Chapter Two
After Jake left me partially sexed-up with no finish in the bathroom, I slipped into the cold shower that I knew was in order to get me through the night. As I lathered up my hair, I could barely contain the excitement that bubbled within me when I thought about my wedding day. I was probably most excited about the honeymoon, which for me wasn’t just about the sex. It would be the first time that Jake and I were actually alone together. The last few months had been so hectic with our touring schedule. Since my brothers wanted to cut a new album, most of my free time was spent working on material with them. Even though I’d helped Jake write I’ll Take You with Me, I still felt like a total and complete newbie when it came to songwriting. Luckily, Micah was willing to lend his skills to our cause.
While I was spending late nights at the studio, Jake and Runaway Train were also working on their next album. Considering the last one had been Grammy winning, the pressure was on to make the next album even bigger. So, between the touring and the albums, we rarely had time when it was just the two of us. And while we would only have a week alone together, I planned on making the most of every single second.
After I finished showering, I got out and toweled off. Grabbing my robe off the door, I slipped into the silky material. At the sound of a squeal in the bedroom, I grinned and padded over to the door. When I opened it, I saw Bella on the bed with Mia bent over her. As Mia blew raspberries on Bella’s naked belly, Bella giggled and kicked her feet. Mia pulled away to cock her head. “Now can we put on your pretty dress without you pitching a hissy fit?”
Bella replied with a coo and a wave of her arms. Mia glanced over her shoulder at me. “I’m putting her in the one you gave her at her baptism.”
I smiled. “She’ll look beautiful in it, I’m sure.” I had been both surprised and honored when Mia and AJ had asked me to be Bella’s godmother. I felt there were other more deserving family members, especially AJ’s sister. But Mia had insisted. So four months ago I’d stood with AJ’s brother, Antonio, at the altar of Christ the King as Bella was baptized. Among several gifts I’d gotten her was a dress I’d hoped she’d be wearing to her parent’s rehearsal dinner since it was lacy and frilly. But it looked like she was going to be debuting it at mine since Mia and AJ weren’t getting married for another four months.
“Sorry about Jake freaking out like that on you,” I said, as I toweled my hair.
Mia adjusted the enormous lavender bow on Bella’s head. “It’s okay. I’m surprised it didn’t happen to him sooner like it did to Rhys when we were out on tour.”
“Oh no. Did he have a similar reaction?”
Mia laughed. “Worse. He ran into the wall trying to get away from me.”
“Seriously?” I asked.
“Sadly, yes.” With a smile, she shook her head. “Men spend their lives being obsessed with boobs, and then the moment a baby is attached to it, they lose their minds.”
I grinned. “I know, right?”
“Well, when it’s all said and done, I’m really, really sorry that I interrupted you two.” She winked at me. “You guys looked pretty hot and heavy there.”
“It’s okay.” When Mia gave me a ‘yeah right’ look, I shook my head. “Trust me, it was fine. Besides, Jake was trying to break my resolve on abstaining until our wedding night.”
Mia’s dark brows furrowed in confusion. “Excuse me?”
“Oh, I decided to make our wedding night special, we wouldn’t have sex for a week before the wedding.”
“Hmm, maybe I should torture AJ with that in a few months.”
I laughed. “Why not?”
She grinned. “Considering we’ve already done everything backwards, I don’t think we need to worry about our wedding night being very special. In the end, you make your special moments, and they usually happen when you go off the script.”
“The script?”
“Oh, you know. The life script—the way you’ve meticulously planned out how everything is going to happen in your life.” Mia picked up Bella. As she stared into her daughter’s face, pure love emanated in her eyes. “My life script never would have ever included AJ. I mean, a rock star? Who in their right mind would want to marry someone who lives a rootless existence on the road with beautiful women constantly throwing themselves at their feet?” She snorted. “Not me, that’s for damn sure. But that’s where I was wrong. And when I decided to just screw the script, that’s when I found the truest of loves and the greatest of happiness.”
“I see what you mean.” I’d been pretty rigid with my life script lately, and I couldn’t help wondering if it was for the best. “Maybe I should go to Jake tonight after the party,” I murmured.
Mia adjusted Bella on her hip. “And finish what you started?” she asked with a sly smile.
“Oh yes.”
She grinned. “I think that sounds like a wonderful idea.” She then motioned to the bathroom. “Now go finish getting ready so you can put this plan in motion.”
I laughed. “Yes, ma’am,” I replied, before hurrying to the closet for my dress.
At a few minutes past six, Jake and I made our way down the hillside to the tent. It was already teeming with people as waiters in white jackets hurried about serving hors d’oeuvres. With a champagne flute in my hand, I weaved in and out of the tables as I tried to greet each and every one of our guests. “Don’t you look like a living dream?” Frank complimented when I came to the table full of Runaway Train roadies and their families.
I glanced down at my dress. I had picked a white, strapless, Grecian-styled dress with a glittering bodice for tonight’s party. Around my throat were Susan’s pearls. As I turned to the side, I asked, “You like it?”
“It’s beautiful, but you’re even more beautiful in it.”
“Aw, you’re too sweet.” I leaned over and kissed his cheek, which earned hoots and hollers from the men.
“Hey, now, save some loving for me,” Jake teased from behind us.
“Fine, fine, you can have some too,” I replied, before kissing his cheek.
“Thanks, Angel,” Jake murmured with a wink. As he stayed joking with the guys, I moved on since dinner would be served promptly at seven. While I chatted and laughed with friends and family, there was one table that I kept putting off going to, and that was the one where Jake’s father and stepmother were seated. Taking a long gulp of my champagne, I bit the bullet by plastering on my best smile.
“Hey, how are you guys?”
Jake’s stepmother, Nancy, returned my smile. “Great, thank you. Don’t you look exquisite?”
“Thank you.”
“I can’t wait to see what your dress looks like tomorrow,” Nancy said.
“It’s a little more poofy than this one,” I replied with a smile. When I turned to address Jake’s dad, Mark, he stared expectantly at me.
“Can I talk to you for a moment?” Mark asked.
I couldn’t help nibbling on my bottom lip before I responded. “Um, sure.”
When he rose out of his chair, I couldn’t hide my surprise. “I thought it would be better to discuss this alone,” he said in a low voice.
“Okay,” I replied. With his hand at the small of my back, Mark eased me away from the crowded tables to the outside of the tent. He made sure we were out of earshot from the others before he spoke. “Abby, I just want you to know that I couldn’t be more pleased that Jake has found a girl like you to settle down with.”
“Thank you,” I said, hesitantly. I knew from his tone and expression, there was a lot more Mark wanted to say.
With a ragged sigh, he gave me a tight smile. “Because of the woman you are, I know if there’s anyone who can mend the relationship between myself and Jake, it’s you.”
My eyes widened. “I think you flatter me a little too much.”
“Jake values your opinion more than anyone else’s. Ever since Susan died, he’s cut himself off even further from me.” He shook his head sadly. “I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve made mistakes in my life. But I love my son, and I want to be a part of his life. Please, Abby, please try and talk to Jake.”
My heart ached for Mark as he stood pleading in front of me. “I don’t know what I can do—” When Mark opened his mouth to protest, I held up my hand. “But I will try. I promise you that.”
“You will?”
“Yes. I want peace and happiness for Jake in all areas of his life, including you. Someday when we have children, I want you to have a part in their lives.”
Tears shimmered in Mark’s eyes. “Thank you. That means so much to me.”
He reached over and gave me a quick hug. When he pulled away, he glanced over my shoulder with a smile. “Evening, son.”
“Evening,” Jake replied.
“I apologize for stealing your beautiful bride-to-be for a few minutes.”
“It’s fine.” I inwardly cringed at the coolness of Jake’s tone.
“I’m looking forward to the wedding tomorrow. Allison is really excited to be a bridesmaid.”
“We’re happy to have her. She’s such a sweetheart,” I said.
Mark swayed on his feet, and I could tell there was more he wanted to say. “Well, I’ll leave you two lovebirds.”
“Goodnight,” I said.
He turned to go but waited until Jake finally replied, “See ya.”
As Mark walked away, Jake wrapped his arms around my waist. He nuzzled my neck with his warm lips before asking, “What did he want?”
“Just to talk.”
“Mmm, hmm.”
“He loves you, Jake.” When I felt him tense behind me, I quickly added, “He wants nothing more than to mend the broken fences, so that you two can have a real relationship.”
Jake snorted. “Too many years and too much shit have passed between us.”
Turning in his arms, I brought my hand to his cheek. “It’s never too late for forgiveness.”
His brows shot up at my words. “And just whose side are you on?”
“Yours.” I emphasized my words by drawing myself close to his chest. “I’m always on your side, and you know that.”
He kissed the top of my head. “I don’t know, Abby. Some things are better left the way they are.”
Pulling away, I stared into his face. “Just promise me that you’ll try a little harder where your dad is concerned.”
A defeated growl came from his chest. “Fine. I’ll try.”
“Thank you,” I said, before bestowing a kiss on his lips.
“Come on. Let’s go eat.”
“Sounds good to me.” I let Jake take my hand and lead me through the crowd to the table at the head of the tent. It was for us and our wedding party. As the catering staff bustled around serving the first course, Jake picked up the microphone off the table.
“Everyone,” he began. When people kept talking, he tapped the top of the microphone. “Helloooo? Can you guys hear me out there?”
At the top of his lungs, AJ shouted, “Hey everybody, shut the f*ck up!”
At the dead silence, Jake shook his head and grinned. “Thanks, buddy.”
“Anytime,” AJ replied with a wink.
“Yeah, so, I’m not one for speeches and shit like that, but I did want to take a second before everyone started stuffing their faces to say thank you from both myself and Abby for being with us on the eve before the big day. Everyone in this room is family, whether we’re related by blood or by a business or personal relationship. You’ve seen us through some tough times over the last few years, and we can never forget how your love and support stayed consistent through the bad times, as well as the good.” He turned to me and smiled. “Most of all, I hope you’re with us for many more to come. So thank you very, very much.”
“Now let’s eat!” AJ exclaimed banging his fist on the table.
Jake rolled his eyes. “As the caveman said, let’s eat.” As applause rang out around us, Jake eased down into the chair beside me. Although my nerves were working in overdrive, my stomach was not affected. I couldn’t wait to finally eat what I had picked out so many months ago. Plus, I had been eating as little as possible in that week or so to get into my dress. All my willpower seemed to go out the window when the Caesar salad. I dug in like a woman who hadn’t eaten in weeks. “Pace yourself, Angel,” Jake joked.
“I can’t help it, I’m starving,” I mumbled through the mouthful of bread I had just stuffed in.
Jake grinned. “I’m so glad I’m marrying a woman with an appetite.”
“You might not be saying that for long, especially if I can’t get into my dress tomorrow afternoon.”
He snorted. “I highly doubt that.” He leaned over to where his warm lips brushed against my earlobe. “Besides, more of you is just more to love, especially loving your delicious curves in the bedroom.”
“Hmm, we’ll see if you keep that attitude when I get pregnant and put on fifty pounds.”
Jake stiffened beside me. I had found the right words to cool his advances. Although he loved cuddling with Bella or playing with Jude and Melody, Jake was still gun-shy about the idea of us having children. When anyone mentioned us having kids, he would scoff at the idea. He claimed we had at least two more American tours and a world tour to get through before he even thought of knocking me up. With the world tour scheduled to take off in a year, I had a feeling even after that, he still wouldn’t be ready. There was something deep inside him that didn’t feel like he was capable of being a father. Thinking that was how he felt broke my heart. He had so much love to give a child. I wanted more than anything for him to be able to see that, but I didn’t want to press the issue now. We had time to work on it.
I guess he sensed my sadness at his reaction because he kissed my cheek tenderly. “We’ll have to wait and see, Angel.”
Satisfied with his answer, I smiled at him. “I’ll hold you to it.”
With a wink, he said, “Sounds like a plan.”
Two courses of mouthwatering food later, AJ stood up and took the microphone. “Oh Jesus,” Jake muttered.
“As you know, it’s customary for the best man to make a speech at the wedding reception. Since some of you won’t be with us tomorrow, I felt it was best to give my speech now, so no one missed out.” AJ flashed a wide grin. “When I was twelve years old, a family moved next door to us. While I went over to be friendly and introduce myself, I really just wanted to get a better view of the hot chick.” He glanced out into the audience. “Sorry, Andrea, but it’s the truth.”
“Oh please,” she muttered, while burying her head in her hands.
“Anyway, while on my chick-seeking mission, I found out that there was a kid my age who would be visiting every other weekend. I was pretty stoked at that news ‘cause at the time, I thought if I made nice with the dude, then I would be around more to see his step-sister.”
“You’re such an ass,” Jake muttered with a grin.
“So, the first weekend Jake came out of the boonies to visit his dad, I went over to meet him. I had no idea that day I was meeting my new best friend. I mean, it certainly wasn’t too memorable. We sat around eating junk food and playing video games. No, it was the next day that our fates were sealed when Jake brought out his guitar. While he wanted to sing and play some hokey Johnny Cash shit his grandfather had taught him, I quickly took him downstairs to the basement where my drums were. I guess you could say it was then and there our true and unfailing bromance began.”
As everyone laughed, AJ turned to me and winked. “Over the years of watching Jake the Lady Killer in action, I knew it was going to take a special girl to snag his heart and make him toe the line. One who was feisty and sassy, sweet and kind, beautiful and sexy, and his creative and musical equal. And then one day, this woman…” he pointed at me. “This gorgeous woman right here literally fell into his bed and didn’t take his bullshit. Ever.”
I groaned but smiled in spite of myself. “Thanks for bringing that up in front of everybody.”
“You’re welcome,” he replied. As he cocked his head at me, a mischievous twinkle entered his dark eyes. “You know at first, I kinda hoped that maybe this beautiful little firecracker and myself might be meant to Tango into the sunset together. But no, it was clear almost from the very beginning that she was meant for only Jake. I’m just honored to call her a friend and musical collaborator. But best of all, tomorrow I will get to call her my best friend’s wife.”
“Oh, AJ,” I murmured, as my hand came to my throat.
“His ball and chain for now until the day he dies,” he added with a grin.
I laughed and shook my head at him as he picked up his champagne flute. “So, I ask you to raise a glass to the couple of the evening, the man and woman of the hour, and along with me, wish them all the blessings, joy, and happiness that life can bring.” He thrust his drink into the air. “To Jake and Abby.”
“To Jake and Abby,” the crowd recited, as they lifted their glasses.
Jake clinked my glass with his before dipping his head to kiss me. “Here’s to us, Angel,” he murmured, against my lips.
“To us,” I replied breathlessly. I brought the crystal flute to my lips and took a sip while Jake downed his in one gulp. “Now who needs to pace himself?” I teasingly asked.
“What do you say we dance?”
I couldn’t help laughing. “Seriously? You hate to dance.”
“With anyone else, yes. But with you, I’d love to.”
“If you’re sure…”
“I’m positive.”
“Okay, then.” I slipped my hand into his and let him pull me out of my chair. We made our way in front of the main table where a wooden floor had been erected for dancing. Across from us, a band had been tuning up. Jake gave a nod to the lead singer—a tall, lanky guy with shaggy dark hair.
“Okay, everyone, I have a special request from the groom-to-be. It’s an oldie…actually one we weren’t even familiar with, but since Jake wants us to play it, then by God we’re doing it.” Glancing over his shoulder, he then counted off.
Instantly, I recognized the song. It was one Jake had on his iPod under a playlist called My Angel. It was from the 90s, if you considered that an oldie, and it was called How Do You Talk to an Angel?
Jake smiled down at me. “Good choice?”
“Oh, yes.”
“I thought you’d like it.”
Tomorrow my brothers would be reuniting with Micah to do the singing at the ceremony and the reception. Tonight had been up to Jake. “So, I don’t think I ever asked who the band is?”
“It’s Brayden’s cousin, Cade’s.” A sheepish look entered Jake’s face. “Remember the second night you were on the bus with us when the guys and I were supposed to go hear a band play, but I got wasted, puked on you, and passed out?”
I quirked my brows at him. “How could I ever forget?”
Jake laughed. “Yeah, thought you would. Of course, I kinda hoped you would also remember that was the night I truly came clean with you, and that I wanted a chance to win you over.”
“I remember that, too.”
“Good,” he murmured, before kissing me.
As the song faded to an end, Jake and I remained lip-locked under the twinkling lights of the tent. I could have stayed in that moment forever—wrapped in his arms, feeling the intensity of his love with each and every kiss. In the end, I just hoped to be able to bottle up a little of the feeling, so that when there were hard times or fights or when I felt like his love had waned, I could look back on this moment in time and know how truly and deeply we loved each other. It was true bliss and heaven on earth.
Only the sound of a rumbling explosion caused me to pull away. Over Jake’s shoulder, the night sky lit up in a multi-colored array. I gasped. “Fireworks?”
Jake grinned. “A little surprise.”
People abandoned their chairs and walked outside of the tent. “Too redneck?” Jake asked, as he slid his arm around my waist.
I laughed. “No, I love it.”
“I figured you were used to big finales during our shows, so I thought our party needed a big moment.”
“They’re amazing. I mean, they’re as good as the ones at Stone Mountain on the 4th of July!”
“I’m glad you think so,” Jake mused as we tilted our heads to take in the display.
When the last streaks of color followed a sonic boom, Jake took my hand and brought it to his lips. “How about we cut that cake now?”
“That sounds good to me.”
As we waved goodbye to the last guest, Jake peeked at his watch. “Wow, I’m impressed. Everyone ate, danced, and drank and were outta here by eleven thirty.”
“That’s because there weren’t many Italians or Mexicans here,” AJ commented with a grin. “We party until the sun comes up. Don’t we, Mia?”
Mia nodded. “Yep, it’s true.”
I laughed. “Then I better start training for your wedding.”
“Oh, it’s going to be epic for sure,” AJ remarked.
“Well, considering we have a slammed day tomorrow, I’m kinda glad that everyone decided to go home a little early,” I said.
“It was a nice party though, wasn’t it?” Jake remarked, as we started up the porch steps.
“It was beautiful—everything I hoped it would be,” I said.
With a smile, Jake said, “Best of all, we get to party more tomorrow.”
Mia glanced down at Bella, who was sound asleep in her arms. “I better get this pumpkin to bed.” When AJ started to ease down on the sofa, Mia grabbed his shirt sleeve. “I could use a little help.”
AJ grinned. “Is that code for you want me to come downstairs so you can have your way with me?”
At Mia’s laugh, Bella stirred, so Mia quickly covered her mouth with her free hand. “Yeah, Mr. Latin Lover, that’s exactly what I was thinking,” she replied softly.
“Mmm, good deal.” With a wave of his hand to us, he added, “Night bitches,” before following Mia to the basement stairs. Glancing over her shoulder at me, Mia winked, causing a flush to enter my cheeks.
Trying to recover before Jake got suspicious, I asked, “Think our house guests will think we’re poor hosts if we go on to bed?”
Jake shook his head. “I think your parents and brothers understand. And from the sound of it, AJ and Mia are covered.”
“I think so,” I replied with a smile.
“So I guess this is goodnight, huh?”
I nodded. “Yep, the last night we’ll ever spend as single people.”
Cocking his head, Jake asked, “Remind me again why I didn’t have a swinging bachelor party?”
I smacked his arm playfully. “Because you’re marrying an insecure, overbearing shrew who couldn’t stand the thought of some fake-breasted, plastic Barbie giving you a lap dance?”
A wicked gleam burned in Jake’s blue eyes. “Actually, I think it was more that I was a caveman who didn’t want some oiled dude in a banana hammock dry humping you.”
“Ew!” I cried while wrinkling my nose.
“I’m sure that with some hot, cute little number like yourself, all the Magic Mike douchebags would have wanted to rub up on you.”
“I would have totally declined since I’m very happy having you, and only you, rub up on me.”
Jake’s amused expression grew serious as he traced my cheekbone with his thumb. “Are you sure?”
My eyes widened. “Excuse me? Am I sure about gross, oily male strippers?”
He laughed. “No, I meant about me and only me.”
“Considering we’re getting married tomorrow, I think that shows I’m pretty damn sure.”
“But are you sure you’re okay with me being the only man you’ve ever slept with.” His brows furrowed in thought. “I mean, do you think you’ll look back one day and wish you’d had more experience?”
I shook my head furiously from side to side. “Never, ever.” Sliding my arms around his neck, I smiled. “I can’t ever imagine anyone being a better lover than you.”
“And since you have no one else to judge that by, I don’t—”
Bringing my hand to his chest, I silenced him. “Don’t go there, Jake. I know what I’ve felt with you, and I don’t want anyone else. I’m fully satisfied that you will be the only man I sleep with for the rest of my life.”
Although I wasn’t entirely sure he believed me, a pleased smile curved on his lips. “I’m satisfied that you’re the last woman I’ll ever sleep with for the rest of my life.”
“I sure hope so.”
“Give me a goodnight kiss, future ball and chain,” he teased.
I leaned up on my tiptoes to bring my mouth to his. He snaked his arms around my waist, drawing me flush against him. As I deepened the kiss by thrusting my tongue against his, Jake’s fingers came to tangle in the bottom strands of my hair. He tasted sweet like the chocolate cake we had fed each other for dessert.
When I pulled away, Jake groaned. “Yeah, guess we better cut that out for tonight.”
I bit my lip to keep from smiling since I knew what I was going to do as soon as the house was quiet, and I was sure everyone was asleep. “See you tomorrow then,” I said.
“Night, Angel. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
Jake gave me a chaste kiss on the lips before heading out the front door. Fighting the butterflies in my stomach, I made my way down the hall to the bedroom. Although I slipped out of my dress and into my pajamas, I had no intention of going to sleep. Instead, I lay in bed, listening to the sounds around me. Long after the last footsteps could be heard pattering down the hall or the sound of water in the pipes, I finally threw back the covers and hopped out of bed.
I knew exactly what I wanted to wear, and it only took two seconds to pull it out of my suitcase. I then slipped into the bathroom and got dressed. As soon as I was done, I crept out of the bedroom and down the hall. I could hear my dad snoring in the guest bedroom, while the sound of muted TV came from the office where Eli and Gabe were sleeping on an air mattress and the pullout couch. Grabbing a flashlight out of the hall closet, I then snuck out the front door. I jogged as fast as I could in my robe and slippers across the front lawn and down the hill. Thankfully, Angel had actually listened to me when I told her to stay on the porch. The last thing I needed was for her to start a barking marathon and alert everyone that I was running around half-naked outside.
When I got to the barn, I reached under one of the potted plants to get out the hide-a-key. Gently, I unlocked the door and stepped inside. When I closed the door behind me, I heard rustling in the bed upstairs. Without hesitation, I made my way across the living room toward the stairs. Of course, I didn’t expect Jake to have left his shoes in the middle of the floor, causing me to trip and bang into the ladder.
“Ow!” I cried before I could bite down on my lip.
“Abby?” Jake questioned. Within a few seconds, he was peering over the railing of the loft.
Gazing up at him, I teased, “Yes, it’s me. Were you expecting someone else?”
His brows furrowed. “I wasn’t expecting anyone, especially you.”
“Well…surprise!”
Jake gave me a funny look as I started climbing the stairs. When I got to the top rung of the ladder, he helped me off. “What are you doing here?”
To answer his question, I undid the tie on my robe. I then shimmied it off my shoulders and let it fall to the floor. Jake’s eyes widened while his mouth gaped open at my skimpy lingerie. “Abby…”
“Do you remember this?” I asked, running my hand over the silky material.
As the revelation washed over him, desire burned in his eyes. “You were wearing that the night we made love for the first time.”
“Yes, I was.” Stepping forward, I wrapped my arms around his neck. “I want you to finish what you started earlier this afternoon. But most of all, I want you to make love to me again on our wedding eve in the same place we first came together.”
Jake’s gaze left mine to momentarily flicker over to the clock on the nightstand. “But it’s after midnight. That means it’s our wedding day. What about the bad luck?”
“We make our own luck. But more than anything, we make our own memories, and I want to make one with you tonight.”
As his arms wrapped tighter around me, he cocked his head at me. “Trust me, Angel, I certainly don’t want to argue with you. I just don’t want you to regret it later.”
“There hasn’t been a single moment I’ve regretted with you.”
Jake’s brows rose in surprise. “Really?”
“I promise.”
He smiled. “I’m really glad to hear that.”
“So are you down with my plan?”
“Oh, hell yeah,” he said, as he backed us over to the bed.
“Since when do you wear T-shirts to sleep in?” I asked.
He grinned. “I found the more clothes I had on, the better I reigned myself in.”
“Oh no, has our abstaining caused you to spend a little extra time with your hand?” I teased.
“I refused to rub one out, which is why I’m wearing the clothes, instead of sleeping naked.”
“Poor baby,” I murmured. Taking the hem of his T-shirt, I had to stand on tiptoes to whisk it over his head. Once I tossed it onto the floor, I went for the waistband of his boxers. As my fingers skimmed along his abdomen, I glanced up. His hands remained at his sides, rather than ripping off my clothes like he usually did. “Is this how we’re playing it? You naked and me in my lingerie?”
He grinned. “Maybe.” His hand came to cup my breasts through the lacy fabric. “Maybe seeing you in this number gets me so hot that I want to enjoy it as long as possible.”
“Hmm, that’s nice.” After I shoved the fabric over his hips, I was rewarded with a sight of how ready he was for me. Dropping to my knees, I leaned forward to bestow a kiss on the crown of his head. His abdominal muscles clenched. As I pushed his boxers down to the floor, I kissed a slow, tedious trail over his calves and thighs. “Angel,” Jake pleaded.
Deciding to put him out of his misery, I took his length in my hand. At his sharp intake of breath, I slid my fingers up and down his erection. Jake sucked in a breath as he stared down at me with hooded eyes. Licking my lips, I brought my mouth to him and sucked his length inside. Jake’s deep groan reverberated around the bedroom. He swept my hair aside to watch what I was doing to him. “F*ck, you drive me wild,” he murmured. I kept sucking him harder and deeper while pumping my hand up and down.
Just as I felt him begin tensing up, he jerked away from me, and his erection fell free of my mouth. With gentle hands, he lifted me off my knees. His hands went to the hem of my nightie, and he lifted it over my head. As one hand came to cup my breast, the other went to jerk down my thong. “Easy now. Don’t rip it, caveman,” I admonished him with a smile.
“You’d like it if I did.”
“Oh I would?”
His head bobbed up and down. “You like it when I take control.” His thumb flicked over my nipple, causing me to gasp.
“Not bad,” I murmured.
When both of his hands came to pinch my nipples, moisture flooded my core, and I couldn’t help moaning. He then eased onto his back on the bed. Taking my hand, he jerked me over to where I was straddling him. He then pulled me further up his body until his mouth connected with my core. “Oh God,” I moaned, as Jake’s tongue dipped inside me. With his hands clamped tight to my thighs, his mouth continued a steady assault. My breathing became erratic, and I pitched forward to grab hold of the headboard. My hips moved in time with the thrusting of his tongue inside me. Unable to grip the headboard for long, my hands felt blindly along the side of the bed. Jake’s grip on my thighs released, and his hands clasped with mine. As I squeezed his fingers with my own, I continued riding his face and tongue. A powerful orgasm rippled through me, causing me to throw my head back and scream his name.
I was still riding the pulsing waves of my orgasm when Jake slid me down the length of his body and then impaled me on his erection. With his hands gripping my hips, he began working me on and off of him. Each time I came back down, he thrust his hips up to meet me. I splayed my palms flat across his pecs, but his hands seemed to be everywhere. Tangling through the strands of my hair, cupping my breasts, sliding up and down my back—his touch was all over me, and it drove me deliciously wild into sensory overload.
He pushed himself into a sitting position and wrapped his arms around me. We were now chest to chest, face to face and eye to eye. I shivered with pleasure at the feel of more of his skin brushing against mine. The fine, dark hairs on his chest tweaked and teased my nipples as we rubbed against each other. As he brought his mouth to mine, his tongue plunged in and out in the same rhythm. After sliding a hand between us, his fingers stroked my swollen *, and I came again, shouting his name and clinging desperately to his broad shoulders. As I started coming down, Jake continued pumping in and out of me. When I sensed he was getting close, I pulled back. I wanted to be looking into his eyes when he went over the edge.
“Abby,” he moaned, as his hips jerked, and his body shuddered in release. When he was finished, he remained buried inside me. He lay back on the bed, taking me with him.
As I snuggled into his side, I sighed with contentment. “That was…”
“Amazing. As always.”
I grinned as I propped my head up on my elbow. “Do you think it’ll always be like this?”
“You mean, after we’ve been married for twenty years and you’ve popped out a kid or two, will we still be having sex as hot as this?”
“Yeah.”
“I sure as hell hope so,” he replied, with a grin.
“Me too.”
“Sweet dreams, Angel.”
“Only of you,” I murmured, before I closed my eyes and fell into a contented sleep.