Page 44 of The Flight Risk

“You can take it. Every inch.”

I am speechless. There’s that innate, effortless confidence again and I’m a sucker for all of it. He smirks, displaying those devilish dimples. His hair falls into his face as he gets a condom out of his bedside table and walks back around until he’s at the edge of the mattress. I meet him there and grab the base of his shaft. He grabs my wrist in turn. “Tess. If you do that, I won’t last two seconds.” His voice is rough and desperate. I pout and let go as he rolls the condom onto his dick. He lets out a small, quiet laugh. “I’d like to be inside of you when I come. If that’s okay?” He climbs over me before I can answer, caging me in with his bulky arms. My legs spread open willingly, my core aching for him, my back arching up, desperately wanting that delicious friction I know he’s going to provide.

He guides himself into me. Slowly, slowly, until he fills every inch of me. I fall to pieces as I look into his hungry, satiated eyes. He has wanted this as long as I have and it feels better than I could have ever imagined. “Jesus, Tess.” He thrusts slowly in and out, unraveling me. No one told me sex could feel like this. Consuming. Destructive. Fucking wonderful.

I grip his back and he lets out a low growl. His hand slides underneath me, right above my ass and he lifts me, hitting a whole different spot inside of me in the process. I whimper and dig my fingers further into his back. “Oakley,” I hum against his jawline. He picks up his thrusts and I’m about to shatter. His body tenses in sync with mine and a groan emanates from his mouth as he comes apart at the same time as I do. Our chests are pressed together, our breathing still erratic but calming down by the second.

Oakley starts to move, but I press my hands against his brawny, sweaty back. “Not yet. I want to remember this. This feeling.” I don’t want to break this connection quite yet. I’m finally learning the appeal of slowing things down. I want to soak in every moment with Oakley because he is that important to me.

He kisses me softly, barely brushing my lips, as if we didn’t just wreck the bed underneath us. Then he kisses the tip of my nose and my eyes close. My heart picks up the pace again and I think: Is it really this easy to fall in love? Because I think that’s what’s happening. I sweep away a lock of hair that’s resting on his thick eyebrow.

“Does this mean we’re no longer friends?” I quip because I can’t help myself.

My favorite dimples appear underneath his knee-weakening scruff. This man is sunshine in human form and his laugh can heal any ailment I have for the rest of my life. “God, I hope so.”

26

Iwake up with Tess’ thick, dark hair sprawled across my arm. Her hand rests on my chest with her head on top of my left bicep and my heart swells. Last night was the best night of my life and now my dream girl is laying next to me. I lift my head and look at the clock on my bedside table. 6:00 a.m. I didn’t get a full night of rest but it was so fucking worth it. I will sacrifice sleep if every night is as life-altering as last night. I will sacrifice anything for Tess.

I stare at her, soaking in how she looks right now. Her thick black lashes adorning the tops of her cheekbones, her lips pouty and full and swollen from all the kissing. Her smooth, olive skin feels so good against my body. I could stay here forever. Unfortunately, I have practice in a few hours and need to get out of bed. I lay a light kiss on her forehead, hoping I don’t wake her. I can’t help kissing her. She is so beautiful and everything I’ve ever wanted. I intend to treat her like a goddess and worship her.

I carefully slide my arm out from under her. She stirs and pulls the covers over herself while turning her body in the other direction. I exhale and fight the urge to wake her up just to hear her moan my name again. How the hell am I supposed to function now? How am I supposed to continue with my life like what happened with Tess didn’t change everything?

I find all my clothes that I discarded on the floor and throw them on as quickly and quietly as I can. I go into the bathroom and brush my teeth, swish some mouthwash around and splash water on my face. I’ll shower later once Tess is up.

I sneak out the door and close it gently, and when I turn around, Lottie steps out of her room, rubbing her eyes. Fuck.

She registers that I’m coming out of my room. She smirks and puts her hands on her hips. “Well, well, well. What do we have here?”

“Shhh!” I gesture downstairs and brace myself for the interrogation I’m about to endure from a teenager. I go into the kitchen and busy myself by filling up the coffee machine. “Coffee?” I offer Lottie.

She slides onto her bar stool of choice and says, wagging her finger at me, “Oh no. You aren’t going to distract me with coffee. Even if your coffee is the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. Seriously if this hockey thing doesn’t work out, you should consider becoming a barista.” I take a deep breath and set my hands on the island, counting, facing off and ready for any question thrown at me. At least I think I’m ready.

“Why were you coming out of Aunt Tess’ bedroom? Aren’t you supposed to be sleeping on the couch?” She looks back at my temporary bed and notices that my sheets and pillow are neatly folded. Untouched. “Doesn’t look like you slept on the couch last night, Adam.”

No use in trying to convince her otherwise. So I tell her the truth. “You, Charlotte, are right. I didn’t sleep on the couch last night.”

Her eyes are wide with intrigue and she purses her lips. “I see.”

“Can I make my coffee now?”

She drums her fingers on the counter. “I’ll allow it. Seems like you might need it.”

I shake my head and smile as I press the silver brew button.

“The flowers are a nice touch,” she says. “Sunflowers are her favorite.”

“I know.” And just when I think Lottie giving me the third degree is the most ridiculous and unnecessary thing to ever happen to me, she continues.

“What are your intentions with my Aunt Tess?”

I snort. “Excuse me?”

She leans forward, pressing her forearms into the counter. She’s totally serious. “What are your intentions with my Aunt Tess?” There is an inflection with every word.

I love how protective Lottie is towards Tess. Their bond is unlike any other and I can tell she is just as concerned about Tess’ heart as I am. The coffee machine beeps and when I don’t answer right away, Lottie continues, “Adam. I’m serious.”

“I know you are.”