Page 27 of A Recipe Called Home

“You should be proud.”

“Thanks. I think I am.”

Stepping inside the front door, a warm furry animal wrapped itself around Jules’ ankles.

“This must be Sir-Toots-A-Lot,” she said, bending down to run her hands over his soft fur as he purred.

“The one and only. Though, I’m surprised he’s here and not hiding under the couch like he usually does when people come into the house. He must have a good feeling about you,” he teased.

Miles gave Jules a quick tour of the house as the cat followed behind. The front living room was tastefully decorated, with modern touches like sleek brass floor lamps and a black leather couch that faced a brick fireplace, with a TV mounted above. A guitar and saxophone case sat next to the sofa. Just off the living room was a well-appointed dining space that opened into an airy kitchen with white and light oak cabinets.

After checking out the guest bedrooms and hall bath, they made their way down to the last door on the right, his bedroom. As soon as Miles pushed the door open, the sweet and musky scent she’d always associated with Miles wafted into the hallway. The room was larger than the others, with an updated bathroom off to the right and a large, hand-carved bedframe holding a king mattress anchored to the middle in front of a row of windows. It felt cozy, although the ceiling soared above. As Jules’ eyes swept across the room, she became acutely aware of Miles standing closely behind her, breath warm on her neck.

“This is a nice room,” she said in a low voice, frozen in place.

“Thanks." He lightly ran his hand up the back of Jules’ arm, closing the distance between them. The hairs on her skin rose at his touch. Every sense seemed to heighten, slowing down time. Wrapping his other hand low around her waist, Miles drew Jules back into him, resting his lips in the crook of her neck.

“Is this alright?” he murmured into her.

“Yes,” she whispered back, turning to press the front of her body to his, palms on his chest.

“Good, because I don’t want to stop."

He ran his hands up her neck, fingers laced into her hair, cradling her head. Their foreheads rested against one another for a long moment as their breathing grew heavy and in sync. Jules’ entire body buzzed with need. She couldn’t stop even if she wanted to. The heat coming from him felt so good, she melted into his grasp as his mouth covered hers. The kiss was deep and intense, her body responding without conscious thought. Before she knew it, the backs of her upper thighs pressed against the bed.

Slowly, Miles’ hand drew up her side, lifting her shirt. His hand was rough, yet warm and confident, sending a thrill through her lower belly. He stepped back, looking her in the eyes as he lifted the shirt over her head. His eyes, heavy with want, penetrated whatever guards she still had up. Deliberately, Jules ran the tips of her fingers under Miles’ shirt, slowly feeling his taut muscles all the way as she lifted the hem and removed it.

For a second, they stood there holding each other’s gaze before it became too much, and they collapsed onto the bed in a flurry of gasps and rushed movements to remove the rest of the clothes keeping them apart. Naked and burning with desire, Jules asked Miles to get a condom, which he quickly produced from his nightstand. Rolling it slowly down his large and ready shaft, she knew deep down tonight was inevitable from the moment they laid eyes on each other at the school. It felt more real than anything she’d experienced since they’d last done this, and that scared her.

Miles hesitated above Jules before she felt him fill her, losing herself in the strong and rhythmic movement. Miles expertly pulsed, sending pleasure through her entire body as he whispered in her ear that he’d dreamt about this. Her body tightened around him, increasing their pace.

After a few intense moments, Miles wrapped his right arm under Jules’ waist and flipped them around, allowing Jules to straddle him. They stilled for a second before Jules ran her hands over his stomach and up his chiseled chest, never breaking eye contact. She pressed her lips to his wet mouth, enjoying the salty taste, and could feel her nipples rub against his skin. Miles’ rough hands clasped on her hips, gently rocking her back and forth until the pleasure became almost unbearable.

As if on cue, they both gave way to a sensation so intense it took their breath. Their bodies pushed together, holding onto to each other in fear of floating away.

Lightheaded and satisfied, they lay side by side, foreheads touching as they waited for their heartbeats to return to normal. For the first time since leaving D.C., the voice inside Jules’ head was silent, peace drowning her thoughts.

“That was…,” Jules started.

“Amazing?” Miles said, opening his eyes to look at her.

“Yes," she breathed. It was something.

Chapter 10

MilesheldJulescloseto him under the warm and soft comforter.

“What’s your life like in D.C.?”

Jules considered the question, her mind still fuzzy with relaxation. “It’s different than life here in Riverbend. Faster and more…” she searched for the right word, “intentional. Everyone is working towards an end game.”

“Do you like that?”

Again, Jules paused to think about the question. Her defenses were down, and she was more vulnerable than usual, but she still wanted to be thoughtful in her answer. She shouldn't reveal too much.

“I guess a part of me does. The part of me that enjoys healthy competition. It keeps me on my toes…”

“I feel a ‘but’ coming,” Miles said a few seconds after Jules’ answer trailed off.

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