I placed a stack of dishes in the sink and collided with Kellan’s firm body when I went to take a step back. His hands came around my waist and he buried his face in the crook of my neck. “How are the kids?” he rasped against my skin.
“Good. Riley’s ready to get her cast removed, Braxton seems to be fine, and Sienna is doing well.”
He gently kissed my skin, causing shivers to run down my spine. “I know we need to talk, but I don’t want to tonight. I’ve had a long day, and I just want to spend some time with Riley and Braxton before crawling into bed with you.”
Something in his voice had me slowly turning in his arms and studying his face. Somehow, he looked wound up and exhausted, all at the same time, but the weariness in his eyes was what concerned me. “Did something happen?”
“Yes, but it’s nothing to worry about,” he said and softly kissed my lips. “We can talk about everything tomorrow.”
I placed my hand on his cheek. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Mommy!” Riley interrupted. “Are you coming to watch the movie with us?”
“I’ll be there in just a minute,” I promised. “Sorry,” I said quietly, “I promised the kids we could have a movie night after dinner.”
Kellan’s face relaxed a little and his lips turned up in a soft smile. “That sounds perfect. Come on, sweetness; leave the dishes for tomorrow.”
As much as I hated waking up to a dirty kitchen, watching a movie with Kellan’s arms wrapped around me was too good to pass up. My parents were already situated on the couch while Riley and Braxton were excitedly waiting on the love seat, which left the oversized chair for us. Two seconds after Kellan sat down and pulled me into his lap, Riley shouted, “Hit the lights, Braxton; it’s time to enjoy the show!”
I woke to my body being moved. “Come on, Avery, let’s go upstairs,” Kellan whispered.
I slowly sat up and rubbed my eyes. “Where is everyone?” I asked, followed by a yawn.
“Your dad helped your mom to bed and then he carried the kids up to their rooms.”
I got to my feet and glanced at the clock, surprised to see that is was only eleven o’clock. Kellan silently took my hand and led me upstairs. I climbed into bed without bothering to wash my face or brush my teeth, and Kellan did the same after stripping out of his clothes.
When he got into bed, he rolled me so I was facing him and crushed his lips to mine. He wasn’t gentle and it reminded me of the first time he kissed me—full of aggression and need. “Fuck, Avery,” he mumbled against my skin. “I need you.”
“Okay,” I said quickly and started pulling my shirt over my head while he divested me of my pants and panties. I didn’t want to talk or think. I wanted to get lost in his body as much as he wanted to get lost in mine.
He suddenly stilled and squeezed his eyes shut. “I can’t be gentle. Not tonight. So if you want me to go, I will.” He paused and visibly swallowed. “I never want to hurt you,” he whispered.
I wrapped my hand around the back of his neck and pulled his lips down to mine. “I don’t want you to be gentle.”
He kissed along my jawline until he reached my ear. Taking the lobe between his teeth, he bit down and said, “Good,” as he unexpectedly pushed inside of me causing my back to arch.
He kept his face buried in my neck as he thrust in and out at a firm and steady pace. I dug my fingers into his back and clung to him, relishing the feel of his muscles moving under my hands while listening to the soft grunts and gasps he released with each stroke.
“Fucking come, Avery,” he groaned.
I was close, but he sounded like he was closer, so I reached between us and started rubbing my clit while he continued his punishing rhythm. Moments later, I was using his shoulder to stifle the sounds of pure pleasure that refused to be contained.
We usually found our releases at the same time or he reached his climax seconds after I did, but not this time. He continued at the same pace for long minutes before his thrusts became faster and harder. Then, his rhythm faltered, and his body stilled while he released inside of me.
He didn’t move, didn’t say a word, didn’t press a kiss to any part of my body. Just when I was about to ask him if he was okay, I felt his body tremble, ever so slightly, followed by a shaky breath. After a few seconds of internally panicking over what to do, I finally did the only thing I could—I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and gave him my silent support. Whatever happened during his day had thoroughly shaken him.
“I’m sorry,” he croaked.
“You don’t have anything to be sorry for,” I said. “You don’t have to hide your emotions from me.”
“I know,” he replied. “Let’s get cleaned up and go to sleep. We can talk tomorrow.”
I cleared my throat and followed him to the bathroom. “I think we should talk now. You’re clearly upset about something and we’ll have all kinds of interruptions tomorrow.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” he said quietly and walked back to the bed. Once I joined him, he asked, “Did you talk to Harper today?”
“I did. And while I want to be pissed at you for arranging that without my knowledge, I understand why you did it that way. Plus, she was very helpful, so I feel like I can’t be mad,” I admitted.
