“Like what happened with Shannon O’Rourke when she first came back to Jamesville.”
“And my sister.”
Alicia could hear the pain in his voice. “Your sister?” She knew this wasn’t going to be good.
“Yeah, Janet’s first husband beat her.” He pushed away from the table and walked to the window. It was dark outside. She could see his reflection in the glass, see the anguish etched on his face.
He whirled around. “She didn’t tell me. I’m her brother and a cop and she didn’t tell me.”
Alicia had worked with her share of abused women during her work terms from law school. “She was probably too ashamed to tell you.” It was a sad fact that many abused women felt as if it was their fault it was happening.
“I know that.” He shoved his hand through his hair. “Now, at any rate. I found out when she ended up in the emergency room. One of the other guys on the force was there following up on an accident victim and he saw her. He’d met her at my place at a summer barbeque. He called me.”
He sat back down in his chair and closed his eyes. Waves of grief emanated from him as he relived the memory. “Lying in her hospital bed, she tried to deny it. But I’d seen too much domestic abuse to be fooled.”
“What happened?” Unable to stand his torment any longer, she stood and went to his side. Wrapping her arm around his shoulder, she hugged him.
Gill leaned into her, his head resting on her chest. “I called a woman I knew who ran a local shelter and got her to come in and talk to Janet. She eventually pressed charges and he was put away. It took some time, but she got counseling and met a great guy.
They married and moved to California. Janet needed to be as far away from the memories as she could get.”
“What happened to her ex?”
Gill gave a laugh, but there was no humor in it. “Sometimes justice is rough. He died in prison. Pissed off the wrong guy and got knifed.”
Alicia shuddered. So much violence.
Gill pulled away and stared up at her. “Sorry about that. Didn’t mean to get so intense.”
“That’s okay.” Actually, she was pleased that he’d shared with her.
“What about you? Any dark secrets from your past?”
She thought about sitting down again, but he had his arm wrapped around her waist.
It felt amazingly right to stand here beside him.
She chuckled. “I had an incredibly normal life. My father is businessman and a former mayor of Jamesville, and my mother was a stay-at-home mom. I went to school 52
here and then went away for college and law school. I worked with a firm in Portland for a couple of years and then came back home to open my own practice.”
“No marriage?”
Alicia shook her head. “No. Two serious relationships, but they didn’t work out.”
She shrugged, trying to act like it didn’t bother her, but it did.
The first relationship had been with a fellow student while she was in college. It had been intense and emotional, filled with fights and make-up sex. He’d been a philosophy major and she’d been headed to law school. It had lasted one tumultuous year before she’d had enough and broken it off.
The second relationship was one that had developed between her and a local man when she’d returned home to start her own law practice. She’d been older, and she’d hoped, wiser.
Darren had been the real estate agent who’d shown her the house she eventually purchased. They’d dated exclusively for months. The entire town had expected them to marry. Deep down, so had she. When he’d announced he was moving away to “find himself” she’d been devastated.
The whole town had looked at her with pity for months after, whispering behind their hands whenever she walked into a public place. It had taken her quite some time to overcome that humiliation and put the entire incident behind her. It was hard to believe that was ten years ago. Where had the time gone?
She’d always wanted a family of her own, but at thirty-seven, it looked as if that dream would elude her. She had her own business, a job she enjoyed, good friends, her own home and her family close by. That was a lot more than some folks had. “How about you? You ever tie the knot?”
Gill shook his head. “Nope. Lived with a woman once, but it didn’t last. Long hours of work and job stress killed it. I heard she eventually married a banker.”
“Seems like neither of us has been lucky in love.”
“Maybe the time just hasn’t been right.” His voice was low, rough.
“Maybe.” She managed to get the word out though her mouth had gone dry.
“Alicia.” His arm tightened around her and his hand curved around her hipbone. “I want you.” His fingers hovered just above her pubic bone. “But only if you’re sure.”
The time of decision was upon her and she wasn’t ready. He hadn’t told her what his plans for the future were yet. But she wasn’t sure that mattered any longer. She wanted him. Wanted to explore what was between them for as long as he was here.
She was old enough and experienced enough to know there was the potential of something special between them. She could feel it. The only question that remained was if she was bold enough and brave enough to take the chance to explore it.
And what happens if someone finds out? the prudent part of her brain asked. She’d do what she’d always done. She’d deal with it. She’d been sensible her whole life, never making waves. This was something she wanted for herself. She wasn’t old, but she wasn’t getting any younger either. Opportunities like this, and a man like Gill, didn’t come along every day. Not in a town the size of Jamesville.
“Yes.”
His entire body tensed as he stared up at her. “Are you certain?”
She smiled at him then. “No, I’m not certain. This could be a mistake. For both of us.
But what I do know is that I’ll always have regrets if I don’t.”
“Alicia,” he began.
She placed her fingers over his lips. “No. The time for talking is done.” Taking the lead, she cupped his face in her hands, tilting it up as she leaned down. She brushed his lips with hers. They tasted tangy, like the sauce on the ribs. But underlying it was the taste of Gill, hot and male. It was the best thing she’d ever tasted in her life and she wanted more.
Gill slid his hand beneath her cardigan, letting his fingers trace the long line of her spine before sliding around to the front to cup her breasts and give them a squeeze. Alicia had a moment to regret removing the sexy green bra and replacing it with white cotton before his hands slid away.
Holding her waist, he shoved his chair back and guided her until she was standing in front of him. He pulled her forward so that she straddled his lap. Her mound came in contact with his erection and she moaned, rubbing herself against him.
His laugh was tinged with masculine satisfaction as he began to unbutton her sweater. It was open to her waist before she knew it. Gill traced his finger around the outline of her nipples, one at a time. The cotton was smooth and thin, but it was still a barrier between them.
“Take off my bra.”
He tweaked her nipple with his thumb and forefinger, making her jump. Leaning forward, he captured the cotton-covered nub in his mouth and sucked. Alicia shoved her fingers through his hair, anchoring him to her. He pressed his tongue against the tip, teasing it through the fabric.
She arched her hips, pressing her mound against his shaft. Even through their clothing, she could feel the heat brewing between them. Her panties were wet now and cream slid from her core.
“Gill,” she groaned as she began to tug on his shirt, dragging its tail from the waistband of his jeans.
He reared back, breathing hard. His eyes were like the ocean before a storm, so dark, roiling with unspoken emotions. Grabbing a handful of his shirt, he yanked it over his head. Several buttons didn’t survive the assault and pinged off the wall before falling to the floor.
The light sprinkling of
hair in the center of his chest only served to accentuate his masculinity. Not that he needed it. His abs were rock-hard. A thin line of hair bisected them and disappeared inside the waistband of his jeans.
Gill slid her sweater down her arms, and she helped him pull it away. He slid his fingers over the edge of her bra. “You look amazing. Silk, satin or cotton. It doesn’t matter.” There was no mistaking the admiration in his voice as he unhooked the front closure and pushed the skimpy covering away.
Her breasts were about average in size, but they were firm and high. Alicia sucked in a breath when he cupped them in his large hands.
“Remember what I said earlier?” His thumb grazed over her nipple, sending a bolt of desire down to her core.
“Yes,” she hissed. Oh lord, did she remember. She could picture herself bent over the table with him standing behind her, thrusting over and over again.
“If you want to stop, say so now.” He trailed a finger down the center of her stomach, dipping into her belly button before reaching the button of her jeans.
Her skin felt incredibly sensitive, each stroke of his finger a sensual delight. Leaning inward, she rubbed her breasts against his chest. She liked the sensation so much she did it again.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” he half laughed, half groaned.
“Oh, yes.” She practically whimpered with relief when he opened the button of her jeans and pulled down the zipper. The rasping sound made her groan. His fingers followed the path of the zipper, pushed past the band of her panties and found her core, hot and moist.
“You’re so wet.” She could hear the wonder and anticipation in his voice.
“You’re so hard,” she countered. Getting busy, she opened his jeans and pushed his boxers out of the way. His cock sprang free and she wrapped her hand around it.
Gill groaned when she squeezed. She loved this part of him. The skin of his shaft was almost hot to the touch, soft, yet hard, at the same time. The blue veins were pulsing heavily, an indication of his desire. The bulbous head was wet and she rubbed her thumb across it, spreading the moisture over the top. As she did so, more pearly fluid seeped from the slit.
He retaliated by working two thick fingers into her. Her inner muscles protested at first and then relaxed around him. She squirmed, trying to get him deeper. He hooked his fingers upward as he dragged them back to her opening, hitting her sweet spot.
Her entire body clenched as she cried out.
Gill swore and surged to his feet, taking her with him. Alicia hit the table, struggling for balance as he yanked her jeans down around her knees. He turned her so she was facing away from him.
“Lean forward and support yourself on your hands.”
Naked from the knees up, she did just that. She had to shove his plate out of her way.
It hit his glass, toppling it. Water spilled everywhere.
“Hurry.” She bent over, pushing her behind toward him. She heard the rip of a foil packet and then his hands were on her, spreading her ass cheeks wide as the tip of his shaft probed for entry.
“Spread your legs.”
With her jeans around her knees, she didn’t have much mobility, but she pushed them as far apart as she was able. Gill penetrated her, pressing inward, slowly but steadily. Because of the tight angle, he seemed even bigger. If she hadn’t already been so turned on, it would have been a lot harder, if not impossible for her to take him this way.
“Okay?” His voice sounded deeper than usual. Rougher.
“Yes,” She flattened her palms against the table, sucking in a breath as he shifted back, pulling almost all the way out before sinking back inside her again. “So good.”
His pace picked up slowly, gradually getting faster and faster. She met him stroke for stroke, pushing her behind toward him as he stroked forward. The slap of their skin seemed loud in the otherwise quiet room. The refrigerator hummed and the heater cut on.
The sounds of their soft moans almost drowned out the mundane noises.
“So tight.” His voice shook and his hands gripped her hips, holding her in place. He increased the speed and depth of his thrusts with each stroke, thrusting harder and faster.
The table shook. Cutlery clanked, falling off plates and skidding across the table.
The box of rice went over the side and onto the floor. Still, Alicia held on.
Gill wrapped one arm around her, cupping her breast and teasing her nipple. His other hand slid between her thighs to lightly brush her clit. Alicia came undone.
Tipping her head back, she cried out. Her body shook uncontrollably. Her pussy clenched tight, squeezing him. He yelled as he came, his pelvis grinding into her behind.
His fingers continued to stroke her, prolonging her orgasm. Pleasure flooded her veins, followed by a sensation of well-being as she rode out the storm in his arms.
Her hand skidded and she slipped. Gill barely managed to catch her, almost coming down on top of her. Alicia cried out, then started to giggle. She could only imagine what they looked like, both of them almost naked, going headfirst into the remains of their Chinese food.
Gill’s chest was quivering, the vibrations of his barely contained laughter seeping into her back. He pulled her upright and carefully slid from her. Her laugh turned into a groan before turning back to a laugh again. She couldn’t help herself. A sense of happiness settled over her. Gill had given her that.
Alicia felt the tug on her jeans and realized that while she was laughing like a loon, Gill had hitched up his jeans and was now trying to do the same for her. She took over the chore, leaning on the edge of the table for support.
Giving her a lopsided grin, he grabbed a couple of paper napkins from the table and disposed of the condom, quickly dropping it in the garbage before fastening his jeans.
His expression was lighter than she’d seen before. Not as serious. She realized she was grinning too, not at all like her usual staid self. Shaking her head, she surveyed the table. It was a mess, half the food was on the floor, but she didn’t care. She felt young and carefree and full of life.
Gill grabbed her, planting a hard kiss on her lips, while sneaking in for a quick squeeze of her breast. “Let’s clean up this mess and continue in the bedroom.”
“Best idea I’ve heard all day.”
Chapter Six
It was strange to wake up with a man in her bed, his strong arm draped over her, his hand resting on her belly. Cozy. That’s the word she was searching for. It was cozy and warm and she didn’t want to move. Only the fact that she had to work today, had appointments she couldn’t change, made her grope for the side of the bed.
Gill wrapped his arm around her, pulling her back toward him. Neither of them spoke as he grabbed a condom and sheathed himself before slipping easily inside her.
Alicia was sore from the night before, but didn’t want to stop. He rocked them gently, their bodies undulating to a slow, but steady rhythm. Unlike their lovemaking from the night before, which had been intense and passionate, this was slow and sensual, but no less mind-shattering.
Her breath hitched and she sighed as her nipples tightened. Alicia felt no rush, no sense of impatience. She simply rode the soft waves of pleasure until her orgasm washed over her.
Gill tightened his arm around her, emitting a soft groan as he came. Alicia snuggled closer, content to just lie in his arms until the alarm went off on her radio, reminding her that she had to work.
She managed to crawl out of bed and drag herself into the shower, and was almost finished when Gill joined her.
“Good morning,” he rumbled, dropping a quick kiss on her mouth before he grabbed the soap and began to wash.
She tasted barely suppressed passion on his lips, but knew she was too sore for them to make love again. Plus, it was a bit disconcerting to be sharing a shower with him. It was a new experience for her, but one she thought she could get used to.
She finished rinsing her hair and stepped out of the shower, leaving him standing benea
th the hot spray. She quickly blew her hair dry, applied her makeup and dressed, choosing a burgundy suit out of the closet this morning. The pants were wool and warm, and she wore a cream-colored turtleneck beneath the jacket. It wasn’t much, she acknowledged ruefully, but it was her professional armor.
Her normal staid self disappeared whenever Gill was around, leaving a carefree woman in her place. It left her feeling uncomfortable and slightly vulnerable, and she’d need all her confidence this morning. They had to talk before either of them left the house.
Alicia still could barely wrap her head around the fact that Gill had made love to her two more times after they’d cleaned up the mess and made it to her bed last evening. She smiled and shook her head.
As she made her way to the kitchen, she wondered what she was going to feed Gill for breakfast. Removing her jacket, she tossed it over the back of a chair before pushing up the sleeves of her sweater.
Coffee was the first order of the day. Grabbing the carafe, she filled it with water and poured it into the coffeemaker. She spooned coffee into the paper filter before flicking on the switch. The machine began to gurgle almost immediately.
Satisfied, she opened the refrigerator door and rummaged around, pulling out some vegetables. She dug out the chopping board, and then began to dice fresh green bell peppers and mushrooms for an omelet. As she worked, she could hear Gill in the bedroom getting dressed.
The knife she was using to chop vegetables came to rest against the cutting board as she stared out the window.
No doubt about it, Gill Baron was great for her sex drive. She’d had no idea that sex could be so intense or so fun until she’d met him. All her other relationships paled in comparison.
That was what scared her the most. Gill could hurt her. Not physically. Never that.
But emotionally was a whole other story. Oh, he wouldn’t mean to, but it was inevitable.
The fact that she’d slept with him last night proved that she was already emotionally involved with him. And that wasn’t good.
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