Page 18 of Maddox: Wild Alaska (Hawke’s Ridge #1)

It feels strange to be wrapped in a blanket while sitting on Maddox's couch.

The leather is soft and comfortable. It's too comfortable.

My eyes are struggling to stay open. It isn't even ten o'clock.

Time is deceiving here because there are only a few hours of darkness, and even then, it's not fully dark.

I do like it here. It's peaceful. From the brief glimpse I've had, the town looks quaint.

Can I imagine myself living here? Yes, I can.

I think I could be happy in this small town with Maddox.

He left me speechless when he asked me because I wasn't expecting it.

But deep down, I knew the answer all along.

My whole body comes alive when I think about Maddox.

I've never felt this way about anyone before, and considering that I was engaged until recently, I'm not sure that I can trust my judgment.

But oh, how I want to trust it! For once, I want to follow my fluttering heart instead of my head and take a chance on love with Maddox.

Love.

I'm not sure I'm ready for that yet. I've only known him for a very short time. I don't believe in love at first sight. Lust at first sight, however, is something I can get down with, because the second our eyes met, I felt a strong physical attraction.

Sighing into the sofa, I know I won't be getting naughty with the sexy man. Oh, I want to. Just not tonight since I'll be sleeping on his couch because he doesn’t have a bed in the guest room. I'll have to resist the temptation and keep my thoughts in check.

"I've never had a woman wait for me before."

His voice startles me for a split second, and then I smile to myself. I rest my arms on the back of the sofa and look up at him coyly, feeling a rush of excitement. "I'm sure plenty of women have waited for you."

"You know what? You are absolutely right." He grins and moves from the doorway. "But only one, and that was my mom." His eyes soften as he moves closer and wraps me in a warm hug, joining me on the sofa.

I curl into his side. "Is everything okay?"

"It could be better." He sighs. "But I'm glad you're here with me. You gave me something to look forward to instead of my own company." He pauses. "Branson apologizes for canceling tonight."

I rest a hand on his chest and peer up into his eyes. "He has nothing to apologize for. He's the only sheriff around, right? That means he's always on the clock. Perhaps I could make lunch tomorrow and we could take it to him at the station."

“Speaking of which, your friend surprised me. I had no idea she wanted to stay here."

"Me neither. I think what Samantha said to her was the last straw. She wants and needs to be away from toxic people. Her father is friends with Samantha's dad, so it must be awkward for her. I’m glad she's going to stay. That means I'll have a female friend when I move here, too.”

I'm sure he stopped breathing for a second. "What?" he asks, his voice thick and husky.

"We’re not going to have hot and sweaty sex tonight, so don't get any ideas," I say with a smile. "But I said I want to move to Hawke's Ridge too. Maybe Judean and I can find a place to rent together."

"You can move in here with me.”

"Maddox," I groan. "We don't even know each other.”

"Of course we do.” He pulls me onto his lap.

I should have stayed still because wiggling on top of him means a hard, long, thick ridge is pressing between my legs.

I gasp and push against his chest, but it's no use.

"Stay still." He swallows hard. "I won't get us naked right now.

I promise. Just don't wiggle that sexy butt in my lap, or I'm going to come in my pants like a horny kid. "

I grin with a sparkle in my eye but settle down.

"I know the sound you make when you come.

There's nothing more personal than that.

" He winks. "I know you were unhappy until you arrived in Alaska and met me.

I know you like to read crime novels. You like some nonfiction as well.

I also know you like your coffee black with no sugar.

You wiggle your nose slightly when you're annoyed.

I've noticed the way your eyes light up when you laugh, and how your mouth subtly curves when you smile.” He softly brushes my hair away from my face and caresses my cheek.

"I think I know quite a bit about you, Miss Ryan.

" He leans in and whispers, "I'm falling for you," and his lips gently brush along mine.

I close my eyes, overwhelmed with desire for this man. To my horror, a tear slips free, and I snap my eyes open. He reaches up and wipes it away with a soft smile on his face.

“You have opened my eyes to an exciting future.

Your smile makes my knees weak. The way my body reacts when you touch me.

" I blush, but continue, "The way you are there for your brother when he needs you is admirable.

The others, too. You have strong family values, and that means everything to me.

I've never met anyone quite like you, and I'm selfish because I don't want to let you go. "

"Well, babe, I don't plan on letting you go." He smirks. "I planned on following you to Frisco and bringing you back home to Hawke's Ridge.” Clearing his throat, he adds, "Is that okay with you?"

"You don't need to follow me, although I wouldn't mind some help packing up and figuring out how to get everything here."

"Sure." His hands grip my hips. "Now, I think it's time for me to feel those lips on mine."

My heart catches in my throat as a wave of excitement and nerves washes over me.

Scooting closer, I shudder at the feel of him hard and throbbing.

His eyes flutter with lust as I lean in, closing the gap between us and finally pressing my lips against his.

The kiss is slow and sweet. Languid. I reach up and caress his face, deepening the kiss as my tongue slips inside his mouth to dance with his.

He moans softly, his hands moving to my waist and pulling me closer.

Hunger and desire race through me as I rub myself against his erection. His breathing quickens, and I feel his heart pounding against my chest.

The pulse between my legs quickens as I grind against him. His large hands on my hips help me move. "That's it," he coaxes. "Just like that." His hips rise and fall in time with mine. I feel every hard, throbbing inch of him against the lips of my pussy as he brings me closer to the edge.

"Oh," I moan.

"Come on me, Sofie. I want to watch you climax, knowing your wet pussy is desperate for my cock. I want to see you lose control and beg for it."

"Maddox," I moan, my head thrown back and my body trembling with desire.

His mouth latches onto my neck, and I come apart in his arms. My pussy pulses as I cry out his name.

The pleasure is overwhelming, consuming me whole.

I drop my head to his shoulder and enjoy his embrace while my heart slows.

"I'll take care of you when I can move," I say.

"You've given me two orgasms, and your balls must be blue. "

He laughs deep and richly. "Babe, a sexy-as-fuck woman was rubbing my dick and making little whimpering sounds that had me coming in my pants."

My eyes widen. "You did?"

He smirks. "I need a shower."

I chew on my lip, debating how to answer the question he's silently asking. "Is there room for another?"

He winks and says, "I'll always make room for you."