Page 20

Veronica

Mudroom, Part 2

W hat am I getting myself into? I should be anxious right now, but I’m not. This is so unlike me.

But the idea of a man this incredibly gorgeous, one that I trust, telling me his body is mine to use as my own playground… is insanely hot to say the least. He would definitely be an upgrade over the toys in my nightstand.

Somehow my anxiety is replaced with excited anticipation. Sitting next to Tanner on the couch in the front of the fireplace is so oddly comforting that I can’t help but feel grounded in the moment here and now.

“I don’t know about riding along with me, but I definitely wouldn’t mind you riding me.” His words come unexpectedly, his deep, raspy voice, now lustful.

Yes, excited anticipation is an understatement. I look back into his eyes. Fuck, he’s so hot. I feel my body clench.

“Too bad they’re going to be back any minute,” he continues, a hint of disappointment in his voice. Me too, Tanner, me too. The thought of riding his cock that was just in my mouth is frighteningly enticing.

“Speaking of them, are we saying anything or…?” I ask, palms up, shrugging my shoulders.

“Oh, fucking hell no. I know Collin almost as well as you, but when it comes to this, I have no fucking clue how he’ll react,” he says as a terrified look takes over that calm and confident face. I can’t help but laugh at his brutal honesty and terrified look. “What’s so damn funny, Ronni?”

“In all the years I’ve known you, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you scared of anything. It’s an interesting look for you.” I tease, my wry smile taunting him. His expression softens, his trademark calmness returning.

“Very funny. But on that note, what’s on your plan for tomorrow, Ronni? I’m assuming you have dinner planned out.”

“Let’s see.” I trail off, pretending to flip through my imaginary paper planner. “Tomorrow was going to be carryout from Momo Hut. Why, what are you thinking?”

I look at him, a sly smirk on his face. He’s clearly got something in mind.

“So the owner of one of the places I manage is out of town most of the time, and he’s actually pretty chill. He has a guesthouse with a hot tub he lets me use when I feel like it, as long as he’s not in town. Would you be down to bring the carryout over to the guesthouse and the four of us can have a night in a private hot tub? It’s actually walking distance from here, just a couple streets over.” His expression shifts. He looks genuinely excited, eagerly awaiting my response.

“I mean it sounds awesome. But you’re telling me this guy doesn’t mind you using his hot tub or guesthouse? It’s the holidays, doesn’t he have renters?” After a few days of skiing, a night at a hot tub does sound great though and I’m sure it would be an easy sell to Collin and Lizzy.

A snort of laughter escapes that beautiful face.

“Let’s just say this guy isn’t worried about rental income. He’s loaded. You’ll have a great time. Trust me. Besides, there’s something I want to show you there.” He’s all smiles again, looking excited at the prospect of surprising me.

“Is that some kind of euphemism, Tanner?” I tease, flicking one of my braids over my shoulder.

“Maybe? Is that a yes though? You still haven’t answered my question,” he says, his voice lustful and raspy again as his eyes lower.

“Ok, yes. Let me bring it up to Collin and Lizzy and you can finish selling it.”

“Perfect. Sounds like a plan,” he says as he leans toward me, slanting his mouth and pressing his lips to mine. I savor the moment of this hot kiss, his tongue gliding hungrily along all the right spots in my mouth.

Shit. We both pull back at the sound of keys in the mudroom door.

Tanner shifts back and sits on the other side of the couch, legs crossed, his face immediately regaining his calm expression.

“Go over to the table, Ronni. Act like you’re cleaning.” He smiles, reminding me of why we stayed behind in the first place.

Fuck, he’s good.

Collin and Lizzy come in the mudroom door, pints of ice cream in hand, seconds after I reach the dining room table.

“Howdy guys. We hit the jackpot,” Collin says, as they each hold up two pints of ice cream.

“One pint for each of us!” Lizzy says, giddy for dessert.

“Did they have any peanut butter flavors?” I ask. Come on, I still want an actual dessert.

“Yep, coming at ya.” I look up at Collin, pint of ice cream already flying through the air at me, landing squarely in my hands.

“Nice catch, Ronni. What about me, bro?” Tanner asks. I choke down a laugh. You sir, already had your treat.

“How could I ever forget, Chap? Plain old vanilla, as always. You really gotta spice things up sometime, bro,” Collin says, tossing a pint towards Tanner. I hold in another laugh, thinking if only Collin knew.

“So, Collin. Lizzy. I was talking to Tanner about tomorrow night. Before you ask, it’s a carryout night on our itinerary.” I glare at them, enjoying that I cut off their joke before it could happen. “Instead of carryout here, Tanner says he’s got a guesthouse with a private hot tub we can use. He said it’s only a couple streets over and walkable. How’s that sound?”

Collin and Lizzy look at each other for a moment before looking back at me.

“Hell yeah! Sounds dope,” Collin says, never one to turn down a good time.

“Hmm. What’s the deal with this mystery guesthouse? Are we going to get kicked out for crashing a hot tub or have to avoid renters at the main house?” Lizzy has a skeptical look on her face.

Tanner gets up, heading to the kitchen for spoons. “Well. I told Ronni, TJ ain’t exactly hurting for money. He doesn’t even rent the house the eight or nine months of the year he isn’t here. Definitely a property manager’s dream.”

“Alright. I guess it does sound fun. And I did bring a swimsuit. Let’s do it,” she says.

“Awesome. Should be a great night. Dinner in the guesthouse and drinks in the hot tub.” Tanner eats a spoonful of ice cream, stealing a glance in my direction. “Besides, Ronni’s gotta see this dude’s kitchen. It’s absolutely insane. Might give her some ideas.”

“Alright, alright,” I say. “Now you’re talking my language. So let’s meet here after skiing tomorrow, change, and head over there? Collin? Can you and Lizzy plan on going into town to grab the carryout?”

“Sure V, we can do that. I know you’ll be anxious all day if we don’t have tomorrow planned out for you,” he says, looking at Lizzy, rolling his eyes about my overzealous, anxiety reducing, need for plans.

“Thanks, big bro,” I say, enjoying the unintended benefit of needing to plan things out. I’ll get rid of Collin and Lizzy for an hour or so tomorrow so I can have some alone time with Tanner. I look at Tanner, a subtle grin on his face, approving of my machinations.

“Sweet,” Tanner says, clapping his hands together once, “sounds like a solid day.”

The night wears on, everyone devouring their ice cream, gathering on the couch and floor around the coffee table in front of the fire. Tanner nurses the same beer he’s had for a while, since he’s driving home later. Collin and Lizzy are nearing the end of a bottle of wine, hopefully their last for the night.

“So, ski day tomorrow, 8:30 AM at the tram center again. Meet at the condo after the slopes. Then carryout and hot tub at this dude TJ’s guesthouse?” Collin asks, as his eyes are starting to droop.

“Come on, Collin.” Lizzy glares back at him. “V’s gone over the plan for tomorrow at least three times tonight alone. Get with the program dude.”

“So, is that a yes?” He shrugs, palms up, looking for confirmation.

“Yes, Collin. That’s the plan,” I say, amused at how he always has to be reminded.

“Sweet. Hey, Chap,” he says, his eyes briefly more alert, “if you’re grabbing coffee tomorrow, can you get me a hot Cowboy Cubano? You know, since you left me hanging this morning.”

“Sure, bro. Since you’re conscious tonight and remembered to order, I’ll grab one,” he says, before looking at Lizzy, “How ‘bout you Lizzy? Happy to get your order too.”

A small smile graces her face, perhaps accepting the peace offering.

“If you’re offering, Chap, I’ll take a horny badger,” she says with a mischievous smirk. Tanner palms his face, shaking his head. She winks at me then rolls her eyes and more seriously says, “I’ll take a small flat white. Thanks!”

“Alright,” Collin says, standing up from the couch, yawning with arms outstretched over his head, “I’m off to bed. See y’all tomorrow.” And like that, he’s off to the bunkroom.

“Yeah. I’m beat. Goodnight guys,” Lizzy says, leaving right behind Collin.

“Well, looks like it’s just us again.” Tanner’s expression has changed back to the sultry, lustful man from the gondola. His gaze intensifying.

“Yeah. Funny how that keeps happening.” I arch one eyebrow, a sheepish grin forming at the corner of my mouth.

“Almost like someone planned it, if I didn’t know any better.” There’s a fire in his eyes now. I realize the feelings of desire raging between my legs while he was in my mouth are back. As if he can read my mind, he leans in, kissing my cheek, his warm breath on my skin sends my heart racing.

“Come with me.” His words are short, but direct in that low, commanding voice. My body follows him instinctively, his words putting a spell on me, as we head to the mudroom.

Fuck. What is he thinking now?

“Close the door behind you.” He looks at me, a fierce determination behind the emerald green gems in his eyes.

“Um… What are you planning on?” My chest is pounding, back in this mudroom, alone, with him. I now know full well what this incredibly hot man is capable of doing to me.

“I want my shirt back,” he says, his voice low, hushed, and raspy.“This one’s a bit sweaty after today.”

His hands go towards the waist of his jeans before he takes off the faded blue t-shirt he’s wearing. His abs with that vein running prominently towards his waistline, his chest, all of his incredible muscles are on display again in the same room where this all started twenty-four hours ago. But this time, I greedily stare him down, taking in the stunning sight in front of me. Forget eyefucking, I want so much more and I’m not going to be shy about showing it.

He reaches for the dryer, opening the door. His long arms stretch out as he looks for his black t-shirt from the night before. I blush as he pulls out one of my thongs first, a small black one, holding it up to look at. He looks back at me, twirling it around one of his fingers, a bemused look on his face.

“I like this, but I’d like it more if I was pulling it off of you with my teeth.” I didn’t think a man rummaging through my laundry could turn me on, but here we are, and it’s doing it for me. I feel my thighs clench and notice how wet I still am from sucking him off before.

I flush for a moment, before stepping towards him up on my toes to whisper in his ear, my voice sultry.

“I think I’d like that too.”

He reaches back into the dryer, finally pulling out his black t-shirt and hanging it on one of the wall hooks. He takes a step toward me, pulling me closer, his hands on my waist, thumbs caressing my hip bones.

“Now. Do you think you can be a good girl, and be quiet for me?” His gaze lowers to mine before he kisses my forehead. His hand drops from my waist and cups the needy parts of me between my legs over my yoga pants.

I look into his eyes and nod, my breath heavy.

“Good,” he says, as his hand drifts back to my waist before sliding down into the front of my leggings.

He pins me back against the wall, his other hand gripping my ass, supporting me, as he starts to tease my aching clit. The way he holds me in his strong hands creating so much pleasure, so fast, is overwhelming.

My mind briefly drifts to a mental image of Tanner, shirtless, in his workshop. I think of his muscles glistening in sweat while he works over a hot fire. The same skilled hands working on me now gripping his tools and pounding hot metal.

I’m brought back to the moment with him by his scent. It’s everywhere and fills every breath I take. Earthy leather and that fresh pine. God, he smells like the forest, the mountains, and his ranch.

I wrap one leg around his, pulling him closer to me, opening myself more as his hand explores my clit and teases my lips, already so wet in anticipation of his touch.

“I had a feeling you might be ready for more. Looks like I was right. You are so fucking wet.” He slides his fingers up and down my slit, lingering on my opening and clit. I moan at the touch, grabbing his shoulders tightly.

“No,” he tsks, slowly. “I said you have to be a good girl for me and be quiet. If you keep that up, I’ll have to stop and that won’t be fun for either of us now, will it?”

His voice is intoxicating, sending me closer to the edge. I’ve never been called a good girl before nor have I wanted to be called one. But now it’s fucking hot coming from Tanner. I thrust my clit and pussy back into his hand, desperate to get another release from him. He senses my eagerness.

“Don’t worry, we’re going to get you there,” he says.

He slides two fingers in me, making the same motion as he did earlier on the gondola. He takes his thumb and massages my clit.

I feel a knot of tension forming, deep and low, that’s going to let go any second. How can he get me there this fucking fast?

He drops his head to my neck, kissing my bare skin, before whispering, “You’re about to come for me, aren’t you?” he asks, pumping his fingers deeper into me.

His warm breath on my neck, his words, his hand, all send me into the abyss as I come. Hard and fast. I shudder, pressing my pussy into his hand, driving his fingers further in me, my arms wrapping around him, feeling the heat of his muscular body.

I let out a moan, and quickly the hand that was cupping my ass covers my mouth.

“Shhh, Ronni. Can’t wake them up.” He grins, reveling in his handiwork at making me come again. My spent body slouching forward into him. He drops his hand down to my throat, just under my jaw. He grips me gently, but firmly enough that I can still feel how strong he is, sending another rush of energy through me. My eyes linger on the ink on his forearm, feeling like my own eyes are staring back into my soul. He leans forward, kissing my open and waiting mouth, a long exhale escaping me, muffled by his lips.

“Fuck, Tanner,” I whisper as he pulls away. “I could get used to this kind of treatment.”

He lets out a short, hushed laugh, before leaning towards me and whispering in my ear.

“I told you, Ronni. My body is yours. Use me however you want. You just have to be a good girl and ask.”

Those words send chills through me and I shudder again, his hand still holding me in my yoga pants.

“Be careful what you offer up, Tanner. I know what I want.” I lean into his hand, pressing my sensitive clit into his palm. My voice is raspy and sultry and I think it has the effect I want. “And I’m not afraid to ask.”

He grins with a sense of accomplishment over delivering me another orgasm, but also a sense of amusement in his eyes at my words. He leans down toward my ear. “I like the sound of that.”

I bite my lip and smile up at him.

Begrudgingly, he pulls his hand out of my pants with a deep exhale. He brings his hand to his mouth and licks his finger tips . “God you taste so fucking good.”

My cheeks instantly heat. He is something else. That’s for sure.

He pulls his shirt off the hook and puts it on, ending my free peepshow.

“Well, I really do have to get going,” he laments, “but I’ll be seeing you tomorrow.”

I palm my face and try to contain my embarrassed laughter. “Oh fuck, Tanner. Are you gonna let me live that down?”

He stands in the doorway, a low hum escaping his familiar confident grin.

“Probably not. We’ll see. Now get some rest, Ronni.” He leans back to me, leaving a gentle kiss on my waiting lips.

I admire the view as he leaves, heading to his van in the parking lot, just like last night.

My body is drained, but not the way it has been from years of overworking myself and stress. This is from pure pleasure and release, all thanks to Tanner.

I really don’t think I’ve ever felt this way, this satisfied, this happy.

Maybe he’s right. Maybe I should just say fuck it, let’s send it , more often.

Can it really be that simple?