If You Only Knew (And Then Came Love Book 1) (12 page)

Julian gave her his arm and led her to a nearby table. He stood and watched as his grandfather danced with Liza. She threw her head back at something he said.

“He’s got her laughing already.” Lucille shook her head. “That old man is a riot. He proposed to me two weeks after we met?”

“I know the story, Gram.”

“You two look good together. Do you think this is serious?” She pushed the chair out next to her. “Sit, you make me nervous.”

Julian looked over at his grandmother, but didn’t sit down. “We only met a week ago.”

“You never were the greatest of listeners.” Gram stood long enough to smack him in the back of the head and then returned to her seat. “Two weeks I knew that man. And you know what? We’ve been together for the last seventy-one years. Who says it takes years to fall in love?”

Fall in love.

His chest constricted and the air went out of his lungs. It felt as if he’d been hit head on by a car. He stumbled into the chair. Love. He’d thought he’d been in love before . . . but this was so much different than anything he’d ever experienced. He rested his head in his hands, trying to catch his breath.

“Maybe a week is all you need,” Lucille whispered as she rubbed her hand over his back.

Liza knelt in front of him. “Are you okay?” She lifted his chin so they were looking each other in the eyes.

Concern was etched in her brown eyes. God, she was beautiful. Who’d have thought he’d fall in love with anyone after a week of being with her. Maybe Gram was right. He pulled her into his lap. “I’ll be fine.”

“Do you want me to take you home?”

“More than anything.” Julian nuzzled her neck. “But not for the reason you’re thinking.”

Liza laughed. “You’re incorrigible.”

Gramps watching him. “You sure you’re okay?”

Julian smiled. “What can I say? She’s so beautiful she knocked me off my feet.”

“Back to the lines, are we?” Liza rolled her eyes. A long curl fell forward and dropped into the v of her dress.

Julian reached for it, touching the creamy white skin of her chest.

She smacked his hand gently and brushed the hair behind her ear.

“Lucky hair.”

Liza wiggled in his lap. Her ass moved against his erection.

His eyes drifted closed and he stifled a groan. He caught her hips, stopping the movement. Bringing his lips to her ear, he whispered, “Much more of that and we’ll be finding an empty room.”

Liza blushed.

He held her hips in place when she tried to stand. “Stand up in front of me.”

She stood.

He pressed himself against her ass. “I don’t know how much more torture I can take.”

She turned around looked deep into his eyes. “We’ll go soon.”

The desire he felt was mirrored in her eyes. It aroused him more. “I’m going to step into the hallway for a bit.”

She kissed his cheek.

He squeezed her hand and turned to head out into the hallway. He needed to calm down or they wouldn’t make it to his place.

*****

Liza walked into the hallway a little while later. Julian had been gone about ten minutes. The event organizers announced an auction. Since, she’d never been to a charity event before, she had no clue what to expect. As she turned the corner, a hand grabbed hers and he hauled her around to him. She smiled when she saw it was him. “You scared me.”

He backed her into the wall and pressed himself against her. “My resolve is gone.” His hand slid down her neck, tracing the line of her collarbone, she moaned. He slid his finger between her cleavage and traced it around the edge of her dress.

She felt her nipple harden as he brushed it. He covered her breast with his hand and then moved lower. He caught her bare thigh and lifted it wrapping her leg around his waist so her hips angled against his. His hand trailed up her leg and under the dress.

She writhed.

He pressed his erection into the crease of her legs.

She let out a soft gasp as he moved ever so slightly, driving her wild. Just a few layers of clothing stood between them.

“My place?”

“Yes.” Her breath came in short gasps. He had her so hot. Would she be able to wait until she got back to his place?

“Ah-hmm.” A throat cleared behind them.

Julian turned his head to see his mother.

“Julian Isaiah Brennan, get your hand out of her dress!”

“But Mom.” He gave Liza a gentle smack on the ass before pulling his hand out from her skirt.

Jackie shook her head. She walked past the two of them and as she did she patted Julian on the shoulder.

Liza couldn’t hear what she said, but Julian’s eyes widened and his face turned beet red.

Jackie waved as she glided away.

“What did she say?”

“She said I should at least take you home first.”

Liza laughed. “What?”

“You know what’s really funny?”

“What’s that?”

Julian tugged at her hand. “I’m going to take her advice.”

Liza smiled as they headed for the door.

Chapter Seven

Julian pressed Liza against the wall, caressing her face with his hands. He kissed her neck. “I want you.” He placed her hand against the bulge in his pants.

She squeezed gently.

He moaned.

Julian pressed his lips to hers, his tongue plunged between her parted trembling lips. Her lips were soft under his. His hands pushed the fabric of her dress out of the way, revealing the black lace thong. “Nice.” He slipped a finger inside her.

There was a sharp intake of breath as her eyes widened. Her body arched against his hand.

His thumb found her clit. Moisture coated his fingers. “Someone’s ready for me,” he whispered.

“Please.” She moaned as she shoved his tuxedo coat off his shoulders.

Julian stripped his coat off and tossed it on the floor.

Liza’s hands trembled as she unbuttoned and unzipped his pants. She pushed the material away. “Wow.”

Julian chuckled.

“Julian?” Liza placed her hands against his chest. Her lips quivered.

“What?”

“It’s been a long time.” She looked away from him. “I mean six years long.”

Julian quieted her with another kiss. His cock pressed into her stomach and he fought for control.

He trailed kisses up her jaw line, before nipping at her earlobe. “Tell me you don’t want me and I’ll stop now.”

“I-I—” Her whole body shuddered when he pressed his length against her. “I’m scared.”

“Why?”

“I don’t want to disappoint you.”

Julian gulped, blinking rapidly. “Never.” He had never been so touched by mere words before.

He wrapped his fingers around the black lace of her panties and ripped the garment from her body. He moaned as the head of his dick pressed against her hot center, her wetness captured him. “Last chance, Liza,” he whispered in her ear, lifting her off the ground.

“Be gentle.” She gripped his shoulders as he slowly lowered her onto him. The feel of her nails grating into his skin only enticed him more. She gasped adjusting to his size.

He pushed with a little more force.

She cried out as he buried himself to the hilt.

Heartless bastard.
He pulled out, the realization he’d gone too far, hit him like one of dad’s smacks in the back of the head.

“No,” she half whispered, half moaned as he lowered her to the ground. “Don’t.”

“Don’t what?” He raked his hand through his hair. His cock ached with need, but he refused to force her.

“Don’t stop.” She grabbed his shirt and pulled him toward her.

“Are you sure?” He was once more at the precipice knowing this time there was no turning back.

“Yes.” She nodded as she reached out to grab his cock.

He pushed her back against the wall again, lifting her off the ground. This time there was no hesitancy, he drove in once more and she moaned. She moved with him as best she could. He watched her eyes as she came closer to the edge. Two more strokes, they were both over the edge. “Julian.” Her eyes widened and she sucked in a sharp intake of breath.

His mouth opened and his eyes drifted closed as he came. The sensations rolling over him and drowning him in pleasure. His legs weak, he lowered her to the floor and sank down beside her.

“That was—” She paused as her breaths came in gasps.

“Incredible . . . Mind blowing.”

“Fantastic.” She dropped her head to his shoulder.

“Will there be a round two?” He wrapped his arm around her.

“Definitely.”

His dick twitched at the thought of it.

“Maybe we’ll make it to your bedroom next time.”

“Maybe.”

*****

Julian rolled over to find the other half of the bed empty. He sat up, tossed back the covers, and set his feet down on the antique Persian rug. Their second time had been as intense and urgent. They’d barely made it to the bedroom. He yawned and rested his head on his hands. Liza deserved so much more than a damaged man like him. Hell, he couldn’t even go slow and make love, no it was crazy hot sex.  He stood, glanced around the room until his gaze fell on her. She sat in a chair in the corner, staring out the window.

He walked across the room, pressed a kiss to the top of her head, and sat down across from her. “You okay?”

She nodded, but didn’t say anything. Her fingers rubbed the jade heart of her necklace. She was wearing his shirt.

“Liza.”

She continued to stare out the window.

He blew out a breath and drew her onto his lap. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No.” Liza pressed a kiss to his nose. “We were both there, Julian. It was sex, albeit great sex.”

“It was a helluva lot more than that, Liza.”

“Come on Julian, it was sex.”

“Not to me. What’s going on? I’m the one with bipolar disorder, not you.” He ran his hand down her arm.

“It was incredible, both times.” Liza met his gaze and shook her head. “Monica’s comments keep running through my head. I did everything I could to entice you this evening.”

“You certainly pulled that off.”

Her eyes twinkled and she rested her head on his chest. “I didn’t like it when you told me no yesterday. So that, coupled with our rendezvous and Monica’s comments start to make sense. I mean I wanted it. I went out of my way to get it.”

“What’s wrong with wanting sex? We all have needs and desires.”

“Easy for you to say, Mr. Two-Date-Rule.” She lifted her head.

“This is different. We’re in a relationship and we’re both consenting adults. I don’t see the problem here.”

“Do I even want to ask you how many women you’ve slept with?”

“No.”

Liza held up three fingers. “You’re number three. And I was twenty before I had sex the first time.”

“Late bloomer?” He winked and peeked down her shirt. “Cause you’re definitely not lacking anything in the tits department now.”

She playfully smacked his bare chest. “Julian!”

“I think I prefer you screaming my name in pleasure.” He toyed with the bottom of his shirt. She looked sexy. Her naked bottom pressed against him.

“Down tiger.” Liza winked and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m not ready yet.”

“Really?” He traced the collar of his shirt dipping his fingers inside where it v-ed at her cleavage. Leaning in, he nipped at her earlobe. “I figured we’d take it nice and slow this time.”

“Nice and slow?” She laughed. “Can we go at that speed? We tend to get a little carried away.”

“Sounds like a challenge, princess.” Julian stood, picking her up with him. “And I have to say, I love challenge.”

“I think I’m well past the princess stage.” Liza circled his nipple with her finger.

“I think you’re every bit a princess.” He placed her on her back on the bed, before he slipped between her thighs.

*****

March 26
th

The alarm on her phone beeped from across the room. “Shit.” She checked the time. Five AM, she had to head home soon if she wanted to get to work on time. Lord knew how she was going to make it through her visits until eight this evening.

“Are you going to be able to walk?” Julian winked, running his fingertips down her legs.

“I doubt it. I’ll look like I’ve spent the weekend on a horse.” Liza sat up and draped her legs over the bed. No matter how weak her legs were she had leave.

“Just call me Trigger.”

Liza laughed. “You’re hysterical.”

“Thank you.” He beamed. “Call in sick. We’ll spend the rest of the day here. I’ll teach you all sorts of new tricks.” He reached for her, but she smacked his hand away.

“As tempting as it sounds, I need my job.” She stood and had to catch the nightstand to make sure she didn’t fall. Getting dressed was going to be fun.

“Shower?”

“I’ll take one at home. If you and I get in the shower, we’ll end up here. If we end up here, I’m going to lose my job.”

“Come on, Liza, you don’t want to go into today.”

She scanned the room for her clothes, saw her dress on the floor and remembered the rest of her clothes were in his car. She yanked his shirt off the floor and drew it on. “I need to borrow your shirt so I can go get my clothes.”

“Wear my shirt – hell, wear it to work, that way you won’t have to leave for a while.” Julian grinned.

“I will wear your shirt, but I do have to go home. Where are my panties?”

He chuckled. “In the hallway right inside the door. I may have ripped them off you.”

“Right.” She picked up her dress and draped it across a chair. “How about some pants?”

“I’m sure I’ve got something.” Julian hopped out of bed and walked to his closet. He opened the doors.

Liza followed him inside. “Your closet is a little smaller than the bedroom in my apartment?”

“I haven’t seen the bedroom in your apartment.” He leaned over and kissed her head. “We’ll have to remedy that.”

Liza giggled. Julian walked over to a shelf and grabbed a pair of black pajama pants. “These work?”

“Perfect.” She smiled as she tugged them on. The pants were a little long and didn’t fit in the waist. She pulled the drawstring tight and folded them over a couple times to make them work. “Not the most attractive look, but it will work.”

“Not attractive my ass.” Julian gave her a once over. “You’re in my pants, you’re commando, and it’s taking everything I’ve got not to strip them off of you.”

“You’re incorrigible.”

“You’re sexy as hell.” Julian stepped closer to her. “Why don’t you let me drive you home? The last thing you’ll remember is one helluva a kiss.”

“I doubt my overused muscles are going to let me forget any part of tonight.” She rested her hand on his chest.

He wrapped his arms around her and his hand caressed her ass as he drug her against him. “I don’t want you to go.”

“I have to.” She pulled out of his arms. “I can’t lose my job.”

Julian caught her arm and pulled her back to him. His lips landed on hers and he was right. He left her with a kiss she wasn’t soon going to forget.

*****

“Shit.” Liza’s clients glanced over at her. Her hands trembled as she fished her phone out of her purse. “Sorry.” She sent Julian a quick text.

We didn’t use protection
!!

She had never gone without using protection. Hell, she made sure they had condoms when it came to her relationships — until last night. The sex was incredible and once he had gotten going, protection flew out the window. She sat in the supervised visitation room, her leg bouncing, holding onto her phone as if it were a lifeline. Her phone chimed, she opened it, after seeing it was from Julian.

Been through two ex-wives. Not even a positive pregnancy test. Don’t think I can have kids.

Are you sure?

Thankfully, her clients could be left alone. She stood and headed to the bathroom. After checking the stalls she began to pace the room. Pregnant? What if she got pregnant? Monica would consider it justification for everything she said on Sunday. What was she going to do? She wrung her hands together and rested them under her chin, leaning against the bathroom wall. A mirror in front of her showed her reflection. She stepped over to the sink and splashed water on her face. What would Julian say if she was?  

Another text.

Doubt you are. We’ll deal with it, if it happens.

Deal with it? Not the most promising of comments, but nothing was set in stone either. She stood up straight and looked in the mirror. Whatever happened, she was a strong woman. She would survive. And if she had to go through pregnancy alone she would. She pressed her hands against her stomach.

*****

Liza was on her way to her last appointment when her phone rang. She smiled seeing Julian’s name pop up on the screen. “Hi.”

“You coming over tonight?”

“I hadn’t thought about it.” She fibbed. She hoped he’d call so she didn’t show up uninvited.

“Pick up your clothes and stop by.”

“Clothes?” She smiled. It was fun to tease him. “A little presumptuous aren’t you?”

“Let’s say, I didn’t like you running out on me this morning.”

“I didn’t run out on you. It’s called being a responsible adult.” He really didn’t like being told no. “I suppose I could. My next day off is Wednesday and I’ll be pretty busy tomorrow.”

“Well than bring clothes for both nights and Wednesday we’ll do something.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”

“Somehow I can’t see that happening.”

*****

March 27
th

Liza placed the dishes in the dishwasher Tuesday night. Her phone rang. Monica. She sighed, but answered anyway.

“Yes.”

“Hey, I wanted to apologize for my behavior at brunch the other day. Aside from calling me a bitch, he
could
be a nice guy.” Monica’s tone lacked the heart of a true apology, but at least there was an apology.