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Satisfying

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SATISFYINGTHEMOUNTAINMAN

LILAHHART

Copyright©2024LilahHart Allrightsreserved

Nopartsofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinaretrievalsystem,ortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,electronic,mechanical,photocopying,recording,or otherwise,withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofthecopyrightowner

Thisbookissoldsubjecttotheconditionthatitshallnot,bywayoftradeorotherwise,belent,resold,hiredout,orotherwisecirculatedwithoutthepublisher’sprior consentinanyformofbindingorcoverotherthanthatinwhichitispublishedandwithoutasimilarconditionincludingthisconditionbeingimposedonthesubsequent purchaser.Undernocircumstancesmayanypartofthisbookbephotocopiedforresale.

Thisisaworkoffiction Anysimilaritybetweenthecharactersandsituationswithinitspagesandplacesorpersons,livingordead,isunintentionalandco-incidental CoverDesignbyDesignrans

CopyeditingbyBrandiZelenka|MyNotesintheMarginBookServices|mynotesinthemarginscom

CONTENTS

Chapter1

Chapter2

Chapter3

Chapter4

Chapter5

Chapter6

Epilogue

Iwasstandingonthefrontporchofastranger’slogcabin,wearingnexttonothing.Yes,thiswaswhatmylifehadcometo.

Whathad Ibeenthinking, goingalongwiththis plan? Well, itwas good money, for one thing And ifIdid this right, Reese,whomanagedBlackbearBluff’sonlybakery,mightgivemethejobIreally wanted.

Takingadeepbreath,Isteppedforwardandrangthedoorbell.ThenIsteppedbackagain,clutchingthebasketofmuffins justbelow mychest Theguysontheloggingcrew hadbeenadamantaboutthatsuggestion IfIreallywantedtopull offthis prank,IhadtoshowthisGraysonguythegoods.

Footsteps onthe other side ofthe door hadme bracingmyself Ipasteda smile onmyface andloweredthe basketeven more.

Showing cleavage wasn’t a big deal One of my friends back home worked as a cocktail waitress, and she had dudes gropingherallthetime.Thiswasjustdroppingoffsomebakedgoodsandhaulingassoutofhere.

Thedoorflewopen,andIjumped.Mysmileturnedtoopen-mouthedsurprise.Itwasn’tjusttheguy’shostileexpression.It washisfaceandarmsandchest

Thatchestwasbare.Sowasmostofhim,actually.Hismidsectionwascoveredbyatowelandhishairwaswet.Hadthe guyjumpedoutmid-showertoanswerthedoor?

Suddenly, his gaze lowered to my cleavage as though what he was showing wasn’t even more scandalous. Like his coworkerswho’dpaidmetoplaythisprank,thisguywasbuilt Heworkedoutdoorswithhishandsallday,soyeah,ofcourse hewasbuilt.

“Specialdelivery,”Isaid.“ForGrayson.”

Ilifted up the muffins slightly, thenremembered to lower thembackdownagain Show cleavage Thatwould gethimto takeabiteoutofoneofthese.

Hisgazerosebacktomyfaceasasmileslowlyspread Hefoundacleavage-bearingdeliverypersonamusing “Theysentyou,didn’tthey?”heasked.

Helookedpastmeasthoughsomeonemightbewaitinginthedriveway.Nope.Justmybeat-upoldSUV.

“Who?”Itiltedmyheadslightly.“Iwasjusttoldtodeliverthesemuffins.”

AndthatwastheGod’s-honesttruth.I’dbeenfillinginformybestfriendatthetownbakerybrightandearlythatmorning. Acoupleoftheguyshadcomeinandofferedmeahundreddollarstoshowupherewithsomeofthesesweetheartmuffinsthat wereguaranteedtomakeamanfallinlove.Oncemyfriendshowedupforwork,I’dgonehome,grabbedmyskimpiestoutfit, andheadedstraighthere

Graysonlaughed.“Goodone.Comeonin.”

He turned and walked into the cabin, leavingme standingthere, lookingaround. What was I supposed to do here? He hadn’ttakenthemuffins.CouldIstillgetmyhundreddollarsifIleftthebasketontheporchandran?

Thatwouldhavebeentheeasywayout,butIdidn’ttakeit.Andtherewasonereasonforthat:Thisguywas hot. Thecabinsmelledlikewoodandsoap Notdetergent,butactualsoap MaybeitwastheloggerIwassmelling Butno,he wasallthewayacrosstheroom,seatedonanottoman.

“Okay,let’sseewhatyou’vegot,”hesaid What I’ve got? Myeyebrows arched. Iclosed the door behind me and stepped inside, puttingbothhands onthe basket again.ThistimeIheldituphigherlikeitwasashield,butIdidn’tfeelsafe,justunsure.

“They’resweetheartmuffins,”Isaid “Legendhasitthatamantakesonebiteandfallsinlove” Wasitpossiblehissmilewasgettingwider?Hemightstartlaughingatmesoon.

“Ohyeah,I’veheardthestory,”hesaid “Abunchofbullshitifyouaskme” Twomenonhisloggingcrewhadfalleninloveaftertryingthemuffins.Ormaybeitwasthewomenwho’dfalleninlove

first.Iwasn’tclearontherules.MygoodfriendandroommateTinleywasoneofthewomen,andhersisterHannahwasthe other.Themuffinsweretheirfamilyrecipe,somaybethelovepotionpartwasspecifictothem.

NotthatIbelievedinanyofitmyself ButIcouldpretendtobelievealmostanythingforahundreddollars “Youcanjustsetthemuffinsdown,”hesaid.“Unlessthey’repartoftheact.”

Hegesturedtowardhiskitchentable Thecabinwasbasicallyonebigroom,withakitchen,livingroom,anddiningarea I figuredthebedroomwasthroughoneofthetwocloseddoorsIsawintheback-leftcorner.Itookthefewstepsnecessarytoset thebasketonthetable,thenturnedtofacehim,crossingmyarmsovermychest

Iwasawaretoolatethatthemovelikelyonlyenhancedmycleavage,andIdidn’twanttolookdowntomakesureIwasn’t showingnipple.Butmybrawouldcoverthat.Attheveryleast,hewasgettingapeekofsomepinklace.

“Whatact?”Iasked

Hetiltedhishead,eyeingmecuriously.“Doyouneedsomemusic?”

WhywouldIneedmusic?Andmoreimportantly,whywasn’tIonmywayoutthedoor?

Histowelwasbunchingupalittleinthecrotcharea.Wasthat…?OhmyGod.HadIgivenhimahard-on?

I should run I should get out of here as soonas possible Some tall, bulky, super-gorgeous guywas eyeingme like he wantedtohavemefordinner.

Andthatwastheproblem.Thisguywasn’tjustsomeperv.Hewassexyashell,andIwantedtoseewhatwasunderthat towelasmuchasheapparentlywantedtoseemenaked

Whatwasgoingon?Iwasavirgin.I’dneverevenhadtheslightestdesiretohavesex.I’dcrushedonguys,andI’dbeenon plentyofdates,buttherealityneverliveduptothefantasy Iwantedthatfantasysobadlythatithurtsometimes

Andthisguywasstraightoutofmyfantasies.

“I’llmakeyouadeal,”Isaid.“I’llshowyoumineifyoushowmeyours.”

Don’tlethimthinkyou’reeasy.Thosewerethewordsthatranthroughmyhead.Iwasn’teasy.Iwasaboutashardtogetas theycame.Iwasfinicky,fickle,picky…IcouldcallitwhateverIwanted,butithadkeptmefromgettingnakedwithaguyso far

Today,though,Ididn’tseemtobethePipermyfriendsknewandloved.ThiswasasideofmeI’dneverseenbefore,andit intriguedme

“Youwantmetotakeoffmytowelfirst?”heasked.“Isthatpartoftheact?”

Therehewaswiththe“act”thingagain.Ididn’thaveanact,butitwasclearhethoughtI’dbeensentbyhisfriendsassome sortofprank.

“You’rejustaboutthemostbeautifulwomanI’veeverseen,”hesaid.“AndI’veseenalotofwomen.”

Iwas sure He’d probablysleptwitheverysingle one ofthem He was a guy, after all, and he looked to be inhis midthirties.Ifhewasn’tmarriedorinaseriousrelationship,hehadtobegettingsexsomewhere.

All oftheseloggingguyswereformermilitary Mybossattherestaurantsaidtheyweretoughcustomers,buttheytipped wellandkepttheirhandstothemselves.IhadafeelingthatthisguywouldputhishandsonmeifIasked,though.

IfIdidn’tgetoutofheresoon,Ijustmightendupasking.

I should go Those were the words thatwere supposedtocome outofmymouth Ishouldhave turned,holdingmyskirt downsoitdidn’triseup,andboltedoutthedoor.I’dearnedmymoney.I’ddonemyjob.Graysonandhisbuddiescouldhavea biglaughatthemisunderstandinglater,aslongasIgotpaid

OrIcouldseewherethiswentandgivethisGraysonguyanighthe’dneverforget.

“It’sadeal”Hereachedfor histowel,butthenhesuddenlypaused “Wait,how doIknow you’regoingtoholdupyour endofthebargain?”

“YouthinkI’mgoingtogetyounakedandwalkoutofhere?”

“Maybethat’spartoftheprank,”hesaid “Trickmeintotakingoffmytowel” “Ihadnowaytoknowyou’dbeinatowelwhenIarrived,”Ipointedout. “Butmycoworkersdidsendyou?”heasked Inodded.“Withmuffins.”

Iwasbeingdeadhonesthere Ifhestill wantedtobelieveIwassenttotakemyclothesofflikesomerent-a-dancer,that wasonhim.

Shrugging, he yanked onthe towel, liftingslightlyto pull itoutfromunder him. Thenhe tossed itover his shoulder and resumedhisearlierposition,settingahandoneacharmrest OhmyGod.Theguywasbig. Huge.Andfullyerect.This was thesexiestsightI’dever seen.Itwas as thoughall those yearsofholdingbackhadbuiltupandnowthatI’dseenhim,thedamhadburst “Takeoffyourtop,”hesaid,hisvoicehusky,hiseyesnotleavingmyface. Itwasacommand,butIwasfreetoturnhimdown.Nothingwaskeepingmehere.NothingbutthisneedIhadtotouchhim, tofeelhishandsonme.

Ireachedforthehemofmytanktopandpulleditovermyhead,tossingitasidejustashe’ddonewithhistowel.AndthenI

wasstandingthereinmypinklacebraandmicroskirt.

His chestwas risingand fallingdramatically. He shifted a little, and Inoticed his erectionseemed to stiffenevenmore. Keepingmyeyesonit,Ireachedbehindmeandunzippedmyskirt,lettingitfalltotheground Isteppedoutofitandkickedit behindmetoo.ThenItookofftheflip-flops.Therewasnothingsexyaboutflip-flops.

“Letme ”Hisvoicewashoarse Hestoppedtoclearitandspokeagain “Letmeseethosebeautifulbreasts” Atthosewords,myeyesclosed.Again,Ireachedbehindme,thistimetounfastenmybra.ThenItossedittothefloor.

Thiswasthefirsttimeamanhadseenmybarebreasts Afewhadtried,butI’dalwaysstoppedthem I’dneverevenbeen curiouswhatwasgoingondownstairswithaguy,butnowIcouldn’tseemtostopthinkingaboutit.

“You’resobeautiful,”hesaid.“Butyou’restillnotfinishedundressing.”

He was right Igave hima slightsmile as Islidmyindexfinger under eachside ofmypanties,thenslowlypulledthem down.

Wow Ikindoflikedthisstrippingthing ButonlyifGraysonwasmyaudience

OnlyasIstraightenedandfacedhimdidithitmeIwasnaked.AndIdidnothaveaperfectlysculptedbodylikethemanin frontofme Ihadcurvesfordays Mybreastsweresobig,Icouldn’tevenwearthecuteclothesfriendsmyagewore But the appreciative way Grayson’s gaze scanned my body wiped out any negative thoughts. He saw me as beautiful. Suddenly,hiswastheonlyopinionthatmattered.

Hepushedhimselftohisfeet,hiscockbeggingformytouch Buthesaidnothing Hewaslettingmedecidewhattodonext Itookonesteptowardhimandletmydesirecarrymetherestoftheway.

GRAYSON

This had to be a dream. There was no waythis was actually happening. The most beautiful woman I’d ever seen had walkedintomylifecarryingabasketofmuffins Andnowshewasjustthreefeetawayfromme Twofeet.Onefoot.

Istill didn’treachout, though. Iwanted this to be her decision. Itdid hitme atsome pointduringour flirtationthatshe wasn’tastripperlikeI’dfirstassumed Exoticdancerwasthecorrecttermforitthesedays Whateveritwascalled,nobody hadpaidhertocomehereandtakeoffherclothesforme.

The questionwas, who was she? Blackbear Bluff had a severe shortage of women The ones who were intownwere attachedtoothermembersofourvariousloggingcrews.Nowaywouldthisgorgeousredheadhaveescapedmyattention. Finally, she stepped forward, carefullyplacingher hands onmychest She stared at the area where skinmet skinwith wide-eyedwonder.

Therewassomethingabouther thatrampedupmyarousal.Itgotmygearsmovinginawaynowomanever had.Butthe weirdthingwashowsheactedlikethiswasallnewtoher Asthoughshe’dneverseenadickashardasmine Ormaybe,likeme,she’djustneverbeenthisattractedtosomeone.

Shelookedupatme,allbiggreeneyesandkissablelips “I’veneverdonethisbefore Gogentle,okay?”

Moreroleplay.Ilikedthiswoman.ThiswasthetypeofloverI’dbeenlookingforall mylife.Someonewhocouldhave funandkeepthingsinterestingwhilealsobeingnicetolookat

Butthere was more to her thanthat. Icouldalreadysee myselffallinginlove witha womanjustlike this.Ididn’teven needoneofthoseGodforsakenmuffinsoveronthetable.

“Let’sseewhatwecandoaboutthat,”Isaid

Ipulledhercloser,whichpressedmyerectiontomybelly.Shehadtobefeelingthattoo.AsIdeepenedthekiss,Iranmy thumbsupher waistandaroundthesidesofherbreasts Itwasn’tenough Ineededtobeabletoputmymouthandhandson everyinchofher.

“Oh!”shecriedasIkneltandeasilyliftedherstraightupintheair.

Her legs automaticallywent around mywaist, and thenIwas carryingher toward the nearest surface Icould find the table.Thecouchwouldhaveprobablybeensofter,butrightnowIwasthinkingwithmybody,notmyhead.

Islidthemuffinbasketoutoftheway,barelyavoidingknockingitcleartothefloor Aftersettinghergentlydownonthe table,Istaredatherforalongmoment.ThedesireinhereyeswasthesexiestthingI’deverseen.Thatbangingbodycameina closesecond

Itwasallsensoryoverload,butthatdidn’tstopmefromgoinginagain.Ipressedmymouthtoherswhilemyhandsroamed freely,slidingoverherraisednipplesanddownherstomach.Then,rememberingherplayactingfromearlier,Ipulledbackand lookeddownatheragain.

“Hasanyoneevertouchedyoulikethis?”Iaskedasmyhandmovedupherthighs,thenstraighttotheheatedcoreofher. Sheshookherheadandclosedhereyes “No”

Thewordcameoutbreathy,lettingmeknowIwasdoingthingstoher.Thiswasallanact thiswhole“firsttime”thing butitwas easyenoughtogetcaughtupinit Topretendthis reallywas the firsttime a manhadtouchedher clit,thenslida fingerinsidetoexploreherwetcenter.

Shecriedoutagain.“Yes!Oh,thatfeelssogood.” “Youtouchyourselfsometimes,don’tyou?”Iasked

She nodded, and Icouldn’ttake myeyes offher. She dragged her lower lip betweenher upper teeth, throwingher head back ImovedtothesidealittlesoIcouldhavefullaccesstoherbody Stillwatchingher,Iloweredmymouthtohernipple, runningmytongueoveritlightly,thengrazingitwithmyteeth.

“Oh,”shegasped.

Yeah,shelikeditjustalittlerough.Mykindofwoman.

I moved myfinger inand out, teasingher clit before plunginginagain The combinationseemed to workwell for her Withinseconds,herhipsweregyratingandIwasmovingtotheothernipple.Herheavybreathsandsighsmightbemyundoing. ButIkeptmyfocusfirmlyplantedonwhatfeltgoodtoher Thatseemedtobeenoughtoputmythrobbingerectiononhold fornow.

Soonshewasgettingcloser Herbreathsquickened,herhipsmoving Icenteredmyfocusonherclit,makingquickmotions overitasIflickedmytongueoverhernipple.Withinseconds,shewascryingout.

“Ohyes!Yes!OhmyGod!” Withone more gasp, she threw her head backevenfarther, thenlifted up againand looked downatmewithsleepyeyes “Iwantyoutofuckme”

As ifthatweren’tenough, she reached downand placed bothhands onmyhard-as-steel shaft, runningthe thumb ofone handoverthetipassheslidtheotherdownmylength Thenshecuppedmyballsassheexpertlymovedherlefthandfromthe tipofmycocktoitsbase.

“AmIdoingthisright?”sheasked Iclosedmyeyesandshookmyhead.“Tooright.Youhavetostopthat.”

Iopenedmyeyesandsawhersmilingupatme.Shemovedherhandsaway,thenleanedbackagain.“Thenshowmewhat you’vegot”

“Onesecond,”Isaid.

LeavinghersittingtherewasoneofthehardestthingsI’deverdone,butIhadnochoice ItmayhavebeenawhilesinceI’d hadawomaninmybed oranywhereelse,forthatmatter butIwasalwayscareful.

Igrabbed the condompacketfrommybedside table and returned, alreadyrippingitopenand slidingiton. Ihad to be insidehersoon.“Want”wasn’ttherightwordforit.I’dnever needed anythingmoreinmylife.

“Iforgotaboutthat.”Shelaughed.“IguessyoucantellI’mabeginner.”

Thatthrewme Therewassomethingaboutthewayshesaidthat Itwasn’tliketheplayactingfrombefore Butthesightof thosebaretitswipedthosethoughtsoutofmymind.

“Readytofeelmebetweenyourlegs?”Iasked

Thatwasmeanttosoundsexy,butitcameoutkindofcreepy.Ifitbotheredher,though,shedidn’tshowit.

“Uh-huh,”shesaidasIedgedtowardher,myhipsspreadingherthighsevenwider.“Justgoslow,okay?”

Oh,right.Theinnocencegame.Ihadtokeepthatgoing.

Iheldmyselfback,closingmyeyesandpausingatherentrance,feelingherjuicesonmytip.Ishoulddothismoreoften. Pausingheregavemethechancetoreallyfeelawomanasshesurroundedme

Butthiswasn’tjustanywoman.Thisnaughtyangelwasgoingtoruinmeforotherwomenfortherestofmylife. “Alittledeeper,”shesaid,closinghereyes

She was doinga greatjob ofactingthis out. Her eyes squeezed shutand her features were tense, like she was bracing herselfforpain.Iwantedtotellherallofthatwasunnecessaryforme,butifitturnedheron,shecouldgoforit.Icouldn’tbe morearousedthanIwas,andithadnothingtodowithherinnocentact Maybeatfirst,butnotnow Nowitwasthiswoman.Thewayshelookedandsmelled,andeventhelittleglimpsesofherpersonality. I’dsayIwascurious Iwashooked Iwasobsessed “Oh,”shesaid.Thenagain,“Oh!”

Wasthatagoodsign?Iwasn’tsure Iinchedforwardalittle,stillholdingmyselfbackfromplunginginasfarasshewould takeme.Mysizecouldbeabitmuchthefirsttime…untilawoman’sbodygotusedtome. “How’sthat?”Iasked.

Ipusheddeeper,gentlyrockinginandout Shefeltsotight Sowarm Sowet Butthepainedexpressionwasback That madenosense.Whywouldshekeepacting? Unlessitwasn’tanact Ipulledback.Notallthewayout justwithdrawinganinchorso. “Youaren’tserious,areyou?”Iasked Hereyespoppedopen,andshelookedatme,hermouthstillfrozeninagrimace.“What?” “Aboutthevirginitything.”

Shelookedaround “Whywouldn’tIbeserious?”

Now Ireallywanted to pull all the wayout, butmybodywouldn’tletme. So instead, Ifroze all movementand stared downather

“Ithoughtthatwasallpartoftheact,”Isaid.

“Whatact?” she asked.“Oh, the thingwhere youthinkIcame here to strip for you?” She laughed.“Yeah, deliveringthe muffinsinaskimpyoutfitwastheact,buttherestofitwasn’t.Youmistookmeforanexoticdancer.I’mnot.I’maserverwho wantstobeabaker.AndI’veneverdoneanythinglikethisbefore.”

WasshesayingwhatIthoughtshewassaying?Thiswoman,sittingnakedonthetablewhereIenjoyedmymeals,hadjust handedhervirginitytomelikeagift.Butitwasn’tagift.I’dtakenit.Yes,shewaswilling,butI’dtossedheruponthetable likethis,assumingshe’ddonethisbefore “Iplannedtoshowyouthingsyou’dneverseen,nottakeyourvirginity,”Isaid.“Thatshouldbe…” “Special?”shefinishedwhenIpaused “Beenthere,donethat” Beenthere,donewhat?NowIwasconfused.

“Yousaidyou’veneverdonethisbefore,”Ipointedout

“Theromanticgestures.”Sherolledhereyes.“Guystryingtoimpressmetogetmeintobed.Youfinallysucceeded,andit hadnothingtodowithyoutryingtosweepmeoffmyfeet.Well,notfiguratively,anyway.”

MymindwasracingasIwentovereverythingthathadhappenedsinceshe’darrivedatmyfrontdoor I’dcommandedher tostripandpulledoffmytowel.I’dsatnakedinfrontofher.

Allofitfeltwrongnow Ishouldhavetakencareofher,cherishedher “Idon’tunderstandhowit’spossible.”Ishookmyhead.“Youhavetobeinyourmid-twenties,right?” Iwasshamingherforbeingavirginnow Iwasacompleteass

Sheclosedhereyesandtookadeepbreath,lettingitout.“Twenty-two,”shesaid.“It’smyfault.Guysjust…boreme.They alwaysdisappointme.”

Thatwas badnews for me Itendedtodisappointpeople ingeneral Hadall mylife Ididmyownthing Iwas greatat followingcommands and keepingmynose down. Thatpersonalityfitwell withmilitarylife. Itwas everythingelse Ihad a toughtimewith

“AndthenIsawyou,”shesaid.“It’sneverbeenlikethisbefore.Instantattraction.You’rejust…hot.”

Icould take thatego strokinganyday, especiallyfromthis woman. Infact, ifIcould keep this imprinted onmymemory forever,thatwouldbegreat.

Sheclosedhereyes.“I’mready.Justgogentle.”

Thensheopenedhereyesagain,andIknewwhatshemeant Notwithherbody,butwithherheart IfIwasgoingtofuck heranddumpher,shewantedmetobekindaboutit.

Thatwasn’tinmyplansatall ThefeelingsIhadforherwerethatofaprotector I’dkicktheassofanyonewhohurther, includingmyself.

“Arewegoingtodothisorwhat?”sheasked,tiltingherheadprovocatively.

Sheshifted,pullingmedeeperinside.Thatgotmegoingagain.Butifmyerectionhadwanedalittle,IwassohardIcould standtolosealittleofit.AsIfeltherwallsclosearoundthemidsectionofmycock,sensationsrushedthroughmybody.Iheld back,though,pullingoutalittleandslowlyinchingbackin

Sheshifted,closinghereyesandtakingadeepbreath.Wasitmyimagination,orwasherexpressionrelaxingalittle?Yes, shewasdefinitelystartingtoenjoythis Orattheveryleast,notbeinghurtbyit

ThenexttimeIpulledout,shenudgedmetowardheragain,urgingmetogofaster.Isuckedinabreath.Itfeltsogood. So good.Andthenshewaspushingmetogodeeper,asfarasIcouldgo.Cryingout,butinagoodwaythistime.

ThatwaswhenIalmostlostit ButIstillcouldn’tletgo notuntilshecameonemoretime Ibeganstrokingherclitagain,butasmygazedroppedtothatbeautifulpussyofhers,Ihadtolookaway.Thesightofme enteringherwasthreateningtodrivemeovertheedge

Whenshecriedout,Ifinallyletmyselfabsorbitall thesights,thesounds,thesensationofheraroundme.Andthatwas whenmyorgasmslammedintome,takingmybreath,threateningtobucklemyknees

Imanagedtostayupright,though,until I’dspenteverylastbitofmyseedintothe condom.ThenIpulledoutandtooka deepbreath.Itmighttakemealifetimetorecoverfromthis.

I’d barelyseparated fromher whena sound filled the cabin Itwas anobnoxious pop song, fromwhatIcould gather I hadn’tlistenedtothatkindofmusicsinceIwasinhighschool.

Shepushedherselfoffthetableandrushedtograbherskirt “Mycellphone”

Somehow,she’dmanagedtofitasmartphoneintothepocketofthattinygarment.IshookmyheadasIcrossedtheroomto thetrashcan,droppingthecondomin

“Hello?”mysweetex-virginsaidintoherphone.“Yes,thisisPiper.Oh,hi.Yeah,I’llberightthere.” Piper.Piperwashername.Ilovedit,alongwitheveryotherthingaboutthebeautifulredhead.

IhadthetowelonandwasstandingbehindmyreclinerbythetimePiperhungup Shewasalreadypullingonherbra “Ihavetogo,”shesaid.“Thankyousomuch.Thiswasamazing.Wehavetodoitagainsometime.”

Istaredafterthewoman,whosenameInowknewwasPiper HadIjustbeenblownoff?ThefirsttimeinmyentirelifeI letmyselffeelsomethingforawoman,shetreatedmelikeaone-nightstand?

Andthen,withoutanotherword,sherushedoutofmycabin.Istaredatthecloseddoor,feelinglikeI’dbeenpunchedinthe gut.Whathadjusthappened?

Thankyousomuch.Wehavetodoitagainsometime?

WhattheheckwasIthinking?

“Comebacksoon,”Isaid,flashingabigsmiletothetablenearestthedoor.

I’d headed straight to the restaurant after my morning tryst with the hunky mountain man. Acall frommy boss had me rushingoutoftherewearingonlymypanties I’ddressedonGrayson’sfrontporch,thenrushedtomySUV

AndnowIwasuptomyearsinordersandstilltryingtokeeptrackofitall.Butrightnow,Iwelcomedanythingthatcould takemymindoffwhathappenedthatmorning “Dowejustsitanywhere?”

Atthesoundofamalevoice,Iturnedtoseetwomen Thesametwomenwho’dcomeintothebakeryearlythatmorning “Piper!”theonewho’dintroducedhimselfasWessaid.“Whatareyou ?” Icastaglancetowardthebar,confirmingmybosswasstillbackthere.“Don’tsayanything.Mybossdoesn’tknowIhave theotherjob”

Itdidn’treallyqualifyasajob.Iwasworkingforfree,justhopingapositionwouldopenupsoon.Thewomanwhoranthe bakerydidn’tevenknowI’dbeentherethismorning,manningthecounteruntilmybestfriendcouldgetthere Iwaskeepinga lotofsecretswhilechasingmydreamsofsomedayrunningacupcakebakery.Butitwouldallbeworthitintheend.

Wesloweredhisvoiceandasked,“Didhetakeabiteofthemuffin?”

Isqueezedmyeyesshut.He’dtakenabiteofthemuffin,alright.Abigbite. Iopenedthemagain,remindingmyselfthesetwoguyswouldhavenocluethattheirprankledtosexonGrayson’sdining roomtable Theydidn’thavetoknowthateither,unlesshe’dtoldthemaboutit “Itwentfine.”Inodded.“Idroppedoffthemuffinsandleft.Ididn’tseehimactuallybiteintoone.”

“Crap,”theotherguysaid IrememberedhisnamewasNoah “Thankssomuchfordoingthatforus” “I’llsendthemoneyassoonaswesitdown,”Wessaid. I’dgiventhemmyinformationtopaymeelectronicallyoncetheerrandwasdone.I’djustassumedtheycomebackintothe bakeryandaskHannahformycontactinformation.

“Whichone’syoursection?”Noahasked.“Afewoftheotherguysfromourcrewwillbejoiningus.”

Afew oftheother guysfromtheir crew?DidthatincludeGrayson?Myheartimmediatelykickedintodoubletimeatthe thoughtofseeinghimagain.I’dmadeacolossalfooloutofmyself,buthewasallI’dthoughtaboutsinceleavinghishouse. “That’smytable”Ipointedtoaten-seaternearthebar “I’llbewithyouinjustasecond” Icheckedononeofmyothertables,mostlytogetmybearings.WaitingonGrayson’scoworkerswasalmostasunnerving as seeinghimagain. What iftheytold himIwas a little shaky? Would he thinkthat sexwithhimhad turned me into some obsessedstalkertype?

Igotdelayed byanother table who had a question, and bythe time Imade itto over to Wes and Noah, another guyhad joinedthem Ididn’trecognizethisone,andNoahhadabigsmileonhisfaceashestareddownathisphone “Lookslikeit’llbeallsevenofus,”hesaid.“Solet’sstartwitharoundofbeersforthethreewhoarehere.”

AllIheardwas“sevenofus”AccordingtoTinley’ssister,thereweresevenonthecrewthatsheservedatthefoodtruck everyweekday.OnewasTucker,whoshe’djuststarteddating.Theyalreadyactedliketheyweremadlyinlove.Ididn’tget howitcouldhappenthatquicklyuntilImetGrayson.

“What’sgoingonoverthere?”BoaskedasIsteppeduptothebartoinputthebeersintothepoint-of-sale Ilookedathim.“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Thoseloggers Whataretheydoinghere?”

“They’reherefordinner,Iguess.”

Bolaughed.“Iguess you’renew here.Theydon’tever eatinthediningroom.Thoseguys headstraightbacktothepool tableandwehaulbeersbackandforthtothem.Appetizers,ifwe’relucky.”

Hewasstilleyeingmesuspiciously,butIkeptmygazefocusedonthescreen Therewasnowayhecouldpiecetogether thatIwasaimingforajobatthebakery.Thatwouldhavenothingtodowiththeseguysshowinguphereallofasudden.ButI stillfeltparanoidaboutit

ThegrouphadgrowntosixbythetimeIreturnedwiththreebeers.Onlyoneloggermissing.Itriednottostareatthedoor. Therewassomethingaboutthewaytheguyswerewatchingme,though almostasthoughtheywereamused Didtheyknow somethinghappened?MaybeGraysonhadmentionedit.No,hedidn’tseemthetypetokissandtell.

Iwasstandingatthebar,waitingforbeersforthelastthreeguys,whensomethingshiftedbehindme.IknewbeforeIturned exactlywhatI’dfind Theenergyintheroomjustseemedtochangesomehow Graysonhadenteredthebuilding.

GRAYSON

Iwas not in the mood to hang out, but that was exactly what the guys wanted to do Saturday night. As I pulled into the ScoreboardBarandGrillparkinglot,Igroaned Thelotwaspackedwithcars,andIwasnotinthemoodforacrowd

“Grayson!”theguysyelledoutassoonasIsteppedthroughthedoor.

Theywereseatedatatablenearthebar,andIheadedinthatdirection.Iwassettlinginforanightofbroodinginfrontof theTVwhenmynext-door neighbor,Noah,textedmetogetmybuttdownhere Judgingbytheemptybeer mugs litteringthe table,they’dalreadygottenabigheadstartonme.

Asusual,Inoddedandheadedovertothebartoplacemyorder I’dbarelystartedinthatdirection,though,whenIspotted her.Therewasnomistakingthatlong,thickheadofredhair.

Iweighedmyoptions Icouldturnandheadstraightbacktotheguys,butthatwouldn’tgetmybeerordered Icouldsteer clearofherandordermydrinkfromthefarendofthebar.OrIcouldsidlerightuptoher. Butthenwhat?DidIactlikeshedidn’texistorsayhitoher?Iwasoutofpracticewiththisstuff.

No,Iwasn’tgoingtoletherintimidateme Iwalkedstraightuptothebar “Heyman,”Bosaid.“Theusual?”

ThatwaswhenPiperturnedandlookedatme ItwasalsowhenIrealizedshewasn’tjuststandingatthebar,waitingfor herdrink.Sheworeanapron thesameaprontheserverswore.

“Youworkhere?”Iasked

Iwasclosernow,andthesightofthatbeautifulfaceimmediatelydidthingstome.Iwantedheralready,andIwasanidiot ifIthoughtI’dgetasecondchance.

“Yep”Hereyeswidenedslightlyasshelookedaround “Canwetalkforasecond?”

Myheartwashammeringagainstthewallofmychestaswewalked.She’dputherhandonmyarmtotugmeawayfromthe bar Nowshewalkedinfrontofme,givingmeafront-rowseattothatperfectroundass

Animage flashedthroughmymindas she stoppedinthe hallwaythatledtothe bathroom.Itwas animage ofher onmy table,headthrownback,thoseperfectlightpinknippleshardenedintopebbles.

Forabriefmomentintime,Ithoughtshewasmine.Butreally,I’dgiveanythingtobehers.

Piperstoppedinthehall,lookingaround.Onceshe’dverifiedwewerealone,shespoke.

“I’vebeenmoonlighting”

Iwasn’tfollowing.MaybeitwasthefactthatIwasstandingsoclosetoher.Shesmelledlikeapples.Maybepears.Hellif Iknew ItwassomesortoffruityscentthatIcouldbreatheforhours

“Mybossdoesn’tknowI’mtryingtogetajobatthebakery,”shesaid.“Theydidn’thaveanopeningwhenIcametostay withmybestfriend.She’s workingthere,andher boss promisedmethe firstopenslot.ButIhadtobringinsome moneyto helppayrent.”

Soshewasintowntoworkforthebakery?Ortohangoutwithherfriend?Iwasn’tsurewhatwasgoingon.Onethingwas clear,though Piperdidn’twantBotoknowshe’dbeendeliveringmuffinsformoney

“You’reworkingforthebakeryandthisplace,then?”Iasked.

“Mostly this place” She glanced over my shoulder, then returned her attention to me “I graduated with a degree in business,butIwanttorunabakery.Ijusthavetolearnsomeprofessionaltechniques.”

Wouldn’tculinaryschoolhavebeenabetterbetthangettingabusinessdegree?WhatthehelldidIknow,though? Noneofitmatteredrightnow Whatmatteredwaswhathadhappenedbetweenusthatmorningandwhethershewascutting meoutofherlifeforgood.

“Yoursecret’ssafewithme,”Isaid

Shetookadeepbreathandnodded,closinghereyes.“Thankyou.Andaboutthismorning…”

“Piper?” Amiddle-aged womansuddenlyappeared behind her. Irecognized her as one ofthe servers I’d seenworking hereoverthepastfewmonths.“Bo’slookingforyou.”

Sheflashedaknowingsmileatmebeforeturningandwalkingoff Itlookedlikeshewasputtingthetwoofustogether I hopeditwouldn’tcausetroubleforPiper.

“Sorry,”Pipersaid “Ihavetogo”

“Wait!” I said. My pride was screaming out for me to wait, but my heart wouldn’t let me walk away without nailing somethingdown “Maybetomorrownightwecouldmeetfordinner?”

Iheldmybreathandwaited.Ifsherejectedmerightnow,it’dbethelowestofthelows.I’dhavetoacceptthefactthat whatwe’dhadwasaone-timething.

Buthermouthslowlyspreadintoasmile “I’dlikethat”Thesmileturnedtoafrown,though,asshelookedofftotheside “Butnothere.IthinkIneedanightofffromthisplace.”

“Whydon’tyoucomeuptomycabin?”Iasked “I’llcookyoudinner” Man,wasIpussywhipped.Theverydefinitionofit.Thethoughtofhavingthiswomanalltomyselfagaininmycabinwas enoughtohavemedoingalmostanything Includingcooking

“Soundsgood.”Shenodded.“Six?”

Ilikedthat.Atake-chargewoman.OrmaybeitwasjustthatIfeltlikeputtyinherhands. Itwasn’tlikemeatall,butshewasgoingtomakemeabetterman Ijustknewit

Wasthisadate?Thetruthwas,Ihadnoidea.I’dagreedtogotothislumberjack’scabinbymyselfonaworknight.That wasallIknew

This time, I was more modestly dressed. I wore a pair of slacks and a short-sleeved sweater that showed no cleavageatall.ButasIglanceddown,Icouldn’thelpbutnotethewaymybreastsstrainedthefabrictoitslimit.Yeah,itwas hardtodressmodestlywhenyouhadthesekindsofcurvesgoingon

ThedoorburstopenasIwaslookingdownatmychest.Myheadsnappedup.Unlikelasttime,Graysonwasfullyclothed. HeworeagiganticT-shirtthatstillstruggledtoconcealhismuscles,alongwithapairofslightlyloosejeans Hadhedonethat onpurpose?AllowingalittleextraroomforanerectionincaseIshoweduphalf-nakedagain?

“Comeonin,”hesaid

Hesteppedbacktogivemeroomtoenter.Hedidn’treachouttohugmeorevenshakemyhand.ButwhatdidIexpectafter I’drunoutofherelikeatwelve-year-oldwho’djustgottenakissfromaboysheliked?

Steppinginside,mysenseswereassaultedonceagain Thesmellofsoapywoodsurroundedme Thentherewasthelarge, openroomwithminimalfurnishings.Thetableofftotheleft our table nowheldtwoplacematsandtwowineglasses.

“Thankyouforofferingtomakedinnerforme,”Isaid

Hegaveanodandclosedthedoorbehindme,holdingoutahand.Ittookmealongmomenttorealizehewasn’tplanningto showaffection Hewasofferingtotakemypurse

Ihandedittohim.“Thankyou.”

Henoddedagain,thenhungitonthehookbehindhim.Nexttoitwasahookbearingajacketandanotherwithacoatonit. Itwassummertime,soIassumedheleftthathangingthereyearround

“I’mnotmuchofafancycook,”hesaid.“Ihadsomesteaksinthefreezer.Ithrewthemonthegrill.Theyshouldbereadyin aminute Haveaseat”

Hegesturedtowardthetableashewentoutside.Iawkwardlywalkedovertothetableandpulledoneofthechairsback.It feltweird, sittingatthe table bymyselfwithnothinginfrontofme. Maybe Ishould have satonthe couchor stood until he camein.

“Hopefully, they’re done enough,” he said. “Ididn’t have a wayto get intouchwithyouto find out how youlike your meat”

HowIlikedmymeat.Mymindwentstraighttoanaughtyplace,andIhadtoforcemyselftokeepastraightface.

“Oh,right,”Isaid “Youdon’thavemyphonenumber”

“We’llhavetofixthat,”hesaid.

Hewasstillinthekitchen,working.Iturnedtowatch.ShouldIoffertohelporjustsithereandgawkathim?Helookedso handsomewiththatdarkheadofhairandthosebroadshoulders.Itwashardtobelievehewastheguywhohadbeenmyfirst time.

Suddenlyheturned,catchingmestaring Worse,mygazehadloweredtohisass,whichmeantIwasnowstaringdirectlyat hiscrotch.Iquicklyjerkedmyeyesupward,butitwastoolate.He’dcaughtme.Iknewthatbytheslightsmilethattuggedat thecornersofhismouth

“I’mnogourmetchef,”hesaid.“Ijustfriedupsomepotatoesandonionstogowithit.Doyouneedsteaksauce?” Hesetthesteakinfrontofme.Ishookmyhead.

“Whatdoyouwanttodrink?”Hesteppedback,lookingattheglass “Idon’thavewine Someonegavemethoseglasses” Aformergirlfriend?Hehadn’ttalkedabouthislovelife.ForallIknew,he’dbeenmarriedbefore.Jealousystabbedatmy gut,makingmefeelpetty Itwasridiculoustobejealousofapastrelationship “Water’sfine,”Isaid.

Heheadedtothefridgeandreturnedaminuteorsolater,abeerinonehandandabottledwaterinanother.Assoonashe satdown,Ifeltitfrommyheadtomytoes,theelectricitybetweenus.Ithadbeentherefromthestartwithhim,andI’dfeltit againwhenheshowedupatmybarlastnight Yes,thiswaslikenothingI’deverfelt

“I thought maybe I’d scared youoff,” he said as he popped openhis beer and tooka swig. He set it downnext to his wineglass “Ithoughtmaybeyou’dhadsecondthoughtsaboutwhatwedid”

Whoa.Hewasaddressingthisdirectly.Ididn’texpectthat.

“It was myfirst time,” I reminded him “I just didn’t know how it’s normallyhandled Do youshake hands? Exchange businesscards?Iguessphonenumberswould’vebeenagoodstart.”

“Youthankedme,”hesaid,lookingdownathisfood.

“Itotallygetit”Isighed “I’mjust awkward It’ssomethingyouneedtoknowaboutme” Hesmiled.“Doesthatmeanyouwantmeinyourlifeaftertonight?”

Itiltedmyhead “Idon’tknow Let’sseehowyourcookingis”

Thatlightenedthemood,whichturnedouttobeexactlywhatweneeded.Itallowedmetotakeabreathandenjoythesteak, whichwasdelicious

“I’veneverbeenrejectedbefore,”hesaid.“Whenyoulefttheotherday,itwasakickintheballs.”

MyeyeswidenedasItookabiteofpotato.Mendidn’tusuallytalklikethatinfrontofme.Ikindoflikedhisopenness. Ididn’trejecthim We’dfiguredthatoutalready Butaswesathere,anewfearwasemerging Whatifitwasallaboutthe chaseforhim?Whatifhecaughtme,thenlostinterest?

“You’retellingme,inyourentirelife,nowomanhasturnedyoudown?”Iasked He thought about that for a second. “My ex-fiancée did at first, but it was early on. We hadn’t slept together yet.” He winced.“Sorry,Iguessit’srudetotalkaboutthatsortofthingonafirstdate.”

Ishovedawaymymomentaryhappinessoverhimreferringtothisasadate.Ineededtoprotectmyselfhereandtodothat,I hadtogetsomemoreinformation.

“Soyouwereengaged?”

Henodded.“Forfouryears.”

Myeyebrowsarched “Fouryears”

Hestoppedchewingandlookedatmeforalongmoment.Thenheswallowedandsetdownhisfork,wipinghismouth.

“Notmychoice.Shepushedforanengagement,soIgavehertheringandthendraggedmyfeetongoingthroughwithit.”

ThefoodI’deatenseemedtositlikealargelumpinmystomach.Redflagsallaround.I’dbeanidiottoignorethem. “Soyoubrokeitoff?”Iasked.

“Yes”Hesighed “I’mnotproudofit,butthingsjustweren’tfeelingright”

I tilted myhead, searchingfor the words to askmyquestions without beingrude. Onthe surface, this was none of my business WhowasItojudgethelovelifeofsomeoneI’djustmet,evenifI’dsleptwithhim?

“So,howdidyouendupdatinginthefirstplace?”Iasked.

“Iwas justoutofthe military,tryingtoputdownroots.IwentstraightbacktomyhometownofNashville.We metona blinddateand ”Heshrugged “Shewashot All myfriendswereimpressedIwasdatingher,buttheemotional connection wasn’tthere.YouknowwhatImean?”

Ididn’t,really Myexperiencewithdatinghadbeenlimited ButifIreallythoughtaboutit,thatwashowIcouldchalkup myexperience.IthadneverquiteseemedrightwithanyguyImet.

UntilGrayson

“Sometimesthere’sjustaconnectionwithsomeone,”hesaid.“Youcan’tputitintowords.It’swhatI’vebeenlookingfor allmylife.”

Ilookedupathimagain,andhe was staringatme The intensityofhis words matchedhis expression Thatshouldhave easedmyfears,butitdidn’t.

“Iknow,”Isaid

“Knowwhat?”

“Iknowexactlywhatyoumean”Itookadeepbreathandblurtedoutthewordsonmymind “Whensomething’sright,you feelit.”

HestaredatmealongmomentasIliftedthewineglasstomylipsandsipped.Myhandwasshakingalittle.Whywas I testinghimthisway?Hecouldquestionhisownfeelingsandcometotheconclusionthatitwasn’tright

“It’sdifferentthistime,”hesaid.“Ican’tspeakforyou,butI’msureofit.I’vebeenonthisEarthforthirty-fouryears.By thisage,amanknowswhathewants”

Inodded,tryingtosaysomething, anything.Myvocalcordsfeltparalyzed.AllIcoulddowasnod. “Idon’taskforanythingbutachancetoseewherethisisgoing,”hesaid.

Icontinuedtonod.ThenIreachedformywaterandtookanothersip.Thatseemedtoloosenthingsup.

“Iwantto see where this goes,” Isaid. “I’myoungand inexperienced atthis stuff, butIdefinitelyknow I’ve never felt

anythinglikethis.I’vebeenlookingforitallmylife.Well,atleastforthepastfewyears.”

Hereachedoutandcoveredmyhandwithhis.“Let’stakethisslow,gettoknoweachotherbeforewe…youknow.”

Iwas a little disappointed, mostlybecause more thananything, Iwanted to getthis guynaked and recreate whatwe did yesterdaymorning.Onlythistimeonasoftsurfacelikehisbed.

Hewasprobablyright,though Ishouldgettoknowwhohewasasaperson Thatwouldonlygiveourlovemakingmore power. Besides, everysecond Ispentinthis guy’s companywas the bestsecond ofmylife so far. And thatwas a feelingI wantedtocontinuefortherestofmylife

GRAYSON

feltlikeakidonChristmasmorning.MaybethatwasabadanalogysinceIwasstandingnexttomybrideonourwedding night AndwhatIwasexcitedaboutwasconsummatingthismarriage

Smilingtomyself,Iunlockedthecabindoorandpusheditopenslightly.ThenIlookedoveratPiper.

“Areyougoingtocarrymeoverthethreshold?”sheasked. Therewasabigsmileonherfaceasshewaitedformyanswer TodaywasthefirsttimeI’dseenhertrulyrelaxedsincethe secondwe’dgottenengaged.Icouldn’tblameher.Afterall,I’dalreadybrokenoffanengagement.WhatifIdiditagain? Buttherewasn’tadoubtinmymind Notasingleday,minute,orsecond ThiswasthewomanIwasgoingtomarry “Thatdressmaytakemedown,”IjokedasIsteppedbackandscoopedherupintomyarms.

Asexpected,her long,whiteskirtpracticallyattackedmyface IhadtoshoveitdownwithmychinasIkickedthedoor inward.

Ittooksomemaneuvering,butIfinallygotherandhermonstrousdressthroughthedoor.Iactuallybreathedasighofrelief whenIsetherdownandthedresswasswallowingupthefloorbeneathitratherthanmyhead “Thisisnice.”PiperlookedaroundasIkickedthedoorshutbehindme.“Where’sthebedroom?”

Sheturnedtome I’dbeenwringingmyhands behindher,wonderingwhattheprotocol was here DidIoffer tograbthe winethatBo’sbuddywhoownedthis rental cabinleftfor us?Shouldwerelaxfor afew minutes?Or wasitokayfor meto pickherupagainandcarryherstraighttothebedroom?

Ipointedtowardthebackcorner.“Iassumeit’srightthere.”

“Let’sgo.”Sheturned,skirtflyinguparoundher.“We’vewaitedlongenough.”

Shewasrightaboutthat Our firsttimehadbeenwithinminutesofmeetingeachother Butafterthat,wedecidedtohold out,mostlybecausebythetimeIproposed,twoweeksintodatingher,we’dalreadykeptourhandsoffeachother.Wefigured wemightaswellwait,especiallyconsideringourengagementhadbeenatotalofthreeweeks

Piper hiked up her skirt as she walked. I stood, watchinginamusement until she reached the door. I’d never thought it possibletolovesomeonethismuch.Myheartwasfulltobursting.

Butassoonasshedisappearedthroughthedoorway,Iboltedintoaction.WhatwasIdoingstandinghere?Theloveofmy lifewasabouttogetnakedinabedroom.

“I’mgoingtoneedyourhelpwiththis,”shesaidassoonasIenteredtheroom

Shewasstrugglingtoreachherzipper,butittookmeonlysecondstotugitdown.Ihadtoforcemyselftobepatient.My handswantedtoripoffeverystitchofclothingshewore Butthiswashersecondtime Iwasdeterminedtomakeitromantic “Takeoffyourclothes,”shesaid,movingbackwardtowardthebed.

Sheworethigh-highstockings,whitehighheels,andamatchingwhitelacebraandpanties.Butnothingwassexierthanthe sightofhernaked,eventhoughIhadtogobackseveralweekstorememberexactlywhatshelookedlike.

Right now, though, that sexywomanwas climbingonto the bed inthe hottest getup I’d ever seen. Myplanhad beento undressher,butIfollowedherordersexactly,shruggingoffmyjacket,pants,shoes,andsocks Thebutton-downshirttookfar toolong.Ihadtoresisttheurgetoripoffallthebuttons.I’dborroweditfrommybuddyWes,theonlyguyIknewmysizewho ownedadressshirt

BythetimeIapproachedthebed,Iworeonlymyunderwear.BeforeIcouldmakeanothermove,though,sheheldupahand tostopme.

"Underweartoo”

I couldn’t help but smile, but I followed her directions. WhenI straightened again, I found her eyes were fixed onmy erection Nowthatmyunderwearwasoff,nothingwasstoppingmefromclimbingontopofher

Ididn’t,though.Instead,Icrawledontothebed,movingbetweenherlegs.Thiswasallabouther.

Shewasalltoohappytoletmeexplore.Ikissedherthigh,movingtowardthosesexylacepanties.Ashersighsfilledthe room,Iroseuptolookather.IwantedtoseewhatIwasdoingtoher.

MycockthrobbedasInudgedthescrapoffabricasideandslidafingerinsideher Shearchedherback,clutchingfistfuls ofthe comforter. WhenItouched mytongue to her clit, she cried out. Ididn’tstop, though, keepingmyfinger inplace as I flickedmytonguerhythmicallyoverherswollenbud Inseconds,shewascryingout,herpussytighteningaroundmyfingerand releasing.

"Iloveyou,"Isaidwhenfinally,Iroseaboveher "Iloveyoumore,"shesaid.

Hereyelidswereheavy,hersmileweak.Shewasstillbaskingintheafterglowofherorgasm.Butmygoalwastomakeher comeagain

SheworkedonremovingherpantiesandshoesasIkissedher.Webarelybrokethekiss,somehowmanagingtoreposition ourselves Thistime,whenIenteredher,wedidn’tuseprotection Asurprisehoneymoonpregnancywouldbeadreamcome trueforbothofus.

Thistimewasdifferentinoneothermajorwaytoo AsImovedinsideher,Ibrokethekissandoureyesmet Therewasa connectionlikenothingI’deverfeltbefore.Twosoulscomingtogether.

Whenshecame,myorgasmjoinedhers.Inthatmoment,IknewwithoutadoubtthiswasthewomanIwasborntobewith.

EPILOGUE

twasthehappiestdayofmylife professionally,anyway.SoitmadetotalsensethatitwouldendwithGraysonwalkingup tothefoodtruck,ourtwo-year-oldperchedonhiship

Olivia’slittleheadofredhairwasamess.Herdadhadprobablybrushedit,buthedidn’tknowthetricksMommyused todetangleit.I’dhadthesameunrulyhairallmylife.Iknewhowtogetitundercontrol.

“Cupcake!”Oliviasaid,pointing Yes,therewerecupcakesbehindmeonaspindle.We’dbecoveringthemtokeepthemfreshsowecouldbringthemback outtomorrowwhenthisfestivalatthetown’snewestparkcontinued

“Yes,it’sacupcake,”myhusbandsaid,exchangingasmilewithme. WebothknewOliviawasn’tidentifyingwhatshesawbehindme Shewasrequestingacupcake Demandingit,actually “How about I bring some home for us?” I asked Olivia. She shook her head and pointed. “We’re going to dinner, remember?”

I looked over at myfriend Layna, who’d started up this cupcake bakerybusiness withme She’d moved here for other reasons,butgoingintobusinesstogetherwasthebestthingwe’deverdone.

“Goahead,”Laynasaid “I’llcloseeverythinguphere”

Laynaandherroommate,Scarlett,hadlivednextdoortoTinleyandmeinthecollegedorm.We’dmovedtoside-by-side apartmentssophomoreyear,andthatwaswherewe’dstayedevenaftergraduation Wewereall planningamovetoabigger city,butnothingcouldbeatlifeinBlackbearBluff.Asitturnedout,onceyoucamehere,youdidn’tleave.

“Thanks,”Isaid.

IremovedmyapronandranahandovermybellyasIgrabbedmypurse Itwasanactionthatwasalmostautomaticthese days.Eventhoughitwasonlythreemonthsintomypregnancy,thatonemovemademefeelconnectedwiththenewestaddition toourfamily

GraysonsetOliviaonthegroundsohecouldhelpmedownthefoodtruck’ssteps.Iwasfine.Therewasarailing,afterall. Buthewasespeciallyoverprotectiveduringmypregnancies.ItwasoneofthemanythingsIlovedabouthim.

Enjoyinghernewfreedom,Oliviastartedtowardthecar.Shemovedfast,though.GraysonandIexchangedaquickglance beforehetookoffafterher.

“Wait!”Graysoncalledout “Wehavetogetourcupcakes” Thatdidn’tstopOlivia.Luckily,Graysonhadalongstride.IsmiledasIwaitedatthewindowforLaynatopackageupour cupcakes

“Thathusbandofyoursisdefinitelyagoodone,”shesaid.

Butshedidn’thavetotell methat.Myfriendswouldprobablyarguetheyhadthebesthusbands,butasIrushedaftermy ownfamily,cupcakeboxinhand,Icouldn’thelpbutfeellikeIwastheluckiestwomanalive.

LAYNA ENCOUNTERS asexypeepingTomwhilehousesittingforGraysonandPiperinBook4intheLumberjacksofBlackbear Bluffseries.OrderThrillingtheMountainMannow.

Anddon’tmissPaxtonandReese’slovestory It’sfreewithnewslettersignup Getithere ClickhereforacompletelistofLilah’sbooks.

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