Chapter 19

CHAPTER 19

JESSICA

E very nerve in my body is on high alert. My hands won’t stop shaking and I’ve tripped over my own feet a half a dozen times since I arrived.

I personally invited all my local friends to join me for tonight's tasting. Everyone who’s important to me is here. Adam and Joseph are sitting at a table with some of their closest friends and significant others, and Gracie and Leann are sitting at the bar in front of me. In fact, Gracie’s family, the entire Strong Clan—all ten of them—is here for this soon to be celebration where I announce I’m moving back home.

But my nerves have little to do with announcing my plans to stay in Watercress Falls. Instead, it has everything to do with the man that just walked through the front door.

Matthew has never looked better in his tight-fitting jeans and snug t-shirt. Even with a shirt on I can see every curve and ridge of the muscles on his arms, chest, and abs. Matthew always had a great body, but the years have definitely been kind to him. Seeing him earlier shirtless and all hot and sweaty had been the sexiest thing I’d seen in years. Maybe even ever.

He makes a beeline for me like a man on a mission. At least three people call his name to say hi, but he doesn’t acknowledge any of them. It’s as if I’m the only person in the room even though we’re packed tonight .

He stops next to the bar in front of me and leans close. His bright green eyes darken as they rake down my body, leaving a trail of heat in their wake. My entire body feels like it’s been licked by flames. “Baby, you look amazing. I really want to kiss you right now.”

Feeling bold and so ready to take our relationship to the next level, I come back with, “What’s stopping you?”

He lets out a low rumbling growl before he straightens and walks around the bar. He marches right for me, swoops me into his arms, and kisses me. It’s hard at first, but as soon as I run my fingers around his neck and into the back of his hair, he melts into me, and the kiss softens.

I’m completely lost in him. Until he breaks the kiss and sits me back down on the ground, I don’t hear all the whoops and cheers of support. When I glance around, all our friends are standing and clapping.

Joseph is the first to reach across the bar and slap Matthew on the back. “Well, it’s about fucking time!”

More cheers erupt, and I bury my face in Matthew’s chest to hide my embarrassment. While this is exactly what I wanted him to do when I practically dared him to kiss me, I didn’t actually think he’d do it. He slips his hand under my chin and lifts my face to his. He kisses me again before he whispers in my ear. “Never be embarrassed, baby. When you know what you want, own it.”

My face heats at his words, because he’s right. I know what I want, and I want him. I don’t care who knows it. This may not have been how I planned on telling our friends and family we were giving our love another shot, but it works, and it makes me feel good.

I glance around the room, and all I see are smiles. Everyone is happy for us, just as they should be. My eyes meet Adam’s, and his smile grows. He lifts his glass of wine and nods his approval. I still haven’t fully learned to trust Matthew again, but I have forgiven him just like Adam said I needed to. He was right. My love for Matthew is stronger than the pain I’ve lived with over the years. That love helped me forgive him, and with time, he’ll earn my trust again. I know it.

“So, is this why you invited us all out here?” Joseph stood with a smirk on his face. “To tell us you’re back together. ”

I rest a hand on Matthew’s chest and look up at him with a grin. “Not exactly.” He takes my hand and squeezes it. I look back out at the crowd and smile. “My real announcement is to tell you all that I’ve decided not to sell the vineyard. I’m moving back to Watercress Falls permanently to run it myself.”

More cheers erupted. Again, Joseph is the first person to raise his glass in a toast. “Thank God for that. At least now we don’t have to worry about you selling to some weird Frenchman that’ll come in here and mess up a good thing.”

“Now why would a Frenchman mess it up.” I chuckle. Not that I had any intentions of selling the vineyard to a foreigner if selling had ever really been an option. “Aren’t they supposed to be good at wine making?”

“Who knows?” Joseph barks back. “Regardless, we don’t need them barging into our town and trying to steal all our women.”

“Well, I don’t know,” Gracie pipes up. “After meeting my sister’s French boyfriend, I think the young ladies of Watercress Falls could use the variety.”

A darkness passes over Joe’s eyes before he smiles. My gaze shifts back and forth between them, and I can’t help but wonder if there’s more to Joseph’s protests. “Well, if you like snooty dicks, I guess we men can change our approach to flirting.”

Gracie snorts. “Joe, please. Your idea of flirting is a little wham bam, thank you ma’am. I think a Frenchman could teach you a thing or two.”

He growls before taking another drink of his wine. The room erupts in laughter again because everyone knows Joseph is about as romantic as a wilted flower. But he is a charmer, and from what I understand, he’s never had trouble picking up women.

I arrive at the house before Matthew does. We left at the same time, so I assume he had to pick up Emmie before coming home. Disappointment washes over me. I was hoping to have the house alone with him tonight.

I head to the kitchen to get a glass of water. I’m by no means drunk, but I’ve had enough wine that I need to rehydrate or else I’ll wake up with a headache. I hear the front door open and close, then the soft sound of footsteps heading toward me. Matthew stops at the kitchen entrance—alone—and leans against the door frame.

“No Emmie?” I ask.

He shakes his head and stares at me with so much heat I have to clench my thighs together. “She’s staying the night at Momma’s. She won’t be home until after work tomorrow.”

I nod and take a sip of my water. I’m both glad and disappointed that the center island separates us. Something tells me if it weren’t here, Matthew would’ve already crossed the room and pressed me against the wall. As much as I want that, I’m nervous. It’s been far too long since I’ve had sex and I don’t want to disappoint him.

I sit my glass down and splay my fingers out on the island counter. It’s an action I meant to relax me but it seems to have the opposite effect on him. A sexy low growl escapes him as he takes no more then four strides across the room and wraps his arms around me. His mouth is hot and heavy on mine. When his hands run down my spine and under my ass, I let out a garbled moan.

He lifts me up and sets me onto the island counter without breaking our kiss. He jerks me close to him and presses his hard cock into my center causing me to moan even louder. With his tall stature and long legs, he fits perfectly against me in this position.

“Matt.” I manage to get out between breaths and the demanding swipes of his tongue. He doesn’t slow his assault on my mouth. If anything, me saying his name intensifies our kiss. “Matt, please.” I drop my head back and his mouth presses against my neck and down my chest. When he lightly licks along the line of my dress, I nearly come right then.

I grab his face and force him to look at me. His eyes meet mine and are instantly filled with worry. “What’s wrong, baby? If you’re not ready, we can stop.”

“It’s not that.” I drop my forehead to his. “I want this. It’s just … It’s been a long time since, you know …”

His hand runs up my back and cups the back of my neck. He presses a gentle kiss on my lips. “It’s been a long time for me too. Not since, well. ”

I nod because I know what he means. He doesn’t need to say her name. “But it's been even longer for me.”

“That’s okay. We can go slow or wait. It’s your call.” He rubs my back and kisses my neck.

“I don’t want to wait, but I need you to know I haven’t been with anyone else. Ever. Only you.”

His head shoots up and his hand tightens around my neck. “What? The last time we were together was like … five, no, six years ago.”

I nod and drop my head to his chest. He wraps his arms around me and holds me tight while pressing soft kisses on my neck and along my jawline. “How is that possible? You’re such a kind, beautiful woman. All this time I’ve tortured myself with images of other men having you.”

“You’re the only man I’ve ever wanted. The only man I ever needed. And I need you now.” His mouth claims mine again, and I tremble at his fervent touch. His tongue slips between my lips and tangles with mine. He tastes like wine and chocolate and something else I can’t identify—something that is uniquely him.

I tug at his shirt, needing to feel his bare skin against my hands and my body. As soon as it’s untucked from his jeans, I slip my hands underneath and run them up his chest. He lets out a guttural growl when I squeeze his pecks. The sound is so hot and sexy my core clenches in anticipation of his touch.

He pulls back and looks at me with a fiery gaze so intense it steals my breath. In one swift move, he rips his shirt over his head and tosses it aside. Then he tugs at the hem of my dress and shimmies it up my thighs, under my ass, and over my head.

The fire in his eyes deepen and is accompanied by something that looks a lot like admiration as he takes in my nearly naked body.

“You’re fucking gorgeous, Jess,” he says as his hands trail up my sides and cup my breasts. I suck in a harsh breath when his thumbs swirl around my nipples. Even through my bra, his touch sends a chill through me. He runs his hands behind me, unfastens my bra, and slips it off my shoulders. He’s hyper focused on my chest and his eyes widen like they’re the best thing he’s ever seen. “Fuck, I want to taste every inch of you. ”

“Yes.” I involuntarily arch my back to him, and he doesn’t hesitate to answer my plea by sucking one of my nipples into his mouth. There’s no gentle easing me into his assault. He takes it into his mouth with ferocious intent that sends a spasm straight to my core.

I feel my body start to fall back, but he runs an arm around my waist and holds me tight. He releases my nipple and moves to the other, this time sucking and nibbling. His teeth feel like intense torture devices intent on making me come, and he hasn’t even touched me there yet.

He slowly eases me back on the counter, releasing my nipple and kissing his way down my stomach. His hands clamp around my hips and he gives me a tug until my ass is right at the edge.

He looks up at me with so much want and need in his eyes. I suck in a breath because I know that look. I love that look.

He smiles, and I know that means he plans on taking his time, savoring me the way he did when we were younger. We rarely ever rushed sex, taking our time to explore each other and really learn what we each liked. He knows how much I love his tongue on me and he intends on giving me just that.

Hooking his fingers through my panties, he pulls them down my legs in a slow torturous motion. I groan in frustration, but secretly I love how slow he’s taking this.

He sits down on one of the stools and lifts my legs, resting my feet on his shoulders. He takes me in, laid out before him completely bare, and groans out his pleasure. “Fuck, Jess. I can’t wait to make you come on my mouth.”

He runs one hand up my stomach and to my hardened peaks, while his other hand holds me open to him. He slowly kisses and nibbles his way up my leg while he pinches my nipples and squeezes my breasts. With each rake of his teeth across my thigh, jolt after jolt of lightning shoots to my core in anticipation of the arrival of his mouth.

I’m about to beg him for mercy when he finally runs his tongue up my center and brushes it across my clit. My back instantly arches, and I let out a barely discernible curse. He chuckles, and the vibration of his laugh sends another rush of sensations through my body .

“You like that?” I feel his grin against my bare sensitive flesh.

“You know I do.” My response comes out breathy and lust-filled even though I’m trying to sound irritated. He laughs and licks me again, only this time he sucks on my clit causing me to cry out.

“How’s that, baby?” He doesn’t wait for me to respond and repeats the action. Again and again and again. With each stroke of his tongue and suck from his lips, I writhe more and more, close to completely losing control.

I splay my hands out beside me, desperate for something to grasp but find nothing but the smooth countertop. Matthew must sense my need because he reaches for my hands and laces his fingers with mine. “Hold onto me, baby. I’ve got you.”

And he does. He holds my hands tight while he licks and sucks and fucks me with his tongue. It’s intense and hot, and when I come, my entire body arches off the counter and a string of unintelligible words and curses escape my lips.

His mouth remains on me until my orgasm subsides, and my body begins to still. Only then does he release my clit and kiss his way up my stomach. “Oh, my God, Matt. That was … fuck.”

He chuckles as he lightly kisses and nips at my skin, slowly moving up my chest until he reaches my neck. “And we’re only getting started, baby.” He presses his hard cock against my center and groans. Even through his jeans, I can feel how hard and excited he is for me. “I need to be inside you.”

“Yes.” I buck my hips up in response.

“Let’s take this upstairs. I don’t have a condom on me.” He reaches for my hands, and I shake my head.

“No, I want you. Just you. Nothing between us.” He freezes, his eyes widening.

“What are you saying?” He loops his hand around my neck and lifts me up for a kiss.

I cup his cheeks and hold him, so our eyes are level with each other. “I’m still on birth control to keep me regular. I want to feel you inside me. Just you.”

“Fuck, Jess. You’re going to be the death of me.” He kisses me hard, plunging his tongue deep inside my mouth. This man takes my breath away, and it feels so fucking good .

I make quick work of undoing his jeans and starting the process of shoving them down his hips. He releases me and I moan at the absence of his body, his heat.

“Don’t worry, baby. This will only take a second.” He strips his jeans and boxers off quickly. When I look up and see his hard cock bounce against his stomach, I gasp. I’d been with him so many times when we were young, and yet I don’t remember him being that thick and long.

I reach for him, needing to feel his silky, hard cock in my hand. When my hand wraps around him, he growls like a bear ready for the hunt. “Fuck, baby. I hope you’re ready for me.”

“Yes, past ready.” My gaze travels over his entire body. Every muscle is tight and hard. He’s stronger and more defined than he was when we were young. He’s all man now and my body aches to know him again, to learn how his lovemaking has matured. I tighten my hand around his cock and give it a tug.

He digs his hands into my hips and pulls me closer to him. I release him and lay back on the counter. His tip immediately finds my entrance like it’s a homing device and I’m its target. His tip nudges my entrance, but he doesn’t push inside me. “I hope you’re ready for this. I’m gonna fuck you hard. No mercy.”

“Oh God, plea—” My words are cut off when he slams fully inside me. All the air is pushed out of my chest like I’ve been sucker-punched. I pull in a sharp breath, and his eyes narrow on me as if asking if I’m okay. I nod and he slowly pulls out which equally steals my breath. He moves in and out of me in slow languid motions, each one more tortuous than the one before.

Then he slams inside me again and takes my mouth with his, consuming my cries of pleasure. He fills me so completely, every inch of my body feels him, aches for him, needs only him.

He moves again, slowly at first, but then he picks up the pace. “Fuck, you feel so good. I’m trying to go slow, but I really don’t want to.”

“Then don’t.” I whisper against his neck. Apparently, that’s all the encouragement he needs because he pushes up to a standing position, pulling out of me. I moan at the loss of his body and cock buried deep inside me. He tugs me back to the edge of the counter and slowly pushes inside me.

“Reach your arms above you and grab hold of the edge of the counter.” I do as I’m told. As soon as I have a good grip, his hands dig into my hips, and he thrusts hard inside me. He shows me no mercy, just like he promised. His powerful thrusts are like flames scorching my body in pleasure and pain. He’s relentless and my body answers him in agonizing trembles of pleasure.

My body tightens around him and my release builds. He lets out a muddled curse, and his thrusts grow more frantic. Unbridled. I’m so close, but so is he. I can feel his cock harden more and more with each forceful plunge inside me.

“Come for me, baby. Now.” He presses his thumb against my clit as he pounds into me. My body obeys his command, and I come undone. He doesn’t last two more thrusts before he’s coming with me. Our bodies are completely in sync, and for the first time in years I feel whole again.

I feel whole again.

My emotions are in overdrive and take control of me once again. Tears sting my eyes, and a sob escapes me before I grab hold of it and swallow it deep inside me.

Matthew scoops me into his arms and cradles me against his chest. “Did I hurt you?”

I shake my head and take a deep breath before I look up at him. “It’s just, I’ve missed you so much.”

“I know, baby.” He holds his gaze on mine as he kisses me lightly. “I’ve missed you, too. More than you can possibly know.”

He picks me up as if I weigh nothing. With one arm under my ass and the other wrapped around my shoulders, he heads for the stairs. I cling to his neck, unsure how he’s holding onto me considering how sweaty and spent we both are, but he doesn’t waver once.

He heads toward his room and gently lays me on the bed. Pulling me flush against him, he cups my face and stares down at me with so much intensity it takes my breath away. “I know we still have a lot to work through. But I need you to understand, I will do whatever it takes to prove to you that I am worthy of you and your love. I love you. Always yours. Always mine. ”

I nod because words escape me. He gently kisses me and rolls me over on my back. He nudges my legs open and settles between me. I let out a soft moan when I feel his excitement pressed against my thigh. I can’t believe he’s already hard for me again.

“Now that I’ve fucked you hard, I’m going to make love to you. Slow and easy. Okay?”

He slowly slides inside me, not waiting for me to answer. My body is still ultra-sensitive from my last orgasm and I instantly clench around him as he fills me completely.

“Matthew.” His name is no more than a whisper from my lips.

“Yeah, baby?” He slowly moves in and out of me, and he feels so damn good. As much as I love how he fucked me hard, there’s something magical about this slow appreciation of my body.

“I love you, too.”

“I know, baby. I know.” He kisses me lightly. First on my lips, then my cheeks, down my neck and to my chest. He spends the next hour slowly showing me just how deep his love for me runs with his dick, his hands, and his mouth. I lose count of how many times I come undone, but I know with certainty that he only came once more. The entire experience had been all for me.