by Anthology
I nod. “Where are we going?”
“My house. We’re having a night in.”
My body heats at the thought of what a night in could entail. Wicked things rush to the forefront of my mind. “Sounds good.” I’m in so much trouble. So much.
* * *
Work was insanely busy today. I’m drained, and want to sleep for an entire day, but there is a man who invited me over to his house tonight. He texted me his address and asked that I arrive at eight. It gives me plenty of time to get a shower and shave every part of my body that needs it. Who knows what’s going to happen tonight, but I want to be prepared.
Liam stressed that tonight is casual. I pull my hair back into a ponytail and slip on a pair of khaki shorts. After digging around in my closet, I find a mint colored, sleeveless blouse to wear. White strappy sandals complete my ensemble.
I’ve been debating for the past hour whether I should bring a change of clothes and throw it in the Explorer, just in case. I don’t want to be presumptuous, but the kiss on the side of the road told me he’s after more than just friendship with me. Fuck it. I’m putting a bag in the backseat. Worse thing that happens is I won’t need it, and he doesn’t need to know it’s there.
When I think of what kind of home a chief of surgery lives in, Liam’s house is definitely not it. It’s a beautiful, cedar, two-story home. Very unassuming on the outside, but the interior of the house is stunning. He greeted me at the door with a heart-stopping smile. When I stepped inside, my jaw dropped. With wide wood plank floors, the two-story, A-frame home overlooks the mountains beyond. The entire front of the house is glass. The recessed lighting casts a warm amber glow on the kitchen and living room. It’s still light outside, but the sun is slowly setting.
I pictured a huge two-story home with stone exterior, three garages, and lots of marble. What I found is a hidden treasure in the woods. It’s still upscale, but in a more subtle way. The living room has two leather sofas, and a deep brown, fluffy area rug, which looks so soft I want to run my bare feet over it. The light wood floor runs throughout the lower level into the kitchen.
The kitchen cabinets match the floor in color. The countertop is a light cream granite, with deep brown tones running through it. All of the stainless steel appliances appear to be worthy of a professional chef.
Liam busies himself in the kitchen as I take in the magnificent view. It’s not the mountains that are holding my attention right now. It’s his ass. He’s wearing a pair of dark denim jeans, which have molded perfectly to him. Not too tight, however not loose either. The deep blue polo shirt he has on doesn’t give much away, but I don’t need it to. I remember what his chest and stomach look like. I have them committed to memory.
“I hope you like burgers.” Huh? Burgers? Oh, right, dinner.
“Yes, I do.”
He turns toward me, smiling. “Good, because I’m not a cook. I can grill, but outside of basic meals, I’m not good.” He has a plate in his hand of hamburger patties. “Come join me outside.”
I follow him to the deck, which wraps around the front and sides of the home. There is a table with chairs and a large grill. He throws the burgers on then goes back inside. When he returns a minute later, he’s holding two wine glasses. I need this. Liquid courage. If I’m going to have a hot night with this man, I’m going to need a little help, but pacing myself with the wine will be necessary.
We eat on the deck as the sky slowly changes from magenta hues to stars sparkling overhead. For a man who doesn’t cook much, he makes a great burger. And he’s funny. Laugh out loud funny. There’s so much about him that surprises me. The more time I spend with him, the more I don’t want the night to end.
CHAPTER 4
Liam
Who knew I could be so relaxed, yet so turned on all at once? Amelia is kind, sweet, and has a laugh I could listen to forever. She’s beautiful, sexy, and damn I like her in my home. I’ve been single for so long that having her here is heaven.
The solar lights around the deck cast a soft glow that illuminates her features. Her ponytail gently blows in the breeze, her eyes gazing out at the mountains. From my house, I can see far and wide. It’s one of the many reasons I bought it, and its seclusion. I’m not a fan of being surrounded by a ton of neighbors. If I want to come outside stark naked, you better be sure I will, and no one will see me.
I stand to clear the plates; she carries hers inside behind me. I offer to take hers, but she refuses. We place them in the sink and I tell her I’ll put them in the dishwasher tomorrow. Tonight is about her and all of the things I want to do to her.
I’m fully facing her now; she’s backed against the kitchen island. I take two steps toward her. She looks up at me and licks her lips. I can’t hold off any longer. I’ve waited all through dinner to taste her again, and that little tongue of hers, darting out to lick her lips, is my undoing.
Leaning down, I crush my mouth to hers in a punishing kiss. She immediately opens for me, letting me in, letting me stroke her tongue with mine. Her back arches, her breasts push into my chest. It only fuels the hunger I have for her.
“God, I want you,” I confess between kisses.
“Fuck me, Liam.”
I growl deep at her demand. I love how she voiced what she wants. I’ll gladly fuck her.
With my hands on her hips, I lift her onto the countertop. Her legs wrap around my waist. Gently, I push her back until she’s lying flat. My hands run up and down her thighs, reveling in her silky smooth skin. Bending down, I nip at the exposed skin of her flat stomach. She arches up, her hands cupping her breasts through her shirt. Fuck, she’s a sight.
My fingers dig into her soft flesh as I pull her flush against me, her pelvis adjacent to mine. I can feel her warmth through our clothes. Clothes which are only in the way of me getting what I want. I know I should wait and take this slow, but I can’t. I need her right now.
With quick movements, I undo the button and zipper of her shorts then slide them, and her panties, down her legs. I toss them off along with her sandals. Her bottom half is naked before me. She’s shaved, completely bare.
Bending down, I take a long sweep of her core with my tongue. She gasps and grips my hair tightly. I show her clit special attention while my fingers dip inside of her. So fucking wet. So fucking perfect. I can’t help but look up and watch her take pleasure in what my tongue is doing to her. She lifts her shirt and bra, letting her breasts free so that she can pinch her nipples. Moans escape her lips only driving my need higher.
Releasing her, I take a step back to shed my own clothing. She lifts her head to look at me, and I can see pure heat in her eyes. From my face down to my rock hard cock, she takes me in. I open a drawer in the island and withdraw a condom. I keep them strategically placed around the house. No commitments from the women I normally bring home. Only sex.
With the condom rolled onto my dick, I spread her legs wide and position myself at her entrance. She watches me with rapt attention. That is, until I slip inside of her. Her head falls back, and I can feel her body tense around me. She’s tight. So fucking tight, but it feels amazing. Her inner walls are gripping my cock like a fist. I loudly groan when I start to move.
Languidly, I pump in and out of her. My hands move up her body to her plump breasts. I roll her nipples in between my fingers, gently tugging on them.
“Harder,” she demands.
I’ll do whatever she asks at this point. She wants it harder; I’m going to give it to her. My fingers pinch her taut nipples. My hips move rapidly to thrust into her hard and fast. Our bodies collide roughly. I’m not going to last long like this. She’s too tight and I’m so fucking amped up.
“Touch yourself, baby,” I tell her. I’m dizzy with lust and want to see her hands on her sweet pussy.
She reaches down, glides her middle finger over her clit, and down to her entrance where I’m slamming into her. She brings her finger back up and starts to make small circles over her swollen nub. So erotic
. I’m going to remember this sight for a long time to come. It’s one I’m going to bank in my memory. One I’m sure I’ll be jerking off to when this beauty isn’t around, although after this, I don’t plan on stopping whatever this is between us.
I grip the base of my cock to hold off my impending orgasm while I continue to fuck her. She’s close, too. Her moans are getting increasingly louder and her gorgeous body is writhing on the granite.
“Let go, Amelia.” And she does. Her body trembles as she rides the waves of pleasure coursing through her.
Releasing my cock, I thrust into her a few more times, releasing everything I’ve built up since she almost hit me with her SUV. I haven’t touched myself once since then. I wanted her badly and knew I wanted her to be the one to free me of my torture. Only her.
I bend down to kiss her slowly, then hover inches from her face. “You’re amazing.”
“You’re not so bad yourself,” she says, smiling.
I quirk an eyebrow. “Not so bad?”
She rolls her eyes. “Okay, you were fantastic.”
Now it’s my turn to smile. “We’re doing that again, you know? All over this fucking house. In fact, you’re not leaving until tomorrow night after you’ve had dinner with me. And dessert.”
“Well, if this is the kind of dessert I have to look forward to, then I’m definitely in.”
Pulling out of her, I remove the condom and toss it into the trash. As she sits up, a few wisps of her golden hair break free from her ponytail. I brush them from her face, gazing into her hazel eyes.
“The nurses at work told me about you. Sure, I knew who you were, but not this reputation you have,” she tells me.
“And what reputation is that?”
“One I’m sure you’re aware of.” Of course I am, but I can play along.
“Do tell.”
“If you think I’m afraid to speak what’s on my mind, you’re sorely mistaken. I have no problem saying things that others might be more reserved about.”
“Oh, my dear Amelia, I know you’ll tell me exactly what you’re thinking. It’s one of the qualities I adore about you.”
“They say you’re untouchable. That you don’t date nurses.”
“There’s some truth to it. I don’t date nurses within my hospital. Other hospitals, I don’t have that issue. Although, not many women have caught my interest.”
“Why me?” I love how bold she is. She wants to know why and I’m happy to tell her.
“Because you’re special. I knew from the first moment I held your body against mine in that icy parking lot. I’m not sure what it is, but I’m not questioning it. I’ve wanted you from the very first night we met. I want to protect you and care for you. I want to fuck you and have you begging for more. I want you in my arms and in my bed. And here we are. I always get my way, Amelia. Always.”
“If I didn’t want to be here, I wouldn’t be.”
“This I know, nor would I want you here against your will. You’re here because you want to be, and I couldn’t be happier.”
I lift her from the counter, gently placing her feet on the floor. Taking her hand in mine, I lead her up the stairs to my bedroom and flip on the light. She scans the room: dark, cherry wood, king-sized bed, matching nightstands and armoire, deep grey bedding with a matching area rug.
“Very…manly.”
I smile. “Did you expect something different?”
She walks around my room stark naked. I love the look from behind, but the look from the front is much more enticing. “No, it suits you,” she says.
“I’m glad you approve.”
Reaching the side of my bed, she finds a spare medical bag I have with the basics in it. A stethoscope is draped on top. I have a tendency to throw things down wherever when I’m exhausted. I had a neighbor call me the other night not feeling well, and I went over to check on him. He was having difficulty breathing, but after listening to his lungs, and going over a few other things, I ruled out any illness. He had a panic attack. He lost his wife a month ago and is having a difficult time dealing with the loss. I gave him the number of a friend of mine who is a psychologist. He’s going to make an appointment. When I came home that night, I tossed my bag on the floor before crashing in bed.
She turns to me, her slender body, curvy in all the ways I love, on full display for me. She’s holding the stethoscope in her hands. “Feel like playing doctor, Dr. Kase?”
“How about you give me an exam, Nurse Finch?”
“It would be my pleasure.” She steps toward me, hips swaying from side to side.
I could get used to this. Maybe it’s about time I finally let a woman into my life. Not just sexually, but let her get to know all of me. Amelia could be that woman. I want her to be. I’ve never felt for any other person the kind of intense passion and immediate connection I feel with her. She understands the demands of my job and I understand hers. Only time will tell how this relationship will play out, but I’m open to whatever she has to offer me.
MICHELLE DARE
Michelle Dare is a romance author. Her stories range from sweet to sinful and from new adult to fantasy. There aren’t enough hours in the day for her to write all of the story ideas in her head. When not writing or reading, she’s a wife and mom living in eastern Pennsylvania. One day she hopes to be writing from a beach where she will never have to see snow or be cold again.
Website: https://michelledare.com/
Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/1TGVhyT
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormichelledare/
A PROMISE IGNITED ~ ANISSA GARCIA
My moans are stifled, my teeth biting down on my lower lip. Just a little to the right, a few strokes, and I’m stimulated. My breathing accelerates in time with the touch of my hand as I try to induce an orgasm. Fingers play, running over and around, but never quite on the spot. Then I dip in and shudder. Wetness and warmth cover my fingers as I plunge into myself, giving the much needed relief from a very stressful week.
My other hand crawls up to my breast and I fondle my nipple, the peak rising and tightening in the crisp air. I find myself close, my palm rubbing perfectly against my pressure point, my hips beginning to thrash. I can’t wait to feel that much needed relief—the time when my body will jolt and tense and let go. My inner walls will throb around my fingers, and I’ll satiate this much needed desire. I can feel it rising, it’s on the cusp, and I’m ready.
The knock on the door followed by a shout on the other side leaves me hanging out to dry, and I stay still, hoping that if I don’t make a sound he won’t remember I’m there. Unfortunately, it doesn’t help, and I hear the pounding again, this time along with a wail.
“Mama! Where are you?”
“I’m coming!” I yell, except not in the way I’d like to be. I exhale a tired breath and rise from bed, my body highly strung and unsatisfied. I clean myself up, put my pajamas on with the pumpkins that my husband and son gave me for my birthday, and open the door to see my six-year-old son Jake. “What’s wrong?”
Tears are streaming down his cheeks, his lip is quivering, and his big brown eyes are on my hazel ones. “Daddy hit me.”
“He hit you?” I repeat. “Dean, what happened?” Silence. “Dean?” I yell, trekking my way through the hall toward the living room where he’s focused on the game. A beer in his hand he’s yelling as The Cowboys are neck and neck with The Eagles. Normally, I’d be watching with him, but I’m not in the mood to watch another game. “Dean!”
“Yeah?” He glances at me and swigs from his bottleneck. His tie sits loosely around his neck, the top button open, and he’s crinkled from a long day of work. I’ve had my long day too, coloring and cutting people’s hair all day. It’s exhausting being a hairdresser, and anyone who says otherwise is a liar. Listening in on other’s lives, giving advice, all while trying to work miracles with their hair is tough. After coming home, cooking, cleaning along with other errands, the last thing I need is to be on my husb
and’s case.
“Hey guys, what’s going on in here? What are you guys up to? Jake says you hit him?” I question.
“Oh, honey, we were horsing around and he knocked his head on my elbow.” He puts his beer down, approaching Jake and clasping his head in his hands. “I told you I was sorry, buddy.”
Dean kisses Jake’s head as my son sniffles and hugs him. He’s a mama’s boy through and through, even though wrestling with Daddy is something he prefers to coloring with Mommy. They tickle and Jake kicks and gets overly excitable to the point where he sometimes hurts himself. This is a very typical night in the Caldwell home. “I asked you to watch him, Dean. I was busy.”
“Busy? Doing what?” Dean plops back on the couch and Jake easily jumps on his lap. Dean lets out a grunt as they both play around again.
“Can you just keep an eye on him? All I asked for was some time to myself.” My pleas are drowned out by yelps and laughs.
“Sure, honey.” He keeps his eyes on the television, then on Jake. He hasn’t once looked up at me.
I sigh and head back to my room, no longer in the mood to take care of myself. It’s been over two months since Dean and I had sex. Longer than that since the passion began to dwindle. When did we become this mundane couple?
I want Dean to come in our room now, take me, and not worry about the little boy that occupies every waking moment. As much as I love Jake with all my heart, I long for the days when Dean and I first met. We couldn’t keep our hands off of each other back then. Pain seizes me, my throat tightening as I reminisce. I miss the days of the overwhelming high when he looked at me with those deep eyes, saying sexy things to me, groaning how he couldn’t wait to be inside me. That urgency to take my body under his, pull off each other’s clothes, and have at each other like animals was a thing of the past.
Now we were lucky to even make time. I want to confide in someone, but understanding might be difficult to come by. Grace and Marla, my friends since college, adore Dean. They see this perfect little family we’ve built, and I don’t want to tarnish it. They would support me, no doubt, but at the same time, I can’t go to them with the insecurities I’m facing.
