Chapter Eighteen – Matt
Matt had told her everything, and she had accepted him!
And no puking, his bear said happily.
Thanks, that is not the image I want in my head right now, Matt said as he led Tessa back inside.
No, there were much more enjoyable images he wanted to fill his senses with.
He closed the door behind them, Tessa’s hand still in his. He never wanted to let her go. Not ever.
Then you’ll have trouble getting naked, his bear said.
Isn’t it time for you to have a nap? Matt asked.
His bear huffed happily and settled down to have sweet dreams of their mate.
While Matt planned to create sweet memories. The first of many.
“Do you want some more wine?” Matt asked, suddenly nervous as they stood facing each other in the kitchen where only a few moments ago they had shared a meal.
It was hard to explain the difference in their relationship. How could one backyard visit change so much?
“No.” Tessa let go of his hand and threaded her arms around his neck.
“I don’t need wine,” Tessa whispered. “I just need you.”
Matt’s heart thundered in his chest as her words washed over him. He dipped his head and captured her lips with his, drinking her in as if she were the most intoxicating wine he’d ever tasted. The kiss deepened instantly, days of longing compressed into this single moment of connection.
His hands found the collar of his jacket still draped around her shoulders, and he slid it off.
The cardigan followed, both garments falling forgotten to the kitchen floor.
Tessa’s breathing quickened as his fingers found the thin straps of her sundress, drawing them down her arms with deliberate slowness.
The dress surrendered to gravity, pooling at her feet in a whisper of fabric. Matt stepped back, his breath catching at the sight of her standing there in simple, matching underwear.
Tessa met his gaze steadily, chin lifted in silent challenge. No hesitation, no shyness, just the confident awareness of a woman who knew what she wanted.
And she wanted him.
A smile spread across his face, primal and possessive. The need to touch her, taste her, claim her in every way possible overwhelmed his senses until he could barely think straight. He moved toward her with deliberate steps, enjoying how her eyes darkened as he approached.
In one fluid motion, he lifted her, his hands spanning her waist, and set her down on the edge of the kitchen table. Her skin was warm silk beneath his palms as he leaned in to kiss her neck, trailing his lips down to the swell of her breasts above her bra.
With gentle fingers, he pulled the cup of her bra down, exposing her nipple to the cool air.
It tightened immediately, and Matt couldn’t resist anymore.
He covered it with his mouth, sucking gently, then more firmly as she gasped and arched into him.
His teeth grazed the sensitive bud, drawing a moan from deep in her throat that vibrated through his entire body.
Her hand slid between them, finding the hard ridge of his arousal through his jeans. Matt groaned against her breast as she stroked him through the fabric, her touch both tentative and bold. The dual sensation of her fingers on him and her nipple in his mouth was almost too much to bear.
“Tessa,” he whispered against her skin.
Matt dropped to his knees before her, parting her thighs with gentle hands.
He inhaled the scent of her arousal, then he slipped his fingers beneath the edge of her panties, finding her slick and ready for him.
The knowledge that she wanted him this much sent a fresh surge of desire through his body.
He slid one finger inside her, then another, while his thumb found her sensitive bundle of nerves. Tessa’s head fell back, her throat exposed as he stroked her inner walls, learning what made her breath catch, what made her hips roll against his hand.
Matt looked up, mesmerized by the expressions chasing across her face—pleasure, surprise, growing need. Her tongue darted out to wet her lips, her hips moving in rhythm with his fingers now. Taking his time, he curled his fingers inside her, searching for that spot that would drive her wild.
When he found it, her sharp intake of breath told him everything he needed to know. He leaned forward, grazing her mound with his teeth through the thin fabric of her panties. The whimper that escaped her lips was the sweetest sound he’d ever heard.
Unable to wait any longer, Matt tugged her panties aside and tasted her, his tongue finding her center with unerring accuracy. Tessa cried out, her hands flying to his hair, fingers tangling in the dark strands as she held him against her.
“Matt,” she gasped, her voice breaking on his name. “Oh, Matt.”
He slid his fingers inside her again, finding that perfect spot while his mouth worked magic against her sensitive flesh.
Tessa’s thighs trembled on either side of his head, her body tensing as he brought her closer to the edge.
She offered herself to him completely, holding nothing back, and Matt took everything she gave, determined to make this first time together unforgettable.
When she came, it was with his name on her lips, her body pulsing around his fingers, her hands tight in his hair. Matt gentled his touch but didn’t stop, drawing out her pleasure until she collapsed back on her elbows, chest heaving.
He pressed soft kisses to her inner thighs, giving her a moment to recover while his own need throbbed insistently. When he finally stood, Tessa watched him through heavy-lidded eyes, her gaze following his hands as he began to undress.
He unbuttoned his shirt slowly, letting it fall from his shoulders.
Her eyes traveled over his chest and stomach with obvious appreciation, lingering on the trail of dark hair that disappeared into his jeans.
Matt took his time, enjoying her hungry gaze as he unbuckled his belt and pushed his jeans and boxers down in one motion.
Tessa’s eyes widened slightly at the sight of him fully aroused, but there was no fear in her expression—only eagerness and a touch of wonder. She slid off the table with fluid grace and removed her underwear, standing naked before him in the warm kitchen light.
“You’re beautiful,” Matt whispered, unable to keep the awe from his voice. Every curve, every line of her body was perfect to him, not because it matched some arbitrary standard, but because it was hers.
He stepped forward, turning her gently until she faced the table.
His hands found her breasts, kneading them as he pressed his chest against her back.
One hand stayed there, playing with her nipples while the other slid down her stomach and between her thighs, finding her still wet and sensitive from her first climax.
Matt stroked her with gentle fingers, building her desire again while he whispered in her ear how perfect she felt, how long he’d wanted this, how amazing she was. Tessa pushed back against him, her body seeking more.
“Please, Matt,” she begged, her voice thick with need. “I want you inside me.”
Those words nearly undid him. He guided her forward until she was bent over the table, her hands gripping the edge. Positioning himself at her entrance, Matt pushed forward slowly, giving her body time to adjust to his size.
The sensation of sinking into her tight heat was overwhelming. Matt had to close his eyes and breathe deeply, fighting for control. When he was fully seated inside her, they both stilled for a moment, adjusting to the profound connection.
“You feel incredible,” he murmured, his hands on her hips.
Tessa answered by pushing back against him, and Matt took the cue. He began to move, establishing a rhythm that had them both gasping. Each thrust drove him deeper, claiming her body just as she had claimed his heart.
The table creaked beneath them as Matt’s pace increased, driven by the encouraging sounds falling from Tessa’s lips. She met him stroke for stroke, her body accepting him completely, drawing him ever deeper.
When he felt his release approaching too quickly, Matt forced himself to slow down, his movements becoming more deliberate, more controlled. Tessa whimpered in protest, begging him for more, for harder, for faster.
“Not yet,” he whispered, leaning over to kiss her shoulder.
Matt reached around her body, his fingers finding her center again. He stroked her in time with his now-gentle thrusts, building her toward another peak. When he felt her beginning to tighten around him, he increased his pace once more, driving into her with renewed purpose.
They came together in a rush of sensation—Tessa crying out his name as her inner muscles clamped down on him, Matt groaning deeply as he emptied his seed inside her, his free hand tweaking her nipples to extend her pleasure.
For a long moment, they stayed connected, both breathing hard, bodies slick with sweat. Matt pressed tender kisses along Tessa’s spine, not wanting this moment to end.
When he finally withdrew, Tessa turned in his arms, her face flushed and beautiful. She looked up at him with such tenderness that Matt felt his heart might burst from the fullness of his feelings.
“That was...” she began, then laughed softly. “I don’t even have words.”
“I know,” Matt agreed, brushing his lips across her cheek. “For me, too.”
He gathered her against his chest, savoring the feel of her skin against his. His bear rumbled contentedly inside him, satisfied in a way that went beyond physical pleasure. Their mate was here, in their arms, accepting them completely. Nothing had ever felt so right.
“Stay with me tonight,” Matt whispered against her hair. It wasn’t a demand, but a heartfelt request.
Tessa tilted her face up to his, her eyes clear and certain. “I’d like that.”
Matt scooped her up into his arms, cradling her against his chest as he carried her toward the bedroom. This was just the beginning, he thought as he lay her gently on his bed. The first night of many. The first step on a path they would walk together.
As he stretched out beside her, pulling the covers over their cooling bodies, Matt felt a peace he’d never known before. His bear settled contentedly inside him, and for the first time in his life, Matt felt truly whole.