The sawingand banging in the back yard seem to go on for hours. Brody’s laughter travels through the open kitchen door, and it makes my heart explode to hear that. They’ve done pretty well for their first day, measured the oak tree with three trunks which will house the structure, and most of the base has been constructed. They’re sweaty and hyper when they make it inside a few hours later.
“You want to use the downstairs bathroom to freshen up?” I offer while Brody baths upstairs.
“I can’t. I need to get going.”
“Have I done something, Ember, cause if I have, you can tell me instead of avoiding me?” I feel rage bubble up inside me.
He lets out a mirthless laugh, then slams his mouth savagely onto mine, silencing me with a kiss that’s hungry and needy. He walks me back until I hit the wall, my back arching from it. He hoists one of my legs and wraps it around his large frame. Ember kisses me until all of my doubts and reservations melt away. Until all I feel is him. His body presses mine against the wall. And as quickly as the kiss starts, it ends.
“You could do nothing wrong, ever, you hear me,” he growls the words as he pushes away from the wall. “I have some shit I need to sort out, but I’ll be back here in a couple of hours, Shelby, and the fact that this is another man’s house, isn’t going to stop me from being inside you.”
My chest heaves, and I feel slightly dizzy. All I can do is nod and watch Ember walk out of the door. I touch my swollen lips, my thighs clenching together.
It’s eleven a.m.when he returns. I open the door to a red-eyed broken man. He staggers in, holding onto me like I’m a lifeline. I lead him into the living room, and he sits at the edge of the couch, staring off into space. “You’ve gotta tell me what’s happening, Ember; you’re scaring me.”
“Not right now, right now, I need you.” He draws me closer by the waist until I’m standing between his legs. He unties my robe, and my cheeks heat when he opens it to nothing beneath. He slips it over my shoulders, a grin on his face. He stands, towering over me, shrugging off his jacket. His t-shirt is next. I kiss his bare chest and unbutton his jeans, pushing them down.
He kisses my lips again, walks behind me, and grabs my hips. Ember pushes me onto the couch on my stomach, kissing along my spine. We both groan when he grinds his cock between my ass cheeks.
“You better be quiet, firefly,” he whispers in my ear, nipping at my lobes.
“Spread your legs for me.” I do as I am told and feel his hands slip between them. I push my face into the cushion to let out a moan. I squirm beneath him when a digit sinks into my heat. I’m so fucking wet with need. I just want him inside me. His fingers are sweet torture against my clit, and his warm breath continues to tickle the skin on my back. He grips my hips adjusting me, so my ass is in the air. I feel his cock nudge my entrance, and I let out a small moan. His body covers mine as his fingers lace with mine over my head. He thrusts inside me, and he fills me to the hilt. He begins to move, peppering kisses on my neck and shoulders, as his gentle thrusts become plunges. I push back, matching his thrusts for thrust.
“You’re all I fucking want, all I need.” His voice is desperate.
His movements become more erratic, the floodgates opened up, and we were both about to go under. He groans and pants behind me as his pace increases. I am so close to an orgasm, the feel of him inside me, his hard body against mine. I cry out his name, my body quivering in my release. Ember cries out my name over and over again as he releases inside me.
“Can I stay, please?” His voice is so desperate I know I can’t deny him.
“Yes.” He shifts off me and pulls me close to him, his arms draping over me. He nuzzles my hair and the back of my neck.
“You’re my firefly, baby.”
“Why do you call me that?” I whisper, smiling against his arm.
“Cause the moment I saw you, I knew you were magic, and I wanted to capture you in a jar so I could enjoy your light a little longer.”
“You really are cheesy.”
He chuckles, his hold tightening around me. “Shh, let me have that.”
I reach for my phone on the coffee table and set my alarm for an hour before Brody wakes.
I close my eyes, and as I drift off, I hear him tell me that he thinks he’s in love with me. I probably dreamed that.
* * *
My offer was acceptedat the bakery. I’m sitting at one of the dusty tables in the empty shop, tears streaming down my face.
I did it, Drew.
I look around the space, unable to believe that this is all mine. The location is perfect, just opposite the cafe and this is the only bakery in town. I hit dial on Ember's number, but it rings out. He’s probably busy.
I leave the shop and decide to pick up Brody instead of waiting for him at home.
“Hey, Mom, this is a surprise.” He runs up to me and hugs me around my waist.
“I have something I want to show you, sunshine.” I can’t stop the smile from spreading across my face.
