Chasing Rainbows, page 18
He dropped to his knees in front of me. I held his gaze. I couldn't have looked away even if I'd wanted to. One of his hands slid along the back of my calf still encased in Kara's black plastic knee high boots. A surge of warmth settled low in to the pit of my stomach. There was a tug, and the slight pressure of resistance as the faint slide of the zipper filled the air. He eased it down my leg and past my ankle. His fingers followed the path of the zipper lightly tracing and teasing my skin.
I shivered, thankful for the dark. It kept Jake from seeing the rapid rise and fall of my chest, the flush on my cheeks and the way my hands trembled as I moved them from the bed to clasp them tightly in my lap.
The second boot followed, just like the first one, and he teased me the same way as before, leaving me breathless and craving more. He'd barely even touched me, and already I was a shaking, quivering mess. When he finally pulled the boot free, his hand slid along the arch of my foot sliding up my ankle to the back of my knee as his other hand followed suit, robbing me of my senses.
He inched closer; his broad hands on the backs of my thighs. He yanked, and I gasped in surprise as he pulled me to rest at the edge of the mattress. My dress had ridden up leaving my thighs bare and openly exposed to his eyes. The fabric bunched uncomfortably just below the cheeks of my ass. I was afraid to move, especially when I heard him draw in a sharp breath. He ran his fingertips along my skin, dancing higher and higher, dangerously close to the point of no return. I couldn't make a sound; I was so overcome with emotion. It felt like I was going to explode.
"No regrets, Addie. If you want me to stop, you need to tell me right now," he growled. Then his skillful hands stilled high on my inner thighs as he paused and waited patiently for my answer. His muscled abs rested heavily against my knees. I could feel each breath that he drew as he struggled to remain in control. He was patiently awaiting my decision. Yes or No. The choice was mine. It always had been.
I swallowed, licking my lips. His hungry gaze followed my tongue. "I want you, Jake," I whispered. I'd never wanted anything more. Then, before I could draw my next breath, his lips slammed against mine stealing every thought from my head. There was only Jake. It was just the two of us in his room, surrounded by darkness and I wasn't afraid.
His mouth moved frantically against mine. My hands on his chest were trapped in between the heat of our two bodies. Gently, he eased me back onto the bed, never breaking our kiss as his lips devoured mine, nibbling and sucking. As soon as he broke contact, I turned my head and momentarily gasped for air then greedily sought his mouth once more. I couldn't get enough.
"Addie," he murmured, the sound vibrated deep in his throat. Then his tongue pushed against the seam of my lips, demanding entrance. The way he said my name resonated deep inside of me making my abdominal muscles clench. My heart hammered. Never had anything felt as right as this moment with him….. right now.
His weight pinned me to the mattress as he stroked his tongue against mine and when I tried to mimic his actions and shyly enter his mouth, he captured my tongue between his lips and began to gently suckle. He was making me crazy. Unconsciously, my fingers clenched the fabric of his shirt desperately digging into hard muscles. I squirmed beneath him unable to keep still. I was on fire.
When he finally broke the kiss, I lay there dazed, staring up at him as rocked back on his heels and grasped his shirt. He tugged it over his head and threw it onto the floor. His eyes left mine only once, and that was to travel slowly down my chest and stop at my panties and the length of leg that was brazenly on display for him.
Even in the dim light, I could see the fierce possessiveness of his expression; the rapid rise and fall of his muscled chest as if he were fighting some inner war within himself. He looked as if he wanted to gobble me up whole. It should have scared me, but it didn't. Instead of reaching for the hem of my dress to modestly tug it back down, I reached for him.
My hands traveled slowly up the ridges of the muscles roping his broad chest, savoring the feel of his skin and when my fingertip accidentally skimmed one of his flat nipples, he sucked in a deep breath shivering beneath my touch. I brushed his nipple once more. This time, on purpose. He grabbed my hand drawing it away from his chest and brought it up to his mouth to place a hot moist kiss against the center of my palm, making me throb.
Releasing my hand, he leaned toward me to brush a tender kiss on my lips. Then he pulled back, quickly rising and stood towering over me, highlighted in only the horizontal light seeping in through the blinds. He was a mixture of light and shadows. He was beautiful.
"Last chance, Addie," he said, reaching for the button of his faded jeans.
When I didn't answer, he unbuttoned that very button and slowly slid down the zipper. Suddenly, I was scared. The basics, I knew. Kara had already given me the inside scoop on her sex life, even though I hadn't really wanted to know all the kinky details. The mechanics I knew, but nothing could have prepared me for the sight of a fully aroused Jake standing before me clad in nothing but his boxers.
"Jake," I whispered, and he paused, perhaps hearing the hesitancy in my voice. After a moment, he took a step toward the bed and gazed down at me. I had to force myself to meet his eyes and not look at his arousal. It was intimidating. "I-I've never," I stammered, and then his intent stare was suddenly filled with insight.
"I'll take care of you, Addie," he replied in a calm soothing tone, and there was little doubt in my mind that he would indeed keep his promise.
I pushed myself up from the mattress, now sitting before him. It proved to be a mistake since it put my gaze eye level with the bold aspect of him that was causing me concern.
"Look at me, Addie."
At his command, I looked up. He eyes were on mine and I watched as he dropped to his knees. Before I could even blink, his hands were on my bare skin and stroking along my outer thighs. His gaze lingered on my scars, and I covered them up, but he captured my hands and held them in his.
"No. Everything about you is beautiful, Addie,'" he whispered with a tender smile and placed a quick kiss on the soft skin on the inside of each of my wrists sending my pulse fluttering out of control.
I gasped at his words. I couldn't believe that he thought the very thing I tried to hide was beautiful. My scars were beautiful to him. My whole body felt heavy; as if it were weighted down by the ferocity of my quickening desire. He leaned in and pressed his lips along the curve of my neck while his hands still firmly held mine. Our fingers entwined and sunk into the mattress near my hips while his tongue sinfully darted along my skin nipping and sucking. I shivered, suddenly feeling cold but hot all at the same time. My breasts swelled as he suckled softly along the tender skin of my neck taking his time. It was as if he were savoring the taste of me before moving on to the curve of my shoulder.
My mind went blank, bombarded by the overload of sensations he was arousing inside of me. I was glad that he was taking control. He made me feel safe. He made me feel desired despite my flaws. I didn't have to think with him. I just had to be. And there wasn't a doubt in my mind just how much he truly wanted me scars and all.
"You smell so good," he whispered. Then his teeth scraped against my tender skin. Out of control, I jerked against him and suddenly, my hands were free. Before I could utter a single word, he was pulling at the hem of my dress.
"Raise your arms, Addie."
His voice sounded huskier than usual, but other than that I was amazed at how calm he seemed, while inside, I was shattering into a thousand tiny little pieces. I craved more of his touch and did as he asked. He sucked my lower lip in between his teeth capturing the moan that threatened past my lips when his knuckles accidently grazed the outer curves of my breasts. Cool air washed over my bare skin and clad only in panties, I crossed my arms over my breasts suddenly feeling self-conscious under his stare.
"Don't hide from me, Addie," Jake whispered roughly.
He wasn't touching me, but held a long strand of my hair between his fingertips. It was still my decision. I could say no right now and end this. I could say no at any time and Jake would stop. I trusted him with all of my insecurities and my imperfect body.
I trusted him with my heart.
Chapter nineteen
WHEN I OPENED MY EYES, I BLINKED GROGGILY, feeling disoriented. This wasn't my room. I came fully awake with a jolt, remembering what had transpired between me and Jake last night. Wearing a smile, I stretched and realized that a warm hand held mine. Carefully, I sat up in the bed trying not to disturb him. He was still asleep. His head rested on the pillow beside mine. Even in sleep, he was beautiful, his features softer and more relaxed. He was perfect. Long lashes lay against his lean cheeks. They were the only soft part about him besides his lips and his heart. The rest of him was pure steel.
I studied the angular planes of his face, thinking about how much I truly loved just looking at him. I flushed, suddenly remembering the explicit events of last night as my face grew warm. Afterward, he'd made a trip to the bathroom and returned with a towel and damp washcloth. To my embarrassment, he'd taken care of me then held me tenderly against his chest. I'd felt treasured. We'd talked for a while until once more this fierce attraction between us threatened to consume our very existence.
In the early morning hours, he'd ended up searching through the unpacked boxes in his room while I sat on the bed giggling. The floor resembled a warzone filled with the causalities of clothes he'd carelessly tossed aside in his haste. He'd been searching for a box of condoms he had yet to unpack and when he'd found them he'd flashed me a triumphant smug grin that curled my toes. He'd dived back onto the bed tickling me until my laughter had grown silent and turned into needful pleas.
There was just something about him. I'd been shameless, but he hadn't seemed to mind. I still didn't know how I'd face him when he finally decided to open those cobalt blue eyes of his this morning. He was perfect, and I still had no clue as to what he saw in me with all of my imperfections. I was scared. Afraid that I was falling for him, and just the thought of how I might actually feel in regards to him was enough to make me want to run for the door… enough to make me want to run as far away from him as I could, but I didn't want to think about that right now. It was too much, too soon, and I wanted to surprise him with breakfast in bed.
Uncurling my fingers from his, I scooted to the side of the bed. There was a pinching soreness between my thighs. With a grimace, I sat up to slip out from underneath the sheet and placed my feet on the ugly orange carpet I despised. I grabbed Jake's shirt from the floor slipping it over my head and pulled my hair free. It fell against my back in a tangled mess. I couldn't find my panties. They were probably buried underneath all the clothes Jake had flung all over the floor. His T-shirt fell to mid-thigh and still smelled of him.
I smiled a silly smile as I glanced around the room searching for something else to wear. In front of his closet, I spied a pair of gray jersey shorts and slid into them glancing over my shoulder at him. He was still sleeping, so I pulled the drawstring tight, knotting the shorts securely at my waist. They hung down past my knees. I hoped that I didn't look as ridiculous as I felt, but I probably did.
At the door, I turned once more to sneak a peek at him. His hand still rested on the pillow where it had been entangled with mine. His other hand rested low on his stomach just above the sheet that teasingly clung to his hipbones. His chest rose and fell evenly in sleep, so I tiptoed from the room and pulled the door closed then headed for the kitchen.
Devon's door was still shut. I could only imagine what Kara would say when she found out that I'd spent the night with Jake. I didn't look forward to that interrogation in the least even though she would approve. I also knew she'd want all the details, and I didn't intend to give them to her. What happened between me and Jake was ours, no one else's. I loved Kara, but with Jake I drew the line. Some things, she just didn't need to know.
Opening the refrigerator door, I looked at the meager contents inside. There wasn't much in there besides water and beer. A couple packs of opened lunch meat, a half dozen eggs, cheese and butter, but it was more than enough to make Jake an omelet. I opened the cabinet doors and searched inside. In a matter of minutes, I had a skillet heating on the stove. It was hot so I poured the eggs inside letting them cook before adding the chopped ham and cheese into the mixture. I hoped he liked it. There wasn't too much to choose from and as it simmered and bubbled, I thought back to the events of the previous night.
Despite everything, I was still troubled by that encounter with Chance. He'd acted horrible. Kara was right. I'd dodged a bullet by not giving him my heart or my body. It was obvious now that he wouldn't have appreciated either. He was disgusted by me. It had been apparent in his expression when he'd stared down at me with those cold eyes as if I were nothing more than an insignificant speck. I was nothing to him.
It was hard to come to terms with, but there wasn't anything I could do about it. I couldn't help what he thought. It didn't matter, especially not now. Too much had happened between us. We could never be friends. It was best just to let it go. Even if the whole school knew my secret, it didn't matter. Jake accepted me for who I was, scars and all.
I turned off the stove and placed the omelet onto a plate, grabbed the silverware and the bottle of water I'd sat on top the countertop. When I was walking across the apartment heading for Jake's room, I heard a knock at the front door. It was just a little after nine, and I was clueless as to who could be stopping by this early on the weekend. The knock sounded again, and there was no other choice but to answer it. I tucked the bottle of water under my arm and held the plate in one hand while I undid the lock and opened the front door.
I should have checked the peephole first. I had no idea who the woman was standing outside on the walk smiling back at me. She was tall with shoulder length blondish brown hair and was probably in her late thirties or early forties. It was hard to tell. Her yellow sundress and flip flops gave her a casual look. A red hobo bag was tucked snugly beneath her slim arm and she held a set of keys in her hand.
"Hello. Is Jake home?" she asked, eyeing me curiously. She was pretty and seemed vaguely familiar.
I nodded my head and she was still smiling at me when she reached up to remove the dark sunglasses perched atop her dainty nose. Dark blue eyes gazed back at me. Aw, shit! She has to be Jake's mother, and there I stood before her in his clothes. Maybe, she wouldn't notice.
"I'm Carrie," she said in a friendly tone, extending her hand. I grasped it, trying my best to smile back at her.
"Addie," I replied, quickly releasing her hand as if her touch had burned me. I took a step back to allow her to enter. "Please, come in. I'll get Jake." I wanted to run and hide; to flee as quickly as possible away from her and back to the safety of Jake's room.
"I just wanted to check up on him. He'll probably be upset with me for dropping in unannounced, but he hasn't been by the house all week. Moms tend to worry even if their children are grown."
I nodded my head in understanding. She was nothing like my own mother, who had left me for a week and never even bothered to call. "I'll get him," I said, trying to ease away from her as inconspicuously as possible. This was way too awkward.
"It was nice to meet you, Addie. I hope you'll stop by the house sometime with Jake," she called after me.
"Thanks, you too. I mean nice to meet you too." I threw a flustered glance over my shoulder at her and offered a weak smile before I hurried to Jake's room. As I opened the door and slipped inside, I groaned. Great, she just saw me come into his room.
Jake was awake and propped up against the wall watching me with hooded eyes. He had that look on his face that made my insides melt and my heart rate quicken. The air seized in my lungs when his lips curved into a smile. My thoughts scattered.
"I made you breakfast," I said proudly, showing him the omelet on the plate.
"Come here," he ordered in his sexy voice throwing back the sheet. He was still naked.
I almost swallowed my tongue at the sight of him in broad daylight then I came to my senses shaking my head. His mom was right outside the door. "Aww, baby," he cooed seeming to enjoy my tormented expression. His eyes were making promises that I knew he could more than keep. "Don't go shy on me now."
I pointed toward the door in a panic. "You're mom's here."
"Shit," he muttered, the playfulness disappearing from his face just as quickly as if I'd doused him with cold water. He slid from the bed watching me as he padded naked across the floor in my direction with as much confidence and ease as if he were fully dressed instead of wearing his birthday suit.
I took a step back, and he stood towering over me. Then, he slid his hand along my jaw line in a sweet caress before sinking it into my hair, and caused me to grip the plate tightly as he edged closer. The heat of his body penetrated my thin layer of clothing. The water bottle slipped from underneath my arm and bounced on the floor just as his lips settled over mine.
When he pulled back, our lips clung. A dreamy sensation like I was floating came over me as I gazed into his eyes. A wide smile spread across his face.
"Thank you for breakfast," he said glancing down at the plate that I held like a shield in front of me; as if a plate and an egg with a little cheese were enough to stop him. "And thank you, Addie, for last night," he whispered; his eyes were seductive and locked on me.
"You better get dressed. We don't want her coming in here." He should have already been out there, but the fact that his mom was waiting outside the room didn't seem to bother him at all. Just the thought of it was enough to make me break out in hives. He grinned and stepped away from me then walked back toward the bed scooping his pants off the floor on the way.
