Page 21 of Only Ever You
LUNA
Please…
An electric shock jolted me at that single word. I wasn’t one to beg. Ever.
Parker’s eyes held mine, dark with need and an intensity of feeling. “As you wish,” he whispered.
I felt those words against my lips. His mouth came over mine again, and I loved every second of every kiss. The way his tongue glided against mine, the way he took control without being overpowering, the combination of gentle and commanding.
My knees were weak, and heat suffused me from head to toe. I could feel the slick moisture at the apex of my thighs. We broke apart again, both of us gulping in air. I could feel the hard, hot length of him pressed against my low belly.
I wanted more. I didn’t want this to stop, but I felt as if I were tumbling, as if I couldn’t slow down the pace of need galloping through my system. I shocked myself again, reaching between us and boldly stroking over him.
Parker let out a choked sound. “Luna…” He bit out.
“Please,” I repeated.
The next span of time was a jumble, a tangle of sensations twined in this fiery yearning. Parker dusted open kisses alongmy jawline. The graze of his teeth on my neck brought goosebumps rising on my skin in a full-body shiver. A gasp slipped out at the feel of his hand sliding under the hem of my shirt. The calloused surface of his palm sent sparks scattering through me as his touch coasted over my skin, sliding up to cup one of my breasts. His thumb teased over one nipple and then the other.
Everything felt drawn tight inside, to an almost unbearable pressure. The gruff whisper of my name on my skin nearly undid me when I shifted my legs restlessly. His knee slipped between my thighs. I rocked my hips, whispering, “Please,” again.
I almost didn’t recognize myself in these moments of pleading. Parker lifted his head, his gaze ensnaring mine. “Luna,” he rasped, the sound of his voice another match thrown into the fire already snapping and crackling inside. “Are you sure?” he asked.
“Please…” seemed to be the only word I could speak.
His hand slid over my belly, dipping behind the stretchy waistband of my leggings to cup over the damp silk between my thighs. I felt his muttered imprecation against my lips before he pushed that silk out of the way. I let out a ragged cry of relief when his fingers delved into the slippery core of me. He whispered my name again, and I dragged my eyes open. His eyes held mine as his fingers sank into me. “Oh, sweetheart…”
Biting my bottom lip, I chased my release. My breath was coming in sharp pants as my hips rocked into his touch. Everything drew tighter and tighter, to the point I thought I might fly apart. Just when I thought I couldn’t take it anymore, when I couldn’t bear the pressure, he sank two fingers in deeply as his thumb teased over my clit. The pressure snapped as I cried out, the pleasure breaking through me.
Parker held me close, his arm steadying me around my waist as I trembled all over. I didn’t know how long I stood there, allbut collapsed against him until he slowly withdrew his fingers and tidied my clothes. My head had fallen into the curve of his shoulder, my palm gripping around his waist where I could feel the banded flex of his muscles.
I wanted more, but somehow, I sensed, for tonight, Parker was not going to give me more. I lifted my head, leaning back slightly.
Before I could say anything, he said, “Even if you ask for more, not tonight.” His tone was firm, as if he was trying to convince himself.
My lips curled in a smile. “I thought so.”
His gaze sobered as he lifted a hand to slide his fingers through my curls. “I like you, Luna. A lot.” His tone was somber, almost reverent.
My heart thumped with a resounding kick of recognition against my ribs. “I like you too,” I whispered. “A lot.” I tried to gather my thoughts. “What now?”
Chapter Thirteen
PARKER
Although it took every ounce of willpower I had not to lift Luna into my arms and cart her upstairs into her bedroom, I didn’t. I kissed her once more and physically forced myself to step away. She asked if she could see Fuzzy soon, so we planned a hike. I barely remembered what I said as I left with my body humming from such a rush of need I couldn’t think.
After I got home, I resorted to finding my release in the shower. Desperate times, desperate measures, and all that. I fell asleep with Luna swirling in my thoughts. I couldn’t help but wonder why I wanted so much with her. I was allergic to commitment, or that’s what I had always told myself.
“Parker!” My dad’s greeting was so loud that I had to pull the phone away from my ear for a second.
“Hey, Dad,” I replied with a chuckle. “How are you?”
“Amazing!” he boomed. “I’m in love!”
Another chuckle rustled in my throat. My dad was like a little kid with his rekindled relationship. His youthful enthusiasm washeartwarming. Although I was bemused by it, I knew it was hard won. He had walked a gauntlet of substance abuse and years of reckless decisions to reach a point where he had enough wisdom to make better choices. For the last few years, he had stayed out of jail and stayed sober. He’d stopped trying to make a quick buck and find a shortcut in life.
“I’m happy for you, Dad.” I meant every word down to my bones.
