Harriet propped herself onto her elbows. “I love it. You were incredibly lucky to find it.” She squirmed as Lucas started undoing her buttons, his tongue following the opening of her blouse. He moved straight to her trousers and dragged them down over her hips, taking the lacy undergarment with them.
The loose fabric slipped easily over the braces and soon they were hanging over the end of the bed along with his shirt. Turning his attention back to her breasts, he pushed the blouse off her shoulders and unclipped the front opening of the bra.
“You really shouldn’t do that, Lucas.”
He lightly ran his tongue over a nipple “And why not?”
She quivered under his touch, sending a rush of blood to heat his groin. She was a bloody electrical generator. Flick the switch and his brain was short circuiting from the surge of power.
Harriet put her hands to his jeans to undo the button and pull down the zip. “Because I’m going to have to do this.” She placed her palm against him feeling the proof of his arousal, squeezing him gently.
“Hang on a minute.” He tightened his abs, taking a quick breath. “Do you want to see if high beds are good for something other than falling off?”
Harriet looked up, her eyes wary. “Maybe. Does it involve pain?”
“What do you mean?”
“You have the word falling in a sentence with beds. That’s not usually good.”
“You really like to over think things. Isn’t that my job?”
“All right, Mr. Lucas Hall. If that’s how it is, my body is all yours. Only one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“I get to have an orgasm. You as good as promised, along with the mud cake.”
“Your wish is my command.”
Lucas stood and pulled off his jeans, pleased with the way her gaze lingered on his naked body. He scooped her up and turned her on the bed, so her legs dangled on the side. “Pillow?”
She grabbed one and tucked it under her head. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”
“This is all about my fantasy, sweetheart. Do you mind?”
Harriet shook her head, his obvious excitement stirring her own as he hooked his fingers under her thighs, separating them and holding them steady against his hips with her feet dangling.
“No pain?”
“No pain.”
The emerald green irises shrank to a vivid rim around the black pupil. The tremor in his body echoed in hers. He’d barely touched her and she was liquefying, readying herself for his invasion.
His erection rubbed her inner thigh and she propped herself up on another pillow.
He looked a question and she grinned, a bit wobbly. “All the better to see you with, Mr. Wolf.”
Eyes gleaming with something fierce he tugged her closer. His thrust almost lifted her off the bed. He stilled, searching her face, hesitating.
“Still okay?”
He’d never been so rough before, even before the accident. But there had only been that one night, really. They’d fooled around a bit, but once they’d made up their mind to get married, they’d decided to wait. That night, after all the waiting, had been wonderful. And then everything had fallen apart. She blinked to clear her vision and focussed on Lucas.
Perspiration beaded on his upper lip and trickled down his chest. Whether it was the position, or his excitement, she’d never felt so full, so close to the edge, just from his penetration. She nodded slowly as she moved her hands to cover her tingling breasts. A huff of sound left her at the sudden spasm at her core. She chafed the sensitive tips and the muscles constricted again. Lucas looked almost feral, telling her with his smile he felt the reaction. Could feel her tightening around him.
He began to rock and almost immediately the beginnings of an orgasm started to build. When she tugged and stroked her nipples it sent a surge of liquid fuel to the fire. His grip tightened as he quickened the pace, flesh slapping against flesh in archaic rhythm. Her gasps of pleasure culminated in a cry of sheer exhilaration at the sensation of Lucas pulsing within her as he reached climax, triggering her body to convulse around him.
Sliding his hands under her hips Lucas gently pushed her back onto the bed before moving to lie beside her.
“Who said I needed someone who can tie themselves in knots? You’re going to be the death of me.” His fingertips stroked her cheek, the action triggering a choking sensation in her throat. “I can’t resist you. I never could.”
He grabbed his shirt to wipe the perspiration from his face and chest. “I need a shower.”
After they showered together Lucas brought them both a large glass of water and they sprawled amongst the cushions, sipping and talking and fondling.
“Lucas?”
“Hmmm?”
“What happened about Vegas?”
“I told you. Nothing. The guys partied, we did the conference thing and went back to L.A. at the end of the week.”
“I meant…You said…”
“You’re wondering if I took advantage of the many delights of the showbiz, gambling, wedding and divorce capital of the U.S. of A.” He rubbed one hand against his thigh as he shifted, moving away to prop himself higher on the pillows and place his glass on the floor.
“I expected to hear you’d started the divorce proceedings. But there was nothing. Only the postcard from Sondra.”
“And you wondered if there was any significance.”
“I suppose so.” She watched as his fingers tangled, rubbing the knuckles of one hand. “Was there any significance?”
“I wasn’t drunk enough to do the waking up in Vegas scenario. For anything else I would have had to stay longer.” His fingers marched across the sheets to prod her ribs. “I’m not the only one who makes rash declarations and doesn’t follow through.”
She ducked her head to evade his accusing stare. “It’s never too late.”
“No. But I’ve got other priorities at the moment.”
With a soft gasp, she twisted under his touch, as his hand cupped her breast, squeezing her nipple.
Reaching across, she put her half empty glass on the bedside table. His mouth followed the trail made by his hand and she surrendered, willing, eager, to forget the past in order to taste Lucas all over again. In the end, exhaustion lulled them into asleep, curled up together under the green quilt, the cushions scattered to the corners of the room.
Harriet woke first as the morning light trickled into the room, past old velvet swags that had seen better days. The warm smooth skin against her back felt incredibly good and the way his arm rested lightly on her hip while the other cradled her head against his shoulder triggered a feeling of contentment that was unfamiliar. She was used to filling every waking moment with activity of some kind so lying enfolded by Lucas was, at the same time, soothing and unnerving.
The hand on her hip began to move softly, stroking the skin and exploring. Harriet turned into the embrace and found herself looking into green eyes still soft from slumber. His voice was husky. “Hey, how did you sleep?”
Harriet stretched, rubbing her body against his. “So well, I can’t believe it. I must have worn me out as well as you.” Lucas pulled her against him and Harriet opened her lips for his kiss giving Lucas every opportunity to prove himself fully recovered. Which he duly did, to her delight.
They breakfasted on the back veranda on croissants and bacon and eggs cooked by Lucas, sharing the Sunday paper, occasionally commenting on the news of the day. She’d teased him about having a real newspaper, knowing that he used his tablet the rest of the week. He’d raised one eyebrow.
“It’s more fun this way. More relaxing. It’s what I need on the weekend.”
It was relaxing, just sitting around, no urgency to chat and fill the silence. It had been like this the first time, long hours spent silently studying together. It had been one way of keeping their hands off each other. In hindsight, she wished they hadn’t been so darn virtuous. It was good that they still had that
capacity for being together comfortably. Maybe this would be what it would be like if he stayed around.
Looking at him out of the corner of her eye she noticed his attention had strayed from the newspaper. He stared into space with that grim look he seemed to get now and then. She wanted to know what he was thinking, but he turned, seemingly aware of her regard and smiled cheerfully. His eyes stayed shadowed and unfathomable giving her the feeling that he wouldn’t welcome an intrusion into his thoughts.
The rules of the game were to keep it light and she was the one enforcing them, but his occasional moodiness made her nervous. “You are all right with this, Lucas?”
He put his coffee mug down and looked at her with raised brows, his eyes greener if anything. “All right with what, Harry?”
Harriet bit her lip. If she came out and said casual sex, he might think she was just using him, and it definitely wasn’t that. She just knew that nothing permanent was ever going to happen under the circumstances. How would he feel if he knew the risks she was taking? She’d told him she would take care of contraception. So far there hadn’t been a problem, the timing wrong. In the meantime, it was better to keep it light, so she wouldn’t get in too deep again. She nearly didn’t survive the first time. It was too much risk, especially with Lucas, who was the only man to ever touch her heart in that way.
Lucas watched the play of expressions on her face intently. The perky mask was slipping again and he was glad of it. “You mean am I all right with being your friend with benefits, no romance, no strings?”
Her chest rose and fell as she took a deep breath. “Yes, that’s what I mean. It’s just sometimes you seem a bit grim and I wondered if it was something I did. Now I mean, not seven years ago.”
Folding the paper carefully Lucas placed it on the table as he contemplated her words. “You might need to define a little clearer the parameters of this relationship for me, Harriet. Are my thoughts my own or would you like me to share them? Am I entitled to probe your thoughts or are they sacrosanct?”
Harriet looked disconcerted. “Oh, I see what you mean. It’s not really supposed to get that intimate is it?”
Lucas stood and came over to squat beside Harriet’s chair “It’s up to you, Harriet. This kind of relationship is totally new to me, so I don’t know the rules.” He put his hand on her thigh. “For my part I’m happy for you to ask me questions. As long as you understand I may prefer not to answer some things. Do you trust me to make that kind of call?”
“I guess so. And I suppose you can ask me things too, on the same proviso.”
“Good.” Steadying himself against the wheel Lucas kissed her on the lips. “Very good. Delectable even.” He returned to his seat. “To answer the original question about me looking grim. No, you haven’t done anything to cause it. I do tend to look grim when I’m concentrating on things. My work colleagues complain about it all the time. I will endeavour to do better.”
Harriet shook her head “I suppose I just want to you tell me if I upset you or do something you don’t like.”
Picking up his coffee, Lucas took a sip and screwed up his nose “Cold. We have to get to know each other again. We’ll probably make mistakes.” He grimaced again. “Almost certainly.” He stood and started stacking the plates and mugs. “It’s nearly time for you to go to your class. Should I drop you home, so you can take your car?”
At the top of the steps watching Lucas return from putting her things in the car, Harriet took a long look around at the house, wondering how Lucas would decorate the lovely home. Eventually he would settle down and fill the bedrooms with children. Tears pricked as she closed her eyes trying to block out the images of Lucas surrounded by a young family.
“Are you okay?”
Lucas was bending over her and Harriet dropped her lids hoping he wouldn’t see the moisture. “I’m fine. Looking forward to getting to my class this afternoon.” She put her arms up and Lucas picked her up, holding her unnecessarily close.
“Whatever you say, sweetheart.” He kissed her hard on the lips “One day….”
He shook his head and started down the stairs, leaving Harriet wondering what he intended to say. She settled into the car while he fetched her chair and loaded it into the boot and in a matter of minutes, they were pulling up outside her apartment block. “I can’t believe we lived so close and never bumped into each other until now.”
“I’ve only lived in this area for a few months. My apartment was in the city along the river and when I first arrived back, I stayed at my mother’s place. The same with my office. It was initially in the valley and we only bought the building at Milton at the same time as I moved into the house. I don’t think I did more than pass through this part of the city since I graduated.”
He pulled her wheelchair out and stood beside it as Harriet climbed out of the car and arranged herself. “You’ll be coming tonight?” Lucas nodded as he closed the car door and handed the purse to her.
“I’ll meet you here and walk over with you, if that’s okay?” Harriet agreed and with a brisk wave he climbed back in the car and was gone. In spite of his soothing words that morning, Harriet still had the feeling that Lucas in his moods was thinking about her. That moment at the top of the stairs, she sensed real frustration in his half-finished sentence. Was he getting bored with having to carry her around and do things for her? He never complained and often did things for her even when she insisted she could do them herself, but maybe the novelty was wearing off.
When they made love, there was always a touch of constraint and Harriet wondered if it was because he was always having to be careful with her not to hurt her or he was emotionally distancing himself. He had been more aggressive last night but afterwards it sounded like he resented her power to arouse him. This morning too, his responses had been cool and the look in his eyes almost antagonistic. He seemed anxious for her to leave. As if he planned to be somewhere else.
Whatever he was doing during the day he was prompt to the minute arriving outside her apartment building at ten to six with a bottle of wine in a recyclable holder. Harriet had just come down in the lift and saw him arrive as she exited the foyer. He looked gorgeous in tailored navy slacks and a long sleeved, collarless shirt in a light grey with mother of pearl buttons opened at the throat. His dark hair was slightly ruffled as if he had been running his hands through it and his green eyes glittered as he took in the low-cut jersey knit dress in a gum leaf green with gold embroidery around the collar and sleeves.
“You look good enough to eat.” He stooped to kiss her on the cheek and when her hand came up to touch his jaw he planted a lingering kiss on her mouth for good measure.
“Thank you for coming, Lucas. You didn’t have to.” She saw his lips compress.
“I did, Harriet. I’ve always liked your parents. They were always very good to me all things considered.”
“What do you mean all things considered?”
His lips quirked, “Considering I was a twenty-two-year-old impoverished student on a motorbike, trying to seduce their not quite eighteen-year-old, schoolgirl daughter.”
“They never thought that.”
He laughed cynically “They would have been right, wouldn’t they? Your father at least knew exactly what I was after. You said it yourself that last day in the hospital.”
Confused, she looked up at his face, disturbed by the return to grimness. “I was just saying that. I thought you understood.” She sucked in a breath. “Is that how it was? You just wanted sex. I thought…”
With a long stride, he stepped in front of the chair, stopping her. “No, it wasn’t like that. You know how it was. To me it was pretty damn special. I’m sorry I’m so bad tempered lately. I like to be in control and when I’m around you these days… Well I don’t behave well when I don’t get what I want.”
“What do you want?”
He stared at her up tilted face and sighed. “I don’t know, Harry. I really don’t know if what I want even exist
s anymore. Which begs the question of course.”
“What question?”
Lucas moved aside. “Of why we are even discussing this when we should be up at your parent’s place.”
It was strange eating with Harriet’s parents, for the first time in more than seven years. They had encouraged him to come around, back then, once they’d accepted that Harriet wasn’t going to drop him. Not that he took advantage of it too often. The occasional dinner and Harriet’s eighteenth birthday party. She had positively glowed, her eyes sparkling with the secret knowledge they shared. All their plans wrecked in a moment. It was easy to accept now, knowing that it was her accident that had changed them, not the childish whims of a spoilt rich girl. The pain was still there, but the anger was directed at fate, rather than Harriet.
He watched her with her parents, more assured than in the past, more willing to express a contrary opinion. She was different in so many ways now. Stronger yet more vulnerable. She’d lost that air of arrogant self-assurance that had tricked him that last time. Physically she’d changed as well. Not just the injuries, but the wiry slenderness of the ballet dancer had gone. Her strength was all in the upper body, the legs weaker, muscle wasted and less toned.
Her mind? In some ways it was a closed book to him. Her determination to keep their relationship on a casual plane was frustrating. Even he, with his crap interpersonal skills could see she was aching for more. But was it more with him, or just more? More with someone who hadn’t let her down in the past. Who she could trust not to run when the going got tough.
Back at her apartment, the tension between them sizzled. Slamming the door, Lucas pulled Harriet from her chair, supporting her with one arm while the other hand pulled down her straps allowing access to her breasts through the lace of her bra. Her skin was silk under his mouth, the rasp of his stubble against the lace a heady contrast.
Tell Me No Lies Page 12
