by Wayne Jordan
* * *
They followed the trail in silence, only pausing when Eboni wanted to take a closer look at something that struck her fancy. Each time she stopped she could feel his gaze on her, but she did not let his attention deter her. Living in New York, she rarely got the opportunity to experience nature, except for the occasional visit to Central Park.
Eboni inhaled deeply, savoring the freshness of the air. Beneath her, Lady maintained a steady canter, but she could tell the mare preferred to run with the wind. Hopefully, if she were invited to Scarsdale again, she’d have the opportunity to take the horse on a gallop.
Soon, they pulled into a clearing, the honey locust and ash trees giving way to a smattering of picnic tables in a well-maintained picnic area. The area had been skillfully created to blend into the natural foliage. Beyond the tables, ducks played in a shallow pond.
Eboni turned to Darren. “This is beautiful,” she said.
“I knew you’d like it,” he replied, dismounting and tethering his horse to the tie rail. Eboni followed suit as she tied Lady next to Rafe. She reached for the basket but he shooed her away.
“I’ll take it,” he insisted. “It’s heavy.”
She glared at him, walking over to one of the tables under the canopy of a vibrant honey locust tree. He followed and set down the basket.
“I’ll put the food out, but for now I just want a bottle of water. Want one?” he asked.
“Sure,” she replied, still annoyed at him. Why did men think that all women were weak imbeciles?
He handed her the bottle of water.
“Thanks,” she said, taking it from him. Their fingers touched and he held her hand in his. Flames sparked between them.
“The water,” she said, gasping for air.
He reached for her, pulling her up against him, his body pressed hard against her, his erection evident.
Her heart beat faster. She was as aroused as he was. The blood in her head pounded until she felt as if she would faint with her need for him. She now understood the meaning of the word swoon.
He leaned in, cupped her face and laid his mouth on hers, nibbling softly.
She closed her eyes, a warm sensation spreading through her body.
Instinctively, her lips parted, allowing his tongue to slip inside. She kissed him back, deepening the kiss, until she could taste him. His breath came faster as his hands cupped her breasts, his thumbs rubbing through the fabric to tease her aching nipples. She moaned with pleasure when he parted her legs, but immediately pulled away at the sound of laughter in the distance.
“This is definitely not the right place for this,” Darren gasped.
“It appears it’s not,” she said, trying to control her breathing while straightening her blouse at the same time.
She sat at the table, watching as he opened the basket, his face expressionless as if nothing had happened.
Four horses appeared carrying a man, a woman and two boys.
He gave her a sidelong glance. “We’ll continue this later,” he promised.
She smiled. She could wait a few hours, but she anticipated what would come.
* * *
Darren lay on the bed, wondering if her shower would ever end. As soon as they entered the bedroom, he’d torn off his clothes, but after a long day outdoors, Eboni had insisted they shower. All day he’d ached for her, all day he’d wanted her, but the family’s presence had made it impossible.
He’d enjoyed the company of the others at the picnic spot, like she had, but throughout the day he’d seen her looking at him with fire burning in her eyes. Just after two o’clock, after a game of football with the boys, they all decided to pack up and call it a day. The ride back to the stable and the drive home had seemed to take forever.
He heard the shower stop and his penis jerked in response. He wanted her so badly.
When she stepped into the bedroom, she’d wrapped a towel around her.
“Take the towel off,” he ordered.
Immediately, she dropped it and he sucked in his breath.
She stood there, not moving, as if waiting for his next command. She thought he was in charge. Little did she know, he’d never been in charge. From the moment he’d met her, all his attempts at control had gone out the window.
“Come,” he growled with desire.
She obeyed, moving seductively toward him. When she reached him, she straddled him, but he flipped her over on her back, immediately lifting her hips to bury his face in the mound between her legs.
She smelled good, a combination of woman and the floral-scented shower gel she used.
He placed his mouth against her, letting his tongue slip between the delicate folds. He tasted her. His tongue found her sensitive nub and flicked it, causing her to writhe beneath him. Her hands grabbed his head, forcing his tongue deeper inside her, until she exploded without warning, her orgasm coming powerful and strong. Her body convulsed and she cried out his name.
Darren lowered her hips, used his knees to ease her legs apart. He reached across to the bedside table, groping around until he found one of the condoms. He opened the package quickly, rolling it onto his hardened length.
He raised her legs, her wantonness exciting him even more. When he entered her, he felt as if he were coming home, as if he’d been away too long from this special place.
Her gasp of excitement echoed his. He paused for a moment, enjoying the feel of her wetness, her readiness. He rotated his hips, allowing his penis to explore all of her, the friction intensifying his enjoyment, heightening his pleasure.
And then he gave in to his body’s needs. He pulled out slowly and then pressed in again...out and in, settling into a smooth rhythm.
His hands curved around her buttocks, allowing him to thrust slowly and deep. Beneath him, she groaned, intensifying the sensation building inside him.
She clutched his back and her fingers caressed him, sending additional sensations down his back. Her teeth found his earlobe. She nipped and blew gently into his ear, causing him to shiver with desire.
He shifted his head, getting relief from the tickling sensation, and he rained soft kisses across her cheek, and then captured her mouth with his.
He watched her face, seeing the desire there. He pulled out of her slowly, and then eased in again until she begged him not to stop.
And then she groaned, a guttural sound that increased his excitement. His thrusts deepened as he moved faster in and out of her.
Sweet pain coursed along his length and he knew he was about to explode.
Her hands gripped his bottom, forcing him even deeper as she screamed her release. Her muscles clenched around him as he gave in to his own orgasm. The sweet rush of liquid along his length coaxed his own cry of pleasure as his body shook with the intensity of the energy flowing through him.
His mouth covered hers, capturing her scream as their bodies locked and rocked in the throes of ecstasy.
With their bodies still heaving, he reached for her, kissing one breast and then the other tenderly.
“Another shower and then we have to get ready to leave.”
As he said the words, a sense of dread washed over him. He didn’t want to go back to Manhattan, but it was inevitable.
He had a company to run and she would be back saving lives.
Their idyllic weekend had come to an end. Tomorrow they would return to the reality of their everyday lives.
But now, he’d prolong the fantasy for a bit longer.
He rose from the bed and lifted her.
“Come take a shower with me,” he insisted, pressing his erection against her.
“Only a shower?” she asked coyly.
“Come and see,” he teased.
She laughed, a joyous sweet sound that filled th
e room with happiness.
Chapter 8
Ebony stared straight ahead at the clock on the wall as she listened to Dr. Belle’s monotonous voice drone on and on. She wanted to get back to work, but she had to endure this session to make it possible.
She stifled a yawn and forced herself to focus.
“It seems to me that you are dealing pretty well with the situation. I would usually recommend another week or two at home, but I believe you’re ready to return to work. However, I want your promise that if the pressure of the job becomes too much, you’ll call me immediately. You know the importance of being mentally as well as physically fit.”
“I know and I promise,” she replied. “I don’t want to be responsible for any of my colleagues’ deaths.”
She cringed inwardly. Was that how she felt? That she was responsible for Marcus’s death? Her hands trembled. She stood abruptly and picked up her handbag.
“When is my next appointment?” she asked.
“In two weeks,” Dr. Belle replied. “The usual time.”
“I’ll be here at nine o’clock,” Eboni said. “I’ll see you then.” She turned and headed for the door.
“And, Eboni,” Dr. Belle added, “take care.”
“Thank you,” she replied, then opened the door and left.
Once in the hallway, Eboni leaned against the cool wall, unable to control the trembling. She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, then exhaled slowly. Soon the turbulent feelings subsided and she walked briskly to the firehouse.
When she stepped inside, she almost jumped out of her skin. All of her coworkers stood before the table with the largest bouquet of flowers she’d ever seen.
She couldn’t speak as tears filled her eyes then ran down her cheeks.
“Welcome back, Wynter,” Captain Ward said, his hand outstretched. “We’re glad to have you back. The firehouse has not been the same without you.”
“Thank you, sir,” she replied, reaching to shake his hand.
Instead, he pulled her to him and hugged her tightly. When she stepped back, she was sure the surprise was still on her face. Captain Ward was not one for outward displays of affection.
“Well, enjoy the little get-together,” he said gruffly, looking slightly embarrassed. “Hopefully, your first day back will be a quiet one.”
Before he could turn and walk away, the alarm sounded.
There went all hope of a quiet day.
Immediately the chatting halted and everyone sprang into action.
* * *
The rest of the week passed in a haze of smoke and fire. Each day of her four-day week, she and the rest of the crew fought fire after fire.
By Friday night, she was cranky and all she wanted to do was soak in a tub of warm water filled with her favorite bubble bath.
When she walked into her condo that night, she could still taste and smell the acrid smoke.
She collapsed on the couch, sighing with relief as her bones melted into the cushions.
Every muscle in her body ached but she was too tired to make it into the bathroom for a long soak in the tub.
There was a knock on the door and she groaned. She hoped it wasn’t her brothers. She’d kill them. She’d warned them not to come by without calling and more recently they’d taken heed to her words.
She got to her feet and dragged herself to the door. She looked through the peephole.
It was Darren.
She opened the door and stepped back to let him in. He was a sight for sore eyes.
“I hope it’s okay to drop by.”
“I’m glad you did.”
“I missed you,” he said unexpectedly. He had a sweet way of surprising her.
“Me, too.”
He reached for her but she pulled back.
“Sorry, but I was at a fire all day and you don’t want to hug me before I have my bath. Give me a few and I’ll be back for all the hugs you want to give me.”
He smiled sweetly. “How about I take a bath with you?”
“Don’t be silly, I’m too filthy from work today. You can wait until I’m done. Make yourself at home.”
Despite her words, he followed her, but when they reached her bedroom, he said, “I’ll wait out here for you. You go take your bath. Take all the time you need.”
She nodded and headed to the bathroom, forcing herself not to look back.
While she could not take the long bath she’d planned, a long shower would have to suffice. She needed to wash all traces of the fire and smoke away.
Half an hour later, feeling relaxed, her hair light and bouncy after a shampoo and conditioning, she returned to the bedroom, only to find Darren naked and fast asleep.
The sight of him stirred her. He must have been as tired as she was.
She lowered herself to the bed, moving close to him, and closed her eyes, a smile on her face.
* * *
When Darren awoke, his gaze immediately focused on the woman he loved deeply. In her sleep, she was as beautiful as she was when she was awake. He reached out to touch her, but stopped. He didn’t want to wake her. She had to be tired.
He was tired, too. Work had been hectic. But he’d ended the day on a good note. He’d sold a property for close to four million. But the overwhelming sense of accomplishment he usually felt was missing. Being with Eboni made him more aware of the truly important things in life. Being with her was changing him.
With her, he felt whole and wanted. He knew that she loved their lovemaking. Sex between them was incredible, but there was something different. He never felt that sex was all she wanted. Being with her in Scarsdale had made him realize that much.
She genuinely liked him and while they were lovers, he hoped she’d eventually want more.
Even though the majority of his friends were either single or divorced, he refused to believe relationships did not work. Several of his close friends were still basking in marital bliss.
Beside him, Eboni stirred.
He willed her to wake up and when her eyes fluttered open, he smiled.
“What are you smiling about?” she asked, her voice husky with sleep.
“Nothing, really,” he replied.
“Don’t give me that,” she countered. “I know exactly what you’re thinking.”
“And pray tell me what that is?” His finger trailed along her cheek.
“That you want me to make love to you.”
“I do?” he said coyly.
When she didn’t respond, he pulled her to him. He gripped her bottom, kneading its firmness. She collapsed against him, her body pressed into his until he could feel every toned muscle.
Her body was one of the things he loved about her. She wasn’t fragile and helpless; instead she radiated strength and control. During lovemaking he never felt as if he needed to be careful.
Tonight, her hair was spread out on the pillow. He looked into her eyes, noticing the emotion there. While he knew her eyes were brown, he’d never noticed the whiskey-colored flecks in them that made them even more beautiful.
He lowered his head, plundering her mouth with his. She shivered. He could already feel the heat of her arousal, of her desire.
She broke the kiss. “I want you to make love to me, Darren.” She moaned her desire, her fingers already finding his chest as she took a hard nub between her nimble fingers.
He moaned. She’d just found one of the most sensitive spots on his body.
She lowered her head and took one pebble-hard nipple between her teeth, nibbling and tugging on it until he could barely stand the pleasure.
She raised her head and looked down at him. He felt vulnerable beneath her. She had all the control.
Her mouth moved downward and she rained k
isses on his chest. Stopping, she teased his navel with her tongue, the sensation making him shiver.
When her mouth reached below, she snuggled there for a moment before moving farther down. By now his erection was hard and painful and he knew that only his release would ease the discomfort.
She lovingly gripped his penis in her hand.
When her lips covered his hardness, he groaned deeply, never wanting the feeling to end. He willingly gave in to the sweet pleasure of her mouth.
* * *
Knock, knock.
Eboni groaned. Who on earth could be at her door so early on a Sunday morning?
It was probably Cheryl. But she was sure she’d told her that she wouldn’t be able to go to the gym since she’d just worked a four-day shift. She hoped Cheryl hadn’t just invited herself over.
She rose quickly from the bed, put her robe on and headed toward the door.
She peered through the keyhole and wanted to scream.
What the hell were all her brothers doing there so early in the morning—and uninvited? It was just after nine o’clock. Unless she was going to work, she didn’t emerge from the confines of her bed until she felt like moving. She would usually watch television, read a book, sleep some more, but rarely did she get up before midday.
She opened the door angrily.
“Morning, sis,” Kemar said cheerfully.
“What are you doing here?” she asked abruptly.
“Mom was worried. She hasn’t heard from you in a while. We promised to stop by,” Maxwell said.
She sighed. Hopefully, Darren would remain in the bedroom until they left.
So much for that.
A low, strangled sound came from Omar and she didn’t have to turn around to know that Darren stood behind her. When she did turn to look at him, at least he was in his boxers.
She glanced down, wondering if, for her sake, the floor would open up and swallow her.
No such luck.
“What’s he doing here?” Kemar demanded coldly.
“With no clothes on?” Omar managed to ask, finally getting his voice back.
“Sure you want to hear, boys?” Darren asked in a cool voice. Her brothers and their noticeable anger obviously had no effect on him.