It’s now or never, and never can’t happen when it comes to her.
Our lips burn hot when they collide, our tongues rolling over each other in a long, anticipated dance. Her hands dig and claw into my back, holding me to her as I take our kiss deeper. God, I’ve wanted her for so long. I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life.
We sway into each other as we pull away to catch our breaths, the momentum of our frenzied kiss throwing us both off balance. I cup her cheek tenderly in my hand.
“I’m so sorry I was harsh earlier. I need you to know I never cared enough before, but with you, I feel things I’ve never felt. I care about things I’ve never cared about. I want to experience everything with you, but at the same time, do absolutely nothing but spend the rest of my life with you. Is that crazy?”
“It’s not crazy. I feel the same way. I’m drawn to you. From the first moment I saw you at the bar, I’ve been pulled in your direction. I never strayed far from the RV in Nashville. I watched you for days come and go, wanting to go to you but not wanting to need you. It seems we’re being thrown together.” She presses her cheek to my chest and hugs me tightly.
“We’re being thrown together, and for whatever reason, we need to stop fighting it. I want you here with me. I want to get to know you. I want to experience your good days and bad ones, learn what makes you cry and what makes you laugh so hard you cry. We’re going to falter and say the wrong things at times. It’s the growing pains of getting to know each other, but we can’t run. Promise me no more running?”
Her eyes search mine and soften a little. She cups my face with her delicate hands and presses her lips to mine with a kiss that speaks volumes of promises to come. “No more running,” she affirms. “C’mon. Let’s get back.”
“Do you want to drive us back into the city?”
A smile spreads across her pretty face. It brightens my whole world.
“Are you kidding me? Hell yes.”
I hand her the key fob.
“Can I open her up and see if she’ll do eighty?” Her eyes dance in anticipation of my response.
“Can you pay the speeding ticket?” I chuckle under my breath.
Those perfect pouty lips turn me on. “All right then. I guess we’ll go the speed limit.”
20
Teddy
When we get back from our drive, we leave New Orleans. Carter kisses me gently and goes to take a nap. I help Derek navigate the next leg of our trip. We end up driving into Texas. When we’re on the outskirts of Houston, we finally stop for sleep.
I wake up feeling giddy. I can’t wait to see Carter. I don’t want to be that girl—the one who’s clingy and needy—but I seriously need this man. Like, he makes me feel…alive. It’s the only word I can think of to describe it.
I get out of bed, eager to see Carter, but he’s not in the living area.
“Derek, is Carter still sleeping?” I ask, sliding into the seat across from him at the table with a cup of coffee. He pushes a box of muffins at me.
“Yeah. He was up for a bit but went back to bed.”
I frown, a niggling feeling that something isn’t right with him.
“Is everything OK with him?” I press, worry settling in my guts.
Derek shrugs, his eyes focused on the muffin that he’s picking apart. “He’s just stressed.”
“You guys keep talking about this stress, and I totally understand why he should be, but when we were out yesterday, I looked at his phone. He had over four hundred missed texts. Don’t get me started on the missed phone calls. Is he in trouble or something?” I lean forward and plead with my eyes for Derek to tell me anything.
“It’s stress. He’s not in any sort of trouble other than that. If he wants to tell you about it, he will,” Derek says gently, peering into his coffee mug. “Carter is a complicated man. Don’t push him on it. When he wants to talk to you about his troubles, he will.”
“You just said he’s not in trouble—”
“He’s not. It’s stress.”
I scoff, hating that word. Fine. Carter is stressed. Maybe he needs un-stressing. I don’t touch my coffee. Instead, I get to my feet and go to his room and tap on the door gently. He doesn’t answer, so I slide it open and peer at him. He has little dots of sweat on his forehead, and his t-shirt clad chest is heaving as he pulls in ragged breaths. His hand is clenched on his blanket. A whimper comes from his mouth. Molly lets out a whine as she curls against him, her nose nuzzling him, trying to wake him.
Immediately, I’m at his side. He’s dreaming something bad.
“Carter,” I murmur, cupping his damp cheek. “Carter. Hey. Wake up.”
His long lashes flutter, his eyes unfocused for a minute as he stares at me, confusion evident on his face. He looks lost and scared. Vulnerable. Nothing like the strong man I know he is. It’s a look that breaks my heart.
“Teddy Bear,” he murmurs, coming to. His lips brush against mine as he pulls me to him, his arms a vice around me. His kiss is fire on my lips. I moan against him as his hand finds my breast over my tank top, giving it a tender squeeze.
Molly jumps from the bed, her nails clicking as she retreats to Derek.
“The door is open,” I whisper against Carter’s lips as he rolls me onto my back, his body leveled over mine.
Derek calls out to Molly, then the door to the RV opens and closes, signaling he’s taken her out.
“It won’t be a problem,” he whispers, his lips skimming a trail along my jaw.
I respond by twining my fingers through his hair, drawing his face closer to mine. His tongue sweeps against mine, leaving me breathless. I’m desperate to have him, my hips lifting up to meet the grind of his hard length against my thin pajama shorts.
He trails kisses down my neck to my collarbone before he tugs my tank top off, taking my bra with it. With nimble fingers, my shorts and panties come off next, tossed to the floor.
His eyes are locked on mine as I breathe hard.
“What do you want, Teddy Bear,” he growls, his eyes sweeping over my body. I can see the massive bulge straining against his pajama bottoms.
“I want you,” I manage to breathe out. “All of you.”
His mouth captures mine again, and his fingers tangle in my hair briefly then trail down to squeeze my bare breasts. Hot lips make haste following his hands and finding a pebbled bud. He pulls it into his mouth, causing a gasp to fall from my lips as he suckles. His fingers slide through my slick folds like a man on a mission.
“Oh God,” I gasp as a finger finds the warm bundle of nerves. He rubs me, and I shamelessly buck into his hand as he strokes me gently, curling up and hitting all the right places. He adds another one which causes my eyes to roll back in my head as the pressure grows, the tingling making me whimper.
“Give it to me,” he commands with a rasp, his fingers moving faster, bringing me to new heights.
I’m so delirious with pleasure that a garble of words exits my mouth as my pussy clenches around his fingers, drenching the sheets and his hand.
He buries is face in my neck, his fingers slowing as I come crashing back down to Earth.
“Good girl,” he murmurs in my ear. “My good girl.”
21
Carter
Teddy’s breaths come in short, sharp gasps as her orgasm crashes down around her. There’s something about being the one to give it to her that sends a thrill of satisfaction through me.
I let out a low hiss as she finds the waistband of my pajama bottoms and wraps her fingers around my aching cock. Her eyes meet mine in a silent plea, and I’d be a fool not to let her have what she wants.
She strokes me, my eyes rolling back in my head at the euphoria her warm touch brings. I push my pants down to give her better access. Her green eyes widen as she takes all of me in. I can’t help the smirk that crowds my lips.
Yeah, baby. It’s all for you.
A pink flush covers her cheeks and bare breasts, making my heart jackknife
in my chest. I’ve never been with such a beautiful woman before. Sure, I’ve tapped some hot chicks in my day, but not one of them excites me like Teddy does.
My mouth meets hers in a desperate plea for release as her hand moves faster on my dick. I’m so fucking close to release. I can’t stand it. The tingling builds in my lower spine. My hand finds hers and helps her pump me.
“Fuck,” I hiss, my toes curling into the mattress as I find release. My whole body feels electric, the current of euphoria flowing through me. I’m breathing heavy, my vision still dotted from the incredible orgasm delivered by her hand.
“I’ll be right back,” her voice is soft as her lips brush against mine. A moment later, my bed is empty except for me, her distance making me ache. Water flows in the bathroom for a moment before she pads back to me, her naked body crawling up the bed and her dark hair a wild mess around her.
“You’re beautiful,” I whisper in awe of her. “Come here.”
She does as I command, cuddling beneath the blanket, her warm, bare body curled up against mine. My arms wrap around her in a hold she’ll never be able to break away from.
“That was fun,” she giggles softly, her head resting against my chest.
“Most fun I’ve ever had,” I say, giving her a tender squeeze.
She wiggles against me, making me bite back a groan. “Carter?”
“Teddy?” I look down at her. Her hand moves to rest on my abdomen.
“Did it help?”
“Did what help, sweetheart?”
“What we did, did it help with your stress?”
I let out a soft chuckle and tilt her chin up so I can plant a sweet kiss on her lips.
“It’s stressing me out to know that I want you even more if that’s possible—all of you.”
“You can have me—”
“And I will, Teddy Bear, but I want it to be perfect just like you.” I kiss her again.
“Aw, are you saving yourself, Carter George?” she teases, grinning at me.
I let out a soft laugh. “Baby, the best parts of me were meant for you.”
“This sun is killing me,” I mutter, pushing my aviators onto my face. I’m sitting in the front of the Beastmaster with Derek as we drive to San Antonio, Texas—home of the Alamo. Teddy is resting, worn out from our morning tryst in my bed.
“You take your meds?” Derek asks, glancing over at me.
I nod, hating those fucking pills.
We’re quiet for a moment before Derek talks again, “Have you considered experimental treatments, Carter? I was looking online last night and saw there’s a doctor in Baltimore who’s studying your disease. It sounds like he’s close to a breakthrough.
Had he asked me that a few weeks ago, I’d have blown him off. Now my mind wanders to Teddy. I can’t leave her. On the other hand, I know our time is limited. I don’t want her to see me fucking wither away on my deathbed.
“I don’t know,” I mutter, leaning my head back against the seat. “Doc says it’s a lost cause. Plus, doing it will take away from all of this.” I gesture to the open road. “What if I do it and die anyway? Then I’ll miss out on the last fucking trip I’ll ever take, unless you count the one down to hell.”
Derek rolls his eyes at me. “You’re a dead man if you don’t. Trying it might buy you a little more time. Not only for your trip if you recover, but for her.”
I snap my head in his direction, my eyes narrowing. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t play dumb with me, Carter. I know you and Teddy are messing around.” His head tilts as his lips twist and frown as he sees me open my mouth. “Don’t even try to deny that shit. I heard you. Why the hell do you think I took Molly out?”
I smirk at him, knowing I’m caught. “Fine. You win. There’s something going on between us. And yeah, I want to stick around for her.” I swallow hard and let out a deep breath. “I think she’s the one, you know?”
I let out a yip as Derek nearly drives off the road, his eyes wide with shock.
“Don’t kill us, damnit!” I say, relaxing as he gets control of the Beastmaster.
“Sorry, but are you saying you’ve fallen for her?”
I let out a soft chuckle, shaking my head. “Yeah, guess I have or am. I don’t know. It’s my first time doing this shit.”
“A little word of advice,” Derek says, glancing at me before continuing, “figure out what your plan is. If you’re just going to go back to New York to die in your high-rise, then you need to let her go before this really starts. If you plan on trying to fix this, then you need to let her know what’s going on. She’s been asking. She’s a smart girl. You won’t fool her for long.”
“I tried to tell her during the car ride, but she didn’t believe me.” I snort. “Hell, I can’t even believe it, and the shit is inside me, ruining my life.” I grow quiet for a moment. “I’ll tell her. Just not yet. I want to enjoy being normal for a little bit.”
“Fine. I get it.” Derek nods. “But don’t wait until the last minute to do something about this. And by this, I mean telling her and seeking out this possible treatment.”
I don’t say anything. Instead, I pet Molly’s head as she sidles up next to me. She’s always there when I start to feel down.
This might be the lowest I’ve felt in a long time though. There’s only one thing that’ll make it better, and she’s asleep in my bed.
22
Teddy
“I love all this traveling, but this heat sucks,” I say as we step out into the near hundred-degree weather of San Antonio. We’ve done nothing but lounge around in the Beastmaster for the past twenty-four hours while we try to catch up on sleep.
Carter smirks at me, his hand landing on my waist. “You could wear less clothes,” he murmurs in my ear. Despite the heat of the day, his words send a torrent of shivers through me.
“So could you,” I say, planting a kiss on his cheek.
He grins down at me, his eyes bright. Despite the dark circles around his eyes, he looks happy.
“Hey, guys,” Derek calls out, jogging over to us.
Carter doesn’t seem to care if Derek knows we’ve grown closer. He pulls me to him and presses a kiss to the top of my head.
“What’s up?” Carter asks.
“There’s going to be a flash music mob in the park down the street. I think we should go to it. Sounds like fun. Teddy can play her guitar and sing.”
“That does sound like fun,” I say, looking to Carter, really hoping he’s on board with the idea.
“I’m game.” He smiles down at me. “Get your guitar, Teddy Bear.”
I spin to go back to the RV but stop and turn back to the guys. “I’ll only do it if you guys do it too.”
Carter and Derek look at each other, eyebrows raised.
“Baby, I can’t sing for shit,” Carter starts as Derek shakes his head.
“So? Do it for the adventure,” I argue, challenging them. “When will you ever get a chance to do something like this again in your life?”
Carter blows out a breath and nods. “You’re right. I might not ever get another chance like this again. I’m in. Derek?”
“Damnit,” he groans as I plant a hand on my hip and tap my foot. “Fine. I’ll do it. If we get kicked out, you just remember it was your idea.” He points a finger at me for emphasis.
I grin at him before flouncing away to the RV to grab my guitar.
When I return, it’s to see Carter and Derek in deep discussion, both peering down at Derek’s phone. I figure Derek is just showing him our next adventure. When I reach them, Derek darkens his screen before stuffing it into his pocket.
“Ready?” Carter asks.
“Ready,” I say, suspicious of what they’re up to. If either of them takes notice, they make no mention of it. Instead, Carter’s arm wraps promptly around my waist after he takes my guitar from me.
“Have we thought any more about camping?” Derek asks as we make our way to the park.
“Aw, does my princess not like the outdoors?” Carter teases me.
I chuckle. “More like I hate mosquitoes.”
Derek nods. “I hate them too, but it’s so much fun to be in the middle of nowhere.”
“I like nowhere,” Carter says, squeezing my hip with his fingers. “And didn’t you say you wanted to get lost, Teddy Bear? This seems like the perfect opportunity to do that.”
“I did say that,” I muse, impressed with him remembering. “But I also don’t want to get eaten.”
“No?” Carter gives me a wolfish grin that has me flushing.
“You know what I mean.” I bump my hip against him, causing him to hold me closer.
“I think we’re here,” Derek calls out.
He’s right. There are hundreds of people gathered around with their instruments. My heart lurches in my chest like it does every time I prepare to perform. It’s the rush. The excitement.
“You’re so beautiful when you smile,” Carter murmurs in my ear, pulling me out of my thoughts.
His words only make me grin wider.
“Here. I’ll go find who’s in charge.” He hands me my guitar before placing a kiss on my lips that makes the butterflies dance in my belly.
“You really like him,” Derek says when Carter is out of sight.
“I do,” I admit, biting my bottom lip. “He’s everything I’ve ever dream of, actually.”
Derek nods thoughtfully. “Get him to talk, Teddy. He needs you. You’ll save him. I’m not supposed to talk to you about this stuff, but Carter needs someone to love. I can see he’s falling hard for you. I’m hoping you’re what he needs to help him get through the… stress he’s under.”
“Save him?” My breath catches.
Sweetest Obsessions - Anthology Page 71
