After dwelling over the situation for the past few days, I've decided that when the time is right, I'll initiate the possibility and see if he's ready for it. I'm pretty sure he will be. Before I knew his past, he'd been ready to take things to a more intimate level much faster than I had been ready for. And now that I know his boundaries, I think he'll be more comfortable this time around.
We both will.
“What are you thinking?” Ace asks, his voice lower and deeper, as if he can sense where my mind has gone.
I smile widely. “That's for me to know and you to find out,” I tease as I pull out of his arms. “Sit down while I get dinner dished up,” I tell him as I walk away. I grab the padded mitts on the counter and begin pulling the dishes out of the oven.
“Sorry, I'm a little late. I practically bolted out of the city campus the second I was able to, then I had to make a detour. By the way, I brought wine.”
My nose wrinkles as I peer at the cupboard that holds my simple glasses. I turn and look at him. “I don't have any wine glasses.”
“Wine glasses aren't needed to drink wine anyway,” he says easily as he pulls a bottle of wine out of the bag.
I turn back and carefully begin to set up dinner. When it's all set, I walk over to the other side of the island counter so we can sit next to each other. Ace politely stands next to me until I'm settled on my stool before he settles on his. He reaches out and picks up a box near his plate that I hadn't noticed until now. He pushes it towards me with a knowing smile.
I accept it and glance down to see that it's a sales box for a camera. A small, black camera is displayed on the front. My eyes jerk up to him, and I give him a look. “You bought me a camera?”
Don't get me wrong, I'm secretly excited over it, but showing any excitement over a gift from Ace is like giving him the green light to buy me more. Now that I know about his family and wealth, I realize he could spoil me like crazy if he wanted to. The very last thing I want is for him to think I'm after money or material possessions, so I am going to continue reprimanding him for buying me things. All I want is him.
“I know you wanted one. And before you get all bent out of shape, I had ulterior motives when buying it,” he says simply.
I cock my head. “What are they?”
He grins. “We don't have any pictures of us together,” he points out. He plucks the box out of my hand and opens it up, the little camera falling into his palm. “I’ve already charged it and inserted the memory card.” He points it at me, and the flash goes off.
A laugh escapes me as I make a grab for the camera. “Give me that!” He relents and hands it over. I inspect it for all of two seconds before I hold it up to take his picture. “Smile,” I order.
His lip quirks up in the corner, and I snap a photo. Then I quickly press a button to inspect what I'd just taken. It still amazes me every time I see him how absolutely gorgeous he is.
I beam at him. “I love it. We'll play with it later,” I say firmly as I set it down so we can eat our dinner. If we don't eat soon, we're going to be late for the movie we plan on attending.
We dig into our food, and Ace lets out a heartfelt groan. “This is amazing. How did I get lucky enough to find a woman like yourself that's perfect at everything she does?”
“I am hardly perfect,” I counter back.
“To me you are,” he says simply as he picks up his glass and takes a drink of his wine, his eyes focused on me over the rim.
“Ha, just you wait,” I warn him. “Get to know me better, and you'll find that I'm not the perfect package.”
“How so? Spill,” he orders as he picks up his fork.
“Right,” I muse. “You want me to list all my faults? I don't think so. I'll let you figure them out on your own.”
“I highly doubt you do anything that's aggravating.”
“I'm sure you'll eat those words,” I tell him.
“Doubt it.”
We enjoy our food for a bit, and then I can't help but start asking a few questions. I've always sensed that Ace isn't one to talk about his family, but now that he's opened up to me a little bit about them, I'm hoping I can get to know him better. “Your father's company is pretty impressive and quite successful. Did he expect you to follow in his footsteps?” I ask a bit cautiously as I watch for any signs that his family is still a topic that's off limits.
Ace shrugs, not looking the least bit uncomfortable. “As any father in that type of business would, yes. He was incredibly disappointed when I chose to go into athletic training rather than business. With me being his only child, he had every intention of passing the company down to me when he retires. It's a bit of an issue between the two of us, which is one of the reasons I don't go back to Hartford too often.”
“That's too bad. Surely he can understand that you have your own interests. I mean, he won't hold it against you forever, will he?” I ask hesitantly, my fork pausing near my plate as I wait for his answer.
He looks up and meets my gaze, his expression wry. “He can and he will. It's not as big a deal to me as it would have been if we were ever close. He was that intimidating parental figure growing up. I was always on my best behavior around him, but the second he'd leave the room, a feeling of relief would come over me. I try to think positively about the situation and tell myself he could have disowned me, but he didn't. He has to care to some extent.”
I feel sad that he hadn't had the kind of home life I'd had growing up. At least I knew my parents loved me, and they'd always gone out of their way to show it even when they were busy with their careers. “What about your mom?”
His smile turns genuine. “She's great. She and I didn't really connect until I moved out here. I think she realized once I was gone that she wasted a lot of time she could have had with me growing up, and she's trying to make up for it. She calls every so often and sends emails. We're not as close as you probably are with your parents, but the fact that she's putting effort into our relationship is what matters.”
“I'm glad she's trying to stay connected with you. Do you think she'll ever come out to visit?”
“She's been talking about it.”
“I hope she does. I think it would help her to see you in your element. When you talk about your future, you practically light up the room. She should see what makes you really happy,” I tell him as I reach for my wine and sip it.
Ace reaches out and touches my thigh, causing a zing of warmth to spread through me. His eyes hold mine as he says, “Then she should most definitely meet you.”
My eyes search his. Meeting one's family is a crucial step in dating. It means things are serious. “You'd want to introduce me to her?”
“Yes.”
“I'd like that,” I tell him quietly.
He squeezes my thigh before turning his attention back to his meal. “Do you think your family will approve of me?” he asks a bit casually.
I can tell my answer is important to him. “My brother already does,” I say simply as I pick up my fork.
“What do you mean?”
I glance over to see he’s staring at me. “I called him about you after we...uh...had that situation in your bathroom.”
His gray eyes widen comically. “You told him about that?” he asks with disbelief as his fork clatters to his plate.
“God no!” I say, my face turning red. “Ben doesn't need to know what I do sexually. I only told him we kissed.”
Ace looks immensely relieved. “Go on. Now I really need to know about this conversation you had with him.”
“I explained that you'd become a really good friend, but we'd acted on our attraction and kissed. I wanted advice. I didn't want to be pushy, so I was trying to figure out if I should wait for you to approach me or if I should make the first move. Anyway, I told him about how you've helped me to become more independent. I also told him that my past doesn't bother you, that you're willing to talk about it with me.” I look at him seriously. “You don't turn away from things
when they get difficult. Ben admires that.”
He stares long and hard at me for a minute. I can practically see the wheels turning in his head as he processes what I told him. He clears his throat, looking awkward. “I've never met a girl's family before except Z's. I didn't think...I figured I'd have to work hard to get your family to like me,” he says quietly.
I reach out and touch his arm. “No worries on that. You already have an 'in' with Ben. As long as my big brother approves, you're as good as gold,” I promise.
* * *
We enter my apartment after the movie, and I still feel all tingly from Ace's heated kisses in the back of the movie theater. To be honest, I can't remember a single detail about the movie. Not that I care. I had more fun making-out with him like we were a couple of horny teenagers.
“Kick back and relax,” I tell him, motioning to the couch. “I need to get out of these heels and let Daisy out.”
Ace scowls comically. “You sure she has to come out?”
“You got her for me,” I point out with a laugh as I disappear down the hall.
“And I regret it all the damned time,” I hear him grumble.
I fight back a laugh as I pause outside the bathroom door. The other day, Daisy had curled up on his lap and Ace had allowed it since I'd teased him about being a meanie to the poor, little, innocent kitty. A door slamming in the hallway outside my apartment had spooked her, and she'd leaped off his lap, clawing his manly bits by accident. Yeah, Ace hadn't been very happy, and my ears are still burning from him cursing her to hell and back.
I reach for the door knob and hesitate. We've had such a wonderful evening, and I don't want it to end with just a little bit of cuddling. I think...tonight's the night I want to experience all of Ace.
I'm ready for it.
I lick my lips nervously and glance over my shoulder. Ace is still in the living room, and I can't see him thanks to where the couch is situated. I decide it's time to make a bold move and embrace the woman I'm beginning to become. I want him. Badly. It's time to act on it.
Feeling excited, I hurry to my bedroom and quickly unbuckle my shoes. I strip down as fast as I can and dig out the lingerie that I've been saving for this exact moment. My hands are literally shaking as I slip on the scanty bits of lace. Once I secure everything, I turn down the blankets on my bed, feeling thankful my sheets are clean since I'd done laundry earlier.
Nerves are fluttering in my belly, and I press a hand to my bare stomach as I breathe in and out deeply. I gaze around my room, quickly moving to turn on my lamp. There. Okay. I'm ready. God, I better be. If this gets awkward tonight...
As I grab my silk bathrobe and slip it on, I turn off the overhead light. I tie the waist of the robe securely before walking back to the living room.
Ace glances in my direction, and the second he sees me in the satin robe, he goes completely still. His eyes drop to my feet and travel up my legs, clearly noting the sheer, black stockings I have on. The robe covers me to the knees, so he can't see just exactly what I have on, but as his eyes darken with heat, I know he has an idea. He doesn't move as I walk up to pause about two feet in front of him.
I'm nervous, and my heart is thrumming in my chest. Tension fills the air as Ace watches me intently. I know it's up to me to let him know where this is going tonight. I try to hide the shaking in my hands as I keep my eyes on his while slowly untying the robe. It falls open, and I carefully shrug it off, allowing it to pool at my feet.
I stand before him in a dark, navy blue satin push-up bra with black, lace edging. It gives the illusion of cleavage, and I feel sexy in it. The panties that match are brief and ride up my butt in the back, but he'll figure that out soon enough. I am also wearing a matching garter belt that attaches to the black, thigh-high stockings.
Ace groans as his eyes roam over me hungrily. “Tell me I'm not dreaming.”
His reaction is empowering, and my nerves begin to ease. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that he's liking what he's seeing. “Why don't you come find out,” I tease as I turn around, giving him a view of my nearly bare bottom.
I hear a heartfelt groan behind me as I saunter towards my room, giving my hips a little extra sway. I'm pretty sure he's going to take control of the situation, and I can't wait. My boldness will only go so far until the nerves kick in again.
I'm just stepping into my room when warm arms slip around me, pulling me back against a rock-hard chest. I go still in his embrace as his hands slide around my waist to lie flat on my stomach. Ace's lips move close to my ear and he murmurs, “You are the sexiest sight I have ever seen.”
I smile and turn my head to say something but his lips capture mine. There is no build up to the kiss. It's raw and deep, letting me know that Ace is definitely looking forward to where this evening is leading. As his tongue strokes mine, his hands grip my hips and tugs them back as he grinds into my lower back, allowing me to feel his erection behind his pants. My breath quickens slightly and Ace promptly ends the kiss.
His hooded eyes gaze down at me. “As much as I am loving the sight of you in this, I want it off so I can see what is beneath it.”
I show him with my eyes that I am ready to take things further than I ever have before with him.
He smiles and then backs up a pace behind me. It's hard to crane my neck that far, so I turn my head forward as I feel his hand reach out and caress my back. I can't help but shiver slightly. My hair is brushed to the side, and those confident fingers trail down to where my bra is fastened. One second I am covered and the next my bra is on the floor at my feet. I am no longer shy about my breasts, and I feel my nipples go erect with the anticipation of him touching me there.
Ace has no urge to rush, and I like that we're going to go slow. His hands caress my back, and I can feel him tracing each and every butterfly tattoo. “I love these tattoos,” he murmurs, and then his lips tenderly kiss one near my shoulder. It covers one of my scars, and as he places his lip over each butterfly that hides a scar, I feel tears sting my eyes at his heartfelt gesture. Whether he loves the tattoos or not, he's showing me that what lies beneath the tattoos is what matters to him most. He kisses each one as if he could soothe away the pain that it brought me.
Ace doesn't speak. His lips finish soothing my scars and they trail to the base of my spine. I can tell that he's now on his knees behind me by the way his hands slide around my thighs, causing my breath to hitch.
“I love this ass. I could stare at it all fucking day and never tire of it,” he tells me as his hands move up to cup both my cheeks.
My lips curve into a smile. “I'm glad you like it so much.”
“I'm obsessed with it, and I want to see it bare. Time to get these off you.” I feel his fingers working to release each and every clip on the stockings. “I want you to wear this for me again sometime when I'm in the mood to enjoy it more. I'd like to fuck you in them, but not tonight.”
I like how he talks to me while he works on undressing me. I've always enjoyed the way he talks dirty, and it makes me wet every single time. As he unrolls the stocking down my left leg, I obediently lift it so he can slide the silk over my foot. He tosses it aside carelessly, then slides his hands from the base of my ankle all the way up to my thigh, giving me a full body shiver.
“Like that do you?” he asks as if we're having a normal conversation rather than about to have sex.
I stare at the bed and lick my lips with anticipation. “I always like it when you touch me.”
“Mmm. Just wait until it's my dick and not my fingers.” He slides the next stocking down, and I lift my foot. Both his hands now slide up my legs, and I let my eyes shut as I savor his touch. He makes quick work of the garter belt and it's tossed aside. His patience must be running out, because he doesn't torture me slowly like he had with the stockings. My panties are quickly dragged down my hips, and I step out of them.
Now there's silence behind me, and my face heats slightly. When he'd pulled them off, I'd felt the
wetness trail down my leg with the fabric. I am embarrassingly turned on. Instead of commenting on the obvious, Ace's hands once again go to my butt. A soft giggle escapes me before I can hold it in.
His hands go still. “Did you just giggle?”
“Your fascination with my butt is entertaining.” A yelp escapes me as I feel his teeth playfully sink into my left cheek. His grip on my hips is the only thing that keeps me from turning around to confront him.
I feel his tongue soothe the tender spot. “If you're giggling and talking, I'm not doing my job.” With that said, his hand reaches between my legs to cup me, his palm pressing into my wetness as his fingers play with the small bit of pubic hair I keep trimmed. I gasp and go completely still. “That's better. I love that you're ready for me, and we've barely just started,” he says, his tone still light as if we're having a normal conversation.
I can't resist looking down to see his tanned fingers covering me. I watch as they slowly disappear, and I moan as one finger slides up into me. It's joined by a second finger, and I tense up slightly. I haven't had sex in a long time, and I already feel my muscles trying to accommodate the intrusion.
Ace groans from behind me. “You're even tighter than I thought you would be.” His fingers abruptly disappear, and then he's standing behind me, hands on my hips again. “Walk forward to the bed,” he orders.
My heart picks up speed, and I'm finding that I like this controlling side of Ace. He knows what he wants, and I'm more than willing to give it to him. This is a different Ace than the one that had tensed up on his bed that night. This Ace knows he doesn't have to hide anything from me. He can be himself and know that I'm not going to do anything that would make him bolt.
I step forward to the bed, and Ace's hands stay on my hips. When my knees touch the edge, I wait for his next request.
Building Faith (Long Beach Series Book 2) Page 23
