Tempt Me: A First Class Romance Collection

by Jessica Hawkins

  His gaze is latched onto my bare center. “No panties?”

  “Makes this more exciting.”

  Grady meets me in the loft. “Sneaking off with your forbidden crush?”

  “You were never a secret for me.”

  He tucks some hair behind my ear. “I wouldn’t blame you.”

  “But I could never do that. You were always the one for me, Grady Bowen.” My engagement ring catches a ray of early morning sun.

  “So,” he tucks a hand in his front pocket. “You got me up here. Now what will you do with me?”

  I point to a short tower of bales. “Sit down, Gray.”

  He follows my orders without pause. His ass hits the nearest square and he reclines against the stack behind him. My sandals shuffle in the loose hay scattered across the ground. When I’m between his spread legs, I kneel onto the wood floor.

  “Whatcha doing, Sutt?” His voice dips into gravel with the question.

  “You’ll see.” I smooth my palms up his denim-clad thighs, palming the rigid length straining toward me. I unbuckle his belt with a quick yank. The button pops open almost on its own. Grady groans as the confines of his jeans gape.

  I ease the zipper down at a tortuous pace meant to tease, the metal teeth tick with each pass. He lifts his hips to make my job easier. I lower the material until the vital part of him springs out for my taking. When I stop the stripping descent, he raises a brow.

  “Wanna take them all the way off?”

  I shake my head. “Less risk of getting caught.”

  A rumble rolls out of him. “Oh, we’re playing like that?”

  My eyes stay glued on the hard column of his penis. “Uh-huh.”

  “Well, we better hurry. Someone could come home at any minute.” He fists himself, giving a few cursory pumps. The cords and ropes of muscle in his forearm make me drool. I’m totally transfixed on his steady movement.

  “Yeah, uh-huh,” I repeat.

  “Ride me, baby.”

  I clamber on top of him. “I always pictured us like this.”

  “Sprawled out in the hay?” His hands travel up and under my skirt. He shoves the fabric around my waist with a rough rasp. The cool air breezes across my nude center. My responding shiver has nothing to do with the cold.

  I straddle his lap, ignoring the scratch of hay against my bare skin. “Yeah, Gray. Just like this.”

  He cups my ass. “You have a dirty imagination.”

  I lean down and over him, my lips brushing his ear. “When it comes to you, I’m positively filthy.”

  My dark waves form a curtain around us, or maybe a veil. I hover over his length, the tip kissing my entrance. Grady’s grip on me is punishing and will surely leave bruises. Nothing turns me on faster than the evidence of our passion. Another shot of piping hot arousal spreads in my veins. I’m already tripping toward that blissful edge from this position alone.

  Grady plows forward without warning. The harsh thrust drives my upper body off his chest. His powerful glide into me is a surge of high-voltage electricity. I’m stunned still for a second, floating on static. A fiery zap shocks my limbs back to life. I flail and blindly reach for something solid to regain my balance. My hands find purchase on the sculpted rocks of his shoulders.

  “The way we fit together, Sutt. Damn. Just like the first time. I’ll never get used to having you this way.”

  I drift my palms down and settle on his wide pecs. “This is everything, Gray. You make me feel so good.”

  I’m fully seated on his lap and he’s buried to the hilt. My body welcomes him with a warm sigh, whispering for more. Soon those soft pleas will be deafening screams.

  Grady clutches my hips and presses me deeper onto him. Only the slapping of skin accompanies us in this space. His length strikes that sensitive spot hidden inside of me. I toss my head back, the tips of my hair tickling my lower back. He repeats the motion and I collapse against him. To any unsuspecting onlookers, it appears we’re just cuddling. But this is far more than a simple embrace.

  “This is so much better than my teenage dreams.”

  He cups my nape, applying just the right amount of pressure to send a zing to the soles of my feet. “Bringing the images to life always comes out ahead.”

  And we do.

  He punches in and out at a fierce rhythm. I grind down onto him, seeking more. We’re propelling faster toward the stratosphere with each ruthless stroke. Our pace is rabid, the need for release chasing us. We have to hurry before someone catches us.

  With a mutual groan, we hurdle off the cliff. The tumble wraps me up in blistering heat and rockets me skyward. I clack my teeth together and let go, releasing the pent-up lust with a muffled scream. Higher and hotter, the spiral swirling me tighter and faster.

  I flop over, out of breath with stars sparkling in my vision. “Wow, that was, just really wow,” I pant. “Thank you, Gray.”

  His chest rises and falls. He turns his head to face me. “For the orgasm?”

  I roll my eyes. “Well, yeah. But mostly for making all of my fantasies come true.”

  He slaps a palm to his chest. “Delivering happy somethings for life.”

  I curl into his side, temporarily sated and wholly satisfied. “Just like I always knew you would.”

  Epilogue

  Grady

  Happy something #300: Dancing with my wife.

  “By the power vested in me by the state of Wyoming, I’m proud to pronounce you as husband and wife. Grady,” my best friend stares me down with a twitch in his smirk, “you may now kiss your bride.”

  The final portions of Jace’s officiant speech are a shotgun blast. I spear my fingers into Sutton’s perfectly styled hair and crash our lips together. With an arm banded around her waist, I bend my wife into a deep dip. Her lips are a flavorful burst of the juiciest strawberries picked right off the vine. I’m ravenous, dragging that plump pout between my teeth and going in for seconds. Her professionally painted nails dig into my suit jacket while she whimpers for more. We’re so damn gone.

  I smile against her glossy mouth. “Can we skip out of the reception?”

  She giggles. “At our own wedding?”

  I shrug a shoulder. “I made it through the entire ceremony.”

  “And you want a reward?”

  “So long as you’re my prize.”

  She gestures between us. “We just vowed forever and always.”

  “Didn’t need rings and a license to tell me that, Sutt.”

  “Oh my gosh, we’re actually married,” she whispers.

  Sutton’s eyes resemble blue glass when she blinks up at me. I press another kiss to her painted lips. “I love you, wife.”

  She links the fingers of our left hands together. “And I love you, husband.”

  “Hey, love birds,” Jace cuts in. “We’re not done yet.”

  I chuckle. “Sorry, brother. Do your thing.”

  He clears his throat and addresses the crowd in front of us. “Please help me introduce, for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Bowen!”

  Our guests erupt in cheers while we hold up our connected palms. Our meadow has been transformed for the event. Two modest rows are arranged near the trellis I built. Dandelions still blanket the grass, even though it’s late in the season. Everyone holds a floppy stem in their hand. When we pass through the middle, they take turns blowing the puffy seeds at us. Wishes swirl up into the air along with our promise of eternity.

  I scoop Sutton into my arms and she squeals. “I can walk.”

  “I’ll be your chariot,” I growl into her neck.

  She cups my freshly shaved cheek. “Spoiling me already?”

  “I’ll never quit.”

  The overgrown weeds wisp against my black slacks as I stride ahead to the massive tent. Sutton and I wanted our celebration of love to take place in the spot we shared our first happy something. I can guarantee this day is earning a top spot on our list. From start to finish, our wedding will be surrounded by everyth
ing good.

  I lower Sutton onto the plush throne reserved for her at the head table. She pushes out my matching chair and pats the seat. After placing a kiss on her forehead, I settle in beside my bride. The slow trickle of our family and friends soon filters in.

  Sunset creates a natural wonder for our backdrop. A splash of blue and orange illuminate us as dinner is served. We feed each other fried chicken and lasagna, courtesy of Alice’s recipes. I swipe marinara sauce off Sutton’s bottom lip. She brushes crumbs off my tie. Glasses clink and we never disappoint, exchanging kisses that become more daring with each turn.

  When the plates are cleared, Jace and Harlyn stand up beside us. He passes her the microphone. Ladies first. Sutton’s maid of honor smiles at us before turning to the small crowd.

  “Hey, everyone. I’m Harlyn—Sutton’s bestie and college roomie. I met Sutton our first day of freshman year. We were wide-eyed and looking toward the future. Everything was an adventure and we took advantage. Well, mostly.” She winks at my bride. Sutton’s gaze visibly widens.

  Her friend rolls on without hesitation. “She never told me, but there was something always holding her back. That turned out to be a certain someone. When Sutton introduced me to Grady this summer, I finally figured out why she never bothered dating. No one else would matter. You’ve all seen it, right? Impossible not to with these two. It took them a bit to reach this point, but they’re crazy meant to be. I’m honored and grateful to be witness to such a love. So, let’s raise our glasses for a toast. To the newlyweds.”

  We all lift our champagne flutes. Sutton sniffs and wipes at her eyes, wrapping Harlyn in a tight hug. They exchange several unintelligible words. I smirk at their display, a familiar pang bumping off my ribs from missing out on those years. But there’s no room for regret, especially not in this space. Jace takes the microphone and clears his throat.

  “It’s no secret I’ve always been protective of Sutton.” He earns a chorus of chuckles from all of us for that. “No one would ever be good enough for my little sister, right? It’s the big brother role. I could pretend to be shocked when Grady told me how he really felt for her. The biggest shock was how long it took for him to admit it. These two are setting the new standard for marital bliss. Sorry, mom and dad. You’ve been replaced,” he laughs. My parents each shake a finger at him.

  “So, yeah. There was no use trying to keep them apart. Sutton and Grady are a magnetic force of their own. If I tried to step between them, I’d be shoved out of their axis. That didn’t stop me from attempting to be a roadblock. Temporary, of course. Not sure why. My best friend is the greatest man I’ve ever met. Here we are at their wedding and I couldn’t be happier. It’s a great joy to see two people find this kind of overwhelming bliss. And on that note, let’s drink!” Jace lifts a glass and we all cheers.

  I clap him on the back and lean in. “Thanks, man. For everything.”

  “Meant every word, Grady. Congrats. You two are perfect for each other. Always have been.”

  “Stop being sappy.” I cover the lump in my throat with a laugh. “Girls love a tough guy.”

  “Well,” he rocks on his heels, “lucky for me, there aren’t many available options swarming tonight. I can let my inner Prince Charming loose.”

  And it’s true. Besides Harlyn, Molly and Lacie are the only women under forty. The first is still licking her wounds after the shit-storm with Lance. But I’m not sure what the latter’s excuse would be. Not sure Jace is all that interested either way.

  The moment for our first dance as husband and wife comes next. I hold a hand out for my bride and escort her to the square of wood laid out in the center. Stand By You by the Pretenders croons through the speakers set up in the corners.

  Sutton rests her head on my shoulder as we sway. “Such a classic staple.”

  I tuck her tighter against my chest. “Our love will never fade so it’s fitting.”

  “Are you happy, husband?”

  “Are you seriously questioning that, wife?”

  She tips her chin up and graces me with a wide smile. “Nope, not in the slightest. I just enjoy riling you up. It’s sexy when you get all growly.”

  I bend lower and rumble in her ear. She trembles in my hold. “You in this dress, Sutt? Good Lord. I can hardly contain myself. When you came down the aisle, I had to check my pulse and make sure this was real.”

  Sutton pinches my arm. “Not dreaming.”

  “You’re the most beautiful bride, baby. I can’t believe life gave me you. What did I do to deserve perfection?” I stroke a thumb down her cheek.

  She nuzzles into my touch. “You’re biased.”

  “I’m lucky in love, beautiful.” I give her a final twirl as the song comes to an end. With another low dip, my lips seal over hers.

  “Maybe we can sneak off now,” she suggests. Her breathless tone gets me half-hard in a split second.

  “Don’t you think people will—”

  “Mind if I cut in for my turn?” Alice sways onto the makeshift dance floor wearing a wobbling smile and flowing blue gown. She’s been crying off and on since Sutton met me at the altar. There’s still a ball of tissue crushed in her small fist.

  “I suppose, mom.” Sutton releases me with a sigh. She tugs on my lapels and I tip down, pressing our mouths together for a searing moment. “Don’t be gone long, Gray.”

  I grin into our kiss. “Couldn’t if I tried.”

  Alice steps into me, one hand slipping into mine and the other perched on my shoulder. “It’s almost criminal to separate you, even for three minutes.”

  “I can still feel her.” I tap the spot over my heart.

  Her bottom lip begins quivering again. “Oh, Grady. I’m so blessed to have you in our lives.”

  “The feeling is very mutual, Alice.”

  “Is it too soon for me to call you son?”

  A broken piece buried deep inside of me wiggles loose. Her words smooth the jaded edges. I slide my eyes closed with a sigh. “Absolutely not.”

  I receive another watery grin for that. “Okay, good. I don’t want to push my luck, but is it too early for me to bring up grandchildren?”

  “Ah, maybe?” I allow my eyes to naturally find Sutton waiting in the wings. She winks and blows me a kiss. “Or not.”

  She follows my line of sight, smiling at her daughter. “That girl has been in love with you since she was little.”

  A hum vibrates my chest. “I’m finally coming around to believing that. It took a long time, but I realize she’s always felt the same as me.”

  “And you should. You two deserve one another.” She gives me a hug as the final notes fade. “Thanks for humoring me with a dance.”

  “The pleasure was all mine.” I glance away before adding, “Mom.”

  Alice squeaks and waves a hand in front of her watering eyes. “Oh, that’s the sweetest gift. Thank you. Okay, wow. I’m a mess. Go get your girl while I clean myself up.”

  I latch my gaze onto Sutton. “Gladly.”

  My wife is back in my arms a beat later, where she belongs. We fold into a close embrace while another tune plays. “What did my mother have to say?”

  “She wants to call me son.”

  Sutton blinks up at me. “That’s so precious. What did you say?”

  I kiss her temple. “Of course. She’s always been a mother to me.”

  “You totally made her year with that one. What else happened?”

  “She’s ready for a grandkid.”

  Sutton coughs. “Oh my gosh. Babies? Already?”

  I chuckle against her smooth skin. “That’s for us to decide. Let’s take our time and do whatever we want. Traveling might be fun.”

  “Oh, that could be fun. Where would we go?”

  I lift her in my arms and spin us in a circle. “Maybe Minnesota. I hear they have a lot of pretty lakes.”

  She tosses her head back and giggles. “Okay, but not in the winter. It’s too cold”

  “Don’t worry,
Sutt. I’ll always be here to keep you warm.”

  Captain by Lauren Rowe

  Captain Copyright © 2017 by Lauren Rowe

  Published by SoCoRo Publishing

  Layout by www.formatting4U.com

  Cover Model: Shane Williams.

  Photographer: Wander Aguiar Photography www.WanderBookClub.com

  Cover design © Sarah Hansen, Okay Creations LLC

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from the publisher, except by reviewers who may quote brief excerpts in connection with a review

  Prologue

  Tessa

  I grip the handwritten letter in my trembling hand, my eyes drifting with disbelief over the familiar, sloping script, my vision blurred by tears.

  If I hadn’t read these incomprehensible words with my own eyes, I never would have believed them possible.

  If I hadn’t seen them for myself, I would have defended the immutability of his devotion with my dying breath.

  And, now, everything I thought I knew about love is shattered.

  The love I aspired to have in this life is no more.

  What is love?

  I thought I knew.

  But as it turns out, I have no fucking idea.

  1

  Ryan

  “So far so good,” I say to my little brother, Keane. “I’m in no rush with her, though—we’re just taking things slow.”

  My brother and I are sitting in a rented rowboat on Green Lake, just outside Seattle, drinking beer and fishing for trout (though not very well, apparently, since we haven’t had a single bite all day), and I’ve been telling my brother about Olivia, the woman I’ve been seeing casually for about a month.

  “You batten down the hatches with her yet?” Keane asks.

  I chuckle. Gotta love my brother’s bizarre Keane-speak. “Nah, Olivia and I haven’t talked about exclusivity yet. We’re just keeping it casual, you know? No pressure. No labels.”