Sweeter Than Chocolate: Valentine's Day Anthology

by Gina Kincade

  “I think everyone knows except Vaughn,” Hendrix replied. “It took some connections to pull it off.”

  My mouth opened and closed, trying to find words.

  Hendrix leaned over, his warm breath tickling my ear. “It will be worth the wait, babe.”

  Goosebumps dotted my skin with anticipation. “I’m sure it will be.”

  Chapter Eight

  “After you, Gem.” Hendrix motioned for me to enter the cabin of Franklin’s private jet.

  “Will anyone else be with us?” I asked, the wind whipping my black knee-high skirt around my legs as I entered the luxurious plane.

  “Nope, just you and me. We can walk around naked if you want.” His eyes danced with a mischievous sparkle.

  “I still feel bad about your gift.” My lower lip jutted out in a pout as Hendrix stored our suitcase that he’d packed. I’d not been allowed to touch it. I wondered if he’d packed me any clothes to wear in public or if it was all sexy lingerie that basically amounted to some strings sewn together.

  Hendrix settled into one of the plush, cream leather seats and pulled me on top of him. “I remember sitting in this exact spot when you fell into my lap. We were on the way home from Louisiana, and I had no idea…”

  I placed my finger against his lips. “Shh. I don’t want to think about that.”

  “Gemma.” He gently tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “I fell in love with you all over again that day.” He tilted his chin up, his soft mouth brushing against mine. “No matter what we go through, my heart will always find you.”

  “Are you kids ready to go?” The pilot asked, closing the door.

  “Yes sir,” Hendrix said, peering around me.

  I buried my face in Hendrix’s neck, embarrassed we’d been caught making out. Hendrix’s chuckle rumbled through his chest as the pilot made his way to the cockpit.

  “We could have semi-public sex right here.” He cupped my ass and pushed his hips upward.

  “It’s not like the pilot will walk out here while he’s flying the plane.” I stood and straddled him. “We have to take off first anyway.” I ground my hips against him, the idea of fucking him right here growing on me. “That sounds like it might be fun.” I gently tugged on his bottom lip.

  “Fasten your seatbelt and prepare for take-off,” the pilot’s soothing voice floated through the speakers.

  “Hold that thought.” Hendrix lifted me off his lap and placed me on the vacant chair next to him.

  I fastened my seatbelt and grinned as he slid his hand over my knee, pushing my skirt up around my thigh.

  The plane’s engines roared to life as Hendrix continued to caress my leg with a soft touch.

  “I love the takeoff,” I said, turning to look at him.

  “Spread your legs,” he ordered.

  Heat swirled low in my belly. I liked it when he took control. I did as he asked, his fingers moving my G-string to the side and easing inside me just as the plane went airborne. My fingers dug into the expensive leather.

  “You're so wet already.” He leaned over, unbuttoned my top, and freed my breasts from my bra. “As soon as we’re stabilized, I’m going to bury my head between your legs. When I look up, I want to see pleasure all over your face and those beautiful tits out just like that.”

  I squirmed in my seat, welcoming the stroke of his thumb on my sensitive bud.

  “You’re free to move around the plane, now,” the pilot said through the intercom.

  Hendrix flipped open his seat belt, and before I could say a word, he was on his knees. He pushed my skirt up around my waist and slid my G-string down my legs. Pulling me to the edge of the seat, he ran his tongue up my sensitive folds. My fingers immediately grabbed his hair, pulling slightly.

  My back arched as he continued, and I was swept away with his skillful touch. Desire exploded inside me, and I dug my fingers into Hendrix’s shoulders as I released.

  “Oh, my God. I don’t think I’ve ever come so fast.” I readjusted my bra and gave him a satisfied smile.

  Hendrix smiled as he stood and helped me stand.

  “We should probably clean any surfaces we use.” I scrunched up my nose in distaste.

  “Then count on cleaning all of them.” Hendrix led me back to the conference room. A flurry of emotions swirled inside me. Although I’d been on the plane, I’d not been in here since …

  Hendrix left the door open and pulled me to him. “I remember when you were back here with Franklin, discussing the outcome of my future when I had amnesia.” He tilted my chin up and placed a gentle kiss on my lips. “Let’s make new memories.”

  He knew how awful it had been for everyone who loved him. I’d sat with Franklin right here, wondering if I’d lost Hendrix forever. But no matter what we’d been through, we always found each other again.

  Hendrix picked me up and sat me on the edge of the table. “Remember Louisiana?” he asked, unbuttoning the rest of my shirt. He removed my top, his focus never leaving my body. “You knocked on my front door…drunk.” He laughed softly.

  “How could I forget?” I bit my lower lip as Hendrix unfastened my bra and eased the straps over my shoulders. He cupped my right breast, and I moaned softly. “We had sex everywhere in your house that night.”

  He groaned at the base of his throat before his lips crashed down on mine. Once again, he pushed my skirt up. I spread my legs, allowing him between them.

  “I need you.” I flipped open his jeans and wrapped my hand around his hard dick. Stroking him firmly, I tilted my head, giving him access as he trailed kisses down my chin and neck. With one quick movement, he buried himself deep inside me.

  My fingers dug into his back as he pumped in and out of me.

  “Gem, babe.” He leaned his forehead against mine, our eyes connecting. “I love you so much.” He cupped the back of my neck and picked up his pace.

  “I love you, too.” My breathing came in short bursts as we continued to rock against each other.

  He leaned me back on the table, never losing his rhythm as his thumb gently stroked my clit. “That’s my girl. Tell me your mine, Gem.”

  “I will never love anyone else as much as I love you,” I whispered, making eye contact with him. “You’re my heart. My air. My reason for being.”

  “Come with me, babe.”

  I leaned back and lost myself in the moment. In him. We were connected. One with each other, and I willingly gave him all of me. My body shuddered with my climax, and with a few more deep thrusts, he stilled, pouring himself into me.

  Hendrix collapsed on top of me and rested his head on my chest. “Those beats are for you.” I played with his hair as we caught our breath.

  “And mine for you.” Hendrix stood up, leaving me cold without the warmth of his body in mine.

  “Let me help.” Hendrix fastened his jeans and collected my bra and shirt. He remained quiet as he dressed me while kissing my shoulder.

  “Are you okay?” I hopped off the table and took his hand.

  “I’m a little nervous about your gift.”

  “Mm, haven’t you figured out I don’t care about gifts? Time alone with you is all I ever need. You’re already giving that to me. I don’t need anything else.”

  Hendrix released a visible sigh. “I guess I needed to hear that.”

  “Babe, don’t ever doubt it.” I traced a heart on his cheek with my fingers then kissed him.

  “Let’s go stretch out in the bedroom. We still have a few hours to go,” he said.

  ***

  It was dark when we arrived in Maine, but I could still make out the turbulent ocean water as Hendrix drove the rental car up the winding coastal road. I’d already asked him a million questions, but the only responses I received were pursed together lips or a smile. I’d finally given up. It didn’t really matter anyway. He was all I wanted.

  Hendrix turned onto a street that led us outside a small town then a few miles later slowed in front of a huge house. The headlights s
hone on the front of the magnificent Victorian home and the Bed & Breakfast sign. The porch wrapped around the side of the house and multiple white rocking chairs were scattered across it.

  “Hang on.” Hendrix parked the car, hopped out, and hurried to my side. He smiled as he opened the door for me.

  “Thank you.” I sucked in the fresh, salty air and waited as Hendrix grabbed our luggage from the trunk. A harsh wind blew in off the water, and I pulled my coat tighter around me.

  “Let’s get inside where it’s warm. This is definitely colder than Spokane.” He shivered as he spoke.

  I giggled as we hurried along the snow cleared sidewalk and up the wide cement stairs. Hendrix ushered me inside and flipped on the outdoor and indoor lights. The warmth of the large fireplace greeted us.

  “Wow,” I whispered. “This is beautiful!” A blazing fire crackled in the living room. Glancing down at the polished wood floors, I noticed a trail of rose petals. I glanced at my fiancé and grinned. “Roses?”

  “Mmhm.” He placed our suitcase in the entrance against the wall and took my hand, then guided us into the dining room near a large row of windows overlooking the coast. “We’re the only ones here. I had the staff prepare the rooms, fire, and food, then they left to give us complete privacy.”

  “Really? You rented it just for us?” I turned around to face him, unable to hide my giddiness and bouncing on my toes. “I can’t wait to see it in the daylight.” The flicker of candles cast a cozy warmth over the room, and Hendrix popped open the champagne bottle waiting for us in the ice bucket. He raised his glass, and we toasted to us.

  I took a sip and studied my surroundings.

  “The entire house has windows like this. You can see for miles and miles.” He pointed toward the ocean.

  “Oh, you’ve been here?” I asked, sipping my drink.

  “Yeah.”

  “When? Did Franklin bring you up here when you were little?” I didn’t miss the sadness that crept over his expression when I’d asked about Franklin. They were super close now, but it hadn’t always been that way. Franklin had battled with alcoholism and made some poor choices when Hendrix was younger. The day had been fantastic so far, and I didn’t want to bring up unwanted memories.

  “We didn’t travel a lot during those years, but I came to check it out when you went to Louisiana for a weekend to follow up on your safe house for rape victims.”

  After Ada Lynn had passed away, she willed me her home and property. My rapist had finally been caught, and it was my time to give back to those who had struggled along the same dark path I’d overcome. I chose to build a safe place for the victims and provide help and counseling.

  “Let me show you the rest of the place before we eat.” He took my hand in his, and we continued the tour. The kitchen was large with restaurant-style appliances and black granite countertops. I wondered how many people the B&B could hold at once.

  “This is the outdoor space.” I followed him through the back door and out onto a covered patio.

  “I bet it’s gorgeous in the summer.” The crash of the waves against the rocks reached my ears, and I snuggled into Hendrix. “Even at night, it’s beautiful.”

  “Just like you.” He gave me a sweet kiss on the top of my head before we went back into the house.

  There were eight bedrooms upstairs, each with a different theme. They all had fireplaces and en suite bathrooms which provided privacy and made for an intimate ambience. My favorite room had a massive four-poster bed and an accent wall with shiplap. For the first time, I spotted the cliff with a walking trail and walked over to the window.

  “Do you like it?” Hendrix wrapped his arms around my waist from behind me.

  “Thank you. It’s perfect, and I love it.”

  “Good. Happy Valentine’s Day.” He leaned down, his soft lips brushing against mine.

  A sigh of contentment escaped me. “Can we stay in this bedroom?”

  “Yeah. This is my favorite, too. I’ll start a fire to knock off the chill.”

  I laughed as he flipped a switch on the wall and grinned. “Done.”

  We hurried downstairs, my tummy growling loudly. “I’m not sure champagne on an empty stomach is a good idea.”

  “Go sit down, babe. I’ll bring you dinner.” Hendrix turned right into the kitchen, and I settled in at the dining room table.

  “Steak and lobster.” He placed a plate with a lid on it in front of me, then one for him. “Before we eat …” Hendrix grew serious.

  “Is something wrong?” Butterflies fluttered in my chest as he disappeared and returned with our luggage. He sank to his knees, opened the suitcase, and produced a manila envelope.

  “This. This is what was in the locked desk drawer.” He handed me the envelope and stood slowly.

  Frowning, I pulled out a thick stack of papers. “What?” I shook my head in confusion. “Hendrix, what is this?”

  “When we were in Louisiana, Ada Lynn told me that when you were ten, you told her you wanted to visit Maine. She said you were absolutely adorable describing the home you wanted to live in.” He gave me a sweet smile. “She went on to give me the specifics of the house or at least what she could remember.”

  I gasped. “This. Oh, my God.” My hands flew over my mouth as tears welled in my eyes. “This is really close to what I had described to her. I mean, I’ve never been here, it was just all in my imagination. Hendrix,” I whispered, tears spilling down my cheeks. “How did you find something so close to what I’d described?”

  “Franklin, Mac, Cade, Pierce, and Janice all helped me. It was really a group effort.”

  “It’s more than I could have ever hoped for, and it’s ours for the entire weekend.” I flung my arms around him.

  He rubbed my back and held me. “It doesn’t have to be, Gem.”

  I pulled away from him as he wiped my tears of happiness away with the pad of his thumb.

  “What do you mean?” Then, it dawned on me what the papers were.

  “Let’s get married here. Let’s set a date and have the ceremony on the cliff with all our friends and family. Let’s start our next chapter right here,” he said softly.

  More tears.

  “Let’s vacation here. Anytime we need to escape from the crowds of people calling our names, let’s come here. If you say yes, the house is ours.”

  More stupid tears. Overcome with gratitude and love for this amazing man who was mine, I flung my arms around him and buried my face in his neck. “Yes. Yes.” I wiped my cheek. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, babe. I wanted to start our future together in a place you love.”

  “It’s all so amazing. I’m just a little overwhelmed.” I fanned myself with my hand. No one had to tell me my cheeks were flushed. I could feel it.

  After I calmed down, we signed the house papers.

  “This is our first big purchase together. Congratulations, babe.” Hendrix gave me a long passionate kiss. “Let’s eat, then I’ve got something else for you.”

  “What?” My shoulders sagged. “My gift to you…was ruined. We were so busy with the performance in Seattle; I ran out of time to do something else for you.”

  Hendrix responded with a gentle smile. “I have you. It’s all I need. Eat.”

  Half an hour later, we had full bellies, and the champagne had relaxed me. I definitely felt better, plus I was excited to see the B&B…our new house in the daylight.

  Hendrix cleared our plates, then we refilled our glasses and went to the living room. I sat on the navy-blue and white striped couch as Hendrix reached behind a matching chair and produced a guitar case.

  I laughed. “You’re full of surprises. When did you bring that in? I never even saw it on the plane.”

  “Dad loaded it for me. You were in the restroom at the airport after we landed when I slipped it in the trunk of the car, then when you were checking out the kitchen, I ran like a madman and brought it in.” He chuckled and took it out of the case. He played
a few chords and hummed.

  I tucked my feet beneath me and watched as the flames in the fireplace cast shadows around the room. We’d not bothered to turn the lights on, which was perfect and incredibly romantic.

  “This is the song I’ve been working on like crazy. I was going to play it for you if you said yes to the house… And, you did. This is for you, Gem.”

  There is no me without you

  You’re the beat of my heart

  The air I crave

  All I need is you by my side

  Let me love you through the night

  Just leave everyone behind

  Say you’ll be mine

  Say you’ll be mine

  I need all of you

  With all of me

  Your heart, your soul

  The essence of you

  Let me love you the rest of our days

  Just leave it all behind

  Say you’ll be mine