When did I become like this? I never wanted to do this before him. I was always too shy or worried about screwing it up, but pleasing Stephen was all I wanted now. My eyes clamped shut as I took him in my mouth as far as I could. My lips stayed tight. I was slow as I moved up and down, following the trail with my firm hand.
His cock twitched in my mouth as his hips bucked. I wanted him to think I knew exactly what I was doing. I wanted to know exactly what he liked, so I could do it for him. I wanted to make him feel so good that he'd shoot out to the back of my throat or all over my face. Whatever he wanted to do, I'd let him.
"That feels so good," he murmured, making me wetter than I already was. Moaning, I twisted my head around, licking along his shaft, sucking him hard with my lips pinned against his skin. "You're gonna make me come," he warned.
My hand moved away and gripped his thigh as I rotated my head around, taking him in as deep as he could go. After he realized what I was going to let him do, his wrist wrapped tight around my ponytail. He pushed my head down then started to thrust himself into my mouth, slow and determined.
I moaned again, and he grunted as I felt him shoot to the back of my throat. I swallowed it as it came, so warm, salty, and sweet. His body slowed after a few more pumps. His grasp on my ponytail loosened. He leaned back on the couch and sighed as I wiped my mouth and looked up at him.
He took a few breaths before he smiled. He looked spent and satisfied. I felt pride in the fact that I could make him feel like that.
"Where did you come from?" he asked, grabbing my arms and pulling me up to him. He didn't give me a chance to answer as his mouth collided with mine.
We kissed while we wrapped ourselves in each other's arms. I’d never kissed like this before. Connected like nothing else in the world mattered. He gave me butterflies and warmed my heart in a way I didn't know was possible. It scared me, but I knew I was safe in his arms. I had no expectations. I just wanted him, and that had to be enough.
❣❣❣
The buzzing from my alarm disrupted my wonderful dreams. Groaning, I forced my eyes open. The curtains were pulled, but the sun's bright rays still lit up the room. It took me a second to remember I not only wasn’t in my room, or Mrs. Petterman’s room, but in Stephen’s. The gorgeous man from my dreams.
I grabbed my phone from the table to silence the alarm. Stephen's arms around my stomach tightened. "Don't get up," he mumbled in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine before rubbing himself against my back.
We'd fallen asleep early. It was my first time sleeping over in a man's apartment, but I made sure not to mention it. Snuggling up to him all night felt right. Breathing in his manly smells. Passing out to the sound of his heart beating. Wanting to stay in bed with him forever, but I knew I couldn't.
I sighed. "I don't want to, but I have to take out the dogs and check on Jasper."
He groaned then nestled his nose against my neck. "Responsibilities are for chumps," he mumbled. I couldn't help but laugh. "But I like a woman who keeps her word," he added before releasing me from his arms then rolling on his back.
I twirled around onto him then kissed his perfect lips. I felt them smile against my mouth as he kissed back and cupped my cheek, holding my face steady against his. I could wake up like this every day for the rest of my life.
When we pulled away, I hovered over him, and we stared at each other, grinning like idiots. His thumb rubbed my skin before he pulled his hand away again and sat up, my body following his lead.
He got out of the bed and yawned while stretching his arms above his head. He looked all cute and well rested. His morning wood showed through his boxer briefs. He stepped towards the door, rubbing his eyes. "I guess I'll make some coffee and breakfast while you do that."
He left the room, and I jumped out of bed. Changed into some fresh panties and put back on the outfit I had worn over the night before. The coffee was brewing as I kissed him by the door before leaving and going to Mrs. Petterman's apartment.
Dane and Dexter didn't notice or care when I walked in. They were grumpy and disobedient since I'd been busy. Dane was used to being by my side at all times, but he's had to deal with the back burner for a few days. He was not pleased.
Jasper laid in his usual bed. His meows were soft as I rubbed behind his ears. He looked so old and scraggly. Still so sweet, but his back legs hurt him when he walked, and he had patches of fur missing from stress. Mrs. Petterman said she's been thinking about having him put down. It's too hard for her since she's had him for seventeen years. I could understand her pain. I couldn't even think about the day Dane would be too old.
Jasper took his medicine like a champ. I kissed his cute little head before taking the dogs out. It was a pretty day outside, and they cooperated for the most part. Saturdays were great since the only dog I usually took out besides Dane was Dexter. Everyone else was home for the weekend to take out their own dogs. I took my time and waved to people as I passed. They would scrunch their eyebrows or narrow their eyes, but I didn't care. I was happy.
My mother stood by the front doors when I returned. She was talking to Bobby about some trivial new building rules. There were notices about leaving trash in the hallways. Another was about taking too long to retrieve clothes from the laundry room. I wanted to wait until my mom went upstairs. I needed to avoid any questions about breakfast plans, but she noticed me right away.
I tried to hide my disappointment as I strolled up to her. Casual as ever. Oh, did I swallow a man’s cum for the first time last night then sleep in his arms until morning? Nope. Goody two-shoes over here.
"Morning, baby," she said, wrapping an arm around my neck and pulling me in for a hug that was a little too tight.
"Morning, Mom," I mumbled before wiggling my way free from her hold.
"Always so touchy, especially in the morning," she teased. She petted Dane, and let Dexter sniff her hand. My eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. Her expression turned serious once she made eye contact with me again. "Amy told me you had a date last night?"
I blinked. Of course. "Something like that."
She crossed her arms. I'd somehow hurt her feelings again. All I ever did was hurt her feelings. "Why didn't you tell me? I could have helped you get ready. I mean, you know I loved Tony, but I understand moving on. It's good for you. You can tell me these things."
Sighing, I shifted my weight. "Look, I don't wanna talk about it. That's why I didn't tell you. The only reason Amy knew anything was because she guessed and poked until I confessed."
She stared at me for a moment, her expression hard to read. We'd never had a conversation like this before. I told her about Tony the moment he asked me out. I always gave her details on our relationship, omitting the sexual bits. I'd never kept a secret from her before. "Okay, honey, you're right. I'm overbearing. I just figured if you liked someone, you'd tell me."
I avoided her eyes. I kept something to myself for once, and she was making me feel guilty for it. "Well, I'll tell you when it gets more serious, but it's barely anything right now, Mom. Too new."
Her head tilted to the side, assessing me. "I'd like to meet him. If it gets more serious, bring him by the house, okay?"
I nodded, still looking away. Would it ever get serious? We'd had sex twice. Last night was… something deeper, but did it mean anything more? I didn't know how adult relationships worked. Was this casual? "Okay," was all I could say at this point.
❣❣❣
Stephen had his phone glued to his ear when I returned. I let myself in, hoping that wasn’t crossing any lines. He expected me to return after my morning walk, right? This was so confusing. My first adult relationship, and surely, I was screwing it up somehow. What were we? What did last night mean? How was I supposed to act?
He stood by the window, staring down at the water. His expression so stern, so serious. He looked mature and in charge. My heart fluttered at the thought of this becoming something serious. I
shouldn't get my hopes up, but what woman could ever deny him? He was so damn irresistible.
"Could this wait until Monday?" he asked, annoyed. "Right. I know it's important, but I have company at the moment-" Someone cut him off. He listened for a minute before finally letting out a heavy sigh. "Okay. I can be online in about thirty minutes to an hour. I'll keep you posted. Yep. You too. Bye."
Ignoring the pang in my chest at the idea of leaving him today, I tried to play it cool. "You have to work?"
His hand was on his heart as he jumped in surprise. "Oh, my god, Emilia. I didn't know you were back already." His startled face twisted into a happy one.
He rushed across the room and pulled me into his arms as I squealed then giggled. He kissed me quick then swayed with me in his arms. My hands found each other behind his neck as I tried gaining back control of my heart.
"You're okay with scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast, right? The basic breakfast as some would say."
I nodded, keeping his gaze. Those hypnotizing eyes. "I'm down for anything, as long as I'm with you."
His eyes were smiling as he touched his forehead to mine. His arms tightened around my back. "Why are you so incredible?"
My breath caught. "I think I should be asking you that question."
He shook his head, still looking serious. "You're so beautiful and sweet and giving and amazing. I don't deserve you at all."
It was hard not to grin like a freaking idiot. "Hmm. You've proven yourself to me plenty of times." I laid a sweet kiss on his lips. His eyes lingered closed like he was savoring the moment. They were slow as they fluttered open. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you have a bit of a crush on me."
"If only what I felt for you was just a crush," he whispered, making my heart flutter for the millionth time this morning.
I bit my lip, feeling bold. "Wow, let a guy come in your mouth once, and he's head over heels for you the next day, huh?"
He didn't laugh, but his eyes turned to fire. His arms tightened around my back. "I wish I didn't have to work today."
The corners of my lips turned down. "You'll be working all day?"
"Unfortunately."
I lifted up on my tippy toes again. "When will I see you again?"
He thought for a moment. "New Years?"
I shook my head. "I always spend New Year's with my family. What about next weekend?"
His turn to shake his head. "I'll have Layla for the first time in three weeks. I usually dedicate my entire weekend to her, so I'm sorry, but-"
My finger pressed against his lips, "You don't have to explain. Daughters come first. I would never ever ask to come between you two."
Nodding, he beamed like my words were magic. His hands crept down my back and cupped my ass cheeks. "Come sneak down, and see me during New Years. I'll make it worth your while."
I took a small intake of breath as I stared into his smoldering eyes. My head slowly nodded. "Okay, I'll come down. I want to be with you."
He gave me a devious smile that had me swooning. "Great. I can't wait."
Chapter Sixteen
Stephen
Every time Mia showed up on my phone, my heart rate sped out of control as this stupid grin would spread across my face. This beautiful girl could have me wrapped around her finger if she wanted. I actually missed her even though it had only been two days. How could I miss someone I barely knew so much? I wanted to hear her laugh or look into those big pretty eyes. I missed those big soft lips, and the feel of her delicate hands on my skin.
My arms reached out for her when I opened my eyes Monday morning. She was gone. Well, not gone. She was sleeping next door. I wanted her here in bed with me, but I settled for the `good morning' text she sent me with her signature smiley face. Before work, we met in the hallway, and she walked me to the elevators. We kissed right in front of them, almost daring for anyone to witness how crazy we were about each other.
My sister surprised me Sunday night by dropping in with her boyfriend for dinner and drinks. Wanting them to leave so I could invite Emilia over, I hinted I needed to get to bed early. Karen didn't catch the hint. They didn't leave until I actually needed to get to bed. She kept going on and on about how awesome her friend was, and I needed to contact her again. I crossed my arms and avoided the subject like the plague.
Emilia's encouraging little texts spread throughout the day. As I checked my phone between meetings, I'd end up grinning at her random ramblings or support. She was sweet. She was beautiful and cute. She didn't play games with me. She was herself: simple, honest, and genuine. She inspired me, and I wanted her to know how much I was starting to care for her.
I called her on the drive home, too anxious to wait for a text back. She answered with a whisper, saying she was with her dad at Publix, buying food for the New Year’s party at her house. "Are we still on for midnight?" I asked, knowing the answer already.
"Hmm. What's going on at midnight again?" I could hear the smile in her voice.
I bit back my grin as I signaled then got into the far right lane. "Just some light hand-holding."
"Ah. Not sure. Doesn't really sound worth my while."
I exited the highway. "What about some kissing?"
"A little warmer."
I was grinning as I turned right at the light. It was hard to hold back how bad I wanted her in my arms again. Midnight was too far away when I wanted her waiting in my bed now. "Maybe some heavy petting." She was quiet. "Maybe my mouth on that sexy little clit of yours. My cock in that tight wet pussy."
She gasped. Her voice was soft like she didn't want anyone around her to hear. "Those all sound… good."
"Just good?"
"No, fucking great. Probably exactly what I need. Maybe the answer to my prayers."
"Hmm. No pressure."
"None." I heard a man's voice calling out her name in the background. She sighed. "Gotta go. See you at midnight."
"I'll be waiting."
"Be waiting naked," she rushed out before hanging up on me.
I pulled into the parking lot, smiling to myself as I gathered my things and climbed out of the car. There was a skip in my step as I approached the building. When was the last time I was actually excited about a date with a woman? When was the last time I was even exclusive? Emilia was wiggling her way right into my damn heart, and I welcomed it.
My feet stopped moving the instant I saw Emilia's aunt standing near the elevators in the lobby. She stood with a taller woman who had similar features as her and Emilia. It must have been Emilia's mom. She still looked young and beautiful. I wondered how Emilia would look in her thirties then shuddered at the realization that I'd be in my fifties. That was not something I wanted to think about quite yet.
Her aunt noticed me before I could hide. Her smile was as bright as the goddamn sun. "Stephen! Funny seeing you here!" she shouted across the lobby like she didn't already know I lived here. She was older than Emilia, obviously, but acted much too young for me. Her desperate little eyes batted her lashes as I was slow on my progression through the lobby.
I tried to remember her name, but I realized I had no idea. Wow, I'm a jerk. It was something short like Mia's, but I couldn't put my damn finger on it. I settled for a generic, `Hey, how are you?' to which she beamed and gushed on about how excited she was that tonight was New Year's Eve. Emilia's mother caught to my disinterest almost immediately, glancing between us. Her eyebrow raised.
"Any plans for tonight?" the aunt asked, batting her eyelashes again. I felt uncomfortable, mostly because she looked so like her niece.
I held up my briefcase, trying to look swamped. "Not for me. Gotta get some last minute work done."
She had a coy smile. "Well, maybe you could come up just to watch the ball drop. My sister, Maria," she gestured to Emilia's mother, "is having some people over. We'll have wine and snacks. It'll be fun."
My eyes narrowed at hers. "I don't think the woman I'm seeing would
appreciate-"
Her mouth dropped open in horror. "Oh, only as friends! Karen's invited too. She's bringing Zach."
One of my eyebrows rose. I had a bit of a dilemma. I wanted to agree because I could spend the whole night with Emilia. Another part of me wanted to say no because I didn't want her aunt getting any ideas about us. I chose to see Emilia. "Well, alright. Sure. I'll talk to my sister about it. See you. Nice to meet you, Maria."
Maria’s smile was almost identical to her daughter's. "Nice to meet you too, Stephen. Amy'll settle down by tonight. I promise."
Amy. Her name was Amy. Right. I chuckled politely before brushing past them and jumping into the elevator.
❣❣❣
"Surprised you wanna go," my sister commented as she pretended to look through a magazine. She and Zach showed up at my doorstep about ten minutes ago. I'd called her to include myself in her New Year’s plans. "Thought you didn't like Amy."
"I don't," I answered back cold, checking my watch for the time. "How long do you think Zach's gonna be in there?" I asked, pointing to the bathroom.
She shrugged. "I don't know. He poops like once a day, but it takes about half an hour. Super unhealthy. I'm trying to get him to stop eating so much red meat."
"Fuck off!" Zach shouted from the bathroom. I couldn't help but snort at that.
She shook her head as she rolled her eyes. "So if you're not interested in Amy then why are you going? She might get the wrong idea or something."
My turn to shrug. I tried to sound casual but ended up rambling instead. "I just wanted to have plans. You know I don't have any friends. Plus, she invited me herself down in the lobby and made a point to say `friends only' with the invitation."
Karen was suspicious. "Well, she's just acting strong. You hurt her feelings last time." I didn't say anything else because there was nothing to say. I had hurt Amy's feelings, and now I was toying with them to get close to her family. Where had my morals gone? "Hurry up, Zach!" she shouted, getting antsy now. "We were supposed to be there thirty minutes ago!"
No Expectations Page 10