Only For You Page 23

  Then I was airborne. I landed with a thud, my stomach over Hunter’s shoulder. He began to walk in the direction of my room. Once my shock faded, I began to struggle, my purse, keys, and shoes lost in the effort.

  “What the fuck are you doing?” I shouted into Hunter’s back as I used my arms to lever myself up.

  “I’m putting you to bed. I will not waste the next hour fighting with you when you could be sleeping.”

  “Put me down right this minute!”

  “Nope.”

  I began to struggle in earnest. I levered myself enough that I could walk my hands up his back until they reached his shoulders. I was upright and board straight, being held across my hips, braced by his shoulder. I leaned back slightly, forcing Hunter to pause and adjust his hold to prevent me from falling. This provided an opening for me to shimmy downward and lock my legs around his ribcage. He tightened his grasp on me as I continued to wiggle, slipping further down his body until I settled at his waist. We ended up in a reverse piggyback. I tried to push off his shoulders, intending to fling myself back and reach for the ground with my hands. Once I released my leg lock, I could roll to a standing position. My plan was good, but Hunter was prepared. As soon as I released my hold around his neck, I positioned my hands on his shoulders prepared to push off. Anticipating my escape, he spun around and pinned me against the wall. Shit, I was trapped. Having trained to find every possible opportunity for escape, I writhed against him, trying to create enough space to maneuver. Hunter pressed me further into the wall, using his body to secure me fully, freeing his arms. He braced my head with his hands, preventing me from hurting myself or evading him.

  “Stay still, dammit, you’re going to hurt yourself.”

  “No! You don’t own me, you don’t get to tell me what to do.” I wiggled as best I could trying to get away. “Why do you even care? You’re not my father. You’re not my boyfriend. You aren’t even my lover. You get no say—Put. Me. Down.”

  “I will not watch idly while you purposelessly destroy yourself. Damn it, stop wiggling!”

  “No! And another thing, just because you’re some big bad—”

  His lips crashed into mine. I suppose his intention was to silence me, but it rapidly transformed into devouring one another. His tongue plunged into my mouth, dueling with mine angrily. We parried and blocked with aggressive desire. I fought my way into his mouth, exploring him, conquering. Slowly, the kiss transitioned from a strategized attack to a choreographed dance. Our mouths glided along one another, sensuously licking and nibbling. He finessed his return, entwining our tongues seductively as he discovered every inch with tantalizing strokes that set me on fire.

  Breaking our kiss, I stared into his eyes, begging him, imploring.

  “Please,” I whispered, “I need you.”

  “Angel,” he groaned full of yearning, but his eyes revealed his inner conflict.

  Certain he was going to reject me once again, I prepared to release him. Without warning he spun from the wall, marching purposefully to my room.

  I unlocked my ankles and slowly slid down his body until my bare feet reached the floor. Our kiss resumed languidly, with ardent care, savoring every movement. The hands resting on my waist sought the skin beneath my shirt, caressing my sides and stomach before proceeding upward, grazing my breasts as the shirt was removed. He lowered his head, kissing my collarbone while releasing the clasp confining me.

  I traced the muscles of his back, drawing patterns with my fingertips, causing him to shiver receptively. Following the planes of his body, my fingers glided over his chest and abdominals like a blind woman learning braille. He gripped my head in his hands, tangling his fingers in my hair, and tilted my head to possess my mouth more fully. He drank me in, drowning me in lust, slowing our progression briefly to increase the suspense as he laid me on the bed.

  Everything became sensation and textures; I could no longer isolate a single touch or kiss as we urgently sought the intimacy of skin against skin. Utilizing mouths and hands, we investigated the responsiveness of the other’s body. I inhaled him, the intensity of his alluring scent amplified by the increased body temperature, causing my mouth to water.

  He lifted himself up, gazing into my eyes. “I wasn’t prepared for this, I never expected to…”

  Understanding, I reached into my bedside table to provide the solution.

  He returned to me, braiding his fingers with mine, as he supported his weight on his forearms, positioning our joined hands on either side of my head. His reassuring mass pressed me into the mattress, enveloping me. He leaned down kissing my forehead, as he had countless times. Traveling downward, he kissed my nose, cheeks, and finally my lips. A kiss that began slow and reverent, progressed to sultry and ardent, escalating to erotic and vehement.

  He worshiped my body with his hands and mouth, giving every part of me deliberate attention, arousing each nerve ending, until I felt like an electrical current was coursing through me.

  He teased me relentlessly, withholding the fulfillment I craved, preparing me. I reveled in his every touch but feared I would die from wanting if he didn’t satisfy my body’s demands. I felt him position himself seconds before he slid into me smoothly, my body offering only acceptance and welcome. His breach caused me to convulse with pleasure, gasping at the fullness my body and spirit craved. I had never experienced such completion, a sense of belonging as if I had been made whole.

  We rocked together, relishing the closeness our unification brought. I grabbed his head, pulling his mouth back to mine, needing the extra connection to reach my peak. Tasting, pure Hunter, better than the finest Kona, every muscle in my body contracted. I was panting, as the first shimmers lit my eyelids.

  “Open your eyes, angel.”

  My mouth fell open in a silent gasp as I stared into Hunter’s intense eyes, experiencing unfettered bliss. His entire being became rigid as he fell over the cliff’s edge and my name slipped from his lips. I was barraged, the flimsy walls safeguarding my heart obliterated as I floated in a sea of oxytocin. Our connection was so profound, ruining me for any other. I had found what most spent their lives searching for in countless partners and endless relationships. He was the missing piece, complementing and completing me. My love for him was boundless and infinite—eternal. And I wanted him forever.

  He gathered me in his arms, my head resting on his chest. I wrapped myself around him, clinging for dear life. I wanted to tell him I loved him that it would only ever be him, but the words stuck in my throat. I wouldn’t risk tainting this perfect moment with honesty.

  “Thank you,” I said quietly.

  “For what?”

  “That was. Well…that was everything. It’s never been so…” I could not find the world.

  “Earth-shattering,” he suggested.

  “That too,” I smiled, uncharacteristically shy.

  “I know. I’ve never—” it was his turn to break off mid-sentence.

  “You’ve never?” I prompted, unable to let the thought go unfinished.

  “I’ve never felt so much, so connected.”

  I nodded my agreement.

  “I’ve done a terrible job of getting you to rest. Sleep now, angel. I’ll be here when you wake. I promise.”

  I yawned and closed my eyes. I felt him kiss my head and heard him whisper something I couldn’t decipher. I wanted to ask him what he had said, but I fell asleep, once again in Hunter’s arms.

  Chapter Seventeen

  * * *

  "I never knew until that moment how bad it could hurt to lose something you never really had.” -The Wonder Years

  I awoke the following morning still wrapped in Hunter’s arms, wanting to stay in bed forever, hidden away from the world. I wanted more of what we shared last night, but the world was just outside the door, and I had escaped reality long enough.

  “Good morning,” Hunter greeted me.

  “Morning to you, too.”

  “You ready to go see Sam?”
/>
  “Absolutely. Concern for her is the only thing that could drag me from this bed.”

  “I hear you.”

  He cuddled me closer and kissed my lips before releasing me. Was this our new normal? I wasn’t sure. Were we friends with benefits or something more? He told me clearly that a relationship was out of the question, but last night was more than fucking, more than physical release. It felt like everything—passion, fire, lust, comfort, freedom, and…love. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to contemplate the ramifications of the night prior. It would have to wait until later.

  Hunter had his last exam that day, so I drove my car to the hospital and he followed. When we arrived at the hospital, we proceeded to the ICU where the nurse shared that Sam responded to external stimuli, both physical and verbal. The consensus was that Sam would likely wake in the next day or two.

  Sheer joy poured over me, I was near tears at the news. My legs weakened and Hunter drew me closer to aid my balance. We thanked the nurse for the miraculous news and entered the room. Sam looked better than she had in nearly two weeks. Her color was noticeably improved and she seemed to have slight movements, a huge improvement over her death-like stillness.

  Hunter pulled the cushioned armchair to the side of the bed and sat, pulling me into his lap. I reached into the side pocket of the chair and extracted the smexy book stored there.

  “Not again. If she wakes up to us reading dirty books to her, she may pretend to sleep.” He leaned in closer to me. “Besides, I may not be able to contain my response to such a scintillating topic with you in the same room—on my lap.”

  “Nice try, buddy. You aren’t getting out of it.”

  We read to Sam for several hours. Hunter managed to control himself, but whenever he had to read a particularly dirty prose, he looked me in the eyes, reciting the words to me temptingly.

  I was in the midst of narrating a wicked chapter where the heroine is tied up and blindfolded, when it finally happened.

  “Ev? Are you reading me smut?”

  I almost fell out of Hunter’s lap. Tears of joy poured down my cheeks, landing on Hunter’s arm. I fought to gain the composure to reply.

  “I am in fact. Would you like me to continue?”

  “It’s tempting. I do love filthy literature, but it’s usually something I read alone. Plus, I feel like a shitty friend getting off to Hunter’s voice talking dirty to me,” she opened her eyes. “I’m in the hospital? That explains why I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck.”

  “You are, but you’re well on your way to recovery. Do you want some water?”

  “Yeah, that would be great.” She rolled her head toward us, “How long have I been here?”

  “About ten days.”

  I leaned over to assist her in sipping the water.

  “I’m so glad you’re back, Sam. This one has been driving me nuts without you. You wouldn’t believe the things she has talked me into doing.” Hunter leaned over and kissed her forehead. “I’m going to get Everleigh a cup of coffee and tell the nurse you have decided to join the party. I’ll be back in a bit.”

  With that, Hunter left us alone.

  “How bad is it?”

  I hesitated for a moment before deciding honesty was the best course of action. She would find out soon enough when the doctors arrived. At least I could give her the bullet points in plain English. I ran through her list of injuries, her current progress, and the long-term prognosis. She listened carefully.

  “I’m alive, that’s good news. No permanent damage some minor plastic surgery won’t fix. We know that won’t be an issue; my mom has her surgeon on speed dial. Some physical therapy,” she paused, processing everything again, “It could be worse.”

  “You’re taking this exceptionally well. It’s kind of scaring me. Do you remember anything? I’m not pushing you; I just want to…I don’t know.”

  “I don’t know what else to do but survive. In order to do that, I need to focus on what matters. I’m alive and have no permanent disabilities or disfigurements. I fared better than many of the other girls. I’m not going to complain.”

  “That’s a great perspective. Still scary, but enlightened. So you do remember?”

  “Yes,” she said quietly, “I remember everything.”

  “Okay. When you want to talk about it, you know I’m here. It doesn’t have to be now.”

  “I know you are, Ev. I’m not ready to go there yet, but I will. I just need a little time.”

  “Fair enough.”

  “Thank you,” Sam said emphatically.

  “For what?”

  “I’m sure you’ve been here every day. I would guess you all but moved in. Thank you for taking care of me. For giving me time to process before I start sharing the details. For being you. Thank you.” Her eyes misted.

  “You would do the same for me.”

  “You know it.”

  She looked thoughtful and I wondered what was weighing on her mind. There was so much for her to process.

  “You going to tell me what is going on with Hunter before he returns?”

  I laughed at her unexpected question.

  “He has been amazing through everything. He supported me so I could support you. He has been here every day, almost as much as I have.”

  “And?” Sam asked, knowing I was editing.

  “We slept together last night,” I said, barely audible.

  “And?” Sam replied impatiently. She would never let me get away with holding back details.

  “It was amazing. Earth shattering, mind blowing, it was everything. I’m hopelessly in love with him and destined to be destroyed in the near future.”

  “Hung like a thoroughbred horse?”

  For once, her inappropriate question was welcome, it was a sign she was still herself.

  “Oh, yeah. I saved a horse and rode a cowboy,” I said dramatically for her benefit.

  “Maybe he felt the same. Maybe he changed his mind about the no commitment resolution.”

  “I doubt it.”

  “He’s in love with you too, Ev.”

  “I don’t think so. He loves me, definitely. Our sexual chemistry is off the charts hot. We are best friends, unquestionably. But, in love with me—doubtful.” I took a centering breath. “I will keep him for as long as I can and enjoy every nanosecond. Then I will let him go gracefully with a smile. Even if I’m dying inside, shattered beyond repair, I will give him that gift in thanks for all he has given me.”

  “And you claim that I’m taking things too well, you’re scaring me. Oh well, time will tell. Either way I will be here to share your joy, or sweep up the pieces and Krazy Glue you back together.”

  “I love you, and I’m so glad you’re back.”

  “Back at ya, sister.”

  Hunter returned a little while later, followed by a parade of nurses and doctors. Everyone welcomed Sam back. I called Mr. Whitney, who advised me he was in Tokyo on business with Mrs. Whitney and they would return next week. They asked that I give their regards–their regards–to Sam, and inform them if a credit card was necessary for expenses. Sam was not surprised with the news, and seemed relieved not to have to deal with her parents for the time being.

  The first truly uncomfortable moment arose when Sam asked where Robbie was. I told her it was too painful for him to see her in her previously unconscious state, and I was certain he would be coming to the hospital shortly. Hunter gave me a ‘what the heck’ look at my explanation, but I felt justified. It was a version of the truth, possibly completely true, in fact. I just had not actually spoken with him to know. A little while later I covertly left a message for Robbie letting him know that Sam was awake and if he didn’t get his ass down here and pretend everything was okay, I would castrate him and make him eat his own balls sashimi style.

  Hunter left to take his final before dinner. Sam enjoyed a lovely broth of unknown origins from the hospital kitchen while I treated myself to a burger and fries. It was probably cruel to
eat real food in front of Sam, but it was our celebration dinner, and it wasn’t my fault Sam’s diet restrictions were not celebratory. I stayed until late in the night, not wanting to leave Sam. She seemed to be understandably avoiding sleep, and I was hanging in there with her. During the 1:00 am rounds, the nurse finally administered a medication that knocked Sam out. They assured me she would sleep until the morning. She wanted some items from home, so I would have to head to the apartment either way, I might as well sleep comfortably.

  I texted Hunter that I was heading home for the night and would return to the hospital in the morning. I was exhausted and it was a twenty-minute drive. With no alternative, I succumbed to the dastardly vending machine coffee. I pressed the button for a large black and waited for it to brew. When the alert announced its completion, I opened the little plastic door and reached in to grab the wannabe coffee. I jostled the cup when removing it from the small opening, causing hot liquid to spill from the mouthpiece, directly onto my hand. Holy shit, it was hot! I most likely received second-degree burns from this sludge. Proof once again, vending machine coffee was bad. It was entirely too hot for me to sip, which defeated the purpose, but I could not throw it out even if it was coffee only in name. I paused to extract my keys from my purse before heading out of the hospital.

  There were only a few cars in the parking lot adjacent to the hospital. The owners of those whose cars remained were like me, keeping vigil at a loved one’s bedside praying for a miracle. It struck me how incredibly blessed I was to have Sam back, alive and surprisingly well, considering her ordeal. It was a miracle for which I would always be grateful. I stopped halfway across the lot, trying to remember where I had parked this morning. I was so tired I was barely able to remember. I scanned the lot and saw my car over in the furthest corner. Right! We got here late this morning, tired after our exertions the night before. The memory brought a smile to my face. I would have to broach the subject of our relationship with Hunter at some point, I needed clarification as to what we were now, but it could wait a couple of weeks. I wanted to enjoy more mind-blowing orgasms before potentially cutting off my supplier.