“Away as in you’re staying at Charlie’s?” Lucy asks.
“No, as in I’m taking a mini vacation out of state.”
Jake resumes eating. He chews slowly, mercury-like eyes filled with suspicion fixed on me. “Alone?” he asks.
Lucy’s brows elevate and she looks from me to Jake.
Clearing my throat, I dab my mouth with a napkin and push my chair back. “No.” I get up with my half-empty plate before the questions are thrown at me.
Lucy gasps. “Are you and Charlie finally taking that girls’ trip? No fair. I want to come.”
I glare at Lucy over my shoulder. “You can’t. I’m not going with Charlie and it isn’t a girls’ anything. I’m going with a man.”
She chokes on her next gasp. Hands over her heart, she gawks. “Abby has a man. It’s a late Christmas miracle!”
I growl and hurl a dish rag at her. She ducks and giggles uncontrollably. Jake glares at the both of us. “So, you’re finally getting laid. That’s great.”
“Shut up you brat!”
“Can we not talk about this?” Jake grimaces like he’s never been this disgusted in his life. Lucy jumps up and runs to the sink to wrap her arm around my shoulder. “Who is he? Anyone I know?”
“No.”
“How come you haven’t introduced us?”
“Because…”
“Because it’s nothing serious, right Abby?” Jake’s brows are drawn into a warning scowl. He’s still been giving me grief about dating Bryce.
“That’s none of your business.” Giving Lucy a pointed stare, I add, “Neither of you.”
She scoffed. “I’m your sister.”
“Doesn’t mean you need to meddle in my personal affairs.”
“Look at you. You have personal affairs. I’m relieved. For a while there I thought you’d join a convent.”
“You know what…” I aim the spray hose at her and she takes off giggling.
“Okay, okay. I’m sorry. If you don’t want to share anything about your relationship, that’s fine. As long as you’re happy. You are happy, right?”
My heart practically melts at the thought of how happy I’ve been with Bryce. It’s only been weeks and we do have our ups and downs with the whole secret affair thing, but I am happy. “Very.”
Lucy smiles. “Good and you deserve to be, and you also need that mini vacay. You’ve been running yourself ragged.”
My warm smile matches hers. My sister is a pain in my ass sometimes but she’s incredibly mature and sweet. “Will you be okay for the few days I’m gone?”
“Of course.” She hikes her thumb over her shoulder in Jake’s direction. “Besides, with this one constantly being kicked out of his girlfriends’ houses and not wanting to stay at his own place, I won’t be alone.”
Jakes grunts. “I don’t have girlfriends. I don’t even have one.”
“Okay, Mr. Commitment-phobe.”
He glowers at Lucy who chuckles, but he doesn’t deny it. “I’m here because I have to look out for you girls.”
I snicker. “But you’re mostly here for the home cooked meals.”
Jake’s sheepish grin sends Lucy and I into giggles.
I do a three-sixty, taking in the interior luxurious waterfront villa in awe. “I can’t believe you rented a private villa.” I assumed we’d stay at a hotel.
Bryce drops our bags and snags me around the waist. With my back against his front, he nuzzles my neck and feathers kisses along my shoulder. I tilt my head to give him better access and my eyes flutter close.
“We have ultimate privacy. Since you’re a screamer when you orgasm, here you can scream as loud as you want.”
I gasp and jab at him with an elbow. He dodges the blow and laughs.
“I do not scream…” Hands on my hips, I grumble under my breath, “All the time.”
Bryce’s lips twist into a self-satisfied smirk. The heat of my oncoming blush spreads through my face. He has every right to be smug about his skills in the bedroom. It’s amazing how he always knows the right buttons to push to make me scream my pleasure like a banshee.
“I love it when you scream,” he says, in a tone that resounds with seduction. He picks up the bags and heads for the stairs. “Let’s get settled. Do you want to hit the beach after dinner tonight?”
My wide grin is all the answer he needs.
Hours later, Bryce and I make our way to the beach. Unlike the night we met, it’s much quieter. The beach near the villa is more secluded. I dig my toes into the sand and smile. “I’ve missed this. I never dreamed I’d get to come back so soon.”
His hand tights a little around mine. “Thanks for coming. I know your schedule is crazy.”
Gazing up at him, I almost blurt out that I’d drop everything and go anywhere with him. But I don’t. There hasn’t been any words of love yet. I’m afraid to spill my guts in the event he doesn’t feel the same way.
He glances at me. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m just happy to be here with you.”
He leads me to a beach chair under a huge umbrella. Sitting, he pulls me between his legs. Settling back against his chest, I let out a sigh of pure contentment. My head rests on his shoulder as I look up at the sky. I feel incredibly fortunate to have met a man like Bryce. He makes me feel safe. I didn’t realize that’s what I was looking for until I found him.
“What are you thinking?” His chest vibrates against my back, and I lean closer.
“How glad I am that we met.”
He plants a kiss on my temple and wraps his arms tighter around me. “I’m the lucky one.”
“I wish we could do this more often. I love the beach. I just might move somewhere tropical.”
“Not without me, I hope.”
“Oh, you’re definitely coming with.”
We laugh but I can’t help wondering what it would be like to actually live with Bryce... anywhere. I suppose it’s too soon to think like that.
“My mother loved the beach too. All of her actions involved sand and palm trees.”
It’s the first time he’s ever mentioned his mother. Craning my neck to look at him, I say, “You never talk about your mother.” He’s only ever talked about his father, stepmother and stepsister. I frown when he tenses. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to pry.”
“No, it’s okay.” I practically feel the tension seep from his body. “I don’t talk about her because it still hurts to mention her.”
“How did she die?”
He visibly gulps as he stares ahead. His hold on me tightens even more but I don’t protest. “She killed herself.”
My heart lurches. Why did I ask? “I...I don’t know what to say. I’m sorry I asked.”
“Don’t be. I don’t mind talking to you about it. I’ve dealt with it over time. She did it on my birthday.” His lips twist wryly, “Birthdays aren’t so great for me.”
Releasing a sigh, I mumble, “I can imagine.” Bryce’s story makes my heart ache. I can’t even imagine losing my mother so horribly. At least, I got the chance to say goodbye to mine. The only way I can think to comfort him is to turn around and throw my arms around his shoulders.
His chin rests on my head. “Losing a parent is the worst but you know that.”
“I do.”
“That’s why you should cherish the time you have with the one left.”
I go completely still in his arms. I know where this is going. We’ve had a few discussions about me going to see my father. Despite promising my sister that I’d visit him, I still haven’t gotten around to it.
Gazing up at with warning, I beg, “Bryce, let’s not start this again.”
His huff of breath, fans my face. “Not to sound like a broken record but you should go and see him.”
“You don’t understand―”
“I do. You’re angry with him but he’s your father.”
“You don’t like yours very much sometimes either.”
His soft chuckle makes me scowl. “You’r
e right, I don’t. But, that’s because mine is a controlling tyrant. From what you’ve told me about yours, he’s a great father who’s made a few mistakes. Although, those mistakes have always been to provide for you and your sister.”
I gasp. “I can’t believe you’re defending him.”
“Despite your resentment, I hear the love in your voice every time you speak of him. If you adore him that much, he can’t be all that bad.”
The anger that was mounting seeps away with my long sigh. He’s right. I do adore my father and Noah Knight isn’t all bad. His actions may be warped but his intentions have always been pure. “I hate that you’re right.”
“I know. I bet your old man misses you.”
I huff. “You’re not going to stop campaigning for him, are you?”
“Nope.”
“Why? You don’t even know him.”
There’s a beat of silence before he replies, “No, but I see your guilt and misery whenever you mention not having seen him for a while. You can’t let your own anger stop you from fixing things with him, Abby. You’ll end up regretting it.”
Groaning, I bury my face in the crook of his neck. “Okay, I hear you and thank you for caring. But, can we stop talking about it? I want to enjoy my time here with you. We only have two days.”
“Fine. No more heavy topics for the rest of the weekend. Just you and me in paradise.”
I lift my head to smile at him, until he suggests, “Let’s go for a swim.” And nods to the ocean.
My smile fades. “Uh…”
“You have a fear of drowning, I know. I won’t let you, I promise.”
“You remembered.” I told him that the night we met. The night we thought we’d never see each other again yet, he remembered.
A boyish grin appears on his face. “I remember everything you say.”
My heart does several cartwheels before melting. It’s then I know for sure that I’m in love with Bryce.
Chapter Seventeen
Bryce
Getting away with Abby was a brilliant idea. I’ve had the best two days I’ve ever had in a long time. Spending time with her only leaves me craving more. Unfortunately, there’s only one more night left of our romantic weekend. One weekend isn’t enough. We need more time. I want to take her out to more restaurants, buy her more gifts―that I have to beg her to take. I want more nights of making slow passionate love on the beach, by the pool, in the pool―we’ve been very creative since we’ve been here.
“What are you thinking so hard about?”
Abby’s voice plucks me from my thoughts. The soft hum of the hot tub jets that had faded while I indulged in sensual memories comes back. I glance up at her and almost swallow my tongue. She’s changed into the skimpiest bikini I’ve seen her in yet. I wish I could live my life seeing her in those two pieces every day.
“That I want to stay here with you forever.”
She smiles. “Unfortunately, we’re going back to reality tomorrow.” She hands me one of the glasses of wine in her hands and steps into the tub.
“This can be our reality.”
Sliding closer, she tilts her head curiously. “What do you mean?”
“We can do this more often.”
“With my schedule? I don’t think so. And you have a job that you love.”
Sure I love my job but not as much as I love her. Gazing at her upturned face, I’m tempted to let her know. Instead, I suggest, “Maybe you don’t have to work.”
Confusion clouds her eyes. “Then how would I―” Her brows crease into an adorable frown. The look of disapproval she gives me makes me sigh. I knew she’d never go for it.
“Are you suggesting what I think you’re suggesting?” Her eyes narrow to slits.
“That I can take care of you? Yes.” I brace myself for her angry words.
“Bryce, I can’t allow you to do that,” she says, leaning back against the hot tub.
“Why not? You and your sister wouldn’t have anything to worry anymore. I’d take care of you like you deserve.”
“I know how to take care of myself.
“I’m not saying you don’t, Abby. I’m saying you don’t have to.” I push off my side of the tub and cage her in with my arms. My face is a few inches away from hers, and I can see all the emotions flicking.
Anger.
Annoyance.
Want.
Love.
Fear.
She’s so used to taking care of herself, but I want to take care of her now. I want her to wake up every day without anything to worry about it. She’s done enough worrying. Between having to care for her sister and then what happened with her dad and how people treat her, Abby deserves a break.
“I can’t…I mean…”
“Shhh,” I say, not wanting her to say another word. “Just think about it.” Before I give her the chance to argue, I seal my lips over hers and bring my hand out of the water to cup the back of her head. I groan down her throat and suck her tongue into my mouth. She whimpers and it’s all I need to stand from the hot, bubbling water.
My cock is hard, pointing directly to her face. Her eyes widen and her mouth parts. There is nothing I want more than to fee l those lips wrap around my cock, but I don’t want that to happen here. I want her in bed where I can feast on her body like she deserves.
I bend down and lift her into my arms. She yelps, wrapping her arms tight around my neck as I step out of the tub to our balcony. I turn my head and steal her lips in another kiss. I can taste the fruity reminisce of the wine on her lips and I swear, it makes me drunk. Her hand cups my cheek, her fingers brushing along my scruff, and I fall harder for her in that moment as she deepens the kiss.
I step inside the villa, the curtains part as I enter the room, dragging over her like feathers before falling back into place. I lay her on the bed, still wet from the hot tub, but I don’t care. What we are about to do will dry us off.
I crawl over her and rip the triangles of her bikini to the side so I can see her tits. Her nipples are hard and pointing, begging me to taste them. I bend down and suck one into my mouth. She moans, arching her back. While my tongue flicks over the hard bead, my other hand cups the other soft, silken mound. I pluck her nipple and pinch it between my fingers. She’s writhing under me, clawing at the bedsheets, her head tilted back and her eyes shut.
I love how sensitive she is.
I love how she loses control.
“Bryce,” she moans, burying her hands in my hair. Her nails scratch along my scalp and the sweet pinch of pain has my cock jerking in my swim trunks.
Letting her nipple go with a hard pop, I kiss my way down her body and slide my fingers under the straps of her bikini bottom and tug them down. I growl when I see the soft patch of hair and burying my nose in it, inhaling her sweet scent. I lift her legs over my shoulders and bury my face between her legs.
I flatten my tongue along her sheath and lick from front to back.
Her thighs tremble as she shouts.
It’s loud and no doubt the people outside can hear her since the doors are open.
I’m not going to stop.
I plunge my tongue into her tight hole, gathering her sweet juices and humming in appreciation with how sweet she is. She’s tastes like a fucking peach. My nose rubs against her clit as I eat her, rolling my tongue inside her.
“Oh god,” she cries.
I slide my tongue out and lick her lips before sucking onto her clit. I plunge one finger inside her, then two, then three, and she’s rutting against my face for more friction. “Bryce, I’m going to come,” she warns.
It only has me finger fucking her faster and harder.
“Yes! Bryce! Mmm.” She rolls her head back and forth as she comes. I remove my hand and replace it with my mouth to drink her juices.
So wet. So tasty.
When she’s shaking, quivering from the aftershocks of her orgasm, I sit back on my knees and suck my fingers into my mouth.
She takes
me by surprise by lifting up too. Her hands fumble while she tries to untie my shorts. She yanks and pulls until my cock swings free. She tugs the swim trunks down to my knees and wraps her tongue around the crown.
“Oh fuck,” I groan.
My hand flies to the back of her head to keep a gentle touch on her and she sucks the tip into her mouth. Watching my cock leave her mouth nearly has me coming down her throat. Her lips are stretched wide, her eyes meet mine, seeking my approval and I grunt when she takes more of me in her mouth.
“You suck my cock so good, baby,” I mumble, loving how her head bobs up and down. “If you keep this up, I’m going to come,” I warn her when I feel the tingle at the base of my spine and my toes curl.
The little vixen cups my balls instead and quickens her pace. With a savage sound vibrating my throat, I push her off me and crawl over her. Before she can ask why I stopped her, I thrust into her and both of us moan from the feeling of rightness.
She’s tight and hot, milking me perfectly as I drag my cock along her walls.
I don’t go easy on her.
I fuck her, gripping her hips for leverage as I hold her in place.
“Bryce, oh my god!” she screams, stretching her arms over her head to grip the rails of the headboard.
The bed slams against the wall. Every thrust is harder and harder. I’m not sure what has gotten into me, but I feel this need to show her that she is mine and that I can care for her.
She needs to know that I’m not going anywhere.
“Abby,” I moan, laying my cheek against her leg. “You feel so good. I swear, you were made me for me,” I say, wrapping my arm around her legs and flipping us over so I’m on my back and she’s on top.
Oh, hell yes. She looks fucking good up there. Her small tits bounce as she rocks on my cock, and I can tell she trepidatious because we haven’t done this position before, but my god, why haven’t we?
“You belong up there,” I tell her, squeezing her left breast as she rides me. “On your throne.”
Her brown hair flips over her shoulder as her hands land on my chest. Abby fucks me faster, my cock sliding in and out of her pussy and our skin slapping together with hard claps. Her nails scratch down my chest as she throws her head back. It becomes extra wet between us and I know she’s about to come.
The Professor Page 12
