“You’re just full of surprises,” she mused as he enclosed her in his arms. “I can’t believe you know songs like this.”
Tom smiled. “My mom taught me how to dance and we danced to all kinds of love songs. I was twelve and wanted to impress my date for the Junior Ball that year.”
His movements as he danced were smooth and graceful. “Well, if you danced then, as well as you are right now, I don’t know how she couldn’t have been impressed.”
Tom smiled, drew back from her, and propelled her into a slow spin. Then he drew her back, fitting her intimately against his body. “Mom taught me how to slow dance and she even taught me how to waltz.”
Kendra smiled shyly at him. “I know. You waltzed with me at my prom. I never forgot that.”
The song changed to Elvis’ Can’t Help Falling in Love, and Tom twirled her around in a slow, sexy waltz.
Am I dreaming? Am I really here, waltzing with Tom again? Kendra wondered as she looked in his eyes. She was enchanted by this other side of him, and it almost seemed like he was a different man. He was so handsome in his suit and he’d styled his hair differently, too. This suave, debonair man was a far cry from the tough guy mechanic she knew. She adored this softer side of him.
Between the warm, lovely light from the flickering candle flames, the romantic music, and the hunger in Tom’s eyes, Kendra felt like a princess in a fairy tale. Closing her eyes, the magic of the moment swept her away.
Putting a hand around the back of his neck, she coaxed him to lower his head so she could press her lips to his. Their kiss was slow and sweet. When it ended, Tom pulled her close and she laid her head on his chest. She sighed when he rested his cheek on the top of her head. Snuggling closer, Kendra closed her eyes, swaying with him to the rhythm of the music.
The romance of the moment was so moving, her heart so overflowing with emotion that she couldn’t contain it. She needed to tell Tom how she felt about him, but in a special way. Suddenly a grin curved her mouth because it came to her while she danced.
As the current song ended, she drew away from him. “Stay right here,” She ordered.
Tom gave her a quizzical look when she left the living room. She returned, replaced his phone with hers and connected it to the Bose dock. Let him wonder what she was up to.
Quickly, she brought up the karaoke version of Christina Perri’s A Thousand Years. She rejoined Tom, moving smoothly back into his arms while the intro played.
At the proper cue, she sang, “Heart beats fast, colors and promises, how to be brave. How can I love when I’m afraid to fall, but watching you standalone, all of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow…”
By the time she’d sung the first chorus, she saw a light of understanding blazing in Tom’s eyes. She was trying to show him. This wasn’t just a song. This was her admission of love.
“I have died every day waiting for you, darling don’t be afraid, I have loved for a thousand years, I’ll love you for a thousand more.”
Close to end of the song, tears welled in Kendra’s eyes and she couldn’t stop the way her chin trembled as fear, love, and longing coalesced inside. Would he crush her heart or push her away now that he knew how she felt about him? Gathering her courage, she readied herself to face his reaction.
Kendra cupped his face as she sang the last line while tears streamed down her face. As the song faded, she started, “I fell in love with you the first time I saw you and I’ve loved you ever since. When you left, you took my heart with you. Now you’re back in my life asking me to risk my heart again, to commit to this relationship. So here I am.” Her voice trembled, “I couldn’t wait any longer to tell you. I love you, Tom.”
* * *
She had sung those lines with such conviction that Tom couldn’t miss the meaning behind them. She’s loved me all this time? There was no mistaking the message she was sending him and he felt humbled, happy, but also unworthy because he’d broken her heart almost four years ago. He’d deserted her and hadn’t been there for her when she’d needed him the most.
How had he missed it back then, before he’d left? He thought her infatuated with her big brother’s best friend. Why would a young woman with her social standing be interested in some schmuck mechanic?
He stared into her eyes, and his heart thumped in his chest. He cursed himself for being so blind. For being a coward. I’m such an idiot. It hadn’t been the broken condom that had scared him away four years ago. It had been his own feelings for Kendra. She was unlike any women he’d ever known and he’d believed he didn’t deserve someone as good and wonderful as Kendra.
The feelings he’d locked securely away behind the walls of his heart broke free of their chains and he could no longer deny them. When they were younger, terror stopped him telling her what was in his heart, afraid she’d reject him because he’d been such a hellion from the wrong side of the tracks. Would she have believed him? Would she believe him now?
Once again, her bravery touched him because he understood the thoughts that haunted her. Kendra’s declaration gave him courage. Lowering his head, he kissed her forehead and the tip of her nose. She closed her eyes and he kissed them while he brushed away her tears with his thumbs.
Resting his forehead against hers and breathing deeply, Tom said the words he’d never said to another woman. “I’m so thankful to hear you say that because I love you, too.”
Kendra shook her head a little as she opened her eyes. “No, Tom—”
Tom shook his head and settled a finger over her lips. “You know that I don’t lie, Kendra, not even to spare your feelings. I was a coward. A guy like me couldn’t have a woman like you, or so I thought. Someone so smart, talented, and good. So, like a dumbass, I ran. That’s why I didn’t read the emails. I was too scared that you’d discover the real me and dump my sorry ass. I knew you deserved better than me.”
He saw the anger and pain on her face as she fisted her hands in his suit lapels, latching on with a little shake. “That wasn’t your decision to make! I wanted you so much. You’re a better man than you think. I could see that even when you didn’t!” She pounded a fist against his chest. “Why couldn’t you tell me this back then?”
Tom caught her hand and kissed it. “Because I was young and stupid and I’m not as brave as you. I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you then but I can tell you now because both you and Connor are worth fighting for.” He flattened her hand over his heart. “I love you, Kendra. And I love our son.”
The blazing light in his eyes as he stared into hers convinced Kendra that he meant it. Overwhelmed by emotion, Kendra rested her head against Tom’s chest and shook with sobs.
Tom gathered her close and held her as she cried. He shut his eyes against the tears that filled them. A few escaped and trickled down to fall into her hair. Then he scooped her into his arms and carried her down the hall to his bedroom.
Setting her on her feet, he turned on a small lamp on his dresser, casting a soft glow around the room. Tom cradled her face in his palms, his gaze steady as he met her gaze for a few moments. Dipping his head, he brushed his mouth tenderly against hers. When she wound her arms around his waist, he settled his lips firmly over hers.
He plundered her mouth and she responded in kind. Taking all the pins out of her hair, Tom laid them on the nightstand and embraced her again. Her body heated as he caressed her back and shoulders.
She offered no objection when he unzipped her dress and dipped his hands underneath it to cup her bottom. Kendra needed to be as close to him as possible. She held him tighter and kissed him harder.
His hands traveled up to the clasp behind her neck that released the top of her dress. Tom undid it and slowly pulled it down, exposing her breasts. Her nipples tightened and she gasped as he brushed the backs of his fingers over them.
He drew the dress slowly down her body and helped her step out of it. Crouching, he kissed her stomach, trailed his lips downward, and pressed them against her mound through her panties.
Hooking his thumbs under the sides, he removed the lacy garment and her high heels.
Kendra shivered with need as he kissed his way up to her breasts. A moan escaped her as he kneaded them and teased her nipples with his fingers. Hunger filled her and she needed to feel his skin against her own.
She pushed his suit jacket off his shoulders and pulling it off his arms. As she unbuttoned his shirt, she kissed every inch of the muscled chest that she exposed. With shaking hands she took off his cufflinks and laid them on the nightstand before tugging the shirt the rest of the way off. When Tom stood naked before her, she thought no man could ever be as sexy as him. He was sculptured perfection.
Although he burned for Kendra, Tom was determined to show her how much he loved her. Picking her up, he laid her in the center of his bed and stretched out beside her. Meeting her eyes, he ran his fingertips over the silky skin of her thighs.
He took his time, caressing and kissing her everywhere—worshipping this amazing woman who had given him her heart. With his hands, mouth, and tongue, he tried to show her how much he cherished her. Her back arched when he took a turgid nipple in his mouth and lazily circled it with his tongue. Cupping her mound, he coaxed her legs apart and found the sensitive nub within her folds.
He wanted the fire he felt to consume her, too. He sighed when she lifted his head, kissing him and shifting her body in clear invitation.
Unable to resist any longer, Tom gently broke the kiss and covered her body with his. Savoring the moment, he gradually pressed forward until he filled her. He spread her dark hair over the pillow, admiring the glossy locks.
Raising up on his hands, he pulled out partially and pushed steadily back in. The sensations were more intense than normal. Blast, no condoms. Remembering that Kendra was on birth control, he shoved away his concern and began moving again.
Moaning, Kendra wrapped herself around Tom, running her hands down his muscular back to his buttocks. Gripping them, she urged him into a faster rhythm. As they rocked together, she felt his love in every kiss and touch. The dam inside Kendra burst. She cried out in bliss and shuddered against his hard body.
Determined to take her with him to another sensual pinnacle, Tom didn’t give her time to recover. Instead, he rose on his hands and pumped his hips faster, driving them both onward. A desire to completely fill her heart, to brand himself on her soul burned in his veins. To make her his forever.
Moving with him, Kendra clutched at his back as she strained towards their mutual goal. Her whimpers of need turned to moans before a powerful orgasm made her call his name so loudly that it echoed off the walls.
Hearing the sounds of pleasure he gave Kendra sent Tom over the edge. His release tore through him with the intensity of a cyclone, and he wrapped his arms around her as ecstasy crashed over him. A long, low groan left him as his thrusts slowed and then stopped.
Completely spent, he relaxed down on top of Kendra. Lifting his head, he met her emerald gaze and smiled down at her. She returned his smile and he couldn’t resist kissing her. Their tongues twined as their hearts calmed.
Ending the kiss, Tom cupped her face and made her look at him. “I love you, Kendra. I’ve never loved any other woman. Just you. Got it?”
She nodded. “I hear you and I believe you.” She covered his hands with hers. “I love only you. Got it?”
He grinned. “Got it.”
Kendra let out a cry of surprise when he flipped them over in a lightning fast move. She giggled when he laughed. Squeezing his shoulders, she said, “I love these muscles of yours too.”
He gave the same treatment to her rear end. “And I love these and a lot of other things about you.”
With a chuckle, Kendra laid her head on his chest. They lay together like that for several minutes, just enjoying their closeness.
Kendra lifted her head when Tom sighed. “What’s wrong?
“I’m so glad that you don’t have to go home tonight, because I want you again. And again and again.”
She giggled. “I’m all yours to have again and again and again.”
His kiss was fierce and excited Kendra with surprising swiftness. Soon they were lost on another ride into passion and stayed in each other’s arms until almost dawn when sleep finally claimed them.
Chapter Eighteen
Someone shook Tom and he opened his eyes to see Sam smiling at him. For one moment he forgot where he was—at the hospital. Kendra had left early wanting to be home when Connor woke. Living across the road from her was working out mighty fine. Tom’d had to get to the hospital anyway for the tests, so although he didn’t want her to leave, he had his own commitment to his family to consider.
Now, he’d had his tests, and he was resting from last night’s marathon love session with Kendra, in a really uncomfortable hospital chair, waiting for the results.
“Long night?”
Images of his and Kendra’s special night played in his mind. “Yeah, but the best kind of long night.”
Sam grinned. “I’ve had a lot of those myself.”
Tom looked around the hospital waiting room, which was just outside the laboratory where he’d been poked and prodded. Surprisingly, there were only two other people in it and they were across the room.
He leaned closer to Sam. “No, it wasn’t just sex. Until last night, I didn’t understand what lovemaking meant or why it’s called something besides sex. I mean, it’s sex, but more, you know?”
To his credit, Sam tried to contain his mirth, but he lost the battle. “God, you’re adorable. My baby brother is growing up.”
“Shut the fuck up,” Tom said under his breath. “Forget it.”
Sam chuckled. “I’m sorry, Tommy. I know exactly what you mean. I had plenty of sex in college, but when I met Tonya senior year, that was it. Love at first sight. We didn’t sleep together until we’d been going out for four months and I never once cheated on her.”
Tom raised his eyebrows. “Four months? Wow.” Then he frowned. “Wait a minute. You guys started dating in February that year and you got married in June right after graduation.” Tom gasped. “You waited for your wedding night?”
Sam pounded on Tom’s thigh. “Why don’t you just tell the whole hospital? Lower your voice.”
Tom resisted rubbing his leg, even though it hurt like hell. “Sorry. I’m just surprised, that’s all.”
Sam smiled. “So was I. Tonya was saving herself for marriage and I knew as soon as we met that I wanted to be with her forever. I took a lot of cold showers and did some other things to blow off steam, but she was worth waiting for.”
“And that night, I discovered that being with someone you love has so much more meaning. Sure, sex is fun and feels good, but lovemaking?” Sam shook his head. “Infinitely better.”
Tom was about to respond when his number was called, but in his mind, he agreed wholeheartedly with his brother. Being with Kendra last night had been unlike anything he’d ever experienced, and he wanted to always share that with her.
“What gets me, little brother, is why did you never read any of Kendra’s emails?”
His stomach clenched as he looked at the floor. “I was scared about what she would say. I never imagined it would be to tell me that she’d got pregnant. The condom broke, but the hospital had indicated she might not be able to have children from the chemo. She even froze some of her eggs in case. So, we didn’t think much about it. Not reading those emails was more about my feelings for her and not being brave enough to face them. Let’s face it, good old mum and dad didn’t set a very good example of happily ever after.”
“You were young. You just needed time to work out what is important in life. It’s not cars, wine, and women. It’s love and family.”
“You and I have plans tomorrow, Sam,” Tom said, standing.
“Oh, yeah? Doing what?”
Rising, Tom let out a happy sigh. “Ring shopping.”
He turned away, leaving Sam laughing behind him.
A nurse
appeared from the laboratory and suggested, “Why don’t you go visit your father while you wait. I’ll come find you if we have any news.”
The bother’s nodded in agreement and went to find their dad.
Tom stood looking down at his sleeping father, who lay in a hospital bed. Tubes and wires connected Vincent to IV bags and a heart monitor, among other machines that Tom wasn’t familiar with.
Although he’d been at the hospital with Sam for his father’s surgery, Tom hadn’t visited Vincent. His father’s eyes had sunken and his pallor was tinged with yellow from his failing liver transplant. He was much thinner than when Tom had last seen him. His throat closed as he took in his father’s declining condition.
“Remember what we agreed,” Sam whispered.
Tom nodded. They’d decided not to tell Vincent that Tom was being tested as a possible donor in case he didn’t qualify. They didn’t want to get Vincent’s hopes up.
“Okay. I have to get to that meeting,” Sam said.
Tom’s head whipped around. “What? You’re leaving?”
Sam explained, “Yeah. I can’t be late. Besides, you need some time with him, just in case.”
Tom glowered at Sam and walked out of the room. Sam followed, grabbed his shoulder and turned Tom around.
“I’m not doing this,” Tom said. “I’m not forgiving him for making my life hell so he can die with a clear conscience. That’s what you want me to do, isn’t it?”
Compassion filled Sam’s eyes. “Maybe a little for him, but mostly for you.”
“What do you mean?” Tom snorted.
Sam hesitated, “I know that Dad isn’t perfect. A couple of months ago, he told me about everything he put you through. I feel so bad that you were dealing with it all while I was away at school. You should’ve told me.”
Tom jammed his hands in his jeans pockets and looked at the floor. “I didn’t want to ruin college for you.” He shrugged. “Besides, there wasn’t anything you could do about it.”
Reckless Curves: Bad Boy Autos (Drive Me Wild Book 1) Page 15
