Page 97 of Lime Tree Hill

After dessert, Mitch retreated to his office. She heard him on the phone to CeCe, laughing as they talked. Her life was in turmoil, and he acted as if the world were his oyster. Mr. Lime Tree Hill. King of his domain.

Tayla grabbed a throw off the sofa in the living room and stepped onto the balcony, where she sat in Norman’s old wicker chair. She pulled her knees up to her chin and wrapped her arms around them, wondering where Norman’s soul might be as she questioned her beliefs about life—and death. Could he sense her as his soul floated in another spiritual plane, away from ordinary people and their petty differences?

She inhaled deeply, the scent of lemon blossom wafting up from the garden below. It was her favorite smell in the whole world and had been Norman’s too. He’d said that when he read agreat book, he could smell the lemon blossom between the pages. And as she matured, she knew what he meant.

Thoughts of Hayden surfaced. Hayden with his double standards and walking contradictions, who crossed a line she’d never thought he’d cross…

“Come to bed.”

The timbre of Mitch’s voice startled her, pent-up emotion overtaking her resolve to stay strong. Looking up, she pulled the throw tight around her shoulders. “I’ll be there soon.”

He stepped forward and kissed the top of her head, his hand stroking her hair. “I’m gonna hit the shower. Don’t stay up too late.” He walked back inside and shut the sliding door behind him.

Tayla’s feelings remained conflicted. She wanted to scream at him for the situation they’d agreed to commit to. Tell him she’d overheard his phone call. Found the jacket and panties. Knew Prue had stayed.

She wanted to pack her bags and leave.

And yet, despite her inner turmoil, part of her longed for his touch. The feeling of his muscular arms wrapped around her as he whispered how sexy and beautiful she was. How much helovedher.

She wanted him to care.

Tayla stayed outside until after eleven, gazing at the midnight-blue sky with its brazen moon. It intrigued her how some stars appeared in her peripheral vision, but when she looked directly at them, they disappeared. Was this a metaphor for life? If she examined her problems too closely, the solution was uncertain. But if she shifted her focus a fraction, everything became clearer.

When she slipped in beside him, Mitch was already asleep. She moved into his warmth, aware he was leaving straight after breakfast. Would this be the last time they shared a bed, reached for each other during sleep?

Tayla woke around dawn to the sound of Mitch in the bathroom. The temperature had dropped, and the air felt unseasonablycool. He slipped back into bed a few minutes later. As he moved over to cuddle her, she lay her hand over his like she always did when they spooned, desperate for that last thread of connection.

“Tell me what’s wrong,” he whispered. “Are you sad about being alone?”

She paused. Took a breath. “A bit.”

“I’ve been thinking. With everything that’s been going on, maybe you should stay with your folks while I’m away. Ned will look after Edward.”

She closed her eyes tight. “Okay. But they’re going on a road trip to Auckland tomorrow for Dad’s checkup and to visit the grandkids.”

“Even so, at least there you’ll have people close by. That Mrs. what’s-her-name from next door won’t leave you alone.”

“I guess. And her name’s Hannah.”

“I’m gonna miss you. So much.” His lips found her neck in the darkness, and the intensity hit her head-on. And as she heard the foil wrapper of a condom tear, her whole body tightened.Anticipation.

She struggled to resist, and the world around her disappeared as he filled her senses. His words calm and reassuring. His touch commanding and seemingly sincere.

They kissed, hot and hard against one another, his desperation showing in dominance. He rolled Tayla onto her back, their fingers entwined above her head, and entered her without restraint. This was dawn lovemaking at its best. Where foreplay was the act, and the act foreplay, as he edged his release by careful variation of speed and intensity.

Mitch pulled back and sat on his haunches, his expression tender in the shadows of sunrise and uncertainty. He shook his head. “Fuck, you’re so beautiful. What would I do without you?”

She stilled, watching with wide eyes as he stroked himself. A few months ago, she would have lowered her eyes in embarrassment, but she wasn’t that girl anymore. After all, the erotic mind isnot politically correct. If it was to be their last time, she wanted to make it count. Determined to stay in control, she held his gaze without shame.

Mitch moved off the bed and sat on the low slipper chair in the corner of the room. Tayla rolled onto her side, one hand between her legs. He enjoyed watching her touch herself; she liked it too. Self-pleasuring was nothing to be ashamed of and having him watch only added to the experience.

He offered his hand. “Come here.”

She stood before him, just out of reach. He cocked his finger. “Closer.”

Tayla stepped forward and slowly lowered herself onto his impressive erection. As she started to move, strong hands guided her hips with gentle pressure.

“Open your eyes,” he commanded. “You gonna let me light you up?”

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