Page 35 of Deception & Daylight (Oak Ridge #3)

Mags

? Die A Happy Man - Thomas Rhett

M y body is spent and I know I should be passed out by now, but I can’t seem to turn off my brain long enough to let sleep take me.

So I roll onto my side, finding Miles on his back staring up at the ceiling with one arm behind his head, impeccable chest and abs on full display.

Why do I suddenly want to lick him? “You can’t sleep either?

” he asks, turning his head to study my face.

“Nope.”

“Something on your mind?” He reaches out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. This tender side of Miles has me all twisted up in knots. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to look at him the same way again. And maybe I don’t want to.

“Not really. Today was just…”

“A lot?”

“Yeah. In a good way, though.” In the best way.

His mouth tips into a smirk. “Wanna get a snack?”

“Orgasms and food. You sure know how to make the girls swoon.”

“There’s only one girl I care about. Come on.

” The sudden whiplash of his casual statement catches me off guard, but I ignore the urge to ask him what he meant by it.

We said no feelings and I have to remember that.

Even if we are in the process of breaking all the rules, there are some lines that shouldn’t be crossed.

Falling for Miles Barlow is out of the question.

Much to my dismay, Miles pulls a shirt from his duffel and tosses it over his head, but I’m too busy staring at his delicious ass in his grey sweatpants to care about anything else right now.

On second thought, maybe I’m not that hungry.

I blink, and suddenly I’m being tossed over his shoulder, one hand on my ass as he leads us out of the room. “Miles! I’m not wearing any pants.”

“Mmmm. I noticed,” he says, rubbing a palm over my still sore ass cheek before biting into my thigh. I let out a squeak as his teeth make contact with my flesh. “Quiet. Don’t wanna wake my mom when you’re half naked.”

I groan in frustration as he quietly pads down the staircase and into the kitchen.

I’ve been here before, but I don't think I ever fully appreciated its charm. It’s a cozy space with an island in the center, copper fixtures, and vintage tiling.

Off to the left, there’s an exposed brick fireplace with family photos on the mantle, and a small round dining table set with a dusty blue gingham tablecloth and fresh flowers in the center that I recognize as the ones I brought back for Lucy when she was discharged from the hospital.

Miles deposits me on the island, his hands trailing up my thighs as he leans in, kissing me far too briefly. “What are you in the mood for?” he asks .

You.

“I’m not picky.”

The dim light from the fridge illuminates the space as he peers inside.

Not finding anything of interest, he opens the freezer and smiles as he pulls out a pint of vanilla ice cream.

He places it down on the island then heads over to the pantry, returning with an armload of ingredients including chocolate chips, sprinkles, and marshmallows, before heading back to the fridge for a can of ready whip and a jar of maraschino cherries.

“Spread your legs,” he says. When I look at him like he has three heads, he chuckles, pointing to where I’m perched on the island. “The drawer for the spoons is right there.”

“Oh. Right.” My cheeks flame as he reaches between my spread thighs, pulling two spoons from a drawer.

Leaning in close to my ear, he says, “But if you wanna give me something else to eat, just say the word, baby.” He winks and suddenly my mouth is dry and I lose focus, my mind replaying visions of Miles on his knees in the alleyway.

Once he’s finished gathering an assortment of ingredients, he hands me a bowl of vanilla ice cream. “You do the honors.”

“I don’t think you realize what you’ve just done,” I say, eyeing the sugary sweet toppings lining the countertop. “This is either the best or worst idea you’ve ever had.”

First, I select the chocolate sauce and pour a generous amount over the ice cream.

Next, I grab a handful of chocolate chips, followed by an Oreo cookie that I crush in my hand and sprinkle on top.

Finally, I squirt a dollop of whipped cream over the whole thing before adding a maraschino cherry for good measure.

He leans into my space, his palm resting against my thigh as he snatches the spoon from my hands. “Be a good girl and open up.”

I instantly obey his command, allowing him to feed me.

There’s something almost erotic about ou r positions and the way the spoon slides out of my mouth.

The rich vanilla ice cream combined with the explosion of chocolate has me moaning around the spoon.

When he goes to take his own bite, I snatch it from his hands and dart around the island, savoring the flavors on my tongue.

With a mischievous smirk, he stalks towards me like I’m his prey, and I almost want to let him catch me.

Instead, I run in the opposite direction, but my confidence falters as he snags me around the waist. His breath fans over my ear as he whispers a quiet threat.

“Your ass still has my handprints on it, so I’ll be considerate for now.

But if you continue to test my restraint, you should know I have other ways to punish you. ”

Walking me back towards the island, he cages me in and the feel of his hard chest pressed against my body combined with the lingering threat of pain and pleasure combined sends wave a desire coursing through me.

He grabs me by my waist and places me back on the island, stepping between my spread thighs.

Feeling generous, I spoon another bite and hold it up to his mouth.

He takes it, then brings his lips to mine and hums. “Perfect.” The way he’s looking at me, I can’t tell if he’s still talking about the ice cream.

Silence stretches between us as we take turns eating, and a sense of contentment washes over me.

I don’t know what it is about Miles that makes it so easy to be around him, but I’m not taking this peaceful moment for granted.

The way I see it, I could be in my bed alone, locked in a nightmare of my own making, or I could be down here enjoying an ice cream sundae with the man I once thought I hated.

I’d choose Miles every single time. The thought isn’t as terrifying as it should be.

A light turns on in the hallway, reminding me I'm damn near naked sitting on the kitchen island. I quickly hop off the counter and crouch down, tugging Miles’ arm in a silent plea. “What are you doing?” Miles asks with a chuckle.

Keep my vo ice low, I say, “Hiding. Obviously.” Before I can explain further, Lucy’s voice cuts in.

“What are you doing here?” she asks. It takes me a moment to realize she’s talking to Miles. I peer around a stool, hoping she doesn't notice me watching.

“Couldn’t sleep. Thought ice cream might help.”

Lucy nods in agreement. “There aren’t too many problems ice cream can’t solve. Anything you wanna talk about?”

I assume he’ll make some sort of attempt to brush off the question, so I’m shocked when he actually opens up. “Do you have any regrets, Ma?”

“I’ve made many mistakes in my life, sweetie. But every single one of them led me here and I wouldn’t trade this life for the world. Is there something in particular you’re having regrets about?”

“A couple of years ago, I made some mistakes I’m not proud of.” My breath catches in my throat as I look up at Miles, only to find him staring straight at me.

“This have anything to do with your brother?” she asks.

“In a roundabout way, I guess. But it’s also Maggie. All of it happened at the same time, and sometimes I wonder if I should’ve handled things differently.”

“Your brother is…” Lucy pauses, considering her words. “He’s a broken man, Miles. What you two went through — well, I guess I do have a few regrets. But Maggie — she’s special. Whatever you did, I’m sure she’s forgiven you.”

“Maybe. But I’m not sure I’ve earned that forgiveness.”

“Well, the ice cream sundaes are a start,” she says through a laugh. “You can come out now, sweet girl.” Miles beams at me, reaching out a hand. I roll my eyes, begrudgingly placing my palm in his as he helps me to stand.

I sigh. “You knew I was there the whole time?”

“Nothing gets past Lucy Barlow,” Miles teases, kissing my forehead. “You want some ice cream, Ma?”

“I’m g onna head back to bed.” She gestures with two fingers to her eyes and then back at us. “You two behave yourselves.” With an affectionate smile, she turns to leave, and I’m left to wonder if everything he said was the truth.

When we return to my room, Miles places me down at the foot of the bed, then quickly tugs his t-shirt off over my head, leaving me naked before him.

“I have some work to do to earn your forgiveness. Lay back, arms over your head.” His voice is a gruff command. I don’t know when I started obeying his every command without question, so utterly at his mercy, but I can’t deny how much I crave his control.

I watch as he pulls off his clothes, revealing every delicious inch of his gorgeous body. His muscles are taut, and his gaze is intense as he stalks back to the bed with purpose before covering my body with his.

“You are so fucking beautiful,” he says, kissing up my torso before taking my mouth in a languid kiss that steals my breath. He grasps both of my wrists in one hand, teasing me with the other as I writhe and moan beneath him.

We lock eyes, and the vibrant blue depths of his irises shine with something I can’t quite place.

The air grows thick and heavy as he cups my cheek, stroking his thumb along my cheekbone achingly slowly.

I gasp for air, unable to breathe under his scrutiny.

When he speaks, his voice is rough, “I mean it, Maggie. I’m gonna show you just how much I wish things were different.

Every day until you believe me.”A sharp intake of breath is the only response I can muster under the intense weight of his solemn declaration.

He kisses each one of my eyelids, then my nose, then over each cheek, before his lips touch mine in a tender kiss.

Locking one of my legs around his hip, he lines himself up exactly where I’m aching for him, but he doesn’t push forward.

Instead, he glides a hand up my torso and between my breasts, before settling his palm around my neck.

He doesn’t squeeze, leaving his hand there like a claim.

Then I feel him notch himself at my opening, and hips push forward ever so slowly, letting me feel every hard inch as he enters me.

“I asked you who you belong to,” he whispers, resting his forehead against mine. “But I got it all wrong.”

I cup his cheek, feeling his stubble beneath my palm. When I speak, my lips graze against his, letting the question flow off my tongue, unprepared for what his answer might be. “What do you mean?”

“You never belonged to me, baby. But I’ve always belonged to you.”

My response is little more than a breathy sigh. “Kiss me.”

Those two simple words are all the encouragement he needs.

His lips are soft against my own as he swallows my moans.

And when his hips swivel in a circular motion, his cock brushing me deeper than I’ve ever felt before, I cry out.

His eyes never leave mine, and I can’t bring myself to look away either; it’s almost as though he’s trying to commit me to memory in every way — his hand around my neck, our breaths mingling between thrusts.

This feels different from every other time we’ve had sex.

He’s taking his time with me, and it feels like a promise.

Miles

I sense the moment she starts to stir. “Good morning,” she whispers, her voice still hoarse from sleep, and maybe the multiple orgasms from the night before. And again early this morning. I pull her towards me, kissing he r forehead as I trail my fingertips along her side and over her ribs.

“Did you know you have a birthmark in the shape of a heart right here?”

She giggles. “You’ve said that before.”

“Have I?”

“Yeah. I mean, I know it was two years ago, but I still remember it vividly. It was the first time I sent you a full body nude. I’m a little insulted you don’t remember.”

My entire body stiffens as realization sinks in. Just another thing my brother fucking stole from us. I rest my head on her sternum, listening to the steady beat of her heart. “Hey. You okay?” she murmurs, running her fingers through my hair.“I was just teasing. Forget I said anything.”

I glance up and force a smile. “I wish I could go back and do things differently.”

Her delicate hand sweeps my hair from my forehead, and the gentle brush of her fingers feels like a brand.

“I’m not sure I would.” Her quiet admission catches me off guard, stealing the breath from my lungs.

“I was a different person back then. Apathetic. Reckless. I don’t even recognize her anymore.

If things had been different, I don’t know that we would be here right now. ”

“You don’t think so? You don’t think you would’ve fallen head over heels for me the moment you saw me?” I tease.

“Doubtful. As tragic as your face is, I probably would’ve run away screaming.”

Moving swiftly, I shift her beneath me, bracketing her hips with my knees, her wrists pinned over her head with one of my hands. I tickle her ribs and she trashes in my hold. “Take it back, Wildcat.”

Tears gather along her lashes as uncontrollable laughter consumes her. I pause long enough for her to catch her breath. Gasping for air, she says, “Ok, ok. You win!”

“You mig ht not have fallen for me then, but I would’ve been a goner.” I kiss her nose, taking in her stunned expression, before sauntering to the bathroom. Stopping in the doorway, I glance back as she raises onto her elbows, brow furrowed. Yeah. Let her stew on that for a minute.