His Unexpected Love Read online

  Stella

  As Jaxson slides into the pool wearing nothing, but his underwear, I stand at the side of the pool still fully clothed. My heart pounding like a drum in my chest. I want to be in the pool with him right this second, but I hold myself back. I know if I get into the water with him, I won’t be able to resist. If he kisses me, I’ll kiss him back. If he tells me he wants to run off together, hell, I think I’d do it. I need him more than anything else in the world.

  But I have my dad to consider. He’d never agree to me being with Jaxson. His stupid pride is getting in the way, even years later now that he’s a success in his own right. I shouldn’t care about his opinion on my love life, but I do. I want him to approve.

  But as Jaxson dips quickly under the water and resurfaces with his hair wet and his torso deliciously bare, I know I don’t have a choice. He offers me a seductive smile.

  “Are you coming?”

  I take in a shaky breath. I’m going to have to strip in front of him. But maybe that’s what he wanted all along. I get the feeling he’ll enjoy the show. Slowly, I reach for the bottom of my dress and lift it up and over my head. My face disappears inside the fabric, but when I pull the dress free, the first thing I see is Jaxson’s hungry eyes roaming over my body. He wants me.

  And I want him.

  Standing in my panties and bra, I feel self conscious for a moment, but I can tell Jaxson likes what he sees, so I tell myself that I should have more confidence in myself and my body. I sit on the edge of the pool with my feet dangling in the cold water. He swims close to me, his body coming between my legs. Without saying a word, he grabs my waist and I wrap my legs around his body, sliding gracefully into the pool. The coldness of the water shocks my system for a moment, but when I open my eyes and meet Jaxson’s gaze, all I feel is heat.

  “Stella,” he growls. There’s a blanket of stars above us, but he looks at me like I’m the brightest star in the sky. “I want you.”

  I’m trembling, my legs still wrapped around his body and his hands on my waist. Beneath the water, his hands slide down to cup my ass. Our eyes never breaking away from one another.

  “Do you want me?” he growls. I take a shaky breath.

  “More than anything,” I whisper. And then his lips are on mine. They’re hot as the midday sun, and desperate for me. I’ve never felt so wanted in all my life.

  His tongue slides inside my mouth and I gasp. He gropes my ass and pulls me close to him so that I can feel his rock hard cock grinding against my center through our underwear. I’ve never felt desire like this before. Sure, I’ve crushed on celebrities, and I guess I have a dream guy in mind each time I pleasure myself, but more and more, I’m coming to realize that my dream guy was Jaxson all along.

  He moves one hand to fondle my breast, his thumb sliding underneath my bra to circle my nipple. I moan in delight and he breaks away from our kiss to move his lips to my neck. As his tongue slides over my delicate skin, I feel pleasure like no other. I’m wet between my thighs and not because we’re underwater.

  He growls and I can sense his hunger for me, for this. He pulls me even closer to him, grinding his cock against me harder.

  “God, I want to be inside you,” he growls. “But not yet…”

  I have no idea what he has in mind, but with my legs wrapped around him, he lifts me and carries me to the edge of the pool. He kisses me hungrily and I moan desperately against his lips. With his strong arms holding me up, I feel like anything is possible. Like I might finally get to have the man of my dreams tonight. Whatever he wants to give me, I want to take it. I need him more than I need to breathe.

  And now I’m about to have him.

  Jaxson

  I can barely control myself with her sexy body in my arms. Her lace underwear has become transparent because of the water, and I eye up her tight erect nipples with a low growl. She’s wet from the pool, but I know I’ve turned her on too. Her breathing is heavy, and her eyes are full of desire and lust as I lay her down on the lounge by the pool.

  I yank her underwear down her legs as quickly as I can. I’m desperate to taste her, to touch her, to have her as my own. I let out a loud groan at the sight of her bear pussy revealed to me. I spread her legs on either side of the sun lounger, opening her to me completely, and move between her legs. I can feel her legs quivering.

  “Don’t be afraid,” I growl. “I’m going to give you nothing, but pleasure.”

  “I’m not afraid,” she whispers, even as she continues to tremble beneath my touch. Her pussy lips are glistening with her juices and I so desperately want to taste her. I make sure she’s comfortable and then, I move my lips to begin pleasuring her.

  She tastes so damn good. As my tongue runs over her folds, she moans in pleasure. I’ve never done this with another woman and yet it’s everything I’ve ever imagined it to be, and more. I’ve wanted this for so long, but only with the right woman. And Stella is the only woman on Earth I ever want to taste, to touch, to pleasure.

  She’s still trembling. I reach up to touch her nipple, twisting it gently, earning me another delicious moan from her lips. It’s like music to my ears. As her juices soak my face, I lap hungrily at her pussy. She’s so goddamn sexy that I can feel my cock throbbing between my legs, but this isn’t about me. I want tonight to be all about her and the pleasure I can give her. I want to make her come over and over again. I want to lap up every single drop of her juices. I want to bring down all of her defenses and have her at my mercy. Because the next time we meet, I plan on fucking her until we both collapse.

  Gaining some confidence, she buries her hands in my hair and hooks her legs over my shoulders. Clamped between her thighs, I’m in heaven. I bury my tongue inside her and she bucks against me, closing in on her orgasm. But I want to savor the moment and pull away, moving my mouth up to her breasts, clamping my lips over her nipple and tugging at it until it stands at attention. She gasps, tilting her head back. It’s so damn sexy that she’s just giving herself to me completely.

  I want to bury my cock deep in her pussy, but not tonight. Not yet. I kiss her quickly before returning between her legs. I run a finger gently over her sex, nudging her, sending a jolt through her body. And ever so slowly I slide two of my fingers against her entrance and push them inside her, using my tongue to pleasure her little bud.

  She cries out, clearly consumed by her own pleasure. I quickly pick up my pace, fucking her with my fingers, sending her into overdrive. Her legs clamp around my shoulders and I can feel the tension as she nears her climax. She’s so damn sexy I feel like I could finish myself right now. One touch from her and I’d probably come. But that can wait. I increase the pressure of my tongue and she bucks against me one final time, crying out as she reaches the highest point of her pleasure.

  We’re both breathing hard as I pull away from her. I could carry on all night long, but I want to give her a moment to recover. She stares at me in shock as though she can’t believe what we just did.

  “Was it good?” I growl. She nods.

  “Yes, it was amazing. But Jaxson...I shouldn’t have come here. I gave into temptation.”

  “So do it again,” I growl. “I’ll make you come all night long.”

  She looks like she’s considering it. Damn, I really want her to consider it. But after a moment, she closes her eyes and she shakes her head.

  “I’m sorry, Jaxson. I shouldn’t have done this.”

  She pulls away and snatches up her underwear. I watch as she rushes to get her dress on, leaving me behind, still dripping wet from the pool, the taste of her fresh still on my lips. I want to run after her and grab her. She’s mine. But I have to respect what her wishes. I have to give her space to think.

  Once again, Sam is standing in the way of my happiness.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Stella

  I can’t believe I walked away from the only man I’ve ever wanted. I can’t believe I convinced myself that it was better to let him go than to try
and fight for this, for him. Since I met him yesterday, I feel like I’ve been going crazy, but in the best possible way. Crazy for him.

  But as I lounge on the beach with my dad, I feel miserable. All I want is for this whole thing to be simple. I want my father to forgive Jaxson for their silly feud and give us his blessing. But it feels like that will never happen. I’ve never seen my father react the way he did to Jaxson yesterday. Now, it’s up to me to undo nearly twenty years of bad blood between them as a pair.

  It’s going to be nearly impossible.

  Dad glances over at me, seeing how miserable I look, he sighs and closes his book. “You’re not still mad about me ripping your picture, are you? I’m sorry, alright? I shouldn’t have done that. I was just trying to teach you a valuable lesson.”

  “And what lesson is that? That I should be punished for asking you questions? For taking an interest in someone from your past?” I say with a scowl. I never talk back to my Dad, but these are new circumstances. I don’t want to just roll over and accept things anymore. With Jaxson in the picture, I want to do everything in my power to keep him in my life.

  “You’re too nosy, Stella,” my father insists. “Whatever happened between me and Jaxson is none of your business.”

  “I know what happened,” I say, folding my arms. There’s no way I’m going to tell him what happened at the pool last night, but I can let him know I’m not in the dark anymore. “Jaxson moved on with his life and you couldn’t stand it, could you? You wanted to be the successful one. And you got there, years later, but you could’ve been partners if you weren’t so full of pride.”

  “Who told you all that?”

  “I have my ways,” I say vaguely. “Look, Dad, the way I see it, life has dealt you a chance. Don’t you think it’s a coincidence that you’re both here at the same time? It’s a sign that you should be making things right between you…”

  “What a load of rubbish, Stella. Fate, yea! Stop being ridiculous and let it go.” His eyes flash with anger. “Why do you care so much, anyway? You don’t even know Jaxson.”

  Little does he know after last night, I know him pretty damn well. I feel like he knows me better than anyone in this world. But dad will never understand what happened between me and Jaxson. At least, not until he’s willing to accept Jaxson back into his life.

  “I just think losing your best friend over something so ridiculous and self-centered is your problem, not his,” I say with a sigh. I stand up, giving my dad the cold shoulder. I’m going to cool off in the water and give him a chance to think about what I’ve said.

  Feeling irritated, I swim out a little way. I haven’t seen Jaxson on the beach today. I was hoping he might show up and try to win me over again, but there’s no sign of him. My heart sinks in my chest. Maybe he’s just not that into me. Maybe last night I was just one in a million women he’s been with. After all, he could have any woman he wants. He’s so damn tempting and now I can’t believe I managed to walk away from him last night.

  A large wave takes me by surprise and splashes right across my face. I splutter, ducking under the water for a moment and then resurfacing, gasping for air. The water out here is choppier than I realized. I try to swim back to shore, but the water is overwhelming, stronger than me. I’m consumed once again by the waves and salt stings my eyes. I feel helpless. I know I’m not far from the shore, but it feels like I’m about to drown out here. I wave my hands helplessly. I need help, someone to rescue me.

  Suddenly, I feel strong sure hands grab my body. Gasping for air, I can’t even concentrate on who it is, but I lean into them, my body moulding to the shape of theirs. And then I realize, there’s only one person who it could possibly be. I look up and see his tanned face covered in salt water, as he guides us to shore with ease.

  Jaxson.

  Jaxson

  When I saw Stella flailing in the water, I couldn’t stop myself from running to her. She wasn’t far out in the water and would have probably been guided by the waves back to shore, but the overprotective animal inside me needed to help her.

  Now, as I carry her back to shore, she clings to me desperately and I realize how much I’ve missed her in the short time we’ve been apart. Last night, as I lay alone in bed, I felt my feelings for her grow. It’s not just about sex for me. I want her heart, body and soul. I want her forever. I want a family with her, to put babies inside her, to make a life where it’s just me and her for the rest of our lives. It seems crazy to me that after years of feeling no romantic or sexual attraction for anyone, I’ve finally found the woman of my dreams.

  But nothing has changed. I may have saved her from the water, but I can’t save her from her father’s disapproval. He’s a stubborn man. There’s no way he’ll ever accept me and her together. That’s why she walked away from me last night. Because even though she wants me, she can’t make the choice between me and her father.

  It’s an impossible situation that I don’t want to be in, but the fact is, I am in it. I hold her close to me and savor the moment. She’s coughing, still a little flustered by the whole thing, but as she rests her head against my chest, I realize she wants to be in my arms as much as I want to hold her.

  “Stella!”

  I look up to see her father running toward us. I help her onto her feet and he hugs her while I step back, trying not to be angry that he’s come between us once again. I clench my fists and tighten my jaw. The more I try to escape him, the more he shows up.

  “Are you alright?” he asks her, holding her by her shoulders. She coughs again but then turns to me with a smile. Even with her hair wet and her bloodshot eyes from the salt water, she still looks like the most beautiful woman in the world to me.

  “I am...thanks to Jaxson. He saved me out there.”

  Sam looks at me with his lips pressed into a thin line. I can see he’s not pleased that I’ve showed up again, but he can’t really tell me to get lost after what just happened. Maybe I can play this into my favor.

  “Thank you, Jaxson. I appreciate you helping her out.”

  “It was nothing,” I growl. “I’d do anything for her.”

  Anger flashes through his eyes and she blushes. I know I’m playing a dangerous game, but she’s my woman. I’m just being honest.

  “Well, thank you. I can take care of her from here,” Sam says. I cross my arms over my chest and raise my eyebrows. He’s not getting away that easily. The more he wants me to leave, the more I want to stay and show him that I’m serious about pursuing his daughter. I know she has doubts, and I sure as hell don’t want to be in this mess, but here we are. He’s not backing down, but neither am I. I’ve waited a lifetime for Stella to come into my life. And now that she’s here, there’s no chance in hell I’m letting her go.

  “It’s alright. I’ve got nothing else to do,” I say, glancing down at Stella. She blushes again, as I catch her looking at me with longing in her eyes. She wants me to stay, I can tell. I clear my throat.

  “You know, we should all go to dinner,” I say quickly. “I’d love to get to know your daughter, Sam. It’s been years since we last caught up. What do you say?”

  “I think that’s a great idea,” Stella says quickly. I can see she doesn’t want to give Sam a chance to say no to the suggestion, but her eagerness has caught his attention. He glares at us both, clearly trying to piece together why we’re both so desperate to reconnect. But I’m not giving anything away, yet.

  “I look forward to it. I’ll meet you both at the hotel restaurant at eight pm,” I say. Before her father can protest, I stalk away up the beach, my heart racing. I know it’s a risk going to dinner with Sam present. With the way I feel about Stella, it’s going to be nearly impossible to keep my hands off of her. But if I can make it through dinner, rebuild bridges with Sam and get closer to Stella, then maybe I can pull this off.

  I can make her mine for good.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Stella

  I’m beginning to think this dinner
with Jaxson and my dad is a terrible idea. As much as I want to spend time with Jaxson and get to know him even better, with my dad in the mix, there’s no way he’s not going to notice the sexual tension between us. It’s undeniable. Our bodies seem to be magnetized, drawing close to one another whenever we see each other. And after what happened by the pool last night, my body responds in other ways too. Just thinking about him, wet and turned on beyond belief.

  I try to concentrate on getting ready for dinner, but even as I dress and put on my makeup, I think about Jaxson. I wonder if he’ll approve of the black dress I’m wearing. I hope he’ll like the way I look in red lipstick. I’m hoping he’ll be drawn to my eyes even more than usual now that my lids are covered in a silvery eyeshadow. All I want is for him to keep looking at me, keep wanting me, keep craving the things we’ve yet to do.

  But with my dad at dinner, how are we going to hide the desire between us? How are we going to pretend that the dinner is just an innocent way for old friends to reconnect? My father is stupid. If he sees the spark between Jaxson and me, he’ll never let me see him again. He’d probably disown me if he ever found out what we did too...or what I want to do the next time I’m alone with Jaxson.

  I want him to be the one to take my virginity. I’ve guarded it for so long, waiting for the right man to sweep me off my feet and make love to me the way I deserve. I know in my heart that Jaxson is the first and only man I’ll ever meet who can give me what I want. Maybe if Jaxson leaves my life, I might someday marry and settle down with some man who doesn’t compare, just so that I’m not lonely forever. But I don’t want that life. I want excitement and sexual tension and a man who knows how to love me completely and without condition. And the only man that will ever fit the bill is Jaxson.

  There’s a knock at my door. It must be dad picking me up for dinner. I check myself out in the mirror one last time. I think I look good right now, but Jaxson’s opinion is the one that matters. If we can get through this dinner tonight, then I’m all his. If we get through it all without my father interfering, then there will be no stopping Jaxson and me from being together.