The Only One for Her (15 page)

“Lindy, you must be feeling overwhelmed right now.”

“Yes, I am. I’m overwhelmed by you coming here…me breaking Randy’s heart…your proposal. Earlier Ro gave me a letter Dane had written to me to be read on my wedding day. It’s been quite a day, to say the least.”

“I see,” he said, casting his eyes downward.

Taking his handsome face in my hands, I lifted his head so his eyes were looking into mine. “I didn’t get to answer your question.”

“No, you didn’t,” he said, hope radiating from his eyes.

When Randy asked me to marry him, I felt obligated, as if it were the right thing to do to say yes. I knew that now. My heart hadn’t been racing, my skin hadn’t felt flushed, my eyes hadn’t been moist with tears of joy. Like they were now. Looking into Trace’s eyes, I saw my future. I saw my dreams coming true. I saw…hope. For me. Joy. “Yes, Trace. I’ll marry you. I’m crazy in love with you and haven’t been able to get you out of my heart since I ran from you in Maui.”

Trace lifted me off the floor in his embrace. “Thank God. I don’t know what I would have done if you said no.” Trace began trailing kisses across my face until he found my mouth. I relished the feeling of his lips against mine. His lips parted, his talented tongue found mine. My entire body awakened from his kiss. I needed his kiss so desperately.
I needed him.

“Oh, Trace. Is this really happening? It all seems so surreal.”

“It’s really happening, beautiful girl. Like I said earlier, I don’t want to spend another second of my life without you, so I hope you’re ready to pack your bags. I’m taking you home with me. I booked a hotel near the airport. Two airline tickets. We’re flying out tomorrow.”

Smiling widely at Trace I said, “You’re pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you.”

“When it comes to you, yes, I’m sure,” he said, nuzzling my nose. I love this man.

“Now, it seems to me this left hand of yours is missing something,” he said lifting it up and inspecting it carefully. He slipped the ring onto my finger. “Much better. Now your hand is perfect.”

“Trace, it’s so beautiful.” The round diamond sparkled as I moved my hand back and forth.

We went to my bedroom. I took out the two suit cases I had. “I don’t know if everything I have will fit in these.”

Trace smiled. “Pack only what’s important to you. We will go shopping and buy you new clothes this weekend.”

“Actually, most of what I have isn’t worth taking. I got a few things from the thrift shop for the Maui trip, but other than that, I haven’t shopped in a long time.”

“Well, it’s going to be my pleasure spoiling you.”

“I still can’t believe you’re here.”

“Believe it. The biggest mistake I ever made was letting you get away. There’s no one else in the world for me. Only you.”

I’m the only one for him.

Chapter 31: Trace

Lindy and Ro texted back and forth during the drive to the hotel. I didn’t exactly know what they were writing to each other, but I had an idea. Lindy had a big smile on her face, so I assumed Ro approved of her decision.

“Ro is really happy for us,” she said, putting her hand on my thigh.

“So, she doesn’t think you’ve lost your mind, running off with me?”

“No. She knows how I feel about you. Plus, she just wants me to be happy.”

“Me too. You’re happiness is my top priority.”

“Well, you’re off to an amazing start.”

After we checked into the Hilton, I finally felt like I could relax a little. The whole day had been tense from the beginning, dealing with Angelina. Then, being interrupted by Randy. I couldn’t blame the guy and I’d be pissed too if I were him. Plus, I’d been slightly nervous about Lindy’s answer to my proposal. I had no idea if she was in love or just getting married because she didn’t want to be alone anymore. My gut had told me she wasn’t in love. But that didn’t make what I did any easier. Of course, I wanted to believe Lindy would jump into my arms and say yes to marrying me, but until she actually had, I was taking a huge risk. But, she was worth the anxiety and potential humiliation.

“Are you hungry?” I asked as I wrapped my arms around her from behind. She leaned her body against mine, melding into me.

“I’m not starving.”

“So, maybe we could put dinner off for a while?”

“That depends. What did you have in mind?” she asked suggestively.

Leaning down, I kissed her neck. Lindy groaned. I led her toward the king-sized bed. We stood there at the foot of the bed madly kissing each other like teenagers. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“Me too,” she said as I nibbled on her neck.

Sitting on the bed, I caressed her face with my hand. Lindy stared into my eyes. I could see she was feeling a little uneasy.

“Are you doing okay?” I asked.

Lindy sighed. “It’s really difficult knowing how much I hurt Randy. He doesn’t deserve it. I know he’s cared about me for a long time. I hadn’t realized he loved me though, Trace. I just feel so bad.”

“Yeah, that was obvious. I don’t think there’s anything you can do to make him feel better. He’s going to have a broken heart for a while.”

Lindy leaned her body into mine, resting her head on my shoulder. “Have I told you how happy I am that you are here? That you came for me even though I ignored you?”

“You accepting my marriage proposal told me that, but it’s nice to hear as well.”

“Everything’s happened so fast. I haven’t had a chance to ask you what happened when you returned home.”

“Seriously, it’s all a giant CF. Derrick married my ex Angelina, then died in a car accident a week later. It’s been awful. He’s died thinking I hated him. I actually told him we’d never be friends again.”

“Oh my God. Trace, I’m so sorry. You must be shocked. They got married. And then he dies? It’s unbelievable.”

“Yes, it is. It’s been a rough time. I can’t believe he’s actually gone. I was angry with him, but I never would have wanted anything to happen to him.”

“I know. Sometimes it’s hard to understand why things happen the way they do.” Lindy squeezed me a little tighter. “So, he was your partner. Does that mean your ex is now your partner?”

“Unfortunately, yes. And it gets worse. I think she may have had something to do with Derrick’s car accident, but I can’t prove it.”

“You think she’s capable of murder?”

“I think she’s capable of anything. If I had married her, I think I’d be the one pushing up daisies,” I said, stroking Lindy’s silky hair. Lifting her chin up, I looked into her beautiful blue eyes which met me with compassion and desire. I wanted her more than anything.

Gently, I pulled Lindy’s chin toward me as my mouth descended upon hers. Her soft lips tasted sugary sweet. Parting her lips with my tongue, I captured her luscious mouth, my tongue mingling with hers. I needed to be inside her so badly. She was the cure for what ailed me and I wanted to OD on her.

Lindy pulled away, breathing heavily. “Would it be okay if I had a couple of minutes to myself?”

“Of course. Take all the time you need.”

Lindy picked up her overnight bag and went into the bathroom. I hoped she didn’t take too long. I missed her already. Making myself useful, I turned down the bedspread and fluffed the pillows. Removing my shirt and pants, I climbed into bed wearing nothing. I had my condom on the nightstand next to me.

The door opened and Lindy stood there in her lace bra, panties, and a silk robe that wasn’t tied at the waist. Somehow, I hadn’t seen any of these items when we were packing, but I was preoccupied with getting us out of there. I drank in her beauty, noticing how firm her breasts were as her bra pushed them upward, her flat stomach that I wanted to run my tongue along, and the curve of her hips. Hips that I was going to connect with very soon.

Reaching out my hand, I said, “Come here, beautiful…can’t wait to make love to you.”

Lindy came toward me, slipping her robe off, before taking my hand and joining me. She lay on her side pressing her body up against mine, one of her perfect breasts resting on my chest, the other against my side.

“I still can’t believe you have come here and asked me to marry you. I feel like I’m in a fairy tale, only better. I get to know what happens after the prince marries his maiden and makes her a princess.”

“Lots of things are going to happen, starting with this.” I pulled her body on top of mine, her legs straddling my hips, making me even harder than before. I had been aching for my girl. I wanted everything from her, but to start with, I wanted to watch as I slid in and out of her, feeling her hot, wet pussy gripping my cock. I sat forward and unhooked her bra, keeping my eyes locked on hers. Leaning back again to see my beautiful girl’s body on top of mine, I took in her gorgeous breasts. Then Lindy surprised me.

She leaned forward and began kissing below my ear, her tongue sliding down my neck, her breasts pressing against my chest. Feeling her body sliding down mine turned me from hard to stone, the anticipation…I wanted her so badly.

Lindy’s kisses continued down to my nipples, the hot strokes of her tongue driving me wild. Within seconds, she glided her tongue down my abs and wrapped her hand around me. I made a low growling sound signaling my approval. Watching her mouth plunging toward me, I felt her lick me, starting at my shaft all the way to my head. I exhaled loudly as her mouth enveloped me, sucking, licking, and scraping with her teeth. She was so fucking hot sucking my cock like that. My hands found their way to her hair that draped over her shoulder and onto my hips. Wanting it to last, I had to concentrate, as her mouth continued in a rhythmic fashion.

“Come here,” I grunted. “I don’t want to come in your mouth right now.” Opening the condom, I rolled it on as fast as I could.

After quickly removing her panties, she climbed back up my body and positioned herself right over my hips, her hand wrapped around my cock and she glided me back and forth over her wet, juicy pussy, spreading her hot stickiness all over me. Slipping inside of her, she was a perfect, tight fit. I had the best view in the house, watching my girl moving up and down on my hardened shaft. She leaned forward and I began pulling at her nipples, sucking on one as my fingers worked the other. No other woman had ever felt like that…like mine. The feel of her wrapped around my cock was so…

“Honey, you feel so damn good.”

“I’m glad you like it, Mr. Michaels.”

“Love it…you grinding on me…watching your perfect breasts bouncing. Oh God…”

I wanted it to last, so I rolled us over, placing me on top. Hearing cries of pleasure was a necessity. I licked both her nipples, bringing them into tight rosy buds, then made my way down her sexy soft body. Inhaling deeply when I reached my target, I groaned. “You smell so good, beautiful. I need to taste you.” Licking her clit, Lindy grabbed the sheets with her hands. She was squirming for a moment until I placed my forearms on her thighs, effectively securing them, although I could feel them quiver. Her moans from my tongue swirling around her clit, drove me on. “Give me what I want,” I commanded. Slipping two fingers inside her, she began making the most erotic, beautiful sounds I’d ever heard as her tight pussy squeezed me. I shifted up into position and began moving in and out of her. With each slam against her body, she moaned loudly, her eyes staying on mine the entire time. Then my release came. Fuck.

We were both exhausted from our love-making and collapsed in each other’s arms. I knew nothing in my life would ever be the same again.

“I love you, Lindy.”

“I love you, too, Trace.”

Chapter 32: Lindy

Trace had a way of making everything in my body curl. He was so hot in bed and I couldn’t imagine ever getting enough of him. I loved everything he did to me. He awoke passions that had long been forgotten. Lying in his arms, contentment cocooned me like a blanket just out of the dryer on a winter’s night.
Thank you, God, that he didn’t give up on me.

Caressing my arm Trace asked, “Are you hungry now?”

“Yes, I’m starved. You really know how to make a girl acquire an appetite.”

“Well, then we better order some room service because I intend on having a replay as soon as we have some nourishment.”

Planting a kiss on his perfect lips, everything was right in my world. Trace had made me a believer again. I didn’t think after losing Dane I could ever feel like this…so in love and connected to another person. How did I get so lucky?

Trace got up and found the room service menu. He read off some of the choices and we both decided burgers and fries were in order. I wasn’t concerned about the calories since I knew I’d be working them off afterward. Trace was quickly becoming my favorite workout.

“They said it will be twenty minutes. What are you thinking about? You have a faraway look in your eyes.”

I held my hand out to Trace and he came and sat next to me on the bed. “I was just thinking about how lucky I am to have found you. Even though I did everything in my power to push you away, you wouldn’t let me.”

“You’re in my soul, Lindy. I couldn’t give up without a fight. I can’t explain how or why it happened, but it did and nothing will ever change it. If circumstances had permitted,
I would have come to you sooner.”

“I know,” I said, leaning forward, hugging the man I had fallen head over heels for. Being in his arms had become my favorite place to be. Nowhere else in this world compared.

A knock at the door interrupted our sweet moment. “That must be room service.”

“Good, because I haven’t eaten since this morning. I’m ravenous,” I said, winking at Trace. He smiled back with his perfect white teeth, eyes slightly crinkling. We both got up, Trace heading for the door, me going toward the dining table.

The smell of French fries made my mouth water. Two covered platters were placed on the table. So fancy for just burgers. As soon as Trace shut the door and sat at the table with me, I had a fry in my mouth. “Mm. So good.”

“I think I’m enjoying watching you eat your fries as much as you are eating them,” Trace said, lifting an eyebrow. “I could listen to you eat all night.”

“Well, these fries don’t stand a chance. They’ll be gone in no time, but I’m glad I’m entertaining you,” I said, giggling. “So, I haven’t really had a chance to ask you about how you are feeling with your ex as your partner.” How was this going to work? He would be seeing her every day. The thought of that made me feel sick. She’d always be a ghost in our lives. But, I wasn’t going to let her stop me from having happiness.

“I’m not going to lie. I’m beyond pissed about it. If I had my way, she’d never set foot in my company again. She’s like a plague, invading my business, trying to find ways to get a greater foothold. Fortunately, we’re not equal partners. Derrick owned forty percent of the company. She was really angry when she found out.”

I nodded, but didn’t say anything. All I could hope for was that she was his past and his feelings had been eradicated when she betrayed him. He had to still be hurt on so many levels from what they had done to him.

Trace tilted his head and gave me a serious look. “I don’t have any feelings for her, Lindy. Well, except disgust. The only thing between us is business. You have nothing to worry about.”

How did he know me so well already? Part of me was worried. They were going to see each other every day. He had been engaged to her and they’d be married if he hadn’t caught her. I knew he was angry with her, but sometimes only a fine line existed between love and hate. Plus, even though he thought she had something to do with Derrick’s accident, she probably didn’t. I’d learned a long time ago how unfair life could be.

Trace reached across the table, taking my hand. “What are you thinking, my lovely Lindy?”

“Honestly, I was just thinking that you have to see her every day at work and I’m not exactly overjoyed by that thought.”

Getting up, Trace came over to my side of the table. He knelt down, pulling me into his embrace. “You’re the only woman for me, honey. I don’t want anyone else.”

“I don’t want anyone else either,” I said, my eyes tearing up.

Caressing my face with his large hand, Trace said, “Let’s finish our dinner and talk about something else. We have a lot to learn about each other.”

I nodded and he returned to his seat. “So, tell me something you remember from your childhood.”

I cascaded through my memories for a moment until my thoughts landed on the perfect day. “This is going to sound silly, but one of my best childhood memories is my seventh birthday party. My parents were still alive. Everything about it was amazing.”

Watching me expectantly, I continued. Looking at my hunky man, I said, “They would have loved you.”

“I’m sure I would have loved them too. I’m sorry you lost them so young.”

Gazing down for a brief second, my heart was overcome with emotion. I missed my parents so much and often wondered how different my life would have been if they were still alive. But, no amount of hoping was ever going to bring them back.

“So, what kind of party did you have?”

“It was the best. I was into Barbie at the time, so that was the theme. We had plates, napkins, tablecloths…everything Barbie. My cake was a Barbie as well. My mom baked it and put a Barbie in it so it looked like she was wearing the cake as a skirt. My friends spent the night. My parents got me a Barbie Dreamhouse. It was pretty magical.”

“It sounds like it. I’m glad you have some good memories. I can’t imagine losing my parents. It must have been so hard on you.”

“Yes, it was. At ten years old I felt completely lost. I had no one in the entire world that I belonged to. Honestly, I only survived because of Dane. He was my shelter and consoler from the moment we met. He really helped me with adjusting to foster care.”

Trace’s thumb was lightly stroking my hand. “So, how did all of that work? Was your foster family…what were they like?”

“Robert and Alison were nice people. Fostering was a way for them to help others and make money at the same time. I did grow to love them, but more as friends who looked after me, not as parents.”

“So, they never wanted to adopt you and the other kids?”

“No. Dane and I were the two who stayed until we were eighteen. Another boy, Alan was with us until he was fifteen, but then went to another home. There were a few of girls who came and went. So, usually we had three to four kids there.”

“Dane was your only real family, wasn’t he? I mean after your parents passed.”

I nodded. “It was terrible when he turned eighteen and had to move out. They at least let him graduate, but he paid rent to stay with us. After graduating, he worked a full-time job at a shop and had a part-time job as well. He rented an apartment with Randy.”

“Randy from earlier today?”

“Yes. He and Dane had been best friends since third grade.”

“When did you meet Randy?”

“I met him when I was ten. When I met Dane.”

“Wow, so you two go way back. I’m sorry. What happened earlier must have been so hard on you. On both of you.”

“It was. But it was worse for Randy. I feel awful about him overhearing us and finding out things weren’t going to work out for him and me the way he did. He really is a good man.”
Oh Randy
. I’d devastated Randy. He didn’t deserve to be hurt the way I had hurt him. I hoped one day he would be able to forgive me.

I had been ignoring his texts, but I’d have to find a way to tell him he deserved better than me and how sorry I was.

“I’m sure he is a good man. You wouldn’t have agreed to marry him if he wasn’t.”

“Yeah, I’ve known him forever, it seems like. He’s been there for me through everything.”

“Honey, you look like you’re ready to call it a night.”

“I am. I’m exhausted and it’s taking so much effort just to keep my eyes open.”

“Why don’t we go to bed? We have to get up early in the morning for our flight.”

Trace stood up, still holding my hand. He pulled me into his arms and walked me toward the bed. I snagged my pjs out of my bag, changing in a matter of seconds. Trace pulled the covers back and I slid in between the cool sheets. He went around to the other side, stripped down to his boxers, and got into bed with me. Spooning me from behind, his muscular arms made me feel safe and secure. One of the things I loved about him I thought, as I began drifting.