Wine and Whiskey (Surviving Absolution #1)

by Nikki Belaire

  He hits ‘end’ as she stretches her arm across his chest and points her toes before looking up at him and smiling. “Hi.”

  Even with messy hair and sleep-heavy eyes she’s beautiful. And, thankfully honest. No sneaking off, at least not this time. “Hi.” He smiles and cups her cheek. “I’m sorry, sweetness, but I need to make a call. Can you give me a few minutes?”

  “Sure. I’ll see you inside.”

  Waiting until the door clicks shut behind her, he climbs out of the hammock and dials the number. “Make it quick. Is it done?” Silence answers him back. “God damn it, I’m tired of your constant fuck-ups. Fucking take care of it and call me back.”

  He slams the cell against the railing and takes a deep breath, trying to calm his irritation before returning to Shae. This stupid idiot won’t ruin his time with her, not after she’s given him a little more of herself as well as her entire day.

  Inside the kitchen, she stands at the counter slicing strawberries. Oranges, peaches, and cherries line the edge of the cutting board. He wraps his arms around her torso and nuzzles her neck. “What are you making?”

  She leans back against him, but continues working. “Sangria. Nathan usually has to work weekends, but he’s off today so Carrie and I are making enchiladas for dinner. I thought it would be fun to have a festive cocktail to go with them.”

  “Can I help?”

  “Of course.”

  He releases her waist and heads to the sink to wash his hands. Returning to the work area she has set up, he slowly slides his fingers down her arms, covering her hands with his own. Rubbing the top of her left ring finger, he takes a deep breath. His plans will have to wait until she’s ready. After what happened last night, it’s going to be a while.

  “Is everything okay? You sounded upset when you were on the phone.”

  He stills. The last thing he wants is for her to be thinking about his job. Releasing her hand, he places his finger on her lips. “Shhh. No talking about work.”

  Her kiss on his fingertip makes his pulse quicken. He must return the favor. “Do you ever wear your hair up?”

  “Sometimes. Why?”

  Sweeping the long strands to the side, he places kisses along her shoulders and neck. “It makes it easier to do this.”

  Her body shivers in response, and she drops the paring knife. “I thought you were supposed to be helping.”

  “What? This isn’t helpful? Okay, I’ll be good.”

  She begins slicing again as he rests his chin on her shoulder, his left hand splayed on her belly, his right resting on hers as it moves up and down. She lays down the knife again and picks up a strawberry, bringing it to his mouth. “Do you want to taste to see if it’s ripe?”

  He glides the tip of his tongue over her thumb and each fingertip before biting into the fragrant fruit. “It’s good. What do you think?” He picks up another one and rubs it across her bottom lip. She licks her lips before fully opening her mouth. The graze of her tongue against his finger explodes like a grenade to his groin. He steps backward and makes a T with his hands. “Time out, sweetness. We’ve got to stop, or I won’t be able to help myself.”

  Leaning against the countertop behind him, he blows out a long breath. She turns to him, feigning innocence with wide eyes but a sly smile. Pressing her hands against his chest, she leans forward, her lips only a few inches from his mouth. “Don’t you want to taste any more of my fruit?”

  “Shae…” He issues a warning. He’s willing to wait, but his resolve is no match for this kind of temptation.

  “Nick?” She extends an invitation, as well as her hand.

  His pulse screams through his skin as she leads him down the hallway and into a yellow bedroom with a white, four-poster bed covered by a colorful quilt. Dropping his hand, she closes and locks the door behind her.

  Fighting the desire to scoop her up and carry her to the bed, he sits on the side and lets her take the lead. Every ounce of his willpower tested, not to slide those delicate straps off her creamy, soft shoulders and follow the path down to everything good she wants to give him.

  “Do you know what I do with the fruit after it soaks in the alcohol?”

  Mesmerized by this playful sexy side he’s never seen before, he can only shake his head, fearful the wrong word will break the spell she weaves around them.

  She walks toward him, stopping just inches from his spread legs. “I light it on fire, and when the flames subside, I drizzle it with melted chocolate. Sometimes, it gets messy, and I have to lick—”

  Unable to resist any longer, he grabs her around the waist and pulls her down onto the mattress with him. She laughs and reaches out to caress his cheek. He puts his hand on top of hers, needing to confirm the trust she places in him. “If you get scared or change your mind, tell me, and we’ll stop.”

  The huge smile illuminating her gorgeous face would bring him to his knees if he wasn’t already defenseless from her gentle power. She gives herself to him, trusting him with her body and her heart. He lifts up her hand and presses his lips onto her palm, kissing the inside of her wrist, the crook of her arm, across her shoulder, and up her throat. Her skin is like the softest silk as his fingers glide over her, wasting him even more with her stunning beauty.

  Supporting his weight with his forearms, he lowers himself on top of her. He finds her mouth as her soft body lifts up to meet his, throbbing with need from her breathless moans around his thrusting tongue.

  He trails kisses down her neck before reaching the barrier of her dress. Her hands slide underneath him, pulling it up and off before doing the same with his shirt, her fingers scorching his skin as they run down his back. Following the same path, he kisses down her throat, to her lacy bra, her nipples straining against the sheer pink fabric.

  She entwines her fingers in his hair as he releases the clasp between her soft mounds and begins to stroke the hardened nub with his thumb. Her back arches as he nips it with his teeth before providing the same undivided attention to her other breast.

  Lava races through his veins at her hands sliding down his stomach and unzipping his shorts. Rising up on his knees, he pushes them and his boxer briefs off before nestling between her legs. He whispers in her ear, “I love you seducing me, but you caught me off guard. Do you have a condom?”

  She stiffens, and her hands fall to her sides. He lifts his head to find her staring at the wall.

  “I got caught up in the moment.” She tries to roll away from him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be a tease.”

  His stomach knots at her unease, and he presses down to keep her from moving. The last thing he wants is for her to be embarrassed or ashamed. “Don’t. You’re not a tease. I got excited too.” He cups her chin, turning her face back to his, and smiles. “I’m not giving up that easy. We can still have some fun.”

  He begins a new trail, kissing and licking between her breasts down to her belly button. His tongue glides over her hip bone. A shudder rocks her body as he repeats it on the other side. As his kisses trail lower, she tenses, her legs squeezing his torso. “Nick, I’ve never…”

  Her voice fades as he warms the skin under her panties with his breath. Relaxing her legs, he pulls off the cotton bikini and tosses it aside. Alternating kisses on each thigh, he moves higher until he reaches her soft folds. At the first flick of his tongue, she gasps. He gingerly kisses her before pushing farther into her wet core. Discovering her special spot, the one that takes her over the edge, becomes his mission.

  He sucks and grazes with his teeth as her hips lift up to drive him deeper. Slowly, he caresses her nub in tandem with his thrusting tongue. Her breathing turns into panting as she fists the sheets. He leads her to the brink before pausing, looking up at her closed eyes and tongue-licked lips, pink and swollen from his earlier ravishing.

  Just as her hands start to relax, he strokes his palm against her while curling two fingers inside. They slide in and out in rhythm with her writhing hips. She whimpers as they brush
against a particular spot deep inside. Letting the tension build, he rubs against it several times before pressing firmly with the pads of his fingers.

  Trembling, her body convulses as she cries out his name. Her rapid breathing becomes the only sound in the room. Goal achieved. He prays Carrie’s book is right, and now she’ll truly be his. He crawls up her body and places his head on her shoulder, wrapping his arm around her waist to wait for her racing pulse to return to normal.

  His body flexes at her soft voice. “My turn.”

  A deep groan rumbles from his chest as she rubs her hand down his stomach to his treasure trail. Her finger swirls in the curly hair, making his hips involuntarily jerk forward. Just as she strokes him with her first feathery touch, she sits up and gasps. “I don’t know what I was thinking!”

  His stomach clenches as she climbs out of bed, and he reaches for her. “Shae, no! Please don’t run.”

  “I’m not, I swear. I just remembered something. I’ll be right back.”

  Reluctantly, he releases her hand. He’ll chase her through the house naked if it stops her from leaving him. She wraps a pink, silk robe around herself and races out of the bedroom. Sixty seconds, that’s it. Otherwise, he’s out of this bed.

  Footsteps echo from the floor above him. A minute later, she runs back in, her face glowing. “I found these in Carrie’s room.”

  Holding up two foil packets, she jumps onto the mattress. He can’t help but laugh at her enthusiasm. “Two? We’ll be in here all afternoon.”

  She winks at him as she unties the belt on her robe and lets it fall open. “Unless you have something else you would rather do.”

  He grabs one of the wrappers and rips it open. “Hell, no.”

  Her eyes twinkle as she resumes her previous position and runs her fingernails down his length. Putting his hand on top of hers, he shakes his head. “That’s round two. Right now, I need you.”

  Lowering himself on top of her, he cradles her head with his hands, eyes locked with hers as he thrusts into her, almost exploding at his name crossing her lips, welcoming him into her heart. He rises on his elbow, his gaze roaming from her beautiful face, over her throbbing breasts and stomach to where their bodies have become one, her delicate softness pressing against his restrained hardness.

  She has to know what giving herself means to him. He may have fucked other women, but he’s never made love to anyone but her. He meets her burning gaze again, a soft smile gracing her mouth. “I love you, Shae.”

  She nods before pulling him back down to her.

  Chapter Five

  Two weeks ago she was alone, maybe not even really cognizant she was lonely. Of course, she has Carrie, Nathan, and Jason. They love her, and she loves them, more like family than friends. Yet, Carrie and Nathan are getting married soon, and Jason is busy running the gym and building a life together with his partner, Stephen.

  If she’s honest with herself, her loneliness is of her own making. She shelters herself from life in the so-called fast lane, trying not to get caught up in the antics destroying other musicians’ careers. Heeding her mom’s warnings, she shies away from men who show interest in her. One or two dates maybe, but never more. Evan earned a chance because of his friendship with Nathan, yet even that relationship succumbed to her mother’s never-ending need to protect her from a broken heart.

  Now, this wonderful, gorgeous, intoxicating man sleeps next to her. He’s generous and protective, making her feel like no other man has before. In return, she acts like an irrational tease. One who pulls away any chance she gets. For some unfathomable reason, he still loves her, although she gives him every reason not to.

  Her mother would hate him. He’s too rich, too handsome, his proclamation of love too soon and intense. But her mom is gone, and she won’t have to choose between them. The guilt weighs on her, almost suffocating in its enormity. And, if he leaves, it’s because of her alone. She can’t blame anyone else but herself.

  In the mid-day light, she studies his profile, the stubble on his jawline and chin barely visible. His chiseled chest rises and falls, his hand covering hers as it lies over his heart. Even in his sleep, he holds her close and makes her feel loved. The desire to do the same for him overwhelms her. She smiles to herself. That’s her new plan—to make him feel happy and loved.

  She slides her fingers out from under his and rolls away. His hand on her waist stops her. “Where are you going?” Insistent fingers pull her back into bed.

  “I was going to take a shower. I’m sorry I woke you.”

  “I’m not. It killed me to wake up this morning and find you gone. I didn’t want it to happen again.”

  They lay side by side, their faces only a few inches apart. The doubt in his eyes pierces her heart. The only time she’s faced the result of running away, the first time she sees beyond her own heartache to his pain. She wraps her hands together and tucks them under her chin. “I know. I’m sorry. It hurt me to leave you. I just panicked.”

  He’s silent, perhaps waiting for more.

  “Instead of relief, all I felt was fear. I realized I’d made the biggest mistake of my life, and I was scared I would never see you again. It wasn’t until you showed up at my door I knew you really loved me.”

  “Why did you finally believe it then?”

  “Because you still wanted me even after I left you.”

  He reaches out and caresses her cheek, his soft touch granting her the forgiveness she seeks for hurting him. “I will always want you. Until you look me in the eye and tell me it’s over, I will follow you no matter where you run to.” His declaration is simple yet powerful, his voice strong and emphatic.

  The certainty of his feelings bewilders her the most. How can he be so sure?

  Sliding his hand down her arm, he lays it on top of her curled fingers. “But what I really want is for you not to run at all. What can I do to keep you from leaving me?”

  If only it could be that easy, that she could be as confident in herself as he is. She shakes her head. “Help me not feel guilty about betraying my mom.”

  “What makes you think you are?”

  Love for her mother outweighs all the other emotions she feels for her. Yet, her stomach tightens at the shame of talking about her insecurities, the irrational tangents that hung over their lives, never allowing them to experience contentment together. “She wouldn’t have liked us being together.”

  “I can be pretty charming when I want to be.” He flashes his sexiest smile, making her body tingle despite her remorse. “Maybe I could have convinced her.”

  His bravado makes her laugh. “If anyone could do it, it would be you.” She wraps her hands together again and snuggles deeper under the covers. “It’s sad, really. She always had this melancholy nature about her. It would disappear sometimes when things were going well, like my first recording session or when I bought her this house. But it always came back. I don’t think she was ever really happy.”

  “Why not?”

  “She was lonely. My father broke her heart, and she never trusted anyone again. I can remember her going on a few dates, but not many. She was so fearful of getting hurt, she never took a chance. According to her, I should never take one either.” She lays her hand against his open palm resting on the pillow, smiling as his long fingers instantly curl around hers. “I was lonely too until I met you.”

  “Me too. I guess I had given up without realizing it. I just worked and hung out with Max.” He winks at her. “I mean I like Max and everything, but he’s not really my type.”

  “I like Max too.”

  “Should I be jealous?”

  She giggles at his teasing, some of her tension from earlier dissipating from his humor. Naked and honest, yet she doesn’t feel vulnerable. Only safe and content. “You know what I mean. He can be a little intimidating at first, but I think he’s a softy underneath.”

  Now it’s his turn to laugh. “Don’t let him hear you say that. He thinks he’s perfected the bada
ss image.”

  She leans into his hand on her cheek. “I’m glad you have each other. I know he’s your Director of Security or whatever his title is, but he seems more like your friend.”

  “I guess it’s morphed into that over the years. We were working all the time, and it made it easier for him to stay at the house. Once he moved in, we became friends. He’s a good guy.”

  “He has a good boss.”

  His hands glide over to her naked body, drawing her closer. Her heart skips a beat at his strong yet gentle touch, his desire for her evident as his body responds to her pressing against him. “Are you trying to butter me up, Miss Armstrong?”

  “Well, Mr. DeMarco, I need to take a shower and thought you might help me wash my back.”

  “I’m at your command.” He stands and pulls her up, holding her against him. Shivers trail her neck from his fingers running through her hair. “I like it when you flirt with me. Your playful side is very sexy.” He nuzzles her ear and begins to kiss down her throat. “I’d like to see more of it.”

  “You bring it out of me. I can’t help myself when I’m around you.” She steps back and smiles at his exaggerated frown from her wiggling out of his embrace. “Give me one second. I want to get something.”

  Kneeling down on the floor, she slides out a box from underneath the bench at the foot of her bed. “I didn’t think you’d want to smell like orchids or lilacs, so I have this unscented soap for you.” She smiles up at him and winks. “Now I can wash your back…” Her voice fades at the hollowness of his expression, the turmoil swirling in his eyes. “Nick?”

  Suddenly, his fingers clench her shoulders, and he pulls her up to him. He wraps his arms around her, almost crushing her. His heart pounds against her cheek.

  “Are you okay?”

  “I don’t know. I had this weird déjà vu flashback or something.”