by LuAnn McLane
“Wow.”
“Is that a good wow?” He raised his eyebrows. He hadn’t been nude in front of a woman for a long time and he liked the look of admiration on her flushed face.
“No.”
“I need to hit the gym?”
“No, that’s an amazing wow. Come here. I want to touch you, Avery.” She scooted up farther to rest her back against the abundance of pillows piled on the bed.
“Good, because I want to touch you too.” He located a condom from his jeans pocket and then joined her on the bed. When his skin brushed up against hers he felt another hot rush of desire that started at his toes and made him absolutely rock hard with needing to be buried deeply inside her. But he wanted to go slow and savor this feeling.
“Can I explore just a bit?” she asked timidly but then added a wicked grin.
“To your heart’s content.”
“Oh, you did it now . . .”
Avery laughed. “I think I can handle the sweet torture.”
“We’ll see about that.” Sophia straddled him and rubbed her hands over his chest pausing here and there to lean in and kiss . . . God and to lick. “I want Avery on my dessert menu every night,” she said and although he knew she was joking he thought it was an excellent idea. She leaned over and licked his nipple sending another shot of heat to his groin. “Hmm . . .” She leaned back and tapped her cheek. “Delicious but missing . . . something.” Raising her eyebrows, she nodded slowly. “I know . . .” she said, licking her lips.
When Sophia reached over for the can of whipping cream Avery’s heart thudded. She shook the can up making her breasts jiggle. He was amazed at how she could turn from innocent to wicked in nothing flat.
When she let her fingers trail downward his abs tightened with anticipation. “I remember seeing you shirtless when there was a party late last summer at Mayfield Marina. I thought you were so sexy. But up close and personal is even better.” She leaned in and started kissing his heated skin. “I’m so glad that you don’t shave your chest,” she said and then moved suggestively against him. A moment later she squirted a little curl of whipping cream on both of his pecs. The cold cream felt so good on his heated skin and when Sophia leaned down and oh so slowly licked the topping off his body Avery all but levitated from the bed.
“Sophia . . . God . . . you’re driving me crazy.”
“Your turn,” she said and squirted a dainty little dollop just above her nipples.
With a groan Avery leaned forward and lapped the sweet cream from her breasts. She gasped, giggled, and rocked against him. “Sophia, I need . . .” he said and, knowing, she came onto her knees and tossed the can aside. He put his hands around her waist and helped her upward, guiding her to the tip of his cock.
But she didn’t lower her body. Instead, she teased the tip, hovering while moving back and forth ever so slightly. His cock twitched with need and he arched upward trying to get where he desperately needed to be. . . . “Sophia,” he said, half pleading, half moaning. “Ride me so I can watch your beautiful face while we make love.”
Sophia nodded and slowly sank her wet heat onto his shaft until he was buried to the hilt. “Oh, you feel so good . . . fill me so perfectly.” She closed her eyes as if savoring having him inside her. She inhaled deeply, clutched his shoulders, and came onto her knees, keeping just the tip inside her. Opening her eyes, she slowly sank back down to take all of him once more.
Avery’s heart thudded, and he had to take a moment to get control because he wanted this to last, and he was already close to climax. “Go slow. You’ve got me so worked up, Sophia.”
“Okay,” she said. While clinging to his shoulders she started a slow and easy rhythm. When her breasts grazed over his chest, she made sexy little gasps. He slid his hands lower, cupping her cute ass cheeks but when her legs started to tremble he held her firmly, helping her, guiding her. She caught her bottom lip between her teeth and moved faster. “Oh, Avery . . .” She arched her back and started riding him harder and then faster and when she cried his name, he took a nipple into his mouth, sucking hard. He could feel her body clenching, squeezing, and when her moan sent him over the edge he thrust upward, finding his own hot rush of relief.
Sophia fell against his chest with a little moan followed by a weak giggle. He rubbed his hands down the sexy arch of her back and cupped her ass, kneading, caressing. She kissed his chest with light little smooches and then pushed up just enough so she could capture his mouth with hers. The kiss was so sweet and so tender that it touched him on a deeper level than he knew existed. “Mmm, better than Italian cream cake with none of the calories,” she said against his mouth making him chuckle. “In fact, I think I burned enough calories to have seconds,” she added in a lazy satisfied tone. She swung her leg over and laid her head on his shoulder.
“So you have a sweet tooth, do you?”
“I have an Avery Dean tooth.”
He chuckled and kissed the top of her head. “Give me a minute. I’ll be right back,” he said. He headed to the bathroom, noting that his own legs were slightly unsteady.
Making love to Sophia had been even better than he’d expected. Like her personality, she was sweet but sexy, playful and fun, but with such emotion that Avery was blown away.
After splashing water on his face he looked into the oval bathroom mirror and smiled slowly. He felt a warm rush of happiness. He was ass over teacups in love and it felt so damned good.
16
Why Wait?
Easton opened the door and reached into the passenger side of his truck. He hefted the shopping bag full of take-out dinner from Wine and Diner from the seat hoping that the paper wouldn’t bust beneath the bounty of food packed to the gills. “White Lace and Promises,” he said, looking up at the newly painted sign above the plate glass window. “Now that sure is a pretty sight.”
The sun was sinking low in the sky and soon the streetlights would turn on, illuminating Wedding Row. Carrie Ann was thrilled that the quaint collection of shops was becoming known outside of Cricket Creek, drawing brides-to-be from Kentucky and nearby Tennessee.
Sophia and Carrie Ann had been hard at work all day long getting the salon ready for the grand opening celebration and so he’d asked if he could bring them something to eat. They’d eagerly accepted his offer and he had to admit that the fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans smelled mighty good. Yeast rolls, golden brown and hot from the oven, made his mouth water. His good friend Myra, former owner of the local favorite, had been behind the counter working for her niece, Jessica, who’d returned to Cricket Creek several years ago when the old diner was in danger of closing. Jessica, an accomplished chef, put a modern spin on the old-fashioned menu and turned the restaurant into a popular spot for regulars and also for tourists who came from miles around for the amazing food. Jessica had married Ty McKenna, former major-league baseball legend who’d moved to Cricket Creek to manage the Cricket Creek Cougars for his friend Noah Falcon. According to Myra, Jessica, Ty, and their son, Ben, were on vacation in Disney World before spring training began.
Easton shook his head, thinking that the years were just flying by. He opened the door of White Lace and Promises to find Sophia and Carrie Ann sitting in the middle of the black tile floor surrounded by lacy and pearly things of all shapes and sizes. Sophia had decided to give the salon a black-and-white retro look with pink accents here and there. Easton didn’t know much about this kind of thing but he thought the salon looked really cool.
Elvis’s sultry voice crooned through hidden speakers and both Carrie Ann and Sophia sang along to “He Ain’t Nothin’ but a Hound Dog” with gusto. Unfortunately, neither of them could carry a tune in a bucket but they were cute nonetheless. Sophia started playing the air guitar, bringing the song home and it was then that Easton spotted a wine bottle and two glasses. He grinned, thinking he was going to have to swing back aroun
d later and pick those two up.
When Carrie Ann and Sophia looked up and spotted him and his shopping bag they both applauded. “Yeah!”
“Hungry?” Easton asked as he walked closer.
“Starving,” they answered simultaneously.
“Well, good.” Easton hefted the heavy bag a little higher and grinned. “I’ve come to the rescue with two orders of food and a bunch of extras that Myra threw in.”
“Praise the Lord,” Carrie Ann said. She looked around for her wineglass, nearly knocking it over. “This deserves a toast.” She raised her glass but frowned when she noticed that it was empty. “Sophia, did you drink my wine again?”
“No!” Sophia said emphatically, but then pressed her lips together and shrugged.
“I do believe you did.”
“Maybe by accident.” Sophia pointed to the bottle. “Pour yourself more!”
“Oh, good idea,” Carrie Ann said and smiled up at Easton. “Come here and give me some sugar.”
“Gladly.” Easton put the bag down and knelt next to Carrie Ann and gave her a light kiss on the lips.
“Oh, you two are soooo cute!” Sophia clasped her hands together beneath her chin.
“Aren’t we?” Carrie Ann asked and batted her eyes.
Easton gave her another quick kiss. “Let me pour you some wine.”
“Please. Oh, I do believe I smell fried chicken,” Carrie Ann said, sniffing the air.
“You’re right. Myra was at the diner and she loaded you girls up with extra goodies.”
“Not dessert, I hope!” Sophia wailed. “Between Wine and Diner and River Row Pizza I’ve put on five pounds. Fried chicken? I’m going to have a Kim Kardashian butt.”
“Just don’t take any selfies of it,” Carrie Ann said with a laugh.
“No worries about me doing that!” Sophia’s eyes rounded and she gave a shudder.
“I think Myra put some fresh-baked apple pie in there,” Easton said and looked inside the fragrant bag. “Yep. Oh, and looks like chocolate cake.”
Sophia stuck her index fingers in her ears. “I can’t hear you!”
Easton laughed. “Are you two planning on eating here on the floor?”
“I think a picnic would be lovely,” Sophia said and looked over at Carrie Ann for approval.
“I have to agree,” Carrie Ann said, “but that’s only because we’ve been sitting here so long that I don’t know if I can get up. These old bones snap, crackle, and pop more than Rice Krispies.”
“Oh, now you have me thinking about Rice Krispies Treats,” Sophia said with a long moan. “I’m going to have my sweet tooth pulled.”
Easton laughed, loving her humor. “I can help set up your picnic if you like. Should I get the paper plates out and let you girls get started?”
“Aren’t you staying to eat with us?” Carrie Ann asked.
“Sugar, I would love to but I’ve got some errands to run and then I’m meeting up with Avery later. We’re trying to decide whether to add another truck to the fleet or if we are growing too big. I think we’re going to head to Broomstick Brewery to talk it over since it’s trivia night.”
“Are you good at trivia?” Sophia asked.
“I am chock-full of useless knowledge,” he replied with a grin. “And you sure can’t cheat, not that I would, but Grace marches around the taproom and glares at anyone using their cell phone.”
“Sounds like fun,” Carrie Ann said.
“Plus, they’re tapping a new ale that I want to try.”
“Ah, the real reason emerges. Okay, well, if there’s any chicken left over do you want me to bring it up to the cabin?” Carrie Ann asked.
“Yeah, that would be great. Let me know if you need a ride later, okay?”
“Oh, happy hour is just about over,” Carrie Ann said. “We’ve got a few more hours of work to do before we’re done. But I’ll let you know later. We’ve only had a couple of glasses each. We’re both kind of lightweights. I’m sure we’ll be fine once we eat.”
Easton gave her another kiss, and then pushed up to his feet. “What is all that stuff?” He pointed to all of the fluff and baubles.
“Hair jewelry,” Sophia explained.
“Of course it is,” Easton said with a grin. “Hair needs jewelry.”
“It’s for special occasions and the bridal party.” Carrie Ann rolled her eyes. She picked up a tiara and put it on her head. “See?”
“I don’t think you need a special occasion for a tiara, princess,” Easton said with a chuckle.
Carrie Ann adjusted it on her head. “You know? I think you’re right. I’m going to wear it all the time. Every girl deserves a tiara. Sophia, my princess in apprentice, choose one.”
Sophia reached over and picked a bejeweled tiara out of the pile. “I do believe you’re right.” She slipped it onto her head and nodded. “I feel pretty!” she sang. “Oh, so pretty!”
“You are both adorable,” Easton assured them. And they were.
“Nicolina Diamante designed it all,” Sophia said with a sweep of her hand. “Isn’t it all simply gorgeous? She’s really super talented. The brides are going to love all of the choices we have to offer.” Sophia nodded so hard that her tiara slipped sideways and she had to right it. “There are a lot of creative, talented people living in this little town.” She put her hands together in a circle. “It’s like this super concentration of talent in a small area.”
“You got that right.” Easton nodded. “Our first claim to fame was having Noah Falcon make it to the major leagues. And then he became a soap opera star.”
Sophia raised her eyebrows. “I know. His name is on the WELCOME TO CRICKET CREEK sign.”
“And rightfully so.” Carrie Ann reached inside the shopping bag and located a roll. She tossed one to Sophia. “Good catch.”
“I never miss catching food. Toss me a ball and that’s another story.”
Carrie Ann laughed and it suddenly hit Easton that although those two were friends, they could also be mother and daughter. He was so glad that sweet little Sophia decided to stay in Cricket Creek. She was good for Carrie Ann.
“Oh my . . . this roll is so scrumptious,” Carrie Ann said and looked at Easton. “You want something? Chicken leg?”
“No, thanks, sweetie. I should get going and let you two get back to work. I’ll get a bite at the brewery. They have catering from Walking on Sunshine Bistro on trivia night.”
“Okay, well, thanks for the dinner. I’m sure there will be leftovers,” Carrie Ann said. “You might want a midnight snack.”
Easton nodded but thought to himself that Carrie Ann could be his midnight snack. “Have fun, ladies, and don’t work too hard.”
“Oh, this is more fun than work,” Sophia said. “And thanks from me too! I would tell you to give Avery a hug from me but that might be awkward.”
“How about if I just tell him you said hello?”
“That will work. Tell the whole crew hi for me. And if Mom and Jimmy are there, they rock at trivia—get them on your team or beware.”
“Will do and I’ll make a note of it. Have fun, girls.” Easton said and walked outside into the cool, breezy evening. He liked it up here on the hill overlooking the Ohio River. The trees were turning the early shade of tender green and soon the redbud trees would be in bloom. He welcomed the change of seasons, even the bitter cold of winter, but springtime was his favorite. He loved when the earth came back to life.
After taking a step toward his truck, he decided to see if Flower Power was still open. Carrie Ann’s delight when he gave her flowers never failed to bring a smile to his face and he decided to pop in and get a bouquet for the kitchen counter as a cheerful greeting when she came home. . . .
Home.
He’d been protective and private with his home but it seemed empty and quie
t when Carrie Ann wasn’t there in his bed at night and at his breakfast nook in the morning. Giving her a key had been a good move on his part.
And then it hit him like a lightning bolt. He wanted his to become theirs.
Holy moly! Easton wanted Carrie Ann Spencer to become his wife.
Easton scrubbed a hand down his face and went over to sit on a bench a few shops down from the salon, away from Carrie Ann’s view. The thought hit him hard; it was something he wanted soon . . . as in yesterday.
“Wow,” he murmured. Looking up at the darkening sky, Easton nearly laughed. For a man who avoided the slightest hint of commitment, and heaven forbid, marriage for his whole life, the fact that he suddenly wanted Carrie Ann to be his wife hit him like a hurricane force of nature. He couldn’t explain the urgency, but there it was making his heart pound.
Sucking in a deep breath, Easton waited for a cold blast of anxiety to overcome his longing, but it didn’t happen. He tried to imagine the sharp words, to hear the spiteful bickering of his parents clanging around in his head, warning him that marriage was nothing but a steel trap, but all he heard was the rush of his breath as it came out of his nose.
Easton closed his eyes and swallowed hard. As a kid he’d be sitting in his room trying to do his homework, when he’d overhear the fights between his parents, usually low and heated at first, and then louder, ending with his father shouting and his mother’s tears. Never physical, thank God, but the words still sliced like a knife right through the walls, razor sharp and cutting deep. He’d turn up his radio to muffle the shouts and would often go looking for Carla. But more often than not his baby sister would knock softly on his door and come in, clinging to her favorite teddy bear. He remembered taking her by the hand and going outside to play games, even during the cold months of winter. She’d ask to be pulled around in her red wagon or to bounce a ball, and Easton would do anything she wanted until she laughed and the troubled look faded from her face.
His parents made up as fiercely as they’d fought, all hugs and kisses, more focused on their own drama than the damage done to their children. The truce between them could last for hours, days, and sometimes weeks, lulling Easton into believing the battles were finally over. But then the peace would shatter like broken glass when another fight, worse than the last one, would happen seemingly out of the blue.