N. Walters - By the Book

“What about it?” She lowered her arms and pushed away from the counter. “Most of my work is done through my online store and, truthfully, I expect most of my sales to come from tourists. I wasn’t lying to Hector when I told him that I wouldn’t cut into his business. Sure, some of the locals will shop my store, but they’re more likely to stop into the Buy and Sell if they want used books. Anyone who wants the latest best sellers is going to buy them new or check them out of the library.”

“You’re sure?” He walked over to stand in front of her. “I don’t want my being here to hurt you.”

She smiled at him then. It was a small, sad smile that made his heart ache. “You won’t hurt me by being here.”

Did that mean she would be hurt if he left? He knew she felt something for him, but he wasn’t certain how deep it went. He wasn’t about to push things either. He planned to spend all his time trying to insinuate his way deeper into her life and her heart so that when the problem with her unknown stalker was over, she wouldn’t want him to leave.

“Come here.” He needed to be closer to her, to reestablish the connection between them. And the quickest way to do that was with sex.

She came into his arms easily and once again, he marveled at how good she felt there and how well she fit. Her body molded against his, her breasts pillowed against his chest and her pelvis aligned with his. There is no way she could mistake his obvious erection.

“Amanda.” He cupped her behind in his hands and pulled her up tight against him.

“Yes?” Her eyes were glazing over with passion and her breath was coming faster.

She was always aroused so quickly by his touch. It was one hell of a turn-on.

“Promise me that if you get another phone call like that, or if you feel threatened at all, you’ll call me.”

“But there was nothing you could have done.”

Jonah realized that she honestly believed that and, furthermore, she was genuinely perplexed by his request. Had no one ever cared enough about her to look out for her? He knew her past had been barren of family. Sure, she’d had Seymour, but no close friends until she’d moved to Jamesville. But she had him now and it was time she came to understand that he wasn’t going anywhere. “I could have talked to you.” He ground his pelvis against hers and was rewarded when she gave a small moan of pleasure. “I could have come home.” He lowered his head to her neck and nipped her sensitive skin. She gasped and snuggled closer. “Promise me.” He couldn’t go on until he had her promise.

“Okay,” she half groaned.

He laved his tongue over the skin he’d just nipped and then raised his head. Her face was flushed, her green eyes dark with pleasure.

“Okay what?”

She smiled then, a real smile that brightened her entire face. “I promise I’ll call you if anything happens.” Grabbing the sides of his head, she tugged him closer. “Now can we get on with this?”

He felt his lips tilting upward. “Yes, ma’am.”

Lifting her off her feet, he turned and started to walk out of the kitchen. She curled her legs around him, locking her ankles together at the small of his back. Using her grip on his hair, she pulled him toward her and melded her mouth against his.

Jonah stopped in the hallway and pushed her back against the wall. Deepening the kiss, he tasted her wild heat, felt her fingernails digging into his scalp and heard her whimpers as she tilted her lower body toward him, trying to get closer.

He had to have her. Now.

Amanda was going to explode and she wanted Jonah inside her when it happened.

She was surprised at how angry Jonah had been about her not calling him. Truthfully, it hadn’t even occurred to her. She wasn’t used to leaning on anyone.

Seymour had been like family to her, but he’d always encouraged her to stand on her own two feet. He hadn’t done it because he hadn’t cared. Quite the opposite in fact.

Seymour was old when he met her and was constantly reminding her that he wouldn’t live for too many more years. By making her even more independent, he was trying to protect her, to strengthen her for when she would be alone again.

It was a strange feeling to have someone care about her personal safety and her well-being. But she kind of liked it. Not that she would allow herself to get too used to it. After all, Jonah would probably go back to living in his own home once the threat to her was over. Who knew how long after that before they’d drift apart and their affair would be over.

Amanda pushed that thought aside. He was with her now and she was determined to enjoy every single second of it. He obviously cared for her. He certainly didn’t hide the fact that he wanted her. For now, that was enough.

She’d been scared today. She wouldn’t admit it out loud, but she couldn’t hide it from herself. Even with the deputy out front, she’d felt nervous, waiting for the phone to ring again, wondering if each little sound the house made indicated an intruder. The second Jonah had stepped through the front door she’d felt safe.

Maybe that’s why she’d tried to push him away, at least emotionally. She knew he’d protect her physically, but she couldn’t depend on him to always be here. That wasn’t his responsibility. No one could put that kind of pressure on someone else.

But Jonah was here with her now and that was all that mattered. Everything else would work itself out one way or the other. Eventually her attacker would strike again. It seemed inevitable. A shiver went down her spine at the thought of how it could end up, but she pushed those negative thoughts aside and focused on how good it felt to be kissing Jonah.

The wall was hard against her back and Jonah was hard against her front. There was no give in the man. He was all solid muscle and bone. He held her easily as he devoured her mouth, his tongue thrusting against hers, building the heat that always seemed to be hovering just below the surface whenever they were together.

They were both gasping for breath when he pulled away. “I can’t wait.” Peppering hot kisses along her cheek and down her neck, he reached for the hem of her shirt and lifted it.

She helped him pull it off. By the time she had her shirt gone, he had her bra clasp unhooked and had pushed the cups aside. He started to lean down, but she grabbed the front of his T-shirt and pulled. “I want this off.” She wanted to touch him, to run her fingers over the hard planes of his chest and his thick shoulders.

Jonah used his lower body to keep her pinned against the wall as the two of them dragged his T-shirt over his head. It disappeared to the floor below. Amanda pressed her palms against his skin, feeling the heat enveloping her palms. He was always so hot.

“I love touching you,” she whispered as she allowed her fingers to tease his flat nipples.

He groaned. “I love it when you touch me.” Putting his hands under her butt, he lifted her until her breasts were almost level with his mouth. His breath was warm on her skin, making her nipples tighten.

“So sweet.” He captured one rosy nipple and suckled.

Even after a week of making love to the man, she couldn’t believe how quickly her body responded to Jonah. It was as if she’d been fashioned especially for him, and he for her. There had been none of the awkward moments that new lovers usually face. They came together like they’d been lovers forever.

She tilted her hips, rubbing her throbbing core against him. An ache was growing inside her and she knew the only way to sate it was to have Jonah’s hard length thrusting deep within her. “Jonah,” she gasped.

She didn’t have to say anything more. He pulled his mouth from her breast and pushed her legs down his hips. Her feet hit the floor with a thud.

His every move was swift as he undid her jeans and yanked them down her legs. He took her panties with them, leaving her bare from her ankles up. She thought he’d help her take off her shoes so she could remove her clothing completely. Instead, he stood, turning her to face the wall.

“Put your hands against the wall and lean forward.”

She did as he asked, feeling very exposed as she flattened her palms against the hard surface. Her breasts began to ache even harder as they hung at a downward angle.

“Spread your legs.”

It was difficult with the jeans and panties bunched around her ankles, but she widened her stance as much as she could. Jonah’s harsh breath filled the air behind her.

The familiar sound of a foil packet being opened reached her ears and she knew he was putting on a condom. Her entire body clenched in anticipation.

The air felt cool against her heated flesh as she waited for Jonah to touch her again.

Never in her life had she made herself this vulnerable. But deep in her heart she trusted Jonah. She loved him with all her heart and soul.

The head of his cock nudged at her opening and she tilted her butt slightly to give him a better angle. He pushed just inside and paused, allowing her to adjust to his invasion.

He planted his hands alongside hers on the wall. His hands were so much larger and darker than hers. They were clean, but she could see the several nicks and calluses. She loved his hands—so hard, yet so gentle when he touched her. His chest covered her back and his lips caressed the nape of her neck.

“Ready, sugar?” She’d barely started to nod before he drove all the way inside her in one swift stroke. Amanda sucked in a breath as his shaft stretched her wide. He was so deep she could feel his pulsing heat in her very center.

She tried to talk, but all that came out of her mouth was a low moan. Jonah flexed his hips, pulling almost all the way out before thrusting forward again. He set a fast, hard rhythm, pushing both of them to their limits.

His sac brushed against her with each inward stroke, bumping against her clit. The brief caress was maddening. She swung her behind, matching him thrust for thrust.

“Jonah,” she gasped. Her nails curled, digging into the wall. She needed more.

He dropped one of his hands low on her pelvis, his middle finger finding her swollen clit. His other hand curled over one of her breasts, surrounding it and holding it secure.

His thrusts got deeper and harder. He lifted her off her feet with each one.

Amanda could feel her inner muscles pulsing. Her body tensed and coiled. His hips hammered hard as his finger brushed her clit. Tilting back her head, she screamed.

“Jonah!”

Every muscle in her body convulsed as damp heat exploded from her core. Jonah yelled and gave one final thrust. His shaft rippled as her vaginal muscles gripped him tight.

Amanda moaned as his finger pressed against her clit, pushing her into another round of spasms. When it was over, she leaned her forehead against the wall. Jonah grunted as he eased out of her body. She tried to straighten up, but it wasn’t easy. Her legs felt like jelly.

“Just a second.” Jonah tugged her panties and jeans up around her hips and then picked her up. He staggered once and then righted himself.

“What about our clothes?” She looked over his shoulder. Their shirts were still on the floor. Jonah had hitched his jeans around his hips, but she could feel the brush of his semi-erect cock against her side.

“Later,” he answered as he carried her up the stairs. From the look in his eyes, Amanda knew it would be much later.

Amanda was just putting the last dish in the tray to drain when Jonah’s phone rang.

He tossed aside the dishtowel he’d been using and plucked the phone out of his pocket, glancing at the call display before answering. “Hey.”

He walked toward the window in the eating area as he listened to the caller. Amanda pulled the plug on the sink and let the dishwater flow down the drain. After rinsing the sink, she picked up the dishtowel Jonah had been using and began to finish drying the last of their breakfast dishes.

“Elizabeth, honey, slow down. What did Jim say?” Jonah raked his hand through his hair as he turned around and began to pace. “He’s not coming over, is he?” He glanced her way and then turned his attention back to his sister. “I’ll be there as quickly as I can.

No, I’ll be there before he gets there. Just don’t let him in until I’m there.” He listened for another few seconds. “Okay, I’m on my way.”

He closed his phone and turned to her. “That was Elizabeth.”