Page 18

18

HARPER

Ash:

Good morning. Hope you slept well.

Harper stared at his phone, still in bed, curled under his blankets. He hadn’t slept well. He’d lain awake most of the night and had nightmares when he’d finally fallen asleep.

Was it weird that Ash texted? It was sweet but a bit much, right? The kind of thing a boyfriend would send, not a guy he barely knew.

Harper smiled anyway.

He might not know Ash, but there was something between them, something that went deeper than a hookup or merely looking for a repeat. Harper still couldn’t believe Ash had saved him. Not that he doubted Ash’s story. He just felt strangely lucky.

He replied:

Good morning.

Harper was drawn to Ash like he never had been to anyone else. He wanted to see him again, be in his arms, and feel that warm, content feeling. In comparison, Harper was cold in his bed and more aware of his loneliness than he’d been in a while.

Everything in his new life was falling apart. He hadn’t gotten any more stone and didn’t think he could bring himself to try again. He didn’t even want to leave the apartment to go to The Herb Emporium.

Just getting out of bed seemed like too much. What was the point? The apartment was empty, and getting up would mean he had to do things, figure out how to fix this mess.

He wished Ash were here.

Which was silly. He couldn’t lean on Ash. He couldn’t lean on anyone. He was stronger than this and needed to pull himself together.

Harper tugged the blanket over his head and pressed his face into his pillow.

His phone buzzed and his heart skipped.

Was this overattachment because Ash was Harper’s first crush in a long time or because Ash was the first man to touch him with any real affection?

The vampire side of Ash had to be subconsciously drawn to the magic in Harper’s blood, whether Ash realized it or not, so Harper couldn’t even be sure all that affection was really for him.

He still smiled at the new message, doubts fading away.

Ash:

Got any exciting breakfast plans?

Was Ash going to ask him to breakfast? A zing tingled down Harper’s spine.

Harper:

No, I haven’t even gotten out of bed yet.

Ash:

I hope I didn’t wake you.

Harper:

You didn’t. I’m just being lazy.

Ash:

Nothing wrong with that. Especially if you didn’t sleep well.

Harper paused. How did Ash know? Had Ash guessed when he’d ignored that part of Ash’s initial message?

Ash:

What’s your favorite breakfast food?

Harper:

Pancakes.

What’s yours?

Did Ash eat breakfast? Vampires didn’t need human food.

Ash:

Scrambled eggs. I had some this morning.

He wouldn’t ask Harper to breakfast if he’d eaten. Which was okay. Ash’s messages chased away the remnants of Harper’s nightmares, filling his chest with butterflies instead of dread.

Other than texting Ash about random little events and answering all of Ash’s questions about his favorite things, Harper’s day didn’t improve.

The prospect of leaving his apartment made his stomach cramp. He didn’t do anything except shower and have some toast all day. If he hadn’t had Ash to talk to, he might not have gotten out of bed.

What should his next move be? Going back to The Herb Emporium, where Nico surely knew something was up, was a risk Harper didn’t want to take after yesterday.

It wasn’t likely anyone followed him and Ash home without the vampire realizing, but Harper’s coven was closer than ever, and he couldn’t be certain a third witch hadn’t been lurking near the port, waiting to see what happened.

It might not be safe to go out.

At the same time, Harper couldn’t stop selling potions to Nico altogether. If he did, he’d run out of money and, much sooner than later, be unable to pay rent.

The uncertainty paralyzed him. He should have been able to come up with a new plan, but fear settled in his bones, and he couldn’t shake it off, no matter how much Ash asked about pancake toppings or how Harper liked to take his coffee.

Ash had said he wanted to help, but Harper couldn’t make himself ask. It went against everything he had in place to keep himself safe.

The next few days were no better. Harper was unable to do anything except sit around and worry. But Ash texted every morning. He really seemed to want to get to know Harper.

Harper’s phone buzzed on his nightstand and he snatched it before it had even stopped.

Ash:

Can I take you out for coffee?

Harper clutched the phone. He should say yes. It sounded like a date, and even as horrible as he’d felt all week, his feelings for Ash hadn’t dimmed.

Harper:

Like a date?

He had to be sure. Who cared if it wasn’t cool to ask or if he should automatically know whether Ash was being casual or asking him out. He couldn’t handle mixed signals.

Ash:

Yes, exactly like a date. I’ve been looking forward to seeing you again.

Harper:

I’m looking forward to seeing you too.

Ash:

So, coffee today? You name the place.

Harper chewed his lip. Going out for coffee was a stupid risk. What if his coven was searching the neighborhoods closest to the port after two of their men disappeared? There was always the possibility that someone had followed him and Ash home, even if it was unlikely for a vampire—with enhanced senses—to miss a tail.

Harper:

Is it okay if you meet me at my apartment first?

He might feel safe enough to leave if he wasn’t alone. They could walk to Seaside Coffee together.

Harper should be stronger than this and face things on his own. He was powerful and smart. He wasn’t weak. Finch was gone and couldn’t hurt him again. But it wasn’t weak to need people. He just didn’t have any people he could turn to. He’d always managed by himself.

But that had never been a choice. Maybe Ash could be his person.

Ash:

Sure thing, sweet. I’ll be there in an hour if that works for you?

Harper’s cheeks heated as memories of Ash calling him sweet the night after the club filled his mind.

Harper:

Perfect. See you soon.

An hour later—almost exactly—Ash buzzed to be let into Harper’s building.

Harper buzzed Ash in and hurried to grab his keys and phone. He ran a hand through his hair.

A knock sounded on his door, and he jumped. Great, he was skittish before getting a foot out the door. Harper checked the peephole, confirmed it was Ash, and opened the door.

“Hi.” Had that sounded breathy? Desperate? If only Harper could relax.

Ash’s lips curved in the most radiant smile, wrinkles appearing at the corners of his eyes. “Hey, sweet thing. Good to see you.”

Butterflies exploded in Harper’s chest.

Ash held up a paper bag in one hand and a coffee carrier with two cups in the other. “I’ve got treats.”

“Oh.” Harper stepped back from the door, allowing Ash to enter. “I thought you wanted to go out.”

Ash shrugged. “I wanted to see you. We can have coffee here if you’d rather stay in.”

Harper closed the front door, his shoulders sagging. This was better than going out. He wouldn’t be distracted scanning for witches or worried something bad might happen. He could focus on Ash.

“How’d you know I’d rather stay in?” He’d only said to meet at the apartment, not that he didn’t want to leave.

Ash bumped his shoulder against Harper’s. “You’ve had a rough week, Harper. I understand wanting to stick close to home.”

He seemed to have a knack for picking up on things without Harper having to spell them out. He appreciated it, along with Ash’s apparent lack of judgment.

Harper ducked his head and led Ash to the living room. What would Ash think if he knew he hadn’t left the house in days? Would he still want to have coffee together? Hopefully.

Ash set the drinks and paper bag on the coffee table and sat, spreading his legs wide as he got comfortable.

“I’ll get plates.” Harper hurried to the kitchen, trying not to think about the last time he’d been on the couch with Ash. This was much more intimate than going out for coffee. Harper didn’t even have his shoes on, just socks.

He brought plates and cutlery to the living room and sat down. Was he sitting too close? Not close enough? It felt silly to be bashful after Ash had seen him practically naked.

Ash handed him a coffee and opened the bag. He pulled out scones and pastries, then cut them all in half so they could share.

Harper glanced at the logo on his cup. “You went to Seaside Coffee?”

“Yeah.” Ash nudged him playfully with his elbow. “I figured you must like it since I ran into you there.”

Harper sipped his drink. Ash had remembered he liked hazelnut almond lattes, or maybe he’d looked back at their text conversation. “Thanks. This is perfect. ”

“You’re most welcome.” Ash sipped his coffee and shifted, half turning toward Harper and casually placing an arm along the back of the couch. “How are you doing?”

“Okay.” Harper squirmed. Ash might not have judged him yet, but he wasn’t admitting he’d hidden inside all week.

Ash nodded, a serious furrow appearing on his brow. “You haven’t had any trouble since I last saw you?”

Wait. Was that why Ash was here? Harper didn’t want this to be about his witch problems. At least he’d already asked and Ash had said this was a date. Maybe he was just showing concern, which was fine. More than fine. Harper wanted Ash to care so badly it made the coffee churn in his stomach.

“No problems. I haven’t gone out much.” Harper broke eye contact, inspecting his coffee lid.

“I didn’t imagine you’d be rushing to go out,” Ash said like he really did understand. “But we don’t have to talk about that unless you want to. What pastries look good?”

Harper considered the food, more than relieved to move on. “All of them. But I think I want that berry one first.” Icing clung to the pastry and the berry filling in the center. Harper hadn’t had a treat like it in ages.

Ash handed him half, taking the other for himself. They each had a bite. “Good choice,” Ash rumbled, his deep voice giving Harper chills.

The pastry was really good. Harper smiled as he ate, sinking back into the couch cushions. Ash’s arm brushed his shoulders and he sighed, relaxing as if the small touch had relieved what was left of his tension.

Ash sipped his coffee and grabbed another pastry. “Have you lived in Shearwater Landing long?”

Harper licked some icing off his finger. “Not really. I’ve only just moved in with Ollie.”

Ash nodded. “He’s a close friend? ”

“No. We only met when I signed the lease. But I hope he’ll become a close friend. I like living with him. How about you? Have you lived here long?”

Ash frowned at his coffee. “No. I lived here a while ago but only just came back. My brother lives here. Well, my brothers, but the second one wasn’t as happy to see me.”

They chatted and ate their way through the treats. Just like in their text conversations, Harper found Ash easy to talk to.

The longer they were on the couch, the closer Harper shifted to Ash, drawn like a magnet. Ash responded to the shrinking distance, brushing his fingers along Harper’s shoulder and bumping their knees together.

It was so different from their hookup. Soft and sweet, yet Harper’s heart was still in his throat. Talking was just as good as kissing, and his confidence rose as he realized Ash must be enjoying this too.

Harper might not have been on other dates to compare, but Ash’s interest was evident. He looked at Harper like he was trying to soak up every detail in front of him.

It made Harper want to kiss him. Not because Ash was hot or because Harper was horny, but to connect. It had been so good that night, and this was even better.

Ash brushed some sugar from Harper’s lower lip, and the touch sparked. Harper held back a groan.

“Thank you for giving me another shot,” Ash murmured.

Harper bit his lip, worrying the spot Ash had touched. “You certainly didn’t waste it.”

Ash chuckled. “Glad to hear you don’t think so.”

Harper shifted closer, and Ash leaned in. The arm he had on the back of the couch slid down, embracing Harper, and Harper angled his face, tilting his mouth up ever so slightly.

Ash closed the distance and brushed his lips gently against Harper’s. Harper caught the spiced, smoky scent of Ash’s cologne and sighed into the kiss, his body melting into Ash like it belonged there.

Ash rumbled against Harper’s lips, almost purring, a sound so content that Harper shivered. It was as if Ash had been waiting for this and was relieved to finally kiss Harper again. Could Ash really feel that strongly?

Harper kissed Ash back. He wrapped his arms around Ash’s neck and pressed closer. Damn, it felt good to be back in Ash’s arms. Why couldn’t everything feel this good? It was like nothing could touch him when they were together.

Ash kissed along Harper’s jaw and tugged lightly on his earlobe.

Harper whimpered. “Want to go to my room?”

Ash pulled back, fixing a smoldering stare on Harper. “Sure.”

Harper stood from the couch. He hesitated to take things too far in the living room, even though Ollie wouldn’t return for hours. He wasn’t nervous like when he’d first taken Ash home, but there was something delicate about this time. Whatever it was, Harper wanted it to happen behind closed doors, where he felt safest.

Ash followed him into his room, toed off his shoes, and shut the door. Harper hovered near his bed, but he was saved from having to decide what to do next as Ash pulled him close.

He pressed his lips to Harper’s ear. “What do you want, sweet? Would you like to call the shots? Tell me how you want me, and you can have it.”

Harper’s breath hitched. Ash lingered, kissing his ear. “I’m not sure what I want.” The honest words slipped out before Harper could stop them.

Ash pulled back, cupping Harper’s cheek. “We don’t have to do anything like we did the other night. That’s not why I came over. ”

Harper appreciated the lack of pressure. It made it easier to open up. “I want to. I just don’t really know what I like.” His cheeks burned. He wanted Ash to see him, to know him, even if it was kind of embarrassing. “I don’t have a lot of experience. This is my first real date.”

Ash’s thumb stroked Harper’s cheek. “I’m honored to be your first real date, flower.”

Fuck, Ash was intense. Harper loved it. Most guys would never say anything like that, but it wasn’t cheesy or fake when Ash did. It seemed genuine and made Harper feel safe being himself. “Maybe I can find out what I like with you?”

Ash hummed. “I’d love nothing more. We can take our time exploring anything you want.”

Yes, that sounded perfect.

Harper pulled Ash onto the bed. He laid back and Ash settled beside him, propped on his side. He placed a hand on Harper’s stomach.

Ash ran his hand up to Harper’s pecs, brushing his nipples lightly through his T-shirt. “You liked it when I touched you here last time, right?” Harper nodded, and Ash pinched one of his nipples, making him gasp. Ash grinned. “May I explore the rest of you?”

“Okay,” Harper breathed.

Ash’s hand trailed back down his body. “Is there anywhere you don’t like being touched?”

“I don’t think so.” Harper squirmed as Ash’s hand neared his groin. “No one’s ever touched me like this.” His gaze shot to Ash’s face. Was that too much to admit?

Ash seemed thoughtful. “Your past lovers didn’t touch you?”

Harper bit his lip. “I’ve only had one. It wasn’t like this.”

“I love touching you, watching your reactions, and seeing what brings you pleasure. Nothing feels as good as your body against mine.” Ash hauled Harper against him in a tight hug.

Harper’s heart swelled almost painfully. “It feels so good when you hold me,” he whispered.

Ash nuzzled Harper’s neck as he stroked his back. “I’ll hold you whenever you like. If you ever need a hug, call me. I’ll be there.” He kissed Harper’s cheek.

“You’d really do that?” Harper gripped Ash’s broad shoulders. “Not even to get off or anything? You’d come to see me just to hug me?”

“Yes,” Ash murmured in his ear.

Harper’s throat constricted. He wanted someone to be there for him whenever he needed. To hug and comfort him and listen to his ramblings. He wanted it more than sex. And Ash wanted that too? With him?

Ash squeezed Harper tighter. “I loved your mouth around my cock, Harper, but that’s not all I’m after. I want you any and every way you’ll have me.”

Harper had never felt so loved. It was ridiculous and way too soon to feel that way. He didn’t even know if he could deal with a boyfriend—let alone love—with all his secrets. He still hardly knew Ash.

Maybe it would be better if they stopped talking, no matter how much Harper liked hearing all these things. “Kiss me,” he begged, his hands on either side of Ash’s face.

Ash flattened Harper onto the mattress and kissed him, working Harper’s mouth open. Harper’s heart thudded and his cock ached. He pulled Ash on top of him and gasped as Ash’s weight pressed into him.

Harper was secure and protected. Nothing could touch him. It was silly how fiercely he believed it.

Harper hauled Ash’s T-shirt over his head. He wanted to be closer, to feel Ash’s warmth against his skin .

Ash sat back and pulled Harper’s shirt off, and Harper went for the button on Ash’s jeans. Ash stripped them off, along with his underwear, and knelt naked, looming over Harper. He had a tattoo of what looked like a rope wrapped around his hips. How strange.

“Mine too,” Harper requested, hands trembling on his jeans button.

Ash helped him, pulling off Harper’s pants and socks. Ash reached for the waistband of Harper’s boxer briefs. “You’re so pretty.” He pealed the underwear away and drank in Harper’s naked body.

“Now hold me?” Harper reached for Ash, not caring how needy he sounded. “Please?”

Ash wrapped himself around Harper, holding him close.

Harper spread his legs so Ash could settle between them, and their cocks rubbed together, nothing but skin on skin everywhere.

Ash covered Harper’s mouth with his and kissed him deeply, his tongue exploring slowly like he was savoring it. He didn’t roll his hips or make any move to seek out friction on his very hard cock. Ash seemed solely focused on kissing and holding Harper, and Harper liked it so much his head spun.

The kiss went on and on, Harper’s need building. Ash kissed him like he’d never get tired of it.

Harper rolled his hips. He loved the sweetness of doing nothing but kissing and the acknowledgment that they didn’t need to get off just because they were naked together, but he wanted it all. Harper couldn’t resist rubbing against Ash, a moan catching in his throat.

“Please, Ash.”

Ash ground their hips together. “Is this what you need?”

“Yes.” Harper moved with him, their thrusts meeting until they found a rhythm .

“You feel so good,” Ash said against Harper’s lips.

Harper whined, and Ash thrust into him, his breaths coming faster. Ash pressed his forehead against Harper’s, their noses rubbing. Harper got lost in it.

He wanted more and fisted his hands in Ash’s hair, arching his back as Ash ground him into the mattress. “Ash, please.”

Ash gasped, his rhythm faltering. He gazed down at Harper, his eyes flickering with a golden glow as he let out a chest-vibrating moan. The hot wetness of Ash’s release flooded Harper’s stomach, smearing all over his cock and belly as they rolled their hips.

Damnation, Ash had come just from Harper writhing and moaning beneath him. Harper rode out Ash’s orgasm, rubbing against him with everything he had, ringing all the pleasure he could from Ash.

Eventually, Ash stilled and rested his head on Harper’s chest. “Fuck, Harper, sweetheart, you make me lose my mind.” He sat back on his knees and surveyed Harper with a hungry look.

Harper glanced down at the mess smeared across his skin. Ash had marked him. Harper’s whole body flashed hot.

“I want to get on my knees for you.”

Harper’s gaze shot back to Ash. “Yeah?”

Ash licked his lips, his expression ravenous. “Oh, yes. Will you let me suck your cock?”

Harper nodded. Not like it was a hard decision.

Ash grabbed a T-shirt and wiped Harper clean, then pulled him to the edge of the bed. Ash sunk to the floor, kneeling between Harper’s spread legs.

Harper caught sight of the edge of a tattoo on each of Ash’s shoulders, like he had something inked on his back.

Ash placed his hands on Harper’s inner thighs and spread his legs wide. Harper’s cock bobbed between them. Ash seemed to be drinking the sight in, making circles with his thumbs on Harper’s sensitive flesh.

Ash bent and kissed Harper’s inner thigh. “Has anyone ever done this for you?”

Harper’s legs trembled. “No.”

Ash kissed him again, swiping his tongue along Harper’s skin. His fingers flexed, holding Harper tight. “I’ll take care of you, sweet. Make you feel so good.”

Harper bit back a strangled sound.

Ash moved his mouth to Harper’s other thigh, kissing and licking, his hands kneading Harper’s muscles. Harper placed a tentative hand on Ash’s head, letting Ash’s hair run between his fingers. He could see Ash’s tattoo better now that he was bent farther forward. It was a design of intricate feathers, like folded wings.

Harper trembled as Ash kissed up his inner thigh, getting closer to his cock. He took his time, and Harper would have been impatient, except it was so clear Ash was enjoying this, almost worshipful in the way he caressed Harper, that Harper couldn’t possibly rush him.

Ash hummed as his face came to the crease between Harper’s thigh and groin. He licked and buried his nose in Harper’s skin, smelling him.

Harper’s breathing shallowed, his cheeks impossibly hot. His hips twitched. Ash groaned and turned his attention to Harper’s balls, licking and sucking them as a hand finally wrapped around Harper’s cock.

Ash gave him a few strokes before running his tongue up and down his shaft. Harper whimpered, trembling all over, his hand tightening in Ash’s hair.

“You taste so good,” Ash murmured against his cock. “I can smell myself on you. ”

“Fuck,” Harper hissed and almost went over the edge. “Ash…”

“I’ve got you, sweet.” Ash’s gaze found Harper’s as he wrapped his lips around Harper’s cock.

“Oh…fuck.” Harper’s head dropped back as Ash’s hot, wet mouth encased him.

Ash took him down, sucking and teasing Harper with his tongue, and Harper’s whole world narrowed to Ash’s mouth.

So good.

He watched Ash take him, lips stretched, gazing up at Harper like he was unable to tear his eyes away. Harper panted, letting out little whimpers as his pleasure built. Ash groaned around him, making that almost purring sound.

“Ash,” Harper gasped. He was close. He wanted it to last longer but couldn’t hold back.

Ash took him deep, humming again, and Harper came, his eyes falling shut as he clung to Ash’s hair. Harper’s hips twitched and his muscles clenched. He shook and cried out as his release filled Ash’s mouth. Ash swallowed, working him through each aftershock before pulling off his spent cock, a satisfied smile tugging on his full, spit-slick lips.

In one fluid motion, Ash stood and picked Harper up, lying him back on the bed. Ash wrapped his arms around Harper and held him close.

It felt even better than the blowjob.