Never Again - 20

Chapter 20 - facing up to the truth

Erin sat in the car and took a deep breath, the building to her right causing her to almost hyperventilate. Michelle had offered to come with her during one of the many late night conflabs over the kitchen table. Dave diplomatically was absent, the gym or work ‘calling him away’ from the girls talk. But both women were happier with that decision,  it allowed the conversations to battle late into the night.

Erin flinched as she looked right at the words ‘Antenatal Clinic’. Since that day in the south of the France when she’d saw the red ring circling a date weeks earlier that should have heralded the start of her last period...and didn’t, she’d been facing the unbelievable fact that she was pregnant. The blue line of the test was further proof, but once she stepped into that building it would become real. She couldn’t pretend that this was all a dream once the doctor had told her for definite.

                “What are you going to do?” Michelle had asked when she’d turned up on her doorstep straight from the airport.

Erin had taken a deep breath before she revealed more to her friend than she’d felt able to months ago, “I was desperate for a baby...with Max it’s all I’ve ever wanted,” she looked up and smiled at her friend’s shocked face, “it was the final straw, not the affair, the gambling, but that after more than a year of asking, he still refused to think about us having a child. I had decided to end things with him before all the rest of the shit. It’s a godsend now after all that’s happened, that I’m not tied to him, but I wanted a baby more than anything...still do.”

                “And Jack is hardly a disappointment in the father department!” Michelle sounded so cynical, and whilst she knew that her friend was nothing short of supportive, she knew that the doubt in her voice only reflected the fear and anxiety that Erin had felt all the way home from France.  Her anticipation of Jack’s reaction to impending and very unexpected fatherhood.

Erin hung her head, she knew immediately what people would think, that she’d planned this, that it was premeditated, but it really wasn’t. She couldn’t think when it had happened, they’d been careful...but it had happened, the blue line on the test confirmed it.  But she was shocked, admittedly pleased, the timing was dreadful, but the thought of having a baby, even alone as a single parent was an encouraging thought, nevertheless it was the last thing that she’d imagined happening to her.

                “I didn’t plan this Michelle, I’m not out to ensnare a rich man! I’ll do this alone with no help from him if that’s what I have to do.”

Michelle gasped amazed at the desperation and self deprecation in her voice, “Erin, I NEVER even imagined that, not for a second. You’re my best friend, I know you, and I know you’d not do that.”

Erin smiled half-heartedly, “I know that, and I think that he’ll be a brilliant father figure, and whatever you think I believe he’ll loves you saying that, I fear for you. What the hell will he say?”

As she sat in the car park still trying to face up to the reality of an antenatal appointment, Erin was still pondering that idea - what Jack would say when she told him. But she knew that regardless of her fears, she would tell him, there was no doubt about that...she just wasn’t sure when.

Michelle tried to assure her that Jack was a good man, that he’d not see things that way, but Erin wasn’t so sure. He was damaged emotionally, he didn’t see his family from one year to the next, had not had a decent length relationship...according to intensive searches on Google; he was suspicious, anxious, and would probably accuse her of untold crimes. He’d think the worst; she knew that and the thought of his anger filled her with dread. But he couldn’t change what was happening, and despite it all she had to tell him.

He needed to know.

Taking a deep breath, the twelfth steadying breath at least, Erin opened the car door.

The inside of the clinic wasn’t as offensive as she’d imagined, and once she started to talk to doctors, nurses and eventually the radiographer who performed her ultrasound, she was as happy and excited as every other newly pregnant woman in the clinic. She was the only one there alone, even the young obviously single mothers had their own mother or a friend with them, and she did feel a little vulnerable. Michelle had offered to take time off to drive to Manchester to be there for her, but she assured her that she was fine.

Now as she sat, a due date for early in the New Year already pencilled into her medical notes, she wished her mother was there. She’d not told her parents. Didn’t know how to. She had to work things out with Jack first, then once she knew how involved or not he planned on being, she could tell them. Her father would flip; she might be in her thirties, but a baby, by someone like Jack. She cringed; he’d definitely have to get over his aversion to ‘spoilt’ football players.

Her last appointment was to see the consultant obstetrician, he would have the final say as to how, where, and when her baby was born. But there was a delay as he’d been called up to an urgent delivery, so Erin sat in the waiting room smiling down at the little bean that was her baby projected onto the printed scan in her hand. All that had seemed a headache earlier in time was now a marvel, a miracle, and the gift she’d spent a long time waiting for. Her excitement was unbounded, the flickering heart beat, the budding limbs and the early baby shape, this was HER baby, and regardless of Jack’s reaction she was having it. She expected nothing from him, though she would never stop him from being involved, but there was the realisation that suddenly she had all she needed.

Hearing giggling, Erin looked up, and half smiled at the two women emerging from the ultrasound room in front of her, both laughing in an affectionate way as they pointed at the ultrasound image in one of their hand’s. Then she froze.  Her smile disappeared and Erin hit the point of panicking. The woman on the left glanced up and her face broke into a smile of friendly recognition, it was a momentary lapse before awkwardness and realisation set in. Danni Millward, Scott’s wife, and great friend of Jack Reilly was stood smiling at her with apprehension. And what other conclusion could the woman make?

Talking quietly to her friend, Danni smiled as the owner of the scan nodded and then moved away, leaving the two women to face each other awkwardly.

Eventually Danni walked across to her, glanced pointedly at the ‘Welcome New Mother’ introduction pack placed on her knees before meeting Erin’s eyes cautiously, “congratulations! I presume.”

Erin sighed, this was more awkward than she’d ever imagined, but she wasn’t ashamed, this was the best thing that had happened to her, and no one of nothing could change that. “Thanks, and yes this is definitely a good thing!”

Danni nodded knowingly, “have you told him?”

She shook her head, “I’ve only just found out, I will though.” At the raised eyebrow to that reply, Erin added, “look despite what you might think of me this wasn’t planned. I’d appreciate the opportunity to speak to him, before you do.”

                “Look Erin, I don’t have an opinion on you, other than I thought you were a great choice for Jack when I met you. But this isn’t the first time someone’s tried to land this at his door, you can’t blame him for being suspicious of women...Tina,” she spat out the name, “was scum, but as usual he couldn’t see that.” Danni shook her head and focussed again, “I don’t know what happened between you two, but you really need to speak to him, if you don’t I will.”

Erin nodded, “like I say, I will tell him, I have every intention, this is not me trying to trap him Danni, I know he doesn’t want me, and I’m not interested in his money. I just know he deserves the chance to decide what happens.”

If Danni was surprised at Erin’s words she hid it well. “You’re right, he does. He’s a good man, and he needs the chance to do the right thing. If I see him I will tell him, the pressure’s on you, as much as I like you, my loyalty is to him.”

Nodding Erin tried to smile, and failed, “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

The two women parted awkwardly but with a mutual understanding.

As Erin drove home she relived the conversation with Danni...Erin knew the other was right, after dinner she had to phone Jack, she had to tell him today, there were no more excuses. And who was Tina? She’d not heard anything about her before, and the name puzzled her.

Barney was pleased to see her, and despite her earlier promise to call him, she walked the dog to the nearby park, letting him run. The fresh air and sunshine made her feel a million times better. In less than thirty weeks she’d be a mother, it was a feeling she never thought she’d experience, she was scared of telling Jack; that was the truth of it, she was scared of his reaction and his anger bursting the bubble that she was happily floating around in.

At least there was a reason for her extreme fatigue, she’d been shattered the last few weeks, and now she knew why, that was her only thought as she opened her holiday suitcase and started on the washing. She was due back to work in two days, and despite all the hassles of late, she’d had a refreshing time, she was ready to go back to work.

She was deliberating on what to eat; she was trying to make the effort to be healthy now when there was a rap at the door. Her upstairs neighbour had left a message earlier to say he’d taken in a parcel for her whilst she’d been away, she couldn’t imagine what it was, she didn’t remember ordering anything. So with an excited skip in her step, she made for the door.

Swinging open the door she grinned as she looked outside, and then for the second time that day she froze, but this time her heart felt as though it had stopped and her legs were threatening to fail her. There stood on the doorstep, eyes blazing, mouth pulled into an angry snarl, was Jack. If it was possible to see steam bursting out of his ears, then he was angry enough for that.

                “What the fuck are you playing at Erin?” He asked bursting in, “were you ever going to tell me?”

Never Again - 19

Chapter 19 - life goes on

                “Forgive me!” He’d bombarded her with text messages since the morning after abandoning her, but now it seemed he was coming at her in person. “Talk to me!”

Jack was stood at the top of the stairs that led down to her flat, when she’d emerged with Barney in tow for his first proper walk. And she was stunned that he even thought he deserved that opportunity.

                “You abandoned me! Left me at the table...I didn’t even know where I was! Have you any idea how humiliating that was?” Erin glared at him, no he had no clue. No woman had ever left him standing; he’d never been turned down by anyone. He’d not have a wife who’d sleep around on him. No life was perfect for him. “An apology doesn’t come close! Not that one has been forthcoming! It was five days ago!”

                “I tried to text you...” his forlorn look wasn’t working.

She laughed, “you LEFT me at nine o’clock, without as much as a word, then you text me the next day! Reilly, we had a bit of fun, great sex...” She squared up to him, “but I deserve more. I don’t know who you think you are treating people like that...oh wait! You’re Jack Reilly!”

She stormed past him, not trusting herself to say anything else, she was furious with the way he’d treated her, but his nonchalant ‘poor boy’ attitude was like the light to her fuse.  He was stunned by her anger, her single mindedness, that was obvious, and Erin knew he had no counter to her argument and he watched her help Barney into the back of her car then drive away. And Jack being Jack just let her go. He’d never fought for anything in his life before, and he quite obviously wasn’t about to start now. Another reason why she was right to be so firm over this.

At some point over the following weekend Erin wondered if she’d forgive him, let him explain. Something had quite obviously spooked him, and he deserved the chance to explain. A week after his attempt at an apology, she was viewing the whole thing in a different light.

On Sunday morning she woke and went for a run, she was starting to get a social life in Manchester, but there was still a lot of time spent alone. So she had plenty of time to think. As she pounded the roads and parklands of her locality, she decided that yes, she’d call him once she got back. That was the most logical thing to do, at least give him the chance he’d requested. She’d not forgive herself if she didn’t.

Winding down her run, she called at the local corner shop and bought two fresh cheese and ham filled croissants, a meaty treat for Barney and a selection of Sunday papers. Decisions weren’t best made on an empty stomach.

Barney was ecstatic to see the treat, not so much her, and took it to his bed to devour. Erin filled the coffee machine, then showered; eventually she sat down with her breakfast and opened the paper. And she felt sick all over again.

No words could describe the sight. A full page picture of Jack, looking happy, smiling, maybe a little drunk, leaving the end of season celebration party held at an expensive hotel, and draped around his neck with a buxom blonde. What was it with men in her life and fake blondes with big tits?

This was like a trip down Memory Lane! She’d been usurped twice, both times publicly and in the most humiliating fashion. Closing the paper she was surprisingly calm, but then he’d abandoned her in a restaurant less than a week earlier, this was hardly as upsetting, and it didn’t come close to the trauma of the world knowing her husband was playing around. She ignored the voice that reminded her that this man was a million times more important than the man she married, and that he’d influenced her life more in the short time they’d been acquainted. 

She was living here in Manchester, the same city as him, and despite the fact that it was a huge place; she still worried about bumping into him again, especially if he was accompanied by the blond smiling up at her from the newspaper. But it was the end of the season and she could only hope that she didn’t bump into him, after all, he’d told her he was heading off on an exotic holiday as soon as the season ended; she just hoped that was as soon as possible.

It wasn’t that he owed her any obligation, she told Michelle later on the phone, but that he was so quick to move on. She’d obviously meant very little to him, he’d begged her to give him a chance, and yet he was happy to pull a replacement on to his arm at the first opportunity. Thankfully she’d not been photographed with him herself, that would have been the ultimate humiliation. 

                “I think you should speak to him Erin, even if it’s just to call him a bastard. He wanted to explain, you should have given him that chance.”

Erin swallowed at the criticism, she was the injured party here, he deserved no sympathy, “Michelle, I have no interest in a man who could do that to me. I’m not accepting less than the best from anyone, not after all that happened with Max. I want a man who wants me wholeheartedly. That man isn’t Jack Reilly. I’d rather be alone that accept second best again.”

Michelle was quick to reply, “I didn’t mean that you should settle for anything less. Just that he seemed a genuine guy, and not one who would up and run like that. This woman on his arm...that’s different, and you’re right it’s WAY too quick. But what I don’t want to see is you wondering what if. You are my only concern here ok?”

Erin’s protests that she wasn’t upset, that he hadn’t hurt her were as weak to Erin’s own ears as she knew they were to Michelle’s and the last thing her friend needed was to be worried about her, she had a growing baby to focus on. So she laughed and changed the subject telling her friend all about her upcoming trip.

Six weeks passed, and despite a few hopeful messages from Jack, Erin stayed firm, and she knew that Jack wouldn’t keep pushing, he wasn’t used to it and his pride would rule. She had a busy summer planned herself, after her brother’s birthday party, she was flying to the south of France to stay with an old friend, and that sounded like heaven. As per usual the British summer had started as a damp squib, and she was feeling waterlogged. So as her and Barney headed to her parents, she had a genuine smile on her face for the first time in ages.

Yvonne had decorated their house in the theme of James Bond for the party, and EVERYONE wore fancy dress. Michelle had suggested she go as Ursula Andress in the Dr No Bikini, but that was about as likely as her turning up naked. She also avoided the gold jumpsuit of another Bond girl. Instead she settled for being anyone of the dozens of Bond girls from the sixties, a head band, back combed hair and a black mini dress, with the vintage shoes she’d found in a charity shop she felt perfect.

The house was packed as she entered complete with Pussy Galore and a rather handsome mature Bond, her parents. Very soon they were drinking martinis and mixing with the fifty or so people there. Finding herself on the edge of the group she smiled as her brother approached. “So how does it feel to be almost forty?”

He grimaced, “painful! And I’m two years away yet! Cheeky. No seriously, I feel great! And as usual Yvonne pulls off another amazing party!”

Erin nodded, “there was never any doubt.”

After a brief smile, Peter turned to stare at her, “how’s Manchester? Haven’t seen you smile this weekend, you looked happy when you first moved there.”

                “New places!” She offered, “You know how it is. Sometimes great, others lonely! Got Barney though, and to be honest I work with some great people.”

                “Mum hinted you’d met someone...” He threw the comment out in an awkward fashion; they didn’t do deep and meaningful conversations.

Erin sighed, “kind of did, kind of ended.” She’d become expert at hiding the pain and bitterness that the thought of Jack was still able to create.

He nodded, silent for a moment, then turned to her, “don’t let that bastard spoil your future Erin, ok? You deserve better than Max Thomas, you always did.”

Erin turned to look at her brother, he’d not shown her the slightest hint of support or love for years, those words were tantamount to ‘I love you sis’. And he was right, she deserved better than Max, she deserved better than Jack. She only feared she’d never meet a man that special.

                “Thank you!” With that she threw her arms around his neck and gave him an almighty hug. His arms tightened around her, it was an emotional moment for them both.

Erin was aware she seemed sombre, so she threw herself into things, Peter had good friends and the evening flew by. But she was tired, she’d driven through horrendous traffic to get home it was exhausting, so using Barney being alone as an excuse, she left by eleven, making the short stroll home to her parents farm on her own.

Making a cup of cocoa she looked at Barney, lounging on a sofa, looking at her through one half open eye.

                “So do you think I’ll find Mr Right?”

His half hearted tail wag wasn’t the best response, but it was all she had.

The next morning she flew to Marseille, a bustling coastal city on the South coast of France. Sandrine was a college buddy who’d travelled to London for education, but had gone immediately back to her native France to work. Her father was a self made shipping magnate, and her gaining a medical degree had been his greatest and proudest moment. She worked as a private consultant for medico-legal cases, part time; she spent the rest of her time modelling and sailing, her two great loves.

Erin had great fun relaxing in the sun, after the hectic nature of her private life the last few months she was glad to do no more than lounge on the deck of Sandrine’s boat as slipped through the gentle swell of the Med. The perfect holiday.

On the last day of her trip, Sandrine invited her back to a fashion show in a few weeks. Whilst Erin wasn’t that bothered, but she dutifully checked her diary. It was only then that she noticed red pen circling a date in her diary, a date that had passed uneventfully several weeks ago.

Jack, dropped the surfboard next to him and collapsed onto the beach, looked at the Persian Gulf laid out before him, perfect turquoise water, and fine white sand. He was going scuba diving later, he had a villa with a butler...life shouldn’t get any better than this.

He sighed, but it was no fun alone. He’d cruised some of the hotels the previous night, having dinner, a few drinks, and there was no shortage of mainly British female tourists who would have cut their right arm off to experience an evening with him on the world famous Palm. But he wasn’t interested in just anyone.

Scott and Danni were arriving the following day, they’d booked the villa next door, and whilst he looked forward to that, he also dreaded it, after all Danni wouldn’t let anything lie.

And she’d be right. It was time to admit that he missed Erin; he missed her quick wit, her enthusiasm, her joie de vivre. He’d not needed anyone before, but for the first time his life was empty without her. 

Grabbing his surfboard he headed back into the water. Surfable waves didn’t happen here very often, so he made the most of it, because when he was fighting nature, he managed to forget...for a moment.

Never Again - 18

Chapter 18...the dinner date

Two days later Jack was appearing on a Saturday morning football magazine show, his team had the second from last game later that day. When he headed to London Friday night, he didn’t invite Erin, and she wasn’t bothered. They’d seen a lot of each other the last two weeks, she was glad of some time to herself. Karen and Tania the two receptionists at work were part of a group going out for a meal that evening, so after checking on Barney, she headed back to the City centre.

The restaurant was an Italian chain, the food predictable, but there was nothing wrong with it. A few of the surgeons had come along and were throwing money around in a very boastful fashion. During her first week in the clinic at least one of them had made gestures and comments that were inappropriate, and now that the alcohol was free flowing Erin was grateful of the two secretaries’ advice and comments helping her through the evening. If only she’d worked here she’d have never trusted Max as well as she had, he was the same as these surgeons, cocky, confident and with the morals of an alley cat. Retrospect was such a wonderful thing!

By half past nine Erin was making her way home, she loved the opportunity to go out, but the little sleep she’d had this week meant she was extremely grateful of the thought of some unadulterated sleep.

When Erin woke the next morning, she’d had a few goodnight texts from Jack, but she’d slept through them. As she ate breakfast she watched him on TV talking about his injury, his thoughts, his prospects. He was as charismatic as ever, and as edgy as he always was, no one was completely comfortable interviewing him as he often threw awkward questions back at the interviewer. Today was no exception, as was usual questions hinted at his bad boy image, but he let them glide over him, all too soon he was talking about the day he met Pele, the greatest footballer ever. How could a TV interviewer compete with that? As usual he ended the show in a confident waft of glory. His recent misdemeanours were starting to fade already.

The rest of the day Erin spent with Barney trying to rehab him in a way a colleague had recommended, one of her friends in London was an animal physiotherapist and they’d had a few email dialogues about Barney’s injury. By early evening she’d located a canine hydrotherapy pool fairly locally, all she needed now was the all clear from the vet.

Sunday  Erin went for run, there was a half marathon coming up in a few months that she’d entered so she had to try and get her training schedule back on track. Then she cooked a beef casserole, it seemed strange to go to so much effort when she was the only one eating. But if she thought like that she’d eat junk food every day. She was just sitting down to it when her phone bleeped. She couldn’t hide the grin when she saw Jack’s name, she’d barely spoken to him all weekend.

                “How was your weekend? Sorry not been in touch, I forget how busy London is! Can we do dinner tomorrow? I know a nice little Mexican?”

All of a sudden Erin realised that she was looking forward to that more than she had anything else. She’d tried to fight the feelings she was having for Jack, but she couldn’t. So she had to go with it, trust him, trust herself, see where things went.

It was dead on seven pm the following day when her doorbell rang. Erin was stood in the bedroom and wanted to scream. How did you dress for a Monday night dinner date?  Her room was a mess, at least eight discarded outfits tossed over the bed and floor, and now he was here. Gathering up armfuls of clothes, she dumped them all in her laundry basket, they weren’t dirty, but she’d deal with them later...all because she anticipated him coming home with her after the meal. Was she becoming a loose woman?

Groaning she glanced in the mirror, she’d settled on simple black dress, and she slipped on a pair of matching heels as she headed for the door. As usual Jack looked impeccable, black jeans coating his legs, a grey sweater that looked made for him and a jacket tossed over one shoulder almost in a catalogue pose.

He gave a slow look up and down, accompanied by a low pitched whistle and Erin fought the instinct to bask in that appreciation, she was so glad she’d deliberated her choice now.              

“Not so bad yourself Mr Reilly!” she replied rather too coyly.

Offering her an arm, he grinned then led her out to his very low slung black sports car, helping her into the floor level seat. He was grinning as he sat beside her, and powered the engine. Erin wasn’t into cars per se but even she could appreciate the vibrating roar of the vehicle as he hit the accelerator.

                “Boy toy?” she asked with a smirk.

He shrugged, “always promised myself I’d get a beautiful piece of Italian artistry if I could ever afford it, problem is it’s not really practical! But don’t tell anyone that, ok?”

She chuckled, “so I was right, boy toy!”

With a groan he hit the accelerator again and stormed out of the street. He stopped outside a non descript building in a quiet part of town, as the car stopped she could see that the window of the building was actually a view into a small restaurant.

                “Quaint!” She observed.

He nodded, “Santi our right back, well he met the guy who runs this place, there’s a Hispanic connection, treated like royalty, but who knew it would do the best Mexican outside Mexico! It’s a delight!”

She loved that he was so enthusiastic about the place; it was easy to become complacent when you lived a life like him, she’d seen it with Max, the amount of dinners, premiers they’d attended, and he was bored so very quickly.  But not Jack, he was looking forward to showing her how great this place was, and she liked that, a lot.

He helped her out of the car, and his hand stayed at the small of her back as he directed her into the building. A small stocky man rushed to meet them, his dark skin weathered in a way only hours in the sun could do.

                “Senor Reilly! It is good to see you again!”

Jack smiled charismatically and extended a hand, “you too Miguel, and as I told you last time, I’m Jack...” he paused turning to Erin, “and this is Erin, my guest!”

Miguel ushered them to a table, “pleased to meet you Senorita Erin, the chef recommends the monkfish today, but as you will see...” he seated them then handed them menus, “we have a lot of very good meals!”

                “Thank you Miguel, can we have two beers?”

Nodding the man disappeared, two other tables were occupied, and Erin fought a smile as the patrons there tried not to stare in wonder at Jack. It was as unlikely that a world famous footballer would be eating in such an understated small and local place, as it was that the other diners would be at one of the central Manchester wine bars which were home to the rich and famous.

                “What do you recommend?” Erin asked coyly, peeking over the top of her menu after Miguel had delivered their beers.

Jack leaned back in his seat and grinned, “I was hoping you’d ask me that! The burritos are good, but the king here is the Chimichanga, it is amazing.”

She nodded closing her menu, “sounds good!”

The food was amazing, he was exactly right, and the one thing she could guarantee was that Jack was good company, he had been regaling stories of training ground antics all evening, it seemed that within his team they were constantly practical joking, from throwing teammates into swimming pools, to substituting music on mp3 players, there seemed to be no boundaries. And Jack Reilly seemed to be one of the major instigators.

As coffee followed dessert, the conversation came around to family. She was proud of hers, and she could talk all day about Amelia and Liam, she was a devoted aunty.  Jack was happy sat back watching her retell stories, her face lighting up as she regaled tales of them, Amelia obviously looked up to her in awe and wonder, and Liam was a rebellious child who loved exploring, his childhood on the outskirts of her parents farm was so reminiscent of his own back in Ireland.

Suddenly the room felt too warm, his collar too tight, he was going back to places he hated going. He’d not thought of his parents, his home, for so long. Since that fateful day when he’d injured her dog they’d been far too close to his thoughts for comfort.  

To Jack it felt like he was drowning, and he had to hold on to his calm, his control.  As he tried to breathe through his panic, to steady his thoughts, he noticed that Erin had stopped talking. Glancing up he noted her concerned expression.

                “Did I say something wrong?”

He shook his head, “of course not! Sorry I just remembered something I need to do this week.” It was the first lie that came into his head.

She cocked her head to one side and studied him, “you sure? You look like you’ve seen a ghost!”

He almost laughed, that was what his family had become, ghosts. And he couldn’t remember when things had got quite so bad. The main thing was that he had no positive memories of childhood; he and his siblings were so distant, in age and affection. He was the third of the four siblings, but he honestly believed he had had the short straw. Once his sisters were in their late teens they married and moved out, he couldn’t remember the first time he’d known that his father had beaten his mother, but he had, then she’d had several miscarriages, thinking back in later years, he came to despise his father more and more, she’d been in her mid forties when she’d finally had Conor, the ‘menopausal accident’, no one ever commented on the fact that he was the product of devout Catholicism and a woman who obeyed her husband at all costs. Domestic, emotional and sexual abuse at its greatest. He’d been free of the environment for over half his life, but the last time he’d been home, his sister Sinead’s son and granddaughter’s first communion, her sister had followed in her mother’s footsteps and had five children in her first seven years of marriage, and then one eleven years later. Little Cormack was only a month older than his niece Cara.

Screwed up! That was his family, and he’d not seen them in eighteen months, that communion where his bastard of a father had stood at the head of the family and everyone had looked at him adoringly. It had crippled Jack, he’d tried so many times to free his mother from her prison, but she always courted around the issues and ignored his protests.

And in the last six weeks she’d started to write to him, asking him to come home, to visit the family. It was apparently his responsibility, he owed it to them, they all lived in houses paid for by him, he sent money every month, but that wasn’t enough. No, he was due the guilt and the blame of a thousand ills, and woe betide him if he didn’t turn up!

Shaking his head he looked up at Erin again, she seemed seriously worried, but it was too hot, and he was feeling a bit sick, all this had started when he met her, it was all a mess, a huge great mess...“sorry...I was just...” and in a mad dash panic he got up and left the restaurant.

Erin stared from the empty seat opposite her to the closed door, then to the empty parking space in front of the window. Pulling out her phone she made to call for a cab, then it struck home she couldn’t. Shaking her head slowly, she turned to Miguel.

                “Could I have the bill please? And a taxi if possible?”

He nodded obligingly and she was relieved, she had no idea where she was. 

Never Again - 17

Chapter 17 - Barney's back

This must be what it’s like to have a child! Erin thought as she finally collapsed into a chair, Barney was home, and was as demanding as a toddler. She’d picked him up from her parents by lunchtime, and after a family meal, she’d bundled him into the car and driven him back home, late April the trip hadn’t been completely in the dark, but she was glad to see the familiar street looming ahead.

In the house Barney had acted like a stranger sniffing every inch of the apartment and the small front forecourt as well as the garden. He was ambling around and giving her doe eyes, but she’d seen him rushing around her parents’ farm far more enthusiastically than he was moving here. Now, he was settled on his sofa, looking at her pitifully.

                “Are you missing the farm already? Is that it?” He moved his head to the left and she could have sworn he sighed. “God animal! You sure know how to lay on the guilt!”

Instead of ignoring him as she should have, she fed him titbits from the leftovers her mother had packed up for her, chicken, his favourite.  But by eight pm he was still sulking. She hadn’t had time to think about the implications of the previous night, and she’d not thought about just what Jack meant to her. As she flicked on the TV, glad to see there was a James Bond film starting, she hoped that he wouldn’t invade her thoughts too much. After all, he was just a friend, and they’d just had a brief fling, she didn’t want to repeat it.

Even as she thought the words she knew that she was lying, last night was the next thing that had ever happened to her, she had never felt so special...so cherished. But she also knew that she had to compartmentalise this for what it was, a random screw with a hot man. It pained her to think like that, it had felt like SO much more, but she had to start thinking sensibly if she wanted to stay here in this town. And she did. She was enjoying finding herself, and this was the perfect City for her to do that, it was large, busy, full of so many opportunities, but miles away from Max, there was no chance of bumping into him.

She took a deep breath, then got up to boil the kettle, coffee, some of her mother’s cake and Daniel Craig...could a woman ask for more?

Half an hour later she realised that yes, they could...she could! There was a ring at the door, and as she pulled open the door, she gasped to see Jack leaning against the door frame.

                “Came to see the invalid...and you!”  He was a sight for sore eyes in his soft worn jeans and grey hoodie, his eyes sparkling from behind dark framed glasses, the intellectual looking Jack was as beautiful as the confident, sexy, sporty variety.

                “I didn’t know you wore glasses!” She exclaimed not stepping back to allow him in.

He grinned, “contacts normally, but for some reason I’ve spent the day sleeping! My eyes are sore! Anyway, you digress! How’s the casualty?” He pushed past her, firmly but without threat, and walked straight up to Barney, who with a complete lack of loyalty, starting wagging his tail! “He looks well!”

When Jack looked up he found Erin’s eyes fixed on him, and he felt as though he’d intercepted something, the look took his breath away. Standing, he reached for her, desperately.

Erin had been remembering, his lips, his hands, every moment of that night in glorious Technicolor 3D, and then he was looking at her, and she knew she was lusting after him like a teenager. As he stood and came for her, she tried to shake off her shame, but as he grabbed her, devoured her like a starving man, she hated the fact that he’d seen how much she desired him, how much he domineered her thoughts.

And then he was kissing her and nothing else mattered.

It wasn’t until his hands started to roam, finding the warm flesh of her spine, snaking under her t-shirt that she stopped him.

                “Reilly! Please!”  She pushed him gently away and he groaned.

                “What?” his mouth sought her neck, the velvet soft skin that bridged to her shoulder, drugging her back in to responding.

                “Stop Jack please.”  She felt like she was trying not to drown, her face trying to penetrate the surface of a deep pool, “please!”

He lifted his head and looked down at her, a hand straying from her spine to her cheek, fanning her jaw, a thumb dragging across her bottom lip, she couldn’t fight the moan than left her lips, and he smiled, “why do you want me to stop? We are so good together!”

His eyes watched her lazily as the confusion stormed through her brain, she was struggling to find a reason to stop him, after all every inch of her was desiring every inch of him.

Jack saw the exact moment she gave up her fight, the second that she realised that he was right, a smile crossed her lips and she reached up to him, with a grunt of satisfaction he met her in the middle.

Erin couldn’t believe herself, she’d never been so wanton, so desperate, but as he started to kiss her, she lost control, dragging at his clothing longing for the feel of his skin under her fingers. The fact that she was still halfway out in her hallway didn’t seem to matter, all she wanted was him.

Jack was equally needy, he’d struggled to concentrate on anything all day, all he could remember was Erin’s beautiful body responding enthusiastically to everything they’d shared. He’d always enjoyed sex, taken pleasure and pride his performances, but until last night...and this morning, he’d had no real concerns other than his own pleasure, satisfying his own lust. Most of his partners seemed to appreciate him, if they didn’t they faked rapture, but with Erin he found himself wanting to give her pleasure, wanting to see her eyes lose focus, watch her lose control, that was almost more addictive than his own needs.

Every part of her was perfect, he greedily digested all of her as she bared for him, when she stood in just her bra and jeans, he took her hand and led her through the lounge to her bedroom. Within seconds they were naked and he’d thrown her back onto the bed, climbing over her, he carried on the assault he’d started in the hallway.

Much later, they were sat on the sofa him in boxers, her in a t-shirt, the Bond film finished long ago.

                “So are you working tomorrow?” he asked, scooping one of her feet into his hands and massaging the instep.

An impromptu moan preceded her answer, “I’m trying to juggle my diary, I shouldn’t leave Barney for too long, I have to start at eight, but I’m hoping I can move things around to free up some time. It’s only awkward cos I’m still new!”

Jack instantly felt terrible, this whole mess was his fault, as if he needed more reminders of that awful day, “I can sit with him, or he can come to mine. I’ve got a doctor review at ten, but they still don’t want me training hard. So I can be with him. Free you up?”

Erin didn’t want to rely on him, and he could see that in her eyes, “it’s my fault! All this, so let me help, ok? I don’t have to be in your house without you, I can take him to mine, or wherever I go.”

She nodded, “a little help would be great. Thanks.”

                “See?” he grinned, “you don’t have to see me as a threat!”

Hmm, she thought as she watched him leave a little later, he was more than a threat on SO many levels. He’d wanted to stay, but she had to work, he was a distraction, she’d likely not sleep with him in her bed anyway.

But true to his word, he helped her out a lot over the next few days. She had unsociable hours, working into the evening, late starts, it was a hectic work. Despite not seeing much of him, Jack committed to dog-sitting at any point where Barney was being left for more than an hour. Thursday night there was an accident on the motorway, instead of getting home at seven it was after nine when she slipped her key in the lock. Jack had visited Barney earlier this afternoon, but was playing poker that evening, so she expected to come home to an empty house. But no sooner was the door open than she smelled something cooking, and that was unexpected.

Opening the door to the lounge, she gasped, there was Jack, in his usual jeans and t-shirt, but today with her “Carry on...Keep Cooking” apron in bright turquoise, laying the small dining table with her mismatched crockery and the gothic style silver candelabra she’d bought in a flea market in Paris years ago.

                “Wow! Ireland’s greatest striker is a domestic goddess?” She moved to scratch Barney on the head, he’d got off the sofa and limped towards her wagging his tail enthusiastically. “Finally glad to see me traitor?”

                “We both are!” Jack announced, “I think we’ve exhausted each other’s tolerance this week!”

She laughed, walking in the direction of the kitchen, she smiled as she got close to him, then ran a finger provocatively over his chest as she passed him. Laughing he snatched at the finger then propelled her into his arms, “you don’t have to look so happy about that!”

She leaned back in his arms looking up at him intently, “I have invested a lot of time and energy in that animal, I don’t appreciate him just switching loyalty like that!” She clicked her fingers to emphasise the speed of the turncoat.

Jack grinned, “If it’s any consolation, he turns back just as quickly, especially when he doesn’t have treats hand fed into his mouth!”

Erin giggled, “He hates bending to the floor for anything, let alone treats. He’s a big man you know!”

Jack swung her around so she couldn’t see Barney’s doe-eyes over her shoulder, “but I’m the BIGGER man! Hence me...to quote Charlie Sheen...‘WINNING’!”

With that he placed a very accommodating kiss on her lips. Erin tried not to swoon with desire, then spent a moment trying to peep past him to see what treats he was attempting. Then she spotted the cartons and a bag from a nearby Deli. Sighing she shook her head, “not!”

He laughed, “I’ve never cooked a meal in my life! This is as exotic as it gets!”

Despite her teasing the food was really good, as was the bottle of Prosecco that accompanied it.  Finally feeling human again, Erin smiled at him after clearing her plate, “that was good!”

                “I’m not ready to go to cooking school yet!”

The thought of him in any sport of classroom environment made her laugh, “no I can’t see that either.”

They’d settled into an easy friendship, the banter remained, but they were comfortable with each other, and Erin was starting to relax, let those defences down. As he looked at her with a smile, she knew he wanted to stay that night. It was a big decision, letting him encroach on her day-to-day life, Jack had been right the hotel, neutral territory - she sounded like the Jets in Westside Story, but it was equal, even. Him spending the night with her was a big risk, would she ever be able to imagine her home without him in it once he’d invaded it so fully?

Never Again - 16

Chapter 16 - the morning after 

the night before

Jack felt something move and for a moment panicked. He hadn’t woken with anyone in his bed in...ever! He’d always leave, or ask them to before deep sleep kicked in. Opening an eye he half groaned, there was enough light coming past the blinds that he knew it was morning, and he also knew there was a lissom, sweet scented body wrapped around him. Giving a second groan he noted that certain parts of him weren’t surprised that she was there. He was definitely standing to attention...or rather wanting attention. He took a moment to feel all that was happening - his arm was wrapped around her, her head was on his shoulder, hair fanning out over his arm. Her arm was draped around his waist, decidedly too low, then there was the slim calf settled between his two.

Averting his eyes he looked up at the ceiling above him, Erin-bloody-Bailey. Who’d have thought she’d be a rocket of cataclysmic proportions...and that despite every part of his sensible brain screaming ‘run away’, he’d be rolling his body towards her and stroking her hair as her eyelashes fluttered in the first stages of wakening?

Erin kept her eyes closed longer than was necessary, she could feel Jack against her, his rough haired leg around hers, his strong shoulder under her head, and his firm torso against her breasts. Oh God was her first thought, then Wow! She couldn’t deny that the previous night had been the most awe inspiring of her life. The things they’d done! She felt herself blush at the thought.

                “No one blushes in their sleep Erin Bailey. Are you going to open your eyes?”

His voice penetrated every level of her brain, flicking open one set of long lashes; she gazed up at her from a clear blue eye. Jack felt his heart twang, and his erection swell at the sight of that glimpse of her sexy gaze. She’d looked at him like that, from under hooded lashes, so many times last night, and most of the time it had been accompanied by her moaning his name, and he’d watched as her pupils had flared as each orgasm had washed over her.

                “I’m still asleep!” she muttered sleepily.

He chuckled, “and you are one sexy sleeper!” Though she seemed to pretty much do anything sexily.

She opened the other eye, “and you are the King of Schmooze!”

Jack’s eyes were wide as he moved over her, each tiny movement of his body opening up so much of hers to his eyes, his lips and his hands. Finally over her, he propped his weight through his elbows resting either side of her head, his hips nudged between her thighs, “I should be hurt that you think me so superficial! But I spoke the truth...you even snore cutely!”

His words cut through the hypnotic effect of his perfect body, his stubbled jaw, and those all seeing eyes, and Erin’s eyes widened and a firm index finger jabbed at his ribs in indignation...then she gasped, “is that your bad side?” The memories of those vivid bruises suddenly flashed in her mind. She’d wanted to make a point, a physical dig in jest, but it had backfired on her in dramatic fashion, only a week ago he’d broken his ribs badly.

There was humour in his face, as it hovered just a few inches from hers, “I’m not screaming like a baby, so you’re safe! And you can act all coy and angry, but you DO snore...and it IS cute!”

His smile was sickly sweet and she rolled her eyes. “I don’t snore! And you won’t change my mind on that!”

She watched as his tongue slipped out from between his soft lips, then lashed out to flick over hers. It was meant to be an ice breaker, make her smile, but it was the most erotic thing she’d ever felt. Erin ran her hands around his body to link over his spine, then tugged him down so that his lips kissed her properly.

And as with all the previous occasions, the contact of their mouths lit a fast acting fuse, and the explosion was only seconds away, and there was no barrier between them, their bodies were touching skin to skin, and therefore no delay in him entering her, joining them together for the innumerable time in eight hours. She’d never felt this high, never had a man so encouraging, so eager to please, and so energetic with it. Her memories of Max were reduced to ineffective gropes. Suddenly sex had become making love, and she was with a master, a man who not only knew what her body was capable, but enjoyed showing her.

Slumped over his body, Erin struggled to control her breathing, at some point he’d rolled her on top of him, thought she could barely recount the exact moment. Jack’s body was a distraction, his arms around her, his thighs encasing hers, and his warm breath on her shoulder. For a moment she only thought of this moment, being here with Just Jack, not the world famous footballer, the playboy, the flirt, but with the man who’d spent weeks wooing her, and most of the night driving her to the dizzy heights of extreme pleasure.

                “Mmm,” she moaned as his lips fastened onto her skin, just that contact was enough to rekindle the warm feeling of desire deep within her, “you are...” the words faded as his lips took hers. Amazing, beautiful, a gift from God, there were a million words she could have chosen to fill the gap in her sentence, but she surrendered to the kiss and kept them to herself.

                “I thought you said you were out of practice!” He finally managed, “you’ve run rings around me all night!”

Lifting her head, Erin looked down into Jack’s eyes and grinned, “well you definitely blew the cobwebs away!”

He almost choked at that, and as he spluttered and laughed, he realised how glad he was that Erin was here this morning, and by that he meant that she was herself, no awkwardness, no dashing off. He’d thought he would have hated waking with her, the invasion into his private time, but it was perfect, they laughed as she separated their bodies, sliding back to lie beside him.

                “It’s nine!” She exclaimed reaching to the side table for his watch. “Shit! I’ve got to get down to Cheltenham today to get Barney! Damn you for making me stay yesterday!” Her words were in scorn, but even as she lay beside him, her body still rosy from loving, she knew that she wouldn’t have wanted any other way of spending her weekend.

Grinning he reached out a hand to cup her breast, his thumb lazily toying with her nipple, “you’d never have been here last night then, and I for one wouldn’t have missed it for the world!” the puckering of the flesh under his finger blocked out any retort from her, instead he lowered his lips to replace his thumb.

Erin grinned, he was right. It was worth it alright, but she still had a long journey later. As difficult as it was, she lifted his hand and face from her chest, then rolled up to sitting, the bright lights were unforgiving and she was suddenly hyperaware of her nudity. He was used to models, women with perfect figures, and equally perfect features, very little about her was perfect. Breasts too big, waist too thick, she’d once favoured her legs, long and fairly slim, but Max had berated even them so many times that she couldn’t see any pride in them. Suddenly she needed to cover up, limit the damage, hoping that at least he’d remember more than her flaws.      

Reaching for the bra she managed to slide it on, and despite his giggles and his attempts to stop her fastening it, she secured it, then reached for her sweater.  She had her leggings, but still couldn’t find her thong, or what remained of it. The thought of not wearing underwear seemed such a foreign concept, but she couldn’t spend any longer looking for something that was probably damaged beyond use. The thought of a chamber finding them did cause a blush of shame, so she had another quick scramble under the bed, but to no avail.

Jack swung his legs out of the other side of the bed and found his boxer shorts. With them on he stood and strolled to the bathroom. When he emerged  Erin was pulling on her boots.

                “Missing something?”

She glanced up to see a scrap of lace hanging from his outstretched finger. “Ahh!” She walked towards him and snatched for her thong, as damaged as it was, but he whipped it away, tucking it in the rear of his shorts.

                “Souvenir! Or blackmail  item if you start playing hard to get!”

As he reached for his jeans Erin hated the way that she jumped up and down on the spot in temper, but he had the ability to rile her SO much. He’d pulled his jumper on before he reached for her and pulled her into his arms.

                “You even do angry funnily!” Then he kissed her nose. “I’ll drive you to your parents, I promised I would.”

Erin tried to hide the panic that surged inside her, her father would hate him, for SO many reasons, and then there was the thought of spending all day in the confines of a car with him, she wanted time and space to dissect the previous evening. She couldn’t do that with the distraction of him next to her.

                “It’s ok, I have some family things to do when I get there...” She smiled at him and played her trump card, “after all a night of good sex does not equal ‘meet the family’!”

She was spot on correct, but it was no consolation to him, the rejection hurt him deeply, and as he watched her walk out of the room after a perfunctory kiss, not even letting him see her home, he felt cheated, disappointed, and a little angry.

Never Again - 15

Chapter 15 - the plot thickens...

(Warning! Adult Content)

Jack booked the room confidently, whereas Erin stood beside him feeling like some sort of cheap date. She couldn’t meet the eyes of anyone at the reception desk and barely lifted her eyes until they were ensconced in the lift.

                “Hey, you don’t have to do this?” he offered sensing her embarrassment; he tilted her head up to look her in the eye.

                “I want to!” She insisted. It was just that she felt like a whore, being dragged off to a room as EVERYONE knew what they were doing. It was so long since Max had been part of her life, but the humiliation, the way the demise of her relationship had been so public, in her working world everyone knew and had an opinion on all that had happened. She couldn’t bare that sort of intrusive scrutiny again.  “I just don’t...” She couldn’t vocalise her words.

Jack smiled, “no one here knows anything about us, who we are, why we’re here. And this hotel of all around the town is known for its discretion. There’ll be no judging, I swear.”

                “You’ve done this before!” She hated the accusation in her voice, but it hurt to think that she may be the latest in a long list of women he’d booked a room with.

Jack laughed softly, his fingers still tilting her chin upwards, “you have such a shitty opinion of me!” Pecking a kiss on her nose, he added, “I’m not in the habit of doing this. I’d suggest my place...but it’s a sensitive subject, and knowing you the way I do, I’m thinking you’ll be pigheaded and refuse to come to mine...I’m always abusing your hospitality, neutral territory was the only real option. Don’t you think?”

When she wanted to shout, be angry with him, he said something so perfect, something that showed he completely understood all she was thinking. That wasn’t what she wanted, sympathy, understanding, it was so much easier to deal with an alpha male, demanding, uncaring...

The lift stopping brought her mind back to the here and now, and she followed him out into the corridor, the move an acceptance of the situation in itself. Jack’s hand moved from linking with hers, to rest around her shoulders, pull her close to him. Then found the room at the end of the corridor.

The card unlocked the door, and with each step her heart pounded quicker, the nausea of anticipation and anxiety rose, and her legs shook. Jack on the other hand was calm, relaxed and completely at ease. Flicking on a side light, he walked to the mini bar and pulled out a bottle of water. Pouring it into two glasses he watched Erin walk to the window, to stand and look out onto the dark City night.

                “Drink this,” he stood behind her, watching her reflection in the glass of the window, “you look stressed. Have this it’ll make you feel better.”

She took the drink, her free hand lifting to touch the glass, her fingers trailing down to fall to her side.  It was such a forlorn gesture that Jack immediately felt like a cad. He’d given her the chance to leave, but she wanted to be here, he was sure of that, she was just so anxious.

Lowering his head he placed his lips on the base of her neck, an inch below her hairline. “I’m not forcing this Erin, if you want to go...”

His hands had come to her hips at some point, and she placed her hand over one of them. “I’m just nervous Jack; it’s been a long time.”

It was the first time she’d called him Jack, and for as much as he liked her calling him Reilly, loving that it was almost a pet name, the sound of her saying his given name was the most sensual sound he’d ever known. Touching her skin again with his mouth, he smiled, “you’ve nothing to be nervous of Erin, and if truth be known, I’m more nervous than I ever have been before.”

                “Really?” She was watching the reflection of his head, moving against her neck, the creeping movement of his hands, as they slid from her hips up to her ribs, wide fingers splayed below her breasts.  It was intoxicating to watch the image reflected in front of her at the same time as feeling the heat, the electricity of the same movements throughout her body. Her legs felt weak, and the pressure of Jack’s thigh between her slightly parted ones was becoming a physical support as her limbs struggled to hold her.

As his hands moved slowly to cup each breast, her head fell back against his shoulder, and a moan escaped her lips. Jack felt a surge of excitement at that sound of surrender, and using his hands he hauled her back against him. Fortunately they were on the fifteenth floor, there were no windows overlooking this one, and he was finding the reflection as erotic as she was. His hands dropped once again to her hips, and as he slid them back up her body this time, he took her soft sweater with them.

It was like a slow teasing strip, her flesh becoming exposed inch by inch; Erin was writhing against him, and all he could feel was the softness of her buttocks against his rock hard erection. Digging his teeth into the soft flesh of her neck he elicited another moan, her lips parting in a look of rapture. He’d known that she was special, he’d wanted this for so long, but here, in the flesh she was so much more than he imagined.  She was honest and open in her responses to him, and that was what he wasn’t used to. Each movement, each sound was instinctive, and not calculated, and they were all addictive. Running his fingers over her bare stomach he was rewarded by another moan, she turned her head so that her lips met his neck and she reciprocated, her teeth snatching at the lobe of his ear.

Erin was in heaven, she’d never known such pleasure without anything really happening. His hands had barely touched her, his lips merely brushed at her neck, but she was a ball of quivering desire. All thoughts of nervousness, inadequacy were gone. Turning in his arms, she faced him, before she had any chance to speak, his lips devoured hers.

As his tongue invaded her mouth, she opened to him, meeting him head on with her own, a hand cupped her cheek, but the other remained on her body, still lifting the sweater. She gasped as her bare flesh came in contact with the cold glass of the window, but it wasn’t cold enough to quell her ardour. Her arms met around his neck, and it gave him the chance to lift her sweater higher, over her breasts, shoulders, and then as she lifted her arms, over them too. Tossing it to the floor, he leaned back to admire all that he’d revealed, her body was firm, not overly slim, and he liked that, as he did the rather voluptuous breasts, pale mounds that were struggling to be contained by the black balcony bra that was a stark contrast to her milky flesh.  For all the visual pleasures of her body, Jack was desperate to kiss her again.

Erin didn’t feel self conscious, she wasn’t embarrassed, if anything the look on Jack’s face was making her feel hotter, sexier...and more desperate. His hands were everywhere, pulling her towards him, away from the cold window, and in a very dextrous act, she watched him close the blinds without his lips leaving hers. By the time he’d completed the task, she’d started on his sweater, lifting up over his defined stomach and muscular chest, her hands dragging through the light spattering of hair that spread around each of his dark nipples. Her fingers lingered over them, loving the groan that each rake of her fingers caused. Then she spotted the angry green bruises along one side of his torso and gently touched them, he never complained about them, even though there was obvious evidence that he was anything but healed.

Dragging his lips from hers, he tossed his sweater across the room, then pulled her half naked body back against his own. The feel  of flesh on bare flesh caused Erin to gasp, Jack chuckled, lowering his lips to her ear, biting at the lobe as he breathed, “You are unbelievable.”

Mutual! She thought, though his lips on her throat eliminated any chance of speaking. She felt like a prima ballerina as he tipped her backwards over his arm, exposing more of her throat, lifting her breasts towards his lips. With his teeth he managed to tug back one of the lace cups, exposing a dark puckered nipple, which felt as hard as a bullet to her. Jack’s groan before his lips captured it ramped up the swirling heat of arousal coursing through her belly.

                “God you’re beautiful!” He exclaimed, lifting his head for a second as his spare hand unclasped her bra. Nudging it away he turned his attention to the opposite side giving the other equally charged nipple the same tender care.

                “And you’re so good!” She managed to gasp as her body threatened to implode.

Helping her back to upright, Jack kissed her once more, then stood as she explored his chest, offering him the same inspection, nips, licks and nuzzles as she’d received. Dropping to his knees, he took a leg and unzipped her boot, pulling her foot free, then he repeated on the other side.

                “Lose the trousers!” He growled as he started work on his own shoes, his trousers followed them, and when he straightened up and looked at her in just his hugging boxer shorts, she wore only her scrap of lace thong. “I want to carry you!” He rasped, “But I can’t with my ribs...”

So instead he pushed her in the direction of the bed, she hit the mattress with her thighs, then toppled backwards on to the soft duvet. Reaching for an ankle, Jack nipped at her toes, then ran his tongue over her instep. The exquisite torture continued as he inched up her leg slowly crawling along the mattress as he came closer to her. Each move towards her saw her part her thighs further to allow him space to move, and all too soon he was there at the very core of her. With a rip she felt her panties disappear, vaguely spotting the remnants fly across the room though she'd long since been able to focus on anything solidly.

Completely exposed and open to him, she felt her cheeks heat, looking down she saw his head lower, and the gasp froze on her lips as his fingers first parted her, then her tongue devoured her.  Long lashes of his expert tongue drove her to a rapid and explosive climax, and she was still gasping, her body bucking off the bed when he came to lie beside her.

Dragging her lips back to his, Jack once again devoured her, and Erin feeling satiated, pliable, could only go with him. Within moments he was reaching for a condom, rolling it on, and then taking her back to that high point once again.

They’d duelled more times than Erin could recount Jack knew exactly how to turn her on, how to draw out any climax, and hot to satisfy her hugely, and judging by his reaction she was having the same reaction on her. Finally, completely exhausted with every hint of desire and lust quenched, she collapsed into his arms. Jack wrapped her in his arms, her head on his shoulder, her thigh tossed over his, secured by his knees. Every part of her felt as though it was touching him, and the sensation of protection, security was all encompassing. She'd never had an experience like this, even in her honeymoon period with Max she'd never felt this desired, this loved...she stretched, this sore. Her body ached in places she couldn't imagine.

He kissed the top of her head, sensing her movement, “first time ever...speechless!”

Tilting her head she looked up at him, “really?”

He nodded, “never thought I’d be able to go so many times! You are having a profound effect on me!” As if to prove his point, he started to harden against her thigh once again.

                “No more!” she groaned, “can I have an hour’s sleep?”

Chuckling he tucked her head back into his shoulder, “if I can wait that long!”