by Adele Niles
“Okay, fine. I teach that class as a way of scouting for potential employees.”
“Really?” She raised her eyebrows.
“Really. I teach it once a year, one section. I don’t get any special payment or anything—just the regular salary of a part-time professor. And in return, I offer one or two students a year either a job or an internship.”
“Wow.” She nodded. “That’s pretty cool.”
I smiled. “We’ve gotten some good people.”
“Were you going to hire me?”
Laughing, I shrugged. “I’ve only had you in class once. Maybe I can make that call tomorrow.”
“Mm.” She rolled over, leaning over me. Her hair fell over one shoulder. I combed my fingers through it gently. “I don’t want to work for you, anyway.”
“Why not?”
“Because it would be weird.”
“So what are you going to do?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know yet. I guess I’ll figure that out after I graduate.”
“Fair enough.” I smiled and pulled her down for a kiss.
We broke apart and I looked up at her. “Will you go with me to a wedding on Saturday?”
“A wedding? Isn’t that, like, a serious date?”
“Aren’t we a serious couple?”
She laughed. “I dunno. I don’t have anything to wear.”
“I can handle that.”
“No. You’re not buying me clothes.”
“Mm. Fine. We’ll talk about it more tomorrow. I need to get some sleep.”
She nodded. “Yeah. Class is early. That’s your fault, though.”
“Gives me time to go to the office.”
“Geez. Workaholic.”
I laughed and turned off the lights. She wasn’t wrong.
But maybe that could change.
Chapter Thirteen
Autumn
I felt like everyone in class knew.
Cody and I had driven to campus together in his car. He’d walked ahead of me to get there first.
But still, when I came through the door, he looked at me and smiled.
I couldn’t help myself—I smiled back.
It wasn’t fair—I shouldn't have been so turned on from just one look.
But here I was, sitting at my desk and thinking about all the things I wanted him to do to me.
I wanted him to fuck me in every room of his loft. In my bedroom at the apartment. On his desk at work.
I wanted him to fuck me here, after everyone else had left.
God, we’d get in so much trouble.
I wanted him to take me in his fancy sports car, right in the driver’s seat. I wanted him to sneak into a fitting room with me and fuck me against the wall, one hand over my mouth to keep me quiet.
I wanted him to keep making me come. Always.
As he lectured, he moved around the room, lingering by my desk for a moment.
I snuck a glance at him—his face first, then lower, at the bulge in his pants.
He was just as turned on as I was.
It was hard to keep myself from touching him.
I looked away, focusing on my notes. If I kept looking at him, I’d lose control.
I managed to hold it together until class ended. I lingered while everyone else packed up, pretending that I had questions about the material. At the front of the room, Cody packed his stuff, stealing glances at me.
He made my knees feel weak.
I waited until everyone else had left to approach him. He was waiting for me.
“Need a ride?”
“In more ways than one, but home first. I have to catch up on some housework.”
Cody nodded. “Home it is. I wanted to ask…could I take you to dinner tonight?”
I smiled. We weren’t slowing down, but I was all right with it.
This was good. This felt right.
“Dinner would be nice.”
Cody nodded. “Let me make reservations and I’ll text you where to meet. And how to dress.”
I laughed. “I don’t really own any fancy clothes, so please pick a place where I can wear jeans and a nice top?”
“I can do that.” He nodded. “Let’s go. I have to get to the office. Dylan’s off for the wedding.”
I nodded. “Let’s go.”
* * * * *
Dinner was perfect.
Cody picked a steakhouse—nice food, but not an eveningwear kind of place. He bought me a delicious dinner. Conversation was easy, comfortable between us. I told him about my mom, my childhood; he talked to me about his business and some of his friends. We discussed hobbies, interests. Surprisingly, we had similar taste in music, and talked about some concerts we could go see together.
It felt like we’d been together for years already.
When we were finished, Cody looked at me, smiling. “Come on. We’re not done yet.”
“We’re not? Where are we going?”
“You need a dress for the wedding.”
I groaned. “I told you not to buy me clothes.”
“Just this once. I’d rather not show up tomorrow without a date, since I already RSVP’d for one.”
I groaned again. “Cody…”
“Please?”
I didn’t want to disappoint him, and it would be even worse if I showed up wearing something inappropriate. “All right. Fine.”
“Good.”
He took my arm and walked me out to the car.
Twenty minutes later, we parked in front of a boutique store. I knew it by name, but had never been inside. It was too expensive for me.
I looked at him. “No.”
“Yes. It’s a black-tie wedding. You need an appropriate dress and shoes.”
I sighed. “Fine. One dress. And if I have shoes that go with it already, I’ll wear those.”
“Fine. But if not…”
“Yes, I’ll let you buy me shoes.”
He smiled and led me inside.
The boutique was incredible. I’d never been anywhere so glamorous. Elegant dresses were displayed on mannequins, all of them made of decadent fabrics and heavily embellished with lace, embroidery, and rhinestones.
I immediately gravitated toward a midnight blue dress made of sheer fabric. The skirt had just a slight train to it, and the open back was trimmed in the softest lace I’d ever touched. The high neckline kept it from being too risqué for a wedding. It was styled with strappy satin sandals, a delicate clutch purse, and jewelry with matching blue stones.
The whole ensemble was breathtaking.
I was vaguely aware of Cody speaking to a shopkeeper, but all I could focus on was this dress. It was like something out of a dream.
I had to have it on my body.
Cody approached with an older woman. She smiled at me, guiding me to the back to take some measurements. She walked into the back and returned with the dress, wrapped in plastic to keep it clean.
She helped me slip into it and fastened the neck, the hook just below my waist.
I looked in the mirror, gasping softly.
I looked so regal. It fit me perfectly, hugging my curves just right. The skirt flowed when I moved, even if I tripped on it a little in my bare feet.
“It looks lovely on you, dear,” the woman said warmly.
“I love it. How, um…how much is it?”
“The gentleman up front said not to worry about that.”
I huffed softly. “Of course he said that.”
She chuckled. “He clearly cares about you very much.”
“I think he does.”
She smiled. “Do you want him to see the dress?”
I looked in the mirror. “No. I don’t think so.”
Let him wait. Let him be surprised.
“All right.”
She helped me back out of it and bagged the dress up again. I looked at it longingly.
I couldn’t believe something so beautiful was going to be mine.
I walked out of the fitting ro
om when I was dressed again. Cody stood at the counter, holding a black garment bag and another shopping bag.
I nodded to the shopping back. “What’s that?”
He shrugged.
I groaned. “Did you buy the whole set?”
Again, he shrugged. “You’ll find out when you get dressed tomorrow. No peeking.”
I sighed. “You’re impossible.”
“But you like it.”
That made me grin. “I do.”
He nodded. “Let me get you home, then. Have a lazy day tomorrow. You deserve it.”
I laughed softly. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a lazy day in my life.”
“Well, start now.”
I let him drive me home. He parked in front of my apartment building, looking at me seriously.
“Do you want to come in?” I nodded toward the building.
Cody shook his head. He leaned across the console and kissed me. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
“Sleep well.”
“You too.”
I got out, looking over my shoulder. He waved for me to go up to the apartment.
When I turned to close the door, he was pulling away.
I watched him go, biting my lower lip.
Everything was changing, and fast.
I was ready for it.
Chapter Fourteen
Cody
Dylan’s wedding was lovely. The old hotel he and his fiancée—now wife—had booked was decorated with blue and white flowers. Candles glowed from every available surface. A string quartet played soft music, and Autumn, looking radiant in her new gown, sat at my side.
I couldn’t imagine a more perfect night.
Autumn put her head on my shoulder as we watched Dylan and Elise dance—their first dance as a married couple.
I put my arm around her. “Are you having fun?”
She nodded. “Yeah. I’m excited to dance with you, even if my shoes kinda hurt.”
I chuckled. “You might need to start getting used to heels.”
“Yeah, but they’re uncomfortable.”
“Mm. But sneakers aren’t appropriate for formal functions.”
“I know, but they’re so comfy.”
I laughed softly, rubbing her shoulder.
This was real. It had only been a few days, but I was sure of it.
“One day, we can have this,” I said.
She looked up at me, blinking. “What?”
“I mean it. We can have a beautiful wedding.”
“You want to marry me?”
I shrugged. “I think I do.”
She smiled. “Hm. That’s not a bad thing to hear.”
Chapter Fifteen
Autumn
This didn’t feel real.
I couldn’t believe this was happening. I couldn’t believe I was sitting here. I couldn’t believe I was dressed so beautifully, sitting next to a man like Cody.
It was hard to keep myself from laughing inappropriately loud.
I looked to Cody, taking his hand and squeezing it.
Something felt different between us, in the best of ways.
And as I looked at him, I knew I needed him.
Right now.
I took his hand gently. “Walk with me?”
“Of course. Where?”
“Um, the bathroom?”
He blinked. “I—all right.”
I gave him a smile.
He blinked, then nodded knowingly.
Smart man.
Together, we walked through the hotel until we found a place secret enough—a coat closet, left unattended.
I looked up at him. “How quiet can you be?”
Cody smiled. “Very.”
“Good.”
But the real question was, how quiet could I be?
We stepped into the closet and I pulled him into a hard kiss.
He nudged me up against the wall.
This was going to be hard, and fast, and hot, and I was ready for it.
I looked up at him, lifting the skirt of my gown. I’d put on a thong under it, in the hopes that something like this would happen.
He grinned, running his fingers over the high-cut thigh. “Mm. Very nice.”
I smiled. “Pull it down?”
Cody wasted no time. He pulled my thong down and I stepped out of it.
He picked it up and slipped it into his pocket.
I gasped.
“Turn,” he whispered. I nodded and did so, hiking my skirt up over my ass.
I closed my eyes, listening as he unzipped his pants.
I was already dripping—there was no need for prep work.
But still, he ran his fingers over my sex, letting out a soft groan of satisfaction.
His body leaned against mine.
I bit my lower lip.
He slid into me.
I hoped it always felt this good.
I held my breath, tilting my hips back toward him. “Oh, fuck, Cody.”
He put his hands on my hips and moaned.
It was the most breathtaking sound.
He held me steady, thrusting slowly into me.
He felt so big.
I moaned, lifting one hand to my mouth to muffle the sound.
His body felt so right against mine.
I gasped quietly, rocking back to meet him. He buried himself completely with each stroke, making sure I knew I was his.
I never wanted to be anyone else’s.
“Autumn,” he groaned, leaning over me. He panted softly in my ear, thrusting harder, faster.
“Fuck me.” My voice came out soft, high, desperate.
I wanted this all the time.
I wanted him to fuck me like this every single day, for the rest of my life.
God, he was getting me so close.
I lowered my free hand, reaching under my skirt to rub tight circles over my clit—not that I needed it, it would just make this sweeter.
I gasped, my body heating up with every thrust. I was so close, so close—
I pushed down on him, my hips bucking, legs trembling. His hands were the only thing keeping me up. I slapped my hand firmly over my mouth, muffling my own cries.
Cody grunted in my ear, thrusting into me one more time.
I felt him finish inside me.
I was his.
He leaned against my back, holding me steady. He pressed soft kisses to my shoulder.
I smiled sleepily. “I love you.”
“What?” He lifted his head, but his voice sounded pleased.
“I said I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
Epilogue
Cody
Four months later
Autumn ran to meet me on the football field, throwing her arms around my neck.
She looked beautiful in her academic regalia, holding the leather-bound folder meant to contain her master’s degree.
I hugged her close and kissed the top of her head. “I’m so proud of you.”
“I can’t believe I did it!” She laughed, looking up at me.
She kissed me.
Hard.
It went straight to my cock.
Later, I told myself. Later.
We were surrounded by people, and her mother was among them.
I was nervous—this was the first time I was going to meet Mrs. Jenkins.
Autumn took my arm, fishing her phone out of the pocket of her dress. She took a look at it. “My mom is waiting outside the gate we walked in from. Let’s go find her.”
“Let’s go.” I nodded.
We had reservations at a nice restaurant for lunch, but before that, we had to meet Autumn’s mother and take her with us.
My palms were sweaty.
“She’s going to love you,” Autumn said.
“Are you sure?”
“Well, yeah. Because you make me happy.”
I smiled. “Well, let’s hope so.”
We walked out toge
ther. Autumn suddenly broke away from me. “Mom!”
I watched her run to an older woman who was dressed professionally. Her hair was silver, but they looked almost identical in the face.
I followed, standing back while Autumn embraced her mother. She turned to me after a moment and waved for me to come closer.
“Mom. This is Cody.”
I extended my hand. “Mrs. Jenkins, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Please, call me Elizabeth! I’ve heard so much about you, Cody.” She bypassed the handshake completely and went straight for a hug.
I let it happen, hugging her back.
Autumn beamed behind us.
I looked at her and smiled.
“Mrs. Jenkins?” I asked, speaking softly to her. “Elizabeth?”
“Yes?” she said.
“May I marry your daughter?”
She gasped softly. “Really?”
“Yes.”
“Of course!”
“Good.” I smiled and added, “I’m proposing at lunch.”
Epilogue
Autumn
Two Years Later
I was disappointed to be going to a formal dinner and not wearing my blue gown.
But it didn’t fit anymore.
Well, it did, but not when I was pregnant.
Married life was incredible. I worked at home, managing social media accounts for a few local businesses; it gave me the freedom to take care of our home, and take a few dance classes.
I definitely wasn’t stripping, but I was having a good time.
I sat beside Cody at the banquet table, looking adoringly at my husband as he sat in the place of honor. Tonight was about him and his accomplishments—Gray Investing was being recognized for its success, and the banquet was in his honor.
Our honor.
I watched as he sipped from his wine glass.
He caught me looking and smiled. “I’d offer you some, but…”
“I know, I know.” I smiled. “I’m fine.” I patted my stomach gently. “We want our little one to be healthy. Maybe she’ll be a dancer.”
“Maybe he’ll play football.”
“No. Too many head injuries.”
“Fine. Baseball.”
“Acceptable. Maybe. Maybe he’ll want to dance.”
“Would you let him?”
“Of course. If a boy wants to do ballet, he can.”
“What if he wants to strip?” he asked.
I shrugged. “Not the worst thing somebody could do.”
