Thank god for the restorative power of showers. The cool water hits me hard, helping to clear my head and wake me up for the long day ahead. From the throbbing in my temples, I know that I must have drunk too much last night, which is unlike me, especially on a first date. However, the conversation was flowing and our wine glasses kept being filled.
Holly is amazing.
Our date last night was more than I ever hoped it would be. As well as being gorgeous and funny, she’s clever too, her observational skills spot-on. Everyone in town loves her, I knew that before our meal, but it was only proven all the more. Many of the diners came over to say hi and ask how she was doing, and she knew all of them by name.
I can see why Clayton is obsessed. I have no idea how we’re going to work this out, as I’m not about to stand down. Today is going to be a busy day thanks to the contractors we have fitting equipment in the gym, meaning I’m not going to have much time to see Holly. We swapped numbers so I can send her messages, but it isn’t the same as seeing her.
My cock is hard just thinking about her, the cool water having no effect on calming my boner. Our kiss outside her doorlast night was not part of my plan, and I almost completely lost control and followed her into her apartment. Cock pulsing as I remember the moment, I let out a harsh breath through clenched teeth, unable to hold back any longer.
My hand wraps around my aching cock, fisting it tightly. Growling low in my throat, I remember how she looked in that little red dress…
Fuck.Closing my eyes, it’s all too easy to imagine that it’s her hand on me, stroking and making those fucking adorable noises like she did last night. Her eyes flash in my mind, and how she looks when she bites down on that plump lower lip of hers, cheeks flushed with her desire.
My breathing is ragged and I’m so close, pleasure building up as my balls tighten. I wish it was her I was fucking and not my own hand, that it was her my cum would be filling. It would have been so easy for me to do that last night, to peel that gorgeous dress off her and feast on what waited beneath.
Fuck.
My cock pulses and pleasure rips through me. I’m seeing stars, imagining her all the while. Grunting, I throw my head back and wring out as much fucking pleasure as I can manage. My orgasm seems to last a lifetime, leaving me wrung out and shaking, and with my breathing ragged, I let the shower spray into my face. I need to shake this off, otherwise I’m going to be walking around with a permanent boner, and that is not the impression I’m trying to give her.
Holly is special, and I’m going to prove to her that I can treat her like she deserves to be treated.
EIGHTEEN
HOLLY
Thank the pastry gods that I’m not working today. I might have drunk a tiny bit too much wine last night, and the throbbing in my head is reminding me why that isn’t a good idea. I’m not fully hungover – I can still function – yet the idea of working in that hot, bright bakery with all my chatty customers is enough to make me want to hide in a dark corner.
As a business owner, I don’t often get a day off, but today is a special occasion, so I’ve allowed myself the time away from the bakery.
Cradling my extra-large mug of black coffee, I stare into the swirling steam that raises from it. The HC Coffee House is one of my favourite places to come and people-watch. The large window that takes up most of the front of the shop allows me to look out and observe those who pass by. Today, though, it’s all I can manage just to stay upright in my chair.
I’m running on about 3 hours’ sleep. After the date last night, I was so wired it was impossible for me to fall asleep. Even when I retired to bed, I tossed and turned until I eventually fell into a restless sleep. Coupled with an aching head, I am glad this was the chosen meeting place.
Ivy, my sister, is supposed to be meeting me here to catch up. She rarely visits Hinton Grove as it seems to bring up bad memories for her. She’s never divulged the reason she left, but I have my own theories. I’m not particularly looking forward to this meeting, but she’s family and it’s important that I make an effort.
Someone drops into the chair in front of me, pulling me from my musing. Automatically, I pull a tired smile onto my lips to greet my sister and business partner – only the person sitting in front of me is not Ivy, but Clayton.
“Fancy seeing you here.” His smile is smug and his stare intense as he drags his eyes over me.
His company is much preferred to my sister’s, so I am not about to chase him off, especially when my chest erupts into butterflies as his smile widens. I have only ever seen him smile like this to me, and for some reason that seems to turn me into a giddy teenager.
“How did you know I was here?” I try to sound coy, like I am truly questioning him, but my smile gives me away. How does he have this effect on me?
He snorts, his voice deep as he responds, “It’s a small town, Holly.”
Maisy, one of the baristas, appears at the table and places a mug in front of Clay with a bright smile. Jealousy instantly rears its ugly head. She is blatantly flirting with her soft touch on his arm and blinding smile. However, Clay barely reacts, thanking her but never once looking away from me. I can’t help but feel a little smug at her surprised expression before she returns to the bar. Hiding my smile in my coffee, I take a sip.
He must have gone to the coffee bar when he first arrived and ordered before he sat down here. Why else would the barista bring his coffee directly to him? The only other possibility is that he’s a regular and they know his order by heart. He seems soout of place here in the coffee shop that I am sure it must be the former. Dressed in dark colours with his tattoos covering both arms and crawling up the side of his neck, he doesn’t seem like the usual coffee shop customer. He’s not the usual Hinton Grove resident either.
Glancing down at the mega mug in my hands, he raises his brows, smirking slightly. “You look like you had a late night.”
I’m not quite sure what clues me into the shift in his mood, as his comment is fairly innocent. His expression hasn’t changed, nor has his tone, yet I can just sense that something has changed. I also know exactly why. Bear.
“Clay.” I try to sound reproachful. Going into details about my date with his best friend is not something I am willing to do, especially with how open he has been about wanting to be with me.
This doesn’t stop Clay, though, his eyes scanning my face for any hint of information. “Did you have fun with Bear on your date?”
This is awkward. I can’t tell if he’s mad at me or genuinely asking and that’s making me uncomfortable. Sighing, I place my hands on the table, palms up in a questioning gesture. “Clay, what do you want me to say to that?”
