Текст книги "Undone"

Автор книги: R. E. Hunter

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Текущая страница: 13 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

23

“He knows, Luke,” Embry said. She poured herself a large glass of red wine and curled up on her couch, wrapping herself in a blanket.

“Tell me again what he said.” Luke settled himself next to her.

Embry went through her entire interaction with Jeremy for the second time. She was still shaken up. He had no proof, and he hadn’t actually accused her of anything, but it hit way too close to home. “I don’t understand why he would even go there. And the sweatshirt thing”—her palm collided with her forehead—”what was I thinking?”

Luke pried the wine glass from her fingers and set it on the coffee table before pulling her to him. He smoothed his hand over her hair, kissed her forehead, and rested his chin on her head. “It’s okay, Bree. I promise. He doesn’t know anything.”

Embry pulled back, tilting her head to meet his eyes. “How do you know?”

“Because neither of us has done anything in the least bit inappropriate. Well”—he rubbed the back of his neck—”let me amend that. He hasn’t seen us do anything inappropriate. No one else has either.”

“But then why would he say that?”

“I don’t know, jealousy? But I don’t think he has any reason to suspect anything. So you stared at me in class today.” He lifted his shoulder in a casual shrug. “You’re no different than half of the other women in class.”

“Wait, can you repeat that?”

“Which part?” he said, a devilish smile falling into place.

“You saw me staring at you?”

His eyes softened as he lifted his hand to her face. “Yes, baby. Just a little.” He trailed his finger down to the corner of her mouth and tapped lightly. “I was worried you were going to start drooling.”

Embry’s mouth fell open, and she jabbed her elbow into Luke’s stomach.

His breath came out in a whoosh, and he laughed. “What was that for?”

Embry crossed her arms and glared at him.

“Okay, maybe it wasn’t that obvious.” He slid his arms around her and brought his lips to her neck. “But I like your beautiful eyes on me.”

She shook him off. “And who says other girls stare at you?”

Luke rested his forehead against hers, rubbing his hands up and down her back. “Jealous?”

“No, I’m just wondering how you got so full of yourself. You’re almost as bad as Jer.”

“I can be worse,” he said with a suggestive lift of his eyebrows. “I’ll take you in the stacks anytime you want. What do you think those private study rooms are for anyway? You clearly aren’t getting all that you should out of your legal education.”

Embry shoved at his chest. “I’m serious, Luke. What if he knows?”

“I was serious too, Bree. He can’t possibly know.”

She pushed away from him, tucked her feet beneath her, and snuggled into the blanket.

He moved closer and ran a hand through her hair. “Are you really that worried about it?”

She nodded, leaning her head into his palm.

“We’ll be more careful, okay? Maybe we need a few rules to follow.” His eyes darkened with desire as he brought his other hand up to cup her cheek.

“Rules?”

“Mmmhmm. You know, to keep us in line.” He placed a delicious kiss on Embry’s lips, sending a shiver of pleasure up her spine. “The first rule”—he drawled, pushing aside the blanket and dragging the sweatshirt up her body and over her head—”is no wearing my clothes on campus.”

Embry felt exposed in her lace bra and thin camisole, the gauzy material doing nothing to hide her hardening nipples.

“Rule number two.” He pulled her astride him. Her hands landed on his chest to steady herself. “Want to guess this one?” A wicked grin spread across his face as his hands traveled her body in slow, sexy caresses.

Heat shot through her veins, her body coming alive under his touch.

She gazed into his eyes as she slipped her hands under his shirt, letting her fingers explore the contours of his chest before following the dark line of hair that disappeared beneath his waistline. She sucked her bottom lip between her teeth, contemplating. “No touching?”

Luke nodded. He sat forward, holding her steady with one arm as he peeled off her camisole. His strong hand came up to grip the back of her neck as he trailed wet kisses from the tops of her breasts to her collarbone.

Embry arched her back—exposing her neck and giving Luke more room to explore with his lips—as her heart fluttered. She felt him hard and ready beneath her. Unable to control her hips, she rocked against him, eliciting a deep, throaty growl.

“I’m gonna lose control real fast if you do that, beautiful,” he said into her neck.

“Do what, Professor?” Embry ground down once more.

Luke narrowed his eyes, pure need carved into his features. Before she knew what he was doing, she was on her back and he was above her, working the button on her jeans.

“Is this one of the rules?” she asked sweetly, gazing up through her long lashes.

Luke’s hand stilled, one side of his mouth curling up into a sexy smirk. He popped the button and tore the pants from her body. “Yeah, baby. Keep your pants on at all times.”

He reached back to grip his shirt and pulled it over his head with one hand. He leaned over her, his biceps straining against his weight, his eyes burning into hers. Embry wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing her mouth to his. The touch of their lips ignited a frenzy, his tongue pushing into her mouth hard and demanding. She slid her hands between their bodies, making no secret of what she wanted.

He pulled away, dropped his head, and took a breath before bringing his eyes back to hers. “I can’t do slow and nice right now, baby.”

“I don’t want it slow.” She stared into his blue depths. “Or nice.” She worked him free of his pants and gripped him firmly. “I just want you.”

That was all it took. Luke ripped off her panties and slid into her in one smooth stroke. She cried out, tender from all of their lovemaking, but it was just what she needed. His forehead fell to hers, and he stilled, giving her a chance to adjust.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Yes.” She nodded and turned her head, coaxing his lips to hers. “Fuck me,” she said against his mouth as she dragged her nails down his back.

Luke dragged himself slowly out of her, inch by delicious inch, and then he thrust back inside, hard and fast. He picked up his rhythm, and Embry matched him, her hips meeting his in time. She couldn’t get close enough. Pulling up her knees, she shifted to take him deeper. It was raw, carnal … perfect.

Her phone vibrated, dancing across the coffee table until it clattered loudly on the floor.

“Rule number three,” Luke said. He came up on one knee, the other foot planted on the floor for leverage, and gripped Embry’s hips.

“Four,” she managed to say.

“What?”

“We’re on number four.”

“Fine.” He lifted her hips and plunged into her, hard and deep. “Rule number four, no phone calls from Morgan.”

“What does that have to do … with us getting caught?” she asked between breaths.

“It doesn’t.” His voice strained as he pumped his hips into her at a delicious pace. “It has to do with not being interrupted when my cock is inside of you.”

Her polite, southern gentleman was dirty in bed, and she loved it. Just then, he reached between them finding her clit, and she exploded around him. He thrust once more, burying himself to the hilt as he found his release. Her inner muscles spasmed around him as he pulsed inside of her.

“Fucking Christ, Embry.” He collapsed on top of her, peppering her face and neck with kisses.

She hugged him tightly. “You turn dirty south when we make love,” she whispered in his ear.

His head popped up, his eyebrow raised. “What’s that?”

“You,” she answered, eyes bright. “Southern sexy turns dirty south when you’re riled up.”

Luke rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Did you really just refer to me as dirty south?”

“I did. Dirrrrrty,” she said, mocking his accent.

“You can’t help yourself, can you?” He laughed.

“I can’t.”

“You’re a nut.” He gazed down at her adoringly.

“But you love me.” She wiggled beneath him.

“I do.”

* * *

Embry was curled into Luke’s solid chest, his warmth wrapped around her like a blanket as he ran his fingers through her hair. She loved having him in her home, in her bed. Pillow talk with Luke.

“You know, I don’t think I ever asked you. What class are you teaching next semester?” she asked.

He shook his head and smiled.

“What?”

“Guess.” He offered a sheepish smile before tossing his arm over his eyes.

She was too tired to play a guessing game. “I don’t know, just tell me.”

“Professional Responsibility,” he mumbled and let his arm fall away from his face.

Embry groaned and buried her head in his chest. She peeked up at him, an eyebrow raised in question. “Serious?”

He nodded, his ears turning red.

Embry laughed. “You’re teaching legal ethics. And you’re …”

“Yeah,” he said. He traced a finger along her jaw and smiled. “I see the irony in the situation, thanks, baby.”

She propped herself up, her eyes never leaving his. She lay on his chest, lost in his eyes and in her thoughts. Going to Luke’s—finally giving in—had been a simple decision. Her feelings had reached a breaking point, and loving Luke was no longer something she was willing to deny. But it was easy to get lost in those feelings and not consider all that they were risking, all that they were potentially giving up by being together. She’d thought about the risk of dating a professor as she fought her feelings, but she hadn’t thought about how much Luke was putting on the line as well. As she lay in his arms, letting his words sink in, anxiety coursed through her veins. He was an ethics professor having an affair with a student. He was risking his future as much as she was hers.

Luke bent his head, kissed her hair, and smoothed his finger over the crest of her eyebrows, easing the tension in her face. “What’s going on in that brain of yours, baby? You look so worried.”

Embry shook the thoughts away, attempting a smile.

Luke’s eyes turned sad. “Talk to me.”

“It’s just, this—you and me—is easy. But the rest of it …”

“We keep it professional, Bree, keep to our rules.” He winked. “We keep ourselves in check. I know it’s easier said than done, but that’s what it takes for us to be together.”

“You make it sound so simple. Have you done this before?” she joked.

Luke’s eyes turned fierce. “Why would you say that?”

That wasn’t the reaction she was expecting.

He ran a hand through his hair, and his eyes softened. “I’m sorry. It’s not simple. It’s complicated, and it’s risking your entire future.”

“What about yours? I’m worried for you, too. I know I’m taking a huge risk, but you always seemed so willing … I guess I just didn’t consider all that you’re putting on the line for me. You have as much to lose as I do.”

Luke shook his head. He pulled her up so their noses nearly touched. “The only thing I care about losing is you, Embry.”

“But what about your career? Everything you’ve worked for?”

“I don’t figure into this equation. Please don’t worry about me. I hate myself for putting you in this position. But I can’t …” His head fell back against the headboard, and he stared blankly at the ceiling. “I can’t stay away.”

She reached out, running a hand across his chest. “Well, that makes two of us.”

“I won’t let anything happen to you. You know that, right?” He rolled to face her, his head resting on his hand. His eyes found hers, intense and serious. “To us. We just have to make it through this semester. I’d resign before I let anything affect your future.”

“No,” she said, shaking her head adamantly. “We’re in this together. We’re both adults. We’re both making the decision to be together.”

“I can’t be responsible for your future falling apart, Embry. I may not be strong enough—good enough—to stay away from you, but I won’t let anything hurt you or jeopardize your future. I promise.” His words were strong, confident.

“I believe you.” She leaned in to place a soft kiss on his lips.

He let out a small noise of approval and rolled her beneath him. “I like this.”

“What?” she asked.

“Being in your bed,” he said, smiling at her.

“I like it too.” she said, returning his smile. Glancing over his arm toward her nightstand, she realized she needed to get some sleep if she wanted to stay awake through her classes the next day. She pushed at his chest to roll him off of her. Dropping a kiss on his lips, she hopped out of bed. “Be right back. I forgot my phone in the living room.”

“Okay, baby.”

Embry found her phone on the living room floor under the coffee table and made her way back into the bedroom after a stop in the bathroom. Luke’s eyes were closed, his breathing even. She sat on the edge of the bed and swiped her finger across the screen to check her missed call. Blocked.

A pit formed in her stomach. Oh no, no, no. There was no voicemail from the missed call, but when she exited to her home screen, she saw the small red circle indicating a new text. She opened it, hoping it was just Morgan or Jeremy. Instead, it was from the blocked number. Jack.

Ignore my calls all you want. Now that I’ve found you, I’m not going away.

Tension shot up her spine as she stared at the screen. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to erase the words, but they were burned into the backs of her eyelids. I’m not going away. The pit in her stomach turned to a weight, sinking quickly and pulling her under. She felt panic coming on, but suddenly she was swept into a warm embrace. Luke’s arms wrapped around her stomach, and he dragged her back onto the bed.

“Come here, baby,” he said.

She snuggled into his arms, letting his nearness comfort her.

“You feel tense. Everything okay?”

She nodded against his neck. She was afraid if she spoke, her voice would give her away. His breathing soon became deep and even again. Lying awake in his arms, Embry couldn’t help but think that Luke may have to protect her sooner than he thought.

24

Embry dug through her closet, throwing clothes everywhere as she searched for something to wear. Luke was picking her up in an hour to take her to dinner, and she wasn’t even close to ready. Flicking through the clothes on hangers, she found a long-sleeved knit dress. She pulled it over her head, grabbed a pair of tights, found a belt and scarf to match, and stepped into a cute pair of suede booties. She was spending the weekend at his place and still had to pack.

As she pulled clothes from her drawers, she came across her Gator jersey and stuffed it into her overnight bag. The following day was a big one for Florida and Georgia football fans. Each year around Halloween, the two teams met on neutral turf in Jacksonville to play. It was the first time in almost five years that Embry wouldn’t be at the game in person. She’d watch it at Luke’s instead. She still couldn’t believe she was dating a Georgia fan, but she had an idea or two for that jersey.

After rushing to get ready, she still had a good twenty minutes until Luke showed up. She paced the apartment until she wound up in front of her mirror fussing with her hair and makeup. She sat on the couch, legs crossed, foot shaking in anticipation. She hadn’t been alone with Luke since he’d stayed over Monday night.

He’d been busy with new clients all week, and her workload seemed to be increasing. All of her free time had been spent in the library with Jeremy and Tessa, who were attached at the hip. Sitting in Luke’s class had been nothing short of torture. By Friday’s class, she was sure she would rip her clothes off and throw herself at him in the middle of the room. Her only saving grace was the text messages he sent her throughout the day. He missed her as bad as she did him.

Her phone rang, and she jumped to grab it. As she got closer, she saw “blocked” on the screen. She tensed for a moment before hitting ignore. Jack had been calling on and off all week, but she’d become numb to it. He hadn’t sent another text message, and she was too caught up in studying and Luke to worry much. She figured if she continued to ignore him, he would get tired of calling and give up. Hopefully. She knew Luke needed to know about him, but for some reason, she couldn’t bring herself to let Jack into her new relationship. They had enough to deal with; they didn’t need more stress.

A knock sounded on the door a few minutes later, and she opened it up. Luke wore black pants, a white dress shirt, and a black skinny tie. His blue eyes sparkled as a gorgeous smile spread across his face.

“Hi, beautiful,” he said.

“Hi.” She dragged him into the apartment.

Pushing him against the door, she crushed her lips to his before he could say another word. Her arms wrapped around him, fingers digging into the hair at the nape of his neck. Luke’s hands traveled down Embry’s body and cupped her ass as he pulled her into him and deepened the kiss.

She pulled her mouth from his and took a deep breath, her lips swollen and pink. “Sorry.”

“Do I look like I mind?” Luke leaned in for another kiss. “Are you ready to go?”

Embry nodded. “Yep, all set.”

“Great, I’ll grab your bags.” Luke put Embry’s bags in the back of his Rover and helped her into the car. As they pulled out of her development, he scooped up her hand and brought it to his lips. “I missed you, baby.”

“Me too,” she said, feeling relaxed and calm in his presence. Maybe calm wasn’t the right word. Being near him, being able to kiss and touch him, did nothing to calm her. Liquid fire ran through her veins whenever he was close. But for the next two nights, she wouldn’t have to pretend that every look, every touch, didn’t affect her. He was hers.

“I thought about cooking for you,” he said, his eyes mirroring her desire, “but I figured if we were going to get any eating or talking done, we should probably be in a public place.”

“Probably a good idea.” She squeezed his hand. “But what if someone sees us?”

“It’s off the beaten path. We won’t have a problem,” he assured her.

A while later, they pulled up to a quaint restaurant off the main road. Luke hopped out of the SUV and helped Embry from the car. She loved how much of a gentleman he was. It was ingrained, natural, as though he didn’t even have to think about it. If she parted his hair, added some gel, and dressed him up in a tailored three-piece suit, he could be an actor in one of the old movies she used to watch with her grandmother—laying his coat over a puddle and helping her across. The thought amused her as they walked toward the restaurant entrance. It looked more like a cottage. The sign, La Belle, glowed above the entryway, and decorative white lights twinkled all over the exterior of the building.

“This place is beautiful,” Embry said, turning to Luke with a broad smile.

“Wait until you see the inside. A client recommended it, and from the pictures I saw online, it looks pretty great.”

Luke reached for the front door, but Embry tugged on his hand. “Thank you. For doing this. I know we haven’t gone inside yet, but I just want you to know it’s perfect,” she said.

Luke’s lips brushed the corner of her mouth. “I’m just getting started, baby.”

He tugged her to his side and led her into the restaurant. After notifying the maître d’ of their reservation, they were led to a cozy corner booth. It was private, intimate. Embry slid into the rounded booth, Luke following after. Her eyes roamed the interior of the restaurant. Authentic wooden beams ran the length of the ceiling, and a stone fireplace sat in the center of the room, the mantle glowing with more lights. Embry’s gaze returned to Luke.

He was studying her, a content look on his face. “Do you like it?”

“I love it. It’s gorgeous.” She picked up the menu and flipped through it.

She ordered duck breast with goat cheese croquettes over a salad, and Luke ordered some kind of veal. He also ordered a delicious bottle of Bordeaux. While they waited for their meals, they chatted about the kinds of things a new couple should, instead of discussing how to hide their affair.

“We should’ve done this a long time ago,” Luke said, running his hand down Embry’s arm and clasping her fingers. “I can’t believe I’ve never taken you for a nice dinner.”

Embry smiled sweetly and rubbed her thumb over the back of Luke’s hand. “We were a bit preoccupied. Besides, you did cook me an amazing dinner.”

“I did.”

“That was pretty smooth too, Professor.”

Luke winced and shook his head. “Don’t, Bree.”

“I was just playing.”

“I know.” He dragged her hand to his mouth and brushed his lips lightly across her skin. “But that’s not who I am with you, not tonight. I don’t want to think about it.”

“Okay. Well, let’s revisit our first date then, shall we?” she suggested.

“And how do you suggest we do that?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Rapid-fire question round.”

Luke rolled his eyes. “Oh no, here we go.”

“What?”

“Nothing, beautiful. You’re up. Shoot.”

Embry rubbed her chin, thinking about where to start. “Okay. Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.”

“We’re doing favorites. Number, season, band. Go!”

Luke smirked. “Why do I feel like you’re just warming up?”

“Go!”

He held up his hands, chuckling. “Okay, okay. Fourteen. Summer. Kings of Leon. You?”

Embry shook her head. “Nope. We’re not finished with you yet.”

“Oh, I see how this works. You pry all the information you can from me and then leave me in the dark, huh?”

“Something like that.” She leaned in, and lightly swept her lips across his jaw. It was sweet and simple, but it gave her pause. Showing him affection came so easily, but for the most part, she would never be able to do that in public. The thought made her sad.

Luke picked up on the shift in her mood. As if reading her mind, he slipped his fingers under her chin, tilted her head up, and kissed the ever-loving shit out of her. He pulled away, his bold blue eyes fixed on her. “I know what you’re thinking, baby. But tonight, don’t think. You can kiss me wherever and whenever you like. Okay?”

Embry nodded and realized she wasn’t good at hiding her emotions with Luke. She was breathless and didn’t trust herself to speak. The waiter appeared at their table, presenting their meals and pouring more wine. As Luke chatted idly with the man, Embry touched a finger to her lips. She still felt the caress of his tongue, his soft, warm mouth against hers. No matter how many times she kissed him, it always felt like the first time. Always new, exciting … erotic.

“Eat up, baby.”

Embry looked up to find Luke staring at her. Her finger was still pressed to her lips. She dropped her hand into her lap.

“You all right?” Luke asked.

“Yes, fine. I just … That kiss. I …” She was still at a loss for words.

“Sorry I flustered you. I shouldn’t have done that—”

“No!” she said too loudly. She looked around in embarrassment before she realized they had privacy in their booth. “No. I liked it. Loved it. You just caught me off guard.” She smiled. “In a good way.”

“Well then, maybe I’ll try to do it more often.”

“I think you should.”

“Oh, really?”

She pulled him in for another kiss, hoping her actions showed what her words failed to say. “Really.”

It was Luke’s turn to look flustered. He offered her an impish grin as he ran a hand through his hair and then gestured toward the food. “Dig in. And continue with your questions if you’d like.”

Embry took a bite of her duck and groaned. “Mmmm, so good. Okay. More questions?”

“It’s your show, beautiful.”

She loved his easy demeanor. He humored her, playing along with her silly game, and she loved him for it. She rubbed her hands together and wiggled her eyebrows, trying to think of more information to pry out of him. “Food you can’t live without.”

A big, stupid grin formed on Luke’s face. “Mac n’ cheese. Hands down.”

Embry’s eyes rolled toward the ceiling, but she couldn’t help the smile splitting her lips. “What are you, five?”

Luke shrugged. “I love it.”

“Okay, next question. First kiss.”

“Really?”

Embry straightened, giving him a serious look. “Yes, really.”

“Will we play truth or dare next?” His eyes twinkled with humor.

“If you’re lucky, Brody. Answer the question.”

“Savannah Leighton. I was six; she was eight. She ran up to me on the playground, kissed me, and pushed me into the dirt.”

Embry laughed and ran her hand over Luke’s. “Aww, poor kid.”

“I’ve never fully recovered,” he joked.

* * *

The game continued through their meal. Embry eventually ran out of clever questions. She let Luke take the reins, and instead of grilling her, he made her answer her own questions. She was forced to relive her awkward first kiss with Connor Gallaway during a game of suck and blow, and she had to admit that she, too, was a five-year-old and would eat macaroni and cheese every day if she could.

They finished their bottle of wine and shared a delicious pastry for dessert. Luke held her hand as they drove down the dark highway toward his house, his thumb grazing back and forth against her skin. Embry stared out the window. She always had fun with Luke, but that date took the cake and proved to her that they had something special. Embry jumped when a loud ringing came through Luke’s speakers.

“Sorry, baby, my phone’s connected to Bluetooth. It’s my mom. I have to take this,” he said.

Embry nodded and leaned her head back against the seat. Luke pressed a button on the console and answered the phone.

“Lucas?” Embry smiled at his mother’s use of his full name.

“Hey, Mom.”

“How are you, sweetheart?”

“I’m good. I’m in the car. I’ve got you on speakerphone, okay?”

His mom said, “Oh that’s fine, honey. Who’ve you got with you?”

“My girlfriend, Embry.”

That got her attention. Her head whipped around, finding his eyes burning into hers. He gave her hand a squeeze and shrugged, smiling.

“Lucas James! You didn’t tell us you were seeing someone.”

“Haven’t had the chance, Mom.” He rolled his eyes playfully at Embry.

“Hello, Embry!” she called through the phone. “What a pretty name.”

“Hello, Mrs. Brody,” Embry answered. “Thank you.”

“Well, are you bringing her down here with you next weekend, Luke?”

“No, she can’t make it, Mom.”

Embry raised her eyebrows. That was news to her. Luke hadn’t mentioned going to visit his family, and he definitely hadn’t asked her if she wanted to come. She left it alone though, assuming he hadn’t mentioned it because they had just gotten back together.

“Well, that’s just too bad. Next time, then. Will you send us your flight details, son? Your father will send a car.”

Embry tuned out the rest of their conversation and returned to her thoughts, which were spinning wildly in her head. He had referred to her as his girlfriend and he’d told his mother. That was big. But she wondered why he’d never mentioned his trip to Georgia.

* * *

Embry lifted her hand from the water and dragged it down Luke’s arm. After arriving at his house, they popped open another bottle of wine, made slow, sweet love, and wound up in the Jacuzzi tub. She lay in the warm water, covered in suds, with her back to his chest and his arms wrapped around her.

“You called me your girlfriend,” she said quietly, entwining her fingers with his.

“I did.” He kissed her hair and squeezed her a little tighter.

“And you told your mom.”

She felt him nod. “I did.”

She angled her head so that she could see his eyes. “Why?”

“Why did I call you my girlfriend?”

Embry waited.

“That’s what you are, aren’t you?”

“Yes. I mean, I suppose,” she answered.

“You suppose?” he asked, incredulous.

“Well, yes … I am. We’re dating. We’re together. We’re … I’m your girlfriend.” She smiled as she tested it out on her tongue.

“You’re my girlfriend,” he repeated.

“But you told your mom.”

“Yes,” he said. “I did.”

“That was … a big deal.”

His deep blue stare connected with hers. “I’ve been wanting to call you mine for a while now, Bree. I won’t miss a single chance I get.”

Her heart beat faster as his lips found hers—soft, coaxing. She opened for him, turning in his arms and lying across his chest as his tongue stroked into her mouth.

Will this ever get old? She hoped not.