Their separation lasts only a few beats of Piper’s heart until he was leaning back into her. Inching closer and closer. She swallowed, licking her lips to wet them, eyes instinctively fluttering closed; anticipation taking over, waiting for his lips to fall upon hers.
Only, they didn't. Not right away. Instead, Gavin’s warm breath caressed her ear one more time as he whispered, "You're sure. This is what you want?" Eager to gain her approval, he patiently waited for her response by resting his chin on her shoulder.
"Yes. I'm sure. I-I want this."
In answer, Gavin shifted his stance and placed his lips delicately against hers. She tuned out the sound of her Muse wailing in the background as she wrapped her arms around him, drawing Gavin in even closer. It forced their touch to deepen, the kiss now carrying a sense of urgency.
A burst of sensation spread over every inch of Piper, signaling each nerve ending, sparking them with electricity. She felt her muse then, trying to claw free, pushing itself towards her. It craved the connection, just as much as she did, but for different reasons. It desperately wanted to escape and settle back into her soul, and yet, Piper frantically wanted to push herself closer to Gavin.
He dropped his hands from her face and trailed them down her neck, over the front of her shirt, gently cupping both her breasts. Even with the fabric of the shirt and bra between them, she let out a moan. He broke the kiss, moved his hands from her and settled them on her hips. With little fight from her, he spun her around, pressing her into his chest.
She could feel his enthusiasm protruding, pushing against her, as Gavin held her close. He swept her hair to the side, then made a line of soft, wet kisses from just beneath her ear, down her neck. He tugged at her shirt, revealing her shoulder, where he continued to place his lips on every inch of exposed skin. Piper let out another moan as his hand dipped beneath the fabric, pushing aside her lacy bra, and cupped her breast again. She marveled at the feel of his strong hand against her as fingers teased and tugged at her nipple.
Piper grew wet with pleasure as she gained the bravery needed to return some of the attention he was giving her. Her hand slid between them, skimming over the belt of his pants, to where his arousal was even more evident than before. She took as much of him into her palm as she could. Slowly she stroked her hand over his length as he continued to tease her nipple.
Gavin’s touch began to further explore the contours of Piper’s body. Down her hip, across her thigh, and then lightly back up until his hand settled between her legs, at the core of her warmth. Piper let out an involuntary shudder, eager for him to continue discovering her most delicate areas.
Her hips rolled again, bucking against Gavin’s steady hand. Finally, taking that as a go ahead, he wasted no time pulling the button on her jeans free. Piper gasped as he plunged his hand down the front. His deft actions were calculated, sliding his palm down her front, underneath her panties until his fingers found the wetness between the folds of her skin. Slowly, he moved his fingers over her, circling her.
As the buildup of pressure intensified, Piper’s knees began to wobble. She wanted more. Wanted his fingers inside her, ready to know what it would feel like, but Gavin had other plans. He pulled his hands back, only to fist the hem of her shirt in his palms.
His minty, warm breath tickled her neck again as he asked, “May I?” giving the fabric a tug, just as Piper nodded against his chest.
His hands then slid up the length of her torso, pushing Piper’s arms over her head, taking the shirt up with the movement. She gave the material, now discarded on the floor, a cursory glance as Gavin’s soft touch glided over her again, bringing her arms back down to her sides. With skillful fingers Gavin was able to release the clasp of her bra; freeing her breasts and sliding the straps free. That too, landed somewhere on the floor as Piper’s breath caught in her throat, her heart suddenly colliding violently in her ribcage, causing her to stiffen.
Gavin sensed her change in demeanor instantly. “It’s okay,” he said. “If you’re feeling too exposed, we can stop.” He circled his arms around Piper, covering her breasts, holding her tightly to him.
Piper silently cursed. “No. I-I don’t want to stop,” she said, but even to her it sounded nervous, forced. She pinched her eyes shut, expecting Gavin to pull away, ending the evening. Instead, however, he simply held her. She hated herself at that moment, feeling insecure and constrained. That silly girl who wore her inexperience and uncertainty so obviously. But she knew she wanted Gavin more than anything, and though she desperately wanted her muse back, it took second place to needing him to consume her.
“It’s just been awhile,” she said honestly, allowing the comfort Gavin gave her to aid in gaining control of her raging heart and calming herself down.
This time when Gavin spoke, his tone held his own nervousness as he said, with a slightly awkward chuckle, “If we’re being honest, it’s been quite a long while for me, too.”
The response didn’t make sense to Piper. She tilted her chin up and searched his eyes. The hazel smoldered, a flash of sadness consuming them. She wanted to ask what he meant by that. It seemed impossible for someone as handsome and commanding as he to not have had anyone share his bed on a frequent basis. Piper truly believed Gavin could have any woman he wanted. She still wondered, if not for the fact that he held her muse, why he’d chosen her. Out of the hordes of woman that must have batted their eyes at him, or pouted their lips, over the course of the weekend, his options should have been endless.
“I want this,” Piper said after a second, pushing the remaining self-doubt aside. It didn’t matter why he’d chosen her. What mattered was that she was there with him and that still, with his arms secured around her, she could hear the murmur of her muse calling out. She inhaled a breath and pulled Gavin’s hands free.
Biting her lip as she turned to face him, Piper resisted the urge to cover herself, instead concentrating on the intense gaze he presented to her, and the lopsided grin that yanked away the tension in the air. It gave her the confidence she needed.
She went to tug her pants down, but Gavin was quick to stop her as he said, “Wait. Let me...” He trailed off as he quickly undid the buttons on his shirt, pulling the fabric down his arms, tossing it carelessly aside. “Just so you don’t feel like the only one who is exposed.” Gavin drew his belt open, yanked on the button of his pants, and slid down the fly. Slowly, he drew them down, taking his boxers along too, until he was standing in front of her more exposed to the world than she was.
The only thing Piper could concentrate on was his erection. A dominant sight, it caused a twitch of desire between her legs. But she was thankful for his gesture of exposing himself first. When she went to the waist of her jeans, Gavin took two quick steps towards her, placing his hands over hers. He grinned brightly at her as he helped her push down the last of her clothing.
Piper swallowed as Gavin took her hand in his. He pulled her towards the bed. This was it, she thought as she climbed over the plush bedspread, lying down on her back. Gavin followed her lead until he was hovering over her.
“You’re still sure?” he asked again, needing to gain her permission before taking things to the next level.
With a breathless, barely audible sigh that might have sounded something like a yes from Piper, Gavin lowered himself against her. His lips found hers as he slowly pressed himself against her entrance.
Gently, he eased into her, barely the tip, before sliding back. As he took her bottom lip in his mouth, giving it the barest bite with his teeth, he slid himself towards her again. This time, he gave her more as her tight core clenched around his firmness. She took in each glorious inch, quivering beneath him, emitting the most delicious sounds through parted lips.
Her hands confidently reached around, grabbing his backside, forcing him to thrust deeper. Piper began to feel awakened with a surge of desire. He made calculated movements, pausing briefly every so often to lean towards her, pulling one of her nipples into h
is mouth, before resuming his pace. Gavin kissed her urgently as their two bodies melded together.
The air around them grew humid from the heat between them. Sweat began to form on Gavin’s brow; a sheen covering Piper as she wrapped her legs tightly around his torso. She provoked him to shift his angle of penetration. Her core flared as the friction built, his body sliding against hers as though they were two perfectly shaped pieces of a puzzle. All the while, her muse grew vehement as she felt it seep from him, the connection that broadened, drawing them closer to release.
This is what the muse wanted. She knew it. And as the buildup became more insistent, so did Piper’s assurance that she was doing the right thing. Gavin had a dominance over her, but then she was quick to take it from him, hoping to find that ultimate release she hadn’t realized how much she needed. That final moment she was sure would allow her muse to stitch itself back into her soul.
She nudged him with a smile and said, “I think it’s my turn to do some of the work.” In a fluid motion that caused Piper to yelp with surprise, Gavin managed to pull her over, rolling until he was on the bottom. Suddenly, she was straddling him. He panted, chest heaving as he fought for a breath.
Gavin smirked up at her, taking in the sight of the smile that tugged at her heart, filling it with a hint of sadness. She loved the way he focused on her, but knew it was something that would never last.
Slowly, Piper began to move her hips, sliding up and down the length of Gavin’s engorged erection, amazed at how he was able to fit entirely inside of her. He matched her movements as she worked her hips, up and down, and swirling them in a circle. The mounting pressure, the screams of her muse spurred her on as she leaned forward, digging her fingers into the hard wood of the headboard.
She gasped aloud, begging for more of Gavin’s touches, desperate to have his searing hands on whatever part of her they could reach as she became feverish with determination. It didn’t take long, Gavin’s hands cupping her breasts, before she felt his muscles strain beneath her. With a grunt that tickled her insides, Gavin dropped his hands to her backside, squeezing her tightly as he pushed her harder and deeper than she ever thought possible. He came with a force that threatened to pull Piper along with him.
She kept her pace, desperate to continue, as he began to languish. Gavin had all but stopped seconds before she found her own release. As she called out, saying his name, for the briefest of moments she forgot her muse entirely. Her attention concentrated more on the hunger that continued to flare between them.
However, she did, if only for a second, smile proudly. She'd been taken, adorned with kisses, sensual touches, and filled with an orgasm like no other.
* * *
It was early morning by the time Piper slipped from Gavin's grasp, pushing herself off the bed. She gathered her clothes silently. The ache between her legs never seemed fully satiated. The more she was touched, teased, and licked, the more she craved him.
Gavin wordlessly pulled on his pants and shrugged his shirt over his shoulders as she began to get dressed.
Once she was ready to leave, Gavin took another business card from his pocket, holding it between them. Hesitantly, she took it, clutching it in her hand as the silence grew deafening.
Before Piper could protest, Gavin’s strong arms wrapped tightly around her body. She breathed him in one last time, inhaling his scent of masculine aftershave mixed with the sweet stench of a one night stand.
He spoke softly, but his words were too casual, the night’s events already dissipating from his mind. "Seriously. Shoot me an email. I want to hear all about your books."
Piper nodded against Gavin’s chest, shirt open, fabric draped over toned muscles. "I will." She stepped out of his embrace, turning towards the door of the hotel room.
It was a lie.
She prayed she'd be able to reach for the door knob and disappear into the hallway without him seeing right through her. She didn't dare turn back, not allowing herself to give him one last fleeting gaze. That would only make things harder. Unbearable.
The door clicked closed, the sound resonating through the empty hallway. The blur of tears formed at the corners of her eyes as she found the elevator and feverishly pushed the down button.
She wished she could close her eyes, click her heels and be somewhere else.
Inside her own hotel room, she released her clutched hand, sending the business card into the trash. She had never planned on using it. Not really. She'd only gone to the conference to find her muse. It came from an unexpected place, tucked inside the body of a stranger she'd never see again.
Piper had managed to break it free. With an orgasm that shuddered through her as the last of her inhibitions drifted away, her muse had entangled itself with her again. It warmed her insides, sending a million story ideas to her brain, wrapping around her heart, and begged to be pushed out her fingertips as they pounded away at a keyboard.
Still reeling from the unimaginable night with Gavin, and thankful to have her muse back, she opened the lid to her laptop. The cursor blinked against the stark white and empty page. But that wouldn't be the case much longer.
As the first letters flowed through her—forming words, sentences, paragraphs, and finally, pages—Piper had never felt more alive. Her muse, now safely returned, was like the blood that pumped through her veins, the air she desperately needed to fill her lungs... It's what gave life to her. To her stories. Without it, she was nothing more than a person. A regular one, at that. It gave her the right to call herself an author. And it gave her the vision to create her next adventure, even if it was in a genre, for an age group, laced with innuendos, all too new to her.
Yet, as her fingers pressed excitedly on the keyboard, she wished getting her muse back hadn't meant she'd have to leave a piece of her heart behind.
Bonus Features
INSPIRATION CAN come from anywhere. Music is often used as a source for my inspiration, and I’m all too happy to share a bit of the playlist I used when creating these short stories.
In no particular order:
A Drop in the Ocean by Ron Pope
Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley
Let Her Go by Passenger
Fast Car by Tracy Chapman
Cryin’ by Aerosmith
Ain’t No Reason by Brett Dennen
Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men
The Freshman by The Verve Pipe
Wrap Your Arms Around Me by Gareth Dunlop
In This River by The Black Label Society
A Song for Someone by U2
Stay with Me by Sam Smith
Life Will Go On by Chris Isaak
If I Ever Leave this World by Flogging Molly
Dancing in the Moonlight by Toploader
Every Time We Touch by Groot
Kiss the Rain by Billie Myers
I Shall Believe by Sheryl Crow
Someone Like You by Adele
You and Me by Lifehouse
Acknowledgements
PERSONALLY, WHENEVER I get my hands on a new book, before I read the opening line and get sucked into the story itself, I read the acknowledgments. I’ll skip right to the end, if I have to, just to do it. There’s just something so interesting, and heartwarming, when it comes to reading about all the different people that we, as authors, have to thank. Those people that made a difference and helped us get to where we are today. It’s a constant reminder, when often times, writing can be such a solitary sport, that we are never truly alone.
Because I didn’t know where these stories would go, or if I’d ever do anything with them, I kept much of its creation under wraps. But had they known about it, I know my family and friends would have encouraged me, and supported me. Having people in my life that allow me the time to write is what truly deserves thanks.
When I was scrambling for Beta Readers, having no idea if these stories were any good, I really had to dig deep and put myself out there. I was scared. These stories were like nothing I’d ever writt
en before. I owe so much to Mark Leslie, Steven Whibley, Chad Ganske, and Kathy Knull. I think a lot can be said about the fact that I was able to both entertain, hold the attention, and spark some reaction, from both my female and male readers. The ultimate compliment.
Erin Forbes. Venti Caramel Macchiatos and perusing the bookstore shelves is one of the best ways to relax, and sort through the tough stuff. I love that you get just as excited about my story ideas as I do, and are willing to talk about them endlessly. And you never lost your faith in me as a writer, even when I was sure I’d never write again.
Mark Leslie Lefebvre. Where do I even start? Words won’t ever fully express how truly indebted I am to you for all that you have done. We’re a million miles apart, but you’re always there when I need you. A Padawan couldn’t have asked for a better mentor. I’m not sure how I got so lucky. But meeting you has truly been an unforgettable experience :p
A huge thank you goes out to When Words Collide, Calgary, Alberta. It has brought me some remarkable friends and experiences, as it does every year, but I’m not sure how we can top the epicness that was the Fort O’ Tablecloths in the lobby of 2014. I took plenty of liberties, but the start of this collection stemmed from that night. A perfect fit for a struggling author, desperate to find their muse. In no particular order, thank you; Tim R., Suzy V., Nola S., Aviva H., Adrienne K., Mark L., David F., Randy M., and about a million other people I wish I had space to name, but sadly, don’t.
I suck at editing. Okay, there, I admitted it. Glad that’s off my chest. I couldn’t have gotten this collection of short stories in tip-top shape without the help of Jacquelyn Fox from Happy Endings Editing.
Have you taken a look at the cover? Okay, sure you have, but maybe check it out again, I’ll wait. Isn’t it gorgeous?! I am in LOVE with this cover. And I have to thank djole8 from 99Designs for going above and beyond!
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