Page 38

Veronica

Grandma’s Boy

I guess it’s my turn to be nervous about seeing someone I’ve known my whole life. Ugh. Well played, Tanner. I now know exactly how he felt. Why is it so different tonight? It’s just Sunday dinner with the Chapmans.

I finish getting ready with Lizzy at our condo, trying to look nice but not over do it for a Sunday family dinner with my boyfriend’s grandparents. Geez. That still feels weird to say, but in a good way. Like what’s even the right level of looking good for this?

“Damn,” Lizzy says, shaking her head, one side of her mouth pulled tight and up. “Haven’t you known these people since you were like… old enough to walk? I thought they already love you guys like their own kids?”

I glare at her while she’s sharing the vanity with me, fixing her own hair. Lizzy has been oddly optimistic and supportive of me being with Tanner. Even last night, the four of us had dinner at Tanner’s cabin and she joked about how I already looked at home in his kitchen making dinner. She even told me how she could picture me living with him out here. I mean that sounds amazing, but hold your horses cowgirl.

“Yes, but I was also never dating their oldest, ok let’s be real, favorite, grandson before.”

She rests a hand on my shoulder. “It’s going to be fine, V. If anything, they’ll be thrilled about how happy you both are.”

◆◆◆

It’s funny, I’ve walked up the stairs outside of our condo to the Chapman’s unit hundreds of times. But today it just feels different, heading up with Collin and Lizzy to my boyfriend’s family’s place for dinner.

Before I can knock on the door, Grandma Chapman pulls it open.

“Oh my goodness,” her sweet voice practically sings. “Come here, Veronica. It’s been too long.”

In an instant I’m sucked into a deep hug that feels like home, like my own Grandma’s, before I can even react. God, do all the Chapmans give the biggest, most heartwarming bear hugs like this? Shit. Maybe Tanner really could take down Little Bitch Bear.

“It’s good to see you too, Nan,” I say, patting her back. “It has been way too long.”

“Come on in everyone,” she says, waving Collin and Lizzy into their unit, still holding me in her arms for what feels like an eternal hug. “Tanner’s at the table with Samuel. Dinner is almost ready.”

“Oh girl, she really loves you now.” I look back at Collin, rolling my eyes at the smug look on his face. He’s enjoying all of this way too much.

“Jealous you’re not the favorite Perry twin anymore, big bro ?” I taunt, sticking my tongue out at him.

He pulls a hand to his chest, mocking me with a fake gasp. “I don’t even think dating Tanner would put you up above me, lil sis .”

Reaching the table, I see Tanner sitting with his Grandpa.

His Grandpa is gesturing with his hand like he’s swinging a hammer and I think I hear Tanner mention the horse barn. I assume they’re talking about his workshop and blacksmithing, but they stop talking as soon as we get near the table.

Tanner is wearing that familiar heart melting smile as I walk towards him. He stands up, wrapping his arms around my waist, giving me a kiss on the forehead.

“Hey Ronni,” he says, his voice low.

“Oh aren’t they just the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?” We look over to Grandma Chapman, now standing behind her husband, clutching his shoulders as they both watch us.

I can feel my face turn bright red, still not used to everyone I know looking at us as a couple . I turn to Tanner for some reassurance, only to see the unflappable man I’m in love with blushing like a little boy. I feel the edges of my lips curl up as our eyes meet, knowing I’m not in this awkwardness alone.

“Your grandparents would just be so tickled if they were here to see you like this.” Grandma Chapman is still looking at us, holding her husband tighter. I feel a lump in my throat at the thought of our grandparents and how much I miss them. But she’s right, they would have been thrilled about this and that brings a smile to my face.

“Oh Nancy. Go easy on them,” Grandpa Chapman says, his voice deep and eerily similar to Tanner’s. “Now go ahead and grab a seat, kids. She’ll have dinner out soon.” I look at him differently now though, seeing the same square jaw, deep green eyes, and masculine features as Tanner. I find myself thinking that if Tanner ages like that… lucky me.

Woah. I’m thinking about a future with Tanner. That’s new, but it’s not even scary.

“Nan, that chicken pot pie smells as good as ever. V is a good cook, but I’ve been craving your cooking since Christmas,” Collin says, sitting at the far end of the table, since his usual spot next to Tanner is now occupied by me.

“And you’re still as sweet as ever, Collin,” she calls from the kitchen.

The condo layout is similar to ours, just a second floor unit laid out in a mirror image. I watch from the dining table, admiring the way Nan makes use of the same small kitchen as ours downstairs. She always makes these great family meals, just like my Grandma would. I get why they were such good friends, always wanting to take care of their grandkids, enjoying the mountain together, having big family meals like this.

As she’s getting ready to serve, Tanner gets up from the table heading towards her in the kitchen.

“Hey Grandma, let me give you a hand.”

I can’t help but smile watching him in the kitchen. He towers over his Grandma but looks like a little kid the way he asks what she needs help with and follows her every word. I catch him looking my way. He briefly melts into the boy I remember from our childhood, blushing as she whispers something to him before he comes back to the dining room, putting the dish of baked Mac and Cheese on the table.

I watch him, waiting for him to look back at me, a teasing grin already on my face. “I forgot how much of a grandma’s boy you are.”

He blushes again. “Hey, we all have our flaws.”

“I didn’t say it was a flaw.” I hold his hand under the table. “It’s kind of cute.”

Nan comes in from the kitchen, setting the chicken pot pie in the center of the table.

“Alright, dig in kids,” she says, before sitting down on the other side of Tanner.

“Thanks again for having us over, Mrs. Chapman. Everything looks great,” Lizzy says, eyeing the spread in front of her. We told her to save room for tonight so she had a light lunch and I can tell by the way she’s looking at the pot pie, she’s on the verge of going full hangry on us.

“So how much longer are you in town, Veronica?” Grandpa Chapman asks, eyeing me as he brings a forkful to his mouth.

“Oh, Lizzy and I are here until Friday,” I say. There’s an awkward pause after my answer and I know why he asked. I can feel the inevitable follow up question coming.

So what are you and Tanner going to do? Please don’t hurt our boy. Long distance?

We still don’t know exactly what we’re going to do yet, but I know I love him and we will work this out. In what feels like a new normal for me with Tanner, I find myself trying to be more like him, in the best way. I’ve been embracing being here in the moment and not trying to stress out over planning every little detail.

“Oh my god, Mrs. Chapman. This pot pie is so good,” Lizzy says, sparing me the awkwardness. “My mom never made anything like this growing up. I’m going to need your recipe.”

Thanks for coming to the rescue, Lizzy.

I look over to her and she winks at me. I’m almost laughing at the thought of Mrs. Frank cooking a pot pie. I don’t think she’s cooked a meal for us as long as I’ve known Lizzy.

◆◆◆

The rest of dinner is uneventful, but still a welcome night with the Chapmans. It reminds me so much of the nights where Collin, Tanner, and I would be with all of our grandparents and his younger siblings.

I miss those days.

After dinner, the four of us head back to our condo and say goodbye to Collin and Lizzy before heading back to Tanner’s for the night.

“So, your grandparents look like they’re doing great.” It’s more of a statement than a question but he still answers.

“Yeah, not much has changed with them. Glad they’re here in town as much as they are. I usually park in their lot when I ski and stop by after hitting the slopes most days.”

“It’s nice you get to spend so much time with them,” I say, watching the snow falling on the road in front of us. I know the falling snow means Tanner has to be up early as well, meaning we’ll probably go get coffees together. The thought makes me smile. I love getting to enjoy these small normal moments together, a glimpse into his every day life.

“It is, but they’re not here as much as you’d think. With Grace, Clay, and my dad down in Salt Lake, they go stay with them half of the time.” He pauses, something clearly eating at him. “I’ve actually thought of moving down there to be closer to the family all year.”

“Really? I can’t picture you anywhere but here, but I can imagine that’d be nice to be closer to them. It definitely wouldn't feel as lonely as it does here sometimes. Why haven’t you done it?” I look at him, but his eyes stay focused on the road ahead. I can see the tension in his face though, his jaw tight.

“ I think… part of me has always known that if I left, the odds of seeing you again would be so low. It’s not like you would ever have a reason to visit me there . In a way, leaving here would be like I was giving up on you, saying goodbye to you.”

I reach for his hand, trying to give him some level of comfort while I fight back the tears welling in my eyes. The idea that I’ve been so much a part of his life for all these years just keeps eating at me. I wish I had known years ago.

“Well I’m glad you stayed, Tanner. I can’t imagine this place without you. I’m glad you didn’t give up on me. I’ll never give up on you. I love you.”

“Love you too, Ronni.” I can see the expression on his face relax as we pull into the driveway, my words seeming to put him at ease. If I could go back in time, I would do anything to have more of him in my life, knowing how deeply he loves me.

As we get out of the truck and walk towards the cabin, I rush in front of him, blocking his way to the door.

“Tanner.” I rest my hands on his hips, looking up at him. “I mean it. I’m glad you stayed. I’m glad I’m here with you. I’m so happy you finally made your move and showed me how you felt. I don’t think I can ever imagine this place without you anymore. I love you so fucking much.”

I lean forward, standing on my toes to reach his face, desperate to kiss him. He slants his head, reaching down to me. Our lips meet, his mouth open and I can feel a low moan escape him. He pulls away from me, his hands holding my ribs. I watch his chest heave with each breath. He looks down at me, his eyes heavy. His lustful voice sends shivers through me.

“You know, you’re fucking cute when you get all serious and in your power pose like this.” He leans back down, planting another gentle kiss on my lips. “Cute and bossy.”

When he stands there, looking down at me like this, with my back against the door, it’s impossible to not feel just how imposing he is. He towers over me and when he’s this close to me, his broad shoulders completely cage me into the doorway. I’m overwhelmed by his scent, the sound of his heart pounding, his raw masculine presence making my whole body buzz, sending electricity between my legs.

I rest my hands on his chest and start to stand back on my toes, wanting to kiss him. Sensing it, his rugged hands cup my ass and lift me up to him. My legs instinctually wrap around him and his body now pins me against the door. I wrap my arms around him, holding his shoulders as he kisses my neck, his breath heavy and steamy just under my ear.

“Why don’t we take this inside?” His low voice escapes between muffled breaths and kisses.

“Please. Now.” The words come out almost frantic between my panting breaths. The way Tanner has unlocked the craving for touch, the need for pleasure, and a physical connection with someone that was buried deep inside me is so liberating. I still can’t get over how right, how perfect, our physical bond feels.

He opens the door with one hand, carrying me into the cabin with my legs and arms still wrapped around him tightly.

“What does my good girl want tonight?” he whispers into my ear as he carries me over to the bedroom. My pulse is racing, knowing that whatever I choose is going to be out of this world with him.

“I want your tongue. I want to feel it again.” I kiss his neck, feeling my whole body tense when he growls in approval.

“Good choice, Ronni.” He puts me down on the bed. His eyes run up and down me. He leans forward, his hands stopping at my waist, unbuttoning my jeans. He slides my shirt up, just under my breasts and runs a trail of kisses down my stomach, stopping just at the lacy blue fabric of my thong. His strong hands pull my panties and jeans down and he throws them to the other side of the bed.

The anticipation is pure torment. I can already feel my need pooling at my opening and pulsing through my clit.

He takes his shirt and jeans off, standing at the edge of the bed eyeing me. I can already see how hard his thick cock is, straining his black boxers. As much as I want his tongue on me, I need more.

“Tanner. I want to feel you. Let me touch… let me hold your cock while you eat me out.”

He eyes me lustfully, his green eyes practically smoldering.

“Now that sounds fucking good, you needy little thing.” He slides off his boxers and walks around the bed to my side. He climbs on to the bed, kneeling beside my head. His cock is only inches from my face when he leans down and takes off my shirt. He looks at my breasts, still covered by my bra, licking his lips before kissing just above the neckline. He works down my stomach to my aching clit, his chest now pressed against my hips.

He wraps his arms under my legs and cups my ass in his big hands, his strong fingers resting on my wet aching pussy, gently spreading me open. He plants a soft kiss on my clit before opening his mouth, sucking and licking it slowly. I feel my whole body clench and flex against the bed, except for my lower body pinned down by his broad chest.

My view laying here in his bed is one of the hottest things I’ve ever experienced. His throbbing cock is still right next to my face. I can see his muscular arms wrapping under my legs, his stubbled lower jaw open and flexed tight as he groans and licks my clit.

I grab his cock in my hand, holding it tightly. I can feel him moan into me as I rub the tip of him with my thumb before slowly working his thick, lengthy shaft in my hand. The pace of his tongue gets faster and he pushes harder as I keep fisting his thick cock.

It’s so fucking hot the way our bodies are feeding off of each other’s touch. Just when I start to pleasure him, he slides one of his fingers through my slick, wet lips to my pussy, teasing the opening. It sends a shiver through me and I flex my hips into him, desperate to feel more. My grip on his cock tightens and I know he feels it when he rocks his hips forward, practically fucking my hand. At the same time he slides his finger deeper into my dripping wet pussy.

I can already feel the tension growing in me, but I don’t want this release yet. I want more. He’s so fucking good at this.

“I need your cock in me, Tanner. I want it in my fucking mouth.” He groans so loud in hungry approval against my clit, that the vibration sends a shudder through me and I can feel my pussy squeeze his finger tighter. He lifts his head for just a second.

“That’s the fucking hottest thing you’ve said to me yet. My needy girl.”

He lifts one leg over me and now he’s straddling my face on his knees, his cock now within inches of my mouth. His mouth is already back to tormenting my clit when I pull him towards me, getting the tip of his cock in my mouth. His tight balls are right in front of my eyes and I can’t help but squeeze them gently. It’s so insanely hot to feel him in my mouth while he’s eating me out like this.

I want to tell him how fucking close I am. With his cock in my mouth, the only way I can tell him is through the unspoken words of our bodies. My breathing, the way my pussy tightens on his finger, the way I work his cock harder and faster in my mouth when his tongue and fingers are hitting the perfect spot. The way I rock my hips forward, driving myself into his open mouth. All telling him I’m so close to letting go and to keep going.

I lean my head forward and take more of his length in my mouth, my tongue running along his shaft. He groans again, pushing his tongue against my clit and flicking it faster and faster. He rocks his hips towards my face, slowly easing his cock in and out of my mouth.

Jesus. He’s fucking my mouth while he’s licking my clit and fingering my pussy. Tanner’s warm muscular body is spread across every inch of mine, holding me against the bed.

It’s. So. Fucking. Hot.

The sensations, the touch, the sight, the sounds. They all send me completely over the edge. I can feel the orgasm coming and it’s so overwhelming.

My pussy clenches his finger and I start to squeeze his head between my thighs. I know he can feel it too the way he groans again and starts to rock his hips faster. I moan and whimper as I come, but it’s muffled by his cock in my mouth. He bucks his hips at the sensation and I open my mouth, letting him use it as he chases his own release. He comes deep in my throat while I’m still riding out my own orgasm. It’s a perfect feeling, our bodies are so in sync.

I feel him rest his head on my thigh, slowly pulling his still throbbing length from my mouth, giving me a chance to swallow and catch my breath.

He rolls off of me onto his side, his head still resting on my thigh. He runs his fingers up my leg and over my stomach, resting his hand on my hip. He looks up at me, his eyes narrowed, and heavy, his mouth open catching his breath, but smiling. His mustache has a glint to it, his spit, sweat, and my wetness still there.

“You really can read my mind. That was so damn good. The way your mouth takes me. Fuck.” He shudders. His low voice is labored and still recovering.

“It was pretty great for me too.” I look back at him, my smirking face still flush. He sits up in the bed and lays back down beside me. I roll on my side, letting him spoon me, feeling his still hard length against my ass.

“Careful now, Ronni.” He wraps his arm around mine, holding my hand against my chest. “Don’t make me go for round two.”