A Promise Kept (22 page)

“That was incredible.” She kissed him affectionately as he moved his hand back down between her legs and gently stroked her. She quaked from the sensitivity.

He reached for the condom and rolled it over him. He let his body rest over her, his erection brushing against her as he awaited her body to respond. She closed her eyes as he positioned his elbows against each side of her shoulders. His hands brushed her hair back from her face and he placed indulgent kisses on her mouth.

She panted with tension, her figure squirming up against him. “Grace, steady your breathing. Take a deep breath,” he whispered delicately. He positioned himself, pressing inside her and feeling her shake. He composed himself, as she tried to push her hips up keenly.

“Slowly, baby,” he whispered unevenly, dropping his head in her neck. He distributed his weight and nudged consciously in again, stopping after she whimpered. He could feel her stretching as he entered little by little. “Look at me.”

When her eyes flickered open, he pushed inside and filled her. Grace assumed it would hurt like before, but the small moment of discomfort disappeared and was replaced by an all-consuming pleasure. “Move, Evan. Please.”

His eyes never leaving hers, he responded, billowing in and out of her gradually. “You feel so good, Grace.” His motions increased as she moaned. Her hips began to prod harder into him as he helped guide her, finding their rhythm. The sounds emanating from his throat were arousing her in ways she never thought possible. She gripped him tighter as their speed amplified.

Grace tightened up again quickly, then fell over the edge, crying out as her fingers dug into his slick skin. She pulsated around him while he nuzzled her neck and drove deeply inside her. He groaned through a wave of emotions that hit him like a flood. He called her name as he stilled over her, his hips jerking as he reached his climax.

Evan stayed inside Grace whispering sweet words she couldn’t comprehend as he continued caressing her face with languid kisses. They both caught their breath, basking in the after-effects of orgasm. She had never felt anything that could compare.

His lips touched the shell of her ear as he whispered, “How you feeling, Grace?”

She hummed as he feathered kisses by her pulse. “Relaxed,” she sighed as he then reviewed her.

“That’s it?” She smiled at his questioning glare. “I thought as a writer you’d have more words to execute your emotions,” he teased.

“My brain’s too lazy to think.”

“Stroke my ego here a bit, Grace. I was hoping you’d say it was earth-shattering, mind-blowing, amazing.” He winked as she giggled.

“How about beautiful?”

He kissed her lips genially, nodding. “That works.”

“It was also my first orgasm from someone other than myself.” She stated peppering kisses over his jaw as he laughed.

“Well, you’re definitely stroking my ego now.”

“I’ll stroke some other things later.”

“Woman of my dreams,” he sighed and lifted himself off of her. She winced as Evan exited her body and made his way to her bathroom to dispose of his condom. She watched as he walked back to her with a washcloth, and he reached her thighs signaling for her to open them. Hesitation played on her features. “Too late to be shy, babe.”

After wiping her with gentle strokes, he tossed the cloth to the bathroom, then helped her get under the covers. They found tranquility as both of them snuggled beside each other. Her head rested on his chest and their breathing steadied. “I didn’t hurt you, did I, Gracie?”

“No, it was perfect.” She smiled at him as her hand roamed his chest.

“You were perfect.”

“Thanks. I’m going to need lots of practice since I’ve been out of commission for a while.”

He chuckled as she straddled him. “I’ll be all too happy to help, sunshine. I’ll never get enough of you.” His bright eyes roamed over her naked chest.

“I’m sure you say that to all the ladies,” she joked.

“Not once.” His gaze set earnestly on her. He sat up and braced the back of her neck with his hands. “Gracie, I’m so in love with you, and I’ve never felt this way with anyone before. You’re it for me.”

Her fingertips trailed his cheeks as she regarded him. There was no hiding, no games, nothing but their exposed selves. He was taking her as is, and she believed him. With all her heart. “Good. I saw the little statement that was made, you know.”

Evan smiled wide as his hands trailed up and down her spine. “What statement?”

“
What statement
?” Grace mocked. “Jaime called me up, gushing about how happy she was that it was official. I didn’t think it would be blasted over every single media outlet so quickly though.”

“Oh. That statement. Well, as someone who stubbornly avoids letting the public know anything about my personal life, it’s a big deal.”

She felt her nerves tingle at that thought. “What’d it say again?”

“Shit if I remember.” He put a finger to his chin and gazed up in thought. “
I saw Grace Lynn Clark in her wet shirt and perky nipples, and I knew…that’s the girl.
”

They both laughed as she hit his shoulder. “You’re such a goofball.”

“You tell me what it said, Grace. I didn’t read it.”

“Let me see if I can remember.
A rep for the actor stated that Evan Matthews is dating Austin-born author Grace Clark
.” She let her hands run through his hair as he continued to hold her in his arms trailing kisses on her chest.

He stopped what he was doing to gaze up at her. “That’s it? Just that?”

Grace chuckled. “Something about a source confirming that you were
head-over-heels,
that you
took her to meet his family,
and that it was
very serious
.”

“Fucking Zach was the source. Tool.”

“Oh, so he got it wrong, did he?” She gave him a warning glare and he laughed.

“He got it right. That’s the problem. It’s nobody’s business but ours.” He stared at her with concentration. “Whatever happens outside of us, just please talk to me first, Gracie. Trust in me. Not them, okay?”

A smile played on her lips as she let her hips glide against his. She felt him stir and groan as her body rubbed over him. “I will, Evan. Besides, none of it will matter if we never leave this room. And I never want to leave.”

“Deal,” he grunted as his hands bound around her waist.

“We never even went on our second date,” she joked as he splayed kisses over her.

“I think our screwing tonight counts, don’t you?” he asked as Grace laughed heartily against him. “You ready for another go, doll?”

She bit her bottom lip and nodded. “You’re definitely ready. And quickly.”

“You don’t understand how desperately I’ve wanted you. I was getting irrational.” Her laugh morphed into a moan as he pressed harder against her. He grabbed a condom and rolled it on, then lifted her body, guiding it to sink down onto him.

The declaration of love in her ear twisted her heart. Grace had no idea it could feel this wonderful being connected to someone in such an intimate way. Their bodies moved together, his words hitting deep within her soul.
He loved her. He was in love with her
. The mix of her moans along with the deep rumblings from his chest spurred her to move faster and harder over him.

Evan was unrelenting, and she felt a swell of emotions beginning to unfold as he pushed inside her, his hands gripping her waist. “Open your eyes, Grace.” She wasn’t sure if she could tolerate looking into those eyes—those exquisite eyes that told her these passions were taking her over the brink. “Look at me, Gracie,” he demanded as she scraped his shoulders, unable to contain her feelings. “Please, baby.”

Grace’s eyes flickered open, looking deeply into those blue irises radiating a cherished feeling she had never known before. “Oh, God…” A sound ripped from the back of her throat, and harsh breaths filled the room. “Evan—”

“Keep your eyes on me,” his voice dripped with anguish, their foreheads touching as he held back his ecstasy, awaiting the acceptance of hers.

Grace attempted to focus on him, say something, but there was no room for breath. She panted for air as a strong wave ripped through her. She cried out his name, convulsing around him. He helped lift and move her body, every motion in perfect tempo as her gasp stuck in her throat. He drifted his hand to the point where their bodies linked and stirred his fingers over her, rapidly rubbing the swollen and sensitive nerves. She began to jolt as another orgasm consumed her, and this time his voice came with hers.

From that moment, she didn’t know whose moans belonged to whom. Her heartbeat was his, his flesh was hers, and their bodies belonged to one another. As they caught their breaths and she felt his kisses on her neck, a tear fell down her cheek, and he tenderly wiped it away.

“You alright, sweetheart?” Grace nodded and kissed him. Evan took a deep breath and braced her jaw with both hands. “That was amazing.”

She gave a lethargic laugh. “I had no idea it could feel this way.”

He lifted her off of him and set her on the bed as he removed his condom for the second time that night and moved toward her bathroom. She closed her eyes, felt his warm, naked body pressing against hers and the sound of him saying, “I love you, Gracie Lynn,” as he fell into a peaceful slumber.

After his breath steadied, she turned in his arms, staring at the way his eyelashes fluttered and his mouth let out little puffs of air. She grinned as her fingertips traced his perfect nose and sharp jaw. Her heartbeat raced again as his heated skin rested against hers. The dream of finding a true companion finally felt real. She whispered gently, “I feel so safe with you. How’s that possible?”

She looked up and wondered if her brother had something to do with it. Evan stirred, a small mumble exiting his lips. She waited as he stilled again. “I love you, Evan Matthews. I’m so in love with you,” she said with delicate breath.

Her eyes closed and she gave a gratified sigh as she fell asleep, never knowing at that moment that he opened his eyes and smiled back.

S
ex
. Hot, unbridled passion. Now Grace knew what romance novels captured. It was no longer a fantasy, but she was living it. Her aching muscles reminded her it was real as she clenched her thighs together, recalling the feel of Evan inside her. Her thoughts played over every stage the night before, and she couldn’t wait to have him all over again, explore his body in ways she had never experienced.

She was beaming as she flipped a pancake over in the skillet. She moved to the fridge and took out strawberries and orange juice. The coffee was brewing and the bacon was set in the oven. Grace could cook when she wanted to, and she was happy enough this morning to go full-out for the man that she woke up to just a half an hour earlier. The nightmares had stopped, and for the first time in years, she felt at peace.

Her hips swayed to the Stevie Wonder record playing on her hi-fi as she began to whisk eggs in a bowl. She sang along to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” as she took out the finished bacon from the oven and set it down on the cooling rack. When she turned back, her eye caught Evan leaning on the opposite counter watching her. His eyes danced over her lithe frame as he approached with a grin on his face.

His hair was sticking up everywhere and day old scruff covered his strong jaw. His tight long-sleeved shirt stretched over his chest and his jeans sat low. Was it only a few hours before that she slept naked next to this gorgeous specimen? She remembered it was true as he wrapped his arms around her and she attempted to pay attention to the eggs cooking. He nuzzled his nose into her neck, breathing her in deep.

“Hey, Gracie Lynn.”

“Hey, Matthews.” She turned her face toward him and their lips met. “Hope you’re hungry.”

“Ravenous,” he growled, letting his hands travel to her hips and squeezing through her robe. “But I guess we could raincheck and eat food first.”

She bumped him with her behind and he groaned. “Well, I’m starving—for food first. But I won’t mind going another round with you after.”

“Good. Hopefully I can get that in before Josh summons me to the gym.”

Grace grumbled. “It’s Saturday. You have to work out today too?”

“Every day except Sunday. I hate missing the Bugs Bunny cartoons in the morning.” He picked on a piece of bacon and began to serve two glasses of orange juice.

“Do they even show Bugs Bunny cartoons anymore?”

“Don’t think so. Sad, huh?”

“Daffy’s my favorite,” Grace said as she served two plates with scrambled eggs, pancakes with strawberries on the side, and some bacon.

They easily moved around the kitchen, as if it was an everyday occurrence, and sat beside each other to eat. “This is delicious, Gracie. Homemade pancakes?”

“Well, if you call adding water to the ready mix, then sure.”

She watched him move. The way his lips chewed on his meal, the way his hands gripped the fork—everything about him screamed sexy. The air between them was thick with electricity and sexual tension. She wanted him again, and she couldn’t believe it had gone as well as it had. Everything they had shared the night before, it was wonderful, and he was everything she could hope for. He was affectionate, but in control of the situation and of her.

“Gracie, you keep looking at me like that, and I’ll have to make love to you here and now.”

She felt her cheeks flush as she smiled and took a bite of her pancake. “So, what’s the plan after your workout, Mr. Hollywood?”

“Making love to you,
my cherie amour
.” Grace’s stomach rolled in anticipation of what he could do to her, teach her, and make her feel. “But I also want to talk to you about that memoir.”

Grace stopped eating and looked at him curiously. “What about it?”

“Did your publishers get back to you? What did they think?” He continued to chew on his food and took a sip of his orange juice.

Grace shrugged, wishing to change the subject. “Alan, my agent, said he’s pretty sure publishers won’t be picking it up.”

He finished off his plate and set it aside. “Well, don’t give up hope, Grace. It’s a great read. You could always self-publish, too.” She chewed her bottom lip out of nerves and he cupped her face. “What’s up, buttercup?”

“I don’t think I want people reading it. It’s too personal. I’m going to work on a contemporary romance.”

“Personal is what makes it captivating. Listen, this book wouldn’t be just about honoring your brother. It shows how strong you were in overcoming what you went through, and it might help others cope with whatever issues they could have.”

Grace hesitated, and shook her head. “I need to write a contemporary. Get my sales up. Otherwise they’ll cut me from my contract.” She took a sip of her coffee, then smiled. “Although, my group of loyal readers have been bugging me about you quite a bit. They want to know all about the romance author dating the hot actor. That might stop my publishers from letting me go. Especially if my sales are growing because of this little tabloid I’m in.”

“Let’s get those sales up, Grace. Our story can be written as one of the greatest romances ever told.” He chuckled, leaning back.

“Yeah, I’ll keep that in mind. It’ll go right up there with
Pride and Prejudice
,” she joked.

“I’ll be your Mr. Darcy, baby cakes.” Grace laughed as he roamed her neck with kisses. “Grace, I want you with me when I film in Atlanta. You can write from anywhere, right?”

She smiled at him hesitantly. “You doing the John Whitford film after all?”

“I’m still thinking about it, but if I do go, I want you with me.”

“Evan, you should take it. Zach says it’s perfect for you.”

He reached over and kissed below her ear, making her forget anything being discussed. “I’ll figure it out.” The music had stopped and silence was prominent other than his soft lips running over her skin, which trembled in anticipation. His hands grasped the sides of her hips and he easily lifted her to sit on top of him.

“On the chair?” Her eyebrow raised as she gazed down at him. His body was ready against her. It was a good thing she was naked under that robe. Easier access.

“Want on the table? I’ll move the plates over, Gracie Lynn.”

She rubbed her hands over his stubbled jaw and chuckled as she placed kisses on his luscious lips. “I’ll let you take me anywhere.”

“God, I’m a lucky bastard.” He began to kiss her fervently, his lips and hands claiming her.

She was on fire, wanting him, throbbing in beautiful ache. It was as if she was outside of her body, experiencing something beyond the natural. The interruption of the doorbell brought her back to the world around her. Evan groaned. “Who the fuck is that?” He continued kissing her neck, sucking on her pulse. If he kissed her any harder she’d have a love mark.

“I should answer,” Grace declared breathlessly.

He moaned a ‘no’ as she continued kissing him, her tongue licking over his top lip. “No, don’t do this to me, Grace. Don’t stop.”

The doorbell kept ringing and a pounding knock couldn’t be ignored. “I’d better answer.” She moved off of him as he growled in frustration.

“I have a hard-on the size of Texas. I’m about to kill whoever’s at the door.”

“Get yourself together, Matthews,” she said as she straightened her robe and smoothed her hair.

“I don’t know how that’s possible.” They both looked down at his tented jeans and laughed.

“Down boy. We’ll continue later.” She winked, letting her hand rub over his evident erection and he grumbled as she moved away.

“Marla!” Grace was shocked to see her friend there unannounced. “What are you doing here?”

“Hey, sorry about coming over like this. I tried calling but you weren’t answering your phone.” Marla sauntered in, handing Grace a latte from their favorite coffee shop as she held onto her own. “I was on my way to yoga and—”

She spotted Evan sitting behind the table, his face looking perturbed. “Evan. Well, no wonder you weren’t answering your phone.” Marla smirked at Grace, then looked over Evan’s rumpled state. His bare feet under the table caught her eye and she slyly grinned and whispered, “Nice work, Grace. It’s about damn time.”

Grace blushed as she and Marla sat on the couch. “What’s going on? You look upset.”

“I’ve had it with Ryan. He’s a disgusting pig.”

Grace looked closer and saw Marla’s eyes were puffy. She’d definitely stayed up late crying, though her friend would never admit it. “What happened?”

“We’d made plans earlier this week to go downtown. I wanted to go to the Continental Club. He kept saying he’d take me.”

Marla was more for the posh places. A nice bar, or cool place where music was played by a live band. Grace had a feeling Ryan wasn’t into that. “Okay, and what happened?”

“I went over to his place like we’d agreed. He had a girl there. He invited me in and then asked if…” She lowered her voice as she leaned closer to Grace. “If I wanted to join in on a threesome.”

“Didn’t Josh warn you about him?” Evan chimed in as he grabbed a piece of bacon left on Grace’s plate and chewed on it. “I definitely told Grace he was an idiot.”

“Josh didn’t warn me of anything,” Marla refuted.

“I’m pretty sure he did,” Grace corrected as Marla rolled her eyes.

“Whatever. I can’t believe I let myself be duped by him.” She stood and walked toward the kitchen. “Why are all men such jerks?”

“We’re not all like that,” Evan contended.

“Skip your yoga class and have some breakfast, Marla.”

Grace followed, but was tugged back when Evan grabbed her wrist, pulling her close. “You serious? She’s staying for breakfast?” His whisper was harsh as he tried to get himself under control.

Grace looked down at his bulge and smirked. “Guess naughty time will have to wait.”

“I don’t like your friend right now,” Evan grumbled.

“Well, your friend isn’t high on my list either,” Grace stated severely. “He screwed over my best friend.”

“Ryan isn’t my friend.”

“I’m angry at all men right now. For Marla.” Grace was being playful, but was enjoying Evan squirm.

“Get her out of here. I want to make you come until you’re screaming my name, princess. And I want you now.”

His mouth was near hers, but Grace only grinned as she drew near him and pecked his cheek. “Sorry, babe. Chicks before dicks.”

* * *

T
he night
before was nothing short of spectacular. Evan had made love to a woman so passionate he wasn’t sure how long he’d last the moment his body had entered hers. Other than every thought of how amazing she felt against him, he was constantly having to make sure he wouldn’t blow his load before she got off. She was a fucking gorgeous challenge that he’d never tire from, and he looked forward to experiencing more with her. The way she had whispered her love for him while she thought he was sleeping had melted his heart.

Evan grumbled as the ladies chatted in the kitchen. He tried to subdue the ache in his crotch and his grumpy attitude. So what that Grace had put her friend first? He’d do the same for Zach or Josh. Then why did he feel like shit? He was being a selfish asshole and wanted his way with her. That was why.

The knock at the door only brought his irritation level up a notch as Grace moved passed the table looking delectable in that robe—mainly because he knew she was naked underneath it and now had the pleasure of knowing exactly what she looked like without it.

“Who’s that?” Her curious voice carried over as she moved toward the entrance of her home.

“I don’t know, but I don’t like them either,” Evan pouted.

“Oh, get over it, crybaby.” Grace made a kissing gesture in the air toward him. “I’ll make it up to you tonight.”

“Bet your ass on that.”

She shook her head. “Careful, Matthews. You’re getting into deep waters there.” She opened the door and smiled. “Hey, Josh.”

Evan groaned once again, knowing what he was in for. “Hello, Grace. Sorry to bother, but Zach told me Evan would be here.”

“You are bothering. Go away!” Evan called out.