Torrance clears his throat. “Would it be okay to have my rehearsal dinner here?” he asks Calla timidly, reaching for his glass of water.
I fully rejoin the conversation as she glares back and forth between me and him, mouth agape. I blink, dumbfounded by the stupidity of this fucker.
“Say that again? I don’t think I heard you right. Or... what you asked has to be a joke,” she half laughs, half chokes.
“I’d like to have my rehearsal dinner here.”
Calla tosses her hands in the air, and I grimace, shrug my shoulders, and start to tug her aside. She won’t budge and contorts her face into an “are you fucking crazy” look at Torrance. Taking in a deep breath, she shakes her head once and turns to walk away. I can’t remember the last time I saw her actually speechless.
“I guess you have your answer,” I say a bit gleefully, and follow Calla to the bar.
Chapter 20
Calla
Tension has finally dissipated as the night comes to a close. My frustration had simmered as I made one of my new creations. Tonight's concoction was a spicy fettuccine alfredo. Before plating the dish, I’d asked Trey and Wes to taste the sauce. They’d enjoyed it so much, they made the rest of the staff taste it, as well.
“Hey Calla, do we have any of the alfredo sauce left?” Forest asks as he finishes cleaning his work station. “I’d like to take some home and split it with Mom, since she’s watching Ella.”
“Let me make some fresh. How’s your mom doing? How's Ella transitioning now that y’all are getting the hang of things?” I question him as I turn to the stove to make two plates for him to take home.
“Mom loves getting to know her granddaughter, and I love having Ella with me. We’re talking about getting a pet now that we’re in the bigger place. Nessa has been taking Ella shopping a good bit, creating a monster in the process. And believe it or not, Nessa even lets Piper go with them on occasion, when she’s in town. But she’s still pretty pissed at Piper. I still wish Hallie would've told me that she was pregnant. I feel like I’ve missed so much, even though it was only seven years. Hell, I’m still pretty pissed that Piper, my own baby sister, didn’t tell me about my daughter. I know Hallie and I only had a one-night stand, but I would’ve been there for her. And for Ella. I'm just glad she told me before she passed and set things in motion, so I’d have full custody when she was gone. I can’t imagine what things would have been like if she hadn’t done all of that then passed the way she did. I’m a little shocked Hallie’s family didn’t put up a fuss about taking Ella, to tell you the truth. But, they seem happy that she is with me.” Forest comes around to stand close to me.
“I’m glad everything is working out,” Trey interjects as he finishes preparing his last order of the night. “You know, we are all missing Ella a helluva lot since she’s not here as much as she was at first. You need to bring her by more often, so she can hang out with the cool aunt and uncles. I’m sure that’s why Calla wants brunch to be Ella’s day, because that was not discussed when you were on vacation.”
Chuckles fill the room.
“I’ll bring her by tomorrow. She’s supposed to visit with Hallie’s family, but I’ll have them pick her up here.”
The last plates exit the kitchen, and the staff begin cleaning.
“It's great that all of you take such great care of her,” Wes comments, moving up behind Forest.
As I finish the sauce, Wes hands over two take-away containers filled with noodles. I cover the noodles with the sauce and close the lid.
“Here you go. Hope you all enjoy it.” I lean in and hug Forest then kiss his cheek.
“Thanks y’all. You’ve helped so much.” Forest hugs me back before taking his food and leaving.
Control by Puddle of Mudd pours from the sound system, and Trey turns up the volume. The kitchen staff work quickly and efficiently as they clean their spaces, joking and singing along to the music.
“Wes, you going to the club tonight?” Trey asks as he comes up beside me.
“Maybe. I’m not sure I’m in the mood for that tonight.”
“I still don't get why y’all call it ‘the club.’ It's not like you’re talking about Rex’s place,” I pipe in.
Wes’s eyes widen, and Trey smirks.
“Wes, I know you mean the sex club.” I air-quote sex club, and Wes’s mouth drops open. I roll my eyes and continue cleaning.
“Hey, Darlin’, have you ever thought about going to see what it's all about?” Trey wiggles his brow as Wes backhands his shoulder.
“Of course I’ve thought about it. But you guys are like family, and seeing what you like sexually is a bit weird, don’t you think?”
“Wait... we just talked about this. You dated Wes before?” Trey chuckles as he gestures between us.
“No,” Wes says as I respond, “Sorta.”
“Which is it?”
I ground my teeth into my lip. “We kissed once, and afterwards Wes said we needed to just be friends.”
“Ben scared the shit out of you didn't he?” Trey laughs as he gives Wes a look I can't decipher. “So… you're into kink?” he turns his attention to me.
S&M by Rihanna comes on, and we all laugh, breaking the tension surrounding us.
“I can't really say. I’ve never tried it. While Torrance was into it, he never asked me if I was into kink.”
“Yeah, well, someone needed to hogtie him. The fucking asshat... Speaking of the dipshit, we do need to talk about him being here, and what he asked. Adam told us when we grabbed a drink,” Wes informs me, his eyes narrowing.
“Can we do that tomorrow? I don't want to think about his request anymore tonight,” I grumble.
“Sure.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I glimpse the swinging door opening again. S&M ends as Zoot Suit Riot by Cherry Poppin’ Daddies begins. Wes and Trey throw play punches as they push each other out of the way, trying to spin me around and lightening the mood. As Wes spins me around one last time, I spot Caleb walking up to my station. I lose my balance, and Wes catches me and steers me to the counter. He lets me go carefully, as the kitchen falls quiet, and everyone gets back to work.
“Sorry to interrupt all the fun,” Caleb apologizes.
I nod, trying to catch my breath from all the dancing and horseplay. Wes gently nudges me out of the way so he can finish cleaning my counter. I look at Caleb as I scoot over.
“Was everything okay?” I ask him.
“It was great! I really enjoyed the special. Before I left, I wanted to say goodbye and see if you'd have dinner with me this week?” he questions.
Wes turns away from Caleb, rolling his eyes and grumbling as he walks over to Trey's station. Trey laughs at him and throws a dirty towel his way. My eyes follow Wes. I shake my head and giggle at their antics.
“Ah, dinner sounds good. I’ll have to check my schedule though.” I glance back to Caleb as I rub my hands up and down my thigh.
Caleb’s eyes follow the movement. “I'll call you.”
I nod in agreement.
“Calla, we’re finished. See you tomorrow,” one of the staff calls out. I wave at them as they leave the kitchen. Wes and Trey are the only ones still in the kitchen with me and Caleb.
Caleb smiles, showing teeth. “Until next time.” He takes my hand and kisses it. Wes and Trey head over to us, glaring at Caleb as he turns to walk out of the kitchen. They both knock into me and flick flour at me. I smack at them but miss, as they scurry out of my reach.
Max waits for me, leaning against my Jeep, when I finally walk out of Belladonna for the night. He is holding an assortment of flowers. I make my way swiftly to him, leaving Wes and Trey several steps back. They begin whistling and cat-calling after me, making me blush as they tease me about Max. I glance over my shoulder at them a few times, making sure they control themselves. Wes is, but he’s scowling, and when he sees that Trey is watching him, he quickly tries to put him in a headlock. Both are laughing as they roughhouse some
more.
“Calla, how are you this evening?” Max pushes off my car.
“My night started out shitty, but it ended on a pretty good note.” I stop about two feet away from him.
“Mind if I follow you home tonight?” Max rocks back and forth on his heels.
“Not at all.” I wink at him.
Max walks over to my driver’s-side door and holds it open, once I unlock it. I slide into my Jeep and start the engine. The door closes, and I plug in my phone, allowing music to fill the space. Before the next song begins, I am pulling out of the parking lot, heading to my loft with Max right behind me.
Chapter 21
Calla
We arrive at our building and begin kissing as soon as Max opens my car door and helps me out. Our kissing doesn’t stop for long, even when we enter the elevator. Max tugs on my shirt once we walk into my place. He pushes me up against the door, closing it in the process, all while kissing my neck and pulling my shirt over my head.
“Meow.” Baggie rubs up against my leg.
I stop kissing Max and pull away.
“Hi baby boy,” I say a bit breathlessly, glancing down at Baggie. “Max, why don’t we move away from the door?”
“Good thinking.” He nuzzles my neck.
“Let me check on Baggie and give him some love. You want a drink?”
I bend down, and before I can pick Baggie up, Max smacks my ass. Over my shoulder, I give Max a saucy glance as I carry Baggie into the kitchen, petting him from his head all the way down to his tail. I place him on a chair before picking up his water and food bowls, giving him fresh water and placing a few treats in his food bowl.
“Wine or whiskey?” I lift up two bottles.
“Whiskey.”
I grab two highball glasses out of the cabinet before moving to the freezer for my whiskey stones. I pour our drinks and head over to Max, who is sitting on the couch. I hand Max his glass as I take a sip of mine then set it on the coffee table. Max studies me as he sips his drink. When he finishes it, he pulls me closer to him.
Max cups my face in his hands and playfully nips at my bottom lip. I can feel his teeth grazing my skin as one of his hands lightly caresses down my neck to my exposed collarbone. Max’s other hand slides into my hair, pulling it back and allowing better access to my jawline and neck.
I whimper.
“Max.” His name comes out on a gasp.
“Yes, baby?” The hand in my hair pulls harder. “You like it a little rough, don’t you?”
“Fuck yes.” And to prove it, I arch into his large hand that is cupping my bra-covered breasts.
God, don't stop doing what you're doing. It feels so fucking good. Is this what I’ve been missing? Why Torrance never got me off, and I had to fake it?
“I think this bra is becoming very restrictive,” he whispers in my ear before sucking it into his mouth, and I moan. “I’m going to lick and suck every inch of your gorgeous body. Then, after you’re crawling out of your skin, I’m going to take your tight pussy.”
Licking my lips, I whisper, “I'm not stopping you. In fact, we're wasting time talking about it.”
Rubbing my hands up his thighs, I grab the hem of his shirt and begin pulling it up. He backs away from me, and with one hand, Max pulls his shirt off. Enjoying the view, I reach for my drink and take a long sip.
“Should we stay here on the couch, or move into my room?” I playfully ask, running my tongue slowly over my lips to tease him even more.
His eyes devour me.
Locking eyes, I unhook my bra, letting it fall off my shoulders onto the floor.
“God, your breasts are gorgeous. I want to pour this whiskey over them and suck it off those nipples.”
“I think that can be arranged,” I whisper throatily. Feeling empowered, I lean in, rubbing my chest against his and kiss his lips hard. His mouth opens for me. I can taste the whiskey that coats his tongue as I lean in hungrily, exploring and savoring the flavor.
“Calla,” Max growls pulling me toward him.
I push back against my hungry lover and slide off the couch, picking my drink up from the table. Reaching back, I grab his waistband and pull him through the living room, stopping only to pour more whiskey into our glasses, before moving into my bedroom.
“I think I like it when you take charge,” Max admits, smiling.
“Hmmm, you like your girls to be a little bossy?” I ask with a coy smile.
When we are next to the edge of my bed, I turn to face him, my fingers gliding down smoothly against his button-fly 501’s. Each button pops quickly as I open the front of his jeans. I am surprised to see he is freeballing it, his cock’s head glistening.
I push Max onto the edge of the bed where he sits down comfortably as I kneel down in front of him and rub his thighs. Max’s whole body shivers with my ministrations. Exhilaration fills me at having so much power over him, and my confidence in my ability to pressure him increases. His eyes lock onto my chest as his tongue darts out, longing to taste my nipples in his mouth.
“Calla, let me taste those hard nipples,” he begs.
“You want my nipples before I take you in my mouth?” I tease him, my tongue darting out along his shaft.
“Fuck yes! I want to make you cum before you wrap your mouth around me,” he moans.
I smile as I stand up in front of Max and slowly straddle his lap, teasing him as I press myself against his throbbing member. “You can try.”
Max’s thumbs graze my taut nipples, and I stiffen immediately, a shudder running down my back. His left hand slides up to my throat, squeezing just enough to make me squirm on his hard length. Using his strong grip, he pushes me back just enough that my breasts are front and center. He skillfully directs my body left, then pulls me hard to the right. With his fingers wrapped tightly around my throat, his other hand holds one of my breasts, pulling it to his mouth. His teeth graze the hardness, taking my breath away.
I have never experienced this level of eroticism before with a man, and it’s kind of thrilling. Having someone grab my throat is both frightening and erotic as all hell. Putting my trust in Max is one of the hardest things I’ve done in years. I never would’ve trusted Torrance like this. But I want to take this step. I want to prove to myself that the fantasies I’ve had aren’t wrong. And, at least for tonight, my gut says Max won't break my trust and cross a line, since we haven't really discussed any boundaries, sexually speaking, between the two of us yet.
“Max, didn’t you want a little whiskey on my nipples?” I moan, as his tongue skillfully works my nipple and areola, driving me to the brink.
“Oh I’ll get to that. I want to enjoy your taste for a minute or two,” he growls back, looking me in the eye.
He kisses my body softly as he moves from one breast to the other. Pulling me to him, he takes complete control, licking and nibbling his way back to my lips.
“You might want to take another sip of your drink baby, because I’m definitely about to have my wicked way with you,” he warns. I can see his eyes glinting in the light.
Oh he is a smooth one, alright.
I twist on his lap, making sure I press down firmly on his raised member. Leaning over, I pick my glass up off the floor and take a long sip, feeling the whiskey burn as it slides down my throat.
“Damn, Calla. I need you stripped and ready, baby.” He motions for me to stand, and I do as he bids me. He grabs my glass and looks mischievously into my eyes. “I’m going to pour this over each nipple, and I am going to make you scream with pleasure, baby.”
With his free hand, he skillfully unbuttons my jeans. Wrapping his hands around my waist, he slides my pants partially down and licks up to my navel, his other hand grasping my breast forcefully. He spreads his legs for me, and I step between them and run my fingers through his hair.
“Max, I need more than second base,” I groan. “When are you going to round third and slide into home?”
“I know, I know. Patience. I want to
drink from your sweet nipples that have been begging for more of my attention.” He pours the amber liquor on my nipple, letting it spill into his mouth before licking and sucking it off.
My head falls back as he pulls on my breast. The euphoric sensations are ratcheting up the fire burning in my center.
“God, I didn’t think your breasts could taste any better. I wonder how sweet your pussy will taste with whiskey poured over it as I suck and eat my fill of you?” he growls.
“Why don’t you find out?” I say playfully, shimmying my jeans down my hips, trying to get Max to take me to the next level. He pinches the nipple he’s just had in his mouth and steps on my pants, holding the hem down so I can step clear.
I bend over, pressing my breasts into Max’s face. He grabs my waist and slides my boyshorts down with a flourish as his mouth latches onto my other breast.
“Your turn. I want you naked. Now, Max. I can’t wait.” I take a step back from him, pulling my breast from his mouth, causing a popping sound.
He languidly takes a sip of the drink, but leaves just enough for my other nipple and my sweet pussy. He holds the glass out for me to take. Max stands and quickly strips his pants off, throwing them on the floor. I reach out, rubbing the tip of his cock with my thumb in a gentle circular motion, spreading the precum over the head. I lick my lips and start to sink down to my knees when Max stops me.
Max should know better than to deny a girl her cravings, and in this moment, I want to suck his hard cock and taste him like there is no tomorrow. He looks down at me, even as my tongue darts out and teases the head. I watch a shiver run through him as he wags a finger at me, and I relent.
“What did I say?” he smirks, and I bite my lower lip, almost pouting. “I’m going to make you cum before you taste all of me.” Max grabs my hair and pulls it firmly, drawing me closer to him. Then his tongue dives into my mouth, causing a long moan to escape my throat. Fuck, I can hardly wait to get that tongue on my pussy. The foreplay is driving me insane. All this build up, but no release. My pussy is aching with need, and I swear I’m going to explode at any second. Max, on the other hand, has the patience of a fucking saint. At the speed he’s going tonight, I am about to flip the tables and pin him to the bed and have my way with him.
Calla's Kitchen Page 14
