by L. P. Dover
Leaning against the counter, Jake corners me in, imprisoning me with his arms. He presses his body against mine and I can feel the hardness between his legs. “I think I know a way of cheering you up.”
“Oh yeah?” I ask, wrapping my arms around his neck.
Grabbing my hips, he lifts me up onto the counter, burying his face against my neck. Chills cascade down my skin and I shiver. “It’ll cheer me up too. Hang on tight.”
Locking my ankles around his waist, he picks me up and carries me out of the kitchen, stopping once to lean me against our living room wall. He slides his erection against me and locks his lips with mine. I moan into his mouth as my body ignites with so many different sensations.
“Think we can make it to the bedroom?” he asks, ripping off my shirt.
Giggling, I look down at the tattered garment on the ground and then up to him, his gaze raw.
“I’ll get you another one,” he grunts out as he carries me up the stairs.
I see a picture from our wedding in the stairway and it brings me back. “Remember our wedding night?” I ask breathlessly.
His lips are all over me, sucking and nipping my neck. “Oh yeah,” he groans, pushing me against the wall, thrusting against me. “I don’t even remember how many times I made you come. It was so damn hot.” Even though we’d been tired from the wedding and all the festivities, we’d still made love the entire night.
He lifts my bra and cups my breast in his hand, shifting me up so he can suck my nipple between his teeth. Closing my eyes, I moan and hold him close, my insides tightening. I can feel the blood rushing to the spot between my legs that aches to feel Jake’s touch. Only one gentle stroke and I’ll be completely lost and at his mercy.
“Jake,” I breathe, arching my back.
Chuckling, he reaches around and unclasps my bra, letting it fall to the floor. He leans back and looks up and down my body as I straddle him, legs locked around his waist. His cock is getting harder between my legs.
“You are so beautiful, Ellie,” he murmurs, sliding a strand of my hair off my forehead. Slowly, he leans forward and places his forehead to mine, breathing me in. He’s a strong man, yet so gentle with his touches.
I pluck at his shirt. “This needs to come off now.”
Smirking, he lifts an arm and tugs it over his head, letting it fall to the floor. I run my hands over his tattoos and kiss his chest. He’d had them done before I ever met him, back when tribal tattoos were the thing and he had to look like a bad ass fighter. I love them on his body. “I want to make love to you Jake.”
He carries me down the hall and tosses me onto our king size bed. It’s dark, but there’s a sliver of moonlight peeking in through the blinds, giving us just the right amount of light. Our bedroom is my favorite place. The walls are a dark gray, and they go with our deep blue comforter and gray, satin sheets. Usually, in the spring and fall, we’ll leave the windows open and the wind will whip the gossamer curtains into the air. It always looks so magical. But now, with the moonlight shining in, it makes Jake’s blue gaze even more seductive.
Starting at my lips, he trails his finger down my neck, between my breasts, and over my shorts. Working the button open, he slides them down my legs and tosses them to the side. His hands are warm as he runs them up my legs to spread them, caressing my thighs.
Groaning, he stands and rips off his jeans, freeing his straining cock. He palms himself and my body tightens. I slide to the edge of the bed and grab onto his ass, pulling him in closer. My lips wrap around his tip and I flick my tongue across.
His hands fist in my hair and a deep, guttural groan vibrates from his chest. “Holy fuck.”
It spurs me on even more. I suck him harder, gliding my hand up and down his shaft. His breaths come out as pants and I go faster.
A growl escapes his lips and he pulls away. “I want you so damn bad right now.”
Biting my lip, I pat the bed. “Then lie down.”
He grips my arms and pulls me on top of him, before sliding his hands down to my ass. “Why do you always make me lose control?”
“Oh, I don’t know . . . I think you can handle it,” I tease, playfully squeezing the bulging tip of his cock.
Jerking into my hand, he tilts my body down and roughly closes his lips over a nipple, sucking hard. The stubble on his chin rubs me raw. When he bites down, I cry out and rock my hips against his length.
His fingers dig into my hips as he lifts me up and slams me down. Once he’s fully seated within me, he lifts me up and pulls me down over him again and again. My movements aren’t my own. I’m in his control and I love it. Even with me on top, he dominates and takes what he wants. Fisting his hands in my hair, he tilts my head back and bites my neck, marking me.
“Oh, yes. Jake . . .”
His low rumble of satisfaction vibrates down to my core. I’m so close to orgasm, I can barely think straight. Over and over, he drops me down on his cock with punishing force. He licks and sucks my nipples, pulling them with his teeth.
Wrapping an arm around his neck, I arch my back to give him better access. Then reaching behind my ass, I cup his balls, massaging them.
“Jesus, I’m going to come,” he growls, shortening his thrusts. Grunting, he pulls my body into his and looks down to watch where we’re connected.
Screaming with pleasure, I sit down on him as far as I can go. He groans and squeezes me tight, as I convulse with wave after wave of my release. It all intensifies when I feel him blast inside of me. I love the feel of his cock pulsating. Catching my breath, I let my head fall to his shoulder while his fingers loosen on my waist.
“Now that’s what I’m talking about,” I say, trying desperately to catch my breath.
Brushing my hair to the side, he gently kisses my neck and wraps his arms around my waist. “Oh, we’re not done yet, cupcake. That’s one orgasm down. You still have a few more to go.”
I pull his bottom lip between my teeth and moan. “I’m counting on it.”
Eight
Ellie
The next morning, I get to the bakery extra early. There are a few phone messages asking for custom cakes, so I write them all down, with plans to call them later in the morning. I really wanted to get in early, so I could prepare myself to break the news to Vikki. She’s never been on her own long-term in the bakery. If she doesn’t want to do it, I don’t know what I’ll do. I don’t trust anyone other than her to run it while I’m away.
The back door opens, and I can hear her teeth chattering. “It’s chilly this morning, isn’t it?” I call out.
She snorts and joins me behind the glass cases, her scarf wrapped a million times around her neck, and her nose bright red. “Just a little. Did you hear we might have snow tonight?”
I nod. “Yep. Depending on which way the storm system shifts, we could either see a trace or get eight inches.” I’m betting on just a trace. I can’t remember the last time we’ve had a bunch of snow in November. It’s usually December and January when we get a ton. “I’m hoping we don’t get much because I haven’t been by the store.”
Vikki chuckles. “Better snag some bread and milk. The stores will be wiped clean if you don’t.”
“True, but I doubt we’ll get any. I’ll go later tonight.” Clearing my throat, I turn to Vikki who is now emptying the cases to make room for new treats. The things we bake that don’t get purchased, are usually given away to the businesses down the street. They get eaten one way or another. “Vik, there’s something I need to talk to you about.”
Her hand pauses and she jerks her attention back to me. “You’re not firing me, are you?”
“No,” I gasp, slapping a hand to my chest. “That’s never going to happen.”
She leaves the rag on top of the case and crosses her arms. “What’s going on then? You don’t look right.”
Taking a deep breath, I let it out fast. “How would you feel holding down the fort here for a while? Like . . . a couple of years.”
Her eyes widen and she opens her mouth to speak, then stops and does it again. “What do you mean hold down the fort? Where are you going to be?”
“Arizona. Jake was asked to run an important project and he can’t say no. It’s only for two years. I’m planning to open another Sweet Sensations while I’m there.”
“Oh, my dear ever-loving goodness, are you serious?” She squeals as she runs over and throws her arms over my shoulders. “This is awesome. Congratulations! Of course, I’ll help in any way I can.”
I hug her tight. “Thanks, Vik. I know you can handle the business on your own. I’m leaving it up to you to find another cake decorator. I want you to hire someone you feel you can work with. My nieces will still come in the afternoons and help.”
She steps back and there are tears in her eyes. “Will do. I just—I don’t know what I’m going to do without you.”
“You’ll do just fine. I have full faith in you.”
It takes her a few minutes to unwrap her scarf. “Are you going to buy or rent a house out there?”
“Buy,” I reply. “Jake’s company gave us a huge bonus check. Might as well buy one and keep it as a vacation home, right?”
She nods. “Yep. I’ll help you start looking, once we get everything cooked and decorated for the day.”
“Perfect. Let’s get to work.”
The morning went by quickly. I returned phone calls and started on one of my custom orders. It’s a five-layer death by chocolate cake. The amount of chocolate used is insane, but it’s so delicious.
“I’m surprised we’re not ten thousand pounds by now,” Vikki teases as I pipe the last few designs on the cake.
I laugh. “Tell me about it. I guess I bake so much, I don’t crave it like I used to. I mean, unless it’s a strawberry cake, and then I’ll eat the hell out of it.”
“And you know key lime is my weakness,” she adds.
Once the cake is done, I carefully slide it into our refrigerator and fetch my laptop from the back room.
Vikki claps her hands and smiles. “Is it house hunting time?”
I laugh. “Why not? Might as well see what we can find.”
We sit down at one of the tables in front and I search for houses in Phoenix within our price range. The architecture is so different from our homes here in North Carolina. I’m used to a log cabin, not stone and stucco-type houses. It’s going to be strange living there with all the different landscapes, trees, and cactuses.
“I really like that one,” Vikki points out.
I do too. It’s a single-story ranch with the main entryway made out of stone. The tall, narrow evergreen trees out front and the mountain in back give it a magical appeal. Not to mention, it’s the perfect size for me and Jake . . . and a family, if we happen to start one.
“This one’s going in my favorite folder.” There are a few others I add throughout our search, and I can’t wait to show Jake tonight.
Vikki squeals and squeezes my hand. “This is so exciting. I can’t wait to come out and visit you. I’ve never been to Arizona before.”
“Me either,” I say nervously. “Hopefully, I can do this. Starting up this bakery was a lot of work. It scares me not having you.”
“I’m sure there are lots of amazing people in Phoenix.” She squeezes my hand again and I look in her loving green eyes. “You’ll find someone to work with. Think about how amazing it’s going to feel, knowing you’re spreading your wings. Soon, the whole country will know about your bakeries.”
I snort. “Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves here. I’m a small fish in a massive ocean. The chances of that are slim.”
She shrugs. “Have a little faith, my darling. You never know what’ll happen.”
My phone beeps and when I pull it out of my pocket, my stomach drops. The breath whooshes out of my lungs, but instead of feeling fear . . . it’s anger. Sliding my chair back, I storm over to the window and look out.
“Ellie, what’s wrong?” Vikki calls out.
I look up and down the street, but I don’t see him. “Look at my phone.”
Her gasp is full of horror. “Holy shit.” She rushes over and hands me the phone. “This is getting very strange, Ellie. I don’t like it.”
“Neither do I.”
Huffing, she flips up her finger at the window, and then closes the blinds. “What are you going to do?”
I find Owen’s number and press send. “It’s got to stop. I can’t let it go any further. He’s literally stalking me now.”
Owen answers on the second ring. “Hey, Ells.”
Taking a deep breath, I huff. “I have a problem.”
“What’s up?”
“I just got another text and it’s crossing a line. Whatever you need to do to get a restraining order on Bryan, I’d really appreciate it.”
He growls. “What the fuck has he done now?”
I look over at the window. “He sent a text saying I look beautiful in my green shirt; that he knows it’ll bring out the green in my hazel eyes. Guess what, Owen? I’m wearing a green shirt. He’s out there watching me, right now.”
“Jesus Christ,” he snaps. “I’m still trying to find the piece of shit. He’s incognito right now. Do me a favor and don’t leave the bakery. I’ll head over and follow you home when you close up. Just don’t tell Jake yet. We both know he’ll lose his shit.” He hangs up and I walk back over to the window. After all this time, why is Bryan doing this to me now?
The day drags on, and luckily, there are no more texts. It kills me not to tell Jake, but Owen has a point. Jake has so much to deal with at work, and I don’t want him not able to focus because of what’s going on with me.
“Want anything to drink?” my niece, Rebecca, asks Owen as she sweeps the floor by him. His back is to me, but I can tell his vigilant gaze is focused on the streets that are now getting dusted with snow.
He shakes his head. “I’m good, Becca. Thanks though.” I’m glad he’s wearing regular clothes, or else my customers might think something’s wrong. That’s the last thing I need. It’s already bad enough that my mind is somewhere else and not on my baking.
“Have you talked to Kimberly at all?” I call out.
His body tenses for a second, and then he gives me a quick glance over his shoulder. “She won’t return my phone calls. Guess you could say we’re completely done.”
My heart hurts for him. “You know, you never really told me what happened between you two. I know you weren’t too keen to get married and have kids just yet. Was that it?”
He shrugs. “It was that and a lot of other things, Ells. She was too needy at times, a lot self-absorbed, and I just couldn’t be there for her like she wanted me to. Not to mention, she didn’t trust me. Every time I came home late, she’d accuse me of being with someone else.”
“And were you?” I ask, not sure why I was questioning him. Owen wasn’t the type to sleep around.
“No,” he answers. “You know how much I’m devoted to my job.”
Sadly, I do. “Maybe she’s not the one for you, Owen. I’m sure there’s someone else out there.”
“I’m sure there is,” he says with a sigh.
Rebecca finishes the sweeping and joins me behind the counter. Her dark blonde hair and brown eyes are just like my sister’s. It makes me wonder if my baby will look like me or Jake. I can’t wait to find out.
Vikki nudges me in the side. “I made some more chocolate-strawberry truffles.” Rebecca grabs one and pops it into her mouth. Vikki shakes her head and smiles. “I’m going to put them in the case.” I nod and finish icing up the last of the red velvet cupcakes.
Rebecca sighs and sits down by the cash register. “I still can’t believe you’re moving. In two years, I’ll be going off to college. I won’t get to see you much.”
Eyes burning, I hug her hard. “I know, but at least you’ll always have a summer job. And I’ll be back before you know it.”
Rebecca lets me go and wipes away her tea
rs. “I should probably clock out and head home. I have a test to study for.”
I nod. “Go. School is more important than here. Plus, you need to get home before the snow piles up.” The main roads are easy to drive on because the city keeps them plowed, but the back roads are where the real problems arise.
She grabs her bookbag and I follow her to the back door to make sure she gets safely to her car. Once she’s out of the parking lot, I shut and lock the door. Vikki is in the break room, putting on her coat. Looking down at my watch, it is closing time.
“I’m sorry you have to deal with my mess, Vik.”
She turns around and waves me off. “I just hate that you have to deal with it. This guy must seriously have some issues. Stalking isn’t exactly the way to a woman’s heart.”
Owen appears in the doorway. “I’ll walk you both out when you’re ready.”
Nodding, I put on my coat and walk past him to the front. I turn off the front lights, but leave the ones over the sweets counter on, so that it’s not completely dark when we come back in the morning. Owen opens the door for us and I lock it once we’re all out. It’s already dark and I can’t help but look around to see if I see movement. Owen is doing the same thing.
Once Vikki is in her car, she waves and drives away. Owen looks everywhere but at me, and I can’t help but feel grateful that he’s doing this for me. “Thanks. You don’t have to be my bodyguard. I really appreciate it.”
He looks down at me. “I’d rather it be me than someone else. This way, I know you’ll be okay.” He opens my car door and I get inside.
“How are you going to watch over me and look for Bryan?”
He shrugs, but I can see the slight hint of an arrogant smirk on his face. “Multitasking.” The snow starts to come down harder and he sighs. “Let’s get out of here.”
He shuts my door and I don’t waste any time.
Nine