Chapter 9
Garen
The warm spring air blows through the open windows as I drive down Ravenhart Mountain toward my girlfriend's place for the weekend.
Bellamy and I have been hot and heavy ever since that stormy night on my couch, and I've been eating up every minute of it.
When I told Olympia I had met someone, she was shocked but thrilled.
"I always knew there was someone out there for you," she told me the other day on the phone.
"Hey now. We don't know where this is going," I quickly said.
"Pshaw, I know where this is going. You're gaga for this woman."
I chuckle at the memory of the conversation as I reach the foothills of Ravenhart Mountain on the Corvid Valley side.
This is the first time that I'm seeing Bellamy's rental.
When I pull up, I take in the sight of the adorable house with a small shed next to it.
Stepping out of my Jeep, Bellamy throws open the front door, running down the steps and jumping into my arms.
"You're a ball of energy," I say, kissing her hard and running my hands down her luscious curves.
"I've been excited all morning about your coming here," she says.
"Show me your workspace," I say, making her laugh.
"Don't you want to settle in first? Do you have an overnight bag?"
"I do, but I want to see where the magic happens."
"Alright, but it is a tight squeeze," she says, taking my hand and leading me towards the shed.
Tight squeeze is an understatement. Her workspace is impressive with how she has set it up, but she wasn't lying. There's not a lot of room to move around. I walk straight over to the display shelf with her jeweled eggs.
"Are these bungee cords in case there's an earthquake?" I ask.
"Yeah. But I need to come up with a better solution. They could still roll into each other and crack."
"These are seriously stunning, Bell. I think they're even more gorgeous in person."
From behind, my girlfriend loops her arms around my waist, pressing her chin against my back.
"Really?" she says.
I turn to her, giving her a look.
"You know they're gorgeous."
"Okay. Fine. They're beautiful," she says, rolling her eyes with a laugh. She then adds, "I'm starting to think I need to already start looking for another place to live, though, because I'm worried I'm going to run out of space soon."
Heat creeps up my neck. My place has a perfect spot for her studio, with plenty of space and room for customized shelves. She must notice something in my expression because she arches an eyebrow at me, looking at me curiously.
Before she can ask me anything, I pull her in for a passionate kiss.
The next day, we head into Corvid Valley proper for their annual May-Day festival.
"You didn't want a booth at this one?" I ask when we park.
"I haven't made enough since the Ostara Festival, so I didn't think it made much sense. Plus, it's nice just to experience it as a visitor, you know," she says, looping her arm through mine.
We swing by Olympia and Ruth's booth first so that I can introduce Bellamy to my sister and her wife. John and Deb are helping out this time as well. Olympia hugs Bellamy hello and Ruth follows.
My sister turns to me and hisses, "She's a hottie."
I give her a look and say, "You're married. Stay away from my girlfriend," which makes her snort.
After chatting with them for a few minutes, Bellamy and I walk through the festival, perusing the booths. She lets out an excited cry when she sees a booth advertising different teas.
"Oh, I read about this woman's business in the local newspaper. I really want to check out her tea," she says, dragging me through the crowd.
As a customer walks away, a woman with graying auburn hair greets us.
"Hi. Welcome," she says.
"Are you Serena Tuttle?" Bellamy asks.
"Yeah, I am."
"Okay. Awesome. I thought this was your booth. I read about you in that article in the Corvid Valley Press a few weeks ago and wanted to check you out."
"Awesome. Well, I have all sorts of tea blends."
I stand back as Serena Tuttle shows my girlfriend her wares. And within five minutes, Bellamy has a bag with several varieties of tea.
"Do you think we'd be able to store this at your sister's booth until the Maypole dancing begins?"
"Yeah. Actually, let's go do that now because doesn't it start at one?"
She looks at her watch and says, "Oh, yeah. We'd better get a move on."
After dropping off her purchases with my sister, we head over to the maypoles, their colorful ribbons flowing in the breeze. A small stage is set up nearby where a couple of local speakers talk before a folk group begins to play. We each grab a ribbon and join the dancing.
Part of me wonders how someone like me ended up doing this. But every time I look at my curvy girlfriend, my heart skips a beat. I'm here because she loves it, and her joy is infectious. Seeing her happy and enjoying herself fills something in me that has long been empty.
Afterwards, Bellamy grabs my hand and pulls me away from the crowd, jumping into my arms. She wraps her legs around my waist and presses her mouth against mine.
"You're such a good sport," she says when she pulls away.
"What do you mean?" I ask as she returns to the ground.
"Oh, don't pretend. I know peopling isn't high on your list," she says, wrapping her arms around my waist and pulling me close.
I brush a stray strand of hair out of her face, studying her gorgeous hazel eyes. "I'd people with you anywhere," I say, and when I see her playful, doubtful expression, I add, "I'm serious. I'd honestly do anything for you, Bellamy."
Her eyes widen at my words.
"Bell, I've fallen in love with you."
Bellamy's mouth drops open. She then shuts it, grinning at me with tears in her eyes.
"I'm in love with you too, Garen Sterling. Holy crap," she says with a laugh.
Cupping her face in my hands, I lean down, brushing my lips across hers. "Is it okay if we go back early to your place?"
"Hell yes, it is," she says huskily.
The door shuts behind me, and I start stripping, grinning at the woman I love. She slips out of her light cardigan and lets the sage-green sundress fall to her feet. A growl forms in the back of my throat as I take in her gorgeous curves, her cleavage spilling out of a yellow floral bra.
Bellamy grins playfully and walks backwards, kicking off her panties and unclasping the bra.
She tosses it into the kitchen with a laugh.
The moment I'm naked as well, I rush toward her.
She giggles as I lift her into my arms, pushing her up against the hallway wall.
My cock finds her wet and ready, and when I slide inside, we both moan into each other's mouths, kissing with heated passion.
She wraps her legs around me while I pound into her against the wall.
Her nails dig into my back as I move without restraint, and the sounds she makes drive me wild.
I grip her hips tighter, thrusting deeper, wanting to feel every inch of her wrapped around me.
The picture frames on the wall rattle with each thrust, and I don't care if they fall.
All I care about is the woman in my arms and how she's moaning my name.
Soon her body is shuddering as she bites my shoulder with a loud cry.
I fist the back of her hair, pulling her head back, and steal her mouth with mine as I reach my peak, crying out against her lips.
We stay pressed against the wall for a moment, catching our breath. Then she slides off me, and we both burst into giggles.
"Hot damn," I say, pulling her close and kissing her forehead.
"You can say that again," she says with a grin.
"Hot damn," I say, wrapping my arms around her and burying my face in her sweet-smelling hair.