Around the World in 80 Men Series Boxed Set 1-10

by Brandi Ratliff

  It's just Tanner, why am I freaking out!? She continued having mental conversations with herself as she followed the last of the stragglers into the airport. We'll just have fun. No sex. Fun! Her foot subconsciously stomped the ground with affirmation but her thoughts argued once again as she found the baggage claim area. Why can't we be friends with sex? No, that will complicate things. No sex. That's final. Morgan knew she cared about Tanner. Very much so, but she wasn't sure if it was true feelings or lust...or both...but she wanted to be sure either way. No, it's definitely more than lu...

  “Tanner!!!! Oh! Tanner!” he had grabbed her from behind and picked her up, holding her ass between his arms. Without even thinking, Morgan grabbed the sides of his face and gave him the most passionate kiss she had ever shared with him.

  “Miss me?” Oh, God! The wink....already with that wink. I forgot how much I fucking loved it.

  She gave him a playful slap to his chest and kissed him again. “Yes, I missed you so much!”

  “Well, we have to get out of here. Now.” He set her down gently and the young girl brought her eyebrows together in confusion.

  “Why, what's going on?” she asked him.

  “It takes thirty minutes to get to my house. I want you naked in thirty-one.”

  New Zealand

  Book Eight

  Chapter One

  Don't tell me that was your stomach!” Tanner's eyes shot to Morgan's belly and she covered it in response. Just like the first time they met, she was starving and her body was going to make it known.

  “Hey, they only had these nasty looking egg sandwiches on the plane this morning!” she defended herself.

  Tanner's eyes went back to the road, but she could still see his wide smile on his profile. “Well, what will it be?”

  Morgan thought for a moment. It was only nine-thirty in the morning, but she hadn't eaten in nearly a day. A burger. That's what she wanted. “Well, I know it's early, but if it wouldn't be too much, I'd love to have one of those burgers...the kind we had before...”

  “Ya kidding? It's never too early for a burger! We've got one of those places by my house.” He reached across the car and took her hand in his. Morgan let out a soft sigh. Just the touch of his hand sent a bolt of desire through her body as the memories of what his hands could do flooded her thoughts.

  I have five days to decide. Morgan was going to have to determine the answer to her biggest question. Were her feelings for him real, or was it just the newness and his incredibly hot body and magic tongue that made her want to be with him? And if I decide that I do like him, does he feel the same, or is it all just lust? She wondered if she should try to postpone the sex part. I can do that, she told herself. It would be easy to delay it. But she already knew what the outcome would be. No, I am going to have fun with him first, talk later.

  She thanked him in advance for the burger and the remainder of the trip to Tanner's house was spent commenting on everything they passed. As they got out of the city, the landscape changed drastically. From hotels and shopping malls to forests and isolation. She could see why he would want to live out of the city. It was just beautiful. Her favorite part was when Tanner had pulled his beat up truck to the side of the road so she could get a few photographs of a group of wild white cockatoos.

  “I can't believe how lucky you are! You get to see this stuff every day?” she asked him after they had climbed back inside the vehicle.

  “Ah, you get used to it. Most of the critters you see around here are more of a nuisance to be honest. Those pretty white birds you were snapping shots of...wait until you're trying to sleep and all of them want to have a chatter by your window.” Morgan could see how that could be a bit annoying over time, but since she was only there for a few days, she wouldn't mind if they came to sing to her.

  “Do you...well, I don't want to sound all typical tourist or anything...” she began. “But are there any kangaroos around here?” Morgan hadn't expected there to be any, but when he answered her with a big grin, she was pretty convinced of the answer.

  When they got to the burger place, Morgan had asked if they could take them to go instead of sitting inside and he had been more than okay with the thought. Just like their first 'date' together, he got them both a big cheeseburger and a strawberry milkshake. In less than ten minutes of receiving their food, they were pulling onto a long dirt driveway into what looked to Morgan to be a forest.

  “You live back here? This is so cool!” In the middle of the 'forest' was his home. Around the house was roughly two acres of grass, then around that were the trees. It was as if a perfect square of land had been cut out for his house. Just trees and trees for as far as Morgan could see. “Nobody would even know there was a house back here!”

  “That's the point,” he released her hand and climbed out of the driver's seat, then came around to her side and let her out. “I like my privacy,” Tanner grabbed her hand again and helped her down.

  “So that means I can walk around naked in your front yard?” She lifted one eyebrow as if daring him to say no.

  “You have my full permission to take your clothing off now and not put them on again until I'm taking you to the airport.” He gave her the wink again. Oh, you bastard. You have any idea what that does to me?

  His house was like she had expected. No pillars, no valet to come grab their bags, no fancy shutters and no people outside pulling weeds. It was a big home, that in itself might say 'money', but it wasn't fancy. Like his truck, a few parts of the home could have used a new coat of paint, but it definitely wasn't an eyesore. The front porch was as long as the front of the house, and when Morgan got closer, she could see that it wrapped all the way around. “Can we eat outside?” Without waiting for an answer she grabbed the bag from his hand and ran over to the porch steps, sitting down before he had even registered the question.

  “Be right back,” Tanner walked past her and went through the porch to his front door. As she dug into the bag for evidence of a fry escapee, she heard him click open the front door and go inside. When he returned a few minutes later with two ice cold beers, she was reminded of why she enjoyed his company so much. His carefree attitude was what she loved about him. Burgers and beer for breakfast. Nothing beats that.

  “I love your house. I love all of this. I wish I could have seen this last time I came here,” she shoved a bite of fries in her mouth when she finished speaking.

  “Well, you're here now. I'm so glad you decided to come back. I really missed you,” Tanner replied though a full mouth. Even through his muffled burger voice, she could hear the sincerity. He cares. I don't know why I would ever doubt that.

  “I missed you too. Very much. I think about you all the time.” The words came out of her mouth before she could think. Crap. I wasn't going to talk about feelings right now!

  “You've been on my mind since you climbed into the taxi, Morgan. I should have gone to the airport with you.”

  “Aw, you had your cast on and everything. I didn't expect you to go through all of that. It's okay. I'm here now,” she repeated his words and leaned over, kissing him softly on the cheek. His words meant a lot to her, being that Finlay, Dante, and Giovani had never offered to see her off. Not that it was a big deal either way...she was a big girl and could find her flight, but it was nice for Tanner to have thought about it.

  “You're right, and I'm so happy. Now, finish your food so we can celebrate,” he changed the mood in just one sentence and Morgan found herself practically inhaling her food with anticipation. It wasn't a thought any longer to postpone anything.

  She finished her burger in a couple more large bites and brushed the salt off of her jeans. The sound of her bracelet jingling around her wrist caught Tanner's attention just as he was about to stand. He sat his ass back down on the step and gently grabbed her wrist, bringing it closer to his eyes.

  “Wow...looks like your bracelet has grown a bit...” He sounded shocked, but at the same ti
me, amused.

  “Uh....yeah.” Morgan blushed at the thought. Tanner had given her the bracelet and now there were four more additions to it.

  “Did you buy these or did...” That time, there was a tinge of hurt in his voice and it made Morgan's face heat for the second time. She hadn't thought about her bracelet or what he would think about the new charms, but she had already told him she cared for other clients as well. He couldn't be upset with her and she wasn't going to let it bother her.

  “I bought the other fish,” she said, pointing to the Maui Maui. “I went fishing in Hawaii and caught my first one!” She was still proud of her catch and it showed with her beaming smile.

  “That's great!” Tanner was back to his normal tone, but his face wore an expression that told her he wanted to know about the others. “The sheep?”

  “That's from Sean. Remember the Irish guy? Finlay's friend?” Morgan explained.

  “Oh, yes. I definitely remember. I'm not going to ask...” He laughed and Morgan followed suit. He had given her a fish because they had spent a wonderful afternoon in the water, making love among the fishes. She could only imagine where Tanner's mind would be wandering with thoughts of a sheep. “And the bird?”

  “That one is from Angel. He was my last client's assistant.”

  “Oh!” Tanner's face lit up and Morgan knew what he was thinking.

  “No! It's not like that! Angel's gay!” She pushed him in his arm for thinking she might have strayed with Gio's valet. Tanner then asked about the coconut and Morgan explained Kole's hatred and why it was so funny that he had bought her a coconut charm.

  “So...” Tanner spun the bracelet around her wrist as if he were looking for something. “Where's that Fin guy's charm?”

  Just as he had done the first time they met, Morgan nearly spit out the gulp of milkshake she had just spooned into her mouth. “You're jealous!” Morgan laughed hard at her own words.

  “I am not. It's a serious question. I just figured you two had something,” Morgan giggled again at his bitter tone. “I figured he would have tried to outdo me by now.” He was definitely jealous!

  “I don't know what he and I have, but it's not like I want more charms. Just like I told my last client...he wanted me to pick out something for my bracelet. It doesn't work like that. You giving me this bracelet was one of the sweetest things anyone has ever given me and every time I look at this little fish, I think of you.”

  Before he could respond, they both heard a loud noise from the side of the house that caught both of their attention. “What was that?” Morgan stepped down from the porch and slowly began walking toward the sound. Tanner smiled behind her back, knowing exactly what had caused the ruckus.

  “I don't know,” he responded as serious as he could and quietly snapped a leaf from one of the shrubs in front of his porch. “Let me go first,” he bravely put his arm in front of her and pushed her behind him. “Stay here.”

  Tanner went around the corner and met up with his nuisance friends. “Morgan!” he yelled and she whipped around the corner after him. He was on the ground, surrounded by three large gray kangaroo's.

  “Tanner! What do I do?” Morgan brought her hands up to her face. Are kangaroos mean? Are they going to bite him? Just then, he grabbed her hand and pulled her to the ground with him. After a few seconds of panic, Morgan realized they weren't going to hurt either of them. Instead, Tanner had his arms completely around one of them and the roo had his head on Tanner's shoulder.

  “You know these guys?” Morgan laughed and slowly reached up to touch the smallest of the three. Tanner gave her a slight nod and she made contact with the fluffy marsupial.

  “Yeah. I actually knew their mum as well. They've come around here for about three years now. I hand fed them when they were babies, and you see all these?” Tanner pointed to the bushes and trees surrounding his porch and she nodded. “I had them all planted for them.”

  So Tanner chooses to spend his money, not on an expensive car or clothing or home...he buys two-hundred trees for baby kangaroos. “That is the sweetest thing I've ever heard.”

  “Oh, shhh.” He stood from the ground and helped her up. “You can see these guys later. It's been more than thirty-one minutes.”

  Chapter Two

  “Ahhhh!” Morgan's scream-laugh made the furry guests jump back when Tanner put his hands at Morgan's ass and lifted her to his waist. She was face to face with him as he ran up the front porch steps and into the house. “I don't even get to look around first?” She was still laughing as he took the stairs to the second floor, two at a time, with her still in tow.

  “Nope.” He pushed his bedroom door open with his booted foot, and carried her all the way to his king sized bed. Tanner put her down gently and pulled his black tee over his head, then tossed it on the floor. “Take your clothes off.” His face held a hint of amusement, but it had been taken over mostly by lust. He stared at her while he kicked his boots off, and flung them across the room.

  “So, my easy going Tanner is also the take charge type?” Morgan smiled and slowly unzipped her jacket as she watched him step out of his jeans. “What else do you want?” The new side to Tanner was exciting, and her body filled with a flash of desire that she knew he could flame with one touch.

  “I want you out of these clothes.” Tanner wasn't going to wait any longer, and he had her undressed in under thirty seconds. “God, I don't know how I forgot how beautiful you are!” His eyes and large hands ran slowly from her thighs to her neck. Morgan sighed as pleasure was left in the wake of his touch. “You want to know what else I want?” He spoke as he lowered his long body over hers, “I want to taste every inch of your skin...,” his words were muffled when his lips met her neck.... “I want to spend hours pleasing you in all the ways that I know you like...” his head lowered and he took one pink nipple into his mouth, then pulled his teeth slowly up the tiny bud. Morgan's blood rushed to the area and caused a sensation that forced her legs to wrap tightly around his waist. She moaned loudly and tried to pull his mouth back to her body. Tanner remained inches from her full breast. “I want everything....but for right now..” he raised his body and kissed her completely, a kiss that left her breathless and needing more... “all I want is to be inside of you.” She felt his hand move between their bodies, and she raised her middle in greedy invitation.

  As Tanner gently pushed himself inside of her, Morgan nudged him with her legs. She wanted the same thing that he did, a connection that would make up for lost time, one that told the other how much they had longed for each other. “I don't want it easy.” She looked up at his face and watched his eyes slightly narrow with desire.

  “I don't either.” His breathy reply was all she needed to pull him harder against her, and deeper inside of her.

  Morgan's body arched against his every move, moaning into his shoulder as he filled her over and over again. He raised his head enough to put his forehead against hers, and she wrapped her hands around his neck and held him there while their bodies met in a frenzy of passion.

  With one large hand under Morgan's bottom, Tanner held her still while his final thrusts sent him over the edge. He dropped his head to her neck and his loud moan of pleasure filled the room as his large cock jerked inside of her. She moved her body slowly against him as the last of his desire left his body, and entered hers.

  “Holy shit, Tanner!” Morgan pushed her sweat dampened hair from her face as Tanner rolled to her side.

  “I guess we needed that, huh?” He kissed her cheek before sitting up in bed. “When you've regained the ability to walk, I'll be happy to show you around.” He laughed as Morgan's pillow flew by his head.

  “We'll see who's laughing tonight, big boy.” Morgan rolled to the side of the bed and dodged a fanny swat in the process.

  The two managed several more threats to one another as they got dressed, and Morgan even suggested that Tanner wouldn't be up for round two. “All I need is this.
..,” he tapped his lips slowly, “and you're sweet putty in my hands.” He casually started to stroll from the room when Morgan replied.

  “Hmmm, let's wager a little bet.” That made his stop and turn around, his smile showing interest in what she had to offer. “Later, when we're ready, let's see who has the most skills. Whoever lasts the longest, wins.”

  “So, when you come first, what do I get?” His smile was intoxicating as he walked closer and put his hands at her waist.

  “When you come first, you'll owe me a day on Lady Godiva. Should I lose, and I won't, I'll give you....”

  “Another visit, the first chance you get.” His looked turned serious, and he pulled her closer against his warm body. Her heart raced at hearing his words, more importantly, the sincerity in his tone.

  “I'll give you another visit.” She looked into his eyes and made her promise with as much sincerity.

  “Deal.” His familiar smile returned as he took her hand and led her from the room.

  Back on the main floor, Morgan walked through each room and took in everything that he had put into his home. One whole wall in his living room was covered in large photos of his boats, each one with him and several other men, enjoying a day of fishing. The opposite wall had a very large brick fireplace that looked well used and added the perfect homey touch to the rest of the room.

  The kitchen was large and had enough counter space to hold at least two hundred sheep, and the large outdated sinks held a charm that made her smile as she walked through the room. The wood flooring throughout the house was also old, and creaked with each step that they made, but she again felt as if it all worked perfectly together. Even the small two person wooden table in the back of the kitchen spoke wonders of the immaterial man that she had grown so fond of. “I just love it! If I ever have my own home, I'd want one just like this one!” Morgan walked through the kitchen and out the back door.