by J. M. Adele
Her hand crept higher so she could feel the outline of him straining at his pants. “Sir Comes a Lot?”
He widened his legs as his lip quivered.
She rubbed along his length. “Master Baiter?”
That drew out a snarl. “Hell, no.”
“Heat Seeking Erectile?”
He groaned, tapering off to a grunt as her hand kept moving. “It just gets worse. How about Dick?”
She gently squeezed and shook her head. “Dick? Dick is boring. Dick wears glasses and spends hours on YouTube watching how-to videos.”
“How to get it up?”
“No, that would be porn.”
“Dick definitely watches porn.” His hand covered hers.
“Does he?”
“Yes.” His hips flexed into their combined grip as his answer hissed out.
“Do witches watch porn, as well as sleep naked?”
“They might.”
He glanced down at her, taking his eyes off the road for a beat so she could see the need in his gaze. “Will I get to find out, first hand?”
“You, or Dick?” A grin overtook her face.
“Both.”
It was the strangest foreplay she’d ever engaged in, but fuck, it was erotic. “We still have five minutes until we’re at my place. If it wasn’t so freezing, I’d ask you to pull over so I could ride you like I’ve been dreamin’ about.”
“We’ve waited this long. What’s another five minutes?”
Pulling her hand up to his lips, he kissed a trail from her knuckles to her wrist. She moaned, feeling a tug at her core and a flutter in her heart. He’d just taken it from lighthearted to real in the space of two seconds. The man was lethal to her defenses.
“Open the glove compartment.”
What was he up to? “Is that where you stash your porn?”
“No, honey. That’s what the internet is for.”
She popped the latch, finding a box wrapped in shiny red paper sitting on top of an old map and a torch.
Pulling it out, she shot him a questioning look.
“Merry Christmas.” He grinned.
She bounced on the seat, her face pulling up in a huge smile. She loved presents. Giving, receiving, it didn’t matter. She practically shredded the paper to get to what was inside.
“A Witch’s Guide to Baking.” She slid the book off the pile. “The Good Witch’s Book of Sweets. And a pair of long, stripy socks.” She dangled the blue and white socks. “All I got you was a toque blanche with your name embroidered on it.”
“You got me a chef’s hat? I love it. The books are to start your collection at Books, Nooks, and Nibbles. The socks are for sleeping in because I wouldn’t want a witch to get cold, sleeping naked.”
She smacked a kiss on his cheek, unable to contain her delight. The man was sweet and sexy. She loved her presents. She loved him. Clutching her gifts on her lap, she stared at him while he pulled up to her house, picturing all the things she wanted to do to say thank you. Her chest heaved, her muscles braced for impact, but she held back until it was safe.
He turned off the engine and she dove for him, the presents falling, forgotten, on the seat.
“Fuck, I want you,” Grey growled, catching her.
Slamming her mouth on his, her body slid out of the truck as he dragged her with him, tucking her into his side so he could lock the door. Gripping her ass cheeks, he encouraged her to jump up and wrap her legs around him before he walked them to the front door.
He broke the kiss, grunting, “Keys.”
The door opened, a burst of heat and light engulfing them.
“I got it. Have fun.” Hannah stepped aside to let them pass before shutting the door and going back to the TV.
They grinned at each other as he ran up the stairs with her still in his arms.
“She is the best roommate.”
“Yeah, she’s cool.” He kicked her bedroom door shut behind him, and threw her on the bed with the pair of socks landing beside her. “Get naked, but wear the socks.”
When did he grab those?
Grey flicked on her lamp, bathing the room in a purple haze of light. They whipped off their clothes, watching each other’s strip show as they fumbled with sleeves and buttons. Picking up the socks, she started to put them on, but he took them from her and knelt on the floor at her feet. Picking up one foot, he kissed it, slipping the fabric over her toes, and licking a trail up her leg, the sock following his tongue up to her knee. He did the same with the other, lighting a path of fire in his wake. She curled her hands into the edge of the mattress, unable to stop a moan.
He licked across her lips, sinking in deeper for a slow kiss before rising to his feet. “Stand up for me.”
Chelsea shoved to her feet, eager to obey his command.
“Turn around.” Circling a finger in the air, his gaze mapped her naked body down to her socked feet. “Damn, you are a sexy witch. On your hands and knees.”
The sting of a slap landed on her butt cheek as she crawled forward, before she felt the bed dip at her feet. Heavy hands spanned the small of her back and she arched, reveling in their weight.
“When we’re together like this, I’m in charge. Do you understand?”
The demand should’ve chilled her to the core, but it sent a gush of liquid pooling in her center. With any other man, she would have bolted out the door if he’d tried that tone on her. But with Grey, she didn’t have to question his motives. It was completely natural to let him take control. A welcome relief. She was exhausted from holding it together. She needed him to just take it all away.
Oh, yeah. “Perfectly.”
“If you don’t like something I do, speak up, but I am going to test your limits as I learn what you like.”
“Okay.” Her answer squeaked out through a clamping throat.
Another slap, this time on the other side, and she reared forward in pleasure. “Good. Rest your cheek on the bed.”
Oh, sweet Jesus. Her mouth dried up as he took charge, pulling her hips up higher, and delving two fingers into her center. Bucking at the delicious invasion, she whimpered when he spread the moisture over her folds, rubbing her clit. His tongue licked it away, circling her entrance before dipping in and repeating the path his fingers had taken.
Chelsea’s hips started a slow rhythm to match his movements as her senses came alive. Clenching the sheets in her grip, she watched his intense mask, heady with pleasure and the power rising between them. He’d give her everything she desired, and take what he needed, without compromising her in any way. That was how it was supposed to be.
She heard the rip of a plastic wrapper before his shaft slid through her folds, driving her pleasure higher. She pushed back, trying to get closer, and received another slap on her ass.
“Greedy girl.”
“I take it back. Dick is not boring. I want him.”
He pushed into her entrance. “Like this?”
She moaned, her head rising off the bed as she curled her spine. “Yeah, just like that.”
“Head down. I want to see your face.”
She faced the other side. “Then turn me over.”
His hips slammed forward, plunging into her to the hilt, and he smoothed a hand up her spine to grab a handful of her hair. “I like you just where you are, for now.” His other hand came around to pinch her nipple, as his hips jerked in short, sharp strokes. “Rub your clit, sweetheart.”
She did as she was told, setting off a barrage of tiny quakes that grew closer, merging into one unstoppable, excruciating bliss. They both panted as their frenzied movements built a need on the brink of pain, before fireworks exploded from her center, and her screams accompanied his grunts of ecstasy.
Their hips slowed, bodies collapsing to the bed, still connected intimately. He threaded his fingers through hers where they clutched at the sheets, and kissed the back of her neck.
“Round one,” he rumbled in her ear.
Her hips jerked, stoma
ch clenching.
She was right when she feared there’d be no going back, that she’d be lost to him. He’d mastered her body and wrapped around her soul, making her his, completely. She wasn’t done. Not even close. She would never get enough of him. “I want to take you slowly next time. I want to savor your flavor, and the way you smell and sound. I want you to feel me deep within you, as deeply as I feel you in me.”
Her eyes dropped closed and she dragged in a breath, pushing down the spike of fear that accompanied the swelling of her heart. God, what this man did to her.
“You still scare me.”
“That’s how you know it’s real.”
He rolled to the side, taking her with him so he curled around behind her.
She tilted her head, speaking over her shoulder. “Grey?”
“Yeah?”
“What’s going to happen when we have to go our separate ways?”
A heavy hand landed on her hip. “Let’s just worry about what’s happening now. You’re here for another six months, right?”
“About that, yeah.”
Pushing her hair off her neck, he placed a kiss on her nape. “We’ll enjoy the time we have. Who knows what’s gonna happen down the track?”
“If New York becomes a real possibility, are you going to go?”
“I don’t know. It sounds great in theory, but I’d have to think it through before committing to Matteo. He wants things his way and I’m the same. We’re too alike. I don’t know how that would work.”
“Yeah, he’s a real pain in the ass.”
His fingers came up to pinch her nipple, the pain shooting down to where they were joined.
“Ah. What was that for?”
“Are you saying I’m a pain in the ass?”
“I don’t know. We haven’t tried that yet.”
“It can be arranged, dirty girl.”
The chuckle died in her throat when he pumped his hips, his cock growing hard for more.
“Are you ready for round two?”
Dark pupils almost swallowed the metallic sheen of his irises as he took in the way she licked her lips.
“Ready when you are.”
“Nice and slow this time, sweetheart,” he promised before dropping his lips to hers for another taste. She sank in, letting him take her to another place where only the two of them existed. Right now, it didn’t matter what was in their futures.
_____
Grey followed Chelsea down the stairs to the kitchen, greeted by the sound of Hannah’s applause.
“Stellar effort, you two. Four hours. Seriously, I had my headphones on, but you breached the sound barrier. That deserves pancakes. Or an egg on toast, at the very least. Grey, you should definitely choose the egg. I think you might need to replenish your protein stores.”
“God, Hannah, don’t be gross.” Dakota threw her toast crust back on her plate.
“Dee’s just grumpy because she got no sleep. I’m happy for you. It’s about time, but maybe gag her next time.”
Grey raised a brow, pulling the frying pan from a cupboard. He’d forgotten someone else was in the house. There was no way he’d be gagging Chelsea. Hearing her screams made him want to beat his chest and yodel like Tarzan ... the louder the better.
Hooking an arm around Chelsea’s waist, he planted a kiss on her lips. “Do you like your eggs sunny side up?”
“Perfect, thank you.” She stole another kiss and started the coffee. “Mornin’ Ryan.”
“Hmph,” he grunted from the sofa.
“Sorry if we kept y’all awake. It won’t happen again.”
He should smack her ass for making a promise she couldn’t keep.
Grey thought he heard Ryan mumble, “Fucking hope not,” under his breath before he shoved another spoonful of oatmeal in his mouth.
He couldn’t blame the guy. Grey would’ve done the same thing if he was in Ryan’s position. Living under the same roof as Chelsea and not being able to have her … It would suck. If he had his way, she’d be under his roof, not Ryan’s.
“I’ve been looking around for my own place. I think I might’ve found a studio apartment not too far from here.” He watched the whites of the eggs solidify into color, waiting for Chelsea’s reaction.
“That’s great. When do you know if you’ve got it or not?”
“I should know within a week.”
“Do you have any stuff to furnish it with, or do you have to go shopping?” She popped some bread into the toaster.
“I’ll need to buy a bed, and a table and chairs to start with. It comes with a fridge and a communal laundry in the basement.”
“I know a place where you can get furniture on a budget,” Dakota offered.
“That’s great. Thanks, Dee.” Chelsea smiled at her friend.
“You’re welcome.” Dakota dumped her bowl in the sink, brushing past him on her way out. “I’m going back to bed. I don’t have class until this afternoon. Nice to see you again, Greyson.”
“Yeah, have a good sleep.”
Her eyes lingered on Grey a little too long, before she disappeared around the corner. He didn’t trust that girl. Something about her chafed.
Hannah leaned her elbows on the breakfast bar, waiting for Chelsea to pour the coffee. “We’ll help you move in. Won’t we, Ryan?”
Ryan protested around a mouthful of oatmeal. “What is there to move? He just said he didn’t have any furniture.”
“There’s more to moving in than just shifting furniture. You helped Chelsea move in. Remember all the boxes?”
“I’m sure he can handle it.”
Grey added salt and pepper to the meals. “I’ll be fine. Chelsea and I should be able to get the job done. Thanks anyway.”
Hannah’s eyes lit up as Chelsea poured their coffee. “Holler if you need me, okay?”
“Absolutely, sweet pea. We appreciate it.” Chelsea smiled, pushing a steaming cup of java across the bench.
We.
She was finally talking like they were a couple. Now she was getting it.
Grey’s heart thumped harder as he pictured them together in his new place. Scrubbing a palm across his chin, he bared gritted teeth. He had to snap himself out of it before he burned the eggs.
“Grey’s going to drop me off on campus, do you want a lift, Ryan? You’ve got an early class, right?”
“I’ll just catch the T. Thanks.” Ryan smiled tightly, darting his eyes to Grey as they moved to the dining table to eat. Vacating his spot on the sofa, he excused himself and stomped up the stairs.
The guy needed to get his head out of his ass, Grey thought. Chelsea didn’t want him. He thought they’d made that pretty clear last night. Ryan didn’t have to be a moody prick about it.
Chelsea watched Ryan go, worry lines etched around her mouth. Grey leaned in and kissed them away. “He’ll get over it. Don’t worry about him.”
“Yeah, I know. Ryan and I have had a tumultuous relationship. Maybe now that I’m clearly off limits, he’ll chill out and be a friend.”
“If he’s a problem, let me know. I don’t want my girl in a bad situation.”
She scraped her nails through the scruff of his chin. “I can handle him, but you’re sweet to care.”
Hannah sighed from her spot at the breakfast bar. “Ugh, new love. It’s sickening to watch. I’ll take my coffee in my room. Enjoy your day, guys.”
“Bye, Hannah.” Chelsea spun in her seat, shrugging her shoulders. “We cleared the room.”
Good. He liked having her to himself. “What are you doing after class?”
“I have to chase up some things for the function center. Do you want to come with me?”
“Yeah, I’d like to know how it’s coming along.”
“Slowly. We’ve secured the lease for the building next door, but that’s where we’ve stalled. Matteo is a stickler for perfection. He’s changed the plans about twenty times already. I don’t mind so much. We have to get them right. But he keeps switching
up the style he’s going to go with for the center. I think it should capture the same ambience we have in Abbiocco, but with a more intimate feel. He’s going for more flamboyance. I’m leaving the designer to argue with him on that one. Until the plans are finalized, we can’t apply for the building permits. Lord knows how long that process will take. I’ll be long gone by then. He’s going to have to find someone else.”
Grey’s body revolted, wanting to fold in on itself as the words lanced deep. He took a bite of toast to cover his reaction. Dry crumbs, rolling around his tongue with nowhere to go, because he couldn’t swallow the reminder that this was finite. He’d only be allowed to have her for a few beats of his heart ... before it would be crushed.
No. This was meant to be a forever kind of thing. He’d wear her down. Keep sawing until he got to the center. Because he was pretty sure that when he got there ... he’d find his home.
Gino
Through the snow whipped windshield, Chelsea took in the TD Banknorth Garden sign on the huge sporting arena. “Since when did the Fleet Center change its name?”
“Since last year,” Jenna offered.
“Everybody still calls it Boston Garden though, right?”
“The Garden. Mostly.”
“Nice night for it.” Hannah quipped. “Thanks for driving, Grey. You’re a brave soul. I don’t think you’ll be fighting for a parking spot.”
Grey pulled his truck into North Station Garage, giving them a reprieve from the storm. They all piled out and made their way up to street level, where they paused to watch winter in its full glory through the glass doors.
“I estimate about fifty feet between here and the entrance. How’re we gonna do this? Are we all going to huddle up like penguins and hope we don’t get blown away?” Chelsea tucked her chin deeper under her green scarf.
“That could work.” Hannah pushed open her door, inviting a frosty gust of wind into the station headhouse. “Fuck. Brace yourselves.”
Keeping close together, they made it inside, shaking off the white stuff before heading to their loge.
Chelsea turned to the girls. “You guys grab the seats, Grey and I will get the food. What do you want to eat?”