Hold Me

by Susan Mallery

  “G-spot,” he murmured.

  “I thought that was a myth.”

  He moved his finger again. “You tell me.”

  She would if she could breathe, she thought, tilting her hips to give him more access.

  He pulled out, and she nearly whimpered. But before she could complain, he placed three fingers on the very center of her and moved in a slow circle.

  “Clitoris.”

  She would have said something, only she couldn’t speak. Nothing they’d done had prepared her for the waves of heat and need rushing through her.

  She was helpless, she thought, sinking into the sensation of him circling and circling, the pace not changing, yet the tension inside her building.

  She wanted to whimper. She wanted to beg. Every part of her only cared about that small core. About what he was doing to her body.

  Her breathing increased as he touched her over and over. He moved a little faster. She strained toward something she couldn’t see, couldn’t touch, couldn’t—

  She exploded, flew apart into a zillion pieces, into the very essence of what she had always been. She might have gasped or screamed or been totally silent. She had no way of knowing. She could only be lost in the powerful waves of pleasure reducing her to base metal before allowing her to reassemble into a metamorphosed version of herself.

  When she could think again, when she could breathe and speak, she opened her eyes and found Kipling watching her. One corner of his mouth turned up.

  “That would be an orgasm.”

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  THE HOUSE WAS PRETTY. Two stories with a partially finished basement. Four bedrooms upstairs, lots of windows to let in light and a big backyard. Destiny knew she should be checking out storage space and the size of the kitchen. Did the layout work for her, and would the place need paint? There were considerations when one purchased a home for the first time. But honest to God, she simply couldn’t think straight. Not with her body still quivering and tingling with aftershocks.

  Someone should have been a lot clearer about the whole sex thing.

  Kipling walked back into the kitchen and smiled at her. “The yard is nice. Big enough for a swing set and a dog to run around. There’s a big tree with good-size branches. What do you think about a tree house?”

  He had such a nice mouth, she thought, watching him as he talked. And the way he moved. Every now and then there was the slightest hesitation. From his accident. He had scars, too. On his legs and hips. One circled halfway around to his back.

  She knew that now. She knew other things, too. Like the scent of his skin and how his gaze sharpened when he entered her. She knew that he liked it when she made noise when she came. She knew the sound of his voice as he urged her on.

  He walked over and pulled her against him. “Tired?” he asked.

  “A little.”

  Neither of them had slept. They’d spent the night making love. After her first climax, she’d been stunned. Blown away. Pick your description, she thought, still amazed by what had happened. Then he’d slipped inside her, and she’d climaxed again.

  They’d gone to dinner, then returned to their room to make love over and over again. She hurt everywhere, but the ache was worth it. Every step reminded her of what they’d done. Of how he had pleased her.

  He stroked her hair then lowered his mouth to hers. She leaned into him, parting her lips immediately. As his tongue tangled with hers, she was already unbuttoning the front of her shirt. When it was open, she unhooked her bra then grabbed his hands and put them on her breasts.

  His kiss turned greedy, then he pulled away. “Hold that thought. I want to check the front door.”

  Because they were alone in the empty house. The local real-estate agent had simply handed them keys to the handful of houses that were vacant and for sale. Apparently, word that they were looking for something they could close on quickly had spread.

  Kipling hurried out of the kitchen. Destiny put the time to good use. She unfastened her jeans and toed out of her shoes. By the time he returned, she was naked.

  Kipling took one look at her then shook his head. “You’re going to kill us both.”

  She grinned. “I doubt that.”

  He crossed to her and grabbed her by the waist, then settled her on the built-in desk. She reached for the fly of his jeans and freed him.

  He was already hard. She parted her thighs, and he pushed home. She wrapped her legs around his hips and drew him in deep.

  It only took them a thrust or two to find the right rhythm. Even as he returned his mouth to hers, he was also cupping her breasts. She ran her hands over his chest and back, then shifted closer, pulling him in deeper.

  He filled her completely. Nerve endings were already screaming for the hot friction. At minute one, she was breathing hard. At minute two, she was nearing her climax. At minute three she opened her eyes to find him watching her.

  In and out. He moved hard and fast, pushing her closer and closer.

  “Yes,” he breathed, his gaze locked with hers.

  He could see her getting closer. They’d both figured that out last night. As she strained toward her release, he went deeper. It was just enough.

  She felt the first telltale internal shudders. Her orgasm swept over her, claiming her. She shook and groaned, all the while looking into his eyes. Letting him see it all.

  He didn’t break rhythm, not even once. She felt him shaking as he held back until she was done. When she’d quieted, he squeezed her butt and pushed in one more time. She watched his face tighten as he climaxed inside her.

  They stayed like that—connected and united—until their breathing slowed. They kissed each other slowly, lazily, letting their bodies return to a more resting state. He withdrew and then helped her dress.

  After fastening her bra, he reached around and cupped her breasts. Wanting shot through her. She could never get enough of him, she thought, not sure if that was good news or bad news. Something about his body and her body created an irresistible dynamic.

  She pulled on her T-shirt then faced him.

  “I am turning into my parents,” she murmured, stepping into his embrace.

  “I’ve yet to see you throw a plate, so I don’t think so.”

  She laughed. “I’m sure the plate throwing will be next. But the sex thing. I had no idea.”

  He touched her chin. “It’s not usually like this,” he admitted. “Usually it’s less intense. And less frequent. Even at first.” He smiled. “This is unexpected for me, too.”

  For a second she wondered if it was more than that. If her reaction to him were as much about her brain as her body. Because when she thought about all the things good in a man, Kipling checked every box. But he also scared her. He was a really good guy, and he made her blood race. Kind of an irresistible combination. Which was exactly what she’d been trying to avoid.

  He put his arm around her then turned her so she was facing the kitchen. “Want to talk about the space?” he asked.

  She laughed. “I like the built-in desk.”

  “It’s convenient.” He kissed the top of her head. “Okay, we’re going to be adults about this. We’re house hunting. Does this one work for us?” He motioned to the open area just beyond the island. “There’s room for a table and chairs there. The playpen could go there.”

  Playpen? Kipling continued talking, but Destiny couldn’t listen anymore. She pressed her hand against her stomach and let the reality settle over her. She was pregnant. Yes, she’d known that before, but it hadn’t been real. It probably still wasn’t. But here she was, married, looking for a house with her new husband. Because they were having a baby together. Plus, she was responsible for her teenage sister.

  It was a lot for anyone to take on. She could have staggered under the weight of all of it, only she wouldn’t because she wasn’t alone. She had Kipling at her side.

  * * *

  DESTINY HESITATED BEFORE walking into Jo’s. While she usually look
ed forward to her standing weekly lunch date with her friends, today she was more than a little apprehensive. She had a feeling that announcing her recent and very unexpected marriage was going to shift the focus of the conversation.

  Still, there was no avoiding what had happened. She’d gotten pregnant, and now she was married. Not exactly her master plan, but she was dealing. Being responsible and adult, if one ignored hot sex in an empty house. Fortunately, she was as good at ignoring the obvious as the next person.

  She drew in a deep breath then pushed open the door and smiled when she saw several of her friends sitting at a table.

  Shelby and Dellina waved her over. Madeline turned and grinned then pointed to the empty chair next to her. Cassidy was there, as well. A couple of empty chairs remained, indicating they were expecting a big crowd.

  “I’m trying to convince everyone to come with me Friday night to see the new Jonny Blaze movie,” Madeline admitted as Destiny took her seat. “Say you’ll come. It’s going to be great.”

  Shelby wrinkled her nose. “Violent movies aren’t my thing.”

  “This isn’t real violence,” Madeline told her. “It’s cartoony. Death is very tidy, and then we move on.”

  “You’re weird,” Cassidy said cheerfully. “I like that about you.”

  Madeline beamed. “Thank you. How are you enjoying Fool’s Gold?”

  “It’s great. Everyone is friendly.” Cassidy wrinkled her nose. “Maybe too friendly.” She turned to Destiny. “I’ve had to tell your friend Miles to back off a couple of times. Hello, married, and so not interested in anyone but my hunky husband.”

  “I’m sorry,” Destiny murmured and glanced at Shelby. The other woman had gone pale.

  Now Shelby stood. “I’ll be back in a bit. Order without me.”

  Destiny followed her to the doorway. “Is it Miles?”

  “Yes. I need to talk to him about a broken promise.”

  Destiny kind of didn’t want to know what that was about. “Should I come with you?”

  “No. I can yell at him all on my own.”

  Larissa and a very pregnant Taryn walked in and joined them. Destiny hesitated, but Shelby turned and waved for her to go back to the table. Destiny walked with Taryn, eyeing her, wondering if she would look as uncomfortable when she was that far along.

  From the back, Taryn looked sleek and slim, but from the side and front, she was huge. Just her stomach—not her face or shoulders or legs. Other women Destiny had known had gotten heavier all over. It was a more balanced look, but would require more weight loss later.

  She supposed her doctor would tell her what was the healthy amount to gain. Speaking of which, she needed to find a gynecologist and schedule a visit.

  Cassidy pulled out a chair for Taryn. “How are you feeling?”

  “Huge. It’s awful. Biology sucks.”

  Cassidy patted her arm. “That’s my brave little toaster. Always keeping your feelings to yourself so you don’t upset those around you.”

  “Bite me.”

  Cassidy laughed.

  Jo came by and took drink orders.

  “You taunt me, and it’s mean,” Taryn said, glaring at the specials board on the wall. The first one was a berry margarita. “I swear when this kid is born, I’m going to get drunk for three days.”

  “You’re not,” Cassidy said cheerfully. “You’re going to be breastfeeding.”

  Taryn glared at her. “Don’t start with me. You think you’re all skinny and tough, but I could take you.”

  Cassidy’s amusement grew. “Like I’d take on a pregnant woman.”

  Taryn sighed. “Fine. Four months after this kid is born, I’m getting really, really drunk. Until then, make me that stupid herbal iced tea drink. It’s not completely gross.”

  Jo glanced at her. “Love the endorsement. I’ve been thinking of doing some TV advertising. I should have you as my spokesperson.”

  “Very funny,” Taryn grumbled. “And I’m sorry. I’m huge. I can’t sleep. My feet are swollen, and none of my good shoes fit. Kill me now.”

  Everyone laughed, then continued with their drink orders. Destiny glanced at Taryn then back at Jo. “She made the herbal iced tea sound so good, I’ll try one.”

  “You’ll love it,” Jo assured her then turned back to Taryn. “I have a new salad. Fresh, organic and locally sourced. High protein with some quinoa.”

  Taryn made a gagging sound. Jo chuckled and walked away.

  “It’s her way of expressing love,” Madeline said. “Jo takes care of people, and we love her for it.”

  “I know,” Taryn said with a sigh.

  “The salad sounds delicious,” Larissa admitted. “I think I’ll get it.”

  “You would,” Taryn grumbled.

  “I agree with her,” Cassidy added.

  Destiny had a feeling she was saying that to bug Taryn. The two women seemed to have made good friends fairly quickly. Not a likely friendship, but one that seemed solid.

  Conversation swirled around her. Talk about upcoming festivals, the great weather, the crazy things tourists had done. The usual stuff. Jo returned with the drinks, took their lunch orders then left. Destiny knew she was running out of time.

  Not sure what to say, exactly, she put her left hand on the table. Light glinted from her gold wedding band. She stared at the ring, searching for the right words. In the end she figured she would just blurt it out. Simply say—

  “OMG, is that real?” Madeline asked. “Destiny Mills, are you wearing a wedding ring?”

  The table went silent as everyone turned to look at her. Or, more precisely, her hand.

  She felt herself flush. “I, ah...”

  Taryn poked at the ring. “It feels real to me.”

  Destiny cleared her throat. “Kipling and I got married a couple of days ago. I know it’s quick, but there are reasons. One reason. I’m pregnant.”

  Everyone stared at her. Eyes widened, a couple of mouths dropped open.

  “That was fast,” Taryn said, then winced. “Sorry. I meant that to sound less judgmental.”

  “Good for you,” Cassidy said. “Kipling’s a great guy. When did this happen? And where?”

  “Yes, we need details,” Larissa added.

  “Congratulations.” Madeline gave her a hug. “He’s dreamy, and you two are so cute together. And a baby! That’s wonderful. Does Starr know? Is she thrilled?”

  “She says she is,” Destiny told them. “She keeps going on and on about being part of a real family. Plus, she’s super excited about having a baby niece or nephew.”

  “I get that,” Larissa said. “If it were just me in my family, I would have run away. My parents are fantastic, but intense.” She smiled at Destiny. “You’re lucky to have found each other so quickly. I was in love with Jack for ages and never figured it out. My mother had to tell me. Talk about humiliating.”

  “Jeff and I knew from day one,” Cassidy said with a wink. “He said hi and I said hi, then we were staring into each other’s eyes. By the end of the first week, I’d moved in with him, and when we hit the six-month mark, we were married.” She sighed. “I do love a good love story.”

  Taryn sniffed. “Me, too. Damn hormones are turning me into a girl.”

  Madeline leaned toward her. “Taryn, honey, you are a girl. You knew that, didn’t you? Because if you didn’t, someone needs to have a little talk with Angel.”

  “Very funny.”

  Jo arrived with their lunches. “Congratulations,” she said. “I heard the happy news. That man moves fast. Opens a bar in town after only being here a couple of months and takes half my business. A few weeks later, he’s married with a kid on the way. Talk about being born under a lucky star.” The other woman shook her head. “Sorry. That came out wrong. I really am happy for you. Lunch is on me.”

  Destiny looked at her. “Thanks.”

  Jo left. Madeline touched Destiny’s arm. “Don’t worry about Jo. She’s fine.”

  Destiny nodded,
thinking Jo seemed more upset about The Man Cave than enthused about the wedding. Taryn tasted the healthy salad and declared it edible. Cassidy pressed for details about the wedding, and conversation moved on to other topics. Destiny relaxed as she realized she’d had no reason to worry at all. Friends didn’t judge. They were accepting and supportive.

  She might be pregnant and dealing with a lot of changes, but she wasn’t alone. She had Kipling, Starr and these women to help her. After all the years of mostly being on her own, she had to admit it felt good to be connected.

  * * *

  SATURDAY KIPLING PULLED into the driveway of Destiny’s rental. They’d agreed he would move in with her until they closed on the house they’d bought. His place wasn’t any bigger, and Starr was already settled here. It didn’t make sense to move her twice.

  The process of comingling their belongings would take a few days. He was bringing over a few things today and would officially move in with his furniture next weekend.

  He carried boxes into the house. “Starr, it’s me,” he called.

  The teen didn’t respond.

  He’d phoned her earlier to let her know he would be dropping by. Destiny was out running errands, but Starr had said she would be home all afternoon. He walked down the hall and found her bedroom door open and the room empty. Maybe she’d gone out and left him a note, he thought, retracing his steps then heading to the kitchen.

  He glanced at the kitchen table and didn’t see anything. Before he could figure out what to do next, movement caught his attention. He looked out the big window over the sink and saw Starr and a boy sitting on the bench seat on the patio.

  The kid was familiar, Kipling thought. Gideon’s son. Carter.

  The two teens were talking intently. They looked cute, he thought indulgently as he walked toward the back door to let them know he was here. His hand settled on the doorknob. Carter and Starr leaned toward each other. He opened the door as they kissed.

  Kissed?

  Kipling was outside in a heartbeat. “What the hell are you two doing?” he demanded.

  The teens jumped apart. Carter sprang to his feet and stood between Kipling and Starr. A protective posture that would have been admirable if Kipling weren’t so pissed off. They were fifteen. That was too young for kissing, wasn’t it? Sure, kids these days did stuff, but not on his watch.