She nodded. “I’ll have Rabb bring it up later.” Irene turned back to Allison. “You’ll come for dinner tomorrow.” It was an order more than a suggestion.
Allison’s nerves were making her stomach jump and she glanced at Nevar who nodded. “I’d love to.” If she’d had any doubts if Nevar was serious about seeing where their relationship went, they were gone. No man took a woman to his parents’ for dinner unless he was very involved.
“Well, I must be going. I’m meeting a friend.” She patted Nevar’s arm. “Your father is downstairs if you need him for anything.” With that she smiled at Allison and started down the stairs, her steps quick and light.
“Sorry about that.” Nevar gave her a little push toward the next set of stairs. “I didn’t expect to meet my mother on the way up.”
“Do you mind?” Old doubts welled up. Maybe Nevar had just been doing what his mother expected by agreeing Allison should join the family for dinner.
Her steps slowed and almost stopped, but he nudged her forward. “No, I don’t mind. But there’s just a little too much family around right now.” His voice dipped lower. “If you know what I mean.”
That quick, her body was humming again and her doubts were gone. It was going to take a while to silence the pesky voices of gloom that lingered in the back of her brain, but Allison was determined to do so. She wanted to go into this relationship without events from the past tainting it. Nevar wasn’t anything like Bradley. She had to stop reading things into his actions and words.
Nevar unlocked his apartment and kicked the door shut when they were inside. He set the tray of goodies on the kitchen counter and turned to her. “What’s wrong, Allison? I can sense you have something on your mind.”
She opened her mouth to say nothing was wrong, but something entirely unexpected came out. “I was in a relationship that ended badly.”
Nevar slid his arm around her shoulders and led her to the sofa in the living room. “Tell me about it.” And she did. She told him about Bradley, about his cheating, about her doubts about herself as a woman. She left nothing out. Through it all, he sat and listened, holding one of her hands in his.
He rubbed his free hand over his jaw when she was done. “Bradley is obviously an idiot.”
Allison laughed. “That’s what Barb says.”
He nodded. “Your friend is obviously a very wise woman.”
“Don’t ever tell her that or I’ll never hear the end of it.” Allison felt lighter somehow after unloading all her doubts and fears.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He cupped her face and rubbed his thumb over her cheek. “I’m not perfect, Allison. I’m sure there will be times when you’ll want to hit me over the head with the closest object. We may disagree on things or have the occasional fight, but I’ll never cheat on you. I’m not built that way.”
He traced the bottom of her lip with the pad of his thumb before moving up to the top one. Her lips parted slightly and her breathing increased.
“I want you in my life and in my bed. To be honest, I can’t see a day when I won’t want you there.” Her heart began to race at his words. She felt the same thing about him. “I know this is all happening fast,” he continued. “But we’ll take things one day at a time and see how it goes. Okay?”
She caught his thumb between her lips and sucked. He groaned and she could see his cock growing harder by the second. She released his thumb. “Sounds good to me.”
Nevar laughed. “I can see it now. Every time we have a disagreement you’ll distract me with sex.”
“Will it work?” She was honestly curious. She never thought she had that kind of power.
“I guess you’ll have to try it and see.”
She pounced on him and pushed him onto his back. He dragged her down to him until their lips met. This kiss was intense but sweet as well. A pact. A promise.
When he finally pulled his mouth from hers, he let out a long, low breath. “Do you want to have a snack or would you rather have sex?”
Nevar delighted her with his openness. She pretended to think about it. “I think I’d rather have a snack.”
She managed not to laugh at his crestfallen expression. Then she sat back on her heels and reached for the opening of his jeans. “Look what I found. Something to snack on.”
“Tease,” Nevar accused.
Allison laughed and shoved his zipper down. She reached in and pushed down his boxer briefs and his hard cock popped out. It was warm, almost hot against her hand and the veins pulsed in time to his heartbeat.
She scooted off the sofa and knelt on the floor. Nevar sat up and spread his legs wide so she was between them. She wrapped her hand around his shaft, loving how it jumped against her palm. He was so hard and hot. Her body began to thrum with desire.
“You have too many clothes on.” His voice was gruff, but his hands were gentle as he tugged up her top. She had to release him so he could remove it. “Take off your bra.”
She smiled up at him, undid the hooks and slowly slid the garment down her arms. His pupils dilated and his nostrils flared. She sat up straighter, loving the way his eyes ate her alive.
The way he looked at her made her feel powerful, invincible and downright sexy. He didn’t hide how much he wanted her and that was the biggest turn-on of all.
She captured his thick erection, leaned forward and swiped her tongue over the bulbous tip. He caught her head in his hands and guided her closer. She teased him a while longer, running the flat of her tongue around the circumference of his shaft and then using the tip to lick the slit at the top.
“Allison.” She shivered at the way he growled her voice. Goose bumps raced down her bare arms.
She opened her mouth and took him deep, sucking and licking his hot, hard shaft. His fingers tightened in her hair and he swore. “Christ, that feels good.”
With one hand wrapped around the base of his cock, she used the free one to play with his balls. They were tight and close to his body, letting her know just how aroused he was.
He eased her away from him and she looked at him with a question in her eyes. “I need to be inside you.” Nevar helped her stand and went straight for the opening of her jeans. “Hurry.”
His urgency fired hers and she kicked off her shoes and shoved her jeans and panties down and off. While she was doing that, he yanked off his T-shirt, reached into the back pocket of his jeans and came up with a condom.
“Let me.” She wanted to put it on him.
He handed it to her. “Don’t take long, baby.”
She crawled onto his lap and ripped the packet open. She jumped when Nevar cupped her breasts, teasing the tight nipples. The erotic sensation shot right to her core and she moaned. He did it again and she closed her eyes and simply enjoyed how her body reacted to his touch.
“Hurry.” There was a desperation in his tone that jolted her from the sensual cocoon. She quickly ripped open the condom and smoothed it over his cock. The thick shaft jerked beneath her touch and she felt her pussy clench in response.
“Come here.” He pulled her closer, raising her up so he could fit the head of his cock at her opening. With their gazes locked, he slowly lowered her onto his erection.
Allison gripped his shoulders and gasped. She didn’t think she’d ever get used to the wonder of him filling her, stretching her, becoming one with her. Her head fell back and she moaned as he went deep. So impossibly deep.
“You okay?” His voice was rough, but there was no mistaking the concern.
She rolled her neck to one side and then raised her head and smiled at him. “I’ve never been better.”
His answering smile made her nipples tingle. “Then move, baby. Make us both come.”
Allison used the leverage of her hands on his shoulders to rise up on her knees and then lower herself over his cock. She did it again. This time a little faster.
He guided her with his hands on her hips until she found a motion they both liked. “You are so fucking ama
zing.” Nevar kissed her lips, her chin and down her neck as she continued to move. “I love the way your breasts bounce every time you move.” He stroked his hands over her torso and cupped the swaying mounds. “So pretty.” He leaned forward and sucked one pert nipple into his mouth, laving it with his tongue.
Breathing was all but impossible, but she didn’t care. Nevar’s cock was hard and hot, penetrating her slick pussy with each thrust. She worked faster, needing to come.
“Nevar.” She cried his name and dug her fingernails into his thick shoulders. He slid one of his hands between her thighs and found her clit. She called his name again as her entire body clenched.
She squeezed her eyes shut and let herself go. A long, thin cry broke from her lips and her inner muscles contracted. Nevar’s hips jerked upward, driving his cock deep. The heat and power of him pushed her over the edge and she came hard and long. She was vaguely aware of Nevar’s yell of completion, of his strong arms banding around her, of the jerk and thrust of his cock.
She collapsed against his chest and rested her head on his shoulder. His skin was slick with sweat, but so was hers. There would have been a time when she would have worried about that—how she looked, if she was sweating. But with Nevar none of that mattered. What was between them was natural, earthy and beautiful.
Strong hands rubbed up and down her spine, soothing and reassuring her. His heavy breath on her shoulder cooled the sweat on her skin and made her shiver. He raised his head and smiled at her.
She smiled back and then she kissed him. There was passion in the kiss, but there was so much more. It was softer. Filled with promise.
“Let’s get you in bed. I don’t want you to catch a chill.” He stood with her still in his arms, his cock still inside her. She moaned as his shaft flexed, rubbing a particularly sensitive spot inside her.
“Shit, that’s dangerous. I gotta get this condom off.” But he didn’t release her. He carried her down the hallway, detouring into the bathroom. “Shower first, then bed.”
Allison shook her head. “Not so dangerous. I’m on birth control.”
“I’m clean,” he promised her. “I’ve always been careful.”
“Me too.”
Nevar’s smile was sexy and filled with sexual promise. He slowly released her, letting her slide down his body until her feet touched the floor. Then he adjusted the taps in the shower until he was satisfied with the water temperature. “We still need a shower.”
Allison laughed as he guided her beneath the spray. The shower was short, but fun. They took turns soaping one another, laughing and teasing. She’d never laughed in the shower with a man before. Nevar was continuing to be a series of firsts and she hoped that never ended.
Once they were toweled off, he scooped her into his arms and carried her to his large bed. When they were settled with her snuggled tight in his arms, he released a deep sigh.
“I’m so glad you came to my club.”
Allison rested her hand over his heart, feeling the steady thump. She felt more content, more at home than she had in her entire lifetime. “Me too.”
Epilogue
Six months later…
Allison hurried out of Nevar’s apartment and almost ran straight into Rabb, who was locking up his place. He offered her a quick smile. “You’re late.”
She shook her head. “Not really.” When he glanced at his watch, she frowned. “Okay, but only a minute or so. Your mother called at the last second to say she wanted the large silver platter from Nevar’s kitchen. Since I had to stop and change anyway I told her I’d bring it downstairs.” She’d come straight from the office, but had been running late. Thankfully, she’d brought a change of clothes to work. She’d raced to Nevar’s place, grabbed a quick shower and changed in record time.
Rabb studied her and she touched her hair wondering if she looked okay. She wanted to look good. Over the past months, she’d shared many meals with Nevar’s family and each one was an event. These people certainly knew how to make a simple dinner seem special. Irene always used china and silverware—she seemed to own several sets of both—there was always fresh flowers and music and, most especially, there was always a wonderful treat for dessert.
She loved his family as much as she did her own.
“You look great.” Rabb stood back and motioned for her to go ahead of him.
“Thanks.” She’d bought the form-fitting green dress on a whim last weekend. The neckline was high and conservative, the sleeves long, but the back plunged all the way to her butt, leaving her back all but bare. Nevar hadn’t seen it yet.
When she reached the door of Nevar’s parents she knocked once and then entered. Irene bustled out from the kitchen wearing a red dress with green and blue swirls running through it. The woman did love color. “Allison. Come in, come in.”
Rabb reached out and deftly removed the tray from her hands before Allison found herself enveloped in a big floral hug. Irene’s perfume this month was a light floral blend. The older woman had confided to her that she liked to change her fragrance every month just to keep things interesting. She adored Nevar’s mother.
“There she is.” Frank Hatter strode toward her with his arms wide open. If Nevar took after his mother in coloring, then Rabb took after his father. Frank was tall and wide, his hair a thick brown.
“Hi, Frank.” She pulled away from Irene and hugged Nevar’s father.
“Hey, let me get a hug.” Nevar tugged her out of his father’s arms and into his. She closed her eyes and simply allowed a sense of well-being and belonging to fill her. His hand touched her bare back and he pulled away. “Let me see.” He made a twirling motion with his hand and she dutifully turned in a circle, showing off her new dress.
“Wow.” Nevar’s eyes darkened and she could see the barely repressed passion and she silently thanked Barb for encouraging her to buy the dress.
“I love it.” Irene fingered the fabric while Frank gave a low whistle of appreciation. Rabb winked at her. Allison felt her face flush with all the attention on her.
“Well, come on. Dinner is on the table.” Irene led the way into the dining room. “Rabb, put that tray in the kitchen for me, will you?” Rabb detoured into the kitchen and then joined them all around the table.
The table was set with floral-patterned china and red napkins. Steam rose from several large dishes that sat in the middle of the table. The yummy smell of tomato, basil and cheese filled the air. They were having Irene’s famous lasagna. Allison’s stomach rumbled.
Beside her, Nevar laughed and went to work filling her plate. “Did you miss lunch again?”
“Yes. I went shopping with Barb.”
“Buy anything interesting?”
“That’s for me to know and you to find out,” she answered tartly. No need to tell him she’d bought the most wonderful, slinky cream-colored nightgown. She planned on wearing it Christmas Eve as an early present for both of them.
Christmas was only a few days away and she was spending the entire holiday with Nevar, opting not to go home this year. She was looking forward to it. They planned to get a small tree tomorrow and decorate it.
Everyone ate and chatted and laughed. Allison relaxed totally and watched them all interact, loving being a part of their family. A little voice in the back of her head told her she wasn’t a member of the family, not really. She ignored it. Things were wonderful between her and Nevar, no way was she letting any doubts sour their relationship.
“Another holiday party downstairs tonight?” Allison was surprised by how many corporate groups hired Hatter’s to hold private parties this time of year.
“Yup.” Rabb shoveled in another mouthful of lasagna and chewed before continuing. “Tomorrow night too. But you’re more than welcome to join us. Class up the joint a little.”
Allison laughed. She knew all the staff by name and they were used to her coming and going through the family door. She had her own key.
“Dessert,” Irene announced. She we
nt to stand, but Nevar stopped her.
“I’ll get it.” He pushed away and strode into the kitchen, returning a moment later with a small plate covered with a silver dome. She wondered what could be under it. It seemed much too small to feed all of them. It was probably individual desserts. Irene did that sometimes.
Nevar paused right next to her. Rabb removed her empty dinner plate and Nevar set the small one in front of her. Everyone was watching her. Okay, she wasn’t quite sure what they were waiting for, but she wasn’t overly concerned. She’d become used to the idiosyncrasies of the Hatter family months ago. In fact, she embraced them and how the family enjoyed life to the fullest.
“Open it,” Nevar prompted.
Allison lifted the silver dome and sitting in the middle of the china tea plate was a gold band set with a sparkling diamond. She gasped and tears filled her eyes. She turned to Nevar and he went down on one knee with a flourish. He picked up the ring and held it out to her.
“The past six months have been the best of my life and I never want them to end. Will you marry me? Will you have me and my crazy family?”
“Hey,” Rabb protested. “We’re not that bad.”
“Yes.” She could barely get the word out her heart was beating so fast. “Yes.”
Nevar slipped the ring onto her finger and she threw herself into his arms. His strong arms closed around her. She could hear his mother and father cheering.
“I was going to wait until Christmas, but I couldn’t,” he whispered so none of the others could hear. He kissed her then and it was filled with passion and, more than that, it was filled with love.
“I love you,” she told him.
“I love you too.”
“Let’s celebrate.” His mother broke the intimate moment. “I have cake.”
They all laughed and ate cake.
* * * * *
Hours later, Nevar stood at one end of the bar filling orders. Allison sat near him, sipping on a ginger ale. His heart swelled every time he looked at her. And that wasn’t the only part of his anatomy that swelled. His cock was semi-hard every time he thought about that sexy backless dress she was wearing. He couldn’t wait to peel it off her later tonight.
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