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Bring on the Wonder Ch. 01

By: MugsyB



To my regular readers, this is my 'secret' project that I've mentioned recently. As you can see, it's a brand new genre for me and if it's not your thing, then please don't continue. I can't say for sure that I'll ever revisit this genre in the future. In fact, the reader feedback and reaction to this first chapter will determine whether I even continue to post the entire thing.

Second, I wrote this story in answer to a challenge from someone very close to me, someone who is also a huge fan of my other work. They wanted a story from me that combined their two favourite genres. They also wanted to see if I could write something totally new for me, and to be honest, something that makes me uncomfortable, because this is just not the genre for me. That being said, as I worked on this story, I got more and more comfortable with it and the end result is something I'm happy enough with to share with everyone.

For those who know me, no, this story isn't some unspoken, deep-rooted, hidden fantasy of mine. As I mentioned above, this was a writing experiment. Any writer will tell you they are constantly trying new techniques or plots to keep their writing fresh.

Enough chit-chat. Here's the story, something new for me and you.

As always, take care and happy reading.

M. ;)

****

She knew her twisting and writhing body would overload his senses. He grasped her hips and tried to still her movements but she let out a cry of protest. Her body undulated beneath his and he clenched his jaw.

"Are you trying to kill me?" His words were interspersed with grunts as he continued to thrust.

She giggled, the sound dying on a gasp as he moved hard and fast for several strokes. She laid her hands over his, where he held her, and kept her gaze locked on his.

He loved looking down into her flushed face as he slid in and out of her tight sheath. He adored the way she bit her lip or the way her eyelashes fluttered when he struck just the right spot deep inside. He drank in the sounds she made, gritting his teeth to stave off orgasm a little bit longer.

She knew him as well as he knew her. She knew that when she clenched her muscles around him, it would take him to the brink in an instant. She knew it would make him stretch himself out above her, so their bodies would rub together for those last few, hard strokes. Her arms would go around his shoulders, her heels would dig into his ass and he would moan her name while rubbing his lips over the skin of her ears, neck and chest.

He recognized the mischievous look in her clear-blue eyes. "Don't do it."

"Don't do what?"

"You know what."

But it was too late. He felt the first flutter of her insides clenching around him. His movements faltered. She did it again. His arms began to shake and they both knew he was seconds from sprawling over her body, letting their naked and sweaty skin slide together as he fucked her to climax.

Then she squeezed again and he moaned her name, sliding down to wrap his arms around her. She kissed his face as her arms went around his shoulders. Her feet slid up his legs to wedge in tight against his ass and still she was tightening her pussy around his rigid cock.

"God, Lizzie, you feel so fucking good, so tight..."

She sighed into his ear and a shudder rippled up his spine. She traced it with her fingertips, rocking her pelvis up and against him as he kept moving in her.

"Does it feel good, Nate? Hmm? You like how wet and hot I am for you?"

He couldn't nod, couldn't speak, couldn't do anything but keep thrusting his cock in and out of her perfect body. She kissed his face and lips, stroked his back and all the while kept whispering naughty things in his ear. When she felt his breathing quicken, her voice faded and she let her head fall back against the pillow to watch him.

He looked into her face, her beautiful, rosy-cheeked face, the face he'd known and loved his whole life. He took in the sight of her tousled hair, strands sticking in sweaty clumps to her forehead, her sparkling eyes, filled with passion, and her lips, forming the words that always sent him over the edge.

Today was no exception.

"Lizzie!" he cried and arched as he started to come.

He shot his load into her, emptying more and more of himself with every pump of his hips. She held him close, her arms and legs tight around his body. He could feel her lips on his skin as she continued to press affectionate kisses to his cheek and chin. 

When he caught his breath, he turned his face and kissed her on the mouth. "I love you, Lizzie."

She smiled. "I love you, Nate."

He buried his face against her neck and she squeezed him with all her limbs. Then he shifted and slipped free of her body. He kept his arms around her, drawing her with him as he rolled to his back. She draped herself over his chest with a contented sigh.

"I could stay here like this all day."

Lizzie's laughter stirred the hair on his chest.

He tickled her side. "Why are you laughing?"

"You say that every time we make love."

"I mean it every time."

She propped her chin on her hand and smiled into his eyes. He reached out and brushed the hair from her face.

"I know you mean it. I wish we could stay in bed all day too." She laid her cheek back on his chest. "But we have to go to Winnetka." Her eyes flicked to the clock on the bedside table. "Ugh. And we'll have to leave in less than an hour if we're going to be on time."

"Who cares if we're late?"

"Dad might."

Nate closed his eyes. She was right, of course. His father was all about punctuality and sticking to commitments. "Fine. We'll get ready." He opened his eyes to see Lizzie watching him. "But we'll save time if you shower with me."

She laughed as she moved to her knees and pushed his chest with one hand. "You've got it, my love. Now get that sexy ass in the bathroom before I change my mind."

Not one to pass up an opportunity, Nate scrambled from the bed, Lizzie's bright laughter chasing him.

Showering together probably didn't save time but it sure was a hell of a lot of fun.

****

Later, in the car, Lizzie fidgeted more and more the closer they got to the house. She gnawed on a thumbnail until Nate reached over and took her hand in his. She didn't look at him. Couldn't.

It was always the same. She could never shake the nerves that consumed her when they went to Winnetka. She was always afraid they would all look at her and Nate, and see it. They'd see right away what they'd been up to and judge them. Nate always tried to reassure her but it did little good.

"We won't stay late, Lizzie."

She nodded, still unable to look at him. If she looked at him, if she took in the way his dark, brown hair flopped onto his forehead – because he hadn't gone for a haircut in months – it would make her tell him to pull over so she could run her fingers through it. They both enjoyed that. Then his brown eyes would grow darker and she wouldn't be able to keep from kissing his perfect, full lips. After that, it would be mere minutes before he'd be inside her, moving, bringing them both pleasure. By the time they'd get going again, it would be even later and they'd arrive with kiss-swollen lips and the scent of sex all around them.

So instead, she kept her eyes on the road ahead and he held her hand. They drove the remaining twenty miles like that, silent, fingers tangled. Then he turned onto that old familiar block and she flicked her hand away from his. He let her go and she knew he wasn't hurt. He was too used to it after so many months.

They rounded the bend and he turned into the long, shaded driveway. They parked and eyed the old brick-faced house with matching expressions. Then Nate looked at her, and Lizzie looked back at him.

"Let's go."

She nodded and climbed out of the car. Nate walked up to the house, not waiting for her. She reached into the back seat to grab the pie she'd promised to bring, and followed Nate up the walk to the front door just in time to see Ingrid almost bowl Nate over.

"Whoa!" Nate laughed and caught the little girl around the waist. "Slow down."

Ingrid laughed and squirmed in his grasp as he moved a few more steps into the house. Lizzie followed and shut the door behind her.

"Hi, Lizzie!" Ingrid all but shrieked.

Cringing at the little girl's tone, Lizzie managed a wink for her. "Hi, Ingrid."

"Did you know it's my birthday?"

Nate laughed and tickled the little girl's sides. "Everyone knows it's your birthday, squirt. Why do you think we got all dressed up?"

"Auntie Clara says it's because Uncle Davis makes you."

Lizzie and Nate exchanged a look and nodded. "Auntie Clara is very smart."

"Auntie Clara is Mom to you, young man."

Nate grinned at the older woman who came down the hallway, dusting her hands off on her floral apron. "Hey, Mom."

"Ingrid, I think your father wants to show you something in the backyard."

Nate set the little girl down and she bolted down the hall. He turned to his mother to give her a hug. "You look lovely."

"You look thin. Are you eating?"

Nate pulled back to give her a wry smile without answering.

Clara turned to Lizzie then and grinned. "Sweetie, you remembered the pie!"

"Of course." Lizzie hugged the older woman as she scooped the pie from her hands.

"But you couldn't remember to make your brother get you both here on time?" Clara said, her eyes flicking towards Nate.

Lizzie felt the word like a whip cracking across her shoulders. Her spine snapped straight and she shot a wide-eyed look at Nate. Nate gave her a narrow, knowing smile in return and she knew he understood.

"Mom, we're only five minutes late."

"Five minutes late isn't on time, is it?" Their mother tossed them both another accusatory look before turning to walk away. "Why you don't find your own place to live now is beyond me, Elizabeth. You can't live with your brother forever, you know."

Her voice trailed off as she rounded the corner and headed for the kitchen. Lizzie looked up at Nate as he moved closer and managed a weak smile. He reached out and wrapped his fingers around hers, giving them a comforting squeeze. She wanted to throw herself into his arms and run away and never come back.

Well, that wasn't entirely true. She loved all of her family and she loved her brother, Nate, most of all.

"Lizzie, will you come help me in here?" Their mother's voice carried down the hall and Lizzie jumped, jerking her hand out of his.

She hurried away from the foyer to help their mother in the kitchen.

****

In fact, they were half-brother and sister. Nate is the only son of Davis Allen Whittenberg III. Davis' first wife had been diagnosed with breast cancer when Nate was a baby. She'd lived until he was three before passing away. For another two years, it was just Nate and Davis. Then, while overseeing the grand opening of another Whittenberg hotel and spa resort, Davis had met Clara. She'd been impervious to his advances at first but when she'd first laid eyes on Nate, precocious and pensive Nate, she'd been a goner. She'd become a mother in that moment.

Davis had been reluctant to pursue a relationship with her after finding out how taken with his son she'd been. He'd thought it was some elaborate ploy to get him to propose. When they'd met, Davis had only wanted a dalliance. After seeing how Clara acted with Nate, he worried that she wanted something more. As they got to know each other, and he got to see how Nate opened up with Clara's nurturing, Davis realized Clara was the one for him.

They got married when Nate was six and when he was almost seven, Elizabeth Anne was born.

Nate had loved her from the very first time he'd laid eyes on her. She was so cute with her scrunched up face, wailing every ten minutes for milk or a diaper change. She smelled delightful and felt so soft and light in his arms whenever he'd held her. From the first moment, he'd wanted nothing more than to protect and love her.

She loved him back, he knew. She'd happily played his games and tagged along to the park or to play basketball in the driveway. She loved digging up worms to go fishing and she never grew tired of playing catch. When she'd started to become more interested in boys as something other than playmates, Nate had become her self-appointed bodyguard. He supposed it was around then that she started to dislike him.

They never stopped loving each other. Siblings always loved each other. It was a rule. But she started to avoid him, give him one-word answers about her day at school, and when he went away to college, she rarely called or sent him letters. He didn't mind so much. College was a new and exciting experience. He had more than enough to occupy his days – and nights – and what young college man wanted to think about his baby sister when he had so many other activities to look forward to?

When Lizzie turned sixteen, he came home for the party and brought his girlfriend to meet the family. Lizzie spent much of the party squealing and laughing with her friends, or making eyes at Thomas, the boy she liked from her math class. Nate spent much of the day receiving impromptu gropes from his girlfriend.

When Lizzie turned eighteen, Nate was abroad, traveling with a group of male friends and couldn't make it back for her party. He called her on her birthday, but the line was crappy and he was pretty sure she'd been drinking. He remembered thinking that their parents must have let her try champagne, just like they had for him on his eighteenth birthday.

The two of them stayed in touch over the ensuing years, as she chose a college and while he settled into his career. They saw each other at holidays and special occasions and grew to become friends as well as siblings. They didn't tell each other their deepest, darkest secrets but they were close enough that when Lizzie needed a place to stay after graduating from college, Nate didn't mind offering his place.

Now, in the house they'd grown up in, with their little cousin, Ingrid, clapping in excitement over her mound of presents, Nate didn't know how the entire family didn't see that they were in love.

Maybe it had something to do with the fact that they hadn't spoken since arriving and barely even looked at each other. Maybe everyone was so distracted by Ingrid's enthusiasm over her eighth birthday that they didn't care about the electricity crackling in the air every time Lizzie slid past him to go into the kitchen.

Nate's fingers clenched around his bottle of beer and he slammed back the last half with a grimace.

"You all right, son?"

Nate glanced over to see his father standing beside him. He swallowed around the bitter taste in his mouth and nodded. "Why?"

Davis shrugged. "You seem tense. How's work?"

Nate smiled. His father thought being an accountant was boring but stressful, usually around tax season. Nate was a contracted accountant for a few large companies and several private clients and enjoyed his four day work week with all the benefits of a sixty-hour week. "It's great, Dad. Really."

"Are you sure you're not working too hard?"

"No. I work a forty hour week, I've told you that. Sometimes less."

"Are you making enough money?"

Nate laughed and clapped his father on the shoulder. "I don't make as much as you but that doesn't mean it's not enough."

Davis nodded and patted Nate's hand before glancing around the room at the rest of the family. "I'd forgotten what it's like to have little kids running around here."

He sounded almost wistful. Nate glanced at his father before looking at Ingrid and her two brothers, twin three-year olds, named Flotsam and Jetsam. Or at least, that's what Nate called them. His aunt, Clara's younger sister, Juliette, had named them John and Theo in reality.

"You're not going to start badgering me about grandkids, are you?"

"Good lord, no." Davis smiled at that. "I'm not ready to be called Grandpa just yet. And besides, you're not even seeing anyone right now."

That wasn't true but Nate nodded and let his eyes wander over the family. Lizzie sat on the other side of the room, speaking in low tones to their Uncle Phil, Juliette's husband. As he watched, Phil said something that made Lizzie toss her head back and laugh.

Nate had to look away or risk sprouting a boner right there beside his dad. He couldn't seem to control himself when it came to Lizzie. She'd smile, wink or toss that glorious head of mahogany brown hair over her shoulder, and he became a blithering idiot. He muttered something about getting another beer and beat a hasty retreat from the living room.

He stood alone in the kitchen for several minutes, a fresh bottle of beer in his hand. He stared out the window over the sink and sipped the drink but his mind was a million miles away. Lost in his thoughts, he didn't hear someone approach from behind and when the hand landed on his ass, he jumped about a mile.

Spinning, he scowled at his half-sister who gave him an impish wink in return. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Relax, everyone took the kids outside to play." She smiled and moved closer, the warmth of her body making his skin prickle. "We're alone, Nate."

He swallowed with some difficulty as she lowered her hand to stroke the front of his belt. "Lizzie, don't." He covered her hand with his and cleared his throat. "We can't, not here."

She gave him a pouty look through her dark lashes and he shook his head, trying to remain calm. She ignored his protest and cupped him through his pants.

"Lizzie!" Nate darted sideways out of her grasp and slammed the bottle on the counter. "What's gotten in to you? You were nervous as hell when we got here. Why the sudden change?"

Her cheeks turned pink and she caught her bottom lip between her teeth. Nate could see the nervousness and apprehension come back into her eyes as they stared at each other and he felt like an ass for snapping at her.

"I know." Her voice was low as she spoke and she twisted her hands together in front of her. "I just... I wanted to feel close to you, just for a minute." She spread her hands, palms up, and shrugged. "It's so hard being here around everyone and wanting to tell them how happy we are. But our happiness would just upset everyone."

That was the understatement of the year. Nate could see how torn up she was and he knew the same thing was reflected in his eyes.

"I wish we could be here like our parents, or even Phil and Juliette."

"They fight all the time."

Lizzie smiled and shrugged again. "But they also hold hands and give each other looks when they think no one else is looking." She looked down and away from him for a long moment. When her face turned back to his, her eyes shone with moisture. "I want that, Nate. I want to be in love with you, in front of everyone else."

Her words, the tremor in her tone, made Nate's insides twist. He'd never expected their lives to take this turn but it had and they were helpless without each other.

"I do love you, Lizzie." He stepped closer so he could put his arms around her. "I love you with all my heart and I wish we could do the same things."

She rested her cheek on his chest and wrapped his arms around his back. "Yeah? Like bicker and tease and then steal kisses whether or not someone is looking?"

"Yup. Just like that."

They fell silent, listening to each other breathing. Nate bent his head and kissed her hair as she rubbed her hands over his lower back. Then lower.

"Lizzie..."

She turned her face to his chest to silence her giggle but she didn't stop touching him. She squeezed his ass and he knew she could feel his erection pressing into her stomach.

He pulled back far enough to look down into her face. "We don't have time for anything."

As if to punctuate his words, the voices and noise rose outside as someone opened the back patio door. The two of them spent another second in each other's arms before moving apart with reluctance. When their mother came into the kitchen, Lizzie was looking in the fridge for a drink and Nate was staring out the window again, hiding the tent in his pants.


Bring on the Wonder Ch. 01



"Are you two going to come outside?" Clara asked without looking at them. She bustled over to the tray of snacks left on the counter and lifted it. "It's a beautiful day."

"I'll be out in a minute, Mom." Lizzie glanced over her shoulder. "I'm just trying to decide what to drink."

Clara tsked at her. "Well, hurry up and decide, Elizabeth. There's enough air conditioning in this house without you adding to it."

As the older woman turned to leave, Lizzie made a face that Nate saw. They shared a smile and Lizzie closed the fridge door when their mother disappeared. They waited another few seconds while Clara went to the back door and left.

After that, it was if something snapped between them. One second, they were on opposite sides of the kitchen, the next, they were in each other's arms. This was no chaste hug. Their mouths were seeking, their tongues thrusting, and their bodies coming together. Nate turned and pressed her against the counter. She twisted her mouth from his to moan his name and Nate caught her chin in a firm grip.

"If you want this, you have to keep quiet, you understand?" His voice was low, a growling whisper and she shuddered at his tone but nodded.

Then he covered her lips with his and silenced her for good. His hands went to her hips and he started to bunch up her skirt. When his fingers pushed between her thighs, he found her slick and so hot. And she wasn't wearing any panties to get in their way.

It was his turn to break their kiss. He gave her a searing look and slid his free hand up to her hair to tangle his fingers in the long strands. "Look at me."

She opened her eyes and Nate loved seeing the way she looked at him, desire fogging her gaze. He pressed his lips to hers, keeping his eyes open. "I want to look into your eyes when I make you come."

She shuddered. "Please, yes."

He had never been one to deny her anything.

He twisted his fingers in her and stroked the contours of her damp core. She whimpered and Nate moved his hand from the back of her head to cover her mouth. Her eyes flashed to his and narrowed. He stared into her eyes, watched as the motions of his fingers made her lose focus. She squeezed her eyes shut and lifted her hand to clutch his wrist. She didn't pull his hand away and he could feel the clenching of her fingers as she got closer. He didn't slow down. He did exactly what he knew she needed to come hard and fast. Still, when she did, he trembled with the force of his desire for her.

She pushed herself against his hand, making muffled sounds of pleasure against his hand. Then he felt her squeezing tight around his fingers and his senses went into overload. If he'd been touching himself or inside of her, he'd have come minutes ago already. As it was, it wouldn't take much to make him go off. But this wasn't about him. He stroked her, firm and sure, and felt her trembling and convulsing increase as she started to climax. He kept his hand over her mouth as she rode the wave.

As she came down, Nate stepped back, listening to the wet sound of his fingers sliding away. He adjusted himself in his pants and watched with narrowed eyes as Lizzie half-turned from him, straightening her skirt. She gave him a sweet little smile that damn near broke his heart.

"Was that what you wanted?"

Her eyebrows lifted at his question and she shook her head. "Not exactly."

His expression must have shown disbelief because her smile widened and she brushed a hand down the front of her skirt.

"Don't get me wrong, Nate, I want all of you, any way I can get you, but this wasn't what I meant when I said I wanted to be in love in front of other people."

Nate pressed his lips together into a thin line. Lizzie saw his look and frowned.

"Are you mad at me?"

"No." Nate shook his head and turned away. "Yes. I don't know."

"What's going on?"

"I don't know, Lizzie. I just... I want to be free to be together too. But this is what we have." He turned and gestured with widespread hands at the kitchen. "Quick gropes in the middle of an empty room."

"You didn't want to do that just now?"

If that didn't take care of his uncomfortable arousal, nothing would have. The note of hurt in her voice made Nate want to punch something. Maybe himself. He took two quick steps and clutched her arms. Lowering his head, he met her gaze.

"You listen to me, Elizabeth Anne Whittenberg. I want you every minute of every day. I want you in my sleep and when I'm trying to work. I can't think of anything but burying myself in you over and over again, no matter where I am or who's around me." He drew in a deep breath. "And I love you, with everything in me. I don't ever want to let you go. Do you understand?"

Tears filled her eyes again but she nodded and gave him a tremulous smile. "I love you, too, Nate."

"I know."

He kissed her forehead and let her go. Without another glance, he walked out of the kitchen and into the bathroom. He couldn't face his family just yet, not with the scent of her lingering in his nostrils. At least when he joined the family, they'd be outside in the fresh air.

Out in the hall, he heard Lizzie shuffle past and a moment later, the patio door opened and closed. Leaning his palms on the counter, he stared hard at his reflection and cursed himself for the way he'd reacted in the kitchen.

He'd been a jackass to Lizzie when he knew she was already feeling vulnerable. He shouldn't have allowed that to happen in there, and he damn sure shouldn't have made her feel unwanted or unloved.

Ever since they'd started this... thing between them, he felt like he'd been unable to get anything right. He knew the situation was all but hopeless but then a moment like the one in the kitchen came along and he couldn't seem to help himself. He meant every word he'd said to her. He never wanted to let her go. He didn't think he could.

****

Lizzie joined the family in the garden and bent to kiss her father on the cheek before taking a seat next to him.

"Where's Nate?" Davis glanced at the patio doors. "Is he all right?"

"I guess so. He's just in the washroom, I think."

They fell silent and Lizzie adjusted her seat. She couldn't concentrate on anything going on in front of her, not with the sensation of what Nate had done still lingering. With every move she made, she could feel the moisture between her thighs and she'd feel lightheaded all over again.

"How is he doing, Elizabeth?"

Her father's voice brought her back to the present and out of the kitchen. "Who?"

"Nate." Davis smiled and patted her hand. "I know you probably live your own lives and everything, even though you're in the same house, but he seems a little off today."

"Off?" Lizzie hoped her face revealed nothing. For all their family knew, they were nothing more than ships passing in the night. "I don't know. He seemed fine to me."

"Hmm. Is he working a lot?"

"Dad, I don't know." Lizzie lifted her shoulders in a nonchalant shrug, hoping he'd buy it. Then she told herself not to worry about it so much. There was no chance the family would ever suspect what was going on. "I work, he works, we talk sometimes. He seems fine."

Davis looked over at her and nodded. "You're right. I'm probably worrying for nothing." He squeezed her hand and smiled. "I can't help worrying about both you kids."

Lizzie had to laugh at that. "We're not kids anymore."

"To me, you'll always be my little girl."

Lizzie softened and leaned over to hug her father, thinking that he wouldn't still call her his little girl if he'd known what she'd just been doing with his first-born in the kitchen.

"You're an old softie."

Davis chuckled. "Don't tell Phil. He'd never let me hear the end of it."

"Don't tell me what?" Uncle Phil sank into the chair on the other side of Davis.

Lizzie sat back on her chair and smiled at the other man. "Nothing, Uncle Phil. Just father-daughter talk."

"How is Ingrid enjoying her birthday party?" Davis asked.

Phil groaned. "I think she's having a little too much fun. Juliette had to make her take a time out."

"Uh-oh." Lizzie looked over at her mother, Juliette, and the children. Juliette had a hold of Ingrid who was on the brink of a colossal meltdown.

"How are Flotsam and Jetsam?"

Lizzie's heart flipped at the sound of Nate's voice as he walked out onto the patio.

"They're fading fast, I'd say." Phil leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. "I think we're going to get ready to go soon."

Before he'd even finished speaking, a shriek rose from the garden and they all looked over to see Juliette holding Ingrid's hands while the girl wailed.

"That's my cue." Phil pushed himself to his feet and hurried into the garden to help his wife.

"Thank God you two weren't like that," Davis said and a few minutes later, the family approached with three squirming, whiny children.

Lizzie and Nate exchanged a look over their father's head and Lizzie felt a flush of warmth.

"Thank you guys so much for hosting the party." Juliette had to raise her voice over the din.

Lizzie hid a smile and stood up with her father and brother. They all walked into the house, trying to talk and say their good-byes over the sounds of screaming children. Apparently John and Theo couldn't let their big sister cry alone so it was a cacophony of screams.

Phil gave a cursory wave to everyone before taking the boys out to the car first. Juliette stood Ingrid on her feet and bent over to speak to her daughter in a firm tone.

"Ingrid, you have to say good-bye and thank your aunt and uncle for having a birthday party for you."

Ingrid pouted, red-faced, and refused to look at her mother.

"Ingrid. Be polite now."

After another long moment, Ingrid sniffled and turned to Clara and Davis. "Thank you for my party."

Clara bent low to embrace the little girl. "You're welcome, sweetheart. Be a good girl now, and we'll see you soon."

Ingrid managed a smile for her aunt and uncle. Juliette hugged and kissed everyone before heading out to the car with Ingrid.

"Well, that was fun," Clara said as the four of them stood on the front step watching their relatives drive off. She turned to Lizzie and Nate. "Do you have to run or can you both stay for coffee? And maybe dinner?"

Nate glanced at Lizzie before answering. Lizzie lifted one shoulder to indicate that she didn't care if they stayed or went, even though ten minutes ago she'd wanted nothing more than to get away from here. While they remained with their parents, they couldn't be themselves with each other. However, they didn't have any reason not to stay.

"Sure, Mom. I could go for a cup of coffee."

They all walked back into the kitchen together. Lizzie helped her mother with clean-up and the coffee, while Davis and Nate hovered by the table.

"It feels like I've hardly spoken to you today, Elizabeth. How's work?" Clara smiled at her daughter as she turned on the taps over the sink.

"It's good, Mom. Busy though." Lizzie grabbed a towel. "I'm behind this week on a few manuscripts but that's because I had to take a couple sick days." She worked at a publishing house as a cover artist.

"You've been sick?"

No, I just wanted to stay home to be with my brother, Mom. Lizzie swallowed and gave her mother a weak smile. "Just overtired, I think. I had the sniffles early in the week and opted out of work for a couple days to catch up on sleep."

"Don't overdo it, dear. You have your whole life to work. There's no reason to push yourself so hard. You've only been out of college for what? A year?"

"About that, yeah."

"Well, regardless, you're only twenty-three, Elizabeth. You should be spending just as much time going out and dating as you do working."

Lizzie had to laugh. All her life, her mother had been a staunch advocate of education and early curfews. Growing up under that sort of restriction had been no fun but now, later in life, Lizzie could appreciate what her parents had done.

"What's so funny?" Davis walked over to kiss his wife on the cheek.

"Mom was just telling me that I need to party more and work less."

Everyone laughed at that, even Clara. She gave her daughter a mock-stern look before flicking soapy fingers in her direction.

"Mom!" Lizzie laughed and dodged out of range, only to bump into her brother.

Nate caught her in his arms and let her go in a moment. But she'd felt the heat of his touch and their eyes met over her shoulder.

Then Nate cleared his throat and moved away to sit at the kitchen table. Lizzie forced herself not to look at him as she went back to helping her mother with dishes. Idle chatter rose in the kitchen and Lizzie felt herself begin to relax.

Minutes later, she sat at the table with her fingers wrapped around a warm mug and couldn't help but be aware of Nate sitting beside her. She wanted to touch his hand, or his arm. She wanted to run her foot up the inside of his pant leg and give him a sexy look that no one would think twice about seeing.

Her heart ached for all these things and for the complications that prevented them from having that.

At one moment, Nate did look at her and she felt the brush of his toes against her foot. His mouth quirked at the corner and she knew he was giving her a look that he hoped she'd like. She did. So much more than she probably should. Her look back to him very clearly told him that she knew what he'd meant by it.

God, what are we going to do?

****

They left after dinner and on the drive home, Lizzie held Nate's hand, sliding her fingers around and through his. She craved this closeness with him after the long day of pretending they were nothing but siblings to each other.

When they got home, they went up to their bedroom without saying much of anything. Nate left the overhead light on while Lizzie turned on the lamp on her nightstand. As Nate unbuttoned his shirt, she stood by the bed for a minute. She stared down at the covers and wondered how they'd ended up here.

She knew exactly how.

With a small sigh, she turned to her dresser and reached up to take her necklace off. She heard Nate approach and smiled in the mirror over the dresser as he came up behind her. His strong arms came around her waist and he rested his chin on her shoulder.

"Are you all right?"

She nodded. "Yeah."

He kissed her neck and she leaned back against him. He squeezed her once, hard enough to make her gasp, and then shifted back. She felt his fingers slide up the insides of her arms and back down her sides, over her ribs. He wasn't trying to tickle her but she shivered at the tender caress.

"You're so beautiful." He pressed another kiss to her neck and shoulder.

She smiled and turned her head to meet his lips with hers. "I think you're pretty awesome too."

He chuckled and kissed her before lowering his eyes to his hands. She felt him tug the zipper at her back and drag it down. He eased the straps off her shoulders and the dress fell from her body.

She turned around and lifted her arms to his shoulders. "I love you, Nate. So much."

"I know, Lizzie. I love you, too."

They stayed like that for a long minute, just holding each other. Lizzie savored the feeling of his naked body pressed to hers and sighed as he rubbed his hands up and down her bare back. Then he bent and scooped her into his arms. He turned, took two steps, and laid her down the bed.

He stood and stared down at her. She smiled and beckoned him with a finger. He didn't need to be told twice. Crawling into bed, he wrapped his entire body around hers. She turned to press her face to his chest and let out a contented sigh.

Right here, right now, this was what she wanted. It was what she needed. Maybe it wouldn't last forever and one day, they'd both want more. For now, it would have to do.

****

EIGHT MONTHS AGO

Nate looked up from his newspaper when Lizzie stormed into the house. She muttered to herself and slammed a few doors.

"Lizzie?"

"What?"

Nate stifled his laughter at her tone. In the past few months, he'd grown used to her mood swings. She was an artiste and lived like one. He didn't mind. Ever since he'd suggested she live with him until she could save enough money to settle on her own, he'd been glad for doing it. He loved her and loved having the company.

He set the paper aside and stood up. When he walked into the kitchen, he found her dumping her purse and laptop case on the kitchen table. He leaned against the doorjamb with a smile. "Tough day?"

Apparently it was the wrong thing to say. She turned on him with narrowed eyes.

"I don't need your crap right now, Nathaniel." She whirled away and opened the fridge. She faced him again with a drink in her hand. "You want to know about my day? Lose the smirk."

Nate raised his eyebrows at her use of his full name but pasted on a sober face. "I'm sorry, Lizzie. What happened?"

She let out a noisy sigh and jerked a chair out from the table. Nate crossed the room to sit down with her.

"I've told you about Curtis, the editor from the science division, right?"

Nate nodded. He recalled every story Lizzie had related about the stubborn, sexist copy-editor. He was a med school dropout who now thought he owned the publishing house, or so it seemed from the way Lizzie spoke of him.

"The bastard made a pass at me today."

Nate felt his shoulders and neck tense up and he didn't even notice he'd clenched his hands into fists. "Oh. Really?"

"Yes! The perv stood at my desk and ogled my tits while suggesting we go to karaoke night at the bar downstairs." Lizzie jumped to her feet and paced around the kitchen. "He wouldn't even listen when I said no thanks."

Nate snorted. "Why were you so polite?"

She rounded on him with a glare. "Because I've only been there for four months. I didn't want to get into it with a senior editor!"

"You can't just let him keep doing this. What was it he said to you last week?"

She sucked in a breath and clenched her fingers around the bottle in her hand. "He asked if I could feel how tight my skirt was."

Nate narrowed his eyes and shook his head. "Fucking degenerate."

"I know, right?!" Lizzie threw herself back into the chair and dropped her head onto folded arms. "What am I going to do?"

Nate leaned over and took her hand in his. "Come on, Lizzie-bean."

"Ffmm-mhh-thmm." Her arms muffled whatever response she was trying to give him.

Nate tugged her hand. "What?"

She sat up. "I said, don't call me that."

"Sorry. I couldn't understand you all around the self-pity."

"Screw you."

Nate chuckled and squeezed her fingers. "Come on. You're a smart girl. I'm sure you can come up with some way of deterring him."

"Yeah? Like what? Turtlenecks and wool slacks for the rest of my career?"

"Not exactly." Nate tried to picture his pretty, voluptuous sister covered with frumpy clothing and couldn't.

They fell silent as they considered. Then Nate slammed his free hand on the table, eliciting a startled yelp from Lizzie.

"I have a client who used to be a college football player."

Lizzie's dark eyebrows shot up to her hairline. "Wow. That's... impressive, but I thought we were still talking about my problems."

"We are."

"Nate, if this is some roundabout way for you to come out of the closet–"

"Hey!" Nate dropped her hand to the table with a thump. "I am NOT gay."

Lizzie stared at his face for a second before bursting into laughter. "God, you should see your face."

He scowled and sat back to cross his arms over his chest. "Is it something like this?"

"No, it was more like this." She pointed and affected a goofy expression.

Nate wanted to push her laughing ass right out of her chair.

"Oh, Nate, I'm sorry."

He scoffed and looked away.

"I am. I'm sorry. What were you going to tell me about your... client."




Bring on the Wonder Ch. 01



Nate glared for another moment before responding. "His name is Lance. He played football in college so you can probably imagine how imposing he would be."

Lizzie nodded, but looked confused. "I still don't see what this has to do with me."

"Why don't I talk to him and see if he'd be up for pretending to be your boyfriend?"

"What? Nate, you're crazy!"

"Why? He can pretend to date you and come by your office a few times. You could even arrange a visit for those times you know Curtis will be around."

Lizzie laughed but stopped short. Nate watched her and could see the wheels turning in her head. "You know, that might just work."

Nate nodded.

"He could be very possessive and jealous. Give every man in my office a dirty look. I wouldn't want to single Curtis out."

"Why? Are you being harassed by others?"

"Not exactly. He's definitely the most persistent and disgusting." Lizzie pondered for another moment before jumping up and hugging her brother. "Thanks, Nate. I can't wait to meet him."

Nate hugged her back with a smile. He had no idea at that point that his life would be turned upside down in just a few short weeks.

****

As promised, Nate talked to Lance and when the other man agreed, Nate gave him Lizzie's mobile number. He didn't see his sister for a couple of days after that, as he had a company function late one afternoon and she was out for a couple of nights with friends. The next time he saw her, it was as she was coming home. First thing Saturday morning.

He sat at the kitchen table, drinking his coffee and reading the morning paper when he heard the lock on the front door click. Looking up, he listened as the door creaked open and he heard Lizzie's careful footsteps on the hall carpet.

With a grin, he waited until she'd locked the door again and started to walk down the hall. When she walked past the kitchen doorway, he called out.

"Good morning!"

She screamed and Nate heard a few thumps and clatters as her purse and whatever else she'd been carrying scattered on the floor. She stomped into view and glared at him. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

Nate raised his eyebrows but didn't respond. He lifted his coffee mug to his lips and took a sip as he eyed her appearance. She was wearing a work outfit; a straight, dark skirt with pinstripes and a fitted, lavender blouse. However, the front of her blouse was buttoned unevenly and he was pretty sure her skirt was on backwards.

Noticing the direction of his gaze, her eyes narrowed further and she tugged at the hem of her blouse. "What are you doing up so early?"

"What are you doing coming home so early?" he countered.

"I... I asked you first."

Nate chuckled at her stammer. "I'm usually up this early on Saturdays. You're the one who likes to waste half the day lounging in bed."

Lizzie rolled her eyes and walked into the kitchen to get herself a coffee. Nate remained silent as she fished out the sugar and cream. When she faced him again, she looked less on edge. She walked over to sit down across from him. "I don't think of it as wasting half the day. It's more like catching up on sleep."

Nate laughed at her logic. "Sure. Whatever you say." He laid the newspaper aside and rested his elbows on the table. "So? Fess up. What were you doing out all night?"

"If you must know, I was out with a guy."

"Really?" Nate hoped he sounded less shocked to her than he had to his own ears.

"Yeah. We met up for dinner and drinks after work and we just got to talking..." She waved a hand in the air as her sentence trailed off, a dreamy look crossing her pretty face.

A vague feeling of unease settled in Nate's stomach. He swallowed, unsure of what it was. "So you... talked all night?"

Lizzie's gaze focused on Nate again and she shook her head. "Not exactly." She pointed a finger in his direction. "And get your mind out of the gutter, Nate. I didn't sleep with him."

Well, you didn't sleep here. He just managed to keep the words from escaping. It was a little too much like something an angry parent would say, which would just be weird.

He cleared his throat and met his sister's direct look. "What's his name? Don't tell me it's Curtis from the science department."

She laughed and shook her head, her shoulders hunching in a mock shudder. "Good lord, no. Never. Not in a million years." She sipped her coffee before going on. "It was Lance."

It took Nate a moment to process that. "Lance. Lance Jorenson? My client?"

"Do you know any other Lances?"

Nate gaped at her. "Lizzie, I suggested you meet and pretend to be a couple around your office, not all Friday night when Curtis wouldn't even be around!"

Her expression was surprised before she frowned. "Well, he called me on Tuesday, after you guys had talked and we spent almost an hour on the phone that time." She paused and smiled, her fingers twisting around the handle of her mug. "I called him back after work and we talked for another couple of hours before deciding to meet up for coffee. Then we met for lunch on Wednesday and Thursday, and talked both those nights too."

"How do you go from that to sleepovers?" Nate realized he was starting to sound more and more neurotic with each word but his vague feeling of unease had become a gut-wrenching sense of this being wrong, all wrong!

Lizzie stared at him. "It's usually how these things go. What's the big deal?"

"I only introduced you two so he could pretend to be your boyfriend to get pervy Curtis off your case. You guys aren't actually supposed to date."

"Why not?" Lizzie scowled at him. "He's single. I'm single. He's funny and good-looking and he thinks I'm sexy."

"Sexy?!" Nate just about choked on the word. He felt his face heat up and his skin prickled as he broke out in a sweat. Is it hot in here? Did I turn the heat up this morning for some reason?

"Yes. Sexy. He told me that last night. Several times."

"Stop! Just stop right there." Nate jumped up and paced around. "I can't believe you, Lizzie, going home with some guy you hardly know. Don't you know how incredibly stupid and dangerous that is?"

"Excuse me, but I'm an adult, Nathaniel, and I don't need you lecturing me on how to date guys, OK?" She stood up and brushed past him on her way out of the kitchen. "Lance is coming to pick me up later and we're going out again. If you don't want to know about it, then stay the hell away." With that, she stormed off.

Nate stood in the kitchen, staring after his sister and wondered what the hell had just happened. He shoved his hands through his hair and turned to look out the window. He liked Lance, he seemed like a good guy. Since he was Lance's accountant, he also knew the guy had the means to treat his sister well.

Why, then, was he reacting this way?

He shook his head, no answers forthcoming. Maybe it was because he'd never really been around his sister while she dated. They'd only been living together for a short while, both of them so busy with work that social lives had taken a back seat. Before that, he'd been working while she was in college, then before that, he'd been the one in college while she was in middle and high school. Maybe it was just his latent big brother tendencies kicking in.

Better late than never. A rueful smile touched his lips and he sighed. Scrubbing a hand down his face, he wandered back to the table and picked up his half-finished coffee and dumped the remainder down the sink. After that, he went upstairs to shower and change. He needed to get out of the house before he picked another fight with his sister.

****

PRESENT DAY

Nate woke sometime during the night and found that Lizzie wasn't in bed with him. He sat up and rubbed his eyes with one hand. As his eyes adjusted to the dimness in the room, he saw that there was light coming from the hallway and Lizzie had left the bedroom door open behind her. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and switched on his bedside lamp.

After he stopped squinting in the sudden brightness, he located his pajama pants and stood up. He went to find Lizzie but he already knew where she'd be. A few weeks after she'd moved in, she'd asked if she could turn his den downstairs into an art studio. He never used the room as he'd converted one of the upstairs bedrooms into his office instead. So he'd agreed and she'd made the small space entirely her own.

Most of the time, Nate avoided the room. It often appeared to have been hit by a hurricane or tornado or rampaging elephant. Or all of the above. When she left the bed in the middle of the night like this, he knew where she could be found.

Tonight, the room looked much the same as it always did, except with less light. Lizzie had turned on one lamp by the window seat that looked out over the back yard. She was seated there, her back against the wall. She wore one of his button-down shirts and probably nothing else, though Nate couldn't tell for sure from the way she was sitting. She turned to smile at him as he approached and lifted her face for a sweet kiss.

"Hey you."

He smiled and sat down facing her, his back leaning on the wall. "Hi, sweetie. What are you doing down here?"

She shrugged and glanced down at the big coiled sketchpad in her lap. Nate followed her glance and noticed that her fingertips were black from the charcoal she'd been using. "I'm just drawing some dreams."

"Yeah? What kind of dreams?" Nate was always interested to hear about his sister's dreams. She would tell him such interesting tales in the morning. Sometimes, he didn't know if he could believe her. Then she'd sketch something, or paint it, and he'd get to see what she'd seen in her sleep. It was always a fascinating trip.

She shrugged again, her smile slipping. "Dreams of us."

Nate's stomach clenched at her words and the look on her face. It was how he felt a lot of the time. Hopeful and yet lost, all at once. What an impossible situation they were in.

"I like when you dream of us."

Her dark eyes lifted to meet his and she nodded. "I do, too."

They fell silent for a long moment and simply stared at each other. They communicated so much without words. When Lizzie looked away, Nate felt more hopeful than lost for a change.

As Lizzie scratched and rubbed her fingers over the drawing on her sketchpad, Nate took the opportunity to look around the room. One wall was covered with shelving that had once been used for his books and reference volumes. It was now littered with rags, paint containers, brushes of every imaginable size and not a few books on art. Against the other wall were several canvases of all different dimensions. Some were blank and some covered in colorful swirls. On the floor all around the room were easels, small tables, a few chairs and stools and even more canvases laid out.

To Nate, there was no order to this room, no form. He used to itch whenever he'd walk by the open door, wanting to tidy the room up, even a little bit. He'd refrained and even grown used to it. He could sit in the room, like now, with Lizzie and not be bothered at all.

Well, for the most part, he pondered and narrowed his eyes at the rags heaped on one corner of a desk, several brushes poking out at random in the pile. It was all ready to topple to the floor at the slightest touch.

Lizzie nudged his foot with hers. "Stop glaring at my ordered chaos, Nate."

He scoffed and turned to her. "There's no order in here. It's just straight-up chaos."

"I know exactly where everything is whenever I need it. That's ordered." She looked around, her hands stilling against the paper in her lap. "Well. Sort of."

Nate chuckled and nudged her foot in return. "Be honest, sweetie. What's really keeping you up so late?"

She sighed and brushed her fingers over a line on her drawing. She scraped the side of the charcoal in her hand up the page and then stopped. With a gentle exhalation, she blew off the page and handed it over to Nate. "I dreamt that you and I were together in that place."

Nate took the pad and looked at the scene she'd created. There was a long stretch of driveway with a few trees shading one side. At the top of the picture was a lake, shining somehow, even on plain paper with charcoal. Between the drive and the lake was a small house, with one door, one window and a lonely chimney, churning smoke from the top. "It looks..."

Lizzie tilted her head to one side and crossed her arms over her chest while she waited for him to finish his thought.

Nate glanced at her, then back at the picture. "Rustic."

"Remote, Nate. It's remote. There's no city, no neighbors, not even a single animal nearby." She let out a noisy, frustrated sigh. "We were there alone."

"Lizzie, sweetie, I know what you're going to say–"

"Really?" She jumped up from the seat and walked a few steps away before turning back to face him. "You know I'm going to say that what we're doing is crazy? Hopeless? Complete and utter insanity?"

Nate sighed and set the pad down on the seat. He turned to face his sister but didn't rise. "Lizzie..."

"Don't tell me it'll all work out." She wasn't moving or crying. To Nate, she looked resigned. "We know there's no happily ever after for this. In the stories, Hansel and Gretel don't ride off into the sunset to get married."

Nate fought the sudden urge to laugh. "Well, that all depends on where you read the different variations of that story."

Lizzie narrowed her eyes but started to laugh a second later. "God, I hate it when you make me laugh even when I'm upset."

"Really? That might work in my favor then. I am only an accountant, after all. I can't compete with all the comedians and football players you've dated."

Lizzie laughed again and walked over to him. Nate lifted his hands and rested them on her hips as she came to stand between his legs. "I never dated a comedian."

Nate lifted his eyebrows.

She smirked. "And the football player wasn't all that funny. Sexy, and–"

Nate shut her up with a kiss. She laughed against his lips but her it dissolved into contented murmurs as he delved into her luscious mouth. They savored each other for a long minute before stopping to catch their breath. Lizzie exhaled and rested her forehead on his. He closed his eyes and listened to the ragged sounds of their breathing.

"I'm so scared, Nate."

"Scared of what?"

She shrugged. He opened his eyes to see her big blue eyes staring right into his. "Scared of losing you."

He slipped his hands around to her back and pulled her down until she straddled his lap. "Am I going somewhere?"

"You know what I mean."

He did know. He made light of it when he could because it was his way of coping with the same fear. If they could joke about it, then it wasn't a real concern. They could pretend it was like being afraid of thunder or moths and not a fear of having your beating heart ripped from your chest.

"I love you, Lizzie."

Tears slipped over her lashes and ran down her cheeks. He brushed his cheeks over hers, catching the moisture. God help him, but her skin was so soft and warm.

"I love you, too."

He turned his face and kissed her wet cheek. "I can't live without you."

She gave him a weak smile. "I know. We already went through that once, remember?"

"How could I forget? It felt like I'd had my legs taken from me." He reached up with one hand and brushed the hair back from her face. "My legs, arms, most of my vital organs."

Her smile widened a fraction and she kissed him. "I'm familiar with the feeling."

"I don't want to lose you either which is how I know we're going to figure this out."

That pained expression crossed her face again but Nate kissed her, kissed the look away. When he pulled back a moment later, she still looked upset, so he kissed her again. He slid his tongue past her lips, teased hers with it and retreated. He did that over and over, twisting their mouths together with a hand holding the back of her head until her face relaxed into desire.

"Nate..." she whispered against his lips and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I need you."

He didn't need to be told twice.

Reaching between them, he found her wet and hot. She gasped as he spread her open and he plunged one finger inside.

She rocked on his hand, throwing her head back and clutching his neck. He grinned as he watched her reaction, pushing and pulling his hand until her moisture was coating his fingers. When he felt her body tightening, barreling towards that release she craved, he jerked his hand away and fumbled at the waist of his pants.

Lizzie dropped her head to watch him as he pulled his cock out. Without waiting for an invitation, she took hold of his rigid length and aimed him right where she wanted him. Then she pulled herself down on him, covering and surrounding him with sudden, silken heat that made his eyes roll back.

"God, Nate, that feels... so good."

"Umhmm," was all he could manage.

She rolled her hips and squeezed.

"Jesus, Lizzie." His eyes flew open to see her wicked grin. "Don't. I'll go off way too fast."

"Maybe I want you to." She did it again and Nate dropped his hands to dig shaking fingers into her hips.

"Lizzie, please."

She leaned closer, pressing their chests together. The contrast of her bare legs and covered torso against his bare chest and clothed legs wasn't lost on him. She licked the outer edge of his ear and breathed hot breath over the damp line she'd made. "Maybe I want you to come, Nate. I want it now. I want to feel you let loose inside of me. I want to walk upstairs and feel you dripping down the insides of my thighs."

Every one of her whispered words jolted him until he no longer felt that he had control of his body. He moved her hips up and back, then slammed himself up as he brought her down again. She buried her face in his neck and met his every move. He could feel her inner muscles tensing around him but as her breathing stuttered, she lost all rhythm, just as he did.

They rode the crest of the wave together then, coming apart while wrapped up in each other's arms. Nate turned his head and gave her neck a gentle bite. She squeaked in surprise but cupped the back of his head as he soothed the tiny hurt with kisses and licks. All the while, their bodies kept moving, straining to release every last drop of sensation.

After a time, Nate lifted her into his arms and carried her from the room. He carried her upstairs and back to their bed. Then he stripped them both naked and traced every curve of her beautiful body with his mouth and tongue. By the time he got back to her lips, she was moaning and begging to be claimed again. So he did, his mouth covering the mark he'd made on her neck, making it more noticeable. Making it so that anyone looking at her would know that she belonged to him.

****

EIGHT MONTHS AGO

Lizzie fumed in her bedroom as she got ready for her night out with Lance. She'd been replaying her argument with Nate over and over in her head since it had happened.

Who does he think he is, anyway? Even Dad didn't give me this hard a time when I first started dating. Those thoughts and other, less complimentary ones, crossed her mind along with all the words they'd spoken in the kitchen.

She tried to turn her mind to the evening ahead as she walked into her bathroom. She'd been having a wonderful time getting to know Lance. He was kind, courteous with that old-fashioned Southern charm, funny, and hotter than hell. The fact that he could hold her off her feet with one arm was a major turn-on as well. Her face heated as she recalled other ways he'd turned her on just the night before. Even though they hadn't 'gone all the way,' they'd been very creative with their time alone.

A knock sounded on her bedroom door, jolting her from her memories.




Bring on the Wonder Ch. 02



Later that evening, she sat on Nate's lap on the couch in the living room, with a movie playing on TV, and recounted Lance's visit to her office. At first, Nate was angry that Lance would presume so much, and a little frightened of what Lance might do or say.

"I know what you're thinking, Nate." Lizzie looped her arms around his shoulders and kissed the tip of his nose. "I was thinking the same thing when he first came in."

"What?"

"That he was going to threaten to tell on us." She wrinkled her nose at the phrasing but Nate knew what she meant. "But I remembered that he'd never met anyone in our family, probably wouldn't have a clue who our father is or anything."

"How can we be sure of that? I mean, he knows my full name."

"So?"

"So, Whittenberg isn't exactly a common name like Smith."

Lizzie shrugged again. "True. If he'd wanted to extort money or something, I think he would have just come out and said it. Or he'd have come by to do that right after he discovered the truth."

"You think so?"

"Sure. Why wait to cash in?"

Nate snorted and shook his head. "I think you're right. Lance doesn't need the money anyway."

"No?"

"No. He made some sound investments with the money his grandfather left him and he's pretty much set for life." Nate smiled at her. "Hell, his grandkids will be set for life, too."

"Wow." Lizzie looked off into space over Nate's shoulder. "Maybe I should call him up and see if he'd like to give it a go again."

Nate sputtered in mock outrage and tickled her sides until she shrieked with laughter. They struggled for a few seconds but Nate could feel Lizzie give up. She loved play-wrestling with him and having him pin her down or pull her arms behind her back. Nate didn't mind indulging her in something that was so much fun for him as well.

He grabbed her wrists and pulled her arms low behind her back. She met his gaze, her eyes dark and shining with desire. He leaned close enough that they could feel each other's breath but he didn't kiss her. She moved her chin up, trying to bring their lips together but Nate pulled his head back out of reach.

"Nate..." she whined and tried again.

Nate tightened his hold on her wrists and held her back. Instead of giving her a kiss on the mouth, he dropped his head and brushed his lips on her neck. She let out a sigh and dropped her head back to give him room. He smiled against her skin and pressed a hot, moist kiss to the fluttering pulse just under her chin. Then he pulled back.

She looked down at him, blinking her eyes. "Why'd you stop?"

"Did I stop?"

Narrowing her eyes, she strained forward, tugging at her arms. "Nate. Don't tease me."

"Maybe you deserve to be teased."

"Why?"

"Because of all those naughty texts you sent me today." He brought their faces close together, nose-to-nose. "And the pictures."

Her mouth tilted up at the corners. "Naughty? Me?"

"Yes, you."

She giggled, a bright sound that always lifted Nate's spirits. He'd had a long day at the office and when Lizzie had first told him that Lance came to see her, his immediate reaction had been panic. He'd been afraid that she'd say she couldn't do this with him anymore and that she was going to move back in with Lance. A few minutes later, without her even having to explain, Nate realized how foolish his panic had been. Still, the adrenaline that had dropped through his body in a rush now left him feeling light-headed.

"My naughty little sister," he murmured and kissed her.

She moaned against his lips.

Only in the quiet solitude of the house could they say things like that and feel no shame or fear. While wrapped up in each other's arms, hot and aroused, they could say whatever they wanted, whatever they felt, and never worry about what might follow.

What followed was quiet and yet, they could each hear the pounding of their hearts. They could feel the tremor in their touches and knew that love fell from their lips with every breath. Words didn't need to be spoken in such moments as these.

Some time later, he lifted her into his arms and carried her upstairs to bed. She was almost limp in his grasp and had only enough strength to keep her nose rubbing over the skin of his neck. As he got them both into bed, he kissed her face all over, tenderly returning her kiss and her whispered words of love as she drifted off to sleep.

He watched her face in the dim light of their room. Her dark lashes made little half-moons on her pale cheeks. Her lips were pursed, like always as she slept. The dark swirls of her hair spread across his pillow and hers. Nate picked up one strand and rubbed it between his thumb and forefinger. He pressed it to his lips and whispered three more words to her. She smiled in her sleep and nestled closer to him. Nate opened his arms and held her close to his chest, smiling when she didn't stop moving until her nose was against his throat.

Yes, he loved making love to her and loved how they made each other feel. But he loved her smile, her sweet heart and he loved her, the woman, more than life itself and would give up anything to make her happy and to keep her in his life.

Otherwise, life just isn't worth living.

****

EIGHT MONTHS AGO

If Lizzie had turned up wearing nothing but fishnets and high heels, announcing her intention to join a traveling drag queen revue, Nate would not have been more surprised. Her kiss turned him inside out and would have knocked him on his ass if he could move. Shock kept him frozen in place as Lizzie moved her lips on his.

She stopped after a few seconds of him not responding and stared, tears filling her eyes. "Nate, I--"

Her words broke something inside of him. Maybe the last of his restraint. Or sanity. He grabbed her arms and brought their lips back together. The shock was gone, erased by a hot rush of adrenaline and pounding desire. That she was his sister faded to the back of his mind and he wrapped her in his arms. Her lips parted on a moan and he shoved his tongue inside to slip and slide around hers.

And just like that, they were entangled. Their arms were tight around each other and their mouths locked together. Nate rubbed his hands up and down her back, squeezing when he got to the top of her beautiful ass. She shifted closer, as if it was even possible. He felt like she was already crawling inside of his body.

His blood was on fire and his skin tingled everywhere. Where he touched Lizzie, the tingling intensified and every time her tongue pressed to his, he felt his groin tighten. If they continued this way, he was going to come in his pants like an adolescent boy. Then Lizzie pressed her pelvis to him and he groaned.

He lifted his lips from hers and looked into her face. She was flushed and her breath puffed over his lips in short bursts of warmth. He had to kiss her again. After that one, he needed another. And another. Then he turned them around so he could push her back against his desk. She threw a hand out to brace herself and it wasn't until then that he realized how forceful he'd suddenly become.

With her whimpering moans filling his ears and her other hand tugging at his hair, Nate was going out of his mind. He jerked her hand out of his hair and held it at her side. With his other hand, he started to pull up her skirt. She watched his face, her eyes dark with the same desire roaring through his blood.

He managed to get his hand under the black fabric and bit back a moan at the feel of her silky smooth skin. She wrenched her hand from his grasp and reached between her legs, where he was tracing lazy, wide circles on the inside of her thigh. She closed her fingers around his and pulled them up. All the way up to where she was warm and so wet for him.

They kept their eyes focused on each other's face the entire time. While he stroked her once and again over the damp fabric of her panties. When he slipped two fingers beneath the silk and her skin, they both caught their breath, but never looked away from each other's eyes. Nate stared into her beautiful face and fell in love with the way she looked at him.

He leaned close and captured her lips in another passionate kiss as he started to stroke her. He lapped at her mouth, tasting and teasing her while he rubbed his knuckles up and down her wet lips. She gasped and twitched beneath his touch and he reveled in it. He fell in love with making her twist and move under his touch. From that moment on, he vowed to always be the one to make her move and sound like this, to undo her.

"Nate, please." She moaned and pulled her lips from his. Her head fell back as he pressed further beneath her panties. He wriggled his fingers between her lips, delving inside and he dropped his head to her shoulder as he felt the first squeeze of her body around his. Before she was lost to her climax, Nate took his fingers out and struggled to get his pants off. It was tricky since he didn't want to stop kissing Lizzie to do it.

She rose to meet his kisses, her legs closing around his hips and pulling him close to her. He kissed her, nibbling at her lips and sucking her bottom lip between his teeth, all while trying to push his pants down. At last, he was free, his hard cock in hand. She reached for him, her little fingers closing around his stiff length and he pumped his hips into her hand.

"I need to be inside you, Lizzie."

She nodded and brought her hands up to his shoulders. He grasped her hips to lift her to the desk where she was at the right height. He reached under her skirt, pushing the black material up and away. Then he all but ripped her panties down her legs and without another thought, plunged his cock into her body.

For a moment, they stopped. They held still and struggled to catch their breath. This whole time, they'd barely looked away from each other's eyes. Nate couldn't stop staring at her. He'd never be able to look at her the same way again. Or himself. He stared into her blue eyes and fell in love.

He moved then, bringing their bodies together before sliding back. He did it again and smiled when her breath caught. Her hand crept up his shoulder to the back of his neck. Nate bent his head and kissed her. She kissed him back, a little gasp escaping her when he moved again. She bit down on his lip and he stopped moving for a second.

"Nate..."

He squeezed his eyes shut, blocking out the pleading look in her blue eyes. And he started to fuck her then. He dug his fingers into her hips to hold her steady as he pounded into her.

God, she felt good. So perfect and snug. He wanted to freeze this moment, the way she looked, the sensation of his stiff length sliding into her body. He wanted to stop time right here and never change the way they were looking at each other. All because he knew in the back of his mind, even through the rush of his impending orgasm, that when this stopped, nothing would ever be the same again.

But he came, the tidal wave of emotion and physical release overwhelming him so that he saw stars for a second. She tensed around him, her pussy milking him after he'd exploded inside her, drawing out the sensations of his climax.

For a long while after they were spent, neither of them spoke. Nate was afraid to move and disturb the moment. He was a fool.

This wasn't a moment between lovers, new to each other, new to a relationship together. They were siblings and he still had his dick inside of his baby sister.

"Oh God."

He lifted his head at the sound of Lizzie's voice. She wasn't looking at him.

"Get off," she whispered.

"Lizzie..."

"Get off!" she shrieked. "Get off, get... get out of me! Now!"

Nate jerked away when he heard the panic in her voice. She shoved him hard in the middle of the chest until he straightened and backed away. He stifled a groan as he slipped free of her, surprised to feel himself still semi-erect. Lizzie scrambled off the desk and fumbled as she pushed her skirt back down over her hips. She still wouldn't look at him. Nate felt lost without her beautiful blue eyes on him now as he tucked himself back in his pants and fastened them.

Nate reached for her hand, wanting to feel her skin again. She twisted away from him with a cry, raising her eyes to his face at last. They glistened with unshed tears and Nate had the urge to hit something, anything to make her stop looking so stricken. 

"Don't touch me!"

"Lizzie, please--"

"Don't!" She dodged his reach again and headed for the door. She paused there and looked over her shoulder at him. "I have to go."

"Go where?"

She shook her head and walked out. "I just have to go."

Nate hurried after her but she raced down the stairs and out the front door before he could catch her. When he yanked open the front door, she was already in her car, driving away. Glancing around, Nate saw that she'd grabbed her purse on the way out. He stood in the doorway and stared at the street. After a few minutes, he backed into the house and shut the door.

****

After three days, Nate was out of his mind with worry. It got worse when he came home on the fourth day and saw that Lizzie had been at the house. She'd come back long enough to empty her room of all her clothes and personal belongings. When he'd seen that, he rushed down to her studio to see if she'd taken anything from there. She'd taken her current sketchbook and a few packages of charcoal and pastels but left the rest. Nate stood in the center of the room, looking around at the blank and filled canvases, the easels and rags, and wondered if he'd ever see her in the middle of the chaos again.

He couldn't focus on work or anything else while he worried about Lizzie and if she was OK. He could call her at work, or drop by, but he was afraid that would create a scene and he knew Lizzie wouldn't want that. He couldn't call his parents to see if they'd heard from her, because they'd want to know why she'd left and not told him where she went. Not something he wanted to discuss with his family. He still wasn't sure what had happened between them. Oh, he knew what had happened in his office and every time he thought about it, he got goosebumps and an erection. What he didn't know was why it had happened. He'd been denying his growing attraction to his sister for some time, not even acknowledging it to himself in his most private thoughts. His sudden, intense jealousy over Lance had made him face the truth. The truth was also that he hadn't thought there was ever a chance she could feel the same thing for him.

That interlude in his office had proved him wrong in that at least.

Turning away from Lizzie's art room, he walked to the kitchen and made a small dinner for himself. It all tasted like sawdust and he ended up throwing away half of it.

Feeling lost and worried, Nate paced through the house, jogged around the block, and checked his cell phone and answering machine at home for messages. Several times.

Where is she?

****

Lizzie was in Lance's bed, struggling not to picture her brother while Lance moved within her. She bit her lip every time she felt words coming up, afraid that she'd beg Nate to do her harder or faster. Instead, she turned her face away from Lance's and tried to urge him on. She thought if she forced herself to respond, maybe she could eradicate the images and sensations she'd obsessed over since running away from Nate.

Lance murmured something in her ear but she was concentrating too hard on trying not to think about Nate. Lance started to move faster, his movements becoming uneven. She squeezed him tighter with her arms and legs and made the noises of appreciation she'd learned he enjoyed. A few thrusts later, he was done.

Lizzie let him finish inside of her and he rolled off her a second or two later. She stayed on her back, breathing hard and rubbing her stomach, damp with sweat from both their bodies. Lance stayed still for a minute before getting up and peeling the condom off to dispose of it. He smiled over at Lizzie who managed a weak smile in response.

"Are you thirsty? I'm parched."

She nodded. "Yeah. I could use a drink."

He tossed her the sweatshirt of his that she'd taken to wearing around his house. He pulled on some shorts and led the way out of his bedroom. In his kitchen, he poured her a drink and one for himself.

Lizzie didn't think she was giving anything away but Lance walked over to her and bent to give her a quick kiss.

"Are you all right?"

"Yeah. Sure. Why wouldn't I be?"

He sighed and kissed her forehead before taking her hand. He took her into the living room and sat down with her on the couch. "Come on. It's time you told me what happened."

Lizzie's heart skipped a beat and she pasted a confused smile on her face. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, you showed up on my doorstep almost a month ago now. You begged for a place to stay and moved half your belongings into my guest room." He paused and brushed some hair back from her face. "You come to my bed every night and we have a great time but it always feels like you're not really there."

Lizzie had to look away. She couldn't stand the kindness and concern in his eyes, not when she'd been so selfish. She'd been using him for far too long, without ever giving him anything in return.

"I'm so sorry, Lance."

His face fell, the friendly, concerned smile disappearing. "Was it something I did?"

She reached for his hand, clasping it in hers. "No. You're great. I've always enjoyed spending time with you. I just don't think we... We don't belong together."

"It's only been a month. How can you know for sure?"

The look on his face was so hopeful it damn near broke her heart. She hated to be the one to hurt him but she couldn't keep lying to him. Or herself, for that matter. She didn't need another month or even another night to figure out why she couldn't get Nate off her mind. "I just do. Sort of like you know when you're in love." Like I am, with Nate.

Maybe one day she could figure out when it had happened, but for now, she could be honest with this man.

"Lance, you've been great, letting me stay here and all." She shook her head and squeezed his hand. "But you had to know I was never going to stay for long. It's already been too long."

"I don't want you to think that I don't want you here."

"No, it's not that. You definitely haven't made me feel unwanted." Color flooded her cheeks when she considered how wanted he'd made her feel. Lizzie would have to be made of stone to not respond to his attentions. No matter how Nate dominated her thoughts and feelings, Lance was still a sexy man and she was a weak, selfish woman.

She looked down at the glass in her hands and fought back tears of shame. Not for the first time, she felt like she'd betrayed Nate by staying here with Lance and doing all they'd done. She shouldn't have run away after that night in Nate's office. And she damn sure shouldn't have slept with Lance the first time, or any of the times that followed. She'd hoped it might help her erase what had happened with Nate. She was a fool.

"I have somewhere else to go. I don't need to stay here any longer."

"Elizabeth." Lance lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. "You know you can stay as long as you need to. You don't have to sleep with me."

Lizzie let out a weak laugh and leaned over to hug him. "Oh, Lance. I'm so sorry."

He hugged her in return, patting her back. They didn't say anything for a while, just held each other and stared into space. They finished their drinks and made their way back upstairs to go to bed. To their separate beds.

Lance followed Lizzie to her guest room and stood in the doorway. She faced him and tried to smile.

"I'll see you in the morning, OK?" he said. "I've got an appointment around ten and I'll probably be gone for a few hours but we can talk when I get home."




Bring on the Wonder Ch. 02



Lizzie couldn't meet his eyes. "Sure."

He studied her face and she wondered if he could tell that she was planning to leave tomorrow. They wouldn't be having dinner together or talking when he got home.

"Good night, Elizabeth."

"Good night, Lance."

The man turned and walked to his room, leaving Lizzie alone with her thoughts. She stripped the sweatshirt off and tossed it on the floor at the foot of the bed. Then she crawled into bed, shivering as the cool sheets brushed against her bare skin. She turned her mind to Nate and to what she could say when she saw him again. She hoped and prayed that he'd speak to her again, maybe even let her move back in. She could only hope that he would still feel for her what he had that night a month ago.

Her body began to warm at the memory. The way Lance touched her was enough to get her turned on. But what had happened between her and Nate had been so much more. It had been hot and wild. All-consuming. Life changing.

Lizzie twisted beneath the covers, rubbing her thighs together as moisture gathered at the apex of her legs. The way Nate had looked at her when he'd been inside of her body flashed in her mind's eye and she let out a low moan.

She fell asleep a short while later, hot beneath the sheets and sated by her own hand and the memory of her brother making love to her.

****

PRESENT DAY

Lizzie woke up on Saturday morning and reached out with one hand. The bed beside her was empty. Frowning, she rubbed her eyes and opened them to confirm that Nate wasn't in bed with her.

"Nate?"

She sat up, rubbed her eyes a bit some more and squinted around herself. Sunlight streamed in the window, lighting up the room and keeping her from opening her eyes wide. She yawned and climbed out of bed to go to the bathroom. After that, she grabbed a shirt from Nate's closet and wandered downstairs to find him.

"Nate? Where are you?"

There was no response as she reached the bottom floor and walked to the kitchen. No Nate. She did a turn through the dining room, the living room and down the hall to her studio. Of course, he wasn't in there. His aversion to ordered chaos kept him from there unless she was in it to protect him.

The thought put a smile on her face, and she forgot about her search for Nate as she stepped into her space. She picked up a brush and walked over to stand before a blank canvas. It had been some time since she'd painted anything. Her last several works had been charcoal and other than that, she'd only churned out a few half-hearted pastel drawings.

An image danced behind her eyelids and she chewed on her bottom lip as she considered the blank canvas before her. And just like that, she was gone.

Colors spilled out of bottles and mashed together on a palette. Her brush dragged in pleasing sweeps across the once blank canvas until her mental image began to take shape and life. The only sounds in the room were her breathing, the scratch and hiss of her brushes on the canvas, and the occasional bird call outside in the back yard.

She didn't stop working on the canvas before her until her stomach grumbled in protest. With a sigh, she stepped back and rubbed her forefinger and thumb together. They were each coated in a different color of paint, and mixing them together produced the shade of violet she was looking for. She made another mark or two and stepped back. Her stomach rumbled again and she rubbed a hand over it.

"Crap." She realized too late that she'd rubbed a paint spattered hand all over Nate's shirt. She looked down to see she'd already decorated the shirt with splatters of paint and the odd swipe of a finger or palm. With a laugh, she turned to see Nate standing at the doorway. "Oh, there you are."

"Here I am." He grinned and walked into the room. "How long have you been in here?"

She shrugged. "I don't know. Since I woke up?"

He laughed and put his arms around her. "Well, I left you fast asleep at about seven this morning and I suspect you slept until at least eight, maybe nine."

She frowned as she hugged him back. "You make it sound like I always laze in bed all morning."

"Not all morning. Just half."

She poked him in the ribs and he squeezed her tighter. "Shut up and kiss me."

He obliged, bending his head and claiming her lips in a kiss that left her weak in the knees. Her toes tingled as he traced her lips with his talented tongue and flicked inside in a teasing move. She parted her lips, eager for more and he gave her what she wanted. The kiss turned hotter in seconds.

His hands moved down her back to lift the hem of his shirt to reveal her bare bottom. He moved his lips to her ear and licked the outside before blowing warm air over it, sending a shiver all the way through her body. A weak moan escaped her and Nate stroked his fingers over her ass.

"Do you realize you've ruined another one of my shirts?" His whisper stirred the hairs over her ear, tickling her and making her shiver again.

"Another one?" She smiled and met his lips for another tasty kiss. "I don't recall ruining any others."

"The light blue one. And that nice lime green one that you liked so much."

"I didn't ruin them."

He slapped one palm against her ass. "Don't lie."

She shuddered as his hand connected with her bare bottom. He knew what that did to her. He didn't strike hard enough to hurt. Just enough to make her tingle and to make the heat that was building inside her spill over.

"I wasn't lying--"

"Lizzie..." He rubbed a palm over the cheek he'd just smacked.

Lizzie clung to him, all but hanging in his grasp as he lifted the hand, threatening to bring it down again. Maybe threaten was the wrong word. When it was something that she enjoyed so much, it was hard to call it a threat.

"Nate, please."

"Please, what?"

He lightly patted her bottom and started rubbing it. Lizzie twitched and arched against him. She wanted more than a soft rub or stroke. The longer he held and touched her, the more she wanted him to throw her down on the window bench and drive her crazy. 

"You going to stop making up stories?" He patted her ass again and she almost crawled up to link her legs around his waist. "You going to admit you've ruined more than one of my shirts?"

"Yes, Nate. I did. I got paint all over several of your shirts. Not just one."

"Good girl." He slapped her ass and she cried out, soaking wet in an instant. He did it again and she lifted one leg then, hooking it behind his knee.

"Nate, I need you."

"You need me where?"

She looked at him, took in the sight of his tousled dark hair and wicked dark eyes. She pulled his hand away from her backside and moved it to her front, to that wet spot between her legs. He split her wide with his fingers and shoved two inside her.

"God, Lizzie. Have you been this wet all morning?"

She laughed. "No, you've made me wet, just by being here."

He chuckled and kissed her flushed cheek. He trailed kisses across her face and down to her lips. He worked his fingers in and out of her, his other arm sturdy across her back. When he kissed her mouth, she licked his lips and kissed him back, pouring all her love for him into it.

She never did anything by half-measures.

Nate lifted his lips and kissed the tip of her nose. Lizzie blinked and looked into his face. The intense desire was still there, in his brown eyes, but it was tempered by the look of total adoration that she'd also become familiar with.

"I love you so much, Lizzie."

Lizzie's face softened into a smile. "I love you, too."

He nodded and leaned close to kiss her again. "I know, sweetie. I know."

It was then that Lizzie's stomach reminded her of her hunger again. This time, Nate heard it and gave her a pointed look before withdrawing his fingers from her body.

"You forgot to eat breakfast, didn't you?"

She gave him an impish smile and shrugged.

"Lunch, too, I bet."

"Maybe."

Nate laughed and turned her around. He smacked her bottom one more time to urge her out of the room. "To the kitchen, woman. I'll make you something to eat."

She threw a playful pout over her shoulder but preceded him out of the room. They walked to the kitchen and she stood aside as he went to the fridge. She checked the time on the stovetop clock and her eyes widened when she realized it was after one in the afternoon.

"Wow. I was in there for a while."

Nate smiled at her as he carried a container to the counter. "I figured. I got back to the house at about eleven and checked on you then but you were deep in artist mode. If you hadn't stopped when you had, I would have carried you out of there no matter what."

"Oh really?" Lizzie crossed her arms and raised her eyebrows. "You could have tried."

He smirked. "Baby, I could have done almost anything to you in there."

Heat flooded her body as she thought about how she'd been seconds away from begging him to do just that.

"Now, you want a sandwich or some leftovers from last night?"

She chose the leftovers and went over to the sink to wash her hands while he spooned some of the food onto a plate. She scrubbed the paint from her fingers and lifted her face for a kiss when Nate moved past her to heat the food in the microwave.

"Thank God you were here to heat up those leftovers." She gave him a crooked smile. "I don't know what I would have done otherwise."

He waved a fork at her. "Don't mock me, woman, or I'll let you starve next time."

She laughed and snapped the towel in his direction.

Lizzie loved this time with Nate, when they were able to joke and laugh and be themselves around each other. They'd had this before that first night she'd thrown herself at him.

When she'd graduated from college, her first thought had been about finding somewhere to live. After many years of growing apart as young adults, she'd been unable to think of anywhere else to go except Nate's house. She'd always loved her brother, in that way between siblings. They got along now that they were older and she actually enjoyed spending time in his company. Years ago, when she'd been a teenager, her brother had seemed like an awful stick in the mud. As she'd grown, she'd come to appreciate his sense of humor and she often found his advice to be informed and objective.

Nate had offered her a place to live until she could get on her feet and she'd jumped at the chance. Weeks after moving in with him, she'd found work with the publishing house as a temporary assistant to a senior art editor. Once they'd seen her work and let her contribute on a few jobs, they'd offered her a permanent position. It had come with a significant increase in wages but she'd remained living with Nate, even though she could afford a place of her own after that. She wanted to stay because she enjoyed living with him. Long before she'd realized her attraction for him, she knew she liked being with him. Perhaps that was one of the many reasons why she fell in love with him.

Looking back over the time she'd spent living with him, she could now see all the moments that made her fall in love with him. It wasn't one moment, it was many. All adding up gradually over time until she could no longer deny her feelings for him. One of the most poignant defining moments had to be when she'd come home in tears from a disastrous third date with a guy she'd thought was all right.

Nate's first question had been, 'Who am I stabbing in the eye?' Knowing her brother had about as much violence in him as a butterfly, Lizzie's tears had turned to laughter, his exact intention. Then, she'd recounted the evening and what had transpired.

At some point during the date, the conversation had turned to kids and whether or not they each wanted them. Lizzie, never one to lie, had been forthright and explained about a childhood illness that had led to her inability to conceive. At first her date had been sympathetic and the conversation had moved on. It was only later, when he suggested they have sex without a condom that she figured something was wrong.

He'd argued that it didn't really matter, since she wouldn't get pregnant. She'd replied that condoms protected against disease as well. His response had been to laugh and take her into his arms for an unwanted kiss. She'd kneed him in the groin and said that she wasn't interested. The worst thing about the entire night had been his parting shot. He'd asked who would want to be with a woman who couldn't even do the one thing women were born to do.

After explaining everything to him, Nate had asked where this guy was so he could commence with the eye stabbing.

Later, her memory of that evening gave her a secret thrill, knowing that Nate had only been half-kidding with his threat. At the time, Lizzie had been tired and only wanted to go to bed. Nate had kissed her on the forehead, given her a hug and promised to make pancakes for breakfast in the morning.

Maybe she'd fallen in love with Nate because he kept her well-fed. She was certain her hips had widened an inch and her clothes started fitting a lot more snug since she'd moved in with her brother.

"Here you go. Eat up." Nate deposited the plate with her leftovers on the table in front of her.

Famished, Lizzie dug in and was almost done before Nate sat down with his own meal.

"Wow. Maybe you shouldn't starve for your art."

She laughed as she glanced down at her empty plate. "I didn't mean to. I just got caught up with my painting."

"I know what you're like." Nate winked at her as he continued to eat.

"And where were you off to so early this morning, anyway?"

He kept his eyes down, on his plate, but Lizzie could see the corners of his mouth curl up in a smile.

"Nate..." Her tone was one of warning.

He chuckled and glanced up at her. "Can't I keep anything a secret from you?"

"What could you possibly want to keep a secret from me?" She carried her plate to the sink and turned to face him, one hand playing with the top button of her shirt. "How could you keep a secret from me?"

Nate's gaze was drawn by her tone. As he stared at her, he worked the food around in his mouth and swallowed with effort.

Lizzie smiled and undid the button in her fingers. She moved down to the next one, while her other hand drifted down to toy with the hem of her shirt.

"I'm not going to tell you, Lizzie."

She lifted her eyebrows and flicked open another button. His eyes drifted to the fingers lingering around the third button, the button situated between her breasts.

"I have ways of making you talk, Mr. Whittenberg."

A strangled laugh escaped him and he moved his fork around his plate in an effort to pick up some food. He missed.

"I don't think you want to test me." Lizzie popped another button and took a few steps closer to him. "I can be very persuasive."

"I am aware of that." His dark eyes glittered as she moved closer.

Lizzie perched on the edge of the table, nudging the plate in front of him with one hip. The shirt gaped at her chest but she didn't look down to see how much was being exposed. From the way Nate's gaze lowered, she figured it was just enough exposure.

"Nate." She reached out with one hand and stroked her fingers down the side of his face, enjoying the scrape of his stubble on her fingertips. "Handsome, clever Nate. Tell me."

He exhaled and lifted his head. "No. It's a surprise."

Lizzie sat back. "A surprise? My birthday isn't until March."

He smiled and managed to spear some of the food on his plate. While he resumed eating, Lizzie studied his face. He glanced up with a smile after a few moments.

"You're not going to tell me anything?"

He shook his head. "Then it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?"

She huffed out a sigh and started to do the buttons up. "Have it your way, Nate."

"Hey, wait a minute." He laid his hand over hers, stopping her from covering up. "I wanted dessert."

She laughed and tried to bat his hand away. He stood up, catching both her hands in his and tried to pull them down to her sides. Still laughing, she struggled and twisted in his grasp. Their playful fight upset his plate and it fell to the floor with a clatter, though it didn't break. They stopped and looked down at the mess his remaining food had made. Then their eyes met again, their lips came together and the food was forgotten.

Nate took hold of each side of her shirt -- his shirt -- and ripped it open. Lizzie gasped and started to laugh as buttons scattered on the floor alongside the food. Nate covered her laugh with another deep kiss, his tongue thrusting in time to the motion of his hips between her legs.

His mouth moved across her face to her ear where the combination of his wet kisses and hot breath had her begging for more. He laughed, the deep sound rumbling through her body from his.

"What was that, Lizzie?"

"Please, Nate."

"Please, what?" He drew his mouth away from her ear and licked her lips as she gazed at him with foggy eyes. "Please kiss you? Or suck on your neck?" He punctuated his questions with the matching action. "Or touch you?" At this, he stroked up the inside of one thigh until he cupped her wet heat.

"Yes!"

"Yes, what?"

"God, I need you. I need you to make love to me."

Nate pulled his hand away as his mouth descended on hers again. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled him close. She loved the feel of his hot body against hers. She craved it. She needed him like she needed the air she breathed. Emotion rolled through her like a tidal wave as he freed himself from his pants and claimed her.

She cried out his name and pressed her face to his neck as he moved in her. His hand swept up to her hair where he clenched his fingers in the long strands. His other hand clutched her hip as he thrust himself into her, over and over.

The heat built between them and Lizzie lost herself to the sensations. She felt every inch of Nate inside her and every beat of his heart against her chest. Making love to him was all-consuming and she knew to the very fiber of her being that she could never give it up. She could never give Nate up.

"I love you, Nate."

"God, I love you." His words died on a groan and he jerked inside of her, coming hard.

Lizzie wrapped her legs around him and held on as he pumped himself into her. He lifted his head after a moment and kissed her, his lips warm and soft. She sighed in contentment with his hands on her and their bodies joined.

"Come on, sweetie." Nate stepped back. He helped her to her feet and led the way upstairs to their shared bathroom. "Get yourself cleaned up and ready."

Lizzie giggled and hugged him when he turned to her. "Ready for what?"

"I told you." He kissed her once more. "It's a surprise."

He left her in the bathroom with a swat on the ass that made her laugh.

"How do I know what to wear?" she called out as she started the shower running.

Nate grumbled something from the bedroom and she looked over in time to see him stalk past the bathroom door towards the closet. He grumbled some more as he shuffled through her hangers.

Lizzie laughed and walked out to the bedroom. "What are you doing?"

"Didn't I tell you to get in the shower?"

She put her hands on her hips and scowled at him. "One surprise doesn't give you the right to boss me around."

He faced her with a grin. "It will after tonight."

Lizzie tried to remain stern but he looked so pleased with himself that she had to laugh. She took her shirt off and walked back into the bathroom to get in the shower, leaving Nate to pick out what she was to wear for the mysterious surprise.

A few hours later, she was dressed in a simple, plum-colored cocktail dress, make up applied and hair styled and she had exhausted all her quizzing angles. Nate remained tight-lipped for the rest of the day. No matter which feminine or run-of-the-mill wiles she used, he wouldn't tell her anything. In all honesty, she liked it. She enjoyed the playfulness between them and loved seeing Nate so pleased with himself.




Bring on the Wonder Ch. 02



She was washing her hands after finishing her make-up when the doorbell rang. She grabbed a towel and poked her head out the doorway. "Baby? Can you get that?"

Nate didn't respond and the doorbell rang again in another few seconds. Frowning, Lizzie dropped the towel on the counter and made her way downstairs. She reached the front door as the doorbell went off again.

She opened the door, an irritated greeting on her lips that died when she saw who it was. "Nate?"

"Good evening, Miss Whittenberg."

Lizzie blinked and looked him up and down. He was wearing dark grey slacks and a dark rose colored shirt with a grey coat. He was holding a small bouquet of fresh flowers, an assortment of her favorites; pink peonies, green mums, and white roses.

"Nate, what is this?"

"A beautiful bouquet, for a beautiful woman." He held them towards her.

Lizzie looked up, her eyes searching his face. He smiled at her, his excited expression softening into the expression that she adored. She looked down at the flowers in his hands again, blinking back sudden tears.

"Thank you. They're lovely." She took them from his outstretched hand and brought them to her face. She inhaled and closed her eyes at the mixture of fragrances between the peonies and roses. She opened her eyes to see Nate watching her, his eyes dark. "What have I done to earn such a gift?"

"You're going to allow me to escort you to dinner this evening."

"Am I?" Lizzie breathed in the scent of her flowers again. "I don't recall being asked."

Nate's lips curved up in one corner and his eyes sparkled with mirth. "Miss Whittenberg. It would be my pleasure, and a great honor, if you would consent to be my date for tonight."

Lizzie raised her eyebrows at his formality. This was, she realized, all part of his surprise and she felt nervous excitement flutter in her belly at the thought of a night out with Nate. A thought occurred to her and Nate must have seen her smile slip.

He stepped closer to the doorway and touched her cheek, a liberty a gentleman caller would never take. "Lizzie, sweetie. It's all right. I have a plan and no one we know will see us."

Lizzie hated that they had to hide what they were to each other but she smiled at him anyway, grateful for him setting her mind at ease. It occurred to her then that they'd never had a proper date together. Living together and the very nature of their relationship had so far prevented it. It was easy to say that there was no reason for him to woo or seduce her with dates and flowers every week, but she couldn't deny that it was inspiring new and delightful feelings in her.

"Mr. Whittenberg, I'd be delighted to allow you to escort me out." She turned her face and brushed her lips across his palm before he withdrew his hand.

"Excellent." Nate grinned and took a step back. "Would you like to put those in some water before we go?"

"Yes." She turned and paused, looking over her shoulder. "Would you like to come in?"

His grinned widened. "Is that appropriate?"

She pretended to consider, her mind racing when she thought of what they'd last done in the kitchen. "I suppose we may have to take that chance."

Nate chuckled and walked into the house behind her, pulling the door closed behind him. They didn't speak as she went into the kitchen, filled a vase and dropped the flowers into the water. Nate waited patiently in the front hall while Lizzie went back upstairs to grab her purse and jacket. The air was turning from summer to fall, at last, and there was a bite in the air most evenings now. When she arrived back at the foyer, she gave Nate a rueful smile.

"I'm sorry for taking so long."

"Don't worry about it." Nate watched as she slipped her feet into some shoes and reached for her jacket to help her with it. "We have time."

"Time for what?" Lizzie tugged her hair free of the jacket and smiled up at her brother.

He palmed her cheek and she felt the warmth of his touch right down to the tips of her toes. "Time for everything, sweet Lizzie."

****

Nate was pleased with the reaction he'd had from Lizzie at the front door. He was even more pleased when she'd decided to go along with him and his plan.

"Will you tell me where we're going?"

Nate glanced over to see Lizzie watching the landscape glide past outside her window. He reached for her hand, relieved when she squeezed his fingers in response.

"Don't you want to be surprised?"

She laughed and turned to look at him. "What is it with you and surprises all of a sudden?"

"I like being able to surprise you." He drew her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. "It makes me feel smarter than you for a change."

"Come on. I'm not smarter than you."

He raised his eyebrows and she laughed.

"All right. I'll stop asking questions." She jiggled his hand in hers. "I can only assume we'll be going somewhere that will put enough distance between us and anywhere that we could run into people."

"Clever girl."

She winked. "And we're headed south, towards Homewood. I'm not familiar with all the places to eat out here, but I trust you were able to find something nice."

"You think too much, Lizzie."

Lizzie laughed again and kissed his hand in turn. They rode in silence for some time, holding hands and simply enjoying being in each other's company. After another twenty minutes or so, Nate turned into the parking lot of a small restaurant called The Redwater.

"I've never heard of this place." Lizzie looked out her window as he pulled into a parking space.

"Not a lot of people have." Nate smiled and shut the engine off. He pushed his door open and laid a hand on Lizzie's arm. "Let me get the door for you."

He hurried around the car, inordinately pleased with his plan for the evening. So far, Lizzie hadn't stopped smiling and he loved being able to act the part of the perfect gentleman for her.

He opened her door and held a hand out. "Here you go."

She put her hand in his and let him help her out. When she stood beside him, Nate had to pause and he stared down into her beautiful eyes. She blinked and a smile broke out across her face. "What?"

"You're stunning." He tugged her hand and brought her into the circle of his arms.

Color stained her cheeks and her lashes lowered. Nate touched her face and she looked back up at him.

"I don't think a gentleman would kiss a lady at the beginning of a date."

Her words made him laugh. "Probably not." He stroked a finger over her bottom lip. "You make me not want to be a gentleman right now."

He watched her pupils dilate and had to resist the urge to push her into the back seat of the car where he could have his way with her.

Plenty of time for that later.

Swallowing his desire, he cleared his throat and gave her a crooked smile. "But I'm a strong enough man to control myself."

Her right eyebrow cocked and he chuckled.

"Well, for a few hours at least."

She laughed with him and they turned to walk to the restaurant doors.

The hostess greeted them inside the front doors. "Good evening. Do you have a reservation?"

"Yes, for Nathaniel."

She checked her list and looked up with a smile. "Wonderful. Welcome to The Redwater, sir, madam. May I take your coats?" They handed them over and she tucked them into the small cloak room to her left before turning to the dining room. "Right this way, if you please."

She led the way through the busy but muted dining room. Lizzie looked around as they walked and Nate watched her out of the corner of his eye. The restaurant was fancy but small, with maybe a maximum of twenty tables. He'd chosen this place because of it's seclusion and the sense of privacy one could feel even in the middle of the dining room. The lighting was kept low, but not too dark. The number of tables allowed for more space between them, lending to more privacy.

"Here you go." The hostess stopped at the table Nate had specifically requested. It was tucked into a corner, close to a bay window that overlooked the nearby state park, with the lights from the town reflecting off a small lake.

"Oh wow. What a lovely view." Lizzie gazed out the window before turning her smile on Nate.

"Let me." He let go of her hand to pull her chair out for her. She sat down and he brushed his hand over her shoulder before stepping away. He felt her shiver and smiled to himself. He could admit to low self-control when it came to his sister but it pleased him to no end that she was the same way with him.

As he sat down, the hostess set their menus on the table. "Your server will be Celeste. She'll be along shortly to take your drink orders."

"Thank you."

"Enjoy your evening." She walked away, leaving Lizzie and Nate gazing at each other across the table.

"Is this what you were doing this morning while I was still sleeping?" Lizzie asked.

Nate shrugged. "I'd researched some restaurants in the area over the past few days and this one had the best reviews. I came earlier to see what it really looked like and I was lucky enough to get a reservation for tonight."

"Yes. This table, on a Saturday night. I'd say you were pretty lucky."

He smiled and reached across the table for her hand. "With you, Lizzie, I always feel lucky."

She softened and squeezed his fingers. A few moments later, the server, Celeste appeared by their table. Nate ordered a bottle of wine for them to share and she hurried away to fill the request.

"Did you research the menu too?" Lizzie picked up her menu and scanned the first page.

"A little. They have some of everything. Steak, seafood, local produce." Nate lifted his menu and they read in silence for a few minutes.

"Ooh. Can we get an appetizer?"

Nate chuckled at her excited tone. "Lizzie, sweetie, we can get whatever you want."

She beamed at him and pointed at an item on the starters list. "This Ahi tuna carpaccio looks tasty."

Nate read the description and had to agree. They decided on that for an appetizer and then moved on to discussing entrees. Celeste returned with their wine, they placed the order for the starter and said they still needed some time for the main course.

Lizzie pressed her lips together. "I can't decide between the rotisserie chicken and the Mediterranean Flatbread."

"I think I'm going to go with the herb and apple glazed pork chop."

"Yeah? Where's that?"

Nate pointed it out and Lizzie pouted. "Man, how am I ever going to make up my mind?"

He chuckled and patted her hand. "Just say the first thing you think of when the waitress returns."

She laughed and shook her head. "I might pick something else entirely!"

"Then you pick something else. This doesn't have the be the only time we come here."

She tilted her head to one side and smiled. "Yeah? You mean we can come here on more dates?"

"Why not?" Nate grinned. "Here, other places. Whatever we want."

They stared at each other for a long moment, silent. Nate watched her face, waiting for some sign of the despair and sadness she'd been carrying around for so long. He hated that their relationship was a cause for such mixed emotions in her. He wanted nothing but to make her happy and as long as things stayed the way they were, she wouldn't be.

"Is that what this is?"

Nate blinked, drawn out of his thoughts by the sound of her voice. "Is this what?"

"This." She looked away, her view taking in the restaurant and other patrons. She lifted a hand and gestured between them. "This date. Are you proving that we can be a normal couple?"

Nate didn't know what to say. That was part of it, yes, but she sounded as if she didn't know if it was a good thing or not.

Lizzie's face tensed and she looked down at the table. Nate leaned forward, wanting to say something to ease that tension, but the waitress appeared at their side again and asked if they were ready to order.

Nate ordered his pork dish and Lizzie decided on the flatbread. Left alone again, Nate gazed at her, his thoughts in a whirl.

"You're not happy with this?"

She smiled. "It's not that, Nate. This is wonderful." She turned to look out the window and he followed her gaze, watching the last light of the sun fade. "You put so much thought into it and I love you for it." She turned back to him. "I love you, Nate, with all my heart."

"I love you, too."

"I know." She reached over and laid her hand in his. "But a few trips to neighboring towns for dinner now and then doesn't make us a normal couple."

"Why not?"

"Because we're not. We never will be."

Nate was again struck mute. What could he say to that? She was right, of course. This night, his suggestion of getting away once in a while was all just a way to pretend. He'd thought it was a good idea but now he wasn't so sure.

"What do you suggest then, Lizzie?"

She shrugged and shook her head. "I don't know. I don't have any answers. I never have. That's what upsets me."

"You want to forget about dating? About ever going out in public together?" Nate didn't know why he was getting so worked up. Maybe it was because his grand surprise had just flopped. "Should we just call it quits now and save us both the heartache?"

The hurt that flickered across her face nearly gutted him. He regretted his words the instant they left his mouth and clamped his fingers around hers when he felt her start to withdraw.

"No, Lizzie. I didn't mean that. I'm sorry."

"Then why say it?" She tugged again on her hand but he wouldn't let her go.

He would never let her go.

"I'm as frustrated as you are. I don't know what to say or do anymore to make this better."

"You can't make it better. This is how it is."

Nate pursed his lips. He refused to believe that. They needed to figure out a way to be together and make this work. If they didn't, this sense of frustration and unease would eat away at both of them until their relationship would grow bitter and resentful. Eventually, that would separate them and Nate already knew he couldn't live without her. He would just as soon end his own life. Dramatic? Maybe. Also the truth.

In the silence, Celeste reappeared to deliver their appetizer. After she was gone again, Nate sipped his wine and dropped his gaze to the food. Lizzie withdrew her hand to unfold her napkin on her lap.

"This looks good," she murmured, her eyes on the dish.

Nate nodded.

Lizzie looked up and gave him a weak smile. "I'm sorry, Nate."

"For what?"

"For ruining the night. Already."

He shook his head. "You didn't ruin it."

She stared at him. "Didn't I?"

"No." He leaned forward, bringing their faces as close together as he could across the table. "But we are not done discussing this, Lizzie."

She nodded. "I hope not."

Satisfied, Nate nodded and sat back. "Let's eat."

They dug into the starter and after a few bites, they began to relax again. When they started talking, they stuck to subjects like work, the next family dinner, and Nate's next appointment with Lance.

"Are you going to ask him about me?" Lizzie asked as Celeste brought their entrees to the table.

"I don't know. Does he know that I know you spent that month with him?"

Lizzie's cheeks turned pink at the mention of their month apart. Nate knew she still battled her guilt over that period of time. "I don't know. He never mentioned anything about it when I saw him. He only talked about finding out about us."

Nate nodded and picked up his knife and fork. "Well, I guess I'll find out when I see him."

"You're not going to pick a fight are you?"

Nate laughed. "Are you kidding? Why would I pick a fight? The most we might do is argue in raised voices."

Lizzie grinned. "Good thing. I wouldn't want him to kick your ass."

"Me either," Nate agreed in all seriousness. "Eat your dinner, smartie pants."

Lizzie laughed and did as he told her. They were silent for a few minutes as they savored their meals. Nate was surprised at how hungry he was, especially after that scrumptious appetizer but he devoured his meal in no time. He looked up to see Lizzie polishing off her dinner almost as fast.

"This is so good." She looked up between bites. "We definitely have to come back here again."

Nate smiled and nodded in agreement. He bring her here every night if it put a smile like that on her face each time. When they were both done, Celeste cleared their table and asked if they wanted dessert.

"Yes, please." Lizzie loved her desserts and Nate loved to watch her enjoying them. She might complain about the extra pounds on her hips but he knew she'd never give up her sweet treats.

"Here's the dessert selection." Celeste handed over the small placard. "I'll be back in a moment to take your order."

"What do they have?" Nate asked.

"Oh wow. Panacotta... ooh, and a dark chocolate souffle!"

"You're going to get that, aren't you?"

Lizzie nodded and set the dessert menu down. "Of course. I love me some dark chocolate."

Nate narrowed his eyes as his imagination fired up. "I might enjoy dark chocolate some more if it was spread all over your naked body."

Lizzie blinked, surprised by his confession. A slow smile spread across her face as she leaned her elbows on the table. "Oh yeah? That's the only way you'd eat it?"

Nate nodded.

"Then maybe we should ask Celeste if we can have the dessert to go."

Nate's blood heated at the thought. He could already imagine Lizzie spread out on a bed, covered in bittersweet chocolate. No, even better, spread out on a table, as if she was dessert itself.

"I don't think I could wait to get home."

Lizzie giggled and sat back as the waitress approached. "We'll have the chocolate souffle to share, please."

"Good choice." Celeste smiled as she took the menu back. "I'll be just a few minutes."

Nate and Lizzie stared at each other in silence across the table after Celeste was gone again. They didn't need to speak to express their desire and love for each other. Nate clenched his jaw when he felt Lizzie's bare foot slide up his leg.

"You little tease," he managed to say.

"Who, me?" She fluttered her lashes at him like an innocent before sliding her foot higher. "I don't know what you mean."

"You will when I throw you face down in bed."

Lizzie's eyes widened a fraction and she grinned. "Do you promise?"

Holy shit. Nate nodded. He'd promise her anything if only she'd take care of the hard ache in his pants.

When the waitress returned, she left the dessert on the table and said she'd be back with the bill. When she returned, they'd made a fair dent in the souffle. Nate paid right away and after a few more bites, they were ready to go. Nate stood up, offering his hand to Lizzie. They strode out of the restaurant, weaving through the few tables and out the front door, pausing only to pick up their coats.

They drove home from there, without saying much. They held hands and every so often, Nate lifted her fingers to his lips. When they got home, they made their way inside to settle for the night.

In their shared bedroom, in the muted light from his bedside lamp, Nate watched her slip out of the dress he'd picked and felt his breath catch at the sight of her. She was all slender curves and wide hips. Her hair tumbled over her shoulders and down between her shoulder blades as she pulled the clips free. He watched her walk into the bathroom to wash her face and followed to watch her from the doorway.

She eyed him in the mirror and gave him a quizzical smile. "What are you doing?"

He shook his head. He wasn't sure. He just loved to watch her, to see the way she moved. Every time she lifted something with her slender artist's fingers or bent to toss some tissue in the garbage, she looked amazing. He told her so.

She laughed and faced the mirror again as she reached for her hair brush. "You're such a big softie, Nate."

Nate stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He put his chin on her shoulder and she dragged her hair over her other shoulder to brush it out. He watched her in the mirror this time, appreciating the sight of her high, perfect breasts and the soft roundness of her belly.




Bring on the Wonder Ch. 03



Their time in Atlanta was like a dream. Nate couldn't remember the last time he'd felt so content. They were able to walk hand-in-hand, kiss and flirt with each other in public and never once worry about being spotted.

They arrived on a Monday and originally planned to stay until Thursday. After being there only one day, they decided they wanted to stay later. Since Lizzie's publisher had paid for her portion of the trip, she had to make a call and arrange to stay through the weekend. Then they picked a somewhat nicer hotel and indulged in room service a couple of times. In between the romance and solitude, they checked out neighborhoods and some of the surrounding communities.

"I like this area," Lizzie commented as they cruised in their rented vehicle down a street lined with enormous trees.

"Me too."

It was an older neighborhood with medium to larger sized homes. The lot sizes were generous with a lot more mature foliage than some of the other places they'd visited.

"You don't think the houses might be too large for just the two of us?"

Nate nodded. "I suppose they are. I was thinking that any one of these places would have a big enough space for your art studio."

He glanced over in time to see Lizzie's surprised expression. "What?"

"Aren't you going to look for anything that you want?" she asked.

He chuckled. "What do I need?" He shrugged and looked around. "A room for a gym, maybe. An office and roads to jog on. I can get that anywhere. Just like finding work as an accountant."

"I don't want you only thinking of me as we try to find a home here."

"Lizzie, I always think of you and anything I can do to make you happy." He reached over and squeezed her hand where it rested on her thigh. "It's all I want."

"You're something else, you know that?"

He nodded and winked at her. "I know. And I have to live with that knowledge every day."

She laughed and squeezed his hand back.

It was Saturday and they rounded the block to find an open house another half mile up the road. It was a nice bungalow, unusual for this area but the lot size allowed for the larger footprint of the house. They wandered through the rooms, not saying much but never letting go of each other's hand.

When they got to the master bedroom, on the northwest side of the house, they both stopped and stared.

Lizzie pointed out the window. "That is the most amazing view we've seen here."

Nate had to agree. He hadn't realized this house was so close to the neighborhood green space with the little lake and walking paths. The lot on this end of the house sloped down and away, leaving a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding parkland over the line of the trees at the back of the property. There was even a small private patio outside the bedroom, with wrought-iron railings twisted in artistic lengths.

Nate could already see their chairs on the deck, Lizzie sitting in one with her sketchpad on her lap, he in the other, cup of coffee and newspaper in his hands. He could imagine watching the sun set every night too, holding Lizzie in his arms and whispering all the things he wanted to do to her in bed after dark.

"I think we should make an offer." The words were out before he'd had a chance to think beyond his daydream.

Lizzie laughed and jiggled his hand. "Maybe we should check out the rest of the house first."

Nate turned to her with a smile and nodded. They walked through the rest of the house, finding and admiring the other two bedrooms, the large, state-of-the-art kitchen, and the back deck with the beautiful, elaborate gardens. Downstairs, they found a wide-open living space complete with a wet bar and wine cellar.

"This is a nice house, Nate." Lizzie let go of his hand to walk over and look out a window. For a basement, it wasn't very basement-like. The windows were high but large, letting in an inordinate amount of light. "But neither of those spare bedrooms upstairs were big enough for an art studio for me."

Nate nodded. "You're right. I guess we'll just have to renovate part of the basement into a studio for you."

Lizzie turned from the window to look at him. Nate met her gaze and neither of them spoke for a long moment. She dropped her hands from the windowsill and twisted her fingers together. Nate walked towards her and pulled her hands apart to bring her fingers to his lips.

"Boy, you just have an answer for everything, don't you?" Lizzie smiled over his bent head. "Quite a change from just a few weeks ago when neither of us had answers for anything."

Nate nodded. "It's not that we didn't have answers. I think it's that we didn't want to face what the answers meant."

Lizzie looked back and forth between his eyes. "You're right. And now you're ready to face the answers?"

"I don't know about that but I know I don't want to keep going on the way we have been. I'm ready for a change." He leaned closer, their noses almost touching. "Aren't you?"

She stared at him for a moment longer then nodded. "You're right. We should go make an offer."

Nate kissed her and they walked back upstairs to find the realtor.

****

Lizzie knew it wouldn't last, their elation over making a decision and moving forward with their lives. They got home and reality sank back in. As Lizzie moved forward with her transition, Nate made arrangements to close out his accounts. Somewhere in the midst of moving arrangements, packing and unwinding together, they knew they had to make time to tell their parents.

Lance made a suggestion as to how they should handle it. He came over one evening and they all dined on Chinese takeout over boxes draped with old checkered tablecloths.

"You need to invite them over for coffee, they'll see the boxes and there's your conversation starter." Lance gestured with his chopsticks as he spoke. "The rest will just come."

Lizzie and Nate exchanged a look. They battled their guilt daily already for not having even mentioned the move to their parents up to this point. There was a good chance they might not even be forgiven for that, never mind their relationship.

"Thanks, Lance, but it's going to take more than that, I'm afraid." Lizzie smiled and lifted a dumpling from her plate.

"Well, the longer you leave it, the worse it'll be." Lance dug around his vegetables until he found a piece of water chestnut. "Don't think you can just move and then call them from Atlanta."

Lizzie shook her head with a laugh. "No. We wouldn't do that. But how do you tell your parents you're in love with your brother?"

"I'd start by assuring them that it doesn't have anything to do with them."

Nate nodded in agreement. Lance's words made sense. Lizzie agreed as well but she knew that no matter how they put it, their parents were going to be hurt and confused, maybe disgusted and angry. Maybe even angry enough to decide never to see them again. 

"All I know is it'll be easier for them once we're in Atlanta." Lizzie pushed the remaining food around on her plate. "The distance will help."

"Easier for them? Or for you two?"

Lizzie glanced up at Lance before looking to her brother. Nate met her eyes with his own steady gaze and she felt calmness settle over her. The hardest part of all this was still to come but in the past several weeks, she'd come to realize that with Nate, she knew she could face anything. To Lance's question, she had no firm answer except that it was a little of both.

The three of them finished their meals and cleaned up. Lance offered to come back the next weekend to help them pack but they declined.

"I think we'll go have lunch with them on Saturday." Nate reached for Lizzie's hand.

She squeezed his fingers and he looked down at her with a smile. She stepped closer and he tucked her against his side with one arm. They looked up at Lance, who stood near the front door.

"So when do you guys move?"

"Three weeks tomorrow," Lizzie said.

"Wow. Coming up fast." Lance narrowed his eyes. "Don't wait to tell your parents. Go for dinner tomorrow night."

Lizzie and Nate exchanged another look but didn't say anything about it one way or another. They hugged Lance goodnight and watched him head down the front walk towards his waiting vehicle.

"He really is a good guy, isn't he?"

Lizzie smiled at Nate's perplexed tone. "I think he is."

"He doesn't care at all about us being together. I mean, he cares, but only as a friend looking out for other friends."

"I know what you mean."

Nate nodded and they backed into the house, shutting the door behind them. They made their way upstairs to the last two rooms in the house that hadn't been packed up, their bedroom and their shared office. Nate went to his computer to make sure everything was shut down for the night and Lizzie flipped her sketchbook open.

The page it opened to was her sketch from several weeks ago, following a restless night. She'd dreamt of the isolated cabin by the lake and drawn it after waking up in the middle of the night. Later that night, Nate had found her and offered her comfort as only he could. She smiled as she traced the outline of the chimney with one finger. So much had changed since that lost and hopeless night.

"What are you working on?" Nate asked after a few minutes of silence.

"Nothing yet." She walked over to his desk and he pushed his chair back so she could settle in his lap. "I was just looking at this."

He nodded as he looked down at the drawing. "I remember. It's very good."

Lizzie smiled and relaxed against his chest. She kissed his cheek and put her fingers to the cabin in the drawing. "I'll have to do another one once we've moved."

"Good idea, sweetie." He kissed her and held her close while they stared at the drawing for another few minutes.

Nate yawned. "I'm beat."

"Me too." Lizzie closed the sketchbook, any urge to draw now gone. She set it on his desk and cuddled up to his chest.

For a little while, they sat there, arms around each other, hearts beating in time. It was quiet in the house, no artificial noise or light beyond Nate's desk lamp. Noise from the street out front was almost nonexistent. They could almost pretend they were alone in the world. A few weeks ago, plagued with bleak dreams, Lizzie would have been afraid of that very thing. Now, she realized she only needed one thing: Nate.

She tipped her head back and he looked down into her face. "Let's go to bed."

He chuckled and pressed a brief kiss to her lips. "It's only nine. You're that tired?"

Lizzie grinned. "No. I'm not tired at all, but you just said you're beat." She shivered as she watched Nate's eyes darken and his grasp around her tightened.

"Well then. I'm sure I can figure out a way to get us both a good night's rest."

And he did just that.

****

Next weekend, they took the long drive out to their childhood home in Winnetka. Just as they'd done last time, they held hands and spoke little. Lizzie's leg twitched and Nate's fingers tightened more than a few times on the steering wheel.

"Should we eat first?" Lizzie asked.

Nate glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. "As opposed to...?"

"Telling them before we eat?"

"Is that something you want to do on a full stomach?" Nate gave her a weak smile.

She looked out the windshield and Nate saw the muscles of her throat work as she swallowed. "I think they might not want to hear it on a full stomach."

Nate's insides clenched at the thought of how their parents would react. They'd agreed to lay it all out for them, be honest and clear, answer any questions they might have. Above all, they wouldn't fight with them. If the worst happened, they'd just leave and go back home. In a short while, they'd be moving and they'd be out of their parents' hair for good, if they wanted it that way.

Drawing in a deep breath, all Nate could do was squeeze Lizzie's fingers. They'd be at their mother and father's house in a few more miles. There was no going back.

"I love you," Lizzie whispered as they pulled into the driveway.

"I love you, too." He brought her hand to his lips for a kiss.

He parked the car and they got out. At the front door, their mother answered after the first knock.

"I'm amazed!" Clara exclaimed and drew them inside for hugs. "You're on time for once."

They laughed and Nate knew their mother wouldn't hear the strain in their laughter.

"Where's Dad?" Lizzie asked.

"He's in his den, watching the game." Clara turned and urged them towards the kitchen. "God, you're both too skinny. Come eat something."

"Mom, we're here for lunch." Nate laughed but followed his mother into the kitchen. "The whole point is eating."

"Yes, well, lunch won't be ready for a bit yet. Come have a snack and then you can go tear your father away from the television."

Lizzie and Nate exchanged a look as their mother moved across the kitchen. It didn't matter what they looked like, if they were chubby or skeletal. Clara liked to feed her kids. They submitted to her snack-administering and sat together at the kitchen table.

"How is work, Elizabeth?" Clara asked as she set a bowl of mixed fruit on the table between them.

"It's great." Lizzie smiled, happy to discuss her work. Ever since accepting the new position, she'd been taking on new and different duties as training for her eventual transfer. She told her mother about the new job and left out the part about the transfer to Atlanta for the moment.

"That's wonderful, my dear." Clara bent to kiss her daughter on the cheek. "I knew you'd make a name for yourself there, but I had no idea it'd be so fast."

"Me either, Mom." Lizzie agreed with a nod before glancing at Nate again.

He couldn't help it. He beamed with pride at the way her cheeks turned pink with pleasure at the discussion. He knew she'd been working her ass off for months now and more recently, since accepting the new position. She came home fit to bursting with tales of her day at work and all the new things she'd been learning. Between that and the move, she'd changed. She was more relaxed and playful. Nate would have loved her forever, no matter what, but he'd be lying if he said the change to her demeanor didn't please him.

"Maybe now you can get your own place and let Nate have his house back," Clara said as she turned back to the counter where she was finishing up with lunch prep.

At that, Lizzie straightened up in her chair, the cheerful color fading from her face. Nate met her look and gave a slight nod.

"Uh, I'll go get Dad." He stood up and hurried down the hall to find his father. He heard Lizzie speaking to their mother.

"Mom, there's something about the job that I have to tell you..."

Nate swallowed the lump in his throat. It was here, the time they'd have to come clean with their parents. He paused in the doorway to the den and knocked on the open door.

"Dad?"

"Hi, Nathaniel. How are you, son?" Davis stood up and walked over to give his son a hug. "Where's your sister?"

"In the kitchen with Mom." Nate swallowed again and gave his father a weak smile. "Would you come into the kitchen? Lizzie has some news to share."

Davis grinned. "Yeah? Of course." He turned and picked up the remote to flick the TV off. Then he followed Nate back to the kitchen.

"Hi, Dad." Lizzie stood up to give her father a hug.

"Hi, sweetie." He kissed her forehead and held her at arm's length. "You look different. Are you eating enough?"

Lizzie rolled her eyes. "Why is that the first question from both of you? Yes, I eat enough."

"We just want to make sure you're taking care of yourselves." Clara smiled over her shoulder. "Davis, get them some drinks and sit down so Elizabeth can tell us her news."

"Sure. Nate, you want a beer?"

"No thanks. Just iced tea is good."

"Elizabeth?"

"Same for me."

Davis pulled the pitcher from the fridge and poured four glasses. He set Clara's on the counter, giving her a quick kiss and squeeze around her waist with one hand. Then he sat across the table from Lizzie and Nate, setting their glasses down as well.

"So what's the big news, Elizabeth?" Davis asked.

"I was telling Mom about my new position with the publisher." Lizzie quickly recounted what she'd already told Clara about the job. Davis grinned, patted her hand and gave her a hearty congratulations.

"Thanks, Dad." Lizzie smiled and looked down at the table. She fidgeted for a minute until Nate touched her leg under the table. Her eyes lifted, flicked over his face briefly before turning to their father again. Clara had moved over to sit beside Davis as well.

"What is it?" Their mother cocked her head to one side.

"This new job came with... conditions." Lizzie swallowed. "Well, one condition, really."

"What?"

Lizzie glanced sideways at Nate once more. "Um. I have to move. To Atlanta. The new position is there."

For a second, no one spoke. Davis cleared his throat and reached for his wife's hand. "Elizabeth, this job is an amazing opportunity for you. If it was in Anchorage, we'd still say you should take it."

"Oh, I've accepted the job, Dad. I've already been down there to look for a place to live."

"That's wonderful, my dear." Clara blinked a few times and Nate knew she was holding back tears.

He looked down. He had a sinking feeling that the rest of this conversation wasn't going to go well at all.

"Of course, we'll miss you, but it's only a plane ride away," Davis said, still holding Clara's hand. "When do you move?"

"In a little less than three weeks."

"My goodness, that's soon." Clara looked up and gave her daughter a watery smile. "Do you need help packing?"

"No, Nate... um, Nate's done a lot."

Nate could hear the catch in her voice and knew he'd have to do the rest. She was on the verge of breaking down.

"Well, at least Nate will get his house back." Clara gave a little laugh. "You can start doing your own thing again."

"Mom, Dad. There's something else we need to tell you." Nate cleared his throat, the words churning over and over in his head. He needed to say it, just say it once, out loud for them and then they could deal with whatever came. The were stuck though, lodged in his throat and he struggled.

Their father frowned. "What is it? What's wrong?"

"I'm moving. To Atlanta, as well."

Davis frowned. "I don't understand. Did your office offer you a new position there?"

"No. I've signed off most of my accounts here and tendered my resignation with the firm."

Clara shook her head. "Why would you do that? What's in Atlanta?"

Nate looked at Lizzie. Her eyes were wide and she was pale as snow. Now. He needed to say it now. All of it, all at once.

"Lizzie will be there. We're moving to Atlanta together."

Silence dropped over them like a shockwave. Lizzie reached down to clutch Nate's fingers where they still rested on her thigh. He returned the gesture, more than aware of the desperate worry in her grasp. Drawing in a deep breath, he lifted their joined hands, overpowering Lizzie's panicked resistance, and set their hands on the table.

Their parents' eyes fell to their hands and Clara sucked in a sharp breath. "No." Her voice was barely a whisper, her face drawn taut.

"I don't understand." This from Davis, his expression one of confusion.

"I'm moving... we're moving to Atlanta together." Nate drew a deep breath. "I'm moving because Lizzie took that job in Atlanta and we didn't want to be apart from each other. It's what... it's what couples do."

"Couples?" Davis' eyes snapped to Nate's face. "What the hell is going on here?"

"Davis..." Clara's voice was weak and her husband turned to her immediately. "Don't."

"Don't what? Ask questions? Did you hear what he just said?"

Clara stared at her husband, her eyes pleading. Nate and Lizzie watched the exchange, their fingers tightening their hold.




Bring on the Wonder Ch. 03



Davis swung his head back to pierce Nate with a stony gaze. "You mean to tell me that you and your sister have been carrying on like a couple in that house? This whole time? Is that why you've never thought of moving out? Is that it?"

Lizzie flinched as her father's voice rose. "No. It hasn't been that long. We didn't... get together until later."

"Jesus Christ." He dropped his head to his hands. "This is not happening."

"Dad, please." Nate stopped and cleared his throat. It was difficult to breathe all of a sudden. "We didn't–"

"Don't you say anything." Davis jerked away from the table and stood up. "Don't you defend yourself in this."

Nate blinked, taken aback. Whatever he might have been expecting, it hadn't been this. "I'm not defending myself. I haven't done anything wrong."

"Nothing wrong? Are you kidding me?" Davis gestured between them. "Taking advantage of your little sister like this doesn't require a defense?"

Lizzie spoke up again. "Dad, it wasn't like that. He didn't take advantage of me. I wanted to be with him the same way he did with me."

"Don't say that." Davis shook his head. "You can't mean it."

"I do, actually." Lizzie stared hard at him when he looked her way. "I'm not a child and I'm not stupid enough to allow someone to take advantage of me."

Davis frowned. "I never said you were stupid."

"No, but you think I'm so naive or... or insecure that I would fall for it." Lizzie lifted her chin. "I'm not stupid or naive, and I'm definitely not insecure. If I was, we wouldn't be here, telling you the truth about us."

"The truth?" This from their mother, who until now had remained mostly silent. She looked up, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "The truth is you two have been carrying on for how long like this?"

"Nine months." Nate looked down. "Almost ten."

Clara stared at him and then shook her head. "Ten months. Ten months and you tell us now? And only because you're moving away."

Lizzie looked at her mother and when she spoke, there was a catch in her voice. "We thought it might be easier this way."

"Easier? To lose both my children in one fell swoop?" Clara covered her mouth with her hand. Nate felt his heart twist when he saw how her fingers trembled. "I don't understand. Why did this happen?" She looked back and forth between her children. "Did we do something wrong?"

"Mom, this isn't your fault." Nate reached for his mother's free hand and she let him take it. "It's no one's fault. There's no one to blame. We fell in love, that's all."

"In love?" Davis let out a dry laugh and turned away from the table. "You're not in love. You're two confused kids who have been living together for over a year and you were... I don't know, bored or something. You got curious and you think it's love." He turned back to face them, pointing a finger at Nate. "You're not moving to Atlanta, Nate. I won't allow it."

Nate stared at his father, his heart sinking with each passing moment. "I'm well past the age when you had any say in my decisions, Dad."

"I do have a say and I say you're not going to Atlanta where you can continue to ruin your sister's life!"

"He's not ruining my life!" Lizzie shot to her feet, the chair clattering on its side behind her. "Nate completes my life, Dad. I can't live without him."

Davis turned pained eyes on her. "You don't know what you're saying."

"Yes, I do." Lizzie straightened and drew her shoulders back. "We decided to come here today and tell you both the truth about our relationship. We knew you'd be upset but we didn't expect insults about our maturity and intelligence."

"Lizzie–"

"No. Let me finish." Lizzie looked down for a second and drew in a breath before proceeding. "First and foremost, you don't have any say in the decisions we make about our own lives. We told you we were moving because that's what you do, you tell your family about the big decisions, but you don't ask permission." She glanced back and forth between her mother and father before speaking again, this time with a catch in her voice. "Nate did not take advantage of me. This was something mutual that we both walked into with open eyes."

She turned, reaching for Nate and he stood up with her, clasping her trembling hand in his. They shared a brief look and faced their parents together. "We are adults, Dad. We're also in love. You don't have to like it but you will have to accept it if you ever want to be a part of our lives from here on out because Nate and I, we're in this for life."

No one spoke. Silence filled the kitchen for a long minute, then another. Clara was stirred to action when the single pot on the stove boiled over. She lifted the pot, turned off the element and faced the rest of the family. Nate saw her glance at Lizzie before focusing her gaze on Davis. Nate looked at his father and was shocked to see how pale the older man looked.

"I think..." Clara cleared her throat. "I think we need some time. I don't know what to think of all this." She finally looked at Nate and gave him a weak smile that made him feel like the biggest jerk in the world. "You caught us a little off guard."

Nate shifted on his feet. "There was no easy way to talk about this."

Davis made a noise and turned away, arms crossed over his chest. Clara went to his side and touched his shoulder. Without looking at their children, she sniffed once before speaking again. "I think it'd be best if you two just went on home for now."

"Mom..." Lizzie's voice was plaintive but when she said nothing else, Nate knew it would be best if they left.

"We'll call before we move." Nate put an arm around Lizzie's shoulders to guide her out of the kitchen. "Or you can call us if you want to talk."

Neither Davis or Clara responded. Nate and Lizzie stopped in the kitchen doorway and faced their parents once more.

"I love you, Mom, Dad."

Lizzie echoed Nate's words and they walked away, no comforting response from either parent.

In the car, Nate started the engine with shaking hands. He managed to back down the driveway and down the block. He didn't realize how far he'd gone until the first sign for the interstate came into view.

Then he started to shake and had to pull over to avoid running into something. As soon as saw the restaurant and the relatively empty lot, he pulled off the road and parked. Lizzie was already reaching for him when he turned to her and for a long time, they clung to each other.

"Oh God, Lizzie. I've never... I didn't think they'd..." Nate shook his head and buried his nose in her hair.

"I know. I didn't think Dad would react like that. Or Mom." Lizzie shook her head.

"I didn't know what to expect." Nate sighed and pulled away so he could look into Lizzie's face. He brushed her hair back from her face, where he'd messed it up because of their embrace. "I didn't expect that."

They stared at each other for a second and then Lizzie started to laugh. Nate blinked, surprised and then he started to laugh as well. It wasn't the kind of laugh you shared over a joke. This was a laugh that seemed to ease some of the nervous tension and energy they'd been carting around all day. The sudden loss of all that energy left them feeling giddy, if not exactly relieved.

Their laughter died and they leaned on one another for a few minutes. Nate pressed kisses to Lizzie's face and hair while she rubbed a hand up and down his arm.

Nate was the one to break the silence. "I guess we should get home."

"Yeah. You're probably right."

They still held on to each other. After another lengthy period, they at last separated, shared a kiss and faced forward. Nate turned the key in the ignition and took a deep breath before putting the car in gear. Once they rolled back into traffic, Nate reached for Lizzie's hand and they laced their fingers together.

"Do you think they'll come around?" Lizzie asked after a few miles.

"I don't know. I hope so." Nate squeezed her fingers. "You did."

Lizzie's head swiveled around and she stared at him. "What are you talking about?"

With a smile, Nate brought her fingers to his lips. "When you moved back home. You just needed to come around."

Lizzie let out a soft laugh. "Did you know that I would?"

"I hoped and prayed that you would." Nate's hand tightened around hers. "I was so scared I'd never see you again."

"Oh, Nate." Now it was Lizzie's turn to kiss his hand. "I can't imagine what it would be like to not have you in my life. I don't even want to imagine it."

"Well, lucky for you, we're stuck with each other."

Lizzie smiled. "Not stuck. Blessed."

"You're right. You're always right."

"Not always." Lizzie shook her head. "I was wrong to run away." Her face colored. "I was wrong to sleep with Lance."

"Sweetie, it doesn't matter now." He jiggled her hand in his until she looked at him again, her cheeks still pink with remembered shame. "What happened before you came home doesn't matter. We were both surprised by what happened between us and neither of us knew how to deal with it."

"That's true. It was a surprise." A beat of silence passed. "I guess I can understand Dad's reaction then. It's not like I handled it well at first."

Nate chuckled. "Neither did I. But you came home, Lizzie. That's all that matters now. That and the fact that we'll always be together."

She nodded in agreement and kissed his hand again. "You're right again, my love." She smiled. "God, I wish you could have seen your face when I came home."

Nate chuckled. "Was it something like this?" He pasted an exaggerated expression of shock on his face and Lizzie laughed.

"Close. Were you really so shocked to see me home?"

"Like I said, I'd hoped and prayed that I'd see you again but wishing for something and having it actually happen are two different things."

"I suppose so. Once you got over your surprise you seemed better."

"Did I? I think I was still in shock for a couple weeks."

Lizzie grinned and squeezed his fingers. "I couldn't tell."

Nate turned to look at her and gave her an identical grin in response. "No?"

"I was so lost in love with you that you could have grown a second head and I might not have noticed."

Nate couldn't speak for the sudden emotion clogging his throat. He pressed Lizzie's fingers and she returned the gesture. They didn't speak again for the rest of the drive home, words no longer required for now.

****

EIGHT MONTHS AGO

Nate came home from work at his usual time and Lizzie spent the remaining ten minutes before that pacing through the main floor of the house. When she'd arrived back at the house, she'd had a momentary panic that her key wouldn't work but Nate hadn't changed the locks. She let herself in, dropped her suitcases in her old room and commenced with the pacing.

When she heard the garage door opening, she hurried to the kitchen and waited for Nate to walk in. He did, carrying his briefcase in one hand and a newspaper in the other. He didn't notice her at first, his gaze on the newspaper. He turned, locked the door and tossed his keys on the counter before looking up.

"Lizzie."

The way he said her name, with no inflection in it, not even surprise, though his face showed a crazy mixture of emotion, made her heart twist.

"Hello Nate."

They stood there, looking at one another. Lizzie twisted her fingers together and glanced down. As their gaze broke, Nate walked to the kitchen table and set his briefcase and newspaper on its surface.

"Where have you been?"

"Lance's."

He winced at the sound of the man's name. "Does he know you're here now?"

Lizzie shook her head. "He knows I'm out but he doesn't know I came here."

Nate pinned her with a hard look. "Does he know why you left in the first place?"

"No." Lizzie could hardly speak for the tension in her body. "He doesn't know anything except that I needed a place to stay."

"And now?"

"Now what?" Lizzie could understand why he was so upset with her but she didn't know what to say to turn this around. She could throw herself at his feet and beg for forgiveness or she could speak to him like an adult until he understood.

Nate frowned. "Now you want to move back in? Like nothing happened?"

"No, Nate. I'm not..." Lizzie stopped and drew in a deep breath before continuing. "I would like to move back in, if you'll let me, but I'm not pretending that nothing happened."

Nate's face relaxed a fraction as she spoke. Lizzie took it as a good sign and took a few steps closer. He didn't step away when she moved close enough to touch. But she didn't touch him.

"Nate, I'm sorry I ran away without talking to you." She cleared her throat. "It was stupid but what happened was so... unexpected that I didn't know what to do."

"I was shocked by what happened too, Lizzie, but I didn't want to run away."

"I know. I'm so sorry." Lizzie did reach for him then, putting her hand on his arm. "I never meant to hurt you."

"I thought we were closer than that."

Lizzie's eyes widened and she bit her lip. Nate flushed, as if he'd just heard his words.

"I didn't mean... That's not what I meant. What I mean is, we were friends. Before. You and I have always been able to talk."

"I agree. That's why I'm here now. We need to talk."

Nate shook his head. "We needed to talk a month ago."

Lizzie blinked and let her hand fall from his arm. "Are you saying you don't want to talk now?"

Nate looked at her. Lizzie met his gaze, feeling the heat rise higher up her neck to her face with each passing second. She gasped and turned to walk away, to put some distance between them. Nate grabbed her wrist and spun her around. They stepped together then, with Nate backing Lizzie up until she felt the wall at her back.

"I don't want you to talk." Nate leaned so close, Lizzie tipped her chin up, expecting his kiss. His breath washed over her lips and he tilted his head to one side. "I want you to listen." He moved his head again and his next exhalation tickled her ear. She shuddered. "I love you, Lizzie. I don't know when or how it happened but I fell in love with you. Not my sister, but the woman in my arms."

Lizzie blinked, tears stinging her eyes. She opened her mouth but no words came out.

Nate kissed her ear before speaking again. "When you left, it felt like you'd walked off with my heart. I could barely function without you. I was out of my mind with worry. But I didn't stop loving you, or wanting you."

"Nate..."

He drew back far enough to meet her gaze. "Lizzie, please don't leave me again. If you do, you might as well kill me before you go because it'll have the same effect."

Lizzie looked into his eyes, his beautiful brown eyes, and nodded. "I'll never leave. As long as you want me here, I'm yours, Nate."

He squeezed his eyes shut and rested his forehead against hers. His next breath was weak and shaky and Lizzie put her hands on his shoulders, desperate to touch him.

"Do you mean that, Lizzie? Really?"

"Yes."

He shook his head and Lizzie reached up to cup his face in her hands.

"Nate, open your eyes."

He didn't.

"Look at me."

After another second, he did as she asked and her heart squeezed at the tears she saw glistening in his eyes.

"Nate, I fell in love with you, too. I knew it that night and that scared me more than anything." She blinked back tears of her own, forging on ahead to get the words out before emotion overcame her. "I've never been in love before, Nate. Falling in love with you felt... right. So right. As if I'd been waiting all this time to feel that thing and I was meant to feel it with you."

She paused, drawing on her inner reserves of strength before she went on. "But you are my brother. I'm your sister."

"Half-sister," he corrected in a weak voice.

Lizzie smiled and the tears slipped out of the corners of her eyes. "Nate. We can't have a relationship."

His grip on her arms tightened and she winced. He kissed her then, just the quick pressure of his lips on hers. "We can't not have a relationship." He kissed her again, lingering a few seconds longer this time. "I can't not be with you, Lizzie."

"Nate..."

He kissed her to silence whatever protest she'd been about to voice. She couldn't even say for certain what it was she'd been about to say. The heat and softness of Nate's lips on hers erased every thought but one.

"I love you, Nate." The words were muffled by the way his mouth covered hers but he heard her and understood.

Their kiss lasted another several minutes, long, lovely minutes of quick breaths and tight grasps. At last, Nate pulled away and pressed his cheek to Lizzie's. She kept her eyes closed and smiled, enjoying the feel of his body heat, letting it warm her.

"We need to talk."

Lizzie's eyes popped open and let her head fall back with a dull thud against the wall. "Talk? About what?"

Nate gave her a gentle smile and touched her chin. He raised his fingers to stroke the curve of her cheekbone. He traced the outline of her brow and brought his finger down the other side of her face, stopping in the middle of her bottom lip. "Talk about all the ways this can't work."

Her heart gave a horrid thump against her ribs. She swallowed and looked down at his hand. She blinked a few times, desperate to keep tears at bay. Nate hooked his finger under her chin and lifted her face back to his.

"And all the ways we're going to make this work."

Lizzie's bottom lip started to tremble and Nate pulled her into the circle of his arms. He held her close as the tears spilled over and she wrapped weak arms around his middle.

After a time, he moved with her into the living room and they sat on the couch. Nate kept his arms around her and she settled against his chest with a shaky sigh. He stroked his hands up and down her sides and back, soothing her, and eventually her tears subsided and her breathing evened out.

She rested her head on his arm, meeting his warm gaze. "So what did you want to talk about?"

Nate smiled. "Where to even begin?"

They fell silent. Lizzie shifted beside him and spoke.

"I didn't know, when I moved in here, that we... that I would..."

Nate nodded. "I didn't either. When you started spending time with Lance though, it almost drove me out of my mind."

Lizzie glanced up in time to see him shake his head.

"I still can't believe how badly I lost it."

"Me either," she murmured, remembering their fight that night. The night before she'd come back early from her date and–

"I don't regret it though, since it seemed to have been the turning point."

"I agree." Lizzie squirmed beside him as the memories heated her blood. "I'm sorry for running away."

Nate squeezed his arms around her. "I know. Not knowing where you'd gone was awful."

Lizzie shut her eyes, wanting to take back the last month of their lives. She should have stayed, talked to him after they'd broken that familial law. They could have figured things out on that very night.

She shook her head. It wouldn't have happened that way. There was no chance she'd have been in a calm enough state of mind to handle that kind of conversation.

"I promise I'll never take off like that again, Nate. I'm so sorry for worrying you so much."

When Nate didn't speak, Lizzie sat up beside him to look into his eyes. She touched his face. "Nate, I'm sorry."

His dark eyes scanned her face and he nodded once. "I know you are and I know you won't do it again. You know now how it would hurt me."

"I never wanted to hurt you." She hung her head, her hand falling from his face. "I still don't. Nate, how can we do this? How can this ever work?" Hope was dimming with every passing word.

"Hey, Lizzie, sweetie. Don't cry, please. Look at me."

She lifted her face and blinked tears from her eyes. They slid over her cheeks. "Be honest, Nate. Do you really see us having any kind of real relationship? Or having any chance at a normal life together?"




Bring on the Wonder Ch. 03



He held her face in his hands, his thumbs brushing the tears from her cheeks, to no avail. Fresh ones spilled from her eyes even as he stroked her skin dry. "I don't have any answers. All I know is that I can't live without you. I can't function without you near me."

"You survived just fine before I moved in. Except for all the takeout and dirty laundry."

Nate smiled at her weak attempt at levity. "I'm not talking about diet and cleanliness. When you left, I realized I'd become used to your company, your presence in the house. I was worried, of course, but I was lonely because I missed you, Lizzie."

Lizzie stared at him, her tears slowing. Nate leaned close and kissed her. She put her hands on his shoulders, trying to hold him to her, wanting more. The physical bond between them might be the only thing to erase her doubts. For the time being, at least.

But Nate was having none of it. He drew away and looked into her eyes again. "Lizzie, I love you. That's how I know we'll figure out a way to make this work."

Lizzie dropped her eyes. "Nate–"

"Don't. I know what you're thinking." He touched her chin, drawing her gaze up. "How can this work? What will we tell people? What will they think? How can we even feel this way?" He shrugged. "Like I said, I don't have all the answers. I just know that this doesn't feel wrong. You can't tell me you don't feel the same way."

Lizzie stared at him, searching his eyes and face for some sign of a lie, for some sign of doubt. She found none.

"Do you love me?"

Her question seemed to surprise Nate, probably because he'd already confessed as much a few times over. Then he smiled, a handsome, slow smile that dried her tears and turned her insides to liquid fire.

"Elizabeth Anne," he whispered, sliding his hand around to cup the back of her head. "I never knew what love was until you showed me. I didn't know I could love until you proved it to me."

"I didn't do anything."

"You did. You're the most remarkable, clever, brilliant and adorable woman I've ever known. That you gave yourself to me that night..." He paused, his breath catching on the last word. He shook his head as if to clear his mind and when he looked at Lizzie again, his eyes were very dark, his pupils huge. "Lizzie, you take my breath away."

Lizzie's heart thumped hard in her chest and she leaned forward. She couldn't take anymore talking. She wanted more. She wanted to see if they could do that again, if it would feel the same way as it had then.

Nate didn't protest when she threw her arms around his shoulders and crushed her lips to his. He parted her lips with his tongue and dragged it over and around hers. She moaned into his mouth and felt her body heating as he sucked on her bottom lip.

With a swift jerk, he hauled her hips against his and twisted so that she lay beneath him on the couch. She pushed her fingers into his hair and let out another moan as he drove his tongue into her mouth for another taste. He yanked a hand from under her body and shoved her shirt up over her stomach. When his fingers brushed her skin, she let out a cry, the sensation of his touch rocking her very core.

All of a sudden, Nate stopped kissing her. His hands stilled and he lifted his head. Lizzie blinked and stared up at him. He was breathing hard and his hair was tousled from where she'd been clutching it.

He needs a haircut, she thought and blinked again, dread settling into her bones when Nate pulled away to sit up.

"Nate?"

"I can't do this."

Lizzie wilted, feeling like he'd just punched her in the stomach. Nate glanced up and his eyes widened as he took in her expression. He pulled her into his arms and tightened his hold when she struggled.

"I don't mean I can't do this, Lizzie." He pressed kisses to her forehead and face and lips. "I want you, you have to know that."

She looked back and forth between his eyes and nodded.

"All right. Now that you understand that, let me explain."

Lizzie giggled at his tone. It was so like his bossy big brother voice that he'd used for years when she was younger. The reminder of their familial link jolted her and she swallowed the knot of fear in her throat.

Nate recognized the look on her face again and kissed her before speaking. "We are siblings. You were right, not that either of us need to be reminded of that."

Lizzie nodded, still unable to speak.

"It doesn't change how I feel about you."

She nodded again.

"What I meant was, I can't do this here." He waved a hand at the room. "Here, in the living room, on the couch."

Lizzie looked around and felt her face warming. She felt suddenly like a teenager again, caught by her parents making out with her boyfriend. Except there was no one else here.

"That first time was incredible, Lizzie, don't ever doubt that." Nate picked up her hand and kissed the tips of her fingers. "But I want to make love to you. Not on the edge of my desk, or on the couch in a hurry. I want to take my time and make sure you feel everything."

Lizzie shivered as his lips moved to the inside of her wrist and he licked the sensitive skin there.

"Will you come upstairs with me?" Nate licked her again. "Or am I going to have to drag you?"

Lizzie smiled. "You can catch me." And she bolted from the couch, up the stairs before he could draw breath to laugh.

He did catch her, just at the top of the stairs. He hauled her into his arms and kept moving until he reached his bedroom. She wrapped her legs and arms around him as he moved. Their lips stayed locked together and she gloried in the sensation of his tongue sliding against hers.

After an eternity, Lizzie felt herself falling back onto a bed. His bed. Nate followed, not allowing their bodies to lose contact. His mouth moved from hers as he dragged his lips across her cheek and down the curve of her throat. Lizzie arched, exposing her neck to him and gasping as his five o'clock shadow rasped over her sensitive skin. He rubbed his lips against the groove between her neck and collarbone before licking his way back to her mouth.

Lizzie slid her fingers through his hair and held his face to hers. She couldn't get enough of his mouth, of his kisses. The weight of his body on hers was glorious and being with him felt exactly like what he'd said. Right.

He rolled to the side and pushed himself to his knees. He yanked his shirt from his pants and Lizzie sat up to start undoing the buttons. Her fingers were shaking so bad she couldn't manage the buttons on her own. Nate's hands came down over hers and together, they slid each button through each eyelet until his shirt parted beneath her fingers.

Lizzie sucked in her breath as she at long last laid her hands on his skin. She flattened her palms on his stomach and slid them higher, pausing to circle his nipples with her thumbs. The coarseness of his chest hair tickled her palms and she smiled.

"Enjoying yourself?"

She looked up and nodded. He grinned and bent to kiss her. As he did, his hands found the bottom of her sweater and she lifted her arms so he could pull it off. Reaching back, she undid the clasp of her bra and Nate pulled the straps down her arms. For a second, she felt shy, half-naked before his probing gaze. But he was gentle as he pressed a hand to the center of her chest and eased her back onto the bed.

His gaze drifted over her naked torso, taking in the fluttering pulse beneath her chin and the rapid rise and fall of her chest. He dragged a finger down the side of her throat and across her collarbone. Then he traced the outline of one breast, circling closer and closer to her nipple with each pass. Lizzie caught her breath when she thought he was about to stroke the taut peak but he switched to her other breast. She closed her eyes with a groan of protest.

Nate's deep chuckle made her smile. She knew he was having fun teasing her and she'd be lying if she said she wasn't enjoying it as well. After what he'd made her feel only a few short weeks ago, she could be patient if it meant she would feel that again.

Without warning, Nate leaned over her and sucked her nipple into his mouth while still tracing the puckered center of the other one. She gasped and put her hands at the back of his head to hold him there.

"Oh God, that feels so good. Don't stop, please!"

Another deep laugh rumbled from his chest and Lizzie shuddered at the way it vibrated between their bodies. Nate's finger stopped circling her breast and she felt his hands fumbling with the button at the waist of her pants a second later. He got the button free and rubbed his knuckles across the skin he exposed above the elastic waist of her panties.

Lizzie bit down on her lip and shifted restlessly beneath his touch. Between the suction of his mouth at her breast and the slid of his hot fingers so close to where her body wept for him, she was going out of her mind.

As if sensing her turmoil, Nate taunted her some more. He dipped his fingers beneath the fabric of her panties before letting his palm glide back up her stomach to her other breast. He lifted his head and kissed a trail across her chest to the other, neglected nipple. Lizzie moved one hand from his head, over his broad shoulders and down the middle of his back, loving the way his muscles twitched at her touch.

She reached the belt around his middle and slipped her hands inside his pants. His head jerked up when she dug her fingertips into his ass. She opened her eyes to meet his and spread her legs beneath him. His weight settled between her thighs and they groaned when the overheated parts of themselves came together.

"Nate, please."

"Please what?" He looked down and gasped when she lifted her hips to rub against him. 

Lizzie let out a soft laugh and moved again. However much he teased her, it was a glorious feeling knowing that she had the same effect on him. While she rubbed against him, he pushed a hand back down between their bodies and under her layers of remaining clothing. Lizzie froze and arched off the bed a second later when his fingers pressed between her damp folds.

"Holy shit, Lizzie. You're so wet."

Lizzie smiled and nodded. She wrapped her fingers around his wrist to hold his hand there. "Don't stop."

"You're so wet for me."

She nodded again. Then his fingers brushed over her clit and a full-body tremor went through her.

"Oh God." Nate pulled his hand away and ignored her protest. He yanked her pants down her legs, growling in frustration when the fabric caught at her knees and calves. When he got them off at last, he pushed her legs apart with his body and kissed his way across her stomach.

Lizzie moaned and lifted her hips towards him, knowing where he was headed. This time, he didn't tease or tantalize. He kissed his way down and buried his face at the apex of her thighs. When his tongue split her and slid inside, she let out a wail. It felt unbelievable. His hot breath, the rasp of his whiskers and the tight clamp of his lips around her, it all sent her spiraling into ecstasy before she could draw breath.

Nate didn't let up. He sucked and licked her, tasting her over and over until she couldn't stay still. She writhed and bucked under his hold, mindless of the tight grasp he had on her hips. The dim thought crossed her mind that he would leave bruises on her skin but she didn't care. Sensation rocked her when she thought of how badly she wanted to be marked by him. By Nate. By her brother.

"Nate!" His name fell from her lips on a cry as he brought her to climax again.

After a time, he moved back up her body, leaving a hot trail of kisses and licks as he went. He stopped and took his time at different points on her. He nibbled the juncture of her thigh and hip before teasing the indent of her belly button with his tongue. His fingers traced light swirls over her sensitive sides until he cupped her breasts in each hand and pressed them together so her nipples were almost touching. Then he sucked them into his mouth, flicking his tongue over the tips.

All the while, Lizzie's hands didn't stop moving over his back and shoulders. She didn't know what she was doing except that she couldn't stop touching him. When he reached her lips, she sank her hands into his hair and kissed him with all the love and passion he had awoken in her.

"I love you."

"I love you, too." Nate pressed light kisses all along her bottom lip before sliding his tongue back into her mouth. Lizzie could taste herself on him and a punch of lust went through her.

"Make love to me, Nate."

Nate held his mouth over hers, their breath mingling. His eyes searched hers. No matter what he'd said before about how he wanted to savor this time together tonight, this was different for both of them. They weren't surprising themselves or each other with spontaneous sex on his desk. They were going into this with their eyes open, knowing that it would change everything.

Lizzie knew Nate saw the acquiescence in her eyes when he shifted and pushed at his pants with one hand. She reached down to help him, their eyes never leaving each other's. He shimmied as they pushed the pants down and he kicked them off. The muffled thump of his pants hitting the floor was the only sound in the room other than their breathing. Lizzie lifted her chin in silent supplication. Nate kissed her as she dragged one hand over his hip and circled his erection with her hand.

Nate's kiss turned hard as she stroked him once. His tongue delved deep and she gasped when he withdrew to bite down on her bottom lip. Not hard, just enough to tell her how far gone he was, how much her touch was affecting him. She stroked him again, rubbing her palm over the silky head of his cock. The liquid seeping out made her moan into his mouth and he responded when she spread that wetness around.

"Lizzie..."

She heard the plea in his voice and didn't feel like waiting any longer. She guided him to the hot, damp part of herself and let her thighs get pushed wide apart as he moved closer. Their eyes met as his body connected with hers and he gave a single weak push with his hips, sheathing only the tip of himself inside her.

Lizzie held her breath, her hand going to his lower back. Her other hand was in his hair, holding their faces close together. His lips hovered over hers, but they didn't kiss, and neither one of them moved. Lizzie could feel his arms start to tremble with the force of holding still. She stared into his eyes, his beautiful eyes, and nodded once.

Nate sank all the way in, the breath rushing out of both of them as one. Inside her, she felt the pulse of his heartbeat and the responding throb of her body around him. Never, in her entire life, had she felt so filled. His body inside of hers was what she hadn't know she'd been missing. No wonder she'd been so freaked out after the first time. Discovering this kind of connection would knock anyone's world off its axis.

Then Nate moved again and rational thought fled. She gave herself up to the luscious sensation of Nate filling her, retreating and then returning. Their lips came together and he lowered himself so their bodies rubbed along their full lengths. He put his arms to either side of her head, dominating her line of vision. She didn't care. Even when he wasn't close, he was all she could see.

His hips moved against hers and she wrapped one leg around his thigh. He kissed her lips, trailed kisses to her ear and the side of her neck before making his way back to her mouth. She gasped and squirmed with every pass of his mouth over the sensitive parts of her face and his movements stuttered every time she did. She realized then that her inner muscles squeezed every time she shuddered. And Nate liked it. So she did it again, and again until he clamped his lips to her neck and moved hard and fast within her.

"Oh, yes. Yes!" She wasn't even aware of what was coming out of her mouth. She just knew she didn't want him to stop doing this. She never wanted him to stop.

Nate lifted his head and locked their lips together, his kiss passionate and fierce as he moved faster with every stroke. Lizzie gasped, tried to pull her mouth away to breathe but he wouldn't let her. Stars burst behind her eyelids and she arched beneath him, feeling her orgasm closing in on her. But Nate beat her to it. He wrenched his mouth from hers to bury his face against her neck, thrusting hard into her and deep for several long strokes. As he kept moving, spending himself within her, she let go, sliding over the edge with a cry.

They moved together for a time after they climaxed. Their movements were relaxed, their kisses light but every touch went straight to Lizzie's heart.

A few more minutes passed before Nate rolled off of her. Lizzie turned to her side, tucking a pillow under her cheek and smiling at him.

"Thank you, Nate."

He rolled his head to look at her. "For what?"

"For loving me like you just did." Lizzie hated the warmth that rose in her cheeks at her confession.

Nate smiled and turned to his side to they lay nose-to-nose. He put his hand on her hip and stroked his thumb over her skin in slow circles. For a long while, they just stared at each other. Lizzie didn't realize she'd dozed off until Nate's warm kisses to her shoulder woke her. She rolled over and stretched her arms out, making a satisfied sound at the way her muscles ached in delightful places.

"Did I sleep for long?"

Nate shook his head and kissed her again. "Are you hungry?"

Her grumbling stomach answered for her. They both laughed, shared another kiss and then threw on some clothes before heading down to the kitchen. They ate, talked, and went back upstairs to make love again.

The rest of the night passed in much the same fashion. They would enjoy each other's bodies, snooze, eat, talk, and love some more. Their talks were what Lizzie would come to cherish later.

They talked about what happened before she'd run away. She confessed about everything that passed between Lance and herself in the month they'd spent apart, hating herself for the look of pain on Nate's face as she did. But he gathered her into his arms, kissed away her tears and told her it didn't matter. Just like every relationship they'd had before now didn't matter. Lizzie accepted his forgiveness, the biggest worry she'd been carrying since deciding to come back home.

They also talked about the future, and how they'd handle their lives together from now on. There were no hard and fast answers but they knew they could be themselves at home at least. They thought at first they would 'come out' to their parents right away but Lizzie talked Nate out of that. They ended up agreeing that no matter how in love they were, or how committed they felt this very night, neither one of them could see what the future would hold. It didn't make sense to confess all until they were positive it was for life.

After that, they spent the quiet hours talking about their dreams, their adventure stories from college and travel. They shared horror stories from their dating past and laughed over family memories. And in the darkest hour, they held each other close and just stared into each other's eyes. That was when Lizzie fell asleep, safe in Nate's arms, satisfied with his love and devotion.

Perhaps it wasn't such a shock that she'd fallen in love with her brother. Who else would have spent his entire life devoted to her happiness and well being?

****

ONE YEAR LATER

Nate came into the kitchen from the garage, newspaper in one hand, briefcase in the other. His eyes were down on the page, not paying attention to his surroundings. Then the voices registered and he looked up. He heard Lizzie and another familiar voice, one that made him smile. He set his things down and walked around the table, the living room coming into view.