Page 38 of A Heart On A Sleeve

twenty-two

Sam

An Address and a New Lead

I set Olive down on the bed gently, astounded by how beautiful she looks with wet hair and water dripping down her body.

She’s everything I’ve ever wanted physically, but what’s on the inside far outweighs that.

The subtle ways in which she second-guesses herself breaks my heart.

Olive is kind, intelligent, thoughtful, and absolutely not deserving of ever feeling less than perfect.

I hover over her, pressing gentle kisses to her lips and face. “I’ve wanted you since the first day I saw you, baby. This probably isn’t going to last long,” I say, trying to be upfront that I will not be able to go the distance, so to speak.

“I’m not worried about that, I just want to feel you inside of me,” she mewls out, grasping to pull me closer.

Olive kisses me, flicking her tongue out and deepening our connection.

She’s running her fingers up and down my back, and I can feel the precum beading before I’m even inside of her.

Reaching between us, I grab my cock and give it a calm-down squeeze, just enough to buy myself time to get inside of her.

I rub myself from her clit down into her soaking center and then I push in. Fuck! She’s so tight.

“I, um, I don’t want to hurt you, so I’m going to do this slowly,” I manage to say, breathing deeply through my nose.

“You won’t hurt me, Sam. Just, well, you know already.”

At her command, I drive my hips forward, seating myself fully. Olive is so snug around me I’m worried I’ve hurt her, but she doesn’t wince.

“I’m going to move, are you okay?”

“Yes, Sam. Oh my gosh, you’re so big. It feels so good.” Her center goes slick all around me, the heat and moisture almost make me lose it. I pull out and then grind in again. Stars wink behind my eyes.

“Harder, Sam,” she commands.

I pull out, slamming into her harder as I lift her legs onto my shoulders. I’m moving so quickly and forcefully, I’m a little afraid I’m going to break her. But her eyes are fixed on mine, and I can tell she’s enjoying it from the waves of fire erupting on her arm.

I pull out, grabbing a pillow and lifting her up so that she’s propped at the right angle.

Leaning forward with my hands on either side of her, I push back into her again.

Olive meets me each time, grinding onto the base of my cock when I bottom out deep inside her.

I slow my pace, pulling out and using my fingers to rub circles on her clit.

She’s so wet and tasted so sweet in the shower, I can’t stop myself from dipping lower and sucking on her clit again.

“Sam, I need you . . . please,” she begs, and I move to hover over her again.

“You’re so sweet, baby. I’ll never get tired of tasting you.

” I swirl my fingers on her pussy again, dipping one inside and bringing it to her lips.

She sucks my finger, tasting herself. “See, delicious isn’t it, good girl?

” Her arm flares with the word yes, followed by kiss faces and fireworks.

I’d be lying if I said that the tattoo wasn’t incredibly helpful when it comes to knowing what she likes.

I flip Olive onto her stomach and lift her hips into the air as I sink back into her.

She’s always gorgeous, but with her hair fanning out all around her and her face pressed against the mattress, this might be my new favorite vantage point.

After a few more hard pumps, we both scream each other’s names as we float into oblivion.

Olive rolls over when I finally pull out, and I lie on top of her, holding my weight by propping my elbows underneath me. “Baby, that was . . . It was . . .” I can’t form words.

Olive leans up, kissing my mouth softly. “It was amazing,” she utters, breathlessly.

“I’ve never been with anyone like this,” I admit. I’m not sure if I should tell her that she’s my first without a condom, but it feels special. I like knowing this thing between us is somewhat of a first for me.

“Me either. It never felt like a good idea.” My heart grows three sizes knowing we are finally sharing something that feels deeper.

Olive has been tentative in telling me just about anything.

Most of the time I’m prying information out of her or gauging her reactions based on her arm. This is progress.

“I should go clean up. I think I still have pumpkin in my hair.” Olive pushes me off of her with a light shove.

“I’ll come with you. I can wash your hair,” I reply, knowing it’s probably a bad idea as it will surely lead to more. But I don’t want any distance when we just had what I think is a breakthrough.

“That’s okay. I’ll just be ten minutes.” She leans in to kiss me, then saunters off to the bathroom. I hear the door click close, and I know that, for whatever reason, she needs space to process what we just did.

I want to be sad or maybe a little annoyed, but I can’t.

I know I’m probably overthinking it, she’s told me in many direct and indirect ways that she doesn’t let people in.

I know as much as I want to hold her right now, she needs the time to think through things, and pushing her would be a mistake.

I sink back into the bed, closing my eyes and replaying everything that just transpired, wondering if I took it too far or did anything to make her uncomfortable.

“Sam, wake up.” Olive presses a kiss to my lips, causing me to stir awake.

“Too early, need sleep,” I mumble in return.

“Nice try, I’m leaving for my run, and I’m pretty sure you have a local business owners’ brunch. Beau told me about it. I assume you go to those too?” She ruffles my hair then strokes her dainty fingers down my beard.

“Shit! I spent the night?” I sit up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. Olive giggles then shoves me back lightly.

“Don’t act like it’s a bad thing. When I came back from showering, you were passed out. I have to say, I didn’t take you for a snuggler, but you make a pretty great little spoon,” she says, blushing a bit when I turn to look at her.

“What time is it?” I ask.

“Seven-fifteen.”

“Way too early for a run. My meeting’s not till nine-thirty. Come snuggle with me instead.” I turn wrapping my arms around her and pulling her to the bed. I can’t help but tickle her a bit just to hear that melodic laugh.

“I have to run. I’ve skipped too many lately,” Olive explains, peppering me with little kisses. “Take as much time as you need, just lock up with the key under the mat when you leave if I’m not back.”

“Uh, fine. I guess duty calls. Can’t stay hidden away in bed with me all day.” I shrug then promptly toss the covers back to stand. I’m still in my birthday suit, and I can’t help but notice the way her breath hitches at the sight of me.

“I-I’m leaving now, call me later.” Olive practically lunges for the door.

“Will do. Oh, and Olive? Thanks for last night,” I say, grinning at her.

Instead of saying anything, she walks back over and kisses me.

Just a simple, chaste kiss, but one that I feel all the way from the ends of my hair to the tips of my toes.

We’re going to be okay. I know just from that small gesture that she doesn’t regret last night.

I dig around in my bag and throw on the sweats I packed before collecting my pumpkin-covered clothing from the front door.

Exiting, I retrieve the key and lock the door before returning the key under the entryway mat.

She should find a better hiding spot. Anyone looking could easily find the key and let themselves in.

Shaking my head, I walk to my truck and dart across town to change for the business brunch I have to attend before my first client.

“Here we go again. Mrs. Beasley will never get over the one time that she lost half a loaf of bread to the seagulls. What does she expect the council to do? Block all birds from flying near the farmers’ market?

” Beau grumbles under his breath to me. I take another bite of eggs, opting not to get involved.

“We have a new update from Stan Overby. Improvements are coming to the historical society that I think are going to delight all of you,” Tony Marino bellows.

“Good morning and thank you, Tony. I’m not sure how excited any of you will be about this news, but I am ecstatic to share that after years of searching, we’ve finally identified the home of our favorite witch, Irina Hallowell.

” My breath hitches and my skin turns clammy.

Did he say they know where she lived or lives ?

I lean forward in my chair to listen intently.

While the whole tattoo thing is still super bizarre, I don’t understand why Olive is so hell bent on getting rid of it.

I wouldn’t want to go anywhere near that witch again, but this could be the clue Olive has been waiting for.

“We received an anonymously donated article that indicates that the old cottage on Crow may have belonged to her. It’s pretty run-down, but plans to survey the property and catalog anything found inside are underway, with work slated to begin mid next week. ”

Shit! Once they get started, no one will be allowed to go near the place.

If we want to check it out, we’re going to have to get in and out prior to them roping it off.

Stan continues droning on about enhancements to the tourist experience in Mage and how the historical society is the “real” attraction.

I’m not about to disagree with him, but I think there’s something to be said about the appeal of our town and the plethora of fun seasonal events that actually provide the real pull.

“I can only imagine the business this whole Irina thing is going to drum up. Olive and I will need to spend extra time digging through backstock in case interest peaks. Is she available today?” Beau asks quietly.

“No, she’s busy today. Maybe tomorrow?” I respond as if I don’t know that tomorrow is a standard workday. I can’t wait to get out of here to call her. Beau just rolls his eyes and huffs under his breath about that being obvious.

“That’s all for today. Please drop suggestion cards in the basket by the door on your way out, and don’t forget about the upcoming Christmas Walk. I will need engagement from everyone in town to pull it off,” Tony says, adjourning the meeting.

I stand, scooching my chair back with a squeak across the tile floor. In a matter of seconds, I’m pacing on the sidewalk, willing Olive to answer her phone.

“Miss me already, Sam?”

“Always. Are you busy today?”

“Nope, unless Beau needs me for something. Although I have girls’ night tonight, so I’ll need to be back by five to get ready.”

“Okay, I have a lead on Irina. Stan gave everyone the address to her assumed home after receiving an anonymous tip. The society is going to start their survey and restoration next week. I think we should check it out, and if we’re going, we need to do it tonight or tomorrow,” I explain.

“Oh, uh, okay . . . It has to be tonight. We’ll get caught snooping if we go during the day.” Olive comes through with logic, thank God.

“Okay, can you cancel girls’ night?” I ask, hoping she’s on board.

“No, but I can bring Ari with me. Why don’t you bring Howard? Double date!” Olive’s voice goes up three octaves on the last statement. I can’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm. A part of me hopes she’s that excited about us, too.

“I’ll ask him. But does he know? You know, about your arm . . .”

“Yeah! He’s known for weeks. It’s all good,” Olive chatters out. The knowledge that everyone, or what feels like everyone, but me has known hits me in the gut. I need to have a conversation with her, tell her how I feel, because it’s killing me holding back.

“Oh, um, alright. I’ll stop by Union after my last client and see if he’s in,” I respond, stopping myself from saying too much.

Seeming to sense my inner turmoil, she says, “I’m sorry, Sam.

I just didn’t know how to tell you. It’s this crazy out of my control thing, and I thought it would be just one more reason for you to leave, you know.

” I can hear her sigh on the other end of the line.

I get why she didn’t tell me sooner, and we have made progress—she’s even started to tell me about her mom.

But I want more, I want everything she has to offer.

“Baby, let me make something clear. I’m not going anywhere.

You keep saying I’ll leave, but from where I’m sitting, it feels like maybe you’re the one afraid of this.

I’m all in, I promise.” My voice cracks as the emotion of last night and now today starts to bubble up. I think I’m in love with Olivia Bowman.

“Thanks, Sam. I’ll see you tonight.”