When We Burn (The Blackwells of Montana #1)

Chapter 10

Chapter Ten

DANI

S aturday mornings are my favorite. I take time to linger over my coffee before I clean my house and tidy things up, and then I go outside to mow my grass and pull some weeds. I even let Pickles outside on a leash. She loves to nap in the sunshine, all curled up and adorable on the rug on my porch. I was so nervous to keep her, but now I can’t imagine my life without the sweet feline.

I’ve just finished mowing the strip of grass by my driveway when I see Bridger’s truck turn onto our street, and he parks in his driveway. When he steps out of the truck, he glances my way, does a double take, and then marches straight for me.

This man is just … delicious.

He’s in jeans that mold around his thighs perfectly and a blue T-shirt with sleeves tight over his biceps and chest, making me sigh and my lady bits quiver with happiness. His jaw is set as he walks—no, strides , my way, as if he’s a man on a mission.

And I do believe that I’m that mission.

Yay me!

“Good morning,” I say.

“Come here.” He takes my hand in his and doesn’t stop walking. He just pulls me with him, straight into my garage, and when we’re far enough in so that no one driving past could see us, he frames my face in his hands and kisses me like a man starving for his next breath.

I hear the door closing, and the only light coming in is from the narrow windows along the top of the wide door. He must have pushed the garage door opener. And the next thing I know, Bridger has me pushed against my SUV, one of his legs pressed between my own, rubbing on my already hot cleft, and I can’t help the moan that escapes my lips as he sinks into me. Just this, and my body is alive. Burning for this man that’s so big, so strong, so sexy. He smells so divine that I’m immediately lost to him, and I can’t get close enough.

With one hand fisted in my hair, he tugs my head back farther, and those amazing lips slip down to my chin, making me shiver.

“God, I’ve fucking missed you,” he growls against me. His muscles are taut, straining against his shirt, and I could just bite him. “Everything about you. You’re all I think about. And you’re right here, across the street, but it’s too fucking far away.”

My hands fist in his shirt, and I tug it up, needing to see his skin, and Bridger leans back long enough to help me get it up and off him. Oh, this man’s chest and arms. Those colorful tattoos, the muscles beneath them.

“I never get tired of this view.”

“Your turn,” he says, reaching for my own T-shirt. I’m wearing the one he let me borrow last week. “I fucking love it when you wear my shit. But it’s even more miraculous when I get you out of it. I want to see these amazing fucking curves, kitten.”

“Birdie?”

“At a party.”

I grin before leaning in to press my lips to his chest, and I can feel the rumble of his moans before he kisses the top of my head. His fingers make quick work of my bra clasp, and then the material is falling down my arms and cast aside.

“In the garage ?” I ask with a laugh, but I don’t want him to stop.

“Too impatient,” he replies before his mouth is on mine again. His fingers unclasp my denim shorts, and they pool around my feet. “Christ, I want you. I never stop wanting you.”

“I’m right here.”

His hot eyes whip up to mine, and I boldly reach out to unfasten his jeans as he toes off his shoes, and I work the denim down his hips until he can step out of them. He’s only in his boxer briefs now, his hard length straining against the cotton.

“Your body is insane ,” I inform him, not shy at all about looking my fill in the dim light. “Jeez, Bridge, do you even eat?”

He smirks and drags his fingertips over my clavicle, down my chest to my belly, and steps closer.

“Six days is too fucking long to go without you.” He almost sounds angry, and the old me would have apologized, but I just wait to see what he says next. “It’s too goddamn long, kitten. Come here.”

He steps back into me, kisses me hard, licking and nibbling my mouth, making me hum against his lips, before he turns me around and presses my front against the car. The metal is cool against my skin, but I brace myself on my arms, my butt already popped out for him.

I want him so bad.

“I’m going to fuck you from behind.” His hands drag down my back to my butt, and he flexes his fists, gripping me firmly, just the way I love it. “And it has to be hard and fast this time, baby.”

I whimper and push back against him again, my body on fire and needing him . Hard and fast sounds amazing right now.

“Tell me you want my cock.”

“I want it.”

He chuckles and plants his lips by my ear. “Use your filthy words, sweetheart.”

I bite my lip, and then the crown of his cock is right there , and I’ve never wanted something so bad in my life.

“I want—” I gasp when he pushes inside, just a tiny bit, and then pulls back out again. “Bridger.”

“No, that’s not what I want to hear.” His lips graze the back of my shoulder, and a hand brushes down my spine, sending shivers through me. “Come on, beautiful girl. Give me your words.”

“I want your cock.”

He slams into me, so quickly that I see stars and have to brace myself against the car.

“That’s right,” he growls against my shoulder. “You want this cock. Only mine.”

“Only yours,” I repeat as he pulls out and pushes back in again, harder this time, his hips hitting my butt, and I arch my back further, wanting to feel more of him. “It’s so deep.”

“What is, baby?”

“Your cock. It’s so hard and so deep like this.” I moan and rest my forehead on my arm, pushing back against him with every hard thrust. “It’s so good. God, I’ve missed you.”

“Fuck.” His hands are on my hips now, holding on so tightly that there will be bruises later, and I don’t care. I want to see his mark on me. I want to see the evidence of this long after it’s over. “You’re so damn wet, and I’ve hardly touched you. Jesus, baby.”

“You don’t have to touch me.” I shake my head, loving the drag of the tip of his cock against my walls, loving the way he’s breathing so hard and the feel of his fingertips on my fleshy hips. “You just look at me, and this happens.”

“You’re so goddamn perfect,” he whispers against my shoulder and jerks harder, and then one arm wraps around me, and he presses his fingers to my clit, and my world explodes.

“Oh, fuck.” Was that me ? “Oh, fuck, I’m gonna?—”

“Jesus, yes. I love it when you use your words. What? Tell me.”

“I’m gonna come.” My voice is high and desperate, and suddenly, it’s as though Bridger loses control. His hand presses harder on my clit, his hips are moving faster, pumping in and out of me so hard, it steals my breath. I’m consumed by him.

“Let go, baby. Come all over this cock. Soak me, sweetheart.”

His filthy words, combined with his big body behind me, his hands and dick all doing such magical things to my body, sends me over.

“God, you’re such a good girl.”

Oh, that makes me clench again.

“You like that? You’re such a good fucking girl, Dani. God, you feel so fucking good, milking me like that.”

I love his words. I think I could come just from listening to him praise me. It lights me up inside.

“Come inside of me, Bridger.”

His voice is rough as he swears incoherently, his hands tighten on my hips, pulling me back even harder, and then I feel him let go, filling me.

I’m panting, pinned between him and my car, but if he lets go of me, I’ll fall on my face. My knees are jelly.

Bridger doesn’t pull out right away. He guides me back against him and wraps his strong arms around my shoulders, plants his face in my hair, and holds on to me so tightly, as if he never wants to let me go.

“My good girl. ”

My muscles contract, and I feel him smile against me.

“You like that.”

“Yeah.” I sigh and hug his arms against my chest. “I like that.”

“I wish I could stay with you today.” His voice is calmer, quieter, as he brushes his lips rhythmically over my hair, back and forth, soothing us both. “But Birdie’s at a birthday party, and I have to go get her in a few minutes.”

I sigh again, but I nod. I know and respect that Birdie is his priority. If she wasn’t, I wouldn’t be as attracted to him. I love that he’s a good dad to his adorable little girl.

Sure, it adds a layer of difficulty for us. Maybe it means that this isn’t going to be a relationship. Maybe sex is all we can do right now, with everything that we both have going on in our lives.

And, honestly, I’d take it. Because there’s nothing like this. Absolutely nothing in my life has ever made me feel as amazing as being with Bridger does, and I don’t want to let go of it.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers, and I can hear the sincerity in his voice, but I can’t have him feeling guilty for even one moment.

“No.” I let go of his arms, and he pulls out of me, giving me room to turn around so I can plant my hands on his chest as I look up into his dark eyes. “Don’t apologize for Birdie, Bridge. Never . Not ever. ”

He nods and kisses my forehead, sighing almost in relief. “Okay, then. What are your plans for today?”

It feels a little weird to be standing in my garage, naked, well and truly sexed, talking about my day, but here we are.

“I’m going to finish my yard, and this afternoon, I’m going to check out the new bookstore. Bee wouldn’t let me come before this because she wanted it to be a surprise.”

He grins down at me and swipes his thumb over my lower lip. “We’ll be there a little later, too. Maybe I’ll get to see you.”

Reluctantly, Bridger turns away to put his clothes on, and the sexy moment is over, which makes me sad. I don’t know when I’ll see him again, aside from catching glimpses of him coming and going, which is absolutely not good enough now that I’ve had so much more with him.

But I’m not about to make him feel guilty about that. When he can see me, he will. It’s not like he’s made me any promises. Although, today showed me that he wants me as much as I want him.

Once we’re both dressed again, I open the garage door, letting in the breeze. Before leaving, Bridger pulls me in for one of his amazing hugs, and I press my head to his chest, enjoying his warmth and the steady beat of his heart. Then he tips my chin up so he can brush his mouth over mine in that way that makes my toes curl.

“Don’t work too hard out here,” he murmurs against my lips. “Take some time for yourself today.”

“I will.”

I want to ask him when I’ll see him again, but I don’t. I let him walk away, across the street and into his own house before I check on Pickles, pleased to see that she’s still snoozing happily on the porch. I hurry inside to quickly clean up enough that I can comfortably finish mowing the lawn.

By the time I go back outside, Bridger’s truck is gone again, and I get back to work.

The bookstore is the most beautiful store I’ve ever seen .

The shelves look old, made out of honey-colored wood that you just want to drag your hand across, and are filled with so many colorful novels that it fills my book-loving heart with pure joy. There are decadent, colorful, deep-stuffed chairs by the windows for someone to curl up in and read, and everything about this store screams cozy.

Welcome.

Sit a while.

Have some coffee and relax.

“Pumpkin spice latte?”

I turn and smile at Millie, who’s holding a tray of small cups with lids.

“Don’t mind if I do. Wow, this is so great.”

“I know,” Millie says with a grin. “People have been in and out all day long, going back and forth between our stores, and it’s damn awesome.”

“I love this so much.” I sip my latte and sigh in happiness. “I will spend literally all my spare time here. ”

Millie eyes me playfully. “Or, you know, with Bridger.”

“Did someone say my brother’s name?” Bee, dressed in a gorgeous pink dress, her dark hair up in a high ponytail and her makeup flawless as usual, wraps her arm around my shoulders and squeezes me. “What did he do now?”

I laugh and shake my head. “Nothing.”

“ Nothing ?” Millie demands. “I might have to smack my bestie around because he’s clearly slacking if he’s done nothing to you.”

“Well, he didn’t do anything bad, is what I should say,” I assure her, and then look around to make sure no one is eavesdropping. Thankfully, it looks like the store has hit a lull. I know that both of these women are aware that something has been brewing between Bridger and me.

And I need friendly advice.

“Honestly, I think—” I press my lips together, unsure of how to phrase it.

“Tell us,” Bee says gently as she brushes her fingers through my hair. “We can help. Don’t get too graphic because it’s my brother. ”

“I think it’s just going to be a friends-with-benefits thing.” The words rush out of me in a whoosh, and then I sip my latte to mask my embarrassment. “I mean, we’re both so busy, you guys. I hardly see him.”

“Is there no chemistry?” Bee asks. I know that despite the fact that we’re discussing her brother, she can be impartial and give me excellent advice .

She’s always been good at giving advice.

“Oh, there’s chemistry.” I bite my lip and then decide to tell them about my garage just a few hours ago, and that has them both wrapping me in a hug. “But, isn’t that the definition of…convenience? We bang when we can, but otherwise, there’s not much going on?”

Bee frowns, and Millie’s head is cocked to the side, watching me with her lips pursed.

“Mm, I think you should talk to Bridger,” she says at last. “Because that’s not the impression that I got from him the other day.”

“Why? What did he say the other day?”

Millie shakes her head. “He’s my best friend, and I can’t betray a confidence, but you really do need to talk to him, Dani. Hey, I gotta go. It looks like we have a line.”

Millie hurries back to her coffee shop, and Bee links her arm through mine.

“She’s right,” she says. “I’m your bestie, and I’m telling you, you need to talk to him. You’ve come so far in sticking up for yourself, in speaking up for what you need. Don’t stop that now, babe. Bridger’s not really the fuck buddy type, so seriously, just have a conversation.”

I nod and swallow the lump that just formed in my throat. I needed to talk to her about this because the doubts I’ve been dealing with have been driving me nuts.

And she’s right, the only person who can tell me what he’s thinking is the man himself.

“Okay, enough of that. Back to the reason I’m here. The store is amazing , Bee . ”

She grins. “Right? So far, the response has been so fantastic.”

“I love how well-stocked the spicy book section is,” I inform her, waggling my eyebrows. “I’ll be buying, like, twenty books today.”

“Good. I’ll let you.”

“Excuse me.”

We turn at the sound of the voice and smile at the willowy redhead before us. She has the most remarkable green eyes, and her skin is like porcelain.

She’s gorgeous. And I might be a little jealous.

“Hello,” Bee says. “How can I help?”

“Well, I overheard you discussing spicy books,” the stranger says, and I hear an accent in her voice. Irish? Scottish? It’s so pretty. “And I also noticed that you have a wonderful selection. Have you read Samantha Young?”

I nod, but Bee shakes her head no.

“Do I need to read her?” Bee asks us, looking back and forth between us.

“I strongly recommend her,” the woman says. “I’m Skyla, by the way.”

“Bee. And this is my friend, Dani.”

We all shake hands, and I tilt my head to the side, watching the newcomer.

“Are you visiting, Skyla?”

“Actually, I recently moved to town,” she says with a hesitant smile. “I came from New York, but I’m originally from Galway, Ireland.”

“Honestly,” Bee says, “I’m a little in love with your accent. Welcome to town. What do you do? ”

“Well, I’m about to open a dance studio.” She smiles softly, and I think I’m a little in love with her, too. “I was a dancer in New York City, and I’d like to teach children.”

“We know about a hundred kids who would love that,” I assure her. “In fact, I’ll bet Birdie would be all over it. My…friend’s daughter. Is five too young to start dance?”

“Not at all,” she assures me. “I’d love to have her.”

“Well, this is exciting,” Bee says. “And now I’m thinking that we should start a spicy book club.”

“Sign me up,” I reply with a nod.

“Oh, me, too,” Skyla agrees.

“Three members already.” Bee laughs. “And let’s start with a Samantha Young novel.”

All in all, it was a good day. I spent a couple of hours at the bookstore, talking more with Skyla, who is just so pretty and sweet, and then other friends who drifted in and out. My sisters all came by. I left before Bridger and Birdie popped in, but I was getting hungry, so I came home.

It’s late now, and although we’re squarely into September, and it’s not warm anymore once that sun goes down, the sky is clear tonight, with a full moon, and I want to lie out on the driveway to do my daily affirmations and meditation .

So, I bundle up in Bridger’s hoodie, close the door behind me, and walk down to my spot. Once I’m lying down, I take a long, deep breath, hold it for four seconds, and then let it out slowly, all while keeping my eyes pinned to the stars above.

First, I start with the affirmations for today.

I am smart.

I am a good teacher.

I am worthy of love.

I am a good friend.

I deserve to be in a happy relationship.

I bite my lip on that one.

I can hear Bridger’s door open and close softly and then, just a few seconds later, the sound of his footsteps as he makes his way across the street. He doesn’t stand over me this time. I notice he’s in another hoodie, similar to the one I’m wearing, and he lies down next to me, linking his fingers with mine.

He pulls in a deep breath and lets it out.

“Hi,” he says, and just that one syllable has my stomach tightening.

“Hi.” I smile, still looking up when his fingers squeeze around my own. “Your sister’s store is amazing.”

“Yeah. It is. She said you were there.”

“I was there.”

Our words are soft, meant only for each other, before they’re carried away on the crisp early autumn air.

“Bridge?”

“Yeah, kitten?”

I smile at the endearment .

“Can I ask you a question?”

“You can ask me anything. You know that.”

“Okay.” I press my lips together for a long minute, not sure how I should phrase this, and it reminds me of that first night that we were out here, just a few weeks ago.

Bridger and I have always been honest with each other, so I should just say it.

“Is it a hard question?” He’s not mocking me at all. I can hear the curiosity in his voice, and it softens me a bit.

“Kind of, yeah. An uncomfortable one, anyway.”

He pulls his hand out of mine, and I feel him roll onto his side, resting his head in his hand so he can look down at me. His other hand glides up my thigh and under the hoodie, resting on my belly, and it feels warm and soothing.

“Look at me.”

I rub my lips together, but I don’t look his way, and then his fingers are on my chin, turning my head in his direction.

“Talk to me, beautiful. What do you want to ask me?”

“Are we just … fuck buddies? ”