Then, Again

by Karen Stivali

Kay laughed and her stomach grumbled. “What do you say we stop and get a few slices before we head back?”

  “You don’t have to ask me twice.” He turned and headed down Fifth Avenue.

  There was a spot right down the block from Ray’s. They parked and walked over to the crowded shop. James took her hand as they waited in the long line. She loved the feel of his thumb brushing over her knuckles, strong but gentle, just like him. She also liked the fact that it was obvious to anyone who looked that they were there together. A couple. Her body curved in to meet his, craving his warmth.

  He gave her a quick kiss as they moved toward the head of the line. “What are you having?”

  “I usually get two plain slices, but I can never really eat more than one.”

  “Perfect, I usually get two and wind up wanting a third. Coke?”

  She nodded, thinking they really were ideal together. There’s got to be a hitch somewhere. No couple’s that well suited. Are they? They made their way through the throngs of people, looking for someplace to stand, but it was too crowded. “What do you say we go sit on the hood of the Tahoe?”

  “I say it beats sitting on a stranger’s car and getting yelled at when they come back while you’re eating your pizza on their trunk.”

  He put their drinks on the roof of the car and set down the plates of pizza on the black hood. “Ready?” he asked, his hands on her waist.

  “Always.”

  He leaned down and pressed a decadent kiss to her lips as he boosted her up onto the car. She wrapped one leg around him, tugging him closer.

  “Careful,” he said, “I don’t want us to get arrested for lewd behavior before we’ve had a chance to eat our pizza.”

  “Mmm, I like a man who has his priorities straight.”

  He chuckled and handed her back her plate, then climbed up beside her.

  The pizza was heavenly. Warm and cheesy, the melted strands stringing the ideal amount after each luscious bite. “Why can’t they make pizza like this anywhere else?”

  “It’s one of life’s great mysteries.”

  She watched him as he ate. His sculpted jaw flexing, his tongue sweeping out to lick the sauce from the corner of his mouth. She could feel the flush passing over her. Lewd behavior. What’s the fine for that?

  He caught her staring and she felt her cheeks heat up even more. “What?” His eyes were narrowed beneath his dark brows, a kaleidoscopic swirl of blues.

  “Thanks for coming with me today.”

  “My pleasure.”

  The word pleasure brought plenty of things to mind as she thought about the many ways she could thank him when they got home. She leaned in to give him a quick pizza-flavored kiss. “You have no idea.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Kay was like a new person after they got her belongings from New York. She appeared to really settle into the house and the lifestyle, seeming relaxed and comfortable in a way James had never seen her before. He couldn’t help but wonder if she’d ever been so happy living in the city.

  He’d had a hard time picturing her at home in that apartment, or with Todd. He wondered what had ever drawn her to that life in the first place. She could clearly live anywhere she wanted as a home base and travel whenever needed for work. He didn’t like to admit it, but he found himself hoping she’d decide to keep the shore house, permanently.

  He liked having her there. Seeing her every day. Hanging out with her every night. They fell into an effortless routine. Dining together, sleeping at each other’s places. He hoped he wasn’t being selfish. He didn’t have a lot of free time with everything he was doing for the restaurant so they tended to work their time together around his schedule.

  Kay didn’t seem to mind. She was fixing up the house, painting rooms, still sorting through boxes. It was as if she was making the place more hers, though she stubbornly maintained that she’d have to finish painting before she could put it on the market.

  “You really think painting the bathroom turquoise is going to make the house more marketable?” he asked, pushing the roller up to the ceiling as she worked on the trim.

  “I like the color. And don’t make fun of me.”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’ll just paint quietly.” He loved the angry pout on her face.

  “Hey, James.”

  He turned and was greeted with the slapping sound of her paintbrush making contact with his chest. “You did not just do that.”

  Her eyes sparkled with defiance, her eyebrows arched high, her lips pursed. “What? This?” The paintbrush smacked against his thigh.

  “Oh, now you’ve done it.”

  “You’ll have to catch me first.” She made a dash for the door, but he caught her around the waist, yanking her up against his paint-covered shirt.

  “You’re not the only one who knows how to paint.” He stroked the roller from her thighs straight up her back.

  She shrieked, squirming, but he held her tight, hardening against her.

  He smoothed the roller down the length of her leg, and she stopped resisting, pressing closer.

  “I do like a man who knows how to handle his paint roller.” Her breath was sweet and hot, her eyes wild. He dropped the roller and sank his hands into her hair, his lips closing on hers.

  She moaned into his mouth, her paint-sticky fingers raking across his back beneath his shirt. He ran his lips down her neck, sucking gently as he bared her shoulder. She clawed at his clothes, tugging his shirt up then wiggling her fingers beneath his waistband and popping open his button.

  As quickly as possible he stepped out of his jeans, making quick work of her shirt and shorts as well. He lowered them to the floor, easing her on top of him. Even through the canvas drop cloth the tile was cool against his back, in stark contrast to the heat emanating from her body.

  He sucked her nipple into his mouth, loving the feel of her hair cascading over his face as he tasted her. Sugary. Salty. She ground against him and he could feel how ready she was. Sweet Jesus. So hot. “I don’t have a condom.”

  “It’s okay,” she whispered, her lips skimming over his ear.

  He thought he’d misheard her. As much as it pained him to ask he made himself do it. “What?”

  Her voice hummed against his throat, sending zaps of electricity straight to his groin, which was already straining against the liquid heat of her body. “I’m on the pill. I just use condoms as an extra backup. We don’t need one.” Her lips closed against his and all thoughts stopped.

  She slid against him more urgently, working him into place with an insistent swivel of her hips. He clasped her ass, lifting himself off the floor as he entered her. The moan that tore from his chest echoed in the tiled room. Making love to Kay was always incredible, but being inside her with no barrier between them was beyond what he’d imagined. Everything was exaggerated. The slippery wetness, the drawing pull, the incredible, dizzying heat. He lost himself inside her, letting the sensations overtake him.

  Her fingernails raked against his scalp, leaving tingling trails that scrambled what was left of his brain. Her tongue surfed the waves with his, rolling with breathtaking speed. She moved up and down atop him, taking their rhythm to a faster pace, straining against him on every downward thrust, grinding herself into him. He could feel her muscles tensing, her arms locked to brace herself above him, everything inside her pulling at him, contracting in maddeningly intense circles of pleasure.

  Her mouth stilled as she started to shake, then she pulsated around him, crying out, “James.”

  He gripped her hips, steadying her, as he made his final thrust. The pleasure rocketed through him so fast he lost his breath. White lights flashed behind his eyelids as he throbbed inside her.

  The only sound left in the room was the rasped noise of their breathing. He stroked her back, easing his fingers over her, wanting to feel every inch of her skin.

  Kay raised herself onto her elbows, her face inches from his. Her hair was a sexy tangled mess, turquoise paint streaking thro
ugh it. Her face was flushed the loveliest pink, dewy and radiant with the afterglow of their lovemaking.

  He smoothed her hair away from her face. “You’re beautiful.”

  She smiled her shy, sideways smile, her eyelids heavy with a sleepy, lusty look that made him want to start all over again. “You’re not so bad yourself. But you’re a very messy painter.”

  “I’m messy? I don’t remember being the one who decided we should paint something other than the walls.”

  “Technicality. You were the one with the roller. Look, you rolled paint all over the tub.”

  He sat up, taking her with him, so she was sitting in his lap. “Well, look at that, I did. I guess we’ll just have to turn on the shower and wash it off.”

  He pressed his lips to hers then trailed them down her neck, kissing her just below her collarbone, making her moan. “You know, you’ve got quite a bit of paint on you. Think we better put you in the shower too.”

  “You’re not exactly clean, mister.”

  “I’m well aware of that. Which is why I’m going to let you be in charge of the soap.”

  Kay watched the muscles in his back flex as he reached over to start the shower. He was easily the most gorgeous man she’d ever laid eyes on. She never tired of looking at him. He stepped under the spray then held out his hand. “Better hang on, it’s slippery.”

  The water was warm, quickly steaming up the room. She twirled the soap in her hands, working up a thick lather, then smoothed it across his broad chest. She loved the feel of his muscles tensing under her touch. He eased the soap from her hands, making his own bubbly before curving them over her. “You’ve got quite a bit of paint here.” He caressed her butt with strong fingers, kneading her flesh, making her knees weak.

  “I should have hired a handyman years ago. I had no idea they were literally so handy.”

  James snorted. “So that’s it. I could be any old worker, eh? I’m hurt.”

  She giggled. “Not any worker.” She brushed her lips against his wet paint-free skin. “You’d still have to be hot.”

  “I feel cheap.”

  “I’m providing dinner.”

  He huffed. “I own a restaurant.”

  “True. What would you prefer for payment?”

  He slicked his wet hair back off his face, beads of water rushing down over his stunning features, his thick black lashes coated in the tiny droplets. “That’s a tough one.” He rubbed his stubbled jaw with his thumb. “All I really want is you.”

  Her heart sputtered, flipping over in her chest. Her throat felt swollen, raspy. “You’ve already got that.”

  “I want more.” His mouth closed on hers.

  Chapter Sixteen

  James pulled into Kay’s driveway, feeling tense. He hadn’t brought anyone to a family get together since the last time he’d taken Patricia. He’d originally thought he was nervous because he didn’t want a repeat of those events, awkward silences, general dislike for one another, but he realized it was more than that. He really wanted them to like Kay. The realization freaked him out.

  For most of his life he’d made a point of trying not to care what his family said about his choice in women, doing his own thing, his own way. This time it mattered. It didn’t take long for him to comprehend that the difference was that he wanted Kay to be around for a while. More than that. He wanted her in his future. For as long as he could imagine. That scared the crap out of him. One thing at a time. We haven’t talked about anything serious. This is still a summer romance. She could wind up taking a new assignment next week. Selling the house. The thought of her leaving town turned his hands cold. He forced a deep breath of air into his lungs.

  He saw her walking toward his car before he’d even opened the door to get out. Her hips swayed as she moved. The fabric of her short summer dress hugged her thighs as the breeze blew it tight against her. He leaped out and ran around to hold the door for her, sneaking a kiss as he took the cake platter from her hands. “I told you it wasn’t necessary to bring anything.”

  She frowned. “I don’t want your family to think I’m some sort of freeloader with no manners.”

  He caught an edge of nervousness in her voice. Is she worried too? Is this too much too fast? Or does she want to make sure they like her because she wants to be around a while? His stomach tugged, making him wish the day was over and they were getting back out of the car to head into her house and make love all night. Focus. “They’re gonna love you, don’t worry.” He hoped he was right.

  Dave’s backyard was filled with people. The thick smoky haze of grilling sausage and peppers saturated the air with its tempting aroma. Kay’s fingers clutched the cake plate. James placed his hand on her lower back, leaning in to kiss the side of her head. “Relax. They hardly ever bite. Except for Ethan.” He pointed to his nephew, who was spinning in circles, waving a chef’s mitt around like a sword. The wide-eyed look on Kay’s face made him laugh. “I was kidding. He hasn’t done that since he was a toddler. He’s five now. You’ll be fine.”

  Within seconds they were swarmed with kids. “Uncle James.” Cindy, his three-year-old niece, raced toward him, taking a flying leap. He caught her, swinging her around. “Hey Princess. How’s my girl?”

  “Good.” She kissed his cheek, her lips sticky, probably from popsicles if her bright red mouth was any indicator.

  He turned to face Kay. “Cindy, can you say hi to my friend Kay?”

  Cindy waved a pudgy hand. “Hi, Kay. You’re pretty.”

  A warm smile lit Kay’s whole face. “Thank you. You’re pretty too.”

  Cindy squirmed out of his arms and ran off toward the picnic tables. “Come, let me introduce you around.” He led her toward the drink table.

  “Ladies, I’d like you to meet Kay. Kay, this is my sister-in-law Judy, and these are my cousins, Meg and Grace.”

  Kay smiled as she said hello, but he could see she was still nervous. “I brought you a cake.” She held out the platter. “Where should I put it?”

  Judy reached out and took it from her. “Did you bake this? It looks fantastic.”

  “Thanks. It’s just a yellow cake with fudge frosting. I wasn’t sure what the kids like.”

  Judy laughed. “As long as there’s sugar in it they’ll love it. But I don’t know. Homemade cake might be worthy of the adults-only table.”

  James rubbed his hand across her back and felt her lean into him. He hoped she was starting to relax. “Judy’s Cindy’s mom, by the way, so you can get an idea of who’s who.”

  “I should have guessed that. She looks just like you.”

  Judy let out a laugh. “I wish. I used to look like that. Being part of this family has aged me beyond recognition.”

  James shot her a warning look. Not now. Don’t launch into one of your family tirades now. Shit. “Let’s go get you a drink. And make sure Dave’s not burning dinner.” He steered Kay toward the ice buckets. “Beer okay?”

  “Sure.” She nodded.

  He cracked the cap off a Corona and handed it to her. She took a sip immediately.

  “Hey, Jimmy, you made it. Get over here.” Dave waved at them with a pair of tongs.

  James took Kay’s hand, smoothing his thumb against her palm.

  “Dave, you remember Kay.”

  Dave grinned a little too broadly and James wondered how many beers he’d had already. “Sure do.” He leaned in and gave Kay a kiss on the cheek. She gripped his hand a little tighter.

  “You need help cooking?” James surveyed the grill. Sausages, burgers, skewers of veggies.

  “Nope, you’re not the only one in the family who can feed people, you know.”

  James rolled his eyes and noticed Kay let out a small chuckle. “Is there anything I can do?” Kay asked.

  Dave smirked again. “That’s right. Jimmy mentioned you can cook.”

  Oh God, help me. Don’t try to flirt with her. “You look like you’ve got everything under control. Where’s Ma? She in the kitchen?�
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  Dave flipped three burgers in quick succession, nearly sending the third one straight off the grill. Show off. “Probably. Haven’t seen her.”

  James tugged Kay’s hand. “Let’s go see if my mother needs any helpers. We’ll leave the grill work to the master here.”

  Kay felt like a chorus line was dancing in her belly. She couldn’t remember the last time she was so nervous. It was one thing to handle herself in a large group of professionals, that she was fine with. Sure, it wasn’t her favorite thing, but she knew how to act, what to say. Plus if she made some kind of gaffe it was usually easy to schmooze her way around it. Smoothing out mistakes was seen as a positive ability in the world of fragile artist egos and opinionated magazine editors.

  This was another matter altogether. If she made a bad impression on James’s family, that could be the kiss of death for the two of them. She knew he was very close with them, and she was sure that in spite of his cavalier attitude their opinions mattered to him. A lot. The sheer number of relatives alone was enough to freak her out. She couldn’t imagine having that many people related to her. Gram was the only family she’d ever really known. Unless you added Rosalie and Trixie. Hordes of cousins and aunts and uncles were a foreign concept.

  James squeezed her hand as he led her inside the house. He’d seemed embarrassed by some of the things Judy and Dave said, which was endearing. It’s his family, but he’s nervous too. Her stomach fluttered again.

  James’s mother was bent over, pulling a watermelon out of the fridge.

  “Let me get that for you,” James said, startling her.

  “Jimmy.” Her face bloomed into a smile, the corners of her blue eyes crinkling just like his. She clasped his face between her hands and pulled him down to kiss his cheeks.

  “Hi, Ma. Here, I want you to meet Kay.”

  “What, meet? I’ve known her since she was ten years old.” She approached Kay with determined steps, arms reaching out, and clutched her in a big hug.

  “I’m so glad you could make it. I’ve been meaning to stop by and see how you’re doing at your grandmother’s place. Such a lovely woman, your grandmother. You must miss her so much.” Her warm hands rubbed Kay’s arms.