“Honestly, I don’t think too many people have noticed.”
Jonah noticed that she’d avoided answering his question, not giving him any indication of how she really felt about him or the situation. He ignored the shaft of pain that speared his heart. He had time and he was good at planning. Once the threat to her was past, he’d have plenty of time to lay siege to her heart.
He shook his head at her naiveté. “I wouldn’t count on that, sugar.” Obviously, she was used to living in a larger center. Jonah could guarantee that all her neighbors had noted that his truck was parked out front all night long.
“It doesn’t matter.” She pushed out of his arms and went to the cupboard, opened the door and looked inside.
“Of course it matters.”
Closing the door, she leaned against the cupboard. “What do you want me to say, Jonah? Do I like people knowing my business? No, I don’t. Do I like the fact that I’ll be talked about when our affair is over and we’ve both moved on? No, I don’t. But there’s nothing I can do about it. People are going to talk no matter what.”
“I can pretend to leave, take my truck somewhere else and walk back.” He didn’t know why he hadn’t thought of that before. He paused in mid-thought. He knew better, so why hadn’t he done it? The answer was simple. Instinct. In the beginning, he’d wanted people to know that she wasn’t alone at night, wanted her attacker to know she was no longer as vulnerable. Plus, the more primitive part of himself liked the idea of people knowing that Amanda belonged to him. He’d done it instinctually and without thought to her reputation.
“It’s too late for that now.” Leaning against the counter, she crossed her arms defensively over her chest. She tilted her chin up and got that stubborn look on her face he was beginning to recognize. “Folks will talk no matter what.”
“What about your store?” This was a small town after all and he didn’t want their relationship to affect her livelihood.
“What about it?” She lowered her arms and pushed away from the counter. “Most of my work is done through my online store and, truthfully, I expect most of my sales to come from tourists. I wasn’t lying to Hector when I told him that I wouldn’t cut into his business. Sure, some of the locals will shop my store, but they’re more likely to stop into the Buy and Sell if they want used books. Anyone who wants the latest best sellers is going to buy them new or check them out of the library.”
“You’re sure?” He walked over to stand in front of her. “I don’t want my being here to hurt you.”
She smiled at him then. It was a small, sad smile that made his heart ache. “You won’t hurt me by being here.”
Did that mean she would be hurt if he left? He knew she felt something for him, but he wasn’t certain how deep it went. He wasn’t about to push things either. He planned to spend all his time trying to insinuate his way deeper into her life and her heart so that when the problem with her unknown stalker was over, she wouldn’t want him to leave.
“Come here.” He needed to be closer to her, to reestablish the connection between them. And the quickest way to do that was with sex.
She came into his arms easily and once again, he marveled at how good she felt there and how well she fit. Her body molded against his, her breasts pillowed against his chest and her pelvis aligned with his. There is no way she could mistake his obvious erection.
“Amanda.” He cupped her behind in his hands and pulled her up tight against him.
“Yes?” Her eyes were glazing over with passion and her breath was coming faster.
She was always aroused so quickly by his touch. It was one hell of a turn-on.
“Promise me that if you get another phone call like that, or if you feel threatened at all, you’ll call me.”
“But there was nothing you could have done.”
Jonah realized that she honestly believed that and, furthermore, she was genuinely perplexed by his request. Had no one ever cared enough about her to look out for her? He knew her past had been barren of family. Sure, she’d had Seymour, but no close friends until she’d moved to Jamesville. But she had him now and it was time she came to understand that he wasn’t going anywhere. “I could have talked to you.” He ground his pelvis against hers and was rewarded when she gave a small moan of pleasure. “I could have come home.” He lowered his head to her neck and nipped her sensitive skin. She gasped and snuggled closer. “Promise me.” He couldn’t go on until he had her promise.
“Okay,” she half groaned.
He laved his tongue over the skin he’d just nipped and then raised his head. Her face was flushed, her green eyes dark with pleasure.
“Okay what?”
She smiled then, a real smile that brightened her entire face. “I promise I’ll call you if anything happens.” Grabbing the sides of his head, she tugged him closer. “Now can we get on with this?”
He felt his lips tilting upward. “Yes, ma’am.”
Lifting her off her feet, he turned and started to walk out of the kitchen. She curled her legs around him, locking her ankles together at the small of his back. Using her grip on his hair, she pulled him toward her and melded her mouth against his.
Jonah stopped in the hallway and pushed her back against the wall. Deepening the kiss, he tasted her wild heat, felt her fingernails digging into his scalp and heard her whimpers as she tilted her lower body toward him, trying to get closer.
He had to have her. Now.
Amanda was going to explode and she wanted Jonah inside her when it happened.
She was surprised at how angry Jonah had been about her not calling him. Truthfully, it hadn’t even occurred to her. She wasn’t used to leaning on anyone.
Seymour had been like family to her, but he’d always encouraged her to stand on her own two feet. He hadn’t done it because he hadn’t cared. Quite the opposite in fact.
Seymour was old when he met her and was constantly reminding her that he wouldn’t live for too many more years. By making her even more independent, he was trying to protect her, to strengthen her for when she would be alone again.
It was a strange feeling to have someone care about her personal safety and her well-being. But she kind of liked it. Not that she would allow herself to get too used to it. After all, Jonah would probably go back to living in his own home once the threat to her was over. Who knew how long after that before they’d drift apart and their affair would be over.
Amanda pushed that thought aside. He was with her now and she was determined to enjoy every single second of it. He obviously cared for her. He certainly didn’t hide the fact that he wanted her. For now, that was enough.
She’d been scared today. She wouldn’t admit it out loud, but she couldn’t hide it from herself. Even with the deputy out front, she’d felt nervous, waiting for the phone to ring again, wondering if each little sound the house made indicated an intruder. The second Jonah had stepped through the front door she’d felt safe.
Maybe that’s why she’d tried to push him away, at least emotionally. She knew he’d protect her physically, but she couldn’t depend on him to always be here. That wasn’t his responsibility. No one could put that kind of pressure on someone else.
But Jonah was here with her now and that was all that mattered. Everything else would work itself out one way or the other. Eventually her attacker would strike again. It seemed inevitable. A shiver went down her spine at the thought of how it could end up, but she pushed those negative thoughts aside and focused on how good it felt to be kissing Jonah.
The wall was hard against her back and Jonah was hard against her front. There was no give in the man. He was all solid muscle and bone. He held her easily as he devoured her mouth, his tongue thrusting against hers, building the heat that always seemed to be hovering just below the surface whenever they were together.
They were both gasping for breath when he pulled away. “I can’t wait.” Peppering hot kisses along her cheek and down her neck, he reached for the hem of h
er shirt and lifted it.
She helped him pull it off. By the time she had her shirt gone, he had her bra clasp unhooked and had pushed the cups aside. He started to lean down, but she grabbed the front of his T-shirt and pulled. “I want this off.” She wanted to touch him, to run her fingers over the hard planes of his chest and his thick shoulders.
Jonah used his lower body to keep her pinned against the wall as the two of them dragged his T-shirt over his head. It disappeared to the floor below. Amanda pressed her palms against his skin, feeling the heat enveloping her palms. He was always so hot.
“I love touching you,” she whispered as she allowed her fingers to tease his flat nipples.
He groaned. “I love it when you touch me.” Putting his hands under her butt, he lifted her until her breasts were almost level with his mouth. His breath was warm on her skin, making her nipples tighten.
“So sweet.” He captured one rosy nipple and suckled.
Even after a week of making love to the man, she couldn’t believe how quickly her body responded to Jonah. It was as if she’d been fashioned especially for him, and he for her. There had been none of the awkward moments that new lovers usually face. They came together like they’d been lovers forever.
She tilted her hips, rubbing her throbbing core against him. An ache was growing inside her and she knew the only way to sate it was to have Jonah’s hard length thrusting deep within her. “Jonah,” she gasped.
She didn’t have to say anything more. He pulled his mouth from her breast and pushed her legs down his hips. Her feet hit the floor with a thud.
His every move was swift as he undid her jeans and yanked them down her legs. He took her panties with them, leaving her bare from her ankles up. She thought he’d help her take off her shoes so she could remove her clothing completely. Instead, he stood, turning her to face the wall.
“Put your hands against the wall and lean forward.”
She did as he asked, feeling very exposed as she flattened her palms against the hard surface. Her breasts began to ache even harder as they hung at a downward angle.
“Spread your legs.”
It was difficult with the jeans and panties bunched around her ankles, but she widened her stance as much as she could. Jonah’s harsh breath filled the air behind her.
The familiar sound of a foil packet being opened reached her ears and she knew he was putting on a condom. Her entire body clenched in anticipation.
The air felt cool against her heated flesh as she waited for Jonah to touch her again.
Never in her life had she made herself this vulnerable. But deep in her heart she trusted Jonah. She loved him with all her heart and soul.
The head of his cock nudged at her opening and she tilted her butt slightly to give him a better angle. He pushed just inside and paused, allowing her to adjust to his invasion.
He planted his hands alongside hers on the wall. His hands were so much larger and darker than hers. They were clean, but she could see the several nicks and calluses. She loved his hands—so hard, yet so gentle when he touched her. His chest covered her back and his lips caressed the nape of her neck.
“Ready, sugar?” She’d barely started to nod before he drove all the way inside her in one swift stroke. Amanda sucked in a breath as his shaft stretched her wide. He was so deep she could feel his pulsing heat in her very center.
She tried to talk, but all that came out of her mouth was a low moan. Jonah flexed his hips, pulling almost all the way out before thrusting forward again. He set a fast, hard rhythm, pushing both of them to their limits.
His sac brushed against her with each inward stroke, bumping against her clit. The brief caress was maddening. She swung her behind, matching him thrust for thrust.
“Jonah,” she gasped. Her nails curled, digging into the wall. She needed more.
He dropped one of his hands low on her pelvis, his middle finger finding her swollen clit. His other hand curled over one of her breasts, surrounding it and holding it secure.
His thrusts got deeper and harder. He lifted her off her feet with each one.
Amanda could feel her inner muscles pulsing. Her body tensed and coiled. His hips hammered hard as his finger brushed her clit. Tilting back her head, she screamed.
“Jonah!”
Every muscle in her body convulsed as damp heat exploded from her core. Jonah yelled and gave one final thrust. His shaft rippled as her vaginal muscles gripped him tight.
Amanda moaned as his finger pressed against her clit, pushing her into another round of spasms. When it was over, she leaned her forehead against the wall. Jonah grunted as he eased out of her body. She tried to straighten up, but it wasn’t easy. Her legs felt like jelly.
“Just a second.” Jonah tugged her panties and jeans up around her hips and then picked her up. He staggered once and then righted himself.
“What about our clothes?” She looked over his shoulder. Their shirts were still on the floor. Jonah had hitched his jeans around his hips, but she could feel the brush of his semi-erect cock against her side.
“Later,” he answered as he carried her up the stairs. From the look in his eyes, Amanda knew it would be much later.
Chapter Twelve
Amanda was just putting the last dish in the tray to drain when Jonah’s phone rang.
He tossed aside the dishtowel he’d been using and plucked the phone out of his pocket, glancing at the call display before answering. “Hey.”
He walked toward the window in the eating area as he listened to the caller. Amanda pulled the plug on the sink and let the dishwater flow down the drain. After rinsing the sink, she picked up the dishtowel Jonah had been using and began to finish drying the last of their breakfast dishes.
“Elizabeth, honey, slow down. What did Jim say?” Jonah raked his hand through his hair as he turned around and began to pace. “He’s not coming over, is he?” He glanced her way and then turned his attention back to his sister. “I’ll be there as quickly as I can.
No, I’ll be there before he gets there. Just don’t let him in until I’m there.” He listened for another few seconds. “Okay, I’m on my way.”
He closed his phone and turned to her. “That was Elizabeth.”
“I guessed as much.” Hanging up the dishtowel, she went to him. “Problem?” She wasn’t certain if she should even ask, Jonah hadn’t shared much about his life. She’d told him about her past, giving him plenty of opportunity to talk to her about his. He’d listened attentively to her, asked questions and seemed genuinely interested, but he’d never shared with her. Sure, she knew he used to be in the military and came home when his father died. She knew he ran his own business, was loyal and loved his sister and niece. Other than that, she knew nothing about his past.
If they were engaged in a long-term or permanent relationship, that would have been a problem. But they were having an affair. He didn’t owe her any explanations. She ignored the fact that her breakfast suddenly felt like a lead weight in her stomach.
“I’ve got to leave. Jim told Elizabeth he was coming over this morning. Seems he’s decided that she has something that belongs to him.”
“I thought their divorce was final.”
“It is, but he likes to make trouble.”
Amanda wasn’t quite certain how to react to that statement. Whatever the relationship between Elizabeth and her ex-husband, it was none of her business. “Of course you have to go if she needs you.”
“You keep the doors locked while I’m gone. Or better yet, you can come with me.”
She seriously thought about going with him, but really didn’t think his sister would appreciate Jonah dragging a virtual stranger into the midst of her problems with her ex-husband. “No, you go on. I’ll be fine.”
Jonah tugged her into his arms. “I wouldn’t leave you if it wasn’t important.”
“I know.”
“No, you don’t know.” He released her and took a deep breath. She could almost see
him debating with himself. Finally, he came to a conclusion. “He abused her.”
“What?”
“He mentally abused her and it turned physical near the end. Not many people know that. She didn’t have any proof that would have stood up in court, but the threat of exposure got her a quick divorce.”
Amanda could hardly reconcile the smooth realtor who’d sold her the house with the image of an abusive husband. But then again, she was smart enough to know that abusers came in all forms. “You have to go.” She couldn’t imagine how frightening it would be for Elizabeth to face her ex alone. No wonder the woman was adamant about getting rid of almost all their books. She didn’t need the reminders of him in her new home.
“I’ll be as quick as I can, but I have to wait until he’s come and gone.”
“Of course you do.” She gave him a shove toward the door. “Go. Elizabeth is waiting for you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.” Jonah needed to be with his sister. Amanda didn’t want to be in the center of what was bound to be an unpleasant situation. Besides, she had work to take care of and chores to do. She mulled over her to-do list and came to a quick decision.
“Actually, I’m going to leave with you. I need to pick up some things at the grocery store.” Jonah paused halfway down the hallway, but she slid around him and kept going.
“I’ll just run upstairs and get my purse.”
“Amanda.” She ignored him and ran up the stairs. Grabbing her purse and sweater, she bound down the stairs again. He was waiting, his jacket already on, keys in his hand.
“This isn’t a good idea,” he protested as she went out the door in front of him.
“It’s a perfect idea. By the time I finish running errands and get home, you’ll probably already be back.” She hurried down the front walkway to her car. “Besides, I can’t stop living just because someone is harassing me.”
Jonah held her door as she slid into the driver’s seat. “It’s more than simple harassment.” His gaze went to the woods surrounding her home. “Promise me you’ll leave the groceries in the car until I get back.”
By the Book j-6 Page 12
