Foil tears, and I move off him so he can roll on the condom. Christian pushes my shoulders down on the bed and places himself over me. He enters slowly, stretching me wide as he slides all the way in. His breath catches. “Oh, princess, this is heaven.”
Moving with slow, deliberate thrusts, he works at bringing me to the edge. I meet him stroke for stroke while his back muscles ripple under my hands. Spurning him on to go faster, we begin to pant, and I hear my moans as my orgasm approaches. Christian’s voice whispers in my ear. “Let go, let me take you there. Scream for me, Nika.”
The sensation of his warm breath on my skin brings me over, and I cry out, “Christian!”
My body is practically convulsing around him, and my core tightens as if to force his climax too. “Nika, oh.” And he shudders with his release.
Christian collapses on me, and my hair is stuck to the sweat on his face and neck. I work to remove it as he trembles. His head is on my chest, and he says, “I love you so much.”
Those simple words reach in and grab my heart. I whisper back. “I love you.”
Chapter 33
I fell asleep in Christian’s arms with the plan for more in the middle of the night. But I slept like the dead until the sun peeked through the edges of my shades.
Christian’s limbs are tangled with mine, and I wonder how I didn’t wake. In the past a man in my bed meant a long day of too much coffee was coming. While I’m sure caffeine is part of today’s plan, I’m well rested and ready to get a few hours in hanging, steaming, and tagging clothes this morning.
I move slowly to disengage myself from the sexy man cuddling me, and he groans. An arm pulls at me, and I’m surprised by a morning kiss. Within seconds all my plans go out the window as Christian’s hands show me a better way. Without a word, I’m writhing from his fingers inside me, and hoping there are condoms in my drawer.
I reach over for one but end up batting once and dropping my arm to tend to another pressing matter, my orgasm. Quaking post-release, I say, “Condom. Side table drawer.”
Christian chuckles and says, “I think the dogs need to go out first.”
I whimper. “No.” But I let him get up out of the bed.
“I hear someone in the kitchen. I’ll turn them over to the help.” He winks at me and I grin, imagining anyone calling Derrick the help to his face.
Christian wasn’t kidding because just as I’ve recovered, he’s back. Crawling over me, he reaches for the nightstand as I stroke his cock. I’m about to flip him over for a taste when he hands me the packet. “Put it on me?”
Lubricant is greasy on my fingers when I roll it down his thickness. He lies down on his back. “Ride me. I want to watch you when you come.”
I climb onto him and lower myself slowly. Massaging my breasts, I pinch the nipples and watch his reaction. Christian’s eyes are big, and he pumps with his hips to meet my thrusts. His hands are gripping my butt, and I begin to lose myself in sensations.
“That’s it, princess. Take charge and make it be what you want.”
And I do. I slide my clit against his skin and angle to feel pressure against my G-spot. The speed is exactly what I want as I take control of my climax. I’m close and pant out my words. “Tell me when you want to get off. I’m just about there.”
“Keep thinking about you. Let me watch you shatter, and then we’ll worry about me.”
I let myself fall and cry out my release. As I’m coming down, Christian surprises me by flipping me over and driving in deep. I wrap my legs around his waist, and he pumps hard and fast until he shudders with his explosion.
As he lays on me, recovering as I stroke his back softly, I whisper, “Good morning.”
Light kisses on my neck fall between his words. “Good morning to you too.”
I sigh. “I hate to get out of this bed, but I really need to get to the shop.”
“I know. I’m coming with you.” Christian sits up and removes the condom.
I grab a tissue from my side table and hand it to him. “But it’s Thanksgiving. Don’t you want to watch football?”
“And be the negligent partner? No way. I’m pulling my weight with this.” I watch his butt flex as he walks to the bathroom. I get up to follow and flip on my shower while he uses the toilet in the small room set away from the sink. Water rushes and plush cotton is thick in my hands when I pull out an extra towel for him.
I say, “If you help me, I might be willing to cut out early.”
He shakes his head and lets me in to pee. “No you won’t. You’re like a dog with a bone and won’t be satisfied until the place is ready for customers.”
“Yeah, you’re right. But I appreciate your help, thank you.”
When I’m done I ask, “Was Gretchen up?”
“No. But she might be now.” Christian is under my large showerhead that is set at a gentle rain. He gives me an evil grin because he’s referencing my screams, and I squint my eyes at him as heat flushes my cheeks. I step in to wait my turn. It makes me wish I had thought to have two showerheads installed, and I make a note to schedule it soon.
I gaze longingly at his dick and recall Christian’s face when I said I swallow. As much as I would like a little sex in the shower, I’m anxious to get to Rhinestone Cowgirl, and I dismiss the thought.
But not before Christian notices my look. He waggles his eyebrows at me. “I think somebody is insatiable. If only I had known.”
I lick my lips seductively. “If you had known, we’d still be figuring out if I should open a business.”
He pulls my hips and presses against me as he turns to let me be under the shower. “We have the rest of our lives to catch up.”
What? Christian kisses me as water runs down our faces, and I drink some in along with him. Just as my body hums with lust, he pulls away and steps out to dry off. The state of his cock makes me smirk, knowing he’s just as insatiable. We may need to find out just how much that carpet at the shop burns after all.
I rush through my morning routine and don’t fully dry my hair, putting it up instead. When I get downstairs, Gretchen is already pouring me a travel mug full of coffee. She calls out, “Good morning.” She’s dressed in clothes to run, and I’m grateful she’ll be exercising the dogs for me.
“Good morning. Thanks for dealing with the puppies today.”
She hands me a bulky tinfoil package along with my coffee. “I’m happy to do it. I’ve missed them almost as much as I missed you.”
It’s warm in my hands. “What’s this?”
“Egg, bacon, and cheese on a bagel. You need to eat, and I didn’t think you would if I didn’t force you to.”
I grin at her, and she adds. “I’ll be coming to help later. Did Derrick tell you he postponed dinner until this evening?”
I frown. “No, why?”
She raises her eyebrows at me. “He forgot to get up in time to put the turkey in.”
“What have you done to my brother, and who is in that body?” I point at Derrick who is on his laptop, mumbling something to Christian.
“He’s exhausted from studying, and my turning off his alarm may have accidentally forced him to sleep in.” She winks at me and lowers her voice. “Don’t tell, but I wanted to eat later anyway.”
“That actually works out nicely. Now I can get a full day in and then enjoy dinner with wine. Lots of wine.” I tuck the aluminum package in my inner coat pocket.
“I like the way you think. I should get there by ten. So if you had any nookie in mind, you’ve got about two hours.” She bumps me with her hip.
I cringe under her gaze, hoping she didn’t hear me earlier. But I know better, because what travels to my end of the hall has to do the same to theirs. There were a few nights last winter when I was aware of the pleasure my brother gave Gretchen. I guess it’s probably just as weird for her, so I don’t say anything.
Instead I call out, “Christian, you ready to go?”
“Coming.” Christian gets up from the counte
r, and Derrick follows him.
Derrick takes me by the shoulders and kisses my forehead. “I’m proud of you, Dannika. Christian was just showing me your business plan.”
His words warm my heart. “Thanks.”
“Thanks to my love over there, we’ll be having Thanksgiving at six.” He shoots Gretchen a sideways glance, but I don’t think he’s mad.
“I look forward to it. I appreciate you doing everything for me so we can have a nice holiday.”
“Not a problem. You’ve got more important things on your mind. It’s nice to see you excited about a great opportunity.”
This is my chance to slide in a hint for Gretchen, and I whisper, “Speaking of opportunities, we do have a couple sitting in the safe.” My mother’s diamond ring as well as both my grandmothers’ engagement rings are locked up, and I think Gretchen would be happy with any one of them.
Knowing Derrick, he’ll want to have something designed, but I want to open up his mind to the idea of using a family stone. And to let him know it’s more than time to put a ring on that girl’s finger.
After a long pause he says, “You may need one of those soon too.”
That’s the second time today someone has made me think about Christian as a forever. “Maybe.” I almost dance toward the garage and think. A definite maybe.
Chapter 34
I teach Christian how to use the steamer so I can begin tagging and organizing projects for Gretchen when she gets here. Lori, Megan, and Casey all said they would come help if they don’t get a class. I remember last year there were very few instructors that had to work, so I’m making sure to set up activities for them to do.
With any luck most of the product can be put out today, and then Friday I can work on merchandising and setting up the experience. I drag my hand along the ten-foot-wide, seven-foot-tall crushed-velvet couch by the three-way mirror. It’s soft to the touch and luxurious with its deep wine color. I found it at a local estate auction, and it was ornate and so over-the-top I had to have it. Set on either side and in front are tables with a Victorian flavor. I’ll offer wine or beer to those who are waiting for someone trying on multiple outfits.
I’ll also be training the girls that work for me how to dress up the customer. Nobody should come out of a changing room without belts, boots, and jewelry ready for them to try with the outfits they’re considering. While I don’t want things to be pushed on anyone, accessories are important, and more often than not, I think customers will decide they need just the right ones to go with their purchase.
Metal clangs as I hang a few belts to show how they should be displayed for whoever will be completing that task for me. Christian’s body is swaying to the music playing as he blasts hot moisture on vintage-inspired skirts. He discovers me watching and smiles. It goes straight to my core, and I flex around the decadent soreness between my legs.
I walk over to him for another project and to manhandle his sexy body. Pulling my phone out of my pocket on my way, I check the time. The earliest any of the girls could get here is a little less than a half hour away. The button on the steamer flicks off at the touch of my fingers.
Christian turns to me in surprise, and seeing the way I’m looking at him as if he’s my next meal, he sets the nozzle down with a smile. “Do you have another job in mind for me?”
“I do.” I pull him in for a scorching kiss that leaves no doubt about my intentions. I break away and tilt my head to the storage area where a big, estate-sale-find desk awaits us. “A word in my office?” I’m unbuttoning my shirt as I speak. Sex was on my mind after our shower, and I put on a lacy push-up bra.
His gaze takes notice, and Christian licks his lips. “Yes, ma’am.” I unbutton and unzip my jeans as I walk, adding emphasis to the wiggle. When we get into the closet, he slams the door shut so hard the wall shakes and the lock clicks.
I drop my blouse to the floor, and I hear the grind of his zipper as I walk over to my desk and shove the piles aside. Pushing my jeans and panties down below my knees, they won’t come off because I still have my boots on. I lay my chest down on the desk with my butt in the air. I’m exposed, and the air is cool on my sensitive slit.
Denim rustles as Christian says, “Christ, Nika. No foreplay?”
“Nope. I don’t need it right now. I squirm to emphasize how wet I am. Hurry, we don’t have much time.”
The rip of a condom wrapper is quick, and within seconds he thrusts into me. Because my legs are trapped in tight jeans they are close together and Christian moans. “So tight, princess.” He reaches around and rubs my clit as he pumps into me. He comes quickly and before I do.
As he lies, trapping me on the desk, he says, “That was just about the hottest thing ever, but I’ve left you high and dry.” He lifts himself off me and disposes of the condom. “Don’t even think about pulling those jeans up. Sit on the desk.”
He pulls up his pants and drops to his knees to pull off my boots and then the bunched-up clothing around my shins. Placing my thighs on his shoulders, he commands, “Slide to the edge.”
The moment his mouth lands on my folds, I begin to moan. I have no idea whose office might be above mine, but they get an earful as I let the delicious sensations take me to my peak.
I collapse on the wood and sigh. “I like this business partnership we’ve got going on here.”
I get up, and Christian holds my thong open for me to step in. He does the same with my jeans, and I rest my hand on his shoulder for balance. He says, “I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to work at that desk without remembering this. Do you have any idea how damn sexy you are?”
“Do you have any idea how sexy you are?” I zip up my jeans as he stands. “That dressing me thing?” I shake my head. “Wet again.”
He closes his eyes for a moment and drags a hand over his face as I shove my foot into a boot. “Those words? Hard again.” He pulls me against his chest, and kisses my breath away, and damn if he couldn’t go another round.
Pounding on the side door makes us break apart. Christian quickly unlocks the storage closet to let us out, and we find Casey peering in the window.
When I open the door she starts to laugh. Christian smirks and points to my shirt. I buttoned it up wrong, and I don’t bother to worry about my blush as I rebutton it.
“Interrupt something?”
Christian chuckles as he returns to the steamer and flips it on to warm up.
I say, “Thanks for coming.” Casey’s lips twitch at what I’m sure is a wise-ass thought about what I just said. We walk over to the belt display.
“Megan is going to join us, but Lori had to work.”
“That’s great. I’m so glad the three of you are each taking a couple of evening shifts for me. Now I won’t have to work every single hour the shop is open. It means a lot to me.”
“Hey, we thank you too. You pay more than the rec center, and the commission is icing on the cake. Although I’m pretty sure we’ll all be spending our paychecks on clothes with your hefty discount.”
“I don’t mind. If you’re wearing what I sell, other women will want it too.” I think about the two girls I’ve hired to work during the day. While they seem trustworthy on paper, one never knows in a ski town. All-mighty powder can make even the strong weak, and I hope they both manage to stay with me for the season.
I’m sure Christian will be pulling some shifts too. I even added a small men’s section to test the waters because it could very well be something to expand upon.
A knock grabs my attention, and I leave Casey to let Ruby in. She’s a seamstress and clothing designer working from her home, and I’m about to propose she take a small office space above my shop. It has courtyard access, and would be a killer location for her business.
I love her designs and want to showcase her work as well as retain her as the seamstress I use for customer alterations. I’m about to offer her a deal she can’t refuse. In trade for her willingness to put my customers first, I’ll subsidize her re
nt.
“Hey Ruby. Nice to see you.”
“Great to see you too. You’re saving me from having to watch football at my mom’s.” Naturally curly hair is swept up in a messy updo that fits her artistic style. Dressed in flowing cotton clothing with ruffles and lace, she is a walking advertisement for her collection.
We walk over to Christian, and he turns off the steamer when he sees us. “Ruby, this is my business partner, Christian.”
“Nice to meet you, Ruby. I recognize your clothes. Nika is making sure I know what it is we sell.”
She smiles at him. “Now that’s a good man.” She looks at me. “You’d better keep him; most guys don’t know the difference between cotton and silk.”
I think about how amazing Christian is. He’s the numbers person but has spent hours learning about fashion and the clothing lines we’ll carry. When I think about how much I love the whole package, I realize how lucky I am. I know Ruby is talking about Christian as a business partner, but I answer as if she meant something more. “I’ll keep him. Believe me I will.”
Chapter 35
My goal was met, and we finished getting all the clothes on the floor. While I know it will take most of Friday morning to get everything the way I want it, I’m confident I’ll be ready for our opening reception that afternoon.
Christian and I enter a house full of delicious smells that make me think of family. Derrick greets us with glasses of champagne, and Gretchen makes a toast. “To the amazing success of Rhinestone Cowgirl.”
We all clink, and bubbles dance on my tongue when I take a sip. Christian raises his glass “To brothers and sisters.” We drink again, and I’m reminded of how lucky I am this year. I’ll be sitting at Thanksgiving dinner with the three people I love most.
Derrick says, “I have one more toast, but at this rate we’re going to get drunk. Besides, I think we might want to sit for this.”
I look over at him and raise my eyebrows just the slightest. Derrick gives me a faint nod. Our twin speak tells me he’s about to propose to Gretchen formally. I control my urge to flutter my fingers, and sit down about ready to burst.
Fierce: New Adult Sport Romance (The Boys of Winter Book 4) Page 15