Seeing Love: Saints Protection & Investigations Read online

  Faith looked out nervously at the decorated, picture perfect home. Bart grew up here?

  Picking up on her anxiety he leaned over to take her hand, diverting her attention back to his face. “Princess, it’s just a house. That’s all. It’s the people inside that make the difference. Those people love me and will be so excited to meet you.”

  Sucking in a deep breath before letting it out slowly, she pushed her long, dark hair behind her ears and moved her hands over her pants. “Okay,” she smiled. “Let’s do this.”

  Bart jumped out and rounded his truck. Assisting her down, he linked his fingers with hers as they walked to the front door holding a huge wreath. Before they made it to the doorbell, the door swung open and a beautiful woman stood there, her face bathed in happiness. Her silver-blonde hair was trimmed in a chin length bob. Her red turtleneck was paired with an outlandish Christmas vest, covered in tinsel and a string of lights that actually twinkled.

  “Bart! You came!” she shouted, rushing forward to pull him into a hug.

  “Hey, Mom,” he greeted as his arms wrapped around her. “I see you’re wearing the traditional Christmas vest.” As she pulled back, he quickly introduced Faith. “Mom, I’d like you to meet Faith Romani. My girlfriend,” he stated proudly. He watched his mother’s eyes widen in shock and prayed she would not frighten Faith.

  “Oh, my goodness,” his mom said, her hand over her heart as her eyes moved to Faith. Instantly moving in, she enveloped Faith in a hug as well. “Welcome, welcome to our home!”

  Stunned to find herself in an embrace, she answered, “Thank you for having me, Mrs. Taggart.”

  “Oh, forget the Mrs. Taggart! Call me Paula,” she begged. She looked down at her appearance and explained, “The children gave me this vest about twenty years ago and I pull it out every Christmas Eve.”

  “It’s lovely,” Faith replied truthfully, glad to see that his mother was dressed for comfort.

  “Mom, we’re kind of freezing here,” Bart reminded as he pulled Faith back into his embrace.

  “Yes, yes, please come in,” Paula said, leading the way into the tall entryway, complete with Christmas ball wreaths and evergreens on the side tables.

  Faith looked around curiously as they made their way past a formal living room and dining room, both equally warm, as well as beautifully decorated. Moving into the large kitchen that included another eating area opening into the family room, she found the space filled with people and her heart began to pound once more.

  A large man, resembling an older version of Bart that had to be his father, quickly stood and walked over to hug his son. His eyes immediately found Faith and he stepped over taking her hand in his. “Son, this is the first time you’ve ever brought a friend to celebrate with us. And such a pretty one, at that.”

  “Dad, this is my girlfriend, Faith Romani,” Bart said, pulling her next to him again. He felt her body quiver and hoped his warmth would provide her with the support she craved when nervous.

  “Girlfriend!” shouted a young girl, trying to get to Faith while tugging on another woman’s hand.

  “Faith, this is my sister Sandra and her little monkey, Julia,” Bart introduced.

  Faith once more found herself in an embrace, this time with his sister and her little girl, hanging onto her legs.

  “What happened to your face?” Julia asked in innocence.

  “Um…I was out running and fell down a hill,” she lied as her fingers lightly touched her bandage.

  The child was mollified, but Bart noticed his parents looking at him in question. Mouthing, tell you later, he then moved her farther into the room. He continued the rounds of introductions, including Sandra’s husband, Roger, and Bart’s brother, Will, and his wife, Tessa.

  “My cousins are at their other grandmother’s house and won’t be over until later,” Julia announced.

  More? Faith felt overwhelmed with the number of people in the house already and could not image having more to meet.

  “Faith, can you help us in the kitchen?” Paula asked as Sandra, Tessa, and Julia began to move into the adjacent room. Her eyes glanced up at Bart and noticed his worried expression. Gifting him with a smile and a wink, she moved out of his embrace to follow the other women.

  Bart stood nervously for a second, hoping that she was not about to be grilled by the others. Or, God forbid, told embarrassing stories. He startled when a hand clamped on his shoulder.

  “She’ll be fine,” his father said, a huge smile on his face. “Your mother’ll have a care with her.” Then, propelling his son into the den, he said, “Girlfriend? We’ve got some catching up to do, son!”

  An hour later, after Bart had explained how he met Faith and she had been politely questioned in the kitchen about their relationship, the family sat down to dinner. He kept his eye on her, but she laughed and smiled during the meal so he finally relaxed, knowing his family had welcomed her just like he knew they would.

  “Will you two be staying with us?” Paula asked hopefully.

  “Sorry, Mom. I figured the house would be full and I’ve made reservations somewhere for Faith and me for the night.”

  Faith turned quickly, her eyes searching his in question. His face only returned a grin and she could not help but grin as well.

  Will and Tessa’s two tow-headed boys came in as dessert was being served, bounding in with energy, greeting Faith and Bart enthusiastically.

  “Uncle Bart, look what I got!” the oldest shouted. In his hands was the newest popular children series’ book.

  “Wow,” he said. “I didn’t think it was out yet.”

  “It came out yesterday and dad waited in a long line at the bookstore to get it.”

  “Do you like to read?” Faith asked softly.

  He turned his enthusiastic face toward her and replied, “Oh yeah. I’ve got every one of these books as soon as they came out. I read lots, but these are my favorite.”

  After dinner, Bart and Faith said their heartfelt goodbyes with promises to visit the next day. Steering her to his truck, he quickly turned on the heat as he pulled out of the driveway.

  “Where are we going?” Faith asked, unable to contain her curiosity.

  “It’s a surprise, princess,” he replied, a grin on his face.

  About twenty minutes later, they pulled up to what she now considered to be their B&B, a squeal escaping her. “Oh, Bart. This is wonderful!”

  After he assisted her down from his truck, he leaned back and grabbed their overnight bags. Escorting her inside, they were greeted enthusiastically by Mrs. Carswell.

  “How lovely to see you two again! I have you all registered from the last time. Please follow me,” she said.

  Walking up the stairs, Faith wondered if she would have the same room. She was beginning to feel an affinity for the quaint blue and yellow room with the window toward the ocean. She was surprised when they bypassed the second floor and continued up the stairs toward the third.

  At the top of the stairs was only one door. Swinging it open, Mrs. Carswell stepped through, flipping on the light to a large, delightful, attic bedroom. The room held a white, distressed chest of drawers and matching dresser with a mirror over the center. A king-sized bed was in the center of the back wall and a door opening to a large, private bathroom was to the side. A sliding glass door opened onto a small deck overlooking the ocean, containing two comfortable lounging chairs.

  Faith looked around, her thoughts racing. Is this room for Bart? Or me? Or—

  “I was so happy when you called to say that you wanted this room,” Mrs. Carswell said. Leaning forward, she whispered loudly, “Many a happy couple have stayed here, I assure you.”

  Faith’s gaze jerked first to the happy woman showing them the bathroom and deck and then up to Bart’s smiling face. Her face flamed, both with embarrassment…and anticipation.

  Mrs. Carswell paused at the door, saying, “Remember, breakfast is at eight,” before walking back down the stairs.

/>   Faith stood in the middle of the room, her wide eyes locked onto Bart’s. He stalked toward her, a nervous expression on his face. Reaching her, he instinctively wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his body.

  Resting his chin on the top of her head, he wondered what she thought. Too much? Too soon? Too forward? The entire afternoon and evening flew through his head in a flash. Taking her to meet his family. Having his brother and father grill him about her since he had never introduced them to a woman before. His mother’s delighted expression as she warmly talked to Faith. He had never made special reservations anywhere for a woman before either and hoped this surprise was welcome. Unable to wait any longer, he asked, “Princess? Are you all right with this?”

  Hearing the nervousness in his voice endeared him to her even more. Smiling as her cheek rested against his strong heartbeat, she nodded. “Yes. It’s been a wonderful day.” Lifting her face so that she was looking up into his eyes, she continued. “I was nervous, but I really like your family.”

  His arms tightened more and he admitted, “Well, you’ll meet Nonnie tomorrow. I’ll warn you, she’ll latch onto you and have you picking out china before you can blink.”

  Laughing, she replied, “I think I can hold her off.”

  Bart grinned, but found himself thinking that he would not mind if Nonnie went overboard. He lifted his right hand and cupped her cheek, bring his mouth down to hers. Jesus, have I only known this woman for a week?

  Before he took the kiss deeper, she pulled away slightly. “Do you mind if I take a shower before we…uh…”

  Bart’s face broke into a grin as he slid his nose across hers and down to her neck. “Not at all princess. Do you mind if I join you?”

  Licking her lips in anticipation, she shook her head as his mouth landed on the sensitive pulse at the base of her neck.

  He leaned down and swooped her up in his arms, cradling her against his chest, laughing as a squeal escaped as she threw her arms around his neck. Walking into the bathroom, he set her down gently. With one hand still wrapped around her waist, he reached over the bathtub and turned on the water. After checking the temperature a moment later he flipped the knob, allowing the warm water to pour from the shower head.

  His hands moved to the pale blue sweater she wore and drew it slowly over her head. His eyes dropped to the matching pale blue demi-bra barely holding her breasts in place. Running the tips of his fingers over the flesh peeking above the cups, he admired the soft mounds. Her breasts were not large, but he could not image them more ideal. With the slightest pull with his fingers, the blue material slid to the underside of her breasts, exposing their creamy perfection.

  Her hands immediately moved to her pants as she quickly slid them down her legs, along with her panties, after kicking off her shoes. Standing in only her bra, and it not covering her breasts, she reached behind her to unsnap the last of her clothing. Now, completely naked, she stood before him, reaching her arms to the bottom of his shirt.

  “Don’t you want to join me in the shower?” she purred.

  Bart lifted her easily in his arms, settling her breasts at his face. Latching onto one nipple, he sucked deeply as she threw her head back. Her slight weight was held in one arm, allowing his other hand to move to the curls covering her pussy. Nipping and sucking her nipple while he moved his fingers through her wet folds forced his cock to press painfully against his jeans.

  Thrusting two thick fingers deep inside, he moved them expertly as his mouth continued its assault. Crooking his fingers, he discovered her G-spot, eliciting a scream from her lips as her orgasm slammed into her.

  Faith clung to his massive shoulders as his hands and mouth worked miracles on her body. The pulsating from her pussy walls spread out to every nerve in her body as she shook in the aftermath of the assault. As the quaking subsided, she lay her head on his shoulder, exhaustion replacing the vibrations.

  She felt his chest move as he chuckled. Opening her eyes, she watched in fascination as he placed his two fingers in his mouth, slowly licking her juices. Removing his fingers from his mouth, she slipped her lips over his, tasting herself.

  “Now, I’ll join you in the shower, princess,” he promised as he set her steadily into the tub. She just started to wash her hair as he shucked his clothes and stepped in with her. His hands replaced hers and she luxuriated in the feeling of someone else moving their hands over her scalp. He massaged as he washed, turning her legs into jelly.

  Opening her eyes when she turned around, she looked down at his sexy feet right next to her tiny ones. Her languorous gaze traveled up his body. His thighs were trunk-like as they moved to trim hips. His waist featured the muscular V that led upward to the defined muscles in his abs. Reaching out her hand she touched his chest, stopping for a moment over his heart, feeling the pounding cadence of its rhythm.

  His broad shoulders and thick neck were bent toward her and, as her eyes moved upward, she found his blue eyes full of joy.

  “I take it you like what you see?” he murmured, nuzzling her forehead, planting small kisses along her hairline.

  “Very much,” she admitted.

  “Well, I can promise you, princess, you are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen.”

  Carefully looking into his eyes, she peered into their depths. And saw truth. Smiling, she lifted on her toes to place a kiss on his lips.

  He allowed her to slowly explore his mouth, the feel of her tongue against his causing his cock to almost explode. Fighting the desire to grab and fuck her quickly, he willed his dick to wait. Her hand moved down his abs and slid around his erection, almost unmanning him instantly.

  Growling, he took over the kiss, owning her mouth as his tongue assaulted her warm crevice. Hoisting her once more in his arms, he turned so she was pressed against the tile and the spray of water was on his back. Settling her entrance directly over his cock, he lifted his head slightly to make sure she wanted what he was ready to give.

  Eyes half closed in passion, her lazy smile was his answer. Forcing his body not to impale her instantly, he lowered her slowly onto his eager cock. Her flesh enveloped his, its warmth and tightness causing him to moan in glorious agony.

  Her fingers flexed tightly on his shoulders causing him to search her expression. Smiling, she encouraged him to move faster. “I need you now. Harder,” she begged.

  His panty-melting smile crossed his face as he answered, “You don’t gotta beg, princess.”

  He pushed up to the hilt, fully impaled, and began to move. Holding her ass with one hand, the other pressed against the tile next to her head. His mouth continued to plunder her neck, sucking on her pulse, marking her. I haven’t marked a woman in—

  All thoughts left his mind as her tight pussy grabbed his cock. Her groans filled his ears as he fought the urge to come before she had a chance to fall over the edge again.

  Faith’s head tilted back, the sensations threatening to overwhelm her. She felt the sharp nip of his mouth sucking where her pulse beat erratically at the base of her neck. His fingers dug into her ass as he held her effortlessly and she wondered for only a second how strong he was to hold her with one hand.

  She barely heard the sound of the water over the moans circling around them before realizing they came from her. The smooth tile was cold on her back in direct contrast to the rest of her that was burning. Within a minute, all thoughts left her as she once more hurtled up the mountain, rushing toward the peak. Higher, higher until her whole body was consumed with the destination.

  “You close, princess?” he groaned at her ear, his head pressed against the tile next to hers.

  Barely able to nod, she felt his body shift forward, his pelvis grinding against her clit. Screaming his name, she wrapped her fingers around his shoulders, digging in as she hung on while her inner walls vibrated.

  Feeling her pussy grab his aching cock, his balls tightened before he orgasmed, his body pulsating into her warmth. She milked him as he continued to slowl
y thrust until every last drop emptied. His orgasm tingled down to his toes and he fought to keep his legs supporting their weight. I’ve carried equipment far heavier than Faith, so how can my legs be so ready to give out? He knew the answer even as the post-orgasmic bliss threatened to overtake him. It’s because of her. Because I’ve never made love before. Only fucked, and this woman is no fuck.

  Lifting his forehead from the wall he gazed into her eyes, seeing warmth in their depths. Smiling, he slid his lips over hers again, kissing her gently. His hand slowly lowered her feet to the tub as he made sure she was steady. After washing her lovingly, he reached around, turning off the water. Smoothing her wet hair back from her face, he noticed the deep blush.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Do you think Mrs. Carswell could hear us? I kind of…yelled.”

  Chuckling as he stepped out of the tub before turning to lift her onto the thick bathmat, he wrapped a fluffy towel around her body not wanting it to chill. “Yeah, you did yell and, I gotta tell you, it was fuckin’ hot!”

  Pretending to slap his arm, she blushed deeper. Before she could dry off, Bart took the thick towel and patted her dry then quickly dried himself.

  “Come on, princess.”

  Linking his fingers with hers, he led her into the bedroom, settling them between the soft flannel sheets under the thick comforter.

  Tucking her into his embrace, he kissed her once more. Their eyes locked onto each other’s as the moonlight streamed through the window, casting a glow on their faces.

  She reveled in his arms, feeling warm, safe…loved? Before she pondered that emotion further, he kissed her forehead, pulling her into his body.

  “Sleep, baby. We’ll enjoy Christmas Eve tomorrow with more of my family. And I promise it’ll be a great day.”

  Closing her eyes, she remembered how happy his family was as she was introduced as his girlfriend. Hoping his grandmother felt the same, she drifted off to sleep, secure in the knowledge that Bart would take care of her.

  *

  She awoke, heart pounding, as the early morning light was beginning to peek through the windows. Her dream…so vivid…so detailed. Turning her head slightly, she could see Bart’s face peaceful in slumber. Slipping from the bed, she moved to one of the chairs in the room, wrapping herself in a soft blanket and grabbed her art pad from her bag. Trying to keep from waking him, she closed her eyes, allowing the image to form clearly in her mind once more.