by Marie Tuhart
Table of Contents
Melt My Heart
Publication Page
Dedication
PRAISE FOR AUTHOR
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
About the Author
Also Available
Also Read
Thank You
Melt My Heart
by
Marie Tuhart
A Candy Hearts Romance
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.
Melt My Heart
COPYRIGHT © 2016 by Marie Tuhart
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press, Inc. except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
Contact Information: [email protected]
Cover Art by RJ Morris
The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
PO Box 708
Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708
Visit us at www.thewilderroses.com
Publishing History
First Scarlet Rose Edition, 2016
Digital ISBN 978-1-5092-0667-4
Published in the United States of America
Dedication
To my critique group.
To my editor, Trish.
To my Mom and Dad, while you’re no longer here you will always be in my heart.
PRAISE FOR AUTHOR
Marie Tuhart
And her books…
QUICK SILVER RANCH: ROPED & READY
“This story has something for everyone and will thrill readers looking for depth in their erotica story as Tuhart spends equal time on the physical and emotional sides of Becca and Tyler’s romance.”
~Kate Girard, RT Book Reviews
HIS FOR THE WEEKEND
“Highly sensual, this is also a sweet tale of love between two memorable, well-rounded characters.”
~Keitha, RT Book Reviews
BOUND & TEASED
This story is sizzling from the beginning and scorches through until the end. I think the love the men have for each other and Katie is beautiful.
~Mary Ann, Sizzling Hot Books
Chapter One
Lexi Mallory slammed the door and leaned against it, surveying the canvas artwork on her living room wall. Dream. Hope. Believe. Like those words really worked tonight. She straightened then threw her purse across the room. She winced at the crack when it hit the floor. Damn, she probably just busted her phone. What a mess tonight had turned out to be, and it was all her fault.
A knock on the door caused her to jump. She didn’t need to know who it was; it could only be one person. She turned and pulled it open.
Gabriel Huntington. Why couldn’t he have just dropped her off and left? Because he isn’t that type of man. And it wasn’t his fault tonight had been a failure, that all rested with her and her insecurities.
“I’m coming in,” he said in a stern tone.
He was still in full Dom mode. His feet were planted apart, and he leaned forward as if he expected her to argue with him. Damn, there was no way he’d leave without hashing this out, no matter what she wanted.
“Fine.” She stomped away from the door. “Coffee?”
He pushed the door closed with a quiet snick. “I’ll make it. Why don’t you go change into something more comfortable.”
Lexi glanced down and grimaced. She was still dressed for the club—green halter-style top, a short black skirt, thong, and soft slippers. “Good idea. I’ll show you where the coffee and stuff is.”
Gabriel held up a hand. “I can find everything. Go change.”
Lexi thought about ignoring him for a half second, but then shrugged and made her way down the short hallway to her bedroom. Once inside, she had to fight her instinct to curl up on her queen-sized bed with the purple and gold comforter and let herself wallow in her own recriminations. But the thoughts of Gabriel intruded.
Six months ago, she’d approached him at Logan’s club, asking him if he was willing to be her Dominant. She’d seen him around the BDSM club she belonged to. Logan, the owner, had given her the green light to go and talk to Gabriel when she had explained what she wanted. Logan had been pretty protective with her since the incident with Josh, her last Dom. Lexi shook her head. Josh was old news. Gabriel was the here and now.
Tall, dark and handsome didn’t even begin to cover him. His wavy raven hair begged a woman to run her fingers through it. Hazel eyes made her shiver with anticipation. And his body...damn, the man was built. His muscles weren’t from any gym. Gabriel owned a construction company and worked alongside his workers almost every day.
With a shake of her head, Lexi pulled herself out of her daydreams and changed into her sweats and T-shirt. Comfort clothes. She ducked into the bathroom and stared at herself in the mirror. What was she expecting to see? She didn’t know, but her eyes were bright and her face flushed. Thankfully, her hair was still confined in a ponytail at her neck, so she wouldn’t have to deal with it. Turning, she left the bathroom and went back into the living room.
Gabriel stood near her hunter green sofa. A tray with the coffee pot, cups, cream and sugar sat on the table. The man looked delicious in black leather pants that hugged his every muscle. He’d pulled on a white shirt before they’d left the club. He stared at her.
She shifted from one foot to the other. What was it about his total attention on her that caused her to be so nervous? It wasn’t like his concentration hadn’t been on her all night.
“That’s better. Come, sit down.” He gestured to the sofa.
“Said the spider to the fly,” she muttered.
Full, rich laughter filled the room, and his eyes gleamed with mirth. “I promised I won’t bite.”
“Even if I ask?” Where the hell did that come from? After the disaster she considered tonight to be, she was surprised he wasn’t running for the hills. But then Gabriel never did what she expected even though he was a Dom. He treated her with kindness and concern, something she wasn’t used to in a Dom.
“No biting. Not tonight.”
She froze. His not tonight made her think of a future night they’d have together, and those gorgeous full lips of his caressing her body and his teeth nipping at her skin. Her skin grew warm. She started for the chair, but he gave her one of his pointed looks, and she flopped down on the couch.
Gabriel sat next to her. Not speaking. He just stared at her.
Her chin went up and she stared right back at him. Her blood heated. His hazel gaze was totally focused on her, as if trying to read her soul.
“Tell me what happened tonight.” His voice was soft. His tone coaxing.
“You were there.” The words slipped out and he frowned. “Coffee?” She leaned forward.
“Lexi.” His voice was so deep and husky, her name came out almost as a growl.
She ignored him and poured the coffee, adding cream and sugar to hers before cradling the mug in her hand and sitting back.
“We are going to talk about this even if we sit here all night.” He picked up his cup, took a sip, and then set it back down.
Lexi wanted to sigh, but it would piss him off. “Why talk about it? I fucked up.”
“Damn it, Lexi.” He snatched her mug out of her hands, put it on the table, and then framed her face with his palms. “You didn’t fuck up. You weren’t able to let go.”
“
Well, I’d call that fucking up.” She crossed her arms over her chest, angry with herself. “I’m surprised you didn’t take off after I got out of your car tonight. You don’t need my crap muddling your life.”
And she believed that. Gabriel was a good man. She’d watched him at Logan’s club with other subs. Even in their meetings over the past few months, she’d come to realize how good of a man he was. Too good for her. She had some deep emotional issues. Ones she couldn’t seem to get past.
“And you need to give yourself a break.” He ran his thumb over her lips, and his touch vibrated all the way to her clit. Lust slipped into her veins.
“Why are you doing this?” She wasn’t so sure she wanted the answer.
“Because I see you, Lexi.” His fingers trailed from her cheeks to caress her stiff shoulders. “I see the woman who wants a man to satisfy her, in the bedroom and out. I see the woman who wants to let go of her control and let a man take over. I want to be that man.”
What? Her eyes widened in surprise. He still wanted to be with her? “At what cost? Look what I did tonight.” She slipped away from his touch. “I made you look bad in front of everyone.”
“Really?” He sat back and stared at her with those incredible hazel eyes. “What made you think that?”
“I didn’t submit. I wouldn’t give you control. I fought it with everyone watching.” She remembered feeling scared and hating everyone who watched her meltdown.
“Yes, you did. But I don’t see how that made me look bad.”
Lexi barely prevented herself from rolling her eyes. “I saw the looks everyone gave you. They were looks of pity.” She shook her head. Even Logan had looked at her in concern and doubt.
“If they were, then that’s their problem.” He rubbed his chin. “Lexi, I told you in the beginning I’m not like other Doms. I’m not going to demand your obedience. I do have expectations, and I want you to meet them, but because you couldn’t let go tonight doesn’t mean anything except we have more work to do.”
Lexi could only stare at him. He wasn’t upset with her. He didn’t want to break their contract. Her last Dom had stormed out on her, and she’d had to find her own way home. Then he never called and wouldn’t return her calls. She decided then she was better off without a man. Until she saw Gabriel. Something in him called to her, made her insides turn to melted butter.
“What do you want me to do?” She hoped she could do what he asked, because she wanted so much to be Gabriel’s submissive. To feel the ultimate connection between sub and Dom, to go to the place she’s only read about. Subspace.
“I want you to be yourself.” This time when he scooted forward, he took her hands in his. “Let go of all the expectations you think I have. We’re going to go back to some basics.”
“But...” Basics were so boring. She wanted excitement, adventure...lust.
He shook his head but his expression was encouraging. “Basics, Lexi. On Monday, you’ll meet me at the cafe at one like we’ve been doing. But this time, I want you to bring with you the document I’ll email you tonight.” He squeezed her hands. “It’s much like the first one we both filled out, but this time I want you to think about what you want from our time together.”
“We did this two months ago.” She didn’t want to go backward but move forward in their relationship.
“And we’re going to do it again.” There was a note of exasperation in his voice. “It is important.”
She stifled a yawn as she nodded. She’d do it only because she wanted to keep exploring her submission with him. She wanted to make this work. I need to make this work.
“I can see you struggling not to yawn.” He stood, pulling her to her feet. “Get some rest and I’ll see you on Monday.” He brushed a kiss across her lips. “Everything will work out, Lexi.” With those words, he released her, turned and walked out the door.
****
Lexi took her usual seat at the Rainbow Coffee Shop. She loved the quaint cafe, with its small round tables and friendly service. Today, she stared out the window. Gabriel would be here shortly. She twisted her fingers together. Her breath hiccupped in her throat. Could she do this? She wanted to, but fear kept bubbling to the surface. Lexi fingered the envelope that held the documents Gabriel had emailed to her.
He wasn’t kidding about going back to basics, but then there was so much more. As she filled out his questionnaire, she’d noticed in the two months they’d been together some of her own attitudes had changed. She was more open to flogging and being semi-nude at the club. She also didn’t mind when he kept her close to his side as it wasn’t a sign of possession but one of protection.
Not that it was a bad thing; it was good. And after going over all his questions and thinking about what happened at the club Saturday night, she questioned herself. How much did she really trust Gabriel? Trust and control—two very big issues for her. She’d grown up, learning she could really only trust herself, and to do that, she had to control herself and her environment. Hell, she’d learned how to fend for herself when she was still a child.
To calm her thoughts, Lexi read the specials on the board. Gabriel would come straight to the table, ask what she wanted, then get their order. The door opened, and Lexi’s attention was caught by Gabriel.
Every woman in the shop turned her gaze to him. At six-foot-two, he was a commanding sight. Damned handsome, too. Some might say too handsome, especially in jeans and a T-shirt that hugged every inch of his body to perfection. Her heart fluttered at remembering the hard planes of his chest beneath her fingers.
Lexi let out a small sigh. He was a handsome devil, confident, and dominant. Her blood heated at her thoughts. And just what she needed. Yes, she could trust him. He didn’t run away after Saturday, so she would consider the path he wanted her to take with him, and in turn, show him she was worthy of his trust.
Gabriel grinned when he saw her watching him. He sauntered to the table, his long legs eating up the space as if it didn’t exist. “Good afternoon, Lexi.” He leaned down and brushed a kiss across her cheek. The scent of sandalwood and pine filled her nose. She loved his smell.
“Good afternoon, Gabriel.”
“I’ll grab some food and drinks.” He left the table before she could tell him what she wanted. That was different. Her stomach clenched, but she didn’t call him back or go after him. He returned to the table with two glasses of ice tea and a plastic number card that he set on the edge.
“You didn’t ask me what I wanted,” she said as he sat down across from her at the small, round glass top table.
“I want you to trust me to know what you need and like.” He nudged the ice tea glass toward her. “Am I wrong about the tea?”
“No.” She stirred in a packet of sugar. And he wasn’t wrong about her drink, but what about food? Enough! She could trust him with one meal, couldn’t she?
“May I have the documents?” He held out his hand.
Lexi fumbled with the envelope before placing it in his fingers. Damn, what was wrong with her? She was acting like a teenage girl on her first date. Gabriel wasn’t helping by watching her with those hazel eyes.
She focused on his fingers. Long, strong fingers which had run over her shoulders Saturday night, teasing her skin before slipping down to slap her ass under her skirt. Those same fingers now lifted the flap of the envelope and pulled out the neatly folded papers. He unfolded them, and Lexi bit her lip as he began reading them. A herd of elephants took up residence in her stomach as he flipped the page.
Some of her answers were different since the first time they’d done this two months ago. What would he think? What would he think about her changes? The things she was no longer interested in, and the other ideas that intrigued her.
The waitress approached and then smiled. “Who has the Panini and who has the roast beef?”
“Panini for the lady, roast beef for me,” Gabriel said with a smile.
“You got it.” The waitress set their food on the tabl
e then sauntered away.
“Panini?” She only had this once before at the cafe.
His gaze lifted from the paperwork in front of him to stare at her. “The last time you had one, you told me how well you liked it.” His husky voice caressed her nerves.
“You remember that?”
“I remember a lot of things.”
Lexi bit back a whimper of surprise and ducked her head. What else did her remember? Oh, God, that was unnerving. Did he remember her stuttering the first time she met him? Embarrassment swept through her and she wanted to flee.
“Besides, it’s my job to take care of you.”
Her head snapped up. “No, it’s not.” Oh crap, did she just say that to her Dominant?
His lips tightened.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that.”
“Then why did you?” There was curiosity in his voice.
“I’m nervous.” She wouldn’t lie to him.
“About what?” He reached across the table and covered her hand with his. His rough calluses made her softer skin tingle at the contact.
“All this… I feel like we’re starting over.” And she really didn’t want to go back and lose whatever progress they’d made in the last two months.
“In a way, we are.” He set the papers aside, turned her hand over with his, and began tracing her palm with his nail. “Here’s what I want you to do right now.” He paused, and her spine stiffened. “Eat your lunch, and then we’ll discuss our next move.”
He expected her to eat? The elephants in her stomach stampeded, but her tummy growled. When did she eat last? Last night. She missed breakfast this morning. “I can do that.”
He withdrew his hand, and she yearned for the contact. That hadn’t happened before. She picked up her Panini and began eating. The cheese melted on her tongue, and she closed her eyes in bliss before focusing in on Gabriel.
He ate his roast beef while reading her documents. It had been pretty simple, like the questionnaire she filled out when he first consented to being her Dom. Likes, dislikes, what she was willing to try, and what she wasn’t. All pretty standard stuff for an alternative relationship.
