The Beauty of Us

by Kristen Proby

  To him.

  My God, what am I going to do when he leaves?

  I take a deep breath and will myself not to think about it yet. We still have a whole week, and a lot can happen in that time.

  Just enjoy him. Don’t overthink it.

  Of course, that’s easier said than done.

  My eyes are heavy, and before long the feel of a very solid and warm Trevor next to me lulls me into sleep.

  Someone is carrying me.

  Or I’m dreaming, but either way, it feels lovely.

  “Shh,” Trevor whispers in my ear. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

  “I love it when you carry me.” My voice is small with slumber.

  “I know.” He kisses my brow and sets me on the edge of the bed. “Do you want to sleep in the clothes you’re wearing?”

  “Yeah, it’s fine.”

  I could sleep in a sumo suit right now. I haven’t been this sleepy in a long time. So I lie down on the bed, but then I’m lifted again.

  “I have to turn the bed down,” he says with a smile.

  “Okay.”

  He gets me all settled in the bed, and through only one open eye, I watch him strip out of his clothes, the moonlight shining on his perfect body, and join me, pulling me to him the way he always does.

  The man never stops touching me, and frankly, it’s fucking amazing.

  “Thank you,” I whisper to him.

  “For what?”

  I love talking in the dark with hushed voices. It feels intimate, like we’re telling secrets, even if we’re not.

  “For everything you did tonight. And for today with my nana. You’re pretty great.”

  “I have moments,” he says.

  “I’m glad you came tonight.”

  “I’m glad you’re glad.”

  He brushes my hair off my neck and kisses me there. It’s not in an overtly sexual way. Just in a familiar, sweet way that makes my heart smile.

  I’m so in love with this man it hurts.

  “I sleep better when you’re here,” I whisper, and bite my lip. I want to tell him I’ve fallen in love with him, but I think it’s too soon.

  “Good because I plan on sleeping with you for a very long time, sweetheart.”

  Good lord, the man can use his words.

  His arms are around me, he’s pressed against my back, and I’m just not so sleepy anymore.

  All he has to do is lightly kiss my damn neck and I’m so turned on I can’t think straight.

  I certainly can’t sleep in this state.

  And I don’t have to because he’s still here.

  “Trevor?” I whisper, in case he’s fallen asleep already.

  “Yes, Riley?”

  Thank God he hasn’t fallen asleep.

  “Are you overly tired?”

  “Can you feel my cock pressed against your ass?” he asks, rather than answer my question.

  “Yes.”

  I’m suddenly on my back and looking up into Trevor’s eyes, illuminated by the moonlight.

  “You were so tired I thought I’d just let you sleep.”

  “I appreciate the offer,” I reply while dragging my hands down his side. He’s made himself at home, nestled between my thighs. His dick is pressing against my center, and every damn nerve ending is on fire.

  I tilt my hips up and smile up at him.

  “You’re awake now,” he murmurs as he nudges the tip inside of me, making me gasp lightly.

  “Wide-awake,” I confirm. “And holy shit, that feels good.”

  “Yeah?” He pushes in farther and leans down to kiss me. “How about this?”

  “So damn good,” I reply. “It always feels so good.”

  He closes his eyes and begins to move in and out, in the perfect rhythm, keeping me right on the edge of falling over into a blinding orgasm.

  He’s doing it on purpose, and I want to beg him to stop and never to stop all at the same time.

  “You’re so fucking incredible,” he breathes against my lips. “I always crave you. Whether you’re with me or not, I fucking need you.”

  “So good with words,” I whisper, and bear down, clutching on to him and watching in delight as his jaw tightens and every muscle in his body clenches with his orgasm.

  As he’s still shuddering, he presses his thumb to my clit, and I cry out as I come with him, every piece of me completely in love with him.

  He collapses beside me, always careful to keep his weight off me. When I can form complete sentences again, I need to tell him he needn’t bother.

  I love feeling him over me.

  As I float back to earth, I realize my eyes are heavy again.

  “Sleep,” Trevor whispers sweetly. “Go to sleep.”

  Chapter Twelve

  ~Trevor~

  “You did great, Trev,” my boss, Mark, says happily in my ear. “Wrapping early is great, and makes up for the holiday day we lost last week. The footage you’ve sent is great. It’s going to be a good show.”

  “I think so too,” I reply, and wave as the sound guy leaves. “Hey, I’m going to stick around in Portland for a few extra days.”

  “Why?”

  I take a deep breath.

  “Because I need some vacation time,” I reply, not lying in the least. “It’s been a few years.”

  “How much time are we talking about?”

  “I’m going to be here through next week. I’ll be back in my office the following Monday.”

  “A whole week.” His voice has lost the excitement of a few moments ago. “I was hoping to go over some new show ideas next week.”

  “I’m sorry, Mark, but it’ll have to wait. I wasn’t due to be back in the office until late next week anyway, so this is only a few extra days.”

  “You’re right,” he says with a sigh. “You have the apartment until Wednesday morning. You can have my assistant arrange for you to keep it.”

  “I’ll be checking out early.”

  “Trevor, what’s going on?”

  “Nothing at all, just taking some time for myself.”

  “Okay. I’ll see you when you get back.”

  I end the call and have a brief chat with the camera guy, then go in search of the girls.

  Mia is, naturally, in the kitchen.

  “Can you take a ten-minute break?” I ask her, earning a glare.

  “Give me a few,” she says.

  “Great, meet me in your office.”

  She nods, going right back to whatever she’s working on on the stove top.

  Kat and Cami are in the bar.

  “I need to borrow you guys. Can we please meet in the office?”

  “Sure,” Cami says as Kat turns to her employee and tells her to let Kat know if she needs anything.

  “Where are Addie and Riley?” I ask.

  “In the office,” Kat says.

  “Perfect.” I lead the ladies into the office, and each of them immediately sits at her respective desk. They’re beautiful women, and not a little intimidating when they’re all seated in the office.

  “Mia’s on her way,” I inform them.

  “Are we in trouble?” Addie asks with a smirk.

  “On the contrary,” I reply just as Mia hurries in.

  “You’ve got five minutes,” she says impatiently.

  “That’s all I’ll need.” I rub my hands together as my gaze travels to each woman. “I have excellent news. We’ve wrapped shooting.”

  “What?” Cami says with a frown. “I thought we had to film through Tuesday.”

  “We got everything we need,” I reply. “Today’s interviews were the last of it. I’ve already sent the rest of the crew home.”

  “It’s convenient that you wrapped on a Friday,” Cami says with a nod.

  “I don’t mean to be rude,” Mia says with a smile, “but thank God.”

  “You all did so great.” I hold each of their gazes with mine, speaking in earnest. “Seriously, you couldn’t have been better. My boss is al
ready very pleased.”

  “Good.” Riley finally speaks up, avoiding my gaze now. “I’m happy to hear it was successful.”

  “I think we’re going to miss having you around,” Kat says. “We should have a party to celebrate!”

  “Absolutely,” Addie says with a nod. “We should have it at my place. There’s plenty of space for everyone. I can call Jake and have him get the ball rolling for tonight, if that works for everyone.”

  “That’s short notice,” Mia says.

  “We have people,” Addie says, waving Mia off. “I expect to see you all at my place, tonight, around seven.”

  “Okay.” Mia stands and rubs her neck. “I’ll call in an extra cook and duck out early.”

  “Wow,” Kat says, raising a brow. “You didn’t even put up much of a fight.”

  “You’re very funny,” Mia says, and walks out of the office. All of the girls stand, each of them shaking my hand as they leave. Riley’s hung back, and as she approaches me, I block the path to the door.

  “Can we talk for a minute?”

  “Okay,” she says, and backs up, leaning on the front of her desk.

  “How do you feel?”

  “Peachy.” Her smile is fake. “It’s just fantastic that you’re leaving early.”

  “Is that what you think? No.” I move to her and take her shoulders in my hands. “I’m not leaving early. I’m actually staying longer.”

  She frowns and seems to sag in relief, all at the same time.

  “How long?” she asks softly.

  “Until the following Monday.”

  She nods, her face flushing. “I’m ridiculously relieved.”

  “I’m sorry, sweetheart, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “I’m fine,” she says, but I can see through her. And I get it. I’m not ready to say good-bye either.

  “I’m going to need a place to stay.”

  Her lips twitch in humor. “There are plenty of hotels in Portland.”

  “True.” I nod and pull her against me, letting her feel the length of me against her. “But that wouldn’t be nearly as nice as seeing you whenever I like.”

  “You have a point.” Her hands travel up my arms and around my neck. “I guess it wouldn’t be so bad to share my things with you for a bit.”

  “That’s very generous.”

  “You’ll have to earn your keep,” she says, her voice very serious. God, she makes me laugh.

  “Of course.” I purse my lips, trying to keep a straight face. “You know I can cook, so there’s that.”

  “There’s that,” she agrees.

  “I’m handy with laundry.”

  “That’s a bonus,” she says with a smile. “I hate laundry.”

  “I kind of enjoy it, actually.”

  “Well, then by all means, feel free to do laundry.”

  I smirk. “What else can I do for you?”

  Her hand glides down my chest and she cups my dick in her hand, immediately waking it up. “I have a few ideas.”

  “I love your ideas.”

  “I haven’t even told you what they are yet,” she says with a laugh.

  “I can already tell your ideas are awesome.”

  “You’d be right. When are you moving in?”

  “I was thinking I’d go back and pack up now while you finish up work.”

  She shocks me by wrapping her arms around me and hugging me tightly.

  “I have a rock hide-a-key by the front porch,” she mumbles into my chest. “Just go make yourself at home.”

  “Are you sure?” I tip her chin up so I can see into her blue eyes. “If you’d rather I kept the apartment, I can do that.”

  “I’d rather have you with me, for as long as I can.”

  I cup her face and kiss her until we’re both breathless.

  “Thank you. I’ll see you tonight.”

  “And don’t forget about our wrap party tonight. You should invite the crew.”

  We used a Portland-based camera and sound crew rather than fly everyone up from L.A. and pay for their lodging and meals on top of salary.

  “I’m sure they’d like that. I’ll let them know.”

  “Okay.” She smiles as she steps away from me. “Now leave before I strip you naked and have my way with you on my desk.”

  Her lips are wet and parted, her hair twisted up nicely, just begging to be tousled by my fingers. I can’t resist leaning in and pressing my nose to her neck. She shivers beautifully.

  “That’s not much of a threat, Riley.”

  She laughs and buries her fingers in my hair. “I really don’t have time for this.”

  “Yes, you do,” I reply, letting my hand slide up her bare thigh beneath her skirt. “You own the fucking business.”

  “That door is unlocked,” she warns me. Her head falls back with a sigh as my fingers find home plate. “Someone could walk in.”

  “I don’t seem to give a fuck.” But I’m blocking the view from the door with my back as I push her onto her desk. I’m not going to fuck her, not right now, but I’m going to make damn sure she spends the rest of the day thinking of me.

  “Trevor,” she breathes. She’s holding on to my arms, her nails biting my flesh through my shirt. “Oh my God.”

  “That’s right, sweetheart.” I bite her earlobe and then press my lips to her ear. “Come. Right now, Riley.”

  She obeys without a moment’s pause, clinging to me, her pussy contracting around my fingers.

  “You’re so damn gorgeous.”

  “You’re good at that,” she replies, swallowing thickly. “My turn.”

  “Nope.” I lick my fingers clean and then straighten her skirt and back away. My cock is pulsing like a motherfucker, but we’re both going to have to wait until later. “I’ll see you later.”

  “Should I say thanks?” she asks with a laugh.

  “That works.” I kiss her, hard, then walk out of the office whistling. I ignore the smirks from Cami and Addie, sending them a wave as I walk out of the restaurant.

  I have some packing to do.

  The girls are dancing in the middle of the room. Jake and Addie’s house—“mansion” is a better word—is massive, and the perfect place to accommodate so many people.

  Two of our crew showed up as well. I think they were just curious to get a look at Jake Knox’s house, as they’re both big fans, and Jake has stayed away from the restaurant while we filmed, wanting to maintain his privacy.

  They’re both standing with him now while he holds his baby girl, chatting and laughing.

  “They’re something,” Landon says beside me, pointing at our girls. “They’ve done this since they were kids.”

  “You’ve known them for a long time,” I reply, and take a sip of my beer while I watch Riley move out of rhythm in her skintight red dress.

  Fuck me, she looks amazing in it.

  “Most of our lives,” Landon says.

  “Did you always have a crush on Cami?” Mac, Kat’s fiancé, asks.

  “I started to notice her as something other than my sister’s friend when I was in high school. We’ve always been good friends, and when we got older, the chemistry was off the charts.”

  “But you never pursued her?” I ask.

  “I went to college, and then into the navy,” Landon says, shaking his head. “She got married. We went in two different directions.”

  “Until last year,” Mac says.

  “Yep. She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

  “I know what you mean,” Mac says, staring at Kat. “I wasn’t looking for her, but there she was, terrified on that plane.”

  He goes on to tell me about how Kat has a phobia of flying, and he was sitting next to her on a flight down to California.

  “All of these women are impressive,” I add, and smile when Riley spins, almost crashing right into Cami. “Riley has no rhythm.”

  “She never did,” Landon says with a laugh. “But she doesn’t care. You h
ave to admire that about her.”

  I love her for a million different reasons.

  “Do you love her?” Landon asks me, catching my attention.

  “Riley?”

  “No, Mother Teresa. Yes, Riley.”

  I take a sip of my drink. “I don’t know if I should answer that question when I haven’t even told her how I feel about her.”

  “As long as you’re not just in it for the sex, I’m fine,” Landon says. “Because she’s not really that kind of person.”

  “I know,” I reply with a smile. “She told me early on, and we are exclusive.”

  “Great.” Landon waves at Cami, who’s waving at him from her dancing spot.

  The song ends, and the girls scatter, each going to her man. Mia pours herself another drink.

  “Hi,” Riley says happily.

  “Hello there, beautiful.”

  Her chest is heaving from being out of breath, highlighting those sexy tits, and I can’t stand not having my hands on her anymore.

  “I’d like to speak with you,” I murmur to her, taking her hand in mine and leading her out of the room and down the hallway to a bathroom.

  I shut the door behind us and pin her against the wall.

  “What’s wrong?” she asks.

  “Not a fucking thing.” I kiss her forehead. “Watching you dance in that dress just about undid me.”

  “You’re drunk,” she says with a giggle.

  “Nope,” I reply. “Unless you count being drunk on you.”

  “So, do you want to go at it in here? Because I’ve never been a fan of bathroom sex.”

  “No?” I cock a brow and let my hands glide down her sides to the hem of her dress. Her legs are bare beneath it, as they were earlier, and I’m happy to discover she’s not wearing panties. “What don’t you like about it?”

  “It’s rather unsanitary, isn’t it?” She wrinkles her nose, then bites her lip when my fingertip drags up the crease of her leg, right next to where it meets her sex.

  “I’m quite sure that Addie and Jake have a diligent housekeeper,” I reply, and plant my mouth on her neck, just below her ear, as my finger finds her clit.

  “I don’t remember her name,” Riley whispers.

  “I don’t give a fuck,” I reply, and slip my finger through her wetness and into her. Her leg is wrapped around my waist, begging me to go deeper, to free my hard, pulsing cock and take her, right here.