My legs grew weak. I grasped the table, my head falling back on my shoulders. He kissed my throat, right where my pulse quickened, then made a slow path downward. No inch of flesh went untouched as he pleased me with his mouth and hands. I closed my eyes when he laved my navel and sighed when his hot breath stirred the soft curls at the juncture of my thighs.
“Sit on the table,” he said, his voice low, husky.
Oh my God…he was going down on me again?
Exhilaration coiled within me, centering in my very core.
Trembling, I did as he asked.
“Lay back and relax.”
To relax was impossible, but I lay back on the hard wood, and a second later my legs were over his shoulders, his mouth and tongue exploring along my tender flesh until he reached my hot center, teasing the tight nub at the core of my need. I watched him tease me with that glorious long tongue that disappeared inside my slit.
The need and craving intensified with each flick of his tongue and then it hit, like a thousand shards of light coursing through me. Wave after wave of intense pleasure.
Damn, he was good.
Gripping the sides of the table, I cried out my release.
He kissed the inside of each thigh, his hands moving up my body.
Though my limbs felt heavy, I was still throbbing with need for him, wanting him buried deep inside me. “I want you, Brax.”
The intensity in his green eyes made my insides clench.
His erection strained the fabric of his jeans. Need coursed through me. As he unbuttoned them, his cock sprang free, huge and hard.
I would never forget his heavy-lidded expression for as long as I lived.
Flashing a grin, I slowly turned around and bent over the table.
A moan cut through the silence. An instant later, he was inside me. He moved slowly, his strokes long and fluid, and he went impossibly deep.
He pulled me closer, his fingers lightly digging into my hips. My stomach tightened as the familiar ache grew yet again—but still he didn’t quicken his pace. He seemed to sense I wanted release because he withdrew, just to the point where the head of his cock rested inside me.
I lifted my ass and arched my back.
Catching sight of us in the mirror that rested up against the wall in his living room, I watched as Brax made love to me. His head fell back against his shoulders, the cords of his neck straining as he thrust in and out.
The sight was mesmerizing, and I couldn’t look away. It seemed to heighten my desire.
My body quickened, and I could feel as well as see his need, his hips thrusting faster, his grip on my hips tightening.
His thumb grazed my clit, and I came instantly.
Catching my breath, I looked up and saw him watching us in the mirror.
I arched my back even more, but his hands held me firm.
His rhythm increased until his head fell back, and he came shortly after with my name on his lips.
CHAPTER 8
Brax
Several times during the night, I woke to see Amanda getting up to use the bathroom. Each time, she’d slip back into bed and snuggle beside me.
I was the luckiest bastard on the planet.
Holding her close, I smiled as she backed up against me. I had to grit my teeth. She giggled under her breath and looked over her shoulder at me before she slid her fingers through mine.
I kissed the back of her head.
Now that I’d had her, I couldn’t get enough. Not by a long shot.
She eased over onto her side and slid her fingers over my cock. The breath caught in my throat.
I slid my hand down her taut stomach and over the soft downy hair to her wet slit.
She was soaking.
No coaxing needed, she straddled me and very slowly sank down on my hard cock.
My hands rested on her hips.
Fingers curling around the headboard, she slowly began to move.
“Take off the t-shirt,” I said, wanting to see all of her in the sliver of moonlight through the curtains.
Slowly, she reached up and removed my t-shirt.
Her breasts were perfectly shaped, small and firm. I bent forward and took a nipple into my mouth.
I was rewarded with a low groan. One hand fisted my hair as she rolled her hips.
As much as I wanted to hold her hips and start pumping into her, I let her set the pace. I wanted her to be in control.
Staring down at me, she smiled, resting a hand on my chest. “You’re so beautiful.”
The compliment made me smile. Taking one of her nipples between my teeth, I gently tugged.
She released a low-throated moan that excited me.
For as long as I lived, I would never forget the heat in her eyes as she stared at me or the way her sex squeezed my cock like a glove.
Finding a rhythm that worked for her, she rode me hard, her hands gripping and fisting my hair. Her soft moans only heightened my own need. Seconds later we came together.
“I’m not going to be able to walk for a week,” she said, falling on the bed beside me.
I laughed, pulling her into my arms, liking the way she made me feel. “We don’t have to sleep tonight.”
She snuggled against me, resting her head on my shoulder.
Experiencing a strange contentment, I kissed her forehead. I felt a strong need to protect her, this woman who had been through so much. I knew her hesitation—had seen it for myself, how she wanted to pull away. I had to steel myself against the fact that it might still happen.
I just needed to be careful. Too much too soon might make her pull away.
Playing hard to get was never one of my strong suits. If I wanted something, I went after it, period. I would be incredibly reluctant to let her go. In fact, I didn’t want to let go at all.
She looked up at me, and I wished I could read her thoughts. What was she thinking when she stared at me like that? This was an amazing woman who had her shit together, who had saved up enough money to buy her own home and recognize the fact that she wasn’t happy with the direction her life had been going…so she was willing to change it.
I admired that. It turned me on.
“What are you thinking?” she asked.
My hand ran up and down her naked back “How happy I am to have this beautiful woman in my bed.”
Though her eyes narrowed, she had a smile on her lips. “Is that really what you were thinking?”
I nodded. “Definitely.” Nudging her onto her stomach, I savored the feeling of every inch of our bodies touching. My hands ran up over her bottom, her hips, her ribcage, and her shoulders, where I placed a kiss. “I can’t get enough of you.”
There was no doubt she questioned my sincerity, and yet as she watched me, she smiled. What I had with Mandy was something I’d lacked with every other girl I’d been with. We had a connection—one that left me feeling excited to see what was ahead.
I could only hope she felt the same way.
* * *
Amanda
I spent the night with Brax and woke to an empty bed. I turned to the space beside me to find a daisy and a note in masculine handwriting. Amanda, I have to meet a building inspector for the Camas Ridge job. I didn’t want to wake you. Help yourself to some breakfast and I’ll see you when I get back. Please don’t leave. Brax. P.S. I texted Toby and told him to take the day off.
Wild horses couldn’t drag me away from this house. Last night had been the most incredible night of my life. We’d had sex six times, and each time had been more amazing than the last.
I stretched with a smile and slid off the bed. I was definitely sore. The things that had been said about him weren’t exaggerations, and the tingling between my thighs was definitely proof of that.
Humming, I walked to the bathroom, where two towels and a washcloth had been placed on the granite countertop.
In the shower was expensive shampoo and conditioner.
I wondered how many women before me had been t
reated with the same care. A wave of jealousy washed over me, but I pushed it away.
Did he leave every girl he was with alone in his house?
How many girls had done the walk of shame from Brax Mitchell’s house?
I felt a bit awkward taking such liberties in his home, but at the same time I was excited to know he felt enough at ease to leave me alone here. Half expecting him to show up at any second, I finished my shower and quickly got dressed in the little sundress from last night.
Brax had taken the time to set the blow dryer out. I used my finger as a toothbrush and was relieved that he didn’t have that many toiletries. That might have been just a little too convenient or expected.
I took my time, blow-dried my hair, and put on some mascara and lipstick, the only makeup I had in my purse, before I walked into the kitchen to find a pot of coffee on the warmer and a mug right beside it.
The kitchen and dining room was spotless. When had he cleaned up? Had the poor man even had any sleep before his morning meeting?
With my cup of coffee in hand, I went to the living room and sat down on the recliner. Thumbing through a home magazine, memories of our evening together came back in every delicious detail. At twenty-two, he was already an amazing lover. What in the world would he be like in another five to ten years? Glancing up at the dining room table, I smiled and even blushed, remembering how we’d both been watching ourselves in the mirror.
I wondered if he was thinking about it, too.
The doorbell rang.
Did I dare?
The doorbell rang again. What if it was a delivery? Or maybe it was Brax and he had forgotten his key.
I opened the door. A girl stood there, and she was stunning.
My heart fell to my toes.
The girl’s grin faded when she saw me. “Who are you?”
Her tone was snotty. “I’m Amanda,” I said, lifting my chin an inch. “Who are you?”
“I’m Heather.” Of course she was. Flawless golden tanned skin, caramel brown eyes, and silky red hair, Heather was even prettier than what I’d imagined in my mind, and her body was bikini barista perfection. Wearing a pair of skinny jeans and a skin-tight cami that showcased what I assumed to be silicone-enhanced chest, she lifted her chin a few inches before looking at me with confusion. “I’m looking for Brax.”
It took everything I possessed not to slam the door shut in her face. Why the hell had I opened it? Fuck, fuck, fuck! “He’s not home right now.”
She glanced past me into the living room. “Did he take the Harley?”
Brax’s pickup sat in the driveway next to my car. “I guess so.” I cleared my throat. “Well, I have to go…I have something in the oven.”
One perfectly sculpted brow rose. “I’m sorry, but do I know you?” she asked, obviously wanting me to ask her the same.
“No, you don’t.”
When she realized I wasn’t going to bite, she flashed a fake smile. “I’ll call him,” she snapped, her gaze shifting from me, down my body, and slowly up again. The corner of her mouth lifted the slightest bit, as though to say, ‘oh hell no, he didn’t trade me in for this bitch.’ “So…you’re Toby’s sister? Mandy, right?”
I swallowed hard. How did she know about me?
“And Brax is working on your house.”
Her tone had changed…becoming much more friendly. Did she think we had a platonic relationship? That since Brax was my brother’s best friend, that he was just my buddy, too? I was stunned she knew about him working on my house, especially since he’d made it sound like they didn’t necessarily talk. Then again, Maple Creek was a small town. “Yes, he is. He’s doing a great job, too.”
I could see the wheels turning in her mind. “Of course he is. He’s the best in the business. Your house will look amazing when it’s done. He did a small reno on my parents’ master bath, and they love it.”
I felt like I was experiencing a strange sense of déjà vu. She would be what Candace was. If this was the kind of girl Brax went for, then what the hell was he doing with me? I wasn’t the kind of girl who dressed in a bikini while serving coffee.
What the hell was I doing? I had asked for it being with Brax. Kara had warned me that he wasn’t one for commitment…so basically I was getting a big ol’ wake-up call. Yeah, thanks Universe. Just what I needed after spending an amazing night with a gorgeous man. Nothing like being brought back down to earth.
“Well, I’ll tell him that you dropped by, Heather.”
She nodded and walked away, then stopped short. “You’re not dating him, are you?”
The words were said in such a snotty way—like she could scarcely believe he would go out with me. I had never met Candace face to face. I had always imagined how that would go down if I had. A part of me wanted to pop off and ask her why that was so hard for her to believe, but instead, all I said was, “Maybe that’s a question you need to ask him.”
I saw the pain flash across her face, and for a split second I commiserated with her. I knew that feeling. Then again, I hadn’t been just a short-term girlfriend either. I’d been the fianceé, but still—pain was pain.
“I’ll do that,” she said, smirking yet again. “And just so you know—we were together last Sunday.”
Sunday. My mind raced, trying to remember what I’d been doing. I’d been with my family.
Furious that I’d let her upset my calm, I slammed the door shut.
I didn’t want to believe that they had slept together less than a week ago, but what did I know? Even though he hadn’t openly admitted to it, I had a sneaking suspicion that the person who had called Brax that day at the restaurant had been Heather.
Did I even have the right to be pissed since we hadn’t been going out on Sunday? I mean, were we even going out now? Or were we just fuck buddies?
My heart was pounding nearly out of my chest. I went back inside, poured my untouched coffee down the sink, rinsed out the cup and put it in the cupboard, then went to the bathroom to clean up. My throat was tight. I hated this feeling.
Putting my used towels in the laundry room, I grabbed my purse and went to my car.
I’d seen her car—a new little luxury four-door. Either she had rich parents or she made amazing tips. That bitch had even smirked at my older model car.
Oh my God, what was I doing—comparing myself to a teenager again?
If I ran with men like Brax Mitchell, then this is what I was going to get. It didn’t matter that we’d had mind-blowing sex last night that would have me forever comparing other men to him. Not to mention his amazing body and equally amazing cock.
And as much as he’d made me feel special from the first day he’d shown up on my front porch reporting for duty, he was still the lady killer I had been warned about.
So if I had gone in with eyes wide open, then why did it hurt so damned bad now to know that his ex wasn’t really an ex, but a girl he still nailed? Who else did he still sleep with?
I was so disappointed. It took me less than a minute to get home, and I was relieved to see my driveway was empty. I had no right to be angry with Brax, but I was. Damn men for not being able to keep their dicks in their pants.
Everywhere I looked in my torn apart house reminded me of Brax. I would never get any peace, and sitting here waiting for him to show up wasn’t an option either. I would leave the front door unlocked and leave a note.
Maybe I was being a little childish by not texting or calling him first.
Unable to sit still, I slid on shorts and a tank top and running shoes and went for a quick jog, knowing that it was one of the two things that relaxed me. Part of me wanted to go by my parents’ house, yet I didn’t want to see Toby, especially just in case he had talked to Brax and knew I’d spent the night. Which left me with Kara. She said she lived over by Horseshoe Lake.
Kids were out playing in the cul-de-sac, and I breathed a sigh of relief to see Kara’s SUV in the driveway of a traditional brick house.
There
was an old Band-Aid over the doorbell with ‘SHHHH…kids are sleeping’ written in black ink. I knocked and waited.
Nothing.
I tried again and heard movement in the house in the form of kids squealing and a dog barking.
Great.
The door opened and Kara answered, looking irritated, until she saw it was me.
“Mandy, what are you doing?”
“Sorry, I was going for a jog, and I…”
“Lower your voice. I don’t want my husband knowing my friends actually exercise.” She gave me a wink and ushered me inside the house. “I’m just fucking with you. He’s not here.”
Relieved her husband wasn’t home, I followed her into a living room that was littered with toys and what looked to be unfolded laundry. “Excuse the mess. You can tell I never did get the hang of cleaning.”
When we were kids, she was a slob. Even her car had been a bit of a hovel. “You have children. I get it.”
“You’re totally judging me right now, aren’t you?”
I smiled, already feeling better.
Her six-year-old sat on the couch with a tablet, and the four-year-old was cutting up different colored construction paper. Kara turned up the volume on the television and ushered me into the kitchen.
While the kids played, Kara turned to me. “Okay, so spill. What’s going on?”
I shrugged. “Nothing. I just wanted to see where you lived.”
She stared and then smiled. “You’re so lying. You forget, I know your right eye does that weird twitchy thing when you get nervous.”
Damn it. I took a deep breath and released it. “Swear you won’t say anything to anybody?”
Lifting her pinky toward me, I laughed, but slid mine around hers.
“I swear,” she said. “Now tell me everything.”
“I stayed the night with Brax last night.”
Her eyes widened. “You lucky bitch.”
“Heather showed up this morning.”
She poured us both a cup of coffee. “She showed up this morning. Well, what did Brax say to her?”
Bad Boy Rebound Page 8
