Page 11 of Claiming His Wife
Earlier when I said that tonight was nice, it wasn’t a throw-away statement. I might have avoided the serious talk we need to have, but we talked more in the last two hours than we had in the last two months. It’s a reminder on how things used to be… and maybe a sign that it could be that way again.
Scott closes the scant distance between us and backs me into the side of my car, boxing me in. He leans down and runs his nose along my sensitive neck causing goosebumps to erupt along my skin as he breathes me in. It’s another gesture he’s done a million times.
“You always smell so damn good. Like lavender and vanilla.” I shiver at his lust filled words. Or maybe it was from the way his lips moved lightly against my skin as he spoke. Or it could be the way his fingers are tickling over my arm as he runs them up and down from shoulder to wrist. It’s an innocent touch, but it’s utterly distracting and has my brain short-circuiting because I know how good his hands feel when they’re caressing other parts of my body.
Scott moves his lips up my throat and up to my lips where he lightly kisses me. The faintest brush of his lips against mine. The touch is like gas on a flame. I throw my arms around his neck and smash my lips to his. Taking my action as permission, he clutches me to him and kisses me more deeply. Our tongues dance together. Stroking playfully at first, then with more intent. To say we devour each other would be an understatement.
His hands roam over my body and mine do the same to his. I tug his perfectly pressed shirt out of his pants, desperate to feel him. I’m starved for skin-to-skin contact. I’m not sure if the groan comes from me or Scott, but my hands running up his perfectly muscled abs seems to flip a switch causing our already inappropriate-for-public-kiss to turn downright dirty.
Scott cups my breast with one hand, stroking his thumb over my hardened nipple, while the other grips my ass, pulling me closer so he can rub his erection against me. I break away from his lips, desperately sucking air into my burning lungs. As if he can’t stand not tasting me, his mouth latches onto my neck, kissing and lightly sucking causing me to writhe against him. I’m so lost in the moment that I completely forget that we are in public and nearly have Scott’s belt unbuckled before he grips my hands stopping me.
“As much as I want to finish this here and now…”
“Oh my God,” I gasp, pulling my hands away from his as if I’ve been scalded. How did I let things get so out of control? I expected that Scott would want a goodnight kiss, but this is insanity. I practically mauled him in public!
Scott doesn’t let me pull away for long, he tugs me back into his chest, holding me close enough that I can feel his heart beating wildly. “Come home with me, Mal. I want you naked in our bed. I want to kiss every inch of your sexy body, then bury myself so deep inside you you don’t know where I stop, and you begin.”
Yes!My vagina practically screams at me to go home with him and let him have his way with me. Sanity wins out though. “I can’t. It’s too soon.”
“It’s been too fucking long,” Scott practically growls. “I need to remind you just how good we are together.”
Using both hands and every ounce of my willpower, I push against his chest until he takes a step back. My body cries out in protest at the loss of his heat against me, but I know I’m making the right decision. Falling into bed won’t fix us. Sex has always been a huge part of our relationship. We were both insatiable when it came to each other… until he stopped wanting me. What happens if we have sex and he rejects me again? I don’t think I’d survive it. No. Waiting is the right thing.
“I can’t,” I repeat.
Scott visibly deflates. His shoulders hunching slightly with defeat. “I’m sorry. I can’t even tell you how sorry I am for breaking us.”
“Me too,” I whisper. I’m not really sure what I’m apologizing for, but I feel sorry. Sorrier than I’ve ever felt before.
“Will you let me take you out again tomorrow?”
I’m ready to deny him, but the hopeful look on his handsome face has me easily agreeing. His broad smile makes my capitulation completely worth it. He kisses me chastely before opening my car door.
“Text me when you get to Zack’s, so I know you made it safely.”
I nod my agreement, silently pleased at his concern. He waits until I’ve buckled my seatbelt before he closes the door. Another thing he always used to do, and it’s just one more thing that gives me hope that we can find our way back to each other. After months of indifference, I’m relishing every small way he’s showing me he cares.
Chapter Six
Scott
WatchingMallory drive away from me is almost painful. Just knowing that an empty house is waiting for me turns my mood. I take the long way, putting off going home for a few extra minutes. My phone dings with a text just as I’m pulling into the garage.
Home safe.
I want to scream that no she’s not home. Zack’s place is not her home. I’m her home. I just barely hold back from telling her knowing that she wouldn’t appreciate it one little bit.
There is so much more that I want to say. I want Mallory to know that I hate every second we’re apart. That I can still feel her hands running over my chest. I can taste her lipstick on my lips. I can smell her sweet vanilla scent. I can hear the desperate little sounds she made as her hands worked at my belt buckle.
Instead of saying any of that, I keep it simple.
Thanks for tonight, baby.
I’m just crawling into bed when my phone pings.
It was the best night I’ve had in longer than I can remember. Thank you, Scott.
I read and reread the message, every word like a dagger to the heart. I know she didn’t mean the words to be hurtful. Mallory isn’t the type, but the fact that a simple dinner at her favorite restaurant is the best night she’s had in a long time is just more proof of my neglect. I hate myself a little more because of it. I’m more determined than ever to fix what I’ve broken.