Essence of his Soul

Chapter 17

On Christmas Eve, my thoughts swirled like the snowflakes outside, even as we drove up that long, winding driveway to my parent's place. The old white farmhouse looked straight out of a postcard—five acres of tall trees, a stream, and a walking trail. The whole scene screamed peaceful, but in my mind, not so much. All I could think about was Mark and how everything had flipped upside down in just a few days.

"Ganny!" Tyler squealed from the backseat, his little voice bright and excited.

I turned to look at him, and the grin on his face just melted me. “Yes, baby, we’re at Grandma’s house,” I said, smiling back. His joy was contagious, and I let it take over momentarily, forgetting everything else. This was what family felt like, and it was perfect.

Mark shot me one of those slow, knowing smiles that had my stomach flipping like I was a teenager all over again. He killed the engine, and I sat there for a second, letting the moment soak in. Everything felt different; it felt like I was living in this beautiful bubble that could pop at any second.

The last forty-eight hours were pure fire. The way we touched, the way we talked—it was deeper, more real. Mark had taken me places I didn’t know I needed to go. But I wasn’t stupid. I knew this wasn’t some fairytale. He had ten days left before he had to leave again, but for now, I was living in the now.

I climbed out of the car, the cold hitting me like a wake-up call, but it didn’t matter. Snow fell again, soft and steady, and it looked like we’d get a white Christmas. Perfect.

Mark was already at Tyler’s side, unstrapping him from the car seat. I watched how he adjusted Tyler’s little hat and whispered something in his ear. My heart did that little dance again, watching them together.

“Wish me luck,” Mark murmured to Tyler, smiling as he lifted him out of the car.

I came around, balancing a cake carrier in my hand. Mark slipped his free arm around my waist, and just like that, his touch grounded me. I leaned into him, letting the warmth from his body seep into mine.

I rang the doorbell, and before we could even catch a breath, the door swung open like it was on cue. Tamara stood there, grinning from ear to ear, practically bouncing.

“Happy holidays!” she shouted, pulling us into the house without missing a beat. The smell of pine and cinnamon hit me the second we walked in, wrapping around me like a warm hug. Celebrating on Christmas Eve was our family tradition. It freed up Christmas Day for us to do our own thing, and this evening was all about family being together. This was home, no doubt about it.

As soon as we stepped inside, Tamara leaned in with one of her looks. “Is that him?” she whispered.

I didn’t even need to respond. The way I stood by Mark’s side, his arm draped around me, said it all.

“Mark, this is my sister Tamara and her husband, Dennis.”

Mark’s dimples popped as he smiled, his voice smooth as silk. “I can see beauty runs in the family.”

Tamara let out a little chuckle. “Aren’t you the charmer?” she said, hugging him. I could tell she was sizing him up, taking in how Mark stood tall and firm beside me, that protective hand resting on my shoulder. It didn’t take a genius to see that Tyler was a carbon copy of his father.

Dennis came over and shook Mark’s hand. “Good to meet you, man. Merry Christmas.”

Tamara had already scooped up Tyler, smothering him with kisses.

“Take your coats off and stay a while,” Dennis said, waving us toward the living room. “Everyone’s here.”

Mark helped me out of my coat, then shrugged out of his, and we made our way through the house. The place buzzed with voices, laughter, kids running wild, and Christmas music. That kind of warm, chaotic energy felt like home, the vibe you didn’t want to leave. I could feel Mark taking it all in as we walked. This was my life, family, and history, and now I was sharing it with him. That realization hit me deep.

When we hit the kitchen, the long farm table overflowed with food—turkey, ham, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese. You name it, it was there. I set the chocolate cake down. Before I could even turn around, Tamara grabbed my arm and dragged me into the pantry.

“Sis, he’s freaking gorgeous!” she whisper-screamed, her eyes wide with excitement.

I couldn’t help but smile. “Yes, he is.”

But Tamara wasn’t letting me off easy. She crossed her arms and gave me that look. “Well?”

“Well, what?” I said, knowing exactly where she was going but playing dumb anyway.

“Have you agreed to marry him yet?”

I hesitated for a beat, then shook my head. “No.”

“Don’t tell me you’re still mad at him. Why the hell not?”

I gave her the side-eye, tired of rehashing the same topic. “You know why, Tamara.”

I caught the little smirk creeping up on Tamara’s lips before she hit me with that question. “So, what about…?” She let it hang in the air, all casual-like, but I knew exactly where she was going with that.

I shrugged, trying to act like my face wasn’t heating up. There was no way I was giving her all the details. “I don’t kiss and tell,” I said, keeping my tone as smooth as possible. “But since he’s staying with us—”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Tamara cut me off, eyes wide. “Did you just say Mark is staying with you?”

That blush I was trying to keep down flared up even more. “Yes, but only because he wants to be there for Christmas morning,” I said, hoping to calm her down.

“Mmm-hmm,” Tamara said, her grin growing wider. She hit me with that all-too-familiar look like she already had it all figured out. “Sis, he’s halfway there. It’s just a matter of time.”

I rolled my eyes like I wasn’t affected, but my heart did little flips.

I slid past her and made my way through the house. I saw Mark by the sink, deep in conversation with my sixteen-year-old cousin Pamila. And, of course, she was doing the most—twirling her hair and giggling like he was the hottest thing she’d ever seen. Which, okay, he kinda was, but still.

“Sorry, Cuz, but I’m gonna have to steal him for a minute,” I said, slipping my arm around Mark’s waist like I was staking my claim. Not that I had to, but sometimes you gotta make things clear. He didn’t resist, of course—he never did when it came to me. That was one thing I could count on.

As we walked away, I looked up at him and raised an eyebrow. “You looked like you needed rescuing,” I said, teasing.

He let out that low chuckle that rumbled deep in his chest and always made my pulse skip a beat. “Yeah, I appreciate it,” he said, his eyes locking with mine in that way that always made me feel like we were the only two people in the room.

We found my parents posted up in the living room, right next to that massive Christmas tree that had been around for as long as I could remember. Every ornament on it had a story, a memory, something from our family’s past. It was like looking at our history wrapped in twinkling lights and tinsel. As I stood there with Mark, my arm casually draped around his waist, I wondered if maybe—just maybe—we’d be making memories like that together someday. But then I had to check myself real quick. Uh-uh. There are no guarantees in this game. I couldn’t be out here getting caught up in the fantasy. I needed to pump the brakes, slow down, and let Mark show me actions over words.

* * *

Meeting Essence's parents wasn’t just another check on the list; it was the real deal.

She flashed her killer smile and leaned over to kiss her parents. I watched as she moved with that effortless grace, owning the room. And then, just like that, she grabbed my hand and pulled me next to her like I belonged there.

“Mom, Dad, I’d like you to meet Mark Saunders,” she said, looking at me like I belonged. “Mark, these are my parents, Julia and Jarvis Monroe.”

I leaned in, extending my hand toward her mother first. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you both,” I said, keeping my voice steady and respectful. I wasn’t about to mess this up.

Julia didn’t hesitate. She took my hand with a warm smile and even kissed me on the cheek like she’d known me for years. “Welcome, Mark,” she said softly. “I hope we see a lot more of you.”

“Thank you. I plan to be around for a long time,” I replied, giving her a genuine smile. I wasn’t playing about that either.

I could see the resemblance. Essence had her mother’s smooth brown skin, that same small, upturned nose, and those eyes that could either make you feel like the most important person in the room or remind you to watch your step.

Then came Jarvis. I could feel the shift in the air. Her father was tall, only an inch or so shorter than me, and built solid. His jaw was tight, and I could tell he wasn’t the type to be won over with just a handshake.

“Finally, we meet,” he said, standing up and offering me his hand. His grip was firm—like he was sizing me up—and I gave it right back.

“I wish it could’ve been sooner, sir,” I said, holding his gaze. I meant it. If things had been different, maybe I’d have done this the right way sooner.

He let go of my hand, rubbing the back of his head, which was nearly bald except for some salt-and-pepper hair around the edges. “I’d like to have a word with you later, in private.”

I caught the irritation in his tone, and I knew this wouldn’t be a cakewalk. “That’ll be fine, sir,” I replied, keeping my tone respectful. I was ready for whatever he had to throw at me.

Essence, though, wasn’t feeling that. I could see the tension in her shoulders. She moved beside her dad, wrapping an arm around his waist like she was trying to soften him. “Behave,” she murmured to him, her voice low but firm.

He kissed her on the top of her head, his whole demeanor shifting as he pulled her close. That was a father’s love right there. I respected it and felt the same way about Tyler.

Before I could say anything else, her great-aunt entered the room, and Essence started introducing me to a parade of family members. Aunties, uncles, cousins—I lost track after a while. All I could do was smile, shake hands, and hope I remembered some names by the end of the night.

“Your dad’s not feelin’ me too much,” I murmured to Essence as we moved through the crowd.

She squeezed my hand, giving me that look that said everything without saying a word. “He’s a pastor,” she said, her voice soft but serious. “He not only likes you, but as a minister, he actually loves you.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You sure about that?” I asked, my tone half-joking but also dead serious. Her dad’s vibe wasn’t exactly screaming love.

Essence laughed and pulled me closer, wrapping her arm around my waist. “Trust me,” she said, her voice full of reassurance. “You’ll be fine.”

As we continued to move through the house, I spotted Tyler. He was getting passed around like a favorite toy, everyone smothering him with kisses. That kid had no idea how loved he was.

In the living room, Tamara’s husband and some male cousins were deep in a heated football debate. They were going back and forth like they were on ESPN. I slid right into the conversation, and before long, it felt like I’d been here forever. Essence’s family was loud, full of love, and real. This was home, the kind of place where you could see yourself building something solid.

And that’s exactly what I wanted—with her.

* * *

As I set the table, trying to focus on the task, I caught my mother giving me that look. You know, the one where she’s got something on her mind, and you’re about to hear all about it. I wasn’t in the mood, but I knew it was coming.

“Tyler looks just like his father,” she said, casually like she wasn’t fishing for more. But I knew her better than that.

I pulled the cornbread out of the oven, trying to stay cool. “Yes, he does,” I said, keeping my tone even, like I wasn’t bracing for the real question.

She didn’t miss a beat. “I like him, Essence. Mark seems like a good man. Have y’all talked about the future?”

Here we go. I looked over, trying to keep it light. “Other than raising Tyler? No.” I made sure to sound like it was no big deal, even though we both knew it was.

My mother gave me that sympathetic smile, the one that always made me feel like I was the one missing something. “He’s a nice man. I was hoping maybe the two of you...” She let her voice trail off like she wasn’t trying to push too hard, but I wasn’t fooled.

I could’ve told her everything that went down with me and Mark these past few days. But I wasn’t about to jinx it. Not yet. “No, Mom. I’m good with how things are,” I said, trying to convince myself as much as her. I sat down at the table, needing a break from this conversation.

Mom followed, pulling out a chair and sitting down beside me. “I thought maybe you’d changed your mind,” she said, watching me closely.

I raised an eyebrow, surprised. “Why would you think that?”

She smiled, but there was something else behind it—something knowing. “I have eyes, Essence. Anybody can see how Mark looks at you.”

“How he looks at me?” I repeated, feeling exposed all of a sudden.

“The same way your father looks at me,” she said, her voice soft, filled with that bittersweet memory.

I sighed. “Mom, Mark’s not like that. He’s told me straight up he’s not looking for love.” I was tired of repeating and saying it like I believed it myself. Mark had been clear since day one.

But Mom, being Mom, wasn’t letting it go. “Well, I think he’d make a wonderful husband.”

“Mom, please,” I said, shaking my head, trying to shut this down before it went any further.

She reached across the table, taking my hands in hers. “Life has a way of surprising you, baby girl. And so do people. Don’t close yourself off to the possibility that Mark could come to love you too.”

I frowned, not wanting to go there, not wanting to hope for something that might never happen. “I doubt it,” I said, leaning back in my chair.

She studied me momentarily, like she could see through the walls I was putting up. “You love him, don’t you?” she asked, her voice soft but firm.

I didn’t even have to think about it. Of course, I loved Mark. I had loved him from the moment he walked back into my life, but I wasn’t about to admit that out loud. Not yet. Not until I knew where we stood.

I tried to shake the thought off, but the truth was there, staring me in the face. It wasn’t just about Tyler anymore. It was the way Mark made me feel. The way he always showed up, no matter what. I had tried to ignore it, but he kept coming back. My heart was on the line, and I couldn’t lie to myself about it.

“What’s not to love?” I said, half-laughing. “He’s handsome, smart, and a great father.”

Mom leaned back, giving me that twinkling-eyed look like she knew something I didn’t. “Have you told him how you feel?”

I let out a short laugh. “Good Lord, no!”

“Well, maybe you should,” she said, looking at me like she had all the answers.

“Why on earth would I do that?” I asked, genuinely confused.

“Because he loves you too,” she said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

I stared at her, frowning. “No, he doesn’t.”

Her eyes widened. “And why not?”

I rubbed a hand over my face, letting out a deep breath. “Because he’s said so,” I replied, knowing it was the truth, even if I didn’t want to believe it.

Mom just smiled, like she knew something I didn’t. “Men don’t always know what they want, Essence. That’s why women exist—to help them figure it out.”

I had to laugh at that. “Mom, you’re too much.”

She leaned forward, dead serious. “I’m telling you, your father didn’t know what he wanted either. He was all talk at first—said he wasn’t looking for love, just someone to run the house and cook meals. But I stuck around. And after a while, after seeing how much I cared, he couldn’t deny it anymore. He finally admitted he couldn’t live without me.”

I blinked, surprised. “You never told me that story.”

“You didn’t need to hear it until now,” she said, squeezing my hand.

I sat there, letting her words sink in. Was I ready to risk my heart on Mark, knowing he might never come to love me the way I wanted? Could I take that leap for Tyler—and maybe for me, too?

After a long pause, I looked at her. “Why are you trying so hard to marry me off?” I asked, my voice soft.

“Because I know he’s your soulmate, even if you haven’t figured it out yet,” she said, calm and confident like she always was. And for the first time, I wondered if maybe—just maybe—she was right.

Hours later, we were rolling down the highway, both of us quiet, except for the sound of the tires humming against the pavement. I kept my eyes straight ahead, but my mind was everywhere, jumping from one thought to the next. I tried to calm myself, but it wasn’t working. Eventually, I had to ask.

“So,” I said, turning to look at him, “what did you and my father talk about?” He had been in his father’s study for almost an hour.

Mark gave me that look, flashing that smile he knew always did something to me.

“Man, talk,” he said, still smiling like he had some secret I wasn’t in on.

I raised an eyebrow, feeling my heart do this little flip. “What kind of ‘man talk’?”

“Private stuff,” he said, still grinning like he knew that answer would drive me crazy.

I let out a groan, already imagining the kinda "private stuff" my father had drilled him about. “He asked you what your intentions were, didn’t he?”

Mark laughed under his breath. “Yep. And I told him.”

I leaned back in my seat, covering my face with my hands. “Please don’t tell me you told him I refused your marriage proposal!”

Mark chuckled, and that low, deep sound sent a little shiver through me. “Okay, I won’t tell you.”

I peeked at him from behind my fingers. “But you did, didn’t you?”

He caught the worried look in my eyes, and without hesitating, he grabbed my hand and kissed my palm like it was the most natural thing in the world. “No,” he said softly, “but I did tell him we talked about marriage, and we haven’t figured it all out yet.”

I sighed, feeling the weight of those words sink in. That was just as bad. I already knew my father wasn’t going to let that conversation go. I could see him calling me up by the end of the week, talking about “we need to talk.”

I turned my gaze out the window, trying to relax, but thick tension hung between us. And it wasn’t just regular tension—it was the kind that made your skin tingle. It was Christmas Eve, and whenever I thought about what happened between us the other night, my body reacted remembering, too. I tried to tell myself it was a mistake, but now I wasn’t so sure.

When we pulled up to the house, the snow fell heavily, covering the streets like a blanket. It was good we got home before the roads got too bad. Tyler was knocked out in the back seat, sleeping hard after a long day of being passed around from one family member to another. Mark scooped him up while I took care of the leftovers, putting everything in the fridge.

I wandered into the living room and turned on the TV, trying to distract myself. It’s a Wonderful Life was on. I hadn’t seen it in years, but something about it made me feel calm, like it was a tradition I didn’t even know I needed. Tyler was out for the night, which left just Mark and me. And that thought alone made my heart race.

“I love that movie,” Mark’s voice interrupted my thoughts, returning me to reality.

I glanced over my shoulder, seeing him standing there in the doorway, looking so damn comfortable. “I haven’t watched it in forever,” I said, turning back to the screen, trying to play it cool. But when I looked at him again, he was sitting beside me on the sofa, and I could feel the heat from his body like he was sending out signals.

“Ready to play Santa?” I asked, trying to change the energy, but my voice came out shaky.

His eyes lit up, and that smile of his was back. “Yeah, I’m ready. But how ‘bout we change into something more comfortable before we start hauling toys out of the closet?”

“Alright,” I said, nodding too fast, practically jumping up from the sofa like I was running away from my thoughts.

Back in my room, I slipped into a satin gown, tying the robe tight around my waist. I stared in the mirror, took a deep breath, and returned to the living room.

When I walked into the room, I had to pause. Mark had changed into flannel pajama bottoms, his chest bare. A fire was going, making the room feel cozy and warm. My heart did that thing again, that quick flutter he made happen without even trying.

“How ‘bout some hot chocolate?” I asked, my voice a little unsteady.

“Sounds perfect,” he said, his eyes locking on me.

I entered the kitchen, my heart beating fast, like running a marathon. The tension between us was thick enough to cut with a knife. I filled the kettle, trying to steady myself, but there was no denying it. We were both feeling it—the anticipation, the pull. It was like we were both waiting for something to break.

A few minutes later, I returned with two mugs of hot chocolate and a plate of cookies. I set them down on the table and sat beside Mark on the floor, handing him a mug. Our fingers touched, and the jolt that ran through me almost made me spill the drink. I looked up at him, and he was feeling it, too.

* * *

As I sat there, sipping my cocoa, I couldn’t keep my eyes off Essence. The way the firelight bounced off her skin, giving her this soft glow—it hit me differently, like a punch to the gut. She had on one of those short gowns that barely grazed her thighs, leaving her slender, toned legs on display. And man, she looked good. Sweet, soft, like I could break her with a touch. But at the same time, just looking at her like that sent me a wave of pure heat. I was trying to keep my cool, but it wasn’t easy.

“You ready to get started?” I nudged her shoulder, feeling the warmth of her skin.

She glanced up from the TV, her eyes meeting mine, and something flickered between us. I could tell by how her gaze softened, and the blush crept up her cheeks that she felt it, too.

I put my mug down and headed to the spare room to grab the bags of toys, taking a deep breath. When I came back, Essence was watching me with those narrowed eyes, ready to call me out.

“Those aren’t the toys I bought,” she teased, her voice light and playful.

I smirked, nodding toward the bag by the sofa. “Nope, these are the ones I bought. Yours are right there.” I pointed to the smaller bag.

She rolled her eyes but smiled. “That little boy is going to be spoiled,” she said, shaking her head.

I shrugged, feeling proud about it. “Last year doesn’t count. My son was too young. This one? I want it to be special.”

Her smile shifted and got a little softer, more real. “Just you being here makes it special.”

Those words hit me like a gut punch in the best way. “Thanks,” I said quietly, trying to keep it together.

“Tyler’s already crazy about his daddy,” she added, her voice low, like she was letting me in on something she hadn’t told anybody else.

That caught me off guard, but in a good way. “Really?” I asked, surprised but also feeling damn good about it.

She nodded, and the way she looked at me… I don’t know. It made something tighten in my chest.

“Yes, really.”

After that, we didn’t say much. We didn’t need to. Setting up the train set, wrapping toys, putting some on display—this wasn’t about talking. It was about a little boy who’d changed everything for us. It felt right, like we were finally building something solid, something real.

When the movie ended, she excused herself and ran to the bathroom. I sat there, staring at the tree, thinking about how everything between us had shifted. When she returned, I was holding the gift I’d been waiting to give her.

“What’s that?” she asked, her voice soft, curious.

“Open it and find out,” I said, handing her the small box.

She sat down, tucking her legs underneath her, and carefully unwrapped it. Her eyes widened when she pulled out the gold ring with the ruby birthstone. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered, almost like she couldn’t believe it.

“It’s a mother’s ring,” I explained, leaning closer. “Look at the inscription.”

Essence turned the ring over, and I watched her face change as she read the inscription. “Tyler Dane - July 19,” she said, her voice catching.

I left his last name off for obvious reasons.

I saw the emotion in her eyes, raw and unfiltered, and it hit me deep. “Oh, Mark, thank you so much, but I—I didn’t get you anything,” she stammered, looking almost guilty.

I leaned in, my voice low and serious. “Yes, you did. You’ve done an incredible job raising our son. I couldn’t ask for a better gift than him.”

She blushed, trying to hide her face behind her mug, but I saw the way she was feeling everything, just like I was. “Having you in his life now is what matters most. You’ve made quite the impression on him,” she said quietly.

I couldn’t let that sit. I had to know. “And what about his mother?” I asked, my voice dropping even lower. I traced my finger along her cheek, letting it linger long enough to clarify my point. “Have I made an impression on her too?”

I watched her breath catch and saw her hands tremble just a little. She was trying to stay calm, but I knew. I could feel the shift between us, the way her body reacted to mine. We were close now, closer than we’d been in a long time, and I wasn’t about to let that go.

I took her mug, set it aside with mine, and grabbed both of her hands. Our eyes locked, and the hunger I’d been feeling for her—the kind I’d tried to ignore—was all out in the open now. I wasn’t just feeling her. I was feeling everything. This wasn’t just about sex or some fling. This was about her—about us.

I cupped her face in my hand, my fingers brushing along her jawline. Her skin was soft and warm, and I could feel her pulse racing under my touch. My heart was pounding just as hard. I leaned in, my eyes never leaving hers, and everything else faded away in that moment.

When my lips touched hers, Essence sighed and tilted her chin, giving me greater access. That was all the encouragement I needed. I parted her lips, my tongue easing into her sweet mouth. Essence moaned and pressed her body to mine. I pulled her close against me and deepened the kiss. Her lips were lovely and seductive enough to send blood flowing hotly through my veins.

I cupped her buttocks and groaned near her ear. “You know what I want, don’t you, Essence?” I had drawn back to look at her flushed face. Her lids lifted slowly. Desire flickered, flared, and raged through me. She nodded and moistened her lips.

“I want to taste every inch of you starting right here.” I nipped her earlobe.

Essence drew in a shuddery breath, then exhaled with a sigh. I stroked my palm across her smooth cheek, and she nuzzled against it.

“You want that, too? Don’t you?” I asked.

The gaze that met mine was serious. “Yes.”

I wanted her so badly that I was ready to bypass all the preliminaries and get down to business. However, when she touched her lips to mine with soft, experienced kisses, I suddenly remembered that good things come to those who wait.

I picked her up in my arms. Her arms were locked around my neck as I carried her to the bedroom. With one hand, I managed to jerk back the covers, then lay her down and lowered beside her.

She sighed with pleasure as I cupped her breasts, circling them and then thumbing her nipples. I caught the fabric of her gown in my teeth and tugged it over her breasts. “I need to taste you, Essence.”

Her eyelids drifted closed, and then she inhaled deeply. “Oh, yes.”

Gown gone, she lay before me in nothing but what the good Lord had given her. I stroked her breasts while her silky fingers slid across my chest in a slow, circular motion, then lowered to skim my belly and ribcage. Shudders of sensation rippled through me, and I had to take a deep breath to maintain control.

I captured her hands, then pinned them over her head as I moved to pluck a nipple in my mouth, suckling until she squirmed on the bed. Her breathing came in short pants. When my lips left her breasts to travel down her abdomen, she cried out in protest.

“Relax, sweetheart. I told you I need to taste you,” I murmured while I gently eased her thighs apart. I lowered my head, brought my lips to her gentle flesh, and began my feast. I knew what she liked, what made her squirm on the sheets. I waited until her breathing had heightened then I sucked that succulent flesh in between my lips like I had done many times before. Nevertheless, nothing could prepare her for the lightning thrusts of my tongue. She reached out and slapped a hand over her mouth.

I nipped her thigh. “Don’t. I want to hear you scream.”

“I won’t,” she defied just as she arched her hips to move against my lips.

“Yes, you will, and you’ll love it,” I challenged. I used my fingers to tease her lips apart while I sucked Essence's clit in between my lips and set her off.

“That’s it, sweetheart; let’s see if you can do that again.”

She did several times.

Although the heat in my groin raged full force, I got pleasure from pleasing her. My needs weren’t the priority. Only hers. Her smell and soft pleas drove me insane until suddenly, tasting her sweet nectar on my tongue wasn’t enough. I wanted...needed...to give her everything I had to give in the most intimate way.

Essence opened her eyes to find me standing above her, rolling on a condom. My gaze poured over her naked body like melted chocolate. She was sexy… beautiful. She was mine. I stood before her, ravaging what little sanity I had left. My mouth watered. My skin tingled in anticipation of what was about to go down.

Hungrily, she reached for me, dragging me back onto the bed. Spreading her legs, she wrapped them around my waist and urged me to lay down on top of her. Thus far, I was taking my time, being patient, and ensuring she got hers, but she no longer needed me to wait.

“Easy, sweetheart.” I nibbled her ear and pressed my lips against her throat. “We have all night.”

“I need you inside me now ,” she whimpered.

I chuckled. “Yes, ma’am.” With one deep thrust, I drove so deep inside her I thought I would drown from the sensation. Essence arched her back off the bed in pleasure. I eased her back down, filling her again and again while she rocked her hips, matching my tempo. I picked up the rhythm until I couldn’t move fast enough to satisfy my need. My pulse pounded. My blood roared. With each thrust, I watched her breasts bounce, her lips part, and heard the soft whimpers come from her throat. She was all mine. How could I have gone two years without being inside her, feeling her body squeezing me the way she was doing now.

Her legs finally gave out, and I lifted them onto my shoulders. I plunged deeper and raced toward completion. She was crying out my name, clawing at my flesh, rocking her hips to meet my determined thrusts. I was gritting my teeth, trying to hold one, which was damn near impossible because she felt that good. But just as I was nearing the breaking point, Essence’s entire body contracted and then exploded, and within seconds, I found my own release.

I rolled onto my side and pressed her close to my chest. Essence released a soft sigh of contentment that did crazy things to my mind, body, and soul. I nuzzled the back of her neck while one palm skated down her abdomen, then up to cup her breasts. I whispered into her ear, “Woman, you are dangerous.”

Her soft giggle curled around me, low and intense. I drifted off to sleep with a smile on my lips.