“So you’re okay with me painting it black then, yeah?” He cocks a brow and bursts into a fit of laughter when my mouth drops open. “Jeez, woman. My eyes are right here. Can’t you talk business for two minutes, or am I that hard to resist?”
“Stop it.” I shove at his chest. “And don’t even think about bringing a can of black paint in here or it’ll end up dumped over your head.” He continues to look cocky. I groan, shaking my head, but can’t help grinning. “I think an office would be perfect and I’m sure whatever you do will be amazing. But it’s going to take a lot of work. I don’t want you to spend a bunch of time on it. I’m not in a rush.”
He shrugs. “Not a big deal, blondie. And I got all day so I’d better get to work.”
“You’re starting right now?”
“Yup.” He presses a kiss to my cheek. “Gotta go get some materials, but I’ll try to stay out of your way. Just do your thing and don’t worry about me back here.
For the next two days, Tanner and I work together, but like he said, he stays out of my way. He also refuses to let me see any of the progress. I’m antsy to see how it’s going, so I figure maybe I can bribe him a little. After I finish sending out my monthly boxes, I grab one of the extras and knock on the closed door.
There is no way in hell he will refuse this.
Chapter 16
Tanner
I’m just putting the finishing touches on things when I hear a light tapping on the door. I shake my head, grinning. I was wondering how long she would stay away. Amelia is a lot of things, but patient is not one of them.
“Yeah, come in,” I yell over my shoulder as I put the last of my tools away. The door slowly pushes open and she peeks her head around the corner, but has one hand thrown over her eyes. Well, okay. I guess she’s being a little bit patient.
“Um… I was just checking on how you were doing. I thought maybe you wanted a little snack. I brought this.” With her free hand, she pushes forward a plate, a single cupcake resting on it with swirled frosting and a single cherry on top. My mouth waters.
“Well, thanks.” I grab the plate, forcing myself to set it down on her new desk before devouring it on the spot, then I grab both of her hands. “You can look now.”
“I can?” she asks innocently, but her eyes are everywhere at once as she steps into the small space. “Oh my gosh. I love it, Tanner! How in the world did you do all of this is such a small amount of time? This desk…” She runs her hands over the smooth wood and I beam with pride. My dad was taken way too soon, but before he died, he taught me how to build and create with my hands. “It’s perfect! And it doesn’t even look cramped in here. I had no idea how you were going to make such a small space into an actual office. Oh, I love the color on the walls! Thank you for not picking black.”
“Yeah, I figured I didn’t want a gallon of that dumped over my head.” She grins and I watch in fascination as she walks around the room, her heels clicking on the worn wooden floor, the dress that just skims the top of her thighs swishing and swaying as she bounces around to look at everything.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” she squeals before jumping into my arms and I catch her with an oomph. “I seriously am in love.” She wraps her legs around my waist and I groan when she wiggles against me. This girl has been trying to chip away at the armor that I’ve put around my dick, and I give her an A for effort, but I don’t want things to move too quickly between us; slow and steady wins the race, right?
Now she’s pressing her lips against mine, and I’m brushing mine against hers, and I certainly can’t stop that quite yet. She releases a breathy moan into my mouth and I kiss her harder and deeper, feeling her body tremble. Damn, what it would be like to be inside of her right now, her pussy wrapped around my cock, her breathy moans uncontrollable as we break in her new desk? I wouldn’t be able to control myself and give her the sweet and gentle that she needs; it would be rough and frantic. And over in no time.
“Amelia.” I unlock our lips and pull at her hips to slide her off of me. “We can’t. I… I forgot something in my truck.”
“What?” she snaps, her eyes flaring. “Are you serious right now, Tanner Cox?” Her frustration is apparent and I sure as hell know mine is more than apparent right now, but I just can’t.
“I’ll be right back. You’ll love it, I promise.” I blow out a heavy breath as soon as I close the door, shaking my head as I head out the back door to my truck. I know she’s probably pissed right now, and with good reason. I just don’t want to fuck things up. I know she thought our relationship before was purely physical, but for me it was so much more. I just let life get in the way and never got a chance to show her that. I needed to do that now. That’s part of the reason why I wanted to take care of her office for her. Amelia was an independent woman and really didn’t like to ask for help when it came to anything. She could do it on her own, but I could tell she was wearing herself out even though she always came in with a smile on her face, and in a dress and heels.
When Monroe filled me in on the monthly boxes she had started to put out, I was in shock. One, because I was curious how exactly she came up with idea; and two, because she was already so busy. I was amazed by her drive though, and I was proud of her. I figured putting an office together for her was the least I could do.
I grab the pictures of some of her work that I had framed out of my truck and shut the door behind me. The walk gave me some time to cool off and get me a little bit more level headed. But then I open up the door to her office once again and any cooling off disappears straight out the door.
Amelia is sprawled out across the desk I just built, her rounded behind looking perfectly pumped, pushed slightly into the air and my mouth refuses to stay shut.
Her dress is in a heap on the floor.
She’s in nothing but a pair of heels and a pair of lace panties that hug her ass, and my dick stiffens so hard, it’s painful—but that’s not even the best part. There’s my cupcake—my cupcake—balanced perfectly on her ass as she lays there nonchalantly, her head resting on her hand, her blonde hair tossed over her bare shoulder, and one brow arched as she licks her lips seductively, like she’s challenging me to walk in the other direction.
Challenge not accepted.
There’s no way in hell I could even attempt to force myself out that door.
“You forgot your snack,” she purrs.
“Amelia,” I groan. “Are you trying to kill me?”
“No,” she answers innocently, tilting her head to the side. “Of course not. Did you still want your cupcake?”
“Hell yes I do.” I pounce, grabbing a handful of her ass, dipping my head down to lick a path up the back of her leg. She jumps at the contact but the cupcake remains in place. “Amelia,” I moan against her skin. “Don’t think you’re getting your way, girl. I know what you want, and trust me you’ll get it, but not today.”
She whimpers. “But Tanner—”
I graze my teeth against the skin of her cheek that’s peeking out from the lace and the whimper quickly turns into a moan. “That doesn’t mean we can’t do other things, though.” I smile against her skin when she sighs in relief and I pick up the cupcake, licking off a bit of the frosting before setting it down behind me and turning back around to flip her over.
“Oh,” she breathes out. I dip my head down, keeping the frosting on the tip of my tongue before diving into her mouth and she sighs when I press it against her tongue. The frosting is delicious, but mixed with Amelia, it’s even better.
I spread her legs wider with my hips as she finishes sucking off the remainder of the frosting, and then I move my mouth downwards until I’m right at the edge of her lace panties—the ones I need gone right now.
“Tanner,” she urges, pushing on my head. “Please.”
“Please what?” The reality of hearing her beg me once again is pure heaven. I figured I’d fucked things up with Amelia, and there was no going back. Now, here she is sprawled acros
s the desk in a pair of panties, pleading.
“Please touch me.” My mouth hovers over her tan stomach and the goose bumps give away exactly what kind of effect I am having on her. I made quick work of her panties and they joined her dress on the floor as I stand above her, drinking up the sight below me. It has been way too long.
“Tanner.” She pouts her pink lips. “I’m so wet for you. Touch me now.”
Bingo.
I don’t waste any more time. The feel of her in my hands is something I want to never go away again. I grab both breasts, cupping them with my palms as I kiss a path down the center of her torso. Her nipples grow even harder and the throaty moans she’s releasing just drive me crazier. My cock pulses with want, needing to bury itself deep within her warm heat, but that fucker is just going to have to get over it. Our first time together again won’t be on top of a desk, no matter how kick ass it is.
Her stomach trembles as I release her breasts and continue my path downwards. Her head tilts backwards and her eyes press closed. “Nope, eyes open. I want you to see what I’m doing.” Both eyes pop open and she looks down at me with glossy eyes, slow pants puffing from her mouth.
Nothing can compare to what happens when my mouth finally lands on her dripping wet core. Her body goes completely lax and we moan in unison—a relief so sweet as I take one long swipe of her sweetness. Her hips buck off the desk when I push one finger inside, curling it ever so slightly and her long groan tells me I’ve hit the spot. I can tell she’s right on the edge, ready for me to completely unravel her, but just when she is, I pull away and her whimper tells me as much.
“Hold on, blondie.” I hold up one finger and she glares at me.
“Tanner, I want you.”
“Not like this.”
She groans and drops her head onto the desk. “Why are you being so difficult?”
“I’m not.” I scoop some frosting up with the tip of my finger. “You’ll get yours, sugar. Don’t you worry your pretty little head.”
She pushes up on her elbows, watching as I stalk back to her and spread her legs open wider. “What are you—” I swipe the frosting between her legs and she lets out a breathy moan before her head drops backwards once again; I’m hoping no customers happen to drop in because they’ll surely hear how crazy this woman is going underneath me right now. Each flick of my tongue as I lap up the frosting mixed with Amelia has her hips arching. When my teeth graze her slightly and one finger hooks, she completely loses it.
“Yes, yes, yes,” she hums, thrashing beneath me, grinding against my face.
I grin like a Cheshire cat as she comes down from the high. Seeing Amelia like this, naked and beautiful underneath me, the taste of her on my lips, is something that I didn’t expect to ever be able to have again; but this beautiful woman has given me another chance, for whatever reason, and I’m taking full advantage of it.
“Here.” I hook an arm around her waist, helping her up as she looks at me with a lazy grin.
“Where exactly do you think I’m going?”
“Well I figured you should get back up front. You might have a lineup at the front counter.”
“The front door is locked and the open sign is off.” She winks and pulls on my hand.
“Oh yeah?” I cock my head to the side. “Seems like you were planning ahead.”
“I was.” She licks her lips. “I want to feel you inside of me again, Tanner. I need you.” Fuck me, this girl is pushing every last one of my buttons. I want to do exactly that, but I’m forcing myself to have some will power. She pulls at my belt and I force myself to push her hands away.
“Quit trying to get in my pants, girl. I told you that’s not happening.”
“Tanner,” she groans.
“Don’t you worry. We’re just getting started. Now touch yourself,” I demand, grinning as she follows my instructions all too quickly. I growl as I watch her sink one finger into her wetness. “Just getting started,” I repeat. “I haven’t had my cherry yet.”
Chapter 17
Amelia
I blow out a breath, shaking my head as I slide my car into a parking spot in front of Mamaw’s place. I have a whole lot of food to pick up from her for Paisley’s party and hopefully it makes it home instead of ending up in my stomach because Lord knows I have a soft spot when it comes to her cooking. “Amelia!” She beams when I push the door open and comes around the counter to kiss my cheek. “How are you, darlin’? I feel like I haven’t seen you in so long. What’s been keeping you so busy?”
“Oh, you know…” I shuffle my feet and avoid her eyes. “Paisley, the bakery–just the usual.”
“So no new boys to tell me about?” She narrows her eyes and I feel like she knows somethings going on. This old woman seems to know everything.
“I… um… no, of course not. Who has time for boys?”
She squawks, patting me on the shoulder. “Ain’t that the truth. All they are is trouble. Well, most of the time. You’ll find the perfect one when the time is right, though. Don’t you doubt that.”
“Alright, I’m holding you to that. So, were you able to get everything ready?”
“You bet. I have all of her favorites made. Oh, I just can’t wait to see her later. The party starts at two, right?”
“Yup. She’ll be so excited to see her Mama.” Even though Miller’s grandma isn’t blood related, Paisley sees her as just that. Mama had been a big part of Tanner’s life growing up, so it was fitting that she was a part of Paisley’s life. Who couldn’t help themselves when it came to my precious baby girl?
“Kay, my special mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and biscuits. You sure you didn’t need anything else?”
“No, Tanner’s making the chicken.”
“Oh, Tanner’s gonna be there?” The surprise in her voice is evident and I nod, keeping my lips zipped. Otherwise, I’ll end up spilling everything to her and it’s too soon. For Paisley’s first two birthdays, we had separate parties—I couldn’t stand the idea of being around him and Marissa together. I guess it was kind of childish of me, but Paisley didn’t know any different. This year she wanted her mommy and daddy together on her special day, and I’m completely fine with it.
***
“Did you really have to invite him, Amelia?” my mom huffs, a sour look on her face as she studies her perfectly manicured nails. My dad is oblivious to her distaste of Tanner being here, or he’s just ignoring it as he continues a lengthy discussion with Miller about something business related. I hear my dad casually mention Pure and my lips quirk at Monroe’s past place of employment. She hates when I tease her about working at a strip club, and although she didn’t quite make it onto the pole thanks to Miller, I can still bug her about it. Miller doesn’t have much to do with the club anymore since his cousin Luke took over management, and I think Monroe was highly relieved.
“He is her father, Mama,” I hiss out of the corner of my mouth. “Please be nice.”
“Well, why should I? After everything he’s done.”
“Mama, it’s all in the past. Let’s keep it there. Please.”
“Amelia, just because he divorced that woman does not make everything better.”
I bite down on my twitching tongue; that thought has dwindling away at my brain and I hear it over and over again poking away as I set out Paisley’s Minnie Mouse cake that she requested. Parties are another obsession of mine, so not only did I spend endless amount of hours on the cake, I had been decorating the house with everything pink and Minnie Mouse for the past two days. Paisley had been in heaven when I put the final touches up this morning and has been bouncing off the walls ever since.
I’m trying to forgive Tanner for everything, and I think I have for the most part, but it’s hard not to think about it when it’s brought up. Maybe things aren’t going to work out. I can’t let stuff gnaw away at my stomach and be happy about that. I’ll drive myself crazy. Crazy isn’t a good look on Amelia.
The pa
rty time comes and I scoop Paisley up in my arms as her party guests begin to arrive and push a smile onto my face, forgetting about everything for awhile. “Kay, birthday girl. Let’s make sure we tell everyone thank you for coming to your party and for your presents when you open them. Got it?” She nods and I smack a kiss on her cheek, setting her down on her feet. “Can Mommy get one picture, please?”
Her feet dance in place as I snap a quick picture of her in her crown with Minnie Mouse ears and tutu. As soon as she shouts out cheese, she’s off, and I giggle when I hear her tiny voice thanking everyone as they come through the front door. With the stream of people coming in and out, the flow of food, presents, and cake, I’m not given much time to think about how I feel. Tanner is right by Paisley’s side throughout the party and I love the way she has him completely wrapped around her tiny finger—he would do anything for her.
I finally get a minute to step away right after the cake is sliced up, and I slink off to my bedroom without anyone noticing. I push my back against the wall and close my eyes. My mom’s right; completely right. What Tanner and I are doing isn’t going to work—it never would. Who’s to say he even really wants to be with me? He didn’t before. Maybe he just wants more time with Paisley and he figures this is the way. My heart sinks at the thought. The past couple of months that we’ve been sneaking around have been great, and I almost feel like everything is finally clicking into place in my life, the way it’s supposed to be.
My door creaks and my eyes pop open, landing on Tanner who comes in, quietly shutting the door behind him with a smirk playing on his lips. “Hiding out from the crazy?”
“Trying.” I crack a small smile before shaking my head. “You shouldn’t be in here.”
“Amelia, I don’t give a fuck if anyone sees us together,” he snaps. “Do you want this to be our coming out party, too?” He smirks that adorable Tanner smirk that I love and I sigh.
“I don’t know what I want anymore, Tanner. Maybe this isn’t going to work.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” He closes the distance between us, backing up my body until I’m pushed against the wall and he’s caging me in. I’m a pretty tall girl, but Tanner still towers over me, and right now, with his blue eyes on fire and his jaw ticking, he’s pretty intimidating.
Southern Sweets (Midnight) Page 11
