by Harloe Rae
“Did you hear that, everyone?” His voice booms toward fellow Lake Calhoun enthusiasts and sightseers. “This woman loves me!”
There’s a smattering of applause and a few cheers—but mostly, a bunch of puzzled looks. I can’t help but laugh at him.
A thought niggles into my brain. “What happened to your rules?”
“They’re no longer of consequence. I found my loophole.” The intensity in his gaze leaves little doubt that he’s referring to me.
There’s a hitch at the corner of my mouth as I offer him a shy smile. “You’re a little sweet under all that… assholishness.”
“Is that even a word?”
“Not sure, but it’s more than fitting. Just like our date. Saddle up, partner.” I tap the handlebar.
Landon clips on his helmet and steps onto the pedaled platform. “I better get laid for this.”
“Don’t worry, big guy. I’ve got you covered.” I rub his arm, adding a little squeeze before mounting up.
Then we’re off at a breakneck pace of twelve miles per hour. These suckers are far from speed demons, but I still feel like we’re flying. We zip past walkers who are enjoying a leisurely stroll. A park stretches wide on our right. Dogs are chasing tails while kids race around the playground. A group of college kids are throwing frisbees and some women my mom’s age are steadfastly focused on their yoga. It’s quite a versatile group. Remembering my role, I wave a sloppy arm in that direction.
“There’s some typical stuff to see.” I’m the worst tour guide ever.
“Very thrilling,” he deadpans.
“Oh, and these houses are fun.”
The homes along this strip are architectural sights to behold with their unique styles. The designers got creative with symmetry and shapes. Each towering structure on this block stands out for different reasons.
“I forgot to mention the impressive landscaping,” I add with a flourish.
“Unlike any garden I’ve ever seen.” His expression is stoic in a hilarious sense.
“Are you truly upset about this?”
“Nah. I’m actually enjoying myself.”
“Lies.”
“At the sake of sounding cheesy, you can make any activity worth my while.”
“Well, damn. You’re a bit swoony too. Who knew you’ve been hiding all this charm?”
Landon steers to get closer. “Told you I was going to use those skills to whip your panties off.”
“The anticipation is practically chomping at me.”
“There better be enough left for me to savor.” The demand in his tone gives me shivers.
“I’ve been stocking up just for you.” Then I blow him a kiss, because being extra ridiculous is called for in our current situation.
“You never cease to amaze me, Savannah.” Landon chuckles, loud and free.
The jovial sound is so unexpected that I almost topple off my ride. I peek over at him while he cruises beside me. Wearing a custom suit while operating a Segway is material for a comedy bit. His tie whips in the wind, trailing behind us as we scoot along. The sun glistens off his helmet, which doesn’t hide the scowl he’s directing straight ahead. He looks like a total dork and I’ve never been more attracted to him.
When we hit another stretch, Lake Street comes into view. I’m well aware there are several establishments in this area where we could stop for a quick bite.
With expert maneuvering, I guide us to a crosswalk that leads to the north side. I swerve into the lot and find designated parking spots. After I remove my helmet, the early afternoon warmth has its kinky way with my already mussed hair. I tamp down the disarray with a curse, sending the snarled waves to billow in the summer breeze.
Landon’s dark blond strands are disheveled in a sleek manner that any stylist would envy. He’s too damn hot. That damn hornet’s nest begins buzzing in my belly. My striking companion is clueless—go figure. With an arm looped around my shoulders, he stands beside me as I survey the scene and attempt to ignore the fire in my veins.
His chin juts at the buildings we’re currently loitering in front of. “What’s the significance here?”
“Um, nothing really.” I’m suddenly distracted by the bulge straining the fabric between his hips. The man has a very impressive package, and my neglected lady bits are practically weeping at being within reunion range. Heat prickles my skin as I treat myself to another long look. Someone is very excited.
Landon follows my gaze, smirking at catching me eye-fucking his junk. “Do you want me to unzip so you two can get reacquainted? He misses you.”
I don’t bother removing my focus from his girthy enthusiasm. “That depends. Am I allowed to fondle the family jewels?”
He twists from right to left, giving me a view from all angles. “It’s highly encouraged.”
A throaty purr more suitable for a porn star escapes me. “I think make-up sex is in order.”
Landon emits an animalistic noise of his own. “It’s about damn time.”
Vannah loops my tie around her fist and begins pulling me toward what appears to be a restaurant. “I’m so glad you agree because I’m starving.”
My shoes scuff on the blacktop while I follow her hasty trail. A puffy fog jams my circuits as I try to keep up with her on all accounts. “Hold on. You want to eat?”
She peers at me over her shoulder, giving my lower half a once-over. The green in her eyes is positively vibrant in the direct sunlight. “Oh, yeah. I want you to stuff me full.”
That comment slams realization into me like a sack of bricks. I dig my heels in, halting our progress. “Wait. Now?”
A curious brow makes an upward curve. “You’d prefer to delay this reconciliation further?”
When she puts it that way…
“Hell no, but where are we going?”
“Does it matter?”
“I guess not.” My tone would dissuade just about anyone. Unless, of course, they have a stubborn streak wider than ten miles.
“Do you have a condom?”
“Yes.”
“Then what’s the problem?” She gives another tug on my tie.
“Trust me, I have no issue with what you’re suggesting.” I wave to my cock that currently resembles a heat-seeking missile mere feet from its target. “That being said, giving you a reason to hate me again is less than appetizing. Screwing you quick and dirty in a public space after we just rectified our relationship is grounds for retaliation. It seems more appropriate to spread you out on a pillowy surface and let my tongue do wicked things to you before giving my dick a turn. I figured you’d want me to lavish every inch while professing my love.”
A dreamy lilt passes across Vannah’s expression. She clears it a moment later with several blinks. “Well, it sounds like you have our evening plans all squared away. This will be more of a sprint to get us all stretched and warmed up.”
I keep my feet locked onto the pavement. “Are you sure?”
This scenario is new territory I never planned to traverse. Vannah is more to me than a fast fuck. She’s my… girlfriend, I guess. That title doesn’t carry the significance I crave deep within my bones. I’ll be rectifying that soon enough.
Vannah smiles without the usual restrictions I’m accustomed to. The slightest creases form around her eyes. “Positive, but not if you continue questioning me.”
I frown at her. “Forgive me for taking your feelings into consideration.”
“You can fuck me in the bathroom, Lannie. I don’t mind the thrill of getting caught.” She motions down her body. “Now my outfit comes in handy. The skirt provides easy access.”
“Have I told you lately that I appreciate your wardrobe?”
“You can show me inside.”
A low noise rumbles from my chest. “Damn, I love you.”
“I love you too. This much.” She hitches a thumb at the windows littered with neon signs.
We stumble toward a shadowed section in the back like a teenage couple with o
nly mere moments to spare alone. No one pays us a glance as we reach the darkened alcove.
“It’s a single,” she coos while pushing inside.
The semblance of privacy doesn’t change matters, other than being able to explore the square space. I lock the door behind me while Vannah beckons me to a corner with her crooking finger. The room is perfumed with too much bleach and cinnamon potpourri, but all I smell is her flower meadow enveloping me. My stride is more prowl as I narrow in on her, boxing us with an arm on either side. For a few beats, I just stare at her fluttering pulse. The rapid rise and fall of her chest is captivating. Then I’m digging in my wallet to get this consummation ceremony started.
She traps the pouty flesh of her bottom lip between her teeth. “When’s the last time you slept with someone else?”
I pause with the foil packet in my fingers. “Are we really having this conversation in a bar restroom minutes before I slide into you?”
Her gaze is imploring mine, spreading molten lava through my veins. “I don’t want anything between us. Are you clean?”
“Squeaky,” I assure.
“Good. So am I.” She bats the rubber away. “I’m on the pill and I trust you.”
“Fuck, you’re sexy.” I smash her against the wall, making sure to cradle her head in my palm to brace the impact. Our mouths meet in a crash of fire and smoke, the rich flavor swirling and blending between us. Her tongue sweeps along mine, begging to be caressed like the lovers we are. I nibble at her while she sips at me. Desire swarms me in a tingling ripple. The brewing need sets my skin ablaze and I’m nearly dizzy from the fiery onslaught.
When I pull away, it’s only to rest my forehead on hers. “I’ve never—”
“Me either,” she finishes.
I grip her upper thighs and hoist her up. She cradles me with her legs, locking her ankles across my ass. With deft fingers, she rips at my belt. The metallic clink echoes off the ceramic shield cocooning us. I reach for the silk barrier hiding her from me, ripping the flimsy material with a single yank.
Vannah wiggles in my hold. “Do you have something against my panties?”
I nip her throat. “Yes, they’re always blocking my path.”
“Maybe I should go without.” She hisses as I tease her slick opening with my tip.
“But only when you’re with me.”
“Caveman,” she purrs.
“You turn me into a barbarian.” To prove my point, I slam into her welcoming heat with a punishing thrust.
She shudders against me. “Oh, I missed you.”
“Tell me how much,” I demand.
“I’d been aching for you. So empty,” she whines.
“And now?” I pull back, slamming in with a jarring drive.
Vannah tunnels her fingers into my hair, yanking at the roots. “Filled to the brim.”
“No one can give you pleasure like me, sugar.”
Her red waves lash my face as she nods. “Only you.”
Then I really start to move. I’m on a piston cycle—the glide smooth yet brutal. For a few rotations, at least. She clenches her inner muscles, suctioning me farther than I’ve been. Being directly exposed to her silken walls is too much. This feels different. Better. So much fucking better that I falter. My rhythm becomes disjointed almost immediately, but Vannah doesn’t seem to notice.
“What does this mean to you?” I punctuate the question with a grind against her core.
Her breathy moans whip along my ear, spurring me on. “Like destiny. You belong with me.”
“Fuck,” I murmur against her blushing skin. “That sounds just right.”
I plunge in and out as she squeezes her thighs around my waist. The force from my hips keeps her suspended against the wall. Vannah thrashes along the white tiles, babbling pleas dripping from her lips. I slap a palm to the cool surface while a blistering trail carves my spine.
With a hand on her throat, I rest my knuckle under her jaw to capture her lips in a bruising kiss. She mewls into my mouth, panting words of seduction that go straight to my dick buried inside her. Her pussy latches onto me while I nuzzle the crook of her neck. The vise kneads me into compliance. I’m helpless to do anything but hammer in and out at the pace she screams for.
“Faster, faster,” she chants. “I need more.”
I speed up, shoving to the hilt with each stroke. Deeper and harder, I give her what she needs. She can have all of me. Vannah rocks into me and her gaze turns bleary. The sight sends another blast of smoldering heat through me. Every molecule sizzles with our connection, burning me up.
A spasm twinges my muscles, warning me that the edge is near. I dip my thumb to where we’re joined, zeroing in on her clit. Vannah jolts in my grasp when I strike the sensitive nub. She’s quivering a moment later, surrendering to her climax. Watching her lose control sends me into the crushing abyss.
Tremors wrack our limbs, tying us together in ecstasy. We’re floating, detached from reality if only for a few seconds. Our satisfaction fills the space with labored breaths and sated desires. Her nails clutch onto me as the waves carry us away.
Eventually, our skin cools enough for us to peel apart. Just slightly.
She tucks some knotted strands behind her ear. The flush I love is still ripe on her cheeks. “Do you think they heard us?”
A chuckle busts from me at the opposite being possible. “Absolutely, sugar. Our reunion special has been well and thoroughly broadcasted.”
Vannah smiles, the expression otherworldly in its stunning intensity. I’m certain she could move mountains offering a visual like that. “Good. I’m looking forward to binging episodes all night.”
That sentiment has me reinforcing my embrace, refusing to lose what I’ve so recently gained. I’ll happily take up residence in the juncture between her thighs, likely to drown—until she pulls me up for air.
A stewardess flits down the aisle, rushing to follow Landon’s latest demand. Love me he might, but the man is still a tyrant. For whatever reason, his tolerance for others is at a record low this evening. The brunette returns to us with a fresh whiskey in a low-ball glass.
He says nothing while accepting the proffered tumbler. I give him a pointed glare, which he returns with one of his own. Without removing his focus from me, Landon addresses the flight attendant. “Thanks. That’ll be all for now.”
She scuttles off without a word. I don’t blame her for wanting to avoid further insult to injury. Heaven forbid he lift another finger and request the woman to do more of his bidding.
His nonexistent patience has been a dark shadow since we boarded almost an hour ago.
Distraction seems like an appropriate strategy to stem his madness. I raise my glass, staring at the bubbly content. “You might not know this about me, Mr. Winters, but I’m a hopeless romantic.”
He swirls the amber liquor in his glass. “That is very surprising, actually. You don’t strike me as the mushy type.”
“Ah, but alas, this is me. I’d been searching for true love when you reappeared directly in my path.” I wink at him.
He frowns. “And you’re settling for me.”
My snort is loud and undignified. “Don’t sell yourself short, Lannie. I think you’re better than any chivalrous prince.”
His arching brow doesn’t appear convinced. “How do you figure?”
“The good guy will swoop in to save the day regardless of who needs rescuing. There are heroes waiting on every corner. That’s just how the story goes. But a reformed villain? Hot damn.” I bite my lip with a groan. “He’s still bad on the outside, and most insides as well. There’s a soft spot for a certain someone who owns his heart. It might be selfish as hell, but I love that you’re only protective of me.”
“You make me sound valiant and evil in the same breath.”
“Exactly,” I reply with a grin. “And you’re all mine.”
He frames my chin between two fingers, dragging me in for a kiss that curls my toes. “The feeling is enti
rely mutual. Forever.”
I shiver in his grip. “That’s an awful long commitment.”
“Too much?” Landon caresses my cheek with his thumb, but an underlying tension keeps him rigid otherwise.
“Nah, I can handle it.” Another thought occurs to me. “Speaking of riding off into the sunset, we need to get one thing straight before this goes any further.”
“I’m all ears.”
With a circular motion, I gesture to our airborne scenery. “Taking up a permanent residence in Chicago is off the table for me. I can’t move away from my family and friends.”
He snatches my hand, threading our fingers together. “Why do you think I’m expanding Global Winters?”
I roll my head against the leather cushion to face him. “This partnership isn’t a ruse?”
“I’d never joke about something so serious.” He nips at my bent knuckles. “I’m afraid you’re stuck with me day and night.”
“I better accept the job then, huh?”
“Didn’t you already?”
“You’ve been keeping me detained by other means. I haven’t thought about work.”
“I’ll make you very happy, Savannah. We’ll be very successful as a team.”
Here come the rabid flutters to whisk me away. “Of that, I have very little suspicion remaining.”
He’s silent for a beat. “I never want to give you cause to doubt me again. How I treated you in the past was nothing short of disgusting. It still surprises me that you found it in your heart to forgive me.”
I trace a finger along his stubbled cheek. The mornings he forgets to shave remind me of what—or who—was keeping him occupied. “Love can conquer the worst if we allow it to win.”
“Emotions are to blame. I’d been angry and frustrated about the feelings you were forcing out of me. That gives me no right to be a monster. I plan to spend the rest of my days becoming the man who deserves you.”
A hum tickles my chest. “You won’t hear me complaining. This experience with you has taught me plenty too. We both had lessons to learn. Together.”