Long Road Home

by Kate Stacy

  “I already have dinner prepped. I'll cook while you take a bath. I'll let you know when it's ready.”

  My hands find themselves back on her hips, and I run them up her sides, stopping just below her breasts. She shivers, and I smile.

  I slide my hands back down her waist and across her abdomen, stopping to unbutton and unzip her pants. I want to touch her so damn badly.

  “Drake…” She stops speaking and bites her bottom lip, but a moan slips through.

  Fuck it. I begin lowering her jeans but stop to slide my hands around her waist and down into the back of them, under the waistband. I can’t hold back the growl that escapes my throat when I discover her delectable ass bare. I grab a mouth-watering cheek in each hand and squeeze, digging my fingertips into the flesh of her ass.

  Hard.

  My mouth latches on to her neck.

  Kissing. Nibbling. Sucking.

  Because...fucking hell—she's wearing a goddamn thong.

  “So damn sexy, baby.” I groan against her throat.

  She whimpers. “Oh, God.”

  I spin her around, pulling her back up against my chest, and start to slide my hand down the front of her jeans. “Is this okay, Hailee?”

  She nods her head.

  “Words, baby. I need to hear the words.”

  “Yes.” The word drips from her lips.

  I dip my hand down the front of her panties, past the thin strip of curls, finding her hot and so fucking wet. I circle her clit with my middle finger.

  “Mmm. You’re soaked baby.”

  She whimpers again, rocking her hips forward trying to increase the pressure.

  “Uh-uh. Greedy girl. I’ll give you what you need.” I bring my other hand to her throat, holding her there, but not applying pressure.

  I don’t linger at her clit—I slide my finger down and slowly push it inside.

  So fucking tight.

  Hailee begins panting and writhing against me. I thrust my finger in and out several times—keeping a steady pace— before adding a second. She moans loudly and reaches up behind her head to grab the back of my neck.

  “More...please…” she says between breaths.

  “Whatever you want, baby.”

  I squeeze a third finger inside, while using my thumb to rub her clit, increasing the speed and pressure.

  She’s riding my hand now, whimpering and moaning. I turn her head and take her mouth with mine to smother her sounds.

  She takes her lips from mine. “Fuck. Drake...I’m...I’m…” She can’t get the words out.

  I can feel her walls start to tighten. Her chest is rising and falling rapidly with her heavy breaths. Her entire body practically vibrating.

  “That’s my girl. Come for me.”

  I curl my fingers just slightly, hitting that spot that’ll drive her wild. My thumb circles her clit once...twice…

  “Oh my god! Yes!” She stiffens and screams, coming unraveled in my arms.

  I have to tighten my hold on her trembling body. Her nails dig into my neck. I don’t give a fuck if she marks me. That was the sexiest damn thing I’ve ever seen in my life.

  I slow my fingers but don’t stop until she rides out her orgasm.

  I place open mouth kisses up and down her neck and shoulder, waiting for her to calm.

  “Feel better, baby?”

  She giggles. “That was unbelievable.”

  I remove my hand from her jeans and slip my fingers in my mouth, sucking off all her juices.

  I groan at her taste. “I knew you’d be fucking sweet.”

  She bites that damn lip again, cheeks flushed from heat and exertion.

  I grab my dick and squeeze, wishing it would calm the fuck down. I adjust it in my jeans causing her eyes go wide when she sees the bulge. She reaches out for me.

  “I could…”

  I grab her hand before she can touch me. “As much as I’d love that…” I look at her body up and down with a groan. “And damn, would I definitely love that, sweetness...but, this was for you.”

  I slap her on her ass. “Now get in there and relax.”

  My dick throbs in my jeans so hard it’s almost painful.

  I kiss her again quickly and walk away before I can’t.

  HAILEE

  The last month has been great in the grand scheme of things. It was busy, but drama-free, which is something really amazing considering how things have been going the past few months.

  We’ve heard nothing else from Drake’s ex-girlfriend. I hope to never see her again.

  Business at The Sweet Spot has been steadily picking up, so we had to hire another person to help keep up.

  Elijah started feeling better quickly, and I got through his cold unscathed. A miracle, really, since I usually end up sick right after him.

  I passed my last two classes with perfect scores. The one I’m taking now is really easy, so it shouldn’t give me any trouble. I only have two classes left after this one and I’ll be finished with my degree.

  Drake went back on the road a few days after he got home, which was expected. He told me that he wouldn’t be back until the wedding, which is today.

  He’s on his way, I know, but he’s still not here and it’s making me really, really nervous. I don’t dread going to the wedding, because I have nothing but friendly feelings for Grayson now. I’m genuinely happy that he’s getting married, but I still don’t want to go by myself. I’m always alone at events like this. For once I want someone that I love with me.

  Wait. Love? Do I really love him?

  I know that I’m all in with Drake. I’m falling for him fast. We’ve been together for six weeks now and I’m really happy with the way things are going. Things got hot and heavy between us a couple more times the last time he was home, but we still haven’t had sex.

  I don’t want to wait anymore. The things he did with just his fingers...my god. I’ve spent the last few weeks thinking about how good he’ll be with everything else.

  I’m ready to go, except for slipping on my dress and heels. I’m actually wearing makeup for once, but I kept it light and natural. My hair is down in big, loose curls. I just had my caramel highlights re-done last week, so it looks really incredible. I’m not putting my dress on until after Drake is here and ready, so I’m wearing a pair of yoga shorts and a baggy t-shirt that hangs off my shoulder.

  I’m pacing back and forth across the living room, looking at the door every few minutes. After about half an hour, I finally hear his truck pull up outside. I race to the front door, flinging it open just as he’s climbing down from the truck.

  He looks over at me, giving me that panty-melting smile of his. I’m not wearing shoes, so I wait on the porch, but he’s quick to get over to me and wrap me in his arms.

  He puts his face down into my neck and breathes deeply. “Cherry blossom and peaches. You always smell so fucking sweet.”

  I lean away from him, so I can get to his mouth. The kiss is long and deep, the heat between us is palpable, but we both pull back before we end up naked on the porch.

  “I missed you, darlin’.”

  “I missed you too, honey. I was so worried you weren’t going to make it in time.”

  We go inside, holding hands because it seems like we can’t be near each other without touching in some way.

  Now I see why Jaxson and Madalyn are always giving each other sweet little touches.

  “I wouldn’t have missed it for anything, baby. I can’t wait to see you in that dress. I’m hoping you’ll dance with me later, too.”

  “I’ll save a dance for you, don’t worry.” I wrap my arms around his waist, looking up at him with a smile.

  “All of your dances are for me.” There’s a playful glint in his eyes.

  I look over at the clock, noticing the time. “We have to leave soon! You need to go get ready and I have to finish getting ready and into my dress.”

  “Give me twenty minutes and I’ll be ready to go.”

  “Oka
y.”

  He gives me a short, sweet kiss before heading for his room.

  I can’t wait to see him in a suit and tie.

  DRAKE

  I take a quick shower and stand in front of the mirror, debating whether or not to shave. Hailee loves my scruff, but this is a fancy event.

  I decided to trim it down to a short stubble and clean up the edges. I managed to find a barber near one of the truck stops last week, so my hair is freshly cut. Buzzed short on the sides with a few inches up top. I run my fingers through it because that’s all it really needs.

  I grab the suit from my closet and start to put it on. I’m a small-town boy. I’m all about the jeans, t-shirts, and boots. I fucking hate wearing a suit, but I’ll put this damn thing on for her. I went and bought it last time I was home. I got measured while I was there. Jax picked it up and dropped it off for me last week while Hailee was working.

  Everything is black. Pants, shirt, jacket—all black. The tie is the only thing of color, and it’s barely a color. Gunmetal. It matches her dress perfectly. I dress quickly, standing in front of the mirror to make sure my tie is straight. I give a silent thanks to my grandfather for teaching me the proper way to tie the knot.

  I slip on my socks and shoes, spray on some cologne and look in the mirror one last time.

  I look pretty damn good. Not bad for a small-town, country boy.

  I head toward the living room to wait for Hailee, but she’s already waiting when I get there.

  Holy. Fucking. Shit.

  I don’t know if I can let her out of the house in that dress. She looks fucking phenomenal. My cock starts hardening at the sight of all her gorgeous curves on display. I will it to calm down because these pants won’t hide much.

  She’s facing me, watching my eyes take in every inch of her.

  The dress is floor length, so you can barely see her heels. It’s not fitted, but it accentuates her wide hips. There’s an “x” of fabric across her abdomen, which only helps to frame her generous tits. They’re covered by wide strips of material that go behind her neck.

  I stand, still staring at her and motion with my finger for her to turn around. She spins slowly.

  Fuck. Me. Whose idea was this dress? I want to be the only one to see her tonight.

  Almost her entire back is on display. There’s an “x” crossing her upper back, but that’s all. Now I can see exactly how the fabric wraps across her back and to the front where the “x” is there, before coming back again. The skirt of the dress stops right above her ass, where the extra wrapped fabric ties into a bow. All of her assets are on display, she looks fucking magnificent.

  All that bare skin. Those luscious curves.

  Mine.

  I lick my lips, shake my head, and chuckle.

  “Damn, baby. I am one lucky man.”

  She does one more little twirl before stopping to lift the skirt of the dress. She’s wearing what have to be four-inch heels. They’re the same color as the dress with straps up her ankles, criss-crossing several times before being tied in a bow up top. Sexiest shoes ever. I desperately want to see her in nothing but those heels.

  “You like?” She asks, raising a brow.

  “You look amazing, darlin’. I can’t even think of the right words to explain how incredible you look tonight. So. Damn. Beautiful.”

  I walk toward her, needing to be close to her.

  “Thank you. I was really worried that the dress was showing too much. I feel so exposed.”

  I shake my head. “That dress was made for you, baby. You’re going to be turning heads all night.”

  She giggles, that beautiful blush fanning across her cheeks.

  I’m so happy that she isn’t wearing a lot of makeup. She’s naturally beautiful and doesn’t even need it. I can appreciate the way the liner and mascara make her eyes pop, the chocolate brown becoming even richer.

  Absolutely fucking stunning.

  I am one lucky sonofabitch.

  HAILEE

  The church is beautiful.

  I’m standing at the altar with Grayson, waiting for the ceremony to begin.

  I feel a little awkward standing up here, to be honest, but this is what Gray wanted. I’m proud to be at his side on his special day. No matter how I feel, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

  He looks great in his tux, but I knew he would.

  I’m still not one hundred percent sure if my feelings for Grayson disappeared, or if Madalyn was right and they were never real feelings at all. Either way, it doesn’t even matter anymore. Drake has my heart, and the only thing I feel for Gray at this moment is pure happiness and joy for my friend.

  Drake is sitting on the groom’s side of the church with my parents. He wanted to stay as close to me as possible. He muttered something about not letting me out of his sight in this dress, but I wasn’t going to ask questions. I like it when he’s close.

  He looks so damn good in the suit he’s wearing. I wasn’t sure about the black shirt, but he wears the entire ensemble well. The suit fits him perfectly and draws attention to his broad shoulders, which I love. I’m secretly thrilled that he didn’t shave. I love his scruff, especially the way it feels when he kisses me. It took all I had not to strip him down in the living room. I’m certain he felt the same way about this dress.

  I smile at him and he winks at me.

  The music starts, so I blow him a kiss before turning toward the aisle to focus on the wedding party.

  The maid of honor is wearing a dress exactly like mine, but hers is a deep purple and she has the bodice wrapped differently than mine. The bridesmaids' dresses are lavender, almost the same style, but they’re tea-length rather than floor length.

  The groomsmen are all wearing black suits with white dress shirts and deep purple vests and ties. I’m surprised at how much I like the color.

  My focus goes back to the aisle as the song transitions to the Wedding March. The whole Church rises as Tara and her father start to walk down the aisle. I quickly turn my head to look at Gray. The expression on his face is full of love and joy. I can see the sheen of tears in his eyes.

  I whisper to him, “She’s a lucky girl, Gray. I can’t wait until someone looks at me with that much love.”

  He glances out at the guests, then looks into my eyes for a second and says, “Someone already does.”

  He nods his head in the direction of the church pews before turning his attention back to his beautiful bride.

  I look to find Drake staring back at me. He’s wearing an expression much like the one I just saw on Grayson’s face.

  How did I miss that look in his eyes? Is it possible that he loves me?

  I shake off my thoughts. Now’s not the time to worry about that. I’m here to stand for my friend, he and his bride deserve my attention.

  Tara looks incredible in her off-shoulder, mermaid-style white dress. The dress itself is a gorgeous lace applique. She pulls off the style flawlessly. Her hair is pinned back in a low twisted bun surrounded by jasmine flowers. Her bouquet is made up of purple centered Picasso lilies, midnight purple El Aleli flowers, and jasmine, all wrapped in a delicate white lace. The deep purple flowers in her bouquet create a perfect contrast between light and dark. The full effect is breathtaking.

  Grayson’s eyes never stray from her.

  The ceremony doesn’t last long. The kiss is passionate and sweet. A tear slides down my cheek as they’re pronounced man and wife.

  My best friend just married the love of his life. I couldn’t be happier for him.

  DRAKE

  My girl is the most beautiful girl here tonight.

  She outshines even the bride.

  We’ve moved to a banquet hall behind the church and the reception has been going on for a little while now.

  Once the wedding party has been introduced, people quickly start mingling and getting drinks from the bar. Seeing the servers walking around the room with the hors d’oeuvre trays, I’m able to ensure Hailee gets s
omething to eat before she really drinks anything. I highly doubt she’ll get drunk at her best friend’s wedding reception. She’s been sticking with wine so far.

  I’m at the bar, getting both myself and Hailee a drink, but even from across the room I’m drawn to her like a moth to flame. I can’t help the irrational spike of jealousy at the sight of my girl throwing her head back in laughter at something that Grayson says.

  They’re just friends and he’s married for Christ’s sake.

  They may have never been more than friends, but at some point, she loved him, and I hate that.

  I want her love. Her smiles. Her laughs.

  I’m a greedy, possessive son of a bitch. I don’t want to share her with anyone else, even her best friend.

  She’s mine. There’s no doubt in my mind that her feelings for him are gone. I see the way she looks at me. It’s the exact way that I look at her. I’m head-over-heels in love with this girl, and she may not realize it yet, but she’s in love with me too.

  Tonight, I tell her.

  Tonight, I finally make her truly mine.

  HAILEE

  It’s adorable the way that Grayson and Tara tease each other.

  I can’t hold back the laughter at their antics.

  My eyes drift to Drake across the room. As usual, I find him staring back at me. He shoots a wink at me before picking up our drinks from the bar and walking straight back to me. I accept my glass of wine from him, sipping from it while letting my eyes roam around the room.

  Everyone is smiling and laughing. The happy couple is holding each other close on the dance floor, swaying back and forth to a slow jam. Grayson whispers something in Tara’s ear that makes her smile widen.

  They’re so good together. I’m glad he found the right woman to spend his life with.

  I glance beside me at Drake and he notices. He always notices.

  He takes the glass from my hand, putting it on the tray of a passing waiter.

  He bows slightly, holding his hand out to me. “May I have this dance?”