Текст книги "Uncovering Desire"
Автор книги: Kacey Shea
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Текущая страница: 11 (всего у книги 16 страниц)
SWINGING MY TRUCK INTO THE empty parking space, I kill the engine and reach over, releasing Kate’s belt with the click of a button and then my own. With my other hand I grip her neck, pull her across the center console and slam my lips to hers.
She hesitates a moment before her lips move in sync with mine—open mouth kisses, tongues intertwining. I pull away for a second.
“And maybe I can think of several activities involving your mouth that I’d rather be doing,” I rasp, and then mold my mouth over hers again. This time she climbs on her knees to straddle my waist. Our kiss is almost violent, wanting and urgent. I don’t give up control, though I can tell that’s what she’s trying to gain.
My hands travel from her neck down to her ass and I squeeze, pulling her center hard against my dick. I move my lips down to her throat, nipping and biting between kisses. Her gasps of pleasure spur me onward, I thrust up and she grinds down over my erection.
“Jon. Oh, God, yes. There.” I suck at the skin where her neck and shoulder meet. “Jon. Apartment.” Good idea. I need more space and I don’t want an audience for everything I have in mind.
I open the truck door without pausing my assault on her neck. “Hold on tight.”
Kate squeals and digs her fingers into my shoulders as I jump from the cab and hoist her closer to my chest. I slam the cab door closed and take a few minutes to press her back against the metal of my truck; I rock my hips. Before I get lost in the sensation I pull away and march down the path to our apartment.
Inside behind a locked door, I release my hold on her legs and let her body slide down my frame. I catch her wrists in my hands and raise them over her head, pinning her to the door with one hand. Her breasts rise with each shuddered breath and I kiss and suck her lips, tongue, ear, neck. I land back at the tops of her cleavage.
“Jon. Yes. More.”
“Is this what you want?” I nip her throat and she moans. She’s been snarky and wound tight all evening. I’ll be damned, but something inside needs to control her, give her an insane orgasm, and show her I’m the man. “My room or yours?”
“Huh?” I chuckle against her skin. I love that I’m able to distract her to the point she can’t think of anything except what I’m doing to her body. I pull back enough so that we’re face to face. Her eyes flutter open and the desire I see within steals my breath. My cock throbs. It knows what’s coming. Chill, big guy, you’ll get yours. I’m not rushing this night.
“I want you, Kate. I want you so damn bad. But not against this door. Not for what I want to do.”
“Yes. Yes, please.” She gives a slight nod.
“My room?”
“Yes. Not Evie’s.” My patience from before is waning and I wrap my arm across her waist and throw her over my shoulder. Kate giggles as I stomp my way down the hall. I can’t get inside the room quick enough.
“Caveman. I knew it.” She giggles and I slap her ass again. “Mmm. That’s not punishment. I like it when you do that.” Satisfaction and pride fill me as I lower her to the floor. Maybe she’s right. I am a little caveman, but I’m damn happy she’s in my room for the night.
“Too much talking.” My lips find hers in a hurried kiss. I cup her face in my hands, her head tilted back. Kate’s hands run up and down my hard length, gripping me through the fabric of my pants. I hiss. That feels so good. Her fingers move to my shirt, pull it from the confines of my pants and nimbly work open each button.
Desire pulses from my cock to my fingertips. I need to feel her skin on mine. My hands move across her throat, to the material that covers her breasts, and yank it down. Her nipples now free, I dip my head to suck one into my mouth, and roll and twist the other between my thumb and index finger. Moaning and arching her back, she pushes them closer to my face. It’s not enough, I want more. I release her breast with a pop and stand to my full height.
“Dress off.” I finish pulling at the tie and shirt Kate’s halfway undone. She smirks and reaches to her side, sliding the hidden zipper down to her waist.
“So bossy.” She giggles, but releases her hold on the fabric. The dress pools at her feet and she stands before me, in sexy nude heels and barely there lace panties.
“Fuck.” I stalk toward her, as a predator would its prey. The playful smile fades from her face and she hitches in a breath. We’re standing toe to toe, a current of want and need bouncing between our bodies.
“I need to taste you.”
“Okay.” Her tongue licks across her lips, and as much as I want to tease those lips with my own I have other plans. My hands graze her shoulders and slide down her soft skin. I grasp her wrists and turn her to face the mirror hanging above my dresser.
“Hands stay here. Don’t let go.” I push her wrists so she grasps the ledge of the dresser. Her back arches and I run my hands over the smooth skin before pulling her hips back a little further. Her head is dipped and I can’t see her face in the mirror.
I quickly undo my belt, kick off my shoes, and drop my pants and underwear. Once I’ve peeled off both dress socks I cover her body with mine and frame my chest to her back. My hand snakes over her bare breast, up and across her throat to her chin, and tips it so she meets my eyes in the reflection.
“Kate. I want you to see what I do to you. What you do to me. Don’t you dare drop your gaze from this mirror. Got that?”
“And if I don’t?” I slap her ass and she squeals.
“Just humor me, okay?”
“Okay,” she whispers.
I kiss my way down her spine, massaging her breasts until I reach the lace of her underwear. I dip my fingers into the thin band.
“These are nice.” I yank and snap the band; the fabric drops to the ground.
“Hey! You’re buying me another pair!” I spread her ass with my fingers and lick my way to her center. She’s soaked.
“Gladly,” I murmur against her sensitive skin. I use my tongue and fingers until she’s grinding back against my face. Her legs are shaking and she’s speaking gibberish. I can tell she’s close. Hell, I’m close too. I’m a selfish bastard, though, because I want to feel her orgasm grip my cock as I come with her. I pull away and stand.
“Hey—” I wrap my arms around her chest and pull her to me. My mouth finds hers and she twists into me.
“Taste that. You taste so fucking good, Kate. But I need to be inside you.”
“Yes. Please.” She begs between tongue sparring kisses. My hands move down over her ass to her thighs and lift, and I carry her back to my bed. I should slow down and make this last. Blood rushes in my ears as I set her on the bed. After weeks of fantasizing about this moment I know this will be fast.
She scoots back toward the headboard and I follow, crawling over her to pull a condom from the bedside drawer. I open the foil packet.
“Can I?” Kate’s small hands reach forward, take the latex and expertly roll it down my length. I curse and my eyes roll into the back of my head.
“So good.” I brace myself over her body and she spreads her legs wide open, welcoming me against her wet heat. She uses her fingers to guide me inside. I lower myself to my forearms so I can wrap my hands underneath her arms. Locking my gaze with hers I push forward. She holds me like a vice. “You’re always so damn good, Kate.”
I rock my hips and she moves to meet me. First slow, but each thrust thereafter gains momentum and speed.
“I’m so close, Jon.” She moans, closes her eyes and turns her head.
“No. Kate. Look at me.” I slow my rhythm until she meets my eyes once more.
“I want to see your eyes when you come. When I give you all of me.” Her chest rises and falls in short breaths and I resume a demanding pace. She meets me with a rocking of her hips and soon we’re there again. Teetering on the edge of pure bliss.
“Kate. Come for me, baby.” My words are all she needs as she screams out her release, calling my name. Her sweet pussy milks my dick. Pressure builds at the base of my spine and I give in, shouting her name, a shaking, exhausted wreck. I pull out and roll next to her. Wrap one arm under her back to pull her close.
She snuggles into my side with a deep exhale. “That was good.”
“Really good.” I kiss her head, filled with pride and joy at her admission. I roll off the bed and discard the condom in the bathroom across the hall. When I return she’s sitting on my bed, sheet wrapped around her body, picking at the fabric.
“Here. Put this on. We are breaking to re-fuel.” I toss her a shirt from my dresser and pull on a pair of basketball shorts.
“Breaking?” She pulls my tee over her head, and studies the hem like it holds all life’s answers.
“Hey.” I walk to her and use my finger to tilt her chin. Her eyes meet my own. Her lips are swollen and I have to kiss them. I brush my lips over hers once, twice, and pull away before I can’t stop.
“I’m not done with you tonight. But first I want to show you something.” I grasp one of her hands in mine, lace our fingers together and pull her out to the kitchen. I pat one of the barstools and she hops up. I walk the few paces to the fridge.
“Close your eyes. No peeking.” I pull the cake I made from the refrigerator and fish two forks from a drawer as I walk back to where Kate sits. She looks sexy in my shirt, the length pulling short from where she crosses her legs. Excitement fills her smiling face as she waits with her eyes shut tight. I take a moment to admire her before I slide the cake on the counter and sit on the barstool next to hers.
“Can I open my eyes now?” She’s bouncing up and down in her chair. I forgot how much she loves surprises. Her joy is contagious. I chuckle before agreeing.
“Okay, you can open them now.” Her lids snap open and she takes in my poor attempt at cake decorating. Really, I should have signed up for a class or asked for help. As I look at my cake, a box mix baked into a foil rectangle, covered in store-bought icing with “I’m Sorry” spelled out in Skittles pieces with their colors bleeding, even I have to admit it’s pretty sad looking.
My gaze flicks to Kate’s face. Tears roll down her still flushed cheeks. Shit. I’m no Betty Crocker. I should have asked for help.
“Hey. Don’t cry. I know the cake sucks. I’m dumb. Remember to never sign me up for Cupcake Wars. This was stupid.” I reach out to pull the cake off the counter but Kate slaps her hand over my arm.
“Don’t. Don’t you dare take this cake away!” I look up from her hand with surprise, then brace myself as Kate jumps onto my lap. Her mouth covers mine in a hot, demanding kiss and I relinquish control, enjoying her lips on mine. Her arms wrap around my neck and shoulders to hold me tight. Kate’s kisses slow to soft pecks before she leans back; her gaze holds me captive.
“My cake sucks,” I murmur.
“Shut your mouth. This is the best damn cake I’ve ever seen.” She releases one arm from my neck to pull the pan close and stabs a large piece from the middle with a fork. It’s covered in candy and frosting, and when she shovels the bite into her mouth, cake crumbs coat her lips.
“I think we need to get your eyes checked.” She looks down at the cake again, her eyes filling with unshed tears.
“Hey. This is supposed to make you happy, not cry.” I use my thumbs to wipe the tears that spill.
“It’s just that—” She fills another forkful and feeds it to me. “No one has ever made me a cake before.”
“No one? Not even your mom?” She shakes her head.
“No. My mother never baked. Always store bought cakes and cupcakes. You know the perfect looking ones with the airbrushed paint looking frosting? And the funny thing was everyone was always jealous. Like wow, what a cool cake. And all I ever wanted was a homemade one. Like Linda used to make for Evie and Melissa. To show that she cared, you know? That it was okay the cake didn’t look perfect because she made it for me.” She drops her gaze at the admission and looks away to fork another bite. “Silly really, now who’s being stupid?” She smiles but it doesn’t reach her eyes.
“I don’t think you’re stupid at all.” I run the pad of my thumb across her lips where a touch of frosting remains. “You’ve got a little.” My hands pull her flush against me and I trace her lips with my tongue. Her eyes flare with the same heat that rushes through my veins. She squirms on my seat and I know she can feel what she does to me. How much I want her again.
“Kate. I—I know I don’t have much to offer. I’m stubborn. I’m no good at this normal, civilian life crap. I don’t know how to cook amazing food like Tate; I don’t make lots of money like Drew; I can’t sing for shit—” I pause to reign in the jealousy that comes with that last one. “But when I’m with you… When it’s just us… I just—” Why is it so difficult to spit the words out? Fucking grow a pair! I inhale a deep breath. I can do this. “My cake decorating skills suck, too. But I’m glad you like my sad cake with the Skittles on top. I guess what I’m trying to say—”
“In the jungle! The mighty jungle! The lion sleeps tonight!” Bang bang bang. “Kate! Katie! My Love! My jungle love! You sexy bitch! Wake up! Your lion awaits!”
“What the fuck?” Kate hops off my lap and we both move to the front door to peek out the window.
“It’s Trent.” She reaches to unlock the door. Hell no. I slam my hand against the door to keep it from opening and pin her with a hard glare.
“No. He’s not coming in here.” She sighs and rolls her eyes.
“Jon. Move your hand from the door right now.”
“Kate! I know you’re in there! Open the door.” More banging. I can feel the tremors from where my hand stays firmly planted on the wooden panel. “You are the wind beneath my wings! I can fly higher than an—Shit! Open the door Kate!”
“He’s going to wake the entire complex. Move.” She shoves me out of the way and I let her. I’m in shock that after everything tonight she’s going to pick him. I never stood a chance. The door swings open and a very intoxicated Trent sways before us, gripping the doorway for support.
“Trent. What are you doing here?” Kate offers a polite smile.
“Babe! I’m so sorry, chick. I shouldn’t have left tonight. I took a cab. I couldn’t sleep without knowing you were okay, that I didn’t blow my chance.” His words slur together.
“Trent. It’s okay. We can talk tomorrow. Just get some sleep.” Her voice is calm, direct.
“Oh, thank God.” He staggers inside wrapping Kate in an embrace, almost knocking her over. I cross my arms across my chest. She doesn’t want me, fine. But I’m not going to walk away from this without a fight. He releases her, a loopy grin as he staggers backward.
“Trent. Do you have anyone I can call to come get you?” She’s assertive and I hold on to the hope she’s starting to realize this guy’s a complete asshat.
“No! Babe! I wanted to see you. Marquee! We played the fucking Marquee tonight and we killed it, Kate. Fucking killed it.” He sways and staggers.
“Maybe you should sit down?” she offers, and he nods. “Yeah, good idea. This room keeps moving.” He practically stumbles onto the couch and sprawls out, head resting back against the cushion as he studies the spinning fan.
“Whoa. Trippy.” I take Trent’s sudden fascination with our cooling device to grab Kate’s arm and drag her into the kitchen.
“Kate, he needs to leave. Now,” I bark.
“Jon, I can’t just throw him out. Look at him.” We turn our heads to see Trent attempting to follow the spinning blades with his eyes. He chuckles every few spins with the amusement it’s providing.
“Now. I don’t want him here.”
“Jon, don’t do this. He just needs somewhere to sleep this off. I can’t throw him in a cab like this. I don’t even know where he lives.” Her admission catches me off guard. She hasn’t slept with Trent?
“You don’t? Wait! I thought—You haven’t slept with him?” Her eyes narrow and her lips pinch together.
“What the fuck, Jon? Do you really think I’m so easy? A slut? After everything I’ve given you. Shared with you. I can’t believe you still see me that way.” Anger burns from her eyes.
“Kate. I’m sorry. I just don’t know what to do here.”
“Babe. I don’t think immabe getting Mr. Trent up tonight,” Dumbass interjects from the couch.
“That’s okay, Trent. Let me get you a drink,” Kate answers evenly before turning to retrieve a glass. Really, the man’s had enough.
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea.” Trent’s hammered, I doubt he needs another drink.
“Water. Water, Jon! You must think I’m stupid, too. I think you should go to bed. I need to take care of Trent.” Her voice is low and harsh.
“Kate. I don’t want to leave things like this between us.” I run my hands through my hair and blow out a breath. This is all wrong. Why can’t I get things right? Stupid rock-boy-pain-in-my-ass. “I always fuck up what I’m trying to say when I’m with you!”
“So now that’s my fault too? Look, I’m really tired, Jon. This night hasn’t been anything like I expected.” She ignores me to fill the glass.
“Fine. Okay. But we are not through here. I mean it, Kate. Tonight didn’t go how I wanted, either. We need to talk. And if you need any help with that—” I point to where Trent’s head bobs weakly, trying to hold onto consciousness. “—just yell for me.”
I stomp back to my room. I try to ignore the jealous anger that flares when I hear her talking softly with Trent. She’s taking care of him. Fuck! I slam the door, turn and hit the damn thing with all my might. Crunch. I pull my hand back and the broken wood scrapes my skin. A palm size hole remains in the door.
Blood trickles from the gash but I don’t feel pain. I squeeze my eyes shut as my heart hammers in my chest, filling my ears and stealing my breath. Will’s face flashes into my vision and my eyes snap open. I can’t breathe. I almost don’t see the room, everything’s blurry.
Dropping to the floor, I do the first thing I think of. Pushups. Counting as I go, my ears ring. Somewhere after fifty reps my muscles burn, a fire pulsing pain, but I can breathe again. My heartbeat settles back to a rhythmic pace. I keep going. I don’t know how much time passes as I continue up and off the floor, but after one-fifty I feel half human again. Not so angry. And tired. So fucking tired. I climb onto my bed, sweat and all, and close my eyes. I finally succumb to sleep.
“NICE REDECORATING.” JON GRUNTS AND makes his way to the kitchen to pour a cup of coffee. “Maybe you can add handyman to your resume?” Peering over Jon’s shoulder, I raise my brows at the hole in the door and take a sip from my mug.
“I didn’t mean to do that,” he grinds with his jaw clenched.
“No? I thought fist punching doors was all the rage these days.” I bat my lashes and meet his hard gaze.
Walls are up, carefully reconstructed so he can’t see the thoughts racing through my mind. It was a mistake to sleep with him last night. I gave him so much. He took so willingly. Now I don’t know if I can move past this. Every time we’re together I give him a little more of myself. He takes it, unknowingly smashing what’s there and then hands it back with his assumptions and cutting words.
“Kate, can we talk?” I shrug.
“I don’t really have anything to say to you.” I keep my voice light and casual, as though we’re discussing the weather. His shoulders tense and he blows out an exaggerated breath.
“Yeah, well I have things to say to you. To ask you. I don’t like how we left things last night.” He looks around, examining the living space. “Where’s Trent?”
Flush. Trent emerges from the bathroom and trudges his way down the hall, the most subdued I’ve ever seen him. He was easy last night, passing out on the couch and still snoring loudly when I emerged from my room twenty minutes ago for post-yoga coffee. He rubs his eyes and pushes his hair back, tucking it behind his ears.
“Hey, bro.” He nods at a scowling Jon. If looks could kill. “Kate, can we talk?” He’s apologetic, and I soften. Trent’s easy. Doesn’t twist me so tight I can’t breathe. I’ll deal with him first.
“Sure.” I smile and nod to the pot. “Want coffee?”
“Thanks, babe.”
“I’m going for a run,” Jon barks, and Trent cringes at the volume. I ignore them both, and search the cupboards for a to-go cup.
I feel Jon’s presence closing in and busy myself with filling another mug.
“We’ll talk.” He hisses in my ear. “When I get back, he’s gone.” He doesn’t wait for my answer, but retreats. The door slams seconds later. I slide a mug across the counter to where Trent slumps on a barstool.
“Tell me I didn’t fuck us up before we even started.” He meets my eyes over his cup. “I’m sorry, Kate. I shouldn’t have shown up here wasted last night.”
“It’s okay, Trent.”
“No, it’s not okay.” He winces and rubs his temples. “You are fucking brilliant and beautiful and way too good for me, I know that, okay. I’d like a chance to take you on a proper date.”
Reading my indecision, he adds, “You don’t have to give me an answer. Just think it over?”
I don’t know what to do. I don’t really know how I feel about Trent. There’s definite chemistry between us, but outside of that we haven’t had an opportunity to explore. His intoxicated serenade of last night doesn’t weigh in his favor. Maybe I should give him a shot. Just a chance to see if there could be something more between us.
“Okay. I’ll think about it.” His eyes light up and his mouth pulls to a heart stopping smile. He’s really beautiful.
“Great. That’s awesome.” A beep sounds from the counter and he glances down at his phone.
“That’s my ride.” He rises to his full height and comes around the counter to wrap me in a hug. “Thanks for taking care of me last night. I’ll talk to you soon.”
A peck on the top of my head and he backs away, grinning until he’s at the door. “You’ll say yes. You have to say yes. Who turns down this?” He laughs as he motions down his body with his long arms. And he’s back. That’s the man I’ve been working with these past two weeks. Confident, funny, and cocky as hell.
“Good-bye, Trent!” I shout. I can’t resist the smile that tugs my lips.
“Later, Kate” He’s out the door. Fortified with a deep breath, I savor my last few minutes of peace before I have to deal with man trouble number two. Really, when did my life become so complex? A month ago my biggest worry was finding my next conquest—to photograph, maybe fool around with—and now I have two extremely different men consuming my thoughts. I don’t like it.
Jon wants to talk. The thought stresses me and pulls at my nerves. Waiting for him to return is going to drive me crazy. I pad down the hall, grab my mat and band, and head back to the living room. I drop the foam to the floor. The spongy feel rolls over the pads of my fingertips. This is where I find peace. Deep breath in, I begin my practice, and banish all thoughts of sexy men from my mind.
“I prefer the no pants version.”
My eyes snap open at the deep, rough voice. I didn’t even hear him open the door. He saunters to the kitchen and I turn to watch his shirtless form reach inside the fridge. His muscles tighten and release with each movement. He shuts the door, twists a cap off a bottle and tips it, gulping the cool water. My own mouth feels dry.
“I’m sure you do.” I crawl off my mat and methodically roll it back in place.
“You ready to have that talk now?” He stands over me. I scramble to stand to my full height and strut to the kitchen to pour my own glass from the sink. I close my eyes and inhale. Whether I want to or not, we’re having this conversation. I might as well rip off the Band-Aid.
I lean against the counter. “Fine. Talk.”
“I obviously put my foot in my mouth last night.” Understatement of the year. I keep my features in place, feign boredom. He looks around the room. Good. Squirm a little. Feel uncomfortable. Not so fun, is it, big guy?
“Whatever are you referring to?” I sass.
“Fuck!” I jump at his harsh reply. “Don’t do this Kate. Don’t play this off and pretend everything’s fine when we both know it’s not.”
“What do you want me to say, Jon? Oh, it’s cool we keep ending up in bed together and you’ve assumed I’m a slut the entire time. No, please, let me apologize and make you feel better.” I roll my eyes.
“Damn it, you know that’s not what I want.” His laborious breaths spur my anger. So now he wants to share feelings and have a rational conversation. I don’t feel forgiving at the moment. I practically shout my reply.
“What is it you want, Jon? Because I’m going to tell you right now, I’m not sure I can get past this. You really thought I was fucking Trent and I’d still hook up with you? Does that make you feel like a strong, powerful man? Was the chase good for you?”
“No. That’s not it. Stop putting words in my mouth. I want to know why. Why do you let everyone assume you hook up with tons of guys? Why would that be okay?” He’s shouting in my face.
“Because it’s easier than the truth!” I scream, and instantly wish I could reel the words back in my mouth. Jon closes the space between us and roughly grabs my arms.
“And what’s that, Kate? What’s the truth? Why the front?” I push at his chest. I need him outside my personal space, but the touch of skin on skin burns. I drop my hands and look away, my focus on the salt and pepper shakers across the counter.
“Look at me.” He grips my chin in his fingers and forces our eyes to meet. “Tell me,” he whispers. But I can’t.
“I don’t want to tell you. You haven’t earned it.” In defeat, I whisper the only truth I’m able to share. “Please let me go.” He steps back, drops his hands. A frown twists his features.
Pushing off the counter, I grab my mat. I don’t want to prolong the awkward silence.
“Kate.” He calls from the kitchen. My steps falter and I pause, but I don’t turn to face him. “Where’s your car?” Not what I’m expecting, but it’s a question I can answer with ease.
“Still in the shop. I had to give back the rental.”
“When do you get your car back?”
“Friday.”
“I’ll drive you to work this week.” I turn to meet his intense, sharp glare.
“Jon. You don’t need to do that. I’ve been taking the bus—”
“No. I’ll drive you. At least give me that.” He stalks towards me and I cower, not from fear of him, but of myself and how easily he steals my resolve. I breathe a sigh of relief when he brushes by and heads toward the shower.
I need to get out of here, at least for the afternoon. I wish I could talk to Evie, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to bring her into this. A small part of me wonders if she’ll have my back or side with Jon. She’s friends with us both. It’s not fair to force the choice, so I don’t call her.
I pad back to my room. The mat drops by the bed and I flop onto the cushiony down comforter and reach for the phone. I scroll through my endless contacts. I could call any of them and they’d meet me for happy hour. But in this long list of friends there’s no one I can call to talk this out with. No one I trust. And that’s the kicker. It’s me. I’m broken. I can’t find it in myself to open up fully and let someone in.
There’s one contact I do trust. One I haven’t used for years, and as my finger hovers over the name I almost don’t tap the screen. No. I need this. I tap and hold the speaker to my ear. This is best. I take a deep breath before a familiar voice sounds across the line. “Yeah, this is Kate Bryant. Do you have time to meet?” I pop off the bed and slide into a pair of sandals. I grab my bag on the way out, and pause at the bathroom door. The water’s still running. Good. I’ll make my escape before I have to concoct some lame excuse.
