Home. Finally, I’m home. I have never been so excited to walk through my front door as I am right this minute. I smell something delicious the moment I step foot on my floor, and one of my neighbors must have smelled it, too, because she’s poking her head out. She makes a comment about hiring a chef, and I laugh it off, telling her it’s a friend.
Friend. That’s what he is, right? Maybe a friend with benefits? If I can ever get that far with him. Seems like he keeps putting the brakes on things. That’s a fact I shouldn’t actually be upset about. He’s trying to do this the right way, not just diving into the deep end. I have to admire his strength.
I turn the knob, and the front door opens with ease. Spices and sweetness fill my senses, and I start to drool. I have no idea what he’s making, but it sure smells amazing. His back is still to me as I take in his broad shoulders, slim waist, and jean-clad legs. This man is sex, walking. He makes me want to strip naked and say, “Take me, I’m yours.”
I drop my keys on the counter, and he turns to face me, a boyish grin on his handsome face. He pushes some stray hair out of his eyes as he looks at me from head to toe. “Damn,” he says quietly.
“What’s that amazing smell? The woman across the hall wants some.” He turns back to the stove and stirs the pot. I put my purse down and stroll up to him, wrapping my arms around his waist, laying my head on his back. I kiss the spot where my cheek was resting, and he hums his appreciation.
“Barbeque chicken, baked beans, and mashed potatoes. Hope you’re hungry.” He turns in my grasp and pulls me to him for a full-frontal hug, kissing the top of my head.
“Wow, mister. I really didn’t think you were serious about being able to cook. I’m impressed.” I pull away from him. “I’m going to change. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
I rush to my bedroom to get into pajamas for the night. As I strip out of the clothes I wore today, I look at the bra and panties I have on. They’re comfortable, but they don’t scream sexy. They aren’t even matching. I shimmy out of them and decide to go braless, but I pull on a pair of lacy red undies. They were my favorite pair when I bought them a few months ago, but I haven’t had a reason to wear them besides to feel better about myself.
I pull on my tank top and shorts and slip out of my room. Tristan opened a bottle of wine, and there are two glasses sitting on the table. I grab a glass, taking a small sip. He’s working on plating food, and I smile at the scene in front of me. It’s so domestic and personal. Not many men cook like this. Sure, they can make burgers and pizza, but this took a lot of work and a lot of groceries. I know for a fact I didn’t have any of this stuff in my fridge or pantry.
Those guys I just mentioned—that’s me. I know how to cook, and I can cook a lot of stuff, but I usually don’t have time.
“How much did this cost you?” I ask, taking a seat as he places a plate in front of me.
He shrugs. “Doesn’t matter. I wanted to do something nice for you. Tell me about your day.”
Well, I spent my entire day thinking about you and your sexy as sin body, and I watched the clock like a hawk. I thought the day was never going to end. I don’t want to push him, though. “It was fine. Blueprints are almost done for the cabins if you want to come in tomorrow to see them. I can tell Eloise you are going to come by.”
I take a bite of the beans and close my eyes for a moment, letting the sweet heat melt on my tongue. Oh God, this tastes so good. Next, I take a bite of the potatoes, and same thing.Seriously, how can this be that good?
He smirks as he watches me eat and finally answers. “Yeah, I’d love to come by and see where you work. I was able to get some clothes and also a bag to get everything home. I made sure to get at least one pair of nice pants and a button-down in case I was able to go in.”
“I’ll text her after dinner to let her know you’ll be by.”
“How are you going to explain me being in Massachusetts?” He takes a bite of chicken, and some barbecue sauce is left on his cheek. I reach my thumb out and swipe it away, sucking the sweet sauce into my mouth. He groans and shifts in his seat. I bite my lip and decide that maybe I can entice him by teasing him.
I swipe my finger through some sauce on my own chicken and push it toward his mouth. I rub the sauce over his lips until he opens and sucks it clean.
“You’re going to be the death of me, woman.”
“Then, maybe you and I will die happy.”
Chapter 12
Tristan
I’m painfully hard throughout the rest of dinner. Lana keeps making those sexy moaning noises and batting her eyes at me, trying to act innocent.I see right through that, babe.She helps clean the dishes and put everything away.
She walks down the hall toward her bedroom, adding an extra sway to her hips as she goes. I can’t take it anymore—the animal within me has broken through. I grab her arm, spin her around, and press her against the wall with such force her back bounces a little. I wrap one arm around her waist, pulling her lower body to me, place my other hand around the back of her neck, and press my lips to hers forcefully.
“Open,” I demand, and she does, allowing me to slide my tongue into her mouth, deepening the kiss. She melts into my embrace, and I push my weight into her, keeping her standing. Her nipples pebble under that thin shirt, and I pull back just long enough to rip it over her head.
Her chest heaves as I take in my fill of her perfect breasts. “Beautiful,” I murmur before kissing a path down her neck.
She tilts her head, giving me room, and rakes her fingers through my locks, adding an extra tug. I hiss, but it only fuels me on, makes me want her more than should be possible. I take one of her nipples into my mouth, and she gasps as I tug with my teeth before soothing the sting with my tongue. She reaches between us, trying to find my cock. I’m afraid if she plays with it, I’ll come in my pants. I’m wound too tight.
Instead, I stand tall and grasp her behind her legs, pulling her onto my waist so I can carry her into the bedroom. I toss her down, and she giggles and tries to crawl up the bed. I shake my head at her and pull her ankles so they dangle over the edge. I grip her shorts, slowly easing them down her legs, teasing her with soft touches as I go.I want her soaked before I taste her.I almost come at the sight of the most sinful panties I’ve ever seen.
Red. Fucking. Lace.
I groan and shift myself in my pants before I go to work. She bites her lip and smirks as I watch her from my spot on the floor. I run my fingers up and down her legs, adding kisses here and there. Then, I trace the edges of her panties, making goosebumps rise in my wake. She moans and closes her eyes, lost in the sensations, lost in me.