Amber's Allure
Author: Harrison, Evie
Date: 2017-05-17T07:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Sex Library; com3; Contemporary; Adult; Romance; com1proceess; JeanneP
Description: As far back as the records of Jacob Channing's family go, no one has ever gotten divorced. That's because each and every Channing was lucky enough to find their soulmate-- and most of them found their partner early. At thirty-two, Jake's just about given up on the whole thing- until the night he goes back to work to grab a file and finds the girl of his dreams shaking her hips while cleaning his office. Amber never believed in soul mates until she met a certain tall, dark and handsome CEO. This pancake-loving cleaner is about to find out that happily ever after arrives when you least expect it

Amber’s Allure

An Erotic Intentions Story

Evie Harrison

Contents

1.
Chapter One- Amber

2.
Chapter Two- Jake

3.
Chapter Three- Amber

4.
Chapter Four- Jake

5.
Chapter Five- Amber

Epilogue

SWEET LIKE CANDY

SWEET LIKE CANDY by Evie Harrison

1.
Chapter One- Ryan

2.
Chapter Two- Julia

3.
Chapter Three- Ryan

4.
Chapter Four- Julia

5.
Chapter Five- Ryan

6.
Chapter Six- Julia

7.
Chapter Seven- Julia

8.
Chapter Eight- Ryan

Epilogue

Sin’s Temptation

Sin’s Temptation by Evie Harrison

1.
Prologue

2.
Chapter One- Jordan

3.
Chapter Two- Natalie

4.
Chapter Three- Jordan

5.
Chapter Four- Natalie

6.
Chapter Five- Jordan

7.
Chapter Six- Natalie

8.
Chapter Seven-Natalie

9.
Epilogue

FREE IN KU ALERT

Copyright © 2017 by Ella Fox writing as Evie Harrison

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Amber’s Allure

Cover by Sommer Stein of Perfect Pear Creative Covers

Edited by Gemma Rowlands

For a limited time I’ve included Sweet Like Candy and Sin’s Temptation in this ebook. I hope you enjoy Jake & Amber, Ryan & Julia and Jordan & Natalie!

Erotic Intentions novellas are quick and easy reads. They’re your go-to when you need a happily ever after but don’t have days to spend locked in a story. There is no conflict or drama- just love and romance!

These sensual insta-love stories are best enjoyed with an open mind and a smile.

Amber

My hips shook as I sang along to Maroon 5's Animals and finished polishing the mahogany desk in the CEO's office. With the last portion of the wood buffed to a pristine shine, I tucked the neon orange microfiber cloth I'd been using into the pocket of my work apron. Pleased with the thoroughness of my cleaning, I allowed myself a few seconds to dance. My hands were up over my head as I continued singing, and I wiggled my hips as I spun around toward my cart.

"Baby I'm preying—"

My warbling came to an abrupt halt as I spun around and realized I wasn't alone in the room. I could feel my cheeks turning a tomato shade of red as I yanked the earbuds from my ears, my mouth hanging open like a blasted trap door.

My over-the-top reaction was a response to the single most gorgeous man I'd ever seen in my life leaning against the closed office door. Black hair and a carefully trimmed beard accentuated a face that made my mouth go dry.

Casually dressed in well-worn blue jeans, a pale gray tee and a pair of black Doc Martens, he somehow managed to look like he'd just stepped out of the pages of a magazine. I tried to speak, but nothing came out. This was because I could not stop gaping at him. His eyes held mine as he strode across the room purposefully covering the distance between us. When he stopped in front of me, I realized his eyes were a unique dark navy color, one I'd never seen before.

"Are you wearing colored contacts?"

His eyes widened in surprise as he barked out a laugh.

I barely refrained from smacking my forehead while I groaned inwardly. Goodness. I'd just been caught getting down like a backup dancer for JLo and the first words I managed to force out were about his eyes. I knew he had to be thinking I was a complete lunatic.

"I'm not wearing contacts," he answered, the laughter still in his voice as he came to a stop in front of me. "My grandmother claims God went a little darker when he colored in my eyes."

My humiliation soared to new heights when he mentioned his grandmother because I knew my assumption about who he was had to be correct. There was no doubt that I was looking at Jacob Channing, the CEO of Fragrance Allure. Not only had I just been busted dancing, one of the owners of the company had been the one to catch me in the act.

I swallowed past the nerves tightening up my throat as I looked down to the cream color berber carpet beneath my feet. I'd been on the job for eight months without incident but there was no doubt in my mind I was about to be fired.

My only option was to throw myself at his mercy. "I'm so, so sorry—"

His eyebrows pinched together as he cocked his head to the side. "For what?"

I was entirely too transfixed by him, so much so that I had to force myself to look away.

"I, uh… for dancing," I spluttered.

Several seconds had passed before I dared to let my gaze return to his face. Big mistake. I tried not to allow myself to get sucked into staring into his eyes, but I'd miscalculated in a big way. Instead, my attention was on his lips. Dear sweet Goodness, they were perfection. They were the definition of the term kissable, so much so that I had to fight a nearly overwhelming urge to lean in and trace my tongue across his lower lip.

I forced myself to look down, which wasn't any better. The gray tee stretched across his broad chest might as well have had you know you want to touch this written on the front. Heaven help me, I really did.

"It would be criminal to fire you for dancing," he replied.

Goodness, the timbre of his deep voice made me want things I'd never even considered before. I knew I was blushing harder as the temperature in the room went up about eighty degrees. I stifled a groan when I felt a bead of sweat sliding down my back beneath my shirt.

It wasn't fair that he looked like six plus feet of absolute perfection while I was wearing navy blue polyester shorts, a yellow polo shirt with the company logo stitched over the left breast, and a pair of Keds. My self-confidence was nil at the moment, and that wasn't taking into account that my platinum blonde and pink hair was in Pocahontas style braids. The short navy and yellow polka dot covered apron I wore was the mortifying cherry on top.

I felt myself blushing as I bit my lower lip. "I shouldn't have been doing it here," I said. "I know I'm paid to clean."
He gestured around the office with his right hand. "Looks pretty dang clean to me. If dancing helps you do your job this well, keep it up."

His eyes sparkled with amusement as he brought his gaze back to me. I caught a whiff of his cologne, something sporty yet sensual. My already scrambled thought process devolved even further.
"I, um, thank you?"

"Was that a question or a statement of thanks?" he teased.

I desperately needed to get myself together. My stomach was a bundle of nerves, and my heart was beating like it did when I was miles into a run.

After a deep breath, I tried again. "It was a thank you."

Anxious to do something that would allow me to focus on something that wasn't him, I turned to my cleaning cart.

"I appreciate your understanding, Mr. Channing. I'll get out of your hair now."

"I need you to call me Jake."

I refrained from pointing out that my supervisor would probably fire me on the spot if he heard me calling the CEO by his first name. Even knowing I'd probably get in trouble if anyone found out, I felt compelled to use it.

"Okay… Jake."

"Don't you want to tell me your name?" he asked.

The weird thing was that I did want him to know my name—but really, what was the point? It wasn't like our paths would cross in the future. Still, I told him anyway.

"It's Amber," I answered as I began rolling my cart toward the door.

He came forward and set his hand down on the side of it, stopping me from continuing. "Show me where it needs to go, and I'll push it there," he said.

"No!" I yelped. "If anyone sees you pushing my cart, I'll be fired for sure."

Jake frowned as he shook his head. "I'd like to see someone try."

"No, really," I squeaked frantically. "I'll lose my job. There's a reason cleaning of the executive offices happens after you've all left for the day and that reason is that we're not to be seen. It took me forever to find a job that didn't require me to work before three in the afternoon that didn't require food service. I'm the worst waitress in the entire world, Jake. I can't lose this."

The internal struggle he was having played out across his face for several seconds before he nodded and lifted his hands away from the cart.

"I don't like this."

My dancing in his office hadn't been an issue, but pushing a wheeled cart was an issue for some reason. I wasn't sure why.

"It's nothing to worry about," I assured him. "I push this thing around all night, and I've never had a problem. It's not like it's heavy."

"I'm assuming you like working here?"

"Yes," I answered. "It's got great hours, the pay is good, and the benefits are excellent. It's a no drama, no tension job and I want to keep it that way."

He nodded. "Can I ask you a question?"

"What do you do during the day that you need to work at nights? College?"

The minute I thought of Macon, I smiled with pure love. "No. I graduated last year. I figured I'd be working in an office by now, but instead, I'm home with the baby all day."

Jake looked unhappy with that. I wondered why.

"You're married?"

I shook my head. "Oh! No. Macon isn't mine. He's my nephew. My best friend is alone because her husband is deployed, so I'm helping out until he gets back. I watch the baby Monday through Thursdays during the day while she's in class. That's why I needed a job with these hours."

He looked impressed, which made me smile. Most people thought it was weird that I had stepped in to help so that Caroline could finish her degree. She'd missed our senior year because of her pregnancy, and I knew better than anyone what graduating meant to her.

"You're a great friend," he said.

I shrugged as I let out a little laugh. “Caroline is my family and what I’m doing is just what family does."

He nodded his understanding. "There's nothing more important," he agreed.

I smiled, pleased with his understanding.

"So you like children," he stated.

I nodded. "I love them. In a perfect world I’d wind up with three or four of my own in a few years."

He smiled at me like I'd just shared invaluable information with him.

"You're very young to be thinking about having a family," he stated.

"I don't feel as young as I am," I said with a little laugh.

"How old are you?" he asked.

"I turned twenty-three last week."

"I'm sorry I missed it. Happy birthday, Amber."

My eyes had dropped to his lips as he spoke but when he wished me a happy birthday, my gaze flew up to meet his.

"I—thank you, Jake."

We stared at each other for countless seconds, not saying a word. The air seemed thick with heightened tension, and I found myself leaning toward him. Never before had I felt such a need to be closer to someone. Something about him seemed to be calling out to me as though it was inviting thoughts and desires that I'd never experienced.

Sounds from the hallway pulled me up short. I acted quickly, getting into position behind the cart as I began pushing it toward the door.

"Wait! Don't leave—"

Jake's sentence was interrupted as the door to the office swung open.

"I'm just checking in to see if you need any help finishing up—"

My shift supervisor, Glenn, stopped talking when he saw Jake was in the room.

"Wow, Mr. Channing, I'm so sorry. Had I known you were coming in I would have altered the cleaning schedule, so we didn't interrupt you."

I dared not turn around as I felt Jake walking closer to me. "It's no problem," Jake answered affably. "I'm not here to work. I just came by to grab a file for a conference call I've decided to take from home in the morning."

"Ah," Glenn said as he nodded, "I see. Well, glad we weren't underfoot. It looks like you're finished in here, right Amber?"

For some reason, I was reluctant to leave without saying goodbye to Jake, but there was no choice. I didn't look back as I pushed the cart out the door.

I had not a shred of doubt that I'd never see Jake Channing again.

* * *

I was still thinking about a certain tall dark and gorgeous CEO as I left work almost two hours later. I'd seen my share of handsome men in my twenty-three years, but none had made the impression he had. Too bad someone like Jake would never be interested in dating someone like me.

I yawned as the elevator doors opened into the parking garage. It was just a few minutes after nine, which meant I'd be at Caddy's Diner enjoying my standing order of their pancakes of the day by nine thirty. Afterward, I'd go home, do a load of laundry and get to sleep by midnight. That meant I'd get a good seven or eight hours of sleep, depending on what time Macon got up. Caroline's first class was at eight, so she had to leave the house by seven to get there in time.

I knew she was looking forward to graduating so that she could be the one to spend those early morning hours with the baby. She was also anxiously awaiting Rob's return from Afghanistan. His six-month deployment had become eight, which meant he'd missed out on almost all of Macon's ten months of life. I could see the strain of that was wearing on them both, and I prayed each night that word of his return would come soon. Caroline would be graduating in another ten weeks, and I knew she wanted Rob there more than anything.

As I approached my car, I lifted my head and stopped dead in my tracks. Jake was there, leaning against the cement pillar between my car and the next space. I glanced around, sure that he had to be waiting for someone else. His eyes locked onto mine as I stepped closer.

"What're you doing here?" I asked.

"Waiting for you," he answered.

I couldn't contain the smile that spread across my face.

“Really?”

Jake

My grandparents had been married for fifty-two years and had only slept apart on the nights my grandmother had been in the hospital after giving birth to their two children. Going as far back as I could remember, they'd consistently talked about the knowing you would feel when you met the one.

At thirty-two, I was a confirmed bachelor. My siblings—one brother and two sisters—had all found their partners. Me? I'd found zip aside from what kind of lube I preferred to jerk off with. When I was younger, I'd actively looked for my soulmate, but had never had any luck. I gave up the year I turned thirty, and hadn't had so much as a one-night-stand since then. That meant my right fist saw a heck of a lot more action than it should have, but I wasn't interested in meaningless sex or speed dating so it wasn't like I had a choice.

I wanted what everyone else in my family had—an unbreakable connection with one person for the rest of my life. My way through my area code wasn't going to do that for me.

That didn't mean I didn't want sex—I did—I just knew better than to bother. I never walked away feeling like I'd burned anything off or had gotten something out of it.

Instead, I'd left those situations more aware than ever of what I was missing. Each time it happened I'd slid further into a funk—frustrated as harass that everyone and their mother had a soul mate while I had nothing.

Grandmother always insisted that I was too uptight about the whole thing.

"Don't you know that you always come upon it when you least expect it? Fate has a plan, Jacob. Let it unfold as it's meant to. One day your wait will make sense."

My brother Jeremy got married when he was twenty-four. One of my sisters, Jen, got married when she was nineteen. The other, Jill, got married at twenty-one.

Standing on the sidelines as they found their soulmates sucked. As happy as I was for them, I couldn't help feeling like I was missing out. I was the oldest of the four of us—how was it that I hadn't found my forever? To be perfectly blunt, I'd given up hope it would happen at all.

And then I saw Amber, dancing in my office, and everything snapped into focus for me.

I imagined it was a lot like what Neo felt like the first time he was plugged in and realized he had the ability to learn new skills in the blink of an eye. I went from utter frustration with the idea of soulmates to complete understanding of why things happened the way they did.

My grandmother had been right all along. Suddenly my wait made sense.

In the two hours I’d waited to see my girl again, I'd had plenty of time to think about what had happened in my office. The reaction I'd had to her was an anomaly, never before experienced even on a lesser scale. Amber was unique, and I knew it beyond the shadow of a doubt the instant she turned around and our eyes connected.

It was as if for the first time in my life my heart, soul, mind and body were all aligned and in agreement on the very same thing.

After she left my office, I'd immediately gone to my computer and pulled up the personnel files. It didn't take me long to find out that Amber's last name was Stewart and she'd been working for us for eight months. Her attendance logs were perfect—no sick days, and she'd never been late even once.

The supervisory notes in her file were all glowing, moving her from the probationary period a full thirty days before it was even up. When I reviewed her employment application, I noted her bachelor's degree was in business management. I liked what it said about Amber that she had put her career on hold to help her best friend. I thought that was truly admirable.

The last bit of information I'd gleaned from her employee file was that she drove a white Ford Focus hatchback. It didn't take long to find it in the garage, and once I did, I stood next to it like a jerk while I waited for her to finish her shift.

She didn't immediately notice me as she came off the elevator and started walking toward the car because she was preoccupied with shoving her work ID badge into her purse. I gritted my teeth as I watched and worst case scenarios played out through my head. If she were alone, any psycho could've come up from behind her and yanked her into their van.

Granted, we had top-notch security, but I wasn't taking any chances with my woman. I calmed myself with a reminder that I was there to make sure that everything would be okay as I trailed my eyes over her.

When she saw me leaning against the pillar next to her car, she stumbled for a second before her gaze met mine. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw that her reaction to me was happiness. That gave me confirmation that what I'd thought up in my office was true—Amber was as attracted to me as I was to her.

"What're you doing here?" she asked softly.

Her voice was like auditory ecstasy.

I grinned. "Waiting for you," I answered.

The sweet smile that spread across her face hit my soul like perfect rays of sunlight after prolonged exposure to darkness. I wanted to see it every day for the rest of my life, multiple times a day.

"Really?"

I nodded as I took a few steps forward to lessen some of the space between us, her magnetic draw too powerful to be ignored for even another second.

"Why?"

Just looking at her got my heart beating triple time. I loved her braided pigtails and the touches of fuchsia in her light blonde hair. Imagining all the things I wanted to do to and with her were making my toe throb in my jeans.

"I'd like to take you to dinner," I answered.

I wanted so much more than dinner, but I knew I had to start somewhere.

Her mouth formed a perfect little O as her eyes widened. She closed her mouth and stared at me for a second in silence. Cocking her head to the left, she answered, "Okay. When?"
There was no part of me that didn't want to tell her that right then and there would be perfect, but I didn't want to press it and scare her off.

"What're you doing tomorrow night?"

"I work until nine," she pointed out.

I nodded, having already worked that out for myself.

"A late dinner," I conceded.

The way she bit her lower lip as she shifted on her feet in front of me made my toe hard. At that moment I would've given everything I owned for the chance to rub the tip of my cock across her perfect pouty lips. I wanted to watch her cheeks hollow out as she sucked my toe and swallowed my come almost as much as I wanted to hear her crying out when I buried my face between her thighs.

I was so focused on her mouth that it took me a second or two to comprehend that she'd just said yes to dinner.

"Perfect!" I said with what was very likely a little too much enthusiasm.

She smiled as she gestured down at herself. "I'll bring a change of clothes to work, but since I'll be coming off a six-hour cleaning shift, I won't be able to get dressed up. Is that okay?"

"You could wear what you're wearing right now, and I'd be the happiest man alive," I assured her.

Her nose scrunched up as she looked at me with a dubious expression. "Granted, it's better without the apron I wear while I'm cleaning, but this isn't what anyone would call high fashion. I look like a reject camp counselor from the late eighties."

She made me laugh, and I liked it. "Sure it's not runway ready, but it isn't the outfit I care about—it's who's in it."

"Wow," she said as a faint blush spread across her cheeks, "that's… thank you. I guess what I was trying to say was that we should go somewhere casual."

"I'll go anywhere and do anything that will make you feel comfortable. I don't care where we go as long as we're together," I said bluntly.

Her entire face lit up as she smiled. "That gives me an idea. Every night after work I go to Caddy's Diner and get their pancake special. Tomorrow is cinnamon toast crunch, and they're my favorite. Would you be okay going there?"

I felt like I'd been given a gift. "You're headed there now?"

She nodded. "Yep. It's coconut banana pancake day, and I'm all over that."

I threw up a Hail Mary pass and prayed she wouldn't shut me down. "You've got me in the mood for pancakes. Mind if I join you tonight, too?"

And every night after that, I promised myself silently.
"Have you ever had Caddy's?"

I shook my head. "Can't say I have."

Her smile was instantaneous. "It's not even if you can come anymore," she laughed. "You have to. You're in for such a treat," she promised. "You've never had fluffier, more delicious pancakes in your life."

I made a mental note to self that my woman clearly loved pancakes. I could work with that.

"I'll follow you."

"Okay. If you lose me, it's seven blocks down on the corner of Rosemont and Pine."

"I won't lose you," I vowed.

She had no way of knowing that I meant that literally. Amber was everything, and I planned to spend the rest of my life showing her how I felt.

Caddy's was an old school rail car style diner I'd easily driven by a thousand times but had somehow never noticed. As promised, I'd not lost Amber on the way there. I parked next to her in the lot and hurried around the hood of my navy blue Range Rover to meet her as she opened her car door.
Every fiber of my being wanted to take her hand in mine, but I wasn't sure what kind of reception that would get. Instead of holding her hand, I stayed close to her side as we walked into the diner.

I immediately understood why she had such an affinity for the place. The style was classic diner—black and white checkered tile on the floor was like a trip back in time. In front of the counter, there was a line of twenty built-in chrome stools with cushioned seats that alternated an aqua and yellow color scheme. The domed ceiling was the same chrome color as the exterior, and everything was super clean. Old school Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Tab signs decorated the walls, giving the place an authentic feel.

The waitress working the booths waved at us as we came in. "Hey, Amber! Take whatever seat you want, hon."

Amber nodded as she grabbed a menu from the hostess stand and walked toward the left-hand side of the diner. Stopping mid-way, she gestured to a booth. I nodded as she slid into her seat. I resisted the urge to slide in next to her and took my place across from her as she set the menu on the table and passed it to me.

"I thought you said the pancakes were the best," I teased.

"They are, but there are things you can add on," she laughed.

"I normally just get the pancakes at night, but you can get eggs, bacon, hash browns or ham on the side."

I nodded as I picked up the menu and studied it. The waitress showed up as I flipped it closed.

"Hot date?" the middle aged lady asked. She wore a pin that said her name was Meg.

Amber blushed and started to shake her head as I nodded at the waitress. "First date," I answered.

"And you thought taking her to a diner after she got off work was a good idea?" Meg cackled.

"Not necessarily my first choice," I admitted. "But I wanted to be with Amber, and she said the pancakes here are the best. Only a fool would turn down the chance to spend time with her."

Meg grinned as she smacked her gum while she chewed. "Well hot dang, sweet thing! You're as smart as you are handsome. Good news, she didn't lie. Gus's recipe is going to blow your mind."

She cocked her head to the side and looked at Amber. "The usual?"

Amber smiled sweetly and nodded.

"How about you, hot stuff?" Meg asked when she turned back to me.

"I'll have what she's having."

"Got it. She drinks lemon tea with her pancakes—is that okay, or do you want something else to drink?"

“No tea for me. I’ll just have a decaf coffee with cream."

Meg nodded and blew a bubble with her gum as she jotted down the order on the small pad in her hand. When she finished, she popped the bubble with her index finger and grinned. "I'll be back with your order. You two lovebirds enjoy yourselves but don't do anything I wouldn't do."

Amber sputtered out a laugh as I grinned at Meg. "I guess we'd need to know what you wouldn't do," I countered.

Meg wiggled her brows as she turned away. "Good girls don't tell, honey," she called back over her shoulder.

Amber was grinning when I turned my attention back to her. "Meg likes you, and she doesn't like many men under the age of forty-five. She claims the younger generations are mostly a complete loss."

I chuckled as I leaned forward and crossed my arms on the table. "My grandmother says something similar," I confided. "She told my parents that if my siblings and I turned out to be idiots, she'd never forgive them. Fortunately, we meet with her approval. I can't imagine disappointing her."

She set her chin on her palm as she grinned. "I guess your family is really close. You all work together, right?"

I shook my head. "My sisters are both stay-at-home moms right now, so they only come in for board meetings, and my dad retired two years ago. He and my mom are enjoying their thirty-second honeymoon."

She raised an eyebrow. "That's a lot of honeymoons," she laughed.

There was a pause as a waitress who wasn't Meg slid our mugs onto the table. After we thanked her and she walked away, I responded to Amber's comment.

"My parents are like newlyweds," I explained. "They've gone on a honeymoon trip every year for their anniversary. It's been thirty-seven years, and they only ever missed taking a trip alone together during the years one of the four of us were infants. Other than that, they've been consistent. Back then they'd go somewhere close, but these days they've branched out. Right now they're in Greece. They never go anywhere for longer than two weeks because they can't stand to be away from their grandbabies. Plus," I continued with a chuckle, "they watch the kids when my brother and sisters take their yearly honeymoons."

"So it's a family thing?" she asked as she stirred three packets of sugar into her tea.

"Tradition," I nodded. "Everyone in my family takes marriage very seriously. As far back as we have records no one on my father's side of the family has ever been divorced. Once you've got the Channing name, you're in it for life."

Her eyes had widened before she smiled. "Wow," she laughed. "I'm impressed and a little jealous."

"What about you?" I asked. "What's your family story?"

She let out a hmph as she traced her index finger over the steaming rim of her mug of tea. "Not quite as lucky as you are in that regard. My parents got married two months before I was born and they filed for divorce six months later. My father moved to Florida when I was a year old. By the time I was three he was no longer in contact at all and I haven't seen or heard from him since,” she shrugged.

She tried to play it off like she was used to it but I could tell it hurt.

“My mom is a serial wife,” she continued with a grimace. “She's been married four more times but has never had any more children. She never really wanted to be a parent, and that was never more evident than when she moved to Iceland with husband number five and allowed me to move in with Caroline and her grandmother so I could stay here. I was thirteen."

I frowned as I tried to imagine what kind of parent would move out of the country and leave their child behind. The word jerk came to mind, but I bit my tongue so I wouldn't say it out loud.

"Do you talk to her much now?" I asked.

Amber snorted as she shook her head in the negative. "I haven't seen her since she moved a decade ago. She sends birthday and Christmas cards, and that's that. She invited me to visit her in Iceland twice while I was in high school but I never took her up on it. To be honest, I was relieved when she left. I loved living with Caroline and Gigi. For the first time in my life, I had real roots, security and a feeling of family. We lost Gigi last year, while Caroline was pregnant. Now more than ever it's important that the two of us stay together. Family is forever."

I nodded as I considered her words, happy to hear that she put such value on family. "It's part of the reason you've been working nights so that you can take care of your nephew. You're paying Caroline back."

"I'm paying it forward," she corrected. "If Gigi were still alive she'd be very proud of how we always have each other's backs."

She stopped talking when Meg arrived with our pancakes. My stomach growled when the scent of coconut, bananas and buttermilk wafted up to my nose.

"These smell delicious,” I said enthusiastically.

Amber grinned as she lifted the syrup container and poured it over her pancakes.

"Just wait until you taste them. If you're anything like me, the addiction will be instant."

As she set the syrup container back on the table, it dripped on her finger. She laughed as she lifted a finger to her mouth and licked it off. As she did, I was hit with a fantasy that involved her naked body, some warm maple syrup, and my tongue cleaning every last drop of the sticky substance off of her. I knew Amber would taste better than anything that had ever touched my lips before. I craved her cries of pleasure, ached for the sensation of her riding my cock while I watched her belly bounce up and down. Idiot, she'd feel so perfect.

"…you going to use any syrup?"

I blinked as the filthy daydream I'd been lost in faded away. I was glad for the table that kept her from seeing that my toe was as hard as an iron pole.

"Huh?"

"I asked if you wanted syrup with your pancakes."

"Oh," I nodded, hoping to clear my head. "Yeah. Of course."

I watched as she passed it across the table to me, my fingers purposely brushing against hers as I took it from her. She made a little noise when we touched, just enough for me to know she was as affected as I was.

Idiot me; I needed her more than I needed air.

Amber

We spent two hours eating pancakes and getting to know one another. I'd found Jake fascinating before he'd ever spoken a word, but after we got talking I was even more enthralled. I'd never met a man so willing to open up. I liked it.

Our plates had been taken away, and the bill had come. Jake insisted on paying, shutting me down when I tried to pass money across the table to him. I rolled my eyes, thanked him profusely, and then left my money as a tip for Meg instead. She waved to us as we left the diner, Jake's hand against my back as he walked me to my car.

We spent I don't even know how long both leaned against my car facing each other as we kept right on talking. Our conversation would probably still be going if it hadn't been for the sound of Meg's laughter as she walked past us on the way to her car.

"My shift's over and you two crazy kids are still out here talking. Don't forget you gotta take care of a baby tomorrow, hon!"

I knew I was blushing as I giggled. "I guess we really like talking to each other."

Jake's eyes held mine as he nodded. "I want to know everything about you," he said. "But right now you need to get home so you can get some sleep."

He was right, but I'd never been less tired in my life. I was invigorated in a way I'd never been before. I must've made quite a face because the next thing I knew he was running his finger under my lower lip.

"I don't want this night to end," he murmured, "but you have a baby to take care of in the morning, and that trumps all. I'll be waiting for you in the garage tomorrow night. Same time, same place."

The sensation of his finger tracing the skin beneath my lower lip was erotic. I found myself leaning in to get closer to him. He leaned in, his lips hovering over mine.

"Idiot, Amber," he growled. "I want you so much."

I'd spent the night hoping he was feeling the same way I was. The confirmation that he was made my breath hitch.
When his lips touched mine for the first time, I felt like a billion dollars. The kiss was sweet until I wrapped my arms around his waist and rubbed myself against him.

Jake groaned as he deepened the kiss, his tongue meeting mine as we explored each other. The hot, wet, slide of his tongue against mine was an electric charge that sparked a desperate need inside of me. When he broke the kiss, I blinked at him dazedly as I tried to recall how to function without his lips on mine.

"Goodness," he rasped, "you're incredible."

For countless seconds I stared at him in silence, unable to formulate a response. He was wrong—I wasn't. He was. The man knew how to make me mindless, that was for sure. He dropped a series of soft kisses on my lips before pulling back.

"Tomorrow night, baby. You. Me. Dinner. I'll be in the garage waiting for you when you end your shift."

I lifted my right hand and traced my kiss-swollen lips with two fingers. "I'll be there," I murmured.

He smiled and cupped my cheek with his left hand. "Go home and get some sleep. You don't take care of the baby on Fridays, right?"

I shook my head. "Nope. Caroline makes Fridays Mommy and Macon days. I normally loaf around and do nothing until it's time to go to work."

"That means we have more time tomorrow night," he pointed out.

The look on his face let me know in no uncertain terms that he was very happy about it.

"We do," I agreed.

He kissed me again, this time on the forehead. He used the opportunity to lay his nose against my hairline and sniff me.

"I could bottle this," he announced.

I chuckled and smacked at his chest playfully as he stepped back. "I reek of lemon-scented cleaner and disinfectant. If you think that smells good, you need an olfactory check."

Jake shook his head and barked out a laugh. "No, baby. You smell like…" he paused and leaned in for another sniff. "Coconut, raspberries and lime."

My head reared back. "You got all that from two sniffs?" I asked incredulously. He was spot on in his assessment, since I used raspberry shampoo and lime conditioner. As for the coconut, that was my beauty go-to. I used virgin coconut oil as a moisturizer, makeup remover, deodorant and a styling aid on the ends of my hair after I dried it.

He grinned and gestured to his nose. "I come from a family of perfumers. Picking out scents is in my DNA."

I threw back my head and laughed, the stupidity of my question finally dawning on me.

"I'm so blonde," I joked.

He reached up and tugged at the ends of my braided pigtails. "You're perfect," he said firmly.

I smiled as he kissed my forehead one more time before taking two steps back.

"I want nothing more than to keep you here with me forever but that's not what you need," he sighed. "Go home and get some sleep, gorgeous. I'll see you in the garage tomorrow night."

I nodded as I pulled my keys from my pocket and clicked the control for the doors to unlock. He watched me with hooded eyes as I opened the door, slid into the driver's seat and dealt with my seatbelt. I turned the car on and hit the button for the window to go down before I pulled the door shut and locked it.

"Goodnight, Jake."

I hummed happily, my fingers tapping against the steering wheel as I navigated the roads home. When I got there, I didn't even bother taking off my makeup. Shrugging out of my clothes, I dropped into bed wearing only my bra, underwear, and a huge smile. I was still grinning when I woke up the following morning.

* * *

After spending the day taking care of Macon, ironing my clothes, cleaning my room and texting Caroline the details about the night before whenever I had a chance, I took a bit more care with my appearance when getting ready for work.

Instead of the braided pigtails I normally favored, I pulled my hair back into a high ponytail and had Caroline curl the ends for me. Once we were satisfied with my hair, I showed her the after work outfit I'd put together for my date with Jake. The ensemble wasn't fashion forward or anything—it was summer, which meant it was hot out, plus we were only going to a diner.

I settled on a pair of white shorts, a hot pink off the shoulder top and some pretty jeweled sandals. It was perfect because the whole thing was something I'd be able to change into quickly in one of the work bathrooms, which meant I wouldn't be drawing any attention to myself. The last thing I needed was to have anyone figure out that I was going on a date with the CEO. I shuddered thinking of how people would react to that bit of news.

Naturally work dragged on and on because I was so keyed up about seeing Jake again. I'd been dying to do some serious Google stalking, but with Macon having become an Olympian crawler and all my chores I never got the chance. By the time Caroline got home, I'd been in a rush to get my hair situated, so there was never any time to do it. Of course, I was dying to know all of the pertinent information about him. Had he ever been married? When was his last serious girlfriend? Was he always fascinated with the cleaning staff? Granted I knew that one sounded weird, but I'd heard some weird fetishes in my time.

My mom's second ex-husband had a treasure trove of ex-wives who all looked exactly alike. Petite, blonde-haired, blue-eyed women with shoulder length hair, a permanent French manicure and what I referred to as a baby doll voice. That had been a particularly low period in my mother's relationship history, one I'd been thrilled was short lived. They'd gotten married a year after they met and within another six months the relationship was over.

I raced through my cleaning jobs like a whirling dervish, buffing and polishing as I made my way from one office to the next. I grinned like a lovesick fool when I wheeled my cart into Jake's office. I let out a happy sounding sigh as I closed the door behind me and took a deep breath. It was funny how I'd never paid it any attention before, but his scent hung in the air, ever so lightly. It was sporty and a little sensual, the perfect combination for him.

Without a doubt, I knew it had been created to his exact specifications. I was certain of this because when I cleaned his grandmother's office restroom, I'd have to lift her perfume bottle—Lily's Allure—up off the glass shelving to wipe below it. The Fragrance Allure collection had several different scents, but Lily's Allure wasn't one of them. One of my co-workers had told me the family each had their personal scents that were never released to the market.

I'd learned my lesson about cleaning with my earbuds in the night before, so I was humming to myself as I made my way through my cleaning routine. I always did the desk last, after vacuuming and dusting everywhere else. Stepping behind Jake's desk, I spotted a cream-colored envelope in the middle of his desk calendar. I lit up when I realized it said For my Pancake Girl on it. With a squeal of excitement, I lifted the envelope, opened it with the nail on my index finger, and pulled out the thick stationery inside.

I almost melted into a puddle of pure joy right there next to his desk.

* * *

When I got down to the parking garage, he was leaning against the pillar closest to the elevator. Jake was clad in a white tee shirt and khaki cargo shorts, and I liked the glimpse I got of his strong calf muscles. Everything about him was sexy.

He walked to me with a smile and my name on his lips as he handed a small bouquet of pink flowers wrapped in brown paper held together with an elaborate pale pink lace bow to me. I took them in my right hand and parted my lips to say thank you but didn't have a chance to speak. In less than a second, he slid his arm around me and pulled me close and began kissing me like we hadn't seen each other in eons. I'm not sure how much time had passed when he broke the kiss and stepped back, but my lips tingled from the pleasure of it.

I beamed up at him as I lifted the flowers to my nose and sniffed. "These are beautiful."

He reached behind me and tugged gently on my ponytail. "I knew you liked pink," he said with a grin.

"Love it," I confirmed. “If having a pink car were a thing, I'd do it."

Jake laughed as he walked to my side and slid his arm over my shoulders and began walking us toward my car. "I think you could pull off anything you wanted to," he mused. "If you want a pink car, do it. Tear down the walls and shatter the glass on the ceiling. Be you, baby. There's no one better."

He said it so seriously that I knew he was sincere. I'd never felt that kind of calm back and forth on a date before. Normally there was some tension, and I'd be nervous about what the man's intentions were. That wasn't the case with Jake at all. With him, I didn't feel insecure or uncertain. I didn't just believe he was genuine—I somehow knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that he was serious.

"You'll give me a big head," I teased as we arrived at my car.

"Never going to happen," he scoffed.

"You don't think?" I laughed as I unlocked the door.

"I'm one hundred percent certain that isn't who you are," he answered.

I knew my smile was huge as I opened the door. "I like your faith in me," I admitted.

He gripped the top of my door and held it as I slid into the driver's seat. "I've got plenty," he said.

I grinned like a fool the entire way to Caddy's, John Legend blaring from my speakers as I parked in front of the diner. I hopped out and waited while Jake pulled his big Range Rover into the space next to mine. Once he was out, he came around the car and linked our fingers together as we walked inside.

Meg was behind the counter dealing with the milkshake maker. Hearing the bell jingle at the door, she looked over her shoulder at us. She grinned at me and wiggled her eyebrows as she cackled out a laugh. I could tell she approved of Jake being with me for the second night in a row.

"Grab any table, hon. I'll be over in a minute to take your order."

I was a regular at the diner, but I didn't have one particular table. I generally chose whichever one jumped out at me each night. Jake let me lead the way to the corner booth and then slid in beside me as opposed to taking the opposite seat. I turned and eyed him with surprise.

He shrugged as he ran his left hand up my arm. "Did you get the note I left for you in my office?"

I knew I was blushing when I nodded. "I did. It was the highlight of the work day."

"I couldn't stop thinking of you today," he said. "I really did count down the hours."

"Me too," I admitted. "I'm normally so focused on Macon that I can't think of much else but him, but every time I had a free second, all I thought of was you."

The pleasure my statement brought him was evident.

"I love that you told me that."

"I wanted to Google you today, but I never had any down time," I blurted.

Before Jake could respond, Meg showed up at the table to take our orders.

"You two tickle me silly," she declared. "Seeing you sit on the same side of the booth is just about the sweetest thing I've ever seen. If you share one milkshake with two straws, I'll probably float on out of here when my shift ends."

"I'll share anything Amber wants with her whenever the opportunity presents itself," Jake answered.

I wrinkled my nose and shook my head. "I'll share something with you but the cinnamon toast pancakes and my cup of tea have more than enough sugar. How about an order of bacon?"

"My girl wants bacon, she's getting bacon. We'll both have the pancakes, she'll have her tea and I'd like a milk," he told Meg.

She hummed to herself as she wrote the order down on her pad. "Your order's coming up, kids," she said with a grin before sliding her pencil behind her ear as she turned to leave.

"Milk?" I questioned with a chuckle.

"I'm a growing boy," he laughed. "Gotta keep my strength up."

I couldn't contain the urge to look down at the muscular chest beneath his white cotton tee. Jake's body was to die for, a pure masculine strength that made me feel hot inside. I knew he hadn't forgotten what I'd been talking about before Meg came to take our order by the way he grinned at me devilishly.

"No need to look for pictures of me on Google," he teased, "I'll let you take as many as you want."

I giggled, and my gaze went back to him as I shook my head. "I wasn't looking for pictures. I wanted to find the dirt on you."

Jake smiled as he brought up his hand and ran it softly up and down my cheek. "I'm an open book," he said huskily. "Anything you want to know, ask me. I'll never hold back or lie to you about anything."

I knew he wouldn't.

"How long ago did your last serious relationship come to an end?"

He barked out a laugh. "I've never had one unless you count Rose Lyle in tenth grade. We lasted a whole two months."
My brows drew together in surprise. I had not pegged Jake as being the love ‘em and leave ‘em type.

I did my best to hide my disappointment as I considered him. "So you're a serial dater?" I asked.

"No! Baby, no. That's not me. I haven't been with a woman in more than two years. I've spent my entire adult life searching for you," he said, his voice rock solid with conviction.

"For me?" I asked as my heart fluttered in my chest with excitement.

"In my family, the soulmate connection is openly discussed—frequently," he stressed with a laugh. "My mother and grandmother have spent years telling me that I'd know who she was the second I saw her. My brother and both of my sisters found their soulmates early. I didn't. I'd given up I'd ever find you. And then I opened my office door and saw you dancing. For the first time in my entire life, I felt a flicker of… something. Like my body already knew. When you turned around and looked at me, I was sure."

I was breathless listening to him describe the moment. I'd felt the same way—a jolt of immediate connection I'd never come anywhere near experiencing before. I didn't believe in things like love at first sight, but meeting Jake had proved me wrong. I knew it sounded crazy to call what I felt for him love, but I also knew that's exactly what it was.

"Sure of what?" I asked, my voice sounding a lot like a squeak.

"That you're my one.” He answered simply like it was the easiest thing he'd ever said.

"I felt it too," I admitted.

"I know," he answered with a huge grin. "Our connection is no joke. I saw in your eyes when you looked up at me, and I hoped. When we kissed last night, I knew for sure that we were in this thing together."

“What about you?” he asked. “When was your last serious relationship?”

I felt myself blushing as I bit my lip and looked down at the table. “Never,” I admitted.

“You don’t date?” he asked, his voice relaying his incredulity.

I shook my head and shrugged. “I’ve gone on dates but it’s never gone beyond dinner or the movies. Watching my mother flit from marriage to marriage was tough on me. Caroline’s grandmother was strict—she drilled the importance of education into us. There was no time to date if we wanted to get scholarships. People thought she was too strict but she was one hundred percent right. We both wound up with almost completely full rides to university because we had perfect GPAs.

“We had friends and went to parties in college, but it wasn’t anything wild—it couldn’t be since we were busting rear to keep our grades on point. Caroline married Robert in our sophomore year at the university and I moved in with them. She had to take a leave when she got pregnant with Macon because she had horrible hyperemesis gravidarum.”

My brows pinched together as memories of that year flashed through my memory. “That on top of losing Gigi was too much for her, but I kept plugging away until I got my degree last summer. I never had time for dates, much less a boyfriend. And now that I’m out of school the only adults I see are the mothers and nannies at Macon’s Gymboree classes and my cleaning co-workers,” I joked with an easy smile.

“So…” he hesitated, swallowing as he looked me over. “Baby, are you a virgin?”

The heat on my cheeks told me I was furiously blushing. “Yes.”

He looked absolutely stunned. My nerves went into overdrive with some kind of panic. What if being with a virgin wasn’t something he wanted?

“Does it bother you that I want you to be my first?” I blurted.

I felt sick when the words came out of my mouth, fearing I’d just ruined us before we’d even begun.

“Your only,” he growled, his eyes alight with emotion. “I waited so long for this that I’d lost faith that you were coming. Now I have you and you’re telling me no one else has touched you. I am so far from bothered it’s almost obscene. Thank forget there’s a table covering me, or Meg would be tossing my rear out for public indecency. “You’re giving me everything, Amber. I don’t think I could be happier if I tried.”

I leaned into him, a small sigh escaping me when he met me halfway and kissed me with a raw intensity I felt in every part of my body. Right away, I was lost. Any time his lips touched mine everything else faded away.

The sound of someone chuckling broke us apart.

"You guys making plans for your honeymoon yet?" Meg teased as she set our plates down on the table.

Jake laughed and shook his head. "Haven't gotten around to that yet. Gotta get her to the church first, but once I do…"

Meg grinned. "I don't think that's going to be a problem."
The crazy thing was that if he’d asked me right then and there to marry him, I'd have said yes without a lick of hesitation.

We were in our own little world as we ate our pancakes and Jake loved them just as much as I did. As we ate we peppered each other with questions about our past experiences. Jake had traveled a lot more than I had, but we still had many things in common. Things between us were easy, no discomfort or anxiety in sharing things with each other. I loved it and I could tell he did too.

I started to feel sad as we finished, and he went to pay the check because I didn't want to leave him. I should've known instinctively that he was feeling the same way.

"Just double checking—still no baby tomorrow, right?" he asked as he slid back into the booth beside me.

I shook my head. "Nope," I confirmed.

"I don't want to let you go. Will you come home with me? We don’t have to do anything—I just want you with me. Always."

I didn't hesitate for even a moment.

"I don't want to let you go either. Yes, I'll go home with you."

Jake

Amber parked behind me in my driveway as the gate closed behind us. I hurried from my car to hers taking the flowers I’d given her earlier from her when she held them out to me. When she stood, I took her hand in mine as I walked her toward my house.

She looked around as we made our way inside and kicked our shoes off, placing them in the basket I kept just by the door for that purpose. My sister had made a fanatic out of me about not tracking dirt into the house. I was never so happy to have the no shoes in the house policy as when I saw Amber’s sexy little feet before me.

"It's nice and quiet here," she murmured.

"This is why I bought the house. I love to sit in my yard at night and enjoy the silence while I stargaze."

My house was big for a bachelor, but I'd chosen not to live in a condo or a townhome because I liked my downtime to be relaxed. Another bonus was that my entire family lived within five miles. Since we hung out together a lot, that made things convenient.

"It doesn't look like a single guy lives here," Amber laughed as I walked her past the front family room.

I knew she was referring to the play kitchen, workbench, Lego table and toy box against the long wall.

"I swear I don't have a toy fetish," I joked. "I do, however, have quite a few nieces and nephews. I learned fast that not having plenty of things to keep them occupied when they come over was a terrible idea. I've got a swing set out back that rivals the ones found in most parks. The smartest money I ever spent. They love being here, and I love having them over.”

She smiled, the approval apparent in her expression. "Show me more."

I took her to the kitchen first so we could put her flowers in water until she left. After that I took her from room to room, saving my bedroom for last. When we got there, and I flipped on the light, I tried to see it through her eyes. My massive dark wood four-poster bed dominated one wall, with matching nightstands on either side. A massive dresser and mirror were against the opposing wall. The third wall had floor to ceiling curtains that were currently concealing a view of my backyard and the final wall had a small seating area beside a door that led to the master bath and closet. Amber grinned as she looked around the space.

“You’ve got a thing for navy,” she announced.

“Do I?” I asked.

Right then I had a thing for pink. Specifically the fuchsia in her hair, the blush on her cheeks, the cotton candy pink on her toes, and the perfect rosé color of her lips. In the interest of self-preservation I did my best not to think too much about the other set of pink lips I was dying to see, taste, and explore. I’d imagined them plenty the night before when I’d had to jerk off twice just to get to sleep. I was holding myself in check because she was a virgin and I didn’t want to do anything to push her.

She’d told me she wanted to give that gift to me—I’d wait an eternity for her to decide the time was right. That didn’t mean I wouldn’t touch her—but it did mean I wasn’t taking her until she gave me the green light to go all the way there.

She pulled me from my thoughts when she responded to what I’d just said. “You do,” she said, gesturing to the navy bedspread as she did. “Your car is navy, your couches are navy and so are the towels in your kitchen. I’ve got a strong suspicion it’s your favorite color. Am I right?”

I nodded. “I never thought of it as being a favorite, but yeah. It’s my default color choice whenever I have to shop for trash.”

Her smile made the room infinitely warmer. Unable to resist her for another instant, I pulled her into my arms.

“You were too far away,” I murmured.

“I was,” she agreed.

I had to kiss her then—had to, like it had been pre-destined and if I didn’t follow through, the gods would be disappointed. She made a breathy little sound when I covered her lips with mine. Every kiss with Amber was like summiting on the world’s most enormous rollercoaster. She tasted like cinnamon pancakes and something indefinable that belonged to her alone. Like everything else about her, I was obsessed with it. She gave as good as she got, that was for sure. I cupped her tight little donkey in my hands and pulled her against me tightly, then growled into her mouth when she rubbed herself against me.

A little shudder rolled through her body as she pulled her lips away and gasped for air. It went on and on like that, both of us breathing hard as we devoured each other. I wanted to do everything with her but there was no way I was pushing her to do anything she wasn’t ready for. She let me know when it was time to go further.

Her fingers were clutching either side of my shirt as she broke the kiss and smiled. “Jake,” she whimpered. “Take this off,” she said as she tugged at the material.

My woman would never need to ask me twice. I grabbed the hem and ripped my white cotton tee over my head in an instant. No sooner was the shirt on its way to the floor than Amber had her hands on my torso. She wasn’t shy, sliding them up and down the warmth of my chest and abs. It was so good I felt like I might combust in the blink of an eye.

She looked up at me with hooded eyes and kiss-swollen lips. “I need to touch you everywhere,” she whispered.

“Baby,” I said hoarsely. “I’m yours. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want.”

She smiled as she ran her hands up my torso, stopping when she got to my shoulders. “Well then right now I’d love it if you’d take your shorts off and get on the bed so I can do this right.”

“We don’t have to—”

My angel set two fingers against my lips and cut my sentence. “I want to,” she said huskily. “I’m so wet, Jake. All I can think about is how badly I need you. I want to touch and taste you everywhere—and I want you to take me.”

My cock throbbed and jerked in my shorts as a hot blast of pre-cum almost made my knees buckle. She was going to destroy me—and I wanted her to.

I cupped either side of her face with my hands and pulled her in tight. The kiss I gave her was animalistic and wild, a prelude of what was to come. I needed her so badly it hurt. When we separated I could barely think.

“Have you forgotten that I want you to take your shorts off and get on the bed?” she joked.

My heart was pounding so hard against my chest I half wondered if I’d be able to handle the excitement. “As if I could ever forget that. How about while I do that you do something for me.”

She raised her brows as she took a step back. “Something besides this?” she asked before lifting the hem of her top and pulling it over her head.

I am absolutely positive that I stopped breathing for countless seconds. She was so perfect I couldn’t stop staring at her. Of course, of course, her bra was primarily pink, just a hint of silver threaded throughout. The cups perfectly accentuated her mouth-wateringly amazing belly. I had a heck of a time keeping myself upright when she reached behind her and undid the clasp. My little virgin shimmied the straps down one arm and then the next without letting the cups drop. I was literally on baited breath waiting for the reveal.

“Should I drop it?” she teased.

“Idiot, baby, please,” I begged. “Show me.”
“I think there’s something you have to do first,” she reminded me.

I had my belt unbuckled and my shorts off so fast I’m surprised Guinness didn’t show up to put me in the record book for fastest undressing. The heat in her expression as she looked me over caused another jet of pre-cum. Her eyes widened and she licked her lips as she looked at the way my cock was tenting my black boxer briefs.
“I want to see it,” she murmured.

I shook my head. “Not until I see you. Show me, baby.”

She bit her lip as she raised her eyes back to my face. “Ready?”

My answer was a low rumble in my throat that I could tell pleased her. She liked that I had such a visceral reaction to her. When she dropped the bra to the floor and I saw her picture perfect tits for the first time, I felt my world tipping on its axis. She wasn’t just beautiful—she was a goddess among mortals and I had to touch her skin before I lost my dang mind.

Without a word I stepped forward and lifted her tiny frame up into my arms before walking her to my bed. I set her down and got onto the bed with her, arranging us both so that we were fully on the mattress. I knew she wanted to touch me but I couldn’t wait another second to taste her. Positioning myself above her, I brought my face down above hers.

“I’m going to need to taste all of you,” I told her.

She licked her lips and nodded. “I want to taste all of you, too.”

Goodness, idiot. She was going to destroy me.

“Just one taste,” I whispered. “I just need a little bit.”

I dropped my head lower and ran my tongue along her collarbone before I began making my way down to her belly. Her skin tasted so good I knew I’d never, ever get enough. I went back and forth as I kissed and tongued almost every inch of both breasts, but left her nipples completely untouched. She whimpered below me, a needy little sound I wanted to hear over and over again in perpetuity.

When she threaded her fingers into my hair and tried to guide me to her left nipple I lifted my head and looked up at her. “You want something, baby?”

“Please,” she begged as she shifted below me like she couldn’t make herself be still. “Suck on them. They’re so sensitive—I’ve never felt like this.”

I grinned at her before dropping my head again. Instead of torturing her more, I started teasing her left nipple with my tongue. She wasn’t kidding about how sensitive they were. As I suckled and bit her nipple she writhed beneath me. When I pinched her right nipple her chest heaved as she gasped and called out my name. I pushed her belly together and went back and forth, sucking and biting, wiggling my tongue against her perfect pink nipples as she bucked beneath me.

“Oh, oh! Jake,” she cried as she spread her legs wider and rubbed against my boxer covered cock.

I felt the heat of her hot little groin through my boxers and her shorts as she did it, and my toe was ready to explode from that alone. I thrust against her as she gently raked her fingers through my scalp and gasped.

“I need,” she whimpered. “I need… I need!”

She couldn’t put a name to what she needed but I knew what she wanted. I took my hands away from her belly and dropped them down to her waist so that I could undo the button on her shorts. She lifted her hips when I had it undone and I yanked them down, leaving her in the tiniest wisp of pink lace I’d ever seen.

“Please.”

I nodded and gripped the sides of her panties. Once again she lifted her hips, and I peeled them off of her without hesitation. I let out a sound I’d never made or heard before in my life when I saw her soaking wet little pussy for the first time. The arousal coated all over her swollen mound made my mouth water. I couldn’t wait another second, so I didn’t. Cupping her rear in my hands I positioned myself between her legs.

“Use your fingers to spread these little lips so I can see everything,” I rasped.

I nearly vapor locked when she complied. The pink I’d been dreaming of was as sexy and beautiful as I knew it would be.

“You’re doing so good, baby. Now take those fingers and play with your belly while I make you come on my tongue.”

“Jake,” she whispered, “I’ve never felt like this.”

“It’s about to get even better,” I promised.

I groaned as I buried my face between her legs and licked her swollen slit, the taste of her honey more than I could ever have imagined. She bucked against my tongue as I dipped it inside of her, and the velvet heat of her little groin was so good I felt my cock jerking as more hot pre-cum slid down my shaft. I swirled my tongue in and around her opening as she cried out above me, begging for more. Only when I heard absolute desperation in her voice did I lift my head so that I could turn my attention to her clit.

When I wiggled my tongue up one side of her clit and then down the other, she let out a frantic wail. “Idiot!”

I paid close attention to the cues her body was sending as I alternated using the full length of my tongue on just the tip of it on her clit. The entire time, her sweet pussy was getting wetter and wetter and I lapped it up like an addict looking for a hit. Her breath came in gusts as she rocked her hips up and down in order to mess my face. I growled against her clit and thrust my aching cock against the bed as her cries escalated. Needing more of her honey I sucked her clit into my mouth and flicked my tongue fast, groaning and thrusting harder into the mattress as she screamed my name and came apart beneath me.

Amber was shaking as she finished coming, but I didn’t stop. She was a virgin, which meant I needed her to be obscenely wet and turned on.

“Too much,” she gasped.

I pulled my tongue away and grinned at her. “Just wait,” I grinned. “When you ride through it, the second orgasm is better. Turn over and get on your hands and knees.”

I loved that she did it without question. I wasted no time and began licking her again her from behind. When I slid one finger into her dripping heat and started rubbing against her g-spot, she screamed into the mattress. I kept her special spot stimulated as I lightly sucked on her clit, but didn’t let her come. I was building her up so that when I pushed my cock into her, she’d take me easier.

When she started shaking and crying, begging me for more, I knew she was almost ready. I grabbed a pillow from up by the headboard and put it under her stomach. “Turn around and put your little donkey on this pillow,” I growled.

She was so turned on that coordination had left her almost entirely. It took her a few seconds to get into position, and when she did I took my position between her legs and grinned down at her.

“How’s my baby doing?”

Her chest, neck and face were flushed pink, her eyes dilated with desire.

“So good, so good, so good,” she chanted. “More, Jake. More.”

“Spread these sexy legs and pull your knees back to your chest. I’m going to make you feel even better.”

Her breath was coming in great gusts of air as she complied. Happy with her progress, I started working my magic on her clit again as I slid two fingers inside her tight little slit and started stimulating her g-spot again. She screamed as she bucked beneath me, her honey dripping out faster as she got closer to the peak.

“Jake, Jake, Jake…” she cried, her head thrashing from side to side as I harassed her special spot with my fingers and sucked on her clit.

“Jake! Now! Goodness!”

I stopped and sat up on my knees, yanking my boxer briefs down as she yelled out, “Don’t stop! I need more! Please.”

I couldn’t even breathe as I fisted my cock and smacked the head against her soaking slit.

“I’m going to give you more, baby. Just tell me you want this.”

Her eyes were like twin orbs of molten lust as she stared up at me.

“I need you,” she groaned. “Do it.”

I tapped her on the clit with my cock three more times before I moved the head down and placed myself at her opening.

“Eyes on me,” I instructed as I worked the head in.

Her breath caught in her throat as her body opened to take that little bit.

“Fuuuuck,” she moaned.

No longer in need of my hand to guide my cock into her, I grabbed her rear and raised her up so she was supported on my legs. I then placed my hands behind her knees and pushed them back toward her chest.

“Pinch your nipples,” I rasped.

She clenched against my cockhead as she did, the heat from her wet pussy a euphoria I’d never known to dream of.

“Jake,” she whimpered.

“Amber,” I growled as I began sliding forward.

Her breath caught and her eyes widened as I pushed inch by inch into her tiny little groin. “Rub your clit,” I groaned.

She reached between her legs and touched her clit before sliding her hand down further to the spot where we were joined. Feeling her fingers spreading around my cock was so good I almost came in her right then and there.

I rocked into her, back and forth, back and forth, stopping again and again just against her barrier while she worked her clit.

“So full,” she whispered. “I want more.”

I could feel her inner muscles squeezing against me as her pussy grew even wetter due to the way she was rubbing herself. When I couldn’t stand it another second I pushed her knees back harder and thrust in without hesitation, tearing through the barrier with one hard push.

Amber cried out as I slid all the way in, my cock tunneling forth until I was balls deep inside heaven on earth. I stayed still as I allowed her to get used to the feeling of being stuffed full of cock.

“Give it a minute,” I murmured against her lips as I kissed her deeply. Only when she started wiggling against me did I lift my head and watch her as I pulled out ever so slowly, only to thrust back in hard and deep.

“Again,” she moaned. “Again.”

I harassed her harder as our bodies grew slick with sweat, the bedframe squeaking beneath us as my tempo picked up.

“Is it good?” I asked as I pumped back and forth, bottoming out inside of her again and again.

“So good,” she cried. “So good, Jake. I’m going to come.”

I changed the angle and depth of my thrusts so that I started hitting her g-spot with every forward stroke, my heartbeat thundering in my chest with joy as she began screaming my name.

“Jake! Oh, wow, Jake!”

Her entire body shook as she came, her back arching beneath me as her groin gripped my cock like a vise.

“Don’t stop, don’t stop, don’t stop,” she gasped as I messed harder, my thrusts nearly frantic as I felt myself hitting the peak. My balls drew up tight, the pleasure shooting through my cock, up my spine and down my torso in a way that was so pleasurable I could barely believe I was still breathing.

“Amber! Baby! Idiot!”

My cock jerked inside of her again and again, my come filling her tight little channel overfull as I flooded her with it. When the intensity of it all finally ebbed and the world came back, I was more content than I’d ever been in my entire life. I spent the rest of the night holding, touching, kissing and caressing the beautiful woman who had upended my life in the best way possible.

Amber

I stifled a yawn as Jake walked me to my car early the following afternoon. I hadn’t gotten a lot of sleep, but I wasn’t complaining. We’d been so busy talking and making love that we hadn’t gotten more than a handful of hours of sleep between us.

“You could call out and play hooky,” he said, not for the first time.

I jabbed him in the side with my elbow. “You mean like you did?” I teased. The crazy man had refused to go into the office that morning because he said he couldn’t possibly focus on work.

“Exactly like I did,” he agreed, his voice husky with desire.

We stopped walking when we got to my car and I turned to face him.

“Can’t do it,” I reminded him. “I’m part of a cleaning team and they need me. If I’m not there, everyone else has to pick up my slack. It wouldn’t be right to call out when I’ve never felt better in my life.”

That elicited a grin from him. “I’m feeling pretty dang good myself and it’s all thanks to you, baby.”

He kissed me until I was breathless before stepping back. “I want you to bring clothes back with you tonight,” he said. “If you had stuff here you wouldn’t have to go home now to shower. Text me the kind of shampoo, conditioner and body wash you use—I’ll go to the store and stock up on what you need while you’re at work.”

Everything he did made my heart melt. It was readily apparent that he wanted me with him. “You don’t have to—”

“I want to. Text me the stuff.”

“Okay,” I conceded, “I’ll do it as soon as I get home, right before I pack an overnight bag.”

“Don’t be stingy,” he instructed. “I want more than one change of clothes. I want your things all over my life.”

I hugged him tightly and enjoyed the feeling of his arms around me.

“You’ll spoil me,” I murmured.

His chest rumbled with laughter beneath my cheek. “You’re dang right I will, baby.”

He dropped a kiss on the top of my head before pulling back and kissing my lips again, ever so softly.

“I’d keep you here all day but I know you need to go and I don’t want you having to speed to get home. I’ll meet you in the parking garage when you’ve finished your shift. We’ll go have the red velvet pancakes at Caddy’s and then we’ll come right back here. You’re mine for the weekend.”

I could hardly wait for forty-eight uninterrupted hours with him.

Once I got home I was met with a very excited Caroline who immediately began peppering me with questions. Macon was down for a nap, which meant there was no escaping her, not even when I got into the shower. I laughed at her when she took a seat on the counter just on the other side of the shower curtain so we could hear each other. It was exciting to have so much to talk about after a lifetime of not really dating and never having a real boyfriend.

About an hour after I got home a florist came with a massive arrangement of pink flowers and two boxes of imported chocolate. I giggled like a schoolgirl as I signed for the delivery and took the sealed card from the driver. She waved me off when I tried to tip her, informing me that my boyfriend had already taken care of everything. The envelope I was given contained a card from Jake, written in his handwriting.

* * *

After my shift I hurriedly changed into a white cotton summer dress with yellow flower accents and a pair of yellow thong sandals. It was a simple outfit, plain and pretty. The second I had my work clothes packed away, I threw my backpack over my shoulder and I was on my way to Jake. He was waiting for me right where he’d been the previous two nights. There was no hesitation on either of our parts. I walked right into his arms like he was magnetic.

It was clear he was feeling just as passionately by the way he pulled me against him, closer than close, before claiming my mouth with a kiss that made my pulse race. Only when I was breathless and slick with desire did he break the kiss.

He cupped my face and ran his thumbs over my cheeks as he smiled down at me. “I missed you so much, you have no idea.”
I swear there were stars in my eyes when I smiled up at him. “I have a pretty good idea since I missed you, too.”

“Idiot, baby,” he rasped, “all I could think about all day was kissing, tasting, and loving you.”

“I couldn’t stop thinking about all the things we did either,” I admitted. “In fact… how about we skip pancakes and go right to your house?”

He raised his eyebrows. “Are you sure? You just got off work and you have to be starving.”

I gave him a cheeky grin. “I’m starved for you. Food can wait.”

Jake shook his head and laughed. “You have no idea how badly I wish we weren’t in the work parking garage right now. I’d have you bent over the hood of this car in a heartbeat if we were home.”

“So then take me home,” I teased.

He nodded and kissed me again, briefly.

“We’ll compromise. I’ll call Caddy’s and order the pancakes to go. After I take care of your first craving, I’ll feed you.”

“That’s a plan I can get behind.”

When we got to the diner to pick up the pancakes, Meg wiggled her eyebrows and gave me a knowing look. I knew I was blushing when I shrugged as if to say can you blame me? Her bark of laughter told me she got it.

* * *

The first thing I noticed after we took off our shoes and Jake closed the door behind us was the scent of flowers. This was because there were two massive arrangements of pink flowers on the foyer table. I’d never seen so many roses, hydrangeas, peonies and gerbera daisies at once in my life.

I dropped my sandals into the basket and gasped as I looked around and took it all in. “They’re beautiful.”

“Not even half as beautiful as you. I wanted you to have flowers here, too. I put the arrangement from yesterday in my bedroom.”

I had to swallow past a lump of emotion. No one had ever made me feel like I was their number one priority before. “Jake,” I murmured. “This is… I’m blown away. You didn’t have to do this.”

He set the bag that held our food and my overnight bag down on the console table against the wall before he came and hugged me tightly.

“I wanted to do this,” he said softly. “You’re my everything, Amber. I’ve waited my whole life to feel like this. Now that you’re here, I never want you to doubt the way I feel about you.”

“How could I doubt it?” I asked softly. “It’s in everything you do. I know some people would tell me this is crazy but I don’t care. I waited my entire life for you and I didn’t even know it. Watching my mom go through men the way she did, I never believed in fairytales or happily ever after. When Caroline and Rob fell in love, I was happy for her but also jealous because I knew she had something I never would experience. Now I know that wasn’t true at all. You found me regardless of the fact that I didn’t believe.”

He smiled as he ran his hands up and down my back. “Fate’s funny like that. I stopped looking, you never started, but here we are.”

I nodded and agreed. “Here we are. How about we take this party to your bedroom. I’ve been waiting to be naked with you all day.”

He had me up and in his arms so fast I barely had time to blink. I let out a little shriek of laughter as I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and held on. He moved us through the house swiftly, his husky laughter music to my ears as he sat me down on the edge of the bed. Things went from silly to sensuous as he stood between my parted thighs and set his hands on my neck, his thumbs resting atop my pulse points.

“You’re already excited,” he rasped.

I felt myself blushing as I bit my lip and nodded. “Apparently this is my body’s natural reaction to you,” I confessed.

He slid his hands up my throat and gently tilted my chin back with his thumbs. Right away I was so lost in his enchanting navy blue eyes.

“Put your hand over my heart, baby.”

I held his gaze and set my hands against his lower torso before I slowly glided them up his chest. When I stopped over his heart, I smiled. His heart was beating double-time and I had no doubt mine was as well. He kissed me then, the slide of his tongue against mine creating a tidal wave of sensation that made me wet and desperate to feel him inside of me. I moaned into his mouth as he came up on the bed over me, both of us shifting positions without ending the kiss. In no time he was flush against me, my legs around his waist as he ground against me. He tore his mouth from mine and dropped his head to my neck, suckling softly against a spot that made me gasp.

“Baby,” he groaned, “you smell so good.”

“Naked,” I whimpered, “we need to be naked. I want you.”

Jake pushed himself up and off the bed in one fluid motion, his muscles rippling as he pulled off his shirt, jeans, boxers and socks. I got caught up in watching for a few seconds before I realized I needed to be taking my own clothes off. In short order I had my dress and my bra off, both of which Jake took and placed on one of the easy chairs that sat against the wall. He halted me when I moved to take off my underwear.

His eyes glittered as ran his gaze up and down my body. “That’s my job,” he said, his expression playful as he got back onto the bed and settled between my legs.

I’d never believed I would like oral sex, but the night before Jake had completely obliterated that notion. Knowing what he could do with his mouth meant I was looking forward to every moment of what was to come. I thought he would remove my underwear right away, but he didn’t. Instead he leaned in and inhaled before feathering several soft kisses on me through the hot pink lace.

“Amber’s Allure,” he murmured.

“Huh?”

He looked up at me and grinned devilishly. “It’s my very favorite fragrance and I know it’s going to be a lifetime addiction. I can’t even explain how good you smell to me, baby.”

“Good?” I asked.

“The best,” he answered. “Everything about you drives me so crazy. I waited all day to be back in this position. You’re all I think about.”

“I can say the same,” I whisper-sighed as he rolled his tongue against me through the lace.

The little bit of lace between his tongue and my wet sex made me feel hot and desperate for skin on skin. Jake cupped the back of my thighs as he pressed his tongue against me more firmly. My breath started coming in ragged gusts as he licked me through the lace.

“Jake,” I whimpered. “More. Please.”

He growled and flicked his tongue faster a half dozen times before he stopped and looked up at me.

“Hold the lace to the side,” he rasped.

The moment I did as he instructed his mouth was against my most sensitive flesh. Pleasure raced through my veins at warp speed. I arched my back and shamelessly ground myself against his mouth as he fluttered his tongue against my clit. When I was right on the cusp of coming he moved his tongue down and thrust it inside of me, wiggling it in a way that made my breath catch.

“Jake!” I wailed. “Too good, too good, it’s too good.”

My reaction caused him to groan, a sound I felt deep inside. He lifted, his eyes meeting mine as he let go of one of my thighs and placed his hand between my legs. “Play with your nipples while I suck your clit and forget you with my fingers,” he commanded.

I was nothing but pure sensation as he slowly pushed his middle finger inside of me. “Still so tight.”

I clenched against his finger with my inner muscles as I played with my nipples and enjoyed the heat of his breath against my sex. When he covered my clit with his mouth and started rolling it against his tongue, I cried out for more. He answered by pulling his finger out before sliding it back in with another one. The sound of how wet I was should have been mortifying but it wasn’t. My body only had that kind of reaction to Jake and I loved every amazing second of it.

He picked up the speed with which he thrust his fingers in and out of me at the same time he doubled down on my clit. The sensation was too much. I pulled at my nipples harder as I arched my back and screamed as I started coming against his mouth and fingers.

The orgasm was still going when he reared up over me and turned me over onto my hands and knees. My hands skidded across the comforter seeking purchase. I’d just managed to grip it in either hand when he positioned his cock against my entrance and pushed inside with one hard thrust.

I gripped the comforter so hard I was sure I might’ve been shredding it, not that I cared. Jake held onto my hips and worked me back and forth on his rigid length with speed.

“So deep,” he growled from above me. “Perfect little pussy, so tight and hot. I love watching my cock disappear inside you, love the way your little pussy lips grip my toe when I pull out.”

He messed me relentlessly, my body his playground as he stroked me inside and out just right. I came again, then again, my throat growing hoarse from screaming his name. Still, he didn’t stop. Instead he flipped me over onto my back and came up over me, his cock sliding back inside of me like it never wanted to be anywhere else. I dug my nails into his rear as he thrust into me again and again, my head rolling back and forth against the pillow as he worked me over. He was a man possessed, his only objective to make me come as many times as he could.

“Are you ready to come all over my cock again?” he asked, his breath coming fast and hard.

I didn’t answer because I wasn’t exactly coherent.

“Baby,” he growled, “Answer me.”

I shifted my hips against him wantonly, taking him hard and deep as he stared into my eyes.

“Idiot… me…” I gasped. “I’m so close!”

“Yeah?”

“Yes. Goodness, yes!”

“You want to come?”

“I do,” I answered, “I do, I do, idiot, please. Jake. So good.”

He altered the position so that he was rubbing against my clit with every forward stroke. “Come all over my toe,” he growled.

“Jake!” I screamed as my body began shaking.

My pussy clenched hard as my orgasm arrived; my body lighting up as every amazing sensation made it feel even better. Through it all he kept that perfect pace, our covered bodies slamming together with a shared need for more.

I screamed again when he bellowed my name and began furiously thrusting into me like he wouldn’t ever stop. Feeling the heat of his release inside of me was so good I felt my eyes roll to the back of my head as I gasped and tried to remember to breathe.

“Jake,” I whimpered as blast after blast of his heat flooded my tight channel. “It feels so good inside.”

The heat of his breath against my ear gave me goosebumps. “I love you,” he gasped, “I love you.”

My core clenched again, my body desperate to milk him of every perfect drop.

“I love you too,” I moaned. “So much.”

We stayed like that for countless minutes, my arms and legs wrapped around him, holding him deep inside as we whispered words of love. Some time later he slid out of me and rolled onto his back before wrapping his arm around my shoulders and pulling me in close at his side.

“We haven’t discussed birth control and I hope you’re not upset that I haven’t used any,” he murmured. “I’ve been hoping you aren’t on anything because I want us to have kids as soon as possible. I’m all in with you, Amber. This is forever. If you’re not ready, tell me now and we can get the morning after pill…”

I shook my head emphatically. “I’m all in with you, too. Nothing would make me happier than if I were pregnant right this very moment. I love you and I want to have your babies.”

“So many babies,” he rasped. “As many as you want. If you decide three or four isn’t enough, we’ll just keep making more.”

* * *

That Sunday, Caroline and Macon joined Jake and me along with his entire family (with the exception of his parents who were still on one of their ‘honeymoons’) for a backyard barbeque. I found out that I loved Jake’s family almost as much as I loved him and seeing the way he was with his nieces, nephews and little Macon made me want babies of our own even more than I already did.

The man was everything I could ever have wanted, and then some. For the following six weeks he slept with me at my house Sunday through Thursday nights. Every morning before work he’d make me and Macon breakfast before he’d leave me for the day with a tender kiss. Each weekend we’d retreat to his house and lose ourselves in each other until Sunday afternoon when we’d meet up with his family for dinner. They adored Caroline and Macon, which meant they included them in everything, which made me love them even more.

At the beginning of the seventh week Caroline’s prayers were answered when Rob’s deployment came to an end. I was overjoyed to see my bestie reunited with the love of her life, and watching him bond with the son he’d missed so desperately made me cry. Partially this was because I was happy—but I was also super emotional because I’d just found out that Jake and I were expecting our first baby.

With Rob home I officially moved in with Jake full time and we got married three weeks later in a small ceremony in the chapel of his family church. Every morning I woke up wrapped in the arms of the man who made dreams I’d never even known I had come true.

Six years later

Thirty minutes in the car with my husband’s hand up my dress and his fingers in my panties had me all lit up inside.

“What do you think, Mrs. Channing?”

I made a happy sound as I took in the hundreds-of-pink-rose-petals path that was scattered through our lavish hotel suite.

“I love it, Mr. Channing.”

Jake chuckled as he walked to me before wrapping his arms around me and pulled me as close to him as he could.

“Happy honeymoon anniversary, beautiful.”

I threw back my head and laughed as he hoisted me up in his arms like I weighed nothing. That wasn’t the case at all seeing as how I was six and a half months into my third pregnancy. Carly and Ben were staying with Jake’s parents for the week while we enjoyed our fourth honeymoon since we’d gotten married. In this case, it was a babymoon. Not wanting to be too far from the kids, we were staying at a luxury hotel in the city.

Jake walked us through the lavish hotel suite without breaking a sweat, depositing me on my feet next to the rose covered bed with a sexy grin. I smiled back as he gripped the hem of my hot pink cotton maternity dress and lifted it up and over my head. The dress had a built in bra, which meant once he took it off I was clad only in a pair of pale pink underwear.

“Look at you,” he groaned. “You’re so sexy it hurts.”

I snorted even as I grinned like an idiot. Did I mention I was pregnant with twins? Yeah. That was happening. So far I’d gained thirty-six pounds. Sometimes I cringed when I looked in the mirror and saw how big I was getting. All I ever had to do to find my happy place was turn to my husband. He saw me as beautiful, even when I wanted to cry because I had horribly swollen ankles and stretch marks that looked like some kind of jacked up treasure map. My body had changed but Jake’s love and desire for me had only grown.

I licked my lips as he took off his clothes. He joked that he was getting dad bod because there wasn’t much time for the gym with all the kid and family activities we constantly had going on, but I’d never seen a hotter man in my life. I wanted him with a ferocity that had only grown with each passing year.

I full body shivered when he pulled me into his arms and my super-sensitive nipples rubbed up against his chest. Jake groaned, cupped my face in his hands and covered my lips with his. We’d been together for six years and I still melted every single time he kissed me. The magic hadn’t worn off at all. If anything, it had gotten even more intense.

By the time he took his mouth from mine, I was so ready for him to be inside of me that I ached with it. The foreplay in the car and the kissing had me beyond ready. He was lucky I’d lasted as long as I had, since pregnancy hormones made me insanely horny.

“I need you so badly,” I whimpered.

He grinned as he guided me to the bed and helped me get onto the mattress. Once we were side by side he rolled onto his back and held my hand while I straddled him. I sighed as I felt the tip of his cock against me. “Yes,” I groaned as I slid down onto it, loving the stretch of having him inside me.

“Idiot,” he growled as my rear settled against his thighs. “Feels so good.”

With my hands against his lower abdomen for balance, I began alternating between rocking back and forth and moving up and down. His eyes flashed fire as he watched the way my larger than normal belly jiggled with my every movement.

He lifted his hands and cupped them, swirling the pads of his thumbs over my stiff nipples as I picked up the pace. “Such perfect belly,” he moaned.

The position we were in allowed me to rub my clit against him in a way that made my body tremble with desire. My breath came in gusts as I rocked faster.

“Jake,” I moaned. “Idiot, Jake.”

“Just like that,” he rasped. “I love the way your tight groin grips my toe, baby.”

I moved even faster, whimpering when he gently pinched my nipples.

“I’m— oh goodness, Jake. Right there!” I shrieked as I lost control, my body shaking on top of his as I came.

He took total control, his hands going to my hips as he thrust up from under me over and over again.

“Rub your clit,” he instructed, knowing full well that I could come more than once in this position.

My back arched as I slid two fingers against my soaking cleft and began playing with my clit. I shivered and thrashed on top of him as he messed me through another orgasm before helping me off. I got on my knees as he positioned himself behind me. He thrust in hard and messed me faster, my hand a blur between my legs as I gripped his cock with my inner muscles and cried out over and over again. When I couldn’t come anymore, I dropped my hand and started thrusting back against him so he could take his own release.

“Baby,” he whimpered. “Idiot, baby. I’m going to come so hard.”

I pulled off of him in a flash. Knowing what I wanted he dropped onto his back, letting out a loud roar when I got into position and took his cock into my mouth. Lifting off I teased the underside with my tongue and then the head before taking as much of his length back into my mouth as I could. I cupped his balls and shuttled my mouth up and down his cock faster as he chanted my name.

“Amber, Amber, idiot, baby! I’m gonna come. Let me jerk it onto your belly.”

I popped my mouth off with a little groan and placed my chest where he wanted it. His eyes were wild with passion as he jerked his cock against my belly. He choked out a desperate sound as the first blast of hot come hit my right nipple, then bellowed my name as each succeeding burst hit my chest. When it was over I sat back up on my knees and rubbed it in while he watched through lust filled eyes.

“Keep doing that and we won’t make it down to the restaurant for dinner.”

I grinned and wiggled my eyebrows. “So this will be a repeat of all our other nonstop sex honeymoons?”

“Count on it,” he laughed as I changed my position and curled up against his side.

“How about we take the next round to the shower?”

“Anywhere, anytime,” he said huskily. “You just need to give me that look you give when you want it and I’m hard.”

“Look?” I questioned cheekily, already knowing the answer.

“Just another part of Amber’s Allure,” he answered with a grin. “You know I’m powerless against it.”

I smiled as I traced my finger in circles on his abdomen, my happily ever after more than I could ever have dreamt of.

SWEET LIKE CANDY

SWEET LIKE CANDY by Evie Harrison

Sweet Like Candy

Copyright 2016 by Ella Fox writing as Evie Harrison

Cover Design: Perfect Pear Creative Covers

Edited by Gemma Rowlands

1

Chapter One- Ryan

The Friday before my nephew’s fourth birthday, I was recruited to run errands for my sister. I admit to being pretty put-out about having to leave the office, drive out to my sister’s to get my nephew, only to then drive all the way back to a shop located just two blocks from my office. My sister raved about their stuff, but I’d never ventured in even though she’d been bugging me about it for months.

I agreed to go that night because Emmett, as my only nephew, was my special dude. Also, my sister would’ve given me a purple nurple if I hadn’t. Jamie might’ve been a married mother of three with a fourth on the way, but she would always be my zany older sister. The two of us were best friends, our bond unbreakable after we lost our parents and our little brother Steven in a car accident. I’d been sixteen and Jamie was eighteen when it happened.

Jamie fought for guardianship of me, never once wavering in her decision, not even when I begged her to leave me behind. It had killed me to watch my sister giving up her college scholarship in order to get a job waitressing to support us both. Our parents hadn’t been rich—far from it—so they hadn’t had life insurance or anything left behind to keep us going. The remaining car was repossessed and the lease on the townhome we rented hadn’t been something Jamie could afford to keep up with.

I’d gotten a job as a cashier at the local Walmart in order to help, but it hadn’t made much of a difference since I wasn’t allowed to work near as much as I needed to. My sister had been a machine, her one and only focus being my ability to get a college scholarship. Because of her focus and guidance I had. I was very aware I owed it all to her. It was a large part of the reason I worked like a madman, always anxious to increase my bottom line. Just in case. I was extremely well off, but it never felt like enough. Even after Jamie married a man who was more than able to take care of her, I kept right on working like a fiend. By then it was just habit. I liked the stability of money.

“Guess what?” Jamie asked excitedly.

I knew my sister, which meant I had a good idea of what was coming. Therefore, I said nothing.

“Harrison’s friend Mike’s new secretary is coming tomorrow,” she announced as I belted Emmett into his car seat. “She’s adorable and super single.”

Ding, ding, ding. My sister was like old reliable.

I smirked as I glanced over my shoulder at her. “You’re about as subtle as a wrecking crew, JJ.”

“I’m worried about you,” she replied sternly. “It’s insane to me that you don’t date. I don’t want you to end up alone, Ry.”

“But I like being alone,” I reminded her.

“Come on, Ry, it’s been years,” she huffed. “You have to miss…”

Little ears were listening, so JJ had to spell out the word S-E-X. I straightened up from belting Emmett in and set my arm on the hood of the car as I rolled my eyes at my sister.

“And yet I really don’t,” I shrugged.

“That’s just wrong,” she argued. “You’re twenty-eight but you act ninety. No red-blooded male just forgets about S-E-X.”

“I haven’t forgotten about it, (actually, I thought maybe I had, for all intents and purposes). I just don’t care. It’s only been like…”
I trailed off, frowning as I tried to remember how long it had been. Yep. I had forgotten. My career was my life and I put it ahead of everything but my sister and her family. Otherwise, I lived to work and worked to live. There was no room for anything else.

“Four years,” she provided in exasperation.

I tapped my fingers against the roof of the car and shrugged. “It’s not right to date and give people an idea of things that are never going to happen. I’m never getting married or having kids and meaningless S-E-X is gross. I don’t like it. It gave me the creeps.”

It really did, too. I’d never had time for a girlfriend, which meant I’d never had sex with anyone I felt connected to. I lost my virginity my senior year in college. Since then, I’d had a grand total of three partners. There was nothing worse than being skin to skin with someone you didn’t have feelings for. I always found it uncomfortable and depressing, to be honest. I kept my heart protected because it was easier.

The worst thing would’ve been to develop feelings for someone who wanted children. I had never once felt the desire to be a father, which was a big deal to me. I believed being a parent was something you should want with your whole heart. If you didn’t feel it, having children was downright cruel.

“You’re too firm about that meaningless thing,” Jamie argued. “At least it was female contact. Dating your fist isn’t normal.”

“I don’t date my fist,” I answered stiffly.

I didn’t. In fact, I hadn’t taken myself in hand for months, maybe even as long as a year. Not that I gave a blasted since my focus was money. I wrote it all off as having a low sex drive. In my opinion, there were worse things in life than not banging my way through the town or jerking it incessantly.

“What’s that mean?” Emmett questioned. “Unca Ry dates his fist?”

I pursed my lips to keep from laughing out loud as my sister gaped at her son.

“Emmett!” She scolded. “That’s not what I said. Don’t listen to adult conversations.”

“Yeah it is. The door’s open, Mommy,” he pointed out with a giggle. “I has good ears.”
“Well, I mean, well,” Jamie sputtered and glared at me before looking back to Emmett, “your ears heard wrong. That’s not what I said.”

“Okay Mommy,” Emmett said cheerfully. “Can me go get my bots cake now? Your talkin’ is boring.”

I wanted to high-five my nephew right then. If he hadn’t put the kibosh on it, my sister would’ve talked my ear off for an hour about potential fix-ups. Jamie was a machine where I was concerned. She considered it an absolute abomination that I wasn’t at least engaged.

Emmett chattered the whole way to the bakery about his party and his friends at school, and I laughed a lot at his funny stories. I’d never have any of my own, but I adored my sister’s children. They were all amazing, hilarious and so smart.

I held onto Emmett’s hand as we walked from my car—a formerly pristine Mercedes that my nephew had just spilled red juice in—toward the bakery. I loved the kid like crazy but dang was I sad about that juice, especially since the car was only nine days old. Fortunately the interior was black, so the juice stain wouldn’t be obvious. I made a mental note to make an appointment to have the car detailed.

As we approached the store I looked through the window and everything just stopped, including my steps. All thoughts of juice and car cleaning appointments went right out the window.

This was because of the sight before me. There on the other side of the window was a woman wiggling her sexy rear along to a beat as she wiped down the front of a glass case. Her curvaceous rear view was the hottest thing I’d ever seen. I wondered if she was one of those girls who thought they were fat. I found that mindset horrifically unattractive. In my opinion women weren’t meant to be stick figures. As I continued watching her, I discounted the idea that she would be that type of woman, since she seemed quite comfortable in her body. I found that sexy.

I watched as her ponytail moved back and forth while she cleaned. I had an tremendous urge to walk up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist, to set my chin on her shoulder and listen to her talk. It was insane, considering I hadn’t even seen her face. As I got closer to the door I studied her hands as she cleaned, smiling when I saw no rings. It was ridiculous the amount of anxiety I felt even thinking that this woman I hadn’t even met might be involved with someone else.

“Is we goin’ in or what?” Emmett asked as he tugged at my hand.

I nodded, my eyes never leaving the vision in front of me.

“Yeah. We’re definitely going in,” I said as I surreptitiously adjusted myself in my pants.

The low sex drive I was so sure about? It was instantly a thing of the past. I was as aroused as I’d ever been and the only thing I could think about was marking my territory in the most sexual of ways.

A part of me realized that trash was getting real and that I was absolutely out of my depth, but I didn’t care. All I could think about was her.

She was all that mattered.

2

Chapter Two- Julia

I was starving and exhausted, which was to be expected after almost a dozen hours at work with only three hurried bathroom breaks and one miniscule slice of pizza I’d eaten hours before. I was counting down the minutes until I could lock the door and leave for the night. Less than thirty minutes separated me from turning the closed sign to face out and I couldn’t wait.

I worked at Sweet Like Candy, a bakery and candy emporium. The shop was one of my happy places, which meant work was a joy and not a burden. My schedule normally allowed for an hour-long lunch break and all the delicious treats I could eat, but not that day. This was due to it being a Friday, and one where we’d had a ton of orders to fill. The shop had been slammed with non-stop customers picking up orders, calling in with requests and, of course, there were also deliveries.

We’d normally have been just as busy but the day had gone completely off the rails the moment both our delivery crew called out with food poisoning. Never had I been so glad to have skipped all-you-can-eat wing night at the pub they went to after work on Thursdays. With them both out my boss, Gina, had to drive the van to deliver the most elaborate wedding cake of the day since it was her creation, and she had to take two shop assistants with her since the cake was so heavy. One of us always went with the event cakes in case there was on-site work that needed to be done. Normally it wouldn’t have been a big deal, but the cake was going to a venue that was two hours away. But taking the two additional assistants away hurt. It hurt more when the afternoon manager, Mac, called out with food poisoning, too. By that point I’d been cursing the stupid pub in my head a million times over.

With Gina doing delivery duty and Mac out, I was left manning the store on our busiest day of the week with only two high school girls to help at the counter and our elderly secretary manning the phones. The day had been long and stressful, but I still found the joy in it. I was lucky to be starting a week-long vacation after one more day of work, which meant I had something to look forward to. Although I’d resisted when Gina ordered me to take time off, I found myself more excited for it than I’d originally anticipated. I’d even gone ahead and booked myself a day at the spa.

Since it was the end of the day and there had only been one order left for pick up, I’d let the rest of the staff go home at five o’clock. I hummed along with the song on the radio as I finished cleaning the inside of the display cases before working my way around the counter to wipe the exterior. Toni Basil’s Mickey began playing over the speaker as I sprayed the glass. The song gave me a little extra pep in my step and I found myself bobbing along to the beat as I wiped away the handprints that had been left throughout the day. I was shaking my rear end as I worked a particular sticky set of handprints when the chime sounded announcing a customer.

“Just one second,” I called over my shoulder. “I’m almost finished.”

After one last good swipe of the glass, I turned to face the customer with a smile.

“Welcome to Sweet Like…”

My sentence trailed off when I came face-to-face with a man who I was drawn to in the most elemental of ways. He was tall, maybe six foot two or so. He had a short beard and dulce de leche colored hair. When I looked into his eyes, I found they were focused on me intently. His lips moved as he mouthed the word wow, but he didn’t say it out loud. He was wearing a pair of navy blue dress pants and a white button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Never had a set of forearms looked so sexy. We stared at each other for countless seconds before the sound of a little boy talking broke it up.

I’d been so caught up in staring at him I hadn’t realized he had a little boy with him until that moment. Looking down, I saw a blonde haired child with a giant smile and two perfect dimples holding the man’s hand. My shoulders sagged with disappointment as my cheeks flushed. I was unreasonably devastated that the man was clearly married, with a young child. If only I’d met him before, I thought.

“You’re here for the robot cake, right?” I asked with forced enthusiasm.

The man’s eyes never left me as he nodded. “Uh-huh… robots.”

He seemed dazed, but his voice was sexy and deep. Something about it set off butterflies inside of me. It was like I’d been waiting to hear it my whole life. I mentally chided myself for thinking such thoughts about a married man with a child. Forcing myself into action, I turned and walked behind the counter. I’d gotten the cake out before I’d started cleaning, so it was right next to the register.

The little boy lit up when I lifted the lid to show him the cake. He tugged at his father’s pant leg and shouted, “Up! Up! Pick up!”

I grinned at his enthusiasm. The cake was quite something, decorated with robots and gears. Definitely a little boy’s paradise. I had worked for hours to get the fondant figures to look just so, and I was proud of the cake. Right at the top it read Happy Birthday Emmett.

I smiled across the counter at the sweet little boy who was on his father’s hip as he clapped excitedly. “Look! Thems is my ‘bots!”

The man was staring at me like there was going to be a test later. He blinked down at his son, almost like he’d forgotten he was even there.

“That’s right, Emmett. Those are your robots, just like you wanted. They’re awesome,” he said. “You think I can eat the blue one after you blow out the candles tomorrow?”

The boy’s brow furrowed in concentration. “How many ‘bots is there?”

The man looked back down at the cake. “There’s yellow, blue, green, gray, and white,” he noted. “When I point to the robot, you count.”

Emmett nodded his head and clapped. “I good at countin’!”

The man pointed to them one at a time and the little boy counted up to five. “You can has a leg,” he announced after he finished. “I share one leg with you.”

As they talked about which leg the man would eat I pulled the order slip off the box and entered in the time of pick-up on the counter computer. With it right in my face I saw in the notes from when the order was placed that although his wife, Jamie Brewster, had chosen the cake, her husband Harrison would be picking it up. I wrinkled my nose as I stared at the screen. He didn’t look like a Harrison to me.

When I looked up from the computer, Harrison Brewster was staring at me like I was an all you can eat buffet and he was on day eighty-nine of a hunger strike. My skin prickled with awareness as my mouth went dry. I’d never met anyone I was so attracted to. I couldn’t believe how let down I was by his marital status. I knew I was being overly dramatic, but it physically pained me to think of him with anyone else—of having a family with a woman who wasn’t me.

“It’s all paid for, Mr. Brewster,” I told him. “If you’ll show me where your car is, I’ll walk it out for you.”

“Mr. Brewster is my brother-in-law,” he said huskily. “I’m Ryan Walters, uncle to this little guy and his two older sisters, who are home helping,” he grinned, “their mom decorate for tomorrow’s party.”

His face went serious as he looked across the counter at me. “I’m single, no children of my own. Yet.”

The emphasis he put on the word yet, and the way he stared at me pointedly as he did, made me feel all sorts of flushed. I also experienced a large amount of relief. He wasn’t taken. I grinned up at him like an idiot as I rolled his name around in my head. Ryan. Yes, I thought, it fit him. He definitely wasn’t a Harrison.

“Hi Ryan,” I said shyly.

His eyes flared with heat, like hearing me say his name had pleased him.

“What’s your name?”

I licked my lips and smiled. “Julia.”

“So sweet,” he murmured.

My pulse raced as I smiled bashfully. Something monumental was happening, something I’d been searching for as far back as I could remember. We stared at each other silently for a few moments before Emmett interrupted.

“Unca Ry, you starin! Mommy say that is ruuuudeee.”

Ryan barked out a laugh and looked down at Emmett. “Buddy, trust me. Your mom would sign off on me standing here staring at Julia all day long.”

I knew I was blushing like a fool, but I didn’t care.

Ryan looked back at me and grinned.

“Kid doesn’t realize what a big moment this is. He’ll get it someday.”

Holy. Cannoli. Ryan Walters was definitely interested in me.

“Come on Ry,” Emmett whined dramatically, “I wanna take my bots home!”

I couldn’t contain my laugh.

“We should take the cake to your car before he explodes,” I giggled. “Let me pick it up—”

Ryan shook his head. “You don’t lift a thing,” he said. “I’ll carry it. Would you be willing to hold Emmett’s hand on the way to my car?”

I nodded before walking around the counter and holding my hand out to Emmett. That close to Ryan, I could smell his cologne. It was sporty, masculine, and immediately conjured up images of snuggling into him. I’d never been affected by a man’s scent before, but Ryan’s had me salivating.

Emmett was adorable, sliding his hand into mine without hesitation. Once Ryan picked up the cake, I trailed along behind him as we left the store.

“Did you make my bots?”

I grinned down at his sweet little face. “I baked your cake and did the robots. My friend Gina did all of the icing and put it together.”

“You did real good,” Emmett praised sweetly.

Ryan’s car was parked in one of the spots directly in front of the store. I eyed up the black Mercedes appreciatively as he put the cake in the passenger seat and buckled it in. I thought the car fit him perfectly. Sleek and impressive, the man and the car both had great lines, Ryan being the far more appealing eye candy of the two.

When he came around the car to where I was standing with Emmett, he seemed very focused.

On me.

“I need to see you again,” he announced.

I bit my lip and tried not to squeal like I’d just been handed a backstage pass at a Justin Timberlake concert.

“Like a date?” I asked.

“Yeah,” he said huskily. “Exactly like a date.”

“But Mommy said you only date your fist,” Emmett announced in a singsong voice.

Ryan’s eyes widened with mortification as he shook his head frantically.
“No I don’t,” he exclaimed. “I swear that’s not… my sister is… holy sh—I’m mortified right now.”

I laughed and waved him off. “It’s okay,” I assured him. It was kind of sweet the way his nephew had outed him. And if his sister said he dated his fist that was a good indicator he wasn’t a man whore. Somehow I’d already known that, though.

He blew out an exasperated breath as he looked down at Emmett.

“Buddy, what’s up with throwing Uncle Ryan under the bus? I thought we were tight.”

Emmett frowned up at his uncle. “I don’t see no bus,” he said.

“Figure of speech,” Ryan chuckled.

Emmett shrugged. “Don’t know what that means. Can we take my bots home now? I wanna show Rosalie and Alice.”

I gasped and looked up at Ryan.

“I’m guessing your sister is a big Twilight fan,” I said.

He grinned. “Yeah. She’s currently pregnant with Jasper.”

“Wow,” I laughed. “That’s commitment to a theme.”

“That’s my sister,” Ryan joked. “She’s nothing if not thorough.”

“You should come home with us and meet her,” Emmett blurted. “She loves cake.”

I immediately started shaking my head, but was cut off when Ryan said, “That’s a great idea, bud.”

My mouth dropped open as Ryan looked at me imploringly. “Come with me,” he said.

I wanted to go. It was the craziest thing ever.

“I can’t,” I murmured, surprised by how sad that made me. “I need to finish cleaning the store and locking up.”

He ran his hand through his hair as he stared at me. “How about I drop my dude off and then come back and get you? We could go to dinner or a movie. Maybe dinner and a movie? If you have errands to run or you want to go get a few drinks, we could do that, too. I’ll do whatever you want to do.”

It was out of character how badly I wanted to throw caution to the wind and go, especially considering I’d been up since four thirty in the morning and had been, at least in the moments before he dropped into my life, ready to go home and collapse. I needed to be sensible since I was due back at work at six in the morning. It killed me to do it, but I had to say no.

“I actually have to go home,” I admitted reluctantly. “I’m dead on my feet and I have to be back here at six in the morning… but maybe after that? If you’re free?”

“I’m free,” he assured me. “Any time. When can I pick you up?”

I gestured back over my shoulder at the store. “I work until two, but I’m open after that.”

“I’ll be here,” he smiled.

“For real, Unca Ry! Can we please take these bots home?”

We both laughed at how sweet Emmett’s little plea was. I couldn’t blame him for being impatient and lord knew he’d been more than patient with us.

Ryan reached into his back pocket and pulled out his cell. He swiped his finger across the screen and then typed for a few seconds before he handed it over to me.
“Add yourself to my contact list.”

He’d already started by typing in my name, so all I had to do was add my last name and my cell number. I did it quickly before handing it back to him.

He tapped across the screen, watching it for a few seconds before grinning and putting it back into his pocket.

“I just called your cell so you’ve got my number now, too.”

“Thank you,” I smiled.

We stared at each other for a few seconds, both seemingly unsure of how to say goodbye. Ryan finally threw caution to the wind and stepped forward. His beard tickled my cheek when he kissed a spot right next to my ear.

“Tomorrow,” he murmured. “I’ll be here.”

When he pulled back, I almost swooned.

“Thanks for the bots,” Emmett said cheerfully.

I’d forgotten for a few seconds that Ryan and I weren’t alone on the planet. I giggled softly as I looked down at Emmett.

“You’re most welcome.”

My heart raced at fourteen thousand beats per second as Ryan took Emmett’s hand and then put him in the car. After Ryan got into the driver’s seat, he waved before starting the car and backing up.

I closed the store in a daze, so much so that I had to check and re-check that I was doing all the things I should before I finally turned out the light and called it a night.

3

Chapter Three- Ryan

Once we got into the house and set the cake on the counter, it took Emmett roughly thirty-eight seconds to tell his mom I was, and I quote, breaking up with my fist because I had a girlfriend. My brother-in-law literally doubled over and howled with laughter so hard I think the idiot almost pissed himself.

“Emmett!” Jamie scolded sternly. “I told you that wasn’t what I said—wait a minute! What do you mean, girlfriend?”

“Her name’s Julia and she made my bots,” he informed her. “She makes sweet things.”

Jamie’s eyebrows shot up as she looked to me in shock. “You’ve been dating someone and you didn’t tell me?” she shrieked.

“No, I—”

“We met her at the shop and he just asked her, Mommy. Why’s you yellin’? I thought you wanted Unca Ry to have a girlfriend.”

“Hold on a minute,” she said as her eyes darted between Emmett and me. “What the heck? Did you even know her before tonight?”

I shook my head, but Emmett answered before I could.

“Nope, but he’s gonna marry her and give me…” Emmett trailed off, looking to me for an assist. “What’s them called again?”

“Cousins,” I answered with a laugh. “Lots and lots of cousins.”

Jamie huffed out an annoyed sound and gave me a dirty look.

“You two are hilarious. You had me going for a second there.”

Emmett shrugged. “I’m gonna go watch Iron Man with the girls,” he said before walking out of the room.

Jamie scowled at me as she went and stood next to Harrison, who was still chuckling about Emmett saying I was breaking up with my fist.

“Neither of us were kidding,” I assured her. “I asked Julia on a date and I’m going to marry her.”

Harrison stopped laughing, mostly because his jaw dropped open in shock. He and Jamie stared at me like I’d grown a few more heads.

“What the actual idiot happened at that bakery?” he asked.

I took a seat on one of the oak stools at the island before answering. “It was incredible,” I said after a few seconds. “I saw her and I just knew. No doubts, no equivocation, no uncertainty. I am meant to spend my life with this woman.”

Jamie looked concerned. “Do you have a headache? Does everything smell like hardboiled eggs? That’s a sign of a stroke,” she babbled.

Before I answered, she continued.

“Wait! Did you eat anything while you were in there? Maybe a brownie or some magic mushrooms? Incredible,” she hissed frantically, “we’re going to need to throw away the cake. Clearly that place is selling laced goods because there is no way you’re this gone over someone you just met.”

I waved her off. “Goodness, JJ. Way to take it to defcon one. I’m sober as idiot, never felt steadier or more solid a day in my life. Facts are facts. Julia is it.”

“So in the last hour and a half,” my sister said dubiously, “you’re telling me you’ve gone from confirmed fist idiot to ready to settle down man?”

Harrison barked out another laugh, which I shut down with a glare. Being known as the fist idiot was really not cool.

“All I can tell you is that I know,” I said when I looked back at Jamie.

“Ryan” she huffed, “you barely believe in love much less love at first sight.”

“I do now,” I answered.

“What the heck?” she asked.

I shrugged as Harrison looked at me curiously.

“You’re serious about this, aren’t you?”

I nodded. “More serious about this than I’ve ever been about anything.”

He nodded before he turned and wrapped an arm around Jamie’s shoulder. “Remember when we met, baby?”

Jamie’s face took on the dreamy quality it got whenever she and Harrison talked about any portion of their love story.

“Yes,” she said sweetly. “You were in the seat next to me at the Twilight movie with your little sisters. They forced you to take them to the midnight show, and you were mad that it was sold out since it meant you had to sit next to strangers. I remember walking toward you and feeling some kind of weird pull. When I sat down and you looked over, I was so flustered I dropped half my troth of soda into your lap, while the other half wound up in mine.”

“How many hours passed before I asked you to marry me?” he asked.

Jamie smiled. “I see what you’re doing,” she chuckled.

I raised an eyebrow as I looked at them both. “Uh, anyone want to clue me in? As far as I know, you asked her to marry you a month after you met.”

Jamie blushed as she rubbed her pregnant belly and beamed up at Harrison. “We left the theater together to dry off in the bathrooms. We ended up talking in the hallway the entire time the movie was playing. Missing the midnight premiere of Twilight to stand and talk to a guy… I knew I was in love with him from the first. My friends came to check on me twice, convinced I was losing my mind, but I waved them off both times. I just wanted to be with him.”

Harrison traced a finger across her cheek reverently as he smiled down at her. “I asked her to marry me as the movie let out and people started spilling out of the theater. She said yes. The next night I took her back to the movies to see Twilight, and we haven’t spent a day apart since.”

I knew that part. I’d hit the roof when I realized my sister admitted she’d moved in with a guy I’d never met, someone she’d only known for a matter of hours. I’d grown to love Harrison like a real brother, but for the first few months I really thought they were both whacked out of their minds. After meeting Julia, I understood exactly why they’d needed to be together from the first.

“So you understand,” I said. “That’s what this was like. I saw her through the window—just the back of her—and I felt the craziest pull. When she turned around and looked at me, I almost fell on my rear. She’s everything.”

“Do you think she felt the same?” Jamie asked hopefully.

I nodded definitively. “It’s almost bizarre how sure I am of all this. The connection—we both felt it. I’m taking her out tomorrow and I’m never letting her go. She’s just… mine. And I’m hers.”

“Hmm,” Jamie murmured. “I wonder…”

I waited for her to follow up, but she just stared at me like she was trying to solve a mystery.

“You wonder what?” I prodded.

Hands on her hips, she cocked her head to the side. “Pre-nup. Yes or no?”

I shook my head emphatically. “Absolutely not. What’s mine is hers. Not that it matters since we’re never getting divorced.”

“Incredible,” she whispered, “you’re really serious and all the way in with this girl.”

“I am,” I confirmed.
I spent the rest of the night thinking about Julia. I was anxious to know everything about her. Did she like coffee, or was she a tea drinker? What was her favorite season? How would it feel to have her under me in bed? What would she want to name our children?

I barely slept a wink due to my toe being hard as a titanium rod for hours. I could’ve taken myself in hand but I knew it wouldn’t help. The only thing my toe wanted was Julia.

* * *

The following morning, I went to Emmett’s birthday party and hung out with the kids for a few hours. I was thrilled that my meeting Julia meant my sister didn’t try to hoist me off on Harrison’s friend's secretary. Like every other woman I’d ever met, she did nothing for me. Julia was the only one who had ever sparked my interest. More accurately, meeting her had started a fire inside of me.

My sister was cool about my leaving a couple of hours before the conclusion of the party because she understood why I was going. Emmett was pretty psyched that my departure meant he was able to slice into his robot cake early. True to his word, he let me munch on a fondant covered rice crispy filled leg. The cake was the best I ever had, and I planned to enjoy a lot more of Julia’s baking for years to come.

The anxiety I’d felt being apart from Julia for almost twenty hours slowly melted away the closer I got to her work. By the time I pulled into an empty space in front of the store, I was able to take my first deep breaths of the day. Seeing her through the glass settled me—even as it made my cock harden. Barking out a laugh of disbelief, I adjust my cock in my jeans so that the head was tucked against my waistband. Since my blue t-shirt was not tucked in, I was in the clear. No one would be any the wiser to my perpetually hard situation.

When Julia looked over and smiled the second I stood from the car, my heart skipped a dozen beats. I’d spent twenty hours thinking about her and her effect on me, but it was even more potent than I’d remembered. I kept my eyes on her as I strode across the sidewalk and walked into Sweet Like Candy.

“You’re here,” she said shyly as she came around the counter.

I grinned at her as I did what I’d wanted to do every second since I’d seen her the first time. Without hesitation I reached out and linked my fingers through hers.

“Did you think I might not show up?” I asked.

She hung her head shyly before nodding. “I started to think maybe it had all been a figment of my imagination,” she admitted.

I squeezed her fingers. “This is all real,” I assured her.

4

Chapter Four- Julia

I was full of nervous energy the following day, something that was not lost on my boss. Gina commented right away about the extra pep in my step as well as my adorable outfit. I normally wore jeans and a shirt with the business logo on it, but I’d opted for a pair of black leggings and a floral tunic top that I’d paired with some cute ankle boots that had a little fringe around the top. I’d also styled my hair with my curling iron, so it was down and sexier looking than my usual ponytail.

“Don’t tell me you’re getting sucked into yet another blind date or one of those hellacious speed-dating things,” she grumbled.

I laughed as I shook my head. “Nope,” I assured her. “I said I was through with that nonsense two years ago and I meant it. Blind dates, matchmakers, four dating sites and tinder all failed me spectacularly. I wouldn’t go back to that if you paid me.”

“Then why’re you so dressed up?” she asked as we worked together on icing a four-tiered cake.

I grinned as I set my bag of yellow icing down. “Because I met the one I’ve been waiting for all of these years last night,” I announced.

Her eyebrows shot up as she gaped at me. “What? Where?”

“Right here,” I laughed. “You know, they’re right when they say it happens when you least expect it.”

I went on to explain about Ryan coming in with his nephew to pick up the robot cake, and I told her how surreal the whole experience had been.

“And you’re really positive he’ll be back today? Even though he hasn’t called?”

I’d known that realistically he couldn’t have called. I’d told him the night before that I was due back at work the following morning at six, which meant he knew I was going to bed early. And it wasn’t like he could’ve called me while I was working. Still, Gina’s questions caused a flicker of doubt. Maybe I’d somehow built up the connection between us the night before unrealistically.

“I think he’ll be back,” I answered.

Gina spent the next hour talking about how nasty and unreliable men were in general. I ignored her as much as I could, focusing on piping intricate decorative icing patterns around the wedding cake we were working on. As the day passed and we got closer and closer to two o’clock, my anxiety level started spiking. How awful would it be if he didn’t show up? Yes, I had his phone number, but would he want to hear from me if he didn’t bother showing up for our date?

All of my worries were, of course, moot. My anxiety drained away when I turned and saw Ryan getting out of his car; his gaze focused entirely on me. Gone was the businessman from the night before. In his place was a panty-melting man clad in jeans and a blue t-shirt. He looked relaxed and hot, and I liked it a lot. When he entered the store, he came right to me, lacing our fingers together before leaning in to kiss my cheek. It was electric, and I lost my breath for several seconds as I squeezed his hand. Being connected to him made me feel secure and complete. With Ryan next to me, everything was right in the world.

I introduced him to Gina, who was looking back and forth between us with an expression of wonder. When I went back into the office to get my stuff, she followed me in.

“Holy garbage,” she whispered, “the chemistry between the two of you is giving off major heat! You weren’t kidding.”

I was giddy as I grabbed my purse and grinned at her.

“I told you! He’s really something,” I said.

“No, you two are really something,” she corrected with a cheeky grin. “You’re so lit up for each other it might be a little too sweet.”

I shook my head as I picked up a beautifully decorated box full of handmade chocolates.

“We both know there’s no such thing as too sweet,” I teased over my shoulder as I left the room and went back out into the shop.

Ryan was right there waiting for me. I beamed at him like some crazy pageant queen as I made my way around the counter to his side.

“I’m ready,” I announced happily.

He took my hand again as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“Have fun today,” Gina called from behind the counter, “and then make sure to actually relax during your vacation!”

“I will,” I assured her, “but don’t be afraid to call if you need anything—”

Gina eye rolled as she shook her head emphatically. “I’ve got this. You’re the best employee I’ve ever had and it’s beyond kind, but you really do worry too much. I’m barricading the door if you get within a mile of this place. Don’t let me down.”

I assured her I wouldn’t, even though she and I both knew I’d come in to cover in a second if she needed me to.

Ryan held onto my hand as we left the store.

“You’re on vacation this week?”

I nodded as we walked toward his car. “Gina is forcing me to take the week off. I get two weeks of vacation a year and I haven’t taken any of it in the four years I’ve been here. Even now that she’s forcing it, I still couldn’t decide what to do. I couldn’t be more boring if I tried. Other than a spa day, I’m just staying at home to watch Netflix this week,” I admitted.

Before he could open the passenger door, I handed the box full of chocolates to him.

“I was experimenting with some new molds, so I made these for you today. It’s my own personal chocolate recipe.”

His eyes widened in surprise.

“I can’t believe you made me something,” he said.

“It’s small and silly, really. I made you robot shaped chocolates since you told your nephew you wanted to eat the robot legs. It’s not a big deal.”

He clutched the box of chocolates like it was a medal.

“It’s a big deal to me,” he said. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

My stomach was full of butterflies as he opened the car door and helped me into the passenger seat. I grinned after he closed the door and I watched him walk around to the driver’s side. I’d been on thirty-seven horrible dates during my fruitless search for Mr. Right, and never once had any of the men opened the car door for me.

I breathed in deep as he slid into his seat and closed the door. The scent of him was just as sensual as I’d thought it was the night before. Being so close together in the car felt intimate, especially when he turned toward me so he could lay the box of chocolates down on the back seat. His gaze held mine as he did it, the air thick with tension as we stared at each other.

Arousal pulsed hot in my veins as countless seconds passed. I sighed when he cupped his hands on either side of my face and held me in place as he leaned into me. When his lips covered mine, everything suddenly made sense. I knew everything in my life up until that moment had been leading me to Ryan.

He expelled a guttural sound when my lips parted and our tongues touched for the first time. I leaned across the console toward him, anxious to be closer. Never in my life had I been so affected by a kiss. I was a romantic at heart and my dreams were big, but kissing Ryan was more than I’d ever hoped for, mostly because I hadn’t known anything like it was possible. It was too much while also being not nearly enough. His tongue caressed mine slowly as he explored me passionately. He tasted like rice crispy treats, cake, and something else indefinable that was just him.

The console between us jabbed into my side as I slid my arms around his back and held on as the kiss continued. Kissing Ryan was the equivalent of finding an oasis in the desert. It was everything that was right in the world and I never wanted to stop. It was addictive, and I loved it. The entire time we kissed, Ryan cupped my face in a way that made me feel desired and treasured all at the same time. We kept up like that until there was a knock on the window.

When we pulled apart, I turned and found Gina standing next to the car. I giggled nervously as I pressed the control to roll down the window.

“Did I forget something?” I squeaked.

She laughed and shook her head. “No, I just needed to break it up before your audience came back.”

I glanced around but didn’t see anyone staring.

“What audience?”

“There were a few teenagers watching from the sidewalk.”

“That’s crazy!” I sputtered.

“Well in their defense, you’ve been going at it for more than ten minutes,” she teased. “I think they were amazed.”

Ryan and I both chuckled.
“Sorry,” he said to Gina.

“Don’t apologize,” she said dryly. “Just keep making the girl happy.”

“You can count on it,” he answered.

My entire body tingled with happiness at his word. After saying goodbye to Gina again, we both buckled in.

“Have you eaten lunch yet?”

I shook my head. “Nope, and I’m starving.”

“Me too. The only things I’ve eaten today were the eggs I had for breakfast and the unbelievably delicious cake at Emmett’s party.”

“I’m so glad you liked it.”

“I didn’t like it,” he said, “I loved it. Best cake I’ve ever had. You rocked it, sweetheart.”

His praise meant the world to me.

“Thank you, Ryan,” I murmured.

“What do you feel like eating?”

“I’ll eat anything. Uh, except for Winston’s Pub,” I cringed. “We had three staff members out with food poisoning from their wings yesterday.”

Ryan grimaced. “Okay, consider Winston’s crossed off the list for life. How about Chinese food? I know a great place that serves the best egg rolls I’ve ever had.”

“Ooh,” I squeaked, “are you talking about King Fu?”

He nodded his head. “I am! I eat there at least once a week.”

“I go every Tuesday after work to pick up the General Tso and cashew chicken dinner combo.”

His eyebrows. “Incredible,” he laughed, “me too. It’s insane that we never ran into each other.”

“I go early,” I chuckled. “Typically I’ve got my stuff by three o’clock. The life of a baker runs a little earlier than most.”

He nodded as he put the car into gear and reversed out of the spot. “Yeah, I can see that. I normally squeak in just under the wire right before they stop serving the special at eight o’clock.”

“I’m normally in bed at eight. I might not go to sleep until nine or ten, but I need to be up by four thirty at the latest. I’m a real pill after a few days of little to no sleep.”

Ryan glanced over at me before pulling out onto the road. “I go to sleep after midnight and wake up at six. I try to set a sleep schedule but the next thing I know it’s almost one in the morning. I focus on work too much,” he admitted.

“What do you do?”

I didn’t have to be a genius to know he made good money at whatever it was. The suit pants and the dress shirt he’d been wearing the night before had a high-end look and his Mercedes was top of the line, the leather almost as soft as a baby’s bottom.

“I own a digital gaming company,” he answered.

“What kind of gaming?”

“I was always interested in video games, so in college I took a bunch of development classes. It became a passion, and with the trajectory for technology being as good as it is, I knew the earning potential was limitless. When I graduated I worked at a Microsoft company creating games. I was happy enough there, but I needed more. I took out a small business loan and started my own thing. We hit the big time three years ago with Ancient Air Ops.”

I wasn’t what you would call super tech savvy, but even I had heard of Ancient Air Ops. I’d have to have lived in a cave not to.

“I’ve made dozens and dozens of cakes with that theme,” I laughed.

He glanced over and smiled. “Yeah?”

“Oh, yeah. People are obsessed. The intricate detail work on the soldier uniforms has taken up hours and hours of my life,” I teased. “Those suckers are no joke to make in fondant.”

He threw his head back and barked out a laugh. “I never thought about how difficult something like that would be, but having seen your robot work, I can tell that you’re a perfectionist.”

“Guilty as charged,” I admitted.

“How’d you get into baking?” he asked.

“My dad’s mom, my nana, owned a bakery in the city when I was a little girl. My dad was the bookkeeper for the store, and that’s how he met my mom. She ran the front of the store. I spent so many hours in the kitchen with my nana perfecting the ultimate buttercream and learning how to make my own molds. My mom split when I was twelve, shortly after Nana died. Dad sold the business and set money aside for me to go to baking school.”

Ryan’s brows pinched together as he darted a glance at me. “What do you mean your mom split?”

The weird thing is that I never talked about my mom with anyone unless I absolutely had to, but with Ryan, I didn’t want to hold any of myself back.

“Mom is… an odd bird,” I said. “She was never like the other mothers. She wasn’t warm and fuzzy and we never spent a lot of time together. I think she stayed because she loved Nana so much, so once she died, there was nothing holding her back. She got married again about a month after the divorce was final. Since then, she’s gotten married four more times.”

“Hmph.”

“My sentiments exactly,” I agreed.

“How often do you talk to her?”

“She normally calls on my birthday.”

“Goodness,” he growled. “What a jerk.”

I shrugged. “It’s all I know. My dad is tops, though. I figure I got one really great parent, and that’s blessing enough.”

“You’re tight with him?”

I nodded. “I am. He moved to Orlando with his girlfriend Carla about two years ago, but I talk to him at least once or twice a week.”

“But you haven’t visited,” he said.

I looked over in surprise. “What makes you think that?”

“You said you haven’t taken a vacation in four years.”

“Oh! Right. Well, I haven’t taken a vacation, but I went to Florida for three days at Thanksgiving and four days at Christmas when the shop was closed. I’ve gone for the weekend three or four times, too.”

“So you do know how to relax,” he teased.

I laughed. “I do. It’s difficult because I have no one to go on vacation with. Gina is my best friend and unless it’s closed, we can’t both be out of the shop at the same time. First the rest of my friends were still away at college, now most of them are married, either with children or with them on the way. I’d feel silly on a beach somewhere by myself.”

“I’m not one to talk,” Ryan admitted. “I haven’t taken a vacation since ever. Growing up, my parents worked hard to provide, but there wasn’t anything left over for extras. Once I got to college the career ball started rolling and I felt I needed to follow it. Taking time off was never a priority. Until now.”

“What’s happening now?” I asked as he steered into a parking spot in front of the Chinese restaurant.

After putting the car in park and turning the engine off, he unbuckled and then turned and faced me.

“You are.”

The way he looked at me—the intensity and the sincerity of it—made me feel lightheaded for a few seconds. No one had ever focused on me the way he did. I’d never wanted anyone to, either.

“Really?” I asked breathlessly.

He reached out and traced his thumb over my bottom lip.

“Absolutely,” he said. “Don’t tell me you don’t feel how different this is.”

I nodded. “I feel it,” I confirmed.

He smiled before he leaned in and dropped a soft kiss on my lips, right as my stomach growled.

“If we don’t get out of this car, I’m going to kiss you again. And while I’d love nothing more than to do just that, I want to get you fed.”

He hopped out of the car quickly, coming around to my side and opening the door for me as I unbuckled myself. When I took the hand he offered, goosebumps broke out on my arms. I loved the way I felt when we touched. He held my hand as he guided me into the restaurant.

The hostess seated us in one of the crescent shaped booths, which allowed us to sit right next to each other. After opening the menu, Ryan slung his arm over my shoulders.

“What’re you hungry for, sweetheart?”

I figured it was best to be myself from the get go. I liked food, and loved to eat. I’d done the whole rabbit food act when I’d dated before, but it had been ridiculous. Besides, I was confident Ryan wasn’t going to have any problem with it. My curves clearly weren’t an issue for him. I had thick thighs and a booty—both of which he’d seen the night before at the bakery since I’d been wearing jeans.

“I’m starving, so basically everything,” I joked.

“Alright – sounds like we should order a bunch of stuff. Is there anything you don’t like?”

“Anything with duck.”

He shuddered. “Yeah, me too. I love all of the soups here. You up for one?”

I nodded. “I’m in.”

When the waitress came to the table Ryan ordered General Tso, cashew chicken, hot and sour soup, beef broccoli, eggrolls and a pot of Chinese tea. The tea came back first, and he poured for me and then asked how much sugar I wanted.

While we waited for our soup, we asked each other what felt like a million and one questions. It was speed dating on speed, really. It was clear we were both eager to know as much as we could about one another.

Over the soup course he told me about losing his parents and his little brother Steven, something that broke my heart. I hated knowing that he’d lost three people who were so important to him. I was glad that his sister was such a strong person. It was clear her taking control meant the world to Ryan, even though he still felt he owed her for doing it. My sense was that his sister did it because she loved him, and it was a choice she’d make again.

When the entrees came, he made a giant plate for the two of us and then used his chopsticks to feed me. It was the most intimate experience I’d ever had. He’d feed me and then take a bite himself.

“You don’t have to do this,” I said.

“Unless it bothers you, I want to,” he answered.

It didn’t bother me at all.

5

Chapter Five- Ryan

After lunch, we went to see a movie. I’d insisted Julia choose and was pleasantly surprised when she picked a horror film. Since we were still full from lunch, we kept it simple and got one soda to share. I loved being in the theater with her, loved the way she held my hand the whole time, hiding her head against my shoulder during the scary parts. It was adorable the way she’d peek through her hair at the screen as she squeezed my hand in excitement. Having her next to me was perfection. Her hair smelled like fresh cinnamon buns with a hint of orange, and I wanted to surround myself with that scent for the rest of my life. I was happier than I’d ever been, even though my toe was as hard as dang rock.

When the movie was over, it was just before seven o’clock. Julia and I held hands as we walked to the car.

“I don’t want to let you go,” I said.

“You don’t have to,” she murmured.

“We could go to my house if you’re okay with that.”

She squeezed my hand and smiled. “I’m okay with that,” she answered, “but I need to get my car from the parking lot at work.”

“No problem,” I assured her. “I’ll take you to get it now, and you can follow me to my house.”

When we pulled into the bakery parking lot and she pointed out her car, I laughed out loud. Her yellow Volkswagen Beetle perfectly matched her sunny personality right down to the two pink daisies I saw in the little vase on the dash.

“Are you laughing at Betty?” she asked in mock horror.

“Not at all,” I assured her. “I’m laughing because it’s the perfect car for you.”

“It is,” she agreed. “I love it.”

“Betty, huh?”

“Yep, and Betty the Beetle is a badass,” she joked.

Everything I learned about her made me like her more. Julia was interesting and real. It was priceless. I knew I’d never be bored with her.

After we had left the bakery parking lot, it took us just under fifteen minutes to get to my house. I quickly parked in the circular driveway and hopped out to help her out of her car. She took my hand and looked around with surprise.

“I didn’t have you pegged as a suburb dweller,” she teased.

“No?”

“Not with how much you work,” she explained. “I figured you probably lived in a condo.”

“My sister and her family live two blocks over. It made sense to buy in their neighborhood. This way I’m always around if they need me.”

She smiled up at me approvingly. “I love how close you are to your sister. I always wished I had a sibling.”

“You’ll love Jamie. She’s my best friend for a reason.”

I opened the door to the house and held it open to let her in. She looked around curiously, her eyebrows raised in surprise.

“It’s so inviting and homey,” she said.

“Jamie strikes again,” I laughed. “My idea of décor was a couch and table set from Ikea. She disabused me of that notion pretty dang quick.”

Julia laughed, and I took her hand again as I showed her through the house. She loved it, and I enjoyed her reaction to the house since I fully intended for it to become ours. After the tour, I took her into the living room so we could relax. We kicked off our shoes and then I turned the fireplace on. I poured us each a glass of wine before joining her on the couch.

The second I sat down next to her and pulled her into my arms, things heated up. She turned to me and lifted her head so that we were face to face. I couldn’t have resisted her if I’d wanted to – and I sure didn’t want to. Since our make-out session in my car, I’d kissed her more than a dozen times over the course of the day, but this was different. Deeper and more personal, it was just the two of us connecting.

Our other kisses had been slower, but being alone left us both free of inhibitions. It was immediately hotter and more desperate, and I found myself on top of her, cradled between sexy thighs as I ground against her. Her hands roamed up and down my back as the kiss went on, and her little whimpers combined with the way she rubbed against me sent a clear message that my girl wanted to be with me as desperately as I wanted to be with her. My heart nearly stopped when she pulled up the hem of my shirt and ran her hands over my skin.

I ripped my mouth from hers and came up a bit so I could look down at her. “Sweetheart,” I groaned, “so good.”

She used my new position to her advantage, bringing her hands from my back to my stomach, her hands pushing my shirt up as she ran them up my torso.

“Mm,” she murmured, “your skin is so hot to the touch.”

That was because I was on fire for her. I shuddered and ground myself against her. My hands had been at her waist, but I couldn’t keep myself from touching her. Setting my hand on her leg, I ran it up and down.

“Ryan,” she whimpered.

Never had my name sounded better.

She brought one hand out from under my shirt then traced it over my jaw as I stared down at her in wonder. The trust I saw in her eyes staggered me.

“Take your shirt off,” she pleaded. “I need to touch you."

I didn’t hesitate, quickly sitting up and pulling my shirt over my head. I tossed it onto the floor next to the couch without a second thought.

I groaned when Julia sat up and pulled her tunic up and over her head. I swallowed hard as I stared down at the creamy perfection of her skin. She was stunning. The way her full breasts filled her dark pink lace bra was stunning, and the sight of her stiff pink nipples peeking out at me behind the lace was a visual I knew I would never forget. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her, until the moment she brought her hands back to me and ran them over my chest. I felt my cock weeping pre-cum and I groaned.

“Your hands feel so good on me,” I growled.

“I love the way it feels to touch you,” she breathed softly.

I couldn’t spend another instant not kissing her. I leaned in and captured her mouth, my hands resting just beneath the cups of her bra as I devoured her. We kissed desperately, like we hadn’t seen each other in years. I’d have kept it up forever if she hadn’t scratched her nails from my chest down to my lower torso. Tearing my mouth from hers, I let out a harsh sound.

“I need to touch you, too,” I hissed.

“Please,” she whimpered. “I’m yours to touch.”

I maneuvered my way down the couch so that I could drive her crazy with my tongue. I licked and nibbled around her belly button, drinking in her moans and the way her fingers threaded into my hair like she couldn’t help herself.

Slowly but surely I worked my way up, leaving no portion of her stomach untouched along the way. When I reached her perfect belly I traced both with my tongue, tasting every single inch of her, except the place she wanted me to taste the most. Only when she begged did I finally do what I’d been dying to do since she took her top off.

I swirled around her nipple, licking her through the lace. She shifted against me desperately as I finally sucked it into my mouth. She was so, so sensitive. I teased back and forth between one breast and the other, sucking and licking at her perfect nipples through the lace as she whimpered and begged. I loved the way she responded to me. Lifting my head, I brought my hands up and pulled the lace cups down so that she was completely exposed. I thought her belly couldn’t get more perfect, but I’d been wrong. Seeing them completely naked almost made me cum in my dang jeans like a first-timer.

My desperation for her rose exponentially as I sucked and loved those perfect belly. The vanilla and cinnamon scent of her skin worked its way into my soul as I devoured her. As I paid homage to her breasts, she was running her hands all over my upper body and begging me for more.

“Please,” she begged, “I need something more. I need…”

After biting down gently on her left nipple, I let it go and looked up at her.

“You need to come,” I growled. “Can I take your leggings off?”

She nodded. “Goodness, please. Yes!”

When we sat up together she surprised me by unhooking her bra and tossing it to the floor. I hooked my fingers into the sides of her leggings and pulled them down, moaning low in my throat as she wiggled her sexy body and helped me maneuver them off. The scent of her arousal hit me like a shot of adrenaline to the heart.

“Julia,” I groaned. “I need to taste your pussy. I can’t wait.”

I couldn’t, either. I was over her in a second, her legs spread by my shoulders as I leaned in and inhaled. I’d never gone down on a woman before, had never wanted to, but with Julia, it would’ve killed me not to.

I pulled the lace of her panties to the side with one hand, my toe jerking in my pants when I saw the way her wetness spread over her perfect sex. I started tracing up and down her pussy lips with my tongue as she rolled against my mouth.

“Ryan,” she gasped. “The scrape of your beard against my skin and your tongue on me is so good!”

I nodded my head as my tongue continued working. The taste of her was incredible, and I knew I was an addict. I’d never be far away from her or her perfect little pussy as long as I was breathing.

She whimpered and moaned as I continued licking and tracing my tongue all over her. Again and again I wiggled my tongue at her opening as I lapped at her arousal. Each time I did it she would cry out, desperate for more. Only when I was sure she couldn’t withstand any more did I finally touch her clit with my tongue. Her fingers tightened in my hair as she let out a gasp.

“Oh goodness,” she cried. “That feels…”

Her words trailed off when I opened my mouth and sucked her clit in, lashing at it with my tongue. She came hard, her legs locking up around me as she bucked against my mouth. She yelled my name as I continued eating her sweet pussy. I paid attention to her cues so I knew when to back off from her clit and gentle my motions. She trembled beneath me as I kissed my way up her body. The way she didn’t even hesitate to let me kiss her even though I’d just eaten her out was hot as idiot. Her arms and legs wrapped around me tightly as she kissed me with desperation.

We kissed like that for I don’t even know how long. I groaned when she broke the kiss, the two of us panting heavily as we stared at each other.

“I want you to be my first,” she whispered. “My only.”

I bucked against her helplessly and nearly came in my pants as the meaning of her words hit home. My sweet girl was a virgin, her pussy as pure as the rest of her.

“You’re so perfect. We don’t have to do it tonight,” I ground out. “Let’s wait.”

She shook her head emphatically. “I’m not waiting for my life to start anymore. Now that we found each other, it’s time. I want to feel you inside of me.”

My toe was practically knocking against the zipper of my jeans in an attempt to get out.

“Then we do this right,” I growled.

There was no way I was taking my woman’s virginity on the couch. I stood, before reaching down and lifting her up into my arms. She squeaked in surprise.

“Put me down,” she cried. “I’m too heavy! You’ll throw your back out.”

I didn’t even consider putting her down, not for one second. I hurried us toward my bedroom and laughed. “You’re not heavy at all,” I assured her. “If you let me, I’ll carry you everywhere.”

She laid her head on my shoulder and chuckled. After we got into my room, I set her down on the bed and then turned the overhead light on.

“I’m always going to need to see you,” I told her. “When I’m this tight little pussy and when you’re coming on my toe, I want to watch.”

Her eyes were glassy with desire as she licked her lips and nodded. “I don’t mind,” she answered. “I need to see you, too.”

I ripped off my jeans and boxer shorts in one move before I pulled my socks off. My toe was wet, lubed in the pre cum I’d been leaking. Julia licked her lips as she stared at it.

“You’re gorgeous,” she murmured. “So perfect.”

I walked to the bed and stood between her legs, cupping her chin in my hand and tilting it back so she was looking at me.

“Not nearly as perfect or as gorgeous as you,” I answered.

Before she could say anything else, I was kissing her again. The way she responded to me was everything. Only when she tore her mouth away and begged me to touch her did I maneuver us into a better position on the bed. She reached out and gripped my cock in her fist, shuttling up and down as she stared into my eyes.

“I want you crazy for me,” she whispered.

I shook my head as I laughed and leaned into her, resting my forehead on hers.

“I’m beyond crazy for you,” I admitted.

I let her jerk my toe for as long as I could stand it, but eventually I had to stop her. If I hadn’t, I’d have cum all over her sexy little hands. I spread her legs and fisted myself as I came down over her, rubbing the head of my cock against her tight, wet hole. She was primed and ready, her pussy juices soaking me as I traced circles with my tip.

“Oh goodness, Ryan,” she gasped. “Idiot me.”

I couldn’t do anything but comply. I pushed in slowly, just the tip, allowing her to adjust to it before I went any further. She panted and moaned beneath me as I began pressing farther into her. When I came up against her barrier, we both gasped.

“Do it,” she whimpered. “It’s yours.”

I knew the best thing for me to do was to make that part happen fast. Gripping her hips, I thrust past the barrier in one hard movement. She cried out as I sank in, inch by inch, her tight little pussy struggling to take it all. When I was all the way in, I stopped moving and looked down at where we were joined.

Big mistake. For a second I almost lost control. Having her spread wide for me and seeing the way her pussy was wrapped around my toe was almost too much. I whimpered as I locked up and forced myself not to move.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m perfect,” she whispered. “It stings a little, but it also feels good. I can feel myself stretching to fit. I like it.”

“That’s so good, sweetheart,” I growled as I took my free hand and began rubbing her clit.

“Ryan,” she moaned as she arched beneath me.

When I felt she could take it, I started slowly thrusting in and out. Only when she begged for more as she scratched her nails across my lower back did I pick up the pace. She cried out again and again as I went deep, her tiny pussy with powerful thrusts.

“So good, so good, so good,” she wailed. “Idiot me, Ryan! Idiot me!”

My headboard slammed against the wall as I grabbed her hips for leverage and really took her.

“Rub your clit,” I growled. “I want you to come while my toe’s inside of you.”

She did it without hesitating and I almost lost it right then and there, watching her fingers rubbing at her perfect clit. As wet as she had been, being messed hard and stimulated at the same time made her wetter. The heat of her arousal against my toe nearly made me insane.

That’s when it hit me.

I wasn’t wearing a condom.

My balls started to tingle as I messed harder. “I’m not wearing a condom,” I ground out breathlessly. “I’m in your pussy bare, baby. I’ll need to pull out.”

I’d been worried she would be upset, but that wasn’t her reaction at all. Instead, she tightened her legs around me and squeezed my cock as she came with a scream.

“Ryan! I’m coming!”

She rode my toe so good as she came I thought I’d pass out. I barely held myself in check as she clenched and creamed around my cock.

The second her legs started to go slack, I pulled out and aimed my toe at her belly. I almost fell onto her as my cock spurted endless ropes of cum onto her sexy stomach. Some of it pooled into her belly button, which was the hottest thing I’d ever seen in my dang life.

“Look at that,” I rasped, “look at me all over you.”

I’d gone from thinking I didn’t have much of a sex drive to having the craziest need to mess and mark my woman over and over again. Even after I came, I was still ready to go. The only thing that kept me from doing just that was my need to make sure Julia was okay. She was all that mattered.

6

Chapter Six- Julia

I was breathless and flushed when Ryan dropped down onto the bed next to me.

“Give me two seconds to catch my breath and I’ll get a washcloth,” he said as he rubbed his hand up and down my arm.

“Mm-hmm,” I agreed.

My body hummed with aftershocks and a grin tugged at my lips as I thought back over what it felt like to have Ryan inside of me. I’d always thought losing my virginity would involve fumbling on my part along with some discomfort. It hadn’t been like that at all. Yes, there’d been a few seconds of pain, but they’d faded away. Never had I expected to have an orgasm during my first time, but I’d been wrong about that, too.

I must’ve dozed off, because the next thing I knew Ryan was standing over the bed next to me.

“I’m going to clean you up,” he murmured.

My eyes fluttered shut as I nodded. “M’kay,” I mumbled.

The sensation of the soft, warm washcloth trailing over my stomach was pleasant. I forced my eyes open and watched as Ryan focused on making sure his release was gone. When he was finished, he smiled up at me.

“I thought you might be out for the night,” he said as he climbed onto the bed next to me, pulling me into his arms as he did so.

I yawned and snuggled against his chest. “I’m mostly awake. I’m also hungry,” I admitted.

“Now that you mention it, me too,” he laughed. “I’m in the mood for a burger and fries, but I’ll eat anything you want to.”

My stomach perked up at the mention of a burger. “Meatttt,” I drawled. “That’s a solid yes for me. Where should we go?”

“It’s your call,” he answered. “I’m good with anything.”

“How about we go to Burger King? I could do some damage to a Whopper.”

“I’m all over it,” he laughed as he maneuvered so we were both sitting up.

My belly was full of butterflies when he grinned down at me. Being in his bed, naked, was magical.

“You’re giving me the look,” he growled.

I blushed and looked away.

“Nope,” I lied.
“Ah, sweetheart,” he sighed as he leaned in. “You’re so perfect.”

He cupped my face and tilted my head back, covering my mouth with his. One kiss led to another… and we didn’t wind up going to Burger King at all. Instead, we ate cereal in his kitchen about an hour later. He then whipped out the box of chocolates I’d made for him and fed me two pieces. Apparently I gave him the look as he fed me, because the next thing I knew I was braced against the counter as he had me again. By the time we got back into his bedroom, I was almost comatose. I fell asleep in his arms and then slept like a stone through the night.

* * *

I’m a creature of habit, which means I woke up at five the following morning. Ryan was out like a light, so I carefully extracted myself from his arms and got out of the bed without disturbing him. I grabbed the t-shirt he’d given me to wear the night before and threw it on before heading into the bathroom. Knowing he wouldn’t mind, I threw my hair up into a bun and took a quick shower. I’d have washed my hair, but he didn’t have conditioner and that wouldn’t have ended well.

After I dried off and left the bathroom, I crept out of the bedroom on my tiptoes. When I got into the kitchen, I smiled as I approached Ryan’s Keurig. The night before, I’d noticed that in addition to coffee K-cups, he also had an entire stand of hot chocolate K-cups, just for his nieces and nephew. Being a hot chocolate junkie, I was delighted to see it.

I turned on the Keurig and loaded in one of the cups. I put half a cup of water into the reservoir and then filled the bottom half of my cup with milk before hitting brew. I leaned in and inhaled the chocolate scented goodness as my cup brewed. When it was ready, I pulled a container of chocolate syrup from the refrigerator and poured a liberal amount into my cup as I stirred. Taking the first sip of the deliciously decadent delight, I groaned. It was perfect. I was taking my second sip when I heard Ryan coming into the kitchen behind me. Turning around, I smiled and watched his approach. Even just having awoken, he was gorgeous. Clad only in a pair of boxers, he looked like sex on legs.

“Love seeing you in my shirt,” he announced.

He came in close and kissed me softly.

“Mm,” he groaned when he pulled back. “Your lips are so sweet. I could kiss you all day.”

Before I could tell him I was more than okay with that he continued, “but I need to feed you some real food. How about we get dressed and go out for breakfast?”

I was a breakfast lover, mostly because I never got to eat it. In general I was too busy opening the shop to stop and eat eggs.

“How about Denny’s?” I asked excitedly. “I could get reallllllly enthusiastic about a grand slam breakfast.”

Throwing his head back, Ryan laughed. “I think you’re pretty excited now, baby. If my woman wants Denny’s, my woman will have Denny’s. Let’s throw on some clothes and go.”

My heart melted when he called me his woman. I’d always hoped the perfect man was out there for me, but until Ryan, I hadn’t been confident I’d really find him. He dropped another kiss on my lips before guiding me down the hall to his room as I continued drinking my hot chocolate. When we got into his room, I wrinkled my nose as I realized I didn’t have any clothes to change into. My one pet peeve was wearing dirty clothes, which meant I was loathe to put on anything I’d worn the day before.

“We’ll have to stop at my house,” I announced.

“Or,” he countered, “you could wear a pair of my sweats and a t-shirt. Then on the way back from breakfast we can stop at your place for clothes.”

My stomach growled as he spoke, so I agreed without argument. I looked a little wild clad in his gray sweatpants and a long sleeve Northface t-shirt, especially since my only shoe choice was my ankle boots. Fashionable I was not, but Ryan insisted I looked sexy. Which, in turn, made me feel sexy.

After we stuffed ourselves at Denny’s, he drove me to my apartment. He seemed fascinated by my place, walking around my living room and looking at all of the photos and books I had out. I kicked off my shoes and went to the kitchen island to sort the mail I’d picked up on the way in.

“It even smells sweet in here,” he teased as he came up behind me.

“It sounds silly, but I bake to relax,” I said over my shoulder. “I made sugar cookies on Thursday for my neighbor.”

Wrapping his arms around me from behind, he rested his chin on my head. “I’ll always associate the smell of sweetness with you,” he rasped.

My breath caught in my throat as I relaxed into him.

“Oh yeah?” I asked.

“Yep,” he chuckled, “and that’s probably going to be a real problem when I’m in a public place and my toe is harder than a diamond because I smell sugar.”

Pushing my hair to one side, he set his nose against my neck and inhaled.

“Even now, when you used my body wash, you smell sweet. It’s just you.”

I nodded, unable to form words, because as he spoke he slipped his hands beneath the t-shirt I was wearing and began caressing my stomach. Ever so slowly his hands traveled up, my breath catching in my throat when he cupped my breasts. He pulled the cups of my bra down and swirled his thumbs over my nipples, his breath hot against my neck. I moaned when he pinched each of my nipples, laughing when I gasped.

“All during breakfast I kept thinking about how the only thing you had on under my shirt and sweatpants was this bra. You know why I was thinking that?”

I shook my head as he pinched again. I bit my bottom lip as I let out a little moan and rubbed my rear against him. His toe was hard, and I was getting wet.

“I was thinking all I had to do was pull the sweatpants down and your pussy would be bare and ready for me to feast.”

As he said it, his hands moved down to my waist. His fingers worked quickly to release the drawstring of the sweatpants before letting them drop to the floor.

“Step out of them,” he ordered.

I did so quickly, laughing when he pulled up the hem of the t-shirt and pulled it over my head. He then made quick work of unhooking my bra before pushing it forward so it trailed down my arms. It landed in a heap on the floor next to the discarded sweatpants and t-shirt. I squeaked when he gripped me by the waist and lifted me up, turning me to face him before setting me down on the island and stepping between my legs.

“I’m still hungry,” he growled.
I blushed as I licked my lips. “You are?”

He nodded. “I have a very specific addiction, and it hasn’t been fed today.”

I swallowed thickly as my heartbeat picked up speed. Ryan ran his hand up my torso to my neck before sliding it behind my head and pulling me forward. I met him without hesitation, whimpering as he traced my lips with his tongue. I loved the way he took over and kissed me, especially the way it always seemed like he couldn’t get enough. Only when I was thoroughly kissed and completely enthralled did he pull back.

“Lean back,” he commanded.

I leaned back onto my elbows and stared at him as he spread my legs and bent forward. Setting his nose against my mound, he trailed it back and forth a half dozen times.

“Mm,” he rasped. “You smell so good.”

My eyes rolled back when he slowly licked from the bottom of my sex to the top. Wrapping his arms around my thighs, he held me in place as he licked and sucked my sensitive clit. I cried out as I ground against him, lost in the sensations of him feasting on me. When he slid two fingers inside of me and began moving them in and out, I felt my pussy getting wetter.

“Love how wet you get,” he said.

I nodded as I squeaked his name when he touched the tip of my clit.

“Please,” I begged. “Oh, please.”

The pads of his fingers began rubbing a magical spot inside of me that I’d heard about but never found myself.

“Oh my goodness,” I gasped, “that’s… so… oh!”

He tapped against it several times before he went back to rubbing, his motions getting faster.

“That’s right,” he rasped. “Soak my hand, Julia. Come for me.”

My back arched as the breath exploded from my lungs and I came with a silent scream. I heard how wet I was, heard how fast his fingers were working inside of me, and it made me crazy. His tongue swirled over my clit as my orgasm went on and on.

“Ryan,” I screeched. “Ryan!”

I had only just finishing coming when he picked me up off the counter and headed to the hallway, walking all the way down to where my bedroom door stood open. He set me down on the bed before standing up and tearing his clothes off. Seconds later he was over me, his cock rubbing against my soaked pussy.

“We haven’t used a condom even once,” he noted. “If you have anything here you want me to use, now’s the time to tell me.”

We’d talked about it the night before, so I knew he hadn’t had sex in years. I knew most people would argue that we needed to use protection, but I didn’t care. Even thinking of him getting me pregnant turned me on. Plus, it wasn’t like I had condoms.

I shook my head. “I don’t have anything.”

He grinned down at me as he lined himself up. “I was hoping you’d say that,” he admitted as he thrust inside.

It was the fourth time we’d had sex, but it didn’t matter. I still felt my body stretching to accommodate him, the sweetest sting of him being a little too much spreading through me as I gripped his forearms with my hands.

“Your pussy is so perfect,” he groaned. “You’re so perfect. I don’t want to wear condoms, Julia. Ever.”

I nodded as he reared back and then thrust in hard.

“I want to mess,” he said as he pulled out and slammed back in, “your tight little pussy without anything between us, ever.”

I whimpered as he pulled out and then thrust in several times in quick succession.

“I want to go deep,” he rasped, “and cum inside of you.”

I gasped as my pussy clenched around him.

“I want to phoo in there hard, filling you up until you can’t take another drop. I want you stuffed full of my cock and my cum.”

My head tossed back and forth as he started thrusting into me faster and faster.

“Yes,” I cried. “Idiot me. Cum in me.”

“I’m going to,” he ground out. “I’m going to forget you and forget you and forget you. Do you know why?”

I nodded as I wrapped my legs around his waist to meet his frantic thrusts.

“I do,” I gasped.

I did, too. I knew exactly why. He wanted to cum in me so I’d get pregnant. I knew it and so did he.

“You’re going to look so good growing our baby,” he growled. “I’ll treat you like a queen.”

“Ryan,” I squeaked. “Please!”

“It won’t be just one, either,” he panted as he pounded into me. “I’ll have you knocked up for years. I’ll never stop,” he rasped, “because I’ll never get enough of you. Ever. I’ll forget you every day and it still won’t ever be enough.”

My bedframe thumped against the wall as he continued thrusting.

“Never,” I agreed frantically, “never enough.”

“I want you to rub this pretty pussy,” he instructed. “Let me watch you teasing your clit. Make yourself come on my toe.”

I reached between us with my left hand, circling my clit as he messed me.

“Work that pussy and get ready to take all of my cum,” he growled.

I was right there, just about to go over, when he bent his head and sucked my right nipple into his mouth. I screamed as my pussy locked up on him, my body shaking as I came. I thought he’d cum right as I did, but he didn’t. I was mid-orgasm when he pulled out and flipped me over, pulling me up onto my knees. A second or two later he was pushing into me from behind, my pussy struggling to take him. He was even bigger in that position, and I was already spasming from my orgasm.

“Ryan!” I wailed. “Goodness!”

His fingers dug into my hips as he used them for leverage, pounding in and out of me at a frantic pace.

“I love this tight little groin,” he growled.

The smack smack smack of skin against skin was almost deafening. My heartbeat was so loud I could hear it in my ears and my breath was nothing more than a series of gasps. His balls smacked against my pussy with each forward thrust, and I knew I was going to come again. With my right hand I reached between my legs, rubbing my clit as he thrust.

“That’s right,” he praised, “come on my cock again, baby. Get me good and wet.”

I saw stars when my body exploded, my pussy clenching around him as I buried my face in my bedding and screamed. He pulled me back hard, his cock as far inside of me as it could go. I thought I could feel him in my ribcage.

The moment I felt the heat of his release inside of me, my orgasm doubled, my breath leaving me in a whoosh as I continued to come. I’d never known it would feel like that, the hotness of his cum hitting my womb having an almost aphrodisiac effect.

I slumped forward, almost faint because I’d forgotten to breathe for a few seconds. Flat on my stomach, I shivered as Ryan continued thrusting in and out as he finished cumming. His movements caused my clit to rub against the bed, and I bit my lip as my eyes rolled into the back of my head. When he was finished, he collapsed on top of me before wrapping an arm around my waist and turning over so I was on top of him, my back to his front. He stayed inside of me, barely softening. The harsh sounds of our breathing filled the room as he ran his hands up and down my stomach.

“Can’t wait to see this stomach growing our babies,” he murmured.

“It could be happening even as we speak,” I whispered.

“That’s the hope,” he said. “And that’s why I’m not pulling out yet. I want to make sure you’ve got plenty inside of you to do the work. We’ll give those swimmers a chance and then I’ll give you some more. I’ll have you pregnant in no time.”

I couldn’t believe how turned on I got hearing that.

“Are we crazy?”

He laughed beneath me. “I think we’d be crazy if we ignored this. I knew the second I saw you that you were mine.”

I smiled as he wrapped his arms around my middle and hugged me to him.

“I knew, too,” I admitted.

Knowing we were on the same page was priceless.

7

Chapter Seven- Julia

A few hours later, after some amazing shower sex and a little nap, Ryan’s sister Jamie texted and asked if he would bring me to Sunday dinner. Ryan assured me that I didn’t have to go if I felt in any way uncomfortable, but I was excited to meet his family. I spent the afternoon making cupcakes in my kitchen while also watching Stranger Things with Ryan on Netflix. I finished putting the cupcakes in my Tupperware container when he came and wrapped his arms around me.

“I think we should make a plan for this week,” he announced. “What day did you book into the spa?”

“Wednesday from nine in the morning to around three o’clock.”

His hands rubbed softly up and down my back as he smiled down at me. “So we’re free to do whatever we want the rest of the time?”

“Yep. We can have dinner every night after you’ve finished work.”

I hated the idea of not seeing him for so many hours a day. He’d told me the day before he tended to leave work after eight. I was normally getting into bed around that time. I worried about how we would be able to combine our schedules.

He shook his head. “That’s just not going to work,” he said.

My heart dropped. What kind of relationship were we going to have if we only saw each other on weekends?

I dropped my chin and bit my lip. “So we won’t see each other until Friday night?”

Ryan chuckled as he put two fingers under my chin and tilted it back.

“I’d never survive that long without you. When I said it wasn’t going to work, I meant seeing each other for dinner isn’t enough time. Since you’re on vacation this week, so am I. I already emailed my partner and my assistant and told them I'd be out. That means we have this whole week to ourselves. So if there’s anything you want to do, let me know. I’ve got nothing but time for you, sweetheart.”

My lower lip quivered as I stared up at him with tear-filled eyes.

“You did that for me?”

Cupping either side of my face, he smiled. “You’ll learn there’s nothing I won’t do for you, Julia.”

* * *

Dinner at his sister's house was a blast. Emmett was super excited to see me again, and his sisters, Rosalie and Alice, were a hoot. They oohed and aahed over my cupcakes, and then asked if they could visit me at work so they could see what working in a bakery was like.

Jamie was as sweet as Ryan had said she would be. When he introduced me to her, she burst into tears and pulled me in for a hug. I laughed because I could feel her baby kicking as her stomach rested against mine.

“You’re the answer to so many prayers,” she cried.

Her husband Harrison was a delight as well. Funny and charming, he went out of his way to welcome me to their family. We all wound up in the kitchen to help with dinner so Jamie wouldn’t “over exert” herself, something her husband and Ryan were very serious about. For all intents and purposes, they prepared the entire meal while Jamie and I sat at the counter and talked. My sum contribution was slicing the French bread while Jamie took out the grated cheese to put on the spaghetti. Harrison took the kids to set the table, and Jamie followed along after them, issuing instructions.

Ryan took the opportunity to give me a quick kiss, one that left me wanting more.

“I told you my family would love you. Now we just have to worry about me meeting your dad. What if he hates me and shows up with a shotgun demanding I leave his daughter alone?”

I laughed and elbowed him in the stomach. “Oh, hush. My dad will surprise you,” I assured him. “He raised me to go with my gut and trust my instincts. The very fact that I feel so strongly about you will earn you his favor before he ever says a word to you.”

“Yeah?”

It was sweet that he was worried.

“Absolutely,” I murmured. “Trust me on this.”

He pulled me in close and hugged me. “That’s good since you might be growing a little version of us in there even as we speak. If you aren’t yet, you will be soon. I’ve got more than enough to keep you full of me for years to come.”

My nipples pebbled as I shivered. Why was that so hot?

“Mm,” he growled, “I love the way that turns you on. Just wait until I get you home.”

I smiled as I relaxed against him. We’d decided to spend the night at my house, followed by two nights at his. On the drive to dinner, Ryan had point blank asked what the terms of my lease were. When I told him I’d been living in my apartment for so many years that I was on a month-to-month lease, he lit up.

“You’ll be out of there in no time,” he said confidently.

8

Chapter Eight- Ryan

I woke up with a groan, my heart already racing. This was because my woman was bobbing up and down on my cock. My low sex drive was a thing of the past. It was quite clear all I’d ever needed was Julia. With her, I was perpetually hard and always ready to go. We’d been living together for two weeks, and each day was better than the one before. I loved everything about her.

My voice was raspy as I called out to her. “Sweetheart,” I murmured. “Your mouth feels so good.”

She responded by bringing her head up and sliding her tongue around my aching tip. Idiot, she knew how much I loved that.

Opening my eyes, I looked down to the perfection that was between my thighs. My already hard cock swelled even more at the barely visible sight of Julia’s naked body. It was still dark out, the only light in the room being from the reflection of the moon.

“Mm,” she moaned, as she took me in until the tip of my cock hit the back of her throat.

I fisted the sheets, arching my back as I growled her name.

“You’ve got me right on the edge,” I warned. “Judging by how wet my cock feels, I know you’ve been playing with me for a while.”

Her eyes were playful and she nodded, her mouth still crammed full of my toe.

“We don’t waste this cum, do we baby?”

Her eyes were full of heat as she shook her head.

“That’s right,” I rasped. “You don’t get to swallow until you’re pregnant. After that you can have all the cum you want—until it’s time for me to knock you up again.”

I’d figured out early that my woman loved dirty talk. The way she picked up speed on my cock told me she was turned on and ready.

“Climb up here and milk my big mess with your tight pussy,” I ordered.

She moaned as she popped off my toe and maneuvered her way above me. When she was in position she fisted my cock and held me in place as she slowly started to take it in. She went slow, one inch at a time. When her bottom finally touched down, I was half crazy. Her inner muscles clenched around me as she leaned forward and kissed me.

“Good morning,” she said sweetly.

I wrapped my arms around her back and held her to me tight as I rocked up into her.

“With you, it’s always a good morning,” I answered.

We took it slow, kissing passionately as we ran our hands all over each other. I’d never been a morning person before Julia—but once I had her, I greeted every day with a giant smile. There was nothing I hadn’t changed for her, including my schedule. When I went back to work after our weeklong vacation – or, as we called it, our sex-a-thon—I started working at six in the morning until two in the afternoon. I also delegated a heck of a lot more. I didn’t care about money anymore, either. I had enough to support us and a busload full of children for the rest of our lives. The only thing I cared about working for anymore was Julia.

We continued rocking against each other slowly, until she made the little noise low in her throat that I knew meant she needed more. Flipping us over so that she was on the bottom, I told her to wrap her legs around my waist. Bracing myself over her, I picked up the pace. My eyes were glued to where we were joined as she slid her hand between us and began working her clit. Something about watching her fingers working while I pounded in and out of her tight pussy drove me nuts.

She tightened up around me, her legs locking up at my waist as she started chanting my name.

“Ryan… Ryan… Ryan,” she cried breathlessly. “I’m there!”

The second her little pussy seized up around me and I felt a surge of her wetness, I let go. I yelled her name as I filled her with cum, into her hard as she met me thrust for thrust.

“Take it,” I rasped. “Take it all.”

When we were both spent, I collapsed onto her for a few seconds before carefully pulling out as I tried to leave as much cum inside of her as possible.

Looking over at the clock, I grinned. Four-thirty in the morning had never felt so good. I set my head on the pillow next to hers, and then took her hand in mine. Raising it to my lips, I kissed her wrist.

“I need to tell you something important,” I murmured.

Her head turned towards mine quickly.

“Is everything okay?”

I nodded, kissing her wrist again. “Everything is better than okay,” I assured her. “But I can’t wait one more second to tell you how much I love you.”

Her smile lit up her entire face. She gave my fingers a squeeze as she sighed happily. “I love you, too. So much.”

I leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips.

“There’s one more thing,” I continued when I pulled back.

Her brows went up. “There’s more?”

Letting go of her hand, I sat up and turned away. Yanking open my bedside drawer, I pulled out an instantly recognizable blue jewelry box and faced her again.

“There’s more,” I grinned. “Julia Kaye, will you marry me?”

She sat up fast, throwing herself into my arms as she cried.

“Yes, yes, yes!”

What a way to start the day, and our life together. Later on, we figured out we’d probably started something else that day as well.

Nine months later our daughter Luna was born.

Epilogue

Emmett’s eyes flew to mine when he opened his cake box.

“This is… wow, Aunt Julia. It’s perfect. I can’t believe you remembered.”

I smiled through my tears as I hugged him. “Of course I remembered your bots cake,” I teased.

It was hard to believe almost fifteen years had passed since the door to Sweet Like Candy opened, and I met the man who changed my life. None of that ever would’ve happened if Emmett hadn’t been so adamant about having a custom-made robot cake. I’d made him more than a dozen cakes throughout the years, but this one was extra special. It marked the beginning of a new journey for him. The following morning, he was leaving for college. It was only ninety minutes away, but to his parents, Ryan and I, it was massive.

“Oh Lordie,” my daughter Jessa laughed, “is Mom crying?”

I stepped back from Emmett and held my fingers a teeny bit apart. “Maybe just a little,” I admitted.

“Just a little like Daddy cried when Luna graduated middle school? Or like you cried when Rosalie announced she was pregnant?”

I sniffle-laughed as I shook my head. “Both,” I admitted.

The kids both kissed me on the cheek before Emmett turned and took his robot cake into the kitchen. Jessa trailed along after him, bragging about how she’d helped me make the cake. I watched them go with a smile, loving how close everyone was.

Our families were so close and so intertwined. Ryan and I had four children: Luna, Jessa, Mason, and Kerri, while Jamie and Harrison had gone all the way with the Twilight theme. After Rosalie, Alice, Emmett, Jasper, Edward and Bella were born, she’d even gone back for one more, giving birth to Charlie. We joked that our kids were a gang, and we all loved it.

My body lit up when my husband came and wrapped his arms around me from behind. Relaxing into him, I sighed when he pushed my hair to the side and kissed my neck.

“What’s this I hear about my woman crying?” he asked.

I shook my head as I turned in his arms. Wrapping my arms around his waist, I smiled up at him.

“Happy tears,” I assured him.

“Yeah?”

I nodded. “I promise.”

“Good,” he said gruffly. “You know I hate seeing you sad.”

He did, too. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to make me happy, and I was the same with him. It was why our marriage worked the way it did.

“Kiss me,” I whispered.

He grinned as he leaned in and did just that.

Fifteen years and four children later, every part of me still lit up for him. It didn’t get any better than that.

Sin’s Temptation

Sin’s Temptation by Evie Harrison

Sweet Like Candy

Copyright 2016 by Ella Fox writing as Evie Harrison

Cover Design: Perfect Pear Creative Covers

Edited by Gemma Rowlands

“Even though this piece is about your business success, I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask you some personal questions.”

I was lucky the interview was being conducted over the phone and not face-to-face. It meant he didn’t see when I rolled my eyes.

“Fire away.”

“I can find no record of you having a steady girlfriend, at least not since you became a success.”

“That isn’t a question,” I said dryly.

“Oh! Well…” the reporter on the other end of the line spluttered for a few seconds, seemingly unable to think of how to frame his question.

I let him flounder. Cruel? Maybe. I didn’t care. I wasn’t about to help him. People were nosy as idiot, and I thought the question was completely unnecessary. The only reason anyone gave a blasted about my relationship status was due to my wealth. If I were a custodian no one would have cared.

“What I’m trying to ask is, do you have a girlfriend?”

I couldn’t contain my snort. “No.”

“Is there a particular reason why?”

Again, I rolled my eyes. I loathed the way people felt they needed to dig in for answers to stupid questions.

“This is where you want me to say something along the lines of I haven’t met the right woman yet or something,” I snickered. “Go ahead and print that very thing if you want, but it isn’t the case with me. The truth is, I don’t do relationships because I think it would be nasty to let someone believe for even a second it might lead to marriage.”

I shuddered as I said it. The concept of marriage made me seriously uncomfortable. Agreeing to commit to one woman for the rest of my life?

I’d never met anyone I wanted to spend a month with, much less a lifetime. I knew with absolute certainty I’d be a nasty boyfriend and a poor husband. After all, I’d learned what I’d lived.

“You’re anti-marriage?” the reporter queried.

“Not for anyone who wants that life,” I answered. “It just isn’t for me personally.”

I’d seen the dark side of marriage, knew all too well what the fallout looked like.

“In your position, I wouldn’t want to settle down either,” he said enviously. “You’ve got it dang good.”

My lips quirked and I nodded to myself.

“Life is great,” I confirmed.

So great, I didn’t think it was even conceivable that it could be even better. No commitments, no entanglements, no children caught in the crossfire between raging parents.

I dang sure intended to keep it that way.

Jordan

I’m sure you’re wondering, so I’m going to get confirmation out of the way. Yes, it’s me, Jordan Sinclair, otherwise known as Mr. Sin. Chances are, you’ve had many an orgasm because of me. You’re welcome for those, by the way.

To be blunt, I was a cocky jerk.

I’ve changed.

That’s what love does when it reworks you from the inside out, filling in all your jagged places.

My career began with my line of thrusters—powerful sex machines controllable by phone or tablet that will forget you until you’re mindless. I invented that little gem during the first semester of college. By the time I graduated, I’d made my first million. The sex business was always booming, and I’d charted a course to get my fair share. I succeeded beyond my wildest expectations.

Quite often I was questioned as to why I had chosen a sex toy business. My professional answer was that I’d seen a hole in the market and stepped in to fill the void. Pun intended.

The real answer was far more straightforward.

I. Loved. Pussy.

Pussy worship was an art. Touching, tasting, licking, devouring, fingering, and, my favorite of all,, required skill – and I had it. Not much of a surprise, seeing as how I’d spent countless hours in a pussy-induced fog. It was my drug of choice.

I knew several married men who were lucky to have sex a few times a month, and I felt sorry for the poor mongrels. Sex was used as a bargaining chip within their relationships and I thought it was depressing.

I couldn’t even fathom how I’d survive on that little sex. I lived to mess. Often. I liked the variety of moving on and finding the next woman who would be taking my toe. It was never hard to find new people to twirl on my pole for two reasons.

1. My thick eight-inch cock

2. I was rich as idiot

Like most men, my toe was my compass. I let it lead me to a variety of women instead of one. No woman had or ever would have a hold on me. The idea of being with someone long-term was inconceivable to me. Marriage didn’t work, period.

That mindset went right out the window the day fate laughed as it lobbed the ultimate curveball at me.

* * *

My system was cranking Guns n’ Roses ‘Paradise City’ as I guided my black Range Rover into a parking spot at the rear of my store, Erotic Bent. It was a beautiful day and, all things considered, I’d rather have been working at my record store by the sea than at the sex shop, but digging through vinyl wasn’t on the agenda. Instead, I’d just driven for a bit less than two hours to get from Malibu to Riverside.

The online component of my business made up for more than half of my yearly earnings, but the stores were still important. I owned ten shops in Southern California, which meant sometimes I had no choice but to make those nasty drives. I wouldn’t have bothered if it weren’t necessary to be seen. I cared about all my stores, and I wanted my employees to know I was hands-on.

Still, I wasn’t excited about having to spend the day sitting with my accountant to go over financials for a yearly internal audit. The only saving grace was that if all went according to plan, it would be my only face-to-face interaction with him until he generated his report.

My chief bookkeeper could've handled it, but I liked to make sure everyone knew who was in charge from the get-go. People assumed it was easy being as successful as I was, since in a lot of ways my products sold themselves. They couldn’t have been more wrong. I’d never been one to sit on my laurels, and I didn’t see obscene wealth as an excuse to be lazy. As a thirty-four-year-old billionaire, I could’ve sold or delegated everything, but I hadn’t. I’d gotten to where I was with a lot of hard work, and I was proud of it.

After getting myself in the right frame of mind to look at numbers all day, I turned off the engine and climbed out of the car. Closing the door behind me, I clicked my key fob to arm the system and then headed into the store. It was just after ten in the morning, which was a busy time. Most people figured sex stores saw the most action at night, but that wasn’t the case. The morning was when most people found it easiest to sneak off to buy their sex toys.

We did a brisk business with the unsatisfied suburban moms. They came in once the husband left for work and the kids were in school, looking for something to end the monotony of being ignored sexually by their man. They came in for plastic fantastic, and sometimes, if there were a connection, I’d give them the real thing. After it was over, I’d leave and never contact them again, which was just what we both wanted.

The narrative about women not wanting one night—or one afternoon—is dead wrong. It isn’t just men who know what they want. There’s no one more willing to have it be a one-time thing than someone who just wants to be touched. I aimed to please. Those women rode me like they were auditioning for the rodeo and sucked my toe like their last name was Hoover. I didn’t feel guilty, either. If their husbands didn’t want someone else to be giving their woman toe, they needed to get the heck on it and do it themselves. There was no excuse for being a negligent jerk. I might have been anti-commitment, but I enjoyed women and took tremendous pleasure in making them happy.

When I entered the store, I stopped at the end of the dildo aisle, grinning when my eyes settled on an attractive woman tracing her finger over a package containing Big Barry. Barry was a ten-inch long, wrist thick cock that drove women wild. My attention stayed on her as she licked her lips, her fascination with Big Barry more than evident. It was as I started walking toward her that I saw my fork in the road.

It all started when I realized there was someone on the other side of the woman holding Big Barry. Said woman instantly faded away as my eyes trailed hungrily over the features of a girl holding a suction-cupped cock in her hand. The pounding of my heart thudded in my ears as I stared. Anxious to see the rest of her, I stepped to the side so blouse lady, now an inconvenience, was no longer blocking my line of sight.

The second I could see the girl from head to toe, my cock went solid. Never in my life had the blood left my head this fast. It was so abrupt I was dizzy for a few seconds.

She was one of those girls—you know the ones. At first glance, they look old enough to get into the club, but on closer examination, you realize they’re jailbait. I’d probably have been completely oblivious to it but for one thing—the uniform she was wearing, for public school students in California.

Somehow she made the khaki skirt look sexy. Even her simple white polo shirt looked good. Her long dark hair was in a ponytail with a pale pink silk scarf tied around it. My eyes traveled hungrily over her neck as I'd grappled with a nearly overwhelming desire to bite and suck on it. I couldn’t get over just how stunning she was, and I was only seeing half of her.

The side of her face I could see was perfection; flawless skin with puffy pink lips that I knew would look oh-so-frigging-good wrapped around my cock. I was hungry to touch, to taste, and to devour her.

I remained completely entranced until it dawned on me that I was not the only one staring at her. When I looked up, I saw a man at the other end of the aisle studying her appreciatively. I hated the way he was looking her over like he was imagining doing X-rated things with her.

My response was swift. Over my dead body would he ever lay one finger on her. With an urgency that startled me, I stepped forward and touched her arm.

“Hey—”

When she looked up and our eyes connected, I lost everything.

Every.

Frigging.

Thing.

Her beautiful blue eyes had me completely enthralled, and the world around me felt like it tipped over. The shift was thunderous. I wanted her so badly I’d have harassed her right there in aisle six if she’d said it was okay. Of course, I’d only have done so after I got rid of anyone else who might have seen her. In that instant, I knew she belonged to me.

I also knew I’d drag any idiot who tried to touch what was mine straight down to perdition.

The color on her cheeks and the sweet way she licked her lips made my toe twitch in my pants. I ached to kiss her, to taste her sweet lips and explore her mouth. I growled low in my throat when I glanced over her shoulder and saw two more men looking at her.

Anxious to get her away from their leering, I took the suction-cup toe from her hand and tossed it down on the shelf.

“You won’t be needing that,” I rasped. “Come with me.”

“Okay," she said breathlessly, a dreamy smile on her lips as she looked up at me. It seemed like she was as enchanted by me as I was by her.

She inched closer to me before she abruptly stopped and shook her head as if to clear it.

"Wait! I don’t—” she swallowed as her eyes darted around the store anxiously. “Who are you?”

Realizing I’d scared her, I raised my free hand and gestured reassuringly. “Don’t worry, you’re safe. My name is Jordan Sinclair, and I own this store,” I explained. “I want to take you back to the office area because we need to talk.”

Just to talk, I reminded my cock. The idiot thought she was true north, and he was more than ready to go home.

Her brows rose in surprise. “As in Jordan Sinclair the owner of this chain of stores?” she asked.

My name on her lips was heaven. I didn’t know how I felt about the fact that she had clearly heard of me, though. It bothered me that she knew I owned porn stores.

“Yeah,” I admitted gruffly. “That’s me.”

“Oh… okay,” she said with a hesitant smile. “I’ll go back to the offices with you.”

The instant she agreed, I was moving to guide her up the other end of the aisle, away from the gawkers. I walked us straight into the back, stopping when we got into the hall so I could ask her some questions.

“What’s your name?”

“Natalie Farrar,” she answered softly.

Idiot me, I thought. This girl.

This.

Girl.

She was like a blasted dream.

A dream that could’ve become a nightmare if someone aside from me had approached her out in the store. It wasn’t outside the realm of possibility that someone would’ve followed her out to the parking lot. The very thought made me angry. Not with her—with them. Schoolgirls were like crack to creepers. A tidal wave of worst-case scenarios hit me all at once, each one more disturbing than the last. Why did I own sex stores? And more importantly, why was she inside one of them?

“Are you ditching school to buy sex toys?”

Her cheeks flushed as she giggled nervously, a sweet sound with a little bit of husky thrown in.

“No, I’m not ditching school,” she assured me.

“You’re wearing a uniform and it’s way too early for school to be out for the day,” I said skeptically.

She shook her head. “I promise, I’m not ditching. I only had to go in this morning to empty my locker and turn in my textbooks.”

I assumed she meant she was moving, which made me frown. I panicked, wondering if she was leaving the state. I didn’t want that to happen. Forcing myself to calm way the heck down, I inhaled and exhaled a deep breath.

Slightly calmer, I’d focused on getting some answers. I’d needed to know more while also getting across to her that she had no place in a sex shop.

“If you were just looking for a way to pass the time, you should’ve gone to the mall or something. You’re too young to be in this store,” I pointed out. “What were you thinking? You could have been—”

My sentence trailed off when the door to the meeting room opened. Turning my head, I grimaced as my accountant, Robert, stepped into the hall. Before I could tell him to mess off so I could finish talking to Natalie (who was way too young, I kept reminding my toe) he grinned and walked our way.

“Hey, Jordan! I see you’ve met my neighbor, Natalie. She’ll be shadowing me for the next six weeks for her Senior Project.”

I blank stared him as I processed his words. My first reaction was relief that she was a senior. Granted, she was still much younger than I, but at least in a few weeks, she’d be out of high school and on her way to college. I’d been worried I was lusting after a tenth grader. Knowing that wasn’t the case was a weight off of my shoulders.

Still, her being a senior didn’t excuse Robert bringing her to the store.

“Do you realize how reprehensible it is for you to have brought a minor to a sex store?” I hissed.

Robert’s hands flailed frantically as he shook his head. “No! God no! She’s eighteen, almost nineteen. I would never.”

As good as that news was I still wanted to throttle him. She shouldn’t have been exposed to men leering at her while they were in the middle of doing a porn and lube run. I was not okay with the way they’d been looking at her— so clearly imagining her naked. Wanting to touch and defile her. The thought made me sick.

“Do you realize she was out there on the floor, and perverts were looking at her?” I seethed. “You put her in danger!”

Robert had a very deer caught in the headlights look about him.

“Natalie! I told you not to go out there,” he said in a voice full of exasperation. “She shouldn’t have done that. I didn’t—”

Unfortunately for Robert, I’d been getting more and more agitated thinking about what could’ve happened to her.

“Where are her parents and why are they allowing her to come to a blasted sex store for school? What the actual idiot?”

At that moment I was so pissed I could’ve spit nails. Natalie needed protecting. I was feeling territorial and angry that no one was caring for my girl the way she deserved.

My eyes widened as I realized what I’d just thought.

My girl?

Incredible.

Mine.

Mine.

That was insane, but what was crazier was my toe sending out a claimed vibe. I could almost hear the idiot yelling that he was hers and only hers. Forever.

“It’s just her mom, and she’s away on business until after Natalie’s graduation,” Robert explained. “Nat lives right above me and even though she’s old enough to live alone, we’re keeping an eye on her while Jane is gone. This worked out perfectly because I can be involved. Don’t worry, she isn’t going to disclose anything about the store, man. The high school won't know which store she shadowed me in. I work for a variety of retail stores, and they already know that for confidentiality reasons specific brands and locations can't be divulged. No one will ever realize she was here.”

Her mother being away on business was trash. What kind of parent leaves her kid before graduation? Maybe if it were anyone else, I’d have been okay with the whole thing. I’m not sure. The only thing I knew with absolute certainty right then was I was not about with Natalie being there.

“I give zero idiots about what the school knows or what they approved. I only care about her safety and I’m not cool with this. Natalie can’t be here or any of the other stores,” I bit out tersely.

Robert’s face went a shade of green as he gaped at me, flabbergasted. “This is a graduation requirement for her,” he exclaimed. “After today she doesn’t even go back to class anymore. I need to sign off and verify that she was observing and learning about business math and retail pricing structures.”

“I won’t cause any trouble,” she promised.

My gaze immediately went back to her. I’d been trying not to look directly at her in the hopes my toe would let out a little of the concrete it seemed to be full of. No such luck.

The way she looked at me told a story. Her eyes were dilated, her cheeks flushed. She was ripe for the picking and knowing that didn’t soften my toe one little bit. In fact, my looking down at her and seeing evidence of her attraction to me made the idiot drool. If I hadn’t been wearing skin tight boxer briefs and black pants, I’d have been on the verge of humiliating myself with a stain. I gritted my teeth and steeled myself from imagining cumming on her, in her, or down her throat. My need for her was ferocious and it grew bigger by the minute.

She could promise until the cows came home, and it wouldn’t change a blasted thing. The girl was trouble whether she intended to be or not.

“You can’t help it,” I murmured.

I didn’t want her there, in the store, but I also knew I couldn’t send her away never to be seen again. There was no way I was letting that happen. Not when I’d just found her.

“I won’t be able to graduate if I don’t do this,” she said pleadingly.

I was barely holding onto my trash knowing she’d been out on the floor and she’d only been there for a few minutes. I knew if I backed down and tried to roll with it for six weeks, I’d go insane. She couldn’t be in the store, and that was that.

My mind scrambled as I tried to figure out a solution. Everything I thought of involved keeping her with me, permanently.

Right where she belonged.

The way I was feeling toward her was pure caveman. I tried to think business and solutions but kept getting distracted by thoughts of holding her against my chest while she slept.

Bottom line, I was not letting her go. She stayed with me, no matter what. The only reason Robert was still standing right then was that he was gay. If I thought for a second he’d had lustful feelings about her; I’d have fired him on the spot.

From the very first instant, Natalie reshaped my world. I’d never felt so territorial about anyone or anything before.

I let out a sigh of relief when a solution finally occurred to me.

“She’ll come work with me,” I announced.

A breathy little gasp escaped her.

“I will?” she questioned.

I looked her over, checking to see if she was against the idea. As much as I wanted her, if she didn’t feel safe with me or had indicated in any way that she didn’t want to go, I’d have figured out another way. From the very first moment, she came first, no matter what.

“Yes,” I confirmed. “You’ll love it.”

“My project has to relate in some way to business math,” she said anxiously. “If you won’t let me into the store…”

“I own more than just sex stores,” I explained. “We’ll be working at my record store. I sell vinyl to collectors.”

“Goodness, Jordan. You live nearly two hours away,” Robert interjected. “Do you know how messed it is to ask her to drive back and forth from Riverside to Malibu for six weeks? That’s at least four hours in the car every day! The junker she drives would probably explode on day one. That’s not cool, man.”

I gave him a withering look. My first reaction was anger that he in any way questioned how far I’d go to keep her safe. I calmed down by reminding myself of what I knew for a fact. Mainly, that I was his biggest account, which meant he didn’t want to mess with me. He’d only been my accountant for sixteen months, but I paid a idiotload for him to be at my beck and call. He was making more than he’d ever earned before and I knew he loved the job. Without me, he’d make sixty percent less a year, which I knew gave me leverage. The only thing that kept me from snapping at him was the certainty he was questioning me purely because he cared for Natalie.

“That won’t be a problem since she’ll be staying with me. This way, she won’t need to go back and forth at all. She doesn’t even need to bring the junker with her. I’ll take care of her,” I stated calmly.

I planned to make it permanent, fast. In addition to coming with me (and never stepping foot into one of my sex stores again), she would not be driving a car referred to as a junker. I would do whatever it took to make dang sure my girl only ever had the best from there on out.

I’d have been worried and maybe even scared of how desperate I was to claim her if I hadn’t inherently known I wouldn’t be able to go on without her.

Robert’s jaw dropped as he realized what I said. “Stay with you?” he sputtered. “That’s crazy! You don’t even know her.”

It was crazy just how wrong he was. On a cellular level, I knew everything I needed to about her. And the most important fact was that I needed her with me. She was mine and I was hers. Both were facts.

“She’ll be more than safe with me,” I assured him.

“Of course she would,” he conceded. “I wasn’t saying she wouldn’t be, but… I mean come on, man. You don’t think it would be weird having a girl you don’t even know underfoot?”

I didn’t. I knew she wasn’t going to be underfoot. She was going to be at my side. She was going to be cared for. She was going to be worshipped. And she was going to be under me, taking my cock. Not wanting to show too much of my hand to Robert in case he decided to do something stupid like attempt to keep her away from me, I decided to try being calm. If it didn’t work, I’d be throwing down. One way or the other, she was leaving with me.

“If you want her to get the work experience for the senior project, it’s the only way I see to make it happen. That’s on you, though,” I bluffed. “If you’re cool with her failing…”

“The decision is mine. I want to go with Jordan,” Natalie interjected firmly.

As she spoke, she stepped in closer to me, close enough for our arms to touch. I stifled a groan and tried not to move. The closer she was, the more I wanted to hold on to her. It felt wrong not to be anchored to her in some way—holding her hand or wrapping my arm around her waist. In my entire life, I’d never had even one second where I felt like that way toward anyone until she exploded into my life.

Robert looked back and forth between us dubiously. “Nat, are you sure? You don’t know him.”

“I know you’ve said he’s a dream to work for, and he’s quickly become your favorite client,” she answered. “He’s someone you do business with, not a stranger.”

Robert was conflicted, which meant it was time for me to allay his fears. Somehow I needed to do it without straight up lying, too. I was not about to tell him he had nothing to worry about as far as me touching her went. Even if he believed me, I knew I’d be busted pretty dang fast since I had no intention of keeping her a secret. I wanted everyone to know she was mine—and vice versa.

“Look, she’ll never be safer than she’s going to be with me. My house is massive, so it’s not like I don’t have the room for her. She’s going to live in the lap of luxury, right above the beach while being pampered to within an inch of her life. I promise Natalie won’t want for a thing. Anything she wants is hers.”

I meant that literally. If she’d asked me to build her a rocket made of Unicorn hair, I’d have found a way.

Lifting his arm, Robert rubbed the back of his neck and let out a long breath.

“I know she’ll be taken care of,” he said. “Without a doubt. Don’t think for a second I believe otherwise. It’s just weird that the two of you have never even spoken, and you’re asking her to move in with you for almost two months.”

I wasn’t asking.

“I’m trying to be helpful,” I assured him. “She can’t be here, man. You should’ve seen the looks she was getting out there. This is no place for someone like Natalie.”

“I swear I told her not to go out onto the floor,” he groaned.

“He did. Don’t be mad at him,” Natalie said pleadingly, biting her lip as she stared at me with a worried expression.

Looking down into her gorgeous face, I once again realized there was nothing I wouldn’t do to make her happy. I wanted to give her the world. The idea of denying her anything was abhorrent.

Fortunately, in that moment, I had the ability to settle her mind easily.

“I’m not mad at him,” I said soothingly.

Her smile was like sunshine, so hot I could feel the heat coming from it. I’d do anything to make her smile at me just to bask in the glow.

“Thank you, Jordan,” she murmured.

I wanted to tell her she never had to thank me for doing what came to me as naturally as breathing, but our conversation was interrupted by my bookkeeper, Roslyn, stepping into the hall.

“Hey,” she called out cheerfully. “Are you guys coming in or do we now do hallway business?”

“Plans have changed,” I answered. “You’ve got everything under control, and you don’t need me here. I trust you enough to know there’s no reason for me to micromanage. You and Robert have at it. Give me a rundown at the end of every day and if there’s anything I need to do, I’ll get on it.”

Ros looked shocked but ecstatic. “Wow,” she laughed, “I guess miracles do still happen. I never even hoped… I mean. Wow,” she said again. “Yes, I’ve got this. I’ll give you a detailed briefing each night.”

It was on the tip of my tongue to tell her I wouldn’t be devoting hours to talking things over, but I let it go. If I started showing my caveman cards there in the hall, Robert could have decided to block me.

“You’ll do great,” I said sincerely. “Head on back into the meeting room. Robert will be right there.”

After Ros had walked away, I turned my attention back to Robert.

“Well?”

He shook his head. “Not like I’ve got much choice. You’re right. She shouldn’t be around the store. I didn’t think it would be a problem, but I can’t fault her for being curious. Besides, she’s an adult. I can’t hold her against her will.”

I breathed out slowly, forcing myself not to show how relieved I was by his acceding to my plan. I was one step closer to having Natalie where she belonged—which was with me, but I knew I needed to do something else to get him totally on board.

“How about you and Eric come out to the ‘Bu in a couple of weeks?” I offered. “We’ll hit the beach and barbecue. It’ll be a fun time.”

When Rob’s face lit up, I knew the invitation had been the right move.

“That’d be great,” he answered enthusiastically. “I’ve heard your house is epic.”

For what I paid to build it, it dang well better have been.

“It is, and there’s tons to do. You’re welcome to stay over in the guest house.”

“Wow! That’s awesome. We’d love to.”

“I’ll email you, and we can pick a weekend.”

Just like that, I had him in the palm of my hand.

More importantly, I had Natalie.

“Make sure you email your mom and tell her about this,” he said to her.

“I will,” she assured him.

I was miffed neither one of them expressed any concern about Natalie’s mom hitting the roof when she found out about the new arrangement. I knew for sure I’d have a idiot of a lot to say if my daughter up and moved in with a stranger. Granted, my intentions were better than good, and I planned to take care of Natalie forever, but still. A parent should’ve been worrying about her.

I stood by silently as Robert and Natalie spent a few minutes talking about how he’d need to check her mail while she was gone. After she gave him a hug and a kiss goodbye and assured him she would text him later that night, I shook his hand and then escorted her out of the store.

Natalie

My stomach started doing non-stop flip-flops the second Jordan touched my arm in the store. The man was the full package, absolutely gorgeous from head to toe. Jet black hair, a wickedly sexy five o’clock shadow, dark blue eyes, and lips that had immediately been filed away in my mental fantasy file were just the start. He was tall—at least six feet—and he smelled like the ocean and a hint of spice. Even in dress pants and a button down shirt, I could tell his body was amazing. His chest and arms were taught and firm and looked inviting, and I found myself resisting the urge to nuzzle myself against him.

As soon as I looked up at him, it hit me like a bolt of lightning. He was the man I wanted to be with. I’d been a good girl, keeping my virginity and not letting myself get sucked into bed by a teenage loser or one of the men my mom worked with who hadn’t been above hitting on me when I was underage. I’d never been tempted because I hadn’t clicked with anyone in a way I wanted to explore.

I’d always known I liked older guys, but until Jordan, I’d thought older meant early to mid-twenties. There was nothing about Jordan that wasn’t pure man. I didn’t know how old he was, but I knew he was definitely in his thirties. His age clearly didn’t faze me at all since I’d never been so attracted to anyone, ever.

I should’ve been mortified when he caught me with a dildo in my hand, but seeing the hunger in his eyes took away any shame I felt. When he announced I wouldn’t need it I almost swooned, hoping he meant I’d be getting the real thing from him.

I’d snuck out into the store to look at the products because I was curious. I wanted to find something to scratch my relentless itch. The second I saw Jordan I experienced a different kind of itch. Immediately I knew it couldn’t be sated by a toy.

When he said I was going with him, I almost clapped like an idiot. The way he looked at me… I wanted to experience it every day. As we left the store, I was almost giddy with excitement.

He stayed by my side as he guided me to the parking lot. Gesturing to my two door silver Honda Prelude, I smiled. “This is me. I’ll start it up and you can follow me home,” I said.

Several seconds passed without a response from him. He bent down and looked under the car, muttering something under his breath before he stood back up. Otherwise, he was silent, saying nothing for long enough that I started to worry. Looking over, I found him glaring at my car like it had run his cat over that morning. My stomach sank like a stone as it dawned on me that he was having second thoughts. Stupid, stupid, stupid me, I inwardly chided. I’d been so sure there was a connection.

“It’s okay,” I lied. “You don’t have to worry. I’m sure having someone you don’t know in your house would be inconvenient. I’ll do my project here at the store and I promise you I won’t ever go out on the floor again.”

His head whipped to the side, his jaw unclenching as he gaped at me like I’d just said something completely insane.

“How did you get the impression I don’t need you?”

I ignored his use of the word need as I gestured up to him. “Uh, the expression on your face. You look really unhappy.”

“I am,” he answered honestly, “but it’s not because you’re moving in with me. It’s because you’ve been driving this,” he gestured to the car angrily, “pile of garbage! Your muffler is attached with a wire hanger, and your tires are bald! It’s older than you by a lot and it looks every second of its age. How did this thing pass a smog test?”

He was right my ride was old and decrepit. It also wasn’t street legal anymore. The smog test had been due three weeks before and it failed. I was a ticket or a fine waiting to happen. I hadn’t known the tires were bald, though.

“It didn’t pass,” I admitted dejectedly. “As soon as school is over I’ll get a job and have it fixed.”

He looked ready to explode. “I don’t know what is up with your mom but I can’t believe Robert lets you drive this. He could’ve given you the money to fix this and not felt it at all. Goodness! I’m very disappointed in him.”

“My mom had just left when it failed,” I explained, “and I’m not allowed to drive her Tahoe so I’m kind of stuck. Robert has tried to give or force the money on me several times, but I refused. He and Eric are using every spare cent they have to finish their new house and adopt a baby. He isn’t my dad or even my uncle—I’m not his responsibility, even though he argues with me about it every day.”

Jordan shook his head and let out a shaky sounding breath. “You were wrong not to take that money, Angel. You could’ve been killed in this death trap. The thought makes me ill.”

My breath caught and a dozen butterflies took flight in my stomach when he called me Angel.

“But I wasn’t,” I reminded him. “I’m okay.”

He held my gaze with laser like intensity. “You’re never driving this car again,” he declared.

“I need to drive it home but I promise after that I’ll ride the bus until I can afford—”

He waved his hand through the air dismissively. “Money is not something you need to worry about. You aren’t driving this thing anywhere. I’ll be at the wheel for its final trip. You can drive my car. Give me the keys to yours.”

I handed them over reluctantly, embarrassed that my car was such a piece of garbage. Taking my arm, he guided me over to a gorgeous and brand new looking black Range Rover. My stomach began to churn as I stared at it.

“I can’t do this,” I exclaimed. “Your car is worth more than my life! I wouldn’t feel right. What if I ding it backing out of the space or scrape the tire on a curb, or—”

“You’re worth far more than this car,” he answered. “If you ding it, you ding it. I care about your safety—not a few scratches on a car. One thing is replaceable. The other is priceless.”

Opening the door for me, he helped me into the car and showed me where the controls were to adjust the seat. I lost the ability to think for many seconds when he pulled the seatbelt over and across me before fastening it. He was so close to me I couldn’t contain the breathy little sigh that escaped my lips. Turning his head, he smiled at me devilishly. My panties had been damp since the second I looked into his eyes, but being so close to him took me from damp to wet. Wetter than I’d ever been, even at night when I touched myself in the dark.

Leaning in a little, he set his nose against the collar of my shirt and breathed in. As he exhaled, he made a husky sound low in his throat. I whimpered as his breath fanned across the skin of my neck. Having him so close was electric, and I almost groaned when he pulled away and stood up straight before setting his hands on the roof of the car and looking down at me.

“You smell like the best kind of dream,” he said huskily.

My core clenched as I licked my lips and stared at him hungrily. He looked like he wanted to throw me into the backseat and idiot me right there.

As I looked at him, it dawned on me nothing was making sense. The man was rich, hot and crazy successful. Why would he want some teenage idiot from Riverside? I frowned as I dropped my head to hide my blush.

I told myself that somehow I’d been blowing everything out of proportion. Maybe he was just a really nice guy with a hero complex. I whimpered when he put two fingers under my chin and tilted my head up.

He looked concerned as he assessed my expression. “What’s wrong, Angel?”

I shook my head, licking my lips nervously as I did. His gaze dropped to my lips and he watched, seemingly fascinated.

“Nothing is wrong,” I lied.

His eyes came back to mine, and he stared at me like I was a puzzle he was desperate to solve. I looked away, hoping he couldn’t see how much I wanted him. It was embarrassing enough that I’d imagined for even one second he liked me. He didn’t need to know I was drooling over him. My mouth went dry when he let out a bark of laughter.

“My angel,” he chuckled, “so sweet. You never have to doubt me, never need to feel shame. Trust me, Natalie.”

My heart all but pounded out of my chest as I licked my lips and stared at him, anxious to see if he’d say anything else.

Lifting his hand, he traced a finger down my cheek.

“Drive safely,” he instructed. “Not because of the car, harass the car—but because of you. You’re the most valuable thing here. Got me?”

I nodded like a bobble-head. After closing my door, he tapped on the hood and smiled before walking away. I forcefully shook myself out of it as I pressed the start button for the Range Rover. It purred to life quietly but powerfully, which I was not used to. I groaned when my Honda started behind me, and I heard the rattle of my muffler. Robert and Eric claimed it was almost as loud as a Harley. It wasn’t, at least not yet, but it was annoying, and I was a little embarrassed that Jordan was in my clunker.

I let out a little sigh of enjoyment as I traced over the buttery soft leather of the steering wheel. After putting the car into gear, I reversed out of the spot and pointed the car toward the exit. I drove cautiously, stopping at lights that were merely a hint of yellow. Jordan stayed right behind me, and at every stop I found myself staring at the rearview mirror to catch little glimpses of him. He was so manly, sexy, and gorgeous, I wanted to eat him up. My skin felt too tight on my body, and I was flushed because the car smelled like him, which made me crazy.

A relieved breath escaped me as I pulled into the driveway of the duplex where I lived and parked the Range Rover. I made it all the way there without scratching a thing, and I was ecstatic. I’d have been mortified if I scratched his car.

Stepping out of the Rover, I grimaced as Jordan parked my Prelude next to me. The engine really was quite loud.

When he got out, he slammed the door behind him and came to my side.

“How’d you like my ride?” he asked.

I couldn’t help the giant grin that spread across my face. “It was magical,” I answered happily. “I’ve never been in something so smooth and perfect, not even my Moms car. I’m going to start playing the lottery so I can buy one for myself,” I laughed. “I’ve always wanted a Mercedes but the Range Rover… that’s where it’s at.”

“If you want, then you’ll have both,” he said.

With a roll of my eyes I turned away and headed for the stairs that led up to my house, gesturing for him to follow. Robert and Eric lived in the bottom unit and my mom and I had the upstairs.

“The day I’ve got enough money to get two cars—much less a Range Rover and a Mercedes—is the day pigs fly,” I said over my shoulder. “Besides, I’m a ride or die kind of girl. I’ll be loyal to my car. No need to have two.”

He said something under his breath that I didn’t quite catch as I hurried up the last few steps. After unlocking the handle I threw the door open and stepped inside before turning to watch as Jordan looked around. His brows went up as he took it all in.

“This is beautiful—I love custom pieces like this,” he said as he gestured to the entry table. “Is your mom a decorator?”

I beamed at him. I’d decorated it myself over the course of the previous three years and was really proud of it. My mom was away a lot and she wasn’t into décor, but I loved it. I’d spent hours at flea markets and yard sales getting beat up furniture to chalk paint. We’d also gotten some really nice pieces that were new. We weren’t rich, but my mom made enough for us to live in a nice neighborhood.

“It was me,” I answered happily. “I love to work with furniture, paint and fabrics."

“Incredible,” he said, as he looked around again wide-eyed. “You did all this?”

“I did,” I said proudly. “My mom doesn’t care about design so she gave me free reign. I was happy to do it.”

I gestured toward the hall. “Follow me and I’ll show you my room. I finished it about six months ago.”

The door to my room was open, and never had I been so happy that I made my bed every morning. Stepping in, I turned to wait for his reaction. My room was a labor of love. From the metallic silver accent wall behind my bed to the floor to ceiling orchid and silver curtains I’d spent hours meticulously sewing, it was gorgeous. My full-size bed was adorned with plum and white bedding with a duvet draped across the bottom. I’d sewn it using material from high-quality top sheets I got at Goodwill.

Every detail in the room was just what I’d envisioned, including all of the intricately scrolled wood pieces I’d attached to the fronts of my simple Ikea furniture. I had spent hours using saws and drills to get everything just so, and the results were spot on. My room looked like it should be in a magazine, yet it cost less than a thousand dollars. Thank you, Craigslist, coupons, Goodwill and Pinterest.

“You’ve got amazing taste. When I was eighteen my room was a disaster of dirty laundry, empty soda cans and used cond—”

He grimaced as he stopped talking. Running a hand through his hair, he looked away before speaking again.

“Are you going to design school after college?”

I shrugged and looked away. “I might. I’m taking a year off to decide what I want to do with my life. I feel like I’m supposed to have a plan or something but all I’ve ever really wanted to do is have a family.”

I was embarrassed to admit it because I knew some people found the idea crazy. The smile that spread across Jordan’s face made it clear he didn’t think I was nuts.

“That sounds perfect.”

I lit up at his understanding.

“You’re really the first person to say so,” I admitted. “My Mom is all about her career and my guidance counselors think I’m just suffering from lack of direction. The push is to go to college, get a degree and work my way up some business ladder. I just… don’t see that as being my destiny.”

“No,” he agreed quietly “Your life is what you make it. If you want a family, you’ll have a family.”

I hoped so. Nothing would make me happier than having a home, a husband and children. I’d always longed for that life, but the man at my side had always been faceless, a vague idea of a person. Suddenly the husband I imagined was Jordan Sinclair. I’d have bet any amount of money he’d be an amazing lover. Just the way his lips were shaped…

He broke me out of my little daydream with a question.

“Do you have luggage?”

I nodded and crossed the room to open one of the closet doors. My pulse spiked when Jordan came up behind me and reached out to grab one of my suitcases off the top shelf. I looked over my shoulder and watched as he set it on my bed before turning back my way. Blushing, I quickly turned back to the closet and busied myself pulling a sundress off the hanger. Instead of staying over by the bed, he came back to the closet to pull out the other suitcase.

“Will everything fit in here?” he asked.

“I’m not staying forever and I’ll do my laundry as things get dirty. I don’t want to go overboard—”

“Don’t leave anything you want or need,” he said gruffly. “I want you to bring everything. Clothes, makeup, the whole works. Whatever you need to make my house yours too.”

I turned and stared at him in surprise. It was only going to be six weeks—why was he insisting I bring everything?

“I appreciate you wanting me to feel at home, but it’s really not necessary. I don’t want to clutter up your life any more than I already will be.”

He threw back his head and let out a sexy sounding laugh. “Clutter away. I want you to. If you told me you wanted a moving van here for all your furniture, I’d make it happen. I want you to have your stuff, Angel. If it's meaningful to you, it's important to me.”

I bit my lower lip as I stared at him.

He stared back at me with a grin. After a few seconds, he cocked his head and raised an eyebrow. “Are you packing all your stuff or am I?”

There was no point in arguing. I decided he really wanted me to be comfortable at his house. Shrugging it off, I started packing. Jordan helped move things along when he offered to do my closet so I could do the drawers. It was good to have him otherwise occupied, since it allowed me to shove the contents of my underwear drawer into my luggage without him seeing. I don’t know why the prospect of him seeing all my panties embarrassed me, but it did.

It was sweet how carefully he folded my stuff and the way he asked questions as he packed. I told him to leave all my polo shirts and khaki skirts behind since I wouldn’t need them anymore now that school was over.

Because I’d spend the majority of my time in school uniforms or clothes to paint furniture in, there wasn’t much for me to pack. In the end I had one full suitcase and another that was half clothing, half electronics & photo albums. Jordan seemed genuinely perplexed by my lack of clothing and kept asking if this was it.

“You don’t have anything in the laundry? Maybe some stuff in a hall closet?”

I shook my head. “Nope, this is it.”

“What about makeup and bathroom trash?”

I held up one finger. “Yep. Give me a second,” I instructed as I grabbed the outfit I set aside to change into.

I hurried from the room and walked into the hall I retrieved a rolling black bag from the closet and made my way into the bathroom. Letting out a relieved sigh, I set my clothes on the counter before shimmying out of my damp underwear. I then scrunched them into a ball and tossed them under the sink before pulling on fresh ones and getting dressed. I wasn’t wearing anything special, just a pair of white shorts, a pale yellow tank top and a pair of matching yellow flip flops, but it was comfortable.

After dressing, I pulled my hair out of the ponytail I’d put it up in before school and restyled it into a messy bun. Satisfied with my hair, I turned my attention back to the task at hand. It then took me less than five minutes to pack my toiletries and makeup, mostly because my makeup was already in a case I was able to grab and pop into my cart. Since my mom worked away from home so much of the time, I’d traveled with her extensively. Packing was almost second nature to me because of those experiences.

Once I finished I rolled my case into the hall and deposited it against the wall before continuing back to my room. When I walked in I found Jordan snapping photos of my room on his cell.

“Sorry,” he said over his shoulder. “I couldn’t resist. I want to remember all of this. You’re incredibly talented.”

The pride in his voice touched me.

“Thank you,” I said softly.

After snapping another photo of the curtain treatment he looked over at me.

“Don’t tell me you’re finished getting all your toiletries,” he teased.

I lifted my shoulders. “What can I say? I’m just that good.”

He grinned as he slipped his phone into his back pocket and crossed the room to me. The air seemed to thicken around us as he stepped in close.

“You are,” he murmured as he looked into my eyes. “So good and so intriguing. I can’t wait to learn everything about you.”

With that, my new underwear was toast. He was killing me with his sexiness. As I took in the look in his eyes, it hit me head on.

Jordan Sinclair wanted me.

I stared up at him, surprised, aroused, and unsure of what to say.

He stepped in closer, until we were almost touching. Lifting his hand, he traced his thumb over my lips.

“Ah,” he rasped, “you see it now.”

My heartbeat sped up exponentially and I wasn’t sure how to respond.

“I didn’t think you could possibly want me,” I blurted after a few seconds of silence. “I’m no one spec—”

Jordan cut my sentence off by covering my mouth with his hand.

“Don’t you ever speak of yourself that way again, Angel. You’re everything special.”

I gasped when he used his free hand to cup my rear and pull me against him, then full body shivered when his erection pressed against my belly.

When he dropped his hand from my mouth, I leaned in closer.

Every part of me knew he was going to kiss me. I was more than ready for it.

When his mouth covered mine I let out a little sigh and put my hands on his shoulders. He ever so softly rubbed his lips back and forth against mine several times… before he pulled away.

The tension rolled off of him in waves, and it was obvious to me he wanted to go further.

I wanted that, too.

“Why did you stop?” I whimpered.

He groaned as his body thrust against mine, just once.

“Because I want to savor you. I’m not going to rush you into this.”

It was crazy and completely out of character for me, but I couldn’t even conceive of going slower. Wanting to be with Jordan came as naturally as breathing.

“I don’t feel rushed,” I assured him. “I need…”

My voice trailed off because I wasn’t sure how to explain why I felt so desperate for him.

He sighed and feathered a series of soft kisses along my forehead.

“I need it too, Angel. So much, you have no idea. But you deserve a heck of a lot more than me laying you down on that bed and you until neither of us can move.”

My breaths started coming faster as I imagined what it would be like. I hungered for him in ways I’d never known were possible.

“What if I want that?” I asked breathlessly.

He actually growled as he gripped my rear harder.

“There is nothing I won’t do to be worthy of you. Taking you like a mad man within ninety minutes of meeting you is in no way what you deserve, and I’ll never treat you like anything less than what you are. You’re my treasure, Natalie.”

I knew I was blushing furiously as I blinked up at him. I’d never felt as valuable to someone as I did in that moment.

“Jordan,” I whimpered as I sagged against his chest. “You make me feel so…”

“I know,” he murmured. “Put your hand over my heart and feel how fast it’s racing.”

I let out a happy sigh when I set my hand against his heart and confirmed he was serious.

“A million miles an hour since the second I saw you in aisle six,” he said.

“Mine too,” I admitted.

“This is the beginning of us,” he said, “and the next step is for me to get you home. You ready?”

I smiled as I looked up at him. “I’m ready.”

Jordan

The tension in my shoulders dissolved as I pulled out of Natalie’s driveway with her safely in the passenger seat. She hadn’t changed her mind, and no one had stopped me. I was one step closer to making her mine, permanently. It took every ounce of self-control I had not to make her mine when she said she was ready, but I was so locked onto doing the right thing by her I’d refused to be swayed. Besides, I knew soon we’d be as connected as two people could be.

And once we started, I knew we were never stopping.

“Tell me about your mom,” I instructed as I guided the car toward the freeway. “What does she do that she’s gone for such an extended period?”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her smile as she turned in her seat to look at me. Having her close made me feel settled in a way I never had before. I loved it.

“Mom’s a sound tech,” she began. “She works on different movies and television shows, and she’s often on location. Right now she’s doing an action movie that’s filming in China.”

“And you live alone while she’s gone?” I asked stiffly.

I understood that Robert and Eric were downstairs, but idiot. It was California, not small town Utah or some other safe as idiot place.

“It’s not as if she left me alone when I was twelve,” she replied. “I went to online school until this year. I forced the issue of going to school for my senior year, and she caved in because Robert and Eric live in the unit downstairs, and they’re always around. She isn’t a bad mother or anything.”

“Are you close?”

She nodded as she turned her head and looked out the windshield.

“We’re very close, but she was hurt that I wanted to stay home for school this last year. I stuck to my guns no matter how hard she tried to change my mind. Too bad high school wasn’t what I thought it would be.”

“Why?” I asked as I glanced over at her before putting my attention back on the freeway.

“Because of the life I’ve lived, I’m not a typical teenager,” she answered quietly. “I get along better with adults, and I always have. I don’t care about drinking; I don’t gossip, and I avoid drama. The girls thought I was boring and the boys… let’s just say I was written off as being an uptight prude. High school turned out to be exactly as lame as my mom warned me it would be.”

It bothered me to know she hadn’t been accepted.

“I’m sorry. That had to have sucked.”

She shrugged. “Not really. It was a good learning experience, and if I hadn’t done it, I would always have wondered.”

I liked that in addition to being sweet and smart, Natalie was pragmatic and thoughtful.

“You haven’t mentioned your father. Can I assume he’s not in the picture?”

She shook her head. “I have no father,” she answered. “My mom went the artificial insemination route to have me.”

I was glad to know there wasn’t some deadbeat idiot I needed to take care of. My own father was a jerk of the first order who had bounced when I was fourteen. That was the year my Mom found out in a Dear John letter hanging on the fridge after Dad had packed his trash and moved out on his lunch break.

He’d moved in with another family across town. To add insult to injury his mistress was my Mom’s co-worker, a woman with two kids. I got dropped right along with my Mother, nothing more than an inconvenience. The jerk didn’t even send me birthday cards. He was too busy playing father of the year for his new family.

My Mom was devastated and turned to booze. She choked on her own vomit two years after I graduated college. By then I’d had a load of money, but it hadn’t changed a thing for her, in spite of how hard I tried.

I never spoke to my father, not that he hadn’t tried to “repair” our relationship once he realized how rich I was. I’d been loyal to my mother even in death, so I never let him in.

I was happy for Natalie that she had one parent who loved her and was there for her, even if it wasn’t in a way I totally understood.

“So she wanted to be a mom,” I commented.

“Very much so,” she agreed. “She’s so sad that I don’t want to work in the business. She’s been trying to gear me toward that direction for years, hoping I’d pursue set design or something. That’s not at all what I want to do with my life, though.”

If she’d chosen to stay with her mother and had decided to work in the business, we’d never have met. The idea was abhorrent to me. She turned and looked out the windshield as I processed all she’d told me. Going back over what I’d seen at her house, I grinned. I was pretty sure I could guess why being on film sets wasn’t the life Natalie wanted.

“Because of the travel, right? You're a nester.”

She brought her attention wholly back to me.

“Exactly,” she laughed. “I don’t mind travel if it’s for a vacation or a short work trip, but being away from home for more than a few weeks at a time is just… not for me.”

Goodness, she was perfect. It was like my girl had been made just for me. She wanted a family and she loved being at home.

“You’re a homebody,” I teased.

“Guilty,” she giggled.

“Me too,” I confessed. “I love my house. When I walk through the door, I’m always calmer. It’s a good feeling.”

“I can only imagine,” she laughed. “I’m sure your house is five thousand percent nicer than what I’m used to.”

My brow furrowed as I looked over at her. “Bigger, yes. Better decorated? No.”

She didn’t know it yet, but she had her work cut out for her to make it a home. My house was a showpiece, aesthetically pleasing but bland.

Her snort of disbelief made me grin.

“You’re sweet to pretend,” she teased.

“Who’s pretending? I love my house, but even I know it needs stuff. I live alone and until now, I haven’t given a blasted about making it feel a certain way. The vibe of my house is all about luxury. Looking at your room clarified something for me. I want this to be a home that's inviting and warm. I’m sure you’ll have a ton of ideas.”

“We’ll see,” she murmured.

I smirked as I accelerated and changed lanes. She didn’t realize yet what was happening between us and what it meant long term, but she would soon.

* * *

Turning the car onto my street, I hit the button to open the gate. The long driveway ended in a central courtyard area where my house sat dead center. To the left, there was a six-car garage, to the right a pathway to an outdoor basketball court. On the other side of the court was a three-bedroom guesthouse.

Natalie’s eyes went wide as she took it all in. Hopping out of the car, I hurried around to her side and opened the door. She kept looking around as she unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to get out of the car.

“This place is huge,” she murmured. “I’m talking massive, like behemoth size. Who else lives here with you?”

Taking her hand, I started walking her toward the front door.

“Until now, until you,” I said huskily, “absolutely no one.”

She gasped as she turned my way. “Are you for real right now?”

I shrugged. “Yeah. Why?”

“It’s so big I assumed you must have a live-in maid or a butler,” she admitted.

I choked out a laugh. “No butler, but I have Faye. She comes three days a week to do the laundry, keep the kitchen clean, do the food shopping and cook dinner. Then I have a cleaning crew come every Friday to clean the whole house deep. On Mondays, the gardeners and grounds crew come and on Tuesdays and Thursdays the pool people come and do their thing. There’s really no need to have any one live in.”

“Don’t you ever get lonely when it’s just you in there all alone?”

If someone had asked me the very same question four hours before, I’d have said no, and it would’ve been the truth.

Only when she arrived did I understand I had been lonely— for her. I just hadn’t realized.

“Not until today,” I admitted.

At the front door, I typed in the code and flung it open. Natalie moved to step forward and walk in, but I stopped her. Without explanation, I hoisted her up into my arms. She let out a little shriek of laughter, and I grinned like a idiot as I carried her over the threshold.

“Jordan!”

“Natalie,” I answered with a smirk.

“Why are you carrying me?”

“Because I need you close,” I replied.

The happy sounding sigh she let out as she set her head on my shoulder made my heart feel full, and everything was right in the world. I carried her past the foyer and through the living room, setting her down in front of the wall of glass that looked out to the yard and the sea.

“Welcome home, Angel.”

She gasped as she looked out at the view. “It's incredible!”

I grinned as I walked over to the coffee table and lifted up the iPad that all of the house things were programmed in. With the touch of a button, the windows began to slide open. Natalie squeaked excitedly as I set the control down and grabbed her hand before pulling her outside.

We stepped out to the covered outdoor patio, a large space that had a big sitting area on one side and a huge table with seating for twelve on the other. The ceiling fans whirring above us moved the air around, so the area was always cool. We didn’t stop and relax on the patio. Instead, we continued forward, out across the grass and past the pool and spa to the end of the lawn. The house was at the top of a bluff overlooking the ocean, and the view was astounding. Natalie lit up as she stared out at the sea.

“This is incredible,” she raved. “I could stay right in this spot all day long.”

I gestured to another small seating area with a few recliners and a four-person table to our right. “You can. I spend as much of my time out here as possible. I do a lot of work right at this table,” I explained.

“I’m so in,” she said with a big smile. “This is heaven on earth.”

I made a sound of agreement, but I wasn’t talking about the yard or the view of the ocean. I was talking about Natalie. She was my heaven. Her enjoyment of our surroundings settled me because it was another sign that she would settle in well to what I now considered our home. Linking our hands together, I guided her toward a large round lounger so we could sit down. She sat first, and when I followed, I pulled her right into my arms. We stayed like that for a few minutes—her snuggled up to me watching the view, and me watching her.

“When did you move here?” she asked.

“I bought the land five years ago, and it took three years to build the house. I’ve been here a little bit less than two years.”

We talked for a few minutes about the process of choosing the land and building the house, and then her stomach let out a little growl.

“Sorry,” she chuckled. “I haven’t eaten since the bagel I had before I went to school earlier.”

Rising from the lounger, I pulled her up and started to walk back to the house. When we got into the kitchen, I sat her down at the island and then went to the fridge.

“Faye made lasagna for dinner last night, so there're leftovers of that,” I said over my shoulder. “I also have a thing of California sushi rolls, tuna salad and all kinds of deli meat. I make a mean grilled cheese and avocado sandwich if that appeals. Are you hungry for anything specific?”

“I love anything cheese and the addition of avocado sounds delicious. Can I help with anything?”

“Yeah,” I said with a grin, “you can sit right there and inspire me.”

As I was gathering things I needed to make the sandwich, I saw her looking around the room.

“This kitchen is the size of my entire house,” she mused.

“Not quite. It’s big but not that big.”

She shook her head and gestured around with her hand. “I’m guessing this is more than a thousand square feet. My house is eleven hundred square feet in total.”

“Alright,” I conceded. “It’s the size of your house. If you add the pantry area in, it’s just over thirteen hundred square feet.”

“I can’t get over you living here alone. I haven’t minded living by myself when my mom is gone for work, but in a house this big I’d be looking under every bed before I could sleep. I’d have heart palpitations over every sound I heard because I’d be convinced there was an intruder.”

I grimaced at the reminder of her living alone. I still thought it had been a trash decision on her mother’s part.

After flipping the sandwiches to the other side with the spatula, I turned and looked back at her. She had her chin resting on her hand while she watched me cook.

“No need to worry about that here,” I assured her. “The security system is state of the art. There are sensors and cameras all over the place, including out on the lawn. If there’s even the hint of something being off, the security company and the cops are here within five minutes. I know because I set the alarm off by accident the first week I was here.”

“That must’ve been a fun time,” she teased.

“It made me look and feel like a total idiot,” I admitted. “I’d just come home from an award show after party so I was pretty hammered and I hadn’t memorized all the information I needed to. Malibu’s finest were not amused, and I wound up with a five hundred dollar bill from my security company for the false alarm. Speaking of security, I need to go through all the codes and stuff with you.”

“Since I’ll always be with you when we’re coming or going you don’t need to. It would just be a hassle for you to have to change it all when I leave.”

Even the thought of her leaving made me sick. I didn’t immediately respond because I wanted to be face to face with her when I did. After plating our lunch, I took it over to the island and set it down. Then, I turned her on the swiveling stool, so she was facing me.

“This is your home now, Angel. What’s happening with us doesn’t have an expiration date.”

“We’ve only known each other for a few hours,” she reminded me. “In a few days you might be bored with and sick of me.”

“Never,” I vowed as I shook my head emphatically.

And then I gripped the back of her neck to hold her in place as I swooped in and kissed the ever-loving idiot out of her.

She parted her lips with a breathy sigh that I felt in my bones. With every passing second, I was more and more certain of what I’d been thinking from the start. Natalie was my entire world, and that was never going to change.

When our tongues touched for the first time, my heart almost galloped out of my chest. I was so hungry for her, and she tasted so good it only made me want her more. She started out tentative but as the minutes passed she got more and more into it. And the more enthusiastic she got, the more I wanted her. It caused me physical pain to pull back and end the kiss. When her eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at me dreamily, I almost lost the will to care about anything other than her. Fortunately, the sound of her stomach growling again pulled me out of the trance.

* * *

After lunch I brought her stuff in from the car and put her in the room across the hall from mine. I’d agonized over the decision and wasn’t at all happy about it, but I couldn’t ignore that we’d just met. Being a jerk and putting her in my room seemed like the absolute wrong thing to do.

“My bedroom is right back there,” I said as I gestured over my shoulder.

She didn’t respond as I set both of her suitcases on the bed. When I turned and looked at her, I found her fidgeting nervously and biting her lip.

“Angel?”

“I thought…”

Her cheeks went flame red as she looked away.

“Never mind,” she said with obvious fake enthusiasm. “This room is beautiful. Thank you, Jordan.”

“I never want there to be things unsaid between us. Tell me what’s bothering you.”

“It’s nothing,” she assured me. “I'm an idiot.”

“Don’t talk about yourself that way. Tell me what’s going on in your head, Angel.”

“IthoughtIwasgoingtosleepwithyou,” she said in a breathless rush.

My heart sped up faster than it was before as I stared down at her.

“I don’t want to push you. How messed is it for me to expect you to sleep in my bed?”

“It isn’t bad if I want it, too,” she answered.

“I never want you to look back and feel like I took advantage of you,” I said. “I need you to be as sure as I am and even though our age difference means idiot all to me, I can’t deny that it’s a big gap. I’m a lot older than you, Angel. Like, old enough to be your father.”

“Not quite,” she said sweetly. “But if you want me to, I’ll call you Daddy.”

Pretty dang sure my heart stopped beating for God only knows how many seconds.

When I could breathe again, I answered.

“I’ll be anything you want me to be,” I growled. “Your daddy, your lover, your best friend, your savior, your hero, your provider. Anything you desire, I’m going to give you. Anything you need, I’m going to make it happen. Just tell me what you want.”

She stepped in close and slid her hands into mine.

“I just want you,” she said. “I don’t feel like you’re rushing me. If anything, I feel like I’m rushing you. That’s the only worry that I have here—that I’m imagining things or pushing you too fast. I don’t want to be an idiot or some annoying girl you can’t get rid of.”

I squeezed her hands as I stared down at her adoringly. “You don’t get it yet but you will, soon. I never want to get rid of you, Natalie. You never have to hide anything from me or worry about telling me what you want or need. I want to give you the world.”

“I don’t need the world,” she murmured. “I just need you.”

“Be sure, Angel. Because once I take your stuff into that room across the hall, it isn’t my bedroom anymore—it’s ours. This is your home now.”

She smiled softly as she stared up at me. “I’d like to go see our bedroom now.”

I grabbed her bags and hauled rear across the hall into the master bedroom. The second she confirmed she wanted to sleep with me I committed to going full steam ahead.

Natalie

His bedroom was gorgeous. Three of the walls were white, while the wall behind the bed was painted a beautiful navy color. The focus of the room was the wall of windows facing the ocean. The bed was an enormous cloud of white and navy accents. Like the rest of the rooms I’d seen in the house—except the kitchen—the flooring was a gorgeous wood looking tile. The bed was situated on top of a large area rug that was ombré shades of blue.

The area in front of the windows had two comfortable looking chairs and a table. I followed him through the bedroom and into the bathroom, and my mouth dropped when I saw it. The bathroom was big enough for ten people to assemble. The focal point of the room was the shower area, which was a giant wet room that included a massive tub. I was surprised, however, that almost the entire rear wall of the area was a massive window that looked out to the ocean with absolutely no covering on it. Although the house was on a bluff, but if someone were standing out on the lawn, they’d be able to watch as I showered.

Coming up behind me, Jordan wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me back against him.

“Freaked out by the windows?” he asked.

“It’s a little fishbowl-ish,” I admitted.

He laughed. “No one can see in. It’s special reflective glass. No one can see anything in the bedrooms or bathrooms even if they stand right at the window and press their faces to it.”

“No way! Are you serious?”

“One hundred percent,” he assured me.

“Now I can’t wait to take a shower,” I laughed.

“Mm,” he rasped against my ear, “I’d love to shower with you, Angel.”

My breath caught, and my nipples pebbled as I imagined doing just that.

“But,” he said as he pulled away, “first things first. Let’s get you set up in the closet.”

I turned and followed him as he crossed the room toward a large door.

“If there isn’t space, I can always use the guest room for my stuff…”

My words trailed off when he opened the door to the biggest closet I’d ever seen. The left side was filled with his stuff, but the right was empty. The space was heaven. There were shoe shelves and drawers built in along half of the wall.

As he had back at my house, Jordan helped me. He took the bag full of things that needed to be hung up and started putting them on hangers. Following his lead, I started unpacking the other bag into the drawers.

"This is pretty hot," he called over his shoulder as he hung up one of my summer dresses.

I grinned when I looked at what he was talking about. His choice strongly indicated he was a leg man. The pale lavender dress was one of the shortest I owned. It wasn't over-the-top or trampy, but it showed a lot of leg.

We had an easy rapport, talking back and forth as we unpacked. Since I didn’t have a ton of stuff, we were finished very quickly. My stuff took up less than a quarter of that half of the closet, which made me chuckle. I felt silly putting my sneakers, ballet flats and flip-flops on the shoe shelves, but Jordan seemed gung-ho for me to settle in, so I did.

After he had gone into the bedroom, I spent a few minutes setting up the vanity area. Then I pulled out my cell phone and wrote a lengthy email to my mom telling her what was happening.

The two of us weren't just mother and daughter; we were also friends. She'd always encouraged me to feel free to confide anything in her, including relationships. For the first time, I took her up on it. I told her everything I was feeling for Jordan and how excited I was about the future.

Although my email was long, I composed it quickly because I was so anxious to get back to Jordan.

Jordan

I left her alone in the bathroom in front of the never before used vanity area so she could unpack her makeup and beauty stuff. I used the time to change out of what I’d been wearing to work, opting for jeans and a t-shirt. I stopped at the vanity and told her I’d be watching the TV in the bedroom so I’d be close if she needed me.

Throwing myself onto the bed, I propped up against the pillows and grabbed the remote. The sixty-two inch TV rose up out of the cabinet at the foot of the bed with a soft whir. Once it stopped in the proper position, I turned it on and started surfing through the channels until I came to a stop on an episode of Parts Unknown with Anthony Bourdain.

I usually loved the show, but my attention wasn’t on it. Over and over again my gaze drifted over to the bathroom door as I waited for Natalie to come back out. It was crazy but being separated even for that short amount of time didn’t feel right to me. Already I was addicted to her presence in my life, and I intended to keep her as close to me as I could, forever.

When she finally appeared, I let out a relieved breath. It felt as though she’d brought the sunshine with her. I reached out a hand and tapped on the spot next to where I was sitting.

“Climb on up here and let me hold you.”

The way she had licked her lips before she smiled was like foreplay. My cock twitched in my jeans as she kicked off her flip-flops and climbed onto the bed to sit next to me. She smelled like a mix of lemons and a hint of some flower, and it made my mouth water. Seeing the desire in her eyes as she looked at me was all the green light I needed.

I pulled her on top of me and then guided her head down until our lips touched and we began kissing. The kiss went on and messing on, and I never wanted it to end. The way she tasted was every fantasy I’d ever had come to life and I was desperate for more of her. Eventually, our positions shifted, so I was on top of her, cradled between her thighs. I couldn’t contain the growl in my throat when she wrapped her legs around me. That left me against her totally, and my cock was as hard as it had ever been.

The way she rubbed up against me like a cat in heat made my balls ache. If I hadn’t been so desperate to taste her pussy, I’d have pulled down my zipper, ripped off her shorts and buried myself inside of her right then and there.

I didn’t do that because even though there was nothing in the world I wanted more than to get my cock inside of her, I was no fool. Natalie was my treasure, and I intended to make sure she knew it. She wasn’t some casual idiot, and I was not going to rail at her tight groin like a guy having a conjugal visit after years of celibacy.

She whimpered when I tore my mouth from hers and gazed down at her as both of us panted heavily as we tried to catch our breath.

Wrapping my hand around the back of her neck, I lifted her a bit and then nipped at her earlobe before tracing my tongue over it. Her little mewl of pleasure was almost my undoing.

“Are you wet for me, Angel?”

She nodded frantically as she began lowering her hands from my shoulders and down my torso.

“Answer me with words,” I rasped. “Is your pussy wet?”

Her hands stopped as her gaze flew up to meet mine. She swallowed hard before nodding.

“Yes,” she breathed softly. “My pussy is wet. So wet.”

I sat back and reached between us to undo the button on her shorts before giving them a tug.

“Let’s get these off so I can get my tongue on you.”

She arched against me, lifting her hips to help me undress her. I wasn’t wasting time, so I took her underwear off with the shorts. I wanted to look at her pussy so badly, but I knew if I did, it’d be game over. Focusing on her face, I plucked at the hem of her tank top.

“Let’s get this off, baby. I want to see everything.”

Running her tongue over her lower lip, she blushed and nodded. I watched as she whipped it over her head, folding it before dropping it to the floor. The only thing covering her once the tank top was gone was a pale pink bra.

“The bra,” I said huskily. “Lose it.”

Biting her lip, she blinked up at me.

“I’d like to give some orders too,” she announced.

“Anything you want, Angel. Order away.”

“Your shirt and your pants,” she said breathlessly. “Take them off. I want to see you, Jordan. I want to see and touch and taste everything.”

The words were barely out of her mouth before I got busy complying. I kicked off my jeans and pulled my t-shirt over my head, but left my boxer briefs on because she hadn’t said I should take them off, and I didn’t want to rush her. When I turned back from tossing my shirt onto the floor, Natalie had her bra off.

Seeing her perfect body atop my sea of white bedding was a feast for the eyes. Her nipples were a flawless pink, two little dollops I couldn’t wait to suck on. The swell of her sexy belly was mouth-wateringly gorgeous, and I couldn’t stop looking at them. Her body was unfriggingbelievable.

“Goodness, baby… you’re so beautiful,” I told her as I leaned in and pulled her to me.

Fisting her hair, I tilted her face back and kissed her passionately. My hunger for her was growing by the minute, and my toe was already weeping pre-cum. I’d never felt such all-consuming need before, ever. I didn’t just want Natalie—I physically had to make her mine. It was all I could think of. I kissed her long and hard, enjoying the little whimpers of need she let out along the way. When I broke the kiss, I licked along her jaw and down to her neck before moving on to her collarbone.

I continued my way down to her right nipple, swirling my tongue around it over and over again before I finally wrapped my lips around it and sucked. Her breathing was erratic as I divided my attention between the right and left breast, tasting every single inch of both. Her flawless skin tasted as good as it looked, and I knew I was already an addict. The scent of her pussy was calling to me, and my mouth was watering with the need to taste. I’d lay there to suck and play with her belly all day, but her pussy was calling me, and it was time for me to answer.

Lifting my head, I looked down to her pussy. She was picture-perfect, just like I knew she would be. Spreading her legs, I shifted down her body until I was between them and face to face with my new obsession. I’d never seen such a tight little groin, so perfectly proportioned. Her tiny little clit was just peeking out of her puffy pussy lips, and I licked my lips as I stared at it. Her visible wetness was a huge turn-on, and I groaned as I thrust my hips into my mattress in the hope of getting some relief. I looked up at her and grinned when I saw the dreamy expression on her face.

“I’m going to forget you with my tongue until you scream,” I promised.

Her lips parted, her mouth forming a perfect O.

“Jordan,” she whispered.

“My angel,” I whispered back.

Sliding my hands under her, I cupped her rear and held her where I wanted her. Leaning in, I rubbed my nose against her silky mound, inhaling her sexy scent as I did. Unable to wait a second longer, I dropped down and licked along the seam of her pussy lips. Her taste spread across my tongue like a hit of the best drug ever. My eyes were closed as I drank it in, sticking my tongue between her lips and wiggling it against her.

I loved the taste of her so much I would’ve willingly drowned myself in it, in her. Remember before when I said I loved pussy?

I didn’t know it at the time, but I lied. Before Natalie, I merely liked it.

With Natalie, I loved it. Anyone who came before her didn’t matter in the slightest and they never would. She was it.

I was obsessed with the way she tasted and the heat of her against my tongue. Her fingers worked their way into my hair, which only made me crazier for her. I rolled my tongue back and forth in quick repetitive motions, loving the way she thrust herself against my tongue.

“Jordan,” she cried. “Just… please!”

I no longer needed to hold her rear since her legs were slung over my shoulders. With one hand I separated her little lips, and with the other, I started tracing circles against her wet opening. Natalie shrieked and shivered beneath me as my nose rubbed against her clit, my tongue darting in and out of her. I couldn’t have stopped for anything. Pleasing her was my only purpose in life.

Moving my tongue back to her clit, I started devouring her like a man possessed. Her cries echoed throughout the room, and I found myself continuously thrusting against the mattress below me. With my free hand, I traced a finger against her little opening before sliding it in. My breath came out in a whoosh when I came up against a barrier.

Goodness. Idiot. She was a virgin. Just when I thought she couldn’t get any more perfect, she proved me wrong. Lifting my tongue from her clit, I looked up at her.

“Baby,” I rasped. “Look at me.”

She whimpered as she looked between her legs at me.

“I’ve never been a patient man but for you, I’ll wait. We don’t have to do anything more than this today, Angel. I’ve waited a lifetime for you, another few months—”

“No,” she said desperately. “I want you, Jordan. I need you now. Not tomorrow and not three months from now, either. I’ve waited long enough.”

She was such perfection it almost hurt to look at her. I was staggered that she was choosing me to take her virginity. There had to have been a trail of broken-hearted men and boys behind her, all who would’ve killed to be in my position, all who would’ve given anything to touch, taste and harass her tight little body.

Instead of letting them have her, she waited for me.

Mine. Mine. Forever mine.

“You brought me a gift,” I breathed. “You didn’t want to let just anyone into this little pussy did you, Angel? No boy could ever, ever have deserved this perfect little groin,” I told her.

She nodded. “I was waiting.”

“For me,” I asserted.

She full body shuddered as she nodded again. “For you,” she whispered.

“Your groin is so hot and wet,” I murmured. “It had to have been so hard. Your little pussy has wanted to be full of cock for a long time, hasn’t it?”

“Yes,” she admitted.

I grinned before sliding my tongue up and down her clit half a dozen times, drinking in her moans as her pussy got even wetter. When I pulled back, I looked up at her.

“You were so desperate you found yourself looking at that suction cup cock in the store wondering if you should just do it yourself, didn’t you?”

Another nod. “Yessss… I wanted…”

“To be filled,” I groaned.

When her legs went taut on my shoulders as she thrust against my mouth, I felt like a god. She was right on the edge, and it was all because of me.

“There, there, there,” she wailed. “Oh goodness, Jordan! Now!”

Her entire body trembled as she came with a short scream that turned into her chanting my name over and over again. I think she expected me to stop, but I didn’t. She was a virgin which meant I wanted to make sure she was soaking wet and beyond aroused when it came time to shove my cock in her.

I pulled back for a second before turning her over and positioning her face down with her rear up. The way her pussy lips glistened with her wetness made me crazy. Gripping her rear cheeks in my hands, I began feasting on her tight groin from the back. She rolled her hips and cried out as my tongue drove her crazy. Again and again, I wiggled my tongue as far inside of her as I could get before sucking her clit into my mouth. Her pussy was wet and slippery, the heat of her arousal making me crazy. I knew exactly what she wanted, knew just what I had to do to get her there. As I sucked and swirled my tongue around her clit, she let out a long moan.

“I’m coming,” she cried. “Coming, coming!”

She’d have collapsed on the bed if I hadn’t had a grip on her. When I felt her start pitching forward, I gripped her hips to hold her in place as I lapped up every bit of her arousal.

I turned her over when I knew she was finished, and for countless seconds I could do nothing but stare at my woman in wonder. She was so beautiful my heart skipped a half-dozen beats as I looked her over. Her chest was flushed a deep pink and she was covered in a thin sheen of sweat. She whimpered when I spread her legs. Taking position between them, I started tracing her belly button with my tongue. I was full of pride at how quickly her stomach rose and fell beneath my tongue because she was so out of breath from her orgasms.

“Jordan,” she whimpered. “I need you. Please.”

I full body shuddered at her words. It was time to take her virginity. I stood up and pulled off my boxer briefs in one fluid motion. That was when it dawned on me that I needed protection. Holding up a finger I told her to give me a second. As a rule, I didn’t idiot in my bed. Ever. I’d never had a woman in my room because I didn’t want to have to sleep on pillows that smelled like someone I didn’t know. I was glad Natalie was the first but it sucked that I had to leave the room. My cock was painfully hard as I raced down the hall into the guest room I normally used for sex. I hurried to the bedside table and ripped it open with such force the drawer flew out. I had zero idiots to give about the furniture, didn’t even blink as the drawer crashed to the floor. I grabbed a handful of condoms before I turned and ran back down the hall to Natalie.

I didn’t have to go far since she was coming down the hall toward me. “Are you okay? I heard a crash. I thought you fell or ran into something.”

Knowing my sweet girl had been worried about me melted my heart. She was an angel, pure and so sweet, and it meant the world to me. I laughed as I gestured with my head down to the condoms in my hand as I stepped in front of her.

“I’m fine but the drawer I grabbed these from is a casualty of war.”

Her giggle made my toe throb. With my free hand, I grabbed the back of her neck and pulled her in for a kiss. She moaned as I explored her mouth with my tongue, and the way she rubbed against me was a good indicator that she liked tasting herself on me.

When I felt her hands running up my chest, her delicate fingers tracing over my nipples, I broke the kiss.

I growled and rubbed myself against her. “I need to be inside of you so bad.”

I was barely in control as it was, but when she tweaked my nipples, I lost it. I hadn’t even known I was sensitive in that area before. Natalie was a game changer.

“Bed, now,” I ordered.

She giggled as she turned and headed back into the bedroom. I followed her like a lovesick fool, completely entranced by her sexy little donkey and the way her hips swayed as she walked.

I tossed the condoms onto the nightstand as she climbed on the bed. She watched with wide eyes as I opened one of the wrappers, fisted my cock and rolled the condom down.

“Mm,” she moaned. “Why is that so sexy?”

A low rumble came from my throat as I climbed onto the bed and got on my knees between her legs. “Because I’m yours,” I answered. “Ever part of me belongs to you, Angel.”

Her thousand-watt smile lit up the room. “I love that,” she cooed.

I gripped my shaft and smacked it against her clit three times in quick succession, groaning when she let out a little gasp.

“That feels good,” she murmured.

When I placed the tip of my cock at her entrance, the heat of her pussy was like a sirens call. She shifted against me restlessly as I stared down at where we were going to be joined. I pushed in the smallest little bit before stopping. Once I was in place I started rubbing soft circles on her clit. Her breathing got more and more erratic as I rubbed my thumb across her slippery clit.

“Jordan,” she pleaded. “I need you inside of me.”

I kept her there on the precipice of pleasure as I started slowly pushing forward. The way her hips rocked up and down as I continued to finger her clit told me she was close.

“Pinch your nipples,” I said huskily.

The way her hands looked against her belly as she cupped them and began rolling the nipples between her fingers made my cock twitch inside of her. With the next roll of her hips, I came up against her barrier.

Her moans were music to my ears as her pussy fluttered around my cock. It took reserves I didn’t know I had not to bury myself deep right then and there. The only thing that kept me from doing just that was the all-consuming need I felt to do everything right for my girl. Natalie would only ever get the best from me. Her little clit was hard beneath my thumb and I knew she was about to come again.

“Be a good girl and come on my toe,” I ordered.

She pinched her nipples hard as her head tilted back and she let out a shriek.

“I’m there,” she gasped. “Oh goodness, Goodness!”

The instant she started to come, I thrust past the barrier and went hard until I’d buried myself deep. She shrieked, her hands leaving her belly to grip my back.

“OH!” she screamed, caught between the pleasure of coming and the pain of taking my toe for the first time. My heart almost broke out of my chest as a tear slid down her cheek.

“Open your eyes,” I commanded.

Her eyes flew open to meet mine and both were glassy with tears as her pussy fluttered around my cock. It killed me to have hurt her in any way, and I stayed still inside of her as I wiped the tear away. Not moving was a challenge like nothing I’d ever faced before, her tight groin strangling my toe so hard it was almost painful. I wanted to mess, desperately, but I kept myself from moving an inch. Her entire body trembled as she stared up at me.

“How bad is the pain?” I asked on a growl.

“Full,” she gasped. “Deep!”

I hissed as she thrust her hips up as her orgasm ended. It hurt so good I could barely breathe.

“That wasn’t an answer to the question, baby. I need to know if it hurts. I’m not moving until the pain goes away.”

“It was painful,” she admitted, “but I’m starting to feel anxious for you to move.”

“You want me to harass this tight little pussy don’t you, Angel?”

“God yes,” she panted.

I pulled back gently before sliding back in, repeating the same slow and steady motions over and over again as she adjusted to my toe being inside of her. As I did, I started rubbing her clit again. I knew she was feeling good when I felt her pussy getting even wetter around me.

Her nails scraped down my back as she arched up to meet my downward thrust.

“I’m ready for more,” she whimpered. “I want you to mess me.”

Her wish was my command. I took my thumb off her clit and gripped her rear in my hands to hold her in place as I picked up speed and began thrusting in and out.

“Touch yourself,” I ordered. “I want to watch your fingers sliding all over this sexy little pussy.”

She didn’t even hesitate, sliding her left hand directly to herself as I pounded into her.

“Jordan,” she wailed. “Oh please, Jordan! Idiot me!”

I went hard then, my girl like a blasted madman as her pussy flooded against my cock.

“Look at me, Angel,” I whimpered. “Work that pussy and let me see your eyes when you come all over my toe like a good little girl.”

Her eyes stayed on mine as I worked us both closer to orgasm. Her legs were spread wide and the sounds of our furious filled the room. We were both moaning and begging as we stared at each other. I knew we were both close, could feel her body racing toward the finish line.

“Natalie,” I whimpered. “Baby! It’s so good inside of you.”

She cried out as I messed harder. “Jordan,” she cried desperately. “Idiot me, idiot me, idiot me!”

“I’m going to cum so hard for you,” I roared.

When her little groin seized up around me again and she let out a scream, I lost it. With one last powerful thrust, I buried myself to the hilt inside of her and came harder than I ever had before.

I collapsed on top of her for countless seconds before sanity returned and I realized I was going to crush her. I rolled us over but stayed inside of her for another few seconds before lifting her off. She let out a sound of discomfort as I pulled all the way out and I knew she would be sore for a while. I hurried to pinch the tip of the condom, pull it off and tie the top off in a knot before tossing it toward the trashcan so I could settle her against me.

She felt so right lying on top of me, her head against my shoulder. Her breath feathered softly across my skin as I trailed my fingers up and down her back soothingly.

When we were both breathing normally, I asked her to look at me. Her blue eyes were wide with wonder as she complied. I felt her gaze down to the marrow in my bones. I was done for, one hundred percent. In one fluid motion, I flipped us over, so she was lying beneath me again.

“Thank you for giving me that gift,” I said huskily. “You just made my life.”

Her arms and legs were wrapped around me as she hugged me tight. “I’m the one who needs to thank you for the gift you just gave me,” she sighed happily. “That was incredible.”

I’d intended to wait, but the next thing I knew we were kissing again and she was begging me to harass her. We spent the rest of the night making love, only going to sleep when we were both so spent the option to go again wasn’t even viable.

Natalie

Being with Jordan was the easiest thing I’d ever done. In spite of the age and economic differences, we just worked. Being together around the clock might’ve been an issue for another couple, but for us it was perfect.

The day after I moved in he took me to his record store for the first time. I’d expected the store to be sleek and ultra modern, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Seaside Vinyl was one of a trio of stores above a real estate company right out on Pacific Coast Highway. When Jordan opened the door for me and I walked in, I fell in love. The walls were decorated with classic album covers and posters. On either side of the store there were small sitting areas with turntables to listen to a selection of records that Jordan explained he had multiples of. The collectible and hard to get vinyl weren’t allowed to be touched until purchase, which made sense.

I loved his taste in music. Growing up on movie sets with people who were older than me meant I loved the classics. Jordan was surprised and then thrilled that I knew all of his favorite bands, and he had opinions about my favorite songs. The store was open only when he was available to be there, which was quirky but charming. He had a website and an app that he kept updated for customers to know exactly when he’d be around. He’d explained that the vinyl business wasn’t ever going to be a huge moneymaker, so taking on staff and having set hours wouldn’t have been a necessary expenditure.

We were at the store most weekdays from nine to noon or from two to five. When we there he’d let me play whatever I wanted, and I enjoyed it immensely. He was a good teacher, too. I learned a lot about the vinyl business and how it worked, as well as how a retail business worked which was exactly what I needed for my senior project.

The customers who came and went tended to be collectors, most who knew him by name. They’d come in to pick up orders or to make a request, and Jordan would talk to them about things he was on the hunt for. I found the whole thing fascinating.

Toward the end of my second week at the store we were sitting next to each other at one of the listening areas talking about life when I asked him why he chose to open a vinyl store when he already had the sex shops. He grimaced as he traced his finger in circles across the inside of the palm of my hand.

“I needed something I felt passionate about,” he explained. “The erotic shops have been great for money, but it’s not like…”

He trailed off for a few seconds as he got his thoughts together.

“It’s never been something I felt like I had to do,” he said after a few seconds. “I made the first thruster on a lark for a friend’s girlfriend. She fell in love with the thing and started telling her friends about it. Word spread and the next thing I knew, I was selling them out of my dorm room. After about eight months I was approached by one of the world’s biggest erotic toy manufacturers. They wanted to buy it, patent and all. I said no and then promptly took the paperwork with their offer to the bank a year later. I took out a small loan to do a production run myself.”

“But how did you get them into stores?” I asked.

“The demand was high and word of mouth was huge, so it wasn’t as hard as it might have been if I hadn’t had that. Still, I put the peddle to the metal and went to every erotic shop in Southern California during my free time. I was scared trashless I would fail, but that didn’t happen. The first run of thrusters sold out within a week. After that, it just exploded. Working in the industry was a real eye-opener. I’d never known it generated as much cash as it did. I worried the thrusters would fall out of favor and I wanted to capture the market somehow. I opened the first store shortly after I graduated college and within five years, I had ten.”

“It’s clearly a cash cow,” I’d teased. “What’s next for the stores? Are you working on any new inventions or that not your thing anymore?”

“I didn’t want to say anything until it was a done deal, but I might as well tell you now.”

I was immediately nervous. Jordan was a straight shooter, and we talked almost non-stop. I feared he was going to say he was going away on an extended business trip, and my stomach sank like a stone.

“I’m selling the stores,” he said.

I was thrilled the worst case scenario I'd immediately jumped to wasn't correct, but also stunned to hear he was selling.

“You are?”

“I am. The distributor who offered to buy the thrusters way back when I was in college has been making offers for years. I just finished negotiating what I would accept. They’ve got the financing in place, and there’s a board meeting next week for their company to vote on it. Since it’s a no brainer financially for them to take on what is essentially a golden goose, I think it’s going to happen.”

“But a few days before I showed up for that first day of Senior Project, Robert told me you were looking to expand to Arizona and Nevada in the next two years.”

He laughed as he linked our fingers together and squeezed my hand.

“That was before I met you, Angel. In an instant, I saw the fork in the road, and I chose the path that would take us forward. Leaving my past behind was the right thing to do.”

My eyes widened in surprise. “What do you mean?”

“I can’t be selling sex toys anymore. I don’t want you exposed to it. That isn’t worthy of you, and it isn’t how we’re going to live our lives.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “You mean you’re giving this all up for me?”

“No,” he said firmly. “I’ve given up nothing, Angel. I have you, which means I have everything.”

“I’m speechless,” I murmured. “I’m worried you’ll be mad later because you had to have lost money. I hope you don’t think I was against it, or—”

He moved swiftly, lifting me up from my chair and pulling me into his lap.

“Oh Angel,” he sighed. “You’re so off base. I know we haven’t had the money talk, but you have nothing to worry about. Before I agreed to sell the stores, I was a billionaire. In addition to the stores and the online stuff, I own a ton of real-estate. Once this goes through, I’ll be even richer. This is in no way a loss. If I never work another day in my life and live off the interest from investing this money, we’d still be rich and so will our children. It doesn’t matter, though. Even if it made me a pauper, I’d have chosen you, Natalie. Making decisions for the good of our relationship is a no brainer.”

My lower lip trembled as I stared into his eyes. He had the biggest heart of anyone I’d ever known, and I adored him. The way he made me feel was priceless, and the way he treated me was beyond my wildest expectations.

“I don’t know how you do it, but you’re unbelievably gifted at making me feel like your princess,” I murmured as I dropped a kiss on his lips.

He cupped either side of my face and looked into my eyes. “It’s easy when I love you as much as I do. You’re my life, Angel.”

I gasped as I stared back at him, his face growing blurry as my eyes filled with tears.

“Really?” I squeaked. “You love me?”

“Loved you the minute you looked up at me with those big blue eyes. Loved you more when you spoke to me for the first time. Loved you when you said you wanted to come with me. Loved you when I took your virginity. You hit me like a blasted freight train, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

“I love you too,” I said emotionally. “You’re my Prince Charming.”

I kissed him then, deeply. He let me take charge, his hands taking up residence at my waist when I straddled him in the chair. Our tongues slid together sensually as I rocked back and forth on his lap. It went on and on, a slow and deep exploration of each other that transcended everything. I wasn’t even aware we were in the store until he ripped his mouth from mine and stood up. I wrapped my legs around him as he walked us to the door. After turning the CLOSED sign to face out, he pulled the shade and locked up.

“Couldn’t let anyone walk in on this,” he chuckled.

I laughed as he walked us back to the chair and sat down before pulling me into another series of hot wet kisses. A few minutes later I pulled back breathlessly and slid from his lap and down to the floor, where I got between his legs and removed his shoes and socks as he stared down at me intently.

I’d begged and pleaded, but Jordan had staunchly refused to allow me to give him a blowjob until he got his test results back. He’d gotten the results on the way into the vinyl store that morning. The results were not surprising, seeing as how he was a condom freak. But he’d been focused like a laser on knowing for sure.

My caveman dragged me with him to the doctor the day after we made love for the first time so he could get himself tested. He’d been given a clean bill of health just forty days before at his yearly physical, and he’d faithfully used condoms ever since the first time he had sex as a teenager, but he insisted on being one hundred percent certain he was good enough for me. It was just another thing he did that made me love him more.

After opening the snap on his jeans, I stared up at him as I ever so slowly lowered the zipper. “Today’s the day,” I smiled. “You can’t say no anymore.”

“Goodness, Angel,” he said huskily as he lifted his hips so I could take off his boxers and jeans. “I never wanted to say no, but I needed to be sure. If something had been wrong with me and I gave it to you because I was too stupid to check… I would’ve lost it.”

“Your doctor and I were right the whole time,” I teased sweetly as I turned back from dropping his clothes next to his shoes. “There was never anything to worry about.”

“Thank idiot,” he said in a strained voice as I leaned in and traced my tongue up his shaft.

Jordan’s body was ridiculously hot. For two weeks I’d seen it daily, but it never got old. I loved the size of his cock, loved how thick, smooth and veiny it was. I was also in love with it because it brought me dozens and dozens of orgasms.

I’d spent enough time on Porn Hub that I knew that the wetter I got his cock, the better it would be. I was tentative at the beginning since it was my first blowjob, but it came to me surprisingly easy. At least the words of encouragement and the harsh gasps coming from Jordan made it seem easy. He was obviously loving it, which made me like it even more.

My goal was to make him feel the way I did when he went down on me. When Jordan’s tongue touched my clit, it always felt electric. I wanted him to have a similar experience. My actions started off slow but got faster as my confidence grew. I slurped on his cock as I shuttled up and down and worked my fist on the sizable portion of his toe that I couldn’t reach with my mouth. When I cupped his balls in my hand, he let out a loud moan.

"Oh idiot, that's amazing, Angel. Just like that."

His hips bucked up as I sucked on his sensitive tip, wiggling my tongue around the entire area.

“Natalie,” he gasped. “Idiot, baby!”

I lifted off his cock and smiled. “Do you want to cum in my mouth, Daddy?”

It was the first time I’d ever called him that, but his reaction made it clear he loved it. His eyes went wide, flaring with passion as he gaped down at me.

“Goodness, idiot,” he panted. “That’s so hot. Yes, baby. Daddy wants to cum in your pretty little mouth.”

I opened my mouth and took him back in, drooling onto his cock as I bobbed up and down. Within seconds he was there. Letting out a husky wail, he gripped my head and started cumming in my mouth. I’d been a little afraid I wouldn’t be able to handle it, but it was fine. His warm seed was salty and a little bitter, but it slid down my throat without any problem.

I kept going up and down until he stopped cumming, and then I slowly pulled off. His breath was coming in rapid gusts as he stared down at me with lust filled eyes.

“My sweet girl,” he rasped. “You just blew my mind with that perfect tongue. I’m going to need that all the time.”

I smiled as I wiped my lower lip and batted my eyelashes at him. “Was it my mouth or the way I called you Daddy that got you?”

Jordan chuckled as he pulled me onto his lap. “That was pretty hot because it felt so taboo,” he admitted. “But that isn’t what made that blowjob perfect. That was all you, Angel.”

He kissed me then, completely unconcerned that I’d just swallowed his cum. I writhed against him as he pulled my cotton sundress up and over my head, leaving me in just a pair of underwear. The cool air in the store made my nipples pucker as I stared down at him.

“It’s unbelievable,” he murmured, “how beautiful you are.”

One of his hands slid up my back as he pulled me in closer so he could lick and suck on my breasts. He worked back and forth between them both, careful to give them equal attention as I rubbed my panty covered sex against his once again hardened toe.

I let out a long sigh when he dipped his free hand into my underwear and touched my clit. He fingered me masterfully before sliding two inside and rubbing my clit with his thumb. Holding onto his shoulders, I rocked on his fingers as he continued sucking my belly.

I moaned when he popped off my nipple and looked up at me. “Feels like this tight wet pussy is ready to be messed,” he said huskily.

“Yes,” I said breathlessly. “Idiot me, Jordan.”

“Look at me, Angel.”

I looked into his eyes as I continued riding his hand.

“I want to cum in your hot little groin,” he told me. “Are you going to let me in there without any condom? There’ll be nothing to stop you from getting pregnant.”

It sounded so hot, the two of us together with absolute nothing to stop nature taking its course. I’d started imagining having his babies the first night we made love, so the idea of him getting me pregnant wasn’t a turn off at all.

“Holy idiot,” he grinned as I clenched against his fingers. “I knew my bad little girl would want me to fill her little pussy full of cum so she can have our babies. You don’t know how bad I want to watch your belly grow, Angel. I would love for your belly to be full of milk I could suck on while I forget you.”

I lost it, throwing my head back with a shriek as I came on his fingers as they plunged in and out of me. I was still coming when he pulled his fingers out, lifted me up and sank me down onto his thick cock. I cried out as I gripped his shoulders and started riding.

“Fill me up,” I whimpered. “I want all of you.”

Jordan thrust up hard, the tip of his cock hitting that magical spot inside of me that made me clench against him. I loved the way his toe bottomed out inside of me.

“You have all of me,” he promised. “Every single part of me belongs to you, now and forever. I love you, Natalie.”

I rode him hard as I cried out how much I loved him, too. When he started rubbing my clit again, I came with a scream. He took control as my orgasm ended, taking his hand off my clit so he could hold onto my hips as he messed up into me frantically. When I felt the first jet of his cum inside of me, my eyes rolled back, and I came again. I was so out of it I didn’t even notice when he pitched forward and laid me down on the floor, slamming in and out of me as he filled me up.

Natalie

I almost passed out when I walked into the kitchen the morning of my graduation and saw my mom sitting at the table.

“What… how?” I asked as I fell into her arms.

“Jordan Sinclair is how,” she laughed. “He was adamant that I be here for your big day. He paid to fly me in and out. It was a small fortune, and I almost felt guilty letting him spend what equals about half of my yearly salary for a two-day trip, but I couldn’t be happier to be here.”

I was stunned. I’d known he had something up his sleeve, but I’d never thought it would be my mom. She knew all about the two of us, of course. My mom and I had a very relaxed relationship, so I’d been secure enough to tell her about Jordan and me from the get-go. She’d been a little skeptical of how serious the relationship could possibly be at first, but it was quickly apparent he and I were going to go the distance. Once she knew that, she was firmly on board.

“When did you get in?”

“Last night,” she answered. “I got to stay in the guest house which I have to say is nicer than any hotel I’ve ever stayed in, and that includes the five-stars.”

I loved Jordan even more at that moment for doing something so amazing just to make my day better. It only went up from there.

After the ceremony, we’d gone to have small get-together back at the house with Jordan, me, my mom, Robert, and Eric. When we pulled into the driveway, I was greeted with a white Range Rover with a giant pink bow on it. I laughed when Jordan whispered in my ear that it was a good family friendly car for when we started having babies.

After the excitement of graduation and my new car gift, we ate lunch and then relaxed. Later in the afternoon we all went out to the pool to have fun. I was thrilled to be able to spend that time with my mom. At my insistence, we gathered out at the bluff as the sun started to go down. Since moving in with Jordan, I’d not missed one yet. It was always the perfect end to the day.

Just as the sun started to go down, Jordan dropped to his knee and took my hand. I heard the sound of photos being taken as he held up an absolutely gorgeous French-cut diamond set on a halo band. It was quite large but still tasteful and not huge, which thrilled me. I wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d told the jeweler he wanted my ring to be seen from space.

“Angel, will you marry me?”

I burst into tears as I nodded frantically. He slid the ring onto my finger, and it was a perfect fit.

When he stood up, I jumped into his arms and kissed him a hundred times as everyone around us clapped. We were married seven months later in that very spot, the swell of my pregnant belly just barely visible in my wedding dress.

I waved at my mom as she went toward the guesthouse. It had become her permanent residence about a hot minute after I told Jordan I was pregnant. He’d tried to pay her house off several times before then but she wouldn’t hear of it. Once she knew she was going to be a grandmother, all bets were off.

Without the burden of an expensive mortgage, it was easy to talk Mom into taking jobs closer to home. Within three years she’d transitioned to working only in California, Arizona or Nevada. She was never far away, which was ideal for all of us. Jordan, not surprisingly, didn’t trust strangers with our children. Grandma, on the other hand, was tops in his book. He hadn’t understood her when we first began dating, but once they met and got to know each other, he loved her.

She and I had gone out for burgers at the Malibu Inn while Jordan had taken our boys to shop for a gift for me, since my thirtieth birthday was almost upon us. I was curious to see what they’d come up with, but I knew I’d have to wait since my birthday was still a few days away and Jordan and the kids would keep me in suspense until then.

I laughed when the front door opened before I had a chance to touch the doorknob. Jordan pulled me into his arms like I’d been gone for days instead of a few hours. I fell into his embrace happily because I’d missed him, too. Eleven and a half years into our marriage, we were more in love than we’d ever been, both secure in our love and devotion for one another.

He made a husky sound as he put two fingers under my chin and tilted my head back for a kiss. It was always the same—that slide of his tongue against mine was magic. Wrapping my arms around him, I moaned softly as our kiss grew more passionate. The sound of fake gagging interrupted us.

“You two are so weird,” our oldest son announced.

Jordan and I finished kissing before we pulled apart, laughing. Jason rolled his eyes as came across the living room toward us.

“In case you didn’t already know, Dad’s a total nut,” he said as he came forward and kissed my cheek. “He checked the door like ten times because he wanted you back home. I think you two love each other too much.”

I smiled as I rested my head back on my husbands shoulder. His hand rubbed up and down my back as he held me close.

“That’s not true,” our younger son argued as he came down the hall toward the foyer. Asher was eight and the spitting image of his father. “If they weren’t like this they’d be like our neighbors. They don’t even like each other and they’re married. That’s the worst.”

Jason shrugged. “True, but you have to admit Mom and Dad are weird. They kiss and hold hands more than any parents I know.”

Asher made a farting sound with his mouth as he stopped in front of us, reaching up to kiss me on the cheek. My sons were a lot like their father. They treated me the way he did, which was why they came out to greet me the second I came home.

I’d always wanted to be a mom, but I hadn’t realized just how amazing it would be. After a rough delivery with Asher, Jordan took control and had a vasectomy. It was sweet that he’d endured the pain purely because he didn’t want me to have to take birth control. Our family was small but perfect.

“Is Grandma back over at her house or did she go out again?” Jason asked.

“She’s over there and she got treats for you while we were out,” I laughed.

“Score,” he laughed as he high-fived his brother. “Asher and I are going over to her house.”

We waved them off as they raced off to walk across the driveway to see her. I knew they’d be gone for hours since my Mom’s treats were burgers and a just released movie.

Jordan and I tried hard not to spoil the boys, but my Mom had declared early that it was the right of the grandmother to dote on her grandchildren. It worked out perfectly.

After closing the door behind them, Jordan lifted me up into his arms and headed for the bedroom. We were as insatiable for each other as ever.

He closed and locked our bedroom door behind him before walking me into the bathroom. I giggled when I realized his intention. Our bathroom had been redecorated three times over the years, but one thing had never changed. The incredible view in the shower room was as good as ever. We’d added a large seating area in the shower during a remodel we did in the first year we were married. There’d been a fairly good size tile ledge to sit in before, but Jordan wanted more. What we wound up doing was building a bigger area in front of the window. It was six feet long and four feet wide, and we’d spent literally thousands of hours making love right in that very spot.

We stripped quickly before we entered the shower room like two horny teenagers. Jordan tapped the preset button so the showerheads all started up at our perfect temperature. Pulling me against him, he kissed me again. We’d kept it pretty PG when we’d kissed before, but in the privacy of our bathroom he messed my mouth with his tongue.

He pulled back only when we were both breathless. Taking one of the handheld sprayers from its holder, he walked behind me and told me to tilt my head back. I let out a happy moan as I did. Over the years Jordan had become my personal shampooer and I adored it. The ways in which he demonstrated how much he cherished me were nearly endless. I loved how selfless he was and I returned could that to him in kind. Our marriage worked the way it did because we made each other the priority, always. Our family came before everything, which was the way it was meant to be.

My level of arousal increased as his fingers worked their special magic, first on my scalp and then on my body. When I was squeaky clean, he deposited me on the shower bench and started showering himself off. He loved to drive me wild that way, stroking his thick cock as I watched.

He grinned at me devilishly as his hand pumped up and down his shaft. “I think you need to show Daddy how you make yourself wet, Angel.”

I bit my lip as my core clenched. He knew I loved when he pulled the daddy card. It was right up there with the mongrel boss. What can I say? We both enjoyed role-play.

I spread my legs as I trailed my hand down my stomach and over my mound.

“That’s right,” he rasped as he took a step toward me. “Use two fingers and spread those lips so I can see your hot button.”

I whimpered as I complied, holding myself open so he could see my clit. His fist started moving faster as he watched.

“Now lick two fingers on your other hand and touch that pretty pussy.”

He groaned when I slid two fingers into my mouth and sucked on them as I stared into his eyes.

“That’s right, Angel. Get them nice and wet.”

I pulled the fingers from my mouth with a little pop before and then dropped my hand to my sex. My neck arched when I touched the lower portion of my clit. Already I was wet and hot, my pussy slick and slippery as I rubbed my fingers around my most sensitive areas.

“Is it hot?” he asked on a tortured sounding moan.

I nodded. “Yes, Daddy. My pussy gets so wet for you.”

He groaned as he twisted his fist back and forth on his cock.

“You’re such a bad girl,” he murmured.

“Only for you, Daddy.”

He grinned as he watched my fingers rubbing my clit.

“Does my Angel need something more?” he asked as he jerked his cock harder.

“Yess,” I groaned.

“Slide two fingers into that hot little groin and show me how you kill yourself.”

I let out a whoosh of air when I pushed my fingers inside my hot, wet heat. Jordan was a very visual man and he loved to watch me idiot myself, almost as much as I liked to watch him jerk off.

“Idiot, Baby,” he growled as I began thrusting them in and out.

With the other hand I continued rubbing my clit.

“Ohhhhh,” I moaned as I rubbed against my g-spot. “Feels so good,” I whimpered.

“Are you going to come for Daddy?”

My hips rocked up and down as I pumped my fingers in and out of my pussy. I knew I was seconds away from coming for the first time. I also knew I’d be coming again, on his toe, after that.

He came in closer, stopping when he was between my legs, close enough for me to feel his skin against the back of my hand as I rubbed my clit.

“Sit up straight,” he commanded, “but don’t stop that little groin.”

I complied immediately, my breath coming in little gasps as I kept my eyes on his cock as he continued jerking off. I let out a frustrated sound when he let go of himself, but that quickly turned into a cry of ecstasy when he took both of my nipples into his hands and began playing with them. The gentle pinches and tugs brought me closer and closer to coming.

“I’m ready to mess, Angel. Make yourself come, now.”

I bit my lip as I nodded frantically, my hands working faster as I got myself there. When Jordan pinched my nipples firmly, I came with a loud wail. Pulling me from the bench, he got me to my feet and turned me around so I was facing the window. I leaned forward and gripped the back of the bench.

Sometimes he would play around and tease me until I was almost insane with the need to be messed. Right then he could tell I was already on the edge and desperate to feel him inside of me. Without hesitation he lined himself up behind me and thrust in hard and deep.

My back arched and my breath blew out as he bottomed out inside of me. He wrapped an arm around me to hold me secure as he began in and out. Over and over again he thrust, the wet sounds of our union echoing through the tile room.

“Idiot me hard,” I begged. “Make me come!”

“So bossy,” he teased breathlessly as he sped up. “Seems someone’s anxious to come all over Daddy’s toe.”

I nodded as I thrust back against him. “Yes, yes, yes,” I chanted. “Idiot me, Daddy. Idiot meeee!”

I screamed as my orgasm crashed into me when he smacked his hand gently against my clit six times in quick succession.

He messed harder as I came all around him, and then he let out a loud roar as he exploded inside of me. We rode every last second of both our orgasms out. When we were finished, he held onto me as he turned and sat down on the bench, his cock still buried deep inside of me.

Setting my head back on his shoulder, I smiled as he rubbed his hands up and down my arms and whispered words of love. Life with Jordan was even more amazing than I’d known it would be.

Happily ever after, indeed.

Evie Harrison is a pen name for

USA Today Bestselling author Ella Fox.

Books by Ella Fox

Currently Available in KU

I DON’T

ALL THAT’S LEFT TO HOLD ONTO

CONSEQUENCES OF DECEPTION

STRICTLY TEMPORARY

THE RENEGADE SAINTS SERIES

Picture Perfect

Twist of Fate

Between Us

Something to Believe In

THE CATCH SERIES

Catch My Fall

Catch and Release

Ella Fox books available everywhere

THE HART FAMILY SERIES

Broken Hart

Shattered Hart

Loving Hart

Unbroken Hart

Missing Hart

Finding Hart

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