by Rye Hart
I hung my head. “I know. If it makes any difference to you, I actually felt pretty awful about baiting those women. And I can’t apologize enough for not trusting you with the truth earlier.”
She nodded. “I appreciate that. Bottom line, I know you didn’t cheat on me.”
“Never,” I said, shaking my head vehemently. “I never would.”
I held out my hand, and she took it. My heart pounded in my chest as she stepped close and I kissed her knuckles.
“I’m terrified, Tate.” She met my eyes, and I put my arms around her waist.
“Of?”
“You. Giving you my heart wasn’t easy.”
“I’m so sorry. I’m sorry I broke that trust, and I’m sorry that I’ve made you leery of me. I love you, Kami. You’re my girl. Tell me you’re going to stay?” I pulled her closer and captured her mouth, and she pushed me back up against the glass, deepening it until she pulled away breathless.
“I’m going to stay.” I let out a long breath, and a terrible weight had been lifted as I gathered her up even closer and kissed her hard, trailing my mouth down her neck and to her breasts and back up.
“Good, because I didn’t intend on letting you go.” I kissed her again, and we made out against the window until my sister cleared her throat behind us.
“Really? Can’t you see we’re busy?” I didn’t want to let Kami go for a minute. I had my girl back.
“Sorry, but you have guests, so you better get your pretty little butts out here and greet them.” She gave me a pointed look and disappeared behind the door.
We walked out arm in arm to greet my guests, and my heart stopped as I caught a glimpse of my father through the crowd. He was studying my murals pretty hard and talking to Steven Pratt. The older man stepped out of the way, and I caught Dad’s expression. He was smiling.
“Well I’ll be damned.” I pulled her across the room to where my dad was now laughing with Steven.
“Ah, here he is, the man of the hour. I was just talking to your old man, here.”
“Hello, Dad. Thanks for coming.” I shook my father’s hand
“Tate, I have to admit, you’ve done a damn good job here. I can see why you feel like this is more than just a hobby.”
His words shocked me more than if he’d told me he was born on another planet. It wasn’t exactly a glowing endorsement, but it was the best that I could expect from him.
“I’m glad you came to check it out. And you remember my girlfriend, Kami.” Dad’s eyes lit up when he saw my girl.
“Yes, I do. She’s a real beauty, son. The old apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” He gave a snicker and pulled his own new girl closer. “This is Robin.” Robin didn’t look much older than me or my sister, but we smiled and welcomed her anyway. We may as well be nice; dad would replace her soon enough anyway.
My father and his flavor of the month left us to walk the exhibit, my sister opting to go find another drink.
“I think this might be the best night of my life,” I said as Kami settled against me.
“You did a beautiful job,” she said and I shook my head.
“I wasn’t even talking about this. I’m just so damn happy you’re giving me a second chance. By the way, did I tell you that you’re positively glowing tonight?”
She looked at me shyly and bit her lip. “Yeah, about that…”
***
“I can’t believe you’re having my baby,” I said as I spun Kami around. Once she’d whispered the news in my ear, I couldn’t wait to get her home.
Now we were snuggled in my bed and I was the happiest man in the entire world. I had the woman of my dreams in my arms, and she was carrying my child. Money, or no, nothing could have topped this night, and it was all thanks to Kami.
EPILOGUE
Kami
I sat at my computer, looking over photo submissions that I was considering for my first gallery showing. I looked over at our daughter, Eliza, sleeping peacefully in her bassinet next to me. The surge of love that shot through me every time I looked at her still took my breath away. It had been a crazy year, but I wouldn’t have changed any of it for the world. I had Tate, our daughter, and the studio and gallery I’d always dreamed about.
I heard the back door open and looked down at Eliza once more before going to greet Tate as he came in.
“Hey, babe, I’ve got great news,” he said by way of greeting.
“Me too! I almost have all the prints I want to use for the gallery showing. And I saved you a spot as promised.”
“That’s amazing, babe. I’m so proud of you,” he said with a kiss.
“So what’s your good news?” I asked.
He waved me out to the garage, and I followed. Once out in the garage, I spotted something large in the driveway through the little windows. “You’re going to love it!” He hit the button on the doors and hurried to go out while the thing lifted.
“I hope you’re right.” I ducked under the rising doors and saw his surprise.
“It’s a classic Airstream, baby! Isn’t it amazing?” His smile was so wide that I couldn’t help but smile too.
“I want a tour.”
“I’m so excited to show you. I was about to drop forty-grand on one of the bigger models, but this one was only thirty, and it’s been fully restored. The old couple selling it had health issues and needed a fast buyer. I had it all checked out. It’s perfect.” He walked up and opened the door, and I held my breath hoping the two of us, plus the baby, could sleep comfortably in the small trailer.
He opened the door, and the classic style of the little camper took my breath away as I stepped inside. “It’s so nice.” I fell into his side, and he kissed my hair.
“I knew you’d love it. It’s so much better than one of those new ones with no personality, and this one is small enough to pull with the Jeep. We’re going to be camping in style, baby.” I couldn’t help but laugh at how excited he was. With the money he had coming in a couple of years, he could have easily bought any camper he wanted, but he wanted one that was suited to our needs, one he knew we’d love and enjoy together—all three of us. He was the sexiest man ever.
“I can’t wait, baby.” I kissed him, pulling him close.
He reached up and opened an overhead compartment. “Look, I can put all my camera equipment in here. Look at the kitchen area. And it’s got a nice fridge too. We’re going to eat well.”
“How about you show me the bedroom. Let’s make sure there’s enough room in the bed for two.” I walked forward, seeing the door that led into the small sleeping area and opened it.
On the bed was a beautiful white wedding ring quilt and it was sprinkled with red rose petals. On the small side table, there was a bucket of chilled wine and two glasses.
“I was hoping you’d want to see the bedroom.” He pushed my hair aside and kissed the back of my neck. His hand trailed up my front and cupped my breast as he thrust his hips forward pressing his erection into my back.
“You’re the sweetest man.” I stroked his face and kissed his mouth, slipping my tongue in to meet his.
He walked me to the bed and lay me back against the quilt. “Do I get to keep this too?” I rubbed my hand along the quilt, and he nodded.
“It’s part of my surprise.”
“I love it, thank you.” He gave me another quick kiss on the lips before moving his way down. He slipped off my shirt and kissed me over the swells of my breasts and to my tummy. He didn’t stop until he was hovering over my mound and pressed his mouth to my thin cotton shorts. He watched me closely as he tugged at the waistband and then slipped them down. I kicked them off my feet, and he laughed at my urgency.
“Eager beaver.” He leaned up and closed his mouth over my mound, kissing and teasing my clit.
“It’s very eager, so you better not make it wait too long.” I tugged at the waistband of his jeans, and he watched as I undid his pants and slipped them off taking his undies down with them. His cock was
hard and weeping for attention, so I pulled it into my mouth and gave it a long suck. “Mm.”
“Fuck, baby. I want inside you.” He brushed his fingers through my hair and undid the clasp that held it up, letting it fall to my shoulders.
I lay back and spread my legs wide, slipping my hand down to cup my mound and trail my fingers along my slit.
He dove back down and kissed me, then came up to meet my mouth, his knees resting on the bed as he hovered over me. He put one arm down beside me and centered his cock at my entrance, wasting no time with pushing deep inside of me.
I moaned out and hissed through my teeth as he stretched me so far, I thought I might come apart.
He pumped his hips, working me at a slow, steady pace while kissing me deeply. Then he brought me over the edge of my climax and held me, staying still inside me as I trembled around him. “You’re so beautiful when you come, baby.”
And just to prove how much he liked it, he worked me through two more orgasms until the trailer was seriously rocking.
He rolled us over, and I flattened my hands on his chest as I rode him steady. “I love you, Tate.”
I love you, baby. I’ll always love you.” He stroked my breasts and rose up to capture a nipple between his teeth. I moaned and rolled my head to the side as he quickened the pace, cupping my ass to lift me off and on his throbbing cock.
“Fuck, baby. I’m coming.” He twitched inside me as he came and I gripped his cock with my slick walls and milked every last drop.
We collapsed on the bed, and he tucked me to his side as I traced the pretty fabric of the quilt. “May I have some wine?” I trailed my toes along his calf, and he sat up to pour us a glass.
He handed me mine and then took his holding it up high. “To our new camper, to many nights under the stars, to us.”
“Cheers.” I took a sip, and he brushed the hair away from my face and smiled at me. “What’s that look for?”
“I’m thinking about how pretty you are. You’ll be a beautiful bride one day. I can’t wait to see you all in white, walking down that aisle toward me.”
“Assuming I marry you.” I laughed, and he gave me a wounded look. I passed him my glass, and he placed it on the table.
“You’ve already had my baby,” he said, beaming with pride.
My heart swelled when I thought about how he was with our daughter. He loved her fiercely and was an amazing father.
“True, but that isn’t exactly a proposal.”
“I guess I better hurry up and ask then.” I wondered what he was doing when he put his wine glass down and pulled open the little bedside drawer.
“That’s a handy little—"
Seeing what he had in his hands, I froze. The little blue box was the perfect size for a ring, and my heart beat faster when he got down on his knees.
“Kami, I love you so much. I want to end every night with you and start each morning by your side. Would you do me the honor of being my wife?” He opened the box, and the ring inside sparkled.
My heart burned in my chest and my eyes filled with tears. “Yes! Are you kidding me? of course!” I fell into his arms, and he held me so tight I couldn’t catch my breath. Our tears mingled as I kissed him, and we held each other for a quiet moment of nothing but the two of us in love.
Just as I leaned down to give him another long kiss, I heard a squeak coming from the open door leading into the house from the garage.
“Sounds like the princess is awake,” I said, smiling.
“Should we tell her our good news?” He asked.
“We should,” I said.
As we walked back into the house and Tate grabbed Eliza from her bassinet and pepper her with kisses until she giggled, a lump formed in my throat.
I was the luckiest woman in the world.
The End
RYE HART SNEAK PEEKS
ROCK HARD NEIGHBOR
PROLOGUE
His eyes were hungry, and I knew exactly what they were craving.
He picked me up gently, and I sighed into his neck. He turned his lips to my skin, and I could’ve sworn I felt their warmth. My skin puckered and the hair on the back of my neck stood on end. I pulled back to take in his eyes once more, giving myself one last chance to revel in their beauty.
Then, without a word, he kissed me.
It was hesitant at first. Light and non-committal. His lips were pillow soft, and his beard tickled my cheeks. His hands slid down my back before they cupped my ass, and immediately I found my nipples tightening to sharp peaks. His tongue swiped lightly at my lips, asking for entrance.
I fisted his shirt and pulled him even closer, and it unleashed the madman inside.
Picking me up off the floor, he settled me on the counter. Its rickety form creaked underneath my body weight, but he held me steady and close to him. His kisses trickled down my neck, sending shivers up my spine as his mouth cupped my clothed breasts.
My hands were twirling into the tresses of his hair as he traveled down my body.
His hands were everywhere. Cupping my tits and running down my side. They made quick work of my pants, pulling the heated material from my body. The cool mountain air streaming in from the open kitchen window hit my soft molds, causing me to shiver as his eyes looked down upon me.
They were hungry, and I knew exactly what they were craving.
He grabbed a chair from the other side of the island and sat down. His hands pressed my legs open, folding them back up to me as he eyed my dripping folds. I was exposed to him, shivering on top of the creaking countertop as I looked down at him.
His eyes hooked on mine one last time before his lips descended to my folds.
He kissed them repeatedly, making me jump and whimper. His beard tickled the insides of my thighs as I slowly wrapped my legs around his head. My fingers ran through his hair as his tongue pierced my folds, sliding right into my entrance. I arched into him as my nails raked across his scalp, and his hands wrapped around my thighs so he could pull me closer to him.
His tongue felt like fire as he teased electricity up and down my legs. His tongue licked thick stripes up my slit, then swallowed down my juices as he hummed into me. His voice rattled my ribcage, and his hands held me down, pinning my movements to the countertop as his tongue worked my clit.
I could feel myself dripping. I could feel my legs trembling against his back. His lips wrapped around my clit and pulled it into his mouth, his tongue flicking at lightning speed. I was breathless and at his mercy as my eyes watered with want. I gripped onto his hair as I tried to buck into him, wanting to chase my high on the tip of his tongue.
But his hands held me down as he teased me generously, turning me into a moaning mess.
“Please. Oh, please. I can’t. I can’t wait. You’re driving me crazy.”
I felt him smile into me as my back arched again. I wanted to be so close to him. I wanted to come at the ministrations of his tongue. If he would let me come, I could give him what he wanted. If he could release me, my name would tumble from his lips.
If he could just send me over the edge, I would give him something in return.
Finally, his hands gave way. They slid down my thighs and parted my knees once again. I rocked into him as much as I could as he pinned my knees toward my chest. His entire body was hovering over me as his eyes hooked onto my face. I could feel sweat gathering at the nape of my neck. I could feel my body flushing with orgasmic delight. His tongue flattened out over my clit as juices dripped down my crack.
I was so close I could taste it.
CHAPTER 1
AMANDA
Shit!
Get it together Amanda.
It was a cold winter day in New York and I stood barefoot on the distressed hardwood floors of my apartment. My hands trembled as I held the crisp white letter addressed to me. It was from my grandmother’s estate attorney.
My grandmother passed away from a long battle with pneumonia and left me her home. Months had passed since h
er funeral, and I was still dealing with the loss of the one person I’d loved most in the world. I referred to her as my sweet Gigi. While she relentlessly encouraged me to follow my dreams, I still felt guilty for moving hundreds of miles away for art school and the pursuit of an art career.
No amount of accomplishments compared to her unconditional love, or her famous Sunday morning buttery biscuits. God, those biscuits were pure heaven. Gigi must have packed them with crack or something wicked - they were that good.
The thought of owning the house I’d grown up in overwhelmed me with nostalgia and a longing to get back to the place I called home – beautiful North Carolina.
Maybe everything did happen for a reason.
Maybe my life had hit rock bottom because there was something better waiting for me. Could it be that Gigi wanted me to return to my roots?
Perhaps I was supposed to have a horrible relationship with the man I once called the one – so I could take a step back and grow into my own skin.
Or, maybe I was bat shit crazy!
There was only one way to find out – and I was convinced that North Carolina was that way. I had to at least give it go. I owed Gigi that much.
When my parents split, my mother relied heavily on her to help care for me. My father cheated on my mother multiple times, and then she fell into drugs and alcohol to cope with her troubles. To say that part of my childhood was a complete shit show would have been an understatement.
Gigi was my rock, my support, and my sole source of encouragement my entire teenage life. She even supported me through art school in New York City. She fought for my dreams, harder than anyone ever had. She was my guardian angel.
I missed her so damn much it hurt. Now, I knew she was watching over me from a distance.
I just prayed I wouldn’t let her down.
***
So, you’re just going to leave without a word?
Groaning at the text message from my ex, Daryl, I tossed my phone onto the airplane tray in front of me. I was on my flight to North Carolina, and he wouldn’t stop messaging me. Leave without a word? I broke up with him over a month ago.