Page 58 of Hold Me Instead (Elmwood Falls #1)

Charlie

The music filled the room, and Charlie swayed her hips. She set out two small plates, then carefully placed a snickerdoodle cupcake on each. She shimmied over to the wine, pouring two glasses.

It had been a couple of weeks since they’d made it official—she and Zachary were the proud co-owners of EFVH.

Daniel had given his blessing, emotional that the two of them cared so deeply about his life’s work to continue it, and relieved they’d found a way to ease some of the practice's struggles.

The transition was smooth, considering everyone had been working under them for the last few months, but the positive reception from their team had been extremely important.

That morning in particular had been especially positive—Charlie’s PT appointment being one of her most progressive yet.

It had boosted her spirits the whole day, sending her humming all the way to the bakery and home.

Zachary would be there soon, Maple and Toothless were curled up asleep, and she was as turned on as a live wire.

Arms circled her waist, and she yelped.

“You have a habit of playing your music so loud you can’t hear the door,” Zachary said, with a kiss to her neck .

“Easier to sing along and not have to hear myself,” she joked. She tilted her head back and forth. “That would probably bother Levi more, to be honest.”

Zachary chuckled. “What do you have here?”

“Snickerdoodle cupcakes. Final ones of the season.” Charlie spun in his arms and wrapped hers around him.

“Your appointment went well this morning, huh?” he said.

She nodded and stood on her tiptoes to brush her nose along his jaw. “Mm-hmm. Best one yet.” She nipped at his skin, and he inhaled sharply.

“That’s great,” he said, returning the favor. “I had to stop checking your texts today. They made me want to pack up and head right to you.”

She giggled, then gasped as he sucked at her collarbone. “Zachary,” she breathed.

He lifted her legs around his waist and walked slowly toward the bedroom.

Setting her on the bed, he stepped back to remove his scrubs. She slipped her sweater over her head and shimmied off her pants. Now only in boxer briefs, Zachary crawled over her, pressing his warm body against hers.

“I missed your body,” he hummed, kissing down her neck, slipping her bra straps off her shoulders. “This morning wasn’t enough.” He tugged down her bra with a sexy force that made her gasp, then groaned as he sucked her nipple into his mouth.

She arched her back, hands gripping his hair.

He switched to her other breast, unclasped the bra, and tossed it.

His hand skated down her ribs and hips while his tongue circled her nipples.

Charlie squeezed her legs against him, trying to ease the want.

He knew. Zachary skimmed the silky bikini-cut material down and slipped two fingers inside her, groaning as she gasped.

“Fuck, you’re so wet already,” he whispered.

“God, I want you,” she breathed. “I want you to do me against the wall.” She wanted it, knew she wasn’t ready for that—but oh, did she want it.

He smiled and bit her bottom lip. “Soon, baby. I’ll do whatever you want me to do.”

He kissed her, his tongue stroking hers.

His lips trailed down her chest to her breast, back up, picking up speed.

All the while, his fingers pumped in and out of her, his thumb slowly circling her clit.

Charlie’s pants and moans grew until she knew she wanted more.

Needed more. She put her hands to his shoulders and guided him to the headboard.

He sat with his back to it, watching while she tugged down his underwear, her kisses frantic as she moved up his legs, her fingers grazing him as she licked up his chest, moving to straddle him.

He rolled on a condom while she grabbed the lubricant, then attacked him again.

She kissed him feverishly, moaning as his hands raced over her body, igniting her, pinching her nipples lightly as she rocked over him.

She reached down, sliding her fingers around his shaft, and he moaned into her mouth.

Charlie leaned back, her touch light, watching his face as he closed his eyes and pressed his head to the headboard, his breath fast, his lips swollen from hers.

She lifted herself and slowly lowered. Zachary’s eyes popped open, his head tilting forward as the tip of him touched her body.

They’d worked toward this numerous times already, the familiarity helping Charlie, and at the same time, building up their desire to pretty intense levels. Something about today, though …

She shifted, looking for the right angle, easing the tip inside.

Zachary’s hands were gentle on her hips, supporting her weight as she moved.

Then he was in, her gasp strained, her hands flexing at his shoulder, his waist. She held for a moment, rose slightly, then pressed back down, feeling him stretch her farther as he went deeper.

They both moaned, Zachary gripping her hips.

“Fuuuck,” he whispered.

Charlie leaned forward and kissed him. His hands coasted her body, squeezed her ass, her tits, traced lightly over her back, turning on every switch until she was writhing, rocking against him, feeling him inside her. He tilted her, the angle hitting a new spot, and she gasped.

“Yes,” she panted. “Move me.”

He lifted her and pumped into her, their rhythm gentle, slowly picking up speed. Charlie reached down between them and touched her clit, sending shivers through her body.

“Oh fuck, yes,” Zachary said. His gaze bounced between her touching herself, her bouncing tits, her face.

“Zachary,” she breathed.

“Yeah, baby,” he said. “Come for me.”

“Oh God.” Charlie gripped his shoulder, the convulsions rocking her, stiffening her, shaking her, as she felt the fireworks burst.

“Fuck,” he groaned.

“Yes.” She nodded to him, her aftershocks still rocketing. He joined her, biting his lower lip as he came, pulsing, squeezing her hips, and pressing her tightly to him.

Charlie flopped against his neck. Their hearts raced, skin damp, and Charlie wanted to laugh and cry but could only breathe him in, letting the pleasure roll through her in a whole new way .

Zachary tightened his arms around her, holding her close. After a few minutes, they cleaned up and settled on the bed. He tucked her against him, rained kisses over her face, a smile on his, and pressed a light kiss to her lips.

“How are you?” he whispered.

Her heart fluttered. “Amazing.”

He grinned, then his gaze softened. He leaned closer, his lips grazing hers as he said, “I love you, Harris.”

She smiled. “I love you, Lee.”

THE END