Fever

by Carnal, MJ

  It didn’t take long to realize that I’d become attached to Timber. I looked forward to being with him. I liked the way he made me feel. When had I crossed the line of liking him to something deeper? I didn’t know if I loved him, but if there’s an in-between, that’s where I was at.

  There was a knock on the door. “Hurry your cute ass up. You’re going to take all the hot water.”

  I giggled and busied myself with washing off the residual soap. “I’m going, I’m going.”

  I heard him laugh. When I got out and toweled off, I slipped on one of his long tshirts and a pair of boxers, which was quickly becoming my wardrobe while I stayed here. Timber liked seeing me in his clothes and who was I to not oblige him? Walking out of the bathroom, steam poured out behind me.

  “Jesus, woman. How can such a small person that barely has any mass to wash, take so much time getting clean?” He seemed thoroughly amused as his eyes traveled the length of my legs. When he looked at me like this, it felt like more than him watching me. It felt like his fingertips were skimming up my body. When his gaze met mine, he winked at me, indicating that he knew the reaction he was getting out of me.

  He passed by me, brushing his body along mine. My nipples pebbled from his brief touch, and I could have sworn I heard him groan. “Cocky bastard,” I grumbled as I walked into the kitchen. He chuckled and closed the bathroom door.

  A short time later, he and I were sitting at his two person table, chowing down on spaghetti, which was what he’d offered me the first time he asked me to come over. I teased him because he’d twirl as many noodles as he could onto his fork before bringing it to his mouth. I’d never seen someone put away such a big bite and still be able to chew. When he noticed me staring at him, he stopped eating and said, “wha?” around a mouthful of food. He couldn’t even say the whole word without some of his pasta slipping out.

  “We have all the time in the world, Timber. You don’t have to shovel it in like it’s your last meal.” I curled my lip at him as he stuffed another forkful in.

  He chewed, and took a long drink of his water. “It’s damn good spaghetti, what can I say? Besides… maybe I’m anxious to get to dessert.”

  I was about to say I didn’t make any dessert, but then I caught his heated glance. My cheeks flushed as I understood what he was referring to. Warmth flooded my lower half and I squirmed in my chair. After the beach earlier, I hadn’t realized that my body was still humming with need. Nope. It seemed that it had just put itself on pause, waiting for Timber to hit play and pick up where we left off.

  I cleared my throat and tried to change the subject. He wasn’t oblivious to my avoidance but he let me have this one. “So what are we going to do for the Fourth of July? It’s the only time besides Christmas when Ed closes the bar. Crazy old man has a thing for fireworks. Pretty sure it’s because Rose loved them so much.”

  “Well, it’s funny that you ask, because I have a proposition for you.” He was leaning back in his chair, hands behind his head. It caused his shirt to ride up and I could see a sliver of skin. It was golden from the sun and all I could think about was licking it. He cleared his throat and brought my attention back up to his bright blue eyes. They looked positively mischievous as he smirked at me. “Focus Kat, I’m about to ask you a question and I’m not sure how you’re going to respond.”

  For the millionth time today I was certain I was blushing. “I was listening.”

  “No you weren’t, but that’s okay. I like it when you look at me like that. You can touch whatever part of me you want later. But for now, I want to ask you a question. What would you say to coming with me to my dad’s place? He lives in Houston and I haven’t seen him in a few months. He texted me while you were in the shower and said he’d like me to come up for a BBQ and stay for the weekend.” He paused, as though he were gauging my reaction. “I told him it would depend on you.”

  “You want me to come stay at your Dad’s? Shouldn’t it be like some sort of special father-son bonding time or something? I really don’t want to intrude on that.”

  “You’re not intruding when I’m inviting you. Dad is curious about the girl I want to bring home, and I think it might be fun to get away for a few days. Besides, I need to check on him and make sure he’s still doing alright in that big house by himself.” He paused. “I got the impression it might be more than just you and me there. I think my dad might have a lady friend.”

  “Ahhh… there it is. You’re curious about the possible girlfriend, huh?”

  “I have to admit, it would be somewhat strange if there was another woman in his life, but I’d be happy if he was happy. All I’ve ever wanted since Mom died was to see him live his life again. He’s been in that new house, doing things according to what my mom would have liked, not what he would have liked.” His face changed from being slightly playful to sad.

  “Of course he is. Even I saw how much your dad loved your mom.”

  He looked at me questioningly. “You saw my parents together?”

  “Well, yeah. I was in the office at the elementary school one year running errands for your mom because I’d finished all of my work early. I remember your dad coming in with a bouquet of tulips and the look on your mom’s face. He had set the vase down on her desk and leaned over and whispered something in her ear, and she had smiled about it. Since I was so young, I remember turning my head away when they kissed each other.”

  Timber sat across from me, engrossed in my story. A story that he’d not heard before. He was soaking in my every word. “Even then, I remember thinking how sweet it was that two grown-ups were so in love. Not even my own parents looked at each other like yours did. So yeah, it makes sense to me that your dad is still living for the things your mom loved, because he loved her.”

  When I stopped talking, Timber sucked in a deep breath and blew it out. “Wow. It’s sorta weird to hear you talking about my parents. I mean, I know that we all went to the same school together, but I didn’t realize that you had seen them like that.” He looked across at me. “Thank you.”

  “For what?” I didn’t understand why he would be thanking me.

  “For giving me a new memory.” His smile was warm, and I felt it all the way to my toes. “So anyway, you haven’t answered my question.”

  I sighed. “Honestly, Timber, I don’t think it’s a good idea. Maybe you should go spend some time alone with him. I bet he doesn’t want someone he doesn’t know showing up and spoiling his holiday.”

  He waved his hand in front of his face. “Shut up, Kat. You’re not a stranger to me, so he’ll accept you regardless. But I want you there. Dad’s not much of a talker and I think with you around, he’ll happily open up.”

  “Why on earth would he talk to me? Seriously, I really don’t mind spending the Fourth here. With the bar closed I can relax on the couch and read a book or something.”

  His eyes turned dark. “You’re not staying there alone, not after someone broke in with you inside. I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

  “You’re being ridiculous, Timber. I am sure it was just some drunk person trying to see if he could get away with scaring me. Besides,” I said nonchalantly, “nothing else has happened since. It’ll be fine.” I got up from the table and took both of our plates to the sink.

  He came up behind me, pinning me in against the counter. I never even heard him move. My back was to him and I felt his heavy breathing on my neck. “If you think for one fucking second I wouldn’t be going out of my mind wondering if you’re okay, you don’t know me at all. Turn around and look at me,” he growled in my ear. Despite the threat in his voice, it caused me to shiver. I turned my body, and he stepped in so that my front was flush with his. “You will be going with me to my dad’s house. You will spend the weekend with me and we will watch fireworks and eat whatever fucking BBQ my dad has cooked. And we will stay in the guest bedroom together, and did I add that you will love it?”

  His last statement, despite it being phras
ed as a question, was dripping with sarcasm. The way he was looking at me, demanding nothing more than a nod of approval, made me weak. I gave him what he wanted. I tipped my head down slightly, acknowledging that I would go. He blew a breath of air out of his nose at my resignation. He must have been ready for me to fight him.

  Normally, I would. But I didn’t, for two reasons. The first one being that I knew he was right. If he left me alone, he would most likely flip out wondering if I was alright the whole time and he wouldn’t have a good time with his dad. I couldn’t do that to him. If my being by his side made him feel more secure, then I’d give him that. My second reason for complying was plain and simple. I enjoyed being around him. He’d made me happier than I’d felt in several years. There was something to be said about the feeling of contentment, and he gave that to me. I’d taken notice that whenever we are apart, whether I’m working, simply walking into the back to the freezer and he’s sitting out in the bar, when I go to the ladies room, or whatever else it may be, when he’s not near me, I miss him. He has given me a sense of peace that I’d convinced myself wasn’t possible with a man. I thought Adam had ruined me for anyone that I might have showed interest in. Timber was doing the opposite. I had begun to need him. I had feelings for him.

  When he stepped away from me, I sucked in air and turned back towards the sink, trying to regain my composure. He wasn’t just making me feel safe and content he was making me feel desire and heat. It was a foreign feeling. I’d never felt like I was capable of being the seducer. Then again, I’d never put myself in a situation where I could do such a thing. Either way, I found myself wanting to turn the tables and seduce him. I enjoyed him being domineering and bossy, but make no mistake, I knew I held some of the cards. As I loaded the dishwasher, he cleared the table. Every time he’d place something on the counter, he’d brush up against me. All of my senses were on high alert and my body anticipated every slight touch. Clearly our discussion was over.

  By the time I was done, I felt like I was strung out on some hallucinogenic. I was craving him. Completely worked up, and being that it was getting late, I figured it might be best if I went and lay down and tried to go to sleep. At least dreaming about him could satiate some of my desire.

  Turning around, I exaggerated a yawn. “I’m pretty worn out. I think I’m going to head to bed.”

  He was watching me. My heart was pounding in my chest and I was fully aware that he was on to me. “Okay, Kat. I’ll be in after I call my dad and let him know that you’ll be joining us.”

  Nodding, I slipped past him and headed straight to his room. I’d considered leaving on his boxers, but I ended up taking them off because I never sleep with shorts or pajama pants. They make me feel constricted. If I left them on now, he’d more than likely question me about it. Climbing in his bed, I scooted over to what I now deemed my side and curled onto my side. Several minutes passed and I was growing restless. His scent was all around me - on the sheets, on his clothes, and each time I inhaled I knew my need was close to spilling over. I tossed and turned. My legs were scissoring under the covers, constantly searching for a cool spot to rest them. My whole body felt overheated. Flinging the sheets off me, I nearly growled. I could feel warmth coursing through me and I was desperate for something.

  “What’s the matter, baby?”

  Timber was standing in the doorway. I’d been so consumed with need I never even saw his shadow block the light filtering in the room. Turning my head, I looked at him. I didn’t know how to tell him what I needed. Regardless of how desperate for release I felt, this was still uncharted territory for me. He told me a couple of weeks ago that I’d be the one to ask for him to touch me. So, with a shaky breath, I finally said the words.

  “I need… I need… something.”

  He took a few steps into the room. I wished I could see his eyes, but the light was behind him so his face was masked in darkness. “What do you need, Kat?”

  I shook my head, incapable of saying the words. “I’m not sure.”

  Another predatory step forward. “Yes, you do. Tell me.”

  My legs couldn’t hold still. I felt a pool of liquid in my panties, and I was so lost I couldn’t begin to feel embarrassed about it. Timber wasn’t going to give me anything until I gave him what he wanted to hear. Desperation was pouring off me. The words formed in my mouth. “Touch me, Timber. Oh God, please touch me.”

  Although dark in the room, I could see his half smile form. As he moved towards me, my eyes traveled down his body. He reached to the back of his neck and pulled his shirt over his head. I moaned at his simple movement. His briefs were tented in the front and he was already hard. He stood with his knees touching the mattress now. His chest was rising and falling in short bursts.

  “Where do you want me to touch you?”

  God, he was really going to make me say this, wasn’t he? Did I honestly have the courage to express what I wanted? Could I make this leap? I knew that if I let him start this, there wasn’t going to be any backing out. Timber was going to be an all or nothing guy. Bringing my hands down my body, I allowed my fingers to skim over my damp panties. My hips rose up on their own.

  Timber groaned. “Fuck, you’re wet, aren’t you?”

  “Drenched.” The words poured from my mouth.

  “Touch yourself, Kat. Put your hand on your pussy and feel what I’ve done to you without even being in this bed.”

  His voice was raspy. I took no time moving my hand under the small piece of fabric that covered my most intimate parts. He was right. He did this to me and he hadn’t even touched me yet. I slid my fingers through my slick folds, barely touching my already swollen clit. My other hand clung to the loose sheets by my side. I knew that this wasn’t going to last long, especially if his fingers were the ones caressing me.

  He had taken a dominant stance over me next to the bed. His hand moved down to grab his cock. He was stroking himself over his briefs. I could tell his jaw was clenched as he watched my small hand moving under my underwear.

  “Does it feel good?”

  I moaned. “So good.”

  “Strip down, Kat. I need to see you.”

  Stopping my movements, I sat up and pulled my shirt over my head. I wasn’t wearing a bra and this was the first time Timber had seen me like this. The air in his room was warm, but my nipples were hard and my breasts felt heavy. He was making me so needy. Yanking my underwear off, I laid back on his bed, letting him view all of me. My pulse was thrumming. I hadn’t even considered the idea of him not liking the way I looked. But now, as I lay here completely exposed, it occurred to me that I could possibly be visually unappealing. My heart hammered in my chest for a whole new reason.

  Insecurity.

  “Look at me.” His deep voice cut through my thoughts. My eyes moved to his. “Don’t do that. Don’t go anywhere else but right here with me. You understand me?”

  I nodded. “I’m scared I’m not going to be enough.”

  Timber sat on the edge of the bed. Leaning over me, his fingers grazed my face. He traveled down my cheek, across the column of my neck, then grazed the side of my breast and stopped at my hip. His eyes watched his hand as it moved across my body. When his blue eyes came back to my face, I gasped. Even in the dark I could see the depths of feeling. “With you, there’s no such thing as imperfection. If I closed my eyes right now, my memories wouldn’t do you justice. You’re the real deal, Kat. I’ve never seen anything like you before in my life. Your silky hair, that sparkle in your eye when you are being mischievous, the curve of your lips, and this body that is devoid of a single flaw… I couldn’t make you up even if I tried.” He kissed the tip of my nose then hovered over my mouth. His tongue darted out and licked my lips. “Don’t kid yourself. We both know that I’m the lucky one here. Breathe with me, Kat. I don’t want you scared of me. We’re not going to have sex tonight. I just want this.” He motioned to my body. “I want to watch your face as I make you cum. Ecstasy is going to be a beautif
ul look on you.”

  His words caused any and all reservations to take a flying leap out the window and courage took its place. Nobody had ever made me feel as beautiful as he just did. I reached out for both of his hands and brought them up on my breasts. “Make me feel good, Timber.”

  “I will, baby, just relax and let me take you there.”

  His head came down and I felt his warm tongue lick across my nipple. My back arched. Closing his mouth around it he sucked, gently working me back up into the same frenzy was before self-doubt had brought me down. I could feel his teeth scrape against the hardened peak and I reached up and held his head against me. His hand that was resting on my stomach inched its way down until the tip of his calloused finger touched the swollen bud. My hips jerked.

  Timber sat back, releasing my nipple with a slight pop. His eyes were nearly as dark as his messy black hair. “Open your legs.” As if he were my puppeteer, my legs opened at his command. “Christ, you’re glistening, baby.”

  “Please. I need more.”

  “Shhh. Just feel.”

  I looked down and watched what he was doing. His index finger was sliding down over my clit to my opening and up again. My whole body was starting to shake with need for more of him. I had one hand tugging at my full breast and the other had moved to the top of his briefs. They were in the way and I was frustrated that I couldn’t feel the hard, silky skin of his cock. Watching him making me fall apart was the most erotic thing I’d ever seen.

  “I want you naked, Timber,” I whispered.

  He lifted his hips and used his free hand to remove his briefs. His fingers never left my aching body. He continued to circle his fingers around my clit. When his cock sprung free, I took no time grasping him. I’d never actually jerked a guy off before. The traveling stranger had been straight up sex. Not much other touching had been involved. I was going purely on instinct and what seemed like the right thing to do. I moved my palm up and down his length, gently squeezing the tip before I’d go back toward his base. I wasn’t sure if I was doing it too hard or too soft, but the deep rumble coming from his chest said I was doing something right.