Karma

by Barbara Huffert

  When Abby was finally permitted to come up for air, Jesse was still inside, propped on his elbows and staring at her face. “Wow,” she gasped.

  “Is this what you had in mind when you were shamelessly teasing me?”

  “Yeah.” Abby’s eyes were huge, her body still tingling.

  He lowered his mouth to her breast and sucked hard before he bit her. At her surprised yelp, Jesse used his tongue to soothe away the sting before repeating the treatment on the other side. “Anybody ever warn you about messing with fire?” he asked when her back arched toward his mouth.

  “Is that what I’m doing?” she countered, trying to raise her arms to his shoulders.

  Jesse’s hands captured Abby’s, clasping them firmly. His mouth toyed with her trapped body. “Who said you could move yet?”

  “Oh, sorry. I kind of thought you were done.” She swallowed her giggle, knowing he would release her if she asked him to.

  He shifted his hips, showing her that he was still hard. “Does this feel like I’m done?”

  “No,” she said solemnly. “You seem to enjoy hard and fast as much as I do.”

  “Absolutely.” Jesse stroked lazily.

  “So why didn’t we do this before?”

  “I didn’t want to scare you.”

  “You don’t. I know you won’t ever hurt me. Even when you go all fierce like that. I know you’ll let go if I ask you to. I trust you.”

  “Gods, woman.” He claimed her mouth. “Hearing you say that makes me wild.”

  “How wild?” Abby rubbed her breasts against his chest. “Show me.”

  “It’ll take us forever to hit all the possibilities you inspire.”

  “Okay.” She nipped at his neck.

  “Hey!” Jesse straightened his arms, moving out of reach. “You’re pushing me again.”

  “Who me?” Abby asked, wetting her bottom lip.

  “Tease,” Jesse growled, thrusting more fully.

  “Ooh.”

  “Like that?” He thrust again.

  “Oh yeah.”

  “Too bad.” Jesse startled her by spinning off the bed. “Come here,” he demanded as he perched on the edge of the table.

  Abby stood before him and waited. “Here?”

  “Remember the night in the park?” She nodded. “And after when I held you in front of me here?” Another nod. “Well, now I’m going to show you what else I wanted to do that night. Turn around.” He impaled her. “Put your hands behind my neck and don’t let go.” Once she had, his hands became more demanding, insisting she give in to the pleasure he offered. When she was writhing against him, he began to move. “Hold on tight,” he urged, pumping nonstop into her heat.

  Abby was so sensitized by his touch. He captured her nipples continuously, tweaking and squeezing them in ways he hadn’t before. His fingers tugged at her clit relentlessly while he pounded into her. “Ohmigod, ohmigod, ohmigod,” Abby chanted as he took her higher and higher.

  “That’s it. Come for me.”

  “Jesse!” Abby screamed as she shattered.

  He held her until she could stand. “I could take you like this all day,” he declared once he sensed she would hear him.

  “Yes,” Abby agreed.

  “Turn around and kiss me,” he commanded. “And make it good.”

  Abby realized Jesse had no intention of moving when she wrapped her arms around him and he didn’t return the embrace. She could see the desire that smoldered in his eyes along with the tenderness he felt for her. She trapped his still hard shaft between them as she sought his mouth. After several soft kisses, she traced his lips with her tongue, adding pressure until they parted. She teased him by tasting and retreating before becoming more passionate. She sensed how difficult it was for him to remain motionless and smiled against his mouth.

  When she finally ended the kiss, Abby asked, “Good?”

  “Damned good,” he admitted before framing her face with his hands and bestowing a firm kiss on her lips. He released her and sprawled on the bed, putting his hands behind his head.

  “Now what?” she asked without joining him.

  “Now, my little tease, I want you to come over here and guide me inside you.”

  Abby did as he instructed and asked, “Like this?”

  “Like that. One more thing. Since you seemed to enjoy putting on that little show on the steps, I think you should continue.”

  “Continue?”

  “Yes. I want you to play with yourself until you come and then I want you to ride me until I do.”

  “And you think I’ll do that just because you say you want me to?”

  “I’m sure you will. I could tell how turned-on you were when I was watching you earlier. You know how much I love to feel you come around me. You know how happy I am when you let me look at you. Seeing you pleasure yourself is another one of those ultimate gifts only you can give.”

  “Please put up your knees so I can lean against them,” Abby requested, wanting him to be able to see everything. “Thanks.” She grinned when her position had the desired effect.

  Jesse watched her make her body climax around his. “Don’t stop. Please. Give me more. Drive me crazy.”

  “But Jesse,” she protested, clenching his flesh with her inner muscles.

  “Not yet. Please, Abs. It is so hot when you lick your own nipples like that. I can practically feel your tongue.” She did what he talked about. “Oh yeah, that’s it. Roll those babies between your fingers.” His direction caused a moan. “Now hold yourself so I can see where you’re swallowing me. Look at us. Pull yourself up until I’m almost out and slid back down real slow. Can you see how you’re dripping all over me? One more time. Slower.”

  Abby followed his instructions perfectly, resisting the urge to ride him, fast and furious. “Now what?” she asked when he was fully engulfed.

  “Rub your clit. Keep those folds open. I don’t want to miss anything. Faster. Don’t stop until you come. That’s it. More.”

  Jesse’s words excited Abby as much as her fingers did. When she shuddered above him, Abby forced her eyes to stay locked with his. “Like that?” she managed to ask.

  “Perfect,” he declared. “Now ride me hard. I’m ready for you to make me come too. I need you to take me. I want you so fucking much.”

  Her movements were frantic once she felt Jesse thrusting up to meet her. When his fingers gripped her hips, helping her to ride him even faster, she clenched around his shaft. In no time, they were both spiraling out of control, exactly as he had intended. Abby slumped onto his chest without realizing it.

  “Hold me, Abby,” he whispered against her hair. “I love you.”

  She could feel him shaking as he folded his arms around her. When he pleaded for her to hold him, her heart was so full of emotion she was afraid it would burst. “I love you, Jesse. I won’t let go.”

  “Wow,” Jesse whispered when he felt steadier. “I thought we were good together before but that…”

  “That was unbelievable.” Abby finished his thought. “I don’t think it’ll ever be just sex with us.”

  “Nope,” he agreed. “I think the love is going to be there no matter what game we play. Do you mind?”

  “Mind? My God, no! Why would I ever mind that you can make your feelings into something so physical? Am I wrong or could you feel all that too?”

  “You’re not wrong. I’m grateful to you for starting this today. I was afraid I’d hurt you or scare you if I let go of my control a little. I should have known better.”

  “How? Was there some other abused woman in your life before me?”

  “You know there wasn’t.”

  “Then how would you know when I was ready for you to stop being so careful with me? If I didn’t let you know, how could you?”

  “You’re right. I would have continued to take things slowly and make sure you knew I would never abuse your body.”

  “That’s what I thought.” She relaxed on his chest for a f
ew minutes. “Jesse?”

  “Hmm?”

  “I don’t want you to stop being sweet either. I mean, wild was tremendous but I don’t want to give up gentle. It is just as good.”

  “I wasn’t planning on us choosing one over the other. I was hoping we would do whatever made us both happy at the moment now that we have such unlimited possibilities.”

  “Perfect,” she sighed. “I guess we should get up. The boys will be back with Trevor soon.”

  “They’ll leave him downstairs if we’re not around. Unless you object, I’d like to stay here a little longer.”

  “Okay,” Abby agreed. When his touch switched from contented stokes to lazy caresses, she smiled. “Mm, that’s nice.”

  “Could be nicer.”

  “Planning on showing me?”

  “Is that an invitation?”

  “Yes.” Abby slid from his chest and onto her back, drawing Jesse to his side next to her. “I can’t resist you.”

  “Do you want to?” Jesse asked, lavishing her with touches.

  “Never.” His fingers re-ignited her desire. By the time he was satisfied that he hadn’t neglected any part of her skin, she was ready to melt. “Make love to me, Jesse.”

  “I am.” He kissed her tenderly, covering her with his body.

  It was midafternoon before they made it back downstairs. As Jesse expected, Trevor was sprawled on the rug, waiting for them. Flynn and Joey let him inside without intruding after they returned from the park.

  Chapter Thirty

  Abby relaxed into Jesse’s embrace. “I’ll be fine. I’m not really going to be alone. Kiley’s just across the yard and Andie will be there soon too. They’re coming over right after Kiley’s lesson is finished. They said they’d keep me company while I make brunch and then we’re going shopping. I’m not worried.”

  “I guess I’m just being overprotective. It feels strange to be leaving without you.” Jesse couldn’t completely let go of the bad feeling he had at the thought of Abby being without him for a most of the day. “I’m used to us being together the majority of the time.”

  “Me too but it’s not like you’re going away for real. We have to come out of seclusion eventually. I’ve been telling myself this is a way to do it gradually.”

  “I’ll be back as soon as I can anyway.”

  “Promise you won’t drive like a maniac. I want you back in one piece.”

  He chuckled. “Deal. Don’t forget what I said before. If you see something you like for the house, go ahead and get it. We’ve agreed on the other things we looked at so far so I’m sure I’ll like anything you find today.”

  “Okay but I think this is more of a clothes and last-minute baby expedition. I probably shouldn’t tell you this but Kiley wants to find something special for after she has the baby and Andie said she was running out of things for Brett to tear off of her.”

  “Definitely more than I needed to know.” He loved the way Abby was getting along with all his friends. “You going to pick out a surprise for me too?”

  “Maybe.” She grinned. “I’ll settle for a dress so I don’t look shabby when we go to dinner tonight. I don’t want to see other people wondering what a gorgeous man like you is doing with a frump like me. I’m sure they will be anyway, since you are so handsome in that suit, but I’m hoping they won’t be extremely obvious about it.”

  “I think they’ll be asking themselves the exact opposite. They’ll be wondering how an average guy like me snagged a voluptuous hot babe like you.”

  “Hardly.”

  “Where’d your confidence go? I thought you were done putting yourself down,” Jesse commented. He intentionally showered her with affectionate compliments, hoping to replace Earl’s opinion on Abby’s appearance with his own.

  “I am with you. I’m not so sure about the rest of the world yet.”

  “Then I’ll have to point out all the men who are drooling tonight.”

  “Yeah and I’ll point out the women who want you.”

  “You go right ahead but there’s only one woman who will ever get to take me home.”

  “Thank you, Jesse.” Abby ducked her head in embarrassment, obviously not entirely comfortable with his unending praise.

  “There you go again. Thanking me for making an honest statement. It’s not necessary, Abs.”

  “I know. I’m—” She caught herself before she apologized. Instead, she returned to an earlier topic. “I’m really glad we went to your parents’ Sunday. You were right about not waiting until our housewarming for me to meet them.”

  “Didn’t I tell you they would love you? You made quite an impression on Dad and Uncle Nick.”

  “I know you and the others warned me about them but I still don’t believe the way they stood there and openly discussed my cleavage.”

  “Wouldn’t it have been worse if they just kept staring at you?” She nodded. “Besides, Mom and Aunt Tracy can tease them about that for months.”

  “They were all so nice to me. I feel a little guilty that we’re keeping our marriage a secret.”

  “They’re not going to mind one bit. Our housewarming is soon enough to share our news with everyone. I swear to you, Abby. They are going to be so happy for us and not at all surprised by our announcement.”

  “I hope so.”

  “I know so. You really amazed them with Wyatt. Even Holly was speechless when the two of you went to the sun porch to talk privately.”

  “I wanted to make sure he knew I wasn’t upset with him for my dad. I know he was worried when he called you to say he was emailing the file. I didn’t want to explain my family yet and you said yours wouldn’t think I was being rude.”

  “They didn’t. They’re just not used to seeing Wyatt involved in a lengthy conversation. I bet he takes you up on your invitation to visit us frequently.”

  “I’d like that. For some reason, I’m not afraid around him.”

  “You don’t have to be afraid of any of us.”

  “I didn’t mean it that way exactly. Wyatt’s just different somehow. It’s like you said when you first described him. He lives in his own world but it’s not closed to me. Please don’t take this the wrong way but I’m not a misfit with him. Not that I am with you either. I know I don’t have to worry about planning what I say with you and you won’t make me feel stupid. I’m making a mess of this.”

  “No you’re not. I think I even understand. Wyatt doesn’t bother with society’s games so when he’s interested and encourages you to open up with him, you know you don’t have to question his motives. The rest of us, me included, may have some hidden agenda you need to be aware of. When Wyatt says he likes the way your mind works, you think okay. When I do, you ask yourself why.”

  “Yeah.” She fidgeted.

  “Stop worrying. I’m thrilled you and my cousin get along so well. I think you’ll be good for each other.”

  “You really mean that, don’t you?”

  “Absolutely. I’m not going to worry when you’re with him even though I can sense the mutual attraction you have for one another.”

  “Jesse…”

  “Hold on. I wasn’t finished. I know in my heart you are going to honor our commitment, just as I am. I know I have no reason to be jealous when you speak to other men. I know it’s innocent when my family and friends are affectionate with you. It doesn’t stop part of me from having the pure male reaction of wanting to reinforce my claim on you in front of them. I almost wrapped my coat around you when Dad first noticed your chest.”

  “Wow.” She seemed stunned. “That’s the first time anyone ever said something like that to me.”

  “You like that, don’t you?”

  “Kind of. I guess it’s wrong of me to be flattered.”

  “I’d much rather you be flattered than laughing. I never thought I had a possessive streak but apparently I do.”

  “Good. That means you won’t be able to make fun of me when mine shows too.”

  “You k
now I’m yours.”

  “Yes and I understand your thoughts on innocent affection. Too bad I don’t have a cousin like Wyatt you could hang out with.”

  “Don’t need one.” He leaned in for a kiss. “I’m going to be so busy hanging out with you I wouldn’t have time for her.”

  “Then when am I going to have time for Wyatt?”

  “Whenever you want. I said I wasn’t going to worry when you were with Wyatt. I didn’t say I was leaving you alone with him.”

  “Jesse.” Abby giggled.

  “What? Wyatt can find his own wife if he wants to be alone with a sexy woman.”

  “But you just said…”

  “Teasing. Well, mostly.”

  “I love you, Jesse.” Her expression turned serious.

  “Which makes me the luckiest guy I know. I love you too, Abby. I guess I should go.”

  “Yes, it’s getting late.”

  “I’m going to miss you today.”

  “Me too.”

  “I’ll call you.”

  “Okay but I’m going to be fine with Kiley and Andie.”

  “Doesn’t mean I want to go all day without talking to you.”

  “Oh. Okay. I hope the meeting goes better than you expect.”

  “So do I, but I don’t really think it will. I gathered a lot of useful information but it’s not enough to put more than a temporary dent in the supply of illegal guns. The whole mess is so damned frustrating. Maybe I shouldn’t feel this way but I’m glad to be done with it.”

  “Perhaps the person who picks it up can use what you provided to make an even bigger dent. Don’t act like what you accomplished doesn’t matter. I haven’t forgotten how you said that if your information keeps one person from getting shot then you haven’t wasted your time.”

  “True. Thanks for reminding me. I still feel that way but I’m not sorry to leave it behind. I’m going to enjoy the new things in my life much more than the old ones.”

  “So am I. Now get going before I forget how important this is and give up ignoring how much you in that suit turn me on.”

  “Tease.” He claimed her mouth. “You had to say that. Now I’m going to have half a hard-on all day, thinking about the possibility that you’re waiting here, wet and ready for me to get back.”