Loving between the lines, p.14
Loving Between the Lines, page 14
“She’s home.” She tugged the curtains closed and turned to Benjamin, expectation and trepidation and excitement coiling tightly within her.
BENJAMIN HAD HEARD the expression the anticipation is killing me but hadn’t fully appreciated it until this evening. He’d been in low-grade torture from the moment Lynn had stated she expected him to stay the night. Through introductions and interesting conversations and impressive and not-so-impressive karaoke performances, he’d been constantly aware of her. Where she was, what she was doing, who she was talking to.
How she tasted.
And now, finally, they were alone. Well, except for Oscar. But if Lynn wasn’t worried about having sex with her toddler just down the hall, neither was he.
She took a step toward him at the same time he moved toward her. He’d toed off his shoes when they’d first come in, and though she still wore her heels she was a couple inches shorter than him. It didn’t matter. Their mouths lined up perfectly and she fit against his chest like they’d been custom made for each other.
He’d unbuttoned his coat but hadn’t removed it and she slid her hands underneath the heavy wool, along his ribs to his spine. Without breaking their connection, he shrugged it off and let it drop carelessly to the floor. She kissed him like she was never coming up for air, making him feel powerful, wanted, invincible.
He scooped her up behind her knees and she gasped against his mouth. “What are you doing?”
“Taking you to bed.” He pressed his lips hard on hers and spun toward the darkened hall.
“You’ll break your back! Put me down.” Despite her demands, she snuggled in closer, biting his neck gently.
He grinned even as a sharp ripple of desire flashed through his veins. “Even that wouldn’t stop me from being with you tonight. But don’t worry, I work out with the boys most days. You weigh less than I bench press.”
The door to Oscar’s room was ajar and the soft glow of a night light illuminated the rails of his crib. He paused and listened to the soft, tender sighs of his breathing, and then continued past, his sock feet making no noise on the carpet. At the end of the short hall, he turned left into what was obviously Lynn’s room.
It wasn’t a large space. The bed with its puffy comforter and piles of pillows took up much of the floor. Unlit candles in various shapes and sizes waited on the dresser and nightstand, and everything was as neat and tidy as a hotel room.
The evidence she’d prepared for his stay caused his already racing heart to kick into a higher gear.
He laid her gently on the mattress, propping her up on the stack of pillows. “Do you have a lighter? Or matches?”
“In here.” She rolled over and struggled to open the top drawer of the single nightstand. When he moved to help she batted his hand away. “No. Don’t. I’ve got it.”
Ignoring her, he pulled the drawer wide and saw a barbeque lighter. As well as an open box of condoms and a long, thick, purple vibrator.
She flopped onto her back and draped an arm over her eyes. “I didn’t want you to see that.”
“The condoms? That’s only sensible and I would expect nothing less from you.”
“Not that. The other thing.”
“The vibrator?” He grinned when she squirmed and pressed her arm tighter over her eyes. “That only seems natural for a healthy single woman. Maybe you’ll have to play with it while I watch.” The idea was intoxicating. He stored that thought for later consideration.
She lifted her arm and peeped out at him. “Really?”
“Really. But not tonight. Tonight, I want you all to myself. Just like the first time.” Unlike the first time, though, he intended to immerse himself in her, delight in every sensation. His memories of their one-night stand were confused and frantic, a torrent of lust and heat and sweaty bodies. And while the sex had been fantastic, he wanted something different from her.
He wanted her soul. Even if what they had wasn’t for forever, he wanted tonight to mean something. To both of them.
He lit the candles one by one until the room flickered with a romantic glow. She watched him, sprawled against the pillows, eyes heavy-lidded, fingers trailing absently up and down her torso, from her belly to her breasts and back again, the shiny fabric of her dress shimmering. When he was done, he stood at the foot of the bed and undid the buttons of his shirt, tugging it out of his pants and slipping it off as he used his toes to pull off his socks. She drew the tip of her tongue along her bottom lip and her gaze dipped to his abs. He wasn’t in the prime physical shape he’d been in when he was playing hockey, but he knew he was still in good form. Working out was a great stress reliever, and lord knew he’d had enough stress in his life lately.
Lynn lifted her hips and wriggled her dress out from under her buttocks. Sitting up, she pulled it over her head, disarranging her bun so that it slipped sideways. Tossing the dress aside, she fiddled with her hair, discarding an elastic and several pins on the nightstand. The silky strands fell to her shoulders.
His cock, already hard and ready, hardened further, shifting under his pants. She wore a black lacy bra and matching panties, and still had her high heels strapped on her slender feet.
The silence between them was ripe and full, just like her body. He placed a knee on the mattress, his weight shifting her slightly toward him. Lifting one foot, he worked the tiny buckle on her shoe, slow and deliberate. She moaned low in her throat when he slid it off and kissed the arch, each toe, and then her ankle. Her breath grew ragged as he repeated the procedure on the other foot.
Still wearing his pants, he crawled up the mattress and stretched out beside her. She rolled to her side so they lay nose to nose, breasts to chest, groin to groin. Her fingers worked his fly and he felt some relief when the zipper gave way.
Until she took his cock in hand through the silk of his boxers.
His entire body stiffened, heated. She worked him firmly, reading his hissing breath and clutching fingers to give him more of what he liked.
“I should...you...” He couldn’t think through the erotic haze.
She read his incoherent utterances correctly. “We’ll get to me, don’t worry.” She slid down until he felt her breath on his thigh. “But you are not going home unsatisfied. Not this time. So we’ll take care of you first.”
She rolled him to his back and worked his pants and boxers off his legs, leaving him naked. Settling herself on her knees between his legs, she bent forward. His hands fluttered on her skull, not directing, not demanding, but he had to touch her somehow, and this was all he could reach.
Warm, wet lips encircled him and he bucked up. Her approving moan vibrated along his length and up his spine. She took him deeper. Her hands stretched up, scratching lightly on his pecs, teasing his nipples, but he was almost too lost in the sensation building in his cock to notice.
HE TASTED SO GOOD. Musky and spicy, tangy and warm. Lynn savoured his silky strength, going down as far as she could, and then sliding up to tease the tip, making his hips jerk. His hands floated on her skull and she wanted him to twist his fingers in her hair and tug like he had done before, but this was for him.
She gripped the base of his shaft and cupped his balls. Crouched comfortably between his legs, she felt like she could play with him forever. It didn’t take long, however, before she sensed he was close.
He tried once more to take control. “I don’t want to finish yet.” His voice was hoarse, breathless.
Perfect.
She dragged her teeth lightly over his shaft and let him pop out of her mouth. “We have all night.” She swallowed him down, and then repeat the rough caress. “You’ll have time to recover. But you deserve this first.” She slid her thumb over the head of his cock and stroked.
He arched his head back, the tendons in his neck strong and fierce, the pulse in his throat pounding. His face screwed up in an expression of passion that almost made her come from the sight. With a guttural groan, he gripped the bedsheets and his release juddered onto his belly and chest.
She softened her touches, feeling the last traces of his orgasm shudder through him as his body relaxed.
“Holy fuck.” His tone was reverent.
She curled up at his side, tucked herself under his limp arm, and drew a fingertip through the moisture on his belly. He sucked in a breath through his nose.
“That was...”
It was extremely satisfying he couldn’t find the words to describe the experience. “I’m glad.”
The hairs on his chest vibrated with the pounding of his heart. He drew in another breath, held it, and then let it ease out slowly. “Let me go clean up. Then it’s your turn.”
She shook her head and he kinked his neck so he could make eye contact. “Then it’s our turn. Don’t be long.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Lynn woke in an instant, reacting to Oscar’s cheerfully demanding squawk. It was a familiar early morning refrain.
What definitely wasn’t familiar was the heavy arm that tightened around her waist, pulling her against a hard chest, and the protesting snort that wuffled into her ear.
“What time is it?” Benjamin muttered.
“Too early.” She dragged an arm out of the covers and checked her phone. 5:45. Her son was right on time. “Go back to sleep.”
“Okay.” His drowsy acceptance made her smile. He snuggled closer, his thighs tucking in behind hers, and a hot, silky length nudged her bare ass.
She pushed down a surge of desire. Oscar wouldn’t be patient much longer. By some miracle of fate, he hadn’t interrupted them while they’d been...occupied...two more times during the night. But nothing would ruin a morning quickie faster than a toddler screaming for attention.
She wriggled from her right side to her left and came face to face with Benjamin. His hair was deliciously tousled and his eyes slumberous and dark, though they lost some of their sleepiness when his hand slid to her ass. Maybe if we’re really fast...
A louder shout from across the hall.
“Oscar’s getting angry. I have to go,” she whispered, sliding backward off the mattress. His eyes never left hers. She stepped quickly into flannel pants and a worn T-shirt, foregoing underwear for the moment, and gathered her hair into a loose ponytail. A husky groan came from the bed and she stole a quick look, arms still raised above her head as she secured the elastic.
There was no trace of slumber in his expression now. “You are so sexy.”
She laughed. “You can’t be serious. I’m a mess.”
“But you’re my mess.”
The possessiveness in his tone softened her knees. That was nothing to the dizziness that washed over her when he tossed back the covers and rose to his feet, naked and glorious. She took a deep breath and hurried to the door. “Don’t get up. It’s far too early. I’m used to it.”
“So am I. Too many six a.m. practices when I was a kid.” He bent down to snag his pants from the floor and his buttocks flexed.
Lynn fled before she lost all control and tackled him to the ground.
BENJAMIN GRINNED AS he stepped into his wrinkled trousers. He liked flustering Lynn with unexpected compliments, and had strutted his nakedness with the intent of making her eyes glaze over.
Mission accomplished.
She was talking with Oscar in the kitchen. This morning was eons away from the only other morning they’d shared, when they’d both been shy and awkward. Despite the dawn being hours away yet, he felt brighter than he had in a long time. And it wasn’t only because his long sexual drought was over.
It was because of the woman who had slaked his thirst. How great would it be to wake up like this every—
He cut off his thoughts. What the hell? This wasn’t his life. Couldn’t be his life. Lynn was settled, anchored. She knew what she wanted and it wouldn’t be him. Not a fourth rate NHLer with a precarious career and a job that took him away from home constantly.
Oscar’s giggle floated down the hall and Benjamin’s heart clutched. She definitely wouldn’t want a man who couldn’t meet the fatherhood standards set by his own dad.
Shaking off his unease, he headed for the bathroom. He would have liked a shower—with Lynn, preferably, but that was obviously off the table—but made do with a hot, soapy washcloth. He borrowed her toothpaste and scrubbed his teeth with his finger. By the time he entered the kitchen, the coffee was done and Oscar was ensconced in his highchair doing battle with a bowl of oatmeal.
Lynn greeted him with a steaming mug, her eyes flickering to his chest as he buttoned up his shirt. “I meant it, you know. You really didn’t have to get up yet.”
He took the coffee. “I know. But now I am, I might as well get going. I have things to do before we leave for the road trip.” That wasn’t until Monday, but he had to go now. Before the longing to become a permanent fixture in her life grew stronger.
“Of course. I understand.” She leaned against the counter and sipped from her own mug, clasping it with both hands, her unfocused gaze now on Oscar, as if she’d sensed Benjamin’s withdrawal.
He didn’t want her to think he was regretting last night. How could someone regret the best night of his life? “Thank you. Not just for, well, you know, but...” He trailed off, not sure where he was going.
“Right. Thank you, too.” The warmth and playfulness they’d shared in the moments before she’d left her bed was gone, dissipated like smoke.
“I’m sorry.” For everything. For nothing.
God, he was a mess. He placed his mostly untouched mug on the counter. It was no use prolonging his departure. “Bye, Oscar.” The toddler grinned from behind a mask of oatmeal.
Lynn followed him to the front door, fidgeting with the hem of her T-shirt as he shrugged into his coat.
“Have a safe trip.” Her tone was cool, dismissive.
Damn it. Maybe they had no future, but he couldn’t leave her like this. He cupped her chin in both hands and lifted her face so she couldn’t avoid looking at him. “Thank you for inviting me. See you in a week or so.” He brushed a gentle kiss on her lips and then stepped away, leaving her warmth. He missed her already, which was ridiculous.
“Wait. That wasn’t a proper goodbye.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed against him. An echo of his own desperation was apparent in her clutching hands and demanding tongue. She tasted of brown sugar and coffee.
The clatter of a spoon being tossed to the ground and a delighted squeal from Oscar jolted them apart. He pulled away slowly. “I guess that’s a sign.” He gripped the handle and then paused. “Is it okay if I text you while we’re gone?”
Her reply was so swift and sure he couldn’t help the surge of relief. “I expect you to. Good luck.”
DURING THE DAYS THAT followed, Lynn had plenty of time to think about what their night together might mean. Her thoughts swayed wildly from just-another-one-night-stand to when-can-we-do-it-again. The sex had been amazing, but it was the connection and comfort she’d felt the next morning waking up with him beside her that freaked her out a little.
Benjamin’s seesaw reaction had mirrored her own uncertainties. While she might have been miffed at him in the moment, she realized later she shouldn’t blame him, not when she had her own doubts.
Nothing had changed. Benjamin was still in a volatile job and she had no intention of ever moving from her comfortable home. She was independent and settled and perfectly capable of caring for Oscar on her own. She didn’t need Benjamin.
For anything other than sex, that was. Even the power of her vibrator paled in comparison to his touch.
She listened to the games on the radio, pleased when they won a close one, commiserating when they lost the other in an embarrassing drubbing. The team remained inconsistent, but that was often the way of junior hockey. When Benjamin was interviewed, his voice evoked a vision of him in her bed, all seductive eyes and sleep-warmed skin.
He texted her, as he’d promised. Casual, friendly messages about the team or the hotel or asking how Oscar was doing. She always replied, but never initiated a conversation, not wanting to interrupt him at an awkward time. At least, that’s what she told herself. It had nothing to do with her uncertainty about their relationship.
Thursday morning, Oscar woke her before her alarm as usual. The team was scheduled to arrive home any minute now after an all-night drive, and her pulse raced at the thought of seeing Benjamin. She fed and changed and prepared Oscar for his stay at the daycare in a glow of anticipation that had nothing to do with her son. Even the blustery wind that scoured the parking lot and encouraged her to hustle from her car to the arena didn’t ruin her mood.
In the warmth and quiet of the office, she unwrapped her scarf and draped it over a hook on the coat rack. “Morning, Sarah.” She almost carolled the greeting, so buoyant did she feel.
“Morning, Lynn. Did you hear?”
“Hear what?” She unzipped her coat and shrugged it off.
“The Canyon Cats were in an accident last night. The bus went off the road.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Lynn’s coat dropped from her nerveless fingers. “An accident?” she croaked.
Sarah nodded, the gleam of juicy gossip in her eyes. “Just this side of Quesnel. Swerved to miss a deer, hit an icy patch, and ended up in the ditch.”
She bent with careful precision to retrieve her coat from the floor, wondering if it was possible for a spine to crack from fright. “Was anyone hurt?” Didn’t coaches traditionally sit at the front of the bus? Hadn’t she heard that somewhere? If the bus went into the ditch straight on...
“Nope. They spent a few cold hours on the side of the road, though, waiting for another bus. They should be here any minute now.”
The tension left her in a dizzying rush. She hung her coat on the rack, gripping the fabric and hanging off it until the world settled. “Oh, thank you, God,” she whispered.
