The Sweet Road Home

by Jacki Kelly

  “Aren’t you concerned about your neighbors?” He nodded at the windows.

  “Believe me, no one can see over that hedge or around that tree.”

  “Should I be concerned that you know this?”

  She shook her head and reached for his belt buckle. After freeing the narrow strip of leather she unbuttoned his shirt and caressed his chest. His hard abs constricted under her hands. Her breathing became sporadic as she kissed his forehead before crushing her mouth against his.

  When she released his mouth he held her at a distance and searched her face.

  “Asa?” Uncertainty flashed in his eyes.

  “Yes. Yes Simeon, I’m sure.” She pulled off her shorts and thong in one fluid motion and stood naked in front of him.

  He caressed her thighs and then cupped her buttocks. His tongue traced a circle around her navel, then across her stomach. The warmth of his touch sent her emotions skyrocketing. He pulled off shoes, socks, and pants. His hands kneaded her thighs. The heat of his touch ignited her core. She groaned. His tongue found its way to her left nipple and drew on it. His suckling intensified; her nipples throbbed.

  He pulled back, allowing his eyes to run the length of her body. He brushed his hands across her nipples. Pleasure danced up her spine, making her knees wobble. She parted her lips slightly and he found her tongue. Stroking and taunting her tongue simultaneously.

  Maybe she wanted too much. Love. Maybe she should be content just being with him. Her body craved him like flowers craved sunshine. She could no more let him go than she could forget to breathe. Blood rushed to her engorged nub, pulsating like miniature earthquakes. She rocked her hips in response to his touch. The exquisite feeling left her breathless; she released his tongue to catch her breath.

  Her orgasm began with a small tremor and grew with each stroke of his hand. She wanted him inside of her, to fill the emptiness she’d ignored for so long.

  He retrieved a condom from his pants pocket and rolled it into place. With his leg stretched in front of him, she straddled him again, facing his feet. She came down on his penis with a slowness that made him groan with pleasure. The thick feel of his shaft filled her like hot steel. She tightened her muscles around his penis, claiming the erection that throbbed inside of her. She slid up and down with such precision, each thrust drove him deeper into her folds leaving her seething with desire. He held on to her hips, her fingers dug into his thighs. Her desire for him was so intense she struggled to control her momentum. She increased her movement, her head thrown back as she muffled the cry growing in her throat. Her muscles contracted, pulsing against his penis. He gripped her hips, slowed her down as his body tensed and jerked. Together their bodies pulsated. She clasped onto him. His hands coiled around her waist, pressing his damp chest to her back.

  “Is this how you plan to protect me? Who will protect me against you?”

  “You may look delicate and dainty, but...but woman you are a handful.” His lusty voice whispered in her ear as he pulled out of her.

  “That’s good, right?” she asked over her shoulder.

  “It’s very good.”

  She felt his penis jerk to life against her thigh. With care, he shifted on the small sofa until she was beneath him. He placed his mouth over hers, his kiss slow and tender.

  Getting lost in her emotions was so easy. Every cell in her body screamed for him. She couldn’t pull away.

  This time he was in control. He found the base of her neck and ran his tongue along her collarbone before kissing the tender, soft skin. She released a low moan and began to rotate her hips. He whispered her name. The husky sound of his voice was enough to drive her to orgasm again, but she refused to succumb.

  He slipped his finger into the soft, wet folds of her core, found her nub and stroked it gently. Nothing had ever felt so exquisite. Heat ricocheted across her flesh. He found that sensitive spot and seized it until she gasped with ecstasy.

  “Simeon, please--” With her plea he removed his finger and slid into her. She arched her back, drawing him in deeper. Her hands raced across his massive shoulders. Her hips bucked; he kissed her earlobe before whispering her name again and joining her.

  I love him. I love Simeon.

  Chapter Twenty

  The slight bruises on her wrists brought the memory of Eric’s crushing grip rushing back. Asa reached across the bed for Simeon, but the space next to her was empty. Her eyes flew open. She was alone. Dread flared in her stomach as she bolted upright. In spite of her independent drive she wished Simeon had stayed a little longer. Stayed the night.

  Panic raced across her flesh at the sound of footsteps on the hardwood floor. She drew the sheet over her breasts as she scrunched low in the bed pushing against the headboard and scanned the room for her cell phone.

  Simeon pushed the door open with his foot. He carried two cups of tea. “It’s about time you woke up.” He winked at her.

  “I thought you were gone,” her voice cracked.

  His forehead creased as he searched her face. He set both mugs on the nightstand. “Why’d you think that? You said you needed me to stay a month. And I plan to.” He leaned over and brushed her lips, before inserting his tongue in her mouth. His breath tasted minty. A hint of stubble tickled her face.

  A night of fire-hot sex, followed by tea in bed and, delivered by the sexiest man she knew could be addicting. She fell back against the pillow and ran her eyes over his exposed chest then up to his dark eyes. Something flashed there, something she’d never seen or noticed before, and it tugged at her heart. But just as quickly it disappeared. Could he feel the same way about her that she felt about him?

  “Take off your pants and come back to bed, please,” she said. He obeyed, baring his muscular legs. After last night she should be satisfied for a month, but as he crawled over her a slow burn reignited between her thighs. The warmth from his body pressed against her. Her mantra was to stay focused on the important stuff, but it was getting harder to remember anything but his scent, his touch and the way he tasted.

  She nuzzled her head into his chest. “Last night you said you wanted to talk. What about?”

  He rose on one elbow while stroking her breasts. “What if I told you there may be a chance to save your house?”

  She sprang back up. “What— How—”

  He sat up against the headboard and grabbed her hands.

  “Before you get excited let me explain. The deal is not complete yet. The Plaid Group agreed to look at another parcel of land.”

  “That’s absolutely fabulous! You should have told me that the minute we got in your car last night.”

  His lips curled into a smile. “You weren’t in the mood.”

  “I’ve hounded you for weeks. I’ve done everything except get down on my knees. Sometimes I think you like torturing me.”

  “We’ll that’s not true. You’re just very persistent.”

  “My sisters think I’m nuts. I’ve even asked my realtor to find a condo for me. After the rally I just about gave up on the whole idea of keeping the house.”

  “But please don’t get too excited yet.”

  “Well, thank you for trying. I really mean that.” She kissed his full, luscious lips.

  § § §

  Water beaded on his shoulders as Simeon sauntered across the bedroom, nude. His dark eyes danced with mischief as they raked over her. Starting at her eyes, he slowly moved to her mouth before devouring the rest of her body. Desire oozed from him. He ran his tongue over his lips and she knew she was in too deep to get away without being affected. She had sheltered her heart safely away, but Simeon found the key. If she didn’t slow down, she would fall hard.

  His close-cropped hair glistened and his washboard stomach was still damp. She sucked her stomach in, suddenly feeling self-conscious of her softness.

  “Take that towel off.” He tugged at the towel that covered her. “I like looking at your sexiness.”

  “We’ve used all the condoms, so s
top looking.” She pulled a thong from the drawer and slipped it on. “Let me cook you breakfast.”

  “Take a ride with me.” He wrapped his arm around her waist.

  “Before or after we eat?”

  “Spend the weekend with me in Rehoboth. I need to go down today to open up the beach house.”

  She faced him. “Beach house. You have a beach house? Who are you? How many houses does a single man need?”

  “Come with me. I’ll tell you all about the Simeon Harper you don’t know.” He chuckled. His eyes twinkled when he laughed.

  She loved the sound of his laughter. “Is there more to tell? I’ve known you most of my life.” He sat down on the bed and pulled her closer. The light kisses he planted on her stomach fueled her hunger and any affirmations about staying focus faded.

  “Simeon, you were saying?”

  “Oh yeah.” He grinned. “No, you don’t really know me. Pack some of this fancy stuff you wear and let’s go.” He picked up her sundress and twirled it around.

  “Will you feed me?”

  “I’ll feed your stomach, and your soul, as much as you want. Every minute of every day.”

  § § §

  After a stop at Simeon’s house to pick up clothes, he pulled onto Route 1 South along with the other beach-goers. Traffic bogged down at every toll plaza. The closer they got to the beaches the slower the traffic moved.

  A weekend away from the city was an idea engraved in pleasure. Even if he didn’t want commitment and she didn’t want a fling she couldn’t resist. She wanted something solid. She wanted a marriage like the one her parents shared. After Eric, it was something she never though she would want again, but being around Simeon, with him, made her heart yearn for the complete package.

  “What do you have to do down here this weekend?” Asa rubbed the top of Scruffy’s head as he sat at her feet.

  “Spend time with you.” He winked. “I’ll make sure we have plenty of food for you two. But mostly I just want to make sure the house is ready for the season. Check that everything is working. You know, toilet flushing, water running, that sort of thing. And we’ll get some rest. I need stamina to spend time with you.”

  She smiled. They road in silence for several minutes. The salty smell of the ocean filled the car as they neared the water. Pedestrian traffic increased with families heading to the beach with tightly rolled towels tucked under their arms and carrying coolers and beach chairs. Several bicyclists peddled on both sides of the road. From their leisurely pace, Asa knew it was time to calm her racing thoughts and relax.

  A group of clapboard townhouses graced the bay side of the highway and larger stately window-filled houses dotted the ocean side. A visit to the Delaware beaches was always a treat from their father at the end of every school year. It felt good to be back in a place with so many pleasant memories.

  She faced Simeon. “Let’s get Fisher’s caramel popcorn while we’re here.”

  “You’re a fan?”

  “I love that stuff. It reminds me of summer and my dad.”

  “Your dad, huh?”

  Asa saw his jaw tighten. “You never talk about your father.”

  “Nope, I don’t. There isn’t a whole lot to talk about. He lived on a bench, drank too much and died young. End of story.” Simeon pulled the car into a carport on the side of a three-story structure that faced the ocean. Each level boasted a balcony. The house looked massive with the horizon as its backdrop. A rooftop deck was nestled into one of the dormers.

  As soon as Asa took off his leash, Scruffy charged to the water’s edge. “Scruffy! Come back here.” She kicked off her sandals to chase the dog across the warm sand. She wasn’t fast enough to catch him before he plunged into the receding tide.

  The shock of cold water on her feet made her squeal. “This water is freezing,” she yelled over her shoulder.

  “It doesn’t get warm until late July or early August. I’ll let you two play. I’m content to watch from here.” Simeon stood on a sand dune.

  “I’m not going back in there. My feet are freezing.” Asa ran up the dune to stand next to Simeon. She stood close enough to feel his skin against hers.

  Together they watched Scruffy try to catch a seagull. Simeon wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She let her body go limp against him. She wanted time to stand still long enough to imprint this image on her memory forever. Years of searching and fumbling had finally landed her where she needed to be. But Simeon wasn’t ready for a commitment. His business was his only long-term relationship.

  Listening to her parents could have saved her some disappointment. Years ago, maybe she and Simeon could have carved out a future together. Was it too late for them? What were they doing? Where would this relationship end up? She wanted to believe he felt something for her, loved her. But, she was afraid to want too much.

  “How soon will we know for certain?” she asked.

  “About your house? It shouldn’t take too long. I’m hoping to know something by the end of the week.” He tightened his hold on her.

  “Thank you, Simeon.” She turned in his arms and stood on her toes to kiss him. His mouth was warm. The sound of the waves along with a few squawks from the seagulls and Scruffy’s barking were the only noises. She encircled his waist. Her heart swelled as he accepted her kiss.

  The dog staggered out of the water, his tongue hung with exhaustion. He ran toward her.

  “Aack,” Asa yelled when he shook his whole body and sprayed them with water.

  “Since he’s wet should we dry him off before going inside?” Asa asked. Simeon reached for her hand as they walked to the house.

  He unlocked the door. “There’s no carpet on the ground level, so he’s fine. I’ll get a towel and dry him off.” He held the door open and allowed her and the dog to enter. “Go on upstairs to the living room; I’ll be up as soon as I dry him off.”

  She kicked off her shoes and padded barefoot up the stairs. Without waiting for permission she pulled the floor to ceiling shutters open to expose the view. Glaring sunshine flooded the room and bounced off the glass surface of the water. The heat of the sun warmed her face.

  The spectacular room, this place looked much friendlier than his family room in Bristol. Personal touches of Simeon littered the cozy room, a family portrait on the end table, several football trophies adorned the case in the corner, a book along with a CD lay on the sandy colored sofa. It looked like he walked away a moment ago, instead of months ago.

  Scruffy ran up the stairs ahead of Simeon. “I love this room. With this view how do you ever tear yourself away to go back to Bristol?”

  “It’s easier than you think when you have a business to run... and you’re alone.”

  Asa sat on a bar stool next to Simeon. “I’ll bite. Tell me why a good looking, wealthy man is all alone.”

  He turned to look out the window. Instead of answering, he stood up.

  “I’m going to the car to get our bags and the food. I promised to feed you and Scruffy tonight.”

  § § §

  Is she toying with me? Was that last question meant to taunt me? Simeon descended the stairs two at a time and pushed open the door. Outside he ran his hands over his head. He needed fresh air. This wasn’t difficult; he knew how to keep his emotions in check. But the way she said his name or looked at him, everything about her bypassed his head and went straight to his heart. He exhaled slowly.

  Only one person knew his secrets, and his mother was gone. She was the only woman he openly admitting to loving. Asa almost tugged that confession out of him again. He couldn’t lay himself open like that. If the new parcel of land didn’t work Asa could turn on him. If she knew a wrecking ball could knock down her house in a matter of weeks she might scurry back into a hole that he could never coax her out of.

  He pulled their bags from the trunk along with the food they had purchased. “Check yourself, brother, before you end up sorry and pathetic like your father,” he muttered under his breath as he
juggled bags and headed inside.

  She stood on the balcony looking at the ocean. Instead of disturbing her, he put the food and bags away. Maybe by the time she came back inside, she wouldn’t be looking for answers to probing questions.

  § § §

  A while later, he massaged herbs into the chicken breasts before spreading them with fontina cheese and basil. He tied each breast closed with twine then placed them in the oven.

  “Dinner should be ready in an hour,” he yelled.

  Asa lay curled up on the sofa. After a long walk on the beach and the caramel popcorn, she looked exhausted. Even the dog looked worn out, sprawled next to her on the floor. Asa’s eyelids struggled to remain open. He would never tire of this view. He imagined a long, grueling day eased by coming home to see her brilliant smile.

  After several moments, he shook himself and released the image. “You aren’t too tired to eat, are you?”

  “No. I’m just enjoying myself. I haven’t felt this relaxed since I came back home.” She stretched her arms over her head.

  The swell of her breasts peaked over her v-neck top. Every time he looked at her, his body reacted. Instead of going to lay with her on the couch and taking her soft, lush body, he plucked two glasses from the cabinet. He selected a bottle of Riesling from the wine refrigerator.

  “Come with me; let’s sit outside until dinner is ready.” He opened the French doors and led the way down the stairs to the lanai. He placed the tray on the table before lighting the outside fire pit. The glow from the ceramic briquettes threw just enough light as the sun settled low on the horizon. The ocean barely made a sound as it brushed the shore.