by Helen Hardt
“And what about you?” He guided her into the room. “Do you want me to run you a bath? You look tired.”
“Exhausted, you mean. No, I took a shower earlier. I think I’ll just crash.”
She dropped her clutch next to her computer bag and slid out of her shoes. If she’d been staying alone she might have left them there, but this was Mike’s room, and he was Mr. Neat. She dug out her pajamas and toothbrush and staggered toward the bathroom, completing her before-bed routine in record time to allow Mike access to the bathroom.
When she got to the couch, the thought of removing all the cushions and unfolding the bed was just too overwhelming. But she did lie down for a quick rest, though, promising herself she’d get up in a few minutes and make the bed properly.
She awoke sometime later to see Mike draping a blanket over her.
“I didn’t mean to wake you. You should sleep on the bed. It’ll be more comfortable.”
Waking up to find Mike in nothing but boxer shorts was a not-to-miss fantasy. She wanted to catch every second of the feature. “I’m fine.” She curled her legs up to her chest, making room for him to sit down if he wanted.
“Why aren’t you asleep?” she asked as he made himself comfortable. She hesitated before throwing the end of the extra blanket over him. She’d been enjoying the view, but as soon as she saw the goosebumps on his arms, practicality won the day. Kayla would never forgive her if Mike got sick and missed her wedding.
“My mind keeps coming up with things I should check on before my project launch.” He pulled her left foot into his lap and started rubbing the aching muscles. “You’ve got knots in your feet.”
“You try wearing three-inch heels for hours, and we’ll see if your feet don’t get knots.”
“No, thanks.”
She looked up to find Mike staring at her. For the first time since she met him, he seemed to be seeing her, not looking around or over or through her. Her stomach fluttered.
“I was list-building in my sleep as well. My mind is busy trying to think of potential disasters that I should take care of before Kayla’s wedding. What’s really keeping you up?” she asked, just to break the growing silence.
“Guilt.”
She sat up straighter. “Guilt? What kind of guilt?”
“There’s a king-sized bed over there, with nice fluffy blankets, and you’re over here, freezing and half-falling off the couch. You would be more comfortable on the bed.”
“Meaning you’d feel less guilty if I slept over there.”
“Okay, yes, problem-solver. I would feel less guilty if you were to sleep over there. So are you going to solve my problem?”
“Ask me nicely,” she teased. “C’mon, you can do it. You can ask for help. Just this once. I won’t tell anyone. Repeat after me… Devon…”
He glared at her.
“Let’s try again. Devon…” She beckoned with her hands.
“Devon,” he said.
“…would you please…” She circled her hand again.
“…would you please?” He stood and looked down at her.
“Share my bed with me.”
He never responded, because he reached down and picked her up, blanket and all.
She squealed with laughter. “What are you doing?”
“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m helping you solve a problem.”
“Mike. Put me down.” She wiggled and pushed, but his grip was too strong. After a few seconds, she relaxed against his shoulder. “You are one stubborn-ass man, you know that?”
“You call me stubborn, but isn’t that like the yam calling the sweet potato starchy?” He gave her the what-for look. “You will be more comfortable here. Happy?”
“Very.” She pushed back against the headboard. “Now tell me about why you can’t sleep.”
“I’m worried about the next project launch. My offshore investors are threatening to pull out of the project if it doesn’t go well.”
“Can they do that? I mean, aren’t there some sort of contracts in place?” Devon moved over an inch or two to let Mike settle in next to her.
“There are contracts, but that won’t stop them. They know a lawsuit can get tied up in court for years.”
“This sounds bad.”
“Funding for the project is running out, and my lines of credit are about maxed.”
“What about your dad?” Devon asked.
“I can’t ask dad for money again. He’s already a silent investor.”
“If it were me, I’d focus on figuring out why the investors are uncomfortable and ease their fears. Something must be giving them heartburn. Find out what it is, and you might save the relationship.”
“You’re right. Having a successful launch will be the first step, and thanks to you solving my parts problem, I think we just might make the launch date.”
Before she could respond, he leaned in to kiss her. She considered pushing him away, but his urgency indicated he needed this, and he seemed to want her.
She opened her mouth and let his tongue caress hers. He moaned, and pressed in. Mike slid his hand up her side and found her already erect nipple. He pinched and teased, rolling the nipple between his fingertips. His kisses became more urgent—almost desperate.
“Devon?” he pleaded.
“Yes, Mike.” She eased back and let his hand slide beneath the waistband of her pajama bottoms.
He caressed her skin. She savored his lips.
“Mike,” she moaned, as he worked his hand between her thighs.
“Tell me what you want,” he urged.
“You,” she panted. “I want you. I’ve wanted you for so long.”
She lifted her butt as he slid her pajama bottoms down, and as soon as they were off she pulled her cotton tank over her head and tugged on the elastic band of his boxers.
“Here, let me help.”
He rolled onto his back, and as soon as his boxers were gone she pampered his already-erect cock and then kissed the head.
“Devon.” Mike let out a soft moan.
The urgency in his tone sent a thrill down her spine. She continued licking and sucking, giving him pleasure before tucking her knees underneath her. She spied a condom on the side table next to his wallet, reached for the foil packet, tore it open, and slid the plastic skin down his cock. His dark, sensual stare lured her forward. She covered his mouth with hers. She guided his cock into her, opening her legs wider to make room for him, and then rose so she could again bury him deep inside her.
Another moan escaped him. “Devon.” Mike reached for her breast. “You are so beautiful.”
She changed her tempo, easing up to go slower and then faster. He pressed his head into the pillow. She reached over and gently pinched one of his nipples, and as soon as she squeezed, his muscles bunched, just before he rolled her onto her back.
“My turn.” He trailed his tongue up the side of her neck, linked his fingers with hers, and held her arms over her head. Excitement reverberated through her. His warm mouth claimed hers.
He kissed like he was the king of foreplay. Tongue, lips, teeth… He devoured. And there wasn’t anything gentle about these new kisses—they were all wet heat and lust.
He released her hands and shoved his fingers into her hair. She ran her tongue along the straight white line of his teeth. He moaned and nipped at her lip.
His gaze wandered from her eyes, over her nose, to her chin, and slowly his gaze rolled back up to her eyes. He traced her collarbone with his forefinger and kissed that extra-sensitive notch in the middle. Cool air cascaded over her skin.
He inhaled. “I want you, Devon, like I’ve wanted nothing else in my life.”
He lifted her knees higher so he could push farther into her. His abs flexed. She skimmed her fingertips over his hard chest, determined to trace each curve and mound. Better yet, she’d lick every inch of skin. Before she could fantasize further, he captured her mouth and pinched her nipple, rolling the swollen skin betw
een his fingers as he continued to thrust into her. She gasped, more from surprise than his boldness.
Somewhere in between the kissing, licking and touching she’d found paradise. At the base of her neck, he sucked hard enough to leave a temporary mark, and she shivered as he claimed her. He pulled her closer. The beat of his heart underneath her palm synchronized with hers, awakened a boldness she’d never risked before.
She wanted this. She wanted to stop hiding her feelings. She wanted him to claim her. She arched to meet him.
“Devon,” he breathed, nuzzling the side of her neck. “Come for me.”
True bone-deep freedom was at her fingertips.
“Fuck me,” she said softly, with a hint of I-dare-you thrown in.
Before she finished her command, his mouth descended, claiming her, and erotic sensations sizzled their way to her core. She arched her back, allowing him greater access, winding her fingers into his hair and tugging.
“Tell me you like this.” He again reached for a leg and brought her knee up higher, so he could thrust deeper. She opened for him and looked down between their bodies to watch.
“Ohhh!” She breathed out as fireworks flared from her core to the tips of her fingers and toes, over her scalp and cheeks. “Yes! There.” She dropped her head back. “Oh my God. I’m coming!” She convulsed again and again, body, mind and emotions as one. Before she finished, another blaze of excitement rolled from the top of her head to her fingertips and toes.
He continued to pump. Sensing what he needed, she lifted her head and sank her teeth into his shoulder. He stiffened and threw his head back, grunting as his body spasmed before going limp.
He didn’t move. She couldn’t either. Minutes later he lifted his head.
“Holy shit, woman.” He buried his face again in the pillow and rolled off her.
What did that mean? She wasn’t sure. She waited for his breathing to even out and for him to say more. And she waited…and waited…and waited. “Mmmm. Mike?”
The only response was his heavy breathing. She peered into his sleeping face and then grabbed the covers and pulled the heavy cotton over them both.
The guy who claimed never to sleep now slept.
9
“I’m getting married today!” Kayla squealed and spun in a circle while Devon shot several pictures. “Let the honeymoon start.”
Devon laughed. In some ways Kayla was already married. She’d been there the day Kayla crashed into Brandon while walking across campus. Kayla’s face was beet red. Brandon couldn’t connect two words together. Devon swore it was love at first sight. The serendipity moment was the universe bringing two precious souls together, each meant to complete the other.
Devon had thought she had found the same when she met Mike, but for ten years the stars never aligned.
“Congrats, Kay-K.” Jessica gave her cousin a quick hug.
Kayla radiated pure happiness.
“Hold still.” Devon fluffed the white lace of Kayla’s veil, letting it fall to her friend’s waist. “You probably sneaked into Brandon’s room for a rendezvous already, so you need to put out the fire in your panties. You can ride your man later.”
Bride and bridesmaids erupted with laughter.
“I did not sneak out last night.” Kayla jutted her chin.
“That’s a first,” Devon teased, trying to distract her friend. Devon picked up her selfie stick, calling out, “Group photo!”
The cousins gathered around Kayla.
“Say sexy!” Devon snapped the picture.
“You girls need to hurry.” Mrs. L rushed into the room. “The priest has arrived, and most everyone is in the garden area waiting to be seated.”
Devon wondered if Mike had gotten up in time. She’d left him sleeping but set the alarm by the side of the bed just in case. She’d been very tempted to crawl back in bed and give him a morning glory but wasn’t sure how he felt after last night. And besides, this morning she was doing her best to hide the just-got-laid grin that kept threatening to give her joy away.
“My little baby is grown up.” Mrs. L cupped the sides of Kayla’s face and gazed into her eyes. “I love you, honey. In less than an hour you will become Mrs. Myers.”
Kayla’s eyes watered.
“Oh, no, no, no.” Devon raced for a pack of tissues.
“No tears.” Mrs. L snatched the tissue out of Devon’s hand and applied pressure to the corners of Kayla’s eyes.
Devon folded Kayla’s train over her arm as they had practiced back home. Kayla shuffled in her long, tight-fitting skirt out the door and then, side by side, they walked slowly down the corridor and over the bridge leading to the gardens overlooking the ocean.
The flowers bloomed and the birds sang for Kayla today. The late-morning breeze was perfect—not too much, but enough to keep everyone cool. The florist and photographer met them as they approached the garden gate, where a white carpet had been rolled out and flower petals scattered all along the carpet.
Devon paused next to Mr. Lewis and then released the pile of fabric in her arms to fluff Kayla’s train. As Devon accepted her bouquet from Jessica, she caught sight of Mike. His eyes were intimately locked on hers, as if he wanted a repeat of their playtime together, right then.
Then his desire disappeared like a light switch being turned off.
Time sped by, and before she knew it, the bride was standing beside her groom. The wedding was almost over, and that meant so was her fake engagement to Mike. Devon tried to figure out what possible reasons Mike might have to avoid continuing their relationship after the wedding, and mentally listed solutions while she moved mechanically through the often-rehearsed stages and steps.
She held Kayla’s bouquet while the bride and groom exchanged vows and cheered while Brandon kissed Kayla. Every few minutes she glanced over at Mike, who sat with a rod-straight back in the front row, left of his mother. Only once did she catch him glancing her way.
“Hello, Earth to Devon! Can I have my bouquet back?” Kayla’s voice broke through her reverie as the seated guests jumped to their feet, cheering and applauding.
Devon’s hands tingled as she held tight to her bouquet and followed Kayla down the garden path, reliving the memories of how Mike’s skin felt, how he responded to her touch, how he smelled of lust and sex.
Mike wasn’t her first partner, but he was the best one by far, and would be the one by which all other men were measured from now on. Was it the physical act making her giddy, or the fact that they firmly connected?
She had dreamed for years about the day they might be together, but last night surpassed them all. The entire night was magical. But she feared there might not be another when she saw Mike glance at her, study her for a moment, and then turn away.
An emptiness crowded in, and almost choked off her air. Pressing her hand against her chest, she struggled to breathe.
She didn’t hear Kayla running down the path until her friend swung her around. “Time to party!” Kayla hauled her along the pathway leading to the reception hall, chattering away, oblivious to Devon’s pain. Devon finally managed to find and don a mask of enthusiasm but would rather have found someplace quiet to have an ugly girl cry.
She tucked away the hurt the same way she had folded away the devastation of her brother’s passing to be strong for her mom.
It seemed like an eternity passed—an eternity busy with food, small talk and wedding toasts—before Mike once again appeared. Kayla’s dad pulled Devon onto the dance floor to hand her over to Mike. Three heartbeats passed before he took her hand, which set Devon’s alarms blaring.
Devon refused to look him in the eye, instead focusing on a center shirt button. His arm tightened around her waist as the slow dance continued.
When the tension became too great, she raised her chin and pumped up her pride. “Why are you avoiding me?”
He wrinkled his forehead. “I’m not.”
“Oh, really?”
“Really.”
&nb
sp; “If it’s because we had sex—”
“Lower your voice. My parents are right there.”
He turned a few degrees so she could see Mr. and Mrs. L swirling by as they swayed to the tune. They looked so lovely together. Another trickle of envy settled in.
“May I remind you, Mike Lewis, we are both adults, not teenagers sneaking under the high school bleachers to do the wild thing.”
“You had sex under the high school bleachers?”
“No.” She rolled her eyes. “I was using it as an example to make a point. Never mind. I can see this conversation is not getting us anywhere.”
“And where exactly did you want this conversation to lead?”
That was a good question. What did she want? She’d have to figure out what she wanted later, because right now Kayla was signaling Devon that it was time to toss the wedding bouquet.
She reluctantly left Mike’s arms. “Let’s talk later.” Or not.
10
Mike wandered through the grounds of the hotel. The pre-dawn hours were chilly, but he hardly noticed.
Devon hadn’t returned to the room last night. He’d waited up past midnight to talk to her, but she never appeared.
In the far distance, the morning clouds settled into a shape reminding him of a jagged mountain ridge. He walked miles along the sandy beach while his mind churned and he tried to avoid circling images of Devon naked, her head thrown back against the pillow, her mouth open, unable to utter a sound. With each tenth step, another erotic vision returned. The last was of her riding him with her perky breasts bouncing up and down. When the memories of her continued to taunt him, he forced himself to get a grip and headed back to the hotel.
He found himself standing in front of Brandon’s hotel room door. He considered asking Kayla if she might be willing to help him figure out what to do with the disjointed feelings he was having, but it was the day after her wedding, and he didn’t dare. His mother would never forgive him.
Mike continued down a garden path toward his room. He pulled out the plastic card and entered. Devon had been there. The smell of her sweet perfume settled and calmed his nerves. When he saw her already-packed luggage, he closed the door behind him and waited to hear the click.
