The Widows of Sea Trail (The Widows of Sea Trail Trilogy)

by Jacqueline DeGroot

  “Nice place,” I said with a touch of sarcasm, “Glad I dressed up.”

  He grinned over at me then took one of my hands in his. “Tut, tut, let’s not be hasty with our judgement. You’re not a snob are you?” He brought my hand to his lips and kissed each knuckle. He had a way of making me feel cherished. His attention was so focused on me that he didn’t even turn when our waitress approached.

  In a syrupy sweet southern drawl she asked, “What chu gonna have, sugah?” She was looking right at Matt, oblivious to my presence. I certainly knew why and I couldn’t blame her for it. Primal feelings heightened when he was around. Any woman in this man’s presence wanted nothing more than his undivided attention.

  “I’ll have a Michelob Light, and the lady will have . . .” he deferred to me.

  “ADiet Coke, please.” My feet were probably going to tangle enough without the added benefit of alcohol.

  “Sure thing,” she gave me a smile, winked at Matt and spun so that Matt could get a glimpse of her tight jeansclad bottom as she swished away. He watched for a second then quickly averted his eyes back to me.

  “Those are some pretty tight jeans,” I muttered. I was instantly sorry, it sounded catty and shallow.

  “Is there any other kind?” he asked then winked at me. “I’ve seen you in a pair, and you damn sure do a world of justice to a piece of denim.”

  “You sure do know how to say just the right thing.”

  “Years of practice.”

  And I didn’t doubt it. He handed me one of the menus the waitress had left on the table.

  “The Cheeseburgers are unbelievable. Old fashioned, made like you’d get at a diner in the sixties. Chili’s good, too. Get anything you’d like, but for God’s sake don’t get a salad.”

  “The salad’s bad?”

  “I have no idea. But you don’t come to this kind of place and order a salad. This is a beer swillin’, greasy hamburger and onion rings kind of place —Americana at its finest.” His beer arrived and he put the frosty bottle right to his lips. I watched as he threw back his head, tilted the bottle and poured. His throat worked as the bottle emptied and you couldn’t help but see the satisfaction he got from downing the cold brew. When the bottle was all but empty, he put it back on the table and wiped his lips with the back of his hand.

  “Ahh, nothing like the first beer of the day.”

  I picked up my Diet Coke, positioned the straw and daintily sipped at it. “Ahh, nothing like the first Diet Coke of the day,” I mimicked.

  He laughed, picked up the beer bottle and motioned for the waitress to bring another. When she came back to the table with another beer for Matt, we ordered two cheeseburgers all the way, with fries and onion rings.

  While we waited for our meal we talked about the games flashing all around us and what sports we had both played in high school. He of course had been into basketball and golf; I had been on the swim and tennis teams. Then the conversation took a sharp turn and we discussed the night we’d both lost our virginity. Despite some pretty heavy petty sessions, mine had been on my wedding night; his had been the night of his junior prom. I figured he was easing into the safe sex issues we hadn’t yet discussed when Miss Sunshine with the pendulum butt dropped overflowing baskets of food in front of each of us.

  It was one of the best burgers I’d had in a long time, just the right amount of grease, and crinkly fries cooked crispy just the way I liked them and the onion rings were sublime, reminiscent of my long-gone Hot Shoppes and Mighty Mo days. We ate and commented on the games while alternately dipping our fries into the big puddle of ketchup we were sharing on a napkin in the middle of the table.

  A song came over the jukebox competing with the noise of the TVs. Gretchen Wilson was bellowing out a list of lies, among them how size didn’t matter. Matt roared with laughter and as I looked around, I saw both men and women laughing at the lyrics of the song too.

  I smiled over at him, but I really didn’t get the joke. “What’s so funny?”

  “She’s saying that size really does matter. All these years women have been saying it doesn’t, but now, apparently it does.”

  “And that makes you happy?”

  He leaned close and whispered, “God damn right it does.” I wondered if the three beers he’d had were affecting him, but he seemed just fine otherwise. I couldn’t help laughing. This was such an absurd conversation.

  “Don’t laugh!”

  “I’m not doubting you,” I chuckled. “This is just a strange conversation to be having over dinner.”

  “You’re in for a treat, but then so am I,” he said with a wink and I instantly felt zinged with desire. I wondered if Matt was getting more comfortable with me as we’d been somewhat intimate, or if he really was getting a tad inebriated. Stephen used to get just like this whenever he watched golf or football, punch drunk some people called it. But other than the risqué conversation, Matt seemed to be just fine, not slurring his words or appearing to have any trouble with his coordination.

  “Did you have anything to eat today?” I asked, just to be on the safe side.

  “Nope, not ‘til now. But don’t you worry about me, I’ll be fine.”

  I wasn’t all that sure, but hoped that the food would catch up with the alcohol. In the meantime, I decided to have some fun and establish a parameter for a safe sex scenario later. “So, earlier, were you indicating that you might have a problem getting a Trojan to fit?”

  “Not now. Used to though.”

  “Really?”

  “When I was in high school we didn’t have the selection the kids have today. It’s no problem, now. They have shelves and shelves of those things to chose from these days.”

  “So you don’t expect any problems in that regard?” I prodded. I was trying for a tongue in cheek demeanor, but it got the best of me and I laughed when his eyes went wide.

  “Problems? No, not at all! Everything works just fine. I know, a lot of men my age have to take the little blue pills, but I’m okay in that regard, babe. Trust me, pretty lady, I will pleasure you just fine.”

  After staring thoughtfully at his beer bottle and thumbing at a tear in the label, he looked up and said, “You know, I think sex is a gift from God for having to put up with all the other bull shit. So, when the time comes and I do need some assistance, I’ll have no qualms about taking it. There are so few things that give me greater pleasure than pleasing a woman. And I don’t ever want to miss out on that. So, I’m thankful that I live in a generation that has had not only the benefit of Viagra, but also the birth control pill. Legions of men in centuries past would have fought to the bitter end to have had those two little pills at their disposal.”

  He raised his bottle and winked at me, “Better life through chemistry, those guys in the white lab coats are my heroes. But all that’s for later, right now it’s time to go dancing.”

  He got up and left some bills on the table. I noticed that he left a sizeable tip. Then he put his hand out for mine and pulled me from the booth. It was as if he hadn’t had a drink at all, either some of the food was being absorbed, or I was just seeing a different side of him. It was almost as if he was a younger, more carefree version of himself—relaxed in a way I hadn’t seen him before. He was friendly, and sexy, and playful and I realized I was having a wonderful time being with him.

  Jax was waiting for us, and he rushed to open the door. When I bent to get into the limo Matt caressed my backside and it was all I could do to keep from falling onto the seat face first.

  I slid over to make room for him and fumbled for my seat belt. Out of the corner of my eye I thought I saw him smile. A moment later his hand found mine on the seat and from that moment on I don’t think our eyes left each other’s as Jax drove us through North Myrtle Beach. I didn’t know how sensuous it could be to have a man make love to my hand with just his fingers. Long, soft strokes trailed over my hand as he toyed with each finger, caressed each knuckle, and kneaded the flesh of my palm. Sec
onds before we pulled up in front of Duck’s, he brought my hand to his lips and ran his tongue alongside each finger.

  If Jax hadn’t jumped out to open our door just then I might have gone through Matt’s pockets hoping to find that Trojan we’d talked about. And the bigger the better as I was feeling like I could use something mighty substantial between my legs.

  With another all-knowing grin, Matt eased me out of the limo and ushered me into the club. He found us a table right up front, by the dance floor. I decided two could play this game, why should Matt have all the fun? I ordered an apple martini and leaned on the table with my elbows giving Matt an eyeful.

  “So, this is the Duck’s? I’ve never been here before. This is nice,” I said as I looked all around. Matt’s eyes didn’t waver. I got some satisfaction from knowing that he wouldn’t have noticed if our waitress returned naked.

  When my martini was set in front of me, I picked it up and sipped. It was cold and went down smoothly, leaving a burning trail that flamed out as it went down. Heck, it was nice not having to worry about how we got home.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Dancing Machines For two hours, we danced just about every dance. He confidently spun me out, brought me back into his chest and sent me spinning again. The sureness of his hands as they rested on my waist, circled my wrists, or gripped my fingertips kept me from faltering. With him I was a better dancer than I had ever been. And I knew why his sisters insisted that he coach their friends. He was a natural, all grace and confidence with an amazing repertoire of moves.

  He commanded the floor, and led me so masterfully that I’m sure we looked like we had been dancing together for years. As he spun me, caught me, and pulled me close, I felt his strong arms and firm grip on my waist, my shoulders, and my hands over and over again. He was always touching me and guiding me into the next step and even though I should have been nervous in front of the crowd, I wasn’t. I was actually having fun, and from the smile on his face I could see that he was, too. When each set was over, he pulled me close and hugged me tightly to his chest. Once, when his breath fanned my ear as he whispered, “Finally, a women who can keep up with me,” I beamed up at him. The music started again and he spun me out and did a little number with his feet and then reeled me back. Apparently this dance was going to be even faster and his devilish grin dared me to keep up with him.

  After a while we were actually able to banter back and forth and I doubt that I’ve ever had such a good time dancing. I could not remember ever laughing so hard. We had both switched to water after two drinks so I knew it wasn’t the alcohol making us deliriously happy. We meshed, plain and simple. We danced as if we were meant to be partners. It was uncanny how I was able to read him and anticipate his next step, and it was equally surprising that considering our vastly different heights how we met, center to center, core to core, over and over. I felt him hard when we slow danced and shamelessly I welcomed him cradled against my hip. When he pressed himself against me, I arched. When he playfully thrust his hips, mine responded in kind. And if our groans were audible to anyone else, we didn’t care.

  Twice when we retook our table and I was approached for a dance he merely lifted an arrogant brow and stared down the intruder. For his part, I saw him wave off on comers just as they reached the table. Afew he must have known, as they called him by name. But he only had eyes for me and pretty soon it became obvious that we were in our own world. I could not have been happier. This was heavenly. The night was perfect.

  When he suggested we leave, I knew why we were moving on. Our heated bodies were ready for a different kind of fulfillment and I was practically giddy with the anticipation. It had been so long for me, but I was ready. God, I was ready.

  As soon as we were situated in the back seat of the limo, the privacy screen when up. I thought for a moment that this seemed a bit orchestrated but I didn’t have time to register the negative thought. It slid from my consciousness the moment Matt reached over and pulled me into his arms and kissed me with a thoroughness that left me trembling. His lips moved over my face staking out one territory after another as he tongued and teased my ear and then kissed his way down my neck.

  “Cat, you’re driving me wild. Please tell me you’re ready for this. I don’t think I can stand it if you’re not,” he said as his tongue came back to swirl around my ear.

  “I’m ready, Matt. I need you, too. I wish we didn’t have to wait to get home.”

  “We don’t have to. I promise you, we are as alone here as we’d be in your bedroom.”

  “No, Matt, not here.”

  “Yes, here. Now, right now. I want you now, this very minute.” His mouth, open on my throat was doing incredible things to me.

  “No,” I whimpered. But it was a half-hearted no, and he knew it.

  “Yes.” His hands found the hem of my sweater and he pulled it over my head as he lowered me to the seat. He took my hand and led it to the long ridge under his slacks that was pressing into my thigh. I could feel the heat through his silky trousers.

  “I want to see your breasts. Let me see you,” he whispered as his hands went behind my back and he flicked open the clasp of my bra. Within seconds his hands were pulling the straps down my arms and I felt the cool air of the air conditioner on my nipples.

  “Oh, you are lovely.” His hands covered me, squeezing my heated flesh and drawing my nipples to hard peaks. I groaned as his thumb flicked a nipple back and forth. I looked up into his face just in time to see his heavy-lidded eyes before his lips took a straining nipple into his mouth.

  I keened. I could hear the sound and at first I wondered at the source. Then as he suckled me, I knew the source. I wondered if Jax could hear us as I arched off the seat as if to thrust myself further into his hot mouth. My hand on him gripped and involuntarily squeezed his hard length. His pulled on my breast and released it then let his head drop between my breasts. I felt his hair tickling my chest.

  “If you keep clutching me there this is going to turn into a very unsatisfactory performance.” He reached down and gently uncurled my fingers and moved my hand away. “Now, where was I?” he asked as he turned his head to the side and nuzzled my other breast. “Ah, yes,” he whispered before kissing his way to the nipple and trapping it in his mouth again. I clutched his shoulders and came up off the seat to meet his hips and I heard him give a low purr of satisfaction.

  “Slow down, babe. I have more I want to do here first.” While his mouth moved greedily over my breasts, alternately sucking and lapping at my nipples, his hands came up to assist. He was squeezing and kneading and bringing my breasts together so there was only a few inches between the nipples. His thumbs simultaneously stroked one while his lips kissed and sucked on the other, then he alternated. He shifted so his member came in contact with the throbbing, dewy area between my thighs. He nudged himself against me, pressing his core to mine. He was grinding the hard ridge into me when I came. It started as a heavy throb that felt like a drum banging in my veins and then my body pulsed as if sending the message to my nerve centers, then it ended as flutters easing me down to earth.

  I opened my eyes and he was smiling down at me.

  “More,” I whispered.

  “Gladly,” he replied as he moved to unzip my pants. They were down to my knees with his hand spreading my thighs wide before I knew it. His fingers delved inside me stoking the fires until I thought I would die from the heat he was creating. Then I felt the tightness at my opening as he placed himself and prepared to push himself inside.

  “Trojan?” I whispered.

  “Already taken care of,” he breathed huskily as he thrust inside me.

  He was seated, his hips against mine and I was in awe of how quickly he had made my body contract to hold him. I felt the heaviness of his body lying atop mine and from where we were joined I felt the fullness caused by my stretching to accommodate him.

  He didn’t appear eager to do anything more than to just press me against the seat. I soon
found out why. Where we were joined a yearning began, a slow dull throb that grew until a hidden part of me begged for something, anything to touch it, to press it, oh God, to . . . I felt his hips thrust down and hold while his hands reached under me and pulled me to him. I felt a white heat course through me and I exploded, luxuriating in the spasms that were going through my body as my mind careened outside of it. I wanted to scream and tell the universe the incredible things this man was doing to me. Stars flew inside my head in wild celebration and lights flashed behind my tightly closed eyes and then as quickly as everything came, everything left—except him. I opened my eyes to find him lowering his head to mine. His lips took mine in a searing kiss that was savage with desire. His tongue thrust inside and started a rhythm that his body soon adopted. His hands moved on the seat beside my head to brace his body high over mine and then his hips, riding low where we were connected, thrust quickly in and out. I watched as his muscles flexed on his great heaving chest while I felt him slide in and out of me at a breakneck tempo that precluded me doing anything more than just lying there and trying not to slide off the seat. I watched his eyes flame with desire and then tightly close. His jaw tightened as his body tensed and he gritted out a long, low moan. The sound of his intense pleasure while he spilled his seed deep within my body was doing wonderful things to me. I felt my pulse speed up as that needy feeling took over again. It was as if my body was reaching for the sky. I gripped his buttocks with both hands, ground my pelvis against his and joined him in oblivion.

  It was many minutes before either of us could function. He was the first to move. Lifting and shifting his body off to the side, he smiled down at me. “Getting a little greedy there aren’t we?”

  I smiled up at him. I couldn’t help it, I just kept smiling. And so did he. We stared into each other’s eyes for the longest time, neither wanting to break the mood. Then we felt the car lurch to the right, we both knew that Jax had pulled off 17 and onto Route 179.