Mary E. Thompson's Blog, page 53

Undeniable Flirtation, part two

Read part one first!

Nico took his time appraising his student, just as she’d done as he approached. She was beautiful in class, wearing jeans and a t-shirt most days, but in a blue one piece suit that did nothing to hide curves that made him salivate, she was simply stunning.

“I didn’t know many people knew about this place,” Eve said in a sultry voice, or at least Nico’s brain made it sound that way.

“I grew up right around the corner from here. My knucklehead brother and I used to come out here all the time. How did you find it?”

I smile tilted her lips, one that told Nico more than her words did. “An old friend brought me here a while ago.”

Nico made fists with his hands, immediately jealous of a man he’d likely never met and never would. Just knowing someone else had touched her, kissed her, maybe even made love to her, stirred a rage that Nico wasn’t familiar with.

“Is this old friend still a friend?” Nico asked, trying to play it cool and knowing he was failing miserably.

Another smile, this one completely for Nico, lifted her lips into the most beautiful grin he’d ever seen. “No, professor Rich, he’s not still a friend. I haven’t seen him an a lot of years.”

Nico bristled ever so slightly at the title. In class all his students called him that, but none of his students had ever struck him the way Eve did. He’d fantasized about her in the privacy of his own home, as he gripped himself in pleasure, more times than he cared to admit. He hadn’t even been able to bring himself to date another woman since he’d met her. No one compared in his eyes. ”Please call me Nico. The semester is over. For today, I think I can just be Nico.”

With a peaceful grin, Eve closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Yes, the semester is over. And so is my college career. I’m done, Nico.”

The way his name sounded rolling off her tongue was so good it had to be sinful. He imagined what it would sound like if she whispered it in his ear before flicking her tongue against his flesh. He hated to admit the thought stirred his cock nearly as much as the sight of her in her swim suit.

“Well, then I suppose congratulations are in order, Ms. Martinez.”

She whipped her head around so fast he nearly got whiplash. “I believe, Nico, that if I can use your first name then you can use mine.”

“Well, Ms. Martinez, I’m afraid that might cross a line because, see, you are way too beautiful for me to get personal with. And if I said your first name I might not be able to keep the effect you have on me to myself.”

Eve’s eyes immediately went to his crotch, which made him smile and made his cock jump. Nico wasn’t sure exactly what she saw, but her eyes widened and a small gasp escaped from her perfect lips. That sound, the smallest of sounds, made him twitch again, hardening under her obvious appraisal. Nico wasn’t sure how much longer he could take her watching his crotch without embarrassing himself so he cleared his throat, drawing her beautiful blue eyes back up to his face.

“So, what is your degree in?”

“Seriously?” Eve asked, cocking her head to the side. “You just told me you want me and you want to talk about my degree?”

Nico shrugged, “It seemed like a safe topic. Besides, I’m trying to stop imagining you naked and talking about school will help.”

She gasped again at his admission and he growled, a low, deep, painful sound that was ripped from his gut. It made her gasp a third time, and Nico grew hard enough to pound nails. “Ms. Martinez, you simply must stop making that sound. If you don’t I might have to throw you over my shoulder and carry you out into that water so I can ravish you. Or better yet, carry you home so I can properly worship you in my bed.”

She gasped again, a sound that sent a jolt straight through him. He took a step toward her, his fists clenched and his brain stuck on one clear objective, to hear that sound in his ear as he touched, kissed, and caressed every last inch of her body.

The post Undeniable Flirtation, part two appeared first on Mary E Thompson.

Undeniable Flirtation, part one

The wind rustled through the trees, making the leaves tremble. Eve sat and listened, her eyes closed, to the peaceful sound. Every once in a while I bird would chirp or sing, adding to the serenity of the moment. Where she sat, nothing could touch her, not the long school year she’d just finished or the annoying sound of trucks barreling down the interstate.

Eve was ready for peace and quiet. Every day had been a challenge. She knew going back to college at 32 would be tough, but she never imagined it would be quite that hard. The twenty-something’s she’d been in class with banded together to keep her down, or at least it felt that way. She wasn’t in their dorm, or their sorority, or going to this party or that one. She was the old woman in class, and none of them were all that interested in getting to know her.

But that was over. Class ended and in a few days Eve would be getting her degree. She’d finally see her lifelong dream realized. After waiting an extra decade before finishing up school, she was glad to finally be done.

The roar of an approaching vehicle drew her from her relaxed state. She knew the small lake access wasn’t private, but not many people knew it existed. Usually Eve could sit in her chair all day, her toes digging into the soft sand as the water danced over her ankles, and not see anyone. On the day she really needed the relaxation, it appeared she wasn’t going to get it.

The red SUV parked next to Eve’s car and three doors opened.

The driver was stunning. Sandy brown hair and a killer smile were the first things Eve saw. A broad chest, barely covered in a white t-shirt that begged to be free of his muscles, led to a narrow waist and low slung board shorts with some sort of fake tropical scene. Long tan legs made her think of long summer days spent lounging in their private spot.

Then Eve noticed the brunette woman who got out the passenger door. A black and pink bikini barely covered her abundance of breasts and perfectly perky ass. She flashed the hunky driver a come hither look that could only be missed by a blind person. ‘Oh, well,’ Eve thought, ‘I wasn’t looking for a summer fling anyway.’

Eve closed her eyes again, hoping they’d go about their business and not bother her. She wanted peace and quiet, not sex on the beach, especially if she wasn’t one of the participants.

Voices drifted over to her, the deep baritone of the guy, a high pitched giggle from the brunette, and a third voice, mixing with the other two. Eve forgot about the third person. She’d been too busy ogling the driver to think about him. Something about his voice was familiar, niggling in the back of her brain. The hottie driver wasn’t familiar, and neither was Ms. Perfect Boobs, so Eve pushed away the thought that he was familiar.

She tried to focus on relaxing again, but his voice kept drifting to her ears. She couldn’t place it, but she definitely liked it. Deep and smooth with just a hint of an accent. The more Eve tried to ignore him though, the more she heard.

“Dude,” he said, “I thought you brought me here to hang out. All you’re doing is ignoring me for your flavor of the week.”

Interesting, Eve thought. He was more interested in spending time with the guy than the half naked woman they were with.

“Relax, bro. I’ll be here for another week. We’ll have time to get together.”

“I’ve got shit to do. That’s why I agreed to come out today. And instead of finding out how you’re doing and catching up after you’ve been gone for almost a year, all I see if the back of your head buried in her face.”

“Aw, come on, Nico, lighten up. Why don’t you go chat up that sexy little thing over there. She looks like your type. Cute, brunette, nice legs perfect for wrapping around – oof.” Eve heard a splash and opened her eyes to see the driver come up from the water. He splashed the other guy who just laughed at him. The brunette jumped in after him and tackled him, joining in the game she didn’t start.

Guy two turned toward Eve and smirked. His eyes danced with mischief. She just shook her head at him. He grinned and started walking toward over after a glance at the other two, who were making out like teenagers.

With each step he came into clearer focus and all at once Eve knew exactly who he was. Her breath hitched in her throat as she took in his glistening body, killer legs, and a smile she’d dreamt about more times than was fair. She’d been lusting after the man approaching her for months, but had never seen him so sexy. She wasn’t sure what to say, or how to act. But the time to decide was nearly over. His shadow covered her toes, then her legs, and finally her face.

“I’m sorry if my brother offended you. He’s a bit of a jerk when it comes to women. I hope we aren’t ruining your day.”

“It’s okay, professor Rich. Don’t worry about it.”

Dread, then recognition filled his face. Then a grin teased his lips. “Well, Ms. Martinez, I never expected to find you here.”

The post Undeniable Flirtation, part one appeared first on Mary E Thompson.

Free To Love, part four

Catch part one, part two, and part three first!

“Whoa, hold up,” Amanda declared forcefully. “I’m done with everyone making decisions for me. I have my own brain and my own thoughts. I spent too many years letting someone else decide how I should live. I never said I was going anywhere with either of you.”

She huffed indignantly and spun on her heel. The three gasps behind her were enough to propel her forward. None of them expected her to make a decision on her own. Well, screw them, she thought, getting into her car and slamming the door closed, separating herself from them.

Amanda lowered her head to the steering wheel. Why had she ever thought she cared about any of them? Becca was clearly only out for herself, like she’d always been. Ever since they were kids Becca treated Amanda like a bratty little sister, like it was a chore to spend time with her and to be friends. It was like being twins was more of a challenge than anything else in her life.

And Brian, well, he was a fool if he thought screwing Becca was a way to get to Amanda. Or if he thought Amanda was going to be his sloppy seconds. Amanda and Becca never shared men. Never. Not only did they not find the same men attractive, but Amanda was strictly against kissing, let alone sleeping with, any man who’d been with her sister. Knowing Brian had slept with Amanda, and seeing him kissing her, wiped all her feelings for him, even with the knowledge he was interested in her.

But Adam… She didn’t know what to think about Adam. Once upon a time she’d thought she might spend her life with him, but that was a lifetime ago. She didn’t know him anymore.

It didn’t matter anyway. Adam acted like a jealous jerk and Amanda wasn’t up for that. She wasn’t going to let anyone tell her what she should or shouldn’t do. Instead she was just going to go home and throw herself a pity party.

A quick check of her mirrors and Amanda was ready to back out. She eased slowly from her spot until she was clear of the car next to her. And found Adam leaning against the trunk.

Amanda gasped, surprised and happy to see him still there. She rolled her window down and asked, “What are you still doing here?”

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to tell you what to do. I understand you were upset over that other guy, which tells me you have a thing for him. I just wanted to apologize and give you my number. If things don’t work out with him, I’d love to hear from you. Hell, if things do, maybe I can come to your wedding. Tell everyone about the night you got together and how if I hadn’t hit you with my car you might have missed your chance.” He laughed a small, self-deprecating laugh before he continued. “It was great to see you, Amanda. I honestly wish you the best.”

With a little wave, he turned and started to walk back toward his car.

Amanda watched from her rear view mirror as he climbed into his car, backed out, and headed for the exit of the parking lot.

“Ain’t that some shit,” she mumbled to herself, feeling as though she’d taken a punch to the gut. Watching Brian and Becca make out like virgin teenagers was a blow to her ego, maybe a little to her heart, but seeing Adam walk away felt like a wild animal reached into her chest and clawed her heart out.

She couldn’t let him get away twice.

Amanda threw her car back into gear and tore out of the parking lot after him, barely avoiding hitting a couple stumbling out the door. She caught a glimpse of his car ahead and darted through traffic, hoping to catch up to him. She inched closer with each block she traveled until she could see his dark blue car just ahead of her.

She looked up just in time to see the light they were approaching flip from green to yellow. Adam’s brake lights flashed and Amanda hit her brakes, worried she might crash into his car. Then he tore through the intersection just before the light turned red, leaving Amanda to watch as he took the next right and disappeared.

Amanda slammed her hand into the steering wheel. The light turned green a minute later and she sped through it, turning right, praying that just maybe she’d find Adam.

A car beeped on the opposite side of the street as the driver locked it, drawing Amanda’s attention. And there he was. Adam was walking away from the car, head down, looking as defeated as Amanda felt.

She slammed on her brakes, narrowly avoiding getting rear-ended, and was treated to some colorful language from the driver behind her. Amanda didn’t care though. She knew she was listening to her heart for the first time in years.

“Know any good restaurants around here?” she shouted out the window.

“Nope, sorry,” Adam said, ignoring her.

“How about a place to go dancing?” she asked.

“I just moved here. I don’t know the area.”

“Maybe you should start getting to know it,” Amanda teased.

“You know what?” Adam countered, spinning on his heel to look at the annoying driver.

Amanda smiled broadly when he finally saw her. His eyes lit up and he grinned like he’d won the lottery.

“I told you I’m not letting anyone make decisions for me anymore. That includes you. Brian was a substitute, at best, for the man I’d been thinking of the last ten years. Problem is, I’d rather have the real thing.”

“Oh, yeah? Anyone I know?”

“Maybe. He looks a little like you. Same sexy smile, same voice, and same bedroom eyes that always made me weak.”

“How about you park your car up there and we can go look for him together?”

Amanda laughed and headed for the spot Adam pointed to. By the time she opened her door he was standing beside her car.

“I think I just saw him. He ran into my apartment. Why don’t we go up and look for him?”

“That’s such a cheesy line,” Amanda teased.

“I could have asked if you’re from Tennessee,” Adam joked right back.

“Ha ha. Right now I’m just wondering if you’re ever going to kiss me.”

Before she had a chance to wonder any longer, Adam sealed his lips to her and ignited every last part of her that had been dormant far too long.

The post Free To Love, part four appeared first on Mary E Thompson.

Free To Love, part three

Catch part one and part two first!

Amanda screamed and slammed on her brakes. She shifted back into park and got out of the car. Adam was hunched over the trunk, his upper body lying on the car, his legs behind the bumper.

“Oh, my God, Adam, are you okay?”

Adam groaned then slid down the back of the car until his body was laid out on the ground.

“Somebody help me! He’s hurt!” Amanda screamed into the darkness as she rushed to his side.

“Amanda,” Adam groaned.

Amanda cupped his face in her hands and lifted his head into her lap. Her night long forgotten at the sight of Adam hurt. Her eyes scanned his body and sighed when she didn’t notice anything immediately wrong. Then again, Amanda knew not all injuries were visible right away. He could have a concussion, internal bleeding, a ruptured spleen, anything.

“I’m right here Adam,” she sobbed, tears filling her eyes and spilling over onto his cheeks. Amanda quickly brushed her fallen tears from Adam’s face and scooted closer, wondering if she should be moving his head at all.

“Please don’t leave,” Adam said in a rough whisper. “I don’t want you to leave.”

“I’m not going anywhere. I just need to get you to the hospital. I’m so sorry I hit you.”

“No hospital. Just you. I need you to know I wanted to fight for you. Every day of my life I’ve regretted not staying here and making things work with you. And I will fight every day for you, to prove to you that you’re worth it.”

More tears poured from her eyes. “Adam, you don’t have to say those things. You’re hurt, I know you don’t really know what you’re saying.”

“Actually,” Adam said, immediately sounding like himself, “I’m perfectly fine. You didn’t even really hit me.”

“What?!?” Amanda screamed, jumping out from underneath him. “You’re joking, right? I heard the thump when I hit you!”

Adam shrugged. “Well, I sort of hit the bumper with my hand so you’d stop. I couldn’t have you leave thinking I didn’t want you. Jesus, I’ve been hard since I laid eyes on you.”

Amanda flushed at his admission, her eyes trailing to his crotch and a prominent display of his affection. Adam inched closer, drawing Amanda’s attention from his crotch to the steamy look in his eyes. Every last inch of her tingled in anticipation of what that look meant, and what he was going to do about it.

“Amanda, I’ve loved you every day since I met you. I’ve wanted you every second. I’ve never known anyone who made me feel half what you made me feel. You stepped behind my car tonight was not a mistake. It wasn’t an accident. It was fate telling us that we need to try again. That whatever upset you earlier was just a way for us to be together. And I’m not going to let anyone, and anything, stop that from happening. If I have to fight for you every day, I will fight, but I promise you I won’t stop fighting until you realize that you are it for me.”

Amanda’s head started to spin, making her forget that she was still in the parking lot. She heard the voices just before Becca and Brian came into view. Her twin’s long blonde hair trailed behind her like a beacon drawing the attention of every man who was in the vicinity.

Including Adam.

“Becca? Is that you?” he said, his attention drifting from Amanda to her twin.

“Adam? Oh, my God, how are you?” Becca dropped Brian’s hand and wrapped Adam in a hug, Amanda feeling awkward and out of place next to her beautiful twin. She pushed her own mousy brown hair behind her ear and waited for someone to notice her.

Adam stepped out of Becca’s grasp and reached out to Amanda, walking over to her when she didn’t reach back. “I’m good Becca. I was just catching up with Amanda here and trying to convince her to give me a second chance. Brian, good to see you,” Adam said, reaching his free hand to shake Brian’s. Brian shook his hand half-heartedly and gave Amanda a nod.

Unsure how to behave, Amanda just stood there, watching the three people she’d been closest to at different points in her life interact.

“I didn’t know you were back in town,” Becca crooned, sidling closer to Adam.

His fingers tightened around Amanda’s hip and drew her to him. “I haven’t been here long. I just got lucky running into Amanda tonight.”

“Here? Just now? Were you inside for dinner?” Becca asked Amanda, her attention shifting from Adam for the first time.

“Um, yeah,” Amanda said, uneasy that the conversation had shifted to her.

“Did you see us? You should have said hi,” Becca’s voice was dripping with victory and sarcasm. That bitch knew exactly what she was doing. And Amanda was done taking her shit.

“You two looked pretty cozy and I wasn’t up for a threesome tonight. Besides, running into Adam was much more fun than watching the two of you play tonsil hockey.”

“You’re just jealous,” Becca spat.

“No, sis, for the first time in my life I’m not jealous of you. I’m finally seeing you for the manipulative bitch you are. You convinced me to stay instead of follow Adam. You convinced me Brian and I were better off as friends. I see now you just wanted me out of the way so you could have your pick.”

“That’s not true,” Becca tried to defend herself. “You could have done anything you wanted. I’m not-“

“Actually, she’s right,” Brian interjected. “You told me she wasn’t interested in me. For years you’ve been telling me that. And then you get me drunk and convince me we should be together? If I have to be drunk to sleep with you I’m pretty sure it’s not a match made in heaven.”

“But… I… That’s not…”

“Can it Becca. We’re done. I never should have been with you in the first place. I wanted Amanda. What do you say? Can I take you out?” Brian said as he turned from one sister to the other.

“Oh, hold it, she’s going out with me,” Adam said, his hand pulling her closer. “She doesn’t want you.”

 

Who should Amanda choose?

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Free To Love, part two

Catch part one first!

Adam’s smile deepened, bringing out the dimples Amanda had always adored. She hadn’t seen him in more years than she cared to admit, still wanting to believe she was young and beautiful instead of settling into the years where men preferred to look for a younger woman.

On habit she glanced down at Adam’s left hand, but it was too dark in the shadows of the parking lot to tell if there was a ring there.

“If it would make you feel better I could climb back in the car and finish the job,” Adam teased, humor lighting his eyes.

“Ha ha,” Amanda said dryly, “you might be able to make a few bucks if you sold tickets to that.”

“I still can’t believe I almost hit you. I am sorry, by the way. Not sure I said that yet.”

Amanda’s lip turned up in a half grin and she shook her head. “You blamed me for it actually. Asked if I saw you.”

The corner of his mouth drooped as Adam stepped closer. “I’m sorry. I think my day was about as bad as yours. I wasn’t paying enough attention. I truly am sorry.”

Amanda shrugged. “It’s just a testament to my life these days. More and more I’m becoming invisible.”

“Any man who doesn’t see you is a complete fucking idiot. Myself included.”

Amanda shrugged, tears stinging her eyes as the image of Becca and Brian cuddled together ripped through her heart yet again. When she looked up at Adam she saw compassion and, strangely, understanding in his gaze. Her mind flashed back to a time when both of them were much younger, a frozen moment that had always made her wonder if she’d made the right decision when she chose a college close to home instead of following Adam. He’d asked her to, even going so far as to check into the program she was interested in to make sure it was a good one. She thought about it, seriously considering going with Adam, until Becca convinced her to stay.

Becca, her sister, her best friend, told Amanda that she and Adam would never last. Amanda believed her and when she went to tell Adam she was going to stay close to home and go to college with Becca, she knew he was crushed.

It was that same look of understanding, the one that said he knew exactly what was in her head, even though Amanda herself didn’t quite know, that Adam was giving Amanda in that darkened parking lot.

“God, why didn’t I fight harder for you?” Adam mused as they stared at each other, lost in a sea of memories that were fighting to the surface.

“I wasn’t worth fighting for,” Amanda said solemnly. She broke their eye contact, dipping her chin, and turning away from Adam. “I’m still not. Have a good night, Adam. It was nice to see you again.”

“Amanda, wait,” Adam said quickly. “Can I take you out? It’s still early. Have you had dinner yet? Or maybe a drink? We can go back inside the restaurant.”

Amanda laughed a vicious laugh and shook her head. Adam was trying to be nice, and she understood that, but all she wanted to do was go home and drink a bottle of wine, soak in a hot bathtub, and forget about what she saw.

As if that was possible.

“It’s okay, Adam. You don’t have to be nice to me. If I had been paying attention better you’d be long gone by now. I’m sorry I stepped in front of your car. Maybe I’ll see you around again.”

Feeling dejected, and more depressed than when she’d caught Becca and Brian, Amanda continued her trek to her car. She could hear Adam’s mind spinning as she got further and further away. Once Amanda closed the door to her car, separating herself from Adam and the rest of the world, she breathed a deep sigh of relief.

Yes, she wanted him to come after her. But she knew he wouldn’t. She wasn’t the fun twin, the outgoing party girl, the sexy, sassy woman who had all the men chasing her. Amanda shouldn’t have been surprised that Brian had chosen Becca. The three of them had been hanging out for a while. It made sense he’d fallen for Becca. And if she were honest with herself, a part of her always liked Brian because she knew he was unattainable. If he were out of reach, she couldn’t get hurt. If he didn’t love her, she wouldn’t lose him.

The way she’d lost Adam. Adam was her real first love, her real only love. Being with him she was her own person. Someone that Becca didn’t control. It had been nine long years since she felt that independent, that free. Amanda was only 27, but she felt closer to 40. She was stifled in her own life, by her own twin, who was dating the man she told herself she loved.

And just when a flash of who she really was cam back, Amanda realized she couldn’t have him. Becca wouldn’t allow it. Besides that, if Adam saw Becca again he’d just fall for her like everyone else. If wasn’t worth it.

Not that he was fighting her to stay.

Amanda turned the key in the ignition and shifted into reverse. She got almost all the way out of her parking spot before she heard a thump on the back of her car.

The post Free To Love, part two appeared first on Mary E Thompson.

Free To Love, part one

She slung her bag over her shoulder and walked out the door. She was pissed, and hurt, but she was focusing on the pissed part so she didn’t fall apart. At least not until she was far enough away that they wouldn’t see her.

Not that they would notice. They were so wrapped up in each other Amanda wasn’t sure how they managed to eat. God knew she couldn’t. As soon as she saw them walk inside her stomach knotted up and she nearly threw up. How could they do that to her? Her own sister, her twin, and the man she’d loved her whole life. Not that he knew, but Becca knew. How many nights had Amanda cried herself to sleep over Brian, and Becca was right there.

And now she was sitting there holding his hand, acting like nothing was wrong.

Amanda swiped at the tears that dripped off the tips of her eyelashes, angry with herself for trusting either of them. Of course after seeing them together Amanda knew why she and Becca had been drifting apart over the last year, two really if she were honest with herself. Becca and Brian were carrying on a relationship behind her back. And Becca couldn’t face Amanda knowing what she was doing.

Amanda looked down to dig her keys out of her purse as she crossed the parking lot. If they came outside they might notice her car sitting there, so getting the hell out of dodge was a priority. Of course, Amanda’s keys weren’t where they were supposed to be, as usual. Just when her hand closed around something metal she ran smack into a car.

Pain laced through her knee and her clenched gut threatened to unload as the truck tried to turn her inside out. Only when she stumbled backward did Amanda realize the car was moving.

She pounded on the trunk and yelled, “Hey!” in an effort to stop the offending car from continuing its path over her. Brake lights came on, nearly blinding Amanda, but at least she knew she would survive. Getting her heart ripped out was bad enough, getting run over in the parking lot was the icing on the cake.

With the car stopped, Amanda was free to continue on her way. Weary of the driver, she gave the car a wide berth as she walked around it. Before she was halfway across, the door opened and the driver stepped out. ‘Great,’ Amanda thought, ‘just when I’m trying to get the hell away not only does the asshole try to run me over but then wants to talk about it!’

“Did you not see me?” his voice called, the deep timber melting softly into her ears before the harsh words registered.

Indignation and anger billowed up inside of her, buoyed by sight of Becca and Brian that was still burned into her brain. Amanda spun on her heel to face the asshole who tried to kill her than had the audacity to blame her for it.

“You’re joking, right?” sarcasm dripped from her words.

“No, I’m not. Why did you pound on my car? And where the hell did you come from?”

She huffed an amused breath and looked up into brown eyes that seemed more familiar than they should. After a second she realized exactly where she knew him from.

“Well, Adam, I pounded on your car because you were in the process of running me over, and while today sucked, I’d rather not finish it in the hospital. And I came from the restaurant, at least before I was under your bumper.”

“How do you… Wait, Amanda? Holy shit. How are you?” he cringed, the answer obvious. “Shit, I mean, other than me almost killing you?”

They laughed and Amanda remembered why she’d always liked Adam so much. He was her first boyfriend, first kiss, first everything. When they went to college they parted as friends, but never kept in touch with him going across the country and her staying in town.

“Well, I think you hitting me was the highlight of my day,” Amanda answered honestly.

The post Free To Love, part one appeared first on Mary E Thompson.

Struck By Love, part four

Read part one, part two, and part three!

“Talk to me, Linds,” Mark said, leaning close to her ear. He could feel her trembling and knew something was wrong. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but something about the way she was shaking told him it was worse than he could imagine. He cared for her, somehow, and whatever was worrying her was making him terrified.

Lindsay shook him off, his hands falling uselessly to the side as she walked away. She ran her hands through her hair, her fingers locked together at the base of her neck. Tension radiated off her and Mark ached to alleviate it for her.

“I have positive genetic markers for breast cancer, like my mother. I’ve already scheduled a double mastectomy for next month.”

Mark’s heart sunk to his shoes. The overwhelming ache he felt for how heartbroken and hurt she must be killed him. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and take all the pain away, to heal her with just his touch. But he knew he couldn’t do it. Nothing could heal her.

“It’s okay, I know how you feel. I’m not really a woman without breasts and I’m certainly not someone anyone would want to be with. You don’t have to pretend to like me anymore. I understand.”

Anger mixed with pain inside Mark as Lindsay words sunk in. He spun her around, his hands gripping her upper arms as he pulled her tight against his chest. “Don’t you dare put words in my mouth, Lindsay. I never said anything about you not being a real woman, and don’t you ever say that about yourself. Jesus, Lindsay what you’re facing… I can’t even imagine.”

“It’s fine. I mean, I have no choice,” Lindsay said as she pushed free of Mark. The force of her break away from him was enough to make him release her. The feel of her leaving his embrace was like a physical ache, but the pain of her walking away from him was worse.

“Lindsay, what are you talking about? Why are you pushing me away?”

“Look at me Mark!” she hollered, pounding on her chest. “Look at me. In a month these will be gone. I’ll never have them again. I’ll never be able to feed my kids or keep a man interested. You don’t want me. I know we had a connection, or whatever, but I’m not complete. I’m tainted. I -“

“Stop, Linds, just stop. You’re strong. You’re facing something insanely difficult and you’re making a choice to save your life. You’re choosing to alter your physical appearance in a drastic way so you can live. That’s not tainted, that’s brave. That’s the strongest thing I’ve ever heard. It doesn’t make you less of a woman, it makes you more. And I’d never be able to live with myself if I let you walk away over something like that.”

Lindsay stopped and looked up at him, tears streaming down her cheeks, eyes red-rimmed. “How can you say that?”

“Lindsay, I’d be crazy to say I’m not interested in you because you’re choosing your health and well-being over your appearance. It shows your courage and confidence, not a weakness. I’d be lucky to call you a friend, but even more so if I were lucky enough to take you out. Get to know you. Be there for you. I don’t know what is going to come next, but I do know I want to find out with you.”

Lindsay covered her face with her hands and turned away from him. Sobs shook her shoulders and Mark couldn’t stop himself from pulling her back into his arms. She clung to him as he wrapped his arms around her, her face buried in his chest. Lindsay sobbed, her tears soaking through his shirt, but Mark didn’t care. He held her, rubbed her back, and whispered to her until she calmed down.

When her sobs turned to sniffles Mark asked softly if she was okay.

“Are you for real?” she finally managed, her voice muffled by his chest.

“What do you mean?” Mark asked, confused.

Lindsay pushed back and looked up at him. Her eyelashes were shiny with her tears and the red circles around her eyes made her look like she was suffering from an allergic reaction, but Mark had never seen someone as beautiful.

“Are you just saying this or do you mean it?”

Mark gently brushed a lock of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear and lingering, his fingertips gliding over her jaw. “I’d never say something I didn’t mean, especially to you. And dear God, if you don’t let me kiss you soon, I think I’m going to explode.”

Mark didn’t wait for her to respond. She gasped as his lips came down on hers, allowing him access to her mouth. His tongue swept through, tasting, teasing, learning her. And he took his sweet ass time about it too.

Mark held her close, his arms cradling her in a gentle way that was in complete contrast to the absolutely devouring way he was kissing her. As her tongue became integral to the kiss, he deepened it, tilting her head to suit him and pressing her body tighter against his own. His arousal grew between them and he groaned when she brushed against it.

A throat cleared nearby and startled them both out of their embrace. Mark looked down guiltily into Lindsay’s mother’s smiling face.

“I apologize, but I thought maybe we could head home. You two could continue your, ahem, conversation at your house, Lindsay?”

Lindsay blushed and buried her face in Mark’s chest again. He kissed the top of her head and she nodded against him. “Let’s go, Mom,” Lindsay said. Then she took Mark’s hand, and he happily followed her.

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Struck By Love, part three

Read part one and part two!

Lindsay lifted an eyebrow at Mark, still unsure if she was afraid of him or turned on by him. Maybe a little of both.

“I can get myself into a vehicle, thank you very much.”

He waved a strong hand toward the truck as though telling her to prove it. Lindsay looked at the truck, quickly realizing it was bigger than she’d initially thought. There weren’t rails underneath to help her up and just seeing the height she was going to have to jump to get in made her head spin.

She turned to look at him and found herself pressed against his chest. Her hands flew up to brace herself as his closed around her hips. A breath whooshed out of her as their bodies came together. His eyes darkened as he stared down at her from nearly a foot above. She’d never felt as small as she did standing before him. Her mind, and her body, wondered if they’d line up better if they were lying down, and she couldn’t stop the sway of her hips toward him.

Mark’s abs, and something a bit lower, twitched at her contact. He sucked in a breath and his fingers tightened on her hips, drawing her just slightly closer. His head dipped, as though he was going to kiss her.

“For goodness sake, Lindsay, just let the man help you into the truck,” her mother called out from inside the truck.

Mark moved back, the corners of his lips tipping up. “She’s right,” he said, his voice thick and raspy, telling Lindsay he was as affected by their contact as she’d thought. With her nipples reaching out for him and her girly parts doing a happy dance, he wasn’t alone.

Lindsay pursed her lips together in an attempt to hide her grin. Mark’s hands tightened on her hips again and she braced herself against his biceps, the bulky muscles dancing under her hands as he lifted her effortlessly into his truck.

As soon as his fingers left her body she felt the loss deep within her, like a part of her was gone. He closed the door between them then she saw him jogging around to the other side. Once he was settled back next to her he glanced over and winked at her, sending warmth and jitters through every last bit of her body.

Lindsay’s mom talked the entire way to the doctor’s appointment, asking Mark everything from what he did for a living to why he didn’t have plans for the day to if he was seeing anyone. Mark went along with it, answering every question and smiling over at Lindsay. When they finally arrived at the doctor’s office, Lindsay was feeling better, but Mark insisted she get checked out, just in case.

“A bump, but no signs of concussion. How’s your car?” the doctor asked Lindsay as he walked her out.

She cringed. “Not good. Mark was able to get it up the driveway, but it’ll need some work.”

“Well, at least you’re okay,” he said with a kind smile. Lindsay thanked him and walked back to the waiting room. Where Mark was waiting.

She dropped into the chair next to him and he grinned at her, immediately reaching for her hand. “Are you okay?”

His thumb teased the sensitive skin on the inside of her wrist, sending goose bumps across her entire body. “Yeah, just a bump.”

Concern filled his face and he immediately reached for her, his hand brushing gently over her head as though feeling for a lump.

“Nothing big,” Lindsay said, her hand drifting up to the bump hidden by her hair. “It’ll go down in a day or two.”

“Shit, Linds, I’m so sorry. I never meant to hit you.”

His use of a nickname affected her more than she cared to admit.

“Mom’ll be another hour or so. Did you want to walk around or grab something to eat?”

Mark nodded and pulled her to her feet. They walked outside hand in hand. The campus around the hospital had enough to keep them busy, but Lindsay knew exactly where she wanted to take him. They walked in a comfortable silence, Mark letting Lindsay lead him, until they reached the park that was nestled between the four primary buildings of the hospital.

“Wow,” Mark whispered, reverently, “I never knew this was here.”

“I come sit here while mom’s visiting the doctor. Thankfully she’s not here much anymore. She’s been in remission for nine years now.”

“That’s great. Have you been tested?”

Lindsay nodded and slid her hand from his. She walked over to the bench in the middle of the park and wondered how she would tell him. Lindsay hadn’t felt attracted to a man in years, since she found out what her future held. She was finally ready to take control of her future, and willing to accept she would be spending it alone, and Mark crashed into her world. Literally.

Mark came up behind her and rested his hands on her shoulders, not forcing her to turn, just holding onto her as though he couldn’t stand not touching her. He didn’t ask her anything else, just waited, letting Lindsay decide what she wanted to tell him, something she appreciated.

She didn’t know how she’d started to care for him so quickly. It seemed like when his car struck hers that it cracked not only her front quarter panel, but also the walls she’d carefully constructed around her heart.

And with those walls down, she was vulnerable.

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Struck By Love, part two

Read part one here!

The woman in Mark’s arms struggled, but he didn’t let go. Damn, she was infuriating. Why couldn’t she see that she wasn’t okay? And he’d be damned if he’d let a woman he hurt wander away, and probably hurt herself worse.

He trudged up the long drive toward the house she’d pointed to, finally breathing when she stopped fighting him. He looked down to make sure she hadn’t passed out and found her staring up at him. Her green eyes had a gold ring around the middle and a chocolate ring around the outside. They were the strangest eyes he’d ever seen, and he was mesmerized. So much so that he stumbled over a crack in the driveway and nearly dumped her on the ground.

Her gasp shot straight to his groin, his pants tightening like he was a teenager seeing his first breast. Mark caught himself, holding her body close to his, and prevented either of them from getting hurt again.

“You don’t have to carry me,” she said in a throaty voice that made him wonder if she was as affected by their closeness as he was.

“I can’t see you hurt again,” he ground out, revealing more with his words than he’d intended.

“Oh,” was her quiet response. She pulled her lower lip between her teeth, the white contrasting sharply with the dark pink of her lipstick. Mark groaned as his pants tightened even more and picked up his pace, desperate to get her out of his arms before he did something stupid. Like kiss the woman he’d nearly killed, especially since he didn’t even know her name.

“What’s your name?” she asked in a small voice that didn’t seem to suit her.

Mark took the step up to her mother’s front door and set her down, her body sliding down his in a tempting erotic tease. Her eyes widened the moment she brushed against his erection. Mark sucked in a breath and squeezed his eyes closed, gently setting her away from him before his smaller brain took over and convinced the rest of his body to pull her closer and devour her.

“Mark Davies. I just moved here from the city.”

Mark could feel her watching him and prayed something would happen to break the spell he was under, knowing the only way he’d calm down was if someone turned a hose on him.

“Lindsay, what are you doing out here? And who’s this?”

Hose granted. In the form of her mother.

Immediately his pants felt looser and Mark was certain he’d survive.

He opened his eyes to see the two women embrace. The older woman had the same green eyes, but instead of rich brown hair, hers was more grey than anything else. She stood a good few inches shorter than her daughter, both of them making Mark feel like a giant as he towered over them.

“I’m sorry, ma’am, but I’m Mark Davies. I swerved to avoid a dog in the road and plowed into your daughter’s car. I offered to take you, and her, to the doctor. She nearly fainted and I don’t feel she should be driving.”

“Davies, huh? Any relation to Eleanor?”

“Yes, ma’am, she’s my mother.”

She eyed him as though trying to decide if she believed him. When she nodded once he knew he’d earned her trust. It was better than nothing. “Okay, you can drive us. Did Lindsay tell you where we’re going?”

A glance at Lindsay, with her head cocked to one side and her eyebrows raised, lips pursed, told him she’d tried, and he’d bulldozed right over her. “Uh, no ma’am, I didn’t give her a chance. She just mentioned the doctor.”

“I’m going to my oncology appointment at Memorial. Downtown.”

Shit. That was going to take an hour to get there, at least an hour for the appointment, and another hour home. His day was toast.

Mark looked at Lindsay again and decided in an instant it was worth it. Three hours in the company of a beautiful woman was a perfect way to spend his day. Of course he’d rather spend it with her tucked beneath him, screaming his name as she came apart in his arms, but he’d take what he could get.

Damn, his pants got tight again.

Mark cleared his throat and forced himself to look away from Lindsay to her mother, smiling. “Not a problem.”

Lindsay huffed out a breath, clearly not thrilled with the new situation.

“Well, why didn’t you pull into the driveway? I’m not walking all the way down there.”

Mark looked toward their cars, still linked on the road, and had to agree. It would be right of him to ask her to walk that distance. “What was I thinking? Of course. Lindsay, if I could have your keys I’ll pull your car into the driveway and then bring my truck up here to get you ladies.”

Lindsay reached for her side and came up empty, grasping at something that wasn’t there. “Shit. I left my purse in the car. And my keys.”

Panic tinged her voice. “Don’t worry. I’ll get it.”

Mark jogged back down the driveway, praying Lindsay could stay upright while he was gone. She seemed to be doing better, but the last thing he wanted was her to drop while they were standing on the concrete steps. That would only end badly.

He forced himself into her car and was immediately surrounded by her scent. “Fuck,” he swore quietly to himself. His pants were cutting off his circulation and her car was smaller than a toddler bed. He reached under the seat and yanked the lever to send the seat flying backward, not that it helped much.

Mark turned the key and thanked God when the car started up. The door and the entire side were pretty smashed, but if it started up it could be fixed. He steered around his truck and pulled into the driveway, parking the smashed up car near the house. He darted back down, with her purse and keys in his hand, and got in his own truck. He backed up and steered into the driveway, getting as close to the front walkway as he could.

Mark climbed out of the cab and darted around the front end, his arm sliding around Lindsay like it was the most natural thing in the world and offering his other arm to her mother. Lindsay stiffened beside him, but her mother was charmed, taking his arm and chatting about how kind he was.

At the door he released Lindsay opening both the front and back doors for them. “Oh, let me sit in the back,” Lindsay’s mother said. “I’d like to be able to stretch out my feet.”

“Mom, the front has more leg room,” Lindsay argued.

“Not if I’d like to rest my legs up on the seat. It looks comfortable.”

Lindsay growled something unintelligible as her mother moved closer to the backseat. Mark helped her up into the seat and closed the door for her, then turned to Lindsay. “Your turn.”

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Struck By Love, part one

Lindsay was late. Always late. It was one of those things she kept trying to change, but never seemed to be able to figure out how. But today, of all days, she needed to be on time.

She rushed out of her house into her beat up old sedan, the car everyone around her declared unfit for the road. Lindsay had to admit she sort of agreed, but when you were barely hanging on, a new car wasn’t an option.

She cranked up the car, saying a silent prayer of thanks when it turned over, and backed out of the driveway. She didn’t have far to go, just a few blocks, but then they had an hour to go. She hated living in the middle of nowhere, but there was something that kept her there, even if she didn’t always know what it was.

The house was in sight, just another minute and she’d be there, ready to go, an not as late as usual. Knowing her mom, she’d planned for Lindsay’s lateness anyway.

The unmistakeable sound of metal collapsing and the jolt of her car coming to a sudden stop flung Lindsay into the steering wheel. Her forehead hit, instantly splitting her head with a blinding headache. She bounced, her head slamming into the headrest that normally sat a few inches from the back of her head.

Lindsay was vaguely aware of the car still running and her foot on the gas pedal, not that it helped. A metallic taste filled her mouth. She ran her tongue over her lips, sucking in a breath when she felt a gash on her lip. The pain brought clarity and Lindsay applied the brake and shifted into park, still trying to understand what happened.

A knock on her window startled her. She looked up into a concerned face, dark brown eyes, floppy caramel colored hair, and a chiseled jaw that even her foggy state couldn’t deny.

“Are you okay?” he asked through the closed window.

Lindsay glanced over herself, checking to see if anything else appeared to be hurt. “I think so,” she whispered.

“What?” he asked, a touch of panic reaching her ears.

Lindsay turned the car off and reached for the door. It didn’t budge, which instantly made her panic. The man outside looked equally scared and started yanking on the door as Lindsay pushed all her weight into the inside. Finally the old door creaked and eased open, slowly letting in fresh air and another scent that Lindsay didn’t know, but was drawn to.

Once the door was open the man crouched before her, still blocking her exit. “Are you okay?” he asked again.

“I think so,” Lindsay said, her head swimming in the scent of him, the same one she noticed as the door was opening. Like fresh cut wood and fresh cut grass mixed together. Lindsay tried to get out of the car, but couldn’t for some reason. Something had her trapped.

“Here, let me help,” he said, his deep, rich voice tickling her ear as he spoke, leaning in closer. Her breath caught when she realized he was going to kiss her. Her eyes slipped closed as she waited for his lips to touch hers, the first brush of them coming together.

“Oh, shit,” he muttered, the panic slipping back into his voice. “Don’t pass out on me.”

A clock registered in her mind then she was being lifted, like she was floating, but different. She was surrounded by his scent, strong arms around her. She reached up to loop her arms around his neck… and found air.

Lindsay’s eyes fluttered open, confusion taking the place of excitement when she found him carrying her toward the grass. “What are you doing? I’m not going to sleep with you out here!”

The man looked down at her, his confusion mirroring hers. “You passed out. I wanted to get you out of the car.”

“I thought you were trying to kiss me,” Lindsay said, her voice small and thoughtful.

“You still had your seatbelt on. You passed out when I was trying to unbuckle it.”

Lindsay groaned. Of all the crazy things she’d done, trying to make out with a stranger who was only helping her was pretty close to the top of the list. She shook her head and the pain came back in a flash, reminding her of why they were in the situation to begin with.

“Did I hit you?” She was still in his arms, draped over him like a passed out toddler. He made no move to set her down. Their faces were close, a breath away, close enough to smell the minty freshness of his breath and see the ring of green around the inside of his eyes.

He shook his head. “A dog ran out in front of me. I swerved without thinking and hit the front corner of your car.”

Lindsay groaned. She knew her car couldn’t take a hit. Neither could her insurance. “My mom’s gonna kill me.”

“Is that your mom’s car?”

Lindsay shook her head. “No, but I’m late. Her house is right there and I’m supposed to be taking her to the doctor.”

The man spun the way Lindsay nodded and looked up at the brick ranch set back from the road. His jaw ticked with something Lindsay couldn’t understand. Still, she held on to him, as though being in his arms was the most natural thing in the world. At that moment, Lindsay thought it was.

“I’ll take you. And her. I’ll drive you to the doctor.”

Of all the things he could have said, that wasn’t anywhere on the list of possibilities. He couldn’t possibly drive them an hour to the office. Lindsay struggled to get out of his arms, his scent and closeness making her dizzy all over again. He let her go, which disappointed her more than she cared to admit. As soon as her feet his the ground she spun, or the ground did, either way, Lindsay was on her ass.

His strong arms wrapped around her again and lifted her effortlessly. “That’s it,” he growled. “I’m taking you both to the doctor. And you’re not going to argue.”

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