And Never Let Her Down: A Town of Destiny Novel

by Nancy Glynn

  Kicking them off, he resumed his spot and lowered himself, spreading her legs wide before licking her clit. She gasped, closing her eyes in pain, trembling with every stroke of his tongue. Listening to him moan as he lapped at her and made her more wet.

  She wiggled against him, encouraging him to go deeper. As he plunged his tongue inside, his thumb moved fast against her throbbing clit. She let out an agonizing groan. Her head thrashed on the pillow as she clutched the sheets, her heart ready to explode in her chest before she shuddered against his mouth. It happened so fast, unlike her usual half hour.

  He then traced his tongue up her belly, pushing her shirt higher. “I want to see you, Aubrey. Don’t feel ashamed.”

  Her body still buzzed from his touch, moisture coating her skin. She slowed her breathing down and stared at the ceiling before meeting his loving gaze. “I’m warning you it’s not pretty…nothing pretty about it at all.”

  “Stop. I can take it. I’ve seen some gruesome things in my life. Believe me…it’ll be nothing.”

  She ran her fingers through his hair and nodded. What did she have to lose? Something she never had to begin with? She allowed him to roll her shirt up with her hands covering his as he scooted up, his face closer to hers.

  The top was up to her chin, but he held her gaze, waiting for her to let him look. She smiled with tears and gave a nod. Her lip quivered as her pulse raced.

  His eyes left hers, lowering to her chest.

  No words.

  She closed her eyes as tears slid down her cheeks. Waiting.

  His voice croaked. “Beautiful.”

  She sniffled and wiped her tears away, her chest heaving hard.

  “The most beautiful woman these Texan eyes have ever seen.”

  She jumped at his tongue touching her nipple. She looked down and watched as this man made love to her body, licking and sucking, and being able to feel it. More tears sliced her face, but this time full of joy.

  She smiled and cradled his head against her as he kissed her with such tenderness, watching him kiss her scars.

  “Does it hurt?”

  She shook her head. “No.”

  “Do you feel anything?”

  She smiled and nodded. “A little. It’s a good sign.”

  He gave her a stern look. “I don’t ever want to hear you feel ugly again. You hear me?”

  Her smile grew wider. “Okay.”

  “I mean it.” He moved up to her mouth and bit her lips before consuming her mouth, his hard body pressing into her. He pushed her hair back as his tongue delved deep and hard before spreading her legs and entering her with a groan.

  His hands moved to hers, splaying her fingers out and squeezing them as he nestled his face in her throat, thrusting with painfully slow movements. “I wanted you the moment you threw your crutch at me. Actually, years ago when I’d look at your pictures.” He sucked on her neck, his teeth grazing her skin.

  She panted against the top of his head, smiling, gyrating her hips up to meet his. As she lifted her legs and crossed her ankles over his broad back, she kissed his head. “You feel so good.”

  “Are you trying to make me cum fast?”

  Laughing, she said, “Just returning the favor.”

  He heaved himself up and rolled her over on top of him. “I want to see you. Make love to me, Aubrey.”

  “Hayden, I don’t…”

  He kissed her and lay back down. “Ride your cowboy.”

  At first, she stayed low against his chest as she rocked, sliding all the way up to the tip and then back down, taking in his length with a low moan, their tongues darting outside their mouths, before she got the courage to sit upright. His half-closed eyes drank her in, lowering his gaze down her body as she arched her back before she slammed against him, fusing their sweaty bodies.

  “That’s a girl. Ride me hard.” He licked his lips as he closed his eyes, his mouth opened in ecstasy, his breathing growing heavier with each moan.

  She writhed against him, encouraging the wave crashing through her, igniting every nerve ending as she drove him into her.

  He pushed her hips, rotating them as the wave began to build as she sucked her lower lip with a whimper. She opened her eyes and found him watching her with an intensity. She bucked faster, their eyes locked, tears pricking the back of them as she cried out.

  “Feel it, Aubs. Let go and feel it.” He reached out and swiped at the fallen tear before pulling her down for a kiss.

  She surrendered all her fears, self-loathing, anger, resentment, and did as he commanded. She let go and forgave herself. Sweet sensation flooded her as she climaxed hard, her body shaking.

  “You’re breathtaking.”

  She went limp for a moment before returning his smoldering gaze and continued to move and bring him home.

  He sat up and cradled her in his arms as he moved against her, their tongues in a heated dance, their bodies slick. Her nails scratched down his back as he sank into her. He leaned his temple against her shoulder, biting it as he cried out, convulsing against her. After lifting his head, he cupped her face and kissed her before rubbing noses with her.

  “Thank you,” she said in a breathy voice.

  He grinned. “Except the obvious, for what?”

  “Just for being you…for setting me free.”

  He kissed her nose and wiped away the smudge of her eye makeup under her eyes from crying. “I’m glad you trusted me.”

  “I never thought I’d have room for trust again. Men can be dogs.”

  “I know, baby. I always tried to do right by women, especially having three sisters.” He kissed her before continuing. “I’m sorry you were ever mistreated. They had no idea what they had in their hands.”

  A warm blush filled her cheeks as she cracked a smile of gratitude. She could feel his sincerity and know it wasn’t just some line. Her brother was like that. A good guy. Never used a woman.

  “What’re you thinking about?”

  She shrugged. “Danny. I’m sad he never found someone. I’m hoping when he retires he tries. He’s one of the good ones, ya know?”

  “Oh, I’m sure you’ll set him up with one of your friends who owes you a favor and we’ll double-date.” His grin grew as he hid his laughter.

  “Haha. And why a favor? Did you owe him one?” She traced the colorless Texan flag on his right shoulder, mesmerized by it before returning her attention to his answer.

  “Nah, not really.” He shifted his eyes away to something on the blanket.

  “I don’t believe you, but I’ll let it slide this time.” She kissed his cheek and pressed hers against his firm one.

  He tilted his head and studies her face. “Did it hurt?”

  She stared at him. “No. I mean after, it was sore. It’s just itchy now.” Her gaze softened at his interest, her insides melting. No one had ever asked her that.

  “You’re a strong woman, Aubrey. Not only to make that decision but to endure the pain. I admire you.” He brushed his fingers against her face.

  A shiver ran through her, making her nipples hard. She crossed her arms over them.

  He gently tugged them apart. “Don’t you ever feel embarrassed or ashamed. You hear me, woman? Not around me.”

  She gave a low chuckle. “You could say the worst thing and I’d love it because of your twang. It’s beautiful.”

  “And I love your Yankee voice. Sound so smart.”

  “So do you, Hayden.”

  He shook his head. “I’m sure I sound simple. And nice deflection.”

  A small smile curved her lips as she fluttered her lashes. “Oh, you caught that?” She shrugged. “I don’t mind talking about it, but it just reminds me of my life then. I don’t want to remember.”

  “Joel? He didn’t accept your choice, did he,” he stated more than questioned.

  She scoffed with a shake of her head. “He didn’t know how to be a real man.”

  He cleared his throat. “And what’s a real man to you?�
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  “Someone who’d never shirk responsibility, be there even if he wasn’t getting anything out of it.” She touched his jawline. “You.”

  “Someone who’d do anything for his family?”

  She nodded. “Yes, but in the most morally and legal way possible, of course.” She grinned and kissed him.

  He pulled back. “Morally and legal? How so?”

  She sighed and shrugged. “Well, no robbing banks or becoming an escort, I guess. I don’t know. Just doing things the right way where the conscious is clear. Not selling yourself.”

  “Selling yourself?” His smile disappeared.

  “Why does it matter? Did you kill someone?” She laughed and pushed him against the pillows, her head resting against his heart.

  He gave a nervous laugh. “No.” He kissed her head and closed his eyes.

  “I’m not gonna see you on the news or anything, am I?” she mumbled into his hard chest. His musky vanilla scent made her dizzy with desire.

  “I sure hope not.”

  She glanced up at him and grinned. She thought she’d find him smiling but, instead, concern etched his features. “Hey. What’s wrong? Thinking about home?”

  A smile then crossed his lips. “You’ll have to meet my mom. She’d love you. She knows how close you were to Danny.”

  She laid her head back down. “I’d like that.”

  Thoughts flitted through her mind of him going back home. Her chest constricted. It was just her luck. He saw through her scars and didn’t care. She’d never reveal herself like that again to anyone else. The thought terrified her. But there was no way she’d move to Texas. No way. This was her home now. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. Maybe they moved too fast. She didn’t want to be a fling.

  “You okay?”

  She sniffled and wiped her eyes, nodding against his chest. “I am. This was fun.”

  “Fun?” He laughed. “It was more than just fun to me, Aubrey.”

  “True, but fun in the way that makes you happy for a moment in time and then moves on to the reality of life.”

  “Oh, that kind of fun. I see now.” He chuckled softly against her head. “Your foot needs to heal before I can go anywhere, so let’s enjoy our time of fun together.” He tightened his grip around her.

  She wiggled her ankle and felt the tingling cascade up her leg. His departure might come a little sooner, but she’d have to let him go. He didn’t belong here. He belonged in a warm state with a star for a symbol and horses running wild.

  As her eyes began to close, she heard a buzzing sound come from the nightstand. She lifted her head and reached over to his phone when it vibrated again. The screen faced up and she could see a string of text boxes pop.

  Her curiosity got the best of her and she picked up the phone and read the messages:

  When are you coming home?

  I really miss you and think we should talk.

  I can’t stop thinking about you.

  Things have changed in the past month for me since hearing you’re coming home.

  Just text me back or even call if she’ll let you. How nice do you have to be to a stranger?

  You must be sleeping. Text when you can, please.

  Aubrey cleared her throat and returned the now quiet phone. An ache formed in her chest. “Nice?” What did she mean by nice? Did he tell her he was just being nice for a friend? Was this pity sex?

  Her head swam with so many thoughts, but she laid it back down on his chest and wiped the tear away. Even if she needed to pretend her foot was better, she’d do it. If he had a life waiting for him outside of her, who was she to keep him here?

  Chapter Eight

  She stood at the sink, smiling at two yellow birds on the bare oak tree – Goldfinches, she thought. They rubbed their heads together, probably hoping to get some privacy. Thoughts of that text filtered her mind as she rinsed out a cup and dried it.

  Shrugging her shoulders, she wiped down the chrome. Lost in thought, she felt hands grab her waist, making her jump and scream.

  “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.”

  She smiled and closed her hands around his, pulling them to her midsection.

  “I still can’t get last night out of my mind.” He snuggled closer and kissed her cheek.

  She couldn’t either. That stupid text from some Texas woman wanting her man back. Her man? Shaking her head, she scoffed. “I bet.” Jealousy was not her usual thing.

  “And you can?” He spun her around to face him and gazed down into her eyes.

  “Oh, I can’t either, but I’m sure other things grabbed your attention. Have you heard from home?” Fishing, fishing, going fishing.

  “Home? Of course. My mom always texts me before she goes to sleep.”

  God, she loved his sexy drawl. She could listen to it all day.

  “Why do you ask?” He released his grip and grabbed a mug before sauntering to the Keurig.

  She eyed his snug jeans and tucked in t-shirt lying flat against his hard abdomen. Giving a lazy smile, she glanced up at him after admiring his tight, rounded ass. “I was just wondering is all.”

  The black coffee drizzled out of the spout and into his mug as he clenched his jaw, lost in thought.

  She squinted her eyes, watching him closely. Was that woman on his mind? Who was she? “Everything okay, Hayden?”

  He came out of his trance and nodded at her with a crooked grin. “Sure. Everything’s great.” Walking to the window with his steamy black coffee, he peered through the glass and laughed. “The snow’s melting. I don’t have to plow it today.”

  “It’s still January.”

  “True. Damn.” He sipped his coffee.

  Aubrey sat at the table and massaged her leg.

  He spun around and placed his mug down with a loud clack. He then rushed to her and knelt in front of her. “Sore?” He pushed her hands away and massaged her calf, working his way down to her ankle.

  “A little achy. I’m fine. You don’t have to do that.”

  He placed his hand to her mouth and then returned it to her achy calf. “It’s tight and needs to be stretched more. You doing your exercises?”

  “Yes, sir. I am.” She wasn’t, at least not every day like she should. Just when she’d remember.

  “Where’s your belt?”

  “Excuse me?”

  He cocked his brow and sighed. “Your therapeutic belt. You know what I’m talking about, Ms. Naughty.”

  She fanned herself with her hand. “Me, naughty?” Blood filled her cheeks as the heat rose with memory. “There’s one in my desk drawer.”

  He stood and disappeared into the living room before returning with the belt and handed it to her. He looped it around her arch after removing her boot.

  “I usually do this before bed.” She stretched her foot out with the help of the silky belt and lifted it.

  “Have you done your wall stretches?”

  She stared at him without blinking.

  “How’re you gonna get better if you don’t?”

  “Are you anxious to leave or something?” She knew that sounded horrible, but it did make her wonder. Was it that woman?

  “No, I just want to see you walk without a boot for once or be pain-free.” He pulled her leg toward him and then pushed it back. “Is that so wrong?”

  With a twang like that, how could she ever be mad at him? Ever refuse him anything?

  He snapped his fingers in front of her. “Earth to Aubrey.” A grin spread his lips and warmth touched his crinkled eyes.

  “I’m listening, I’m listening. That feels good. I promise I’ll do my wall exercises tonight, but I need to write.”

  “Fine, but I’ll remind you again.” He helped her slide her boot on and stand. “You are definitely the cutest patient.” He bent down and kissed her hard, swiping his tongue across hers.

  Her breath became jagged. “Now that’s a good morning kiss!”

  “Something to inspire your writing.” He winked and pick
ed up his mug, drinking the last of the cold coffee before heading to the sink to wash it.

  She rubbed her arms of the goosebumps that kiss gave her and shook her head. “Yes, it definitely will do that.” She hobbled to her desk and grabbed her earphones as she sat.

  “Hey, mind if I go out for a bit? I need to get a few things.”

  “Sure. Can I text you a few things I need?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Whatever you need I’m at your service.” He bent to kiss her waiting lips and walked to the closet to grab his coat. “Is it hard to drive in melted snow?”

  She shook her head but then said, “Just be careful of black ice, but you should be fine.”

  “Gotcha. Black ice. Sounds ominous.” He tugged his knit hat on and pulled the door open. “I’ll be thinking of you,” he said, as he gave a small smile, his eyes confirming he meant every word.

  “You say the sweetest things. Be careful.”

  “I will.” He winked and shut the door behind him.

  She swiveled around in her chair and turned up her music in her headset, opening the document to where she left off.

  Every now and then her mind would drift off to a country boy with big blue eyes and the widest smile. A swaggering gait that could make two grown women fight over. That confident drawl, yet shy at times. The way he spoke to his mother on the phone, so caring. Every little thing stood out to her in neon lights, but the lights were slowly fading.

  He’d soon be gone from her life. Back home and to the arms of a woman waiting for him. She should just prepare herself now for it. Start to let him go in her heart. The thought of him leaving. She wiped a tear and laughed, shaking her head. She continued to pound the keys and forget about him.

  ***

  She stretched and glanced at the time for the hundredth time. Darkness fell through the windows and concern etched her features. Where was he? She had texted him the items she needed, and he had responded with a quick got it, but that was hours ago.