“I want to kiss you, but I don’t want to assume anything. I need you to lay it out for me. What you want. What you’re comfortable with. And I need you to know I’d never take advantage of this situation. Would never, ever hurt you or take something you didn’t offer. I also don’t want you to misinterpret my caution. I’m intensely attracted to you. Keep catching myself about to touch you and stopping myself.”
The warmth that had settled low in her belly pooled between her hips. “I wouldn’t be here if I thought you were that type of man. If you did something that made me uncomfortable, I’d just tell you.” They continued to stare into each other’s eyes as the tension built between them. She offered him a slow smile, and his lips instantly curved in return. He moved his head to rest closer to hers, so close their noses brushed. Their lips met, the contact feather-soft at first, a languid exploration that was both serene and sensual. His tongue played against hers and she drew him in deeper, loving how their connection seemed to surge to life. How a kiss could give her so much peace while making herbody come alive was a complete mystery. The living room faded away until there was nothing in her mind and heart but him.
Chapter Fourteen
The first weekback in Coronado passed in a blur of doctors’ appointments and physical therapy. It was the other moments that stood apart that made him sigh in contentment. The ones spent with Jane. Holding her close as they slept, sharing takeout on the couch before cuddling up to watch a mindless television show, kissing her and feeling as though the whole world just melted away. A week that solidified what he already knew in his heart. She was meant for him. As the days passed, he began to regain his strength, feeling more like himself. Jane had thrown everything she was into taking care of him. Ensuring he had what he needed to heal. Now that his injuries were finally under control, he was eager to take care of her the way she’d taken care of him.
He’d left her warm and sleepy beneath the covers and purposely strode to the kitchen. Nights had felt so right having Jane’s body pressed against his. He was addicted to waking up beside her. The scent of her shampoo, a rush of something tropical and decadent, like dessert beachside, clung to her pillow and he found himself dragging it into his lungs every chance he got. There was something deeply intimate about sleeping beside her. Kissing her, holding her was the sweetest torture, but he was glad they were taking things slow. He didn’t want her to have any doubts about where he wanted them to go. Already his mind was spinning with how full life might look having her at his side, and everything seemed that much more exciting and vibrant.
He measured out two heaping spoons of coffee grounds, poured them into a paper filter, and set the machine to brew. He gripped the refrigerator handle and surveyed the contents. Red and Thalia had made sure his town house was fully stocked with anything they might want when they returned home. He got to work making scrambled eggs and then, feeling inspired, started making strawberry and peach pancakes. He grinned when he heard the shower start. More when footsteps padded over the floor. He was just adding whipped cream to her stack of pancakes when he turned to watch her walk into the room. She was fresh-faced and her skin had a rosy glow from the shower. Her hair was damp, curling around her shoulders. The red shirt she’d bought at a boutique store after one of their trips to the hospital clung to her body, showing off her curves and the swell of her breasts. Moisture pooled in his mouth. Fuck. Her legs were smooth and bare in her frayed denim shorts. Her feet covered in the fuzzy socks he knew she liked to wear around the house.
“It smells like a bakery in here.” Her smile struck him right in the chest, making his pulse kick up a notch. “Are you feeling all right today?”
Good God she was beautiful. “Yeah.” His voice was guttural, doing nothing to mask the depth of his attraction.
She approached and wrapped her arms around his waist. The way she sought out his simple touches made him stand a little taller. He held her for a moment, until she stepped back and glanced down at the plates on the counter. “I sure hope one of those is for me.”
“Sure is. Want to be my taste tester?” He plucked a peach slice off the top of the whipped cream and held it to her lips.
“If it’s sweet, I’m your girl.” With both hands resting on his wrist, she leaned in and ate the peach from his fingers. The little noise she made in the back of her throat had his whole bodystiffening. She looked up at him from under her thick lashes and her eyes were nearly black, reminding him of one of his mom’s porcelain dolls.
“Speaking of fucking sweet,” he groaned. Her pink tongue darted out, licking a spot of whipped cream from the edge of his thumb. The teasing light in her eyes, combined with the shy smile had the blood rushing straight to his cock. He turned into her, so her back was against the counter. Their bodies were aligned and there was no way she could miss the way his erection pressed against her belly. He was about to ask if she was okay or if it was too much, but she lifted her arms, winding them behind his neck and urging him closer. His lips crashed against hers and she instantly opened, taking him deep into her mouth. He could taste sweetness of the peach still on her tongue. She moved her hands over his bare back, shoulders, and down his chest. His pulse roared in his ears as he devoured her and when her fingers dipped beneath the waist of his sweats, he gasped at the sensation.
“Jane,” he breathed, not sure of exactly what he wanted to say.
“I think breakfast will still be delicious reheated.” The way she nipped his neck, her warm breath tickling the sensitive skin there, made him shiver with anticipation. “Condoms?”
“Bedroom.” He slid his hands beneath her ass, lifting her body easily. Her legs wrapped around his waist, and she crossed her ankles behind his back. The way her core was flush against him made his body throb. He barely noticed the twinge in his calf muscle as he walked them to the bedroom. His mind was reeling with need. He wanted to bury himself deep and feel her clench around him. He burst through the bedroom door, kicking it closed behind him.
“You shouldn’t be carrying me.” The breathlessness in her voice flamed his desire. “Sit on the bed, up against the headboard,” she demanded.
He immediately complied, wanting to do everything he could to make sure she was comfortable and in control. “Top drawer.” He leaned his head back, taking slow, measured breaths to get ahold of himself. The drawer opened, and there was a slight rustling, before it clicked shut again. He opened his eyes, just as Jane was wiggling out of the shorts that hugged her hips. His breathing increased as the lacy lime underwear also dropped to the floor.
“Pants,” she urged softly, crossing to the bed. He wasted no time in pushing them down and kicking them off. She stepped up to the mattress, straddled his outer thighs, and slid her legs around his back so she was sitting on his lap. Her folds were a slick, muted coral. Her clit so engorged he wanted to suck it into his mouth and feel her writhe against his tongue. Instead, he framed her face, picking up the kiss where they left off. Her hands wandered over his chest, his erection bobbed against the soft skin of her stomach, and when they broke apart, they were both breathing hard.
He let his fingertips trace a path down her collarbone as he marveled at her full breasts. Her head dropped back as he caressed her, loving the weight of them in his hands as he leaned down and plumped them toward his lips. He circled his tongue around one taut nipple before sucking it into his mouth. A sound escaped her throat, making him groan with pleasure. She was leaning back, palms on the plush comforter, supporting her weight as she rocked her hips against the base of his cock, soaking him. When she growled in frustration, he chuckled and moved a hand to the small of her back, bracing it there.
He gripped his erection in the other, moving the tip to circle her opening before gliding it up and over her clit. He repeatedthe action a few times until she lifted her head, eyes popping open, heavy with lust. She glanced down, those heavy lids widening as she watched him continue to gather up her wetness and circle her clit. She was panting now, her hand joining his over his dick, steadying the head against the swollen bundle of nerves at the apex of her thighs. Her body started to quake, and she held his gaze as she shattered against him. He’d never experienced anything more erotic than watching her get off against him before he even entered her.
Once she got her breath back, she reached for the condom and tore open the foil packet. He helped her roll it from tip to base, and she positioned him at her center. “I need you inside me. Please.” Her words were barely a whisper, but he’d never make this woman beg for anything.
He gripped her hips and pulled her onto him. They both groaned simultaneously as he sunk deep inside her. He was in fucking ecstasy as her inner muscles fluttered around him from her earlier orgasm. Nothing in his life had ever felt better than bottoming out inside her. They moved in sync, almost desperately. His chest expanded as emotion pumped through his heart. She began to tremble, and her eyes fell shut.
“Look at me, sweetheart.” He was moments away from his own release, drunk off the physical and emotional sensations crashing over him in waves. She lifted her gaze, those deep, gorgeous eyes unfocused with pleasure. “Jane,” he gritted out. “I love you.” He’d meant to tell her in a different way, at a different time but that made his statement no less true. “Fuck, baby, I love you.” She shook violently, her short nails digging into his back. A white light detonated behind his eyes as he pulsed inside her, spilling into the condom. She slumped against his chest, clinging to him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close to his heart, still seated inside her. He wasn’t sure how much time had passed. It could’ve been minutes or an hour, butit didn’t matter. Nothing did, except holding the woman he loved right where she belonged.
*
Beautiful, intense, perfect.That’s what having Sully inside her felt like. She’d never experienced such an onslaught of emotion and physical pleasure as she did in this moment. When she got out of the shower this morning, she hadn’t envisioned jumping into bed with Sully less than ten minutes later, but she couldn’t think of a more amazing way to start her day. She’d been touched that he’d made her breakfast—no man ever had before—and he’d put her at ease, not questioning her directions when they entered the bedroom. His rough palms branded her hips as he moved with her, providing the most delicious friction. Bright sunlight filled the room, bathing them in a golden glow. No dark shadows here. Just them. Imperfections on display. Gazes locked as honesty and trust flowed between them. Three words nearly poured from her lips as Sully plunged inside her. Pressure built between her hips as she approached the cusp of something so monumental she was afraid to let go and feel it. Then pleasure broke through her. The currents so strong, so intense all she could do was cling and tremble against him, so she didn’t get swept away.
“Look at me, sweetheart.” His voice was gruff and insistent.
Her eyes focused on his, and the emotion reflecting in his gaze made her heart tumble. “Jane, I love you. Fuck, baby, I love you.” He buried himself and stilled inside her. His heart pounded against her chest, and she held on tight. They stayed just like that as their breathing returned to normal. She forgot the concept of time, too busy imprinting the moment to memoryto worry about what was coming next. His fingers smoothed over her temple and into her hair.
“I meant it,” he said pressing a reverent kiss to her forehead. “Not how I originally planned to tell you, but my heart seems to have its own timeline. I love you and I vow to do everything in my power to be the man who makes sure you know how much. To earn your heart.”
She straightened, staring into his eyes. “You already have. Until we met, I thought men like you only existed in pretty stories, but you’re real and kind and more incredible than any character in a book. I love you, too.”
Later, they inhaled the warmed pancakes and scrambled eggs in bed and that’s where they stayed until the afternoon, loving each other so thoroughly, there was no doubt as to what their hearts held.
