by C. A. Harms
“I like that choice.” I lifted her, and her legs wrapped around my waist, holding herself securely to me as I began walking toward the area near the windows. The sunset was casting a yellowish-orange glow off the lake, giving the entire space an almost sepia appearance.
“Are you sure about this?”
She nodded her head, still gripping my hair with her fingers tightly. “Positive.” She looked back at the view behind her. “I can’t think of a time or place that is more perfect than this.”
I had to agree. This was perfect in so many ways.
Chapter Eleven
AJ
“Presumptuous or hopeful,” I said as I watched Rhett lay the large blanket out on the floor near the windows. He immediately looked up at me, his mouth curving upward into a mischievous smile.
He patted the space next to his and I moved toward him, my hands shaking as I fisted them at my sides to hide my reaction.
“Why do you sound nervous?” Rhett asked as he reached out and took my hand in his. I realized then that I failed in my attempt to hide my nerves.
“I’m not nervous.” Even I could hear the shakiness in my words. When he arched one brow at me and tilted his head toward mine, I couldn’t keep myself from laughing. “Okay, fine, I’m a little nervous, but not because I don’t want tonight to happen. It’s more that I want it to be perfect, and I’m worried I won’t be—” Immediately his lips covered mine, and the words that lingered in my mind disappeared.
When he pulled back and rested his forehead to mine, for a moment we both remained silent. It was peaceful, only the sound of our breathing filling the quietness between us.
“Whether we spend the night with me just holding you or we sit up all night talking for hours, it’ll still be perfect. There’s no time limit on us, AJ, there’s no deadline. We move at the pace we want.”
I nodded, even though on the inside I was screaming No, we can’t stop, I want it now. I want it all. My inner horn-dog was showing its face, but in my defense, Rhett is like an intense form of an aphrodisiac.
“I want this,” I said much more confidently this time. “I’ve thought about this so many times, thought of sharing a night just like this.” I took a deep breath. “I don’t want to be scared of moving forward anymore, but instead I want to jump in head first.”
My confession seemed to surprise him, his eyes widening a small fraction before he recovered quickly.
“Let’s jump in together.” The tension in my chest faded when he reached out and pulled my body over his as he lay back on the blanket behind him. “I’m with you, Allison, right here with you.”
My body molded to his, his words covered me like a blanket making me feel safe and protected.
“You make my heart race.” I felt it too, that crazy thump, that can’t breathe feeling. “You mean the world to me, sweet girl. You make me want so many things all at once. And you make me want them all with you.”
I closed my eyes tightly to keep myself from emotionally falling apart. I’d wanted so much to hear those very things from Rhett. I’d dreamed of being everything to him; I’d already let myself fall for him long before I think he even knew I’d existed.
I rose up, gathering the hem of his shirt in my hands and slowly began to lift, exposing his abs. As he raised his shoulders, his stomach muscles tensed, and I bit my lower lip to keep from moaning. Thoughts of kissing over each ridge rang throughout my mind. He was fit, absolutely perfect in my eyes.
My own shirt quickly followed, my bra joining too as Rhett looked up at me, his gaze roaming over my chest appreciatively. The very instant he placed his palms against my stomach and began sliding upward, I arched, pressing my chest outward in anticipation.
I’d half expected him to cup my breast hungrily, only he paused just beneath, lifting his thumbs to graze over my nipples. A moan fell from my lips and echoed over the space.
They hardened, and he slowly brought his mouth closer, taking one between his lips, sucking lightly. I felt like I was on fire, my hips bucking forward, drawing a moan from him as he gripped my waist.
“Slow, baby,” he directed as he pushed his erection upward and used his hands to guide me slowly, creating a small amount of friction between us. “We have all night.”
Oh my god, I wasn’t sure I could wait.
“I just want to take my time with you.”
No, now, please now.
Rhett’s arm circled my waist and very carefully he moved me off him, placing me on the blanket beneath us. I looked up at him, as he still remained on his knees, looking over me slowly. A few silent seconds passed before he lowered his hands to the waistband of his jeans and began to unbutton them tauntingly slow.
The guy better move before I attack him.
My mind was running rabid with all the things I wanted to do to him and the things I’d hoped he’d do to me.
When I fumbled for my own button, he reached out and placed his hand over mine to stop me. “Let me.” He’d never looked at me the way he was looking at me then. It was euphoric, my heart hammering in my chest, my breathing erratic. My legs shook as I moved my hands away just as he leaned forward and took over.
I was mesmerized by the hungry look in his eyes as he began to lower my jeans. His stare raked over me, inch by inch. “So fucking perfect.”
I wasn’t sure his words were meant for me to hear, but the silence of the space made them seem louder than intended.
Rhett continued his torture as he kissed over one hipbone to the other. His hands glided over my thighs. I’d never felt so out of control, like I was unable to curb my urges. There were sweet kisses over my stomach just before he hooked my panties and slowly began to lower them.
“Damn.” Another appreciative moan left his mouth and I felt something inside me snap.
“I need you,” I practically begged. “I can’t wait.”
“Me either.” I was happy to hear he’d felt weak too.
Rhett leaned back, gathering his jeans as he removed his wallet from his back pocket and began shuffling through it. Pulling a condom out, he dropped the rest to the ground and moved closer once again.
“Tell me you’ll stay all night,” he asked, looking down at me, his hands paused at his waist. “Because after this I don’t think I’ll be able to let you go home.”
“I’ll stay.” There was no way anyone could drag me away.
Once he was sheathed, he again looked down at me and I nodded my head, assuring him I wanted this more than anything I’d ever wanted before. He seemed pleased with my eagerness and began lowering his body over mine, positioning his erection between my thighs.
His chest rose and fell as he took one deep breath after another. My breathing matched his as I waited. The moment I felt him press against me, I lifted my hips and took another inch, making him tense as his muscles tightened.
“Please,” I panted.
He lifted his head, looking away from the space between us, and his eyes locked with mine.
After a few seconds, he removed his hand from his cock and lowered his body completely to mine, his lips covering mine in a heated kiss. I wiggled beneath him, begging for all of him, and he slammed forward as my back arched off the floor.
“Fuck.” He took the word right out of my mouth. “Allison.” He growled my name as he lowered his head to my shoulder and took in one deep breath followed by another. “I need just a minute.”
I wanted to argue, only I think I needed it too.
I wasn’t a virgin, but my experience was limited. Allowing my body to adjust to his, I cupped the back of his head and immediately he lifted it, his eyes locked on mine. “Tell me this is real.” For a moment I was confused until he continued, “Tell me what I’m feeling is fucking real and that what we have is something you want as much as I do.”
“I want it.” I nodded. “All of it. So much.”
I’d never seen Rhett like this, so emotionally involved. His jaw tensed, his body hovered over mine so protective
ly as he remained seated and still. So many different things passed through his eyes in such a short time, and I had never felt more connected to anyone than I did to him.
He began to move, and I hooked my legs over his hips as I reached up to pull his mouth back to my own. The exchange between us was perfect. Intense, but absolutely perfect.
***
I woke with my back pressed to Rhett’s chest, his leg tossed over mine, his arm around my waist holding me to him tightly—almost like he was fearful that sometime throughout our night I might sneak away, and he wasn’t about to allow that to take place.
I smiled remembering everything about our night and the things he’d said to me.
“I hope that smile you’re wearing is a reflection of the night we just had.”
My happiness only grew as I turned just enough to look back over my shoulder at him. His dark hair was tousled from sleep, and the fact that I’d run my fingers through it over and over was evident. The sexiest of grins was covering his lips and it caused my chest to do this crazy little flip thing.
“Our night yes, and all the nights after this one too.”
I felt him growing hard against my leg, and just to tease him a little, I slid my leg closer.
“Don’t start something we can’t finish, AJ.” His words seemed tense as his nostrils flared.
I was just about to ask why we couldn’t finish when I heard a horn blaring from below. I knew my eyes had to be the size of saucers, and the sound of Rhett’s laughter confirmed that.
“Who is that?” I gripped the blanket and held it to my still bare chest as I began looking around for my clothes.
“That would be Colt or Gavin.” Rhett did nothing to cover himself as he placed his hands behind his head and watched me scurry around frantically. “Maybe Mikey, because he’s supposed to start the floors today.”
I spotted my shirt beneath Rhett’s hip and I reached out trying to pull it free.
“My dad’ll be coming out of the house too, now that they’ve announced their arrival.” Again, Rhett seemed completely unfazed by what was going on around us. Or what would be going on in a few short minutes.
“Oh my god, will you get off my shirt?”
“Babe, stop panicking.” He rolled just enough to allow me to pull my shirt free. “They can’t get in here without a key.”
Loud knocking began on the door that was the only entrance to where we were, and I froze. “Get some clothes on and let me in, asshole.”
I know I had to look like some drugged-out bobblehead as my head whipped from side to side in a panic. First to Rhett and then back to the door that was still being pounded on. “Tell that cute girl of yours that if she doesn’t want all the men in your family to see the aftermath of your night together the two of you better move. You got less than three minutes before the rest of them are standing here with me.”
Rhett’s laughter rippled throughout the space as I hurried to get dressed. “You better get your ass up and out there now.”
“Why?”
“Distraction.” I said this like he should’ve already known the answer. “Create a diversion so I can sneak out.”
“Babe…” Rhett stood up and the blanket fell from his waist. Of course, what’s the first thing I did? I looked at the semi-erect cock bobbing around proudly, and he chuckled. “Eyes up here, darlin’.”
When I looked at him he was grinning arrogantly. “They already know you’re here, can’t hide that blue clown car right outside.”
I wanted to argue, yet what was the point?
“You need a second exit,” I mumbled as I grabbed my bag and hurried toward the door. I paused, took in a deep breath, and jerked open the door fully expecting to see Rhett’s cousin Mike standing just outside, only I was surprised. Mike was there, that was a sure thing, but he was no longer alone.
“Morning, AJ,” Colt said with a smirk, and I knew my face had to be ten shades of red. He nodded his head, yet the only thing I could focus on was Reed, who stood just behind him.
“Morning.” I cringed immediately at the high-pitched tone of my voice. That awkward silence passed between us all. “Well, uh…” I looked back over my shoulder to see Rhett sauntering in our direction, still not wearing his shirt, but at least he was now wearing pants.
“Hey Unc, you think we can install one of those firemen poles or something?” Rhett asked Colt as he stepped up behind me. “AJ thinks I need a second exit.”
If I thought I was embarrassed before, it had nothing on the current situation. Part of me wanted to elbow Rhett in the stomach or stomp on his foot, but escaping quickly was my next move. I tossed a wave over my shoulder, refusing to look back in their direction as I hurried down the steps doing my best not to fall in the process.
Once I was inside my car and had a minute to actually breathe, I looked down, and my heart felt like it hit the seat beneath my ass. I had my damn shirt on backward, and what made it worse was the tag was sticking out just below my chin.
Why me?
Chapter Twelve
Rhett
“Rhett?” My mother hollered my name just as I entered the back door into the kitchen. I walked toward the refrigerator and opened it up to grab a few more beers for the guys when I heard her voice again, only closer this time.
“Hey.” I turned around to see her standing in the doorway holding a laundry basket full of clothes. “Something came for you in the mail today.” She pointed toward the counter where an envelope sat.
The look on her face was hard to read; she almost appeared somewhat sad.
“I thought about just throwing it out, not even telling you it came.” My stomach dropped as I looked back at the manila envelope. “But then I figured that wouldn’t be right for me to do.”
I stood in the same place, the refrigerator door still opened wide, beer bottles held tightly to my chest with one hand as I tried to decide if looking was worth the effort.
“It’s just that you’ve been happy lately,” my mom added, regaining my attention. “You and AJ have something so sweet, and it’s just been so long since you’ve heard from her that I’d hate for you to stumble back into that old funk again.”
“I’ll…uh…” Fuck, I had no idea what I’d do. “The guys are waiting for me.” I stepped back and closed the refrigerator door. “I’ll get that later.”
I didn’t stick around, only rushed from the house and back toward the barn I’d soon call my place. My mind raced with each step I took. Mom was right. It had been a long time since I’d heard from Harley, so why now? The last time I’d had any contact with her it was on my last birthday, nothing but a short and simple text.
Happy Birthday.
That was it; that was all I got. I didn’t even take the chance to respond back, so why should I care now?
The problem was easier said, because for the next three hours the only thing I could think of was that damned envelope. With each passing minute, I found I only grew more pissed off.
Why now?
Why when I’d found someone who’d made me happier than I’d felt in a long time?
“We still on for Friday?”
I smacked the nail into the plank of wood a little harder than necessary and looked over to find Mikey watching me with an arched brow. “Trouble in Happy Land?”
When I didn’t respond, he just chuckled.
“Come on, man. AJ can’t still be pissed about the other day, can she?” He was referring to the morning that Uncle Gavin and he showed up to find her and me going at it on the newly installed countertops in the kitchen. She squealed, I laughed then covered her up until they backed out of the doorway to allow us both to right ourselves.
“AJ’s fine,” I told him.
“Well, I know that,” he wagged his brows, “but I’d say she’s more than fine.” When I shot him a glare, he grinned wide. “Honestly, though, what’s going on with you?”
I lowered the hammer and leaned back against the wainscoted wall I’d been working
on diligently. “Harley.” One word was all I offered, and his shoulders sagged in defeat as he turned around and also leaned back against the same wall.
“She's back?”
“No,” I looked over at him, “not physically anyway. She sent something in the mail, and when I went inside earlier Mom told me it was there.”
“What’d she send?”
“Didn’t look.” I still wasn’t sure I wanted to. “I guess I just can’t figure out why now. When she left we’d made plans to go to college together, we’d made plans for our lives together. I know things change, I get that now, but she just stopped, ya know? She quit calling, she quit responding, it all just ended. Now here we are, and out of the blue she sends whatever the fuck she sent.”
“Let me ask you something.” Mikey turned toward me, resting his shoulder to the wall and looked directly at me. “Whatever’s inside that envelope, is it gonna change the way you feel about AJ?”
“No.” I didn’t even need to think about that. “It wouldn’t change a thing.”
“Then you have two ways you can go with this.” He made it sound so simple. “You can open the envelope, or you can throw it away and forget all about it.” With a shrug, he walked away, leaving me alone with nothing more than my thoughts.
***
“Happy Birthday.” AJ sauntered up to me and wrapped her arms around my neck, rising on her toes to press a kiss to my lips.
“Thank you,” I said just as she pulled back, her eyes opening to lock with my own. “I think I’d much rather hang out here with you than go out to some bar.”
“Then you’d take all the fun away from Mike and the guys. They’ve been planning this all week.”
“You should come too.” I gripped her tighter and held her close when she attempted to step back. I always felt better when I was holding her close.
“No way am I crashing the party the guys have planned for you,” she added, gliding her hands over my chest. “How about you call me when you get home, and if it's not too late, I’ll come over and give you your birthday present from me.”
