Chelsea rolled to her back, her skin dewy from the heart-pounding sex. She licked her lips, taking deep breaths, still not saying a word.
“Don’t get too relaxed. I’m not done yet.” His voice was commanding and would have brought her to her knees had she not already been lying flat on her back.
Before she knew it, Chelsea found herself on her belly, a pillow under her hips. Jud moved over her and she could feel his erection tickling the backs of her thighs as he kissed her neck, her back and lower. He sat back on her thighs and palmed her ass cheeks.
“Damn, I love your ass.” He kneaded the soft flesh of her butt, stroking and pinching.
Chelsea saw him grabbing something from the bedside table. The next moment, she felt his fingers warm and slippery between her ass cheeks. His thumb rubbed her back entrance and the sparks of sensation drove her crazy. Feeling a combination of anxiety and arousal, she knew what was coming—he’d been hinting at it. She wanted to please him and knew he would never hurt her, and surprisingly she found herself wanting it, craving it.
Pressing her palms against the bed, she felt the hard tip of his cock nudge her entrance. He spread her cheeks wide, stretching her entrance open, then moved over her and whispered in her ear, “Relax, Chels. Let me in your ass.” He pushed just barely inside her and sucked in a breath. “Ah God.”
Chelsea’s eyes watered at the feel of him inside her. It hurt, but it also felt incredible. The mere thought of what he was doing to her was so carnal, so kinky. She wished she could see it.
The heat from his body enveloped her as he moved closer, his knees on the outside of her thighs, his fingers interlacing with hers. “You feel so good, Chelsea. Relax for me. I wanna feel your tight ass squeezing me.”
Following his direction, she took a deep breath, tried to relax, let her muscles go limp. She was rewarded by a nearly unbearable fullness as he moved deeper inside her.
“Fuck, it’s so good,” he muttered. He kissed the back of her neck, squeezing her fingers tightly as if he was trying to control himself. “Your ass feels like a fist on my cock, you’re making me lose my mind.”
Chelsea could feel the friction as he moved slowly in and out. The more she relaxed, the easier his movements were. And the better it felt. She must have some wicked sensitive nerve endings there because her entire body was buzzing, tense, ready.
“I’m not hurting you, am I?” His words were stilted.
She shook her head quickly no. She actually wanted more of it.
“Thank God, ’cause I can’t stop.” He kept up the relentless small thrusts, kissing her back and neck in ways that made her crazy.
Already so wet, Chelsea felt juices oozing down from her pussy, coating the inside of her thighs. She wanted to come. She needed to come. She ripped her hand away from his and slid it under her body between her legs, touching flesh that was hot and drenched.
He groaned. “That’s right. Play with yourself.”
Every time her fingers rubbed her clit, her hips jerked up, pushing her ass back onto his cock. She saw stars behind her lids.
“Jesus, Chels. Feel good?”
“Mm-hm.” It felt awesome.
He released her other hand and pulled back. “Baby, you should see this—my cock pushing into your ass—fucking incredible.”
She gasped, feeling him in her chest.
“Tell me you like it.”
“I like it.” She panted from the effort of taking him inside her.
“Tell me you love it, that you love me fucking your ass.”
Bastard. He was driving her crazy. “I love it… I love feeling your cock in my ass, fucking my ass.” Her body felt ready to come apart.
“Good, because we’re gonna do this again soon.” He fucked her harder, faster, deeper. “Oh yeah, I’m all the way inside you, baby. You feel it? Come for me, Chels. I can’t wait any longer.”
Just that easy, she exploded. Her body spasmed over and over, her orgasm volatile this time. Behind her, she heard Jud grunting, his thrusts slowing as he came, shooting his semen inside her.
She pulled her hand out from under her and spread her arms wide, trying to catch her breath. Jud had stilled behind her but his cock remained buried deep. She felt his lips on her neck, her shoulders.
“That was fucking incredible.” His voice was ragged. He pulled out of her slowly and gave her ass a light tap. “Fucking incredible.”
As he crawled to the side of the bed, she found she was thinking the same thing. It was fucking incredible. He was fucking incredible. Right then and there, she knew. She would do absolutely anything for Judson Tate.
Chapter Fourteen
By the time Chelsea made it home, dusk had fallen and the air was heavy. It would be snowing any minute now and they were due to get walloped overnight. Luckily she was off tomorrow.
The day had been a bitch. First of all, she was tired—too little sleep and too much sex after an evening of emotional turmoil. Then a day on the slopes filled with obnoxious spring breakers. Damn, she was getting old.
Trudging up the steps, her weary legs ached for oxygen. A hot bath would be heaven. Inside Jud’s condo, it was cozy warm with a mouthwatering aroma emanating from the kitchen. Hmm. Maybe dinner and then a hot bath.
She peeled off her coat and followed her nose to find Jud opening a bottle of wine in the kitchen. “Something smells absolutely divine.”
Smiling, he handed her a glass. “Roast chicken. One of my specialties.”
“Yum. My stomach’s rumbling already.”
He kissed her on the top of her head. “You look tired. Tough day?”
“A little bit. How long until dinner’s ready?”
The look of concern on his face warmed her through. “It should be ready soon, but it’ll keep. Need a nap?”
“Mm. I’m thinking a soak in the tub.”
“Go ahead. Enjoy.” He gave her another quick kiss before wrapping an arm around her and walking her to the bedroom. “Take your time. Relax.” He left her in peace and quiet, seeming to know just what she needed.
As she stripped off her clothes, she heard him turn on the television, keeping the volume low. In the bathroom, while the tub filled, she scrubbed her face and dabbed on a light mask.
Settling into the steaming hot water, she started to relax almost immediately. Her limbs floated weightless, soothed by the softly circulating waves from the jets. Maybe I could live right here in this tub. Jud could wait on her, cook her meals, fuck her senseless. Until he moved to New York, that is. Which was going to be any day now. Damn.
Good thoughts, Chelsea. Think good thoughts. Enjoy the time you have with him.
Fifteen minutes later, she was in a healthier frame of mind—calm, open-minded, content. Her crappy day was over and in the past, and in the next room was the dream man who’d cooked dinner for her.
Once she’d toweled off, she moved to the bedroom and pulled on a sweatshirt and some plaid flannel pajama pants. She found Jud stretched out on the couch. He smiled when he saw her.
“Ready for dinner?”
She smiled back. “Starved.”
Chelsea sat back and allowed herself to be served. The food was delicious and the conversation devoid of work talk. Bellies full, they settled on the living room couch with a bottle of wine.
“That was so good. I can’t believe you actually made stuffing.”
He shrugged. “If you’re going to do something, do it right.”
“It was yummy. You have to give me your recipe.”
“Ah, can’t do that. My grandmother would kill me. Secret family thing, ya know.” He grinned at her, much the way he’d been looking at her all through dinner.
“What is up with you?” Chelsea wanted to think that he was smiling like an idiot because he was happy just being with her. She knew that he cared about her, and she’d come to believe that she was worthy of the affection of such a sweet, gorgeous man. But tonight he seemed nearly giddy.
“I have some goo
d news.”
“Yeah? Well, tell me.”
“You’re looking at a new editor for Decipher Press.”
Chelsea squealed and launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and squeezing him tightly. “That’s great! I’m so happy for you.” And she was happy for him. Jud had achieved his goal—his dream job of being an editor at a New York publishing house. She swallowed at the lump in her throat. Keep it together, Chels. She clung to him, comforted by his warmth and spicy scent.
“Thanks.” His voice was soft and low. His fingers stroked gently through her hair as he returned her embrace.
Being in his arms was…right. It was home. Perfection. So much so that when he tried to pull away, she held him off. She needed just one more moment before she had to look him in the eye and try to hide her heartache. One more moment before they started the ending of their relationship.
Laughter rumbled in his chest. “Wow. I guess you’re really happy for me.”
Despite her pain, she laughed along with him and finally put some space between them. “So tell me about it.”
“Well, obviously it’s the smaller publishing house. They do only fiction, so that’s cool, because it’s what I love. I met most of the other editors and I think I’ll be a good fit. I know it’s not Random House, but it’s a good start for me.”
“And you didn’t want such a big place, right?”
He shrugged. “Not at first. Maybe later, after I’ve conquered the small press world.”
Chelsea had no doubt that he would do just that. She tried to focus on his eyes as he went on, telling her more about the position and how psyched he was. While he was all chatty animation, her smile started to feel forced, frozen and unnatural on her face. Apparently that wasn’t lost on him.
He stroked his thumb across her lower lip. “I see this beautiful smile, but your eyes… What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” That damn lump in her throat started growing.
He gave her a look. “C’mon, don’t do that. Tell me what you’re thinking. Do you think I’m making a mistake?”
“No, no. Of course not.” She took a deep breath and tried to keep her chest from tightening up. Shit. She looked down as tears threatened to fall. This was not good.
“Hey.” He cupped her chin and gently tugged, making her meet his gaze. His look of concern pushed her over the edge. “What’s going on?”
The breath she expelled came out in a half sob. “I’m happy for you, Jud. I really am. It’s just that… I’m gonna miss you.”
“What?”
“I’m sorry. I know it’s selfish of me. I mean, this is your dream, and you’re excited, and you should be, and here I am blubbering.” She paused to suck in a breath. “You’re gonna be in New York and I’m gonna be here and I’m gonna miss you. I love you, Jud. I’m in love with you, and I think I have been from the moment I first met you. And I’m going to miss you.”
Tears streamed down her cheeks and she didn’t bother to wipe them away. What was the point? She’d just opened her heart and now it was out there. No way to take it back, and she wouldn’t have wanted to even if she could. She had to tell him how she felt, and it was now or never.
Jud looked at her with a furrowed brow, then he dropped his head and slowly shook it.
Is the man made of stone? Say something already!
Just when she was ready to run from the room with embarrassment, he grabbed her hand.
“Come here.” He pulled her into his arms, tucking her head under his chin. “It’ll be okay.”
Really? She wanted to thump him in the gut but it felt too good being wrapped in his arms. His heart beat strong and sure under her cheek while he stroked her back gently. Several long moments later, her tears had dried and her emotions were in check. What had she expected? Had she thought that Judson Tate, the player, was going to declare his undying love for her?
No, this was just more of taking what she could get. Right now, he held her close. Right now, she felt cherished by him. Right now, it was…right. She’d have plenty of time later for regrets.
“Better?” He sounded sincere, caring. He gently released her, even smiling at her. “Are you ready for dessert?”
Seriously? But there he went, scurrying off to the kitchen. What is going on? Whatkind of man listened to a woman profess her love for him and then ran off for ice cream?
God, she was such an idiot. She should have just kept her mouth shut. Now he was going to be spooked and the rest of their short time together would be all weird and uncomfortable. What was I thinking?
She was about to consider making a run for it when Jud returned with a covered serving dish in hand. She smiled brightly as he sat next to her and placed the dish on the coffee table in front of her.
Turning to face her, he grasped her hand. “Do you remember the first time we met?”
Taken by surprise, she still had an answer for him. “Of course. I’d been here a couple weeks and I was working up at the top with Josh. You made some smart-ass comment to him and then he introduced us. You barely gave me a second look. I’m surprised you remember it at all.”
He smiled. “Actually I did give you a second look. But you’re wrong. That’s not the first time we met.”
Her jaw dropped. “Yes it is.”
“No. It isn’t. A few days before that, Roger had a party at his place.” He pointed a finger at her. “You were there.”
Images started flitting through her mind but they were unclear. “I don’t remember…”
“Yep. You came with Megan.” He stroked his chin. “I distinctly recall that you and Josh got into a big disagreement over the menace that is the snowboarder.”
“Hmm.” It was starting to come back to her. New in town, her attentions had been focused on boy toy Josh. Yes, he was younger than her but he was sooo cute. She’d gotten over her crush after that night at Roger’s.
Then it hit her. “Yes! You were there.”
He nodded knowingly.
“But you spent most of your time sitting in the corner making out with some Barbie doll.” He rolled his eyes at her but she went on. “You left early but I guess there was a quick intro in passing.” How had she forgotten that? More important, how had he remembered?
“Uh-huh.” He grinned, apparently proud of himself. “Then I saw you working with Josh that day and I thought I’d make a second run.”
“Oh. Because you couldn’t believe that a woman was so unmoved by your presence at the party?”
“Pretty much. Plus I needed to get a better look at you. I just got a quick glimpse at the party.”
“Poor baby. It’s hard to see anything when you have a woman fastened to your face.” She got a wry smile from him. “So I take it you weren’t impressed since you didn’t make a move then.”
“I wouldn’t say not impressed. It’s just that I could tell you were different. You were so obviously not a casual fling type of woman. Back then, that’s pretty much all I was interested in.”
“Huh.” Having absolutely no idea where he was going with all this, she kept her mouth shut.
“Yeah, I was an idiot. But I liked hanging out with you. You’re smart, interesting and you had more to talk about than zipper lines and skiing powder. And then we were friends, but sometimes you still seemed kinda aloof. I thought maybe you didn’t like me.”
“Nah, it was just all part of my secret plan to make me irresistible to you.”
He laughed. “Well, it worked like a charm.”
“The truth is I was so taken with you that I had to censor myself around you. Otherwise I probably would have jumped your bones first thing.” Her palm tingled where he stroked it with his thumb. “So really, why’d you decide to make your move?”
“At the risk of sounding like a stalker, I was watching you one day and you didn’t know I was watching you. You were clowning around with Josh and Rocket and you laughed—this big belly laugh. You were so open, so accessible. I wanted you to be that way wi
th me.” He shook his head. “Suddenly I needed you to be that way with me. I had to have you.”
Mesmerized by his words, Chelsea was lost in his blue eyes. I’ll believe anything he tells me right now.
Taking both of her hands, he went on, “This time we’ve spent together has been so great, beyond great. And yes, I’m moving to New York, but you don’t have to miss me.”
Brow furrowed, she studied him. Waited.
He smiled. “Chelsea, I want you to come with me.”
“What?”
“Come with me. Move to New York with me.”
Her heart pounded. “Seriously? I don’t know…” Could she do that? Just pack up and move across the country?
Jud inched closer to her and cupped her cheeks, ran his thumb over her lower lip. “I love you, Chelsea Ryan.”
Tears sprang to her eyes as a bubble of delight rose inside her, erupting in a small gasp of a laugh. She hadn’t thought she could be any happier.
She was wrong.
Jud moved to kneel before her. “I want to spend my life with you. Chelsea Ryan, will you marry me?”
Sobbing tears of joy, she nodded and leaned down for a kiss. It was a sweet, gentle kiss—his lips warm and dry.
When he ended the kiss, he smiled. Reaching toward the coffee table, he removed the cover on the serving dish. Beneath it was a ring holder made of chocolate, and it sported the most beautiful diamond she’d ever seen.
Her hand shook as he placed the ring on her finger. “Oh Jud, it’s perfect.” The diamond was a radiant cut and there were flashes of pink and blue as she rotated it under the light. “I love it. I love you.” She kissed him again. This time it was more urgent.
He quickly took control of the kiss and moved up and over her, lowering her to her back. His weight on her was exquisite as he kissed her again and again, his tongue more insistent. His cock grew hard against her thigh as he ground his pelvis on her.
Chelsea recognized his urgent need and hers grew to match his. They fumbled with each other’s clothing, Jud pulling her sweatshirt up and off as she untied her pajama bottoms. He yanked them down her hips and she kicked them off as he unzipped his jeans.
Apres Ski Page 16
