by Karen Deen
“Wait, what the hell is a book boyfriend? I’m the only boyfriend in your life.” He’s a little worked up which makes me smirk.
“Oh no, I have several, you and a few of my favourite ones in my books and usually also the current book that I’m reading will rate up there, too. You’ve got competition, didn’t I tell you that?”
“I think I’ll go get changed and be back shortly. Not sure I want to be here for this discussion about your girlfriend and her multiple partners. That is just too out there for me. All yours, big boy.” Kane slaps him on the shoulder and walks out the front door chuckling to himself.
Xavier has me picked up, legs wrapped around his waist and pinned against the front door before I even have time to say a word.
“Now let’s talk about this boyfriend situation again. Who is the best boyfriend, kisses the best, gives the best cuddles, cooks the magnificent meals and not to mention gives the best orgasms? Hmm, tell me, Ally, who is it?” I’m already giggling but he then starts to kiss down my neck, slowly and softly nibbling on my skin as he goes. My giggling is turning to moaning. Straight away the heat is back between us that was just simmering below the surface before Kane showed up.
“You’re cruel,” I moan. “You are punishing me by getting me all worked up and then you’re going to walk away, aren’t you?”
With that, he drops me to the floor and backs away. “Absolutely, and unless you tell me I’m the only boyfriend for you, then you will be feeling very uncomfortable all night long, sweetheart.”
“You do realize I’m about to have a bath, naked and alone. I can solve this problem myself.” That is how you win an argument, ladies and gentlemen. The fire burns deep in his eyes as he reaches out and grabs me around the waist, hugging me tight against his chest.
“Don’t you dare touch yourself in my bath without me there. You save that for tonight. You owe me a special show with the lights on. I think tonight might just be that night,” he whispers in my ear. “Don’t think I won’t know. Keep those hands away and I will make it worth your while.”
Now I’m the one groaning as he pulls away.
“You’re right. You are mean and so cruel. Good luck while you train, thinking of me naked in your bath and wondering where my hands are.” I start to walk away and turn to see him smiling. “Checking out my ass again?”
“That’s where you’re wrong. That’s my ass and I will check it out as much as I like. Any arguments?”
“Nope.” With that, I’m in the hallway heading for the bathroom. He’s a bastard. He knows I am aching and already wet for him and he takes great pleasure in that. I do shock myself, though, with how confident I’m getting with my flirting. I never knew how much fun it is to get him frustrated so that he can’t wait to get his hands on me. Makes for amazing sex.
“You’ll pay for that little ass swagger later,” he yells to me as I close the bathroom door.
Tonight might not have ended up as we planned but I have a feeling it could be a long night again and not a lot of sleep happening.
I’m not complaining.
Laying my head back in the bath to relax, the music in the gym starts up and there goes my peace and quiet.
Whose stupid idea was it to tell them to work out anyway?
That woman needs a good talking to.
Then again, the thought of a sweaty Xavier has me smiling.
Maybe we might end up with that bath together yet.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Xavier
Back into the routine of the week, fitting into each other’s lives with such ease. Even tonight the football game is on and Jordan is playing. Kane is working so I’m sitting with Ally curled up on my couch with me. Her head is in my lap, while I stroke her hair. She is lying down, watching the television and asking me a question on every single play. If it were anyone else, I would have told them to shut up by now, but she is genuinely trying to understand the game. It’s part of her nature to want to understand everything. She comments that she wants to know what it’s about before she meets Jordan on Saturday night. Pretty sure he won’t be talking football but it’s cute she wants to know about it so she can feel at ease with my friend.
“I don’t understand how you have grown up in a house with a dad and three brothers and you know absolutely nothing about the game of football. You’re hurting the very core of my soul. I mean, even Nat knows the rules. Didn’t any of the boys play it in high school or college? Surely you went to some the home games for your school?”
“Yes, to all of the above, but I just never watched it or paid attention. Usually I was reading a book at the time. It was far more interesting.” I can tell she is trying not giggle because she can tell by my voice, I’m only pretending to be disgusted by her upbringing.
“Those brothers of yours have a lot to answer for. They have let the general footballing men of America down by not passing on their love of the game and making you watch every single minute. We will be having words about this when we all get together on Saturday night.”
“Yes, sir.” Now, if that doesn’t make my heart jump a little. I’ll be her sir any time, any day of the week.
The game continues and we are just starting the fourth quarter when Jordan gets sacked hard and is down for a few minutes. Ally is already sitting upright in her seat while I am not so relaxed, just waiting for him to sit up. He is one tough motherfucker but every time he takes the field there is always a chance he is going to be hurt. Being knocked out is the biggest worry. There is too much research now to tell us what damage it does to the brain.
Thankfully, he is soon up and moving and they are bringing him to the sidelines for a check-up by the team doctor.
“I’m glad I didn’t know you when you were playing. I don’t think I would have coped watching you get hurt all the time.” Her eyes are full of genuine concern and she looks upset for Jordan.
Oh, my sweet girl, the little things you do keep me falling that lit bit harder for you.
“I was too good to get hurt so it wouldn’t have been a problem for you.” I pull my arms down in front of me, clenching my arm muscles like the Hulk to show how tough I am.
“You are so full of yourself sometimes. Keep dreaming, mister.” She rolls her eyes and heads to the kitchen.
“I’m making myself a hot chocolate, do you want one?”
“Does it come with whipped cream and marshmallows?”
“Depends, do you have whipped cream and marshmallows in your pantry?” she yells, pulling open the door to look.
“Of course. How much of a savage do you think I am? Cream is in the fridge, baby.” My mind is now off thinking about what I can do with that cream a little later. “By the way, don’t use all the cream, I might need some later.” I hear her laughing in the kitchen. She must have had the same thoughts as me. Her little mind is getting dirtier by the day and I fucking love it.
“In your dreams. I’m using it all up right now,” she calls out in between her laughs. That’s it, I’m up off the couch and into the kitchen. Those hot chocolates can wait. I’m using the cream right now and this will be fun.
She hears me coming and is already trying to run away from me with the can. Not a chance. No way I’m missing out on this fantasy, my gorgeous girl.
Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, I think back on the week and how quickly it passed again.
Thankfully, everything was normal and not a word from Dana. Not in messages or her turning up randomly. I’ll be honest, I didn’t think she would give up that easily but I’m so glad she did.
Jordan was cleared of any head injury after his game and I caught up with him for a quick lunch yesterday. He is looking forward to meeting Ally tonight, along with her family. Of course, the first thing he asks when we sit down in the restaurant is about Natalie. He had a different look in his eyes when he spoke of her. I might be reading into it, but to me it is one of deep longing. Not just asking after an old friend. I think my suspicions are right. Let’s se
e how he is tonight when he sees her for the first time in years. She always seems to have other plans each time he is in town. His wife doesn’t ever travel with him, which I think is weird, so he is here on his own for a few days catching up with old friends and family in the area. I miss him, he is a good friend, so tonight will be great. If my suspicions are right about his feelings for Nat, I think we need to have a chat about the fact he’s not single. No matter what he feels, I won’t let him do anything about it while he is still married. That goes against everything I believe in and want for my sister. She deserves better than that. I would like to think if Jordan is still the same guy that I know from growing up together, then he would be better than that, too.
I start to rub my hand up and down Ally’s back to wake her slowly. She is snuggled in against my body with her head on my chest above my heart, her arm wrapped over my stomach and her leg hooked over mine. It has become her favourite position to sleep. There are absolutely no complaints from me.
“Sweetie, time to rise and shine.” I kiss the top of her head as I hear her groan a little.
“What time is it? It’s not even full daylight yet,” she mumbles into my chest.
“It’s the best time of the day when the sun is rising. We need to get up and have breakfast so we can head into the mountains for our hike.”
Again, there is a groan while she tries to bury herself closer to me and snuggle us both under the covers.
“Didn’t you hear the weather forecast? Huge storms predicted with rain, hail, wind, lightning, thunder, snow, blizzards and all that bad stuff. So, looks like we need to stay right here.” She gives herself away with her little body jerking as she holds in her laughter at her own joke.
“Wow, that sounds so bad. I mean, I’ve never heard of snow and blizzards happening out of season, so today is going to be a historic day. Maybe we should head to the mountains, so we are there to witness this amazing sight.” I give her a little slap on the ass and throw the covers back.
“You are so mean.” She scrambles trying to grab the blankets.
“Not a chance. Come on, I’ve been looking forward to this all week. I can’t wait to spend the day with you in of the most amazing place I know. It’ll be fun. I promise not to make you run, well, not uphill anyway.” With that, I pick her up and carry her into the bathroom while she laughs and pretends to be complaining. That complaining will be changing to moaning in a minute if I have my way.
“I can’t believe I agreed to this hiking trip. After all the ones I hated with my dad, you have me going to do it again.” Ally is looking out the car window as we are heading down the gravel road that leads to the parking lot for the trails. I can’t help but grin at her complaining. I’m sure she will love it when we get to the top. It will be so much better than she remembers as a kid. You just don’t appreciate the beauty of the view when you are a child.
“What if I said there may be a reward for you when you reach the peak. Would that make it sound better?”
“If the reward is that you will carry me all the way home, then you’re on.” Her hand sits on my arm. “These big strong muscles aren’t just for show.”
“You know I’d do it, don’t you? But you won’t let me, so that is struck off the list. You will just have to make it to the top to find out what it is, plus no complaining on the way up. Is it a deal?”
“How can I make a deal when I don’t know the prize? Give me a clue.”
I laugh at her. She hates not knowing what is going on. I could tell her but that would be no fun.
“Okay, the clue is, it’s round, it’s hard and it’s going to give you the wildest experience since you met me.” Her eyes roll back in her head.
“If it’s your dick, you are dreaming if you think you are going to fuck me in the middle of the wilderness where other people can see us. It had better be something more exciting than that.”
I pretend to be shocked and hurt holding my hand over my heart. “Are you saying my cock doesn’t excite you? I could have sworn that was you screaming my name last night in bed and this morning in the shower as I sank my unexciting cock into you.” The beautiful sound of her laugh fills the car as she slaps my arm telling me how stupid I am. Little does she know I have a gold bangle in my backpack I plan to give her as we stand watching the view. I know she’s not ready for anything more, but I need her to know what she means to me, so she stops feeling so insecure. I had engraved inside it ‘A circle has no ending and neither do we, just the journey of our life together. X’
“Okay, let’s do this so you can find out what my big, round, hard surprise is.” I grab her hand as I pull the Jeep into the parking spot. There is another car in the parking lot, a black SUV parked in the far corner. It looks empty so they must already be out enjoying the trails.
“You know, I probably haven’t been here for ten years and it hasn’t changed a bit. I can still hear all the noise of the boys and Dad unloading the gear as we got ready to start the hike. As much as I hated the hiking, I kind of miss those days of us all together as kids sharing an adventure.”
I squeeze her hand and then take it to my lips, softly kissing it. “Now you get to share a new adventure with me, Ally. This is just one of the many we will have. This adventure will be different, I can promise that.” With that, I get out of the car and head around to open her door for her.
“Shall we, my lady? Your adventure is waiting for you just beyond those trees. Ready?” I pull her into my arms for a slow panty-melting kiss. It always makes me think how grateful I am that she has walked into my life.
“Not now.” She pants as I release her slowly. “You turned my legs to jelly so I can’t walk.” Swooping down, I throw her over my shoulder and start walking to the start of the main trail. Ally’s giggling and yelling the whole way to be put down. Today is going to be a great day.
We take our time walking at a steady pace. Talking and laughing about different memories she has of the days spent with her family here. I think she is enjoying today far more than she was expecting. Her knowledge of this area is actually better than mine and I thought I knew it pretty well.
“I’m amazed what you have remembered from your family trips here. That’s impressive.”
“I don’t have a photographic memory but I’m good at retaining knowledge. It actually helps me from getting anxious about things if I have done my research and know exactly what I’m in for when I try something new. I know it sounds weird, but it works for me.”
“Baby, you do whatever you need to do in life that helps you. We all have our thing. Mine is cooking, it helps to relax me. Just look at Kane, he needs exercise to let his work demons out. So, you are not on your own.”
Walking hand in hand just feels so natural and like I have known her forever. I’m guessing this is what love feels like. The calm, effortless bond that just is. One that exists without being forced or even thought about.
“How do you always manage to make me feel so normal and comfortable? None of my weirdness seems to faze you. You just look past it or embrace it and encourage it. You are one in a million, Xavier, you know that?” she says, adoration clear on her face as she looks up at me.
For once, it’s me that has a shade of pink on my cheeks, I can feel as she talks.
“To me, there is nothing weird about you and I wish you’d see that, too. You are Ally, my beautiful, kind, funny girlfriend. That’s all I see. My job is to make you see it, too.” We walk along for a bit more in silence as she processes what I’ve said to her.
We are getting close to the top of the mountain, but with the warm day, we need to keep stopping for water breaks. This time, I take out a little snack that I had packed. Fruit, nuts and a protein bar each. Sitting under a tree on a fallen log, the air is so fresh and clean. That is what I love about being up in the mountains, being away from all the pollution of city life. Plus, the peace you feel being surrounded by nature. The bird life here is full of so many different species. From the little birds th
at hide in the bushes to the big hawks you see soaring in the sky when you are up on the lookout at the peak.
“Ready for the last part up to the top? I can’t even try to trick you and say it’s an easy climb because you have been here before. So, just remember the surprise I have for you. I’ll make the walk worth your while.” Kissing her on the forehead, I pull her up to her feet.
“Not that I’ll admit it to my family, because that will wreck all the complaining I did for all those years, but it hasn’t been that bad. I’ve actually enjoyed it.” Walking hand in hand again, I chuckle.
“Umm. It’s obviously because the company this time is sssoooo much better. I mean come on, I’m handsome, a great conversationalist and give life-saving kisses when you need them. Of course, I have other amazing qualities that may not be appropriate for the general public to hear.”
Ally drops her hand and slips her arm around my waist and leans into the side of me for a hug. “You know what? I won’t even deny that. You are amazing.” That may have been the most adorable thing she has said to me today.
“All this before your surprise. I wonder what you will think of me then. It’s going to be hard to top amazing. You better start thinking of words that you can use that are higher up the ladder than amazing. Like stupendous or colossal. Either of them is a good start.” I squeeze her tight against me as I wait to hear her reaction. I can almost hear her brain ticking over.
“Funny, the only words coming to mind are egotistical, cocky and boastful to name a few.” With that she releases me and takes off running up the hill before I can grab her. The more time we spend together, the more brazen she is getting.
“Oh no, you don’t. You can’t get away with it that easy, missy. You can run but you can’t hide.” I give her a little more head start knowing the hill is going to tire her quickly. Taking off after her, I can hear her giggling and squealing with excitement in front of me.
