by J. L. Brooks
Julian’s lip quivered slightly as he nodded his head, but he still did not speak. It was all the affirmation I needed.
“Then I am yours,” I said. I didn’t care about Kai in this moment. One night with a stranger could not possibly negate years of proven devotion. As much as I hated to admit it, my mother was right.
His teeth softly pulled at my bottom lip as his hands slid behind my thighs. He then lifted me out of the water, before walking through the hall and back onto the bed.
As his body sank deliciously into mine, I smiled and looked around. “Where are we?” I laughed.
Julian kissed my neck and pressed harder with his hips, causing me to cry out. “We are in my apartment. I live here at the vineyard.”
I wanted to ask more questions, but he silenced me with first his finger, and then his agile tongue.
“Soon enough, Stella. I will tell you anything you want to know.”
I giggled and leaned up to bite his chin. “It doesn’t matter, because you will keep me safe and that’s all I need to know.”
~ Puzzles ~
The sounds of the field equipment woke me up before the sun pouring through the windows did. The workers must have arrived to start tending to the property as Julian slept securely next to me. Something told me he didn’t sleep much, so I gently slipped out of the bed and peeked out onto the vineyard. A low fog snaked along the trellis leading up to the stone building. Although I was excited about getting to explore again, I decided to crawl back into bed and steal a few more uninterrupted moments of privacy. On my way back to the bed, I noticed the same thin layer of dust covered nearly every surface, indicating he was absent from here quite often. For some reason, I always assumed he lived with Raina, so this left me a bit perplexed.
However, watching Julian sleep overrode any curiosities of the moment. Doubt sat heavily in my stomach, hoping he wouldn’t regret another night of being with me and throwing us back into the same vicious cycle. Covered only by a sheet, I let out a short giggle at the tented appearance beneath his navel. The more I looked, the more I was unable to resist running my fingers over the soft cotton. Julian’s cock twitched beneath the soft grazing, which fueled my interest even more.
A smiled pulled at the corner of his lips before his eyes cracked slightly. “Having fun?” he asked with grit in his voice.
“I am about to, if that’s okay with you. Not really sure what I am doing, but I figure I will learn as I go. I know I am not supposed to use teeth, right?”
Julian’s eyes opened a bit more before giving another smirk. “No teeth, please. That would be appreciated. As for technique, just follow your instincts. I won’t complain.”
Licking my lips and raising my brows, I pulled the sheet back and watched him spring forward. I straddled his knees, leaned on one elbow, and gently began to discover what brought Julian pleasure. Every time I looked into his eyes, he grew harder in my hand. The small droplets formed at the head and tasted unlike anything I knew. As my tongue began small strokes along the base, Julian stopped me with a laugh before flipping me onto my back.
“Okay, Stella. It’s been fifteen minutes, and I can only hold out for so long. I’m sorry, I need to come or I will lose it.”
“Was it okay?” I asked with concern.
Slowly, Julian teased my center, before filling me completely. Clutching his shoulders, I pulled him close.
He turned his lips into my ear and paused. “It was perfect.”
“Liar,” I said, mocking him.
“Listen, the day a man claims anything less with morning head is the day he stops getting it.”
My brow furrowed and I looked away. “I want you to enjoy it. I know I don’t remember how to do it, and I just don’t want you disappointed.”
Julian pulled my chin back toward him and fixed on my gaze. “Stella, there is nothing you could do to disappoint me. Even fully clothed and covered in flour, you are the sexiest thing on earth. This is all the proverbial frosting on the cake.”
“Mmmm frosting. I am starving!” I said.
With a shimmy of his hips, Julian brought me back to more pressing matters. “Oh, I’m sorry. We need to get you taken care of first.”
I couldn’t help but laugh loudly, before locking my ankle across his hip and rolling over. Sitting up, I winced slightly from the change of position and placed my hands on his chest for leverage. “Put your hands on my hips.”
Julian did as I said and waited for further directions.
“Show me how you want me to move.”
His hands began to gently press back and forth. I followed his lead, and watched his teeth clench each time I pressed down. I started moving faster, and his fingers dug into the soft flesh and pulled roughly.
“Fuck, Stella,” he growled.
A moment later, I felt him swell and pull my hips down hard, holding them still as his body jerked beneath me. Panting hard, I collapsed from the unexpected workout, and felt my skin warm against his slick chest.
“Better?” I asked.
“Mmmmhmmm. Much. Thank you.”
Kissing his collar bone, I replied, “You’re welcome.”
I lounged as long as he allowed me to in the embrace. A short span of time passed before he reminded me he had to get up. The only clothes I had were from the day before, and they would have to do.
“Do you want to see the vineyard?” he asked.
My enthusiasm was tangible. “Absolutely,” I shrieked.
We walked down the stone stairwell and through the private access door. The morning air was thick and humid. Sunlight glistened from the large green leaves and small clusters of juicy grapes. I closed my eyes and absorbed the way the vines felt in my hands. The fruit was nearly ready, and would still be sweet. I plucked a grape, popped it into my mouth, and smiled.
“Muscadine are my favorite. It’s a good thing they do well down here. Another week and you will be ready to press.”
Julian stilled and looked at me cautiously. “How do you know that?”
I shrugged my shoulders and pinched a few clusters off with my fingernails. “I just do.”
We continued to walk the path that lead to the top of a hill. A steep grade continued until we were able to look out over the entire vineyard and onto to the lake. A small wooden bench rested in a clearing, perfect for watching sunsets. The property was gorgeous, and brought forth a feeling of comfort.
“I know this place,” I said.
Julian smiled and reached out for my hand, squeezing slightly. “You loved being here and spending time working in the field. You said that vines were full of history, and so reminiscent of humanity, since they both had to be treated in a similar fashion, loved carefully, and tended to constantly for the best harvest. Such a hearty but delicate fruit.”
I leaned my head against his shoulder and never wanted to leave. “You should let me buy it, Julian. I have the money, and that way you know it will always be taken care of when you leave.”
His body stiffened at the request. “I’m sorry, Stella, but it’s too late. Your mom actually introduced them to the buyers Darrick and Victor were the best candidates. They have been customers of ours for several years, and own a wine bar in Cincinnati. Victor travels a lot for his job, and Darrick has been waiting for the right opportunity to focus on crafting his own blends. I guess Victor used to work with Sandy at a hospital in Columbus. I am not sure if you ever met him.”
I nodded my head. “They sound great. You’re right, I don’t know the first thing about running this place. It would be silly of me to buy it. Just because I can remember a grape, doesn’t mean I should own a vineyard. It was just a thought.”
Julian kissed the top of my head before standing. “I think you will feel better after you meet them. We’re all going out for dinner when they arrive. I am surprised your mom didn’t say anything to you.”
“Eh, there’s a lot she doesn’t tell me. I am not surprised in the least, but she always has her reasons.”
> Exhaling deeply, I took one last look at the lake. “She’s made an extra effort to avoid the topic of all things Julian for the past few weeks.”
Julian stopped and looked at me sadly. “I’m so sorry, Stella. I don’t know how to make it up to you. That was a really shitty thing to do.”
I reached my arms around his waist and pulled him close. “Don’t do it again, or I am going to kick your ass. Deal?”
He pressed his mouth against my neck, and the hot breath warmed my skin.
“Deal.”
~ Surprise ~
The days and nights passed quickly, as they filled with new memories. Julian and I were inseparable once again, which brought peace to our families. I accompanied Raina to her chemotherapy treatments, and worked in the field on other days. The sale would not be complete until the fall. Due to complications with the equipment, Julian decided to wait until after the harvest to proceed. I was still able to meet Darrick and Victor, and agreed they would be fantastic owners of the Moreau Vineyard. My mother enjoyed the company of an old friend, and Julian loved being able to talk about his work in New York. Darrick and I escaped to the lake and took a canoe onto the calm water.
“I think you will really like it here. It’s a very special town. Everyone is really nice and, of course, the vineyard is thriving. I can help you if you ever need it after Julian leaves.”
Darrick looked at me confused. “Aren’t you two together? Why would you be staying?” he asked curiously.
I felt the tears start to creep up and refused to let them fall in front of a stranger, no matter how quickly I was growing fond of him.
“Julian plans to go to New York. I am not ready to leave Mooresville. Not very many people know, but I have amnesia. I get overwhelmed really easy. New York would put me into a tailspin. And besides, Julian has spent the last two years caring for his mom, and he doesn’t need to take me on. We want to be together, but he deserves a life of his own. I will be okay here. I plan on going back to school, anyway.”
Darrick did not look convinced, but smiled and continued to paddle around the cove. As we tied to the dock, he stood first and helped me out. “You know, real love doesn’t happen easily. There are always challenges, and they are meant to test you for the harder stuff down the road. You need to know your partner will be there with you through any storm. If you and he are meant to be, it will happen. Don’t give up so easily.”
I nodded and swiped away the rogue tear.
Darrick pulled me into a hug and laughed. “And honey, I see how he looks at you. I don’t see him being away very long. I know that look. That man is in love with you.”
I smiled and thanked him. “I hope you know that you aren’t going to get rid of me either. I think we will both need the company,” I said with a lighter heart.
“Anytime, darling,” he replied.
As we made our way back up to the house, my mother had the citronella torches burning on the patio and a full spread with several bottles of wine on the table. Darrick handed me a glass, and I held it tentatively. Looking at Julian, I was unsure if I should drink. I hadn’t since my accident, and wasn’t sure how I would react.
“A little will be fine, Stella,” he said reassuringly.
I tilted the glass to my lips, and the sweet wine covered my mouth in the most delicious flavor. I swirled it over my tongue, feeling a slight tingle, and then sharp notes of berry. I beamed at another part of my memory awakening.
“It’s amazing. I will have to watch myself, this is way too easy to drink.” I laughed.
The others toasted their glasses, and began conversing about the wine bar in Ohio and how it had expanded. Across the table, I caught Julian stealing glances of me slowly becoming drunk. I would look over at Darrick, who would give me a sly wink. I wanted more than anything to believe I was enough for Julian. Even though I told him to fight for me, I never pushed for him to stay. I refused to be selfish and ask him to give up more of his life, no matter how badly I wanted him in mine.
Late evening fell upon us, and I yawned sleepily. Taking note, the others excused themselves to bed and thanked my mother for the lovely evening. Julian went to get his keys, and I grabbed them from his hands.
“Um, no. You are not driving. You can stay here with me,” I demanded.
He looked at my mother, who just smiled lazily. I had never seen her so carefree. I took a mental note to get her drunk more often.
“Excuse us,” Julian said with a grin, as I dragged him into the house.
As soon as I closed the door to my room, my mouth crushed into his. He fell loudly back on the bed and chuckled hysterically. Ignoring his tickles, my hands successfully removed his shirt, although I felt as if I were fighting an octopus.
“Wow, you are feisty tonight, Stella. I like it.” Julian’s words slurred a little which I found endearing.
“You are drunk, and I plan on taking advantage of it. But I know I could if you were sober too, I just want to see what you will do.”
Suddenly, he was no longer pliable to my tactics. With one swift motion, his arm wrapped my waist and flipped me onto my back.
“You want to see what I will do?” he challenged. His kisses were laced with tart fruit, making me even more delirious and provoking my ornery mood.
“Do your worst,” I said daringly.
With a mischievous smile, he lifted his hips to remove his belt. He wagged his brows then gently pulled my arms through the iron spindles of the headboard and tied the belt loosely. I could easily slip out, but I knew he was going for effect.
“You like me helpless, do you?” I teased.
“I like you holding still while I drive you crazy.”
I closed my eyes and melted beneath each sweltering pass of Julian’s tongue. The wine had made me bold and I directed each move. “You said I was sweeter than any grape, and made you drunker than any wine, so prove it.”
A dangerous grin curled at his lips as he slowly made his way down my abdomen. Jerking my knees apart, there was nothing gentle in his approach. Up until this point I felt as though he had been lenient with me, but craved something darker. Time had given him the ability to hone his desires and my little bouts of taunting let him know I was not shy. Two fingers plunged deeply and began to aggressively twist as his mouth ravaged my core. I was trying my best to stay quiet, but I was failing miserably, and mentally prepared for the morning confrontations. Before I could build up my mind, Julian unwound my body and dissolved all reason.
Unleashing my need was only the beginning of sating his. Keeping me bound, he flipped me onto my stomach to muffle the noises he was drawing from my body. I gripped the iron spindles until my fingers tightened with pain. My body stopped trying to resist and fell slack beneath him. Wrapping his arm beneath my chest, he pulled me close and whispered naughty things in between sharp bites and feather light kisses. He held nothing back as he claimed every inch of me as his own. With one final grunt, I was pinned in place to the mattress and only an explicit word to describe his height of his pleasure. “Fuck”
The next morning, Julian was gone from my bed, leaving only a curve of sheets and blankets where his body rested. I rubbed my wrists and smirked at the light red lines cutting into the skin. My head was pounding, and I desperately needed to brush my teeth. The clock said it was still early, but I could hear the clinking of pots and pans in the kitchen. I stumbled down the hallway and into the aroma of bacon and eggs sizzling in the iron skillets. All eyes fell on me with a knowing grin. Julian was at the helm, playing chef, and looking no worse for the wear. Leaning over to give me a light kiss, he held a smug look of satisfaction.
“Morning, sunshine.”
I shook my head and shuffled to the coffee maker, stealing a piece of bacon from the plate on the way. He went to slap my hand away playfully, and I growled in return.
“Someone has her first hangover,” my mother chimed in playfully.
I turned and put my hand up in the air. “You can all go to hell today
.”
The room busted out with laughter as I tried to find the bottle of aspirin in the cupboard.
My mother reached over me and pulled down the bottle with a knowing glance. “I told Julian if he broke your bed he was responsible for buying new one.”
I looked over, but he refused to turn around, soliciting more laughter.
I cringed while bracing against the counter. “Can we please not talk about this?” I begged.
Sliding her arm around my waist, my mother kissed my cheek. “Were just playing, Stella.”
I gave a sour look, made my way over to the table, and sat next to Darrick. He smiled brightly, and patted my leg.
A small grin pulled at my lips as I tilted the mug and took a small sip. “Okay so what’s on the agenda today?” I was changing the conversation.
Julian set down the remaining eggs and grabbed a plate. “Well, Darrick and Victor need to go to the airport, so I thought you and I could take them and make a day of it. But first I have a surprise.”
My ears perked up. “Surprise?”
Julian seemed enthralled by the secret he had planned. “Yes, we must hurry, it might take a little bit, and they can’t be late. We will come back here and pick them up, so go get dressed.”
I bolted from my seat and pulled on a simple sundress and flip flops. Julian was at the door waiting for me, and we hurried to the truck. The summer sun was quickly making the day hot and sticky. We cranked up the air conditioner, but did not travel far before we pulled up in front of a small salon on the main street. All of the businesses were closed, being a Sunday, but a woman was waiting inside for us. She gave Julian a warm hug and turned to me with an extended hand.
“It’s nice to finally meet you, Stella. My name is Liz. You must be very important to have someone like Julian seek out my services.”
I skeptically eyed the gorgeous platinum blonde Asian woman who appeared so confident. She was definitely not someone Julian had mentioned before.
