Head Over Wheels (Steamy New Adult Romance) (19 page)

He took my breast in his mouth, sucking gently, his tongue circling my throbbing nipple. Feeling the thrill of his lips deep in my belly, I drew his face closer, silently begging for more.

A fierce moan escaped my lips. A voice that could not have been my own whispered, "I thought you weren't going to touch my nipples ... make me suffer." My breath came so fast I could barely speak.

He lifted his face, his hand replacing his mouth. "You drive me crazy ... whether I'm with you ... or without you. I can't stop thinking about you. And that could be dangerous."

"Dangerous?"

"You make me want more than sex ... and I ..."

"Ssh. Just keep kissing me."

A euphoric throb of pleasure built between my thighs, threatening to explode. Our bodies rocked with a mutual tempo, creating a delicious friction, triggering the reflex of my contracting muscle.

I pulled his face to mine, swept his mouth with my tongue that parted his lips, greedily tasting the sweetness inside. I'd never kissed anyone that way before. I bit his bottom lip, swirled my tongue around his, drawing it deep inside my mouth, kissing him so fiercely, his hips lurched with a force greater than mine.

He peeled down the other side of my dress and slipped my arms through the sleeves, so the spandex rode on my hips ... and then we were skin to skin, my breasts pressed firmly against his bare chest; so firmly I felt his heart, maybe mine. His hands ran up my back, tangled in my hair, rested on my shoulders and massaged, his fingers stroking my neck, circling it from behind, easing my tension. Somehow I moaned, "Mmm, that feels so good."

My breasts slid again and again across his chest, then he murmured something into my ear, a tortured, inaudible whisper, and I was eased away, positioned across his lap, an arm around his neck, my other on the steering wheel.

The sound of his breathing filled my ears. His restless eyes bore into mine, and my heart pounded even harder. While he watched my face melt before him, his palms ran slowly across my breasts, lingering on my nipples. His fingers squeezed; his hands kneaded, driving me to frenzy. Moaning, I brought my lips to his, arching my back, forcing my tingling breasts further into his hands, my rigid nipples deeper into his palms.

Groaning, his lips broke from mine, and he lowered his mouth to suck my breasts until I thought I'd come from the electricity created by his teeth upon my nipples. He repositioned me on his lap, showing my body precisely how he wanted it to rock. His hands were all over me, sliding, searching, caressing, but when his fingers traveled up the inside of my thighs, attempting to satisfy my obvious need, I froze.

I desperately wanted him inside me. The things we'd said to each other on the phone, the emotion between us, like a trillion volts of electricity, stunned me, clouding my head; and it would have been so easy to let go.

Should I? Should I not ... Being so close to consummation was like craving a five-thousand calorie desert. But then there was the next morning when you stepped onto the scale, finding yourself ten pounds heavier, wishing you'd never taken the first bite. Regretting it. Avoiding the temptation at all costs. Indigo was something, someone I'd never want to avoid.

I may have lost myself in passion, but my inner strength soared higher than delicious desire. I knew right then and there that I had passed the PEW test. At the same time, my decision confirmed Indigo was more than the flavor of the month, and for as much as I wanted him,  I wasn't about to be his booty call.

Caught between my thighs, his fingers stiffened. "Do you want me to stop?" His words were barely audible.

My hand slipped down to cover his. "I want you more than anything. I never want you to stop ... but we have to ... I can't ..." Then I spaced, practically fainting in his arms.

His head came to rest on my shoulder. I felt his labored breath against my throat, then his whisper. "We won't go any further. Not until you're ready." His voice shook when he asked, "Can I still kiss you?"

"Yes," I moaned. "Kiss me, please kiss me."

His grip loosened, and he was kissing my lips, then my breasts with such tenderness, as though they were precious. A heartbeat later, he helped me back into my dress. "I don't want you to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. I'd never want to do that."

"It's so hard, Jimmy. I love how you touch me ... how you make me feel,"  I groaned with a voice still controlled by his kiss which had ended. "I want you to touch me ..."

"I guess you could say I lose control when I'm around you ...." As though raking through thoughts, his voice grew guarded.

My lips pressed his chest. "It's a predicament, I guess." Holy shit, what a predicament. Still trembling, I let out a burst of air. "I don't know what to do  ..." My voice was an odd combination of hoarse, honey and sex. When would it normalize?

“I don’t want you to think all I want from you is sex. There’s something special about you. You’re  so full of life. So different ... When I’m with you, I'm ... you’re changing everything. I don’t want us to argue anymore ... ever. I just want to be with you, Jewel. Make you happy.”

"You make me happier than I ever thought possible, Jimmy."

With a finger beneath my chin he lifted my face. "Regardless of how I may react when we're together, don't ever feel pressured." His lips brushed mine. "I know there's more to you than this ... so much more," his breath still heavy, flooded my ear. "Although, this is beautiful ...  you're beautiful. I want you more than I've wanted anything in my life, but I can wait."

I buried my face in his neck, my lips caressing the straining tendons as I trembled in his arms, fighting to recover.

"You're an incredible woman, Jewel." He cradled me, brushing wisps of hair from my forehead, tucking loose strands behind the ear he'd just nuzzled, whispered into. "Are you okay?"

"I'm okay. Are you?" I drew back to watch him. "I know it's hard on a guy. Stopping in the middle. I had no intention of leading you on."

His lips crushed my words and we kissed, halting before passion turned to delirium.

"God ... it could have been wonderful. I'm relieved we stopped, but I almost wish we hadn't," I whispered, astounded by the sensations still weaving their way through my body ... my mind ... struggling with the effects of an experience I’d never before encountered.

"Believe me," he said softly, "I understand where you're coming from, honey. Getting carried away is so easy. We'll take it slow ... at your pace. Which might in fact be faster than mine." His voice was still uneven, as were his fingers when they tweaked my nose. "From now on, we'll make sure our dates are in public places."

We both tried to laugh, but the moment called for something other than laughter.

M
orning cut a blistering swathe through the slats of the blinds shielding my double windows. With closed eyes I stirred, stretched, luxuriating beneath my warm and cozy and very fuchsia percale sheets. Lazing beneath the covers, enjoying the relaxation rarely afforded to me, I let my mind, my entire body, drift into the night before. Just as I was reliving the part where I'd almost surrendered to my inner craving, my cell chimed, jarring me from my sexy dream world where instead of bedding, I was draped by Indigo's body, hard and demanding.

"Shit," I mumbled. Rolling onto an elbow, I slapped my mattress a few times, my hand reaching beneath the covers, searching for the phone I was never without. I found my Droid under my pillow and opened my inbox open, thrilled to see Indigo's name staring up at me.

Indigo: Hey beautiful. Am I waking you?

I checked the time. It was ten a.m. I rarely slept that late these days, even on weekends. Damn. The message was from nine-forty-five. I must have missed the first chime. I ran my fingers through my hair, brushing strands from my face, then fluffed my pillow and lay back down, holding the phone above me.

Indigo: U up yet?

Me: Yup U? 
Duh, do you think he's texting you in his sleep?

Indigo: Just rolling around in bed ... thinking about you

Eeeek. Had he read my thoughts?

Me: Really? No work?

Indigo: Joking  Been up since 5

Me: God U must be exhausted

Indigo: Had a fantastic time last night

Me: So did I!

Indigo: Get enuf sleep?

Me: Yes U?

Indigo: I'm used to 3 hr naps  What's it like out?

Me: The weather?

Indigo: Yeah  Locked in lab  No windows

Me: Sunny

Indigo: Like my face :-)

Me: Aw U @ hosp?

Indigo:  Yep  You're amazing, Jewel

Me: So are U Jimmy  Miss u

Indigo: Miss you more   Gotta run, babe

Me: Laters
:
o)

Indigo: Sooner xoxo

I stared at his text, almost melting, then hugged my phone, wishing it was Indigo sharing my pillow instead of an electronic gadget. Ugh. I hated how I missed him. But loved how he made me hate to miss him.

Without class, I utilized my free time reviewing the regulations for the Police Exam, which I hoped I to ace in early June. The test was given on a first come first serve basis. I wanted to be guaranteed a spot in the testing center, so being an early entrant was important. Getting the highest grade was essential.

To be one of New York's finest, I'd need a good memory, which I wasn't too concerned about, because I'd never had a problem remembering the exact dates designer clothing went on sale in my favorite shops, and I always paid my bills early, even before reminders hit my inbox.

I had outstanding writing and comprehension skills. One of my professors said I could have published my essays and short stories, and if I wanted to pursue a career in literature, he'd hook me up with an influential editor.

I'd always been sensitive to those in need, and I could speak two languages, English and Spanish, which would look good on my application. So those requirements were filled.

I was sure I didn't have to be worried about spatial orientation, because since I was ten I could find my way around the
Poughkeepsie Galleria
blindfolded.

I'd always been a great problem solver, finding the most reliable distributors of baking needs, and my father relied heavily upon me to accurately predict the types of pastries our customers would enjoy most. After days of test-tasting new recipes, even bringing a variety of samples to school, I had it down to a science.

Being a middle child had its advantages: I was the perfect peacekeeper when my siblings argued, preventing and if necessary, handling altercations without black eyes or bloody noses.

With my keen sense of fashion insight, visualization would be a walk in Central Park. That, and my knowledge of the tastiest takeout restaurants, took care of yet another requirement. And I could reason as good as the next guy, maybe better, so with all things taken into consideration, I felt I should have no problem flying through the computerized part of the police test with ease.

I'd be bright, energetic and intelligent during my interviews. I'd never done drugs, and had been professionally analyzed by Emma on more than one occasion, so failing a psych test was an absolute impossibility.

I never got winded, because dancing kept me in tip top shape, but I started jogging up and down the stairs anyway, instead of riding the elevator. I had excellent observation skills, and had learned a lot from scores of detective movies.

Pete had filled me in on the physical requirements, so I knew I was more than prepared to become one of the academy's most enthusiastic recruits. I'd compete my way to the top of my class and be in uniform in less than the normal twenty-eight weeks. The thought was so exciting.

Emma and Bill had fallen into a routine of either chatting every evening or going out, so I had a lot of time on my hands, in general, especially since Pete and Casey had all but tied the knot.

I knew Indigo and I would never have that much time together, but hearing from him, even once or twice a week, was enough to keep me satisfied. Besides, our main focus had to be on our careers.

With school winding down, I could put more hours in at work, and my supervisor approved my request, telling me I'd better keep an eye on things when I wore my future blues, which gave me even more butterflies than my stomach could suppress.

I ate a lot of Tums, dressed down, and kept looking over my shoulder. Since my surprise visit from Mother and Vanessa, I'd lost the lighthearted, comfortable feeling I'd always enjoyed at work.

Casey and Pete, or Peter as Casey referred to him, dropped by now and then. We'd watch a movie, grab dinner out, or bring in takeout.

Since I had to transform myself into a major athlete, like overnight, I spent endless hours at the gym. And that's where my cell buzzed one morning when I was sweating bullets on the stepper.

"Jewelia?"

"It's me, Ma."
You're calling my number. Who else did you think I'd be?
"Is everything okay?"

"Daddy hurt his back."

"Oh no." I panicked. I loved my family dearly, and being away was hard enough without having to worry about them getting sick or suffering accidents.

"He'll be fine. We could use you here."

My heart flipped inside my chest. "Is he in the hospital again?"

"He was, but they sent him home with medication and a wrap after they took x-rays. It's the same two discs that always give him a problem."

"I'm sorry I can't be there."

"We miss you. How have things been, Jewelia? We don't hear from you often enough."

"Things are fine. I'm just busy, and I miss you guys too." Without me there to help organize things, I worried. "Can Tony help out at the bakery? Maybe Teresa can come in after school without eating all the cookies?" I chuckled.

"Your brother and sister have been helping, and Teresa's been dieting, so all cookies stay on the shelves till sold." She returned my chuckle.

"Really? Why's she dieting?" We'd all been chubby kids who'd slimmed out in high school, so I didn't see why Teresa was concerned. I hoped she wasn't idolizing Tony's girlfriends, trying to grow up too fast.

"You'll see when you come up. She wants to surprise you, so I can't say."

"Soon Mom. May's almost over. I'll have free time soon." Then I thought of my obligations at work. My loyalty was to my family, but I had to finish school, and keep my job.

"I took on more hours, Mom."

"Don't jeopardize your studies, Jewelia. You've worked too hard for this."

"I'm doing fine." I couldn't wait to show my parents my final grades. My 3.8 would be almost as good as my older sister's 4.0 GPA. "How about I come up on Sunday? Early and I'll stay till the last train. Maybe Dad will be better by then and we can go to the park like the old days. We'll have a nice time."

While growing up, besides picnics and planned outings, we'd have family basketball days as often as possible. I missed those times.

Then it hit me. Why not ask Indigo to come to Poughkeepsie? I'd met his mother, he could meet mine. I was proud of my family and dying to share them ... not to mention, show Indigo off to them.

"I may bring a friend, Mom. Would that be okay?"

"You don't even have to ask. Emma's always welcome. I'll make a big pot of chili and rice that she loves. Tacos too."

"I wasn't talking about Emma."

Silence then Mom's giggle. "Is there a man in your life?"

The sound in her voice set me off and everything gushed out – well, almost everything – with me telling her how handsome and sweet Indigo was. She almost fainted when I told her he was going to be a doctor.

"We'll have everyone over to meet him."

"No, please don't, Mom." I could see it all. The fiasco of the entire Delarosa clan in action. "I don't want to overwhelm him."

"Oh, Jewelia. Angelina will kill us if she finds out we didn't invite her."

"Whatever." I'd have to tell Indigo to sedate himself before leaving the city.

After hanging up, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, and I worried. My parents weren't getting any younger, and had always been strong. I didn't want things to change. And the thought of losing them some day was incomprehensible.

Then my thoughts shifted to Indigo, wondering how he'd react being bombarded by my overzealous family. Although he was down to earth, his mother was uppity. I had no idea what his father was like, and hoped for Indigo's sake, he was warmer than she appeared. If not, he must have had a lonely time growing up. I wanted to hug him, right then, right on the spot. But my only option was to text him, hoping he wasn't on rounds or in a patient's room.

Me: Taking temps, doc?

It was a half hour before he got back to me. By then, I had moved on to free weights.

Indigo: Hey you

Me: How's it going?

Indigo: Good U?

Me: Great  U working Sunday?

Indigo: Nope

In moments, my cell phone rang.

A breath caught in my throat when I heard his voice on the other end. "Texting's okay, but I'd much rather hear your voice."

"Oh, so would I ... Your voice I mean." I giggled. "Are you on a break?"

"I have a few minutes and couldn't think of a better way of spending them than talking to you."

"You're so sweet." I clasped my phone tighter and settled on a bench.

"But I'd much rather be right there with you. Where are you, by the way?"

"At the gym."

"So that's the secret to those killer curves."

I giggled.

"What's going on Sunday?"

"Poughkeepsie. Wanna come?"

"Meet the folks, huh?"

"You wouldn't be nervous, would you?" The thought he might be was astonishing.

"All guys are." He chuckled. "Does your dad – maybe your mom – keep a bat behind any of the doors? Under beds?"

"Funny you should mention bats." I laughed.

"Uh oh. I might be busy on Sunday, after all."

"They may jump you, but in a good way."

"I'll wear my football padding."

"And helmet. My little sister likes to roll around on the floor."

Playfulness left his voice. "Sounds like a lot of fun. Of course I want to come. Gotta run. I'll call you tonight to firm up the details. It may be late, though. Is that okay?"

"Any time, any place, baby." With my sexiest voice I teased.

"I'll make sure to take you up on that." His chuckle was teasingly sarcastic, and very sexy. "Later then."

"Sooner ..." I spoke too late, because he'd already disconnected.