by Alice Ward
“Blissful?” I suggested, gasping as he moved on to my breasts.
“You’re getting warmer.”
Asher ran one hand down my bare abdomen and rested it on the soft tuft of hair between my legs. He teased my lower lips before parting them and gently pushing two fingers inside me. I was already wet and aching to be filled.
“Sublime,” I gasped as his fingers circled over my G-spot.
“That’s it,” he agreed. He increased the pressure of his fingers and dropped his face between my legs. Before he had a chance to get settled, I slowly rotated my body until my head was at the foot of the mattress and his was at the top. He moved with me seamlessly, as if he knew exactly what I had in mind. I rolled onto my side and raised my leg, planning the sole of my foot on the bed. Asher returned his tongue to my clit as I pulled his cock into my mouth. I moaned as he teased me and he increased the speed of his mouth and fingers, spurring me toward ecstasy. The harder I moaned, the faster he moved, until I felt my entire body spasm. I lost all control of my body as I rode the high of my release. Before I knew what was happening, Asher finished in my mouth. I was surprised by how much his salty, musky juices turned me on and swallowed without thinking about it.
“I’m so sorry,” Asher gasped. “I should have warned you. I should have pulled away.”
I righted myself on the bed and crawled on top of him, his wilting cock against my leg. I covered his face in light kisses until he shifted and met my mouth with his.
“You don’t have to apologize,” I insisted, my voice a rushed whisper. I lowered my lips to his neck, teasing and sucking as I brushed up and down against his cock.
“I want to taste you. I want to swallow you. I want to take as much of you into me as possible,” I moaned.
My words did the trick; Asher’s cock sprang to life again and he flipped me onto my back. He reached for the bedside drawer but I grabbed his hand and pulled it to my breast.
“I want to feel you,” I begged. “Just you.”
“Are you sure?” he whispered.
I nodded back at him. “Just be careful.”
Asher hovered above me, bracing his weight with his forearms. I reached between us and guided his bare cock into my body.
“Oh God, Lauren,” he gasped, pushing into me further. “You feel so amazing.”
“So do you,” I moaned in return.
It wasn’t just the fact that there was nothing between our flesh that made this time different than the others. I’d thought I loved Asher when we made love in the past. But knowing his truth, knowing that he trusted me with it, made me feel closer to him in ways that were better than physical. As he moved in and out of me, stroking me back to bliss, I knew that he was truly mine. And I was unbelievably proud to be his.
“Oh my God,” he gasped again. “I don’t know how much longer I can hold myself back.”
“Don’t hold back,” I insisted. “Just… keep doing… that.”
Asher gripped my hips and thrust into me, increasing his power with every stroke.
“I’m going to come, baby,” he warned, his voice rough and urgent.
“Oh Asher,” I cried out. “I already am.”
He pulled out as pleasure rocketed through my body and spilled his seed on my stomach. I rubbed it into my skin as he collapsed beside me. We were both too sweaty and breathless to hold each other, but he kept one hand on my side.
“That was unbelievable, Lauren. I love you so much.”
“I love you too… Ash.”
He rolled onto his side and faced me, one eyebrow cocked. “Why the hesitation?”
I blushed and lowered my eyes. “I’m just wondering… now that I know the truth, am I still supposed to call you Asher? I mean I know I have to in front of other people. But what makes you happiest?”
Asher scooted closer and kissed my forehead. “Billy Murphy died the night I left LA. I have his memories and those memories have shaped me, but I’m not that cocky, terrified kid anymore. And while I’m sure that name would sound better on your lips than it does on anyone else’s, I’d rather you didn’t use it.”
“You’ll never hear it leave my mouth,” I promised.
CHAPTER 3
“Oh my God, I was hoping you’d bring coffee. The stuff they served on the plane tasted like burnt chicory.”
I smiled at Kennedy and passed her the venti nonfat mocha I’d picked up on my way to the airport. Dawn was still an hour away and a light breeze blew through the lowered windows of Asher’s Explorer. I pulled away from the curb as soon as Kennedy buckled her seat belt.
“Are you hungry? Asher plans to cook a big, extravagant brunch in a few hours. But if you’re hungry now, we can grab something on our way to his place,” I offered.
“I stocked up on snacks at JFK, so I’m good for a while. I can’t believe I finally get to meet your mysterious boyfriend. I know you can’t give me many details, but can you give me a general update on how things have been going since we last talked?”
Leave it to Kennedy to cut straight to the chase.
I chose my words carefully as I navigated the near empty streets. “Everything’s much better,” I assured her. “I talked to Rachel and now I completely understand the situation. To be honest, I feel better about my relationship with Asher now than I did before. Things could become complicated if certain people were to track either of them down. But I really don’t see any reason to worry about that happening.”
“I trust your judgement, Lauren. Between the two of us, you’ve always been the most rational. If you trust Asher, I trust Asher. I’m not going to lie. Not knowing the full story is annoying as all hell. But I’m oddly happy you won’t tell me. I always hoped you’d connect with someone the way I connect with Jackson. You really look like a woman in love.”
“I am,” I agreed, turning onto the highway. “And as much as I love you, I hope I never have to tell you about Asher’s past. It would mean…”
“That the worst has happened,” she finished with a nod. “So tell me, do you like this Rachel woman any better now that you’ve heard her side of the story?”
I cringed at the name.
“I guess that’s a no,” Kennedy observed.
“I understand her a lot better. And I understand why Asher considers her family. She and I will never be besties, but I think we’ll find a way to peacefully coexist for his sake. You’ll get to meet her later. Asher invited her to brunch.”
I turned off of the highway and pointed the SUV up the mountain road; I saw Kennedy raise an eyebrow from the corner of my eye. “That should be interesting. Is anyone else coming?”
I nodded and tensed my jaw. “He got Claire’s number off of my cell and invited her and Royce.”
“Why is that a bad thing?”
“Because I’ve been a terrible friend. Claire thinks Royce is running around on her. I was supposed to ask Ash about a private detective, but with everything that’s been going on this week, I completely forgot,” I confessed.
Kennedy whipped out her phone and swiped the screen.
“Who in the world are you texting at five in the morning?”
“Parker Parish. She’s an attorney in my firm’s LA office. We got to know each other at a team building retreat for all of the new associates. I know she’s up and I’m certain she’ll be able to recommend a PI in the area. When Claire comes over, we’ll give her the info, problem solved.”
I smiled a grin filled with gratitude and awe. “Thanks, Kennedy.”
“No problem. I hate to hear he’s cheating. But at least she was smart enough not to marry the guy. Divorces are a pain in the ass, even when they’re uncontested.”
“Somehow, I don’t think the lack of legal ties is going to make this much easier on her. To be honest, I’m holding out hope that there’s an innocent explanation for what’s going on.”
Kennedy’s phone chimed in her lap. “Well, she’ll know soon enough. Parker says the guy to call is Devon Sawyer. She promises he’s effective, discre
te, and affordable. I have all his contact info right here.”
“Perfect. Now we just have to find an excuse to get Claire away from everyone else for a few minutes.”
“That shouldn’t be too hard. Did you hire movers?”
I nodded. “Yes, but you’re not picking up the tab. In fact, everything we do this weekend is going to be on me. For the first time in my life, I can afford to be a little extravagant now and then.”
“Holy shit, Lauren? Does he live in a fucking castle?” Kennedy gasped. I followed her gaze to the massive concrete wall and let out a laugh.
“That’s exactly what I thought the first time I saw it. But no, after seeing the wall, the house is actually a little underwhelming,” I warned.
“Does this wrap around the entire property?” she asked as I slowed to a stop next to the security camera. A few moments later, the heavy gate opened.
“It encloses three sides; the mountain ridge takes care of the other. If you start feeling outdoorsy later, we can go for a hike.”
“That sounds surprisingly enticing. But I think what I need right now is a few hours of sleep in an actual bed.”
“I could use a few more hours myself,” I agreed.
“Lauren, this house is gorgeous,” Kennedy gushed as it came into view. “But it is a bit smaller than I expected. Is there a separate house for the staff?”
“Asher doesn’t have any staff,” I reminded her. I hit my garage door opener and eased into the spot beside my Hyundai.
“I keep forgetting that. God, I must sound like a snob.”
“Never,” I assured her. “I wouldn’t be opposed to a housekeeper. But Ash likes to do everything himself. Speaking of Ash…”
The door leading into the laundry room opened and Asher stepped barefoot onto the concrete garage floor. He wore khaki shorts, a breezy white linen shirt, and a smile from ear to ear. He extended his hand to Kennedy when she stepped out of the Explorer.
“Kennedy, it’s so nice to finally meet you. I’m so glad you came. Lauren’s been looking forward to it since the moment you called.”
“It’s nice to meet you too, Asher,” she returned. “You have a beautiful home. I love the architecture.”
“Thank you,” he replied, moving to the back window. He opened the cargo door and retrieved Kennedy’s luggage before leading us into the house. “I hope your flight was okay,” he continued. “Lauren gave me a list of your favorite foods. Brunch is scheduled for eleven, but if you’re hungry now, I just pulled a pan of muffins from the oven.”
“I think I’ll save my appetite for brunch. Lauren tells me you’re quite the cook,” she offered.
Asher looked pleased and reached for my hand. “Thanks, baby,” he told me with a smile.
“I only speak the truth.” I grinned back at him and shot Kennedy a quick smile.
“I was just telling Lauren that what I really need is a nap. If one of you will just point me to the guestroom.”
“It’s right down here,” Asher said, setting off down the hallway. He opened the guestroom door and rolled her suitcase inside.
“The bathroom is right across the hall and there are clean towels under the sink.”
“Thanks, Asher. It’s so nice of you to let me stay here,” she replied. She collapsed onto the bed and kicked off her shoes.
“You’re like family to Lauren, which means you’re welcome here any time.”
“Careful what you offer. I may just take you up on it,” she teased and stretched her arms over her head with a yawn.
“We’ll let you rest,” I said, backing out of the room. “If you get up before us, help yourself to anything in the fridge.”
“I will. See you in a few hours.”
“Sleep well, Kennedy,” Asher added. He followed me out of the room and gently closed the door. We walked down the hallway hand in hand, but he pulled away from me when we reached the living room.
“I should probably start marinating the meat for tonight’s barbecue,” he explained, moving toward the kitchen. I took his arm and pulled him back to me. I leaned into his chest and he held me close.
“I’m exhausted,” I whispered. “And I know the food needs your attention. But do you think you could just hold me until I fall asleep?”
He kissed the top of my head and lifted me into his arms. “I’ll hold you as long as you want.”
He carried me to his room and laid me on the unmade bed. I curled up on my side and he slid up behind me, enveloping my body with his. Asher’s morning stubble tickled the back of my neck and the crisp smell of spearmint toothpaste met my nose. My nerves had been on edge since I learned about Asher’s past, but they instantly calmed at his touch. My mind went fuzzy as I drifted off to sleep.
***
“This all smells wonderful. You’ve really outdone yourself, Ash,” Rachel observed. She stood in front of the outdoor buffet table, twirling her newly crimson hair and surveying the feast Asher had prepared. He stood at the nearby bar pouring mimosas.
“I have good feelings about the launch of our new game,” he explained. “And if my instincts are right, I see a lot of late nights and business trips in our immediate future. So why not relax and indulge ourselves in some of life’s finer things while we have the chance?”
“I like the way you think,” Kennedy said, raising the bubbling drink he’d just handed her.
“I can’t wait to see your graphics, Lauren,” Claire added. She tossed an irritated glance at Royce, who was texting near the balcony.
“I’ll get you all advanced copies,” Asher promised. “In fact, I have about a dozen of the newest systems in the laundry closet. I’ll get one for each of you before you leave.”
“Thanks, but I don’t need one,” Kennedy told him. “My husband is obsessed with your games. In fact, he’s interested in talking to you about putting your virtual reality systems in the resorts. I don’t think I was supposed to say anything about that, so act surprised when he mentions it.” She finished her second mimosa and held out her empty glass.
“Your secret’s safe with me.”
He refilled her glass and turned to Rachel with the bottle. “You’re being awfully quiet. Want me to top off your drink?”
She shook her head and pulled her arms into her chest. “No, thanks. I’m just tired. I think I should probably switch to coffee.”
She sat her half full mimosa on the table and reached for a plate. The rest of us followed suit save Royce, who was still enraptured by his phone.
“I’d hoped things had gotten better between the two of you,” I whispered to Claire under my breath.
Claire shook her head. She bit her lip and stared down at the buffet.
“I have a number for you. The next time I go inside, follow me. And if you need a place to stay, there’s plenty of room at Deacon’s townhouse,” I added as we slipped into our seats.
“Thank you,” she whispered back.
I looked up and realized Rachel’s eyes were on me. She quickly looked down at her plate and cut into a slice of quiche.
She still doesn’t trust me. Well, that’s fine, I don’t trust her either.
I’d promised Asher to keep an open, understanding mind when it came to Rachel, but something about her made my hair stand on end.
“So what’s on our agenda for the day?” Kennedy asked. “I read an article in Food and Wine magazine about Ludo Stoli’s new seafood place. Do you think we could get a table?”
She covered fresh tomato slices in salt and pepper and popped one into her mouth. Mine was full of smoked salmon and cream cheese, so Asher answered her question.
“Actually, I bought an embarrassingly wide variety of meat at the farmer’s market yesterday,” he explained. “I have everything marinating and thought we’d grill tonight. But we can absolutely go out, if you’d like.”
I met Kennedy’s eye and prayed she’d suddenly acquire the ability to read my mind.
Please, just go along with it. He’s never at ease in p
ublic.
“We can have that spa day you mentioned while Asher takes care of the food. Just think, we can come back all pampered and relaxed and have five-star cuisine in our pajamas,” I tempted.
A smile broke across her face and she nodded.
“That settles it, then. Claire, Rachel, we’d love for you to join us,” I offered.
“It’s my treat,” Asher insisted.
“Count me in,” Claire immediately agreed. “Is there any way one of you could take me home tonight? I’m about ready to tell Royce to take the car and get out of here. I’m so sorry for his rudeness, Asher.”
“Don’t worry about it in the slightest,” he insisted. “My driver lives close by. I’ll ask him to be on call this evening. I’m sure he’ll be happy to take you home whenever you’re ready.”
“I think I’ll stay here with Ash,” Rachel piped up. “In case he needs an extra set of hands in the kitchen.”
I hadn’t expected her to accept the invitation, but I still felt a rush of relief when she declined.
Asher wiped his mouth with a linen napkin and pushed his chair away from the table. “I’ll call Gabe now. I’ll see to the spa reservations as well. I’ll drive you there and pick you up, so feel free to keep those mimosas flowing.”
“Thanks, Asher,” Kennedy called after him as he stepped into the house. She turned to me with a smile and lifted her glass. “Lauren, my dear, I do believe you’ve found the one.”
***
Kennedy’s visit flew by much too quickly. We spent all of Saturday eating, relaxing, and being pampered from head to toe. Asher had to go into the office for an overseas conference call on Sunday, so Kennedy and I spent the day browsing through antique stores and sampling food from the various street vendors dotting the sidewalks. We ate take out Thai on Asher’s terrace and both fell asleep in Asher’s bed, where we’d been watching a movie on his wall mounted flat screen. I woke up early Monday morning, surprised to feel Kennedy’s long hair when I reached to Asher’s side of the mattress. I gently shook her shoulder until she stirred.
“Shit, I must have fallen asleep. What time is it?” she asked with a yawn.
I rolled over again and looked at the bedside clock. “It’s six-fifteen. What time do you have to be at the airport?”
