Chapter 25
Chapter
Twenty-Five
“‘My mate comes first . . . Above everything else, never doubt that.’”
— LORA LEIGH, CROSS brEED
“ S onnet—” I ran a hand down her back.
“Maverick.” She giggled up at me.
Get in the truck. Drive to Vegas. No, wait. Book the honeymoon suite at one of those fancy-ass Strip hotels. My wolf sounded dazed. Dazed and pleased.
Me too.
I was half dressed in the back of my truck, holding my girl. I should put myself back together and then express my deep-felt appreciation. With my tongue.
And we’re not just using our words , my wolf said happily.
The damned flashlight still lit up the bed of my truck. I’d been the recipient of the world’s best blow job in a spotlight.
World record book, baby.
“You are amazing.” I dropped a kiss against her hair. “I’m gonna need a minute to make a list of adjectives. There might be adverbs involved too. An imperative sentence or two.”
“I just want to know how soon we can do this again,” she said.
I groaned. “Baby, there’s no place for us to be alone.”
“What about my trailer and my room at Phantom Falls and?—”
“Sugarplum, those places aren’t private.”
“Are too.” She poked me in the chest. “ Sugarplum? ”
“Like the fairies in that ballet,” I said. “Also, as in the sweet. You are just as round and delicious.”
Good save.
She huffed.
I cuddled her closer. She’d been caught by the big, bad wolf, and now she’d have to take her medicine. “And those places aren’t private enough. You’re not quiet when you come. While I love your noise because it tells me I’m getting it right, I don’t want to be putting on a show for the paparazzi or your starstruck fans.”
She thought about that for a moment.
“So are you telling me that we’re not”—she waved a hand—“ mojando el churro because someone might hear us?”
I caught her gently and pressed a kiss against her palm. “Firstly, I’m gonna have to get me a Spanish app because the only word in there I caught was churro , and I’m thinking you do not have dessert foods in mind.”
She laughed and pushed her index finger through the circle she’d made with her other hand. Uh-huh. A churro and a hoo-hah. I’d need to learn the Spanish words for beautiful and amazing .
“I would like what’s happening between us to be just between us. I know that given your job and all, we’re not gonna be private forever. I’m gonna have to share you with a million other people. But for now, I have you all to myself. We’re building our relationship, and that’s personal. It’s private.”
“So, when we weren’t getting it on, it was because...”
When she stopped, I eased backward so I could see her face. She reached up and gently stroked my cheek like she needed that little contact.
While she thought, I explored beneath our cocoon of blankets. I slid my hands up underneath her sweater, cupping her through her bra. I loved the generous weight and plush suppleness of her breast. I tugged the cup down, reversing our positions so she was underneath me as I knelt over her, moving a knee between her thighs.
“Do you want to finish that thought?” I whispered.
“You said that waiting until you were married was important to you, and I was trying to respect that.”
“Thank you.” I stroked the soft curve of her breast. “But what I need is to feel close to my lover. It’s not just about mojando el churro for me. I need to feel like we’re emotionally connected. And?—”
“And?” she prompted.
“And I do,” I said roughly. “God help me, but I do. And I’d like to think you feel the same way. So, while I don’t need the wedding ring as long as we’re committed to each other, I do require a moment of privacy. Right now, though, what I’d like most of all is to touch you. Can I please taste you?”
She feels so fucking amazing.
I wanted her. Right now.
I wanted her raspy, hitching sounds, the ones she made when I kissed a spot she liked. I wanted her unrestrained, loud cries. And now that I knew she was a happy screamer, I wanted her screams too. Most important of all, though, I didn’t want her holding back or hiding any of her feelings from me.
“No, wait.” She twisted in my arms, sitting up.
Noooo , groaned my wolf.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t want you going downtown on me.” She sounded more certain than any man ever wanted to hear.
“Why not?” I gritted out. What was wrong with reciprocating? Or was it something with my technique? Had I done something to put her off?
“Because I didn’t go down on you because I wanted you to do the same for me. It was a gift .”
I had never, not once, had a blow job as a gift. The gifts in my life had mostly been bottles of bourbon and tools.
This is so much better.
“It was a token of my esteem and affection,” she continued. “Because I do have feelings for you—important, committed, three-dimensional feelings—and I need to be able to express them.”
“I’d be happy to hear all about your feelings while I’m tasting you.” I moved to kiss her again.
“You’re not hearing what I’m saying.” She shifted away.
I wasn’t understanding what she was trying to tell me. That was for sure.
Space. I needed space.
And time.
An ice-cold shower would have helped too.
I pushed myself upright, edged to the tailgate, and jumped down. From the corner of my eye, I saw that Sonnet had also sat up and was wrapping the throw blankets around herself like a mummy. Or maybe it was armor. Fuck if I knew.
You screwed up.
“Maverick?”
I leaned back against the tailgate, glaring up at the stars.
Orion the Hunter , my wolf snarled. Bet HE wouldn’t have screwed this up.
She shuffled over to the tailgate, swinging her legs over the edge. Her knees bumped my shoulder. “You’re upset.”
I thought about what I was and wasn’t. “I’m not upset. I’m frustrated. I’ve been planning tonight for days, and instead of me making you come until you see stars, I lose control and then I don’t understand what you need. I want to show you how much you mean to me. I’d like to fucking worship you with my body.” And with my tongue, my fingers, and a few other body parts too.
“I get that because that’s how I’ve been feeling for weeks. Frustrated that I can’t show you how I feel. Words are good, but sometimes I need to show, not tell, sí ? I don’t want to cross a boundary, but I’m also afraid.”
My sulky resentment morphed into concern. What the hell?
“Are you afraid of me? Is it the wolf?”
Hey , my wolf growled. I’m not the dick who opened his mouth and pissed her off.
“No, no. This isn’t coming out right. I should have written this down. Practice.” She flapped a hand in the air. “If you still want to enjoy my pomegranate after we talk, then I will gladly be your girl. But I do think we need to talk first.”
“Then talk. Tell me what you’re thinking. It doesn’t have to be perfect. You never have to edit yourself for me or choose your words.” I sounded gruff to my own ears. Also, possibly as if I were begging because the thought of Sonnet being afraid that I would judge her for being less than perfect made me sick to my stomach. She never, ever had to perform for me. That was the last thing I wanted.
“Alright.” She inhaled, exhaled. Set a hand on her belly. The words came out in a rush. “I love you touching me. It makes me feel connected. I’d like to be able to touch you without worrying about who else might be around or hear something or see something. I’m not proposing we have sex in the produce aisle of the Piggly Wiggly, but waiting until we find ourselves in the Outer Hebrides or on a deserted island in the South Pacific isn’t feasible. I also don’t want to push you for more intimacy than you’re comfortable with, but I’m not sure where that line is, and I’m concerned that I’m stepping over it. So, before we do any more touching, I need you to know that I’m open to anything and everything, pretty much all the time, but I’m scared that my neediness will drive you away. I do not want to lose you.”
“You—” I took a moment to process what she’d shared. “You want more connection, physical connection, and you don’t care if other people know we’re connecting .”
“I am not ashamed of us,” she said. “We are not a secret. I don’t particularly want to share our private details with the world—or even with my security team—but if someone happens to overhear or see something, I don’t feel like it’s the end of the world. They will deal. They will know that I am a very, very lucky woman. I also know that the celebrity thing is a pain in the ass and a lot to deal with, but I am really hoping that maybe you will deal with it. For me. I just don’t want to push you away.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” I whispered firmly, turning around to bracket her between my arms. I trapped her in my embrace, caging her against me. “I can deal with dating a superstar. If that means sharing part of you, so be it. It may take some practice on my part, so I’ll ask you to be patient with me while I come to terms with it. I am here to be your partner, though. I’ve got your back, and I’m supporting you, no matter what.”
She sighed, her breasts pressing against my chest on the exhale. “I respect your line.”
“I appreciate that, but?—”
“But I may do things that come close to the line, possibly by accident. Also, possibly on purpose.”
I bent my head and swept a quick kiss over her mouth. “I look forward to your playing with my line. Thank you for the heads-up. Now, let’s get going.”
“Ummm, excuse me?”
“Scoot back into the truck, please.” I straightened up and swung her down off the tailgate. Since I had her in my arms, it was more efficient to just carry her over to her side of the truck.
“So now you don’t want my pomegranate?” She frowned up at me.
I shifted her in my arms so I could open her door. “Oh, I definitely plan to eat my pomegranate. But it’s cold out here, and you have a warm bed back at Phantom Falls. If I need to get used to having other people hear you when you’re in the throes of having your pomegranate eaten, I might as well start tonight. Plus, I want to see all of you and it’s dark out here.”
Her frown deepened. I suspected it was more of a pout now. “You can’t see enough when you’re up close and in my business?”
I dropped a kiss on her head as I set her on the seat.
“I can see your business just fine in the bed of my truck, but I want to see your pointy teeth and those cute Fae ears of yours. I want to be looking in your violet eyes the next time you come.”
I violated the speed limit, getting back to Phantom Falls in record time, and I had sweet, delicious pomegranate before going to bed.
Then I spent the night and held her.
There was more pomegranate eating before breakfast.
Tastiest. Pomegranate. Ever.
But it was more than just pleasure. Sure, it had been years since I’d had an orgasm with a woman, but this wasn’t just any woman. It was Sonnet, and that made all the difference. She was the reason why I was so happy.
Please her, cherish her, love her , my wolf demanded. She’s worth more than just her pomegranate.
My wolf was right.
After our stargazing post-date, I’d headed downstairs so early in the morning that it still qualified as night. Sonnet was asleep in her bed. Naked as a blue jay. We wore her out , my wolf said smugly. She’d be hungry when she woke up, and she’d need her coffee before she hit the set. My plan had been to head out to the Peaches and Cream Parlor, pick up hummingbird cake and caffeine before she woke up, and then spend whatever time she had left before she went to work in bed. With me and no clothes.
But the smell of fresh hazelnut coffee brewing had me stopping in my tracks as I passed the kitchen.
I glanced inside. Eric and Spike were seated at the kitchen table sharing pages of the weekly local newspaper back and forth. A hummingbird cake underneath a large glass cloche was on the counter. Odds were good that they’d heard the ruckus Sonnet had made last night. Likely, they’d heard our wee hour activities too.
Our lady is NOT quiet , my wolf said happily. Means we’re getting it right! Five-star review coming right up!
I changed directions. Instead of heading toward my truck, I detoured into the kitchen.
“Can I liberate some of this cake? Or is it spoken for?”
Eric glanced up. His lack of surprise at seeing me confirmed that he had, indeed, heard Sonnet.
Yelling MAVERICK at the top of her lungs. Deities were mentioned too. You are keeping rarefied company.
Eric set down his paper. “Take as much as you want.”
“Yeah. From the sound of things, you two burned off a lot of calories,” Spike added, shooting me a knowing smile.
It wasn’t a smirk.
It wasn’t lascivious.
He just knew and he wasn’t going to make a big deal out of it.
I don’t mind .
Thing was, I didn’t, either.
Everyone should know , my wolf agreed. Next best thing to a wedding ring and the bite. Unless you’re up for matching tattoos?
Eric smacked Spike on the back of the head. “Where the hell are your manners?”
“What?”
“You are so rude.”
“What did I say?”
“He doesn’t want you talking about Sonnet like that and neither do I.”
Spike tossed his newspaper pages onto the table and threw his hands up. “I didn’t say a thing!”
They sounded like honorary Boone brothers. I grinned. “It’s all good. Spike didn’t say anything untoward.”
“See? I am never untoward,” Spike complained.
He’s pouting .
Eric narrowed his eyes. “You need to learn some respect.”
“But she was yelling the house down. No one’s that loud unless the sex is the best ever. That’s what my boyfriend tells me. Then he says he’s starving, and since it’s my fault he got so worked up and did the yelling, I have to go get Chinese. That’s all I’m saying,” Spike tried again. This only made Eric frown more fiercely and me laugh harder. From the look on Eric’s face, he hadn’t needed the details about Spike’s sex life.
The front door opened, and both men stopped their bickering and turned as one. Some sort of silent communication flew back and forth between them. I took a step backward, ready to shift and defend.
No one gets to Sonnet.
“Hello?” That was Wyatt’s voice in the foyer.
Asshole. People are sleeping.
“In the kitchen,” Spike yelled back ( also an asshole ), dropping down into his seat. He put away his gun.
Eric’s shoulders relaxed, although he was frowning up a storm. “He may own this place, but he shouldn’t be letting himself in. How can I keep her safe if I can’t keep people out? Why is he always dropping by?”
“He drops by?”
Eric nodded. “He used to text her invitations, but she’d pass. So now he shows up unannounced.”
In the middle of the night.
“Once a week, maybe more,” Spike growled. He sounded like an honorary wolf. “He says she needs to get out and have a life. Do some self-care. He worries we’re not taking care of Sonnet right.”
That’s our job now.
It was, indeed. I crossed my arms over my chest as Wyatt appeared in the doorway to the kitchen. His eyes scanned the room, his expression thoughtful as he spotted me. He took in my bare feet, blue jeans, and no belt.
Despite coming to the correct conclusion, he asked, “What are you doing here?”
“Giving Ms. Ruiz a workout,” Spike muttered too low for anyone human to hear. Of course, he didn’t know that two out of three of his fellow kitchen inhabitants were shapeshifters. If he had, he would have had his gun out.
“Where’s Sonnet?” Wyatt didn’t bother waiting for my answer. “Is she finally getting some sleep?”
Spike started, “She’s?—”
“She’s sleeping,” I said. “She’s worn out.”
Wyatt’s eyes widened. “She has an early call time today.”
“Yep.” I looked at him.
He looked back. “She hates being late.”
“What’s it to you?” I growled, letting him see the wolf in my eyes.
Amber flickered in Wyatt’s eyes. “Someone needs to look after Sonnet.”
Us. We’re gonna do it so much better.
Eric cleared his throat and smacked Spike on the shoulder. “We’ll be in the other room.”
The two of them filed out of the room, leaving Wyatt and me swapping heated glances.
Neither of us said anything for a good minute, likely because there was nothing to say. We already knew the answer to each other’s question. Yes, yes, I did sleep with her, and No, you don’t have a snowball’s chance at the equator with her .
Also: No, I won’t hurt her, and yes, I know she might hurt me.
We’ve got this.
Finally, Wyatt sighed. “You didn’t take my advice.”
He never had been good at silences. He was too impatient, too quick to ask questions.
“I don’t recall any advice.” I leaned my hip against the kitchen counter.
He crossed to the coffee maker and poured himself a cup while he chewed on my answer. If he touches the cake, we tackle him , my wolf warned.
I agreed. That cake was Sonnet’s.
“You know she’s not gonna stick around Moonlight Valley, no matter what she says.” Wyatt watched me over the rim of his cup. “You’ll be all butt hurt when she goes.”
Butt hurt did not begin to describe my future feelings.
“I am aware that her show will wrap. What happens after that is up to Sonnet.” Now that I was paying attention, I could see that his mouth was curved in an unhappy grimace. He wasn’t saying shit to be mean, or at least that wasn’t all. He believed his words.
“She’s a beautiful woman. She’s funny as hell. Being near her is amazing, like cozying up to a hickory fire when you’re cold.” He took a sip of his coffee, thinking it over. “She and I have a long history together. We were friends before she arrived here, and we’ll be friends after she goes. That’s not going to change. You? You’re not just her friend.”
“And?” I growled.
“The thing is, she’s a storyteller, and she writes great romances. She knows what her audience wants, and she delivers. So, I think this thing between the two of you is just one more script. It’s a fucking great one”—he shrugged—“and as your friend, I’m hoping it’s got a happy ending. But since I’ve been Sonnet’s friend for years, I think that sooner or later your relationship will end, and she’ll move on to the next project and you’ll end up hurt.”
He shrugged uncomfortably, his eyes filled with sympathy, as he continued, “And I’m betting it will be sooner . Sonnet’s relationships are more short-lived than a basket of berries.”
“Did you save me some coffee?”
Both Wyatt and I turned toward the door. Sonnet stood there, twisting her hair up into a knot on top of her head. She wore a floral caftan with a lace-trimmed vee that showed off her amazing breasts. As the caftan was not entirely opaque, I had a pretty good guess that she was naked beneath it.
Go kiss the girl.
Without waiting for an answer, she padded into the kitchen and made directly for me. We’re BETTER than coffee , my wolf crowed.
When she stood in front of me, she reached up and wound her arms around my neck, pressing her body to mine and a sweet kiss to my mouth. I wound an arm around her waist, pulling her close. She sure wasn’t wearing anything under that pretty caftan but skin.
Carry her back upstairs. Appreciate her.
I bit back a groan. Heading upstairs appealed. I wanted to sweep her up in my arms and carry her there, bridal style. No. Scratch that. I’d just heave her over my shoulder like a caveman. I was nothing but a barbarian where Sonnet Ruiz was concerned.
“You have the best mouth,” she said with a sleepy grin, pressing her fingertips against my lips. “And the best beard.” A kiss against my chin. “And the best nose.” Another kiss. “And the best neck.” More kisses.
Jesus Christ, please let her keep going.
I kept my eyes fixed on her, studiously ignoring Wyatt. He was gaping at us.
Sucks to be him , my wolf said happily. We win.
“There’s coffee.” I tucked her hair behind her ears and tipped her face up so I could steal a kiss. “Or we could liberate that cake over there and take it back up to bed. I have plans to feast.”
“You are a genius.” She planted her palms on my chest, leaning into me. One hand started sliding south. “Have I mentioned that I appreciate your woodworking skills. When we’re in Hollywood, every Saturday will be wood day, okay? Can I use your tool?”
What did she mean by “when we’re in Hollywood”? I felt as if I’d missed an important conversation.
Behind us, Wyatt choked.
Sonnet whipped around. “Wyatt. Crap. Wow. I didn’t realize you were here. Sorry.” She frowned. “No. Wait. I’m not sorry. Why are you here?”
He frowned. “I should have called first.”
“Yes.” She nodded, fisting my shirt. “You should have. Did the rent payment clear? Is there a plumbing emergency? Any kind of emergency that warrants an unannounced early morning visitation?”
“Yes.” He cleared his throat. “And no. No, there isn’t. I’ll be going?”
“Yep,” she said, then to me, “Grab the cake, and I’ll meet you upstairs.”
She reached up to peck me on the lips, her eyes making sexy promises. Then she turned and bounced out of the kitchen. I stood there, appreciating her full, round butt in the slinky caftan.
Jesus Christ, what a woman.
She took my breath away. She surely did.
Silence descended on the kitchen. I counted to ten, but Wyatt didn’t head for the door.
“Well, I’ll be.” He shook his head. “Maverick Lincoln Boone, you are something else. I never thought I’d see Sonnet...”
“What?”
“Be serious with someone,” he said thoughtfully. “She’s actually serious.”
“Not even with you?” The question needed asking. Wyatt and I, we had to work together. I needed to know if he was jealous, if my relationship with Sonnet was something that would come between us.
“Honestly? No. Not for real, or certainly for long. She’s smart and amazing, and I’d be a fool not to switch places with you if she asked me.” He grinned and then added, “But she’s not inviting me to share her cake, so if she’s settling and gonna tie herself down, I’m glad it’s with you. You deserve each other.”
“I appreciate that.”
Mostly , my wolf growled. Still think we should shift. Make a few points.
From the images my wolf shared, those points would be made with our claws—and our teeth.
“But,” I continued, “Sonnet isn’t tying herself down—or settling. I’m here for her, to support her and cheer her on, and encourage her to be more. Not less, Wyatt. She doesn’t ever have to be less for me.”
His grin faded, skepticism warring with confusion on his face.
I chuckled. “You write all those books about love and sex, yet you don’t have a clue. You’ll figure it out someday.” I grabbed the cake. I didn’t need a plate—I’d be licking that frosting off my lady. “Now if you’ll pardon me, I have a special delivery to make.”