Enticing Emma (12 page)

Chapter Thirteen

Tucker sucked air into his lungs and struggled to hang on, but it wasn’t easy with Emma’s hot pussy rippling around his shaft. His balls were heavy with need. He was poised on the edge and had been since she’d whispered those three simple words that had completely rocked his world.
I love you.
They echoed in his mind even as his body craved release.

Until she’d spoken them aloud, he hadn’t realized how much he’d wanted her to say them. Something inside him had relaxed at her declaration. With her trust issues, Emma would never say those words to a man unless she meant them. And if she meant them, then she was serious about their relationship.

The strain of the last few months and especially the last few days slipped from his shoulders. All that was left was a burning need deep in his gut to claim her as his own. To fuck her so long and hard she wouldn’t be able to remember any of the men that had come before him, would never want another lover.

He’d never admit that to her though. He did have some sense. She’d think him a total Neanderthal. The thought made him grin in spite of the almost unbearable arousal gripping him. The woman did seem to bring out his more primitive side.

Deciding he’d waited long enough to claim his woman, he planted a quick kiss on her lips. “Wrap your arms around my neck.” Her sexy, satisfied smile almost destroyed what small amount of control he’d managed to retain. And he almost lost that when she stroked the hard planes of his chest, grazing his nipples with her thumbs before continuing an upward path to his shoulders.

“Hold on.” He straightened and pulled her up with him, lifting her off the counter. Emma shrieked at the sudden change of position and locked her ankles at the small of his back. She had his neck in a death grip. If he weren’t so damned horny, he would have laughed.

Supporting her back with one hand, he gripped her bottom with the other. The movement drove his cock deeper into her heat. The air in the apartment was warm, but it was nothing compared to the heat being generated between them.

“This feels good.” She squirmed in his arms and began to nibble on his neck.

All his good intentions vanished. “I can’t wait,” he grated out.

“Then don’t,” she said simply.

Tucker whirled around and shoved her against the nearest wall. Gripping her ass in both hands, he began to thrust. There was nothing gentle about him now. Every time he pulled out, her body would suck at his cock, trying to keep it inside her, and when he shoved himself back in, her inner muscles squeezed him tight. It was incredible.

Her moans grew louder and she clutched at his shoulders and hair, desperately trying to match his strokes. Tucker pounded into her, pumping his hips hard and fast. He held her immobile with the wall at her back and him at her front. He feared his lungs might explode, but he didn’t slow his pace. He’d waited so long that now it was taking him forever to come.

He had to have release. Now.

Emma cried out, her scream of pleasure raw and urgent. Her grip on his shoulders was almost painful, but he didn’t care. He loved that she was out of control, her inner muscles milking his swollen cock, clenching it tight.

That was all it took to finally send him over the edge. He came hard and fast, letting out a yell as his hips jerked and he emptied himself into her. Emma went limp in his arms. The sudden deadweight made his knees buckle, but he didn’t lose his grip on her as he lowered them both to the kitchen floor.

Keeping his arms around her, he rolled onto his back so that she was sprawled on top of him. He decided then that he wouldn’t mind sleeping in this position. Emma’s breasts were cushioned against his chest and her head rested comfortably on his shoulder. Every now and then her channel would ripple around his shaft, sending a spear of pleasure jolting through him.

The silence was comfortable, neither of them feeling the need to speak. His heart finally stopped racing and his breathing returned to normal.

He pushed a lock of matted hair off her forehead. They needed a cool shower as soon as he could work up enough energy to move them. With the heat and the sexual release they’d just had, he was in no hurry to budge from the floor. Besides, it was cooler down here.

When she finally stirred in his arms, he kissed her temple. “Did I hurt you?” He knew that she’d come, but he also knew that he hadn’t exactly been gentle at the end. Worry began to gnaw at his gut when she sighed but didn’t answer him.

Rolling with her in his arms, he quickly had her flat on her back. He loomed over her, braced himself with one forearm and stared down at her flushed face. “I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” He rubbed his thumb over her cheek, noting the dark shadows under her eyes. She hadn’t slept any better than he had last night.

“You didn’t hurt me.” Her brown eyes were solemn, but there was a hint of uncertainty that he didn’t quite understand. She seemed to be searching his face for something, but he wasn’t sure what.

“You’re sure?” He knew she’d had several orgasms, but there was an underlying sadness surrounding her that worried him. Was she regretting telling him she loved him?

“Yes, I’m sure.” She turned her head away and started to chew on her bottom lip. “I need to get up now.”

Alarm bells went off deep inside him. No way was he letting her get away from him this time. Cupping her cheek, he turned her face back to him before using his thumb to soothe her abused bottom lip. “No.”

Her eyebrows snapped together in a scowl. “No?”

“No,” he reiterated. “I’m not letting you go. Not until you tell me what’s wrong.” Sighing, he dropped his forehead down to hers. “Emma, please tell me what’s wrong.”

“Was this just a quick fuck?” She threw his earlier words back at him. “Or did it mean more to you?” Her voice was barely a whisper, but her questions shocked him.

He reared back and stared down at her, barely able to believe what he’d just heard. “How the hell can you even ask that?”

She shrugged, trying hard to look nonchalant, but he could see the hurt in her eyes. “Because you never said if I was too late or not.” She stared straight at him and tilted her chin up. “Because I told you that I loved you and you said nothing at all.”

If he could have managed to kick his own backside, he would have been tempted to do so. Since he’d met Emma he’d experienced emotions he’d never felt before, and all to extremes. How in the heck had he managed to forget to tell her he loved her?

He reared back, slightly stunned by his oversight. This time, she’d been the one putting everything on the line and he’d been the one holding back. It hadn’t been intentional on his part. He’d been so hot to have her after she’d professed her love, everything else had ceased to matter.

Tucker maneuvered around until his back was comfortably situated against the bottom kitchen cupboards and his legs were stretched out in front of him. He opened his arms wide. “Come here.”

She hesitated before slowly rolling up onto her knees. She plucked at the remains of her teddy, trying to pull some of the fabric around to cover her. He was surprised any of it was still intact. The straps held, but the rest of the garment was in tatters. Finally, she gave up.

Tucker wanted to drag her into his arms but waited for her to come to him. She sidled over to sit beside him. He patted his lap, wanting her closer to him. “Please.” He could tell she was worried, but she swung one of her legs over his hips and sat facing him, straddling his thighs.

“Did you know that you left one of the dangles I gave you in the bedroom?” He could tell the direction of the conversation confused her.

She gave him a strange look, as if she was trying to figure out the workings of his mind. “Yes,” she finally admitted.

“I’ve been carrying it around in my pocket ever since.” The corners of her mouth tilted up slightly, but he didn’t care if she found it amusing. “Having it in my pocket, being able to touch it whenever I wanted, made me feel closer to you.”

Emma smiled and began to laugh. Tucker felt silly for even admitting what he’d done. “I know it’s stupid . . .”

She touched her hand to his mouth to stop him from explaining further. “No, it’s not stupid at all. I did the exact same thing.”

“Really?” He chuckled as the humor of it settled in. “Both of us carrying them around with us.” He shook his head. “Pitiful.”

“No,” she corrected him. “I think it’s beautiful and romantic.” She hesitantly tugged part of the tattered fabric around to the front. And there attached at the bottom of one of the straps on the inside he saw the glint of a row of stones. She’d fastened it to the strap with a piece of thread.

“I love you.” The words were ripped from somewhere deep inside him. What he felt for this woman was overwhelming in its scope and intensity. He wanted her with him for the rest of his life.

This time her smile was wide and genuine. It was like a ray of sunshine brightening the entire room. “I love you, too.” Emma threw her arms around him.

He hugged her, holding her so close he could feel her heart pounding against his chest. He swallowed hard and kissed her temple, knowing he’d never get tired of hearing those words from her.

When she finally released him, he noticed that a single tear had slipped from the corner of her eye. He wiped it away with the pad of his thumb and smiled at her. “This is more than just a quick fuck,” he assured her. “This is about today, tomorrow and the day after that. This is about forever.”

“Forever,” she repeated.

He wanted her again. His cock was standing at attention between them, his arousal impossible to miss. Emma looked down at his lap and laughed. “You’re insatiable.” She climbed to her feet and held out her hand. “I want a shower before we do anything else. I’m sticky and sweaty.”

Gripping her hand, he surged to his feet. “I wonder how long the power will be gone this time?”

“Oh, my gosh.” Emma slapped her hand over her mouth and began to laugh. She laughed so hard she doubled over and would have fallen if he hadn’t caught her.

It was the guilt on her face when she finally looked at him that gave her away. “You didn’t?”

“I did,” she gasped out as she tried to control herself. “I didn’t know which switch to pull, so I asked Mr. Meyers.”

“You did what?” He tried to give her a stern look, but the corners of his mouth twitched. “Emma Howard, I’m shocked that you would do something so devious. Are you trying to give Mr. Meyers a heart attack or something?” He shook his head at her in mock disappointment. “You didn’t tell him why you wanted to do it? Did you?”

Standing proudly in the middle of his kitchen wearing nothing but a few tatters of silk, she nodded emphatically. “You’re darn right I did. The man’s old, not dead. Besides, he liked the whole idea of helping to bring us together.” She chuckled again. “Apparently we hadn’t fooled him for a second when we got out of the elevator. But he informed me there are some things a gentleman doesn’t mention.”

“Is that so?” Tucker scooped her into his arms. He was charmed and thrilled that she’d turned the tables on him so neatly.

“Yes, that’s so.” She patted him on the chest. “I suggest you haul on a pair of shorts and run down to the electrical room before we both expire from the heat.”

He carried her down the hallway and went straight for the bathroom. “Shower first. Then I’ll turn the power back on.”

Epilogue

Emma lay sprawled on her back in the center of the mattress. She was totally relaxed and completely happy. Stretching her legs, she tightened all the muscles before relaxing them again. Tucker grunted but didn’t move from his position. Currently, he was lying facedown on the bed with one of his arms thrown over his head and the other one circling her waist.

She curled her toes and sighed with contentment. From her position, she had a great view of his butt. And Tucker had a prime example of the perfect male butt. In fact, she was sure other women would pay good money to see an ass that fine. But it was all hers and she wasn’t sharing.

The pillowcase rustled as he slowly turned his head and opened his eyes. “That was a deep sigh.” He yawned, looking tired but well sated. The stubble on his jaw was even darker now than it had been. The sun was starting to come up and the early morning light was just beginning to brighten the bedroom.

“I’m just a little bit tired.”

A wicked grin covered his face. “Are you now?” His arm tightened around her.

The mere thought of how they’d spent last night made her heart start to pound. Her gaze fell on the nightstand and the glittering nipple ornaments lying there.

After their quick shower, Tucker had raced down to the electrical room and turned the power to his apartment back on in record time. When he’d returned, she been ready and waiting for him . . .

• • •

The nipple ornament that Tucker had kept glinted on the bedside table where he’d placed it earlier, and Emma knew where to find the matching one. She hurried into the bathroom, scooped the tattered remains of her teddy off the floor and carefully removed the dangle she’d attached to the strap. With the tiny piece of jewelry clutched in her hand, she returned to the bedroom. She felt daring when she attached the adornments to her swollen nipples.

She stuffed a few pillows behind her and draped herself across the bed so she was on more of an incline than flat on her back. She shifted position, arranging herself in a way she hoped was provocative. She felt daring and sexy. Her nipples looked dark and exotic with the small jewels flowing from them; just the feel of them pinching her nipples made her hot.

Emma closed her eyes and gave herself over to the erotic sensations. She slid her hands over her torso and between her thighs. Aroused, she dipped her fingers into her core and stroked her swollen clit. Her hips moved sinuously as she withdrew her fingers and spread her legs wider. The cool air washed over her hot flesh and she moaned.

“I never did get a chance to eat you up like I wanted to.” Tucker’s voice was hoarse with need.

Somehow she’d known he was there, had sensed his presence. She didn’t bother to open her eyes, but tilted her hips toward him. “Taste me. Lick me.” She wanted his mouth and hands on her.

She heard the rustle of his clothes as he undressed. The mattress sank under his weight when he joined her. He circled her ankles with his large hands before stroking them up the insides of her legs. Her hips arched in anticipation.

His next touch surprised her. The rasp of his thumbs across her nipples made her gasp and she opened her eyes. His hands were dark against her paler skin and he looked huge as he knelt over her.

She shivered when he lightly pinched the swollen tips. “You’re so beautiful.” His fingers traced the row of stones the flowed down the slope of her breast. Bending forward, he flicked his tongue across each tight bud. “I won’t disturb these for now.”

Tucker kissed and nibbled his way down her torso. He circled her belly button with his tongue before dipping inside. He seemed fascinated by her hipbones, kissing and nipping them until she finally had enough. Gripping his hair, she pushed his head lower.

He laughed. “Impatient, are we?” Spreading her thighs, he pushed them as wide as they would go. “Hold them open for me.”

She immediately hooked her hands under her legs. Her sex was totally exposed to him. She moaned when his warm breath feathered across her slick folds. Then he touched her.

It was maddening, the way his fingers or tongue would lightly stroke her, never quite hard enough or long enough in any one spot. Yet, at the same time, each touch sent her spiraling higher and higher until she knew she would soon crash. True to his word, he licked her, tasted her, and consumed her.

He flicked her clit softly and slowly and then hard and quick. He slipped one finger inside her, only to quickly pull it back out. When she moaned in disappointment, he plunged two thick fingers deep. She never knew what was coming next. There was no rhyme or reason to his movements.

“Tucker,” she gasped. Her whole body shook. She couldn’t hold herself in this position much longer, couldn’t take this sensual torture.

“Now, baby. Come for me now.” He drove his fingers inside her pulsing core and pressed hard on her clit with his tongue.

Emma came hard. She bucked her hips and cried out, her body clenching so hard it was almost painful. Releasing the grip on her legs, she dropped her arms and legs back to the bed, shivering as spasms of pleasure continued to rocket through her.

Tucker raised his head as he carefully removed his hand. As she watched, he licked his fingers one at a time.

“Better than ice cream.”

His words sent her into another spasm. Then he lifted her hips and slid his cock into her snug channel . . .

• • •

Emma shivered at the memory. She’d lost count of how many times they’d made love last night. Not that she minded, but she was feeling a little sore this morning.

Tucker shifted beside her, rolling over onto his side and propping himself up on one arm. “How do you feel this morning? Really?” The hand resting on her stomach moved in small circles.

She thought about it. “I feel amazing. Tired, but energized.”

“I didn’t use protection last night.” His gaze was steady and amazingly unconcerned. “I’ve always used protection. Always.”

She knew he was telling her that he was safe. “I’m on the pill, so we’re okay.”

His hand stilled on her belly and he sighed. “I guess that’s for the best. For now.”

And what exactly did he mean by that? He sounded almost disappointed that she couldn’t get pregnant. “So, where do we go from here?” She was almost afraid to ask, but she had to know.

“This is for keeps.” He drew a finger over the side of her face in a soft caress. “I want to see you, to spend time with you, exclusively. I won’t share.” His gaze was fierce. He glared at her as if daring her to disagree.

She smiled softly up at him. “I don’t want any other guy. I only want you.” Emma wrapped her arms around his neck and tugged him closer. He came easily and placed a soft, gentle kiss on her lips.

“I’ll try to be patient, but I already know what I want.” The love in his gaze warmed her heart, and other parts of her.

“What do you want?”

“I want you in my life every day and in my bed every night. I want a life together and eventually kids. I want marriage. I want it all.” He gifted her with a smile that melted her heart. “I even put off looking for a house because I was waiting for you.”

“Really?” She’d had no idea. She remembered him mentioning he was going to be buying a house. To think he’d put off the search because of her was overwhelming. How it must have hurt him when she’d walked away two months ago.

“I’ve been ready for months, but I didn’t want to buy anything until I knew what was going to happen with us. I didn’t want to end up with a house you didn’t like.”

Emma was flabbergasted. She still couldn’t believe he’d done that. “I’m not sure what to say.”

Tucker shrugged. “I’ve had longer to think about this than you have. So, I’ll try to be patient until you get used to the idea of marrying me. But that doesn’t mean I won’t do my best to convince you sooner.”

His smile turned wicked. “I really think that we need to buy some ice cream and cherries today. I’m in the mood for an ice cream sundae.”

Tucker palmed her breast, thumbing her nipple. Then he planted a searing kiss on her lips and plundered her mouth. She thrust her fingers through his hair and pulled him closer.

“And maybe we can drive around and look at a few houses while we’re at it,” she said when she finally came up for air.

“You’re sure?” Tucker cupped her cheek in his large, rough palm. “I don’t want you to do anything you’re not ready for.”

Emma leaned up and kissed him. She knew she’d found her man for now and always. And she’d tell him later. Maybe after they’d shared some of that ice cream he’d promised her. For now, she simply wanted to love him again.