18. Savoring the Sweet
18
SAVORING THE SWEET
EVERETT
I step into the house, the quiet darkness starkly contrasting to the turmoil of the past few days. It's 2 AM, and I'm not in Eastern Europe, but I'm home in Montana.
The mission's over, but the tension lingers in my muscles, my mind still on high alert. I take a deep breath, letting the familiar scents of home wash over me.
"Everett?"
Kenzie's soft voice cuts through the silence. I blink, surprised to see her curled up on the couch, a book in her lap, with a reading light around her neck. She's waiting up for me, despite the late hour.
Something stirs inside me at the sight, an emotion I didn’t realize I wanted—until Serbia, when thoughts of her wouldn’t leave my mind .
"Hey," I manage, my voice rough from exhaustion. "You didn't have to wait up."
She stands, crossing the room to me. Her eyes scan my face, concern etched in her features. "I wanted to. Are you okay?"
I nod, not trusting myself to speak. The urge to pull her close, bury my face in her hair, and forget everything else is almost overwhelming. But I hold back, acutely aware of the blood on my hands, metaphorical and otherwise.
"The girls?" I ask instead.
"Asleep," Kenzie says, her voice soft. "They missed you."
"I missed them too," I admit. And you , I think, but don't say.
Kenzie reaches out, her hand hovering near my arm before dropping back to her side. "Are you hungry? I can heat up some dinner."
I shake my head. "I need a shower first. Wash this off me."
She nods, understanding in her eyes. "Take your time. I'll be here when you're done."
I head upstairs, pausing at the girls' room. The door's cracked open, and I can hear their soft breathing. The sight of them, peaceful in sleep, loosens some tension .
They're safe. They're home.
In my room, I strip off my clothes, wincing at the bruises blooming across my ribs. The mission was a success, but it was close. Too close.
I empty my pockets, tossing my wallet and keys onto the dresser. The coin Axton found clinks against the wood, and its strange design catches the light. I pick it up, turning it over in my hand. An ouroboros encircles an all-seeing eye.
What the hell does it mean?
I set it back down, pushing the questions aside for now. There'll be time to figure it out later. Right now, I need to wash away the grime of the past few days.
The hot water stings as it hits my skin, but I welcome the pain. It grounds me, reminds me I'm here, I'm alive. As I scrub the dirt and sweat, my mind drifts back to Operation Veilstone.
We got the target out, but barely. The intel was off, and the security was tighter than we expected. If Callum hadn't spotted that sniper...
I shake my head, forcing the thoughts away. It's over. We made it. But the responsibility sits squarely on my shoulders.
Five men and five families count on me to bring them home safely.
And now there's Kenzie. Sweet, fierce Kenzie, who's, by the grace of God, came into our lives and into my heart. The thought of her waiting downstairs, worried about me, makes the desire to return home—and to her—as important as returning to my girls. And that truth rocks me to my core.
But with it comes fear. This life, my work, it's dangerous. Unpredictable.
How can I drag her into that? How can I risk leaving her alone, leaving the girls without a father?
Thankfully, my parents are on standby for the girls. But Kenzie has no one.
I turn off the water, leaning my forehead against the cool tile. I made a promise to myself on this mission. To stop fighting what I feel for Kenzie, to embrace whatever time we have together. But now, faced with the reality of it, I'm not sure I can follow through.
Once I'm dressed in sweats and a t-shirt, I head back downstairs. Kenzie's in the kitchen, the smell of reheated lasagna filling the air. My stomach growls, reminding me it's been hours since I've eaten.
"Sit," she says, nodding towards the couch. "I'll bring it to you."
I sink into the cushions, my body suddenly heavy with exhaustion. Kenzie appears a moment later, plate in hand. She settles beside me, close enough that I can feel her warmth .
"Eat," she urges. "You look like you need it."
I dig in, the familiar taste of home-cooked food a balm to my frayed nerves. We sit in comfortable silence for a while, Kenzie's presence a steady anchor beside me.
"How was it?" she asks finally, her voice soft. "The trip, I mean."
I swallow hard, choosing my words carefully. "Intense. But successful. Everyone made it back safe."
Kenzie nods, her eyes searching my face. "I'm glad you're home," she says simply.
The words hit me harder than I expected. Home .
When did this place, with her in it, become home?
Since the moment you saw her…
"Me too," I admit. "I... I missed this. Missed you."
Kenzie's eyes widen slightly, surprise and something else flickering in their depths. "I missed you too," she says softly. "The girls were asking about you every day."
"How were they?" I ask, grateful for the change in subject. "Give me all the details."
Kenzie launches into a recap of the past few days—Hazel's latest art project and Harper's newfound obsession with space. I listen, soaking in every word, every glimpse of the life I left behind.
"Oh, and we expanded our little garden," Kenzie adds, a hint of nervousness in her voice. "I hope that's okay?"
I nod, warmth spreading through my chest at the thought of Kenzie and the girls planting roots here. Literally and figuratively.
"It's more than okay," I assure her. "It's perfect."
She smiles, and relief is evident in her eyes. "I'm glad. The girls were so excited about it. They can't wait to show you tomorrow."
Tomorrow. The word hits me like a punch to the gut. How many tomorrows do we have left? Kenzie's contract is up at the end of the year. What happens then?
"Everett?" Kenzie's voice pulls me from my thoughts. "Where'd you go just now?"
I shake my head, forcing a smile. "Nowhere. Just thinking about how much I missed while I was gone."
Kenzie's hand finds mine, her touch sending sparks through my skin. "You're here now," she says softly. "That's what matters."
I look at her, really look at her. The warmth in her hazel eyes, the gentle curve of her lips. I lean in before I can talk myself out of it, pressing my lips to hers.
Kenzie responds immediately, her hand coming up to cup my cheek. The kiss is soft, tender, filled with all the words I can't say .
When we break apart, I rest my forehead against hers. "Kenzie," I breathe. "I..."
"Shh," she whispers. "I know."
And somehow, I think she does. She understands the weight I carry and the fears that keep me up at night. And she's still here, still waiting.
"I made a promise to myself," I say before I can think myself out of it. "While I was away. That I'd stop fighting this. Stop pushing you away."
Kenzie pulls back slightly, her eyes searching mine. "And now?"
I take a deep breath. "Now I'm terrified of what this means, of what could happen. But I know I want you here. With me. With us."
A smile breaks across Kenzie's face, bright enough to chase away the shadows. "That's all I needed to hear," she says, pulling me in for another kiss.
I melt into her, savoring the sweet taste of her lips, the intoxicating scent.
The kiss quickly deepens, desire stirring in the pit of my stomach. I reach for her, lifting her until she straddles my lap.
Her arms loop around my neck, and I groan as her heat presses against my throbbing cock. Her breath hitches, a soft moan escaping her lips as she grinds against me.
"I want you," she whispers, her fingers threading through my hair.
"You've got me," I reply, capturing her lips in another hungry kiss.
She whimpers as my hands find her hips, guiding her movement.
"I need you, Everett," she gasps.
"I'm yours," I growl, nipping at her bottom lip.
She reaches between us, freeing my aching cock.
" Fuck ...," I groan as she sinks onto me, taking me inch by glorious inch.
"So, fucking good," she moans, her eyes fluttering closed.
Her head falls back, her twists cascading down her back. I move to push up her nightshirt and recognize it. It's one of mine.
My fingers trail up the soft, exposed skin of her stomach, the fabric bunched high, and I take her bud in my mouth. Sucking, tugging, and grazing it with my teeth.
"I don't know what I did right in this life, but whatever it was, thank you."
"What are you thanking me for?"
"For giving you to me."
She wraps her hands around the back of the couch, caging me in, riding me. I grip her hips, thrusting upward, filling her over and over .
Her pussy is tight and warm, clenching around my cock. I grunt, burying my face in her chest, my tongue darting out to tease her nipple.
She grinds against me, her hips rolling, taking all of me.
"You feel so good, baby," I grunt, slipping my hand between us.
I press my thumb to her clit, circling the swollen bud.
"Yes," she moans, her nails dig into my shoulders.
The slight sting only heightens my pleasure, and I thrust harder, faster. Forgetting about my bruised ribs.
Her body moves above mine, in a perfect rhythm, and the room starts spinning.
"That's it," I grunt, my balls tightening, the pressure building.
"Yes," she moans, her breath ragged, her pussy clenching around my cock.
"Come for me, Kenz," I growl, my thumb rubbing her clit.
"Everett," she whimpers, her thighs trembling, her body tensing.
"I'm right here, baby," I murmur, thrusting deeper, harder, filling her with every inch.
"Yes," she moans, her orgasm crashing through her.
Her pussy clenches around my cock, the sensation sending me over the edge.
I erupt, filling her with my cum. My body shudders, the pleasure intense and overwhelming.
She collapses against me, her chest heaving, her heart pounding against mine.
I wrap my arms around her, holding her close. The weight of her body anchors me, grounds me, and for a moment, I forget about everything else.
I press a soft kiss to her shoulder, savoring her skin's sweet, salty taste.
"Stay with me tonight."
Kenzie looks up, searching my eyes for what I don't know. "Are you sure? I don't want you to feel?—"
"I want to fall asleep beside me."
She hesitates, her gaze darting to the stairs. "And the girls?"
"Before or after they cheer?" I smile.
"But if you change?—"
"I won't." My hands glide over her hips and squeeze her ass. You're so sexy and smell?—"
"Everett…" It sounds like a moan. I place a series of kisses over her shoulder and up her neck. Her hand cups my face, and her body rocks closer.
"I need you…"
"You also need sleep…"
"Say yes, Mackenzie…." I nibble on her ear, and my hand feathers up her spine.
"Yes… "
I scoop Kenzie into my arms, her legs wrapping around my waist as I carry her up the stairs. Her lips find my neck, trailing hot kisses along my jaw. My grip on her tightens, desire coursing through me.
We reach my bedroom, and I kick the door shut behind us, flicking the lock with one hand. Kenzie's eyes widen at the sound, and I can't help but chuckle.
"Just making sure we're not interrupted," I murmur, nipping at her earlobe.
She shivers in my arms, her breath catching. "Good thinking."
I lay her gently on the bed, drinking in the sight of her. Kenzie props herself up on her elbows, watching me with hooded eyes as I strip off my shirt and sweats. Her gaze roams over my body, lingering on the bruises blooming across my ribs.
"Everett," she breathes, concern furrowing her brow. "Are you?—"
I silence her with a kiss, deep and hungry. "I'm fine," I growl against her lips. "Just need you."
Kenzie responds by tugging off the shirt she's wearing—my shirt—and tossing it aside. The sight of her bare brown skin steals my breath.
I crawl onto the bed, covering her body with mine. Our lips meet again, tongues tangling as hands roam and explore. Kenzie's fingers trace the contours of my back, sending chills through my body.
I trail kisses along her jaw, down her neck, savoring the sweet taste of her skin. My hand cups her breast, thumb brushing over her hardened nipple. Kenzie arches into my touch, a soft moan escaping her lips.
"Everett," she gasps, her hips rocking against mine. "Please."
The need in her voice ignites something primal within me. In one smooth motion, I enter her, both of us groaning at the sensation. Kenzie's legs wrap around my waist, pulling me deeper.
I start to move, setting a slow, steady rhythm. Kenzie meets me thrust for thrust.
"God, you feel amazing," I grunt, burying my face in the crook of her neck. "I can't get enough of you."
Kenzie's only response is a breathy moan, her inner walls clenching around me. I pick up the pace, driven by the sounds of her pleasure and the intoxicating scent of her surrounding me.
Our bodies move together in perfect synchronicity as if we've been doing this for years instead of weeks. Every touch, every kiss, every thrust feels right in a way I've never experienced before.
Her touch is both soothing and electrifying, grounding me in the moment while leaving me wanting more. Wanting everything and anything she'll give. And that's the part that scares the fuck out of me. Because if she asks, I'll do it.
I lift my head to look at her, struck by the intensity in her eyes. There's desire there, yes, but something deeper, too. Something that makes my heart race in a way that has nothing to do with our physical exertion.
"Kenzie," I breathe, cupping her cheek. She turns her face, pressing a kiss to my palm.
"I'm here," she whispers, and somehow, I know she means more than just physically.
With every stroke, I'm whispering… mine .
Across her skin, inside her womb, in the depths of her soul.
Mackenzie Duncan is mine.
I capture her lips in a searing kiss, pouring everything I'm afraid to say. Because once I say it, I'm a goner.
Our movements become more urgent, the tension building between us. Kenzie's breathy moans turn to sharp cries of pleasure as I hit that spot deep inside her.
"That's it, baby," I growl, feeling her start to tighten around me. "Let go. I've got you."
"Ohhhhh…." Kenzie's back arches, her head thrown back as her orgasm washes over her. The sight of her lost in pleasure, combined with the rhythmic clenching of her inner walls, sends me over the edge.
"Fuck!" I bury myself deep inside her as I come, her name a reverent whisper on my lips.
As the aftershocks subside, I roll to the side, bringing Kenzie with me. She curls into my chest, her breath warm against my skin. I kiss the top of her head, inhaling the sweet scent of her hair.
We lay in comfortable silence, my hand tracing lazy patterns on her back. Kenzie's fingers dance along my chest, careful to avoid the bruises.
"You, okay?" she asks softly, tilting her head to look at me.
I nod, tightening my arms around her. "More than okay."
Kenzie smiles, a hint of shyness in her expression. "Me too."
I brush the twists over her shoulder and kiss her tenderly.
"Stay."
Kenzie's eyes widen slightly. "What?"
I take a deep breath, knowing there's no going back now. "Stay. Not just tonight. I mean... stay here. With us. With me."
Kenzie pushes herself up on one elbow, searching my face. "Everett, are you sure? I mean, what about?—"
"I'm sure," I interrupt, cupping her face in my hands. "I know it's fast, and there's a lot we need to figure out. But Kenzie, I want you here. The girls want you here. And I think... I think you want to be here too."
Kenzie bites her lip, uncertainty warring with hope in her eyes. "I do," she admits quietly. "But Everett, my contract?—"
"Fuck the contract," I say, more forcefully than I intended. I take a breath, softening my tone. "We'll figure it out. Whatever you need—a raise, different hours, whatever. We'll make it work."
Kenzie's quiet for a long moment, and I hold my breath, waiting. Finally, a slow smile spreads across her face.
"Okay," she whispers.
"Okay?" I repeat, hardly daring to believe it.
Kenzie nods, her smile growing. "Okay. I'll stay."
Joy surges through me, and I pull her in for a deep, passionate kiss. Kenzie laughs against my lips, the sound music to my ears.
When we break apart, both breathing heavily, I rest my forehead against hers. "Thank you," I murmur.
Kenzie's fingers trace my jaw, her touch feather-light. "For what?"
I open my eyes, meeting her gaze. "For giving us a chance. For being here. For... everything."
Kenzie's eyes soften, and she leans in to gently kiss my lips. "Thank you for letting me in," she whispers.
I pull her close, burying my face in her hair. As sleep starts to tug at the edges of my consciousness, I'm struck by a realization.
For the first time in years, I'm not dreading tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it.
Because tomorrow, I get to wake up with Kenzie in my arms. Tomorrow, we get to tell the girls she's staying. Tomorrow, we get to start building something real.
Tomorrow, for the first time in a long time, feels full of hope.