“I don’t see why it would.” But who really knew how he would react to the news. Once inside, he closed the door and headed straight for the couch.
“Lay it on me so I can get to kissing every inch of your body.”
A shiver climbed up her spine. He was a devastating display sitting on her sofa. Thighs parted, arms stretched across the backrest and looking like he wanted to devour her.
Lord have mercy.
She went to loosen the strap on one of her heels when he held up his hand.
“Leave those on, darlin’. Lose the dress though.”
There was that shiver again. Derrick was wearing his naughty boy tonight. Her nipples hardened in anticipation. She reached behind her and managed to pull down the zipper. With slow seductive moves, she pulled her arms free and lowered the fabric until her bra was revealed. A black lacy piece that barely covered her heavy breasts.
“Don’t stop now.” His voice thick with desire.
She offered a seductive grin, licked her lips, and slid the dress to her waist. Past her hips until she was able to step out of it. She stood before him in only lace and heels.
“You might want to start talkin’. Sheer determination is the only thing keeping me on this couch and it’s quickly shattering.” His eyes roamed her body. Ate her alive.
“The day I shifted, and I was able to get inside your head?”
He nodded, his gaze coming back to meet hers. “I remember.”
“I told you it was unusual. I spoke to my father about it, looking for answers.” She licked her lips, her mouth parched. “He is certain you have a shifter in your ancestry somewhere. It’s the only explanation.” She waited for...something. Anything. His body to stiffen. Panic to skitter across the blue of his eyes. For him to jump to his feet and pace the floor. Instead his lids stayed hooded.
“That it?”
Not what she was expecting. Maybe he needed time for it to settle in. “Yes.”
“Be a good girl then and slip your hand beneath your panties. Bring yourself to the edge, Halee, but only I make you come. Understood?”
She couldn’t catch air. His words had taken her last breath. “Yes,” she whispered and did as he commanded.
16
The sight before him was that of a goddess. His woman, wearing only black lace and heels had her hand inside her panties. Lips parted as she worked herself toward the orgasm he forbad her to have. She ran her fingertips across the swell of exposed flesh above her bra. The woman was driving him insane.
He stood, worked the buttons on his shirt, but they proved beyond his capabilities at the moment. Fuck it. He jerked and the buttons scattered, the shirt now gaping open, so he slipped out of it and tossed it aside. He had to work a little harder on the belt buckle and cursed himself for wearing one. Finally, he was free of his pants and Halee’s gaze fixated on his erection.
“You want this, baby?”
“Yes.” The word, barely a whisper.
“Then stop torturing me and come here.” He took his seat and held out his hands. When she stepped in front of him, he took her fingers into his mouth. The taste of her clung to her skin and hardened him more. He wanted to take his time with her, but the scent of her arousal made him crazy.
“Will I find you wet for me?” He palmed her sex. “Oh yes, your panties are soaked.” He grabbed the flimsy material and ripped them from her body. “I hope you weren’t attached to those.”
He didn’t wait for a reply. “Spread your legs for me.”
She did, and with her heels, she was at the perfect height.
“So beautiful.” He cupped her breasts and swiped his tongue over her slit.
She dug her fingers into his scalp and gasped.
Rolling her nipples between his fingers, he sucked on her bundle of nerves and she immediately shattered. Her orgasm coated his tongue, and he drank her in until her body stopped quivering. He leaned back, hating to let go yet needing her.
“Come straddle me, darlin’.”
Without hesitation, she was over him then her sex was sliding down his cock. Wet heat gripped him. He tipped his head back and closed his eyes, a moan escaping his lips. When he looked at her again, the desire in her eyes nearly undid him. It was for him. Only him.
He cupped her face, pulled her closer, and claimed her mouth. His fingers entangled in her hair as his tongue plundered her. He tried everything to hold out, but she worked him. Muscles gripped him and when she came he lost all control. The world around him came crashing down, and together they fell into blissful ecstasy. When they finally caught their breath and their gazes met, realization slammed into him.
He couldn’t breathe without this woman, and it scared the hell out of him.
She kissed his forehead. “I love it when your bad boy comes out to play.”
He chuckled. “I’ll be sure he visits often.”
“Shower with me?”
“Round two? Absolutely. I can never get enough of you.” Yeah, he was going down and fast. It was either fight or flight at this point, and he was determined to fight his past. Halee was worth any battle.
After an extra-long shower that involved soap and an exploration of each other’s bodies, Halee stepped out and dried off.
“You know you surprise me.”
The water shut off and Derrick slid back the glass door. “Why?”
She handed him a towel. “I expected more of a reaction to the news of your ancestry.”
“You should know you’re a distraction when dressed in lace and heels. It was all my brain could focus on.”
She burst into laughter. “So, if I ever have bad news...”
“Give it to me naked. Most definitely.”
She wandered from the bathroom and slipped into bed. “Seriously, how do you feel about it?”
He got in beside her and pulled her close. “I’m not sure what it means really. Does it matter?”
She needed to tread carefully. She liked this man. A lot. Stop kidding yourself, Halee. You are falling and hard. Damn it, she was and the last thing she wanted was Derrick to think she only cared for him because of who he was. Far from it. Granted, except for another shifter, he was the next ideal mate, and if Kadin caught wind of the possibility that Derrick had shifter blood... Well he would run with it like a dog with a damn steak.
“If Kadin finds out, he may get pushy if you catch my meaning.” She turned to face him, gauge his reaction.
“Does my possible heritage matter to you?”
“No.” This was a good opportunity to elaborate further. He’d opened the door. “We agreed to give this relationship a chance before either of us knew this.” She placed her hand over his beating heart. “Does it mean you’re a more ideal mate than any other human? Yes. Are you more ideal than a shifter? No, but that’s only if you ask my brother.” She leaned in and kissed him.
“I want you for who you are, not what you might carry.”
He rested his hand on her hip. “What about your parents? Do they pressure you like your brother?”
“They want my happiness, and you, Derrick Taylor, make me happy.”
He rolled to his back and she rested her head on his chest. Several minutes ticked by in silence, and she wished she knew what thoughts swirled around in his head. Finally, he broke the silence.
“Remember the letter I told you I wrote to Sarah Davis while in therapy?”
“Yes.”
“I’m going to dig it out and mail it to her.”
This surprised her. She pushed herself up, so she could study him in the moonlight that filtered through the window. “Are you sure you want to do that?”
“It’s time to let go of my past and move on. Asking her forgiveness is part of it, and once I do that I can put it behind me. The rest... Well I’ll find a way to fight through it.”
“The rest?”
“The part where I get attached to you then lose you.” The pain in his eyes shattered her. “They all leave, Halee. Everyone I love go
es away.”
Her heart broke into a million pieces. Did he care that much for her? “I’m not going anywhere, and I think you’re making the right choice. As for the rest? I’ll be right by your side every step. If you need me to pick you up when you falter, I’ll be here.”
“You’re a good woman, Halee. I don’t think you know what you’re getting into with me.”
She smiled even though he probably couldn’t see it. She knew very well what she was getting into. Derrick just needed to realize life and love were risky, but better to jump in and enjoy what they offered rather than have regrets later.
“I would ask a favor though.”
“Anything.”
“I’ll give you the letter and you mail it for me? I’m afraid if left to my own devices, I’ll procrastinate.”
“I will do that for you, gladly.”
Dearest Sarah,
I don’t even know where to begin. After the accident, my therapist told me to write you a letter. I did, but never mailed it. I will admit to being a coward.
Recently someone entered my life and encouraged me to send this to you. After reading my original letter written almost two years ago, I decided to crumple it up and start over.
Derrick raised the beer bottle to his lips and swigged until it was half gone. Now on his second one, a little courage was coming back. He didn’t want to open up the wounds again, but if he ever wanted to get his life back he had no choice.
To say I am riddled with guilt seems almost laughable. Every day I think about Jeremy. He was more than my best friend, he was my brother. The family I no longer had. You welcomed me into your home and life, and I let you both down. I never should have made it out of that house alive. He had everything to live for, while I did not. If I could switch places with him, I would a thousand times over. The sadness in your eyes haunts my nights.
He finished his beer and looked at the fridge. He wanted to get up and grab another. Drink himself into numbness, but he knew if he left this chair he would not finish the letter. He had told himself he couldn’t move until it was done. He had promised Halee he would do this and begin to finally heal. A picture of Jeremy and himself sat on the table. His friend’s smile stared back at him. Derrick pulled in a deep breath.
Sorry doesn’t feel like the right word, but I don’t know what else to say. I’m so damn sorry I didn’t protect your husband. Sorry I left you a widow and your children without a father. Sorry I was a coward and not there for you, but in all honesty, I thought it best if you didn’t see me as a reminder of what you lost. Most of all, I’m sorry I lived and Jeremy didn’t. I have failed in so many ways.
Recently I met someone special. I badly want to pull my shit together. To find happiness and give this woman what she deserves. Trouble is, I can’t justify any joy in my life. Why should I have something that was taken away from you? You know my history. The loss of both my parents and then Jeremy. I feel fate is teasing me by bringing Halee into my life. Showing me something I want so desperately before it rips it away from me again.
He tossed down his pen and dropped his head into his hands. His head hurt, and his heart ached. He was ready to crumple up the paper and say fuck it. Only one thing kept him from doing so. He picked up his phone and swiped the screen to bring it to life. Halee had changed his wallpaper to a photo of the two of them. Her sister had snapped the picture when they were all at the town picnic. The two of them were sitting under a tree. Bringing the phone closer, he studied the photo. He had never noticed how Halee looked at him. There was something in her eyes, a softness to her face. She appeared happy. He then looked at himself. While there was a smile on his face, it looked forced. Why? He loved spending time with Halee. Missed her when they weren’t together.
He put down the phone and with renewed determination picked up his pen. He wanted Halee in his life. She deserved all of him and not the shell he was currently. The only way he could give himself to her was to ask Sarah to forgive him, so he could finally forgive himself and move on. It was past time.
I don’t want to throw my burdens on you, that is not the intent of this letter. I’m writing to ask you to forgive me. I hope you can find it in your heart to do so, and maybe, just maybe I can forgive myself. I know Jeremy wouldn’t want either of us to suffer over his loss. Somehow, I need to remember what it’s like to live and hopefully to love again. I hope with all my heart that you have begun to heal from your loss. I miss you and the kids.
You may toss this letter in the trash without ever reading a word, but if you do read it please know that if you need anything, I want to be there for you and the kids. Please feel free to reach out to me. I would love to hear from you, my address and phone number are below.
With all my love,
Derrick
He quickly folded the letter and sealed it in the addressed envelope then got up from his chair. Swiping his phone off the table, he texted Halee.
Hey darlin’ it’s written and sealed. Will you please mail it for me?
So proud of you! See you in a bit.
He typed back. Can’t wait.
17
Derrick planned every detail for tonight with extra care. It had been almost two months since their first official date, and today was Halee’s birthday. He wanted it to be special for her, so earlier in the week, he’d ordered a dozen red roses and had them delivered this morning. She had texted him a photo of the flowers and the big smile on her face before she called to thank him. She had tried to pry information from him, but he refused to budge. It was too much fun making her wait.
Pulling on his jacket, he checked himself in the mirror then decided to snap a photo. Texting Halee, he attached the picture. Bet you can’t wait to get your hands on this.
OMG! You look hot but why aren’t you wearing a bow???
He laughed. How do you know I’m not? U ready to go?
You suck, hurry the hell up!
On my way. He slipped his phone into his pocket, and as he headed from the bedroom, he grabbed the small package from on top of his dresser. The gal at the jewelers had wrapped it in dark blue paper––Halee’s favorite color––and gold ribbon. He hoped she liked it because he had picked it out himself.
Thirty minutes later, he pulled into her driveway. She had the front door open before he was even out of the truck and greeted him in a black dress that fell above her knee and fit her like a glove.
“You are beautiful,” he said, climbing the steps to the porch where he pulled her to his chest and kissed her. “Happy birthday, darlin’.”
“Thanks. So are you going to tell me where you’re taking me?”
He shook his head. “Nope. I’m abducting you, but I promise you’ll like it.”
“Okay. Shall we go now?”
He offered his arm. “Let me escort you to your chariot, my lady.”
She laughed and wrapped her fingers around his bicep. “You’re so funny.”
After they were both buckled in, he headed out. “I thought about blind folding you but decided against it.”
“Hmm, sounds kinda dirty to me.”
“There’s always later.”
“Is your dirty boy going to come over and play?” She ran her fingers up his thigh.
“Keep that up and we’ll skip dinner and go parking.”
“I’m hungry. You’d best feed me first.”
“Whatever my lady wishes. It’s your birthday.”
Forty-five minutes later, he turned down the lane and Halee fidgeted in her seat.
“Derrick, this place is fancy and expensive. I’ve never been here, but I hear it’s very nice.”
After he parked, he helped her out. “It came highly recommended.”
“By who?”
He escorted her across the parking lot and opened the door, holding it for her. “It was actually Gaelen who told me about it.” After they stepped inside, they were greeted by a well-dressed woman.
“Good evening. My name is Amanda, how can I help you?
”
“Reservations for Taylor,” Derrick replied.
She offered a big smile. “Of course, Mr. Taylor. Right this way.”
Amanda led them through a darkened dining room and to a small private room that sat out over the lake. They had a water view on three sides. Derrick pulled out Halee’s chair and waited for her to be seated.
“Your server will be right with you,” Amanda said then left them alone.
“Wow, our own room?”
“Only the best for the birthday girl.” Derrick unfolded his napkin, placing it in his lap.
“Evening. My name is Dan, and I’ll be your server tonight.” The waiter stepped up with two champagne glasses in one hand and an ice bucket with the bottle of bubbly Derrick had ordered in the other. He set both glasses on the table then popped the cork on the bottle.
“I understand it’s the lady’s birthday.” He poured and handed her the first glass.
“It is.”
“Happy birthday.”
“Thanks.”
Dan poured the other glass and placed it in front of Derrick. “I’ll be back shortly with your first course.” Then he was off.
Halee sipped. “Mmm, this is good stuff. So, did you order the entire dinner?”
“I did, and I think you’ll like it.” He pulled the package from his pocket and placed it in front of her. Her eyes widened as she looked at it then up at him.
“A present? You’ve already done so much.” She ran a finger across the ribbon.
“Happy birthday, baby.”
Halee stared at the foil wrapped box with its pretty curled ribbons. “It’s almost too pretty to open.” Then she carefully pulled the bow and ribbon off, wanting to save it.
“Most people rip into their gifts.”
“I want to savor the moment.” She took a sip of her drink before she began to peel the tape away from the paper. Finally, she reached a black box. Lifting the top, the inside revealed a bracelet tucked into black velvet. Pear-shaped sapphires, surrounded by diamonds and white gold sparkled in the soft candlelight.
Rescue Me (Sparks Of Desire Book 2) Page 12
