by Ella Goode
Mom pats her on the shoulder. “Of course you don’t. Ben moved away when he married your mom, and you never got the chance to connect with Mae—not that it is your fault, mind you. What are you doing standing there with the door open, Dane? You’re letting all the flies in,” she chides me.
“Yes, ma’am. Brought dinner.” I raise the bags as a sort of shield. I might be thirty but once a mom, always a mom. “You should show Khloe some of your Mae pictures while I get dinner ready.”
Mom sniffs. “What are you making?”
“Lasagna.”
“You know how to make lasagna?” Khloe asks. Apparently a man who cooks comes as a surprise.
I give her a wink. “Keep up, baby. I’ve got a whole repertoire of dishes.”
She flushes and my mom coos.
“We just met, Mrs.—“
“Thea, call me Thea, and, yes, tell me all about how you met.” Mom hooks her arm through Khloe’s elbow and hauls her away.
As I’m walking into the kitchen, I hear Mom say, “Of course, I made him learn how to cook and do his own laundry. Men can’t just be pretty these days. They have to have skills. Dane can cook, clean, and even knows how to fold a fitted sheet.”
“A fitted sheet?” Khloe sounds genuinely shocked.
I roll my eyes. From the way Mom acted the day I figured that trick out, you’d think I’d learned how to craft gold from hay. How is that my best skill? As Mom tries to convince Khloe I’m the catch of the century, I heat the oven, boil the noodles, and brown the meat. Once it’s all put together and baking, I clean up and join my two girls.
“You get to the naked baby pictures yet?” I ask, settling in next to Khloe. She tries to move over, but the sofa arm keeps her from going far. I swallow up the small space she made with my larger frame and lay my arm across the back of the sofa. Her hip presses against my thigh and her smaller leg stretches out next to mine. Her body’s warm and her scent sweet—my cock pulses in excitement and anticipation.
“We started with those. You had a sweet baby bottom,” Khloe tries to tease me.
“Later you can see how good it looks now.”
“Your mother is right here,” Khloe hisses.
“Mom, Khloe and I—”
Khloe slaps a hand across my mouth. My mom laughs. “You keep that thought to yourself, son. Your girl isn’t ready to hear it.”
“I’m not his girl, Mrs.—“
“Thea, please, and of course not. You’re just friends. Isn’t that what you kids call it these days?” Mom snaps the photo album shut and sends me a silent but forceful message to not screw this up. I wink at her reassuringly.
“Yes, just friends.” Khloe sighs in relief, thinking that Mom’s finally on her side. “Thank you for sharing the stuff about Mae, though. That’s so interesting and you’re right. She was beautiful. Way more beautiful than me.” Self-conscious, Khloe tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear.
“Nonsense. You’re just as gorgeous, if not more so. I bet you cause so many accidents walking across the street. Dane, you better be with her as much as possible to protect all the citizens of Smithville from getting hurt just from looking at our Khloe.”
“Don’t worry, Mom. You raised me right. I’m not leaving Khloe’s side.”
10
Khloe
Thea peppers me with questions throughout dinner while also slipping in reasons about why Dane is such a catch. Dane watches me the whole time, taking in everything I’m saying. It’s actually really adorable. It’s sweet how close they are. His mom truly loves him. I can see now where Dane gets some of that pushy personality he’s got going on. I’m enjoying spending time with them.
It was so nice of Thea to take the time to show me pictures of Aunt Mae. It made me feel more connected to her. I have to admit, I enjoyed looking at the pics of Dane more than I should have.
“More coffee?” Thea asks.
“I can't. I don’t think I can fit anything else in my stomach tonight.” I look down at my watch. “Anyways, my bedtime is creeping up on me.”
Thea’s shoulders drop. “I didn't realize it had gotten so late. You know what they say about time when you’re having a good time.” She smiles at me.
“I had a really great time. Thank you for everything.”
She grabs my hand, giving it a squeeze. “You come back over here soon and I’ll tell you more stories about Mae.”
“I’ll do that.” I stand, giving her a hug. She hugs me back tight like a mom should. I will myself to let go so I don’t make a fool out of myself. She’s not my mom. But there’s something so comforting about her. She makes me want to tell her my whole life story.
“She’s a good hugger.” Thea smiles at Dane.
“I wouldn't know.” I snort a laugh.
“Are you pouting about not getting a hug?” I stare up at Dane.
“Yes,” he says with no shame.
“Fine.” I open my arms to give him a hug. He wraps his arms around me, lifting me off my feet. “I don’t think this is a hug.”
“You two are so cute.” I look over Dane’s shoulder to see Thea waving goodbye.
“Bye.” I wave back as Dane goes out the front door. “You’re a brute. You know that?” He opens up the passenger door, putting me inside.
“Seems so.”
“Is this a new revelation to you?” I lift an eyebrow at him.
“Yep.” He steps back, shutting the door before he rounds the front of the SUV to hop into the driver's seat. He reaches over me, grabbing my seatbelt and fastening it. His scent puts me into some sort of trance, and the next thing I know his lips are on mine. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
I should stop this. I should push him away, but his mouth feels so damn good on mine. Before I realize what’s happening, he breaks the kiss. I miss that mouth of his instantly. I watch as he reaches down, unbuckling my seatbelt. He pulls me into his lap. I don’t exactly resist. I mean I’d have to be insane not to want more.
“We’re only making out because you're hot as hell, can cook, and your ass is mighty fine. This doesn’t mean anything beyond that.” I watch as he gives me a full-blown smile that almost melts my damn panties off.
“Whatever you say, baby.” Good. That’s exactly how it should be.
I dig my fingers into his short hair as his rough hands slip up under my shirt. They feel good against my skin. I rock against him, pushing my sex down on his cock right where I need it. I let out a moan, pulling my mouth from his as his thumb brushes across my nipple.
“Keep moving, baby,” he orders. His other hand grabs my ass to keep me rocking against him as the orgasm pushes down on me. He licks and sucks at my neck. It feels like his hands and mouth are everywhere. I close my eyes, enjoying the feel of him against me as the orgasm takes me. I cry out his name, my fingers digging into his hair harder until I let go. I melt into him, my head lying on his shoulder, burying my face in his neck.
“What happened?” I have no idea where that just came from.
“You came for me.” I sit up, looking at him. His hair is a mess from my fingers, his mouth a little red. I’m sure I look the same. I lean back but jump when I make the horn go off. It’s then I remember we’re still in front of the house. I dive to the other side, ducking down.
“Drive before your mom sees us.” Dane just chuckles. “Drive!” I reach over and smack his thigh.
“Not going anywhere until you put a seatbelt on.” I groan, sitting up and latching my seatbelt. I fold my arms over my chest. “Fucking cute,” I hear him say before he starts the car and takes off. I’m not cute, I'm annoyed. That’s a lie. I’m still on an orgasmic high. “She didn't see anything. My mom isn't going to peek out the window to see if I’m getting my girl off.” I bury my face in my hands.
“Don’t say it like that.”
“Saying the truth.” We sit in silence for the short drive back to my place. “Stay put,” he says before hopping out to open the door for me. He takes my hand,
walking me to the door.
“Thank you for tonight. I had a really nice time.”
“I knew you and Mom would get along.” He tucks a piece of hair behind my ear. I close my eyes, dropping my head back for my kiss. I peek my eyes open when he doesn't kiss me to see he’s unlocking my door.
“How did you get my key?” I hold my keys up that I have in my hand. My key is right there.
“Had one.” He pulls me inside, closing the door behind me.
“No. I’m supposed to kiss you on the front porch and then you go home. That’s how this works.”
“Not for me.” He drops the bag that’s on his shoulder onto the floor.
“What is that?”
“You want something to drink?”
“No, I’m good. Wait.” I throw my hands up. “This is my house. I’m supposed to ask if you want something to drink.”
“I’m good but thanks.” He winks at me.
“I wasn't actually asking.”
“You want to watch a movie or you want to go straight to bed?” He walks over to the sofa, grabbing the remote before he sits down. “Get comfortable. I’ll find us something to watch.” I kick my shoes off in his direction. My aim is terrible and only hits the wall. He flips through the channels.
I lean down, opening his bag. “What is all this?” I look back up at him. “Is this an overnight bag? You think you’re staying the night?” I put my hands on my hips. How does he go from sweet and charming back to whatever this is? “This isn't how this works,” I mumble.
Dane drops the remote on the coffee table. “Your ex might have taken you home and walked you to the door and gave you a kiss before he left. Notice he’s not here.”
“Because he cheated on me.” He stares at me. “Okay, I was planning to break up with him, but that’s not the point.”
“It's exactly the point.” I should be angry. Livid really. He’s taken over my house. Why is it a little bit charming too? Not that I would ever in my life tell him that.
“Come over here.” He pats the sofa next to him. “I’ll come get you and bring you over here. One way or another it’s happening.” I stomp over to the sofa, plopping down before folding my hands over my chest. He puts his arm around me.
“One wrong move and you’re out of here.”
“If you say so.” He pulls me more into his side. I relax into him. He smells too good and feels just right. I have no idea what movie he picked. I was out as soon as I laid my head on his chest.
11
Dane
I let her sleep for an hour. A gentleman might’ve carried her to the bedroom, laid a blanket over those sweet curves, and seen himself out. No one has ever accused me of being that kind of man. She’s too enticing, too sexy, sprawled across my lap. I sweep a hand over the rise of her hip and into the dip of her waist. I let the warmth of my hand sink into her skin. Her eyes blink slowly, like a small kitten waking from a nap.
I reach for her chin and tilt her neck back. “Don’t know all of your past, but I do know what’s in your future. It’s me. Get used to it.”
I don’t give her time to protest. I just kiss her. She’s mine now. Kissing her is my right. Her body belongs to me. Her days are mine and her nights are too. I snake my hand up her shirt and find her breast covered in lace and silk. Her nipple peaks under my fingers. Her tit is full and lush, her nipple hard and taut. Her body begs to be devoured.
Our tongues clash in a wet, hungry battle. She might want me, but she’s not happy about it. I don’t care. I’m feeding her body right now, and her body wants touches and kisses and caresses. The way in which she arches into my hand or the way she clutches my neck all say the same though—she’s fucking starved.
I drop my hand down to her cloth-covered pussy and press the heel of my hand against her mound. She grinds up against me, moaning into my mouth. More, her actions scream, give me more.
Baby, you don’t need to ask twice. I shove my hand under her panties until my fingers make contact with her bare skin. She’s drenched and swollen. I slide my fingers on either side of her cunt lips and rub.
She makes a needy high-pitched sound in the back of her throat and breaks away from my mouth, panting for air.
“Hungry, are you?” I grunt in satisfaction. “Want to ride my fingers?”
Her lips tighten as she tries to keep her yes inside her mouth. She knows once I’m inside of her, that’s the end. No matter how hard she tries to deny it, she’s lowering her walls.
“You don’t have to say a word, Khloe. I got you.” I slip two fingers inside of her. The resistance of her tight cunt doesn’t go unnoticed, nor does the widening of her eyes and another swallowed gasp. She hasn’t seen much action here. I’d guess that she’s seen none—not even a toy or her own fingers. “You’re a real virgin, aren’t you? Literally untouched.” She’s been saving herself for me and didn’t even notice. “Don’t you worry. I’m going to take good care of you.” I prop her up slightly so she can watch me fuck her with my hand. “I’ll be gentle now but later when it’s my cock, I’m going to fuck you hard and long.” Her pussy clenches around my fingers, ecstatic at the idea.
She starts to tremble as the fire I’m stoking between her legs becomes a full-fledged inferno. The phone rings. I ignore it.
“Your pho—“
“Forget it.” I push another finger inside of her. My dick’s fucking thick and I don’t want to hurt her when the time comes for us to fuck.
“But—“
“Focus on your cunt, Khloe.”
The phone keeps ringing.
“They’re ca—“
I pick up the phone and hurl it across the room. The metallic crash mingles with her surprised yelp and yet, the fucking thing doesn’t stop ringing. A muffled laugh escapes her mouth. She takes advantage of my momentary distraction to wriggle free of my grip and push me off of her.
“I can’t focus on my cunt, Dane,” she says, climbing off the sofa. “Your phone is too distracting.” She puts her hands on her hips. “Aren’t you the chief of police? This could be a town emergency.”
I get up with a sigh and go to the kitchen to wash my hands off. I don’t think she’s in the mood to watch me lick my fingers clean—more’s the pity. “Ren’s on duty.”
“Someone wants you.”
You, I think. You’re supposed to want me. And she does, but she’s still trying to convince herself that I’m a bad bet. I wipe my hands dry and take the phone. Through the cracked screen I can see that it is dispatch. I give Rose at the station a call.
“Ren’s checking out a disturbance at Easters and we got a report from Tina Schulz that someone’s lurking in her backyard and she—and I quote—‘won’t be able to sleep a wink until Dane gets here and checks out my gardens.’ I think she’s saying she wants you to—“
“Yeah, I got it,” I cut in before Rose can tell me more explicitly exactly what she thinks Tina wants me to do.
“Don’t forget that your motto is protect and serve,” she cackles, a little too gleefully.
I tuck my phone into my pocket. “You got a jacket somewhere?” I ask. There’s a front hall closet near the door. I head over to check it out.
“Why?”
“I need to check something out and Ren’s busy.” I rummage through it and pull out a zip-up sweatshirt. It’s not exactly the best covering for tonight, but it’s better than the floral coat and thick puffy winter one. I’ll have to stop by the hardware store tomorrow and pick up a barn coat. If she’s going out with me, she’ll need something thicker.
“Okay, but what does that have to do with me?”
“You’re coming with.” I shake the hoodie. “Come over and put this on so we can get this errand over with.” The sooner we are done with Tina Schulz, the sooner I’m going to have my hand down Khloe’s pants. Or, better yet, my mouth.
“I’m not going with you.” She pushes her hair out of her face. “I’m going to bed. I’m tired and I have a full day of recording tomorrow.�
�
“Your new mic’s not here yet and I need you.”
“For what?”
“Protection.”
12
Khloe
What am I doing? I peek over at Dane. I think his hands have special powers or something. Why else would I be back in his car going on a work call with him? I’m not even sure this is legal. I also have a feeling that he makes the rules around here, so it doesn't matter if it is legal or not. I mean, he’s been breaking the rules since the first moment I met him.
“You cold or you pouting?” he asks, turning up the heat. I’m not cold but I’m not pouting either. I drop my folded arms. I’m confused about what the heck is going on between us. This man keeps pushing himself into my life. I’m beginning to like it way more than I’m willing to admit. It’s endearing in a sweet, annoying way.
“I’m not pouting.” I suck my bottom lip in just to make sure. He only smirks, knowing I’m full of shit. I look out the window so I don’t accidently stare at his handsome face. Why is he so hard for me to resist?
As much as I’m thankful for him getting the phone call, I have to admit that I’m mad too. I wanted my orgasm, but the ring of the phone had brought me right back down to reality. Dane was still in my house because he’d refused to leave. Not that I’d pushed real hard for him to leave.
Then when I woke up he seduced me so I’d forget that fact. It had worked. Him and his magical fingers. Fingers that were inside me ten minutes ago. I clench my thighs together, trying to push away the memory of how his deep voice had told me he was eventually going to take me long and hard.
“This shouldn't take too long.” He turns down another road. I have no clue where we are. Not sure how that’s possible being this is a small town. I guess small really only means the size of the population. In reality Smithville is pretty freaking big. It is going to take me some time to really get to know my way around here. I have to admit that I’m looking forward to it.