He grabbed her by the waist and hoisted her to the countertop. She spread her legs, and he moved in, deepening the kiss as he did. She opened her mouth, and their tongues met. Tilting her head, she sighed into him. He was hard between her legs, and she wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him closer.
Just as he was about to round second, she broke the kiss and laid her forehead on his chest, breathing heavily. “Sam, this is a bad idea. Now that you know I work for you, this could get really awkward.”
“Yes. You’re right. I don’t suppose you want to quit? Or that you’d be okay if I fired you?” He smiled.
“Ha. Ha.”
“Yeah, that’s what I thought. It was worth a shot.” He chuckled. “The thing is, I feel like maybe this situation could be different. What if we just hang out here and there? We don’t have to tell anyone.”
“You mean treat me like a booty call?” She was more intrigued than offended. Her brow creased as she considered it.
“No. Not like that at all. Let’s take sex off the table for now. I just want to get to know you.”
“You mean off the counter?” She snorted at her own joke.
“See, this is what I mean. You have a horrible sense of humor, and you snort-laugh. I know you a little better already.”
She jabbed him playfully in the stomach. “I think slowing down the sex train is a good idea. I don’t want you to think I sleep around. I don’t. I already feel bad about giving up the milk without selling you the cow. Or is it giving you the cow without the milk? I don’t know. Do you know what I’m talking about?”
He laughed. “Yes, I get it. You don’t normally have sex on the first date.”
“It wasn’t even a date! Please don’t think I’m a tramp.”
“I don’t. I won’t. As long as you don’t think badly of me either.”
“Deal. We can’t put the genie back in the bottle, but we can go slower from here on out. I mean, if you’re serious about hanging out.”
“I am. We’ll figure something out.”
“All right. I think you’re crazy and that you’ll tire of me soon, but if you want to hang out sometimes, I’m okay with that. I don’t have any other friends. Also, I won’t tell anyone at the office. I know you’ve been burned by women before, and I want you to know I’m not that type of woman.”
“That’s exactly what all the women who burned me said,” he said.
“Well, if we hang out long enough, you’ll see. You can trust me.” She smiled and jumped off the counter to finish putting the food away.
“So, whaddya wanna do, buddy?” She punched him on the shoulder.
He swooped down, lifted her into his arms, and walked to the couch where he threw her down and then landed softly on top of her. “I changed my mind,” he said matter-of-factly and went right back to kissing her. She laughed into his mouth as she kissed him back. Arms and legs intertwined, she wrapped one leg around him and rocked into him. He groaned, and she did it again.
Running her hand down his long, lean torso, she settled on his butt. She squeezed it as his delicious weight pressed her into the soft leather. He was making small rocking motions into her, and it felt like heaven. She tried to slide a hand between them, but their bodies were pressed together too closely. He rolled them a little so that they were both on their sides.
“Sorry. I’m squishing you, aren’t I?” he asked, misinterpreting her action.
“It was getting hard to breathe, but you feel good on top of me. I wanted to touch you,” she stated with borrowed confidence.
“Oh.” He smiled. “Well, in that case…”
His hands were buried in her hair, and he went back to kissing her neck, running his tongue along her collarbone. He put a little space between them so she could maneuver.
It was hard to focus with him kissing her the way he was, but she tore herself away from the tingling sensations of her neck and moved her hand to the front of his jeans. She stroked him gently at first, just wanting to confirm that she remembered correctly how very well-endowed he was. Their encounter at the door had been so brief and dark, she wanted to make sure she hadn’t imagined his length. She hadn’t.
She stroked harder, gaining confidence. He was pushing into her hand while simultaneously kissing her and unhooking her bra. He ran his hands up and down her back, occasionally detouring to her ass, which he caressed reverently.
“You have a great ass,” he murmured.
“Thanks. You too.”
He made his way back to the breasts he’d recently freed. She leaned back to give him better access. He rubbed them until her nipples stood erect, and she was arching into him. Then he pulled up her shirt and took one into his mouth. She moaned and grabbed the back of his head to hold him close. His other hand dove into her jeans. As he suckled and touched her, she veered closer and closer to the edge. She was panting his name and rocking into his hand when he finally pushed her over. She tossed her head back and moaned loudly when she came.
When she opened her eyes, he was watching her with fascination. She locked eyes with him, but neither said a word.
She slowly slid off the couch onto her knees. He wasn’t walking away hard this time.
He was sitting now and spread his legs to make room for her as she crawled up to him, still on the floor, and still on her knees. She undid the button on his Levis and lowered the zipper slowly. He was watching her intently, which made her a little nervous. When she went to free him, he put a hand on hers to stop her.
She looked up, surprised. He smiled and pulled her up to sit next to him, cradling her in his arms. “But…” she protested.
“It’s all right. Just lay here with me, okay?” He shifted them so that they were spooning, her head tucked into his shoulder. He wrapped her up in both arms and closed his eyes. She felt his heart rate return to normal and his breath even out as he relaxed against her. When she realized he’d fallen asleep, she closed her eyes as well and was soon fast asleep too.
CHAPTER NINE
Waking up to Annie in his arms was everything Sam thought it might be. She had tried to please him, and he appreciated that, but he could get a blow job anytime. He wanted to know what it felt like to cuddle with someone he liked. She fit perfectly in his arms. Her softness and warmth were a balm to his lonely soul. He woke before her but didn’t move. Even though his arm had long since fallen asleep, he laid there and soaked her up.
He thought back to their earlier conversation. When she said she’d never been sent flowers or been picked up in a bar, he suspected she’d been lying. His immediate thought was that maybe Phil was right and she was playing him, but when he looked into her eyes after asking her about it, he saw no hint of deception.
There were clearly things she wasn’t ready to tell him, and she had secrets, everybody did. He just wasn’t sure they involved him.
Trusting someone, anyone, was not his strong suit. He hadn’t always been so cynical and suspicious, but once bitten, twice shy. One difference, of many, between Annie and the other women he dated, was that he felt like he could trust her. Feeling and doing were two different animals, though. Time would tell.
When she finally woke, it was almost eleven o’clock. He’d asked if she wanted to stay the night, but she insisted she needed to go home, so he drove her.
“It’ll be great when you only live down the street,” he said.
“Agreed. I love my cousin, but I can’t wait to get into my own place. Thanks for having me over,” she said sleepily. He gave her a kiss good night and watched until he knew she was safely inside.
The next day at work, he was tired but on cloud nine. He felt like a teenager with a crush. Having learned his lesson, he didn’t tell Phil anything. Having a secret was fun.
As much as he wanted to trust Annie, he decided it would be prudent to make sure she meant what she said about not telling anyone. He’d give it a week. If he wasn’t contacted by his lawyers, HR, or the media by then, it would mean she really hadn’t
told anyone, and he’d call her again.
Waiting was harder than he thought it would be. By Friday, he’d thought up an excuse to visit the offices where Annie worked, but when he popped his head into hers, she was deep in conversation with Cooper’s assistant. She didn’t even look up, and he ducked back out without saying anything. Did she need an admin assistant then? He’d have to ask her later.
After lunch, he gave in and texted her, asking if she wanted to have dinner again and watch some basketball. He didn’t know if she liked basketball, but that was part of the fun of getting to know someone. He was still waiting for her reply when he left for the day at four.
She didn’t respond until much later, and that was only to say she was prepping for moving day and couldn’t do dinner. He couldn’t remember the last time someone had left him unanswered for so long, and it had been a very long time since anyone had said no to a dinner invitation. It was a novel idea to think she wasn’t hanging on his every text, pining away by the phone, waiting for him to call. An uncomfortable feeling, one he didn’t much care for.
He knew she’d be busy directing movers and getting things squared away on Saturday, so he let her be, but Sunday was close enough to his week-long deadline that he figured one day less wouldn’t hurt.
He stopped by a local nursery and purchased a mature pothos plant as a housewarming gift. The pot was a pretty shade of turquoise, almost the color of her eyes. When he’d driven past her house on his way out, the moving truck was gone, and all seemed quiet.
Even though he knew everyone hated the drop-in visit, he didn’t want to risk her saying no, so he parked and knocked anyway. Standing on the doorstep, plant in hand, his hands dampened and he started to second guess coming.
When she opened the door, she had a fistful of cash and a look of surprise, which was quickly followed by disappointment.
“Sam. Hey. I thought you were the pizza guy.” She looked beyond him as if hoping the pizza guy was hiding behind him.
“No pizza, but I brought you a plant.” Sam smiled and held the plant a little higher.
“Can we eat it?” she asked.
“Sorry, I should have called. If I knew you needed food, I would have brought dinner instead of a plant.” He shrugged, mentally kicking himself.
“No, no. It’s gorgeous. Please come in.” She opened the door and moved out of the way. “I’m not sure exactly where it will end up, but let’s put it in the kitchen for now. This way.”
It was obvious the house had been remodeled within the last few years. He suspected the original floor plan had been rearranged into an open-area concept, which had become popular only a short time ago. The entryway led to a large, modern kitchen, filled with all the latest appliances. The dining room and living room were not separated by walls, but the spaces were clearly defined.
He set the plant in the center of the kitchen island. It went nicely with the dark wood floors and white shaker cabinets.
“Oh, it’s perfect there. Just what I needed,” she exclaimed as she clapped her hands together. “I love it.” He was excited that she was excited.
She moved to hug him, but halfway into the embrace, the doorbell rang. She dropped him like a hot potato and practically ran to the door.
“Be right back,” she called over her shoulder. A minute later, she returned with an extra-large, hot, pizza box in her hands and a look of desire in her eyes.
She laid the box on the counter, opened the lid, and dove in. After the first bite, she found her manners. She finished swallowing and then moved to grab some plates and a roll of paper towels. “I’m sorry, Sam. Do you want some pizza? How rude of me not to offer.”
“Don’t mind if I do. If you think you can spare a piece.” The pizza was the size of a semi-truck tire. He grabbed a slice and dug in beside her.
“Ha. Ha,” she said before getting back to business.
They ate their first slices in silence. After that, she slowed down. “I lost track of time unpacking and didn’t want to go out because I look so…” She immediately turned away from him. “Horrible. Don’t look at me!” She waved a hand to indicate he look away.
Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun, and she was wearing exercise leggings and a baggy, old T-shirt. Even without makeup she was pretty.
“You look pretty good to me.” He came up behind her and put his arms around her waist. “I’m sorry I showed up unannounced. It was rude of me, but I was afraid you’d tell me not to come.” He smiled into her neck, and she laughed.
“Yeah, right. Give me a second. I’ll be right back.” With that, she fled from his arms and ran upstairs.
Ten minutes later she was back. Her hair was freshly brushed, and she’d changed her clothes. He caught a whiff of perfume he hadn’t noticed before.
“Oh, much better. God, you were hideous.”
“Smartass.”
“So, you gonna show me around? Why did you need new floors? This place looks like it was recently remodeled.”
“Yeah, it was. But I didn’t care for the tile floors, so I had the dark wood put in,” she said. “This floor is pretty much what you see is what you get. Kitchen, living room, dining room.” She pointed at each from where she was standing. “There’s a room in the front that I’ll eventually use as an office, but it’s empty now. Come check out the backyard.” She led him to a set of oversized French doors.
It was almost dark, but he could see that she had a good-size patio and that her place backed up to a wooded area. Trees surrounded the house. That was one of the great things about the Pacific Northwest—lots of trees.
“You can’t see the neighbor’s houses at all from back here. It’s so quiet and private. I’ll get some patio chairs and a blow-up pool and spend all summer out here.” She grinned.
“It’s fantastic. Think how pretty it will be in a few months when all the leaves change color.”
“Yeah, I’ve never had a place with any type of solitude. I think I’m going to like it.” She rubbed her hands up and down her bare arms. “Brr. Once it warms up, that is.” She shut the door and locked it. “Upstairs is just bedrooms and bathrooms. I haven’t done anything up there yet. I don’t have nearly enough stuff to fill this house, and I want to replace some of my old things, so I’m going to have to figure out how I want to decorate and then go furniture shopping. Ugh.”
“You don’t like shopping?” He gave her a pensive look. “I’m not sure I’ve ever heard a woman say that.”
“Are you implying that I’m not a woman?” she cocked an eyebrow.
“Oh, I know you are a woman,” he said seductively as he slid his arms around her once again, this time determined not to let her go. “You are just a very different, in a good way, type of woman. You continue to surprise me, and I like it.”
“I’m sure the novelty will wear off someday. What happens then?”
“We’ll cross that bridge if we come to it.”
“Uh-huh,” she said, her voice laced with doubt. “I’d offer to turn the game on, I know you wanted to watch some basketball, but I haven’t figured out how to hook the TV up and get the streaming stick thing working. Hey, you’re a tech guy. Think you could try?” she asked hopefully.
“I can probably figure it out,” he said as he walked over to the TV. “I apologize again for just dropping by.”
“Don’t worry about it. I was already thinking about taking a break and doing some car shopping. I’ll look online tonight and then maybe do some test driving tomorrow after work. I can’t go much longer without a car. Taking cabs and rideshares everywhere is getting old fast.”
“Why don’t you borrow one of mine until you get something?” he called out from behind the TV. He was on all fours, silently cussing to himself. He didn’t want to look like he didn’t know what he was doing, but there were so many holes. How was anyone supposed to know where anything went?
He came out from behind the TV and picked up the remote. It was very satisfying to push the power button an
d watch the TV come to life.
“Voilà!” he exclaimed, proud of himself.
He turned, expecting her to share his excitement, but she looked on the verge of tears. She was sitting on the couch, her feet curled up beneath her, watching him with a pensive look.
He sat down next to her and took her hand. “What’s the matter?” he asked.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Seeing you back there, struggling to get the stupid TV working and offering to let me borrow your car…just got me thinking. You’re the first person in a long time, who’s helped me with anything. I really appreciate your time.”
“I know it’s hard moving to a new city with no family or friends nearby. I’m happy to help in any way I can.” It was a genuine offer.
“You don’t understand. Even when I did live near family, they aren’t the kind of people who would drop everything, or anything really, to help out.”
“You couldn’t count on them?”
“Well, I can count on them to ask for money.” She gave a sad laugh. “I honestly think that’s the only reason they call me.”
“Do you see them often?” Sam asked.
“Not really. I went years without talking to them, but once Wayne went to prison, they began contacting me again. I did stop in to say goodbye before coming up here.”
“Who’s Wayne? And why’d he go to prison?” Sam was intrigued now.
“Oh, shit. I forgot you don’t know about that. I don’t suppose we could rewind the evening five minutes, and I’ll just be excited you got the TV working?” She looked at him hopefully.
“I don’t think this is that kind of remote.” He nodded to the device in his hand. “You can’t not tell me now. This sounds juicy. Spill it.”
“Well, I suppose you’ll find out eventually. You should know anyway, before we get too chummy. It may influence your decision to hang out with me,” she said with a sigh.
Catching Sam: Book 2 of 5: The MacDonald Brothers Page 6
