His Wicked Celtic Kiss (14 page)

He moved quicker. Julie spread her legs further apart. He flicked her hardened nub once, twice, and Julie cried out with her release. She bit her pillow. “Oh, God … ” she croaked. “Please, sir. I want some more.”

Lorcan laughed. “Aye, but we had better not attempt actual sex. You're still in pain. However … ” He gently turned her over. “I can concentrate on the parts that aren't sunburned.”

“I ain't too proud to beg. I want more.”

“Enough love. You're still not well.”

“I feel … fantastic,” she said, awe in her voice. “That was better than any pill or cream.”

“Well, why not pleasure yourself and let me watch.”

Julie's eyes widened. “What? Really? I don't know ... ”

Lorcan pulled the chair over to the foot of the bed and sat. He crossed his legs, and rested two fingers against his chin. “I want to see you make yourself come. You do pleasure yourself, eh, lass?”

“Um ... now and then.”

“Spread your legs, can you bend them?” Julie did and winced in pain. She was game, he'd give her that. “Sorry about that. Instead, lay your legs flat and part them. That's it. Now, explore. Rub and stroke yourself. Come for me.” Her movements were hesitant at first, but soon her long, slow, circular strokes matched the slight rise of her hips. Lorcan was hard as bloody hell. “Faster, darlin.” he rasped. “That's it. Let yourself feel. Moan for me.”

He was damned temped to wank off in time to her sensual strokes. Instead, he kept his heated gaze firmly fixed on her. Julie moaned, and without any instruction from him, stroked one of her nipples into a pebbled peak. Now
that
was hot. “Come for me, Julie.” He commanded. His voice was rough, brutal, and demanding. “Do not stop.”

She groaned with desire at his dominating tone. With a strangled cry, she climaxed. Lorcan nearly blasted off himself. Sweat had popped out at his hairline, his breathing ragged.

He stood. “I'd bet ten quid you'll sleep now.” He reached for her bunched up nightie and slowly lowered it. He leaned down to kiss her forehead, “Good night … I'll … ”

The words died in his throat. She had ahold of his erect cock through his jeans.

“Don't go. Not yet. Kneel here.” She patted the bed beside her.

“Julie, love, you don't have to do this, your sunburn.” His voice was husky with anticipation nonetheless.

“I want to. Besides, we'll be careful.”

He shuddered with desire. He didn't know if he could hold on. All she would have to do was touch him and he would come, he was so close. Julie watched him with a great deal of interest—and lust. Lorcan unzipped his jeans and in one smooth move pulled out his stiff prick.

He was about to move for the bed, but Julie halted him. Her slow, heated gaze covered him. “Lorcan, you are—amazing.” He was beyond rigid. Finally, she patted the bed. He took the few shaky steps toward her and kneeled at her side. Lorcan grasped the headboard to steady himself. She grabbed him firmly. “So beautiful,” she murmured. “I've never had a man's cock in my mouth before. Can you tell me what you like?”

Bleedin' hell.
What temptation. “Not tonight, love. You're still sick and I'm too close to savor it. Do what you did on the beach. Grip it tight. Make me come.”

It didn't take long. Julie gave him a few vigorous strokes and he climaxed hard. He clasped his hand over hers. So damned intense. He quickly grabbed some tissues and cleaned them up.

He gently rolled Julie over and she gave him a mischievous smile. Wanton mare, he thought with amusement. And to think there was so much more to explore and enjoy. “Do you think you might try laying on your back tonight?” His words came out raspier and huskier than he had ever heard them.

Julie patted the bed on the opposite side. “Stay here, with me. Hold me, as much as you are able to without me fainting from pain—or pleasure.”

“Not sure that's wise.”

“Screw wise.” She smiled. “Come here, Lorcan.”

He lay next to her and Julie rested her head on his shoulder, her hand splayed flat on his chest. Lorcan closed his eyes. Oh, sweet mother Mary. He wanted so much to wrap her around him, to feel her luscious curves outline and embrace his body. But he couldn't, her sunburn. He wasn't sure he could handle much more tonight. She affected him. Deeply. And it worried him. “Go to sleep, darlin'.”

With tentative, slow movements, Julie settled in a little closer and soon fell asleep.

Sleep for Lorcan, however, was slow coming. The warmth of her body branded his soul. He just had to make damn sure she didn't brand his heart.

Julie stood in front of her bathroom mirror and frowned at her reflection. Of course, she couldn't be one of those people whose sunburn turned into a beautiful, golden tan.
No, not me.
She looked mottled, blotchy, her skin shedding like she was a copperhead snake hanging from a moss covered tree in the bayou. She peeled a long, papery strip off her arm.
Gross.
She resisted the urge to scratch her irritated skin. Julie grabbed a tube of itch relief cream and applied it everywhere she could reach.

Maybe it was a good thing she hadn't seen Lorcan for four days. He had called yesterday to say he'd been busy, but managed to line up Nick and Sully to help move a few heavier items on Sunday. Guess she wouldn't see him until then. What did she expect? That they would be in each other's pockets?

At least she would finally meet this Sully guy.

Reliving the intimacy they shared, she astonished herself with her brazen behavior. Lorcan brought out her hidden passions it seemed. The longer she was in his company the more the lingering feelings of self-doubt and poor self-image disappeared. Her determination to enjoy everything Lorcan had to offer spurred her onward. But yet, a deeper instinct told her she should stay cautious and vigilant and not reveal too much of her desires. Lorcan moved from place to place, occupation to occupation, woman to woman. Wanderlust. Not the commitment type. Too good-looking for his own good. Determined to leave.
Heartbreaker, dream maker ...
The lyrics to Pat Benatar's song drifted through her mind.

Julie sighed. Though Lorcan may not mean to do it, he
would
break her heart because she was beginning to care way too much. She shook her head to dismiss those destructive, negative thoughts.

Julie turned her attention to the upcoming move. The money she'd save would be a bonus. Maybe now she could replace the broken DVD player. Speaking of which .... She pulled out her cell phone and punched in her parents' number. She hadn't spoken to them in almost two weeks, and they didn't even know she planned to move. The phone rang four times, and then the answering machine clicked in. Julie rolled her eyes. Her mother screened every call. A digital beep sliced through her eardrum.

“Mom, pick up. It's me … Julie.”

“Hello, dear! I was about to call, haven't heard from you.” Julie explained about the move to her new rent-free place. “That was nice of Veronica. So has she moved in with that biker?”

Julie winced. Her mother had a way of calling a spade a spade, and Julie could hear the obvious note of disapproval in her voice. Her parents were old-fashioned in many ways. “Yes, they're very happy. I'm glad for them both. And his name is Nick.”

“So are Veronica and Nick helping you move? Do you want Dad to come?”

“Thanks anyway, I have it handled. A friend is helping, along with Nick.”

“Oh? A friend?” She could hear the pique in her mother's voice. “A male friend?”
Here we go
. “Are you dating him?”

Was she? Yes, she supposed so. “We've been out a few times. But don't start making wedding plans, Mom.”

“This is your first date in what … five years? How wonderful!” Her mother trilled.

“Three years, Mom. Not five. Don't get excited. He's a friend of Nick's, that's how we met.”

“What's his name, what does he do … ”

Julie sighed. She shouldn't have said anything. “He's from Ireland, his name is Lorcan Byrne, and he's a transporter.”

“Oh? He drives a truck?”

Julie smiled. “Not a truck driver. It's not important and he's only working here until January then he's leaving. It's not serious; it never will be serious.” A dull ache pierced her heart. Speaking the truth aloud made it even more painful to endure.

“I see.” Her mother sounded disappointed. “Well, if you're still friends, or dating, or whatever in November, bring him to Thanksgiving dinner. I'll bet he would like a home-cooked meal.”

Oh, shit.
“I don't think they do the turkey thing in Ireland.”

“Maybe not, but he's in America now, so he should do as the natives do.” Julie resisted the urge to point out that they weren't actually natives as her mother went on. “Let me know, at least a week ahead. You ask him, hear me, Julie?”

“Okay. Don't start basting the turkey yet. It's a couple of months away. I just called to let you know the phone number will stay the same, and that I'm moving.”

“You could move in here with us, we have plenty of room. You could find a good job here in Philly,” her mother urged, hopeful.

She cringed. She loved her parents dearly, but moving in with them would be a big step backward. At least here in Rockland she lived on her own terms, such as they were.

“We miss you, Julie,” her mother said softly.

“I know. I miss you too, Mom. But, I have a life here. I'm doing all right. Really. I'll be there for Thanksgiving, and I'll let you know if I'm bringing company.”

“The more the merrier!”

Julie snapped her phone shut after saying her goodbyes. Right. Lorcan, turkey, and her parents. Not a good idea. She immediately put the thought out of her mind.

• • •

Nick had managed to rent a long-bed pickup truck to move her things. Nick, Lorcan, and Sully were all squeezed into the front seat—not an easy feat. She watched out the window as they pulled into the parking lot.

Julie let them in. Boxes were stacked neatly by the door, along with a couple of battered suitcases and a few garbage bags. She had cleaned the apartment last night, so the odor of pine cleaner hung in the air. Lorcan did not hug or kiss her, but he introduced her to Sullivan McDermott, his childhood friend. The man was gigantic, even more muscular and broader than Nick if that were possible. She took the huge, outstretched hand. “Sully is fine. Nice to meet you, Julie.”

Julie looked him over. Lorcan's friend stood around six feet, not as tall as Lorcan or Nick but a good height. He was built like a linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens. His face was rugged, not exactly handsome, but it had character and was not unpleasant to look at. He had the most amazing almond-shaped blue eyes she'd ever seen. What was it with the Irish and their remarkable eye colors? Sully also assessed her, quite thoroughly.
Yes, take a good look. I'm no raving beauty, but neither are you … mate.

Lorcan clasped his hands together and rubbed. “Right. Where should we start?”

Julie led them into the living room. “This sofa and chair can be taken down to the dumpster.”

Sully shrugged. “Less to move.” He grabbed one end, and Nick took the other. With little effort, they lifted the sofa and headed toward the door.

Alone with Lorcan. They both glanced at each other. His eyes softened, but he made no movement toward her. Screw it. She walked to him and placed her arms around his slim waist. “Thank you for everything you did while I suffered from sunstroke. I don't know what I would've done without you.” Julie laid her head on his broad chest. The steady staccato beat of his heart comforted her.

He smoothed her hair. “Glad to do it. Did you want me to help you unpack?”

“Yes, thanks.”

“After we move your stuff, I'll have Nick drop me off at my flat. I'll fetch my car, and then I'll come back and help you. Would you like me to pick up take-away, hamburgers maybe?”

Julie stroked his chest. He wore a plain, navy-blue T-shirt, and it hugged his muscled planes deliciously. She traced his well-formed pecs with the tip of her finger. “Yes, hamburgers. Wonderful.”

Lorcan kissed her forehead. “Stop,” he said huskily.

Julie glanced down at his crotch. Hard, just from her slight touch? How satisfying. She stepped away. “Sorry. Yikes.”

He tapped her bottom playfully. “Minx.”

“Oooo. I like that.”

Lorcan laughed. “Good to know.”

The playful, sexually charged teasing was soon forgotten as they carried the boxes to the truck.

Two trips later, and she was moved in. After thanking Nick and Sully profusely, she stood alone in the back apartment assessing her new digs. The kitchen was about the same size as her old one, while the living room was a bit larger, and so was the bedroom. The air conditioning would be a bonus. Julie inhaled deeply. Yes, the odor of baked goods would be forever in the air, but was that a bad thing necessarily? Keep control. And she knew she could if she tried.
Note to self, no fingers in the raw cookie dough.

Ronnie and Julie had made more detailed plans regarding the cakes. They would wait until Julie was settled in before trying the experiment. Julie had also informed Ronnie she would be interested in learning more about the business, both the financial and baking side. If she could do cakes, why not try cookies? Ronnie kept the bakery selection limited since she had been doing all the baking herself, but if Julie pitched in, they could sell a bigger selection of different flavors and varieties. Ronnie had seemed pleased with her suggestion, and mentioned her cousin might be interested in working a few hours in the afternoon, which would free up Julie's time for cake preparation.

Time to take charge of her life and in more ways than one. She ran her finger along the back of the large sofa. Sitting down, she smiled. No lumps. Her parents' cast-off, ancient twenty-five inch TV sat on a stand. Ronnie had given her a DVD player as Nick already had two of them. She'd also left behind duplicate movies. Guess this situation between Ronnie and Nick was permanent. When you started referring to possessions as “our movies” and not “my movies” or “his movies”, things were serious indeed. She glanced at the bare walls. Now she had a little money she could shop for a few prints. A decent set of dishes, and pots and pans were needed as well.