“I’d be mad if you didn’t.” I lift up and meet him as his lips press to mine. The kiss starts off slow, just the pressure of his lips on mine. Once, twice, three times, he kisses me before his tongue peeks out and traces my bottom lip.
“So sweet,” he murmurs, kissing me again. This time, his hand finds its way to the back of my neck as he holds me close. I open for him, and he wastes no time sliding his tongue past my lips to caress mine.
Needing more, I move to straddle him, never breaking our kiss. My hips rock against his, and his body reacts to me. Somehow, he manages to sit up and rest his back against the couch. My hands go to his shoulders as I grind against him.
“Fuck,” he murmurs, letting his head fall back against the couch. I freeze, and his hands land on my hips. “Don’t stop, baby. Take what you need.”
Embarrassed, I bury my face in his neck. I don’t know what’s come over me. I feel his arms wrap around me as he holds me close.
“Mara.”
Knowing I have to face the music, I lift my head, grateful that the room is dark with nothing but the glow of the TV. “I’m sorry,” I say sheepishly.
“I’m not. I never want you to be shy about asking or taking what you need from me. No matter what it is.”
“That’s not me. I don’t know what’s come over me.”
“That might not be you, but that’s us.” His hands move to my hips and he guides me to move up and back, up and back. “Take what you need. There are no pretenses, no worry about what you’ll have to give in return. Not with me.” His hands move from my hips to cradle my cheeks in the palms of his hands. “I want to give you everything.” His lips connect with mine in a kiss so sensual, it sends electric currents throughout my body. I rock my hips and he pulls away. “Take what you need. I wanna see you come, Mara.” His softly whispered confession does nothing to limit my desire, this hot inferno building inside me. My hands brace on his shoulders once more. His hands land back on my hips, and together, we chase the high that is just within my reach. His eyes, dark brown pools of desire, never leave mine. I close my eyes, his stare too intense. “Open for me, Mara. I want to see you when you lose control.”
“I can’t.” I keep my eyes closed and lower my head. Just… feeling.
“It’s just me, baby, and I’m here for you. Take what you need, but let me see. Let me watch you. Give me those big green eyes.” He lifts his hips and his hard length hits my clit. Slowly, I lift my head and stare into his eyes. “There she is. Now show me.”
The sensation is too intense, the friction feels too good, so I do as he asks. I grind against him, seeking release, something I’ve been missing in my life since the night I last slept with Finley’s father. Since the night my daughter was conceived. Sure, I take matters into my own hands, but there is nothing that compares to strong hands roaming your body, or Seth’s deep voice telling me to let go.
“S-Seth,” I pant.
“I’m right here, gorgeous. I’m right here.” His grip on my hips tightens as he guides me to my release.
“Oh my….” I bite down on my bottom lip to keep from screaming out his name, mindful that my daughter is sleeping just down the hall. Once the final tremor leaves my body, I slump against him. Spent, sated, and too damn blissed out to feel embarrassed.
Seth holds me against him. I can feel how hard he is, but he never once takes it any further. That alone makes me want to. I pull away, stand, and try to drop to my knees, but he stops me.
“Not tonight. Let’s get you tucked into bed.”
“That’s got to hurt,” I say, looking at the bulge in his jeans.
“Don’t worry about me. I got exactly what I wanted. I wanted to spend time with you and your daughter, and I wanted to see you come. I got both.”
“Seth—” He stops me with a kiss.
“No. We have time for more another time. This isn’t one and done, Mara. There’s no rush. Come on.” He walks me to the door. “I wanted to tuck you in, but damn it, I know if I see you in your bed, I’ll never be able to leave. So I’m going to say goodnight here. Lock up behind me and I’ll see you at work in the morning.”
“Thank you for dinner.”
“My pleasure. Get some rest.”
“Be safe. Will you text me when you get home? So I know you made it okay.”
“I don’t want to wake you.”
“I’ll be up until I hear from you.”
“Okay. Lock up behind me. Give Finley a hug from me in the morning.”
“Night, Seth.”
He leans in and kisses me. “Night, baby.”
He opens the door and quietly slips outside. I turn the lock and hear his footsteps pound down the front steps. I’m sure his truck is freezing cold, but I’m afraid if he was here any longer, I might force him to stay. Turning off the TV, I make my way to my room and decide I need a shower to clean up. I rinse off quickly, knowing I’ll take another in the morning since I’m going to bed with wet hair, and change into some pajamas. Picking up my phone, I see that I have a missed call.
Amelia.
I quickly send her a message.
* * *
Me: Sorry. I fell asleep.
* * *
With Seth. Of course, I leave that part out, even though it’s the most interesting. I know my friend and she’s going to want all the details, and I’m still processing them myself.
* * *
Amelia: I figured. How was your first day?
* * *
Me: Great. It’s a lot to learn about the business, but I’m feeling good about it.
* * *
Amelia: I knew you would. Get some sleep. We’ll catch up tomorrow.
* * *
Me: Night.
* * *
Amelia is working at temporary jobs for an agency. I’m not sure why. She’s got the education and the skill to do so much more. I feel like I’m missing something important with her. Maybe it’s just the time we spent apart, but my gut tells me that it’s more. I’ll have to plan dinner or something so she and I can catch up, and I can try to figure out what’s going on with my dearest friend.
I’m lying in bed staring at the shadows on the ceiling, thinking about tonight, thinking about Seth, when my phone vibrates in my hand.
* * *
Seth: Made it home.
* * *
Me: Good. Night, Seth.
* * *
Seth: Night.
* * *
Plugging my phone in to charge, I drift off to sleep with thoughts of Seth and this new life I’m living on my mind. I’m excited for once to see what’s yet to come.
Chapter Seven
Seth 7
* * *
It’s Saturday night and I’m sitting on the floor of Finley’s room watching her dance around in circles. We spent the day painting it a light and dark teal. I thought Mara was crazy when she told me, but I have to admit, it turned out great.
“You like it?” I ask, laughing as she spins so fast she gets dizzy and crashes into a pile of pillows in the middle of the floor.
“I wuv it.” She crawls over to me and into my lap. “Ank you.” She wraps her little arms around my neck in a hug. I hug her back, my heart splitting wide open for this little girl.
“All right, miss thang, it’s time for you to go to bed.”
“No.” She clings to me.
“Hey, remember I have a surprise for you tomorrow.”
Her little head lifts from where she had it buried in my chest. “You have to go to sleep so you can wake up and I can take you to your surprise.”
She shakes her head. “No.”
“Come on, Mommy will read you a story.” Mara tries to coax her.
“Sef,” she says defiantly, holding onto me.
My eyes find Mara, and she sighs. I raise my eyebrows in silent question, and she nods, giving me her permission. “Okay, but one story, and then you have to promise to have sweet dreams.” In a flash, she’s off my lap and rushing to the small bookshelf that’s sitting away from the wall allowing the paint to dry. She grabs a book and brings it to me. I lie down on the floor, resting my head on the pillows and she lies down next to me. “Five-Minute Princess Stories,” I read the title of the book. I glance at Mara to see that she’s no longer there. “Okay, one story, you ready?” I ask Finley. She nods her little head and yawns. If I was a betting man, I would guess she won’t last through one full story. She’s played hard today and only slept for a little while. According to Mara, she usually takes at least a two-hour nap, so I’m sure she’s ready to crash.