Cross My Heart Ch. 02

Sunlight shone through the cheap Holiday Inn curtains, splashing waves of gold across the mess of tangled sheets that had once resembled a bed. Kelly felt a smile tugging at her lips as soon as sleep began to lift. The previous night, and into early morning, had been amazing. Every inch of her body was deeply satisfied in a way she never knew was possible. Grant Hensen wasnot like the other men she'd been with.

He'd taken her with a kind of intense passion that you could drown in. After the first time, they had collapsed against one another; breath and sweat mingling while their hearts still raced. That was the end of it. Or so she'd thought.

Explosive could've summed up their first time. That's what Kelly was used to. Fifteen minutes of her partner working to get his rocks off—not caring if she had hers. Even through the lust and alcohol-induced haze Kelly had been a little disappointed. For all the build-up, Grant was just like all the others. Just so happened that she was able to get off before he did.

But that was before—before Grant had tasted every inch of her body. Heat rose in her cheeks as she recalled the spot he'd paid the most attention to. Kelly used to have mixed feelings about oral sex. Sure it felt good, but most of the time her boyfriend's seemed to view it as more of a chore than something they really wanted to do. Not Grant. He'd treated her as if she was some delicious piece of dessert that he was intent on making last as long as possible.

Even after that lengthy performance he'd been in no hurry. Kelly now had a huge respect for slow lovemaking. Closing her eyes, she gripped the bed sheet, remembering every detail.

Grant moving above her. All she could see was his lightly freckled shoulder and a perfectly shaped sideburn. But she felt his warm breath against her neck. His short fingernails bit lightly into her hips. The muscles of his back flexed as he maintained the slow advance and retreat rhythm that was driving her insane. She'd already climaxed once since he began. And now she was climbing toward another.

Moving her hands down to Grant's well-shaped butt she urged him on. Deeper. Faster. Her hips rose in time with his quickening strokes. She loved the way he filled her. Every time he retreated she was left feeling like an important part of her was gone. Of course that was ridiculous. It was just sex. No emotional ties.

That in mind, Kelly concentrated on the zings of pure pleasure that started at her center and radiated through her entire body every time Grant's pelvic bone came in contact with her clit. Breath coming in short bursts; she arched her back as the orgasm consumed her. As if her climax was what he'd been waiting for, Grant immediately stiffened, the muscles under Kelly's fingers trembling as he came with a masculine growl.

He collapsed against her, the weight oddly comfortable. Slowly she let her legs unwind from his trim waist. "Jesus," Grant whispered almost to himself, nuzzling his nose into her hair. Seconds later he rolled off her and went into the bathroom. Once he reappeared, he slid into bed and lay on his back, holding her against his side. Neither said another word. Strangely it wasn't awkward. Instead, Kelly found listening to the steady beating of Grant's heart until she slipped into sleep to be one of the most natural things she'd ever done.

Fully aroused from the vivid images floating through her mind, Kelly slipped out of bed and headed toward the small hotel bathroom. The mirror was foggy. With the poor lighting Kelly could just barely make out Grant's figure. He stood, hands braced on the tile wall, his head bent forward. Kelly's mind filled in what she couldn't see. Water making zigzagged paths down his broad back; the streams curving when they got to his ass.God that man has a good ass. She wondered if there would be marks left on it from the night before when she'd pulled him as deeply as possible.

Her nipples hardened despite the air being far from cool. Without giving it a second thought she pulled back the shower curtain and stepped in. Grant didn't seem to notice. For a moment she was content to merely watch what she had previously only been able to imagine. The showerhead sent water cascading over Grant's shoulders.

Unable to look but not touch any longer, Kelly leaned up against Grant's back, her breasts flattening at the base of his shoulder blades. At contact Grant startled, turning quick. Their eyes met. Then his gaze dropped. Almost instantly he seemed to catch himself, and he adverted his eyes, a light flush staining his cheeks.

Kelly grinned, completely taken by his reaction. Was there any other man who would blush at the sight of a woman naked after having sex with her?Probably not. Closing the distance he'd put between them Kelly turned Grant's chin and leaned up to press a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth. "Morning Stranger."

"Hi," Grant managed. He was overwhelmed.

Having been single for a few years, Grant was used to one-night stands. They weren't his first choice, but hey, a man had needs. What he wasn't used to was staying the night with women. Even with Rachel, who he was with at least once a week, he didn't spend the night.

There was something intimate about actually sleeping with someone. Still, had that been the only kink in the situation, he could've handled it. But there was more. There was the fact that this wet, naked woman standing in the shower with him was Kurt's sister.

Part of him didn't think it mattered. Hell, she was an adult, right? Welp, adults have meaningless sex sometimes. That's what last night had been, right?Right,Grant assured himself. Granted it had been really great sex. But meaningless nonetheless.And besides, she wanted it.

Grant winced at the thought.If the woman soaping up his chest knew what he was thinking...I'm a bastard. I'm the adult here. I should've stopped anything from happening—no matter how hard it would've been. Hell, she's practically a baby.And just as that thought entered his mind Kelly's hand closed around his manhood. For obvious reasons, the realization that the woman stroking his dick had once called him four-eyes wasn't the biggest turn-on.

With a gentle hand he guided her hand away from his groin. "Kel..." Her light blue eyes searched his. As hard as it was, he didn't want to lead her on any more than he already had. "We can't do this..."

Grant watched her kiss-swollen lips curve into a devilish grin. "You didn't complain last night."

"No. I didn't," he admitted, feeling like a complete heel. "But I should have."

The amused glint in her eye vanished. With a short nod she stepped from the shower, shrugged on a robe, and shut the door behind her. Instinct told him to go after her. Experience knew to give her time. Leaping out and rushing to explain would only give her hope. Hope that he could be persuaded into making the previous night repeat. And that wouldn't—couldn't—happen. Ever again.

--

His hair was dry, the clothes he'd worn last night back in place, but Grant hadn't left the bathroom yet. Why? He was scared. If Kelly was angry, things could get ugly. Kurt hadn't mentioned how long she planned on staying in town, but if it was for any length of time, things could be awkward. But you could only hide out for so long before it bordered on pathetic.

One thing Grant had always prided himself on was that he was a stand-up kind of guy. That's how his father had raised him. And he'd be damned if he let a cute blonde be his kryptonite.

He sucked in a breath and opened the door. To his surprise Kelly wasn't pouting on the bed or glaring in his direction. She was perched on the windowsill reading the morning paper.

"'Bout time you came out." She didn't even bother to tear her eyes from the paper. "Scared that I was going to be all emotional, I bet."

Her perception threw him. For a moment he forgot what he wanted to say. "Yeah, I guess I was."

At his words she set down the paper. There was no emotion in her gaze when it met his at first, but then the corner of her mouth rose up, her half-smile endearing. "Think we could just forget about last night?"

His dick begged him to say no. "Yeah, sure."

"Great!" Kelly went to the mirror and checked her reflection, fussing with her hair a bit.She already looks amazing. Which is ridiculous considering how little sleep she got last night."After all, it was just the drinks, I'm sure. No sense in letting a quick roll in the sack ruin our relationship."

"Absolutely." Grant now knew that it was possible to speak on topic while your brain was 50 light-years away.Aquick roll? Not only did I screw her...I did a poor job of it?When you have the best sex of your life and your partner calls it "a quick roll in the sack", that's not a good sign.Maybe Kurt was right about Rachel not counting.

A hand landed on his arm. At the contact he thought he saw some emotion flit over Kelly's face, but it was gone a second later. And so was her hand. "Well good. I have some errands to run now, so I have to go. You can stay for a while if you're not rea—"

Realizing he was receiving pity, Grant stood straighter. Since when did he become the one getting "dumped?" "No," he interrupted, reaching for his coat. "I'll go now." Two steps closer to the door he turned, "And Kel? Thanks for being rational about all this. I hope you have a nice stay."

* * *

Kelly burst out laughing, the sound echoing in the spacious library. "He saidwhat?!"

Becky, bless her soul, didn't seem to understand what was funny. "He said that when he holds me he feels like he's come home."

Wiping her eyes to keep the mascara from running, Kelly regained her breath. "Oo that is too great. Who knew Kurt was such a poet?"

Becky paid attention to the books she was checking in. "I thought it was sweet."

Her friend's hurt tone wasn't lost on her. And even though they were sister-in-laws, Becky and Kelly were best friends. Maybe she had rained a little too hard on Becky's parade...

"Hey," she took the book from Becky's hands, forcing her attention to shift, "I didn't mean to sound like a jerk. It's just funny because it's my older brother. But if a guy said that to me I would think it was sweet, too. I'm probably just jealous."

Sympathy washed over Becky's face and Kelly instantly felt uneasy. "Oh, Kelly, don't worry, Hun. I know it looks hopeless right now, but you'll find a guy one day."Wait..what?!Becky continued, "You're too special to be alone forever."

"In fact! Oh, I know just the guy you should date. I'll give him a call and see if he's still single."

Is she serious? I'm notthat pathetic...am I?Needing time to restore her ego, Kelly decided to slip away. She ran a hand through her hair, moving toward the hallway, "I'm gonna go walk around, okay? Maybe see some old teachers and say hi."

"Okay," she said flippantly. Becky's focus was once again on her job. For a second, anyway. "Oh! Grant is in room 312."

Kelly froze mid-step. Her train of thought derailed. Every nerve in her body stood at attention. And a warm zing shot straight to her core. But she ignored that last reaction. "W-why would I go see Grant?"Crap, /sounded guilty.Good thing Beck wasn't paying full attention. Chances were she missed it completely.

"It's just that Kurt told me how Grant agreed to meet you for dinner last minute. That was so nice of him, don't you think? You should thank him."

"I said "thank you" last night—in multiple positions," Kelly muttered to herself.

"What?"

"I said you're absolutely right!"

----

On her third day back in Youngstown, Kelly found herself getting ready for a blind date. Feeling somewhat pathetic, she told herself once more that the only reason she was going was because Becky had been so sure that Tom would be a perfect match.

Well, just because your best friends with someone doesn't mean they can pick out the perfect man. That fact was painfully obvious.

Kelly glanced across the center console at the man sitting behind the wheel. The one who was still rambling on about bird watching. She hadn't been listening since his story about when he finally spotted the elusive black Finch. Earlier when he had asked her if she was into birds, she'd said yes because she thought he was joking. Kind of like asking if she was into watching paint dry. Who would've thought that he was 100% serious? It now seemed obvious why the poor guy wasn't getting anywhere when it came to women.

Becky said that Tom was just shy. Since when didshy mean extremely boring?

"Know what I mean?"

Uh oh. What was he last talking about?? Clueless, Kelly rubbed at her temple, trying to fight off the oncoming headache. "Could you repeat that?"

Tom's face fell, making him look a bit like a mouse. What with his upturned nose and round slightly-too-small eyes. The only thing that saved him from looking mousy all the time was his wide-set mouth. But when he pursed it, well...that just made Kelly want to shove a piece of cheese at him. Then, just as quickly as he'd appeared disappointed, he bounced back with a big Crest smile. "Oooh, you're a funny girl, huh?" He nudged her with his elbow twice. "I knew you'd been listening to me. Something about your eyes, I think. In fact, you have really exquisite eyes. Has anyone ever told you that?"

Kelly couldn't help but smile. "No, I can't say that they have."But I wouldn't mind if you said it again.

"Oh, well you do," he nodded. "I bet you'd be really good at locating birds."

Kelly fought to keep her groan from being audible. How could a guy give you a compliment and then ruin it completely by reminding you about his strange feather fetish?

As they pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant Kelly couldn't help but hope that the rest of the evening went by quickly.

* * *

Grant took a sip of wine and swished it around his mouth, wishing that he had something stronger. Too bad getting drunk on a first date wasn't appropriate. Maybe he could pretend to have gotten a call while she was in the bathroom. A family emergency. That would do the trick. But a gentleman would reschedule a date after that. And as boring as this woman, Paula, was, Grant couldn't justify being rude.

She was an ex-patient of Kurt's. Kurt had mentioned her a long time ago—right when she'd gone to him to help get over her cheating ex-husband—but Grant was adamant that he wouldn't date any of Kurt's current patients. Conflict of interests, he'd said. Besides, who knew what would come up in a session abouthim? The last thing he needed was Paula bringing up something wildly inappropriate—like intimate details about their sex life—to Kurt.

Not that there will be intimate details. There was no chemistry between the two of them. And although Paula seemed like a genuinely nice person, she wasn't Grant's type.Unlike the blonde who just walked in, Grant thought, a wave of lust washing over him. He craned his head a bit to see more of the faceless woman, but she was hidden behind the guy she'd come with.Come on dude, move a little...thaaat's it, yeah, little mor—

"I'm back!" Paula announced, flopping back into her chair at exactly the wrong moment.

Grant shifted his gaze back in the right direction and attempted a sincere smile. With a sigh, Paula placed her chin in her hand. "I apologize if I'm acting a little flaky. I'm a tad nervous. You know, getting back into the dating scene and everything. I haven't done this in almost a decade!"

Really? I couldn'ttell. Grant humored himself. To her he just nodded, "You're doing just fine. Believe me; I'm having a great time."

She blushed at that, and Grant had to admit that she was pretty. In a motherly, I'll-have-dinner-on-the-table-promptly-at-six sort of way. Not exactly what he was into, though. He preferred a woman who looked equally as good in a cocktail dress as she did in nothing at all. Someone who could consume him with just a touch of her hands. A picture began to form in Grant's mind. Bright blue eyes, blonde hair that barely reached her shoulders...wait, is that..."Kel?"

The woman. The one he'd ogled earlier. She was standing at the next table over. Andshewas Kelly.Someone up there hates me,he mused.

"Grant!" She tried to appear nonchalant but her voice had revealed her shock. And something else. Maybe a hint of pleasure?

"You knowhim?"

Grant lifted a brow. Who did Kelly's date think he was? He'd referred to Grant in the same tone that someone would use to talk about a rare flesh-eating disease. "Yes she knows me. We go way back, in fact."

Now the lanky man turned his disproving gaze toward Kelly, who was shooting her own heated gaze at Grant. And it wasn't a good heat, either. "I do know him. Tim, meet Grant Hensen...my old high school English teacher." She smiled, snaking a delicate arm around Tim's waist. Grant wondered if her face would break from such a fake smile.

Paula chose then as the time to jump in. "Oh this is so great! What a coincidence. You two have to sit with us, it would be so fun!"

Both men blanched. Only Kelly, who looked positively green, was able to find her voice. "Oh we couldn't impose. I'm sure you two want to be alone."

Seeing his chance to make Kelly jealous, Grant smiled a wolfish smile and was about to nod when Paula piped up, "Nonsense! In fact..." her voice became a whisper, as if she were divulging a huge secret, "It's actually our first date."

You could've heard a pin drop. Nobody knew how to proceed. Nobody except the maître d', who looked quite irritated. "Shall vee get two more chairs for zee lovely lady and her date?"