“Baby, I swear, you’re a goddess.”
Hearing Tim call her a goddess made her giggle. Or maybe it was his beard tickling the sensitive skin just inside her underwear. Her emotions were all over the place, a familiar pressure building in her hot core. For a split second, she tried to bring her knees together, trapping his head in between her legs.
“No, don’t. Open up for me, please.”
“But I’m… I’m not groomed down there,” she confessed, mortified that she had let her monthly wax appointments go by the wayside. Elizabeth had warned her to “keep up appearances” often joking a new man might enter her world sooner rather than later. Never in a million years could she have imagined that it would be her yardman exploring her secret garden.
“Jessica, I’m a hairy beast. I completely altered my appearance so no one would recognize me. Does it bother you?” he asked, pausing with the edge of her panties between his fingers.
“No. Of course not.” His long hair and bearded face were sexy as hell to her. It surprised her that his primal looks turned her on, bringing out a side of her she was eager to explore.
He grinned from beneath the hair, revealing his white teeth, and readily yanked her panties down, exposing her in the soft light of the late afternoon.
“Relax. You’re so tense.” He dragged his hands across her thighs, the rough calluses on his fingers awakening a deep desire.
Jessica nodded and closed her eyes, taking in deep, intentional breaths to try to relax. She wanted to languish in this moment as Tim worshipped her body. She couldn’t help but squeal as he raked his fingers through her soft mound, grazing her clit. He pushed her knees further apart and waited until she settled.
“Your body is so sensitive. Just keep relaxing. I’m a very patient man.”
“I’m trying,” she mumbled, gripping the pillow on either side of her head.
Tim touched her ever-so-gently, sending a shock wave through her body. It was as if an electric current buzzed through her being. His hand continued to move steadily, and she concentrated on the stealth rhythm of his fingers, the pleasure overwhelming. She was climbing higher and higher until the explosion of color and warmth sent her into a free-fall of sorts, her screams of pleasure inaudible. Her body convulsed as she shut her eyes tightly, not able to look Tim in the face. It had been years since she had experienced an orgasm of that magnitude, the lingering lashes of his fingers feeling entirely too good.
“Wow,” was all she could mutter as she finally looked up at her beast. His smile was genuine.
“Do you want me to keep going?”
Jessica frowned, not exactly sure what he meant. “I thought we were going to… make love?”
He lay beside her, the swell in his pants noticeable. “Are you on the pill?”
Dejectedly, she shook her head. Why go on the pill when her ex-husband didn’t want to have anything to do with her sexually?
“I didn’t bring any protection, Jessica. As much as I want to make love to your right now, I’m not about to be reckless.”
A random thought crossed her mind, and she immediately sat up to rummage around in the side table next to the bed.
“What are you doing?” he asked, propping his head in his hand.
Finding what she was looking for, she proudly turned around and displayed the gold foil pack between her fingers. The stunned look on his face made her laugh out loud.
“Stephen was terrified I would get pregnant again but was too chicken to get a vasectomy. We never had sex again after I was pregnant with baby number four. He was also a cheater. I walked in on him and his lover while we were still married and found this box of condoms after he moved out. I don’t know why I didn’t throw them out back then.” Her discovery made her pant with excitement.
“Are you sure about this?” Tim asked. “You want to make love using one of these that belonged to your ex-husband?”
“Oh, yes. If he were in the room right now, I’d thank him!”
Tim shook his head in amusement before he sat on the edge of the bed and pulled off his pants. To see his impressive manhood for the first time caused her mouth to gape in a noticeable ‘O.’ It was one thing to touch it, but something else to see it in plain daylight.
Taking the packet from her hand, Tim pushed her back onto the pillow and straddled her, his massive body intimidating. He ripped open the foil, and she helped him ease the condom slowly down his pulsing appendage. Positioning himself at her wet opening, he whispered breathlessly, “Are you ready for me?”
Up close, the green of his eyes reminded her of the fragrant pine forest behind her childhood home. The anticipation of being completely as close to Tim Ryan as she could get was something she wanted more than anything. “Yes,” her voice sang.
She wrapped her hand around his and forced his engorged penis forward, the pleasure undeniable. He groaned with contentment and moved deeper inside, the surge of ecstasy emblazoned on her heart. He pumped her, hard, the look on his face intense and the veins in his magnificent muscles flexing with undeniable power as he brought her to another full-blown orgasm. He continued to pump her as she experienced after-shocks until his entire body stiffened and he yelled out her name. A hot tear escaped his eye and landed in his beard, glistening like a diamond in the light as he labored in a breath.
“What’s wrong?” Jessica asked with genuine alarm. Here was this incredible human, probably the top one percent of his kind in the world, and he had shed a tear while they made love. She brought her hand up to his cheek and smoothed his hairy face, wiping the drop away.
He nodded vigorously. “You…” He tried to speak in between breaths. “You… are ruining me.”
“I’m sorry…”
“Don’t be,” he interrupted, clutching her cheek in his hand. “You’ve conjured up so many emotions in me lately.”
“I know. It’s the same for me.”
Jessica stared into his eyes, already lost in his forest. It was erotic the way he was positioned above her, like a massive lion about to eat his prey. Her eyes were wide, and her breathing labored as she allowed him to study her in her most vulnerable state. He licked his lips and smiled before lying beside her, clutching her hand to his chest. He squeezed and turned to where they were nose to nose.
“I don’t want to be alone anymore. If it means coming clean with who I really am to make things easier on you and the girls, I’ll do it.”
“Oh, Tim,” she started.
“No, I mean it,” he interrupted. “Since day one, you’ve never judged me for how I look or what I do. You’re the epitome of Southern grace, and I want to explore what’s next. Please tell me you want this too.”
The excitement that surged through her body was instant. “You’re not alone, Tim. You’re not alone.”
Chapter Twelve
For several hours, Tim and Jessica lounged in the giant bed, talking and making sweet love. Their conversations were effortless, and Jessica joked that Tim felt like he was her oldest friend in the world. Standing barefoot in the kitchen, they rummaged in the sub-zero fridge for sustenance after their late afternoon exploration. They drank red wine out of juice glasses and giggled over a mismatched platter of cheese, fruit and cut-up turkey dogs. Tim was bare-chested the entire time, his mane of hair hanging loosely over his broad shoulders. She couldn’t help but notice his pecs when they would clench from a belly laugh, his hard abs almost too perfect for her gaze, as if he’d been airbrushed to perfection. It wasn’t until she heard the garage door going up that she looked at the clock, her body locked in fear.
“Are you expecting anyone?” Tim asked chewing on a grape, his lips moist from a recent sip of wine.
“Yes, my parents! They’re back with the girls. I completely lost track of time!” She was catapulted back to reality, not sure what to do first. “Go put your shirt back on…and…and hide in the closet,” she requested breathlessly, pulling her hair up into a top-knot before grabbing their glasses and propping them in t
he sink with a clatter.
Tim disappeared into the master suite just as the Kaufman girls came scurrying inside, their grandparents close behind.
“Mama!” they screeched in pleasure, attacking her bare legs in the process.
Jessica’s mother handed the baby off to her while her father brought up the rear, carrying an oversized diaper bag in his hands. The house was abuzz with boisterous conversation.
“Hey, Daddy. Hey, Mama,” she greeted tentatively, plastering a fake smile on her face. Could they see the guilty look in her expression? Could they smell the aftermath of sex that oozed from her body?
“I hope you got some work done for the gala, Jessica. The girls weren’t too unruly, but I still think you need to have a talk with them about their jabbering at dinnertime. Your daddy finally had to lay down the law to get them to quiet down.”
“Thanks, Daddy,” Jessica said, shifting Jo-Jo on her hip and giving her father a quick peck on the cheek. “And thanks, Mama. I did get some work done. I appreciate it very much.”
“Whose truck is that parked on the street? Looks like one of the landscapers is in the area. You having some work done? In this rain?” her father asked.
Jessica panicked for a split second before acting nonchalant. “No, sir. Must be the neighbors across the street.” She turned and rubbed her nose with Jo-Jo making the toddler giggle.
Mrs. Southers eyed the platter of half-eaten food with distaste. “We had supper earlier, but I told the girls they could have dessert at home if they behaved in the car. What in the world did you eat?”
Jessica ignored her mother’s inquisition and turned her attention to her oldest. “Did you behave?” she asked.
“Yes, Mama. Can we have dessert? Please?” Jennifer begged.
“Yes, ma’am. Let me finish talking with Grandma, and then I’ll get you some cookies. Why don’t you let Granddaddy get the TV on and settle down with your sisters.”
“Okay.”
Jessica watched her oldest skip happily into the living space with her sisters eagerly following. Her father started to power on the elaborate entertainment system for the girls. Turning toward her mother, she noticed the scowl in an instant.
“What?” she innocently asked.
“When are you going to start caring a little more about your appearance, Jessica Lynn?”
“Mama…”
“I did not raise my only daughter to dress in shorts and tee-shirts every single day. And look at your nails.” Mrs. Southers grabbed her daughter’s free hand and clucked her tongue. “When is the last time you got a manicure, Jessica? I think it’s time for you to move on from your wallowing and get back to living.”
Jessica couldn’t help but smirk, her mother having no idea just how much living she’d been up to that afternoon with Tim.
“It’s not funny, Jessica. You’ve had a pity-party long enough. You have impressionable daughters looking up to you. Don’t you want to set a good example?”
Biting her lower lip, she mumbled, “Yes, ma’am.”
Mrs. Southers palmed Jessica’s cheek. “Alright then. Pull yourself together, now. And for god’s sake, get your hair and nails done. You’re a fright!”
*
Tim stood behind the master suite door that was cracked so he could hear the conversation in the living area. He found it hard to believe how submissive and compliant Jessica was around her folks, the proper use of “ma’am” and “sir” something he wasn’t used to. Their southern accents were thick and Jessica’s mother’s judgmental attitude, concerning. Thankfully, the Southers didn’t stay long, and he exhaled a sigh of relief as he peered through the plantation shutters and watched them drive off in their fancy Cadillac in the rain.
He sat on the edge of the bed and waited for the all clear. When Jessica entered the bedroom, his heart thumped with gladness.
“Hey,” she said, breathlessly, closing the door behind her.
“Hey.” He stood and went to her, opening his arms wide. Her tanned skin was warm to the touch as he inhaled her familiar scent and kissed the top of her golden head. “Is it all clear?”
“Yes. Sorry about that. I got the girls situated in front of the television with their cookies. We have a couple of minutes before they get wind that you’re here and then all hell is gonna break loose.”
Tim chuckled staring down into Jessica’s face. He loved the way her freckles splayed across her cute little nose when she wasn’t wearing any makeup. He wanted to count and kiss those freckles, every single one of them. How he wished they could be alone again, lounging in the bed so he could do just that. But the reality was, she had children. Four of them. They would have to find a way to navigate simple, quiet moments alone moving forward.
Her neck tilted back as she looked up at him. “I don’t want you to leave.”
“Then I won’t,” he replied matter-of-factly, running the pad of his thumb across her delicate cheek.
Her smile melted his core. “I guess we have to face the peanut gallery at some point. You ready?” She smoothed the whiskers closest to his lips, her fingertips tracing the outline of his mouth.
“Mmmm.” He leaned down and kissed her firmly. “Let’s do it.”
When they entered the living space hand in hand, the little girls squealed with delight. “Tim!” they screamed in unison, scampering to be near him. He let go of Jessica’s hand and scooped up the first two, giving hearty shouts, greeting each little girl individually. Baby Jo-Jo was so excited, she flailed her chubby arms and bounced on her bottom, shrieking with delight.
“You have a fan club,” Jessica joked as if taking it all in.
He chuckled, taking the girls back to their seats. “What are you watching?” He snatched a cookie off a plate on the ottoman and tossed it in his mouth.
“Puppy Dog Pals. Wanna watch with us?” Jennifer encouraged, her big blue eyes bright.
“Sure.” He lowered his massive frame to the carpeted floor in front of the sofa and leaned back on the furniture. Jo-Jo crawled over and patted his large thigh with her tiny hand. He hoisted the tyke up and settled her into his lap. Jessica sat on the couch and snuggled with the other girls. It was a picture of pure bliss and Tim was happier than he’d been in years.
Five minutes into the animated Disney Jr. show, a familiar voice hollered from the hallway.
“Julia! Oh, Julia! Look what you left in Granddaddy’s car…” Mrs. Southers stopped abruptly in the open kitchen, her face displaying shock.
Jessica was on her feet in a millisecond, positioning herself to block her mother’s line of sight. “Hey, Mama. Thanks for bringing this back.”
The old woman’s coral-painted lips made a thin line, and her eyes zoned in on Tim. He was already on his feet and cautiously came toward them with baby Jo-Jo in his arms.
“Mama, I’d like you to meet my friend. This is Tim. Tim… McGill.” She eyed him knowingly, and his gaze softened knowing she was protecting him.
“Tim McGill,” she said unemotionally, the disapproval evident in her high-pitched Southern twang. “Do I know you?”
By this time, the girls’ focus was off the movie and on them. Jennifer yelled out, “He’s our friend too, Grandma!”
Mrs. Southers eyebrow arched as she watched Julia approach and snatch the blanket out of her hand. The quiet little girl proceeded to stand next to Tim and raised her hand up to hold his as if showing her allegiance. Baby Jo-Jo lay her head on his broad shoulder. Tim stared back at Mrs. Southers, determined not to let his nerves show. It was comical how the tiny, old woman intimidated him.
“Hi, Mrs. Southers. It’s very nice to meet you. I was doing some work in the area and stopped by to say hello to the girls—”
“And why would you do that?” she interrupted, her voice dripping with haughty disdain as she tilted her head to look up at him.
“Mama!” Jessica chastised.
Tim cleared his throat and handed Jo-Jo to Jessica. “As I said, I stopped by to say hello to the gir
ls. Make sure they didn’t need anything after that storm blew through. I’ll be on my way now.”
“No!” the little girls bemoaned. Jessica immediately corralled her children and urged them back to the living room to resume their show quietly. Tim patted each one on the head, stooping down low to Julia.
“Glad you got your blankie back,” he whispered. Julia nodded and offered a shy smile. “I’ll see you later. You take care of your mama, okay?” She nodded again.
Mrs. Southers stood erect in the hallway with her chin held high and didn’t say a word as Tim passed her on his way to the front door with Jessica trailing behind.
“Thanks for stopping by, Tim. You’re always welcome around here.” Her sunny smile made his heart flip in his chest. His grin turned into a frown when his eyes met Mrs. Southers again.
“It was nice meeting you. I’ll be on my way now.”
“Where are your shoes, Mr. McGill?”
Tim stopped in his tracks and glanced at Jessica who was behind her mother frantically waving her hand across her throat and shaking her head.
“Uhh, I took them off outside before I came in from the rain. Didn’t want to ruin these nice floors. Take care.” He darted outside into the downpour and nearly slipped on the drenched Bermuda grass as he ran swiftly barefoot down the steep front lawn to his truck. He could see the Cadillac idling in the drive closest to the garage and wondered how Jessica was handling her mama at the moment. He sat in the cab of the truck, his chest rising and falling as water dripped from his head. His keys were back in the master bedroom on the side table—and his shoes and hoodie were somewhere in the house, images of him and Jessica skin on skin causing his manhood to flinch. His fib might have fooled Mrs. Southers, but if he couldn’t start his truck and get out of there quick, he’d be found out for sure.
Through the deluge of rain coming down in sheets, Tim watched the red taillights of the Cadillac slowly back down the driveway. He flicked on his lights and hoped the old couple wouldn’t wait to find out his next move. Lucky for him, they sped past with a whoosh, the fancy car hitting a puddle of rainwater that cascaded over his truck like a waterfall. Sighing with relief, he gripped the steering wheel with both hands and closed his eyes, hating himself for allowing Jessica to lie on his behalf. He knew that condescending look her mother had given him. Not even knowing who he was, she disapproved immediately because of the way he looked, he was sure of it. He didn’t want to cause a rift in their relationship and hoped Jessica had come up with a plan to appease her.
Georgia Pine (Southern Promises Book 3) Page 9
