I was mid-way through cooking a lasagne when Jason poked his head around the kitchen door, seemingly in a hurry.
"I'm off to Anna's," he informed, carrying an overnight bag. "I'll be back tomorrow afternoon."
"Okay. Have fun!"
As I continued layering the pasta sheets, I became vaguely aware of my feelings towards Jason spending the night at his girlfriend's place. Usually, him staying at Anna's would upset me. Now? It didn't bother me half as much. In fact, I was happy for him.
"Be sure to save me some leftovers though. I'm bummed I'm missing lasagne night."
I laughed, thoroughly amused by his seriousness. "I'll be sure to put some in the fridge."
"You're the best, Ebony!"
He took off in the direction of the livening room, stating his departure to Alex. Not that he heard. The man was on the phone to social services and had been for the past hour. The system had failed to put a child in appropriate care, leaving him fuming, desperate and overworked.
It had been well over a week since we spent the night together and although the occasional moment had been shared, we'd managed to keep our hands off of each other. Though, it hadn't been easy.
"Ebony?"
The sound of his voice startled me into spinning around, hands full of dried pasta sheets.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."
"You didn't," I insisted, taking in his disheveled state.
Today's outfit consisted of a casual hoodie and ripped jeans. It wasn't his usual style but he pulled it off well. Very well, actually.
"Where did Jason go?"
"Anna's," I answered. "For the night."
In a second, his entire demeanour changed. The air between us crackled, intensifying with every passing second.
"We have the house to ourselves?"
"So it would seem," I replied, unsuccessfully hiding my smirk.
He instinctively bit into his lower lip and took a step closer, dirty intentions on show for all. Both his shoulders were tense as he neared me and I wanted nothing more than to soothe the knots. Make him relax.
"You've no idea how torturous it's been this past week...keeping my hands off of you."
"I have a vague idea," I replied, feeling my way up his broad chest. "I've been struggling to keep my distance too."
I flattened my palms against his pecs, enjoying the frantic beat of his heart.
"Oh, you have?" he asked, closing what little distance was left between us by hovering his lips over mine. "What's stopping you now?"
"Nothing," I replied, pressing my mouth to his.
In an instant, our kiss turned chaotic. I became needy as I snacked on his every inch, desperate for more. His hands grasped at my waist, tugging off my shirt in seconds. Soon, we were both bare, staring at each other with so much appreciation and delight. I couldn't take my eyes off of him and soon found myself subject to his glorious attack.
How could one man have such an effect on me? Alex already knew what made me tick. What I liked, what I didn't like. He saw to my every need before seeing to his own, precise in his doing so.
"Ebony."
His moans sounded delicious, so raw and full of need. Never before had I been so aroused by the sound of one man's voice.
"Turn around," he instructed, lightly placing his hand on my shoulder.
What?
"I'd like you on your hands and knees."
Holy fuck!
I obliged, coyly smiling over my shoulder once in position. He smirked back and offered my body an approving nod.
"You're stunning, Ebony."
I blushed and instantly turned away, unable to accept his compliment. I never knew how to react when he said kind things to me. How to respond without giving too much away about my past.
"Look at me," he encouraged, soothing as ever.
I did so instinctively and gasped as he teased my opening.
"Alex!"
"Hmm?"
"We're in the living room," I giggled.
He didn't seem the slightest bit concerned.
"That's what you do to me, Ebony. You make me desperate. I've never wanted another woman as much as I've wanted you."
Unwanted emotions washed over me, overwhelming in their arrival. I couldn't stop them. Couldn't ignore them. My dad's voice echoed through my mind, mocking me. Taunting me
"No man will ever want you, Ebony. You're worthless. Like your mother."
"Ebony?"
Alex's concern came at me like a punch to the gut; powerful, deep and unexpected.
"Look at me, darling."
I could no longer deny him and glanced over my shoulder with tears in my eyes. He frowned the second he saw me and for a moment, I pictured him getting mad the way dad did whenever I cried.
"Ebony. What's wrong?"
I couldn't push past the lodge in my throat, too embarrassed and upset to respond. Alex thought he was in for a night of sex and what he got instead was an emotional wreck.
"I'm sorry. God, ignore me." I blubbered, drawing my knees to my chest.
He gently lifted my chin using his fingers and pressed a delicate kiss to my lips, unbothered by my wet cheeks.
"Never apologise for crying, sweet girl."
I nodded, smiling through more tears. "I'm not used to compliments. I guess your kindness was just unexpected."
He nodded. "Does is make you uncomfortable?"
"Not uncomfortable. Just emotional."
He smiled and gently wiped at my tears, kissing my head as he went. "How about we eat lasagne and watch a movie. I'll even be the big spoon again."
"You don't have to stick around, Alex." I ensured.
"Where else am I going to go? My house is having repairs." he replied, teasing me. "Besides, my brother's gorgeous roommate has cooked lasagne and I've been told wonderful things."
I laughed. Jason must've said.
"Thank you."
"No. Thank you," he insisted, offering my lips another kiss. "For being honest. I never want you to feel pressured around me. You're not perfect, Ebony. None of us are. You're just you and I like you."
I stared at his navy blue eyes, truly in awe of his strength. I knew I should pull away. Abort while I still had the chance. You didn't just fool around with men like Alex and recover once it all ended. You fell and when you did, you fell hard.
I'm so screwed!
****
Yes girl!!
Hope you guys liked this chapter. I really wanted to show you Ebony's vulnerable side.
There's so much more you will come to learn...