His jaw clenched tight and his nostrils flared. Without a word, he walked past me and opened the door to the Big House.
“Really?” I asked as he passed. “This is still what we’re doing?”
He went inside without answering.
“Fuck,” I muttered under my breath.
I went out to my truck. Brynn would be finished with her test soon, so I needed to get out there to pick her up. I hadn’t let Cooper’s assholery keep me from Brynn so far, and I certainly wasn’t going to start now.
Half an hour later, when I pulled up to the curb near the student lounge and saw my girl, Cooper was the last thing on my mind. She was all bundled up and adorable in a knit hat, scarf, and a thick jacket. She hurried over to the truck and got in.
“Oh my god, it’s cold out there.”
“I’m sorry. You weren’t waiting long, were you?”
“No, not at all.” She rubbed her hands together and I turned up the heat. “But I think they had the heat way up in the classrooms today, so it feels extra cold outside.”
“Don’t worry, baby, I’ll warm you up.” I winked at her.
She took off her hat and ran her fingers through her hair. “You bet you will. Hopefully more than once.”
God, I loved her. “Date first, though. I’ll buy you dinner before I destroy your pussy. Because I’m a gentleman.”
“You keep talking like that and we won’t make it to dinner.”
I grabbed her hand, twining our fingers together, and brought to my lips for a kiss. “How’d your test go?”
She smiled. “I won’t know for sure until I get it back, but honestly? I nailed it. I’m looking at a four point oh this semester.”
“Baby, I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks.”
I leaned over and kissed her. “Time to take my girl out. You ready?”
“Definitely ready.”
She smiled and my heart melted a little. I didn’t think I’d ever get over the way it felt when she smiled at me like that. Because she was smiling at me. And it was nothing short of amazing.
Sixteen
Brynn
Chase was literally the best boyfriend in the world.
The guys I’d dated at school had thought dating meant going out for pizza and banging afterward, usually with roommates on the other side of the wall. If Chase took me out for pizza, it was because we were both in the mood for it. Other nights, he took me to nice dinners, always insisting he liked showing me off.
He’d taken me skiing at Stevens, and night-sledding in this little out-of-the-way spot up the highway. We’d gone to movies, and even to a local community theater production of A Christmas Carol back in December. Other nights, we stayed in—snuggled up on the couch together to watch a movie with wine and popcorn.
For New Year’s, he’d splurged on two nights in the cutest little cabin about an hour from home. It was secluded with a big bed and a hot tub. We’d sat in the warm water, watching the snow fall, while the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve.
I loved it. I loved being with him, no matter what we were doing. Even when he was just sprawled out on the couch while I did homework, I loved having him there. I never wanted him to leave. Technically, he still lived with my brother, but he spent more nights at my place than he did at home. I was pretty good at convincing him to stay.
He held my hand as we walked out to his truck after dinner. I’d kicked ass on my test earlier, and our dinner date had been fantastic. It was a restaurant we’d been to before, and both loved. I was full from the meal and relaxed from my glass of wine.
My brother was still being a total pain in the ass. He wasn’t speaking to Chase at all, which was such bullshit. He was distant with me, although lately it seemed like he was trying. He was prone to drive-by hugs while I was working in the tasting room—popping in and grabbing me in a bear hug, then leaving without saying a word.
I knew he was hurting too, but trying to talk to him about Chase hadn’t helped. I kept waiting for him to get over it—or remove his head from his ass—but so far, he was being as stubborn as I’d ever seen him.
The winery grounds were quiet, the snow dampening any sound. I loved winters here. Everything was sparkling white, and my cottage was cozy. It was especially cozy with Chase to keep me warm.
He parked next to my car and turned his sweet, sexy grin on me.
“Are you coming in?” I asked.
“I am if you’re inviting me.”
I leaned over and brushed my lips against his. “Yes, please.”
He cupped my cheek and ran his thumb along my bottom lip. “Good.”
We went inside and took off all our cold-weather gear—hats, boots, gloves, coats. He seemed to know exactly what he wanted. As soon as my coat was off, he cupped my face and backed me into the bedroom, kissing me while we walked.
His lips played with mine and his tongue slid out with quick, teasing strokes. I could feel him smiling against my mouth as he kissed me.
“Get these fucking clothes off,” he growled into my ear. “I’ll get a condom.”
“You know, I’m on the pill. What do you think about not using those?”
He looked at me for a long moment, then brushed my hair back from my face. “I trust you. But I’m not risking your future. We’ll use them at least until you’re done with school. Then… we’ll see.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. I don’t mind them. Honestly, I’ve never not used one, so it’s fine.”
It felt good to hear him say that. He kissed me again, then went for the box of condoms in the drawer while I started unfastening my pants.
He paused next to the nightstand and watched while I hooked my thumbs in the waistband of my jeans and slid them down. I took my time, turning slightly so he could watch my backside while I bent over. Arching my back, I glanced at him through my hair. His eyes were glued to me. I took my time straightening to a standing position, then turned to face him.
“This is fun,” he said, the corner of his mouth hooking in a grin. The condom packet dangled from his fingers. “Now the shirt.”
I giggled and pulled at the hem of my shirt a little before bringing it up over my head. I slid my arms out and dropped it to the floor.
“We need music for this.” He took his phone out and turned on a song.
The idea of stripping for him made me giggle again. I laughed while I slid one bra strap down my arm.
“That’s it, baby.” He looked me up and down. “Keep going.”
I rolled my eyes, feeling a little silly, and moved the other bra strap down. The music hummed a slow rhythm, but I couldn’t seem to move my hips and unfasten my bra clasp at the same time. I finally got it off and tossed it aside.
“Fuck, you’re sexy. Touch yourself a little.”
The fun was melting out of this. I felt more goofy than sexy. “Chase, I’m not sure what you want me to do.”
“Just move to the music.”
I let out a breath and tucked my hair behind my ear.
“Here, I’ll go first and show you, how about that?”
Now that sounded fun. I plopped on the bed and waited while he found a song on his phone and set it on the nightstand.
He backed up toward the door and took off his shirt. He started with slow body rolls, his abs flexing as he moved his hips. His hands slid over his chest and across his abs, then he pounded his fists against his hips while he thrust hard.
Sliding his thumb over his lower lip, he sauntered closer to the bed. I loved the way he moved. He knew how to use every inch of that muscular body. With a flick of his hand, he unfastened his jeans, then slowly lowered the zipper.
A real stripper would probably have pants that ripped off, but the way Chase pulled them down was sexy as hell. His erection was thick beneath his underwear, the tip peeking out the top. He did another body roll, then grabbed his dick, and I was surprised my panties didn’t evaporate into thin air.
I saved him
the trouble and slipped them off while he moved his hips, those delicious abs flexing. He got close to the bed and took off his underwear, using them to tease little glimpses of his cock. Then he put both hands on the bed, one on either side of me, and rolled his hips, his body moving in slow waves.
Heat pooled between my legs as I watched him dance. I grabbed the condom he’d dropped on the bed and unwrapped it. He paused long enough for me to roll it down over his hard length, grinning while he watched me do it.
I backed up onto the bed, but he wasn’t finished. He knelt in front of me and put my legs up on his shoulders. Holding my ankles, he gyrated a few times, his hips hitting the backs of my thighs.
He let my legs fall to either side of him and braced himself with his arms. With long, slow thrusts, he mimicked grinding into me, then pushed himself up again. His chest dragged across my skin, making my nipples harden, and his cock brushed against my opening. This mock fucking thing he was doing was driving me crazy.
I grabbed his ass, trying to guide his cock into me, but he just smiled. His hips pressed into mine, but he rolled his body again.
“What do you want, baby?”
I giggled, moving my hips so his cock slid against me.
“Tell me,” he said.
“I want you to fuck me, Chase.”
Groaning deep in his throat, he plunged into my wet pussy. The sudden pressure of his cock filling me made me cry out. It was sweet relief and desperate need all at once.
He fucked me hard, his thrusts relentless, like he needed this as much as I did. I lifted my legs to take him in deeper, and held onto his muscular back.
His perfect rhythm pushed me to the brink so fast, I could barely breathe. My muscles clenched and tightened around him, pulsing with tension. Heat bloomed from my core, spreading across my belly to my hips and between my legs. Pressure built until I was ready to burst.
Reaching back, he grabbed my leg to pull it higher. A few more hard thrusts and I was done for. The tension exploded, sending sparks racing through my veins. I closed my eyes, gasping with the intensity as the orgasm overtook me. He didn’t stop, his cock stretching out the pleasure as he drove it in and out of me.
My orgasm faded, leaving me breathless. Chase paused his movements and kissed down my neck, giving me a second to recover.
“God, I love feeling you come,” he said.
Without warning, he pulled out and flipped me over, his hands rough and aggressive. He grabbed my ass, lifting it into the air, and plunged into my pussy. With gentle pressure, he pushed my head down to the bed and draped his body over mine.
His mouth was next to my ear and he nibbled and licked at my earlobe and neck while he fucked me from behind. His breath was warm on my neck and he grunted and growled with every thrust.
“Fuck, baby, I love you so much.”
“I love you, too.”
The thickness of his erection stretching me open still felt so good, even after an orgasm. I loved when he took what he needed. He always made sure I came first—every single time—and I loved it when he’d unleash on me afterward.
His rhythm was heating me up again, making my pussy throb. I loved the feeling of being at his mercy—trusting him with my body like this. He pinned me down, fucking me hard from behind, growling in my ear. His need drove me crazy, making my core muscles clench around his cock.
“I need you to come again,” he murmured in my ear. He nibbled on my earlobe and thrust a few more times. “Does my baby want to come?”
“Yes.”
He drove his cock in, grunting. “I want to feel you come again, baby. I love it when you come all over me.”
I was about to tell him I didn’t think it was going to happen unless we moved, but then he slid his hand down my body and reached between my legs. His fingers found my clit and involuntarily, my body jerked backward into his. He stroked my clit with his fingers while his cock drove in and out.
He kept going, breathing hard, groaning into my ear while his fingers made magic happen. The sound of his low murmurs and growls, the feel of his cock filling me, and the rhythm of his fingers sent me spiraling out of control. I cried out, rocking my hips back, as the world came apart.
His grip on me tightened and his cock thickened and pulsed. He thrust into me hard as he came, grunting as he drove his cock in deep.
“Fuck, I love you.” Thrust. “I want to marry you.”
I was so far gone in the throes of my own orgasm, his words almost didn’t register. I murmured an I love you in answer as the pulses surged through me.
Chase pulled out and collapsed next to me. He was quick to take his condom off; he was always so good about cleaning up after himself. Before I had a chance to catch my breath, he’d gathered me in his arms and held me close.
With my body curled up against him, his fingers tracing gentle circles over my skin, I wondered if I’d imagined him saying the words marry you. Was he going to mention it? Did he even realize he’d said it?
“Um, Chase?”
“Yeah, baby?” His voice was sleepy and sex-drunk.
“Did you say that on purpose?”
“Yeah.”
Wait, was he serious? “I’m not sure if we’re talking about the same thing. I don’t mean the I love you part. I mean what you said after that.”
“What?” He lifted his head to look at me. “That I want to marry you?”
“Yes, that part.”
His mouth hooked in that mischievous smile I loved so much. “Yeah.”
I sat up, covering myself with the sheet. “Okay, but… why did you say it? You didn’t just propose while you were coming in me, did you?”
He cleared his throat. “No, I guess… of course not. That was just… I don’t know.”
“Just heat of the moment?”
“Yeah. Exactly.”
There was a glimmer of something in his eyes I couldn’t quite place, but just as quickly as it had come, it was gone. He pulled me down and wrapped his arms around me. We lay together in silence for a few minutes.
“So how long have you been moonlighting as a male stripper?”
He laughed. “That was my first time. But maybe I should consider it. I bet it would be a good way to make some extra cash.”
“That was not the first time you’ve ever done that. You were amazing. How is that possible?”
“I don’t even want to tell you why I know how to do that. This story does not make me look awesome.”
“Okay, now you have to tell me.”
He groaned. “Fine. It’s mostly Zoe’s fault. She brought over Magic Mike for movie night at least ten times in a row. I don’t know if she actually liked the movie, or if she just liked torturing us. We let her get away with it for a while, but then we took away her movie picking privileges.”
“So you watched the movie and figured out the moves?”
“No, that’s just what started it. One night Cooper and I were kinda drunk and we got into an argument about who would make a better stripper. We ended up trying to prove it by showing each other our moves, except we realized neither of us had any moves. Not stripper moves, at least. So we stayed up all night using YouTube tutorials to learn how to do it. I don’t really want to get into more detail. It involves a chair and each of us standing in for the girl while we figured out how to do the lap dance stuff on each other. It wasn’t pretty.”
I started laughing so hard I curled up, clutching my stomach. “Oh my god, you gave my brother a lap dance.”
“Shut up. I was pretty drunk. And you can’t ever tell anyone.”
“Who was better? Come on, be honest. Who gave a better lap dance?”
“Me, obviously.”
“After that performance, I believe it.”
He laughed again and kissed my forehead. I relaxed against him, enjoying the warmth of his body next to mine. I was so in love with him, and as I lay there, I realized something. I wished he had been serious when he said he wanted to marry me. Because if he had be
en, I would have said yes.
Seventeen
Chase
I hadn’t exactly meant to propose to Brynn, so the way it had gone down shouldn’t have bothered me. I’d blurted it out without thinking. But I hadn’t expected her to basically shoot me down. And I wasn’t sure what it meant that she had.
Mulling it over while I worked was driving me crazy. I kept going around in circles. I’d told her I said it on purpose. And then she’d tossed the ball back, with you didn’t just propose while you were coming in me, did you?
Sure, it wasn’t a candlelight dinner with a big ring and classical music playing in the background. But she hadn’t said, “Hey, dork, maybe you should do it right, but shit yeah, I want to marry you.” She hadn’t said that at all. In fact, she’d changed the subject pretty fast.
I didn’t know what it all meant, and I was making myself nuts worrying about it.
About a week later, I cut out of work early and went over to Zoe’s house. I’d texted her to see if she was at Salishan, but apparently Roland had forced her—her word, not mine—to go home and lie down.
She and Roland lived close to the winery, in a house they’d bought last fall. It was a nice two-story with a big wrap-around porch. It looked like it would be a great place for a kid to grow up. I paused outside, looking at the snow-covered yard, the path cleared to the porch stairs, and it hit me how lucky their baby was. The little thing wasn’t even born yet, but he or she was coming into a family that was going to love it to pieces.
I knocked and heard Zoe’s come in, so I went inside and took off my coat. She was lying on the couch, half-covered with a blanket, a large empty bowl on the floor next to her.
“Puke bowl?” I asked.
“Just in case. I haven’t needed it this afternoon, but you never know.”
“Shit, Zoe, I’m sorry.” I pulled a few packages of M&Ms out of my pocket. “Want these?”
She winced. “You’re the sweetest thing ever, but not today. I did eat some toast earlier, so I have that going for me.”
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