Only in Time

by Kelli McCracken

  “Jonah…

  He spun her around to face him, cupping her cheeks in his hands. “I didn’t think I’d get over you before. I’m not sure I did. If you walk out that door, I won’t recover this time.”

  “But you said this wouldn’t work. We live on opposite sides of the country.”

  “We’ll find a way, Ally. I’ll do whatever it takes. I have to.” His green eyes roamed her face, burning bright with desire. “I’ve loved you for so long, I don’t know how to love anyone else. If you feel the same—”

  “I do,” she whispered, brushing his lips with her finger. “You know I do, Jonah.”

  “Ally…” He released the breath he’d been holding. Longing swelled in his eyes, and his lips when they swept across hers. “Stay with me, Ally.”

  She couldn’t have argued, even if she’d wanted. The weight of his body pinned her to the door. He ran his tongue over her bottom lip, drawing it between his as a moan slipped out.

  The fire in his eyes engulfed her when he pulled away, the crook in his mouth hinting to his approval of the sound. Then his hands caressed her legs, scorching her skin as they slid up her skirt. They left a trail of gooseflesh in their wake. Especially when he cupped her bottom, lifting her against the door.

  Wrapping her body against his, their lips met again, teasing, parting, melding. The room began to shift as they turned. Then the coolness of the door left her back. She loved the feel of his arms crushing her body to his. They held her tighter with each step he took. She didn’t know where they were headed, nor did she care. She only had one desire. To end a six-year-old ache.

  Long strides brought them to another door. She caught a glimpse of it closing behind them before uncurling her body from his. Her fingers moved to the bottom of his shirt, fumbling with the edge. She needed to slow down. They had all night. She could savor every moment if she wanted to. And she would once he was buried inside her.

  A few tugs later, his shirt hit the floor, followed by her blouse and bra.

  They didn’t stop there. Spinning in a circle, he worked her skirt past her hips. It tumbled to the floor as a zipper growled to life. Then jeans plopped against the carpet.

  Jonah’s hands went back to her waist. The heat of his mouth left hers as he licked a path down her neck, suckling a little section here and there. She wanted him to go further. Even arched her body into his, gasping when he gave her the thing she craved. His mouth on her breast.

  He drew her nipple between his lips. One flick of his tongue sent a thousand spasms through her body. Her cries filled the air, as did the sound of cotton ripping. Jonah tugged on her panties again. The delicate material snapped on either side of her hips, sending the only barrier between them to the floor.

  Wet warmth pooled between her thighs. She wanted him to lose control, to give in to the primal part of him and please her beyond comprehension.

  He pulled away for a moment, running his eyes over her naked flesh. Heat burned her cheeks. She’d never been so vulnerable around him. Body and soul bared, she hoped he liked what he saw. God knows she was enjoying every rock hard inch of him.

  The smile he gave her settled her heart. He pulled her back against him, locking his eyes with hers. “You’re more beautiful than I imagined.”

  Her heart fluttered at the words. For the first time in years, she felt wanted. And she succumbed to the want.

  Falling onto the bed, he pulled her with him, laughing when they bumped heads. But the laughter faded. Desire returned. And in one swift motion, he pressed her to the bed.

  Cradling him between her thighs, their lips met once more, drawing out slow, sensual kisses. He held her hips, teasing her swollen flesh with his tip. She wanted to die. The way her belly fluttered each time he pulsed against her. She rocked her hips up to his, but he pulled away. If he didn’t satisfy the ache consuming her, she’d lose her mind.

  “Jonah,” she whispered. “Please…” He had her in such a daze she couldn’t form a sentence.

  The need built deeper within, forcing a moan from her lips. The sound had been his undoing. A surge of fire engulfed her with every inch he plunged. She rocked her hips against his, crying out as he filled her. Unable to move, she clenched the length of him, losing herself in the spasms that worked through her body. Then he rocked his hips with hers, each thrust building the sweetest sensation deep within her. She wanted more of it. More of him. And Jonah happily obliged.

  * * *

  Jonah gripped Ally’s shoulders, pulling her into the speed. The faster he pumped his hips, the louder her voice grew. He wanted to hear the sweet sound. Wanted to feel her body writhing under his.

  Thrusting deeper inside, he groaned against her lips when she tightened around him. Anticipation built within. To hear her shouting his name as her climax consumed her. To call out hers when he finally reached his release.

  Slipping his hand between the bed, he gripped her ass, pulling her further onto him. A smile spread over his lips when his name left hers. She wrapped her legs around his waist, giving him full access to her depths. And he dove further, grinding every inch to the hilt. Ally’s legs trembled around him as he held deep, teasing her sweet spot. The more he rubbed against her, the more her legs shook. And then the sound he’d been waiting for filled his ears. Her cries of pleasure.

  Wave after delicious wave of her body pulsed around him. Squeezing, releasing, quaking. Every inch of him throbbed for her. He fought to keep going, to keep his name on her tongue.

  But the urge became too much. The fire she stoked within his soul blazed beyond control, and his resolve went up in flames. His groan vibrated between them. He plunged a final time, swelling deep within her. Then need overcame him. He spilled inside her, collapsing just a moment later.

  Breath by labored breath, he held onto the moment, enjoying the way her body felt under his. Then he met her eyes, noting the way love shined inside them. After six long years, she was finally his. And she was worth every bit of the wait. That much he knew. Hopefully she felt the same. The way her lips curled up was answer enough.

  Keeping her in his arms, he slid to the side, holding onto her for dear life. He’d never let her go again. Not after receiving such wonderful gifts. Her love. Her trust. Her heart.

  EPILOGUE

  Ally tuned out the passing traffic of Broughton Street, focusing solely on the rise and fall of Jonah’s chest. Nestled between his arms, they both gazed at the quaint antique shop in front of them.

  “Mystique Antiques,” Jonah mumbled in the space between her neck and shoulder, just before he kissed it. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

  “Yeah,” she answered, letting her eyes fall to her wrist. A twinge of sadness stole her breath as she ran her finger over the face of the watch. As much as she’d hated it at first, deep down she knew of the magic contained within those tiny gears.

  It had been the seconds on the watch that gave her a second chance with Jonah. For that, she would always be grateful. And to Twila, who convinced her that the watch wasn’t broken. Nor was her relationship with him.

  “We better hurry. We have a lot to do before the wedding this evening. If I’m late, my brother will kill me.”

  Giving him a nod, she slipped out of his arms, but not before stealing a kiss. “Don’t worry, we won’t be late. I’m always punctual.”

  A low rumble of laughter echoed from his chest as he swiped the watch on her wrist. “Yeah, I know. Had it not been for this thing…”

  She cupped his cheek, teasing his lips with her thumb. “You don’t ever have to worry about that again. We have the rest of our lives to enjoy every single second together. Till death do us part, remember?”

  Jonah nodded, bringing her hand to his lips. He kissed the golden band on her finger. The one that signified their union. Then his eyes shifted to the matching band on his finger. And he sighed. “Think Theo and Cassie will be as happy as us?”

  “As long as he makes her laugh and smile, I think anything is possib
le.” She didn’t miss the way his lips curled before she turned toward the door, or the way his hand warmed hers as their fingers laced.

  The cool air brushed her skin once Jonah closed the door behind them. Her eyes trailed over the items in the store, taking in their dusty scent with a deep breath. It didn’t take her long to notice Twila standing in the distance, or the warmth in her eyes when they left Ally’s and moved toward Jonah.

  “How ya’ll doing today?” she asked with her cheerful southern drawl. Ally missed that sound. Missed the kind faces that came along with the South. It hadn’t been hard to convince John Muncy to relocate her to the L.A. office. Not after she scored Jonah’s investment account. But a part of her heart would remain in Savannah. It’s where their life together began. Even as husband and wife.

  Making her way to the counter, Ally released Jonah’s hand. She unclasped the watch on her wrist, setting it on the glass counter when she reached it.

  The crease between Twila’s eyes deepened as she picked up the watch. “Is something wrong with it, darlin’?”

  “Not at all,” Ally smiled. “But I think its time with me has come to an end.” She gazed back at Jonah, who was eyeing an antique fountain pen. “I think someone else can benefit from its magic. I already have.”

  A chuckle slipped past Twila’s lips as her attention shifted to Jonah. “Indeed you have, my dear.” She opened the door to the glass counter, working the watch over one of the displays before locking it back. Then her eyes trailed over Ally. “I have something else for you.”

  “Beg your pardon?” Curiosity churned in Ally’s mind. She gazed over her shoulder, meeting Jonah’s eyes. Had he purchased something for her before their arrival? It would be just like him to surprise her with a gift. “Did my husband—”

  “No,” Twila laughed, pushing away from the counter. “The gift is from me. I know that the items in my store have a magical way of bringing happiness to the people who receive them. It isn’t too often that I get to see that happiness with my own eyes. You have given me such a gift today.”

  As Twila made her way to the back of the store, Jonah wrapped his arm around Ally’s waist. Then the heat of his breath teased her neck. “Everything okay?”

  “I think so. Twila said she has a gift for me. Something that she wants me to have.”

  “Oh boy,” he chuckled.

  Ally noticed the antique pen in Jonah’s hand. Arching her brow, she stroked the barrel, enjoying the feel of the mother of pearl. “You know you’re going to turn her life upside down, don’t you?”

  “Who?” He asked, trying to hide the grin tugging his lips.

  “Fiona. That’s who you’re buying that for, right?”

  “Yep,” he laughed, setting the pen on the counter as Twila returned.

  “I’ll ring that up for you in a minute, sweetheart,” she cooed, handing Ally a box no bigger than a paperback novel. “If you don’t mind, I’d love for you to open it now.”

  Nodding her head, Ally slipped her finger under the lid, shimmying the top of the box loose. The light above them hit the silver just right, sending a blinding spark toward the sky.

  It was Jonah who found his voice first as they gazed inside at the rattle. “Whoa,” he mumbled, stroking the curve of the bell on the end. “Does that mean…”

  The question fell short as he choked on his words. He’d made the connection. Just like she had. The way his hand cradled her stomach proved as much.

  It made sense now. The flip-flopping in her belly. How certain foods made her want to run for the bathroom. And she thought she had caught some type of virus.

  Gentle laughter filled the air as Twila’s voice circled around them, confirming what both knew in their hearts. “There’s nothing like the pitter patter of little feet.”

  Afterword

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for reading Only in Time. I hope you enjoyed Ally and Jonah’s story. It’s been my pleasure sharing it with you.

  The Mystique Antiques books are a crossover series that revolve around Twila and her antique shop. Although the series is fairly new, you can bet your sweet tushy that more stories are on the way.

  I hope you will help spread the word about Only in Time as well as the Mystique Antiques series. Tell your friends, family, co-workers, and of course, please leave an honest review on Amazon.com.

  Other Works by Kelli McCracken

  For those who enjoy paranormal romance, be sure to check out the first book in my Soulmate Series: What the Heart Wants.

  Do dreams foretell the future? Are there soul connections that go deeper than love?

  Dylan McBride is tired of his rock star lifestyle. Between the nosy press and crazed fans, all he wants is to be left alone...and find the angel who's been plaguing his dreams for months. Maybe longer.

  When he meets Heaven Lewis, his world is turned upside down. Not only is she the girl from his dreams, he notices he can sense her emotions at any place and time.

  Being involved with a celebrity is the last thing Heaven imagined...or wanted. Especially since her last relationship nightmare. Yet resisting Dylan doesn't come easy. Something about him pulls at her heart. And her soul.

  Will Dylan's celebrity status be too much for Heaven, or can he convince her to surrender to What the Heart Wants?

  To sample or purchase What the Heart Wants, click here

  Also by Kelli McCracken:

  What the Heart Needs

  Coming Soon:

  Heartstrings

  Essence

  Soulmate Series Book 3

  Works by Other Authors

  If you liked Twila and the Mystique Antique shop, you are going to enjoy the book that started it all. A Love Soul Deep by Amber Scott.

  A gold locket catches her eye and her heart. Inside the tiny gold frame is a picture of the one man she compares all others to. The one that got away…

  Can this locket, one wish, bring back the love she lost?

  To sample or purchase A Love Soul Deep, click here

  * * *

  Also available in the Mystique Antiques Series, Sweet Serendipity by Elena Gray

  Silence is golden. Honesty…not so much.

  Gwen Palmer’s saucy mouth gets in the way of her heart’s desire…again. Just when she is about to trade in her baker’s hat for a nun’s habit, she comes face-to-face with her idol, Ethan Reynolds.

  Ethan isn’t immune to Gwen’s loose lips. Nor her quirkiness. And something about her smile tugs at his heart. Will he look beyond her outrageous remarks and see the truth inside? Or will Gwen lose her one chance at true love?

  To sample or purchase Sweet Serendipity, click here.

  About the Author

  Most days you’ll find Kelli McCracken pecking away at the keyboard, sharing secret stories about those pesky little people inside her head. Or arguing with her characters about a scene. Other days she’s hanging out in her secret Facebook group with readers, chatting about books and upcoming writing projects.

  “Gone are the days of quiet housewives who clean, cook, watch soaps, and eat bon-bons. We’re all about sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Scratch that. We’re about sex, chocolate, and rock and roll. Add in some great books and we might let you live in the same house with us.”

  Kelli lives with her husband and children in the Ohio Valley region in the United States…at least she thinks that’s where she lives. It could be a nice, white, padded room. Hard to say with that darn vivid imagination.

  Contact Information

  Website

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  Author Fan Page

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  Email

  Acknowledgments

  While it didn’t take long to write Only in Time, I know it wouldn’t have been possible to reach my goal without the love and support of my family and friends. Without a good support system in place, writing is one of the hardest jobs a person can have. I’m very grateful to those who have supported me from day
one and to those who believe in me.

  To my husband and children. Thank you for understanding that I’m a little crazy. That I fight and argue with characters. That I have good days and bad. That I’m human. Maybe it’s entertaining to live with a nutty woman. Who knows. But thank you for living with the insanity. You will never know what you all mean to me.

  To Amber, for having enough faith in me to take this story and run with it. Thank you for the long video chats, for helping me stay focused, and for teaching me the ins and outs of this industry. You’ve truly been a lifesaver…pineapple flavored.

  To Elena for letting me vent, cuss, and have as many pity parties as I needed. You’ve always picked me up and brushed me off. You’ve taught me how to value each day, to be thankful every morning I wake, and to embrace the person that I am. But the most important lesson you’ve taught me is that sometimes, you just have to let it go… You will always be my rock, my best friend.

  To Rhonda, for taking on a last minute editing project and for totally rocking it. You’re awesomesauce my dear.

  To Lisa, Eva, and Karen for all of your valuable feedback, encouragement, and simply for being the wonderful people you are.

  To my Naughty Club. I love each and every one of you. Truly. You ladies are the reason I do this. Thank you.