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The One by Amanda J Stone
What an odd sensation. To wake up sitting straight up in bed, screaming. At first all I hear is the rush of blood through my ears, then the hiss and boom of the thunder. When I went to bed it was unbearably hot and sticky. I never thought I would fall asleep, and now this! The house is shuddering from the assault. Normally I love a good thunderstorm, but this one has my heart racing with fear.
I lay back down, curling up on my side hugging my pillow in a death grip. That familiar feeling is beginning to rear its ugly head again. The ache and loneliness I usually keep at bay won’t leave me alone now. Damn this storm for waking me up, for making me feel this way.
Every time I see a flash of lightning I grip the pillow, waiting for the inevitable boom racing behind it. When will this pillow be replaced by a living, breathing man? I wish I had strong arms around me. Someone to stroke my hair, kiss away my tears of fear and frustration. Damn, Amanda, stop dwelling on what you don’t have. I do such a good job of convincing everyone else (and myself) that I don’t need a man. To be honest, I am ready to let someone into my life. I think.
************
It’s amazing how blue and cloudless the sky is after last night’s storm. But here’s the sun again, and I am almost wilting in the heat. It’s only 8 a.m. That’s Orlando for you. I don’t know how much longer I’ll stay here, even though I have the house for as long as I want it. Who’d have thought that I would end up with a best selling book, and a sweetheart of an agent who handed over her house keys without a second thought and a firm reprimand to pull myself out of the funk I’d found myself living in 24/7. I can still hear Sara. "You know Mand, if you want to write another blockbuster you’ve got to clear all of the shit out of your head. Get over the past! Get a man! How can you write romantic fiction when there’s no love in your life?" I just grimaced and nodded my head, knowing she was right. That was three days ago.
I sit here contemplating the blueberry muffins in front of me, the flowers I’d planted yesterday that had been pounded down by last night’s rain. For the last few days I had been doing everything to avoid the empty pad of paper I should have been attempting to fill. Gradually I became aware of sounds coming from the other side of the tall hedge that divides Sara’s backyard from her new neighbor. Thump, thump, thump, thump. "Wooh! I’m gonna whip your ass like I always do, Cuz!" The response was mumbled, and for the next few minutes all I hear is more thumping and intermittent grunts and cheers.
My curiosity gets the better of me and I make my way to the hedge to find a spot to peek through. I will be absolutely mortified if anyone catches me doing this! I manage to clear a peephole without rustling the shrub too much. Two guys playing basketball. That explains the thumping. All they are wearing are big, baggy shorts (why can’t young men wear clothes that fit them properly these days!), and ball caps worn backwards. I find I am really enjoying their rough housing and teasing, as well as the sight of their shirtless bodies glistening with sweat. God! I need sex more than I thought.
They both appear to be good looking, but the big one really has my attention. The man is an Adonis. What a body! Wide back and shoulders, narrow hips, flat belly. I wish I were close enough to see the color of his eyes. His heavy, dark eyebrows lead me to believe he’s got a head full of thick dark hair. I have always had a thing for big, dark men. What I wouldn’t give to use him as a model for the cover of my next book. That is if I can ever get around to writing it!
I can’t help but smile as the smaller of the two begins a little song and dance. "Damn, I’m good, I’m good, I’m good! I’m the best! I’m the best! Don’tcha know I love whippin’ Train’s ass!" I stifle my laughter as he shakes his hips and waves his arms in the air.
"Shut up, doofus! You only beat me because I’m all weak and shaky from lack of food!" The tall one launches the ball at the small one’s head. It hurtles over the hedge, bounces a few times and rolls under the patio table. I run for the table as fast as I can, in an effort not to be caught peeping by the small one who heads toward the hedge.
"Excuse me, Ma’am. Could you toss our ball back?" As I fish the ball out from the table legs, I glance toward the hedge. Ma’am? Do I look old enough to be a Ma’am? It ‘s almost as disturbing as that first time you don’t get carded buying liquor.
The face staring back at me as I approach the hedge gives me a grin. He really is a handsome one. Chiseled features. Blue eyes. I bet he’s got the girls chasing him around! I hand the ball up to him. "Thanks! Sorry for interrupting your breakfast", he says nodding toward the basket of muffins and the pitcher of juice on the table. He’s got one of those soft, slow Southern accents. Makes me think of a good old-fashioned Southern boy I knew back in high school.
"No problem. How can you bear to play basketball in this heat! I don’t have the motivation to do more than sit and wilt. And I wasn’t eating. The heat has really killed my appetite." The blue eyes travel once again to the muffin basket.
"Hey, Bri… You just going to hang up there in the hedge?" Blue Eyes turned his head at the voice, tossed down the ball and said, " Just being neighborly with your pretty new neighbor." I wonder how heavy he’ll spread the charm in order to get into the muffin basket.
The shrub rustles and bends, and I find myself looking up into the greenest pair of eyes I have ever seen. Eyes that make me remember that I am naked under my short, silk robe. The lazy grin I get just about takes my breath away. I was right, he’s an Adonis. "Hey, I’m Kevin. I thought Brian was talking to Sara." He extended his hand and I lift up on my toes to shake it.
"Hi. I’m Amanda. Sara had to take an extended business trip and she offered me her place." I found myself just staring into those eyes. Suddenly a hand moved in front of my face. "Hi. I’m Brian, by the way." I blinked my eyes and took Brian’s hand. "Hi Brian. Nice to meet you." Just then a loud snap came from the hedge and Kevin fell forward into the yard.
Brian began to laugh like a hyena and I found myself joining in as Kevin picked himself out of the broken branch. "It’s a good thing Sara and I agreed to rip out this nasty old hedge and put in a fence." He smiled at me as I apologized for laughing. "It’s heredity. I get if from my Mom. We laugh first and then ask if you are all right. It usually makes people mad, but I can’t seem to help it."
"That’s ok. My ego isn’t so big that I would get hurt at being laughed at. In fact, Brian laughs at me all the time!" The smile seemed to be glued to my face as my mind raced to find a reason to keep Kevin from going back into his yard. Muffins!
"Hey, guys. I have a basket full of blueberry muffins that are going to go to waste. Can I interest you in a little breakfast?" Brian dropped off the hedge and clambered through the broken opening. "We’d love to have breakfast with you, Amanda. Wouldn’t we Kev?" I looked up to Kevin for his answer and suddenly felt like blushing under the intensity of his stare. "Yeah, breakfast would be great, but I wouldn’t want to put you to any trouble." Kevin’s accent wasn’t as pronounced as Brian’s, and his voice was softer and he spoke much slower. I felt myself getting sucked into his voice as much as I had his eyes.
"It’s no trouble. The heat is doing a job on my appetite and I can’t eat. I’d hate to throw it away." A loud moan caught our attention. Our heads whipped over to the direction of the patio where Brian had pieces of a muffin in both hands and his mouth stuffed like a chipmunk. "Miff if wunnafu!" I started laughing, but Kevin reprimanded Brian. "Man, you are so disrespectful. Eating peoples food, talking with your mouth full. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were raised in a barn."
That set Brian into the giggles. "You sound just like your dad. And Amanda did offer." I told Kevin to sit down and I went into the kitchen to get extra glasses and napkins. For a minute I stood at the kitchen window watching the two of them dig into the muffins. I really didn’t know how to deal with all of the thoughts I was having of Kevin. He was so attractive and he seemed to be a nice guy. I was positive he must have a string of girlfriends and wouldn’t be interested in me. "This is ridiculous, Amanda, you just met the guy!" I shake off the thought and headed back out onto the patio
************
"Come on, Amanda! Get something down on paper!" I can’t believe that it is now late afternoon and I am still looking at a blank page. That’s not to say that I haven’t written anything. I’ve a pile of crumpled, balled up paper to prove otherwise. My mind keeps going back to my breakfast with Blue Eyes and Adonis. The two of them hung around for over an hour, devouring most of the muffins. Brian kept me laughing a great deal of the time with his stories about growing up with Kevin and contorting his face like Jim Carey. They were both so polite and that Kevin is a real gentleman. I keep telling myself that he can’t possibly be real, he’s too nice, too handsome, with a face and body that belonged on magazine covers. More like a storybook hero than a mere mortal. That doesn’t keep me from hoping that I will see him again while I am here. I can’t concentrate. All I can think of is a pair of green eyes and the luscious body attached to them. I really don’t need these naughty thoughts. The frustration of writer’s block is enough. I don’t need sexual frustration, too!
************
I have been in Orlando for five days now. I rarely leave the house. Disney doesn’t appeal to me. Who wants to do that sort of thing alone? Haven’t seen Kevin or Brian since that day we met. I must admit I am disappointed. The most exciting things that have happened are the dozen or so pages that I have managed to complete. That, and the removal of the hedge. A crew came yesterday to cut it down and dig it up. I feel naked and exposed in the back yard now. There is no barrier between the two yards and I find myself looking towards Kevin’s in the hope that he will show up. I feel like such an adolescent!
"Hi!" It cracks through my trance and I jump. "Sorry. Didn’t mean to startle you." I turn my head to look at Kevin. "That’s okay. I was just lost in thought. Keep getting stuck on my writing."
"You know, it’s really cool to meet someone who is a published author. I would be really interested in reading one of your books. In fact, when I went to the bookstore yesterday I asked them for anything of yours and they couldn’t find you in their computer." Those sparkling green eyes never left mine and I can’t help feeling a twinge of guilt.
"That's because I write under a pseudonym. My writing is a very personal thing. In fact most of my friends and family don’t know that’s what I do." I look away from him and I sincerely hope he lets this drop because I can already feel the heat of embarrassment creeping up my neck.
Kevin shifts forward on the patio chair. "I can respect your feelings, but you should be proud of your accomplishments. You act like you are ashamed of your success."
"I’m not ashamed of my success at all! It’s just that many people mock the genre I am a part of. Wait right here." I make my way into the house and search Sara’s office for a copy of my latest paperback. Kevin is sitting on the edge of the pool dangling his legs in the water when I come back. "Here. Happy reading."
He takes the book from me and examines the cover. "Elise Hampton?" He glances at the book again and then up at me. "Yup. Elise from one of my favorite Cure songs, "A Letter to Elise" and Hampton from my favorite castle in England. I write Historical Romances, usually in Elizabethan England."
"You must have to do a lot of research to write about Elizabethan England. That’s when Shakespeare wrote, isn’t it?" I am pleased that he hasn’t immediately blown off my writing. "Yes. I usually spend a couple months a year in England doing research and soaking up the ‘atmosphere’ to get myself in the proper state of mind to write. I didn’t do that after my last book came out. Came here to Orlando instead. I can tell you that the heat isn’t conducive to writing about people wearing layers and layers of wool and velvet and the damp English countryside!" I find myself relaxing under his quiet acceptance of my book.
"Kevin, I was just to scour the cupboards for dinner ideas. Would you like to join me?" He looks at me with a furrow between his brows. "I wish I could, but I have dinner plans for tonight! Can I take a raincheck for tomorrow instead?" I agree with him on 6PM tomorrow night, and he heads back to his house with my book in hand and I head to the kitchen to decide what to cook feeling slightly envious of his dinner date this evening.
************
The bright glare of the morning sun startles me and I snap up my head to notice the unwashed dinner dishes, the balled up paper on the counter and floor around me, and most importantly, the thick pile of finished chapters of my latest endeavor. I was visited by a muse while I waited for my mac and cheese to bake and hadn’t stopped writing since. I ease myself off the kitchen stool and dig my fists into my lower back. I fill the dishwasher, shut off the lights and head upstairs to take a shower.
As a reward for completing such a chunk of writing, I treat myself to a trip to Sara’s hairstylist to get my hair colored and trimmed. As I leave the salon, I decide to hit some of the local shops and the grocery store before heading home. I find myself buying a few outfits, a couple pairs of shoes and more accessories than I am sure I will ever need. I even indulged myself with a scarf to cover my hair while driving the convertible. The stylist took a lot of time blow drying my curls straight and I really like the effect. I can feel heads turning to look at me as I walk to the car with my scarf and sunglasses on, hands full of bags. I am sure they all think I’m an idiot, but I feel like a movie star!
I notice Kevin’s 4 Runner in the drive as I pull into my garage. After taking care of the groceries and my many purchases, I hop into the shower, put on a touch of makeup and put on one of my new outfits. Capri pants and a royal blue spaghetti tank and matching ¾ sleeve cardigan.
As I start preparing dinner, the phone rings. "Okay, Mand. Be honest. Have you written a thing and if not, it better be because you are spending all your time in bed with a hot guy!" I can feel her smile through the phone. "As a matter of fact I have." "What! What hot guy are you spending quality bed time with!" If she only knew the thoughts I have been having about her neighbor!
"I didn’t sleep at all last night! I have somewhere around 7 chapters complete and chunks of plot ideas to work on. I had stalled out for a bit in the beginning, but I am making progress now! Hold on just a sec…Come on in!" Kevin was knocking on one of the French doors and after attempting to open the still locked door he pouted and turned like he was going to leave. "God, that face could get me to do anything!"
"What are you talking about? What’s going on? Who is there?" Sara is rattling off the questions as I go and unlock the door. "Gotta go, Sar. Kev’s here for dinner. I’ll talk to you more tomorrow about my progress." "Wait! Kevin’s there for dinner! Don’t you hang up on…" I push the off button on the phone and invite Kevin in.
"Wow! You look great!" he says as he pulls a bouquet of flowers from behind his back. "This is sweet. I’ve never had a man show up with flowers before." I get out a vase and put them on the table. "You’re kidding right?" He scowls at me. "If you’re not, you have been dating the wrong men, Amanda!" "I won’t argue with you on that point. Make yourself comfortable while I check on the sauce."
"Smells wonderful!" I jump as he says this as I didn’t realize he was standing right behind me. The man makes me feel giddy enough as it is, he doesn’t need to sneak up on me, too! I turn around to face him and since he isn’t backing up at all, I have to tip my head way back to look into his eyes. "It’s a jar of Sara’s homemade. I hope you like pasta. I planned on a Caesar salad, pasta and a loaf of fresh bread. And if that doesn’t fill you up, I made dessert!"
He gives me a lazy grin and closes his eyes. "You’re going to spoil me. You’ll never get rid of me!" I don’t know if the hot rush spreading up my body is due to the stove or being so close to Kevin’s tall, muscular form. "I like your hair this way." His hand reaches out to catch one of the chunky pieces that frame my face. I can’t blink, my heart is racing and I find myself wanting to feel his hand on my face, on my body. BZZZZZZZZ! We jump apart and I shut off the oven timer. "Well, the bread is warmed up, the salads are prepared and in the fridge. How’d you like to open the wine while I get them on the table?"
Kevin takes the corkscrew off the counter and I can’t keep my eyes off his hands as they twist it into the cork. I look up to find him watching me watch his hands as I put the salad on the table. Once again the lazy grin spreads across his face. How the hell am I going to eat or talk sitting next to him? It’s like the man can read every naughty thought!
Kevin brings over the wine and pulls out my chair to seat me. "I could get used to being treated like this!" He looks at me with a surprised look. "Treated like what?" "Being treated like a lady, I guess. Flowers, having my chair pulled out. I bet you open car doors for a woman before you get in, don’t you?"
"I was raised to treat a lady with respect. Is there anything wrong with that?" I am surprised at the intensity of the look on his face. I wouldn’t like to see what he looks like when he’s angry! "It’s just a little surprising to me, that’s all. I have always been very independent. Open my own doors, kill my own bugs, I even call men to ask them out!" I really have to fight the urge to ask him if in addition to the flowers and door opening, he makes sure his lovers reach orgasm first!
Thank God, he’s smiling again. "I’m impressed! You kill your own bugs! You’re truly a woman of many talents. I brought your book back, by the way." Kevin nodded towards the kitchen counter where the paperback lay. Not knowing if I wanted to hear the truth, I asked, "How many pages did you read before you decided it was enough?"
He took a sip of wine. "The whole thing. You really shouldn’t doubt your talent." He put his hand over mine and squeezed it. "I really liked the characters, and your descriptions were so vivid I felt like I was right there with them. I liked the way you added a twist of mystery and suspense to it. You really should have warned me about the graphic sex, though." I managed to swallow the wine past the lump in my throat.
"Sorry. I didn’t even think of it when I gave you the book. It didn’t disturb you too much, did it?" I was concerned that my overtly explicit scenes might have offended him. By the time I had the courage to look at him directly, I was surprised at the grin on his face and the sparkle in his eyes.
"So, Amanda. How much research do you put into that particular aspect of the book?" Hmmm. How to answer this one! I speared a piece of lettuce and deliberately took my time chewing it. Kevin seemed content to wait for my answer as he spread butter over the warm bread.
"Actually it’s just a very vivid imagination. I write what I think other women might like to read. I have yet to meet a man quite as skilled as one of my heroes." As soon as it was out of my mouth I realized that it sounded very much like a challenge. We ate for a few minutes in silence until Kevin started to chuckle.
"I have to be honest with you. I stayed up all night reading that book. I couldn’t put it down. And I must have read each and every one of those particular scenes two or three times each. A man can use pointers where ever he can get them, you know!" I could only laugh with him and frantically think of a way to change the subject of the conversation. We hadn’t even gotten to the pasta and the talk was getting suggestive! "How did you manage to read all night? I’m sure your date was disappointed to be ditched early for a book."
"Actually my dinner plans were business related. I had to finalize plans with some of the guys I work with. We are due to take a trip overseas. I was curled up in bed with your book by 10. You may find this hard to believe, but I even soaked in the tub with it." I smile at the mental picture of Kevin coated in bubbles. That thought changes to one of wet, naked skin.
"Ready for pasta?" Without waiting for an answer I hopped up to fill up our plates. Kevin was right behind me to get the bottle of wine. I let him seat me again and watched as he topped off my glass. We both dug into the pasta and I decided that I needed to take control of the situation and get the topic away from sex. "You have me at a disadvantage, Kev. You know what I do for work, but I really don’t know what you do. You mentioned working for a local record label, but didn’t say exactly what you do."
"The moment of truth, huh? Actually I perform with a group of other singers. Maybe you’ve heard of us. We’re called the Backstreet Boys." When I didn’t respond, he looked up from his plate. I could barely swallow my food. "You’re in the Backstreet Boys?" He nodded his head. "I’ve heard your music before. I enjoyed what I heard. Oh my god! You’re not in that video with the rain, are you!"
Kevin coughed on his pasta then said, "That video is just going to keep biting me in the ass for the rest of my life." I thought of a few remarks to make about biting him in the ass, and was grateful that I hadn’t had enough wine to make me say them. "If you are just going to sit there and grin at me, I will have to assume that you are having nasty thoughts."
"Sorry, I didn’t realize I was grinning. You must have realized that by filming that video you were making yourself an easy target and that all of the little girls would be all over you in a heartbeat. It has been a long time since I’ve seen a video with that much beefcake in it." I’d managed to get out the last line with a straight face. Kevin laughed, topped off my wine again and responded with the lazy grin that always got to me. "You forgot the big girls. They like beefcake, too."
"You are SO bad, Kevin." Change the topic, Amanda. We are back to sex again! "Can I get you some more pasta, Kevin?" I start to rise from my chair, but Kevin’s hand on my forearm stops me. "No, just sit and relax. Unless you are trying to rush me out the door." Rush him out the door? What I really want is to rush him into my bed. I just sip my wine instead. I start to feel antsy in the sudden silence between us. Say something, Amanda! "It must be really exciting getting to travel and perform all over the world."
"Yeah, it can be. But it can be lonely sometimes too. When we are on tour, I am with Bri, Howie, Nick and AJ all the time. Most people don’t understand that it can be lonely even with a lot of other people around. Don’t get me wrong! It’s exciting visiting all of the different countries, but when you are there you spend a lot of time missing home. Another case of the grass always being greener on the other side of the fence, I guess."
While we cleared the table, I made him tell me all of the countries and all of the states he had visited. "Can I interest you in dessert?" Kevin made a face and slouched over the counter. "I certainly hope you don’t have any room left for dessert, I don’t! Save it for later. Let’s go out on the patio." He handed me my wineglass, picked up his, as well as the bottle, and ushered me out the door.
The intense heat had gone with the sun, but it was still very warm. I slipped off my cardigan, eased back in the lounge chair and sipped my wine. Kevin broke the silence. "Tell me about England, and why you didn’t go back to write this time."
I took a deep swallow before answering. "England is my favorite place. Most people hate the rain. I love it. And when it is bright and sunny there, you appreciate it all the more. I can never get enough of the history, the architecture, the literature. It casts a spell over me." Kevin smiled. "I can tell. You eyes are glowing just talking about it. So, if you love it so much, why aren’t you there now?"
"That’s a very long, very ugly story, so I’ll give you the Cliff Notes version. Amanda goes to England. Falls in love with the country. Falls in love with a very unsuitable Englishman. Tries to change him. That doesn’t work. Tries to change herself. That doesn’t work. The relationship ends in a very ugly way. Amanda comes back to the states, pines away, hates all men for a brief time, is disgusted by herself for a brief time, gets a swift kick in the pants from her publisher and ends up in Orlando." I give him a tight smile and drink more wine. I look over at Kevin. The shadows hide his eyes. Poor man, I shouldn’t have dumped all of that on him.
"So, it’s over between you and the Englishman?" I can hear the uncertainty in his voice. Should he ask it, or not. "It never really started. He was married. I thought he was just being charmingly hard to get and evasive. There was a whole sense of mystery. It’s amazing the things you can make yourself believe in order to make life the way you feel it should be." I search for his eyes in the dark. He shifts forward and empties the bottle into my glass. "What about you, Kevin? Any deep, dark secrets?"
"Deep, dark secrets? I don’t think so. Plenty of wrong choices. Plenty of missed chances. There was one serious relationship when I was just out of high school. She was a couple years older than me. I got caught up in the whole being in love thing. We both did, I guess. We got engaged, and even though my parents didn’t approve of my making such a big decision so young, they never tried to talk me out of it. My dad ended up getting sick and when I went home to be with him, we had a lot of long talks. Without coming right out and saying it, he helped me realize that it was a step I wasn’t ready for. There were too many other things I wanted to do in my life that I would have a tough time doing as a husband and a father. She also figured out that it wasn’t right for us while we were separated. It has taken me a long time to stop using her as a measuring stick for every other woman I meet. I guess it’s true, what they say about first loves leaving a lasting impression." He drained his glass and picked up the empty bottle. Holding both in one hand, he held the other out to me. "How about that dessert now?" I took his hand and let him pull me out of the chair. We walked to the door holding hands, and I was grateful for its presence as I was definitely feeling the effects of my always full wine glass.
I pulled dessert out of the oven where I had been keeping it warm. As I examined the pan in my slightly drunken lethargy, I felt Kevin’s arms slip around me and I leaned into him. "What smells so good?" As he bent towards the pan he stopped and nuzzled my neck. "MMM. It’s you. Kinda like cookies." Did his lips just press against my neck? I am feeling completely boneless. "Vanilla. It’s Vanilla." I can barely get the words out. This is intoxicating. I want to tip my head back and expose my neck like the victims in vampire movies. Rrrrrrrr! I giggle with embarrassment and wrap my arms around my stomach.
"You can’t possibly be hungry, so why is your stomach making hungry noises!" Kevin laughs as my
stomach lets out another growl. "It’s the wine. Alcohol gives me the munchies. Why don’t you get the dishes out of that cupboard." I have to get him away from me before I completely give into this feeling. As nice as it is, it’s dangerous.
"I thought it was pot that was supposed to give you the munchies." Kevin tossed back a smile as he pulled down two dishes. I can’t stop myself, nor can I wipe the smile from my face. "No. Pot makes me horny." I have to give the man credit for not dropping the dishes. He brings the bowls over to me. I can’t meet his eyes as I spoon out dessert. "I hope you like chocolate. This is baked fudge pudding. I hope you like it." Still not making eye contact, I wave the bowl under his nose and take them out onto the patio. I can feel his eyes watching my every step.
I sit on the lounge and offer up a bowl as he moves between the chairs. I dig the spoon into the thick cake and swirl it through the rich sauce topping. I close my eyes, inhale the warm smell and growl in the back of my throat as the spoon enters my mouth. After two or three more bites I am suddenly aware that I have become a growling beast with my dessert and that Kevin has been soundlessly watching me. "Sorry. It’s my favorite sweet. You haven’t taken a bite of yours. Go on, tell me what you think."
Kevin waved his spoon in the air and took a bite. "This is really good." Lazy grin. "I can see why it makes you moan like that." I smack his arm and drink the last of my wine. "Do you have another bottle in the fridge? You’re empty and I could use another glass."
"I’ll get it. Finish your dessert, I’m done with mine." I go back in and open the bottle of champagne that Sara had bought me in the hopes that I would have a mini celebration as soon as I started writing again. I brought out two fresh glasses and poured as Kevin finished his pudding. "You just wanted me to leave so you could moan over your dessert like you were accusing me of doing." I just get the grin and a shake of the head as he drinks his champagne.
" So, what did you think of dessert?" Our eyes finally meet. "I can see why it’s your favorite. It’s very rich, isn’t it? Good enough to lick out the bowl." As he makes the final remark, he slides a finger through the remaining chocolate in his bowl and then licks it off. It takes everything I have in me not to moan. I watch his finger slide through the bowl again and again. How does he know how to do this to me? My belly feels heavy and full with arousal. As I watch his actions, I try to nonchalantly drink my champagne.
He sighs with satisfaction and sets down the empty bowl. "My compliments to the cook." Kevin leans forward and before I can react, his lips briefly meet mine. As he backs away from our kiss, he takes my chin in his hand and chuckles. "Your pupils are huge. Maybe we shouldn’t have more to drink."
"Oh, is that so. The way you’ve been keeping my glass filled all night had me wondering if you intended to get me drunk. It’s been a very long time since I’ve allowed myself to get intoxicated. Besides, I don’t have to drive myself home." I look over and he’s grinning at me. "Well, I guess one of us should remain sober, so drink up." Up goes the level in my glass.
"No way Richardson. I’m not drinking alone. You live right there, and if that’s too far to walk, you can sleep or pass out here. Which ever comes first."
"Okay. If I stay and finish this bottle with you, you have to tell me what you are writing about now. What finally inspired you after all of the writer’s block you told me about?"
"Well, it’s hard to say what my inspiration was. Maybe it was the mac and cheese I’d just made. Maybe I just reached my quota of balled up pages at that point." I can’t keep my eyes off of Kevin. He looks so good sprawled back against the cushion of the chair. I hadn’t noticed till now that his short sleeved blue shirt that he was wearing opened over a black tank exactly matched the color of my tank. He has amazing arms and shoulders. Nice neck. Want to nip it.
"What ARE you thinking?" I snap out of my fixation. "What? Nothing. Just waiting for you to join the conversation." I bury my face in my wineglass and catch his smile over the rim. "You’re a terrible liar, Amanda." I start to protest as he takes my glass from me and sits next to me on the chaise. I don’t think I have wanted anything this much as he takes my chin in his hand and tips my face up for his kiss. As our lips meet, my head spins and I clutch his shirt. The pressure of his lips intensifies and I willingly open my mouth to him. I groan deep in my throat as his tongue meets mine in a hot chocolatey kiss. I feel his laugh with my hands on his chest before the sound reaches my ears. "Reliving your dessert again?" His green eyes are glassy with alcohol and laughter. I pull him back for another kiss. And another, and another. His hands pull me closer. He tastes so good. I’ll never get enough. If this doesn’t stop, we’ll be putting on a show for the neighbors. I break away and we are both breathing heavily. "If we don’t stop this now, Amanda, I’m gonna end up dropping my pants right here on the patio." We both laugh nervously. I want to take this further, but don’t know how to tell him.
Kevin’s voice breaks my indecision. "Are you too drunk to swim? I could use a nice cool dip in the pool. How about you?" I look from Kevin to the glassy surface of the pool. I don’t know if swimming in the Artic Ocean could alter my arousal, but it’s worth a try. "Pool sounds good. I just don’t happen to know where my suit is at the moment. I think I packed it."
"Well, that would make us even, ‘cause I don’t have a suit either. I won’t look, if you don’t!" I never would have suspected that face to be able to look so mischievous. "Why Mr. Richardson, are you suggesting we skinny dip?" The mere thought releases butterflies in my belly. I thought this was supposed to cool us down! The only response I get is a lift of his left eyebrow. "Kevin, I must confess. I have never skinny dipped before."
"Never?" The eyebrow goes higher. "Well, I would say its high time you gave it a try." His blue shirt comes off with a smile and I could just about drool at how good he looks in that snug, black tank. Within seconds the tank is also off and tossed onto a nearby chair. I wait expectantly as his hands go to his belt buckle. "Hey, lady. If you’re going to just stand there and watch my every move, I insist on the same opportunity!" The big cheesy grin he’s giving me tells me that he’s enjoying this as much as I am. I really can’t help starring. He looks so fine.
Kevin still hasn’t unbuckled his belt, and he waits expectantly for me to undress. Well, here goes. Off come the capri pants. I am feeling a bit bashful standing here in just my tank and panties. He drops his cargo shorts and kicks them across the patio to land near the chairs. Here we go! No turning back. I lift my tank over my head, slip off my panties and head for the edge of the pool. I fight the grin that wants to spread across my face at the look on Kevin’s face.
"Coming in?" I cup my hands and toss water at him as I slide off the edge into the water. I suck in my breath as the cold water hits my stomach. I catch my breath a second time as I am completely soaked by a huge splash. Kevin surfaces at the opposite side of the pool. "I should have known you would cheat", I holler over to him as he swims towards me.
"I didn’t cheat. You weren’t paying attention!" His feet touch the bottom and he starts walking toward me. "I really should be crushed. I start taking my pants off and you walked away. You could really damage a man’s ego, doing something like that." The grin on Kevin’s face combined with his slow, measured pace towards me is making my heart pound hard in my chest. I’m sure this is how the antelope feel as the tigers are quietly stalking them before going in for the kill. The soft breeze blows across my skin, and I suddenly realize that I have been standing waist deep in the water the whole time. I suddenly am gripped with self-consciousness and I push deeper into the water toward the far side of the pool. I manage to avoid Kevin, only to have him submerge and disappear from sight. I see his dark shape move under the water and as I heave myself up on the ledge to avoid his attack, his strong arms are around me, pulling me back.
"Just where do you think you are going, missy?" He’s effectively trapped me between his chest and the wall. I turn about to face him. At the sight of his face, everything I had been about to say dribbled out of my brain like a squeezed out sponge. His dark hair was clumped up in spikes all over his head, droplets of water were trickling down his face, and the reflection of the pool against his eyes had changed the color to an icy, silvery-green.
Kevin moves in for a tentative kiss and I slip my arms around his neck, deepening the kiss and pulling him closer to me. As I deepen our kiss, Kevin pushes away from the edge and pulls me out with him. I hold on tight to his hard, slippery body, intending on enjoying our swim around the pool. It’s short lived. I find my self on the edge near the shallow end of the pool. He’s still kissing me, but now his hands are free to roam my body. And do they roam! Down my shoulders, my arms, my hands. He lifts them both to his lips. "Such small hands." He places my hands on his shoulders and proceeds to slide his hands back to my shoulders. Down my spine, around my waist, across my belly, up to my cup my breasts. His thumbs tweak my nipples and I fight the urge to pull his mouth down to them. Patience, Amanda!
My lips feel bruised from our deep, wet kisses. I trace my tongue along his jaw line to his ear. I rear my head back to look into his face. Kevin’s eyes are closed and I can feel the tension in his body as he waits for my next move. I have thought that he has a sexy neck since the day I met him, and I give into the urge I have to nip it. I feel him shudder as my teeth lightly scrape his neck and I suck on the tender spot where shoulder meets the neck. His hands have started kneading my hips and I shift to the edge to press against him. "Feels good", he murmurs as I continue to lick and suck and my hands move down his chest and belly, and back up again. His hands are no longer on my hips. They’re on my knees and I look up into his face as he spreads them. He runs the back of his hands up and down the inside of my thighs. I breathe faster and spread my legs further in invitation. His fingers find the nub of my clitoris and begin to stroke and tease. I can’t believe how good it feels. His mouth finds a nipple and I can’t stop the moans escaping my throat. I shift my hips against Kevin’s hand and he takes it as my need for more.
My eyes snap open as he lifts my left leg up onto his shoulder. They meet the silvery eyes and very crooked grin. He penetrates me with one of those long fingers, and after several deep strokes, it’s joined by a second. Greedily, I arch back and enjoy every minute of this pleasure. As I shudder with my climax, I smile, knowing I was right about Kevin’s gentlemanly streak and his "ladies first" attitude.
I open my eyes to find Kevin grinning back at me. "You look like you are having happy thoughts". I just continue to smile, and lean into him for a kiss, sliding my hands down his belly seeking his erection. We both gasp at the contact. He feels so large and hot in my hand. His hand coaches mine in the right rhythm, and then slides to my thigh. Kevin’s ragged breathing fills my ears.
"Amanda, you’ve gotta stop! I can’t take anymore!" His green eyes meet mine. "I want to take you inside and make love to you, but say the word and this will stop right now."
I’m feeling nervous and giddy as I get out of the pool. "I want you so much, Kevin, but I’m feeling kind of nervous…" He heaves himself out of the pool, and leads me towards the house. "Lead the way, darlin’. I’m all yours." We make our way through the darkened house and upstairs to my bedroom. By this point, my nerves have me shaking. "Amanda, are you alright?" Kevin strokes my face and tucks my hair behind my ears.
My eyes filled at his tenderness as Kevin stroked his knuckles along my jaw and down my neck, "I meant what I said. This can stop right now if you’re not comfortable."
"No, Kev. I don’t want to stop. I’m just feeling a little anxious. Actually, I feel stupid. I wish I could stop shaking." My nervousness feeds the trembling, and I hugged my arms attempting to mask the shivers. Kevin pulled me against his warm, hard body, stroking my back and making soothing noises against my hair. Soft kisses are pressed against my hairline and I tipped my face up for his kiss. It’s deep and hot, and makes my blood rush.
Kevin breaks the kiss and taking my hands, leads me toward the bed. I kneel on the mammoth bed, and twine my arms around his neck to pull him back for a kiss. I feel swallowed up by his size. He is so incredibly large, so masculine and sexy. Kevin has one hand tangled in my hair and the other strokes down my spine to rest on my hip. I can’t stop my hands from running across his smooth chest and down his belly. My head is spinning from the hot taste of his mouth. I pull him back onto the bed with me.
I suddenly feel possessed by the intensity of my desire for him. I can’t wait to feel him pressed against me, buried within me. "Make love to me, Kevin. Don’t make me wait." My hands seek out his erection, and I am rewarded by a low growl moments before his hands reach down to stop me.
"Don’t rush it, sweetheart. You’re still shaking, and we have all the time in the world. Come here." His warm, gentle hands pull me close. I could just about purr as his fingers comb through my hair. The gentle pull of his fingers is oddly hypnotic and I feel a warm flood spread throughout me. I’m no longer trembling.
More soft kisses trail down to my neck. My fingers stroke the nape of his neck and I like the feel of his soft short hair. His mouth works down to my breast and laps at my nipple, while his hand rubs the other into a hardened peak. I arch back to press against his mouth. I can feel Kevin’s smile against my skin, as his fingers lead a path down my ribs to my belly with his lips following behind. There isn’t a spot on my body not covered by goose bumps. He is so gentle, I feel like I am a mass of raw nerves.
Kevin lowers himself between my spread legs and flicks his tongue across my swollen clitoris. It doesn’t matter if it’s slow or fast as long as it’s hot and wet. I’m entranced by the contrast between his soft mouth and the rough rasp of his jaw and cheek. I’ll never get enough, and a rolling spasm of pleasure rocks my body. Kevin shifts himself up and kisses my belly. I squeal as he pokes his tongue into my belly button. Kevin chuckles as I grab his head to try to make him stop, but he manages another stab with his tongue before pushing up fully on his muscular arms.
My hands travel across his ribs and around his well-muscled back. I’m scorched from the heat of his skin. Pulling him down, I kiss him hungrily and suck on his lower lip. "God, I want you so much I ache," he says, rubbing his thick erection against my belly. I reach down and stroke the hot length of him, making Kevin close his eyes and gasp. He doesn’t let me stroke for long before he removes my hand and spreads my thighs wide. My torment isn’t about to end anytime soon.
Kevin begins rubbing the head of his penis against my wet slit. I arch up and grasp his wrist, encouraging the delight. The combination of our wet heat makes me pant and moan. I want him in me now! I guide him to me, and spreading his legs wide, Kevin pushes deep. Our deep hot kisses match the rhythm of our lovemaking. Physically, he seems so overwhelming large, making me feel delicate and beautiful.
The sound of our breathing fills the room. I run my hands up and down his back as he drives me mindless with pleasure. I can’t stifle my gasps and moans as Kevin drives into me. I bury my face against his chest as the first orgasm racks me. The tempo slows and Kevin rests on his elbows to tip my face up for his kisses. "Open your eyes…look at me," he whispers. I could stare forever into those eyes. His face is taut with sexual tension. I kiss his mouth, his chin, splay my fingers across his ribcage and then tighten my vaginal walls around him. His eyes widen and he groans deep in his throat.
I find my legs wrapped around Kevin’s waist as he quickens the pace of his thrusts. The tempo increases with our pleasure. Our breathing is loud to my ears…his skin so hot…his penis so hard, so good…. I feel mindless and free floating. I push my heels into the mattress, lifting my hips to meet him. So good…. Kevin’s breath has turned into moans and pants in turn. Our eyes lock as I shudder against him again. As I feel like I’m being battered into a senseless lump, Kevin buries himself deep and lets out a shout as I feel his hot wetness fill me. He thrusts again and again with a shudder, and I cling to him as I am overcome by the final wave of orgasm.
Kevin begins to move off of me. "No. Stay," is all I can say. I enjoy the full weight of him, the give of my body beneath him. My world is limited to his damp skin, the wet hair along his hairline, his warm soft lips on my skin. I feel sated, soft and boneless.
************
I wake up to the blast of sun in my face and a heavy weight across my stomach. I can’t move and there is absolutely no feeling in my left leg. As awareness comes to me, I can feel Kevin’s face in the crook of my neck. He’s lying on his belly, with his leg hooked over mine. The memory of last night floods my mind and I smile. After making love, we’d spent the night tangled up in each other talking and laughing. Kevin told me about growing up with his brothers, their teasing and pranks. I told him about being constantly uprooted as a military brat and all of the places we lived. There didn’t seem to be a topic we didn’t touch on, and we didn’t give in to sleep until dawn was lightening the sky.
I attempt to stretch, but Kevin’s arm tightens. He shifts over me, and straddles my hips. He looks absolutely adorable with mussed up, spiky hair and sleepy eyes. "Morning", he grumbles as he rubs at his eyes. The end result is that his eyebrows look as sleep worn as his hair. He looks so silly I find myself giggling. Kevin slides his hands up my belly and ribs, and then leans forward to rest on his arms. His eyes are mere inches from mine. My laughter explodes with his kiss. I can’t control it, and every time I try to explain myself, I only laugh harder. It isn’t long before his laughter joins mine. "What? Did I do something in my sleep I should know about? Do I have terrible morning breath?"
"Let me tame the wooly mammoths," I manage to choke out, reaching out to smooth his brows. Before I can do my job, he buries his face in the pillow next to me. We wrestle as I try to reach his eyebrows. "C’mon, Kev. Roll over. I’ll be gentle. I promise." He rolls back over me with a grin and lets me run my thumbs over his brows. "There. All better. You can kiss me now."
************
