by Rye Hart
I stiffened at the remark about my wealth, but let it go. I hadn’t told her about my money.
“You should leave.” I stepped around him and put my arm around Kami.
“Don’t fucking tell me what I should do. Your girl, here, she’s a fucking nut job. Good luck with her.” He turned his eyes back on Kami. “Have fun with your pretty rich boy, but you better watch him. I hear he spreads it around, and I don’t mean his money.”
I stepped up into his face as Kami tugged my arm. I could lay waste to the guy without a second thought. “Get the fuck out.” He laughed and turned to walk away.
“Don’t worry about that guy. Let’s get you back out front before someone has a caffeine withdrawal.”
She went around the back of the counter, and I met her out front, sitting on one of the small stools at the end of the bar. She went about helping the two customers that the other baristas hadn’t taken care of yet. Once things were back to normal, and everyone was happy and sipping again, she walked over to stand in front of me.
“So, are you going to tell me what that’s all about?” I placed my hand on hers. I hated to see her shaken by that asshole.
“Someone came into my apartment and had sex in my bed. I know it had to him.”
I made a face. “That’s sick. How could he get in?”
“He never returned my key when he moved out. He used to live with me there when we were together, which is another reason I’d like to move out and find a new place.”
I wanted to offer that she come and live with me, but since we’d been taking things slow, I knew I had to get past the next step first, and that was making things exclusive between us, officially.
“I don’t like him coming here, I don’t like him being in your apartment, or having access to it anytime he wants. You could be in there sleeping and have that asshole come in on you. I don’t trust him.”
“I don’t either, but he’s not giving me the key, and I’ve been dragging my feet on changing the locks because I was putting money into fixing the place up instead.”
“Look, I’m going to change the locks for you. I don’t want you to have to go through that anymore.”
“No, I couldn’t ask you to do that.”
“You’re not asking. I offered. And I’m not taking no for an answer.” I met her eyes. “You’re my girl. I want you safe.”
She lifted her chin. “Your girl, huh?”
“You know you are.” I smiled. “I want you to be. I know we’ve been careful to take things slow, and I know we’ve been waiting to put a label on things, but you’re my girl.”
Her eyes sparkled with tears, and she leaned across the counter and kissed me hard. “That’s all I’ve wanted.”
“I know we’re both on that site, but I don’t think there’s any reason to keep looking, do you? I mean, we are good and don’t need to, right?” I wanted her to agree.
“Of course. I’ll shut down my account. It’s not like I’ve used it since I met you.” I thought of the message she’d sent that man earlier in the morning.
“You haven’t been on at all?” I gave her a sidelong look, and she shrugged.
“I have had a few guys tell me I’m pretty, and I’ve thanked them, but it’s mostly perverts so, no, I don’t spend time there. You’re all I want, Tate.”
“I’m glad to hear that, baby. I feel the same way.” I breathed a sigh of relief that she had been honest and would delete her account.
“So what did you swing by for?”
“I got a call from the observatory. Seems someone is pimping my talent.” I chuckled.
“I may have bragged. Showed a few pictures of yours through Google.” She tilted her head to meet her shoulder.
“Yeah, well, because of that bragging, I just sold at least four mural sized shots and I’m going to have my very own exhibit at the Galaxy Gala sponsored by the observatory.
She let out a little squeal. “That’s amazing! I’m so happy for you.”
“I owe it to you. You did it. And to show my appreciation, I’m about to run out and buy us a brand new double sleeping bag.”
“How romantic.” She let out a breath, and I leaned in kissing her deeply.
“You haven’t seen the half of it.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN – KAMI
I was all set to leave on my trip and felt better about going now that I had new locks on my door. I’d gotten off work the day before to find that Tate had them installed already. I hadn’t known he could be so handy.
I knew in my gut that Devin had pulled the stunt fucking some girl in my bed, but I’d never be able to prove it. I wished I could see the look on his face when he tried to get his key to work now.
After I thanked Tate for his work, and he’d gone home to sleep in his own bed and check on his sister, who was feeling a bit under the weather, I got online and deleted my account from Matched Solid.
I didn’t need the profile anymore, and it had served its purpose. I’d met the man of my dreams, and he was better than anything that had ever happened to me. Truly worth the ten dollars I’d paid to join.
I wouldn’t miss it, and if anything were to ever happen to me and Tate, I was going to give up dating forever anyway and actually go into a real sperm bank this time. That’s what I promised myself.
I gathered my things and decided to change into jeans, and I was just tying up my hiking boots when Rain came up with Tate in tow. “She hates snakes and spiders.”
“Well, me too, so if we come across any of those, it’s every man or woman for himself.” He chuckled.
“Wrong answer, buddy! You better take care of my girl.” She came over and sat beside me on the couch as I tied my last shoe.
“Don’t worry.” Tate leaned down and kissed me. “And just so you know, she’s my girl too now.” He gave me a squeeze.
“I know the first rule of survival. I don’t have to be fast, only faster than you.” I gave him a nudge.
Rain laughed. “I’ll keep an eye out to see if anyone comes up here.”
“Well, they’ll be in for a surprise when they aren't able to get in, and besides, I already know it was Devin. Had to be.” I knew she was trying to give her friend the benefit of the doubt, but I was past that with Devin.
“Well, I’ll still be on the lookout. Just in case, it would be good to know. And if Devin gets out of line and tries to come up, I’ll tell you I’m sorry for trusting in the asshole.”
“Yeah, that’s what I told you after I dated him.” I laughed, but Tate pulled me to my feet. “We better get going, baby. I want to make it out before the moon rises, so I can get a few good shots in the dark.”
“So, you’re only going to be able to get pictures when the moon is down? What do you do with all that extra time?” Rain wagged her brows at me.
“Use your imagination.” I giggled as she rose to her feet and hugged me.
“You two have fun. Do all the things I wouldn’t do. You deserve some fun, friend.” She broke the hug and then went in to hug Tate, who kindly responded. “Take care of our girl,” she whispered in his ear.
Once Tate made his promise and Rain let him out of his headlock, we headed out to the jeep and then made our way out of town. We drove a long way, talking about camping trips from our past and growing up in Texas. We had a few more things in common than we’d ever imagined and soon the sun was setting, and it seemed we’d been driving forever.
“How much farther?” I leaned in and kissed his cheek.
“About another half-hour. We’ve only been driving for two hours. Do you need another break?” We’d stopped once already and grabbed a bite to eat, but I was hungry for him now. It was going to be a long night.
I reached over and rubbed his crotch, feeling his cock harden beneath my touch. I knew it wasn’t fully erect and decided I wanted to feel it grow in my mouth. I worked him out of his pants and gripped it, still growing in my hand, and quickly lowered my head to put my mouth on him. “Fuck, Kami.” He stroked
my hair and grunted as I worked myself down, taking all that I could of him into my mouth, and past my tonsils.
He held my head still and pumped his hips. “Should I pull over, or do you want me to keep driving?”
“Keep driving,” I whispered around his flesh. “I just wanted to pass the time.”
He chuckled, and his cock jerked in my mouth. “I love it when you’re bored.”
I relaxed my throat and took him deeper still until his head closed off the back of my throat, and I gasped for air, pulling back. He moaned, and a taste of his salt splashed the roof of my mouth.
“Sorry, baby. You’re about to make me pop.”
I eased off and teased him slowly for a while, edging and then relenting, until he growled. The sound made me take him harder, sucking and bobbing my head, hoping to earn another taste. He didn’t disappoint. His cock swelled in my throat, and I pulled back just in time to catch the hot spurts of his nectar against my tongue. I swallowed him down, wiping my mouth as I rose up and he pulled me into a kiss.
“You’re amazing. That was so hot and you know I’m going to pay you back once I get that tent set up and we’re tucked in for the night. You’ll be howling louder than the coyotes.”
“I’ll hold you to that, and don’t remind me about the coyotes.” I didn’t want to think about the critters we might encounter. I wasn’t a girlie girl, by far, but I still didn’t like anything that had more legs than I did.
“Don’t worry about them; you’ll scare them off when you scream my name.” He belted a laugh as I nudged him in the arm and redid his pants.
We found a place to park and got out to search for the perfect site for pitching our tent and setting up the camera. The pitch darkness wasn’t as big of a surprise as last time, and my eyes adjusted quickly.
“This looks like the spot.” He took out his camera, showing me how it was set up, and we talked about the proper settings and how to make adjustments.
Though I knew my photography, I didn’t mind letting him give me one-on-one. He was a great teacher and let me use the camera we’d adjusted while bringing out a second one. “I’m going to use this one, so you can shoot too, tonight.”
“I brought my camera, remember?” I didn’t mind using his, but I had come prepared.
“I’ll set your camera in a bit if you want, but I didn’t think you’d want to mess with your adjustments. If yours is anything like mine, it can be hard to get them just right again. Besides, I have a few extras.”
He clearly very passionate photography and had put quite a bit of investment into it. I wondered what his family thought about his passion.
“You mentioned your dad and you don’t talk much. Do you mind if I ask why?”
“Well, our relationship is a little complicated. He thinks my photography is a waste of time, and I guess that’s why this exhibit will be even more important to me. He thinks I should find a real job, but I’d rather shoot myself than put on a suit and tie and sit at a damn desk every day.” He checked his viewfinder and snapped a few photos.
“Maybe one day he’ll surprise you. Once he has a chance to see how good you are and how happy it makes you, maybe he’ll back off,” I suggested.
He shrugged. “Doubt it, but it’s a nice thought. What about your family? You don’t talk much about them.”
“There’s really not much to tell. I’m an only child and I never knew my dad. He took off when my mom found out she was pregnant with me. She raised me by herself until she died during my freshman year in college. Rain and I had been best friends since high school and so she and Aunt Helen just kind of took me in.”
He shook his head. “Damn. Maybe I shouldn’t complain about my dad so much.”
I looked at him and smiled. “It’s OK. I’ve gotten used to it. It’s not like I’m totally alone. I have Rain and Aunt Helen. And you,” I added, my cheeks turning pink.
He reached out and pulled me close. “Come look at this shot.” He pointed to the viewfinder, and I saw a little white streak on the image.
“What is it?” I leaned in closer.
“That’s a shooting star. It’s not easy to catch one without the camera rolling continuously. But looks like it’s my lucky night.” He turned his head and kissed me.
The moon was rising in the sky, and he let out a breath. “Time to change the strategy. There will be light soon, so I want to change my settings so I can shoot the moon. But first, let’s get that tent up.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN – TATE
Pitching the tent didn’t take as long as I thought it would with Kami’s help. She’d pulled the thing out of the carrying case and had it laid out before I could even get the rods out, and after that, it was smoothe sailing.
Being able to open up about my past was a good sign. I still had so much more to tell Kami about my history but I needed to find the right time. I wasn’t sure how she’d react to it all. Would she think I was using her for money and that was the only reason I pursued her? I had full intention to open up to her.
I also had an imminent deadline approaching. I now had less than one year to produce an heir or I’d lose millions. Something had to be done.
Kami milled around inside the tent, unloading a few things from the car and spreading out our sleeping bag and pillow, while I took time to light the fire.
Once the fire was good and blazing, Kami crawled out of the tent wearing sweat pants and a concert tee with a Live Wired logo. I had heard of the band.
“Live Wired? Why does that sound familiar?” I tilted my head, and she giggled.
“It’s Rain’s band. I told you about them, remember?”
“That’s right.” I rolled my eyes. The ex’s band. “I hope that’s not Devin’s shirt you’re wearing.” I hated to be an ass, but I really hated the idea of his shirt against her flesh.
“God no, it’s mine. I was the first person to own one. I had them made for the band and snagged this one for me before all the mediums were gone.”
“Damn, and here I was looking for a reason to ask you to take it off.” She giggled and came closer to sit next to me.
“Don’t tell me you’re jealous of Devin.” She giggled.
“No, I’m not jealous of him, but I do like you naked.” I leaned over and kissed her softly, and she leaned in toward me, deepening the kiss.
“I have the bed made if you’re interested.” She wrapped her arm around mine and lay her head on my shoulder.
I slipped off my gloves and held out my hand for her to take it. “Come on, baby. You can help me into something more comfortable.” She got up from the blanket, and we went inside the tent, which was big enough for us to stand in at its center.
She’d made a nice pallet with a blow-up mattress and our sleeping bag, and I drew her near and lay her back against it. “I want to taste you, Kami. Like you tasted me.” I pushed up her top and kissed her breasts, and then I slipped my hands into her waistband and tugged down her sweatpants. I couldn’t wait to feast on her soft, silky mound, and I wasted no time pushing my fingers inside. My mouth soon followed, licking her clit and sucking her lips. Now and then I’d lap my tongue across her slit and then down to her ass before coming back up.
She moaned as I dragged my nose up to her clit and then higher still to her tummy, where I kissed her trailing all the way up to her breasts.
Her voice strangled through her pleasure. “I want you inside me, Tate. Please give it to me.”
She snaked her hand down and gripped my cock, leaning up to take it in her mouth for a quick taste before laying back and spreading her legs wide. She was hungry for it, and I was going to give her exactly what she needed to be sated.
She knew it too. She handed me a condom she’d slipped just under the pallet I took the packet and made quick work sheathing myself for her. Soon enough, I’d feel myself letting my juices flow inside of her. I couldn’t wait for that day.
The pallet shifted beneath us as I rested on my elbow to center my cock at her soft folds.
She wasted no time pushing her hips upward to take it inside, and I met her persistence with a thrust that had me plunging to her depths all at once.
She hissed a breath through her teeth, and her hands reached around to claw at my back. “It feels so good.” She panted as I found my pace and soon she was writhing with pleasure beneath me, her pussy tightening around my shaft, milking it.
I lifted her legs and angled myself against her soft button, pushing and prodding with my head, barely entering her, then teasing by pulling back.
She begged for more with every moan, and I found her tight nipples with my mouth, nipping and sucking as I continued to work her.
I’d edge my own release and pull away, driving her into a fit each time until I gave her more. “Please.” She met my eyes, and I knew I couldn’t torture her any longer. I hooked my hands behind her and rolled us over, so she was on top.
I brushed her hair away from her face. “Now, you can take all you want. Do whatever you want with me, baby.” I met her lips as she leaned forward, grinding her pussy against me, and kissed me deeply. She trailed her kissed down to my chest and then rose up, her beautiful breasts bouncing gently as she rode me.
She leaned forward and rested on her hands to twerk her ass on my cock, and she gripped me, with each upward pull, milking my release. “It feels amazing.” She kissed me deeply as my hands roamed her body.
After a moment, she rose up again and met my eyes. “I want you behind me.” She blushed a little and ran her hand up my chest to grip my pectoral.
“You don’t have to ask twice.” I shifted us around, and she got on all fours in front of me.
I came up behind her, and suddenly, a howl sounded outside the tent. She jumped up flew into my arms. “That was close.”
“Yeah, it was. We’re OK. The fire will keep them away, and we hadn’t opened any food. They’ll go away.” Her wide eyes were fixed on mine still as if she weren’t so sure. “Trust me, baby.” I pulled her into my arms and kissed her. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise, Kami.”