“The animated way you describe that sandwich makes me think you dream about it.”
I remove my arm and give him a playful shove. “Maybe I do.”
“That’s a shame.” His voice lowers to a sexy rumble. “I can think of better things to dream about.”
Me too, and believe me, I do. “Just wait until you taste it.” My words taunt him because I’m not thinking about the sandwich, and from the simmer in Derrick’s eyes, I assume he isn’t either.
The restaurant is a short walk, and we move toward the benches set outside. They’re cast iron, painted dark green, and we can easily tie the dogs to them without worry. A common practice in this area, I’m not hesitant, but Derrick is. He says, “You stay with the dogs, and I’ll get the food.”
I decide to let him. “Sure. I want that sandwich and water.”
“Nothing else?” He hands me the leash for Ollie.
“Yeah, that’s enough for me.” I pull the dogs in close so they won’t follow Derrick into the cafe. Their warm softness is welcome against my legs.
“No, it isn’t.”
I bristle at his commanding tone, but bite back the snippy reply on the tip of my tongue. “Um, okay.” I pause, thinking about how upset he gets with Nika for not eating. “How about an order of sweet potato fries, too?”
A grin covers his face. “Good girl.”
What? Am I a freaking child? The moment he turns his back I scowl and say to the dogs. “Control freak much?” They gaze up at me with their dark eyes and tails wagging.
I pretend they answer, “You have no idea, lady.”
I know the bench is going to be cold on my legs, so I perch myself on the edge to wait. It’s chilly this time of night in the mountains, and I huddle down with the dogs, stealing their heat. I think I should go get an old towel from the car to use as a blanket.
I push open the door of the restaurant and stick my head in to find Derrick. “Hey, Derrick!” He turns from a clothing display with a sweatshirt in his hands.
“I’m going to go get us some towels to use as blankets. Can I have the keys?”
“No need. Blue or green?” He holds up the hoodie by the shoulders to show me the yellow sun logo with the words the Sunshine Cafe. He’s buying sweatshirts instead of going to the car?
I shake my head. “A towel is fine.” But my words are lost on him.
“Green might look nice with your eyes.” He walks over to the counter and sets it with another green one. The beep of a cash register sounds as the woman rings him up. Right, like I had a say. I return to the bench with a huff. Once again he’s pissed me off. How does that happen so quickly? I pace in front of the café while the dogs’ heads swivel to watch.
Derrick comes outside and hands me the sweatshirt. I put it on because, while I’m not happy, I’m not stupid. It’s cold, and the soft fleece of new cotton caresses my skin. Pulling my hair out, I watch as he puts his on too and am struck by the fact he got us matching hoodies. “Seriously? You take the twin thing a little too far.”
He grins at me. “You don’t think it’s cute?” Grabbing the front section of my sweatshirt, he pulls me close. Flipping my hood on my head he says, “Because right now you’re adorable.”
Damn it. Zero to sixty again. I look at his lips, and he utters a small noise before saying. “Scratch that. You’re fucking sexy.” He steps away and enters the café, leaving me hot and bothered.
The dogs stare up at me and I say, “How the hell does he do that, guys?” They wag their tails, and I’m convinced they’re laughing at me.
***
Goat cheese oozes out when I take a bite of my sandwich. The sweet flavor of the bread combined with the salty turkey and pungent onion makes me groan. “Oh, man, I really love this sandwich.” I grab a fry from the paper bowl set between us.
Derrick bites into a huge mound of roast beef that dwarfs the bread. Mustard drips just below his lips and he licks it off. That simple act of his tongue causes a twinge of desire in my belly.
I suck the salt off my finger and he watches me. I put another finger in my mouth and lick the flavor off slowly as he ceases to chew. Without breaking my gaze I reach for another fry, and he gulps his mouthful down.
“Fry?” I ask and move it toward his mouth. He opens and clamps his teeth down on the sweet potato. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. I want him to do that to me.
Before I can move my hand he grasps it and wraps his lips around my fingers, which are holding the remaining piece of fry. His tongue strokes me, and I inhale a shaky breath to say, “I’m glad you convinced me to get these.”
He gives me a sly glance and releases my hand, which I let drop to my lap. My sandwich is forgotten because all I can think about is devouring him.
Chapter 15
I yawn and stretch as I envy Cleo sleeping soundly in my lap. Checking the time on the dash of the Land Rover, it’s no surprise I’m tired, considering it’s past nine, not to mention my lack of sleep lately. Derrick asks, “Do you want me to stop by your place for anything?”
Okay, so I’m sleeping over. I suppose that was assumed when he asked me out for a dinner and fuck date. Silly me. “No, I don’t go in until ten. You can just bring me home in the morning.”
My blood hums with anticipation. I’ve wanted sex with Derrick since I first saw him—and just about every time I’ve seen him since. It’s finally going to happen. A tiny shudder runs through my body.
Squirming a bit in my seat, I try to distract my thoughts. I turn back to check on the boys and get a whiff of earthy musk, reminding me of our run. “I could really use a shower.”
The silence makes me think if he could Derrick would be trapping me in his usual stare. Cleo lets out a sigh and readjusts in my lap. She’s warm on my legs, and I pet her head.
I glance at Derrick’s face, which is lit by the faint glow of the dash. The contour of his checks and angles of his chin make my fingers ache to touch the rough stubble coming in.
After what seems like an eternity he responds, “Yeah, me too.”
I really wish he would say what he’s thinking. Is he wishing he brought me home? Worried about Cleo? Wondering how to tell me he’s too tired? I blurt out, “Are you having second thoughts?”
“What?” He snorts. “Are you?”
Damn it. He thinks he can twist this around on me? He doesn’t know who he’s dealing with. “Oh, no you don’t. Answer my question, then I’ll answer yours.”
He’s silent, and I just about lose it. “Don’t you dare do that long-stare-so-I-squirm thing. Answer me.”
He clenches his jaw, and I don’t care if he’s pissed.
“I’m tired and filthy. I want a hot bath and sleep. I want Cleo to be okay, and I know I won’t sleep much because I’ll feel the need to check on her through the night.” He pauses, and I’m about to say he didn’t answer my question when he continues. “But I’ve had a hard-on for you since the first time we met. I’m not letting anything keep me from having you tonight. Got it?”
“Yeah. Sorry.” I feel the need to give him a little something, even if he did put me in my place. “I’ve had a hard-on for you since we met too.”
His low chortle makes me smile, and a surge of courage lets me say more. “You’re not my type, you know. I like lanky, tattooed guys my parents would hate. They would like everything about you.”
“Yeah?” The blinker tick echoes through the car, and I wait for him to say more. The tires hum quietly as we roll along the smooth, new pavement of his road. “You’re not my type either. Not enough makeup, too few dresses, and you’re…” We turn into the driveway and he puts the car in park. The light that flashed on when we pulled in reflects in his eyes, and he appears dangerous. Luring me with his gaze, he says, “You’re a free spirit and you fascinate me. You don’t take my shit or like my orders.” He traces my lip with a finger. “I go from wanting to fuck you to being pissed off in an instant. And it’s so amazingly sexy, I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
> I smile. “Same. You take me from zero to sixty—” I snap my fingers. “Just like that.” I know his words should make me feel better, but adrenaline surges through me. This is dangerously close to caring about each other, and that scares the shit out of me.
He kisses me, and my fear subsides because now I’m lost in everything Derrick. His lips scorch me, and I should heed the warning. This is so much more than sex. It’s as if I’m the breath he needs while I nearly drown in my desire. My whole body trembles from fear and lust.
The dog in my lap keeps us from getting too far, and when Cleo’s cold, wet nose nuzzles my neck I break away. “We should get her settled.”
“Yeah.” Derrick sighs and the car dings when he opens the door with the keys still in the ignition.
Metal creaks as I open my door, and Cleo hops down. Derrick has let the boys out, and they trot to the grass to do their business. Crickets sing in the night air as we wait.
I stifle a yawn when we walk into the house. I ask, “Where do they all sleep?”
“Nika’s room when she’s here and mine when she’s not.” He walks up the stairs slowly, making sure Cleo can manage.
At the top Derrick turns to me and holds out his hand. “My bathtub is big enough for two.”
I take it and follow him down the hall, very aware of the three dogs behind me. I wonder what they’ll think of what we’re about to do.
The light switch flicks to reveal navy and dark green surrounded by white walls in the brightness. Derrick dims it to something softer. He says, “I’ll get these guys settled if you want to run the bath.” He raises his eyebrows at me. “I think you’ll find everything we need.”
I step through the door to my left into a warm, yellow-tiled room lit with a nightlight. I slip out of my running shoes and socks to step onto a thick throw rug. It cuddles my toes as I dig them in and scope out the area. Candles are on the edge of a bathtub the size of a Jacuzzi.
There’s a square showerhead like the guest bathroom has, and a hand-held one attached on the wall. There isn’t a shower curtain, but the tub is big enough, I suppose one isn’t needed. It must be a bitch to clean.
A skylight draws my eyes to the night sky twinkling with stars. I imagine what this room would look like during the day. Off to the left is a long counter with double sinks, and past that is a toilet in a room with a door.
Clearly designed as a master bath, I guess Nika had two built. It would seem odd to many, but I can imagine being that close to my brother if we had been twins. He’s my original best friend.
I twist on the water, and it thunders into the tub. This could take a while. The odor of sulfur floats to my nose as I light candles and place them around the edge of the tub.
As I’m finishing, the light dims and Derrick’s voice captures my attention. “The dogs are exhausted. Hopefully they won’t care about us.” Classical music begins to play softly, and a small remote clatters on the counter when he tosses it. It’s nice, even if I don’t have any idea what I’m listening to.
Derrick rummages in the cabinet under the sink and pulls out a small bottle. Filled with amber liquid, I’m wondering if it’s for the bath or us. He pours it into the water and a spicy vanilla scent permeates the air. Wow, he definitely knows how to set the mood. I sweep my hand. “This is nice.”
He shuts the door gently and stalks over to me. “Nice? I hope not.” The low tone wraps around me. Me either, because naughty is what I had in mind.
Chapter 16
Derrick stares at me and kicks off his shoes. I fight my squirm when he reaches to the middle of his back and pulls his shirt off with one hand. While I’m not sure if he means it to be sexy, it is to me, and my juices start to flow.
Without a word, his gaze travels my body, expecting me to return the favor. I make quick work of getting out of my clothes. As he pulls off his shorts and underwear, I walk toward him and stop mere inches away.
I want him to talk dirty to me, so I say, “Tell me what you want and how you like it.”
He closes the distance between us and presses his hard cock against my belly. “Right now I want it fast and rough.” He squeezes my ass with enough force that I gasp and I reach for his neck. His kiss bruises me as he lifts my thighs up, swiftly forcing me to wrap my legs around his waist.
I’m so wet he can’t help but feel it against his thick shaft. I rub against him and moan. He steps into the tub and drops my legs to turn off the water. The temperature is almost too hot, but I sink down onto the shelf seat to immerse myself in it.
Derrick drops to his knees and moves between mine. I throw my head back so he’ll kiss my neck. He grabs my ponytail and pulls it back further as he bites his way down to my breast.
The sharp nip of his teeth on my hard nub makes me cry out in surprise. He does like it rough, but so do I. I grab his cock and stroke hard. Derrick groans. “Yes.” And I grip tighter.
He shoves a candle over, and it falls into the tub with a slight hiss. He says, “Get up on the edge.” I scurry to comply.
Dripping water onto the shelf that stretches behind me, I lean back when I understand what he has in mind. His hands shove my thighs open, and he growls as he moves between them. I jerk the moment he latches on. Sucking me hard at first and then thrusting his tongue into my channel, he brings me so close I begin to moan.
“Don’t stop; eat me until I drip down your chin.” He mumbles his approval at my words, and the vibration sets me off. Twitching and flexing my core, I ride the wave. “Oh, God.” He drives his fingers into me just as I begin to quake, and it throws me over the edge.
Before I can recover, he’s up and turning me over like a rag doll. The tile is hard against my hips, but I barely have time to complain because he’s rubbing his cock between my ass cheeks, and all I want is to get him inside me. A condom wrapper flies by, and as I begin to lift up onto my elbows Derrick rams into me. “Fuck.”
“That’s the plan. I’m going to fuck you hard and fast.” He thrusts deeply into me, and I arch back into it. Fingers are digging into the flesh of my hips, and I guess I’ll have bruises later. I barely feel it as I revel in the way Derrick fills me.
Panting echoes around us, and my consciousness wavers. “Derrick! Harder, please. I’m so close.”
“That’s it. Drench me while I take you. You’re so tight; I’m going to fucking rip you apart. Scream for me.”
I buck back into him until sweet release comes. I can’t form words, and utter a cry. I’m about to collapse when Derrick explodes.
“Gretchen! Aggghhh.” He trembles and pumps slowly a few more times before he lays on me. Derrick’s arms extend, and his hands cover mine, trapping me against the cold tile. His breath is hot against my back. “You feel so damn good.”
The click of nails saunter over to us and Jake climbs on the shelf to lick my face. I giggle and feel my core twitch around Derrick.
Derrick stands and says, “Go lay down.” Jake returns to the bedroom, and I slip back into the water to recover. Derrick deals with the condom and returns to sit across from me.
I remove the elastic from my ponytail and dip my head back to get it wet. Derrick says, “C’mere. I’ll wash your hair for you.”
I turn to sit between his legs, and his fingers work their magic. “You’re good at this. Hidden talent?”
“Something like that. I love your hair.”
I snort. “Thanks. You know it’s not really this blond, right?”
“Yeah, but it’s pretty.”
I refrain from making self-depreciating comments and moan in pleasure instead. When he’s done, he massages my neck and shoulders. I say, “You’re spoiling me. This is glorious.”
“I’m just making sure you aren’t done with me.”
“Really? It’s not part of the ‘charm their panties off’ package?”
He chuckles softly. “Nope. It’s part of the real relationship package. What do you think?”
Oh shit. My shoulders tense. I think I’m in over
my head. Derrick stops massaging, and I know I’d better say something quick.
“I think you may have a successful plan.”
I turn around and cuddle up to kiss Derrick’s neck. “Let me wash your hair now?”
He smiles at me and reaches for the shampoo. I rub away the sweat and dirt on his head and tell myself it will be okay. Because right now, there is nothing I’d rather do.
***
“You awake?” Derrick is leaning on one elbow and hovering over me.
The scent of fresh sheets and the oil we bathed in reminds me where I am. The caress of gentle kisses on my arm pulls me into reality, and I roll onto my back. I reach up and pinch his cheek. “Is this a dream?”
“Ouch. That wasn’t nice.” His eyes dance with humor.
“Neither is waking me up in the middle of the night. I have a job, you know.” A single candle flickers on the nightstand, and I watch our shadows dance slowly on the wall.
“Call me selfish, because I can’t sleep.” He kisses his way down my neck, and I wiggle under him as he climbs over me.
“Convince me to keep you company.” Not that I need him to. Moisture is pooling between my legs, and I won’t be sleeping again anytime soon.
His mouth is near my stomach, and he twirls his tongue around my belly button ring. Hot breath tickles me and my stomach flexes. “I like your piercing. I thought about doing this when I should have been concerned about the dead man I was sitting next to.”
“That’s what you were thinking about?” He moves down lower, and I inhale quickly. “Because I—” Derrick teases me with his tongue, licking the edges of my slit when I want him to suck more. He thrusts a finger into me. “Jesus!” I whimper. “Mary and Joseph.”
Clenching the sheets with my hands, I arch up. “Fuck you’re good at this.”
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