her, his blue eyes intense. There was a sharpness to his gaze that hadn’t been there during their previous meetings, certainly not the last time they’d met, when he’d been charming and playful.
“Thanks again,” she said. Nervously, she blinked rapidly and began to tap the countertop. “This is a beautiful home. Did your sister decorate this one, too?”
“No,” he said, shaking his head. Looking around, he said, “This house has my mother’s touch. She’d just finished redecorating it before she died.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry for your loss,” Sarah said quickly.
“Yeah,” he said sullenly. He crossed his arms and continued to look distant.
When he didn’t continue, she prompted, “How long?”
“A couple of years.” He shook his head. “But today is a day to have fun.” His lackluster tone belied the words. His tone remained cool, his eyes cooler still.
Not wanting to pry, she said quickly, “Yes, of course.” He would share the story with her when he was ready. As the silence stretched, Sarah began to look around again.
Grudgingly, he offered, “Would you like the grand tour?”
“Yes, please,” she replied with a grin. Anything besides awkward silence.
So far, she’d only seen the kitchen and the back yard as Dave had used the side door when they arrived. After a quick round of introductions to random family members who’d been clustered around the table picking at food, Dave had led Sarah outside. Soon after, she had taken off her summer dress to sit by the pool in her bathing suit. Dave had told her to come prepared for swimming, so she had worn the bathing suit underneath her clothes.
Looking for a place to leave her backpack, Sarah had returned to the kitchen. Maddie had been there, cutting up watermelon, and in the accommodating manner Sarah was beginning to associate with the whole family, Ma
ddie had offered to take it. Without a second thought, Sarah had given her the backpack and returned to sit by the pool. Now, she was thankful for her lack of forethought because it had gained her some time with Scott and a chance to see the house.
The tour he started to give her was similar to the ones she’d experienced at their showings. He presented facts and pointed out selling features. But she wasn’t a buyer, so she stopped him with a touch to his forearm as they reached the living room. “Hold a sec.” As she’d suspected, there were family pictures scattered about, but she walked over to the family portrait hanging above the fireplace first.
It had been taken somewhat recently, since the Scott in the photo mirrored the Scott standing beside her, with laughing blue eyes and a carefree grin. In the center was Sharon, smiling beautifully, of course. To her left was another male, a brother, Sarah assumed. He was a bit more serious, with darker, longer hair and a goatee. Maybe not as playful as Scott but still happy, as he also had a smile even, if it didn’t reach his eyes. Behind the three kids stood an older couple with pale hair. Sarah couldn’t tell if it was white or just really pale blond. Perhaps it was a blend of both. It was easy to see the family resemblance in the picture as each kid had a blend of their parents’ features.
“This was taken just before the car accident.” Scott crossed his arms across his chest as he looked at the portrait, too. “Actually, it was three years ago this month. She’d had to bribe Sammy with her marble cheesecake to get him to agree to do this.” Looking at her with a wry smile, he shook his head. “Sammy doesn’t sit for pictures, but he’d do just about anything for her marble cheesecake.” Scott laughed softly. “So Fourth of July that year, Sammy got an entire cheesecake, all to himself.”
“No sharing? With anyone?” Sarah said jokingly, trying to lighten the mood.