Touch Me In The Morning Read online

“I don’t want anybody.”

  Damon wondered if he’d imagined the sentence unfinished. Had she meant, “I don’t want anybody but you?” No, he had to purge that from his mind. “I’m hoping one day you’ll change your mind. Somewhere out there –” he turned to her and hoped his smile looked genuine, “is some special, understanding, patient man who can show you that lovemaking is wonderful and…” He couldn’t continue. Imagining Heaven with somebody else drove him insane with jealousy.

  “You’re actually that kind of man.”

  He froze. Damn her! He couldn’t hear things like that either!

  She laughed and poked him in the ribs. “Look, I know we have too many issues to get closer. We’re already too close.”

  He felt a weary depression. The woman drove him crazy. His emotions flew all over the place when they were together. “I hate t-to think of you alone forever.” He did, even if it made him jealous to think of her with somebody else.

  “I won’t be alone.” She stroked her belly. “It’s you I worry about. You could find some nice woman who doesn’t want kids.”

  Damon shook his head. “Even if I did, there are other things.” Who would want him with his mother’s death on his soul? If that weren’t bad enough, his stammer and scars embarrassed him; made him feel undesirable.

  Heaven lowered her curly lashes, and he found that simple movement enticing. It made him want to run his finger along her delicate features.

  “I’ll stay as long as I can,” she said. “I enjoy our friendship.”

  “I do, too.”

  They shared a comfortable silence. After a few minutes, she pulled herself up and tossed her long bouncy waves behind her shoulders.

  He drew in a sharp breath. When she tossed her hair like that, all of his senses screamed.

  “I need to ask a favor of you.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  “What favor do you need?” Damon tensed. “If anything happens to me, will you be guardian of my baby?”

  Damon had to adjust his thinking. He sat up, shaken by her question. “Nothing will happen to you.” He had actually snapped at her. The thought of harm befalling her alarmed him.

  She rolled her eyes skyward. “Damon, nobody can know the future. Please. Somebody has to look after the baby, just in case. I won’t have Gavin taking her. I need your promise.”

  “Gavin would have legal rights.”

  “I know. You’d have to prove him unfit and find the baby a good home with nice people.”

  It took a few swallows before he could speak. “That’s asking a lot…”

  “I realize that.”

  He looked away. “I can’t raise…”

  “You don’t have to raise her. Just find her a loving home.”

  Damon could tell how much this meant to her. “Aiden maybe?”

  “Anybody but Gavin. Please, Damon.” Her eyes suddenly deadened. “There’s nobody else I trust. She’d end up in foster care or with – him!”

  “Damn!” If he made a promise, he always kept it.

  “Please, Damon.”

  What enormity of faith she had in him! More than he had in himself. “I don’t want t-to think of anything happening to you. You’re my friend.” He found himself choking up. It made no sense. Lately, he made no sense.

  “This means a lot to me. My baby protected, no matter Damon what.” She put a firm yet velvet hand over his forearm, giving him no chance at all.

  “If that’s what you want, I’ll fight Gavin t-to the end. I’ll do it for you.”

  Her face glowed with a mixture of pleasure and surprise.

  She’d touched a soft spot deep within his soul. He grinned because he’d pleased her.

  “Yes! Fantastic!” She rose to her knees and lifted her arms, as if readying to hug him around the neck, but her swollen belly threw her off balance. With a short scream, she rocked forward, losing her balance and crashing into him. Damon, surprised and unready, thudded against the grass with Heaven on top of him. Her elbow dug into his abdomen, knocking the wind out of him. He couldn’t even laugh, although he wanted to.

  She lifted her head at once and pushed halfway off him. Her torso remained firmly planted on his. “Are you all right?”

  Damon, fighting to breathe, stared up at her and she looked beautiful. Her golden hair streamed over her shoulders and her eyes circled like two clear marbles. He could smell the flowery scent of her skin. Sweet Jaysus!!

  After gulping a few deep swallows of air, his laughter rang out.

  She sounded befuddled. “I’m sorry I’m so clumsy right now.” She started rolling off him, and then her eyes accidentally locked on his. As if hypnotized, she seemed unable to move. Her brow furrowed. She looked adorable with a furrowed brow.

  His body leaped to life and he grabbed her wrist. Half expecting her to pull free of him, he waited for her reaction.

  Still staring at him, she nodded towards the large hand around her slender wrist. “What are you doing?” Her head tilted at an enticing angle.

  Was she scared? She didn’t look scared. “You can’t leave me right now,” he said, and he hoped she wouldn’t.

  “And why is that?” Again, she surprised him, her eyes dancing with mischief.

  “Because…” Damon tried to think of something charming to say. He eased into the grin that she always called “naughty.” He then faked seriousness. “You hurt me. I need you t-to take care of me, like you did after the softball game.”

  “I thought you didn’t remember what I did to you that night!”

  “I don’t. You said you took care of me.”

  “I did.” Sparks flew. When she moved her face closer to his, his erection swelled.

  “I’m not a nurse,” she said, and her hand caressed his cheek.

  What was she doing?

  “No.” His loins couldn’t stand it. “You’re my medicine.” If she didn’t get off soon…no, she couldn’t leave his body to the cold night air. He wanted her close.

  Her heated gaze raked over his face. “Damon, you’re too handsome – way too handsome. I fight it every day.”

  “That so?” He couldn’t swallow, and wondered if this was one of his dreams.

  She nodded a luminous glow in her eyes.

  So he tortured her like she tortured him…

  Flat on his back, he reached for her. Stealing a section of long hair, he swirled it around his hand. Oh, how course yet silky it felt; indescribable. He sniffed it – lavender. His head lifted just enough to rub its softness against his cheek. “Beautiful,” he murmured. “The most gorgeous hair I’ve ever seen or felt.”

  “I…I spend a lot of time on it, but it’s not…”

  “Don’t argue with the boss. That’s not smart.”

  She stared down at him, her eyes bright with emotion. A half laugh, half sob emerged from her throat. “I never thought I’d want to kiss any man again, let alone touch one.” She sounded bewildered and pushed stubborn waves off his forehead. Flames blazed through all of him and his erection pulsed. “Francesca was right,” she murmured.

  “Who?” He searched her face, looking for ambivalence or hesitance, but saw none. “What do you want of me, Heaven? You d-don’t have to do this – out of gratitude because of the baby situation.”

  Her finger shot over his lips and he stilled. She shook her head. “That’s not why. Every time we’re near, I want…”

  He held his breath and waited.

  “I want to kiss and touch you.” At his wary expression, her voice strengthened. “Yes, I do! I really do!” Her voice faltered only a little after that. “I’m still afraid to let any man inside of me – too many memories of pain – but…” she brightened again, “…can we touch in other ways?” Her eyes bore into his, sending waves of fire through his veins and blood…and groin.

  She meant her words.

  At least he thought she did.

  “Are you sure?” He sounded raspy, as if he had a cold.

  She nodded. “It’s not sudde
n either. I’ve been talking to Francesca about it for a while. I want you in every way, except – I can’t take you inside of me. Not yet.” Her tense features melted and a teasing smile broke through. She pinched his cheek. “Such cute dimples.”

  Damon frowned and rubbed his cheek.

  She laughed, and flashed him a seductive smile. “May I have my way with you, Mr. Steele – within my comfort zone?”

  He couldn’t catch his breath. Feeling disconnected from reality, and at the mercy of her spell, he gently grabbed under her arms and pulled her closer to him. Her lips lingered right above his. “Before we even start – are you sure?”

  “Don’t you want me?”

  He jolted, lifting his head to brush his lips against hers, “I want you desperately.”

  “Then?”

  He urged her head down, but right before their lips met, he mumbled, “Do your worst to me, woman.”

  “I intend to.” He felt her silent laughter just before she pressed her lips to his, kissing him with slow deliverance that shocked his senses. His arms folded her to a tight cocoon as he succumbed to her sweet assault. Their eager mouths melded together, and he slid his tongue past smooth teeth. Desire merged with desperation. It had been far too long since their last kiss. Their tongues sparred and danced as their pent up craving exploded, trying to make up for lost time.

  His loins heated as the kiss deepened. Moaning into her mouth, he tasted the delicious combination of mint and female. Her lilac scent, and the heated skin atop of him, fanned the wildfires spreading throughout his body. They threatened to flame out of control, burning every part of him. When at last he broke away, he bathed in her shining eyes. “Sweet Heaven,” he whispered, tenderly caressing the hair from her cheek. “Lips never t-tasted this good.”

  Something liquid fell over her eyes. He rolled her over and took the top, ravishing her with feathery kisses from the lobe of her ear to the hollow of her throat. In response, her soft, heated hands roved from his hair to his chin, then down his back. He shivered everywhere. Damn, he wanted her to feel as good as him.

  Lowering his head, he saw her tightened nipples outlined in her blouse. He molded them between his fingers, satisfied when they stiffened. Lord, he wished he could see through her blouse. As she sighed and mumbled incoherently, he gently circled a palm around and over her sensitive area, adding his lips when she shuddered beneath him. Encouraged, he nipped at her bud, frustrated again by her blouse…

  “Damon!” The shout halted him.

  Had he done something wrong? Crossed a boundary? If it killed him, he would not push her limits. And it just might kill him, at that. “Should I stop?”

  “No, no, don’t! I want – more!” She sounded breathless as she grabbed his hand to place it firmly back on her breast.

  He relaxed and grinned. “Your wish is my command, m’lady.” His breathing was rapid and harsh. “Do you know…” his finger traced her features “… that you’re the most desirable woman I’ve ever met, ever seen?” And never had he wanted to thrust inside a woman like he did her…yes, it may kill him…

  “You’re the most desirable man I’ve ever laid eyes on. You’re my fantasy, but you’re real.”

  “I thought you didn’t indulge in fantasies.” He cupped her chin and stared into her angelic face, trying to catch his breath.

  She reached out and soothed his jaw with her fingers. “I don’t, but, if I did, he’d be like you. Just touching you – I’m leaving my sanity behind me – please – show me more about pleasure.” Her voice quivered.

  Her words struck him, vibrated inside of him, stoking his erection with trembling danger. He slid his hand above her blouse again; He could give her so much more if… Yes, he would ask her.

  She could hit him, and she might. Heaven was nothing like the other women he’d known – the ones who’d been as eager as him to seek release. Of course, he didn’t think they’d been abused either…

  Heaven deserved to know the bliss a man could give, that he could give. He caught his breath. Dare he?

  “I can make you feel even better if you take off your blouse.”

  He froze, half expecting her to recoil from him. Instead, she hesitated only a moment and stared boldly into his eyes. She surprised him with a slow-to-come, close-lipped smile. As her eyes soaked him with mischief, she reached for the top button of her blouse. Still staring, she unfastened it.. The air left his lungs. Wow! He caught her hand as she reached for the second one. “Let me do it, Love. I like t-to do it.”

  Lifting her head high, she smiled at him in a tender and very touching way.

  God help him, could he last long enough to satisfy her or would he lose control of his body as well as his mind? He’d always prided himself on his control, but tonight it seemed so much harder. “I’ve wanted to see you in the flesh,” he murmured. He rolled off her and let his elbow support him while his other hand took a button. Then another. As the sides of her blouse fell open and her caramel flesh exposed, his mouth went dry. “No bra. I didn’t think you wore them.” He could barely hear himself over the slamming of his heart.

  “Is that bad?” Her flirtatious voice sent shivers through his body.

  As he parted her blouse completely, he gasped and grinned. “No, it’s very good. I hate messing with bras.” Her silky skin, and firm, rounded breasts with their sharp nubs, beckoned him. His shorts seemed too tight. He wondered if they’d rip.

  “How do I look?” Her voice worried. I know I’m no prize with my swollen belly –”

  “Like brown sugar. Perfect.”.” He spoke in a breathless whisper of awe. He ran his fingers over her swelling and she moaned. As he flattened his palm against her abdomen, the baby kicked. “Junior’s awake.” How he wished he could be a father! Resting his cheek over her velvet skin, he sighed deeply. He felt another kick and something threatened his eyes. “How cool to feel the baby,” he mumbled. “Active little guy.”

  “Girl.” She tossed her fingers lightly through the back of his hair.

  Lifting his head, he caught her naughty eyes.

  She smiled that special way again. “I’m loving this, Damon. Just keep touching me. You feel so good, and I’ve imagined this for so long.”

  He needed no more prodding. Hell, the words she’d spoken, the brightness of her eyes, and her reaction to his touch – he wanted to remove all barriers and sink himself into her body. How he wished they could be together, joined, over and over until they’d been completely satisfied a million times and sleep took them. He dipped his head and assaulted her flesh, teasing her, playing with her, nipping her, licking her, kissing her…

  “More!” she muttered. “More. Please.”

  His breath came in tiny gasps now as he feathered kisses from the hollow of her throat, up her jaw and cheek, to her ear. She laughed and tensed when he reached her ear, so he licked that area and she laughed more and clawed his back. His erection throbbed as he moved his lips to her breasts, nibbling and teasing the skin around her nipples.

  It didn’t take much to bring him to the point of explosion. He’d gone far too long without a woman, and Heaven was a woman like no other. Damon had never known such a woman; full of compassion, stunning in looks—both drove his desire and passion. If he didn’t rest to cool off, he would finish, and he didn’t want to satisfy himself before she’d gotten release.

  With painful withdrawal, he forced himself off her and collapsed to the ground, breathing hard, his head in his arms.

  A hand caressed his back. “Why did you stop? Are you all right?” Disappointment mixed with concern.

  “I needed to stop,” he said into his arms. An uneasy laugh shook him. “I’m fine. A little t-too fine perhaps.”

  “Can we continue soon?”

  Damon, still near bursting, laughed into the grass. “Are you sure you’re Heaven?”

  She laughed with him. “It’s me.” Her hand massaged his back. “You feel even better than I dreamed you would. You have magic in you, Babe.”


  He wanted to sweep her in his arms and show her what real magic meant, but… “No magic.”

  “Yes. You must. Until I met you I thought I’d never want to kiss a man again. But you do something to me.” She tugged at the back of his shirt. “Every time you touch me, it’s magical.”

  He lifted his head and placed it on his hand, averting his gaze. Still on the edge, looking at her bare chest would drive him over the brink. Just as he wondered if he could cool off in time, she said the one thing that not only could, but turn him to ice:

  “You have such a fantastic build. I’ve been dying to see your chest. It’s your turn to take off your shirt.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Damon pulled himself up and stared at Heaven. She could see his discomfort, refused to back down. He’d already done so much for her, she wanted to reciprocate. She knew he never let anyone see him with his shirt off, and she knew why. She felt she could help him get over it.

  Yet if looks could kill…

  Attempting to lighten the mood she flashed him a grin. “Take your jersey off, Coach. I want to leer at you.” She sobered. “I’d like you to stop hiding your body from the world.”

  He looked stunned. “Why are you bringing this up now?”

  Often Heaven felt a sadness for him, but she never showed him pity. He’d hate that. Reaching out her hand, careful not to seem provocative anymore, she rested her palm against his hardened forearm. “The delusion that your scars deform you should be put to rest, dear.”

  “Delusion?”

  “That’s all it is.”

  “No.” He wouldn’t look at her now. “My Dad d-did major artwork on me. Always where nobody would see it if I wore clothes.”

  “I feel bad that you think you need to hide.”

  “So you feel sorry for me.” He pushed to a sit. “I can’t bear this. I think we should go inside and…”

  “It’s not pity.” It wasn’t, not really.

  “What then?”

  “I want to help you like you help me. You said you’d watch my baby if…”

  “Nothing is going to happen to you!” He set his jaw.