Page 12 of Our Unexpected Beginning
Julia alternated between pulling at the buttons of Graham’s shirt and tugging her dress down her shoulders to free up her arms for movement.
Graham pinched her nipple again, rolling it between his fingers with steady pressure. “Brand your breasts with the sting of my palm.” Her eyes fluttered closed. “I can see it now. A halter dress and heels, your hair in a ponytail, a perfectly innocent picture until you take a closer look.”
Her head lolled against the wall, her heartbeat picking up rhythm with the wicked pull of Graham’s fingers.
“But you see, my girl is very naughty and in constant need of guidance.” Graham’s breath was warm against her neck.
Her nails scored down his biceps. “Yes, Sir.”
“You’ll have several welted imprints of my hand on your body to display. Must not forget the perfect touch.”
Her mouth opened on a moan, and she looked up at him with glazed unfocused eyes.
“The best whores have their lipstick smudged. You know why?” He grabbed her jaw and lifted her to her tiptoes. “So they mark their dominant’s cock with their throat.”
Julia shuddered, overwhelmed with the sensations and mental descriptions that had her wet and needy. She was ready to fall to her knees and do just that.
Graham peppered kisses across her neck and collarbone. Nipping at the tops of her breasts and neck until her skin was flushed from the attention.
“We should stop.” He panted against her neck.
Julia snaked her hand between them and boldly grabbed his cock through his jeans.
“That’s the opposite of stop, Jules.” She pulled the buttons to his jeans and slipped her hand inside. Her palm moved along his length, and he slicked her hand with the evidence of his lust.
“Fuck.”
Her fingers wrapped around his shaft. “See, I do know what I’m doing.”
“You excel in distraction.” Julia’s grin widened as he rested his head against hers, his breathing labored.
“I always thrived on being an excellent student.” Julia pressed against him, kissing beneath his jawline.
“We need to stop. Oh fuck, your touch is. Jules...” He gripped her by the forearms and pulled her back. She looked up at him, confusion mingling with a hint of hurt playing in her eyes. Julia instinctively backed away, feeling the sting of rejection, but his grip only tightened, anchoring her in place. “Oh no you don’t.”
“You said stop,” she retorted, her voice trembling with a mixture of frustration and dashed hope. The rejection had her insides twisting painfully.
“You’re misunderstanding me. I mean wait.” Graham gently cupped her cheek, his eyes pleading for understanding. “I apologize if I was unclear. I want you.” He raised his brow at her, but she tore her gaze away from his intense eyes, uncertainty gnawing at her resolve. “I want you,” he repeated, his voice laced with sincerity and longing. “I plan on doing things to you that are illegal in several states.”
But.
The unspoken word hovered between them, a bitter reminder of past disappointments and unexpected turns that always seemed to cast her aside. She braced herself for the inevitable rejection that would follow.
“But what?” she whispered, her voice barely audible, dreading the answer and what it might mean for them.For her.
Her eyes darted everywhere except to him, unwilling to face what she feared would be there. She’d leaped too quickly, once again assuming and diving in withoutregard for the reality around her, seeing things that were never there.
Graham’s grip on her arms tightened as if he were trying to hold on to her before she slipped away. “Look at me.” Graham ducked down and forced her to look at him. “I would be a sorry-ass excuse for a man to even think of being with you after a dirty day at the garage. It can be below zero outside and the shop is always ten degrees above boiling.”
Julia blinked, processing his words. A wave of relief washed over her, followed quickly by embarrassment at her hasty assumptions. She felt her cheeks flush hot as understanding dawned.
He wasn’t saying he didn’t want her, he was being considerate. He wanted to shower.
“Oh,” she breathed, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “I... I thought...I’m sorry.”
Graham’s expression softened, his thumbs gently caressing her arms. “I know what you thought. And I’m sorry for not being clearer.” He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. “You have a way of clouding my brain. You deserve more than a quick fumble when I’m covered in grease and grime.”
Julia’s heart swelled at his words, her earlier doubts melting away. She tilted her head up, meeting his gaze with renewed confidence. “Well, Graham,” she purred, her hands sliding up his chest, “I suppose we should get you cleaned up.”
