by Piper Rayne
I steal it away like a fourth grader.
She huffs and holds out her hand. “Give me my shoe.”
“No.” I hold it tight with both hands.
She stands and I raise it above my head. Am I seriously doing this like we’re teenagers flirting or something?
“Fine. I’ll go home with one shoe.”
My arms fall when her back faces me and her hand is on the doorknob.
“Don’t leave,” I say.
She slowly turns around, but her hand finds the doorknob once more to tell me that’s not enough. That she wants more from me if I really want her to stay here.
“Just…”
I hear the twist of the doorknob in her palm.
Fuck, Ethan, get the words out. Tell her. Don’t ruin what might be the one thing you’ve waited your entire life for.
“Dinner. I owe you a dinner.”
Her face falls, all hope disappears from her eyes. She opens the door a crack.
“Blanca.”
“It’s okay, Ethan. I promise Monday morning will be fine. I won’t make it awkward.”
I can’t imagine not flirting with her. It’d be complete torture to just be her co-worker. I never wanted this, but I can’t walk away from it now.
Beelining across the room, I shut the door and cage her back against it. We’re chest to chest. “I feel it, okay? I do. And I want you here so I can feed you, fuck you, and cherish you. You’re right, I’m terrified because I like you and this thing between us is at a level I’ve never felt before.” I raise my hand to cup her cheek.
Her eyes grow tender and caring after my declaration. “Are you sure?”
I nod. “Just stay. Please.”
Her hand comes over mine on her cheek and she nods. “I’ll stay.”
As a thank you, I bend over and kiss her until we both have no choice but to draw it to a close if we want to breathe. I take her hand and lead her into the kitchen. “I was going to make you Paella. Want to do it together?” I leave her on a stool and open the fridge to grab the ingredients.
“I’d love to.”
My time is limited though. I got her to stay, but she wants more from me or at the very least wants me to allow myself to be in this one hundred percent. I know I’m going to have to try harder, I just don’t know if I can.
Chapter Sixteen
Blanca
*
The fact that I’ve rarely seen a man in a kitchen is sad, but Mama wasn’t always willing to let my dad help us cook. And my brothers are limited as to what they can do. They can roll the meatballs into balls. Mix the seasoning, chop a vegetable. Other than Dom who took it upon himself to learn how to cook after he moved out of our parents’ house, but still takes a backseat on Sundays, I’ve never witnessed a man work his way through the kitchen quite like Ethan.
He opens the fridge and I sit on the stool because I’m not sure I can help him.
He lays out a bunch of ingredients on the counter and pats the spot right next to it. “Actually, come sit here.”
“That seems unsanitary.” But I don’t argue further because it means I’ll be closer to him. So I slide up on the counter like he asks and he leans over, kissing me briefly. Good decision on my part.
“I’ve already done the prepping.” He turns to the stove and puts some oil into a big pan, then grabs the plastic container with the marinated chicken.
“Who taught you how to cook? Your mom?”
He glances back as his forearm muscles flex while he uses the tongs to turn the chicken. “A little, but she worked a lot. Being the oldest, it fell into my lap and eventually I couldn’t stand the box mac and cheese and frozen dinners anymore.”
“Both your parents worked?”
He picks the chicken up off the frying pan and places it in a dish next to the stove, then drops a bunch of spices into the pan. “My dad was unemployed at times but with the stress of finding a job, I took on the responsibility.” He shrugs.
“Very cool. My brothers never would’ve done that.”
He places the wooden spoon down on the pan and crosses the short distance in his galley kitchen, leaning in until our lips meet. “Sure they would have. Sometimes it’s not a choice.”
“Admirable.” I lock my legs around his waist.
He laughs. “It’ll burn.”
“Hmm… I’m not sure what’s more important. My stomach being empty or my arms.”
“Give me five minutes and then we can have a ten minute break from cooking.” He kisses the soft underside of my jaw and slides out of my grasp until he’s back at the frying pan. He stirs slowly with one hand while dropping a pile of tomatoes into the pan with the other. I love watching the way he’s so attentive and caring with the dish. “Let’s talk about those five lunches I won today.” He smirks over his shoulder.
My stomach flips and flops. “Oh yes. Just think, if you could’ve asked for sexual favors.”
He drops the rice in and adds some water, putting the lid on the pot and adjusting the heat before his hands land on my knees. I watch his long fingers graze up my thighs, parting them so he fits between my legs. “We can change it.”
“Because it would suit you.” I raise an eyebrow.
“You’re telling me you’d get no pleasure from sexual favors?”
I move my head side-to-side. “I can’t very well hide under your desk and open up your slacks.”
He shifts in place. “That’s unfair. Now every time I’m at my desk, I’m going to envision you giving me head.”
I laugh and his hand moves to the back of my head, his fingers flexing in the strands of my hair. “I’m really happy you’re here,” he says.
I’m sure my eyes are all dreamy as his mouth lands on mine. Our kiss is slow, relaxed, and easy. We’re not fighting for dominance. We’re not rushed and it’s the most romantic kiss I’ve experienced in my life.
He backs up and stares at me for a moment. “I’m having a great time.”
I bite my lip. “I am too.”
“Good. Now wait until you taste my food.”
I go to change back into his T-shirt after he says I’m welcome to and for the next twenty minutes or so, I watch Ethan in the kitchen. He brings me a spoon to try the rice before it’s all done and from his intent stare, I know how much it means to him that I enjoy his cooking. How could I not? The guy is pretty skilled.
After dinner, he grabs a carton of cookies ‘n cream ice cream and two spoons and leads me over to the couch. He positions me so that my ass is right next to him and my legs are draped over his lap.
“Best flavor in the world,” I say, digging my spoon into the ice cream.
“One of them.”
“What’s your favorite? I figured it was this.”
“I got this one because it seemed like something you’d like. I’m more of a sorbet guy.”
I poke him with my finger. “Sorbet, huh?” His hand falls to his side and he shakes his head. “Sorry. Habit.”
“What do you want to watch?” He reaches to the side and grabs the remote.
“Whatever.”
He crinkles his eyes. “Gotta love the early stages of a relationship when everyone is so amicable.”
“Relationship?” I raise my eyebrows.
He takes my spoon, puts it in the ice cream and I squeal as he gets me on my back. His body weight feels delicious on top of me. His strong legs nudge my thighs to make room for him.
“I told you, I’m all in.”
I nod. “I guess you’ll have to prove it.”
His hands slide up the hem of his shirt that I’m wearing, shivers running up my bare skin. “Oh, I have many ways to prove it.” He slides down my body, pushing up the T-shirt as his lips fall to my skin.
My back arches off the sofa and I run my fingers through his hair. The man has a magical mouth and he knows how to use his tongue to drive me crazy.
Peeking up at me right as he gets to the top of my panties, his expression is one of mischief. His
finger slides along the top, teasing me and I squirm under his touch.
“I see how you want to play this game. Remember, there’s always payback.”
He chuckles and hooks his fingers under the sides of my underwear, pulling them down and off, tossing them on the floor.
He glides his hand down my leg and props my knee up on his shoulder. His eyes never leave mine as his lips cast small kisses to the inside of my thigh. “You’re beautiful,” he says, growing closer to my center.
I hook my other leg over his shoulder then grip the strands of his dark hair, weaving my fingers through just as his tongue twirls around my clit.
I buck up off the couch and his free hand falls to my pelvis to keep me grounded. His teasing eyes meet mine once more and although I can’t see his lips, his eyes say he’s smiling.
“Ethan,” I sigh. His tongue continues a methodical, slow torture around the lips of my pussy. He blows a long stream of warm air on the damp skin and I feel like a million little fireflies lit up around us. My eyes fall shut and I lay my head back onto the arm of the couch. “You’re way too talented,” I murmur, as all thought processes fall to the wayside.
He gives me nothing but a small groan when I open my legs farther, wanting him right where he is. His tongue explores me like uncharted territory he’s claiming as his. It feels so good, almost too good. I’m in sensory overload.
Then his finger circles my opening and my insides clench, wanting him there inside me. A low groan sounds from him while he slowly pushes his finger inside of me. My ass rises off the couch, wanting more of his mouth, more of his fingers, just more of him.
“Watch me,” he says. I peek through one slanted eyelid to see his gaze on me. “Watch me devour you. Watch me make you come.”
I try to open my eyes and when I do, I have a good view as he pushes another finger inside of me. My orgasm is so close and part of me just wants him to give it to me and the other wants to draw this out forever. He pumps his fingers in and out of me while sucking my clit into his mouth. My hand clings to the edge of the couch, my knuckles whitening under the tension.
I squirm and he pulls back for a moment, allowing me to buck into his hand. Then he buries his face between my legs, his tongue on my clit moving faster, his fingers arching and that’s when all my cells explode, releasing all the tension thrumming through my body. Blackness surrounds me as I scream his name.
When I finally open my eyes, Ethan’s licking his fingers and crawling up my body. “You’re even more gorgeous when you come.” His lips land on mine and I pull his pajama pants down. He shows how in shape he is because he holds himself up with one arm to get them off. Taking the back collar of his T-shirt, he throws it over his head and tosses it onto the floor.
“We need a bed,” he says. “I can’t do what I want to do to you here on this cramped couch.” He stands and I immediately miss his weight, but he picks me up in his arms, carrying me to his bedroom.
Seconds later, I’m on my back on his bed and he’s crawling over me. Co-workers or not, this is happening.
Chapter Seventeen
Ethan
*
Sunday morning, I head down to Andrews Bagel Co. to grab Blanca’s bagel, leaving the woman herself in my bed.
“Man, I’m jealous.” Seth comes out of the back wearing his apron.
“Of what?”
“Well, let’s take inventory… basketball shorts, T-shirt, hair in every direction, sandals, and a smile that says I got some.” He grabs my usual bagel and starts putting cream cheese on it. “Is this the girl you were carrying on about the other night?”
I run a hand through my hair. Usually the Andrews hire outside workers on Sunday. It’s the one day they take for themselves. It was naive of me to think I could sneak in and out without anyone knowing.
“Guilty as charged. So I need a sesame with chive cream cheese too.”
Seth laughs. “She spent the night.”
“Maybe.”
“You’re taking this into relationship territory. Feels like it might be too soon.” He busies himself cutting the bagel and spreading the chive cream cheese, continuing to let anyone in the bagel shop know my business since he has the ability of a two-year-old to keep a secret.
“I broke up with Sierra six months ago.”
“Hey, I’m just looking out for you.”
“I’m good.”
“Clearly.” He bags the bagels. “Here you go, Romeo.”
“Don’t be jealous.” I take the bag and the two cups of coffee to fill. “Why are you here anyway?”
“An employee bailed. Probably got some like you and didn’t wanna get out of bed.”
“Whatever.”
“When do we get to meet the lucky lady?” He waves off my money, but I slip it in the tip jar.
“In a bit. I want to see where this is going to go before I bombard her with friend introductions. You figure I didn’t have that with Sierra and it’s like her life became mine and vice versa. I want to take this slow.”
Seth nods like he understands. Although, I’ve never seen Seth in an actual relationship. We call it the curse of three dates. So far no one has made it to a fourth date with him since I’ve known him. I’ve heard rumors that there is one girl who made an impression on him, but it was a long time ago and Seth never confirms or denies. I don’t pry because it’s none of my business. If he wants to tell me, he will.
“Have a happy Sunday.” I raise the bag in thanks.
“It won’t be half as happy as yours unless she’s taken the walk of shame before you get back.” He laughs and calls over the next customer.
As I exit the bagel shop, I wonder why that thought never occurred to me. Why did I not even think she might wake up after I left and think I abandoned her? I didn’t even leave a note. It’s like we went from strangers to co-workers to lovers to boyfriend and girlfriend in a flash. Because that’s how calm I am about us. Like the security of a relationship has already anchored me to her. Which means I’m in deep shit.
I unlock my door and step inside. The apartment is quiet. Scanning the living room and kitchen area, I spot her purse and shoes by the couch. The relief that rushes through me shouldn’t surprise me because I was never this invested in Sierra or any other girlfriend this early in the game. It was clear when I met Blanca on the train that she was different, but I never thought she was my different. My walls are slowly lowering.
“Hey you.” The bathroom door opens, and she stands in the doorway, wearing my T-shirt once again. She’s practically lived in that thing for the last two days and I love it.
“I got us bagels.”
“Awesome.” She walks up to me, raises to her tiptoes, and kisses me like I’m hers.
So no awkwardness even though we’ll be leaving each other today. That’s good.
“What time do you have to go?”
She searches my small apartment for a clock, finding one on the microwave. “Well, I should get the scent of sex off me, so, I’ll head home in a little bit. I have to catch the eleven train.”
We sit on the couch and she lifts the lid off her coffee and blows on the steaming liquid which only spurs memories of her mouth on me last night. “Want to ride into the city together?”
A smile starts slowly at the corner of her lips but turns full watt. “Sure.”
And just like that, after two days locked in my apartment having sex and eating only for sustenance, we’re riding the train together.
Seth is right. This is starting to feel like a relationship already.
Hours later, I’m on the train platform when Blanca walks up. Without missing a beat, her arms wrap around my stomach and our lips find each other’s like magnets. I slide my tongue into her waiting mouth, and she steps closer, making our bodies flush to one another.
When the train barrels into the station, I tear my lips off hers and brush her hair back with my pinkie finger. “That’s quite the hello.”
“What can I say? I missed
you after only two hours.” She smiles and walks up the stairs to the train, stepping into our usual car and heading to the back.
It’s crowded because it’s Sunday and a lot of families are heading to the city, so we end up in in the middle of everyone, eyes all around us. She’s wearing shorts, so I guess there’s no way to hide if my fingers disappeared between her legs.
She slides her arm through mine and leans her head on my shoulder, her mouth close to my ear. “I think we had the same idea.”
Her other hand skims over the bulge in my shorts and I shift, looking around to make sure no kid is peeking at us from somewhere.
“I think I wanna go back to my place.”
She giggles and her fingers tease me, grazing over my dick and then disappearing. Finally, I grab her hand. “Okay, we need to do something to get my mind off the fact that I can’t have you right now.”
She slides away from me, but I stop her with my palm on her thigh. Digging through her purse, she pulls out her phone. “Let’s find out more about one another then.”
“How?”
“Twenty questions.”
I groan and roll my eyes. She hits me in the shoulder. “Come on. It’ll be fun and you’ll find out all those little facts you’ve been so curious about.”
“Fine. Shoot.”
“Give me a minute.”
She reads on her phone for a few minutes while I scan the train car watching all the families. The kid next to us is climbing over the seat and the dad grabs him, apologizing to the couple in front of them. I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready for that.
“Okay. If you had one day to live, what would you do?” she asks.
I lean forward and lean close to her ear, lowering my voice. “I’d fuck you all day.” I draw back and smile when I see her flushed cheeks. I love that look on her.
She clears her throat. “Question number two.”
“Whoa.” I hold out my hand. “You don’t get to ask all the questions.”
