George hissed and brought his mouth back to hers, while his hands slipped under her top too.
She was too hot. There were too many clothes between them. Moving away she stripped off her top, toeing off her shoes too, and then reached for George, pulling him closer to the bed.
She slipped her hands back under his shirt, feeling the muscles shift in his abdomen as she ran her fingertips up his chest and slipped his shirt over his head.
George watched her. He was holding back, she knew. Letting her take charge, letting her be in control.
She reveled in it.
Pressing up against him, she kissed him. His hands brushed over her back, pausing over her bra strap.
“Undo it,” she said.
Nimbly he unclasped her bra and she shrugged it off. Then it was skin against skin. George slowly lowered his head to take her nipple in his mouth.
Elle forgot to breathe and her legs went weak. She clung to him as his tongue danced and he sucked. Her eyes rolled back in her head.
“You’re so perfect,” George murmured as he drew back.
Elle was too aroused to be embarrassed by his gaze. She reached for his belt, running her hand briefly over the bulge in the front of his pants.
George moaned as she unzipped his shorts, pushing them and his boxer briefs to the floor. She gazed at his body, his subtly defined muscles, his gorgeous thighs and the more than impressive indication he wanted her as much as she wanted him. It was a heady sensation. She was in charge.
Unbuttoning her own shorts, she wiggled out of them and stood naked in front of him.
“You’re killing me, Elle,” he said, his eyes raking her body, but still he stood where he was.
She took his hand, led him over to the bed and gently pushed him on to it. Then she climbed up after him.
***
George pulled Elle close to him, needing to hold her.
He’d not been expecting sex – he hadn’t thought she would be ready – and she’d particularly surprised him with her take-charge attitude. It had been difficult controlling himself, letting her set the pace.
He brushed her nipple, fascinated by her body, not wanting to let go. She sighed, long and satisfied, and George felt himself stir.
She was truly amazing. He wanted to touch, taste and explore every inch of her. He nuzzled her neck in the spot he’d discovered she liked. She turned her head toward him and he captured her mouth, kissing her gently, trying to express how he felt through the kiss alone.
He loved Elle.
If he hadn’t realized it earlier, he would have known for sure now, seeing her in his bed, wanting her there forever.
He brushed his fingertips over her side and she leaned in to him. “You’re amazing,” he said, kissing her mouth, her cheek, her earlobe.
“I feel amazing,” she said with a grin.
Her eyes lit up when she grinned. He kissed the creases at the side of those eyes, unable to keep from touching her. She stretched, arching her back and moaned.
George wanted her again.
“This bed is phenomenal,” she said. “I never knew they came this big.”
“Isn’t that what you’re supposed to say about me?” he asked, keeping things light when all he wanted to do was ask her to marry him.
She smirked, glanced down at the appendage he was referring to, and stroked it.
It immediately responded.
“It does appear to be getting bigger,” she said.
“Give me a minute, honey.”
Elle sighed and snuggled in. “What time is it?”
He glanced at the clock across the room and wished she hadn’t asked. “Almost four.”
“Oh, I need to go soon,” she said, sounding disappointed.
He didn’t want to let her go. “How about a shower?”
“Sure.”
He led her into the master bathroom and turned on both showerheads. When he turned back, she was staring around the room, her eyes wide.
“It’s a bit decadent,” George admitted. When he’d renovated the house, he’d planned it for his future family. The shower had lots of space for the two rainfall heads and there was a huge bath, big enough for two, beneath a window looking out over the garden.
“A bit,” Elle agreed. “Imagine lying in a bubble bath on a cold day with a good book.”
He could visualize her there, but in his imagination he was in the bath with her, trying to distract her.
She stepped past him into the shower and George closed the door behind them. He reached for the soap, lathered up the sponge and began to wash her back.
“Mmm, I could get used to this,” she said, turning so he could wash her front as well.
George didn’t comment. He didn’t want to freak her out again.
Instead, he continued his steady strokes, lathering up her body and trying to remember she had to leave soon.
“My turn,” she said when he was finished, and took the sponge from him, adding some more soap and rubbing his back.
George closed his eyes and let himself enjoy the sensation. How long would it take for him to convince her they needed to be together? How could he make her come around?
When she’d finished washing him, he rinsed then turned off the shower, handing her a towel.
She buried her head in it. “So soft.”
He’d come to take the luxury he’d surrounded himself with for granted. He’d never been poor. His father was a successful builder and his mother ran the business side of the company. There had been plenty of food to go around, and always money for school excursions and clothes.
He’d been careful to hide it, but Elle’s apartment had been somewhat of a shock to him when he’d first visited it. Second-hand, worn furniture, stained ceilings and so small you could be talking in the kitchen and someone could hear you down the hall in the bedroom.
He wanted to provide her with luxury. He wanted to take care of her, shower her with gifts – not to buy her love, but because she deserved the finer things in life.
Concentrating on drying himself, he followed her back into the bedroom as she dressed.
“You might want to put on some clothes if you’re going to drop me off,” she said.
He wasn’t ready to let her go. “Why don’t you call Libby and get her to drop Toby off here?” he suggested. “You could stay for dinner. I’m sure I’ve got something in the freezer.” If not, there was a supermarket down the road.
Elle hesitated. He wished he could tell what she was thinking. “I’m not sure,” she said.
Though disappointed, he didn’t want to push. “No problem. I’d better get dressed then.” He dressed quickly, and then drew Elle in for another kiss. “When can I see you next?”
Elle sighed, resting her head against his chest. “I’ll call you.”
Don’t rush her. “Come on. I’ll take you home.”
He kept up a light conversation on the drive back to her apartment, talking about his plans for the week. She was the most relaxed she’d been since he’d met her. Maybe that’s what great sex did.
He parked and accompanied her up to her apartment. The neighborhood wasn’t the worst in Houston but he wanted her somewhere else – preferably his place.
“Thank you for a lovely day,” Elle said, when she’d unlocked the door and pushed it open.
“I should be thanking you. You planned it.”
“Yes, I did, didn’t I?” she said, smiling.
He grinned. “I’ll call you tomorrow.” He kissed her long and slowly.
Too soon, she drew back on a sigh. “I look forward to it.” Still smiling, she closed the door.
George turned and walked slowly back down to his car. He was determined to win Elle’s love, but for the first time in his life, he was uncertain. It meant too much to fail. He had to take it slowly.
There was one person who might be able to help him work out what to do.
He got out his cell and dialed a number. When it was answered, h
e said, “Hi Mom. Can I get some advice?”
Chapter 16
Elle closed the door behind George and sat on her sofa. She’d lied to him. It hadn’t been a lovely day: it had been the best day she’d had in years.
She’d learned more about George, had completely chilled out watching one of her favorite movies, and had incredible sex with a man she cared for.
Her cheeks warmed. Sex had never been like that for her. She’d always felt helpless: Dean had controlled every touch, every movement. She’d never known she could feel so in control.
George had let her take charge.
She’d been so tempted to accept his offer of dinner, to stay longer, but she didn’t want to get too comfortable being at his place. Not until she figured out where this was going.
She was already looking forward to their next encounter, which she acknowledged was likely to be some time away. Checking the time she sighed. Her day for herself was almost at an end. She had to find something for dinner.
Searching through the freezer she had just found enough ground beef to make enchiladas when Toby burst through the front door.
“Mom, Mom, I’m home!”
Elle hurried out of the kitchen and opened her arms wide for a hug. When he ran over, she enclosed him in her arms. She loved him so much.
“What did you get up to today?” she asked as she stood and smiled a greeting at Libby and Kate.
“We went swimming, and played Go Fish and chutes and ladders.”
“That sounds nice. Did you thank Kate and Libby for having you?”
“Yep, lots of times. And then we went to the Space Center!”
The twinge of envy was immediate. She’d been planning on taking Toby to the Space Center soon, when she took her next day off.
“Were you well behaved?” she asked.
“Course,” he said and grinned at her. “There were astronaut suits like the toy Uncle Jamie gave me!” He hurried over to his backpack to get it out.
“Thank you for taking care of him,” Elle said to Libby.
“He was no trouble at all. He’s so well behaved and polite. He and Kate had a great time making each other laugh. We’re happy to have him any time.”
Elle smiled at her. “Thank you.”
“No problem. We’d better get going. Adrian’s cooking dinner and it will be ready soon.”
The expression on Libby’s face when she mentioned Adrian was beautiful. She smiled and got doe-eyed.
“I’ll talk to you later,” Elle said and closed the door behind them.
Would she ever get doe-eyed over a man again?
***
The next day the phone rang and Elle answered it, hoping it would be George.
“Elle, it’s Imogen. Do you and Toby want to come to the Fourth of July party I’m having at my place?”
Elle checked the calendar out of habit. The café would be closed as all her staff had plans. “We’d love to come.”
They arranged the details, then Elle hung up and started drying the dishes. It would be another day she could be with George. Were they spending too much time together? What they had together wasn’t serious, they’d already agreed to that. But she did like hearing his voice and being with him. She gave in to temptation and called George.
“Hi, Beautiful. I was hoping you’d call.”
Elle smiled at his voice. It was calming and sexy at the same time. “What have you been up to?”
“Wrangling artists.” He sounded tired.
“Ophelia again?”
“Among others. What about you?”
“Same as usual, though my stamina is improving.”
“And it’s already impressive.”
Elle laughed.
“Are you going to Imogen’s on Friday?” George asked.
“Yes. Toby will be counting the sleeps when I tell him.”
“That’s great.” There was a pause and then he asked, “Can I drop by the café some time tomorrow?”
“Sure. Why?”
“Because I miss you.”
Elle smiled. She missed him as well. “I’ll see you then.” She hung up and hugged herself.
Tomorrow seemed a little bit brighter.
***
George timed his day to make sure he got to the café by ten, when he knew things quieted down a bit. He took his laptop with him so he could sit and do some work until Elle needed the table.
Elle came out of the kitchen and spotted him, her smile instant. He grinned back at her. He liked the fact she smiled now when he came in. He walked over and pulled her into his arms. “Morning.”
“Morning,” she said and kissed him.
It was brief and he wanted more, but he would make do for now.
“Take a seat and I’ll make you a coffee. Toby’s still in the playroom if you want to say hello.”
George moved straight to the playroom. He’d missed Toby as well as his mother. When he ducked his head through the door he found Toby and Miranda playing with an astronaut and cowboy – there was some kind of space cowboy thing happening. He grinned.
“Hey, kiddo.”
Toby looked up and a big smile crossed his face. “Hi, George.” He got to his feet and ran over to give him a hug.
George’s heart melted.
“Uncle Jamie gave me an astronaut.” Toby showed him the doll.
“That’s pretty neat,” George said.
“It is,” Toby agreed. “I want to be an astronaut when I grow up.”
“It’s a cool thing to be. Hey, Miranda.” She’d come over as well.
Nora dashed into the room. “Harry’s here. Grab your backpacks.”
George followed Nora back out into the café and together they said goodbye to the kids as Harry took them out for the day.
He sat down at his table and took his coffee from Elle. “Have you got time to sit down?”
Elle glanced around the shop. “Maybe five minutes.” She pulled out the chair across from him and sat down. “What are you working on?” She indicated the laptop George had yet to set up.
“Marketing and promotion.” Along with a whole heap of other things. “Are you free for dinner?” He was trying not to push, but damn he wanted to see her more.
Elle smiled. “That would be great. What time?”
“Come over after you lock up.” Toby would be hungry.
She nodded and stood up. “I’d better get back to work.”
She walked over and greeted a customer, showing her to a table.
His heart always felt as if it was twice as big whenever he was around her. Smiling to himself, he booted up his laptop, but instead of starting work, he went to some recipe websites to decide what he could make to impress his future family.
***
Elle pulled into George’s driveway and wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans. She wasn’t sure why she was so nervous. She’d had dinner with him before and it hadn’t been a big deal.
She helped Toby out of the car, then they walked up to the house and knocked on the door.
George opened the door, wearing an apron and holding a wooden spoon. “Come in. Close the door behind you.” He dashed away toward the kitchen.
Toby giggled. “George is wearing an apron.”
“He sure is.” Somehow he made it look sexy. “He’s in the middle of cooking dinner.”
They walked into the kitchen to the aroma of spices, white wine and something else. “Smells divine,” Elle said. “What are you making?”
“Risotto,” George said, stirring the pot. “Sorry, it requires constant stirring. Help yourself to some wine. There’s juice in the fridge for Toby.”
Elle got them both a drink. “Can I do anything to help?”
He looked slightly frazzled. “Should we eat inside or outside?”
“Inside.” The weather was sweltering. “Do you want me to set the table?”
“Please.”
Elle stepped over to him and ran a hand down his back. “Don’t stress.” She
kissed his cheek.
George grimaced. “I wanted to impress you.”
Ridiculously pleased, Elle kissed him again. “You do, just by being you.” Toby was looking out the back door, holding his glass of juice. He was happy so she left him there while she got cutlery out of the drawer and went to set the table.
In the dining room, her steps slowed. George had already put a white tablecloth on the table and a vase with flowers in it. He’d gone to a lot of trouble for what she had thought was a simple dinner. Was there something more to it?
She hoped not.
Determined to be casual about it all, she set the table and returned to the kitchen, where Toby was now at the stove, standing on a chair, stirring the risotto.
“How’s it going, kiddo?” George asked from where he was slicing up vegetables for a salad.
“It’s dry.”
George went over and poured more liquid into the pan. “Good job. Keep stirring and tell me if you’re getting tired.”
Elle’s heart swelled at the lovely domestic scene. Toby often helped her in the kitchen and here George was, letting him help too. George would make a great dad.
She froze. Where the hell had that thought come from? She shouldn’t be thinking like that. She wasn’t searching for a father figure for Toby any more than she needed a husband for herself.
No, she’d rushed into her last relationship and she wasn’t going to make the same mistake again. Perhaps she should cool things with George for a little while, or reiterate she didn’t want a relationship. Or was it too late? If Piper had spent this much time with a man, Elle would have classified it as a relationship.
So, how the hell had that happened?
Her heart was beating rapidly and she slid into a chair, taking a sip of wine.
“Are you all right?” George asked.
She forced a smile. “Yes. Just resting my feet.”
George held her gaze for a moment longer before continuing his salad preparation.
There had to be some way to slow down what was happening, to stop it getting out of control. She wasn’t ready to trust herself yet, not when she’d made such a huge mistake the last time. She couldn’t afford it.
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