You have no idea.
“I was supposed to work.” Kenzie grabs an apple from the fruit bowl. “But I switched with Eden so that I could...” She takes a bite, stalling.
“So that you could, what?”
“I don’t know. Maybe go do something fun? Hike or just drive around and take in the sights. It’s so beautiful here.”
I take a step toward her. Her body’s like a magnet. “You can stay as long as you like.”
She looks up at me through inky black lashes. “Honestly?”
I swallow back the urge to press my lips against hers. “I’d prefer that, yeah.”
“I’m going to look for an apartment.”
“What?” I flinch, taking a step backward. “Why?”
“Ford.” She cocks her head, fluttering her eyelashes. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, and damn if this isn’t the most beautiful house I’ve ever laid eyes on. It’s a mansion in the woods.”
“It’s too big for one person.”
She continues, not picking up on my not-so-subtle hint. “But I’d prefer to leave on a high note before I become a burden.”
“You being a burden isn’t even a possibility.”
“Because you promised my dad.” She rolls her eyes, turning away from my glance. I gently take her chin in my hand and pull her back around to face me. We just stare at each other for a while, because what the hell am I supposed to say to her? Yes, I did promise her dad, but I’m also finding myself completely enamored with her, growing more and more preoccupied with making her mine. My obsession grows stronger every day. And I’ll be damned if I’m just going to let her walk out of here without telling her how I feel.
But the words jumble in my head and all that leaks out of my mouth is, “you’d never be a burden to me, Kenzie.”
“Thanks, Ford.” She licks her full lips. “Moving out will ensure that.” She takes a step back and bites into her apple. Before her hand hits the sliding door, my voice stops her.
“I’ll go with you.” She stops, and turns to face me. “I know every broker in town and I’ve built some beautiful buildings that house rental units.”
“Ford, you don’t have to do that.”
I take a step toward her once more. She smells like sunscreen and chlorine. “I know that, Kenzie. I want to help you. I want to make sure you have everything you want.”
Her eyes float up and down my body. “Everything?”
“Yes, Kenzie. Every little fucking thing your heart desires.” Her eyes widen at my abrasive words. “Now go and get dressed. We’re leaving in a half-hour.” As she heads to the pool house I can’t help but think to myself that if I give her everything, all I want is her in return. Kenzie Sawyer will be mine. I’m damn well going to make sure of it. But it’s sensitive territory. I’ve got to play slow and smart, but I’ll win. I always win.
4
Kenzie
With every apartment we saw, Ford grew more and more irritated. By the time we pull back into the driveway, he’s barely speaking at all. I don’t know if I did something wrong—maybe flirting with him wasn’t the smartest thing. He seems put out, even if he’s the one that offered to go apartment hunting with me.
“I’m sorry nothing felt right.” Ford turns off the ignition and rests his head on the seat. What I don’t tell him is that every one of those places were so far out of my price range, I’d be eating half-ramen packets just to keep up with my rent.
“You don’t have to apologize.” He turns his crystal blue eyes in my direction and my panties immediately drench. The late afternoon sun highlights the silver strewn through his naturally dark hair.
“Are you angry that I didn’t find anything?”
He licks his full lips, staring down at my mouth. “Not at all.” Butterflies erupt in my tummy. If I were less cautious of a woman I’d lean in and plant one on him just to see what he’d do, but I’m no fool. Ford straight up admitted that he was taking care of me because it’s what my father wanted.
Not necessarily what he wanted.
“How about we order pizza?” I finally ask, breaking the spell between us because I can’t bear looking into his eyes like this without pulling his lips against mine.
“Sounds good.” He shoots me a half-smile.
“But I’m paying.” Ford starts to object as we exit the car, but I stop him. “No! I insist. Trust me, it’s the least I can do.” When he finally gives in with a long exhale, it’s my turn to smile.
I head to the pool house, order the pizza on my phone, and change out of my jean shorts. I hate to admit it but the waistband was digging into me, making me uncomfortable. My pink sundress instantly makes me feel better. I catch a quick glance at myself in the mirror and note how tan I look against the dress’s pale shade. With a smear of matching gloss and a brush through my hair, I make my way back to Ford’s.
That’s when it hits me. I gussied up for him. Fuck. I don’t usually do that for men, in fact I’d all but sworn them off. I shake the thought from my head and make a promise to myself.
Let things happen as they’re supposed to tonight, Kenzie.
When I pop my head inside the kitchen Ford calls from the dining room. “In here.”
My wedges clunk against the hardwood floor. When I peer into the living room, my jaw nearly hits the floor. It looks like I’m not the only one who’s gussied up. Ford’s wearing a pair of dead sexy, well-worn jeans and a crisp white button down that fits him like it’s custom made. His silvering hair is brushed away from his face, showing off his impossibly chiseled jaw. With his shirtsleeves rolled up, his tattooed forearms are on full display. In his hands two gorgeous wine goblets and a bottle of white.
His eyes dance up and down my body. “You look gorgeous.”
My cheeks turn crimson. “This old thing?” I tease. It’s not old. It’s new and I bought it in case I was ever presented with a night like this. “Thank you. Pizza should be here in a few.”
Ford pours two glasses of wine and I join him at the table. With a view of the lake outside the open window, it’s like we’re sitting outside without all the bugs. The white curtain blows gently in the early evening breeze.
“Cheers.” Ford raises his glass. We clink. We drink. Neither of us knows quite what to say.
“Those were nice apartments—“
“Are you working tomorrow—“
Both of us talk over each other. An awkward laugh follows. Something’s going on here. I’m not crazy … I hope.
“No, I’m off. Why do you ask?”
“Just curious.” Ford takes another long sip of the effervescent white wine. He’s laid out some cheese and snacks until the pizza comes. I’m suddenly not hungry. Not for food, at least.
“I just want to say thank you for all you’ve done for me.” I set down my wine glass, placing my hands in my lap. One silver strand of hair falls into Fords sparkling blue eyes. “And don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re not obligated to do this. My dad wasn’t the guy you thought he was.”
“Oh, I know who your father was.”
“Yeah? A worthless freeloader who depended on everyone else? Someone who couldn’t take responsibility for any of his choices in life?”
“I can’t deny that.” Ford cocks an eyebrow. “But he was sick, too.”
“And a swindler. He’s swindled you into this. While I appreciate everything, I really can take care of myself.”
“I want to help you, Kenzie. Why is it so important to you,” Ford’s brow furrows. “This blaring streak of independence?”
“Because I don’t want to end up like him! Depending on fifty different people for fifty different things!” My wild hand gesture sends a cracker to the floor. “Shit. Sorry.”
After I pick it up I notice Ford’s piercing eyes are locked in on my breasts. He licks his full lips and I imagine his mouth wrapped around my diamond peaks, taking them between his teeth and making me moan for more. My center drips with desire.
“
I won’t let that happen.” Ford’s low voice reverberates in my bones.
A scoff escapes my mouth. “Oh yeah? How are you going to stop that?”
He grabs me by the hand and pulls me out of my chair. I gasp, as my fingers tighten around his sculpted shoulders. “Because I’m the only person that will ever take care of you, Kenzie. From the minute I saw you I wanted you. Not because your father asked to, but because you’re the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen. And if I don’t bury myself inside of you soon, I’ll lose my damn mind.”
Ford’s breath tickles my lips. I close my eyes, wetting my lips and shifting forward in anticipation.
BUZZ!
My eyes pop open. Ford lets out a breath strong enough to blow my hair back. “The door.”
“Don’t even think about moving.” Ford’s breath warms my lips. He stomps his way to the front door leaving me drenched, eager, and more than a little nervous.
Fucking. Pizza. Delivery.
5
Ford
I’ve never run for a food delivery faster in my whole life, opening the door so swiftly that the delivery boy’s hair flutters in the breeze. I grab the pie, slam the door, take two steps back toward the dining room and I’m seized with guilt. Am I taking advantage of an opportune situation? There’s no doubt I want Kenzie so bad I ache, but isn’t honor more important than desire?
The hot cardboard burns the bottom of my hand as I slow my steps, walk back into the dining room, and set down the box. “Kenzie…”
Her name barely leaves my mouth before Kenzie grabs me around the neck and pulls me down to meet her sweet, honey lips. After weeks of struggling to keep my hands off of her, I’m a wild horse in an open field, caressing her supple curves as I taste her slippery satin tongue. Her fingers dig into the back of my neck. When she finally pulls away she moans into my mouth. “I want you too, Ford.” I grip her full ass with both hands. “Deep inside of me. So fucking bad.”
My hardness strains against my jeans as Kenzie’s pelvis grinds into me. “Are you sure, Kenzie? Because this is the point of no return. Once I possess every inch of your sexy fucking body, there’s no way I’ll be able to stop.” My hands slide up the hem of her skirt, caressing her smooth thighs. Kenzie gasps in response. “Make no doubt about it, honey. Every inch of you will officially belong to me.”
I cup her mound over her cotton panties, giving her a playful squeeze. Kenzie’s fingernails dig deeper into my neck. The mild pain reminds me that this isn’t one of my fantasies, but that I’m about to take my woman and please her until she begs me to stop.
“I want it, Ford.” Her bottom lip glistens. “I’ve wanted it since the minute you came to my house that day.”
My fingers slide into the waistband of her panties, curling past her silky fuzz until I reach her slick center. Kenzie leans back, her nipples poking hard through her sweet little sundress. She growls my name when I press one finger into her, lifting her leg to give me deeper access. I slide in and out of her slickness.
“You’re so wet, baby. Ready for me.”
“I’ve been ready, Ford. But I’ve been scared.”
I softly press my lips against hers, finger still wedged deep inside of her. “There’s nothing to be scared of. I’m going to take care of you because I want to, baby. Not because I have to.” She begins spreading wider for me, but I can’t take it anymore.
“No.” I remove my hand, and instead hook my thumbs around her panties. “I want to see you. All of you.” Kenzie bites her swollen bottom lip, fingers grazing my shoulders as I slide them down over her full, voluptuous hips. She kicks them to the side and smiles, covering her bottom lip with her finger. With full access, I can’t help but reach up and touch her again.
My mouth comes crashing down on hers, exploring every inch of her hungry little mouth as I finger her once more. Her tiny bud is solid as a rock. I give it a swirl and Kenzie’s leg wraps around my hip. Her fingers fumble with the buttons on my shirt, exposing the tattoos on my chest.
“You’re so tight, baby. I don’t want to hurt you.”
“It hurts good, Ford. Whatever you’re doing.” She says, breathlessly. “Please don’t stop.” Her hot breath tickles the side of my neck. I’m about to burst through my pants, finally touching the woman of my dreams.
“I can’t take it anymore.” I pull her dress up over her head and I’m met with a dainty yelp. Instinctively she covers her stomach. “Uh-uh.” I say, gently pulling her arms away. “I need to see all of you.” I take in her nearly naked body, and shiver from the sight. “You’re even sexier than I thought you’d be.” I reach around, unclasp her bra, and watch as her full breasts fall against her ribs. “Absolutely perfect, Kenzie. Flawless.”
I suck one of her rock hard peaks into my mouth, biting and sucking, twirling it around on my tongue. I’ve always loved full figured women, and Kenzie’s curvy frame is nothing short of perfection.
She runs her fingers through my hair as I slowly make my way down to her sweet, silky center. I tap the underside of her thigh, and she hoists her foot up on the dining chair while I lower myself to my knees. Her wetness coats her inner thighs, and again I jerk against my zipper. If I don’t get this guy out soon, I’ll come in my pants.
But first thing’s first.
I spread her silky folds apart with my fingers, exposing her supple pink flesh, and trail my tongue along her slit. She shivers beneath my touch and I know that I’ve got her. Kenzie Sawyer is mine forever. I give her tender bundle of nerves a hard suck, sawing my finger in and out of her while I taste her hot juices. I peer up at her, loving her pebble hard peaks. She presses her pelvis further into me, fisting the back of my head the whole while. I don’t mind. I can’t get enough of her.
“You taste like heaven, baby.”
A series of uneven gasps escape her lips. “Oh Ford, I’m going to…Oh…”
Her opening pulses against my lips. I twist my finger, reaching up higher to tap that forbidden spot of hers, and swirl my tongue around her swollen nub. She grinds out her orgasm against my face, drenching me in her desire, and I lap up every ounce of her.
As Kenzie’s breathing slows I kiss her inner thighs. She pulls me up, and fumbles my shirt off of my shoulders and onto the floor.
“I’ve never come that hard, Ford.” She fumbles with my zipper and presses her lips onto mine.
“You’d better get used to it.” The tips of her chestnut hair skims her perky globes. “Because you’re mine now, Kenzie. You belong to no one but me. Say it.”
She pulls down my pants, staring at me with that swollen mouth and those beckoning hazel eyes. “I’m yours, Ford. I belong to no one but you.”
6
Kenzie
I can’t believe this is actually happening. No matter what tomorrow brings, or if any of this you’re mine talk is true, it doesn’t matter. Because we’re both here right now. And I’m going to enjoy every damn second.
It’s amazing how big he is. Everything about him seems oversized. From his broad shoulders, to his kind heart. And now…I stroke him, wondering how on earth he can make my hand look so small.
He closes his eyes in pleasure, then gently grips the back of my neck and pulls me in for the softest kiss. I open my mouth, letting him in. I love the taste of myself on his tongue.
His lips are everywhere. My neck, my collarbone, my breasts, my shoulders, my cheeks, nose, and chin. No man’s ever treated me like this. I press my lips against his shoulder and give it a little nibble, still fisting him down below until he covers my hand with his own, halting my motion.
Startled, I look into his hooded eyes. He holds my head in his hand. “Easy, honey. This isn’t how I want to come.” He lowers his eyes, that irresistible stray strand of salt and pepper hair brushing against his lid. “Do you want me to get something?”
I bite my lip, toss my hair over my shoulder. “I’m on the pill.” His eyes widen in surprise. “Did you think I was a virgin? Sorry to disappoint you.”
&
nbsp; He pulls me close and gives me a little squeeze. I giggle with delight. “I don’t know. I don’t care. But, I haven’t been with anyone in a while so you don’t need to worry.”
I can’t help but get lost in his eyes. Strange how moments like this are either totally awkward or a dream come true. I’m grateful it’s the latter.
He breaks our gaze, gently grips my waist and he turns me around so that my bottom is pressed up against his length. “Bend over.” I can tell by his voice, he’s wearing a smile.
A shiver runs through me as his hot breath tickles my ear. I do as he says. “Like this?” I know that we’re playing around a little, and that’s fun for me. Because after tonight, I’ll have to move out. Distance makes the heart remain unattached and unable to be broken.
I toss my hair over my shoulder and catch a glimpse of Ford watching me. His lip curls over his teeth as he strokes himself a couple of times. His hands slide around the front of my pelvis as he presses his weight into me and kisses the area between my shoulder blades. A little giggle escapes my mouth. For a man who wants to do it this way, that’s an awfully cute gesture.
The laugh is short lived as he presses his tip to my opening. My hand presses against the dining server, bracing myself. He enters me, and white spots appear before my eyes. My head dips, as I stretch to accommodate him.
“You okay?” He growls into my ear.
“Yep.” My voice is anything but sensual. I’m trying to keep my cool here. Breathe through the pain, because on the other side is nothing but pure pleasure.
“I’ll take it slow.” He kisses me in the same spot and a wave of emotion washes over me. With a long exhale, he pushes further into me. With each thrust we begin fitting together, molding to each other. He slides into me with greater ease, hands reaching around to palm my peaks.
Ford Page 2
