by Kris Bryant
❖
I can hear the storm outside, but that’s not what wakes me up. Maddox has his nose very close to my face and I can feel his breath. I roll away from him. What is he doing off the bed? He was with Kate so why is he here?
“Maddox, what are you doing here?” I can hear his tail thumping.
“Are you awake?” Kate asks me from the other side of the bed. Lightning lights up the room and I see her jump.
“Kate, are you okay? What’s wrong?”
“I just…I’m scared of the storm. Ever since the accident, I have a hard time sleeping through bad weather. Can I stay here with you? I can sleep on the chaise or at the end of the bed.” Now she’s being ridiculous.
“No, no. Come on in,” I say. I open up the covers on the other side of the bed and she quickly slips in.
“Thanks.”
I’m completely awake now. Even though we aren’t touching, I can feel her body heat. A loud clap of thunder rumbles overhead and I feel the bed tremble. Kate is so scared, she is shaking. I automatically roll to her and scoop her into my arms.
“Shh, Kate. It’s okay. You’re safe here.” I stroke her hair until I feel her relax against me. She jumps a little bit when we hear thunder, but it’s not as bad. It never dawned on me that she would have trouble with storms after being in a tornado. Completely understandable. I snuggle up closer to her. She’s warm and soft against me and I have to constantly remind myself she is here for comfort not to be seduced. Eventually, I hear her breathing even out and I know she is asleep. I’m wide awake as every part of her touching me reminds me of a different time when I could touch her anywhere. How many times did I wake her up just so we could have sex before morning? I smile at the memories. At least we are working on a relationship now. I do miss her and we’ll have the weekends to see one another. The storm has died down and now it’s just a gentle rain falling down. My perfect sound. I feel myself drifting away and I smile as I give in to sleep with a beautiful woman in my arms.
Chapter Twenty-six
I wake to Kate wrapped all around me. Her head is on my shoulder, her arm across my chest, and her legs entwined with mine. I have no idea what time it is, I just know that I’m not moving until she wakes up. This is nice. For a second, I pretend this is our life. Together, close, happy. Even Maddox is pleased. He stares at me, his tail wagging.
“Go outside,” I say. My voice is low so that I don’t wake Kate. I swear he nods at me and makes his way downstairs. Kate stirs in my arms.
“I’m sorry.” She weakly tries to untangle herself from me, but gives up. She’s asleep again. I smile. At least she’s comfortable. We lay like that for quite a long time until I have to slip out from under her to go to the bathroom. I decide to make her breakfast. I watch her sleep for a moment before I head downstairs. So peaceful, so sweet. I can feel my heart swell watching her and I quickly leave, my feelings too close to the surface. I need distance.
Thank God she doesn’t like a lot of fatty foods. Breakfast should be easy. I cube up some fruit and make pancakes. It only takes me twenty minutes. I throw a pancake at Maddox as I make my way upstairs with the tray. She is still asleep, this time she’s on her stomach, my pillow clutched close to her side.
“Kate, Kate,” I whisper. She opens her eyes a bit and smiles at me. She falls back to sleep. Oh yes, I do remember how she hates waking up. “I made you breakfast. Wake up.” Nothing. She doesn’t stir. I shrug and decide to take a quick shower. The plate warmers will keep the pancakes warm until I’m done. I function better after I’m clean. As much as I want to stay in the shower, I keep it quick and am back to the bed in ten minutes. This time she is sitting up, the tray across her legs and she’s munching on a strawberry. “That’s probably the fastest I’ve ever seen you wake up.” I crawl into bed next to her and grab my plate. She smiles at me. For a second I think she’s going to kiss me, but she leans back and focuses her attention back to her plate.
“I’m not a morning person at all. This is so nice. Thanks for breakfast in bed.” She runs her hands over her hair, smoothing down the imperfections. She’s adorable.
“You still look great,” I say. She smiles shyly at me. She passes me the syrup and we eat breakfast in silence. I know she is still trying to wake up and I’m still trying to calm my heart. At least we are comfortable around each other. “I think it’s going to rain all day. The rain gauge says we got about two and a half inches.”
“I’m sorry I busted in here last night. I get scared whenever I hear wind. I think it’s another tornado. I know I’m being crazy.”
I hold up a hand to stop her. “I completely understand. I would be afraid of winds, too, if I was hit by a tornado. I’m glad you came to me.”
“Thanks. Since my apartment is sandwiched between two stories, I don’t hear the wind as much.”
We finish our breakfast and I take the tray off of Kate’s lap. I’m not quite sure what happens next so I take everything downstairs to give us both a moment. When I return, she’s in the guest shower. I know she isn’t going to want to wear her dress again, so I dig around for yoga pants, a sweatshirt, and some shoes. She’s too slight for my jeans. At least we are close in shoe size. I knock on the door and enter.
“I’m leaving clothes that you can wear if you don’t want to wear your dress again. Nothing fancy, but they’re clean and comfortable.”
“Thanks again.”
I reluctantly leave. Fighting this attraction is getting harder and harder by the minute. I head downstairs to clean up the kitchen and give her space. She comes downstairs about twenty minutes later, dressed in the clothes I left for her. She looks relaxed and soft.
“I promise I won’t tell a soul that you’re wearing an OU sweatshirt,” I say. She laughs.
“I was tempted to hit your closet again for another sweatshirt, but decided this one isn’t so bad after all.” She sits down at the breakfast bar and I hand her another cup of coffee, two creams, two sugars. “I’ll leave here in a bit so that you can get your work done.”
“It’s no big deal. Stay as long as you like. It’s nice having you around.” I smile because I mean it. “Unless you have to get back to work on your own projects. I know you have a lot going on right now.”
“I actually have my paperwork in my bag in the car. I can work on it for a bit here. I might even need your help.”
“Sounds great. I’ll work downstairs and you can set up anywhere. My office or even right here.” There is a ton of room on the breakfast island.
“I’ll just work right here. Maddox can keep me company. It’s not raining as hard right now so I’m going to grab my bag.” She heads out the door and I remember I need to call Hunter. It’s not noon, so I send her a quick text telling her about the night. I don’t want her to worry about me, or worse, assume the best case scenario. Kate’s back in a flash and I help move things around for her to get settled.
“Well, I’ll be downstairs if you need me. Maddox, stay.” I head downstairs with sanding down sheetrock mud on the agenda. I’m very aware of Kate and it’s a comforting feeling. I know that I trust her again and now it’s just a matter of finding out what she’s looking for. What does she want besides really good sex? Is she ready for a relationship? Is she going to want to commute back and forth for who knows how long? Does she even feel that way about me? I feel like she’s wanted to kiss me several times during our prolonged second date so I’m pretty sure the interest is there, but is the commitment?
I’m surprised to see that I’ve sanded the entire wall already. Two and a half hours flew by. Maddox suddenly by my side surprises me.
“What are you doing down here, boy?”
“We thought you could use a break,” Kate says. They’re both down here. “This is going to be beautiful when you get done with it, Tris.”
I beam with pride. “Thanks. I’ve put a lot of time into this house and I plan to enjoy it for a long time.”
“Are you getting hungry or anything?” she asks
. She’s standing close to me, looking at the wall, but the only thing I can focus on is her nearness. I’m suddenly conscious that I’m covered in grit and sweat. I got rid of my sweatshirt about ten minutes into this project and I’m wearing a thin T-shirt that I can’t wait to shed.
“Sure, I can stop for a bit. I need a quick shower. Do you mind?” I ask.
“Go ahead. I can wait.” I bolt up the stairs without waiting for her. I head to the bathroom and gasp when I see my reflection. I’m covered in white dust. No wonder she was fine with me taking a quick shower. I can’t get under the hot water soon enough. It takes me longer to clean up than I expected. I turn the water off and grab my towels. I wrap one around me and dry my hair with the other. I need to figure out what to wear.
“I can’t do this,” Kate says. I stifle a scream and clutch my towel tighter around me. Kate is sitting on the edge of the claw foot tub when I exit the shower. I want to get mad at her for her scaring me, but the look on her face is so vulnerable. My spirits are instantly crushed.
“Do what?” I ask. I think I know what she means, but I need to know for sure. My heart is beating frantically in my chest as if trying to flee. She walks over to me, cups my face in her hand.
“I can’t be around you and not want you,” she says. “I need you to forgive me. I want this, all of this, with you. Will you ever trust me again?” She places a soft, sweet, gentle kiss on my lips. Before I have the chance to enjoy it, her mouth has moved over to my cheek, down to my neck, before she finds my mouth again. “Please. Please forgive me.” Her voice breaks and is full of emotion. Tears spring to my eyes when I hear her pleading. Her lips are barely touching mine as she waits for my answer. I don’t hesitate and pull her close to me, my lips hard against her. She whimpers against me and I feel her hands clutching my towel. I find that I can’t get close enough to her. My towel and her clothes are in the way. I pull away from her long enough to steady both of us.
“I forgave you a long time ago.” I take her by the hand and lead her to the bed. I sit down and pull her to stand between my legs. I lean into her and hold her while I relish the feel of her strong fingers in my hair.
“Why didn’t you say anything to me?” she asks.
“I wanted to be sure this is what you want, too,” I look up at her. She slides down until she’s on her knees in front of me and we are almost eye to eye.
“I’ve wanted this since the first day I met you.” She leans up and kisses me. I hate that we are so far apart and only our lips are touching. “I’m so sorry I screwed up.” I silence her by kissing her again. I gently pull her up and onto me so that we are both on the bed.
“Didn’t we toast to second chances and new beginnings last night?” I ask. She smiles at me. Her gorgeous hair falls around me as she leans in for another kiss. I need to feel her skin against mine so I lift her sweatshirt up a bit. My towel is almost undone and the second I feel her stomach against mine, I tear the towel off completely. She moans at the contact, too. “Take your clothes off.” She straddles me and sheds the sweatshirt and T-shirt until she is in her lacy bra and my yoga pants. I run my hands up over her flat stomach until I reach lace. “This, too.” I think it’s fair that if I’m naked, she should be, too. She doesn’t hesitate. I’ve missed her body. Her perfectly smooth, pale skin quivers under my touch. “Are you cold? Let’s get under the covers.” I move to the side, but she shakes her head.
“I’m not cold, it’s just nice that you’re touching me again.” Her words are melting me. I pull her down until she is flush against me. Then I flip us over so that I am on top. She gasps. I smile and kiss her slowly, deeply until I hear her moan. Her hips are moving against me. I need that heat against me, too. I reach down and tug on her pants until she helps me take them off. She is gloriously naked next to me and I want to touch her everywhere at once. I want to make sure she is real, that this is happening. Her skin is flushed with passion and her body presses into my hand with every caress. I run my hands down her sides as I nestle myself between her legs.
“I’ve missed you.” It’s simple and honest and makes her cry. This time I let her. I know that she has to get rid of the bad to accept the good. I kiss some of the tears that slide down her face. “Only good things now, okay?” Her blue eyes are somber as she looks up at me, but she smiles.
Once I feel her body settle down, I start kissing her again. This time I don’t stop. My mouth devours her, my hands roam her body, touching her curves, memorizing each valley. I’m in complete control and I’m not giving it up until I feel her explode in my arms. Her hips dig into mine, grinding for friction. My mouth leaves hers and I start a path down her body, my tongue moving across her breasts, licking her nipples until she moans and pushes my mouth closer to her, begging me to suck them.
I can’t get enough of her. Her taste, her smell, her passion. I roll to the side and glide my hands down her body until they reach her warm, wet pussy. She spreads her legs further apart for me and I don’t hesitate. I slide one finger inside of her, moaning at how tight and wet she is. I slip in another finger and her back arches. She’s too tight for a third so I move in and out of her while sucking the side of her neck. Her legs are moving up and down, her heels trying to dig into my bed. I move my weight to between her legs, my hand still between us. She wraps her legs around me, locking her ankles. I balance myself up on my free arm and watch her face as my fingers continue moving in and out of her. She is beautiful. So giving, so free. She licks her lips. As hard as she tries to keep her eyes open, she can’t. With every thrust she arches her back, moans and clutches me closer. I could stay like this forever.
I lean down and kiss her when I hear her breathing increase. Her body starts shaking and I know she is close. I don’t slow down or speed up, I go deeper. I feel like I’m bruising both of us, but she moans delightfully and I know it’s a pleasurable pain. She comes loudly, her sweaty body quivering against mine. It’s a beautiful sight. Eventually, she relaxes and releases her legs and arms from my body. I place tiny kisses on her face, her neck. After a few quiet moments next to her, I feel her smile against my cheek and look up at her.
“What?” I don’t really need an answer.
“You’re incredible.” She leans up and kisses me then falls back down. Her hand rests on my shoulder, caressing my arm as we lie there enjoying the aftermath of really incredible makeup sex. “You got stronger.” I’m confused by that statement, but as I feel her fingers touch the lines of the muscles in my arm, I realize she means physical strength.
“Well, I threw a lot of time into working on the basement. Lifting sheetrock, mudding it, sanding it. It’s been a good workout I guess.” I shrug like it’s no big deal, but I’m happy she likes my new definition.
“Yeah, I like it a lot. Very sexy. You’re stronger, more in control.” I decide at that moment to work out every day. In the past, it was always back and forth between us. She would get aggressive, then I would. This time, I didn’t let her. I needed that.
“Did I hurt you?” I know I was roughish right before she came.
“No. It was perfect. I promise.” I lean down and kiss her softly. The last twenty-four hours have been incredible. “What’s that noise?” she asks. We both still and listen. It’s music. Hunter is calling me. I know it’s her from the song.
“That’s just Hunter dying to know how my night went,” I say.
“Do you need to get it?” she asks.
“No. I can call her later.” I lean down and kiss her again.
“How did your night go?” She leans up and nips my neck and chin.
“The night part was stressful, but today was…” I pause and kiss her. “Today was the best day of my life.” It sounds corny, but it’s true. I’ve never felt so at peace before and yet so alive with energy.
“And it’s not even over yet.” She grabs my hair and gently brings me down to her lips for a searing kiss. “I have to make sure I leave by eight if I want to get home at a decent hour.” She tells
me after we break apart. It’s two in the afternoon now. We have plenty of time to enjoy one another before she has to leave.
“Let’s make some lunch, then figure out the rest of the day,” I say. She responds by running her hand down my body, over my hips, and slipping her fingers between my legs. I fall backward only moments before she pounces on me. Lunch can wait. I can’t.
❖
“Why haven’t you answered my texts? Do you know that I drove by, saw a car, assumed it was Kate’s and left?” Hunter says. She’s upset and I’m an ass for not calling her sooner.
“I’m sorry. Kate and I had a lot to get through and talk about and it just took a while.” Okay, so most of the stuff we had to get through was what she likes in bed and what I like, but Hunter doesn’t have to know.
“Where’s Kate now?” she asks.
“She’s in the kitchen. We’re going to eat a quick dinner, then she’s going to leave. She only stayed because it was getting late and it rained a ton. I didn’t want her to drive in it. It’s a good thing she did because we talked about our relationship today.”
“What’s the status?”
“Everything is good. We’re both going to work on it.”
“Hot damn. That’s great,” she says. I know it’s right because Hunter knows Kate. She would never approve of someone if she didn’t truly feel like she was a good fit for me. Of course, this is the first woman Hunter has liked enough to push us together.