by Lila Rose
I raised my brows. “Are you serious?”
“Yes. That’s why I asked him to move in here. I knew you’d overreact then offer up your place, and I knew he would accept.”
“You two played me? Your own daughter?”
Mom smiled. Dad grinned, and said, “We’d do it again if we saw the possibility of something great for you. Don’t worry. I’ve already warned him that if he hurts you, I’d hurt him.”
“You did?” I gushed. “Did it pain you to do it?”
He nodded. “It really did.”
“So… he worked his charm and finally admitted his feelings yesterday?” Mom asked. I nodded. “I’m so glad he called us to help him out.”
“Meaning how you got me the day off so he could come home to see me.”
“Yes.” Her smile widened.
“Are you saying this happened yesterday and you didn’t think to call us to inform us he was your boyfriend?”
My eyes narrowed. “I’m here now telling you.”
Dad stood and threw his hands in the air. “I could have had at least eleven more hours of torturing Tom about this.” He glared down at me. “You should have called last night.”
I rolled my eyes. “Yeah sure, of course my life revolves around yours and Tom’s stupid mind games of bragging.”
“Glad you see it my way. I’m going to call. I’ll let you know when I can forgive you for your tardiness.” He started to walk off when he abruptly turned and came back to me, pulling me up and into a hug. “Good job on snagging Carter Anthony.”
“Hey,” Brooke said from beside me, pulling me from my thoughts. I glanced to see Dad was now sitting beside Patty while Mom and Beth talked quietly. Benjie was playing with Crispin and Caitlyn.
“I’m so glad you could come tonight,” I told Brooke.
“Couldn’t miss the entertainment. I think I’ve lost count of the times your dad has side hugged Carter’s whole family.”
I laughed. “Probably way too many and he’s moved into the uncomfortable stage.”
“True.” She grinned.
I bumped her hip with mine. “Dustin still annoying you?” I questioned.
She bit her bottom lip to hide her smile, but I knew Brooke too well. She was enjoying Dustin making an effort for her.
She nodded. “Guess who was at Nana Bev’s when I went to dinner Friday night?”
My jaw dropped, my eyes widening. “No,” I gasped.
“Yes.” She nodded. “Apparently, he got her number off my phone when I left it at his house ‘accidentally’. Since I always talk about her, he rang her up and they had a good old chat.”
My hand fluttered up to my neck. I choked back my giggle, and asked, “What happened?”
“Of course he charmed Nana. When I got there, she gave me a lecture about being silly and not giving Dustin a chance. Which got my back up.” She shrugged. “Still, I couldn’t keep up my aggression when the idiot’s around for a long time. I ended up enjoying the night. When I left, Dustin walked me out and….”
“What?”
“The bastard kissed me again. My brain shuts down when he does that. He begged me, actually got down on his knees and begged me for a chance.”
“Are you going to give him one?”
She smiled. “Yes. Just one. But we’re not going to tell Benjie anything until we know if we’re okay with dating each other.”
I couldn’t help it. I grabbed her in a hug. “I hope things work out,” I whispered.
“I hope so as well, but we’ll see.”
Chapter Thirty
Reagan
After entering the house, I went straight into the living room. It was late, very late after the celebrations. Carter must have been exhausted, but as I turned to see him walk in after locking the front door, I noticed he was a little jazzed. Winning the Super Bowl could do that to a person.
“Are you happy?” I asked with a smile.
He came right up to me, his smirk changing into a big grin. When his warm hands landed on my waist, I placed mine on his shoulders. He replied, “More than happy.”
“Do you think you’ll regret giving it up?”
He shook his head. “No. I’ve wanted to for a while, for my body’s sake.”
“As long as you’re sure.”
His smile softened. “I’m very sure. So, are you?”
I laughed. “Am I what? Sure you should leave?”
He flicked my ear gently. “No. Are you happy?”
“I’m not the one who won a Super Bowl. Still, it was all very exciting and nerve-wracking.”
“State told me you nearly jumped the fence.”
“I nearly ate my heart as well. I was so scared you weren’t going to get up,” I admitted.
“I’m strong, sweetheart. No one could keep me down when I know I’ve got you to come home to.”
My body flushed pleasantly. “Carter?”
“Hmm?” He leaned in to kiss my neck.
“The living arrangements,” I said.
Straightening, his brows dipped. “Yeah? What about them?”
“Well, it’s after the Super Bowl.” He chuckled. I went on, “I was wondering if things could change?”
“Change how?” he asked apprehensively. I had to grin, wondering if his mind led him to the thought of me kicking him out. That would never happen. Never. If he tried to leave, I’d just have to tie him to my bed rails.
Oh, that could be an idea. Then I could explore his body without him distracting me with his hands and mouth. I’d love to roam freely over his body, tasting every inch of him.
“Sweetheart, where did your mind go to make you blush like that?”
“Um… let’s set a pin in that and get back to it later maybe.”
He laughed. “Okay, so what were you saying about our living arrangements?”
Slowly, I slid my hands down from his shoulders to his chest. I watched my hands run over his sculpted muscles and got lost in the sensation of his hard body.
“Ree, I swear to God if you don’t—”
“Would you want to sleep in my room from now on?”
His body stilled, even with his mouth half open from interrupting him. Gradually, his expression changed. His eyes widened, and a smile crept onto his lips.
“You want me in your bed?”
I nodded, gazing at his chest. “Yes.”
“Look at me, sweetheart.” I pulled my gaze up. “Are you sure this is what you want? What about your fears of moving too fast?”
Were we moving too fast?
I wasn’t sure.
But I was willing to take the risk, I couldn’t let Carter sleep in his own room any longer when we were under the same roof.
“If it’s moving too fast then so be it. All I know is that I’d like to sleep beside the man I love and wake up next to him.”
“Yeah?” he said gruffly.
“Yes.”
“I’d love that, sweetheart. So goddamn much.”
“So… tonight?”
“Hell yeah. Tonight, and then every night.”
“I like the sound of that.” I rolled my eyes to the left and then back again, biting my bottom lip before saying quietly, “Are you tired? Would you like to sleep now?”
“I could go to bed.” His eyes darkened. “But I’m not ready to sleep.”
My lips twitched. “Do you want to read?”
He snorted. “No.”
“Watch a movie?”
He smirked. “No.”
Grinning, I said, “I just can’t think of anything else to do.”
“Then I’ll have to show you.” He picked me up with his hand under my butt. I gasped, and wrapped my legs around his waist, my arms moving around his neck. He started down the hall before his lips landed on mine.
We fell through the bedroom door, kissing as if our lives depended on it. Carter released his grip, and I slid down his body while his hands ran all over me. Caressing my ass, my hips and back. He then touched my stomach
and breasts, where he gave them both a good strong grip. I tangled my hands in his hair, loving the feel through my fingers.
We came up for air. It was unfair how we had to catch our breaths. I could easily kiss Carter all day and night. His mouth was amazing. Hot, tasty, and something I very much liked. Just like the rest of him was.
“Clothes,” I muttered against his jaw before licking and biting there.
“Hmm?”
“There’s too many,” I complained. He chuckled against my collarbone and then straightened to drag his shirt over his head.
My mind blanked. Yes, I’d seen him half-naked before, and each time I enjoyed the view, but that time I knew, knew I was going to get to touch it, explore it, and taste it.
All mine.
Leaning in, I kissed his chest and glided my tongue across and down to his nipple. There I swirled my tongue around and gently took a nip, causing him to shudder.
“Ree,” he growled low in his throat. His hands took hold of the bottom of my tee and tugged. After another kiss to his other nipple, I stood and threw my arms up in the air. He pulled the material free from my body. I quickly unhooked my bra and dragged it down my arms, throwing it to the floor.
I heard his quick hiss of breath. I glanced up to see his eyes hooded and heated, eyeing my chest. He met my gaze. “You’re beautiful.”
Carter bent as if tranced, and kissed the top of my left breast, then the right. He kissed his way along the curve of each breast again and again. His hot breath and soft lips were driving me insane, and he hadn’t even gone near my nipples. He cupped my left and then sucked my right nub into his mouth, curling his tongue around and around it.
“Carter,” I moaned. I clung to his back, his shoulders and then into his hair. His other hand on my waist dragged me forward. My back arched, presenting my breast to him more. Wetness soaked my panties, and a deep quake started inside of me. Pleasure I’d never felt before made me whimper.
I wanted more.
I wanted Carter inside me.
But after I’d had the chance to taste him.
I let my fingers drift to the belt of his jeans, tugging at it, trying to unbuckle it. Only I had to slow down my eager fingers to stop fumbling with it and actually progress to undoing it. Once that happened, I smiled happily. After undoing his button, I then slid his zipper down.
I slipped my hand in, under his boxers, and took hold of his erection. Carter sucked in a breath against my nipple and then he bit down hard enough pain shot through me, but it quickly changed to pleasure.
I dragged my hand up and down his length. On each slide, he groaned around his mouthful. With my free hand, I ghosted my fingers through his hair and then gently pulled his mouth free so I could claim his lips with my own. He pushed his jeans down his legs, giving me more access. Carter then thrust his cock into my palm over and over.
His fingers went to the button and zipper on my slacks, and he made quick work on undoing them. My body trembled when he slid his hand under my pants and panties to grip my ass tightly.
Carter took his lips from me, pressing his forehead against mine. “Sweetheart. Jesus, you have to stop or I’m going to make a fool out of myself and come.”
“But—”
His chuckle interrupted me. I wanted to see him lose control. “I’d like to at least be inside you when it happens.”
Liking that idea more, I released my hold and ran my hands around to grip his sweet ass and tugged him close. My pants skimmed over my skin as he pushed them down.
“Ree.” Carter groaned, eyeing my naked body. I kicked the rest of the clothes off, along with my heels. “You’re stunning. So damn beautiful.”
Heat hit my cheeks from his compliments. I wasn’t used to hearing something like them. “You’re pretty handsome yourself.”
He smirked, only it slowly dropped. “I have condoms, always use them. But need you to know there hasn’t been anyone in a long time, so other than the fact this may go quick, I’ve been tested. I’m clean.”
I glanced down his gorgeous body, and whispered, “I’m on the pill, and I’ve been tested too. I’m all in the clear.”
Meeting his gaze, I saw his cheeks start to color. “Would you… can I… I’d like—”
I covered his mouth with my hand, giggling. “Usually it’s me not knowing what or how to say something.” I smiled, guessing what he was trying to say and added, “I’d like you to be the first inside me uncovered. I want to feel all of you, Carter Anthony.”
He kissed my hand. His eyes darkened as he dragged it away and held it down at his side. “Christ, I’d love that.”
“But first….”
“What?” he asked.
Releasing his hand and delicious butt, I dropped to my knees in front of him and took hold of his erection in my hand. I kissed the tip of him.
“Ree,” he said through clenched teeth. He shuffled enough to be free of the jeans, and then I sucked him into my mouth, and he groaned. He closed his eyes and dropped his head back, God, I loved that reaction. It was like he was too lost in what I was doing, so instead, he just felt and enjoyed without thinking. My wet mouth glided up and down his thick length. It had been so long since I’d been with anyone, I didn’t realize I missed it so much. More importantly, it was with someone I loved, which was so much more. My heart thumped fast, my core tightened, and I knew I was soaked. Ready for him.
I lost his cock when Carter bent and hooked me under the arms, picking me up, cradling me close with his arms under my ass, supporting me. I wrapped myself around him. His jaw clenched, his nostrils flaring again and again.
He clipped low, “I need to calm down a bit.”
My brows dipped, and I ran a hand over the side of his face. “Do you want to stop?”
“God, no.”
“So…?”
He smiled. “It’s my turn to taste.” With that, I gasped as he threw me down on the bed. I bounced a little, ignoring the fact Carter could see all my bits wobble because he’d told me enough times he liked me as I was. Even though I had accepted myself and liked who I was and how I looked, those words from someone else, someone important, were empowering.
Carter took hold of my ankles and spread my legs. He made a noise in the back of this throat as he climbed on the bed between my legs, running his hands up to massage the edges of my hips. I was bare and open, Carter could see everything.
His eyes flashed. He slid a finger over my lower lips and then inside me. I arched, panting. Carter hummed under his breath. “So wet for me.” His voice was thick with desire.
“Carter,” I moaned when a second finger joined the first.
“So goddamn stunning, and all mine.”
It felt like my body was glowing from his words of claim.
Carter removed his fingers, slid both hands under my bottom and dipped his head in. His gaze crashed into mine. I caught his wicked smile before he kissed my clit.
“Oh, God.” I was so turned on I felt dizzy with it. The way Carter licked, sucked and drank me into his mouth rippled my body with pleasant tremors throughout.
“Carter, please,” I begged, wanting, needing him inside me.
I glanced down. His eyes met mine as he kissed his way up my body. Our mouths connected, our tongues swirled. I tasted myself on him, and heck if I didn’t love it. I wrapped my arms around his neck and hooked my legs over his.
With his hands on the bed, he supported himself over me. “Hell, you look amazing under me.” He kissed my shoulder and then rubbed his shaft against my wetness. I hummed under my breath, eager to have him inside me.
I placed my hand against his cheek and ran my thumb over his bottom lip. “Carter, make love to me.”
His eyes closed tightly before he opened them and reached between us. “Lift a little, sweetheart.” I did, and in a swift thrust, he pressed all the way in. I gasped and gripped his shoulders. “Christ,” he groaned. “Ree, so hot, so tight. I-I’m not going to last.”
“Neither am
I.” And I wasn’t, not with the way he rocked leisurely in and out of me. How his slick, warm skin dragged over my breasts. “So good,” I murmured. Lifting my head, I pressed my lips to his shoulder, then licked and finally bit.
“Reagan,” he groaned.
My lower belly tightened and swirled. “Close,” I warned.
He upped his thrust into a crazed frenzy, pumping in and out of me faster and faster. My back arched, I gripped his shoulders and pulled him closer. Kissing his jaw, his cheek and then his lips. I used my heels to dig into the bed, driving him deeper inside of me.
“Yes,” I cried, just before my orgasm overtook me. My inner walls clenched around him and he grunted out a deep growl.
Carter took both my hands up above my head, his lava gaze running down over me and stopped where we were joined together. “So good. Christ.” His grip was almost painful, it felt deliciously perfect. Carter leaned in, then touched his mouth to mine before he jerked inside me. A groan slipped from his mouth into mine as he swelled and thrust his hips forward on one last stroke before coming.
Even after orgasming, he slowly moved in and out. He angled back, releasing my hands and gliding one down over my shoulder, breast, then stomach. “You undo me, in all the right ways.”
Exhausted and sated, I smiled up at him, rubbing his sides up and down. “I’m looking forward to our future.”
He grinned. “So am I.”
Epilogue
Eight months later
Carter
“I’m going to be sick,” I complained, rubbing my stomach. I groaned and sat back in the seat behind me. Thankfully, it’d been there, or I would have fallen on my ass.
Dad laughed. He came up and clasped me on the shoulder, applying pressure in a reassuring way. “You’ll be fine.”
“How can you say that? I’m a nervous wreck. I should have gone to the bathroom and then maybe had something to eat. I haven’t eaten, Dad, which says it all.”