by Erika Wilde
He groaned and scrubbed a hand along the stubble on his jaw, then opened the glass door to the shower and turned on the water. As soon as it was warm, he stepped beneath the spray. He soaped up, washed his hair, and rinsed off, and scowled as his dick still stood straight at attention, mocking him as if to say, I’m not going anywhere until you give me what I need.
He huffed out an annoyed breath and knew it wouldn’t take long to spill his load if he imagined his hand was Peyton’s soft lips enveloping him and her warm mouth sucking down every inch of his cock as he buried himself against her throat. Blood flowed to his dick at the dirty, filthy thought, making him excruciatingly, stubbornly hard.
Wanting to get the deed done and over with so he could get on with the day, he braced a flattened palm on the tiled wall facing away from the shower head. He wrapped the long fingers of his other hand tight around his erection and started to tug on his dick in long, steady strokes. Eyes closed, in his mind he saw Peyton on her knees in front of him, her gaze cast upward to meet his so seductively as she leaned forward, her lips parting to—
The clicking sound of the shower door opening sounded like a gunshot in the quiet stall and made him flinch. Like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar, he let go of his shaft and jerked his head to the side to look at her. She was staring at his jutting cock, eyes wide and biting the corner of her lower lip, which only made him fucking harder.
And that was before his gaze lowered from her face and he realized that she was completely naked. She’d taken off her pajama top, her small, tight, lithe body on display. Those pert breasts and tight nipples made his mouth water for a taste, and he didn’t stop there. He surveyed her flat belly, the shadowed crease between her thighs where he craved to do wicked things to her with his tongue, and those legs he desperately wanted clutched tightly around his waist.
By the time he made his way back up to her face, she had a smirk on her lips. “Please, don’t stop what you were doing on my account,” she said, referring to catching him in the act moments ago.
The shower spray hit his body and bounced off, sprinkling her chest and belly with droplets of water he wanted to lick off with his tongue. “It’s because of you that I have this problem,” he grumbled, and it wasn’t helping that she was unabashedly naked in front of him.
“Well, Mr. Grumpy Pants, I’m more than happy to help with your problem, if you’d just ask. I actually thought that you were coming into the bathroom to get a condom so we could finish what we’d started out there,” she said, indicating the bedroom. “But instead, you’re opting for self-love.”
He raised his brows, taken off guard by her demure, polite description that contradicted the woman he’d just pinned to the mattress and fucked with his fingers—and she’d enjoyed it. “Self-love?”
“A polite way of saying masturbating,” she said, adorably prim.
He braced a hand on the stall doorframe and leaned closer, his gaze dropping to her lips. “Tell me a dirty way of saying it,” he dared, curious to see if he could make her blush even harder.
“Is that the secret password for getting into the shower with you?”
He shrugged. “Maybe.”
She thought for a moment before her eyes lit up with humor. “Jackin’ the beanstalk.”
He burst out laughing. Jesus Christ, she killed him. It wasn’t a dirty description, but it was hilarious and unique, and he’d give her points for that.
“Now may I come in and join you?” she asked seriously.
They were back to his still-aching dick and the fact that more than anything it wanted to be buried in her tight, wet pussy. And if that’s what she was expecting, too, he needed to set her straight. “I didn’t pack any condoms with me,” he told her.
Looking slightly disappointed, she boldly splayed her hand on his chest and gave him a push out of her way so she could step inside the shower with him. “Then maybe you should take care of that while you’re out today sight-seeing,” she suggested, dragging that same hand down his sternum, across his rippling abs, and lower.
He groaned like a dying man when she curled her slender fingers around his cock and gently tugged. “Peyton . . .”
She lifted her free hand and set two fingers on his mouth to quiet him, then lifted on her tiptoes to replace them with the tantalizing, teasing brush of her lips against his as she spoke. “Let me return the favor.” Another kiss at the corner of his mouth. “I want to feel all this hard male heat sliding through my hand and your cock pulse against my palm as you come,” she murmured, getting even for when he’d told her that he wanted to feel her come around his fingers. “And next time, I want to feel you driving so deep inside of me I can barely breathe.”
“Jesus fuck,” he murmured, staring in wonder and shock at the woman who’d just dirty talked her way into his heart.
She laughed softly, sensually, as she pulled back just enough to look into his eyes while squeezing and stroking his dick with slow, thorough precision. “Not so cute and adorable now, am I?”
He lifted his hands and buried all of his fingers into her hair, tipping her head back and getting ready to devour her decadent mouth. “No, you’re a goddamn minx,” he said and crushed his mouth to hers.
He kissed her hungrily, roughly, probing her mouth as deeply as he wanted to thrust into her body, but for now, he had to settle for the snug clasp of her hand. But even that felt so damn good, and his hips surged forward, driving his cock through her fist, again and again. He tangled his tongue with hers and twisted her damp hair in his fingers, drowning himself in the sweet, hot taste of her.
She made those sexy, mewling sounds in the back of her throat, and his need and desire intensified. Leaning into him, she deliberately rubbed her breasts and stiff nipples against his wet chest while the head of his dick pushed against her soft stomach with every wild, uncontrollable thrust through her hand, and he fucking lost it.
He growled against her lips as his orgasm tore through him like a jolt of electricity, and he came so hard his scalding climax seemed to erupt from him in endless spurts that slickened her hand and coated her belly with his release.
When his hips finally stopped jerking, she smiled against his mouth. “Hmmm. I think we’re even now.”
She sounded very pleased with herself, and an abrupt, breathless chuckle rolled up from his throat as he lifted his head and looked down at her flushed face and lips swollen from his kisses. “I wasn’t keeping score, but at least now I can face your parents without a raging hard-on tenting my pants.”
She laughed huskily, a happy sparkle in her eyes. “I’m sure they’ll appreciate that.”
Chapter Six
Peyton nearly skipped her way across the backyard to her parents’ single-story house, feeling ah-may-zing from the fun and sexy morning she’d shared with Leo. They’d both enjoyed orgasms, and he’d been right to call her a greedy girl, because she wanted so many more with Leo before her week with him was over.
The word over made her stomach tumble and her stride falter, because she already knew how difficult it was going to be to walk away from Leo next Sunday when she had to return to New York and her life waiting for her there. Then again, they’d gone into this whole pretend relationship with the agreement that it would be casual and fun, with no promises to muddy the waters. She had to respect those rules and boundaries, even if she’d spent the years since college being half in love with Leo. Spending time with him now only solidified those one-sided feelings even more because he was genuinely a really good guy and unlike anyone else she’d ever dated.
She exhaled a deep breath as she reached the back slider that led into the kitchen and reminded herself that this arrangement was all about enjoying her time with Leo and steering clear of anything serious. With that pep talk in mind, she thought about her morning with her hot temporary boyfriend, which put her in a much better mood, along with producing a smile on her face, before walking into the house.
As soon as she entered, she sa
w Leo sitting at the table, drinking a cup of coffee, and having an amicable conversation with her father, but as she closed the sliding glass door, Leo shifted his gaze to her. After their enjoyable tryst in the shower just a little while ago, Leo had rinsed off and let her finish washing her hair and body while he got dressed for the day. Since she had to dry her hair and put on makeup, he’d opted to head up to the house for a cup of coffee and to hang with her parents until she joined him—to make a good impression, he’d told her with a grin.
But now, his attention was all on her, and his warm gaze took in the pretty floral-patterned fit and flare dress and strappy heels she’d worn for the bridal shower she was going to with her mother today.
“I don’t think I’ve seen you wear that dress before and I like it,” he said with a smile that made her stomach swoop. “Did you make that one yourself?”
His question surprised her, because he was genuinely interested and made her realize how much he’d paid attention to their conversation that first night when she’d arrived in San Diego. Unlike all the other guys she’d dated in the city, Leo remembered she was an apparel designer in New York. Albeit, currently an unemployed one.
She didn’t make all her clothes, but when she had the spare time, she did enjoy making skirts, blouses, and dresses to wear. “Yes, I did make this one,” she said, and gave a little twirl just to keep things light and flirty, and watched as his darkening gaze dropped to the way the skirt swirled around her thighs. “I’m happy you like it.”
“Yes, you do look very pretty,” her mother agreed as she carried a platter of crisp strips of bacon to the table. “And it definitely helps that your complexion is glowing, too.”
Peyton resisted the urge to press her palms to her rapidly warming cheeks. “Mom,” she said beneath her breath.
“Well, it’s true,” Tawny said as she passed Peyton again to gather the rest of the breakfast she’d made. “You just look happy . . . and like you had a very good morning.”
Feeling flustered, Peyton glanced back at Leo, who merely smirked and shrugged as if to say, who am I to refute that statement?
“Peyty,” Tawny went on, as if she hadn’t just embarrassed the heck out of her daughter, “get yourself something to drink while I put the eggs and muffins on the table.”
While her mother handled breakfast, Peyton sat beside Leo and poured herself a glass of orange juice from the pitcher already there. He leaned toward her and brushed his lips across her cheek while settling his hand on her thigh beneath the table, making her remember just how talented those fingers of his were.
“Yes, it was a very good morning,” he murmured, because he clearly thought as her boyfriend he could get away with such an intimate comment.
“See, I thought so,” her mother said, obviously agreeing as she joined them at the table. “There is nothing wrong with a morning—”
“Tawny, the kids really don’t need your opinion on the matter,” Peyton’s father said abruptly, and smoothly changed the subject. “Now, if you could pass me the blueberry muffins, I’d appreciate it.”
Thankfully, things went back to normal as they all filled their plates with scrambled eggs and bacon. Several delicious bites into the meal, her father spoke again.
“So, while you girls are at that shower thing for Candace today,” he said of the bride-to-be, who was also his niece and Peyton’s cousin, “Leo is going to join me and my buddies for a round of golf.”
“I didn’t know you played golf,” Peyton said, realizing after the words left her mouth that as Leo’s girlfriend, she should have been aware of his hobbies and extracurricular activities.
“That’s because it’s been a few years since I’ve played,” he interjected smoothly, his gaze assuring her that he really did have experience with the game. “The last time I was on a golf course was well before I met you.”
Nice save, she thought gratefully. “Are you sure?” She wasn’t certain how Leo felt about spending an entire afternoon with her father and wanted to give him an out if he needed one. “Because I know you wanted to do some sight-seeing today.” Wink, wink.
Her father scoffed at that suggestion. “I’m not letting him spend the day by himself. He can go sight-seeing with you later on in the week.” Carson lightly slapped Leo’s back. “Besides, I want to get to know the man who has stolen my little girl’s heart.”
Leo must have seen the panic that flickered across Peyton’s expression at the thought of her father grilling her fake boyfriend, because he gave her thigh a reassuring squeeze.
“Don’t worry about me, Pixie,” he said, his easygoing tone reassuring her. “You go and have a nice day with your mom at your cousin’s shower, and I’ll do my best not to slow down your father’s golf game too badly because I’m so out of practice.”
“All right.” She just had to trust that everything between her father and Leo would be okay… and that she could keep her heart out of the equation when it came to spending the next week with Leo.
* * *
After stopping at a Bed Bath & Beyond so Peyton could buy a gift for Candace off of her registry, Peyton and her mother arrived at the luncheon, which was being held in the large backyard of the bride’s mother’s house, who was also Peyton’s aunt and her father’s sister, who’d married into money and liked to do everything in a big, no-expense-spared kind of way because they had appearances to maintain. Growing up, Peyton had spent some time with Candace at family events, but they’d never been super close. Because they’d lived in different districts, they hadn’t attended the same schools, and as they’d gotten older and pursued their own interests, those get-togethers became even fewer and further between.
Still, she was happy for her cousin, who was marrying a guy she’d been dating for the past two years. From what Peyton’s mother had shared with her, Candace’s fiancé, Jake Wallace, came from a wealthy family, as well, and he worked in real estate. Next week’s wedding was supposed to be huge, with over three hundred guests attending the nuptials and reception.
As Peyton and her mother followed the decorated path at the side of the estate home to the backyard, it was like arriving in a fantasy wonderland with arches of balloons, elaborate floral arrangements, and a gazebo decorated in ivy and roses. The dozen round tables on the lawn were set with silver and crystal and draped in expensive-looking lace—which was way overkill for a bridal shower, in Peyton’s opinion, and had to have cost a small fortune.
She didn’t recognize many of the people at the party, just extended family that she hadn’t seen in years, whom she greeted in quick, passing hellos. While her mother engaged in a conversation with Peyton’s aunt, she accepted a glass of champagne from a waiter’s tray and waited for the shower to begin.
Two sips into the amazing-tasting bubbly, Peyton saw her cousin heading her way with a big smile on her face. Candace was gorgeous—tall and lithe with thick blonde hair that no doubt received weekly conditioning treatments because it looked so soft and shiny. She was wearing a rose-hued lace dress that looked designer label and a pair of more-than-Peyton-made-in-a-week pumps, the kind with the iconic red sole.
Peyton wasn’t ashamed to admit to clothing envy, because her cousin had great taste in fashion. Then again, Candace was a fashion blogger and had solid relationships with both high-end and up-and-coming designers who sent her samples and gifts in exchange for exposure and reviews on her blog and podcast. Her cousin was a fashionista because she could afford to be one, and Peyton had been drawn to fashion because she’d learned to create similar versions of the cute designer outfits that she never could afford for herself.
“Peyton! It’s so good to see you,” Candace said, her words and tone sincere as she enveloped Peyton in a warm hug scented with an expensive perfume. “It’s literally been, well, years!”
“It’s great to see you, too, Candace,” Peyton said, returning the smile and sentiment as her cousin released her from the affectionate embrace. “Everything is absolutely beautiful, inc
luding you. Congratulations on getting married.”
“Thank you.” Candace grabbed Peyton’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “I’m so sorry to hug and run, but my fiancé’s grandmother just arrived and I need to greet her. We’ll catch up later?”
“Sure,” Peyton said, and off her cousin went, and since she was the center of attention today, Peyton knew any chance of them having alone time would be next to impossible.
Within the next half hour, guests were seated for a three-course luncheon while Candace’s maid of honor made a lovely speech that had most everyone dabbing their eyes with their napkins. A delicious cake was served, games were played, and, thank God, presents were not unwrapped in front of everyone because with over seventy people in attendance, it would take forever to get through all of them. Instead, the bride-to-be opted to take fun photos with each of her guests to commemorate the day.
When most of the activities had died down, Peyton made her way over to the dessert table that was filled with cupcakes, cookies, candy, and other treats. It wasn’t as though she needed anything else after a slice of cake, but she was drawn to the variety of macarons on display, and since everyone else seemed otherwise occupied, she indulged by herself, grateful for the quiet and solitude. She picked up a small plate and selected a vanilla butter cream, a strawberry-jam-filled one, and another that was chocolate meringue on the outside with a peanut butter filling inside.
She took a bite of the light vanilla cookie just as her cousin joined her at the table, looking like she needed a break from all the attention focused on her.
“Oh my God, I’m exhausted,” she said, confirming Peyton’s thoughts. “I can’t believe my mother insisted on inviting so many people today. I wanted something small and intimate, but noooo, Mom was adamant that she go all out.”
