Chapter Eight
Anna closed her eyes as Seth tilted his head and brushed his lips against hers. This time, the kiss felt different from the rest. He wasn’t holding back or distracted. Instead she felt that he was fully focused on her.
Tilting her head to the side, she deepened the kiss and slid her arms up around his neck. Seth growled against her lips then slid his hands underneath her body. She gasped as he straightened and lifted her into the air. She clung to him and feasted on his lips as he nudged the screen door and carried her inside the large farmhouse.
“Quiet,” she whispered. “Grandma is napping. I don’t want to wake her.”
“Hmm, that sounds like a challenge.”
She giggled and kissed him again as he brought her up the stairs to their room. As he kicked the door closed, she slid her fingers into the inside pockets of his leather jacket and discovered something hard and rectangular.
“What’s this?” she asked as she pulled out a small, thin card.
“Oh, that’s from the Blue Brigade yesterday,” he said as he placed her on the mattress.
“Ah, your good deed.” Smiling she flipped over the card. “It says that you need to give a stranger who appears stressed a massage.” She waved the card in the air between them. “That’s a good one for you.”
“You think?” He leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think that you planned it.”
“Of course not.” She kissed him, then slid her head to the side and examined the card once more. “You know you need to do what’s on the card.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“I am. It’s tradition. And if you’re going to be a part of this town then you need to follow town tradition.” She pointed at him. “You need to give some poor stressed-out soul a massage.”
He narrowed his gaze. “And I’m assuming you have someone in mind?”
“Maybe.” She tossed the card to the side. “You know, all of this coming back home and seeing my grandmother has created a lot of tension.”
“Uh-huh.” He pressed his lips and nodded. “I can see where this is going.”
She slid her fingers along his arms. “Maybe you should open my suitcase.”
“Why?”
“I have a surprise in there. Something that may offer you some . . . inspiration.”
He frowned but moved to do as she asked. Within moments, he returned back to her and held up a long, thin case.
“Is this what I think it is?” he asked.
She nodded. “Bring back memories?”
“You’re kidding.”
She shook her head.
He grinned and moved over to the mattress. “When I first saw you, you were looking at something similar to this.” He opened the case to reveal a slender, purple dildo. He pressed a button and it started to vibrate.
“I had no idea how to use it.” She ran her fingers along the smooth side. “I was so embarrassed when you caught me.”
He raised his brows. “You weren’t embarrassed for long.”
She felt heat rise to her cheeks. “No, I wasn’t.” She took the instrument from him and ran it down the side of his arm. “I was thinking this might be a good time to use it.”
“Oh really?”
“It’s a symbol of our new beginning.”
“A new beginning. I like that.” He slid the vibrator from her fingers and placed both it and the case on the floor. “As long as the new beginning involves you.”
“Of course.” She slid her arms around his neck. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She closed her eyes as he kissed her jaw and neck, sending tingles of awareness over her skin.
“I don’t have to pretend to be a doctor again, do I?”
She smirked and slid her fingers over his shoulders. “Maybe you should leave the doctor thing to me.”
He let out a relieved breath. “Good, because I don’t want to pretend to be something I’m not anymore. Not around you.”
She threaded her fingers through his dark hair. “You don’t need to pretend.” She slid her gaze to his lips. “Not anymore.”
He kissed her neck and she arched her back, leaning into his warmth. Groaning, he palmed her breast, squeezing it until her mind became hazy with desire. She found his mouth and brushed her tongue against his as he gently eased her back against the mattress.
They took their time, gently exploring and tasting as if they were experiencing each other for the first time. Anna loved the way Seth felt against her, how his heaviness pressed her body deep into the comfort of the bed. She slid her fingers up under his shirt, memorizing each dip and rise of muscle she had found there. As she wrapped her legs around his body, she caught the faint scent of oil and leather, a distinct and masculine scent she had come to recognize as belonging to Seth.
“Anna.”
She moaned as he nipped at the intimate spot between her neck and shoulder. “Seth, please.”
He leaned back and tugged on her arms, pulling her into a sitting position. Before she could catch her breath, he slid her shirt up over her head. She unhooked her bra as he took off his shirt and then he was on top of her again, kissing and touching her in ways that made her body sing with pleasure.
“I need you inside me, Seth,” she begged. “Please.”
He leaned back and unhooked her pants. “Soon.” After removing the last of her clothes, he reached down and turned on the vibrating dildo. Easing down on the mattress next to her, he slid the toy in between her breasts. Anna gasped as the vibrations penetrated her skin and anticipation rippled through her bloodstream. He went slow, agonizingly slow, as he circled each breast.
When she reached for him, he pulled the toy away and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Stay still. I’m the one skilled at massage, remember?”
“Oh, I remember,” she said as she leaned back down on the pillows. He resumed his torture, slowly circling each breast, coming closer to her pebbled nipple with each rotation. Anna moaned and squirmed, trying to get him to hurry, but Seth seemed to enjoy the sweet torture he gave her.
When he finally touched the edge of the toy to her nipple, she gasped. She was so sensitive, so fragile, that the vibrations made her weak with need. She curled her fingers into the blankets and arched her back as he teased first one, then the other hardened peak.
“God, you look so beautiful.” He slid the toy down her belly, creating a trail of fire in his wake. “I love how responsive you are.”
She opened her eyes and glanced down at the toy, willing it to hurry. “Seth.”
“Ease your legs apart for me, baby,” he whispered. She did as she was told. Seth shifted off the bed and moved in between her legs. Gently, he pressed the toy at her ankle, sending vibrations up her limbs and to her core.
“Oh God.” Anna moaned as he dragged the toy up one leg and down the other, driving her crazier with each passing second.
“I want to touch you,” she said.
“Oh yeah? How much? Show me.” He slid the toy inside her body and rubbed it against her clit. Anna gasped and closed her eyes as a bolt of pleasure went up through her core. The vibrations felt so good, so perfect. She moistened her lips as he moved the wand in a circular motion over her sensitive nub.
“I want you to come for me, Anna,” he said. “Do you want that?”
“Yes.”
He slid the toy down her center, sliding it through her wet pussy until the tip pressed against her opening. Anna lifted her legs, spreading them wider apart so he could get better access. Seth pressed the toy into her body, easing it into her center until it touched a sensitive spot deep inside her core. He held it there, letting the vibrations ripple through her, and then slowly pulled it back.
“More,” she whispered.
“You’re a greedy little thing, aren’t you?” He pushed the toy forward once more then pulled it back, and the sweet friction pushed her desire higher. As he moved, he dipped his head down and slid his tongue against her clit.
At first he moved slow, gradually building her need until she thought she would go mad with desire. Then he moved faster, pumping her body and pushing her closer and closer to the edge. She lifted her head and watched him work, loving how his dark head moved in between her legs. She wanted more, needed more. Reaching down, she held him close as he moved between her legs.
“Seth.” He shifted his hands, and her world exploded. Her orgasm slammed into her body, washing her in pleasure and light. He lengthened his strokes, stretching her joy, and for a long, blissful moment she knew nothing but complete and total ecstasy.
He removed the toy and set it aside. After adjusting her legs, he slid on a condom and placed a chaste kiss on her mound. “I love it when you come.”
“Your turn.” She held out her arms to him. He quickly positioned himself and fell into her embrace and her body, stretching her muscles as he penetrated her center.
She widened her legs, allowing him to edge deeper. They both groaned at the intrusion and she closed her eyes as the delicious stretch of muscle sent warm tingles throughout her body.
“Much better.”
“No.” He tightened his grip around her and rolled until she was on top of him. “This is much better.”
Smiling, she placed her palms on his chest and gently raised her hips. “Yes,” she agreed. “Much better.”
He reached for her, and she laced her fingers with his. He squeezed as she slid up and down his shaft. Never once did they break eye contact. She watched every muscle twitch, every ripple of ecstasy roll through him. As the tension in the air surrounded them, she had never felt anything quite so intimate and special. All this time, she had avoided true intimacy, always afraid that he was going to see the small, fragile girl she had believed herself to be. Despite moving to Chicago, Anna had always seen herself as that poor soul who had lost both her mother and father. Instead of running from her past, she now embraced it, knowing that Seth still loved her despite her mistakes and fears. It was comforting and exhilarating at the same time. Here was the one person she could truly be herself around, and he accepted her completely.
She accepted him, too. No more pushing or grooming or trying to change him. She loved the little things he did for her, the way he always made her coffee in the morning, and how he held her hand as if she were the most precious thing in the world. Sometimes it wasn’t the big romantic gestures but the little things that mattered the most.
“Seth.” She let go of his hands and slid her fingers over his skin, delighting in the way he felt. She moved faster, pushed harder, and it wasn’t long before she could feel the stirrings of another orgasm.
He slid his hands up her sides, sending trails of fire over her skin. She gasped when he cupped her breasts, and when she placed her hands over his and squeezed, he began to move against her.
Their bodies crashed together, and their voices mingled in an erotic chorus. All the while, Anna could feel herself moving closer and closer to the edge.
“I’m close,” she whispered.
He let go of her breasts and eased his fingers down her middle, sliding them between their joined bodies and rubbing her clit. Anna gasped as a jolt of sensation ran up her core, then tilted her head back in bliss as her orgasm slammed through her body. Pleasure burst through her like fireworks, and she felt him stiffen and then grab her hips. He called out her name as his passion poured into her center, and for a long, blissful moment, she felt his love surround her.
She had finally come home.
Seth was right. Home wasn’t a place or a tradition. It was where the heart was located. Now she knew without a doubt that her home was with Seth. He understood her needs and fulfilled them. As the last of her orgasm faded and they fell into each other’s arms, she knew that she was the luckiest woman in the world.
Seth groaned as the bright sunlight streamed in through the window. It was hard to believe it was morning already. Neither he nor Anna had gotten much sleep last night, not that it mattered. Their lovemaking had been amazing. If he knew that being so open with her would result in such passion, he would have done it long ago.
After rubbing his eyes, he glanced over to the other side of the bed and found it empty. Frowning, got up and pulled on his jeans. That was when he heard the water going in the shower. Anna’s voice rose up, and he smiled to himself as he heard her sing a familiar show tune. He loved her voice. Hell, he loved everything about her. He could hardly wait to see what the next stage of their lives had in store.
He considered joining her in the shower, then dismissed it. When she got out, she’d no doubt want coffee, and he found that he rather enjoyed the ritual of making it for her in the morning. He threw on a T-shirt and headed downstairs. By the time he turned on the coffeepot and got it percolating, he heard footsteps behind him.
“It’s not quite ready yet.”
“That’s okay, I’ll wait.”
Seth jumped and turned at the not-so-familiar voice.
Lucie smiled. “Expecting someone else?” she asked.
“Sorry.” He chuckled and grabbed another cup from the cupboard. “Do you take cream or sugar?”
“Both.” As Seth moved to get the cream from the refrigerator, he felt the old woman’s eyes burn into his back.
“Is there something you want to say to me?” he asked over his shoulder.
“I like the way you treat my granddaughter. You act as if she is something special.”
He relaxed his shoulders. “She is.”
She nodded. “She thinks you’re special, too, although she doesn’t always show it.”
“I know.” He turned toward the coffeepot before she could see the smile touch his lips.
“She has a lot of her father in her. That’s why she acts the way she does.”
“I see.”
“Did she tell you about me?” When he didn’t immediately answer, she continued. “About the Alzheimer’s.”
“Yes, she did.” He also witnessed it firsthand, although it seemed as if Lucie had forgotten about that part.
“Then I suppose she told you that she wants to stay.”
“She did tell me that, yes.”
“She doesn’t have to stay, you know. I have Kendra and a few other friends who help out.”
“Of course she’s going to stay with you. She’s your granddaughter. She cares about you.”
“And you?”
He handed her a mug of coffee. “Me?”
“Are you going to stay, too?”
He smiled reassuringly. “Yes, I’ll stay as well. That is, if you want me around.”
She twisted her lips into a half smile. “I suppose it will be good to have a man around the house again. Lots of things need fixing up around here.”
“And Seth is really good with his hands,” Anna said as she came into the kitchen. She slid her arm around Seth’s waist and kissed him on the cheek. “Aren’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He kissed her back and handed her a mug of coffee.
“Good. It’s settled then,” Lucie said.
Seth exchanged a knowing look with Anna. “Yes, it’s settled. We’re all staying here.”
“Well, I suppose you two better go on now. Kendra will be here any minute, and it wouldn’t do for her to see the two of you in your pajamas.”
“Yes, Grandma.” Seth grabbed his coffee cup as Anna pulled him out onto the back porch.
“Hmm, this is perfect,” she said after she took a sip from her cup.
“You’re perfect,” he replied.
She slid her arm around him as they both looked out over the fields.
“You know,” he said, “I think I’m going to like it in this farmhouse.”
She quirked her brow. “You think?”
He tightened his grip around her waist. “Yeah. It’s a really nice view.”
“Come for the view, stay for the coffee. That could be the town motto.”
Seth chuckled. “I can think of a better motto.” He put his cup to one side and turned her to face him.
“Oh yeah?”
He plucked the mug from her fingers. “Prettiest girls in all of North America.”
She raised her brows. “Only North America?”
He chuckled and put the mug aside. “Okay, the world, then.”
Anna grinned. “And the men give the best massages around.”
“All the men?”
She dragged her fingertips over his biceps. “Well . . . maybe there’s one man in particular.”
“That’s better.”
“In fact, I think I’m feeling a little tense right now.” She nibbled her lower lip and glanced up at him suggestively.
“Well, we’ll have to see what we can do about that.” Seth chuckled and Anna threaded her arms around his shoulders. As he pressed his lips against hers, he felt true happiness for the first time in his life. Despite being a city boy, he was going to love living in Sapphire Falls. He wouldn’t have things any other way.
Did you enjoy the story? You can read about how Seth and Annabelle met in Quick Fix, Book #1 in the Ecstasy Spa series , or you can save a little money and get a boxed set of the first three books in the series . You can read more stories set in the Sapphire Falls Kindle World , and the original Sapphire Falls series .
If you want to see what other series Suzanne has written, you can go . If you want to be the first to hear about new releases, get FREE stories, and sign up for exclusive contests, then check out Suzanne’s newsletter .