Page 14

CHAPTER 14

Rafferty

I look around my condo one last time and I don’t see anything out of place. While I usually keep clutter to a minimum, I got up this morning and actually cleaned. Vacuumed and mopped floors, scrubbed bathrooms and dusted.

Farren eventually rolled out of bed midmorning and helped by changing the linens on my bed and in the two guest rooms and made us a late breakfast.

“Sure are going to a lot of effort to impress Tempe,” she observed.

Didn’t bother denying it. I’ve never invited another woman into my home so this is kind of a big deal.

Of course, once that was done, it felt like a lot of nervous waiting. We didn’t have practice so I got in a workout at my local gym and ran to the grocery store. Not Tempe’s store but a specialty market where I was able to pick up some nice salmon fillets and organic vegetables for dinner. One of the things I’ve learned about Tempe is that while she’s not a vegetarian and will eat beef and chicken on occasion, she prefers fish and vegetables, so I intend to accommodate that. I’ll eat anything, so it wasn’t a hardship to determine tonight’s meal.

Now I’m in wait mode, freshly showered and sporting a casual look of jeans and a long sleeve T-shirt. I only have two goals for tonight—feed Tempe a good meal and discuss turning this relationship into something real. I might have hopes we can watch a movie, and yes, my wildest dream is that she ends up in my bed for the night, but that all depends on how our talk goes.

I was surprised to learn that Farren invited Tempe out last night and they watched the game at a bar downtown. I tried to poke and prod to see what they talked about—or rather, if Tempe let on about how she’s feeling—but Farren told me to figure it out myself. I wasn’t too put off by that because if my sister thought I was in any danger of being hurt, or I was going down the wrong path with Tempe, she’d give me a heads-up.

She left nearly an hour ago with a backpack slung over her shoulder. She looked impossibly young with her hair in a ponytail under a baseball cap and a pair of worn Nike Dunks.

“Where are you going?” I asked. I invited her to stay and join us for dinner but asked only that she make herself scarce in her room after so I could talk to Tempe.

“Going to hang with a friend,” she said. “Let you have some privacy.”

“What friend?” I asked. “You just arrived here a few days ago.”

Farren turned to stare at me as if I didn’t have a brain cell left in my body. “I happen to have friends here in the States as well as other countries, Raff. Why you think I wouldn’t is beyond me. Hello, I’m the social butterfly from hell.”

I laughed as it made sense. Farren has never met a stranger, and I’m sure she’s turned her wanderlust and bartending into a surefire way to establish connections all over. I don’t push for more information because as far as I know, she might be seeing a male friend, and I don’t want to know details. She’s an adult and I can’t poke my nose into her business like that, because I know she’ll punch the shit out of it.

The knock at the door startles me and a zing of adrenaline makes my heart skip a beat, almost akin to the way it does when we score a goal.

I take a deep breath and give myself a five-second internal monologue. You got this. Tempe likes you. It will be fine. If not, no harm, no foul.

“Ready,” I murmur and move to the door.

When I open it, as usual, I have that moment of being caught off guard by Tempe’s beauty. She’s wearing a pair of black leggings, a slouchy sweater under a fleece coat, and her hair is wrapped in a messy concoction on top of her head.

She holds up a bottle of white wine. “You said we’re having salmon, so I bought a good bottle from the grocery store.”

“You had to work today?” I ask, stepping back and welcoming her in. I have no clue what she did today because I purposely didn’t ask. I didn’t want to come on too strong with my nosiness.

“Only half a day shift to cover someone who got sick,” she says, her eyes roaming around my condo with interest. “Your place is really nice.”

“Thanks.” And Christ… this is weird. Awkward, even. And it makes me blurt, “I have something for you.”

Tempe faces me, head tipped to the side. I move past her to the island counter and grab the small rectangular paper. “Here you go.”

Tempe’s eyes slowly drop to my hand, where she can clearly see the five-thousand-dollar check in my hand. “I think our performance at the wedding was enough, so I’ll pay you that five thousand now.”

She stares at the check but doesn’t move to take it. Instead, she sets the bottle of wine on the counter and crosses her arms. “I thought I was a little more than a gig.”

Fuck. I hear her irritation. Her eyes are frosty. Things are getting dangerous.

“Of course you’re not a gig,” I assure her, setting the check by the wine. “I just… I wanted to deliver what I promised, and I know you need that money.”

“You’re sort of making me feel like I’m no different from Tansy,” she says bluntly.

“Excuse me?” I’m aghast she’d ever compare herself to that woman.

“The money makes it impersonal. It also signifies an ending to our… whatever this is. Thus, I feel like a Tansy.”

“Fuck, no!” I exclaim, putting my hands on her shoulders. “That’s not what I want and not what I intended. I’m nervous and awkward, and I truly want you to have that money so it can help you and your family. But… I wanted to have you over to dinner tonight because I want to keep seeing you. Not in a fake way, but a real way. I just didn’t go about saying it right.”

Tempe’s green eyes widen. “Oh,” she murmurs and then just stares at me.

“Oh,” I repeat hesitantly. “Is that all you have to say?”

She has the grace to look embarrassed and then offers me a sheepish grin. “Yay?” she says, posing it as a question rather than a statement to see if that’s an acceptable answer.

I laugh, pulling her into me for a rough hug. I press a kiss to the top of her head, because that somehow seems appropriate given the tender feelings barraging me right now. “Yay works,” I assure her.

“Good,” she murmurs, pulling her head back to peer up at me. “And you need to shred that check.”

“You need to cash it.”

“Things are different. This isn’t a job anymore,” she counters.

“But you earned it when it was a job,” I argue.

“We’ll talk about it later,” she says, going to her tiptoes and pressing her mouth to mine.

I think it’s just going to be a soft kiss, but her tongue slides past my lips and I’m instantly aroused. I slip my hand to the back of her head, grab a fistful of her hair and peel her off me for a moment. “We should eat dinner first. I’ve got everything ready to go.”

“I’m not hungry for food,” she purrs, and God help me, she places her palm against my crotch to squeeze my thickening erection. “I’m hungry for this.”

Now, I’ve tried to be gallant. Up until this moment, I was ready to insist she let me feed her, but I’m sorry… no red-blooded male can push a woman away when she’s palming his cock and saying she’s hungry for it.

I bend at the waist and haul Tempe up and over my shoulder. She giggles loudly, bracing her hands on my back as I stride to my bedroom, my long legs eating up the distance.

At the edge of my bed, I lower her to the ground and we stare at each other for a long moment. Her chest rises and falls and my heart feels like it’s going to explode out of my chest. Tempe’s hands go to the button of my jeans and every hot fantasy I’ve had about her—there have been quite a few—are on the verge of coming to life. I’m so close to having her mouth on my cock, a favor she’s wanted to repay since I licked her to an orgasm night before last, and there can’t be anything in this world that I want more.

Except… images of me on my knees before her, her leg draped over my shoulder and the way she writhed under the pressure of my tongue.

“Get your pants off.” I respond thickly, tongue heavy in my mouth.

“Wh-wh-wh-at?” she stammers.

“You heard me,” I say, putting my hand to the center of her chest and pushing her gently. The backs of her legs hit the edge of my bed and I push her down onto it. “Here… let me handle it.”

Quick, efficient and kind of digging her startled gasp, I pull off her shoes and socks, followed by her leggings and panties.

“Rafferty,” she cries out as I whip the pink silk from around her ankles and toss them over my shoulder. “I’m supposed to be—”

“Shut up,” I order, flashing her a grin before I spread her legs apart, once more dropping to my knees and this time both legs go over my shoulders.

Tempe shrieks when my mouth presses against her soft femininity, and Jesus, my head spins. She tastes delectable, just as I remembered.

The soft, velvety skin presses against my face, the heat and wetness engulfing me. I feel her inner muscles contract around my tongue as it delves and explores every inch of her. Her hips move in a steady rhythm, urging me to continue.

It’s obvious how good this feels to Tempe, but it fucking feels amazing to me as well. My dick is hard as a rock and I want to fuck her, but my determination to give her the most intense oral sex she’s ever had spurs me on. The taste of her arousal on my tongue is so addictive.

Her hands grip my head, her fingers tangling in my hair as she pulls me closer, pushing my face deeper into her. I love her demanding ways, but I’m stronger than she is. I pull back slightly, teasing her with light licks before diving back in with more force. Her swollen clit begs for attention, and I oblige by swirling my tongue, alternating with gentle nibbles and hard pushes.

Tempe moans and writhes, turning me on even more. I have to reach down to readjust myself, my erection pressing painfully against my zipper.

I curse under my breath as I continue pleasuring her, feeling the intensity building between us. Every flick of my tongue brings us both closer to the edge.

Tempe’s movements are fervent and desperate. She lets out a deep breath, her legs tensing as I continue to bring her closer and closer to climax.

But I just need more.

I abruptly rise with a sense of urgency.

“What are you doing?” Tempe demands, and I bet if she could have gotten her hands on my head, she would have pulled me back down. Her cheeks are pink, her eyes glazed, and the pure desire within them has me nearly delirious with the need to get off.

“I want to feel you come while I’m balls deep inside you.” I pull out my wallet, nab the condom.

If I thought Tempe’s gaze was heated before, she nearly incinerates me with her smile. She surges upward, grabbing at my jeans. I watch spellbound as her fingers deftly release the button, zipper, and then she’s pulling my cock free from its confines. I groan as she squeezes me around the base.

I try to open the condom, but I can’t concentrate with her hand on me. Tempe seems more in control at this moment, so I shove the foil packet at her. Her laugh is husky as she takes it, fingers moving with assurance against the wrapping, and once she has it free, I bend down and sneak a hard kiss before ordering, “Put it on.”

She does, squeezing hard as she rolls the rubber over my length. My hand goes back to her chest, pushing her down on the bed and roughly spreading her legs. I come down on her, cover her body and rub the head of my dick through her slick folds.

“Oh God… Rafferty. Quit fucking around.”

I pay no attention to her words, instead focusing on the sensation of my body moving against hers, barely slipping inside. With each movement, I feel her muscles relax and her eyes become heavy with desire. I shift my hips in a circular motion, teasing the tip of my cock inside her tight, wet heat. Looking down at her, I can see all the pleasure that is yet to come and it only fuels my own desire.

My balls tingle with anticipation at the thought of being completely swallowed by her. I catch Tempe watching me—raw lust evident in her features—and it only adds fuel to the fire burning inside me. “This might make you scream,” I warn her with a dark smile. “I may have some explaining to do to the neighbors tomorrow.”

Before she can respond, I thrust into her with all my force and she lets out a loud, primal moan. Her hands grip my ass tightly, urging me deeper into her. I bite down on my cheek to suppress my own need to howl with the pleasure. With no need for a slow buildup, I pound into her, hearing her grunt each time I hit the depths of her inner walls. I consider asking if she wants me to slow down, but just one word from her has me dizzy with need.

“Harder,” she moans.

My eyes roam over Tempe’s face—her lids squeezed shut in ecstasy, lips curled in a dreamy smile. Her nails dig into my flesh with just enough pain to heighten the pleasure. It’s a symphony of slapping skin and heavy breathing, filled with dirty commands and begging for release.

The debauchery of it all, the frantic pace of our fucking and the wetness of her juices on my lips—it’s all too much for me to handle and I feel myself reaching the peak of orgasm. I decide to let go, hoping that Tempe will climax with me, but if not, I’ll take care of her afterwards.

With my game plan in effect, I start thrusting even faster into her, determined to bring her to the brink with me.

Tempe’s muscles tense and she lets out a guttural moan as she tightens her grip on my body. My senses are overwhelmed and I quicken my pace, but then slow down just enough to feel the pulsing of her clit under my thumb.

Tempe’s words ring in my ears, driving me to the edge. “I’m so close.”

Her body quivers beneath me, and I know I’m right there with her. I thrust into her with all my might, each movement sending us both toward the brink. And then it happens—Tempe is the first to climax, her body clenching and trembling as she falls over the edge. I watch in awe as she comes undone in my arms and it’s all over for me.

I can’t hold back any longer. As her body continues to spasm beneath mine, I slam one last time into her before losing control. A wave of ecstasy washes through me and I groan out my orgasm as I press my cheek against hers.

As we try to catch our breaths, I drop down onto Tempe’s sweat-soaked skin, feeling utterly spent but intensely satisfied. I gather her into my arms and roll us to the side.

We’re both quiet but she’s the one who breaks the silence. “So does that mean like… we’re official or something?”

Snickering, I reach down and squeeze her ass. “Yeah… we’re official.”

“Still not cashing that check,” she says.

“I know,” I murmur, but I’ll find a way to get the money to her mom. I have no clue if Natalie has as much pride as Tempe does, but it’s worth a try.

She’s the real deal now, so I’m going to do whatever I can to help her and her family.

Another thought strikes me. “Christmas is day after tomorrow.”

“I know,” she says with a slight groan. “I still have to get some shopping done for my mom and Cooper tomorrow. I’ve been so busy between work, taking care of Mom, and being your fake girlfriend, I haven’t had time.”

Guilt hits me hard, as I hadn’t even thought about how this might affect her personal life. “I’m sorry.”

She lifts her head, gives me a warm smile. “Don’t apologize. I knew what I was getting into, and besides… I have time tomorrow. It’s Christmas Eve and luckily, I don’t have to work. I’ll be able to get it all done.”

“Are you still good going to the party with me at Brienne Norcross’s? I know we had tentatively scheduled it on the ‘fake girlfriend agenda,’ but now that we’re the real deal, I’d love for you to be my date.”

“Of course,” she says brightly. “It sounds fun.”

“And how about I take you shopping tomorrow? I’ve got some things to pick up too.” Like presents for her, Cooper and Natalie, because it suddenly dawns on me, I didn’t just gain Tempe, I gained her family too.

“Um… okay.” She seems to reconsider before popping back up again. “Yes. That sounds fun. Let’s do it.”

And it does sound fun. Shopping, getting in the Christmas spirit, being a real couple, which is both odd and appealing at the same time.

“And I’d like to invite you to have Christmas Day dinner with us,” she says. “Farren too, of course.”

I’m so stunned to actually be invited into her inner sanctum on such an important holiday that I’m momentarily speechless. She takes it as if she might have crossed a boundary as she immediately backpedals. “I mean… only if you want to. You might want to spend it with family—”

I put my hand to the back of her neck and pull her to me for a gentle but quieting kiss. She sighs into my mouth and I mumble against hers. “I’d love to. Farren too, I’m sure.”

Tempe laughs, then really kisses me and all thoughts of Christmas are abandoned. I roll her to her back, put my hand between her legs and start the process of loving her body all over again.