Just For Tonight (2 page)

“Thank you all for coming tonight.”

People clapped and spoke out words filled with well wishes for the birthday man. Kelly continued to hold Thomas’ hand as they watched. Tammy beamed a smile at everyone who had gathered round. Kelly had always thought her to be a lovely lady. Her dark hair was cut short and surrounded her face in a soft cut that ended at her shoulders. Even though laugh lines had started to appear, they only seemed to give her face a softness that fit with her character. Tammy really did have a big heart, even if she was a little pushy.

Harry stepped up and wrapped his meaty arm around his wife’s waist, planting a kiss on her cheek before speaking. “I’m glad all of you came as well. You’ve all been so wonderful and are so much more than employees. You’re my great friends as well. Thanks for making this birthday special.”

The people around them broke into applause, but Thomas didn’t release her hand—instead he released a shrill whistle as his way of joining in the celebration. As the music started back up, Thomas gave a gentle tug of her hand, but before she could follow his lead, Harry stopped them.

“Thank you both so much for coming tonight.”

“Thanks for inviting us,” Kelly replied, suddenly happy that she hadn’t gone through with the babysitting adventure.

Harry clapped Thomas on the shoulder. “We’re really going to miss you around the store.”

Kelly’s gaze widened as she looked up at Thomas, her pulse accelerating. What the hell was Harry talking about? She forced the smile on her face to stay in place, but she felt the muscles in Thomas’ hand and arm tense. That couldn’t be good.

“Yeah. I’m going to miss it too.”

He was quitting? Why hadn’t he said something? Hell, it wasn’t the end of the world though. Maybe with the connection they seemed to be making tonight, she would still see him.

“But you made a good choice,” Harry said. “You’re going to love Hobbs. They even have a casino for you to spend all that big money you’re going to make in the oilfield.”

Kelly’s heart rose into her throat and then plummeted into her stomach. He was moving. And she hadn’t even had a chance with him.

Thomas gave a nervous laugh. “I might have to stay away from that place. At least for a little while.”

Hobbs was three hours away. When the hell would she see him if he was three hours away? The answer came to her, making her belly tighten with sorrow. She wouldn’t. Tears stung her eyes and threatened to spill over. She wouldn’t do this here. Not in front of everyone. She released Thomas’ hand. “Excuse me.” She turned and strode back into the house, making a beeline for the front door.

Chapter Two

Kelly marched down the sidewalk, heading for her car. A flash of lightning illuminated the street a second before the low roll of thunder rumbled. Bring on the rain. It suited her mood. How could she have been so stupid to think something had changed?

“Kelly, wait up.”

She couldn’t turn around. Tracks of moisture had already started a slow roll down her cheeks.

“Damn it, Kelly. Please.” Thomas gripped her upper arm. “Let me explain.”

She stopped, but did not turn to face him. “You don’t own me any explanation.”

He stepped around her, using his index finger below her chin to tip her head up so that she met his gaze. “Yes, I do.”

She clenched her jaw, trying her best to will away the tears that gathered in her eyes.

“I was going to tell you tonight.”

A huff of laughter that held no mirth escaped her lips. “And just when were you planning on telling me?”

He ran a hand through his hair. “I planned on telling you first thing. But then…I don’t know…I just got caught up. You look so amazing tonight, and I started kicking myself for being such a dumbass for never noticing before just how special you are.”

Her mouth opened and closed. She didn’t know what to say. Anger and hurt still rode raw on her feelings, but she couldn’t lay the entire fault at his feet for the time wasted between them. It wasn’t as if she’d made a move of her own, or let her feelings be known to him. Her gaze dropped to the sidewalk as another flash of lightning traced through the sky. “How long until you leave?”

He sighed. “Two days.”

She squeezed her eyes shut.
Damn
. “That doesn’t give us much time.” She lifted her gaze to his and saw the question in his eyes. She’d waited long enough. And by God, she wouldn’t let him walk away leaving her to wonder what it would have been like to love him. Even if it was just for tonight.

She took a timid step, a little nervous, but her confidence grew as she closed the gap between them and his warm palm came up to cup the side of her face.

“How could I be so blind?” he whispered then lowered his head, bringing his mouth down over hers.

The touch of his lips was soft and gentle, but it only took a moment for the passion that brewed between them to come to the surface. Her hands landed on his chest as he encircled her waist, bringing her flush against his body. His other hand moved to her nape, angling her head so that he could deepen the kiss.

On a moan, she parted her lips for him, welcoming the sure thrust of his tongue against her own. The taste of him was wonderful, stoking the flames of desire that burned within her. Her core throbbed and she released a moan that he drank down as he continued to kiss her. She kneaded the muscles of his chest, before running her palms up to his shoulders, pulling him closer. Excitement blossomed inside her as she gave over to the yearning that she’d suppressed for so long.

She wanted him—wanted him bad. The hard length of his arousal pressed against her lower abdomen, letting her know that she wasn’t alone in her lust.

He moved, pulling back and breaking the connection of their mouths. “Wow.”

The whispered word made her tremble as she looked into his eyes, partially hidden by desire-laden lids. “Take me to your place.”

Kelly knew he lived in an apartment complex only two blocks away. Not because she was the stalker type, but there were only two apartment complexes in their little town. She lived in one and he in the other. Her apartment was across town though, and after both of them had been drinking, she didn’t think it would be responsible for them to drive.

Thomas smiled and clasped her hand in his, leading the way to his apartment building. Bright white streaks danced above them as the clap of thunder reverberated through the neighborhood. Sprinkles of water fell and Kelly laughed as she and Thomas picked up their pace, the hard bottoms of her sandals tapping against the pavement.

The joy of the moment filled her. She wouldn’t think of him leaving. Her mind focused only on the loving that was forthcoming. Rain plummeted in earnest as they reached the first flight of stairs. By the time Kelly rounded the first landing and sought the cover of the awning, water dripped from her hair and rolled down her face. She turned to look at Thomas and he captured her mouth in another hot searing kiss. It was brief, but nonetheless passionate.

He gave a tug of her arm and she followed him up the last flight of steps. She held tightly to his hand as he made quick work of the locks and opened the door. They stepped into the darkened living room. A flash of lightning illuminated the area long enough for Kelly to notice the boxes. Her heart clenched as the feeling of loss tried to creep in. She shoved it back out, stepping into Thomas’ embrace as she let go of all her inhibitions. She would give him her all tonight and worry about picking up the pieces later.

Their mouths met in the perfect combination of tongue and teeth as she let her hands explore the lines and definition of his body. His hands roamed as well, squeezing the curve of her hips before moving up to cup her breasts. She sucked in a swift breath as his thumbs moved over her stiff nipples. His mouth went to her neck, trailing wet kisses along her flesh. She shivered as her lower lips became wet in anticipation.

It had been over a year since she’d last had sex, and what a way to break the dry spell. She moaned as he pinched her nipples between thumb and forefinger, rolling them to heighten her pleasure.

“I like the sounds you make, Kelly. And I also like knowing that I’m making you make them.”

A pulse started inside her pussy as she swelled with arousal. Her hands went to the hem of his shirt, pushing it up in a slow motion that had him hissing in a breath. His flesh was warm and solid beneath her fingertips. A light smattering of hair encircled his navel and trailed down to the button of his jeans.

Her breath left her in a rush as he released his hold on her breasts and pulled the t-shirt free of his body, tossing it without a care as to where it would land. She moved her hands up, teasing the hard pebbles of his nipples before lightly squeezing his pecs. How many times had she imagined touching him? The reality was way better than the fantasy.

He gripped her hands and she had no choice but to follow him as he walked backward, leading them around the boxes in the floor and toward his bedroom. A soft glow emanated from the bathroom in his room. Her gaze roamed over his body. He had the physique of a runner, not overly large muscles, but what he had was toned and lean. But he had a quiet strength to him. She’d seen him lift plenty of very heavy things over the last year. Suddenly she became a little self-conscious about her own soft curves.

Thomas smiled as he reached for the tie at her neck. “Let me see you.”

She felt her own brow furrow slightly as she worried he might change his mind. Her muscles tensed as he pulled on the fabric and it began to grow loose.

“Relax. You’re beautiful.”

Her gaze met his. “I just don’t want you to be disappointed.”

His lips sought hers and she opened to him, enjoying the kiss and letting it take some of her insecurities away. The knot at her nape gave way, allowing the material to slide over her breasts in an erotic way that had her moaning.

Thomas released her mouth, but only gave enough space to breathe and speak against her lips. “I could never be disappointed with you.”

The dress fell into a puddle around her feet, leaving her to stand in front of him in only her lacy green panties and heeled sandals. She shivered as his warms palms caressed her breasts once more as he nipped at her lower lip, coaxing her into another smoldering kiss.

And they were moving again, as he guided her back a few steps until her legs came up against the mattress. He released his hold on her, giving her a little push that sent her to her back on the low bed. The heat in his gaze as he looked at her body had her squirming with want. Any doubts of his words fled as he bent, rubbing his hands over her thighs, pushing them apart. She let her shoes hit the floor a second before he went to his knees in front of the bed.

“So sexy. I can tell you’re wet for me.”

She knew he spoke the truth—could feel the dampness of her panties against her warm, needy flesh. The air kissed her rain-dampened skin and her nipples drew up tight, increasing the ache in her breasts that begged for his attention.

“Your breasts are so big and pretty. I can’t resist the want to taste them.” Thomas pulled on her legs, bringing her ass down to the edge of the bed.

She gasped. Her spread legs allowed her pussy to press against his lower abdomen as he leaned down and took one taut peak into his hot mouth.

She cried out, arching her back as he played a wicked teasing game with her nipple. His hand found her neglected breast and began kneading it, delivering an occasional wicked pinch to the taut peak. Her hips moved of their own accord, seeking out a greater contact against her pussy.

Her lower lips grew drenched as he continued his wondrous torture on her breasts, giving them both a tongue lashing she would never forget. Each glide and pull of his lips sent a jolt of want through her body, making her cunt pulse and tingle. Sounds of pleasure escaped her lips as she writhed beneath him, wanting more and not wanting him to stop at the same time.

The room was filled with the scent of him, mixed with the aroma of her own arousal. Each breath laced with the smell of impending sex drove her wild. He released her nipple and grazed the underside of her breast with his teeth. She shivered. Never had a guy done that to her before. It was exciting. It made her feel as though his hunger ran as deep as her own. “Yes.”

His kisses trailed lower, down her abdomen, creating a delicious friction against her skin. She fisted her hands in the comforter at her sides.

“Your skin tastes so good. I bet your pussy is going to taste like heaven.”

A wave of desire had her trembling beneath him. Never had a guy gone down on her. She’d only had two other sexual partners before Thomas, and neither of them had acted as if they’d cared much about what she was feeling. Just the thought of his sensual lips playing at her down there made her moan.

His fingers slipped into the sides of her panties and he pulled with a slow motion as he leaned back to remove them from her legs. Her eyes clamped shut and her breaths hitched as she waited for that first wicked contact of his mouth against her slick entrance. Slightly calloused hands slid up her thighs. Cool air kissed the moist flesh between her legs and she whimpered.

“Damn, Kelly. I can’t wait to taste you here.” Thomas ran one finger over the fiery curls covering her sex.

“Please.” She wiggled her hips.

A mischievous laugh parted his lips. “Please, what?”

“Please do it. Kiss me there.”

His fingers spread her lower lips. “As you wish, darlin’.”

“Oh God!” Her back arched and she sank her teeth into the plumpness of her lower lip. His mouth, hot and wet, slid across her cunt, sending multiple sensations through her. His moan vibrated against the bundle of nerves at the top, and she couldn’t keep in her own moan. Pleasure like she’d never known had her rocking her hips against his mouth as he kissed and tongued the silken skin of her pussy.

She panted encouragement, lost in a swell of passion as he made love to her with his mouth. He sucked her clit and she cried out as a burst of sensation coursed through her core. A hum began low in her pelvic region and spread, causing her cunt to pulse as she swam toward the orgasm that lay just out of reach.

His tongue passed from her anus to her clit. A slow torturous lick that had her burying her hands in his hair. She smiled as he half growled, half moaned against her. His finger penetrated her and she gasped as he began to work her inside and out. Soon the first finger was joined by a second. It didn’t take long for her quim to respond to the stimulation. Her pussy creamed and clenched tight around his digits as the low throb of climax washed through her. “Thomas!”

He continued to finger-fuck her as she pulsed around him, her muscles spasming as her orgasm rocked through her body. When her body began to relax, he gave one last long lick to her pussy before kissing her inner thigh.

Cool air danced across her, causing her to shiver as he leaned back and reached into his pocket. He tossed a foil packet onto the bed next to her, then leaned in and claimed her mouth once again. She could taste her passion on his lips. It served to stoke the flames inside her. Her pussy throbbed, begging to be filled.

Hands on his chest, she pushed him back, sitting up as he retreated, but never losing the sweet contact of his mouth on hers. She wanted to touch him—wanted to bring him as much pleasure as he’d given her. Her hands skimmed down his abs, and she loved the way the muscles twitched beneath her touch. His arousal pressed against the fly of his jeans and she set to quick work on the fastenings.

When she released his hard cock, he hissed in a breath, breaking the lip lock he had on her. Her gaze dropped as her hand ran over the thick, long erection from tip to base. The soft glide of his skin beneath her palm had her shivering with desire. Hard and smooth. Bigger than any man she’d been with. The thought made her core clench.

Thomas handed her the foil packet and she made quick work of placing the condom on his erection.