Simply Complicated, page 18
I panted his name, trying to take control over what was happening, but I couldn’t. I wanted to say so many things, but all other words failed me. I broke with a shudder as relentless waves of pleasure washed over me. My nerve endings were alight as I was held hostage for countless seconds, surrendering to the most exhilarating and intense orgasm of my life. My blood rushed in my veins, my heart beating so fast I could hear the thrumming in my ears. Air was suspended in my lungs as my body continued to fracture into remnants of ecstasy. I arched my back and tried to close my legs, needing to both calm and heighten the throbbing, but Luke held them open, moving his hips at a slow and steady pace as I rode out the last of my climax.
Once the raging pulses subsided and my breathing finally started to regulate, I melted into the bed in a state of utter satiation.
“You’re mine now, Olivia,” Luke growled, tossing the device to the side and leaning down over me to untie my hands. His mouth was at my ear, the weight of his body on top of me, shoving me out of my moment of enrapture. “A deal is a deal. I made you come and now you’re mine.” His lips were on mine, kissing me like it would be our last. The way he claimed me was addictive, and the way he moved inside me spurred lingering sensations back to life. “Wrap your legs around me. Perfect.” He pulled back and looked deep into my eyes. “Now it’s finally my turn.” His smile was matched by my own.
The sounds he made were animalistic, filled with longing and need. His moans filled the air, his muscles flexing with every swivel and thrust. He drove into me in long, sure strokes, pinning my hips to the bed as he took what he needed from me. With his face buried in the crook of my neck and my nails raking over his back, he slammed into me one last time so deep I couldn’t move if I wanted to. I could feel his heart racing, the slickness of his skin against mine warming me all over. With the slow swivel of his hips, he worked out the last of his orgasm.
“That was incredible.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” I responded. “I knew if we ever made it happen, it would be amazing. But that… that was so much more than I ever dreamed of. I’m still reeling.” I stretched my arms to the sides before wrapping them around him, wanting to stay trapped beneath him for hours.
On a long and satisfied sigh, Luke parted his lips once more to speak. “When are you going to tell your mom she doesn’t need to fix you up anymore?”
“What do you mean?” I played with him a bit, for my own amusement.
“You’re with me now.”
I tilted my head in faux confusion, tossing in a frown for good measure. “I’m not understanding.”
“What’s not to understand?” He lifted himself up, pulled out of me, and rested on his haunches. I wanted to listen to him, to pay attention, but the only thing I could manage was to stare at him, revel in the gloriousness that was Luke Sorenson. But my eyes only made it to his abs when he snapped his fingers and called my name. “You and I are together now. Call it dating or call me your boyfriend. But it means no more going out with other guys. No more kissing anyone else.” He looked annoyed when he mentioned that point. “No more pretending you don’t like me.”
“I wasn’t pretending,” I clarified. “Not in the beginning, at least. And hold up. Are you telling me you’re committing to me, and only me?”
When all he did was stare at me, I thought perhaps he reconsidered making us official, but then he situated himself beside me and pulled me into him. Wrapped up in his arms had quickly become my new favorite position.
“It’s only ever been you.”
31
Luke
Hand in hand, I led her through my sixty-five-hundred-square-foot rental. She couldn’t get over how big the place was as we rounded the corner to yet another bedroom.
“Why would you rent such a large place? What single guy needs five bedrooms and six bathrooms?”
“First off, I’m not single.” I squeezed her hand. “Not anymore. And I got it because I enjoy the privacy. Besides, the lake view is amazing.”
“You were single when you moved in though.” I loved how at every opportunity Olivia didn’t try to backpedal. She readily accepted our new status, and I wondered if she believed, as I did, that us ending up together was inevitable.
“I’d rather have too much space than not enough.” I did enjoy the expanse of the house, but even I could admit I didn’t need all this room. After we were done touring the upstairs, I led her down the staircase and toward the den. The house had come fully furnished—the décor suitable for a guy who didn’t have any specific tastes, like me. The light gray color on the walls was uniform throughout, and the dark-stained hardwood floors flowed through every room.
“I’d get lost in here,” she gushed, smiling at me as I led her toward the large kitchen. “Wow! I’ve never seen one so big.”
“Are you talking about me or the kitchen?”
She smacked me on the arm before severing our joined hands, running her fingers over the marble countertops.
“This island is gigantic. I wish I had enough room in my kitchen for something half this big.”
“The renovations you did on your place are amazing, Ollie. Your place is homey.”
“I love my house, but this place is a dream.”
“Wanna move in?” I leaned against the nearest wall, waiting for my question to sink in, and for her to react. When I uttered the words, I wasn’t sure if I was joking or being serious, but in the seconds that followed, I realized I wanted her to take me up on my offer.
Olivia had been the one who’d gotten away. I still believed I did the right thing all those years ago when I refused to take her virginity because I was leaving for college the following week. But what I regretted was not explaining myself and devising a plan for us to see each other. Hindsight was a bitch, but for as much as I wished to change things, I probably wouldn’t be the man I was today if I had. And she wouldn’t be the woman I couldn’t live without. We did our growing up apart, but I didn’t want to waste any more time.
“Yeah, right.” She made a face, one that told me she assumed I was joking. I wasn’t. When I continued to stare at her, she frowned. “You’re kidding, right?”
“No.”
“Yes, you are.”
“Umm… no, I’m not. Move in with me. You said it yourself, this place is too big for one person.”
“I can’t move in with you, Luke. That’s insane. We’ve been together for like two seconds.” She mumbled something to herself before continuing. “Besides, I have my own house.”
“Sell it.”
“What?”
Her voice raised in surprise, and I could only imagine what she was thinking. I wouldn’t deny that I was rushing things, and yes, she was right. We’d established we were together only an hour ago, but I’d wasted ten years not being with her. I wouldn’t squander another second.
I was in front of her before she could even think of fleeing my kitchen. “You can put it on the market and move in here.”
“No.” Her refusal was poised as part statement, part question, but when she said “No” a second time, she was more resolute.
“Why?” I moved closer and linked my hands behind her back, pulling her impossibly close. The need to drag her upstairs was strong. I’d christen every room in this house if she’d let me, but something told me if we didn’t hash out the subject we were on, nothing else would be happening any time soon.
“Why?” she parroted. “Because of a million reasons.”
“Name some.”
“It’s too soon. We barely know each other as a couple. I love my house. I’m not selling it. Besides, people will think we’re crazy for rushing like this. What if this isn’t what you want long term? Then I’ll have nowhere to go.” A rush of air left her lips. “Disregard the last one. Since I won’t be selling my place, the point is moot.”
“How about we make another deal.”
“No. More. Deals.”
“They’re so much fun though.” I raised the hem of the T-shirt I gave her to wear, gripping the underneath of her ass and picking her up, only to set her on top of the island. Nudging her legs apart, I stepped in between. “If I make you come again, we live together. And since you don’t want to leave your place, I could move in with you.”
Olivia could deny it, but she contemplated my proposition. But of course, what came out of her mouth was another refusal.
“I said no more deals. And no to moving in together. We can discuss it in the future. Far into the future if we’re still together.”
“Oh, we’ll be together. But how long are you talking?”
“Two years.”
Now it was time for my voice to rise. “Two years? That’s way too long. How about two months.”
“One year,” she countered.
“One year?” I grumbled to myself. This woman was insane if she thought I was going to wait that long. “Four months.”
“Six.”
With narrowed eyes and a breath of hesitation, I agreed. Little did she know we’d be spending all our nights together at either her place or mine. Our belongings would remain separate, but I planned on being with Olivia as much as possible. That being said, I could wait six months to move in with her officially. I’d signed a year lease here, but I’d throw some money at the landlord to get out earlier. Olivia was right, this space was too big. Her house would be perfect for the two of us. But once we started having kids, we’d have to move. Her place was a nice size, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, but a growing family needed room.
I chose to keep all these thoughts to myself because I didn’t know what she’d do if I voiced them. She was still trying to recover from the shock of me asking her to move in together. One word about kids and she might bolt.
“Six months it is.” I moved her to the edge of the countertop and removed her shirt as well as my shorts. We were completely naked now, just how I liked it. “Now let’s get back to having some fun.”
32
Olivia
“What do you think Mark will say once he finds out about us?” I asked. We were on the couch, our limbs tangled after having sex for the third time tonight. Round two didn’t result in an orgasm for me, but round three did. He’d held me down and used his domineering voice. Not to mention the way he bent me over his lap and swatted my ass multiple times before working me over, this time without the assistance of the vibrator.
“I don’t know. We’re not kids anymore. It’s not like he can forbid me from seeing you like he tried to do before I left.”
“What are you talking about?” I raised up on my elbow so I could see his face.
“A week before the incident in my bedroom, when you… you know, I told him I liked you and that I wanted to ask you out. Asked him if he would approve. He flat out told me no, reminding me I was leaving and that wouldn’t be fair to you. He was right.”
“I love how you two made decisions that involved me, without me.” I moved toward the other end of the couch. He tried to snatch my hand to stop me but missed. “He never told me.”
“Why would he? He’s your brother. He’s supposed to protect you, and that’s exactly what he did. You were sixteen. He was right to do what he did.” I thought about what he said, and we’d agree to disagree. Yes, I was young, but I still should’ve known about what happened. It would’ve saved me years of hurt and anger. “I know someone who is going to be thrilled we’re together, though.”
“My mom?”
“Your mom,” he repeated. “She loves me.” The smile he wore was infectious, even though I fought to keep mine at bay.
“She doesn’t love you that much. Don’t get so excited.”
“She’s like a second mom to me.”
“Gross.” I laughed as I hopped off the couch, needing to use the bathroom. I didn’t get far, though, because Luke was on me, bending over and grabbing me around the backs of my thighs. When he righted himself, he threw me over his shoulder, a move my bladder didn’t appreciate.
“I have to pee. Don’t jostle me.” He ignored me as he hurried toward the stairs. “I’m serious, Luke. You’re gonna have a mess if you don’t let me down.” A smack to my ass told me he wasn’t going to release me, so I worked my bladder muscles as best I could until he finally put me down three strides into his bedroom.
“Come here,” he growled, reaching for me, but I ran into his bathroom and closed the door, turning the lock right before he tried the handle. A continuous knock made me smile. Someday the same action might irritate me, but for now I allowed myself to live in the moment. Never in a million years did I ever think I’d end up with him. Even while I was angry at him, there was a part of my heart that had always belonged to him. None of the guys I’d dated even compared.
After finishing my business, I swung open the door and there he was, waiting for me.
“I’m horny.”
“You’re always horny.”
“Only for you.”
He tugged me into him and kissed me with an intensity I was becoming used to. The only downfall to him ravaging me like this was all I wanted to do was lean into him and forget about everything else. Which I was sure was his plan. But it was late, and I needed to go home. I had early morning appointments I couldn’t reschedule just because I wanted to enjoy him until the sun came up.
“Haven’t you had enough yet?”
“Not nearly.”
He pinned my hands above my head in one of his, using his free hand to glide over my sensitive skin. The brush of his fingers sent a spark through me, and if I didn’t stop him now, I never would.
“I have to go,” I whispered against his mouth. “I have work tomorrow, and as it is, I’m barely going to get any sleep.”
“Stay here.”
“I can’t. All my stuff is at my house.”
“This is exactly why we should move in together. So you can’t use these excuses.” The curve of his mouth did delicious things to my body, but again, I couldn’t indulge.
When I tried to free my hands from his, he tightened his hold. My second attempt proved futile, so the only thing I could think of was to make him, so I raised my knee and pressed it against his balls. I didn’t hurt him but applied enough pressure he had no choice but to comply.
“Cheap shot, woman.”
“I know.”
The sting of his smack on my backside made me yelp, although I should’ve expected some sort of retaliation. I pulled on my dress, leaving the shredded panties on the floor because they were useless to me now. All that money spent for nothing. Though the pleasure of wearing them and having them ripped from my body because he couldn’t wait to see me naked might have been worth it.
“What time do you have practice tomorrow?”
“Nine. Why?”
“Follow me home and spend the night with me.” I barely finished speaking before his jeans were yanked up and fastened. The smile on his face deepened as he moved around his bedroom to collect the clothes he’d need for tomorrow.
Staying the night at each other’s places was going to be the norm going forward because we were together now. An official couple, although we were the only two privy to the information. Which reminded me, I needed to call Brooke the first chance I got. She’d been team Luke from the beginning.
“I’ll get it.” Luke walked toward the front door wrapped only in a towel. Not only did I have no idea who had rang the doorbell at seven in the morning, but there was no way he should be greeting whoever was on the other side half naked.
“I’ll get it.”
I rushed past him, managing to grab the handle before he could. When he wouldn’t back up to give me room, I turned to look at him, my eyes roaming over him from head to toe. I’d gotten lost in the sight of his gorgeous body when the chime sounded a second time, followed by several raps on the door.
Using my ass to push him back a step, the rich sound of his laughter made me smile, which I was doing a lot of lately. But when he didn’t budge from his spot, I pointed back toward the other room, silently telling him I wasn’t opening this door until he left. He pouted, which I found endearing. Only when he was out of sight did I open the door. The grin I wore disappeared.
“What are you doing here?”
“Good morning to you, too,” Mark said, taking a step inside. “Is that Luke’s truck in the driveway?”
“What?” I asked, stalling for time, a tactic which earned me a frown. I wasn’t sure how my brother was going to react to the news of me and Luke, and I’d much rather tell him at another time, preferably when the man wasn’t sulking around my house in a towel “Um… yes.”
“Why is he here?” He took a few more steps toward the other room.
“Why are you here?”
“I lent my truck to Stacey. She dropped me off so I could catch a ride into work with you.”
“Who’s Stacey?”
“Someone I’ve been seeing.”
“I didn’t know you were dating anyone.”
“I don’t tell you everything.”
He walked farther into the house and my heart started to race. I had no idea if Luke had gone upstairs, or if he was around the corner. Mark wasn’t over-the-top protective to the point where he’d chase away anyone who was interested in me, but finding out his good friend, the same guy he forbade from asking me out years ago, was the one I’d been seeing wouldn’t go over too well. Especially with no warning.
In several hurried strides, I blocked him from entering any other room by leaning against the doorway with my arm outstretched.
“Is there something you want to tell me, sis?”
“Who was at the door?” Luke shouted before I could summon an answer for my brother, coming around the corner still wearing only his towel. What was he doing that he couldn’t have at least put on clothes?
Even though Mark knew Luke was here, the moment he saw him my stomach dropped.
