Chapter 5
Chapter five
The next morning, Jayson rose with the sun, his waking mind and dreams full of his houseguest. Sabrina slept just down the hall, and he couldn’t help but wonder—hope?—if she’d dreamed about him, too.
It was too early to be productive, and he didn’t hear any movement in the rest of the house, so he forced himself to go back to sleep.
And, fuck, he was glad he did. He had quite the tantalizing dream.
He was kissing Sabrina, and it felt so damn real.
The softness of her lips moving against his, the taste of her mouth as their tongues tangled.
The way she moaned, pressing her breasts against his chest. When she started pulling his clothes off, he knew things would end well.
Unfortunately, he woke up—alone—right before things got really good, his blankets tented and his dick raging for release.
Stifling a groan, he shuffled over to the attached bathroom, gait crooked, and took care of business by himself in the shower. But he imagined it was Sabrina’s delicate fingers wrapped around his aching cock, stroking him into orgasm.
Maybe, if he played his cards right…
The quick, cold shower helped cool him down.
Spinning the faucet off, he grabbed a fluffy towel and dried off.
As he got dressed, he remembered what Emma said about wanting him to be happy.
Her encouragement meant the world. He didn’t regret the sacrifices he’d made while raising his daughter, but maybe it would be kind of nice to be able to focus on his own needs.
With a spring in his step, he passed the closed guestroom door and headed down the stairs to whip up some breakfast. Being a single dad meant he’d had to learn how to cook.
Over the years, he’d progressed from frozen nuggets and boxed mac and cheese to healthier, heartier meals.
Although he wasn’t the best by any means, he knew how to whip up a few pretty decent dishes.
Reaching for a pan, he decided on bacon and scrambled eggs. He also got the old Mr. Coffee cranking, and soon the whole house smelled like breakfast. It wasn’t long before he heard the soft pad of feet approach, and he turned to see a still slightly sleepy-looking Sabrina step inside the kitchen.
“Good morning,” he greeted her, eyes roaming down her cute red and green plaid flannel pajamas. Hell, she looked like Christmas morning. Definitely a gift he wanted to unwrap.
“Morning,” she murmured. “It smells good.”
“Have a seat. I made bacon and eggs. And there’s coffee, if you want some. I also have juice in the fridge.”
“Thank you.” She poured herself a cup of hot coffee and sat down at the kitchen table. “You didn’t have to make me anything.”
“I don’t mind.” Truthfully, he missed having someone to share breakfast with and chat over coffee at the table. And since getting to know Sabrina better was at the top of his agenda, he might as well start now.
Once he plated the food, he carried it over and set a dish in front of her.
“It looks delicious.” She picked up a fork and began eating once he sat down across from her. “Oh, it’s even better than delicious,” she declared, chewing slowly, as though she wanted to savor every flavor.
“I’m glad you like it.” He couldn’t help the broad smile curving his mouth. She appreciated the effort he’d made, even though it was only a simple thing, and it made him feel good. Useful. Something he hadn’t felt much since becoming an empty nester.
“No one’s ever made me breakfast. At least, not since I lived with my dad,” she amended.
He arched a brow, waiting for her to continue, wondering what kind of jerks she’d dated.
She swallowed another bite then took a small sip of coffee. “My mom left when I was only two, so he raised me. He’s been my best friend since I can remember.”
Jayson’s chest tightened. “Kind of sounds like me and Emma.” Sure, it was fairly common for one parent or the other to raise a child, but the similarity to his own situation caught him by surprise. “She never knew her mom.”
“Me neither,” she said softly.
“I’ve always thought if you have to force someone to be in your life, to love you, what’s the point?”
She nodded slowly. “You’re right. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t always easy not having a mother figure around.
But my dad did a great job.” She toyed with the handle on her mug, a wistful look passing over her pretty face.
It was as though he could see the happy memories flickering through her mind. “Just like I’m sure you did with Emma.”
“I’d like to think so. She did turn out pretty fantastic.” Pride in his daughter made his chest swell with love, and he grinned as he bit into a piece of bacon. He could still picture Emma dancing around the kitchen in her tutu, singing silly songs like it happened only yesterday.
“So, what do you do, Sabrina? Besides dance around and play your music too loud?” He had hoped to come off teasing, a little charming, but her unexpected reaction confused him. Her golden-brown eyes shut down and her gaze dropped to the tabletop.
Yeah, her walls definitely just went up, and he had no idea why.
“I work from home. Nothing too exciting.” She ran her fingers along the edge of the table. “Where did you buy this table? The craftsmanship is beautiful.”
He didn’t miss the quick subject change, but since she was complimenting his work, he let it slide. “I made it.”
“You built this? Wow. It’s gorgeous.” She trailed her finger over the side, and he wanted to know how her touch would feel on his skin.
Imagined those fingertips lightly running over his body.
Gliding over his shoulders, caressing his back, sliding down to grip his ass.
Better yet, he pictured her spread out on the table as he thrust into her slickness, her thighs wrapped around his hips as she gripped his biceps.
Dammit. His cock sprang to life and he shifted in his seat. Time to cool off. His attention focused on the freezer, but he didn’t think there was enough ice in there to do the job. Hell, there might not be enough ice in Antarctica to cool off his raging libido.
Clearing his throat, he accepted the praise with a humble, “Thanks.” He shrugged his shoulders. “It started as a side business and grew. It keeps me busy.”
“Tell me more.” Leaning forward, she placed her elbow on the table and dropped her chin in her palm.
Damn, she was pretty.
He forced himself to speak. Digging the words out of his throat when all he wanted to do was slam his mouth against hers and touch her everywhere.
“Choosing the right materials is key. I pick wood that’s durable and aesthetically-pleasing, but also functional and sturdy.
Each piece is guaranteed to put up with whatever real-life situation the owner throws at it. ”
She gave him an encouraging nod.
“I’ve always enjoyed using my hands. Building things.” He flattened his palms on the tabletop, telling himself to relax. To get his body under control before he really embarrassed himself. “I’m very precise.”
“Oh?” Her honeyed gaze seemed to darken. “A good skill to have…for someone who builds furniture. I’d imagine you’re incredibly patient, too.”
The way she stared so intently sent a spike of desire straight through him. And his damn unruly cock raged back to life.
“Not like you built this in a day,” she clarified, running her fingertips in slow, small circles on the polished wood.
“I pride myself on my patience and precision.” He locked eyes with her. “Longevity is important, too.”
She smirked. “I’d have to agree.”
What the hell are we talking about? He had a funny feeling it wasn’t furniture.
When she suddenly cleared her throat and pulled back, looking a little flustered, he let out a breath.
The innuendos in that conversion had left him more than a little hot and bothered.
He needed some fresh air. Or sex. But he didn’t think spreading Sabrina’s lovely legs and burying himself balls deep in her sweet pussy was an option.
Not yet, anyway.
“I, ah, need to tend to the horses. They’re probably wondering where their morning apples are and why I haven’t cleaned out their stalls yet.”
“Oh, okay. Why don’t I clean up in here?”
“I can help—”
“No, you cooked. I insist.” When he hesitated, she shooed him off. “Go do your thing with the horses while I do the dishes.”
With a nod, he stood up. Most people were overly eager to meet the horses, but she seemed awfully set on getting rid of him all of a sudden. Strange. “Do you want to come out? Maybe go for a ride?”
“Um, sure. I’ll clean up here, run home and change, then meet you in the barn in a little bit.”
“Sounds good.” As he turned to walk out the back door, she smiled. But it seemed more forced than her other ones. Huh. Definitely strange. And even stranger was his gut telling him something was off. But he had no idea what.
Sabrina gathered the dishes, put them in the sink and watched through the window as Jayson walked to the barn. God, he had a splendid ass. Firm glutes she’d love to grip as he railed into her. How many squats did he freaking do?
It doesn’t matter, Sabrina. Focus.
The moment he disappeared inside, she sprang into action.
Time to snoop.
Wasting no time, she headed straight for the office she’d noticed earlier.
The room also served as a library with built-in shelves showing off more of his amazing craftsmanship.
Loaded with books, the shelves filled an entire wall.
The room had a cozy, masculine vibe with a large desk made from dark, polished wood.
It was a nice piece, and she guessed he’d made it, too.
He must be incredibly good with his hands to create something so beautiful. Just the thought made her insides warm.