Page 87 of Sterling Fight

My orgasm comes on like the snap of a book closing at the end of a chapter. When you’re anxious to continue the story but just need another minute to process what’s happened so far. I cry out as I shatter, clinging to the ladder and Judd takes me over the edge and into unchartered waters.

I’ve never felt like this before.

Exposed in an unfamiliar way, the sensation is not just my current position, spread wide and dripping, legs trembling, but with Judd overall. The things he does to me. How I feel about him. I want . . .

More. More. More.

The thudding rhythm plays on repeat. An exciting, frightening, marching beat. One I’m afraid to get comfortable hearing.

With a final kiss to my core, one that’s tender, almost loving, Judd leans away.

I cup his chin as he stands, kiss him quick and thoroughly, then release the ladder and glide down to the floor.

“Genie?” Judd chokes around my name as I spread my knees wide around his feet and hastily tug down his jeans. With the denim and his boxer briefs pooled at his ankles, I squeeze Judd’s thick shaft, marveling at the length and weight of such a magnificent cock. He hisses when I lick up the shaft, and he catches himself on the ladder rung above my head when I suck at only the tip.

Then I swallow him against my throat. With one hand on his hip, I steady myself and work him in and out of my mouth.

More. More. More.

With both his hands on the ladder, Judd gently rocks forward, using my mouth like I envision him entering me. Filling me up. Making me whole.

Not yet, he’d said.

Why wait? Tomorrow might be our last day, but I can’t think about that yet.

With Judd in my mouth, the winter mint fragrance of him mingles with a sexy, musky scent that surrounds me. I breathe him in. Drink him in. Until he surges forward, tapping the back of my throat and then pulls back only enough to give me a breath.

Then Judd is spilling down my throat with a loud groan. Glancing up at his strained neck, his face pinched in ecstasy, I wonder if I can stay.

What would more look like?

30

[Genie]

Today is the big day. The reason I came to Sterling Falls in the first place. While I’d hoped for a better outcome with my mother, giving in to her request to attend the Buttercup Society Garden Party and lingering for an entire week to spend Mother’s Day with her, the real purpose of my visit is today.

And my mother didn’t bother to remember.

While Judd and I spent the night in his bed, learning ticklish places and exploring other ways to please one another, I feel off in the morning. The day feels like any other day when it shouldn’t and it’s going to be a long one. The energy around me is a spiral of melancholy.

“Good morning,” I greet Judd as he stands in his kitchen making coffee. He’s perfected my almond milk and honey mixture better than even I make the morning brew. He woke early, running through a workout regime that complements his boxing practice. He’s very disciplined.

“Hello, firefly.” He steps over to me, cupping the side of my neck and kissing me.

Couple goals. This.

Only, today, I have somewhere I need to be. “I’m going to head into town for a little while this morning. I have . . . something to do.” The explanation is vague even to my ears but I’m not ready to share this date’s significance. I don’t want Judd to pity me.

“Want company?”

Yes. “Thanks, but I won’t be long.”

Judd watches me, his gaze assessing. “You’ll be back, right?” The question is meant as a tease but there’s a tremor to his voice. I promised I wouldn’t disappear. I’d never leave without saying goodbye.

“I’ll be back.” I offer him a reassuring smile.

Today is the day I’m supposed to head back to Knoxville, and we haven’t discussed what Judd asked last night.