“You are making it very hard to be a good boy, sweetheart.” I can see the conflict in his face. He wants it as badly as I do, yet he’s handling me with the care he promised he would.
“I. Do. Not. Want. A. Good. Boy.” I spell out for him, pronouncing each word slowly and firmly. His face finally softens as he smirks at what I’m implying. He pulls the sheets back and climbs in next to me, covering us back up. He turns me to my side so his chest is against my back. I love the way he wraps his arms around me, as if he’s protecting me—keeping me safe.
I wiggle my butt against his front, feeling his arousal though his loose shorts. He lets out a moan at my neck as he digs in, tasting and licking my bare skin. I tilt my head back slightly, letting him know exactly what I want from him. My neck is more exposed and goose bumps are marching up and down my arms. The way his breath blows against me sends tingles between my thighs and makes my breasts eager for his touch. I’ve never felt this need before…this desire…but the fact that I’m now having it, I’m not going to let it go. I want it. I want Eric. It’s as if my thirteen-year-old self finally matured overnight. I’m desperate for his touch.
A small moan slips from my throat as his lips intensify over my skin, gnawing on my ear, kissing down my neck and shoulder. I reach behind me, grab his upper thigh and swing it over me. I want to feel his arousal, touch him and make him mine, more than I want to breathe.
“The way you moan for me is hot as sin, Velaney,” he growls, pulling me underneath him as he straddles my body. I chew my lower lip, containing the wide grin that wants to peek out. For the first time in my life, this finally feels normal…real…right. Eric is not just another guy, nor is he a fling…but rather, I believe he is the guy.
“Kiss me,” I beg. He intently watches me, moving his hands up and down my body, making me desperate for more. He lowers himself onto me and crashes his lips to mine. His hard body covers me like a blanket as I wrap my legs around his waist to push him down, eager to feel him. He’s rock hard and it’s pushing against me, making me wet and eager for him to have me completely.
He grinds into me and my hips match his rhythm, making everything around me spin. Good Lord, he feels amazing. A low moan slips through my throat and then another. I can’t help it. The way I feel about him and the way he makes me feel when he touches and kisses me is too much to keep inside of me. I want him to know he can have me…to be my first.
I dig my nails into his back as he feasts on my neck. He brings his lips back to mine, allowing me to taste him. The kiss intensifies as he slides a hand behind me and pulls me closer to him, if that’s even humanly possible.
He’s not wearing a shirt, but damn if he were, I’d be ripping it off him right about now. I lower my hands down to his waist and through his shorts I wrap my hand around his thickness. He lets out a deep growl that signals me to keep going. I want him more than anything right now, and I’m going to take exactly that. I bring my other hand to his waist and trace his waistband with my fingers. I want them off, but the way he’s laying on me makes it impossible for me to do myself.
“Tell me to stop,” he pleads in desperation. Any time before, we’ve made sure not to go past our limits. I know he does that for my sake, but now it’s different. Now I want him. I’m ready.
“I don’t want to,” I whisper back, barely breaking our lips apart. I take the hand that is stroking him and pull back as I grab his shorts with both hands and pull them back as far as I can.
“Sweetheart, you cannot say stuff like that. I’m serious.” He pulls back, leaning back on his calves. He’s flustered, sweaty and torn. I can see in his eyes that he’s conflicted, but I have no doubts that this is what I want.
“Why? I want you, Eric. I’m giving myself to you. Right now.” He brushes his palms over his face, contemplating what I just told him.
“Sweetheart, listen to me.” He lowers his eyes and hands down to his shorts and reties the string that came loose. “Trust me when I say I want you more than anything, but right now is not the time. You aren’t ready.”
“What? Who are you to say I’m not ready? I’m laying here beneath you, telling you I’m ready!” The tone in my voice comes off unpleasant, but the way he’s reacting is not the way I envisioned.
“Sweetheart, don’t get mad. I just…I want to be able to let loose and express myself when I’m with you. Right now, you still cringe at certain words and certain things I do. I don’t want to rush this, Velaney. I don’t want to screw it up by going too fast.”
Well, damn. Why does he always have to be the rational and logical one? He’s right, I suppose. But holy hell do I crave him.
“Okay,” I say softly. “Guess I’ll go get ready for our run then.” I try to get out from underneath him.
“Um, actually, I need to take a shower.” He pauses, covering his hands over his very noticeable bulge. “A cold one.” He jumps off the bed, places a light kiss on my lips and heads out. I laugh as he shuts the door behind him, knowing how hot and bothered he is. Good. Serves him right. Damn, I’m just as hot and bothered as he is.
I hate that I have so many issues to work through in order to get close to Eric. I hate that Aiden is the reason for all of this. For the first time in my life, I finally feel ready to move past the bad to aim for the good. Eric is just that…good. No, he is freaking amazing.
* * *
“Well, now that that’s over, let’s get something to eat.” Eric brushes his head with the towel, walking through the door in just his shorts. His skin glistens from the shower, making it impossible not to stare.
“I’m not going anywhere with you until you put a shirt on.” I cross my arms, pouting because I have to resist the urge to touch him. He chuckles lightly at my banter and gives the most delicious smile. God, I want to crash my face to his.
“Fine. Let’s go to my place, then.” He reaches his hand out for me.
“Oooh…inviting me to your place already? Isn’t there a rule for that or something? Like the three date rule before you bring the girl back to your palace?” I smirk, walking closer to him and resisting the urge to change his mind.
“Hey, you broke the rule first. I got into your bedroom the first time we met,” he teases playfully, scooping me up in his arms. “Speaking of dates…I need to take you on one. A real one.”
“What do you have in mind?” I say, a pitch higher.
“Be prepared to be wined and dined, my lady.” I roll my eyes at his attempt at a British accent.
“You are too southern to be British. Sorry, babe.” He slaps me playfully on the butt, making me squirm. He leads me out the door, placing me on my feet before walking up to his floor.
As he fidgets with his keys I say, “Well, this is the moment, huh? Could make us or break us?” He winks before opening the door and guiding me in. He flicks the lights on and my jaw drops to the floor.
“Oh my word,” I gasp. “This cannot be your place.” My hand covers my mouth, letting it all sink in. My eyes scan the room, waiting for something to jump out and bite me. His place is pure perfection. There’s a mahogany dining table with a vase of fresh flowers. I look in the living room where there’s a white L-shaped sofa and a marble coffee table adjacent to it. Mounted on the wall is a large flat screen television. Also, a white glass entertainment center with a few small candles next to his DVR and PlayStation. I peek down the hallway and see the walls tastefully decorated in beautiful art canvases.
“Are you gay? I mean, if you are, tell me now.”
He chokes a cough before answering. “No, Velaney, I’m not gay. I have good taste.” He winks, getting a smile out of me.
“Are you going to tell me you live with your mother or something?” He leans in and pulls me into his rock hard chest.
“No. She may have helped me decorate, but that’s it. I swear.” He smiles, getting me to laugh at his humor.
“Well, I’m sincerely jealous. Your place is perfect.”
“I’m glad you think so. I wa
s hoping maybe you’d want to sleep over…” he lingers, holding my gaze with his as he watches my reaction. My eyes shoot open, rolling his words in my mind. Sleep over? I’ve never slept over at a man’s house before. Jake and I never slept over at one another’s house…ever. I don’t want to freak Eric out with another one of my mini meltdowns, so I swallow and shove it to the back of my mind.
“Sure, maybe.” I wink, playfully teasing him. He smiles back, not questioning my bizarre response. The truth is that I’m scared out of my mind to sleep with a guy. Carissa and I share a bed all the time, but sleeping with a man is completely different. First, I worry about weird body functions. I mean, what person doesn’t worry about that? Will I snore in my sleep? Say something embarrassing or kick him? Gah…I’m overthinking. Breathe, Velaney. You can do this. I can let him in…yes…yes, I will.
“Well, I’m going to go put a shirt on, per your request, and then I’m taking you out on our breakfast date.” He grins widely, giving me goose bumps from head to toe. Wow…seriously that smile could do me in for good.
I walk around his kitchen, inspecting his cupboards and fridge as he changes. I smile as I notice water bottles, beer and eggs in his fridge. No wonder he comes to my place for breakfast…the man has no food.
“Snooping, are we?” He peeks in, catching me in the act. I spin around, blushing that he caught me.
“You seriously need to go shopping.” I grin, putting my hands on my hips.
“No way. That’s my excuse to sneak over in the mornings.” He startles me by rushing forward, scooping me up and placing me gently on his counter. He wedges himself in between my legs, igniting that spark I’ve come to associate with only him. He grabs my face, leaning his lips in close to mine, barely brushing my lips with his. I close my eyes, eagerly waiting, but he doesn’t move. “Breakfast time,” he whispers, making my eyes pop open at his too-wide grin. Why does he always rile me up?
I scoff at his evil trick, begging his lips to touch me as I pucker my lips up at him. He places a finger between us, not allowing our lips to connect.
“Seriously?” I whine. “Kiss me,” I beg, pushing my lower lip out in a pout. He grins at me and backs up.
“No, sweetheart. I’m taking you out on a date first. If you’re lucky, I’ll kiss you goodnight.”
“This sucks,” I mumble, taking his hand and jumping off the counter. He laughs at my disappointed frown and squeezes my hand with his.
He leads me down to the lobby and through the doors. It’s still dark out, but I spot a fire truck in the parking lot and wonder what the heck is going on. I look up at Eric who is smirking, but he doesn’t say a word. I give him a questioning look as he drags me over to the truck.
The door swings open as a friend of his steps down. “Thanks for bringing it, man.” Eric does some manly handshake half-hug thing. Confusion rides over my face as Eric brings me to the other side and opens the door.
“Careful on the steps,” is all he says as he lifts me up. I sit on the large bench seat, completely confused as to what’s going on. Eric jumps in the driver’s seat as his friend hangs on the side.
“What on Earth are we doing?” I ask, taking a good look around. I’ve never been so high up before— it’s actually pretty cool.
“We’re having our first date, sweetheart.” He smiles at me, making quivers and goose bumps sail through me. I can hardly believe all the trouble he’s going through.
“Do you do this for all your first dates?” I ask as he pulls us into the road.
“You’re the first, darling.” He turns and winks at me, making the quivering pull between my legs more apparent. Damn him. “It took a lot of convincing, but eventually my dad handed over the keys. Well, once I agreed to laundry duty for a month.”
“This really isn’t necessary, you know. I was ready and willing,” I tease, crossing my arms as I snicker at him. His head falls back as he laughs at my blunt response.
“That’s good to know.”
We drop his friend back off at the station and later arrive at a walking trail near the park. I have no idea what he has planned, but I’m anxious to find out.
He walks around to my door and helps me down. I smile as I take in the scenery. You can see all the city lights from up here—the trees are full and green and the warm breeze passes right through us. It’s simply beautiful.
“Wow,” I say, walking in front of the fire truck. “This is an incredible view!” Eric wraps his arms around my waist from behind and leans his chin on my shoulder. The sun is just rising, making the sky glow in oranges and yellows. It’s breathtaking. “Thank you for bringing me here.” I feel him smile against my neck. “You don’t plan on leaving me out here for dead, do you?”
“Of course not. However, I do have a little project for you.” The tone in his voice makes me suspicious.
“Okay? What is it?” I turn around and lock eyes with his. He flashes a cautious smile, leaving me baffled and uncertain.
Without a word, he turns me back around and grabs my hands. He lifts my arms up so they are open wide above my head. We’re standing together—body to body—with our arms open, on top of a small cliff that overlooks Boston.
“Now, I want you to yell the word fuck as loud as you can,” he whispers slowly, almost sensually, in my ear. My eyes clamp shut as the F bomb rolls around in my mind. He knows I can’t do this…why is he doing this?
“I can’t,” I whisper, lowering my head in defeat.
“Yes, you can, sweetheart. Don’t let what he did to you control you. Release it. Release him,” he leans in and whispers. I don’t know if what I’m feeling is panic, anxiety, or both, but I can’t hold my arms up any longer. They go limp, but Eric continues to hold them up for me. “You can do it,” he whispers again.
I breathe in and out for several minutes without responding, trying to wrap my mind around what Eric wants me to do. I actually understand why he wants me to do it, and why I need to let go of my past. It’s clear I can’t concentrate on the future with it still clawing at my skin.
I inhale and yell, “Fuuuuuuu…….dge.” Ugh, crap.
I hear Eric chuckling behind me. “I didn’t tell you to yell what you want to lick off of my body, sweetheart.” I laugh with him as I suddenly feel safe and relaxed in Eric’s arms.
“Ugh, okay.” I close my eyes and breathe in and out again. I stretch my arms straight against his and open my eyes as I yell, “FUUUUUUUUUCK!” at the top of my lungs.
I can’t believe how good that feels. I haven’t said that word since I was eight years old. I’ve said freaking, frack, fudge, and my personal favorite, fracktastic.
“You did good.” Eric spins me around. My face instantly turns red. I feel so pathetic for being a twenty-three year old that couldn’t even say the word fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck.
“Thank you,” I whisper as my eyes begin to fill with tears. I don’t know why I feel so emotional over this, but something inside me finally feels…lifted.
He smiles down at me and brings his lips in just close enough to touch, but stops. “Say it again,” he whispers.
I turn back around, but this time I step out of his reach and stop on the edge of the cliff. I close my eyes, raise my hands and let my head fall back as I yell it one more time. This time I yell from my gut. I let out all the frustrations, all the hurt and all the fear I’ve held in over all the years. It feels absolutely amazing. I’ve never had the urge to scream before, but now with Eric by my side, I don’t want to stop. I want to be exactly what he deserves, because he’s exactly what I need.
I feel Eric’s body behind me as he wraps his arms around my waist. “God, that felt good.”
“That was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” He turns me around and crashes his lips to mine before I can reply. My arms wrap around his neck as I sink my lips into his, hungry for his taste.
I can hardly believe how much Eric has helped me in the short amount of time I’ve known him. He truly is my hero—my savior�
�a pure godsend. I never thought I would be capable of feeling like this for someone else…never thought I was worthy of it…never thought it would happen for me. Turns out, I was waiting for Eric the whole time…waiting for someone that believes I’m worthy.
I break the kiss to catch my breath. I feel so many overwhelming emotions right now but I don’t want to let this moment go. It’s perfect. I’ve never been more sure about wanting someone than I am about Eric. I’m ready to give myself to him. I want him to experience me for the first time.
Eric makes me feel things I’ve never felt before. The way he pursued me, knowing I had fought his interest, makes me know I’m not just some girl to him. It scares the living crap out of me to let someone in and to risk getting hurt, but for the first time ever, I’m ready to take that risk. Ready to dive in and give my heart to him.
CHAPTER 15
Eric leads me back to the fire truck after we share a few more moments on the cliff. The moment was complete bliss and I never want to let it go. The fact that someone wants to invest time in me is difficult to grasp, but I’m willing to try for him.
“Where are we going next?” I ask as Eric turns the truck back on. The sun is now full and bright, giving us a better view of the city’s beauty.
“Breakfast,” is all he says and he turns us onto the road. He grins at me as if I’m missing something, but instead of questioning him, I smile back and go along with it.
We only drive for a few miles before I see a cabin hidden away in the woods. It looks to be a cute little restaurant, but I never knew it was here.
“What is that?” I ask, pointing as we drive closer.
“It’s the Log Cabin Café,” he responds matter-of-factly. He pulls in and I notice there are a couple other cars parked in the back. “They are usually only open on Sunday mornings, but I called in a favor.”
“You called in a favor? Didn’t you just move here?” I turn and ask.
Alphas & Millionaires Starter Set Page 34
