Under My Umbrella: Fated, Book 1

by Karen Erickson

  So he couldn’t complain.

  “Wh—what are you doing?”

  Brett glanced up at her startled voice to see Jenna staring at him, eyes agog and mouth agape. She waved a hand at his chest, and he glanced down at himself. “What’s wrong?”

  “You’re—undressing.” She stressed the word undressing as if it might be a sin.

  “My shirt’s wet,” he offered matter-of-factly, undoing the last of the buttons and shrugging out of it. He hung the soaked shirt on the coat rack. “I have to take it off.”

  He noticed her gaze wandered over his chest. As if she might be checking him out. As if she might like what she saw.

  The afternoon was turning out better and better.

  Under My Umbrella: Fated, Book 1

  Chapter Two

  The man had started undressing right in the middle of her living room, and she’d panicked. Worried he was rushing things, extra worried she gave off the wrong vibe. Jenna was interested but she wasn’t easy and she didn’t want him thinking he could come up to her apartment, strip naked and get his groove on within minutes of arriving.

  Though if she was being honest, the idea did hold a spark of appeal…

  No, no. She shook her head, appalled at her wayward thoughts. She couldn’t make it that easy for him.

  But then she realized he was just getting out of his wet clothes and that he wore a white T-shirt underneath. The T-shirt clung to his broad shoulders and bulging biceps, stretched across his wide chest and flat stomach, emphasizing the sheer size of him, which was impressive.

  He was majorly sexy.

  “You, uh, want a towel maybe?” Oh, she sounded so confident. Ugh.

  “That would be great,” he said just before flashing her a slow, bone-melting grin.

  Goodness, the man was going to send her into heart palpitations. She headed toward the bathroom and he followed her. Her apartment was small, only one bedroom and the single bathroom connected to her bedroom. Which meant they had to walk through her bedroom to get to the bathroom.

  Thankfully, she’d made the bed this morning and had just done the laundry a couple of days ago. Normally, the room looked like a clothes bomb went off.

  Her messy ways were a secret she told no one. It was tough picking out an outfit for work in the morning. Tossing bad options over her shoulder as she searched through her closet usually worked best.

  “Your apartment is nice,” he commented as he strolled after her into the bathroom.

  “Thanks.” She glanced at him, appreciating yet again the way the T-shirt fit to his fine body. Mmm, just looking at him made all her special girly places start to hum. “So are you a firefighter?”

  She’d noticed the badge and the nametag when he’d taken off his coat.

  “I am.” He took the towel she offered and immediately began drying his head, rumpling his dark hair until it stuck up everywhere.

  He looked adorable.

  “How exciting.” He was a true hero. A man who ran into burning buildings to save lives. She found his profession arousing.

  Oh, who was she kidding? Everything about the man was arousing. She had a serious thing for him, and she’d only known him fifteen minutes, tops.

  This was so unlike her and she found it dumbfounding. Shocking. Had she ever behaved like this? Ever?

  The answer would have to be no.

  “It has its moments. Sometimes it can be boring. Trust me.” He handed her the towel, which she hung on a hook. “Thanks.”

  They stood close together since her bathroom was more on the cramped side, and she glanced up at him, caught the heat that flared in his eyes as he studied her. He filled the bathroom, overwhelming her with his closeness, the intensity of his gaze. Their breathing became deeper, heavier, filling the small room with warmth, and she realized they were starting to fog the mirror.

  “Maybe you want something to drink?” She nibbled on her lower lip, unable to snag her gaze away from his.

  He shook his head and took a step closer. Her eyes drifted down, studied the snowy whiteness of his shirt, and the urge to reach out and touch was so strong she clenched her hands into fists to control herself.

  It just barely worked.

  “Something to eat, maybe? I’m not a big cook but I’m sure I could dig something up.” She had chips and salsa, a box of most likely stale crackers in her cupboard. She really needed to go grocery shopping.

  “I’m not hungry,” he murmured, his deep voice husky, sexy. The sound of it sent a little shiver down her spine, and she backed up until her butt hit the edge of the counter.

  “Well, um, then uh…” She didn’t know what to say, it really didn’t matter what she said because he cupped her cheeks with his big, masculine hands and lifted her face. His rough fingertips skimmed across her skin, stealing her breath and when her lips parted in silent surprise, he took his chance.

  And he kissed her.

  Oh, and what a kiss. His plump lips were gentle, seeking, lingering and she sighed into his mouth, unable to help herself. No tongue, no aggressive he-man mouth assault, just sweet, chaste kisses holding the promise of more.

  So much more.

  “I couldn’t resist,” he whispered after he broke the kiss. His warm, faintly minty breath wafted across her face, tickled her lips and she licked them, savoring his taste. He gave a little groan that made her smile.

  “Well, keep doing it then,” she invited, her own voice gone husky.

  This time his kiss was rougher, more wicked. He traced a hot path with his tongue across her lower lip before swooping inside, tasting her, tangling with her own tongue. She returned as much as he gave, her hands clutching at his sides, tugging on his T-shirt and she wished she were bold enough to pull the hem of his shirt from his pants so she could dive beneath and touch firm, hot skin.

  What’s stopping you?

  Absolutely nothing. So she did just as she thought, impatiently yanking his shirt from his belted pants and allowing her hands to slide up the smooth, wide expanse of his back.

  Oh, it was worth it. Embarrassment was gone at the sensation of his skin beneath her fingertips. She discovered goose bumps where she’d touched, and she wanted to laugh. This was getting so out of control considering she didn’t even know him.

  Yet here they were making out in her bathroom, and she was already halfway trying to undress him.

  “This might sound like a line, but I never do this.” His breathing was ragged as he pressed his forehead to hers, their gazes meeting. “Meet a woman and throw myself at her within minutes of getting into her apartment.”

  “I never do it either,” she admitted, her voice small, her hands splayed upon his wide back. She couldn’t stop touching him.

  “You’re beautiful,” he whispered as his hands skimmed down, across her shoulders, down her arms to settle at her waist. She wished they were a little higher up, but this would do. “I don’t want to come on too strong.”

  “Come on as strong as you want.” Oh yes, she would beg him if she had to. If he felt this good with just a few kisses then imagine what could happen if she got him naked and in her bed?

  Yeah, spontaneous combustion all right. More like the world might explode.

  He moved away from her though he didn’t release his hold on her waist. Dark eyebrows rose in disbelief as he studied her. “You mean it?”

  She nodded slowly, a daring glow in her pretty eyes. “I think rain makes me horny,” she admitted in the barest whisper.

  “Well then, I bet you’re going to get even hornier with all of that thunder and lightning going on out there.” A clap of thunder sounded the second he finished speaking, putting the perfect cap on his statement.

  “I guess so.” Her hands slid down his back, lower, past his waistband until they landed on his butt. A mighty fine and firm butt, she might add. She gave it a little squeeze. “What are you going to do about it?”

  Brett grinned, the sight of it turning her inside out, and she knew she was in
for a wild ride tonight. “That sounds like a challenge if I’ve ever heard one.”

  Jenna gasped, her hands falling away from him when he lifted her with ease and set her on the edge of the bathroom countertop. She spread her legs, and he stepped between them, so close but yet not close enough.

  When his mouth took hers once more, she gave in with a sigh. Slipped her arms around his neck and buried her hands in his silky, still damp hair. He nudged closer, she swore she felt the rub of his erection against her belly and she scooted up, her butt teetering on the edge of the counter just so she could make sure that was really all him.

  And man oh man, did it feel big.

  Jenna fit into his arms perfectly. Her lush mouth tasted as sweet as she smelled, and he loved how she touched him. As if she couldn’t get enough of him.

  Brett felt the same way.

  He devoured her mouth, his tongue thrusting again and again against hers. She clutched him close, her lower body nudging against his, and his cock stiffened, more than eager to come out and play.

  Down, boy.

  He hadn’t lied when he told her he’d never done something like this before. Something so spontaneous, so off the cuff, so outrageous. Ah, he liked his kink in the bedroom, but he usually saved that up for someone he’d known for a while. Someone he could trust.

  This woman was a stranger, yet he felt more comfortable with her than any other woman he could think of. He couldn’t stop kissing her, drinking from her lips, allowing his hands to wander and search. She wore way too much clothing, the sweater and pants hindering his exploration, and he wondered if she’d be offended if he slipped his hand beneath her sweater.

  Second base…

  He decided to test it out and see.

  A sly hand slipped beneath the right side of her sweater, his fingers encountering warm, soft skin. He pressed into her flesh, savoring the womanly give before he slipped his hand up, up until he discovered lace. As in her bra.

  She inhaled sharply, and his hand paused in its exploration. Breaking the kiss, he stared into her eyes as he very carefully rested his hand against the curve of her breast. She filled his palm. He felt the poke of her hard nipple through the thin lace, and her eyelids fluttered as he gave a gentle squeeze.

  “They’re really sensitive,” she admitted, her voice small.

  He squeezed again, his thumb strumming her nipple, and she sunk her teeth into her lower lip. “Maybe I should take your shirt off and check them out.”

  Her eyes widened the slightest bit. “Maybe you should.”

  Reluctantly he let go of her breast, but his eager fingers went to the hem of her sweater, which he yanked with probably too much force. She lifted her arms, and he pulled the sweater from her body, up and over her head and tossed it onto the floor.

  She sat on the edge of the counter in just her pants and bra, her upper body trembling as if she might be cold. The lace was a pale, icy blue, he saw the rose pink of her nipples peeking through and his mouth watered, wanting a taste.

  “Pretty,” he murmured as he allowed his fingers to trace the edge of the lacy cups. Her skin was smooth, creamy and gooseflesh pebbled along her chest. He was both in the mood to tease and in the mood to just fuck her brains out, and he wondered which she would prefer.

  A combination of both, perhaps? Just the thought of plunging himself into the hot, wet depths of her pussy had his cock hardening into a spike. Never had he been so anxious for the actual deed before. He normally liked to take his time, explore the woman’s body, hope like hell she’d explore his body as well before he finally went for the main course.

  This woman made him anxious, eager. Beyond ready to bury his cock deep inside her so he could feel that connection. He wanted to make her come, wanted to hear her scream his name when he did and when it was all over, he wanted to do it again.

  Shaking his head, he marveled at his thoughts.

  He was thinking like an obsessed crazy man.

  So instead of thinking he started doing. Like cupping her breasts in both hands and earning a muffled groan from her. He drew circles about her nipples, closer and closer until he brushed the little nubs with the tips of his fingers and he was certain she was aching for his mouth. Putting her out of her misery, he drew one sweet little nipple between his lips and sucked, lace and all. She whimpered, her hands sinking into his hair, holding him to her and he gave the other nipple the same thorough treatment.

  Jenna was panting by the time he finished and he unhooked her bra, slid the silky straps from her shoulders so that her breasts were completely revealed. They were perfect, more on the small side but they still filled his hands, and her nipples were damp and glistening from his oral attention.

  His cock jerked at the sight of her naked chest, and he bent his head to lick, lapping his tongue across her nipples, sucking first one then the other deep into his mouth. She jerked against him and gave a little groan, her hands so tight in his hair it hurt, but he didn’t stop. He wanted to lavish as much attention on her chest as he could before he acted like some sort of caveman and tore her pants off just to get inside her.

  Her hands brushed against his stomach, making him shiver. Then her nimble fingers were on his waistband, fiddling with the thick belt that looped around his waist. She undid it deftly, her fingers going for the button and unsnapping it, then sliding down the zipper. His breath caught in his throat when her fingers brushed against his cotton-covered erection. She touched him, curled her hand around his cock and a strangled groan escaped from deep in his throat.

  “You’re hot,” she whispered.

  “So are you,” he whispered back, his hand going for the waistband of her pants.

  Two could play this game.

  Shaking fingers made it difficult to maneuver a zipper, but he managed. Her panties were simple cotton, and he was almost glad to discover they didn’t match the bra.

  Women who wore matching panty and bra sets made him nervous. As if they were so perfect, they’d freak if they got messed up. Or even worse, as if they paid a ton of money for their underwear and demanded the same sort of treatment from the men in their life.

  He had a feeling if push came to shove he’d tear the panties right off Jenna’s body if that’s what it took. He was that eager to be inside her.

  “Hurry, hurry,” she whispered as her hand fell away from him. It was as if she felt the same as he did. Her hips thrust up as his hand dived beneath the fabric of her panties. A little cry of need sounded in her throat when his fingers brushed delicate skin, wispy hairs and then wet, silken heat.

  He touched her, his index finger dabbed at her clit, slid through her folds. She was drenched, her cream coated his finger, and when he lifted his head to meet her gaze she actually looked a little embarrassed.

  “I find this all…really exciting?” She nibbled on her lower lip again, and damn if he didn’t want a taste.

  Leaning in, Brett kissed her, licked at her lower lip as his finger slid inside her body. “I find you exciting.”

  She shuddered, the clench of her sheath clamped tight around his finger. He thrust in and out, mimicking what his cock was desperate to do, finger fucking her with not just one but two fingers now. Her hips moved, she ground herself upon his hand shamelessly as she tossed her head back.

  He’d never seen a more beautiful, primal sight.

  Her pants dropped to puddle around her ankles, and she kicked off her shoes then kicked the pants off. She was completely naked. Her little butt perched on the edge of the cold tile countertop, legs spread, her pretty pink pussy greedily welcoming his fingers. He brushed her plump clit with his thumb, felt the quiver of the tiny bundle of nerves and knew she was close.

  He kissed her, hard. Fucked her mouth with his tongue much as he fucked her pussy with his fingers and she cried out against his lips, her entire body suddenly trembling with her release. Sweet cream flooded her pussy, coated his fingers, and he pumped inside her slow, slower, his thumb still playing with her clit and dr
awing out her orgasm.

  “Oh God,” she murmured once the shudders had calmed down though her breath still sounded ragged in her lungs. “That was…”

  Pure male arrogance surged through him at his ability to make her come so thoroughly and so fast. “Good?”

  “Better than good.” She smiled dreamily, her eyes hazy, her cheeks flushed. Her entire body was flushed a soft pink that made him want to haul her away from this stupid countertop and lay her out on her bed.

  Where he could have his way with her delectable body for the rest of the night.

  “Let’s take this somewhere else,” he suggested before he took her mouth in a sweetly carnal kiss.

  “Like my bed?” She withdrew from his kiss, her delicate brows raised.

  “Sounds good to me.” He wrapped his hands about her slender waist and lifted her off the countertop, settled her onto her feet.

  “But there’s one condition.” She pressed her index finger against his lips, a little smile on her face. God, she was beautiful.

  “What’s that?” He licked at her finger, and the heat in her gaze was unmistakable.

  “You need to be as naked as me.”

  Under My Umbrella: Fated, Book 1

  Chapter Three

  The afternoon had definitely slipped into a surreal state. From bad nasty rainstorm to cute guy potential to having said cute guy alone in her apartment to…a mind-altering orgasm in her bathroom?

  Yeah, definitely surreal and Jenna wasn’t about to complain.

  He’d given her an orgasm with just a few thrusts of his fingers and a couple of swipes of his thumb. Hell, he’d almost given her an orgasm just by touching her breasts. He’d lavished so much attention on them she’d been on the verge from the moment she felt that first lick of his magic tongue.

  Hmm, magic tongue, magic lips, magic hands and fingers—the guy had it all. Now she wanted to see that magic naked. Though there had been something sexy about her being completely nude while he was still fully clothed. She’d slipped her hand into his pants and copped a feel and boy, had that been worth it, but now she wanted to see the goods. Wanted to touch them and lick them and suck them too.