by Tasha Fawkes
A muffled groan escapes from her lips, which only spurs me on. I look down and see her bright blue eyes staring back up at me, and I lose it. I jerk forward with a groan, my body tensing as I come, squirting my load into her mouth. She takes it all and swallows, still sucking and licking along my shaft.
“Holy shit,” I gasp, croaking the words out.
I can barely catch my breath because that has taken so much out of me. Still, I manage to push her away. My cock throbs. I shake my head, amazed, as she giggles, looking pretty proud of herself. She climbs back up to the head of the bed, where she collapses next to me.
Yawning, I smile at her. She smiles back. I'm exhausted and so is she, which is not surprising, considering the last fifteen minutes. I cuddle her in my arms, kissing her forehead, loving everything about this moment.
I close my eyes, for just a second, which eventually leads to sleep.
I wake up the next morning the way I always want to wake up: With a hand sliding up and down my cock. I groan and glance over at Shana, who grins at me. She tightens her grip, gliding her fist up and down my length. Just when I think this can’t get any better, she leans in and wraps those lips around my shaft. I groan, my body jerking forward as she sucks me hard. Her eyes lock on mine and she smiles through her mouthful of cock, like she’s getting off on me watching her. I gasp and shift positions, gripping hold of the bedsheet and close my eyes.
God, I’m going to explode everywhere in a second.
My eyes flicker open when the sensation stops. She climbs on top of me and lines me up against her pussy, before thrusting herself down onto my stiff cock. I groan and grab hold of her hips to guide her faster and harder onto me. I watch as her breasts bounce up and down against the friction of her movements. She gasps and reaches out to use the wall for support.
Her eyes close and her head tilts back, her lips slightly parting as she comes with me inside her. Watching that is enough to tip me over the edge too.
“Fuck,” I growl, my hips bucking as I explode inside her.
She groans and falls into my arms, a dreamy expression on her face. She’s back asleep within minutes. I chuckle and kiss her softly on the cheek, then glance over at the clock. It's barely five AM, so with a smile on my face, I close my eyes and also drift back to sleep.
Twelve
Shana
I wake up feeling the happiest that I have been in a long time.
I can’t quite put my finger on what it is, until I glance over next to me and remember why. Rex lays beside me, snoring softly, a sheet barely covering the lower half of his body. I resist the urge to reach out and touch him—or take a peek under that sheet. I swallow a chuckle and then climb out of the bed, grabbing his shirt along the way to the door. I slip it on as I wander down to the kitchen, my stomach rumbling as a sign of how hungry I am.
It’s a much more respectable ten in the morning, so I decide to cook us both breakfast—if I can find anything in his cluttered kitchen. I frown and survey the area then start rummaging through the cupboards. Finding the things I need surprisingly easily, I’m even more shocked that he has everything I’m after.
Less than twenty minutes later, I'm setting up a feast on the table. I grab a piece of burnt bacon and pop it in my mouth, savoring the charred, burnt taste. They’re the best bits. I reach for another piece, about to go wake Rex, when I hear him clear his throat.
I spin around and bite my lip when I see him. He stands there in the doorway, a sleepy smile on his face. My eyes move slowly over his body and I swallow hard, because God he looks good. He’s not wearing a shirt and the way his muscles are just there, on display, is making me horny. It takes everything I have not to drag him back to the bedroom. The only thing stopping me is all that food going to waste. Maybe we can incorporate it. I chuckle at the thought.
“You’re awake,” I say, forcing my gaze back up to his face. I smile and walk over to him, kissing his lips. I take his hand, leading him over to the table, where I sit him down.
“I think the smell woke me up,” he murmurs. “You should stay over more often. If I'm gonna wake up to sex and then this.”
I narrow my eyes and poke out my tongue.
“I wouldn't get your hopes up,” I grumble.
He chuckles and digs in, loading up his plate. I sit opposite him and put some food on my own plate. I’m hungry, but I can't eat, because all I can do is stare at him. My heart races. I can feel something developing inside me, and I'm not sure what it is. And then it hits me. That feeling is the hole that is going to be left lingering inside me when this game is over and he leaves me.
I fight back tears, trying to figure out where this doubt suddenly sprung from. I’ve been fooling myself. I'm letting myself believe that this might actually go somewhere, when I know that I'm just going to end up hurt. All this is to him is just a way to get what he wants. I knew that from the beginning, and I still went into this with my heart on my sleeve. What I should have done is walked away the moment he laid his offer out on the table, because he doesn’t care if he's hurt me… does he? I frown at him, trying to figure him out.
God, why am I so confused?
He smiles at me, his brow creasing as he watches my internal conflict.
“Hey, what's wrong?” he asks gently. He reaches out and touches my hand. I jump but keep it there. “You were happy and laughing, and now you look like you’re about to cry.”
I shake my head and force myself to smile.
“Nothing,” I say brightly. He raises his eyebrows like he doesn't believe me, so I give him a look, warning him that I don’t want to talk about it. If I do, I don’t know what will come out. He nods and doesn't push the matter.
“Can I take you somewhere today?” he asks suddenly.
“Uh, sure. Where?” I say, not wanting to spend the day with him, but not wanting to say no either.
“It’s a surprise. I’ll pick you up at six?” he asks, his eyes twinkling.
“Okay,” I agree. I narrow my eyes at him, which makes him chuckle. “I’m not really good with surprises,” I point out.
“Trust me,” he grins. “You’ll like this.”
He picks me up at six. I’m curious, because when I tried to get more information out of him in a text, I got nowhere, other than to be told to dress comfortably. It’s a hot day that’s turning into a sticky, warm night, so I opt for a short red sundress that shows off my long legs. It’s the kind of outfit I can dress up or down, with the right shoes. I decide to wear my runners and pack a pair of low heels too, just in case.
I climb into his car. He looks me up and down and nods his approval.
“Perfect,” he mumbles. I smile.
“So will you give me anything? Just some little hint as to where we’re going?” I all but plead with him. He shakes his head and smirks at me.
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
It feels like we've been driving forever, when he finally turns off the main highway and onto a dirt road. Trees surround us, and every bump we go over fills me with a little bit more anticipation. I have no idea what to expect, good or bad. When the trees begin to clear, they give way to one of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen.
“Holy crap,” I mutter.
Down below us is a beautiful lake. Crystal clear blue water is surrounded by rocks. The water is perfectly still, except over the other side where a huge waterfall surges down. It’s simply stunning.
“My gosh,” I breathe.
Rex turns to me. “Do you like it?” he asks.
“I love it,” I say, nodding.
He grins and opens his door, getting out. I hear the trunk pop open and don’t think anything of it until he appears at my window carrying a picnic basket and a blanket.
“I thought we could have dinner here and then go for a swim,” he explains.
“You should've told me to bring my swimsuit,” I say with a giggle.
His eyes sparkle. “And where would the fun be in that?” he asks.
/>
I get out and follow him over to the edge of the cliff. We set ourselves up on the first flat surface we find, right near the edge of the rocks. He lays the blanket out. I sit down, while he arranges the food. He's gone to a lot of trouble. Surely, he wouldn't be going to this much effort if he felt nothing real? There’s something there. There has to be.
I shake away all negative thoughts, not wanting to ruin the day.
I help myself to a sandwich, and like everything else, it’s delicious. I wonder if he made them himself, or if he ordered it from somewhere.
“You look deep in thought,” he says, concerned.
I laugh. “Trust me, it's not that deep. I was wondering if you made all this yourself.”
He makes a face and then laughs. “I can't take credit for it. I ordered it from a bakery not far from me. Does that make it less impressive?”
I shake my head and put a strawberry my mouth.
“Not at all. I still can't believe you went to all this trouble,” I say, not quite believing it.
He shrugs. “I guess I just wanted to show you that I'm enjoying spending time with you.”
“I like spending time with you to I say you too,” I mumble.
He shuffles around the blanket so he’s close enough to lean in and kiss me. I sigh as I press my lips against his. My heart races, because I know I'm developing feelings for him. How could I not? He’s an amazing guy. He reaches out to tuck a stray strand of hair back behind my ear.
“Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?” he asks me. I shake my head. “Well, now you do.”
After we finish eating, we make our way down the steep path to the soft, sandy bank below. I walk over to the edge of the lake and dip my toes in. I jump back and shiver.
“It’s freezing,” I laugh. I turn around and glare Rex. “If you think I'm going in there, you're crazy.”
He chuckles. “Come on. Where’s your sense of adventure? It can’t be that bad. Stop being so weak.”
I stare at him, open mouthed. “Oh you did not just call me weak,” I growl. I cross my arms over my chest. “You go in.”
He shrugs, his eyes twinkling as he peels off his t-shirt, followed by his shorts and boxers. As he stands there naked, I try to keep my eyes focused on his face, but it's no use.
“My eyes are up here,” he teases.
I flush, and he chuckles as he walks over and splashes through the shallow water like it's nothing. Then without a single hesitation, he dives under. I shake my head, impressed. He turns around and resurfaces.
“Your turn,” he grins, wiping the water off his face. “Either you’re coming on your own or I'll get you and throw you under.”
I gasp. “You wouldn't dare.”
“Yeah? Try me,” he says with a grin.
My heart races as I lift my dress over my head and drop it onto the sand. He watches, my nipples stiffening under his stare. I'm tempted to go in wearing my underwear, but then a rush of courage hits me. Before I know it, I’ve shed everything and I’m walking naked toward the water.
He watches, a glint in his eye, as I slowly walk through the shallow water. It's so cold that my heart is racing. When the water covers my thighs, I count to three and then fall back. I gasp as the cold water engulfs me. I feel like I’m drowning, when his arms wrap around me and he lifts me up and out of the water.
Panting, I catch my breath, my heart pounding as I throw my arms around his neck.
“See, that wasn't so bad, was it?” he teases.
He smirks at me while I shake my head, still unable to speak. He tilts my head up and leans in, kissing me softly on the lips. I kiss him back, my heart racing as he lifts me into his arms. His erection presses against me as I rock myself back and forth against him. He groans and mumbles something under his breath before pressing his lips against mine.
Very slowly, he stands up and walks me out of the water and onto the sand. Once on dry land, he lays me down, his lips urgently searching mine. I gasp as he grinds against me, his erection pressing against my thigh. I place my hands on his face and kiss him roughly on the mouth, then I roll him over so that his back is on the sand and I'm on top.
He chuckles and raises his eyebrows at me, running his hand up over my stomach to my breasts. I gasp and then position myself over him, gently lowering myself down on his length. I groan as he fills me, then I slide myself up and down, riding him, while he gently bounces me back and forth.
“Fuck, you’re incredible,” he mutters, grabbing a handful of breast.
I hold onto his waist, biting my lip as I watch him. He moves faster and faster, making my toes curl. My thighs clench as I creep closer to orgasm. He reaches up and takes my hands, entwining his fingers in mine. I balance myself with his hands as I ride him. He groans, his own body tensing, like he’s going to explode. The sight of him so turned on by this pushes me over the edge.
I gasp and cry out, my body spasming. He grunts as he comes inside me, pumping his hips furiously before eventually slowing to a stop. I roll off him, panting as I try to catch my breath. We lay there in the sand, staring up at the sky as the sun begins to set.
“Pretty special here, huh?” he murmurs, wrapping his arm around me.
I nod and stare up at the sky. We lay there for a while, until I shiver. Broken out of my daydream, I glance around at the deserted stretch of sand. I giggle. Rex looks at me curiously.
“I was just thinking that I hope no one decides to come for a late walk along the water,” I explain. I glance up at our car. “Or up there for a make out session.”
He chuckles and kisses me on the forehead.
“We should probably get back anyway.”
We get dressed and pack up our things, then get back in the car and drive home. I fall asleep not long into the drive, but I’m vaguely aware of him resting his hand on my thigh. I smile and put my hand over his, savoring what’s left of a very special day.
As he pulls up outside my apartment, I’m feeling anxious because I don’t want this day to end. I reach over and undo my belt, then I get out. I walk around to his side of the car and lean through the open window. For some reason, I feel more in control of my emotions saying bye to him out here, than still in the car.
“Thank you.” I smile at him. “I had fun.”
“Me too,” he murmurs. He leans over and kisses me. My stomach flutters. “I'll see you soon?”
I nod and he grins at me. I stand back and watch him drive off, a strange sense of emptiness filling my stomach.
Yeah. I'm not falling for him at all…
Thirteen
Rex
I push through the doors of the building, whistling as I make my way over to the elevators. I'm feeling good, better than I have in weeks. Years even. Hell, I might be feeling the best I’ve felt in my entire life. These last few weeks have been amazing, and I’m not just talking about things with Shana—although that has been a highlight. It’s everything else in my life that is starting to fall into place too. It’s made me realize how much I enjoy being respected and part of something that my family has spent generations building. I think I’m finally becoming a contributing member of society, which is something I never thought would happen.
Working on this merger has given me a sense of purpose. Even though I never expected it to, I think it's made me realize that something was missing in my life. On some level buried deep in my brain, I wanted all this and I didn’t even know it. Or maybe I knew, but I pushed it deep into my subconscious, because I thought the idea of me being an integral part of Harris Corporation wasn’t an achievable dream.
Only now it is. Now, I feel like anything is possible.
I get off the elevator on the top floor and walk right into Matt’s office. His receptionist doesn’t even blink, because she’s used to me doing it now. I flash him a smile as I kick the door closed with my foot, and he gives me his usual irritated glance because I didn’t knock. He narrows his eyes at me, watching me thoughtfully as I stroll over to his des
k. I chuckle at his expression. You’d think he’d never seen me smile before.
“You look awfully happy today,” he comments as I sit down. I lean back and put my feet on the edge of his desk, releasing a content sigh. He raises his eyebrows, amused.
“What's not to be happy about?” I say, glancing out the window. “It's a beautiful day. I'm surrounded by beautiful people. Life is good, Matthew.”
Matt chuckles. “Okay, well, now I know something is up,” he says. “You haven’t called me Matthew since…” He thinks for a second. “Well, ever.” He studies me for a moment, and then his jaw tenses. He clasps his hands in front of him before he speaks again. “You're falling for her, aren’t you?”
I shake my head and give him an irritated look. Why does he automatically assume this is about Shana? My change in outlook could be contributed to a number of things. Sure, Shana is one of the things that has changed something in my life, but that doesn’t mean it dictates my mood.
“Don’t be stupid,” I scoff, scowling at him. “I mean, sure, Shana is great, but this is more than that. Things just feel like they’re going well for once, you know?”
“Jesus, Rex, you’re smiling at nothing,” Matt growls. “Are you trying to mess this up for us?” he adds, his blue eyes flashing as they lock on mine. “I mean, even the look in your eyes when you said her name. You’re completely gone, aren’t you?”
I frown at him, refusing to believe that anything on my face gave away my feelings for her. And so what if I do like her? Does it hurt him that much to see me happy? Every time something good in my life happens, someone in my family is right there, kicking me back down.
“You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about,” I finally say. “And excuse me, but you think I’m fucking this up? I'm the only goddamned reason that this is going so well in the first place,” I growl. “You should be thanking me for saving your ass. But how easily you forget that, huh?”
