Chapter 18

Carys

“Are you humming?”

I look up from the filing cabinet and see Jules standing in the doorway of the office with his arms crossed over his chest.

“I don’t know. Am I?”

He huffs out a breath and narrows his eyes at me. “Yes, you are. I’ve never noticed you humming before, and I’m trying to figure out why you’d be humming now.”

“What’s the big deal?” I ask, rolling my eyes at him.

“Listen, there are only two good reasons for humming: either you have a cock in your mouth, which you clearly do not, or you’ve recently had a cock in your mouth or somewhere else in your body, which is entirely possible, so that means you got laid!”

Where Jules was all serious and inquisitive two minutes ago, he’s now all heart-eyes and big smiles while he claps his hands and jumps around the office. I, on the other hand, am craning my neck, making sure no one in the lobby heard him.

“Jules!” I whisper-yell, getting his attention. “For goodness’ sake, calm down. Sorry to burst your bubble, but I did not get laid. No one got laid.” I admit, there’s disappointment laced in those words. Because I’d like to get laid.

His face completely falls and I don’t know who’s more upset with my declaration, me or him.

It’s me, though. Definitely me.

“But, didn’t you have a date with our resident dreamboat?”

“I did and it was wonderful, but there was no sexing going on, I can assure you.”

Not for a lack of wanting, though.

The date really was great. I met Maverick in the lobby and he took me to a restaurant that was, again, new for both of us. We took our time eating and talking and ended up spending a good three hours at the place. I think we both needed some down time. Me, I’m always stressed with the hotel, but I could tell something was bothering Maverick. He eventually opened up to me and told me a little about the job he started doing for his dad while he’s here. I got the feeling there was more to his story but I’m not going to force him to tell me anything he doesn’t want to. The bottom line is, the poor guy was wiped out. He was so tired by the time we got back to the hotel, he didn’t even put the moves on me. I was disappointed, of course, but I understood.

“Where’s he from, anyway?” Jules asks with genuine curiosity.

“Dallas.” Any mention of the fact that Maverick isn’t from here and that he has a home, that is not the Blue Bayou, makes my chest ache.

“So, is it true what they say about those longhorns?” Jules’ tone is conspiratorial as he emphasizes the word long with a raise of his eyebrows.

I crack a smile, shaking my head with a laugh.

He huffs when he realizes I’m not answering that question and continues, “So, what’s the hold-up, sister?”

“What do you mean? He’s only been here a little over a week. What kind of girl do you think I am?”

“A girl that needs some dick, that’s what. He has, what, another week left of his stay? That’s just enough time to have some fun and then send him packing. You don’t have to worry about falling in love or anything crazy like that, just use the man for his amazing body and be done with it.”

If only it were that easy.

“But, Carys, if he breaks your heart, I don’t want to know about it. He’s just too pretty for me to hate.”

I laugh at the man who’s only been working here a short time but is quickly becoming a great friend.

“Scratch that,” he amends. “Tell me so I can kick his ass. I won’t like it, but I’ll do it for you. Even though, I’m a lover, not a fighter, you know.” Jules kisses my cheek, then heads back out to the lobby.

Turning back to my work, I try to get focused again. Even though I was hoping to wake up this morning in Maverick’s bed, I woke up in mine, but unlike most mornings these days, I woke up well-rested and clear-headed. I was so happy about it, I decided to clean out the office while I felt motivated. Maybe that’s why I’ve been humming. My mama used to say if a person is absentmindedly humming, that means they’re truly happy.

Am I?

I guess I am, at least on some level. I love this hotel and I love the people I get to be around on a daily basis. I’m just ready for things to stop breaking and business to pick back up.

More money means less problems, right? Biggie Smalls may not agree, but it’s what I’m hoping for.

An hour or so later, I’ve made some good progress. I have a substantial pile of papers to shred and my filing cabinet is cleaned out and organized. Now, I just need to finish cleaning off my desk and I’ll be ready for a lunch break. Before I attack the stack of papers in front of me, though, I’m hit with inspiration regarding some plans I’ve been mulling over for the hotel, thanks to Maverick. So, I grab a notepad and pen and start making a list.

One of the things he suggested is that I use my connections in the city to help improve business here at the hotel, so I start writing down who I should contact and what services they provide. It won’t be one-sided, of course. I’m willing to offer whatever it takes to make these possible joint ventures beneficial for all parties involved.

The first person that comes to mind is my friend CeCe. I’ve always thought it’d be cool to have a coffee bar in the lobby and I wonder if she’d be willing to set something like that up, or at least provide us with the coffee. Thinking about her now, I have to admit, I’m kind of embarrassed I got jealous over the idea of Maverick spending time at her coffee shop. The thought of them hooking up made me a little crazy. Admitting that, even to myself, makes me blush a little. I might need to wait a few more days before showing my face around there, maybe until Maverick is gone and out of the picture.

And that thought makes my chest ache, like always.

Frowning, I rub at the spot over my heart and take a deep breath before continuing with my list.

Next is Micah Landry from Lagniappe. I definitely want him on my short list for catering prospects. The food there is incredible, and he just seemed like a genuinely nice guy, definitely someone I’d like to do business with.

There’s also a bar around the corner called Come Again that I’ve seen when I’m walking to and from the store I go to at the corner of Decatur. I’ve heard great things about it. Maybe I can hire a bartender or two from there if I ever have an event.

The idea of hosting events at the hotel has me spinning off into a whole new direction. I remember when my grandparents used to host parties here when I was growing up and I remember how magical they were. I loved watching the grown-ups dance and laugh under the twinkling lights. It was all so very romantic. I wouldn’t even know where to begin on something like that, but my mind is racing with thoughts about the logistics, in a fun way. Nervous, but fun.

This train of thought causes me to start another list—things that need to be fixed or cleaned, as well as supplies to be bought. Once I’m done with that, I’m too pumped up to finish clearing my desk. It’s not going anywhere, so I decide to take my lunch break early and find Maverick. I have a feeling he’ll be just as excited about all of this as I am, if not more.

Stepping into the lobby, I walk to the side table and grab a glass of water. “Jules, have you seen Maverick today?”

“Yes, ma’am. He came in about an hour ago, mentioning phone calls that needed to be made and a shower that was calling his name.” He pauses to look at me suggestively. “You thinkin’ about crashing that shower?”

“No,” I say, fighting a smile. “But,” I pause, taking a healthy drink of water, partly to quench my thirst and partly to cool off since I’m now picturing Maverick naked and wet. “I do want to talk to him about some ideas I have to spruce this place up and I’m too excited to wait.”

“Well, then, get up there, woman. I have everything under control down here.”

“Thanks, Jules. I shouldn’t be too long.”

As I walk up the first flight of stairs, Jules yells, “Take as long as you need!” I ignore him and once I’ve cleared the second landing, I jog the rest of the stairs until I’m on Maverick’s floor. Self-doubt starts to flood my body and mind as I approach his room. Maybe he doesn’t want to be disturbed or maybe he’s too busy to chat...or too tired from all the work he’s been doing.

The closer I get to his door, the more convinced I become I’m overstepping boundaries and need to turn around and leave. I start to do just that when his door opens and Maverick steps out, startling us both.

“Hey.” He pauses, looking me up and down. “Were you coming to see me?”

Damn, he looks good. His eyes seem tired and his beard seems fuller today than it was last night, but it works for him.

“I, um, yeah, I was, but now that I’m up here, I realize you’re probably busy. We can, uh, chat later.” I begin turning around when I feel his hand grip my arm, electricity flooding my body.

“No, this is perfect. I was just stepping out to get some ice for the room.” He holds up the bucket to prove his point. “Why don’t you go inside and wait for me. I’ll be back in a sec.”

“Oh, okay,” is all I can manage to get out as I watch him walk away. Maverick’s backside is a thing of beauty. His worn jeans hug his ass and it makes me want to take a bite.

Stepping into the room, it feels strange being in here without him. Even though I know these rooms like the back of my hand, it feels different—more intimate—like Maverick has made it his own. I take small steps and look around, noticing little things about Mr. Kensington. One, he’s a pretty neat guy. I’m sure Mary made his bed this morning, but there’s very little clutter in the room. Outside of a laptop and leather notebook on the desk, everything else is pretty much tucked away. And then, I spot something interesting.

On the bedside table is a stack of comic books, as well as a bag of candy. All kinds of candy, including some of New Orleans’ famous pralines. Looks like my friend Maverick is a bit of a nerd with a sweet tooth, and learning these little tidbits only makes me fonder of him.

“Hey, I got you a Coke in case you’re thirsty,” Maverick announces as he walks inside. His eyes glance at where I’m standing and he gives me a nervous smile. “You found my stash, huh?”

“I did. That’s quite a collection you have here.”

“You don’t offer porn here. I have to blow off steam somehow.” He’s no longer nervous or embarrassed as he stalks toward me, like a predator to his prey. When he reaches me, he wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me flush against him. He kisses me softly before whispering against my lips, “I’m glad you’re here. I’ve missed you.”

I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face at his words. “I’ve missed you, too. Did you get a lot of work done?”

He lets out a deep sigh. “Yes and no. I have a couple of meetings later this afternoon, but I’m free now.”

All thoughts of what brought me up here go flying out the window as he nips my collar bone.

Maverick slides his hands down and grabs my ass before kissing me again. This kiss, though, is nothing like the one before. This kiss is firm and confident and when his tongue pushes into my mouth, I gladly accept it. Kissing Maverick has quickly become one of my very favorite things. I love how he takes control but is also very intuitive to what I need or want. He always seems to know just when to change our position or the intensity of the kiss and he most definitely leaves me breathless and wanting more.

Like right now. I know it’s not really the right time and it’s not how he expressed how he wants our first time together to be, but I want him. Badly.

Maybe we don’t have to go all the way this time. I mean, he pleasured me without benefitting the other day. Why can’t I do the same for him?

His hands are all over me, caressing, squeezing, exploring. It’s as if he’s learning my body even though my clothes are still on, but I want them off. I want his off even more. I want to explore his body and learn what he likes and dislikes, what turns him on and what really drives him wild.

I want him.

I tug his shirt out from the waist of his jeans and push it up until he breaks our kiss and takes it off the rest of the way. Stepping away—already panting—I appraise him, and holy Jesus, his body is better than I’d imagined. His muscles aren’t big and bulky but they’re lean and well-defined, evidence of his love for working with his hands and going for runs. Maverick watches me as I study his torso, running my fingernails through the light smattering of hair on his chest, all the way down and over his abs. A hiss escapes his mouth and it’s empowering, encouraging me to continue my exploration.

His belt is quickly undone, followed by the button and zipper of his jeans, but when I start to pull them down his legs, Maverick stops me.

“Do I get to undress you, too?”

I shrug and give him a small smile. “If you want.”

“Oh, I want. I want very much. I have to admit, I’m a little surprised we’re doing this now. Not complaining in any way, mind you, just surprised.”

I reach my hand into where his jeans are open and palm his dick. “I want to do what you did for me the other day. I can tell you’ve been tired and a little stressed, and I want to make you feel good.”

“You always make me feel good, Carys. Don’t feel like you have to pay me back.”

“It’s not payback. If anything, it’s selfish on my part, because I’ve been fantasizing about this pretty much since we met.”

The “fuck” that comes out of his mouth is barely a whisper and his eyelids are heavy, full of lust, as I finish taking his pants off, followed by his boxer briefs. It’s now my turn to curse as I finally get to see him completely naked. Strong and lean, his body is simply perfect, but then there’s his cock. I had no idea one could be so...I don’t even know how to describe it. Pretty doesn’t seem right or manly enough, but the only other word that comes to mind is delicious. It’s fully erect with a gleaming head and I can’t wait to get it into my mouth.

I swear, I’ve never been so anxious to give someone a blowjob in all my twenty-five years. Or more determined. I feel like a woman on a mission.

“Lay down,” I tell him, pointing toward the bed.

“I will,” he says with a slight chuckle, obviously getting a kick out of my tenacity. “But you’re wearing way too many clothes. I wouldn’t want you to be uncomfortable while you do whatever it is you plan on doing to me.”

Laughing, partly at myself and partly at him, I pull my top off and slide out of my jeans.

“Hey, now, not so fast. I’m not going anywhere. Let me do the rest.” Maverick’s words calm me down but only briefly, because when he slips the bra strap off my shoulder and kisses the bare skin beneath, my heart starts racing again. Who knew that would be such a turn-on?

He does the same thing on the other shoulder before unhooking my bra and tossing it to the floor. I know, technically, his mouth has been on my boobs before and his fingers have been inside me, but standing here in front of him like this—naked, vulnerable, transparent—feels a million times more intimate. And intense.

“You’re perfect,” he murmurs before kissing my mouth. His hands are warm against my breasts, kneading them, pinching my nipples. His touch feels amazing, but it’s distracting me from my mission, so I gently—or maybe not so gently—push him onto the bed.

His chuckles die down as soon as I position myself between his legs. Grasping his shaft, I waste no time circling my tongue around the tip before taking him fully into my mouth. My hair falls like curtains around me, but he’s quick to move the strands away from my face so he can watch, gripping a handful of it at the nape of my neck.

I moan, which elicits one from him and his grip on my hair gets tighter, spurring me on.

So fucking hot.

I’ve never claimed to be an expert on going down on a guy but I’m not getting any complaints from Maverick. The few tricks I do know—swirling, sucking, licking—he seems to really like and when I improvise and try something new, he’s equally vocal in his appreciation. Speaking of being vocal, I think I could orgasm just listening to his grunts and moans. Seriously, I’m so turned on right now, it’s taking everything in my power not to straddle his leg and rub myself off.

No sooner do I think it, I feel Maverick lean up and grip my waist, lifting and twisting my body until I’m on top of him with his face right where I need it. He slaps my ass, not too hard, just enough to let me know he means business.

Well, this is new.

If I wasn’t so aroused, I might be embarrassed with all my belongings out on full display, but I’m entirely too horny to care.

Maverick squeezes my ass where his hand had landed, rubbing and then biting, before he rips off my panties. Like, gone. The fabric pulls roughly against my skin, stinging before it gives way, but it’s quickly forgotten as cool air hits the heat between my legs.

“Ah, yeah, that’s much better,” he says before pulling my pussy to his hot mouth. Even though I knew what was coming, I wasn’t ready for how it’d actually feel to have Maverick’s mouth on me like this. A loud gasp escapes me and all I can do is stroke his cock while I adjust to the sensations flooding my body.

Taking him back inside my mouth, I increase the suction while holding him firmly at his base. I’m able to distract myself from my looming orgasm by focusing on how Maverick’s hips are rocking, pushing himself farther down my throat. I don’t even think he’s meaning to do it; it’s instinctual and I love it. Just like Maverick seems to love it when I grind against him, or as he just so eloquently put it, “fuck his face”.

His tongue flicks my clit over and over, like it’s his job, and I know I won’t be able to hold off much longer. I cup his balls, gently squeezing and pulling, causing his mouth to pull away from my center. He curses and calls out my name as he comes, his hot breath making my pussy ache for its own release. I continue to pump him until his body relaxes and his breathing returns to normal.

“Turn around.” His voice is deep and raspy and I want to wrap myself in it forever.

I sit up and look over my shoulder at him, a bit confused by what he commanded.

“I need you on my face again, but I want you to turn around so I can watch you come.”

Well, okay, then.

And, yes, sir.

Once I’m situated the way Maverick wants me, he wastes no time pulling my body back down to his greedy mouth.

“Holy shit,” I yell, grabbing onto the headboard for dear life. It’s even more intense, more amazing like this, and I am not prepared.

“Grab your tits. I want to see you touch yourself.”

I do as he says and every time I pull my nipples, he sucks my clit into his mouth. I’m grinding so hard against him, he can’t speak, but I can tell by his moans he’s enjoying this as much as I am.

Well, almost as much.

“Fuck, Maverick, I’m coming!” He manages to nod his head in approval while tightening his grip on my hips and holding me against his mouth. His tongue works its magic and soon I’m seeing stars as my orgasm hits like a tsunami, releasing wave after wave of pleasure.

I’m barely coherent as Maverick gently shifts me to my back before getting a warm washcloth from the bathroom and cleaning us both up. When my orgasmic haze clears, I see him looking down at me, his face close, with the sweetest smile I think I’ve ever seen.

“So, uh, when can we do that again?” he asks.

I laugh loudly, thankful that he’s able to look at me like that and set me at ease, because for a split second, I was scared it was going to be awkward. Then, I pull him to me, kissing him with as much passion as I can muster right now.

Eventually, we get dressed and he shares his candies, as we exchange knowing looks of that just happened and passing kisses. I can’t help wondering, if what we just did was this amazing, how will I survive having actual sex with Maverick?

I’m not sure.

And there’s a good chance I won’t make it.

But I’m dying to find out.

“What did you come up here to talk to me about?” Maverick asks as we’re sitting on the bed.

“Oh.” I laugh, feeling my cheeks heat up a little with the reminder of what I actually came here for, because trust me when I say I did not know that was going to happen. Do you ever truly plan for a life-changing orgasm? “I just wanted to tell you about some ideas I have for the hotel...you know, cross-promo kind of things.”

“Hit me with it,” Maverick says with enthusiasm.

“So, first of all, I was thinking I’d have our old brochures redone and take them to Lagniappe, Neutral Grounds, Come Again...that bar around the corner,” I tell him, pointing over my shoulder in the direction of the bar.

Maverick’s eyes light up in approval. “What else?”

“Well, I remember Micah mentioned that his sister-in-law was opening an art gallery down the street,” I begin, nervously fidgeting with the bed sheets we recently messed up, until Maverick’s hand lands on top of mine and he forces me to look at him.

“Whatever you’re thinking, it’s not stupid.”

“How’d you know I was thinking that?”

He shrugs. “You only fidget when you’re nervous or anxious. I figured that out the first day I met you.”

I smile and roll my eyes at him. The fact that he pays attention and notices those sort of things makes my stomach do this weird flip. “Anyway, I remember when I was young and my grandparents would host these parties. I was thinking I could get in touch with his sister-in-law and see if she’d like to do an art show in the courtyard. I could include other businesses, like coffee from CeCe’s, and maybe have it catered from Lagniappe. And I’d need a bartender.”

“That sounds like a great idea,” he encourages. “I’m serious. It would be fun for any guests staying here, but it would also give the hotel some much-needed exposure. Plus, you could take some pictures and update your website and social media accounts.”

“That’s what I was thinking.” I smile even wider, happy that he’s here for me to talk about stuff like this. Then my smile falls, because he won’t be here forever. “Maybe you could come back...sometime...for...”

“You’re not getting rid of me.”

“Okay,” I tell him, feeling relieved at his words. They’re not a promise or anything written in stone, but I trust Maverick. He’s never been anything but honest with me. So, if he says he’ll be back, I have to believe he will be.

When it’s time for us both to get back to work, we don’t make promises or plans. We both know whatever is happening between us is unexpected and unrehearsed, and for me, at least, it’s something I’ve never experienced before. So, we have to tread carefully.

As I’m making my way down the steps and into the lobby, I realize what I must look like. My clothes are all put on correctly—except my panties, of course—but I didn’t really put any effort into taming my hair. Passing the large mirror in the foyer, I see myself—pink cheeks, bright eyes, and wild blonde locks.

Yeah, I totally have sex hair.

When I reach the front desk, Jules looks up, and without saying a word sticks his hand in the air in front of me. I slap it, giving him the high five he’s requesting.

“It’s about damn time,” he says, going back to the glossy magazine in front of him.

Feeling completely smug and satisfied, I walk back into the office and plop into the chair at the desk. I can’t help the smile that takes over my face and the quiet laugh that escapes. Humming to myself, I go back to the large stack of papers.