Chapter 27
Lou: Now the heat’s really on! Things are getting spicy.
Chuck: I can feel it too. You know, that tension could light up the night.
Lou: This slice of passion might just set off a chain reaction.
Chuck: Here’s hoping it’s more firework than fizzle.
Clinton
Dove, you are going to do so well.
You’re so strong and I’m so proud of you.
Dove
Almost home.
It went well.
Better than I could have ever expected!
Clinton
I want to hear about it all!
Almost home huh? What if you came to my condo instead?
Dove
I could do that. *flirty emoji*
Clinton
See you soon, Dove.
She sends me her ETA, and it gives me just enough time to set some things up for her arrival.
I pull out a few essentials from my dresser and toss them in the dryer to warm.
Though meeting with her dad went great, I know it was a lot for her.
I could feel the tension rolling off of her when we met at Sweet Bean after she called her dad.
Her mom gave us each a large Styrofoam cup of café con leche before we sat down on a bench outside—one by the outdoor heater since the temperatures have been slowly getting cooler—and talked about her calling her dad.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so wound up before, so anxious. We may tease back and forth, I love watching her perfect round cheeks grow pink, but this was a different type of nervousness.
Placing a vinyl of Sade on the record player, I slide over the tonearm and set it on the disc.
The smooth sound of the singer’s voice plays in the background, and I open an app on my phone, pressing the ON button for all the lights I have set to the balcony.
There are dome lights within potted plants, in the lanterns affixed to the building, and anywhere I felt needed some ambiance.
Setting what I hope to be a calming atmosphere, I tap on the electric heater, which is set up next to the blanket-covered loveseat.
This has become my favorite spot after a long day, and I hope she can find the same peace here as I do.
The moment she texted me this morning, I knew she would need a pick-me-up.
I ordered multiple meats and cheeses. When I googled what kind of snacks to get a woman having a hard day, something about “girl dinner” popped up.
This night felt girl dinner worthy—necessary, even.
My shoulders shake with silent laughter when I think of the popular term.
Setting down the tray of meats, cheeses, jams, and the like, I place a cover over the top.
Soft knocks come from the front door, and what I find on the other side is an exhausted Paloma.
“Come here, beautiful.” I pull her into my arms and feel her melt into me.
A small part of me hopes she’s already finding the comfort she needs in my embrace.
Turning, I pull us both away from the door, shutting it as I do and walk her to my bedroom. “Sit here, baby.”
I know she’s had a day when there’s no teasing rebuttal for me. Walking straight through the walk-in closet, I make quick work of grabbing the sweatpants and t-shirt from the dryer before coming back out to her.
“You can change into something comfortable, even take a shower if you want. The bathroom is right next to the closet, and I’ll be on the porch.
It's right through the living room on the other side of the bedroom door.” I feel her nod her head as I kiss the top of it, placing the warm clothes in her lap.
The balcony is perfect. I’m grateful it's not windy out, and we can truly enjoy being out here, probably one of the last times before the temperature really takes a dip. I hear Paloma slide the balcony door open, and when I turn, my eyes lock on a pair of tan bare legs, and I swallow back a groan the higher my gaze travels. The soft yellow T-shirt is one I’ve had for years.
I’m still not sure where I got it, but something about it wouldn't allow me to let it go.
It's a size too big for me, it may be a bit big on her, but with her ample size I can still see an eyeful of her lovely curves. I’ve got it so bad for her, she doesn't even realize how much, not completely.
“Decided against the sweatpants, hm?” I smirk, teasing her even in her tired state.
“Do you know how long I’ve looked for this?” She aims her question but doesn't allow me to finish before she continues, “Clint, this is my sleep shirt from when we—”
Her voice stalls, and I can tell she isn't sure if she should bring up our past. So I do it for her. “When we were together. I never knew where I got it from. It must have been stuffed into my luggage before I packed it.”
“I can't believe you’ve had it all this time.” She takes a tentative step toward me. “I was planning on putting the sweats on, that you so kindly warmed for me, but I felt better once I put on my old sleep shirt.”
“Anything for you, Dove.” She walks closer to me and grips my shirt between her fingers and slowly leans up as she tugs me down to her.
Paloma presses her lips to mine in a fierce and urgent kiss, like a storm finally breaking to release the downpour it's been holding in.
Her soft body presses into my own, and I wrap my arms around her, deepening the kiss.
As quickly as it starts, she pulls back, resting her cheek against my chest. “How do you keep doing this?”
“Doing what?” I ask her, swaying with her lush curves to the beat of the music.
“You make it incredibly hard not to fall for you.”
I sit with those words for a second as a chuckle rumbles through my chest. “Maybe I don’t want to make it easy on you. My master plan,” I say, lightly tapping her temple with my fingers. “Let’s sit. I got some girl dinner for you.”
“What do you know about girl dinner?” Her tone is accusatory in the most playful way.
“Not much, other than this is what the social media aunties say all women need after a tough day.” Ushering her in front of me, I rub my hand along her soft belly and grab into her lush body a bit more before letting her go.
There isn't a part of her I don’t love, not a single area I don't want to kiss.
I watch that damned T-shirt ride up her thighs and pour into the center of her crossed legs as she settles into the love seat.
That T-shirt is going to be the death of me.
I follow behind her like a lost puppy until the moment she pats the seat beside her.
Paloma nuzzles into my side and looks all around, taking a few moments to take in the ambiance. “Thank you for doing all of this.” Her voice is gentle, almost like she isn't sure what to do with all the emotion.
“I’m glad breakfast with your dad went well, but I knew no matter the outcome, it was going to be an exhausting day.”
“It was exhausting but much needed. I’ve been looking at my parents like my parents and not the people they are. Does that make sense?” she asks, and I don't know if she was really asking herself or asking me.
Either way, I answer,“Yeah, baby, it does.”
Paloma snuggles in deeper next to me as I load up a small plate of meats and cheeses for us to share.
I smear the jam on a cracker before topping it with cheese and a thin slice of prosciutto, then I nod to my girl and feed her.
Taking care of her in every way she’ll allow me.
As we eat our fill, a new song pulses through the speakers, and my eyes track every single movement as she stands, grabbing for my hands.
“Dance with me?” she asks.
There’s nothing I can say or do but get up and dance with my girl.
I pull Paloma close to me, wrapping my arms around her waist as she lifts hers to my neck, and we slowly sway to the beat.
Her wide hips melt into my hands as she leans her face away from me, looking into my eyes, and I swear in this moment I can see every constellation drawn by God himself along her cheeks, nose, and chin.
Her lips tilt up in a warm grin, and I instinctively reach out, tucking a loose strand behind her ear, relishing in the feel of her pressed against me.
The music fades away and without an ounce of hesitation, I lean in and press my lips against hers.
When she parts them slightly, it gives me room to slip my tongue inside and delve into her.
Her cherry scent envelopes me, and I pull my arms tighter around her, getting a handful of her ample ass.
Needing to taste more of her, my lips travel down her jawline, leading me right to her neck, where she tastes as good as she smells.
My name falling from her lips in a whimper is all I can handle before the limit of my resolve snaps.
Smoothing my hand down her ass, I lift the shirt and notice she isn’t wearing any panties.
“Paloma.” Her name falls from my mouth in heated shock.
Fucking hell. “Where are your panties?” I ask, but I also don’t give one single fuck where they are, not when she’s standing in my arms naked, aside from this night shirt.
“With the sweatpants, on your bed.” Her words make me groan. “Touch me Clint, please.”
I don’t wait a moment longer before my hands are curving around her, then pressing her back against the glass enclosure of the balcony. Her surprised yelp morphs into a low moan when my fingers slide into her wet heat.
“Fuck, Dove, you’re already so wet for me.
” Slipping my fingers free just enough to find her sensitive bundle of nerves, I circle her clit, and start building her up to the climax she wants and needs after the day she’s had.
Using two fingers, I massage her pussy. I dip both fingers inside her again, savoring the moans and swears from her.
“Clint, that feels so good. Please. I need–I need more.” Her moans warrant only one response from me, and I curl my fingers, hitting the one spot I remember sent her over the edge.
Paloma whines as I pull my fingers free and turn her, pressing her front against the glass panel of the balcony.
“On your toes for me, Dove.” She rises to her tiptoes.
I brush the hair away from her neck and press my lips into the scent of her there.
I kiss down her spine, not forgetting the curves and rolls of her back as I do.
“You’re so fucking perfect.” Massaging her thighs as I make my way down, my lips nibble down the backs of her thighs, as I lower to my knees to worship her properly.
Paloma looks at me from over her shoulder and asks, “What are you doing?”
“You’ve had your girl dinner, now it's time for me to have mine.” I smirk up at her as I rub my palms along the soft skin of her legs, opening her up to me and the cool night air.
I run my tongue up her soaking pussy and fuck she’s so damn sweet.
Pressing deep into her, I run two fingers between her folds as I fuck her with my tongue.
Her body shivers, and her moans grow louder.
She catches herself trying to quiet down the feral noises I love hearing her make.
The ones I am pulling out of her. “That’s right, baby, let the neighbors hear how good I make you feel. ”
Licking her from her clit to the tight ring of muscles, I spread her wider. Her thighs tense as I do, but when I press my tongue to tease her a bit more, her muscles ease.
Her cries are like a fucking song. My dick is so fucking hard, it presses against my sweats, and I whimper at my need for her. I’m so fucking close to coming in my pants, and I don’t give a damn, not when Paloma is spread out for me to feast on. “You taste so fucking sweet.”
“Oh my God,” she breathes, as moans fall from that beautiful mouth.
“Why bother using His name, when mine sounds so much better falling from those pretty lips of yours,” I whisper to her between strokes of my tongue.
Paloma rocks against my tongue, taking the pleasure I’m giving her. “Clint, I’m so close.” She whines, and fuck, it’s pretty when she does.
I dip my tongue into her soaking entrance and feel my own release closing in as she grows wetter.
I palm one of her breasts and tweak her nipple, drinking in every soft moan that falls from her lips.
When she arches her back, I feel my own release edging me closer.
Holding myself back, I groan, “Come for me, baby. Please.” As though she was waiting for the words, she soaks the both of us with her climax, and I savor the taste of her.
Seeing this woman so broken apart, so open for me after she’s spent so much time running away from a love she deserves. I give her one more long lick, enjoying every ounce of her sweetness.
Before she can sink into the cold glass panels, I pull her back to my front and lift her legs into my arms. I need to get her, and myself, cleaned up before I tuck us both into bed.