Eighteen years ago….. Kaleb Luthor hurried on. He was on an errand for his father, walking down the gravel path that cut from his house when his eyes caught something. He stopped and stared for a moment. It was his sister's friend, Sasha. Sasha Sullivan.She was hanging upside down from an old tree, her skinned knees hooked over a low thick branch. She was swinging back and forth, so her long braids dangled like ropes. The whole time she hummed while she blew the biggest pink bubble he had ever seen. He didn't know you could hum and blow bubble gum at the same time. As he walked past her, there was a loud pop."Where are you going?" she asked as she swung up so she was straddling the branch with one leg, while the other dangled down. Her palms propped up by her body and she stared down at him.Dust fell all over him and scowling, he wiped off his face and head. He frowned. On the same level as his nose was a pair of blue canvas shoes. He slowly looked upward along her legs and knees
Sasha swam towards him and he stretched out his hand to her. She stared at it for a few seconds, as if contemplating her decision before she finally put her hand in his and he straightened, pulling her up with him. Sasha slid her hand from his grip and turned away, immediately grabbing the towel and using it to cover herself while awkwardly pretending to dry off…. Taking her time."What are you doing here?"she asked him as soon as she could bring herself to meet his gaze again. "That's a pretty weird question to ask me, don't you think? This is my house too, remember? I should be the one asking you that question." Kaleb replied.Sasha frowned at the grin on his face, and raised her chin a little, challenging him, "Excuse me, but I was under the impression that no one was home." she said."I can see that," he replied, and continued to smile at her so she looked away, embarrassed by the attraction she realized she still felt towards him after all these years. Neither of them made any e
She wondered why she never told Tilly about the way she felt for her brother. It was weird, because she and Tilly told each other everything. They kept nothing from each other. Tilly parents had even invested in her food truck business when she started it to show their support, but she'd kept her crush on Kaleb a secret. Maybe she was just scared of the way Tilly would react. What if Tilly didn't like the idea of her dating her brother? Would it leave a mark on their relationship? She didn't want that because she valued their friendship so much. But again, what was the point of talking about it when Kaleb wasn't even slightly interested in her. He'd completely friendzoned her, and she hadn't even seen him for years…. Well, until that afternoon. "Urmmm… helllooo" Tilly said on the other end of the line, bringing Sasha back to reality. "No, " Sasha said finally, answering Tilly's question, "I wasn't going to throw him a party. I was just surprised to see him, that's all." Feeling unc
Sasha still couldn’t quite grasp that Kaleb Luthor was there in the cramped quarters of a food truck, cooking Thai entrées like a professional.She tried to imagine other guys she'd met jumping in and helping out and couldn’t. The image refused to solidify, because they would never have done it. Not many men of her acquaintance would’ve bothered getting their hands dirty. But then again, two hours ago she wouldn’t have been able to picture Kaleb getting his hands dirty, either. And especially not for her.As Sasha closed the serving window and hung the Closed sign, questions crowded into her head. But before she could ask them, he turned, tugging down his sleeves and rebuttoning the cuffs.“I actually came to invite you to my party,” he said, thrusting his arms into his jacket, then his coat. "Your party?" Sasha repeated. "Yes. I've decided to stay here. I mean, move back here…. Permanently. I've bought a house too, and I'm throwing a small house warming party… with a few close frie
Sasha gave her an apologetic look. "I'm sorry" she said, "Lots of customers at the truck… And I had a little problem choosing my outfit. Now, speaking of outfits, yours is just…. You know… wow. Why aren't you dressed? Or are you?" Tilly rolled her eyes. "Good question! I'm dressed like this because like an idiot, I offered to help plan Kaleb's stupid party, and he put me in charge of everything. Trust me, if I'm not there to monitor everyone, nothing gets done."Sasha smiled. She wasn't surprised one bit. Tilly was a control freak, and she liked to do things and way and when she wanted it done. "I'm sure it's all in your head," she said, "Maybe you should let them do the rest and you should get dressed. You deserve to enjoy the party you put together. It's amazing by the way. You did great." "Of course I did, duh" said Tilly with a proud smirk, "What would Kaleb do without me? But of course, he won't admit that he can't do anything without my help" Sasha laughed, "I'm very sure he
"I'm glad you came" he said to her, "I almost thought that you wouldn't honor my invitation" "Now why would you say that?" she asked, and he had to concentrate hard to remember what he’d said."I—I guess because you didn't look very thrilled about it when I invited you." he essayed at last, congratulating himself on his memory. "I'm glad you came Sasha" Her lips were pressed together when she turned to give him a doubtful look, and Kaleb guessed she didn't really believe him. Long lashes, several shades darker than her hair, shaded her expression, however, and Kaleb found himself imagining how they would feel against his lips. He wanted to kiss her, he realized. He wanted to press that slim luscious body against his own and ease his aching need between her legs… "I don’t think that’s very fair, Kaleb" she said, and his arousal abruptly deflated. "You invited me in the weirdest way possible." An eyebrow lifted. He did? "Walking into my truck…" she continued, "Helping Tilly and I,
Kaleb nodded."I totally understand. My parents on the other hand are simply thrilled that I'm back in town. I guess they don't bother me so much because they still have Tilly. She's a lot to handle so I guess they were simply relieved when they had one less child to worry about "Sliding glass doors led to a balcony that showed a stunning view of the city in the distance—bright lights, so full of stories and interest."So beautiful." she said again. He dipped his head in silent concession, moving towards the kitchen and pulling a bottle of champagne from the fridge. She recognised the label for its distinctive golden color. He took her martini glass from her and put both their glasses in the sink, then she watched as he unfurled the foil from the champagne bottle and popped the cork effortlessly, grabbing two flutes and half filling them."Your sister is an amazing friend too," Sasha continued, desperate for something to say in order to fill up the silence, "I don’t think I've ever me
"I really think we should get back to the party now, Kaleb" Kaleb watched her for a second before he stood up. He wanted to kiss her again, but he didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable… OrOr worse, scared. He wasn't a caveman and he'd never take a woman who wasn't willing. So he stood up and faced her. "I'm sorry" he said, "I shouldn't have done that, and you're right. We should go back to the party" Sasha almost winced. Sorry? She didn't want him to be sorry because she'd love that kiss. She just thought that stopping was the right thing to do, but she masked her feelings quickly and stood up straight. "Yeah, we should go," she agreed. They left and walked in silence, but the kiss refused to leave Sasha's lips. Amatory blushes kept flushing on her cheeks at the mere remembrance of Kaleb's mouth taking charge of destroying her any possible resolution to keep herself sexually uninvolved as she'd been for the past few years.Oh no, this wasn't healthy! Sasha shook her head to
She lifted up Sasha's gown and her face underwent a startling transformation. "Oh, good heavens!" she exclaimed. "You’re fully dilated!" "Is that bad?" demanded Kaleb."No, it’s wonderful," answered the midwife." It means we’re going to have a baby! And sooner, rather than later!""Kaleb!" Sasha's voice cracked as she gripped onto his hand, her body tensing up to face the next contraction. "Please don’t leave me." "I’m not going anywhere, sugar!" Kaleb had never known an experience as powerful as seeing his child being born—but along with the pride came panic. He tried telling himself that women had been giving birth for centuries, in conditions far more threatening than the clean and antiseptic surroundings of this hospital delivery room.But nothing seemed to take the edge off his fears for Sasha and their baby.Nothing, that was, until Sasha gave one last shuddering groan—and a long, skinny object with a shock of dark hair emerged, shouting, into the world."It’s a boy!" beamed t
Kaleb snapped the light on, and through the blinking of her eyes in reaction Sasha saw him glaring at her as though she had just uttered the most awful blasphemy."No!" he roared.Sasha pretended surprise. "You don’t want to keep having sex?" "Yes!" "Kaleb, if you’re going to yell like a hooligan then I suggest you go back to sleep!""If you weren’t pregnant I’d put you over my knee!" he retorted."If I weren’t pregnant, then you wouldn’t be here, buddy!" "Says who?" "Says me!" "Oh, yes, I would!" he said fervently.There was a pause. "You would?" Sasha gulped."Of course I would! Because sooner or later I would have come to my senses and realized just how much I love you. And I do, Sasha. I love you very much." She gazed back at him, too scared to hope for what had always seemed like an unattainable dream. He’d said the words, and she believed that he meant them— but was there substance behind them? Enough to withstand all the tests that life threw in the path of love?She thou
He thrust harder this time and she felt the shudder roll through his body as he held himself deep inside her. He kissed her. Hungry. Passionate. With more desperation than she’d ever experienced from him. Their lovemaking had always been good, but he’d never lost control so quickly.She kissed him with just as much hunger, her hands sliding down his back and then up again to hold his head to hers.His hips trembled against her. They lay locked together, with him barely holding himself off her. Wanting that closeness to him—especially now— she urged him over to his side, rolling with him so they stayed together.Their limbs were tangled, their arms wrapped tightly around each other, and he was still pulsing deep inside her body. She tucked her head underneath his chin and breathed deeply of his scent, felt the erratic thump of his heart against her cheek.It was easy to forget all that had happened between them. It was easy to forget the pain and loneliness. It was easy to imagine that
The satin caught on her hard, erect nipples and he tugged insistently until one breast came completely free. He cupped the plump mound and then lowered his head, sucking the nipple into his mouth.A shot of adrenaline slivered through her veins, edgy and sharp. She twisted restlessly beneath him as he sucked harder. She plunged her fingers through his short, cropped hair and then gripped the back of his head, holding him in place as she silently begged for more.He pulled at her nipple, drawing his head back until the taut nub came free of his mouth. Then he lifted his gaze to meet hers and butterflies scuttled around her belly when she saw the look in his eyes.“I want to make love to you, Sasha. I need you so much. But I won’t do this if it’s only going to make things worse. You have to want this as much as I do.”“I want it more,” she said hoarsely. And that was the truth. She’d always wanted him more. Craved him. Missed him when he wasn’t with her. Seeing him now, having him over
"Kaleb!" She didn't think twice running toward him. "Fuck, you're definitely drunk! What were you thinking?" She was holding him, his arms around her shoulders, and hers around his waist."I'm not drunk," Kaleb hissed."Yeah, right. That's what all the drunkards say," she quipped while shutting the door behind them. "Let's get you to bed." She tried to scoot him toward the bed. But he didn't want to move. Instead, he took her in his arms, hugging her from behind, longingly. His hand slid to bump and he rubbed it gently. "Sasha," he uttered, his voice hoarse. She stilled in his brace. "Just for tonight, let's sleep together.""Sleep together?" Sasha murmured, her skin shuddered."Hmm," Kaleb replied, breathing into her hair."And then what?" Sasha asked gently, her chest rising and falling as she breathed. She loved being this closer to him. She still needed to feel him every single day. How stupid was she going to get? She could no longer understand."I don't know." Kaleb sighed, his
Kaleb sighed again. "No, I knew I wanted you. I just didn't think we would reach this stage, you know… With the baby and…" he ran his hand through his hair, "... I thought it wasn't a big deal, but it began to be, and I was going to tell you.""When?" Sasha breathed."I honestly don't know, Sasha," Kaleb said truthfully. "I don't want to lie to you. There were times when I almost did and then for some reason I… I couldn't… Or didn't… I don't know" It was difficult for Sasha to understand him, and even harder to understand herself. She was so weak over him. What was she seeing in him? Yes he was handsome, sexy, rich, but was that enough to totally go nuts over him?"No, the answer is simple, Kaleb ," she uttered. "You just enjoyed seeing what a fool I am for pulling off my pants for you every time despite knowing you had a girlfriend. Was it entertaining?" She wanted to release all her doubts."That never crossed my mind, Sasha, you're being unfair," Kaleb said, his voice hurt. "But
But other than being physical with him, was there anything else she was missing about him? She kept asking herself. When her phone buzzed again, she checked her phone quicker than she wanted.'All of it. I refuse to accept any of it, and that's why we should meet. We need to talk, and I'll personally make sure it happens, '"The audacity!" Sasha smirked when she read it. It was incredible how Kaleb kept exercising his controlling nature even in this situation. He was supposed to beg her, not ordering as he did. Sasha knew right from the start that avoiding Kaleb was impossible, but she still wanted to try. However, sooner or later she was going to face him, and it scared the hell out of her. He had become both her strength and weakness at the same time.She needed him to feel like someone had her back especially with the pregnancy and baby coming; and that was something Kaleb had done. She wanted someone to feel proud of her, and he'd shown that within a very short moment of their int
It was Clark's turn to look confused now. He frowned, "Oh gosh. It looks like I've said too much and caused some trouble, have I not?" "No… No, you didn't. I'm okay," Sasha said, her voice low. "Um, just get the stuff you came for. It's nice to meet you, Clark" Sasha hurried back to the bedroom. She was lost in this new information and she felt some kind of relief and rage at the same time. She remained in a bad mood the entire day, and she was in the living room when Kaleb finally returned from work. He was in the middle of a phone call, holding the phone to his ear with his shoulder as he closed the door behind him. He beamed ecstatically when he saw Sasha, and even motioned for her to move closer to give him a hug. Her heart flipped, but she strictly ignored his gesture, making him frown. She had no time to even admire his handsome face and exquisite suit that multiplied his hot looks. No distractions at the moment! She declared to herself. "Sorry, I have something important t
As he pushed closer still she trembled. He was so big and so strong and she was suddenly overwhelmed. But he moved so slowly, so carefully and then he kissed her again—in that deep, lush way, as if he’d wanted nothing more in all his life than to kiss her. As if she were the very oxygen he needed to survive. That was when everything melted within her and he slid to the hilt, so they were as deeply connected as they could possibly be. Her need coalesced again into a cascading reac-tion of movement. He pushed her to follow his sweet, hard, slick rhythm—into a dance she’d never known, but discovered she could do so damn well with him. His breathing roughened as she clutched him back, as she understood more the give and take, the meet and retreat of this magic. Together they moved faster, deeper…until she cried out as he brought unbearable, beautiful pleasure down upon her. As he broke through every last one of her boundaries to meet her right there—where there was light and heat and shee