AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I hold my hand up. “Stop, Dad. Seriously.”
“He’s proud, sweetie.” Mom beams at me. “We all are.”
“How’s everything going at the ranch?” I gesture with my fork at Jen, hoping to divert focus off me.
It works. As we eat, Jen and Becca excitedly fill us in about their latest project on Jace and Alex’s property. My folks talk about plans to visit my grandparents in Sweden next year. I’m listening, but admittedly, my mind wanders to Peter.
He's got a hold on me I can't explain.
Once the table is cleared and the dishes are done, I decide to take a quiet moment in my favorite spot at the house—the expansive covered back porch overlooking Lake Washington. Sitting under a heater and wrapped in a cozy blanket, I take out the page I tore out of my sketchbook, unfold it and look it over.
My Tryst List. It feels like forever ago when I came up with this scheme. Before Peter walked back in my life and shook it up, much to my annoyance. Everything had been going to plan. I was feisty and ready to reclaim my sexuality and live life by my terms.
He shows up and I’m back to fucking square one.
What’s wrong with me?
I lean back, shut my eyes, and memories of the night consume me.
The neon lights of Vegas glow through the curtains as I lie next to him, tangled in the white sheets of the hotel bed. The air is heavy with the scent of our passion. My skin tingles from hours of him touching, kissing, and worshipping every part of my body. Despite the whirlwind of meeting him to this moment, everything feels tranquil, almost surreal.
His muscular arm is wrapped protectively around me. The warmth of his body is comforting. I’m at peace, with my head resting on his chest. I’ve found my person in the most cliché manner, but it doesn’t matter.
We’re meant to be. Which sounds crazy but feels saner than anything I’ve ever known.
“You know…” His voice is a low rumble. “I haven’t felt like this…well, ever.”
I lift my head to look at him, his eyes reflect a sincerity that sends a flutter through my heart. “Me neither,” I admit, feeling vulnerable.
“There’s something about you, Jordan.” He carefully brushes a strand of hair from my face. “It’s like you’ve walked into my life and turned it upside down.”
I can’t help but smile, my cheeks flushing with happiness and a tinge of disbelief. “In a good way, I hope.”
“In the best way.” His lips graze mine. “I came to Vegas expecting a mundane conference. Instead, I find you. It’s like fate had a hand in us meeting.”
Fate. Destiny. Could this really be something more than a chance encounter?
He continues, his voice tender yet earnest. “I don’t know what the future holds, but I know I want you in it. These few hours with you have been more real than anything I’ve ever experienced in my life.”
“I feel the same way,” I whisper, allowing myself to get lost in the moment.
He pulls me closer and our lips meet in a tender kiss, a promise of something deeper than a night of sex in a Vegas hotel room.
For the rest of the night, in between making love and fucking—because we do both, he and I talk about everything and nothing. The world outside fades away. We share silly snippets of our lives. Tease each other. Learn about our likes and dislikes. Even though we don't talk much about our families or our professions, it doesn't matter. With each word, the bond between us grows stronger, more tangible.
His affection is unwavering. Peter makes me feel cherished, understood. He says everything I’ve ever wanted to hear, everything I didn’t even know I needed.
I find myself believing in the possibility of a future with Peter. In a city known for its fleeting pleasures, we’ve found something rare and profound…
I barely notice Jen join me. “Penny for your thoughts?”
“You’ll need a lot more than a penny.” I fold the list and tuck it away. “I’m thinking about…stuff. You know, life.”
Jen leans her head on my shoulder. “This about the client whose tattoo you finished last month? Peter, was it? Vegas guy.”
“What a little bitch.” I shake my head but can’t help but smile a bit. “I knew I shouldn’t have let Becca befriend Merc. He has a big fucking mouth.”
She squeezes my arm. “He’s worried about you. He said there was an incident…”
