Spend My Life with You

by Donna Hill

  A gush of air burst from her lungs as her insides instinctively gripped him, the muscles opening and closing around him.

  “Ah, baby…I missed, missed you,” he groaned, moving in long, slow strokes, willing himself to extend the incredible feeling that rocked them both. He pushed her legs back as far as her body would allow and sunk into the depths of her being, found her spot. She cried out once, twice, three times and then heaven and earth collided.

  Lee Ann’s entire body experienced wave after wave of unimaginable explosions, as Preston rode the tide to his own fantasy, until it burst in one powerful stream of release that erupted within her.

  “How long can you stay?” Lee Ann whispered against his chest.

  “I have to go back tomorrow.”

  Her heart sank. She knew that when she got involved with Preston that it would take work, that distance would be a factor. But it was becoming more and more difficult to leave him and watch him leave her. She pressed her head closer to his chest. How much longer could this go on and still work?

  Chapter 15

  The days turned into weeks and weeks into months, and Lee Ann and Preston tried to see each other as often as they could. But with the holidays approaching and the U.S. government preparing to shut down for winter recess, they were both busier than usual—he in Washington and Lee Ann back home overseeing her father’s local office, juggling her classes and running the house. But they were desperately looking forward to spending the holidays together, and the Lawson holiday gathering was not to be missed.

  Lee Ann, as usual, was in charge of all of the preparations, and she spent the bulk of her day on the phone with the caterers, the decorators and car services. It was exhausting but exciting, and as the big day drew closer and presents began to pile under the 18-foot spruce tree and the house was transformed into a picture postcard, Lee Ann was filled with a new kind of joy.

  This would be the first time in years that she’d spent the special holiday season with the man she loved. She couldn’t put into words how significant that was for her. She’d come a long way since she’d met Preston. He’d helped her to realize that she had the ability to be so much more than she’d allowed herself to be.

  Little by little she’d loosened the reigns on her siblings, letting them get out of their own messes and figure things out for themselves. And the world didn’t come to an end. She felt better and stronger. And oddly enough letting her sisters go had seemed to make them closer. They did things together, spent time at home together and Lee Ann had slowly begun to stop feeling like a third wheel.

  As she looked around the house, taking in the twinkling lights, the enormous tree decorated in a multitude of red and white, the stack of presents, the banisters draped in garland and the side tables already laden with food for their incoming guests, she knew that she had much to be thankful for.

  By seven, the house was filled from front to back. The five-piece band played in the background while tuxedoed waiters made sure that the wants of every guest was met.

  Lee Ann was in her glory playing hostess, greeting guests, remembering everyone’s name and something personal about them—a trick her mother taught her years ago—kissing cheeks and nodding in all the right places.

  Her father was holding court, as usual, in the back room; the twins were the effortless social butterflies; Rafe was tucked away in a corner with his latest lady friend; and even Justin brought a date, a young lady from college.

  Everyone was present and accounted for except for Preston, and as the first hour of the evening moved into the second, Lee Ann grew more anxious.

  “Where’s Preston?” Rafe asked, sliding up behind her. “Haven’t seen him tonight.”

  Her stomach fluttered. “I don’t know. He should have been here by now.”

  Rafe sipped his drink. “Hmm, probably stuck in traffic.”

  “I guess,” she said absently, trying to look busy doing nothing besides secretly worrying. “Who are you with tonight? She doesn’t look familiar, not that any of your dates usually do.”

  “Aw, sis, don’t be mean. Her name is Angela.”

  “And how long will she be around?”

  “As long as she likes.”

  Lee Ann arched a brow. “Really?”

  “Of course.” He kissed the top of her forehead. “They all are. Come on over, and I’ll introduce you.”

  She dutifully followed him across the room while taking surreptitious glances in between moving bodies, hoping that Preston would appear. And just when she thought she would burst with worry she saw him coming out of the back room, side by side with her father. A wave of relief rushed through her. The jumpy feeling began to settle in her stomach. But when had he arrived, and why hadn’t he let her know that he was there?

  He glanced up and spotted her across the room. His entire expression lit up. and whatever frustrations she may have had began to vanish as he came toward her.

  Preston walked right up on her so that their bodies brushed. She felt the blood pounding in her ears and the racing of her heart, and she wondered for the countless time if she would always feel this joy whenever she saw him.

  “Hey.” He took her hand.

  “Hi. I was getting worried.”

  “You look beautiful.”

  “Thank you. What happened? Is everything okay?”

  He looked at her as if taking her in for the very first time. His gaze was filled with wonder.

  “Everything is wonderful.” He slid an arm around her waist. “Dance with me.” He didn’t give her a chance to respond but swept her expertly onto the dance floor.

  She couldn’t stop looking at him. The sweet brown of his smooth skin, the dark, piercing eyes, embraced by slick sweeping brows. His mouth was suddenly new, full and lush, with a tiny dip at the top. Was that always there? she thought in wonder.

  Lee Ann was sure she knew every inch of his body, but tonight, for reasons that she couldn’t explain, she felt the urge to explore it: the arch of his broad back, the taut muscles of his chest, the ripples of his stomach, the hard thighs and the heft of his sex that had brought her unimaginable pleasure. The need grew so great that she moaned.

  Preston held her closer, stroked her back. “You feel it too, don’t you?”

  She tilted her head back and looked up at him. “Yes.”

  “Let’s find someplace quiet.”

  She took his hand, and they walked through the crowd, bypassing the side rooms where overflow guests ate and talked. They walked through the kitchen, out into the yard to the edge of the property to the swing that was almost hidden by the weeping willow.

  “Wow, I would have never found it.”

  “My secret hideaway.”

  He held the swing while she got on, and then he followed suit. He put his arm around her and pulled her close.

  “You sure know how to throw a party.”

  She laughed lightly. “I was taught by the best,” she said, a note of wistfulness in her voice.

  “She would be very proud.”

  Preston drew in a long breath and let it go. “I’ve been thinking about this long-distance thing. It’s really taken a toll on us this past year.”

  Fear began to build, tightening her throat.

  “I don’t know if I can do it for another year.”

  She couldn’t breathe. This couldn’t be happening.

  “But I thought that if we at least had one roof that we could call our own…”

  Her eyes flew to his face.

  “…the property of Mr. and Mrs. Preston Graham that we’d find a way to make it work.”

  What was he saying? She couldn’t get the words to make sense in her head.

  “Marry me, Lee Ann. Share my life and my dreams, and let me share yours.”

  He reached into the breast pocket of his tux jacket and took out a perfect, sparkling diamond set on white gold. He held it in front of her. “Early Christmas gift. Say yes.”

  Her eyes stung and tears of elation fell o
ver her lashes. “I love you so much.”

  “Is that a yes?”

  She bobbed her head. “Yes.”

  Preston slid the ring on her finger. “We’re going to make it work.”

  “I know.”

  He pulled her into his arms and sealed their commitment with a kiss.

  “And if you’re wondering,” he said, still holding her, “I’m an old-fashioned guy. I spoke with your father. I wanted his approval. That’s what I was doing in the back room.”

  “And what if he would have said no way?”

  “You should know me well enough by now to know that I don’t take no for an answer.”

  Lee Ann bubbled with happiness and pulled him into her arms.

  Lee Ann couldn’t remember how the rest of the night went. She was floating on a cloud. Finally the last guest waved their goodbyes and the caterers had taken away their carts and trays and the family settled down in front of the tree, sighing in contentment that it was finally over. Another success under their belt.

  “Congrats, sis. You did it again,” Rafe said, saluting her with his half-filled glass.

  “Thanks.” She moved closer to Preston.

  Branford cleared his throat. “Is that all you have to say, Lee? Sure there’s nothing you want to tell us?”

  All eyes turned in her direction, and when she looked at Preston he had a smirk on his face. She glanced from her father back to Preston. She’d been set up!

  She stood up dramatically. “Well, if you must know…” She flung her hand out in front of her.

  Her sisters leaped up and squealed, jumping up and down and taking turns looking at her ring and holding it up to the light.

  Justin came over. “Congrats, sis, I’m happy for you.” He kissed her cheek and shook Preston’s hand.

  Rafe walked over and spun her around in a hug. “Told ya, follow my advice,” he whispered in her ear. Lee Ann swatted his arm. He set her on her feet and looked down into her eyes that reminded him of his mother. “I’m happy for you. I really am.” He turned to Preston and stuck out his hand. “Welcome to the family. Now that we have two senators, it takes the pressure off me.” He winked at Preston. “You do right by my sister.”

  “You don’t have to worry about that.”

  Rafe clapped him on the back. He turned to the room, a bit wobbly on his feet. “I am heading home. I will see you all tomorrow.”

  Branford pushed up from his chair. “You’re not getting behind the wheel tonight. Go on up to your room and sleep it off.”

  Rafe swayed. “Don’t you ever get tired of telling people what to do? You run your house like you run the country—with no excuses. Everything has to be by the letter.”

  “You’re drunk,” Branford said in dismissal.

  “You were so busy being in charge that you couldn’t let go long enough to take care of Mama.”

  “Rafe!” Lee Ann shouted.

  “You wanted to make me into you. I’ll never be you. I don’t want to be you.” He laughed and stumbled, catching his fall by grabbing the side of the mantel.

  “Come on, man,” Justin said, taking his arm.

  Rafe shrugged him off. “Now you have your very own boy wonder to mold into your likeness.” He tossed his head back and laughed and laughed until he started to cry.

  Dominique and Desiree were frozen. They’d never seen Rafe like that before. It was as if their invincible brother was suddenly broken and they couldn’t bear to watch.

  “Rafe…” Lee Ann said gently, putting her arms around him. “Let me walk you upstairs.”

  His shoulders shook, and Lee Ann could feel his hurt in her own heart. She let him lean on her, and she half walked, half dragged him upstairs and got him to his old room.

  As soon as he got to the bed he turned on his side. Moments later he drifted to sleep. Lee Ann backed out of the room and closed the door behind her.

  When she returned downstairs, her father was gone.

  “He’s in his study,” Desiree said.

  Lee Ann squeezed Preston’s hand. “I’ll be back. I need to talk to him.”

  “Sure. Take your time.”

  Lee Ann tapped lightly on the partially opened door before stepping in. Her father was sitting in the dark. His back was to the door so that he faced the window that looked out onto the yard.

  “Daddy…”

  “Lovely party.”

  She stepped closer and stood behind his chair.

  “You did a real good job. You always do. Just like your mother. Don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  She came around and knelt by his side. She covered his hand that gripped the armrest of the chair.

  “Those girls will be all right. Desi has a good head and Dom…well she’s coming along.” He drew in a ragged breath. “I’m proud of her. Justin is turning into a fine young man. I have you to thank for that. Half his life his mother was sick and then she was gone.”

  “Daddy, why are you talking like this? You’re scaring me.”

  “When a son turns against his father in his own house…” He sighed so heavily his body vibrated. “It’s true what he said.”

  “No, it’s not. Rafe was drinking too much. You can’t pay that any attention.”

  “That’s just it!” He slammed his hand down. “I wasn’t paying attention. I let my family, my wife pass me by while I was riding off on my ideals. I want so much for Raford. He has it in him to be great. But he’s trying so hard not to be me that he’ll never see it.”

  He finally turned to her, and she could see in the moonlight that he’d been crying.

  “Preston has the potential to be great. He has everything it takes to lead a country. Not everybody has it, but he does. You be there to help him choose wisely. Don’t let him sacrifice family for a career. Because when the career comes to an end—and one day it will—you have nothing to come home to.” He squeezed her chin. “Promise me that you’ll remember that.”

  She nodded, unable to get the words out.

  “Go on now. Me and Rafe will make it up. We always do. Go ahead. I’ll be fine. I’m just going to sit here for a minute.”

  Lee Ann slowly stood, then leaned down and kissed his forehead. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  By the time she came back to the front room, only Preston remained. He got up as she approached.

  “How is he?”

  “Talking crazy. It was a little scary.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I don’t know. It was like he was going down the list of attributes of each of us kids. He kept talking about how he shortchanged us by pretty much checking out of the family for the benefit of his career.”

  She sat down, and Preston sat beside her. He took her hands and enfolded them in his.

  Lee Ann looked at him. “He said that you have what it takes to go all the way, to run a country. But he said that I need to be there to help you make the right choices and never to choose your career over your family.” She rested her head against Preston. “That’s his biggest regret. That and what he feels he’s done to Rafe—never really giving him a fair deal.” She sighed and felt like crying on what should have been one of the happiest days of her life.

  “Maybe you should stay here tonight.”

  She turned her head to look at him. “I want to be with you tonight. I need to be with you tonight.”

  “Are you sure?”

  She nodded her head.

  “Okay, let’s go.”

  Lee Ann went up to her room and tossed a few things in a bag, peeked in on Rafe and let her sisters know that she was leaving.

  Preston opened the door to his house, and Rocky came trotting up to greet them.

  “Hey, boy. Look, I brought company.”

  Lee Ann scratched his head. “Hey, Rocky. I’m going to be your new mommy. Look.” She shoved her ring toward him. He sniffed and walked away. Lee Ann broke out laughing. “He could pretend to be interested.”

  “Well, I’m plenty interested
.” He grabbed her in his arms and kissed her like he’d been longing to do for hours. “Hmm,” he sighed, running his hands along her sides.

  “Did you bring me over here to seduce me?” she asked against his lips.

  “Come with me. Let me share with you the real art of seduction.”

  “Where are we going?”

  He took her hand and led her upstairs to the bathroom. He turned on the shower. Within moments, the room began to fill with steam.

  She angled a look at him. “And what do you have on your mind?”

  He came to stand in front of her. “I need you to put all of your inhibitions to the side. Whatever you were holding back, I want you to let go. And believe in me.”

  Lee Ann’s pulse kicked up a notch as Preston’s eyes locked with hers, and he unzipped her dress from the back and one by one pulled the straps over her shoulders. The rise of her breast came into view, and he grazed his fingers ever so lightly across them. Lee Ann shivered all the way to her toes. He pushed the dress down, and she shimmied it down her hips until she was standing before him in only an itty bitty black thong.

  A deep groan rumbled in his chest as he hooked his fingers around the band of her thong and helped her step out of it.

  Preston got undressed, never letting his gaze drift from Lee Ann. He pushed his discarded clothes to the side and then took her hand as they stepped into the shower.

  “Give me your back,” he said.

  She turned so that her back was facing him. He reached for the shower gel that he kept in the shower caddie and began to lather her back, her behind, her inner thighs and her calves then with smooth, circular strokes. He moved ever so slowly along the curves of her body until every inch of her was covered.

  Lee Ann braced her hands against the wall as the erotic caress intensified. She whimpered when the pads of his fingers teased the undersides of her breasts.

  “Look at me.”

  Slowly Lee Ann turned around. Preston was intent and focused on her. His eyes felt like they burned across her skin.