by CORY CYR
I pulled out and rolled off, facing her. “Made for fucking, huh? Not something I’d put on a resume,” I remarked.
“I still can’t believe you held out for so long. Girls must have been in abundance. Doesn’t Alaska have more women than men?”
I snickered. “Nope, not true, and even if it were, I was willing to wait until I loved someone, and hopefully they would love me back. I want what my parents have. I suppose I’m kind of a romantic.”
“But you told me their love wasn’t perfect. They had problems and conflicts,” she commented.
I sat up. “No true relationship is without complications, and from what I know, they had tons. I mean, my mom used to babysit my dad. How’s that for a bizarre situation?”
“You said your mom is older. It sounds like even though your dad was younger, he had experience. That probably made a difference.”
“Trust me. The age gap mattered, to my mom at least. My dad pursued her until she finally relented. You know, that Michaels charm. They had a ton of potholes to get through. My dad’s ex-girlfriend, my grandmother, and worst of all, my mom’s husband. Getting their happy ending wasn’t easy, but they persevered, and here we are. When you talk about baggage, they had a ton.”
“Ah, your dad the womanizer. I mean, before he got together with your mom.”
“Big time manwhore,” I replied before realizing what I’d said. “I shouldn’t have said that. My dad’s a good guy and a great father. His sexual extracurricular activities were before my mom came back to Alaska.” I paused, sweeping my hand through my hair. “This is shit I mentioned before and shouldn’t even be telling you. Private family stuff,” I confessed.
Gabe was biting her lip as though she wanted to say something but wouldn’t. “So I guess screwing is in your blood. Maybe it’s a gene thing.”
Snorting, I captured her hand in mine. “I doubt that since you’re the one who stole my virginity.”
“Are you sorry about the sex or that it was me?”
“Are you kidding? I waited for both. I’m glad it was you.”
She snuggled next to me as my hand traveled south and found refuge inside her. My dick hurt, and I knew she had to be sore. As the snow continued, she fell asleep on my chest, our legs tangled together. This was a peace I’d never known. It felt too perfect, and I knew I was pretending what I wanted this to be. It left me with a gnawing sensation in my gut. That feeling of trepidation. Uncertainty.
I could second-guess myself later. For the first time, I had the semblance of a relationship, even if it was one-sided. I didn’t care; I could carry us both. Right now, Gabe was lying beside me.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Riley
A s I woke, Gray’s tongue swiped across my arm, his bad breath permeating the room. Gabe must have let him in sometime during the night. She slept silently, her head still on my chest. I carefully moved out from under her and padded next door to the bathroom, Gray trailing right behind.
Fuck, this cold is piercing, I thought as I rubbed my arms in response, hoping to inspire warmth.
“God, you’re nosey. Quit staring. It’s hard enough to pee naked. I think my dick has shriveled from the cold.”
“Are you having a conversation with your dog?” Gabe asked with a groan, coming to stand in the doorway, wrapped in a quilt. “Hurry up and come back. I miss my hot water bottle.”
“Can I at least brush my teeth and let Gray out?”
“Sure, no problem. But I want to be the recipient of those oral skills when you come back to bed, so skip the toothbrush.”
I growled. “Trying to piss here.” My cock thickened as I stood there, making urination impossible. Between that woman and my dog, this was useless. I finally gave up and walked back into the room.
Gabe stared at my erection. “Is that for me?” she teased, scrunching a pillow behind her with a sexy smile. “I have something for you, too,” she propositioned, flipping back the blankets. She spread her legs wide, her clit extended.
My mind was mush and my willpower toast. I began stroking my shaft. Her eyes glazed over as she moaned. I watched as her lips became swollen, and she separated the seam while pinching the tip of her rigid nub. My dick stiffened further, tipping upward, precum dripping from its slit. My head fell back as my breathing staggered. When Gabe inserted two fingers deep into her pussy, I snapped. Ignoring how cold I was and Gray’s needs, I circled one hand around my length, using my own lubrication to decrease the friction as my palm glided up to the crown and down to my sack.
I heard a sigh from her direction as she licked her dripping fingers. Oh God, I went as fast as I could. My balls began to tingle and go taut as my release roared to the surface. I continued my up-and-down motion until each drop had discharged, on my belly, my hand, and the tops of my legs. I was a mess.
Gabe motioned for me to come to her. She sat up, using her tongue to lap up the remaining come on my cock and stomach.
I grunted. “As good as that is, I feel sticky everywhere. Hold that thought and I’ll return the favor. Eating pussy is actually something I excel at.”
She giggled, falling back on her pillow.
Upstairs in my bathroom, I wiped myself clean. Gray was circling me, which meant he had to go and probably wanted food. I grabbed my sweatpants and thermal shirt out of the hamper, then walked back into my bedroom, dressing quickly. Gray nipped at my feet as I walked downstairs to the living room.
Seizing my coat off a hook and rain boots off the floor, I geared up for the onslaught of snow and sleet. “Come on, boy. Let’s do this, then get you some breakfast.” I bent down and looked him straight in the eyes. “You do know you’re keeping me from my woman. I need to eat, too.” I laughed as he shook his head and whined.
We stepped out into the yard, and my entire body deflated, including my hard-on. I was sure if Gray still had his balls, they’d be frozen off. He immediately did his duty and wanted back in the house. I bagged his mess, placing it in the trash, and hurriedly followed him inside.
Shaking off my coat, I dropped it on the floor, then pulled off my boots. After stoking the flames in the fireplace, I turned up the thermostat and then walked into the kitchen.
Gray danced around me as I poured dog food into a bowl, beginning to cry. “Seriously? You are a male pittie. Be a man,” I demanded with a smile. His tail wagged as he ate.
Gabe was waiting for me.
I quickly moved to the bedroom, removing clothes as I went. My God, I wanted her. I couldn’t get enough. I loathed myself for feeling so needy. If we weren’t snowed in or she hadn’t pursued me, would we be fucking now?
I had to stop second-guessing myself and enjoy what was presented to me. It was clear why Megan finally had enough and walked away after almost two years. She wanted this. You never feel closer or more loved by a person than when you’re inside them.
I had cared about Megan, but those feelings never grew stronger, at least not enough to fuck her. She’d admitted she loved me, and having sex with her would have only fueled that fire.
What Gabe and I had was indecisive. I had to be honest, at least to myself; we’d made a verbal agreement. I knew where I stood. I didn’t like it, but if I wanted to be with her, I needed to accept it. I wanted more, but a relationship with Gabe was ridiculous. The age gap might have worked for my parents, but that was different. I was nothing like my dad. I didn’t know how to go after what I wanted. I also remembered my dad’s sex talk when I was thirteen.
Just because it’s your first time doesn’t mean it’s love.
I strolled toward the bed, naked. Gabe’s eyes skimmed my body. “God, you’re beautiful,” she murmured as she patted the space beside her.
Testing her desire, I held a devious smirk. “How bad do you want me?” My tongue darted out between my lips and touched the tip of my nose.
“If you’re going to brag, prove it. I’ll only be impressed if you know how to use that long tongue.”
I stepped closer. “Are you w
et for me?”
Gabe balked. “I’m soaked and my clit is thumping like a drum.”
Christ, she was much better at dirty talk than I was. I wondered how many men had come before me and would come after me, already defeating myself. “I’m sure I’m not the first man to make you wet.”
“Riley, please, don’t ruin this. I’m older, so you have to know I’ve had others. I’m not going to apologize for that.”
“How many?” I queried, my dick beginning to soften.
“Your age is showing, along with your insecurities. You’re being a child. What does it matter? I’m here with you now.”
“How many?” I repeated, crossing my arms.
Her demeanor went dark. “Nine. I’ve been with nine. Happy now?”
I was sure shock was evident in my expression. I wasn’t expecting that many. “So I make it an even ten?”
“Actually, you’re number nine. Now stop acting like an immature idiot and get in this bed. You’re pissing me off. Quit overanalyzing what’s happening and savor the moment.”
I reluctantly got into the bed. It didn’t matter what my conscience was saying; my body responded immediately. Gabe’s hands cupped my face, and she kissed me deeply as my flesh swelled. My fingertips rotated her nipples, pinching them erect. My right hand dropped to her mons as I separated her lips. I pushed her back from the kiss as I pressed my palm to the wetness of her cleft, then brought it to my mouth. Her taste was a mix of body wash and sex. I offered the slickness to her and watched as she tasted herself.
Her hand shifted to my dick, but I pushed it away. “This is supposed to be about you. Let me pleasure you better than the other eight,” I demanded, fuming. I knew I was acting like a brat, a pout on my face.
I got out of bed and fell to my knees, then rested her legs on my shoulders. Parting her lips, I slid my tongue in. Gabe squirmed as I touched the tip of her clit. My tongue laved her core. Her body arched as my hands caressed her thighs. I felt a sense of gratification as I teased her nub with my teeth, then buried myself deep while tasting all of her.
Gabe’s legs quivered, and she whimpered as my fingers explored her pussy. Her muscles contracted, and a moan echoed in the room. She was soaked, and my cock trembled as I stood, holding her legs tightly. Pulling her to the edge of the bed, her legs dangling, I positioned my shaft as I entered her. My head fell back as I savored the taste in my mouth and the tightness of the hold on my length. I pumped furiously, each thrust matching my heartbeat. Bending so my hands could grasp her breasts, my stroke lingered a moment, orgasm impending. I could feel it welling up. Gabe’s hands fisted the quilts as she writhed back and forth and I drove myself again deeply.
“Riley…” she whispered. “I can’t take any more. I need to come. Please let me.”
My brain began to tick off everything that had happened recently as I buried myself inside her.
Lost virginity.
Anal sex.
Blowjob.
Eating her.
Fucking her.
Having her.
Mine.
No matter how I thought about it, I wanted her, but more important, I wanted Gabe to want me. Everything I’d ever thought was wrong. Two years with Megan, but fucking her wouldn’t have made me want her. Every girl I’d been with was just a proxy until Gabe.
Fucking shit, I was becoming my father. I hated this emotional attachment because I was the one that would end up hurt.
I gritted my teeth as I locked eyes with her. Letting out a feral cry, I emptied into her, grunting as each stroke became slower than the one before. I lifted each of her legs from my shoulders and placed them on the bed, hearing her relieved sigh. My breathing shuddered as I lay beside her, and I was surprised as she laced her fingers with mine.
I kissed her knuckles as I had in the restaurant. “Please don’t make me feel anything. It scares the hell out of me,” I confessed. Too late for that admission.
She turned toward me. “It’s the sex. It makes all men insane,” she joked.
“I’m serious, Gabe. Don’t be the one that hurts me.”
“I thought we both decided this was just pleasuring each other. No attachment. Are you changing your mind?” she asked.
“I apologize if me having feelings impedes all of this. I certainly didn’t expect it. It’s difficult to keep our bargain.”
“You’re not the only one in this duet that feels something.” She stopped, then looked away. “We would never work. There are things you don’t know about me. Things that would fuck us up. Hell, knowing the truth would fuck everyone up. You weren’t supposed to be… the way you are… You’re too sweet, Riley, and no matter what, I can’t walk away. I should, but I can’t. You’re the only one who erases my pain.”
“Tell me why you came here. No one just relocates to Alaska.”
She sat up, placing pillows behind her. “My father died over a year ago, and my mother’s a liar. Can we not discuss her? My entire life is a sore subject, and moving here has helped me forget.”
“Jesus, Gabe. I can’t imagine. I’m so sorry. If I lost my dad, it would kill me,” I uttered, squeezing her hand. Just the thought of losing either one of my parents made me ache with loss. “What can I do?” I asked, knowing I could do nothing but try to comfort her. I sensed there was much more but chose not to push. “I’m here if you want to share your truth. Whatever you need, my shoulders are available.”
She reached over and pressed a kiss to my lips. I leaned back and held her in my arms, her head lying under my chin. Sleep was imminent and welcomed.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Riley
I was jarred awake by a loud voice. Gabe’s side of the bed was empty. I could hear her yelling as I yanked the blankets off. After pulling on my sweats and socks, I cracked the door quietly, poking my head out of the room toward the angry sound. It was obviously a private discussion, so I held back as she spoke to someone on the phone.
“I don’t have to tell you where I am. You obviously tracked my whereabouts. God, Mother, can’t you just leave me alone? I know all about you. You never loved my father. I hate you,” she snapped into the receiver.
I stepped back into the bedroom.
Wow, she was shouting at her mom. I couldn’t imagine because I was so close to mine. I hadn’t known Gabe that long, but I was shocked at her tone. I knew she hadn’t told her mother where she really relocated. To be fair, she was an adult and didn’t owe her the truth, but I couldn’t imagine disrespecting my parents that way.
“Look. I know you deceived Father and, in turn, me. You never loved us. I found your keepsake box with all the pictures. I have my own life now, and it doesn’t include you. I wonder if Father ever knew the real you…” She paused. “Oh, I doubt that. You’re still lying. By the way, I’m going to block you now. Good-bye.” There was a loud crack, and I realized she had thrown the phone.
I walked out and embraced her waist.
“I suppose you heard?”
“I did hear some. I’m sorry I eavesdropped, but you were rather loud,” I admitted.
“What did you hear?” she asked, rotating in my arms.
“Your mom lied, you’re pissed, and something about photos. None of my business unless you want to talk about it. How’d she find you anyway?”
“Some investigator. My mother has ways to get what she wants. And right now, she wants to find me. Goddamn control freak.”
I kissed the top of her head. “Should you be dissing your mother? I mean, she is your mom.”
Her head tilted up. “Just because you have a good rapport with yours doesn’t mean every family is the same. You have to understand my mother lied about everything. She doesn’t care about me. She only enjoys the authority. Besides—” She stopped abruptly. “Never mind.”
“I’m here if you need me. I’ve been told I’m a good listener.” I gave Gabe a moment to respond, but she remained silent. “Let me put on a shirt. Then how about we make some food? I’m starved.
Must be all that physical activity,” I commented as I tickled her.
Her hands caught mine. She caressed the planes of my chest, then rubbed my biceps. “I like your chest. It’s manly.” She laughed.
I smirked. “Yeah, well, this manly chest is cold.” I stepped back from her and walked into the bedroom, picking up my shirt. Moving to the bathroom, I combed water through my hair and rinsed with mouthwash.
Gabe was in the kitchen when I padded back into the living room. As I tossed another log on the fire, I noted the woodpile was getting low.
Gabe poked her head out of the kitchen. “Since we can’t order pizza, how about cheese bread and soup? There isn’t a ton of stuff in the pantry because I bought mainly perishables when I bought groceries that first day.
“Sound okay?” she asked, stepping back into the kitchen.
“Sounds good. I guess it is somewhat late for breakfast.” I agreed, strolling toward her voice. “Gabe, don’t be angry at your mom. She’s the only one you have.”
I watched as she placed cheese on sourdough bread and slid it in the toaster oven. My stomach growled loudly.
She spun and glared at me. “It’s complicated, me and my mother. She ruins everything eventually.”
Something felt off. I’d always had a good sense of premonition. A chill coursed up my spine, and it wasn’t from the temperature.
I grasped Gabe’s elbow and pulled her to me. Before I slipped my tongue into her mouth, I nibbled her lip. She released a soft sigh as she pressed herself against me. Kissing her was my way of ignoring my brain screaming its warning at me.
Gray must have smelled the food the minute we sat. He came around and began to whine and beg, so I ripped off a piece of my bread and gave it to him.
“Giving him people food.” Gabe shook her head. “You know better.”
I shrugged. “It’s just something I do occasionally. A little bread won’t hurt him,” I commented, patting his head. He licked my hand and sat. “Sorry, that’s all you get.”
