Rafe’s eyes moved from the page to Eleanor’s and observed her watching him closely. “I think I know what the author was trying to say. The help I gave you, here at Bellamy House, was really lifting up my own life.”
“Is that why you kept coming back, even when I first told you to leave?”
Nodding, he said, “Yeah. I couldn’t leave you alone. I didn’t want you here by yourself. I couldn’t stand the idea that I was still mired in the muck of my former life. Helping you, helped me.”
Eleanor peered into his eyes, the light from the lamp illuminating their depths. “How can this work, Rafe?” she asked, her voice tortured.
“You and me? Oh, babe, we just become us…that’s all we need to do.”
Huffing, she said, “To quote Charlotte’s Web, ‘Most people believe anything they see in print.’ You and I would always face that kind of cruel comparison. Your beauty to my beast.”
He reached his hand to cup her face, his fingertips skimming the scars on her neck. “Oh, sweetheart, you can’t let what others say interfere with what we have.” He bent forward to place a soft kiss on her lips before pulling back, still seeing the doubt in her eyes. Picking up the book again, he began to flip pages until he found what he was looking for.
“Then you got up all your nerve, took a deep breath, and jumped. For a second you seemed to be falling to the barn floor far below, but then suddenly the rope would begin to catch you, and you would sail through the barn door going a mile a minute, with the wind whistling in your eyes and ears and hair. Then you would zoom upward into the sky, and look up at the clouds, and the rope would twist and you would twist and turn with the rope."
“Don’t you see, Eleanor. I’ll be your rope. You can take that leap of faith and I’ll always catch you.”
A single tear slid down her cheek as she sucked in her lips.
“And please, baby, please, don’t sell your family home. I know everything seemed bleak but—”
Her sudden intake of breath halted his words. “Oh, Rafe, I would never sell Bellamy House.”
His brow creased in confusion. “But, Hayden Development? The bastard’s been here talking to you.”
“He’s not a bastard…honestly. I’m not going to sell Bellamy House to him. But I have been talking to him about something. I just wasn’t sure I was ready.”
“And you haven’t been able to talk to me about whatever’s going on?” he asked, the hurt obvious in his voice.
Reaching out to touch his face, she wiped her finger over his frown. “There are some things I needed to do on my own. Figure out on my own. I needed to trust you again before I shared them.”
“And do you?”
Nodding slowly, she whispered, “Yes. Even before you said you would catch me, I knew I had to learn to fly on my own again. Take chances.” A small smile curved the corners of her lips and a light pink blush touched her cheeks. “But now…now that I know you’ll catch me, I know I can do it.”
“What are you planning on doing?” he asked, shifting his body so that he could see deep into her eyes.
She shifted her gaze away, staring at nothing, seeing the past. “When I was finally discharged from rehabilitation, I came back here, to my home. To the world, I might have hidden away here, but for me it was the only place I wanted to be. Even though being here meant I was faced with the loss of my family every day, I felt closer to them here than anywhere else I could have run to.”
Watching him nod, she sucked in a deep breath before plunging into the next part of her idea. “I’ve toyed with an idea of how to help others for a long time, but could never seem to pin down any particular way. But slowly, being with you…helping you when you were injured, I knew I had to step back into the land of the living.”
She gazed into his face, explaining, “I own acres of land that extend way beyond what you see here. Mr. Hayden is working up a proposal for my lawyer and me to look over. I want to take part of the land nearest the river and build a large rehabilitation center for veteran burn victims. For veterans who have completed their hospital and VA rehabilitation, but aren’t quite ready to go back home, or don’t have a home. It would have apartments and efficiencies, depending on what they need. Visiting nurses, physical and occupational therapists, employee trainers can come as well. It’s ambitious and I’m nervous about putting myself out there—”
He grabbed her cheeks, pulling her in for a deep kiss, mumbling, “Oh, God…so fucking proud of you.”
Eleanor reveled in his kiss, his lips bringing her cold ones to life. Pulling back, she held his gaze saying, “It’s just in the initial planning stages.”
Smiling, he said, “Babe, you jump and I’ll be your rope. But just remember…you’ll zoom upwards.”
Her heart leaped with his words. Nodding, she threw herself into his arms.
29
Rafe’s lips crashed into Eleanor’s, the book falling to the floor as their bodies pressed together. She climbed over the cushions, crawling into his lap. With one hand on her ass he kept her in place, her core tucked against his cock, and the other hand wrapped around her back, pressing her breasts against his chest.
She clutched his hair before sliding her hands around his neck and down his back. Kissing until they needed to separate for air, her chest heaved as she drew in a shuddering breath. She shifted slightly, rubbing her breasts against his firm chest, need pooling in her core.
In a surprisingly fast movement, she grabbed the bottom of her shirt and whipped it over her head, her breasts bouncing right in front of him with the motion. Rafe’s eyes devoured the mounds spilling over the top of her light blue bra.
“Are you trying to kill me?” he groaned, bending his head to capture a satin-covered nipple. Sucking, then nipping at the tender flesh, he smiled as a groan slipped from her lips.
Eleanor brought her hands up, unsnapping her bra, wanting nothing between them. She threw her head back, thrusting her breasts, like a gift, to him. Rafe shifted her higher on his lap, his cock aching to be free, but willed it to wait as he feasted on her breasts, sucking first one and then the other.
Eleanor’s body quivered as she moved on his lap, his hard erection prodding her. He mumbled, his mouth still pressed against her skin and she leaned back slightly to see his face, raw with need. Taking charge, she pushed her palms against his chest, sliding backward off his lap. Standing, she slid her pants down, snagging her panties as they went.
Rafe’s breath caught in his throat at the vision of Eleanor’s naked beauty on full display. Grinning, he leaned forward to snag her back into his lap, but she skirted out of his grip.
Lifting her finger, waggling it in his face, she taunted, “Uh-uh. Not until you are as bare-ass naked as me.”
Leering, he jumped to his feet, laughing as she backed away another foot. Loving the smile on her face, he decided to tease her a little more. “You want this, babe?” he asked, his fingers slowly moving to the bottom of his shirt.
“Hurry,” she demanded.
“You want it faster, you come get it.”
“Aughhh,” she cried, running over to grab his t-shirt, trying to tug it over his head.
Whooping, he scooped her up into his arms and stalked into the bedroom. Laying her down he was filled with the memory of the first time they made love in this very room. Only, this time, it was with a much more at ease, playful Eleanor.
Unable to take the waiting, she bounced off the bed, her hands flying to the zipper on his jeans. He stood, feet planted wide, hands on his hips, grinning. “Come and get it, babe.”
Shooting him a sexy smirk, she carefully lowered the zipper, her eyes devouring him as she pushed the denim and boxers down, freeing his erect cock. Thick and long, she took him in her hand, feeling powerful as his breath hissed through his teeth.
Dropping to her knees, she slipped her lips around the head, licking as she slowly took him into her warm mouth. Moving up and down his shaft, she bobbed her head, stopping occasionally as her tong
ue swirled around the head.
Rafe’s hands grasped her head, his fingers tangling in her hair as her silky tresses flowed around her shoulders. “Jesus, baby,” he groaned, the sensation overwhelming him as all thoughts centered on his dick. Finally, realizing he was just about to come, he jerked out, his cock bouncing as he lifted her from the rug. “Turn about’s fair play,” he said, laying her back on the bed before dropping to his knees.
Carefully placing her legs over his shoulders, he exposed her delicate flesh to his close perusal, the pink lips and engorged nub beckoning him. Hearing her gasp, he looked up as he licked her slick folds and grinned, seeing her head bounce back to the mattress.
Eleanor lay exposed, yet instead of self-conscious fear, all she felt was admired. And then, as his tongue took another swipe, all she felt was her sex quivering as sweet oblivion sent her spiraling.
Rafe felt her body shake as her orgasm rushed over her and he continued his ministration until she was still, her legs now laying to the side. Crawling over her body, he grinned, looking down at her hooded eyes, her body now limp. His hips settled between her thighs, nudging them apart as his cock nestled against her core.
Her languid eyes opened, a slow smile curving her lips. As her hands moved over his shoulders, fingers digging in, she welcomed him into her body. The fullness and pressure of his cock moving deep inside awakened her again, as electricity seemed to jolt from her breasts to her core.
Rafe, lost in the sensations of her tight inner walls milking him, suddenly was aware he was unsheathed. “Shit,” he growled, starting to pull out.
“No,” she protested, her fingers grasping at his back as her heels dug into his ass.
“Babe, I forgot a condom,” he moaned, his body screaming to plunge back in as he forced himself to move away.
“I’m on the pill,” she said, still trying to hold him in place. “I’m clean...there’s been no one but you…not since I was injured several years ago.”
“I promise I’m clean too,” he vowed. “Honest to God, Eleanor, I didn’t live a wild life in California. I wasn’t a monk, but I never went without a condom. I was just tested not long before I came home to Virginia…I can show you—”
“I trust you,” she interrupted, her eyes now wide, holding his gaze. Her lips curved and she repeated, “I trust you. We have nothing between us now. No secrets. Just you and me.”
His heart leaped as his chest heaved with emotion. Bending, he kissed her lips, slow and sweet, as he gently plunged his aching cock back inside. Long strokes, in and out, flesh against flesh, her soft against his hard. Resting his weight on his forearms, he cradled her head in his hands, kissing her lips as their bodies joined.
Eyes open, they stared as the emotions swirled about them and their bodies hurdled toward climax. Chest heaving, her nipples grazed his chest as his hips ground against her clit.
“You close, baby?”
Panting was her only response, until she jerked her head back, biting her bottom lip as the waves of her orgasm crashed, the tremors shooting from her core through every nerve in her body.
“Jesus,” he cried as he joined her, his cock pulsating inside her, filling her with his seed as he pressed his hips further into her soft body until every drop was drained. “Fuck, baby, fuck,” he groaned, rolling to her side, his massive arms pulling her in tight. Reaching down, he grabbed the blanket at the bottom of the bed and jerked it over their sweat soaked bodies.
Tucking her head underneath his chin, he wrapped his arms around her much smaller body, feeling her tangle her legs with his. Perfect…she fit perfectly with him.
Her cheek pressed next to his pounding heartbeat, Eleanor listened as it slowed, a smile firmly in place.
Hours later, Rafe awoke and felt the warm body curled up in his arms, smiling as his hands trailed a path over her skin. He was learning the dips and curves, memorizing each one. He felt the rough patches of scarred skin, noticing she did not flinch when he moved his fingers over them.
“I can’t really feel that,” she said, lifting her head off his chest to peer down at him. “The scar tissue deadens the nerve endings.”
He nodded, watching her carefully to see if she was upset, but she gifted him with a little smile. “It’s okay, Rafe. I’m not going to fall apart. I just thought I’d let you know why some areas are sensitive and others aren’t.”
Moving his head, he kissed her, smiling as she laid her head back on his chest. Eleanor felt his chest rise and fall quickly as though he was about to say something and then change his mind. Waiting patiently, she knew he would speak when he was ready.
Finally, he said, “Eleanor?”
“Yeah, honey?”
“I’d really like you to meet my friends. Maybe somewhere safe, like at Miss Ethel’s.” He held his breath, waiting for her response.
Her hand splayed over his thick chest, her fingers tracing his tattoos. “I’d like that.”
“Really?”
Laughing, she leaned up again. “I can’t say it doesn’t scare me, because I really want them to like me. But, if I’m going to join the world again, I guess I’d better start.”
Rafe looked to the side, seeing Eleanor wipe her palms on her pants again. Reaching over, he took her hand. “It’s gonna be fine.”
She shot him a quick nod. “I know. It’s just that this will be the most people I’ve been around for a while.”
“Babe, if you’re not ready, we can call ‘em and let them have lunch without us. It’s no big deal—”
“No, no,” she rushed. “I need to do this. I want to do this.”
They soon parked on the street in front of the familiar house, seeing a few trucks, SUVs, and a couple of motorcycles already in the area. He jogged around to her side, assisting her down. His gaze skimmed over her, noting the long-sleeved t-shirt she wore. The rounded neck allowed some scars to be seen, but most of the rest of her was covered.
Smiling, he tucked her arm underneath his as they made their way to the front door. Nerves hit him as he suddenly wished he had talked to the guys about this meeting. What if they overwhelm her? Stare without thinking about it? What if—
“Relax,” she chided, looking up at him. “You’re almost green with nerves.”
Feeling foolish, he held her gaze, her smile warming him. Before he had a chance to respond, the front door opened and Miss Ethel stood there, her arms out in welcome.
Eleanor was immediately enfolded into the embrace before moving back to allow him the same welcome.
“Come on back,” Miss Ethel instructed. “Rosalie decided a picnic outside would be a lovely idea. We’re all just getting set up.”
He started to protest, knowing it was not good for Eleanor to be exposed to the sun for long periods, but she halted him with her hand on his arm.
She whispered, “I’m covered and have sunscreen on my neck and hands. It’s good.”
As they followed Miss Ethel down the hall toward the back of the house, he whispered in return, “If you start burning, you tell me.” Giving a demanding look, he added, “Promise?”
She smiled, “Promise.”
As they stepped into the kitchen, the room suddenly felt much smaller. Eleanor recognized Rosalie, but the women were dwarfed with large men. Next to Rosalie was a tatted man with piercing eyes that were staring at her, a wide smile on his lips. Before anyone had a chance to speak, Rosalie bounded over, enveloping her in a hug.
“I’m so glad you’re here. It makes the balance against the testosterone so much better!”
She laughed as Rosalie introduced her to Zander, who took her hands in his and said, “Good to meet you.” His eyes were warm and she relaxed, letting out a breath she had not realized she was holding.
Next up were two dark-haired men, almost identical, one with longer hair than the other, and she figured they must be the twins Rafe had told her about. Smiling, she offered her hand, pleased that their greeting was just as warm as Zander’s.
Jaxon
bent, kissing her scarred hand. Growling, Rafe pulled her back slightly. “You makin’ moves on my woman?”
“I’d never pass up a chance to kiss a beautiful woman, yours or not,” Jaxon joked, winking at Eleanor.
She laughed, turning to the others, being introduced to Cael, a man even taller than Rafe, and Asher, another handsome man. Zeke was last. Though he looked rough, he had a gentle touch.
“Well, that’s all done,” Miss Ethel announced. “Let’s head outside.”
The crowd each grabbed a platter from the kitchen counter and moved through the door. As soon as Eleanor stepped onto the patio, she was pleased to see tables set up under a large oak tree, casting its shade over the entire area. She felt a squeeze on her shoulder and peered up at Rafe, seeing his smile.
30
Once settled, the group quickly dug into sandwiches of chicken salad, turkey and Swiss cheese, ham and provolone, and roast beef. Chips, nachos and salsa, potato salad, slaw, pickles, and a variety of condiments graced the table as well.
Eleanor regarded Miss Ethel’s yard, filled with flower beds full of lilies and a rose garden in full bloom at the side of the house, and smiled, knowing Rafe grew up helping in the yard. Turning her attention back to the group, she watched the easy affection between the men and how they incorporated Rosalie into their circle. Biting her lip, she wondered if they would be able to do that with her as well.
Much to her pleasure, the conversation flowed all around her. Rosalie held her own with their gentle teasing, their admiration for her shining through.
“Eleanor, you used to be in the Army?” Cael asked, his friendly face focused on hers.
“Army Reserve. I was a nurse,” she said, “but, uh…after my injuries, I found it difficult to do the job. I have limited mobility in my right hand.” Much to her surprise, she held her scarred hand up, showing the difficulty in wiggling her fingers. “I think I could do more, but well…”
RafeHeroes at Heart Page 20