Summer in Good Hope (A Good Hope Novel Book 2) (16 page)

Prim stepped back from his embrace, her entire body quivering with need . . . and yes, excitement, too.

“Race you to the bedroom. But first, one for the road.” She gave him a ferocious kiss, then took off running, her breaths laced with laugher as he surged to his feet in pursuit.

When they reached the bedroom, she spun around to face him, her pulse rioting. She swallowed her nerves. Tonight, she would be herself. Or how she’d always longed to be. “Bet my clothes hit the floor before yours.”

He chuckled, a low, pleasant rumbling sound. “I like your style, Primrose.”

Seconds later his clothes landed in a heap beside hers.

Then, before she even had a second to breathe—or to worry if this might be a mistake—his lips were on hers. The taste of him was new, yet somehow familiar. Like raspberries and chocolate, it was a combination Prim found wildly erotic.

“I won,” she murmured against his mouth and felt any remnants of her nervousness fade at his quick laughter.

“No.” He scattered kisses along her jawline. “I’m definitely the winner here.”

He shifted, gathered her close against him, and kissed her temple. “Before we get too crazy, I need to ask if you’re protected.”

“No worries.” Prim tipped her head back to gaze into his eyes. “I was having trouble with my periods. I went on the pill last year.”

“I always used a condom.” His expression turned serious. “I’ve never had sex without one. But I never expected tonight . . .”

Prim felt like a balloon that had been popped just as it was ready to soar.

“That’s okay.” Somehow she managed a smile that hovered briefly on her lips. “I understand.”

“I, ah, don’t want you to get the idea I’m some guy on the make, but things have been so hot between us, I just happen to have one with me and a whole box at home. I wanted to make sure if we ever got to this point you’d be fully protected.” The words were like a caress as he twined strands of her hair loosely around his fingers.

Relief surged and Prim’s heart tripped at the desire in his eyes. “Well, then, what are we waiting for? Let’s get this party started.”

He made a sound low in his throat, his mouth suddenly voracious on hers.

Her body responded with breathtaking speed. Though she sensed Max would move slowly if that’s what she wanted, a desperate need fueled her actions.

She wanted to run her hands over his body, to feel the coiled strength of skin and muscle sliding under her fingers. She wanted him to touch her in the same way, wanted to feel the weight of his body on hers. Longed to feel him inside her.

The warmth in her lower belly turned fiery hot as they continued to kiss. His hand closed over one breast, cupping it high in his palm, circling the peak.

Desire became a pulsing need. She slipped her hand between them, smiling when she encountered a hard bulge.

His shaft jumped. Max rested his forehead against hers and laughed softly. “You’re not going to want to do that again.”

Her heart performed a series of flutters. When she offered him a sly smile, he kissed her nose. “We don’t want this party to be over before it has even begun.”

No, Prim definitely didn’t want that. Though she did want to devour him, one greedy little bite at a time. She nipped his shoulder just to get a taste.

She didn’t recall moving to the bed. All she knew was she was beside him, her mouth plastered to his, the kisses urgent and fevered. It was as if they both feared this was a dream and they might wake at any moment.

Her fingers trembled as she caressed his face, his silky hair. Her senses spun like an out-of-control Tilt-A-Whirl. Prim was glad she was lying down or she’d have lost her footing.

Then his hands were back on her, his fingers lifting and supporting her yielding flesh as his thumbs brushed across the tight points of her nipples. The stroking fingers sent shock waves of feeling through her body.

Her nipples stiffened, straining toward the delight of his touch. Before long, his mouth replaced his fingers. He couldn’t seem to get enough of her breasts, kissing and licking each pink peak thoroughly, dragging his teeth across the sensitive skin.

Prim bowed up, surging against the pleasure that swelled like the tide inside her. She squirmed, whimpering in frustration. She pushed her hips against him, rubbing his erection.

She wanted, no, she
needed
 . . . “Inside me.”

“Not yet.” His hands stroked, brushed, lingered until every nerve ending in her body was on fire.

It took only a second for him to roll on the condom; then, reaching up, he grasped her arms and pulled her to him for an openmouthed, intimate kiss. Desire, hot and demanding, flooded her.

Just when Prim thought she would break apart—or go mad with longing—he plunged into her with a hard thrust.

She wrapped her legs around his hips, holding him to her. Reveling in the fullness, the feel of him inside her, she met him thrust for thrust.

Fire scorched her veins as her pulse throbbed hard and thick. The orgasm hit with breathtaking speed. Her entire body clenched and released in spasms of pure pleasure.

Seconds later, with a low, savage sound, Max climaxed deep inside her.

After they were spent, he rolled off her. She tried to sit up, but he wrapped his arm around her, not confining but comfortable. They lay that way for a long time, just listening to each other breathing.

“How was it?” His breath was warm as he spoke softly into her ear.

With a start, Prim realized she was stroking the back of his neck, twining her fingers in his thick, soft hair. “Passable.”

She giggled, honest-to-goodness giggled, when he gave her shoulder a little nip.

“Hey, what was that for?”

“Passable?”

“Okay, okay. It was terrific. Just don’t let it go to your head.”

“You go to my head. You’re lovely.”

His husky voice, the way he looked at her, as if she were the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, gave her a pleasurable jolt.

She drew air slowly into her lungs. Had this been a mistake? It didn’t feel like one.

With his gaze still fixed on hers, Max bent his head and kissed her softly on the mouth.

“What was that for?”

“For being you.”

Definitely not a mistake.

He propped himself up on an elbow.

“Spend the weekend with me.” Shadows played in his eyes, making them unreadable, but his voice was soft, persuasive. “We’ll hang at my place. Just you and me.”

A smoldering heat flared through her. She hesitated, fearful of the intimacy yet at the same time thrilled at the thought.

“All weekend?” The nonchalant tone was worthy of an Academy Award.

“Two long days.” His finger trailed up her arm. “Two long nights.”

“Why?”

“I want to spend time with you. Carpe diem and all that.”

The music that had been playing in the background took on a seductive beat.
Say yes, say yes
, the pulsating rhythm urged.

Max caught her hand in his, brought it to his mouth, and pressed an openmouthed kiss into her palm. “Say yes.”

Prim let her eyelids flutter shut for just an instant and imagined having Max to herself for the whole weekend.

She’d learned long ago that regret over something you wished you’d said or done but no longer had the chance to do could be its own kind of hell.

He kissed her fingers, trailed kisses up her arm. “Say yes.”

Carpe diem.
Seize the day.

This was what she wanted.
He
was what she wanted.

Right now she couldn’t think of a single reason to say no. The rightness of the decision washed over her.

“Yes.” Prim flung her arms around his neck. “Yes. I’ll stay with you.”

C
hapter
S
ixteen

Max waited while Prim retrieved the suitcase she’d packed for Appleton. Spending the weekend together was a good start. But it wasn’t enough, wouldn’t be enough. The way he was feeling right now, a lifetime didn’t seem long enough.

When she emerged from the door leading from the garage, Max hurried to her side and lifted the suitcase from her hands. He ignored her protests. Prim deserved to be pampered, and this weekend he would have that privilege.

She shut off the living room lights, but he placed a hand on her arm when she reached for the doorknob. “We probably should go around the back.”

He gestured with his head. “Avoid the neighborhood watch.”

“I didn’t even think . . .” Worry suddenly furrowed her brow as if a thought had struck her. “My dad agreed to watch Boris while I was out of town. Now that I’m back, the responsible thing would be to pick him up, bring him home.”

Max kept his face expressionless. Three would definitely be a crowd, especially if one of the three was a hundred-pound dog that didn’t know the meaning of personal space.

“Your dad loves animals.” Max kept his tone even. “In fact, I’d venture to say he considers Boris a third grandson.”

A hint of a smile lifted those luscious lips he hadn’t kissed nearly enough. “He and Boris are buddies.”

“I bet Steve would like you to have a relaxing weekend with no responsibilities.” The tension gripping Max’s shoulders eased when she nodded.

She cocked her head. “How’d you get so smart?”

“Smart?” He made a scoffing sound. “Brilliant would be more accurate.”

She rolled her eyes.

He took her hand as they crossed the yard, releasing it only to open the gate between her place and his. As he’d left the French doors unlocked, there was no need for him to pull out his keys.

Once they were inside, Max locked and bolted the door. “Can I get you something to drink?”

Prim shook her head, and all that wild, glorious hair tumbled around her shoulders. “I’ve had more than enough this evening, thank you.”

He’d also had more than enough wine, but not nearly enough of her. “If you change your mind—”

“I’ll let you know.” Her gaze met his. “If you recall, I don’t have any trouble letting you know what I like.”

The impish gleam in her eyes had him shaking his head. “What am I going to do with you?”

She moistened her lips. “I have several ideas for later.”

Later.

He didn’t want to wait. He wanted her again. Now.

Even as he yearned to persuade, this was
her
weekend to indulge. He would let her take the lead.

“If you’d like to watch a movie, I have some DVDs, or we can see what’s on cable.” Max imagined sitting beside her on the sofa, his arm settled around her shoulders. He already knew it would be impossible for him to sit close and not touch.

Instead of listening, Prim was blatantly checking out his digs.

He watched her gaze linger on the granite countertops he’d had installed last year and the distressed gray cupboards before her attention shifted to the living room. Like her house, his home had an open floor plan.

An overstuffed burgundy leather sofa and matching chair were arranged in front of a large stone fireplace.

“I love your fireplace.” Prim moved to the mantel and ran her fingers along the smooth rock.

His mouth went dry as he recalled those fingers trailing down . . .

She glanced back at him over her shoulder. “Your place is so clean.”

Max cleared his throat. “No kids or dogs.”

Prim smiled. “Makes a difference.”

“There’s a stack of DVDs, some games and cards in that cabinet.” Max gestured to the two-door cabinet to the right of the fireplace. “Pick whatever movie you want and we’ll watch it.”

Prim’s teeth caught her lower lip for a second while her eyes took on an impish gleam. “You’re being very agreeable tonight, Mr. Brody.”

“I’m feeling pretty agreeable,” he told her.

“Good to know.” She opened the cabinet and began scouring the contents.

Max stood back and watched. While the leprechaun pants and green tank weren’t particularly sexy, on her they were as enticing as black silk and lace.

She bent over and his body sprang to life.

Prim abruptly whirled. “What are these?”

His heart sank as well as a certain other body part when he saw what was in her hand.

“Feel free to toss those to the back of the cabinet.” Max waved a casual hand in the air even as his blood turned to ice. Why hadn’t he dumped that blasted deck of cards in the garbage when he’d had the chance?

Even as Max asked the question, he knew the answer. They’d been a gift from his mother. While he thought the deck, each individual card containing a specific question, was ridiculous, Vanessa Eden was convinced they were a great relationship builder between her and her son. She often insisted on pulling out the deck and discussing a question or two when she stopped over.

Prim must not have heard him. She’d slipped several cards from the deck and was flipping through them. A broad smile lifted her lips as she looked up. “This looks like a lot more fun than a movie.”

Max surrendered to the inevitable. If Prim wanted to play, they’d play. He took solace in the fact he’d make sure she was sitting next to him on the sofa while they bared their souls.

If he could convince her to take off an article of clothing or two during the course of the evening, all the pain of playing that ridiculous card game would be worth it.

Prim dropped down on the sofa and kicked off her flip-flops. As this was her first time in Max’s home, it would be understandable if she felt a little awkward.

The funny thing was, the only thing she felt was relaxed.

It had to be the sex. It was as if all the stress and tension inside her had been pummeled out of her.

“What’s that little smile about?” Max sat down beside her, rested an arm above her shoulders on the back of the sofa. “Plotting what deep, dark secrets you’re going to get me to reveal?”

Prim arched a brow. “Do you have deep, dark secrets?”

“Nope.” He grinned and she felt warm all over.

“Actually.” She placed the cards in her lap. “I was thinking how comfortable I am with you.”

His fingers toyed with her hair. “Same here.”

When those blue eyes met hers, Prim experienced the connection all over again. She didn’t want to think about what would happen after this weekend. For now she’d just go with the flow.

Prim dropped her gaze to the cards and flipped through the deck.

“Since the Fourth is coming up, we could watch
Independence Day
,” Max suggested.

It was obvious this was a last-ditch effort on his part to avoid the cards. Which, after seeing several of the questions, she fully understood.

“We’re doing the cards.” Then, because that sounded so self-serving, Prim added, “If we’re going to be good neighbors, we should know each other.”

He trailed a finger up her arm. “I’d say we know each other pretty well.”

The simple touch sent heat coursing up her arm. Impulsively she leaned over and kissed him, warm and long and sweet.

He smiled. “What was that for?”

“For being such a good host.”

The look in his eyes said her comment had pleased him. Though being spontaneous usually came hard for her, she vowed to make an effort this weekend. She didn’t think it was going to be a problem. With Max she felt safe, comfortable, and cherished.

“I can’t believe you played this game with your mother. Listen to this one.” She held up a card and read aloud, “What’s your favorite body part of the opposite sex?”

“Your mouth.”

Prim blinked. She lifted her fingers to her lips. “My mouth?”

“I love how you smile. The way you kiss.” Max leaned forward, his lips warm against hers.

Fueled by desire, her blood began to thrum. She gazed up at him through lowered lashes. “Me? I like your ass.”

He sat back, his eyes wide.

Prim continued. “Puh-leeze, like you aren’t aware that you really rock a pair of jeans.”

She resisted the urge to laugh when he flushed.

“I don’t know what to say.”

Even as the teasing words left her lips, Prim wondered what had gotten into her. She felt as young and carefree as a college girl. “Just say you’ll show it to me later.”

“That’s an easy promise to keep.” He glanced down. “My ass, huh?”

“It’s stellar.” Prim snuggled close. She was so happy she’d returned to Good Hope instead of staying in Appleton. “Ohmigoodness.”

She straightened up so quickly she nearly clipped Max in the jaw. “I promised to call Deb and Mike as soon as I got home.”

Without a word, Max rose. Crossing the room, he scooped up the phone she’d left on the kitchen table, then tossed it to her.

She glanced at him as he dropped back on the sofa beside her. “Sorry.”

He waved a dismissive hand. “I’m still basking in the glow.
Max Brody
and
stellar ass
in the same sentence. Who’d have thunk it?”

Any woman who’d seen him, that’s who. Prim immediately banished the disturbing thought of other women ogling him and located her in-laws’ contact number.

“Hi, Deb.” Prim infused her voice with a friendly warmth when the woman answered. “I’m sorry I forgot to call. I made it home safely. How are the boys?”

She listened as Deb relayed every minute detail of the twins’ evening, including the fact that Mike and the boys were currently at the park.

“That’s sounds like fun.” Prim batted at Max’s hand, which kept trying to snake under her shirt. “I’m surprised you didn’t go with them.”

“We’ve got a big day planned tomorrow. Which meant I had to get my chores done around the house this evening.” Under all that sugary sweetness, Deb’s tone held a decided bite. “If you’d have stayed, we could have gotten them done in half the time.”

Prim didn’t take the bait. “I know the boys will have loads of fun with you and Mike. Is there a good time for me to call this evening to say good night?”

She listened for what seemed an eternity.

“I understand,” she said when Deb paused to take a breath. “Please let Callum and Connor know I called, and tell them I love them very much.”

Less than a minute later, she placed the phone nearby on the coffee table just in case Deb changed her mind. Then she rested her head against Max’s shoulder.

“Everything okay?” Gently, he stroked her hair, his voice as warm and soothing as the gesture.

“Mike took the boys to Memorial Park. I’m sure they’re having a great time.”

“Do you want to pick them up? Bring them home?”

“Why would I do that?”

“You’re worried about them.”

“I’m frustrated.” She blew out a breath. “I wanted to say good night, but Deb claims they’ll be too busy to talk on the phone once they get home.”

“Call anyway.”

“It’ll be fine.” Prim sighed. “I know they’re safe. If there are any issues, Deb will be on the phone in seconds.”

“This is nice.”

She lifted her head from his warm shoulder. “What’s nice?”

“Sitting here, like this, with you.” He pointed to the card sitting on top of the deck. “
What’s your idea of romance?
This is my idea: sitting on the sofa, relaxing after a busy day. Oh, and after having the best sex of my life.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re easy to please.”

His slow smile made her forget anything else except him. “Tell me your idea of romance.”

She didn’t immediately answer.

“I know what it isn’t. It’s not about candy or flowers or trips,” she said after a long moment, thinking of Rory’s way. “For me it’s sitting around the dinner table sharing the events of the day. It’s having my guy take my hand when we walk down the street. It’s having him there at night to hold me when it’s time to go to bed and being there when I wake up.”

“That’s what you deserve and so much more.” He kissed her temple. “You can have all that. Just say the word. Whatever you want, it’s yours.”

A longing for what could never be rose like a tidal wave inside her. Fighting to retain control over her rioting emotions, Prim blinked rapidly and concentrated on the next card. “What one thing would you like to change about me?”