Chapter 11
Chapter Eleven
June
I’m ecstatic I was able to fly in for Landon and Taylor’s baby shower.
They went with a gender neutral safari theme that is stinking adorable.
There was a wide assortment of finger foods lovingly prepared by Dad.
I was able to book an early flight and was able to help Mom, Lucy and Taylor’s family with setting up the decor and last-minute things.
There were so many familiar faces at the baby shower, I couldn’t help but take in the moment with a soft sigh. I won’t always be here for these moments, so it makes me appreciate them more when I am.
Now, I’m at Brandon and Carlos’ house for gayme night. Casey and Dakota are in town for the shower and stayed the weekend, so they’re here as well. The pair of them are laughing about a game of beer pong with Em and Naomi from this summer.
I don’t remember what they’re talking about, but I can’t stop smiling. I love seeing all my favorite people, especially the one who just arrived after having to stay later than expected at work.
Brandon greets her at the door with a low whistle. “You look hot!”
From my perch sitting on the couch with a plate of chips and spinach dip, my gaze roams Harlow’s body. Carlos isn’t wrong. She looks amazing in a navy short-sleeve button-down and white shorts.
“Were you on a date?” He gasps. “Did you invite a date?” He pushes Harlow to the side to look over her shoulder, then tsks. “Ugh, I don’t see anyone. Is she on the way?”
“Babe, let her breathe!” Carlos hops off the couch opposite me to save Harlow.
I chuckle as Em and Naomi laugh like this is a normal occurrence.
This is my first time officially meeting Brandon and Carlos, and they do not disappoint.
They are both tall, fit, and handsome with outgoing and charming personalities.
They’re dressed casually in T-shirts and Bermuda shorts.
“What?” Brandon asks faux innocently. “I’m concerned for my best friend.”
“And you can be concerned after she’s more than two feet inside the door,” Carlos admonishes while throwing his arms out to give Harlow a hug.
I lick my lips, impatiently waiting for my turn to greet her.
This is one of the biggest downsides to being in a secret …
arrangement. I was so busy helping my family yesterday, I haven’t seen Harlow yet.
And, while I’m spending the night with her after this, my heart pounds with the desire to wrap my arms around her and kiss her so hard we make everyone uncomfortable.
But I can’t do any of that, and there’s a stinging pain in my chest at knowing I have to pretend like I hardly know her.
Em introduces Harlow to Casey and Dakota, who Harlow is secretly excited to meet after I’ve told her so many stories that involve Em and Case. Then Em turns in my direction. “Do you remember Lily? She was here over the holidays.”
Harlow nods slowly, a soft, almost imperceptible smirk ghosting over her lips. “Yeah,” she says coyly. “I think I remember. Nice to see you again.”
“You too,” I grin. She has no idea how good.
“Now that everyone’s here,” Brandon says while throwing his arm over Harlow’s shoulder. “What do we want to play first?”
With the big group, we introduce Casey and Dakota to Werewolf.
Naomi insists Harlow and I won’t be able to “pull one over her” again, and the two of us exchange a knowing look.
The evening is a blast, and it’s made even better by the fact I finagled my way into sitting beside Harlow.
Our knees pressed together under the table.
Harlow has a hand on her knee, and her pinkie grazes the bare skin of my thigh where my emerald dress has risen. I close my eyes and savor the touch, wishing I could have more of it. And not just in a sexual way. I wish I could hold her hand, lean my head on her shoulder.
“You were a werewolf the whole time?” Brandon yells incredulously, pulling me from my thoughts.
Dakota shrugs, feigning innocence, but there’s a proud glint in her eyes.
“That was amazing, babe.” Casey gives her a quick kiss.
Brandon groans, and Carlos rubs his back soothingly. “She has us all fooled.”
“Don’t patronize me,” Brandon grumbles. He stands up and announces he needs a food break.
Several people echo the sentiment, and we all get up to head toward the kitchen.
I’m following behind Naomi when someone tugs on my wrist. I startle, then relax at the sight of Harlow.
She winks and discreetly pulls me down a hallway.
“What’re you doing?” I whisper while checking over my shoulder.
Harlow’s grin is wolfish as she presses me against a wall, her hips pinning me.
“I couldn’t wait,” she says, and my heart soars. We smash our mouths together in a desperate kiss.
“Fuck, I missed you,” Harlow breathes.
“Not as much as I’ve missed you,” I pant. “I’ve been counting down the days until I could do this again.” I squeeze her ass and kiss her again. I can feel her smiling as we break apart. Harlow rests her forehead against mine as we both wrestle our breathing back under control.
“What if we left early?” she asks.
“Greedy, greedy.” I tsk and tap her on the nose. “I’m not sure when I’ll see Em or Casey again before I have to fly home. Let’s stay another … half hour?”
The reminder I’m leaving in less than two days is like a bucket of cold water dumped over the moment. Harlow’s face falls, and her shoulders do that sad little droop that makes me want to hold her in my arms.
We just said hello. I hate knowing I’m going to have to say goodbye again so soon.
“Hey,” I whisper and caress her cheek. “We have all night together, okay?”
“I know …” Her words thick with emotion.
“Can I tell you something that will cheer you up?” I ask, since I knew I’d need something to distract us both.
She raises a skeptical eyebrow. I slide my hands up the front of her shirt and grip her by the collar. Pulling her forward, I whisper against the crown of her ear, “I’m not wearing any underwear.”
Harlow groans, her body sagging into mine as if her legs went weak. “Lily. You’re killing me.”
“Don’t believe me?” I taunt and hike my leg up, the hem of my dress riding up to reveal the soft, creamy skin of my thigh. “See for yourself.”
She slides her hand up my leg and under the hem of my dress. Her fingers find my center wet and warm for her. My breath catches as her pupils blow wide.
“Fuck,” she groans and teases her fingers through my folds. My breath hitches, and fuck this.
“Let’s get out of here,” I say.
Harlow’s eyebrows rise up her forehead. “Seriously?”
I nod, licking my lips, hungry for something far better than Carlos’ signature charcuterie board.
“Take me home, Harlow.”
“Have you ever been restrained?” I ask as I rest my head on Harlow’s chest. We’re both breathless from the last round, our bodies needing a small break.
Harlow didn’t hesitate to rush us out of there. It was tricky trying to make leaving early and at the same time unsuspicious. But between her “work emergency” and me setting the groundwork early on my stomach “bothering me,” I think we’re in the clear.
“Nope,” she says with a little laugh. “Never.”
“… Would you?”
Harlow glances down at me, and I stare up at her from under hooded eyelashes. I may or may not be playing up the adorable little pout she has trouble saying no to.
“Are you asking if you can tie me up?”
I bite my lip to hide my grin. “Yes.”
She hesitates, thinking, while her hand absentmindedly strokes my back. “Okay.”
My eyes widen, my mouth falling open. “Really?” I sit up, a wide grin parting my lips. “Are you sure? Color?”
She laughs, then nods. “Green.”
I’m giddy as I shove aside pillows and slide my hand between the mattress and headboard, where I know all too well where the restraints are hidden. Harlow lies back and lifts her arms without me even having to ask.
“Is this too tight? Or is it okay?” I say as I secure the restraints around Harlow’s wrists.
“It’s good,” she says.
I lean back on my heels and drink in the sight of this gorgeous and confident woman helpless before me. It’s a heady feeling. I much prefer being the one tied up while Harlow has her way with my body, but I have a feeling I’m about to thoroughly enjoy the plans I have for her.
“You’re beautiful, Harlow,” I say. “But oh. One more thing.” I lean forward, my chest hovering over her face, and she lifts her head to suck my nipple into her mouth.
“Hey,” I scold, before pulling out of her reach.
“Oh? You’re the only one who gets to be a brat?” Harlow teases.
“Duh.” I wink before reaching for her hair tie. Harlow frowns, confused, until I tug lightly, asking for permission. Harlow nods, and I carefully remove it. I spread her long, silky black hair out across the pillows and am hypnotized. “Fuck, it’s even better than I imagined.”
“My hair?”
I nod and lick my lips, moving lower down her body. Fingers caress the soft skin of her abdomen. My touch teases down one thigh, then up the other as Harlow parts her legs for me. I smile and lift myself off the mattress and slowly move across her body until I’m straddling her.
“I’ve always wondered what it would look like out of that flawless topknot you always keep it trapped in,” I say. “How it would look draped across the pillows. And, I have to admit, it’s super fucking hot.”
Harlow’s legs are restless, and she shifts her hips in a way that prompts my body forward. I catch myself and move backward, flashing her a scolding expression.
“You better quit being a brat,” I warn.
“Or what?”
“Or …” I run my hands up her stomach until I cup both her breasts. She bites down on her lip while her eyelids flutter shut. I take my time rolling her hardened nipples over my fingers, squeezing and caressing her chest.
“You know, I’ve fantasized about this too,” I say, drinking in the sight of her flushed, soft skin—the way she wriggles under my touch. I rock my hips, and she groans at the feeling of how wet I am against her stomach.