He said goodbye to Carmen and followed Zita outside to his car.
By the time they reached his apartment, the rain had set in. He made them both hot drinks and they settled on the couch.
“Do you want help studying for the test?”
“There’s nothing you can do. It’s mostly reading and comprehension.” She sighed. “I don’t know why I’m bothering.”
“You still want to be a lawyer, don’t you?”
“Yeah. I’m just tired.” She lowered her eyes. “Though there might be something that will wake me up.” The look she gave him was full of suggestion and parts of his anatomy twitched awake.
He was tempted to draw her into his arms and follow through on her suggestion, but he knew how much the test meant to her. He shifted away. “You want a reward before you’ve done the work,” he teased. “You’re going to have to wait.”
She pouted. “I bet I can make it worth your while.”
She was a temptress. “I’m sure you can.” He stood, gathered both mugs and moved to the kitchen to resist her. “Why don’t you get your laptop out?”
Her loud huff made him smile. “What are you going to do?” she asked.
He returned to the living room where she was rummaging in her bag. “I can read a book.”
“Ooh, what are you reading?” She switched on her computer.
“We can talk about that later too.” He didn’t want to give her any excuse to procrastinate.
“Fine.” She curled up on the sofa. “You know, maybe you should write down your business goals.”
His chest tightened. “Maybe.”
She gave him a no-nonsense look.
“All right.” It was a pointless exercise, he’d never go through with it, but it would keep Zita happy.
“Great.” She started typing.
David got up and grabbed a notebook and then sat next to her, but didn’t start writing. He was content just to watch her, see the little furrow between her eyebrows as she worked and the way she bit her lip when she was concentrating. She was completely engrossed in what she was doing.
“Would you stop staring at me? It’s making me self-conscious.” She didn’t look up.
He grinned. OK, so maybe she wasn’t completely engrossed. “Just enjoying the view.”
She snorted.
With a smile, he got to work.
***
“I am so done,” Zita declared some time later, closing her laptop and rubbing her eyes. She wasn’t sure how long she’d been studying, but she couldn’t take in another thing.
David looked up. “Are you hungry?”
“Yes.” But she was hungry for more than food. She placed her laptop on the coffee table. They hadn’t had much time in private since they’d started dating, and now that she’d done her homework, she wanted to make full use of their seclusion. “But first, it’s time for my reward.”
His answering grin sent heat right through her, blasting through her fatigue. He was so damn sexy. She shuffled along the couch and straddled him. Then she lowered her head until her lips were almost touching his and paused, enjoying the anticipation. His breath was warm and he watched her, waiting. With a smile she pressed her lips to his. Her heart sighed as she deepened the kiss, tasting the hot chocolate he’d had earlier.
His arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer. A feeling of security swept over Zita and as he cupped her butt, her arousal shot into overdrive. She wanted him now. Breaking the kiss, she ripped off her sweater and reached for her bra strap.
“Wait.” David’s hands stopped her from unclasping her bra. “Slow down.” He kissed her chin, her neck, down to her shoulder . . . slow, tender kisses.
She dropped her hands and reached for him, letting her head fall to the side as he found a spot on her neck that made her moan.
“You’re so beautiful, Zita. I want to savor you.” His hands brushed her breasts, his thumbs caressing her nipples, and her whole body was alive with sensations.
Gently he brought her face to his and his kiss intoxicated her, slowly and luxuriously.
“I need you in my bed.” Before she could move, he’d lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her into the bedroom, and then lowered her on to the mattress. He rid himself of his clothes and then climbed over her. His hand brushed her cheek as he kissed her again, and Zita’s heart filled.
She loved him.
She loved his tenderness, his sensitivity, his hands. Seeing him today with Xaviera had touched her deeply and now, with the care he was showing her, it tipped into love.
She gasped as he caressed her breasts and his mouth followed the path that they took.
Slowly, he dragged her leggings from her, kissing down her thighs, desperately close to the heat pooling in her groin. Zita shifted, thrusting her hips, trying to tempt him.
He chuckled softly. “Patience, my love.”
The words pierced a hole right through her heart. Did he mean them?
He threw her leggings to the floor and slowly crawled his way back up to her, stopping only to press a kiss against her panties.
“David,” she gasped.
His lips brushed hers and he kissed her slowly. She wrapped her legs around him, needing to be closer, and poured all of her love into the kiss.
“Zita.” The reverent way he said her name sent her head spinning. He unclasped her bra, peeled it off and then took one of her breasts in his mouth.
She was on sensation overload as he turned his attention to the other breast. Zita wasn’t used to this slow and sensual way of lovemaking. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to handle much more. She wanted him, all of him.
He moved lower, hovering over her groin as he glanced up, teasing her.
“Take them off,” she said, pushing at her underpants.
“Always in such a rush.” He brushed her hands away and put his mouth to the cotton. It wasn’t enough. She squirmed to have more, thrusting her hips upward.
David groaned and dragged her underwear away. Then finally he pressed his mouth to her crotch.
Zita jerked as pleasure flooded her. At the rate she was going, she wasn’t going to last very long.
His tongue swirled, making her moan, before he stopped and moved back up her body, kissing his way up.
“David.” She couldn’t help the complaint in her voice.
“You’re so amazing,” he said, kissing her neck. “I need to taste all of you.”
“Where you were was just fine.” She gasped as he nibbled a sensitive spot at the base of her neck.
“All in good time.”
She wasn’t able to sway him. Her body throbbed and sang as he kissed and licked his way over her breasts, down her stomach and to her core. Every touch, every movement, made her body twitch in need.
“Please, David.”
“If you insist.”
She almost cried out in thanks as he grabbed a condom and sheathed himself. Then he slid ever so slowly into her, kissing her lips with such passion as he did.
Zita moved with him, overwhelmed by feelings, sensations. Pressure built and his movements became faster until she shattered as she came. All she heard was David calling her name.
She was lost.
It took some time before Zita’s brain began to function again. David had cleaned up and rejoined her on the bed, pulling her close to him.
“Are you all right?”
Tears pricked her eyes and she was glad he was behind her, spooning her. She nodded. “Of course.” But she wasn’t. How could she be, now she realized how much she loved him? It was terrifying and exciting. No one had ever made her feel so worshiped. She pulled his arm around her and clasped his hand against her chest. She wanted to tell him how she felt, but it was too soon. He’d freak out.
“Are you hungry?”
She swallowed and let out a deep breath. “A little.”
He kissed her shoulder and then her neck and said quietly into her ear, “What would you lik
e?”
“Anything, as long as I don’t have to go out.”
He hummed in agreement. “Tonight is the perfect night for staying in bed. There’s a Mexican place that delivers.”
“Sounds great.” She turned over and hugged him fiercely, needing to be closer to him.
He smiled as she drew back. “What was that for?”
“For giving me the best sex of my life.” She said it playfully, hoping to lighten her own mood.
His grin was huge. “Well now, I’m glad to satisfy.”
“You did.” She kissed him quickly and then sat up on the edge of the bed. “Let’s get some food.” She grabbed her clothes and wandered out of the bedroom to give herself more time to control her emotions.
Now she had found him, she didn’t want to let him go.
But did he feel the same about her?
***
Last night had been amazing. David had explored Zita’s body and discovered what really aroused her. She was so wonderfully responsive and made him feel like a sex god. He stretched and then pulled Zita closer for a snuggle. She mumbled in her sleep, but didn’t wake up. He smiled, kissing her neck.
Checking the time, he carefully got out of bed so as not to disturb her. He’d make them both breakfast before they headed to Casa Flanagan for lunch.
In the kitchen, he scrambled up a couple of eggs and made the coffee. Then he carried the breakfast tray back into his bedroom and placed it on the bedside table.
Zita was sprawled out over the mattress, the sheets exposing the tops of her breasts. “Time to wake up, beautiful.” He ran a hand gently over her hair and pressed a kiss against her brow.
“Mmhuf,” she muttered, turning away from him.
He lay down on the bed next to her. He nibbled on her neck and caressed her breasts, enjoying the way she unconsciously pressed herself toward him. “I made you breakfast,” he murmured. “And if you wake up now, we might have time for other things before we go to lunch.” He ran his hand under the sheets, along her side and between her legs.
Zita moaned. “We definitely have time for that.” Her eyes opened and she turned onto her back, reaching for him. “Come here.”
The demand shot straight to his groin.
Breakfast could wait.
“I could get used to waking up like that each day,” Zita said when they were done.
“I agree.” His heart raced at his words. He could definitely get used to waking up next to Zita, and that was kind of scary. He brushed a kiss on her lips and then handed her the cup of coffee, which was still warm. “Though next time I’ll wake you up before I make breakfast.”
“I’m not complaining.” She took a sip and grinned at him.
“I’ll reheat the eggs.” He grabbed the plate and hurried away.
A quick examination of the food had him tossing it in the trash and starting a new batch.
The fact he liked Zita was clear. She was interesting, kind, and fun to be around. There was no denying he was attracted to her, but should he be having long-term thoughts about her?
All of a sudden, the comments his friends had made about Bob came rushing back. He’d never thought ethnicity was a problem, but now . . . he wasn’t as certain as he’d like to be. If he was lucky, Bob wouldn’t remember Zita at all.
She wandered out naked and he lost his train of thought. She was beautiful.
“Any of those eggs for me?” she asked.
“Of course.” He dished up and handed her a plate.
He’d think about it later.
***
They were first to arrive at Casa Flanagan. Inside, both babies were screaming, and voices were raised. Zita winced as she hurried through the door, not waiting for him.
David followed at a slower pace, to let Zita find out what was going on.
In the living room, Alejandra and Elena were shouting at each other, both holding crying babies in their arms. Carmen was standing in the middle trying to calm them, but everything was in Spanish so David had no idea what was going on. Zita took Xaviera from Elena and passed her to David. “Take her for me.”
Surprised, he hugged the baby against his chest, whispering nonsensical words to her. He had to get her away from the noise and tension in the room. He gestured to Zita that he was heading for the kitchen.
“Hush now, sweetheart,” he said, kissing Xaviera on the head. “It’s all right.”
The baby’s cries immediately lessened, and by the time Zita carried a crying Julio in, Xaviera was quiet.
“The baby whisperer,” Zita said with a smile as she shushed Julio.
Xaviera gurgled and when he glanced down at her, she smiled at him. The tug on his heart was painful. “What’s going on in there?”
Zita sighed. “Alejandra is accusing Elena of being a bad mother, of acting like a child.”
The evidence of how well that had gone down could still be heard in the living room.
“She is still a child,” he pointed out.
“I know. Mama’s going to talk to her about adoption again.”
David’s arms tightened involuntarily around Xaviera.
New voices could be heard at the front door.
“Carly and Evan have arrived,” Zita said.
Moments later they walked into the kitchen. Carly’s eyebrows rose at David holding the baby. “Hola.” She kissed his cheeks and then kissed the baby’s head. “I didn’t expect you to be so cozy with Xaviera.”
“I’m getting better,” David said, adjusting the baby so he could shake Evan’s hand.
“He’s a baby whisperer,” Zita told them. “Xaviera stops crying whenever he holds her.”
“Must be his calm nature,” Carly said.
David didn’t say a word.
Teresa hurried into the kitchen holding a notebook. She hesitated when she saw David. He smiled at her, hoping to put her at ease.
“Hey, Teresa!” Evan said. “Are they your new drawings?”
She nodded.
“I’d love to see them. Shall we go into the dining room?”
She nodded again and followed Evan out of the room.
Zita waited until they were gone before she said, “Evan’s the only man she’s really comfortable with.”
“Yes,” Carly said. “They bonded over art and Evan says she’s very good. He was talking about arranging an exhibition for her if she gets to stay.”
“The hearing’s next week?” David asked.
“Yeah, next Wednesday,” Zita said.
He’d arranged to get the time off work so he could see the whole process through. He was already firmly in favor of letting all of the girls stay.
Bridget and Jack entered the kitchen. “What’s for lunch?” Bridget asked, grabbing a piece of fruit from the bench.
“Good question.” Zita handed Julio to Carly and checked the fridge, dragging things out.
“Where is everyone?” Jack asked.
“Hiding,” Zita said, and explained about the argument that had now gone quiet in the living room.
Carmen walked in, sighing. “Hola, mis bebes.” She hugged her daughters and Jack, and then hugged David, being careful of Xaviera.
Warmth spread through David’s body. She was treating him like one of the family.
Carmen glanced over to where Zita was putting together something for lunch. “Let’s order pizza.”
The three sisters looked at each other, their eyes wide. This was obviously not a regular occurrence.
“Are you all right, Mama?” Carly asked.
“I am tired today, and we could all do with a treat.” She brushed a stray hair out of her face. “Why don’t you order, and I’ll pick some mint from the garden for a drink.” She headed outside.
“That’s odd behavior, right?” Jack asked.
Bridget nodded. “Mama believes store-bought pizza is awful.”
“The situation with Elena is getting to her,” Zita said, and quickly explained how Elena wasn’t coping with becoming a mother.
“Do you want to order, and I’ll go and talk to her?”
“Let’s all go,” Bridget said. “Jack, you can handle the food, right?”
He nodded.
The girls walked outside and David was left holding the baby. He wasn’t quite sure what to say to Jack. He didn’t know him very well, even though Jack worked at one of Dionysus’ plants.
“Which baby have you got there?” Jack asked as he picked up the computer tablet and typed.
“Xaviera.” He should know that. Julio was much bigger than Xaviera. David blinked as annoyance welled up in him. That was weird.
“I thought so. Have you got a preference for toppings?”
“No.” He took a seat. Xaviera was now sleeping.
Jack ordered and then asked David, “Have you got used to Casa Flanagan yet?” His smile was friendly.
David chuckled. “Almost. It’s a lot more vibrant than what I’m used to.”
Jack nodded. “Vibrant is a good word. Carmen is amazing and all the girls have thrived under her.”
“It’s pretty incredible what she and Zita do.” Xaviera was getting heavy, so he shifted her to his other shoulder. “Is the stroller in the laundry?”
Jack left the room, and was back moments later with the folded stroller. Both of them looked at it. “There must be a button somewhere,” Jack said.
At that moment, Beatriz walked in.
“Beatriz, can you set up the stroller for us?” David asked.
She smiled shyly at the two men and nodded. In seconds, she’d unfolded the stroller and locked it into the upright position.
“Thanks,” he said. “I’ll have to get you to show me how to do it one day.” He placed Xaviera inside and covered her with a blanket.
“Is lunch almost ready?” Beatriz asked.
“We’re in charge, so we’re getting pizza,” Jack said.
Beatriz giggled. “I’ll tell the others.”
Remembering the news, David turned to Jack. “I forgot to congratulate you on getting engaged.”
“Thanks. I’m so glad it didn’t take Bridge long to ask. I was itching to put a ring on her finger.”
“You didn’t ask her?”
“No. She wanted to take things slowly, because I was her boss. When she realized she loved me, she wanted to take time to enjoy it and not rush.”
Blaze a Trail (The Flanagan Sisters, #3) Page 14
