SEAN RETURNED HOME closer to daylight than dark. When he’d headed for the hospital, he’d anticipated a quick visit but it had turned into emergency surgery that couldn’t wait. He’d had a second to think about Cynthia at his house. All he could do now was hope that she wasn’t mad. Not that it would make him feel any less a louse, but maybe she had called for a taxi or one of her brothers to come get her.
From the driveway he could see that the TV was still on. Cynthia would have turned it off if she wasn’t still here. He quietly let himself into the house, then thought better of it. What if he scared her? He had no need to worry. Cynthia was sound asleep in his chair.
She looked so small and so right in his large chair wrapped in his grandmother’s quilt. As if she belonged there. Quietly he put his keys and phone on the table. He wasn’t going to allow her to sleep in a chair any longer. He scooped her into his arms, blanket and all.
She blinked then murmured, “You’re home.”
He held her against his chest and kissed her temple before he headed to his bedroom. “I am.”
“Where’re we going?” she mumbled in a sweet, sleep-laden voice.
“My bed. Now, hush. Go back to sleep.” In his room he laid her on the bed, gently unrolled her from the blanket.
Was that his T-shirt she was wearing? He wouldn’t remove her pants, having already stepped over the propriety line by putting her in bed with him without asking her. Pulling the sheet over her, he then spread the quilt on top of that.
Cynthia wrapped her arms around his pillow with a sigh and brought it against her face.
Sean stood there watching her for a minute. How badly he wanted to properly wake her and show her how much he liked having her in his bed. Instead he found himself a clean pair of underwear and a pair of drawstring lounge pants before heading for the bathroom. There he took a cold shower despite having been looking forward to a hot one when he came home.
When he returned, Cynthia was curled up sound asleep in the middle of his bed. He slipped beneath the covers and rolled to his side, gathering her against his chest. Perfect. He would worry about her reaction to his forwardness in the morning. Seconds later he had joined her in sleep.
A wiggle of a warm body beside him woke Sean. There was a pink hazy color in the room. It wasn’t daylight yet.
His gaze met Cynthia’s.
She scooted away from him as if she had just registered where she was. He made no move to stop her. “What am I doing in bed? With you?”
“I put you here. My guests don’t sleep in a chair.” Maybe if he kept his actions matter of fact she wouldn’t get too upset.
She said quietly, “So you bring all your guests to bed after they go to sleep in your chair?”
His gaze didn’t leave hers. “No, you’re the first.”
Cynthia’s eyes widened. “Really? I’m the first woman to share this bed?”
He nodded. “Believe it.”
She studied him as if trying to decide if he was telling the truth or not. She looked at his bare chest. Lingered. He willed his obvious arousal to ease, but that was wasted effort. That wasn’t happening.
Cynthia’s attention moved lower. Her voice went a note higher. “You’re wearing pants.”
“Are you disappointed?” He watched different expressions play across her face at his innuendo. First questioning, contemplating, and then possibility.
“I don’t know. Yes, no. Maybe.”
“It’s simple. I came home far later than I anticipated and you were slumped in the chair. I felt bad and would have felt worse if you’d woken up in pain from sleeping that way. All I did was move you in here. I’d had a long night and needed sleep as well. We’re just two friends sharing the same blanket.” Someone needed to tell his libido that.
“Oh,” she said.
Had she sounded a little disappointed?
Cynthia moved away from him. “It’s still not sunrise. You need your rest. I’ll just go finish sleeping on the sofa.”
Sean reached across the space between them and caught her hand. How like her to always take the rougher road so that she could make it easier on someone else. “I wish you would stay. There’s enough room for us both here.”
Her uncertainty was charming.
“Please. I would feel better about going back to sleep.” For certain his body would be happier if she was close.
Cynthia covered a yawn with her hand. “Okay.”
“Good.” Sean settled under the covers again. A second later he felt Cynthia do the same.
He drifted off to sleep with her warmth just inches away. The next time he woke it was to dim light and the splatter of rain on the window. Cynthia was curled against his side as if she had been seeking warmth. Her head lay on his bicep and an arm across his waist. If she knew would she be upset?
He didn’t move, savoring the feel of having her near. She was a mass of contradictions. Soft and tender yet strong and demanding. Being around her made life interesting. Had made him start rethinking his. The value she placed on relationships with family almost made him physically nervous.
But right now she was causing a number of other physical issues for him. He wanted her and wanted her badly.
She looked adorable with her hair mussed, her cheeks pink from resting on his pillow, and wearing his T-shirt. The shirt material was pulled tight across her breasts and the outline of her nipple showed. His body twitched. What would she do if he ran a finger across her nipple? Would her eyes open wide in surprise? Or flutter open with wonder? Would she roll away? Did he dare find out which? Could he stop himself?
The tips of Cynthia’s fingers brushed his side. His body thrummed with need. His gaze jerked up to find hers. She was watching him. His eyes questioned. Her hand skimmed across his belly and back again, making his skin ripple.
Sean understood when a woman was sending out signals that she wanted him but this forwardness seemed out of character for Cynthia. He had her pegged as the cautious type. Everything about her screamed she was a woman who took being with a man as more than a simple enjoyment of bodies. For her it would involve emotion. Caring. Tomorrow. Could she possibly feel that way about him?
Despite his desires, he had to know before his baser instincts took over. What if she wasn’t ready? He’d all but insisted she stay in his bed. Worse, he’d brought her here when she wasn’t thinking clearly. Would she see it as him taking advantage of her? He’d never been this indecisive about wanting or having a woman. But if Cynthia said no would he have the strength to roll away from her?
Trying not to base his decisions on the demands of his body, he growled, “Cynthia, if you want to leave this bed untouched then you’d better go now.”
There was a pause, then her hand moved again, this time a little further down. “And if I don’t want to?”
He glared at her. “Don’t tease a man on the edge.”
She kissed his chest and murmured, “Ever thought I might be on edge too?”
That was all the invitation he required. He quickly rolled her on her back. Her head sank into his pillow and the mattress dipped as he came down on her. He supported himself above her and studied her face for a few seconds before his mouth claimed hers.
She opened for him and he found her wet heat waiting to greet him. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she joined him in the twists and turns of a dance of passion. This uninhibited Cynthia he hadn’t expected, but she fueled his desire like no other. His lips left hers to tease one corner of her mouth as his hands slipped under her shirt. Her hands kneaded his back as if she were begging for all he could give her. There would be red marks on his skin but he would wear them proudly.
He cupped one of her breasts. Cynthia took his lower lip into her mouth and sucked it. The actions sent a hot flash of desire through him. He was aroused to the point of pain. His heart thumped against his chest wall. If he didn’t have her soon he would explode.
When he rolled her nipple between two fingers she flexed her hips, brushing his length. Sean kissed her again as he lifted off her enough to locate the button of her pants. After flipping it open, he deftly moved to the zipper and tugged. Becoming almost frantic in his need to be inside her, he pulled his mouth away. Taking a deep breath, he searched her face.
“This is going too fast. Not fair to you.” His breathing was jagged. He had to find control.
“I’m not complaining.” She shimmied from side to side until she’d gotten her pants down then cupped his face. “Kiss me. I like it when you kiss me.”
He didn’t give her time to ask again. He supported himself on one arm, his mouth finding hers. His other hand he placed on her smooth, flat stomach.
“So silky sweet,” he murmured.
Cynthia sucked in her stomach, then released it so that it met his palm once more. Her hands gripped his upper arms and squeezed. His hand moved lower until it encountered the lace of her underwear. She hissed. Seconds later, she opened her legs. He cupped her center. She was hot and damp. Ready for him.
His hunger was driven to the breaking point. Sliding his finger under her panties, he explored expertly. Cynthia sucked in a sharp breath; her hips rose and settled, accepting him. Her legs relaxed, allowing him complete access. Small panting sounds filled the air between them as he teased and touched her.
Sean pulled his mouth from hers. He wanted to watch her. Wanted her to know it was him giving her pleasure. Her eyelids were leaden, her mouth slightly open, and her hands running over his chest. He’d never seen anything more erotic in his life. It was intoxicating to see Cynthia so enthralled in the delights he was providing. The tip of his thumb flicked her pleasure spot and her hips lurched upward. He drew his finger out and slipped in again. Cynthia squirmed, then moaned soft and long as she lowered to the bed. Seconds later she opened eyes that held a dreamy look. Her tender smile welcomed him.
He quickly stood, pushed his pants to the floor and kicked them away. Shoving the blanket and sheet to the end of the bed, he pulled her legs around so they hung over the edge of the mattress. Working quickly, he removed her pants from her ankles, letting them fall. When he reached for her panties he found her hands already there. She had them over her hips and he pulled them the rest of the way down her shapely legs. Those he planned to have around his hips soon.
Going to the bath, he took a box out from under the counter and removed a package. Returning to the bed, he watched Cynthia’s face as she looked at his naked body. He stepped closer, opening the foil package as he went. When she licked her lips he almost went to his knees. Covering his throbbing length, he made the final step to the bed. She opened her legs so that he could stand between them and admire her sprawled across his bed. Waiting on him. Had there ever been anything more stunning?
Hands on each side of her head, he leaned over her. His lips found hers, tasting and sipping her sweetness. Lowering himself, he nudged against her. Cynthia’s hands slid to his hips and tugged him to her. Did she want him as much as he wanted her? In his urgency, his kiss deepened as he entered her.
Sean sucked in a breath and counted to three as he released it. Had he ever been this hot for a woman? This close to bursting?
She wrapped her legs around his hips and squeezed until he filled her completely. Had anything ever been as good as this?
Seconds later he pulled back.
Cynthia made a sound of frustration and he returned to her. She sighed. He repeated the movement a little faster. Picked up the pace. She joined him until they found a rhythm unique to them. As their tempo built Cynthia tensed, lifted higher and gripped his shoulders, her fingers biting in. He made one final thrust, filling her again to the hilt.
A shudder rocked her body. She threw back her head, arched, keening her pleasure before slowly easing to the bed. He searched for their rhythm again. The drum roll built until he found his release and collapsed on top of her. She pulled him into her arms. He’d been welcomed home.
* * *
Cynthia knew what it was to have physical relations with a man but had never experienced anything like the magic she’d just shared with Sean. Her heart was full. She regarded her lover’s face with wonder, so close and so dear. How had Sean managed to break through her wall to bring her to this point? She smiled. All it had taken was his silver-tongued voice speaking into her ears.
He slowly rolled to lay beside her. Suddenly self-conscious about lying in the light with a naked man, she pulled the sheet across her hips. She was out of her element. Had acted far more a wanton than ever before.
“Don’t cover yourself. Didn’t I tell you how perfect you are? Amazing?”
She wasn’t used to men praising her body. Her ex certainly hadn’t fawned over her. To have Sean say those words warmed her, made her feel cherished. When was the last time she’d felt special? This was what it was like to have a man admire her. She planned to bask in it.
“Cyn. That suits you.” His hand ran up her bare thigh. “You sure make me think about sinning.”
Cynthia liked hearing her nickname from his lips. Her family members were the only ones who called her that. Sean had moved into her inner circle so easily and quickly. Now she didn’t want him to ever leave.
“That’s the nicest compliment I’ve ever had.” She moved to face him, caressing him with her eyes. Sean had a beautiful body. All vast plains with hollows and slopes. He seemed so at ease with himself. Had she been built like him, she might be self-confident as well. Unable to resist, she reached across his chest and ran her fingertips over his ribs and circled a blue spot on his side.
She reversed her hand. “I’m sorry you got all bruised up in the paintball fight.”
“I’m not. It was fun.”
Cynthia continued to learn the valleys and plains of his chest, then the dips and highs of his ribs.
“I would be careful about that. I might make you pay for tickling me.” His breath brushed her ear. She shivered. He chuckled.
“I bet you would.” Insecurity washed through her. Had she been too forward? Too loud? Was he disappointed?
“Hey.” He tugged gently at a lock of her hair. “Is something wrong?”
Did her feelings show so clearly or was Sean that good at reading her? “I’m just not sure why you’re interested in me when you could have anyone.”
In a near angry tone he announced, “You’re going to make me mad with talk like that. Are you making me a cliché again? I can’t imagine why a woman who’s capable in so many diverse areas, and beautiful to boot, could possibly wonder why me or any other man wouldn’t want her. Fear not, you satisfy me both in and out of bed.”
A feeling she didn’t want to put a name to filled her heart.
“The problem now is mine. How will I ever get enough of you?” Sean asked, as if he needed her to take pity on him.
Cynthia’s heart was near to bursting. “Doctor, I like your bedside manner. You sure know the right thing to say.”
* * *
Sean smiled. Cynthia made him feel as if he were the most special man in the world. He should have known he would be tempting fate to bring her to his bed. There was no way he wouldn’t want more of her. He’d never felt for anyone the way he cared about her. Even now his mind and body wanted more. What was going on with him? He felt edgy, as if something were happening that was out of his control. He needed to figure this out. Rein in his emotions.
“Hey, what time is it?” Cynthia exclaimed.
Sean looked over his shoulder at the alarm clock on the bedside table. “Nine fifty-two.”
Cynthia leaped up and grabbed her clothes. “I’ve got to go. The boys are going to be wondering where I am. I’ve never been gone this long without checking in.”
He sat up and caught her around the wrist as she turned to walk away. “You do know they’re not boys any more? I’d bet they know all about the birds and the bees.”
Her cheeks went red. It was refreshing to find a woman who could still be self-conscious about sex. “I know, but that doesn’t mean I have to make a show of not being there. Me sleeping over with a man for any reason is highly unusual.”
Sean let go of her and stood. Taking her hand, he brought her up close and gazed into her eyes. “What you’re saying is that I’m special?”
Cynthia’s gaze didn’t waver. “Very. You’ve been that from the moment I first heard your voice.”
He brought his mouth close to her ear, lips skimming it. “So you like it when I whisper sweet nothings in your ear?”
“Yes.” She lightly pushed at his chest. “Now you’re trying to distract me. I’ve got to go.”
“I’ll let you go for now but only if you’ll tell me more about how much you like my voice later.”
She huffed. “Men and their egos. I promise. Do you mind if I get a quick shower?”
“Not at all. Make yourself at home.” In the short time she’d been in his house she’d already managed to make her mark on his very personal spaces. His chair, his bed and now she wanted to leave him memories of her in his bath.
While he picked up his clothing she headed to the bath. Seconds later he joined her.
“Is something wrong?” she asked, eyes wide when he entered.
“Nope. I just thought I’d join you. I need to drive you home, remember? Also, I have patients to see in the office this afternoon.”
“I can wait until you get through in here.” She reached for her clothes.
Sean lightly caught hold of her wrist. “I thought we could share the shower.”
She looked anywhere but at him. “I don’t know.”
He reached in and turned the water on. “I’ll even let you have the spot under the showerhead.”
She looked at his large tile shower and then back at him. “I guess we could do that.”
And much more if he had his way. He fingered the hem of his T-shirt she still wore. It fell to the top of her thigh. “Don’t get me wrong and I don’t care that you’re wearing it but would you mind telling me why you have on my favorite T-shirt?”
Cynthia shifted and the shirt pulled against her breasts. His body twitched in awareness. He’d not taken the time he should have to appreciate the gifts hidden beneath the tee.
She looked down as if she’d forgotten what she was wearing. “I got my shirt and bra wet. I needed something to wear while drying them. I borrowed your shirt and fell asleep before my clothes were finished drying.”
“It looks far better on you than it does on me.” He studied the shape of her breasts and the outline of her nipples pushed against the material. Unable to resist, he touched one.
Cynthia drew in a breath and went still. Her eyes widened. That was enough to encourage him. He cupped her breast, tested its weight. “Perfect.”
His hands found her hips. “As fetching as you look in my shirt, I know I would enjoy what’s beneath much more.”
Sean ran his hands along her curves until he had gathered the shirt around her hands raised above her head. Her beautiful full breasts were completely exposed to him. Unable to stand it any longer, he took a nipple into his mouth. Cynthia inhaled with a hiss. His tongue circled her nipple and he tugged gently with his teeth before releasing it.
He removed the shirt to find her staring at him with desire-glazed eyes. He grinned, already responding to having her naked. She shivered. “Come on. The water should be warm. I know you’re in a hurry to go.”
“Not that big of one,” she murmured.
He chuckled as he followed her in under the water. No woman had been as responsive or open to his lovemaking as Cynthia. She seemed to bask in wonder and pleasure at his every touch.
She was under the water with her face up when he closed the glass door behind himself. Sean stepped up behind her. Placing his hands on her small waist, he pressed against her backside. He wanted her to know what she did to him. She shifted back to press herself against him. Once again she amazed him. Clearly she didn’t mind letting him know she wanted him. There was nothing timid about her lovemaking. It was open and full on.
Was that what this was? Sex had always been enjoyable but with Cynthia it went to a high level. But love? That he’d never been a part of before. It scared him. He liked what he and Cynthia shared but was it more than two people who really connected?
Sean kissed the top of her shoulder. She shuddered. His hands slid up her torso to cup both of her breasts. She leaned back against his chest giving him full access. Her hands came around to grip his thighs. He gently pulled and teased her breasts as he placed little kisses along her neck and jaw. “I have to taste you.”
He slowly turned her to face him. She looked at him as if he were the most amazing man in the world. Somehow he was going to see to it that she always believed that. Bending, he took a wet, swollen nipple into his mouth. She whimpered so sweetly he was afraid he might not be able to last. Gaining control, he moved to the other nipple, giving it the same attention.
With one hand, she hung onto his shoulder while the other slipped over his thigh up to his hip. There she hesitated before she took him in her hand. His blood boiled and his body throb unbearably. He’d never been set on fire so soon after having a woman. It was usually once and done and he was on his way home.
He had to step away or lose his mind. She deserved her pleasure as well. If she continued to move her hand he’d detonate. As he stepped back, her hand slowly slipped over him, which was worse than her earlier administrations.
Cynthia raised her worried eyes to meet his. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No. If anything it was too right. I want to give you pleasure this time. Nothing rushed. If you kept that up it would end up being all about me. I want this time to be about you.” He dropped to a knee. Reaching around her, he grabbed her supple behind and pulled her to him. Kissing her stomach as the water ran over them. “Put a leg over my shoulder.”
Her eyes widened. “I don’t—”
“Please. For me.”
She delayed another moment before complying. His arm went around her waist as her hand went to his shoulder. The other fingered his hair.
Sean dipped his tongue in, finding her hot center. A moan of pure animal pleasure rolled out of Cynthia. Lust rocked like thunder through him. She pressed forward. He gave her what she desired. Her grip on his shoulder tightened. She went up on her toes. He stroked his tongue against her again. She tensed and her hand left his shoulder to brace against the wall while the one on his head brought his mouth more intimately against her. She stiffened, then shuddered before becoming pliant. Seconds later he hurried to support her. Her forehead rested against his chest, as she breathed deeply.
They stood that way until Sean could stand it no longer. He opened the shower door and led her out.
“What about you?” she mumbled.
“Don’t worry. We’re going to see about me.” His hands came to her waist and lifted her to the bathroom counter. “Scoot to the edge.” She did as she was bid. He stepped between her knees and in one swift, smooth move he entered her. Cynthia cupped his face and kissed him as he sank deep. He was so hard for her that he feared the first contact would be all he could stand. He managed a couple of plunges before a white-hot explosion gripped him.
His forehead came to rest on Cynthia’s shoulder.
“How do you expect me to walk after that?” she asked as her fingers played with the hair at the nape of his neck.
Sean looked at her with what he was sure was a foolish grin on his lips. “I was going to ask you the same thing.”
“That was amazing, Doctor.”
He wanted to let out a caveman roar.
A quarter of an hour later, they were finishing dressing when Cynthia said, “I forgot to ask how your patient is doing. Obviously there were more problems than you anticipated.”
“She’ll be fine but she’ll have a long recovery period. It was an ugly accident.”
“I’m glad to hear you could help her. You have a real gift.” She grinned. “For more than one thing.”
She had one as well. Making him feel like the most special person on the planet. That was something he had missed in his life. Would he ever be able to let her go?