Never Got Over You

by Scott, S. L.

  The drapes are wide open, and we’re greeted by a dark cityscape dotted with lights across the wall-to-wall windows. The room has been serviced since I was here this afternoon. The king-sized bed is readied with chocolates on the pillows and blankets turned down, while a lamp in the corner gives off a hint of light.

  Natalie heads straight for the window and raises her hands to press against the glass but lowers them slowly back to her sides and peers out instead. You’d think from her initial excitement she didn’t live in the city, and this is a new view for her.

  My gaze slinks down her back and the denim covering her lower half. Fuck me, she knows how to wear denim. Pulling myself away from her, I click on another lamp by the sofa to add more light to the situation, which seems to snap her from her thoughts.

  “It’s a nice view,” she says.

  “It is,” I reply, not taking my eyes off her.

  I never forgot how gorgeous she was, but seeing her again highlights details that had begun to fade from my memories—the sweet slope from her neck to her shoulders and the way the light catches in her eyes despite how dim the room is. But it’s those lips—full, pink, with a sharp bow at the top, kissable lips. They’re a distraction. It was more than a struggle not to stare at the bar. Even harder not to kiss her.

  Shedding my jacket, I toss it over the chair, and ask, “Would you like something to drink?”

  “Water works. Thanks.”

  I twist the cap off and hand her the bottle when I join her by the windows to look out. I prefer the chattier version of Natalie, finding comfort in her stories and company.

  Deeper thoughts have invaded her eyes since we arrived, and I’m not sure what to say. She moves to the bed and sits on the edge, forcing a smile. “You didn’t tell me how long you’re in town.”

  Sitting on the sofa, I’m not sure what to think. Her mood has shifted, and the last thing I want is for her to feel uncomfortable. “I can call a car for you if you’d like?”

  She leans back on her hands and rolls her head to the side. “Is that what you want?”

  “No. I’d rather you stay and talk to me about Quokkas or anything you want, except me. I’m not that interesting, and more so, I like hearing you talk, but small talk doesn’t suit us.”

  Relief washes through her, and she comes over to me, nudging my feet apart with hers. She fills the space, knowing I want her here as much as she wants to be here. My eyes briefly dip closed when she runs her fingers through my hair. “No, it doesn’t.” It’s just a whisper, but I hear other intentions in her tone.

  Her confidence is on display when she sits on my lap and settles her arms around my neck. “You brought me here for a reason. How about a kiss, Christiansen?”

  13

  Nick

  I can’t say I’ve been an angel, but damn, she brings out the devil in me.

  Cupping her face, I kiss her, not because she asked me, but because I’ve spent the better part of our time apart thinking about doing just this. This kiss is gentle, slow, a reconnection like our night has been so far.

  Our eyes open after our lips part. She readjusts on my lap and then leans her head against mine. But I can’t keep my hands off her, so I kiss her again, this time in a frenzy to make up for every kiss we missed this past summer.

  Natalie has a fire inside that burns embers as fast as dynamite and then flares again before they have a chance to cool down. I’m almost afraid to look away for fear of missing out. The romantic approach I had planned walking back to the hotel goes up in smoke.

  Pulling back, I run my hand along the back of her neck, and whisper, “What are we doing, Natalie?”

  I lean back to look into her eyes, searching her blues for any sign that I’ve crossed a line. There’s nothing but green lights found in her blues signaling back at me. “Picking up where we left off.” Her lips crash into mine, and her arms tighten around me as if life itself hangs in the balance.

  Though I love hearing those words from her, maybe I asked the wrong question. “What happens tom—”

  Through panting breaths, she says, “Don’t stop, Nick.”

  I push my concerns to the future and live in the present. With the first kisses captured, I intend to do dirty things to that mouth of hers with the next. I send her to the cushions, and her back lands on the soft velvet. When I slide over her, her legs butterfly open for me, then wrap around my hips.

  I kiss her mouth and the underside of her jaw, her neck, and trail down to the top of her chest as it rises and falls. Her quiet moans and heavy breaths build, gaining voice as I grind against her. Her legs hold me while her heels spur me on.

  Sliding my hands under the hem of her shirt, I rub the tips of my fingers in delight from the softness of her skin. I kiss her shoulder and see a wave of goosebumps rise across her forearms as the slightest of shivers is felt against my middle as well. “Are you cold?” I ask.

  “No.” A grin with secrets to uncover graces her face. “Quite the opposite.” Dragging her nails lightly over my scalp above my ears, she continues to smile. “I might not have said it before, but I want you to know that I’m glad we ran into each other.”

  “Date number one was that bad, huh?”

  Laughter wracks her shoulders as she looks away. When her eyes return to me, she replies, “Date number two is so much better.”

  I lean down to kiss her again, kissing my way to her ear. “Why?”

  Her lips press to my jaw, then she teases my earlobe between her teeth before she places a kiss on my neck. “Because that wasn’t a match made in heaven.”

  Tilting my head to the side to find her eyes, I find her laden with some heavy emotion I can’t decipher. “And we are?”

  “That’s why I’m here, Nick. To find out.”

  Our mouths meet, and gentle kisses turn erotic when our mouths open, and our tongues reunite, continuing a dance we began in Avalon. She tugs at the collar of my shirt, weaving her hands between us and manipulating the top buttons until they release. As much as I don’t want to escape the hold this woman has on me, I stand and scoop her into my arms.

  Our mouths still attached, I almost trip over the coffee table but manage to stumble over to the bed. Her fingers fumble on the remaining buttons of my shirt until she gives up the battle and rips it open, sending them bouncing across the carpet. “I’ll buy you a new one,” she states unapologetically.

  I toss her on the bed, making her laugh, and stand at the foot of the mattress with my shirt wide open. It’s only a quick pause before we both scramble to take off our clothes. Shoes are kicked off, and our tops go flying. As soon as my pants are down, I help her with her jeans that I think might have been painted on by how they refuse to come off.

  One good tug on the sides and she yanks her knees up, freeing herself from the denim. We’re practically out of breath from the rush, and we haven’t even had sex.

  As she lies there before me—her underwear barely covering anything—I ask, “Did you wear those for Chad?”

  “I wore these for me.”

  Fuck me, she’s incredible. “As it should be, but since I’m benefitting, I have to be honest.”

  Worry creases her brow, and she props herself up on her elbows. “What is it?”

  Reaching down, I take hold of the delicate string wrapped around her right hip. “I prefer you naked.” I rip that side and then the other. To the sound of her amusement, I toss the scrap behind me before hovering over her again. I kiss the skin between her tits and then look up at her. “Now we’re even.”

  She’s not shy and gives me the time and space to admire her. Not from an arrogant perspective, but the trust we established last year has carried forward. She asks, “Do you always get even?”

  “Only when it comes to beautiful women teasing me with the tiniest panties I’ve ever seen.”

  She drags the tips of her fingers over my chest. “So, this is a thing you do regularly—pick up women on other dates, seduce them with good conversation and wine, a
nd then bring them back to your hotel and rip their panties to shreds?”

  Chuckling, I reply, “I’m not dangerous, remember? I’m just an attorney.”

  “I think I underestimated your profession.”

  “No, you underestimated me.”

  Pushing me gently to the side, she rolls on top of me and kisses me, our lips—finding, feeling, reacquainting. She pulls away just enough for our breath to release and inhale again. “I won’t make that mistake again.”

  I caress her cheek. Her eyes close momentarily, and she leans into my touch. I still can’t read her for anything, but she’s a riddle I can’t wait to unravel. One day, I hope to understand what every sigh, moan, and furrowed brow means, which smile is the one that comes naturally when she’s smiling just for me and which is the grin she shares with the rest of the world. I’m convinced that there’s something so genuine about our time together. Despite our auspicious beginning, more is developing between us.

  Popping the waistband of my boxer briefs, she says, “Off. It’s only fair.”

  “Is that what we’re doing? Tit for tat?”

  “Literally.” She reaches behind her back and unclasps her bra. Sliding the straps slowly down her arms, she teases by wriggling the straps in her hands.

  As soon as her tits are revealed, I cup them in my hands, kneading and rubbing my thumb over the buds until they bloom for me. She lifts on her knees, and says, “Your turn.”

  I’m quick to discard my briefs, anxious to have her settled back on top of me again. “Oh, fuck.”

  “What?” The alarm I feel wavers across her face.

  “I don’t have a condom.”

  Even with wide eyes and raised brows, she still manages to be stunningly beautiful. “Really? Being unprepared is so unlike an attorney,” she teases, one brow cocked even when the other falls into place.

  Lifting her to the side, I set her on the mattress and push off the bed. “As shocking as it may seem, I’m not the player you think I am.”

  I search the floor for my boxer briefs, thinking I’m going to have to run to the store down in the lobby. Natalie let me right back into her life, so I won’t close that door by walking away from something she’s clearly into as much as I am.

  She giggles. “I never said you were a player. Judging by looks alone, you could be, though.”

  Smirking at her, I look at this sexy-as-fuck woman naked on my bed, wanting to memorize every freckle, curve, and mark that’s uniquely her. “Thanks.” Unfortunately, I can’t leave her waiting, so I look around the room, wondering if I stashed a condom anywhere or left one packed in my bags from past trips.

  She rests back with her hands under her head. “Any luck?”

  “No, but I’m not giving up that easily.” I go into the bathroom and start digging through my Dopp kit. It’s not a place I’ve ever stashed condoms, but desperate times call for—I can order some! And I have plenty of ideas on how to pass the time while we wait.

  When I rush back into the bedroom, I stop in my tracks when I spot Natalie holding a foil packet between her fingers. “Some of us,” she says, “come prepared.”

  Snatching the condom from her, I say, “Good thing one of us is.”

  “For the record, Counselor, it doesn’t upset me one bit that you’re not walking around Manhattan on the prowl for a one-night stand. Other than prowling for me, of course.”

  I move onto the bed next to her, turning the packet over. When I look beside me, I catch her gaze. I reach over and angle her chin toward me. “You have my word that you won’t be a one-night stand.”

  “Promise?”

  Sitting up, I run my hand along the length of her thigh. Sexy. Strong. She’s captivating in ways that had me craving her company long after she vanished last time. I lean down and kiss her, lingering to whisper, “It won’t be proven in my words, but through my actions.”

  The sound of her gasp is almost lost under the thunder of my beating heart. What’s come over me?

  Staring into her eyes, I succumb to a force that keeps pulling us together, one that I have no say or hand in directing. I kiss her. Praying this is enough of a distraction to take her off the scent of my deeper feelings.

  Natalie doesn’t need to know that it’s not only her outward appearance that attracts me. Anyway, talk of souls connecting is ridiculous, considering how little we know about each other. I’ve only been half a man since she left me. She’s dangerous to my heart and well-being.

  Her hands push gently against my chest, and I rise to look into her eyes. Her fingers weave through my hair, and she gives me a gentle smile. “It’s okay, Nick,” she whispers, kissing my temple. “You’re dangerous for me, too.”

  I don’t know if I verbalized my thoughts or she can read them, but I kiss her again and then get up and pull down my briefs while her gaze strolls leisurely down my body. She’s as shameless as I am. Her unabashed quality is another one of many reasons I’m drawn to her.

  Funny.

  Hot as fuck.

  Quick with the comebacks.

  Smart and shameless.

  What more does a man need?

  To be inside her. That’s what.

  It’s not hard to be . . . well, hard, when a goddess is lying naked and waiting for you. But I’m not an asshole and can wait my turn. She comes first.

  I move down her body, leaving a trail of wet kisses. Scanning my work, I gently blow, watching her skin come alive with goose bumps. Nipples hard, hips pressing against me when her back arches. Moving lower, I reach up and take her nipples between my fingers, squeezing gently, then rubbing as I shoulder my way between her legs.

  With her fingers wandering through my hair, her breathing deepens and legs spread wider, giving me access to do as I please. All I want is to make her feel so fucking good that Catalina fades into the past, and New York becomes our future.

  Dragging my palm down her body, I dip a finger between her silky lower lips. Her body wriggles under my hand, telling me everything I need to know. I replace my hand with my mouth, tasting her, savoring her delicate flavor.

  Hearing her pleasure forced from her mouth encourages me to go deeper. I dip the tip of my tongue into her entrance, then follow through by fucking her with it. I could take it slow and build the pleasure, but feeling her squirm is my reward. Finding her clit with my thumb, I rub sweet circles, eliciting her body to buck into me. “God, Nick.” Her nails dig into my shoulders, but when I keep going, not giving her a reprieve, her moans pick up, and she grabs the sheets, fisting them.

  Trapped between her thighs, I feel her back arch as I continue to devour her. She’s getting close. “Nick. Nick . . .” My name rolls off her tongue as she begs for more, for me to end the sweet torture and give her the release she needs. I suck and then flatten my tongue, licking all of her over and over again until she loses control. “Oh God,” she exhales just before she grabs my hair and pulls, letting her release take hold.

  I pin her hips to the mattress, wanting to feel her body tremble beneath my palms and tongue. When the tremors subside, her head pops up. Through heavy breaths, she says, “That did not disappoint. I really need to rethink my whole stance on professionals.” Falling back, she stares up at the ceiling with her arms wide, and adds, “Lawyers, I mean, not gigolos or whatever they call male escorts who give happy endings.”

  I burst out laughing. “I can’t speak for male escorts or other lawyers, but I’m glad you like my skills.”

  Her head pops up again with an open mouth, tempting me to fill it. “Like? There’s no liking. I loved it. I’m going to send you a thank-you gift for that present you just gave to me.”

  “That’s really not necessary.” I move up on the mattress beside her.

  Her hand smacks flat on my chest as she twists her body to face me. “No, it’s what I do. I’m a paid gift-giver.”

  “There’s so much I want to ask about that, but maybe we can table this conversation until after—”

  “Oh, of course.�
�� She grabs the foil packet and hands it back to me. “Based on that performance, I can’t wait for the main act.”

  I rip it open, starting to think I led with my strongest skills. “No pressure.” Maybe I should have saved that for last. Nah. Challenge accepted. I roll the condom down my length, then move over her. Natalie’s legs part for me and wrap around my middle. Her hands find my shoulders, and her nails scrape across my skin. I position myself with my eyes locked on hers, the stunning blue reminding me of the floating on my surfboard in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Heaven.

  Kissing her, I whisper, “I promise you more than tonight.” I catch a glint in her eyes and a smile that speaks to my heart. She cups my face and kisses me back.

  I take it slow, pushing in just enough to watch her mouth open and hear the quick intake of air. Her lip is bit when I push in so slowly that it’s painful to resist slamming into her. I do, though, because every inch I delve deeper steals another beat of my heart until it’s pounding so loud that, for a brief moment, I begin to believe that Natalie holds it in her hands.

  Her body envelops a part of me while parts of her own the rest. I move and thrust, needing and taking, pushing and giving.

  “Yes,” she sighs at the edge of losing another breath. “You feel so good.” Each moan of hers urges my body for more. We move in a continuum, losing the sense of where I end and she begins. The heat between us, setting us both on fire as we thrust together and against, eventually finding our own unique rhythm.

  I lower my head to taste the sheen of sweat that’s formed across her shoulder, taking a lick and then sliding my tongue up her neck. Her arms lock around me, and her chest is laden with heavy breaths. I push and pull, thrust and plunge until the sound of her ecstasy drives me home. “Oh, fuck.”

  I don’t pull out.

  I don’t apologize.

  I fuck until every last part of me is hers for the keeping. Reaching between us, I find her clit slippery and swollen, dancing with her pleasure until she teeters over, falling into bliss right after.