“Where are you?”
“Good morning to you, too.”
“I’m standing in the foyer, staring out to an empty driveway. My morning is not going to be good until you pull in.”
I take the turn, the large house coming into view. “Kinda like right now?”
The line goes dead, and he walks out the front door, marching toward me. He’s wearing his running gear and his hat turned backward, looking every bit the sexy as sin man that makes my heart soar. I’m not even at a complete stop before he’s slinging my door open, leaning in, and shifting my SUV into park. My seatbelt is released, and in less than five seconds, I’m in his arms, his mouth on mine.
His tongue takes over, the taste of clean spearmint filling my mouth. I wrap my arms around his shoulders, slanting my head and giving in to the familiar hunger that rushes through my body every time he touches me. He threads his fingers through my hair, thrusting his hips to mine. I whimper at the feel of his rock-hard length rubbing against me. He shifts us until my back hits metal, trapping me between his solid body and the edge of my doorframe.
My leg hooks around his waist, drawing him closer. I forget where we are, all logic flying of out my brain. His body heat surrounds me, soaking into my skin as he kisses me with the hunger of a starved man. His lips move urgently on mine, his tongue sweeping through my mouth as if we’ve been apart forever.
The thin material of his shorts and my loose dress do nothing to contain the way he rubs against me at the perfect angle, stroking me with his small thrusts.
“Didn’t fucking like waking up without you,” he growls into my mouth.
My only response is a low moan to the delicious friction happening.
Faintly, I hear a throat clear, though neither of us is slowing down. It isn’t until Runner barks and whines close to my head that I snap back to reality.
“We have to stop.” I break away, trying to catch my breath.
“The kids are still asleep, and I don’t care about Miller.”
“Maybe you don’t, but I’m pretty sure my skirt is hiked up to my waist, and he’s going to get an eyeful of my ass in a second.”
“Shit.” Pierce separates us a little, allowing my leg to drop and skirt to fall. His eyes roam over me, and a cocky grin split wide. “I’m going to fuck you in this dress at some point today.”
“Not a chance in hell.”
His eyes flame, and I know he’s accepted this as a challenge.
“Good thing you’re here, Darby. Pierce has been an ass,” Miller calls from behind us.
I check my watch. “It’s not even eight-thirty,” I defend.
“I went to bed and woke up without you. My patience was wearing thin.”
My heart swells and my stomach twists the same way it always does when he says things like this. “I’m here now.”
Runner barks again, alerting us that’s he’s done waiting.
“Miller,” Pierce looks over his shoulder, “will you walk Runner around and get him familiar?”
“Let him loose,” he responds with a handclap.
Pierce unpins me, opening the back door while I go to the trunk. Runner almost falls over himself getting to Miller and then taking off into the side yard. I throw my beach bag over my shoulder and grab the large box filled with enough sugar and sweets to last most people a month.
“Jesus, baby, what’s in there?” His eyebrows arch when he takes the box and peeks inside.
“I may have gone overboard. But I was nervous and thought maybe this stuff would help ease any tension.”
“I think you’ll see there isn’t going to be any tension.”
“Let’s hope,” I respond sincerely. Since our talk in my kitchen that night, I have been mentally preparing myself for today.
Pierce changed his strategy and took a much less aggressive approach. Connie was still pissed off at him and wasn’t thrilled he wanted the kids for a full week at the beach, especially when she found out she wasn’t included at all. After hearing Pierce’s parting words that morning in the café, I expected her to slink back under her rock to lick her wounds. She didn’t.
Her retaliation was keeping them with her the last two weeks and him having to jump through hoops to see them. Connie still relied on Jill and Warren to help with their childcare, so Pierce would work early mornings and got them for afternoons before he returned them at night. Twice, Connie arrived uninvited, joining them for dinner. This set Pierce off, but I suggested he lay his feelings for her aside and try to get along instead of glowering at her like a rabid dog. I had no idea if it would work, but in my mind, I wondered if Pierce’s neutral attitude toward their mother would help lighten their confusion.
When it came to me, he took extra measures to make sure I was okay. Seeing as his children were spending every night with their mother, it gave us the opportunity to have our time. We alternated between houses and fell into a routine. Our routine. It was wonderful and scary at the same time. He gave me a glimpse into what could be if there was a chance for the future.
I loved it. I embraced it. And I made the decision I was going to own this with him.
So, while he prepared to bring them to Kiawah Island and give them an unbelievable summer vacation, I was planning on my own approach. For the first time in all these years, I wanted to be with Pierce and his children. Cole liked me; that was obvious. It was Maya I needed to move with cautiously.
Pierce takes my hand, balancing the box easily on one arm, and leads me inside. I’m immediately taken away by the house, noticing it is similar in style to my shed, only six times larger. The coastal décor is fun and chic, and the view of the outdoor living area leading to the beach is breathtaking.
I love it. He picks up on my approval, winking at me. “You haven’t seen the best part yet.” He takes us around a corner, and I cry out at the kitchen. It’s massive, it’s exquisite, and it’s pristine. If I ever had this type of home, this is my kitchen.
“This is perfect!” I squeal, wrenching my hand from his and running to the first surface. “It’s going to be exactly what we need.”
“For this?” He places the box by me.
“Yes. How long before they wake up?”
“Hit or miss. Cole will barrel down the stairs when his stomach wakes him. Maya is a wild card. She likes her sleep.”
I twist, throwing my hands around his neck. “How do you think they will react to homemade donuts?”
His fantastic blue eyes light to the color of the sky. Something passes across his features, something bright and beautiful that dips down to my soul.
“You want to be here,” he concludes.
“I do. I want to make homemade donuts with you, eat a very unhealthy breakfast that we’ll promise to work off chasing Runner on the beach and swimming until we’re exhausted.”
“You make a homemade breakfast with my kids, and then Miller is going to take them to the beach while you and I work it off in a different way.”
“Stand back.” I push against him lazily. “I’m here to spend the day with the Kendrick Family. You are going to have to control yourself.”
“Not in a million years.” He kisses me quickly, sucking my lip into his mouth.
“DAD! It’s time for the beach!” Cole shouts, skidding into sight, and my stomach lurches. He looks and sounds so much like Pierce, it’s uncanny.
“You trying to wake up your sister?” Pierce chuckles at his rumpled appearance.
“Hey, Darby!” He ignores his dad, coming to my side and giving me a one-armed hug.
“Hey, Cole.”
He eyes the scene in front of him, me holding onto his dad, and he scrunches his nose. “Why are y’all dressed in real clothes? Aren’t we going to the beach?”
“I went running, and Darby drove in, buddy. She’s making breakfast before we head to the beach.”
“Actually…” I raise a finger, and a loud slamming sounds from somewhere in the house.
“She’s up.” Cole grins triu
mphantly.
“I’ll wait then.” I leave the comfort of Pierce’s hold and start unpacking the items.
Miller comes in the back door, Runner pouncing behind him. He looks at me with his blissful doggy eyes and stops to smell every inch of the new space. Cole calls his name, and he prances over, nudging his thigh before licking his hand.
“What’s happening in here?” Miller goes to the coffee pot.
“Darby is spoiling us.”
“Fanfuckingtastic.” Miller grins over the rim of his mug.
“Here.” I shove a box of cookies at Pierce, who helps me unload the rest. It’s not long until we hear padding down the hall.
Maya comes into view, holding her phone. She looks drowsy, and her eyes barely meet mine before she head-plants into Pierce.
“Hand me your phone,” he instructs, rubbing her back.
“Hi, Darby.” She nestles into his side.
“Hey, Maya.” I take the coffee mug Miller offers.
“Electronic free weekend officially starts now.” Pierce slides her phone to the back of the counter.
“Mom wants you to call her,” she mumbles.
“I will,” he assures her, slicing his eyes to me.
“Your dad tells me you love donuts,” I announce, pointing at my dough.
They both perk up, coming close.
“Can you help me?” I ask.
“What do we do?” Maya asks as Cole slides to her side.
“First, find me a pan for oil.”
Miller jumps into action, grabbing me an extra-large pot. Pierce takes it and the oil I brought, starting the process. Cole and Maya roll out the dough, and when I suggest doing hand molds, they go crazy. I make sure the grease is ready, and Pierce steps up, helping them drop their creations. When they’re done, I scoop them onto a drain plate and give them the option of regular glaze, chocolate, and raspberry.
“I want it all!” Cole exclaims.
“I do, too,” Maya admits softly.
“Then you get it all.” Pierce ruffles her hair.
“Anyone want fruit?” I open the fridge and find what I brought amongst the full and overflowing contents. It’s hard to miss the two bottles of my favorite Chardonnay front and center, next to a stack of steaks.
The first sign he’s going to try to convince me to stay. I peer over my shoulder and find Pierce’s eyes glowing bright with mischief.
“Not going to work,” I insist, handing him the bowl of fruit.
“We’ll see.”
“What’s not going to work?” Cole sputters with a mouth full.
“Darby still thinks she’s going home tonight.” Pierce doesn’t hold back.
Cole snorts, covering his mouth and mumbling, “Yeah, we’ll see,” mirroring his dad’s words. Even Maya’s lips tip into a small grin as she makes brief eye contact with me. Neither of them seems fazed or insulted their dad wants me here, and I’m now suspicious of what he has in store. I don’t have to wait long for the next sign.
Runner bumps his nose to my knee and looks up at me expectantly. “It’s time to feed you.” I glance around for the plastic container of dog food I packed for the day.
“I’ve got it.” Cole leaps off his stool and hops over to the pantry, pulling out two brand new dog bowls and an unopened bag of Runner’s food.
“I’ll get the water,” Maya offers, and Cole hands her one of the bowls. They set up an area for Runner, and he butts his way in.
“Isn’t that convenient?” I slice my eyes back to Pierce, who’s now grinning arrogantly.
“Yep, convenient.” He takes the last bite of his donut and pats his stomach. “It’s a good thing we have all day to work off this breakfast.” The wink he shoots me sets my pulse racing, and I know he’s not referring to chasing Runner on the beach.
“I’ll take over clean-up so everyone can get ready.” Miller reaches for the remaining donut.
“I can help.”
“I’ve got this. Besides, we all take turns. At some point, you’ll get your chance.”
Now, I know Miller is in on the ‘convince Darby to stay’ scheme. It’s my turn to respond with the, “We’ll see.”
Cole snorts again, picking up on the sarcasm, and looks at his dad. “You’re right. This is going to be fun.”
I blow out an exaggerated breath and grab my bag. “Can someone point me in the direction of a bathroom to change?”
“Right this way.” Pierce gestures behind him, in the opposite direction of where the kids came from earlier. He leads me to a bedroom, which I assume is the master from the size and view.
It’s impossible not to stare out the French doors to the view of the ocean. “This is beautiful.”
“Agreed.” Pierce steps close behind me, brushing my hair to the side and bringing his lips to my ear. “Beautiful.”
I lean into him, loving the way his soft scruff tickles my skin as he nibbles and kisses a path along my neck and shoulder. He eases the bag off my shoulder, tosses it to the side. Sliding his hand along the backside of my thigh, he takes my dress with it. He does the same thing on the other side until his palms cup the bare cheeks of my butt. “Thongs?”
“Not exactly, but close.”
“Hmmm, as much as I wish I could see for myself, this has got to be quick.”
I shake my head. “No, Pierce, we can’t.”
“Hell yes, we can.”
“Miller and the kids are down the hall.”
“The door is locked, and we’ll be quiet. But I told you I was going to fuck you in this dress.”
“I’ll wear it for you at home.”
In a split second, he’s ripped the panties down, one hand coming to the front and dipping between my thighs.
“There is no way I’m able to have sex… Ahhhhhh…” I end on a moan when he strums his fingers along my slit.
“That’s it, baby. Get ready,” he says gently in my ear before his mouth goes back to my neck. “Give me a little space.”
I part my thighs enough for him to slip a finger inside. The argument to stop dies on my lips when he begins the feather-light brushes on my clit. My body betrays me by clenching hard and rolling into him.
“Ride my hand, Darby,” he commands roughly, adding a finger.
I’m unable to resist doing as he says. His hand dips, his finger curling and twisting in slow, skilled movements. I gasp when he grazes along the spot that ignites my insides. My hips buck, and he grins against my skin.
“Give it to me.”
In no time at all, he brings me to the brink with expertise. I drop my head forward, squeezing my eyes, all my lower muscles clutching onto him as my orgasm rushes through me. My muted whimpers are barely audible over the ringing in my ears. There’s a jerking movement at my back, but I’m still riding my high.
Slowly, he pulls his hand upward, circling my waist with his forearm and urging me forward a bit. “Tilt your hips a little. I’ve got you.”
I arch back and swallow my cry as he slides into me. His cock is hard and hot, stretching me with every inch. In this position, my hips sway a little to adjust and instantly mold to him. He rocks in and out until he’s fully seated, and his mouth comes back to my ear.
“I swore we’d never do this. I’d never fuck you from behind, always wanting to see you when I’m inside you. Help me out, baby.” He picks up his pace, thrusting deep.
“Oh, God.” My head falls back to his shoulder, and I grip his forearm for support. My eyes finally open, and I twist my neck to face him.
“Fucking gorgeous. When we’re on that beach today, I’m going to be able to look up at this window and know you still have me coating your insides.”
I love it when he gets wild like this. I filthy way he talks is his weapon of seduction and leaves me merciless to whatever he wants.
“Every inch of my dick is buried deep in your silky smooth pussy. You’re coating me, too.”
His words are fuel to an already blazing fire racing through my bloodstream. �
�Hmmmmm,” I moan.
His eyes smolder with wild hunger, and he rams up, over and over. He loosens his hold on my waist, taking my wrist and raising my arm around his neck. “Baby, hold on to me. This is going to be quick. Swear to make it up later.” His hand dives back under my dress, and his thumb flicks over my clit, again and again.
Tremors take over, and I clutch the back of his head, my mind growing fuzzy. Desire and need build low in my stomach, and I grind into him, wanting to feel the high together.
“Fuck, fuck, fuck… Now, baby, now.” He slams up hard, bottoming out and growling. My vision goes spotty, and I erupt, feeling him pulsate and pour into me. This may be the single most erotic moment in my life. Standing in front of a window, in broad daylight, fucking like an animal where anyone could look up and see.
It’s a thrill and a wave of pleasure different than anything I’ve experienced.
His chest heaves at my back, his heart thundering with mine. “Are you with me?” He nibbles on my earlobe, sending an aftershock rushing through.
“Oh yeah. The reply comes out breathily, and his blue eyes go liquid. He slowly inches out, twisting me so I’m locked to him.
“I love you.”
“I certainly hope so, considering you just admitted to marking me like an animal.”
His cocky grin returns, and he dips in to kiss me quickly before stepping back and ripping his shirt over his head. “Let’s get changed.”
I roll my bottom lip between my teeth, watching him disappear into the bathroom. Sheer naked perfection.
I pick up his shorts, my panties, and my bag from the floor, ready to follow him and clean up when a spark of color catches my eye. How did I miss that?
On the nightstand sits a beautiful arrangement of rare sunburst calla lilies mixed with white roses. “Pierce?”
“Yes?” His head pops out.
“Where’d the flowers come from?”
“Florist in town.”
“Why are they in here?”
“Because that’s your side of the bed.”
I open my mouth to argue, but he’s already backed out of sight.
Chapter 24
Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers Book 1) Page 24