Lime Tree Hill (A Reluctant Kiss #1)

35. Indifference

35

INDIFFERENCE

Mitch slowed as he turned into the driveway, the living room lights visible when the loft came into view. Once parked, he sat in his truck for several minutes, mulling over Ella’s words, her blatant invitation, and with a touch of envy, the thought of Tayla and Tim at the beach together. He’d promised to teach her to surf but had been so tied up in his own world lately that he’d neglected to see how his preoccupation might seem to her.

He’d admitted to Ella that he loved Tayla, and once the shock of that admission sank in, Mitch realized it was true. He was in love with her. Not in the way that sexual energy takes over your soul, but that easygoing, relaxed love that’s so much more than lust alone.

Even so, the physical need was a heady mix of anticipation and desire, and as he climbed the stairs, Mitch knew it was time. He didn’t want to wait until he lost her through his indifference—or to some other guy who did seduction better. Maybe he’d left it too long already.

Mitch checked the clock as he opened the door. Ten after ten. Tayla lay asleep on the sofa, the TV humming just above mute in the background. He picked up the remote and switched it off. She stirred as he stepped closer, stretching her arms above her head, her cleavage visible through the gap in her bathrobe.

“What’s the time?” she asked, her voice low and husky.

He crouched beside her. With her face fresh from sleep and lips softly smiling, she looked beautiful in her innocence. “Bedtime.”

Tayla clasped her hands behind his neck. Her affection for him had grown over the past few weeks, and when they kissed, she relaxed under his touch. “I didn’t think you’d come home tonight. I haven’t kept you any dinner.”

Taking her hand in his, he pecked her on the mouth. “ It’s fine. I went to see Luka. He fed me.”

“He’s a good friend.” Her concern showing in her expression, she brushed a lock of hair from his forehead. “Is everything okay?”

“It will be soon.” He kissed her again, but this time with increasing urgency. Grabbing fistfuls of his shirt, Tayla pulled him closer, the need of her touch matching his in a way they’d never explored. Different from the restrained make-out kisses they were used to, this kiss would break down that final barrier between them. A lovers’ kiss. And when they let go, the memory would be etched on their hearts forever.

“I’m so pleased you’re home,” he whispered.

She frowned. “Where else would I be?”

“I don’t know.” Mitch snuggled into her neck. “And I don’t care. I need you.” Unsteady fingers raked through her hair as emotion welled in his chest. “You’re here. That’s all that matters.”

Kissing her gently, he pulled her closer, her body tight and ready beside him. They stayed that way for a moment, connecting with touch, words lost in an air of want. He longed to bury his face between her breasts—her thighs—for her to tremble as he entered her and call his name as she came. But instead, he pulled back, tugging his shirt over his head with both hands. He wasn’t about to make love to his wife for the first time on the living room sofa.

Mitch lifted her, and she instinctively curled her legs around his waist. As he walked to the bedroom, she pressed her lips to his neck. Those warm lips caressing his skin; that was it for him. His knees weakened, and when he placed her on the bed, he stared, the sight of her illuminated by the soft light spilling from the hall mesmerizing him.

He stilled, drinking her in, then sat beside her, easing off her robe while his heartbeat hammered in his chest. “Are you sure?” he murmured, struggling with his belt buckle. “Because if there’s any doubt, any hesitation, stop me now.”

“Don’t you dare stop. Not this time.”

“When did you get so bossy?”

“It’s those lessons of love you’ve been giving me. I’m over the theory.”

He laughed. “Lessons of love? Is that what we’ve been doing? More like lessons in frustration.”

“Just be gentle,” she whispered, her expression suddenly pensive as she held his gaze with wide-open eyes. “Okay?”

Mitch studied her—graceful and elegant, and her skin fair without that tinge of summer warming it. Was she worried he might hurt her, that she wouldn’t enjoy it? He’d felt that way when he lost his virginity, too. Scared and excited and nervous as hell. Cupping her face, he smiled down at her. “You know what?”

Tayla shook her head.

“There’s a little performance anxiety going on in my head right now too. First time ever.”

Her teeth scraped across her bottom lip. “Do you want a massage? I’m good with my hands. It’s my field of expertise.”

Mitch watched her unzip his fly. She slipped her hands into his boxers, his body stiffening with pent-up anticipation under her touch. He closed his eyes, tipping his head back as she ran her hand down his length. “ Shit! Knock yourself out.”

“Tell me what you like.”

His eyes still closed, Mitch sucked in a breath. “I like…our connection. Shit, Tayla… seeing your keys on the sideboard after work…knowing the wait is finally over.” He moved into her rhythm. “And I really like…what you’re doing to me right now.”

“You do?”

“Oh yeah.”

He placed his hand over hers. This night wasn’t about him. “Slow down. It’s been a while, and I’m losing control here.”

Sitting back on his haunches, Mitch briefly closed his eyes and inhaled sharply, the throb of his erection almost unbearable. When he opened them, Tayla smiled up at him, both hands cupping her breasts. He lifted one hand and tenderly kissed the delicate center of her palm, then did the same with the other as she watched him with lust-filled eyes.

Mitch lay beside her, and she turned toward him, her hands caressing his chest as he slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. They kissed, the husky groan in her throat all the encouragement he needed.

He brushed a hand over her breasts—small and perfectly round under his touch—his fingers doing their work until she arched her back, her breath hitching from her lungs in short, uneven pants. Her reaction amazed him. He’d expected her to be timid and reserved, but it was Tayla who guided his hand downward. And a few minutes later, when she came under his touch, it surprised them both.

Mitch reached for a condom from the nightstand drawer and put it on. Holding her with care, he entered her gently, stilling several times to catch himself as his need for release threatened to overtake his resolve. “Does this feel okay?”

She nodded. Held his gaze. Rocked into his rhythm. “Amazing.”

They kissed again—the smile in her eyes his cue to proceed as she wrapped her legs around his waist and held on tight.

Mitch smoothed her hair away from her face with a gentle touch. “That flush on your cheeks…so damn beautiful.”

“You make me feel so desired, watching me the way you do. ”

“I never want to look away. Haven’t for weeks.” His lips found her earlobe, neck, collarbone. “But I can’t hold on much longer.”

To his surprise, her release was as vocal and intense as his, and as they lay back on the bed, both panting for breath, all he could think was fuck. He turned his head to look at her, her hand resting at the base of her throat where his lips had been moments before.

“What’s going on in that busy mind of yours?” he asked, unsure if he wanted a truthful answer. What if she hadn’t enjoyed it? Although, she hadn’t faked it. Of that, he was sure.

Tayla reached for his hand, her fingers warm as she traced back and forth across his knuckles, her touch featherlike against his skin. She sighed, closed her eyes, and whispered, “That was the most intensely beautiful moment in my entire life. Thank you for being so patient.”

Rolling onto his side, Mitch propped himself up on one elbow, smiling down at her as he relaxed. He brushed a lock of hair from her face then kissed her—not passionately like before, but with appreciation, admiration. “Thank you for trusting me to be your first. I’m honored.”

Her hand cupped his cheek, her face still flushed and her eyes wide. “So…was it okay? For you, I mean?”

He leaned in again, his lips soft against hers, then pulled back. “You were amazing. Was it what you expected?”

“Kind of. I didn’t think it would be so intense…so all-consuming. Ned could have been banging on the door for ages, and there’s no way I would have noticed.”

Mitch laughed. He loved her playful side. Loved the look and smell of her, the delicate feel of her body under his, her enquiring mind. “Me neither.”

“How does it feel for a man, you know, when you come?”

“Well…”

As the moon traveled across the sky, Tayla had stayed awake for a while longer, her thoughts in overdrive as she listened to Mitch breathing beside her. How had it come to pass that this man, Norman’s grandson, was her husband—her lover? Was it fate or circumstance that brought them together? She’d imagined this night many times, but never in her wildest dreams had the fantasy matched the reality.

Making love to Mitch brought with it a new level of understanding. The intensity of losing yourself in the touch of another—the euphoria, and afterward, that feeling of pure contentment—was akin to a spiritual experience. The memory of his energy and power over her, and how she’d given herself to him without restraint, would stay with her always.

She’d expected it to hurt, and at first it had a little. But as they’d synced in beat and rhythm, the pain vanished. She’d also thought it would be over quickly, but there had been no haste as she released herself into his giving hands. Afterward, she’d wondered if Mitch would roll over and fall asleep straight away. But they coiled around one another as if bound together by an invisible cord, and talked until he drifted off.

And now, as the dawn chorus made a racket beyond their open window, she recalled the details—every kiss, every whispered command—and she wanted to reach over, take him in her hands and beg for more.

“Hey.” He stirred, his breath puffing across her neck. “How come you’re awake so early?”

Tayla looked at him over her shoulder and smiled. “Just thinking.”

“And what’s the verdict?”

“What do you mean?” She turned in his arms to face him.

He kissed her on the forehead. “In there. Do I still pass the test?”

She cupped his face. Kissed him. “I’m not sure. I might need you to repeat it before I award an A-plus. ”

Mitch chuckled. “So, you’re giving me the opportunity to up my performance?”

“No. Just to match it.”

He pulled her closer and whispered, “I like you, wife. A whole lot.”

“I like you too, husband.”