by Laney Powell
“Hey,” I cupped her cheek with my hand. “You sure you want to—”
She moved my hand away and sucked harder.
“Oh… holy shit. OK. I’ll shut up.”
She looked at me, and I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Slowly, again, and then faster, she sucked my cock, never looking away. That was as sexy as what her mouth on me. When I felt myself close, I kept my damn mouth shut this time, and let myself go with it.
“Oh, Christ…” I whispered, gripping the armrest on the door.
Annalise didn’t stop, and I felt myself come, harder than I’d come in I couldn’t remember how long. It seemed like it went on forever, and I could feel my hips thrusting up at her.
When the tension drained from me, Annalise sat up, smiling like the cat that ate the cream.
“That was fucking amazing,” I said, leaning forward, and putting my hand behind her head to kiss her. I could taste myself on her, and it was sexy. She’d done this for me. I wanted nothing more than to return the favor.
“You know, I would love to head back and have some proper time alone with you,” I said.
She laughed. Her eyes were sparkling, even in the dim light of the parking lot, and she seemed happier than I’d ever seen her. “I think that sounds like the best idea ever, Markus.”
She began to scoot back over into her seat, and I stopped her, and pulled her into my lap. I didn’t care that we were in a parking lot, or that I was sitting here with my ass hanging out. “Thank you,” I said.
She kissed me. “You are most welcome.”
We kissed for a bit longer. “OK, we need to go somewhere a little more private,” I said.
“I like that idea,” Annalise slid back into the passenger seat, and looked out the window while I got myself tucked back in.
As soon as I was presentable, I started the car and did my best not to speed back to Wonderland. We had about twenty minutes, and I glanced over. Annalise was watching me, and her lips were slightly parted.
“What are you thinking?” I asked.
The corners of her mouth turned up. “About what’s coming next.”
“You are, but not until I make you scream my name a few times,” I said.
Her breath caught. I wondered if she was into dirty talk. Well, time to find out. “It might interest you to know that I haven’t come that hard in years. You were amazing.”
She smiled, and her cheeks looked pinker. I couldn’t really tell, but I was going to go with it. “I definitely want to return that feeling. Would you like to know what I’m going to do with you?”
Her eyebrow went up. “You already know?”
“I’m a planner. Things go better when you plan.”
“I like planning.”
“Well, first, I’m going to strip you out of your clothes. The entire time my cock was in your mouth, I wanted to be touching you, and I couldn’t. So, clothes right on the floor. I’ll lay you down, and kiss you. First, your mouth, while my hands touch you all over. I want to suck at your nipples until you can’t stand it anymore. And then, I’ll move down between your legs.”
Her breath caught. She liked this. My cock was hard again.
I leaned over and touched her there. I could feel the heat between her legs. “I’m going to take my time down here, Annalise. I’m going to kiss and suck and nibble you, because I want to make you come so hard you’ll see stars. Just like I did. It’s not fair that you did this for me unless I do it for you as well.”
“You’re all about the fairness?” Her voice came out breathy.
Probably because I was rubbing her pussy harder. “I am. What’s the fun if it’s all one sided?”
“That is definitely the right answer,” she said.
“I have lots of those,” I let my hand wander up to her breast and squeezed her nipple with my fingers. I felt her body turn to me. “I can’t wait to get you naked in my bed. I think I’ve been thinking about it since I met you.”
“When I knocked you on your face?” She asked with a half-laugh.
“Oh, that’s not very nice.” I pulled my hand back.
“Punishment?” When I glanced over at her, one of her eyebrows was up in her hairline.
“Only if you want it,” I said quietly.
She looked away. “I don’t know.”
“I guess I’ll need to tease you then. Lean back,” I added.
She leaned back against the seat. I ran my hand along her thigh, brushing the top of her pussy but not stopping. Then up to her nipple and along her neck. I brushed my fingers against her lips, thanking whoever that my arms were long enough that I could do this and still drive.
I was going ten miles under the speed limit at this point. When had that happened? Who cared? We were almost there, and I was completely hard again, and ready to do all the things I’d been dreaming about doing to Annalise since I met her.
I pulled up close to my cabin, and Annalise got out with me. I came around and took her hand, walking up the steps. I opened the door, and there was no one there. Perfect. I didn’t care if anyone saw us, but I knew how the talk would fly. Pulling her behind me, I turned her around, and kicked the door shut. “Finally,” I growled.
The lights went on and I blinked. Annalise looked around, her eyes half-closed against the bright light.
A voice said, “What the hell is going on, Markus?”
My mouth fell open. I wasn’t often at a loss for words, but I was now.
“Cara?” I said stupidly.
“Who is Cara?” Annalise asked quietly.
“I am his girlfriend,” Cara said, striding over, and taking my arm. She tugged at me.
I snatched it back.
Annalise let her arms fall from around my neck.
“Yes, I would appreciate it if you stopped manhandling my boyfriend,” Cara said. “And you can leave.”
“Cara, that’s not your place—”
“I come all the way up here, and I have to wait because you’re out with someone? I had to trek around all over looking for you, and finally someone was able to tell me you were out. Markus, this isn’t fair of you.” Amazingly, tears began to well up and fall down her face.
“Oh, wow. I… I need to leave. Thank you for dinner, Markus.” Annalise looked at me, at Cara, and ducked behind me and slipped out the door.
“Good riddance,” Cara said loudly.
No doubt so Annalise could hear.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
She came up and put a hand on my chest, attempting to snuggle into my arm. “You were so abrupt on the phone, and then you didn’t call me. I didn’t have a choice. I had to come and see you.”
“Wait a minute. Let me sort this, since apparently I’m missing something,” I said, my voice getting flinty. “You dump me, right when I need you. After my parents die, and I am trying to figure out life without them, and I take a leave of absence, you tell me that you can’t be with me because I lack ambition. And you’re gone. In like, a day. Then you get some maggot in your head, and decide you want me back, and when I tell you no thanks, you decide you need to come and tell me how it is? Do I have that about right?”
“Well, sweetheart, you’ve got some of it right.”
“I realize you think I’m not all that smart, but I really am, Cara. I know myself, and what I want, and don’t want.”
“Markus, we need---”
“No, we don’t need to anything. You walked out on me when I was at my lowest. I needed someone to be my partner, and you ran like hell from that. What’s the matter? Can’t find anyone else to fund you and put up with you?”
I stopped myself. I was angry, but I didn’t need to be a dick. And I’d just stepped into dick territory. “I’m sorry. That last comment wasn’t called for. But there’s nothing to talk about, Cara. And there’s no us. You need to leave.”
“I can’t drive down that mountain now. It was a challenge enough getting up here. The roads won’t be safe,” she said quickly. Almost too q
uickly.
“There are motels a couple of miles away.”
“Markus, please. Can I just stay here? I’ll leave first thing. I promise.”
I glared at her. Bad enough she’d ruined a night I was very much looking forward to. Now she wanted to impose further. I sighed. “Fine. You can have the couch.”
“You’re going to make me sleep on the couch?” She looked offended.
“Yes. That’s where my friends sleep if they come up.” I crossed my arms and looked at her. She sure as hell wasn’t my friend, but if she feared driving down the mountain at night, I wouldn’t force her. But neither would I give up my bed.
She sighed. “Fine. If that’s the best you can do.”
“It is, Cara. Wait here, and I’ll get you a pillow and a blanket.”
“And something to sleep in?”
I turned around. “No. You have clothes. I’m not playing this game with you, Cara. Manage yourself.” I went to my room and got an extra pillow and one of my blankets and brought it out to her. She took it with ill grace. If looks could kill, I’d be writhing in pain on the floor.
But I knew her. I’d dated her for two years. I saw how she planned and schemed. And I wasn’t going to get caught in it. I should be grateful to her for dumping me. We were going nowhere as a couple. I’d loved her, but it had worn thin particularly as she got angrier and less patient with all the things I needed to tend to that weren’t her.
I closed my room door. Even with it closed, I could hear her muttering and tossing around on the couch, and I had to smile. This was one time she didn’t get what she wanted. I liked strong women, and it was one of the things that had attracted me to Cara. But her strength, and her drive—they were ruthless. That was too much for me. For anyone, really.
Not to mention, she’d ruined my date. I hope she found the spring in the center cushion of the couch and slept on it all night long. I pulled a pillow over my eyes and prayed for sleep. I had no idea what I was going to say to Annalise.
The next morning, I was up at six, and I got dressed, and headed out to send Cara on her way. She was up, glaring at me from the couch.
“You need to leave.”
“Really? You have to rush me?”
“Yes. I have to work. So do my roommates. We don’t want you in here when we’re not here.”
“I don’t think they’ll make it up for days. They were both drunk and noisy,” she said, rubbing her hair.
“Well, that happens. Please leave. Now.”
Cara had slept in her clothes, and she got her shoes, her coat, and purse. “This is the last time I’ll ask. Are you sure you want me to leave?”
“Yes.”
“You are not going to find anyone better than me, Markus Donnelly. Especially not that little ski tart you dragged in here last night.”
“Cara, please leave.”
She went to the door and yanked it open. She stood for a moment and suddenly turned around and gave me a big kiss. It took me by surprise and I pushed her away.
“Bye, Markus,” she said with an evil grin. She slammed the door behind her.
Jesus on toast. Finally.
Landon stuck his head out. “Who in the hell was that?”
“The ex.”
“Is that why she’s so pissed?”
“That and our couch sucks.”
He thought about it for a moment and said, “We might have sat on her, too.”
I started to laugh. “How did I stay asleep for that one?”
“I don’t know, man. She’s a screamer for sure.”
“Somebody else’s problem now. Sorry she was a pain in the ass.”
He waved a hand. “No worries, man. Sometimes you can’t help it with exes. I’m gonna get another hour.” He closed his door.
There was no way I’d go back to sleep now. I went to make a cup of coffee and figure out what I was going to tell Annalise. I mean, the truth, obviously, but it was so crazy. Would she even believe me?
Annalise
When I woke up the next morning, the sun was shining through a slit in my curtain. I rolled over and pulled the pillow over my head. I couldn’t believe how things had turned out.
I’d rushed from Markus’ cabin, and ran to mine, slamming the door behind me. Grace and Leah were watching TV, and they both jumped up when I came in.
“What is wrong?” Leah asked.
“What happened?” Grace said at the same time.
I let the tears fall as I leaned against the door. I still couldn’t believe it.
“Is this about the pissed chick looking for Markus?”
“If her name is Cara and she’s his girlfriend, yes.”
“Oh my God,” Leah said. “Savannah said she met his girlfriend, and she showed her where his cabin was.”
“Well of course Savannah did,” I said, dashing at the tears on my face. “Who else would it be?”
“She was far too cheerful,” Leah said. “Like she ran over someone’s dog.”
I looked at her and I started laughing. “That… is the perfect… description of her,” I gasped weakly.
I must be insane. From crying to laughing in under sixty seconds? That’s what crazy people did.
“What happened?” Grace asked.
“We came in and we were…”
“Having sex?” Grace shouted.
“No! And keep your voice down! No, we were kissing, and it was dark, and the light came on, and she was standing there, all glaring and Ms.-I’m-all-that, and I panicked.”
“What did she say?” Leah asked.
“Basically, that he was hers, who the hell was I, I would rue the day. You know. Normal bitch girl stuff.”
Grace and Leah looked at each other.
“I think that’s the first time I’ve heard you swear since you started here,” Leah said slowly. “She must be bad.”
“She was. But Markus didn’t say anything. He was totally focused on her—”
“Making up with her?” Grace interrupted.
“I don’t know. I don’t think so. I just know I’ve never felt so awkward in my life, and I got the hell out.”
There was silence and then Leah asked, “OK, so is he as good of a kisser as I think he is?”
“Leah!” Grace hissed.
I looked at her and sat down on the small couch with them. “Yes. Since that was probably the first and last time I’ll kiss him, I’m happy to report he is an amazing kisser.”
“Whoa. You have it bad,” Grace said.
“What do you mean?”
“You didn’t see your face when you were talking about kissing him. You have it baaad. You saw it, didn’t you, Leah?”
Leah nodded.
“Well, I have to unhave it. Because there’s no way I can compete with Cara.”
“Are you kidding?” Leah asked.
“No. Not at all.”
“You don’t really see yourself, do you?” Grace asked. “Because you so compete. In fact, he’s crazy and a psycho chaser if he takes her back after you.”
“Absolutely,” Leah nodded.
“Well, I have to make it through this weekend. Pray to the scheduling gods Bob doesn’t put us together. I need a little time before I face him. I’m going to bed.”
“Night,” both chorused as I went to my room and shut the door, falling face first on the bed.
There was so much to process, I didn’t even know where to start. I took the chicken way out and curled up in pajamas and went to sleep. Time enough for all the shit to hit the fan—or whatever was going to happen—tomorrow morning.
When I woke, it didn’t seem like I’d slept at all. I hadn’t been crying or anything, but it was shocking. And I found that I hurt. Why hadn’t Markus told me about whatever her name was? If things weren’t totally over, I got that.
But to find out like this? God, was I a home wrecker? I pushed myself out of bed and got ready for classes. When I came out into our little living room, Grace and Leah were dressed and ready to
go.
“We’re with you,” Leah said.
“Yeah, this has the possibility of a scene,” Grace added.
I was horrified. “You think so?”
They nodded. “With Savannah thrown into the mix? That girl lives for scenes.”
“Well, I can certainly see that,” I grumbled. I tucked a few protein bars into my pockets, and we all left together. There were other instructors also making their way to the school, and I saw a few curious looks, but I ignored it.
This was ridiculous. I hadn’t felt like this since… since… middle school. Maybe Wonderland wasn’t a good idea. Maybe I should have left it to my happy memories. When you pull back the curtain, things aren’t always as pretty.
We were almost inside. Once we got into the staff room, where Bob would be waiting, I figured I was safe.
“I can’t believe you’re showing your face.”
No. Such. Luck. I turned slowly to see Savannah-the-bitch-hair-flipper eying me judgmentally, hands on her bony ass hips.
“Why is that?” I asked pleasantly, my heart pounding. I didn’t like confrontation, but I was committed to this for up to three more months, and I wasn’t going to take any more nonsense from this would-be Barbie.
“I would have thought you would have some shame after being such a slag.”
OK, really? This was where she was going to focus? With the gathering audience, this was how she was going to blow her wad, so to speak? I laughed. “Do you hear yourself? No wonder you were always number two on Markus’ list. Now,” I widened my eyes, “You’re number three, at best. I personally think you’re not even on the list, but we all have to tell ourselves something to make things better.”
“Excuse me?” She flipped her hair. Because of course she did.
“No, I will not excuse you. You are meddling in something that is none of your business, just to be a bitch. You know why I’m here? Because I love skiing, and I love this resort, and I can afford a job for fun. So unless you have something to say that involves my job, which I doubt, then you have nothing to say to me. And I expect you won’t, ever again.” I turned around and marched into the staff room, my head high.
Behind me, I heard some catcalling and a smattering of applause. I hope Savannah was steaming. Served her right. I felt petty, bringing Markus into this, but this was all about him. She was mad I’d gone on a date with him. For that reason alone, and who knows what else in her snake pit mind, she felt it was OK to harass me at work.