CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
S weat prickles my palms and I wipe them on the front of my shorts. It’s unseasonably warm for late August but the weather can’t take credit for the nerves somersaulting in my stomach. I’m jittery for no reason. This is just another date.
Tell that to my finger that shakes on its way to ringing the bell. These butterflies are probably fluttering from shock. I wasn’t expecting to arrive at a suburban paradise when Drake gave me his address. His house is located in a cozy neighborhood not far from the park. The lawn is perfectly manicured, along with the flowerbeds framing the path to the porch. There’s even a white picket fence to polish off the picturesque landscape.
Drake suddenly appears, leaning against the open doorway. His smirk greets my parted lips. The naughty gleam in his eyes jolts the tension from my system, allowing me to breathe easy.
“Hello, beauty.”
My mouth lifts into a grin. “Hi, trouble.”
“Thanks for coming.” That gruff tone licks my arousal.
We’ve let too many days drag on without being intimate. Need claws at me, desperate for an outlet. A soft whimper slips free and my gaze lowers.
Laughter bursts from me in a wheeze when I notice the unforgettable apron hanging from his neck. “Wow, that’s a relic.”
Drake turns slowly, revealing the boxers underneath. “Play your cards right and I’ll strip for you later.”
My knees quake and I slump against one of the rocking chairs arranged around a stained-glass table. A mason jar full of sunflowers sits on top. Of course he has an adorable setup out here. That reverts my focus to the sleepy street and peaceful environment.
“This is a great area,” I exhale.
“It’s why I chose to live here. Best part of Knox Creek.” His gaze is molten, so hot that the flames are blue. “Do you want to see inside?”
I can’t imagine it’s better than the exterior, but I brush past where he’s holding the door for me. My stride slams to a halt just beyond the threshold. The open floor plan spread in front of me doesn’t match the description he provided. Not even close.
“Ummm…” That’s about all I can say.
Drake scrubs the back of his neck. “I tried to warn you. It’s lacking.”
I whirl to face his sheepish expression. It’s odd to catch his confidence slip. A blush colors his cheeks as he avoids my gaze. The only explanation is that he misinterpreted my reaction. Can’t have that.
My fingers thread into his. “Trouble, I’m in awe. This is way nicer than my house.”
“Absolutely not. There’s no character or depth here.” He swats at the interior design as if it offends him.
I admire the rustic style that’s fit for a country living magazine. “Who decorated?”
His gaze skips across a distressed wooden chest that pairs with the coffee table. “Me.”
“Shut up.” I slap a palm over my mouth. “What I meant was you have incredible taste.”
Drake tugs me into his side. “You like it?”
“A lot. We should spend more time at your place from now on.”
The smile he flashes is steeped in his regular glory. “Whatever makes you happy.”
“That’d be you. All. You.”
His arm circles my waist and he dips me low. Our lips crash together in a shared gasp. My tongue finds his, gliding in a languid caress. He groans into me and I feel that sound deep in my soul.
Drake sets me upright, dropping another kiss on my mouth. “Thank you, beauty.”
It takes me a second to regain my bearings. “For what?”
“The reassurance.” His thumb traces the shape of my chin. “Along with everything else.”
“You don’t need it, but I’ll gladly applaud your effort. What you’ve created with this space is spectacular.” My feet spin me to get the full picture. Large windows allow natural light to flood in. It’s bright and spacious and brilliant. “I’m appalled you called your beautiful home a bachelor pad.”
“It’s never felt like anything else.” Drake’s swallow is audible. “Until now.”
“Oh, you sweet man. I’m glad you’re mine.” My hand grips his apron, yanking until my lips press to his.
He smiles into the kiss. “Fuck, I love hearing you claim me.”
I cup his face in my palms. “You’re mine, Drake Granger.”
A tremble shakes his entire body. “Want to see the rest, or should we go straight to my bed?”
My hips bump his, nudging the hardness that’s begging for attention. “How about a quick tour?”
He encircles my wrist, sliding our hands together. “Right this way.”
I follow him further into the house, becoming more mesmerized with each step. Each section reveals a new layer of splendor. The kitchen is massive and puts mine to shame. My fingers drift along the butcher block island as Drake steers me into the dining area. Another bouquet of sunflowers is displayed in a turquoise pitcher. It looks like he entertains company often as an accomplished host.
“Wow.” I pause when we arrive at the wide space that’s purposed as a living room.
“You approve?” Pride shines in his voice.
The entire view is somehow more impressive from this angle. “Uh-huh.”
My toes dig into the fuzziest rug. The couch is plush and oversized. I want to collapse into the cushions and cuddle Drake to sleep. He deserves it. Taking care of him in this haven he created sounds better than sex. Well, almost.
But these pillows are calling my name. I pull in a deep breath and a very distinct scent hits me. It instantly fills me with a sense of calm.
“Is that… apple pie?”
Drake inhales. “I lit a candle.”
“You lit… a candle?” The pause is necessary for my processing.
“Smells real, right?” His attention snags on my dumbfounded expression. “What? Is that weird?”
I smooth the shock from my features. “No, just unexpected. Like most of your traits and talents.”
He tucks his hands behind his back. “I wanted you to feel at home.”
“You’re full of surprises, huh? That’s so thoughtful. Talk about setting the mood.” I take a meaningful glance at his creative genius. “Have you lived here ever since moving to Knox Creek?”
Drake nods slowly. His stare moves across the furniture and chill vibe surrounding us. There’s wonder in every piece but it doesn’t seem like he’s seeing any of it.
“I tried to prepare a home to prove I’d make a good husband. It’s just been me and my wishful thinking for years. But then you showed up and changed the game.”
Tears well in my eyes. His voice is soft, and vulnerable. How he could think any woman would deny him, with or without this palace, boggles my brain.
I launch myself at him. Drake catches me before we collide, but I’ve stunned him. Not to fret. An urgency pushes me into action.
It’s a savage need that rips off his apron. The elastic of his boxers doesn’t stand a chance against my desperation to show him how worthy he is. How attractive I find his dedication. How fast and hard I’m falling. How I want to share my life with him. How endearing it is when he asks my kids to retrace their names on his neck, and will continue to do so until I’m ready to get another tattoo.
Just how beyond words amazing he is.
This man has nothing to prove. But just in case he doubts me, I’ll remind him at every available opportunity. Hormones propel through my veins at lightning speed. I’m backing toward the sofa and bringing his nakedness along for the ride.
“You’re going to shag me rotten on this gorgeous sectional.” The husky edge in my tone is sliced from seduction.
Drake’s cock jerks against me. “Fuuuuuck.”
“Yep, that’s the idea. Give me that prize penis, trouble.”
I flop onto the couch and spread my legs. Just as predicted, the luxurious softness swaddles me until I’m drowning in comfort. Drake follows me down and drapes his body over mine. My knees lift to bracket his hips. The skirt of my dress pools around my waist, exposing me for his taking.
He props an arm over my head to hold his weight off me. The other hand dives between my thighs to find me wet and wanting. I arch into his touch, but it’s not enough. My restless movements guide him and there’s a harsh yank at the crotch of my panties. Cool air tickles my slick flesh but the fever in my blood chases that bite away. The lust wafting off Drake does the rest.
He’s better than a blanket, heating me from the inside out. We’re pressed close, almost there. I tilt my hips and his dick teases my entrance. He swoops to kiss me just as a solid thrust shoves him to the base. My gasp is swallowed by his groan, our mutual pleasure exhaling between us.
“Always ready for me,” Drake breathes against my parted lips. “My good cowgirl.”
“Just for you.” I mewl while my pussy stretches to accommodate his girth. That slight ache adds to the pleasure. “This house was the best foreplay too.”
He slides in and out at a frenzied rate to satisfy our hunger. “Should’ve brought you here sooner.”
My legs shift higher on his sides to send him deeper. “I would’ve come running.”
“Better late than never, hmm?” His piercing grinds into my clit and tingles burst free.
“Ohhhhhh, yes. There.”
Primal gratification rumbles from him. “That’s right, beauty. I know what you like. Only I do this to you.”
I’m already nodding. “Only you.”
Drake palms my ass and uses the grip as leverage to strike harder. I widen my thighs, desperate to be stuffed to the brim. His girth forces my resistance to concede. My hips buck against his, the slapping obscene. At least the cushions are large enough to accommodate our position.
His breath is hot on my throat while he travels lower. I spear my fingers into his hair, shoving my concealed breasts into his face. The grumble he expels is muffled by the fabric. My neckline is modest, restricting his access. A loud rip announces how he feels about being denied. I glance down to see my dress torn down the middle. His gaze leaps to mine, searching for a reaction but he doesn’t stop fucking me. My wardrobe malfunction is a problem for later. The thrum under my skin is addictive, gaining momentum with each stroke.
“Harder,” I whimper.
He complies, his cock spearing me at a punishing rhythm while he yanks my bra down. A smirk slants his mouth before he dips to latch onto my nipple. His teeth tug at the loop hooked in the pebbled point. The friction sends shocks straight to my clit.
I jolt while sensation spreads. A hoarse cry explodes from my lungs. There’s a clench in my core, clamping onto him as he sends me over the edge. A final strike from his piercing gets me there. Warmth flows from my center, the relief instant. I feel Drake grow thicker as spasms control me.
His motions become jerky when he pushes into me and stills. He bellows, the guttural sound bursting through me. I grip onto him as we ride the current. Heavy exhales rise and fall from his chest to mirror mine. There’s no beginning or end to where we’re connected.
As the pleasure ebbs and subsides, our frantic demands rest. My palm drifts along Drake’s back. The lazy caress sprouts goosebumps and his smile stamps my skin. Our sweat begins to cool. He lifts his bulk off me but doesn’t pull out. An aftershock zips up my spine. His eyes roll back while he trembles.
“I’ll never get enough,” he groans.
“That’ll save me the trouble of hunting you down. Not gonna lie, moving isn’t high on the list right now.” This sofa might as well be a throne. “We’re definitely keeping the sex dungeon.”
Drake’s smirk is drowsy. “There’s more to it than that. You didn’t see the bedrooms yet.”
“Plural?” I lift my brows. “More of a castle, huh?”
“Two are reserved for the twins.”
“What?” My voice is barely a whisper.
He goes still above me, wildly searching for answers in my expression. “Is that too much?”
“Did you decorate them?”
He cringes. “No, I thought we could do that together.”
Emotion rushes through me, bubbling until I can’t contain it. “I love you.”
His mouth swoops down to crash against mine. Drake smiles into the kiss before pulling away. “About time you admit it. I’ve loved you since the seventh grade.”
“Really? That’s a tad excessive.”
“Which is one of my best qualities.”
“Confidence too,” I quip.
“When it comes to you and our relationship? I’m certain we belong together. Nothing can convince me otherwise.”
“Well,” I purr against his lips. “I’m positively in love with you.”
He groans when his cock jerks inside of me. “Since when?”
I squint, pretending to count. “My crush felt like love at thirteen. The doodles in my notebook margins agree. But the knowledge that this is forever? When you showed up at Greener Pastures and wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
“Can’t get rid of me.”
“Thank goodness.” A breeze sweeps across my bared chest, reminding me of the destruction. “Well, there goes a night out on the town to celebrate us.”
The twinkle in Drake’s gaze is suspicious. “I’ve got you covered, beauty.”