by Siera London
From her position, Autumn couldn't see his face, but she heard the passion of the moment leave his voice. The burning desire surging through her body cooled, the sensual marathon over before it began.
Lifting her chin, she whispered, "Put me down."
His mind on the woman on the other end of the phone, Rui released Autumn. He didn't offer an apology or glance her way when she slipped from the room. She felt tears prick the back of her eyes.
For a moment, she’d really believed he wanted her.
Chapter 7
Over the course of the next two and a half weeks, Autumn took to visiting Simone’s classroom every other day in preparation for the mother-daughter tea. Kelby welcomed the extra pair of hands, and Autumn enjoyed the connection. Some of the kids had began their own playlists. Eager to use the techniques she learned about in class, Autumn encouraged the students to customize their song selections for different moods, from concentration while studying, or to relax before bedtime, to challenge frustration in a constructive way. To her surprise, Simone had started a journal where she recorded song lyrics. Happy with inroads she’d made with Simone, Autumn tried not to think about her employer.
Since the night of Kirsten's phone call, Autumn noticed a quiet storm had infused Rui’s normally clam demeanor. In typical Rui fashion, he hadn't disclosed any details about the conversation with his ex-wife, but Autumn sensed a volcano roiling beneath the surface.
She tried to ease the tension in the house. One night, Autumn baked two batches of chocolate chip cookies, after she discovered three bags of the Keebler creations added to the pantry. Simone had smiled the entire week, her packed lunches now the envy of her classmates. Simone had even made a few friends. Autumn took pride in the bridge she’d helped to established between Simone and her peers, as well as her father. She looked forward to the soft smile on Rui’s face when he walked through the door after a long day. She got the sense he genuinely liked having her around. As hard as she tried to fight it, she had begun to feel at home.
Also, now that her runs started from home and through the residential neighborhood, she had acquired a few encouragers and a part-time running partner. Tommy, a new executive at the 1St Bank had taken to joining her on her runs at least three times a week. Autumn found she enjoyed the company, especially on the thirty-mile runs she reserved for the weekend. She'd gotten into a weekday routine of prepping a little breakfast for Simone, running, packing lunches for all, and getting Simone off to school.
Rui strode into the kitchen, his long legs encased in tight denim, a light blue polo untucked. "We have the Scrabble board set up. You coming?"
Autumn groaned. "Ugh. Sure your self-esteem can withstand another Friday night whipping?" Her second day on the job, Rui had invited her to join in on family game night. Rui loved board games: Yahtzee, Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit. Of course, he wiped the floor with her and Simone when it came to history. Simone wasn't half bad at pop culture. Autumn discovered she excelled at music, art, and politics. Who knew? But, Scrabble...she'd pretty much accepted that she dominated at the game. Guess all those years locked in a room with her eyes glued to a book boosted her vocabulary.
"Give me a minute. I need to send one email, and then I'll join you at the torture table," she giggled.
Rui nodded and turned to leave, but then he asked. "Who?"
She quirked a brow in surprise. The question was out of character for him. They hadn't progressed to the hot and heavy petting like they had the day that Kirsten The Orgasm Killer called. Rui never failed to kiss her cheek or slide a hand around her waist when he thought Simone wasn't in the room watching their every move. The youngest Conners was smart, and Autumn doubted the girl missed any of the shared glances between the two adults in the house.
"One of my running partners." Tommy, though not the only runner in the community, was the most reliable. Especially with the grueling run Autumn planned to start at first morning light.
Rui leaned over and kissed her forehead. "Don't be long. I'll miss you."
She softened just at the words. "I won't."
Without much ado, Autumn typed a message to Tommy. Tomorrow's run would consume five hours of her day. She planned to whip up a protein shake for them both, and then tear up the pavement. Saturdays were lazy days in the household, with Rui and Simone slow to leave their bedrooms. With two sleepy heads, Autumn put every hour to good use. Truth be told, it would be nice to figure out what to do about Rui. The hope that their relationship would progress beyond a few stolen kisses seemed more like wishful thinking at this point.
Entering the dining room, she said, "All done," taking her seat at the table.
Rui centered the Scrabble board in front of him at the head, while Simone loaded her wooden shelf with square lettered tiles.
Autumn reached into the box lid, extracting the score sheets.
She looked across the table to find a devilish smile on Simone's face. "I'm going to kick your butt."
Autumn went to raise her finger.
"Sorry," Simone said preemptively. "I meant I'm going to beat the pants off your butt."
Rui stared at his daughter. "That's not any better, young lady. How’s your journal coming along?"
Simone shook her head. "Fine,” she beamed. “I made up a new song.”
“That’s awesome, baby girl. I’m so proud of you.”
Autumn’s heart did a back flip. Watching the interaction between father and daughter imprinted on her brain. Like a video recording, tonight would always be a special memory for her. This felt like a safe place to share her heart. She wanted this life, here with Rui and Simone.
“Daddy, how do you say I'm going to win? If I beat you, can I have an allowance?"
Autumn smiled. "You just did." She and Simone had come a long way in their interactions, much to Rui's relief.
“I’ll buy whatever you need. Since when do you want your own allowance?”
Simone's brow wrinkled. "Oh, you're right," she said in reply to Autumn.
"See how easy that was?" Autumn lifted both hands, "Look, Mom. I said something nice and it didn't hurt one bit."
Simone shrugged. "I get it." Simone shifted her tiles as she spoke. “I want to spend my own money. Like Autumn,” she said, not making eye contact.
Under the table, Autumn felt Rui’s big hand on her knee. “Oh yeah? What are you going to buy?”
She tried to hide her smile when he inched his fingers up her thigh and squeezed. She might just lose this round but win big later tonight.
Simone smiled big. “Something expensive.”
The game progressed at a fast pace. Rui was a brilliant historian, but playing a word game with him was like pitting his adding machine vocabulary against a smartphone with an international dictionary app. Yep, he’d been working on his vocabulary, but she managed to outscore Mr. Webster's protégé again.
"Autumn, look," Simone said pointing at the board. "Daddy lets you win."
His mouth dropped open. Turning to Rui, Autumn watched as red slowly crept up his neck. So, the little one was right? Here Autumn thought for once she had him up against the wall.
In a fit of incredulity, Autumn flicked her index finger off her thumb, and toppled the shelf housing her tiles.
"You sneak,” she charged, sliding her thigh out of her reach.
Rui jumped. "Hey," he protested. "She's eight. What does she know?"
"Daddy," Simone cried. Out of her seat, she launched herself at Rui, who easily caught her. With his daughter cradled in his arms, he began to tickle her belly. Simone dissolved into a fit of giggles.
Autumn looked on in happiness. This was family. She felt lucky just to witness the sight of a father enjoying time with his child. A part of her wondered what it would be like to have a child with Rui, their child.
"Autumn," he called, their eyes meeting. "Come here."
She frowned, at first, wondering what he wanted with her. "Why?"
"You're not getting out of your tickle pun
ishment."
"What...what did I do?"
He grinned. "Don't play innocent. You and the little one ganged up on me."
Lifting his hand, he gestured her forward. "Come on and take your punishment like a big girl."
"Yeah, Autumn. And since daddy helped you, I win,” she cheered.
Rui raised two fingers on his right hand. “I plead the fifth.”
“I get my red bottom shoes,” she sang. “They expensive, they expensive,” she chanted. “My red bottom shoes,” Simone giggled, dragging out each word.
Autumn froze. What in the sugar plum fairy? How had she? When had she?
Rui shot a look of horror in her direction. Oh no, how had Simone heard that song? Heat blossomed under her skin, and Autumn felt beads of perspiration erupt on her forehead. Oblivious to the change in the two adults in the room, Simone laughed, the tone that of childhood innocence.
A concerned father scooped up his little girl, his face grim. “Where did you hear about the red soled shoes song?”
How had Autumn allowed this to happen?
Simone frowned. “What song? Some of the big girls were talking about how cool the shoes are. I want a pair,” she said, a little whiny.
Rui visibly relaxed, his shoulders dropping away from his ears. Autumn breathed a sigh of relief.
“The answer is no.” Rui’s tone brooked no argument. Simone seemed to register there was not room to finagle a different answer.
“Okay,” she said, a little too slow. Autumn could tell there was more to come. “So, can I still have an allowance?”
“If you help Autumn around the house-“
Simone started pumping her fist before Rui could finish.
“And, you stay out of trouble at school.”
The fist pump was a little lower on that one, but her smile remained bright and happy.
“Alright, but Autumn still gets her punishment.”
“Hey,” Autumn chimed in, “leave me out of it.”
“No way, Jose. Daddy finds all your tickle spots."
Autumn looked at Rui. Heat flashed in his eyes. Instantly her body reacted. She just bet he did.
* * *
It was after nine-thirty when Rui tucked an exhausted Simone into bed and spread a little pink blanket with blue butterflies over her. She was still babbling she wasn't sleepy when he flicked the gown-shaped nightlight on in her room and closed the door. Now, that he'd tucked one baby into bed, it was time to do the same with the other. Except he wanted Autumn in his bed tonight. Torture was the only way to describe his attempt to go slow with her.
Back in the dining room, Autumn was placing the last of the games pieces back in the box and closing the lid when he entered the room. He closed his arms and leaned his hip against the corner of the table.
Looking up she gave him a shy smile before telling him, "Good night."
Before she could move farther away, he reached for her. Encircling his arm around her arm. "Hold up, Autumn."
She glanced down at his paler hand on her golden skin, and then looked up at him. Desire swirled in bright circles in those dark eyes. The air between them heated. Even without moving he could see his hands caressing her bare flesh. "How much longer?"
For a brief second, her passion-filled eyes rounded in confusion.
"What are you asking, Rui?"
Unable to bare the separation between them, he pulled her in closer, encircling both her upper arms so she now faced him.
"I don't want to take advantage of you...you’re just getting your life on track again, but, I’m crazy for you, Autumn. Can't wait much longer to take you to my bed."
She drew in a quick breath as if his admission shocked her. She had to know not touching her drove him to the brink. Rui's body was constantly running a stress test. His heart beat wildly one minute, and then slowed to a near stop until he saw her again.
Their gazes locked and held.
"Rui, you can't take what I freely give to you."
Wow. Now it was his turn to take a breath. Instead, he stepped closer, pressing so close to her, she had to feel his growing desire for her.
"I want to make love to you until neither one of us can stand."
"Really?"
"Sweetheart,” he whispered, pressing his lips to the sensitive spot just beneath her ear. “I want to tempt you until you can't think, taste you until you scream, and take you until the only name you can utter with any understanding is mine."
Autumn licked her lips. And Rui, about to explode, unleashed all the passion and frustrated restraint of the past weeks.
"I'm going to kiss you real slow and deep all night long."
He chuckled when her breath hitched. Anticipation of driving her over the edge tightened all his muscles.
She nodded. "Yes,” she moaned, “slow and deep are two of my favorite four letter words."
Raising his hands from her waist, he framed her face in his hands and angled her head so they'd fit perfectly.
"You're sure?"
She licked her lips. "Completely."
Without another word Rui scooped Autumn up and into his arms. He pulled her in close until he felt her warmth against his skin, the rounded contours of her delectable curves softening against his hardness.
Though he knew he should probably slow down, he covered the distance to his bedroom in what felt like seconds. With his hands filled with willing woman, he used his foot to kick the door closed. Rui was focused on making Autumn his. He'd just about settled into the fact that Kirsten wasn't coming back, and he and Simone would forever be alone when Autumn got sucked into his life. Tonight, he'd show her how grateful he was to have her affection. Despite his best efforts, his mind made the next logical conclusion...marriage, children, a forever family.
Gently he laid her on his bed. Hoping she hadn't changed her mind, he asked, "Comfortable?"
"Yes," Autumn replied, propping herself higher on the single pillow at her back.
They shared a heated glance. For Rui, it was truly a life-changing moment to see a woman, this woman in his bed after years of a cold space being his only companion. In the morning, he'd wake to Autumn with his scent on her skin.
Reaching for him, she whispered, "Touch me."
He cupped her cheek, studying the angles of her face. "You're beautiful," he whispered before pressing his mouth to hers. He noticed an increase in the rise and fall of her chest.
With sure fingers, Rui reached for her blouse. A moment later, the first few buttons were loose, freeing the swells of her twin mounds. Eager to please her, Rui inhaled through the rush of blood rumbling in his veins. Slowly, he removed her clothing, first the blouse and lacy chocolate bra, and then the jeans along with a thong that barely covered the triangle of hair between her shapely thighs. Glancing down, he let his eyes soak in every detail in the slender line of her shoulders, the full breasts, trim waist, and womanly hips.
"Perfect," he whispered.
She smiled. "What's that?"
Lifting a hand, he stroked her hair. "You're perfect, Autumn."
A slow rise of color infused her cheeks. When she tried to lower her head, he stopped her.
"Don't shy away from my compliments. You'll get tried of hearing them...but, I love everything about you."
Her breath hitched.
Had he said the "L" word aloud? Yes…he felt the truth of the words in his heart. Having Autumn in his life meant more than keeping his heart safe. Rui trusted her with his two most precious possessions, his child and the rapid-beating organ in his chest. Autumn would cherish his love with more than just her body. He felt it down to his bones. What he had with Autumn was the real deal.
"Rui," she whispered. "You shouldn't say..."
"It's the truth." Looking into her face, he saw the hope flare in her eyes. The hope that she tried to hide from him. "I love you, Autumn."
Tears collected in her eyes. "Really...you do?"
Rui's heart clenched. How could anyone have hurt this beautiful wom
an?
"How can I not." He smiled. "You're everything I want in a woman. Beauty, brains, compassion, generosity and devotion."
She reached for him. In anticipation of what was to come, Rui pressed the magnetic closure on the headboard drawer. Autumn glanced over her shoulder, eyes intent on the three-pack of condoms clutched in his hand.
She sat up and grabbed them from his fingers.
"Three?"
"I bought more," Rui said joining her in the bed. "We'll start with these."
A nervous laugh escaped her lips. "Ambitious?" she asked.
"More like honoring a long-awaited gift."
He grabbed her hip rolling until they faced one another.
"Wrap your arms around my neck." Without hesitation, Autumn did as he instructed. "Do whatever you want to me. Just...," He paused, not wanting to sound as desperate as he felt. "Keep your hands on me," Rui said. He wanted her to know there were no limits.
Slowly she lifted her head, a wicked grin on her face. "I feel the same way, Rui. Whatever you want."
He growled low in his throat. "Never, sweetheart, tell me I can do what I want with you. I might not let you out of my bed."
She laughed. “I’m alright with that.”
Man, did that make him harder than stone.
Autumn leaned forward and covered his mouth with hers. Rui let her tease and lick before stroking into her mouth and taking the lead. At first, she held back. When he tightened his hold, reassuring her that she was safe to explore, she did just that. He felt the bond of trust as her lips relaxed, her curves softened, and she melted into his body.
"That's it, sweetheart," he said into her mouth. "Let go."
He pulled her atop of him, twisting his bare hips between her spread legs.
"Rui," she breathed. "More."
"Shhh, we have forever," he gasped. Probably shocked with his use of forever, but it’s how he felt. With his mouth, he slowly caressed her body. From her lips, to the slender column of her neck, he trailed wet kisses down to her twin peaks. Once there, he drew a taunt bud into his mouth. When she groaned his name, Rui's pressure spiked knowing that his style of lovemaking pleased her. After Kirsten left him, he started to question if he knew what the hell he was doing in the bedroom. But, the sexy little sounds of delight spilling from Autumn's lips reassured him that he did something right.
