by Ali Parker
I closed my eyes, relaxing my weight into the soft comforter as his mouth meandered down to my neck. Somehow, Andrew knew just where the most sensitive spot was. Sucking gently on my throat, he swam his fingers down the side of my body, not stopping till they were at my waist.
The sucking on my throat increased, as well as his hold on my waist. I pushed my body against him, bending my neck in offering.
Without warning, unbearable heat rushed through my body, making me break out into a sweat. Clawing at Andrew’s shirt, I tugged it up, fumbling in an attempt to get it over his head.
Leaving my neck, he sat up, peeling the shirt off for me. I watched breathlessly, my temperature only continuing to rise.
With his shirt gone, Andrew pulled on my sweatshirt. The shirt underneath came off with it, leaving nothing but a bra on my torso.
Andrew emitted a hungry growl, dropping down once more and taking my mouth with his as his palms closed over my breasts. We kissed fiercely, tongues and teeth twisting and knocking together till I didn’t know what belonged to who.
My nipples grew tauter under his touch, pressing against the bra cups. I ran my hands across his back, searching for every muscle. I wanted to touch each inch of him, to burn his perfect form into my memory forever.
With one swift movement, Andrew reached under me and unhooked my bra. Not content to stop there, he kissed his way down my chest and belly, working on the button of my jeans as he went.
I helped him, happily kicking the rest of my clothes off.
“What about you?” I playfully asked.
Andrew just grinned, already standing up and removing his own pants and boxers. His thick length emerged, making saliva fill my mouth. My palms tingled to get a feel of it, but before I could reach forward, Andrew was back on top of me, pinning my wrists above my head.
This time, the kiss was tender, languid, and flavorful. I wrapped my legs around Andrew’s naked waist, pulling him closer to me. A throbbing began between my thighs, so persistent it bordered on painful.
I grasped hold of the comforter above my head, clutching it as the room spun. Andrew left my mouth and hands, shimmying lower and spreading my thighs. Slowly, he licked me there, taking his time like I was a treat he intended to enjoy. My entire body shuddered with pleasure, each sweep of his tongue taking me higher.
The ecstasy and heat grew, and I clung to the comforter. If I let go, I was sure I’d fly away.
Andrew flicked his tongue against me fast, sending me over the edge. I bucked my hips against his face, moaning as the euphoria came to a head.
Gasping for air, I clutched eagerly at his shoulders, drawing him up toward me. Having his mouth on me had only made me hungrier for him, and I couldn’t wait to get my fill.
As I pulled him up to me, though, he surprised me by taking my wrists once more. This time he lay next to me, turning me around so that he was behind me. A gentle bite stung the back of my neck, and I sealed my eyes shut, grinding my thigh against his length.
Wiggling one hand free, I found his soft shaft and squeezed it lightly. Having it cradled in my palm felt familiar. Right.
Andrew allowed me a moment to do as I wanted, with him running his broad hands up and down the length of my body. I stroked him lethargically, goosebumps rising along every inch of my skin as he touched the same spots over and over again.
Rolling away from me, he opened the side drawer and pulled out a condom. I took the moment to lie flat on my back, my arms splayed at my sides.
Standing next to the bed, wearing the most perfect side grin ever, Andrew gazed down at me as he rolled the condom over himself.
The bed creaked as he slowly got back on it and nestled himself between my legs. One arm slipped under my waist to hold me securely while the other found my hand. Our fingers intertwined next to my head, and Andrew dropped his face to mine as he unhurriedly pushed into me.
My muscles rippled against his girth. Deep relaxation combined with breathtaking pleasure swept through me, and I kissed him with an unquenchable thirst. Slowly, we rocked against each other, the movements like second nature.
Tension collected in my lower abdomen, building steadily. With a bang that made me gasp, I burst, twisting my fingers in his hair and calling his name the whole time.
My release seemed to spur Andrew on. He quickened the pace, burying himself fully inside of me. I nestled my face into his neck, thrusting myself up against him. I wanted to give him all of me, to let him know that whatever it was he wanted, I had it.
With a groan, he froze, hand clenching mine.
Shifting slightly away from me, Andrew brought himself back to my mouth. Our satisfied kiss was full of sweat, sweetness, perfection.
I closed my eyes, wishing we could stay in that moment forever.
Gently climbing off me, Andrew pulled me against him and tossed a blanket over the both of us. Nestled in the crook of his arm, I sighed happily.
“This is …” He paused. “Good,” he simply finished.
I laughed. “Yeah, it is.”
“I was worried we would never have this again.”
Emotion clogged my throat. I was happy he couldn’t see my face because I was afraid of what could be showing there.
“I’m sorry about all this,” I whispered.
Andrew squeezed my shoulder and pressed his face into the side of my head. “Lanie, don’t do that. None of this is your fault.”
“I just wish you didn’t have to go through this.”
“I’m more worried about you.” He lightly stroked the arm I’d tossed across his shoulder.
“What do you mean?”
Andrew sighed. “I can’t ruin your relationship with your parents.”
“Don’t worry about that. I’ll figure it out.”
“I’m going to talk to Bob.”
In the blink of an eye, I was sitting up and looking at him.
Andrew put a finger up. “Don’t protest.”
“I—”
“Uh-uh.”
I tried to stop the smile, but it twisted my lips anyway. “I’m surprised he hasn’t called you yet. He usually likes to take care of things right away.”
Apprehension showed on Andrew’s face. “Damn. Yeah, you’re right. Huh.” He frowned. “I suppose that means he’s preparing to really give it to me.”
“Oh, god.” I dropped my face into my hands.
“Lanie.” Andrew gently tugged on my wrists until I dropped them. “Relax. I’m a big boy. I can handle it. All right?”
The look on his face was so earnest I couldn’t do anything but agree. “Okay,” I whispered.
“You look beautiful tonight.”
The compliment made me smile. “Thanks.”
Andrew’s hand found mine. “I want to make you dinner.”
“You can cook?”
“Hey, now.”
“My bad.” I laughed. “Sorry.”
“Yeah, I can cook. I make a mean boxed mac n’ cheese.” He pulled me back against his chest. “Kidding.”
“I think you might be shocked at how much I love macaroni and cheese.”
“Mm. Tell me more.” Andrew nuzzled his face against my neck.
“Well, it’s cheesy.”
“Uh-huh,” he huskily murmured, circling his palms over my back.
“And then there’s the pasta part. I can’t forget about that.”
“Oh, baby,” he groaned, hands squeezing my butt cheeks. “You know, I think you just made me ready for round two.”
I fell into a fit of giggles, not stopping until Andrew kissed me hard. Breaking his lips from mine, he pulled me from the bed and into the adjoining master bathroom. With the two shower heads on full blast, he covered a loofah with body wash and cleaned me up, giving each inch of skin its own special moment.
Downstairs, he set me at the kitchen table with a glass of wine. As light chopping and stirring noises filled the air and the radio played faintly in the background, I watched Andrew carefully. Each of his
movements was sure, focused. He seemed to be in a trance while cooking, although once in a while, he’d shoot me a grin. Each time that happened, I melted.
This man had done something to me I couldn’t explain. I loved my parents to death, but I wasn’t going to give Andrew up for anything. I’d spent years searching for someone I really clicked with, and who knew if I’d find that kind of connection again?
“If this isn’t edible, I apologize,” Andrew said, setting two plates of enchiladas on the table. “And do know that we have an entire drawer of takeout menus. It’s how we survive on Karen’s days off.”
“I don’t think that will be necessary,” I answered honestly. “This looks amazing.”
As we ate, we shared the little updates from our lives. I talked about the happenings at school, and Andrew offered a little bit about work. It still seemed he didn’t like talking about it that much, which was fine. Numbers and investing, say those two words, and I was already falling asleep.
With dinner finished, Andrew pulled my chair closer to his. His arm looped around my shoulders, and his palm rested on my knee. I sighed, not a trace of tension left anywhere in my body or heart.
How could being with him be wrong when it felt so absolutely perfect?
Andrew’s thumb rubbed the side of my knee. “What are you thinking?”
“That there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
His eyes softened. “I know how that feels.”
The stove clock over his shoulder drew my eye. “Oh, wow. How did it get so late?”
Andrew turned to look at it. “Mm. Yeah.”
I tried not to sigh.
“I want to take you back upstairs,” he said.
The prospect made me tremble with excitement. It was almost eleven, though, and I felt more exhausted than I usually did at that hour. It must have been the fight with my parents or the wild time Andrew and I had already had. Maybe both.
I blinked at Andrew, my eyelids growing heavy.
“If I go upstairs,” I slowly said, “I’m going to fall asleep. I guarantee it. Sorry.”
Andrew squeezed my thigh. “That’s fine.”
“When is Raven back?”
He rolled his head around, stretching out his neck. “Early. Seven. Her friend has some kind of horse vaulting competition she has to go to tomorrow.”
“That’s early.” I played with the hem of the T-shirt he’d put on after the shower.
“Yeah,” he agreed sadly.
I thought about what it would be like to fall asleep in Andrew’s arms and to wake up next to him. The thought was too tempting.
“I really wish I could stay, but I don’t want to risk Raven seeing me here. Even though she knows we’re seeing each other.” I struggled with the right words. “I’m still her guidance counselor.”
Andrew nodded, his eyes now looking as tired as mine felt. “I’ll call you a car so you don’t have to drive home.”
I smiled, relieved at how accepting he was. “I can drive,” I assured him.
“Are you sure?” he skeptically asked.
“Really sure.” Resting my palms against his chest, I gave him a slow kiss.
At the door, Andrew kissed me goodbye one more time. Though my muscles and heart ached to stay with him, I pushed myself across the porch and to my car. We were saying goodbye, but nothing about it felt sad.
I’d almost lost him, but deep in my soul, a tiny voice whispered that I’d never feel that way again.
Chapter 32
Andrew
The familiar beep of a text message entered my dreams, drawing me away from reliving Lanie’s soft embrace. Rubbing my eyes, I rolled across the bed, heart thumping and blood rushing between my legs.
Expecting to see a good morning text from Lanie, I grabbed the phone from the nightstand and swiped the screen open.
Bob Jacobs:
We need to talk. Today.
And boner gone.
I started to cuss but bit down on my lip instead. I’d accepted this situation, and talking to Bob was what I’d been planning to do. Sending him a text back asking him to meet at the country club, I put my phone back on the stand and jumped into the shower.
Just like my bed, the shower contained an air of sadness. With no Lanie, it almost seemed there was no point in waking up, getting cleaned, doing anything I used to.
If only she could have stayed.
I didn’t have to imagine what waking up next to her would be like. We’d had that one time in the hotel, but that didn’t compare to what nights and mornings in my bed—our bed—would be like.
As far as Raven went, isn’t that what she’d wanted? A woman to be around full-time? Someone other than me and Karen to count on?
Stepping out of the shower, I heard the bang of the front door. Drying fast, I dressed and slipped my phone into my back pocket before hurrying downstairs. Raven was in the kitchen, pouring coffee beans into the grinder.
“When did you start taking stimulants?” I joked.
Raven scowled.
I opened my mouth to warn her about getting hooked on the bean early but changed my mind. “How was your sleepover?”
“It was okay,” she grumbled.
I opened the fridge and pulled out an apple. In my pocket, my phone buzzed with a text. Swallowing my nerves, I directed my thoughts away from the phone and toward Raven instead.
“Just okay?”
She shrugged. “Yeah. How was your night?” Her eyes trailed to the dishes on the table.
Shit.
After saying goodbye to Lanie the night before, I’d completely forgotten to go back to the kitchen and clean up.
Raven smirked. “Did Miss Jacobs just sneak out the back door?”
“Very funny,” I dryly answered, heat filling my face.
“You’re blushing, Dad.” She laughed.
Hard as I tried, all I could do was blush more.
“It’s okay.” Her back to me, she filled the coffee maker with water. “I know how it is. I’m seventeen.”
“Oh. Do you? Uh.”
“Dad.” Raven looked over her shoulder, eyebrows raised. “I don’t have a boyfriend. That’s not happening with me.”
I breathed in slow, amazed by Raven’s ability to know what I was about to say before I even did. She must have gotten the talent from her mother. The only thing I seemed able to do in our conversations was either make her laugh or put my foot in my mouth.
Taking my phone out, I checked the messages. Bob had agreed to meet at the country club, explicitly saying—not asking—I should be there in an hour.
“I have to go somewhere,” I said, putting my phone away. “But I’ll be back before lunch. Karen will be here soon. Will you be all right? How about we go to the movies later? Or there’s a ballet this evening. I have those season tickets I never use.”
Her eyes lit up. “The movies sound good.”
“Great. I’ll be back soon.” Striding across the kitchen, I planted a kiss on her forehead. It was something I hadn’t done in years, and I wasn’t sure how she’d respond.
“Bye,” she said, turning away, her own blush filling her face.
“See you in a bit, kiddo.”
In the car, all the anxiety about meeting Bob came rushing back. As I drove, I ran over possible things to say to him, testing a few of them out by saying them out loud.
I wanted to call Lanie and tell her about the meeting, but once I arrived at the club, I was crunched for time. Bob would be there any minute. I’d never been late meeting him before, and this would be the worst day to break that streak.
Unbuttoning my coat, I entered the bar and found Bob right away. He sat at a round table in the corner, eyes on me. The rest of the room was close to empty, with the spot having just opened up.
Gulping, I passed the only table with other people at it—a group of women drinking bloody Mary’s—and took the chair across from Bob. His gaze was a jagged knife, making me feel like I was looking at a man I’d neve
r met, not my closest and most dependable friend.
My head spun. Where was I supposed to begin?
But Bob beat me to the punch. “How could you, Andrew? Haven’t I been a good friend to you?”
The remark stung like hell, raw salt on my gaping wound. It was what I needed to get my thoughts together, though.
“I respect you, Bob, but you have to understand my relationship with Lanie has never been about you.”
He recoiled at that, his brows bunching together. Before he could retort, I went on, all of my previous anxiety suddenly gone.
“I didn’t know who she was when we met,” I said. “Fuck, I didn’t know she was your daughter until the fundraiser, and she didn’t know about our connection, either.”
“How long have you been seeing her?” Bob growled.
“A few weeks,” I slowly said while quickly raking my mind for the exact number.
“So it’s not too early to call it off.”
Damn, he was relentless. “I don’t want to call it off. I haven’t met a woman as special as Lanie since Danica.”
The confession was hard to make, on account of it being so true, but if I wanted to win this argument, I needed to pull out all the stops.
“I know you, Andrew.” Bob spread his hands. “And you don’t get out much. You’re not exactly pursuing dates on the regular. The only reason you found Lanie was because of convenience. She works at the school your daughter goes to. Let me guess. You went into a function or a parent-teacher conference, and that’s how you met.”
My skin turned hot and itchy. “Just because we met at school doesn’t mean she’s any less special than someone I would meet at a speed dating event.”
I could have taken it further, demanding to know if Bob thought Lanie wasn’t special, but that would be a low blow and not even practical. I knew Bob thought the world of his family, and I hadn’t come to the club to fight. It was time to make amends.
“I don’t have to tell you how amazing Lanie is,” I softly said, clasping my hands and giving Bob an earnest look.
He swallowed hard and briefly looked away. “Course you don’t,” he gruffly answered. “But you do see the situation you’re putting me in, don’t you Andrew? She’s twenty-eight years old.”
