Evergreen

by Jessica Florence

  Once I was back in the van, I realized something and cursed.

  “You heard that?” I asked Rex. He had a shit-eating grin on his face. Damn.

  “I still feel you, big boy.” He laughed as he spoke.

  Asshole. I shook my head at his theatrics and focused on the screen.

  Andi apologized for taking so long, something about having something in her eye. Gavin didn’t even give it a second thought. She jumped back into conversation easily, keeping to simple subjects: her work, her dogs, his dogs. Mostly conversations about her though. Once their food arrived, Andi started asking about him.

  “So what do you do? You said you worked with your family,” she asked innocently.

  “Yeah, we are in the export-import world. Very boring,” he said, then took a bite of his pasta. ‘Export-import’—that was an interesting way to say he was into the drug world. I kept listening.

  “You’re right, that does sound boring.” She laughed and he joined her. She started talking about how her dad was a big CEO in Tampa. She understood the hours and how boring being at a desk was.

  “I couldn’t imagine being at a desk all day. I love being able to walk around getting covered in flour.”

  The images came at me before I could stop them. Andi working over her counter in nothing but an apron. Flour smudges all over her delectable body. She would be using a rolling pin, pushing it forward and back, her breasts swaying with every movement.

  “Dude.” Rex broke through my thoughts.

  I looked at Gavin on the screen, it seemed like he was having the same thoughts about Andi covered in flour. My fists clenched; I wanted to punch that look right off his face.

  “That’s understandable. Being covered in flour sounds fun,” he said hoarsely, “and sticky. You would have bread head!” He recovered quickly with humor. Nice save, dickwad.

  “Yeah, it’s fun though. I get to eat what I make. I am a sweets addict.”

  I laughed remembering our conversation about that.

  “I think you’re safe with that addiction. I don’t think anyone has ever died from a cupcake overdose.” He smiled. He would know all about people overdosing.

  “Yeah, you’re probably right.” She giggled. “I’ve had a really nice time with you, Gavin. It’s nice being around a man who isn’t pig-headed.” She was doing a good job. I doubted he would realize she was playing for our team.

  “Yeah, you mentioned the guy you were seeing was an ass. I’ll apologize for my sex. They can be real assholes,” he said seriously. I scoffed; he was playing his part well too.

  “Yeah.” Her voice didn’t have the same playfulness in it.

  “He hurt you.” I watched Gavin lightly take her hand in support.

  “It’s okay. I’ll be alright. We should probably go. I need to take care of my boys,” she said solemnly, like she wasn’t ready to end the night with him.

  He nodded at her. “Of course, I need to take mine for a walk when I get home too. We should get together with the dogs and go for a walk sometime.”

  “That sounds nice. I’ll let you know once I look at my schedule tomorrow.” She sounded a little happier. She was being very convincing over the camera, but she was mine, end of story. I couldn’t let this get to me.

  CHAPTER 21

  Andi

  I sat in the little chair outside my shop as I watched Gavin drive away. We’d chatted about nothing on the way home from dinner. He was really sweet and a good listener, engaging in conversation like he actually enjoyed talking with me, which was nice. But he was still someone bad. Someone who caused people’s lives to crumble. I felt exhausted from putting on a mask tonight. I just wanted to relax. But if I was honest with myself, I really just wanted to see Ryder. I wanted him to wipe all of tonight off me.

  “Come here, cupcake.” It was the voice I wanted to hear.

  I looked up and saw Ryder leaning against the building. Without hesitation I jumped up and ran to him. His arms opened at the same moment I crashed into him. I went straight for his lips; I needed him. I needed his touch, his taste. And if I really wanted to be honest with myself, I needed his cock. I wanted to feel him inside me. I wanted to feel that sweet soreness between my legs the next time I spoke with Gavin.

  I threw everything I had into kissing him. Taking charge once again like when we first met. His arms tightened around me, and he took everything I had to give.

  “Ryder, I need you,” I whispered softly against his lips.

  He groaned and took my hand, leading me toward the door to my shop. I pulled away long enough to unlock the door. Once the door was open, he pounced. His strong hands gripped my ass, lifting me up his body; he pressed his hard, denim-caged cock against my core. I wrapped my legs around him and held on as he walked us back to the office. He pressed me against the nearest wall; I gripped his shoulders for support while I ground myself against him. His lips pressed open-mouth kisses against my neck, nipping my ear. His harsh breaths spurred me to keep writhing against him.

  “I remembered,” I said on a moan, making Ryder groan.

  His hips pinned me to the wall as his fingers went to work on my panties. Not even willing to put me down, his fingers tore them from my body. It was animalistic the way he disposed of the material. Two fingers delved into me; whimpers escaped as he curled those precious fingers inside me. I kept talking, hoping I would push him over the edge. I was desperate for him; I wanted him on this ledge with me.

  “While he was talking I was rubbing my thighs together feeling the soreness from you inside me. I wanted you to make me come so badly.” That did it.

  His fingers left me, only to be replaced by his hard cock. I hadn’t even heard him undo his buttons. It was what I wanted. “Yes!” I moaned loudly.

  His hands gripped my ass as he pounded into me against the wall. I loved it. Only Ryder could bring this feeling out of me. Our lips collided with each other. Teeth clashing, tongues dancing together, breathing into each other’s mouths, it was a real, raw type of kissing. Nothing but pleasure and feeling. We were out of control, just doing what our bodies wanted us to do. He pounded, hard and vigorously. I held on to him, digging my nails into his shoulder, screaming out my pleasure. I couldn’t hold on any more. My release came swiftly and hard. My legs squeezed around him, holding him close. Through my orgasm haze I felt a shudder roll through him. He kept moving as much as my legs would let him.

  As I came back down, I looked at his face to see it hard, his jaw clenched. I gave him a look of confusion. Before I got to ask him what was wrong he kept us joined and then turned away from the wall, only to go down to his knees and lay us on the ground with him still inside me.

  “I’m not done with you yet.”

  Tremors ran through me with his words. I nodded, and he went back to his merciless pace as if he were a jackhammer. Then he slowed to long, forceful thrusts, rubbing my clit with every entrance. My body tensed and I splintered at the seams, exploding in euphoria. Ryder’s groans let me know he was right there with me.

  “Mine,” he whispered.

  I rubbed my hands against his muscled back. He leaned down and kissed me, this kiss was more sweet than fierce.

  “Let’s go home.” He eased out of me, and held out his hand to help me up.

  I rode with him home since he had dropped me off at work earlier, and then we went for a walk with the dogs as soon as we got in. It was a nice night out. The sky was clear; the water was nice and calm. Ryder and I had been pretty quiet since we left the office. We chatted a little about the weather and the dogs. Once we got back to the house I decided I wanted a bath. I got everything ready and went to wrap my arms around Ryder, who was facing the laptop he had brought with him.

  “I’m going to go take a bath. You can join me if you want.” I kissed his back and went to the bath that was waiting for me.

  After discarding my clothes, I lowered myself into the tub. The warm water helped ease my tension. I pondered today’s events. Having dinner with Ga
vin wasn’t too bad, and he was easy to talk to. I knew he was a bad guy, even though he was acting really nice. I was glad Ryder was okay. He wasn’t really being jealous, and he didn’t need to be.

  Ever since I met Ryder no one else was able to hold an ember to the fierce connection I felt for him. Ryder was sweet, funny, and considerate. I hadn’t seen his smile much in the past couple days though. I wanted to bring the smiles and the lightheartedness out of him. He was a good person all the way down to his bones. His being all brooding and “you my woman” was hot, but I loved it when Ryder smiled. I thought about his smile as I weaved my hands around in the water.

  “Penny for your thoughts?”

  I turned my head to see Ryder leaning against the doorway and staring at me. He wasn’t smiling, but there was a smirk present.

  “I was thinking about how I would like to see you smile more,” I confessed.

  His eyes flared with something. I didn’t quite catch it before he was walking toward me. He squatted down beside the tub, put his hand on the nape of my neck, and went in for a kiss. An all-consuming kiss. The water felt like it was boiling around me. Sooner than I wanted, he pulled his lips back. My eyes fluttered open to see him looking at me intensely.

  “You make me smile,” he told me. There was that sweetness I was thinking of. I smiled, which in turn made him smile.

  “So beautiful,” I told him. His smile was beautiful, hot, and sexy; there weren’t enough words to describe it.

  He kissed me again, this time short and sweet. Then he stood up and left. I sat there kiss-stunned, watching him walk off. The water suddenly felt cold; I needed to warm up. I needed Ryder’s warmth. I got out of the tub and drained the water.

  After I was dry I walked into my room to see Ryder, lying in my bed, with his beautiful chest uncovered. I threw my towel in the hamper and went to him. His arms opened for me as I snuggled next to his naked body. His hand came to my chin and tilted it toward his lips. His lips molded around mine. It was quick; then he lightly pulled my head to his chest.

  “Sleep, cupcake.”

  I guess there wasn’t going to be any more naughty time tonight. I was okay with just being near Ryder. I snuggled in closer, and sleep took me in a matter of minutes.

  I woke up to the smell of bacon. I never slept in until Ryder started sleeping in my bed. I rolled out of bed, saw no sexy male form in it, threw on a shirt, and went out to greet my boys. All of them. Ryder was sitting at my table, drinking coffee, and staring at his laptop. Turnip and Vince were both chewing on chew toys—that I didn’t buy.

  “Good morning.”

  I turned to see Ryder looking at me with a smirk. I pointed to the dogs’ toys.

  “Did you get them toys?” I asked. He nodded.

  “Yeah, they just gave me the eye. I couldn’t help it,” he confessed.

  I knew how he felt. My little stinkers were spoiled. They knew just what to do to get me to give them extra treats. I walked over to Ryder and gave him a fat kiss on the cheek.

  “So any plans today?” I asked him, while seeing that he’d made some breakfast. I loaded up my plate and joined him at the table. I took a bite of the eggs and bacon, while he spoke.

  “Well, we can’t be seen together. I have to remain invisible to Gavin, and if any of his lackeys see you with me, your cover and mine is blown.”

  Well, that kind of stunk. We couldn’t go out to a restaurant or a movie or do normal things until this was all over. Sadness crept over me.

  “Oh ye of little faith.”

  My gaze snapped back to his. What did he mean?

  “We can’t be seen, but I wanna take you out. I want you to stay at my house tonight. I’ll see you after work. I’ve got some things I need to take care of today. But pack a bag and get the boys’ stuff ready. Rex will come by and get them.”

  I was stunned. We were going to do stuff? I was going to be at his place tonight. I was so excited. I finished eating with a smile on my face, gave Ryder a kiss, and went to go get ready for work.

  As I was pulling down my shirt over my head, Ryder’s form materialized in the doorway. I made a quick decision and took that shirt off the same way I put it on. His smirk disappeared, and his eyes narrowed at my shirt as it fell to the ground.

  “You forgot something this morning,” I told him brazenly. I stood my ground while he stalked toward me.

  “What did I forget?” he asked with a husky voice. His deep baritone turned me on like no other.

  I knew as soon as he touched me I would break apart. I licked my lips and said what I had to.

  “Morning orgasms,” I told him. My voice was shaky, uneven. But I stared him down nonetheless. His stare was intense. Then suddenly a smile broke out on his face, which made me smile.

  “My apologies, ma’am,” he said with a ridiculous country accent. The accent did not fit him.

  I laughed as he pounced, lifting me and throwing me on the bed. I let out a squeal when I landed.

  His hands were at my breasts in seconds, kneading them, teasing my nipples to the point where I begged for him. We worked to get the rest of our clothes off; then he was inside me, filling me.

  “Yes,” I cried out.

  “Now I think I owe you some orgasms, yes?” He moved in quick, hard thrusts.

  My hands grabbed any part of him I could get. My release came at me unexpectedly. I screamed as I came. Once it was over, I looked at Ryder; he had a smile on his face. He was breathtaking, and he was mine.

  “Orgasm number one. What do you think we should aim for, five?” He smiled brighter.

  My pussy clenched at the thought of five orgasms. I wasn’t sure I would be able to take that.

  Ryder slipped his hands around my back and hoisted me up while he was inside me. Face to face.

  “Take what you want, sweetness.”

  My hips moved of their own accord, going for what they wanted. His hands gripped my ass and helped me move. His pelvis was grinding into mine, bringing on orgasm number two. I exploded around him. This orgasm was more intense; my sex was so sensitive from before.

  “Oh, fuck,” Ryder cursed.

  He laid me back on the bed and pounded into me with his orgasm on the heels. He came, growling my name. I was finished as he collapsed on top of me. His weight on me was the stuff dreams were made of. As cheesy as it sounded, he completed me.

  “Morning orgasms,” he said as if he were tasting the sweetest of cakes. He lifted up, still inside me, and smiled again. “I think morning orgasms and something sweet from your shop would be perfect.”

  I laughed at what he said. It did sound good. I could go for some sweets right about now.

  “When I get in, I’ll make you something. You or someone else can come pick it up. Sound good?” I asked him. I was thinking of what to make him.

  “Sounds good. Let’s get dressed.” He slid out of me, and we got dressed

  CHAPTER 22

  Ryder

  “Garrett, what do you got for me?” I sat in front of the punk while he ate a burger. We had decided to meet at a diner out of town. Far enough away that word wouldn’t get back to Gavin about me being around him.

  “Nothing much. Word is, though, Gavin has a new girl. A sweet piece too. He has warned everyone to stay away from this girl. Um, Andi is her name. He’s making a claim,” Garrett said.

  I didn’t like the way that sounded. Most likely no one would do anything about that claim, but everyone had enemies. And those enemies might try to hurt what mattered to Gavin. He’d better hope that didn’t fucking happen.

  “Any word on people thinking about going against him?” I kept my tone even. Like I couldn’t care less that the girl I was with could be in even more danger than she already was.

  “Not that I know of.” He took another bite of his burger.

  That was a relief to hear, but the little voice inside my head said it was just a matter of time.

  “Alright, anything else?” I asked politely. He nodded his head with h
is mouth full.

  “Yeah, there is going to be a shipment on a beach by Fort Desoto on Monday around 2 a.m. Probably going to use the standard cigarette boat. Black overcoat for camouflage.” He didn’t even stop eating to tell me that.

  “You don’t like working for the Skellers, do you?” I asked. He didn’t even think twice that he was giving away information.

  “Not really. I’ve got a baby girl at home. Mom is shit. I’m only doing this because, one, I don’t want to get my ass kicked. And, two, I’ve been wanting to get out. Only way you get out with them is in a box. I wanted to see if, um…” He gave me a shy look.

  “You want us to get you out?” I prompted.

  He nodded, not looking at me. I thought he was just doing this because he was scared I’d beat him. He was, but he had an ulterior motive, and that would be very useful.

  “Alright, keep an ear out for anything I would wanna know. You help me take out the Skellers, and I promise we will keep you and your family safe.” That was a promise I would keep.

  He just nodded again. I threw a twenty on the table and walked off toward my truck. I had somewhere I needed to be, and I only had about an hour to get there and ready.

  I looked at my watch, then the door. She should be here any second. The noise of a door opening caught my attention. There she was, looking stunning as always. Rex was helping me by leading her to me while she was blindfolded. There was a little smile on her lips. I knew she was excited thinking about what surprise I had up my sleeve. As soon as Rex stopped her in front of me I wrapped my arms around her and gave her a quick kiss.

  “Do I finally get to see where I am? I’m dying over here,” she squealed softly, her tone laced with obvious excitement. I reached around her soft hair and untied the blindfold. Her eyes squinted trying to see in the low light.

  “A movie theater?” she asked curiously.

  I grinned. “Yep, I wanted to take you out, somewhere normal.” I gestured my hands to the theater. She smiled and launched at me, kissing me with everything she had. Well, as much as one could do with a smile on her face.