by Tessa Bailey
Zoey laughs, unbuttoning her shorts. “Hey, you married me.”
“And I’d do it again,” I say without hesitation, undoing my jeans and kicking them off with my boxers.
“No regrets?” she asks as she slides her panties down.
“Fucking never.” I growl, launching myself toward her until she’s back in my arms. I cup her ass as she wraps her legs around me. “This just became the best birthday of my life.”
“Does this mean I have to put out for every birthday from now on?” she taunts as I place her on the bed and tower over her.
“You’ve set a precedent now,” I tell her. “Birthday sex is now a thing.”
She crosses her ankles behind my back, pushing me against her gorgeous naked body. “Okay. Sex on your birthday, breakfast in bed for mine.”
I smile against her collarbone as I feather kisses down her body. Lifting my head, I meet her eyes. “Wait, that sounds good. I want that too.”
“Nope, you only get one,” she says, then releases a moan when my erection brushes against her pussy.
“How about we both get breakfast in bed and sex on our birthdays, so really we get to celebrate twice?”
“Hmm…okay, deal.” She arches her back as I wrap my mouth around her peaked nipple.
“Look at us.” I flatten my tongue between her breasts. “Already making compromises as a married couple.”
“I’m nothing if not agreeable,” she hums. “Unless you think we’re moving too fast?”
Lifting up on my palms, I tower over her beautiful face. “I’m quite sure that ship sailed within the first twenty-four hours of meeting.” I lift my hips toward hers, letting her feel how hard I am. “I knew I wanted you the moment I saw you and fell head over heels in love with you within two weeks of you being here. There’s no slowin’ down, baby. Except when I’m devouring you…because I’ll take my time doing that.”
Leaning down on one elbow, I tilt up her chin and bring her mouth to mine.
“I don’t deserve you,” she says softly, dropping her legs on either side of me. “The way I hurt you…I’ll regret it forever.”
Brushing hair from her cheeks, I kiss her sad lips. “That’s something you’ll learn about the Bishops. We fall fast and love hard. You made a mistake, but that’s what makes you human, so forgive yourself, sweetheart. Because I already have.”
“I love you,” she whispers, capturing my mouth with hers. “I’ll spend the rest of my life proving that to you.”
Grabbing her thigh, I hitch it over my hip and squeeze her ass, before slapping it. “And I’ll enjoy every goddamn minute of it.”
Zoey pushes me down and straddles my waist with a shit-eating smirk on her face. “Then hang on, cowboy. It’s gonna be a bumpy ride.”
She presses her palms to my chest and lifts herself up. I grip her waist as she takes my cock and strokes it.
“Fuck…” I groan as my head falls back. A moment later, she positions it at her entrance, then slowly slides her body down. “Jesus Christ, Zoey.”
She feels so goddamn amazing that I can barely breathe. As Zoey rocks her hips against me, she leans over, allowing me to cup her breast.
“You feel so good,” she whispers against my mouth, squeezing her eyes shut.
“Look at me, sweetheart,” I demand, then slide my hand to her neck. When she opens them, I flick my tongue out and lick her lips. “It feels so fucking right.”
She nods, releasing a moan so sweet, it nearly sends me straight to heaven. I bring my hand back to her ass and slap it. Zoey yelps and laughs, pushing up on my chest and increasing her pace.
Arching my back, I jerk my hips up and meet her thrusts. They’re frantic and greedy, both of us wanting more of each other with no desire to stop anytime soon.
I can tell she’s about to come when her pussy tightens around my dick, so I circle my thumb over her clit and pinch her nipple.
“Oh my God…” she pants, throwing her head back. I love the way her hair falls, begging to be pulled.
“Yes, baby. Keep goin’. You’re so close.” I add more pressure, rubbing her sensitive spot faster. Sliding my hand up between her breasts, I grip my fingers around her throat and lightly squeeze.
“Fuck, yes, yes, yes…” Zoey unravels, her body shaking with convulsions as she moans and rides out her release. “Oh. My. God,” she says, panting. “That was intense.” Blinking, she looks down at me, and I chuckle at the way she’s trying to catch her breath. Her tits bounce in front of me, and I push myself up until I can capture one in my mouth.
A moment later, I flip her over until she’s underneath me. She yelps and laughs, keeping our bodies molded together. Grabbing her leg, I prop her ankle up on my shoulder and close the gap between us.
“I’d hang on to the headboard if I were you.” I flash her a wink, slowly pulling out before quickly thrusting back inside.
“Jesus,” she says, reaching above her head and grabbing the rails.
When I lean down, her knee nearly touches her chest, allowing me to go even deeper. She grips me so damn tight that I know I won’t last long if she keeps doing that.
Her other leg snakes around my waist, and when she begs for more, I know I can’t deny her. I lean back slightly and grip her hips, driving into her as fast as I can. She screams my name, rocking her body against mine, and as soon as I feel her tighten around my dick, I’m fucking gone.
With a loud growl, I unleash into her. We please each other until we’re both spent and gasping for air.
“I hope Diesel didn’t hear that,” she says, her chest rising and falling after I collapsed next to her. “I’m already gonna have a hard time looking him in the eyes. He probably hates me.”
“Is that who you were thinking of this whole time?” I tease. “Should I ask him to join us?”
She snaps her face to mine in horror. “Is that something you…do? I mean, no judging, but…”
“Zoey.” I burst out laughing. “No! God, no. I was joking.”
She smacks me before rolling over and resting her head on my chest. “You’re the worst.”
“Yeah, well you married me, so now you gotta deal with me.” I brush the hair off her sweaty face, which causes me to smile.
“I know…but at least the sex is good.” She shrugs.
“Good?” I ask, feigning offense and arching a brow.
“Pretty good?”
I move my hand down and smack her ass, harder this time.
“Okay, geez!” She laughs. “You sure like your ego stroked.”
“Not just my ego…”
She rolls her eyes. “Lord, I’m done.”
Zoey tries to roll over, but I wrap my legs around her and pin her to my body. “Not so fast, Mrs. Bishop.” She tries to hold back a grin, but I see it. “We have some making up to do.”
She furrows her brows. “Isn’t that what we just did?”
“That was birthday sex,” I tell her. “Now it’s makeup sex time.”
Zoey bites down on her lower lip. “Does that include bending me over and telling me I’ve been a very bad girl?”
“Jesus, fuck…” My cock hardens, and I groan at her dirty words. “I’m about to throw you over my shoulder and take you in the shower.”
“It’s good to be back,” she whispers with a cheeky grin, letting out a hum.
“I’m glad you’re home, wifey.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Zoey
Five Months Later
Christmas on the ranch is something I’ve looked forward to for months, and now that the temperature has significantly dropped, I’m even more excited. The B&B is decorated with colorful lights, candy canes, and fake snow, and I adore it so much. Not to mention the holiday music and eggnog available at all hours of the day. The Bishop women got together and strung lights, made homemade cookies, and put up the famous twelve-foot tree. It was the most fun I’ve had during the holidays since I was a kid.
When I moved to Texas, my parents wer
e pissed, but I didn’t care. I’d embarrassed them for calling off the wedding with Benjamin, and I refused to apologize for it because my heart knew what was right. The day I packed my shit and left, their hold on me was released. It took all of three weeks for Benjamin to find another victim, and he’s now already married and expecting a baby.
Before Thanksgiving, my folks flew here to talk to me because every phone call ended with one of us hanging up on the other, and I was exhausted from dealing with them. As soon as they showed up, they apologized, and after meeting the Bishops, they fully understood why I loved being here so much. I was shocked, but they finally accepted me and my decisions.
I roll over and feel the bed is empty, but it’s still warm from Riley. Putting on my slippers and robe, I head out to find my husband. He’s in the kitchen dressed in layers, sipping his coffee. The longer scruff on his chin suits him, which I’ve always loved. I take a few steps forward and plant a kiss on his lips, telling him good morning.
“You’re gonna be so damn excited,” he tells me with a smirk.
“Why?”
“Go look outside.” He tilts his head toward the door.
“No…” I gasp. “No way!”
He nods and follows me to the big double windows in the living room. The sun hasn’t risen yet, but the moonlight makes it visible. Outside, a thin layer of snow coats the grass, something that doesn’t happen too often in Texas.
“It’s a Christmas miracle!” I shout, so excited to see the white-covered ground. Without thinking, I go outside and immediately regret it because it’s freezing, but I scoop up some snow that almost immediately melts when I grab it. I hurry and mold it into a ball, then throw it at Riley. He chuckles, closes the space between us, and pulls me into his arms. His soft lips gently paint mine, and I sigh against him. To think, I almost lost him, and at moments like this, I’m so grateful I didn’t.
“I love you so damn much,” he whispers.
“I love you more,” I say, pouring everything I have into him. A shiver courses through me, and Riley leads me back inside.
“The last thing I need is you getting sick,” he says, pouring me a cup of coffee. “I’m gonna feed the animals, and then I’ll be back to get you for lunch at Grandma’s.”
I walk over to him, sitting on his lap. “But don’t you want your Christmas present now? It’s not suitable for your parents to see.”
His eyebrows perk up. “Uhh. Fuck yes.”
“One second,” I tell him and rush into the bedroom, pulling a sexy set of red lingerie that I bought online from my dresser. After I change, I walk back into the kitchen in panties and a bra that leaves no room for the imagination with a ribbon tied around my stomach.
“Merry fuckin’ Christmas to me.” He beams, untying my makeshift bow. Riley picks me up in one swift movement and carries me to the bedroom.
“You have time, right?” I ask, knowing he has a list of things to do before the sun rises.
“I’ll always have time for you, sweetheart. No matter what,” he murmurs. Laying me down on the bed, he takes his time admiring me as he removes all of his clothes. “I’m the luckiest man in the world.”
He still has the ability to make me blush. “Come here,” I demand.
Our lips crash together, and I wish we could spend all day rolling under the sheets as the snow falls outside, but I’ll take him whenever I can get him. Riley wastes no time, looping his fingers in the lace of my panties and sliding them down before removing my bra and taking each nipple in his mouth.
I let out a moan, needing him more than I need warmth on this cold winter day.
“Shit, you’re ready for me, baby,” he hums, sliding his fingers between my legs. “I have to taste you first. Christmas breakfast.” He winks, which makes me chuckle. The man has no shame.
As he drags his lips down my stomach and kisses between my thighs, I nearly beg him to stop teasing me. But when his tongue flicks against my clit, I see stars. Riley knows how to please me in ways no one has ever been able to, making sure I come at least once before he does. As I lose myself in the moment, he hovers above me, carefully filling me with his length. Placing my palms on each side of his face, I pull his mouth to mine, allowing our tongues to dance as our bodies move together in perfect rhythm.
“You’re so damn beautiful.” He grins, panting as he speeds up the pace. His words are so heartfelt and make me feel like I’m his whole world.
My body tightens, shaking as he brings me over the edge. I moan his name, digging my nails into his back. His body seizes, latching his lips to mine as he releases inside me. Riley topples over, pulling me with him, and I laugh.
“Best Christmas morning I’ve ever had,” he teases, and I can’t help but agree.
Soon, we’re cleaning up, and he’s putting on his layers of clothes so he can get the day started. I frown because I already miss him.
“I’ll pick you up around eleven for lunch.” He gives me a goodbye kiss, and I want to pull him back into bed with me, but I know I can’t. I yawn, and once he’s out the door, I easily fall back to sleep.
I wake to Riley plopping down on the bed next to me, brushing his fingers over my cheek. I reach for him with sleepy eyes and a smile.
“You know we can’t be late,” he reminds me, but there’s no way I’d forget. Grandma Bishop invented punctuality.
“Is the snow still there?” I lift my head and try to catch a glimpse out the window but fail miserably.
“No, as soon as the sun came up, it pretty much all melted. Usually doesn’t stick.” He leans down to give me a kiss, which I happily accept. “It’s half past ten,” he tells me, playfully pushing me, and I lazily roll out of bed, still naked, and go to our closet.
“Damn, am I glad I made Diesel move out.” Riley groans with a smirk, fully taking me in, and it causes me to laugh.
I slip on a sweater and some jeans, then put on some boots that go halfway up my calves, and throw my hair into a messy bun.
“Don’t forget to grab the Christmas gifts for Grandma and Grandpa,” I remind Riley.
“Good call,” he tells me with a grin, pulling the presents from under the tree.
Yesterday, we celebrated at his parents’ house, exchanging gifts and eating a ton of food and sweets. Riley’s parents told me stories about him as a kid, and Rowan didn’t let them hold back anything. She and I have become really close friends, and I can tell her almost anything, though I leave out all the sex because it’s her brother, and she’ll roll her eyes with a gag. I adore his parents so much, and they’ve quickly accepted me as their second daughter, a title I’m proud to have earned.
Riley and I climb into the truck and head to the other side of the ranch where his grandparents live. The yard is full of trucks, and I know the house is going to be crammed full of all the kids and grandkids.
We walk inside, and everyone instantly starts shouting their hellos. No one with the last name of Bishop is remotely quiet. I think it’s because they’ve always had to talk over each other to be heard, which I find hilarious.
Before we make our way to the kitchen, Riley points above the entrance where mistletoe is haphazardly hung. With a swift movement, he pulls me into his arms and captures my lips with his. The aww’s and a few gagging noises from his younger cousins fill the space because, of course, we have an audience.
“Gotta kiss my wife under the mistletoe,” he exclaims. “Bishop tradition.”
I laugh and grab his hand and look around at all the love in the room. Grandma Bishop comes up and pulls us into a big hug and gives us kisses. She’s wearing the cutest Santa Claus apron and looks like Mrs. Claus. “So glad you kids could make it.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” I say, and she gives me a soft pat on the cheek.
“We’re getting ready to say grace so we can eat,” Grandma Bishop announces, speaking loud enough for everyone to get the message. The men remove their ball caps and cowboy hats before their grandfather says the blessing.
He ends it with a big, “Let’s eat!”
All the adults sit at the main table to eat, and in the other room, a kiddie table is set up. Since we’re married, we get to sit with the grown-ups, which has Riley gloating as the others shoot daggers at him. We fill our plates high from the mounds of food. By the time we’re done eating, we’re so miserable from stuffing ourselves to the max. I take our plates to the kitchen and set them in the sink when Grandma Bishop thanks me.
“So when are you and Riley going to make me some great-grandchildren?” she asks pointedly.
My eyes go wide, and Riley’s mama walks up and clears her throat. “I’m not ready to be a grandma just yet.”
“Well, I’m not gettin’ any younger,” Grandma Bishop hints, giving me a sweet smile. The woman loves her kids, grandchildren, and I’ve heard stories about how much pressure she puts on everyone. Needless to say, we’re in the hot seat. I laugh, excusing myself, and rush back to Riley.
“Your grandma just cornered me about having kids,” I tell him as he leads me into the living room.
“Well?” he pushes. “Did you tell her we’re trying?”
“No!” I release a nervous laugh. “Your mom walked up, and needless to say, it was awkward.”
“Get used to it. Grandma’s relentless,” he says into my neck.
“I heard that!” she scolds, walking around with a plate of cookies. I take one, but I’m not sure I can even eat it. I might not be pregnant, but I definitely have a food baby. But you never deny Grandma Bishop’s food. I learned that the hard way. She rounds us all up, and we somehow manage to all fit in the living room. Once she hands out presents to her kids and grandkids, we open them, chatting and laughing. It’s not until everyone’s done that she and Grandpa unwrap theirs. I can’t help but look around the room and feel so damn grateful for getting to be a part of this family, one so welcoming and loving, I can’t imagine life without them all.
Just as his grandparents finish thanking everyone for their gifts, Riley stands and says he has an announcement to make. I look at him curiously because I have no idea what he’s going to say. All eyes are on him, which makes me nervous as hell.