by K E Osborn
I exhale. “Eddie…”
“Yeah?”
“If you ghost me again, we’re done.”
He’s quiet for a short moment, then exhales. “Right. I’m sorry. I was a dick.”
My heart hammers in my chest. I don’t know how I feel about this. I guess I won’t know if he’ll do it again or not. I simply have to take a chance. “See you tonight.”
“I can’t wait, Lyri.” I hear his smile through the tone of his voice. He ends the call.
Paisley lets out a squeal loud enough to wake the dead, which makes me clench my eyes shut. Then she lunges at me, hugging me tightly. She starts to bounce up and down with me in her arms. I can’t help but grin at her playfulness. Finally, I can let go of all the tension from the last two days, so I jump around with her like we’re giddy teenagers and laughing like hyenas. Until I realize what we must look like.
“Paisley, stop!” I yell over her excitement.
We both straighten out our clothing and put on stern faces. Then, we slowly smirk at each other as we move to continue closing up the store.
I need to get home. I have a date to get ready for. A date I want to end differently than the last one. Fingers crossed.
Which side of Eddie will I get tonight?
The hotshot or the ghost?
Chapter Eleven
I’m waiting.
I’m also a little on the pissed-off side.
Eddie’s late.
He said he would be here at seven—it’s now quarter to eight.
My foot taps impatiently on the rug on the living room floor, and my arms are folded harshly over my chest as I stare aimlessly at the front door. Anger seeps through my every pore.
Dammit! I can’t believe I fell for this.
Eddie sounded so sincere on the phone today, but he’s ghosting me again. How I could have ever thought about giving him another chance is beyond me. I’m smarter than this.
“You’re an idiot, Lyri!”
I stand in frustration and start pacing my living room, letting out an annoyed grunt, when the doorbell rings. My head snaps toward the door, my heart leaping up into my throat as my breath catches. I shouldn’t let him have this effect on me.
I need to remember I’m angry.
Angry as hell.
I storm to the door and yank it open with far too much brute force, ready to unleash my fury at him. “You’re a fucking—” I stop midsentence taking in all the amazing sights and smells before me. My senses are in full overload right now. Eddie’s standing there in his pristine suit, holding a huge bunch of bi-color peach and white dahlias in one hand and the most delicious smelling takeout in the other. He manages a weak smile.
He’s remembered my favorite flower.
Shit.
He has me from insatiably mad to swooning within an instant.
How does he do that?
He hands the flowers to me.
My lips turn up as I reach out and take them from him. “I can’t believe you remembered.”
Eddie places the takeout bag on the yellow armchair and brings his hand up, swiping up some of my loose hair from my face. “Of course, I did. I remember everything about you.”
He’s good, I’ll give him that.
“Well, that’s a pick-up line if ever I’ve heard one.”
“I’m sorry I am late. Dahlia’s are hard to find at this time of year. I had to go to seven different places to find the perfect ones. I really wanted to get them for you, and I wasn’t coming without them.”
My heart pounds a little faster. “Trust me, I know how difficult those flowers are to source… so, thank you. I love them.” I press my free hand to his chest while stretching up on my toes. Our eyes meet. My tummy flutters with butterflies as he inclines down, and our lips meet again.
The same intense spark ignites as I open my mouth. Our tongues dance together in a tango of passion. My hand grips onto his crisp blue shirt, needing him a little closer.
I’m still angry, but I need to feel him that little bit more.
He caresses my cheek possessively, his fingers sliding back into my hair as he edges forward, forcing me back inside my home. Our mouths lock together, and we’re kissing as if our lives depend on it. We stumble back farther, and he kicks the door shut with his foot.
This is intense. I’m loving every second of it as my hand moves from his shirt up and into his hair, holding his head to mine, needing him closer. I’m desperate for him.
He backs me up until we hit the coffee table. It shifts, the potted plant spinning and falling off, slamming onto the floor with a loud crack.
We break apart, panting for breath, both looking down at the broken pot and loose soil all over my floor.
Eddie tenses as I bite my bottom lip. “Shit, sorry,” he murmurs. “I’ll buy you another.”
I glare at him with the most serious face I can muster. “It’s irreplaceable. My grandmother bought me that plant.”
His face falls as he grips hold of me tighter. “Oh, fuck! Lyri… I’m so—”
I burst out laughing.
Eddie’s face scrunches up in annoyance as I pull back.
“You should see your face. It’s nothing. Totally replaceable.”
He bends down to help me clean up the mess with a scowl. “Fuck, you had me there for a second. You’re an evil woman.”
“I know… I’m sorry. Call it the start of your payback,” I tease.
His hand comes out stopping on top of mine, his face completely serious as he stills. “Lyri… I can’t apologize enough for my vanishing act. I know I’ve hurt you.” His nostrils flare. “I don’t deserve this second chance, but fuck if I’m not glad you’re giving it to me.”
I smile at him. “Just don’t make me regret it.”
He leans forward, planting a quick tender kiss on my lips.
Ba-dum.
Ba-dum.
He pulls back, smiling at me as he takes my hand in his and stands taking me with him. “Leave this, I’ll clean it up.” He reaches into the pocket inside his jacket, grabbing something. “I also brought a gift for Polly.” Eddie pulls out an apple for him.
My chest swells as my entire body lights up like a damn Christmas tree. “Swoon.” I slap my hand over my mouth, realizing I’ve said that out loud.
Eddie grins from ear to ear as he starts walking. “I was wondering what it would take for me to get one of those,” he jests as he walks past me to Polly’s cage.
When Polly sees Eddie, he flaps his wings as if he’s waving hello. It’s so freaking cute. After placing the flowers in a vase, I grab a knife from the kitchen as Eddie pets Polly while he sits on his perch. I bring the knife over for Eddie to cut up the apple, and he hands a slice to Polly with ease.
“It’s crazy he’ll eat the apple for you, but not for anyone else. After you left, I tried, but no cigar.”
Eddie grins. “Some guys have all the right moves.”
“You want to be known as the guy who has the moves… for a male parrot?”
He narrows his eyes at me. “Smartass.”
“Hey… you said it, not me.”
Eddie reaches out, grabbing me. His arms circle around my waist without hesitation. Our bodies collide as my hands wrap around his neck. I stare into his eyes as we simply stare at each other. His eyes seem intense tonight, sparkling in the dim light of the sunroom. The stars are twinkling through the floor-to-ceiling windows, making it seem like we’re outside standing under the stars.
He unleashes his gorgeous, crazy, panty-dropping smile, and I can’t help it as I wonder where tonight might take us. Saturday was a bust. But the way he’s staring at me right now, the burn in his eyes, I know he’s feeling this. I know he’s feeling me. We still have so much to talk about, but right now, I need to taste his lips on mine again. So, I make the move this time.
Stretching up on my toes, I press my lips to his. He kisses me back, softly at first, but when his mouth opens and our tongues collide, it’s like he can’t
hold himself back. The chemistry is unmistakable. Sure, we haven’t known each other all that long, but the connection’s definitely there, the pull to each other insurmountable. I don’t know how to fight this.
“Rawrr... get a room,” Polly calls out. Eddie and I snicker against each other’s lips. How does that bird say the right thing at the right damn time?
But maybe he’s onto something—that’s exactly what I want to do right now—I want to get a room.
I pull away and reach for Eddie’s hand, then turn, leading him down the hall, while the only thing I can hear is the pounding of my heart hammering in my ears.
I know what’s going to happen.
He knows what’s going to happen.
The air around us explodes with anticipation. It’s on fire with the energy surging from both of us. The hinges creak as I slowly open the bedroom door, the silence deafening.
I turn to him—all I can see is his silhouette and his sparkling eyes glowing in the night. They’re hooded, filled with desire. He wants this. He wants me.
I step into my bedroom, my breathing coming hard and fast. I could explode at any given second if he doesn’t touch me soon. I turn to face him. He doesn’t hesitate, rushing forward, his hands touching either side of my face, pulling me to him. Our lips lock together in the most intense kiss as he pushes me into my room farther. My legs have a hard time keeping up with his force, we’re moving so quickly. Our frantic kissing has me breathless.
All I want is him, in every damn way possible, as my legs hit the bed. But I don’t fall backward. I want to keep some control in this, so my hands reach to his belt, freeing his buckle. His kiss slows a little, possibly out of shock, I think, but I don’t slow down. I know what I want, and Eddie’s my goal for tonight.
His hands on my face slide down to my shoulders, shrugging me out of my little denim jacket. It falls back on to the edge of the mattress but then slides to the floor in a heap at our feet. I kick it out of the way while our lips are still connected.
My fingers work quickly on his button, undoing it as fast as I can as he shrugs out of his jacket, and it flops to the floor with mine. It’s like we’re teenagers who can’t get to each other quickly enough.
Eddie’s pants loosen. I yank them over his sexy-as-sin ass, and they fall to the floor while my fingers move to his shirt buttons. Damn those fiddly little shits.
My clit’s throbbing so hard, I can’t focus properly, especially while his hands are roaming around my shirt, trying to pull it up. I let go of his buttons to help him lift my tank up over my head, our lips disconnecting as we pant heavily. His eyes drop to my breasts covered in barely-there lace.
It’s easy to see the huge tent in his briefs as he stands before me. Eddie licks his lips as he pulls me back to him, kissing me with such a deep hunger I know he’s right there with me in this.
My hands move back to his shirt. I need to get his clothes off quickly. I work on the last few remaining stubborn buttons while he undoes my jeans, sliding them over my ass.
I step out of my jeans along with my ballet flats, leaving me in just my white lacy bra and aqua lacy underwear. I wasn’t sure about anything that might happen tonight, so having matching underwear wasn’t a top priority. His eyes shift to my brightly colored panties. The sheer joy on his face makes me shiver with delight.
His hand runs the edge of the lace. “I like these,” he murmurs, then leans in kissing me again as he yanks them down and off.
I giggle at his force. But then he surprises me by grabbing them, bunching them inside his fist and placing them into his shirt pocket.
“I’m keeping these.” He shrugs out of his shirt, which leaves him in just his boxer briefs. His eyes dart to my pussy, and a low growl escapes him. His hand slides up my thigh to move between my legs, the other along the length of my spine to my bra strap. His fingers flick with ease, and the bra comes loose. I let out a little gasp at the same time as his other hand connects with my pussy. The bra falls to the floor as I clench my eyes, feeling his hand on me for the first time. His warm fingers slide inside me, making me gasp as my entire body jolts with the friction. “This… this belongs to me, Lyri.”
Right now, with his finger sliding against my clit so masterfully, I’ll tell him any damn thing he wants to hear. “Yours,” I murmur.
“Don’t just say it because I’m working you up, Lyri. Look at me,” he demands.
My eyes snap open, locking onto his. The deep color staring right back at me—a midnight blue—makes my breath hitch again while sending a shudder through me as he presses firmer on my clit.
“Tell me, Lyri,” he demands.
Eddie’s finger circles, sending a wave of pleasure rolling through me. I gasp, my fingers clenching onto his biceps as my eyes lock to his. The energy, the euphoria, the rush at this moment is like paradise. I know right now, no matter what Eddie says, no matter what he does, the fact will still be the same—he has me in his web, trapped deep in his soul. There’s no escaping him now.
“I belong to you, Eddie,” I pant as his finger presses firmer and then circles again, sending another shockwave of pure pleasure through me.
My fingers clench his skin as my legs feel like jelly. He knows what he’s doing to me as his finger works its way over my clit, making my breathing speed to the point of hyperventilation. I feel like I’m floating, my body light as a feather. I grip onto him, attempting to keep myself steady, but my hips continue to rock against his hand.
“Fuck, you’re beautiful when you’re panting for me.” His lips come down, capturing my moan while he works harder, faster, circling again and again until I see flashes of light behind my closed eyes. My body breaks out into a cold sweat as I gasp for breath which I just can’t seem to catch.
I’m right on the edge.
Right on the precipice.
He breaks our kiss, his mouth moving to my ear, tugging hard with his teeth at the same time. He flicks my clit with just the right pressure.
My entire body explodes with the most amazing sensations wracking right through my very being. My muscles contract, then release into a shattering orgasm, causing my legs to give out from under me. Eddie grabs hold of my body, lowering me. Eddie’s standing over me, his eyes taking in every inch of my body while I come down. I don’t even realize I’m lying on the bed until my eyes flutter open in the afterglow. I try to catch my breath. His eyes are so dark, it’s like he’s having trouble holding back as he wanders languidly over my naked body.
His briefs are still on.
Is he going to stop? He better fucking not.
“Eddie?” I question, breaking him from his consistent staring.
His eyes jerk up to meet mine, and he groans, running his hand through his sweaty hair. “I never have sex without a condom.”
Good to know. “Okay?”
He grimaces. “I don’t have any with me.”
My lips turn up. “Bottom drawer,” I tell him, signaling to the bedside table.
His eyes light as if I’ve just given him the best present I could have. His happy demeanor is so expressive. He leans over, opening the drawer. I hear him shuffling around, and then he appears with my vibrator, who I’ve named Jason Momoa. He’s holding it in his hand as it wobbles back and forth.
I smirk with a shrug. “I’ve been single for a while, Eddie.”
He waggles his brows. “It’s good to know you have one. Means we can get creative. Another time, though. This time I want you all to myself.” He throws Momoa back in the drawer with a thud. Then he stands with a silver foil packet in his hand.
Eddie’s eyes meet mine as I take in a deep breath. His large fingers loop into his briefs, and he slowly edges them down. My heart hammers in my chest in anticipation of finally seeing Eddie naked. I have to admit, I’ve waited for this moment from the second I saw him.
He shuffles his briefs, and my eyes snap to his giant cock sitting proud against his stomach. He’s so hard. He’s thick and long, the veins bulging t
hrough his skin. I can’t help but gasp at how fucking perfect he is.
He rips the foil packet with his teeth. Fuck, if that’s not the single most sexy thing I’ve ever seen Eddie do. Then his huge hand slides the condom over his thick length. All the while, I’m panting for breath, watching the whole thing play out in front of me like some sort of strangely erotic cinema experience, and it’s such a turn-on. I want to sit forward and take him into my mouth, but I’m so worked up, I need to feel him inside of me. Now.
“I need you,” I whimper.
He shifts to the edge of the bed. “Fuck, hummingbird, I need you, too.”
He yanks my legs abruptly, lifting them against his body.
What the hell has he got in store for me?
But I’ll let him take charge.
“Do you trust me, Lyri?”
My heart hammers in my chest. “Yes.” It comes out as a breathy whisper.
“Then hold on tight, hummingbird.” He grips onto my ankles, then suddenly flips them, making my entire body flop over on the mattress. I let out a loud squeal, my ass on display for him as he pulls my legs apart, either side of him. He steps in and up, one hand smoothing out along my spine. My breaths come short and sharp.
Do you trust me, hummingbird?
I need to let go.
My fingers clench onto the bedsheets, and I push my ass back into him. I feel his hard cock press against my pussy.
“Good girl,” he offers, his hand sliding into my hair, his fingers wrapping around a large chunk. He tugs, forcing my head back. I let out a gasp as he pulls my leg back against the side of him. My other remains on the bed to hold me in place. “Hold on,” he warns, then, without a second’s hesitation, his hard, thick cock thrusts up inside of me.
An intense, overwhelming fullness bursts through me as he rams inside me hard, my body flying forward, but his hand in my hair yanks my head back at the same time. I yelp, but the pain brings me a surprising sting of pleasure as he stills, letting me acclimatize to his size. He’s obviously trying to calm himself down while I wrap my head around this version of Eddie. I had no idea he was like this, but fuck if I don’t love every second of it.