Page 9

nine

Charlie

I hum to myself as I mix the muffin batter. It's four o'clock in the morning, the perfect time to be in the bakery before the customers come for their breakfast. I like to be up before the sun rises; it's quiet and peaceful.

Once the blueberry muffins are in the oven, I switch to making scones. I roll the dough and cut generous triangle shapes dusted with sugar.

The bell above the door tinkles.

I peek out of the kitchen, my heart swelling as I see Rust.

We've been together for two months, and he's come a long way. He doesn't hide away in the forest as often, but he still enjoys his solitude. His favorite time to go to the bakery is before opening hours, so he gets the first pick of the gluten-free goods and avoids small talk with Clara.

"Rust!"

"Good morning, beautiful," he says.

I grin and wipe my flour-covered hands on my apron. "You're up early."

Rust shrugs. "Couldn't sleep. Thought I'd come to see my girl."

I love it when he calls me that. His girl. It makes me feel special. I leave the kitchen and meet him in the middle of the bakery.

"What can I get you today?"

Rust grins, his blue eyes sparkling. "How about a taste of your famous blueberry muffins?"

I smile and turn back to the kitchen. "They're still in the oven."

"Hmm," he sighs with mock disappointment. "Maybe there's something else that will hold me over until then." He pulls me into his arms and kisses me. He tastes like coffee and warmth, and I can't get enough.

"I missed you," he murmurs against my lips. "I wish you didn't have to work so early. I miss you every time I wake up."

"I missed you too," I say. I can feel his heart beating against mine, making me feel safe and protected. Like nothing can hurt me as long as I'm in his arms.

He kisses me again, this time deeper, with more urgency. I can feel his cock pressing against me. I moan into his mouth, my body responding instantly. I never get tired of his kisses, his touch. He's addictive.

Rust breaks away from the kiss, panting. "Fuck, Charlie, you're so sexy," he murmurs, his voice hoarse with desire. "I can't get enough of you."

I smile against his lips, feeling a rush of pleasure at his words. "Good," I whisper. "Because I can't get enough of you either."

Rust cups my face in his hands and kisses me again, softly this time. I melt into him, my heart fluttering like a bird in my chest.

The way he looks at me and the way he says my name makes me feel like the most loved and desired woman in the world. And even though we've only been together for a few months, I know that I want him forever.

He pulls away from the kiss, his eyes searching mine. "Charlie, I–" Rust glances at the clock on the wall, then back at me. "Do we have a few extra minutes before you need to get back to work?"

"Yes," I nod. I squeal as he scoops me up in his arms and carries me to the office.

"Good, because I'm going to take you right now. I can't wait, Charlie."

The office is small and cozy, with a desk, a bookshelf, and a small loveseat in the corner. Rust kicks the door shut behind him and places me gently on the loveseat. He looms over me, his eyes intense.

"Rust," I breathe, my heart pounding in my chest. I reach up to touch his cheek, tracing the line of his jaw. He leans into my touch, his eyes fluttering shut for a moment.

"Charlie, I need you," he growls, his voice low and rough.

He grasps the hem of my apron and tugs it off, his movements frantic and desperate. I'm suddenly aware of how little time we have, how much I want him, how much I need this.

I reach for him, my fingers fumbling with the zipper of his jeans. He lets out a low groan as I free him, my hand wrapping around his hot, hard length. He's big and thick and throbbing.

He pushes my legs apart, positioning himself between my thighs. I can feel the heat of him, the hardness of him, the hunger of him.

He's like a wild animal, about to pounce, and I am his prey. I want this.

Rust's eyes are wild, his chest heaving with desire as he looks down at me. "Charlie, you're so beautiful," he says, his voice thick with emotion.

I lift my hips to meet him, and he lowers himself onto me, his weight supported by his arms. He hooks a hand behind one of my knees, lifting it up and opening me up to him even more. I can feel the tip of him, hot and hard, pressing against me. It still feels as big as the first time.

Rust leans down, his lips finding mine again as he slowly pushes inside me. I can feel every inch of him stretching me, filling me up. It's a sensation unlike any other, and I moan into his mouth, my hips lifting to meet his thrust.

"Fuck, Charlie, you're so tight," Rust groans, his forehead resting against mine. "You feel so good. You going to take this big cock for me like a good girl?”

“Yes!” I whimper.

He pulls back slightly, then thrusts again, going deeper this time. I can feel every ridge of him, every vein, and I wrap my legs around his hips, urging him on. He begins to move, slowly at first, finding his rhythm.

His hips move at a steady pace, and his eyes never leave mine. There's a tenderness in his gaze that warms my heart.

"Rust," I whisper, my body adapting to his size, my legs wrapped tightly around him. I can feel the pleasure building, the friction of our bodies creating a heat that spreads through me like wildfire.

Rust's thrusts become deeper, more urgent. His breath comes in ragged gasps, his chest heaving with exertion.

"Charlie, I'm close," he groans, his voice hoarse with desire. "Are you with me, baby?" He moves his hands between us, rubbing my clit in small, tight circles.

I nod, my body trembling on the brink of ecstasy. "Yes, Rust. I'm right there with you."

He thrusts deeper, and I feel myself shatter around him. Waves of pleasure crash over me, leaving me gasping and clinging to him. Rust lets out a low growl as he comes, filling me with his hot seed.

Just as our heartbeats start to settle, the timer goes off in the kitchen.

I laugh. "Your blueberry muffins are ready," I kiss his cheek and get dressed.

“Excellent, I’ve worked up an appetite,” he grins.

I'm going to be hot for the rest of the day, counting the minutes until I'm back up in his cabin, naked with my body pressed against his.

I used to think the bakery was my favorite place in the world. Now, I knew that my favorite place to be was with him. Rust – my mountain man.