Chapter 12

12

CROW

I ’m completely obsessed with Emma.

I’ve been fixated on things before, but this is different. My art is a compulsion – something that bubbles up almost unbidden out of my soul and onto the page, then eventually people’s bodies. My urge to create a nice home was probably just a basic human nesting instinct.

My wanting to join the VFFT comes from an altruistic need to serve my community. Okay, and partly from the wish to fit into the community.

Emma is a very different kind of need. My heart’s desire. I’m already picturing lazy brunches with endless mugs of coffee. Long strolls in the forest. Taking her shopping for tomatoes and onions simply because we’re craving bruschetta.

I’m in love with her.

The feeling of her hot, graceful body squeezing me so tightly drives me to a point of lust that feels otherworldly. It’s taking every single ounce of my strength not to thrust harder. Since this is our first time together, and definitely her first time at all, I’m determined to keep things gentle. Romantic. Treat this sexy woman like the goddess she is.

“You’re so beautiful,” I whisper, dragging my finger across her clit just a bit quicker. Feeling her respond so well to my touch fills me with pride as the tension builds. I can’t wait to watch her eyes when she comes. “Every man dreams of a woman just like you, but I got the deluxe version.”

Her eyes twinkle mischievously. “If you’re trying to say that I’m more expensive,” she huffs breathlessly, “I?—”

I cut her off with a deep, soul-stirring kiss. “I mean that you’re perfect for me. Creative and fascinating and open-minded and kind and hard-working and sexy as fucking hell.”

Her mouth falls open with a gasp, as I feel her tipping over the edge. Her total surrender, her trust in me… I’ll do anything for her.

I push her left knee up and out, opening her up even more. We both groan with a stuttering breath as I bottom out inside her. She’s soaking wet, her skin clinging to mine with every deep stroke. Every choked whimper is burned into my memory. Each of her gasps is a trophy I’ll treasure forever. Her arousal, her satisfaction is my greatest achievement.

I’m already out of my mind for Emma, and I can tell that the feeling is only going to grow stronger over time.

Moving a bit faster and harder, I thrust deep and steady, watching her eyes glaze over as her snug, wet pussy grips me so tightly I have no choice but to come with her. A bit of my self-control slips as I realize I’m pounding harder, my cock swelling as her fingernails dig into my ass. Her climax makes her inner muscles flutter along my shaft, as if her body is milking the orgasm right out of me.

Emma’s breathless cries make my heart and cock explode at the same time. Every stroke shakes us and the bed, then I’m coming hard, growling her name as I clasp her body to mine. Our bodies jerk together, writhing as our hips meet harder, wringing every drop of pleasure from each other. I hope her fingers are scratching me hard enough to leave marks, because I want to feel this moment for as long as humanly possible.

Our eyes lock, hearts racing as we stare at each other in disbelief. Her breathing is shallow, cheeks flushed. Slowly I roll off and lie beside her, holding her gently.

“How was—” I begin, just as she murmurs, “Wow.”

We laugh together, both starry-eyed and jellylike. My hand gently caresses her shoulder as her foot rubs my ankle. “Am I a terrible man to invite you to stay over?”

Her lovely eyes grow wide. “Oh! This is actually the one night I can!” Her head tips to the side, and I kiss along the side of her face. “My aunt goes to the dermatologist in Charlotte a few times a year, and my uncle always uses the trip as an excuse for a night out and a great dinner. They won’t be back until late tomorrow afternoon.”

“Do you work tomorrow?”

“Yes. Desire let me take off today for the street fair, so I should be there a bit early to make up for it.”

“Have I mentioned how much I appreciate you helping me today?” My hand glides along her hip, squeezing gently. Damn, how is her skin so buttery soft?

“Yes. But you can thank me again in the morning by making me coffee for a change.”

I snuggle my saucy girl close. “Deal. I’ll make you breakfast and we can play house. Oh, and let me know if I snore or anything, for…you know…future reference.”

As I meet her eyes, I notice that she’s…a bit tense? Thoughtful? That doesn’t feel like an expected reaction. I thought that all women wanted to play house as soon as possible, so they could envision a life with a guy and see if he’s worth keeping.

Emma certainly has some…odd…reactions. I want to get to the bottom of all of them, but I don’t want to pry. It feels like we’re in a perfect bubble of right now and I don’t want anything to burst.

Even though I desperately want to tell her how I feel as she sinks into my arms after I throw a blanket over us, it’s way too soon. The worst thing I could do is scare my sweet sparkling girl away by telling her already that I love her.

I’m already positive that we belong together. I just have to find a way to dissolve her fears.