If I don’t do another goddamn thing in my life, I will make this right.
Chapter 7
Kate
For the next few weeks, I can tell Tanner is making an effort. He’s still leaving early in the morning before I wake up, but every day he’s home at the end of the workday. There’s still tension lining his shoulders and a hard set to his jaw, but he’s trying to hide it.
I just wish he’d tell me everything.
The clicking sound of my wedges on the tiled floor of the apartment lobby grates on my nerves. It’s been a long day of showings for very particular customers and every house I showed them didn’t meet their standards. All I want is to come home, make a margarita, and lay on the couch.
Before I even open the door to the apartment, I can hear pots and pans banging together making me smile. Tanner isn’t what I would call domesticated, but he does his best. His poor mother, Cindy, tried her best and constantly apologizes for her son’s lack of skills.
I’m surprised to see the dining room table set with a vase of fresh flowers and lit candles. Tanner must be pulling out all the stops because he’s never done this before. Made dinner, yes—he likes to grill on the small balcony, but nothing like this.
“Babe?” I call out while setting my bag on the floor next to the door. There’s one final crash of pans and a curse coming from the kitchen. Chuckling, I head to the kitchen to see Tanner bent over shoving pans around in the cabinet. “Babe?”
Tanner drops the pan and jumps, letting out a curse as he turns to me. That smile I love so much pops up on his face, his head shaking as he catches his breath. “You scared the fucking shit out of me,” he chastises, placing his hand on his hips.
I can’t help it. Laughter bursts out of me at his expression, so much so that I’m clutching to the doorframe to stay standing. Tanner starts laughing and walks across our small kitchen and grabs my waist. The two of us laugh until tears trickle down our faces. Taking a deep calming breath, I’m able to form coherent words. “That was so funny.” Tanner reaches up and wipes the happy tears from my face.
“I’m glad I could amuse you,” he chuckles and leans down for a sweet kiss. It feels like coming home.This kiss makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.
I’m lost in the desert and his kiss is water to my soul.
Throwing my hands around his shoulders, I pull myself closer to him. I’ve missed him so much. Tanner leans down and lifts me off the ground, never breaking our lips. I devour every inch of him. All the stress and tension from the day dissolve at his touch.
I’m not at all surprised when the soft mattress sinks under my weight. We haven’t had sex in what feels like ages and Tanner is ravenous.
I’mravenous.
It’s been so long, longer than we’ve ever gone without one another. Too much daily life shit has taken away the one thing I can’t live without: Him.
Everywhere his skin touches mine sends heat down to my bones. Rough hands glide down my arms, over my hips, then slide under the skirt of my dress. These rough hands know every inch of my body just as I know their every bump and callous. Tanner plants kisses down my neck and over my collarbone while he works to peel my underwear down my legs.
“Tanner, I need you,” I pant as he leans back and tosses my undergarment to the side. His hazel eyes glint with lust as he pushes the hem of my dress up around my hips.
My eyes roll as he admires me before he leans down, hitching his face at the juncture of my thighs, and breathes deeply. “You are so goddamn perfect. You’re mine, aren’t you?” Slowly, he licks his lips and darts his tongue between my folds. My head rolls as he softly teases me, adding just enough pressure to make me whimper, but not enough to drive me to the edge. “Say it,” he orders. “Say you’re mine.”
When I don’t immediately answer, he withdraws, leaving me hot and wanting. “Y-yes,” my pussy is throbbing, needing his touch. “Yes, I’m yours. All yours.” Instead of settling back between my legs, Tanner reaches up and pulls his shirt off, revealing the toned muscles of his chest and abs making my mouth water.
He really is the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen.
“Damn straight,” he growls while whipping the belt from his jeans before removing them. “Now let’s get you naked.” He offers his hand and I take it, willing to do anything that would have his skin back against mine. In one swift tug, he pulls my dress over my head and quickly works my bra off, exposing my breast to him. “So fucking perfect.” And then his mouth is on me, teasing my nipples, nipping and sucking the sensitive tips.
This is what I needed.Heis what I needed. Forget sweatpants and alcohol, Tanner is what I need to help me unwind.
His warm skin slides beneath my palms as they trail down his spine, coming to a stop at his hips. He continues to work me up into a frenzy that I want to return the favor.
Tanner shivers as I lightly run my fingers across his hip bones and take him into my hand, squeezing his hard length. “Fuck, sweetheart. The things you do to me…” He leans down and kisses me firmly on the lips as I continue to stroke him. He’s hard and ready for me.
“I need you,” I manage to say between heavy pants. “Tanner, I need you.” The words couldn’t be more true. I need him. In every way, I need him. Without his presence, his touches, I’ve been dying bit by bit inside. He makes me whole.
“I got you, sweetheart.” He settles himself at the apex of my thighs and I line him up with my throbbing core. Just before he sinks deep, he pauses. “Look at me. Sweetheart, I need you to look at me.” His voice isn’t demanding, it’s pleading and my heart breaks open. Reaching up, I cup his face, our eyes locked on one another as he enters me.
We both let out groans of pleasure as he slides deep, making my eyes roll back with pleasure. God, he feels so good. Biting my lip, I groan as he begins to move.
“Fuck, Kate, your pussy was made for me.” He swivels his hips with each thrust making me whimper with pleasure. “That’s it. Let me hear you.” My hands cup his firm ass as he continues to stroke in and out of me, drawing sounds of pleasure from my throat. “Let me see you. Sweetheart, I need to see you.”
