Only in Time (A Mystique Antiques Novella) (16 page)

* * *

Jonah gripped Ally’s shoulders, pulling her into the speed. The faster he pumped his hips, the louder her voice grew. He wanted to hear the sweet sound. Wanted to feel her body writhing under his.

Thrusting deeper inside, he groaned against her lips when she tightened around him. Anticipation built within. To hear her shouting his name as her climax consumed her. To call out hers when he finally reached his release.

Slipping his hand between the bed, he gripped her ass, pulling her further onto him. A smile spread over his lips when his name left hers. She wrapped her legs around his waist, giving him full access to her depths. And he dove further, grinding every inch to the hilt. Ally’s legs trembled around him as he held deep, teasing her sweet spot. The more he rubbed against her, the more her legs shook. And then the sound he’d been waiting for filled his ears. Her cries of pleasure.

Wave after delicious wave of her body pulsed around him. Squeezing, releasing, quaking. Every inch of him throbbed for her. He fought to keep going, to keep his name on her tongue.

But the urge became too much. The fire she stoked within his soul blazed beyond control, and his resolve went up in flames. His groan vibrated between them. He plunged a final time, swelling deep within her. Then need overcame him. He spilled inside her, collapsing just a moment later.

Breath by labored breath, he held onto the moment, enjoying the way her body felt under his. Then he met her eyes, noting the way love shined inside them. After six long years, she was finally his. And she was worth every bit of the wait. That much he knew. Hopefully she felt the same. The way her lips curled up was answer enough.

Ally tuned out the passing traffic of Broughton Street, focusing solely on the rise and fall of Jonah’s chest. Nestled between his arms, they both gazed at the quaint antique shop in front of them.

“Mystique Antiques,” Jonah mumbled in the space between her neck and shoulder, just before he kissed it. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Yeah,” she answered, letting her eyes fall to her wrist. A twinge of sadness stole her breath as she ran her finger over the face of the watch. As much as she’d hated it at first, deep down she knew of the magic contained within those tiny gears.

It had been the seconds on the watch that gave her a second chance with Jonah. For that, she would always be grateful. And to Twila, who convinced her that the watch wasn’t broken. Nor was her relationship with him.

“We better hurry. We have a lot to do before the wedding this evening. If I’m late, my brother will kill me.”

Giving him a nod, she slipped out of his arms, but not before stealing a kiss. “Don’t worry, we won’t be late. I’m always punctual.”

A low rumble of laughter echoed from his chest as he swiped the watch on her wrist. “Yeah, I know. Had it not been for this thing…”

She cupped his cheek, teasing his lips with her thumb. “You don’t ever have to worry about that again. We have the rest of our lives to enjoy every single second together. Till death do us part, remember?”

Jonah nodded, bringing her hand to his lips. He kissed the golden band on her finger. The one that signified their union. Then his eyes shifted to the matching band on his finger. And he sighed. “Think Theo and Cassie will be as happy as us?”

“As long as he makes her laugh and smile, I think anything is possible.” She didn’t miss the way his lips curled before she turned toward the door, or the way his hand warmed hers as their fingers laced.

The cool air brushed her skin once Jonah closed the door behind them. Her eyes trailed over the items in the store, taking in their dusty scent with a deep breath. It didn’t take her long to notice Twila standing in the distance, or the warmth in her eyes when they left Ally’s and moved toward Jonah.

“How ya’ll doing today?” she asked with her cheerful southern drawl. Ally missed that sound. Missed the kind faces that came along with the South. It hadn’t been hard to convince John Muncy to relocate her to the L.A. office. Not after she scored Jonah’s investment account. But a part of her heart would remain in Savannah. It’s where their life together began. Even as husband and wife.

Making her way to the counter, Ally released Jonah’s hand. She unclasped the watch on her wrist, setting it on the glass counter when she reached it.

The crease between Twila’s eyes deepened as she picked up the watch. “Is something wrong with it, darlin’?”

“Not at all,” Ally smiled. “But I think its time with me has come to an end.” She gazed back at Jonah, who was eyeing an antique fountain pen. “I think someone else can benefit from its magic. I already have.”

A chuckle slipped past Twila’s lips as her attention shifted to Jonah. “Indeed you have, my dear.” She opened the door to the glass counter, working the watch over one of the displays before locking it back. Then her eyes trailed over Ally. “I have something else for you.”

“Beg your pardon?” Curiosity churned in Ally’s mind. She gazed over her shoulder, meeting Jonah’s eyes. Had he purchased something for her before their arrival? It would be just like him to surprise her with a gift. “Did my husband—”

“No,” Twila laughed, pushing away from the counter. “The gift is from me. I know that the items in my store have a
magical
way of bringing happiness to the people who receive them. It isn’t too often that I get to see that happiness with my own eyes. You have given me such a gift today.”

As Twila made her way to the back of the store, Jonah wrapped his arm around Ally’s waist. Then the heat of his breath teased her neck. “Everything okay?”

“I think so. Twila said she has a gift for me. Something that she wants me to have.”

“Oh boy,” he chuckled.

Ally noticed the antique pen in Jonah’s hand. Arching her brow, she stroked the barrel, enjoying the feel of the mother of pearl. “You know you’re going to turn her life upside down, don’t you?”

“Who?” He asked, trying to hide the grin tugging his lips.

“Fiona. That’s who you’re buying that for, right?”

“Yep,” he laughed, setting the pen on the counter as Twila returned.

“I’ll ring that up for you in a minute, sweetheart,” she cooed, handing Ally a box no bigger than a paperback novel. “If you don’t mind, I’d love for you to open it now.”

Nodding her head, Ally slipped her finger under the lid, shimmying the top of the box loose. The light above them hit the silver just right, sending a blinding spark toward the sky.

It was Jonah who found his voice first as they gazed inside at the rattle. “Whoa,” he mumbled, stroking the curve of the bell on the end. “Does that mean…”

The question fell short as he choked on his words. He’d made the connection. Just like she had. The way his hand cradled her stomach proved as much.

It made sense now. The flip-flopping in her belly. How certain foods made her want to run for the bathroom. And she thought she had caught some type of virus.

Gentle laughter filled the air as Twila’s voice circled around them, confirming what both knew in their hearts. “There’s nothing like the pitter patter of little feet.”

Afterword

Dear Reader,

Thank you for reading
Only in Time.
I hope you enjoyed Ally and Jonah’s story. It’s been my pleasure sharing it with you.

The
Mystique Antiques
books are a crossover series that revolve around Twila and her antique shop. Although the series is fairly new, you can bet your sweet tushy that more stories are on the way.

I hope you will help spread the word about
Only in Time
as well as the
Mystique Antiques
series. Tell your friends, family, co-workers, and of course, please leave an honest review on Amazon.com.

Other Works by Kelli McCracken

For those who enjoy paranormal romance, be sure to check out the first book in my
Soulmate Series:
What the Heart Wants.

Do dreams foretell the future? Are there soul connections that go deeper than love?

Dylan McBride is tired of his rock star lifestyle. Between the nosy press and crazed fans, all he wants is to be left alone...and find the angel who's been plaguing his dreams for months. Maybe longer.

When he meets Heaven Lewis, his world is turned upside down. Not only is she the girl from his dreams, he notices he can sense her emotions at any place and time.

Being involved with a celebrity is the last thing Heaven imagined...or wanted. Especially since her last relationship nightmare. Yet resisting Dylan doesn't come easy. Something about him pulls at her heart. And her soul.

Will Dylan's celebrity status be too much for Heaven, or can he convince her to surrender to What the Heart Wants?

To sample or purchase
What the Heart Wants
, click here

Also by Kelli McCracken:

What the Heart Needs

Coming Soon:

Heartstrings

Essence

Soulmate Series Book 3

Works by Other Authors

If you liked Twila and the Mystique Antique shop, you are going to enjoy the book that started it all.
A Love Soul Deep
by Amber Scott.

A gold locket catches her eye and her heart. Inside the tiny gold frame is a picture of the one man she compares all others to. The one that got away…

Can this locket, one wish, bring back the love she lost?