10. Isabella
Ididn’t know why it felt like I was sneaking a boy in as I brought Max through the front door of my childhood home. ButI pressed a finger to my lips for him to be quiet as the latch clicked shut.
Ireached for his hand to guide him up the dark stairs since I knew every floorboard by heart, especially the extra creaky ones. His palm was warm and wrapped around mine, expertly intertwining his fingers through my own. Max’s hands found my waist as they reached the landing, and I passed my hand over the wall looking for the light switch.
Ididn’t miss the squeeze of his hands or how large they felt wrapped around me. Finally, I found the switch and slid the dimmer up a tad, enough to light our path to the arched door that led down to the cellar.
“Are you sure this is okay?” Max’s voice came out in a whisper over my shoulder.
“Definitely. They won’t mind if we drink all of their wine, but if we wake up my mother, we’ll have hell to pay,” I replied.
Anothersqueeze at my hips in response and I almost leaned back into him to feel more of his touch. Somewhere between the lounge and my parents’ foyer, we had escalated our flirtatious banter to flirtatious touching. I wasn’t mad about it one bit.
Iguided us through a tucked-away door hidden at the back of our butler’s pantry. A skinny set of stairs led down to a temperature-controlled room where my parents stored their favorite wines. They weren’t wine snobs by any means, but my parents held memberships in various wine clubs around the world, which meant a fully stocked wine cellar at all times.
Theroom was long, with shelves on three sides, a stunning arched brick ceiling, and a large table in the middle. An iron chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting the cedar wood in a beautiful glow.
“Wow, this is quite the collection,” Max whispered, even though it was no longer necessary, as he looked up at the shelves stacked high with bottles.
“Yeah, I don’t think my parents have as many people over these days, so they don’t go through the bottles fast enough,” I said.
“Well, I guess we’ll have to take some off their hands,” Max said, winking.
“All the ports are in this section.” I turned and pointed to an angled section of the cellar, small, but stocked floor to ceiling with various ports.
Maxwalked over, eyes wide, as he took it all in. I leaned against another shelf, watching him. I eyed him as he picked up bottles, read the label, put some back, and circled back to others. “You’re taking this very seriously, Boss.”
Maxturned to me, placing another bottle back on the shelf, with an odd glint in his eye. His lip turned up in a slight grin as he said, “Well, you picked out a fine chocolate for this wine, so it has to match it in quality, yes?”
Inthe tight space of the cellar, I had to look up to meet his eyes. They were eyes worth staring into, getting lost in, lingering on. The golden-brown flecks glimmered in the cedar-colored light of the cellar. I felt drunk just from the sight of him.
Maxturned to face me, put his hands back on the sides of my hips, and grazed his thumbs over the edges of my hip bones through the fabric of my dress.
“You and these dresses . . .” Max murmured.
“Is there an end to that sentence?” I asked, eyebrows raised in a challenge.
“Yeah, they make me want to fuck you in them,” Max said without hesitation.
Isucked in a breath at his confession, heat pooling in my belly, and raised my eyebrows. Our eyes darted across each other’s faces, each scanning for a sign of what was next. Max inclined his head, a silent question. AllI could do was give him a smirk.
“IfI asked you to take off your panties, would you do it?” Max asked.
“What?” I asked, eyes blinking.
“CanI do this with you? CanI be like this with you, right now?” Max asked as he placed his hand on my cheek, his eyes never leaving mine.
Ididn’t fully understand what he meant, but I could only hope where it would lead and so I nodded.
“Say it, Isabella. Tell me yes or no. If you say no, I’ll pick a wine and head home, no questions asked.” Max’s breath was heavier now, the room felt warmer.
“And if I say yes?” I asked.
“ThenI’m going to tell you exactly what you need to do so I can fuck you and you’re going to listen,” he replied.
God, my heart was going to beat out of my chest. “Then, yes.”
“That’s my girl,” Max said slowly. “Now slide your panties off those gorgeous hips and hand them to me.” Max lifted his hands off my waist and took one step back.
Itook a deep breath, slid my hands up the fabric of my billowy dress, hooked my fingers around the band of my panties, and started tugging them down. I let them fall past my knees and kept my eyes on Max as I felt them pool at my feet.
Maxheld out his hand, waiting.
Istepped my heeled feet out of each leg of my panties and scooped up the yellow lace fabric. I held them in my hand before reaching out to give them to Max.
Hecupped his hand beneath mine, waiting. I dropped the fabric into his open palm and watched with wide eyes as he slid them into his pocket. Max took a step closer to me and found his spot back at my hips. He squeezed roughly and slid his hands to my backside to grip my ass over the fabric of my dress.
Hiseyes were dark, and he groaned as he squeezed hard enough to bring me to my tiptoes.
“Do you know the first time I saw you, you were wearing a dress like this one?” Max said in my ear, inhaling deeply.
Iwracked my brain for the time he was talking about but came up blank. “No,” I whispered.
“It was your mother’s birthday,” Max said. “You flew into town just for it. You were wearing this red dress and whenever the sunlight would catch the fabric I could see the outline of these hips,” he said as he moved his hands down my sides, “and you would turn and I’d see the curve of this ass,” he cupped me again, scooping me up.
Mylegs dangled on either side of his waist and with only the thin fabric of my dress in between them I felt his hardness pressed against me. I nearly moaned at the friction. Max walked forward, to the edge of the table in the center of the room. This table was normally meant for unloading new boxes of wine and the marble felt cool as I was placed on top of it.
Maxbrought a hand up my side slowly. He left goosebumps in his wake as he rounded my shoulders and across my chest. His large palm rested on my throat as his fingers reached up to grab my chin gently.
“I’m going to check in with you one more time, Isabella,” he said as he locked eyes with me. “Is this okay?”
Thistime I didn’t hesitate. “Yes,” I said. My body craved his. Needed him. Wanted him.
“I knew you would be a fast learner,” Max said as he smirked. In a flash, his hand left my chin and gripped the back of my head, hair twisted in his grasp. He tilted my head up to his as he crashed his mouth to mine.
Thekiss wasn’t slow, it wasn’t soft, and it wasn’t gracious. It claimed me. It marked me. It devoured me.
Hismouth was hot as it opened up against mine. Max pressed my head into him as if he could get me to climb into his skin. I moaned against his mouth as his tongue found mine in a frenzy. He hardened his tongue as it flicked against mine and I wondered what that tongue would feel like in other places.
Ifthis was the kiss he would’ve given me at the winery, I’m ninety-nine percent certain we would’ve been kicked out. I opened my mouth and let him fully invade my space. He tasted like berries and chocolate.
Ileaned my head back as his mouth trailed down my neck to my collarbone and into the skin between my breasts. Max rubbed my breasts from the outside of my dress, pushing them up as he inhaled deeply.
“Every inch of you is so fucking gorgeous,” Max said as he ran his tongue up my sternum.
Ileaned up a bit so I could slide my shoulders out of my sleeves. I wiggled out of the fabric and let it settle at my waist. Max didn’t wait for me to unhook my lace bralette before he pushed the fabric down, allowing my breasts to spill over the edge of the fabric.
Hepaused for the briefest of moments as he took in the sight of me. My breath was quick, my chest rising rapidly, as I watched him take in my hardened nipples and the soft swell of my breasts. My eyes scanned his face, waiting for any sign of hesitation. AllI saw was hunger.
Max’spalms were on me, rubbing and tugging at my nipples then lapping up the pain with his mouth. I found myself grinding into his waist as he stood, still fully clothed at the edge of the table.
“It’s always the good girls, isn’t it?” Max asked as he watched my eyes darken as he rolled my nipple in between his fingers. “The ones who like it to hurt.”
Ireached for his waistband, wanting desperately to feel his skin against mine. Max chuckled in my ear. “I didn’t tell you that you could touch yet, baby girl.”
“Please,” I said, not caring what came out of my mouth. I needed him.
“Already begging for my cock, huh?” Max asked as he pushed the fabric of my dress up toward my waist. The cool air landed on my thighs, and I shivered. “Let’s see if you’re even ready for me.”
Iheard Max suck in a breath and for a second I froze. What if I wasn’t what he expected? What he wanted? My thighs were full and thin stretch marks ran across my upper thighs. I swallowed deeply and started to bring my knees in ready to call it. He didn’t have to do this.
Max’shands were at my knees in an instant, pushing them out wider. “DidI tell you to close your legs?” he asked. “I want to get a good look at you before I devour you.”
Hispromise made me shiver and I was afraid I might just come from his dirty talk. I watched his face as he took me in. His eyes flared as he caught sight of me. With my arousal sticky on my inner thighs, I knew he could see how turned on I was right now. His face turned into a smirk, and I couldn’t help the moan that escaped my throat as he pushed a finger inside me.
“You were already warmed up for me, baby girl. I’m so sorry I couldn’t wait,” Max said. “God, you’re so wet. So soft. Imagine what you’re going to feel like wrapped around my cock.”
Ileaned back, my elbows on the hard table as Max pushed another finger inside me. I was already trembling.
“Okay, baby girl, listen to me,” Max spoke seriously as he fingered me. “I know you’re close. So when I lean down and lick your swollen clit, you’re going to come for me, okay? Can you do that?”
Myvoice was shaky as I said, “Yes.”
Maxhummed his approval as he pumped his fingers inside. I held my dress up as I watched Max lean down, his brown hair tickling my belly. And as soon as his warm mouth landed on my clit, his mouth creating a suction that brought my back off the table, I exploded. My limbs went numb and the breath was stolen out of my chest as I pulsed around his fingers and on his face.
“You did such a good job, baby,” Max said from above me. He pulled his fingers out from inside me and his other hand reached to yank off his shirt before he unbuttoned his jeans. OnceI heard the metal zipper slide down, I leaned up on my elbows. I needed to see him.
Hepulled himself out, stroking himself a couple of times. God, he was thick. A protruding vein marked the entire side of him and seemed to pulse.
“I have an IUD, by the way. I haven’t been with anyone in . . . well, it’s been a while,” I said.
Maxsmiled at me. “I was tested after my last breakup, I’m clean.”
Inodded, our eyes locking. His fingers traced my middle slowly, creating aftershocks of my orgasm throughout my body. ButI needed more.
“You’re going to take my cock like a good girl now,” Max said. “I’m sorry, but I don’t want to be easy tonight.”
“Don’t be,” I replied. And before the last word left my lips, Max pressed himself to my entrance and shoved himself inside me. It took the breath from my chest. My mouth fell open, and the sound was stolen from my throat.
Hewas impossibly thick. He stretched me wide as he settled himself all the way in with one thrust. Max barely let me catch my breath before he gripped my hips and started thoroughly fucking me.
“Fuck, you take me so well, Isabella,” Max said through gritted teeth as he pounded into me. “You look so beautiful swallowing my cock up with your pussy.”
Ihad never heard dirty talk like this. I was afraid Max could whisper a line and I’d come on command. BecauseI wanted to. I wanted to come for him over and over again.
Hispraises were my reward and I’d chase them until I was sore. I’d do anything to keep hearing his rough voice command me. The sounds of our bodies moving filled the room and I leaned forward to watch him slide into me.
“Do you like watching me fuck you?” Max asked, his hand finding the back of my head again and gripping tightly. “I hope you do because I’m not sure I can ever leave this pussy.”
Ifiled that statement for later even though I knew not to analyze the things men say during sex.
Instead, I let a low moan leave my body as he reached new corners of me. Max released the grip on my hair but kept exploring my body. With one hand holding my lower back up so he could drive himself into me, his other hand trailed up my belly, tweaked my nipples, and squeezed my throat.
Hewas everywhere all at once and all I wanted was more.
“You’re going to come for me again, baby. I need to feel you strangle my cock,” Max said. “I think I might know just how you like it. And if I’m right, god help me.”
Maxlowered me back down to the table and slowed the movements of his hips slightly. With one hand, he danced his fingers around my clit, circling and tugging roughly. With the other hand, he reached up for my throat and squeezed.
AsMax slowly drilled his cock deeper and deeper, I felt the buzz building deep in my belly. With one pinch to my clit and a sharp squeeze at my neck, I felt myself go completely numb. My vision blurred at the edges as my orgasm jolted through my body, my scream cut off by the hand around my throat.
Warmliquid spread between my thighs as I gasped for breath when Max finally let go. The aftershocks of my orgasm weaved through my body as Max set his sights on his own. His large hands found their place on my thighs as he pounded into me.
“Come inside me,” I whispered from below, and I could tell by the dark look on his face and the stillness of his hips that Max also liked being told what to do. His body stilled as a deep, low groan tumbled out from between his lips. After a few moments, he leaned down and placed gentle kisses on my chest. Each one felt like a quiet thank you.
“Um, there’s a bathroom right outside the cellar if you want to . . .” I said as Max started to slide out.
Hesmiled at me as he said, “Okay, be right back.”
Maxwas back before I could fully catch my breath, my chest still splotchy and heaving. He gently wiped between my legs and thighs, creating shivers up my legs as he grazed my sensitive places. He had shoved himself back in his pants, but the top still lay open and wide, his shirt still off.
God, he was something to look at. His chest was wide and fit, with softness in just the right places. His skin glistened with a sheen of sweat, and his eyes intently focused on me. Once he was finished cleaning me, he gently set my legs down and helped me sit up. He adjusted my bralette and brought the sleeves of my dress back up, straightening the fabric at my shoulders. He kept my panties in his pocket.
Withevery move, his eyes bore into me, seemingly memorizing every pore of my skin, every mole that marked me.
“That was . . .” he began.
“Yeah, that definitely was . . .” I could finally breathe normally, but the pounding in my chest wouldn’t go away. “We didn’t even get to sample a port,” I added.
Maxthrew his head back and laughed. “You’re right, we didn’t. Are you still up for it?” he asked.
Inodded.
Heturned back toward the angled shelf stocked full of options as he zipped and buttoned his jeans. He ran his hand through his hair as he hunted for the perfect bottle before selecting one from the shelf.
“A nice TaylorFladgate twenty-year-old TawnyPort should do the job. It’ll be sweeter than any of the chocolates you picked out, which will help pull the rich flavor profiles out,” he said, holding the bottle and examining the label.
“Sounds great, Boss,” I said as I slid off the table.
Maxcaught my wrist and spun me around as his mouth found mine. “You’re going to be the death of me, aren’t you?” he asked with his lips hovered over mine.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said with a smirk.
Inreality, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect after tonight. Was this a one-time thing? Would we still keep up our flirting? I hadn’t realized how much I missed the kind of attention he had been giving me, so I wasn’t ready for it to go away. I grabbed some glasses from a small shelf and led us back up the narrow staircase.
Aftersnagging the chocolates off the kitchen counter, I led us toward the back of the townhouse. My parents’ backyard was a slender slice of cobblestone heaven and the thought of fresh air on my face was exactly what I needed right about now.
Thegarden was overgrown in a way that invited butterflies and honeybees to the space, and twinkle lights strung from the edge of the home to the corners of the patio.
Wroughtiron furniture sat in zones through the space, and stepping stones created walkways through the yard. I decided to post up at the wooden table that sat under a pergola of purple wisteria. The sweet pea smell from the flowers came through when the breeze ruffled the blooms.
“This place feels like an actual secret garden,” Max said, looking around. “I can see where you got your inspiration for the event’s theme.”
“Yeah, it’s one of my favorite parts about this house. The garden has really filled in since I’ve been gone,” I said.
“Are you glad to be back?” Max asked as he poured some port into our glasses, and I unboxed the chocolates.
Itilted my head from side to side. “Yes and no. It’s hard to explain.”
“Try me,” Max said.
Idug out the dark chocolates for us to sample as Max opened up the slim port bottle and filled our glasses with a small sample.
“You know when I was traveling, there was this constant sense of movement and discovery, and every decision I made was my own. There were no guide rails. But after years of that, I craved some kind of anchor, a sense of place and direction. I thought coming back to the city, being surrounded by these familiar walls, and living under my parents’ roof again would offer me that. A moment where someone might just hand me a roadmap or even gently nudge me down a path.”
“. . . But?” Max asked, urging me on.
Ichuckled. “But . . . that’s not really how life works, is it? No one is just going to start telling me what to do. I’m gonna have to actually figure it out myself.”
“I know that whatever you figure out is going to be amazing. You’ve got to just stop overthinking it so much. Just let go and see what happens,” he said.
“Yeah, maybe,” I said as I bit into the chocolate and took a small sip of the port. My eyes closed as the flavors exploded in my mouth. It was dreamy.
Ididn’t know what would come next between me and Max. Or if I’d just royally fucked up our friendship or working relationship. I didn’t know if or when Dom would find out or if it would ever happen again. But, oh, did I want it to happen again.
Instead, I let this gorgeous man in front of me lull me with his nerdy knowledge of the flavor profiles and grape origins as the lights twinkled above and soreness in between my legs reminded me of what we’d just done.