Sweet Affection (Truth Book 3) (9 page)

“Wow.” She pulls back too look at me, a satisfied smile gracing her beautiful mouth.

“Good word. Exactly what I was thinking.” I kiss her once and she turns on my lap, her delectable ass sitting across my thighs. I hand the champagne glass to her and pick my beer up sipping from it as she relaxes her shoulders against my chest and rests her head against mine.

“This is too perfect. It must be a dream.” She sighs happily and covers my arms with hers round the front of her stomach.

If it is, I don’t ever want to wake up.

Laurel

“Holy hell, that feels amazing.” I moan in pleasure as James’ hands send tingles all over my body, my head falling back clumsily. I don’t have the energy to keep it up straight.

“Why did you not tell me you were amazing at this before?” I scold him, then that one finger hits the spot, taking all the frustration away.
Yes, right there.

“What would you have done if I’d told you?”

“Ask you to do it every night, of course. Feels. So.
Good.”
My head lolls forward of its own accord, and I bite my lip. James’ hands move even further into the arch of my foot, digging deep and rubbing every ache into pure bliss.

He chuckles, “Exactly, babe.” He pushes my foot back down onto his lap then picks up the other one and starts working his magic fingers on it too. I’m so tired. After our hot tub session last night, we moved to the bedroom and explored each other’s bodies for another couple of hours before finally passing out. When his alarm went off this morning at seven, I whacked him hard with the pillow for being such a jerk.

Way too early.

But, he made it up to me by bringing me breakfast in bed and a present. A brand new pair of Hunter’s. No prizes for guessing what we did today. We walked. And walked. Then when I thought I might collapse, we walked some more. I’m definitely no outdoorsy type, but even I could appreciate the amazing views, especially early morning when the rolling hills are wet with dew and there’s a veil of mist across the sky. It was so quintessentially British. Just how I imagined it would be. And the time we spent together, just chatting and laughing and taking in the scenery filled my heart with contentment and a love of the countryside I never fully appreciated before. We walked back through little villages where we first stopped for lunch, then a drink in a beautiful pub with a thatched roof and a front garden like something you’d see at the Chelsea Flower Show.

That brings us to now. We’re relaxed on the sofa, my feet in James’ lap and a glass of wine in my hand. I rest my head to the side against the cushion, and let the smooth sound of John Legend’s voice wash over me.

“Is there anything in particular you want to do for your birthday next week?” James’ dad was supposed to come back from Spain a couple of months ago, but something came up and he couldn’t take the time off from work. I rang him a couple of weeks ago to see if there was any way he could fly back from James’ birthday, and he’s been trying to get free to spend some time with him. Meanwhile I’m holding my breath, because that would be an amazing present.

James looks over at me whilst he puts my big toe in his mouth and sucks hard.

“You.” His tongue slips out and it feels so strange it gives me shivers.

“Ew.” I scrunch up my face and pull my foot away from him. “But you can definitely do me on your birthday. There must be something else you want to do though?”

He shrugs his shoulder as he tips his beer bottle back. “Nah, I’m good. I don’t really do birthdays.” He has a sad, wistful look in his eyes that makes me want to wrap my arms around him.
What’s he not saying?

“What’s wrong?” I ask worriedly, his change of mood has startled me and put me on edge. I don’t think I’ve seen this look for a while. I try to think back to the last time then realise, it’s the same one he gets when he talks about his mum.

“Nothing.” He says flatly and moves my legs off his lap so he can stand. I hear the cabinets slam in the kitchen with more force than usual, and when I move slowly into the room I see him leaning against the counter, with his back to me. He’s hunched over and my eyes drop to his hands white-knuckling the edge. My heart leaps against my ribcage, wanting to take away his pain. You expect to lose parents at some point, obviously, but to lose one at such a young age is devastating. I know that, so does he. I walk over to him, wrapping my arms right round his waist and reaching up to lay my hands over his heart. It’s beating wildly too, and his lungs are moving his chest up and down heavily. His skin is warm under my fingers. I press a gentle kiss to the middle of his back, then stand on my tiptoes and kiss my way up to the dip in between his shoulder blades.

“Talk to me.” I say as I rest my cheek against his back and cuddle into him. He lifts one of my hands to his lips and kisses each knuckle before sighing loudly and entwining our fingers.

“She died on my birthday. It comes around too damn quickly each year. Just never feels like something I want to celebrate.” I can hear the raw pain in his voice. I clench my hand tighter in his, and get the familiar ache back in my chest. He’s always so strong, especially when we talk about my mum and her battle with cancer, that I sometimes forget he’s been through the same thing. He yanks my hand and pulls me round in front of him so my back is against the counter. My hands automatically reach for his chest, stroking over his muscles, trying to give him some kind of comfort. “Why don’t you make it a day for remembering her then? Do something she enjoyed doing. Just like you sent Cassie on that memory lane trip on the anniversary of her parents’ death. Remember? You told me it made her so happy. She felt closer to them. Maybe it would do the same for you?” I look in his eyes and hope that my suggestion makes just a little bit of sense to him. He seems to think about it for a minute then nods slowly.

“I guess I could try it. She loved to paint. Maybe I could go to an art class or something. And she was a betting woman, loved the thrill and the risk. We could go to the races?” He asks me hopefully and his eyes fill with a little bit of excitement. I smile and press a kiss to his neck.

“We can do whatever you want. I’d love to get to know her. I’ve got a lot to be thankful to her for. She made the most amazing man I know.”

He frowns then looks round the room behind me. His eyes travel down across the counter, then he lifts up the magazines, looking underneath them as though searching for something.

“What are you looking for?”

“My girlfriend.” He frowns at me again, then looks at me accusingly. “What have you done with her? You’re way too mushy and complimentary to be her.” He grins when I put my hand on my hips and pout my bottom lip, which he then pulls between his teeth and bites down on. I yelp and slap his chest with my palms.

“Jerkface! I’m
very
complimentary, thank you.” He’s obviously back to his playful mood now which I’ll always try and bring out of him. I slip my hands round his waist and into the back of his jeans, fingers digging into his ass.

“You have a great ass.”

“Is that so?” He smirks, tilting his head to watch me.

“Mmmhm. And you shirtless?” I rest my hand against my forehead then pretend to fan myself. “So fucking hot.”

“You’re doing wonders for my ego, babe. Keep ‘em coming.” His eyes turn dark and predatory as he moves in closer and grips the counter behind me, caging me in. I smile and bring my finger up to sit against his lips knowing he’ll slip his tongue out and pull it into his mouth.

“You have a fucking fantastic tongue that always knows exactly what I need.” He opens his mouth and devours my whole finger, sucking it and stroking that magic tongue up and down it.

“Shit, that would get my underwear so wet… If I were wearing any.” He raises an eyebrow at me, then bends his knees, wrapping his arms round my lower thighs and lifting me over his shoulder.

I squeal, and slap him on his ass.
Whoa, headrush
. “Where are we going?”

“Bedroom. I need to see this no underwear thing for myself.”

***

“As it’s our last night, I got reservations somewhere but we can stay in if you want?” James asks an hour later, as we’re lying back on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket. The fire’s going and I’m so warm I don’t want to move but if he’s already planned something I can hardly say no. Plus if we’re going to be coming here more often, I’d like to try out somewhere new.

“We can go out, how long do we have?” He pulls out his phone to check the time then winces, “Sorry, it’s seven now so only about half an hour. It’s a popular place so I know they won’t have any free slots later unless there’s a cancellation.”

Thirty freakin’ minutes?
Sigh. I’m not a miracle worker. The little make-up I was wearing earlier has probably been kissed right off now, and I bet my hair looks like a birds’ nest. Fuck sake,
men.

“Alright, let me go make myself beautiful. I’m jumping in the shower.”

He moves to stand and nods, “Yeah good idea, I’ll come too.”

“Uh uh.” I shake my head vigorously, “I’ll never be ready in time if you come in with me. That big luscious cock of yours is too irresistible, I’ll just want to spend forever sucking on it. I’ll be as quick as I can.”

Out of the corner of my eye as I turn I see him suck in a sharp breath and adjust his jeans over his now hard cock. “Fuck me.” He mutters, and as I reach the top of the stairs, I turn back and wink.

“Later, baby, up against that wall over there. Promise.”

***

“Oh my gosh, I’m so full.” I rest my hand on my aching belly and lean back in the chair. When James said we were going to dinner, I thought it might just be a little pub, but turns out it’s a Michelin star restaurant and that award is so well-deserved. The food has been delicious so far. We went for the nine course tasting menu and we’ve just finished course number five, duck, which just melted in my mouth. I look around and take in the atmosphere. It’s not stuffy or pretentious. Everyone’s dressed up, and I’m thankful I packed a nice dress and heels, but the waiters are friendly, and happy to explain anything about the dishes we ask. The oak floor, antique furniture and brass candle holders make the place feel rustic and homely, and we’re nestled in the corner out of the way of other diners.

I sip the wine James ordered for me. I love it when he takes control. Makes me feel special, and looked after. There’s a rumble from people in the far corner of the dining room and my head whips round to see the chef making his way through the tables, heading straight towards us.
He’s hot,
is my initial thought as I look him up and down, subtly of course. And so young. Can’t be much older than me. His thick dark hair is styled on top of his head, and the white chef’s jacket he’s wearing fits over his wide chest seamlessly skimming his muscles. He’s got the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a tea towel casually thrown over his shoulder.

James stands as he gets closer, and reaches for his hand, clapping him on the back in that guy way. So they know each other?
Interesting.

“So good to see you.”

“Likewise, J. What you doing up this way?” His voice is deep and smooth, but no trace of the Yorkshire accent I was expecting. I realise I’m staring when his eyes flick to me and a not-so-modest half smile appears at the corner of his lips.
Good one, Laurel.
I clear my throat and put down my glass, eyes making their way back to my boyfriend.

“Just a trip away with my girlfriend, Laurel. Babe, this is Tommy Spencer, the owner, and head Chef.”

Tommy looks at James in surprise. “Laurel, huh?”

He turns to me smiling, reaching out for my hand. I shake it politely but my eyes widen when he lifts it to his lips.

“Nice to meet you, beautiful.”

James loses his grin quickly and places a slow steady hand against Tommy’s shoulder. He leans in and speaks quietly into his ear.

“Got it, dude.” Tommy chuckles. “So, how long are you here for?”

“We’re leaving tomorrow.” I say sadly. I can’t believe it’s gone so quickly. I love it here so much, I don’t want to leave. Then I remember we can come here whenever we want now. “But James has just bought a cabin up here, so we’ll be around more often.”

“Cool. Next time we should have a proper catch up, and I’d love to get to know you Laurel. James works way too much, I didn’t think he’d ever find someone and settle down.” I laugh and James shoots him a glare.

“How long have you known each other?” I ask Tommy, looking between the two. They’re perfectly matched in height, but my eyes are just drawn to James. My man is the hottest.

“Oh, we’ve been open since January so, just over a year I guess.” Tommy looks to James for confirmation and he nods in agreement. This place? I look around at the cavernous dining room, and take in the little details I was in awe of earlier. The log burner, the window seats I can see through the open door to the bar, the dark red drapes adorning the edges of the windows, the Persian rugs and the gorgeous antique furniture that just fits in with everything else.

“You designed this restaurant?” I ask James. I can hear the surprise in my voice but I can’t stop it from coming out.

“Yeah babe. Well Tommy had the ideas, I just got them down on paper.”

“And brought them to life. Had no idea you were so fucking modest. Look at this place! I still get chills when I walk in here.” Tommy looks back to the rest of the room with pride, and I give the same look to James. He’s a freakin’ amazing designer!

“Right, I’ll bring another bottle of wine over, on the house, and you can buy me a beer when you’re next up. I’ve gotta get back to work. These damn dishes don’t cook themselves. Have a fun night, guys. It was great meeting you Laurel.”

“Same to you Tommy.” He kisses my cheek and whispers in my ear, “I’m so glad you two finally got your shit together.”

I break out into a grin and whisper back, “So am I.”