“Sam, I need you . . . please,” she begs, and I move to hover over her again.
“You’re so sweet, baby. I’ll never get tired of tasting you.” I swirl my fingers on her pussy again, dipping one inside and bringing it to her lips. She sucks my finger, tasting herself. “See, delicious isn’t it, good girl?” Her arm flares with the word yes, followed by kiss faces and fireworks. I’d be lying if I said that the tattoo wasn’t incredibly helpful when it comes to knowing what she likes.
I flip Olive onto her stomach and lift her hips into the air as I sink back into her. She’s always gorgeous, but with her hair fanning out all around her and her face pressed against the mattress, this might be my new favorite vantage point. After a few more hard pumps, we both scream each other’s names as we float into oblivion.
Olive rolls over when I finally pull out, and I lie on top of her, holding my weight by propping my elbows underneath me. “Baby, that was . . . It was . . .” I can’t form words.
Olive leans up, kissing my mouth softly. “It was amazing,” she utters, breathlessly.
“I’ve never been with anyone like this,” I admit. I’m not sure if I should tell her that she’s my first without a condom, but it feels special. I like knowing this thing between us is somewhat of a first for me.
“Me either. It never felt like a good idea.” My heart grows three sizes knowing we are finally sharing something that feels deeper. Olive has been tentative in telling me just about anything. Most of the time I’m prying information out of her or gauging her reactions based on her arm. This is progress.
“I should go clean up. I think I still have pumpkin in my hair.” Olive pushes me off of her with a light shove.
“I’ll come with you. I can wash your hair,” I reply, knowing it’s probably a bad idea as it will surely lead to more. But I don’t want any distance when we just had what I think is a breakthrough.
“That’s okay. I’ll just be ten minutes.” She leans in to kiss me, then saunters off to the bathroom. I hear the door click close, and I know that, for whatever reason, she needs space to process what we just did.
I want to be sad or maybe a little annoyed, but I can’t. I know I’m probably overthinking it, she’s told me in many direct and indirect ways that she doesn’t let people in. I know as much as I want to hold her right now, she needs the time to think through things, and pushing her would be a mistake. I sink back into the bed, closing my eyes and replaying everything that just transpired, wondering if I took it too far or did anything to make her uncomfortable.
“Sam, wake up.” Olive presses a kiss to my lips, causing me to stir awake.
“Too early, need sleep,” I mumble in return.
“Nice try, I’m leaving for my run, and I’m pretty sure you have a local business owners’ brunch. Beau told me about it. I assume you go to those too?” She ruffles my hair then strokes her dainty fingers down my beard.
“Shit! I spent the night?” I sit up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. Olive giggles then shoves me back lightly.
“Don’t act like it’s a bad thing. When I came back from showering, you were passed out. I have to say, I didn’t take youfor a snuggler, but you make a pretty great little spoon,” she says, blushing a bit when I turn to look at her.
“What time is it?” I ask.
“Seven-fifteen.”
“Way too early for a run. My meeting’s not till nine-thirty. Come snuggle with me instead.” I turn wrapping my arms around her and pulling her to the bed. I can’t help but tickle her a bit just to hear that melodic laugh.
“I have to run. I’ve skipped too many lately,” Olive explains, peppering me with little kisses. “Take as much time as you need, just lock up with the key under the mat when you leave if I’m not back.”
“Uh, fine. I guess duty calls. Can’t stay hidden away in bed with me all day.” I shrug then promptly toss the covers back to stand. I’m still in my birthday suit, and I can’t help but notice the way her breath hitches at the sight of me.
“I-I’m leaving now, call me later.” Olive practically lunges for the door.
“Will do. Oh, and Olive? Thanks for last night,” I say, grinning at her. Instead of saying anything, she walks back over and kisses me. Just a simple, chaste kiss, but one that I feel all the way from the ends of my hair to the tips of my toes. We’re going to be okay. I know just from that small gesture that she doesn’t regret last night.
I dig around in my bag and throw on the sweats I packed before collecting my pumpkin-covered clothing from the front door. Exiting, I retrieve the key and lock the door before returning the key under the entryway mat. She should find a better hiding spot. Anyone looking could easily find the key and let themselves in. Shaking my head, I walk to my truck and dart across town to change for the business brunch I have to attend before my first client.
“Here we go again. Mrs. Beasley will never get over the one time that she lost half a loaf of bread to the seagulls. What does she expect the council to do? Block all birds from flying near the farmers’ market?” Beau grumbles under his breath to me. I take another bite of eggs, opting not to get involved.
“We have a new update from Stan Overby. Improvements are coming to the historical society that I think are going to delight all of you,” Tony Marino bellows.
“Good morning and thank you, Tony. I’m not sure how excited any of you will be about this news, but I am ecstatic to share that after years of searching, we’ve finally identified the home of our favorite witch, Irina Hallowell.” My breath hitches and my skin turns clammy. Did he say they know where shelivedorlives? I lean forward in my chair to listen intently. While the whole tattoo thing is still super bizarre, I don’t understand why Olive is so hell bent on getting rid of it. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere near that witch again, but this could be the clue Olive has been waiting for. “We received an anonymously donated article that indicates that the old cottage on Crow may have belonged to her. It’s pretty run-down, but plans to survey the property and catalog anything found inside are underway, with work slated to begin mid next week.”
Shit! Once they get started, no one will be allowed to go near the place. If we want to check it out, we’re going to have to get in and out prior to them roping it off. Stan continues droning on about enhancements to the tourist experience in Mage and how the historical society is the “real” attraction. I’m not about to disagree with him, but I think there’s something to be said aboutthe appeal of our town and the plethora of fun seasonal events that actually provide the real pull.
“I can only imagine the business this whole Irina thing is going to drum up. Olive and I will need to spend extra time digging through backstock in case interest peaks. Is she available today?” Beau asks quietly.
“No, she’s busy today. Maybe tomorrow?” I respond as if I don’t know that tomorrow is a standard workday. I can’t wait to get out of here to call her. Beau just rolls his eyes and huffs under his breath about that being obvious.
