Текст книги "A Taste of Summer"

Автор книги: Beverly Preston

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Текущая страница: 11 (всего у книги 18 страниц)

Unsure of where to place her hand, she fidgeted moving it from her hip to her waist. Summer captured her fingers and laid them on his bare chest.

Her breathing fell into sync with the rhythm of his heart thumping beneath her fingertips. Tension began to slip from her limbs. Each tiny movement felt like a new expedition, of old familiar territories. Her body shaping to the dips and curves of her past.

Carrie Ann opened her mouth to speak, but her voice hitched on the inhale catching the scent of him on her tongue. The erotic sensation heightened by missing years and the loss of sight. She cleared her throat and tried again. “What’s with you and all the…Zen language?

Summer closed his hand over hers, trapping it in the heat of his body. “I practice yoga.”

“You study yoga?” Bemusement riddled her voice. The thunder rumbling in the distance was lost to the feel of his abdomen tightening beneath her palm as laughter escaped him.

“I do a lot of things that might surprise you.”

His thigh moved beneath her leg. She was certain his foot wagged back and forth. She also knew he’d have a huge grin plastered to his face. He always did.

She smiled at the recollection. Carrie Ann resolved to the snuggling. The tips of her fingers played lazily along his ribs. The temptation to touch him was excruciating. She knew what waited beneath the confines of his jeans. Heaven. She wondered how long he’d been in solitary confinement. Secretly, she’d somewhat kept up on his dating habits. It was hard not to, considering his gorgeous mug fronted so many magazines lining the grocery store checkouts.

Hard running emotions moved through him in small tremors. Her mind began to drift in the darkness, somewhere deep inside she wanted him to make a move. She wanted him to bury his hands in her hair and kiss her like there was no tomorrow.

Tomorrow was promised to no one.

She needed to come clean and she knew it.

Carrie Ann tried to tell him. Lying there in the dark, she opened her mouth half a dozen times, but the words would not come. The wind howled through the trees, mimicking the sound of crying. It sparked memories of the sound of her sobs the night they broke up. She couldn’t help but wonder what would’ve happened if she’d let him hold her that night. If she’d let him ease her pain. If she would’ve let him in.

Exhaustion took hold of the blackness, slowly releasing the tension from her body. She opened her mouth to try again, but all that came out was a soft sleepy murmur, “The wind is so strong. I can’t believe all the trees haven’t fallen over yet.”

“The strong storms that roll through this region make the trees take deeper roots,” Summer said deftly. “Kind of like you and me.”

“Umm.” She remained motionless, drifting off to sleep in the blissful comfort of his arms.

Pressing his lips against the top of her head, Summer whispered in a miserable voice, “Don’t let me go, Red.”

Chapter Ten

‡

She woke to Aspen tugging on her foot. Carrie Ann’s lashes fought against the cashmere covering her eyes.

“Aspen, no-no,” she groaned, untying the sash draped loosely around her neck.

Bright sunshine streamed through the fogged windows. Her eyes squinted, straining to focus. She raised her hand to block the sunlight from her eyes.

“It’s me, Carrie Ann.” Summer jiggled her toes again. “There’s a break in the weather. We have a short window of time before the next storm moves through. We should be able to make it out of here if we leave in less than an hour.”

She scrubbed the sleep from her eyes. He stood at the end of the couch dressed in jeans and a rock t-shirt, boots on and sunglasses perched on top of his head. Dark smudges of fatigue lay beneath his eyes.

“We’re leaving?”

“I think its best. I can’t take much more of this.” Forcing a small smile, he coasted his thumb over her toenails. “I was hoping we’d get to these.”

Hurt and longing muddied his eyes and voice.

She didn’t like it.

A cold ache spread goosebumps down her exposed leg. “Summer…”

“It’s okay, Red. You don’t have to say anything. I know you came willingly, but it’s clear you don’t want to be here. I feel horrible about last night.” He gave the arch of her foot a quick double squeeze before letting go. “I’m ready, so if you’ll throw your things together, we’ll take off.”

He didn’t bother waiting around for her response. Carrie Ann propped up on her elbows. Fine speckles of dust glimmered in the rays of light casting over the couch she lay on. Her gaze slid down her barely-there tank top and boy-short panties. A twinge of guilt tickled her gut, feeling contrite for his penis.

A hard frown soured her face, as she rose to her feet. The heaviness of years of long nights hung from her slouched shoulders, as she slogged to her room to pack.

It should’ve taken her thirty minutes to get ready to leave, but an hour and fifteen minutes had passed by the time she stepped out the front door. Her flowy white blouse tucked behind the buckle of her brown belt and frayed cut-off shorts.

For the first time since she’d arrived the majestic snow-capped mountains were on full display, rising above the fertile valley. The fresh scents of pine and rainy earth clung to the damp air.

Summer and Aspen played football in the meadow. The tall grass bright in contrast to the dark saturated ground. The sounds of birds and other small animals hard at work filled the stillness.

Closing her eyes, Carrie Ann tried to ignore the dull painful ache settling in behind her heart. Drawing in a big breath of air, she stepped off the porch and waved to Summer. He gave a final toss of the ball, jogging toward the cabin. Aspen followed on his heels. Her lanky legs stumbling as she ran.

“I can’t believe how big she’s gotten in just a few days,” she murmured. It seemed as if the pup had doubled in size.

Pulling keys from his pocket, he locked the door and started for the plane. Threatening clouds hovered in clusters high overhead, darkening the skies. Carrie Ann trailed behind them, struggling to keep her suitcase upright.

A ray of sunshine, clear and straight, pushed through the clouds, carving a distinct shadow on the ground directly in front of her feet. Carrie Ann stopped abruptly. Her sandals skid on the pavement of the landing strip nearly knocking her on her ass. Her heart pounded. A rush of sentiments sparked fire to every nerve ending she possessed. The bag slung over her shoulder dropped to the ground.

The clatter drew his attention. Summer turned back. The sound of gravel crunching beneath each footstep. “Sorry, do you need some help with these?” he asked apologetically, taking hold of her bags.

She couldn’t answer. She couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t move. Her knees locked tight, refusing to carry her any further.

Summer walked toward the plane.

He walked out of her reach.

He was walking right out of her life.

Carrie Ann staggered half a step backward putting some much needed distance between her and the definitive line drawn on the ground in front of her feet. If she crossed that line, if she stepped foot on that plane, it was over. Summer would forever be part of her past. There would be no shot at a future with him.

Sucking in a big breath of air, she filled her lungs before blurting loudly, “I’ve seen all of your movies.”

Carrie Ann had no idea why those were the words she chose to shout, but a stream of tears broke free, spilling down her cheeks. She suspected it was because she wanted him to know how proud she was of him.

“I know. You already confessed how much you loved my movies.”

“I didn’t really care for the last one. I mean…I liked the movie, but I didn’t like it when you kissed her. I really hated the fact that she was topless.” One shoulder lifted and her chin jutted out boldly, bracing for her own admission. “I won’t be very good about things like that.”

Summer stopped. The hard edge of the outline of his shoulders softened.

“Was that so hard to admit?”

“Yes.”

“I was thinking of you…wishing she was you the entire time.” Turning around, he started toward her. “Oh, Christ, Red, don’t cry. You’re killing me. You’ve cried more in the last few days than you did in the two years we dated.”

Summer stopped in front of her, hands hung stiffly at his sides, not knowing what to do. Carrie Ann recognized that rigid stance of self-preservation. She’d worn it well for years. He’d already given her every chance to say yes to him and she’d shut him out. Now he was doing the same.

Swiping the wetness from her chin with the back of her hand, she motioned toward the plane. “I don’t really want to go.”

He glared at her behind his aviator sunglasses. “Don’t stand there and insult me Carrie Ann. I’m a damn good pilot.”

“I’m not afraid to fly. You owe me a date.” She wanted to go to him, but her feet dug in refusing to budge beyond the line drawn on the ground.

“You’ve had days…”

“Can you please come over here so I can talk to you?” she asked, waving at the pavement like an idiot.

“What’s the problem?”

“I can’t step over that line. Will you please just come over here?”

Summer’s nose wrinkled in bewilderment. Stepping over the streak of darkness, he asked, “The shadow?”

Nodding hotly, her body pitched forward, leaving only inches between them. She tangled her fingers into the sides of his t-shirt. Summer remained sullen making it perfectly clear he’d been tortured enough. His patience had been pushed to the brink.

If there was a move to be made…it was going to have to come from her.

Carrie Ann raised her chin and released an excruciatingly long breath. Gripping tightly to the cotton hem, she tugged, crushing him against the length of her body. Her heart began a steady stampede, picking up pace, charging through her veins. The hard terrain of his frame was a perfect match for her curves.

A small flicker of hope and happiness brushed his lips.

“Summer, I’ve missed you more than words can ever explain. I’m sorry I’ve been such a pain in the ass the last few days. I was scared. I was being stubborn and shitty.” She managed a breath between rambles. Her chin trembled, wetness leaked from her eyes into her hairline. Letting go of his shirt, she slipped her hands over his wide shoulders. “I don’t want to leave. I don’t want to go home. I want to try again.”

A brief pause. “Feel better getting that off your chest?” She began nodding before he’d finished the sentence. “Thank, God.”

Finally, she felt the relief of his arms circle around her hips, gripping and coasting, showering her with passionate touches. Carrie Ann frantically pulled him to her mouth, but he held back. Summer wasn’t breathing well. Tremors roped through his muscles. He rested his chin atop her head.

“Carrie Ann, before this goes any further. I need to know…” He held her outward. The seriousness in his tone startled her, awakening an internal panic button. “…that you believe me about that morning. The woman in my room. I’ve never lied to you. If you can’t trust me after all this time then there’s no reason to even try, Red. We need to be honest with each other. We’ll never make it with lies between us.”

At that precise moment, she realized he was opening a door for her. Summer knew she’d been hiding something from him. Carrie Ann needed to disclose the truth, but she just wasn’t ready. She’d craved this for so long, his kiss, his touch, his comfort and friendship, she refused to give up the moment. One door at a time.

“I believe you.”

“I mean it, Red.” His lips moved in a whisper along the side of her face to the edge of her mouth. She gasped at the scruff of his beard tickling all the way to her toes. “Not another word about it.”

“Not another word. I promise.”

On her declaration of assurance, Summer pushed his fingers into her hair. As his mouth descended over hers, contemplations of her admission faded to the back burner and delight burst to the forefront.

Every ounce of his being took control, kissing her with infinite finesse. Subtle searching slowly building into a long-awaited, vigorous grappling of hands, mouth, body and soul. Her pulse skyrocketed. Needing more, she explored roughly with her tongue, digging her nails into the flesh at the back of his arms.

“Miss me?” he murmured between their open mouths.

“Yes,” she whimpered.

Summer’s control began to slip. He crushed his mouth to hers, greedily licking into her mouth. One arm came around the small of her back, forcing an upward arch. His other hand brushed teasingly along the tender dip of her hip. The tips of his fingers stole beneath the waistband of her shorts, closing over the fullness of her bottom and grasping firmly.

The severity of time lost became all too clear and feelings of loss bowled through her. Sobs quaked inside her chest. Carrie Ann lifted to her toes. It wasn’t enough. Her leg hitched around his hip, grinding desperately against the hard pressure of his erection. The slippery friction of their kiss, rhythmic and ravenous, guiding her in one direction.

Looping a finger through her belt loop, Summer hoisted her around his waist. She marveled at his strength, sweeping her hand over his biceps. Carrie Ann hooked her arms and legs around him, snuggling her nose to the slope between his neck and shoulder. She clung to him, breathing in the sunny scent, needing more, holding tighter as if her life depended on him.

Suitcase in tow, he started for the cabin. Aspen whined, trotting along beside them.

“It’s okay, girl.” The reassurance was meant for the pup, but it calmed her soul.

“She loves you…you know.”

Carrie Ann nodded, removing his sunglasses and hooking them on the front of her blouse. Lust coated his eyes, feasting on the deep valley between her breasts. Holding the bar of his forearm beneath her bum, he lifted her higher, nibbling and kissing her voluptuous cleavage.

The sun shined down on the intimate act. Her lips parted, panting, watching as he grabbed the edge of her white bra between his teeth. Navigating the lace downward, Summer circled his tongue over the tight pink bud. The scorching heat of his mouth, licking and sucking, drew a low pleasure cry from her throat.

Desire saturated their mingled breath. Carrie Ann slipped her fingers inside her bra, freeing her other breast. Discarding the luggage, he gently pinched the damp nipple, rolling it between his fingers, as his mouth made haste with the other. It was stunningly erotic, being outside in the middle of nowhere. Not a soul in sight. Completely uninhibited, all modesty cast aside.

Pressing her body to his, her hips rolled, settling heavily against his groin as she clung to his shoulders for support. A hungry low groan hummed from her chest. Carrie Ann wiggled and squirmed, prompting his fingers to take action.

Slipping his fingers beyond the frayed edges of her shorts, he gently sunk his teeth into her shoulder, murmuring, “Carrie Ann Lowell, you’re not wearing any panties.”

“I’m on vacation.”

Grappling to fit closer, she kicked out of her shoes, hooking her ankles at his spine. His lips traversed the slope of her neck, nibbling and kissing, nipping the lobe of her ear between his teeth. He shoved at her clothing, moving it aside, skating a fingertip over her slick center. Clasping tighter to his neck, she bucked and writhed, begging in a breathy voice, “Yes. Oh, yes. Touch me. Please, Summer.”

“Hungry, Red? Hmm?” Summer’s voice lost to sounds of pleasure. His fingers claiming her center, circling, teasing, working her into a frantic, quivering hot mess. She was on fire.

Gathering the mass of her dark hair, he tugged her head back, persuading a response. “Oh, fuck yes. Famished. Starving.”

Whimpering, she devoured his mouth. Savoring the sweet minty taste of his kiss. He dipped a finger into the syrupy heat, drawing a long purr from behind their lips. Her knees clamped tighter, digging into his sides, moving, riding, propelling her higher. Her heart beat wildly. Carrie Ann locked her gaze on his warm amber eyes. He slid another finger inside, thrusting with purpose.

“Cum for me, Red.” His raspy voice moved over her open lips in a demanding groan.

She began to tip, rolling and arching her body. The immense pleasure vexingly good as he pumped steadily, with wicked precision. Her toes curled, muscles flexed as she shattered.

He consumed her cries of pleasure with hungry kisses. Her chest heaved laboriously. Wrestling with his t-shirt, she yanked it over his head.

Summer brought his fingers to his lips, tasting her sweetness. A smirk ticked the corner of his wide, firm mouth. “You’re getting a little easy with age.”

“We’ll see who’s getting easier with age.” She touted, tossing his tee on a patch of tall grass. Un-hinging her legs from his hips, she stretched her toes to the ground. The soft straw-like meadow grass bent beneath her feet.

She dropped to her knees, resting on his shirt.

All humor fled his expression, both thumbs stroking over her cheeks. Carrie Ann eased forward, kissing the sensitive dip of his V. Dropping her forehead, she nuzzled against the scalding heat of stomach. The frantic rush inside her mind began to subside into a sweet, tender, cadence. Sentiments of longing and adoration stole over her in an intense level of affection she’d never been able to find with anyone else.

“I’ve missed you so much,” she murmured, nudging and licking along the silky dark trail leading to heaven.

Gently, she bit at the bulging ridge hidden behind a layer of denim. A guttural groan drifted through the air above her head. The tips of her chilly finger made haste working the button and zipper.

He went perfectly still.

A sultry grin pulled at her lips as her eyes traveled upward over the tense muscles of his abdomen. Summer stared down at her. The color of his eyes softening to a molten gold. His gaze fixed on her mouth.

Freeing his cock from the confines of his jeans, Carrie Ann inhaled the clean, delicious scent. His humid flesh, silky and hard as iron, brushed across her cheek and chin. She caught a sideways glimpse of the puppy sitting on her haunches, watching her every move.

Rising to her feet, she grabbed hold of Aspen, insisting, “I’ll be right back. Don’t move.”

“Fuck, I wouldn’t dream of it, Red.”

She jogged to the cabin, placing the pup on the porch with strict instruction and a harsh warning. “Stay, girl.”

“You sure you don’t want to go inside. I have a very nice bed.” Hunger fixed in his voice.

Sauntering back to the patch of grass, she wrapped her arms around him. “No,” she hissed beneath their lips, delivering a long, lewd, luscious kiss before dropping to her knees. Her fingers spanned the slope of his hips before curling inside the waistband of his pants, slowly pushing them over his hips and past his thighs.

“I’m not going to be able to hang onto this, Red,” he warned, already riding the ridge of climax.

His fingers tangled in her mane, firmly clasping her head. She skimmed her parted lips over his engorged head. Her head dropped back, their gazes colliding. Playfully, she took the ridge between her teeth before opening her mouth fully, massaging her tongue to the underside of the rigid column.

A hard swallow rolled down his throat.

Compulsorily, he thrust twice into the heat of her mouth, growling with pleasure, before pulling himself free from the suction of her mouth. His flesh glistened in the sunshine.

“It’s okay. I want to taste you, Summer. I have no doubts you’ll take care of me when I’m done.”

A small frown notched between his brows indicted a momentary struggle with the idea of putting himself first. Carrie Ann offered a little encouragement, taking him into her mouth again. His legs shifted, parting slightly. The strain of muscles evident under the pressure of her fingers grasping at his thighs.

Carrie Ann unbuttoned her shirt, tossing it aside without removing her mouth from his cock. She tucked her hands behind her back, but he brushed them aside, leaning over to unclasp her bra, slipping it from her shoulders. Sunshine warmed her back, yet her breasts ached, tightening and contracting to the cool air.

An overwhelming feeling of complete abandon rocked her to the core of her existence. She wanted to please him. She wanted to blow his mind. Carrie Ann purred, “The other day…what was it that you said? How do you want to fuck me? Hmm?”

The double question luring him in. Summer’s thumb caught on her lower lip, sensually sliding the pad over the lush wetness, opening her mouth. “Inside, outside, upside down and fucking sideways.”

She spoke against his skin, licking the underside of his cock. He was a magnificent sight. “What about here?”

His jaw flexed and one brow lifted in astonishment. He tangled his hands roughly in her hair. “I’ve dreamed of fucking the sweet mouth of yours for ten years, Red. Every time I close my eyes, it’s always your face I see.”

Licking her lips, she closed around him, sucking as she took him deep. Once, twice, three times.

“Is this how I look when you think of me?” It was the most brazen thing she’d ever said in her life. The energy running inside her seemed raw and wild. The scene playing out vividly before her very eyes felt very empowering.

Summer’s head tilted to the side, his eyes darkened to the color of whiskey. “When did you start talking like this?”

“Since right now.” Taking him into her mouth, she opened her throat, working the entire length of him. He held her head firmly, only guiding, cogently aware of his strength and size. The scent of him, the taste, the connection…all of it making her drunk with pleasure.

“Good answer.” The words came in rough, strained pants.

Loosening his restraint on her head, his fingers tousled and twisted at her long hair, piling it atop her head to take in the view. His hips jutted forward, again and again, moving in sync with her rhythm. A coarse groan climbed higher, resounding in his chest.

“Red. Carrie Ann, oh fuck yessssss.” His frame stiffened. He threw his head back, shuddering a scrumptious release.

It was hot and sweet and absolutely glorious.

After a moment, a smile tipped the corner of his mouth, sweeping his hands over her, enjoying as much of her as he could reach. “I guess we can check ‘outside’ off the list…almost.”

Yanking his jeans over his hips, he offered a hand, assisting her to her feet. He dropped to his haunches. Summer pulled her close, tongue wandering from breast to breast, as he undid her shorts. Her palms moved languidly over his arms and shoulders, marveling at the power.

“I think I’m a fan of outside. We might have to check it off the list a few times.” Her face flushed and they both smiled.

Summer spun her around. The tickle of his teeth at the center of her back made her giggle. He placed an endless trail of sweet kisses down her spine, inching her shorts over her full hips, and dropping them to the ground. Standing fully naked in broad daylight, she’d never felt more alive.

Taking several delectable nibbles of her ass, he slipped the house keys into her hand. “Red…” His moist breath caused every hair on her body to stand at a fine point. “I’m going to go get your suitcase and gather a few of my things from the plane. By the time I get inside I want you lying on my bed. I plan on making love to you till you can’t see straight.”

“Okay.”

“Will you take my shirt with you?”

“Sure,” she agreed breathily, bending to pick up his shirt.

Trap set.

She found herself ensnared in the firm grip of his hands on her hips. Summer prompted her to bend further. And she did so, gladly. Legs spread at hips width, she was completely exposed to the direct sunlight.

A long sigh, saturated with the sounds of sheer awe, coasted over her bottom. “So beautiful,” he murmured, plunging his tongue between the apex of her thighs.

Hot shots of pleasure rendered her motionless. She surrendered to the marauding, deep and sure. His mouth, all encompassing, fully indulged in her essence. Pressure surged. Carrie Ann dropped her hands to the ground, clasping the tall blades of yellow grass. His mouth glided along the slick of her smooth skin, skillfully drawing her in, plunging and sucking in a precise rhythm. Her hips began to move, involuntarily rocking back and forth with the wicked caress of his tongue.

Reaching beneath her, his talented fingers targeted her throbbing center with infinite accuracy, meticulously skating and circling the damp delicate nub.

Long voluptuous contractions rippled through her core, gathering force with each lazy turn. Her legs shifted and quaked as her climax started to take hold. She cried out, “Summer.”

“Let go, Red.”

Even in her frenzied state, she recognized the sanctimonious victory lingering in his voice. Her body responded to his instructions on cue, joyously coming undone. He languorously lapped up every last twitch, praising the sweet taste of her between licks.

In one smooth move, he scooped her into his arms, saving her from collapsing.

“Keys?”

“Shorts,” she panted.

Bending strategically, without losing his hold, he grabbed her cut-offs, swiftly making for the cabin. He nuzzled and kissed her neck. The scruff on his face, damp from her pleasure. Carrie Ann slumped like a rag doll, one arm slung over his shoulder, shudders of release still claiming her core as they clumsily made it over the threshold. Aspen greeted them with a bark, darting circles around his feet.

Setting her toes to the floor, he cupped the side of her flush face in his palm. She gripped his hips, pressing her naked body against the length of his body. His hard-on jutted from the open fly of his jeans. “That was…beautiful, Carrie Ann.”

“Where are you going?”

“There are few things I need from my bag.” He pushed his forehead to hers, consuming her attention. “And where are you going to be when I walk through that damn door?”

“Naked in your bed.”

Happiness radiated from the apples of her cheeks seeing Summer bolt off the porch, Aspen on his heels. Entering his room, she opened the blinds and tossed back the fluffy comforter. The white linens sparked a distinct vision of him pleasuring himself. Her eyes fluttered shut, relishing the memory.

Carrie Ann propped a knee on a chair beside the window. Leaning over the winged back, she rested her elbows on the windowsill. The grin lingering on her lips heightened into laughter watching him haul ass down the runway. The man was absolutely gorgeous, sprinting, shirtless and pants haphazardly falling from his hips. The scenic Montana sky and snowcapped mountains acting as a background to his lean, rugged loveliness.

A burning sensation gathered behind her eyes as the pounding of her heart decelerated to an easy, blissful rhythm. Sex had never been the same with any of the other men she’d dated. She’d never been able to be as vulnerable. Summer brought a sense of self-discovery, never judging or pushing, just allowing her to explore her own limits. He projected a calm dose of confidence, capturing her spirit in the rawest of forms.

“God, I’ve missed him.”

Passing by a mirror, she inspected her face for smudges and tussled her hair so it poured perfectly over her breasts. Moving to his bed, she sprawled out facedown and side-to-side. Sunbeams pushing through the window, pre-warmed the luxurious sheets beneath her tummy. Elbows bent, she propped her chin on her entwined fingers. Her feet crossed at the ankles, toes pointed toward the ceiling, happily swaying back and forth in midair, anxiously waiting to see him in the doorway.

Summer’s burning gaze landed on her from the hallway painting a sexy smile on his lips as he walked into the room. Letting go of his luggage, he sauntered straight for her. His stare never faltered. Carrie Ann’s hand drifted forward. Their fingertips met, gently stroking and brushing. The energy arcing between the slight connections was momentous.

“I’ve craved this moment since the last time I saw you lying in my bed.” The hushed rasp clung to the edges of his silky tone. The severe blush on his cheeks revealed deep, raw sentiments. Summer tugged on her fingers encouraging her to her knees. She complied, scooting to the edge of his bed, pressing her hip bones against his stomach. “I have craved you in the simplest ways.”

Their hands connected, palm to palm, between their chests.

In a whisper of movement, he brushed kisses to her eyes, nose and cheeks.

He pressed his forehead to hers, gently nuzzling.

Their mouths parted, breath mingling as one.

The vibrations passing between them were simply a beautiful, harmonic phenomenon.

“Your lips…that little sound you make right before you cum.” Tremors built between them. Easing his face away from hers, he stared into her soul. “But waking up next you is like a dream…a level of Heaven I don’t ever want to be without again. I can’t decide which I’m more excited about, burying myself inside of you or seeing your sleepy face on my pillow in the morning.”

“Why don’t you let me know tomorrow after we climb out of bed?”

Her arms went around him. She delved into the waistband of his jeans, capturing his firm ass before pushing his jeans to his hips and below. Taking him into her hand, stroking from base to tip, drew a low growl.

The hush of his groan, sensual and erotic, slid along her senses.

Summer grabbed her wrist roughly, bringing it to his mouth. The scorching heat of his kiss ignited a slow burn over the pale flesh. “C’mere. You need to pick which one of these you want me to use.”

“Excuse me?”

He hoisted her off the bed, guiding her to the luggage he’d left stranded at the doorway. Summer tossed it on top of the chair near the window. Her brows bent, distress crinkled across her forehead, as he pulled on the zipper. Summer flipped open the suitcase revealing seven boxes of condoms.

A tremor of a chuckle shook her upper body. “Come prepared, did you?”

“Not me. You picked these out.”

“I made you buy condoms?” Carrie Ann was on the pill and they’d never used protection. Not once. But after they broke things off, after that day, she’d refused to have sex without one ever again. Old wounds, haunting and hurtful, fired off a small spark in her gut. He lifted the back of her hand to his lips, squashing the trigger of fear. “What else did I say?”