by Kate Swain
“Thanks,” she said.
She was wearing a long-sleeved cream sweater, a fine woolen one that clung to her body in all the right places. It had a little pocket that covered part of her breast. Her hair was tied back, but bits of it had escaped. Her lips were warm and pink and I ached to taste them. I realized I was staring and looked away.
“Can I offer you a drink?” she asked.
I stared. She was offering me a drink? I felt blood flood my face, and my heart raced. Of all the things I had expected to happen, it wasn’t this. I coughed.
“Me? Um… yeah. I guess.”
She grinned. “It wasn’t a question on the MCAT for med school… just a simple question.”
I laughed. “Sorry. My brain is off today.”
“It took the weekend off,” she laughed. “Come on. Let’s see what I have in here.”
I followed her deeper into the apartment.
There was a low couch opposite a counter made of particleboard, behind which was the kitchen area, complete with a small refrigerator and microwave. I was glad we’d taken the time to furnish the place… it made having Amelia up here easier.
“I have some Budweiser,” she called from the fridge door. I looked up. Her firm, round butt was well in evidence as she bent over to retrieve something out of the small freezer compartment. I felt my loins flare painfully. She was wearing jeans, and they stretched over her pert derrière in a way that made my body ache.
“Thanks,” I said in a strained voice. “That’d be super.”
She came out of the kitchen with two cans, cheeks flushed. I stared at her, feeling a mix of happiness and terror overwhelm me. Happiness, for being here alone, finally, with Amelia. Terror, for how strongly I felt about her. And what I might do.
“So,” she said, sitting down on the couch about two hand’s length from me. “To my own place.”
“To your new place,” I agreed, cracking open the can and tipping my head back to drink.
When I looked back at her, she was slightly flushed. I felt myself ache to take her in my arms. Her eyes, round and wide, were focused on mine.
“Thanks for letting me stay here,” she said again. “I feel… safer.”
“I understand,” I said softly. “And, by the way—if you ever need it, I’d like you to have my number. Here.” I passed her my business card, which had my cell number on it.
“Thanks,” she said. She tucked it into her pocket. “I appreciate it.”
“No problem.”
She looked up at me, and I felt an irresistible urge to take her in my arms and kiss her everywhere. She looked so vulnerable. I had never felt such a strong drive to support and love somebody before—to make everything better for someone.
“At least,” she chuckled weakly, “you can’t shit on me for walking to and from work anymore.”
“No,” I agreed with a grin. “I didn’t mean it, you know. I was harsh, but I just wanted to help and protect you. Admittedly, I’ve been a dick with you.”
She blinked. “Not that much,” she said. She grinned shyly. “Just a bit.”
I laughed. “I shouldn’t have been that way. You have been so great in the office and with our customers. We all agree. You’ve made such a difference in just one week—everything runs so much better now.”
“Really?” she sounded genuinely surprised. Her big eyes held mine. I felt my heart twist, and I now deeply regretted how rude I had been to her for the past few days.
“Really,” I said firmly. “You are honestly the best asset we have. I mean it.”
She held my gaze. I stared into her eyes. I could see the tiny flecks in them, and the way her lips moved when she breathed slow and hesitant. The scent of her was exciting; it was impossible to resist.
I moved, and she moved. I don’t know what happened first, but in what felt like an instant, she was in my arms, and I was pressing my lips fiercely to hers.
She gave a small moan. I drew her against me, wincing with longing as her breasts flattened against my chest. She was so soft, so warm.
My hands moved down her back, and I found her butt. I clasped her to me, and she moved closer. She was sitting on my knee, her lips on mine. I pushed my tongue between her lips and shivered as I felt her body press against my growing cock, moving lightly on me in a way that made me want her desperately.
I held her close, and she moved against me more. My hands held her waist, and I was pushing against her, eyes shut. I began to move my hands across her back, and as my fingers went under her sweater, searching for her skin, the doorbell rang.
“Amelia?” my brother’s voice, bright and cheery, called through the door. “Anybody home?”
16
Amelia
I sprang off the couch, my face flushed and heart thumping. I ran to the door, feeling a mix of naughty and happy. I wanted to laugh because it was just so crazy! I opened the door.
“Guys?” There they were. Mark, Matthew, and Adam were all there at the door. They had flowers, tools, and a cable that they held like gifts.
“We thought we’d help you settle in,” Matthew said. He had the flowers. “This place could do with a bit of work.” He looked around, grinning.
“The TV reception isn’t so good.” Mark gestured with the cable in his hand and pointed at the roof, implying that the cable can connect to a rooftop antenna. “Let me connect this cable to the TV so you can actually watch some TV if you like.”
“And the water pressure could be better,” Adam added. “I don’t know when the water pressure regulator was last checked. I’ll do it now.”
I laughed. “Guys! I don’t know what to say,” I said with delight. “Thank you!” I felt a bubble of joy rise inside me. Never in my life had so many people shown me so much care. I couldn’t believe it.
“No worries,” Mark said suavely. He headed into the living room.
“Bro!” Matthew said, discovering Carter in there. “You’re here too! What brings you to this part of town?”
Carter shrugged. I was in the doorway, watching them, and I tried not to smile. He blushed subtly, but he wasn’t letting them see how embarrassed he was. He straightened his shirt with a nervous gesture. “I was doing some paperwork and just came to check up on Amelia,” he said lightly. “I’m going now.” He strode toward the hallway quickly.
“Oh.” Mark sounded disappointed. “You could stay and mess with the TV, you know.”
We all laughed.
“He’s not much use,” Mark said with a grin as he dropped down to fasten the cable to the small old-fashioned television sitting on a low bench. “We’ll have to finish up without him.”
I stood in the middle of the floor, not sure what to say, as three guys checked my TV, adjusted the water pressure, and generally made things better. The flowers made things prettier. When the work-party had left, I sank onto my bed with a sigh. I closed my eyes.
“Whew.”
It had been a long day and one in which a lot of things had happened. Oddly, in spite of everything, the memory that came back to mind, again and again, was the kiss. I recalled each moment vividly. The strong arms holding me. The hand squeezing my butt. The sound of his heavy breathing as he held me close.
“I want that guy so much it hurts.”
I shook my head.
This was the first time he’d admitted that he thought I was good at my job.
“There’s no telling with some people.”
I stood, still feeling confused. It was six-thirty.
I felt my stomach growl with hunger and realized that I would probably be able to think a bit more clearly if I ate some food. I called the restaurant and asked them to deliver a pizza. I didn’t want to go out. It was getting dark, and for the first time in ages, I felt safe in my own house.
“Nobody knows I’m here.”
I sat down on the couch and felt the first suggestion of freedom that I’d felt since Luke started creeping on me.
“Prime Pizzeria,” the delivery
guy said happily as I opened the door for him half an hour later. I took the hot cardboard box and paid him and took it inside. I felt my mouth watering as I sat down for my first meal in my own home.
I must have been more worn-out than I had thought because once I finished dinner, I rolled over and collapsed onto the bed.
A rustling sound woke me. I sat up, wincing at my sore neck. I blinked and looked around. It was pitch dark.
“That’s odd,” I murmured. The last thing I remembered before I fell asleep was being in the kitchen, and I was sure I’d fallen asleep with the lights on. I tiptoed through to the kitchen. Then I heard it again.
There was a clicking sound coming from the front door. It was followed by a scrape, then a rattle. Somebody tried the handle of the door. A rattle followed again. A clink followed, as of something hitting metal stairs.
“Who’s there?” I whispered.
My voice came out barely louder than a rustle. I felt my heart beating. Something rattled and clinked again. There was somebody out there. I couldn’t doubt it now. Somebody had switched off the power. Somebody was trying to get in. My legs had gone stiff from fear, and I couldn’t move. Numb horror held me.
“Go away!” I shouted.
I tried to switch on the light as I charged through to the hallway, anger displacing my fear. The switch moved, but the light didn’t come on. I should have guessed it was off in every room. I ran at the door and shouted.
I swore. I heard the sound of feet on the stairs. Somebody was running down.
“Go away! Get lost!” I screamed through the door. I almost opened it, but instinct told me that it was too dangerous. I stopped and sat down. I heard feet running down the street, then nothing.
I was shaking. Now that the immediate danger had gone, my anger melted away, fear returning.
“Carter,” I murmured under my breath. I felt the card resting against my heart, in the pocket of my sweater, where I’d left it. “Call him.”
I pulled the card out, fumbling with fingers that shook so hard I could barely move. I didn’t recall where I’d put my phone. I found the kitchen counter by touch and stumbled into the kitchen. My phone was on the countertop. I picked it up. By the blueish light, I deciphered the number. I called him.
“Hello?” My voice was wavering, and I cleared my throat. I could barely think!
“Hi, Amelia?” he asked. He sounded worried. “What’s up? Something happened?”
“Please, Carter,” I said. “Someone was here. Please. Just come?”
“Who was there?” Carter sounded angry. “That guy? What happened?” His voice was tight and confrontational.
“Please,” I whispered faintly, the tone in his voice suddenly too much for me to stand. “Just come?”
I sank down on the bed again. I felt cold. Pulling my duvet around me, I sat there in the dark and waited. I heard feet on the stairs half an hour later.
“Amelia?” Carter yelled through the door. “Amelia? Hello? Are you okay?”
I ran to the door and opened it. Carter stumbled through. He was wearing jeans and a t-shirt, and his eyes were wide as saucers.
“What happened?” he said. “The lights are off. Oh, damn. I’ll find the box.”
He strode outside, moving fast, and I waited in the hallway, shivering until he came back up again. I heard something whirr and realized the fridge was back on. He stepped in and switched on the lights. Bright light flooded the scene.
“Amelia,” he said, shutting the door and locking it behind him. “Are you okay? What happened?”
“Oh, Carter…” I sniffed. Suddenly, with the lights on and the danger removed, it was all too much for me. “There was somebody here. Trying to get in. I heard them try the handle and… and…” I started crying, and he held me in his arms.
“Shh, Amelia,” he said gently. “Shh. It’s all right now. I’m here. I’m here.”
His arms wrapped me tight, and his lips touched my hair as I felt myself slowly melting into him.
17
Carter
I held Amelia to my chest, almost too nervous to breathe. I couldn’t quite believe what was happening. Amelia had initiated something with me? Amelia was here, right now, in my arms, at nine p.m., in her apartment? It seemed impossible.
“Shh, Amelia,” I said gently, stroking her back. I wanted to comfort her. I didn’t want to take advantage of her, but at the same time, my body was screaming for her. “Amelia… should I go?”
“I don’t want to be alone,” she whispered. Her eyes held mine. I felt drawn into that gaze. “Please. Stay with me?”
“Okay,” I whispered into her hair. “I’ll stay.”
She looked into my eyes. I bent down, and my lips touched hers. This time, I couldn’t hold back. My body pressed against her. I was aroused, and my cock, hard and firm, was straining to get out of my jeans. I held her against me, feeling her body pressing to mine. My lips were on hers, my tongue pushing into her sweet, firm mouth.
I gasped and leaned back against the wall. I couldn’t contain myself anymore. My hands ran down her sweater, and I slipped them underneath. My fingertips found warm flesh. I felt my cock throb painfully as she moaned and leaned against me.
I couldn’t stop myself. I could feel her skin, silky and firm. I lifted her sweater, and she moved so that it slipped off her head and arms. I was left holding a pile of cream wool.
I stared. The light from the living room fell in yellow brightness into the hallway, where we stood. It touched her pale skin and made it shine like satin. She wore a silky bra, and her breasts were high and firm. I leaned forward and gently touched one, wincing inside as my hand cupped her breast.
“Amelia,” I whispered. “I don’t know if…”
She stepped up and pressed her lips to mine, silencing my protests. “Shh,” she said, looking into my eyes. “No more talking.”
I looked into her eyes, and something inside me ignited. Unable to hold myself back, I lifted her up and carried her to the bedroom.
Putting her on the bed, I kissed her. We embraced each other, moving lower and lower until she lay underneath me. Her breasts were straining to be free of the bra, and I wanted so badly to feel her bare skin on mine. I took off my t-shirt with a fluid motion and let it fall to the floor. Then I took off her jeans. They pooled around her ankles. She was lying on the bed now, bra and panties glimmering in the light that fell on us through the bedroom window from the street lights.
I stared down at her and then, unable to contain myself any longer, I pulled her panties off in a single, smooth motion. She had a fuzz of blonde hair, and I bent down, kissing her stomach and creamy thighs, smelling her womanly scent.
She gasped as I gently widened her legs so that I could slide my lips between her thighs. She half-sat, giving a little gasp, as I placed my lips on her clit. Then, gasping, she lay back.
I widened her legs more. Feeling my senses swim as I breathed in her scent, I parted her folds and lapped at the silky softness of her skin. I could feel her clit harden, and I teased it, lightly nibbling it with my teeth until she started to move and moan uncontrollably.
I could feel her shivering, and I knew she was so close to coming. I was enjoying myself, high on the sounds she was making. My tongue dug deeper into her clit. She gasped and then screamed aloud as she finished in my mouth.
I heard her breathing returning to normal, and I stayed where I was, my head resting on her knee. I could smell her, more faintly, and my cock ached to be inside her. I was aroused beyond thought now, and I wanted her with every fiber of my being.
She sighed and moved on the bed. I sat up. Her eyes met mine. They looked playful. I felt myself wanting her as we stroked each other’s bodies. She looked up at me.
Wordlessly, she slid her fingers into the waistband of my jeans and tugged at the zipper. I helped with the top button, then pulled my pants down and stepped out of my boxers. I joined her, touching her with increasing intensity.
Gritting my tee
th, I felt my cock throbbing as it encountered the smooth skin of her leg. I pressed against her, full of desire, and she rolled over so that I was pressing against the opening to her body, her eyes staring into mine. We were both lying on our sides, facing each other.
I felt my cock run along the entrance to her body, and she gasped. We smiled. Wickedly, she rolled over so that her butt was against me. I groaned aloud. Firm and pert, it was the most gorgeous bottom I had ever seen.
She rubbed against me, and I couldn’t hold back. I pushed against her, feeling my cock throb and ache as it played along her opening. I plunged in. She let out a deep moan.
Throbbing, gasping, I pushed in again, completely absorbed with how good it felt. She was so tight! Her warm, wet juices slid over me, as I pulled out and pushed in. I was moving with abandon, and her body responded. I was dangerously close to coming.
Holding back, I wanted to delay my orgasm as long as possible. I rolled her over slightly so that she lay on her front, and I was now behind her. I was pushing myself into her hot, wet hole, thrusting and thrusting, moaning as I tried to hold back from the rising, sweeping, growing tide inside me.
She was gasping and sighing. I knew she was close to coming too. She pushed and thrust against me. I could tell that she was enjoying it as much as I was, a thought which made my cock flare with more urgency. On the verge of coming, I pulled out, then lay back, panting, on the bed.
She rolled over. Her eyes were wide and a little confused. I rolled onto my side and looked into her eyes. She rolled over and kissed me.
I rolled so that I lay on top of her, reveling in the feeling of her body pressed to mine. We kissed, and I felt my cock throbbing as I kissed her harder and more focused. She sighed and pressed against me as I ached with need again.
Unable to withstand it anymore, I took my cock and gently entered her again.
She gasped, and I cried out as her hot, clinging warmth took me.
