Chapter Ten
CHAPTER TEN
Allie listened to her mom’s message. Allison, it’s your mama. I haven’t heard from you. Give me a call and let me know you’re all right.
She hurriedly typed a quick text.
Sorry, Mama. Busy weekend. I’ll call you tomorrow night.
Allie hoped it sufficed. She and Bryan spent time together every day, and she anticipated the evening to come. She finished her paperwork, grabbed her coat, and turned off the lights. She walked into the training area when she heard Bryan come in. Hemi even seemed excited and glanced at her, waiting for the signal for her to release him.
“Oh, all right. I see he’s already charmed you.” She gave him the release signal.
When Bryan appeared, Hemi ran to him and sat, enjoying the scratch behind his ears. “Hey, buddy. Where does your boss plan to take us tonight?”
“I’m taking you to the best restaurant in Seattle,” Allie announced as he approached and kissed her.
“Don’t you like Ty’s?” he asked.
“Duh.” She rolled her eyes. “You said you wanted me to take you to local spots in Seattle.”
“Right. What’s on the menu tonight?” he asked as he took her hand.
“It’s a surprise. I’ll give you directions,” she replied as he helped her inside the car.
Forty minutes later, he quirked an eyebrow in her direction as he stared at the rundown building and the name of the restaurant half lit due to the burned-out bulbs.
“You sure about this?” he asked dubiously.
Allie laughed. “Haven’t you heard not to judge a book by its cover? Come on, you’ll love it.” She walked up to the counter, placed their orders, stood against the wall and waited for their number to get called.
Ten minutes later, they walked out, carrying a greasy brown paper bag, smelling like heaven.
Allie pulled a burger from the bag, unwrapped it and held it up for Bryan to bite.
He stopped, taking her offering as they walked to the car. “Mmm,” he moaned as his eyes rolled to the back of his head. “How did I not know about this place?”
“We don’t want a bunch of tourists finding out about our spots,” she defended.
“If it’s such a great spot, why didn’t we stay there and eat?” he asked as she offered him another taste. He chomped down a bigger bite, dribbling mustard down his chin.
Allie laughed as she took out a napkin and wiped his face. “So much for sharing,” she quipped. “I want to take you one more place.”
“You can’t tease me and not expect more,” he challenged.
“Who am I to deny you?” she batted her eyes innocently at him as she held out the burger.
Bryan growled as he took another bite and then pulled her close, kissing her.
“Oh, now you got me dirty!” she exclaimed, giggled, and searched for another napkin as they reached the car.
Bryan held the back door open for Hemi to hop inside, closed it and caged Allie against it. “You have no idea how dirty I want to make you,” he murmured.
Allie smiled as she took out a napkin. He took it from her and gently wiped her face before leaning down and kissing her.
“You taste even better,” he growled under his breath before helping her inside and handing her the bag.
They drove through the city while she fed him. “Do you think you’ll purchase an apartment here? There’s a few with a view of the Space Needle,” she informed him.
“I thought about it, but I’ve fallen for Serenity. It’s peaceful. After living in the city, I find it refreshing,” he admitted.
“I get it. My mom insists I move back to Raleigh. After experiencing the mountain views, having no traffic, and working with the Winters Foundation, I don’t even consider it.”
“Do your parents want you close?” he asked.
Allie snorted. “My dad’s cool. My mom prefers I wake up in the morning, wrap myself up in bubble wrap and stick a tag on my shirt with her information on it.”
“A bit overprotective, huh?”
“Don’t get me wrong. I love her. Sometimes, she needs to understand how important my independence means to me,” Allie confessed.
They pulled into the parking lot and he walked them to her room. Like the nights before, she let Hemi inside and leaned against the wall.
“Thank you for another enjoyable evening. You’ve become the best part of my day, Allie Parker,” he admitted as he toyed with the buttons on her coat.
“If you keep complimenting me, it’ll make it harder to impress you with my tour guide skills,” she teased.
“You’ve already exceeded my expectations,” he whispered as he leaned in and kissed her.
“Goodnight, Bryan,” she murmured.
“Goodnight, Allie.”
She watched as he backed up, flashed his charming grin, and disappeared into the elevator. She turned and smiled as Hemi greeted her.
“Do you like him, Hemi?” As if he understood, his tail wagged. “I know. I’m afraid I do, too.”
Her phone buzzed. She picked it up, noticing the four missed calls from her mother. Allie blew out her breath as she listened to their mother’s furious tone.
“Allison Parker, I expect a call from you this evening. If I don’t hear from you within the hour, I’ll call the Winters Foundation.”
She sighed. Reality burst through the high she felt spending time with Bryan. She dialed her mom’s number. “Hi, Mama.”
“It’s about time, Allie. I’ve paced this floor, worried sick about you,” her mother admonished.
Allie allowed her mother to drone on, reminding her of her reality. People like Bryan didn’t settle for someone like her with a laundry list of issues. It didn’t mean she didn’t feel the hurt when she recalled their evenings together. Her chest grew hollow with every word her mother said to guilt her into remembering her disability. She’d enjoy her time with Bryan until he walked away.
Allie glanced at her phone as she pulled out Hero. She smiled as she saw Bryan’s name.
How about dinner in my hotel room? He asked.
She knew the question behind it and responded.
Yes.
Allie didn’t kid herself. Bryan didn’t offer her forever, but they enjoyed each other’s company. He arrived in time to help with her last training session, picked up the items from the floor, and whisked her away for dinner.
After a few weeks, she knew she felt smitten with Bryan Jennings’ charms. After the first night, when he picked her and Hemi up, she discovered he purchased a dog seat cover. It contained a safety harness for her to latch the service animal.
Secretly pleased by his kind gesture, she leaned in and kissed him. He caressed her cheek with his thumb and smiled. She fell for him instantly. Knowing the dream would eventually turn into reality, she decided to enjoy every minute before the fantasy ended.
Turning to her chores, she completed them in record time and drove the golf cart to the dormitory to shower. She dug through her closet and debated what to wear until she came across the dark burgundy V-neck sweater. She paired it with jeans to avoid appearing like she tried too hard. Considering what to wear for her first time naked with him, she opened the drawer where she put all the sexy lingerie she planned to wear on her honeymoon.
Pulling out a dark blue satin and lace bra, she rummaged through the drawer for the matching panties. She put them on and searched her reflection in the mirror. They fit her perfectly and complemented her fair skin. Checking the time, she finished dressing, brushed through her hair and touched up her makeup before calling Hemi to leave. They jumped into the golf cart and arrived before Bryan.
Allie went to her office, fed Hemi and paced, hoping sex proved like riding a bicycle and she’d remember what to do. Hearing the car door slam, she picked up the dog bowl and locked up. Bryan took her in from head to toe when she walked to the entrance. His eyes smoldered as she grew near and Bryan pulled her close.
“You’re beautiful and smell delicious,” he whispered as he nuzzled her ear.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
“We can eat at the steakhouse across the street or if you prefer, we can order room service.” Bryan waited for her to decide as he opened the car door for Hemi.
She smiled as she strapped her dog in. “I choose the latter.”
Bryan shut the door, sprinted to the driver’s side, and started the car. He held her hand and kissed it as he drove. “Did you have a good day?”
“Yes. And you?” Allie asked.
“It’s better now that I’m here with you,” Bryan said as he turned toward Seattle. “I hope you’re hungry. I didn’t get a chance to eat lunch.”
“I’m ravenous,” she said as she met his gaze.
Bryan swallowed, adjusted himself, and sped toward the hotel.
“I’ve eaten there several times. It’s not bad. Do you have a taste for anything specific? We can order out if you don’t like what’s on the menu,” he offered.
“I’m sure I’ll find something to my liking.” She almost giggled as he adjusted his pants again.
He pulled into the valet parking and threw his keys to the valet. “The penthouse suite, Brian Jennings,” he called as he rounded the car and helped her out. He waited while she added the leash to Hemi. “Does he need to go to the bathroom before we settle in for the evening?”
“I took him before we left, but it won’t hurt.” Bryan walked with her around the corner toward a grassy area. Hemi peed and indicated he had finished. They returned to the hotel and he propelled her to the elevator.
Bryan’s arm went around her waist and he tucked her close. “Your dog took too long,” he teased.
They walked to the room. He swept the key card and let them in. She scanned the beautiful city view through the windows as she released Hemi. Bryan went to the fridge and pulled out water and a traveling dog bowl. He poured some and handed it to her. “I’m unsure if I’m allowed to present him with water.”
“Thank you,” she said as she took it from him and set it in the corner of the kitchenette. Hemi took a sip before following her to the plush couch, where she slipped off her shoes and laid her coat over the arm.
He grabbed a menu and handed it to her. “I’ve seen it enough times to know what I’ll order. Let me know what sounds good to you.” He picked up her things, hung them inside the closet beside his, and placed the shoes on the floor.
She glanced at the menu and smiled. “I’ll take the grilled shrimp and Caesar salad.”
Bryan slowly stalked her and drew the paper from her hands. “Do you want to eat now or later?”
She felt the tension in the air stretch like a rubber band. Allie stepped toward him. “I’m not hungry for food,” she murmured as she gazed into his eyes.
Bryan put on some music, took her hand, and led her to the expansive windows. “I’ve stared at this view several times when I visited and found it beautiful but lonely. Somehow, having you here to share it with makes it spectacular.” He turned and faced her. “I don’t want you to feel rushed, Allie.”
She shook her head. “I don’t.”
He stroked her hair as he stared into her eyes. Bryan swayed with her to the music playing softly. “You’re stunning. I haven’t felt this comfortable with anyone in a very long time.”
“I feel the same,” Allie gazed up into his eyes.
“You’re easy to spend time with. I anticipate the end of each day when I can return to you,” Bryan confessed.
She grinned. “I watch for you, too.”
“I want you to know this means more than sex,” Bryan said as he nibbled along her jawline.
Allie let out a low moan as she tilted her head, giving him access to her neck. They stopped swaying to the music as they explored each other. Her fingers searched for the buttons on his dress shirt. She unbuttoned them as he moved her hair from her shoulder and kissed his way down.
His hands slid beneath the soft material of her sweater as he lifted it slowly over her head. “Your skin feels like silk. You’re more beautiful than I even imagined in my dreams,” he whispered as he gazed at her.
She focused on sliding the shirt over his shoulders, taking in the sight of his tight abs, perfectly muscled arms and a small patch of hair which started in the middle of his chest and trailed downward into his jeans. Allie licked her lips.
He guided them toward his bedroom. “I want to see what’s under those jeans. You always plan, Allie. Did you dream of me doing this?” He knelt and placed a kiss on her stomach. Allie raked her nails through his hair and gently massaged his neck as his fingers worked the button. Bryan unzipped her pants as if unwrapping a present. He slowly slid them over her hips. She stepped out.
Bryan’s eyes gleamed at her standing in her bra and panties. He kissed the satin material along the edges before standing.
Her hand sought the button on his jeans and she slid the zipper down. Her fingers brushed against his hard cock, making him grip her waist tighter and moan. Bryan stepped back and shook his head as if he imagined she stood there. He removed his clothes and stood before her.
“I feel overdressed,” she whispered.
“Not for long. I don’t know how I’ll get through the day tomorrow while envisioning you like this.” Bryan kissed her shoulder as he slid the strap down. His hand moved to the back, unhooked her bra, and slid it down her arms.
Allie’s fingers traced the trail of hair downward and gripped him in her hand. He closed his eyes, savoring the feeling of her hands on him. He moaned as he slid her underwear down, letting them fall to the floor.
He licked the hallow between her shoulder and collarbone as he backed her to the edge of the bed. Allie took his hand as she climbed onto the bed. He slid in beside her, running his hands over her smooth skin. He kissed her forehead, nose and lips.
She smiled as he peppered her with tiny kisses, working his way down. He cupped her breast and rolled the pebbled nipple through his fingers as she bit her lip and smiled. Allie’s lips parted as she watched him lower his mouth and suck on the pink bud.
“Ohhh,” she moaned as he pinched the nipple and switched to the opposite side.
“I like how you sound when I please you. It’s part surprise and delight. I can’t wait to see how you sound when I give you your first orgasm,” he said as he nibbled his way to the small patch of hair below her waist.
“Bryan,” she gasped his name. She closed her eyes while cherishing his tenderness.
“I can smell you, Allie. Your scent alone drives me wild. Open up and let me see how wet you are,” he coaxed.
Complying with his request, she parted her legs. His fingers trailed between her delicate folds. He held his fingers up and sucked them. “You taste good. I can do this all night.”
“I’m not opposed.” She grinned. “But I want to taste you, too.” She swiped her thumb over the liquid pearl from his tip and licked it with her tongue.
Bryan tugged on her hair and smiled when her eyes widened with desire. “You like your hair pulled,” he murmured as she nibbled along his neck.
“Hmmm,” she murmured, pushing him onto his back. She shifted down his body, giving him access to her while she teased along the long length of him. Allie glided her tongue along his length and covered him with her mouth, taking him deep and slow.
“Allie,” he chanted as she quickened her pace and cupped his balls. “I’ll come if you keep this up. I want to feel you when I do,” he gritted out.
“Turn around. I want to take you from behind but don’t come, Allie. I want to watch you,” he commanded.
She moved into position on her hands and knees. She glanced over her shoulder and sent him a flirty grin.
Bryan reached into the bedside table and his hands shook as he tried to open the box of condoms. Allie took it from him and ripped it, sending the items flying all over the bed.
He laughed as he kissed her. Smiling, she grabbed one of the packets, tore it open and turned toward him. He leaned back, allowing her to roll it down his penis before she returned to her position.
Bryan lined up at her entrance and slowly entered her while he gripped her hips.
“You feel amazing,” he hissed as he filled her. Bryan started his thrusts slow as he wound his hand around her hair, tugging her head slightly backward. The grip tightened as he went deeper and faster.
“Yes,” she encouraged him.
Bryan slowed his thrusts. “You’re killing me.”
He pulled out, rolled her onto her back and spread her wide. Bryan bent and licked her center until her hips pushed against him. He slid two fingers into Allie’s center.
“Bryan,” she panted as he quickened his pace.
“Come for me, Allison,” he demanded. “I want to send you over the edge.”
Her hands gripped the covers on the bed as he drove her higher and higher. Heat infused her cheeks and her eyes widened as she came around his fingers, “Bryan!”
He kissed her belly, the center of her chest, her chin and her lips as he slowly made his way up to gaze into her eyes.
Allie guided him to her core. He lined himself up and slowly entered her.
“Uhhh,” she moaned as he pushed farther into her. He kissed her while he waited for her to adjust to him. He slowly moved his hips and it didn’t take her long to catch the rhythm. One minute, he moved achingly slow and in the next, he tilted deep inside her.
“Don’t stop,” she said as she played with his nipples. He thrust harder until both of them rode the wave over the edge. Trembling, they cried out together.
Bryan held himself up on his elbows on either side of her head. He kissed her gently and on the forehead. Somehow, it felt more intimate than when he kissed her on the mouth. It seemed as if Bryan said in an unspoken way how much she meant to him.
“You’re incredible,” he murmured as Bryan held her close. They shifted to their sides while staying connected. “Are you okay?”
“It’s been a while,” Allie admitted. “I thoroughly enjoyed us.”
He cupped her bum and held tight inside her. Wishing to stay like this forever, Bryan realized how much he cared for the woman he’d only known for a few weeks. Allie made him laugh. Bryan didn’t have to impress or take her to fancy restaurants to have a good time. She felt like…home.
Allie closed her eyes and pressed her forehead to his chest, feeling his heartbeat. The way Bryan held her tight and gently caressed her body as they came down from post-coital high, she felt safe and loved.
Allie brushed the thought away. She refused to get entangled in a mess of emotions. One day, he’d discover her medical condition and reality would return. Until then, she planned to enjoy every moment with him.
Bryan kissed her as he gently separated their bodies. “Do you want a shower while I order dinner? I’m starved.” Bryan paused, leading her into the bathroom. “Do you need to return to Serenity tonight?”
“No. I’ll have to take my partner out for a walk. I always pack a couple of bags of dog food in case we don’t make it home on time. My shift starts at ten,” she said as he turned on the water.
“I’ll have you home by nine. Please stay the night,” Bryan asked as he held her in his arms and stroked her hair.
She smiled shyly and nodded. She’d fall in love with Bryan Jennings if she weren’t careful. She didn’t want to start over again. With her cheap living quarters, she saved enough money, but Allie refused to return home. Her mother harped enough, and Allie didn’t want to add fuel to the fire in her mom’s argument about her needing to return home. She ran away, wanting a chance at a normal life. Then why did her stomach fall when she thought about Bryan returning to New York? Maybe her heart already considered it too late.
Bryan walked Hemi and her to her room precisely at nine the following morning.
“I’ll see you tonight,” he murmured as he kissed her. “Pack a bag and stay with me.”
She smiled and tucked her hair behind her ear. “Okay.”
“I’m counting the hours, Allie,” Bryan whispered.
“Me, too,” she said breathlessly. “It’ll give me time to think of something to do.”
Bryan shook his head. “I’m fine with ordering room service, picking a movie, and staying in. We stayed up late last night.”
“Did I wear you out?” Allie asked as she leaned into him.
“I don’t know, but if you’re lucky, I’ll let you test my endurance again,” Bryan teased as he kissed her and tugged her hair, making her moan.
“You know how I love to cheat…” She grinned.
“I’m counting on it,” he countered before backing up and disappearing inside the elevator.
Allie smiled as she went inside to dress for the day. Waking up beside Bryan seemed to make her day feel brighter. Hemi wagged his tail as if catching her excitement. She sighed as she sat down on the bed. “Hemi, I believe both of us have fallen for Bryan Jennings. Now, what do we do?”