Chapter Four
After a moment in make-out heaven, they pulled apart, panting.
“Sorry.” Tristan sat back, drying his lips with the side of his hand.
Joy blinked a few times, looking blissfully intoxicated which was a million times better than her earlier version of an inebriated mess. “For what?”
“The beard. I hope it didn’t scratch.”
Her legs tightened around his hips. “I didn’t mind at all.” She cupped his cheeks in both hands, stroked her thumbs along his whiskers. “Really.”
“I wanted to kiss you since I saw you yesterday at Lucky’s. I would’ve waited to take you on a real date but you have me so riled up I couldn’t help it. Hope you’re not mad.”
“Not at all.” Joy sighed. “Just shocked. And I mean that in a good way. The best way.”
“Then it’s okay if I kiss you again?”
A coy smile filled her face. “Absolutely.”
Tristan made a silent vow to follow her lead and not wreck the full moon’s mojo, or St. Patrick’s lucky blessing, or whatever fantastic coincidence that brought this passionate minx to him. This time, as their lips touched, he kept his eyes open while hers fluttered shut. Then she locked her calves behind his back and began a slow grind against him. If it weren’t for the sweatpants, he’d bury himself to the hilt inside her right now. His eyelids finally drifted lower as he hung on for his life.
The last time he had sex was with his now-ex-wife and that was too long ago to recall any details. If he had to guess, it was for some holiday—probably his birthday. Who knows? And right now he didn’t care. Not anymore.
Joy was exactly what he needed. A feminine touch. Confirmation he still had what it takes to excite a woman.
The best part of it all was he’d already set his sights on this one. And now that he had her where he wanted her, he didn’t want to screw it up.
“Do you, uh, wanna see my, um, bedroom?” he dared to ask, hoping his words didn’t ruin the magical moment.
She bit her bottom lip and gazed up at him between a fan of lush lashes. “Yeah. Okay.”
That’s all Tristan needed to hear. With her legs still wrapped around his hips, he carried her down the hallway not bothering to turn on the light before letting her fall backward against the foam mattress where he dove into the warm welcoming spot between her thighs and slithered up her body for more kisses.
Rain beat against the window and thunder rolled in the distance. Dammit. He’d left his motorcycle in the parking lot behind the pub. If Joy were any other random woman, he’d ask for a raincheck and hop in his Camaro—if it were running right—to shoot downtown to rescue his Harley, but her deft hands worked their way down his torso, making Tristan forget all about it as a slight convulsion shot from his gut to his groin.
Cool fingers slipped under his sweatshirt until she worked it up and over his head. Then soft palms explored the thatch of hair on his chest, gliding shoulder to shoulder, across his pecs, down his abs.
Tomorrow he’d renew his commitment to his old workout regime for sure. The equipment was in the basement; might as well make some use of it. In the meantime, he’d let her make use of him.
She reached between his thighs, cupping his most tender parts before curling her fingers around his erection. “Wow,” she whispered. “This is all you?”
Tristan’s cheeks got hot at her unique compliment. He should have put on underwear; that would have kept his junk from hanging loose. Her pulsating palm had him struggling to respond. “Whaddaya think?” He snickered as he kissed her, amused by her amazement. “I got a mouse in my pocket or something?”
She maneuvered her feet up to his hips, and using her toes inside the elastic waistband, she lowered his baggy pants with ease, down past his knees then kicked them to the floor.
“Boy, you’re flexible.”
“Yoga helps. Ever try it?”
“Never.”
“I’ll show you sometime.” She squeezed her strong thighs around him, rocking to the side, urging him onto his back like a professional wrestler.
Tristan wasn’t used to this sort of woman-handling and didn’t mind it one bit. He let her have her way, rolling over, pulling her on top to straddle him.
“I hope you don’t mind. It’s been so long since I’ve been with a man. I know how I want it, if you don’t mind giving it to me.”
“Not at all,” he mused, lying there.
Wide-eyed and mesmerized as a kid at Christmastime, he watched her in the bit of light filtering in from the far end of the hallway as she tugged the sweatshirt over her head exposing quite a feminine figure if he ever saw one.
Stacy never undressed for him. She always scurried away to do it in private. In a corner. Or her walk-in closet. Or the bathroom. Then burrowed beneath the blankets before they made love with the lights off.
Joy finger-combed her long damp hair, letting it cascade over twin globes the size of softballs, perfect enough to be silicone implants. But when she took his hands and guided them to her supple breasts, Tristan was thrilled to discover they were natural. His palms slid down delicate ribs that narrowed to a taut stomach. For a woman who produced two children, she was firm and fit.
“You have an incredible body.” He trailed a finger down the vertical line that separated her abs. Dipped into her belly button before slipping into the waistband of his sweatpants that looked so good on her.
She lifted her bottom, letting him slide off the baggy pants. When he squeezed the cushion of her hips, she moaned in response and settled back with her ankles tucked beneath her. With both hands, she grasped his hard-on with firm fingers. “Are you this excited because of me?”
“All because of you,” he mustered.
“Do you have a condom?”
Boy, Joy didn’t waste time or words.
“Actually, no.”
Her wry smile turned serious. “Does that mean you don’t sleep around? Or you just don’t use protection?”
“I haven’t slept with anyone since my wife.” He dreaded mentioning his ex in this moment but wanted his message to be clear. “She lost interest in sex after having the baby,” he explained on impulse. “I should say she lost interest in sex with me.”
“Tsk.” Joy made the thoughtful sound with an empathetic headshake. “After my second son was born I worked so hard for this”—she swept a hand down her killer bod—“you have no idea.”
Tristan tried not staring at it, focusing on her face instead. “I can imagine.”
“We were lucky to stay married for so long with all our problems. Neither of us wanted more kids. Victor decided sex was unnecessary. He didn’t want to use the condoms I bought. And he refused to get snipped. Even though I was on the pill, I didn’t trust him to be clean, you know, because I knew he was sleeping around. So we just opted out of sex. With each other. He had flings. I had toys.”
“His loss.”
“Your gain. And it’s your lucky day ’cause I happen to have a condom in my bag.”
Joy jumped off the bed, darted down the hall, and returned in a flash with her oversized purse. “Voila.” She pulled out a foil packet like a rabbit from a magic hat. “Ribbed for my pleasure.” She unwrapped it and rolled it down Tristan’s straining erection. Straddling his hips, she hovered over the agonizing tip.
He clenched his teeth and gripped the bedsheet. Ohhh, man. Could this be happening? Maybe I’m dreaming. Could she still be too drunk to know what she’s doing? Too bad he didn’t have a breathalyzer machine to check. Not that he had the wits to stop her.
When she impaled herself, her shriek echoed off his bare bedroom walls. Cookie came running. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the neighbors started knocking.
“Oh, my God,” she gasped as she collapsed onto him.
“Are you okay?” He hoped so because he’d hate to stop now.
After coming down from the initial shock of penetration, Joy lifted her head, whipping her hair over one shoulder, revealing a smile that beamed brighter than the sun. “This is gonna be fun.” She sat back, lengthened her spine, then buried him deep inside her private paradise. Pumping up and down, she found her rhythm. Slow at first, quickening her pace to a steady trot. “Oh, yesss.”
Tristan could have burst if he wasn’t so determined to hang on until this lovely Lady Godiva finished the ride. When she turned up the velocity to a canter there was no way he would last much longer, so he gritted his teeth and squeezed his eyelids, invoking all his willpower to hold back. One Mississippi. Two Mississippi. Three Mississippi.
She pressed her hands behind her, using his thighs for leverage as she rode him at a full-gallop like a thoroughbred champion. This was the Triple Crown and she was crossing the finish line. Her head dropped back and she sang her climax to heaven giving Tristan the cue to let loose.
Still joined at the hip, Joy melted against him. “That was divine,” she breathed against his ear. “I could do that again.”
Tristan let out a pent-up sigh. Even if they did have another condom, no way could he manage a second round so soon. He yanked the edges of the blanket around them like a burrito and hoped cradling her love-worn body was enough to satisfy her for now.
Breathing in sync, he realized she was out cold. Sexed herself to sleep.
Moonlight crept through the bedroom window, spilling on her pretty face as she rested upon his chest. He brushed her hair aside to get a better view at the sleeping beauty, wondering how he got so lucky. I could get used to this.
When he married straight-laced Stacy, it was supposed to be a forever deal. How could he have been so mistaken? He sure as hell didn’t want to be that wrong again. But something about lying with Joy felt so right, he didn’t want it to end.
Night turned to dawn. And by six a.m. the sky outside his bedroom window was a bright gray.
Joy stirred, elbowing him in the gut, and he groaned. Startled, she kicked off the blanket and shot to her knees with fists on guard. A wild-eyed version of the willing woman who crawled into his bed hours before. “What the hell?”
Tristan flinched. “What the hell what?”
“What the hell happened?”
He squinted, getting his bearing. “Are you serious?”
She scanned the room then down at Tristan’s naked body. “Oh, my gosh.” Her cheeks reddened as she figured out the answer to her own question. “I’m so sorry.” She hid her face in her hands but he pulled them away.
“Sorry for what?”
“Sorry for…I’m not exactly sure, but I can guess. And it can’t be good if we’re both naked.”
“Are you kidding? It’s all good. Amazing, in fact.”
“Where are my clothes?”
“In the washing machine. You threw up on yourself. Don’t you remember anything?”
She shrugged, scratched her head, and rearranged her hair to shield her breasts. “I kind of remember. But I thought it was a dream or something.”
“When you say dream, you don’t mean nightmare, do you?”
“No. Not at all. When I say dream, I mean, holy cow I must be dreaming. This is too good to be true. That kind of dream.”
Tristan concealed his smile, figuring it was best to sort out the situation before proclaiming the start of a beautiful relationship. “I drove you here in your car because you didn’t want me to take you to your parents’ house.”
“Rex,” Joy shouted and Tristan’s heart sank.
Rex? “Look, I didn’t know you were involved with someone.” He rubbed his face, wishing he never hooked up with her. So much for doing a good deed. Now he’d have to dodge a boyfriend. “I thought we were both on the same level.”
“Rex is my dog. He’s probably missing me right now. Knowing my mother, she has him tied to a tree all night.”
Tristan exhaled a world of relief. “Wanna call home?”
“And say what? I spent the night with some guy I just met? No, thanks. It’s bad enough I’m crawling home after sunup. I’d rather not ruin this moment by inviting my parents into the conversation.”
The aroma of fresh coffee drifted down the hallway, along with the clamor of clanking pans.
“Someone’s in the kitchen.” Joy’s eyes widened in horror. “You have a roommate?”
“Nope,” Tristan said, amused at the grown woman’s sudden state of panic.
“Maid?”
He shook his head. “My buddy Nick. He’s here to pick me up for work. And he cooks.” Fried bacon and eggs with a side of burnt toast was Nick’s usual wake-up call.
“I gotta get outta here.” Joy scrambled off the bed and into his over-sized gray sweat suit. “Thanks for everything, but I need to go home.” She slipped out of the bedroom and down the hallway.
Tristan yanked on his robe and followed behind, catching her before she reached the front door. “I didn’t put your clothes in the dryer yet.”
“Mail ’em to me.”
“You don’t have to rush out.”
“No. I do. I really, really do.”
“Your mother would actually tie your dog to a tree? All night? In the rain?” He pressed her back against the wall, getting close enough to kiss, hoping some memory of last night was enough to make her stay.
“Knowing her, she probably dropped him off at the pound. He already peed on her laundry basket and ate my father’s slippers. I can’t imagine what else he’s done while I’ve been gone. That’s why I need to find an apartment fast.”
Tristan almost invited her to stay here but decided against it once he glanced inside his daughter’s empty bedroom. Nicole would be here soon. How would he explain a new woman’s presence? A live-in nanny? That might would work to his benefit, but Joy might not like it.
“I know.” She snapped her fingers. “I’ll just tell her I found a place and that’s why I didn’t come home. I’ll say I was testing it out overnight.”
“You think she’ll buy that story?”
Joy rolled her eyes. “I was divorced for almost two years before I told her the truth.”
“How the hell’d ya get away with that?”
“She never visited us in Florida. And I only came to New York for Thanksgiving. I gave my ex everything he wanted in the divorce if he’d just play along.”
“Why?”
Joy sighed with her arms across her chest. “If you must know, in the beginning, when I was in college, my mother warned me about getting involved with Victor. But I didn’t listen. I guess I was afraid she’d rub it in about being right—as usual. I can’t imagine what she’s gonna say if she knows I spent the night with a stranger. God,” she growled between clenched teeth, “what’s wrong with me. Despite how this seems, I’ve never been a slut.”
“I don’t think you’re a slut.”
“Of course you don’t. I gotta go. I need air. I need to get home.” She lunged for the front door just as Nick stepped in her path, blocking the escape route with his massive frame. Joy slammed into his broad chest and he straightened her by the shoulders.
“Who’s a slut?” Nick’s wide smile and curious eyes aimed straight for Tristan.
“No one. Never mind.” Tristan waved the insulting word away. “I shoulda called to tell you I’m gonna be late for work today. Say hello to Joy.”
“Whoa.” Nick glanced her head to toe. “Nice catch, T.” Then he squinted, studying her face. “Hey, I’ve seen you. Your picture is hanging in Bob’s barber shop.”
The color in Joy’s cheeks faded from flaming red to ghostly white. “I’m his daughter.”
“Small world.” Tristan gestured toward the door, hoping Nick took the hint to leave but the man didn’t stop talking.
“Then you know Lily.” Nick held up his left hand, wiggling his ring finger. “She’s my wife. Do you need an alibi or something? Tell your mom you spent the night at our place—albeit we’re living in a camper until the house is rebuilt. But your parent’s love Lily.” He pulled out a cellphone from the back pocket of his jeans. “Lemme call her right now.”
“No.” Joy’s eyes widened. “Don’t mention it to anyone. Especially Lily. I’ll be the one to tell her.”
“Ya sure? I’ll bet they’d buy it. Not that I want to support your lyin’ habit. But I’d hate to see you get burned over a one-night stand with my buddy.”
Tristan restrained the urge to punch his best friend in the mouth for uttering such thoughtless words. “She’s not a one-night stand, guy.” He put an assuring hand on Joy’s shoulder, but she shot wild, incredulous eyes at him like he was the one who said the wrong thing.
“Whatever, guy. I’m just saying you two don’t have to come out of the closet yet. In fact, stay in as long as you want. Breakfast is on the stove. I gotta do an estimate. I’ll meet up with ya later,” he said to Tristan. “That your Jag?” he asked Joy before walking out the door.
“Yes.”
“You didn’t drive here drunk, I hope.” Since joining AA, Nick was on the lookout for prospective members.
“I drove.” Tristan answered fast on Joy’s behalf, praying she didn’t dart out the door.
Nick smiled and nodded his approval, shooting Tristan with wide-eyes that spoke volumes. Pretty girl. Fancy car. What’s she doing with you? No doubt his friend will expect all the dirty details. “Wait. You left your Harley downtown all night?” He shook his head in disbelief. “He must be in love with ya or something if he chose you over his motorcycle.”
Tristan instantly regretted giving his friend a spare key.
Before Nick left, he said, “Let me know if you need a ride later to pick it up.”
“Joy’ll take me to get it. Right?”
“Uhhh…” The sound she squeaked out was barely audible. “Huh?”
Tristan winced at the horror plastered on her face. “Look, don’t mind him. He didn’t mean love. But the truth is I do like you. And I hope this isn’t a one-night stand. I didn’t mean for us to hook up so suddenly, but since we did I’d like to do it again sometime. Soon.”
Joy shook her head. “I thought I could handle a fling, but look at me. I’m almost thirty years old and still scared my parents will ground me. I have an ex-husband who hates me. And two boys who don’t even miss me. You don’t want to get involved with a mess like me.”
“Let me decide who I want to get involved with.” Tristan tugged Joy’s hand, pulling her away from the screen door, and she didn’t resist. “It’s still early and you have an alibi. At least have a cup of coffee. You eat eggs, right? I know you don’t eat bacon. I’ll toss it out if it bothers you.”
“You know what? Screw it. I’m in the mood for meat.”