by Sienna Parks
“I don’t know what to say. I’m so sorry.”
“Thanks. Yeah… no one knows what to say, and to be honest… I’ve never wanted to talk about it.” The sincerity in his voice is disarming.
“Just tell me to shut up. It’s the journalist in me… always wanting to ask a million questions.” He shifts to the couch putting some space between us.
“What kind of journalism do you do? Who do you work for? Why are you here on the mountain?”
“Nothing exciting.”
“I wanna know.” He presses with genuine interest.
We chat back and forth—me babbling on about my aspirations—him following every answer with another question. He might be the only person I’ve met who seems as intense about journalism as me! I wonder if that’s what he used to do. I could see him being good at it. His sexy smile and raspy voice would make any potential source putty in his hands.
He seems amused by my blatant disgust for what puts bread on my table right now.
“Laugh it up, chuckles.”
“I didn’t mean to laugh. I admire your dedication. You’re easy to talk to, and I’m not exactly the social type these days.”
“So… you haven’t dated since…” The words trail off when I realize what I’m asking. “I didn’t mean to say that.”
“You are the first woman I’ve felt beneath me since Angela died.”
“Oh.” The gravity of the situation washes over me like a cool breeze, giving me goosebumps. He moves back to where I’m sitting at the island pulling the barstool closer to me.
“It felt… right.” He pauses, looking for something in my gaze—acceptance? “That’s what bothered me. It wasn’t wrong or strange. I’ve never even thought about moving on, I’ve been so focused on Elijah. This… you… took me by surprise.”
Reaching out my hand, I caress his face as he leans into my touch.
“She wouldn’t want you to shut yourself away forever. You’re young. She’d want you to move on and be happy.”
“I know. I just… feel guilty. The way your lips felt on mine. The warmth of your pussy against my hand… I wanted to lose myself inside you. Is that wrong? She was the love of my life.” I’m mesmerized, running my thumb gently over his lips. He flicks his tongue over the tip, sending a jolt of electricity through my body. “You don’t know me, and we’re going to be holed up in here for a few days before I can get you back to town. I don’t want to take advantage of you.”
I’m overcome with sensation—my rationality all but gone. I lower my hand to his chest, his heart pounding beneath my palm. I can’t explain it. We’ve spent more time fighting than getting to know each other, but he makes me feel things… I haven’t had such an urgent desire to be with a man before. Boyfriends have come and gone, and it’s been fun, but the moment they left, I didn’t miss them. I never craved someone’s touch.
“It’s not wrong. It’s natural. Life goes on whether we want it to or not. If you live in the past, you’re never going to be happy. Maybe we have a couple of days of mind-blowing sex, and when it’s time to leave, we say goodbye. No strings, no promises. Would that be so bad? It’s okay to let go and just… feel good.” Even as I say the words, I know I’m opening myself up to getting hurt, but I don’t care. Everything that has conspired against me over the past few days brought me here—to him. Am I really going to regret this on my deathbed? Having a sexy-as-hell guy make me orgasm over and over for days. I doubt it.
“Something tells me that you’re not the kind of woman who leaves her prey satisfied.” His lips find mine in a ghost of a kiss. “I could get addicted to the sweet taste of your skin, and the way you writhe beneath me. Forget all the bad stuff and revel in the sound of you screaming my name as you fall apart. Is that what you want, Jules? Tell me what you want from me.” My skin burns with anticipation as he trails kisses down my neck. All inhibition fading with every labored breath and soft groan.
“I want you.”
8
TRAVIS
It’s been a long time since I’ve heard those three little words, and they’re driving me wild. We clash in every possible way, but there’s something about Jules that makes me want to claim her. It’s archaic, but I need to own her body in this moment. Not her mind—not her soul. I want her legs spread wide as I feast between her thighs.
There’s no room for conversation or the sweet anticipation of getting to know each other. Emotion can stay outside in the bitter cold of the storm. I’ve experienced more love and emotion in my life than I deserve. I couldn’t bear to go through that again. Jules is offering me exactly what I can handle—I’ll give her a long, hard ride she’ll never forget.
I grasp the sides of her face sliding my fingers into the dark mass of curls that make her eyes so striking. My lips crash down on hers desperate for a second taste. She’s hungry for me, her impatience adding fuel to the fire.
I quickly lift her into my arms and head for the couch. The bedroom is too far. I need her out of these clothes now. She wraps her legs around my waist, clenching her thighs together, sending a thrill of anticipation straight to my cock.
“Travis.” She breaks our kiss leaving me bereft. “Are you sure about this? I understand if you change your mind. We can stop anytime, and I won’t be mad.”
“Baby, I managed to stop myself once, and it took everything I had. I couldn’t stop myself again… and I don’t want to.” I lower her to the couch and begin kissing my way down the line of her shirt undoing the buttons as I go, each one slower than the last. “Now, lie back and let me enjoy every inch of you.”
Her skin is soft as silk and sensitive to my touch. The swell of her breasts is so enticing, I want to slide my cock up her chest and fuck them till I come all over her. God… I need to pace myself. It’s been a long time, and this girl is hot as hell with a fierce attitude to match.
She tugs at the bottom of my t-shirt, pulling it up and over my head, dropping it to the ground with a satisfied grin. Reaching for my pants, I rest my hands over hers.
“Not so quick, wildcat.” Pushing her arms up over her head, I blaze a trail with my fingertips before ripping open the shirt she borrowed, sending the remaining buttons scattering to the winds. The gasp of excitement that escapes her is like a red rag to a bull. My loose-fitting underwear looks so damn good on her, but they have to come off. I can’t wait any longer.
Without hesitation, she lifts her hips to accommodate me, no hint of self-doubt in her confident demeanor. Completely naked, she snakes her hands over her skin pressing her breasts together as my lips descend on her.
“You’re going to be the death of me, woman.” Slipping her hands down the back of my pants, she pulls me tight against her. The warmth of her pussy is making me twitch. Her skin tastes sweet like the first breath of spring after a long winter.
“Shut up and fuck me, Travis.”
9
JULES
“Yes, ma’am.” He’s magnificent. I want him to kiss every inch of me at the same time—feel his fingertips caressing my whole body. He’s got me in sensory overload.
His mouth envelops my breast with just enough bite to elicit a moan of satisfaction.
“Yes… Trav…” His name is lost on my lips as he kisses down my stomach, his warm, rough hand sliding between my legs.
“God. You’re already wet.” A jolt of electricity courses through my veins, my skin on fire with the anticipation of what’s about to happen. I watch in awe as his tongue darts out to lick a trail from my hips, down my thigh and back up—the bristled hair of his beard teasing me the closer he gets to where I want him.
His eyes find mine holding my gaze as he takes his first slow, languorous lick. Fireworks explode my mind, the wet warmth of his tongue against my clit almost too much for me to bear. I’m mesmerized by the sight of him nestled between my thighs, lapping at me, groaning against my skin, sending a spine-tingling buzz throughout my body.
I want to look away, but I can’t.
&
nbsp; The taut muscles of his back flex as his tongue twists and turns. It’s sexy, sensual, and the most delicious kind of wrong. I fist my hands in his hair, pulling him closer, forcing him to take more of me. His fingers dig into my thighs as he becomes ravenous—like an animal feeding on his prey.
When I can’t take it anymore, I throw my head back, grabbing my breasts, teasing my nipples into tight buds.
“Come for me, wildcat.” With a final flick of his tongue, I detonate around him. Riding his face with wild abandon, I take every ounce of pleasure he’s willing to give. He continues to nibble and kiss my flesh with the affection of a longtime lover. It’s simultaneously endearing and unsettling.
He stalks the length of my body kissing his way back up to my lips. I can taste myself on his tongue, the evidence of my arousal shared between us like fine champagne. Something takes over me, and I grab his shoulders sending us both tumbling to the floor in one swift move. I roll him onto his back and make short work of pulling his pants down, straddling him with a slow grind against his cock.
The look of carefree bliss in his eyes stops me in my tracks. He looks younger all of a sudden. His face is striking with the easy relaxation that comes from sexual satisfaction. As I continue to tease and grind my folds against his long, hard shaft, I lose myself to his response—his hands palming my breasts.
I lift one of his fingers and slide it into my mouth desperate to appease the ache growing between my legs. I want him. But… his facial expression begins to change from excitement to dismay… to agony.
“What? Did I do something wrong?”
“I don’t have any condoms.”
“Shut up. That’s not funny.” I speak before my brain has a chance to process.
“I don’t exactly bring girls back here, Jules. You’re…” He props himself up on his elbows before he continues. “There hasn’t been anyone since her.”
So many conflicting emotions hit me at once. Sadness for him that he’s been alone this long. Overwhelmed by the role I’m about to play in his life. I was ready for a few days of fun, but I had no idea it would be such an important step for him. The most overwhelming, raw emotion, is desire. He wants to do this with me… and it turns me on beyond reason.
Against all my better judgment, I break every rule I’ve ever set for myself. Pulling myself up enough to slide my hand between us, I take his cock and wrap my fist around him.
“I get the contraceptive injection every three months. I’m covered. I want you. Let me do this.” I move the tip over my clit in slow, soft circles letting myself moan in pleasure as he twitches in my hand.
“Fuck. I can’t think straight with you doing that.”
“Then don’t. Just enjoy it. Use me. I need to feel you thrusting hard inside me. I want to ride you until you’re shouting my name. Lose yourself with me, Travis.”
Without another word, he moves my hand and positions himself before grabbing my hips and pulling me down ramming into me with an anguished groan. Grief, guilt, and gratification fighting for dominance.
“Jules!” It’s all he can say, and all that needs to be said. I give him a minute to compose himself before I start to roll my hips pulling myself up almost to the tip and gently pushing back down, taking every last inch of him.
Gradually, I let him set the pace giving myself over to the mouthwatering sensation. Stretched to the hilt, I can feel every pulse of his cock as he becomes more aroused.
When I can’t hold off any longer, I throw my head back and scream his name over and over again, my orgasm ripping through me like a tornado.
“Oh God, Travis! Yes! Harder.” His hands grip my thighs as he slams into me harder and faster with each stroke.
“Look at me. I want to see your face!” I pull myself out of my haze and focus on him. His gaze is intense devouring every inch of my naked flesh as he chases his release. I lean over and press my lips to his hungry for the taste of him. It’s sexy and intimate connecting us on another level as he thrusts into me one last time—my name falling from his lips in a litany of worship.” “Juliet! Juliet! Yes!”
As if shouting my name from a balcony below, he pulls me with him sending me crashing over the edge once more. Ecstasy takes over as he spills inside me. Tangled in each other’s arms, we nibble and suck, our mouths echoing the lazy rhythm of our hips as we ride out the aftershocks together.
I’m suddenly conscious of what just happened between us, and the fact that I pushed him to disregard all reason with me.
“Are you okay?” Hesitation is clear in my voice.
Pushing a lock of hair back behind my ear, he cups my face, a smile spreading across his masculine features.
“You are so goddamn beautiful when you come. Did you know that?” I bury my head in his chest, overcome with an unusual shyness. “Don’t hide. The confident woman who just made me lose my mind doesn’t hide.”
“Did I force you, though? I should have stopped.”
“No one has ever forced me to do anything. Not even you, wildcat.” The tension in my body slips away as he kisses me… soft at first before sending my pulse into overdrive with the fierce passion of a mountain man.
We lose ourselves for hours, his stamina unrelenting. He studies each line and curve of my body, feasting like a man starved in the desert. I can’t get enough of him, and that scares me more than I’d care to admit.
Time has become meaningless over the past few days—a haze of sex and sleep. In fact, I don’t remember the last time I slept so well. Once you break through Trav’s hard exterior, there’s a warm, kind, attentive guy who makes me feel… things I shouldn’t.
I was worried that the mood between us would get weird after that first night together—it wasn’t exactly great before. But, our relationship has taken on an ease and comfort I never expected.
Travis has the charisma of a Hollywood star, and a quick wit I find endearing. There are glimmers of the husband he once was and the father he is. I can only imagine how adorable it would be to see him with his son.
Sunrise peaks through the drapes casting Travis in a warm glow and restful slumber—his hair mussed and his arm covering his face. Even when he’s relaxed, the muscles of his torso are defined as if Michelangelo, himself, had carved them from the finest marble. Tattoos snake around his side creeping down his arm. I study them with intrigue. Ink can tell you a lot about someone.
Over his heart, there’s a tiny handprint with the name Elijah underneath and a date of birth. It’s then that I realize—it’s not just a marker of birth—it’s the date his wife died. Following the ebb and flow of artwork, my gaze is drawn to a set of wings on his ribcage with Forever, my Angel written in elegant script.
My eyes begin to fill with tears. I’m not big on crying or anything deemed particularly girly, but they must have had something special. I can’t imagine loving someone so much that losing them would drive me to leave everything behind. It must get lonely up here. His low, raspy voice whispers from beneath his forearm.
“You know, it’s creepy to stare at someone while they sleep.”
“You’re not sleeping… and I wasn’t staring.” I nudge him, a little embarrassed that he caught me.
“Okay. You keep telling yourself that, wildcat. Totally staring at my hot abs.” I gently trace the lines of his tats.
“It’s amazing that I can fit in this bed with your ego!” The soft chuckle that escapes him makes me wriggle against his thigh.
“Nice. I blow your mind with the best sex of your life, and all I get in return are insults.” I love the playful glint in his eyes, but I ignore his comment as I wipe the errant tears from my cheeks.
He’s quick to sit up cradling my face in his hands. Such a tender gesture—it only serves to make me more emotional.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Don’t look at me. I’m having a disgusting girl moment.” He presses a gentle kiss to my lips over and over again. Short. Staccato. Sensual.
“Talk to me. I want
to know why you’re upset. Plus, I can’t seem to stop looking at you. I’m like a moth to a flame.” I’m anticipating his reaction as I steel myself to say what’s on my mind.
Reaching out to trace the outline on his ribs, I take a deep breath to compose myself.
“Your tattoos… for your wife and son. They caught me off-guard.” His hand goes to his heart, his palm resting over his son’s name.
“I got the nurses to do Eli’s handprint the day he was taken off all the monitors. Took it to my tattoo guy that night and had it done. It was the best day of my life seeing him breathe on his own. He’s a little fighter. You’d never know to look at him now… that he was so small and fragile.” I rest my hand on his side.
“And this one? When did you get it done?”
“Right before we moved here. A way to bring her with me.” The sadness that consumes him returns to his eyes.
“You must have loved her very much.”
“She was my world.” He shifts uncomfortably focusing on anything but me. “I just made this weird, didn’t I?” Pulling on jeans and a t-shirt, he chances a look over his shoulder to where I’m sitting, naked and vulnerable.
“No. I shouldn’t have brought it up. They’re beautiful tattoos, and I think it’s amazing you want to keep them close. I get it. Where is your son?”
“My mom and dad have him for a few weeks. They like to take him on vacation this time of year.” I move with caution, scared I’ll spook him if I make any sudden movements.
“That’s good you get a break.”
“I don’t want a break. I love Eli more than anything. I miss him.” His tone is curt as if he’s annoyed I would even suggest it.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it. Just that… it must be hard being a single dad.” He slumps down onto the edge of the bed next to me.
“It can be. Wasn’t how I planned it. I never thought I’d be doing this alone. I was the childish one. Angela was always so organized. Prepared for anything.”
