To Love You More Read online

  “You’re in love,” Troy stated calmly, his hand resting on George’s shoulder.

  “L-love,” he stammered. “I’m not in love. I don’t even know what love is.”

  “Well, you’re discovering. I’m glad I’m not like you. I’m not even going to encourage that. I hang with a girl every once in a while, get what I want and move on. No emotional attachment. My schoolwork comes first.”

  “Your books always come first,” George remarked. “But it’s not about you. It’s about your father and what he wants. I keep telling you that you have to live your own life. Not for your father.”

  “While it may be a bit about my father, I want to be a doctor. Not because my father is one but because I want to be,” Troy said firmly.

  “Well, I’m glad I don’t have a father breathing down my neck all the time.”

  “I know you better than that, George. Saying it is not going to make it true.”

  George did not respond. Instead, he stood. “Come on, man, let’s go. Everyone’s already left. You want to come over for dinner? You know my mother always has a plate for you.”

  “Call Shayne and find out if he wants to come over too.”

  “He went to Tamara’s dance recital, remember?”

  They laughed, the sound echoing across the cricket pitch.

  “I can just imagine him right now. He must be dying with embarrassment. I’m so glad I’m an only child…no sister to invite me to her dance recitals,” Troy said. He stood and executed a clumsy pirouette.

  More laughter.

  “Better him than me,” Troy continued. “Tamara invited me, but I was so glad I could tell her we had a cricket match. I know Shayne is sorry he didn’t play for the team this season.”

  “Yes, he must be regretting it. Come on, I’ll call Mom and let her know we’re on our way.”

  “Cool, I’ll call mine and let her know I’ll be at your house. You can help me with the calculus homework.”

  * * *

  Rachel yawned. She was tired. She glanced at the clock on the wall above her desk. Just after midnight. She’d not planned on studying so late. She needed to get a good night’s sleep since she had an important test tomorrow. She was ready for it.

  She sighed. Her studies had been her focus from the time her parents had discovered that she was gifted. Academics came easy for her. She didn’t need to study long hours, even though she did anyway. She always wondered why her friends considered studying a chore. She only had to read something once and its essence would be imprinted on her mind.

  She never boasted about her ability. She just accepted it for what it was—a talent she had. It was that and no more. The As were okay, but it was the knowledge she was gaining that was important. She wanted to be a lawyer. Hard work was the only way she would succeed.

  But her focus was changing. She found herself thinking about George more and more. She’d been attracted to boys in the past, but there was something dangerous and exciting about him. He exuded a confidence and maturity that stirred her budding womanhood. In fact, compared to the two other boys he hanged with, he seemed the most mature, the most experienced.

  He had this way of walking that made her think of doing things she’d never done before. She’d always wondered why good girls found some bad boys attractive. She now knew why. She’d heard the talk about him. He was definitely bad.

  She ached to run her hand along the muscles that bulged under his school shirts. She wanted him to kiss her.

  Rachel snorted in disgust. She’d be studying and then she’d start thinking about him and her body would ache all over with her need, the way it was doing now.

  In that moment, she realized something. She was falling in love with him!

  She didn’t want that to happen. She knew what happened when girls fell in love. They would lose focus and their schoolwork would suffer.

  She was seventeen years old and she had one more year in the sixth form. Then, it would be college and finally law school. At least five years of study before she became a practicing attorney.

  And that was what should be the focus of her life. Not some romantic fantasy about the bad boy in her class.

  She glanced around her room. It was a typical teenage girl’s haven. For the past few years she’d planned on having it redecorated, but each year would pass by and she’d do nothing. But she had realized something recently. She was a woman now and it scared her. She’d been so wrapped up in her childhood, she had not paid attention to the changes happening within her.

  George had forced her from her comfort zone to recognize her budding sexuality. She’d never had a boyfriend. The other girls in her class constantly boasted about their sexual exploits. She’d been shocked at many of their revelations, wondering what their parents would think if they only knew the truth about their sweet little girls.

  She closed the history book. The Haitian Revolution had lost its appeal. She’d go to bed. That’s what she needed to do.

  She rose from sitting at her desk and slipped off her clothes, sliding naked between the sheets on her bed. She loved to sleep that way, the sheet’s silky softness caressing her, its effect pleasant against her skin.

  She closed her eyes, but the image of George remained bold and clear. When she fell asleep her dreams were of him as he lay next to her, his own body naked.

  * * *

  The rest of the semester passed without event. Over time, George’s charm slowly melted Rachel’s resistance. She admired his persistence. Maybe she shouldn’t call it persistence. He didn’t ignore her, neither did he make her feel pressured. He spoke to her when they came into contact, nothing more. But at times, she would notice his hungry gaze on her when he thought she wasn’t looking.

  On the day she turned eighteen, a basket of flowers arrived at her home. The card read: With Love—G. The script was bold and strong like he was. There was arrogance in the stroke of each letter.

  He knew he didn’t need to say anything more. The knowledge that he’d sent the flowers had left her feeling flustered and frustrated. She had vowed to resist him, but she knew now that her surrender was inevitable. The temptation was too appealing. There was so much about him she liked and admired.

  More and more, she’d found herself responding to his body. He would pass by her, so close, and he’d smile slyly, reveling in the way she stiffened in reaction to him. For the rest of the day, the woodsy scent of his cologne would linger.

  The night after her birthday, while she sat doing her homework, the doorbell rang. She groaned. Her parents were out and she didn’t want to get up. The doorbell went again. She stood, annoyed at being disturbed from her studying, and headed downstairs. It could be someone important. When she reached the landing, she walked toward the door, pulling the curtains apart to check who was there.

  Her heart stopped. George. What was he doing here?

  She balked, glancing down at the clothes she wore. She should have looked in the mirror before she came downstairs.

  Her heart racing, she stifled the urge to rush back upstairs. She unlocked the door, pulling it open.

  “What can I do for you?” she asked, trying to sound unaffected by his appearance.

  “It’s your birthday,” he replied, as if that answer was enough.

  “I’m quite aware that yesterday was my birthday.”

  “Did you get my flowers?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she replied, softly. His gesture had been so romantic. Already, her anger at him—because he’d ruffled her, interrupted her, managed to get her attention—had abated.

  “Aren’t you going to ask me in?” he finally said.

  “My parents are not at home. I’m not allowed to have anyone here when they’re not.”

  “That’s fine. Can you co
me out, so I can talk with you?”

  She hesitated, and then stepped outside.

  “I wanted to have an important chat with you,” he said.

  She shrugged.

  “You know that I like you.”

  She nodded slowly.

  “And I think you like me even though you pretend not to. So I’d like to invite you out on a date—if your parents will approve. I want to say up front that my intentions are noble. I know you hear stuff about me. Some true, some far from the truth.”

  “You do have a reputation,” she stated.

  “I know, but most of those rumors are false.”

  She didn’t respond, only stared at him with skeptical eyes.

  “Okay, I’ll go out with you,” she said eventually.

  The look of surprise on his face made her smile.

  “Everyone needs a chance,” she responded. “This is your first and last one.”

  “So how about Saturday?” he asked. “We can go to the cinema and then out to eat. That’s fine with you? I want to treat you for your birthday.”

  “Sounds good.”

  He continued to smile.

  “Well, have a good night,” he said.

  “I will,” she replied. “Thanks for inviting me out.”

  He nodded and waited until she closed the door, then moved off. She peered through the curtains as he walked down the pathway.

  When he reached his car, he turned back and waved at her before driving away.

  It was only then that Rachel realized her knees had been shaking.

  * * *

  Their first date was magical. The coolness of the night contrasted with the heat coursing through her body. Everything had been perfect.

  Just before midnight, they walked slowly to her house, her hand in his. She wished the night would not end.

  Just before the verandah, under the canopy of the massive mahogany tree, he pulled her into his arms and held her close. She rested her head against his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart. He touched her chin, asking her to look up.

  When she did, he lowered his head, capturing her lips with his.

  She’d expected fireworks, but instead she heard soft music.

  His tongue slipped between her lips, stirring the untapped heat deep inside her.

  She could taste him, the minty tang of the dinner mint that still lingered.

  Eventually, he pulled away, leaving her breathless and aching for more.

  He smiled down at her.

  “Wow,” he said. “Just as I expected.”

  “Thanks for taking me out. I enjoyed the evening.”

  “I did too,” he replied. “Want to do it again?”

  “I’d love to. Just let me know when. I’ll see you at school tomorrow.”

  “I can hang with you at school?”

  “I’d like that.”

  He lowered his head again, his lips brushing hers lightly. “Sweet dreams, honey,” he whispered.

  He turned reluctantly. She didn’t want him to go. She watched as he walked toward his car.

  She was in love. She’d fallen in love with the school’s notorious playboy.

  * * *

  Rachel slipped her jeans off, all the while feeling his gaze linger on her. She shivered. She felt uncomfortable. She’d never done this before.

  They’d been dating for four weeks now, but she felt as if she’d known him forever. She was totally in love and her desire for him intensified until she had begged him to make love to her.

  Strong arms wrapped around her from behind, offering comfort. He was incredibly gentle and, immediately, her reservation about what she was doing dissipated.

  She loved him and for now, that was all that mattered.

  “I love you,” George whispered in her ear. The gentle breath on her ear tickled and she laughed softly.

  In the curve of her behind, she felt his hardness, his penis taut and firm against her.

  His arousal excited her and she ached to turn and look at him, but he continued to rain kisses on her back until his mouth reached the curve of her waist, and he held her, turning her to face him.

  He rose, his lips descending on hers and igniting her internal heat.

  Her legs buckled, but he held her tenderly before she fell.

  He lifted her up easily, his muscles hard beneath her hands.

  He walked over to the bed, resting her gently on it before he joined her. His mouth trailed all over her body until it reached the core of her femininity. When his tongue slipped between the delicate folds, she experienced a sensation she’d never experienced before. Pure liquid heat coursed through her body until she felt as if she’d caught on fire. But this heat was different. It gave pleasure and settled between her legs, leaving her aching and begging for more.

  When she stiffened and she stifled the unexpected scream, her body seemed as if in limbo. And then it happened. She trembled, and wave after wave of pleasure washed over her as she convulsed with the intensity of her first orgasm.

  George moved from between her legs, rising above her and resting his torso against hers.

  He shifted on her, spreading her legs slightly apart, before he looked down at her, her expression one of total wonder.

  He reached for the pants on the ground, pulling something from one of the pockets…a condom.

  She sighed in relief. She’d hoped he had one. She didn’t want to get pregnant. She had her whole future ahead of her, but she wasn’t sure she’d be able to stop him if he didn’t have one. She wanted him so much.

  She watched as he stood before her, his penis erect and firm. There was something wonderful about his appendage. It was monstrous. Large, with thick veins running through it. Apprehension made her hesitate for a moment.

  She noticed him staring at her.

  He smiled, as if he knew what she was thinking and was reassuring her.

  She smiled in return, letting him know that she was fine, that she was ready for him. She felt better. She knew things would be all right.

  “I want you now,” she groaned. “I want to feel you inside me.” She sounded bold and brazen, and that was exactly how she felt.

  She wanted him and the anticipation of her first encounter was unbearable.

  He settled gently on top of her, his hardness pressed against her womanhood. She ached to feel him inside her.

  She felt a gentle probing at the entrance to her vagina and she shifted her legs wider to give him easy access. He slipped slowly inside her until she could feel every long, thick inch of him. There was a moment of intense pain, but she wrapped her legs around his firm buttocks, locking him into her. The pain slowly abated, until all she could think of was the heat and hardness of his penis throbbing inside her.

  For a while he did not move, but then he eased out and then in again, a sweet, powerful movement that sent fire coursing through her body.

  He continued to stroke her, until she moaned and groaned with the joy she was experiencing.

  And then she joined him, her own torso keeping the rhythm, his moans adding to the excitement of their coupling.

  Deep inside her, the heat intensified until she felt she could bear it no more and release came in a shower of fiery rain washing over her with its power. Her body shuddered and contracted with the power of her orgasm.

  In response, George’s body tensed and he cried out loudly, his own release evident in the erratic jerking of his body, but he continued to stroke her long and hard, with a power that made the sweet rush overcome her again.

  When he collapsed on top of her, his breathing heavy and erratic, she wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly. His lips found hers and he kissed her
with a desperation that stirred the excitement inside her.

  She wanted him again, but she knew enough about the male anatomy to know it would be a while.

  He ended the kiss, his lips brushing her eyelids and nibbling her nose.

  She giggled and he laughed in response.

  Their eyes locked.

  “I love you,” he whispered.

  “I love you too,” she echoed, rubbing her body against him seductively.

  She felt his penis stir. Maybe she was wrong.

  “Make love to me again,” she purred. “I need you inside me.”

  He smiled. “I’m happy to oblige. Anything to please my woman.”

  Chapter 2

  Their lovemaking was different. It was hard to explain, but despite their desire for each other, Rachel now felt an unfamiliar distance between her and George. They’d been lovers for almost five years, and each time she had returned home to Barbados from England for holidays, their time together had always been special. At those times, she’d realize how much she loved him and how much he loved her.

  Of that she was still sure, but there was something different. It wasn’t another woman. At least, she didn’t think so. If something was wrong, it had to be something else. As they’d made love, she’d felt the same kind of passion flowing from him. His lovemaking had been desperate, almost as if it would be the last time. A feeling of dread washed over her.

  Immediately, she stifled the thought. She was being paranoid. Maybe not coming home for a whole year had not been a good thing. During the first four years of her studies in England, she came home each break—at Christmas and during the summer.

  When her father had passed away last summer, she’d almost decided not to return to England. His death had devastated her. However, George had convinced her that her father would have wanted her to finish her studies, to fulfill her dream. She’d left the island reluctantly, knowing that she’d be gone for a full year but inspired by the fact that it was her final year.

  Her studies finally behind her, Rachel had been admitted to the local bar and was ready to face the challenge of being a prosecutor. George had opted to remain in Barbados to earn his law degree and had just completed his final two years of law school in Trinidad. He’d wanted her to do the same thing, but her being awarded the scholarship to England had altered their plans. Her parents had insisted that she could not pass up the opportunity to study at Oxford University.