Landlady: A New Adult Romance (Northbridge Nights Book 1)

by Jackie Wang

  I didn't want to lie to her, but I didn't want to tell her what happened over the phone either. “I picked up Max. I named him Max—he's the stray I ran over last night. He's home with me and Bowser now.”

  “So when are you coming over?” Sierra asked.

  I bit my lip. “I'm not sure. I need to figure out what to do with Max first. And I need to sort things out with my Dad.”

  “I see,” Sierra said. Her voice fell.

  “I really want to see you. Hold you. Kiss you,” I said. “Among other things. But I also hate the way I left things with my dad. You understand, don't you?”

  “Of course,” Sierra said. “Go do what you have to do. I'm not going anywhere.”

  “What she means is come get her ASAP, she's dying to go home,” Cally interrupted.

  I laughed. “Yes, ma'am. I'll try to swing by tomorrow.”

  “Can't wait,” Sierra said.

  “Sweet dreams, princess.”

  “You too, trespasser.”

  After I hung up, I decided I'd keep Max. At least until I could personally find him a new home. I posted an ad online and also called up a few buddies to ask them to spread the word. Around nine-thirty, I ordered in some Pad Thai and crashed shortly after.

  The next morning, I headed straight to the firm.

  I knew Dad told me to piss off but he'd always been short-tempered, and I knew he'd probably cooled down somewhat since two days ago.

  When I strode in, Rachelle smiled. “Did you patch things up with your father?”

  “No, not yet. But I will,” I replied. “Wish me luck.” I made a move to go to Dad's office, but Rachelle held me back.

  “Sorry, Asher, but you don't technically work here anymore. And you don't have an appointment. Your dad's in a meeting.”

  “You're right. Okay, I can wait.”

  “He's got meetings all day, Asher.”

  “I'll wait all day then. He'll need a lunch or bathroom break at some point.”

  “Should I let him know you're here?” she asked.

  “No, it's okay. I'll wait until he has a moment.”

  I received many stares and a few whispers over the next hour. One hour stretched into two. Then four. I stretched, paced, played on my phone. But still no sight of Dad.

  When Dad finally emerged from his office, he was laughing at something Klassen had said. After Klassen had disappeared into his office, I seized the opportunity to speak to Dad.

  “What are you doing here?” Dad snapped. He made his way toward the elevators, so I chased after him. “Can we talk, in private?”

  “There's nothing left to say,” Dad said. “Now, if you'll excuse me.”

  “Tell me what I have to do to win back your trust. Anything,” I said. I ran after him just as the elevator doors closed.

  “Anything? Are you sure about that?”

  “Yes.” I looked him square in the eye. “Tell me what I need to do.”

  “Ditch the girl. She's a trivial distraction,” Dad said, staring straight ahead.

  “Anything but that,” I said. “Please, there must be another case—”

  “That's my condition,” Dad said. “Your job or her. You decide. You have three days. Then I'm hiring a new junior associate to replace you.”

  “Dad—”

  “—You may leave now, Asher. Let me know what you decide.”

  I felt abysmal. Not only had I not accomplished anything after my four-hour wait, but now Dad had put an ultimatum in front of me. My career or Sierra.

  It wasn't fair.

  He was being heartless and savage, and we both knew it. Sierra wasn't just a simple distraction. Not anymore. She really meant something to me. I fucking loved her. Couldn't he see that?

  What the hell was I doing here, begging for my job when I should’ve been kissing the hell out of my new girlfriend? When I should’ve been telling her how much I loved and adored and cherished her? Because despite our unconventional beginnings, I was more crazy about that girl than any other woman I'd ever been with. And Sierra Maywood needed to know that. Right now.

  CHAPTER 21

  SIERRA

  “ASHER—I THOUGHT YOU weren't coming over until tomorrow.”

  “I was going stir-crazy,” Asher said. “I need you to come home with me. Tonight.”

  “Tonight? It's like nine o' clock already. I was planning to go to bed soon,” I replied.

  “You can go to sleep...in my bed,” Asher said. “I won't take no for an answer,” he added.

  “What will I tell my parents?” I asked. “They'll think I'm crazy for leaving in the middle of the night.”

  “I'll talk to them,” Asher said. “Just tell me you want to come home with me.”

  “Of course, I do. I've been dying to leave since yesterday,” I said.

  “Where's your stuff?” Asher asked. “I'll take it to the car.”

  “I think you'd better talk to my parents first. They're out on the back deck having a glass of wine.”

  “Okay. But grab your things because nothing is going to stop me from taking you home tonight.”

  The urgency in Asher's voice sent a thrill through me. I'd never seen him in such a frenzy. I wondered what had incited him to come down at this hour and what we'd do once we returned to Northbridge. I made my way toward the sofa and started folding up clothes and putting them in my suitcase. My fingers quivered with nervous energy and I could hardly concentrate.

  I heard Asher talking to my parents outside, but the conversation was muted. No one was yelling or crying, so that was a good sign. I grabbed my crutches and tried to sneak up on them and eavesdrop, but the conversation was over within minutes.

  Asher returned, lifted me off my feet and didn't put me down until I was buckled into his front seat. He was fiercely determined and so damn hot. His tousled hair and firm lips and that glint in his eyes. What happened while he was gone?

  Five minutes later, he was lugging my suitcase down the stairs and tossing it in the trunk. He slammed it shut and asked, “Do you have anything else other than this suitcase?”

  “Nope.”

  “Good. Let's hit the road then.”

  “Shouldn't I say goodbye to my parents?” I asked.

  “We'll be back in a couple days to visit. They said they understood.”

  “What in the bloody hell did you tell them?”

  My parents were just as bull-headed as I was. How did he convince them to let me leave?

  “Just the truth. About how I felt towards you.”

  “That's it?”

  “Yup, that's it. Easy-peasy,” Asher said, grinning.

  “I don't believe you. Did you bribe them?”

  “No. No bribes necessary. I just said the magic words and they nearly fainted with joy.”

  “Oh? What were the magic words?”

  Asher pulled out onto the side of the road. In the dead silence, he turned to me and said, “I told them that I was madly in love with their daughter. That I couldn't bear spending another day or night without her by my side.”

  “Asher—”

  “I told them that I was prepared to take care of you 24/7 until your leg was healed, and continue to look after you for as long as you'd have me.”

  “Asher—”

  “—I love you, Sierra Maywood. Don't say a word unless it's to return the sentiment.”

  I wrapped my arms around Asher's neck and pulled him in for a deep kiss. “I love you too, Asher Morgan.”

  In the fading sunset, his radiant, boyish smile was swoon-worthy. “Now that's what I wanted to hear.”

  “Should we head home now?” I asked, buckling in the seatbelt. “Or are we going to just sit here making googly eyes at one another?” I laughed, and Asher stepped on the gas again.

  When we got home, Asher didn't even bother taking my suitcase out of the car. He was too busy carrying me up the stairs and into our house.

  He stopped to unlock the front door, then brought me straight into his bedroom, lay me
down on his comfortable bed (a hundred times softer than the lumpy mattress at my parents' place) and kissed me tenderly.

  I couldn't believe it was happening. A riot of fireworks blazed through me, and I gasped as Asher nibbled on the soft flesh of my neck.

  “I can't wait a second longer, Sierra,” Asher moaned. “I need to make you mine.”

  “That's good because I'm dying to be yours,” I replied, tugging at his shirt collar and working his buttons free.

  “God, Sierra, you sweet, sexy woman.” Asher sucked on my neck and then planted kisses all the way up to my chin. His lips roamed over the contours of my face, feather light and sweeter than sugar. Shooting stars erupted inside my stomach, causing me to twist and turn with uncontainable excitement.

  Every one of his kisses pulsed through me, licked my skin like delicious little flames. And I wanted more. All over my body. Everywhere, all at once. I unhooked the final button and pulled his shirt off. Cupping my hands around his shoulder blades, I brought his chest down on top of mine, taking in his spicy scent and tantalizing musk.

  Asher parted the seam of my lips with his relentless tongue. He explored my mouth, danced with my tongue and then bit my bottom lip until it was swollen. I was trapped inside a delirious inferno of lust, and I could already feel wetness pooling between my thighs.

  My panties were soaked.

  Because of him.

  Sexy, sweet, irresistible Asher.

  But I also couldn't help but realize that this might not happen thanks to the ginormous cast on my leg. It weighed a ton and any pressure on it sent shockwaves of pain through my entire body.

  Thankfully, Asher was incredibly gentle. He lifted my t-shirt over my head, pulling my hair to one side and straightening it again.

  “You look magnificent,” he said. “Good enough to eat.” His large hands found my breasts and squeezed them through my bra. “I've wanted to taste these since the first time I saw them.”

  “Well now's your chance,” I said, pushing my chest towards him. “Taste me.”

  “I almost died when I saw you in that tiny bikini at the pool.” Asher reached around and unhooked my bra, peeling it off until my alabaster globes met with the cool night air and my nipples peaked.

  Asher's hands warmed up my erect buds as he massaged my breasts, squeezing them together and then pulling them apart. “You're my fucking addiction, Sierra. My drug,” he said in that gravelly voice of his. “My weakness and my strength. My everything.” The most sinful groans escaped from him as he studied my body like a fine art connoisseur.

  His face sank between my cleavage and kissed my sternum. Then he made his way from my left nipple to the right one.

  “God, you're driving me insane,” I groaned. “Asher, please.”

  Asher scraped his teeth along my right nipple, teasing it until it hurt. Then he made circles around my puffy areola with the tip of his tongue until I was arching my back and writhing with desire.

  “Please, Asher.”

  Asher dragged my palm over his manhood, and I could feel him practically bursting out of his pants. “Feel how hard I am for you. Just for you, Sierra. Only you can make me feel this way.”

  I swallowed hard. I could see the outline of his cock against his pants.

  “I'm not sure if we can—” I started, “—You know because of my leg—”

  “Tonight's not about me, baby, it's all about you,” Asher whispered. He sank lower onto the bed and started easing my skirt off. When he reached my underwear, he pulled it down with his teeth. After he'd removed it all, I suddenly felt exposed and extremely conscious of my nudity. After all, he still had his pants on.

  “Asher, it's not fair that I'm naked and you're not.”

  “You're not ready for this yet,” Asher said, gesturing to his arousal. “But I think you are ready for this...” He pushed my legs apart and dove between my legs, his mouth expertly locating my clit and closing over it.

  I let out a gasp, but before I could even exhale, he'd pulled back already, leaving me tingling and wanting more. When Asher dove back down again, he teased my labia with his tongue, only licking the very edge, but not taking in more than that.

  “This isn't fair, Asher.”

  “I know.”

  Asher's tongue lapped at my outer folds, up and down, up and down until I felt my wetness leaking onto the bedsheets. I was slick and ready for him, dying for him to fill me, but he wouldn't grant my wish. Instead, he used his tongue to probe deeper into me, shooting it up inside me and pistoning in and out, driving me to the very edge, only to pull out again.

  “You're going to make me come if you keep doing that,” I gasped.

  “That's the idea,” he whispered, his voice husky with desire.

  He pulled back my clitoral hood and closed his mouth over my pleasure center, sucking until I let out a scream. I dug my nails into the bed and arched against him, desperate for release. Twisting the sheets, I reached down and grabbed a fistful of his hair. I wanted to bury him between my legs until I smothered him with my cream. I wanted him to drown in my juices and swallow it all. I wanted my pussy to be his newest craving, his eternal addiction. “Asher, make me come,” I begged. “I'm so fucking close.”

  “As you wish, princess.”

  Asher worked on my clit until I saw fucking stars. Until my body started to shake and buck against him. Until I was wound so tight, I thought I'd explode. Then with one final suck, I ricocheted into goddamn space and was blinded by my ecstasy. Torrents of erotic bliss fried every nerve; every impulse left in my body until I was left with nothing but the desire for more. The sex goddess inside me was unleashed by his touch, and I felt as if I couldn't go back now.

  There was no turning back from this master of orgasms.

  I had already fallen for him, hook, line, and sinker.

  And I was loving every second of it.

  “Holy fucking hell, that was incredible,” I moaned, collapsing.

  Asher rolled to one side and kissed each of my breasts before pulling up the covers around them.

  “What about you? I want you to feel the same way I just did,” I said breathlessly.

  “That can wait until tomorrow,” Asher murmured. “Trust me, now that I've tasted you, I'll want more. Much, much more. But for now, we need rest. I want to hold you in my arms and fall asleep with you. Is that okay?”

  Was this reality or just a really, really good sex dream?

  Whatever it was, I didn't want it to ever end.

  “I love you, Asher.”

  “I love you more, Sierra.”

  That night, I slept better than I had in months. It was the type of perfect, dreamless sleep I could only have after receiving the best orgasm of my life.

  CHAPTER 22

  ASHER

  “WHAT TIME IS IT?” the angel by my side asked. The sheets were twisted around Sierra's torso and snug around her breasts, revealing the slightest hint of cleavage.

  God, how could I possibly resist ravishing her?

  It'd been a few days since I brought Sierra home and I was getting used to falling asleep with her and waking up beside her every morning. Among other things. We'd done quite a few naughty things since Sierra came home, but not sexual intercourse. Not yet. I wanted to save that until she regained use of her legs. Then, and only then, would I fuck her until she couldn't walk again.

  I couldn't believe God had made me wait thirty-two years before he introduced me to Sierra Maywood.

  How did I spend my days before I met her? Working my ass off, that's how. Now my days were more relaxed, carefree. Every day was a holiday with the woman I loved. Couldn't get better than that. I was blessed with the greatest gift of all: unconditional love, and it was a treasure I would never relinquish.

  “It doesn't matter what time it is. Not like I have to go to work or anything,” I said, smiling. “We're on vacation, remember?” I leaned in and gave Sierra a kiss.

  “You should try to make nice with your dad. I'm sure he ju
st said those things because he was angry.” Sierra said, “Just talk to him.”

  “I did talk to him. In fact, I waited four hours just so he could tell me to fuck off.”

  “He didn't say that.”

  “Not in so many words,” I said. “But he did tell me that if I wanted my job, I'd have to leave you.”

  “He didn't.”

  “He did,” I said. “It wasn't until that moment I realized Dad considered you a threat. He thinks because I'm with you, I'll lose everything I've worked so hard for these past few years.”

  “And you don't agree?” Sierra sat up, rubbed her thighs, and winced a little.

  “Not one bit. Especially now that I know how you feel about me.”

  “Can't you prove to your dad that you can juggle two things at once?”

  “My dad doesn't trust my judgment,” I sighed. “It's pointless talking to him.” I pulled back the sheets and walked naked towards the bathroom. I hoped she was studying my ass as I strode inside.

  “You look good enough to eat,” Sierra purred from the bed.

  I started the shower and groaned as the hot water soothed my taut muscles. It didn't matter that I was unemployed. I could probably land another job at another firm. But Sierra? She was irreplaceable. I wouldn't be able to find another one of her anywhere. She was a priceless gem in a sea of fakes and she was all mine. And I wouldn't trade her for the world.

  There was no doubt in my mind that I'd made the right decision by picking her.

  After brushing my teeth and wrapping a towel around my waist, I rejoined my sleepy angel.

  “What should we do today?” I asked.

  Sierra looked at me through mischievous, hooded eyes. “I have a few ideas in mind.”

  “I'd love to do what you're thinking, but I was hoping we could finally go on a proper date,” I suggested. “That is what normal couples do, you know.”

  We'd spent far too much time these past few days in bed, only leaving it to use the bathroom or to order delivery. In fact, the takeout cartons were piled too high and my dogs were getting pissed off at us. My place had never been messier, but I was okay with that.

  “But we aren't a normal couple, are we?” Sierra says, reaching for my shoulders and kneading them.