Sweetest Obsessions - Anthology

by Anthony, Jane

  “Are you feeling better?” she asks, the worry evident on her face. It breaks my heart.

  I force out a smile. “Yes, Teddy Bear.” I kiss the tip of her nose. “I’m fine.”

  “Carter, you really had me worried this morning. I-I’ve never seen you like that before. Migraines don’t cause that—”

  “Mine do. OK?” I brush a stray piece of hair away from her face. “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine. I feel better already.” I force a smile onto my face.

  She bites her bottom lip before nodding at me, uncertainty in her eyes.

  “Carter, if you’re lying to me—”

  “Then I’ll let you spank me.” I give her a playful wink, making a grin dance onto her plump lips.

  “If you want rough, I can do rough,” she teases.

  I grab her pert ass cheeks and tug her so close there isn’t any air between us.

  “Oh, I want rough, Teddy Bear.” I nip at her ear. She shivers against me, her breath hitching. “Someday, I’m going to bury myself in your sweet, little ass and conquer all of you.”

  “I want that,” she whispers in a choked voice.

  I chuckle softly. “Me too.”

  Before I can lead her away to do just that, because hey, I’m on borrowed time, Derek calls out to me, “Carter, you have a phone call.”

  I pull away from Teddy and pat my pockets, looking for my phone. I thought I had it with me. I glance up to see Derek lifting it from the folding chair I’d been sitting in.

  “Who is it?”

  “Abrams,” Derek says, glancing from the screen to me.

  I peek down at Teddy. She’s staring at Derek with narrowed eyes. Damn her and her intuition.

  I shrug at Derek. “Let it go to voicemail.”

  “But—”

  “Voicemail, Derek. I doubt he has anything I need to listen to.”

  Derek puts my phone down and grumbles before going back to setting up a portable grill.

  “Want to see the inside of my tent?” I murmur in Teddy’s ear, picking up my thoughts where I left off.

  She giggles, her hand rubbing against the front of my basketball shorts where my bulge is growing. “Aren’t you tired? We just had sex a few hours ago.”

  “Teddy,” I admonish in mock shock. “You dirty girl. I asked if you wanted to see my tent not fuck me.”

  She throws her head back, her exquisite neck on display, as a loud laugh falls from her lips. I grin at her reaction.

  “You think you’re so clever, Carter George. You know if you take me back to your tent what’s going to happen.”

  “Mm, maybe you should enlighten me,” I say, grinning wider. I like where this is going.

  My phone rings again, interrupting us.

  “I think you need to answer your phone.”

  “I think you need to answer me.” I raise a brow at her. My phone stops ringing.

  “I’m going to bend over and let you conquer all of me. That’s what will happen,” her voice is a low purr which has my heart thrashing madly in my chest.

  “Promise?” I growl.

  “Yes.”

  My phone rings again.

  “Damn it,” I hiss, drawing away from her. I haul in a few deep breaths to calm my dick as she laughs knowingly. I don’t really want to go over where Derek is working on the grill with a raging boner.

  The phone stops ringing as I pick it up. I move to silence the damn thing when it jingles once more, Doctor Abram’s name flashing across the screen. I cast a hasty glance at Teddy who’s gone to help Derek put burgers on the grill. Taking it as my opportunity to see what the hell he wants, I answer it, moving away from the campsite for privacy.

  “You’re really ruining my day—” I start.

  “Carter, I have news,” Doctor Abrams plows on. “Do you have a moment?”

  I frown and peek at Teddy and Derek. Molly is dancing around them as Derek tries to get her to roll over for a hot dog. Teddy is laughing, not paying attention to me.

  “Yeah, make it quick,” I say, moving further away from the campsite.

  “I was at a conference over the weekend. Are you sitting down?”

  “No.” I move deeper into the woods, my heart rate kicking up. “But if you don’t tell me what you called for, the anxiety you’re putting me under might put me on my ass.”

  “There’s a treatment option,” he bursts out, breathless. My breath catches in my throat.

  “What?”

  “For your condition. I know I should’ve waited to talk to you about it, but I’ve already forwarded your medical records to this facility. I think you’ve got a shot, Carter.”

  I run my shaking fingers through my hair. The idea of more time causes butterflies to take flight in my gut. “T-Tell m-me more.”

  “A doctor with wild ideas and a shit ton of talent is heading the research team for it. The man is a genius, Carter. I listened to his seminar. The things he’s proposing sound impossible, but I think he can safely remove the larger tumors then shrink the rest with a drug his team has been studying.”

  “H-How do I get this s-started?” I ask, closing my eyes and willing the stuttering to stop. “What are t-the numbers for s-survival?”

  Doctor Abrams quiets on the line for so long I think I’ve lost him.

  “Phil?”

  “Sorry, Carter.” Doctor Abrams sighs. “I can’t tell you the numbers.”

  “Why not?” I demand.

  “Because there are none. He’s never done it before.”

  “What?” I hiss. “Then why the hell are you calling me about it?”

  “It’s a chance, Carter. The way I see it, you’re a dead man. You’ve got maybe five months tops, and that’s if we’re being optimistic. You’re losing control of your speech. The last time we spoke, you said you were experiencing numbness and loss of coordination in your hands and feet. Plus with your headaches and dizziness—”

  “Yeah, well if his miracle operation kills me—”

  “You’re already dead, Carter. Get it through your head. Don’t look at this as a risk. Look at it as a chance.”

  “But if it doesn’t work…,” my voice trails off.

  “Then you die anyway. Not to sound harsh, Carter, but I’d much rather die under anesthesia than waste away in a bed in my high-rise, begging for death to take me, and worrying for when it will.”

  I blow out a shaky breath and gather my bearings before I speak again. “Does he have any information on recovery?”

  “It could be hard. It could be easy. I suppose it depends on what things look like once they’ve gotten a better look inside and how the surgery goes.” He pauses before clearing his throat. “I think you’re an excellent candidate, Carter. I wouldn’t be calling if I didn’t think you had a shot at this. Your cancer hasn’t spread to the rest of your organs. It was contained when we last checked. But we need to work fast. I don’t know what sort of window we have here.”

  “You know I can’t decide this right now, Phil—”

  “Christ, Carter, you could be dead in a month.”

  I blow out a breath and look in the direction of Derek and Teddy. As if sensing me, Teddy’s eyes find mine. My heart aches as I see the affection in her eyes. As I realize I have to let go. As I realize our future together is close to expiring. Can I put her through the pain? My heart tells me no. But another part screams it’s too late. I’ve already tugged her into the grave with me.

  I need to tell her the truth. She needs to know our future together is unlikely. If I do the surgery, I could die sooner rather than later. If I wait, I’ll have a bit more time with the woman I’m falling head over heels in love with. But the quality of that time is unknown. I don’t want to waste away in a bed like my father. And I don’t want her to watch it happen.

  “How long do I have before I need to decide?” I ask softly, my eyes locked on Teddy who’s cocked her head at me, concern on her face.

  “The sooner the better. When I get the call back, I’ll need to
be able to give them an answer.”

  I nod.

  “OK. I’ll be in touch, Phil. I have a lot to think a-about,” I say, breaking my gaze from Teddy.

  “OK, son,” he addresses me softly. Affectionately. “Maybe sit and talk it out with someone. Maybe your mom.”

  “Right,” I mutter, squeezing my eyes closed. I still haven’t told her I’m dying. But to her, I’m probably already dead. Can’t really miss what you never bother to see and all that.

  “Take care, Carter. I hope we speak again soon.” His words carry more weight than I care to think about.

  “Goodbye, Phil.”

  27

  Teddy

  “I can’t believe you’ve never roasted a marshmallow.” I giggle at Carter as he sits frowning at his burned ‘mallow around our small contained campfire.

  “Ain’t a lot of wood and wilderness back home,” Derek says around a mouthful of s’more.

  “But still.” I glance at Carter. He’s been acting odd ever since his phone call. Quieter. Withdrawn. “Didn’t you do it on your roof or something?”

  “No, sweetheart,” Carter murmurs distractedly. I follow his eyes to the full moon hanging over us. “You can do a lot of things on a roof in New York City. Starting a fire isn’t one of them.”

  I shrug before resting my head on his shoulder. Laughter from further down the campsite makes Molly whine.

  “Carter, is everything OK?” I ask softly as Derek gives Molly one of her treats.

  “Of course, baby,” Carter says, moving his arm so I can tuck up beneath it. His body is warm, yet he’s trembling slightly. He looks exhausted beneath the moonlight. Dark circles create a halo around his dull eyes. He’s slimmer than when we first met.

  “Do you want to go to the tent?”

  His full lips quirk up into a small smile. “Are you propositioning me, Teddy Bear?”

  I smile back. “Maybe. But we can just sleep if you want.”

  He shakes his head at me, a frown now replacing his smile. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead. Tonight, I want all of you.”

  My breath catches in my lungs, and I nod at him. I’ve been thinking about it all day long. Having Carter George conquer all of me sounds delicious and dirty. “I want that too.”

  “Derek, we’re going to the tent.” Carter doesn’t hesitate and gets to his feet, hauling me with him. Derek’s eyes dart between us, a sly smile on his face.

  “I get it. That’s cool. I’ll go check out that other campsite and make some friends. Try to keep it down. I don’t want to have to explain what the hell you two are doing in there.”

  “Don’t worry. It’ll be self-explanatory.” Carter grins at Derek.

  Heat floods my face as Derek winks at me. Without another word, Carter leads me to our tent and motions for me to go in. I’m grateful it’s a big tent. Something tells me we’re going to need the space.

  Carter moves past me once he’s inside and doesn’t waste time removing his clothes. I giggle as he lies on our air mattress and looks up at me.

  “Strip for me, baby,” he says in a husky voice, his eyes hooded. “Slowly. I want to savor this.”

  I bite my bottom lip. “I’ve never stripped for anyone before.”

  “Don’t be shy. It’s me,” his voice is soft, almost pleading with me.

  I don’t need him to beg. I want it as much as he does. I’m just nervous.

  I swallow down the nerves and breathe out, slowly pulling off my tank top. Carter lets out an appreciative growl, his eyes drinking me in. Heat and desire flood my core as he takes his cock in hand and begins stroking it.

  I take my time removing my shorts, leaving my lace panties in place. I’m completely naked except for them. Without overthinking it, I give my breast a squeeze. My hand travels down my abdomen and inside the waistband of my panties until my fingers are sliding through my slick folds, seeking out the sensitive bud that’s begging to be touched.

  Carter’s hand moves faster on his cock, his breathing growing heavier. I can’t help myself. The look of pure ecstasy on his face has me dipping my fingers into my own warmth and playing a game I’ve never played with someone before.

  I glide my fingers in and out in time to Carter’s rhythm, my breathing shallow and fast. It isn’t long before I’m whimpering, the euphoria of release blanketing me, turned on beyond belief as Carter and I watch each other.

  “Do it, baby,” Carter growls, his hand slowing on his cock as he stares at me.

  The look of awe in his eyes urges me on. I climb the peak until I’m spiraling over the edge, moaning out his name as my body shakes and trembles.

  “You’re so fucking beautiful,” he whispers in a thick voice as I fall slowly from my high. “Take those panties off and come here.”

  Following his commands, I do as he says. I straddle his thighs, grinding against him in a lap dance. His hands land on my waist, his breathing rough and ragged.

  “Teddy Bear, you don’t know what you do to me,” he chokes out as I swivel my hips on him. “I’ve never…” his voice trails off as he closes his eyes and leans back.

  I place a kiss on his mouth which he eagerly returns, his grip tightening on me.

  In a flash, I’m beneath him, his lips on my neck, peppering my skin with his warm kisses. He trails them lower until his lips wrap around my nipple. His hand kneads the other one.

  “Carter,” I moan. My fingers sink in his hair as he nips at a peaked bud before continuing his voyage south. His tongue sliding between my folds has me whimpering, my back arched. He lifts my legs onto his shoulders as his tongue works me over. I squirm as my orgasm builds, his fingers twisting inside of me, hitting all the areas that bring me joy.

  “Don’t stop,” I whine.

  His tongue moves faster on my swollen bud until I’m rocketing out of my mind as an intense orgasm racks my body. He slides his fingers out, his tongue lapping at my wetness. He plants a tender kiss on my overly sensitive area before he’s spreading my legs apart, his cock poised at my entrance.

  “Teddy Bear,” he groans, pushing into me.

  Our bodies tangle together, our soft moans filling the tent as we make love. Carter is tender and loving as he touches my face, kisses my lips, whispers my name like a prayer. After taking me to heaven and back again, he pulls out and stares down at me.

  He doesn’t need to say anything. I roll over and get on my hands and knees. He digs through his bag for a moment and pulls out a small bottle. He drizzles the lube along the cleft of my ass. Goosebumps erupt along my skin as his fingers trail down my spine before they find my puckered hole. He plays and teases it for a moment, slowly inching in and out, spreading the lubricant before positioning the head of his slippery cock at my back entrance. My breathing picks up as my body tenses.

  “Relax, baby. I’ll take care of you,” Carter’s deep voice calls out softly.

  I relax at the sound. The first pinch of pain causes me to whimper. He’s slow and careful as he continues to push into me. I grit my teeth, close my eyes, and collapse onto my forearms, angling my ass higher. He pushes further in, groaning. He fills me completely, stretching me, making my body tremble.

  “You’re so fucking amazing,” he whispers against my ear. His lips meet my shoulder, kissing it before he moves away and slowly pulls out a fraction before pushing back into me.

  My fingers twist in our blankets as I let out a hiss of air. He moves more. In and out. I let out a whimper.

  “You OK?” he manages to rasp.

  “Y-yes. More.”

  That’s all he needs to hear before he’s moving faster. There are so many emotions and sensations flooding my body I can’t contain them all. I moan his name loudly, a signal for him to give it to me harder and faster.

  He senses it and does just that, his hands tightening on my hips, his cock buried deep inside of me. A feeling unlike any I’ve ever had before surfaces. It’s a tingle that blossoms, growing into a sensation which has me howling in ecstasy. An orgasm erupts s
o powerful my entire body quakes and twitches beneath Carter’s.

  “Fuck,” he hisses, moving faster. “Teddy!”

  I’m still whimpering and trembling when I feel Carter’s dick twitch inside of me, signaling his release. His movements slow before his lips press to my temple. We’re both still for a moment, our intense breathing filling the air, before he withdraws from me. I don’t move. I’m trembling too much.

  A moment later, he wipes me clean and tugs me into his strong arms.

  “You’re shaking,” he murmurs, tucking me against him. He pulls the light blanket over us.

  “You just made me feel really good,” I admit in a quivering voice. “I’ve never done that before.”

  “Me either,” he says, planting a sweet kiss on my forehead. “You took my virginity.”

  I let out a snort, causing him to laugh. Snuggling up against him, I feel like maybe I finally have things figured out. Being with Carter feels right.

  “I’ve been thinking,” Carter says, planting a tender kiss on the top of my head.

  “Hmm?”

  “You said you don’t talk to your parents much. That you have a rocky relationship with your dad.”

  I move up to my elbow and stare into Carter’s face, wondering what he’s getting at.

  He reaches out and twists a lock of my hair around his finger.

  “I think you should call your dad.”

  “What?” I crinkle my brows at him. “Why?”

  “It’s just…I was never close to my dad. Hell, I wasn’t even close to my mother. I never really got the opportunity for normal family dynamics. I want you to have the things I never had. The way you’ve spoken about your family, I know you miss them—”

  “Carter, my dad wants his life for me. And I want my own life—”

  “Teddy Bear,” he murmurs, his brown eyes glittering in the dim tent. “I think your dad wants your happiness. He pushed because he loves you. Not because he wants your misery.”

  I bite my bottom lip. Damn Carter George and his reasoning.

  “Make me a promise?”

  “What’s that?” I ask softly, taking in how incredibly sad and worn out he looks. A pang of worry shoots through me.