4 comments/ 22711 views/ 2 favorites A Golden Heart By: snicks This story is the continuation of my story Trapped. Thanks to all who encouraged me to write this and helped me along. * Alyssa stood frozen on the bottom step staring at the door. She could clearly see him standing there on the front porch through the window. How did he find me? It had been three weeks since the most erotic night of her life. Now, the man responsible for it was standing at her door. Alyssa had gone out of her way to avoid him since that night. She hadn't known what to say or even how to act about it. Even thinking about that night could cause her body to awaken in ways she hadn't known existed until Eric. Shaking herself out of the memory, with a deep breath, Alyssa crossed to the door and opened it. Her eyes soaked up the sight of him, reliving that night was so erotic it was almost painful. Every inch of him was seared in her memory. His every touch etched in her heart. He looked wonderful. "Hi," she said softly. "Hi," Eric said, just as softly. "May I come in?" Opening the door wider, Alyssa allowed him in the house. She wasn't sure what to say after avoiding him for so long. Just looking at him was making her knees weak. Alyssa led them into the living room. "Would you like something to drink?" she asked. "No, thank you," he replied as he sat down on the couch. Wanting to keep a safe distance, Alyssa took the chair across from the couch. She wasn't sure what he wanted or why he was here. She watched him look around her house with interest in his eyes. Thankfully she had cleaned the day before as her brother was coming into town soon. Finally his eyes met hers from across the room. "How long do you want to pretend it didn't happen, Alyssa?" he asked her. Startled, Alyssa couldn't speak. That was not what she expected him to say. I don't really know him at all, she thought to herself. She'd done nothing but think of him in the time since that night. She'd longed to talk to him but didn't know where to begin. Taking a deep breath she said, "I'm not pretending it didn't happen." "Oh, then why have you been avoiding me since then?" he demanded. Alyssa looked into his eyes and saw not only frustration but also hurt. It was his pain that got to her. How could she explain to him what she felt? How could she tell him that she'd never done anything like that before? Would he understand how she felt? All of this ran through her mind as she fought with herself to come up with an answer to his question. Seeing him sitting on her couch alone affected her in ways she couldn't explain. He looked so right sitting in her house, as if he belonged there. Deciding to stall a little she asked, "What makes you think I'm avoiding you?" "You haven't been coming into the office very much since then. You haven't returned any of my phone calls. I've left you several messages both here and at your work," he stated, factually. She could hear the anger in his voice. Why is he so angry, she wondered? It's not like I'm the only woman he's been with. I've seen the women he goes out with. Over the last year that he had worked in the building with her, she'd seen him leave with several different women. All of them were tall, slim and beautiful. Alyssa thought to herself, why is he pursing me? I'm not anything like the women he normally dates. Alyssa knew she was pretty but she could never compete with the women she'd seen him with. Yes, she had started doing more work from home but she told herself it was because it was easier. As for the phone calls, she didn't know what to say so why bother calling him? Realizing he was staring intently at her waiting for an answer, she decided to ignore the phone calls for now hoping he would too. Alyssa replied, "I haven't been in the office much because it's easier to work from my house." Eric just stared at her for a long time. Alyssa began to fidget with her jeans wondering what he was thinking now. She'd lost a lot of sleep wondering what he was thinking and how he felt. None of the messages he'd left hinted at what he wanted. They all simply stated for her to call him. More than once she'd picked up the phone to call him back but hung up each time without dialing. 'What do I say?' she always asked herself. Finally he spoke, "Do you have plans for tonight?" Before Alyssa could respond her front door slammed open causing her to jump to her feet. A tall fit man of about twenty-two came strolling in and said in a booming voice "Lys, honey, I'm home". Alyssa was shocked. It was her brother Adam; he was the only person who ever called her Lys, her nickname from childhood, but he wasn't due to arrive until tomorrow. He swept her up into a big bear hug and kissed her cheek never noticing Eric sitting on the couch. Finally finding her voice, Alyssa said, laughing, "Adam, put me down. What are you doing here? I thought you weren't coming into town until tomorrow." Adam replied, "I got an earlier flight and thought I'd come to stay longer. Hope you don't mind." Hearing a throat cleared, Alyssa turned to see Eric watching them intently. Realizing he thought the worst, she quickly said, "Eric, meet my brother Adam. Adam meet," she paused, not sure what to call him. Eric supplied the generic answer of "just a friend" as he stood up. Shaking hands she could see them each sizing up the other. Adam was rather overprotective of her. "It's a pleasure to meet you," Eric said. Alyssa could feel the tension in the air. Eric and she still needed to talk, but she couldn't do that with Adam so close by. Her brother had always been protective of her; ironic, as he was six years younger than her. Adam looked from Alyssa to Eric before saying, "Lys, I'm really thirsty will you get me a drink?" "What's the story with your friend?" he demanded as soon as the kitchen door closed. Alyssa rolled her eyes while her back was to him as she got his glass of water, but couldn't stop the blush she felt brighten her cheeks. How does one tell their little brother about such a thing? Deciding it was in her best interest not to try, she replied, "Eric and I work in the same building." Adam gave her a knowing look as she turned and handed him a glass. She prepared two more glasses before returning to the living room with Eric. Adam headed for the door, saying, "I have to go unpack; I'll be back down soon." Thankful her brother was astute enough to realize she wanted to be alone with Eric, Alyssa smiled at him. Turning back to Eric, she saw him watching her intently. "I guess you do have plans for this evening," he said, standing. She didn't know what to say. She couldn't honestly say if she would have said yes even without Adam's timely arrival. Walking Eric to the door, Alyssa still couldn't find the words she needed. As she opened the door for him, Eric gripped her tightly to him and kissed her passionately. Alyssa forgot all else in the world as soon as his lips touched hers. It was as if they were back in the elevator and time stood still. Her heart accelerated, her body went limp against him as he delved deep in her mouth. Breaking the kiss, Eric smiles softly and said, "We will have this talk and soon." With those parting words he walked out of her house to his car. Alyssa shut the door slowly, her mind in a fog. How can he reduce me to a puddle of desire with just a kiss, she wondered to herself as she leaned back against the door to steady herself. Looking up the stairs she saw Adam watching her intently. Smirking, he turned back to the room he was going to be using for the next week. Damn, thought Alyssa, I don't need this now. As Eric drove away from Alyssa's house he couldn't keep the smile off his lips. He knew she wanted him. It was enough for now, but he wanted more. All of his life women had pursued him, but the one woman he wanted had eluded him until now. He could still remember the first time he saw her; she'd been crossing the street to his office building. The first thing he noticed was the sway of her hips as she walked; she had a bounce to her step as if she didn't have a care in the world. The second thing he'd noticed was her shiny auburn hair that shone with gold highlights in the morning sun. Eric had walked a little faster so he could hold the door open for her. When she turned to say thank you his heart almost stopped looking in her emerald green eyes. They had a gleam to them as if she knew some private joke about the world. Since that day Eric had gone out of his way to see her. He'd been trying for over a year to find a way to approach Alyssa. Every time he saw her she would give him a small aloof smile and move on. How ironic it had taken a broken elevator to bring them together. Now she was acting as if it never happened. He'd be damned if he let her forget. Eric had waited for over a year to get Alyssa to notice him. Now that he'd had her, he wanted her again. He couldn't explain this need inside of himself. "For the last time, it's none of your business," said an irritated Alyssa. Adam had been grilling her all night about Eric. It had started just before dinner and now, doing dishes, Alyssa was fed up. "Adam, you're my brother and I love you, but back off," she said. "Lys, I love you too. I just don't want to see you hurt again," Adam said as he walked out of the kitchen. Alyssa stood still next to the sink. She knew what Adam was talking about; it still hurt to think about. It had been three years since then. Alyssa had met what she thought was her dream man in Greg; instead he turned out to be her nightmare. She'd caught him in bed with her best friend the night before they were to announce their engagement. She could still feel the shock at finding them wrapped in each other arms. It had taken a few minutes before either of them noticed her in the doorway. When they finally did all Alyssa could do was run away crying, ignoring their pleas to wait. Ironically, she missed her friend James more than she did Greg. Just goes to show what a great judge of character I am, thought Alyssa as she put the last dish in the dishwasher. Closing it and heading to turn off the lights, she couldn't help but think about the pain she went through back then. She'd spent months re-building her self-esteem and she knew she still had a long way to go. Finally shaking herself free of the memories, she climbed the stairs to bed. "Oh no," Alyssa exclaimed as she climbed out of bed the next day. Why did I have to oversleep today of all days, she thought as she rushed to get ready. Today was the one day this week she was going into the office and she wanted to look nice. She told herself it wasn't because she might see Eric, but because she was meeting a new client. Hurriedly, she put on her black slacks with the button-down blouse, added her strap sandals, ran a comb through her hair, brushed her teeth and left the house. Alyssa barely made it to the office in time for her meeting. Since she couldn't handle being in the elevator anymore, she jogged up the stairs to her office. Stepping inside, she barely set her stuff down when a knock came. Opening the door, she was stunned. There stood Eric, looking wonderful as usual in his tan trousers and blue pullover that made his eyes really stand out. Taking a deep breath, Alyssa said, "Hi, sorry, I don't have time now; I'm meeting a new client." "Yes, I know, I'm the client," Eric said. Barely breathing, she replied, "Oh." "Well come in, please, and have a seat." Alyssa said in her most business-like voice. What is this about, she wondered. Walking behind her desk, she arranged things to her liking, buying time before she had to address Eric. Finally she looked up and said, "How can I help you?" Eric smiled softly as he watched Alyssa arrange things on her desk. He knew she hadn't expected him; he'd had his secretary make the appointment. It was the only way he could think of to get time with Alyssa. Now that he was here, he didn't really know what to say. Giving her his best smile he replied, "I made this appointment because I couldn't think of any other way to get you alone. I want us to get to know each other. Will you have lunch with me today?" Floored that Eric had set up an appointment to ask her out, Alyssa couldn't speak at first. Perhaps she should be irritated that he had wasted her work time but she wasn't. Fighting against that little voice within her, she said, "Yes, I think I'd enjoy that" "What time would you like to go?" Eric asked. Thinking about her schedule for the day, Alyssa replied, "I can't get free until one, is that alright?" Thankful she was going at all; Eric said, "Yes, that is fine. I'll make the arrangements." Standing up to walk Eric to the door, Alyssa was conscious to keep some distance between then. She could still feel his kiss from yesterday on her lips. Eric simply smiled as he left saying, "I'll see you about one." Closing the door softly behind him, Alyssa slowly walked back to her desk and collapsed in the chair. What am I doing, she asked herself. I cannot possibly get involved with him. Seeing the time, Alyssa shook her head and got ready for her next meeting. As one o'clock drew near, Alyssa began to question her decision to say yes. What will we have to talk about, she wondered. Wondering where they were going for lunch, she was glad she'd worn the outfit she did. At precisely one o'clock there was a knock on the door, taking a deep breath, Alyssa grabbed her purse and walked over to open it. Seeing who was at the door Alyssa couldn't breathe, her head was spinning. "Hello Alyssa," said James. All the hurt and pain came rushing back to Alyssa at his words. She knew it had been three years but she still wasn't over it. Feeling the anger build up in her she asked icily, "What do you want James?" Sighing, James leaned against the doorframe. "Alyssa, it's been three years. Can't you let it go?" Seeing red, she was so angry; Alyssa just looked at James with disdain. "Are you and Greg happy still?" she asked. Actually blushing, James replied, "We are still together; yes" The nerve of him coming here now, thought Alyssa. Before she slammed the door in James face, she said, "Then no, I can't." Eric stood at the end of the hall in shock; he'd overheard the exchange. It didn't completely make sense to him but he could see it had upset Alyssa. He'd never seen her so mad before. He watched the man she called James leave and wondered what that was all about. Eric walked into Alyssa's office without bothering to knock. He found her just staring out the window. Deciding not to pretend he didn't see what had happened, he asked, "Are you okay?" Alyssa didn't even turn to face him as she said, "Yes, I'm fine, but I think I'll cancel our lunch date. I'm not very good company right now." Why now? Why did he have to come back now? Just when she was finally beginning to get her life back together, thought Alyssa as she continued to stare out the window. She felt Eric put his hands on her shoulders. Just his touch made her feel calmer. He turned her slowly into his arms and just held her. Alyssa rested her head on his shoulder; this feels so right, she thought. She didn't know how long they stood there when she looked up into his eyes. The world stopped the minute they made eye contact. It was as if nothing else mattered but the two of them. Slowly she saw his mouth descend to lightly kiss her lips. Her mind completely shut down at that moment. Everything in her came alive as his kiss became more urgent. She wrapped her arms around him pulling his mouth harder onto hers as she ran her tongue along his lower lip. Feeling the need grow inside her as it had last time, Alyssa opened her mouth to his probing tongue. Melting into his body, she could feel his hands roaming across her back sending shivers down her spine. She didn't realize they had moved until she felt the desk behind her. Leaning back she sat on top of the desk without breaking the kiss. She felt his hands move to the front of her blouse, undoing the buttons slowly. When Eric had enough buttons open to slip his hand in, she gasped as his fingers caressed the skin just above her bra. Kissing his way down her neck, Eric moved to lightly flick at her nipple through the bra. Alyssa's nipples hardened at the touch. Arching her back into his hands, Alyssa couldn't stop the moan that escaped her. Eric trailed his lips down her neck along the line of her blouse until he could pull it aside to kiss lightly on the exposed skin. Pulling his hand out of her shirt, he trailed them down to her pants, undoing them. Slipping his hand inside her pants and past her panties, he lightly trailed his finger down her slit, feeling how wet she was. Alyssa felt a bolt shoot through her as his finger touched her. It was this bolt that brought her back to her senses. Grasping his hand, she pulled it out of her pants. Pushing Eric away, she hurriedly did her blouse up and said, "We...we can't do this." Eric watched Alyssa flee the office in stunned silence. He hadn't meant for that to happen when he'd come to her. He'd only wanted to offer comfort, but whenever he touched Alyssa, he couldn't control himself. Cursing his libido, Eric started to follow her but thought better of it. "What's going on Lys?" Adam asked. "I've watched you go through the motions for three days, now tell me what's happened." Alyssa hesitated before telling Adam everything. What had happened with Eric in the elevator, James showing up at her office, and what had almost happened with Eric on her desk. Adam sat silent the whole time she was talking. When he finally spoke he didn't say what she expected. Adam simply asked, "How long have you been in love with Eric?" After getting over her shocked Alyssa replied, "What makes you think I love him?" Adam just smiled and said, "Lys, I know you better than anyone else in this world. Believe me; you are in love with him." "I can't be in love with him; I barely know him," she replied. Images began running through her mind: how sensual their lovemaking had been in the elevator, how right he looked sitting in her house, and the comfort she'd gotten from him in her office before her body had taken over. The reality slammed into her with the force of a body blow. She hadn't realized she'd fallen in love with him, but sometime in the last year her infatuation had turned to love. Alyssa fell back against the couch cushions as she fully realized how much she loved Eric. Adam just smiled as he rose from the chair. "I'm heading to bed and, by the way, I'm leaving a few days early." Kissing Alyssa softly on the forehead he headed up the stairs to his room. Alyssa sat thinking for a long time, just staring at nothing. What do I do now? Could Eric possibly fall in love with me? Finding no answers in the room around her, she headed up to bed. "Promise you'll come back soon?" Alyssa asked as she hugged Adam goodbye the next morning. Smiling Adam replied, "Of course." Alyssa stood on her porch waving as Adam pulled out of the driveway and down the street. Her mind still on what to do about Eric, she turned to go back inside when a car pulled in her driveway. James stepped out. Alyssa watched James walk up on the porch. "What do you want now James?" "Will you please listen to me?" James asked. Realizing James wouldn't let this go until she did; Alyssa sat on the porch swing. "Fine," she said. James sighed and sat down in the wicker chair. "I'm not even sure where to begin. I'm so sorry about what happened three years ago. Neither Greg nor I meant to fall in love. It just happened. We never meant to hurt you. I'm sorry that you got hurt and I'm sorry that our friendship was lost over all of this." When he was done talking, Alyssa just stared at him. "What do you want from me, James? Do you want me to say all is forgiven? Well I can't, you hurt me in ways I can't even describe. You stole my fiancé. You betrayed our friendship. How am I supposed to forgive that? I can't believe you have the nerve to ask that. I moved on; why do you feel the need to come back now?" Alyssa said. A Golden Heart "I want my friend back," James stated plainly. "I miss you." "James, how can I trust you now? We can't go back, our friendship ended the day I caught you in bed with Greg. I like my life just fine now. You are not a part of it. I'm sorry you wasted your time coming here," Alyssa said. Sighing heavily, James stood to leave. "I had hoped we could mend our fences, but it's obvious you don't want that. I'm sorry my love cost us both so much." Alyssa sat on the porch for a long time after James left, thinking. How did she feel about James and Greg now, she wondered. She realized it no longer hurt as it once did and that, although she missed James' friendship, it wouldn't be the same now. She couldn't go back to being who she was before. Walking into the house, Alyssa decided to have a long shower and watch a movie alone tonight. She needed to forget all her problems for a few hours. Curling up on the couch in her pajamas, a bowl of popcorn next to her and a bottle of wine in front of her, Alyssa started her favorite comedy. She needed the laugh tonight. About halfway through the movie and most of the bottle of wine, Alyssa was feeling much better than she had in days. She'd laughed so hard she'd cried and the wine made her light headed. Alyssa jumped when she heard the knock on her front door. Wondering who would be coming by, she stumbled to the door. Opening the door wide, she used it for a prop as she stood staring at Eric. "Well, hello," she slurred slightly. Eric stared at Alyssa for a few moments before realizing she had been drinking. Alyssa turned, leaving the door wide open, and walked back to the couch. Grabbing her wine glass off the coffee table, she said to Eric, "So what brings you by tonight?" Eric closed the door softly behind him. He'd hoped to talk to Alyssa tonight but could see it was not a good idea. She was clearly drunk. Sitting on the other end of the couch from Alyssa, he asked, "What are you watching?" Alyssa giggled as she turned back to the TV, saying, "Just a funny movie; I needed the laughs tonight." "Why?" Eric asked. With the wine clouding her mind, Alyssa told Eric all about James' visit that afternoon, the entire story. She told Eric about finding James and Greg in bed together, about her feelings since then. Alyssa poured her heart out. When she was done, Eric didn't know what to say so he kept quiet. Alyssa had laid her head on his lap as she talked, enjoying the feel of him under her. As she talked her eyes began to droop, her speech becoming more and more slurred. By the time she finished she was already half asleep. Brushing her hair back, smoothing it down, Eric stayed until she finally drifted off. Eric looked at the clock and saw that it was already after three in the morning. Alyssa had talked for four hours straight. Realizing she was probably out for the night, he debated what to do. Should he just leave her there to sleep it off, or stay and try to talk to her in the morning? Deciding he enjoyed the feel of her next to him too much to leave, Eric made up his mind to get comfortable and sleep next to her for just one night. Removing his shoes and his shirt, he moved them both until they could lie on the couch. He cuddled Alyssa close to him and drifted off to sleep. Alyssa woke with a splitting headache and a dry mouth. At first disorientated as to where she was, Alyssa sat up slowly, getting her bearings. Seeing the empty wine bottle, she groaned. No wonder her head hurt. It was then she realized what had woken her; it was the smell of breakfast. Confused, because she knew Adam had left the day before, she cautiously approached the kitchen. She froze at the door. Seeing Eric in her kitchen in just a pair of jeans, no shirt, her mouth seemed to be glued shut. She couldn't have spoken at that moment if her life depended on it. Her body however woke up at the sight of that muscled back. "Morning," Eric said in a cheery voice as he turned and saw her standing there. What happened last night, she wondered. She barely remembered him at the door, beyond that it was all fuzzy. Please tell me I didn't make a fool of myself, she thought to herself. Not sure what else to say she simply smiled softly and said, "Morning." Climbing up on the stool at her kitchen counter, Alyssa added, "What are you doing here?" Smiling broadly, Eric said, "Making breakfast of course. I hope French toast is okay." Alyssa's stomach rolled over at the thought of food. She didn't think she could eat anything right now. She watched as Eric navigated his way around her kitchen as if he'd lived here for years. He seemed to know where everything was. Fascinated at how well he fitted in her house, Alyssa sat in silence as Eric cooked. Eric could feel Alyssa's eyes on him as he moved around her kitchen. He'd have given almost anything to know what she was thinking. He'd woken early with Alyssa sprawled over his chest. Another part of him had woken at full attention to her being so near. Realizing she probably didn't remember much of last night, he decided to ignore his libido this morning. Extracting himself from under her had been difficult, as he hadn't wanted to wake her. Finally mastering that feat, he decided his best bet was to wait it out until she woke on her own. They were going to talk today no matter what. He couldn't go on with things the way they were. Lost in her thoughts Alyssa was trying to remember what had happened last night. The last thing she remembers clearly was sitting down with the bottle of wine after James left. She vaguely remembered opening the door to Eric, but after that it was all a blank spot in her memory. She really wanted to ask what had happened but was afraid of the answer. Had she made a total fool of herself? What did she say to him? Growing more and more nervous as she watched Eric make breakfast, Alyssa didn't know what to say or how to act. Finally working up her courage she asked hesitantly, "What happened last night?" Debating how to answer that, Eric paused. Should he admit what she told him or should he just answer what she was really asking, he wondered. Finally deciding that the simplest answer was the best, he said, "Nothing, you were drunk when I got here; I wanted to make sure you were okay. So I stayed." Feeling as if Eric was leaving something out, Alyssa kept quiet as he set her plate in front of her. Finding that she was actually hungry, Alyssa ate slowly. It was very good and she told Eric so. He just smiled at her. After finishing her breakfast, Alyssa moved to start cleaning up. She needed something to keep her busy while she went over what Eric had and hadn't said. She knew there was more to what happened last night but she just couldn't remember. Racking her memory caused her headache, which had started to recede, to slam back in full force. Knowing full well that Eric wanted to talk today, something she just wasn't up for, Alyssa tried to figure out a way to get him out of her house without being rude. Sensing that Alyssa was retreating into her shell, Eric decided it was now or never for their talk. Finding what to say, however, proved difficult. He couldn't just tell her how he felt, she'd never believe him. Figuring to buy some time, Eric told Alyssa, "Why don't you go take a shower? It will make you feel better. I'll finish cleaning up here. When you're done, we can talk." Knowing it was unavoidable at this point; Alyssa just nodded her head as she left the kitchen. Climbing the stairs, Alyssa wondered what she was going to do. She couldn't just blurt out that she loved Eric; it was too new even for her. Would he even believe her? Peeling off her clothes from the night before, she was just about to walk into the bathroom attached to her bedroom when the door suddenly opened. Too shocked to bother trying to cover herself up, Alyssa could only gasp loudly as Eric stood still in the doorway. Alyssa watched as his eyes ate up her nude body hungrily. Seeing the lust in his eyes kindled a fire deep within her. Eric forgot what he'd come upstairs to ask Alyssa the moment his eyes landed on her naked body. Every sense woke up in him at the sight of her standing nude at the end of her bed. Knowing it wasn't the time, even as his body propelled him forward toward her, Eric couldn't help but tremble with anticipation as he approached Alyssa. Not saying a word, his hand gripped her head, tilting it back to accept his mouth on hers. At first he made his kiss gentle in the hopes of not scaring her, but when she wrapped her arms around him and eagerly kissed him back, Eric felt his control slip. Leaning into Alyssa's body, Eric felt his heartbeat accelerate. As his tongue wrestled with hers, he could feel her chest heaving against his own. Alyssa's body lifted toward Eric, seemly of its own will. She couldn't control herself; she wanted him as she had never wanted anyone before. Alyssa felt the bed hit the back of her knees and automatically sat on the edge, breaking her kiss with Eric. When she looked up into his eyes, she knew then she was lost. She licked her lips while slowly unzipping his jeans which were only inches from her face. Pushing them slowly down past his hips, her tongue snuck out to lick lightly on the head of his rock hard penis. She heard his gasp as her wet tongue made contact. Eric's fingers tangled themselves in her hair as she continued to push his jeans down. Knowing what he wanted, Alyssa parted her lips slightly to take only the head of his throbbing sex into her mouth. Swirling her tongue around and around, she could hear his moaning. Lost in the feeling of him in her mouth, she didn't notice that his hand had moved down to grasp her breast. Rubbing the pad of this thumb over the nipple, it became instantly harder, stabbing out into the air. Grabbing his ass, she took him fully into her mouth, feeling his hand drop from her breast as he threw his head back, moaning loudly. Gripping his ass so hard, she left nail prints in his cheeks; Alyssa worked Eric into a frenzy with her mouth. Sensing his orgasm near and not wanting this to end, Eric pulled his sex from Alyssa's mouth. Licking her lips, she looked up at him with wide curious eyes. Eric laid her back on the bed, kneeling between her thighs, whispering softly, "My turn." Leaning forward, Eric ran his tongue slowly up and down Alyssa's wet slit. He felt her jump at the contact. Eric wrapped his arms around her legs, lifting them over his shoulders before licking her earnestly. Alyssa's hips bucked off the bed as Eric's tongue flicked over her clit. The orgasm she'd held at bay since his first kiss was now rushing forward with the speed of a freight train. She could feel it rolling through her body before it slammed into her. Alyssa's whole body tensed up around Eric's head as she reached that peak. Setting her legs back on the bed, Eric sat back to watch her come down from that high. He'd wanted her for so long; he couldn't get enough of her. Taking her hands in his, he had Alyssa sit up. Wrapping one arm around her backside, Eric sat back on his heels pulling Alyssa forward until she slid off the bed, straddling him. He slipped easily inside her wet sex. Eric whispered only one word, "Ride." Alyssa, breathing heavily from her climax, felt Eric slide inside her. Looking into his eyes, as she was both penetrated and pleased, Alyssa couldn't catch her breath at the emotions showing so plainly in his eyes. Feeling as if nothing would ever go wrong, Alyssa flexed her thighs and began to ride. Alyssa, slowly, lifted herself off Eric, to the point of almost slipping completely off, hearing Eric whimper 'No,' before sliding back down. Riding him a little faster, Alyssa used his shoulders for support. She leaned in to kiss him as she continued to pick up the pace of her riding. She only felt the need to be connected to Eric, not the overwhelming urge to reach their climaxes. Slowing her pace, Alyssa continued to tease Eric with her mouth. Alyssa ran her tongue along his lips, before delving in slowly. She poured every emotion she felt into those kisses, telling him what she felt without a spoken word. Suddenly the need to climax overwhelmed her; she began riding him faster and faster. Her entire body tensing as she reached that peak. Eric was with her every step of the way, thrusting his hips to meet her. When her orgasm peaked, his did too. Both of them riding the wave out as their hips seemed to move on their own accord. Her body spent, Alyssa could only lean her head on Eric's as her body slowly came back down to earth. She could feel him softening inside her. That had been so amazing, it bordered on scary. When she at last looked up to Eric's face, he smiled softly before kissing her gently. "I didn't mean for this to happen, I only came up to ask you something." Eric said. The time had past for Alyssa to regret what she felt. "It's okay," she replied. Pulling herself off Eric, Alyssa stood. Smiling softly at him, she turned and walked into the bathroom. Standing under the hot spray, she went over what had just happened. What she felt for Eric scared her; she hadn't felt this way about Greg. Could she trust another man with her heart? Remembering the pain she'd felt at Greg's betrayal, she didn't know what to do now. Deep down she knew Eric was different, but her mind reminded her that he had never shown an interest in her before that night in the elevator. Would they even be talking now without that blackout? All her self-esteem issues seemed to rise to the surface. She needed time to figure out what she wanted and to figure out if she could trust again. Taking longer than she normally did in the shower, Alyssa tried to come up with a way to face Eric. She knew he wouldn't leave today without something from her. Mustering up her courage she opened the door to her bedroom, only to find it empty. Eric's jeans were gone just like him. Thinking he only went to the kitchen, she searched there for him, to no avail. After searching the whole house, it finally sunk in that Eric had left, without even leaving her a note. Hurt beyond belief, Alyssa sat down and cried. Alyssa didn't see Eric for over a week after that day. At first she thought something must have happened for him to leave like that. By the third day, she had come to the conclusion that he didn't care for her. What she saw in his eyes that day was only her imagination. She spent a lot of time reflecting on her life. By the end of the week, she finally decided to forget Eric and move on. She had her work to keep her busy. One night while cleaning out her desk at home, she came across a picture of her, James, and Greg. For the first time she could look at them and not feel the hate she once did. She remembered clearly what they had been doing just as the snapshot was taken. The three of them had been bar hopping that night and the picture showed all three of them laughing at something James had said. Looking back she could see signs of what was to come, the way Greg would look at James, the way they always seemed so tuned into each other. Something she and Greg had never had. At that moment, looking at the picture of the three of them laughing, Alyssa knew she'd forgiven them both. It still hurt and she knew she'd never forget the betrayal. Alyssa knew she could never be friends with James again but she was finally able to get past her anger. A few days later, she was cleaning out her garage when she heard a voice just behind her, "Need any help?" Shocked, but hiding it before turning toward the voice, Alyssa said icily, "No." Turning her back on Eric, she continued to clean out the box she had been working on. She heard him sigh behind her. "I'm sorry I had to leave when I did last week." Curious to know why, but also afraid of the answer, Alyssa said nothing. She felt his hands on her shoulders before he forcibly turned her to him. "I had to leave; I'm sorry, I really wanted to talk to you but an emergency at work came up," Eric said, "You know I'm a private detective; I had a major break in a case I was working on. I had to leave to so I could close the case. I would have left you a note but I didn't have the time." "So you don't know how a phone works?" she asked archly. Chuckling softly to himself, he did like her when she was upset. Of course he liked her at anytime or in any mood. "I didn't want to say this over the phone," Eric said softly. Alyssa could feel herself melting inside; she didn't want to but it seemed she couldn't stay mad at Eric. The reason wasn't important, she was just happy he was here now. She'd realized this morning that no matter what, loving Eric was the right thing for her. It didn't matter what happened in the future, she would survive it. With her new confidence, Alyssa waited for Eric to say more. Taking a deep breath Eric said softly, "I can't explain it, I can't even tell you how it happened, but I'm in love with you Alyssa." Stunned speechless, Alyssa just stood there, gaping at Eric. Whatever she thought he was going to say, that was not it. She wanted to shout with joy, she wanted to dance on the rooftop, but most of all she wanted to leap into his arms and tell him she loved him too. Then her insecurities reared their head. How can he love me, she wondered. Sensing that Alyssa didn't believe him, Eric pulled a black box out of his pant pocket. Silently he handed it to her. Eric watched as she hesitantly opened the box, inside laid a gold heart on a slim chain. Eric said softly, "I'm giving you my heart. What you do with it is your choice. Just know that I love you more than I've ever loved anyone in my life. You are the world to me." Tears threatening, Alyssa could only stare at the necklace. Looking up she realized he truly did love her. Throwing her arms around him, she whispered in his ear, "Oh Eric, I love you." Softly kissing his cheek, she made her way to his lips. Gently kissing him, telling him with her lips how much she loved him. Eric lifted her up, carrying her into the house. Alyssa wrapped her legs around Eric's waist as he walked through her kitchen straight up the stairs to her bedroom. Finally he set her down, breaking the kiss. She realized he'd set her down in the bathroom. Seeing that she had covered him in dust during their kissing, she wasn't surprised when he turned the water on. Slowly, lifting her shirt up over her head, she saw him looking lustfully at her chest. She hadn't bothered with a bra, figuring with nowhere to go she didn't need one. Eric reached up to cup both breasts, running his thumbs over the nipples lightly. Moaning softly, Alyssa moved to take his shirt off. After dropping it to the floor, she stepped closer to him, pressing her chest against his as she kissed him again. Running his hands down her back, Alyssa felt him slip them inside the elastic of her shorts, pushing the shorts and her underwear down at the same time. Her hands trembling as they continued to kiss, she moved to undo his jeans. Once she had them unzipped, she moved to push them down his legs. She could feel him step out of his shoes and the pants at the same time. Wrapping Alyssa up tight against him, Eric's tongue swept into her mouth. Stepping into the shower, he lifted her over the edge of the tub. Keeping his back to the water, making sure it was warm enough; Eric continued to explore Alyssa's mouth. Once he felt the water was warm enough he turned them so that it hit Alyssa directly on the back. Alyssa gasped as the water first hit her skin. The different degrees of heat on Alyssa's body from Eric and the water caused goose bumps. She could feel his arousal against her leg. The beating of the water and their hearts was all she could hear. Eric ran his hands up and down her back, enjoying the feel of her wet skin. Leaning her body back over his arm into the water, Eric kissed his way down to her breasts. Taking one nipple into his mouth, he sucked it hard before releasing it to move to the other one. Alyssa moaned at the feel of his mouth on her nipples. She ran her hand down his chest, circling his nipples one at a time. Eric gasped against her nipple. Trailing her hand further down his chest, Alyssa slowly wrapped her fingers around his hard sex. Alyssa ran her fingers up and down the shaft as Eric's tongue continued to tease her nipple. She released him with a moan as Eric gripped her ass tightly. A Golden Heart Turning them so her back was against the tiles, he lifted her legs to his hips. Alyssa gasped loudly as the cold tiles hit her hot skin. Wrapping her legs around Eric's hips, she rubbed her wetness against him. Growling, Eric reached down and guided himself into her. Slamming in, he shoved her against the wall with the force of his penetration. Alyssa's head fell back against the tiles, her breath coming in gasps. Eric took her as if he had never had her before and couldn't wait. Alyssa put her hands on his shoulders to balance herself as he thrust into her harder and harder. Panting, she delved her tongue deep in his mouth, kissing him passionately. She could feel her orgasm rising fast as Eric continued his sensual assault on her body. It hit her with the force of a tornado, racking her entire body. Every muscle tensed up around Eric. Eric groaned as her body pulled his own orgasm from him. His hips drove deeper with each trembling spasm. Releasing Alyssa's legs from around his hips, he propped her against the wall. Leaning against her for support, he kissed her tenderly. Keeping on arm on Alyssa for support, he turned off the water. Leading them both out of the tub, Eric grabbed a towel from the rack next to the shower. Slowly drying every inch of Alyssa's body off, he then wrapped the towel around her completely. Eric then took a towel for himself, drying off before wrapping it around his hips. Eric didn't say a word as he led them both to her bed. Removing both of their towels, Eric laid Alyssa down on the bed, crawling in beside her. Wrapping her up tight in his arms, Eric whispered, "I love you." The gold necklace Eric had given her lay between them. Feeling it pressed against her breast, Alyssa caressed it with her fingers. "You have to," she grinned. "Remember, I have your heart."