by Sydney Addae
“Ethan please.” The plea slipped without her permission. She widened her legs in invitation.
“I will please you in every way, do you want me to take you?”
“Yes.”
The bed dipped. “Open your eyes, Vanessa.”
Swallowing hard, she opened them and stared wordlessly at his bare chest. He removed his pants slowly and she forgot to breathe as his cock sprung forth. The man didn’t wear underwear.
“Look at me.”
“Believe me I am.” He was perfect. Not too big up top, not small at all between the legs. And they were long, thick, muscular legs. “My god you’re fine.”
Ethan chuckled. “No, I’m yours. Stand up, your turn.” He moved back and crossed his arms.
It took a moment for her to understand he expected her to strip. She hadn’t showered since work yesterday. Her hair was all over the place and she’d vomited earlier. Nothing like a reminder that your breath smelled rancid to kill the fire. She drew up her legs and wrapped her arms around them.
“What’s wrong?”
Mortified over sharing such intimate details, she shook her head.
“Talk to me, what’s wrong?” He crawled across the bed and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. She moved slightly so he couldn’t smell her and almost tumbled from the bed. He caught her before she hit the nightstand.
Covering her mouth, she spoke. “I need a shower and mouthwash.”
“Ah, okay. I thought you didn’t want me.” He slid off the bed and took her hand. They entered the bathroom and she waited for him to leave, instead he turned on the water.
“Need help?” He glanced at her from over his shoulder.
“Huh?” She couldn’t stop looking at his butt and thighs, the man was hot.
“Undressing for the shower, you need help?”
Slowly it dawned on her he planned to shower with her. Sexy. “No. Well, yes.” She wanted to experience everything. The wicked grin he wore said he planned to turn her out. Hell, she was ready.
He rolled the shirt up her stomach and then took it over her head. After placing several kisses on her neck and shoulders, he unsnapped her bra. Standing behind her, he cupped her breasts and pinch the nipples. Heat flashed straight to her core. He removed her bra, unsnapped and unzipped her pants, and placed his thumb beneath her panty waistband.
“Look at me,” he said again, turning her so they faced each other. His hand moved slowly downward taking everything with it. By the time her panties reached her knees she was on fire again. Kneeling in front of her, he removed both. He leaned back and stared up at her.
Self-conscious, she bit her lip to force her from covering those extra pounds she’d never been able to lose. Still kneeling, he wrapped his arms around her waist, his face lay against her stomach and she had the strangest feeling. This man would father her children one day. She had no idea where the thought came from, but a feeling of certainty flowed over her. Could he be right? Was he the right man for her? The future was bathed in muted colors and grays, but the present? Right now she wanted to be with Ethan more than anything she could imagine.
Stroking his soft hair seemed right. Hygienic thoughts rose and she banished them, they had no place in this moment where the two of them simply were. No hidden agendas. No games. Just the honest desire to be with someone.
Ethan placed a kiss on her stomach, rose and took her hand, leading her into the shower. Warm water flowed over her as she waited to see what he’d do next. The heavy weight of his hand on her shoulder and subsequent massage eased the tension and expectations. What’d she expect? Him to toss her against the wall and have his way? Yes, at least she hoped. When soapy hands massaged her breasts, tugged her nipples and leaned heavy against her back, hope rekindled.
She didn’t want nice, calm or dignified. Months of pent-up longing required a hard, fast taking. Beneath the spray of water, she found her voice. Looking at him over her shoulder, she made her first demand.
“Fuck me.”
His fingers slowed but didn’t stop. She thought she’d need to explain what she needed, but his hand trailed down her stomach and stopped between her legs. Eager to feel him inside, she widened her stand and placed her hands on the wall. Water offered a curtain to hide her need when he slipped a finger inside, her legs buckled.
“Tight, Goddess, you’re tight.”
“Keep doing that,” she demanded, moving her hips against his fingers.”
He wrapped an arm around her waist holding her upright. “Pull your nipples.”
“Huh?” Her pleasure rose but she couldn’t go over.
“One hand on the wall, the other on your nipple. Pull and pinch it.”
The first tug sent tingles through her body. With his finger plunging in and out and the added stimulation on her nipples, she flew over the crest. Her body shook as waves of pleasure rolled over her.
Ethan placed his hand on her back and bent her forward. What she expected when she told him to fuck her paled with the reality of being filled by him. He started slow. One hand on her back the other on her breast, rolling her nipple between his fingers.
Sensations zipped through her body.
As he picked up speed, she pushed back, wanting more. Connected to him seemed right, as if this was what she needed. Thoughts stilled and went silent as his thrusts deepened, joining them. Strange images flew through her mind, some of Ethan, others of her. Her need for him grew. This time she wanted to see his face.
Chest heaving, she placed her hand on his and squeezed. He stopped immediately and waited.
“Look at me.” She moved forward, breaking their connection, turned and kissed him. In college, her roommate had talked of seeing stars and almost blacking out from intense pleasure. Vanessa never believed any of it, mostly because she’d never come close to experiencing anything like that.
Until now.
As their kiss deepened, the water stopped and she was lifted against the wall. When they broke apart, he was so close, she ran her finger across his cheek and breathed with him.
“Put it in.” He leaned back slightly. When she touched him, he moaned. Holding his cock, she was amazed by its thickness and length. Her thumb rubbed the head.
“You’re killing me, please put it in,” Ethan growled.
Pleased with this measure of control, she lined him up and placed her arms around his neck. Her eyelids drifted close as he slid forward.
“So good,” he whispered over and over as he continued moving slowly in her.
“Look at me, Ethan,” Vanessa whispered, not quite understanding the feeling overwhelming her but needing him in a way she’d never experienced. When he met her gaze, she licked her lips. “Fuck me.”
His eyes flashed and for a moment she thought they’d turned hazel or golden. All thought fled as he thrust into her, giving her exactly what she asked for. With each thrust her breath hitched. Her body burned hotter. Her heart slammed in sync with him. Pleasure spiraled higher and higher.
“Yes,” she yelled as her core tightened, and then everything hit a peak. Her body shuddered. Her walls clamped around his cock. Ethan grunted and released. They’d hit it together, something that had never happened to her before. Normally she’d wait until her partner fell asleep, pull out her vibrator and finish. Not today. Not ever again. This man was addicting. Maybe he was the man for her.
Chapter 30
Monday morning came all too quickly for Vanessa. She’d spent the entire weekend with Ethan, his brother, and his friend, Callum. They’d made a quick trip to her house, gathered clothes and other items, and returned to his place.
Shyla checked on her, and it was fun watching her friend take on Kitchi. The two of them teased each other until Vanessa begged them to stop because she was laughing so hard. Kitchi invited her to visit and then returned home yesterday morning. All in all, she couldn’t recall having so much fun with someone in bed and out. Ethan proved there was nothing he wouldn’t do to make her squeal in pleasure. She�
��d shed her inhibitions and made love with him whenever and wherever he wanted. It wasn’t just the sex, although that was mind-blowingly awesome, they were both romantics. He enjoyed candles and setting the stage for seduction. It was never just sex, he made it so much more.
“You’re smiling,” Shyla said, catching up with her in the school hall.
“I can’t help it. I had the best weekend, and hopefully the best evening too.” They turned down the hall leading to her class, she glanced at Pamela’s door, expecting the woman to step out. Relieved when neither door opened, she strode into her class.
Shyla closed the door. “I’m impressed and a little jealous.”
Vanessa recognized the tone and knew her friend. “You should be since you knew him first, but it’s too late. Finders keepers.” She laughed at Shyla’s shocked expression.
“You’re firing on all cylinders this morning. Took off your ring —”
“Returned the ring, there’s a difference. Must've worked, I haven’t heard from Jim all weekend, not even a text.” She pulled out her lunch and placed her phone in her desk.
“You never told me what happened Friday night. Jim was at your place when you got home?”
Vanessa nodded and searched for guilt or pain or embarrassment for being suckered in by Jim. Nothing. “He called me a few names, said I ruined everything, then fixed dinner.” She tilted her head and looked at Shyla. “When I say it like that, I was crazy to eat or drink anything from him.” She shrugged.
“Where were you when you woke?” Shyla sat on the corner of the desk.
“Someplace in the woods or the mountains, I guess. Lots of trees and bushes.” She told Shyla how she escaped and found Ethan’s place.
“Sounds like a fairy tale.”
Vanessa nodded. “It really does. Ethan is … he’s great.”
Shyla stared at Vanessa for a few seconds.
“What?” Vanessa asked, placing her hand on her warm cheek.
“You’re glowing. I mean you’re lit up. So this is what being sublimely happy looks like?”
Vanessa ducked her head to keep from smiling so wide. “I guess so.”
“One day I’ll meet the lucky person to light me up from the inside.”
Hearing the wistful tone in her friend’s voice, Vanessa stood and walked over. “Of course you will. Maybe if you gave some of the men vying for your attention a chance, you’d meet him.”
Shyla waved down her comments. “No, it’s not the same as meeting or finding the one, like you and Ethan. He knew you were the one for him and you were drooling all over him from the beginning. Ethan this and Ethan that. And that was before you gave him a chance.”
Vanessa smiled. “Appreciating the way you feel in someone’s arms isn’t drooling. And asking a few questions is not what you’re describing, but I did like him from the beginning. A light went off and I couldn’t stop thinking about him.”
Shyla nodded. “I rest my case. I want that and so far, I haven’t felt that with anyone I’ve met. Lots of frogs, no princes.”
Vanessa was too happy to feel bad for her friend. Rather than say meaningless words on relationships, she let it go. Shyla would meet her fella one day just as Vanessa had.
“What happened to Pamela and Brenda?” She didn’t really care, but it was a good way to change the subject.
“Pamela’s not coming back, I heard that this morning. Brenda hasn’t called in or anything, so I don’t know what’s going on with her. Watch out for her, she’s worse than Pamela.”
The past week Brenda had been fairly nice, they’d eaten lunch together twice. “She’s not so bad.”
“What? Why do you say that? Has she contacted you?”
“No, I haven’t talked to her since Friday, we had lunch together, why?”
Shyla’s gaze flew to the door, and then traveled back to Vanessa. “There are things people have told me, things she’s done. Believe me, she’s not a nice person.”
Vanessa nodded slowly. “Okay, I believe you.” She glanced at the clock and turned on her computer. “Almost time to get this day started.”
“Lunch?”
Vanessa had hoped Ethan would meet her for lunch, but this morning when she left for work he hadn’t mentioned lunch. But he promised to cook dinner. “Sounds good, what’d you bring?”
“I’ll surprise you.” Shyla left the room five minutes before the doors opened to students.
Her phone rang. She pulled it from the desk and smiled. “Good morning, you okay?” she whispered, looking around the room.
“No, I need you desperately,” Ethan said.
Warmth filled Vanessa. “Same here. The day will fly by, I’ll leave from here and come to your place.”
“Nope. I’m coming to pick up my lady. I’m making my claim.”
She grinned and leaned back in the chair. “I drove this morning.”
“I know, it’s all worked out.” He paused. “This weekend, words cannot scratch the surface for how phenomenal everything was. It was as if we reconnected after a long separation. My soul knew yours.” He chuckled. “Cherokee, what can I say?”
“That’s it, you said the words I couldn’t find. But you’re right, I found home and it’s you.” There was a knock on her door, the principal entered and stopped after taking two steps.
“Ms. Prince, can I have a word with you?”
“Yes, Sir, I’ll be out in a second.” She waited until he stepped into the hall. “My boss wants a word, wonder why he waited until school started.” Several students walked into her class, greeting her. “I don’t want to hang up but I have to go.”
“Keep your phone on so I can hear your voice at least,” Ethan said.
“No fair, you hear me and I don’t hear you.” She liked the idea of them being connected that way.
“True, but I’ll have a bigger surprise for you later. Besides I don’t want to disconnect from you, not now, not ever.”
His words sent a tremor through her, moisture flooded her panties. “Ethan… okay. Keep listening, I may have a surprise for you.”
“Ms. Prince?” The principal called from the door.
“I forgot he was there, see what you do? Bye.” She placed the phone in her pant pocket, and turned to the students. “Settle down, I’ll be in the hall with Mr. White for a few seconds.” She glanced at Meg, who watched her as she stepped outside.
“You wanted to speak with me?” She looked at the shorter man who ran the school from his office, rarely gracing the halls or students with his presence.
“Yes, I need to show you something.” He started walking down the hall.
Vanessa looked at her class and at her boss. “I can’t leave my students alone.”
“It’s just for a few minutes,” he snapped.
“Minutes? Are you kidding me?” She turned and walked into her class. Clearly the man forgot what kind of trouble and lawsuits arose from children being alone for one minute, let alone a few. She took attendance, mindful of Ethan listening. The class had just started a pop quiz when Brenda entered the room.
“Lunch?”
“Sure, Shyla will be joining us. Did you bring something or do you need to hit the caf first?”
“I planned to buy your lunch today, I’ll grab something from the cafeteria and meet you ladies here afterward.” She turned and left the room.
By lunch time Vanessa was ready to meet Ethan in the parking lot for a quickie. What had that man done to her? She’d never felt so needy before. His scent invaded her thoughts. His smile, laugh, everything about him remained in the forefront of her mind. She’d recall tiny things he did or said throughout the day. “Are you still there?” she asked him.
“Yes. Are you on a break again?” He chuckled. In between both classes she’d check in and they’d talk as the students left and entered her class, which was against school policy. She didn’t care.
“Lunch, Shyla’s on her way, Brenda from across the hall may join us. I wish you were here.”
/> “Just say the word and I’ll sweep you away.” Since he’d been making that offer all morning, she knew he would. Maybe she’d call in sick tomorrow, she hadn’t missed a day all year.
“I’ll suffer through it. Here comes Shyla. Talk to you soon.”
“Don’t forget you have a surprise coming.”
“I won’t.” She placed the phone on the desk.
Shyla walked in carrying a jacket and handed it to Vanessa. “Ethan sent this, I saw Callum about to enter the building and took it from him since security wouldn’t let him walk back here.”
Vanessa stared at the coat and then laughed. “He sent a jacket, what a surprise,” she said, speaking over the phone. She took and placed it close to her nose, inhaling deeply. His scent eased the rising tension she hadn’t realized was there. She slid her arms through the sleeves as Shyla removed the plastic lids from the containers.
“Smells good, I think I’ll have some of that rather than the fruit and yogurt I brought.” Over the weekend she and Ethan ate all the time, he claimed they burned through the calories, but she worried over gaining weight.
Shyla smiled and placed portions on their plates.
“Save some for Brenda, she invited me to lunch, and I invited her to share with us.”
“You told her I was going to be here?” Shyla asked.
Vanessa nodded while chewing her food.
Shyla waved her fork. “She won’t show up.”
“No? Why?”
“She doesn’t like me. I see through her bullshit.” Shyla nodded for emphasis and continued eating. It was a moot point since Brenda hadn’t showed up and definitely not worth arguing over. She told Shyla about Principal White’s actions this morning.
“That’s strange he’d come to you instead of sending someone else,” Shyla said, thoughtful.
“I know right, and then he just walked off. I haven’t heard anything else from him.”
“Did Brenda invite you to lunch before or after he stopped by?”
