by Harloe Rae
I eat her up, savoring every piece like a buffet of delicacies. Raven’s long hair is piled up in a messy bun, like a sassy golden halo. Those sinful lips are coated with bright red lipstick that’s begging to be smeared off. She smiles sweetly when my eyes linger on her mouth, and I hold back a moan. Her taut stomach is exposed thanks to a tiny crop-top. And Lord have mercy, she’s wearing cut-offs so short they should be illegal. Thinking about guys catching a glimpse of her ass has my blood boiling.
“You like?” she asks while spinning in a slow circle.
“So much,” I tell her honestly.
“Mission accomplished.”
“I’m impressed, Princess. This is the best surprise I’ve ever received,” I say.
My visual foreplay ends at Raven’s feet. Her murder-provoking outfit ends with a shiny pair of black high-heels. My cock twitches while picturing the spikes digging into me while I’m pounding into her.
Talk about walking temptation.
I’m so hard, my dick could jack up this vehicle. All brain functioning is focusing on bare skin so I barely notice what she’s balancing on her hand. By sheer force, I bring my eyes to hers. Raven’s expression is straight sex shooting into me.
“Whatcha got there?” I manage to choke out while gesturing to the pink box.
“Your birthday cake.” Her tongue peeks out, and I groan.
“You baked for me?”
Raven nods. “Sure did. Jack made the order earlier this week. Told me to bring it by today.”
“Sneaky bastard,” I mutter while moving closer to her. “I’ll need to send him a thank-you card.”
“You definitely owe him. I don’t do deliveries for just anyone.”
“Glad you made an exception,” I say while creeping into her personal space. “Haven’t heard from you, Princess. Figured you were done with me.”
Raven shrugs. “My phone stayed silent too. Goes both ways, Trey.”
“I’ll make up for staying away too long. Way, way too long.”
She sets the cake down before running her palms up my chest. “I’m here now.”
“You certainly are.” My fingers dig into her hips before roaming down.
Raven tugs on my shirt, drawing me in. “You might be my favorite thing about Garden Grove,” she whispers against my lips.
I chuckle, the sound turning into a dry rasp as she presses against me. “Princess, that means you haven’t seen enough of this town. I’ll show you more when we’re done here.”
“Oooh, a private tour?”
“Very private,” I say before kissing up her throat. Raven’s intoxicating perfume calls to me, like always. The sweet flowers permeate the oil and grease, mixing together in harmony.
She bows into my touch and murmurs, “Ready for your gift?”
I grind against her. “Never been more excited in my life.”
In the next breath, I’ve got Raven hoisted up on the car’s trunk. I wedge between her spread thighs, my hands skating up the smooth skin. Grease smears with every stroke of my palms. I never thought motor oil could be sexy, but Raven makes anything possible.
“You’re filthy,” I murmur against her parted lips.
Her tongue peeks out, almost licking me. “You’ve made me this way.”
She breaks away, only to devour me with her hungry eyes. Her fingers reach for the zipper of my coveralls, pulling it down painfully slow. Raven leans in and whispers across my jaw, “Happy birthday.”
FLIRTING
Raven
I SWITCH THE window sign to closed before turning off the foyer lights. Thankfully no one is loitering at the tables so we’ll be able to leave quickly. That works perfectly with my plans for the night.
Tingles dance up my spine as I think about Trey and our mid-morning fun at Jacked Up.
Planning the surprise for him was simple. Following through wasn’t as easy. I’m not skilled in the art of seduction and wobbled in my heels more than once. Somehow, I collected the courage and managed to pull it off, which is so unlike me.
The shock on Trey’s face was worth every nervous flutter in my belly. Being wild and reckless for a few weeks is giving me a huge confidence boost. Stepping out of my comfort zone of vanilla sex and predictable partners is definitely accomplishing that.
I’m practically skipping my way back behind the counter when Delilah catches me.
“You’re still smiling hours later. Must have been one helluva orgasm,” she muses.
I shoot her a wide-eye stare. “Will you keep your voice down?”
Delilah glances around the empty cafe. “Because I’ll offend all the customers?”
“Whatever, brat. Don’t be jealous.”
“Oh, I’m bright green with envy.”
“What?” I sputter, my brow furrowing.
Her palms fly up. “Oh gosh, not about Trey. About the extreme fucking. You’re playing out so many wild fantasies. If you ever decide to write a book, he’s giving you great material.” A soft giggle escapes me because I only gave her a very glossed-over version. Delilah doesn’t pick up on my reaction before asking, “Where’s he taking you for this date?”
I shake my head. “Not a date.”
“Do you want it to be one?” She joins me near the bakery display case.
“No, no. I’m totally okay with our arrangement. We’re having a little summer fling with no strings.”
She tucks her chin and pierces me with a knowing look. “Whatever you say. Don’t go falling for a guy like him.”
I cross my arms. “Yeah, I know. He’s emotionally unavailable. You’re beating a tired horse.” Even though I say the words with conviction, my stomach takes a dip. I circle back to her other question to distract myself. “I have no idea where we’re going. He told me I need to see more of Garden Grove.”
“What does that mean? I’ve taken you around.”
“Well, yeah. But I guess he has other ideas.”
“All right, whatever. When will he be here? I’m pretty impressed he’s picking you up for this non-date.”
I tap my phone on the counter to check the time. “In about fifteen minutes. What else needs to be done?” I scour the pristine interior of Jitters, searching for anything to tidy up.
Delilah shoos me away. “Nothing. Go upstairs and freshen up. I’ll finish counting the drawer and take inventory.”
My heart warms at her thoughtfulness. I loop my arms around her for a quick hug. “You’re the bestest. Thanks for everything.”
“Uh, huh. You’re welcome. When I’m getting all the good sex and you’re going through a drought, remember this moment.” Her heavy sigh puffs against my hair.
I pull back and give her a pout. “Do you wanna come with us? I’ll tell Trey to bring a friend.”
Delilah bends over, laughing hysterically. When it’s all out of her system, she straightens and wrinkles her nose. “Um, you’re hilarious. Thanks, but no thanks. I know all his friends and not happening. The only one I’d maybe consider is Shane, and he’s got it bad for Addy. Don’t worry about me, babe. I’ll catch some swoony man meat soon enough.”
I shimmy my shoulders and aim for the hallway. “Suit yourself. Maybe we can meet up later?”
“I can always assemble a squad for drinks and dancing. Text me when you’re done with lover boy.”
“Very funny,” I call out before climbing the stairs to our loft.
I dig through my closet and settle on a blue strapless dress. The sweetheart neckline is killer for my boobs so hopefully Trey takes notice. I scoff at myself for that. If he didn’t, I should be seriously concerned. That man gives off erotic vibes constantly.
When all my bits are covered by the silky material, I go into the bathroom to take care of the rest. I loosen the band holding up my hair and the blonde locks tumble down. Thankfully the topknot added a natural wave so I only add a few loose curls. A few dabs of rose perfume go on my neck. I smooth floral-scented lotion over my arms. I add another light layer of makeup. Anything mo
re will immediately melt off in this heat.
After a final appraisal in the mirror, I grab my purse and check my cell. Trey has sent a message letting me know he’s outside. A quiver of anticipation zips through me as I hustle to the street. Trey’s truck is idling in front of the shop, and I eagerly hop in.
“Hey, you,” I greet him. My raspy tone is cringeworthy, but no one’s here to blame me.
He’s so effing handsome that a raging inferno is igniting in my lower belly. Trey’s short hair is in careless disarray, like he’s been running his fingers through it. The stark contrast between his dark features and white tee is shamefully delicious. I take a deep breath and inhale woodsy pine, which makes my mouth water.
Damn, I’m so screwed.
Trey’s thumb swipes along my flushed face. “You look gorgeous, Princess. Might have to throw a few punches to keep other guys off you. That dress is . . . something else,” he says while staring at my cleavage. His coffee eyes shine with hunger, and I shiver.
I try playing off the giddiness inside me by saying, “Better stop giving me compliments. I’ll start to think you actually like me.”
He pulls out onto the road before glancing over. “You’re definitely growing on me. More to some parts of me than others.” Trey points to his lap, and I roll my eyes.
“Always so dirty,” I mumble.
“Don’t pretend to hate it. You were all about my filthy hands earlier.”
My cheeks suddenly blaze so I crank up the air conditioning. “Damn, it just got really hot in here.”
“Did you do a lot of baking this afternoon? Were you stirring up a storm?”
I squirm in my seat as the temperature continues rising. “Maybe.”
“Should I check?” Trey asks while his fingers skim up my thigh.
“Gah, stop. You’re driving me crazy.”
“With desire,” he adds.
I nod. “Yes, obviously. You’re turning me into a nympho.”
He hums. “I really appreciate your honesty. You deserve a reward. Maybe we should pull over.”
“Or we can let it simmer so later will be more explosive.”
“Damn, Princess. I’ve created a sexy spitfire.”
I bite my lip and peek up at him. “You sure have.”
“You’re so fucking tempting,” Trey groans. He adjusts his pants, but can’t hide the enormous bulge tenting the zipper. He clears his throat and says, “Wish I hadn’t picked a spot so far away.”
“Where are we going?”
“There’s this bistro brewery combo by the lake a few towns over. Takes about thirty minutes to drive there, but damn worth it. Hops isn’t technically part of Garden Grove, but this is one of my favorite spots around these parts. It’s definitely something for you to see. The view alone is incredible.”
“Sounds pretty romantic,” I find myself saying. My hopeless heart races at the implication. I silently berate the overly emotional organ.
He shrugs. “It’s my birthday. I deserve to be spoiled.”
“Speaking of, did you try the cake?”
Trey’s hand is still on my leg, and he squeezes slightly. “So damn good, I almost ate the entire thing. The guys had to pry the fork from me so they could get a piece.”
His praise makes me smile. “Good. I’m glad. I never know how the new recipes will turn out, but so far, there haven’t been many complaints.”
“You’re really talented, Raven. Did you take classes? Or are you self-taught?”
I tip my hand back and forth. “Mostly watching a lot of YouTube and cooking shows. I took an evening course in college, but it was mostly for fun. Baking has always been a hobby of mine. Guess it’s paying off.”
Trey bobs his head. “Hell yeah. Delilah is lucky to have you.”
I laugh and glance out the window as we turn onto a gravel lane. “I’ll make sure to tell her you said that.” My eyes scan the expansive fields stretching in every direction. “Where the heck are you taking me? There’s nothing around here.”
“You’ll be eating those words soon enough,” he says while we travel over the rough terrain. “This place is a hidden gem. It’s off the beaten path down this bumpy road, but we’re almost there.”
Trey wasn’t lying. A few minutes later, we’re parked by a stunning building that looks like a fancy log cabin. There are strings of lights lining the roof, windows, and doors that give the structure an iridescent glow. Even before going in, I can tell this place has a magical quality.
“It’s something to remember,” he murmurs. I turn away from the glorious sight to face him, sucking in sharply at the flames in his brown eyes. I nod mutely, not sure words can escape my throat.
“The restaurant isn’t bad either,” Trey adds.
Fire spreads in my chest as we stare, silently devouring each other. He leans forward, his fingers wrapping around my nape. I edge toward him, and Trey tugs me in the rest of the way. Our mouths meet in a soft press. When his tongue drags across my bottom lip, I gasp, and he dips inside. My palm cups his jaw, tilting just right, and we explore further. Sparks flare from my core when he sucks me deeper into him.
Trey breaks away, panting heavily. “Shit, Princess. You’re too much. I can barely control the urge to toss you into the backseat and have my way with you.”
“You won’t hear me putting up a fuss.”
He dives back in, but only for a moment. This kiss is brief, but no less tantalizing. The slow glide of his mouth against mine is a promise of more. “Waiting will make later even better, right?”
Trey makes me regret saying that earlier. I force myself to put necessary space between us, reaching for the door.
“You’re right,” I say and hop out. “Let’s go. I wanna see inside.”
He shakes his head. “Oh, no. We’re sitting on the patio. That’s the best part. It overlooks the water.”
When we meet at the front of his truck, I reach for his hand.
“What the fuck are you doing?” he asks, jerking away.
“What does it look like? Holding your hand,” I say and try again.
Trey lifts his arms up, far above me. “I don’t do that fluffy shit.”
I raise a brow. “So, you’ll sleep with me but won’t hold my hand?”
“Glad you’re comprehending.”
“Seriously?”
“Absolutely. I don’t need another line blurred. Holding hands is too intimate.”
I blink at him slowly. “That’s such a pile of crap. If you hold my hand, that doesn’t mean I’ll fall head over heels.”
Trey shrugs. “Not a chance I wanna take.”
“You’re no fun,” I pout.
“Not happening, Princess. Not now, or ever. Now, get your ass moving. Ladies first.” He gestures to the stone walkway. “We’ll sit at the bar out here.”
I grumble, just for fun. “Some gentleman you are.”
Trey snorts. “Nope, don’t even start with that. Made it perfectly clear the day we met I’m no Prince Charming.”
“That’s super true,” I sigh.
He nudges me. “Don’t be disappointed. I’ll make up for it in other ways.”
I lace my fingers together and mutter, “It’s fine. I still don’t understand all the guidelines for this no-strings fling thing. But I’ll play by your rules. No worries.” Tingles streak along my skin, and not the good kind. I gulp down pebbles of doubt and follow the path to the outdoor seating area.
Trey strokes up my back. “Just don’t overthink it and go with the flow. There are certain things, like holding hands, I don’t do because it muddies the water.”
“Got it,” I say. “Just sex, no mushy crap.” I grin, but I feel my expression go brittle.
We’re getting settled on a pair of stools when he replies, “You’re making me feel like a dick for not holding your hand.”
“What? I’m not doing anything. I didn’t think it was a big deal. Let’s move on.”
“Okay,” he says but doesn’t sound convinced
.
The bartender glides over, wearing a mini tube top that shows off her impressive rack. I check out the goodies while she bends toward Trey.
“Hi, handsome. Haven’t seen you in a while.”
In a snap, Trey turns on some swagger. I watch their exchange in fascination as an idea forms. He leans forward on the counter and smiles wide at her. “Hey, babe. Nice to see you. How’ve you been?”
“Oh, real good. Can’t complain about spending summer hours out here. How’s Jack?” she asks in a throaty tone I’m instantly jealous of.
Trey chuckles, the sound smoother than sex on the beach. “Yeah, I miss being out here. The garage has been so damn busy. And Jack is enjoying the bigger paychecks for sure.”
She hums, licking her lips. “That’s real nice. What’ll you have to drink?” The hidden meaning is he can have her to eat.
“I’ll have the new IPA you’re brewing,” he says and turns to me. “Vodka soda with lime?” A warm sensation floods me when he remembers my drink of choice.
“Yep, thanks,” I tell him, purposely avoiding the chesty bartender.
After a few more blatantly obvious advances on Trey, she sashays off to get our drinks. I stare at him silently for a few beats, my gaze surveying his ridiculously sexy face. His usual smirk replaces the fake-ass smile he used with her.
I swallow the hurt down, fighting against my gut to keep this going. Trey is practically spelling out the shallow definition to our arrangement. My heart needs to stay the hell out of it. If I was smart, this would be our final night together. Not sure I can pull the trigger on walking away yet.
“What’s up? You’ve got a strange look in your eye,” he says, shifting closer to me.
I squint. “Maybe I should be offended by all that, but it was fun to see. You’re suave as hell.”
His forehead creases. “Not sure what you mean. That”—he motions between himself and her—“is harmless. We go way back.”
“Yeah, sure. That girl is begging to hop in your lap,” I say.
“Nah, she’s an old friend. Nothing more.”
“I don’t really care what you consider her. What I’m upset about is missing out on the Don Juan goodness. When we met, it was instant enemy battle. I never got the nice Trey performance.” His blank expression is priceless. “See? That’s all I get. A bland look. I want you to reel me in.”