Caught Inside

by Kristie Leigh

  He kissed me again without saying a word before getting up and leaving the room. I watched his naked ass as it disappeared around the corner. He came back a minute later with a cart full of food. My stomach growled at the sight, but I was hungrier for Tanner. His cock was still standing at half-mast as he grabbed our meals and handed me a plate. My mouth watered for him, not the food.

  “Like what you see?” His eyes were still hooded as he stood there naked, eating his burger.

  “How are you eating right now?”

  “We’ve got all night, Easton, and I need my energy.”

  As much as I wanted him inside of me, I figured that energy couldn’t hurt. He was right; we had all night.

  “Fair enough.” I shrugged and took a bite of the burger. It was heaven, and I moaned around a bite. I didn’t miss his dick twitch out of the corner of my eye.

  We finished our food, Tanner put our dishes back and grabbed the plate of desserts. “Do you want any?”

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  He cocked a brow in question.

  “Put that shit down and get over here now.”

  He did as he was told and dove onto the bed beside me, landing on his side and propping his head on his hand. “What can I do for you?”

  I pounced on top of him. “Enough of these games.”

  He opened his mouth, but I rubbed my still-wet pussy along his shaft, stopping any smart-ass comment he was about to make. I leaned down and pressed my lips to his as his hands gripped my ass to lift me before sinking me slowly onto his cock.

  I cried out into his mouth as he gradually stretched me wide, the sensation like nothing I’d felt. He was unhurried and kept me still as he bottomed out, relishing in the feel. When he finally allowed me to move, he maintained control over my movements with his hands, not letting me increase the pace.

  “I need more.”

  He looked into my eyes. “No, you don’t; just savor the sensations, and be with me.”

  I kissed his lips, gave in to his desire, and let go, appreciating the slow, languid movements as his cock slid in and out. Each time he brushed against my g-spot, it pushed me higher, excruciatingly gentle but oh so perfect.

  I broke the kiss to sit up, but he didn’t let me get far. He stared into my eyes, and the adoration reflected at me was something I’d never seen before. I’d never experienced sex in this way. It was always a means to an end, to get off. There was always a physical attraction, but this was more. I couldn’t say making love since I wasn’t in love with Tanner, but this was something more than just sex. I gazed back at him, surprised I hadn’t become uncomfortable at the realization that my feelings for Tanner were far beyond some week-long fling. I planted my hands on either side of his head and kissed him. I picked up the pace, and this time, he allowed it, encouraging my faster movements.

  He flipped us over and gripped my hip to allow for better access. His kisses became wilder and his movements more frantic like he couldn’t get enough. I didn’t want it to end, but I couldn’t hold back the impending orgasm.

  I threw back my head, arching my spine. “Oh God, Tanner.” I gripped his neck, pulling his mouth to mine again as my orgasm ripped through me.

  Tanner’s grip on my ass tightened, and his movements became erratic before he came, calling out my name. He buckled, careful not to put his full weight on top of me.

  As our breathing evened out, he lifted up and kissed me softly. “I wanted to draw that out, but something about the way you looked at me made me come-apart. I couldn’t hold back any longer.”

  I smiled, not wanting to give away the emotions I’d had running through me as we’d…been intimate. I’d been pretty open with him, but that was a little too much for me.

  Tanner didn’t push me to talk. He kissed my nose, pushed himself up, went to grab a washcloth to clean me up, and then tossed it to the side. “Dessert?”

  “You don’t have to ask me twice.”

  “Apparently, I do since this is the second time I’m asking.”

  I got up onto my knees and ran my finger through some whipped cream and flicked it at him, hitting him square between the eyes. I squealed when he glared back in mock anger and then swiped his finger through the chocolate pie and smeared it down my cheek.

  He tackled me to the bed, licking the chocolate from my face as I shrieked. I wiped at my face, but he’d cleaned it off. “I don’t get any chocolate?”

  “You want some?” He chuckled and kissed me, allowing me to taste the chocolate on his tongue.

  I closed my eyes, savoring the taste. “Mmm…I need more of that.”

  “Of me or the chocolate.”

  “Both, but let’s start with more chocolate.”

  Tanner got up and grabbed us both a robe from the bathroom, tossing one to me before loading up our plates with sweets.

  We sat out on the balcony and stuffed our faces as the moon shined brightly over the waves that crashed below. We talked about anything but tomorrow, and I tried my best not to think about it. We both avoided the topic.

  When we had finished gorging on sweets, we went back to the room and stripped off our robes to get back into bed. I cuddled up to his side and drew circles on his stomach while we continued to talk long into the night.

  “As much as I don’t want to talk about this, I want you to know that deep down, I truly believe this can’t be it for us. There’s no way that fate would be that cruel.”

  I nodded against his chest, knowing I couldn’t speak without breaking down. I sincerely hoped that he was right because otherwise, what was the point?

  Tanner fell asleep first as I stayed up with my mind racing. I couldn’t stop thinking about tomorrow and how much I didn’t want him to leave. My chest tightened the more I thought about saying goodbye—so much so that it became hard to breathe. I sat up and tried to inhale deeply, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that had washed over me. I tip-toed into the bathroom, trying not to wake Tanner. I’d figured a splash of cold water might help, but it did not.

  My fight or flight kicked in, and I picked up my clothes quietly, got dressed in the living room, and left without a goodbye. The cold night air hit my face as I walked out of the hotel. I didn’t look back. I just kept walking as the tears started to fall. What the hell is wrong with me? I hadn’t cried this much since I was a little girl. I didn’t do tears, but Tanner’s leaving had just been an emotional war within me. I knew he had to leave; there was no doubt about that. And I kept telling myself it was for the best, but I knew it was going to hurt like hell.

  I took my time getting home, trying to clear my head. I contemplated everything about my life and what was I was doing with it. I took off my shoes and sat at the edge of the surf, allowing the tide to wrap around me. I needed to figure out how I was going to handle tomorrow. I was supposed to meet him at the airport to say goodbye, but I wasn’t sure how I would get through that.

  By the time I arrived home, I hadn’t figured out a damn thing. I needed to try to get some sleep before work, so I would have to deal with it tomorrow.

  I skipped my run and went straight for coffee when I woke. I had to be at the store earlier than usual, and if I were going to the airport after, I wouldn’t have any time to nap.

  The feel of the warm cup in my hands soothed me. I picked up my phone to do some mindless scrolling and noticed I had a missed call and two missed texts from Tanner.

  Canadia: Where are you?

  Canadia: Are you okay? I just need to know that.

  My stomach rolled at the thought of what today would bring. All the emotions I didn’t want to deal with hit me like a ton of bricks. I breathed in and out, trying to calm myself—the anxiety was creeping in again. For once in my life, I wished my girls were home so we could talk this out. I didn’t have much time to dwell on anything. I had to get ready for work, but maybe the walk over would help clear my head.

  Joe was just opening up; he didn’t say anything as I strode through the door. He kn
ew Tanner was leaving today, and most likely realized, I wasn’t in the mood for idle chit chat. We worked in silence, pricing out the new inventory that had arrived yesterday and updating all the displays.

  We finished an hour before the store was set to open, so we sat out front on the bench.

  The only sound that could be heard was the sound of the waves. “You want to talk about it?”

  I pondered that for a moment but decided to say fuck it and get it all out there. Before I began, I took a deep breath and blew it out, and then turned in my spot to look at him. “Yeah.”

  Joe smiled. “Hit me.” He was so good to me, and I knew he’d listen and give me the best advice he could.

  I word vomited every emotion I was experiencing from the super highs to the ultimate lows and everything in between. When I finally stopped and allowed Joe a moment to take it all in, he sighed and covered my hand with his.

  “Everything you’re feeling is completely normal. I don’t know why Tanner came into your life or if this is truly the end, but just hearing your story, I can’t help but think that this can’t be it. You’re both so young and have your whole lives ahead of you. If nothing else, you’ve learned a great lesson, haven’t you?”

  My brows knitted together. Joe found my confusion amusing.

  “You’ve learned to open up to someone and that feelings aren’t all that bad.” It was a good thing he filled in the gaps for me because I would never have drawn that conclusion.

  I threw back my head, cackling like a freaking witch. “You’re kidding, right? Honestly, after how much I’ve felt this week, I might shut that shit down for good. I know when I have to say goodbye, I’m going to have my heart shredded. I don’t think I can handle that.”

  “Easton, you don’t give yourself enough credit. You’re much stronger than you think. No matter what you believe, you will get through this. It may take some time, but one day, you’ll look back on this week with Tanner and smile over all the good times you’ve had.” He patted my hand underneath his and gave me a goofy half-smile. “And it won’t hurt so bad.”

  I smirked, not quite sure that was the truth but praying it was. “Thanks, Joe. I hope you’re right, but with the way I’m feeling right now, it’s hard to think positively.”

  “I know, girl.” The big bear of a man pulled me in for a short hug. We weren’t the affectionate type, but Joe was the closest thing I had to family, and I loved him to death.

  The first customer of the day had perfect timing as they interrupted our moment, making it less awkward for both of us.

  The store was super busy, which helped the day go by quickly. I hadn’t had a chance to check my phone, so when I left to head home and pulled it out of my pocket, I wasn’t surprised to see a ton of notifications. I was, however, surprised by how many missed calls I had.

  Tanner had called me five times and sent several texts. I was sure he was worried sick, but seeing as his flight was international, I knew he would already be at the airport.

  Canadia: I don’t know what happened last night, but I’m a little worried. Please just let me know you’re okay.

  Canadia: I’m sorry for asking you to stay. I shouldn’t have pushed you, and it was selfish of me. Please call me.

  Canadia: I know you’re at work now, but I just need to know you’re all right. I hope you’re still planning on meeting me so to say goodbye.

  My stomach dropped yet again at the thought of saying goodbye. I wasn’t sure I had it in me. Maybe it was better just to let him leave and move on with his life. Why drag it out?

  I slipped the phone back into my pocket without responding and went home.

  A shower was much needed since I didn’t take one this morning, and my head was still all jumbled with no idea what to do. The steam billowed around me when I stepped into the shower. I allowed the water to cascade over my head and down my body as I leaned against the wall. I gave myself permission to fall apart in the shower and let the tears flow down my cheeks, where no one could see them. I made the conscious decision that once I got out, I wouldn’t break down again. I wouldn’t allow my emotions to get the better of me.

  I was not that girl.

  An hour later, my hair was dry, and my eyes were no longer red and puffy. I sat on the front porch with my keys in hand, contemplating what to do. Did I go to the airport, or did I let him leave and try to move on like I’d never even met him?

  I grunted out my frustration and tugged on my hair, torn between right and wrong.

  My phone rang in my hand, and it lit up with Canadia calling on the screen. Another tear fell as I clicked the button to ignore his call before I got up.

  Decision made.

  Twelve

  Leaving

  Tanner

  Easton’s voicemail kicked in on the second ring, so I knew right then she wasn’t coming. She was avoiding me, and I couldn’t say I blamed her. Any time I’d thought about saying goodbye, my heart had broken a little more. But I also wanted the chance at saying farewell, so I tried one last time.

  I took a deep breath as her voicemail alerted me I could speak and went for it. “Easton, I don’t know what’s going through your head, but I need to see you. I need to kiss you goodbye and tell you how I feel one last time before I leave. Please don’t take that away from us. I know it’s not easy saying goodbye, but I don’t want to have any regrets.” I ended the call and slumped against the wall. I wasn’t going to shed a tear just yet; I’d wait until I was back home in my bed. Then I’d curl up and cry like a baby.

  I still had an hour until my flight, and we’d already been here for two. I was frustrated the airlines made you show up three hours before a flight to sit here and wait. I wanted to leave and go to her, shake some sense into her, and then kiss her senseless one last time, but it would never be enough.

  Sean and Dustin walked back with drinks, and Sean nodded as he eyed the cell phone in my hand. “Dude, you didn’t call her again, did you?”

  Dustin elbowed him, knowing I was losing it.

  Sean gave him a nasty look. “What? He needs to get over it. It was just a week-long fling. It didn’t mean anything.”

  His words were like a punch to the gut, although I knew they weren’t true. If it hadn’t meant anything, then she would be here. She wasn’t here because it hurt too much, but it would hurt so much more if we don’t see each other one more time.

  “Flight number 1722 to Toronto International Airport will begin boarding shortly. Please take note of your zone number on your boarding pass as we will start boarding with zone one in a few minutes.”

  My stomach dropped at the reminder of how close we are to departure. I looked down at the time and whispered, “One hour.” We really should’ve gone through security already, but I couldn’t bring myself to just yet.

  “She’s not coming,” Sean groaned, and I nearly decked him.

  I was starting to realize that I needed to rethink my friendships. I’d never noticed how much of a bastard he was until this very minute.

  Dustin gave me a sad look and took Sean away to the bar. I walked outside to get some air and catch a breather. I found a bench that wasn’t occupied and collapsed onto it and scrubbed my hands down my face before dropping my head into my palms. I contemplated leaving and going after her—I could catch a later flight. I shook my head. “Idiot.”

  “Excuse me?”

  The sound of her voice had my heart pounding; I didn’t want to look up in fear that it was just a figment of my imagination. She cleared her throat, and I slowly lifted my gaze. Easton stood in front of me, as beautiful as ever. Her eyes were puffy and red, which concerned me.

  I jumped up and cupped her cheeks. “Is everything all right?”

  She shook her head, not saying a word.

  “What happened?” I was worried something had happened to one of her friends.

  “You’re leaving.” A few tears fell down her cheeks, and I swiped them away with my thumbs as a huge smile broke out on my fac
e. She laughed through her tears. “Why the fuck are you smiling?”

  “Because you came.” I pulled her in and kissed her breathlessly.

  She was here. She wrapped her arms around my neck when I pulled back. “I wasn’t going to, but I lost that battle with myself.” She shrugged as she took a shaky breath.

  I kissed her forehead. “Well, I’m glad you did.”

  “Me too.” Her voice came out in a whisper, both of us overcome with emotion. More tears slipped down her cheeks, and a small sob broke free as she dropped her head to my chest. Her shoulders shook with her silent cries.

  I walked us back to the bench and sat down. “Baby, come here.” I pulled her down with me.

  She chuckled, catching me off guard.

  “Are you laughing?”

  She nodded, and I gripped her chin, forcing her to look at me. I kissed her lips and pulled back to rest my forehead against hers. “Why?”

  The tears continued to roll down her cheeks. “It’s just so fucking stupid.” She shrugged.

  “What is?” I frowned, confused by her statement.

  “This. Everything.” She chuckled. “We just met. It’s not like this could actually be anything. I can’t believe I’m this upset.”

  My face fell, and my heart broke a little, but I allowed her to continue.

  “I didn’t mean it that way.” She put her hand on my chest and looked me right in the eyes. “It’s just that we only met a week ago. You’re leaving for Canada no less. We live like twenty-seven-hundred miles away from each other.” She rolled her eyes when I quired a brow. “Yes, I looked it up, sue me.”

  I snickered. “Look, I know what you’re feeling—”

  She cut me off. “No, Tanner, that’s the thing. I don’t think you do. I’ve never felt anything for anyone, not once, not even as a kid. No schoolgirl flings, not even a celebrity crush. So, I think it’s just that you’re the first guy I’ve felt something for, so it’s magnified beyond what it truly is—just a crush.”