“What are you trying to accomplish here?” I leaned closer, craving his touch.
“I’m not…” I cut him off, turning my face so our lips connected before he could say anything else. I’m pretty sure that’s all that was needed to get him off the idea of watching the entire thing.
His arms wrapped around me as I turned my body further into him. He groaned as he tilted his head, and then cupped the back of mine. His tongue traced the seam of my lips, and when I opened for him, I met him lick for lick. My heart was racing, and as he started to pull back, I could hear his ragged breathing. “Are you ok with this, Hails?” His hand trembled as he ran his palm from my cheek down to cup my shoulder.
“Yes,” I whispered. “Please don’t stop now.” I connected our lips once again, and this time when I shifted myself on the couch, I swung my leg over his lap.
“Hailey?” He grunted as I straddled him, and threaded my fingers through his hair. It was shorter now that he moved back home and was helping Micha. His chest was heaving under my ministrations, and as I pressed myself against him further, he snapped.
Hands slid down my sides, cupping my ass. When I didn’t pull back, he gripped my hips, and pressed me against his very hard erection. I moaned, broke away from his mouth, and made my way along his jaw, stopping by his ear. “Still wanna watch this movie?”
“Are you sure, Hailey? I mean, tonight doesn’t have to go past this right here.” His hand danced along the bottom of my shorts right below my ass. One finger was playing with the elastic of my panties, and just that little touch was putting every nerve on alert. I was so turned on, and I wanted, no I needed, more. It’s been over a year since I’ve been with anyone. Jared was the last, and I’m finally at a point where I’m ready to go there with Max.
“I’m sure. I want this, Max. I want this with you,” I pulled back to look him in the eyes as the words fell from my lips.
“You have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear those words come out of your mouth.” He let his forehead rest against mine.
“How long?” I smiled as happiness filled me.
“I’m in love with you, Hailey. I’ve been in love with you for years; I was just too stupid to do anything about it.” His eyes softened as he laid his heart bare.
“I love you too.” I pressed my lips together as my eyes filled with unshed tears. “So much.” I connected our mouths as he stood, lifting me in his arms, and began stalking toward my bedroom without separating our lips once.
Chapter 24
Hailey
This was it. This was the moment that I’d been waiting for since I was sixteen— for Max to see me as more than a friend, to want to be with me the way a couple was.
He moved effortlessly with me in his arms as he stalked down the hallway, and entered my bedroom. I couldn’t help but stiffen slightly when he set my feet on the floor. As much as I wanted this, it didn’t go unnoticed by me that this was the first time I’d ever been in here with anyone other than Jared. Max was the first since then, and Jared was the only before. We’d started dating right at the beginning of my freshman year in college. As much as I was embarrassed at the time, Jared was my first. He’d been my only until this exact minute.
“What’s wrong?” Max trailed his hand down my arms, and entwined our fingers.
“What do you mean?” I nibbled my lip as I kept my eyes down. I didn’t want him to think that I wanted to stop. I needed him to keep going, to show me that I could feel that connection with another man.
“Hails, look at me.” He released one hand and tipped my chin so our eyes would meet. “I know you, and I know your body. It’s telling me that I did something to upset you. You need to tell me what that is.”
“It’s not you.” I blinked a few times to keep from crying. I would not ruin this moment. I would not.
“Then what is it?” He bent his knees so we were eye level.
“You’re the first,” I murmured, and attempted to swallow the knot in my throat. “And I’ve never.” I glanced around.
“No one’s been in here, huh?” He watched my reaction, and my shoulders sagged in relief.
“No.” I shook my head. “It’s just…” I glanced at the bed.
“We don’t have to, Hails. I told you this. We can go finish the movie.” He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into a bear hug. He swayed us from side to side as he pressed a kiss to the top of my head. This is why I loved him. He put me first, always. I’ve always been first; even when I was three years old, I was first.
“I want to,” I whispered, “it’s just a big deal for me.”
He released his grip on me and slid his hands to my shoulders, holding me in front of him. “It’s a big deal for me too.” His eyes were filled with emotion.
“I don’t think you understand.” I glanced away as I sucked in a deep breath so I could force it out. I was ruining this moment. “Jared’s been the only one.” I turned back to face him. “He was the only one.”
Max stood there staring at me, blinking a few times like he was processing everything I’d just said to him. “Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me that.” He leaned in and brushed his lips over mine. “I didn’t think I could love you any more than I do, but you just proved me wrong. Where did you come from, Hailey Sullivan?”
That was all it took. As Max sealed his mouth over mine, all apprehension disappeared, and was replaced by love.
His head tilted as his tongue swept in. My hands moved up his chest, and locked around his neck, pulling him closer. It was as if I couldn’t get close enough.
My fingers played with his hair before running over his shoulders, and sides. “This shirt looks really good on you, but you need to lose it.” I gasped as he nibbled my ear.
“Done.” The words were sharp almost as he stepped back, reached behind his head, and yanked the tee over before tossing it to the floor. I’d seen him at the pond without a shirt, but this was the first time I’d felt the freedom to touch him. My eyes dropped as I watched my fingers run over the muscles in front of me. Max chuckled lightly. “I’ve been doing a lot of manual labor at work.”
“I can tell,” I murmured as I leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his chest right above his heart. “That’s my favorite muscle though.”
“My pecs?” He looked confused.
“No, your heart. You have a good heart, Max. You haven’t pushed me, you’ve waited patiently.” I reached for my shirt and pulled it over my head, letting it join his. “You’ve been the friend that I needed since the beginning.” I unbuttoned my shorts and pushed them over my hips, letting them pool at my feet. “You’ve treated my daughter like she was yours.” I reached for the button of his khakis, causing him to suck in his stomach. My fingers trembled as I released the clasp and let them fall to the floor. “You’re everything to me, and I want to be everything to you.” I tipped my head so our eyes would meet. “Make me everything.” I lifted myself up, pressing my mouth to his, and he jumped into action.
“You are my everything,” he growled as his arms wrapped around me. He lifted me up, and placed me in the center of the bed, climbing up to hover over me. “You always have been,” he brushed my hair back and kissed my forehead, “and you always will be. I love you, Hailey.” His lips blazed a fiery trail down my neck to my breasts. His breath was shaky as he reached under me to release the clasp of my bra. When it sagged, he looked at me with reverence in his eyes as he peeled it away from my chest. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered as he cupped one in his hand. “So, fucking beautiful.”
I shivered at his words. I’d never seen him this way. It was as if I mesmerized him. I’d longed to hear these words, and had all but given up that they would ever happen years ago. I moved on when I met Jared, and now that my childhood fantasies were coming true, all that emotion I’d buried years ago was coming to the surface.
The minute his lips connected with my flesh, my body went into overdrive. One foot lifted to rub the back of his calf,
as my hands went to his head to hold him in place. He laughed lightly around my nipple. “Patience, Hails. I’m getting there.” He sucked hard, causing my back to arch. His hands went to my waist, and began playing with my panties. I wiggled, and he laughed again, this time pulling the fabric down my thighs. When he released my breast, he rocked back on his haunches and this was the moment that reality decided to strike. Max was only the second man to see me completely nude, and as much as I didn’t want to ruin the moment, my nerves seemed to have other plans.
“Stop thinking about it.” Max climbed off the bed. Before I could ask him what he was doing, he shoved his boxers down and just stood there. “Look at me, Hailey.” My eyes scanned him, slowing down when I reached his impressive erection. “This is a big deal for me, too. Stare if you need to. Do whatever it takes to make yourself comfortable because I’ll wait as long as it takes.” I shook my head in silence. I appreciated what he was trying to do, but what I needed was for him to get back on the bed and continue what he started. “You good?” He chuckled.
I nibbled my lip as I nodded, then watched as he turned, dipped down, and grabbed a condom from his pocket. He tore it open, sheathed himself, and then climbed on his hands and knees to resume his place over me. “This better?” He smiled as he dipped his head to meet my mouth.
“Much,” I whispered as I grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him to me. He lowered himself over me, holding his weight up by his forearms. One hand cupped my jaw as the other slid between us, making its way down my body. When he reached the juncture between my legs, I quivered in anticipation. I needed this connection like I needed my next breath.
Max positioned himself at my entrance, and then peered back up at me. “I love you, Hailey.” His voice held such emotion as he pushed his hips forward and entered me.
“I love you too.” I sobbed. It was a powerful moment for me, one that I thought I’d never have with another man.
“Don’t cry.” He reached up and gently brushed my hair away from my face.
I nodded as he pulled back, and pressed forward once again. My body began to climb with the pull and flex of his muscles. I was being bombarded with sensations as Max trailed his hands all over my body. His lips blazed trails over my neck, shoulder, and face. His hands ghosted up my sides, cupped my breasts, and lifted my legs over his hips. Every part of me was alive with a feeling I never thought I’d feel again.
“You’re so beautiful, Hailey. I don’t know how I got this lucky,” he panted as his hips moved faster. He shifted on the bed, and lifted my leg so my knee draped over his forearm, spreading me wider, and that was all it took. The tingle that had been sitting in my lower belly began to spread, causing a rush of euphoria as I fell over the edge.
When I opened my eyes, I was able to see the tail end of Max catching his. His jaw was set, eyes rolled slightly back, as his arms and neck flexed. His head dropped onto the pillow beside my shoulder as he attempted to catch his breath. “Are you ok?” he murmured into the pillow.
“Yes,” I whimpered as I wiped at a tear that was threatening to escape.
“Hey.” He pulled back, and lowered himself onto the bed beside me. “Why are you crying?” He pulled me into his arms, and rubbed my back softly.
“I’m happy. I promise. I just never thought,” I pulled back to look him in the eyes, “I never thought I’d feel that again.” I smiled through the tears as I laughed lightly. “It’s a good thing, promise.” I bit my lip as I watched him to make sure he believed me.
“I don’t want to make you cry, Hails.” Max kissed my forehead. “I’ll be right back.” He rolled to the side and stood up. I couldn’t help but admire the view as he sauntered into my bathroom to dispose of the condom. When he came out, he stopped in the doorway and laughed. “Do you want me to spin or something?”
“Or something.” I grinned as I made a come here motion with my finger. He moved closer, stopping right beside the bed. I moved so I was on the side I usually slept on, and patted the spot beside me. “Right here.”
He laid down and crossed his arms behind his head. “I’m all yours.” He chuckled as I snuggled up beside him. “Do with me what you want.”
“Really?” I eyed him skeptically.
“Really.”
I leaned in next to his ear as I let one hand trail over his chest. “How many condoms you got with you?”
“Hails?” His head rolled to face me.
“How many?” I pushed as I nibbled his ear.
“Enough.” He swallowed. “You’re gonna have to give me a minute to recover though. It’s been a while.” It started out as a laugh, but as my hand made its way down his stomach and brushed against his semi-hard cock, it turned into a groan.
“I think I can help you with that.” I giggled before lifting up on my elbow so I could connect our mouths once again.
Chapter 25
Hailey
When the early morning sun came filtering through my window, I didn’t even think twice about getting up. It was quiet in the apartment, so it had to be early. Nora was an early riser, and I knew she’d have me up in plenty of time to get ready for the day. I rolled over and snuggled into the blankets, not even thinking about the fact that Max should have been there in bed with me.
As the reality of what happened the night before started to sink in, my eyes flew open. I blinked a few times as I stared at the time glowing on my alarm clock. It was after nine, and Nora wasn’t crying for me to get her out of her crib. I sat up in bed, frantically looking around. Max wasn’t there, but his clothes from the night before were still in a pile on the floor along with mine. It was then that I heard the music. I climbed out of bed, grabbed a clean pair of panties out of my dresser, and then picked up Max’s shirt off the floor. I held it to my nose, and breathed deeply. My eyes closed in remembrance of the night before. I had to find out what soap he used on his clothes because I could easily become addicted. I slipped the tee over my head, and then opened the bedroom door to head to the kitchen. I needed coffee, and with the door open I could hear the music much clearer.
“Baby Shark doodoodoodoo Baby Shark…” was coming down the hall. I rolled my eyes. I was gonna kill him. When I reached the door to the small galley kitchen, I leaned against the jamb. There he was standing at the stove stirring something and wearing only his boxer briefs from the night before. Nora was in her Bumbo sitting on the counter a few feet away. She had a cooking spoon in each hand, and was waving them around as she danced to the music. Max was doing his own little jig to the Baby Shark song, and I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “Nice moves,” I laughed.
Max spun around at the sound of my voice. “Go back to bed.” He had a look like I’d caught him doing something he shouldn’t have. “Tell Mommy to go back to bed.” He turned to Nora. “She’s ruining our surprise.” He pouted like a little kid as Nora cooed and waved her spoons.
“I can’t sleep late anymore. She cured that.” I tipped my head in Nora’s direction. “What is all this?”
“We’re making you breakfast.” He shrugged as he pointed at the plate sitting on the counter with some toast already on it. “At least that was the plan.”
“You didn’t have to do that.” I stepped through the doorway, and stopped in front of him. I wrapped my arms around his waist, and pressed a kiss to his cheek.
“My shirt looks good on you. Maybe this should become a thing,” he growled against my hair.
“Maybe.” I giggled nervously. I was happy, but I don’t think I was really prepared for the full Max. He’s always been a sweet guy, but we’d just been friends in the past. Now, I’m getting Max the boyfriend, and it’s a lot to take in.
“Why don’t you sit down over there, and I’ll bring you the plate.” He pointed a spatula toward the table.
“Sure.” I turned toward Nora. “I’ll feed her too.”
“Already done. She had some bananas and baby oatmeal. I found it in the cabinet. Hope that was ok.” He looked a little c
oncerned like he thought I might be upset with him, when really I was pretty impressed. I don’t know any man who would come over, and stick around the next morning to take care of a baby who wasn’t his.
“Thanks.” I smiled. I went to sit down at the table, feeling rather lost. I wasn’t used to this pampering or not having anything to do. “Ya know,” I called out after I sat down, “I was trying to avoid that song.”
“Why?” Max turned toward me with a plate in his hands. “She loves it.” His brow furrowed. “We’ve been jamming to this since she got up.”
“And when was that?” I smiled as he set the plate in front of me. It was piled high with bacon, eggs, and hash browns.
“A little after seven,” he mused as he went back to where Nora was happily dancing in her seat, and lifted her out.
“And you’ve listened to that song how many times in a row?” I smirked.
“Maybe thirty times.” He shrugged again as he sat down at the table and held Nora in his lap.
“You’re not tired of it yet?” I scooped up a bite of egg.
“Maybe a little.” He sighed. “She likes it though.”
“So now I get to be the bad guy when I tell her ‘no’ because I’m not listening to that on repeat every day.” I rolled my eyes.
“Then I guess I’ll have to play it for her when I’m here.” He smiled before turning his eyes on Nora. “Right? I’ll play it every day for you.” Nora clapped her hands together and bounced on Max’s leg.
“Every day, huh?” I tried to give him a stern look, but I failed. I couldn’t be mad at him. This was Max, and every time I thought I couldn’t love him more he did something like this and proved me wrong. “So, what’s on the agenda today?” I finished my breakfast and turned sideways in my chair.
“Maybe one more round of Baby Shark, and then I was thinking that we could take this little munchkin to the park. It’s a beautiful day, and fall is gonna be here before you know it.”
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