by Ryan, Joya
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
He stood, stretching a little like he’d been waiting a while. “I gave Kyle a ride home. And then drove around for a bit until I came back here.”
“And you decided to sit on my porch?”
“I messed up, Mia.”
He took a step toward her, his dark eyes taking her in and she couldn’t help but shudder a little. “You’re doing a great job with this event. I shouldn’t have come down on you the way I did.”
“But you were right. I am the coordinator. The responsibility falls on me.”
“Mia.” He took another tentative step as if wondering if she’d back away. She didn’t. “You are the most irritating, amazing woman I’ve ever met.”
“Is that supposed to be a compliment?”
He grinned. “Just know that everything you’re doing, not just the event, but how you tackle life…I’m in awe of you.”
Her lips parted on a little gasp. No one had ever said such a thing. The straight laced, do no wrong, well-loved town deputy was in awe of her? And yet, the struggle she felt to try to change people’s minds about her was still an uphill battle.
“I don’t have pearls…” she said.
It kind of slipped and didn’t make much sense, but that was the truth. She didn’t have the thing the Abby McAdams’ of the world had.
Tate just stared into her eyes and cupped her cheek as if somehow understanding perfectly what she was trying to say.
“You don’t need them, sweetheart.”
Her heart stopped and she tried really hard not to read too much into this. Because at the end of the day, Tate had been clear that they weren’t an item. But everything from her mind, to her mouth, to her skin was begging for this man. Maybe even a little of her soul was begging too.
“Tate,” she had to stay strong. She couldn’t take any more hits to her self-esteem. “I’m tired of being looked at a certain way. I want to make this place my home. Kyle’s home. A place I can walk around and be proud of myself.”
“I want you to feel that too, because you have everything to be proud of. You are smart and funny and so damn tenacious it’s scary. I’m sorry if I ever made you feel anything but those things.”
She folded her lips together because the sting behind her eyes was growing.
“I’d love to take you out sometime,” Tate said with a little charisma and a lot of sexy grin. “I’d be a lucky son of a bitch to have you on my arm.”
“Wait… you can’t mean in public?” she half joked. Though she was hoping that it was no joke at all.
“Of course. You’re incredible, Mia. I want to be sheriff, I want to do everything right to make that happen. It was never about you, it was about me trying to just be a certain way, hope that people look at me a certain way, but in the end, I want to be me. And I’d like to be me with you.”
He brushed her lower lip with his thumb and Mia had no idea what to say. Where to start. She wanted to be her with him too. But to say it out loud would be giving up all the power. Putting herself out there for him to hurt her if he so chose. It was a big risk.
“Well I better get going, I have a high school to patrol tomorrow,” he said with a genuine smile, allowing her to think and not pressure her to speak.
“Going back?”
He nodded. “Yep. Just want to make sure everyone stays safe.”
“Tate,” Mia said and he turned to face her. “Thank you.”
Chapter Eleven
For the past week, Tate had gone to Sweet Hill High and established a presence and in those few days, Kyle came home after practice unharmed. Kyle had also received clearance from the doctor to play in tomorrow’s game, which Tate knew Mia was worried about. The kid seemed tough though. And it was playoffs, the game Kyle had been waiting for.
It was late, Tate had taken his gun off hours ago, and he was the only one in the office. Everyone in town seemed excited for tomorrow night’s game and Santa’s Sleigh Drive. Tate’s only regret was that he hadn’t gotten to see Mia much. Between prepping for the event and his shift, on top of spending extra time at the high school, he was missing the sassy blonde that brought color to his life. The one woman who made him feel like a man.
He wanted to give her space though. He knew he fucked up a few days ago. She had told him not to worry about the coats, that she had it covered, and he had to believe her. He put it all on the table. He wanted to take her out, date her, whatever she wanted to call it. So long as it involved her, that’s what he wanted.
A light knock came from the front doors of the lobby. It was so soft, Tate barely heard it from his office. He walked through the reception area to the front entrance.
As if like an angel hearing his thoughts, she was there.
Mia.
Good god she was gorgeous. A dark, long-sleeved dress hugged all her curves and hit mid thighs. She wore the same boots she had the night at the bar. Black leather. Leaving just a peak of her knees showing and that small glimpse of skin was enough to make Tate instantly hard.
He unlocked the door and opened it. “Hey, what are you doing here so late?”
She handed him a dish. “Figured you were hungry,” she smiled.
He let her in and locked the door behind her. Lifting the tin foil he grinned. “Macaroni and cheese. My favorite.”
“It’s the name brand box so you know it’s good,” she said.
“Thank you.” He led her back to his office.
“I was hoping we could talk?”
Tate’s chest stalled. “Yeah, of course.”
He shut his office door and put the food on his desk. Mia put her small purse next to the food. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, just wanted to see you.”
He glanced down, not knowing how to broach the topic that had been on his mind, but figuring the truth was best.
“Things have been a little crazy. I wanted to stop by but I didn’t want to put more stress on you,” he admitted. And by “stop by” he meant camp out. Because every time he patrolled, somehow he wound up on Mia’s street, wondering if she was thinking about him.
“Good thing I stopped by then.” She gave a sexy little grin. “I was missing you.”
He liked the sound of that, because she was all he thought about. And he was so far out of his league in this matter with this woman he didn’t know how to take it. Other than he wanted her and didn’t care who knew it.
“I also wanted to tell you that Kyle has been smiling this past week and it’s because of you,” she said. “I think he feels truly safe. Like someone is watching out for him.” Her turquoise eyes ensnared his. “Thank you, Tate.”
“I told you before, Mia. You don’t have to thank me.”
“No, I do. And I want you to know that what you’ve done, to go out of your way to help Kyle means so much to me.”
He nodded. It was obvious she cared about her brother.
“Tate?” she whispered and his gaze snapped to hers. “I’m done thanking you now.” She stepped closer and ran her finger over the button of his uniform. “Because there is another matter I want to discuss. Something I’m having trouble with.”
He swallowed hard and tried like hell not to close the few inches between them and take her like he’d been imagining the past few days.
“I’m all ears, Miss Blake. What troubles you?”
That sexy grin made a small appearance and Tate held back a groan. “You.”
Tate frowned and her hand traveled down his torso to the next button. “I want you all the time. So much I’m on the brink of thinking it’s not just a want anymore. It’s a need.”
Tate struggled to breathe. His lungs heavy and his chest tight. “I have a similar problem.”
She raised a brow. “Then I guess I have just one question to ask you, Deputy. Do you still like your black and white? Right vs. wrong?” She traced his belt with her fingertip. “Rules?”
“Yes…” he said a little shaky because between
the sinister look in her eyes and her fingers progressively going south, it made his whole body turn on.
“Too bad. I had an idea but I think it falls into a gray area.”
Tate raised a brow. “Oh?”
She nodded and Tate glanced down to realize she hadn’t just been tracing the buttons on his shirt, she had been undoing them.
“Being with you feels right,” she said, untucking his shirt and opening the last button so she could push it off his shoulders and to the floor.
She never took her eyes off his and all Tate could do was nod dumbly because yeah, being with her felt right too.
“And I’d like to show you how right.” She pressed a little closer until her mouth brushed against his neck. “But if I show you the way I want, right here, in your office, I fear that might be a little…naughty.”
Tate hissed a breath when she gently nipped his earlobe.
“Can’t have that,” he rasped back and her shoulders slumped a little. She went to take a step away and Tate grabbed her hips, spun her around, and sat her on his desk.
“Oh!” she said, caught off guard but giving her no time to settle because Tate instantly wedged himself between her thighs.
“What if I want to show you first?” he said.
Her eyes dazzling with realization that he accepted her naughty advance was the last thing he saw before leaning in to taste that amazing smile of hers.
“Fuck, Mia,” he groaned. “It’s only been a few days and I’ve missed you. Missed this…”
He thrust his tongue deep and it was like drinking down sunshine and happiness. He lost himself. She wanted to show him? Well, he wanted to show her how much in just the past several weeks she’d changed everything in his world.
She kissed him hard and her movements turned quick. He loved her passion. The way she clawed at him like she couldn’t get enough. Like she needed him right then. And he wanted to give her everything she needed.
She was strong and ferocious with everything, and she didn’t tamper it for his sake. Something he was beyond grateful for.
There was so much he wanted to say but couldn’t figure out how. So he just kissed her, wrapped his arms around her tiny little waist and hugged her close. He wanted to feel again what it was like to have Mia Blake’s sole attention. Because he realized real quick, if she gifted you with it, a man could get addicted.
“Have me,” she whispered between kisses. “Please.”
No sweeter words had ever been said. She was asking, like she said she never would, and Tate knew what that meant. Knew that the tough front and unbreakable façade of hers was chipping. She wasn’t demanding or informing. She was letting him in. And he wouldn’t disappoint.
Kissing down her neck, he rucked her dress up to her hips, exposing the smooth flesh of her thighs. Her skin was so soft, it was like caressing a cloud. He ran his palms higher to grab her panties and peel them down.
When her fingers tunneled into his hair, pulling him closer, he lost it. Desperate for her touch. Desperate to worship her in a way he hadn’t gotten to yet. And he wouldn’t wait any longer.
He hit his knees and threw both her legs over his shoulders. He kissed her inner thigh, going high and scooting closer to the paradise he was anxious to get lost in.
“Tate…” she breathed.
Her little pant called to him. All he wanted was his name on her lips. He licked and nipped higher. Until he found her sweet spot.
When he ran his tongue along her folds, she squirmed, and he smiled. She was like warm honey. Sweet and sinful.
He needed more.
Want was too tame a word when describing his desire for Mia. Maybe it always had been. But tonight, he’d get lost and fall into the need of the moment. And he’d take her down with him.
Delving his tongue inside, he relished in her sweetness. Everything from the way she moved to how she let him love on her. Not an ounce of shyness. She allowed him to see her vulnerable, and that was a treasure he wasn’t taking for granted.
She fisted his hair. He looked up to see her leaning back on the other hand, slowly rocking her hips to meet his mouth. So he thrust in and out, going deeper every time. Drinking her down, and loving on her with his mouth, he paused the erotic pace only to lick her swollen little clit. She went wild and the heels of her boots scrapped down his back. The sting only heightened his need.
He licked faster, harder. When she was right there on the brink of ecstasy, he sank one finger into her core and she came apart.
“Tatum!” His name never sounded so good than when it was screamed from her mouth in pleasure.
He lingered, not willing to give up his newest obsession quite yet. Kissing her thighs, he took in every soft taste of her skin. As he pulled away, she was breathing hard and covered in a sheen that only a well pleasured woman could have.
“Don’t leave me yet,” she sighed.
She didn’t hurry to move or adjust her clothing. She was sinful, legs still spread, sitting on his desk, looking thoroughly pleased. The sight was fucking erotic and Tate’s cock was about to go off just from looking at her.
“I want more, Tate,” she said, her bright eyes locking on his.
Everything in him wanted to give it to her.
“I can do this all night, sweetheart,” he said with a grin.
She smiled. “No, I mean, I want more of you.”
She tugged on his belt and he stepped closer. Disappointment rocked him. “I don’t have a condom.” He cupped her face. “Are you on the pill?”
She shook her head. “I haven’t been with anyone in a long time so I didn’t see the point.”
Tate frowned. “A long time?”
“Years…” she whispered.
If that didn’t shock the hell out of him, nothing would. “How is that possible? Look at you.”
She glanced away and something sad crossed her features. That’s when it hit him: Men always looked at her. And he knew that looks could spur unwanted perceptions. Still holding her face in his hands he coaxed her gaze back to him.
“I know a lot of people look at you, sweetheart.” He brushed his thumb over her lower lip. “But I see you. All of you. And I want you to understand that you’re more. In every way. You’re just…more.”
Her lips parted and her brows furrowed. Like she couldn’t believe what she’d just heard. For a moment Tate saw water creep up to her lower lashes, but she blinked them back.
“This whole time I was thinking the same thing about you, Tatum,” she whispered and kissed his lips softly. “I was also going to say that I brought a condom.”
He nipped her bottom lip and she giggled. “You planned to seduce me?”
“Yep.” She leaned over and grabbed a long strip of condoms from her purse and tore one off.
Tate raised a brow. “Ah, just how many times were you expecting me to give in?”
She smiled. “Every time, of course.”
She worked his pants open just enough so that his cock sprang free and she gently sheathed him in the latex. Scooting closer, she wrapped her legs around his waist and he nudged her hot core.
Tate groaned as he slowly sank inside of her. “Every time,” he agreed on a ragged breath. He knew that all Mia had to do what glance his way, and he’d come running.
When he was sheathed to the hilt, he stilled, enjoying the feeling of being joined with her. Sweeping her palms over his back, she kissed his chest from one side to the other. Tate tilted his head back, just stood, taking in every feel of her. The way she surrounded him. Enveloped him. Experienced him.
And he was experiencing her.
All the fight, all the sass and all the tenacity he’d gotten from Mia over the past several weeks was nothing compared to the way she loved. Because that’s how Tate felt in that moment. Loved.
Threading his fingers into her hair, he kissed her with every ounce of strength he had. She hugged him closer and Tate stirred his hips, terrified to retreat even an inch. He was buried in a para
dise he didn’t want to give up. Not even for a second.
“One of these days,” he rasped against her lips, “I’m going to get you all the way on a bed.”
He delved his tongue to take a long taste of her.
“As long as you hold me,” she whispered, and tilted her hips to take him deeper, “I’m happy.”
Tate’s release spiraled through him on that single word. She was happy. He made her happy. And that was the most intense feeling he’d ever had.
Chapter Twelve
“This event is going to kick some major ass,” Luke said, helping Tate place the last booth in its assigned spot.
They were all painted either red, green or white—per Mia’s instruction last week—and already made the ballroom a little more festive.
“She’s done an amazing job,” Tate said, double checking to make sure all the index cards and labels were still on the booths so everyone knew which booth they were assigned for set up tomorrow.
Annie’s Café booth, where she’d display her pies, was right next to Yolanda’s House of Yarn. Check. Tate marked a little note on the map and thought about how much hotter Mia looked with a clipboard than he did.
But everything was coming together. It seemed like most of the small businesses in town, nearly all signed up to help raise funds for the drive.
“Careful, you’re looking a little moon-eyed there,” Luke said, nudging Tate’s shoulder.
“I think I’m falling in love with Mia.” He didn’t even realize he said it out loud—and so easily—until Luke’s shocked expression hit him.
“Oh shit…” Luke said as if Tate had just told him he slipped poison into his dinner or something.
Tate frowned. “What?”
Luke took off his ball cap, scratched his head, and then put it back on. “She’s not a lifer, Tate. You know that. Not the kind you’ve talked about finding anyway.”
True, Tate had thought he knew what kind of woman he wanted. Mia changed that in a hurry.
“She’s more than anything I thought I wanted. Everything about her is extreme. Everything she does—she goes all in. I’ve never known a single person like her and she makes me want to be the kind of man that is deserving of her. The kind of man that can keep up.”
