Page 31

Rain

“ B abe, are you coming?” Xander asks on the other end of the line, a hint of panic in his voice.

“I’m already here, at the gate,” I say brightly.

I spot him standing and scanning the crowd. Grinning, I hang up and sneak around to surprise him. I think I’ve got him—until he turns on his heel, eyes locking onto mine like a magnet finding home.

The phone disappears into his back pocket as he strides toward me and wraps his arms around me.

“Fuck, Cherry. I was starting to think you weren’t coming.”

He pulls me in tight, like he needs to feel I’m real, that I’m here. I melt into him, pressing a kiss to his neck just below the gold chain. That damn chain. I don’t know what it is about it, but it’s like an aphrodisiac. He looks so damn sexy in it.

“I’m sorry I didn’t call you sooner,” I say as he eases back just enough to look at me. “Ruin and Gio offered their helicopter last night, so I flew directly in. I didn’t even have to go through regular security.”

His gaze locks with mine, and a trail of goosebumps dances down my back. That electricity between us is like magic.

He leans in, and when our lips meet, I feel it. Everything I’ve been missing. My lips part without hesitation, and when his tongue grazes mine, the tension in his body evaporates. Like this— we —is the relief he’s been holding out for.

We pull apart, breathless.

“I missed you,” he murmurs.

I huff out a laugh, still smiling. “That’s the understatement of the year. I think I’m going to have to buy a warm body pillow to replace you while we’re not together. Do they make those?”

“I hate to break it to you, but I don’t think anything can replace me.”

He flashes a cocky grin.

I sigh, shaking my head. “Sadly, I think you’re right.”

Before I can even sit down, the boarding announcement crackles over the speakers.

Xander booked us first-class seats, thank God. The extra legroom is a blessing—Xander would never fit in coach.

I’m buzzing with nervous energy. The helicopter ride was smooth, but it was my first time. Between that and the adrenaline from seeing Xander again, I’m feeling a little bit off.

I glance out the window as the pilot gives the usual safety rundown. Xander’s hand finds mine, warm and grounding. He gives me a worried look.

“What do you need? Is there anything I can do to help you calm down?” he whispers.

I close my eyes, trying to steady my breath. “I think… the emotions are getting the best of me,” I admit, heat blooming up my neck.

“I got you,” he says simply.

He lifts the armrest between us and wraps his arm around my shoulders. I rest my head in the crook of his arm and breathe him in—pinewood and leather. Comfort. Home.

Within minutes, I’m asleep.

“Babe, we’re here,” Xander says gently as I stir.

I sit up, smooth my hair, and grab my bag.

“Thank you for letting me rest,” I murmur as we exit the plane.

He kisses the top of my head, and I smile.

Now that we’re back on solid ground, I’m starting to feel like myself again.

I’m expecting Xander to rent a car or grab a taxi, but as we step outside, he scans the long line of waiting vehicles. The moment he spots a gray Land Rover with tinted windows, he heads straight for it, tugging me along.

“Mr. González,” the driver greets as he takes our luggage.

Xander opens the back door for me, and I climb in, shooting him a curious look as he slides in right beside me.

The driver gets in, and without a word, Xander closes the privacy curtain.

“You know, sometimes I forget hockey players make good money,” I tease, shifting to straddling him.

He smirks. “Yeah, I’m not a billionaire like Gio, but I live a good life.”

His fingers brush under my chin, gently tilting my head as he trails wet kisses down my neck.

“Xander,” I breathe, barely audible.

“Yes, Cherry?” His hands slide down my back to my ass, pressing me against his very big, very hard dick.

I moan, and he chuckles. “Not so eager to talk anymore, huh?”

His tongue darts out, and I capture it with my lips, pulling him into a deep kiss.

He jerks up in response, all heat and urgency. I don’t care if the driver can hear us—this man takes me from zero to sixty with just a touch.

“Is it okay if I do this?” he asks, placing a hand on my shoulder and slowly tugging my shirt down. He doesn’t remove it completely—just enough to free my breasts and bra.

His hands are on me instantly, and he passes his tongue over his lips like he’s starving.

“Fuck, I missed them last night,” he groans before taking a nipple between his teeth and pulling gently.

The mix of pain and pleasure Xander can inflict on me is something I don’t think I’ll ever tire of.

He moves between both breasts, like he’s been starving for days and I’m his first meal. He licks, sucks, bites with just the right amount of pressure. It’s intoxicating.

My need builds fast. I slip a hand into his jeans, cupping him over his boxers.

His breath hitches, but he doesn’t stop. When I wrap my fingers around his thick length, I find the tip already leaking.

My mouth waters at the thought of having him come inside my mouth. It’s such a powerful experience to have such a strong and incredible man at my mercy.

Still tasting me, he shifts, spreading his legs to give me more room to play.

I want him. All of him.

Just as I begin to lower my mouth, he growls, “Nuh-uh. You have to stop if you want me to finish what I started.”

“But I want to suck Gigantor,” I whisper, pouting.

“Fuck,” he mutters, running his hand over his face. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to say no to you, Rain MacAllister.”

I grin and slide off his lap. I make quick work of his jeans and boxers. His cock springs free, thick and dripping, and I take him into my mouth without hesitation.

His hand finds my hair, not to stroke, but to hold, tight and firm.

I glance up at him through my lashes. His eyes are dark, glassy, filled with a hunger that borders on desperation.

When I take him fully into my mouth, he pushes my head gently, encouraging me to go deeper. He usually lets me set the pace, but not this time. And I don’t mind at all.

“Is this okay?” he asks, his voice rough as he releases his grip.

I nod without pulling away.

I suck him slowly at first, then faster, teasing his tip with my tongue, loving the way his thighs tense and his fingers tighten in my hair.

I want to make him come. I need to.

One hand moves to his balls, massaging gently as I increase my speed.

Xander releases a long moan. “Rain—fuck—”

He thrusts into my mouth. One, two, three times—then he groans deep as his hot, thick cum hits my tongue.

I swallow every last drop, licking him clean before sitting back up. His face is blissed out, flushed, and gorgeous .

“That was incredible,” he murmurs, pulling me into a kiss.

I melt against him, but he immediately flips us, moving like a man on a mission.

I smile at his eagerness—until my jeans vanish in a flash and his tongue is already inside me.

I gasp as he licks deep, relentlessly, and greedily. My hands move to my breasts, tugging at my nipples as his joins in, circling my clit with just the right pressure.

I’m right on the edge, and when Xander replaces his tongue with his very skilled fingers, I finally come undone, chasing the release I’d dreamt about last night.

Once my breathing slows, we sit in silence, hands entangled, clothes a mess. Simply enjoying each other’s company.

“Please tell me we can take a shower and change before meeting your parents?” I say, cracking one eye open to look at him.

He chuckles, pressing a kiss to my temple. “Yes, of course. We can go to my place before going to lunch at my parents’.”

Relieved, I lean my head back against the seat.

When the car rolls to a stop, I rush to put my clothes back on. Xander laughs but moves quickly too, tugging on his jeans and shirt.

He hops out first, and I patiently wait for him to open the door like the gentleman he is.

The driver brings our bags to the front door while Xander thanks him and lets him know to pick us up tomorrow at three .

The moment I step inside, I stop in my tracks.

The place is beautiful—soft, warm colors on the walls and furniture make it feel instantly cozy. There are windows everywhere, flooding the space with light and offering incredible views of the water.

The first floor is wide open. A huge couch takes up most of the living area, a fireplace is across from it with a giant TV mounted above. I can already picture it: curled up with a glass of wine, the fire crackling, Xander beside me as we watch a movie.

“This is amazing,” I say, turning to him.

A boyish smile lights up his handsome face. “Thank you. This was the first place I bought after I got drafted to Boston.”

He takes my hand and continues the tour.

The kitchen is every chef’s dream—industrial-grade appliances, sleek counters, and a massive island perfect for prepping and serving. But what takes my breath away is the panoramic window over the sink, framing the ocean like a painting.

“Oh, Xander. I don’t think I would ever leave,” I whisper, pressing my palms to the cool counter.

“We can always come up for a couple of weeks during the offseason. Maybe even invite the whole family,” he says, wrapping his arms around me from behind.

My hands find his, and he rests his chin on top of my head.

“Can you imagine the chaos with all of the MacAllisters here?” I laugh.

He chuckles too. “Yeah, maybe. But they’re family.”

My heart swells. I know he’s being nice, but he says it so easily, like my wild, messy family is already his.

“As much as I’m enjoying this daydream,” he murmurs, kissing my cheek, “if we don’t shower soon, we’re going to be late for lunch.”

I whirl around, eyes wide. “Are your parents waiting for us?”

He nods, clearly amused. I bolt for the stairs.

I hear him cackling behind me as I grab my bag and take the steps two at a time.

“No funny business in the shower, Mr. González!” I warn as he steps in behind me under the spray.

He pouts. I kiss him anyway.

“We’ll have fun tonight,” I whisper against his lips.

His smile turns wicked. “I’ll take you up on that.”