by Ivy Jordan
“I’ve never seen you there,” I said.
“You may’ve just not noticed me,” he replied.
“No. I think I would’ve noticed you,” I smiled.
He stood from the table, his tight t-shirt clinging to his hard chest and his jeans hanging just perfectly around his hips. Yes, I would’ve noticed Carter.
“I just think you’re too pretty, too smart for a guy like that,” he said.
My cheeks blushed with heat, my eyes widened, and a smile smeared across my face that I couldn’t control. “Thank you,” I whispered.
I wasn’t ready for the night to end, not yet. “Would you like to watch a movie?” I asked.
It was obvious he was ready to make his move, but I wasn’t ready, not yet. “Yes. I’d love to,” he agreed.
He filled our glasses with more wine and followed me into the living room. I turned on the TV. We decided on Tombstone, a movie we both professed to love. We settled into the couch, side-by-side, and Carter put his arm around me. It was nice.
Since we’d both seen the movie, we spent most of the time talking. I found out he was never married, and only had one serious relationship before. I told him how Greg was my first real boyfriend too, moving me from my hometown in Seattle to Los Angeles. He was twenty-seven, only four years older, and about what I assumed. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Carter still visited his mother every Sunday morning for breakfast, but didn’t mention his dad.
We found ourselves in each other’s arms, snuggled together on the couch as we talked. Being with Carter was easy, like we’d known each other forever.
“Can I kiss you?” he asked softly.
Our eyes were locked together, and I lost myself in the dark brown entrances to his soul. I couldn’t speak, but nodded as he moved toward me.
Our lips met, sending sparks of electricity through my entire body, and swelling my breasts against the thin white sundress.
His tongue slowly slid across my lips, as if tasting them as they parted. My body pushed into him, embracing him tightly with my arms, entangling our tongues together, and savoring the sweet flavor of his passion.
Carter was gentle, but passionate, leaning me back onto the couch cushion and pressing his weight onto me. His hands slid along my sides, caressing my hips and tracing my curves as his excitement grew obvious against my thigh.
The heat of the moment was making me dizzy with ecstasy, and as Carter’s hand slid up my leg, dangerously close to my inner thigh, I let out a sigh.
I wanted him to touch me, to feel my slippery excitement beneath my silk panties, but I knew it was too soon.
My body battled with my mind as I ground into him, enjoying the sensation of his hard cock pressed against me, and yearning for it to be inside my aching pussy.
No, Naomi, it’s too soon, that annoying voice in my head nagged.
His mouth moved from my lips, leaving them parted with soft sighs escaping as his lips sucked onto my sensitive neck. My hips rocked, my back arched, and his hardness pressed into my leg so hard it hurt.
Oh God, this was happening, and I didn’t know if I could stop it, or if I wanted to stop it.
His mouth lowered, kissing gently at the flesh just above my breast until reaching the small mounds on my chest covered only by the thin sundress. My nipples were erect, pushing out from the material and making it easy for his mouth to consume them.
A moan rolled from my throat and into the room, startling me to hear my own passion echo against the walls.
His lips tightened around my nipple, his teeth slowly and gently gripping it, tugging just enough to make me squeal.
My entire body tingled, an ache grew between my legs as my pussy swelled against the damp panties I’d chosen for that special date with Carter. Were they about to be wadded on the floor? Was I really letting this happen?
Carter’s hand slid between us as he lifted his weight from my body. It inched its way slowly up my leg, caressing my skin and teasing me as it neared the source of heat between my legs.
I didn’t stop him; I didn’t want to. My legs parted, inviting him to continue his journey. His fingers slid across the silk of my panties, causing my pussy to twitch with excitement, and then slid the material over, letting the cool air of the room tease my bare skin.
One finger slid between my plump lips, and then slid inside my warm hole. Oh God, I wanted this!
Slowly, Carter’s finger fucked me with a steady rhythm, nearly bringing me to climax before my mind took back over.
“I can’t,” I said softly, sliding up into a sitting position and pulling away from his skillful finger. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, feeling horrible for letting things go this far.
Carter looked disappointed, and then his eyes filled with fear. “No. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pushed you; it’s just that I…just, oh, fuck,” he gasped, pushing his head into his hands.
“No. I wanted this. Trust me, if we knew each other a little better, this would’ve been the perfect ending to a perfect night,” I assured him.
He looked at me with his dark, soulful eyes. “You sure?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“I understand. I’m usually not this forward. Just that kiss, damn—it got me,” he said, shaking his head and letting out a deep sigh.
I knew exactly what he meant. It got me, too.
“I think we better call it a night,” he said sweetly, standing and extending his hand to me.
I placed my hand in his, feeling the calluses of his hard work, and let him pull me to my feet for one last kiss. I hated to leave his warm embrace, and the kiss, when ended, left me weak in the knees, and wetter between the legs than I’d ever been from such simple foreplay.
“I’ll call you,” he said softly, leaving me with one last peck on the lips.
Chapter Four
“Where are you?” Carrie asked.
I held the phone to my ear with my shoulder as I unloaded my bag of items onto the conveyor belt at the health food store. “Guess,” I laughed.
“Are you making Carter another healthy dinner?” she asked cheerfully.
“No, just picking up stuff for myself,” I groaned.
“I thought your date had gone great,” she questioned.
“Maybe not as great as I thought.” I tried laughing off my disappointment.
Carter had called that night, letting me know he made it home safe, and thanking me for the dinner, movie, and what he teasingly called dessert.
Our contact had been very little since then, mainly just a few short texts, and a few moments while he was on patrol.
“I’m sorry, girl. Maybe he just wanted to get laid; he is a man, after all,” Carrie laughed.
“Yes. A hotter-than-hell man. Ugh, I should’ve just done it,” I growled.
Carrie’s laughter lightened my mood and made the cashier give me an odd look as she eavesdropped on our conversation.
I paid for my food, told Carrie I’d call her later, and started across the parking lot to my car.
“Hey,” Greg’s familiar voice caused me to turn around.
He was walking towards me, his arms puffed up like balloons, and his neck nearly lost in his shoulders. “Greg, you’re not supposed to be near me,” I reminded him.
“Fuck your little pig’s paper,” he laughed.
“What do you want?” I asked, pushing my groceries into my backseat.
“I saw your little piggy’s truck in the driveway last weekend,” he scoffed.
I should’ve known one of his little spies would’ve been watching.
“You stalking me now?” I asked, giving him a warning look.
“I don’t need to stalk you. I figured you’d give it up to get yourself outta trouble,” he snarled. “Gotta keep em’ close enough to get away with assault,” he chuckled.
I couldn’t imagine what I’d seen in him. He wasn’t what I’d consider good looking, at least not now. He was in great shape, but his muscles were becoming more of a disfigurement than a flattering as
set, and his eyes were filled with anger and hate. “Greg, you need to leave before I call the cops,” I warned. “You were the one who assaulted me, and my bruises proved that,” I added, turning to walk towards my driver’s door.
It was the first time—well, second time—that I’d been afraid of Greg. With my back turned on him, there was a nagging feeling that he’d lunge for me, or grab me by my ponytail before I got into my car, but he didn’t. I watched him walk away toward his truck as I sat in the driver’s seat, staring into the rearview mirror. He was just jealous, not dangerous. Whatever that was at the house when Carter had saved the day, it was over, never to happen again.
I was still shaken as I continued to convince myself that Greg wasn’t a threat when my phone rang, startling me. It was Carter, just a little late to interrupt my encounter with Greg.
I slid my thumb across the screen to answer, excited that he was calling. Maybe he wanted to make plans, I thought. Man, what I wouldn’t do to be in his strong arms where my world felt safe.
“Hello,” I answered, my voice still a little shaken.
“Hey there, everything okay?” he asked.
“Yes. You’re just a few minutes late,” I chuckled nervously.
“Late? For what?” he asked.
“I just saw Greg as I left the store,” I explained.
“Did he approach you?” he questioned.
“Yeah. He was pretty nasty, too, but I reminded him of the restraining order, and he left,” I stated, leaving out the part where he scoffed at the paper.
“I can call it in, have him picked up,” Carter said, his voice strong with authority.
“That’s not necessary. Why add fuel to the fire?” I replied calmly.
“Are you sure?” he pushed.
“I am.”
“I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch much this week. My schedule’s been a bear, and I haven’t known my hours from day to day,” he apologized.
I was relieved that he had a good excuse. The fear that my rejection had scared him off, or that he was only interested in getting into my pants, had been making me sick.
“It’s been hectic here, too,” I said, calming down from my encounter with Greg.
“Well, they finally gave me a night off,” he said.
I could almost hear his smile through the phone. “Oh, yeah?” I flirted.
“Oh, yeah. And I would love to spend it with you. I know it’s short notice; if you’re busy, I understand,” he said quickly.
His words warmed my heart, and my crotch, making me squirm in my seat.
“No. I’d love to see you,” I agreed.
“Great. I was afraid you were mad at me for coming on so strong,” he admitted.
I laughed. “Not at all,” I replied, omitting the part where I feared my rejection upset him.
“Why don’t I bring you dinner? I really don’t want you at home alone tonight,” he suggested.
I paused, hesitating to answer.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
Dating a cop wasn’t going to be easy. It seemed his senses were keen, and hiding my anxiety wasn’t going to happen. I sighed.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I admitted.
“Did you want to go out?” he asked.
I was sore from work, and going out didn’t seem appealing. I wanted to stay in, to snuggle on the couch and finish where we’d left off, but knowing Greg had spies watching my every move left me uneasy.
“No. I would love to stay in. It’s just, well, Greg mentioned your truck, so either he or his buddies that live next to me are watching my house,” I groaned.
“Naomi, you really need to let me do my job. He’s crossing the line here, watching you, or having you watched,” he insisted.
“I really don’t want to stir him up. I think it’d be easier if ignored,” I pleaded.
“I’ll respect your wishes, but just know that if he approaches you again, I’m doing things my way,” he warned.
A chill of excitement rolled down my spine as he spoke with such conviction. “Yes, sir,” I teased.
“Would you like to come here?” he asked.
“Oh, I get to see Officer Reynolds’ bachelor pad; are you sure you want me to see that?” I teased playfully.
“I’ll cover the mirrored walls with sheets, and take down the strobe lights,” he laughed.
“I thought you were only twenty-seven?” I laughed.
“I’m an old school playa’,” he said in an oddly sexy voice.
“What time should I arrive?” I asked.
“Come now. I don’t want you running into Meathead at home,” he insisted.
I sighed. “I have groceries in the backseat,” I complained.
“So? I have a fridge. Since I’m a bachelor, there’s plenty of room once I throw out the empty pizza boxes and drink the last beer,” he teased.
“I look a mess,” I continued to find excuses.
“Messier than the day we met?” he laughed.
“I guess not that messy,” I smiled.
“I’ll shoot you the text, and see you in about ten minutes,” he said.
“Okay,” I agreed.
“Naomi?” he added softly.
“Yes?”
“I’m really glad you aren’t mad at me,” he said.
“I don’t think I could ever be mad at you,” I said, and then hung up the phone.
A few seconds later, his directions came through in a text. I recognized the street. It was near the beach, and in a pretty decent neighborhood. It wasn’t upscale, right on the sand, but a little ritzier than where I lived. My nerves were rattled as I pulled out of the parking lot and headed his way. I hadn’t had time to primp, or pluck. What if tonight was the night?
Chapter Five
I pulled into Carter’s drive, parking next to his truck. His house was one of the smallest on the block, but still had a great view of the beach. I got out of my car, and before I could open the backdoor, Carter was outside, ready to help. “Let me get those,” he said, leaning in to give me a quick kiss on the cheek.
He reached into the backseat, grabbed my two small bags of groceries, and walked with me to his front door.
Inside, the entry was decorated with pictures of small kids, a boy and a girl. “That’s my niece and nephew, the loves of my life,” he told me as we entered.
The furniture was new, modern, and situated so you could view the large stone fireplace. No TV.
A granite countertop wrapped around the kitchen, open to the dining area, and a large window offered a slight view of the ocean. “This is amazing,” I gasped.
“I had a hell of a time taking up the shag carpet and tearing down the Playboy bunny wallpaper before you got here,” he teased.
“Wow, you’re really sixty, aren’t you?” I laughed.
The kitchen was a dream. An island in the center offered an induction cooktop, a sink, and large wooden carving station. The outside wall was mostly windows, all providing different views of the beautiful beach across the street. “If I could just tear down that one house,” Carter said, glaring out the window at a large three-story that blocked the better part of his view.
“I guess you could build up,” I suggested.
“I thought about it. Maybe when I have kids,” he said without hesitating.
I was a little shocked to hear him mention kids. That was something most men I’d met in their twenties refused to think about. “You want kids?” I asked carefully.
“Of course; don’t you?” he asked.
I smiled. “Yes.”
“Shew,” he swiped his hand across his forehead dramatically. “Glad that topic’s handled,” he laughed.
“Not really. How many?” I asked, deciding to push the topic a bit further.
“Four,” he said, again without hesitation.
“Wow. I would love four,” I said.
“But only if there is a set of twins,” we both said at the same time.
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��Damn, I knew you were perfect,” he growled, wrapping his hands around my waist and pulling me in close.
His lips teased mine, so close I could almost taste them, but not close enough to touch.
Our eyes locked, and for a moment, it felt as though our minds, hearts, and souls were in sync.
“I’ve missed you,” he whispered.
“You’ve seen me almost every day,” I giggled as my cheeks blushed pink.
“Yeah, for a nano-second. I missed holding you,” he corrected himself.
“I have to admit, I was afraid that you’d lost interest when I backed out of our make-out session,” I said softly.
His lips pressed into mine, gently working his tongue into my mouth, and kissing me with as much passion as our first. He slowly pulled back, leaving my weak in the knees and a little dizzy. “It’ll just be that much better that we waited,” he whispered.
My body melted into his arms as my head snuggled into his chest. A long sigh escaped my lips as his hand caressed my back.
“Are you hungry?” he asked.
“No,” I lied.
“Do you want a drink?” he asked.
“Not really,” I replied, looking up at him with my ‘kiss me’ eyes.
“What would you like to do?” he asked playfully.
“I’d like to quit waiting,” I flirted.
“Hot damn, that’s exactly what I wanted to do,” he said with a large grin on his face.
“Let’s get a drink and go upstairs to the hot tub,” he suggested, grabbing a bottle of wine and two glasses from the counter.
“I didn’t bring a swimsuit,” I whined.
“I was hoping you hadn’t,” he winked, and motioned for me to follow him up the spiral staircase.
The entire upper level was his master suite. The carpet was so plush, my sandals sunk into it, letting my toes get tickled by the silky fibers. A large bed was situated in the center of the room, near a big window that took up the entire wall. He grinned over his shoulder as I stood there with my mouth hanging open. “This is amazing,” I said, when I really wanted to say, “How can you afford this on a cop’s salary?”
“Ladies first,” he said, pushing open a set of large French doors that led to a beautiful deck.
