Page 29 of Finally Home

“I’ve had more than a decade to research and imagine this moment, Wren. I’m practically a fucking boy scout with how prepared I am. Plus, you know I’ve given a blow job before, and I’ve done other things, but I’ve never gone down on a woman before you. It just felt too intimate to do with someone I barely knew.”

The giggle that escapes me is unavoidable in the face of his confession. “God, you’re too cute Rho.” I yank him down to kiss me. I thought tasting myself would be a turn off, but if anything, I’m even more eager to have him inside me. I’m silently thanking my younger self for taking up yoga because I’m able to get my feet up and use them to push down his shorts and boxer briefs.

His cock bobs free, and Rhodes reaches down to stroke it a few times, which causes his knuckles to graze my clit. We both groan and he breaks our kiss to glance down as he lines himself up with my entrance. His hands shake and with the way his face is tilted down, I can’t tell what he’s thinking.

“We don’t have to do this if you’re not ready, Rhodes.” I do my best to keep my voice even and soft, so I don’t influence his decision.

His warm hazel eyes flash to mine. “I’m good, Starling. I’m ready. Just kind of nervous. Are you having second thoughts?”

I lift my hips in silent answer and moan loudly as he chuckles and works his way inside slowly. Each thrust is tentative and small, and even though I’m not the virgin here, I can’t deny that the stretch is borderline painful. Derrick wasn’t exactly well-endowed, and it’s been a while.

“Jesus Christ, Wren,” he chokes. “You’re so fucking tight.”

The pain is finally starting to recede as I squeeze my eyes closed and do my best to breathe through it. Rhodes seems to sense my discomfort because as soon as he’s seated fully inside me, he presses his forehead to mine and stills.

“You okay, Starling?”

Taking several deep breaths, I open my eyes to see Rhodes staring. His eyes are dilated and full of heat. I gasp when he adjusts his position and his gaze darkens, becoming greener. He kisses me slow and deep as he gently pulls out halfway, thrusting back in and tilting his head to make sure I’m still okay. I smile shyly and nod.

No words are necessary as he begins to thrust faster and harder, finding an unsteady rhythm. Then, he pulls out so he’s kneeling over me on the couch. I nearly whine at the loss of him inside me until he yanks me by the hips so my ass is between his legs with my thighs resting over his as he slowly slides back into me, hitting a spot that causes me to see stars with every thrust. In this position only my shoulders are touching the cushion, so I toss my head back, letting my hands play with my nipples.

“Oh my god, right there! Don’t stop, Rho, please.”

He grins wickedly and holds eye contact while he licks his thumb and brings it down to rub circles over my sensitive clit.

“Fucking hell, Wren. If you clench around me any tighter, this will be over way too fast,” he pants out breathlessly, thrusting in a steadier rhythm now.

“I’m gonna come, Rhodes. Don’t stop!”

“Fuck, me too.” He picks up the pace with his thumb and just as his thrusts falter, he pinches my clit and I come with a scream that does nothing to mask his roar of pleasure.

He collapses on the couch on his side and rolls me with him so he’s still inside me.

It’s several minutes before I’m able to speak, and my voice is a hoarse whisper when I do. “Was it everything you hoped it would be?”

He heaves a deep sigh and wraps me up tightly in his arms, kissing the top of my head several times as he murmurs, “It was more, Starling. So much more.”

CHAPTER 16

RHODES

I was worried Wren would freak out after we had sex, but if anything, she’s more affectionate than ever. After losing my virginity yesterday, we cleaned ourselves up in time for dinner with my parents, where she stuck to my side like glue. I could tell my mom wanted to ask questions, but a stern look was enough to deter her until now.

I came over to my parents for breakfast this morning while Wren went to a yoga class with Aidan’s mom, Shelly, and I wasn’t even all the way through the door before the inquisition started.

“Did you tell her you love her yet?”

I groan and rub the heels of my palms against my eyes. “Mom, no. Not yet. Don’t you think I would be shouting it from the damned roof if I told her I love her, and she acted like that?”

My mom looks confused, and I don’t blame her since I’m not much clearer than she is. I’m not about to point out to Wren that she’s acting like a girlfriend rather than somebody who wants a temporary friends-with-benefits arrangement. Her behavior is so far from what I expected that it’s throwing me for a loop.

It started small, with little touches and holding my hand. But by the end of the night she had sat herself on my lap and was half asleep, nuzzling my neck. In front of my parents.

Mom clears her throat and looks at me with an emotion I can’t name in her eyes. “Honey, I really think you should tell her while she’s in town. The way she looked at you last night is the way I’ve looked at your dad for more than twenty years, and I don’t want you to miss out on a love like that because you were waiting for the perfect moment.”

I stare at her incredulously and open my mouth to speak, but she holds up a hand.

“Yes, Wren is fresh out of a terrible marriage, and she’s likely skittish right now. I get that. But you love her more than Derrick probably ever did, and you’ve been pining after her since college. You need to remember I know that girl almost as well as you do. Her actions last night didn’t seem like she would be against being with you romantically.” She raises an eyebrow at me.

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