Perfect Alignment (22 page)

He looked away, swallowed hard. “I’m still not sure I can give you what you need.” He wasn’t used to being unsure, didn’t like the feeling at all. Her gaze dropped to the table and he squeezed her hand. “The dating thing.”

Her uncertainty was palpable. “Look. If your boss walked in right now and you introduced us, what do you think would happen?” she asked.

“I trust you. I don’t think you’d try to hurt me, or even do so accidentally. But you told me you’re trying to be free and open about who you are. I can’t ask you to bottle that up inside like I do.”

“I was trying something new, and here’s the thing, it didn’t really work. I mean, it did in that I met you, and that was amazing. But letting other people,” she glanced around, made sure no one was anywhere near close enough to hear her low voice, “who are into kink know that I’m into kink didn’t really do anything for me. It’s really more about what I’m trying to figure out for myself, about myself. What I’m going to be able to live with when I move back to California, and what I won’t be able to live without.

“Not wearing that necklace again isn’t even about you. What I was looking for wasn’t jewelry or even community. I already have that. I already knew where to go to be with people who were like me. Honestly, I think my tattoo serves as a better reminder to myself that just because I usually look and act one way doesn’t mean I can’t be smug about my naughty side. But I really don’t want everyone to know I have the naughty side. I like being subtle.”

“All right. You have class at one tomorrow?”

She sat back as the waiter brought them glasses of water and a basket of breadsticks. As soon as the man’s hand was clear, she snatched one, quickly rattled her order off to the waiter then took a bite. Drew couldn’t help but smile as he placed his own order, thankful that the mood had changed. He hated seeing her hurt, much preferred to see her enjoying her food. Although not as much as he liked seeing her enjoy him and what he did to her. But was that going to be enough? He clenched his jaw, forced the thought away.

Holding up a hand to indicate she would answer, eventually, she chewed her way through the bite, then took a sip of the water. “Yes, one o’clock. I should leave here by noon to be safe.”

Now that he thought about it, he realized she liked to be early for things, hated to feel rushed. He wished he could change the fact that the burden of their meet-ups almost always fell to her.

“If it doesn’t interest you in the least, tell me, but I thought in the morning you might enjoy a trip to the shooting range.”

Her eyes got that satisfying look of anticipation he was used to seeing only in regards to sex, letting him know immediately that she liked the idea.

“Oh, that would be fun!”

“It might be a mistake on my part, introducing you to firearms,” he said, giving her a wry grin.

She laughed and took his hand before giving him a mockingly serious expression. “I solemnly vow never to point a gun at you, no matter what you do.”

He just couldn’t resist her. He leaned in for a taste and she met him halfway. Her lips were buttery with a hint of garlic and he wanted to lick them, order her to stay perfectly still for him while he used one of the breadsticks to paint that buttery flavor all over her body. Her breath quickened, as if she could sense the direction of his thoughts, the heat of his desires. He knew the waiter was approaching so he forced himself to give her the small kiss that was appropriate to the environment, then leaned back.

He asked the waiter for more water, even though he didn’t really need it, just to keep the man’s attention on him while Emma sat back. The waiter didn’t deserve to see the look of soft arousal on her face. She met his eyes as the plates were being set on the table, her attention focused solely on him.

Knowing he should do more, offer her more, give her more, he only gave her a cocky wink and looked down at his meal. The chicken looked delicious, but he found he didn’t really care. Instead he cut himself a bite and ate it while mostly just watching Emma start in on her pasta. As he watched her lick her lips clean, he tried not to think that he was very much in trouble here.

****

They were both quiet on the drive home. He took her hand in his, rested them on her thigh. The rain had intensified but traffic was light, and he kept his speed nice and easy. He squeezed her hand and put the car in park. She didn’t wait for him to open her door, but jumped out and twirled herself in the downpour. He could only shake his head and laugh at her obvious enjoyment as he followed her to the door.

Without saying a word they went upstairs and he undressed her. She remained still while he worked his way to having her naked. Since she was sopping wet, he couldn’t enjoy a slow reveal, but sent her to the bathroom to get a towel so he could pat her dry. She just smiled at him and let him do as he pleased. When she was dry, he cupped her jaw in his hands and licked her lips as he’d wanted to at the restaurant, worked his way along her jaw, down her neck to spend some time at the hollow of her collarbone.

Other than murmuring his name and bracing her hand lightly on his shoulder, she remained still. He enjoyed the ever-increasing tension as it worked its way through her body. Her nipples tightened hard under the barest brush of his lips, her chest flushed with her arousal, and her breathing accelerated.

He picked her up, eliciting a sweet little gasp, and laid her out on the bed. For a minute he just watched, her gorgeous body deeply aroused, her eyes heavy with need. He pulled his clothes off quickly and rolled on a condom without taking his eyes off her for more than a second. Stretching out on top of her, giving her some of his weight, wanting to feel the connection along their bodies as much as possible, he moved his fingers into her hair, his thumbs resting along her cheekbones. He met her eyes and slowly slid into her. Her hips tilted, easing the way while they watched each other. His rhythm slow and steady, he paused every few strokes to make sure her clit was getting the pressure she needed. When her gasps were coming steadily, her body arching up into him as much as possible, he caressed his thumbs along her cheek. “Let go for me, baby,” he whispered. “I need you to come now.”

She gave a small cry, her eyes closing, but only for a moment. They fluttered back open, watching him watch her come. So beautiful, his Emma. So perfect. He thrust into her squeezing channel, felt as if he was fusing their bodies together in a way that could only be described as amazing, and came. Only after he’d finished did he allow his eyes to close. He let more of his weight settle onto her welcoming body and he tried very hard not to worry about what the future held for them.

****

The next morning he dragged her out of bed without much more than a kiss and put her to work scrambling eggs while he made the coffee and toast. She wasn’t exactly grouchy, but neither was she fully awake until they were finished eating, and he enjoyed the transition. They made quick work of the cleanup and he followed her back upstairs into the bathroom.

She watched him in the mirror, but when he didn’t say anything, she went about her routine. He stood behind her, watching as she brushed her teeth and put lotion on her face, her expression questioning and expectant. When she reached one hand for her hairbrush and the other up to release her ponytail, he stopped her.

“Clasp your hands behind my back.”

There was no hesitation as she complied, her gaze glued to his in the mirror. He let his expression show his appreciation for her quick obedience, then he broke the connection, needing to watch as his hands slipped inside the loose waistband of the yoga pants she wore. Within moments she was dripping wet, ready to accept the fingers he curled into her. Her head fell back to his shoulder, her hands pressing hard into his back. He worked her, the heel of his hand pressing into her clit, his fingers finding the spot inside that made her cry out.

He brought his free hand up to rest gently against her arched neck, his fingers loosely circling her. Her cunt clenched tightly around his fingers and she came with a sharp cry. Giving her only a few seconds to recover, he pulled his fingers free, brought them to her lips, a silent command. She opened her mouth, accepted his fingers into her mouth, cleaned them thoroughly.

He pulled free, met her eyes in the mirror once again. “On your knees.”

A smile flashed across her face before the vision disappeared as she turned and dropped in front of him. She looked up for permission, received his nod, and quickly went to work pulling his pajama pants down to his ankles and wrapping her soft hands around his very hard shaft.

Her enthusiastic tongue, talented fingers and hums of appreciation made short work of the task he’d given her. When he was nearly ready, he grabbed her ponytail, wrapped the hair in a tight grip. She stilled immediately, her mouth going lax, tilting her chin to give him what he needed. He pushed in almost roughly, hitting the back of her throat before retreating, then again and again. He fucked her mouth, her hands braced on his thighs, her body open and willing to receive what he gave. When he gave one last thrust and paused, she sucked hard and he exploded into her.

She released her hold but he waited a moment before sliding clear, needing to catch his breath, loving the feel of her warm mouth around his sensitive flesh.

“So good, baby. Thank you.”

Her eyes smiling up at him was her only response.

He found himself humming during his quick shower and she laughed at whatever look was on his face when he stepped out. He just smiled and brushed his teeth while she went in the bedroom to dress. They were ready at the same time and walked out of the house hand in hand. She paused near their cars but he tugged her along until they were walking down the driveway toward the barn.

“Aren’t we going to need a car?” she asked.

“Nope.”

He glanced at her as they walked. She looked a little unsure and he didn’t like that she doubted his plans to take her out, but it was his own fault, so he just waited.

Inside the barn, he led her to a tarp in the far corner and pulled it free, revealing a motorcycle. She actually clapped her hands in excitement and he was glad the rain had moved on, leaving behind the gorgeous fall day so that he could give her this. He handed her two helmets and rolled the bike out into the sun.

“We’ll go back up to the house, get better jackets,” he told her as he helped her with her helmet. “I didn’t want to give the surprise away.”

She just grinned at him, waited until he’d straddled the bike, then climbed on. She tucked in close, wrapped her arms around his waist and he drove them slowly back to the house. They put heavier jackets on, remounted, and headed out.

It was a bit of a drive to the shooting range he’d selected but Emma was grinning hugely when they got off the bike. She handed him her helmet then threw her arms around him and smacked him with a kiss.

“That was awesome!”

He laughed. “I’m glad you liked it.”

The place wasn’t busy and it wasn’t long before they had everything they needed and a lane assignment. He showed her how the gun worked, the bullets and magazine, then they both donned ear protectors and safety glasses. When he opened the heavy door, he watched her. Her nose wrinkled slightly at the sharp smells, but she grabbed his hand and tugged him to the number they’d been given.

There were partitions between the lanes and a small counter that he set the gun and ammunition onto. He hooked one of the paper targets he’d gotten into place, then pushed a button that moved the target back. He stopped it at twenty yards.

Emma was seriously buzzing after the motorcycle ride and from excitement at being in the shooting range. It was an alien world—the sounds, the smells, even the fact that they’d gotten there on a motorcycle instead of in a car, served to make the whole adventure sort of surreal. She imagined that if she’d come with anyone else, she’d be nervous, but with Drew at her side, she was just excited and ready to try.

Together they loaded the gun as he’d shown her before they put on the ear protectors. She turned to the target and took her stance. He nudged the back of her thigh very gently, reminding her not to lock her knees. He put his hands on her shoulders until she remembered to pull them down away from her ears. She took a deep breath, relaxing and finding her stillness. When he rested his hands lightly on her hips, she knew he was ready for her to begin. Lining up the sights on the gun, she aimed at the target. The trigger was heavier than she’d expected and it felt as if she had to pull a long time, and yet somehow it was still sudden when the trigger snapped back and the gun kicked in her hand. The noise and recoil, though expected, still made her jump a tiny bit.

His fingers flexed reassuringly against her, but he didn’t try to brace her. She looked at the target and saw a hole in the bottom corner. Careful to keep the gun pointed down the range, she turned and gave him a grin. His answering grin was beautiful and full of pride and it warmed her heart. Turning back, she took her time relaxing again and lining up the sights, then worked her way through the magazine, most of them hitting the target.

Then he moved the target back and took a turn, impressing the hell out of her with his speed and precision. He definitely wasn’t using the sight on the barrel, like she was. She tried a final round, doing slightly better, even with the greater distance of the target. She was having such a great time, she actually gave a minute’s thought to blowing off her class. But she couldn’t do it and she wasn’t about to suggest he call in sick, so she resolved to just enjoy the time they had left. And there was much to enjoy, the way he handled the powerful bike with ease, and, cliché or not, the feel of the thrumming machine between her legs as she was pressed up tight against him was certainly something she could enjoy. A lot.

They got back to the house just in time for him to give her a smoking-hot kiss that left her breathless and a little bit shaky as he eased her into her car. She blinked at the steering wheel for a minute before noticing his evil grin. Unable to do anything else, she laughed and started the car. And watched him in the rearview mirror until she had to turn onto the main road.