I open my bedroom door and kick it closed behind us as I lay her down on the bed and climb up her body, between her parted knees. Already, her hands are rushing my body, pushing and pulling clothing away. She’s breathing heavily and softly whimpering as my hands caress and squeeze every inch of her. I want every inch, every curve, burned into my memory.
I get myself to my knees and look down on her. She’s so fucking beautiful—just breathtaking. Her blonde curls are splayed out across my black pillows. Her green eyes are lit up and glowing. Her plump red lips are parted and welcoming. Her cream-colored skin teases me with every inch she reveals, beckoning me to reach out and touch her, to get lost in her.
I work my pants down my hips without taking my eyes off of her glorious body that’s hard in all the right places. With our clothing stripped away and tossed onto the floor, I pick up her knee and press a kiss to the inside, slowly moving up her leg. She’s shaking and pleading with me, begging me to take her. And I will. But first, I want to take my time with her. I want her writhing in my hands. I want her to want me as badly as I need her. I want to taste every inch of her. I want to memorize her every curve. I want there to be no piece of her that’s gone untouched by me. I want to claim her—to make her mine and only mine.
Chapter Thirteen
Janelle
He’s toying with me—teasing me deliciously and slowly. It ignites a fire in my lower belly that blazes out of control, gradually stealing every inch of my consciousness. I’m no longer capable of making decisions. Now, everything I do is an automatic response to him and the things he’s causing me to feel.
I feel like I’ve fallen down a rabbit hole, and I’m spinning uncontrollably. I can’t stop myself from falling. Every time I see something I can grab on to—to hold myself back—the speed of my falling only accelerates, causing me to blow right past it.
I thought I knew what I wanted out of life, but admitting my lifetime aspirations to him made me realize that I don’t have the slightest fucking clue. All I know is I want to be loved and happy, regardless of grad school and my dream job. As long as I have love, I’ll be happy with any job I have. As long as I have someone by my side, helping me fight through every problem life throws at me, I’ll be complete.
When he slides into me, I let out a gasp of relief. Finally, we’re together, where we’re supposed to be. My hands fist the sheets as his mouth presses against mine. His hands hold me firmly against him: my thighs, hips, waist. He cups my cheeks to deepen the kiss while his hips never stop moving. With each thrust, he’s pushing me closer and closer to my release, but he’s also pushing me closer to something else: a new dream. Suddenly, I can see him as my husband in my vision of the future. I can see him tucking in our children every night. I can him making love to me on that white tiled island in the kitchen—surrounded by toys and sippy cups.
The thought of my life turning out like that causes my heart to skip a beat. It sings from inside my chest like it’s celebrating the fact that I’ve finally realized my deepest wish. It feels like my mind, body, and soul have finally become one. Before, it was like I was divided. My head told me to go to college and grad school, then get a respectable job to become a productive member of society. My heart was always busy trying to find the next guy who could be the one. And my soul was always fighting, telling me to keep going, to keep trying, that the one was out there. Now, they’re all together, perfectly in sync. And as much as that scares me, it also makes me happy. Finally, I know what I’m supposed to do. I can have it all. Griffin was right, and I realized all of this thanks to him.
“You’re so beautiful,” he whispers softly in my ear as he slowly moves in and out of me. His hands find mine, and he pins them above my head, our fingers locking together. He rolls his hips, and my release breaks free, washing over me like a strong wave that steals the air from my lungs. My toes tingle, my lungs burn, and my heart nearly freezes in my chest. I can do nothing but revel in the pleasure and pain that’s now coursing through my body at lightning speed.
Finally, my release ends, and he removes himself from me unexpectedly. My eyes find his, but he doesn’t answer my silent question. Instead, he just smirks as he flips me over and enters me from behind. With this position, he feels even bigger, like he’s stretching me around him. And even though there’s pain, there’s relief because he’s back where I need him.
His hands hold my hips firmly as he thrusts deeply. I can do nothing but take every inch. As my body cries out in pain, my heart cries out in pleasure. I should’ve known that this couldn’t just be a fling for us. There was an intense attraction I couldn’t deny the moment I saw him. Something deep inside of me knew that he was it, my other half—that only he could deliver the future I didn’t even know I wanted. Even if I didn’t want to admit it to myself back then.
As the room fills with the sounds of our gasps, I feel my heart tangling around him, like a vine that slowly creeps toward the sun. When his hand reaches around me to gently stroke my clit, every muscle in my body hardens to prepare for another release.
My body is so in tune with every movement he makes. Every part of me is stimulated. With his every thrust, my nipples brush against the mattress beneath us, his fingers rub another circle around my sensitive nub, and every inch of my body begs for its release.
Finally, I shatter around him, calling his name, panting out every labored breath, and quaking with every wave of my orgasm. His dick twitches inside me, and he lets out a deep moan that makes my toes curl. His movements are no longer rhythmic—now they’re wild as he grinds his hips into my ass. I feel his release flood into me, a warm liquid that conditions my inner walls. He presses a soft kiss to my back as his heavy breathing begins to slow.
He gently removes himself from me and falls to his side on the mattress, pulling me down so he can wrap his strong arms around me. I can feel his heart pounding in his chest, and his hot breath blows against my cheek. Right here, I feel safe and warm. Like no one can touch me. Like everything I want in life is within reach.
Warm lips press to the back of my shoulder and stir me out of the most perfect sleep I’ve ever had. My eyes flutter open to see a dark room softly lit by dozens of candles. It brings a smile to face as I roll to my back and find him leaning over me. He raises his hand and gently pushes a strand of hair behind my ear. His blue eyes lock on mine, and a hint of a smile plays on his lips.
“How long have I been out?” I ask.
“About an hour,” he replies, leaning in and pressing a soft kiss to my lips.
Embarrassment washes over me as I stretch.
He runs his finger along my cheek. “Why are you blushing?”
His question only makes the heat escaping my face intensify. “I fell asleep. It’s like you fucked me into a coma!” I laugh out as I roll to face him directly.
He lets out a deep chuckle before laying his head down next to mine. “Don’t worry. I took it as a compliment.”
“This isn’t how I thought it’d be,” I admit, placing my hand on his cheek.
He quickly rolls over and then back with two glasses of wine. “How’d you think it’d be?” he asks, handing one over to me.
I take the glass and have a small sip that makes me realize how parched I was. “To be honest, I thought you were some rich hotshot guy who always randomly hooked up with women. I thought you’d bring me here, have a quick fuck, then send me on my way.”
“That’s never been me, El,” he whispers, moving to lie on his back, one arm behind his head. “I mean, I guess I had my share of random flings back in my younger days, but when I met Candice, everything changed for me. It made me realize how much I’d been missing out on. Sure, I had sex, but nothing else. I didn’t have someone to share my secrets with. I didn’t have someone who would stand by my side when things got tough. I didn’t have love. I had all of those things with her…at least, I thought I did. Turns out, I didn’t, but it made me realize what I really wanted in life.” He rolls back to his side
to face me now. “However, I thought I’d never get it. Then, as time went on, I was scared of it because getting it meant taking that risk all over again. I locked away that part of myself. I told myself I was better off—that I’d be happier alone, because then no one could hurt me. Candice and I broke up years ago, and I never thought about a relationship again, until I saw you.”
I place my hand on his cheek, moving my thumb across his skin absentmindedly. “Are you saying that you could see yourself having a future with me?”
He shrugs. “I’m just saying I saw something in you that I haven’t seen in a long time, El. I’m really putting myself out there by telling you this, but I don’t want you to think that this is just casual for me. I want you to know that when we’re not together, I’m not out with another woman.”
I place my glass on the table, then turn back to him. I cuddle into his chest and he wraps his strong arms around me. I look up into his blue eyes and get lost. They’re as blue as the ocean, and they sparkle like the sun beating down on the water, like a million diamonds in the sunlight. Placing my hand on his jaw, I move in to press my lips against his.
When I wake a second time, sunlight is streaming in through the windows, lighting up the room. I stretch and roll over to find the bed empty. I glance around the room, finding it empty, too, but also finding all the remnants of our lovemaking: clothes on the floor, burned-out candles, a ruffled bed. It all brings a smile to my face. Remembering the conversation we had last night makes my heart pound with excitement. It makes me happier than I can even understand.
I push the blankets down my naked body and walk across the floor to the bathroom. The black marble is warm beneath my feet. Why am I not surprised he has heated bathroom floors? I walk across the room and step into the shower. Turning it on causes water to shoot at me from all angles. The glass door fogs up, making me feel like I’m lost in my own little world.
I pick up a bottle of shampoo and bring it to my nose. His scent washes over me. It doesn’t smell strong and manly like most shampoos I’d find in a man’s shower. It smells perfectly balanced: clean, fresh, and gentle—like there’s a hint of lavender and lemongrass. I pour a small amount into my hand and work it into a lather. Closing my eyes makes me feel like I’m showering out in the middle of the rainforest—like I’m standing on a rock beneath a waterfall.
When I rinse the shampoo from my hair, I wash my body quickly and step out, wrapping a towel around myself. I head back into the bedroom for my clothes and find him on the bed. He’s only wearing a pair of black boxer briefs, and there’s a breakfast tray beside him, in the center of the bed.
I smile and pass by my clothes, taking my spot next to him.
“Did you enjoy the shower?” he asks with a smile.
“I did. I don’t know how you make it to work on time. I almost didn’t want to get out.”
He chuckles. “I think I’ve become accustomed to it.” He hands me a cup of coffee, then removes the lid from the platter on the tray. There’s fresh fruit: pineapple, strawberries, and blueberries. There are warm muffins and bagels, plus a fancy crepe filled with whipped cream and red filling.
“This looks amazing!” I gush, picking up a blueberry and popping it into my mouth.
“I wasn’t sure what your breakfast normally consists of, so I had a little of everything prepared.”
I laugh. “My usual breakfast is a cup of coffee and a Pop-Tart.” I dip my finger into the cream and suck it off. “A girl could get used to this,” I say around a smile.
“Good.” He grins. “That’s my evil plan: to get you addicted to the finer things so you’ll never want to leave my bed,” he says, moving in to press his lips to mine.
I giggle when he pulls away, nipping my bottom lip.
“Now, eat up so I can have my way with you one last time before you have to run off.”
“Run off?”
He nods. “We have work to get to and you probably shouldn’t show up in the same clothes you wore yesterday.”
My eyes grow wide as a smile takes over. “How is it I completely forgot about work?” I sip my coffee. “It feels like I’m on vacation. Not that I’ve ever been on vacation before.”
He pokes at a piece of pineapple with a fork. “Where would you go if you could take a vacation anywhere in the world?”
I shrug. “Never really thought about it, but someplace warm—a place with sandy beaches where I could stay in my bikini all day, soaking up the sun, relaxing, and drinking cocktail after cocktail.”
His eyebrows pinch together like he’s thinking something over. “What are you doing this weekend?”
Chapter Fourteen
Griffin
We finish breakfast and have one last romp before we have to part ways. I have my driver take her home, and instruct him to wait for her to change so he can deliver her to work. I dress and climb behind the wheel of my car to drive myself.
I swing by a coffee shop and grab a coffee for each of us before realizing that I might be giving away our secret. So I buy enough for all the interns, along with scones. When I get to work, I take everything into the conference room and leave it in the center of the table before heading to my office.
Sitting behind my desk, I’m filled with happiness as I think about the way I spent my night. El is different, and it makes me act differently. I’ve never been the romantic type, even with Candice. When I was with her, I was probably the guy El thought I was. I was a big shot who threw money around and bought his way into everything. I acted like a dick who couldn’t be bothered. But I want to spoil El. I want to show her how our lives could be if things work out. And I want her to know that I want things to work out.
I open my computer and pick up my cell phone to make our weekend plans. I own a small house on a tropical island. It’s a place I’ve only ever visited once. I actually bought it with the intention of giving it to Candice after our wedding. It has its own private beach, and the only way to and from the house is by boat. We’ll be completely alone there.
I book the flight, arrange a boat, and call in a team to clean and stock up. I can’t wait to see her face when I tell her.
Everyone comes into work and they all get their assignments. When I bring El back to my office, I pull her against me for a long kiss.
“What was that for?” she asks, pulling away with a smile.
“I was serious about this weekend. I’m taking you away.”
Her green eyes light up as they stretch wide. “Really?” Her mouth drops open. “Where?”
I can’t hold back my grin. “It’s a surprise. Just pack that bikini and nothing else.”
Friday comes around and I make sure to call off the interns. They all think I’m being a great boss for letting them take the day off, but really, I just want more alone time with El. My driver pulls up to her apartment at five a.m., and she comes sleepwalking out the door. I open the door and climb out, watching as she hands her bag off to the driver to place in the trunk. She slides into the leather seat, and I take my place beside her.
“Good morning. I brought you some coffee. I figured you’d need it.”
She offers up a sleepy smile as she takes the cup. “Thanks. Too early.” She has a sip, but sets it down and lays her head in my lap. I can’t do anything but brush her blonde hair away from her face as I watch her eyes drift closed.
After a long day of travel—one limo ride, three planes, then a cab ride to the boat—we’re so close I can taste it.
“This place is beautiful,” El says, climbing into the boat.
“Just wait. We’re not there yet.” I step behind the wheel of the boat and fire it up.
The island is a twenty-minute boat ride, but finally, we make it.
The sun is just starting to set when I turn off the boat and hop out to tie it down.
“This is amazing,” El says, barely above a whisper as she checks out our surroundings.
I hold out my hand and she takes it before jumping down. I reach over th
e side and grab our bags. “This thing feels like it’s holding more than a bikini,” I joke.
She laughs. “I didn’t think we’d be all alone. I figured, if nothing else, we’d be going out for meals and such. I never imagined this!” She spins around in a circle, holding her arms out wide.
Her green eyes are shining, and her red lips are turned upward in a big smile that shows her perfectly straight white teeth. Her skin is nearly glowing she’s so happy. Just seeing her this way—happy and carefree—makes me smile. It makes my heart flutter in my chest.
“Come on. Let’s get inside. Dinner should already be prepared.”
“Are there others here?” she asks, following along behind me to the front door.
“No, but others will be coming in and out to cook and clean.” I walk through the sand up to the porch that leads to the door.
“Now, I must warn you,” I stop with my hand on the knob, “this place is nothing compared to my house. It’s just a little house on its own island. The island is the only appeal.” I smile. “And having you here, of course.”
She laughs and playfully smacks my arm. “Shut up. It can’t be any worse than my tiny apartment.”
I open the door and lead her inside. The front door opens into a living room that’s only big enough to hold a sofa and chair with end tables and a coffee table, along with a cabinet that’s home to the TV and sound system. Off the living room is an open kitchen, and while it’s small, the appliances are top-of-the-line. Down the hall is the bedroom, and its bathroom has a door that leads to the back patio, where dinner should be set up.
I drop our bags on the floor, take her hand in mine, and lead her to the back patio. The small two-person table is already set up with two plates, a covered platter in the center, flowers, candles, and wine.
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