Chapter 12
Lucy stirred slowly, blissfully satisfied and a tiny bit achy, but in a good way. She lay on her side, pressed against Aidan, his arm draped lazily over her waist. Stretching out, careful not to disturb the man still sleeping beside her, she managed to steal a glance at the only thing she still wore, her watch. It was nearly eight o’clock.
Ugh.The very thought of moving from this cozy bed and warm embrace made her curse the rising sun. A lazy morning would be heavenly. Shutting her eyes, she imagined lounging in bed all day, eating takeout and, of course, several more rounds of lovemaking.
At this point, there was no sense rushing home. Abbey and the girls would be awake before she could make it back. Once they discovered Lucy’s absence, there would be no denying she had spent the night with a man. So, she may as well bask in the afterglow for a while longer.
Aidan’s breathing was steady, and she wondered how long he usually slept in on the weekends. Even while he slept, his cock was stiff against her bare butt. Something about morning wood, she figured, but the feel of it pushing into her buttock ignited a fire between her legs.
Tingles ran down her spine as desire took over her. Feeling flirty, she pushed her butt into his erection and rubbed along his length in slow circles.
Aidan groaned. “I would stop if I were you.”
Smiling devilishly, she continued to move against him.
Aidan released a soft moan as his fingertips pressed into her hip. If it was possible, she felt him grow even harder. A nervous laugh bubbled in her throat.
“You’re a tease.” He whispered, nibbling on her ear.
He tightened his grip around her waist, thwarting her attempt to squirm away.
“Oh, no! I warned ya.” Aidan pressed his stiffness against the soft skin of her bare butt. “Now, you have to pay the consequences.”
Kissing her neck, he skimmed the delicate skin of her stomach, leaving a trail of goosebumps. Lucy shivered in delight as he swirled a finger in the manicured nest of hair between her thighs, inching down to tease the slick folds of her plump lips. She bucked forward as he gently caressed her swollen nub with the pad of his thumb, sliding a finger deeper into her core until she moaned in pleasure. Lucy stopped squirming, arching her back against him as his fingers moved inside her.
“This is punishment?” she moaned, reaching back to grip his thigh and opening herself to him. “I could be punished all day.”
Aidan groaned in response. Nibbling her ear, his hand ran down her thigh to pull her leg over his own, teasing her opening with his tip. Lucy sucked in a breath as he rubbed against her, releasing her just long enough to wrap up his cock. With an almost inaudible grunt, he drove inside her, his breath coming out in slow pants.
Lucy sighed, twisting her neck to kiss him once before leaning against the pillows. As he moved, he ripped back the sheet, exposing her body entirely. Gliding a hand over her hips and stomach, he greedily cupped her breast, squeezing playfully. His breath was hot in her ear; she could hear the pleasure mounting as his breathing became more rapid, and moans tickled her eardrums.
Every sound and touch increased her pleasure. The pressure built like a rollercoaster, climbing higher and higher, knowing she would burst over the top at any moment. Aidan must have sensed her climax; he reached down to toy with her swollen clit. At his intimate touch, Lucy threw her head back, gripping the sheet with one hand and his thigh with the other as the orgasm ripped through her. Aidan continued to play with her enlarged nub. Shocked, Lucy felt the waves of pleasure building again. Fireworks exploded as she came once more. Never before had she experienced multiple orgasms.
As she struggled to focus, Aidan grabbed her hip, digging his fingers into its soft skin, and called her name as he released himself.
Breathing hard, he pulled out and fell to his back. Lucy’s eyes were closed, her cheeks flushed, and a stupid grin sat on her face.
“That was a great way to wake up,” Aidan mumbled.
Lucy’s entire body felt like jelly; she could hardly move.
Aidan rolled off his side of the bed. “Give me two minutes; then we can go again.”
Lucy gasped, watching as he disappeared into the bathroom, unable to gauge how serious he was being.
“Maybe you can go again,” she called to him, pushing to a sitting position. “I’m not sure I have the energy. Besides, I have to get home. I can’t stay in this pleasure den all day.”
Aidan reappeared, drying his hands with a towel. “Pleasure den? I like the sounds of that.” He came toward the bed and handed her the towel. “Why don’t we do that? We could stay here, in bed, all day. It would be great craic, the best craic in town.”
Lucy smiled as butterflies danced in her belly. That was the most Irish thing he could have said at that moment, making it all the more difficult to say no.
“I have a daughter, remember?” Lucy raised her eyebrows at him as she stood up. “I need to get back to my motherly duties.”
Aidan sighed, dropping his head in disappointment. “Okay, at least let me make ya breakfast before ya go.”
Lucy’s stomach betrayed her with a growl.
“Just breakfast.” She pointed at him seriously. “Then, I have to go home.”
“I’ll be on me best behavior.” Aidan bowed, then turned on his heels and sauntered out of the room, still naked.
Lucy shook her head and tried to ignore the tingles she felt whenever he looked at her. Their sexual chemistry was like nothing she had felt before. It had been foolish to think that after a long night of sex, she would finally be able to move on from him. Instead, she found leaving difficult, especially knowing this would be their last time.
She walked into the living room fully naked and searched out her discarded clothes. Aidan stood over the stovetop, his back to her. She quickly located the heap of last night’s clothes and slipped into her panties and jeans. She was holding her bra when Aidan turned around, a white chef’s apron covering the front of his body, leaving his buttocks bare.
His eyes fell onto her exposed breasts, and he stammered. “Eggs?”
Lucy’s face burned as his eyes continued to feast on her breasts, not the slightest bit embarrassed she’d caught him staring.
Lucy swallowed hard. “Eggs are fine.”
“Good.” Aidan turned back to the stove. “They’re nearly done. Be tragic if ya didn’t eat eggs.”
With her bra securely back in place, she quickly found her shirt and pulled it on. Walking into the kitchen, she heard the pan sizzling as he stirred the eggs with a spatula. Four slices of bread popped up from the toaster as he pulled two plates from the cupboard.
“I suppose you’d be wantin’ coffee?” He turned toward her, lips twisted with disgust. “You Americans love yar mornin’ coffee, right?”
Lucy leaned against the countertop, feeling ten times more confident and less vulnerable with clothes on.
“Oh, it’s a must in the morning; otherwise, we turn back into ogres.”
Aidan’s eyes sparkled. “I may have liked ya more when ya couldn’t talk ‘round me.”
Lucy dropped her gaze, attempting to hide the scarlet dotting her cheeks.
Aidan returned to the cabinets, opening and closing them until he found what he was searching for. He retrieved a glass carafe and a long rod attached to a circular mesh-covered disk, placing both on the counter.
“I’ve no idea how this thing works.” He frowned, flicking on the kettle.
Lucy walked to his side of the counter. “What is it?”
Aidan smirked. “The coffee guru isn’t familiar with a French Press?”
He feigned surprise, placing a palm to his chest.
“Sounds familiar.” Lucy lifted the canister and examined it. “I’ve never used one before. I’m lazy; I like a coffee machine that does everything for me.”
“Don’t those machines clutter up the counter?”
Lucy rolled her eyes. “Worth it. Do you have coffee grounds?”
Aidan scooped eggs onto the plates with the spatula. He nodded toward a high cupboard. “Try there.”
Lucy found a small, black, vacuum-sealed bag and pulled it out. Scanning the contents, she read the words ground coffee and nodded to herself.
Aidan handed her a pair of scissors and turned off the kettle.
“Me sister bought all this coffee stuff as a gift,” Aidan told her. “She said maybe I could become more sophisticated if I switched to coffee. Hoped it would help get me a proper woman and all that.”
Aidan stuck out his tongue in disgust.
“I like your sister.” Lucy cut along the top of the bag, releasing the air. “She sounds smart.”
“Don’t tell her that.” Aidan rolled his eyes. “She believes herself to be ‘well-traveled.’” He used air quotes on the last part. “I told her I would never change me ways. Kat is a bit of a spitfire, though, and controlling. She tossed me instant coffee out and ordered me never to stock that shite again.”
Lucy laughed. “She’s got that right. What is the deal with instant coffee in this country? If that’s all I had to use, I wouldn’t drink coffee either; it’s horrible.”
“What’s the deal with Americans being obsessed with coffee?” Aidan used his best Valley Girl accent.
“What’s your obsession with tea?” Lucy shot back without missing a beat. “Great accent, by the way, nailed those California girls.”
“Don’t you come for me, tea!” Aidan warned, pointing a finger and shaking his head.
Lucy couldn’t stop laughing. Her heart melted. Handsome, funny, sexy, fantastic accent, great butt, and mind-blowing in bed; could he get any more perfect?
She poured a generous amount of coffee grounds into the bottom of the French Press and filled it with the boiling water from the kettle. Lightly, she placed the plunger on top.
“Let’s give this a try,” she muttered, unsure of what she was doing. “Give it a few minutes, I guess.”
Aidan shrugged. “You could be doing it arse ways, and I wouldn’t know or care.”
He had pulled out the toast and generously buttered each piece, placing them on the plates.
“I got the plates; you get your witch’s brew.” Aidan winked as he placed the plates on the small table in the center of the room.
Lucy set the French Press on the table and sat. Aidan was back in the kitchen, retrieving two mugs from the cabinet: one for her and one for his tea.
“This looks great,” Lucy gushed. “He teaches and cooks? You’re just the whole package, aren’t you?”
“Does that turn ya on?” Aidan wiggled his brows, pouring hot water over his tea bag.
Lucy smiled but didn’t answer. Instead, she cut into her breakfast and took a bite.
“Wow, this is good.” Lucy was impressed. “You know, everything tastes better here. Better eggs, better bread, and this butter–––I don’t think I can ever go back.”
“Were ya considering going back?” he asked, staring into his tea as he stirred.
“Oh goodness, no,” Lucy replied as if he had burned her. She pulled the French Press toward her and pressed the plunger down. “Here goes nothing.”
Aidan grimaced as she poured the hot, brown liquid into her mug.
“Not a big coffee fan, are you?” Lucy teased.
“No. Not at all. I can’t stomach the taste.”
“Well, you need to add milk and sugar,” Lucy said, pushing her chair back. “The trick is to make it sweet, mask the coffee taste.”
Aidan raised an eyebrow. “So, you like coffee that doesn’t taste like coffee? Maybe you should try tea.” He stood up. “Sit, eat, I’ll get the milk and sugar. I’ve got sausage in the pan I’ve to grab anyway.”
“Let me help,” Lucy protested. “As much as I love the service here, I’m already up.”
She followed him into the small kitchen area. He set a sugar container on the counter while she pulled milk from the fridge. Steam escaped the pan as he lifted the lid.
“That smells amazing. It’s not blood anything, is it?”
“You mean blood pudding?” Aidan laughed.
Lucy cringed.
“No worries, this is just regular sausage.”
Carrying everything back to the table, they returned to their seats. Aidan placed two sausage links on her plate as Lucy poured milk into her coffee.
“So, you have a sister. Any other siblings?” Lucy stirred the coffee with her fork.
“Ah, I shoulda grabbed a spoon,” Aidan apologized, but Lucy waved him off. “I’ve also an older brother. How about you?”
“Just Abbey and I, as far as I know,” Lucy said, wiping the handle of her fork on a napkin. “We could have more out there somewhere.”
Aidan raised his brow.
“Our dad was absent most of our lives,” Lucy explained, taking a slow sip of coffee. “We only saw him once a month or so. Abbey and I just assumed he was out whoring around the neighborhood like a Tom cat. For all we know, he has several other abandoned children out there somewhere.”
She bit her lip. “That was probably TMI,” she muttered, picking up her toast.
Aidan swallowed the food in his mouth. “Well, my parents met in primary school; they lived in the same housing estate. Of course, it wasn’t until after uni they got together. And after thirty-seven blissful years, they’re still going strong.
“My older brother, Niall, is married, and they have twins, Cillian and Cian. My sister, Kat, writes a travel blog and spends her days galavantin’ around the globe. While my parents hate her being away most of the time, it helps keep their little secret from comin’ to light.”
A devious expression crossed his face, and he leaned forward, dropping his voice to a low whisper. “Kat’s a lesbian.” He placed a finger to his lips.
Lucy frowned. “You have a problem with that?”
Aidan laughed. “Of course not, come ‘ere, no one cares about that anymore. We’ve moved into a more accepting society. Me parents, though, are stuck in the old ways, or at least in appearing as good ole Catholic folk. I don’t think they’re bothered much, but they can pretend it’s not real if they don’t talk about it. That’s the Irish way.”
“Is this your way of making me feel better?” Lucy asked.
Aidan shrugged. “No family is perfect, Lucy. We all have baggage.”
She offered a soft smile. Somehow, he seemed to know the perfect response to her question. Glancing at her watch, she took a final drink of her coffee and pushed back from the table.
“I should go. It’s getting late.”
“We aren’t finished with breakfast yet,” Aidan protested, scooting back his chair.
Lucy looked down at her empty plate, confused. “I can help you clean?”
Aidan stepped toward her. “I was hoping to make you part of my breakfast.”
Lucy stepped back, throwing out her hands to push him away. “No! No, I can’t.”
Aidan stopped moving, but his eyes burned with desire. “You can stay.”
Her heart kicked into overdrive as her body betrayed her, responding to the lust in his eyes. Every inch of her reacted, all but one tiny brain cell that was screaming for her to stop. That brain cell knew she wasn’t ready for something serious or intense, and the way Aidan made her feel was leading straight down that road.
Jeremy had betrayed her and left her heart in pieces; she needed to heal before opening herself up again. Then, there was Kaylee. Her daughter was also healing while settling into this new life. Lucy could not, would not, risk everything for a brief love affair.
Swallowing the lump forming in her throat, she exhaled. “Last night was great. This morning was great. You’re great.”
She trailed off, staring at her feet.
Aidan’s shoulders slumped forward. “I don’t like where this is headin’.”
Biting her lip, she met his gaze. “We can’t keep doing this.”
Aidan’s smile faded. “Doing what? Avoiding each other ‘til we both nearly explode? I agree.”
Lucy blew out a puff of air. “I’m serious.” She waved her hand between them. “This. You and me. Sleeping together.”
“Are ya not havin’ fun?” Aidan tried to disguise the hurt in his voice.
“I did. Last night was amazing.”
“Then, what’s the issue?”
“Kaylee, for one,” she replied, nervously running a finger over the back of the chair.
“Kaylee? What does she have to do with anything?” Aidan asked. “Are ya afraid I’ll treat her differently? I’m a grown man; I can separate my work and personal life.”
Now, he sounded insulted.
“I know that,” she said defensively. “But, I have to think about her, and if things between us go sideways, she could end up hurt.”
Aidan rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ll never involve her.”
Lucy nodded. “I appreciate that, but I’m also not looking for anything serious. I just got out of a crappy relationship, and I’m still–.”
“Whoa, whoa.” Aidan held up his hands, interrupting her. “Hold everything. I‘m not proposing marriage; we’re just havin’ fun.”
Lucy stared down at the floor, feeling foolish.
Aidan stepped forward, taking her hands in his. “I like ya. I think ya like me. There’s no denyin’ the chemistry between us, and the sex is deadly. It’s been a long time since I’ve connected with someone this way, and I’d like to keep it goin’.”
He stroked his hands up and down her arms.
“I’m not looking for a relationship or anything serious, anyway. There’s no need to put labels on things.”
Softly, he traced the outline of her jaw with his fingertips. She trembled, his touch igniting a fire in her veins.
“I like you.” Aidan’s voice softened as he glided his hands into her hair. “There’s no need to complicate things. Let’s be friends with benefits. Isn’t that what Americans call it? No pressure, just sex.” He dipped his head, lips grazing her ear. “I really like sex with ya. If that’s all ya want, I’m happy to oblige.”
Lucy giggled like a schoolgirl; his breath tickled her ear. With each touch, her body responded. Breathing became difficult as her heart raced. Her attraction to him was magnetic, pulling her under.
“Is that okay?” He nibbled her ear lobe.
Lucy’s eyes slid shut, and she fought to hold back a moan.
A dark shadow crossed his face. The apron covering his crotch tented upward, grazing against her leg.
“I enjoyed the feel of ya next to me,” he whispered, kissing her neck. “I really enjoyed the way ya woke me up.”
Lucy leaned her head back, exposing her neck and allowing him to flutter kisses along her collarbone. The temptation to follow him back into his bedroom was strong; she wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of the day wrapped up in each other.
His erection dug into her thigh as he continued kissing her neck. Her thoughts drifted to his uncut penis. It was all new to her; she wanted to touch and play with it and learn what made him shiver and squirm until he couldn’t hold back anymore. She pictured running her tongue under the sensitive foreskin, his fingers twisting in her hair, groaning while she pleasured him.
One more round wouldn’t hurt.
With a devious gleam in her eye, Lucy pushed aside the apron and stroked his stiff cock. Aidan groaned. Still holding his length in her hand, she guided him toward the bedroom.