Hold Me Tight(27)

It can’t.





Chapter Eleven

Ivy

“Wow. I’ve never seen your dad that mad before. I don’t think he said one word to you on the way over here,” I remark to Eric as I watch Frank drive away, shivering against the chill both inside and out.

Frank made it known the minute we hopped in the back seat of his car that he’d seen the shiner Tim was sporting when he passed him on the road, although Frank gruffly talked to me about it, acting like Eric wasn’t even there. I know he doesn’t like when his son loses control, but I think I was partially to blame in this case. I knew staying with Tim was wrong and that nothing good would come of it.

“Yeah, he’s pretty pissed, but he’ll get over it. He always does.” Eric shrugs, but I know his dad’s giving him the silent treatment has to be bothering him.

I squeeze his arm, and he smiles at me. He’s come a long way since we first met. No one gives him enough credit. Not that I’m glad that he punched Tim, but his meltdown could’ve been a lot worse considering our reunion   consisted of his almost catching me kissing another guy—and not just any guy, but the one who might’ve been the father of Cassidy’s baby. But he doesn’t need to know about that—not yet, anyway.

“Where’s Shep?” I ask, looking around, hoping to change the subject.

“He’s been staying with my parents. I’m afraid I haven’t been good company for him lately,” Eric says sheepishly, giving me a sidelong glance.

Our mutual guilt is heavy, hanging in the air between us. We need to put it behind us pronto. We usually have such a free and easy vibe whenever we’re around each other. Now everything seems strained, like we’re being extra careful not to say the wrong thing.

“Then why is Shep’s blanket all scrunched up on the couch?” I wrinkle my brow, pointing over at it.

“I’ve been letting Will crash in front of the fire. He must have grabbed it off the floor,” Eric explains, trying to stifle a yawn.

“Well, judging from the dark circles under your eyes”—I take a few tentative steps toward him—“it seems like you haven’t been getting much sleep either.”

The corner of his mouth twitches as he peers down at me, sliding his arms around my waist. “See how lost I am without you?”

“Oh, Eric Young. What am I going to do with you?” I shake my head as I sink into his embrace.

“I know a lot of things you can do to me,” he whispers wickedly, a low current of desire running through his voice.

“We have a lot we need to talk about first,” I insist, but he ignores my entreaty, instead raising his hand to smooth the hair away from my face.

“I agree,” he says huskily. “Like how kissable your neck is.”

He lowers his head until his lips are skimming across my collarbone. He’s well aware of what this does to me, and I can’t resist tossing my head back with a sigh. His hold on me tightens as I lean back in his strong arms, granting him full access.

He lingers on that little dip in the center, and I cry out as he flicks his tongue right in that sensitive groove that makes my toes curl. He’s going to leave a mark if he keeps going. Unfortunately, I don’t own enough maternity turtlenecks to hide his love bites.

“Eric,” I protest, grasping his biceps.

But he doesn’t listen. Instead, he increases the pressure of his tongue, making me groan in response. I feel his lips smile against my skin, emboldened by the sounds of pleasure he’s drawing from my lips.

But just because I’ve been gone for a week doesn’t mean I’m going to let him do whatever he wants. I grab a handful of his hair and pull back hard. He raises his head, challenging me with his eyes.

“Careful,” I taunt him.

But the fire in his gaze only burns brighter. He doesn’t even hesitate before scooping me into his arms. In three quick strides, he’s climbing the steps, carrying me like I weigh nothing at all, although it feels like I gained five more pounds over the last week alone.

He wastes no time in depositing me in the middle of our unmade bed, kicking off his boots in the process. He hovers over me, his eyes flashing like he knows he’s being naughty but doesn’t care. His lips crash onto mine, the intensity of his kiss igniting my entire body.

I want to bring him closer, feel him on top of me, but he stops when I start loosening his belt. We’re both out of breath as he looks down at me stretched out before him.

“I want it off,” he says, yanking at the sleeve of Tim’s flannel shirt. “And I never want to see it on you again.”

My cheeks flush. I don’t know what he’s thinking as he places his hand in mine, pulling me up. He doesn’t even wait for me to undo the buttons. Instead, he rips open the shirt with his bare hands, popping them off. My breathing increases over the suddenness of the move. My breasts rise and fall as he helps guide the sleeves from my shoulders before balling up the shirt and tossing it aside.