Waiting for Romeo (20 page)

Leaning over him, I kiss him. His lips are warm. I can taste the salt from my own tear-stained lips on his. He kisses me slowly, but when I slip my tongue into his mouth, his kiss deepens and becomes more demanding.

Pulling me tighter against his chest, I now lie on top of him. His hands move up his borrowed cashmere sweater and my shirt underneath it so I can feel his touch against my bare back.

Desire sweeps through my body just as a cool ocean breeze blows through, brushing my hair forward.

“Ready to go back inside?” Logan breathes between kisses.

I gaze up at him. “Sure.”

WE RESUME OUR EARLIER POSITION. We’re on the couch, on our sides, stretched out, face-to-face. Staring at each other, I feel my breathing quicken as his fingers trace the outline of my face.

“Are you hungry? We ate the chowder hours ago.” His expression is soft.

“No. You?” I close my eyes. His delicate touch unleashes that familiar feeling; desire unravels in my belly.

He shakes his head. “Tired?”

My eyes blink open and I smile. “No, but we could go to bed.” I watch his reaction, knowing what I was telling him.

He smiles back then stands. Taking my hand in his, he pulls me from the couch and leads me to the bedroom. Switching on a small bedside lamp, he moves to the French doors and opens one slightly so a cool breeze passes through with the pleasing scent of the salty ocean air.

“Do you mind if I change?” I ask, grabbing my bag.

“Not at all.”

I head to the bathroom and quickly tug off my clothes and slip on the short silky gown Bryn gave me for Christmas. When I come out of the bathroom, Logan is standing on the small balcony.

He turns just as I approach him and a smile sweeps across his face, his eyes dropping to my nightgown. His gaze moves back to my eyes, as he saunters forward and takes my hands in his, pulling me closer.

“I remember admiring this on you on New Year’s.” He says, softly.

“Yes, your bedroom ambush.”

“Hm.” His hands are on the small of my waist. “Just say the word, Emilia. I don’t want you to hesitate…you need to tell me, baby. Okay?”

“I will. I want this…I want you to make love to me.” I breathe.

He pulls me by my waist to him as my hands reach around his neck and up into his hair. His mouth is on mine in a beat. I moan softly into his mouth as his tongue coaxes mine, gently caressing and sucking it. He scoops me in his arms, without delay in his kiss, and carries me to the bed.

My hands reach under his shirt and his lips briefly leave mine when I pull it up, over his head. Lying over me, he kisses me softly, barely touching my skin, along my jaw and chin then a trail along my neck to my shoulder.

I writhe underneath him. My body deliciously aching for his touch, I grip his strong biceps as his mouth returns to mine. His lips are demanding and I return his kiss with the same passion. His hands are in my hair as he gently rolls me above him.

With his hands on my waist, he slides me up so we are eye-to-eye and I’m straddling him. His hands slowly skim my sides, along my breasts until he reaches my neck. He cradles my head tenderly as he pushes his tongue deeper into my mouth.

His lips move back down my jaw and along my neck as his hand travels down my spine while the other remains in my hair. I feel his hardness between my legs, through a layer of denim. Rocking against him as his hand slides around my hips, he nuzzles just beneath my ear.

“Do you want to stop?” He breathes in my neck.

“I want
you
.” I whisper.

He draws back and I blink open my eyes to see him staring at me.

“You’re so beautiful, Emilia. I want this to be perfect…like you. But you need to tell me if I’m hurting you or you want me to stop. Okay?”

I nod. “I will…I promise.”

“I haven’t done this with anyone that’s ever mattered to me…ever.” He murmurs.

“Logan, I trust you…you don’t have to keep checking with me that I’m okay or if I want to stop. I wouldn’t tell you I wanted this unless I knew with certainty. It feels right…you feel right.”

Leaning towards me, he kisses me as his tongue melts into my expectant mouth. My one hand moves into his hair, softly tugging it, while the other moves along his hard muscles of his back. His fingers slide under the silky straps on my shoulders as he slowly peels it off and lets it fall to my waist.

He cups my breasts with his hands, while he moans into my mouth. His fingers move deftly around my nipples as I tighten my legs around his back and rock against him. We roll and now I’m beneath him as he crawls slowly downward, leaving a trail of kisses from my neck towards my breasts. He runs his tongue along my nipples as I groan beneath him.

With his warm hands sweeping along my body, his lips move back on my mouth. He kisses me deeply, his tongue reaching into the back of my mouth. He rolls on his side so he’s beside me and unbuttons his jeans while he gazes into my eyes. With my eyes on his, I unzip his pants and then help him tug them and his boxers off.

His mouth is back on mine as he slowly slides off the gown from my waist, taking my panties with it. “I’m going to touch you
there.
” He whispers.

I feel his hand between my legs. His finger slips inside me, stroking me softly while his tongue plunges hard against mine. The soft touch of his finger slowly circling around me makes me dizzy for more.

“Does it feel good, baby?” He breathes between kisses.

“Yes. I want you inside me.” I whisper.

“You’re sure?” I ask.

“Hm.” I groan.

His fingers slide out of me as he braces over me and reaches for something on the nightstand. Suddenly he sits up and tears the foil packet with his teeth then slides on a condom. I stare up at him, without fear, as he gazes down at me.

His eyes never leave mine as he pushes my legs apart. “I love you, Emilia.” He whispers as he slowly sinks into me.

I slide my hands around his back, pulling him tighter to me. As he moves, I move against him.

“You’re okay?”

I nod.

Keeping his eyes fixed on mine we rock into each other slowly. My hips move against his as my body arches and I moan as he pushes his weight down on me, his bare chest rubbing against my breasts.

Our breathing is ragged as his mouth presses against mine; he kisses me fiercely. My body heats while a delicious sensation sweeps over me. Logan pushes into me deeper causing my head to spin…the feeling is heavenly.

“I love you…I’ll always love you.” He breathes into my neck and then moans low in his throat. I feel myself, unravel as he breaks from my lips, gazes down at me and groans loudly before collapsing on top of me.

In that moment, despite our individual imperfections, those demons that haunt us, I know we are perfect together.

CHAPTER TWENTY

I’M LYING NAKED, except for the locket necklace that’s always around my neck, with Logan wrapped around me. His fingers trail over my face, down my neck, down my shoulders in a soft, rhythmic motion. We gaze at each other and all I hear is the sound of our breathing in perfect harmony and the crashing of waves in the distance. His touch is gentle. He leans over and kisses my bare shoulder.

“Can I get you anything?” His voice is husky.

“Just you.” I smile.

He returns my smile. “I know you’re tired of me asking if you’re okay, but are you?” He says, softly.

“I’m more than okay.” I grin at him.

He exhales softly. “Thank God. You know I always knew we’d be perfect together, but I didn’t know it would be that perfect.”

I raise a brow at him. Although our lovemaking was perfect to me, I find it hard to believe that the most wanted guy on campus, who is quite known for his sexcapades, hasn’t had his fair share of mind-blowing sex.

“I think I know why you’re looking at me that way and it couldn’t be further from the truth.” His fingers glide along my arm.

“No?” I ask.

“No. It’s not the same, Emilia. Sex for me was just a physical thing. It was just that: sex. But with you it’s making love…as cliché as that sounds. I love you and I’ve never come even close to feeling that way about someone. I could stay here like this forever with you.”

“I know what you mean…I think about it all the time…we’ve only known each other for five months, but it seems like forever. How is that possible?” I murmur softly. His gentle touch, moving back and forth along my neck and shoulder, puts me in a trance.

“It just is…we’re soul mates. I knew from the moment we met we’d be perfect together. It was love at first sight for me, but I’m not sure if you could say the same about me. I’m fairly certain you were very put off by me, right?”

I laugh at the memory of my interview with Logan for Studio One and how I called him cocky.

“Maybe you have your L words mixed up? Are you sure it was
love
at first sight and not
lust
at first sight?”

He grins back at me. “Ah. The great debate in
Romeo and Juliet
…well, it may be partly right. How about it was lust at first sight with your looks, but love at first sight for your mind?”

“A bit of a stretch, but I’ll give you points for creativity.”

“Points for creativity? Hm…is there a chance I might be able to earn some more points, Miss King?” He whispers, seductively.

“Possibly.” I bite my lip. “But can I ask you something?”

“Sure, as long as we can get back on the previous subject after I answer it.” He murmurs.

I grin. “You said your dad was here again…that’s twice in just a couple weeks. Is everything okay?”

“He’s going to open a hotel here. Didn’t I tell you?”

I shake my head, side to side, on the pillow. “No. That’s exciting.”

He shrugs.

“What’s the matter?” I can’t help, but notice his lack of enthusiasm.

“He wants me to run it…at least for the beginning.”

“That’s wonderful, Logan. You’ll do an amazing job.” I smile at him.

“It
would be
wonderful.” He murmurs and slides his hand along my backside, moving me closer to him.

“Would be?” I breathe. We are just an inch apart and his heat warms my skin.

“Hm. There is something that would make me happy…really happy.” He whispers as he nuzzles my neck just below my ear.

“Does it have to do with your lovely hotel beds?”

He leans back and looks at me for a second while he thinks. “It could.”

“It
would
make you happy and it
could
have something to do with your beds. I think I can make an educated guess. It sounds very tempting.”

“So, you’ll say yes.” He grins.

I laugh. “If you want me to come and test out a bed or two with you, I think I can be perfectly amenable to that.”

“You know that’s not what I have in mind. Well, not exactly.” He smiles his perfectly charming smile and I melt.

“What, exactly?”

“I want you to live with me at the hotel. My future is you. I know that without a shadow of a doubt. You don’t have to accept right this minute…it would be in June…after graduation.”

I immediately think of Bryn’s plan post-graduation: for me to live with her in downtown Los Angeles in the condo her parents are buying for her. She would be devastated if I bailed on her.

“I don’t know what I’m doing after graduation. I think I need to find a job first before I decide where I’m going to live.” I reply, diplomatically.

“I know where you can work.” His index finger trails over my lower lip. He’s so close. I can feel his hardness against me. I swallow.

“Would you like to discuss your current job openings, now?” I breathe.

“Maybe later…I think I’d like to earn some more of those creativity points.” He kisses my neck, just barely and slides so he’s above me.

I reach around his back, pulling him closer to me. “I’d like to give you some of those points.”

WE ARE BOTH SITTING in the living room, facing each other near the fireplace, the soft, comforting scent of the fire surrounds us while the quiet music from the iPod plays over the speakers. Famished from a combination of our empty stomachs and an increase in physical activity, we make our way to the kitchen in search of something of sustenance.

Minutes later we move into the chilly living room. With his white t-shirt and boxers and his tousled hair, Logan looks as irresistible as ever when I stare up at him as he starts a fire. I shiver in my short gown as he grabs a cashmere throw on the nearby couch and drapes it over my legs. He crawls down across from me, placing a fondue pot and a basket of bread in between us, and props pillows around us.

We take turns dipping a long-stemmed fork with chunks of French Rosemary Bread into the fondue pot of melted Gruyere Cheese and feed each other. It tastes divine and when I gaze at Logan, sitting in front of me, I wonder if it can get any better than this. I can hardly believe how happy I feel, how comforted and safe.

“You’re an excellent cook.” I say between bites.

“I’m impressing you with my ability to heat things up again?” He chuckles.

“I’m serious. I know earlier it was in the microwave, but fondue is tricky. You have to do it just right or the cheese will become rubbery. Besides, I’ve never had it with wine mixed in and that gives it an extra je ne sais quoi.”

“I think you’re giving me too much credit, but I’m glad you like it.” He stretches out on his side with his head resting on his elbow, staring up at me.

I gaze down at him, while ravenously devouring a chunk of fondue. “Something wrong?” I ask.

“No…just enjoying the view. You look beautiful here by the firelight…you’re glowing.”

I smile, shyly, chewing my mouthful of food and swallowing. “I’m sure I’m a mess with crazy bed-head, but thank you.”

He shakes his head. “There’s a lot to be said for bed-head, especially on you.”

“You’re too kind.” I laugh. “You’re not hungry anymore?” I ask.

“Well…” He starts to say but I interrupt him.

“I think I know what you’re going to say.” I smile and move the fondue pot with the basket of bread out of way so I can stretch out beside him.

“You know me well.” He smiles as he wraps his arm around my waist and slides me closer to him. He leans forward and gently kisses my forehead.

“So it seems…I think after today we both know a lot more about each other. Can I ask you something?” My head rests on my arm as I gaze up at him.

“Hm.” He replies, affirmatively, as he runs his fingers, delicately along my arm.

“Things are good with your parents? I mean, I never really asked you…about your holidays because of…well, you know.” I murmur.

“Yes. Everything seems good between them, actually really good. They’re even traveling together now. And, I’m sorry about the holidays. I really screwed things up…I didn’t tell my parents we weren’t together anymore, but I’m sure they knew something wasn’t right. I was miserable…barely ate or slept for three weeks.”

“Sounds like my holidays.” I breathe.

“I’m sorry, baby.” He wraps his arms tighter around me and I rest my head against him. He kisses my hair as he whispers in my ear. “I know I hurt you. I know it was my fault. I take full responsibility, but just know that I was in pain too. I always worried when we were together you’d run. I didn’t think I deserved you.”

I blink up at him. “Why did you think that? You’re probably the most self-assured person I know. I know you worried about me leaving, but what makes you think you aren’t worthy?”

“When you have substance abuse issues at such a young age it does a lot of damage to your self-image. Or is it the other way around…your self-image is so damaged it causes the substance abuse? Either way, I was fucked up. I know I seem confident, but appearances can be deceiving. And, when it comes to you…you were like this perfect angel that came into my life…beautiful, smart, sweet, funny…I just didn’t think you’d want to be with someone with so many demons.”

“We all have our demons.” I say, softly as my gaze falls from his.

Logan caresses the side of my face and then gently lifts my chin so I look back into his eyes. “You’re still perfect.”

I shrug. “I don’t know. But you are worthy…worthy in every way. Thank you for making today so perfect.”

“Perfect.” He repeats my word, mulling it over in his head. “I have to say it’s the best day of my life…or I should say it was the best day of my life.” I follow his gaze over my shoulder to the clock in the kitchen.

“It’s four in the morning? Is that right?” I ask. “How is it possible that I always felt so well-rested with you before? I don’t think I’ve slept a wink since we’ve gotten back together.”

“Is that a bad thing?” Logan says, leaning over as he kisses me tenderly.

“Not at all.” I breathe between kisses. “Just making an observation.”

“Good. If it’s okay with you I’d like to make some of my own observations.” He whispers as he slides the silky spaghetti strap from my shoulder, leaving kisses along the way as he does.

I reach down, lifting up his t-shirt and pulling it up over his head. His lips leave mine briefly as he gazes at me. “It’s okay with me.” I smile, bravely, knowing its Logan that makes me feel this way. I know I’m safe with him. And his love for me, despite my past and all my insecurities, makes me feel special.

His lips move over mine as both my hands skim the rippled muscles of his back, urging him closer to me. He leans over me, lightly rubbing his body against mine, as his mouth moves along my neck.

“Do you have any idea how irresistible you are?” His words are in whispered breaths along my jaw towards my ear causing a shiver to run down my spine.

“Cold?” He breathes as he presses his weight against me. The warmth of his body radiates through me and the chill quickly dissipates.

My hands move slowly, touching every nuance along the way, from his back to his strong, firm shoulders. “I’m good.” I say, softly. His eyes gaze into mine before he gently bears down on me as he kisses me deeply. His tongue sweeps into my ready and open mouth, swirling and sucking it deep into the back of his throat.

I moan as he moves southward, leaving tender kisses along the way and I close my eyes relishing his gentle touch. His mouth hovers over my breasts as he kisses and sucks them easing back and forth between them. My body strains from the burning inside of me, and I arch my back, pushing my hips upward, closer to him. I can feel his hardness above me.

His heated eyes gaze up at mine before his nose runs along the top of my panties. I lie still, panting quietly, as he slips them down along with my gown and tosses them aside. Then shuffling out of his boxers, he pulls me into his arms so we’re both sitting up with my legs wrapped tightly around his waist.

He grabs a condom and without his mouth leaving mine, slides it in place. The song “Beneath Your Beautiful” by Labrinth plays quietly around us as if it was perfectly synchronized with this moment. My lips curl into a smile against his warm, firm mouth.

“I could stay like this forever.” He whispers as he sinks with exquisite slowness into me.

Would you let me see beneath your beautiful? Would you let me see beneath your perfect?

These are the last words I here, before I lose myself in him yet again and wonder if it’s possible for someone to love another as much as I love him.

“YOU WANT TO GO BACK TO BED?” Logan’s voice is husky. For the past hour or so, we lie in silence as the fire slowly burns out in the fireplace. My back is to his front as he’s draped across me, his arm over me, holding me close with his legs entwined with mine. There’s a soft light in the room as the sky starts to brighten through the large windows and French doors that surround us.

He kisses my bare shoulder as I roll over to face him. “Go back to bed?” I arch a brow at him.

He laughs. “I meant to sleep, but if you have something else in mind I’m sure I can easily be persuaded.”

I smile at him. “I believe you and I made up for a lot of lost time in the last day maybe we should just stay here.”

He kisses me on the lips. “No, seriously…do you want to go to bed and actually sleep?”

“I’m good right here with you…unless you want to. I think at this point if I fall asleep I won’t get up for days.” I laugh.

“Then I think we should definitely go back to bed.”

I gaze at him, puzzled. He answers my question before I can ask it.

“I’d prefer you to sleep for days, weeks, months even if it’ll keep you here and keep you safe. So, yes, let’s definitely go back to bed.”

“What about school?” I tease.

“Independent study. And, I have to say I’m pretty certain you’d excel in that…in all areas.”

I roll my eyes. “Seriously, you have to stop worrying. Sebastian has issues, serious issues, but I really don’t think he’d be that stupid to try and hurt me or do something stupid. He’d be throwing his whole life away.”

He stares at me for a minute or two. “You’re sure I can’t convince you to stay? We could just lie around like this all day…all night.” He glides his hand along my arm up to the curve of my shoulder.