Chapter 26
Chapter
Twenty-Six
I LOVE YOU MAYBE
Ella
“Everything’s better with you.” – E
“ Y ou don’t have to do this,” Shaw says from across the kitchen island, where he is perched on a stool surrounded by baking ingredients and equipment. The aroma of chocolate fills the air.
We are baking chocolate cupcakes and cake pops.
“I know I don’t,” I reply, cracking an egg and dropping it into the large bowl. “I want to. It’ll brighten the kids’ day. You’ll see. Now keep whisking.” I point towards his bowl.
I glance over at him.
Shaw shakes his head, as if he finds me hilarious. God, he looks so handsome. His tousled blonde hair, still damp from a recent shower, frames his face in a way that makes him look effortlessly attractive. The morning light coming through the kitchen window casts a soft glow on his features, accentuating the strong lines of his jaw and the sparkle in his eyes.
A sparkle that weeks ago wasn’t there. I can’t believe how far he has come, and sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.
This morning, after waking up in his arms, feeling grateful and with my heart full, I feel the impulse to share this happiness with others. So, after searching online for charities around town, I came across a place called Rainbow Refuge, a safe haven for little kids.
“She would have loved you, you know,” he whispers as he moves the bowl filled with mix to the side and starts working on icing some of the cupcakes. Before him lies a miniature pink cupcake, its surface glistening with a delicate layer of pink frosting. I watch in awe as he delicately applies tiny sugar stars to the top.
My heart aches when I realize who he is talking about.
His mother.
Stopping what I am doing, I give him my full attention. “You think so?” I smile sadly at him, hating how much he still hurts.
“Yeah… you remind me a little of her.”
“How so?” I whisper.
“She is good and kind and never thought twice about helping someone in need.” I swallow the lump in my throat. His mother was hurt by cruel people around her, yet she found it in her heart to care for those in need. How unfair. How sad.
“She must be so proud of you.” I lean forward on the counter and reach for his hand. “I bet she’s looking down on you with a big smile on her face.”
A look of sadness crosses his expression before he masks it. I hate it when he does that, but I also understand his need to protect himself. “For a long time, I thought she was a coward…” he says roughly. “Then I realized she was anything but. She held onto life and to me for as long as she possibly could before her mind betrayed her.”
Tears well in my eyes, and I do my best to keep them from falling. “Yeah…” I squeeze his hand in silent support. “She’s at peace now, beautiful man.”
He nods sharply before giving my hand one last squeeze and letting go. “Beautiful man, huh?”
I blush but meet his eyes anyway. “So beautiful…” I breathe out.
Shaw’s face softens before he looks down at the cupcakes, seeming almost embarrassed.
My heart does a flip—many flips, actually—at the thought of this hardened man feeling embarrassed by a compliment.
Silence falls upon us. The only sound is the record player softly playing my favorite song in the background. We both returned to what we were doing. I continue mixing the ingredients for another batch while Shaw moves on to decorating the cupcakes and cake pops.
I can’t help but smile as I watch him, my heart fluttering with affection for the man who, although a bit grumpy at times, now helps with baking treats for children. I had the idea, and he went with it. He just asked if it made me happy, and when I said yes, he took out the ingredients from the fridge and wrapped the apron around my waist.
“You’re quite the artist,” I remark, my voice gentle as I admire his handiwork. His cupcakes are both pink and purple, with tiny silver stars on them. Cute.
Shaw glances up, a small smile on his face. “You approve?” he asks.
I nod while adding cocoa powder to the mix. “Cute cupcakes with tiny stars on them baked by you?” I look away from the bowl and meet Shaw’s eyes. “You bet I do.”
His smile widens, making my heart do many more flips inside my chest.
“I want these cupcakes to be special for them.” I return to preparing the batter.
“The brats will love them,” he assures me with confidence, his eyes sparkling with admiration. “You don’t understand what a little sweetness can do, especially for those who need it most, and those kids need it.”
Brats.
My mouth twitches at his ability to be both sweet and a grump.
I nod thoughtfully, my gaze returning to the cupcake in front of him. “I think so too,” I agree happily, my thoughts wandering to the children who will soon receive the treats we’ve baked them with love.
The song playing on the record player ends, and soon another favorite of mine begins. It’s a song about a girl wanting love like her parents.
An hour passes as we finish baking the last round of cupcakes and cake pops, then start packing the treats into carton boxes. Shaw had to run to the store when we ran out of paper cups and flour.
Finally, as we prepare the last box, I step back to admire our work. The kitchen island would have been a mess if it weren’t for Shaw cleaning up after the messes I’ve made. Today, I learned that the man is a bit of a control freak. It’s adorable to watch him wipe the counter relentlessly after I spill some egg yolk.
“We did a good job!” I exclaim, picking up my camera and taking a shot of Shaw leaning on the counter, which is adorned with a colorful array of boxes, each packed with a dozen chocolate cupcakes and cake pops.
I’m lost in thought, looking at the Polaroid I just took of Shaw, when I don’t notice him approaching quietly from behind. His strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me gently toward him. Startled, I let out a small gasp before relaxing into his embrace, my back pressed against his hard chest. “You’re amazing, moonshine,” he whispers close to my ear, making goosebumps break out on my skin. “Want to know something, princess?”
“What?” I breathe out, feeling hot all over because of his warmth.
“I’m hungry,” he drawls.
“Oh,” I stretch my hand and grab a cupcake before turning and offering it to him. “Have a cupcake.”
Without warning, Shaw lifts me effortlessly onto the kitchen counter, his movements smooth and sure. He turns me until I’m facing him, but before I can say a word, he leans in and places a soft kiss on the tip of my nose, his lips warm against my skin.
When he pulls back to look into my eyes, the tenderness in his gaze makes my insides melt, just like every time he looks at me as if I am the most important thing in his world.
Overcome with emotion, I reach up, brushing my fingers lightly against his bearded cheek, feeling the stubble beneath my touch. The kitchen and the music around us seem to fade into the background, leaving only the two of us lost in each other’s gaze.
“I was thinking of eating something else…” he leans forward and whispers against my lips. His breath smells of fresh mint and the beer he had earlier. “Something sweeter.”
Oh, God.
His harsh yet sensual voice does things to my body without even touching me. “W—what?” I struggle to get the word out.
“Your pussy, baby,” He drawls, his voice rough with desire that sends shivers down my spine. His arms tighten around me, holding me close as if he never wants to let go. I don’t ever want him to let go.
“You’re so filthy, cowboy,” I reply softly, my breast aching for his touch and my pussy pulsing with need.
He grins, looking like a handsome devil ready to strike. “You haven’t seen filthy yet.” He then gently takes off my top, and then pulls down my shorts, leaving me in my bra and see through panties only. “Fuck, you’re so beautiful. I can’t get enough of you, Ella. I don’t think I will.” He presses his open mouth to my jawline, sending goosebumps down my spine.“I’m addicted and it’s so fucking wrong.”
“It’s not.” I moan as he licks my pulse. “Nothing about us is wrong.” A second pause before he sinks his teeth into the flesh of my neck.
“Ah,” I hiss in pleasure, never in pain. Nothing this man ever does to me hurts. “Shaw…”
“I love the way you say my name.” He roughly took my mouth, kissing me like a madman.
I love his kisses. I love the way with just one kiss he makes me feel like I was his and only his. No one else.
He devours my mouth like I was his favorite treat.
He breaks the kiss and pulls back. In a haze I watch as he reaches for one of the cans of frosting, dips his fingers, grabs a big dollop and spreads it on both of my nipples.
“I thought you didn’t like sugary things.” I tease, then bite my lip when he palms one of my breasts and brings it to his lips to suck on it. He groans behind me and desire floods me, making my blood sizzle inside my veins. “Oh, fuck.”
His eyes twinkle while his tongue swirls my nipple, cleaning all the pink frosting.
I can’t take my eyes off him even when the need to close them was too much. “Please . . . ,” I moan loudly, aching with pleasure. “Please what?” His lips move up my chest to my throat. “Please touch me there.”
He does. Oh, he does. My eyelids droop and I shudder all over. I am close to coming, but then he stops to reach for more frosting. With two thick fingers, he spreads the delicious cream all over my pussy lips.
Just as quickly, he grabs me by the waist, moves me to the edge of the counter and spreads my legs wide and yanks my hips into his mouth. Oh, Jesus. His tongue glides up my pussy over and over again, ending each time with a nibble or sucking. Again, and again. My eyes roll into the back of my head, his lips tugging my clit and making me moan.
He licks and sucks until there was no trace of the frosting all the while moaning in pleasure as if I was the best thing he has ever tasted. The image of him between my legs was making me lose my damn mind.
Lost in pleasure I lift my leg, placing my foot on the edge of the counter, fisting his hair with one hand and grabbing onto his shoulder with the other.
“Don’t stop, baby,” I pleaded.
He bites me, and I let my head fall back, overcome. I roll my hips, thrusting into his mouth, and I peer down, taking in the view. He kisses and tugs, sucking on my inner thighs and swirling his tongue over my slit. “Yes!” I shake, grinding on his mouth faster. “More, Shaw.” He takes my ass in both hands, diving inside me with his tongue, and I cry out. Heat fills my stomach, and I throb as he thrust into me. He licks and tastes me. “You’re so wet for me, princess.” And then he meets my eyes. “But It’s my turn now.”
I pause, my body aching to come on his tongue and every inch of me hot.
Shaw leaves the space between my legs and comes up until his face is close to mine, looming over me. My lips part on their own accord, inviting him to taste my lips. But his attention is on my pussy. He slowly removes his black shirt and quickly takes off his jeans.
He grabs one of my thighs and pins me down, holding me in place. “I wanna see my cock splitting you open.” He gives me the brightest, most heartbreakingly dimpled smile.
And that’s exactly what he does.
Next thing I knew he reaches between us, pushes my thighs open, and slides into me slowly, inch by inch. We both watch his length disappear inside me with awe, our foreheads touching. It was the hottest thing I’d ever done with anyone. Everything this man does is hot and sweet and perfect.
He pushes all the way inside, making my hips buckle. “Oh, God.” I drop my head back to the floor, closing my eyes.
My orgasm hits me, and I only have to wait a second before Shaw’s nostrils tighten, his jawline tick, and he pulls out to finish on my stomach and pussy lips.
My ears ring and my vision is clouded with the intensity of the climax.
Shaw sags on top of me after he finishes, still inside me. After a while of not being able to do anything but enjoy the high of the orgasm, I focus my gaze on him.
I watch quietly while trying to calm my racing heart, as Shaw drops a kiss on my naked shoulder.
“Ella…” Shaw’s breathing comes out haggard.
Reaching forward with shaking hands, I trace the freckles on his nose. “Yeah?”
“I— I.” He stumbles with his words, while my heart stops in my chest. Is he really going to say it? Brown eyes meet mine and they tell me all his mouth can’t. “I love fucking you.”
I know.
We both understand that’s not what he wants to say, but for some reason, he can’t form the sentence and tell me the secrets of his heart. Knowing how hard it must be for him to let someone in after the tragic loss he suffered, I decide to make it easier for him.
I don’t need the words as long as he’s here with me. That’s all I’ll ever need.
My face softens, and so does my tone. “Ready to deliver the cupcakes?” I ask breathlessly.
Shaw frowns, then his eyes darken with desire, a devilish smile tugging at his lips. “After I fuck you again,” he says, his eyes meeting mine.
He fucked me two more times and after we were both spent, we get dressed, and together we gather up the boxes and head out the door, all the while feeling like my heart is about to burst with joy.