“Levi.” His name was a hoarse whisper. She needed him. Now.
He rolled to one side and yanked on the drawer to the nightstand. She opened her eyes and watched as he pulled out a condom, ripped the packet open and quickly sheathed himself. He crawled between her legs and shoved his arms beneath her thighs, placing his hands flat on the bed beside her.
The position opened her wide, allowing him to control everything. Excitement flooded her and her cream flowed, coating her, preparing her for penetration.
Levi flexed his hips forward. He pushed inward, not stopping until he was buried as deep as he could go. He didn’t rush it. Just a slow steady push that joined them together.
He held himself steady as he leaned over her. Watching. Assessing. She liked the out-of-control Levi better. Flexing her inner muscles, she gripped his cock tight.
Groaning, he dropped his head down until it rested against hers. “I’m trying to be gentle.”
Grasping his face in her hands, she kissed him. She could feel the heavy pulse of his shaft inside her. “I don’t need gentle. Not now. Be gentle later.”
Levi gave a short, harsh laugh that turned into a moan. Linda tightened her inner muscles again and Levi began to move. He thrust hard and fast, getting faster each time he pumped his hips until he was pounding into her.
It was just like when he took her against the door. It was fast and hot and made her explode.
“Levi!” she screamed. Every muscle in her body clenched and released. Her body shuddered and strained as he continued to fuck her, drawing her orgasm out.
He yelled, his hips driving hard one final time. She felt his cock rippling inside her. His head was thrown back, his teeth bared and every muscle tense. Linda loved that she was able to give him this, give him the same pleasure he’d given her.
He pulled out and collapsed facedown beside her, snaking out his arm and drawing her close. Linda snuggled against his side and sighed, content in a way she’d never been before.
It wasn’t long before the cold began to seep into her skin. The comforter was damp because they hadn’t taken the time to dry off after their bath.
Levi levered himself up at her first shiver. Without saying a word, he picked her up and yanked back the covers, placing her beneath them and pulling them around her. He dumped the damp comforter on the floor before disappearing down the hallway. She heard the water draining from the tub. Snuggling down, she tried to get warm. She missed Levi beside her, his heat surrounding her.
As if her thoughts conjured him, he was back. As silent as a wraith, he slid into bed beside her, gathering her into his arms. She went easily, ignoring the voice in the back of her head that was urging caution. She knew she had to get up soon, get dressed and go to her own apartment.
In a minute, she promised herself. For now she wanted to bask in the afterglow and be held in Levi’s arms. The man gave off more heat than an electric blanket and she snuggled closer, wanting to soak up the warmth. He rested his hand on her hip, pulling her tighter against him.
Sighing, Linda relaxed. Just one more minute. Just one more.
Chapter Five
The sun was shining when Linda opened her eyes. She frowned. Her bedroom didn’t get the morning sun. Why was it so bright?
Blinking, she stared around the room, not recognizing the barren walls or the ugly brown chest of drawers that stood opposite the bed.
She sat up and the covers fell to her waist. The cool air of the room hit her bare skin. She was naked. Linda grabbed the covers, clutching them to her chest as the events from the night before came flooding back.
Levi. She was at his apartment. He’d cooked her dinner. He’d pried into her personal life and read her mail. He’d also given her the most erotic night of her entire life.
But it was morning now and time to face reality.
She glanced at the clock on the nightstand and breathed a sigh of relief when it read half past seven. There was no way she wanted to be late for her second day of work.
“I wouldn’t let you oversleep.”
She jerked around to face the door. Levi stood in the doorway looking as handsome as sin. He was wearing jeans and a plain white T-shirt that stretched across his broad shoulders and chest, emphasizing the muscles beneath. His feet were bare. His hair was wet. Obviously, he’d been up long enough to shower and dress.
He hadn’t shaved and his chin was dark with stubble. On most men it would look unkempt. On Levi it just looked sexy.
Her body jumped to life, breasts tingling, sex clutching. She had to get a grip on herself. The night was over. It was time to get their relationship back on an even keel. She didn’t want to lose Levi as a friend. This was a night of passion between two adults. As long as she didn’t make more of it than it was, she would be all right.
She was pathetic. She didn’t want Levi to pack up and leave. She wanted last night to happen again.
She cleared her throat. “I appreciate that.” What did one say the morning after? She hadn’t had one before. Her ex had always left after they’d made love, heading back to his own apartment. He’d always cited that he didn’t want to hurt her reputation by staying the night. She hadn’t objected. Obviously, that should have been a sign to her that they weren’t going to make it as a couple.
Levi padded across the floor on silent feet, a mug in his hand. The aroma of coffee wafted from it, almost making her moan. She licked her lips, almost tasting the potent brew.
The corners of Levi’s mouth quirked up as though he knew exactly what she was thinking. “I thought you might need this.” He held out the mug.
Linda made certain the covers were tucked tightly around her before she accepted the mug. Not that he hadn’t seen all of her. She certainly hadn’t been shy last night. But that was last night. In the bright light of the day she felt different, more uncertain.
He watched her as she sipped from the mug. The coffee was hot and strong—exactly what she needed. The brew had been sweetened just the way she liked it. Levi was a man who obviously paid attention. She took another sip. As long as she was drinking, she didn’t have to worry about talking.
The silence between them grew.
She glanced away, surveying his bedroom. It didn’t improve on second viewing. The walls had been painted a café mocha color. The woodwork around the window had been painted white. It was neutral, but nice. Levi hadn’t done anything to punch up the color. The nightstand and chest of drawers were secondhand and had been painted a dark brown. Paint was chipped in several places, revealing a flash of white and red beneath. The sheets on the bed were white and the comforter that was crumpled on the floor in a clump was dark brown. Clearly, decorating wasn’t high on his list of priorities.
“I’ll be in the kitchen making breakfast when you’re ready.” She glanced back in time to see his back as he left the room.
Sighing, she set the mug on the nightstand and shifted her legs over the side of the bed. She stood, taking the sheet with her and wrapping it securely around her body. Her clothing sat in a tidy pile on the top of the chest of drawers, her shoes on the floor next to it. Grabbing all of it, she headed for the shower.
Fifteen minutes later, feeling refreshed, she headed for the kitchen, empty coffee mug in hand. She could hear a familiar sizzle from the frying pan. As she entered the room the smell of bacon and eggs hit her, making her stomach growl. She’d worked up an appetite last night.
She could feel her cheeks heating up as she strode toward the counter and poured herself another coffee, spooning two teaspoons of sugar into it before stirring. “You didn’t have to make breakfast.” She set the spoon on the counter and toyed with the handle of the mug.
“I wanted to.” He deftly scrambled the eggs. “Besides, I was hungry.” He moved the pan to the back burner and reached for her, pulling her into his arms. “I woke very hungry this morning.” His golden-brown eyes glittered as he lowered his head.
Linda went up on her toes to meet him halfway. T
heir lips met, lightly grazing. The slight pressure sent shivers down her spine.
Levi groaned and deepened the kiss, thrusting his tongue past her lips. He tasted like fresh coffee and hot male. Yummy. Linda reveled in the feel of his mouth against hers. His hands cupped her butt and pulled her closer. He was obviously aroused. She brushed her stomach against his erection.
The bread in the toaster popped up. His hands tightened briefly before he released her, resting his forehead against hers. “Food. You need to eat before work.”
She took a step back. “Is there anything I can do?” A part of her wanted to escape to her apartment, but another part of her wanted to share the morning meal with Levi.
“Can you pour me some more coffee while I get this?” He motioned to the pan of eggs.
“No problem.” She topped up his mug, grabbed her own and carried both to the table. The placemats were still there, along with clean cutlery and napkins.
By the time she was settled at the table Levi was there with two plates loaded down with bacon, eggs and toast. There was no way she could eat all this. Besides, it wasn’t great for her stomach. Still, he’d made it for her, so she would eat some of it.
He settled her plate in front of her. “It’s turkey bacon so it’s not as greasy and I did the eggs in a nonstick pan without butter.” He sat down and grabbed his fork. “I know women worry about stuff like that.”
Her heart did a tiny flip at his thoughtfulness. He didn’t even know about her ulcer, but he was looking out for her. She frowned. The fact he had turkey bacon and cooking spray meant he’d planned this. Didn’t it?
She took a bite of the eggs; they were light and fluffy. “Do you normally eat turkey bacon?” Why it was important for her to know if he’d planned this or not, she wasn’t sure.
He chewed his food and laid his fork down as he leaned back in his chair. He was so big and handsome he took her breath away. “No, I don’t. I bought it just in case.” He said it matter-of-factly.
She set her fork down on the side of her plate. “You planned for me to stay the night?”
He shook his head. “Let’s just say I was hoping.”
“But why?” She was confused. In all the time they’d worked together, he’d never given her any sign that he was interested in her that way.
He shrugged. “The time seemed right.”
She grabbed a piece of toast and bit off a corner to give herself time to think. He waited, the picture of patience, as she chewed and swallowed. “I don’t know whether to be flattered or scared to death.”
He frowned. “Don’t be scared. All you had to do is say no.”
Linda cocked her head to one side, staring at him. She’d caught a flash of what looked like hurt in his eyes. Even though he hadn’t moved, she could sense the tension in him that hadn’t been there a minute before. “I’m not afraid of you,” she said. “I’m afraid of getting involved in something that might end up hurting me emotionally.” It was important for him to know she wasn’t physically afraid of him. She sensed she’d upset him when she said she was scared.
He leaned back in his chair, his face inscrutable. “Where we go is up to you.”
His words made her stop and think. Could they have an affair for the time he was here? Her feminine hormones all stood at attention and sang the Hallelujah chorus. Of course she could.
Her brain pleaded for caution. Warning that she was getting in over her head. She already had an emotional connection with Levi. Having a prolonged affair would only make it worse.
Still, she pondered the possibility.
They’d proved last night they were more than compatible in bed. She was a grown woman in her early thirties and she’d never indulged in an affair before. If she was ever going to have one, Levi was the man to do it with.
He wasn’t looking for ties or commitments. He wasn’t staying in Jamesville. She liked him as a person. Trusted him. That had to count for something.
One corner of Levi’s mouth turned up. “You don’t need to decide this minute, darlin’.”
The endearment made her feel warm all over. The corners of her lips turned up in a genuine smile of pleasure. “Why don’t we just take it day by day and see what happens?”
The tension drained from Levi, replaced by something else. Anticipation. That’s what it was. He was as excited about the prospect of continuing their relationship as she was.
She couldn’t imagine what her parents would say about her having an affair with an unemployed ex-soldier. Her father would get all tight lipped and tell her she was making a huge mistake and to come to her senses. Her mother would be shocked and appalled while lamenting what her friends would think. She shook her head, wondering how her parents could live with being so snobbish and judgmental.
She finished a few more bites of her breakfast before pushing her plate away. “That’s it for me.”
Levi frowned. “You didn’t eat much.”
“It’s not your cooking. Everything tastes great. I just have to be a little more cautious about what I eat.” If they were going to be spending time together, he had to know about her stomach problems.
His laser stare made her squirm slightly. “Why?”
She shrugged. “I have a small problem with ulcers. Nothing serious,” she hurried to assure him when his frown turned to a scowl. “I just need to be careful. It’s no big deal.” She fiddled with the handle of her mug, not bothering to lift it. She shouldn’t have had the second cup. She usually allowed herself one coffee in the morning before switching to herbal tea.
He leaned forward and took her hand in his. “That’s what was wrong yesterday morning after you read the letter.”
It wasn’t a question, but she confirmed his suspicion. “Yes. But it wasn’t just the letter, there was the added excitement and terror of my first day as a small business owner.”
Levi twined their fingers together. “Your family doesn’t approve.”
She tried to pull her hand away, but he tightened his hold.
“You read the letter.” Just the memory of it made her stomach start to burn. She took a deep breath to try and calm herself. “I’ve always been a disappointment to them.”
She tugged again and this time he let her go. Perversely, she wished he hadn’t released her. She missed the connection. “It’s old news. History. They don’t approve and never will, but that’s their problem.”
Levi inclined his head slowly. She could tell he didn’t quite believe her, but wasn’t going to press her any further.
Linda pushed back from the table and grabbed her plate, carrying it into the kitchen. She dumped the remainder of her meal into the trashcan and set her plate in the sink. “I’ve got to get ready for work.”
When she turned around, he was behind her, startling her. Once again, she hadn’t heard him move. “I’m going to put a bell on you,” she muttered.
He smiled—a big, wide genuine smile that lit up his entire face. Linda froze. It changed him entirely, making him look younger and so handsome it brought tears to her eyes. Then he laughed. Not for long, but enough for her chest to tighten. She had the feeling he didn’t laugh often. He looked as surprised as she was by the sound.
Wrapping his arms around her, he tugged her close. She rested her head against his shoulder and sighed. There was something about Levi that made her feel safe and secure and incredibly turned on at the same time. Her breasts were swollen, her panties damp. Yet she could stand here all day, not moving, and be totally content.
“You’ll let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”
She leaned back and stared quizzically at him. “Other than painting and putting up shelving in the storage room, I can’t think of anything else.” The renovations were all but done except for a few odds and ends here and there.
“That’s not what I meant.” He brushed his lips over her forehead in a tender gesture. “If you need any help with your family.”
She stepped back and gave him a tight
smile, wishing he’d let the subject drop. His hands fell back to his sides. “I don’t need any help with them. They’re in Vermont and I’m here. They have their life and I have mine. Case closed,” she added before he could pursue it further.
Levi reached out, gently tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. “If you need me, I’m here.”
She didn’t want to think about her family any longer. The subject always left her feeling slightly ill and totally inadequate. She’d been in therapy for an entire year after she’d struck out on her own. She knew it wasn’t her fault her parents had unrealistic expectations for her. She was her own person—successful and content. Yet, it took little more than a letter or phone call to make her feel like an insecure little girl again.
Well, no more. She’d had enough. This was her life and she was living it the way she wanted. That meant working to make her new store a success and possibly having an affair with Levi.
“I have to go.” Turning, she made her way to the door. She felt a blush creep up her cheeks as she stared at the heavy panel of wood. Memories of last night bombarded her. She’d never look at that door the same way again.
When she turned the handle, it opened easily. This time, Levi didn’t try to stop her. She glanced over her shoulder as she stepped out and closed the door behind her. Levi was standing there, arms crossed over his chest, watching her every move. The heat in his eyes told her he was remembering last night too.
That thought put a little jump in her step as she hurried up the stairs to her apartment. She had to get changed and take her medication before she went to work. The talk of her family, added to the heavy breakfast, was making her feel queasy.
Letting herself into her apartment, she hurried down the hallway to her bedroom, pulling off her wrinkled clothing. Her breasts were sensitive as she removed her bra and dropped it to the floor. She cupped them in her hands, shivering as her nipples puckered tighter.
“This is crazy,” she muttered. Dropping her hands, she went to the antique maple dresser and pulled out fresh underwear. “I haven’t had sex in more than a year and I didn’t really miss it. One night with Levi and suddenly I’m a nymphomaniac.”
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