Sunday (Timeless Series #7) (11 page)

“That sounds good.” Anytime I got to see her I was excited.

She ate another piece of naan then glanced at me. “You aren’t eating.”

I hadn’t even taken a drink of my water. All I’d been doing was staring at her—pretty much gawking. “Just distracted…” I grabbed a piece and tried to act normal, eating and drinking like everyone else. Knowing she was more than just a girlfriend changed things. She was destined to be with me, as crazy as that sounded. And that kind of knowledge couldn’t make me care less about what we ate or what restaurant we should go to. It was irrelevant.

We got through the rest of the meal in almost complete silence. Anytime she looked up I was looking at her, and the rare times I looked away her eyes were on me. A conversation passed between us—void of any words. But that seemed perfectly natural to the two of us.

I was eager to make love again but I could tell she wasn’t ready for that. My need wasn’t a physical one. Even though I hadn’t had sex in months and I was going through a dry spell I didn’t want sex just for sex. I wanted that passionate, burning love we had once before. We only made love a handful of times before we went our separate ways, so I didn’t have that experience with her enough times to be satisfied. If anything, it was just a big tease.

I wasn’t sure exactly why she wasn’t ready to be with me again. The trial may have opened old wounds, or maybe she still didn’t completely trust me after keeping the truth from her.

I really didn’t know.

But I wouldn’t pressure her into something she wasn’t ready for—no matter how much I may want it. She was my forever, and waiting a little longer wasn’t much to ask for.

We finished dinner then walked to my apartment since it was closer than hers. Her apartment was just as nice but not quite as big. I had two bathrooms, so when girls brought their hair and make up stuff they had a designated area to put it. Otherwise, my counter would be covered with eye shadow and hair spray.

We entered my apartment and turned on all the lights. It was suddenly clear how alone we were. It was just she and I—in an apartment that contained a bed. Sex was on my mind a lot because I was immensely attracted to her—and madly in love. It would be impossible not to feel that way with a woman like Rose. But I tried to pretend that static wasn’t in the air. I tried to pretend my sex drive was non-existent. “Can I get you anything? Water?”

“Sure.” She tucked her hair behind her ear then sat on the couch.

I retrieved it for her then took a seat beside her. “Let’s see what’s on…” I grabbed the remote and flipped through the channels until I found our favorite TV show. My arm casually moved to the back of the couch and felt the back of her neck. Like I hoped, her hand moved to my thigh.

I wanted to go straight to the bedroom and make out, making up for all the time we lost. Kissing was something I only did in the beginning of a relationship. As it progressed it disappeared. But I enjoyed kissing Rose. There was something innately sexy about it.

But I controlled myself and pretended to be content with watching TV.

She laughed at the funny parts of the show and loosened up. By the end of the program she was more relaxed. “That dog was cute.”

“All dogs are cute.”

“Why don’t you have one?”

I shrugged. “Not sure. I guess there’s just not enough room for one. He needs a yard and stuff.”

“Your beach house would be the perfect setting.”

“When I settle down and move out there I’ll definitely get one. I’m thinking about a great dane or a bulldog.”

“Both excellent choices.”

“What about you?”

“What?” she asked.

“What kind of dog would you like?”

“Any kind.”

“Really?” I asked with a chuckle. “You have no preference?”

“I love all dogs.”

“So, if I got a pitbull you’d be cool with it?”

“Why not?”

“Because they’re ferocious dogs.” Or did she not watch the news?

“That’s unfair. A lot of their owners train them to be that way. They have a label, and society continues that label by treating them that way.”

“I never thought about it that way.”

“If you got a baby pit bull and raised it with love I’m sure he’d be fine.”

“Even so, I’m going to stick with something else.”

She finished her water and left the glass on the table. Her legs were crossed and her hair was still pulled over one shoulder. The skin was enticing and I wanted to lick the area, tasting every inch of her. She glanced at me and saw the look in my eyes. It was too quick for me to change my appearance. She knew. “I love you and I’m so glad we’re back together but—”

“It’s fine.” We didn’t need to have this conversation.

“What’s fine?”

“If you aren’t ready to be together again I’m okay with that. Really.” It took a long time to get her into bed the first time. It may take even longer this time. But she was the woman I was meant to be with, and I’d wait as long as she wanted. I wouldn’t go looking for action anywhere else. Besides, sex with anyone else would be terrible. It would never be as good as it was with her.

She turned to me with remorseful eyes. “It’s just…after the trial everything came flooding back and I can’t get it out of my head.” She closed her eyes like she was trying to keep the image away.

“Sweetheart, I understand.” My hand moved to the back of her neck and I gently massaged her.

“It’s nothing against you…”

“I know.”

“It may just take me some time.”

My hand moved to her chin and I turned her face in my direction. I patiently waited for her to open her eyes. When she finally did there was fear deep in the look. “I’ll wait as long as you want.” My thumb rested in the corner of her mouth and I held myself back from kissing her.

“Now that you know everything I’m afraid that’s all you’ll think about.”

“I didn’t think about it the first time.” It didn’t cross my mind at all. All I thought about was the woman I’d fallen for. “I see you for you and nothing else. Those men took something that didn’t belong to them, but they didn’t take all of you. You’re just as perfect and beautiful as you were before that night. That’s not what I think about when I look at you—I promise.”

Her hand wrapped around my wrist and her thumb gently massaged my forearm. The hesitation was in her eyes, like she didn’t believe me.

I wish she would. “You’re mine. There was nothing before and there will be nothing after.” All the women in my life stopped existing when she walked through the door. It was hard to believe I ever loved Francesca because that love is nothing compared to what I feel for Rose. To me, nothing was in Rose’s life before I arrived. When you find the right person to spend your life with everything in the past becomes irrelevant. It’s as if it never happened at all.

***

I made dinner for Rose at my place. It wasn’t anything fancy, just grilled fish and rice. My cooking abilities were pretty limited so all I knew how to make was chicken and fish.

“This is really good.” Rose finished her plate then wiped her lips with a napkin.

“Thanks. It’s one of the few things I know how to make.”

“Well, you know me. I can only make a bowl of cereal.”

“And it’s a delicious bowl of cereal.” I cleared the plates and set them in the sink to wash later. I was the kind of guy that let the dishes build up until a dangerous level before I finally washed them. The sink was pretty big so I had plenty of time to procrastinate. “What do you want to do?”

She blanched like the question was intrusive. “We could watch a movie.”

I’d been waiting for her to loosen up physically, but nothing seemed to have changed. I was a patient man, but I wanted her so much it was difficult to be patient. “Sure.” We moved to the couch and turned on the TV.

She pulled a blanket over her lap and cuddled into my side.

A week ago we made out in my bedroom, completely naked. I wanted to do that again. There was no release at the end but it was still enjoyable. Being connected to her like that was the most intoxicating experience of my life.

I turned to her, my lips dangerously close to hers.

She glanced at my lips then looked away.

My hand slid up her cheek and dug into her hair. When I looked at her I saw a beautiful woman who was even more beautiful underneath. My fingers found a good grip in her hair and I leaned in, slowly making the descent.

She flinched slightly, unprepared for the kiss.

I kissed her slowly, finally feeling our lips touch. They were soft like always and glided across my skin. The familiar taste of vanilla flooded my senses. The moment we touched I fell even deeper. I got lost in those kisses, drunk off her touch and scent.

I wanted to kiss her forever—just like this. I sucked her bottom lip and heard the small gasp she released. I wanted her to feel as good as I did, so I gave her my best moves. When I kissed Lea, all I thought about was Rose. The kiss was forced and bland. But with Rose every kiss was magical.

Rose abruptly pulled away. “Sorry…” She touched her bottom lip like she’d been bit.

My hand slowly left her hair, unsure what happened.

“I just…I don’t know.”

When she came back into my life I assumed her walls were still down. But now they were back up like she never trusted me to begin with. I was understanding, but still disappointed. “Sweetheart, what’s wrong?”

“I’m not ready to be physical yet. I’m sorry.”

“Not even kissing?” She was fine the other night. Why was it any different now?

“Kissing is fine. I just don’t want it to lead anywhere else.”

“That’s fine. Whatever you want.”

She didn’t give me her lips. Her walls were still up.

“Sweetheart?”

“I’m just afraid if we start something up it’ll head down that road…”

Again, I tried not to be offended. If it were a different situation I might be frustrated. But I could never begin to understand what she went through. I read every police report, every testimony, and I saw all the evidence. What happened to her wasn’t just rape. It was traumatizing just to read about. She deserved all the patience she asked for. But I didn’t want her to hide away from everything in fear. I wanted her to take steps forward. “I have an idea.”

“An idea?” she asked in surprise.

“Yeah. Come with me.” I walked into the bedroom and opened my nightstand.

She stood behind me, her arms across her chest.

I pulled out the handcuffs and the key. “Let’s give these a try.”

Both of her eyebrows rose to the ceiling.

“Let me explain.” I didn’t want her to jump to some ridiculous conclusion. “The police force gave this to me as a gift when I was the prosecutor on their case. One of their officers had been killed in the line of duty, and I got justice for his family. Anyway, I think we can use these.”

“I don’t think so…”

“Let me show you.” I kicked off my shoes then lay back on the bed. My bed had metal bars as the headboard so I cuffed myself to it with the key sitting on the pillow beside me. “These are real.” I yanked on the headboard. “I can’t get away unless you uncuff me.”

She continued to look as confused as ever.

“Climb on top of me.”

She didn’t make a move.

“You can kiss me all you want without worrying where it’ll go. I can’t do anything if I’m chained up like this. You have all the power.” Power was something she never had before. She was always at the mercy of others—but now she wouldn’t be.

Her arms slowly lowered to her sides. “I appreciate the thought but you shouldn’t have to be chained up like a criminal. I trust you, Kyle. This is unnecessary.”

“But it’ll make you more comfortable. It’s not forever and it’s just a start. Besides, I think it’s kind of sexy.” I yanked on the cuffs to make them rattle. “I feel like a prisoner at your mercy.”

“You’re sure?”

“Absolutely.” I directed her with a nod. “Now come here.”

She crawled on top of me and positioned herself. Her hair hung down, just inches from my shoulder. The hesitation was still in her eyes, like she was unsure if this was a good idea or not.

I thrust my hips up slightly. “Come on. My lips are getting cold.”

She finally smiled before she leaned in and pressed her mouth to mine.

The second I felt her lips I lost all my playfulness. I melted into her like always and reveled at the way our mouths moved together. Our chemistry was so perfect that it was volatile. It could explode at any moment. I wish she would let me in completely. If she did, we would have some really amazing sex.

After a few moments she really got into it. She touched me more than she usually did, feeling my chest and stomach. Her hips were in line with mine, and if she moved the right way she could feel my hard-on in my jeans. There were times when I automatically yanked on the cuffs because I wanted to touch her, but the clank of the metal reminded me I was stuck.

It became more heated as time went on and I thought my dick would explode because I was so hot for her. How I would survive the forthcoming weeks without sex was beyond me. Jerking off wasn’t an option because that was just weird—when I had a girlfriend. I’d have to stick it out and keep my mind focused on other things.