Page 19 of In Their Hearts
The wedding was beautiful.
All I kept thinking about was what Jo would look like in a wedding dress. And I have no idea where those thoughts came from. And when did I start calling her Jo?
I sip my drink.
I also can’t ignore that something isn’t right in Jo’s life. And she isn’t talking. She’s been more relaxed and less defensive at our house. I was hoping to get answers, but she’s a master at changing the subject.
Deflecting.
“Something is off. I don’t understand her. Don’t understand those letters. And fuck, those are threats.” I want Grant to give me some perspective here.
“She doesn’t see them as that. But I agree that this doesn’t add up. This doesn’t seem new, which is even more concerning. She’s kept something buried for a long time, Clay. There’s no quick fix for that.”
“How long are you going to keep her in our bed?” Kisses him. “How long before you lose it and show her what we really do on our bed?”
“I want her, but… again, there’s something more there. She hasn’t been with anyone in a long time. I don’t want to scare her either, but that kiss was hot.”
“She hasn’t run yet, and don’t wait until she does. I think she means more to you than you even realize. And I’m okay with that. She’s been growing on me, too, love. I’m here to follow your lead on this one, but be warned that once you start this, I can’t help my actions once I have the green light.”
“She’s talking to Stella now, and she looks annoyed. I can’t stand it. I want her in our bed, surrounded by us without all her defenses.”
I finish my drink.
“Fuck it. It’s time to break down her walls and get to the real woman underneath.”
“Thank you! Let’s go.”
We catch the end of her admission to Stella.
“Sexy, huh?” I breathe in her ear, practically sending her out of her chair, and I reach out to steady her. I feel her stiffen, but she doesn’t tell me to let her go. Interesting. This woman is such a mystery, and that’s part of the draw. But I know there is so much she’s hiding from me. From us. And I don’t like it.
“Hi, I’m Clay.” Introducing myself to Stella while keeping my other hand on my woman. Yeah, she’s going to be mine. At least until she tells me to fuck off, but my gut tells me she won’t.
“And I’m Grant.”
“Stella.” My focus is only on Jo. Completely. I want her, and I don’t want to wait anymore.
I barely give a nod to Cole and Malcom then I decide the wait is over. I bend down and scoop her up in my arms.
“Clay!” She protests, but I start the journey towards the exit. Grant can excuse us. I have plans for us. Jo doesn’t protest but settles her head on my shoulder.
I’m thankful that my husband talked me into getting a hotel room now. I had thought it would be fine to drive back, but there’s no way I can wait until we are back home.
Grant opens the door to our room, and I step inside with Jo. I like her close. I like knowing she’s safe, where no one can touch her. I’m a protector, but she brings it out in my tenfold.
I lower her to the floor slowly, letting her slide down my body and keeping a firm hand on her back. I don’t want space. I decide that less talking is best, so she can’t put up more defenses. I want those down. I want her open. I want her to be free.
I lean down and press my lips to hers. Her arms come up, and I brace for the shove, but it doesn’t come. What happens next surprises me. She pushes her tongue in my mouth and pulls me closer. Fuck, yes.
I let her explore and take her time, trying to keep my hands still on her back and hip. Her new eagerness is a turn on, and my dick is pressing hard against my zipper.
I have no idea how long we stand here kissing and pressing our bodies close. My hands begin to move; I need more. I slip one hand under her dress, skimming up her outer thigh, teasing as I get higher and higher.
“Clay,” She moans as she slightly leans back.
“Can we see what’s under here, Jo? I’m dying to taste you everywhere.” I squeeze her thigh lightly as I leave a trail of kisses down her neck and keep her close. I’m still afraid she’s going to say no.
“If you aren’t ready for anything more than kissing, that’s okay too, love,” Grant says as he joins us.
