Doubt (The Connected Series Book 1)

by KA Hobbs

  "I'm fine. I have been very busy so I have forgotten to eat a few times. But work is steadier now; I will have the weight back on in no time.”

  Doug and I both knew the cause of my weight loss was not work, but neither of us was going to mention it.

  "What are the plans for today?" I am keen to move the subject on.

  "You're the visitors. What would you like to do?" She asks over her shoulder as she stirs eggs on the cooker.

  "Well I don't know about Doug, but I am dying to get to the beach and go into Padstow. Other than that I don't mind.”

  "Beach sounds like a perfect idea. We can take Toby for a walk." Mum answers referring to the Beagle who is her baby since Harry and I moved out.

  "Doug? Are you okay with a walk on the beach?”

  “Perfect," He smiles at me. "After a week in the office, some fresh sea air is just what the doctor ordered." I grin at him and grab a coffee.

  “Where is my ugly brother?”

  “Visiting friends, he is sad to miss you both,” Mum frowns, “He said he would try to make it back to London to visit soon.”

  After breakfast, we all disappear to our rooms to get ready for our walk.

  "You know..." Doug is laying on the bed looking at me as I get a jumper and thicker socks on, "I find you, in your outdoorsy clothes, a real turn on."

  "Seriously?" I laugh at him pulling my hair into a ponytail.

  “Seriously." He nods, his eyes roaming over my body.

  "But you can't see anything." I shake my head incredulously.

  "I can't explain it. I just do,” he gets up, coming to stand behind me, ”And I wouldn't say you can't see anything... I can see your fantastic arse,” he reaches down, giving it a squeeze. "And this top is drawing my eye right up to your magnificent tits.”

  He slides his hands up my side and along my stomach before reaching up to cup my breasts which swell with arousal at his touch.

  "Doug... we need to go, mum and dad will be waiting..." Nuzzling my neck he whispers in my ear.

  "I can be very quick..." I inhale sharply as his thumb and forefinger find my erect nipple and squeeze.

  "But... I... Can't..." He has me panting and wet between my legs. I step away from him and shake my head trying to clear the sex haze.

  "I want to go to the beach.” grabbing my jumper, I open the door. "Later..." I wink as he throws himself onto the bed and groans into the covers. Seriously, we did it this morning!

  ***

  "This really is one of the most beautiful places in the world.”

  We are strolling along the beach, hand in hand and watching Toby run around on the sand.

  “It is. Sometimes I think I could live down here.” Doug says, looking out over the sea.

  “So do I, but work. I couldn’t get the work I want to down here. When I’m old...” I smile picturing Doug and I when we are older, daily walks on the beach…

  “You’re right.” he says, leaning into my ear “but I would love to bring Abigail here.” he whispers.

  “We’ll bring her, Doug.” I squeeze his hand and look up at him.

  “She didn’t phone back last night, do you think she is okay?” he looks down at me and smiles, I’m not sure exactly why.

  “She always asks if she can phone back later, then she gets so involved with whatever she is doing she forgets. She is fine; Jane sent me a photo of Abigail playing in the garden.”

  He puts his hand in his pocket and pulls out his phone, swiping his thumb across the screen he looks for something and then passes me his phone. Abigail’s beautiful face fills the screen. The photo has been taken about her and she is looking up into the camera, smiling. She looks so much like Doug it makes me heart ache, Will we ever have children together? Snapping myself out of that thought, I hand Doug’s phone back to him, smiling.

  “She looks so much like you.” he takes his phone and looks at it,

  “Do you think?” he asks, studying the screen.

  “Doug, look at her. Those eyes are yours. Those lips are yours. The smile, its all yours.” I can sense his pride at my words and it makes me smile. We keep walking, getting closer to mum and Dad.

  “Are you two ready to head back?” Mum asks, arm through Dad’s.

  “Yes?” I look up at Doug who nods.

  ”Shall we go into Padstow for lunch? Meet you there?” I look at Mum and Dad, so clearly still in love; I hope with all my heart, this is Doug and I in years to come.

  “Yes sweetheart, we will take Toby back and meet you there.”

  “We fancy the Custom House, so we shall see you in there, no need to rush. I fancy a mooch about the shops first.”

  “Okay sweetheart, have fun.” Mum kisses my cheek and makes her way to the car.

  When we are alone, Doug pulls me into him, kissing me passionately; I can feel his erection pressing into me.

  “I love you so much, Sophie, I don’t want to be apart from you ever again.” his eyes are pleading, his voice full of emotion.

  “You won’t need to be Doug, I’ve told you. You’re it for me.” I hold his face in my hands. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  I try to make it clear to him. He takes my hand and we make out way to the car. Doug holds my hand while we drive to Padstow, the American Authors singing their happy songs all the way.

  Padstow is one of my happy places. The beautiful harbour and the little shops filled with nautical things and the most delicious biscuits ever. Doug and I are walking hand in hand through the streets around the harbour and I feel so happy.

  “Doug....” he looks down at me, raising his eyebrow questioningly.

  “Yes...” I take a deep breath, not sure why I feel so nervous about asking him.

  “Are we still going to go away next week?” he seems shocked I would ask.

  “Of course, unless you don’t want to go...” he looks suddenly unsure.

  “No, I do want to go, I’ve kept my diary clear, I just wasn’t sure that you would have kept the reservations, you know, with us...” He stops walking and sinks down a little so he can look into my eyes.

  “Sophie, I always held out hope that we would get back together, I never lost hope..” he breathes into my face, “I want to go away with you and just be together, no worries of work.” he leans in and presses his lips gently to mine.

  “Good. Then I need to go shopping!” I smile at him, making him smile.

  “Who says you will see anything but our bedroom?” he wiggles his eyebrows suggestively.

  “Doug, I am going be in the Maldives I am going snorkelling.” I grab his hand and walk into Fat Face to look for clothes for my trip.

  “Sophie, you won’t be snorkelling the whole time, trust me.” I roll my eyes and lead him over to a rack of flip flops.

  “Which colour?” I point to the purple and green ones.

  “Purple.” he says, picking up my size. “You’re more purple than green.” he walks over to where the bikinis are and picks out a purple flower patterned bikini that matches the flip flops.

  “This would look sensational on you, Soph,” He holds it up, his eyes darkening with lust, “You have to get this.” looking at him from under my eyelashes I nod.

  “I’ll need more than one bikini, but it’s a start!” Doug groans and looks at me.

  “Sophie.” I look round to him and he looks pained.

  “What’s wrong?” I move towards him, worried, as soon as I am in reaching distance, he wraps his arms around my waist and rests his head next to my ear.

  “I’m going to lose you to the sea and fishes aren’t I?” he runs his nose down my neck and I shiver.

  “I want to spend my time, worshiping you like the Goddess you are, licking and kissing and touching every inch of your body…” His tongue pokes out, licking a trail from my jaw to the sweet spot behind my ear.

  “Please tell me. I won’t have to wrestle you out of the water to do that…”

  “Wrestle... me.... out...” I am breathless “That is so hot
, Doug.” I feel a rush of wetness between my legs and feel my nipples pebble.

  “You’re hot, Sophie. So. Fucking. Hot.” He pushes himself into me and I feel his erection, hot and thick in his jeans.

  His big hand presses down on my lower stomach and I almost come there, in the middle of Fat Face. Opening my eyes, I meet the amused eyes of the young guy who is working, stacking up t-shirts. Shaking my head to try and clear my thoughts, I whisper.

  “Doug, we can’t do this here.” He cocks his head to the side, meeting the young guys gaze and winks.

  “Sorry.” he smiles, he doesn’t sound the least bit sorry though, “We’ll take these.”

  Doug walks to the counter and whips out his card to pay so fast I am still standing rooted to the spot trying to get my legs to move when he comes back over, bag in hand.

  “You didn’t need to buy those.” I scowl.

  “I know I didn’t but I wanted to. Are you ready for lunch?” He flashes me his perfect, knicker melting smile and I can’t help but smile too.

  “You’ll pay for that later Mr. Roberts.” I press my lips to his softly, slipping my tongue under his top lip, he makes a sexy noise at the back of his throat and I pull back.

  “I look forward to it Miss Bennett.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  “DOUG!” I arch my back, my hands gripping the sheets

  “Ssssssh!” Doug whispers to me, “Your parents will hear you.”He dips his head, running his nose up the length of my sex, making me grip the sheets harder.

  “Can you please...?”

  “What Sophie?”

  “Fuck me!” I whispered.

  “All in good time....”

  I feel his hot breath on me, quickly followed by his tongue. Doug has been at this for over an hour. Bringing me to the brink of an orgasm then letting it disappear, only to bring it back again.

  "I need to come." I whisper whine, painfully aware my parents are not that far away.

  "And you will.” Doug buries his face into my sensitive, wet folds and my hips rise off the bed once again. I.. Am.. So.. Close... Then he stops, just as I am about to come. I growl in frustration.

  "Did you just growl at me?" He looks up and me, trailing one long perfect finger along my folds.

  "If you don't let me come, I swear to you I will do it myself!” I lift my hand and reach between my legs, but he captures my hands, pinning them to my sides.

  "Oh no you don't, I want you to come on my tongue."

  And with that, he plunges his tongue inside of me, his tongue brushing repeatedly over my already sensitive clit, I am so wound up, I explode, biting onto the pillow to muffle my cries. Doug continues to lap at me, prolonging the pleasure. When I have come back down, I feel him crawling up my body, taking one nipple into his mouth and sucking hard. I pull his face to mine, thrusting my tongue into his mouth, tasting myself on him.

  "You, Mr. Roberts, are a fucking tease!" I growl into his mouth.

  "And you, Miss Bennett, are the sexiest fucking woman alive." He growls back.

  "I want you…" I grip his arse, pulling him into me. He reaches between us, guiding his thick, hot, cock into me. Ripples of pleasure run through me as he fills me up.

  "You feel so hot!” he whispers into my neck "So perfect.” He begins to thrust slowly at first then harder. As he picks up pace, I hear it. The bed squeaks.

  "Doug, stop!" His eyes are filled with need and he frowns at me.

  "You have got to be kidding!” eyes wide I try stop him moving.

  "No, the bed. It's squeaking, we need to move.”

  Doug thrusts one more time and raises his eyebrows at the sound of the bed squeaking. He doesn't say anything, hooking his arms under my legs he pulls me up and into his arms, dragging the duvet onto the floor before laying himself down so I am straddling his hips.

  "Ride me, Sophie.”He whispers, reaching up to take a nipple between his thumb and forefinger.

  I move my hips in a circle before lifting off of him and slowly sinking back down. Doug raises his hips to meet me and we find our rhythm. It isn't long before we are both covered in sweat and chasing our own release.

  "I'm coming Doug…" My voice is strained and louder than it should be, Doug grips my hips, sitting up so we are nose to nose before crashing his mouth to mine and be thrusts up into me one more time as I clench around him, I feel his release flood me. His lips muffling our joint cries of pleasure.

  I am woken a few hours later by the sound of Doug’s phone ringing.

  “Doug.” I whisper, tapping his arm that is wrapped around me.

  “Ummm.” He snuggles into me again, tightening his grip on me.

  “Your phone.” his grip slackens and he reaches over me to where his phone is sitting. He sits up when he sees who it is.

  “Sophie, its Abigail.” I sit up and switch on the bedside light.

  “It’s a FaceTime, do you mind?”

  “Of course not, answer Doug. I’ll get up.” he pulls me back to him and shakes his head.

  “I’ll keep it on me, don’t leave, please.” I sink lower in to the covers, well out of sight as he answers his phone.

  “Daddy!” Abigails face fills his phone screen, smiling and perfect.

  “Abigail” Doug smiles into the screen.

  “Its dark there?” she questions

  “Yes, sweetheart. It’s nighttime here. How was your day?” she smiles.

  “My day was great, Nana and I went to the park and we made cookies. Daddy, do you want to see yours?” She reaches for something and hides it behind her back.

  “I would love to see mine, you baked it just for me?” Doug peers into the screen a huge smile on his face.

  “Yes, Daddy. Look!” She holds it up in front of her face. The cookie is in the shape of a D and covered in heart sprinkles.

  “Wow. That is the best cookie I have ever seen, you didn’t make that did you?”

  “I did! I did! Just for you see? It is D for Daddy.” I can’t help but smile.

  “I can see it; did you make one for Nana and Pops too?” Doug asks.

  “Yes. Pops wanted a football shape and I made Nana a flower. Nana told me I will have to eat it or it will go bad. So I can’t bring it when we see you.” her bottom lip pushes out and she frowns.

  “It will go bad. But we can bake more when you come. Why don’t you taste it for me now and tell me how it tastes?”

  Doug suggests. Abigail’s face lights up and she brings the biscuit to her mouth and takes a bit.

  “Yuuuuuuummy!” she grins, “It is the best cookie EVER!” Doug laughs and brings his mouth closer to the screen.

  “Let me try!” this makes her laugh.

  “Daddy! You can’t you’re not here!” She is holding her tummy as she laughs. She is beautiful.

  “Sure I can, gimme!” Doug laughs with her “Bring it to the screen, I’ll bite it!”

  She wipes her eyes and brings the cookie to the screen. Doug leans in and makes a biting sound.

  “Ummm Ummmmm! That is the best cookie EVER!” He smiles, licking his lips. This seems to make her day and she smiles right into the screen.

  “I love you daddy.” her little hand touches the screen like she is reaching out to Doug.

  “I love you too Abigail. It won’t be long and we can be together for two whole weeks.” he reaches a finger out and touches the screen too.

  “I know. I have a chart counting the sleeps, just like you told me to do.” Doug squeezes my hand under the covers and I squeeze right back.

  “I have to go for my bath daddy. I love you with my whole heart and to my toes.” she says.

  “I love you with my whole heart and to my toes too, baby girl.” Doug replies, looking at her face on the screen.

  “Bye daddy!” the screen goes blank and Doug puts it on the bedside table.

  “She is so beautiful, Doug. And so funny.” He shifts down the bed and snuggles me to his chest.

  “She is, isn’t she?” he grins “I don
’t know how I created something so perfect.” he sighs.

  “Seriously? I know. She is a mini version of you.” he squeezes me tighter and presses a kiss to the top of my head.

  “She is my greatest achievement, Sophie. Nothing beats the feeling of knowing, I helped create that little girl.” I can feel the pride radiating from him.

  “You should be proud of her.”

  We lay there is the silence for what feels like ages, before I feel his breathing steady again and I know he has fallen back to sleep. I take the time to think. When it is just the two of us, it is so hard to believe he is a father, that he has a daughter. I know, pretty soon, my life will change. What if we don’t get along? What would that mean for us? Doug couldn’t stay with me, not if his daughter didn’t like me. The thought fills me with dread and I try to push it out of my mind. Of course we will get on. We have to.

  ***

  I wake up and the sun is shining into the room. I reach out for Doug but he is already up. What time is it? I raise my head off the pillow and look at the clock, 10.17am. Whoa! I must have really needed the sleep. The last few weeks have caught up with me it seems. I stretch in the soft covers and contemplate getting up. I strain my ears to hear any noise in the house. Nothing. I throw the covers off and get up.