Good lord but he was gorgeous. Traps, abs, pecs. He had them all and more. His chest was smooth. There was a smattering of hair leading from his navel to the clasp on his low riding jeans. “Your turn.” He gave her shirt a tug at the hem.
There was no place for embarrassment or shyness. This was the great thing about a one-time thing, you didn't have to worry about impressions. Hopefully, he would like what he saw. Hopefully, he would enjoy himself as much as she did, but if not … oh well. No pressure. No stress. No fuss.
It didn’t matter that she was a bit overweight. It didn’t matter that she had a few stretch marks and that her thighs were dimpled. Cellulite was real and those creams did not work. It mattered even less that her boobs were a tad on the droopy side despite not even being thirty yet. Gravity was a bitch. She was a woman, dammit. A real woman and proud of the fact. He could get lost if he didn’t like what he saw. She gripped the edge of her shirt and tugged it over her head in much the same way he had done. Ash made a soft growling noise in the back of his throat. His eyes were narrow and focused on her breasts.
“Wow.” He breathed out through his nose. “The bra too.” He lifted his gaze and locked it with hers. The amount of lust in his eyes was startling. He really did like what he saw. It was that or he was desperate, which they’d already established was not the case.
You’ve got this, Alice. He could’ve had any woman and yet here he is. Own it. She reached back and unclipped her bra, shrugging it from her shoulders, jumping at the deep growl. His eyes were narrowed, his jaw tight. Every muscle on his chest stood to attention. Especially the ones on either side of his neck. Ash looked angry. “Such plump, pink nipples,” he murmured as he leaned down and suckled on one. She felt the pull right between her legs and moaned.
“Receptive,” he mumbled. Ash clasped her sex through the thick fabric of her sweats.
She moaned again, louder this time. Her blood seemed to thicken in her veins. Her breath came in pants and he’d only just touched her. His finger seemed to zone in on her clit. “Oh. Oh.” He used a pushing action. Intermittent pressure on her sensitive nub.
“Off.” He tugged on the waistband of the pants.
“Yes,” she moaned, pulling them down her hips. There was no modesty left in her, only need. A raging need, an all-consuming need.
Holy shit!
Ash dropped to his knees in front of her. She gripped his shoulders, lifting each leg so that he could take her pants off. Then he picked up her foot, hooking her leg over one of his shoulders. His eyes were glued to her … well, there. She felt his breath against her sex. It both tickled and ignited an even greater need inside her. If that was even possible. He sniffed at her … there. And then made a groaning noise before licking her. His tongue was big and hot and … she groaned as well. Big time groaned. Threw herself into the noise. One hand was flat on the door and the other clutched at his hair.
His tongue zoned in on her clit and laved over it a good couple of times. Good lord! She was rocking her hips but couldn’t stop. The hand on his head gripped tighter at his hair. He sucked her. Opened his mouth and sucked. Not too hard, not too soft. She moaned again, this time the sound coming from somewhere deep inside her. It was deep and raw and it hurt her throat. She didn’t care because … Damn.
Then he pushed a finger inside her and her mouth fell open. She cried out when he crooked that finger, pushing it in and out.
“Tight,” he mumbled it, his lips against her clit.
By now she was panting noisily, making moaning noises each time his finger slid back into her. There was a coiling sensation in the pit of her stomach. Her skin felt tight. Her eyes wide. Her—
Ash stopped. She tried to hold him there, between her legs but it didn’t work. He rose up, his hands pulling at the clasps on his jeans as he licked his lips. Make that, licked her off of his lips. There was something really sexy in that. “I’m going to fuck you now, Alice.” His cock sprang free. It was long and thick and … she could hardly breathe just looking at it.
Ash tore the foil pack between his teeth and sheathed himself in one stroke of the hand, his jeans halfway down his thighs. All of it was sexy. So darned incredibly sexy. She was shaking with need. That thick heavy feeling still there in the pit of her stomach. Her clit throbbed as he gripped her thighs, his eyes on hers. He lifted her easily. “Put your legs around my waist.” She hooked her ankles at his back, his cock flush up against her. It looked even bigger somehow. “That’s it.” He flashed a grin. It was feral. “I can’t wait to make you come.” He held her up off the floor like it was nothing. Easy peezy. Her back was up against the door, just as he had promised.
Holy mackerel. This was really happening.
“Can’t wait to come inside that snug pussy.” His gaze there, at the junction of her thighs. Her throat closed hearing him talk like that. She liked it though. She never thought she would, but lord help her she did.
Alice licked her lips. Thank god she was really good at keeping things neat down there, even though she didn’t have a sex life to speak of and hadn’t for a good long time. There was a neat little landing strip, otherwise, she was bare.
“So pretty,” he whispered.
She groaned as the pad of his thumb found her clit. The tip of his cock was suddenly at her opening. Nudging its way in. “You’re big,” she managed to choke out. Alice widened her eyes as he slid in further, his thumb continued to slip and slide over her clit. “Really huge.”
“Yeah, and you’re tight.” He was frowning, a sheen of sweat on his brow. “Really fucking tight.” He pulled out and then pushed back in. Easy, easy, inch by inch until he was finally flush against her. His thumb pressed against her clit but he wasn’t moving anymore. It felt maddeningly good. So stretched. So full. He was breathing deeply. His huge chest expanding and contracting against her, brushing up against her breasts. Her nipples were so tight that they hurt.
He kissed her neck, nipped at her ear and she groaned.
“You feel good,” he spoke against her lobe. “Fucking good,” a low growl. “I knew you would.”
“You do too.” She was appalled at how strangled her words were. Breathy and strangled and high-pitched.
“Hold on.” It was all the warning he gave as the hand on her clit moved away to hold onto her thigh and hoist her further up him. Alice gripped his shoulders. His face became a mask of what could easily be misconstrued as fury as he pulled out of her. When all of those thick inches jackknifed back in, it had her mouth falling open and her back bowing.
There was no other way to describe it but rough and primal. Ash held her tight as he plowed into her from below. His knees were slightly bent, his jaw clenched tightly. Horrifying yet beautiful. There was a dull thud as her ass hit the door with each hard thrust. Her breasts jerked between them. None of it mattered because she was about to come. It was right there. Her orgasm. Pulling, kneading, coiling, growing. Her cries were insistent. Alice was as loud as he was silent. He was relentless and strong and—
Then she was coming apart. The orgasm that tore through her wrung a long, deep wail from her. It had her clenching her eyes tight. It had her bucking against him. It felt like a tornado of pleasure ripping right through her. Like it might just rip her apart if she wasn’t careful. It consumed all of her, not just one part or area, all of her. Every nerve, every cell, every single one and all at once.
Ash yelled her name, his head was buried in the crook of her neck. He grunted, once, really softly as he jerked against her hard. His thrusts were just as insistent but not as controlled for a few beats. Then he slowed up. Moving less and less until he finally stopped altogether.
Alice slumped against him, she felt boneless. They were both breathing heavily. She was shaking a little, or was it him? Maybe both of them.
There was a knock at the door.
If she’d had the strength, Alice would’ve started at the sudden noise right behind her. She’d felt the vibration of the knock through the wood. Whoeve
“It’s your pizza delivery!” a guy shouted. After a few moments, he added, “You ordered a large pepperoni.” His booming voice punctured through the door.
Alice buried her head in his chest to keep from laughing. Ash’s … member was still hard, still deep inside of her. She pulled back and he was grinning too. “You like pepperoni?” he whispered.
Alice nodded. “Very much so.”
“Large pepperoni.” He grinned some more, bobbing his brow. They laughed silently for a few seconds before Ash turned serious. “I’m going to put you down now.”
“Okay.” He did as he said.
“I need to leave.” He looked at the watch on his wrist and cursed. “I really need to go.” He handed her her clothes. “You go and get dressed, I'll take care of your delivery.”
“Wait, let me get my purse.”
The guy knocked again.
“Don’t worry about your purse. I’ve got it.” Ash turned towards the door. “I’m coming!” he yelled. They both looked at one another and burst out laughing all over again. Ash pulled his shirt back over his head. “Go already.” He gestured down the hall, but before she could turn to leave, he grabbed her hand. “You should come to The Dark Horse next month.”
“What? Why?” Oh shit! Did he want to see her again? Surely not. What else could it be though? Act cool, Alice. This is no biggie. It’s still just sex.
“This was just a taste.” His voice had turned deep and husky.
“Okay.” She nodded.
“Good.” He pushed out a breath. “And Alice …” He raised his brows.
“Yes?”
“Don’t make me come after you again.”
Her heart beat faster at the thought. What was wrong with her? “Maybe I like it when you come after me.”
Something flared in his eyes. Something primal. The pizza guy bashed on the door again. Much harder this time. “I don’t got all day!” he shouted.
“I’ll see you in a month?” He pulled her towards him, smashing his lips to hers. “One way or the fucking other,” he growled as he released her.
“Stalker,” she whispered.
“You’d better believe it.” He winked at her.
Alice turned and walked away, feeling his eyes on her the whole time.
5
Ash kept thinking about the look Alice had given him when she’d said that she liked that he came after her. She might be willing. She might still want him just as much as he wanted her, but he had a feeling she was still going to make him work for it.
Well, bring it on. Bring it the fuck on, because he was game.
“Why are you smiling, Daddy?”
Ash turned his eyes on his son. “Even though I had a really good weekend, I’m glad to be home with you.” He ruffled Ethan’s hair.
His son giggled and tried to duck out from under his hand. “You can’t catch me, Daddy.” His boy laughed as he jumped off the chair.
“Oh yes I can, and I think someone might need a little bit of a tickle.” Ash stuck out his fingers towards Ethan and wiggled them.
Ethan looked back over his shoulder, his smile brightened up a whole lot and his eyes widened. He shook his head. “No tickling, Daddy. No! I don’t need a tickle.”
“Oh, yes you do!” Ash shouted.
With a squeal, his son turned and ran, he flew out the front door, down the porch stairs and kept going. Ash laughed; he jogged slowly, but pretended to be running faster by pumping his arms hard. “I’m going to get you.”
Ethan squealed again. He glanced back over his shoulder and picked up the pace. His legs were still so short. Ethan wasn’t quite four yet. His heart filled with love and pride for the boy. His son. His reason for being here. Without Ethan, he would be lost. Ash grit his teeth, pushing down those thoughts.
Ethan laughed harder, his little legs pumping. A big smile brightened his face. He laughed some more, the sound filling the street around them. He kept twisting around to see if Ash had caught up yet. So darned cute.
Ash breathed heavily, pretending to be out of breath. At the same time, he continued to run and to pump his arms, pretending to be giving it his all. “I’m going to get you,” Ash growled.
Ethan squealed, glancing back. It was just then that he happened to trip on a jutting rock. The little boy went flying and landed with an oomph and gave a shriek.
“Oh no!” Ash exclaimed as he knelt down next to the boy. “Is it bleeding?”
Ethan nodded, clutching at his knee. Tears coursed down his chubby cheeks. Ash gathered him in his arms, holding him close. He smoothed his hair from his face and patted his back.
One of the doors opened and Jericho’s mate came down the stairs. There was a look of concern on Cynthia’s face. Her brow was creased. “Is there anything I can do to help?” she asked, her eyes on Ethan.
Although the little boy still sniffled and shuddered, the worst of his fright was over. Ash knew that the graze or cut would already be healing. Anyway, he could take care of the situation himself. “We’re good. Thank you.”
“Are you sure?” Cynthia asked.
“Yes, definitely. Thanks for asking.” Ash smiled.
Cynthia gave a nod, she looked down at them for a moment or two more before turning and heading back inside.
“You okay, kiddo?” Ash asked.
Ethan nodded against his chest. The little boy sniffed hard, using the knuckles on his hand to wipe away the last few tears before turning up his gaze to Ash. “Yes, Daddy.” Big green eyes stared up at him. It was during moments like these that it was almost hard to look into his son’s eyes. His mate’s eyes. They reminded him of all he had lost. Of everything Ethan was missing out on.
Ash forced a smile. “That’s my boy.” He hoisted the little guy onto his shoulders. Ethan squealed and giggled, his scraped knee long forgotten. “What do you say we go and make some pancakes?”
“Yeah!” Ethan yelled, full of excitement again. He kicked his little legs.
“Do you want your pancakes with strawberries and honey, or bacon and syrup?”
“All of them,” Ethan said, excitement in his voice. “And chocolate.”
“All of those things?” Ash pretended to be flabbergasted. “Even chocolate?” He made a noise of exasperation. “You can’t be serious?” He reached up and tickled Ethan, using the other hand to hold onto him tightly.
Ethan squealed and laughed. It had just been the two of them ever since Ethan had been born. They were doing just fine. They would continue to do just fine.
Alice swept the hair cut-offs into the dustpan, careful to get them all. She then made her way to the rear of the salon, depositing them into the trash can and was just putting the dustpan away when Meredith grabbed her arm. “You ignored all of my calls yesterday,” she whispered under her breath.
Everyone had been looking at her strangely all day, but she’d ignored their stares. Ignored their snickers – probably not aimed at her but it still felt that way. Just plain ignored them. It was none of their business. “My next client arrives in five minutes,” she whispered back.
“Five minutes is all we need.” Meredith grinned from ear to ear and her eyes sparkled with mischief.
“There’s nothing to talk about.” Alice had to work to try and keep the smile off of her own face as she recalled what had happened two days before.
“I beg to differ.” Meredith bit down on her bottom lip for a beat before continuing. “It’s been two whole days and you still have that relaxed look about you. That glow.”
“You’re talking complete nonsense.” Alice couldn’t help the smile that took up residence on her face.
“I knew it.” Meredith pointed at her. “You are definitely glowing.”
“Shush.” Alice looked around them and sure as hell, everyone in the salon was looking at them. “I need to fetch something from the storage room, do you want to come with me?”
“Most definitely.” Meredith was practically vibrating from the excitement.
“This stays between you and me,” Alice said as they walked into the enclosed space.
“I don’t know why you’re being so secretive about this. Everybody knows. That big shifter came here looking for you and, well, like I said, you have this glow about you.” Meredith laughed.
“Really? Are you serious?” Could it be? Did she look like the girl who had got it all? Probably.
“Yes, I’m very serious. You truly are glowing. Was it really that good?” Meredith’s eyes were wide. She seemed to be holding her breath. “It was, wasn’t it?”
“Honestly?” Alice licked her lips. She wasn’t sure this was something she should be talking about. Then again, it wasn’t like she was in a real relationship or anything. It had been a one-night stand. “Yes, it was better than good.”
Meredith squealed.
“Shhhhh.” Alice gripped Meredith by the arm and squeezed.
“Owwwww!” Her friend widened her eyes and pulled free from her grip.
“I told you to be quiet. I really don’t want this getting out. This isn’t like me.”
“You’re allowed to have a life you know. You’re allowed to have sex.”
“Shhhhh!” Alice looked around them, praying that no-one had heard. The door to the storage room was thin. The salon was small. “Still, I’d prefer it if it didn’t get out.”
“Fine. So what happened, he showed up and then, you guys …?” She waggled her brows.
“Pretty much. There wasn’t much time, so—”
“But it was good though?” She was so giddy she even jumped up and down as she asked the question.
Alice nodded and Meredith squealed. “I knew it. So you don’t regret it? You acted all mad that I gave him your address, but you didn’t mean it did you?”
“I did mean it.” Alice put her hands on her hips. “You can’t just go around giving strangers my address.”
“Admit it, you would have been mad if I hadn’t given that gorgeous shifter your details!”
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