Phoenix (Own The Skies Book 2)

by Emma Nichole

  Who are you, Case Carmichael?

  There is a small table on the far left-hand side of the porch with four chairs and a small candle I assume keeps the mosquitos away. They are massive here, so I’ve been told.

  There are two large windows behind the table. One has the shades drawn, but the other doesn’t. I can look just inside and see there is a small ottoman pushed right up against the window with a small blanket laid across it.

  I stand at the large white door and glance down at the welcome mat he says should be concealing the spare key, and I laugh out loud.

  It’s brown, like a standard welcome mat, but in bold black letters reads: I Like Big Mutts. I can only shake my head with a large smile as I lift the corner, finding the key waiting as promised.

  With a twist of the lock, I push open the door and step into his home.

  I’m instantly caressed with his scent. Fabric softener and cologne. It’s perfect.

  I close the door behind me and explore his space.

  The front door opens to his living room with soft gray walls, lined with framed photos of sports in action, as well as a few movie and television show posters, like Pulp Fiction and Game of Thrones.

  He has a very large television mounted to the wall in perfect viewing range of the plush, deep charcoal-colored sectional sofa, with a coffee table just in front of it holding a couple of books, and there is a smattering of dog toys on the floor.

  The open floor plan allows me to easily venture into the dining area to my left. It’s complete with a black table with six chairs and more framed movie and television posters. I round the corner into a beautiful kitchen. It also has the same gray and charcoal color scheme but with splashes of red and all stainless steel appliances. My desire to know more about this man urges me to open the fridge, so I do. Inside, I find the basics. Eggs, bottles of water, fruit juices, and some veggies. With his physique, I’m not surprised I don’t find junk food. I close the fridge door and turn to face the gas range.

  I wonder if he cooks?

  There’s an exit from the kitchen that leads into a hall just off the living area. I follow it down and peek into the first door on the left.

  It’s a bedroom, but I somehow know it’s not his. It has a basic queen-sized bed with a white duvet and white pillows. It’s too—bleh—too simple. Not Case.

  I continue walking until I reach another door on the right. I push it open, flip on the lights and smile.

  This is his bedroom.

  It has darker walls than the rest of the house—deep gray, nearly gunmetal. There’s a bed in the middle, with its black headboard against one wall, and a TV mounted on the opposite at the foot. There is a ceiling fan overhead and a lamp on each nightstand.

  There’s a laundry basket in the corner with just a few things inside, and one large chest of drawers on the opposite wall to the right of the bed. It is black, modern, and has a large mirror above it with a clear view of his bed, and the naughty thoughts instantly take over.

  Cool it, Nora. Jesus.

  I sit on the edge of his bed. The comforter is plush, black, and inviting, as are the pillows.

  This feels like him. Simple and masculine.

  I lie back with my arms outstretched above my head and inhale deeply, breathing him in.

  This bed is so comfortable. I sink down into it like it’s a fluffy cloud. It envelops me and I curl to my side, settling my head on one of the pillows.

  I allow my eyes to drop closed and let thoughts of Case occupy me while I wait for the real thing to come home.

  A wet nose to my face startles me, and I open my eyes and give a little screech.

  “Holy shit!” I quickly sit up and look around, trying to catch my bearings and figure out where I am.

  Case’s bedroom.

  My eyes focus and I see the source of my terror. A beautiful brown and black German Shepherd perched in the middle of the bed, staring at me.

  “Uh...hi,” I say.

  “Arya?” I hear Case call from the hallway just before he enters the bedroom. “Arya, come,” he commands, and she listens immediately, hopping off the bed and lying at his feet.

  “You’re here.” I adjust my top that is now out of place and fiddle with my hair.

  “I am. It’s my house after all. I came in after my shift and found you sleeping in my bed. You looked so peaceful, I couldn’t wake you,” he says, and I’m instantly mortified.

  “I fell asleep? What time is it?”

  “A little after eight”

  “I slept for nearly three hours? Oh my God, Case, I’m so sorry. How long have you been here?” I quickly stand, moving far away from the bed.

  “First of all, you have nothing to apologize for. Second of all, I’ve only been home a little over an hour. Third of all, you were comfortable enough to fall asleep in my home. That’s more than okay with me.” He closes the distance between us and places his hands on either side of my face. “Now with that out of the way, I can greet you properly.”

  He leans forward and presses the softest of kisses to my lips, and I instantly relax. The kiss doesn’t build. It’s not sexual in nature. It just feels like the perfect, sweet kiss. He allows it to linger for a moment then he pulls back and just grins at me.

  “I really am sorry for falling asleep in your bed. It’s incredibly comfortable,” I say, matching his smile.

  “A beautiful woman was asleep in my bed. It’s beyond fine.”

  I bite my lip at his compliment.

  “I had planned on coming home, fucking you thoroughly, and then feeding you, but your impromptu nap will force a little bit of a change. I ordered out for us. It’s in the kitchen now. I’ll feed you then I’ll fuck you. Any objections?” he says, with his arrogant swagger that makes me weak in the knees.

  “Not a single one.”

  Case

  “Case...Case...oh my God,” she purrs into my ear as she comes around my cock.

  She’s perched up on the kitchen table with her ass on the edge, and I’m standing with her legs around my waist; my cock buried so deep inside I can feel every suck and contraction of her walls.

  We made it through dinner, but only barely, as the takeout boxes are still littered around us. She gave me a look and I knew I had to have her right here and right now.

  I come a mere few thrusts after she does and bury my face in the crook of her neck.

  “You’re going to be the death of me.” I kiss her lips, sinking a soft bite into them before I break the connection.

  “But what a way to go,” she says as she giggles.

  I slip from her body and step a couple paces back. “Let me take care of the condom. I’ll be right back.”

  I run down to the bathroom, discard the condom in the trash can, and when I come back in, she’s already dressed and gathering her purse before I can even get my dick back into my pants.

  “I should go,” she says.

  “Already?”

  “Well... yes. We did what we met up to do, right? And it was great, but I should get back before Amelia starts to worry.” She pulls her hair back into a high bun and walks over to kiss my cheek.

  “At least let me drive you,” I say.

  “I already ordered an Uber. It’ll be here in just a minute.”

  This is what we agreed to. Casual. Nothing serious. No strings. Even if it’s not exactly what you want, at least she’s agreeing to see you. Don’t be a clingy asshole.

  “Let me know when you make it at least?” I say.

  “Of course, Dad.” She rolls her eyes. “Dinner was great...and hey, thanks for the nap.”

  “My bed is yours anytime,” I say. “Arya and I both cuddle.”

  Arya comes into the room at the sound of her name and nudges Nora’s hand for some attention.

  “I can tell she’s a cuddler.” Nora squats down and rubs Arya’s head with both hands. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Arya. Your dad says you’re the best partner ever.”

  Arya barks in response.


  “Careful, you’ll get attached. She’s easy to like,” I warn.

  Nora rises back to stand upright and looks me square in the face. “Must run in the family.” She smiles and looks down at her phone. “My ride is here.”

  “Okay. Be careful. Text me so we can do this again?” I ask.

  “I’m counting on it, Carmichael.”

  She’s gone all of thirty minutes and I really want to text her. Do I seriously already have it that bad? Even Arya is staring at me in judgement.

  “What do you expect me to do, huh?” I ask her, and she just tilts her head in response. “You’re no help.”

  I prop my feet up on the coffee table and stare up at the TV as some random sports show plays on mute.

  I knew from day one I liked this girl, I guess I just didn’t realize how easily I could really like her, and now I’m like an obsessed psychopath who can never get enough.

  But she’s made it clear. Casual is the only way for us and she is leaving in two weeks time. That’s that. I’ll just enjoy her while I have her then move on when she goes.

  Simple right?

  My phone vibrates in my pocket and I pull it free, seeing it’s a text from her.

  Nora: Safe and sound.

  Me: Good. When can I see you again?

  Nora: So eager? LOL

  Me: Yes.

  Nora: Tomorrow? Same time?

  Me: I look forward to it.

  I toss my phone aside and head into the kitchen to clean up any of the mess still there from dinner. It keeps me busy and gives me time to really think.

  I like her. That much is obvious, but I like her in way I can’t remember ever feeling before. She is different—special—even.

  I wipe down the table and toss empty takeout containers as the memories of fucking her on this table seep into my brain. I’m overtaken by this caveman-like need to have her on every flat surface of my house. Maybe I make that a silent goal before she leaves. Christen the house with her so she’s here with me, even when she’s gone.

  Nora’s just so easy. She’s so easy to be around, to talk to, to care for. It makes this casual shit incredibly fucking hard. I know, as a single man, I should appreciate the ability to fuck a smoking hot blonde with no strings attached, but that’s not what feels right with her.

  Yes, Nora is a fucking dime piece with a fuckable, curvy body, but she’s also the kind of girl you take home to your parents. She’s the kind of woman you wife immediately. The kind of woman you want to make babies with, take care of, fight with, and make up with. She’s the full package. The rare home run, and she only wants me for my cock.

  Shouldn’t this be a good thing?

  Arya barks from the front door, pulling my thoughts back to the present, alerting me she needs to go out.

  “Yeah, yeah. I’m coming.”

  I fill up a large pitcher of water and take it with me to the front porch, letting Arya into the yard to do her business while I water the hanging flower baskets.

  I catch shit from some of the guys at the station for having these, but I don’t care. Things like this mean more than their bullshit jabs ever could.

  “Hiya, Arya!” I hear from across the yard.

  I step down the front steps and see Faith in her driveway next door, knelt down on the concrete, petting and playing with Arya.

  “Enjoy your day off?” I ask.

  Our houses are close enough together we can hold a normal conversation without even really raising our voices very much.

  Faith has been my neighbor for five years. Ever since she moved to Savannah and took the job as the receptionist at the station. She’s good people. Always has been.

  “I did. Ran a few errands. Had lunch with my aunt. It was a nice, easy day,” she says, returning to her feet as Arya bolts over to me. “I swear I wasn’t being the nosy neighbor, but on my way out earlier, I saw a girl on your front porch. A pretty one at that. Finally have them stalking you at your house, I see,” she teases.

  “Nah, it’s not like that. That was Nora. She’s a friend. She came by for a bit and just let herself in.”

  “A friend or a friend?” She cocks her brow and places her hands on her hips.

  “Is there a difference?”

  “Well, yeah, duh. There are friends who you hang out with, watch sports with, and then they leave. Then there are friends who you see occasionally and make the beast with two backs.” She pushes her black-framed, vintage style glasses back into place.

  “The beast with two backs? You really are a nerd,” I say jokingly.

  “So what is it? Friends or friends?”

  “Uh…Well, both...I think.”

  “Both, you think? You really are a dude.”

  Chapter 17

  Nora

  “Holy shit!” I say as Arya wiggles and dances in the back seat of the car. “She’s really excited, huh?”

  “This is her favorite place in the world,” he says, as he pulls up to a meter alongside Forsyth Park.

  “I’ve seen this place as we’ve driven by a time or two, but I’ve never stopped.” I lean over to look out his window. “It’s beautiful.”

  Forsyth Park is a large, rectangular park in the heart of Savannah. It’s lined with oak trees that have beautiful Spanish moss hanging from the limbs and bookended by a stunning white fountain and a small event center.

  “Wait until you see the fountain up close. It’s actually spectacular, but don’t tell anyone I said that. I have a man card to keep.” He winks at me.

  “My lips are sealed.” I mime zipping my lips and tossing away the key.

  “Oh, I hope not. Those lips are pretty amazing too.” He smiles wide and exits the car before I can even reply, leaving me with a goofy grin and an ache between my thighs.

  He opens the back door to let Arya out and she obeys perfectly, listening to every word he says intently.

  I climb out of the car and straighten the bun, which resides atop my head, as I round to his side so we can cross the street. It’s hot as hell, literally, in Georgia this time of year so I opted for denim cutoffs, a blue racerback tank top, and a black, lacy bralette underneath. Is it a little much for the park? Maybe, but what fun is it if I can’t make him drool a little?

  And it’s working, too. I’ve caught him staring a few times. I mentally fist bump the air, The Breakfast Club style.

  “I still can’t believe how well-behaved she is,” I say, as we make our way across the street and into the grassy main area of the park.

  “She has to be to be an officer, but she also knows if today is a good day, she’ll be rewarded.”

  “Do you apply that logic to your girlfriends?” I tease him, and it earns me a deep, throaty laugh.

  “If I say yes, I have a feeling you’ll give me a swift punch to the arm.”

  “You wouldn’t be wrong about that.” I nudge him a bit with my shoulder.

  We make our way to the center of the grassy area. There are families gathered around on blankets with picnics, college students with laptops, people with dogs. It’s a mishmash of cultures, ages, races, and styles. I love everything about it.

  “All right, Arya. Ready to play?” he says, holding up a bright pink Frisbee, and she sits back on her butt and barks once, as if to say “Heck yeah, Dad, I am.”

  I can’t help but smile. He’s so good with her. He’s so good with everyone, really. It makes keeping my heart tucked away in my pocket even more difficult.

  “Let’s do this,” he says, before tossing the toy across, sending it sailing toward the other end of the park.

  Arya bolts off toward it, looking back occasionally to spot it before jumping up and catching it in her mouth.

  “Wow! Good job!” I clap and he cheers, running toward her excitedly.

  He’s wearing cargo shorts and a basic black tee with an orange cap, boasting his favorite college team, flipped around backward, and I cannot stop staring. Maybe he’s beating me at my own game, or at least evening the score. That
bastard.

  What is it about backward caps that make women melt?

  I take a seat on the grass right under a tree and watch them play together. He tosses the Frisbee, she fetches it, brings it back, and so on. I catch his laughter on the wind and occasionally he glances my way and smiles. He really is a wonderful man.

  Kind, strong, and brave. Not to mention wickedly attractive, a king in the sack, AND a gentleman to boot. He’s dangerous. The ultimate catch.

  And everything I don’t need if he’s going to risk his life every single day. I slide my thumb over my tattoo and take a deep breath. Keep it casual, Nora. Have the fun you deserve, then go back to California where you need to be.

  “Phoenix!”

  I hear him yell my nickname, and I snap out of my haze right before a very large Arya slams into me, knocking me to my back.

  “Ooof!” I say, as she begins to lick my face. “Oh!” I laugh. “Oh, wow. I appreciate the kisses, but at least buy me dinner first.”

  “Oh shit. Arya. Down!” he commands and his voice vibrates over me like electricity.

  I want him to command me that way. I’ll heel anytime he wants.

  Arya listens instantly, climbing off of me and lying by his feet.

  I push up to sit, still laughing. “It’s okay. Really. It was funny.”

  “I don’t know what that was. I looked at you, and it was like she remembered you were here and boom. Off she went.”

  He plops down to sit beside me.

  “She’s perfectly fine. I like that she likes me. I do have a thing for cute dogs.”

  “So you only like me for my dog?” he asks with a grin.

  “Damn. You caught me. I tried to hide it, but look at her. She’s stunning. Irresistible even.” I nod toward Arya as she chases a bug in the air, hops up on her hind legs, then falls over on her side.

  We both laugh.

  “Arya, get your butt over here.” He calls for her, and when she runs to us, she wiggles in between us to sit.

  I scratch her head as I talk. “So tell me about you. Something I don’t know yet.”

  “Something you don’t know? Hmm.” He stares off toward the fountain as he thinks. “I hate nuts. Nuts of all varieties.”