Both of them laughed before Jason said, “Go ahead, you first.”
With a shy smile, she said, “Well, it’s still early, and I wasn’t sure what your plans were for the rest of the evening. But I thought that you’d probably need to eat dinner at some point, and I would too, so maybe, if you want, you could hang out here. I’m a great cook, so it wouldn’t be like I was going to give you crappy mac-n-cheese or anything. You can say no …”
Placing his finger to her lip to stop her nervous rambling, Jason said, “Tori … I would love to spend more time with you today. You don’t even have to bribe me with the offer of a meal. I was sold when you smiled.”
Sighing, her shoulders visibly relaxed. “Okay … great.”
Unlocking the door, she let them in and quickly went about the task of putting a still sleeping Lexi in her crib. When Tori came back out, he asked, “Does she usually take long naps?”
Tori nodded. “She takes two naps, but her morning one wasn’t very long because I woke her up to make sure we were ready when you came. So this one might last a little while longer.”
“I’m sorry for interrupting her schedule,” he said in a mischievous voice as he crept closer to her. “But I’m a little happy she’ll sleep a while longer.”
Her gaze followed his as he moved right up against her. Looking up at him, she asked, “You are?” Her voice had dropped to an almost whisper. It was low and husky sounding. It was sexy.
He nodded. “I am.”
Placing his hands on her hips, he walked her backward toward her couch. Moving to sit down, he pulled her down onto his lap. She squealed an adorable sound, which had him smiling. Her bottom rested over his legs, while her arm had found its way across his shoulders. In the position he had her, he could access any part of her body—her plump lips, her long neck, her thick, silky hair, her curved hips, her toned legs … any and all of it.
Caressing her cheek, he slowly moved her hair over her shoulder before leaning in to kiss her neck. “I was kinda hoping that we could make out like teenagers here on the couch.” He heard the hitch in her throat when his lips touched her warm skin again. He continued, “You know, get lost in each other, not knowing when it will end … wondering who’ll catch us wrapped around one another.”
His tongue snuck out and ran up her neck. When he got to her ear, he wrapped his lips around the lobe and gave it a small nibble. She shivered in his arms, and he knew she was right there with him—aroused and needy. Pulling his face from her neck, he found her eyes closed and leaned in to kiss each lid.
“Tori?” Jason said.
When she opened her eyes and met his, he smiled, “What do you say, Cupcake?… wanna get lost in me?” She answered by pressing her lips to his and taking everything he was offering.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
TORI pulled the tray from the oven, the smell of enchilada sauce wafting to her face. Her mouth watered, and she wanted to laugh at how hungry she was. Apparently making out like a teenager burned some calories and her body needed more—especially if they were going to pick up where they left off. Tori could only recall not smiling when hearing Lexi wake up a handful of times. Sleep had been the only thing Lexi had ever interrupted until now.
Even with the interruption, it had been one of the most sensual experiences of her life. Just recalling the feel of his lips and beard brushing against her skin caused her to shiver. She’d thought it was distinctly possible it might go further, but it hadn’t. She could safely say they moved slowly between first and second base, which was strangely disappointing.
Pulling down plates, she quickly dished out food for both of them. After carrying them into the living room, she set them down on the coffee table. Jason smiled. “Mmm, that smells delicious. Thank you.”
Tori retrieved Lexi from his lap and moved her back to the playpen before grabbing them some napkins. When she returned to the couch, she found Jason had waited for her before he started to eat, proving once again his thoughtfulness. Together, they ate in silence. The only noises were the sounds of utensils against plates, with the occasional noise from Lexi. At first she wondered if his silence was because he didn’t like the food, but she soon realized how quickly he had eaten. As he finished the last bite, he said, “Oh, please tell me there’s more in the kitchen?”
She laughed. “Of course there is. Do you want one or two more?”
He stood with his plate. “You don’t have to get up; I can get it. Would you like more, too?”
Such the gentleman, she thought as she answered him with a shake of her head. Damien had always expected her to serve him. Immediately, she felt bad for even comparing the two men when it was obvious there was no comparison. It didn’t escape her that with Jason, she wanted to do things for him.
The evening progressed with casual conversation while they simply got to know each other better. Even though he offered to help, he played with Lexi on the floor while she cleaned up after dinner. Shocked as she was by him offering to even change Lexi’s diaper, she told him not to bother since it was almost bath time. She was a little disappointed thinking he might take that as the opportunity to leave, but he didn’t. It seemed Jason was the “total package.”
After bathing Lexi and putting her to sleep, Tori returned to find Jason relaxed and watching TV. When he saw her, he set the remote down and put his hand out for her. Moving to him, she took his hand and let him guide her down to his lap again. He pulled her tightly against him, securing his hands around her. Once nestled up against him, he asked, “Comfortable?”
Nodding, she said, “Yes, very.”
“Good. Is it okay that I’m still here? I keep telling myself I’m being a jerk and inviting myself to stay. The truth is, I can’t find the will to leave, and I don’t want to,” he said in a soft, sincere voice. “But if you want me to, just say so, and I’ll be gone.”
Tori was quiet for a moment, reflecting on the insecurity in his voice. Her hand lifted and began teasing the hair at the base of his head. Holding his gaze, she said, “I don’t think you’re being a jerk. I like having you here.”
He smiled, and leaning in, he whispered, “How about here? Do you like me here?” His lips met hers and with a quick swipe of his tongue, he was gone again—teasing her and restarting the fire that had been simmering low in her belly all evening. All day really. She whispered her agreement as her lips followed his retreat, going in for her own taste. Marveling at how quickly her body flooded with need, she fed the desire. Her tongue slid against his lips and then back before his took over, dominating her, telling her what she wanted, and giving her what she didn’t realize she needed.
JASON felt like a caged animal. Hunger like no other gripped him, and he was having trouble holding it back. With each stroke of her tongue against his, it escalated. He wanted Tori on a level he didn’t think he’d recover from. With her draped across his lap, he let one hand travel down her back and over the curve of her hip before finding the back of her knees. Then, tightening the hold on her back, he slipped his arm around her bent knees and pulled her firmly against his body. He used his hold on her to stand up and reverse their positions.
Letting her knees go, he moved between them. Now cradled between her thighs, her heat pressed firmly against him, he pulled his lips away and looked at her. Really looked. He needed to make sure she was right there with him, that he wasn’t getting carried away. His concern for scaring her away was clawing at his conscience, and he needed to settle it.
“Tori, I need you to look at me.” His voice came out strained and foreign to him. When she opened her eyes, he focused on the hunger he saw reflected in her emerald pools. He let the haze clear from her eyes before saying, “I don’t want to push too far and mess this up …” His hands moved to cradle her face, “Please tell me you’re with me, that you want me like I want you.”
Time seemed to slow down as he waited for her response. Lying there beneath him, her hair spread out to tease him with its allure, her eyes sparkled wi
th lust, and her soft skin beckoned him to caress it; he took it all in. When she licked her bottom lip, he fought the need to chase her tongue with his own. Instinct to claim was riding him hard. Then she whispered his name, and every part of his body hardened in anticipation.
“Jason … it’s beyond that.” She licked her lips again. “It’s not just want, it’s need. I physically crave you.” And that was all he needed to hear. His lips slammed down on hers, and they both let go. The dam had broken, and the lust they’d restrained swirled in the air around them as hands and lips sought out their targets. Hips ground against one another reflexively. Tori’s hand found the bare skin of his back, and he couldn’t help but rip at the fabric to expose more of it for her. Suddenly, the cramped space of the couch wasn’t enough. He wanted room to move, to spread her out, and feast on every part of her.
Standing quickly, he pulled his shirt all the way off, tossing it aside. Taking her hand, he pulled her up and divested her of her own shirt, exposing more of her creamy skin. The temptation won as he dropped his lips to her shoulder and tasted. Her breath hitched, and the sound went straight to his cock. Dropping his hands to her ass, he hoisted her up his body. She wrapped her legs around his waist, and he shuddered when her moist lips found his neck. Tori nipped and sucked, prompting his feet into motion.
Finding her bed quickly, he lowered them on the soft surface and began to explore. He let his hands roam up and down her sides, enjoying the way the curve of her hip fit his hands. His tongue traveled down her neck, teasing the soft mounds of her breasts. The hushed moans escaping her fueled his endeavor. Sliding her bra strap off her shoulder, he slowly exposed her breast. Groaning, he let his tongue tease the tip before swirling it around the nipple.
“Perfection,” he whispered. Repeating his movements on the other side, she gripped his hair tightly, holding him against her as she squirmed beneath him, seeking more. Rising to his knees, he slid his hands under her to remove her bra, uncovering her completely. Then his hands went to the hem of her pants and made quick work of them.
Now, lying before him in only a pair of pink panties, he stared down at the beauty. Mesmerized, he slid a fingertip from the top of her chest down her midline. His eyes followed the path as it circled her navel before reaching the little pink waistband. His cock throbbed in his pants, demanding to be set free. He ignored it, and found her gaze, “God, Tori … you’re even sexier than I imagined.”
Tori blushed, smiling shyly. “My body isn’t as sexy as it used to be.”
Jason shook his head. “I really don’t see how that’s possible, Cupcake. You’ve got my body at war; I want to slide my tongue all over you and taste you everywhere.” He ran his finger deeper below the waistband, and slid it back and forth, teasing both of them. “But I need to feel the heat of your body as I slide inside you.”
With eyes half-lidded, she squirmed below him, hunger radiating from her body. He had to have her. Moving off the bed, he ditched his jeans and underwear quickly before sliding on the condom he was thankful to have. Reaching out for her, his hands found her ankles and brought them together. Stroking the soft skin, he slowly slid them upward until he reached the last piece of clothing in his way. When he paused, she voiced her impatience, “Jason … please …”
Capturing her gaze, he smiled and then slid them off. Tossing them aside, he almost lost it at the sight of her legs falling open for him, exposing her wet, swollen center to him. Unable to help himself, he said, “I have to taste you.” And he did.
One swipe of his tongue wasn’t enough. Tori gasped as he sucked her sensitive flesh into his mouth. Releasing it, he moved quickly up her body, making sure to tease her breasts along the way. Jason rested his body against hers and sighed at the sensation of his hardness nestled in her softness. Taking himself in hand, he got in position for the slow slide to ecstasy. When her wet heat fisted him, he prayed for control. Fully engulfed, he buried his face in her neck and groaned. He could feel her pulse pounding, her breathing erratic, and almost worried if she was okay.
Pulling back, he looked at her to find her eyes closed and legs squeezed tightly at his hips. “Are you okay, baby? Look at me.”
When she opened her eyes, a single tear leaked out the side, and he almost came undone. “Oh, Jason, it feels so good … please, I need you.”
Instinct took over as his hips began to move. Keeping his eyes on hers, he slowly and thoroughly made love to her. Sliding in and out over her most sensitive spots, he listened to her responses. He absorbed her expressions, her sounds, as they alternated from need and desire to pure satisfaction. Every whimper, every moan were a plea for more. Answering her request, his thrusting increased, as his need to finish became almost unbearable. Her body began to tighten and tremble beneath him as her breathing became loud and insistent in his ears. More, she needs more.
Reaching down, his hand found the curve of her knee, and he hooked his arm under it. Tori gasped, and her muscles contracted around him. Pulling her knee up and changing his angle, he thrust harder and she cried out. “Oh God! Jason!”
They were both teetering on the edge of release. Keeping the pace, he spread her leg a little more to the side, further exposing her sensitive nerves to his body’s assault. Her whimpers matched every thrust as he drove to find her pleasure. With his lips latched on to the spot on her neck he discovered she liked, she exploded. Crying out, she buried her face in his neck and bit down, muffling the sound as her body convulsed around him. The sharp bite of her teeth on his neck sent him over the cliff, and his body pulsated deep within her.
Holding her to him, he slowed his movements until they were lying in silence. Only the sounds of their breathing filled the air. Tori’s hands slowly stroked up and down his back. Lifting his head, he found her gaze, praying to God there weren’t any tears. When she smiled at him, he relaxed, and his sated body became heavy.
Smiling back at her, he cautiously asked, “Are you okay? You had me worried …”
Tori shushed him with a finger to his lips. “I’m perfect, Jason. You were perfect.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
TORI blinked the sleep from her eyes as she tried to assess what had woken her. A small snore escaped from Jason, and she smiled, figuring it must have been that. Closing her eyes again, she snuggled in closer to his sleeping form. With one arm and one leg crossed over his body, she couldn’t help but sigh in contentment, especially since it was still early. She heard a small sound come from Lexi’s room, so she turned her face into Jason’s chest and gently kissed it before getting up.
Grabbing a pair of underwear and a tank top, she first slipped into the bathroom. After quickly dressing and simultaneously brushing her teeth, she pulled her hair up the best she could. It was a mess, but she wanted to take care of Lexi before she woke up Jason. Opening the door, she was met with the sight of one sexy backside covered in boxer briefs, standing in the doorway to Lexi’s room.
Jason turned, Lexi already in his arms. Smiling, Tori said, “So much for not letting her wake you up. I’m sorry.”
He smiled down at Lexi, who was currently digging her fingers into his beard. “I can think of far worse ways to wake up in the morning.” Placing a kiss to her forehead before turning back to Tori, he added with a wink, “I can think of far better ways, too.”
Moving to them, Tori said, “I agree, on both counts.”
When she went to take Lexi, he tightened his hold and then wrapped his arm around her, too, pulling her against him. Kissing her forehead, he said, “Good morning, sunshine.”
“Good morning to you, too. Did you want to go back to sleep? I know it’s Monday, but I don’t know what time you go to work,” she said while grabbing a reluctant Lexi from his arms.
Jason laughed at Lexi’s disgruntled expression. “No, I’m an early riser. In fact, I would usually be on my way to work already if it were any other day.”
Feeling instantly bad, she rushed to say, “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t think to set an alarm
for you.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. I’m a grown man, I know how to set an alarm.” He kissed her on the forehead again and added, “Did you think maybe I didn’t want to get up any earlier?” His expression was questioning. When she didn’t respond, he gave her a smirk before excusing himself.
She watched him walk away until the bathroom door closed, blocking the view of his tight ass. Flashbacks of the night before, and her hands gripping those toned cheeks, made her body instantly hum with awareness. Turning to leave the bedroom, Tori shook her head and whispered to Lexi, “Can you say Captain Orgasm?”
A little while later, Tori was perched at the end of the couch, breastfeeding Lexi when Jason came into the room. Her position allowed her to see him before he noticed her. He’d put his jeans on but left off his shirt, and she was more than okay with that. Not only did she get to stare at his bare chest and strong back a few moments longer, but it meant he wasn’t leaving yet. Having had a few quiet moments to reflect, she was battling her own insecurities. Would he leave and not call her? Nothing he’d done up to that point indicated he would do something like that, though she felt her fear was justified. Going from a man like Damien to one like Jason—too good to be true was definitely a possibility. And even though he might be, she was hoping to enjoy him for as long as she could.
When he turned his head and found her, his surprised expression made her laugh. He walked to the couch and sat close to her and Lexi, watching as she nursed. “Never seen a woman breastfeed before?”
His hand stroked over the back of Lexi’s head, almost reverently, before he brought his eyes up to hers. Shaking his head, Jason answered, “Gillian and Morgan breastfed under a cover, and since they’re like sisters, I really didn’t pay attention. But this,” his gaze fell back to Lexi, “… this is beautiful, Tori.”
Love Required (The Real Love Series) Page 15
