by Kennedy Fox
“We should do a duet! Oh my God, yes! Let’s go!” Olivia bounces in her seat and is on her feet before I can comprehend exactly what she just said. I’m living for this version of her, knowing it’s a side I’ll probably never see again.
It takes us all of five minutes to find a karaoke bar, and as soon as we walk in, Olivia drags me to the DJ booth to sign us up. I have no idea what she told the guy, but it doesn’t matter because he hands us two microphones and then Olivia pulls me up on the mini stage.
“Are you ready?” she asks with the biggest smile.
“That depends. What’d you pick?” I ask her, but as soon as the music starts, I immediately know. “Ah, good choice!”
“It’s a classic! I love this song!”
Sonny & Cher’s “I Got You Babe” plays loudly over the speakers as the lyrics flash across the little screen in front of us. We sing our parts and then come together for an off-key duet, but it doesn’t matter because singing up here with Olivia is the best time I’ve had in a while. She’s laughing and smiling, and even though her pitch is awful, at the same time, it’s all perfect. She’s not fidgeting with schedules or worrying about controlling anything, and I’ve never seen her so loose and happy.
We sing the last line, and I take her hand so we can give our audience of fewer than five people a proper bow. They clap with little amusement, and after we hand our microphones back to the DJ, I keep her hand in mine and drag her to a bar top table.
“You are amazing,” I tell her sincerely, grabbing a piece of hair stuck to her cheek and tucking it behind her ear. “You were having the time of your life up there.”
“I know.” She laughs. “You’re a good singing partner.”
“I told you, I’m a man of many talents.” I wink, but her eyes are locked on my mouth.
I swipe my tongue between my lips and watch as her chest rapidly rises and falls. She bites down on her bottom lip, and I bring my finger up to pluck it from her teeth.
“Olivia.”
She blinks and brings her eyes to mine. We share a silent moment, but no words are needed to know what we’re both thinking. I lean in and dip my head down and carefully brush my mouth against hers, swiping my tongue gently between her lips as I seek entrance. She doesn’t pull back, so I take that as a good sign to continue. I wrap a hand around her neck and pull her body into my chest as I cover her mouth with mine. Olivia fists her hands in my shirt and slides her tongue against mine, and soon we’re devouring each other, both begging for more.
The moment is getting heated, too heated for a public location, so I unwillingly pull back slightly. “Olivia…” I say between heavy panting. “We should go back to the hotel before—”
“I can’t wait that long,” she nearly purrs. “I want you right now.”
This is definitely not the Olivia I’ve grown to know the last week and a half, and the last thing I want to do is take advantage of the fact that she’s drunk.
“Olivia, we don’t have to. You’ve been drinking and—”
“Maverick, I’m throwing myself at you, and you’re going to tell me no?” She pulls back, giving me a look of shock and hurt. “I’m a big girl and can prove to you I’m just fine to make big girl decisions. Want me to walk a straight line and touch my nose? Or say the alphabet backward? ZYXWVUT…”
“Olivia, stop,” I say, laughing at the fact that she would have the alphabet memorized backward. “Okay, I believe you.”
“Good, now kiss me.” She wraps both hands around my neck and pulls our mouths back together.
Fuck, she tastes so damn good. I want to lift her onto this table, push her legs apart, and slide inside her so goddamn deep she’ll be feeling me long after this trip ends.
“Let’s at least go somewhere private,” I plead with her, grabbing her hand and leading her out of the middle of the bar. I have a feeling Olivia has never had sex outside of a bed before, and this wild side of hers is dying for something new. I find a hallway that leads to the restrooms and probably a storage room or two, but before dragging her down there, I turn around and make her face me. “Do you trust me?”
“I trust you not to murder me if that’s what you’re asking.”
I laugh and pull her lips back to mine. “You’re adorable. Good enough for me.”
Luckily, we ended at a bar off the Strip, and it’s not crowded, so I take her into the ladies’ bathroom, figuring it’d be the cleaner of the two. As soon as we step inside, I pull her up until her legs are wrapped around my waist, and her back is pressed against the door. She squeals with laughter as I lock the door.
With Olivia’s arms wrapped around me and mine holding her ass up, we devour and taste one another. I’m so fucking hard, I know she can feel it against my jeans. I press against her, and when she moans, it’s like an electric current has a direct line to my dick.
“Olivia, tell me you want this,” I demand. “I need to know you won’t regret this in the morning.”
“I want you, Maverick. But that doesn’t mean I won’t regret it. All that matters is I want you right fucking now.”
I pull back slightly and set her down on her feet. “That’s not good enough. Get out of that head of yours and tell me you won’t hate me for this later.”
“I promise, I won’t hate you. But I really want you to fuck me, so if you don’t, then I’ll definitely hate you.”
Laughing, I wrap one hand around my neck and pull my shirt over my head. “Fuck, you’re even hotter when you’re a demanding little vixen.”
Scooping her up, I carry her to the counter that’s actually semi-decent and start undoing her pants. She never changed out of her work clothes, so she’s in one of those pantsuits.
“Is it weird I’m now oddly attracted to these business suit things you’re always wearing?” I tease.
“Oh yeah?” She unbuttons her jacket and starts untucking her blouse. “Wondering what I was wearing underneath, weren’t you?”
“Fucking always,” I admit.
“Why don’t you come find out?”
Chapter Seventeen
OLIVIA
Maverick looks at me with so much lust, I think I’ll combust if he doesn’t get inside me soon. I finish undressing to my bra and panties and watch as he makes a show of wiping the drool off his chin.
“I wish I had time to taste you right now, but that’ll have to wait until later.”
Later? I like the sound of that.
When he shoves his jeans and boxers halfway down his legs, and his massive erection bounces, it’s so much bigger than I remember. Granted, it wasn’t actually hard the last time I saw it but holy fuck. Maverick Kingston is the whole package.
“I think you’re the one drooling now,” he taunts, sliding his tongue up my chin and pressing a deep, heated kiss on my mouth.
“Well, you would be too if you saw how big you are,” I tease. “I wish I had time to get on my knees and worship it like it deserves.” I throw a version of his words back at him, but it’s one million percent the truth.
I watch as Maverick reaches into his back pocket and grabs his wallet. He pulls out a condom and rolls it over his length. I’ve never had bathroom sex before—or sex outside the bedroom period—so I let him take the lead. He takes me by surprise when he leans in and slowly kisses me, cupping my cheek with one hand, then gently easing himself between my legs. I do my best to arch my hips with the awkward position I’m in, but my body quickly adjusts, and soon he’s in so fucking deep, I’m panting and moaning with the best pleasure I’ve felt in my life.
He pulls back slightly before ramming back inside me. Everything between us is fire and electricity, and I almost beg for more. Maverick dips his head to my neck, feathering kisses along my jawline and shoulder as he increases his pace, making my world spin over and over again.
“Goddammit, Olivia...you’re so fucking tight. You feel so good,” he growls in my ear, squeezing my hip as he pins me harder against the counter and mirror. “Your pussy is fuck
ing amazing.”
“Don’t stop, Maverick. God, yesssss…” My head falls back slightly, but his other hand catches it and brings our mouths back together.
“You need it, don’t you, sweetheart?” he asks in a rugged, deep voice that has me panting for more.
I nod in response, and before I can ask what he’s doing, he has me bent over the sink with my ass in the air and his cock deep inside me. His hand smacks against my ass once, twice, and then I’m moaning for more.
“That’s it, baby. Arch that back for me.” He slides his hand up my spine, pushing my shoulders lower and when he’s satisfied, he grabs my hips and pulls me back on his dick. “I’m gonna go so fucking deep. Hang on.”
Maverick’s promise has me so wet that when he hits the right spot, I scream out his name and beg him to keep going. He pushes harder and faster, and soon I’m spiraling into oblivion. The buildup is fast and sudden, and when he reaches around my waist to rub my clit, it sends me over until my body is shaking with the biggest release I’ve ever had. I barely come down before he’s sinking deeper into me and sending me off the edge once again.
“Oh my God, Maverick. I can’t…” I pant, losing my breath as he chases his own orgasm.
“So close, baby...you feel so goddamn good. I don’t want it to end,” he admits, sliding his hand around my chest and squeezing my breast. “And fuck, your tits are amazing too. Go figure.” I watch him in the mirror, and he’s smirking at me.
“I bet you’re dying to taste them,” I tease, knowing when we’re back at the hotel he’ll take every opportunity to do just that.
“Fuck yes, I am.”
I bite my lower lip just thinking about it and lower my eyes to where our bodies are connected in the reflection.
“Keep your eyes on me, Olivia. I want you to see what you do to me. What you’ve been doing to me. I want there to be no doubt in your mind.” His words are so intense that my eyes are glued to his, and when his body finally goes rigid and shakes against mine, I watch him as he unravels inside me. His eyes squeeze tight, his jaw clenches, and his nails dig into my hips. It’s fucking beautiful.
Maverick comes with a deep groan, and my body tightens around him as he fills me. Moments pass, and then he’s pulling out and tossing the condom away.
“We better get out of here before someone catches us,” he instructs as we layer our clothes on. “Then I’m taking you to my room and worshipping you all over again.”
My phone alarm goes off, waking me out of a deep sleep. I roll over to turn it off and smack hard into a wall.
“Argh,” I groan, feeling the immediate headache coming on. I drank more last night than I ever have before. I’m gonna need to find some meds stat.
“Mornin’, beautiful.” Maverick’s deep, sleepy voice echoes out, and my eyes immediately shoot open.
Last night was definitely not a dream.
Wrapping an arm around my shoulders, he pulls me tighter to his body. Memories of our time together flash through my mind as panic starts to weigh on my chest.
What the hell did I do? I could lose my job over this. Rachel was adamant about her rules, and I just bulldozed over them. If she finds out, my career is completely over. Not only would she fire me, but she wouldn’t give me the recommendation I’d need to find another job.
I’d be screwed.
“I can hear your thoughts racing a million miles an hour. Talk to me, Olivia.” Maverick’s tone is somehow smooth and rough at the same time, almost as if he’s expecting me to freak out.
“I should go to my room before Rachel finds out I’m not there.” I scramble to the edge of the bed, but Maverick grabs my wrist and holds me in place until he shifts his body behind me.
“Baby, wait.”
Baby? Oh my God.
“Maverick, I can’t. This...shouldn’t have happened. I’m going to lose my job, everything.” I jerk out of his grip and stand, taking the sheet with me to wrap around myself. Our clothes are littered all over the floor.
“Not if she doesn’t find out,” he tells me, which almost makes me laugh. Rachel’s like a Russian spy. She finds out everything she needs to know, and the guilt written all over my face will be as obvious as Maverick’s six-pack abs.
Leaning down to pick up my shirt and pants, I eye my panties and bra and scoop them up next.
“It doesn’t matter either way. You and I both know this was a one-night thing. You’re going home today, and I’ll be praying I still have a job when I fly back to Chicago.”
We still have one event left this morning, so I can plaster on a smile and fake it until it’s over. Thank God the tour is coming to an end.
“You’re overthinking this,” Maverick tries to tell me, and when I look up at him, he’s sitting on the edge of the bed pulling up his boxer shorts.
“No, I wasn’t thinking—period.” Taking my clothes, I walk into the bathroom and get dressed. I look at myself in the mirror, and my jaw drops. Maverick left bite marks on my neck and chest, and my hair is the exact definition of sex hair. Quickly, I change and try to fix my hair and makeup.
I can’t chance running into Rachel before I can take a shower.
As soon as I open the bathroom door, Maverick is standing in the doorway, blocking my way out.
“Olivia, stay. Take a shower, and we can talk after. You don’t need to rush off,” he says. His words and voice are so genuine; if this were any other situation, I’d even consider it.
“I’m going to shower and change for the event in my room, and there’s nothing to discuss. Last night happened, and there’s nothing we can do about it now.”
“Do about it?” His voice goes higher. “So last night meant nothing to you?” He stands tall with his arms crossed over his chest. “Is that what you’re telling me?”
“I’m saying…” I linger, finally walking past him to gather my phone and shoes. “Considering the precedence our boss set, it shouldn’t have happened.”
“Fuck that, Olivia. Quit worrying about your job and just admit what you actually feel for once.”
“I have to go.” I find my purse, slip my shoes on, and head toward the door. Before opening it, I pause. “Rachel’s reading is at noon. Meet me down in the lobby in an hour so we can go.”
“I’m aware of the schedule, Olivia,” he replies harshly.
“Good, just reminding you.” I glance over my shoulder and see the pained expression on his face, and it kills me. “Please remember to act like nothing happened. Rachel will notice if something’s off between us.”
“Shouldn’t be a problem for me. You’re the one running away.”
I part my lips to say something but decide against it and make my way out of his room. Once I’m in the hallway, I exhale a deep breath, feeling the emotions piling on top as I push away my pain.
An hour later, I’m showered and ready to go. Rachel has already texted me three times, and I’m trying to mentally prepare myself, so she doesn’t suspect a thing, though I’m wondering if Maverick will be able to keep his word.
“Where’s Maverick?” Rachel’s voice booms behind me, and I jump. Her tone is short and cold.
“Uh,” I start, feeling flustered.
“I just had to make a quick stop to the bathroom,” Maverick chimes in before I can respond. I glance over and see he’s wearing a big smile.
Today, Rachel will read the first six chapters of the first book in the Bayshore Coast series at a local Barnes & Noble. Afterward, she’ll sign books that people bring or bought, and then the tour will be complete.
“Olivia,” Maverick whispers next to me as we stand to the side. Rachel is standing behind a podium with her book reading to her audience.
“What?” I ask without facing him.
“We need to talk.”
I look over my shoulder at him and frown. “There’s nothing to discuss.”
“Like hell there isn’t,” he whisper-shouts, causing a few people to look over at us.
I scold him with m
y eyes to keep it down. He grabs my elbow and pulls me with him as he walks to a secluded part of the bookstore behind some shelves.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I whisper-shout back at him.
“I want to know why you’re acting as if last night never happened. I know you feel what I feel, Olivia. You might have this preconceived notion that I’m some kind of man whore, but we’ve been dancing around each other since day one. We have a connection, and there’s no denying it. You aren’t just some chick I picked up at the bar, and I’m not some guy you randomly met. So tell me how you can just pretend there’s nothing between us?”
I meet his dark eyes, and I see the sincerity in them. His voice is deep and low, and I hate how pained it sounds.
“You know as well as I do that we could never work out, so I’m not going to live in a fantasy world and pretend that it could. I told you I could lose my career over this, so excuse me for not announcing it to the world that we slept together!”
“So that means you’re going to erase last night from your memory? That’s what you want? To act like we never happened and pretend our feelings don’t exist?” He steps closer, narrowing the gap between us. I can smell his cologne, and it smells so fucking good, I want to drown in it.
“We have to, Maverick. Otherwise, we’re just going to hurt more. Don’t you understand? If I let myself fall for you, I’ll end up with a broken heart. I’m married to my job. You’re building a career in LA. You don’t fly, so it’s not like we could easily see each other. Last night was amazing, okay? But it can’t ever happen again.”
“I know the cards are stacked against us, but I also know that if I let you walk away without putting everything out there, I’d regret it. Give us a chance.” He cups my face and rubs the pad of his thumb along my cheek. I wish I could say the words he desperately wants to hear, but I just can’t.
I inhale deeply, trying to hold back the tears. “I’m sorry, Maverick.”
Stepping away, I walk back toward the reading without looking back.