Chapter 17 #4
“From what I know about dementia, your mom could live in this condition for a long time, and I already know you won’t want to be far from her. I bet she’d hate to be responsible for you and Paul putting your lives on hold indefinitely because of her.”
“I know she’d hate that, because in her rare moments of clarity, she’s said as much.”
“Why are you cutting grass in the broiling heat if you have a degree in horticulture?”
“Because it’s what’s needed at the moment.
We had a rough couple of weeks with my mom earlier in the season and fell behind on everything.
My dad used to say when you own the place, there’s no such thing as too good for any job.
He’d say that when my brother and I would bitch about the owner’s sons having to cut grass. ”
“I like his attitude.”
“The business has been successful, but he was always humble. He never forgot where he came from.”
“I think I would’ve liked him.”
“You would have. Everyone did.”
“He’d be proud of you and Paul and the way you’ve stepped up for your mom.”
“I hope so.”
“What father wouldn’t be proud of sons like you two?”
“Thank you for that. I like to think he’d be proud of us. When he was sick, he asked us over and over to take good care of our mother. She was foremost on his mind.”
“And he’s still foremost on hers.”
“I want that,” Alex said. “I want what they had.”
“So do I. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. My parents have it, too. They’re amazing together, even after all these years.” She propped her chin on her hands. “Speaking of my parents… They’re coming for a visit this week. I’d like for you to meet them.”
“I’d love to meet them. Are they staying here?”
“No, they’re staying at the McCarthy’s hotel.”
“Oh thank God,” he said as he rolled them so he was above her, looking down at her with those dark-chocolate eyes. “I was already trying to figure out if I could scale the lighthouse from the outside to get to you while they’re here.”
Laughing, Jenny said, “You’re downright incorrigible.”
“I’m downright smitten.”
His sweet words went straight to her overcommitted heart, flooding the empty corners with warmth and excitement. “So am I.” It was the truth. Why not say so?
He looked at her for a long time before he kissed her. At first, it was just his lips, soft and persuasive.
Her arms tight around his neck, she squirmed under him, needing more.
“Easy, honey. Let me take my time.”
Jenny forced air into her lungs, trying to relax when his every touch set her on fire.
He wasn’t kidding when he said he planned to take his time.
Everything happened in slow motion as he paid homage to her lips, neck, breasts and belly, working his way down slowly, so slowly that by the time he was settled between her legs, all he had to do was touch her with his tongue, and she came.
“I love how responsive you are,” he whispered against her sex, making her tremble.
She didn’t have the words to tell him that she wasn’t usually so responsive. In fact, only one other man had ever been able to coax such responses from her.
Alex was the reason she was so responsive. It was him and the incredible energy they created together.
He kissed his way back up just as slowly, capturing her lips as his cock pressed against her slickness. Keeping up the slow theme, he entered her in tiny increments.
Jenny dug her fingers into his back, trying to encourage him to move faster, but he was determined to take his time.
“So hot,” he whispered in her ear. “So tight. I can’t get enough of you.”
She bent her knees and arched into him, trying to move things along.
“Patience.”
“I’m fresh out. You’re driving me crazy.”
“That’s the whole idea.” Flexing his hips, he drove the rest of the way into her. “Is that what you wanted?”
Gasping, Jenny gripped his backside as she struggled to adjust and accommodate him.
A deep groan rumbled through his chest as he took hold of her hands, raised them above her head and began to move, all the while looking down at her, his eyes dark and intense with longing that he didn’t try to hide from her.
Jenny couldn’t look away as he took them on an incredible ride. The deep sense of connection was undeniable as was the realization that this was no longer sex. This was lovemaking at its very finest.
He released her hands and wrapped his arms around her, whispering in her ear, “Come with me, baby.” His gruff words, fierce possession and incredible tenderness combined to send her soaring.
“Ah God, yes. Yes,” he said with a groan.
He was right behind her, surging forth inside her over and over again until he collapsed on top of her.
“I’m too heavy,” he muttered after a long period of contented silence.
“No, you’re not.” She wrapped her legs around him to keep him right there for a little while longer.
“Jenny.”
“Hmm?”
“That was incredible.”
“Yes, it was.” Jenny stroked his hair, enjoying the slide of silky strands through her fingers. She no longer wondered if she was falling in love with him. She had fallen and fallen hard.
As he withdrew from her and turned on his side, bringing her with him, Jenny snuggled into his embrace. She hoped they could find a way to make this work. It hadn’t taken long, but she already couldn’t imagine a day without him in it.