by Frankie Love
"Oh my God," I whimper as he moves faster against me, deep inside of me in the most delicious way. "Oh God," I moan, pressing my hands to his chest. "I'm going to come."
"So soon?" he asks, his eyebrow raised, and I giggle. I should be embarrassed, but I'm not. I'm horny as hell for this man. This sexy, delicious man who's ripped, who has eyes that are deep brown like chocolate, a smile that melts me.
Forget the cocoa, I want to drink him up. He's hot, but my hands can handle it.
"God, you feel good, baby," he says, moving faster against me.
And I roll us over, feeling wild and free, straddling him as he fucks me. His hands are on my hips, holding me steady. And I like it. I like the way he takes control, is in charge of the way this goes, the way this ends. Together, we move in a rhythm that should have been memorized over years, at least months — not hours, minutes — but it has. This is everything, and he knows that.
"I'm going to come too," he says, and I slow my hips, but the heat’s still here.
"Oh fuck," I moan, pressing my hands against his chest, coming hard, my juice sliding down my thighs against his stomach. And I feel his hot come filling me up. I moan deeply, savoring the sensation as he consumes me, all of me.
"Oh God," I whimper, "that was incredible."
I roll off of him and he cradles me close, his arms wrapping around me, and he kisses me hard again. I let him.
"I wasn't expecting my night to go like this," I admit.
He chuckles. "Neither was I, Mallory."
"But are you glad it did?" I ask.
He nods, kissing my arms, finding my fingers and lacing them with his.
"How long are you in town for?" I ask.
He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. "I leave tomorrow."
The words shoot straight to my heart, wrapping it up in fear. “So soon?"
He nods. "I have a meeting with a prospective client in two days. We might be filming a training video soon, and…"
"No, you don't need to explain. It's your life. You don't owe me anything."
He frowns. "I know I don't owe you anything," he says, "but I’d like to tell you what I have going on so you know what to expect."
At this, I pull away, getting out of the bed and reaching for my robe. "I don't expect anything," I say, thinking that's the right thing to say at a moment like this, that I have no expectations of him. No demands, no hopes, no dreams because he is a stranger, right? And you can't fall in love with a stranger. You can't expect a life with a stranger.
I cinch the robe tight around my waist. "It's been a long day," I say. "You should probably go."
He gets out of bed, frowning. "Just like that? We just had an incredible time together. From the moment I laid eyes on you, it's been perfect chemistry. But you just wanted to sleep with me and then get rid of me?”
"Something like that," I say tightly, not wanting to say the truth, that this is why I don't give my heart to anyone. This is why I'm closing myself off.
I'm waiting for the cream of the crop because the perfect man for me wouldn't leave me.
But there's a doubt in the back of my mind, reminding me that Mills hasn't said he's going anywhere. He said he has a meeting. That's it. He didn't break things off before they began. No, he has a job just like I have a job.
“Fine, I’m not going to stay where I’m not wanted,” he says, dressing quickly, shaking his head in what looks like shock.
Even as it is happening, I realize I'm letting fear get in the way and override all my logic, all the data I've collected over the last few hours — data that tells me Mills is funny and charming and faithful and real. That we have the same desires in life, the same hopes, that we have careers that we care about and plans for the future.
And, and, and… I could go on and on. The data I've collected tells me everything I need to know, especially that I don't need to be scared of Mills checking out before we've started.
But all that logic that I've let rule my mind forever has gone out the window.
And I realize in this moment, as I tell him to leave, see the hurt look on his face as he walks to the door, it's not data I'm collecting at all. It's excuses.
As I shut the door on the man who told me he's falling for me, I know that I've let excuses rule my life and they might just be ruling my future too.
Chapter Six
Mills
I can't believe she tossed me out. But as I walk away from her house pulling on my jacket, feeling more than a little stunned, I realize I shouldn't be so surprised. The moment I met Mallory, she told me she wasn't a risk taker, kept her heart closed up for a reason. It wouldn't get hurt that way.
And although we just met, I can recognize that whatever she's been through to get her like this is something you can't get over with one kiss, with one night, no matter how hot the sex is.
So I walk away, accepting her request without pushing back too hard.
Of course, I wanted to make her understand that I'm not a guy who's going to screw her and then screw her over. No, that's never been my style and it certainly isn't now. I want Mallory to want me, because God, I want her.
It's hard to sleep but I finally manage to get some rest, knowing that I have responsibilities tomorrow morning to the gym, to Grayson, and to my cousin, Trent, for that matter, along with all the people who signed up for the training at the new rock wall I've installed. So I force myself to stop thinking about her, though I'd be lying if I told you when I woke up she wasn't the thing I'd been dreaming about all night long, because she was.
Fuck, I have to see her again. I have to explain that I'll take things slow. That we can take time getting to know one another. Hell, I'll cancel the meeting. I'll turn my life around. I'll make my life hers, whatever she needs. Because I don't want to leave. Not like this, not forever.
When I get to the gym, I realize I have a few extra minutes. So I jog across the street to the coffee shop and order an extra tall hot chocolate with extra, extra whip. After last night, I need something to feel good about.
While I'm there, I run into Trista, Trent's wife. "Hey," she says. "I feel like I haven't seen you at all since you've been in town. You doing okay? You look a little…" She frowns.
I run a hand through my hair. "Like I didn't sleep much?"
"Yeah," she says, laughing. "Don't tell me, you met someone."
I chuckle. “Not sleeping means I met someone?"
She shrugs. "It's happened before. Finding love at first sight seems to be in the water in this town. Or the food.”
"I don't know what it is about this town," I say, shaking my head, agreeing with her.
"So there is a girl?"
I grin, taking a drink of my hot chocolate. "I really got to get back to the gym. The training's going to start in the next half-hour."
"I know," she says. "I'm headed that way too. So tell me, would I know the lucky lady?”
"I didn't realize you were so eager for another woman in the family."
She smiles. "I just think you might be lonely living the bachelor life in Seattle. You never mention dating anybody. Trent says you're single and…"
I laugh. "Okay, okay. I got it. Yes, I've been single, and yes, I met someone."
"So does that mean we might be seeing you around more often?" she asks. I appreciate that she hasn't pressed for the name of the woman I met. It makes me respect her a little bit more than I already do, which is quite a lot.
"If things go how I hope they do, yes."
"Did you already check out of your hotel?" she asks. “Because I was thinking maybe we could all grab lunch before you head out. After the training?"
"I haven't checked out of the hotel," I tell her, running a hand over my jaw. "And I've really got to see someone before I go."
She laughs as we walk outside into the blustery fall day. "Okay, okay. I won't be offended. I get it. If you met someone, she's your priority, not your cousin and his wife."
I chuckle. "If this goes somewhere,
you'll be the first to know."
"All right," she says, "keep me posted."
The training goes quickly, but after, when Trent asks how I'm doing, I admit that I've been better. "Well, everyone's totally impressed with this wall. Everyone's going to be competing over the next few years to see who gets the best time."
"It doesn't have to be a competition," I say. "You know that, right?"
"I know," Trent says as his buddy Matt comes over.
"It looks awesome in here," he tells me. "Seriously, I've got to tell you how cool it is to meet you. I've seen your documentary and I've been following you for years. You're a total badass, Mills."
"Well, thank you," I tell Matt, "I appreciate it.”
“Do you guys all want to go grab lunch?” Matt asks. “I know Mirabella and Trista were talking about getting some pho. I know how much you like that place by campus, Trent.”
I shake my head. "That sounds great, but I've really got to head out."
Trent frowns. "Really?"
"Really," I say. And then I see Trista giving me a wink.
“Let him go, Trent,” she says, taking her husband’s hand. “He has plans.”
I smile, shaking my head as she starts filling Matt and Trent in on the news that I met someone.
After telling Grayson, the gym owner, goodbye, I head to my hotel, wanting to pack my bags and head right to Mallory's house. I want to see her.
Hell, I don't even have her number. Last night started and ended so quickly, taking a hard right when we should have been going left. But when I enter the hotel room, my mouth falls open in shock.
Because I'm not alone.
Mallory
When I texted Trista asking if she knew where her husband's cousin was staying, she put the pieces together quickly.
"OMG!" She called me back right away. "I just saw Mills at the coffee shop. He was getting a hot cocoa and it was pretty clear he met someone."
I bite my bottom lip. "That someone was me.”
"Tell me everything," she insisted. And so I did, except the part about sleeping together. But I think she got the idea.
"There seriously is something in the food here,” I say, laughing.
“Actually,” I say, "I don't think it was the falafel. I think it was the whipped cream.” And the moment the words left my mouth, they gave me an idea.
After finding out from Trista what hotel Mills is staying at, I work my magic at the front desk and manage to finagle a room key.
Once inside Mills' room, I take off my clothes, stripping from head to toe, glancing at the clock, hoping I'm timing it right.
Trista said Mills was planning on coming right back after the training this morning, and he should be here any minute. But what if he doesn’t come back here right away? I might be lying naked on his bed looking like a fool.
But I put the thought out of my mind. This is what I want – to take a chance – to be in the moment.
So I pull out the can of whipped cream and begin to cover myself in all the right places.
I admit to being pretty self-conscious about the fact I am wearing nothing and lying on the bed of a man I have just met with whipped cream all over all my lady parts, but the moment Mills walks in, I realize I had no reason to be nervous.
The shock of pure pleasure on his face tells me everything I need to know. And more.
"Oh my God," he says, "this is the best thing I've ever seen in my entire fucking life."
I lick my lips. "You mean it?"
He walks over to me, tugging off his tee shirt and kicking off his tennis shoes. "Yes, I fucking mean it. I was about to go over to your house. I was going to head over and tell you that leaving here is insanity. I want you, Mallory."
"But what about your meeting?" I say, nervous.
"I don't care about the meeting. I care about you."
"A girl you just met?” I ask.
He nods. “A girl I just fell in love with."
"Is it because of my dazzling personality or the fact I'm naked in your bed?"
"You're not entirely naked," he says, lowering his mouth to my breast, licking off the whipped cream and teasing my nipple. He kisses me then, the sweet cream on his lips meeting mine, and I melt.
Oh my God, this is something I could get used to.
"Yes, I'm falling for you hard,” he tells me. “And what you've done right now, covering yourself head to toe in whipped cream, makes me think I'm a very lucky man."
"And if you start licking at me all over like you just did, I'm pretty sure I'm a very lucky lady."
He kisses me again and spreads my knees, tugging my ass to the edge of the bed, and he kneels before me, ready to lick me up and down.
"You really are the whipped cream of the crop, aren't you, Mills?"
He grins, looking deep into my eyes. "No, Mallory, you are."
Epilogue 1
Mills
Eight months later…
“I got you,” I tell her, watching as my bride scales the mountain, both of us secured by harnesses and tethered to the guide above us.
“I trust you,” she says, looking over at me, smiling brightly. The sun is high in the sky, sunlight streaking across her gorgeous face, and I feel like the luckiest man in the world. The fact that it is my wedding day heightens that emotion — especially since we are literally reaching new heights.
When we get to the top of the mountain, there is a rush of exhilaration emanating from us both. While this isn’t a challenging mountain considering some of the ones I’ve scaled in my lifetime, it is an entirely new experience to be climbing it with Mallory.
She’s been practicing at Grayson’s gym the last several months, gaining her confidence and strength. After I proposed and we began to plan the wedding, she had this crazy idea to climb a mountain on our way to our wedding ceremony.
Now, here we are.
About to be married.
On the top of the mountain, and feeling on top of the world. We are joined by a pastor, a photographer, Trista and Trent, who are here as our witnesses, but they arrived by car. It is a small wedding party, but as they see us standing on solid ground, they clap and holler in support of us. The wedding photographer moves closer, capturing the bliss on our faces.
“I’m so proud of you, babe,” I tell Mallory, pulling her close, kissing her deeply. Then I help her from her harness and she takes off her helmet, shaking out her hair.
She is in head to toe white — white shorts and tank top, the early summer warmth hitting her sun-kissed skin. I was surprised she was all right with not wearing a wedding gown, but she simply smiled up at me, telling me that for her, this day isn’t about fancy clothes or a big venue — it’s about our promises, our wedding vows. I fell even more deeply in love with her right then and there, knowing that this marriage isn’t for show — it’s about heart and soul. About us.
We situate ourselves on the edge of the mountain, Trent and Trista at our sides as the pastor leads us through the ceremony. When we begin reciting our vows, I admit to getting choked up. I walked into a random coffee shop and found the love of my life. It doesn’t feel fair, being so damn lucky.
“Marrying you doesn’t feel like a risk at all,” I tell her as I slip a gold band on her ring finger. “It feels like fate. And I promise to be the man you need for the rest of your life. To challenge you, to protect you, and to love you the way you deserve. With all that I am.”
She takes my hand, licking those perfect pink lips of hers, and slips a ring on my finger. “I promise to be brave, to take chances even when there are no guarantees, and believe in the love we share. I wanted a husband, a partner, a lover, a best friend. I found all of that in you. You are the only person I want to share my life with. And without a doubt, you are the absolute cream of the crop.”
When the pastor tells me to kiss the bride, I don’t hold back. I pull Mallory into my arms, loving the way her lips taste. Like whipped cream, only better.
Epilogue 2
Mallory
Two years later…
I wake up, horny as hell, and when I roll over into my husband’s arms, I realize he is too. His cock is hard as rock, and it makes me more than in the mood. It makes me deliriously happy that I tossed the advice of that relationship book the day after I met Mills and listened to my heart instead. It led me here.
To this bed.
To being a wife of two years and a mother in about two months.
I press my hand to my enormous belly, feeling my little boy kick. Grabbing Mills’ hand, I press his palm to my stomach. “You feel him? Granite is gonna be strong like his daddy.”
Mills smiles, kissing me. “Are you nervous?”
I’m naked in our bed, hating the feel of clothes tight against my skin as I sleep. Licking my lips, I take Mills’ hand and lead him between my legs.
“I’m not nervous. I’m excited. For all of it. But I’m not thinking about the future right now. I’m living in the moment.”
Mills grins as he touches me. “Fuck, baby, you woke up ready, didn’t you?”
I nod. “I spent most of the night dreaming of you.”
“Oh, yeah?” he asks. “And what was I doing in your dream?”
I let my knees fall open as he begins to finger me the way I love. “I dreamt of this. Of you making me come, then licking up all my cream.”
“Speaking of cream,” he says, “I think there is a can in the fridge.”
My eyes widen. “In that case, go get it and I can tell you about the other part of my dream.”
Mills gets out of bed, his cock thick and hard between his legs. I hear him let Brussels, our terrier, outside, and then a moment later he is back in the bedroom, whipped cream can in hand.
I take it from him and tell him to sit on the edge of the bed.
“Really?” he asks. “I thought it was you who was getting covered in this.”