14. Whitney
Whitney
“I don’t get it.”
“Okay, then go through the steps again.”
“But I already went through the steps,” Toby whined.
“Okay, then try it one more time.”
I stood in the doorway, watching as Sutton tried to help Toby with his homework. They were sitting at the kitchen table, and Toby’s brows were furrowed as he tried to work through one of the problems. He had a look of determination on his face—like he was giving that math problem everything he had. Sutton, on the other hand, looked completely relaxed.
But that was Sutton—steady and calm.
He’d mentioned on more than one occasion that math wasn’t one of his strong suits, but that didn’t stop him from trying to give Toby a hand. After a few minutes, Sutton leaned over and looked down at Toby’s paper, and a smile slipped across his face when he saw that he’d done it correctly. “There you go, bud. Now, you’re getting the hang of it.”
“This is stupid.”
“Well, that’s math for ya,” Sutton chuckled. “And I hate to break it to you, but it only gets harder from here.”
“Great.”
Toby leaned back in his chair with a pout, but Sutton wasn’t going to let him give up. “Come on. Let’s do the next one.”
Toby nodded, then got back to work. Seeing them together gave my heart an unexpected tug. It was more than just the fact that he was helping him with homework. It was the trust in Toby’s eyes as he waited for Sutton’s nod of approval and the way his whole face would light up whenever he gave it.
Toby hadn’t really had a good man in his life—not one that showed up in the ways that mattered, but he had that now. Sutton was there. Not because he had to be but because he wanted to be. And that meant the world to us both. I stepped back and went into the living room, giving them some time alone to finish up.
As I’d expected, it wasn’t long before Toby came barreling into the living room. He collapsed on the sofa with a thud. “Well?”
“All done.”
“Do you have anything else you need to work on?”
“Nope. I finished everything.”
“What about Sutton? Where did he run off to?”
“He had something to finish up in the garage, and then, he’s gonna take a shower.”
“Okay.” Toby turned on the TV and started flipping through the channels, and I figured it was as good a time as any to ask, “What would you think about hanging out with Garrison tonight?”
He shot up off the sofa as he gasped, “Seriously?”
“Yeah, Dagger stopped by to see Zeke today and mentioned that Garrison has missed seeing you at the clubhouse and asked if you could spend the night over at their place.”
“No way!”
When Jagger mentioned the idea, I was a little hesitant. I couldn’t remember the last time Toby spent the night away from home, but I knew he would love the chance to spend some time with Garrison. And it would give Sutton and I the opportunity to have a little alone time—something we hadn’t really had since I’d moved in.
Toby’s eyes danced with excitement as I told him, “Yep. He’s gonna take y’all to eat pizza and to the arcade.”
“This is gonna be so awesome!”
“You’d have to be on your best behavior and...”
“I know. I know. I’ll be good.”
“Good.” I glanced up at the clock, and when I saw the time, I told him, “You better go pack a bag. Dagger will be here in a few minutes.”
The words had barely left my mouth before he’d bolted out of the room and down the hall. I heard Sutton come into the house, but I didn’t go to him. I wanted Toby’s excursion with Garrison to be a surprise, so I just stayed put and waited as he headed to the back for his shower.
It wasn’t long before Dagger pulled into the drive. I didn’t have to bother calling for Toby. I’d barely gotten up, and he was already racing down the hall and toward the front door. “Hey! Hold up there, mister!”
He stopped, then whipped around and said, “But they’re here.”
“I know. I’m coming!”
I hurried into the kitchen and found Toby standing at the back door. He’d changed into a fresh pair of jeans and put on a clean T-shirt, and he was wearing a baseball cap. “You all set?”
“Yes ma’am.” He lifted his backpack. “I even got my toothbrush.”
“Good deal.”
I leaned down and kissed him on the forehead, and then we headed outside to meet Dagger. He was one of the older brothers. He had a long, thick, white beard with salt and pepper hair. His face was weathered, and his ink was fading. But it was in a good way. It made him seem more mature and wiser, and the kindness in his eyes made him seem paternal and protective.
But don’t get me wrong. I had no doubt that he could be just as fierce and intimidating as the younger boys.
Toby looked like he was about to burst at the seams as he jumped in the back seat of his truck. Dagger leaned in and made sure the boys were buckled up, and then he got inside with them. “I’ll bring him back in the morning. Nine good with you?”
“Nine would be perfect. Thanks, Dagger.”
“No problem.” He glanced back at Sutton’s house and smiled. “You two have a good night.”
“We’re gonna try.”
He started backing out of the driveway, and I gave them all a big wave as they turned and started down the road. Once they were out of sight, I rushed back inside and went to my room to freshen up a bit. I fixed my hair and touched up my makeup. I even changed into something a little more appealing. I was checking myself out in the mirror when I heard Sutton’s shower cut off. I rushed into the kitchen and made myself a drink, then slipped into the living room and claimed my spot on the couch.
I couldn't stop fidgeting.
My hands kept tugging at the hem of my shirt, and my stomach was churning like a teenager going on her first date. I was nervous, but I also felt this overwhelming sense of anticipation. I’d seen it in the way he looked at me, especially when I was wearing that T-shirt. There was no doubt that he liked what he saw.
And then, there was that kiss and the way he touched me—so gentle and tender like I really mattered to him. Tonight was my chance to finally see where this could go, and despite the nerves, I was ready for it. Ready to take that step and see what was waiting on the other side.
I was pretending to read a magazine when Sutton walked in wearing a fresh T-shirt and a clean pair of jeans. Water dripped from the ends of his tousled, damp hair, and I wanted nothing more than to run my fingers through it. He looked around the kitchen, and when he saw that we were alone, he asked, “Where’s Toby?”
“He’s gone.”
“Gone?”
“Dagger came and picked him up. He’s going to stay with them tonight.”
“Is that right?”
“Um-hmm.”
“And when did that come about?”
“Earlier today, when Dagger stopped by to see Zeke.” I shrugged. “We got to talking about the boys and one thing led to another.”
“You didn’t think to mention it?”
“You were busy, and I didn’t want to bother you.”
“Is that right?”
“Well, I might’ve had another motive.”
“And what’s that?”
“I wanted to spend some time alone with you.”
As I looked at him, I thought about all the times when I wanted him to touch me, kiss me, and I was tired of waiting for the perfect moment. There was just one problem. Sutton wasn’t going to make a move until he knew I was truly ready to take that next step.
It was time for me to let him know just how ready I really was. There was just one problem. I would have to make the first move, and that was something I’d never done before. It terrified me, but seeing how incredibly hot he looked and feeling that need building in the pit of my stomach made it a little easier to take the risk.
I stood, and my eyes locked on his as I said, “We’ve got something good here.” His eyes were trained on mine, watching intently as I started to slowly unbutton my blouse. “I know it. You know it.”
Once I’d unclasped the last button, I let it fall to the floor and then started on the button of my jeans as I told him, “I know you didn’t want to mess it up by rushing things, and I get that. I don’t want to mess it up either.
I lowered my pants to the floor, leaving only my black lace panties and bra as I whispered, “But I’m tired of waiting... I want this Sutton. I want you.”
For several seconds, he didn’t move. He simply stood there staring at me, and I feared that I’d made the wrong move until he growled, “Are you sure?”
“I’ve never been more sure.”
With that, he advanced towards me with a wild, hungry look in his eyes. It was finally going to happen. It was a moment I’d dreamed about for months, and I couldn’t believe it was actually happening. Sutton stopped just inches from me as he said, “You’re gorgeous…. absolutely gorgeous.”
The way he looked at me made me feel beautiful and alive, like I was a treasure, his treasure. I placed the palm of my hand on his cheek as I pleaded, “Don’t make me wait any longer.”
A spark of desire flashed in his eyes as he crashed his mouth down on mine. His fingertips sent a jolt of excitement rushing through my veins as they roamed across my body. His rough hands slid across my skin with a reverence and possessiveness that ignited my entire body with a needful ache.
I moaned against his lips, holding on tightly as the whirlwind of heat and desire flooded through me. His tongue swept inside my mouth, claiming me as his as he tasted me. I felt his passion pouring into me as his fingertips twisted tightly in my hair, pulling me firmly to his lips.
He slowed for a moment as he kissed me long and deep, taking my bottom lip between his teeth as he seduced me with his skillful mouth. I’d never felt so desired. I was utterly lost in him. I was in a haze of hormones and lust, and I couldn’t get enough.
A needful moan escaped my mouth as I pressed my body against his. Being so close to him felt like finally coming home after being lost for so long. His strong hands lifted me effortlessly into his arms as he carried me over to the sofa. As soon as my feet touched the floor, he reached for the hem of his t-shirt. He looked at me teasingly as he slowly, painstakingly pulled it over his head, revealing his chiseled abs.
He grinned mischievously as he watched my eyes wander to the perfect V peeking out from the waistband of his jeans. He tossed his t-shirt to the floor, the smirk never leaving his lips as he lowered his hands to the button of his jeans. His blue eyes darkened with need as he watched my reactions to him.
He wasn’t taking his time out of vanity. He knew how long I’d been waiting for him, and he was keeping his word. He was making this night something we’d never forget. And it was working. The heat and desire building within me was evident with every moan and gasp, and he reveled in it.
I watched eagerly as he freed himself from his jeans and boxers, letting them fall to his ankles before kicking them to the side. My mouth fell open slightly as I watched him take his thick length in his hand. His voice was deep and raspy as he asked, “Do you have any idea how many times I thought about having you like this?”
I didn’t respond.
I couldn’t.
He stood before me in all his glory, and all I could do was stare in awe at the curves and ripples of his perfectly defined chest. He was so unbelievably handsome. It was hard to believe that this was really happening, and it wasn’t just a dream. I needed to make sure, so I took a slight step toward him and placed the tips of my fingers on the intricate ink that marked his chest, trailing the lines of his tattoos.
One led into the next, and I wondered what each of them meant to him, but I didn’t take the time to ask. Instead, I lifted myself up on my tiptoes, and just before I kissed him, I whispered, “I thought about it, too. So many times.”
The gentle kiss quickly became hungry and demanding. Sutton’s hands were on my body, roaming, squeezing, pulling me tightly against his muscular frame. I felt myself being led backward as his strong hands slid up my back, releasing the clasp of my bra. When my calves met the sofa, he slowly lowered me down on the cushions and tossed my bra to the side. My breath became ragged as my body begged impatiently for his next touch.
He looked down at me, smiling appraisingly as he watched my breasts rise and fall with each heaving breath. I gasped as his fingertips gripped my thighs, and he parted my legs to sink between them. His soft lips hungrily dropped to my breast, raking his tongue across my taut nipple. I could hear my uneven breaths echoing through the room as his hand slowly slid between my legs.
He ran his thumb along the edge of my lace panties, teasing me, touching just around where I wanted him most. He took his time caressing me while his other hand cupped my breast, the rough, calloused pad of his finger stroking me. He teased me for a moment—just long enough to have me writhing for him, then his hands dropped to the waistband of my lace panties.
He gently tugged them down with agonizingly slow movements. He knew what he was doing. My impatience was growing by the second, and he was reveling in it. My hands wound in his hair as I pulled his mouth closer to me, exulting in the lavish attention he was giving my breasts.
The storm of intense sensations flooding through me was almost too much. I could feel the smooth fabric of the lace slipping over my skin as my panties finally reached my ankles. I could feel his warm breath as he began to shower my abdomen and thighs with tantalizing kisses.
My body began to tingle in anticipation as the bristles of his beard brushed against my center. My hands clamped down on the cushions as I felt his tongue sweep against me. He swirled it around me, and he began to suck gently on my already sensitive flesh. My head flew back in pleasure as one long finger slid slowly inside me, testing my readiness for him.
I began to writhe beneath him as he continued to tease me with his mouth and fingers. My hands drifted to his head, my fingers tangling in his hair as I panted, “Oh God,” over and over.
I was close, so close, to finding my release when he lifted off me and took a condom from his jeans pocket. I waited impatiently as he rolled it down his long, thick shaft, and I’d barely had time to catch my breath when he was back on top of me, centering himself between my legs.
I smiled with satisfaction as the tip of his cock brushed against me, sending lust-filled chills down my spine. Our naked bodies pressed against each other, his hot skin against mine. I’d wanted him for so long, and the moment had finally come.
I opened my legs wider as he slowly slid inside me, filling me completely. My breath caught in my throat as he pulled back and entered me again, hard and steady. Instinctively, I arched into him as he drove deeper and gasped as his cock rubbed against me. I couldn’t keep my nails from clawing into his back.
My body had never felt such unabated pleasure. Sutton was everything I’d dreamed about and more. His mouth once again found mine as he thrust forward over and over, claiming what was his. Waves of ecstasy crashed over me until the dam finally broke, and my body was flooded with the all-consuming rush of my climax.
He continued to drive into me, deeper and deeper, until he found his own release. His fingers dug into my hips as he held me in place with a sated groan. After a few deep breaths, Sutton withdrew, tossed the condom in the trash, then dropped on the couch next to me.
As I laid there next to him, I got the strangest sensation. It was like all the broken pieces inside me started fitting back together. I felt safe, but more than that—I was starting to feel like me again. And a big part of that was because of him. He gave me the strength to open up and take a chance. I knew then it was time to start letting go of the past and start living the life I’d always wanted.
I was lying there enjoying the high of my orgasm when I was quickly lifted off the sofa and into Sutton’s arms. As he started down the hall, I asked, “What are you doing?”
“You might be done, but baby, I’m just getting started.”
He smirked as he carried me into the bedroom.
He stayed true to his word.
We spent the entire night making love again and again and again. By morning, I was barely able to keep my eyes open. I curled up next to Sutton and listened to the peaceful rhythm of his breathing. I was just about to drift off to sleep when I felt the tips of his fingers brush against one of my scars.
“What happened here?”
His voice was low and careful, like he already knew it wasn’t a story he’d want to hear, but it was something he needed to ask. I swallowed hard, hoping to push back the lump that had suddenly formed in my throat.
I hadn’t thought about my scars—not tonight.
Not while we were in the heat of the moment.
But now, the scars were a reminder of a past I had been trying so hard to escape.
“It was nothing really. Dylan and I were in an argument, and he was driving too fast. I think he was just trying to scare me, but he ended up losing control of the car and ran off the road. The seat belt nicked me, and I ended up needing stitches.”
Sutton didn’t say anything. He just kept tracing the length of the scar with his fingertips. But the weight of his silence was difficult to bear. “It was just an accident.”
“And what about this one?” His hand dropped to my hip, and he carefully ran his fingers along the small patch of rough skin. “What happened here?”
“Oh, that...” The memory of the boiling grease hitting my skin made me shudder. “It was stupid. I was cooking dinner, and Dylan was telling me about something that had gone on at the station. An argument he’d had with his partner or something. I questioned him about something he’d done. It made him mad, and he turned around too quick and accidentally bumped into me. The hot grease splashed up and landed on my side.”
“So, another accident?”
“Yeah, I don’t think he meant to do it.”
“Um-hmm.”
He stilled, and I could see his jaw tighten in the dim light of the room. I hated talking about it, and I hated even more that he was seeing these reminders of all the hurt. But I couldn’t hide from it anymore.
Not with him.
He didn’t say anything more. He simply pulled me closer and pressed a soft kiss to my temple. His grip around me tightened like he was silently telling me that he’d never let anyone hurt me again.
And in that moment, lying there with him, I believed it.