People like Tyler, who needed a job. People like Matt, that were looking to get away from memories and start a fresh life. She was so thankful to have met Matt, and could have passed on meeting Tyler--even if he did help out a lot at first, she thought wryly. It just was not worth all of the drama and heartache.
One of the officers in town stopped by on his patrol and Sarah offered him a large slice of cake free of charge. He looked a bit surprised but gratefully accepted and sat down at the small table near where Matt sat.
Matt recognized him from the hospital and took this opportunity to strike up a conversation with him, asking if he would be a few minutes here at the shop. The officer’s face shuttered closed and asked him carefully, “why do you ask?” Matt explained how he wanted to get the locks changed on the doors. He asked if he was patrolling or would be about ten minutes for him to run to the hardware store so he did not have to leave Sarah alone.
The officer listened and leaned forward. “My name is Jacob Hunter. Go get the locks. I will wait here with Sarah. I went to school with her and asked for this beat when I heard what happened. I cannot stay inside because my break is almost over, but I will watch the store for a few minutes and hang around up front for you. Tell her we are all sorry to hear about what happened but we are gonna get the guy. She does not have to worry,” he said quietly.
Matt thanked him and took off down the road to the hardware store at the end of the small block. Sarah grabbed the coffee pot and walked over to the table by the window, topped off his coffee. Sarah thanked him for stopping by again and moved to greet the lady that walked in the front door.
The rest of the afternoon went quietly and things settled down quickly around one. Matt changed the locks on the doors for Sarah, giving her the new set of keys. The installers of the alarm system were getting ready to leave and asked who would be at the condo, their next assignment. Matt suggested that Sarah go, however she declined.
Sarah smiled at the suggestion, but she was still needed to be here and he could take care of it for her. “Matt, I still have a lot to do here to get ready for tomorrow. You go. Take my keys and I will lock up here and set the alarm. No one else has a key now to the doors and if I lock up, no one is coming in or out without the police knowing,” she said reassuringly.
Matt nodded in agreement. He wasn't crazy about leaving her alone, but she was making perfect sense about it. She would be safe and if Tyler happened to show up, the police would be there in minutes.
Sarah locked the front door and flipped off the open sign, drawing the sheers closed. She flipped off the overhead lights in the front and walked back to the kitchen to escort the trio out. One of the techs had her create her own pin number for the alarm pad and explained how to use it. Then walked out the back door, Matt waited until he heard the lock set and the beep of the alarm system arming.
Matt drove to Sarah’s condo and let the alarm company inside so they could set up the new system. This time, Matt had them install two security pads, one near the front door and one on the wall in her bedroom near the light switch. He also had them install window sensors on each window and asked them to bill it on a separate bill so she wouldn't protest at the cost.
Matt placed security stickers on each window while they worked. Once done, they asked what pin number to set up and Matt called Sarah. “Baby, what pin number do you want set on the house?” he asked “or do you want them to come back so you can set it yourself?” Matt could hear her chuckling through the phone.
Sarah was touched he would call her and ask her preference. “Honey, I picked yesterday’s date for the pin number - I wasn't sure what else to use on the spot. I just put 0619 and we’ll use the same one for the bakery and the house. It's the day I told you I loved you, and you made me feel loved. I never want to forget it. You’re everything to me,” she said softly into the phone.
Matt did not know if it was possible to love her more. She was so open and free with him, she trusted him completely and leaned on him. She was giving him access to her and her livelihood and he was never going to abuse that trust. In fact, he was not going to lose her faith or trust in him ever. He decided at that moment he wanted her forever, he wanted to make her his wife.
Matt finished up with the techs, set the alarm and thanked them for their work and how fast they came out. Seems everyone knew Sarah and had heard what happened. They said they were glad to be of help, gave him a small sign to put in the yard and headed out. Matt pushed the small metal stake into the ground near the entryway where Sarah had been planting her bulbs only a few short weeks ago where he had seen her for the first time.
Matt headed to the car and called Sarah’s cell. “Everything okay, baby?” Sarah informed him she was finishing up and would be waiting on him when he was finished up. “I am on my way,” and went to pick her up from the store.
Sarah informed him that she had a chance to get everything prepped for the next day and that she needed to go by the bank too. She balanced the drawer, gave him his money back and had a bit to deposit too. It was overall a good day in her books.
Matt drove her straight over to the gun range they had visited two days before. “I am not going to let you change your mind. It gives me piece of mind knowing you are able to defend yourself, whether it is Tyler or anyone else” he said expecting a protest.
Sarah squeezed his hand. “I am not bothered. I will admit I am not crazy about guns, but when I saw my blood on the floor that was the breaking point for me. I do not want to ever have to use one but if he walks in my store, Tyler is going to regret it,” she said firmly. She did not think she could take a life, but she would damn sure guarantee it hurt to walk ever again and he would not be able to follow her as she ran.
They walked in together and she tried several different guns, settling for a small used gun that fit her hand and purchased the bullets for it. She fired it off several times for good measure and paid for it. She wanted her life back and did not want to ever be scared again.
They returned to his apartment, out of habit and when they pulled up, Sarah asked if they could get a few things and try staying at her place for a night or two? She wanted to be there, to feel like she was getting back to her old life, her old sense of self but she did not want to be alone either. Matt agreed and they packed up Sarah’s things and a few of his and headed back to her place.
She wanted to see the alarm system, where it was placed, and Matt showed her the outward signs that there was a security system. “Tyler would be a damn fool to try to hurt you here,” he said comfortingly, as she surveyed the condo and walked inside. Matt gave her the new keys for her place. He had quickly changed the locks here also while they were installing the sensors.
Sarah pushed a key back towards him. “For you” she said and gave him a kiss. Matt put the key on his keychain and kissed her again. He broke the kiss and showed her the other key pad in the bedroom. He explained that there were sensors on the windows too, so if Tyler attempted to come in that way, the alarm would go off regardless. Sarah was relieved to be in her home with Matt.
She prepared a simple meal for them and mentioned that she would need to go to the grocery, asking if he wanted to go with her. They spent the evening making a list together of things they needed at his place for her, and items he would need at her place.
Matt considered asking her to move in with him, but hesitated. She seemed so relieved to be able to return home, and this was her home. His was an apartment, but this was her home she had purchased. He was not about to invite himself and took the key she had given him as invitation enough at this time.
Matt planned on returning to work as soon as possible since she seemed to be ready to settle back into her life and her job. He was out of vacation time now and needed to return soon. Matt had called his boss, informed him of the details of what had happened, and asked to be put back on the schedule earlier in the day.
Sarah began to clear the table where they had sat, talked and enjoyed dinner togeth
er. Matt stood to help carry the plates over and wash them off, as he walked into the kitchen, Sarah took them from him with a smile. She set them on the counter and took his hand, leading him to the bedroom. Matt eagerly followed her.
Sarah began to undress him, “I want to love you tonight,” she said. She saw him relax and he let her do what she wanted. Sarah removed his clothing slowly, pressing light kisses to his chest and neck. She saw him reach down and start to remove his shorts and she stopped him. “Nope, I have this,” she said coyly.
She slid his athletic shorts off and let them drop to his feet. She leaned forward and placed a hot kiss on his hip and heard him catch his breath. Sarah stood up and slowly unbuttoned her shirt and stepped out of her pants, she left only her bra and panties on.
Matt groaned as he saw the bow tie on either side of her panties, those ribbons beckoned to him. He wanted to untie them and see them fall, revealing her body to him. He loved that she wore delicate things under her clothes, it was like opening a perfect package for him every night he was with her.
Sarah glided close to him, trailing a finger down his chest and as he started to reach for her, she stopped him. “No, sir...” she said toying with him. “You have to keep still until I tell you to move.” She circled around him, touching him lightly along his hips, his thighs, his buttocks and then back to his chest. She gave him a little shove to move him into the bed. She had him sit back on the edge of the bed that was behind him. Sarah dropped to her knees and ran her hands up his inner thighs, and lightly drew her nails on his skin, just enough to tickle him. Sarah leaned forward and took him into her mouth, slowly and leisurely.
Matt watched her every move. He groaned with pleasure at the sensation of the heat and wetness her mouth was creating in his body. He watched as she tasted him, stroked him and licked him for quite some time, until he was jumping with each stroke of her mouth.
“Baby, you gotta stop or I am gonna come,” he said harshly, still trying not to move, when he wanted to grab her and plunge himself into her. Her mouth was driving him wild. Matt looked at her through half lids and watched her carefully. She stood in front of him and raised one leg, propping it beside him. All that was between them was a small scrap of satin. Matt reached up to touch that satin to see if it was as wet as he hoped it was. She was a goddess as she stood there, watching him and teasing him with a view of herself.
Sarah stopped him. “Not yet,” she whispered against his lips and gave them a lick. She was in control and wanted to savor this. Sarah reached her hands up behind her shoulders and slowly removed her bra, tossing it to the side as he watched. She cupped her breasts and arched her back, silently inviting him to taste her.
Matt feasted on her nipples like a starving man. He licked, and drew them into his mouth eliciting a gasp from her and she released her breasts and held his head tightly. Matt could feel his member as it swelled even more and the ache was almost unbearable. He gently bit at her nipples and kissed the soft skin around them. He looked at her and saw Sarah’s head was thrown back. He admired the way her hips were undulating towards him instinctively. “Let me touch you,” he whispered against her breast before tasting it again. Matt’s hands grabbed her derriere roughly, drawing her closer and closer to him. He sunk one hand between her legs and felt the wetness of the material and ripped them away.
Sarah gasped with excitement, she loved it when he took charge and lost control. His mouth felt so hot and he knew just how to touch her. She loved how he touched her and made her feel as she watched through heavy lids.
Matt slipped his fingers into her wetness and pulled them to his mouth, tasting them. “Your juices taste amazing, like honey,” he said before stroking her again. He held her tight against his chest and felt her jump in reaction to the sensations his fingers were creating. Her core was throbbing around his fingers and she was so wet.
Matt would not let her up from her perch over him. He teased her and rubbed her most sensitive spot until he heard her crying out in pleasure. Matt then released her soft nub from his teasing and dragged her hips down to his shaft.
Matt looked at her as he invaded her body slowly. He kept pulling her hips until he was fully seated in her, spreading her wide. “I love you,” he said hotly, capturing her lips and anchoring her leg around his waist, the other leg shaking as she held herself up against him at the edge of the bed. He felt her tremors and picked her up instead, and flipped her over onto the bed on her back. “Lock your legs around me baby,” he begged and began to move inside of her.
Sarah moaned in pleasure at the sensations he was creating in her. She could feel his body trembling. His hot thick shaft filled her welcoming walls and made her feel whole. She admired the way his body moved over hers and thought he looked so very sexy as he watched her during their lovemaking.
Matt was losing control fast, she had the softest velvet folds he had ever felt. He wanted to have her hard and fast but the sweet noises she was making wanted him to slow down and make her moan more. She was breathtaking to watch under him. Matt decided to go slowly for a bit to prolong the sensations and leaned forward to kiss her.
Sarah felt him move, felt his hands on her chest teasing her nipples and arched her back inviting more. She loved him nibbling at her breasts. She felt him draw a nipple into his mouth as he laved the tip. Sarah blindly reached her hands up to his shoulders and pulled him instinctively towards her.
Matt gave in and quickened his pace, feeling her shudder in delight at the increase. He repeatedly thrust into her over and over again. He kissed her with each motion. He was trembling and felt he was going to lose himself soon, when he felt her start to spasm and heard her scream in ecstasy.
Sarah felt herself shatter around him as he pounded into her. The sensations were incredible and she could feel the stroke of his shaft everywhere. She loved the way he made her feel when he made love to her. Sarah could feel him explode deep inside and felt the hot wetness jet into her womb. Someday, she thought lazily as she recovered from her own orgasm, as she thought of what his essence filling her could mean if she had not been on the pill.
Matt picked up Sarah and scooted her boneless body up higher into the bed, careful not to dislodge himself from her. He wanted to be inside of her as long as possible. He pulled her towards him and they lay as close together as possible.
Sarah closed her eyes in happiness and was content to be in his arms. “I love you, Matt,” she whispered against his neck as he held her. “I love you too, baby,” she heard him reply against her hair as they drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms.
24
They fell into an easy routine. Each day, they awoke together and got ready for work. He would usually drop her off and work and make sure she made it safely inside. Each night, he would pick her up and relax at either his place or hers, spend the evening together. He would occasionally bring her flowers if his route passed the bakery. She would make sure he had treats to take in to his coworkers.
Sarah found herself ordering new tools for the bakery and requesting it be shipped just so she could have an extra excuse to see him earlier in the day. She felt silly doing so but loved the way he looked when he saw her. Matt’s eyes looked at her like the sun rose and set because she asked it to.
The police had confirmed what she suspected that Tyler’s prints had been found at her house. She had been scared the first few days alone at the bakery, but each day it got easier and she relaxed a bit. Tyler had not shown his face in town and she was relieved. She had a nightmare about him the other night, that he was there in her kitchen, hitting her and touching her. She awoke to Matt trying to comfort her and holding her. Matt never said a word. She was afraid and had every right to be.
Sarah was still jumpy, more so when she was alone. She always set the alarm when the shop closed and kept the back door locked on the kitchen, taking no chances. Her small gun was kept under the display case where she could easily access it, if needed.
Late one afternoon, seve
ral weeks later, as Sarah was bagging up the goods to put in the markdown basket. She heard the chime go off indicating that the front door had been opened and a customer had entered. “Just a second. I will be right with you,” she announced loudly as she came from the back of the kitchen, she had to get more bags and ties for the display. Sarah expected a response and rushed forward to see what she could do for the customer, and stopped dead in her tracks.
Tyler stood by the door and had flipped off the open sign and threw the deadbolt. “Hey Sarah,” he said softly, “I have missed you.” He slowly walked forward towards her, hands outspread. “I’ve missed you so much and missed this place. I am so sorry I hurt you and lost my temper,” he said calmly... a little too calmly.
Sarah froze in fear. Warning bells were going off in Sarah’s head again from him being there and she started to back away.
Tyler stopped as he saw her step back. “Sarah, I came to apologize. To see what I could do to make it up to you,” he cajoled, edging forward again. She looked just as beautiful as that day he had to leave. He remembered how sweet her body tasted and how much he enjoyed touching her like she wanted to be touched. He liked that his little, meek Sarah wanted it rough from him. What he did not like was the fact that she called the police on him claiming to be assaulted!
Sarah was scared; she was afraid he would rape or kill her this time. Tyler was not mentally stable. There was something seriously wrong with him and it was like he had two different personalities. She did not want to see the monster from the last time.
There was about ten feet between her and Tyler. She stood near the kitchen door and he was at the end of the bakery case. Her small gun was about halfway between them and she was trying not to look at it, giving away the position. “What are you doing here, Tyler?” she asked shakily, trying to make small talk and throw him off. She had to get to her gun or the alarm pad, something to alert someone that he was here! “The police are looking for you,” she said trying to warn him in an attempt to get him to leave.
Sweet Heat Rising (Thoroughbred Men Series) Page 16
