I Carry Your Heart (Heart Series Book 1)

by C. M. King

  Soft music filtered through the room and a smile touched my lips, walking into the kitchen, just feeling his presence.

  Mike and Joel munched loudly on their toast. They were both equally engrossed in reading their sports pages, too busy to notice me enter. My Mother softly hummed along to the radio, busying herself with making the breakfast.

  I grabbed a couple of slices from the stack, concentrating on spreading the butter and jam. My mind happily wandered to other delicious places, re-enacting the night before. I smiled with complete gratitude, when my Mother placed the coffee down in front of me.

  Ahh, sweet nectar.

  It was more than a welcoming sight. A huge caffeine fix was in order to get me through the day. Not that I was complaining about last night’s activities.

  That was more than worth it.

  I nibbled lightly on the toast, as another smile threatened to break out. Just remembering how good those lips felt against mine. The looks he had given me, the intensity throughout. I could feel my body instantly reacting to my thoughts, the heat beginning to build inside. Then fear crept in like a cold, cruel tidal wave, crashing over me as doubt quickly spread through me. Did he still feel the same?

  Had Joel changed his mind within the last six hours?

  I discretely glanced to my side, to look at him. To dispel the insecurities multiplying rapidly inside, only to find him staring right back.

  Joel smiled and I blushed, overwhelmed as my eyes focused on those lips. The lips that had undone me within seconds just hours earlier.

  I dropped my gaze down to the table, hoping Mike wasn’t witness to it, observing the intensity shining in my eyes.

  Joel slowly manoeuvred his hand down and held it out to the side, signalling for my hand to join his.

  My breath hitched, when his warm hand brushed against mine. Enjoying the sensation of our fingers as they interlocked together.

  He gave me a reassuring squeeze and stroked me slowly with his thumb, sending shivers throughout my body. I closed my eyes, concentrating on the tiny electrical pulses radiating through me.

  It was pure heaven.

  The feel of his soft, warm skin against mine, our bodies connecting. I knew in this moment, I never wanted to let go.

  * * *

  The door creaked, drawing my attention away from packing my bag. I barely had the chance to turn around, before I was instantly encircled by a strong pair of arms and pulled back into a hard chest. “Did you have sweet dreams about me last night gorgeous?” he whispered in my ear.

  My body shivered at his warm breath, tickling softly against my skin. I smiled at his words, as my body melted into his.

  He was just too cute.

  “Of course, though it’s not my first time,” I said, turning around slowly. Enjoying the surprised look on his gorgeous face. My hands naturally headed upwards to entwine in his thick, silky, smooth hair.

  A huge grin spread across his face and he quirked up a brow in intrigue. “You’ve dreamt about me before? What was I doing?” His head dropped down and I gasped lightly, when his lips began placing feather light kisses down my neck.

  I sagged slightly, overwhelmed by his touch. “Oh the usual, kissing, touching, tasting, the list is endless.”

  My voice became more breathless, when his mouth reached that sensitive spot below my ear. I felt a twitch in his pants, his body reacting to my words. I knew we had to stop, before I threw him down hard and leapt on top of him.

  Joel groaned loudly when I pushed away, his arms desperately trying to hold on as I giggled at his expression.

  I slowly slid my hands up his warm, firm chest and our eyes locked in a soft, loving gaze. I smiled as he leaned in to kiss me, but his face dropped when I stepped backwards, out of his hold. I could see confusion there in his eyes, and a mixture of sadness and rejection filled him.

  I smiled at him reassuringly and grabbed his hand, placing a gentle kiss into his palm. His shy sweet smile had me melting, as my hand held his. “We’re going to be late,” I eventually said laughing, pulling him towards my bedroom door.

  “And your point is?” he asked pouting, looking thoroughly disgruntled. I giggled before shoving him out the last few steps.

  He bobbed his head back in, giving me a soft, sweet, heart-stopping kiss. Leaving me completely breathless as he disappeared out the door. I had a pretty good feeling I’d be repeating that moment over and over in my head, for the rest of the day.

  * * *

  Over the next week we snatched short periods of time together. Each moment only fuelled my desires even more. My body constantly ached to be near him, but life got in the way. I had college and Joel had his job. We kept up the pretence act of barely being civil during mealtimes, exchanging harsh words across the dinner table. Mike remained oblivious, almost revelling in our pretend arguments. Though all throughout our performance I saw a look of insecurity Joel held in his eyes. Especially each time I used his man whore past as a weapon against him. Despite my constant reassurances afterwards, I was still haunted by his sad look. That look almost broke me.

  I was almost at melting point at our lack of alone time together, I knew I needed to take matters into my own hands. So I feigned illness one afternoon, knowing Joel would be at home, relaxing on his day off. I hated lying to Elijah, but the need to spend time with Joel was far greater.

  Clicking the front door quietly behind me, I crept along the hallway. Peeping around the corner, to find Joel lying flat out across the sofa. His large, muscular arms were crossed behind his head. His muscles extended to the maximum, as my eyes fell down onto his tattoo sleeve. His t-shirt had risen up, giving a flash of his perfectly toned washboard stomach.

  Wow, he really was perfect.

  My tongue swiped over my lips, as my eyes devoured every inch of his glorious body.

  I could stare at him all day.

  But we only had four hours and I didn’t want to waste a single second.

  I stood listening for a few moments, straining to hear if he was actually asleep. The background noise from the television was too distracting. The anticipation bubbling away inside was too strong to wait a moment longer.

  I needed my hands on him now.

  “Hey lazybones,” I chirped, bending down to kiss his warm, stubbly cheek.

  His eyes sprang open and I shrieked, as his hands shot out grabbing me. He pulled me down onto the sofa to lie beside him, so our faces were barely inches apart.

  I sighed, staring at his perfect face. He really was too attractive for his own good. I wanted to run my tongue along his chiselled jaw, and place soft, gentle kisses along those amazing cheekbones. Finishing off kissing those perfect plump juicy lips.

  My eyes dropped down, as his tongue flicked over his bottom lip.

  Enticing me, teasing me.

  I wanted those lips on me now.

  A soft chuckle knocked me out of my fantasy as I looked up to meet his eyes.

  “What?” he asked, scrunching up his eyebrows, puzzled by my expression. I mindlessly stared, drinking him all in. He was beyond perfection and I couldn’t believe he was all mine.

  “You really are beautiful Joel.” I smiled, as my fingertips gently stroked the fine features of his face.

  He scowled slightly. “Do you mean handsome? Beautiful is so girly.”

  I smiled at his look of annoyance, but beautiful was the only word I would choose to describe him. “You really should be a model, you have such great cheekbones.” I threw my head back laughing, when he mockingly sucked in his cheeks. Only succeeding in defining them even more. He leapt up from the sofa and started to perform modelling poses.

  I instantly sat up, grabbing my phone and snapped away. Laughing and lusting over the man theatrically performing in front of me.

  I lost it when he dragged his shirt over his head, tossing it down beside me. My eyes greedily took in every inch of his fabulous torso. His abs were even more defined.

  Was that even possible?

 
Then there were his tattoos that were just amazing. The designs made his body look like a real work of art. He turned to perform the over the shoulder pose, and my eyes dropped down to that gorgeous, tight bottom of his.

  It was perfect.

  They lingered longer than was acceptable, and he caught me in the act.

  “Have I just caught you perving at my bottom?” he asked, raising his eyebrows teasingly. A sexy grin spread across his face and my cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

  I slid down the sofa, burying my face deep in the cushion. In a desperate attempt to avoid those cheeky amused filled eyes. It was pointless though, his strong, firm hands soon pull me round to face him.

  He climbed on top, straddling me and pinning my arms above my head, lightly brushing his nose against mine. God it felt sexy, I was almost panting.

  “You like to look at me?” he whispered looking uncertain. I bit my lip, trying to conceal my amusement.

  Did he really need to ask?

  “Yeah, my boyfriend is jaw dropping sexy.”

  His hot breath tickled my face, quickly letting out a sigh. “I love hearing you call me your boyfriend.” He blushed slightly and pushed himself off me, pulling me round to lie beside him. “I’ve never had that before, never wanted it…until you. I still can’t believe this is real. I keep thinking I’m going to wake up any moment now and I’ll be alone again.” He closed his eyes, like the thought alone was far too painful.

  My fingers softly brushed his hair away from his face. I gently kissed his forehead, but his eyes remained closed. I knew his insecurities were spiralling out of control and he needed reassurance this was real.

  “Joel, you have me forever, I’m yours, no one else’s. I’ve loved you for six years and I’ll continue to do so for the rest of my life. You’ll never be alone again, you’ve always had my heart and I’ll keep telling you this until you finally believe me.” I placed another kiss on his cheek and lay back down, giving him time to fully absorb my words. I needed for him to know exactly how deep my love ran.

  He slowly opened his eyes, looking bewildered. “Really?” he asked uncertain, his eyes searching mine for confirmation.

  I brushed my lips slowly against his, for him to feel the connection. His breath hitched and his lips parted slightly, drawing me deeper into the kiss. The sensation of our tongues entwining was hypnotic. I closed my eyes and his fingers gently traced my cheek, both losing ourselves in the kiss.

  Pulling my lips away, I rested my forehead against his, unwilling to break the connection just yet. “It will only ever be you Joel,” I whispered, hoping my words offered him the comfort he so badly needed.

  He let out a huge sigh. “Iz, you’ll never know how much that means to me. I will spend the rest of my life trying to be the man you truly deserve.” His eyes were sincere but I hated how he tortured himself. Why did he have to prove he was worthy to be with me?

  “Joel.” I cupped his face. “Stop tormenting yourself thinking such things, you’re everything I’ve ever wanted. Let’s just look forward to the future together, our future.”

  He smiled softly but his eyes held a look of conflict. “What about your Mum and Mike? They aren’t exactly going to be ecstatic about us being together. They know my past, all the women I’ve been with. I’ve hardly lived a life that screams I’m good boyfriend material.”

  A surge of anger swept through me. I grabbed his hair, locking my eyes with his. “Joel, I don’t care what they think, all I want is you and if they don’t like it then let them try and stop us being together.” I kissed him once again but this time it was different. It was more forceful, like a sense of urgency took over and I needed to convey just how much I needed him.

  He pulled away panting, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “God I love your feisty side Iz.” He chuckled and his eyes began to soften. I was happy my persuasive ways had managed to placate him.

  “Nothing will ever keep us apart Joel, you are mine forever.”

  He smiled shyly and I knew I’d finally got through to him.

  “Well now, that’s enough talking for today, I thought we could maybe do other things for a while. It’s not like we get these golden opportunities often, unless you want to keep talking?” I raised my eyebrows questioningly, enjoying teasing him.

  I already knew the answer.

  A huge grin broke out on his face and his eyes twinkled with excitement. “No, I’m all done with the talking. I’ve got a gorgeous girlfriend to please. Now where do you want me to tend to first?” He grinned as I tilted my neck, to emphasis the spot. “Ahh my girl wants me to kiss her neck, well what my girl wants she gets.”

  My girl.

  Oh freaking my.

  My heart melted at his words. I’d waited so long to be ‘his girl’ it was still unreal to me, something I never thought possible.

  His soft lips brushed up against my hot spot and a soft moan escaped my lips. “You like that baby?” he whispered.

  Oh god yes.

  I smiled, groaning my approval.

  His hand skimmed over my t-shirt, working its way down to stroke the exposed skin on my lower back. He knew the desired effect it had on me. I groaned deeper with his touch and felt his grin against my neck, clearly delighted at my response.

  His lips carried on their sweet torture, finally making their way back to mine. They were hungry for him, needing him so badly. I bit down on his lower lip and he gasped in delight, surprised by my actions.

  I smiled using it as the perfect opportunity, to slip my tongue inside. He moaned softly with pleasure, inviting me deeper into his mouth. With every caress of his tongue, I was beginning to come undone. My fingers grasped his hair, holding him in place, desperate for his mouth never to leave mine. I wanted him so bad. He was my every waking desire, my fantasy and my body burned only for him.

  He moved away, much to my displeasure. My eyes anxiously scanned his face for some indication to why. He was breathing heavy, struggling to pull air back into his body. His pupils were dilated and his eyes burned darker. I saw the unmistakable look of lust was evident when his eyes locked with mine.

  He was definitely turned on.

  Plus it was pretty hard to ignore the large erection digging into my hip.

  We lay panting, as I stroked his hair, staring deep into his eyes. He was struggling to keep some level of control, pulling away while he still could. I knew he wanted more but I was not ready to go that far, well not yet.

  He smiled drawing me in tight against him, snuggling up together. I nuzzled my face deep into his neck, placing tender kisses against his skin. He had never experienced anything like this before. The concept of snuggling was foreign to him, which made it even more special. His arms encircled me tighter, our hearts beating together and we slowly drifted off into a contented, blissful sleep.

  * * *

  “Shit Iz, Mike and your Mum will be home soon.”

  My eyes sprang open and I jolted at the sudden noise. For a few moments I was lost, wondering where I actually was. Then groaned at the thought of leaving his warm body.

  “Just five more minutes,” I said, kissing his neck, nuzzling into him more.

  “Baby, they’ll be here by then.” He laughed, lifting us both up into a seating position. He picked me up, carrying me upstairs to my room.

  When he attempted to put me down on the bed, I clung on tight. I didn’t want to let go just yet. He chuckled lying down on top of me, softly kissing my lips. His nose gently stroked against mine, as he patiently waited for me to open my eyes.

  “Izzy, you have to let me go.” His voice was laced with amusement.

  I knew he was secretly enjoying it.

  “Never,” I yelled, beginning to laugh. He kissed me again, but this time he pushed himself up, breaking out of my hold and I pouted my disapproval.

  “Iz, we can’t let them catch us like this, when we finally tell them it’s got to be right, and I really need to calm down before Mike gets home. If he sees me with
a hard on he’ll think I’ve been watching porn.”

  Ugh porn.

  I instantly frowned, hating the fact he watched naked women having sex and doing god knows what else.

  He grabbed both my hands and dragged me up from the bed, guiding me into his chest. He wrapped those strong arms around me, softly stroking my hair. “You don’t have to be jealous, I haven’t watched porn in ages. I don’t look at any other women now I’m with you.”

  Yeah right.

  I pulled away from him, giving him a look of disbelief.

  “It’s true, you’re all I think about. You are in my head every second of every day, you’re always here with me.” He placed my hand over his heart and I felt the precious beat beneath my fingers. I looked up into a pair of warm eyes, so sincere in making me believe every word.

  I cupped his face. “You’re always with me too Joel, the thought of ever losing you...” My eyes filled with tears. It was my greatest fear, that it could all be snatched away and I’d be left broken, shattered into a million pieces.

  “Hey,” he soothed. He pulled me in closer and rubbed my back gently. “You have me, I’m yours forever.” He pressed his lips against my forehead, to console the fear pulsating through my body.

  “I hope so,” I whispered, drawing myself tighter into his chest. I nuzzled my face into his soft, warm skin, desperately needing his words to be true.

  * * *

  “Hey, have you got a guy in this room?” Joel asked, marching through the door. He pretended to look annoyed and pulled open my wardrobe doors, pushing his head deep inside, to check for any signs of unwanted guests.

  I chuckled at his remark. He’d obviously overheard the conversation with my Mother. Who had unceremoniously barged through my door without her customary knock, only moments before. Her mocking reply was still ringing in my head, when I mentioned the fact I could have had a guy in my room. Joel’s jokey tone helped to soothe my anger, at her teasingly cruel words.

  “Yeah he’s just sneaked out the window, he’ll be back later though.” I grinned, giving him a cheeky wink.