Chapter 10
10
MIKA
I t’s been a while since I’ve missed a sunrise.
Usually, I’m already awake. Dead tired, but awake. With a small cup of coffee in hand, I’d step out onto the front porch and walk around the east side to catch the first morning rays as they peek out over Tall Mountain.
This morning, however...
Oddly okay with missing out on this one.
My entire body shudders with release once again. I plant my palms on Carter’s chest to keep myself from falling off him as my abs clench and shake.
I forgot how dangerous it can be on top.
He keeps his helpful hands on my hips, his knees bent behind me, a handsome smirk on his face as I come. “Goddamn, Mika,” he says.
Despite being buck naked and riding him, I blush. “What?”
He chuckles. “Most inns I’ve stayed at just send up breakfast,” he jokes.
I laugh with him as I lower down to kiss him. “Good morning.”
“Good morning.”
“What time is it?”
“I don’t care.”
I kiss him again. “I do,” I say, tilting to find the clock by the bed. “Papa comes in at seven.”
“Ah.”
“Six twenty-five,” I read. “Still time.”
His eyes gleam hopefully. “Still time for what?”
I kiss him one more time, then roll off. “For me to get downstairs and clean the sweat off before he walks over.”
“Hold on, hold on,” Carter says, his hands still fixed to my hips. “I am not a satisfied guest yet.”
I arch a playful brow, relaxing my palms on him again. “Is that right?”
“That’s right.”
“Well, is there anything I can do to make the rest of your stay more satisfying, Mr. Cartwright?”
Carter sits up, his arms wrapping around me. “I can think of something,” he whispers, kissing me. “Turn around?”
His eyes shine with sexy intent.
I obey with a smile. Turning around on my hands and knees, I feel Carter position himself behind me.
Quickly, his sheathed cock pushes into me, and I instantly grip the bedding beneath me. His hands come to my hips, holding me in place as he thrusts, going deep enough to make my toes curl every time.
Carter grunts behind me. His fingers dig into my skin and I moan softly, my knuckles burning from squeezing the blankets.
“Mika,” Carter groans. “You feel so good.”
I stutter unintelligibly, his cock hitting all the right spots. “Don’t— stop?—”
He doesn’t. He goes harder and faster, pushing us both closer to climax. Before I can take a full breath, I feel my orgasm surging wildly. I collapse forward, covering my mouth as Carter thrusts in and stays there as he comes.
“Oh, Mika,” he says, lovingly stroking my back.
After catching my breath, I roll over as he leans over me. We kiss as we settle, our bodies spent all over again, the sun rising over Kiss County.
“Thanks for coming,” I say.
Carter smiles. “Thanks for having me.”
Another kiss. Another touch of his hand against my cheek.
And we get up.
I stand behind the front desk with Papa, performing our morning check-in. Usually, this informal meeting includes updates on guests or events happening at the inn that morning, but lately they’ve mostly included him gushing over the latest true crime podcast he’s obsessed with.
I listen with a smile, happy he’s found his thing, when I hear footsteps on the stairs.
“Ah!” Papa says as Carter approaches the desk with his suitcase. “Our guest graces us with his presence. Good morning!”
Carter smiles in greeting, giving the two of us a nod. “Good morning.”
“Will you be checking out today? For real this time?”
“Ah, yes,” Carter answers. “I’m heading up to Big City.”
“Well, we’re sad to see you go.”
I nod in agreement, but the knot in my throat prevents me from saying it.
“I’m sad to go,” Carter says, bowing his head respectfully as he lays his room key on the desk.
Papa scoops it up. “Tell your Big City friends?” he hints.
“I will.”
Not wanting to watch him go, I open my hand for the key. “Give it here, Papa. I’ll head up and strip the linen.”
“I can do it, honey,” he says. “You’re clocked out.”
“No, I got it.”
He drops it into my hand and smiles at Carter. “That’s my Mickey. Always on top of things.”
Carter smiles politely, his eyes playfully finding mine over Papa’s shoulder.
With blush on my cheeks, I walk around the front desk toward the stairs. Pausing, I turn back around. “It was nice to meet you, Carter,” I say, finding words.
Carter looks softly at me. “You, too, Mika,” he says.
I turn away, listening to them finishing up as I climb the stairs. Picking up my pace, I reach the end of the hallway and escape into Room 1 before the tears prickling my lashes fall.
I plant my back against to the closed door. For a few moments, I stand still, my eyes glued to the ceiling, knowing that eventually I’ll have to look down. I’ll have to remember all the hours I spent hiding in the closet or beneath the bed, waiting for my mother to come and find me and shower me with sweet kisses. I’ll have to pick up the pillows and strip the bed, thinking of the way I woke up in Carter’s embrace and we made love again in the good morning hours.
I’ll have to say goodbye.
To the inn. To my mother.
To Carter.
I sit down and cry.
Goodbye.