Until We Touch (18 page)

Arousal grew until it was nearly painful. Her clit was swollen and aching. Hunger burned. She held in a whimper.

With lightning speed, he put his hands on her waist. He shifted her, lifting and turning until she was flat on her back in the center of the bed with no idea how she’d gotten there. Before she could catch her breath, Jack was between her bent legs, parting her sensitive flesh and pressing his mouth to the very center of her body.

The feel of his tongue against her core nearly made her scream with pleasure. She was wet and more than halfway there. A couple of strokes later, she was gasping and digging her heels into the bed. When he sucked on her swollen clit, she thought she was going to lose it and when he flicked his tongue over her again, she did.

She came in a rush of shuddering pleasure that claimed every cell of her body. She writhed and gasped, wanting it to never end. He stayed with her, his pace steady, until she was able to breathe again. Only then did he slow, drawing it out until she had nothing left.

He moved next to her on the bed and drew her against him. She snuggled close, feeling the aftereffects of her release rippling through her. He kissed her forehead, then her cheeks. She opened her eyes and saw him watching her.

The need still darkened his eyes but there was something else there, as well. Smugness. That damned male swagger that came from having a well-pleased woman in his bed.

She smiled. “Yes, you were all that.”

He grinned.

She sat up. “Now it’s your turn.”

“I like it when you’re fair.”

He opened the nightstand drawer and pulled out a box of condoms. She shifted onto her knees and took the box from him. He raised an eyebrow.

“You’re doing all the work?” he asked.

“You just did.”

She opened the package and slid the condom over his impressive erection, then straddled him. Jack’s eyes widened.

“On top?”

“Don’t you like it that way?”

“It’s a personal favorite.”

“For me, too.”

While it never had been before, she found herself wanting to be able to see what they were doing. Maybe it was silly, but she wanted to watch him as he got close. She wanted to see him come.

She straddled him. He put his hands on her hips and guided her into place. Her long hair hung down, nearly brushing his chest.

“This is going to be good,” he said and lowered her onto his arousal.

She felt him slide inside. He stretched and filled her. She shifted so she was more upright, able to take all of him. When he was completely inside of her, she squeezed and they both groaned. She bent forward and braced her hands on the bed, then began to move.

Their eyes locked. His hands cupped her breasts and he stroked her sensitized skin. In and out and in and out. He filled her again and again. She increased the pace, watching his face tighten.

Their breathing increased. The friction deep inside made her push harder, faster. She was getting close again. Just being with Jack was enough to make her want to climax a second time. With him, she thought. That was what she wanted.

“Larissa,” he breathed, her name nearly a groan. He swore and tensed. She could feel his muscles pushing him forward. She was close, but not there, she thought frantically, and rode him harder.

Need burned. Tension filled her. She strained to find the last bit of magic needed to push her over the edge.

He slipped a hand between them and pressed his thumb against her and circled the swollen knot of nerves.

It was all she needed. She felt her release begin deep inside of her before spiraling out to claim all of her. She cried out and shuddered, still moving up and down. Jack put his hands on her hips and kept her steady. He half rose and groaned deeply as his release overtook him.

Their eyes locked in that moment of perfect pleasure, and for the first time in her life, she saw down to her lover’s soul.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

T
HE
DRIVE
FROM
San Francisco to Fool’s Gold took about three hours. Larissa was content to sit quietly in the rental car while Jack drove. The miles passed quickly. Too quickly, she thought. She wasn’t ready to return to the real world.

The past twenty-four hours had been amazing. The previous night, after they’d made love, they’d dressed and gone downstairs for dinner. Later, they’d filled the huge bathtub and had touched each other with the thrill that comes with exploration. They’d made love with the water sloshing onto the floor.

She’d slept in Jack’s arms. Larissa turned to look out the window so he wouldn’t see her smile as she explored that nearly unbelievable thought. She’d awakened to find him holding her tight—as if he never wanted to let go.

The concept might be wishful thinking on her part, but she was going to go with it for now.

She glanced back at him. “Thank you for all that.”

“You’re welcome. I had a good time.” He glanced at her and smiled before returning his attention to the road.

She sighed with contentment. “This could make your massages really interesting.”

He laughed. “You’re right. I’m going to have even more trouble not getting a hard-on.”

She thought about the massage table. “Oh, I think we could use that to our advantage.”

“Intriguing. I look forward to what you have in mind.”

* * *

J
ACK
WALKED
INTO
his house to find Percy on the living room floor playing with what looked like a dozen small dogs. They were tumbling together in a mass of dogs and teen. When Percy saw him, he sat up and grinned.

“We’ve got dogs.”

“I see that.”

Jack put the garment bag he’d purchased in San Francisco over the stair railing. Now that they weren’t moving, he could see there were five. All small with big ears. Some looked more like Chihuahuas and others favored their dachshund blood.

“The guy who dropped them off said these ones were healthy. Probably all under three years old. They should be easy to adopt.”

“Good. I don’t want five dogs.”

Jack started toward the living room. All the chiweenies rushed toward him and began sniffing his shoes and jeans, jumping in front of him and yipping. He bent down to offer pats. One of the little girls flipped onto her back and offered her tummy for a quick rub.

“At least they’re socialized,” he said. “That’s something.”

He sat on the floor across from Percy and picked up a knotted rope toy. Two of the dogs dived for it and started a game of tug-of-war. The little girl climbed into his lap while the remaining two walked over to harass Percy.

“When did they get here?” Jack asked.

“A couple of hours ago. They’re fun.”

“Yeah, but are they housebroken?”

Percy looked blank.

Jack sighed. “Have you taken them outside?”

“No. But we should do that right now.” The teen scrambled to his feet. “I did give them water.”

Water without access to a bathroom could be a bad combination, Jack thought as he stood. Together they herded the dogs out the back.

The five of them ran onto the grass and started chasing each other.

“Keep watch,” Jack instructed. “I want to make sure everyone goes.”

When they were all back inside, Percy showed him the food that had been delivered along with a couple of big dog beds.

“The guy says they’re used to sleeping together in a pack. So we should keep them in the same room.”

“How about your room?” Jack asked.

Percy laughed. “Works for me. I like the little guys.”

The dogs played for another hour or so, then as a group headed for the beds. They went around and around, moving from one bed to the other until they’d found where they wanted to be and flopped down. Seconds later, they were out.

“You’re right about the schedule,” Jack told the teen. “For walking and everything else.” He glanced around at his house. “I don’t think we should be leaving five active dogs home alone.” Another complication, compliments of Larissa. Yet he wasn’t the least bit upset. How could he be after yesterday?

There would be hell to pay later for all that. He was sure of it. But whatever the price, his twenty-four hours with her had been worth it. He’d enjoyed every second of his time with her. The sex had been incredible, but it had been more than that. It had been about connecting with her in a way they hadn’t before. About being with her.

For a second he allowed himself to wonder
what if.
What if he could be like everyone else? What if he was willing to believe? Foolish questions. Because he wasn’t. He’d lost Lucas and on the heels of that, his parents had gone away. They’d told him he would be fine, but that had been about them assuaging their own consciences. They hadn’t wanted to know their only living son needed them. Their need to escape the pain of what they’d been through had been stronger than their love for him. He got that. He even understood the logic. But he couldn’t forgive and he sure as hell couldn’t forget.

He’d vowed never to care that deeply again, and he hadn’t. With Taryn, he’d liked her a lot, but there hadn’t been love. Not beyond friendship. When she’d turned up pregnant, he’d known he was going to have to suck it up and give his heart to their baby. He’d been willing to take the risk. But then she’d miscarried and the moment had been lost.

He had a good life, he reminded himself. People he cared about and who cared about him. The relationships he had these days were safe. They would last. There wasn’t anything on the line so there wasn’t anything to lose.

Percy got up. “I’ll be right back,” he said and headed up the stairs. Two of the dogs opened their eyes and watched him go, but they didn’t move.

Percy returned with a book in his hand. He gave it to Jack and sat on the sofa.

“I read it,” he said, both proud and shy. “The whole thing. Kenny’s been working with me and that software program really helped. I wasn’t as bad as I thought. I think I can do it. I want to get my GED.”

Jack patted him on the back. “Good for you. I’m glad. Congratulations on finishing the book. Let me know when you want some more. We’ll go get them.”

“Sam already took me. I’m going to work real hard, Jack. You’ve given me a great opportunity and I’m going to take advantage of it.”

“I’m glad.”

“I want to go to college. And I know what I want to do while I’m there.” He paused for effect.

Jack held in a groan. Percy looked eager as he spoke. Excited. Jack had a bad idea he knew where this was going. It made sense. He was around the three of them all day. He saw the glamorous side of the sport. But to play football professionally?

He studied the kid impersonally. Percy wasn’t big enough and he hadn’t been working on his skill set. With a lot of coaching maybe he could make a team at the community college, but his odds of going pro were about zero. That required a gift from the gods and Percy hadn’t been chosen. At least not as far as Jack could tell.

He would let him down gently, Jack told himself. Maybe run him through some drills so he could see how much work was ahead. Maybe if they went to a Pac-12 game with UCLA or Stanford, Percy could see what was expected of a—

“I want to study to be a teacher. I want to help kids like me. Kids who slip through the cracks and are sent on to the next grade, even though they’re not ready.”

Jack stared at him. “A teacher?”

“Uh-huh.”

Jack started to smile. If Larissa were here, she would take this moment to point out that despite his best efforts, he wasn’t at the center of the universe every single minute.

“That’s great,” he told Percy. “I think you’ll be a terrific teacher.” There was more to discuss. Like the fact that he should start at a community college to build up his study habits in a less competitive environment. And that Jack wanted to make sure they found the best four-year for him to transfer to. But that was for later.

“You’ve got a goal,” he told Percy. “That’s how all greatness begins.”

“Kenny says it’s all about fundamentals.”

“Kenny would say that,” Jack murmured, feeling kind of good about himself and what was happening with Percy. Was this why Larissa did it? For the sense of accomplishment and knowing she’d made a real difference? He had to admit, he liked it.

The front door opened and Kenny walked in.

Percy grinned. “We were just talking about you. I was telling Jack what you said about fundamentals.”

Jack watched his friend approach and saw the blood in the other man’s eyes. As he stood, prepared for what was coming, he had the brief thought that word traveled fast. Then a fist flew into his face and the world went dark.

* * *

“N
OTHING
’
S
BROKEN
,” K
ENNY
grumbled as he put ice into a dish towel.

Jack sat at the kitchen table and carefully felt his face. His friend was right. All the bones felt as they had before. There was swelling, but that would go down with time. On the bright side, Kenny was holding his right hand as if it hurt him. One fact the movies never mentioned when they showed those fight scenes—it hurt as much to hit as be hit.

Percy hovered in the entrance to the kitchen. “I don’t understand,” he said for fourth time. “You’re not mad at each other.”

“I was mad,” Kenny said. “I made my point and now it’s over.”

“Fighting doesn’t accomplish anything,” Percy told him.

Jack took the offered ice and put it on his jaw. “There wasn’t a fight. I was hit. There’s a difference.”

Five chiweenies danced in the kitchen, trying hard to trip anyone standing. Jack was grateful to be in the chair. His face hurt and he knew it was going to get worse before it got better.

Percy looked between the two men. “You’re not going to tell me what that was about, are you?”

“Nope,” Kenny said.

“So I should go upstairs?”

“Probably a good idea,” Jack told him.

“Whatever,” Percy muttered and left.

The chiweenies went with him. Jack had a feeling all five of them would end up on the bed, rocking out to music he was too old to understand.

When they were alone, Kenny took the chair opposite Jack’s and sat down.

“You had to sleep with her. I warned you to leave her alone, that she was family. But you did it, anyway.”

Jack was torn. On the one hand, he was glad Larissa had someone looking out for her. On the other, he didn’t want to get hit in the face again.

“We’re both adults.”

“She’s like a sister to me. Sister trumps being an adult.” Kenny’s mouth twisted. “You’re going to break her heart.”

“She wants to get over me. This is her way of doing that.”

Kenny glared at him. “Don’t try that bullshit on me. She’s crazy about you. Has been forever. Now you’re making it worse. This is going to end badly for all of us. Have you thought about that? The consequences? You could destroy what we have.”

Jack hadn’t thought about that, nor did he want to. “I care about her. I won’t hurt her.” But even as he said the words, he wondered if he was lying. Because he couldn’t give Larissa what she wanted. Or if he could, he wouldn’t. Because he wouldn’t take the risk.

“She’ll figure out I’m not the one for her,” he said at last. “She’ll find someone else. You’ll see.”

Kenny shook his head. “I can’t believe you’re that stupid, but sure. Go ahead. I can’t stop you. But when this all hits the fan, I’ll be on her side.”

Something for which Jack could be grateful.

* * *

“I
STILL
DON
’
T
understand,” Larissa said. She was snuggled in Jack’s huge bed. Percy was in his room and the chiweenies were curled up asleep on their beds in the corner of the master bedroom.

Ever since she’d arrived earlier that evening, Jack hadn’t answered any of her questions about why Kenny had come over and hit him.

“There’s nothing much
to
understand,” Jack told her. “Kenny’s afraid I’m going to hurt you.”

“Did you tell him this was my plan? That I’m doing my best to get over you?”

“He didn’t seem to appreciate the argument.”

At this moment, Kenny’s concern made sense. Naked and satiated from Jack’s lovemaking, she couldn’t imagine wanting to be anywhere else. But she had to give it time. Eventually Jack would start to get on her nerves and then she would be free of him.

Jack pulled her close and kissed her. “Just let it go and be grateful he’s looking out for you.”

She studied the bruise on Jack’s jaw. “He could have hurt you. Percy said you didn’t try to defend yourself.”

“I knew I had it coming.”

Which was so like Jack, she thought with a sigh. Yup, getting over him was getting further away by the minute.

* * *

“T
HIS
IS
DANGEROUS
,” Bailey said as she held on to both leashes. “You knew that and asked us to help you, anyway.”

Larissa laughed. “They’re small dogs. I think you’re safe.”

Her friend glared at her. “You know that’s not what I’m talking about. Look at her.”

Up ahead, Chloe held the leash of one of the chiweenies. The eight-year-old girl and the little dog looked adorable together.

“I see a happy child and a cute dog.”

“Exactly. I’m just thinking about buying my first house. Why on earth would I take on the responsibility of a dog right now?”

“It’s not like she’s going to eat much. And having a dog will teach Chloe responsibility.”

Bailey rolled her eyes. “You’re no help. I work all day and Chloe’s in school. Is that fair to the dog?”

She had Larissa there. “You could ask Mayor Marsha how she would feel if you brought your dog to work with you.”

“That’s professional,” Bailey grumbled. “She’ll be so impressed. We’re not getting a dog. Not right now.”

“If you say so.” Larissa wasn’t concerned. There was plenty of interest in the chiweenies. “I’m not trying to push you into taking a dog.”