Love Entwined Read online

  “Shamrock, are you hungry?” Bentley asked as he lightly tapped my shoulder.

  “Maybe a little,” I mumbled, opening my eyes. “Where are we?”

  “I was running low on gas. We’re almost through Ohio. I didn’t want to wake Sleeping Beauty, but I thought you might be hungry. It looks like there’s a Wendy’s inside. Do you want to go in and eat, or do you just want me to grab you something?”

  “I slept that long? I’m so sorry! I’m a terrible road trip partner,” I groaned.

  “I was probably drooling, too,” I added, wiping the corner of my mouth. Oh god. You aren’t going to want to take me anywhere ever again!”

  “Ireland, relax. It’s not a big deal. You were tired. I loved watching you sleep next to me,” he said.

  “I’m glad you felt comfortable enough to do that—,” he paused before continuing. “I just assumed that after everything you might be a little hesitant about long car rides. And, for the record, I’ll take you anywhere you want to go, Shamrock.”

  “Honestly, even after nearly twenty years, I still get nervous about getting in a car. I’m just as shocked as you are that I could fall asleep. I guess you just make me feel safe,” I said with a sad smile.

  He squeezed my thigh. From just that simple gesture, I felt my heart skip a beat. “You stay here while I top the tank off. I’ll just run inside and grab something really quick so we can get back on the road.”

  “Sounds good,” I said, slouching back down in the seat. Bentley had already finished pumping the gas and was already inside the restaurant before I realized I hadn’t told him what I wanted to eat. Suddenly my stomach growled. I guess anything would do at this point.

  I looked back up at the sound of the car door opening. Bentley handed me two large cups and a paper bag before he slid into the driver’s seat.

  Opening the bag, I was shocked to see only two large fries. “You remembered?”

  “What? Large chocolate Frosties and French fries? That was our thing. How could I ever forget?”

  “It’s just that everyone else thinks it’s disgusting when I dip my fries into the chocolaty goodness,” I said, reaching into the bag for a thick-cut fry.

  “Nope. I don’t care how old I am, or what diet I’m on. I’ll always indulge in a Frosty and fries. I even taught Tanner to double dip,” he said with a shrug.

  “Mmmmmmm,” I moaned. “I haven’t had this in a few years. It may actually be better than sex.”

  “You won’t be saying that after this weekend,” Bentley said, popping another fry in his mouth.

  My heart fluttered in my chest and my cheeks immediately flushed at his admission. I quickly turned my head to look out the window. Finishing the rest of my fries in silence, I said a silent prayer that Bentley couldn’t see the effect he was having on me.

  Just as Bentley had hoped, we arrived at the cabin shortly before nightfall.

  “It’s getting chilly outside,” Bentley said, as he came around to open the passenger door. “Why don’t you go inside and make yourself comfortable. I’m going to grab our bags. There should be an extra key under the doormat.”

  I stood at the edge of the driveway for just a few minutes taking in the view before me. The exterior of the cabin was just as I’d remembered it. The woods behind the house had thickened over the last twenty years, but everything else seemed just the same. The two-story log cabin sat on the foot of a hill and if I listened closely enough, I could hear the sound of flowing water from the winding creek that ran just a few acres away.

  Everything was so peaceful. In that moment, I didn’t have a care in the world. I remembered what it felt like to be an innocent child. Glancing past the cabin, I noticed that the golden rain tree that Bentley and I always got “married” under was blooming with bright yellow buds. Squeezing my eyes shut, I envisioned my mother sitting on the wrought iron bench watching us say our “I dos.” She was wearing a light blue sundress and her sun-kissed, blond hair was blowing in the wind.

  Bentley walked up behind me and set the bags on the ground before placing a gentle kiss on the top of my head. I’d been so lost in thought that I hadn’t even checked for the key.

  “Did Dad forget to set the key out for us?” Bentley asked, as he dropped my luggage at my feet. “No, I’m not sure. I haven’t even checked for it. I was just taking everything in. I guess I just forgot how beautiful this place is. It’s filled with so many memories.”

  “I’ve always loved this place,” Bentley said. “Mom wanted to replace the stones out front with some fancy new siding a few years back, but Dad and I stood our ground. I don’t ever want this place to change. She got her way on the inside though.”

  “We women usually find a way to get what we want,” I said, nudging him in the side.

  Just as Bentley had said, there was a spare key under the faded blue mat that sat just outside the squeaky, brown-metal screen door. Before I stepped inside, I turned back and took another look at the empty bench. A butterfly landed on the arm and I couldn’t help but think my mom was still watching over us.

  “Wow, remind me to tell your mom that I love what she’s done with the place,” I said, as we stepped into the entryway. “The hardwood floors are definitely an improvement over that seventies shag carpet.”

  “You know you loved the Austin Powers look,” Bentley joked.

  “No,” I laughed, shaking my head.

  “Let me guess. You picked out the hideous bearskin rug over there by the fireplace, didn’t you?” I chuckled to myself remembering my earlier conversation with Katie.

  “I bet you won’t think it’s so hideous when you’re rolling around on it with me later,” Bentley smirked.

  “You just don’t stop do you,” I laughed. “I guess I should be grateful that it’s here and not at your condo back home. Please tell me you didn’t buy two.”

  “Nope, just this one. But, if you really love it, I’m sure Mom would be OK with us taking it home with us.”

  “No,” I practically shouted, as I walked in to explore the rest of the cabin. “It can stay here. Ooooh, but can we take that back?” I asked, walking up to the sliding glass door and pointing at the hot tub which had been added to the covered deck out back.

  I heard Bentley laughing at me as he rummaged around in the kitchen.

  “Anything I can help you with?” I asked, walking into the newly remodeled kitchen fit for a five-star chef. The stainless steel appliances perfectly matched the tiled floor. In the middle of the room sat a huge island with bar stools that matched the cherry wood cupboards. Although this kitchen was every cook’s dream, my favorite piece was the chef’s rack filled with stainless cookware suspended from the ceiling.

  “No, but it doesn’t look like there’s too much in the pantry. I don’t think Mom figured anyone would be using the cabin again this season. We don’t even have a box of mac and cheese.

  “I think the little Chinese restaurant up the street should still be open. I can call for delivery. We can watch a movie or something.”

  “That sounds perfect. I’ll go grab the wine from my suitcase.”

  “So, let me get this straight. We didn’t pack any food, but you didn’t forget the wine?”

  “I don’t understand the question. It’s wine, Bentley. It’s a necessity.”

  After just twenty minutes, we were curled up on the couch eating sweet and sour chicken, vegetable chow mein, fried rice and egg rolls straight from cartons.

  “Why does Chinese food always taste so much better in these little white boxes,” I remarked.

  “I don’t know, but it really does,” Bentley said, reaching his fork over to take some chicken out of my box.

  We channel surfed for a few minutes before stopping on an old episode of Full House.

  “Are you sure this is OK? I remember how much this show used to annoy you.”

  “Whatever makes you happy is fine with me, Shamrock. Besides, I’m not really paying much attention to the television,” Bentley
said, reaching over to tuck a strand of fallen hair behind my ear.

  Setting the food on the coffee table, I snuggled closer into Bentley’s side. It wasn’t really that late, but after spending the entire day in the car, I was exhausted. I woke up several hours later when Bentley stirred next to me.

  “I think we both must have passed out,” I mumbled.

  “I think so, too. Do you want to head to bed? You can take the guest room—it used to be my room. Do you remember where it’s at?”

  “Yeah, I do. But, where are you sleeping?”

  “I’m fine here on the couch. If you need anything just holler.”

  “I need you, Bentley,” I blurted out so quickly I couldn’t take back the words even if I’d wanted to. I bit the inside of my lip before continuing. “Come to bed with me—please.”

  I stepped into the nightie that I’d secretly slipped out of my luggage before coming back to the en suite bathroom to freshen up. I probably should have grabbed the entire bag, but I was just too exhausted from all the traveling. Since I’d forgotten to grab a pair of thongs to go with the ensemble, Bentley was going to get a nice surprise when he undressed me.

  I reapplied my lip gloss once more before heading back to the bedroom—not quite ready to face Bentley. I wanted to open up and give myself one-hundred-percent to him, but I was still scared.

  “Shamrock? Are you OK in there?” Bentley asked from the opposite side of the door.

  “Yes, I’ll be out in a second,” I answered.

  I took a deep breath and turned the doorknob. There’s no turning back now. Walking out of the room, my eyes automatically zeroed in on Bentley who was busy rummaging through the drawer of the nightstand. Turning to face me, I noticed that he’d removed his shirt and socks and wore only a pair of low-rise jeans which showcased his washboard abs and mouthwatering V.

  Looking up when he realized I’d entered the room, his jaw dropped and he began walking toward me—wanting to eliminate the distance between us. We met at the end of the bed, but Bentley stopped me before I reached him, holding a palm flat against my stomach.

  “Stop right there,” he growled. “I need to look at you.”

  I was on display. Bentley’s eyes were greedily feasting on me and devouring every bit of me. Little did he know, he was consuming more than just my body. In that moment, I knew I was ready to give him all of me.

  “This is a first for me,” I spoke, breaking the silence between us.

  He looked at me with confusion written on his face.

  “I’ve never made love before,” I continued, hoping to make him understand without actually having to say the words.

  “You’re not making any sense, Shamrock. I know you can’t possibly be a virgin,” he said, shaking his head.

  I chuckled, “No, I’m definitely NOT a virgin. I don’t think you understand what I’m saying … I’ve had sex before, but I’ve not made love before.”

  He paused for a moment before I saw the color in his eyes change before me. He swallowed and I watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down before he spoke. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying, Ireland? Do you love me?”

  “I—.” Bentley pulled me forward, only inches separated us now. I was certain he could feel the beat of my heart as it tried to leap from my chest. Before giving me a chance to finish my sentence, he placed his finger against my lips.

  “Because I love you, Ireland.”

  A tear began rolling down my cheek before Bentley caught it with the pad of his thumb.

  “Don’t cry, Shamrock. You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted you to know how I was feeling.”

  “I do, Bentley. I love you, too,” I said as relief washed over me.

  Before I had the opportunity to say another word, Bentley’s lips crashed into mine. It didn’t take long before he was nipping at my neck in an almost frantic pace. Gone was the slow and in control Bentley.

  “Ireland, I want this to be perfect for you. I really do. But, I’m not sure I can control myself this time,” he groaned. “If I’m being honest, I’ve had a horrible case of blue balls since I saw you last week.”

  As I chuckled at his admission, it was sweet that he was worried about my feelings and wanted to take it slow, but I wanted him—needed him inside me just as badly.

  “We have all night to take it slow, Bentley,” I whispered in his ear. “But right now, I just want you inside me. I want to feel you—all of you. And, I don’t want you to be gentle.”

  “Well then, although this little number looks sexy as hell on you it needs to go,” he said, referring to the pink lace negligee I’d packed for such occasions.

  He nipped at my neck and reached for the hem, pulling it over my head. A hiss erupted from his lips as my lingerie pooled at my feet, leaving me completely bare and exposed before him.

  “You’re so beautiful, Ireland,” he said with adoration filling his voice.

  Parting my lips once again with his tongue, he trailed down my body with heated kisses. He clamped down on my nipple causing me to squirm and I could feel his hard shaft rest against my stomach as he paid close attention to each of my breasts.

  Walking backwards in a heated frenzy, I soon felt the edge of the mattress behind my knees. Bentley lightly nudged my shoulder and I fell back onto what felt like a cloud of plush pillows. Spreading out before him, I waited for him to claim me. I wanted nothing more than to be his—forever. Scooting toward the head of the bed, I watched as Bentley unzipped his jeans. His pants fell to the floor, leaving him in only a pair of very tight boxer briefs—which weren’t leaving much to my imagination.

  I pointed at his very hard erection which had begun to pop out from the top of his briefs. “I think someone wants to come out and play,” I giggled.

  “It’s not nice to laugh and point at a man’s cock, Shamrock,” Bentley hissed, as he began to crawl up the bed before coming to a stop and resting on his elbows so he was hovering directly above me.

  “I was definitely not laughing at your cock, Bentley,” I nearly panted, as I took my thumb and began rubbing it over the head of his dick. “I think the rest of him needs to come out,” I said, as I moved my hand to the elastic band of the boxer briefs and tugged them down.

  Bentley did some hot maneuver, resting his weight on one arm as he used the other to remove his boxers completely. Lying there with my mouth agape, I watched the rippling veins in his bicep.

  I felt his hands trail from my navel down to my sensitive, and now very awake, core.

  “Fuck. You’re so ready for me, Shamrock” he moaned into my ear as he began working my pussy with his fingers. I felt my walls begin to tighten around them as he moved his thumb and rubbed over my clit in a slow, circular motion.

  “Ahhhhhhhhh, fuck!” I screamed. “That feels incredible. So fucking good.”

  He claimed my mouth once again as I let myself go in what had been my first, not self-induced, orgasm in months.

  “Bentley, I need all of you,” I begged as I felt his tip rub against my clit.

  “Soon, Shamrock,” he said, kissing me on my forehead before propping himself back up on his knees.

  “Where are you going?” I asked.

  “I need to grab a condom out of the nightstand.”

  “No, it’s fine. I’m on birth control. Get back here.”

  “Are you sure? I’m clean. I was tested after everything went down with Staci. Do you trust me?”

  I realized then that we’d still not addressed his past, but now wasn’t the time. I knew he’d confide in me when he was ready. He needed to know that I accepted everything and trusted him completely.

  “Of course, I trust you. I want you, Bentley. All of you.”

  With my request, Bentley plunged into me and I gasped at his sudden entrance. Only taking a moment for my walls to mold around him, he filled me completely and I rocked back and forth as he pumped himself in and out of me.

  Bentley kept at a rigorous pace and after just a few minutes
, I could tell by his breathing that he was getting close to his own release. He brought a hand down between us, taking a finger to rub my clit, as he continued to thrust his hard cock into my wet, slippery core.

  Angling his body, he used his mouth to suck on my breasts. The double pleasure was too much and he soon sent me over the edge as I began to writhe beneath him, my walls tightening and spasming around his thickness. Slamming into me once more, Bentley groaned as he let go of his own release.

  Lying in silence for several seconds, we both tried to catch our breath. The only noise came from the crickets chirping in the distance.

  “I love you, Ireland. I love you so much,” Bentley said, as he rolled over beside me, pulling me into his arms.

  Bentley was completely serious when he said he planned on making love to me all night long. Our sex marathon went well into the early morning hours before we finally fell asleep wrapped around each other.

  The scent of frying bacon along with sunlight beaming in from the large bay window woke me from the best night’s sleep I think I’d had in years. Rolling over, I thought I’d find Bentley on the opposite side of the bed, but then remembered the bacon which obviously wasn’t cooking itself. My stomach growled as I reached for my phone to check the time—eleven o’clock. Shit! I hadn’t slept this late since my college days.

  Sitting on the edge of the bed, I noticed that my suitcases weren’t anywhere to be found. Bentley and I had been so tired when we arrived at the cabin that we’d left everything sitting in the foyer. The chilly hardwood floor left me wishing that I’d remembered to pack my warm fuzzy socks. I walked over to the dresser hoping to find something that I could slip on.

  Opening the drawer and rummaging through a bunch of faded undergarments, I settled on a pair of M&M boxer shorts and a worn and tattered Super Mario Brothers T-shirt. Both items smelled like the bag of cedar chips that had been placed in the back of the drawer. Clearly these had both belonged to Bentley circa 1992.