by Kacey Shea
“You already have dinner?” he asks, and nods down the hall to the kitchen where laughter and chatter amplify from the room.
“Not hungry.” It’s almost seven and I ate hours ago. I don’t want to be rude, though. “You must be starving. We can join them if you want.”
I’m certain by the lift of his brow I do a poor job hiding my reluctance. “I could eat.” His gaze never leaves mine. “Unless you had something else in mind?” He’s leaving it open. Giving me an out. Classic Sean. But I’m not the same woman I was when he left. I’ve changed. I know what I want.
Him.
Taking his hand in mine, I turn and lead him up the stairs and straight toward his bedroom. I’ve never been one to take control or set the pace in a relationship, but I’m empowered to do just that with Sean.
Inside his room, I shut and lock the door behind us. He hasn’t said a word, his eyes following my every move like a hawk. I walk to the side of his bed and connect my phone to the portable dock. My playlist serenades us through the speaker and he lifts his brow.
“Sorry, it’s not 3UG.” I grin and walk over to the candles I arranged on his dresser, taking my time lighting each one. My fingers tremble, but not with nerves as much as anticipation.
“I hear they’re overplayed,” he says, still not moving from where I left him at the door.
“They’re not bad.” I turn and slide the straps of my top off each shoulder before going to the buttons. “I have a little thing for the bass player.”
“Yeah?” His grin kicks up.
“Yeah.” I drop my top to the floor and shimmy my shorts off my hips, standing before him in only my black bra and thong. “Maybe he would join me? In bed?”
“He’d love that.” Sean doesn’t waste a second, my invitation all he needs to close the space between us and pull me into his arms. He walks backwards to the bed, his lips never leaving mine until he sits on the mattress. “You’re ready?” he says, and it feels as if he’s asking for more than my consent.
Either way, the answer’s the same. “I’m ready,” I say, my fingers finding the bottom of his T-shirt to lift it over his head. Next, I unfasten his jeans. He helps tug them off his hips and when we’re both down to only our underwear, I straddle his lap and pull his lips back to mine.
Lust surges throughout my body as I rock my hips over his erection. I find my rhythm in the music and hold on to his shoulders for support. Our breaths mingle. Between kisses and touches and whispered admiration, we seek out and learn the other’s pleasure. It’s teasing and temptation all in one, and when I cannot take it anymore, I push him back onto the mattress and climb over to reach for a condom.
He shucks his underwear and I do the same. When our bodies join together again, it’s almost enough to make me come.
“Jess,” Sean whispers as his hands trace my breasts and cup them in his hands. His mouth goes to each one, his tongue and fingers working each nipple into a hard point. My body aches for more. After only the memory for months, I can’t get enough of his touch.
I rock up and down, back and forth, grinding my clit against his body with each twist of my hips. The way we fit is a delicious concoction, a dose of desire, and I drink it all in.
Moans. Touch. The smell of my own arousal from where our bodies meet. It pushes me closer and closer to the edge. A ridge I want to ride as long as I can without crashing over, because as much as I want the release, I also don’t want this to end.
“I want you,” I pant and Sean’s lips press against mine.
His thumb goes to my clit and he takes over, that one finger rubbing back and forth over my bundle of nerves while his other hand guides my hip. “I’ve got you,” he says, and that’s all it takes.
My desire explodes and crashes, the tingle of it working through my limbs to the tip of my toes as I call out his name.
“I’ve got you, Jess. I’ve got you,” he chants into the shell of my ear as he thrusts up with his own release. His hands wrap around me and pull my body down to his so our lips meet.
My heart hammers in my chest with a beat I swear races to match his.
“God, I missed you,” he says, and again it’s full of the same desperate need. As if we haven’t come close to quenching the thirst that’s been building from three long months apart.
My lips pull into a satisfied smile and I lift my chin to rest on his chest so I can meet his stare. His gaze is like a shot of adrenaline straight to my heart, and I never want him to stop looking at me this way.
“I swore I wasn’t going to jump you the second I walked in the door.” His lips pull with a wicked smile. “Thank you for doing it for me.”
A giggle escapes my lips and I look down, letting my hair fall forward to block the blush that surely marks my cheeks. Why I’m embarrassed I don’t know, other than I’ve never been so bold in the bedroom.
“Hey,” he says until I meet his gaze. “Thank you for making this special.”
“You’re welcome. I’m glad you’re here.”
“I wish it were longer.” He groans and rolls me to my side so he can bury his head into the crook of my neck. “We’ll have to make the best use of our time.”
“Good plan.” I sigh as his lips trace the sensitive skin there with a gentleness that scatters goosebumps across my flesh.
“Do you have to work?” He pulls back and props his head on one hand while his other splays across my hip.
“Nope.” I pop the word and his smile grows. “I took all four days off. I hope that’s okay.”
“Perfect.” He presses one kiss to my forehead. “Because I have a surprise planned.”
“What?” I draw out the word and laugh.
“I’ll tell you tomorrow. It’s just a little something to celebrate your accomplishments.”
I blow out a breath and shake my head. “You didn’t have to do anything. It’s just a GED.”
“It’s not just anything. I’m fucking proud of you. I promise you’ll like it.”
“As long as it involves us spending time together, you’re probably right.”
“Of course.” He winks and his stomach rumbles between us loudly enough to make us both laugh. “Maybe we should find some food first?”
“You know Deb made enough to feed an army.” I laugh and pull off the bed, picking up my clothes on the way to the bathroom. I use the restroom to clean up and then he does the same.
He catches me in his arms before we’re fully dressed. “I don’t plan on sleeping much tonight.”
The desire from his words spreads heat all over my body and I tilt my chin. “Oh?”
“I can’t believe we’re here.”
“Your bedroom?” I shake my head, confused.
His eyes slam shut and he lets loose a chuckle. “I can’t believe we’re finally here. Together. That I don’t have to hide how I feel about you anymore. That you want me, too.”
“Sean?” I reach up and frame his jaw with my fingertips to meet his stare. “I’ve always wanted you. I wanted you before I could have you, but now . . . it’s so much more, don’t you think?”
He opens his mouth as if he’s about to say something, but before he does he presses his lips together and nods. “Yeah. That’s exactly right, Jess.” His stomach grumbles again and a sheepish grin pulls at his lips.
“When was the last time you ate?” I laugh, pulling out of his embrace to shrug on my shirt.
He reaches down to retrieve his shirt. “Lunch? Breakfast? Honestly, I don’t remember. I was so excited to fly home.”
A smile spreads across my lips and I nod. “Well, come on then. Let’s go get you fed.”
32
Sean
“Wake up, my love.” My lips trace her skin like a map, needing to know the exact trail to her heart but getting lost along the way to appreciate the view. After making love until we both succumbed to sleep, you’d think I’d have my fill, but I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of Jess. With the morning light peeking through the blinds to
guide my view, I start at her back and kiss my way down her ribs where my hands get in on the exploration too.
“Sean.” She pants and rolls onto her back so I have better access.
My face settles between the apex of her legs. “Wake up, Jess.” I love that she opens for me, her hands reaching for my scalp and pulling me close to her center. “We have lots to do today.” I move her panties to the side and lick between her folds.
“I’d be good if we stayed right here.” She groans and lifts her hips.
I grin and slide one finger inside her. In and out. In and around. She meets my stare as I work her up for what I have next. “You’ll like my surprises. Promise.” I lean back onto my knees to peel off her underwear and toss it over my shoulder.
She shakes her head and a frown pouts from those gorgeous lips. “Sean, I said nothing over the top.”
I raise my brow and pin her with a glare. “It’s a big deal, Jess.”
“It’s really not.” She doesn’t see how proud I am. After spending the entire summer working her butt off, my Jess is the proud owner of a high school equivalency degree. She’s embarrassed by how long it took her, but I’m not. I’m so damn impressed. I don’t give a flying fuck if it took her twenty-five years to get to this point. She’s the strongest woman I know. She’s overcome more than anyone should have to in their entire lifetime, and whatever she decides to do next, I’ll be at her side to support her every step. Starting with worshiping her body.
My lips kiss up the inside of her leg and around her center, just shy of where she wants me most.
“Sean!” She squeals with laughter when I hit the spot on her abdomen that’s most ticklish.
Crawling the rest of the way up her body so mine covers hers, I capture her lips and steal the laughter from her smile. I kiss her with everything I am. As if my sole mission in this life is to reassure her she’s the only one for me. It may not be my only priority, but she’s the person I can’t envision my life without. Not now. Not ever.
That’s how we make love. She gives and I give more. Our bodies come together, both striving for the other’s pleasure, and eventually it gives way to a climax that wrecks both my body and soul.
All sweaty limbs on tangled sheets, I roll to my side and pull her with me. Jess tucks her body alongside mine and we just fit. Perfectly. We might both be flawed but she’s my perfect, and I will always do right by her. The ghost of Coy lingers in the back of my mind and I try not to give him any power, even there. I will always treat her better than he did, but that’s a poor benchmark. I wish I could erase the hurt and damage he caused her soul, but I can’t. Instead, I’ll paint new memories, kind words, and bold experiences in her life until those are the only ones that matter. Is it easy? No. But it’s something I committed to when I decided this woman was it for me.
I kiss her forehead and then climb off the bed. “We need to go.”
“Why can’t we stay here, again?” she calls, and rolls to her stomach.
“Surprises.” I hold out my hand and wait for her to take it. Pulling her from the bed, I wrap my arms around her. “But first, let’s shower together.” I drag her along into the bathroom.
“You don’t have to make a thing out of this. I don’t need anything, Sean. Just you.”
And that’s one of the ten thousand things I love about her. She means it. She’s totally unselfish, and that only makes today more exciting. “Oh, wow, what is that!” I point at the counter and tilt my head, confusion riddled into my brow.
Good thing they don’t pay me to act because by the twist of Jess’s lips I’ve done a horrible job. “What is this?” she chides but there’s a smile on her lips when she takes up the envelope marked for her and opens its. Laughter tumbles from her lips. “You are the strangest boyfriend.”
I turn on the spray to the shower and look over my shoulder to meet her laughter. “What? I want to take you shopping!” I want to give her everything she’s ever desired. Anything she wants, clothing or otherwise.
“It’s weird.” She rolls her eyes and sets down the gift card before sticking her hand under the spray to test it out.
“Not weird.” I wink and take her hands in mine, dropping a chaste kiss on her lips. “I love to shower you with all the beauty you deserve.”
Her lips pull with her smirk and she tugs me under the heat of the spray. “Come on, weirdo. Let’s shower me with water and soap for now.”
“I have no argument for that.”
An hour later we enter the department store and I ask for a personal shopper. I can hardly contain my excitement.
“What can I help you find today, Mr. Willis?” A woman greets us with a warm smile.
I glance at Jess and squeeze her hand. “I’m whisking my girl, Jess, away for a little staycation and I want her to pick out whatever she wants.”
“What?” Jess’s gaze widens as the words set in.
“I booked us two nights on Catalina Island. Is that okay?”
“Okay?” She laughs and clears her throat. “I think I can deal with that.”
“So, what kind of clothes are you looking for? Beachwear? Evening gowns?” the salesperson asks Jess.
“I’m not sure what I want,” Jess says, and I can tell by the way she hasn’t let go of my hand, this makes her nervous. She’s not one for the center of attention or spending money that’s not hers. But being with me automatically requires she goes outside her comfort zone on both of those counts.
“Well, that’s my job. I’ll help you figure out what exactly you want and make it as painless as possible. Promise.” She winks at Jess. “Why don’t you both come with me?”
We follow her down two hallways to the private dressing room atrium. “Can I get either of you something to drink?”
“I’m fine.” Jess waves a hand.
“I’m good for now,” I say and try to hold in my grin.
“My name’s Candice, so if there’s anything at all you need, just ask. Now, since we’re shopping for Jess, I’ll have you sit over there while she and I take a little walk to get an idea of where to start.”
“I’m okay with that.” I plop into a comfortable leather lounge chair.
“Sure, smile now. You get the easy part.” Jess glares over her shoulder as Candice drags her back out toward the clothes. She thinks we’re here to pick up a few things for a weekend getaway. With her out of the room, I don’t even try to rein in my excitement for what I have planned.
Jess and Candice return moments later with several items to start with.
“Let me see them all!” I call to her when she disappears behind the dressing room door.
“Only if they look good,” she retorts, but I think she’s still too hard on herself. Nothing she wears could ever look bad.
“Just come out and show me anyway,” I plead and she answers with laughter.
Candice brings clothes quicker than Jess can try them on, and I swear I’m living the dream, kicked back in this chair while my gorgeous girlfriend models just for me; I might be biased because I really do love everything she puts on. Eventually, Candice and Jess put together a rack of must-buys and another of rejects.
“This is more than I’ll need for a weekend,” Jess complains, but she’s smiling.
“Try this next.” Candice hands over a sundress and light jacket, and once Jess disappears inside the changing room she winks at me. My cue.
A few moments later Jess exits the room and scrunches her face. “I don’t know. What do you think?”
“Let me see.” I furrow my brow and act much more interested than I am. Like everything else, she’s beautiful in it, but that answer won’t do right now. I rise from the chair and walk closer as she twists in front of the mirror and examines her reflection.
“I like the print, but it’s a little much, yeah?”
“What about the jacket?” I step to her side and meet her stare in the mirror. “That’s funny.” I point at the pocket.
She lifts the pocket flap
the rest of the way open and retrieves an envelope marked with her name. “Strange . . .” Her brow pulls with concern when it hits her. “Sean!” Her eyes widen and she turns to face me. “You’ve already done too much.”
“Just open it.”
Her lips mash together and she drops her gaze to slide out the card and note inside. The itinerary and ticket vouchers are there, too. I love that I get to watch every stage of her reaction. Surprise. Shock. Excitement.
“We’re going to Bali? You’re taking me to Bali!” Her mouth falls open and she shakes her head as if she can’t believe it.
“I’ve wanted to since the gala.” My smile is wide with her excitement. “The tickets are for next year, but you can use them anytime—for you and a guest. I hope you’ll take me.”
Her gaze darts between me, the note, and the rack laden with clothes as her brow pulls low with a frown. “Sean, this is too much.”
“It’s not.” It’s not enough. There are no material possessions on this Earth great enough to show her how thankful I am to have her in my life. I want to buy her all the things. I want to jet set around the world with her, one trip at a time. There’s no way I’d waste this time off without taking her someplace memorable . . . or without a beach. I wish we could do Bali now, but I only have a few days before I’m back on the road.
“Maybe you’d like to try these as well?” Candice appears with the bikinis and sundresses I requested when I called yesterday to set this up, and hangs them inside Jess’s changing room.
“Sure . . .” Jess eyes her with suspicion, but directs her scowl my way when she catches my ear-to-ear grin. “You . . .” Her lips flinch with the trace of a smile and she stuffs the envelope into my chest. I’m busted and I don’t even care.
“Me.” I grin and reach for the little white bikini. Taking it off the hook, I hold it out to Jess.
“You planned this entire day!” Her eyes widen and laughter bubbles from her lips. “Are we even going to Catalina? Or was that a ploy to get me to try on a thousand dresses?”
