Chapter Eight
Slade
When Roxie told her mom that she was happy with me being her boyfriend it felt like I’d won the goddamn lottery. We spent the day together. I took them out to the park, then we headed back to the beach because Roxie wanted to collect more seashells.
We’ve just walked into Ryn’s apartment and the girls are changing while I watch some show on her flat screen, but my mind is elsewhere. It’s with the woman who’s turned my life upside down in the best way possible. She’s in every thought and I find myself wanting to spend more time with her, and her daughter.
“Hey,” she says as she enters the living room dressed in a pair of gray sweatpants and a floppy tee. Her hair is pinned haphazardly on her head. “Did you want to stay for dinner?” Her question makes me smile.
“I’d love to. I can help cook as well.” I push up off the sofa.
“I don’t think so Mister.” She giggles. The sound is light, carefree, and when I meet her stare, her eyes sparkle like the ocean on a hot day. “I’m going to make you my famous Cajun steak,” she announces with a satisfied smile. One that brightens the room, fuck, it lights up my whole fucking life.
“Fine, and that means I’ll be having dessert here too.” I stalk toward her, gripping her hips, tugging her against me. Her body molds to mine. As if she’s always meant to be there.
When I lean in, I brush my lips over hers, just a taste. The smidgen of her sweetness has me thickening in my jeans.
“And when we’ve had our ice cream, put Roxie to bed, then I’ll be having my after-dinner decadence with you on your bed, splayed open so I can devour your sweet pussy. Is that clear?” Her gasp is cock-hardening. It sends my need spiraling, but before I take her on the kitchen table I step back.
“Y-you c-can’t do that here,” she stutters, clearly affected by me, and I smile.
“I’ll do you anywhere I like, sweet thing,” I respond, my tone gravelly. Just then Roxie bounds into the kitchen, plopping herself down on the chair beside mine, oblivious to what’s just happened.
“Slade, help me color.” The little blonde smiles up at me with a toothy grin. She’s cute, sweet, and looks just like her mom.
“Sure, what are we coloring?” I shift in my chair, getting comfortable while Ryn moves around the room. Moments pass, and even though my eyes are on the picture we’re adding rainbow colors to, my body is aware of where she is. As if we’re magnetic, I can feel her no matter where she is.
“Right you two,” she says, causing us to glance up and find her standing with hands on her hips, watching us with a small smile playing on her lips. “Wash up, dinner’s ready.”
“Yay!!” Roxie squeals, shoving her pencils in a small pink case. I watch her tidy up, and head down the hallway.
“She’s amazing,” I say. I’ve never wanted kids. Didn’t think I have it in me to be a father, but there’s something about Roxie that makes me want to try. She may not be mine, but I hope to all hell her mother will accept me in their lives.
“She is. She’s been my rock through a lot. I’m not sure where I’d be if I didn’t have to be responsible. If she hadn’t come along, I’d have gone down a dark path.” The confession stills us both and I can’t help watching those big blue eyes glisten.
“Hey.” I rise, reaching for her hand. I take it in mine, lifting it to my mouth. “You’re not that person, you’re her mother, you love her and you’re everything a girl could need to look up to. Okay?” When Ryn blinks, a stray tear escapes past her long lashes and I quickly catch it with my thumb. Sucking the salty emotion from my finger, I meet her gaze. “Now come on, no more tears.” She offers me a smile and I know the moment has passed.
* * *
The washing up is done, Roxie is curled on the sofa in her pajamas reading a book, her eyes fluttering as we sit and watch the movie she begged for. About a dog that can bark, or something like that. My mind is elsewhere.
“Come on, baby,” Ryn coos, lifting her daughter from the sofa. Her eyes have fallen shut and her grip on the blanket is tight.
“Do you need a hand?” I ask, surprised when Ryn lets me help her. We head down the hallway and I feel like we’re a small family. There’s warmth in this place, so much more so than in my cold apartment across town.
When I lay Roxie on the bed, Ryn tugs her comforters up and over her. The sweet girl is in dreamland by the time we get back to the living room. Ryn settles in the crook of my arm as the TV plays in the background.
“Thank you,” she murmurs against my shoulder. Her warm breath heating my shirt, but my whole body too.
“If you stay snuggled against me like this any longer, you’ll be saying more than thank you.” I chuckle when she swats me.
“I’m serious, Slade. You’ve somehow wrangled your way into my life, into my daughter’s life and I’m afraid—” Before she can continue, I grip her face with my hand, cupping her cheek and pulling her against me. Crashing my lips against hers, I feel her moan, and I swallow it with the kiss. Our tongues duel as we savor each other.
In moments we’re hands, lips, and teeth gnashing against each other. I grip her hips, pulling her onto my lap so she’s straddling me. Her core on my crotch making me lose all fucking control.
“I’m going to fuck you tonight. Here or in your bedroom. You choose,” I say in a raspy tone.
“Bedroom.” Her breathy word is all I need. When I rise, her legs wrap around me and I walk us down the hall, finding the second bedroom. I step inside and shut the door with my foot. Once the click sounds, I make a beeline for her bed, setting her down on her ass.
“Now, take off those clothes. I want to see you naked. I need to see every inch of your sweet, supple body,” I order, watching her shove her sweatpants down her long legs. She’s wearing the tiniest red thong I’ve ever fucking seen in my life. “Jesus, Ryn,” I growl, my jaw ticking, I’m holding on to a sliver of restraint, which snaps as soon as she takes off the top and I’m met with a matching bra.
“Do you like?” She smiles, twirling so I get the full effect: a pert ass I can bite, lithe, slender legs I want wrapped around my neck while I eat her delicious little cunt until she’s screaming my name.