Sammy tried to look at me. That half-lidded stare revealed the wet edges of her green eyes. She was aching as much as I was, and fuck if that wasn’t a rush. Her excitement pushed mine over the edge. I was free-falling into helpless lust. It was a ride I’d take again and again, if she let me.
Her nipples were hard through her shirt. Without a bra, it was easy to see them and the shadows they cast down her front. Leaning forward, I let her hair go so I could dig my fingertips into her spine. I forced her to arch into me, her body shaping like a bow about to fire an arrow.
My phone buzzed in my back pocket; I jumped forward, startled.
Sammy laughed softly, her forehead pushing into mine. “For a second, I thought your dick was vibrating.”
“Yeah? Would you like me more or less if my cock could do that?”
“I don’t think I’d complain.”
Reaching back for my phone, I chuckled through my teeth. “I’ll remember that.” Eyeing the text, I frowned sharply. Between my heavy need to get laid and Hawthorne calling me, I knew which I’d rather focus on.
She leaned away, sensing our moment was fading. “I’m guessing that’s your dad.”
“Brother, actually.” My phone buzzed again. “Oh. No. That time it was Dad.” They were blowing up my phone, telling me to get my ass downstairs. Frustrated, I ran my fingers through my hair.
Sammy gripped the counter, her legs spreading farther. It was the pose of someone relaxing—taking it easy—but it just made her look more tempting than ever. Groaning loudly, I pushed my shaft back against her. “Why can’t they leave us alone a little longer?”
Her smile lit up her eyes. It was so good to see her happy. “It’s fine. Go see them, but first . . .”
“I bend you over and rail you until you can’t stand?”
Blushing hard, she shoved a hand into my chest. “Let me make that phone call.”
Right. I forgot about that. For a second, I endured a twinge of self-doubt. Had she been making out with me just to get her way? Was it all a show? No. She couldn’t fake it like that. I’d spent the night with her once already, her touch . . . her moans . . . they were the same as then.
Handing her my phone, I backed up. Sammy stayed as she was, her eyes tracking down to my palm as I adjusted my painful erection. When she saw I’d caught her, I winked. Her perfect teeth crushed her bottom lip, making my core swim.
“Can I do this alone?” she asked.
Shrugging, I headed out the door. My father would have told me I was an idiot for not listening in. But truthfully, I trusted Sammy. I couldn’t find a reason not to. She’d gone out of her way to help my sister three different times, and while money had been involved twice . . . no one had paid her to be the maid of honor.
Lifting my hand, I brushed my mouth. Everything was still tingling with the feel of her. It was the way a lightning bolt must feel if it slid beneath your skin.
As awful as it was, I comforted myself with the knowledge that she wasn’t going anywhere tonight. If I couldn’t have her to myself yet, there’d be a chance soon enough.
The door opened behind me. “Here,” Sammy said, offering the phone back.
I didn’t take it. “You’re done already?” That seemed too fast to talk to anyone.
Her chin dipped, like she didn’t want me to see her expression. “They didn’t answer. It’s probably fine, but . . .”
“But what?”
Hugging herself, Sammy rocked side to side. “It’s a lot to ask, but if I gave you an address, would you go check something out for me?”
I scooped her hands up. The touch made her jump, her wide eyes flying upward to mine. If I’d doubted it before, I was sure now: Sammy was terrified. “Tell me what you need me to do. I’m here for you, Sammy.”
I could swear that I saw her heart as it filled her mouth. It took her a full minute to find her voice again. “It’s my mother. She isn’t well, and if someone came after me tonight, there’s a chance . . .” She stopped herself, or maybe the words just wouldn’t leave her tongue.
Her mother? So I had heard her say that earlier.
Rubbing the backs of her palms, I smiled solidly. “Tell me where she is. I’ll go over there and check things out. I won’t even let her see me unless I have to. Okay?”
Relief pulled her shoulders down. I expected her to be happy, but I didn’t expect her to embrace me. It’s strange how much more intimate a touch like that can feel after you’ve caressed someone’s naked body in the dark.
Holding her close, I shut my eyes so I could lose myself in her arms. We breathed together, our lungs matching speed—growing faster by the second. Sammy untangled herself, typing into my phone quickly. “That’s where she lives. It’s kind of far from here.”
Nodding, I pushed the phone into my back pocket. “It’s fine. I’ll go see everyone downstairs, then I’ll head out.” I motioned down the hall. “Frannie will set you up for the night.”
“I’ll take a shower first, if that’s all right.” Her fingers crinkled in her hair. “I’m a serious mess. You can probably smell me from there.”
“Definitely.” I lowered my face, inhaling the side of her throat. “And it’s wonderful, babe.” Kissing her once—okay, twice—I stepped away. Her fingers touched her skin where I’d just been.
With a smirk, I started down the stairs. “Kain,” Sammy said, stopping me. When I looked back, she was still cupping her neck. “Thank you. Just . . . thanks.”
“You already thanked me, remember?” Brushing my lips, I flicked my fingers like I was throwing her a kiss.
I thought she’d just blush some more. Her hand came up, clasping the air to catch my imaginary lips. Though she grinned, I realized she was just as surprised by her reaction as I was.
What’s going on between us? It was a question that had been tickling in my skull for some time. The weight of all my missteps with this woman had been ruining my mood the longer time went on.
She’d told me with conviction that she was still mad at me.
But did angry people catch air kisses?
I wanted to leave with an aura of indifference. I was known for being the cocky bad boy, that was who I’d always been. I didn’t keep souvenirs like sparkling heels, and I didn’t tend to tiny cuts with genuine tenderness.
When I exited down the staircase, I took the steps two at a time.
- CHAPTER ELEVEN -
SAMMY
“Mic,” I hissed, pushing the fluffy dog away from my face. “Leave me alone.”
It was the eighth time the animal had come over to snuffle at me. It wasn’t entirely his fault, I was sleeping on Francesca’s bedroom floor. I was easy access to his little, wet nose.
After I’d showered, I’d entered the darkened room to find the girl had already gone to bed. Not wanting to wake her, I’d curled up in the bathrobe I’d found and just tucked myself into a corner of the room.