by London Hale
Mouth agape, I blinked at her. Blinked again. “He what?”
“Yep. When I was at Bundt and Grind this morning, I heard Marge telling Norma about it. Apparently, Marge’s husband is on the council?” Gen waved a dismissive hand. “Anyway, I guess Noah tried to walk away from the discussion, calling the whole thing ridiculous, but they pushed, and then he just kind of snapped. He went on a tirade about how their actions weren’t becoming of the Christians they proclaimed to represent and then defended you and the store and your presence on the island. And then he stormed out, like some kind of pastoral badass. God, can you imagine how hot he must’ve looked while doing that?”
Yeah, I could imagine. Noah was laid-back most of the time, but I’d had a front row seat to exactly what happened when you pushed him too far. And apparently, they’d pushed him too far.
“You guys seriously didn’t talk about it?” Gen asked.
“No…I haven’t seen him since yesterday morning.”
“Then what are you doing in here? He’s looking mighty fine out front, all sweaty and manly, doing your heavy lifting for you.”
I whipped my head to stare out the front window, and sure enough, there he was. Wearing a white T-shirt plastered to his chest and broken-in jeans encasing powerful thighs, he moved one of the huge planters I’d used only as a ruse to irritate him the other day. Standing there, he looked so reminiscent of that first time I’d seen him in the parking lot last fall, except instead of rain forming his shirt to his chest, today it was sweat. From doing my work for me.
After placing a planter directly under the front window, he turned around and started for the other. Jesus, that shirt might as well be nonexistent for all it did to conceal the muscles flexing in his back as he wiped a forearm across his brow before bending to lift the other planter.
“Not sure what you’re still doing standing in here, but I’ve got the store.” Gen lifted her chin in the direction of the front door, a huge grin splitting her face. “Go have a chat with your man.”
My man. Not quite, but I couldn’t think about that. In fact, I didn’t stop to think about anything. Not what I’d say or what I’d do. Didn’t consider the consequences of what might come from me pushing through the door and standing there, outside, in front of prying eyes as Noah placed the second planter to the right of the front door.
It wouldn’t have mattered, though. Because when he stood to his full height, exhaling a deep breath, every thought fell out of my head, and all I could see was him.
“Good morning,” he said, glancing to the planters before meeting my eyes again. “I wasn’t sure where you wanted them, but I remember they were hugging the door in some pictures of the town from last Christmas.”
I honestly didn’t care where the planters were. Had never cared. “Thank you. You didn’t have to do that.”
“I know I didn’t have to, but I wanted to.” He didn’t try to hide how he looked me over, his gaze taking in every inch of me. “I needed to make sure you were happy.”
When was the last time someone wanted to make sure I was happy? Never. I took a step toward him, bringing us within touching distance. Before I could take another one, movement across the street caught my eye. Marge, wife of council member Henry and all-around gossip, looked on, not bothering to conceal the interest in her gaze.
Lowering my voice to make sure it didn’t carry, I asked, “Is that the only reason you came by?”
“No. But I figured it was the most logical excuse to see you, considering.”
Caught off guard by his bluntness, I laughed. “Smooth, Pastor No.” Without conscious thought, I took another step toward him, near enough that I could feel his breath ghosting over my lips. Being this close to him should have short-circuited my brain, but I couldn’t stop darting glances toward Marge, who still stood outside the church, worried about her seeing Noah and me together, considering what had supposedly happened yesterday.
Following my gaze, Noah looked back over his shoulder, his jaw tightening as he saw who was standing there.
Pulling his attention back to me, I reached for his hand. “I heard what you did yesterday. With the council.”
“I stand by what I said. If they feel I’m the wrong person for the job, then they should find another pastor to lead them. I’m not afraid to walk away.” His voice was hard, insistent, and he tossed a look over his shoulder toward Marge.
“Noah…” I squeezed his hand, trying not to think about how perfectly mine fit inside his. “You could lose your job for this. Is it really worth it?” I didn’t say it, couldn’t bring myself to, but what I was really asking was, am I worth it?
His brow furrowed as he brought a hand up to my face, a single finger tracing down my cheek. “When I first came to Temperance Falls, a few of the council members brought up their disappointment in what this shop had become. The choir director at the time pulled me aside and told me the good you do here, though. The therapists for sexual assault survivors, the donations to local organizations helping families in need, the fact that you’re discreet and knowledgeable and have probably saved more marriages on the island than any marriage counselor could have. You are a value to this community, Harper, as is this shop. I won’t let anyone disparage you or it.”
I tried not to let my disappointment show. They were lovely words, but they were words about my store, about my accomplishments—things I never questioned. Nothing about me. Nothing about his feelings for whatever this was between us.
“Plus,” he said, wrapping an arm around me and tugging me right up against the front of him. “You’re the source of my joy. I’ve been obsessed with you since the first time I saw you carrying those bags in the rain. I was drawn to you from the start, and getting to know you has only intensified my attraction. I know you’re not ready, and I know this probably seems too fast, but you are my hope, Harper Davis. I love you, and I know someday I’m going to prove to you that it’s okay to love me back.”
I could only blink at him, having had every ounce of my voice stolen away. I was twenty-eight, had been with my fair share of men, had had fun while doing so. But I’d never once heard those words from a man. I’d assumed if I ever did, I’d go running in the opposite direction as fast as I could. And yet there I was, aching not to run, but instead to crawl inside him and never leave.
Reaching up, I brushed my hand over the growth on his jaw, remembering what it felt like against my neck, over the tips of my breasts, between my legs. “You’re okay being known as the pastor dating the girl who owns a sex shop? Because I’m not selling it. Ever.”
“Absolutely, especially if we get to play with some of the toys now and again.”
I laughed, having no idea how I’d managed to find the perfect man, but nonetheless thrilled about it. “I think that can be arranged.”
He smiled, then his face grew serious again. “Are you okay with me possibly not being the pastor? Because that could change. I’m not giving you up, so I may be saying goodbye to the church.”
There was so much to take in—the fact that this man not only loved me, but was willing to give up everything he knew just to be able to be with me. Going up on my tiptoes, I brushed my lips over his. “I’m not here because you’re a pastor. I’m here because you’re Noah.”
What I’d intended to be a brief kiss, something soft and sweet, Noah redirected with ease. He held me to him with a hand gripping my ass and the other cupping the back of my neck. And then he slid his tongue across my lips until I opened for him. With a moan, he took my mouth just like he’d taken me yesterday: thoroughly and possessively.
Pulling back, he ran his thumb over my bottom lip, his eyes once again serious. “I’m just glad you’re here at all after yesterday. I never meant to make you feel like I wasn’t in this. I completely lose track of time and responsibilities when we’re together. Especially when I’m in your…” He trailed off, his hand slipping into the waistband of my skirt, not stopping until his fingers teased my pussy from behind.
I
breathed out a laugh. “You certainly know how to make a girl swoon, Pastor No.” Smiling, I gripped the neckline of his shirt, tugging him closer to me as I bit my lip to stifle the moan threatening to break free. “Wanna lose some more time now?”
“Definitely. But not out here.” He slipped his hand free, causing me to whimper in frustration. With a knowing smile, he guided me along the front of the building toward the staircase leading to my apartment, waving at Gen as we passed the window as if he hadn’t just had his hand on my pussy. Then he leaned in, his lips right next to my ear. “No one else gets to see you the way I do.”
I should’ve hated how he spoke with such possession, but instead, I found myself melting further into him. Because the truth was, I didn’t want to share it with anyone else. Just Noah.
“So, what do you say?” he asked. “Another game of strip Jenga?”
I’d always thought being stuck in a relationship would be the death of me. It was something I’d spent my whole life running from. Now that I faced it, though, it was nothing like I’d anticipated. I didn’t feel scared or claustrophobic, but instead, I felt invigorated at the thought of spending all my nights with him.
“Absolutely. Let’s see if I can win this time…”
Christmas would never be my favorite time of year. While I enjoyed the season and the good it brought out in people, the sheer number of events, plans, and functions I was responsible for as a religious leader was daunting. There were days when I seriously weighed the choice of whether to go home to sleep or simply to camp out in my office. If it wasn’t for Harper enticing me at every turn, I doubt I’d have left the church at all that final week leading up to the holiday.
Two more days. I recited the words in my head over and over as I listened to the final practice of the choir. Just Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services left, and then I was off work for two weeks as I recovered from a grueling holiday season. Harper was even taking a break—the two of us heading to a warmer climate where she could wear very little clothing, I could let my beard grow in as much as I wanted, and we could be like any other couple on the beach.
Two more days.
As the choir moved into a haunting version of “Mary, Did You Know,” I caught a glimpse of a familiar figure in the very last pew. Lola Perez sat in the shadows, her head bowed in what I assumed was prayer. I moved toward her out of instinct, curious as to why she’d shown up tonight of all nights. Before I could reach her, though, Officer Connor Nash slipped into the church behind Lola. He watched her for a few seconds, his body still and his face concerned, and then he moved to sit beside her. Something in the way she reacted, in how her body moved toward his, indicated a familiarity or friendship there I hadn’t been aware of. One I didn’t feel comfortable interrupting.
A moment later, Lola and Connor became the furthest things from my mind. Harper had arrived, sneaking into the church from the side door closest to my office. I reacted immediately, zeroing in on her. Rushing to greet her. She was a sight for sore eyes, and I couldn’t wait to breathe in her lilac scent. The one that grounded me. That turned me on as well.
Too bad we were in the church.
Harper greeted me with a smile, grabbing my hand and dragging me down the hall toward my office without uttering a word.
“What’s this, doll?”
She shrugged, the heavy, dark coat she wore pulling tight across her shoulders. “You have thirty minutes before the council starts arriving for their Christmas dinner and meeting.”
“Don’t remind me,” I said as she pulled me into my office and turned to shut the door behind us. “Are you joining me at the dinner? You know you’re invited.”
“Hell no, I’m not joining you.” She grinned, pushing me to sit on the couch along the wall as her hands moved to the zipper of her coat. Her face was flushed, those blue eyes of hers sparkling in the overhead light. “At least not for dinner.”
The expression on her face, the sensual way she moved as she stripped off the heavy overcoat—my doll was ready to play. As tired as I was, as frustrated and stressed, I was all in on her plan. Especially when she dropped the coat to the floor and revealed the most sinful Santa-type costume I’d ever seen.
“Are you my present?” I asked as I reached for her. Harper came willingly, holding a small red velvet bag with fur trim. Her nipples showed through the lace fabric of the bra she wore, the balls of the barbells pierced through her flesh obvious. The matching panties sat low on her hips, the slip of fabric disappearing between her soft thighs. I wanted to follow that fabric with my tongue, to have her sit on my face and let her take her pleasure from me. But this was Harper’s show, so I sat back and waited instead. Watching. Staring as she lifted one leg and set her foot beside my hip.
“I like the shoes,” I murmured, running my hand up the white stockings with sparkly things along the side. She tilted her leg, giving me a good view of the bright red heel with silent silver bells hanging from the front. Wait…was that mistletoe?
“I thought you might. You know the legend about mistletoe, don’t you?”
I flicked the edge of the green leaf tucked under the bell. “You have to kiss underneath it.”
“That’s your rule. At Sin, we take things a little further.” She leaned closer, her hips almost directly in front of my face. Naughty little elf.
“Are you feeling needy, doll?” I ran my hand up her thigh, wrapping my fingers around the edge of her panties and tugging them to the side. “I can help you out with that, you know.”
“I do know.” She crawled into my lap, one leg on either side of me. Straddling my hips and rubbing her pussy over my cock, which was straining to be let free from my khakis.
Flat front—Harper made me burn the pleated ones.
I grabbed her ass with both hands, rubbing hard. Kneading it as she reached between us to unfasten my pants. In seconds, the tan fabric was halfway down my thighs, and Harper was back to rubbing herself over my cock. Teasing me. Teasing both of us.
“Let me taste you,” I murmured as I moved to bite down on her bottom lip. She jerked and sighed, rocking harder, grabbing one of my hands to pull it around her back.
“Not tonight.”
I froze, staring up at her. “Are you seriously turning me down?”
She grinned and leaned down to kiss me, tugging my hand behind her again. “You can lick my pussy later. We got in new toys today.”
Fuck and yes. Harper, being a good businesswoman, spent a lot of time trying out the various sex toys companies sent her. Vibrators, dildos, plugs, beads…you name it, she’d tried it. Or should I say, we’d tried it. Friday night had officially become our research and development evening, and it was by far my favorite night of the week.
“What did you bring me? A new vibrator? No, that glass dildo you’ve been eyeing in the catalog on the kitchen counter.” I frowned when she shook her head. “What is it, then?”
She tugged my hand again, pulling it between her ass cheeks. I caught the edge of the plug with my fingertip, knocking it, making her shiver. Holy shit, was it…vibrating?
“Do I get to see?” I asked, tapping the hard circle to tease her a little more. Yes, definitely vibrating. Harper nodded and crawled off me, moving to stand against my desk across the room. She tugged her panties down her legs, keeping her eyes on mine before turning around. Back to me, hands planted on the desktop, she spread her legs and shot me the most evil grin over her shoulder. And then she bent at the waist.
“I thought the red stone at the base was a nice touch. Very festive. What do you think?”
I was up and on her before I could breathe. Fuck…there was a glittering gemstone hidden away back there. The princess plug only added to the hotness that was Harper’s amazing ass. If it was the one I assumed it was—the one she’d been talking about for the last month—it had a remote control to turn on and off a vibrating core, the pulsing claiming to increase sensation when used during sex. For both of us.
It was time to f
ind out.
“Bend over,” I demanded, pushing her shoulders down with one hand as my other grasped the base of my cock. Harper complied, though I knew I’d catch shit later for ordering her around. That was fine. I deserved it, but she couldn’t really blame me when she showed up ready to live out her double-penetration fantasy with me. “Are you sure you want to do this here?”
She nodded, grabbing the edge of the desk as she pressed back against me. “I didn’t want to wait. I tried…but the videos for this thing were so fucking hot.”
Of course they were. Fuck, the idea of Harper sitting at home, watching videos of people playing with their plugs, her fingers probably buried deep inside her…that was all I needed. I thrust inside slowly, giving both of us time to adjust to the new sensations. And they were new. The vibration added a layer of feeling to her pussy that I’d never experienced, and if her moaning was any indication, the little plug was definitely adding to her pleasure as well as mine. Which was just what we’d hoped for with this particular toy. Harper always felt amazing, and our sex life was filled with adventure and satisfaction, but this was…
“Holy fuck, that vibrator feels so good.” She grappled against the desktop, rising up on the balls of her feet to meet my thrusts. Pushing back into me and forcing my cock deeper. “Oh God. I’m going to come so fast.”
“Thank fuck for that.” I hissed, pushing harder. The plug put pressure on my cock, tightening everything around me. And the tickle of sensation from the vibrator had me pumping into her with rough, frenzied thrusts. Nothing had ever felt this good. I hadn’t thought sex with Harper could get better. I’d been wrong.
It took a grand total of about three minutes for Harper to clench down on me, her pussy positively dripping with her release. Face down, mouth pressed against the desktop, she trembled hard as she milked my cock for everything it was worth. I followed right after her, grunting through my own orgasm, laying my body down over hers for more contact. More skin. More of her. More of us together.
I would never get enough.