She has a wistful smile and I’d love to see her smile every day. “Paris. There’s something about the city that makes me feel like I’m in a fairy tale. I went my senior year of high school. It was a gift from my parents. They worked so hard to get me that trip. I remember my dad worked overtime for over three months just so I could experience Paris. Eleven days. It was transcendent. I’d go back in an instant. What about you?”
Growing up I’ve had the best of life. My parents had my little brother and me, and we experienced life in a different way. My mom was a stay at home wife and made sure we were taken care of. My dad was a CFO for one of the top tech companies in the world. He wanted me to work alongside him, but my passion was helping people, and I never saw myself working in an office. My brother took the route to work with my father and I picked something that I knew would make me happy.
“Honestly. Here. This is home to me. I love everything about Seattle.”
“Wow. That’s surprising.”
“Why’s that?”
She shrugs and sips on her latte before answering. “I thought you’d say some place expensive and nice.”
“Nope. Seattle’s where I want to be. So, let me ask you something. What made you want to become a nurse?”
Her body’s vibrating with excitement. Light illuminates her beautiful face and there’s that smile again.
“I love helping people. Ever since I was little, I always took good care of my dolls and would play nurse with my mom and sisters. I wasn’t the greatest in school, but I worked hard and studied every day.”
“I’m glad you found something you love to do.” She’s beyond perfect for me. We have the same interests and want to help people. “Do you have anything lined up for a job?”
She excitedly nods. “My second interview is next week. I don’t want to sound cocky, but I think the job’s mine.”
“That’s great, Ashley. I’m happy for you.”
“Thank you.”
There’s that blush again. I don’t know why but I love that she gets nervous around me and becomes shy. My cock pulses at the thought about what else makes her blush. Since we’re only talking, I wonder how a night with me would make her feel. I didn’t expect any instant feelings to come from meeting her, but once I set my eyes on her, I knew it was game over. Whatever I see and want, I work hard and get it. I don’t take no for an answer.
“I don’t want tonight to end. Do you want to stay here or head out somewhere else?”
“Let’s stay here for now and keep talking.”
“Whatever you want.”
Chapter Three
Ashley
A few hours pass and Clayton’s walking me to my car. The night has gone by in a blur. I don’t want it to end and I sure hope I know what I’m getting myself into. A nudge inside me keeps poking and telling me it’ll be okay and to take the chance. I’m not a very good taking chances kind of person. The second our eyes met, I’ve been captivated by his smile. His eyes. Everything about him. It’s unsettling how in less than a few hours someone can mean so much to you. I could easily fall head over heels in love with Clayton Turner. He’s giving me the butterflies again with just one touch.
“I had a lot of fun tonight with you. I hope I’ll see you again soon.”
“Me too.” I’m breathless. I’m begging him to kiss me. What feels like years is making me anxious. Should I make the first move?
My stomach flops and I’m questioning the night and what I think will happen. To be honest, I’m not sure I entirely know what I want to happen. I glance down and see the grip he has on my hand. Maybe we’re thinking the same thing.
Oh Mylanta. Please say something so I’m not going crazy over here. I’m going to need to learn how to breathe and not freak out. I don’t want to be that girl.
Clayton puts a strand of hair behind my ear and cups my cheek his soft and warm hand. “You’re beautiful.” The sexy cadence and deep voice ease me from my jittery nerves. “Tell me when I can see you again.” Before I can say answer our lips meet. I shush my mind and let myself enjoy this moment. Our lips are pressed tightly at first and when I part my lips for him, he deepens the kiss and presses me closer to his body.
The electronic tingle courses through my body from head to toe. Even with this kiss I can feel his smile. In a matter of hours of talking, and now this kiss, it feels like home.
“Come back to my apartment with me,” I whisper against his lips, breaking our kiss.
“You sure that’s what you want?”
“I mean you don’t have to, but I-,” my voice trails off when his lips land on mine.
“I want to. I just don’t want you to feel pressured.”
“I don’t feel pressured. This is what I want, Clayton. Come back to my place.”
“I’m right behind you.” With one more kiss he’s opening my car door for me and rushing to get into his.
Clayton follows me to my apartment, which is close by. The lights are off when we walk inside, and it gives me the courage I need for this to happen. When he shuts the door, I push him against the wall and kiss him again. His hands roam up and down the sides of my body before he cups my face.
“We don’t have to do anything.”
“It’s fine,” I whisper, and kiss him again. “I want this to happen.”
His tongue parts my lips and enters my mouth, leaving me breathless and aching for more.
“Bedroom?”
Without answering, I take his hand and lead him down the hall and into my room. Before I can take off my heels, Clayton stops me and slides the straps down my shoulders, letting my dress pool to the ground. Standing in my matching black bra and panties, he steps back, and looks at me. Without thinking, I try to cover myself. I’m not experienced and have only been with one person in my life. Clayton’s the second guy who has seen me naked.
“Don’t be shy about your body, Ashley. You’re breathtaking. I can look at you all night and be satisfied.” With one step back to me, he turns me around, unhooking my bra, and placing his lips on my bare shoulder, making his way down my spine. “So beautiful.”
My body quivers beneath his kiss and touch as my heart pounds against my chest, steady and fast. An overwhelming sense of desire strikes me, and waves of pleasure soar through me. It’s something I haven’t experienced. A pool of warmth consumes me, and the throbbing between my legs becomes fierce. Clayton’s strong arms cradle me. He kisses my neck. Right underneath my ear, the place on my body that I didn’t realize I liked until now. It sends shivers down to my belly. His rough stubble tickles my neck while his hands caress my breasts. I feel his breath on my skin while his hand leaves my breast and travels down to the band of my panties.
“I want to take my time with you. Cherish this moment.”
“Okay.” I’m breathless, wanting and needing more.
Chapter Four
Clayton
Everything I crave is right in my hands. I love how she feels against my body. The sounds she’s making are driving me insane. I need to take my time with her. She’s the kind of woman to be appreciate. There’s no rushing tonight.
Damn, this girl is a game changer.
Thinking back on the conversations we’ve had the two weeks before tonight, I didn’t think this is where we’d end up. She’s beyond gorgeous with her long brown hair and golden-brown eyes. I can’t get enough of her. After tonight, I know I won’t be the same. I’ll make sure we’ll see each other again.
Turning her around, I pick her up with ease as she wraps her legs around my waist. I take her mouth, sliding my tongue between her lips, and savor her sweet taste. It’s addicting and I can’t get enough. I need more.
Placing her on the bed, I lift myself up and take off my shirt, loving the way she’s watching me and biting her bottom lip. Her long brown hair is fanned over the bed and her eyes are hooded with desire, begging me for more. When I lean over her, my thumb trails her bottom lip, and I let it fall down her body once again. Teasing her,
needing to hear her moan my name, I slide her panties off and toss them carelessly to the side. My hands stroke her leg until I feel the straps of her heels and take those off as well.
Her eyes slowly open and she sets her sights on me. For a moment, the room goes still. “Clayton.” Her soft moan fills the quiet room as her eyes close when she feels my fingers grazing her naval and inching closer to where she wants me to go.
Lowering myself, I kiss the tops of her thighs and brush my finger along the slit of her opening. Her body responds to my touch, and I inch closer until my lips are on her wet clit. I suck gently, tasting her, and parting her lips to slide my finger inside her warmth. She’s wet and her breathing is getting louder. I continue to stroke her and suck on her clit.
“Please,” she begs with pure desperation, as her fingers play with my hair, gripping it tightly, and spreading her legs wider for me. “Keep going.”
Her arousal coats my tongue. Everything about her is addicting. Her smell. Her sounds. How she tastes. I’m never going to get enough. My throbbing cock pushes against my jeans, but I need to make her orgasm before I let it out. I can barely take it. Pumping my fingers harder and faster, Ashley’s body lifts from the bed slightly and I feel her pussy dripping onto my tongue, and I know she’s found her release. Not wanting to waste any time, I quickly get up and unbutton my jeans, taking them off, along with my briefs, when I remember I didn’t bring a condom.
“Fuck,” I mutter. I didn’t plan for anything to happen tonight, so I didn’t come prepared.
“What?”
I chuckle and run my hand down my face, trying to remember if I saw a convenient store nearby. “So I wasn’t planning on this happening. I didn’t bring a condom.”
“It’s fine.” She jumps up and goes to her closet. I hear some noises and wonder what she’s doing. Ashley comes back to the bed and hands me the condom. “My roommate got me a club pack for my birthday as a joke. I was mortified, but now I have to thank her tomorrow for being brilliant.”
“She might be my new best friend.” Even in the darkness of the room, I can see her smile.
Damn. That smile is going to be the end of me.
Without wanting to miss any more time, I get on the bed with her and gently slide my hard cock inside her, instantly feeling her tightness grip my length. Pausing for a moment so she can adjust to my size, I hear her soft moan, and slide further inside her. Her nails grip my shoulders and I lean down to kiss her, my tongue delving into her mouth, muting her screams. It pushes me to go faster, gripping her hips and quickening my pace.
Breaking our kiss, my lips touch her cheek and on her neck beneath her ear. Her breathing speeds and I know she’s close. Her second release gives me mine as I groan her name and feel the waves of my own orgasm flow through me.
I slowly move out of her and leave her on the bed to find her bathroom. When I come back into the room, I take a moment to stop in my tracks and admire this woman. Noticing she’s lying there, waiting for me, I climb back into bed with her, taking her blanket and covering us both.
“Tell me something no one knows,” she whispers against my chest.
“I didn’t think I’d feel this way. The way I do now. It’s not making sense to me, but I don’t care.”
Without pause she responds back, “Stay with me tonight.”
“I’m not leaving.”
Her body is resting against mine. We’re quiet and this is the first time in a while I’ve felt at peace.
Peace.
I like that idea.
“Tell me more about yourself. I want to know everything.”
Her laugh fills my ears and it’s the most beautiful sound. If I could make a soundtrack of her laughter, I would play it over again.
“I’m not sure where to start. We’ve talked about so much tonight.”
I play with her hair, resting my chin on top of her head, and feel her fingers entwining with mine.
“You’re right. I want to see you again.” The honesty coming out of me isn’t scaring me or making me want to run for the hills. “If that’s okay with you.”
“I’d like that.” She snuggles closer to me. “I’d like that a lot.”
The next morning, I leave her a note on her nightstand, and hurry out of the apartment and into my car. There’s a Starbucks close by. I’m making a guess and assuming she’ll want latte and muffin.
There’s a drive-through so I don’t have to get out. The line is long, but it goes quickly. After placing my order and driving to the window, I pay with my credit card, and speed back to the apartment.
I pull out her key and use it to get back in. It seems a little creepy that I’m walking back inside without her inviting me. I don’t think too much of it. She knows I’m coming back.
When I walk back into her bedroom, she’s still sleeping and hasn’t moved. I sit on the side of the bed, moving her hair from her face, and admiring how peaceful she looks.
“Good morning, beautiful.” I hate to wake her, but I don’t want her drinking cold coffee. “I have a surprise for you.”
“It’s too early,” she mumbles. “Sunday’s are meant to be lazy.”
I lean over and kiss her forehead. “But I have breakfast for you.”
“Muffin?” She slowly opens her eyes and sees the bag in my hand. “How did you guess?”
Another point under my name. “That’s my secret.” I tap the tip of her nose.
Ashley sits up on her bed and smiles. “Oh, we have secrets now?”
“Never. I hate secrets. I saw a box of packaged muffins on your counter and since you had a lavender latte the other day, I simply put two and two together. If I can be honest, since the first day we started talking, I made it my mission to make sure I knew everything about you. Am I doing okay?”
“More than okay.” She leans over and our lips meet. Kissing her feels good. She feels good.
Chapter Five
Ashley
The weeks pass and the connection with Clayton gets stronger. I can’t explain it. We get each other and we have more in common than we thought. After work, he’s either at my apartment or I’m at his. We hang out with Gina a lot. She’s become our third wheel and Clayton never complains.
My mom is anxious to meet him. We’re planning on seeing her soon, but since it’s the start of preseason, his schedule’s making it hard to plan anything.
“You hungry?”
Clayton looks up from his laptop and looks at his watch. “I didn’t realize it was getting late. What do you feel like having?”
“I’m up for anything. Takeout again?”
“Yeah, that sounds good.” He gets up from the chair and heads to the kitchen to retrieve menus from some of our favorite places.
Our favorite places.
I didn’t think we’d get as close as we are in a short amount of time. I’m not complaining and I like the speed we’re going.
“What about a burger?”
I think about it for a moment. “I had a burger for lunch. What about Chinese?”
“Had that with Will today.” He flips through a few more menus. “Italian?”
“I can go for pasta,” I excitedly say. “Are you getting carbonara again?”
“It’s like you don’t know me.” He laughs and places our orders online. “While we wait, I figured I should tell you that this season is going to get crazy.”
“I assumed it would. Are you excited?”
He shrugs and plays with his phone on the table. “Yes and no. Remember how I told you my dad’s been on my case about coming back to visit?”
“Yes, I remember.”
“I’m not sure when I’ll have time. I might have to skip out on meeting your mom and go see my parents. He keeps telling me I’m breaking my mom’s heart by not visiting more. They don’t get it. I’m not sure how to tell them how busy I’m going to get.”
Clayton continues to talk about the pressures from his parents. I let him vent. I know this is what he needs. Everyon
e’s pulling him in every direction. His team needs him to be there. The coaches need him to make sure he’s on his game and to help the players. His family wants him to go visit.
And then there’s me.
Everyone’s expecting him to be on the go. I remain silent and let him talk. For once, he can let it all out without the fear of being interrupted.
“Does that upset you?”
“No, of course not,” I quickly answer. “I’m giving you a chance to vent and I didn’t want to interrupt. I understand how you’re feeling. Ever since my dad passed away, my mom’s on my case too. She wants me to move back Portland. I’ve thought about it a few times, but I like my job.”
I’m starting my career as a nurse in the NICU department, and after finishing my first week; I know Seattle is home. Not only do I have my friends here, but Clayton’s here too.
“I’m so proud of you for getting the job. I know you worked hard. How are you feeling?”
I shrug. “I’m okay. A little tired, but enough about me. Whenever you get a chance, visit your parents and we can always go to Portland.”
The door knocks, getting our attention, and Clayton gets up from the table to answer the door. After he pays and brings the bag of our dinner to the table, I join him and we start eating. The conversation is easy between us. Clayton talks more about the team and his excitement makes me happy. Since the night we met until now, all I’ve seen is how hard he’s working and the passion that bursts from him when he’s talking about work or researching different methods of therapy to help the players. They’re a family and as with family, they’re there for each other. Through it all.
“Are you staying over?”
I nod. “As long as you want me to.”
“I’d love for you to be here every night.” Clayton’s eyes set on mine. “One day you will.”
I nod again. “One day.” The heat in my cheeks grows. If I could, I’d move in with him now. I can’t leave my apartment now. Not only because of my lease, but for now, I want my own little space. “You know I’d move in with you if I could. With my hours at the hospital, well, let’s just say I like how we have things. I like being here with you.”
A Little Bit Cupid: A Collection of Short Stories Page 30