Page 68 of Stay With Me

Mom couldn’t work. She never left the house, so I hung out with her after school until Dad came home and made supper.

In the mornings before school, he’d make a pot of black coffee, and we’d sit at the table before Mom woke up and talk about anything and everything. It became our tradition even though I hated the taste.

When I was old enough, I found a job at a coffee house so I could learn to make coffee I liked. Once I saved up enough money, I bought an espresso maker and practiced making drinks at home. Dad always taste-tested them for me.

Every one I made for him got his thumbs-up of approval.

When I was working on my coffee menu, I decided to name a latte after him, Bless Your Black Heart. Although he’s the sweetest man you’ll ever meet, that was his favorite Southern saying anytime he talked about someone being cold or cruel.

“Hey, you okay?” Tripp asks, and I blink away the daze.

“Yeah, I’m good. Is it my turn?”

“Not yet. I’m thinkin’ of where to get him next.”

I glance at our half-mutilated silhouette.

“The eyes,” I tell him.

“Savage. I love it.” He laughs, then gets into position.

“Should we make it interesting?” I ask before he throws.

“Such as?”

“Whoever throws the most times in a row without missing gets something from the other.”

He arches a brow, licking his lower lip. My gaze traces his mouth as he contemplates my offer.

“Hardly seems favorable for you, but okay, I’m all ears.”

“Rude.” I smack his flexed bicep. “Whoever loses is at the mercy of the other person’s request.”

“And what would yours be?”

“Oh, that’s the best part. We don’t tell each other until there’s a winner.”

He shrugs as if he’s got this in the bag. “Alright, you’re on. But, Sunny?” He cups my chin, inching closer, but not quite touching. “Don’t think I’m gonna take it easy on ya.”

I reach between us and palm his dick over his jeans. He’s not hard but chubbed enough for me to feel the outline of his length.

“Good. Because I never said I played fair.”

Stepping back, he blocks my hand from touching him. “No way. I’ll end up with an axe in my foot if you distract me.”

“That wasn’t in the stipulations.”

He playfully glares. “I wasn’t aware I needed any.”

“Ah, well, better to remember for next time.” I lift my shoulder, then remove the gap between us and drag his mouth down until it reaches mine. I kiss him like my life depends on it, sliding my tongue between his lips and moaning as he squeezes my ass. My body grinds against his erection, and once he’s rock-hard, I pull back and pat his chest. “Best of luck to you, cowboy.”

“I’m callin’ a foul.”

“No such thing.”

“You’re ruthless, ya know that?” He adjusts himself as he groans at me.

“You’re up.” I hand him the axe with a sickly sweet smile.