Epicurean Delights

by Renee Roman

  “You are incredible,” Ari whispered.

  Her heart swelled. Making love to Ari was easy. Even though they’d only been together in a physical sense a couple of times, their intuition for each other’s needs came naturally. She’d like to believe their future held the same certainty, but only time would tell. She met Ari’s gaze.

  “I love making love to you.” Her voice cracked. The truth of her confession sucked the air from the room.

  Ari touched her face. “Come to bed with me.”

  The longing in Ari’s eyes sent a flame of fire through her. She was wet and needed Ari’s touch. Ari stretched out beside her and kissed along her shoulder to her mouth. Ari stroked her tongue over Hudson’s lips before pushing inside. The kiss ended too soon and Hudson moaned in frustration.

  “I…want…to…taste…you,” Ari said between kisses.

  Hudson’s clit twitched. She’d had Ari’s talented tongue on her hot center before, and the memory brought another flood that coated her thighs.

  Kissing her breast, ribs, stomach, and hip, Ari covered the trail to her center with hot breaths and a wet tongue, eliciting a lengthy groan. The pounding of her clit blocked her ability to speak. She lifted her pelvis in anticipation, seeking the pleasure Ari’s mouth would bring. Her body jerked at the first stroke of Ari’s tongue.

  “You taste like syrup.” Ari lightly licked a circle around the head of her clit. Once. Twice.

  Hudson strained upward. “More,” she pleaded.

  Ari’s hands traveled over her stomach to the pebbled knots of her breasts. She fingered each one and gently tugged, sending a shock wave downward. Ari tongued her opening, spreading the hot fluid over her swollen folds. She nipped along her thigh down to her ankle and repeated the ministrations on the other side before inching up to straddle her hips. She bucked, hoping to send a message to Ari. Her entire body was on fire.

  “What are you doing?” she gasped.

  Leaning closer, Ari blew on her nipple, making it tighten painfully.

  “Giving you pleasure,” Ari said before her mouth covered Hudson’s and explored it with her tongue, the essence of her flavor still on Ari’s lips.

  Pulling away, Ari smiled. “Don’t you like it?”

  She closed her eyes and inhaled. She had to concentrate to form coherent words. “It’s torture.”

  Ari reached behind her and pressed a finger against Hudson’s clit before sliding inside. Ari rode her hips in rhythm with the strokes. She grasped Ari’s hips and synchronized their grinding to deepen the thrusts, but every time she felt the tension in her belly build, Ari moved to a different beat, interrupting her progress.

  “A nice kind of torture, right?”

  Ari filled her and then withdrew completely to spread the liquid coating her fingers over her throbbing knot of nerves. “Please,” she groaned. “Please let me come.”

  Ari wanted to please Hudson more than anyone she’d ever been with. Hudson’s beautiful body made it easy. That didn’t mean she wanted it to be quick. Drawing out Hudson’s arousal to the point of begging, made her own folds wetter. Hudson’s plea for release made her clit pound in response. Ari drove deeper into the hot tunnel, reaching the sensitive ridge and twisting her hand. The inner walls threatened to lock her inside before she focused all her attention on the clit that was impossibly hard beneath her fingertips.

  “Come for me, baby.”

  She watched Hudson’s face while the hands on her hips gripped harder as Hudson rose against the pressure of her fingertips. A slow flush began at her ridged abs and traveled between her breasts. Hudson bucked hard and cried out, nearly throwing Ari off. The small knot pounded against her palm and she slid back inside to feel the spasms of Hudson’s orgasm. Her sudden entry caused another climax, and Hudson’s entire body shook with another set of waves. She was beauty in motion. Ari waited until her heaving chest slowed and the jerking movements quieted. Withdrawing, she leaned over and covered Hudson’s mouth with butterfly kisses.

  “God, you are beautiful.”

  Hudson’s eyes fluttered as her mouth moved into a languid grin. “I’ll bet you say that to all the women you torture.”

  Hudson pulled Ari on top of her, and she spread her body over Hudson’s, relishing the warmth against her cooler skin. Their swollen lips touched tenderly, without the earlier urgency. Satiated, Ari curled against Hudson’s side, tucked under her arm, and sighed. She pulled the covers over them and rested her hand in the center of Hudson’s chest, her thumb lightly brushing the curve of her breast. Hudson stroked her back, drawing a circular pattern. It was the last thing she remembered.

  * * *

  Ari stretched along Hudson’s body. Somehow, she’d ended up almost completely on top of her. She inhaled the scent that was uniquely Hudson’s, tinged with the not unpleasant linger of sex.

  “Are you awake?” she whispered.

  “Uh-huh.” Hudson’s hand slid down to cup her ass. She gave it a gentle squeeze. “I didn’t think I was that tired.”

  She reached up to cup Hudson’s face. “I don’t think it was fatigue.”

  Laughing, Hudson met her gaze. “I think you’re right.”

  Ari snuggled close, enjoying the ease with which they’d apparently both fallen asleep.

  “I could stay here forever.”

  Hudson stiffened beneath her and she regretted thinking out loud. Maybe it was too soon. Maybe Hudson’s heart wasn’t as invested in moving forward as hers was. Maybe she was the only one who thought she was falling in love. Even though she had nothing to compare her feelings to, romance novels described it as a feeling of euphoria. Of total bliss. The emotions she felt when she was with Hudson were indescribable, and falling in love was the best description for her current state. She needed to do damage control before Hudson bolted again. Rising on her elbow, she met Hudson’s stormy eyes.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Why don’t I believe you?” Ari sat up.

  “It’s not you or anything you did. It’s me. All me.” Hudson broke eye contact, staring off into the distance like she was looking for answers. “I haven’t wanted to think about forever. Until you.”

  “That sounds nice, but the doubt is a little disconcerting.” She didn’t want to discourage any progress they’d made, but she wasn’t going to tolerate Hudson’s insecurities forever and she needed to know what Hudson was thinking. “So why are you comparing me to Pam?” She couldn’t help the edge in her voice. She didn’t know how Hudson felt because she’d never been in love and she wasn’t prepared to have it all come to an end. What she did know was that she didn’t want that kind of an ending for them, which didn’t make any sense since their relationship had only just begun.

  Hudson’s face paled. “I don’t know. You’re nothing like her.”

  Ari turned away, her eyes brimming with tears. She wasn’t sure if she could fight a ghost. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to. The only thing she did know was that Hudson filled a void in her she hadn’t even known existed. Something inside her had shattered and the splinters scraped away the layers formed by self-preservation. What did it mean to stay whole if it meant a life empty and alone?

  Hudson’s fingertip guided her chin to face her, and she took Ari’s hands in hers. “I know it’s crazy. I know it’s irrational. But I swear I’m not making excuses. You are a wonderful person and I think we can be great together…” Hudson stopped and pursed her lips, “in more ways than we already are. I don’t want to question my feelings, but it happens.”

  Ari took Hudson’s hand and placed it over her heart. “I trust what’s in here. I listen to what it’s telling me, and it’s telling me we can make a wonderful life together.” She waited a beat. “Am I wrong?” She needed to know if she had to pull back. Step away. Stop falling for Hudson, even if her heart told her otherwise.

  “No, you’re not wrong. I am.”

  She hesitated even while knowing she had to push on. “Then why do
we keep ending up here?”

  Hudson shook her head. “I don’t know. If you can’t wait,” Hudson’s voice cracked, “I’ll understand.”

  “I didn’t say I wouldn’t wait. I just wish you could believe in the confident woman I saw earlier. She was magnificent.” Ari trailed her thumb along Hudson’s strong jaw and felt it tremble.

  “Let’s get up and watch TV. I think we both could use the distraction.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Hudson watched Ari dozing next to her. Their lovemaking had been as spectacular as the first time. Full of steamy hot desire and passionate kisses. That was until she’d soured the mood. She’d reacted defensively to Ari’s innocent statement and regretted where her mind had traveled. When Ari said “forever” she couldn’t help thinking, “Nothing lasts forever.” And even though Ari listened to Hudson’s explanation, she’d been hurt. A shadow had clouded her beautiful features. And when she’d turned away to hide it, Hudson feared she was slipping away. The pain she caused lingered when Ari had finally faced her. Tears pooled in her red-rimmed eyes, obscuring the hazel color Hudson had come to read so well. Much like her own pain, Ari’s had been palpable and she had caused it.

  “Idiot,” she grumbled.

  Here was the woman of her dreams. One who didn’t hide her feelings. And in return, Hudson had sent a very clear vibe of “don’t go there.” But why? Wasn’t the fairy tale of a happy-ever-after ending—the same kind of relationship her mothers had shown her was possible—the same thing she’d always wanted? Against all odds, her parents had sought each other out and professed forbidden love. They’d even dared to have children—and still, their love endured. What secrets did their love hold? How had they managed to sustain their relationship through times of uncertainty and heartache? As a child, she’d rarely heard more than occasional heated words. She also remembered sounds of passion when, as a teenager, she’d sneak home, thinking they were asleep.

  And still, a life of fulfillment and love eluded her. She had managed to think she could embrace the fairy tale for a little while tonight, but her bravado had vanished in the blink of an eye—replaced by the all too familiar fear of commitment. Ari deserved a partner who would stand by her, be strong with her, love her, and take chances. Hudson was failing miserably.

  She’d be pacing right now if she didn’t think she’d wake Ari. Their shoulders touched. Ari’s face was at peace. How could she fix whatever was broken inside her? What would it take to push her forward? She did want a lifetime, not of perfection, but of perfect balance. With someone who loved her. Was it too much to ask? She let her head fall against the back of the couch, stared at the ceiling, and sighed.

  “Hey,” Ari said.

  “Hi. Sorry I woke you.”

  Ari sat up and tucked a leg under her, watching Hudson before lightly tapping her forehead. “You’ve been stewing again.”

  She couldn’t help laughing. “What gave you that idea?”

  “Wrinkles.”

  Hudson gasped in mock exaggeration, attempting to be shocked. “I do not have wrinkles.”

  “You do when you’re thinking.”

  She mirrored Ari’s posture, resting her arm across the back of the cushion, and intertwined their fingers. She loved touching Ari in any way she could.

  “Yeah. I was thinking how much of an asshole I am.”

  Ari frowned. “You aren’t an ass. You’re confused and scared, and sometimes oversensitive.”

  “Maybe.” Thinking about her mothers made her wonder about Ari’s family. “Tell me about your childhood. What are your parents like?”

  Ari looked off to the side. “You don’t really want to know.”

  “Sure I do. I want to know everything about you.” Even as the words came out, she realized she hadn’t shared much with Ari either. Ari took so long that Hudson thought she wasn’t going to answer, but she finally shrugged and curled deeper into the corner.

  “I’m an only child born to a conservative couple who grew up with prejudiced beliefs.”

  Ari was facing her, but her eyes glassed over and Hudson knew she was lost in memories.

  “I…” Ari faltered, then cleared her throat before going on. “My father didn’t want me. I don’t think children were ever in his life plan, and being a girl was his biggest disappointment. He went out of his way to let me know how much of a failure I was. How I’d never amount to anything.”

  She wanted to reassure Ari her father’s view of her wasn’t how she saw her, but she had a feeling if she interrupted now the story would end. “What about your mom?”

  Ari snorted. “She was the typical beaten down, dutiful wife. She never had a backbone. It’s a wonder I have any at all.” The bitterness in her words was cutting.

  Hudson wanted to find a way to put a positive spin on what must have been a contentious childhood. “But you survived.” Ari nodded, so she pressed for more. “And you grew strong.”

  “It’s not like I had a choice. I knew the only person I could rely on was me.”

  “No friends?”

  “Chelsea. We were pretty close until the sixth grade. Her dad was offered a job in Kentucky, and they moved away. I was devastated.”

  She couldn’t stand the look of abandonment on Ari’s face any longer. “Come here.” Hudson backed into the corner of the couch, making room for Ari between her legs. She wrapped her arms around her, reassuring Ari she wasn’t going anywhere.

  “Better?”

  “Yeah. Thanks.” Ari rubbed her hands along Hudson’s forearms.

  “Can you tell me more?”

  “There’s not much to tell. I kept my grades up so that I didn’t have to hear what a failure I was. In high school, Kara and I got to be close. She was a godsend. I wouldn’t have survived without her. She is the only person I’ve ever known who loved me.”

  The statement caused an intense sense of privilege for the wonderful childhood she’d had surrounded by loving adults and a bevy of close friends. Hudson had no control over the tears that fell. She’d lived with love her whole life and she couldn’t imagine living without it. Ari turned in her arms.

  “Hey.” Ari traced Hudson’s lower lip with her thumb, sending a shiver through her. Everything Ari did was intimate, even when there wasn’t a hint of sexual intent. Ari touched the essence that was Hudson.

  “Baby, don’t cry.” Ari wiped the tears away. “We’ll get through this.”

  Ari’s certainty anchored her to the possibilities that lay ahead. If Hudson was going to love again, Ari was definitely the one, but her mind was a jumble of mixed emotions, and she didn’t have the strength to sort them out.

  “Come to bed with me.”

  “I don’t know if that’s such a good…” she protested.

  Ari shook her head. “Just to sleep. I want a night wrapped in your arms and you in mine. I want to wake up beside you in the morning.”

  Hudson could do this. She could give a night to Ari and maybe she could give her more of them—in time. “Okay.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Don’t thank me yet.” Ari tipped her head in confusion.

  “I need my toothbrush and nightclothes.”

  “Do you want me to come upstairs?” Ari asked.

  “No, no. I’ll be quick.” She placed a chaste kiss on Ari’s mouth and made a dash for the stairs.

  * * *

  Ari woke to a warm breath moving across her chest. She had slept well wrapped within Hudson’s arms. It had taken a while to go to sleep as she replayed their lovemaking over and over in her mind. It had been more than satisfying. Hudson had a way of taking her to the pinnacle over and over again before letting her reach climax. The feeling had been worth every torturous second, and she’d made sure she’d given Hudson a night to remember. She was well aware that sometimes Hudson cloaked her feelings, but she didn’t think it was true while they were in the throes of passion. Ari was able to read all of her emotions then, and each facial expression, each touch, had been with
desire, need, and tenderness.

  It was Hudson’s ingrained hesitation—the moments that clouded her handsome features in dread—that caused Ari the greatest concern. Even if she had no prior experience with love, Ari had no doubt she was falling for the enigmatic Ms. Frost, and there wasn’t a damn thing she could do to stop it. The only thing she could do was show Hudson how she felt. For the first time in her life, she was willing to give a relationship equal importance as her business. She remembered her father’s words, could hear them as if he were in the room with her.

  “You’ll never be successful with that foolish cooking thing. It’s a waste of time and money. No one will want to marry a failure.” His lean, tall frame had towered over her and his face contorted in disgust. The crow’s feet that gathered at the corners of his anger-filled eyes had caused her overwhelming feelings of despair.

  His words had cut to the quick, but she hadn’t let him see how much they hurt. Instead, she’d walked away with her head high after telling him he was wrong. She was stronger than he thought and each sacrifice she’d made was a testament to what she was capable of.

  And then there was Hudson’s curiosity about her childhood. She hadn’t seen it coming, but she had to admit it had been a relief to share a part of her secret with Hudson. There would most likely be more conversations between them of a similar nature. She was curious about Hudson’s upbringing and wondered if she had a similar story and if that was the reason she hadn’t heard about her family.

  But the intimate story had done little to ease her angst. How much of herself was she willing to sacrifice to have a relationship with Hudson? Or maybe it wouldn’t be a sacrifice at all. Maybe they could overcome their insecurities together. Every question brought another, and the answer to each one was the same. Only time would tell. But how long she was willing to wait was the biggest one of all.

  Hudson stirred; her hand moved down Ari’s tank top and stopped at her belly. She felt the heat of her palm and luxuriated in the caress.