by Ivy Jordan
My hands slid beneath her, pulling her to my mouth as I lifted to my knees. Her full breasts, her parted lips, and her hungry eyes filled my view as I filled her with my tongue.
It wasn’t long before she caved to her arousal, allowing her orgasm to take over. Her eyes closed, soft moans rolled from her lips, and her body twitched in my hands as contractions clamped around my tongue in powerful bursts.
As her body calmed, I gently lowered her to the mattress once again, letting my mouth slowly release from her sweet flesh. Those words again threatened to push past my lips, but I pushed them back, not willing to ruin this perfect moment.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Taylor
So many times I thought about calling Elijah, or just showing up on his doorstep. Not once did I think he’d be the one to show up on mine, demanding that I give in to my true feelings.
My breathing calmed as his tongue slid slowly up my belly, only stopping for a moment to tease my puckered belly button with a quick flick. He circled each breast before reaching my neck, and then his lips sucked at my tender flesh. Trembles still rolled through my body, causing my legs to quiver as his hard cock rested against my thigh. “I need you,” I moaned, arching my back and pulling my neck from his mouth.
“I didn’t bring anything,” he whispered, his eyes filled with apologies.
I smirked, squirming beneath him so I could reach the nightstand by my bed. I pulled open the drawer and fumbled inside for the box of condoms I’d bought before trying to run away. His eyes lit up as I pulled the box between us, offering him the protection, and satisfaction he thought inaccessible. “You never cease to amaze me, Taylor Madden,” he laughed, taking the box and discarding it to the floor once pulling out what he needed.
The anticipation of what was next brought my skin to a wild crawl. I exhaled loudly after gasping in a long breath and watched as Elijah lifted to his knees and expertly dressed his cock with the latex condom.
His movements were sensual, slow and steady as he pushed between my legs. My hips widened, allowing his cock to press into my opening. My body still trembled as his hips rolled into mine, pushing himself deep into my body. His warm breath tickled my skin as it oozed from his lips, and the tightness of his grip around me soothed the ache in my soul.
I’d missed this man so badly, more than I even cared to admit. He was the reason I wanted to stay on this island, and the reason I’d wanted to leave. My heart was so entangled with his that it was impossible to unravel. I stretched my mouth to his neck, kissing gently at his soft flesh, and fighting back the tears that struggled to escape from my overflow of emotion.
My eyes lifted to his, locking onto the dark, mysterious glow that surrounded them, never wanting to look away, not even for an instant. I was in love, utterly and undeniably in love with Elijah Grant.
Once our bodies were drenched in one another’s passion, and our thirsts were satisfied, Elijah rolled to his side, still holding me tight in his arms. I stared into his eyes, considering all the reasons I’d run away from him, and wondering if they were right. How was he going to make this work? Could he convince Kellie that she couldn’t control his life?
His hands roamed freely up and down my body, creating tingles just beneath my skin that made me shiver and moan. His eyes penetrated into mine with intensity, and his expression grew serious. “Please, don’t ever take off like that again, even if you think it’s for my own good,” he said softly.
I shook my head with a smile I couldn’t control smeared across my face. It felt good to have someone care enough about me to work so hard. “It’s important to me that you get to spend time with your daughter; after all, that’s the reason you decided to stay here,” I expressed.
“That’s not the only reason,” he grinned, pulling me in close to his chest. My face buried into his chest with my ear to his heartbeat. It sped up as he squeezed me, allowing me to feel the emotion flowing though his body.
His words warmed my soul, giving me the courage to make the decision I’d struggled with for the last couple weeks. “I’m taking the partnership at the practice,” I announced, looking up at him for reaction.
“That’s great, you deserve it,” he exhaled, his lips curling into the same crooked smile that I’d noticed on Bailey when I saw her at the market.
“I was going to turn it down,” I sighed. “Before, when I thought about staying here without you in my life,” I admitted. It was the closest thing I could say to him without telling him I loved him to express how I truly felt.
“I’m glad you’re staying,” he smiled, brushing my hair from my face.
I was glad too. I liked it here on the island. Like Leah, the slow-paced seclusion was appealing to me, but unlike her, I didn’t have to worry about finding love on the small island. I’d already found it.
I slipped into the kitchen to make sandwiches while Elijah dressed. I thought about going out, but feared we’d run into Kellie before he had a chance to talk to her. I also feared there would be no reasoning with her, that she would forbid him to see Bailey, leaving him to resent me.
His arms wrapped around my waist, pushing me into the counter as I finished smearing mustard on each slice of bread. I giggled as he nibbled on my ear, and the fears about Kellie drifted away, somewhere far out of thought, allowing me to enjoy this sweet moment with the man I loved.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Elijah
I marched up to Kellie’s front door with my balls swinging between my legs, where they belonged. I’d be damned if she was going to chop them off and carry them around in her purse. This was my life, and if she wanted me to be a part of Bailey’s, then she’d have to accept it.
She swung open the door, her lips pressed into a tight smile. “We need to talk,” I insisted firmly, hanging on to my passion with all my might.
“Of course,” she agreed, opening the door and motioning me inside. I was certain her warmness would turn cold once she heard what I had to say.
“Where’s Bailey?” I asked, careful not to start our conversation where she could hear.
“She’s down for a nap,” she replied, her voice filled with confusion.
“Okay. You need to listen to what I have to say,” I started. “Taylor is an important part of my life, and so is Bailey. I chose to stay, to be here and be a father to that little girl, but I never agreed to take on your rules and regulations,” I added.
Kellie stared at me, her eyes growing cold and narrow, and her expression lost of all warmth it once had at the door.
“You can’t dictate who I have and don’t have in my personal life, no more than I can yours,” I said, waiting for her reaction.
“I don’t think it’s a good idea for Bailey to have women in and out of your life,” Kallie snapped, her hand sliding to her hip.
“In and out of my life?” I questioned. “What women? I’m talking about one woman,” I questioned.
“We both know how you are. It’s the reason I didn’t come after you, trying to tell you about Bailey. You aren’t the type to settle down, and I’m afraid if you’re going to treat this island like your personal party pad, Bailey is better off without you in her life,” Kellie growled.
Wow.
“You don’t know anything about me,” I sighed, even though she hadn’t hit the target far from the jugular. That may have been who I used to be, but it wasn’t who I was now. “Taylor isn’t going anywhere. There are no other women, nor do I count on there being in the future. I deserve the chance to find happiness, and if you want me settled down, well, you have Taylor to thank for that,” I chuckled.
“Yeah right, Elijah Grant is settling down,” she snipped.
I watched her fold her arms in front of her, push her right leg outward, and cock her hip. She was serious. That was her problem; she didn’t think that I was capable of settling down.
“I didn’t think it was possible either, but I’ve changed. I’ve grown up, I guess,” I conceded, knowing that she wa
s right to think that of me. I’d hooked up with her, left town, and never looked back. I’m sure she heard the stories from the other girls that were left behind, how I was a player, conquering women all over the island, ready to try my hand at the States. I’d been an ass. That was obvious. “I’m really sorry I hurt you, Kellie. I was young, stupid, but it isn’t an excuse. I didn’t want a relationship. My dad was alone and miserable, and I figured I’d be alone and miserable too,” I admitted.
Her eyes softened, and her arms slid to her side. I watched her body straighten, her expression shift, and her interest pique as I spoke. “You’re really that serious about this woman?” she asked.
“I am,” I exhaled.
“Mommy, are we going to the beach now?” Bailey’s voice squeaked from the hallway.
Kellie stepped out of the way, giving me a view of the sleepy-eyed little girl that had won over my heart so effortlessly, just as Taylor had. “Daddy,” she squealed, rushing to my side.
I leaned down, let her wrap her tiny arms around my neck and give it a good squeeze before lifting her into my arms. “Are you going to the beach with us?” she asked excitedly.
I looked towards Kellie, waiting for her to approve before I answered. She nodded with a warm smile. “Yes,” I agreed. Bailey leaned in, planting a big kiss on my scruffy cheek. She wrinkled her nose as the whiskers tickled her soft skin, and then giggled. “You’re tickly.”
“Go get ready,” Kellie instructed, to which Bailey immediately squirmed from my arms. She ran down the hall to her room to get ready for the beach as her mother ordered. “I don’t want that little girl hurt, you understand me?” Kellie threatened. “If you don’t plan on staying, or if you are going to go back to your whorish ways, you can just disappear now. I’ll tell her you had to go back on the ship,” she added.
My heart raced. I wasn’t leaving. I couldn’t imagine walking away from Bailey now. After only a few days with her, she’d won me over. “I’m not going anywhere, and no worries about my lifestyle. I’m happy with Taylor; happier than I’d ever been,” I smiled.
Kellie seemed satisfied with my response, nodding, and then excusing herself to get ready.
“I’m riding with daddy!” Bailey exclaimed, running down the hall towards me. Kellie rolled her eyes as she reluctantly agreed.
I strapped Bailey’s seat into my car and helped her climb into it. She gripped a stuffed whale in her hand that matched the purple bag Kellie handed me to slide in my backseat. “You get the kid, you get the bag,” she laughed.
“I’ll buy a seat this week,” I smiled, and then turned to strap Bailey in.
The entire ride to the beach she sang along with the radio, almost perfectly reciting all the classic rock lyrics. I was impressed.
At the beach, she showed off her castle building skills to her mother, while Kellie eyed me up from one end to the other. “You really like this Taylor, huh?” she asked.
I smiled and let out a chuckle as I nodded. “Are you blushing?” Kellie gasped.
“Hey, I’m new to all this,” I beamed.
“You handle change well, Elijah,” she grinned.
I couldn’t believe how much my life had changed in just a few short weeks. But, what I did know is that I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Taylor
I couldn’t believe the difference in Elijah’s house. It was fully furnished, completely repaired, and looked like a home. I stood in the hallway looking in at Bailey’s room. The pink paint I put on the walls still looked fresh, and the satin curtains waved in the soft breeze flowing through the open window. Elijah had picked out a bed, covered it in a custom made purple quilt with a giant blue whale, and even bought toys that he had neatly packed into a treasure-style toy box in the corner of the room. “It’s perfect,” I sighed.
Elijah’s hand lifted to my shoulder, the weight of it was comforting as he stood behind me, looking into the room. “Are you sure?” he questioned.
I loved that he was so nervous, so anxious to make everything just right for Bailey’s new room. “It’s not like the mansion she lives in now,” he sighed.
I turned, sliding my arms around his waist and tip toeing to reach his lips. I planted a small kiss on his mouth, and then pulled back to allow my eyes to take him in. “She is going to love it, just like she loves you,” I assured him.
Kellie had agreed to allow Elijah to keep Bailey on Sunday night, on the condition that he brought me to the beach to meet her first. I’d spent all week anxious over meeting Bailey face to face, and about facing Kellie. The way she’d looked at me, glared at me, at the market, and how she snubbed me when she came to Elijah’s house that day, I wasn’t sure we’d ever hit it off. She was so different than I was, in school, and now. Her family was wealthy, and my father had barely made ends meet. She was the prom queen, a cheerleader, and I was more of a loner, a book nerd. I was dreading the meeting that afternoon, even though I wouldn’t admit it to Elijah. He had enough to worry about.
He squeezed me tightly in his arms, kissing the top of my head as my cheek smashed into his chest. I could hear his heartbeat pounding against his flesh as I struggled to calm my own nerves. “I know she is gonna love you,” he assured me, smoothing the frizz in my long, dark hair with the palm of his hand.
“I hope so,” I sighed, pulling back from his embrace to stare into his comforting eyes.
His smile warmed my heart, for some reason making me feel everything would be okay. He’d stayed true to his word, marching over to Kellie’s and demanding that she stay out of his personal life. I still didn’t know exactly what he’d said to her, or how he’d convinced her to butt out. He was so excited when he showed up at my house after his talk with her that he could barely speak. He gushed about Bailey, about how sweet she was, and how lucky he was to have her in his life. I just couldn’t believe that Kellie was willing to let go of her control that easily. I feared she might be up to something.
Elijah pulled on my hand, guiding me through the house, and to the backyard. He pushed open the back door, smiled proudly, and waved his hand towards the pool. It was sparkling clean, the water so blue you could see all the way to the bottom, and several pool toys were falling out of the storage container near the patio table he’d just put together. “What do you think?” he gushed.
I smiled, not sure what he was asking me. I’d saw the pool before and even swam in several times since it was cleaned up. “The slide,” he pointed towards a large yellow tube at the center of the pool. I laughed as the object came into view, unnoticed in my nervous state.
“I love it,” I beamed, moving across the freshly washed concrete to inspect the newly installed slide. He’d secured it into the concrete, had non-slip covers on each step, and even installed a water line so the slide wouldn’t go dry, pinching little Bailey’s legs as she slid down. “Bailey is gonna’ love it,” I added.
“I can’t believe I get to keep her tomorrow night. I’m not sure I know what to do,” he admitted, his eyes filled with an anxious excitement.
“You’ll do just fine,” I assured him.
“We better go,” he announced, looking at the watch on his wrist.
My stomach growled. I wasn’t ready. What if Bailey hated me?
Elijah pulled on my hand, guiding me back into the house. He locked the back door and then shut off all the lights. “Are you ready?” he asked, his eyes dancing on mine.
I was ready, ready as I’d ever be. “Sure,” I smiled faintly, doing my best to hide my stress.
I followed Elijah out of the house and to his car. The little pink car seat in the back was a new edition, one that I didn’t think I’d ever see in Elijah Grant’s classic sports car. So many things had changed, and so quickly. He’d moved from the hotel, made his childhood house a home, became a father, and fought Kellie to have me in his life, in his and Bailey’s lives.
I was quiet on the ride to the beach, and I was thankful that he was too. A lump fo
rmed in my throat, one so thick that I could barely swallow. I spent our time on the ride trying to push it down into my gut where the rest of the lumps had drowned.
This was it. We were there. Elijah pulled the car into an empty parking space and quickly got out of the car. It was obvious he was excited as he swung open my door and took my hand. “You look beautiful,” he grinned, eyeing me up and down.
I was wearing a thin white cover-up, one that looked like a cute little sundress, and a purple bikini underneath. I wasn’t sure I wanted to display my bikini-clad body to Kellie, the prom queen of our high school, and the woman whose glares made me feel so small.
I struggled to look classy as my sandals buried into the sand. Elijah carried a large umbrella, a cooler filled with snacks, and a blanket to spread on the beach in front of me, walking with ease without shoes to trip him up. I was relieved Kellie hadn’t noticed us approaching, never turning around to watch me hobble through the thick sand. She turned once Elijah blocked her sun with his overload of items in his arms. “You made it,” she acted surprised, her lips tightening as she turned towards me. I couldn’t see her glare through her dark sunglasses, but I was certain it existed beneath the glass, burning daggers into my heart.
Bailey’s arms flailed in the air as she ran towards Elijah. She jumped into his arms as he set the cooler and umbrella down in the sand and immediately started telling him about a turtle she’d watched cross the sand with its babies.
