Kyle (Hope City Book 4) Read online

  Her lips curved slightly, and she whispered, “What are you thinking?”

  “That you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” She started to roll her eyes, but he swept his thumbs over her cheeks and shook his head. “That’s not a throwaway line, sweetheart. That’s exactly what I’m thinking right now. That you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, and I’m the luckiest man to have you here with me.”

  Her grin widened and her hands slid from his waist to hers, deftly untying the belt of her wrap dress. Seeing how easily the dress flew open, his eyes widened with surprise and he considered making it a requirement that all her clothes made it that easy for her to disrobe. She allowed the material to puddle on the floor and was now standing in her green satin bra and matching panties.

  His finesse left him as he stared in awe at the gift she was offering him. Her fingers moved to his shirt, starting at the top button and moving down, pulling the material from his jeans. His shirt soon joined her dress, and her fingers moved to his belt.

  “Sometime you’ll have to tell me all about your tattoos. I want to know each story.”

  Grinning, he nodded. “Love to, babe.” His hands slid to her shoulders, then the fingertips of one hand drifted lower, tracing the lace at the top of her bra that covered the swell of her breasts.

  She sucked in a quick breath, and her fingers fumbled on his belt. Still grinning, he took over, quickly shucking his jeans and boxers down his legs after toeing off his shoes. Jerking off his socks, he stood completely naked in front of her, loving the way her gaze drifted languidly over his body, her top teeth biting her kiss-swollen bottom lip.

  “We seem to be uneven,” he said as his fingers slid around her back and deftly unfastened her bra, allowing it to slide over her arms and land on the floor between them. With only her panties left on, he wrapped her in his embrace and kissed her again, maneuvering her to the bed. He covered her body with his own, then slowly kissed down her neck to the swells of her breasts where he moved between each one. The harder he suckled, the more her fingernails dragged along his scalp, the tingling shooting straight to his already-aching cock.

  He kissed lower, circling her bellybutton with his tongue before shouldering her thighs apart. Grasping the satin material of her panties, he dragged them down her legs and quickly slid her sandals from her feet. Standing, he stared at her body, naked and flush, open and inviting. She lay still, giving him the perfect chance to view every inch. He had wanted to go slow but wondered if he had it in him to be so disciplined.

  Kneeling between her legs, he pressed her thighs open wide, her slick folds beckoning. The scent of her arousal called to him and he dove in, licking and sucking as she cried out, wildly thrashing underneath him.

  Her hands held him in place as her hips undulated as though seeking him to be closer. Inserting two fingers into her warm channel, he searched for just the right movement, soon finding it as she called his name and her body shuddered its release. Licking more, he tasted her essence, knowing it was now an addictive drug that he would always crave.

  He kissed his way up her body until his mouth latched on hers again, allowing her to taste what he had just reveled in. She moaned, clutching him tighter as their tongues tangled. “I need you,” she mumbled against his mouth.

  He shifted to the side, stretching his body so that he could jerk open the nightstand, extracting a strand of condoms. Hating to lose her lips, he sat up, his ass resting on his heels as he ripped open the packet. Catching her raised-brow look, he assured, “I don’t bring women here. Ever. These I bought today hoping you’d be in my bed.” Her smile slid across her face, and the soft light from the lamp caused her green eyes to shimmer. Having rolled on the condom, he once again shifted his body over hers, placing his cock at her entrance.

  With her knees spread wide and her hands clutching his ass, she repeated, her voice firm, “I need you.”

  Plunging in one swift movement, he barely managed to utter, “Yes, Ma’am.” Her tight channel felt like velvet and he gasped as he shifted his hips and moved out before plunging in again. He started slow, but the more she clutched his ass encouraging him on, the more forceful his thrusts became.

  As though they could not get enough of each other, her fingers dug in and he grunted, their animal sounds echoing against the walls. She was slick and warm, but he wanted her to come again. Knowing he was close, he slid his hand between them and lightly pinched her clit. Her fingernails dug in as she squeezed her eyes closed and pressed her head back against the mattress. Crying out through clenched teeth, he felt her body shudder underneath him as she pulsated around his cock.

  Unable to hold off any longer, his expression mimicked hers as his eyes shut, his head was thrown back, and he groaned through gritted teeth as his own orgasm rocked his body. Stars—or fuckin’ fireworks—exploded behind his closed eyelids and, for a few seconds, his mind left his body and he couldn’t have told anyone who he was.

  When the last drop left his cock, his arms gave out and he fell straight down, hearing her grunt but uncertain he could do anything about it. With a final bit of strength, he pressed down on the mattress and rolled his weight off her, keeping her wrapped in his arms so that she was half draped over him.

  He lost track of time, but right then, time didn’t matter. He lay with his eyes closed, his lungs trying to suck in enough oxygen to keep his heart and brain engaged. He was very aware of the warm female body pressed against his. Never. I’ve never fuckin’ come that hard. I’d call it a fuckin’ religious experience except my mom would have to run to the priest and light a candle… then start planning a wedding. He had no idea where that last thought came from, but instead of adding panic to his already exhausted body, he simply felt peace.

  Finally, he managed to pry his eyes open, grateful that Kimberly wasn’t staring at him, repulsed. Instead, her eyes were closed as well, and her cheek rested on his chest. Her breathing slowly began to match his and, finally, she shifted slightly, leaning back so that her green eyes could peer up at him.

  “I was wrong earlier.”

  Her brow crinkled, silently asking what he meant by that statement.

  He lifted his hand and slowly smoothed his finger over her forehead. “Earlier, I said you were the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. But that was a little premature. You, here, right now, are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

  16

  Kimberly woke and stretched, her body deliciously sore in several places. She felt the hot press of Kyle’s muscular form next to hers, and as she peered at him through the slight early-morning light peeking through the blinds, she grinned. The dark-haired, square-jawed man that had so thoroughly loved her body multiple times during the night was now sound asleep, his face relaxed in slumber.

  She longed to reach out and smooth her hand over his brow, but the need to find the bathroom was too strong to be ignored. Slipping from the bed, she glanced down at the floor, spying the tangle of clothing. Eschewing her bra and dress, she snagged her panties and his shirt. Slipping them on, she inhaled his scent as she buttoned a few of the buttons. There were only two bedrooms on the second floor and each one had a bathroom, his being the largest. Quickly using the facilities, she snooped long enough to find an extra toothbrush, still wrapped and labeled with a dentist’s logo.

  She grimaced at the idea of her breath last night and brushed with vigor, hoping for more kisses this morning. A glance into the other bedroom showed it was smaller with little furniture. Double bed, dresser, and a small desk. In the hall, she glanced up the stairs leading to a third-floor bonus room. Her rowhouse did not have anything higher than the second floor but, refusing to give in to curiosity, she decided to wait and let him give her the royal tour later.

  Tiptoeing back into the bedroom, she felt like a creeper but could not help staring for a moment at Kyle still sleeping. His muscular, tattooed chest was on display as the covers had dropped to his trim waist. One arm was thrown over his
head, resting on his pillow, and the other hand was splayed on his stomach. She wanted to kiss each delectable inch, discovering the meanings of all his tattoos, but hesitated. They had been up late, and she wanted him to sleep as much as possible.

  Her stomach growled and the idea of fixing breakfast for him called to her. Resisting the urge to crawl back into bed, she slipped down the stairs, glancing toward the living room before heading into the kitchen.

  When she had been looking for a place to rent, she’d spent hours online searching the rowhouses in Hope City, discovering them to be almost identical in basic layout while uniquely refurbished.

  His house was wider than hers, and taller considering there was the as-yet unexplored third floor and basement. Bob had finished her basement with a small bedroom, den, and bathroom. She wondered how Kyle’s basement was finished but again decided to not explore on her own, leaving that for the tour later.

  Entering the kitchen, she was delighted. Tile backsplash that complemented the tiled floor, granite countertops, new appliances. His kitchen was wide enough to allow a table that would seat four, but he didn’t have a separate laundry room. Instead, the washer and dryer were behind doors in the corner of the kitchen. His windowed back door opened onto his fenced patio similar to hers. Since his unit was on the end, he had windows along the side, including one over the sink, allowing light to flood the room.

  Turning to the refrigerator, she was grateful he had eggs and a package of breakfast sausage. A glance toward a basket sitting on the counter gave evidence of a full loaf of bread. Pulling the ingredients together, she decided to wait until he was awake before scrambling the eggs. Placing the sausage into a frying pan on low, the kitchen was soon filled with the scent of sizzling pork. Opening a few more cabinets she found his coffee and filters, and soon the roasted brew was tantalizing her nostrils as well.

  The sound of a creaking floorboard and running water through the pipes met her ears, giving evidence that Kyle was out of bed. She had set the table for two and nervously wondered if he would mind that she’d made herself at home preparing breakfast.

  A sound at the back door caught her attention and she whipped around, gasping at the sight of a woman’s face pressed to the window. Screaming Kyle’s name, she whirled and flew out of the kitchen toward the stairs. As she rounded the corner, she slammed into his body, his arms immediately wrapping around her.

  “Someone’s at your back door! Someone’s peeking in!”

  His lips thinned and his jaw hardened as he gently moved her to the side and stalked around the corner into the kitchen.

  “Yoohoo! Kyle? Are you home?”

  Her heart was still pounding, but hearing the woman call his name had her following him. He had stopped in the middle of the kitchen, planting his fists on his hips. Unable to see around his broad back, she leaned slightly to the side to see the woman’s face pressed against the glass, her hands cupped around her eyes.

  “Jesus, Christ!” He stalked forward and reached for the door, flipping the lock and throwing it open. “Mom! What time is it?”

  “I told you I was coming by to get that bag of jumble for the church bazaar. You were supposed to leave the deadbolt off so I could—oh!”

  Kimberly froze, unable to decide what was the most appropriate course of action: flee back up the stairs, stand and act like there was nothing wrong with her standing in Kyle’s shirt and her panties in the kitchen, or say a quick prayer that the floor would open up and she could disappear.

  The latter did not happen and, before she had a choice between the other two, she stared as an attractive middle-aged woman stepped into the kitchen. Her silver hair was cut in a stylish bob, and she was dressed in a simple blouse and jeans. Her face was unlined except for the crinkles that emanated from her eyes, now deep from the wide smile on her face. And, staring into those blue eyes that were undoubtedly part of Kyle’s DNA, Kimberly stayed rooted to the floor.

  “I had no idea you had company, Kyle,” his mother said. She stepped forward and extended her hand. “Since my son has forgotten his manners, I’ll introduce myself. I’m Sharon McBride, Kyle’s mother.”

  Not having a choice except to step closer and extend her own hand while praying that the length of Kyle’s shirt didn’t show anything untoward, she managed to croak, “It’s nice to meet you. I am… uh…”

  Kyle’s mom lifted an eyebrow, and Kimberly knew she needed to offer her name, but suddenly the absurdity of the situation slammed into her and she stumbled over the word.

  Thankfully, Kyle wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close to his body. “This is Kimberly, Mom. Now, would you like to remind me why you’re here this early, scaring the shit out of my girlfriend?”

  As soon as the word girlfriend left his lips, Kimberly’s heart beat erratically. Girlfriend? They had not defined what they were and technically had only been on one date, so hearing him so casually label her as a girlfriend to his mom caused her to dig her fingers into his waist. He grunted, shot her a lowered-brow frown, then turned back to his mother. Terrified to see what expression might be on Sharon’s face, Kimberly was stunned to see absolute delight.

  Sharon threw her hands up in the air while looking toward the ceiling and shouted, “Hallelujah! Prayers are answered!”

  “Jesus Christ,” Kyle muttered again, shaking his head.

  His utterance caused his mom to snap her head down and pin him with an expression that could only be described as a ‘mom-look’ with her lifted brow and lips turned downward. “Kyle! Don’t take the Lord’s name in vain—”

  “Then don’t shout hallelujah when I introduce you to my girlfriend—”

  “You’ve never introduced me to a girlfriend at your house before—”

  “Because I haven’t had one in years—”

  “Well, then pardon me for being excited that my son is finally growing up!”

  “Jes—” Kyle stopped his utterance and growled again.

  As hilarious as the mother-son exchange was, Kimberly could still feel the hot rush of embarrassment coloring her face and wondered how to escape up to the bedroom so that she could get dressed.

  Sharon turned her attention to the stove. “Oh, how lovely. You were fixing breakfast. I didn’t mean to intrude.”

  “I was just going to scramble the eggs once he got out of bed… uh…”

  Silence hit the room, and she once again wished the floor would open up to swallow her whole.

  Kyle’s arm squeezed her shoulders and he smiled. “What Kimberly is trying so desperately to say politely is that she woke up first, was fixing the breakfast, and I just got my lazy ass out of bed.”

  No less mortified, she poked him in the waist again, eliciting another grunt.

  “Stop poking me,” he said, glaring.

  “Then stop embarrassing me!” she whispered. Deciding to finally take charge of the situation, she looked up at Sharon and saw her smiling widely. “Mrs. McBride, I honestly cannot think of anything to say that’s not embarrassing. I’m so sorry to meet you for the first time like this. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go get dressed.” Without giving Kyle or his mom a chance to say anything, she whirled and quick-walked out of sight before racing up the stairs. Throwing off his shirt, she grabbed her bra and then quickly wrapped her dress and tied it. Slipping on her sandals, she felt overdressed for breakfast but grateful to now have clothes on. She battled the desire to stay hidden in his room until his mother left but knew that would be cowardly.

  Walking back down the stairs, she discovered Kyle leaning his hip against the counter, a smirk playing about his lips as he sipped a cup of coffee. When his gaze hit her, his pupils flared with lust shooting straight toward her. His lips curved into a full-blown smile, and he lifted an arm, beckoning her to him.

  Walking straight to him, she accepted his hug and turned toward Sharon, offering a smile as well.

  “Kimberly, dear, I want to apologize for interrupting your morning. I would never have just dropped in i
f I’d known you were here. But I certainly can’t deny that I’m thrilled to meet you. I was just telling my son that he needs to come to dinner and bring you with him.”

  “Mom.” Kyle’s voice was low and carried a tenor of caution.

  Sharon shot him a glare and said, “I’m not going to embarrass Kimberly by continuing this conversation further. I’ll let you two discuss it.” Now, beaming her smile upon Kimberly, she added, “I hope you’ll come tomorrow.” She turned and bent to pick up a box from the floor, but Kyle shifted away from Kimberly and took it from his mom. “I’ll carry it to the car for you.”

  She watched as mother and son walked out the back door and disappeared from sight. Slumping against the kitchen counter, her mind raced with the events of the past ten minutes. Certainly not the way she expected their morning breakfast to go, and certainly not the way she expected to meet a member of his parents.

  With nothing else to do, she glanced at the stove and saw that Sharon had finished the sausage. She quickly scrambled eggs, adding a bit of shredded cheese found in the refrigerator. A moment later, Kyle returned and shut the door behind him. She turned toward him and opened her mouth but discovered she had no idea what to say.

  He kept walking until he stopped directly in front of her. Bending, he kissed her lightly. “Babe, I’m so sorry my mom just showed up.”

  “It’s fine. I mean, this is your house. I just wish…” Her breath left her lungs in a rush, and she shook her head, then stared at her feet for a moment. Finally, lifting her chin, she held his gaze and groaned, “I can’t believe I met your mom while standing in your shirt and my panties in your kitchen!”

  “Yeah, and it was fuckin’ hot. I’ve got to tell you that if my mom hadn’t been here, I’d have bent you over the kitchen table, babe.”

  At those words, a rush of heat moved through her, no longer due to embarrassment. “Kyle! You can’t say things like that!”

  “Like what?”

  “You can’t talk about your mom and then talk about bending me over a table in the same sentence!”