I was the luckiest guy on earth. “So, when do you want to move in?”
She threw back her head. “Patience, I need to talk to the girls. I’m sure they won’t give me a hard time, but soon, I promise.” She kissed my lips and sighed. “We’re really doing this huh?”
I rested my head against hers. “It looks like it.”
I’d been on cloud nine ever since Easton agreed to move in with me. I wasn’t even planning on asking her, but I took the opportunity when I saw it, and it had paid off. Tonight was her first night officially living here, and we were going to binge-watch Netflix and eat pizza until we couldn’t anymore.
“Honey, I’m home.”
Easton laughed at my ridiculousness. “You’re such a dork.”
“I know, but I’ve always wanted to say it, so let me have my moment.”
She wrapped her arms around me and kissed me. “Welcome home, honey.”
“I like the sound of that even better.” I looked around. “Did you get everything unpacked already?”
“Yup, I’m all ready for Netflix and chill. I ordered pizza, and it should be here any minute.”
“Now, I remember why I keep you around.” I grabbed her ass with both hands. “Well, more than one reason.”
“I’m good for some things.”
The show we decided to watch was not binge-worthy, but the pizza definitely hit the spot.
“Before I forget, my boss gave me box tickets to see the San Jose Sharks play since it falls on my birthday weekend. I didn’t think hockey would be your thing but—”
She jumped up onto her knees and bounced on the sofa like an excited child. “Are you shitting me? Fuck yeah, I want to go.”
“You do?” I was completely baffled.
“Tanner, my name is Easton.”
“Shit, I’d never thought about that. I just thought it was a cool name.” I shrugged.
“Well, my dad was a huge hockey fan and played until he had an injury in college. When my parents couldn’t think of a name, he threw that out there because it was his favorite stick to play with. My mom loved it, and the rest is history.”
“Wow, that’s pretty cool. I miss being in the rink.”
A look of sadness passed over her face, but she tried to cover it up.
I set down my drink and stroked her cheek with my thumb. “Hey, baby, are you okay?”
A tear slipped down her face. “Oh shit, I’m so sorry I brought it up. I didn’t mean to upset you.” I pulled her into my lap and hugged her closely.
“It’s all right. I hadn’t thought about hockey in a long time, and it just brought up a lot of memories.” She sniffled. “As a kid, I used to spend so much time at the rink. He played in a men’s league a few times a week, and I also played a little. I haven’t been in years.”
“We don’t have to go; I can give the tickets to someone else.” I kissed the top of her head. I’d never seen Easton sad like this, so I was wading through new territory.
She sat up and looked up at me. “Fuck, I’m sorry. I am so not this girl, but I hadn’t thought about him in such a long time. I most definitely want to go.”
“As long as you’re sure. We can invite everyone to come with us, too.”
“Awesome, I’m sure they’d love that. I’m really sorry for blubbering.”
I lifted her chin so she could see how serious I was. “Don’t ever apologize for showing me your feelings. I want all of you, the sad, the happy, the good, the bad, and everything in between.”
“I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m extremely grateful.” She kissed me again and dropped her head to my shoulder but quickly whipped it back up. “You should join the men’s league; I’d love to watch you play.” There was a sparkle in her eye that told me this was important to her.
“That’s a great idea. I’d love to get back on the ice again.”
Twenty-Five
Ice Time
Easton
“I can’t believe you’re the first of us to move in with a guy. What the fuck is this world coming to?” Sadie was shocked to say the least.
I taped another box shut. “Yeah, I thought for sure Rhian would’ve moved in with at least three by now.”
Rhian slapped me. “Hey! Why me? Sadie’s the hopeless romantic here.”
I raised a brow. “Sadie will hold out for true love, though. Like fairytale type shit.”
Sadie’s eyes got that dreamy look in them. “Like you and Tanner have.”
While I didn’t believe in that happy-ever-after crap, I had to agree with her—although I wasn’t about to it admit it out loud. Visions of kids and growing old were things I’d never thought about much less hoped for, and I found myself dreaming of that now.
I continued packing all my junk as I wondered why I was keeping most of it. I’d stayed at Tanner’s so long without any of it.
“Are you freaking out?” Sadie’s soft voice broke me out of my deliberations.
I looked up at her and smiled. “Nope.
Both their eyes went wide.
“Don’t look so surprised. I know this is all out of character for me, but I’m happy, so let’s not talk about it so I stay calm.”
We didn’t have much time before the Spencer and Carson would be here to help load everything. I wanted both Sadie and Rhian here to help me pack. So, although I was in a rush with the hockey game tonight, I was glad they were here.
By the time we packed the last box, I was exhausted. I’d need a nap when this was all over. The guys pulled up just as we closed the door to my room. It was a bittersweet moment. “Thanks for helping me today.”
They pulled me in for a group hug. Before things could get sappy, the doorbell rang and in walked the guys. Tanner couldn’t get the day off, but I didn’t have much, so we could handle it.
I was so excited about the game tonight. Tanner would be home any minute, and we were heading up. We had also planned to spend the night up in San Jose.
Everyone else was meeting us up there. Although I was mentally exhausted from moving today, I was thrilled to get away with Tanner.
The moment he walked in the door, I was bouncing off the walls, ready to go.
He chuckled at my impatience. “Can I at least get out of my stuffy work clothes before we leave?”
I ran my finger down his chest. “Mmm, but I love you in your suit, so sexy.” Suddenly I just wanted to take him to bed.
“You need to step back and let me change, or we’re never getting out of here.”
He was right, but damn, he did look good in a suit.
We were an hour into our drive, and we were stopping for gas when he turned to me and told me that we weren’t just staying the night. He’d booked us a suite for three nights at the Hayes Mansion.
I squealed like a thirteen-year-old girl. I’d heard it was beautiful. “Wait, what about Joe? I have to work.”
“It’s all been taken care of.”
I squealed again, of course, he’d thought of everything. When we pulled up to the resort, my jaw dropped. It was gorgeous.
“We get to stay here?”
“Yes, just the two of us, baby.”
“Thank you.” I kissed his cheek and hopped out of the car before the valet could open it for me.
Tanner handed two bags to the bellman.
“Wait, did you pack me a bag?” I was impressed.
“Not exactly, I had Sadie and Rhian pack it because I wasn’t quite sure what you’d want. I didn’t know what we were going to do, so they probably packed more than you need.”
I stretched up on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “You’re the best boyfriend I’ve ever had.”
“I’m the only boyfriend you’ve ever had.”
“True, but I couldn’t have asked for a better one.”
“Good because you’re never going to have another one.” He kissed me softly and took my hand as we walked into the lobby and up to the reception desk.
I laughed it off, but every
time he said something like that, it made me want more with him. I’d never pictured a white picket fence, kids, and a dog. But since I’d allowed Tanner in, I’d had glimpses of what a future with him might look like, and although I’d never wanted that life, I kind of liked it.
Tanner checked in, and we went straight up to our room. The bellhop opened the door and allowed me to enter first. Taking in all the dark rich woods against the crisp white linens, it was beautiful. The bathroom had a stunning standalone tub that I couldn’t wait to relax in, maybe Tanner would join me.
Tanner came up behind me as I admired the view of the mountain range. I leaned back into him. “It’s stunning, isn’t it?”
“Not as stunning as you.” He kissed my neck, causing shivers to run down my spine. “What do you want to do first, baby?” He continued his kisses across my shoulder.
“Well, if you keep that up, we won’t be leaving this room.”
He chuckled against my neck. “I’m okay with that.”
I turned in his arms. “But we can’t miss the game. How much time do we have?”
“Plenty, now strip.”
I loved it when he got all bossy. Instantly I obeyed without hesitation before crawling onto the plush bed, and he quickly followed.
We took our time exploring each other’s bodies and were able to get ready just in time to get to the game.
Tanner introduced me to Uber, which was something I wouldn’t use alone. It seemed a little creepy to allow a stranger to pick you up, but seeing as it was with Tanner, I was comfortable that he would take care of me.
I was definitely glad we had a box so we didn’t have to worry about those food lines. The food and drink spread was amazing, and it was a good thing because I was starving after the sex-fest we’d just had back at the hotel.
I sat right at the front of the box, not taking my eyes off the ice for most of the night. Being back in a rink was nostalgic and healing in a way. It made me feel like my dad was there with me. Shit, maybe he was. Who knows?
Tanner sat with me most of the time as we both shouted at the players down below. Rhian and Sadie didn’t say much throughout the game. Spencer and Carson were enjoying the food and drinks more than anything, but we all had a blast. By the time the game was over, I was wired. They begged us to go out and party downtown, but we both claimed to be tired. They all knew we were full of shit but let us go anyway.
I couldn’t wait to get back to our room and take advantage of Tanner again.
The smell of pancakes and coffee woke me from the best sleep I’d ever had. When I opened my eyes, I rolled over and looked out at the amazing view in front of me. I stretched and yawned and sat up in bed.
“Morning, beautiful, are you hungry?” Tanner's voice was still husky from sleep, so he must not have been awake very long.
“Yes, please, that smells amazing.” I climbed out of bed.” What time is it?”
“Ten.”
“What?” I was shocked. I rarely slept in unless I was hungover. “Wow, we need to get one of those mattresses.”
“I was thinking the same thing. I bet it costs more than I make in six months. Maybe we can throw it off the balcony and strap it to the roof of the car. Do you think they’d notice?”
“Sounds like a plan. I can distract them.” I piled the food onto my plate and sat down on the sofa beside Tanner. The instant the bacon hit my tongue, I moaned. “This has to be the best bacon I’ve ever tasted. That’s it, we’re never leaving.”
He took a bite of his. “Damn, that is good.”
“So, what’s the plan for today? I haven’t been here in years, but I do remember shopping in the flea market with my mom. You can usually find some really cool stuff, and the food is really great, too.
“Let’s do it.”
We finished our breakfast in silence since neither of us wanted to stop eating. The food was that good. I just wanted to keep eating beyond the point of full.
By the time we got to the flea market, it was past noon, and it was packed. We held hands as we took our time, checking out all the vendors. We rounded the corner to the last aisle, and a blue and purple dragonfly caught my eye. It was gorgeous, and I pulled Tanner along, weaving through all of the other buyers.
“This is gorgeous.” I turned to Tanner. “This would look so pretty in our kitchen.”
His smile was broad as he stared back at me without saying a word.
“Earth to Tanner.” I waved my hand in his face.
“You said our kitchen.” His smile was still huge.
I felt the blush creep up my cheeks. “Sorry.” I looked down at my feet.
He lifted my chin for me to look up at him. “Baby, why are you apologizing? I love it, and I love that you called it our kitchen. I want you to think of it that way.” He kissed me softly.
“Oh.” I wasn’t sure what else to say.
He looked toward the vendor. “We’ll take it.” He pulled out his wallet and paid for it before I could object and pay for it myself.
I kissed him cheek and thanked him.
Twenty-Six
Happy Birthday To Him
Tanner
By the time we had left the flea market, it was past dinner. We were so full from all the food we’d eaten that we decided to skip out on another meal and just go back to the room to veg out.
“What would you like to eat for your birthday dinner?”
I turned to Easton and looked her up and down. “Besides you?”
She threw back her head and laughed. “You can always have me.”
I knew what she meant, but hearing her say those words did something to me. At that moment, I decided that I wanted to do something different for my birthday. “I’d actually like to get a tattoo tomorrow.”
Her face registered the shock I’d expected. It was a little out of character for me, but I wanted this.
“Are you sure? You know that shit’s permanent, right?” She cocked a brow as she questioned my sanity.
“Yup, but I’m positive.”
“All right. Are you going to tell me what you’re planning to get?”
“Umm, do you mind if I keep it a surprise until we get there?”
“Sure, it’s your birthday.”
She was stewing about what it could be, but I knew she’d try to talk me out of it if I told her. So I’d keep it to myself until we got there.
“As for dinner, I don’t want anything fancy. I read online that Smoking Pig BBQ Company was pretty amazing. You up for that?”
“Hell yeah, I could bust down on some ribs and pulled pork.” She rubbed her belly and groaned.
I couldn’t believe we were talking about food; I was so stuffed I could barely move. “I feel ya, I’m going to get out of these jeans and hop into bed. Do you want to watch a movie?”
“Sounds like heaven.”
Between the fresh air, walking, and us being completely full, it didn’t take long before we were both passed out.
I woke from the most amazing dream to the most amazing reality, or maybe I wasn’t dreaming. Easton’s mouth wrapped around my cock was the best birthday present I’d ever received. I moaned out her name as I tangled my fingers in her hair.
She pulled back, still stroking my shaft. “Happy Birthday.”
I looked down just in time to watch her tongue reach out and lick me from root to tip before taking me to the back of her throat. “Fuck!”
Easton knew what I liked and didn’t hold back.
“If you keep that up, I’m going to come any second.”
She pulled off my dick with a popping sound. “Isn’t that the whole point.”
“It is, but I’d much prefer to be inside of you when I come.”
“What the birthday boy wants, the birthday boy gets.” She took my cock back into her mouth for another minute before sitting up in all her naked glory and straddling me. “How do you want me, Tanner?”
“Just like that, baby.”
She worked herself down onto me
painfully slow and leaned down when I bottomed out inside of her. Easton took my mouth as she began to ride me. Her pussy gripped my cock like a vise, and I held back my orgasm, wanting to stay in the moment. She leaned against me with both hands on my chest as I took both her breasts into my palms, kneading and tweaking her nipples. She moaned out and clenched my shaft. My balls tightened as I squeezed her ass, holding her in place and pounding up into her. She came as she shouted my name, and I quickly followed behind as she collapsed onto my chest.
Three little words hung on the tip of my tongue as I caught my breath, but I didn’t dare say them. She wasn’t ready for it, and I wasn’t about to ruin this by freaking her out. So, I just wrapped my arms around her, shifted our position so I was above her, and kissed the ever-loving hell out of her to show her instead of telling her how I felt.
“Happy Birthday,” she whispered. “Can I give you your gift?”
“I thought that was my gift?”
“Well, I guess you’re getting two. I hadn’t realized that the girls had packed it for me until last night.” She jumped out of bed and plucked a gift bag out of her stuff. She held it out but then quickly pulled it away. “Now, I’m feeling really stupid about this.”
“I’m sure I will love it no matter what it is.” I sat up and grabbed her by the waist, pulling her onto the bed with me.
“All right.” She handed it over, and I opened it.
“No card?”
She shrugged. “Cards are a waste of money, plus I’m not very good with words.”
“Fair enough.” I pulled out the box and fell back to the mattress. “That is the best thing I’ve ever seen.” It was a mug that read I like my coffee with a little morning wood with an image of a beaver under it.
“Yeah? You like it?”
“I love it.” I calmed myself and kissed her.
“There’s something else in there.”
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