Torn (9 page)

Katie was filled with warmth that
slowly traveled from the tip of her toes to the top of her head.
She loved him with every atom that made up her being. She paused to
let his words wash over her before returning the most important
words she’d ever spoken. “I love you, too, Branson.”

Phillip Stone was tall. His glasses
tried to hide the beautiful blue eyes that matched Branson’s.
“Hello, Katie, it’s very nice to meet you,” he said sincerely
before pulling his son in for a hug. “Did you all have an easy
drive?”

“
Yeah, traffic wasn’t too
bad,” Branson answered, and then gave Katie’s fingers a gentle
squeeze. “By the way, Mom, are there sheets on both beds
downstairs?”

“
Yes. I wasn’t sure—I
mean—well, I prepared both rooms not knowing—” Celia was stumbling
over her words, trying not to embarrass Katie, but it was too late.
Katie was mortified and felt her cheeks begin to flush. The thought
of his mother assuming they were intimate made her extremely
uncomfortable.

Branson watched Katie’s body stiffen
and her cheeks turn crimson. He normally would have found it
humorous and ribbed her a little, but something made him feel
compassion for her situation and reconsider. “Let’s see what
Jackson’s up to, shall we?” He pulled her into the living room
where Jackson was watching cartoons and playing with a few toys.
“Jen, I’ll watch him for a bit if you want to visit with Mom and
Dad.”

“
Thanks, I could use a cup
of coffee.”

Branson was great with Jackson. He
played with him on the floor, running a toy truck up the side of
Jackson’s leg, causing the little boy to giggle and squeal, “Again!
Again!” After a dozen truck rides up his leg, Jackson walked over
to Katie and drove his small red truck over her arm.

She laughed and played along like it
was the most ticklish sensation she had ever experienced. Jackson
laughed and repeated the process several times before climbing up
on the couch and leaning against her. He tipped his Sippy cup to
drink the last few drops of his juice and concentrated on the
television show.

“
Are you all right with
that?” Branson asked.

“
Yes, he’s such a sweet
boy.” Katie ran her hand across the top of his fine brown
hair.

“
I’ve never seen him
cuddle up to someone he’s just met. He’s usually climbing all over
them, digging his sticky fingers through their hair.” He smiled and
sat down on the other side of Jackson. “You movin’ in on my
territory, little man?”

Nine

A too-large bite of overcooked roast
was being wrestled between Katie’s teeth, while she soaked in the
atmosphere around the dinner table. Conversation flowed freely and
Mr. and Mrs. Stone took turns embarrassing Branson with stories of
his childhood.

“
You’re the first girl
Branson has brought home from college,” Celia said, lifting her
glass of Pinot to her lips.

“
Mom!” Branson
scolded.

“
What? It’s true. We never
got to meet anyone. The last girl you brought home was Kayla, and
that was senior prom.”

“
Her name was Kyla, and
sometimes a guy just wants to come home and relax. Now, if you’re
done with the stories of how I used to run through the house in my
cape and red underwear, I think we’ll go downstairs and watch a
movie.”

“
All right, son,” Celia
laughed. “Goodnight, Katie.”

“
Goodnight, everyone.”
Katie stood. “By the way, there was a guy on campus seen running
around with nothing but a cape and red underwear . . . you don’t
think . . .” Katie laughed and braced herself for the incoming
retaliation from Branson. He picked her up, effortlessly tossed her
over his shoulder, and started out of the room.

“
Agh! Put me down, you
barbarian!” Katie giggled, enjoying his playfulness.

Branson hurried through the living
room and carefully descended the staircase leading to the basement.
He set her down when they reached the bottom and stole a kiss
before taking her suitcase to the guest room. “So, here is your
room. The bathroom is through those doors.”

Katie walked through the door,
examining the tastefully decorated room. The comforter was olive
green and brick red plaid which instantly made her feel like she
was in a cozy cabin. A claw foot tub sat in the corner of the
bathroom. “Oh, I love that tub.”

“
You can take a soak
anytime you like.”

“
So, where’s your room?
I’m dying to see what kind of posters you have on your
walls.”

Branson led her into a large bedroom
with caramel colored walls and a large four poster bed crafted out
of pine logs. The room was masculine and revealed no evidence that
a teen ever lived there. “Where are your posters?”

He sighed and led Katie to a reading
nook where his stereo and gaming system were kept.
“Here.”

Katie giggled when she saw the mix
that decorated his walls. There was one of Freddie Kruger, a blonde
in a pink string bikini, one of the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders, and
finally Darth Vader. “Classic. I might have to sew a sweater on
that poor girl in the bikini, though. She must be
freezing.”

He threw his head back and laughed
loudly at the thought of his poster wearing a sweater. “Don’t you
dare!”

“
You better sleep with one
eye open tonight,” she teased.

“
Are you up for a movie?”
he asked.

“
I’d love to watch a
movie. Can I slip into my pajamas first?”

She was glad he wasn’t too tired. She
only had a few nights with him before they left for her house. The
plan was to spend a few days with his family, and then a few days
with hers. He would drive with her to York, then go back to spend
Christmas with his family, and pick her up on the way back to
school after Christmas break.

Branson gave her a predatory look.
“Need any help?”

She searched for something
smart-mouthed to say, but instead shook her head and closed the
door.

Katie came out in her red flannel
pajamas. They were warm, comfortable, and presentable in case she
wanted to go upstairs in them. The look on Branson’s face when she
came out nearly sent her into hysterics. He must have expected her
to wear something more revealing.

“
Well, aren’t you . . .
warm and cozy.”

“
Yes, I am. These are my
favorite pajamas. Just be glad I didn’t bring my long flannel
nightgown with the unicorns.” She laughed.

“
You’re not
serious?”

“
No. But I do love these
pjs, and I can wear them in the sunroom tomorrow when we watch the
sun rise with a cup of coffee.”

“
Ugh. I was looking
forward to sleeping in tomorrow. Let’s wait until Sunday morning to
do that. It’ll be a great way to end our stay here.”

“
We’ll see. Show me those
dimples one more time and I might be talked into it,” Katie said,
plopping down next to him. He was wearing a pair of plaid pajama
bottoms and a black T-shirt that made his eyes change from sapphire
blue to a darker navy.

“
If that’s what turns you
on, I can smile all night.” He grinned, answering her
request.

His smile made her stomach flip-flop.
As he leaned in to kiss her, she felt her breath hitch. She had
felt his lips on hers hundreds of times over the last few months,
but the hunger in his aggressive kiss had her pulse racing and
butterflies slamming against her chest. She could feel and hear her
heart beating loudly in her ears and wondered if he could hear it
too.

“
It’s so
quiet.”

With the click of a button, the stereo
came on, filling the room with the haunting, seductive music of
Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You.” He pulled Katie into his lap with
ease and gazed into her eyes.

“
Hmm, your green eyes
against these red pajamas remind me of Christmas.” His lips found
hers before they traveled down her neck. He found the spot behind
her ear that caused her to moan and lingered there, letting his hot
breath wash over her. She tilted her head back, giving him more
access, and closed her eyes. “I’m not waiting until Christmas to
unwrap you,” he whispered.

Katie felt herself spinning out of
control. Between the music and rapture of Branson’s touch, she was
quickly slipping into a state of euphoria. “Are you sure no one
will come down here?”

“
I’m sure.” His voice was
filled with desire.

Katie unbuttoned the top button of her
flannel pajama top. Before she could reach the next one, Branson’s
fingers covered hers. “Let me,” he said. She watched his face as he
finished the buttons and slowly slid the fabric over her shoulders.
He had her nerve endings tingling as he grazed her shoulder with
his lips while removing her top. He kissed her deeply as he
unfastened the single hook on the front of her bra, and pulled away
to look at her. She inhaled sharply as his hand found one breast
and then the other. Katie raised his shirt over his head and let it
fall behind him. Her hands outlined his chest and shoulders, before
moving on to the ripples in his strong arms.

“
You’re so beautiful,
Katie.” Branson scooped her up into his arms and carried her back
to his bedroom. When he set her down on her unsteady feet, he
tugged at the silk ribbon waistband, releasing the knot and letting
her pajama bottoms fall to the floor. Katie stepped out of them and
reached for Branson’s bare skin. She traced two fingers slowly down
his sculpted abs until she reached the waistband of his pants. His
body tensed and a wave of heat coursed through her.

Branson struggled to control his
adrenaline as Katie’s fingertips swept across his skin. The feel of
her soft touch sent shockwaves through his body. He’d never been so
turned on, and had to resist the urge to speed things up. He lifted
Katie in his arms and gently laid her on the bed, guiding her head
down onto a pillow before trailing soft kisses down her neck. His
mouth lingered on her breasts, taking his time with each one, while
Katie arched her back and whimpered with pleasure. He slowly made
his way down her stomach, ravishing her smooth skin with his hands
and lips.

Katie wanted to let go and enjoy the
moment, but in the back of her mind she could hear her subconscious
scolding her. She had been taught to save something so intimate for
marriage. She had only known Branson for a few months, and although
she was certain he loved her, marriage wasn’t something either of
them was ready for at this point in their relationship. But with
the music encouraging her to give him everything, and the hot
breath of his lips caressing her skin, it was impossible to stop.
It felt so damn good to be touched by him.

Branson sat up to look at her. “Are
you okay?”

“
Yes.”

“
You’re shaking. Are you
cold?”

Katie was suddenly self-conscious and
closed her eyes to hide from his gaze. “I’m not cold, I’m just a
little nervous.”

“
I promise you, we’re
alone.”

“
I know.” The humiliation
was almost unbearable. “I’ve just never . . . well . . . you’re the
first—” Katie scrunched her eyes closed again, felt for a small
throw pillow to grab, and covered her face with it.

Branson pulled the pillow off of her.
“You can trust me.” He kissed her softly. “I love you and I’m here
to stay.”

”
I love you, too,” she
answered him in a whisper.

Branson brushed his lips across hers,
kissing each side of her mouth before taking the fullness of her
lips. He slowly made his way back down, savoring the small dip at
the base of her neck. Traveling down her stomach, he enjoyed her
response as he reached just below her belly button. He slipped his
fingers under the waistband of her satin panties and pulled them
down her legs, over her knees, and off her feet. He traveled the
lines of her inner thighs with his hands and lips, feeling her
squirm beneath him.

“
Branson,” she
pleaded.

“
Relax, babe,” he
whispered, while guiding her legs apart. He slid one finger into
her opening, and moaned when he felt how ready she was. He moved
his fingers expertly, bringing her to the brink of
orgasm.

“
Oh my God,
Branson!”

Branson rolled off the bed and removed
his boxers before pulling a foil packet out of his nightstand
drawer and sliding the condom on. He positioned himself over Katie,
spreading her legs with his knees as he kissed her, and guided
himself into her. He groaned as he worked his way into her, “You
feel so good, baby.”

Katie felt every inch as he pushed
inside of her. The feeling was exquisite. He was gentle and
careful, letting her body adjust to having him inside her. Katie
justified her feelings against the notion that she should’ve
waited. Everything felt right and natural. Although it was her
first time, there was a familiarity to their lovemaking, as if it
were meant to be. She arched her back with pleasure every time he
moved, and gripped his arms, her fingers digging into his triceps.
The rhythm began gradually as they enjoyed kissing and experiencing
their first time together. Whimpering with each thrust, the frenzy
began building deep inside of her. She wrapped her legs around his
back to pull him in closer. Branson laced his fingers in hers,
guiding her hands over her head, and thrust deeper into her,
accelerating the pace.