His deep voice filled her senses, and his lips brushed against her ear as he spoke, sending shivers through her body. Without thinking, she reached for his ear with her tongue, and then her lips reclaimed his mouth.
She was already lost in the sensations coursing through her body when he lifted her and carried her to a different room from the one she woke up in, one more spacious and with a larger bed—his room. He set her down on her feet next to the bed and turned on a night-light. In the dim light of the large room, she suddenly felt vulnerable. Her hands came up to her neck, her forearms covering her chest.
When he came back to her, his arms went around her, but he didn’t hold her; instead, he fumbled with the zipper of her dress until he was able to draw it down her spine. He slipped his hands inside, and she felt her body tremble as his fingers moved up and down her back. Then he pulled the dress from her shoulders, drew her hands down from her chest and let the dress fall to the floor. Then he lowered her nylons and beckoned her to step out of them and out of the dress.
The passion in his eyes sent a hot wave into the pit of Angelina’s stomach. In only a black bra and panties, she stepped forward and entered the shield of his arms. His hands drew her to his chest and locked her to his hard body. His lips crushed her mouth, making it his own. With a soft groan, he settled her over him, letting her feel it where her body yearned for that sweet pressure.
Pleasure started building inside of her, and her body ached for more where it made contact with his. She began rubbing herself up and down against him, feeling the moisture building up inside of her. He moaned, pressing his body to hers, and tore his mouth away.
“Angelina, are you sure you want this? Are you sure you want this now?”
She nodded, afraid of giving away the extent of her desire.
He unclipped her bra and sat on the bed, taking one of her breasts into his mouth and stroking it with his tongue until she trembled. He moved to her other breast, pulling her panties down so that his fingers could squeeze her rear and explore her womanhood.
“Angelina, you’re so wet, so ready.”
He pulled the covers back as he stood, and after she slipped inside, he drew off his clothes and went to the dresser to rifle for a condom. He came back to her already sheathed and got under the covers with her, moving downward until his lips found her breasts. She cried out with pleasure and thrust against his hip, wanting to feel his body against her pulsing sex.
In response, he moved farther down her length, taking her womanhood into his mouth. Angelina moaned as fire licked through her body. Her knees fell apart, and she thrust wildly against his mouth while the pressure built inside her, driving her toward the edge. She moaned and couldn’t stop moaning, not with his tongue encircling her sex and making her body flood with moisture, not with his lips suckling her and making her oscillate.
Angelina called Jeremy’s name, admitting her desire.
She clenched the sheets as her thighs started to tremble, and when he reached up to massage her breasts, it pushed her over the edge. She cried out again as waves of ecstasy coursed through her body, bursting from her center.
Starting to calm from the sheer excitement of the moment, Angelina felt naked and exposed, as though her body had just made a confession that she didn’t want known. The hands that had been gripping the sheets came up across her body, and her eyes flew open. She was aware now of the wild gyrations of her body, and the vision of what she had done so flagrantly made her self-conscious.
Jeremy climbed up next to her and cradled her gently in his arms, brushing her mouth with his lips. He ran his hand through her hair and traced the path of her recent tears with his thumb.
“You’re so beautiful, Angelina. I love giving you pleasure.”
He pulled her body toward him, drawing his hand up and down her back and over her hip. His adoration of her body with his wandering hand gave her the courage to touch his shoulder then to draw her fingertips along his hard chest and stomach. The soft moan and hard shudder that came from him spurred her to lower her hand. She caressed his leaping member with her fingertips, drawing a hard, involuntary thrust from his body.
They were starting all over again, this time slower, this time more tenderly.
He lifted himself and lowered his body over hers until his manhood nestled between her thighs. He moved over her, teasing her with it until her hips tilted upward as her body sought more contact. His chest raked her breasts. His tongue filled her mouth. Her senses were inundated with his masculine presence.
Angelina felt the pressure building in her and gyrated against the source of her yearning, her sex throbbing.
“Make love to me, Jeremy.”
He moaned and drew himself to her entrance, lingering there only long enough to fill her with need. Then he slowly thrust inside of her, and her walls clenched around him. A wave of heat spread through her body, and she met his thrust, crying out in anguish and pleasure.
“Are you okay, Angelina?”
“Yes, yes. Please don’t stop.”
His hips jerked at her words, and he began to plunge inside of her, filling her with excitement. She clung to his shoulders and moved with him, needing him, needing this, craving this release. She arched her back to draw her breasts along his chest, feeling the nipples turn again into hard, sensitive knobs. She opened her mouth wider, sucking in his tongue.
As his thrusts filled her, her body clamped onto his, pushing her closer and closer to the edge. Their moans called to each other, making music of the passion rising between them.
Jeremy called her name, her real name, and his thrusts became short and hard, plunging her into bliss. Her womanhood tightened around his sex, making him wince and groan, but he didn’t stop, and soon Angelina was crying out as the rapture exploded inside of her, dragging her over the precipice.
Jeremy pulled his mouth from hers and called her name again, his thrusts becoming deep and long, his body beginning to shake as his eruption joined hers.
He settled next to her again and took her in his arms.
“I think you’ve been wanting that as much as I have.”
She didn’t say anything but continued to stroke the arm that he had placed across her. When she had the courage to look into his face, she could see that he knew it was true.
“I missed you,” he said, “and you missed me, too.”
She still stroked the arm that held her, unwilling to confess. Then she looked at him and smiled.
“Aunt Rose really liked you.”
“I’m glad she did. I liked her, too.”
The thought of her great-aunt returned Angelina’s sadness, and unexpected tears welled up in her eyes. She didn’t want to cry, but she couldn’t stop the tears from sliding toward her ear and nose.
Jeremy gathered her closer, settling her naked body against his own.
“I know you miss her.”
“I do.”
Saying it made it real. She turned her face into Jeremy’s shoulder as the tears fell.
“It’s okay,” he said. “It’s going to be okay.”
“I know, but I miss her.”
“I know.”
He held her tightly as the sobs began to shake her body. Angelina felt she was in a place where it was safe to cry—in Jeremy’s arms. He rocked her gently as she let the tears fall. He rocked her gently as the weariness overtook her again. He rocked her gently as she felt herself drifting into sleep, warm and naked against his body.
Chapter 20
Jeremy loved having Angelina in his home, even when she was just sleeping in one of his spare bedrooms. Having her in his arms and in his bed was even better; he was beside himself.
When the buzzer rang on Sunday, he jogged to the door, hoping to catch it before it woke his guest. He swung it open without asking who it was. He
was expecting Safire, and there she was.
“Hey, you have a Park Avenue address, but it’s not easy to find.”
“It is once you know this side of town. And it’s not Park Avenue.”
“Well, it looks like it.”
She came in, lugging her sister’s carry-on and briefcase, and looked around the living room. Jeremy became aware of the leather sectional, the mahogany dining set, the packed entertainment center and the plush carpet as Safire took everything in.
“Nice digs. Where’s big sis?”
“She’s still sleeping. I didn’t want to wake her. She needs rest.”
“I can imagine.” She sat down on the sofa. “What can I do?”
“How long can you look after Phillip and Alex?”
“They’re no problem. I can stay over tonight and come back after work.”
“Can you stay over until Tuesday? I’m going to try to get Angelina to call in sick tomorrow and stay here. Did you bring her work?”
“Yep, what was on her desk and in her briefcase. I can stay.”
“If she agrees to get some rest, I’ll bring her home Tuesday evening, and I’ll cook the lamb that’s in the freezer. Can you put it in the fridge Monday night?”
“Will do. What else?”
Safire pulled her legs up underneath her on the couch and stretched her back, and he saw in her posture and gesture how young she was, how sheltered she had been from the day-to-day worries of her sibling.
“I think that’s it. If it’s too much, say so, and we can make other plans.”
“No, it’s fine. I’m taking the boys to a movie this afternoon, and we’re going to do a little grocery shopping.”
“Here, let me give you some money.”
“No, we’re okay. But thanks. Hold it for when I want something big.”
Jeremy laughed, knowing she would likely call in the favor.
“How is Phillip? Is he taking his medicine?”
“Philly’s fine. He misses Angelina a little, but he’s making do with me and Alex. Alex is solemn, but he’s okay.”
“Good. I’m going to get lunch ready for when Angelina wakes up. You want something?”
“No, I should be going. I was just enjoying the ambiance.”
Safire got up to go.
“You take care of my sister, you hear?”
She winked at Jeremy, and he got her double meaning. He laughed but said nothing, sure that Angelina would be tight-lipped with her sister about “being taken care of.”
“I’m going to have to introduce you to my brother. You all will get along like peas in a pod.”
“I’m not sure if that’s a compliment, but it sounds like I might like to meet him. Give him my love.”
She blew him a kiss at the door and clopped down to her car in her three-inch heels. Jeremy shook his head as she left, still amazed at how well she fit the description in the singles brochure.
When lunch was done, he went into his room to wake up Angelina. He found her naked in his bed and couldn’t help smiling. He got onto the bed and played with her hair before kissing her shoulder. She jerked it as if he were a fly she was shooing away, and he laughed. That brought her eyes open.
“Hello, beautiful.”
“Hi. What time is it?”
“Time for lunch. I didn’t want to wake you earlier, but I think you should eat something.”
She pulled the covers up to her neck and looked around for her clothes. They were on a chair next to his side of the bed.
“I’ll bring you a robe. You can take a warm bath when we’ve eaten.”
He smoothed her hair and leaned down to kiss her again.
“Are you okay today?”
“Yes, I’m a lot better.”
He went to his closet and brought her back a robe. He kissed her shoulder and her neck, and she smiled. Then he held open the robe for her and slipped it over her back.
“Thank you.”
“There’s a new toothbrush in the bathroom. When you’re finished, come get lunch.”
She closed the robe around her and emerged from under the covers.
“Okay.”
She came out of the bedroom as he was setting the food on the table.
“Your house is amazing.”
“I’m glad you like it. I want you to spend more time here. I also have two guest bedrooms, so Phillip and Alex can visit when you do or when you need time to work.”
“How do you keep it so clean? Do you have a cleaning service?”
“Yes, I do, though I hate to admit it. They don’t have to do a whole lot, but I’d be lost without them. Dig in.”
“Aw. My Aunt Rose loved this kind of ham. She wasn’t supposed to eat too much of it, but on Christmas and Thanksgiving, she had to have some.”
Jeremy heard Angelina’s voice waver just a little bit, but she seemed determined not to cry.
“I had some friends over. These are just leftovers.”
He took her hand for a moment, wanting to comfort her.
“I’m okay.” She smiled briefly and then turned back to the food. “Let’s have lunch.”
“You don’t have to put on a brave face with me. I understand.”
“I know. But I can’t cry all day. I have to eat and change and get home.”
“No, you don’t. I had Safire bring over your clothes and books and papers. She’s staying with Phillip and Alex until Tuesday evening, when I said I would have you home—after you’ve gotten some rest. They’re going to a movie this afternoon. You can check in with them anytime. But for now, you need some food and some rest.”
“I—”
“All your things are here. Once you’re rested, you can do some work. Call in tomorrow, take it easy and then do a little catching up. Please.”
She took a breath, and he could see her thinking it over.
“You don’t have to decide now. Think it over for a while.”
“Okay. I’ll let you know.”
“Have some pasta.”
They ate, and then he ran a warm bubble bath for her. Trust Safire to neglect to put in any nightclothes. Jeremy gave Angelina a set of his pajamas and told her to take a long, relaxing bath. While she was doing that, he made up the beds and read at his desk.
When she came out, he put her to bed and popped some popcorn for them. Then they curled up together to watch old movies. She didn’t mind having his arm around her, and when he teased her about Safire forgetting her nightclothes, she chuckled.
“She told me to take good care of you, too.”
He laughed, and she swatted him.
“And I bet you knew exactly what she meant.”
“I did not respond.”
“That was very adult of you.”
“Why, thank you.”
In a few hours, she fell asleep on his shoulder. He settled her on the bed and turned off the television. He read for a little bit and then got up to make them dinner.
She came into the kitchen as he was putting the chicken in the oven.
“Your kitchen is as big as my living room.”
They both chuckled at that.
“How are you, sleepyhead?” he asked and kissed her on the temple.
“I’m sorry I fell asleep again. I can’t believe how much I’ve slept in the last two days.”
“You needed it. You were exhausted. Have you thought about calling in tomorrow?”
“Will you be able to stay with me if I stay here?”
“If you want me to. Let me make a few calls.”
“Okay. But just tomorrow. Tuesday, I’ll get up and do more class prep and paper grading. You can bring me home when you get off. Is that okay?”
Happy that she wou
ld be staying and wanted him there, at least for one day, he pulled her to him, ready to kiss her. Instead, he tweaked her nose.
“You’re cute in my pajamas.”
That made her smile. He wrapped his arms around her and found her lips, kissing her smile until her lips molded onto his. He drew one hand from around her and felt for her breast. He loved the way she shivered when he touched her that way, and she did it again, turning him on.
“If I don’t stop,” he said, “we’re not going to have dinner.”
“What’s for dinner?”
“Chicken and potatoes in wine sauce.”
“That sounds fancy.”
“No, it’s actually pretty simple.”
“Let me check in with Philly before we eat.”
She went into the living room and made a long call. She was still on the phone when he came out to check on her. He was about to go back into the kitchen to give her some space, but she waved him over to the couch and let him talk to Phillip and then Alex. Phillip chatted about the action movie they’d seen, but Alex was pretty quiet. Then Alex put Safire on the phone. Jeremy said a few words to her and handed the phone to Angelina so he could check on dinner.
After they ate, and even though it was still early, he changed into pajamas. Angelina didn’t want to go right back to bed, so they relaxed on the couch and talked.
Jeremy could still see the sadness in Angelina’s face, and he could read it in her quietness, her stillness. Along with that, though, he could see the desire in her coming to life. He could feel it in her reactions to their touches, their kisses. She was finally beginning to let herself respond to him again, trust him again. And this made him soar.
He couldn’t keep his hands off her after the way she had excited him in the kitchen, and soon he was making out with her on the couch like a teenage boy.
He carried her to bed not long afterward, and after they made love, she fell asleep in his arms.
They woke in time for her to call in sick for the day and then to call and make sure that Phillip got to school on time.
Love on the High Seas Page 18
