
An Ellora's Cave Romantica Publicationwww.ellorascave.com
Killer Curves
ISBN 9781419917844ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.Killer Curves Copyright © 2008 Regina Carlysle
Edited by Helen Woodall.Photography and cover art by Les Byerley.
Electronic book Publication September 2008
With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502.
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This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author's imagination and used fictitiously.
Dedication
For Wendi Christner. For the laughs and the friendship. You're a terrific writer and one of the neatest people I know.
Trademarks Acknowledgement
The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:
Aston Martin: Aston Martin Logonda Limited
Berber: Mohawk Brands, Inc.
BMW: Bayerische Motoren Werke, Aktiengesellschaft
Dodge Ram: Chrysler LLC LTD LIAB CO
ESPN: ESPN Inc.
Harley: H-D Michigan Inc.
Pepsi: Pepsico, Inc.
Porsche Carrera GT: Dr. lng. H.c. F. Porsche AG Corporation
Subzero: Sub-Zero Freezer Company, Inc.
Her mouth felt like warm, wet silk sliding up the heavy length of his cock. What was her name? Was it Janie? Jill? Something like that? It pissed him off that he couldn't remember. Must've been the liquor.
J.T. sprawled naked in the chair and looked down at her blonde head as it moved up and down, working him. That delicious mouth swallowed his length dragging a groan from his throat. He watched his fingers clench in her hair and lay his head back as the suctioning pull of her mouth devoured him with slow strokes.
This morning when he'd finally opened his eyes, he peered at the lush, naked stranger next to him and wondered what in the hell had possessed him.
Eying the half empty bottle of scotch near his elbow, he groaned. Yep. He knew the answer to that question. Too much whiskey and too many memories had propelled him toward the woman at last night's party. They were always around and he'd been quick to make his selection from the bevy of groupies that showed up at this kind of thing.
He felt like a shithead for not recalling her name so he improvised. "That's it, sweetheart. Suck my cock. Just like that. Ah, yeah, that's goooood," he finished on a husky moan.
A low hum rose up from her throat vibrating the head then she slipped her tongue against the slit at the end and flicked rapidly. "You've gotta be the 'blow job' queen, sweet thing," he murmured. His balls drew up tight as the blonde groped at his sac, settled a thumb just beneath and pressed the throbbing nerve hidden there. Arching into her mouth, J.T. promised himself he'd make it up to her. The forgetting her name stuff.
It was bad of him and he only had the liquor to blame.
Despite the throbbing hangover that pulsed through his brain, the blow job was superb as she drew on his cock, milked him, stroked his tight aching balls. Almost there, he thought as her hand fisted at the base and flexed. Holy shit. "I'm coming. Hell, yeah, darlin'."
She mewled, lapping against his hard flesh. She sucked and pulled.
J.T. felt the sensation rocket through his body, curling his toes against the Berber carpet on his living room floor. Tingles danced across his spine and over his scalp. His shout of release whipped through the air, drowning out the sound of the television in the background, shutting off his barely functioning brain for just a minute, sending him into oblivion.
When she sank against his thigh, he cupped her face and got a good look at her. Pretty, in a hard sort of way. Definitely suffering from a hangover if the bleary look in her blue eyes was any kind of indicator. Gently, he stroked a hand over her cheek and smiled.
"Hell of a way to wake up, darlin'."
She smiled contentedly, licking her lips, as she flipped her long hair back over her shoulder. Her eyes widened as she caught a glimpse of the picture showing on the plasma TV hanging on the wall. "Hey! That's you," she said, pointing. She sighed. "God, J.T. you're so fucking hot."
Classic Speed was playing. J.T. flicked his gaze to the segment he'd seen a million times over the past three years. His heart thumped hard, crashing into his rib cage. He saw the familiar shot of Mark Salem and himself at the track in full gear. Smiling teammates gearing up for the time trial at the Miami 500. The ensuing chaos as Mark's car slammed into a retaining wall at the track. The ball of flame, shouts. Carrie's face, a mask of terror and grief as, Ted Dobbs, the crew chief held her to keep her from running toward the scene of destruction. All caught on film. Saved for posterity.
Carrie. Mark's wife.
Jesus.
The sight of her threatened to bring him to his knees.
"I remember her," the blonde said in a small voice. "She's really pretty."
"Yeah." Pale hair, soft-looking. J.T.'s belly clenched.
"Some of the girls were talking about her the other night."
He had to ask. "What were they saying?" He knew. Oh yeah, a guy didn't have to be a rocket scientist to figure what a pack of groupies might have to say about Mark's wife.
Naked, she stood bold as brass and shook her head. "Said she was as cold as ice in the sack and that's why Mark took her to all the parties but always left with someone else."
Mark had been an ass but J.T. kept it to himself. Any man who'd throw away a beautiful woman like Carrie would have to be blind and dumb as dirt. How many nights had he been witness to her embarrassment and hurt over Mark's actions? How many nights, as the designated best friend, had he personally seen to it she'd gotten home? And every time, he'd stare into those sweet baby blues and wish she were his.
In one fluid motion, J.T. stood and reached for the jeans he'd discarded when the groupie he'd picked up the night before had sauntered naked into the room with the promise of easy sex. Suddenly, everything was just too much. The women. The booze. Trying to forget.
"Um...listen. It's getting pretty late and I have to get some things done today," he began, feeling like a lame ass.
"Yeah. That's okay. I understand," the woman said, turning toward the bedroom. "I need to be running along anyway."
J.T. watched her go into the bedroom and spotted her purse on a chair near the foyer. Barefoot, he padded across the wide living room floor and plucked it up. Rummaging, he grunted when he found her driver's license. He gave it a glance and tucked it away again. By the time, she came out, wearing last night's little black dress, he felt more composed. "Last night was good, Jana. I enjoyed hanging out with you."
Jana. Her name was Jana.
At least he was gentleman enough to address her properly after a night of wild, monkey sex and the best head he'd had in months.
She strolled up and wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning in. "Hey, what's going on tonight? Want to get together? We could party."
Hearing the sounds of racecars roaring in the background, he suddenly knew what he had to do. It was time to face that sweet little ghost from his past.
It was time to see if he still loved her more than any woman he'd ever known.
J.T. smiled and shook his head. "Can't do it, honey. Listen, why don't you write your number and address on that pad over there. I have to leave town and I'm not sure when I'll be back. Maybe we can hook up again when I've finished my business."
Like never.
But he wasn't going to tell her that. He'd place a call to his florist and send her something. It was the least he could do.
Two hours later, he felt a little more human. A shower, shave and a handful of aspirin could do that for a guy. He placed a call to his personal assistant. "Hey, Dor, I need a favor. I'm going to be out of town for a few weeks. Want to hang out over here? Housesit for me?"
Doreen, who'd been taking care of him for years, laughed. "It'll be like a vacation for me staying at your place. I'd do it for free but you'll have to pay me anyway."
He rattled off a list of things and disconnected, anxious to get on his way now that he'd made his plans. Grabbing his duffel bag, he headed through the monstrous house wondering how in the hell a poor boy from the sticks of North Carolina deserved something so fine. It was weird what people would spend their hard-earned money on and fortunately for him, they paid big bucks to see him drive fast. Very, very fast.
Heading into the five car garage, his gaze skipped past the Aston Martin and the Porsche Carrera GT. Nope, the custom Harley wouldn't do either. Decided, he tossed his duffel into the bed of his Dodge Ram double cab and climbed behind the wheel.
The silver bullet wasn't built for speed but it was comfortable and inconspicuous. He didn't want to deal with fans on this trip so it was best to keep things on the down-low. Low profile all the way.
J.T. Sims, former NexTrac Cup Rookie of the Year, former best friend of the world famous, now dead, Mark Salem didn't want anything to distract him from his purpose. He was headed to the Texas Hill Country and a certain beautiful blue-eyed blonde.
He'd put off this confrontation far too long. It was time. Long past time he looked her straight in those gorgeous eyes and told her he loved her. She'd say it back, too. Eventually.
J.T. wasn't going to take no for an answer.
\*
Carrie Martin-Salem stood barefoot on the top rung of the three-step ladder, dust rag in hand and swiped at the top of a glistening cream-colored bookcase. Teresa was here for the weekly cleaning job but Carrie hated inactivity so she was pitching in. It was her house, after all. Besides, too much of doing nothing was bad for her brain. She shouldn't have watched that damn Classic Speed segment several days ago but like a spectator at a train wreck, she'd sat curled up on her couch feeling devastated all over again. The sight of Mark and J.T. sent a wave of nostalgia crashing through her brain. The horrendous memories brought on other, warmer thoughts of the early years of her marriage to Mark. The first one or two had been especially good but then came the other women, the all night parties, the neglect so often felt by women who were married to superstars.
And then there had been J.T.
That cocky white smile, curling black hair and those melted chocolate eyes that had always seemed so full of compassion when he looked at her. From her years as Mark's wife, it was her pain, and the warmth of J.T. she remembered most.
"Hey, Carrie, what do you want me to do with this box," Teresa said as she walked into the living room of Carrie's Texas home. Petite of stature as Carrie was herself, Teresa struggled under the weight of the shiny, oak box. With a huff, her friend deposited the thing on the plush ivory leather couch and planted her hands on her hips. "This was just setting in the middle of your bed. Do you want it somewhere in particular?"
With a sigh, she navigated the steps, her tennis shoes squeaking, then turned and settled her butt on one of them. "Feeling a little nostalgic over the past few days. That's my picture box."
"Ah, honey. You shouldn't have done that."
"Yeah, I know. I was a dummy and watched a replay of that show about the wreck. Funny, after three years, how the whole thing has the ability to send me crashing."
Teresa was a no-nonsense woman just a few years older than Carrie's own thirty-two years. They'd gone through high school together in their small hometown and while Carrie couldn't get away fast enough, Teresa had stayed behind and built her housecleaning business, married, and started a family. When Carrie had returned to Texas a few years ago, they'd resumed their friendship. "Come on. Let's take a break and have a cup of coffee," Teresa said, dusting her hands off on denim-covered hips. "I just put some on."
Not about to argue against solid common sense, Carrie followed the other woman through the massive house into the over-large kitchen. Despite its size, the Subzero freezer and gleaming stainless steel appliances, it was a homey room that featured warm oak cabinets, lots of big windows and growing plants. Copper pots gleamed spotlessly above the island in the room's center. Reaching for two mugs, she poured the coffee then joined Teresa at the counter. Both women chose a high barstool and sat, elbows propped on the tiled countertop. Listlessly, Carrie lifted the cup and inhaled. "I know what you're gonna say and don't tell me I shouldn't have watched. I just couldn't help it. It's kind of like watching a scary movie you've seen before. You know what's going to happen but the ending still scares the hell out of you."
Teresa reached over in a familiar gesture and stroked her hand. Compassion filled her green eyes. "I know. You've done okay since you've come back home. Seems like you're comfortable in your own skin again. Dan still calling you? Maybe you should take him up on his offer. There's not a damn thing wrong with a little dinner, and um, maybe a little wild sex for dessert."
Dan Marshal was the president of the only bank in Mesquite Creek, Texas and one of the few available bachelors in the tiny, hill country town. He'd been pursuing her relentlessly for several months with her always saying no.
Carrie settled her forehead in her hands and groaned. "Yeah, he's wearing me down and I'm thinking about it. My life has been a sexual wasteland for too long. It's way past time I got back in the game." She sighed gustily and focused her gaze out the huge windows overlooking her backyard pool. "He's a nice man. Persistent."
Teresa shook her head and regarded her steadily. "A nice man."
"He is."
"That's not much of a recommendation. Hell, my grandpa's a nice man."
Okay. She had a point. Her first smile in days broke free. "Maybe that's why I hesitate. I'm not looking for long term and Dan's the kind of man who'll think that way. After Mark, I feel skittish about stuff like that. An affair might be just what I need but the other? Commitment?" She shook her head. "No. That's not for me. I've learned my lesson and I'm just not cut out for anything permanent. It's not meant to be. Mark was larger than life. He made my blood heat. I gave him everything and he just---"
"Cheated? Threw all that love back in your face?"
Carrie sighed at the absolute truth of those words. Mark Salem was a dream of a man in the looks department and women clung to him like remora eels but the whole lifestyle was abhorrent. The groupies, the parties, and liquor. The drugs and the paparazzi. After his tragic death, she couldn't run away from that life fast enough.
The only thing she missed from that old life was J.T.
God. J.T.
She missed him like crazy but her only contact had been through accounts of his successes on the track. With the start of the racing season in early February, his sexy face graced the pages of newspapers and magazines. She'd even watched him roar to victory in the Pepsi 300 a few weeks ago. The pundits predicted another winning season for racing's current poster boy. If possible, he was even better looking now than he'd been three years ago. His image, tall, dark, and rugged, that ever-present smile curving scrumptious lips, whipped through her memories. A stud in every way.
Back then, they'd raced for the same team and Mark had quickly taken the young driver under his wing. Together, they'd been unstoppable. Couple J.T. with Mark's equally dark and pleasing persona, and it was a deadly combination to the droves of females who followed them everywhere.
Yet, they'd been different. Mark had an urbane quality that J.T. lacked. Mark's young protégé had always been just a bit rough around the edges with that lazy southern drawl and go-to-hell attitude. Vastly appealing on many levels and Carrie hadn't been immune.
"Hey, sugar, where'd you go?"
Carrie smiled and shook her head as she carried the empty mug to the sink. "Thinking too much, I guess."
Teresa started to respond when the phone rang and Carrie answered on the second ring. She smiled and shot Teresa a look. "Oh, hi Dan. Nothing much. You?"
Five minutes later, Carrie hung up and glanced at her friend. "Saturday night. Dinner and drinks."
Teresa grinned and pumped her fist in victory. "Yessss. It's about damn time, woman. You've been living like a nun for too long but those days are almost over, thank God. Hallelujah! Pass the chocolate!"
"Don't be thanking Him yet, darlin'. We have a date for dinner and drinks. That's it. I'm still not sure where I want this to go."
"You need this to go straight to his bed, Carrie. You're the most uptight woman I've ever known."
Carrie turned away, stilled. Yeah, she knew Teresa was joking but it wasn't the first time she'd heard this accusation. Pain rolled in a low wave through her belly as memories, raw and hurtful paralyzed her with fear. What if Mark had been right? Was she a complete dud? Was she cold? Too serious? No fun? Mentally, shaking her head, she gave herself a little pep talk. She had as much heart and passion as anyone. She felt pain and anger, joy and excitement. There was nothing wrong with her. Nothing at all.
With any luck she'd prove that to herself once and for all come Saturday night.
Later that afternoon, just at the edge of dusk, she sat on her couch and curled up with a glass of wine. Eyeing the big wooden box she'd placed on the coffee table, she figured she just might keep it here among the big, squat candles and the small stack of antique first-edition books she'd begun collecting over the past few years.
Hesitantly, she lifted the lid, thoughts of her past vivid after her conversation with Teresa. Carrie took out several pictures and settled back, tucking her bare feet up on the couch. Choosing one, she smiled. This was one of her favorites. Her light blonde hair had been shorter then, she mused, noting how closely J.T. had her hugged against his tall, muscular body. Sipping the chilled chardonnay, she stroked that stunning face remembering the day Ted had shot the picture. She'd shown up at the track that day but Mark had already left. Embarrassed, sidelong glances from the crew had told her everything she'd needed to know about Mark's whereabouts.
Some woman had obviously spirited him away with the promise of some afternoon fun that involved sex and sweat but J.T. wasn't going to let her dwell on it. He'd always tried to take her mind off Mark's continual mistreatment and he'd chosen that day to stick a helmet on her head and drive with her around the now empty racetrack at speeds that made her think her eyeballs might explode.
Later they'd laughed and played while Ted Dobbs snapped pictures of the two of them. Everything rushed back and slammed into her as she sat there holding the old picture. J.T. was in profile, facing her, grinning broadly, white teeth flashing as she laughed. He was always making her laugh.
Why hadn't she married a man like J.T. instead? Tears burned behind her eyes then floated and with a low curse she knuckled them away. Nope. Uh-uh. No more crying about this crap. It was over and done with.
Just then the roar of a truck engine sent her head up. She lived isolated in the boonies and it was impossible to hear a passing vehicle unless it was coming down her private drive. Setting the photos on the table along with her half empty wine glass, Carrie moved barefoot across the terracotta tiles and colorful rugs until she stood at the double wide, arched front door.
Restlessly, she ran her fingers through her shoulder length hair hoping for a quick fix. She was a mess. Very little make up and still wearing her jeans and white tee shirt. Carrie frowned. She didn't recognize the huge, silver truck that kicked up a winged cloud of dust as it raced toward her. It wasn't Dan, thank God. He was a BMW man, all the way. Relief swept her. She wasn't ready to see him yet. Though she'd pretty much decided a brief, hot affair might be just the thing to plant her feet back firmly among the living, she still balked at the idea.
Must be kind of like parachuting from a plane. Knowing you needed to do it but hesitant as hell. Curious, she stepped through the front door and onto the tiled front porch. The arrival was a man, a big one whose presence seemed to fill up the cab of his truck. She lifted her hand in a wave. The roar of the engine died, dust settled, and for a second or two, she watched him grip the steering wheel and then recognition blasted through her body like a Texas wind storm.
J.T.
Oh. My. God.
J.T. Sims.
A bolt of pleasure tore through her body. Memory seared her as he opened the door and unfolded his long, rangy body to stand there just looking at her, a crooked, devastating grin on his face.
"Hey, darlin'."
Carrie's hands went up over her mouth as she gasped loudly. "Oh! Oh! J.T. Oh, honey!"
A dream in denim, looking rumpled and oh-so-sexy, his smile widened as a whip of wind caught his thick, black curls and dashed them around. He opened his arms and she lost her ability to think. Moving like lightning she practically flew down the front steps and launched herself at him. Legs around his hips, arms around his neck she held on and just breathed in the clean, male scent of him. Her lips settled along his tanned throat and she whispered against that warm flesh. "J.T. J.T. I'm so glad to see you!"
A low purring sound came up through his throat, vibrating against her lips. "Same here, gorgeous. Guess I don't have to ask if you're happy to see me after all these years. I was kinda worried about that."
J.T.'s arms wrapped around her and settled just below her butt, one hand caressed her ass playfully. The warmth of that touch seared her through her jeans as a little sexual thrill whipped through her system, surprising her. A bolt of longing shot through her and it caught her completely off guard.
"I'm just sorry it's been so long. I missed you." He felt so good she never wanted to let go.
Carrie became aware of several things all at once and what she learned shocked her to her core. She'd thought it was friendship she felt for the man who'd stuck close all those years ago. Maybe it had been but it certainly wasn't the case now.
Slowly, the man who made a living by doing things fast turned with her in his arms and pressed her against the side of his truck. He pressed his cock against her center. He was as hard as stone and apparently unafraid of her knowing. Letting her feel every inch of his impressive body, he buried his face against her throat. She heard his sharp inhalation of breath. Oh, God, he was breathing her in. Helplessly, she closed her eyes and just absorbed the feel of him.
"Ah, Carrie, darlin', I've missed you. Can't believe I waited so long."
"You've been kind of busy being a famous guy," she whispered. "But you're here now. That's what's important."
The warmth of his breath sent a shiver zipping over her flesh. Her nipples responded to the hard press of his chest and she sucked in a slow breath as they tightened painfully. Unable to resist, she ran her hands over his broad, sturdy shoulders, dipped them lower to caress his back and the realization struck her that over the years, when she'd looked back, it was always J.T.'s face she saw.
Everything was different now though. Something had changed. She felt it in the tension that shimmered from J.T.'s body, felt it in the very air she breathed.
J.T.'s hands flashed down the sides of her body and back up to curl around her upper back. His mouth settled on her face, near her ear.
Carrie felt his breath, the press of muscle, and her body reacted with a violence of sensation she almost didn't recognize. Gathering her courage, loving the feel of him wrapped up in her arms she finally spoke. "Why are you here now, J.T.? After all these years, why have you come?"
J.T. pressed a kiss to her ear and drew back to look at her with those dark, intensely warm eyes. A tiny smile lifted one corner of his lips. "Haven't you figured it out yet, darlin'? I've come for you."
He'd come for her.
Carrie couldn't quite believe it but truth was there on his face, burning deep in those dark, brown eyes as he held her pinioned against the side of his truck. His cock pressed against her, burned hot through the crotch of her jeans and she mentally shook her head at the craziness of her position. They were friends. Weren't they? Oh, no. Simple friends didn't hold each other this way.
"Tell me what you mean, J.T." Oh, God, her voice trembled. He'd rattled her for sure and she wasn't a woman who rattled that easily after all she'd been through.
He wouldn't be denied and she knew it. J.T.'s muscles bunched as he leaned closer, one tiny sexy increment and brushed his sensual lips against hers as if he planned a serious study on the textures of her mouth.
"I think you know exactly what I mean, sweetheart. I've been waiting. All this time just waiting," he whispered in a rough voice. How did a man get such thick, black, curling lashes, she wondered inanely as his lips brushed hers leisurely, as if he had all the time in the world.
J.T. rolled his chest against her and Carrie felt her nipples draw up tighter. They stabbed against his muscled chest and she gasped. Lowering his face, he drank the sound, teased her bottom lip with this tongue, swiped it past her teeth and into the cavern of her mouth. A short quick claiming that stole her breath. When he drew back, smiling faintly, Carrie struggled to catch her breath.
He looked like a man who knew a sexy secret. Well, she had a few secrets of her own and he might not think quite so highly of her if he knew.
"I think you'd better let me down, J.T." she said breathlessly, before she lost her nerve. One more kiss would have her tossing her good sense to the wind. One more taste of him would have her grinding her pussy against him and begging him to take her on the driveway in front of her house.
Was she that starved for sexual contact?
Oh, yeah. She was.
"What are you afraid of, honey? Me?" Obliging her, J.T. stepped back and slowly lowered her down the front of his body. His scent whipped around her, making her dizzy. His body was hard and strong and utterly edible.
She laughed a little. "You're damn right I'm afraid of you. You're a very scary man and too sexy for your own good. What do they put in those power drinks you're always endorsing, huh? Testosterone?"
She'd wanted to lighten the moment and knew she'd succeeded when he chuckled and reached into the bed of his truck. He had his bag halfway out when he glanced at her over his shoulder. A dark brow winged up over one eye. "Can I bunk here, Carrie? Or I guess the better question is this---are you involved with anyone? Am I welcome?"
"No. There's no one." She noted the satisfied, cat-ate-the-canary look that flashed in his eyes and continued. Yeah, she knew it was a risky proposition for her heart but she was a hospitable southern woman. "And of course, you're welcome. Please stay, J.T. There's only one motel in Mesquite Creek and I think they only rent by the hour."
Yes. Keep it light. Keep it fun. There was plenty of time later to find out just what the hell he was talking about.
J.T. laughed and finally pulled the duffel from the bed of his truck. "A real no-tell mo-tel, hm?"
"That's about it." She headed back toward the house and knew he followed. A little shiver skittered up her spine. He was watching her ass, the sneaky little devil, and she knew it, could feel his eyes exploring her curves. "I have plenty of room."
"Yeah, I noticed. Nice big house you have here."
"I like it. It's quiet. Nobody bothers me out here." She walked into the house, deep into the massive living room and spread her arms, smiling. "Home sweet home. You like?"
"Mm-yeah. A lot. The place looks like you. Classy but with touches of sweet thrown in."
Carrie watched him take in her space as an unexpected thrill went through her at his words. He was one of the best parts of her past and his sincere compliment meant the world to her. "How long have you been driving, J.T.? Bet you're beat."
He laughed. "Not that beat. I wouldn't turn down a shower though."
"God. It's great to see you. Really. I'm so glad you're here. A surprise like this really jump starts my heart."
"You look good. Better than good."
"You think?"
"Yeah. Completely delicious." Moving to her, a tiny smile curving his lips, he reached out and ran a finger through the loose, blonde curls that swept her shoulders. "You've let it grow. I like it."
She met those rich, deep eyes and a blast of nostalgia grabbed her, tickled through her chest. Stopping herself from reaching out to pull him back into her arms, she flashed a grin. "Remember how you used to tease me about my short hair?"
He laughed. "You looked like a regular tomboy. Maybe I didn't tell you often enough how cute I thought you were."
"Cute, huh? Every woman's dream description." Carrie went serious. "I heard you came in third at Miami."
"Did you watch?"
She shook her head. "You know I can't watch them anymore."
"I get that, sweetheart." His voice lowered an octave, compassion heavy in his words.
"Anyway. I read all about it. Third isn't too shabby."
"Um, yeah. Did pretty good. Gearhardt was happy. Got a nice little bonus out of the deal."
Gearhardt Racing, based in Houston, was J.T.'s team and, at one time, had been Mark's as well. "Lots of endorsements, too, I hear."
J.T. laughed. "Testosterone laced power drinks and a sandwich outfit. A candy company. Not bad."
Chuckling, shaking her head, Carrie realized how very much she'd missed him. "How long will you be here? Don't you have stuff coming up?"
He shifted and tucked his thumbs in the pockets of his worn jeans. "I have a couple weeks before heading up to Texas Motor Speedway for the three hundred. I'll meet up with the team there. Two weeks too long for you, honey?"
Uncertainty shook her but she couldn't let him see. It had taken years to come to grips with her past and now, here it was, roaring back into her life. J.T. brought with him a lot of junk she just wasn't certain she wanted to face right now.
"No," she whispered. "Two weeks is just fine but, um, it's taken me awhile to feel comfortable in my own skin again, J.T." It was hard but she forced herself to look him dead in the eye. "Mark's my past and I don't talk about him much."
He gave her a look and moved closer. Cupping her cheek in one big hand, he bent and brushed his lips against hers. For a man who'd made a living out of being fast, he certainly put a lot of slow in his kisses. He kept it brief and smiled down at her. "My being here doesn't have a goddamn thing to do with Mark. He's dead and I'm sorry about that but let's leave him where he is, Carrie."
"Okay. Let's do that." Manners kicked in. "Have a seat. We'll talk."
They sat together on the couch as the last bit of daylight swept through the windows and into the room. It had been three years but she felt just as comfortable with J.T. as she always had. She smiled at his casual sprawl thinking how big and male he looked with the backdrop of colorful pillows behind him. His darkness contrasted deliciously with the buttery soft ivory leather of her couch. "I was just thinking about you."
J.T. stilled. "Oh yeah? What were you thinking about?"
"Just remembering." She gestured to the picture box on the table and watched him pluck up the picture she'd been looking at minutes before his arrival.
He smiled at the image and glanced at her. "I remember this like it was yesterday. Scared the shit out of you when I drove you around the track."
"Yeah. Speed kills," she said with a smirk.
He laughed. "Tell it to the fans, honey."
"You've done so well, J.T. I'm proud of you."
"I've come a long way from that trailer park in North Carolina."
"You have." Carrie reached across the couch and took his hand. "Bet your folks are proud of you."
"I hope so. They seem to be. I was really sorry to hear about your mom. She was a really nice woman."
Tears flashed hot across the surface of her eyes but she blinked them away. "Got the flowers, J.T. It's been almost a year and I still can't believe she's gone. Miss her every day." She sighed, curling her legs up beneath her on the couch and settled in. "How did you find out about Mom?"
"Gus Gearhardt told me."
"Gus? Oh my God! I haven't talked to him in forever. How's the head honcho of Gearhardt racing doing these days? Bet pretty good, considering the skill of his number one driver."
J.T. made a sound. "I don't think he has any complaints. He's helped me keep track of you over the past three years and I owe him for that."
"Mm. I wondered how you knew about Mom passing away and how to find me."
He chuckled, the sound rich and warm. "I have my ways."
"Don't I know it."
As they chatted, Carrie watched him, feeling comfort stealing through her very bones along with something else. The force of attraction was new and disturbing on a number of levels but she didn't want to fight it. Suddenly she saw him as more than Mark's friend and hers. She saw him as a man who was vastly appealing to a woman who'd been alone as long as she'd been.
Silence fell between them and finally she asked the question that was uppermost in her mind. "Why are you here now, J.T.? It's been three long years and you're a busy man, to say the least."
J.T. went still, a dark intensity burning in his eyes as he took up her fingers and absently toyed with them. "I wanted to give you some time, Carrie. Mark's death was so sudden and violent and don't forget I know you. You needed time and distance and I gave it to you. When you took off for Italy right after the funeral, I knew you needed to lick your wounds. Those years of dealing with Mark's bullshit and the press and everything else took their toll, didn't they?"
"You've always read me better than anyone else, J.T." Carrie absorbed the truth of his words, closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the sofa. "God. I loved Italy. I found the most gorgeous house in the countryside. I'd still be there today if Mom hadn't gotten sick. Now I'm back home in Texas but I have few complaints."
"Are you glad to see me?"
Carrie opened her eyes and looked at him. "Yeah, I am. I didn't realize how much I'd missed you until you pulled up in my drive. A few years ago it would've been hard to see you with Mark's death so new but I'm ready now."
"Ready for me?"
A burst of laughter broke from her lips. "Audacious as ever and man, is that ever a loaded question. Let me put it this way, I'm more ready for you now than before. Does that help?"
"A little bit. Gives me hope." His disarming grin caused the hint of a dimple to crease his left cheek. What a sexy rogue. Lord, he made her mouth water.
Recalling her duties as hostess, she stood and reached out a hand. "Come on. We'll get you tucked away in the guest room. I hope you like it." She led him through the house and finally they made it to the enormous guest room at the opposite end of the house from her own master bedroom. Safer that way. At least until she knew for sure what she was going to do with him now that he was here. If she were completely honest, there were about a million very sexy things she wanted to do with him but that course could be extremely dangerous to her heart. He was a superstar and she was more familiar than she wanted to be with the social scene surrounding men like him.
"I'll leave you to unwind, grab a shower if you want. When you're finished, we'll meet up and head to the patio out back. We'll have a drink. Talk."
He turned from his study of the room and went completely still. His eyes dipped slowly down the length of her body, pausing at her breasts for a thrilling nanosecond before focusing on her face. Energy practically sizzled from his taut body and Carrie felt heat climb over her face. Did he like what he saw?
Yes. He did. She knew it.
Making a hasty retreat, she wondered what the hell she was going to do with J.T. More importantly, what was he going to do with her?
Instead of heading back into the living room, she detoured to her room. Closing the door, she bolted for the oversized bath and frantically began to strip off her clothes. Grungy and dirty from her afternoon of housecleaning, she flipped on the shower then turned to look at herself in the mirror. Steam began to fill the room and cloud things but she had eyes. She'd changed some over the past three years. Mark had liked her fashionably thin and since his death three years ago, she'd filled out a bit. Yep. Unfashionably curvy. That was her. Mark wouldn't approve but he was dead and she didn't give a damn what he might think of the woman she'd become.
Mark had almost destroyed her but she'd survived it. Survived him, damn it.
What would J.T. think if he saw her this way?
Would he think her beautiful? Sexy?
The flash of heat she'd seen in his eyes earlier gave her the answers she needed. Oh, yeah. He'd liked what he'd seen. Maybe he was right and there had always been something hovering in the air between them. Maybe it was time to find out what it was and where they could take it.
The way he'd felt in her arms flashed through her mind and her body heated with anticipation. The thought of taking J.T. Sims to her bed for days of wild, frantic sex sent her blood rushing hot, made her pussy clench with desire. The pulse set up and she reached down to dip her fingers into the heat that J.T. just might discover for himself, later tonight.
Just like that she made up her mind. Dan Marshall wouldn't be the man to relieve this empty feeling she carried with her continually. It was J.T. Maybe it was meant to be him.
Pleasing herself, she started to touch. Her fingers were drenched, wet from the wicked thoughts that danced wildly in her mind. She wanted to do with handsome, sexy J.T., her friend, her almost-lover, everything she'd never dared before. Shifting her stance, she lowered her head and watched her fingers play through the blonde curls between her thighs, saw a glimpse of her own pink flesh.
Frowning, she reached into a drawer and found a slender plastic bottle. Carefully pouring white cream from it, she quickly smeared it over her mound before she lost her nerve. If J.T. wanted sex, hot sweaty screaming sex, then she wanted him to see her as she really was. Everything. Knowing her mama would turn over in her grave, Carrie wiped the hair from her body and felt herself blush at the bare, flushed lips of her sex. Yep. She was pink and naked as a newborn.
He would touch her there, kiss her there, lick that little pink knot and draw it sweetly into his mouth. The image ran wild through her mind. The way he'd eat her, drink her cream, make her come. Glancing up into the mirror, she saw that her lids had drifted low as the wicked scenario played in her mind.
With a low groan, she began to tease and play. She couldn't reach enough, reach deeper so she spread her legs wider and lifted her gaze to the mirror. What was she? Crazy? Masturbating when a gorgeous, stud of a man was here, tonight, under her own roof? To hell with it. The neediness she'd felt for way too long grabbed her as she lifted one hand to tease and pull at her nipple. Slowly manipulating, pulling the hard flesh, Carrie let the fingers of her other hand continue to stroke between her legs. Her head fell back as she visualized hot, sexy J.T doing these things to her body.
Without warning the air in the room seemed to change, condense into a feeling of expectation.
She heard a noise and jerked at a sound.
"Hey, Carrie! Honey, I forgot to pack---"
Silence fell. The air tensed, seemed thicker.
Carrie's eyes shot open to see J.T. standing motionless, framed in the center of her open bathroom door. The frantic gasp that curled up through her throat froze into stunned silence. Dear God! Her fingers were buried in her drenched pussy! What must she look like to him? Shame and a wicked desire caught her up as she noted the look of intensity that held J.T.'s features in a dark grip.
Lust and a heavy dose of testosterone slithered through the humid air.
Steam from the blasting shower curled around his naked torso and dappled his face. His sexy bottom lip went lax and he sent those darker-than-hellfire eyes over her naked body. Focused on the sight of her fingers buried in her flesh, he shifted and stepped completely into the room.
She whipped her fingers from her body.
Motionless, humiliated, and oddly turned on, she heard the desperate sound that broke from her lips as J.T. continued to stare. His nostrils flared. A muscle worked in his strong jaw. Would someone just shoot her dumb ass, please? Christ! She'd asked for this by leaving the bathroom door open. Embarrassment swamped her as she straightened abruptly and wrapped her arms around herself.
"Don't you dare. Don't you fucking dare." J.T.'s voice rasped from his throat. Bare from the waist up, wearing only his jeans, he stalked toward her. His gaze burned a path from the top of her head to her toes pausing at points between.
"J.T., I---"
"Uh-uh. No apologies, sweetheart. None. You hear me? God, you're the prettiest damn thing I've ever seen in my life. You're every erotic dream I've had for years, standing here living, breathing, just waiting for me to fuck you. And I'm going to, damned if I'm not."
Carrie felt her breath expel in a quick rush. The heat of his body seared her as steam curled around them in the sultry room. J.T. took her face in his hands, his eyes fierce on hers. For a lingering moment, he traced her jaw with broad, calloused thumbs and then his hands moved.
She swallowed a moan as he let his fingers trace the tender lines of her throat but he didn't linger there. He was a man on a mission and soon, those hands, so big, so strong, cupped her breasts. His fingers teased and plucked. She watched his tongue dash over his full lower lip as if he were hungry for a taste.
"These are the prettiest nipples I've ever seen," he murmured low. "Pink and pouty. Absolutely perfect." Shocking a gasp from her, he bent his dark head and took one in his mouth to suck. A sound, sharp and agonized rose from her throat as he pulled hard, sucked her deep. The sensation rocked her to her toes and the flesh she'd been busy pleasuring throbbed in time with the pulls of his mouth, the flick of his tongue.
Giving her no time to protest, he drew her flush against him. Carrie felt the brush of denim against the tender flesh of her pussy and helplessly, she arched against the heavy weight of his erection. "God! J.T. Yes."
His head bent to her breast again.
"Ah yeah, honey. You taste so fine," he whispered against her nipple. His hand dipped low and he gasped as he touched the newly naked skin between her thighs. Long, thick fingers plumped the bare, tender lips and he moaned low around her breast. Finally, he drew back and Carrie felt her face burn as he looked down at her naked pussy. "Is this for me? God, you're so fucking sweet. You feel like silk down here." Reaching out, ignoring her cry, he sifted his fingers through her hot, wet flesh, found her clit and gently took it between his thumb and forefinger. Tenderly, he pulled. He pinched lightly eliciting a low moan from lips. Her thighs began a violent tremble. "Did it feel good when you touched yourself? Tell me. Tell me, Carrie."
"Y-yes."
"Ah yeah."
His fingers dipped deep inside, slid into her cream. Two of them, then three. Yes, so full. Stretched by his stroking fingers, she moved helplessly feeling his hand bump her clit over and over. Heat shot up, spiked through her belly.
"Mmm. Feels better when you do it, J.T. Ahhhh. Oh please. It's been so long since I've been touched this way," she whispered. Her lips went dry so she slid her tongue over them.
The shower continued to blast behind her and heavy steam curled through the room as he withdrew his fingers. He played along her tender flesh with teasing strokes, taunted her with a flick of his finger, pulled and squeezed at her clit until she thought she'd lose her mind. Her legs trembled with the force of pleasure as he worked her to a fever pitch.
Without warning, he released her, leaving her trembling and aching in a way she never had before. Growling a sound, he stripped off his jeans and let her look her fill at his beautiful, masculine body.
Wow.
Just. Wow.
Carrie had always known J.T. was an ultra gorgeous man but seeing him like this, naked and aroused, was more than she'd ever imagined. Bronze skin gleamed under the glare of the lights in her bathroom. His shoulders were broad, his chest thick with muscle. Dark hair curled lightly across his chest and narrowed into a strip that bisected his long torso then widened again at his groin, a perfect nest for his pulsing, thick length. Jesus!
Eyes glazing at the sight of his aroused male body, she caught her breath. His cock, hard and so very long was flushed dark with passion. The head was broad and thick. A drop of cum glistened on the tiny slit at the very end.
Licking her lips, she knew she had to taste that creamy drop, lick that violently dark head, draw it into her mouth and master him. Her imagination went wild as she stood there naked in the middle of the room, wanting him.
J.T. went utterly still. Holding her gaze, he reached down and slid his hand up the long, turgid length. "Do you want it, sweetheart? Do you want me?"
Carrie started to reach for him but he didn't give her a chance. Surprising a startled sound from her, he lifted her up and carried her into the shower.
She could do nothing but hold on. The warmth of him called to her on a level that was impossible to fathom. More than lust. Stronger than passion. Having some measure of control had always been an ingrained part of her personality but just this once, for now, she let go. Let him take control. Her legs wound round his waist and she heard the low sound he made as he stepped with her into the steamy enclosure. Throbbing, drenched flesh pressed against his abdomen as she tightened her legs around him. Pressed to him this way was beyond decadent. She laid her head against his shoulder and clung as J.T. dipped them both under the warm spray.
"Um. Let's warm you up," he said as he turned and let the water rush over her hair. It cruised down her bare back. Delicious. But not as wonderful as the touch of his hands holding fiercely to her butt. Bending his knees, he lowered his mouth to draw one tense nipple into the heat of his mouth. He made a rough sound. It vibrated against that throbbing flesh just as his hands roughly squeezed her ass. The water from the shower followed the path of his fingers as he stroked her, dipped them deep to probe lightly at the bud of her anus. Slowly he circled, eliciting a small cry from her, before diving even lower to tease the drenched folds between her legs.
"J.T." she gasped.
"Right here."
"Oh, please."
"Yeah, honey. Just be still. Let me play." His breath puffed hot against her throat, once, twice, before he took her mouth is a slow devastating kiss. Hungry. Oh yes, he was a hungry man. He sucked at her tongue as his fingers probed her soaked channel. Helplessly Carrie writhed as pleasure shook her.
"Help me," she whispered low against his water-dappled chest. "Help me, J.T."
With a groan, he turned and settled her on a built-in marble seat and went to his knees on the shower tiles. Carrie looked down at his bent head, saw the droplets of water that clung to his damp curls.
His hands looked so dark against the paleness of her thighs. Carrie trembled. Reaching out she sifted her fingers through the shiny stuff. He was an utterly beautiful man. J.T.'s head went up. His eyes burned dark with passion.
"You're everything, Carrie darlin'. Just everything," he murmured low. "Do you have any idea how many nights I laid awake and imagined this moment? This exact moment?"
Unable to comprehend such a thing, she shook her head.
Had anyone ever wanted her this much? The simple answer was no.
"Oh, sweetie. My sweet J.T."
"Let me make you feel good, Carrie."
"Yes."
He reached behind her and drew her gently to the edge of the marble bench. It was wet and she slid easily. Then he settled those big hands on her thighs again. Drawing her legs apart, opening her, he stared for several long moments. A muscle worked in his jaw. His nostrils flared as steamy hot water pounded his broad back.
He liked what he saw. Oh yes, he did.
Carrie's mouth went dry and she swallowed hard.
Slowly he reached out. He touched. Drawing a finger down her center, over the lips of her sex, he began to tease and play. Sensation flashed over her, bowing her spine, her head dropped back and her low moan mingled with the sounds of running water.
J.T. plucked at her clit, she felt his breath as he moved closer. Pleasure was alive, zinging through her system like a shot of whiskey and Carrie wanted to beg when she'd never been the sort of woman to do such a thing.
Beside her hip sat a bottle of fragrant liquid soap and J.T. grabbed it up. Carrie watched him dribble the lavender colored stuff in his hands and rub them together. His eyes never left her bare, open pussy.
The sight was beyond decadent but then he began to stroke and she lost all sense of reasoning. Broad soapy hands rubbed over her neck and shoulders, drifted to her sensitive breasts. He stopped there to tease her nipples until they jabbed relentlessly into the palms of his hands. His hands moved with lingering strokes over her torso. J.T. worshipped her body until she knew, just knew he'd have her praying for mercy quicker than a flash.
The man knew how to work a woman.
A true master.
Carrie groaned as frustration of the sexual kind grabbed her in a stranglehold. He speared her sex with his fingers in a long smooth stroke and she arched again.
"Ah, man, you're sweet. Look, Carrie. Look at this."
Forcing her eyes open, she watched his fingers slide slowly, sinuously, in and out. Unable to do anything else, she moved against the pleasure as it began to build. The pads of his fingers stroked a spot deep inside and a frantic sound broke free, shimmering in the sultry air as the electrifying current swept her. "J.T."
"Yeah, honey. Move like that. Move that way. God your pussy is so beautiful. It makes me hungry for a taste. Bet you're delicious."
His thumb flicked her clit relentlessly and then he moved aside slightly. Water from the showerhead swept her body and using his hands he wiped the soap away. Reaching down, moving closer, he bent and blew a hot breath against her quivering flesh.
Unable to take it, anticipation killing her slowly, she gripped his head, ran her fingers through his jet black hair. "Eat me. Take me."
"Yeah, honey. I'm fucking sick of waiting."
He spoke the words against her pulsing core, licked along her bare labia. His teeth nipped there before he stroked his tongue, long and slow over the drenched pink folds. "Oh yesssss. God! J.T.!"
Back arched, she wrapped her legs around his shoulders as he ate her up like a hot fudge sundae. Holy shit! Mastering her, he ate, drank her cream, dipped his tongue deep inside. Helplessly, she squeezed at him, begging for more.
Really begging!
Unbelievably, she heard the words break free from her mouth as she clutched his face to her pussy. She throbbed. Ached. Carrie lost herself to his warm mouth, his clever tongue. His fingers dipped into her cream and spread it up to circle the moisture around her rectum. His thumb inched inside, increasing the sensation of heat that drew her body up. Forbidden, dark desire latched on and wouldn't let go.
She cried out.
J.T. withdrew his broad thumb and speared deep into her center with two fingers as he sucked gently at her clit. Then he drew harder as she cried out against the thrust of pleasure.
"Yes! Ooh, yes. I'm coming."
His groan vibrated against her skin, his tongue flicked and just like that, she burst around him. Her cries bounced through the shower and came back in a frantic wave so powerful she thought she might fly apart.
His mouth settled, soft and warm, as he gently lapped and Carrie felt a blast of the deepest sort of feeling for this big tender man consume her. Was it love? Was it lust? She didn't know. She only knew that for the first time in her life she felt...what was it?
Oh yeah.
She knew what he made her feel.
He made her feel cherished.
God, she was delicious.
J. T. stood, looming over her and looked down. Her bluebonnet blue eyes were lazy and glazed. Just the way he wanted her. If he had his way, she'd look this way for the rest of her life but it was too soon. Hell! He'd just barreled into Texas and already, his assault was going better than he'd dreamed but she was raw. He could practically feel her confusion. A little bit of confusion was to be expected but he planned to conquer that. Just the way he'd conquered her delicious, lush body here in this shower.
His erection bumped his belly. He ached like a son of a bitch.
Reaching down, he took his cock in a fist and pumped it slowly. Carrie made a little sound, still gasping for breath. Her eyes were riveted on the sight of his hand as it moved slowly up and down over his pulsing erection. Knowing she watched ignited the fire burning wild and hot inside him, volcanic sensation pulsed in his balls. He didn't have long before he lost control. He wanted her so much, he ached.
When she ran her tongue along that pouty bottom lip, J. T. groaned low. "Like it? Want me?"
"Yeah. You know I do."
He stepped closer, crowding her and reached for her shoulders. A tiny smile flickered across her lips, as he lifted her slightly and soon she was leaning closer. Her mouth was level with the head of his shaft. Her breath was hot as it swept across that sensitive flesh. A groan broke free when she brushed his hands aside and gripped his width with both hands.
"Jesus!"
"This is beautiful," she whispered against him. Her tongue flicked out to tease, her thumbs stroked along his length, pressing at the distended veins. J.T. felt his balls draw up tight.
The urge to shout his pleasure was quickly tamped down, buried deep. God. He wanted this moment to last forever. Pleasure hovered in the air and along with it his need. But it wasn't just a need for release. He didn't want just any woman. He wanted this one.
The realization that his dream was here, right now, holding his cock, stroking him was almost more than he could take. "Do it!" He growled low, feeling savage as she lifted those drenched blue eyes and smiled.
Her clever tongue swept his length dragging a sound from his throat. Small hands cupped his tight balls and gently played against that pulsing flesh. Endlessly, she ran her mouth along his erection and J.T. felt his thighs tremble with reaction. Taking her head in his hands, he looked down and drank in the sight of her open mouth closing over the head.
"Ah yeah. Like that," he gasped. "God. You're killing me."
"Mmm."
That little hum of vibration almost sent him to his knees so he locked them tight. Lord, her hair was soft, he realized, as it curled around his fingers. Her mouth played a wicked game, drawing him deep, sucking lightly as she went swallow again and through it all, her palms were warm against his balls until they drifted down over his thighs. Short nails scratched deliciously and J.T. clenched his fingers in her hair as he started to fuck her sweet mouth in earnest.
"Yeah, sweetheart. Oh, yeah. That's so fucking good."
Carrie glanced up and he swore he'd never seen anything sexier than the look in her eyes. The sight of his cock buried between her sweet, pink lips was the most erotic thing he'd ever seen. Her eyes closed and she made a low sound working his shaft with quick flicks of her tongue, strong pulls from her mouth. The warmth of it, the feel of her pleasuring him was almost too much.
A tingling set up at the base of his spine, his balls were tight, pulsing with the need to blast his cum into her mouth. Another strong pull dragged a rough sound from him. She grabbed his ass hard, her frantic fingers squeezing at him as her tongue blazed a hot trail over his shaft.
"Coming," he gasped. He tried to move her head but she wouldn't have any of it. She shook her head and pulled harder, stronger, sweeter. Heat whipped through his cock and zipped up his spine. His scalp tingled with impending release. A shiver caught him up and he growled like an animal. "Ah, God. Yes."
Pleasure consumed him as his cum spurted into her waiting mouth giving him the greatest release in his life and still she held him there, stayed to play, her tongue lapping softly. Her hands swept over his ass and down his thighs as she buried her face against him, snuggling in.
A blast of love grabbed him.
He wanted to tell her how deep his feelings went but knew it was much too soon. She wouldn't believe him so he'd just have to show her by his actions how much he needed her. J.T. looked down at her bent head and sifted his fingers through her damp hair. She looked up and smiled, pressed a kiss to his belly, then shocked him to the core when she turned her head to settle her cheek against him. The gesture was so sweet, so trusting that it threatened to unman him.
Feelings of sexual satisfaction got all mixed up with more tender emotions. He wanted to hold her against him forever. Take her. Fuck her. Forever.
For the first time in his life, he felt he really belonged. He'd found his home right here in her arms.
Tenderly, he took her shoulders and nudged her to her feet. He wrapped her up in his arms, loving the feel of her lush curves, and bent his head to bury his face in her fragrant hair. Carrie's arms went around his waist as she snuggled in. She sighed.
"Are we going to bed, J.T.?"
"Hell, yeah," he murmured. "But not now. We need to talk."
She leaned back and looked up at him. "Yes, we do. This is all happening too fast."
"Are you sorry?"
Carrie shook her head. "No, but I have lots of questions. Worries, too."
J.T. reached behind him and turned off the water then gave her a look. "I didn't mean to steamroll you into this. It just happened." He took her face and kissed her, quickly, intensely. "Not apologizing for it and don't ask me to. I've wanted you for too long to lie about it now."
He pushed open the shower door and grabbed two towels. Briskly drying his body, he shrugged into his jeans and went to the bathroom door. It wasn't a good time to be pushy. She needed time. She wanted to talk. Far be it from him to deny the lady.
Her embarrassment at falling into his seduction was palpable in the air when he finally turned at the open bathroom door. Looking sweeter than hell, she stood there clutching a pale green towel against her naked body. As if he would ever forget the way she looked completely bare. She blinked her wide blue eyes and held a swollen bottom lip between her teeth looking so unsure he wanted to grab her and start the loving all over again.
But he didn't.
"Tell you what, darlin', I'll be here for a few weeks or until you kick me out, and the way I see it, we have plenty of time to talk." He sent his eyes down and up, skimming her body. He felt fierce and possessive and he hadn't yet taken her fully but he kept his smile gentle. "Get yourself together and meet me outside by the pool. I'll pour us a drink. Wine okay?"
"Yeah, that'd be good. I'll see you in a bit."
\*
When J.T. walked out the door and she heard her bedroom door quietly close, Carrie let out a shaky breath and speared her fingers through her hair.
Oh my God! What had she done?
What had she done? Carrie snorted and rolled her eyes, hugging her arms around her very well-loved body. What she'd done was have the best sex she'd ever had and they hadn't even made it to her bed yet. Holy cow!
Her legs were trembling so badly, it was a miracle she made it to her bathroom counter. Once there, she leaned against it and focused in on the shattered expression she wore on her face. No man, including Mark, had ever affected her this way. How could it be that she'd made it to the age of thirty-two without ever having experienced something so mind-blowing?
Yep. She'd led a very sheltered life considering her years of marriage to a racing superstar. But right now she had more questions than answers. Could it be true that J.T., gorgeous, funny, sweet J.T., had been pining for her all these years? Even when she'd been married to Mark?
Unbelievable.
Straightening, she let her eyes drift down her naked body noting the faint whisker burns on her breasts and lower, between her thighs. Remembering every whisper, every touch, she lifted her hands to her breasts and traced the faint marks. Just looking at J.T.'s brand on her caused a shiver to whip up through her body.
Recalling the expression on his face, the way his eyes had darkened with desire when he barged into the bathroom made Carrie catch her breath. He hadn't waited. He hadn't hesitated with a blushing stammer before ducking out with apologies on his lips. He'd been a man on a mission. Conquering her, taking her, overrode any misplaced notions of chivalry from the moment he'd caught her with her fingers buried deep between the lips of her sex.
Yeah. They had to talk. Before this went on a moment longer, she had to tell him what happened that day at the track. Her heart thudded in her chest as she reached beneath the sink to grab her hairdryer. Remembering that day and the weeks leading up to it was so hard for her. The hardest.
Without warning, tears surfaced. With a curse, she knuckled them away.
It was time to face her demons. J. T. had been Mark's best friend. They'd been practically inseparable up to the moment of Mark's death. What would J.T. think of her when he learned the truth? She didn't want to tell him. He might hate her but Carrie had been weak once in her life and she'd long ago learned her lesson about stuff like that.
Nope. These days she was a warrior woman who didn't take crap from anyone. She wasn't a doormat or a woman capable to listening to the excuses of a whining man who'd been continually caught with his pants down and his lower parts buried deep inside another woman.
Within fifteen minutes, her hair was dried, make up repaired and she'd pulled on a pair of comfy shorts and a tee shirt. Heading through the living room, she noted that night had fallen and J.T. had, at some point, turned on a floor lamp. The huge room was bathed in soft, golden color and she stopped to admire for just a minute. She'd built a wonderful life for herself here and she knew with every fiber of her being she'd never give it up for a man. Any man. Even J.T. A life in the public eye wasn't in the cards for her ever again. Carrie drew in a deep breath and walked through the house until she made it to the double doors leading outside.
Soft light glimmered from the depths of her enormous pool filtered through gallons of water reflecting a startling blue. A whisper of ripples stirred the surface and in the distance, a coyote howled. Crickets chirped. Beyond the perimeters of her property, rolling hills were outlined in black against the inky blue night sky. Stars splashed that wide expanse and Carrie drew a deep gulp of air that smelled like newly mown grass.
J.T. stood braced against the Texas backdrop holding a long-necked bottle of beer loosely in one hand. The thumb of his other hand was tucked into the back pocket of his jeans. He'd pulled on a dark tee shirt.
Man, he was gorgeous, she thought, looking out at him through the glass of the door. Broad shoulders, slim hips. He was her ideal man in every way. Gathering her courage, she stepped onto the patio. J.T. turned, a smile tilting those yummy lips. "Hey, gorgeous." He held up the bottle. "Found this in the fridge. Helped myself."
"Good."
He walked over to one of several patio tables that dotted the pool decking and she saw he'd dunked her half-empty bottle of chardonnay into an ice-filled bucket. Eyeing her thoughtfully, he poured her a glass and handed it to her. "You look as nervous as a cat," he whispered low, dipping his fingers through her hair, drawing her face closer. "Can't have that."
Before she could blink, he settled his lips on hers, stroking the surface of them lightly with his tongue. He tasted of beer and fresh air. Tension drained slowly from her body, as he dragged her close. She felt the brush of her nipples against the front of his well-worn tee shirt and Carrie's belly clenched tight as she stepped closer, moved in. When he deepened the kiss and swept his tongue through her mouth, she sighed and let herself fall under his sexy spell.
"All better?" he murmured, lifting a dark brow.
Carrie laughed a little self-consciously and shrugged. "Left my teen years a long time ago but you wouldn't know it. I'm just not used to this, J.T."
"I think maybe you've been alone too long, darlin'."
"Or not long enough." Stepping back, she took a sip of her drink. "Maybe, but I have to be honest with you. The life you lead, the life I led with Mark isn't for me. Your being here makes me remember those years a little more than I want."
He watched her intently for a second then drained the last of his beer. "It wasn't all bad, was it?"
"No, of course not. Early on, I was happy with Mark but the other stuff. The women." She shook her head. "I don't think I've ever felt so alone or so insecure. I'm not that woman any more. I've changed. Grown."
"I can see that. Hell, Carrie, you've always been wonderful but back then, you just didn't realize it. I did. I also saw that Mark destroyed your confidence every time he fucked another woman, every time he flaunted another woman in your face. I hated that you stayed with him."
Turning away, she carried her glass to the table and pulled up a chair. J.T. joined her, regarding her steadily, those dark eyes seeming suddenly so wise. So understanding.
"Mark really did a number on you, didn't he, Carrie?"
"Yes."
Quiet settled softly between them. "I've always wanted to ask you why you stayed with Mark as long as you did. He screwed you over and humiliated you. I marveled that no matter what he did, you continued to hang on."
She shook her head and made a little disparaging sound. "It never was about money or living that out there kind of life. I hated that. You know I did." She shifted in her chair and buried her face in her hands before looking back at him again. "You know Daddy died when I was a teenager. He left Mom and me financially secure so it was never about the money. At first, I stayed because I loved him and I wanted it to work. Mom and Dad had such a great marriage and I wanted what they had. I meant my marriage vows and wanted to do everything I could to make it work. He kept promising to go for marriage counseling."
J.T. snorted and took a pull from his beer. "Bet that went over like a lead balloon."
"You can say that again. He was so status conscious. Afraid someone would find out he was having such trouble keeping his wife in line. It got harder and harder though. He had me convinced everything was my fault."
"How?"
Carrie looked out over the back yard, watched water trickle from a fountain she'd had built at one end. Shame caused her cheeks to burn and she was relieved the darkness would keep him from seeing. It was hard to talk about her past with Mark this way. "He said I wasn't sexy to him. I didn't do it for him anymore."
J.T. was so quiet she looked over at him. A muscle worked in his jaw as he stared at her. "You believed him about that?"
"Yeah, I did."
"Shit."
"How could I not? There were all these other women and---"
"Mark was an ass." J.T. jerked to his feet and stalked away a short distance. Finally he spun back and focused an intense look at her. "He didn't deserve you, Carrie. Do you have any idea how badly I wanted to plow into him for the way he treated you? Do you know how many nights I'd leave you at your front door and plot ways to try to talk you into leaving him?"
She shook her head. "I didn't know. All I knew was that you watched over me better than my own husband ever did. You were always there and I was so ashamed that you were put in the position of getting the little lady home while her husband took off to screw other women. Jeez, J.T.! You must've thought I was some kind of pathetic weakling."
"I never thought that, Carrie. Not once."
"I did. Damn it. I thought it every day. I was weak and pathetic. I kept thinking he'd change."
J.T. stomped up and took her shoulders in his hands. "Stop it, Carrie. This all happened years ago. You're human. You loved him and wanted it to work. There's not a weak bone in your body." He drew her up from her chair and she proved just how weak she was by letting him hug her close.
No. Time for some tough talk and he might not like what he heard. He could very well curse her and jump into that beautiful silver truck and drive out of her life forever.
Pushing away, Carrie stepped back to a safer distance. "I finally got sick of it, J.T. and I did something about it. You're going to hate me when you hear this."
J.T. stilled. Oh yeah, he was listening. "What the hell are you talking about?"
Without looking at him, she ran the tip of her index finger over the rim of her glass. "I filed for divorce."
"When?"
"Right before Miami."
"Mark never said anything. Why didn't you tell me?"
Carrie sighed and leaned back to face him. "I was through with being treated so badly, J.T. I couldn't take it another minute. Mark wasn't supposed to know until after the race."
"What are you saying, honey?"
Drawing in a deep breath, she blurted out the truth. "He got the papers the morning of the time trial. Right after that he---"
"Crashed."
"Yeah. He was upset and yelling at me before he left but I swear I never intended him to be served until after the race."
J.T. stalked up and took her shoulders in a firm grasp. "You didn't kill him, Carrie. What happened to Mark was an accident. Do you honestly think he loved you enough to be that upset? Mark was a selfish bastard! He didn't love anyone but himself!"
Carrie stiffened, fighting tears that threatened to fall. J.T. was absolutely right. Mark had probably never loved her at all. She'd been a clever ornament to him, one who served his purpose when the cameras were rolling and the press was around. She blinked rapidly and bit her bottom lip. "I-I just don't know anymore. I keep replaying that morning over and over. He seemed so upset when the server showed up with the divorce papers. He started yelling."
"Why didn't you tell him earlier that you'd filed for divorce?"
She shook her head, still unsure about the whys of it all. "I think I was nervous about the confrontation. He could get so...um, angry. Sometimes he scared me. Maybe I thought it would be easier to just file and let everything happen."
Instantly, he gentled his hold on her arms and stroked her bare flesh. He went still, quiet, his eyes burned into hers with dark emotion. "Did he hurt you, sweetheart?"
"No, but he scared me sometimes."
J.T. leaned close, very close. She felt his breath brush hot over her face. "Don't you dare blame yourself, honey. Hear me?"
"Don't you? God, J.T.! He was your best friend."
"He was my friend, yeah. But best friend?" He took her face in her hands and gave her a fierce look. "Think, Carrie! The only thing Mark and I had in common was racing and you."
He traced his fingers over her throat and a flash of heat raced through her body. "J.T."
He tilted her chin up with his thumbs and bending his head, he took her lips again. Oh, she wanted him. The impulse to climb up his long, lean body was overwhelming and she gasped into his mouth. Her thighs quivered and she felt the rain of moisture that pooled in her panties. A throbbing set up in tissues that were already swollen and ready for more of what he'd given her earlier in the shower.
"Let me take you, Carrie," he whispered against her lips. "You have no idea how sexy I find you. Everything about you makes my cock hard. I want to pound into you and make you scream, make you come. I need you to know how fucking hot you are. Give in, honey."
"I don't want to talk about the past anymore."
"Then we won't. We'll talk about now."
Feeling a wild and frantic acceptance take hold, she looped her arms around his neck as he lifted her up and carried her to the double-wide chaise longue by the pool. Her legs went around his waist and she felt the press of his erection against her core. Just as she began to rub against that delicious thickness, he lowered her down and stood over her, his eyes hot with desire. He yanked his tee shirt over his head and tossed it aside. Carrie saw the play of moonlight dance over the muscular curves of his chest. It was time. It was long past time she quit living like a nun and got rid of all the self-doubts Mark had planted in her brain and now, looking at sexy-as-sin J.T., she knew she'd made a good choice in a lover. She sent her eyes cruising the length of his body, saw his muscles tighten and, in that moment, took back control of her life.
"I have a better idea," she whispered, looking him dead in the eye. "Let's not talk at all."
Mark had really done a number on Carrie's confidence and he hated the bastard for it. But J.T. knew he was just the man to undo the damage caused by her former husband's selfish disregard. He wouldn't stop taking her until she knew just how damn enticing she was to him. Behind the fly of his jeans, his cock grew harder, pulsing with the need to plow into the sweet depths of her body.
She seemed to have no idea what she did to him.
What she'd always done to him.
Those big blue eyes were locked on his. She panted softly and each breath caused her lush breasts to move against the flimsy fabric of the little top she wore. The outline of her nipples, hard as diamonds, ripe as berries, were visible beneath it and J.T. felt his mouth water for a taste. His imagination went wild at the thought of the two weeks that stretched out in front of him like a long-playing sexual fantasy.
"Take it off."
She blinked. "Hm?"
"The top. Take it off. I want to look at your nipples."
Slowly she sat up. She took her pouty bottom lip between those pearly white teeth and reached for the hem. Watching her undress for him was a huge turn on and it took every bit of patience he possessed not to reach out and quickly strip the little bit of fluff from her gorgeous body.
God! No bra. He loved it.
It was like a slow, sexy striptease as she inched it up by miniscule increments and when the firm, globes of her breasts appeared, he swallowed. Hard.
Beautiful.
When Carrie dropped the clothing to the tiled patio surface, she stared him straight in the eye and tossed back her hair. She looked like a goddess sitting there, bathed in moonglow and the flickering light from the pool. Light and shadows sifted across the surface of her face and he realized with a shock, that she was even prettier now than she'd been three years ago. There was a knowledge and wisdom shining from her eyes that hadn't been there before. She'd been through the fire and emerged stronger.
Was she ready to jump back into the fire again? With him?
Reaching into his back pocket, he pulled out a tiny package and tucked it between his teeth. Letting her know his intent, he unsnapped his jeans. The rasp of the zipper broke through the quiet of the moment. He pushed the denim from his hips and kicked the jeans aside. Keeping eye contact, J.T. took the condom and tossed it to the end of the chaise.
"God, J.T.! You're so hot." Carrie rolled her eyes. "Bet you hear that all the time."
He smiled. "Not from anyone who matters. Until now." Reaching down, he took his length in his hand and worked it while she watched. He saw her tongue swipe across her bottom lip. She seemed mesmerized and J.T. felt his cock pulse, grow harder. His balls pulled up tight and hard and he wanted her mouth on him, sucking, making him come.
As if she'd read his thoughts, she crawled toward him and sat at the edge of the oversized chair until she was eye-level with his equipment. She licked her lips again.
"Is that for me, cowboy?"
"Every damn inch."
"Mm. I love this drop. This one, right here." Her tongue stroked across the head of his cock as she licked up a drop of cum that seeped from the slit at the end. She teased that spot until he thought he'd lose his mind and then she brushed his hands away and took his length in her hands. Flexing over him, she trailed her tongue around the flanged head, beneath the rim, then sucked lightly.
Holy shit!
Carrie's breath was hot against his flesh. His balls ached. A groan rose up from his throat as she dipped one hand lower and played with them. Her thumb pressed just behind them, hitting the tender nerve ending and J.T. had to lock his legs to remain steady. But then she had to go and mess up his great plans by rubbing her breasts against his thighs. Unable to resist touching her, he sank his fingers in her thick golden hair.
"You're playing with fire," he groaned, watching her mouth begin to slide up and down over the thick, rigid length. The warm, wet touch threatened to send him over the edge but he held on by a thread.
She looked up with heavy-lidded eyes and smiled. "You gonna burn me up, honey? Well, I'm ready. I've been primed and ready since you ate me up in the shower. For the first time in a long time, I'm ready to be good and fucked. Give it to me, J.T. I want it. I want you."
"Fuck."
"That's the idea."
"Smart ass."
"Yeah and you love it."
Reaching down, he grabbed her shoulders and pushed her back onto the chair. Abandoning finesse, he yanked at her shorts and tossed them aside just seconds before tearing open the condom and rolling it onto his shaft.
Jesus. God.
The frantic prayers went unheard as he jerked open Carrie's thighs, briefly marveling at the beauty of her naked pussy. Like a supplicant, he went to his knees and buried his mouth between her legs. She was like wet silk against his tongue, his eating mouth and he wanted to swallow her whole, make her wild, make her come. Cream ran slick from her body and he drank it down as her cries filled the night sky.
Oh yeah.
But it wasn't enough. Not even close.
Wanting to tease, needing to give her more, he filled her channel with his fingers and slowly slid them deep, then shallow as he sucked her clit. He felt her thighs tremble against his shoulders. She was close. He could hear it in the desperate sounds she made.
They'd done this in the shower and though it was incredible, this time he wanted to feel those silken walls clench around his cock and he was damn tired of waiting.
He drew back and stood, looking down at her. The desperate sound of loss she made had him wanting to give her everything. She was teetering on the sharp blade of desire. Bending, he took her shoulders and pulled her more firmly onto the chair. It was sturdy, with a heavy metal frame and that suited his purpose. He reached to the sides of the chair and unlatched it, making it lay flat. No. It wasn't a bed but would serve his intent. The chaise was upholstered in a dark fabric and Carrie's bright hair contrasted sharply. Her delicate features were etched in the dim lighting, shadowed with passion as she panted softly.
Spreading her legs wide, he looked his fill, noting the swollen lips of her labia and the tender wet petals they framed. She was lush and curvy, soft and passionate. Everything he'd ever wanted in a mate and more.
J.T. went down on his knees between her legs and ran his fingers over the velvet soft skin of her inner thighs. He couldn't drag his gaze from her warm, wet pussy and finally, he brushed that ultra soft flesh with his knuckles, his fingers. Carrie's back bowed up and he lifted his gaze and saw her eyes were heavy-lidded with her passion. Her pink lips were parted slightly as she struggled for breath.
His cock pulsed and he quickly reined in the impulse to bury himself deep, with immediate intent, into her channel. No. Not yet. She was a sensual woman and he knew the little number Mark had done on her had made her doubt her appeal. Dumb. Didn't she know she was his dream? Hadn't she yet begun to realize he couldn't live without her?
Leaning over her, J.T. took his throbbing erection in one hand and trailed it over her center. She gasped as he pressed the head against her swollen little clit. Her knees went up as she pressed her bare feet flat on the chair, just near his hips. The action opened her further to his gaze and his mouth went dry. Juices rolled from her body and he trailed the head of his cock through them. Carrie gasped and he looked up at her.
"Ready to come, honey?"
"Yes."
That affirmation was all he needed as he buried himself deep into her body. Those hot, silky walls clasped him tightly wringing a groan from his throat. It was almost too much, that first moment. He'd wanted it for too long. Needed it too desperately. The head of his erection bumped her womb and he withdrew a little, his body demanding he move as her muscles clenched and released, clenched and released.
Damn.
So good.
He couldn't get close enough so he grabbed one of her knees and lifted it up and out, bringing him more flush against her. Rotating his hips, he rubbed his pelvis against the stiff bud of her clit and heard her breath break. "Yeah. Like that, Carrie," he whispered just before he bent to take one diamond-hard nipple into his mouth to suck. He drew hard on it and scraped lightly with his teeth. Beneath him, her back bowed away from the cushion of the chair and he felt the warm press of her belly.
Moving slowly, he parried and retreated through her channel. She was as tight as a virgin and J.T. knew he could spend the rest of his life buried deep inside her. A bed would have been better for this first time but the sad truth was, he just couldn't wait. He'd needed to be inside her for years. Every woman he'd taken in the past had resembled her in some way. Blonde hair or blue eyes or curvy body. But none of them had been Carrie. Hell, yeah, he was obsessed.
Beneath him, she started to writhe. Her breath grew shorter. She was close. He could feel the tension, the need for climax, practically vibrate through her body and J.T. knew she wasn't alone. His balls drew up, pulsing and tight against him. Hard. So hard. His legs began to tremble as he fought off the urge to come.
Groaning his pleasure, he increased the pace and depths of his movements. Plunging deep and hard, he took her hard, slippery clit and pressed it. Released and pressed. Released and pressed. Carrie's soft cry rose up and wrapped around his heart. Moving faster he whipped his cock through her sheath. Harder and higher he took her until she shivered on the taut precipice of completion.
Then like a floodgate opening, she flew apart and J.T. fell with her, pummeling through her body in a blur of motion and need. His pleasure pumped hard as he was rocked from the soles of his feet, through his balls and cock. Tiny fingers of pleasure shot up his spine and over his scalp as he came hard and long. Through it all, Carrie remained in a soundless state, as if the shock of her orgasm held her suspended in a force field of electrifying lust.
J.T. heard her breath sough out as she went utterly limp beneath him and while his spent cock pulsed softly deep inside her body, he buried his face against the crook of her neck and breathed her in.
\*
Carrie opened her eyes, reached out and instantly knew she was alone in her bed. She must've dozed off after the last hard orgasm. Lord, she felt just...what was the word? Satisfied. And it seemed like such a mild little word for what she'd experienced with J.T. tonight. Rolling over, she glanced at the clock.
Two in the morning.
She flopped back and watched shadows dance across her ceiling. What had she gotten herself into? Um. A whole lotta good, no make that great, sex with a smoking hot man who made her toes curl. She liked him, too. More than liked him. He was the best part of her past but anything more with J.T. Sims was a very bad idea. The whole lifestyle-in-the-limelight deal wasn't for her. Not anymore.
Her practical self gave her heart a good talking to.
The photographers, the constant press, the scrutiny just wasn't in her anymore after those disastrous years with Mark. That was why she'd scampered off to Italy immediately after her husband's death. She was just done. J. T. would offer her more of the same and it was a bad idea to let her heart get involved.
Then, as she lay there in the dark, her heart spoke up. She'd never been the kind of woman to run from what she wanted and she wanted J.T. Maybe forever. The man completely did it for her, playing her body like a finely tuned instrument. Yep, he made her sit up and sing in a way Mark never had. They were very different, these men she loved. Yes. She'd said it. Loved.
While Mark had been the worst of scoundrels, J.T. had been someone real. She could always count on him to make her laugh, to make her feel that she mattered. It simply wasn't fair to lump them into the same category and sit them side-by-side on a shelf in her heart. Not fair at all. Mark had been born to money and privilege and had taken every accolade as his due while J.T. was a southern boy who understood what success would mean to not only himself but his family. He was generous and loving. Funny and sweet. Sexy as hell.
Carrie sat up when J.T. came into the darkened room. Completely naked, he stood there holding a tray burdened down with food. Ah, he was going to feed her. Her heart turned over at the crooked grin he wore. His black curls were tousled, falling over his forehead. Had God ever made a more appealing man?
No. She didn't think so.
"Hungry, darlin'?"
The question had no sooner left his mouth than her stomach growled loudly and J.T.'s grin widened as he came up to the bed and looked down at her. "Forget I asked that. You've gotta be starving. I know I am. Just made myself at home in your kitchen."
Carrie grinned back and sat up to rearrange herself more comfortably. She was naked, too, and modestly drew the sheets over her crossed legs before smoothing a spot on the bed. Taking the tray from J.T., she set it in front of her and saw that he'd fixed several large ham and swiss sandwiches along with a plate of green grapes and two tall glasses of sweet tea. He'd also found her stash of Oreos and had a small stack of them sitting there. She eyed the cookies and arched a brow at him. "Bad boy."
He folded his long, rangy body across from her and picked up a half of one sandwich and bit in. "I thought women liked bad boys?"
She laughed and popped a grape in her mouth. "Oh, we do, honey. The badder the better."
After a while, she looked up at him, watching his strong throat work as he finished off his drink. "How are your folks? I'm sorry I didn't ask sooner."
J.T. set down the glass and crunched a cookie. He wagged his brows at her. "Been a little too busy for that," he said before giving her a smile. "They're doing good. Bought them a house a few years ago and Mama feels like a regular queen these days. She fussed about it and so did Dad but I insisted."
Carrie's heart turned over. She knew J.T. had grown up in a trailer park and though his family hadn't had much, they'd had plenty of love. His mom, whom Carrie had met and liked very much, had cleaned houses for a living in those days. His dad was a mechanic who worked for a small town car dealership and it had been from him, J.T. had learned a love of cars.
"That was nice of you."
He shook his head. "Not really. Least I can do for all they've sacrificed for me." He shrugged. "Besides, I love 'em."
It was on the tip of her tongue to say...yeah, and I love you, but she stopped that silly impulsive need. "Tell me more. Sometimes I miss my folks so much I can barely stand it."
J.T.'s dark eyes gleamed with compassion as he reached out to tuck a bit of her hair behind her ear. He took the tray and set it on the small table beside her bed, plucking up the half-eaten bunch of grapes. Suddenly he grinned and shook his head. "You should've seen Mama's face when I showed up with a cleaning service. Thought she was gonna chase me out of that gigantic kitchen with her broom. Said she'd been cleaning just fine for years and she wasn't about to have a bunch of strangers poking around in her house."
"Mm. That sounds like her."
J.T. laughed. "Finally talked her into it. I'm a persuasive guy."
Wow, what an understatement. He'd had her talked out of her panties quicker than you could say hot sex. "I'm glad you're taking such good care of them."
He flashed her a naughty grin and slid forward on the bed, pushing her back into the pillows. "I'm good at taking care of things, honey. Haven't you figured that out about me?"
Laughing too, Carrie felt her body go warm and liquid when he bent his head to kiss her. Long, slow, eating kisses were her very favorites and she'd never had any quite this yummy before. He swept his tongue along the seam of her lips, probed inside to explore. She sighed into his mouth and he absorbed it, drank it in, swallowed it whole. Her bare breasts sank into the curling hair on his chest and helplessly, she rubbed her nipples there. They were drawn up tight and oh so sensitive. A tiny frustrated sound broke free and when J.T. drew back to look at her, she saw he wasn't unaffected either. His dark eyes were slumberous and the shadows that chased across his features made him seem wickedly sexy. "I'm pretty damn good at taking care of people I care about, honey. Come on, I have a little surprise for you."
"Another surprise? I don't know if my heart can take it," she teased as she allowed him to draw her naked from the bed.
J.T. led her into the bathroom and Carrie stopped dead in her tracks at the site of what seemed to be a carefully planned seduction. Fat candles sputtered on the wide ledge of the huge tub that sat along one wall casting a soft golden glow upon the walls. Bubbles frothed, moving gently on the surface of water. Carrie looked up at J.T. and smiled. "Looks like you've thought of everything."
"I try. Come on."
The tub was sunken, so he stepped down into the steaming water and took her hand to help her. Such care. Carrie's heart tightened at the gesture and when she followed him down into the water, she sighed and closed her eyes, moving her bare arms through the fragrant bubbles. "This is wonderful. I ache everywhere."
J.T. chuckled as he settled back against the tub. "Wish I could say I feel badly about that but considering what got you that way, I'm just not all that sorry."
His teasing made her feel light and young and happy. Playfully she flicked a mound of bubbles at him and then she giggled like a little kid when he grabbed her close and blew a raspberry against her neck. Finally, she settled against him, loving the feel of his strong arms wrapped around her. "Come here," he whispered, bringing her back against his chest. His longs legs stretched out on either side of her and without argument, she leaned back against his chest and sighed.
"You trying to seduce me here, J.T.?"
"Mm. Think I already did that, gorgeous."
"Can I ask you a question?"
He moved her hair aside and pressed a warm kiss to the side of her neck. "Ask away."
"If you've wanted me for three years, why did it take you so long to get here?"
Behind her, he went quiet. She leaned a bit and looked up at him, saw him shake his head. "I thought about coming to get you just about every damn day but you forget, honey, I was there the day Mark died and you took it really hard. The whole thing just about killed you. I saw it like this. You've always been such a sweetheart and kind of serious about things. You never were one of those party-girl types who just wanted a good time. You're the kind of woman who deserves something that's forever."
"Hm. You make me sound kind of dull."
"Not dull. Not at all. You're real and believe me, I'd know. With the life I lead, I've met my share of shallow people." Casually he reached up and played gently with her breasts. With a sigh, she arched into the touch. "I knew it would take you time to get over Mark's death and I aimed to give it to you. He'd treated you badly and things were crazy then. Later, Gus told me that your mom was sick and I knew you had your hands full. He kept me posted though. If you'd needed me, I would've been here in a matter of hours."
"I know that, J.T. Thing is, you've always been here for me when I've needed you." Carrie turned in the water and looped her arms around his neck. Beads of water caused his darker than night eyelashes to clump together. His expression was so serious that she just had to kiss him or die. "I'm glad you're here now. As it turns out, your timing couldn't have been better." Giving in, she leaned in and settled her mouth against his.
Immediately, her breath stilled as she waited for him to devour her whole and she didn't have to wait long. He dived in as if starved for the taste of her, sweeping his tongue deep, tasting her thoroughly. Sinking against him, she felt her breasts settle decadently against his muscular chest, felt his cock, stiff and hard, prod her belly.
"So why's my timing so good now, sweetheart?" he breathed against her parted lips.
Carrie took his mouth again and did some devouring of her own. Behind J.T. on the heavy shelf of the tub she saw a handful of condoms. Oh yeah. Her man knew how to plan a seduction and she was more than willing to be seduced.
Emboldened by his touch as it cruised the globes of her butt and dipped into the shadowy crease, Carrie moved closer, bringing her legs up and around until she was sitting on him, facing his downright sexy face. Feeling brave and free and ultra sure of herself, she nipped his bottom lip and grinned up at him. "As it happens, I'm sick to death of living like a vestal virgin. I just happened to be in the market for a lover, so, darling, you got here just in time."
He was wet and warm. Carrie felt the rub of his erection between her legs, right where she wanted it. Ravenous, hungry, she rotated against the rigid length and heard his rough groan vibrate against her ear. Eager to please him, she raked her teeth gently over his nipple. His sharp intake of breath caused her pulse to speed up. She'd meant what she'd said about taking a lover. It had been her plan all along but suddenly she knew it just wasn't in her to pounce on some man she cared little to nothing about. J.T. was different. He'd always been different.
Emotion grabbed her heart as she flicked that coppery nipple with her tongue and then buried her nose in the dark hair of his muscular chest. She writhed against his cock. It was sandwiched between them, pressed to her belly and she needed to touch. Reaching below the water, Carrie ran one finger around the head in a circular motion, dipping below the heavy ridge and lower to trace the veins that ran down his length. Lightly, she pressed those distended veins wishing her tongue were there. She wanted to make him wild with need for her.
"You trying to make me crazy, Carrie?" J.T.'s teeth sank tenderly into the tendon at the joining of her neck and shoulder and she shivered despite the heat of the water. Sweat beaded her brow. She rubbed her pussy harder against his cock as she stroked it with her hands, pressed and pleasured. Her thumb found the tiny slit at the head and she traced with deliberate intent.
"You make me hot," she whispered, lifting her face to him. Carrie kissed his chin. Passion flared, wild and hot, burning between them. J.T. squeezed the globes of her ass then dipped his fingers lower to tease the opening of her passage. He slid two fingers into her sheath and it was her turn to groan as her inner flesh gripped, needing to hold him deep.
"That's the idea." His fingers stroked deep. "Looks like my little seduction is a double edged sword. Wanna fuck you so bad I can't stand it."
"Yes. Oh, please, yes."
Taking control, she reached just behind his shoulder and plucked up a tiny package. Watching him, noting his stillness, she tore it open and without breaking eye contact reached down to roll the condom onto his cock. Her fingers were so close to his balls, she gave in to temptation and took them in her hands. J.T.'s low, sexy moan was like the sweetest song. "Feels so good."
"It's gonna feel better once you're inside me. You make me so hot I feel like I'm melting. I don't want to wait anymore."
"Hell no!" J.T.'s teeth flashed white in the semi-darkness as he gripped her waist and lifted her until she hovered over the head of his erection. Sinking down over that thick length, she sucked in a breath and held it. Marvelous. Wonderful. J.T. shifted his hips and plunged deep. Carrie's back bowed and she cried out.
Her legs went up and around his waist and she locked her ankles together as he gripped her ass and plunged, high and hard. Odd how the absence of pubic hair made her feel everything, feel more. She rotated, rubbing her clit against him and then it got another rub from his cock with every parry and withdrawal. A fine trembling set up deep inside, she wanted to howl with frustration. God, she was close, so close.
Squeezing hard, she could feel everything, the shape of him, the ridges, the way his balls had drawn tight and were nestled against her. He latched onto her nipple and scraped with his teeth. He sucked hard sending a whip of sensation through her body and straight to her core.
"J.T.!"
"Yeah, honey. Come for me. God, you're sweet."
His words, coupled with the sublime fucking sent her reeling over the edge of a very sharp blade. Trembling, quivering, she cried his name as the frantic pulsing shook her. Shivers coursed over her arms, her scalp as he held himself still, letting her come over and over. As she stiffened sharply, she heard him make a low, frantic sound and knew he was coming too. "Yes. Yes. Yes. So good."
Together they came, clinging and panting, kissing and touching. Yeah, this was about burning, hot sex but it was about more, too. Suddenly, Carrie knew it was all about J.T. and the things he made her feel. Together they were combustible in a way she'd never been with another man. Even Mark.
Later, when she lay curled naked beside him in her bed, she realized this was what she'd always imagined a real relationship would be. His front was pressed against her back. He was sleeping and she absently stroked the hand he held splayed across her belly. When she'd married Mark all those years ago, she'd thought this was the way marriage must be and she'd been sorely disappointed. With J.T. there was the most glorious attention to every little detail of her body. Yeah, he'd just arrived but she had him for two more weeks and planned to enjoy every single moment of it. It wasn't forever. It was just right now. That had to be enough.
\*
Several days later, Carrie maneuvered her neat little compact car around the curves in the road on her way into town. She had a hungry man to feed and a trip to the local grocery store was in order. Her fridge and pantry looked like those of most single women. Lots of salad stuff, fruits and veggies, a few low cal frozen dinners. Certainly nothing to satisfy a big man who had a big appetite.
J.T. had offered to come with her but he'd been sprawled on the sofa in her den watching something on ESPN and he'd seemed so riveted by the action, she didn't have the heart to drag him away from his guy stuff. Smiling, she inhaled deeply as she drank in the spring beauty of the hill country. A Carrie Underwood song filled the interior of her car and she tapped her nails on the steering wheel, keeping time as she took in the view. Everything was green and lush. Cows munched grass in pristine fields among patches of bluebonnets. This was home and she never wanted to leave it again.
Growing up here, she'd barely glanced at the things she now noticed as a grown woman. She'd taken so many things for granted and it had taken moving away to make her appreciate the gifts of home. Mesquite Creek didn't offer much in the way of sophisticated living but she'd had that and was done with it. Here she had the best of everything. She had her privacy but could always make the ten minute jaunt into town when in need of company. Perfect. No glitz or glamour here and that suited her just fine.
As Carrie hit the outskirts of town, she glanced at her watch and noted the time. She would hit the grocery store, stock up and head over to Teresa's house for a cup of coffee and maybe wrangle a sandwich and a handful of chips from her best friend. Lord knew, she needed to talk. Her life was changing rapidly, moving faster than the speed of sound and it was time to regroup a bit. Slow things down.
An hour later, she pulled into the drive of Teresa's modest home and rang the doorbell. It didn't take long before the door swung open. She had to laugh at the sight of Teresa's harried expression. She balanced a toddler on her right hip and had a dishcloth slung over one shoulder. What had no doubt once been a neat little pony tail was askew, leaving strands of dark brown hair poking about.
"Are you sure you've got time for this, hon?" Carrie asked as she followed her friend into the house.
"My life is always chaos and you know it. If I waited for my life to be somewhat normal, I'd never see anyone. Let's sit and have a bite."
For a woman who had her own housecleaning service, her kitchen was a wreck but Carrie figured Teresa had a pretty good excuse considering she was the mother of three small children. A jar of mayonnaise and an opened loaf of bread sat on the counter and a portable crib occupied the center of the floor. Carrie leaned over and watched baby Chloe, who was all of three months old, sleeping soundly.
"Ooh, I'd love to pick her up but I'm afraid of waking her."
"Wake Chloe up and I'll kill you," Teresa said, chuckling. "She's been fussy all morning. She finally wore herself out." She bounced her chubby two year old on her hip and gave him a look. "And Mr. Jake needs some lunch so let's get to it."
"Here let me take him," Carrie said, reaching out. Jake greeted that announcement with a wide smile and held out his little arms coming to her easily. He was such a cutie. Carrie grinned at him and took a seat at the scarred oak table and settled the child on her lap. "Have you been a good boy for your Mama, honey?" she asked him just before planting a kiss on the top of his head. While she played with the child, Teresa set a platter of sandwiches and a bag of chips on the table along with two glasses of iced tea. With the experience of a woman accustomed to motherhood, she swept Jake up and settled him in a booster seat. He immediately grabbed up a spoon and started eating some kind of spaghetti looking stuff.
"This whole scene seems to agree with you," Carried said as Teresa took a chair and picked up her sandwich. "I think I'm jealous."
Teresa laughed outright. "Wanna switch places for a few days?"
Carrie shook her head and looked around the room. Looked like a bomb had exploded in there. "Um. On second thought---"
"Yeah, just what I thought!" Teresa laughed. "Big talk."
They chatted about small things and eventually, Teresa got Jake cleaned up and sat him down in front of his favorite cartoons. While the two of them sat having a cup of coffee, Teresa eyed her steadily. "You look different. You look like a woman with a secret. What's up with you? Did you hear from Dan?"
Carrie suddenly straightened and gasped. "Oh, my God. I forgot all about Dan."
"You forgot about--- Hey, what's going on?"
She blew out a breath and buried her face in her hands for a second before looking up at her friend. "I have a houseguest. He just showed up a few days ago."
"Huh? He? Who is it? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Um. Well I haven't. I've...uh...actually been too busy having screeching monkey sex to think about anything but J.T."
Teresa's eyes opened wide and she leaned forward to grip the table. "J.T. Sims? Are you kidding me? Your friend from the days with asshole Mark?"
"One and the same. He showed up a few hours after you left the other day."
"Oh, my God! What happened?" She stopped and shook her head. "Never mind. Dumb. I know what happened. You finally got some."
"Stop. I did but now I'm worried I've just opened a huge can of worms."
"Explain that. You have a gorgeous, world famous racecar driver staying at your place, sleeping in your bed and screwing you silly. What's so bad about that?"
Carrie sighed and slumped into her chair. Yeah, what was so bad about that? Unfortunately, she knew the answer. Gathering her courage she looked at Teresa. "Okay, I'll tell you. He's like this steamroller. This gorgeous, sexy, knows-all-the-right-moves steamroller and he's wanting way more than I have to give."
"What do you mean? You're scaring me. You have tons to give."
She shook her head. "I don't. Not anymore. He's waited three years for me to recover from Mark's death and all the stuff that happened in my marriage. He's been waiting all this time and I think he wants a serious relationship." She stood and went to grab the coffee pot to give herself something to do. Her hands were trembling and she hoped Teresa wouldn't notice. As she poured refills, she steeled herself. "I don't want that."
Teresa gave her a steady look and Carrie wanted to squirm. "Liar."
"Don't start."
"You're a liar. You think you can go the rest of your life without letting anyone in but that's not possible for you, honey. You're warm and loving and you have so much to give. I know you. You're a small town girl and I know you want more. Why do you seem to think you're not deserving of love?"
"That's bullshit," she snapped.
"It's not. Like I said, you're lying to yourself if you think you can tuck yourself away in the country and forget about life and love and all the other messy things that go with it."
Carrie felt the fight seep out of her and she looked away feeling ashamed. "I'm a coward."
Teresa reached across the table and took her hand. "No you're not, darlin'. You're just scared and you've been through so much. It's hard for you to trust and J.T. represents a part of the life you left behind when Mark crashed into the wall that day.
Silence fell between them. Carrie took back her hand and took a tiny sip of steaming hot coffee. It settled her and she finally looked up at her oldest friend who gave her a wicked grin. "So?" she asked with a lift of her brow. "How is he?"
She had to laugh. "Incredible. Makes my body do flips and cartwheels. Feels like the Fourth of July."
"Ah, honey, that's good to hear. Now come on, tell me all about it."
\*
J.T. looked up from the computer in Carrie's home office and logged out when he heard the sound of her car pull into the front drive. With her permission, he'd made use of her stuff. He might be on a little vacation but he still had business affairs that had to be handled and calls to make. Everything was fine at his house in North Carolina, he'd learned after talking with Doreen and he'd also called Gus in the home office in Houston. Now he stood, and walked into the living room as she came through the front door carrying two paper grocery store sacks.
"Here, let me get those," he said, coming up to take them from her arms.
"Thanks, J.T." Her breathless response had him smiling and his heart thumped hard in his chest when she went up on tiptoe to kiss him. He hardened instantly but that was the way it was for him every time he got around her. She was one delicious woman and his body leaped to life. He shifted the bags and leaned in. More. One little kiss wasn't enough.
"Mm. You can do better than that," he whispered against her lips. "Gimme more, darlin'."
"The bags."
"I've got 'em. Kiss me. I missed you."
Carrie responded by taking her kiss deep and he felt every muscle tighten when she swept her tongue inside his mouth, tasting him. His cock pounded behind the fly of his jeans. She looked so pretty today in her short, flippy dress. She wore sandals and he'd noted she had those dainty toenails painted a bright pink. J.T. wanted to set down the bags he held and strip the slip of a dress over her head and bury his aching erection deep inside her body.
He hadn't been this hot for a woman since he was a horny teenager. Drawing back, he looked down at her, pleased to see the flags of pink that raced over her cheeks. Promising. "Come on. Let's get this stuff put away. I have big plans and they all involve messing up the sheets on that big bed of yours," he murmured.
Carrying the sacks into the kitchen, he set them on the giant kitchen table and plucked a head of lettuce from a bag. "Any trouble?"
She shook her head and gave him a smiling glance over her shoulder. Her arms were burdened with bags and cans as she loaded things onto the shelves of her panty. "I had lunch with a girlfriend. Played with her kids."
J.T. stilled and looked at her. "You like kids?"
"Mm, very much."
The thought of her belly getting round with his baby was a form of eroticism all its own. He wanted a future with this woman and a normal life and children were all part of the little fairy tale he'd built in his mind. Truth was, driving was his career but, where Mark had loved all the attention, J.T. had never understood the appeal. Maybe he would always be a small town guy at heart. The endless bullshit was tiring. Having something normal and sweet held a place in his heart that was impossible to deny. He put more stuff in the refrigerator and closed the door.
"How about you, J.T.? Do you think about settling down?"
He turned and leaned again the island bar in the center of the room and watched her steadily. "Yeah. I think about it a lot."
Carrie turned to face him fully and he thought his heart would stop at the look of uncertainty that flashed, just for a second, in her blue eyes. Finally, she looked away and busied herself but he saw the fine trembling of her fingers. "Mark didn't seem interested in all that. Think he was just too busy screwing other women for anything normal to cross his mind."
"Like I said, Mark was a dumbass."
"Do you---"
The phone started to ring and Carrie stopped mid-sentence. Frustrated with the interruption, he raked his fingers through his hair. She had things in her hands. "Want me to get that?"
She blew out a breath. "Yeah. Thanks."
J.T. picked up the phone and said hello.
"Is this the Salem residence?"
He frowned at the sound of a deep, male voice. "Yes, it is. May I help you?"
"Um. Yes, is Carrie available?"
"Sure."
J.T. held out the phone, heard her speak. Her eyes widened and she turned away looking just a tad guilty. A flash of jealousy whipped up through him and he clenched his teeth. Something told him it wasn't a telemarketer calling.
"Oh, hi," she said into the phone. "I've been meaning to call you. I need to...um...cancel our plans. I have company."
Plans? Didn't she mean cancel a date? A flash of unreasoning anger caught him off guard and it left him shaking. Her words barely registered but he wasn't stupid. He got the drift of what was going on. When she hung up the phone and turned to face him, he saw the embarrassment clear as day on her face.
"Thought you said you weren't seeing anyone," he said.
She shook her head and tucked a length of hair behind her ear. "I'm not."
"Sounds like it to me." Yeah, he was acting like an ass but he couldn't help it.
"Stop it, J.T. You're acting like a child. I made a date with a local man, if you must know. You just showed up unexpectedly and now the date's off."
He grit his teeth. "Want me to leave?"
"Don't be ridiculous."
J.T. stalked toward her backing her up against the nearest counter. He leaned close, breathing in the scent of her as a combination of arousal and anger curled low in his belly. "Were you gonna let him fuck you, Carrie?"
She thrust out her chin. "Maybe."
"What the hell! Do not plant that image in my head. I don't think I can stand it."
"You were the one asking that question, J.T."
A whip of frustration made him reach for her. Ruthlessly, he pulled her against him, felt her breasts against his chest. Her nipples were hard beneath the flimsy fabric of her dress and he felt them burning against the planes of his chest. He rubbed against them and heard her intake of breath.
She was breathing as hard as he was and J.T. wanted her. Right now. Reaching down, he filled his hands with her beautiful ass and squeezed his fingers against the firm flesh. Caging her against the counter, he crowded her, knowing he was behaving badly but he just couldn't help it. The thought of her with another man tore him apart.
His erection pulsed in tandem with the pounding in his chest. Bending close to her ear, he bunched the silky dress in his fists until he could slip his thumbs under the elastic of her panties. "You're wet aren't you? I can smell your passion and it's tearing me up. I need you and I want you to feel the same way so tell me the truth. Is your pussy wet for me, darlin'?" Her head fell back leaving her throat exposed and J.T. buried his lips against the pulse beating there. "Tell me."
"Yes. God, yes. You piss me off so badly but yeah."
"Mm. Let me feel you."
"God!"
The word burst from her lips the second he began to stroke that silk and cream. He groaned low, loving the warm, wetness of her. Carrie's sweet little clit was swollen and he pinched it lightly. Her gasp of response encouraged him and he rubbed harder, then teased lightly. The scent of her passion called to him on every level. Eager to wipe every thought of another man from her brain, he ripped the soaked panties from her body and buried his fingers in her exposed flesh. She creamed against his hand, arching wildly.
"Fuck, you're sweet."
When she slid her hands under his tee shirt and began stroking his belly, he thought he'd lose it. Growling low, he whipped her dress over her head and threw it on the floor. He filled his hands with her breasts and knew it wasn't enough. Would never be enough. Gripping her waist, he lifted her onto the countertop and watched the play of afternoon sunlight on her naked body. She was a sexy handful of soft curves that was intoxicating. He knew he'd never get his fill of looking at her.
"You're beautiful."
His gaze settled on her full breasts and soft belly. But it wasn't enough. He put his hands on her knees and opened her fully. The lips of her pussy were swollen, her pink flesh was wet with juices and he slipped his fingers over her, heard her sigh. He dipped them inside her tight channel and heard her moan.
J.T. wanted to feel her flesh to flesh and tore his tee shirt over his head and sent it sailing. He plucked a condom from his hip pocket and tossed it on the counter. The zipper on his jeans rasped, sounding loud in the sudden quiet of the room and suddenly he was as naked as she. He stepped between her thighs while clasping her hips to drag her closer to the edge of the counter.
"Touch me," he whispered surprised by the shaking quality of his own voice. "I'm gonna die if you don't. Do you have any clue how much I need you?"
"Need you too. Hurry, J.T."
Sounded like a good idea to him. He plucked up the condom and covered himself quickly, then bent to suck a nipple into his mouth. His need made him rough but she didn't seem to mind as she squirmed in his arms and pushed her fingers through his hair bringing him close. His fingers played between her thighs, parting and pleasuring her, teasing her clit with a slow circling motion. Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. He released her swollen nipple from the suctioning pull of his mouth and took her hips.
He plunged deep, gratified by the soft, keening sound Carrie made. Her legs went around his waist as if to hold him tighter. Whipping through the depths of her hot, clinging flesh, he looked down, watched his cock slip in and out, watched the pink center of her body seem to eat his cock, inch by inch. It was the most erotic thing he'd ever seen.
"Look at us. It's perfect."
She moved a little and he knew she was watching them together. He felt her tremble as he increased his movements, plunging deep and hard.
"Oh," she breathed. "Oh, yes."
Vaginal muscles gripped tight, wringing a curse from his lips. He could stay here forever, just like this, buried deep in her body but nature had other ideas. His balls drew up tight and he locked his knees in an effect to keep from coming too soon. Repeatedly, she squeezed, milking him as he plunged. Carrie trembled in his arms then cried out when he reached down to tease her clit.
Suddenly, the world flashed like a white-hot light and they were at the epicenter of the storm. A ring of pleasure swept over him. As if from a distance, he heard the sounds Carrie made as she seemed to fly apart in his arms.
Taking a woman while he was angry wasn't his style but damn, this was good. Hotter than hell and he wanted more. Body tensing, he let go as pleasure ripped through his composure. He growled his pleasure, clutching Carrie in his arms, and knew he never wanted to let her go. Before he was finished with her, she would never again think of taking another man to her bed.
Decided on his course of action, he scooped her from her perch on the counter and carried her to her room. Time to mess up those sheets.
"Come with me." J.T. whispered the words against her ear as they lay in bed. He was leaving the next morning and Carrie couldn't bear it. She loved him so much, she ached with it. Tears burned behind her eyes. It was dark and she hoped he couldn't see.
"To Fort Worth?"
"Yeah, come watch me race, honey. I don't know if I can stand being away from you."
She lay on her back and J.T. had his heavy thigh draped across her legs. His big, rough hand lazily caressed her breast. How could she answer him? What could she say? Should she confess the thought of seeing him in any kind of accident caused her to shake with fear? Yeah, she should just tell him she was a complete coward, she thought, giving a mental eye roll.
Finally, she turned in his arms, reaching up to run one hand over the broad length of his shoulder. "I feel the same, J.T. but I just can't. " Her heart was breaking. She'd thought an affair with J.T. would be enough for her but these days spent in his arms, laughing with him, talking about nothing and everything had changed her life. Still, she was afraid.
Memories of the past reached up and grabbed her by the throat. No, she couldn't travel that path again. Not even for J.T. and she loved him. She loved him more than she'd thought possible.
He reached out and ran the tip of one finger over the line of her eyebrows. "I love you, Carrie. I've loved you for years. Don't tell me now that you're too afraid to take a chance on us."
"I'm not going to watch you get in a faster-than-hell car and risk your life, J.T. I've done that before and I won't do it again."
J.T. sat up in bed, the sheets pooling around his naked hips. "This is about more than that, Carrie. This is about Mark. His damn ghost is laying in this bed with us right now, honey, and don't deny it."
Feeling weary and sad and twisted up inside, she rubbed her eyes. "I won't. He'll always be between us, J.T., and before you say it, I know you're not him. You're nothing like him. But, J.T., you can't deny the lifestyle. It is what it is. I'm over it. Done with it." Finally she looked at him and saw the hurt in his eyes. She hated knowing she'd put it there.
"Can't we just go on the way we have been?" she continued. She saw a muscle bunch in his jaw and wanted to stroke, to soothe. "These past two weeks have been more wonderful than anything, but an affair is all I have to give you."
"Then you're just giving up on us."
She blew out a breath. "Like I said, this is what it is. An affair. A wonderful, amazing, sexually mind-blowing thing. No, I don't want to give it up but you have to understand the rules."
"Fuck the rules. I'm not the kind of man to live by rules or I wouldn't be a driver."
"That's just the problem. Don't you see?" Why couldn't he understand? "You talk about wanting something real and normal, but you can't have it all, not with the career you've chosen."
J.T. got out of the bed and stood beside it, anger radiating from his long, rangy body. "Lots of drivers have a normal life, Carrie. They have wives and kids and mortgages. They pay taxes and go to movies. Just like real people. This is bullshit."
Carrie didn't want to end things like this. She wanted him to get back in bed and hold her close. She needed him to make love to her. "You're leaving in the morning. Please. Don't do this. It's all happening too fast."
He leaned over her, almost nose to nose. "Nothing about the way I feel about you has been fast. Don't you get it? I've wanted you for years. Years, Carrie! You've been the source of every dream I've ever had. First Mark had you. I couldn't do anything about that until you came to your senses and saw he was never going to change. Now fear has you in its grip and I've lost you all over again."
When J.T. stalked naked from the room, she followed him, shrugging into her nightgown as she went. He went into the guest room and grabbed his duffel from the closet.
Shock hit her like a slap.
"You're leaving? Now? J.T. Why?"
He started stuffing his things into the bag as his jaw worked. He was furious, his body practically vibrating. "I can't talk to you now, Carrie. I'm too pissed. Don't make me say something we'll both regret."
She ran to him and took his arm but he refused to face her. "Please."
Finally, he turned and his words lashed like a whip. "Damn it, Carrie. I don't do things by halves but that's what you seem to want. Okay. If my big choice is between a fucking affair and forever, then I choose neither one. Why do you get to set all the rules? Why do I pay for your cowardice?"
Carrie sucked in a breath as tears stung her eyes. Air lodged in her throat and her heart pounded hard enough she thought it might fly from her chest. "Don't do this," she whispered. "I love you."
J.T. stilled, then turned his head to look at her, his dark eyes, intense and probing. "Tell me what that changes, darlin'?"
It should change everything but in the end, she held her tongue. She was frozen in place with her fear and doubt. Sheer terror paralyzed her. But, oh God! She didn't want him to leave her. "Stay."
"Uh-uh. I believe in self-preservation, too, and I feel a big wall of pain coming my way." He shrugged into a pair of jeans, a shirt, and pulled on his battered cowboy boots while she stood there like an idiot. Finally, he zipped his bag and taking it, walked away.
Like a zombie, she followed. "Don't leave like this, J.T."
He turned at the front door and reached out to tuck her hair behind one ear. "You know how to find me, darling. When you stop being afraid of taking a chance, come to me. I can't help you fix these issues you have. All I can say is I would never treat you the way your husband did. You'd be my queen. The queen of my heart." His smile was soft, his eyes suddenly gentle as he stoked his thumb across her quivering bottom lip. "I haven't given up on us, Carrie. Don't think I can. I want you too much but you look like a woman who needs a little time to think things through."
J.T. lowered his face and kissed her and it was unlike any that had come before. Soft as a whisper and warm as a promise. It was about way more than sex. It was about love.
Finally, he turned, and taking the front porch steps two at a time, headed for his truck. He tossed his bag in the bed of his truck and without another look at her, drove away.
\*
Several days later, Carrie stared in the bathroom mirror and winced at her reflection. Her eyes were swollen, bleary from all the crying. She'd never taken anything harder than J.T.'s leaving in the middle of the night. Even Mark's death hadn't hit her so hard. She'd been ready to divorce Mark when everything came down but it was such a horrendous tragedy and of course she'd grieved.
This was different.
It was as if J.T. had ripped her heart from her chest and taken it with him, leaving a gaping, bleeding wound behind. She ached. Physically and mentally. Something deep inside her had died when he'd left and the words he'd spoken that night replayed in her mind like a tragic movie.
He was right. Nope, she wasn't a rocket scientist but damn it...he was right about everything. So was Teresa. She needed to get a grip on her life, stop hiding and reach for happiness with both hands. What was holding her back?
Fear.
Yeah, she knew she had to get over it but wishing wouldn't make it just disappear. Maybe J.T. was right and she just needed to give it some time. She just hoped like hell that when she finally got rid of these fears, it wouldn't be too late. Deciding to pull herself together, she headed into town to run some errands. She was distracted, barely noting her surroundings as she whipped over the familiar road leading into Mesquite Creek. Though the thought of food made her sick, she'd best hit the grocery again. Seeing Teresa was out of the question. One look and her friend would see how devastated she was and a pity party right now wouldn't help anyone. J.T. was right about one thing for sure, she needed to think.
She'd just reached the bottom of a steep hill when she glanced up, her eyes widening in horror. An older model pickup was cruising down the incline when the hood suddenly flew up preventing the driver from seeing. The truck careened wildly as the driver fought to gain control while driving blind. Carrie stiffened, grabbing the steering wheel with both hands, praying harder than she'd ever prayed before. Helpless to do anything else, she drove her little car straight into a ditch as the old truck sped closer and finally jumped the opposite ditch and rolled over onto its side.
"Jesus!" Carrie panted for breath. Struggling with her seat belt, she climbed out of her car, waded through waist-high weeds and ran across the road. The elderly man inside was conscious, but shaking, hanging suspended by his seat belt. She recognized him instantly. "Mr. Hawkins? Mr. Hawkins? Are you hurt?"
"N-no, I don't think so."
"Hang on. I'll call for help." She raced back across the highway, grabbed her cell phone and made a call. She stayed with Mr. Hawkins through the ordeal, seeing him safely freed from his disabled truck and explaining to the police what had happened. When she finally left the scene, she was shaking. There was no damage to her car, so she did a careful U-turn and went home.
Carrie walked straight to the bar and splashed a measure of bourbon into a squat glass and drank it down in one gulp. She didn't care for the stuff taken like that but, for medicinal purposes, it served the purpose. Inhaling sharply from the burn, gasping, she poured another and carried it with her to the sofa.
Curling up with her legs tucked beneath her, she gripped the glass and let the entire incident replay in her mind. That it had been a close call was without question. She started to shake. Tears rolled steadily down her face. Oh, God. Things happened. Life happened. Every single day was a risk of either losing someone you loved or dying yourself.
Pleasant thought but there it was.
Nope. It was much better to live and do your best and love your hardest. It had taken a slap of reality right in the face to make her see the light.
She plunked the now empty glass on the coffee table and simply lost it. How could she have been so blind? As she wept, she wanted J.T. She needed his arms around her. She wanted to lay with him in bed every night and enjoy all the good things. Passion, love, caring. All of it. She buried her head in her arms and ached for the man she loved. Yes, he was in a dangerous job but he was good at what he did. Life held risks and only the worst sort of coward hid from it.
A feeling of warmth, of power coupled with a blast of enlightenment swept her up. Getting up from the couch, she decided then and there to take her life back and she knew just who could help her do that. Carrie took her cell phone from her purse and pulled up the contact list. Knuckling away her tears, she pressed the call button and waited until a familiar gruff voice picked up.
"Carrie, darlin', is that you? How the hell are you, honey?"
"Hey, Gus. Am I catching you at a bad time?"
"Hell, no. Never too busy for you. What's up?"
"Well, Gus, I need a big favor."
\*
As J.T. ran a solitary victory lap at the Texas Motor Speedway at the conclusion of the five hundred, he heard the distant roar of the crowds who filled the stands to capacity. He provided them with a show and did a couple of doughnuts in the grassy area in the center of the oval track then jerked to a stop and stuck his arm out the window for the obligatory wave. The car had run smoothly and there had only been a couple of minor accidents in the course of the race. From the pole position, he'd varied running between the number seven and number ten spot until making his final move during the last twenty laps to take the lead.
It had been a good race but it didn't change the fact he'd been running on empty since leaving Carrie's place several days ago. Yeah, he'd managed to clear his mind of his hurt during the race because not only his life, but the lives of others, depended on him keeping his head. If he'd had his deepest wish, he would've skipped this event entirely and crawled into a hole somewhere to lick his wounds but that wasn't possible. This was his job. But it wasn't just that, he thought, as the crowd roared around him. It just wasn't in him to pout and whine, when he could do something about it.
He spotted the press in the distance and as his crew rushed up to offer congratulations, he formulated his plan. Not an intricate, detailed plan. Not by a long shot. Nope, he was gonna hop into his truck and go get her. He'd make her see reason and show her that she had nothing to fear and everything to gain with him.
He was just going to grab her up and fuck her until her eyes rolled back in her head and she pleaded for mercy from all the pleasure he was going to give her. And then he'd---
J.T. stopped short as the crowds parted and he caught his breath at the sight of Carrie standing there with her heart in her eyes.
Jesus, she was beautiful!
He watched her mouth move as it formed his name and he felt his throat dry up. Ignoring those around him, he handed off his racing helmet and stalked toward her. She was wearing a light blue top and a pair of jeans. Her blonde curly hair whipped around in the wind, catching the afternoon sunlight. Her eyes were bright and shiny with tears. She was smiling.
That was a good sign.
Yeah. Smiling was good.
It took everything in him to not grab her up the minute he approached. All he could do was look at her and try to absorb the fact that she was here, in a place she swore never to go again.
"Hi," she said, breathlessly. "Good race. Um, I called Gus and he picked me up at the airport and got me here." She shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Sorry. Babbling."
"It's okay."
"Is it?"
"Yeah. I'm glad you're here." J.T. put his arm around her shoulder and looked around. He wanted to get away with her, just escape, but he had to take care of business. If he had anything to say about it, he'd have the rest of his life to make it up to her. "Hang out for a minute? Then we'll talk."
She laughed. "I know the drill."
For the first time since he'd left her, he smiled.
\*
Carrie stood at the window of the high-rise hotel in downtown Dallas and watched the row of headlights, like a bunch of electrified ants, move along the busy expressway. She'd showered and donned a pair of cotton drawstring pajama bottoms and a matching tee. They were staying in tonight and she was pretty thrilled at the prospect. From the bathroom, she heard the sound of water running and knew J.T. was probably expecting the same thing that she was.
Hot, sweaty sex and lots of explanations.
Glancing toward the king-sized bed, a little shiver of anticipation raced over her limbs. Oh yeah, she knew what they'd be doing in that big bed and she couldn't wait. A memory of the day J.T. had fucked her in the kitchen swam to the surface of her thoughts, vivid and seductive. His cock had been dark with color, wet with her juices as he had stroked it in and out of her willing body. Carrie felt her body grow wet, drenched from the memory and her current need of him.
After he'd done the obligatory interviews and posed for the cameras, he'd swept her off through the throng under a steady stream of shouted questions.
"Hey, aren't you Mark Salem's widow?"
"You guys dating?"
"What have you been doing with yourself since your husband's tragic crash all those years ago?"
J.T. hadn't stopped. She hadn't answered. They'd just gotten the hell out of there. Words hadn't been necessary as he maneuvered them through the traffic and to J.T.'s plush hotel room. Since she'd come to the track straight from the airport, Carrie had her bag with her, so it was no big deal.
Now here she was, waiting for the man she loved to come and get her.
Wow. She loved the sound of that one.
Over in the corner sat a table covered with assorted finger-foods and an iced bottle of bubbly. A couple of long necks were iced down in a standing bucket. They'd get to that later, she mused, knowing she was ready to jump his bones the minute he stepped from that steamy bathroom.
She heard the shower turn off and stilled watching the door.
The big question at the moment was which to do first. The bone-jumping or the huge change-your-life talking?
Unable to stand the suspense a minute longer, Carrie sat at the foot of the bed to wait but it didn't take long before J.T. emerged, all damp and ridiculously sexy wearing a white towel around his lean waist and a sexy grin on his face. Lord, she was a sucker for a man like this. He could melt her bones in a heartbeat with one of those devastating smiles.
"Food's here. You hungry?"
Carrie shook her head and stood. "Not now. I think we should talk."
The grin disappeared and his gaze turned solemn. "Maybe I can start this little pow-wow by asking why you're here? A change of heart? An epiphany? Act of God?"
She sank her teeth into her bottom lip and then let it all go. "All three I think."
J.T. reached out, took her hand and led her to the side of the bed. Reaching down he gave the towel around his waist a yank until he stood naked and semi-erect. She eyed him hungrily, wanting his hardness buried deep inside, wanting him. "I don't want anything between us, darlin'."
"Okay." She reached for the hem of her tee and pulled it over her head, baring her body from the waist up. His eyes darkened as they lowered to her breasts but just as he started to reach out, she stopped him by tugging at the drawstring of the pajama bottoms and pushing them down her legs.
"Holy shit, honey. You're smokin' hot. Gorgeous."
"Talk first."
"Okay."
Carrie turned and drew down the bedding and crawled into the center of the bed. "Come to me," she said when he just stood there staring.
Silently, he joined her. When he stretched out his arm to draw her close, Carrie sighed at the feeling of homecoming that curled through her belly, made her heart pump strong and fierce. "I'm here, Carrie. Tell me what happened to change your mind."
She spilled it all. The self-pity, the crying, all of it, but when she told him about her near miss on a Texas country road, she felt him stiffen.
"You're okay? You weren't hurt?"
"No. We were both okay but the point is, I've been a coward. You were right about that just like you were right about a lot of things."
J.T. blew out a breath and drew her in close. Tenderly, he ran his hand down the length of her bare arm. "Don't be so hard on yourself, Carrie. You've had a lot on your plate for a long time now."
"But that's not the point," she argued. "The point is that things happen in life and a strong person learns how to deal with it, ya know?"
"Yeah. Are you saying you want to make this whole love thing work, honey?"
Carrie sighed and reached over to run her hand over the curves of his chest, loving the feel of his hardness and strength. "Oh, yeah, J.T. I'm not going to hide from life anymore. None of us knows what's waiting around the next corner but I'm not going to live with this fear anymore. Life is to enjoy and I plan on doing quite a bit of enjoying with you."
"Damn. I love you so much. You done talkin'?"
"Yeah," she said smiling. "Come and get me, J.T. I'm dying for you. Fuck me silly, sweetheart."
J.T. growled low and kissed her as his hand found her breast. The warmth of him had her shifting against the bedding, struggling to get closer. When he took a pebbled nipple deep into his mouth to suck, her pussy gushed. His wandering hand found that fount of cream and his sound of satisfaction just made her hotter. "God, Carrie, you have the juiciest, sweetest little pussy."
"Yours."
"Yeah. Damn."
He drove his fingers deep, curving them slightly to rub that delicious spot deep inside and Carrie felt her body react as it always did when he touched her. He plucked her swollen clit. Her back bowed sharply as an erotic ache swept her center and caused her womb to contract in a throbbing rhythm. "Yes. Yes. Ah, God, J.T."
He had her gasping and moaning his name as he kissed and nipped a path down her torso. Her ribs were treated to the rubbing of his lips, her belly got a tender nip, he took her clit into his mouth and had her screaming her pleasure.
It still wasn't enough and perhaps J.T. wanted to drive her completely over the edge because, with a rough sound, he flipped her over and stuffed a pillow beneath her belly. He spread her thighs and ran his hands over her ass as if he couldn't get enough. A secret thrill rushed through her at the wicked vision of how she must look played through her mind. He spread her ass and played at the pucker of her anus then dipped his hands lower until his fingers were once again plunging deep into her channel.
She couldn't see a thing but she felt his breath, heard the sounds he made, and it was like a strange aphrodisiac, this not knowing what came next.
But then she knew.
His mouth settled at the base of her spine as his fingers played in her sopping wet flesh. He nipped her ass in various places until she was writhing, aching for what she wanted. Him. She wanted him.
Suddenly his mouth was there at her pussy, eating hungrily until she shivered, tried to get closer, to get more. The sounds of what he did threatened to send her flying over the edge. And then she fell. Crying, weeping from the spiking pleasure, she jumped from the tip of pleasure's peak and hung suspended as the thrill whipped through her body.
Then, just as suddenly, he was gone. She heard him curse as he reached for the bedside table and snagged a condom. She heard the tiny tear and waited and waited until she felt the head of him, big and broad, pulsing with life poised at her entrance.
"J.T."
"Hell yeah."
He pushed deep as tears coursed a path down her cheeks. She felt him clasp her knee and move it high and up, opening her further. The thought that he was the sexiest man alive whipped through her mind but then she couldn't think at all. Pistoning hard and deep and fast, he made every sense she possessed come alive. Pounding roughly through the depths of her body, he whispered rough, erotic words that had her squirming below him, aching for fulfillment, needing to come. Then suddenly the flash fire was upon her and she stiffened, reaching, reaching, until the world fell apart leaving her a shivering mass of well-pleasured woman.
They'd fucked before and it had always been sweet, powerful. This time was different.
"I love you," he whispered as he stiffened above her. "Love you so much."
As he blasted his seed and came, jerking with the pleasure of it, she suddenly realized what was so different. When he lay limp over her like a warm blanket and she felt his breath on her neck, smelled the delicious male scent of him, it all became so clear. His love made her ready to face her demons and gave her the courage to take each day as it came. Life might not always be perfect but she was damn sure ready to live it.
Regina Carlysle is an award winning, multi-published author. She likes writing that is hot, edgy, and often humorous, and puts this trademark stamp on all of her stories. Regina lives in west Texas with her husband of 25 years and counting and is a doting, fawning, and over-indulgent mother to her two kids. When she's not penning steamy erotic tales or hot contemporary stories, she's indulging in long chats with friends who help her stay sane and keep her laughing.
The author welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
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Tempting Tess
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