He pulls back, his expression concerned and heading toward horrified. “Did I go too hard on you?”
I roll my eyes. “No, you didnot. You’re the only person who ever actually goes hardenough. So don’t worry about it. If I wanted you to stop, I’d have said it.”
I trust him implicitly and pull him down for more gentle kisses. Slowly, without any end goal in mind, I thrust against him, spinning up the pleasure through my groin.
We continue to make out and press gently against one another. We pause every few seconds to look out over the beautiful lake and rolling green hills of Central Texas as the fire-orange sun makes its final descent behind the limestone cliffs in the distance. For a few moments, the sky comes alive in gorgeous pinks and purples and oranges. Everything feels right in the world, including this man who worked so hard to become whole.
Thane’s eyes are a little shiny, and I bring my fingers up, wiping the tears that have formed at the corners of his eyes.
“This is what our life looks like now, doesn’t it?”
He smiles, spilling a few more tears. “Well, this and a fair amount of violence.”
I tilt my head to the left and right, considering his words. “Seems like a good balance.”
“I’d still prefer you not be where the violence is if I’m being perfectly honest.”
I take both our dicks in hand, stroking them almost absentmindedly. “You know what? After today, I’m going to totally agree with you. But I can’t make it safer for you unless I really understand the variables in a typical op.”
“No such thing as a typical op, baby.”
I scrunch my nose. “True, and…maybe let’s not talk shop right now.”
Thane grins and shakes his head. “I’m sorry. You’re right. But I’m not going to pretend that I’m not thrilled you don’t want to go on anymore ops. I was all over the place, distracted as all get out today.”
I roll my eyes, whispering, “shush” against his lips, cutting off any further discussion by leaning in for more kisses. He grips my hip, pushing back with kisses of his own. Now that it’s dark outside, the stars have made their appearance, and the gas warmers create an atmospheric glow. Our sense of urgency slowly intensifies, and he spits in his large hand before wrapping it around our cocks.
He slow-jacks us as he nails me with his soulful brown eyes, melting me to my core. I end up panting, open-mouthed, and fucking his hand. My defenses crumble as the orgasm reaches me, and Thane uses my cum as lube, continuing to stroke aggressively. I become oversensitive, but even as I let out a nearly pained whine, I put my hand on his, encouraging him to continue.
He arches up with a soft breath as what seems to be a sweeter, slower orgasm rolls through him, spreading him out like warm butter across the couch. After a few moments he yawns and scratches his belly, then gives me a few lazy strokes, and my cock, greedy bastard that he is, perks up.
“Mmm,” he says, still sleepy and sated from his orgasm. “Are you going to come again for me?”
My eyes close in concentration, and I nod as he peppers me with velvety-soft kisses, continuing to stroke me until I finally go over the edge, nearly dissolving in his arms.
“You are so beautiful when you fall apart for me,” he growls in my ear.
I dip my head at the compliment, almost shy. He kisses my cheek and I love the way his beard feels against the sensitive skin.
“I want to shower with you and go to bed for some hardcore snuggling,” he whispers in my ear. I smile and now it’s his turn to look shy. “Unless… Is that too boring after playing porn stars on Sunday?”
I hug him tighter, even if the cooling cum makes me shiver. Shaking my head, I respond, “Never. That stuff’s fun, but some sweet-dirty with you followed by some hardcore snuggling… Nothing’s better than that.”
Gesturing at our cum-smeared chests, I laugh and slowly stand up, pulling him with me. I lean up for another quick kiss, then grab his hand and lead us down the magical path to his house.
16
Thane
Spending evenings and nights with Ronan, solidifying our relationship with intertwined bodies and shared cups of morning coffee makes me so happy that it almost frightens me. That alone would’ve had me running for the hills before. But now? Hell, if a little fear is the price I have to pay for being with him, then I’ll pay it.
Unable to sleep, my mind starts to spin in a few different directions. Talking to Ro about Mom has stirred up memories. The strongest one is the last day my mother recognized me; it’s been playing on a loop in my head all night.
* * *
One year ago
Every time I pull up to the Bluebonnet Days Memory Care Assisted Living Facility, I have to take a moment to center myself. My father may be a lot of things, but when it comes to my mother, at least he isn't cheap. There are water features and beautiful flowers and fragrant, blooming trees around the property, which rests on a hill with striking canyon vistas.
