Chapter 26
“Ilike Whitney and James,” Vi commented when Blake ushered her out the couple’s door sometime later. “They seem devoted to each other.”
As Blake had figured, she and his sister had bonded fast. “They’re good people.”
“I enjoyed telling them about the wedding. And those photos. Wow, Blake. Is there anything you’re not good at?”
He chuckled. “Careful, or I’ll get a swelled head. Credit my smart phone for the pictures. Taking them gave me something to do at the wedding.”
Her look was pure you can’t fool me. “You liked the ceremony, and you know it.”
She knew him so well.
“They loved every photo. You should make a special album for them and for Gran and Malcom.”
“That’s a great idea. It’ll have to wait till after the grand opening.”
“Whitney’s belly is enormous, and she’s not quite thirty-two weeks along. It’s obvious she’s sick and tired of bed rest. She’s looking forward to visiting her doctor next week. She really wants?—”
Blake tuned out the rest of her chatter. His mind was on other things. Namely, getting to Vi’s house and into bed.
“You stopped listening,” she said with the little creases between her brows. “Where did you go?”
The road was empty of traffic, and he signaled, then pulled to the side of the road.
“Is there something wrong with the car?” she asked.
In answer, he leaned across the console and kissed her with feeling.
When he let go of her, her eyes were closed. She opened them and let out a soft sigh. “What was that for?”
“An appetizer for when we get to your house.”
“It certainly whetted my appetite. Can’t you drive a little faster?”
“I could get a ticket.”
“I don’t see a lot of traffic or any police officers around. Besides, which is worse, a ticket or me going up in flames with no one to douse the fire?”
He sped ahead. The instant she unlocked the front door, he tugged her inside, shoved the door closed, and got down to business. Too eager to head for the bedroom, he backed her toward the living room. “Wait,” she said, breathless and sounding every bit as turned on. She stepped back to get rid of her shoes and panties.
How he wanted her. Groaning, he pulled her up close.
She toyed with his earlobe, tugging gently with her teeth. “Get rid of your pants and shorts.”
Blake shed both in record time, then hiked up her dress. Cupping her soft rear end, he lifted her up.
Moaning, she wrapped her bare legs around him. He couldn’t make it to the sofa, and they ended up on the carpet. He paused to pull his shirt off, wad it up, and placed it under her head. Then he entered her. She was slick with desire. No foreplay necessary. Within moments, they both climaxed.
“On a scale of one to ten, that was fifty,” he said sometime later, still inside her. He’d never imagined she’d be so passionate. “I didn’t plan for things to happen so fast, but it was impossible to slow down.”
“I didn’t mind. I wanted this every bit as badly as you.”
“When you say stuff like that I get hot and bothered all over again, he said and nuzzled her neck.
Meowing plaintively, the cat sashayed toward them. They sat up, and Blake shook his head. “You have great timing, buddy.” He headed into the bathroom and brought back a washcloth and hand towel.
The flush from their joining still stained her skin. Beautiful, seductive woman. Thanks to the wild sex, her hair was a mess. The flower had gone AWOL. He tweaked a lock. “What happened to the flower in your hair?”
“I’m sure it’s here somewhere.”
Mr. T meowed again. “He’s hungry,” Vi said. She stood and straightened her skirt, then picked up the tom and carried him to the kitchen.
No panties under that dress. Already, he wanted her again. As soon as he recovered. Lusting like the dog he was, he padded into the kitchen after her.
After she fed the cat, he led her upstairs to the bedroom, where they made love again at a more leisurely pace. The steamy shower sex that followed drained him. Yet at the same time, he didn’t think he’d ever get enough of her.
It was going to be a long, scorching evening.
As wonderful assex with Blake was, after making love three times in fairly quick succession, Vi needed time to catch her breath and gather her thoughts. When he hinted at wanting another round once he recovered from the shower that had topped any fantasy, she called a halt and cinched the sash on her robe. “Let’s take a break, okay? It’s been a while since we last ate, and I need food.”
They decided on fried egg sandwiches for dinner. “I need to wash my hands first,” she told him, and padded into the bathroom. Finally, a chance to think. Standing in front of the mirror, she fixed her hair. Her skin was rosy and she looked thoroughly sated. She definitely was, had never been with anyone like him. He was passionate and generous, and seemed to enjoy exploring every inch of her body in exciting ways that kept her wanting more. Praising her for her passion and enthusiasm made her feel sexy, but also uneasy.
Was he mostly interested in her for the sex? The dismal thought put a damper on her high spirits.
Every time they came together, her love for him had grown until her heart was so full, holding back her feelings was almost painful. Which was crazy. She’d known him for a month, not long enough for such deep emotions. Yet, despite knowing the risks, she’d thrown caution to the wind and given her heart to him. If he found out… A chill shook her. He wouldn’t. She couldn’t bear his rejection.
The best way to protect herself was to end the relationship before he did. As if doing that could block the heartache. At least she’d save face.
Her mind made up, she headed back into the kitchen, where Blake had already made the sandwiches. Couldn’t get rid of him yet. No longer hungry, she forced the food down.
“Suddenly, you’re awful quiet,” he said as they finished. “You okay?”
The perfect opening to break up. But her courage flagged. “I’m fine, thanks,” she lied. “Just tired. I need to get some sleep.”
A small part of her half hoped he’d try to convince her to let him stay the night, which proved what a screwed-up mess she was.
He didn’t even try. “I get that. This has been quite a day and an exceptional evening. There’s a lot left to do yet before the grand opening. I probably won’t see you until then.”
She nodded. A quick kiss and he was gone.