All She Wants

by Larkin Rose

  Tessa liked that last part. That she hadn’t done anything wrong. She hated cheaters. And she disliked people who slept with cheaters. Even if she loved her sister, she didn’t have to like her or her tacky ways.

  “So, like I said, someone broke your heart. And she got ugly in the process. Correct?”

  Marci looked down and Tessa was tempted to reach for her. Reaching for Marci would only end with her name being ripped off the tip of her tongue. Damn, she was hot as sin.

  “Yes.”

  “Ahh. There now.” Tessa lowered her voice into a caring tone. “Do you feel better now?”

  “No.”

  “Good,” Tessa barked. “Me neither. Now, if you don’t mind, I have some hot sex to get back to so please let yourself out.”

  Tessa turned with all intentions of curling back into those thick cushions, when Marci grabbed her arm and pulled her to a stop.

  She told herself not to turn around, not to look into those chocolate eyes, at the same time she was turning to do just that, unable to resist the temptation, that tight hold making her wet instantly.

  “I’m very sorry for what I said. It was immature and undeserving. Will you please accept my apology?”

  Tessa considered her words, considered a few tactful ways she could make Marci earn that forgiveness.

  Only one idea sat well with her.

  She pulled her arm free of Marci’s grasp and sat on the edge of the couch. “Since you think I need to earn my success from my knees, you can earn my forgiveness from yours.”

  A smirk danced along Marci’s lips before she ripped the zipper down and tugged the coat off her body.

  Tessa’s insides clenched as Marci sank to her knees and pushed Tessa’s legs apart. She stared up at Tessa as she moved in closer. With a slow grind of her hips, she drove against Tessa. She continued that carnal stare for several agonizing seconds before she leaned in and captured Tessa’s lips.

  Flames licked her crotch as Marci’s tongue invaded her mouth, as her hips surged forward with blatant intention.

  Tessa fisted her fingers in that unkempt hair, desperate to get control, desperate to lose it altogether. She wanted, needed, Marci to know she wasn’t easy, that she would have to work to earn her forgiveness. Forgiveness that would have already been given had Marci simply said she was sorry. A real sorry. If she’d admitted that every word she’s said had sounded like a crazy person.

  Oh, but the sex they could have been sharing this entire time if she’d just admitted she’d had a temporary moment of insanity.

  With a groan, Tessa pushed Marci back, immediately missing the pressure of those lips, instantly regretting that she was faced with those beautiful dark eyes packed full of passion.

  How loud they spoke.

  Tessa bit her bottom lip to stifle the need to jerk Marci back to her mouth. “You have one job.” She fanned her legs wider. “One job.”

  A smile lifted the corner of Marci’s lips and her gaze drifted down to Tessa’s crotch. “One job.”

  Marci’s insides clamped into a vice grip with Tessa’s demand. It was downright hot how she wasn’t allowing Marci to get away with her verbal abuse, with her unnecessary accusations toward a woman she barely knew.

  Even more, she liked a woman who was direct and to the point. No guesswork. Just crystal clear intent.

  She tugged Tessa’s sweatpants down to her knees, ducked under the bridge of cotton material, and hungrily captured her clit.

  Tessa bucked against her face and arched, a long hiss escaping those lips.

  She nursed, alternating between fast and slow, teasing then going all in, driving and withdrawing Tessa from that sexual abyss.

  “Finish me!” Tessa fisted her fingers against the couch. “I’m in pain!”

  Marci teased her wet opening and then pushed inside her.

  Tessa’s insides gripped tightly around her and then she screamed out. Her body convulsed and her hips circled.

  Marci continued to nurse and fuck her until Tessa sagged against the cushions, heaving in air, her chest rising and falling to some unheard music.

  Finally, Tessa opened her eyes and looked down at Marci. Her focus remained steady as she watched Marci.

  What was she thinking? Why did Marci even want to know? For some reason, she wanted to know.

  Marci ducked out from under the alcove and crawled onto the couch beside her. “Am I forgiven?”

  Tessa drunkenly pulled her sweats back up and pushed off the couch. She picked up her coat, pushed her hair over her shoulder, and started for the front door.

  “All forgiven. Have a great night.” She opened the front door, walked through, and shut it behind her, while Marci stared in disbelief.

  Minutes went by while her insides throbbed with need, while she waited, expected, Tessa to come back, to fix the wet mess between her thighs.

  Fact was, she knew Tessa wasn’t coming back. She was proving to Marci that she would not be treated with such disrespect. That she would always stand up for herself. That she would always meet a bully halfway. Marci regretted that she’d been that person. That she had hurled insults when they weren’t required.

  Tessa was standing up for herself right now. It was so damn sexy.

  “Are you kidding me?” Marci snickered and glanced around the empty room, her crotch in heated pain.

  Chapter Seven

  Tessa dragged the last bag of trash to the edge of the driveway and looked back to the wicked gorgeous lodge. She was positive she’d never seen a more stunning creation. On or off the cover of a magazine. From the large open rooms to the remarkable surroundings, she’d fallen head over heels in love with this house. She never really loved things. Especially material things. Didn’t love her car or give it a pet name. She was just content with good gas mileage that would get her from point A to point B without malfunctions. Nor did she really love her own house or plan to make cute remodel plans. She was content just the way it was.

  But this lodge. That new adoration for a materialistic thing was on a whole new level. She loved it. Adored it. Wanted to decorate with her own style and give it a pet name. She wanted to claim it as her own, that’s what she wanted. Of course, that was ridiculous and out of the question. It was owned by the resort and only the highest paying customers got to step foot across the threshold.

  Maybe one day she’d make enough money to own something just as spectacular. Hopefully, it would have this stunning view as the added bonus.

  And their latest clients had spent the last three and a half days under this roof.

  She’d never met a more rowdy bunch. From the bachelor, to his groomsmen, to their friends, they had all tested every nerve she had in her body with their all-night parties and insane daily adrenaline junkie adventures.

  She was worn to the bone and had never been happier to see someone leave.

  But as happy as she was to see their time end, each of her crew members had gotten rave reviews, which gave them the highest points once again, which brought yet another win for her team. Which also meant next weekend, they’d be back in this very lodge. This breathtaking place with its panoramic views of the mountains. And exact replica of a house she longed to own one day.

  Her crew was still inside the lodge cheering excitedly after Wendy’s phone call to give them the news. And they were cleaning. Cleaning. Cleaning. Lord, she’d never seen such a mess in her life. Thankfully, the cleaning hadn’t included patching holes or removing vomit out of carpet. How thankful she was for that.

  Now all they had to do was put this amazing place back together the way it was before the rowdy bunch arrived and head back down the mountain to their cabin where Tessa would likely face-plant on her bed while the rest rushed around the house to get ready for their celebratory night out on the town.

  Once again, she had no desire to attend. Not because Marci might be there. But because she likely wouldn’t be. She’d likely stay on site. Tessa prayed she would. Then prayed she wouldn’t.

/>   Marci was too tempting. The incredible sex too enticing.

  Fact was, she had an agenda. A life agenda. A future agenda. To win. To take this contest by the horns and be the last man standing. Her plans didn’t include Marci. Her future didn’t include Marci. The win meant too much to add any type of romantic interest to the mix. Not even simple sex. Especially not that. Especially with Marci. Sex with her didn’t help her thought process. At all.

  Two hours later, just as predicted, her crew was rushing around inside, chatting excitedly about their night out, their win, how they couldn’t wait to rub it in the other teams’ faces, that they had won top points yet again. That their leader was a badass.

  Those words made Tessa smile as she leaned against the porch railing, trying not to look at Marci’s cabin in the distance. A single light shone in the window. Was she home? Was she already at the base of the mountain? Already bellied up to the bar in hopes of scoring a midnight fuck?

  The thought made Tessa uneasy. She wanted to be that midnight fuck. Tonight, that’s all she wanted.

  No, the fuck she didn’t. Or rather, shouldn’t.

  Contest. Win. Win. Win. That’s all she wanted. All she had time for. Marci couldn’t, wouldn’t, be on her road to success.

  The front door opened and Seth stepped out. “Hey, chica. I shouldn’t waste my time asking if you’re going to join us tonight, so blame the gentleman in me when I ask if you’ll be joining us tonight.”

  Tessa shook her head and looked away from that damn light in Marci’s window. “No, sir. I’m going to catch up on some z’s.”

  “Ah. Is that the code you use?” He winked.

  Tessa almost blushed with his insinuation. “Code for what?”

  He arched a knowing brow at her. “Code for sex, of course. With the tough secretary who can’t keep her eyes off of you when she comes to visit, using that cute excuse of making sure everyone was okay and that no one needed anything.” He bumped her hip with his. “You forget we talk with the other crews. She hasn’t visited them once.”

  Tessa opened her mouth to reply, to lie, but he threw up his hand. “Don’t you dare even attempt a denial. I’m not blind.” He nodded toward the cabin where her crew was laughing hysterically over something. “They might be. But not me.”

  He stepped closer. “Besides, we mischief makers have to stick together.”

  Tessa desperately wanted to keep up the charade, but truth was, even if the whole crew knew she’d slept with Marci, she hadn’t done anything wrong. Marci held no power in this game. So what if someone knew?

  “Meaning?”

  “Meaning, I’ve been sleeping with someone from one of the other crews.” He moved back with a wicked grin.

  “No way. How? When?”

  “You want details? Well, aren’t you kinky!”

  “Gross. Hell no,” Tessa scoffed. “Seriously. We’ve been working our asses off. How have you even found time?”

  “Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Right? Boss?” He snickered. “But if you must know, his cabin is less than half a mile down the walking trail. And his room isn’t connected to the main cabin.” He wiggled his brow.

  Tessa clearly wasn’t paying attention to her crew. Or their extracurricular activities. But obviously, his late night escapes to this “firepit” weren’t impacting his work ethic. He was spot-on and put everything he had into their clients.

  She swung her gaze back toward Marci’s cabin. That freaking glow through the woods was beckoning her. Calling out to her. Begging her, in fact.

  The front door opened and the crew filed out onto the porch, each chattering with excitement.

  “Come with us, Tess!” Sally said, and she scampered down the steps.

  “Yes! Come party with us, oh awesome leader,” Hunter chanted.

  “I’m old, you guys. I need sleep.” Tessa tried to sound genuine.

  “You don’t know what you’re missing,” Danny added as he followed the others down the stone path leading to the driveway.

  Seth winked and stepped off the porch. “Have fun with those z’s. See you in the morning. Or later.” He raced to join the rest climbing into the Jeep, and soon all was quiet around her.

  Except for the moon brightening the white snow across the ground, and except for the fucking light in that window through the trees. That damn light was so loud.

  She was all alone. They were all alone. All she needed to do was walk the distance between their cabins, rap on the door, and her night could be spent with orgasms racking her body. Oh, how she wanted that orgasm.

  With a mental grunt, Tessa snagged her coat off the porch swing. She needed to go take a walk to wipe this sexual need out of her brain. She needed the cold to seep in and put out these heated thoughts. That’s all she needed. Then she would be able to give her undivided attention to their next clients. Exactly where her undivided attention needed to be. Dammit. Not on Marci. Not on the splendid sex they could be having.

  Marci watched Tessa make her way toward the creek, her long hair spilling out from beneath a tossle cap, exactly where she expected her to go after her crew left.

  She’d been watching her all week. How often she explored the outdoors. Resisting the incredible urge to join her, to shove her against a tree and then sink to her knees once again. She’d envisioned doing exactly that. Let her knees freeze. She didn’t care.

  Tessa stopped to look up at the moon. Even through the pine branches, Marci could see her chest rise with a deep inhale.

  She was born and raised nearby; these mountains had always been her home. She loved the cold. Loved the cleanliness in the air after a snowstorm. And loved watching Tessa love it too.

  Ashley had hated it. Hated everything about the cold. How she had wound up on vacation at a resort in Colorado with her friends was still a mystery.

  Even after Marci had chased her back to Arizona, made a life with her, bringing Ashley back home was out of the question. So Marci had come alone. Always alone.

  Sure, her parents, even Wendy, had come to visit her, but it wasn’t the same. She wanted to share all the glorious things she loved about Colorado with Ashley. She’d wanted Ashley to see those things and love them as much as she did.

  It had never happened.

  But she’d loved Ashley enough to plan alternate road trips. Loved her enough to go home without her even when Ashley pouted and sometimes begged her not to go.

  Watching Tessa close her eyes and tilt her head back, with the moon shining down on her beautiful face, made her miss what she’d never had in Ashley.

  Ashley would have never stood in the snow in awed amazement. No matter how many years they could have been together, Ashley would have never explored these stunning mountains with her.

  For the first time since she walked away from her marriage, Marci didn’t feel that grip of anger at the thought of what she’d lost. Or how she’d lost it. It was comforting, actually. To not have a gut reaction at the thought of her. It was enlightening. Refreshing.

  Tessa finally started walking again and Marci stepped out into the moonlight hoping her movement didn’t startle her.

  “What the hell, creeper!” Tessa gave her a stern stare but didn’t back away.

  “You shouldn’t be out here alone,” Marci said. “Bears and mountain lions are native to this area.”

  “Says the person who is out here alone?”

  “I was born and raised here. I’m used to watching out for danger,” Marci said with more confidence than she meant.

  Tessa lifted her chin. “Well, I appreciated the warning, but they can’t be any worse than the humans who act like animals.”

  “Ah. We’re still playing hard to get?” Marci stepped toward her. “Was my apology not good enough?”

  Tessa wanted to take a step back. Mainly because it would be too easy to drive herself against Marci.

  She looked so delicious with her thick coat and gray beanie.

  And Tessa knew what those lips felt like f
astened around her, pulling her to climax.

  Oh, God, how well she knew.

  “All is forgiven. I just don’t have any desire to be your friend.” Tessa prayed the words had held more confidence than they felt rolling off her lying lips.

  Truth was, she did want to be Marci’s friend. Friends with benefits. Many, many benefits.

  Honestly, even that was a lie. She would bet anything that Marci was a great friend. Wendy appeared to be a very bright person who was smart and seemed to possess common sense. Likely, she wouldn’t have a deadbeat for a best friend.

  But dammit, that kind of friend would only block Tessa’s finish line. She couldn’t have anything standing in her way. Not even meaningless sex.

  “Good. I don’t want to be your friend either.” Marci motioned for Tessa to follow. “Come with me. I want to show you something cool.”

  She started walking, knowing deep down there was no other choice but to follow. Her natural curiosity would always outweigh her need to remain angry. Or to drag out the need to continue to make her point. A point Marci should had gotten loud and clear by now.

  When Tessa caught up with her, Marci smiled and led the way to the small eight-foot-high waterfall. She stepped onto the platform of flat rocks that led behind the waterfall, looked back to Tessa, and extended her hand. Images of raw sex filtered through her mind as those eyes focused on her. The moon gave perfect light to her tranquil stare. She should tell Marci that she was sexy. That beneath nature’s lamp, she was absolutely perfect.

  “Don’t be afraid. It’s safe.”

  “I’m not afraid.” Tessa reached for Marci’s hand and stepped up beside her.

  Her gaze dropped down to Marci’s lips and then she looked away, fighting the emotional tug and sexual tension between them. From that look of passion on Marci’s expression, Tessa wasn’t in this sexual mental state of mind all alone.

  Together, they walked along the wall of water, and then Marci ducked behind the flow and pulled Tessa with her.

  Tessa sighed in awed amazement as they stepped behind the waterfall, with Marci guiding her down like a true gentleman, both hands on her hips, strong and steady as she lowered Tessa to her feet. The moonlight gave ample light, almost like a magnifier through the water, to the lobby of the cave entrance. Tessa took in her surroundings with baffled silence.