“Yes. Do it again. Again, Dustin, again.”
He let go of her arms and she wrapped them around him. He came up onto his elbows, moving with her legs around his waist. He took his time exploring her body, what made her gasp or moan. He moved into her and rocked his hips back, enjoying the friction created. He came back into her and repeated this rhythm. She joined in, her body moving, her arms entwined around his neck, her body sliding against his belly and chest, her breasts pressed against him and then released. He drove into her, lifting up so that his cock rubbed against her clit before slamming into her. Her breath was fast and he prayed she was near orgasm. He thrust again, deep, so deep his headboard thudded against the wall. She whimpered and clutched at him.
He was near to calling out, his breath burned in his chest. He kept diving into her body, pumping his cock faster and faster while the headboard echoed his rhythm. She increased her movements, and then he was unable to stop himself. Her voice lifted into a yell. His name came from her lips, giving him leave, and he let go. His body erupted, he came with such force into her. His voice rang out hoarsely, shouting her name. Their voices harmonized into passionate wail of triumph. Never had he experienced this type of lovemaking.
He settled against her. Their breathing was short and rapid, their bodies covered in perspiration. Their arms and legs were tangled together.
There were absolutely no words to express this experience. None that he knew.
Her heartbeat tapped against his chest. He held her there until their breaths returned to normal.
Time passed. He opened his eyes, realizing they’d both fallen asleep. She lay in his arms, warm and soft, and he never wanted to let her go. Never.
He gazed at her sleeping face. He loved her. He was deeply in love with her. The thought tore at him. She moved in his arms, and he squeezed her. He couldn’t help himself. He wanted to feel her against him, so close a beam of light couldn’t find space to move between them. Claire’s eyelids fluttered.
He kissed he cheek. “I owe you coffee.”
“Oh, I think for what you’ve done, you could easily demand coffee and breakfast in bed. And I’d not be one to argue either.” She traced some imaginary shape on his chest. She moved her finger in a circular pattern and then changed course.
“Are you hungry? Shall I make you breakfast in bed or just coffee?”
“What time is it?”
“Nine or so.”
“Just coffee, please.”
He nodded. “I never got a straight answer about your plans.” He walked to the bureau and pulled out a T-shirt and a pair of shorts. “Here you go.”
She unfolded the shirt and smiled. “This is your company.”
“Yes. I’d be proud to see you in that shirt and know you weren’t wearing any bottoms.” That would be one memory he’d cherish. He slipped on the shorts.
“Your house is lovely. The way you’ve opened up the upper floor. Really gives a spectacular view.”
“That’s what I thought. The rooms were too small and there are enough bedrooms downstairs. Master suites do better on the real estate market from what I can tell.”
“I hope you don’t sell the place.”
He stared back at her. Christ, he didn’t want to either. “I see a lot of possibilities in staying.” Not a giant step, not one that would scare her out the front door. “Now for that coffee.”
He held out his hand and they walked downstairs. “My Lord, Dustin.” She stood in the kitchen. “This is really beautiful. May I look around?”
“Please. Make yourself at home.” Hell, she could get her things and move in. He watched her open some of the custom cabinets. He flipped open a stainless container and scooped coffee into the filter basket.
“That’s fancy. Copper. Are you like a real barista?”
“I can steam milk for froth. I do like a good cup, and you’ve distracted me from my morning routine.” He pressed the brew button and then pulled her into his arms. In his T-shirt, she looked damned near perfect.
“What about your dog?”
“Jasper? He’s probably out back. There’s a dog door but he rarely stays inside. Sleeps on the porch.”
“You did all this?” She trailed her fingers along the granite counter top of the island.
“Come see the rest of the place.” He walked her into the den.
“I always loved this room. We had a lot of really great memories here.” Her forehead creased. She blinked, and he was prepared. Claire wasn’t one to break down and cry much. She might not even remember the times he’d held her as children, but he hadn’t forgotten. This time, just as before, he was ready and moved over to her.
“It’s all right.” He stroked her hair as she cried. Her tears splashed down his chest. “Shush.” He kissed the top of her head. He kept her in his arms, whispering to her that everything would be right again. He kept her firm and safe and let her cry. Her body lurched.
“I’m sorry.” She hiccupped. “I don’t know why that happened.”
“We spent a lot of hours in this room, your parents, my parents; our families were very close.”
More tears appeared in her eyes and fell. He tried to wipe them away and would have done anything to help her feel better. He rocked her against his body, letting her wash away grief. “I’m so sorry. So sorry. Soon you’ll feel better.”
“Thank you.” She slowed her breathing. “May I use your bathroom?”
He led her down a hallway and opened the door. “I’ll be in the kitchen. Can I get you anything?”
“You’ve done more than you know. Really.”
He closed the door for her and didn’t know what to do. Only time would heal her sadness. If he could speed up that process he would, but it was impossible. He took out two mugs and poured the coffee. He laid out the sugar container and left the cream on the counter. He took his coffee black. He walked to the porch and blew into his cup. The sun was bright on the yard and he whistled. Jasper came running. He threw a Frisbee and the dog ran off to retrieve it. Dustin reached for his food bowl and caught sight of Claire coming into the kitchen.
“Hey, I’m here with your friend. There’s coffee poured. Cream and sugar if you still drink coffee like before.” He opened the dog food container and dipped the bowl inside.
“Yes. Thanks.” She came to stand on the porch and watched Jasper jump. “He’s a wonderful companion, I bet.”
“I’ve no complaints.” He smiled at her. “Want a try?”
The dog returned, ears perked up. She tossed the Frisbee and Jasper didn’t hesitate, running after it and bringing it back in short order.
“Sit,” Dustin commanded. He threw the Frisbee for another round. “Are you hungry?”
“Actually, I need to check my email. I don’t know what time Fran’s coming in. She said her assistant would send a message with her itinerary.”
He looked down. He didn’t want Claire to see the thoughts that might saturate his expression. What type of her person sent messages to her sister through an assistant? He inhaled.
“You can use my computer. Same offer as the other day. Then if you’ve got time, we can eat.”
“Deal. Where’s your computer?”
“I’ll get you set up over in my office.” He pulled her along with him toward the front of the house. His office was off the front door and overlooked the driveway. He pulled out the desk chair for her. She sat and the T-shirt eased up her legs. “Better watch yourself or you might get ravaged on top of this desk.” He logged onto the computer and stepped away from the desk.
“I think we share many of the same fantasies.”
“You’re a vision. I can’t help myself.”
The sight of her seated at his desk reminded him of her mother. How many times had he been in her house and seen Mrs. Robertson seated at a desk, doing some paperwork for the family business? The idea passed through his mind of Claire working at home. A writer. Did she ever consider that route? He rubbed his knuckle against her cheek.
“Call out if you need anything.”
“Just checking email. Oh, maybe a printer.”
“It’s connected. Over there. Just click print and you’ll get what you want.”
She arched her brow. “I wish.” She laughed.
“Don’t tempt me. For all you know your sister may be sitting at the airport, fuming.”
Her face paled. “My God, you’re right. I don’t remember if my phone is on vibrate or if it’s even charged.”
“I was joking. I’m certain she’d catch a cab if she couldn’t reach you. Not the worst thing to do. Especially for a New Yorker. It’s like breathing for them. I’d better leave you to it.”
He left her tapping keys. She was still very much under her sister’s thumb. It’d serve Fran right to sit and wait. He couldn’t imagine what Fran possessed that enabled her to throw Claire, except an overinflated ego. After Claire’s last attempt to stand up for her sister, he’d promised himself he’d not say another word against Fran. Whatever he felt or believed wasn’t worth the risk of upsetting Claire.
He went back upstairs to clean up. Inside the bedroom he smiled. The bed, for once, looked like it had been broken in, and his smile only deepened when he noticed two notches dug into the wall where the headboard had hit.
“About time.” He touched the wall, determining that these two spots would remain there as a memorial of their first night together. Dustin picked up the room, throwing his clothes into a laundry bin and retrieving a lacy thong and dress. She traveled light. Boy, he’d love to take her on a trip. Maybe tour Europe. Disappear with Claire. Well, hell, if he knew her plans maybe he could begin to work out some sort of set of objectives for the future.
At some point, she’d go back to Seattle. His throat clogged and threatened to make him cough. He didn’t know much about grief. What he felt when his parents divorced would barely compare to what Claire was going through. Could she pack it up and return to her life on the West Coast without a thought? He had a home but it was hours away from Seattle. Yes, the first order of the day was to see where her thoughts were running.
“Dustin?”
“I’m up here.” He went to the stairs. She held some papers in her hands. From her expression he understood she wasn’t staying for breakfast. He couldn’t bring himself ask how soon the wicked witch of the East was due. She came up the stairs and he followed her inside the bedroom.
“Fran’s coming in about an hour. I’d better go get cleaned up. Actually, she wrote that her assistant reserved her a rental car at the airport. I should have figured Fran would want her own transportation.”
“Well, I know you’ll be busy. I want to see you later. It doesn’t matter how long or when. Even if it’s just coffee or a kiss goodnight. Call me and I’ll find you. ”
“I couldn’t ask for a better—” She faltered then recovered. “A better lover.”
“I want to be more. Much more.” He pulled her into his arms.
Chapter Eleven
She slipped into her thong and stood still while he zipped her dress. He planted a kiss on her shoulder and his arms cinched around her waist. She melted against him placing her hands over his, lacing their fingers together. They walked hand in hand to the front door.
Claire didn’t want to close her eyes while she stood inside the doorway, kissing Dustin. It was overpowering, this raw attraction that ran between them, becoming stronger to point of making her breathless. Or was it the way he took possession of her mouth? She’d given him her body and it was as if her mind and spirit wanted to follow.
Except now she was more exposed, more vulnerable, and she was afraid that this would end. Fran was on her way back and what if Dustin couldn’t help but being attracted to her? She needed to see for herself that Fran had no hold on him. Was that even possible? They looked exactly the same, after all. She was torn between wanting to trust Dustin and wanting to protect her heart.
She broke away. Everything was moving so fast. Where had the euphoria gone that held her suspended just seconds ago?
“Claire, if you need anything, you’ve got my number or just come over. Nothing is too small.”
A well of emotion churned inside her. She had to gather her thoughts and assemble at least enough self-control to end this without tears. Step one, let go of him. She released her death grip on his shirt.
“You smell so good.” His words heated her neck.
“I’ll call you as soon as I know what’s going on. Soon, I promise.” She swung around in his arms and smiled, a full toothy grin, realizing there was nothing for her to do but shower and change. All she could do was wait and see what transpired between Dustin and her…and, of course, Fran.
Dustin held her gaze, shook his head, and then pressed a kiss to her lips. He was going to say something but held back. She could see that. He opened the front door and she followed him out on the porch. They walked between the yards, his arm around her.
Up on her porch the rocking chairs creaked, empty and out of synch. The breeze had picked up and the clouds were moving across the sky, no longer white billows but gray cotton candy.
“Looks like we’ll finally get some rain.”
“How long has it been?” She stood barefoot, a good head shorter than him. Only when she mounted a step and turned were they eye-to-eye.
He pulled her into his arms, encircling and pulling her to him. Dustin’s eyes were darker in the pre-storm bluster except when a bolt of lightning flashed. Her chest heaved and thunder boomed, but that’s not what made her quiver. She wanted to pour out the words yet she kept biting them back. Claire pressed her forehead to his, willing that he might understand all that she felt—minus the crazy bleeps of insanity that kept cropping up.
Inside, she tried out the words. She loved him. But they were stuck, super glued to her tongue.
“You better make a run for it.” She smiled.
He patted her rear-end. “Hmm.” He glanced up at the sky and kissed her. He moved his hands over her bottom. He lifted her, scooting her closer to him, leaving no doubt that he was ready for another session of lovemaking. “Imagine what I’d do to you if there wasn’t a storm brewing.”
She gasped. Partially from the impression of his erection pushing into her abdomen and partially because she wondered if he’d picked up on her inner turmoil. “I’ll take a rain check.”