by Jacob Chance
Donovan pumps his fist. “I knew you could.” He makes short work of getting on his horse, looking like he was born to ride.
The stable hands check our stirrup height and make sure the saddle straps are cinched tight.
Another stable hand rides over to us. “I’m Bill and I’ll be your guide today. After the first ten minutes or so, if you’re both doing well, I’m going to ride ahead a short ways. If you need me, give a shout and I’ll be right there.”
“I guess we’re the only ones scheduled for this time of the day,” Donovan says, his horse trotting beside mine.
I remind myself to stay relaxed, but I feel stiff and awkward-looking. My gaze briefly sweeps to Donovan and he looks like a freaking ranch hand on the show Yellowstone. All he needs is a cowboy hat.
“What are you thinking about?” he asks.
“How natural you are at this. Is there anything you can’t do?”
“I guess that depends on you,” he tells me.
“I’m not sure what you mean by that.”
“Have you forgiven me for breaking your heart?” he questions. My eyes take him in, noticing his earnest expression.
“I forgave you a long time ago, I just didn’t want to admit it to you until now.”
His eyes light up. “Do you mean that?”
“I really do. We were kids. Neither of us knew what we were doing.”
“Hey, I knew what I was doing,” he protests.
“I’m not talking about sex, and you know it.”
“I do, but I like to tease you. There’s just something about firing up my ginger that I find so attractive.”
“Your ginger?”
“That’s right. You heard me.” He smiles.
After last night, he can call me whatever he wants.
“I just realized I’ve never asked you what you’re majoring in.” Hockey has always been his main interest.
“Sports broadcasting. I want to have my own sports talk show.”
“I can see you doing that.” I have no doubt he’ll be a natural in front of the camera.
“What about you?”
“I’m going for finance. I want to make a lot of money.” I explain the reasoning behind my choice.
“Money is great, as long as you enjoy what you do,” he says.
“If I make enough money, I’m sure to enjoy myself.”
“Money doesn’t guarantee happiness,” he informs me.
“I know. Aside from wanting to make money, I’ve always had a head for numbers. That’s the main reason I chose that degree program.”
“Good. I don’t want you having regrets down the road.”
I let out a long sigh. “I have enough of those already.”
After the hour of riding the trails is over, we grab ice cream at a parlor in the small town center. We sit next to each other at a round table in the back corner and practically inhale our ice cream cones.
“My legs feel sore already,” I complain. “I may be bow legged for the rest of my life.”
Donovan chuckles, placing his hand on my thigh. “You should take a bath when you get home. Loosen up the muscles before they tighten even more.”
“I’ll try that.” I cover his hand with mine. “I had an absolute blast with you. Thank you for bringing me.”
He flips his hand over so our palms are touching and his fingers close around mine. “There are so many things I want to experience with you. I’m not sure what I did to deserve a second chance from you, but I’m so fucking grateful.” He stares intently into my eyes. “Before we take this further, I want to make sure we’re on the same page. I want you to be my girlfriend… I mean, will you be my girlfriend?”
It takes a few seconds for his words to register. I pray this isn’t some dream I’m going to wake up from because this feels too good to be true. “Yes, I’ll be your girlfriend.” I smile through the tears blurring my eyes.
He draws me into his arms. “I think we should set some ground rules.” I nod as we part. “I don’t want to share you with anyone else. We’re exclusive with each other.”
I laugh. “For a moment there I thought you meant anyone else, not just guys. I was thinking that Rachel would kick your ass.”
“Rachel is scary as fuck. I think she might be able to take me.”
“Back to what you said about being exclusive. I want that too.”
He raises my hand, placing it over his racing heart. “This is what you do to me. My heart has only ever beat for you. I promise things will be different this time. I’m never going to lose you again.”
With both of us so hungry, we picked up fast food for dinner and ate it on the ride home.
“You’re coming in, right?” I ask when he walks me to my door.
“Is there any pie left?”
I shrug. “You’ll have to come in to find out.”
“I guess you’ve got me where you want me.”
Not even close. But maybe soon.
I unlock the door and we step inside. “Hey, Rachel. Are you here?” I shout. With no reply, I’m assuming she’s out for the night. It is the weekend, after all.
Chewy barks and comes charging my way. He bypasses me at the last second and goes to Donovan. We lower to the floor, letting the dog climb all over us, but he’s clearly favoring Donovan. “That’s fucking gratitude for you. Remember who feeds you and showers you with affection,” I scold him.
“Remember who gives you a bath and haircut,” Donovan says.
“You never told me how you ended up doing that job.”
He laughs. “That was my first and last day.”
“Huh?” Did I hear right?
“The day Chewy came in was my first day working at the pet store. Coincidentally, it also happened to be my last day.”
“Did you quit?”
“Let’s just say I realized I made an egregious mistake and retracted that I accepted the job in the first place.”
“Do you need to find another one? I could probably get you some hours at the bakery I work at.”
“I don’t need a job, per se. My parents pay for whatever I need, but it’s nice to have money of my own. Tell me about this bakery you work at.”
I fill him in on Papa Lou and Mama Jo and how long I’ve been working there.
“It sounds like a great place,” he offers.
“It is. I’m lucky to have found it.”
He presses a kiss to my forehead. “Sounds like they’re lucky to have found you.”
“Come on, Chewy.” I groan as I rise to my feet. “Jesus, my legs are sore.” I shake each leg out one at a time. “I’m gonna let him out quickly. Have a seat and relax.”
Chewy follows me to the back door and I let him out to roam around the fenced in area. We live on the first floor of a triple decker. We lucked out when we found this place a couple of months ago. I was so relieved the landlord allowed dogs. There was no way I was going to leave him with my mom. She loves him, but I’d never have time to see him.
My phone chirps, letting me know I have a new text message.
Rachel: Hope your date is going well. Just an FYI, I won’t be home tonight. Jeremy and I are doing a bar crawl, so I’ll be staying with him.
I type out my reply and send it off.
Me: Hi. The date has been fantastic. Have fun and make sure you eat something to absorb all that alcohol.
She’ll regret drinking so much if she doesn’t.
Rachel: Yes, Mom.
Rachel: There are condoms in my nightstand if you need any.
I shake my head. I’ve got my own stash in my nightstand and I’m on the pill. I’m not taking any chances with another unexpected pregnancy.
Chewy and I head back into the house. I find Donovan in the kitchen eating a piece of pie with ice cream.
“I made myself at home,” he says.
“Good. I want you to.”
“There’s a surprise for you in the bathroom,” he tells me.
“Okay.” I send him a c
urious glance before investigating. Stepping through the bathroom door, I find a bubble bath waiting for me. There’s even a piece of pie with ice cream sitting on the tub ledge. My chest has that funny feeling that love gives you, and my lips curve into a smile.
I remove my boots and kick them to the side. My jeans go next and I continue until I’m naked and sinking down into the hot bath water. “Oh God,” I say out loud.
This is just what I need.
No, Donovan is just what I need.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Donovan
I don’t know if I’ve ever felt so content before. I can’t think of a time in my life when I had everything I wanted and longed for nothing. With Piper cuddled under my arm, her head lying on my chest as we watch television on the couch, all is right in the world. I always hoped this day would come, but I didn’t know if we’d be able to find a way back to each other.
A lot of people don’t believe in second chances but in my opinion it’s the ultimate test. The stakes are at their highest and you know there will be no third chance if you fuck up. It’s do or die.
Plus, who’s perfect all the time? Absolutely no one. Not even Piper, although she’s damn close. Sometimes second chances are necessary and if someone won’t give you the opportunity to redeem your past mistakes or they can’t look beyond them, then you have to accept that it’s not meant to be.
I’m so fortunate that Piper and I have been given another chance. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure we have a different outcome this time.
“What time is it?” Piper asks yawning.
“A little after ten. Do you want me to go?” I’m not going to assume she wants me to stay over.
“No, but I would like to go to bed. I have to work in the morning.”
I tip her chin up toward me. “You should’ve told me sooner.”
“I’ve been so comfortable in your arms, I didn’t want to move. We have a lot of lost time to make up for.”
I dot a kiss on the tip of her nose. “And we have plenty of time to do that.”
I wake to one of Piper’s hands leisurely caressing my torso. Her fingertips skim from my chest down to my ribs, continuing on to my stomach. Keeping my eyes closed, I hold still and let her explore. Having her touching me could possibly be the best thing ever… no, the best thing would be if her hand wandered lower.
Cuddled up to my side, she lies with the length of her body pressed against me. One of her legs is thrown over mine and her knee is dangerously close to nudging my rock-hard cock. The sensation of her naked legs rubbing against mine is incredible. But it’s not just the physical pleasure affecting me. My chest feels weak, it's so filled with emotion. Piper is touching me and I never thought we’d be able to get to this point.
Moving around, she shifts even closer, pressing her tits to my side. I can feel her taut peaks through the tank top she’s wearing. It’s all I can do to remain in place and not take over, but sometimes it’s nice to be the passenger and just enjoy the ride. I’m curious to see how far she plans to take this. I want her to be comfortable initiating intimacy.
Her hand slides lower on my stomach and continues downward, rubbing over my cock. She strokes her palm back up my length on top of my boxers and a groan rumbles from my chest. Rising up, she climbs between my legs and grips the sides of my boxer briefs. I raise my hips as she yanks them down and kick them free from my feet.
She kneels between my thighs, looking like a mythical goddess. I’ve never seen anything as beautiful and sexy as she is taking charge. Her palms caress from my knees to my thighs and over my hip bones. My leg muscles twitch in response.
Leaning forward, she runs the tip of her nose up and down my length. Her hair trails over my skin in a soft caress that teases and makes me long for more. She rubs her cheek and lips along my cock like she can’t get close enough. Jesus. H. Christ. Knowing that my woman is not only touching my dick out of duty but actually wants to is the biggest turn on. I’ve never been so excited in my life.
Her tongue swirls over the tip, licking up the pre-cum gathering there. I gasp as her mouth wraps around and swallows me as far as she can. She slowly bobs up and down, her tongue licking my shaft along the way.
“Oh, fuck.” Burying my fingers in Piper’s hair, I cup her head and watch, completely entranced, as she wrings pleasure from me. Too much pleasure. I drag her mouth from me and pull her up to my chest. Rolling her to her back beneath me, I say, “If you keep that up you’re going to make me come, and there’s no way I’m missing out on burying my cock inside you.” I nuzzle the top of her tits with my nose and press wet, biting kisses up her neck. “Tell me you want this,” I order.
She tips her head back, giving me better access to her neck. “I want this,” she whispers.
Seizing her lips with mine, my hands map out her curves. I want to explore every inch of her body and make up for all the time we’ve spent apart.
Kneeling between her legs, I stare down at her. With the glow from the street lights coming in her window, she looks like a work of art carved by a master sculptor. I lose my breath for a moment. I can’t believe I’m here with her. I can’t believe she’s going to be mine. “You’re so beautiful.”
Fingers hooking into the waistband of her pajama shorts, I peel them down her lean legs and toss them away. Starting at her ankles, I caress her legs inch by inch, working my way upward. Her muscles flex beneath her skin, reminding me how strong she is under all the delicate packaging.
Piper sits up to remove her tank top and I damn near swallow my tongue. She lowers to the mattress and my hands cup her tits. “You’re fucking stunning,” I say, my thumbs sweeping over her pebbled nipples.
“I want you,” she breathes out, arching her back sensually.
“Fuck yes.” I edge forward until my cock is against her slit.
“Wait,” she calls out, blindly reaching into her nightstand drawer. She hands me a condom and I make short work of putting it on. Lowering over her, I grip my cock, guiding it to her entrance. With one thrust of my hips I’m inside her. I’m back in the magical place I’ve dreamed about returning to and it’s better than I remembered.
She moans, clutching my arms as we rock against each other. I’ve never felt any emotion as powerful as the love I feel for her. It’s almost unbearably intense. Every stroke is a reminder of what I threw away and why I’ll never let her go again. We were meant to do this. Meant to love each other.
Gripping Piper’s hands, I link our fingers together, and hold them over her head. Taking my time, I make every stroke count. This is so much more than sex. I’m making love to my girl. She’s my forever and my future and I’m going to prove it to her every day.
Releasing my hold on her hands, I roll to my back, keeping my cock inside her. “I want to watch you ride me.” I clutch her gently curved hip with one hand while I strum my fingertips against her clit. With each sensual roll of her hips, she drives us closer to the edge. She throws her head back as she releases. Her pussy clenches my cock and my orgasm slams into me like a freight train. Gripping her hips, my fingers dig in, leaving bruises on her fair skin, as I ride out the pleasure.
Piper falls onto me, her warm breath fanning over my neck. “Wow.”
I wrap my arms around her and hold her to me. When my breathing has settled, I say, “There are no words for what we just did.” Gently, I roll her off of me and onto the bed and get up to dispose of the condom. When I slide under the covers, Piper settles on my chest, wrapping her arm around my stomach. This position already feels familiar to me. I love having her in my arms.
“You’ve improved,” she mutters. “A lot.”
“Are you talking about my sex skills?” I snicker.
She opens one eyelid and nods. “I guess all your practice was good for something.”
“It was all part of my plan. I’m glad you approve.” I press a kiss to the top of her head. “You’re the only one who's ever mattered and the only one who ever will.”<
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Chapter Twenty-Three
Donovan
I wanted to drive Piper to work this morning, but she insisted I stay in her bed. Who was I to argue with her when I got to be surrounded by her scent as I fell back asleep?
When I finally woke up for good, I didn’t want to leave the scene of the best sex of my life. I stayed in her bed daydreaming about everything that happened. Last night was my favorite fantasy come to life. I’ve been imagining sliding my cock inside her since the first time I did. You’d think, after all this time, the reality might not match up to the fantasy, but that wasn’t the case. It far exceeded it.
With over an hour until I need to be in my first class, I decide to stop by the bakery and see Piper. The scent of delicious baked goods hits my nose when I step on the sidewalk in front of Relicious, but when I open the door I’m engulfed by it. My stomach instantly growls out its desire for breakfast.
“Hey, handsome,” Piper calls out, an impossibly wide grin on her face. “This is a nice surprise.”
“Hi, beautiful. I figured I’d stop by and see what this place was like.”
“So you’re only here for the baked goods?” she asks.
“A man can’t live on love alone, babe,” I tease.
She gestures to the display cases. “Figure out what you want while I make your coffee.”
“I want one of everything, including you.” It’s a good thing no one else is here with us. I don’t have to worry about what I say.
“I’m not on the menu this morning,” she quips.
“What about later tonight?” I husk.
She places my coffee down on the counter in front of me. “Later is another story.”
Christ, she’s so sexy. And judging by the blood flowing to my nether region, my dick agrees.
A woman I assume to be Mama Jo appears. “Who is this handsome rascal?”
“This is my boyfriend, Donovan,” Piper informs her. Hearing her call me her boyfriend feels right and long overdue.