Southern Delight (Southern Desires Series Book 3)

by Jeannette Winters

  He remembered how adventurous she’d been in the bedroom before. How could he bring that into something now to help her? Don finally asked, “Do you trust me, Bailey?”

  Bailey didn’t hesitate one bit as she nodded.

  Don got up off the bed and started to remove his tie. “We’re going to play a little game, if you make me stop then I will know you don’t honestly trust me.”

  “I’m tired and don’t feel like playing games.”

  He could tell it had nothing to do with her being sleepy. He watched her as she lay on the bed nervously biting her bottom lip.

  “You won’t need your eyes open for this game.” It will be better that way.

  Reluctantly she said, “Okay.”

  “Stand up, please. And any time you say no, it means you don’t trust me.” Don finished removing his tie.

  She shot him a look that said she wasn’t sure she was going to like this game.

  “Already?”

  “No. It’s just that . . .”

  “You don’t trust me.” He hoped that wasn’t the case. If she didn’t then, he was the wrong person to be there. But his gut told him he was the only one who could help right now.

  He was relieved when she did as he asked.

  “Okay. Now turn around and close your eyes.”

  Bailey huffed but did as he requested. Once her back was to him, he lifted the tie and put it around her head and covered her eyes. Her hands came up like she was going to pull it away from her eyes, but she didn’t. She let her hands drop to her side.

  Bailey’s voice was barely a whisper as she said, “Don, I don’t know about this.”

  Don turned her around to face him again. He knew he was asking so much of her. He wasn’t sure he could ever open himself up to anyone in this way, but if he could, it’d be with Bailey.

  He reached into his pant pocket and pulled out his iPhone. He scrolled through his music list until he came to what he was searching for. He hit play and the room filled with classical music. Don reached out with his right hand, drawing her close to him. Then with his left hand he took her right into his and said, “Your left hand goes on my shoulder.”

  “I don’t dance, Don. And I certainly can’t do it blindfolded.”

  “Left hand please.”

  Slowly he saw her raise her hand and feel her way up his arm until it rested on his shoulder. “Do you feel my hand on your back?”

  “Yes.”

  “All you need to do is concentrate on my touch and let me guide you.”

  He leaned into her slightly and stepped forward with his left foot urging her to step back with her right. She clung to him as he moved his right foot and then stepped it to the side then back again.

  He felt her stepping on his toes a few times. “Don, if you let me take off the blindfold, maybe I won’t be on your toes all the time.”

  “Stop concentrating on what you think you should do and feel the music, feel me. There is nothing else but us right now,” Don whispered.

  Again he stepped with his left, and this time they made it around without either of them stepping on the other. As they continued, he felt her relax in his arms as she let go and trusted him to guide her.

  “What is this dance?”

  “The waltz.” There were things about him that he’d never shared, even with his best friend. Ballroom dancing was one of them. His dance instructor Rose had a saying that he could never forget. Dance like a rose and be light on your partner’s toes. He reminded himself with every step he took with Bailey in his arms. It wasn’t just her toes he didn’t want to hurt. She was delicate, and he’d treat her that way.

  “You’re . . . an amazing teacher, Don. I don’t think this is the first time you’ve done this.”

  “There are many things you don’t know about me, Bailey.”

  “Then tell me.”

  Oh, babe. Once this shit with The Mountain is done, I promise I will. “One secret at a time.” He leaned over and kissed her on the lips. She hadn’t expected it and stumbled and fell into his arms even more.

  When he thought she’d pull away, he felt her lift her hand from his shoulder and rest it on the nape of his neck. She was caressing him and her fingers were gently playing with his hair. He’d been dancing for years, yet her sweet touch was more than he could handle. He felt his foot make contact with her toes and he lost the rhythm he’d known so well. He’d danced with many women, but this was the first time it was so intimate for him. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to dance with anyone else. You’re the only woman I want in my arms. In my life. In my bed. Bailey. Why did you have to come into my life now? Why love you now when there is no way I can give you what you need?

  Don knew it was possible. All he’d need to do was tell Mark he was out. That they’d need to find another way to get the information from The Mountain. But that wasn’t about to happen. He was doing this, risking his life, because he loved Bailey. Damn it. I love her. I love Bailey, but I can’t tell her. But you’ll have to just trust me a bit longer. Please, babe, I promise when this is over, I’m coming back for you. Just promise me, you’ll be here waiting for me.

  The music stopped, and another song started. However, they stood still, no longer gliding with the beat. Bailey pulled Don’s head down to her. She wanted his kisses, and he couldn’t hold back any longer. From the moment he’d laid eyes on her again all he wanted was to reach out to her, have her in his arms again. Here she was offering herself to him.

  Slow. Down. This isn’t about satisfying my need, but I need to show her I love her. If I can’t say it then I have to show her.

  Don claimed her lips ever so gently. It was taking everything in him to hold back. He’d been aching for her since their first time months ago in Honeywell. Now his body was aching for a release. The harder he tried to resist, the more she enticed him, opening her mouth and slipping her tongue between his lips made his cock throb.

  “Bailey,” he moaned into her mouth. “I’ve missed the sweet taste of your lips.”

  He wanted to taste every inch of her. When they had been lovers before, there was no need to hold back the raw mutual need they’d shared. It was hot, fast, and hard. They’d lain in each other’s arms, gasping to catch their breath only to spring to life again before they’d settled from their first time.

  This time was different. Although they both knew the chemistry was still there, he wanted—needed—to show her the effect she still had on him. If anything it was even stronger now, something he thought impossible.

  Don ran his hands down her back and cupped her ass, pulling her up high against him. Her head was now above his so he could hold her while kissing down her neck, over her collarbone and her décolletage.

  Bailey inhaled sharply, and he felt her attempt to protest. “Don I can’t. I’m not the same. I’m—”

  Even though the tie was still covering her eyes, a few of her tears made it past, and he felt them fall off her cheek onto his. He lowered her slowly so her feet were once again touching the floor. Instantly she stepped back from him.

  “Babe, don’t pull away.”

  She stopped but didn’t come back to him either. Instead, she stood with her tears flowing from beneath the tie covering her eyes. He stepped forward, reached around her and loosened it so it fell to the floor. Bailey still didn’t open her eyes. He reached out with one hand and tipped her chin up and kissed her gently on the lips. Then on one cheek, then the other and back to her lips.

  Don reached up with his free hand and let his finger slide under the fabric covering her one shoulder.

  “No. I—”

  “Trust me, Bailey,” Don whispered as he let his lips trace where his fingers were.

  She reached up and covered his hand with hers. “Don, I don’t look the same. I mean, the scars, they’re not pretty. I’m no longer pretty.”

  Don bent and scooped her up into his arms and carried her over to the bed. He sat on it and placed her on his lap.

  “Bail
ey, open your eyes.”

  She did as he asked but what he saw was insecurity that hadn’t been there before. My sweet angel. I’m sorry you had to go through this. I should’ve been there from the beginning. If I had been, this wouldn’t be so hard on you now.

  Don looked directly at her, “You’re the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen, Bailey.”

  “Don’t lie to me, Don. I know what I look like.” She pulled off her wig and looked him squarely in the eyes as though she was trying to shock him into agreeing with her.

  Don reached up and touched her head. Her once long brown curls were now about a half inch long. “Even the shape of your head is perfect, Bailey. If I shaved mine, you’d see dents from all the times I got hit over the years.”

  “I could show you scars, Don. They are not pretty, and trust me, even if you were completely bald, it wouldn’t be anything as bad as what my che—”

  “Show me. I’m not here to judge, only to show you how much you mean to me,” Don said plainly.

  She sat up, her eyes filled with panic. “I don’t want to see it. So why would you want to? I just want you to remember me the way I was. Not the way I am.”

  “Babe, scars or no scars, all I see is who you are on the inside. You’re the most amazing woman. Your beauty from within is what attracted me when we first met and still what has me going crazy every time I look at you.”

  Don reached up and tugged lightly on the top of her dress. She closed her eyes but didn’t stop him. The fabric slid off her shoulder down her arm. She sat on his lap with her dress around her waist and only her strapless bra covering her upper body. He could see her left breast full as it had been before. The right cup of her bra was full, but he could see the scar peeking out from beneath it.

  He knew this was going to probably be the most difficult thing she would have to face besides the surgery and treatments she’d been through. But at least they were going to go through this together.

  Don reached behind her and unhooked her bra, and it fell to her lap. The gel-filled insert joined her bra, leaving her totally exposed to him. He traced her scar with his finger. “Do you honestly think this makes you less of a woman, Bailey?”

  “Yes,” Bailey answered, crying all over again.

  “Do you know what I see?” Don asked. She shook her head. “I see a beautiful, courageous woman sitting on my lap, who’s been braver through this ordeal than most men I have known.”

  Don bent his head and placed the lightest kiss on her scar. He wasn’t sure if there was any pain still associated with it. He knew she was already hurting emotionally. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her physically as well.

  “Bailey, believe it or not, you’re a very lucky woman. Many women who have dealt with this horrible disease don’t make it. So take that gift, baby girl, and start to live again. Stop shutting me out, and pushing me away.” Don started tracing small kisses across her chest then up her neck. “Don’t ask me to stop.”

  “I don’t want you to stop, Don.”

  “Bailey, I want to make love to you.” Without giving her a chance to respond, he claimed her lips again. As he slid his hands around her bare back, he felt her body quiver. He could feel her body warm to his touch.

  “I’m afraid.”

  “Of what, babe? That I’ll hurt you?” he asked, as he sat back so he could see her face.

  “No. Of disappointing you.”

  Don smiled. “Bailey, you can only disappoint me if you tell me you don’t want me as bad as I want you.”

  She blushed. “Don, I want you so much it hurts.”

  He lifted her so she stood in front of him and slid the dress down over her hips, exposing her pink hip-hugging cotton briefs. He stood up beside her and quickly removed his clothes until he was totally naked. Only then did he reach out and slide her panties down her legs.

  The look in her eyes as they roamed over his body enhanced his hunger for her. He pulled her close to him, claiming her lips once again. She tastes so sweet. He wanted, no needed, all of her. He continued exploring her mouth with his while one hand reached up to caress her left breast. He couldn’t get enough of her. The need to taste every inch of her was driving him mad. “Babe, I’ve missed you more than you know.”

  “Don, I need you to hold me like you used to.”

  He knew what she wanted. He’d been holding back trying to go slow for her, but she was asking for him to let his desire take control and stop holding back. It was a request he was eager to fulfill.

  Kissing her lips hungrily one more time, he dragged his lips from hers only to move them across her jaw, then to the curve of her neck. Exploring and tasting her soft flesh as he licked and nibbled his way across her collarbone until she whimpered softly.

  “Don,” Bailey begged, her hands digging into his biceps as she clung to him. The look in her eyes reflected his desire. His cock wanted, ached, to be inside her.

  She moved her right hand from his arm and made her way lower till she gripped his cock. Wrapping her fingers around him, she began stroking him. His body was already on the brink, and she wasn’t helping control it one bit.

  “Babe, if you don’t stop, it’s going to be over before I can get inside you,” he said as he pulled her hand off his cock.

  He lifted her up into his arms then laid her on the bed. “Tell me you want this.”

  Bailey reached out to him, and he accepted her hand. She pulled him down to her.

  “I’m not fragile, Don. I want you to touch me like you used to. Make me feel like I did back in Texas.”

  Bailey arched her back, offering him her breast. Her nipple hardened into a tight little peak, and he bent and licked it in a slow circular motion. He could feel her body warming against his as he explored her breast. When he bit it lightly, she arched even closer to him.

  “Oh Don,” she said, moaning his name again and again. He’d forgotten how responsive she was. Every moan and cry drove him wilder than the one before. I’ve never needed anyone like this. How is that possible?

  “You’re so beautiful, Bailey. I can’t stop touching you.” His lips trailed up her throat, kissing, caressing, and nipping gently until they once again claimed hers, and he plunged his tongue into her mouth wildly while one hand slipped between her legs and began caressing her. He wanted her with an intensity he’d never known before.

  Pulling her close to him, his hand urged her legs apart, running over her delicate slit. “Damn, you’re so wet.”

  “Please, Don. I want you inside me. I can’t wait any longer.” Bailey’s words were soft and breathless.

  He knew she was ready for him now, but this was not going to be rushed. As his fingers circled her clit, she whimpered and trembled against him.

  “Please, I . . .” Her voice was barely a whisper.

  He slid one finger deep inside her, and he felt her core contract around him. Then he slid a second one. Each time she tightened. He could barely resist putting his cock in her at that moment. He needed to feel her wrapped around him.

  He continued to move his fingers in and out of her while stroking her clit with his thumb. She sucked in a breath and grabbed his shoulders. Faster, deeper, until she was moaning and begging him for more. His movements continued to grow faster and more urgent until her body finally clenched tightly around his fingers, and he watched her shudder, her body thrashing from side to side, as she released her hot juices on his hand.

  Don didn’t give her time to even catch her breath, leaving her only long enough to sheath himself with a condom from his wallet in the pocket of his pants in a pile on the floor. When he returned to her, she welcomed him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him down to her. Kissing her deeply, he then pulled away and knelt between her legs, taking in the beauty of her body, scars and all.

  He planned on exploring every inch of her, but his body was aching for only one part of her right then. Taking his hard cock in his hand, he stroked her clit with the head while never taking his eyes off
her. He could feel her heat and couldn’t hold back any longer.

  “Bailey, I don’t want to hurt you.” His voice was deep, almost a growl, as he tried to hold control of his own need.

  She opened her legs wider. She moved his hand and took his cock in hers. “You won’t.” She guided him, raising her hips to take him inside her. Damn it, I can’t stop now. Grabbing her by the wrists, he held them to either side of her, and in one motion entered her fully. One minute he was going slow, and the next he was pumping her fast and hard, driving into her again and again. Oh, God.

  His blazing gaze met hers. “Babe, you feel so good, I’ve missed you,” he said before he claimed her nipple fiercely with his mouth.

  He felt her body begin to tense again as he continued to enter her. “Yes, Bailey, surrender it all to me. Don’t hold back, baby.” He entered her harder, faster, as she cried out his name again, meeting his thrust with her own. “Oh babe, you’re killing me.”

  Her moans grew louder against his neck, and her body began to tense one last time around his cock as she came. He plunged deeper inside her as his own orgasm met hers, rocking him to the core. It seemed endless and the most powerful experience he’d ever had before.

  Bailey spoke first as they collapsed into each other’s arms. “That was—”

  “Incredible,” Don finished.

  “Yes.” Her voice was barely a whisper now. “I could grow to like this every night.”

  Don wanted the same, but the truth was, he’d be gone in the morning.

  What kind of man am I? I talked her into trusting me. If I could be trusted, I wouldn’t make love to her one minute and then leave the next. She knows I am leaving, but that doesn’t make it right.

  Bailey curled up against him and within minutes she fell asleep spooning. Sweet dreams, babe. I, on the other hand, am going to worry like hell every time I think of you. You’re a woman a man couldn’t forget even if he tried.

  He placed a kiss on her forehead while she slept in his arms. Sorry, babe, but in less than twelve hours, all you have to hold on to is this. I’ll come home to you if there is any way humanly possible. Just be sure you stay here with Hannah. I want you safe. Please be here waiting for me when I return. We have so much to talk about, but that conversation isn’t going to happen until we make those bastards pay.