by K. C. Lynn
The moment the words leave me, she closes the remaining distance between us, our mouths fusing in a fevered hunger, tongues dueling in a pitch of give and take.
A growl shreds my throat, my hands slipping under her skirt to cup her perfect round flesh. She severs our heated connection for only a second, reaching down to grip the bottom of her tank top and removing it from her body. My eyes zero in on the sexy purple lace bra, admiring the way her creamy mounds spill from the top.
“Let’s skip dinner and go right into dessert,” she says in her saucy little voice that has my cock tightening behind my jeans.
“You always have the best fucking ideas.”
Her laughter fills the air but trails off on a gasp when I sweep my arm across the table, our food crashing to the floor as I press her back to the shiny wood, laying her out before me.
She gazes up at me, eyes hooded with need. “I should be really mad you just did that but I’m not. Not even a little bit.”
Smirking, I reach behind me and pull my shirt over my head. “Don’t worry, baby. I’ll make it up to you.”
Taking my seat once again, I inch my hands up her smooth legs, shoving them under her skirt to rip her panties off. Another gasp flees her, hips lifting off the table.
I drag her closer to the edge, bringing all that pink glistening sweetness in direct line with my mouth. My fingers lock around a slender calf as I grab one of her legs, draping it over my bare shoulder, then do the same with the other. Her scent impales my nostrils, fueling the need barreling through me.
“As much as I love what you made tonight, Bella, nothing compares to the taste of your pussy.” My mouth descends, tongue delving through her hot center.
“Oh shit!” Her cries echo throughout the room as she grinds herself into my face, taking the pleasure I eagerly give her.
I devour every bit of her, the length of my tongue covering her wet flesh. Over the top of her skirt, I watch as she coasts her hands up her flat stomach to cup her lace-covered breasts.
Groaning, I lift my mouth from her and replace it with my fingers, stroking her clit. “Take off the bra, CeCe. I want to see your hands all over your pretty tits.”
She does as I say, removing the lace cups and letting all that generous flesh fall into her hands. Sexy little moans spill past her lips as her fingers tweak her pink nipples.
“Goddamn that’s fucking sexy.” My free hand moves to my belt, undoing the buckle before opening my jeans. I release my aching cock and stroke myself, needing to relieve the pressure. My eyes remain on hers as I drop my mouth back to her bare pussy, lapping at all the sweetness.
The faster my tongue works her, the faster my strokes are.
“God, I’m going to come already,” she cries.
“Do it, baby,” I groan. “Come all over my face.”
The encouragement sends her careening over the edge.
My tongue never falters as I lick every drop she gives me. When there is no more left to take, I push to my feet, my cock still hard and heavy in my hand.
CeCe’s eyes become riveted; her lips parting on a sharp inhale.
“You like seeing how hard I get for you, Bella?”
“Yes,” she pants, eyes trained on my stroking hand. “I love knowing I make you feel this way.”
“You have no idea the shit you make me feel.”
Her eyes lift to mine, the moment growing heavier with our unspoken words.
My gaze never strays from hers as I grip her hips again and enter her in one perfect thrust. The connection is so perfect it rocks the very foundation of who I am. Her wet lips part on a hungry gasp as her pussy stretches for me. I bury myself to the hilt, her back arching off the table.
“How do you want it,” I ask, my voice rough. “Slow or fast?”
“All of it,” she whispers. “I want all you have to give me.”
She has all of me, especially the organ in my chest. However, I continue to keep that to myself. I start off with slow, deep strokes, her snug pussy gripping and sucking me further into its hot depth.
When she’s writhing and begging for more, I pick up speed. Her tits bounce as our bodies slap together, creating an unmistakable need.
Her teeth sink into her bottom lip as she tries to stifle the sexy little mewling noises coming from her.
“Don’t be silent, CeCe. Scream for me. I want every person in this goddamn world to know who you belong to.” I change the angle of my thrusts, my hips pumping harder as I hit that spot deep inside of her.
Within seconds, she falls over the edge once again, my name pouring from her lips, banging around inside of my chest.
I follow along with her, fighting to keep upright from the pleasure racing through my blood.
We both groan as I pull out of her.
I yank up my jeans just enough so I’m able to lift her into my arms, loving how perfectly she fits.
“Tell me, Fireboy,” she murmurs, her voice soft and sleepy. “How many women have you carried like this?”
“Never anyone as beautiful as you.”
She rests her head on my shoulder, a smile claiming her perfect lips.
I carry her straight to my bed, wanting to do nothing else but feel her naked body against mine. The mattress dips with my weight as I crawl in behind her.
She turns to face me, her hand resting on my jaw. “Want to know what else I learned today?”
“What?”
A shift happens within her eyes but nothing could have prepared me for what she says next. “Me estoy enamorando, muy profundamente.” The Spanish words I said to her the other night roll off her tongue flawlessly.
I’m falling and I’m falling hard.
My mouth pulls into a smirk. “You’ve been busy today, Bella.”
“Mmmhmmm,” she murmurs, but her teasing tone softens along with that look in her eyes. “Did you mean it?”
I brush a gold lock of hair out of her face, never severing eye contact. “Yeah, I meant it.”
“Good, because me too.” Rising up on her elbow, she plants a kiss on my lips that has me aching for more, but unfortunately, she pulls back too soon. “I also Googled and found out that puta means whore. Did you know someone called me that back in high school?” she tells me, anger creeping into her voice. “This bitch from another cheer team we were competing against. At the time I didn’t know what it meant but it was obvious it wasn’t nice. Now knowing exactly what she said I want to find her and gauge her eyes out.”
“Let’s do it. You can kick her ass and if she has a boyfriend I’ll kick his ass.”
“Deal but let’s have a nap first. I’m exhausted,” she says, dropping back down on my chest. “After all, I did slave over the hot stove all day.”
I look down at her, raising a brow.
“Okay, not all day but it was long enough.”
A chuckle rumbles deep in my chest.
Cooking or no cooking, she’s perfect and I plan to never give her up.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CeCe
Pride fills me as I finish totaling today’s sales. Not bad for a Sunday. I’m certain these numbers will only increase once my men’s line is up and running.
The grand opening is less than a week away and I cannot wait. There are some big names coming to the launch party. Including a reporter from Vogue, the biggest fashion magazine in this country.
My dreams are finally coming true.
I glance over at the stack of invites sitting next to me. My plan is to hand deliver a select few and my first stop will be to Gabe. After all, I need myself a hot date and he is the perfect candidate.
Hopefully he doesn’t mind me showing up at the station unannounced, but he works late tonight and I don’t want to wait to give him this. Besides, it’s been three days since I last saw him. That is too long. I need to see him and kiss his handsome face.
With that thought in my mind, I finish tidying up and reach for my purse when the door beeps with someone’s arrival. I bite back
my annoyance, knowing I should have turned the open sign off.
Perfecting a smile, I walk around to greet the person but come to a hard stop when I see who it is. My feet remain planted, shock anchoring me to my spot.
“Mom?” I whisper.
She stands just inside the door, a warm smile on her face, but there is no denying the tears forming in her eyes. “There’s my baby girl.”
Her arms open for me and I don’t hesitate, my heart exploding as she wraps me in a hug. The subtle scent of her perfume invades my senses, warming a part of me that’s been cold since she left.
“Oh, honey. I’ve missed you,” she chokes out, her hand stroking down the back of my hair as she holds me close.
“Me too.” Stepping back, I wipe the tears from under my eyes while she does the same. “What are you doing here? I thought you weren’t getting back for another week.”
“I took an earlier flight. I needed to see you.” She pauses, her chin quivering as she tries to maintain her composure. “I’ve been so selfish, CeCe.”
I shake my head. “Mom. No.”
She puts her hand up, stopping me from going further. “Yes. I have. I’ve been thinking a lot since our talk and I’ve had to face things, things I’ve been avoiding. Like…reality,” she whispers, sorrow thick in her voice. “I’m so sorry I’ve left you so often. I guess I just thought if I wasn’t here so much, I wouldn’t hurt all the time, but the truth of the matter is, no matter where I go it hurts. But it’s even worse because I’m not with you. I’m not here where I belong.”
The admission has me pulling her in for another hug. “I miss him too, Mom. Every second of every day, but we can be here for each other.”
“Definitely.” She releases me, her eyes meeting mine. “I made an appointment with a grief counselor, you’re welcome to join me if you want.”
I smile. “I’d like that.”
“Good. Now that we have that settled. How about dinner?”
“Tonight?”
She nods. “We can go to the country club and you can fill me in on everything that’s been going on with you.”
The country club suggestion has my stomach twisting with dread, the chance of running into Graham there is too great to risk. He and his wife go often and I never want to see that man again for as long as I live.
“How about Fredrick’s instead?” I suggest.
I’ll fill her in on Graham when the time is right. She needs to know what a sleazeball he is but not tonight.
“That works, too.”
“Great, can I meet you there in a half hour? I have a quick stop I need to make first.”
“Of course, but if you’re busy, honey, we can do it another night. I shouldn’t have assumed you’d be free.”
“No. I don’t have plans. I just need to stop by the fire station to drop off an invite to my…friend.” My hesitation has her mother sensors going off.
She lifts a brow, curiosity smothering her face. “Friend?”
“Actually, more than a friend,” I admit, deciding now is as good a time as any to tell her about Gabe. “It’s a guy I’ve been seeing.”
“You have a boyfriend?” she shrieks.
I nod, a massive smile stretching across my mouth.
“How long have you been seeing each other? Is it serious? Tell me everything right now,” she demands, excitement lighting up her whole face.
“It’s fairly new. A couple of months but…” I hesitate as I try to put my feelings into words. “It’s serious. I like him, Mom. A lot.”
“Oh, honey, this is wonderful. I’m so happy for you.” The happiness in her voice mirrors the one in my heart. “When do I get to meet him?”
“Soon,” I promise.
“I would have never guessed firefighters are your type,” she says, waggling her eyebrows.
“Me neither, but it turns out Hispanic firefighters are my favorite.”
We both break out into laughter.
“I cannot wait to hear more,” she says. “You go on and do what you have to. I’ll head over and grab us a table.”
“Sounds good. I won’t be long.”
She’s about to run out the door but ends up turning back and pulling me into her arms for one more hug. “I love you.”
Tears burn the backs of my eyes again but I do my best to blink them back. “I love you, too.”
Once she leaves, I lock up the store then head to my car. On the way over to see Gabe my smile never deters and neither does the love in my heart.
Everything is finally right in my world.
When I pull up to the fire station, I find the overhead doors open and two trucks pulled out where a few firefighters are spraying them down.
I park across the street, making sure I’m not in the way if they get a call. My nerves kick in again as I climb out of my car. A few of the firefighters spot me as I approach, their eyes widening in appreciation.
“All right, which one of you wonderful assholes bought me the birthday gift?” one asks, his gaze drifting down the length of me.
As nervous as I am, I can’t help the amused smile that stretches across my mouth, my confidence climbing just a little bit higher.
Another steps forward to greet me, extending his hand. “Hey. Can we help you with something?”
“Hi. I’m looking for Gabe.”
“Gabe?”
“Yeah, Gabriel Martinez,” I elaborate, hoping I’m at the right place.
How embarrassing would that be? I’m certain he said this is the station he works at.
Another firefighter pokes his head out of the truck and I recognize him as the one who brought me the blanket that first night. Banks, I believe Gabe called him.
Recognition dawns in his eyes as he jumps out of the truck. “Holy shit. It’s purse girl.”
Purse girl?
“I didn’t recognize you with all your clothes on.”
Heat invades my cheeks but I do my best not to cower. “Ha, ha,” I say dryly.
“Wait,” birthday guy cuts in, holding a hand up. “She’s the girl who Martinez found that night?”
“The one and only,” Banks confirms.
“That fucker gets all the luck,” birthday guy grumbles.
Clearing my throat, I get back to the task at hand. “Right, well now that we all have established I am the girl who Gabe found in her underwear. Can I speak with him please?”
A smirk breaks out across Banks’s face. “Yeah, hold on. I’ll get him.” He walks a few steps over to a steel door and opens it. “Yo, Martinez. Get your ass out here. You have a package.”
Everyone else remains where they are, staring at me awkwardly. I’m certain this moment can’t get any more uncomfortable.
Seconds later, Gabe walks out, looking as sexy as ever in his station uniform. “What the hell are you shouting about?”
Banks points to where I stand.
“Hey.” I wave lamely, shifting from heel to heel.
The smile that breaks out across his handsome face eases some of my apprehension. “Blondie!” His strides are purposeful as he starts toward me. He shoves birthday guy—who is still gawking at me—out of the way, hard enough that he falls into the truck. “Put your eyes back in your head, asshole.”
A giggle slips past my lips before I can stop it.
Gabe curls an arm around my waist and lays one heck of a kiss on me, right in front of all the guys.
“Show off,” birthday guy grumbles.
Smiling, I peer up into his mesmerizing brown eyes. “Hope you don’t mind I stopped by like this.”
“You’re always welcome here, Bella.”
“Yep, anytime,” birthday guy says. “Bring all the hot friends you want.”
The intrusion has Gabe turning to face the group. “Did these yahoos introduce themselves to you yet?”
“No, but we established I’m purse girl and the one you found in her underwear.”
“Roman here thought she was his birthday gift,” Banks says, amu
sed.
Gabe scowls over at birthday guy. “You fucking wish.”
He nods. “I do.”
Gabe grunts and starts the introductions with him. “This delusional asshole is Roman Bradley. It’s his birthday today and he’s made sure everyone knows it.”
“Happy birthday,” I say.
“Thanks, but it’s not as happy as it was five minutes ago when I thought you were single.”
His honesty has me bursting into laughter.
Gabe dismisses him with a shake of his head then moves on to the next guy. “This is Kurt Nguyen,” he says, pointing at the guy whose hand I shook when I first walked up.
I greet him again with a wave that he politely returns.
“The one in the back by the truck is Blair Davis.”
The guy nods at me.
“And lastly, Kevin Banks. I’m sure you remember him.”
“I do. Thank you for the blanket and for taking good care of my dog.”
“Anytime, purse girl.”
I guess “Purse girl” isn’t the worse thing he could call me, especially since I was in my underwear.
Gabe dismisses the group by pulling me in close again. “You wanna stay for dinner?”
“You’ll get to have pizza and birthday cake,” Roman adds temptingly.
Gabe shoots an annoyed glance at him for the interruption.
“Thanks for the invite but I have plans already,” I tell him regretfully. “But do you have a minute to talk?”
“Yeah, come on. I’ll walk you to your car.”
I bid the others a good-bye that they all reply to, but Roman has to throw in one last parting comment. “If you ever decide to break up with him, call me,” he shouts to my retreating back.
I laugh but Gabe doesn’t seem to find him as funny as I do.
“It seems like you all get along for the most part,” I say, smiling up at him.
“We do when they aren’t checking out my woman.”
My brow lifts. “Jealous, Martinez?”
Something dark flashes in his eyes, something that has my breath skipping.
Reaching my car, he turns me around and pins me against it, his arms going on either side of my hips. “No, Bella, I’m not jealous because we both know that no one gets you but me.”
