N. Walters - Past Promises

“Wow!” She didn’t know what else to say. “That’s incredible.” But something troubled her. “If you already had a job, why did you do renovation work for me in exchange for free rent?”

“Because—” Levi cupped her shoulders and tugged her close, “—I wanted to be near you.” Leaning down, he kissed her forehead. “I wanted to spend time with you.” More kisses on her cheeks, nose and chin. “Because I want to make love with you.”

Breathless, she pressed herself against his chest. His large body was hot and he always smelled so good. She ached between her thighs and in her soul. She needed this man to fill both places.

Linda had no idea where their relationship would go from here. There had been a lot to digest tonight. All she knew was she loved him and he was staying. The man had given her a building for heaven’s sake. Not that she was accepting it. She’d be paying him back as soon as her inheritance came through.

She’d tell him so. Tomorrow. All that mattered now was getting closer to Levi. Going up on her toes, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down until his lips met hers. “All you had to do was ask.”

All the tension that had filled Levi since he’d gotten back to Jamesville slipped away as Linda tightened her arms around him. Their lips melded together in a tender kiss. He wanted to be gentle with her, show her a softer side. She’d seen a side of him today that he’d never wanted to show her. But she’d taken it all in stride. He still couldn’t believe that she was worried about protecting him from her father.

He let his palms slide down her slender back until he was cupping her ass. It filled his hands and he squeezed. She moaned into his mouth before sucking on his tongue.

Levi was a man renowned for his patience. He was a legend in certain circles for his ability to block out all else and concentrate on the problem at hand. But this slender woman made a mockery of self-control.

She stroked her fingers over the nape of his neck before tunneling into his hair. Her nails scraped over his scalp in an erotic caress. She rubbed her breasts against his chest. Even through the layers of clothing, he could feel her taut nipples.

He had to have her. Now.

Lifting her, he started down the hallway. Linda didn’t break their kiss. Instead, she wrapped her legs around his waist and ground her mound against his erection. Levi staggered, bouncing off the wall before regaining his balance. He tore his mouth from hers and gasped for breath.

That didn’t stop her. Linda peppered his face and neck with hot little kisses. He managed to make it into her bedroom. The light from the hallway was more than enough. He stopped by the bed, but she kept her legs wrapped tightly around his waist.

“Linda.” He tried to get her to unlock her legs. Really, he did. But he didn’t want to hurt her. “Darlin’,” he tried again. “You’ve got to let go if we’re going to get naked.”

That seemed to galvanize her. “Right.” She slid her legs away, brushing the entire front of her body against him. She smiled, a sexy teasing smile, as she ripped her top off and unhooked her bra. The straps slid down her arms and the scrap of material fell to the floor at her feet.

Levi grabbed a handful of his shirt and dragged it over his head. He couldn’t stop staring at her. As always, the sheer beauty of her drew him. His hands were trembling as he reached out, using his thumbs to trace the soft skin surrounding her nipples. Her breath was faster now, short puffs of air that were warm against his skin.

Leaning down, he blew softly on her nipples. They pebbled even more. Satisfied, he drew one of them into his mouth and sucked. Hard. Linda’s fingers dug into his scalp, tangling in his hair, tugging him closer. He worked back and forth, teasing one breast, then the other, loving the sounds of pleasure that came from her.

Suddenly, it wasn’t enough. He had to have her naked. Beneath him. He had to bury himself deep in her warmth. He’d been cold for so long. Only Linda could warm him.

Releasing her nipple, he kissed a path down her torso until he reached the band of her jeans. On his knees in front of her now, he flicked open the button and drew down the zipper. Levi pushed his hands inside, dipping beneath her silky panties to the even softer skin beneath.

He inhaled the scent of her arousal, pushing one of his hands between her thighs. She was hot and wet, her cream coating his fingers. She whimpered, digging her nails into his shoulders.

“Levi.” She drew out the sound of his name on a moan. His cock jumped in response.

“I need you naked.” He stood and reached for the opening of his jeans. “Finish it,” he prompted her as he toed off his sneakers and kicked them aside. He shoved his jeans and briefs down his thighs. He stepped out of them and drew off his socks, leaving him naked.

His eyes hadn’t left her while he’d been stripping off his clothing. Linda shimmied out of her jeans and panties, skimming off her socks in the process. Her pale skin gleamed in the light from the hallway.

As always, he was struck by the sheer wonder of her. She was so slender and delicate in appearance. Her short black hair framed her fine-boned face and her dark blue eyes to perfection. She might be tall for a woman, but she was so much smaller than him. He was always aware of his strength when he touched her. Right or wrong, it brought out the primitive part of him. He wanted to claim her, fuck her, protect and cherish her. It was as confusing as hell. But it also felt right.

She shivered and he swore at himself for keeping her standing there while he looked his fill. He started toward her, but she stopped him by raising her hand.

“What’s wrong?” He didn’t know if he’d survive if she wanted to stop, but he’d damn well do it.

Linda licked her lips. He shuddered as a fiery need coursed through his veins. His balls ached for release and pre-come seeped from the head of his cock.

“Sit down on the side of the bed.” She walked forward and placed her palm in the center of his chest and pushed. He took the two steps necessary to bring him up against the bed and sat.

Her eyes were wide, her pupils dilated. Her nipples were tight buds of desire. He knew she still wanted him. He swallowed hard and recited complex math formulas in his mind as she stared at his erection. It jumped and flexed toward her.

“I’ve never had my turn.” She looked at him then and he could see the uncertainty in her eyes.

“Your turn?” he questioned gently.

She nodded and reached out her hand. Using her index finger, she stroked the length of his shaft from base to tip. He swallowed hard to keep from coming.

“You’re always pleasuring me, but I never get to do it in return. Not since that time in the bathtub.”

Was she saying what he thought she was saying? Linda put both hands on his knees and pushed his thighs wide. Then she gracefully knelt on the floor in front of him.

Sweat broke out all over his body. Every muscle in his body tensed and he began to shake. The mere thought of her mouth on his cock was almost enough to make him come. He swallowed hard. “My control is hanging by a thread, darlin’.”

“Good.” She gifted him with a brief smile before turning all her attention to his erection.

Linda no longer felt the chill of the room as she knelt between Levi’s thighs. Between his body heat and the fire coursing through her limbs, she was hot. Her breasts felt swollen and her nipples were hard. She felt empty inside, filled with a hot, wet ache that only Levi could assuage.

She studied his shaft. It was long and thick. Blue veins ran up and down the length. The bulbous head at the top was plum shaped and much darker. As she watched, a pearly bead of liquid seeped from the slit.