by Lacey Silks
“He’s not a boyfriend.” I let out a long exhale. “But we do have some debts I need to pay off.”
“Annabelle, you need to talk to Eric about it. He’s got the money.”
“I don’t want our family’s money to go to that man.”
“Who is he?”
“Derek, I’ll handle it. I’ll go back for my exam, figure out some sort of a payment schedule, and I’ll come back home.”
“Do you want to be here, in Ogden?” He lifted my chin with his finger, forcing me to look into his eyes. They were so beautiful and honest. Why couldn’t it have been Derek I met that day?
“I do.”
“Do you want to stay with me? Because, Annabelle, I cannot stop thinking about you. All I want is you. I’ve been wanting you since the day I saw you in San Francisco. And that kiss we shared. I’ve been dreaming about it every night since.”
I nodded as tears began streaking down my cheeks. That was all I wanted as well. If Rick didn’t exist, my life would have been much easier and so much simpler.
“Me too,” I said through my sobs. “I just don’t want to hurt you.”
“You could never hurt me, Annabelle.” Derek closed in and gently touched his lips to mine. The softness of his kiss and the tender way he rubbed his thumb over my cheek and held my face in his hands made me wish I could stay in this moment forever. This was a man worthy of everything. I wanted to give him everything and be his everything, because Derek made me feel not only like a woman, but like a person worth loving.
I wiggled my nose. “You smell like poop,” I said against his lips.
“And you smell like shit.” He laughed, pulling me even closer to him. Honestly, when he held me like that, I didn’t care how he smelled. “What am I going to do with you, pretty lady? Do you feel like jumping in a lake?”
My eyes grew wide. “Really?”
“Ah, come on. Peacock Lake is the perfect place to swim.”
Of course it was. I’d already swam in it once since I’d been back. It was one of the most peaceful places I knew of in Ogden, and I couldn’t wait to dive into it again.
CHAPTER 10
Annabelle
The woods that led to Peacock Lake had grown since the last time I’d been here. Past the trees there were rocks and small cliffs we’d jumped off as kids¸ concealed by the natural curves in the lake and the evergreens at its borders. This was the same spot I came to when I first arrived in Ogden. The flat lake reflected pines and shrubs around its edges, leaving the center hue like a perfect eye to the heavens and the beautiful eye of a peacock’s feather.
The path Derek led me through was near the one I’d used from behind my parent’s property. It connected to another path leading to Derek’s parents’ land. I’d never gone to the lake this way but faintly recalled the maze of paths we’d used to get here as kids. When we reached the shore, I just stared. It never ceased to amaze me just how beautiful Peacock Lake was. Each view was unique and jaw-dropping.
Derek reached up toward a rope hanging off a tree and let it loose. It dangled invitingly, and I could already imagine the feel of the cool water around my body.
“I haven’t done this since I was a kid. Ready?” His smile was truly that of a kid, bringing that innocence and youthfulness out on his face.
“Wait, I didn’t bring a bathing suit,” I said.
“You didn’t need one before.” He grinned, removing his sweaty shirt.
I whipped around to face him. My jaw may as well have dropped to the ground. “What?”
“This is where I go fishing, Annabelle,” he said, pointing beyond the rock I jumped off of a few days earlier. “Right behind that small cliff.”
I pressed my lips together, feeling the tightness in my jaw. “How often do you fish?”
“Quite often. And fish aren’t the only things that catch my eye.” He winked.
“You didn’t.”
“Didn’t what?”
“Uhm—”
“See you naked? I tried to turn around but couldn’t.”
My hand flew up to cover my mouth.
“I must say, you’re definitely not the little girl I remembered, Annabelle. Oh come on. Don’t be shy. What did you expect me to do?”
Derek stood one foot away from me. How did he get so close? My head spun as I wondered how much of me had he seen, exactly.
“I expected you to be the gentleman I thought you were and turn around,” I whispered, feeling my heart drum in my chest. The heaviness of my breaths was evident. I could see Derek reacting to me the same way, and for a moment I wondered whether it was all the manure fumes I’d inhaled that were tampering with my mind.
What was happening to my body? My eyes devoured his broad shoulders, and the thoughts that ran through my mind of what I wanted him to do to me were so primal. That same surge of lust I’d felt when I first walked in on Derek in the bathroom swooshed in my belly as the images of his naked perfection invaded my thoughts. I’d give anything to feel his strength underneath my palms. I’d been wondering whether a man like him, powerful and capable of ripping out a pine with his bare hands (at least in my imagination), could be gentle with a woman. Was it possible that not all men were ruthless? From the first time I’d seen Derek, I thought of him as an anomaly in what I knew about men who wanted women. And my brother and father didn’t count because they were family. And Blake, well he would probably end up as my brother-in-law, so he didn’t count, either. Derek was the first man in my life I felt attracted to and allowed my mind to venture to those forbidden places of him on top of me, his hard weight pressing gently against my body.
“When did you think I was a gentleman?” he said, stepping even closer, bringing me back to the present. “Some things are too beautiful not to look at.”
But instead of accepting his sweet advance, I cowered and rolled my eyes. “I see the pigs have rubbed off on you.”
“Annabelle, that’s the closest thing to an insult I’ve heard come out of your mouth yet. You’re beginning to make me proud.”
“Then maybe you don’t know me as well as you thought you did.”
“It’s sexy and feisty and strong. I like this kind of Annabelle.”
You do? I’m strong? And my head was spinning again. I couldn’t let him do this. I couldn’t get involved. It would only complicate my life that much more. But I knew I could trust Derek. He was as honest as Blake, just a bit more dangerous and exciting. Blake was busy with Missy, Eric with Emma—who else could I confide in? And I needed a friend to whom I could open my heart more than anything right now.
“Derek, you think you know me, but you don’t. I’m trouble. You don’t need trouble.”
He nearly growled at my words and his eyes sparkled as if I’d just invited him to bed.
“I like trouble. And believe me, I understand it better than anyone.” He reached forward and tucked my hair behind my ear. “Let me in your life, Annabelle. Whatever trouble you’re in, I know I can help.”
I stared at him, wanting nothing more than to share my secrets. Better yet, I wanted to forget they existed—or make them totally disappear. That way I’d be free. Free to leave San Francisco and free to be with whom I wanted to be. Instead, I simply shook my head. “It’s too late for me. Besides, I’d never let you take that risk for me. Now are you swinging or not?”
Looking him straight in the eyes I flicked the button on my jeans and lowered them. My purplish panties could have passed for a swimsuit, anyway. At first, he kept looking at me, speechless, his gaze following my hands as I gripped the hem of my shirt and pulled it over my head.
Derek cautiously lowered his pants as well. He was so close, I could feel his erection against my belly. The touch flushed me with heat, and I felt my thighs tighten for a moment. Another flex and he’d be out of his shorts. It’d been so long since a sincere man took me. My minimal experience before Rick showed up in my life wasn’t enough to compare to what I’d imagined sex would be like with Derek. Was i
t possible I could actually enjoy it?
Derek took a deep breath and followed my lead, dropping his shirt to the side. My pebbled nipples poked through my bra, grazing lightly against his stone-hard chest. The ache was almost unbearable now, and I really needed the water to cool me off more than to wash the manure-and-sweat stench off my body.
“After you.” He motioned with his hand.
I grasped the rope in both my hands just above the top knot and then looked back to Derek before pushing off. “Now watch and learn.” At which comment, of course, he rolled his eyes, never taking his gaze away from me.
When I hit the water, its coolness enveloped me. It was the best feeling in the world. A feeling of freedom and peace I desperately needed. The sound of Derek jumping in resonated in my ears before I surfaced. He had to be close to me.
As soon as I took a breath, I felt his strong arms around me and automatically wound my arm around his neck, clearing the water off my face.
This was the closest we’d been to each other. The feel of his limbs against mine, his bulging muscles pressing into my body, and his strong arms holding me like they were the only place I belonged, was excruciatingly arousing.
“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known, Annabelle.”
My cheeks heated. “Thank you for being such a good friend, Derek. I know I haven’t been the easiest person to live with.”
“Friend? I think we’re way past that, pretty lady.” His thumb brushed over my lower lip, and I held my breath, concentrating on his mouth, wondering what it would be like to kiss him again.
“And if you had any doubt, I hope you won’t after this.” And with that, he crushed his mouth to mine, spreading my lips with his tongue, taking me like I’d always been his. I moaned holding on to him, ready to drown in his arms if I had to.
My fingers raked through his wet hair, our bodies pressing into each other. The movement of our treading legs forced my hips against him, grinding my pelvis over his moving thighs while his excitement grew right into my belly. I rubbed my stomach against him back and forth, stimulating him further.
He dipped his tongue deeper into my mouth in response, possessing it, making me whimper. The kiss was so desperate yet gentle, full of passion and mutual longing, I couldn’t believe this was possible.
Derek bit my lip lightly, and I heard another anxious moan leave my mouth and fly into his. I couldn’t get enough of him. He pulled away enough to say, “Take a deep breath. We’re going under.”
I inhaled, and he closed his mouth around mine again. We submerged, kissing feverishly.
The freedom of floating just below the surface and kissing without breaking apart, depending on each other’s sealed lips was unbelievable. I’d never kissed anyone with so much delight in my life.
Derek’s hands found my breasts and caressed them in his big palms. I drew my hands down his arms, gently scraping over his skin with my fingernails. He lowered my bra cups and rolled my nipples between his fingers, at which my legs spread wider, as if waiting for him to take me there as well.
But we had to surface for another breath. Derek’s face had changed since we’d submerged. I couldn’t mistake the need in his eyes for anything other than that of a man who wanted a woman.
And boy, did I ever want him too.
His heavy breath mixed with mine. I took an inhale and thanked the stars that he no longer smelled of manure and sweat, but of lust. With the fresh scent of lavender suddenly wafting around us, I felt my forehead scrunch up.
He answered my questioning look by lifting his right arm from under the water.
“Soap on a rope?” I raised my brows. “Doesn’t that pollute the lake you fish in?”
“Not this one. All natural products. I usually come here to wash off after I mingle with the pigs.”
“Mingle?” I chuckled.
“Yes.” His eyes took on a darker shade as he whispered, “Let me wash you.” The way his words had rolled off his tongue, he may as well had said, Let me fuck you.
“Okay,” I nearly whimpered.
We treaded toward the shore. I lifted my bra cups back to cover my breasts as the water level lowered, but the way he’d looked at me, they may as well had been nonexistent. Derek had the ability to strip me naked with one look. Standing in water that came just below my navel, Derek began to spread the smooth soap over my shoulders and my neck. I cocked my head to the side. His calloused hands rubbed over my skin in provocative circles. Their gentle scratch left a trail of excitement behind.
Their rough texture grazing over my arms, shoulder blades, and back was electrifying. I’d never had a man touch me with such need and longing, and most of all gentleness. No man had ever washed me, either. But if I thought that was exciting, I could barely breathe when his palm slid over my cleavage, his fingers conspicuously reaching into my bra cups, sliding right over my nipples, igniting my entire core.
My body felt as if it’d been engulfed by flames and there wouldn’t be enough water in this lake to put me out. Moaning at his every touch, I waited until Derek’s hand lowered to my tummy, and I spread my legs willingly as he lowered himself in the lake. His breath was hot against my stomach as his hands grazed my inner thighs, so close to my panties I could feel his fingers smooth along the fabric as he washed my legs before sliding down to my calves and my feet.
“I love how soft you are, Annabelle.”
But I couldn’t even answer. Whatever he was doing, I just didn’t want it to stop. I needed his hands all over me, all day and all night. I wanted him inside me. And if I didn’t have him soon, I’d crumble.
How did he have so much power over me? How in the world was my body so keen to react willingly to his every touch and request? I didn’t like control—in fact, I loathed it. But Derek was so caring in the way he caressed me. I’d never had that before. I’d never experienced such compassion from a man who clearly wanted more than a kiss.
When Derek stood up to meet my gaze, I thought I’d stop breathing. His hand slid down my arm and into my hand, twining his soapy fingers with mine. I gently removed the rope off his wrist and slid it to mine, lathering my hands, eager at my turn to wash him.
And if I thought his hands on me did wonders for what I’d felt, I didn’t expect to feel even wilder, pulling the suds over his bunched muscles. There was something so special about knowing that the person in front of you was giving their whole body to you. Derek trusted me to touch him, and I took my time grazing over his skin. His erection poked through his briefs, the pink tip of his cock partly visible, but he didn’t shy away.
I slowly turned him around and washed his back, paying special attention to the flexing muscles. A few scars cut across his back, and I wondered where he got those. I washed the soap off and touched my lips to those white spots that had hurt him in the past before soaping up again and pulling the suds over his tattooed arm, paying attention to the intricate detail of each inked star.
When my hands reached lower, I didn’t hesitate to slide them underneath his underwear to grasp his firm ass. Oh God, I’d never felt an ass this tight in my life. A memory of his white behind in the barn, pumping into that girl, flashed through my mind, and I didn’t notice when a quiet chuckle escaped my throat.
“Something you want to share with me, pretty lady?”
“No.” I shook my head.
“Tell me. Or I’ll make you tell me.” He turned around.
“You wouldn’t make me do anything.”
“You’re right, but I can entice you to tell me.” His hand drew to my breast, and he gently squeezed my nipple between his fingertips.
I gasped. The pinch flew down the center of my body, right in between my legs.
“With promises of the longest orgasms you ever had, which will make you feel like you’d left the planet and landed in heaven.”
I already felt that way whenever Derek was around. I closed my eyes, succumbing to his touch.
“Please,” he begged. “I’m curio
us.”
“I saw you in the barn having sex, and your ass was definitely not that tight.” I shut my eyes in embarrassment as I let the words run out of my mouth.
Instead of asking me when it’d happened, he’d said, “Say it again.”
“What?” My eyes flew open.
“Tight ass.”
“Why?” I laughed.
“I like hearing bad words coming out of your mouth. And I have a feeling this is as bad as you get. It makes me horny.”
Could he have been any more candid?
“Tight, muscular, and delicious ass,” I whispered, hearing my chest bubble with an odd giggle.
“I don’t recall checking your ass.” And without asking for permission, his hands slid over my cheeks, right underneath my panties, and his mouth took mine again.
He kissed me with more ferocity and hunger than before. By this time, Derek’s cock, halfway out of his briefs, poked against me. The soft skin of his shaft teased me, and all I could concentrate on was him filling me so that I could tighten around him. I wanted us to be one. I wanted to be Derek’s only one. The dream of being with him somehow eased my worries. Like he could make all my troubles go away with a simple snap of his fingers.
Derek kneaded my ass, his fingers digging deep into my flesh, squeezing and fondling, parting my cheeks so that he could venture closer to the center and lower into my crevices. I’d spread my legs wider, feeling him probe the outer rim of my opening, when a small boat cutting thought the lake caught my eye.
The fishermen were still far enough away not to see what we were up to, but I drew Derek’s attention to the fact that we were no longer alone.
“Shit! Just when it was getting good. Come, Annabelle. I don’t want another man seeing you naked.”
“You’re different.” The words escaped my mouth before I had a chance to think about what I’d said.
His brow rose by a fraction as his gaze wandered from the two men in the boat back to me. “How so, Annabelle?”
