Chapter 7
A lex
Late August
Am I going to regret this? Absolutely.
But at this moment, I’m finding it hard to care.
It’s been so long since I’ve felt, well, anything good. Maybe I’ve let myself wallow in misery for too long. Or stopped myself from connecting to anything. And while this interaction with Natalie can’t — won’t — go anywhere after tonight, I need it. And from the way she just melted against me, I’d say she does too.
“Ask me inside,” I demand against her mouth, catching the fullness of her bottom lip between my teeth. When she doesn’t answer, I take the keys from her hand and unlock the door. “Which apartment is yours?”
Natalie only points up the stairs, and I’m secretly relieved she isn’t on the ground floor. Eternity Springs is a safe town, but stupid criminals are everywhere. I don’t want to worry about her.
Fuck.
I will not worry about her. This is just a one-night stand. That’s it.
Let her in.
No.
I will not be having conversations with my dead wife right now. Christ. I’m losing the plot.
After Natalie unlocks her apartment door, I’m pleasantly surprised at how homey the space is. Her bed clearly also serves as a couch, but stacks of pillows make it appear comfortable and inviting. There must be a dozen potted plants in various places, and a cart with what appears to be an intricate coffee machine sits beside a small dining table. I see brightly colored coffee mugs next to the machine, and I wonder what her coffee tastes are.
“Alex,” she whispers, drawing my attention back to her. With only moonlight coming in through the two large windows along one wall, her eyes appear to be clear. “Are you sure about this?”
I can hear the hesitancy in her voice. There’s a slight tremor in her hand, and I realize she’s as out of her depth here as I am. I haven’t had a relationship in years, and she hasn’t had a one-night stand. Different, yet somehow the same.
“I can only do one night,” I tell her quietly. “I’m not — I’m not made for anything longer. I won’t lead you on. But if that makes you uncomfortable, I can leave right now.”
Her eyes dance between mine as she contemplates my words. I find myself carefully taking her throat in my hand, unsure why I need to touch her so badly. I feel her pulse under my thumb, beating wildly, and I wonder if my own is as fast. Pupils blown, Natalie watches me as I slightly squeeze her neck, and her breath catches when my tongue sneaks out to lick my lips. I feel the whimper before she makes a sound, and I know her decision before she says a word.
Natalie reaches for me while I pull her into my arms, our lips meeting in a dazzling kiss. Her taste explodes on my tongue, the hint of cinnamon from her chai tea latte at the diner still evident. I turn her and push her against the door, snaking a hand down to grab the back of her thigh, hoisting it up to wrap around my waist. I let go of her neck to grab her other thigh, picking her up so my groin hits perfectly between her legs. Natalie lets out a nervous squeal, but it immediately turns into a deep moan when my hard length hits her core. Even through all our clothing, I can feel the heat emanating from her, and I’m desperate to experience it firsthand.
“Doesn’t this hurt?” Natalie asks when she breaks off the kiss.
“What?” I drag my tongue down the side of her neck, letting it dance over the pulse point I felt beneath my thumb.
“I’m too heavy,” she protests .
My head pops up as I stare at her incredulously. “The fuck?”
Natalie’s gaze darts everywhere except my face. “I know I’m heavy, Alex. You don’t need to pretend.”
“Is that what that motherfucker told you? Baby, you aren’t fat. Your curves are perfection,” I tell her, holding her ass as I step away from the door. Did I just call her baby? I haven’t called anyone that since … since. “Any man who talks about your weight as if he has any right to do so needs to have a fucking reality check. I don’t want a beanpole wrapped around me. I want a soft woman that has something I can grab onto while I’m fucking her.”
To prove my point, I squat down as far as my knees will let me. Military life wasn’t too kind to my knees, which has nothing to do with Natalie’s weight. I don’t have to say a word, because she immediately tries to put her feet down.
“Nope,” I grunt, clamping my arms down on the outside of her thighs. “You’re not going anywhere. Bet your ex couldn’t do this, could he?”
She shakes her head slowly.
“Exactly. You don’t see me getting all worried that I might be too big for you.”
She laughs sardonically as she motions up and down my body. “That’s because you look like this!”
“Everyone has insecurities, Sunflower. I’ll have you know, I don’t have a six-pack. But your asshat ex might. However, I also know I have a tongue like you’ve never experienced before. You think I’m gonna focus on my lack of abs, or on how many orgasms I think I can give you before you pass out?”
“Holy hell,” she whispers, her eyes wide. “Plural?”
“Have you never had multiple orgasms before?”
Natalie shakes her head. “I figured it wasn’t gonna happen for me. Ari and Kate talked about it, even Claire, but I thought it wasn’t something I’d experience.”
“We’re going to ignore you talking about my sister and orgasms for a sec —” Natalie giggles, making me smile in return, “— and address the elephant in the room. Do you want to have multiples? ”
“Yes, please,” she whispers solemnly.
“Are you cool if I am the one to give them to you?” I tease, surprised at my own lighthearted banter. This is so unlike me.
Natalie lets out a breathy laugh as she nods. “It sounds as if you’re the master, so by all means, teach me your ways.”
Standing to my full height, I let her legs slip from around my waist. When she’s standing once again, I notice how tall she is. She has to be only five or six inches shorter than my own six-three. “I like how tall you are.”
Natalie seems surprised at my admission. “Most guys hate it.”
I shrug. “Most guys have inferiority complexes. Fortunately for me, I’m tall.”
She giggles, then shrieks as I push her backwards onto the bed. Before she’s even made it onto her elbows, I’m on my knees, removing her socks and shoes. “Oh, you mean now? Like, right now? Multiples, now?”
“Did you have a better time in mind?” I ask dryly.
“Uh, maybe after I shower? Bathe? Do anything that involves a little hygiene?”
“Nah,” I say as I grab a hold of the waistband of her leggings, peeling them down her legs. “I don’t like the taste of soap.”
White cotton panties with sprigs of lavender cover Natalie’s pussy, and I waste no time in yanking them to the side and covering her with my tongue. I can’t help the victorious grin that covers my face when she lets out the loudest, most guttural moan I think I’ve ever heard. One hand immediately grips my hair, holding me in place, as her other hand unconsciously grabs her breast. Moans of varying depths continue to come from her mouth, a phenomenal melody I hope I’ll remember tomorrow. She’s so fucking responsive. Hips already subtly moving, I slowly slip one finger inside her channel to find her completely soaked. This is going to be one hell of a one-night stand.
Am I going to be able to keep it to one night?
No .
Shhh.
I can’t focus with another voice in my head .
Quickening my pace, I bring Natalie right to the brink. Feeling her walls begin to flutter around my digit, I back off, and she lets out a frustrated whimper. I chuckle against her, knowing it’ll send her back up, this time sucking her clit harshly into my mouth. Her orgasm is immediate, soaking my face, and I’m no longer laughing. Her cum fills my mouth, a taste so perfect I know I could become addicted.
I’m ready to give her another orgasm when she moves a leg, bending it in such an angle that I realize she has to be incredibly flexible to manage, and uses her foot on my shoulder to shove me back. Moving with a burst of laughter, I stumble as she scampers to her knees, her face rosy with a fine sheen of sweat covering her forehead.
Damn, this girl is gorgeous.
Exactly my type, which is why I’ll steer clear of her after tonight. Hell, I shouldn’t even be doing this. But when Natalie beckons me with a slow crook of her finger, it’s like an invisible rope is tethered to my body. I move forward, my cock clearly making the decisions, as Natalie yanks me onto the bed. Our lips meet in a deep kiss as I fall on top of her. I can’t keep my hands still, running them along every bit of skin I can reach. Her sighs and quiet moans are making me as hard as steel, and I wonder how long I’ll be able to last once I get inside her.
Do I still have a condom in my wallet?
Do condoms expire?
Shit. Focus.
Kissing down Natalie’s neck, I find a spot below her ear, but not quite onto her collarbone, where goosebumps bloom, making her immediately shiver. I feel her fingernails dig into my shoulder blades before she starts dragging my shirt up. Sitting up, I reach up and over to rip my shirt off. I hear Natalie’s quick intake of breath as she takes in my chest and abs. I wasn’t kidding about the six-pack. I’ve never had the best abs, and it wasn’t a big thing that was important for me to focus on. And now, at thirty-eight years old, I’ve got a layer of fat that has taken up residence along my waistline. But I’ve got killer arms, and I’d rather have biceps that are good for literally picking up a woman than a set of abs no one but me ever sees.
Let. Her. In .
“No.”
“No?” Natalie parrots, her hands stopping on my shoulders. “Do you not want me to touch you?”
“Shit, no. That’s not what I meant.” Sara, get out of my head. Please. “Don’t stop.”
I can see Natalie is concerned — get in line, Sunflower, because clearly I’m going insane — so I lean down to take her lips in a deep and passionate kiss. That does the trick for both of us. Her lips are exquisite. Perfectly plump pillows that fit so well against mine. I love that she doesn’t mind kissing me when she has to be tasting herself on my tongue. I love the little sounds she makes into my mouth. And I love how her body feels underneath me. I don’t know how long it’s been since I felt this alive.
I can’t think about that. Stay in the moment, dumbass.
Breaking the kiss, I sit back on my haunches and motion toward Natalie. “Shirt. Off.”
“Yes, sir,” she says breathily, following it with a giggle.
I raise an eyebrow at her. “I could get on board with the sir thing.”
She rolls her eyes in response. “Not happening. Your name is Alex, not Dom.”
“Did you just make a sex joke that included my brother?” I ask, failing to hide a smirk.
“I did.”
“At least you didn’t call me Alessio.”
“Well, damn. Missed opportunity,” she says sassily, whipping her shirt over her head. As my gaze zeroes in on her red lace bra that barely contains what I can only assume are fucking phenomenal tits, I notice the front closure, and reach out to snap it open. When big and glorious breasts fill my vision, I push Natalie back so I can get a rose-colored nipple in my mouth. She lets out a loud moan as she throws her head back in bliss. “Oh, God. Yes. So sensitive, but suck harder.”
Damn. I like that she tells me what she needs. That’s incredibly sexy. Women seem to think men are mind readers. News flash: we aren’t. Point us in the right direction.
I give both breasts equal attention, nibbling a little before laving away any pain with my tongue. Natalie grows restless, thrashing around beneath me on the bed. “Alex, I need you. Please.”
Placing one kiss between her breasts, I stand beside the bed and pull out my wallet. Thankful I still have a condom in here, I throw it next to Natalie. “Take off your panties.”
“How about I take yours off?” she says seductively, rising to stand in front of me. Her eyes meet mine as her hands find my belt buckle. I was thankful I didn’t have to wear my uniform to the event tonight, but I still dressed professionally. Well, as professional as I can be. I prefer comfortable clothes, and this pair of khakis with a polo shirt isn’t it.
When Natalie drops to her knees to help me out of my pants and dress shoes, I take a moment to admire how beautiful she looks, visualizing how it might look, and feel, to bury myself into the back of her throat. But when I feel my cock leak, I scrap the idea and pull Natalie off the floor.
“I wanted to —” she starts, but I interrupt her.
“I know what you want to do, Sunflower. And while I have no doubt I’d enjoy it, I’d rather get you on my cock right now. Okay?” I tell her, sliding a hand up to bracket her throat again. I’m not sure why I keep doing that. I’ve never been a proper dominant, and I certainly don’t get off on BDSM. But there’s something inherently sexy about collaring this woman.
I grab the condom off the bed, handing it to Natalie. “Put it on me.”
“Oh,” she says, her eyes widening when she looks down to see my bulge. Natalie doesn’t move, her hands still halfway between her body and mine, as she stares at my boxer briefs. “That — that’s not going to fit, Alex.”
I can’t help the amused chuckle that bursts from my lips, nor how pleased I am at the blush covering Natalie’s cheeks. “I guarantee it’ll fit.”
“Can you guarantee I won’t need a wheelchair at school on Monday?” she asks.
“A wheelchair? ”
“Yes, because I won’t be able to walk!”
I throw my head back in raucous laughter. Arms crossed over her ribs, the move brings her breasts up perfectly, like she’s bestowing a present to me. Her lower lip sticking out in an exaggerated pout, Natalie is a goddamn vision. “You won’t need a wheelchair.”
“Promise?”
“Uh, I promise I’ll go slow. But how about we have you on top. That way you control the speed and depth.” After pushing down my underwear, I sit on the edge of the bed, patting my lap for Natalie. She looks even more terrified than a moment ago. “What’s going on in that head of yours, Sunflower?”
“It’s just …” she trails off in hesitation.
“Go on,” I encourage.
Natalie sighs. “I’m not comfortable on top. I’d rather be on the bottom.”
Ah. I know what’s bugging her now. “Natalie, I promise you, I find you insanely attractive. I want to taste every fucking inch of your skin. I’d like you to try it, and if you don’t like it, we’ll switch positions.”
“Promise?” she whispers again, and I see the vulnerability in her eyes. She’s trusting me with more than just an orgasm. She’s trusting me with her confidence.
“I promise.” I take the condom from her hands, noticing how delicate her fingers are. Quickly donning the rubber, I look back at Natalie. She tentatively places her hands on my shoulders, moving closer to me, but her eyes are trained on my dick. “Eyes on mine, Sunflower. Watch me.”
She puts her knees on the bed, hovering over me, and I wrap one arm around her waist. Using my other hand, I drag the tip of my cock through her wetness, groaning at the feeling. Even with the condom on, I can feel how hot she is. Notching my dick at her entrance, I encourage her to lower herself onto me. As soon as Natalie covers the tip, she sighs softly, and rests her forehead against mine.
I didn’t think this through.
This is intimate. A connection. It isn’t just sex like this. When Natalie drops her head to my shoulder, I’m relieved. Now I can close my eyes and focus.
Get her off, get off, and get the hell out of here.
But I already know I’m going to want her again.
And again and again. When was the last time I felt this insatiable? I haven’t even fully fucked her yet, and I can tell it won’t be enough.
My mind taking over, I don’t register Natalie has fully seated herself in my lap. It isn’t until she shouts, “Alessio!” that I even realize where I am.
“Sorry,” I grunt, squeezing her ass with both hands. The move brings her closer to me, and the base of my dick rubs against her clit. She lets out a cry of pleasure, and I rotate her against my body again.
Grabbing a hold of her waist, I pick Natalie up until my cock is almost fully out of her, then slowly, painstakingly, lower her again. She grips my shoulders as we get into a rhythm, and before long, I’m feeling the tingling sensation of an impending orgasm at the base of my spine. Pulling out, I turn and put her on the bed. “Hands and knees.”
Natalie scrambles to do as she’s told, casting a quick glance over her shoulder as she flips her hair around. Oh, that won’t do. Once I slide back into her channel, I gather her hair into a makeshift ponytail, wrapping it around my fist twice. Pulling it, Natalie moans, and I begin drilling into her.
“Told you it would fit,” I grunt.
“Alex … so good,” she mutters.
“Are you close?” I grit out.
“Almost, I think?”
Shit. “Baby, touch yourself. You gotta get yourself there.”
I know the moment she touches her clit, because her walls clamp down on me like nothing I’ve ever felt before. I couldn’t stop this orgasm if I tried. Spots dot my vision as white-hot pleasure barrels toward me at breakneck speed, and as I spurt stream after stream inside Natalie, I feel her walls flutter as she has her second orgasm. I could have done better. But I was too eager to get inside her.
I’m unprepared when Natalie’s arms buckle and she falls forward, and since I’m still buried inside her, I go down too. I manage to roll to the side as we hit the bed, exhaustion overtaking me.
“Holy hell,” Natalie mutters.
“Yeah,” I answer.
She lets out a big yawn. “I know you said one night, but can we at least do that one more time before you go?”
I smile sleepily, removing the condom and dropping it onto the floor. I’ll grab it later. “Uh-huh.”
Jarred awake when something hits me in the chest, I bolt upright. I’m momentarily confused until I remember the evening. Looking to my left, I find Natalie curled up against me, her arm splayed across my ribs. The clock on the stove tells me it’s two in the morning. I have to be to work at seven, and I haven’t talked to Dom about getting my kids, but they’re usually up fairly early, so I need to get out of here. I grab a blanket on the edge of the bed, and cover her up so she doesn’t get cold. Carefully extricating myself from Natalie’s bed, I quietly get dressed, pick up the condom with a tissue, and put it in my pocket. Then I grab my shoes, and silently exit her apartment.
At home, I turn on the shower in my bathroom. As I wait for it to warm up, I remove the tissue from my pocket, and notice a clear rip down the side of the condom. Assuming it ripped while I jammed it into my pants — and not while I jammed it into Natalie — I toss it into the wastebasket.