Long Road Home

by Kate Stacy

  I drop in a playful little curtsy and giggle. “You may.”

  His expression turns serious as he leads me to the dance floor. The song changes to one I recognize, What Ifs by Kane Brown.

  We start dancing; his hands resting on my hips, with mine on his shoulders. A few seconds later he wraps his arms around me, pulling me close. He leans his head down, placing his cheek next to mine, and softly sings the lyrics in my ear.

  What if? That’s the question of the day. I’m ready to find out the answer.

  DRAKE

  Having this girl wrapped in my arms is one of the best feelings.

  This is the perfect moment to tell her how I feel, but I’m worried that it’s too soon. I was confident earlier, but here in the moment, I’m hesitating.

  She releases a breathy sigh as I sing words to her about being meant to be and changing her name.

  I slowly kiss the tender spot right behind her ear, before kissing across her jawline to stop at her mouth. She looks up at me, eyes filled with lust as I kiss her.

  Slow and passionately.

  I pull away to look into her eyes again.

  “I love you, Hailee.”

  She opens her mouth to speak but snaps it shut before uttering a word.

  “I know we haven’t been together long, but that doesn’t even matter. Time doesn’t matter. Distance doesn’t matter. I know how I feel, and I couldn't go another day without telling you.”

  Her eyes glisten with tears.

  She starts to pull her hands from my back. Disappointment instantly sets in.

  I didn’t expect her to reciprocate, but I really hoped she would.

  I don’t get time to dwell on my thoughts because she cups my face in both hands, pulling my mouth to hers in a searing kiss.

  She breaks away, panting. “I love you too, Drake.”

  The radiant smile on her face matches mine. I can’t contain my burst of joyous laughter.

  “Damn, baby. It’s so damn good to hear that. I love you so much.”

  I plant kisses all over her face, both of us laughing now.

  “Drake, let’s go home.”

  I pull away, still smiling. “Yeah?”

  She nods. “Yeah, I’m ready.”

  The look in her eyes tells me that she means that in more ways than one.

  She better hope she’s ready.

  HAILEE

  We congratulate Grayson and Tara again as we say our goodbyes.

  Grayson doesn’t mind me cutting out a bit early, because he knows we have a pretty long drive to get back home.

  “Be safe, sweetheart. We’ll all get together when we get back from our honeymoon.”

  “Sounds good to me.” I give him a hug and whisper in his ear, “I’m so happy for you, Gray.”

  He pulls back, smiling at me before turning to shake Drake’s hand.

  “Thanks for coming.”

  Drake nods. “Of course. Enjoy your honeymoon, man.”

  Grayson laughs, rubbing his hands together. “Oh, I will.”

  Tara and I both laugh, shaking our heads. Men.

  Drake takes his suit jacket off to drape it across my shoulders as we walk out of the venue. He leads me to his truck, helps me in and makes sure I’m buckled in safely before walking to the driver’s side and getting in.

  Always such a gentleman.

  My mind flashes back to the way he touched me that day in the bathroom, so demanding. His dirty words and searing touches.

  Maybe not always a gentleman.

  A flash of heat travels through my body. I know we have a long drive ahead of us, so I distract myself by taking my phone out to check on Elijah. Now isn’t the time or place. I shake my head and pull up my messages, so I can text Madalyn.

  “What are you thinking about over there?”

  I look up at him in surprise. I hadn’t realized he was even paying attention to me. I should have known, though; if I’m around, his eyes are always on me. I was so distracted by thoughts of the things he can do to my body, I didn’t feel his gaze like I normally do.

  I bite my lip, giving him a little shrug. “Nothing. I was just gonna text Mads to check on Elijah.”

  “Liar. ‘Nothing’ doesn’t make you blush and bite your lip.” He glances at me again before turning his eyes back on the road.

  I let out a nervous giggle but don’t give him an answer.

  “Are you thinking dirty thoughts, baby?” He reaches over to squeeze my thigh.

  I silently give thanks that my dress is so long. I have a feeling he’d be trying to slide his hand up my skirt if it were shorter. I want his hands on me, but I want more than that. His tongue. His hands. His cock. I want it all.

  I refuse to have our first time together in his truck.

  But I’ll definitely keep the truck in mind for another time.

  Drake’s voice shakes me out of my thoughts. “Must be some damn good thoughts to put that look on your face. Wanna share?”

  He’s not wrong, but I’m not going to tell him that. “Maybe later.” I give him a wink and a playful smile.

  His tongue darts out to wet lips. “Okay, baby. I’ll remember that.”

  He glances at me again and nods to my phone. “Check on our boy.”

  Swoon.

  Hearing him call Elijah “ours” is everything to me.

  I type out a quick text to Madalyn.

  Me: Headed home. Just wanted to check on my baby boy.

  Mads: He’s sleeping. He was a perfect angel for me, like always.

  Me: Thanks again for missing the wedding to watch him.

  Mads: You know weddings aren’t my thing. It was more important for you to be there. How was it?

  Me: Beautiful. They are so happy together.

  Mads: Catch any feelings?

  Me: For Gray? Not at all. But…Drake told me he loves me.

  Mads: Fucking really?! I’d scream my excitement, but you wouldn’t hear me, and I’d wake the little one. Did you say it back?

  Me: Maybe.

  Mads: Don’t be a stingy bitch. I need details!

  Me: Later. I did say it back. I love him, Mads.

  Mads: Eeeeeeeeeep! I’m so fucking happy for you girl!

  “You look so goddamn beautiful when you smile.”

  I hadn’t even realized I was smiling, but he didn’t miss it.

  “I’m happy.”

  “Me too, darlin’. How’s Elijah?” He reaches over, intertwining my fingers with his.

  “He’s sleeping. Mads said he was an angel all night.”

  I kinda left her hanging, and I can feel my phone vibrating with incoming texts, but I’ll talk to her later. Right now, I’m going to focus on the sexy man beside me.

  “Good. I’m glad. I can’t wait to see him tomorrow.”

  “He’ll be excited to see you, too. He misses you when you’re gone. We both do.”

  “I miss y’all, too—more than anything.”

  He drives in silence for a few minutes before speaking again, “I won’t be on the road forever. I’ve been talking to a buddy of mine, and he wants to start his own trucking company. He needs someone local to run it and handle dispatching.”

  “Oh. You’re interested?”

  “I definitely could be. I love my job. It’s why I do what I do, but it’s a lot harder when there’s someone waiting at home for me.”

  “I can handle your job, Drake. Please don’t feel that you have to change anything because of us. I don’t want you to stop doing what you love and end up resenting me later because of it.”

  “Of course you can handle my job, baby. You’re one of the strongest people I know. I’ve just been thinking about the future. I can’t help but think about all the things I’d be missing by being on the road most of the time.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Birthdays, holidays, other special occasions. Hell, imagine down the road if we decided to have another baby...I could miss the birth. I would miss the first steps, first words…” />
  “I-I guess I never thought about that.” I’m a little stunned that he’s been thinking about having babies. My thoughts must be playing out across my face, because he chuckles.

  “Not anytime soon, darlin’. But yeah, I’ve thought about it, and I hate the thought of not being here for everything. So...if I did make that choice to come off the road...I could never resent you for it.”

  “It’s your choice, honey. I’ll support you no matter what you want to do.”

  “And that’s exactly why I love you.”

  He brings my hand to his mouth, kissing my knuckles.

  “Almost home, baby.”

  DRAKE

  After we get home, we decide to have a glass of wine.

  I head into the kitchen, pop a bottle, grab two glasses from the rack, and fill them with her favorite. I replace the cork, put the bottle in the refrigerator, and pick up the glasses so I can go join my girl.

  I turn around, and the sight in front of me stops me dead in my tracks.

  Hailee is standing at the back door looking out into the fields behind the house. The moonlight coming through the glass gives her an ethereal glow. I swear she looks like a goddamn goddess.

  A powerful deity walking this earth, just for me.

  I abandon the wine glasses on the counter and cross the room to her.

  Fuck the wine. I’m craving something entirely different now.

  I step up behind her, wrapping my left arm around her waist, while I use the other to move her long hair to the side before settling it on the curve of her hip.

  I place a gentle kiss in her favorite spot behind her ear.

  “You look like a goddess standing here in the moonlight, darlin’.”

  My breath blows across her ear with my words, making her shiver as she leans her head back against me. I trace a path down her neck to her shoulder, kissing and nibbling along the way.

  I bring my hand up around her throat, gently applying pressure.

  “I gotta have you, baby.”

  I speak between kisses, “I need to feel you.” Kiss.

  “Touch you.” Kiss.

  “Love you.” Kiss.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever needed to be inside a woman, but goddamn baby, I need to be inside of you. Is that what you want? To feel me inside you, Hailee?”

  “Yes.” The word comes out on a moan.

  Thank fuck.

  I don't waste any time. I spin her around, grab her head and crush my mouth against hers. My hands find their way from her neck to her shoulders...down to her hips, gliding across every inch of her along the way. I don’t stop until she's wrapped in me completely.

  I lose my fucking mind when she moans against my mouth.

  I run my hands down her curves, palm her ass cheeks in a tight grip and lift. Her skirt pulls up as her legs wrap around my waist.

  I can feel how hot and ready she is through our clothes. She grinds against me, whimpering so fucking sweetly when she feels my hard cock press against her heat.

  I carry her straight toward my bedroom.

  “I’ve wanted you like this for months, baby. When I finally claim you. Make you mine...I want you in my bed.”

  HAILEE

  His words send a shiver down my spine and make my pussy clench.

  My sweet, southern boy has a dirty mouth and I love it.

  If I wasn’t already drenched, his words would have done the trick.

  Drake stops at the foot of his bed, and I slide down his body until my feet touch the floor. His mouth never leaves mine, our tongues tangling together in a passionate kiss.

  My hands find his stomach, and I run them up to his chest. Starting at the top button on his shirt, I work my way down, undoing one button at a time until his chest and abs are on spectacular display. I pull back from our kiss to look at him.

  I knew he was built, but until now I only had the images from my imagination.

  So much better than what I pictured in my head.

  He’s got a six-pack, and that sexy as hell V that makes women go stupid. I see what all the hype is about now.

  I slide his shirt off his shoulders and down his arms, my hands caressing his muscles along the way. My hands start for the button on his pants, but he stops me and moves them behind my back.

  “Not yet, love.”

  A sound of protest escapes my mouth, eliciting a chuckle from his.

  “Have I told you how much I love this fucking dress?” He groans. “The bow in the back and the way it wraps around you...fucking hell, baby—you’re wrapped up like a gift.”

  He’s still holding my hands behind my back with both of his, but he moves one to untie the bow resting above my ass. Releasing my hands, he slowly unwraps the fabric from the upper half of my body. His eyes don’t leave mine until my breasts are exposed. His gaze drifts down as he pushes the dress off my hips.

  My dress lands in a pile of fabric at my feet. All that remains are my heels and a barely-there lace thong.

  He bites his lip, taking a step back. His eyes darken and burn with intensity as they take in every inch of my body. I fight the urge to cover myself. He’s seen me mostly naked, but it’s hard to ignore those pesky insecurities screaming in my head that I’m too fat.

  “You’re perfect. Every fucking inch of you. Perfect.” He practically growls the words.

  His words give me the boost of confidence that I need to hook my thumbs in my panties and slide them down my thighs until they drop at my feet. I bend to unlace my heels, but he stops me.

  “Not those, baby. Leave them on.”

  I look up at him in surprise, but I oblige.

  He steps to me, his words making my heart beat even faster. “There’s only one thing that I wanted to do tonight other than unwrap your sexy ass from that dress. Do you know what that is?”

  I bite my bottom lip and shake my head, smiling as I do because I know it drives him crazy.

  He groans and smacks my ass. “Get on the bed, darlin’. I wanna fuck you in those sexy as fuck heels.”

  A giggle escapes me, but I do what he says, exaggerating the movement of my hips as I crawl toward the pillows. In what seems like an instant he removes the rest of his clothes and gets on the bed behind me. His hard cock slides between the cheeks of my ass causing me to whimper. Gliding his hands up my sides, he works his mouth up my spine, wet kisses marking his path.

  “Turn over. baby. On your back and spread your legs.”

  “So demanding.” I sass him as I turn over.

  I love that I’m comfortable enough to be so playful with him.

  Positioning himself between my thighs, he looks me in the eye giving me that sexy little smirk of his before dipping his head down and taking a nipple into his mouth. His eyes never leave mine as he bites and sucks the hard tip before giving the same attention to the other.

  My nipple pops out of his mouth and he kisses a path down my abdomen, stopping to swirl his tongue around my belly button before continuing south.

  His hands run across the stretch marks on my belly and I fight the urge to cringe.

  “You’re beautiful, baby.”

  I barely hear his words over the sound of my heartbeat thundering in my ears.

  My back arches as his tongue licks a long, slow path up my slit before swirling around my clit. Sparks of pleasure shoot through my body. He licks, sucks, and nibbles my pussy until my entire body is vibrating and fraught with tension. Strong hands grip the backs of my thighs, pushing them closer to my body, the new angle allowing him to thrust his tongue inside me over and over again.

  He latches onto my clit and growls, adding an intensity that sends me spiraling over the edge—my entire body shuddering in white-hot ecstasy. A scream leaves my lips, turning to whimpers and mewls as he continues to lick me through my orgasm.

  I’m left feeling boneless, arousal still coursing through my body.

  Pulse racing.

  Heart pounding.

  His head lifts and looks at me, lust sw
irling in his eyes.

  “You’re so goddamn sweet, did you know that?”

  I shake my head and a deep chuckle rumbles from his chest. “Oh, darlin’.”

  Hovering over me, he dips down to take my mouth with his, allowing me to taste my orgasm on his lips.

  “Taste your sweetness, baby.” He takes my bottom lip between his teeth, growls and gently tugs before speaking again. “I’ll never get enough of this. Enough of you.”

  DRAKE

  Her blush from my words is so deep, so red.

  All I can think about is turning the rest of her silky skin that same color when I bury myself inside of her.

  I kiss her again.

  Sucking, biting kisses.

  I drag her bottom lip between my teeth, pulling a whimper from her that sounds so desperate. So sweet.

  I groan, taking her lips with mine again. Her soft lips are so giving. Her body molding to mine, my cock slides down between the thick, round globes of her ass.

  I break away, panting.

  “Drake...please…”

  Every nerve in my body fires in response to her desire for me.

  I lift my hips so my cock glides through her wetness, teasing her clit.

  “Do you feel that, baby? How hard I am for you?”

  She responds by pulling me down for another heated kiss, her tongue lashing mine. She groans, the vibration hitting me deep in the chest.

  I can’t wait another fucking minute.

  I break away from our kiss and reach over to the nightstand for a condom. I rip the wrapper open with my teeth, quickly rolling it down my length before settling between her thighs again and positioning myself at her entrance.

  I look to her face, wanting to see her as I enter her for the first time.

  So goddamn gorgeous. Cheeks flushed, bottom lip pinned between her teeth. Eyes bright and full of anticipation.

  There’s nothing in the world I want more than her.

  Slowly thrusting into her, I groan.