19. Lucy
19
LUCY
Life in Everwood has settled into a beautiful kind of chaos. The boys are thriving, Joel seems lighter since accepting the Chief of Staff position, and I’ve fallen more and more in love with this quirky little town that I grew up in. It feels like I’m really back home where I belong.
Saturday morning dawns bright and warm, the kind of day that makes you want to throw open the windows and let the world in. The boys are already up, their laughter echoing through the house as they debate which superhero would win in a fight. Joel is in the kitchen, making bacon and eggs and coffee like the domestic god I never expected him to be. Watching him, barefoot in jeans and a T-shirt, his hair still messy from sleep, I can’t help but smile. He’s so different now. He’s calmer, more confident and I like to think I’ve had something to do with that.
“Good morning,” I say, sliding my arms around his waist from behind. He smells like coffee and Joel, and it’s intoxicating.
He turns his head to kiss my temple. “Morning. Sleep okay?”
“Mmm, I did. But I could get used to waking up to this.” I gesture to the breakfast and the boys’ laughter.
“Yeah, me too,” he murmurs, and for a moment, the world narrows to just the two of us.
The morning passes in a blur of errands, soccer practice, and last-minute preparations for the party the town is throwing in Joel’s honor.
Everwood doesn’t do anything halfway, and this event is no exception. By the time we arrive at the community center, it’s packed with smiling faces, a live band, and tables groaning under the weight of potluck dishes.
As we step inside, the crowd erupts into cheers. Joel looks genuinely humbled, his hand tightening on mine as he takes it all in. The mayor gives a speech. It’s a little long-winded but heartfelt about Joel’s contributions to the hospital and the community. The applause that follows is deafening, and I can see the emotion in Joel’s eyes as he thanks everyone for their support.
“And a special thank you to Lucy,” he adds, his voice steady but warm. “She’s been my rock through all of this, and I couldn’t have done it without her.”
I feel my cheeks flush as all eyes turn to me, but Joel’s gaze is steady and grounding. He means every word, and it makes my heart ache in the best possible way.
As the night unfolds, I find myself falling even more in love with this town and these people. Aiden, finally shedding his overprotective big brother act, claps Joel on the back and actually thanks him for being good to me. It’s a small gesture, but it feels good. Later, I spot Aiden talking animatedly to a stunning woman with dark curls and a laugh that could light up a room.
“Looks like someone’s having a good time,” Joel murmurs in my ear, following my gaze.
“About time,” I reply, grinning.
The evening is winding down when Joel pulls me aside. His green eyes are sparkling with mischief, and he’s got that little smirk I’ve come to know all too well.
“What are you up to?” I ask, laughing as he leads me toward the door.
“You’ll see,” he says cryptically.
The boys are already bundled into Aiden’s car for a sleepover with his friend’s kids, so it’s just Joel and me as he drives through the quiet streets of Everwood. We pull up to the nicest hotel in town, a boutique place with ivy-covered brick and soft, glowing lights.
“Joel…” I trail off, glancing at him as he parks.
“Just say thank you,” he says, his smirk widening. “I thought we could use a night to ourselves.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, leaning over to kiss him.
Inside, the room is perfect. There’s a king-sized bed with crisp white linens, a bottle of champagne chilling on the table, and a view of the lake lit up like something out of a postcard. Joel locks the door behind us, his expression shifting from playful to something darker, more intense.
“Come here,” he says, his voice low and rough.
I take a step toward him, my heart pounding as he closes the distance between us. His hands cup my face, his thumbs brushing over my cheeks as he kisses me. It’s slow and deliberate, like he’s savoring every second. When he pulls back, his eyes are dark with need.
“I’ve been thinking about this all day,” he admits, his hands sliding down to my waist. “About you. About us.”
“Yes,” I whisper, my voice barely audible over the rush of my pulse.
His lips find mine again, more demanding this time, and I lose myself in the feel of him. His hands are everywhere, exploring, teasing, claiming. When he lifts me off the ground, I wrap my legs around his waist, trusting him completely as he carries me to the bed.
The world outside fades away, leaving just the two of us and the electricity crackling between us.
Our lips meet in a passionate kiss, hungry and full of promise. I melt into Joel’s embrace, savoring the feel of his strong arms around me. His hands roam over my body, igniting a fire within me. I can feel his desire, hard and insistent, pressing against me through our clothes.
Breaking away for breath, I giggled. "I think we should make ourselves more comfortable."
Joel's eyes darken with a possessive hunger that sends a thrill through me. "Oh, I plan to make you very comfortable, Lucy."
My breath quickens as Joel's lips trailed down my neck.
"You have no idea how much I've been thinking about this," he murmurs against my skin, his breath warm and intoxicating.
"Show me," I whisper. My voice is hoarse with need.
Joel's hands move to the zipper of my dress, slowly pulling it down, revealing my lacy black lingerie beneath. He pauses, his eyes drinking me in.
"I keep thinking about how, even when you are in jeans and a t-shirt, you still wear your sexy black panties," he says, his voice thick with admiration.
I arch my back slightly, reveling in his appreciation. "I like that you fantasize about me.
With gentle hands, he removes my dress, baring me to his gaze. His eyes travel over my body, taking in every inch of me, making me feel like the most desirable woman in the world.
"I want to touch every part of you," he says, his voice husky.
His fingers trace the lace of my bra, sending shivers of anticipation through my body. With a flick of his thumbs, he releases the clasp, and my bra falls away.
Joel's breath catches as he looks at me. "You're beautiful, Lucy. Absolutely stunning."
I blush at his words, but my desire burns bright. I want to feel his touch, to be consumed by him. "Touch me, Joel. Please."
His hands cup my breasts, thumbs brushing over my nipples, sending sparks of pleasure through my body. He teases and torments me, his touch both gentle and demanding. I arch into his hands, my breath coming in short gasps as he brings me to the brink of ecstasy.
"You like that, don't you?" he whispers, his hot breath fanning my ear.
"Yes," I moan, as my body trembles. "Don't stop."
Joel chuckles, a deep, sensual sound that sent a wave of heat between my thighs. "I have no intention of stopping, my love."
His hands move lower, tracing the curve of my waist, then sliding down to cup my buttocks, pulling me closer to his hardness. I can feel his erection, straining against his pants, and I want nothing more than to feel him inside me.
"I need you, Joel," I plead, my voice thick with desire.
"And I need you," he growls, his voice raw with passion.
With swift, efficient movements, Joel undresses, revealing his chiseled body. My eyes feast on the sight of his broad shoulders, the defined muscles of his chest, and the trail of dark hair that leads down to his straining erection.
He joins me on the bed, his body covering mine, and I welcome the weight of him. His mouth claims mine in a kiss that is both tender and fierce, conveying the depth of his desire.
My hands roam over his back, feeling the play of muscles beneath his warm skin. I want to explore every inch of him, to brand him with my touch. My fingers trace the ridges of his spine, and I revel in the shudder that ripples through him.
Breaking the kiss, Joel looked down at me, his eyes filled with a fierce possessiveness. "I want to make you feel things you've never felt before."
“Please do," I whisper, my heart pounding.
With that, Joel begins a slow, torturous descent, kissing and licking his way down my body. He pauses at my navel, his tongue teasing the sensitive skin, before continuing his journey south. I squirm beneath him, anticipation coiling tightly within me.
When his mouth finally reaches my core, I gasp, my hips arching off the bed. Joel's tongue teases my folds, circling my clit with slow, deliberate strokes. He takes his time, exploring every inch of my sensitive flesh, driving me wild with pleasure.
"Oh, Joel," I cry out, my hands clutching at the sheets. "I can't... I'm so close..."
He chuckles, the vibrations sending another wave of pleasure through me. "Not yet, my love. I want to taste you when you come."
His tongue delves deeper, his fingers joining in, stroking and circling, pushing me closer to the edge. My body trembles, every nerve ending alive with sensation.
With one final expert flick of his tongue, I shatter, crying out his name as my orgasm consumes me. My body convulses, waves of pleasure rippling through me, and Joel continues to lavish me with his attention, drawing out my climax until I am boneless and sated.
As my breathing slows, Joel kisses his way back up my body, finally settling beside me, his arm possessively around my waist.
"That was..." I struggle to find the words, my mind still hazy with pleasure.
"Amazing," Joel finished for me, his voice satisfied. "And we're not done yet, Lucy. Not by a long shot."
I smile, feeling a sense of contentment and anticipation. I snuggle closer to him, my body still humming with pleasure. "I can't wait to see what else you have in store for me, Joel."
Joel's control snaps at my words. His cock, thick and hard, standing proudly, eager for my touch. He positions himself between my thighs, his knees brushing against my skin.
My eyes widen at the sight of his nakedness, and I reach out to stroke his length, my touch tentative yet eager. "You feel incredible," I breathe, marveling at the velvety smoothness of his shaft.
Joel closes his eyes, savoring the sensation of my hands on his cock. He bites his lip to stifle a groan, wanting to prolong this moment of pure pleasure. "Take your time, angel," he urges, his voice strained. "I want you to enjoy every inch of me."
I smile at his words, my fingers gliding up and down his shaft, exploring the sensitive tip. I love the way he responded to my touch, his body tensing and relaxing with each stroke. I want to give him the same pleasure he just gave me.
With a slow, deliberate motion, I lean down and take the tip of his cock into my warm mouth, swirling my tongue around the head. Joel's eyes roll back as he lets out a guttural moan, his hands tangling in my hair. "Oh, Lucy," he gasps, his hips instinctively thrusting forward.
I revel in the power I hold over him, my mouth working its magic as I take more of him in, my tongue flicking and teasing. I love the way his body trembles as I suck and lick, driving him closer to the edge.
"Wait, Lucy," Joel pants, his hands gently guiding my head away. "I want to be inside you when I come. I want to feel you around me."
My eyes sparkle with mischief as I sit up, my breasts heaving with my rapid breaths. "Then don't keep me waiting, Joel," I tease, my fingers guiding his throbbing cock to my entrance.
With a single, powerful thrust, Joel buries himself deep within me, filling me completely. I gasp at the sudden invasion, my body stretching to accommodate his size. I wrap my legs around his waist, pulling him closer, wanting to feel every inch of him.
Joel pauses, savoring the sensation of being enveloped by my warmth. He looks down at me, his eyes filled with adoration. "You feel so damn good, Lucy," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. "I never want this to end."
I smile, my heart overflowing with love and desire.
Joel begins to move, his hips rocking in a slow, steady rhythm. Each thrust sends waves of pleasure coursing through my body, my moans fill the room. I match his pace, my nails digging into his shoulders, leaving marks of passion on his skin.
The sound of our bodies slapping together fill the air, a primal rhythm that drives us both wild. Joel's eyes never leave mine as he plunges into me again and again, his own pleasure building with each stroke.
My body tightens around him, my muscles clenching as I near my climax. "Joel, I'm so close," I cry out, my voice hoarse and raw. "Don't stop, please don't stop."
Joel's own control is slipping as he feels my walls pulsating around him. He thrusts harder, faster, driving us both towards the precipice of ecstasy. "Come with me, Lucy," he growls, his voice rough with need.
With a final, powerful thrust, we both shatter, our cries of pleasure echoing in the room. My body convulses around Joel's, milking every last drop of his essence as he filled me with his hot release. Our hearts race, and our breaths mingle in the aftermath of our shared climax.
Joel collapses onto the bed beside me, his body spent. He pulls me close, our sweat-slicked bodies molding together perfectly. "That was incredible," he whispers, his lips brushing my temple.
Afterward, we lie together, his arm draped over my waist as I trace lazy circles on his chest. The room is quiet except for the sound of our breathing and the faint echo of the town outside.
“You know,” Joel says, his voice rough with sleep. “I used to think I didn’t have room in my life for anything more than work and the boys. But you… you changed everything, Lucy.”
My throat tightens with emotion, and I press a kiss to his chest. “I didn’t do anything special,” I say softly.
“You did,” he insists, tilting my chin up so I’m looking at him. “You made me see that I could have more. That I deserved more.”
Tears prick my eyes, and I blink them away, overwhelmed by the depth of his words. “I love you, Joel,” I whisper, my voice trembling.
“I love you too,” he replies, his green eyes shining with sincerity.
We drift off to sleep tangled together, the promise of a new day and a new chapter waiting for us.
The morning sun filters through the curtains, soft and golden, waking me gently. Joel stirs beside me, his arm tightening around my waist as he mumbles something unintelligible. For a moment, I simply lie there, basking in the warmth of his body and the stillness of the room.
“Morning,” I murmur, brushing a kiss to his jaw.
He opens one eye, giving me a sleepy smile. “Morning. Did you sleep okay?”
“Better than okay,” I reply, stretching lazily. “How about you?”
“Best night’s sleep I’ve had in ages,” he admits, running a hand through his already messy hair. “But I think it had less to do with the bed and more to do with you.”
I laugh softly, my cheeks flushing. Before I can respond, there’s a soft knock at the door. Room service.
Joel gets up, pulling on a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt before answering. The smell of fresh coffee, bacon, and pastries fills the room as the server wheels in a tray laden with food. My stomach growls in anticipation, and Joel grins at me.
“Hungry?” he teases, pouring us both coffee.
“Starving,” I admit, pulling the covers around me as I sit up.
We eat in bed, the kind of lazy, indulgent breakfast that feels like a luxury in our usually hectic lives. Joel feeds me bites of fruit and steals sips of my coffee, and I can’t stop smiling. It’s perfect.
By late morning, we’re heading back home, refreshed and recharged. The boys are waiting for us when we pull into the driveway, their faces lighting up as they run to greet us. Aiden follows at a more leisurely pace, a knowing smirk on his face.
“Have a good night?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.
I roll my eyes but can’t keep the smile off my face. “Yes. Thanks for watching the boys.”
“Anytime,” he says, glancing back toward his car. “I’d say it’s the least I could do after you gave me the opportunity to meet someone like Clara.”
My eyebrows shoot up. “Clara? The woman from last night?”
Aiden nods, a rare blush creeping up his neck. “Yeah. We… uh, we kind of hit it off.”
I grin, my curiosity piqued. “Are you going to see her again?”
“Maybe,” he says, playing it cool, but the sparkle in his eyes gives him away.
Joel chuckles, clapping Aiden on the back. “About time you found someone, man.”
Aiden shrugs, but he’s smiling as he heads back to his car. Watching him drive away, I can’t help but feel a little thrill of excitement. It seems like happiness is contagious around here, and I’m more than okay with that.