Chapter Fifteen
Ava
On Saturday, I arrive at the beach a full hour earlier than my scheduled jogging session with Sebastian. He tried to insist on picking me up, but I won the argument. Well, won isn’t the right word, because there’s no winning against him when he puts his mind to something. We compromised. I agreed to let him drive me back to the apartment after the run.
The truth is that I wanted to have a whole hour to myself. The last three weeks were so full of Sebastian. If I’m not seeing him at the office, I’m thinking about him. He consumes my thoughts every waking moment. Every sleeping moment too, I might add.
After I’m done stretching, I break into a light run on the sand. How did I get out of shape so fast? I stop often, clutching my left side, panting. When I can’t move anymore, I grasp mentally for any motivational crap about sports and health and all that jazz. I am sidetracked by the sight of the mouthwatering donuts the couple lying on the sand a few feet away from me is eating. I sigh, forcing my legs to carry me forward. I know better than to break into a run again, so I advance with quick steps. I’m meeting Sebastian at the other end of the beach, and there are still a bazillion miles until I get there.
Except for the couple with the donuts, the beach is deserted, so I don’t have anything to distract me from the miles I still have to walk.
“Morning, beautiful.”
A jolt shakes me, and I turn around. A short, balding man in his late forties—or possibly fifties—stands behind me. He wears jogging attire, but by the sleazy look he gives me, I can tell he’s not here for jogging.
“Err, do I know you?” I don’t bother to sound interested.
“You do now.” He says the words with all the confidence in the world, as though it’s the best pick-up line. “I’m Ray, what’s your name?”
“None of your business.” I turn around, intending to put as much distance between us. He catches up with me.
“You’re right. I was trying to be polite. I live in one of those blocks.” He points vaguely to some skyscrapers in the distance. “We could go there for a quick fuck.”
My jaw drops. Is he serious? I’ve never heard such a lame-ass pick-up line, and I live in New York.
I force my voice to sound calm, even though I’d like nothing better than to smash this idiot’s nose. “No thanks, I’m going to pass.”
“Oh, come on. Don’t play hard to get. You came here looking for it. Do you want to get paid, is that it?”
This actually makes me stop. “What?” I bark at him.
“Flaunting your tits like that on the beach.”
“I came for a run.” Clenching my fists, I glare at him. I’m wearing tight jogging pants and a bra.
“Sure you did.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you.” I stomp my foot, placing my hands on my hips.
“You need some convincing.”
“No. Please leave.”
“She said no,” someone booms from behind me. Relief washes over me at the sound of the familiar voice. Sebastian. Knowing that Sebastian’s here makes me feel safe. “Leave or you won’t ever be able to walk again when I’m done with you.”
Ray’s about two heads shorter than Sebastian; he’s no match for him. He must realize this too, because his smirk fades as he eyes Sebastian. “Get out of our sight before I call the cops,” Sebastian says.
Sebastian doesn’t take his eyes off Ray until he’s at a considerable distance from us. He turns to me, laying his hands on my shoulders, pulling me closer to him. I blink away tears.
“Are you okay?” Worry laces his voice.
“Yeah, just mad.”
“He’s an asshole, forget him.”
“I’m mad at myself. I could’ve dressed differently.”
“Ava Lindt, listen to me. You have the right to dress any way you want. Even if you walked around naked, it wouldn’t give him the right to treat you like that.”
When I don’t react, he pulls me into a hug. I lose myself in his strong arms, inhaling his scent. His shower gel must contain mint, because the subtle smell invades my nostrils. It calms me further. I was ready to take Ray on my own. I took some judo classes while I had an assignment in Japan, so I know basic defense techniques. But, God, does it feel good to have someone stand up and protect me. After I wiggle out of his embrace, his eyes probe me.
“I’m okay. Thanks for rescuing me.”
“Do you want to call this off? We can run another day.”
“Let’s have a donut,” I say unexpectedly.
“What?” A small grin blooms on his features.
“That’s the fastest way to forget about that asshole.”
“Whatever you command.” He bows mockingly.
“Oh, so you’re not going to be all bossy with me today?”
“Only after you’ve had your donut. I know better than to upset a woman before she’s had her portion of carbs.”
“Your sisters have taught you well.”
There is no line at the shop, so we each grab a donut. Sebastian pays, of course.
“Is there any point in arguing over paying you back?” I ask as I slump on the sand.
“Nope.”
“I thought so.”
Sebastian takes a bite of his donut, remaining on his feet. That’s fine with me. In fact, better than fine, because I have a perfect view of his holy hotness. He wears a sleeveless shirt and black shorts stretched over his muscles. I trace the contours of his biceps with my eyes, and barely restrain myself from reaching out to touch him. Then there is his ass, of course. Pure perfection. Then there is his. . .
Nope. I will not think about that. I will not. But of course, it’s like saying do not think about a pink elephant. Then a pink elephant is all you see. Judging by the way his erection felt the night we kissed, pink elephant would be right to describe his shaft.
“Why did you come early?” Sebastian asks.
What? I didn’t come at all. Haven’t yet mastered the art of orgasming just by looking at a hot man? Oh. . . he didn’t mean it that way.
“I wanted to warm up and get into the rhythm a bit. I truly suck, so please go gentle. I’m in terrible shape.”
After we finish eating the donuts, Sebastian insists on stretching, which gives me more opportunities for gratuitous staring. I promise myself I won’t keep this up while we’re running.
I needn’t have bothered.
The moment we start running, I’m convinced the muscles in my thighs will explode from the effort. Sebastian is fast and tireless. I can tell he’d like to go even faster, but he respects my speed—or lack of.
“Let’s take a break,” I pant after what seems like an eternity.
“We only just started.”
“I can’t—”
“Save your breath and get going.”
I shut my mouth, breathing through my nose as I command my legs not to give up. After about a mile, a cramp takes hold of my right thigh. I come to a halt with a shriek and grip my thigh, hoping to relieve the ache. All I manage to do is make the cramp extend to my ankle too.
“Fuck,” I groan, collapsing on the sand. In a heartbeat, Sebastian kneels next to me, putting his hands to work on my thigh and ankle. He kneads my flesh expertly. Before long, the cramp subsides, but he doesn’t stop touching me.
“You really are in terrible shape.”
“I told you to go gentle,” I groan. “Jesus, it hurts everywhere.”
“Ava, I don’t do gentle.”
His words send a jolt of heat right to my core, his double entendre turning me on instantly. I push myself up on my elbows.
“How often do you run?” I ask. “Be honest.”
“I go to the gym every morning. Running an hour is part of my routine.”
I snort. “I knew it. Why didn’t you mention that when I told you I haven’t been running in over a month?”
Sebastian smirks, shrugging.
“Well, at least I get the satisfaction that you’re also sweaty.”
“Oh, I can think of a much more satisfying way to get sweaty,” he says. Then he does that thing with his eyes again that turns me to mush. His gaze smolders, as if nothing exists except the two of us.
“Does it involve any clothes?” I mumble.
“No, it doesn’t.”
His gaze descends to my chest then lower on my disheveled body. Since he’s not bothering to be discreet, I allow myself to inspect every delicious detail about him. Sweat dots his upper lip, and I imagine what kissing him would taste like. A little like salt, a lot like a man. Oh, God. How am I supposed to resist him when he’s so irresistible?
I let my elbows slide forward, flattening my back to the sand, and close my eyes.
“Do you still want to run?”
My only response is raising my eyebrows. After a few seconds, I add, “My legs hurt. Actually, my whole body hurts. My legs are downright killing me.”
I feel his hands on my ankles, applying pressure on the points that hurt most.
I let out a moan. “This is so good.”
“Stop making those sounds, or I won’t be responsible for my actions.”
I freeze, then attempt to retract my legs, but he doesn’t let go. “Let me do this for you.”
“Why are you so amazing?” I ask.
“Because you deserve it.”
I melt on the spot, swallowing any words, and simply enjoy him.
“What are you doing this afternoon?” he asks after a while.
“I haven’t decided yet. What are you doing?”
“My parents are celebrating their wedding anniversary.”
“Oh, right,” I say, remembering what Pippa told him on my first day here. “Thirty-six years. Will it be a huge party?”
“No.” He chuckles. “My parents don’t like that. It’ll be intimate, family only. Well, our family is huge, so I’m sure it won’t be intimate by most people’s standards, but it’ll be fun.”
“When do you have to be there?”
“In about two hours.”
“Let’s get going, so you can shower and everything.”
He gives me a long look. “You really hate jogging, don’t you?”
“Yes, and I’m not even sorry.”
The drive to my apartment is pure torture. Ignoring the sexual tension on the beach was hard. In the car, it’s downright impossible. We are too close, too sweaty, and too turned on. At least, I know I am. I cross my legs, hoping to squelch the ache in my groin. No such luck. To make matters worse, we remain stuck in traffic for half an hour because of an accident.
“Shit! I’m running late,” Sebastian exclaims, punching the side of the steering wheel.
“You can shower at my place, and then you can go directly to your parents’ house. Oh wait, you don’t have anything to change into, right? ”
“Actually, I do. I have the suitcase for Washington with me. I’m flying tonight, after the anniversary.”
Oh, yeah. He’s flying to Washington for a business trip. I almost forgot.
“Why aren’t you flying tomorrow?”
“I have meetings scheduled tomorrow too.”
“It’s a Sunday, workaholic.”
He shrugs, smiling. We arrive at my place a while later. Sebastian showers first, and then it’s my turn. I immediately spray myself with cold water, but it doesn’t relieve the pressure in my core at all. Only one thing will.
After fixing the showerhead up, I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Parting my legs, I slide my hand down to my shaved pubis. I moan when my fingers reach the tender flesh. It’s been so long. I circle my clit, biting my lip to choke any noises. The thought that Sebastian is in the next room turns me on even more. I increase the speed of my strokes, imagining he’s the one touching me. I am sure he can do wonders with his hands. Without realizing, his name slips out. As pressure builds inside me, I can’t withhold my sounds of pleasure anymore.
“Fuck, you’re sexy.”
A shiver runs through me—hot and cold at the same time. I blink my eyes open, moving my hands behind my back. Sebastian stands in front of the bathtub, completely naked. My greedy eyes want to take in every inch of his sculpted body, but a particular spot requires my immediate attention. Sebastian Bennett has a hard-on, and he is stroking himself in my bathroom, less than a foot away from me.
“Sebastian, what. . .?”
“You left the door open.” His voice is low and raspy, and his eyelids hooded. “And you called my name. I took it as an invitation.”
Holding my breath, I nod, consequences be damned. Sebastian climbs in with me. When his mouth covers mine, the same avalanche of feelings that gripped me during our first kiss storms through me again. I can’t make out one sensation from the other, but what I do know is that he’s filling up a void inside me that I wasn’t aware of until now.
Need and desperation lace our kiss as he cups my head with both hands, pushing me against the wall. The cold tiles shock me, prompting my hips to buck forward, pressing my lower body against his erection. A new wave of sensation hits me at the same time he groans into my mouth. He unhitches his lips from mine, trailing kisses down my chest, nuzzling one of my nipples and pinching the other one. I fist his hair with one hand, grazing the skin on his shoulder with the other one. The tension inside me grows and grows as Sebastian slowly makes his way down. Very slowly. He stops at my navel, placing his hands on my hips.
When he lowers his mouth further, I brace myself to feel his lips on my folds, but he places them on my inner thigh instead. The soft touch of his kisses spurs a million sensations. I can’t take it anymore.
“Stop teasing me,” I whisper, kneading his hair between my fingers.
“Greedy girl.”
“Yes, very. I need you. Now.”
“Demanding. I’ve wanted this moment for too long not to enjoy you.”
He continues with his ministrations, turning me crazy, until my body seems to be made of fire, sensation, and need. When he finally kisses my clit, suckling at it expertly, I turn to mush, barely standing. I grip the rail of the shower with one hand, the other one still buried in his hair. His lips feel amazing on my slick flesh, his tongue pressing on the bundle of nerves in the center, setting fire to each and every one of them. The warmth carries through my extremities, infusing my entire body with wanton need. Suddenly, I can’t get enough. As if sensing this, the lash of his tongue becomes faster, harder. My breath comes in pants, and my legs are trembling so badly that I’m certain they will fail me. A bolt of heat knocks through me, and I see stars. Sebastian slicks one finger inside, stroking my inner flesh in a come-here motion that splinters me. I come hard, buckling forward from the shock and the million sensations exploding inside me, euphoria and satisfaction filling me. Only when I hear him groan a few seconds later do I realize he was pleasuring himself at the same time he was pleasuring me.
***
Back inside the room, we dress, and Sebastian wraps his arms around me from behind, planting small kisses on my earlobe.
“I’m sorry I can’t stay longer.”
“Mmm, you have remarkable self-restraint.”
Flipping me around, he tilts my chin up. “I have about ten minutes left before I have to leave. When I make love to you, Ava, I will take my time with you.” Leaning in to me, he adds, “I will make you scream beneath me.”
I shudder in his arms, heat pooling between my legs again. He leans back, scrutinizing me with an unreadable expression.
“Do you want to come with me to my parents’?”
“We only got to third base and you already want to introduce me to your parents? You’re a keeper.” I elbow him in the ribs playfully, even as a fuzzy feeling takes hold of my insides. “I’d love to, but I don’t want to intrude on family time.”
“Nonsense. They’ll be happy to meet you. You’ll like them.”
“If they’re anything like you and Logan, I’m sure I will.”
“Come with me.” When I don’t answer, he cups my cheeks with his hands, tilting my head up. “I want to spend the day with you, but I can’t miss their anniversary. I’ll be gone for a week; I want to get my fill of you.”
Now that he reminded me, the desire to spend the day with him hits me hard and unapologetically.
“Won’t they think it’s weird if I come? I’m practically a stranger.”
“They’re very nosy, so they’ll probably realize we’re up to something. Especially since I haven’t taken a woman to meet them in years.”
“You haven’t?”
Shaking his head, he caresses my lips with his thumb.
“Will you miss me?” he asks. “This week?”
“Yes,” I say truthfully. God, this man hasn’t even made love to me, but I already feel like I won’t stand his absence. “Can’t you send Logan in your place?”
“No. But you could join me.”
“You know I can’t.”
“Maybe that’s better, so I’ll actually concentrate.”
“You can’t concentrate with me around?” I tease, rejoicing in the knowledge that I’m not the only one with that problem.
“No.” He drags his fingers down my cheeks and over my lips. “As of late, I spend my days imagining I’m taking you on my desk, or on yours. I don’t have a preference, really.”
“Sebastian.” I lick my lower lip, my mind joining his fantasy. “I’ll go with you today, but I need at least half an hour to prepare.”
“You look great like this.”
“I’m wearing shorts. There’s no way your parents can see me like this.”
“Fine, I’ll wait for you in the car. I have some calls to make.”
After Sebastian leaves, I stare at my closet for a good few minutes. I need an outfit that says I’m happy to be here, and no, I haven’t slept with your son.
Yet.
In the end, I go for a light yellow chiffon dress and flats. There, let them figure out what it means. I still have ten minutes left. Perfect. That gives me enough time for a trip to the shop on the ground floor of the building. I eyed a beautiful vase there a few days ago. Since I have no need for it, I didn’t buy it. I don’t know the Bennett house, but I have a feeling it’ll fit there perfectly.
Ten minutes later, I walk out of the building clutching the huge box containing the present against my chest, a stupid grin on my face.