Nonstop (Open Skies Book 3)
Page 8
He smiled at her. “I’ll close my eyes while you get in.” He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. What a gentleman.
She quickly set the towel on the stairs and lowered herself into the water. God, it felt good. She moaned as her body instantly relaxed.
He peeked out one eye. “Can I look now?”
She giggled. “I’m being silly. I don’t care if you see me naked.”
“You’re not being silly. You’re not used to traipsing around naked in front of other people. Even if we’d had sex ten times, you might still be a little unnerved to wander through my house naked. Especially in the backyard.”
He had a good point. He always did. “How’d you get so wise and so kind?”
“My mother raised me to be a gentleman, and I’m old,” he teased.
She was sitting across from him, but her foot brushed against his, and he reached out with both ankles and trapped her leg between his. After a few moments, he reached down and lifted her foot, setting it on his lap.
She had no idea what his intention was until he started massaging her arch. Oh, God. She tipped her head back, forced herself to relax, and enjoyed the feel of his fingers working out the kinks in her foot, her ankle, and eventually her calf.
When he dropped that foot, he reached down and picked up the other, treating it to the same amazing massage.
“If you ever get tired of your current job, you could start giving pedicures. Women would line up to have you rub their feet.”
He laughed. “I’m pretty sure I would fail when it came to the part where I’d need to put the polish on.”
She giggled and then pulled her foot free and boldly floated toward him. Kneeling in front of him, she set her hands on his knees. The water was up to her neck. She looked up at him. “Can I touch you?” Her voice was deeper than usual. It didn’t sound like her own.
He pursed his lips and closed his eyes for a moment. She felt awkward, thinking he was going to turn her down, but then he nodded. “Go ahead.”
She slid her hands up and down his thighs, enjoying the feel of his muscles. When she inched closer, her breasts bumped into his knees. He parted his legs a bit to accommodate her, and she closed the distance, sliding between his thighs.
It was ridiculous that she was twenty-five and had no experience with men. This would be her first experience touching someone. Other than the occasional random nude pictures she’d seen, Bracken was the first man she’d seen naked, though she couldn’t see a thing under the bubbles. Maybe that was what gave her the strength to carry through with this plan.
She slid her hands all the way up his legs to his hips and then flattened them on his abs before letting her fingers graze downward. His erection bobbed into her wrists before she got that far.
When she finally stroked the tips of her fingers over his length, he hissed, making her jerk her gaze up to meet his. “Is this okay?”
“Yeah, baby. It’s beyond okay.”
She wrapped her hand around his length next. Damn, he was huge. Or maybe all men were this big. She had no idea. He seemed large though. Was it a cliché to wonder how the hell a man’s erection ever fit inside a woman?
She’d used tampons of course, but it had felt pretty damn tight inside her when he’d inserted a finger the other night. His penis was much larger.
She slid her hand up and down, exploring the head with her other fingers. The slit at the top was slippery, and even in the water, she imagined a drip of come was leaking out. She cupped his balls next, growing bolder but also glancing at him again.
His hands were on the sides of the hot tub, gripping hard enough that his knuckles were white. His expression was tight but he didn’t look displeased or uncomfortable. “Am I doing it right?” she asked, feeling inadequate.
He opened his eyes and smiled at her. “Rebekah, there is no right and wrong. It feels good no matter what you do. As long as you don’t grip my balls too hard, you can’t possibly hurt me. But I’ll warn you, if you keep stroking me like that, I’ll come in a minute. It’s been a long time. I’m barely able to hold back.”
“I’d like that. To make you come, I mean. You made me come the other night.”
He groaned. “I won’t stop you.”
She circled his erection again and slid her hand up and down the shaft. Long and thick. Just…big. When she grazed over the head, he drew in a breath, so she did it again. He seemed to like that. His thighs stiffened more with each passing minute, and she imagined he was growing closer.
She remembered how her body had stiffened before she’d reached orgasm. Apparently, he had the same reaction. She moved her hand faster, adding the second so that she could cover more of his length. In tandem, she slid her palms up and down, gripping him harder, coming almost off the tip, and then back down to the base again.
Bracken tipped his head back and groaned. “Baby…”
She loved the sound of his endearment for her combined with the tone he was using. She was making him feel good, and she was pleased. She watched his face as she continued to stroke him.
His knees lifted a few inches and a long moan escaped his lips before he finally dropped his legs, drew in a breath, and shuddered.
His erection pulsed in her grip, and she was close enough that she felt the jets of his come hitting between her breasts under the water. It was amazing to watch his expressions as his orgasm came to an end.
Finally, he lowered his gaze to hers and reached for her hands, pulling them gently away from his still stiff erection. He held her gaze, smiling. “That was so hot, baby.”
She flushed, returning his smile. “I had no idea what I was doing.”
“It’s innate. You don’t need a manual.”
“Well, thank you for letting me touch you.”
He chuckled. “You’re welcome to touch me any time you want.” He reached for her waist, spun her around, and settled her between his legs. Encouraging her to lean back against his chest, he wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close.
His lips landed on her ear and he kissed her. “My turn.”
She shuddered.
He slid one hand up to cup her breast, weighing it in his palm before stroking the nipple.
She squirmed.
“I love how responsive you are. It’s so damn sexy,” he whispered as he treated the other breast to the same thing.
She gripped his thighs as he fondled her breasts. When he pinched her nipples and gave them a slight twist, she moaned.
“Does that feel good, baby?”
“Yes.”
“Not every woman likes to have her nipples pinched. Some get a lot of pleasure from the slight pain. Others prefer a gentle touch.” He pinched them again, pulling them away from her chest a bit.
She arched into his hands.
“I guess you like a bit of rough play.”
Apparently.
She started panting as he continued to tease her nipples and mold his palms to her breasts.
He slid one hand down her belly and then lower to reach between her legs and cup her sex. “Spread your knees for me, Rebekah.”
She complied, her legs shaking.
He drew his fingers through her folds and then rubbed her clit, making her arch again. She didn’t recognize the sound that came from her mouth. Her eyes rolled back and she dug her fingertips into his thighs.
When he slid a finger inside her and ground his palm into her clit, she moaned. Now that she knew what all the hype was about, she wasn’t as unprepared for her body’s reaction. Nevertheless, it was amazing and shocking to find herself so thoroughly aroused so fast.
Bracken added a second finger, entering her slowly, his palm rubbing her with such precision. “You’re so tight, baby,” he whispered.
She panted, squirming in his embrace, needing more while fighting against the onslaught of feelings.
He released her breast to wrap his arm around her body and steady her. “Don’t fight it. Let it go. Come for me, Rebekah.
”
She did as he demanded, cresting over the peak seconds later, the waves of her orgasm making her body shudder. The water around her sloshed as the pulses of her release made her thrust against his hand.
Bex floated back to earth, sated and grateful he was holding her above water. He was also kissing her neck and shoulder. “Gorgeous. Thank you, baby.”
Shouldn’t she be thanking him?
Chapter 12
Bracken would have liked to remain in the hot tub for hours, but it was getting late, and though he didn’t keep the water at a very high temperature, they still couldn’t stay in it forever.
He dragged his mouth along her shoulder and her neck, stopping at her ear. “We should get out.”
“Mmm.”
He grinned, loving that she was so sated and relaxed. He prayed she could sleep. His cock would be hard all night long, but at least she’d taken the edge off. It would be worse if he hadn’t come at all.
He turned her around so she was facing him and squeezed her bottom. “Ready?”
Her eyelids were heavy but she managed to nod.
Bracken climbed out first and wrapped his towel around his hips before grabbing her towel and then reaching down to give her a hand. As she rose, exposing her body, he wrapped the towel around her.
He would have rather taken the opportunity to stare at her sexy body, but he knew she was still feeling a little uneasy about her nudity, so he wrapped her up fast, not letting himself ogle her. Not tonight.
After putting the cover back on the hot tub, he led her into the house and down the hallway to his bedroom. He grabbed her bag and set it on the bathroom counter and then motioned for her to come inside.
She was chewing on her lower lip and gripping her towel around her breasts.
He cupped her cheek, kissed her briefly, and left her, shutting the door behind him so she could do whatever she needed and change into whatever she wanted.
While she used the master bath, he used the guest bath and returned to the bedroom to put on a pair of boxers. He was under the covers when she came out in a tank top and cotton shorts. He pulled the covers back, and she padded over and climbed into bed.
“How can I be this tired after sleeping most of the day?” she asked.
He tugged her so that he could spoon her and kissed her shoulder. “Because you haven’t slept enough in weeks. Your body is exhausted.”
“Can I apologize in advance for bolting upright in a few hours and scaring the hell out of you?”
He gave her a squeeze. “Nope. No need. If it happens, I’ve got you.”
“What if I get confused and slap you or punch you in the nose?” Her voice was soft but serious.
He chuckled. “Worse things have happened to me. I’ll survive.”
When she sighed and let her body relax, he kissed her neck. “Rest, baby. It’s okay. I don’t care if you wake up screaming. I’ll be right here.”
She nodded, and it didn’t take long for her to fall into a deep sleep.
He watched her for a while, the rise and fall of her chest, her parted lips, the way she curled into herself.
Yes, she still had secrets, but he could handle them. He knew he could. He could handle anything. She was precious and exactly what he wanted in a woman. No matter what had happened in her past, he would deal with it.
The real question was, could he live without ever knowing?
Chapter 13
The delicious smell of pastries pulled Bex out of sleep. For a moment, she glanced around, confused, but then remembered where she was. Bracken’s house. His bed. Another deep inhale brought the scent of coffee along with fresh-baked pastries.
She smiled as she slid from the bed and padded over to use the bathroom. She glanced down at her nightclothes and decided to leave them for now, but she did locate a hairband and headed for the kitchen while piling her hair up into a messy bun.
Bracken was at the island, and she was surprised to find the kitchen completely clean. The only indication he’d been baking was the scent and now the sight of the turnovers steaming in front of him as he carefully lifted them onto a cooling rack.
He glanced up and smiled. “Hey, sleepy. I tried to be as quiet as possible, but I can’t believe you slept through the mixer and all my banging around.”
“Mmm.” She drew in a long whiff as she leaned over what appeared to be one of her favorites, cherry turnovers. “The scent finally woke me as you took them out of the oven. Those look amazing.”
“Coffee?” he asked as he set the pan in the sink.
“Please.”
“Cream? Sugar?”
“A bit of each if you have them.” She climbed onto a bar stool, still marveling at his creation and the total lack of evidence. “Where is the mess?” she joked.
He chuckled as he slid a mug in front of her. “Not all of us get flour all over the kitchen and down our clothes when we bake,” he joked.
“Really?” She picked up the mug and took a sip. Perfect. “I thought it was a rule.”
“Nope. And I clean up as I go too.” He leaned a hip against the island close to her, nodding at the pastries. “Go ahead. Try one. Let’s see if you like my creations as much as I liked your scones.”
“I’m sure I will.” They were light and fluffy. They looked professional. She picked one up and bit into it, moaning around the first taste. “God, these are delicious.”
“I’m glad you like them.”
“Cherry is my favorite. Did you know that?”
“Nope. Got lucky.” He slid closer, set his mug down, and ran a hand up her back to cup her neck. His lips came down to take hers in a slow sensual kiss. “Good morning. How’d you sleep?”
Her eyes widened. “Oh, man. I slept all night, didn’t I? What time is it?”
“Nine. I thought you slept hard. You never moved, not until I eased out of the bed. I tried not to wake you.”
“I guess you didn’t. I was completely unaware.”
He grinned. “It’s settled then.”
“What’s settled?” She eyed him suspiciously.
“You should sleep with me every night. Apparently, I was a good luck charm.” He winked.
She rolled her eyes. “So cocky.”
“Yep.”
“Don’t you have to work?”
“Took the day off. I only work part-time anyway. Do you have to be anywhere today?”
“It would seem I don’t have to be anywhere ever.” That idea didn’t sit well with her, but it was a fact for now.
“Good. Let’s bake. We’ll make a list, hit the supermarket, and then bake amazing things all day.”
She giggled. “You want to bake with me?”
“Yep.”
“Gotta say, even though I never really visualized myself dating someone for any length of time, I certainly didn’t picture him wanting to spend the day doing my favorite thing—baking.”
“I can’t believe I met a woman who agrees with me that baking is the best pastime. We’ve won the dating lottery.”
Two hours later, Bracken was grinning from ear to ear as this amazing woman worked next to him in his kitchen. Her side was far messier than his, but he didn’t care if she threw the flour up in the air and let it snow down around them. It was so much fun working with her.
His mind started running ahead of him, thinking of the possibilities. He needed to broach the subject of her switching careers again. He knew she didn’t see it as a viable option, but she was wrong. And he intended to talk her into it. Maybe not today but soon.
After months of boredom that made Bracken feel lazy and old, Bex was like a fountain of youth. She was making him think about the future and what it could look like. He didn’t have to spend the rest of his life lounging around working part-time. Maybe, just maybe, he could start a new venture, with her.
It was too soon to bring it up, and he still needed to wrap his head around their age difference and what it would mean to them long term, but he felt hope.
Meanwhile, he needed to somehow manage to get her to talk to her therapist and open up to him. Little things. Nothing insurmountable. He hoped.
Chapter 14
Two weeks later…
Bex was on cloud nine. Somehow, she had slid into a new normal. She hadn’t been back to her condo except to pick up more clothes, check the mail, and spend a few minutes touching base with Shayla every few days. She’d slept with Bracken every night for two weeks. Slept. No sex.
They’d had some amazing make-out sessions, including several repeats of the hot tub scene, but she had worn her usual nighttime attire to bed every night and Bracken hadn’t made a move to change things.
Surprisingly, she had only woken up gasping twice. Both times on the nights after she saw her counselor. Dr. Rawlins said it was normal. Fridays were the day Bex had to face her demons and doing so left her a bit raw.
Today was Saturday and Bex woke up to find Bracken staring at her. He was also stroking her shoulder.
She winced as she remembered bolting upright in the night, gasping, confused, sweating, stressed. “Ugh,” she moaned at the onslaught of memories.
He smiled. “You knew it might happen. It was Friday again. It just means you’re working through things with Dr. Rawlins.”
She sighed. “I don’t think it means that at all. The only thing I’ve told her is that I don’t think I can go back to work in a week.”
He nodded. “But seeing her stirs up memories, whether or not you share them.”
“I guess.”
“If nothing else, you’re working through the feelings you have from the trafficker.”
“Yeah.” She sighed. Was she though? Did that really matter?