He traces his fingers up my waist, continuing to my breasts. He teases me by massaging them ever so lightly but then continues up and over my shoulders down to my lower back. Goose bumps chase his fingers as I hope he will explore other parts of my body. He hooks his finger around my thong to pull it down. His eyes look me up and down, making me feel beautiful, not shy or embarrassed.
We can’t stop exploring each other with our eyes. Desire explodes in the air as our bodies collide. Our lips meld together, never separating as he lays me on my back. He climbs over me, giving me even more of a glimpse of his delectable body. I like to watch him explore my every curve with his hands and his eyes. His jaw clenches in passion.
He traces my skin with his lips. “You are so much more than I could have ever wished for. I want to devour you, but I also want to slowly enjoy every part of you.”
He starts moving down as he kisses one breast at a time and then meanders to my stomach. It’s bright enough that he can see my scar. It’s not as noticeable as it used to be, but he sees it. When he stops there, my instinct is to cover it. I try to put my hand there, but he stops me. He takes my hand in his and brushes his lips against the scar. It’s so touching that tears form in my eyes and something tugs at my heart.
“Don’t ever be embarrassed. It’s a part of you. You have endured so much. It’s a reminder of how strong you are. Don’t hide it from me…especially me.” His lips linger there, then proceed to move even farther down. Oh my gosh, I am going to lose my mind.
“Yes, James. Your lips are pure magic. Don’t stop.”
He does as I wish, but he takes his time, like I’m his favorite candy. Touching, licking, and sucking until I feel electricity pulse through every inch of my body all the way to my fingers and toes. I see stars shooting before my eyes. I have never felt a sensation so intense.
As I slowly catch my breath, his warm skin brushes against mine as he moves up my body. “James, that was—”
He puts his finger against my lips. “We’re not done yet,” he whispers.
He hovers over me as he brushes my hair away from my face. We stare deep into each other’s eyes, as if reading each other’s minds. I feel him against me. Without talking, we know what we both want. Our kisses become more passionate and urgent as we become one.
What is this feeling? I can’t put it into words because it’s indescribable. Our bodies fit perfectly together. We move slowly at first, but it quickly becomes more urgent. Our eyes stay locked the entire time. Our connection is now so much deeper. It’s spiritual. We are heading toward a new level I don’t think we can ever turn away from. Well, I know I won’t be able to.
This is the second moment in my life when I’m changed forever.
I can only respond to him with my body. He fills me so deliciously. I’m rendered speechless. We both go over the edge explosively. All our inhibitions and worries melt away. I see a prism of color behind my eyelids as tears well. My fantasies were nothing compared to what we just experienced. I finally understand what it means when people say they see fireworks.
Chapter 31
James
My body trembles, and my heart tries to jump out of my chest. That was completely insane, but in the best way imaginable. I have never experienced something so explosive physically or emotionally. She tasted so good and felt perfect around me. This connection between us is from another dimension. Every moment since she found me at the bar has led us to this. My attraction to her goes far beyond the physical.
Her breathing has finally slowed, as has mine. I slide to her side and put my arm around her. “Lisa, I can’t find the words to describe how I feel. This month has been life altering for both of us. Somehow our lives have collided and brought us to this point. This is where we are supposed to be. I was afraid of my attraction to you. I tried to resist it. But now I’ve let all my fears and guilt melt away. This is where I want and am meant to be.”
She responds by holding me tighter.
“Are you feeling okay? I hope you don’t regret this.”
She flips over, facing me with tear-filled eyes.
“Don’t cry.” I rub my thumb under her eye.
“My tears aren’t from sadness or regret. I don’t think I could regret this even if I tried.” She half laughs. “If you walk out that door right now and say you never want to see me again, I would still never regret this. What we just shared was the most beautiful and amazing experience I have ever had. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. You see all of me and know all my secrets and insecurities.”
She runs her fingers along my jawline. “You have changed my life for the better. You make me look forward to the future. I was living my life like a robot. I want to see where this goes. If you are ready and willing, James… I know it’s soon to say all these things to each other. But I feel like we have known each other for so long.”
“Let’s take it day by day. We need to get to know one another better. I want to learn every little detail about you.” I pull her closer, hiding my face in her hair. “My life’s a mess, and I need to find my way again. Are you willing to be patient with me? I have issues I need to work through.”
“I’m not going anywhere. If you want my help, I’m here.”
I pull away and lie on my back. “My career is at a standstill. I have no idea if I can ever be a doctor again…but I don’t know anything else. It was my life and passion. I can’t live off Alexa and my parents forever. You have your residency and very little time for anything else. We’ll figure out something.”
She leans her head on my chest. “I know. Now that I have you, I’m never going to let you go. No matter what happens,” she says while kissing my chest.
We lie wrapped around each other as if we can’t get close enough. The one thing I’m sure of is she is a shining light in my life. I never thought it would be possible for another woman to capture my heart. Well, Lisa has become that woman. She gives me hope. An emotion I thought I would never feel again.
My body sampled her just now, but I want more. A lot more. We won’t be getting a lot of sleep tonight, but I don’t think we’ll be complaining in the morning. She nips at my lips, telling me exactly what she wants and what I crave.
Chapter 32
Lisa
I flutter my heavy eyes open. The sun shines happily through the edges of the window shades. Was it all a dream last night? Did we really have sex, and more than once? Something heavy is around my waist. I look down, and relax. It wasn’t a dream, because he’s sleeping like a baby next to me. His arm hugs my waist tightly while he purrs like a cat again. I will never get sick of that sound.
I carefully sidle out of bed so he doesn’t wake up. I grab my thin powder-blue robe from the back of the desk chair. Our clothes pool on the floor by the bed. My stomach flips in delight, remembering his body against mine. It’s hard for me to move away from the bed because I can’t believe he’s here with me.
I leave the bedroom unwillingly and go into the bathroom. I look in the mirror and am surprised. James did not lie. He really does like my neck, because there are a couple of faint marks on one side. Well, this is a first for me. I can’t stop myself from giggling. Can I smile any bigger?
I wash my face, brush my teeth, and put my hair up into a messy bun. Maybe James will find this robe sexy. It reaches midthigh and reveals my legs. I leave nothing on underneath. Before I make coffee, I check to see if he is still asleep. He is, so I close the door. There is not much food for breakfast. Maybe I have enough ingredients to make pancakes again.
More clothes are scattered in the living room. I shake my head in delight as I tiptoe into the kitchen. Good, all the ingredients are here. If all goes well, I can make the pancakes and serve them to him in bed.
The pancakes are finished and still no sign of him. I’m thrilled he’s sleeping so well. When he awakens, will he act the same as he did last night? After we made love, he was so affectionate, holding me and showering me with kisses. I said
I will never regret being with him. I still don’t regret it this morning.
I stroll into the bedroom to find him lying awake, holding my pillow. His eyes light up as his smile spreads from ear-to-ear. I could look at his eyes all day.
“Is that smile for me or because I made you pancakes?”
“Both, I promise you.” He grins as he sits up.
“How did you sleep? I have no idea how long we slept. It’s now nine twenty-five.”
“I haven’t slept this well in months. I almost feel drunk. You wore me out last night.”
I lay the tray full of breakfast in the middle of the bed, just like a picnic. “Since we seemed to have enjoyed our first breakfast full of pancakes, I thought I’d make them again. Well, to be honest, I didn’t have anything else.”
“I don’t care. Pancakes are my favorite, and I’m starving.”
“They are the best, aren’t they? Diner pancakes are better though. You’re easy to please. When is your birthday?” I ask as I shove a huge forkful of syrup-soaked pancakes into my mouth.
“June twenty-first. I already know your birthday.”
I can’t respond right away because my mouth is still full. I take a sip of orange juice. “How about we ask questions to get to know the little things about each other? Like playing twenty questions.”
He bobs his head in several directions as he attempts to answer the question. His first forkful of pancakes was larger than mine.
“Does that mean yes or no?” I laugh at him. “You have so much food in your mouth I can’t understand you.”
After he swallows, he says, “I get to go first since you already asked me when my birthday is. Do you mind if I get serious?”
“Sure. When the topic is off limits, I’ll tell you.”
“What happened the day of the car accident?”
I place my dish and coffee on the nightstand. “It’s not something I usually talk about. With you, I feel I can tell you anything.” He listens without interrupting as I go through the events of that morning. “Normally, I would have moved to the front seat, but I was too lazy. If I moved, I probably wouldn’t have put my seat belt back on and I wouldn’t be sitting here right now.” I cringe and get up to get tissues. “Are you finished with your pancakes?”
“Yes. I’m more interested in what you have to say.”
I take the tray of food and set it on the dresser. I sit back on the bed as I face him, pulling a blanket over my lap. “I still remember the pain I felt. I’ll never forget my mom’s face when I called to her. She didn’t respond, but her eyes were still open.”
He nods. “I remember.”
I rub my stomach and swipe away a tear. “I’m sorry you had to experience something like that.”
He takes my hand in his. “Should we talk about something else?”
“I’m fine. It’s healthy for me to talk about it. I haven’t in a long time.” I kiss the top of his hand. My body shivers as I unload every detail and how the doctors told me I could never have children.
“Your seat belt must have been at a very specific angle to cause so much bodily damage.”
“That’s what everyone said to me. The doctors had never seen or heard of a seat belt causing that severe of an injury. The story about my injuries was written up in a couple of medical journals. I became famous in the medical arena at that time. Lucky me.”
He massages my hand. “Would you ever consider adoption? Or—”
“Surrogate mother?” I finish his sentence as I try to pull my hand away. But he won’t let it go.
“I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?” His forehead crinkles from concern.
I sigh. “No, it’s not a bad question. You aren’t the first person to ask me that. The answer to adoption and surrogate is no. My injuries happened for a reason. I’m convinced I’m not destined to be a mother.” I look away from him.
He pulls me to him so my head is lying on his smooth chest. He plays with my hair, which relaxes me.
I look up and smirk. “Wasn’t that two questions? I thought you were only allowed one.”
“I couldn’t help it. I always wanted to know what happened.”
“Aren’t you sweet. Well, now you know, Curious George.” I tap his nose. “My turn to ask you a question. We always talk about me.”
“Fine. Fine. Be gentle. There are some things I’m not ready to talk about.”
That’s not fair. We talk about me all the time, but he still doesn’t want to discuss personal things about Jessica or Jacob. I will ignore it for the time being.
I dive right in. “Do you talk to any of your friends? You never mention anyone other than Alexa.”
His face contorts. I prop up on my elbow with my head resting on my hand.
“I did in the beginning, after they died. My best friend from high school, Matt, was there for me continuously, even if I didn’t want him near me. As I said, I was a real asshole. Alcohol was my new best friend. He tried to distract me so I wouldn’t drink. I became bitter toward him because he was hovering over me, together with Alexa and my parents. Finally, out of annoyance I told him to leave me alone and I didn’t want to see him again. I didn’t say it so nicely. He was completely offended and disappointed. He wanted to help me, but all I wanted to do was be left alone. I haven’t seen or heard from him in over six months.” He takes a deep breath and doesn’t say anything else.
“Do you miss him?”
“Sure, I miss him. I’m embarrassed by my behavior. He didn’t deserve how I treated him. I’m afraid to approach him. He knows the little things about me, like your accident and mine. I think he would be happy to hear our story.”
With my hand, I brush soft strokes over his chest. “Don’t you think he would like to hear from you? It has been a long time since you spoke to him. You were best friends for years. It’s not easy to sever a friendship like that. You should think about it.”
“I’ll think about it. But he’s probably in Europe somewhere. He’s an awesome pastry chef. He always wanted to go to a top cooking school in France or Italy. He applied to several schools but I have no idea if he ever got in. His dream is to own an upscale bakery in New York City someday. Serving unique pastries, cakes, and even chocolate.”
“It makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Tina would love him. She’s a junkie for anything that resembles dessert. But then again, she eats everything. She has no fear when it comes to food.”
“He’s been on my mind lately. I hope he’s doing well and is happy. I wouldn’t be surprised if he talks to my parents or Alexa. Just like they didn’t tell me Jessica’s parents called, I’m sure they did the same with Matt.”
He pats me on the butt. “Why don’t we stop here with the questions, even though I’m sure you have more? I need to go to the bathroom.”
I wiggle away from him and prop myself up on my knees. “I need to go to the bathroom too, but you can go first. I’ll bring the dishes to the kitchen.”
He kisses me tenderly. “Thanks for breakfast and for last night.”
He rises from the bed, and my mouth drops. “You are so damn yummy without clothes on! Go to the bathroom fast before I pour maple syrup all over you and lick it off.”
He gives me a devilish smile and proceeds to the bathroom as slow as possible, giving me a nice show of his backside. I throw a pillow at him. He is so hot. I can’t believe I slept with someone like him. It makes my hormones bubble. I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep my hands off him once he gets out of the bathroom.
I gather our plates and leftover food and take them into the kitchen. The dirty dishes can sit in the sink while I put everything else away. I hear him walk back to the bedroom. My turn in the bathroom.
When I enter the bedroom again, he sits against the headboard with the blanket over the bottom half of his body. I know what he wants, because I want it too. He’s already making love to me with his radiant eyes. Electricity runs up and down my body, traveling across the room directly toward him.
I climb onto the bed and straddle him. I lean my forehead against his. We sit there in silence.
He lifts his head from mine as he starts to gently touch my hair. “I love your hair up like this. You wore it like this the morning I woke up in your apartment. You looked so innocent standing in front of me with your hair up and wearing those cute pajamas. And no bra.” He wiggles his eyebrows. “Your big blue eyes were staring right through me even though I was a mean asshole. I’m sorry. I’ll say it a million times,” he says with a pained stare.
“At first, you did surprise me with your outburst. But I wouldn’t have offered you my delicious pancakes if you didn’t redeem yourself.” I brush my hands through his hair.
His eyes wander all over my face as his hand reaches for the back of my neck, pulling me closer. “You have some syrup on the corner of your mouth.”
“Really? I didn’t see it when I was in the bathroom. How embarrassing.” I wipe my mouth, but he grabs my hands. He proceeds to seductively lick off the syrup.
“If you continue like this, we’ll never leave this bedroom.”
“That’s my intention.” He slides my robe slowly down my arms until it pools around us.
In full daylight, I’m completely exposed to him from the waist up. I’m usually bashful, but with him I’m the direct opposite. “Do you see the little marks you left on me last night?” I angle my head. He drags his fingers over every spot. My body tingles everywhere. He drives me insane with just the touch of his finger. “If you want to do that again, please leave marks somewhere my patients can’t see them.”
“That’ll be no problem. I like seeing my marks on you. I intend to explore every part of your beautiful body over and over again. I think I can find several secret places.”
He takes my face in his hands and kisses me deeply. We taste sweet like syrup with a hint of mint. He’s pleased to see I have no underwear on. He tosses my robe away from us. I lean up on my knees so he can remove the barrier between us.
Lives Collide (Collide #1) Page 20
