And The Beat Goes On (17 page)

His tongue slipped inside me then pulled out again. He kissed me and used his tongue in the right way. I sat up and watched him, loving the sight. I gripped his hair with my fingers then felt the formation of an explosion down below. It was hot and burning then turned into a crescendo. I hadn’t had an orgasm in so long I almost didn’t recognize it.

“Oh my god…Jeremy…”

He didn’t stop. His tongue worked harder and moved around my clitoris at a faster pace, making me writhe on the bed. I clutched the sheets and almost ripped them.

When I felt the dull throb between my legs, I knew I was finished. I was breathing heavily, winded by the intense pleasure I felt. Jeremy crawled up the bed until he was on top of me. He looked down at me, seeing the redness in my face.

“Did you like that?” he whispered.

I wrapped my legs around his waist and squeezed. “God, yes.”

He smirked at my enthusiasm. “Has a guy ever done that to you before?”

“No…”

“I’ll do it to you all you want. I enjoyed it.”

“Can I get that in writing?”

He kissed my
neck then my breasts. I felt his hard cock rub against me. I knew it was his turn to be satisfied. And I definitely wanted to please him as much as he pleased me.

I gripped his shoulders and rolled him to his back. When he looked up at me, his eyes shined in excitement. He tried to hide it but it wasn’t working. His breathing increased and he gripped my hip. There was a slight tremor in his hand. He deserved to me satisfied after he remained celibate for so long—for me.

I kissed his chest and moved down his stomach. His hand moved into my hair, fisting it. When I reached his happy trail, he tensed. His cock twitched when I came near. I knew Jeremy wouldn’t last long so I tried to draw it out.

I wrapped my fingers around his shaft then squeezed gently. A quiet moan escaped his lips and
his fingers grabbed more hair. He was easily excited and easy to please. I used my tongue to start at his balls. I licked the area gently, making him breathe loudly. He gripped the sheet next to him, his tendons sticking out.

I moved my tongue up the base, making a loud guttural noise escape his lips. “Baby…”

When I reached the tip, I moved my tongue against the surface. I took my time, rubbing my tongue everywhere. I taste the juice leaking out, and noted the sweetness. After I tasted him everywhere, I slowly pushed him to the back of my throat.

“Oh…fuck.”

I liked that response. I moved him in and out slowly, igniting his senses without activating his trigger.

He placed both hands on the sides of my head and guided me up and down his cock. He thrust slightly from below, unable to remain calm. I knew I was driving him wild with everything I did.

“Athena, I’m about to come…”

I kept up my pace and pushed him as far back as I could. I wanted him to have the best orgasm possible.

“Pull me out if you don’t want me to come in your mouth.” His words were labored like he could barely speak. His breathing had increased tenfold. His skin was scorching hot as he reached his threshold.

I didn’t pull away because I wanted him to come inside me. I never asked if Jeremy had an STD, but he would have told me if he did. That was something he’d never keep from me.

“Okay…” He gripped the back of my neck and moved into me. “Shit, that feels so good.”

His cock twitched one more
time before he released into my mouth. The hot stickiness filled the back of my throat and I swallowed while I still moved him into my throat.

Jeremy moaned loudly while he finished his orgasm. I wanted it to be as good as the one he gave me. After his final squirts, he finished and started to go limp. He lay back on the bed and gripped his head. “God…”

I pulled him out then crawled up his chest. “Did you like that?”

“
Mmm…”

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

He opened his eyes then pulled my mouth to his. He gave me a gentle kiss then placed one on my forehead. “That was the best orgasm I ever had.”

“Really?”

He nodded. “You give amazing head.”

“It’s easy when your dick tastes so good.”

His eyes widened. “Good answer.”

“I know,” I said with a smile. I moved up the bed then got under the covers. He came with me then snuggled beside me. His arms wrapped around me and held me close.

It felt good to snuggle after a nice orgasm. I sighed happily.

Jeremy placed a gentle kiss on my shoulder. “You taste good—sweet.”

“Thanks.”

“I’d like to have some more soon.”

“By all means.”

He kissed my shoulder again. “How was your day?”

I remembered the episode with my father. “Not good.”

“Tell me,” he said immediately. Concern was in his voice.

“My dad came by and said I was ungrateful—the usual. Then he said I had to pay him back for my tuition. He invested money for me to get my business degree, so he basically wants a refund since I won’t be working for him.”

“In other words, he’s coercing you into working for him.”

“Exactly.”

He studied my face, the hurt in his eyes. “What did you say?”

“I said I couldn’t pay that money, but I still wouldn’t work for him. Then my brother put the cherry on the sundae when he told my dad he was gay. My dad was furious.”

“Your brother is gay?” He raised an eyebrow. “I don’t remember you mentioning that.”

Jeremy and I never discussed homosexuality. Some people were innately discriminate toward gays. Our relationship would never work if he was, not when I had a gay brother. “Do you have a problem with that?”
Please say no
.

“Not at all. I’m just surprised you never mentioned it.”

“Well, he didn’t tell me until last week.”

“Oh. I see. So your father has alienating himself from both
his children?”

“Unfortunately.”

He ran his hand down my back to my hip. “I’m sorry, baby.”

“Baby?”

“Do you not like it when I call you that?” he asked.

“No. I’m just
not used to it. I like it a lot.”

He tightened his arm around my waist. “Then I’ll keep doing it.”

We snuggled for an hour talking about random things. Jeremy intertwined his fingers with mine and touched me as much as possible. Cuddling with him was the most relaxing thing I’ve ever done.

When I felt his erection against my back, I knew he wanted another round. His lips sought my neck and sucked gently. He gripped my breasts with one hand then kissed me gently on the ear. Feeling him devour me like a piece of candy made me hot and wet. I loved it when his face was between my legs but I wanted something more.

I moved to my back and pulled him on top me, my legs wrapped around his waist. I made it perfectly clear what I wanted. Jeremy hovered over me, his cock against my waist. He looked into my eyes then kissed me, sucking my bottom lip. When I felt his cock against my folds, I moaned. He slid back and forth, touching my clitoris in the right way. I was wet so he had plenty of friction.

Jeremy kept his lips glued to mine as he slid back and forth. It felt good but I wanted to feel him inside me, to feel our bodies connect. There was always the possibility he’d dump me immediately afterwards, but I was willing to risk it. I wanted him.

I grabbed his shaft and pointed his head at my entrance. When he slid in slightly, Jeremy stopped and moaned. His lips ceased and he breathed heavily. I grabbed his hips and tried to pull him into me but he wouldn’t budge.

“Not yet,” he whispered.

“Why?” I cupped his face.

“I want it to be special.”

“Jeremy, it is special.”

“No,” he said firmly. “You deserve the best. I’m going to give it to you.”

I didn’t see how anything could be better than what we had now. I trusted him and he trusted me. He had my entire heart and everything that came along with it. He was the love of my life, someone I wanted to spend a lifetime with. Even if our first time was in the back of a car or in a public restroom, it would still be amazing. Because it was Jeremy.

He pulled out then rubbed against my clitoris again. It didn’t feel as good, but it still felt amazing. He pinned my legs back then moved against me, kissing me while he applied the right pleasure to my stimulus. I dug my nails into his back while he roc
ked into me. The area between my legs started to throb with every movement. A second later, I crumbled and whimpered his name.

“That feels so good…” My head rolled back as the moment overcame me.

Jeremy lost his control and came onto my stomach. He pressed his forehead against mine while he depleted himself. Watching him come was the hottest thing I’d ever seen. I wanted to watch it again and again.

When he finished, he kissed my forehead and caught his breath.

“If you’re that good at fooling around, I can only imagine how good you’ll be when you’re inside me.”

He took a deep breath at my words. “I’ll definitely make sure you never forget it.”

Chapter Nineteen

♬

Jeremy Clearwater

For the next month, Athena and I fooled around every chance we got.

She slept at my place almost every night, and every evening when we were in bed she gave me screaming orgasms. I made sure I returned the favor.

I didn’t realize I stopped masturbating until weeks after I actually stopped. It used to be something I had to in order to retain my cool. But I didn’t need it anymore.
Athena satisfied me in a way no hand or woman could. She was the one.

I loved her. I knew I did.

I didn’t want anyone else for the rest of my life. I didn’t need to have one-night stands to keep my emotions under control. Perhaps no one really loved me for who I was, but I knew Athena did. She didn’t care about my money or my wealth. She didn’t care about my past. She understood me and accepted me.

I think I’m ready to take the plunge.

A part of me is scared it will change everything. You never know how something dramatic will affect your life until after it comes to pass. But that doesn’t mean I should always be afraid of it.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized I wanted her for the rest of my life. I never wanted kids, but they didn’t sound so bad with her. I didn’t think I’d ever have sex with the same person over and over again, but I was happy with the possibility. I wanted Athena to be mine forever.

And what’s when I made my decision.

“So, how are things going with Athena?” my sister asked over the phone.

“Well. We worked things out.”

She breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m so happy. Did you sleep with her?”

“No, not yet.”

“Wow. Three months with the same girl? You haven’t…cheated on her, right?”

“I’m insulted you would even ask.” I kept the anger out of my voice, but I felt it burn inside.

“Sorry. I had to ask. Well, I’m glad you’re happy, Jeremy. I knew you’d find the right girl eventually.”

“A part of me is afraid I’ll leave her after I sleep with her. I’ll return to my old ways. But a bigger part of me knows that will never happen. And I want her to know that.”

“Then do it and hope for the best.”

“I have a different idea.”

“What?”

I hadn’t told anyone yet. “I’m going to ask her to marry me.”

Silence. Still silence. And more silence.

“Prudence?”

“Oh my god!” She screamed into the phone. “Babe, Jeremy is going to propose!”

“Wow,” Cash said. “He is? That’s great.”

Prudence kept screaming.

“I assume I have your blessing?” I asked with a smile.

“Of course. I love Athena. She’s very beautiful and nice. And she makes you happy. That’s all that matters.”

I took a deep breath. “I’m nervous.”

“Why?”

“Well, she might say no.”

I actually heard my sister roll her eyes. “She won’t say no. Come on, Jer. You’re perfect.”

“You’re the only one who thinks that,” I said simply.

“That isn’t true. But you are my hero. I’ll never be able to explain how much I love you and how much I want you to be happy.”

When she said things like this, it made me wonder if she would love me even if I hadn’t taken care of her. There was a possibility she may have.

“When are you going to do it?”

“Soon. I have to ask her dad for permission.”

“Isn’t he a total jackass?” she asked.

“Yes…I’m not looking forward to it. But I have to try.”

“You’re so sweet, Jer.”

“Only to her.”

“No, you’re sweet to me too,” she said.

I shrugged. “I guess I kinda like you.”

I heard her roll her eyes again. “Good luck. If I don’t hear from you soon, I’m assume that means you’re…busy.”

“Hopefully,” I said with a laugh.

“Love you.”

“Love you too.”

“Bye.”

I hung up and took a deep breath. I wanted to be engaged to her before I made love to her. She would know how serious I was about her. I wasn’t going anywhere. I refused to let that happen.

♫

I went to the carpet store and saw her father behind the counter. I wore my best suit and took a drink of scotch in preparation for the meeting. I didn’t expect it to go well. In fact, it would probably be horrific.

I had a deep hope her father would realize the error
of his ways and return to Athena and Ken. But it couldn’t be forced. And I never wanted to be a reason she lost her father. If I could make nice with him, maybe he’d reach out to her.

I cleared my throat and approached the counter.

He was writing on a clipboard, probably tracking inventory, before he looked up. After a moment of staring, recognition flashed in his eyes.

Yep. He remembered me.

“I hope you aren’t here to purchase carpet. Your money is no good here.”

He definitely remembered me. “Hello, sir. How’s the store?”

“What do you want?” he snapped.

I kept Athena in the back of my mind so I could get through this. Otherwise, I wouldn’t put up with this shit. “I was hoping I could have a moment of your time.”

“Well, I’m very busy. I’m running a store all by myself—in case you didn’t notice.”

This guy really needed to let the grudge go. “It will only take a moment.”

“Are you here on behalf of Athena? If she has something to say to me, she can say it herself.”

“No, I’m here on behalf of me.”

“Then spit it out.”

I took a deep breath. “Sir, I love your daughter with my whole heart. I want to support her and take care of her for the rest of my life. I would love it if I had your blessing to ask for her hand.”

His eyes widened while he stared at me. But he said nothing for a long time. Was he angry? Was he shocked?

“I don’t know anything about you…” His voice was quiet.

“Then get to know me,” I said simply. “I’m Jeremy Clearwater. I’m the owner Straglen Stock, the owner of a few five star restaurants, and a professor at the university. I graduated with a master’s in economics from Cambridge. I have a sister who lives in California. But that’s just my resume. I love Athena and want to make her my wife. I will love her, take care of her, and do everything in my power to make her happy every single day of her life. That’s all you need to know.”

He stared at me then gripped the edge of the counter.

“I’m going to propose whether I have your blessing or not. But I would love to have it and so would Athena. I really hope you two can work something out.”

“Did she say anything?”

“No. Not really.”

He nodded.

“Sir?”

“I…I don’t know.”

That was the response I was expecting. I pulled the check out of my wallet and placed it on the counter. “That’s the cost of her tuition plus interest. She doesn’t owe you anything anymore.”

I didn’t want it to come to this, but if he wasn’t willing to apologize to Athena, I didn’t want him to have any reason to bother her.

He eyed the check. “Why are you giving this to me?”

“So you’ll leave her alone.”

He didn’t pick it up. A sigh escaped his lips.

“Sir, Athena is a very amazing woman. I know you wanted different plans for her, but she’s a magnificent artist. F
orcing her to work in this store is a desecration to her talent. Put aside your dreams and let her pursue hers. If not, you’re going to lose your daughter forever. And I don’t know Ken that well but he seems like a good guy. Don’t turn your back on your son because he’s different.”

He averted his gaze and stared at the counter. The check lay there.

“If you want to have a relationship with her again, I suggest you do it before it’s too late.”

When he said nothing, I knew I wasted my time. After a sigh, I turned away.

“Wait.”

I stopped and turned around.

“You have my blessing.”

I do? That was unexpected.

He picked up the check and handed it to me. “And I don’t want this. I feel like a bloody asshole for ever saying that to her. I was just…angry.”

I nodded. “I understand.”

“You seem like a good guy. I’m glad my daughter found someone who was willing to come down here and talk to me. Any other guy probably wouldn’t have bothered, and rightfully so.”

Her dad wasn’t so bad after all.

“Do you think she’ll talk to me…?”

“I know she will,” I said firmly. “But please don’t mention me.”

“Of course not.”

“Thank you.”

“So, when are you going to do it?” he asked.

“Saturday.”

“Good luck.” He extended his hand.

I shook it then nodded. “Thank you. But I don’t need it.”

♫

I realized I was falling in love with Athena when she showed me the painting of her grandmother’s house. Something about th
e innocence of the painting went straight into my heart. I knew it was a place she cherished. So I decided to buy her a house just like it.

It
was ten miles outside the city, far enough away for her to work on her paintings in peace, but close enough for me to drive to work. The flowerbeds were blooming with blossoms, red and white. The white picket fence housed the pastureland that now belonged to me. A large gate blocked the entrance. That was a necessity for me because I needed my protection and privacy.

I was certain she would love it.

I hired a landscaper to place white lights in the trees and around the roof of the house. Against the darkness of sunset, the land stuck out for miles around. There were French doors from our balcony of the master bedroom. She could stare at the blooming flowers every spring.

It was perfect.

I arranged my driver to take her here, saying we were meeting for dinner outside the city. I couldn’t accompany her because I was coming from a different direction. It sounded legitimate and believable. It was also an excuse for her to get dressed up.

I was nervous. I never thought I’d ever get engaged so I never had time to plan how I would do it. But with Athena, it was clear what I wanted. And I think this proposal was one she’d love and appreciate.

I stayed on the grass below the trees. The lights slightly swayed in the gentle breeze. It was starting to get cold with the end of fall, but the adrenaline coursing through my veins kept me warm. I stood vigil and waited.

Distant headlights appeared down the road. When it came closer to view, I recognized my driver’s car. I knew she’d be in there. My heart rate increased and my hands started to sweat.

I hoped she would say yes.

The car stopped and my driver opened the door. As soon as she stepped out, she admired the house. Her eyes examined the large windows and French doors. The flowerbeds on the porch caught her attention as well. Her eyes took everything in like she was reliving a dist
ant memory. That was the exact effect I wanted. For her to live in one of her paintings.

“Enter t
he gate and turn left, miss,” my driver instructed her.

“Wh
at?” she asked. “Where’s Jeremy?”

He smiled at her. “You’ll see.” He got inside the car and drove away.

I was off to the left so she hadn’t spotted me yet. She watched my driver leave before she moved through the gate and approached the house. When she noticed the hundred of lights, she looked up into the trees. The illumination reflected in her eyes, making them vibrant and green.

I waited for her to notice me.

After she stared at the lights, she turned her head and spotted me standing in the grass. I wore my suit, and stood with my hands in my pockets. I didn’t smile at her, just stared.

She stared at me for at least a minute before she stepped forward. I didn’t meet her like I usually did. She had to come to me.

Athena lifted her dress and moved across the grass. The light shined on her skin and highlighted her hair. Her breath came out in faint tendrils. My blood pounded in my ears while she approached.

When she reached me,
she stared at my face, studying me. “Jeremy, what’s going on?”

I said nothing. Instead, I stared at her.

She looked around the field once more, the light breeze touching her hair. I stared at her for a moment, mesmerized by the beauty I was immediately infatuated with.

“I’m in love with you.”

She stilled at my words. Her eyes found mine, and the moisture built up underneath. They didn’t spill, but they formed.

“When I first saw you, my intentions were less than noble. You were just one of the many, another warm body to temporarily fill my bed. But instead, you captured my heart and never released it.
You forced me to fall in love with you, your gorgeous smile, selfless personality, and your extraordinary passion for your artwork. You’re an amazing woman, one of a kind. And I don’t want to ever part with you. I’ve been with my share of women. I’m a master at picking out the good ones from the bad. And Athena, you are my dream.”