Chapter Nine
FRIDAY MORNING SALLY awoke to the feel of Gage’s lips working their way down her belly. She closed her eyes, wishing they didn’t have to leave later today, and reveling in the memories of the date they’d gone on Wednesday night, and the delight in Gage’s eyes when he’d seen her in that gorgeous dress. She’d never felt prettier than she had the moment he’d seen her wearing it. Thursday had passed in a blur of interviews and other preparations for the new center. Sally had silently mourned the end of their time away, which was fast approaching, and when five o’clock hit, she savored every minute of the rest of the night. They had gone to the movies and for a long walk through town, holding hands and kissing under the stars. It had been bitter cold, but they’d heated up in the elevator, and when they’d gotten back to their room, they’d barely made it inside before tearing off each other’s clothes.
Now, Gage’s hands skimmed her legs with featherlight touches, bringing her mind back to the present. He kissed her inner thighs, making her squirm with anticipation. The first slick of his tongue sent shivers racing through her. He kept up a slow, torturous rhythm, licking her center, then kissing her thigh repeatedly. He splayed his hands over her hips, holding her down as he lowered his mouth to her sex. She loved the way he forced her to endure his torturous teasing, refusing to let her hurry things along. She widened her legs, lost in his scintillating tease. His hands pushed beneath her bottom, lifting her hips, and he did something with his tongue that sent spirals of ecstasy shooting through her. She fisted her hands, her heels digging into the sheets.
“You need to”—pant, pant—“patent your tongue. Good Lord.” She writhed against his mouth. “You should have told me how good you were at this years ago.”
He lifted his head, smiling.
“Don’t stop,” she urged.
“Baby, I could feast on you all day long.”
His teeth grazed, his tongue plunged, and those fingers…Gage never held back with his words or his touch, and the combination took her up, up, up, rousing her passion to levels she’d never imagined. She stole a look at him, and he must have felt her shift, because his eyes opened and caught on hers, electrifying the air around them. It felt so naughty, watching him devour her, and when he licked along her center, holding her gaze with a dark, erotic look in his eyes, she nearly lost it. An orgasm clawed at her core, but she struggled against it, enjoying the overwhelming sensations bursting inside her. She lay back, eyes slammed shut, trying desperately to stave off her orgasm. He did something magical with his fingers and her hips bolted off the bed. A cry of pleasure flew from her lungs. “Gage!”
He had already become a master at catching her on the way down and sent her soaring again. Scintillating sensations filled her, one after another, until she was hanging on to her sanity by a thread.
“Too much,” she pleaded. “It’s too much.”
He moved up her body, slowing to seal his mouth over one nipple and tweaking the other between his finger and thumb, doling out more sensual torture. He rocked against her center, creating the most delicious friction.
“Ohmygod,” fell from her lips like a plea. “Gaaaage—”
He clamped down harder, sending her spiraling into oblivion again, and captured her mouth midorgasm. His tongue swept passionately over hers, and his hands took over where his cock had started. Flashes of heat flamed inside her, burning hotter with every tantalizing touch, until she came in a shuddering quake, gasping and clinging to the mattress.
When she finally fell back, spent and sated, he lavished her with several tender, loving kisses, whispering sweetnesses in between. “Love you. You’re so beautiful. I can’t believe you’re finally mine.”
She smiled at his words, and when he reached for a condom, she pushed him onto his back, wanting to bring him just as much pleasure as he’d given her. “Oh no you don’t.”
“What do you have in mind, sexy girl?”
“Something like this.” She kissed his abs and wrapped her fingers around his shaft, earning a guttural, insanely sexy sound from Gage. Holding his gaze, she dragged her tongue from base to tip, circling the broad head. The heated look in his eyes made her feel empowered and seductive.
“Christ, baby. You feel good.”
She lowered her mouth around him, taking him to the back of her throat. He wound his fingers into her hair, holding so tight her scalp stung. The sharp sting spiked through her body all the way to her core, igniting her all over again. She moaned around his shaft, and he uttered something indiscernible but so damn hot she couldn’t resist moaning again. His hips bucked off the mattress, and she quickened her pace, chasing her mouth with her hand in tight, fast strokes.
“Babybabybaby—”
She kept up the maddening pace, loving the way he squirmed and clung to her hair. When he let out a long, surrendering groan, she eased up. Torture was the name of the game this morning. She loved it when he took her to the edge, then backed off, making her so desperate she begged. She wanted him to feel the same excruciating pleasure. She got up on her hands and knees so she could take him deeper, and his hand moved to her ass, caressing and groping as she teased and taunted him.
“I love your ass, baby.”
His fingers pushed into her sex, and she released his cock, rocking as his fingers stroked that magical spot inside her.
He guided her mouth back to his shaft. “Suck me, baby. Come with me.”
His words alone could make her come. God, she loved him. His dirty talk was addicting, and his wicked mouth and hands made her head spin and his rock-hard cock…Lord, she loved every inch of him. His fingers moved faster, and she followed his lead, speeding up her efforts. But concentrating on her rhythm while waves of pleasure swamped her was impossible. She must have stopped moving completely, because he took over, helping her find their tempo.
“Baby,” he ground out. “I’m gonna come.”
He tried to pull her head back, but she continued sucking and loving and stroking. She wanted all of him.
“Bird,” he pleaded.
She was consumed by the tingling sensations climbing up her legs and the mounting pressure in her core. His fist tightened in her hair, and his hips bucked at the same moment her orgasm crashed over her. Her inner muscles pulsed around his fingers as warm jets of his release hit the back of her throat.
“Good Lord, bird,” he panted out, pulling her up beside him.
“Good morning,” she said cheekily.
“Good? How about spectacular?”
His mouth came down over hers in a kiss that told her he was as reluctant to get out of bed as she was. Getting out of bed would bring them one step closer to leaving their solitude behind.
AFTER A LONG, steamy shower, during which they drove each other mad again, they packed their bags in silence. Sally couldn’t believe their time alone was almost over. She watched Gage through the adjoining door, remembering how elated he’d been from the moment they’d realized they were married. Had it really been only six days since they’d woken up married in Vegas?
She was still getting used to the idea that they were actually married. She’d never had a real wedding with Dave, and they’d never even gone on a honeymoon. When she’d lost him, she never thought she’d marry again, but even just a few months into her friendship with Gage, she’d been imagining more. She’d give anything to remember their wedding night, though every night since had been nothing short of amazing.
Gage glanced over, catching her staring, and blew her a kiss. He mouthed, You okay?
She nodded, remembering how hard he’d pushed for them to share the honeymoon suite when they’d checked in, and how worried she’d been about whether this marriage would be the start of their lives together or the beginning of the end. Now going home felt like the same quandary. She was already used to sleeping in Gage’s arms, waking up in middle of the night to the feel of his body, the sound of his breathing. How would she keep her hands to herself in the office? How could they be together as a couple without everyone knowing? She couldn’t risk Rusty feeling like he was the last to know. And to top it all off, even though she’d fallen in love with Gage a long time ago, they’d come together and their love had become real and alive here at this hotel. She hated leaving it behind.
Running late, they checked out and grabbed breakfast to go. When they arrived at the youth center, their overanxious applicants were waiting by the door. Sally had been on a dead run ever since. Unfortunately, every time she had a break, Gage was tied up, and she barely had a minute to connect with him. She was used to him being on her mind, but how could things change so much that she actually missed him when they were apart for only a few hours?
Later that afternoon, Sally was wrapping up her interview with Haylie Hudson, a petite blonde with serious blue eyes and a wealth of experience. She had been the administrator for a recreation center and had also run an elite travel agency. She was by far the strongest candidate for the administrator position, and she had the take-charge personality needed to run the facility.
“What do you think is the greatest asset you’ll bring to the position?” Sally asked.
“In addition to my administrative experience, handling off-site events has given me firsthand knowledge of the flip side of the business. I know what complications can occur for customers who are renting space or holding events at the center, and I will be able to anticipate and work around them before they occur.” She smiled and added, “Personally speaking, I think being a single parent is my biggest asset.”
That piqued Sally’s interest. “Why is that?”
“Because as a single parent, work is a priority and a necessity, but I also really enjoy being productive. Working makes me a stronger parent, and caring for my son has made me even more efficient and organized, which carries over to the workplace. I don’t know if you have kids, but once you’ve stayed up all night with a colicky baby and had to function the next day, you learn what you’re made of.”
Sally laughed. “I remember those days.”
“Excuses don’t cut the muster for kids or for clients. I’ve become a master at multitasking, sifting through nonsense to get to the heart of the matter and find solutions to problems before they escalate. And”—she held up her index finger—“I have a backup sitter for my backup sitter and a wonderfully supportive family who is always willing to pitch in if I need to work late.”
She reminded Sally of herself, even though she’d been married to Dave when Rusty was younger. Dave had worked seventy hours a week to get his business off the ground, and she’d often felt like a single parent.
“And why do you want to leave the company you’re currently working for?” Sally asked. “I have to be honest, the salary potential here probably won’t be as high as you might receive there in the long run.”
Haylie’s gaze softened. “Because while I need financial security, I also need to love what I’m doing for eight hours a day, or what I said about work making me a stronger parent will no longer be true. Working for the travel agency is interesting, but if I can be honest with you…?”
“Yes, please. Whatever you say here will remain confidential.”
“Thank you. Working with wealthy clients has many advantages, but it’s not as fulfilling as working with the rec center was. I love the look on people’s faces when they find a place, and people, that resonate with them and make them feel like they belong. In the rec center, I felt fulfilled every day. Nothing compares to the gratification that comes from a child learning to play basketball, or dance, or find a tutor that gets them. I’ve read up on No Limitz in Allure, Colorado, and I know these are things you hope to do with this location. It would be an honor to be considered for the position. Money isn’t my top priority. I’ve learned that sometimes you have to follow your heart and trust that the rest will fall into place.”
She could have been speaking about Sally’s situation with Gage and Rusty. “Yes, I think there’s truth in that statement.”
Gage knocked on the door and poked his head into the office. “Sorry to interrupt—”
“That’s okay. Come in, please.” Sally rose to her feet. “Haylie Hudson, this is Gage Ryder, the sports director for our Allure location.” And my incredible husband. It surprised her how easily that thought followed, and it must have shone in her expression, because Gage had a warm look in his eyes, like he noticed the change, too. “Haylie is interviewing for the administrator position.” And opening my eyes to what’s right in front of me.
AFTER HAYLIE LEFT, Gage and Sally locked up and headed for the gym to clean up their decorations. Sally was in a great mood, smiling endlessly and talking nonstop about Haylie, and Gage couldn’t help stealing kisses as she spoke.
“She’s experienced, professional, and smart, and definitely my number one candidate,” she said as he kissed her cheek, but she refused to be distracted. “How did your interviews go?”
“I made an offer to Sin, and he’s accepted it.” He touched his lips to hers.
“We’re on a timeline here, Mr. Kissy Face.”
“I’ll try to behave, but that’s asking a lot.” He chuckled. “You won’t believe the stories I heard today. I never knew so many people overinflated their experience. One guy said he had four years of sports-team management. It turned out it was with fantasy football leagues.”
Sally rolled her eyes. “At least I don’t have to deal with that. I get the, ‘Sure, I managed the office. I made the coffee and ensured there was ample creamer in the fridge.’”
“Maybe it’s a generational thing. We’ll have to give Rusty lessons in interviewing before he graduates.” Gage reached for the gym door, and Sally touched his arm, stopping him with a thoughtful expression.
“Thank you for thinking of him. I know I’ve been on the fence because of Rusty, but that’s not because I don’t love you. I’m just scared of handling things in the wrong way.”
“I know, babe. I’m worried, too, but I have faith in all of us.”
“I think we should tell him the night he comes home and explain everything at once. You’re right, he’s not a moody teenager anymore. Hopefully he’ll understand and be happy for us.”
Her beautiful eyes brimmed with love and hope. “The only thing that will make me happier than hearing you say that is when Rusty knows about us and that shadow of worry that’s following you around disappears.”
“I’m hoping for the best. I don’t want to hurt him, but I can’t imagine not being with you this way every day. I still don’t know how to handle it all, but I don’t think we should tell anyone before Rusty hears it from us in person.”
“I agree with you.”
She glanced at the door to the gym. “And I really don’t want to clean up the lovely decorations you put up for us, or leave Oak Falls. This time alone with you has been life changing. We’re married, Gage. Married! I can say that now without totally flipping out, and I don’t want to go back to our real lives where we have to be careful about what we say and do.”
“I promise, bird, every day of the rest of our lives will be just as wonderful. With the exception of the times I irritate you, or leave the toilet seat up, or forget to bring home milk, or—”
Her arms circled his neck and she pressed her lips to his in a sweet kiss that quickly turned fierce and demanding. He lifted her into his arms and her legs wound around his hips. Her effervescent smile cut straight to his heart.
“I want all of that with you. Except maybe the toilet seat thing.” She tightened her legs around his waist. “What are you going to do now that you have complete control of me?”
“What I should have done the first night we were here.”
He pulled open the door to the gym, kicking the partially deflating balloons out of his way as they kissed.
“Oh, no, you’re not,” she said with a laugh. “We’re traveling all evening, and I don’t have time to shower.”
“See? You’ll do great having more kids. You’ve got the practical mommy thing down pat.” He stole another kiss and set her on her feet. “Why do I find that so hot?”
She began picking up balloons and shoving them into a garbage bag. “Because of that steel rod in your pants. You’re thinking about making babies.” She narrowed her eyes, giving him the challenging look he loved so much—the one that made him want to test her resolve about no sex before traveling.
He shook his head, chuckling. “That’s your fault, baby doll.”
“Good. I like having that power over you.”
They gathered the balloons, and he copped a few feels and stole a few kisses while Sally futilely tried to pretend she wasn’t affected. The flush on her skin and the hitch in her breathing gave her away.
“You know you want me,” he teased as he unwound the peach and white silk drapes from the canopy.
“How do you carry around that ego without hurting your back?”
He twisted the drape and snapped her ass with it, reveling in her wild laughter. “I’ll lay you down on this floor and show you what a hurt back feels like.”
“Sorry, horny husband, but you’ll have to wait. Two hours to flight time.” She bent down and picked up a bunch of balloons.
“You keep flashing that gorgeous ass of yours and I’ll take what I want.”
Crimson crawled up her cheeks.
After dismantling and stowing their decorations in the storage room, they went to work picking up the remaining balloons.
Gage rubbed against Sally like a cat and whispered, “We have showers here.”
She wiggled her butt and he smacked it.
“Hey!” She spun around with an armful of balloons.
He took a step toward her and she squealed and ran, sending balloons flying in all directions. He caught her from behind and let his hands wander.
“You can’t run from me, wifey.” He sank his teeth into her neck, earning a lusty whimper.
“Gage,” came out with a laugh. “I can’t be the skanky ho who smells like sex on the plane.”
“You couldn’t be a skanky ho if you tried.” He dragged his tongue over the frantic pulse at the base of her neck. “Does that mean joining the mile-high club is out?”
She rested her head against his chest, sighing wantonly, and he snuck a few more delicious kisses.
“Do people really do that?” she asked. “In those tiny bathrooms?”
“We could do our own research. See if it can be done?”
She turned toward him, pressing her hands flat against his chest. Did she know how much he loved when she touched him like that? He covered one hand with his own and heat filled her baby blues.
“God, baby. That look…”
He lowered his mouth to hers, tasting the sugary drink she’d had earlier. He delved deeper, unable to tamp down the desire that had been building every time he heard the heels of her boots outside his office door, her laughter floating down the hall, and when he caught sight of her walking an applicant into her office. Maybe she was right to worry about their relationship having an impact on their jobs. How would he ever hold back when all he wanted was more of her? His hands were unstoppable, groping her ass, her breasts, tangling in her silky hair.
“Gage,” she said breathlessly. “I want you, but I don’t want to be uncomfortable on the plane.”
“So, no skanky ho?” he teased, and she shook her head, flashing the shy smile that made him hold her tighter. “How would you feel about being the gorgeous wife in a car, on the way to her honeymoon?”
Her brow furrowed. “Honeymoon?”
“I can’t take my new wife home without first treating her to a proper cheesy honeymoon.”
“But…? Danica expects us back.”
“No buts, baby. We’ll be back in time for work Monday morning. I didn’t have much time to plan, and I promise, when we have our real wedding, I’ll take you on the honeymoon of your dreams.”
Her eyes teared up. “I’ve never had a honeymoon.”
“What a coincidence. Neither have I. But I have to warn you. I literally looked for the cheesiest place to match our cheesy Elvis wedding.”
She laughed, and a single tear slipped down her cheek. “I don’t care if it’s cheesy or extravagant, or if we spend the night in a tent. Just knowing you went to the effort to plan a honeymoon is more than I could have ever hoped for.”