FOREPLAY

A Bad Boy’s Baby Romance

PROLOGUE

I ran my hands over his firm chest and up around his shoulders feeling the thick cord of muscles that lived beneath his tight flesh. I traced my fingers over the tattoos that covered his broad frame and moaned as he filled me over and over again.

His breath was warm against me as he leaned down, kissing my breasts before taking one of my taut nipples into his mouth. His teeth grazed, nibbling softly before his lips pulled with hunger.

He thrust steadily, and I tightened my walls around him, milking him for what I hoped would only be mine forever.

His mouth crushed down on mine and he backed away to meet my eyes still thrusting deeply and coaxing my pleasure from me.

He grabbed my hips and tugged me forward, grinding against me as he worked me, his hand resting on my mound as his thumb circled against my clit. He had me squirming beneath him. The pressure built until it consumed me and my orgasm burst from me with a scream that sent his hips into power mode, pounding away until our flesh slapped together loudly.

“That’s so hot. Drip for me.” He spoke the naughty words right into my ear, and it sent chills down my spine and brought a moan from deep in my chest. “That’s right, moan for me, baby. I love making you feel good.”

“I love it too,” I whispered breathlessly against his shoulder, and he chuckled.

“I bet you do, baby.” He rested on his elbow, working his hips in a slow, steady pace as he ground against me, and brushed his hand through my hair and flicked his tongue in my ear, stopping to take a bite. “You’re so beautiful.”

He pulled out and I whimpered at the loss of sensation. He bent down and lifted me easily from the couch. He carried me to the bedroom, and set me down on my feet at the foot of the bed. He laid back and crooked his finger at me. “I want to look up at my beautiful girl.” I liked the sound of him calling me his, and wondered if he truly meant it.

He didn’t miss a stroke, and I rode him gently as I settled around him, finding that the base of his cock was only stretching me wider. I pushed myself down on his base until I felt his heavy balls press against me.

“God this feels good.” I leaned forward and rolled my hips around as he reached up and cupped my breasts, pulling me down so that he could suck my nipples, biting and licking like he couldn’t get enough.

“Yes, it does. Ride me, baby.” He reached down and cupped my ass, working me on his cock until I found the pace myself and was bouncing steadily on top of him, my breasts bouncing up and down as he lay back and watched.

“You like what you see?” I rolled my hips and ground against him a bit before taking up the pace again.

“Fuck, yes. You’re fucking gorgeous, baby. As he said the words, my head lolled back, and I felt another wave of pleasure rock through me.

I never wanted it to end.

CHAPTER ONE - KAMI

Where the hell is a damn drink when you need one?

I asked myself. My feet were throbbing with pain. There’s nothing quite like working a double shift, slinging coffee all day, and coming home to a rock band rehearsing in the garage below your apartment.

I wasn’t sure where I got the nerve to hope for peace and quiet, but I wasn’t going to get it. To put the cherry on top of my shit sundae, I was greeted by my ex, Devin. Unfortunately, kicking his ass to the curb didn’t mean I’d get to avoid frequent unwelcomed run-ins.

Devin played guitar for a local rock band led by none other than my best friend and lead singer, Rain Crawford. To make matters worse, said rock band’s headquarters happened to be in the garage beneath my apartment. I was the poster child for the acronym FML.

“Hey, Kam, how’s it going?” Devin’s cigarette smoke billowed out with each word, sending chills down my spine. I knew the only reason he’d bothered to speak was because his latest fling was hanging all over him.

It was hard to believe that I was once mesmerized by his rock star appeal. Looking back now, the signs were everywhere, and I was just too blind to see them.

Devin knew how much it hurt when I had to close my photography studio, and yet he made cruel jokes about my failure whenever he could.

Before our relationship, I’d had some success with photography and had gotten confident enough to rent a space to open my own studio. I didn’t know enough to take into account overhead, utilities, insurance, etc. I just wanted to take pictures. Six months in, my studio folded. Since I’d signed a lease for a year, I was stuck having to pay, even though I’d gone out of business.

One of his favorite things to do was to point out the boarded-up building every time we passed by. It was all part of his plan to make me think I was less than him, so that I couldn’t imagine finding someone better. And I let him. To make matters worse, I caught him cheating in my bed. I still couldn’t decide which one of us was the bigger fool.

The bleached blonde on his arm had tattoos and piercings and wore a concert tee and shredded jeans and lots of black leather, while the edgiest things on my body were the piercings on my ears. Don’t get me wrong, I still appreciated a good concert tee and a pair of faded jeans, but I looked more like an all-American girl next door compared to the tatted-up groupie that was Devin’s usual type.

Little did she know that he was on a mission to sleep with as many girls as possible after our break-up. Whether it was to make me jealous or prove something, it didn’t matter. As far as I was concerned he could screw every available hole in town, so long as he stayed away from me.

“How much longer will this be going on?” I asked as I walked by and fished out my keys, which reminded me to ask another question: “Did you ever find the spare key to my apartment?”

“We’re on our last break, and no.” He shrugged and planted a kiss on the girl’s lips, practically reaching for her tonsils with his tongue. “I don’t know what happened to it.”

I shook my head in disgust. I’d given him over a month to find that spare key, and while I wasn’t inclined to believe he’d actually lost it, I wasn’t going to argue with him about it. He probably knew exactly where it was and only said he didn’t so I’d stress about him coming in the apartment.

“Never mind, I’ll have the locks changed.” I found my keys, which were down deep in my slouchy bag and climbed the stairs to my apartment. Devin and his girl who were hanging out at the bottom of my stairs, just next to my garbage can. It seemed fitting; the trash knew right where it belonged.

I laughed quietly at my witty joke. I opened my door and glanced around to see if my place looked any different than when I’d left it, but everything was in place. I couldn’t be too careful. My relationship with Devin could be compared to peeling the skin of an onion. The man I thought I knew pranced around with false layers. Sure, everyone puts their best foot forward initially, but he was at a whole new level. I realized he was an egotistical slime ball with zero compassion for others, not to mention a man whore. It went without saying, I was better off without him.

Unfortunately, he’d been the last in a long line of shitty choices. I really had a knack for attracting the exact wrong type of guy. The shittiest part was that I wasn’t getting any younger, and I wanted a family more than just about anything.

Thank the lord I hadn’t gotten knocked up by that prick.

At one point I was seriously considering it. It had been a half-baked idea, but I’d always known I wanted children. I worked up the nerve to speak to Devin about it a few times and, of course, he never really seemed that interested.

Since the breakup, I’ve been feeling the urge more than ever. The reality was that I had my fair share of failed relationships and I could no longer wait for the right guy.

I always admired my mother who raised me alone. I figured she’d done it on her own, why couldn’t I? I’ve always adored children. Maybe it had something to do with me being an only child growing up and having memories of begging my mother to have more babies. Who knows.

When Devin and I split, I’d feared it would cause a rift between Rain and I, but she assured me our friendship meant more to her than that. She couldn’t afford losing Devin, but she wasn’t going to let me go as a friend. Damn right.

She couldn’t get in the middle of it since she said he was not only the hottest guitarist in town, but one of the best. He had connections that helped them land gigs, and Rain leaned on him for everything.

I threw my bag down and kicked my shoes off, as I made my way to the fridge. I checked my schedule for work, which hung on the door, and wrote “double” with the magnetic pen I kept beside it. I had quite a few of those markings, and while I was exhausted from the extra work, my pockets were lined with cash tips. If I was ever going to climb down off the mountain of debt from the failed business, I needed a nice cushion to land on.

I opened the box and took out a cold drink and then grabbed a TV dinner from the freezer. Following the directions, I poked holes in the plastic and tossed it in the microwave.

Thirty-three years old, sleeping above a friend’s garage, and eating Salisbury steak out of a plastic dish. I was living the life.

At least my therapy was a long hot shower. I walked to my tiny bathroom, threw my clothes off and onto an already high laundry pile and stepped under the warm spray.

While the suds slipped down my bare breasts, the band’s last break ended and the noise below caused my shampoo bottles to vibrate against one another. I could feel the music through my feet and up into my bones. Exhausted or not, I couldn’t deny the love I had for their sounds—haunting harmonies mixed with a hint of metal. They really rocked, and Rain’s voice was incredible. She could hit any note with ease and was one of the most sought-after singers in the area. She had offers left and right, but wanted to do her thing, her way. She formed Live Wired, and the band hustled hard around the Austin area ever since. They’d even done a few short tours, opening for some big-name acts.

I’d known Rain since I’d moved to the area in high school, and our contrasting personalities brought us together like magnets. When my mom died during my first year of college, I moved in with Rain and her aunt, Helen. Aunt Helen was renting a garage apartment to an old man at the time, but when he moved away, I took up the rent and moved upstairs. I wanted to know what it was like to really be on my own, and shortly after, I wanted to know what it was like to be in a serious relationship. That’s when I met Devin.

Things had been wonderful for a while, and felt like life couldn’t get any better, but then he started sneaking around until one day, after a double shift, I came home to find him fucking some groupie in the bed we shared.

The only reason he’d been so brave was that Rain was working with her boyfriend at the time, and Aunt Helen had gone on a trip to see her sister who lived in Florida. He hadn’t expected me home so soon, and once I caught him, he admitted it wasn’t the first time. His excuse had been that it was part of his reputation; that with him being a musician in a band, I should know what comes with that lifestyle.

He never expected me to find out and begged me to stay. There was no way in hell I would take him back, and the rejection really seemed to get to him.

He proceeded to bed a different girl every night, which, according to Rain, he did for the two weeks after our breakup. He conveniently made certain that he was hanging around the house with his fling whenever I arrived home from work. He was ruthless.

I finished my shower and pulled on my boy shorts and a tank top and went to the kitchen to grab my dinner. When the music stopped, I could hear the sounds of the band leaving, and let out a sigh remembering that I was once a part of the gang just months earlier.

Footsteps on the stairs told me Rain was on her way, and sure enough, the brief knock on the door announced her seconds before she opened it and came inside.

“Hey, Kam. Do you mind if I grab a soda? We’re all out downstairs.”

“Help yourself.” She was in the fridge before I could finish my sentence.

“Man, what a night! You should have been here earlier. We had a surprise visit from Daren down at Metal Shop. He’s got us a whole list of gigs. We’ll be booked through the end of the year. I swear, that guy is so hot.”

“Did you eye fuck him?” I turned on the TV with the remote and fell onto the couch beside me before taking my fork and cutting up my Salisbury steak.

“You know it. We’re supposed to get together next week.” She plopped down on my mismatched sofa across the room and popped open the soda can.

“That’s awesome, Rain. He’s a catch.” Daren Craig owned and operated the largest music studio and store in the area; Metal Shop. It was a musician’s paradise, and not only was he one of the hottest men Rain had ever taken an interest in, but his connections were also gold.

“I can’t wait to see him again. He kissed me before he left. Said we could come down and use his back room to practice.”

Now she was speaking my language.

“That would be great. Then I wouldn’t have to watch as Devin molested his groupies in my stairway.”

“Well, he’s clearly trying to make you jealous with his flavor of the month.” She leaned forward, placing her drink on the battered coffee table between us and rested on her elbows. “You know what you need, right?”

“A baby.”

“I was thinking sex actually. You mean you still want to get pregnant, even now??” Rain’s eyes lit with surprise.

“You know I’ve wanted a child, that I’d even considered having a baby all by myself after mom’s death, but then I met Devin.”

“Aren’t you thankful you didn’t do that?” Rain let out a long breath and stared at the ceiling. She’d been against me looking into the single-mom life, and she was only looking out for what she thought was my best interest. It wasn’t the right time for me to become a mother, but I couldn’t wait for the day to finally come.

“Yeah, and I’m glad I didn’t go out and get a pet like you recommended.” She’d tried to get me to get a puppy.

“Big difference.” She looked in the mirror and smoothed her hair.

“I think I’m at the point in my life where I’m done waiting for my knight in shinning armour. Most guys I meet don’t want a serious relationship. Just one-night stands. No thanks.”

“You don’t know what they want. There are some nice guys out there. You’re just not looking in the right places.”

“Maybe so, but I’m not getting any younger. Besides, guys are repelled to girls who want to have a family.”

“Stop making excuses. You’ll find someone and the time to get knocked up. I’ll help you. I want to see my best friend in love again.” She got up and came around the table to give me a hug. “It’s going to be OK, Kam. The right man will come along, and he’ll be worth the wait. I really want you to give dating a go again.”

“Thanks, Rain. I’ll think about it.”

Too bad I stopped believing miracles since I was a kid.

CHAPTER TWO – TATE

Waking up alone for the first time in months was a good thing. I hadn’t expected my relationship with Terri to last a lifetime, so our fight last night barely bothered me. She’d come back begging again when she realized how much money she’d given up access to. Unfortunately for her, I didn’t believe in second chances. Once you’ve crossed me, you’re history.

Acting like a child had been her downfall, and it led to her drinking too much at the club and behaving like a total slut on some other guy. Then screaming in my face was the final nail in her coffin. It was more than over; it was dead and buried as far as I was concerned.

I glanced down to the morning wood tenting my covers and got up to head to the shower. Not only did I need to take care of it, but I still smelled like the club from the night before. I set the temperature of the water and stepped in, slathering my palm with conditioner and gripping my cock with my slippery hand.

I was so sick of Terri’s games. She’d been begging for a breakup for a good month now, and this time there was no going back. I closed my eyes and tried to think of another girl, one who wasn’t like the usual plastic, gold-digging bitches I’d been dating for far too long. I searched my mind, visualizing a crowd of women, some real and some fantasy, all bare breasted and smiling, giving me seductive looks.

I went through about a hundred before I found her. She was a beautiful brunette, with gorgeous green eyes. Her pale, alabaster complexion and the long, naturally wavy hair that hung down to her shoulders made her an all-natural beauty. She was someone I didn’t even know, but someone I’d seen once, maybe twice. But where? I never could seem to remember, and I didn’t know her name. She was my ideal woman.

I thought about her tall, slender frame as I worked my cock, jerking the bastard from my base to tip, which was angry and swollen like a ripe berry waiting to be squeezed till it popped.

The girl smiled, showing a perfect row of pearly teeth, and she licked her lips seductively. I imagined her down on her knees, sticking out her tongue for me to place myself against it. Then she lapped and licked and sucked, taking me over the edge.

I came hard, the hot jets shooting out in thick ropes and finding the drain, I leaned against the shower wall and caught my breath as the image faded from my mind. The girl, gone for now, but stored away in mind for next time.

I made quick work of soaping the rest of me and washing my hair before I got out of the shower and toweled off. I went to the closet and found some loose jeans to put on with a gray T-shirt. I scrubbed at my stubbly face with my palm and knew I wasn’t ready to shave it off, even if it was annoying everyone who knew me.

I found my camera next to my bed and sat down on the messy covers to see what kind of pictures were on file. I had some of my shots on this particular one, but out of the five cameras I owned, this one was mostly for taking pictures of random objects and people. I didn’t like to adjust settings, so I’d just buy a new camera for each subject I was shooting.

This infuriated my father, who thought my love of photography was a colossal waste of time. He didn’t care about the fact that I’d already sold my astral photography for some of the highest premiums in the industry.

My dad’s disappointed was nothing new. Ever since my teenage years, I’d started a collection of tattoos on my arms, chest, and various other regions of my body. Every time he’d catch a glimpse of my inked skin he’d bark a long string of curse words.

Sorry Pops. You’re going to have to accept that your son is a complete fuck-up, as far as you’re concerned.

The memory card revealed several of Terri’s nudes, and for a moment I wondered if I should take to the internet to plaster her image on every porn site I could find, but that wasn’t my style. It might imply that I actually gave a shit. Besides, knowing her, she’d love the attention. I deleted the images and took the card out of the camera and walked it over to my computer. I had some others I wanted to download but wasn’t sure what I would do with them.

It was definitely time to focus on my work. It was also time for a trip out west, so I sat behind my computer and turned it on as I checked my calendar for the next new moon. When the moon was away, the stars would play, and that was when I photographed them in all their glory.

I needed to work on my latest project to give the proceeds from my next batch of portraits to a nonprofit that my mother got me into, Dream Weavers. They provide income to single moms in Nicaragua, with home-based businesses sewing authentic clothing items, to feed their families. I planned to match the profits from the project 100 percent from my own savings. It turned out this spoiled trust fund prick had an okay side to him. Maybe so, but I sure as hell wasn’t going to let that shit spread. I had a playboy reputation to uphold.

The phone rang before I could lose myself in planning my trip. “It figures,” I mumbled when I saw my old man’s mug on my phone’s screen. He had a knack for calling at the worst times.

“Hey, Dad.” I waited for the familiar attitude that always came through my phone when he called.

“Where are you?” The man always asked the same thing. Never hello, champ or how are you?

“I’m home.”

“Of course you are. You should be out looking for employment. I guess that girl of yours has you playing house again this morning?” He’d been upset to learn that Terri had been staying with me most of the tie instead of living with her roommate.

“No, and you’ll be pleased to know we broke up last night. So, she’s not around.”

“Well, I hope you didn’t let her make off with the credit cards.” He’d also been pissed when she’d accidentally took the wrong credit card from my wallet and bought dinner on it. It’d been an honest mistake since she’d meant to steal my own instead of the one for family emergencies, but my father wouldn’t let it go.

“It was fifty-five-dollars, Dad. I paid you back. And no, she didn’t get away with my credit cards.” I wanted to tell the old man off, but I held my tongue.

“Watch your tone, boy. I wanted to call and tell you that your trust check is here. The bank didn’t do a direct deposit this month. You’ll need to put some serious thought on settling down with a descent girl soon, if you expect to see your full inheritance.”

“I’m on it dad.”

That was a lie. I had zero fucking clue what I was going to do about my inheritance issue.

My grandmother left me a fortune in money that was to be paid out in a trust until next year, when I reached the age of thirty-five. At that time, I’d get the rest in a lump sum. The fact that his mother had split up her money between her grandchildren, claiming her no-good children had enough money of their own, had always chapped his ass, as well as the fact that he couldn’t tell me how to spend it.

The one thing he managed to do was convince my grandmother that I needed to be settled before the money came to me in full. Apparently, their definition of settled was married with at least one child. So I had exactly fifteen months to find a girl I wanted to be tied to for the rest of my life and get her pregnant. Great.

The fact that my father, who’d been a total womanizer who’d practically driven my mother away, would give a shit about family life was fucking laughable.

“Have you even looked into finding work?”

“I am working. I’m head deep on building my photography.”

My father thought if I didn’t work, I’d end up in trouble or running off like my oldest brother, Daniel. No one had heard from him in months. I wasn’t that close to him, though; not like I was with my sister, Megan.

“A man needs a job. A real job, not a hobby like that star photography shit you’re into.” That ‘shit’, as he liked to call it, meant a lot to me, but he didn’t care. And one day, I was going to make a huge name for myself, so that my dad could eat his words.

“Have you heard from your sister? I’m not sure I like that new roommate she’s living with. That girl is trouble. She’s only going to get Megan in trouble, and I’m afraid it will hurt her career. I want you to try and talk her into moving home. She’s still got a room here.”

“She doesn’t want to live with you. She’s a grown woman, and you treat her like a child. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that she hasn’t called.”

Or that Daniel took off .

“She was just upset that I brought Evangeline here to live with me. She'd still not forgiven me for the incident with your mother.”

“You cheated on her and divorced her; let’s call it what it is.”

“Yeah, well your mom moved away, and that’s not my fault. She should have stayed close.”

“We speak at least three times a week. She’s living her own life, like the rest of us. I’ll talk with Megan, but I’m not convincing her she needs to be anywhere she doesn’t want to be. I have an extra room, and she knows it’s hers if she wants it.” I wasn’t going to tell him that she’d used the extra room several times already and he sure didn’t need to know why.

The only thing my father and I agreed on was her roommate. That girl was trouble.

“Just check on Megan.” He hung up the phone.

I took a deep breath. I didn’t need his passive aggressive bullshit. I’d just lost a gold-digger with the same problem.

I needed a break more than ever, and planning a work trip out to West Texas would be a great way to clear my mind. With nothing but my camera and camping gear, I’d be able to escape. I hadn’t taken a trip to do my astral photography as often as I liked in months. Terri didn’t appreciate my hobby any more than my father did, and the only thing she wanted me taking pictures of was her; naked. She hadn’t been too pleased when I wanted to take her out to sleep in a tent and brave the wild animals and Texas-sized mosquitos to get pictures of the sky. She also didn’t want me going alone for some bullshit fear that I’d pick up a chick on the way out of town to warm my sleeping bag.

I spun around in my computer chair, still looking for the calendar and moon phases. I wanted to make sure I had everything planned out so I could leave town. The only person I’d tell I was leaving would be Megan, and I’d ask her to stay at my house while I was gone. It was a sure way to kill two birds with one stone. I’d get my rest and the images I needed for my project, and I’d know right where my sister was.

As I got up and headed down to the storage closet to find my sleeping bag and tent, I thought about how I couldn’t put off finally finding a girl to settle down with, if not for the damn clause in my inheritance but for my own sanity.

Next time, I was going to find a real girl who not only loved photography but didn’t mind roughing it.

I didn’t know if she existed, but I’d sure as hell do my best to find out.

CHAPTER THREE – KAMI

Sunday mornings were for family, so Aunt Helen always cooked a big breakfast and insisted that Rain and I be around to eat it. I’d gotten up early and was ready to go down in plenty of time to help her finish cooking.

I walked into her bright living room, where the sun was shining in through the windows shadowing the couch beneath and blinding me.

Then Devin’s unsettling voice brought me around. “Morning, Kam-Kam.”

I whirled around as he sat up shirtless, clearly seeking attention. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Rain walked up behind me from the kitchen. “He was too drunk to drive home last night, and I was too tired to take him. Aunt Hel insisted he crash here.”

“Whatever. Don’t call me Kam-Kam.” I hadn’t minded the nick-name when we were together, but since the breakup, he’d only used it as a way to annoy me.

“I would have gone home with my girl, but we broke up. It was time for a change anyway. I’ve got plenty of girls barking at the bit.”

I wanted to say, “Seems fitting for a dog like you,” but I didn’t want him to think I cared enough. So I turned to go into the kitchen and help Aunt Helen. She lined a pan with bread, and I took over by getting the butter out of the fridge and buttering each piece.

“Thanks,” she said, wiping her brow. She took a load off while I popped the pan into the oven to make our toast. “You’re down early today.”

Rain joined her aunt at the table. “You’ve also been pulling doubles a lot lately. You should slow down.”

“I’m glad to have the extra work. It helps with the bills, and I’ve been enjoying this new phase of cleaning out unneeded trash and clutter.” I fought off the urge to say: ‘Devin being the first and biggest.’, but I stopped myself.

“I’m about to change the apartment up a bit. Maybe I’ll paint it and get a new couch. The ones I have now are too old.”

The truth was I couldn’t wait to move out of the apartment and had Devin’s nuisance to thank for that. Though, I couldn’t afford the rent in the area. At least for now I could enjoy my space for however long I was going to be here.

“Those couches are ancient, honey. I had them when I moved into this place forty years ago,” Aunt Helen said.

“It’s great furniture, but it’s time to die.”

Devin came into the kitchen and grabbed a mug before helping himself to a cup of coffee.

“I’m going to take this on the road.” He raised his mug and took a sip as she waved her hand dismissively.

“You go on ahead. Bring my mug back, though. You can’t find anything with Iggy on it anymore.”

The oven timer went off, and I got up to take a peek at the bread that was ready. As usual, there was way too much, and Aunt Helen stopped Devin.

“Come back here, honey, and get you some toast for the road.” She grabbed a paper towel and wrapped a few pieces up for him to take, which he gladly did.

“Thanks, Hel. Rain.” He gave my friend a nod and then met my eyes with a smirk.

I felt my blood boiling. Why did he have to hang around like an unwanted rag doll? He brought out the worst in me.

Once the door was shut, Rain giggled. “Wow, you could cut the tension in here with a knife. It’s one thing to have hard feelings, but you waste way too much emotion hating him, Kam.”

“Uh, hello? Can you blame me? He did nothing but put me down for months and cheat on me. Am I supposed to kiss his feet just because he’s a good guitar player?” I asked her.

I loved Rain, and knew that she had my back in most things, but I was still a little pissed that she stayed connected to Devin knowing how much he’d hurt me. I didn’t want to start a fight with my best friend, so I instead excused myself and made my way to my apartment.

As I walked in and threw myself on my coach, I heard Rain’s footsteps up the steps. She entered my living room with a concerned look on her face.

“You look like you’ve got a lot on your mind. I’m sorry Devin was here. I know it’s not easy, but I couldn’t let him drive home.”

“You did the right thing. I just wish he’d have the decency to at least try not to show his face around me. He’s always in my space and says things that only annoy me even more.”

Rain sat down next to me in the couch. “I wanted to tell you about something. Samantha at work was telling me about this dating site. I don’t know if you’ve ever considered that sort of thing, but this one is based locally, and it matches people based on your interests. Who knows you may find your perfect man and baby daddy. It’s called Matched Solid. She’s had a good experience with it so far.”

“I’ve never thought of using a dating site. I hear they can be dangerous if you’re not careful, and the last thing I need is a stalker.”

“This one is supposed to have security features in place, and you’re only sharing the information that you allow to share. It’s not like you rush into anything. If you find someone, you can call them and say hi through their chat and online call feature. That way, you’re not giving these men your numbers.” Rain shrugged, and I had to admit, it’d sounded different from anything else I’d heard of.

Rain’s concern was warranted. My life was beginning to feel like complete hell. And every time I had a run in with Devin, all my anger and resentment stirred back up. How the hell was I going to move on with my life like this? I needed something other than work as a distraction, because I was slowly going mad.

“So how much does this thing cost?” I knew there had to be some catch and I didn’t want to spend all my hard-earned tip money paying monthly fees.

Rain took out her phone. “Here, let’s look it up.” She sent her thumbs moving across the screen and put the phone in front of us. I leaned in close to get a better look.

“They have an introductory special. It’s a one-time fee of fourteen-ninety-nine. You can’t beat that. You get access to their forums and have your own profile page that you can add pictures to.”

I leaned in over her shoulder. “It’s kind of like the Facebook of romance. I guess it has algorithms that suggest people based on their interests. I guess I could try it.”

“We can’t look at the profiles unless we have an account. Do you want to set one up?” Rain smile widened as she bounced in her seat.

“I guess we could. My laptop is in my bedroom.”

As if we were kids again, we gave each other mischievous looks and raced to my room. We opened it, and it lit up, the screen coming to life to reveal my lock screen. I typed in my password, and I let Rain take to the keys.

She typed in the web address, and soon the site popped up. “OK, let’s see how to sign you up.” Rain filled in the appropriate information and only had to ask me a few questions to get me started. Once it went to the payment part, she turned the computer around, and I punched in my numbers, giving Matched Solid my fifteen-dollar entry.

I kept the computer in front of me. “We can look at the profiles now.” I let out a deep breath and scrolled down through the gallery of profiles, each of which had a picture and a brief description. There was a search feature, and it had options to search for specific interests, but I glanced over several profiles on the page. The entire group was filled with attractive people, and even if someone wasn’t to my personal attraction, there weren’t any who looked like they belonged in prison.

That’s a win.

Rain whistled. “Nice looking bunch. I’ve heard when people pay to be on a site; it usually means they are going to put their best face forward, but then again, this site could be doing the same thing.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, the site probably puts their more attractive people on the front pages.” She lifted her shoulder casually and leaned in closer.

“I guess I can see why they’d do that. Let’s dig around a bit.” I went halfway into the profiles and found that the further back into the pages, the less “apple pie” the people looked. Rain was right.

“Dang, he’s fine.” Rain practically pushed me aside and leaned in to get a better look. “Hellooo, Daddy.” She fanned herself as I giggled.

“You’re terrible. He is hot, though. It’s good to see a few rugged guys here and there, for a minute I thought we’d stepped into an ivy league yearbook.” I hit like, and she smiled.

“Yeah, but look at this guy. If he contacts you, I’ll be so jealous. He’s even making my ovaries boil. I think you better turn the page before we become pregnant by osmosis.”

“If only it were that easy.” I nudged her and scrolled further into the list.

“Wow, he’s got some serious hair.” I gave her a look and shook my head. “I think we better keep going.” We scrolled through all the pages, making comments and hitting the like button when necessary. We laughed at a few until we cried and couldn’t believe what some were putting in their profiles.

“I think you need to do your profile. We could spend hours here.”

“We have. I don’t know what to put. Do you think you could help me write it? I noticed many of them were written in the third person.”

“I’ll do what I can. We’ll have them lining up in no time.”

I wasn’t sure I wanted them lining up, but I had to get started somehow.

“First things first. Let’s add a profile picture.”

After we got my profile all set up and Rain left to go to work, I sat and scrolled through the guys one more time.

I sat and looked through the photos of all the “eligible bachelors near me.” I couldn’t help but wonder which one of them might make a good dad.

CHAPTER FOUR - TATE

I worked for hours on the images I’d captured. I raked my hand through my hair as I took a let my eyes rest. My photography was the only thing that took my mind off the impending deadline from my will. Finding a girl after an ugly break-up wasn’t as easy as I’d thought.

I needed help.

My head was pounding and I needed to take a break, so I put my computer screen on sleep mode. That’s when I heard the car pull in my gravel driveway.

Who the hell could that be?

I glanced out the window wondering who would show up at this time of the morning. With Megan over from her weekend visit, I thought maybe she was expecting someone, but instead I saw my friend Hazen’s blue Corvette.

I greeted him at the door as he made his way down the path. “Hey man, where the hell have you been?” He slapped my hand as he walked by and entered my home.

He went right to the bar I kept at the back of my living room and poured a drink.

“It’s a little early for that, isn’t it?” I didn’t mind that he made himself at home. I just enjoyed breaking his balls.

“It’s nearly three, man. Are you just waking up? I’ve tried to reach you all weekend.” He walked over to join me, slapping me on the back as he passed. I’d known the guy since we were kids. He was a character and one of my best friends.

“I went on a shoot. Got some great shots, but some assholes were camping nearby, and they had every light on in the fucking cabin. I’ve been on the computer filtering out the pollution all day.”

He had a concerned look on his face. “It looks like you have more than your shots on your mind. How’s the search for the Mrs. going?

“Not well at all. I’m screwed. I seriously don’t know what I’m going to do.”

“Damn, that bad?

“You tell me. I have to produce an heir in about a year, or I don’t get my money. I’ll have to go on a fuck fest to make it happen.”

“Boo fucking hoo, man. So you go out and pay some chick to let you knock her up. It’s not like you won’t be able to afford it,” he said, totally missing the point.

“I’ll have a kid. I might not want kids, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to have a little me roaming the world without being in their life somehow. I’m not my father, and I swore I never would be.

“Not to mention you’ll have to put up with its mother for at least eighteen years.”

“Yeah, there’s that. Do you know any of the women I’ve been with over the past few years who I’d even consider spending a week with?”

He seemed to be thinking about it by the expression on his face, which looked like he’d sucked a lemon. “Not a chance. But maybe I can help.”

“No offense, but don’t think you’re going to be helpful. My kid will end up with a stripper for a mother if I let you help. I need someone who’s going to have her own life and talents in an industry that’s not going to tarnish my kid’s life. My dad will shit a solid brick if I bring some pole dancer into the family, although I’m sure that’s what he expects.”

He placed his drink on the table in front of us and undid the button on his cuffs and began rolling up his sleeves. “With your predicament, there’s a place for you on my dating site. I’ve had a lot of luck, and that’s partly because of a few of my strategies, which is why I need panty melters like you on my team.”

“I’m not sure if I’m the guy you’re looking for.”

“Oh please! Ladies swoon over you, and when a guy like you gives them attention, they tell their friends. Then their friends come and sign up.”

“So, I’m going through the biggest dilemma in my life and you want to pimp me out on your site?”

“Hear me out, man. You have a year to find a girl to knock up and produce an heir. I mean, it’ll be like having your very own catalog of hot potential baby mamas to work, though. Plus you’d really be helping me out,” he pleaded.

“One things for sure, you know how to make an opportunity out of anything,” I said, though the idea was actually a pretty good one. I mean, I was going to have to get a move on or I’d end up losing my inheritance.

“Hey, I’m a business man after all. There’s bound to be at least a couple of girls on there that want to have kids anyway, right? This will just help you focus. And your focus will help me get more traffic on my site. I mean, it’s really a win-win.”

Hazen had always had a way of talking me into things, ever since we had been kids. He was a salesman through and through, and everything was a pitch to him.

“What exactly is it you’re looking for me to do?” I sighed.

“First of all, I’ll give you access to everything. You’ll be an admin, without letting anyone know you’re an admin.”

“Why wouldn’t I want them to know?”

“Because to them, you’ll need to put yourself forward as a potential candidate. I want you to mingle, flirt, flatter; do what you do best.”

“I don’t have to meet them all up for dates, do I?”

“I don’t care what you do to them, for them, with them. Hell, you might find a few girls on the side. Just don’t let them know that you’re working for me. I need these girls to feel special enough to brag to their friends. If they think a handsome fella like yourself is interested, they’ll spend more time on the site.”

“I don’t want them messaging me all day. I just want to focus on finding myself a girl.”

“That’s when you log out and turn off your notifications. I’ll handle the rest. Piece of cake, and I have a few other plants, both male, and female who work for me. Two of them are a married couple. Get this shit, the husband tells me it’s a total turn on for him. To each his own.”

“Wow, that’s a fight waiting to happen.”

“Yeah, I’m not sure how long they’ll last, which is why I need a guy like you. You’d love it, and you’ll be getting so many pictures of tits and ass. Your spank bank is going to be overflowing.”

“It is a little empty now that I’d deleted all of Terri’s nudes.” I’d cleared everything from my camera and everything she’d sent to my phone and email. The only pictures I had left in my porn file were stock photos of strangers.

“Dude, you didn’t.” He shook his head.

“Like I could stroke my cock to them and not hear her annoying voice anyway. Trust me; I’m better off without them.”

“If you say so. You could have passed them along to your buddy, just saying.” He chuckled as I gave him a warning glare and then he held his hands up as if to show he surrendered.

“With your site, I’m sure you’re doing OK in the pussy department.”

He pulled his phone out of his pocket as it pinged a strange bell tone. “That’s our trademark notification. You hear one of those, and you know someone’s interested. Lots of times, the girls send their tit pics in the first message. That’s how you know they’re DTF.”

“DTF as in down to fuck?” I wondered how many he was banging.

He glanced at his phone. “Oh yeah. Check this one out.” He turned his phone to reveal an image of a woman baring her breasts for him. “But look, she’s already sent me this.” He ran his finger over the screen and turned the phone again. The image was of the same woman, her legs were spread wide, and she was at least three fingers deep.

“Damn, man. Are sleeping with her?”

“Not yet, I’m seeing a different one at the moment, but she’s next.”

“What are you two talking about? Don’t tell me you’re preying on those unsuspecting women on your site?” Megan walked out from the guest room doorway where she’d been listening and crossed the living room to lean over Hazen’s shoulder. She took the phone and got a peek at the image before the screen darkened. “You’re such a pig!” She slapped his shoulder.

“How am I a pig? I have my intentions listed, and these girls send me the pictures all on their own. I don’t even have to solicit them.” Hazen stuffed his phone in his pocket, and she nudged him.

“You’re still a pig.” She curled her lip, and he chuckled.

“You know you want me,” he said, his eyes following her as she walked around and plopped down in the chair beside him.

“In your dreams, loser.” She stuck up her middle finger, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

I gave Hazen stink eye, but gave him mercy. My sister could take care of herself where he was concerned, and only because he was my friend and known my sister as long as he’d known me, did I let him have fun with her. Anyone else and I was busting heads.

“Come closer and say that, sweetheart.” He rubbed his foot up her calf, and she kicked it away.

“I don’t want your hands on me, much less, your nasty feet.” She folded her arms. “What’s this all about anyway? Why are you trying to lure my brother to your site? He’s got enough problems with finding a decent girl as it is. I highly doubt one of those chicks in your skank bank are going to be any better than the last one he dated.”

I got up and walked to the bar to myself a drink. “He wants me to help him with his site.”

“Doing what?”

“Confidence builder. Lure. Fluffer.” Hazen laughed.

“You called it an ‘admin’. I’m not doing anything you’re calling fluffer.” I took a long pull from my stiff drink.

As I rejoined them, my sister made a face. “What kind of an admin and what the hell do you mean?”

“There are some women who don’t get hits. Whether it’s their looks or personality, some are total train wrecks and get ignored.”

My sister opened her mouth to speak, but Hazen held up a finger. “Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s not my fault no one talks to them, but with your brother on board, they’ll at least get a little friendly conversation and stick around longer.”

“That’s horrible. You want him to give those women false hope?” She shook her head. My sister gave me a disappointed look that reminded me of when she’d talk about our brother, Daniel.

“I’d think that some hope is better than none, and most of these women just want someone to boost their confidence. We don’t have to lead them on in any way. There’s no harm in being polite. But you have to realize, the women on the site outnumber the men six to one. There’s always going to be someone who gets overlooked.”

She shook her head and looked at him with disapproval. “I still think it’s a creepy thing to do.”

Hazen shrugged and looked at me.

“Check this out. I’ve got the perfect user name for you.”

“Hit me.”

“Foreplay. The ladies will be all over it. So, you ready champ?”

“Yeah, yeah. But the first time some psycho bitch shows up to boil my bunny, I’m directing her to your house.”

CHAPTER FIVE – KAMI

Another long day at the coffee shop had proven to be a pretty good one as I tucked the twenty-dollar tip into my bra and wiped the table clean. I was just on my way back behind the counter when the chimes over the door sounded, and I glanced up to see Devin coming in.

He gave a short wave and took the closest seat to the door. Even when we were dating, he’d never come into my work unless it was to meet with Rain when she was visiting me. Him being here now without her as a buffer, unnerved me.

I didn’t wait tables, so I let him sit there knowing if he wanted anything he’d have to come up to the counter to get it. But after a few minutes of his awkward sitting alone and my pretending not to notice him, I finally let out a breath of frustration and asked. “Can I get you anything?”

“I guess. Rain’s meeting me. Band talk. But I’ll have a small black.” He never even looked up from his phone, and I shook my head as I poured him his small black and walked it over.

As I placed it down, my phone pinged. The sound was specific to the new dating site I had joined.

“Sounds like your new boyfriend is calling. You better take that.”

“Maybe it is.” I took out my phone and swiped it on, my jaw dropping at the image of the guy who had sent me a ‘hello’.

I’d had a few messages from some nice-looking guys, and a couple that I had no interest in, but this one was so hot, my pink parts suddenly felt tingly.

I looked up to find Devin exhaling his cigarette. “You can’ smoke that in here.”

“There’s no one else here.” He curled his lip, and I wanted to slap the cancer stick right out of his mouth.

“I’m here, asshole. And it’s against the law. Put it out or take it outside.”

“Fine!” He snuffed it out on the table and then put it back into his pack. “And you wonder why I broke up with you.”

“I broke up with you , dick.” I was seconds away from tossing his coffee in his lap when the door opened, and Rain came inside.

Sensing the tension in the room, Rain spoke up. “You two really need to chill out.” Rain stopped between us and gave him a pointed look. “I didn’t agree to meet you here so you could be an asshole to her. She’s my best friend, remember?”

“He asked you to meet him here?”

“The band’s not practicing this week, so yeah. It didn’t take much convincing to get me inside the best coffee shop in town where my bestie works, no matter if you hate the guests or not,” she said, looking straight at me.

“I brought him coffee, and I didn’t pour it over his head.” I wasn’t sure what else she’d want me to do.

Rain laughed and turned to Devin. “Come on, let’s go sit in the back and let Kami work.”

I mouthed her a “thank you” and continued my duties behind the counter. Just being around him made my skin crawl.

I’d already started cleaning out my home of all the old furniture and carpet and had spent one of my only days off stripping the old floors. They were beautiful, and my next buy would be the rug and my new couch. I had tried to make the place mine, though every time I turned around, Rain had Devin over. I couldn’t move on with him constantly under my feet.

“Can I get a large vanilla and caramel latte?” I looked up at Rain who had come to place her order.

“Sure.” I got busy making her drink, and she waited at the counter watching my every move. When I brought it to her, she paid and then leaned in.

“I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have met him here. I just hope that the site has been paying off already.”

“I’ve gotten a few hits, and I wouldn’t care if he was around if he’d at least act like a human being. He’s such an asshole.” I glared across the room at him.

“So, you did get a few? Any hot ones?”

“Actually, the notification sound is what set him off.” I pulled out my phone and lit up the screen with the guy’s profile. “His screen name is using name is Foreplay, and apparently his real name is Tate Evans.”

“Holy shit, he’s hot. What did he say?” She fanned herself and gave me a wink.

“Just a simple Hello, Beautiful , and hope we can chat . He might do that to all the girls.” I wasn’t inclined to trust the sites at all, and I had even second-guessed signing up.

“You should say hi back.” She couldn’t take her eyes off the screen.

“Maybe I will. How’d it go with Daren Craig?” They were supposed to have had a hot date over the weekend.

“It’s good. He’s so dreamy and just my kind, but this one,” she tapped at my phone screen. “He could convince me otherwise.”

“Hand’s off. If I message him, I’m not sharing.” I laughed, and Devin cleared his throat.

“Hey, am I supposed to sit around waiting all day? I want a smoke.” He took the cigarette he’d lit and put it between his lips.

“Just behave, Devin. I’m on my way.” She gave me another apologetic glance. “Sorry.”

I walked to the back and leaned up against the counter. The guy was almost too good looking to be true. I scanned his profile, and he liked photography. My heart stopped. Could this be a guy I could actually talk to? Someone, to spend time with? Someone who was interested in what I had to say, not only how I looked. Someone who wanted me for more than a groupie or arm candy?

He was a few years older, which was good, liked the outdoors, which was fine by me. I’d learned to love camping as a kid and hadn’t been in forever. Tate Evans sounded like a total winner. He was my solid match. I scrolled back up to his image and studied his features; his dirty-blond hair, tanned skin, and eyes so blue that they pierced right through me. They seemed to stare into my soul and pull me in.

I messaged back. Hello, I’d love to. I see you like photography? I hit send and waited to see if he’d message me back. I worked on a few things around the shop, and sure enough, half an hour later, he messaged me back.

It’s a passion. Are you passionate too? The words sent a warmth down my spine, which spread out to all the best places. My nipples tightened, and heat bloomed between my legs.

I’d like to think so. I went to school for it and had studio for a few months. That’s another story.

That’s amazing. I’m totally self-taught. I’d love to see yours and show you mine. *wink*

“Shit, he’s asking me out,” I mumbled to myself. I looked up, and Rain was sitting at the table twirling her straw as Devin talked on his phone. “Rain, get over here!”

She wasted no time crossing the room and sitting up the counter’s small bar area. “What’s wrong?”

“He wants to meet me and talk about photography. What should I do?”

“Uh, you should message him back, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get laid.” She turned the phone to her again, seeing his profile picture from the chat. “God, he’s hot. I bet he’s packing a big one too. I’m so jealous.”

“I don’t want to get my hopes up for anything.”

She pulled the phone from my hands and started typing.

“What are you doing?” I read over her shoulder and found her asking for a picture.

“Are you crazy? That’s too soon! Besides, there’s a profile picture.” I took the phone back and waited to see if he’d respond.

“Look, this is how you tell if they’re a pervert or not. A nice guy will send an appropriate picture, but a perv is going to send you a dick pic.”

“Ew, why would I want that?” Though, maybe I should get a look, seeing as I was on the hunt for a sperm donor.

“Please, you can’t tell me that no one had ever sent you a dick pic.” She turned around and looked at Devin who was still gabbing away on his phone.

“God, no. Do you have men send them?”

“I’ve had a boyfriend or two; there’s nothing wrong with it. Besides, some women think it’s hot when it’s solicited, of course, to see their man’s proud erection. Especially if she caused it.” She let out a giggle, and we heard a ping. My heart raced wondering if it was going to be a picture of his penis or of his smiling face. I closed my eyes, and she opened the message.

“Oh, nice.” Her reaction was hard to read, with my new knowledge of what she might find nice, so I opened my eyes to see his fiery eyes staring back at me. “He seems like a good one.”

“Now it’s your turn. Show me your smile.” She read his words out loud. “God, he’s so cute. Here, you have to send a selfie.”

“I’m a mess!” I turned my phone on and used the camera to fix my hair before taking the photo. I held the camera out, but Rain shook her head.

“No, do a downward shot. Let him see that body, girl. Besides, it makes your tits look amazing, trust me.” She opened the front of my blouse, and I slapped her hand away and positioned the camera. I smiled, snapped the picture, and hit send before I could talk myself out of it.

“This chat feature is the shit.” She watched the screen. “You don’t have to even use your number, so it’s all private. You can’t get any better than that. It’s best to make sure these people aren’t serial killers before you give them all your information.”

I nudged her. “If I get hacked up, I’m coming back to haunt you for introducing me to this site.”

“Relax, you’re good.”

Devin knocked on the table across the room. “Hey, are you two finished gossiping like two old women?”

“Chill, I’ll see you at the table in a few minutes.” Rain then looked at me and mouthed the words ‘You got this.’ She gestured to the phone and went back to join Senior Royal Dick at the table.

Another customer finally came in, and I poured their order when the next ping occurred. I excused myself to the back and quickly opened the phone.

You’re a knockout! The Loving Cup is still my fave for a good cup of coffee.

My blood turned cold. I glanced back at my picture and realized that I’d shown him where I worked. My blouse had the Loving Cup’s logo stitched right on the pocket above my name tag. Now this complete stranger knew how to find me whether I wanted him to or not. Great, if this went sideways, I was going to have to quit my job.

Panic set in. “Rain!”

CHAPTER SIX – TATE

I’d spent another long day on my computer doing touch-ups to photos and working my inner Casanova on Matched Solid. I couldn’t believe how immature some adults could be and the types of things I’ve read in the forums.

I’d also been bombarded with over a hundred nude images and offers and invites across the area and beyond. I tried not to lead anyone on, and there hadn’t been anyone I was interested in - except for one girl.

The moment I saw her, I knew she looked familiar, and not because I’d seen her profile before. When she sent that image from the Loving Cup, I knew I’d seen her there back before I stopped drinking coffee months ago. Out of all the other beautiful ladies in the crowd at the time, she was the only one hard at work. She’d stopped to take a tray of coffees around to a table, and the people were giving her hell. She’d kept her head held high, a smile plastered on her face, and just did her job.

I realized suddenly, this was the girl from my fantasy, the one I’d thought about when I jerked off. What were the odds of that?

Never in a million years, had I intended on finding anyone on this site that meant anything to me, but there she was; my dream girl. I kept checking my phone for her response, but she’d gone into radio silence after sending me a picture of herself at work.

I turned on my phone and glanced down at it again, and my cock responded with a twitch. I’d told her she was a knockout and I wasn’t insincere about it. Everything about her was perfect; her long wavy hair, nothing like the fake blondes I was usually attracted to, and her skin was pale, not like the overly tanned Terri. Looking at the picture, I could make out the perfect swells of her breasts and the flat plane of her stomach beneath them, the curve of her hips and more importantly, how pouty her lips were. I couldn’t help but think of them against mine, and my mind sunk even further into the gutter as I closed my eyes and imagined her down on her knees in front of me. She was smiling up at me just like in that image, only her mouth opened wider, and she took my cock between those perfect lips to suck it.

I was just about to touch my half-erect cock when my sister knocked on the front door of my house, proceeding to let herself in. “Tate?” Her voice carried across my house. “Tate it’s me.” I got up, bringing my phone with me, and went to the living room.

“Do you mind if I stay here again?”

“Roommate issues?”

“Yeah. She’s always bringing home a new guy like every other night. I’m not really into the lack of privacy, and she’d prefer I’d leave when they’re there anyway. I’m only doing this to help her out and since dad won’t pay for me to get a place of my own.”

“You know you should get your own place.”

“Dad would be there every waking moment. Besides, I love shopping too much. If I spend all my allowances on the house, then how am I supposed to dress?”

“Come on, did you just hear yourself? You’re not that girl. You’re the most responsible, intelligent, and practical girl I know, even if you do like to shop a little too much. You can make it on your own.”

“Could I stay here while I figure it out?”

“As long as you need to, you know that.”

“Thanks, bro. You’re the best.”

“Mhm. Mom should have had me first.”

She stuck her tongue out at me before she turned and went out to her car, and came back with her overnight bag.

“What’s that?” I looked up to see her peeking over my shoulder. “Or should I say, who?”

“It’s a girl I met on that dating site. I really like her so far, but I’m not sure she likes me. She’s gone quiet.”

“Let me look.” She studied the image and smiled. “She’s beautiful, and so not like your type. What’s up with that?”

“There’s just something about her. I’ve actually seen her before at her job—”

Megan looked at me and shook her head.

“You told her you to know where she works? No fucking wonder, genius, you probably scared her to death. She’s gonna think you’re a psycho stalker, idiot.”

“Shit. I hadn’t even thought about that. It was a just innocent conversation. I was actually happy she hadn’t sent me a nude. So many have.”

“See and here I thought nude shots would be right up your alley, though I didn’t think you’d ever admit otherwise.” She walked over to the couch and took a seat. “You should really message her back and apologize.”

“Is an apology really necessary? I haven’t done anything wrong.”

“Could you be more of a guy right now? I’m telling you, you creeped her out. That’s the only explanation, and even if you didn’t, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

“Fine. What do I say, since you’re so good at this stuff?” I got ready to type a message when my sister shrugged.

“How the hell should I know, just tell her you’re sorry, you didn’t mean to be too personal and take it back to photography talk. Ask her what she takes pictures of. Anything.” She took out her fingernail file and went to work on her claws, as I liked to call them.

“OK.” I typed what she told me and waited.

“You really like this one, huh? Maybe she’s a real keeper, not like that Terri; she was awful. I was afraid she’d be the one you’d tie the knot with just to meet the requirements of your inheritance. That would have the worst mistake of your life. You haven’t had the best history when it comes to girls.”

“Am I really that bad?” I asked.

Megan shook her head. “Relax. You’re not a total screw up all the time.”

“Gee, thanks,” I replied.

“But even if you think she is different, you should still hold off on flashing your cash around until you know for sure.”

I nodded. “You’re right. But right now, we’re getting ahead of ourselves, because she hasn’t even responded to my apology yet. I might have fucked it up beyond repair.”

Megan went quiet and stared at her nails for a minute. “I hope not. I really hope you find someone you want to stick around for. For the right reasons,” she said softly.

I leaned in closer and brushed back my sister’s hair to see her eyes. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’m not going anywhere. Daniel is fine. One day he’ll call, and we’ll all catch up, it’s no different than mom. She calls when she’s ready.”

She hugged me hard and then pulled away to go into the kitchen. I caught a glimpse of her eyes and could tell that she was about to cry from the glassy look and the way they sparkled in the light.

We’d had it rough after mom and Daniel left, and though I’d resented their selfishness, I couldn’t help but care about them and where they were, but I wasn’t going to spend the rest of my life worried about them. I couldn’t.

While she was gone, milling around in my kitchen, first digging in the fridge and then the cabinets, my phone let loose of another Matched Solid ping.

I looked down to see that it was another girl; one who had contacted me before and she wanted to chat. I didn’t want to talk to her, but since I was logged on, she could see my profile was active. I hadn’t remembered to fix that feature to private as Hazen had suggested.

Do you want to play? The message raised my interest, but I didn’t want to get anything started with the woman. She was hot, but I wanted to see where things would go with Kami, and while I liked rubbing one off as much as the next guy, especially to a hot, young woman, I couldn’t get Kami out of my brain. She was the one I wanted to play with.

I ignored the message and let my mind wander to the fantasy in my head until my sister passed by. “I’m going to go out for a bit. I will pick up some things on the way back so we can eat a decent meal. You really should eat at home more.”

“Well if you’re cooking, I’m eating. Did you make a list? Add peanut butter and those sandwich stacker pickles. Oh, and some beer.”

“Anything else, Your Majesty?” She let loose a soft giggle.

“No, that should do it, thanks.”

As she grabbed her keys and pocketbook, my phone let out another ping. I didn’t bother looking until she’d shut the door behind her.

I glanced down thinking it would be the same woman, but instead, it was Kami.

I love micro, macro, HDR, and forced perspective.

I instantly grew a hard on.

CHAPTER SEVEN – KAMI

I couldn’t believe all the hits I was getting from the dating site, but I hadn’t been interested in a single one of them except for Tate Evans, the photographer. He was by far the most handsome and the most talented by some of his profile shots, and when he messaged me back, I felt horrible for going quiet on him.

His ping had come through just as I was about to climb into my big clawfoot tub for a soak and had just removed all my clothes. I contemplated not responding, but after a minute, I decided it was as good a time as any and responded by answering his last question.

I threw out a few types of photography that I’d experimented with and sent the message. I was curious to know the same of him, and when he responded, I’d ask.

His message came right back. Have you ever tried astral photography?

I haven’t, but I’d love to. I’ve always loved looking for constellations .

A few minutes went by, and I washed my hair, then scrubbed myself down thinking he’d gotten busy. But then the next ping came, taking me by surprise with his request.

Not trying to come on too strong, but I’d love to hear your voice. Call?

My heart raced at the idea, and even though I knew I wanted to be discreet until I got to know him better, he did already know where I worked. If he was a serial killer my fate was already sealed with that first picture. I typed back to him: Sure.

My phone rang about a minute later, and I let out a long-held breath. “Tate?”

“Yeah, hey. Kami.” His voice was so sexy that my body responded immediately.

“Hi,” I said, not sure how to start the conversation. Luckily, he jumped right in.

“So what are you up to?”

“Um, nothing really, I just got off work and am winding down a little.” I slumped back down into my bath water and caused a wave that splashed up against my breasts and made a sound.

“Are you in the tub?” He sounded a bit hesitant to ask and released a short chuckle.

“Yeah, sorry. I didn’t want to tell you.” My face turned red, and I hoped he didn’t think I was the kind of girl to do something like this deliberately for attention.

“No, it's fine. I mean, we can talk later if you want. I’m just in my room.”

“Are you in bed?” I asked, trying my best not to make it sound dirty.

“Yeah, actually. Most girls don’t get me into bed this easily,” he joked, trying to lighten the awkwardness.

“Well, you got me naked, so I guess you win.” When he laughed heartily on the other end of the line, I relaxed a little and settled into the flow of a normal conversation. “What have you been up to today?”

“I went on a trip to shoot recently, and it’s been a pain in the ass trying to get the touch-ups right. I need to find a nice dark place to shoot next time.”

“That sounds exciting. I’ve never really gone on a trip to shoot, not with the types of things I like to do. I just set up my equipment and see what I can find around the house. I once took a beautiful picture of bread mold.” I regretted telling him that the minute I said it, and my cheeks reddened again. I didn’t want him to think I was a total photo nerd.

“That sounds interesting, actually. I like people who find beauty in the most unsuspecting places.” His words were a comfort, and suddenly I didn’t feel so silly after all.

“Thanks. You’d be surprised of the colors.” I lifted my free hand and cupped it full of water, releasing it across my breasts.

“Is your bath cooling down? Bubbles all gone?” His voice was so sensual; he made the word ‘bubbles’ sound amazing.

“I didn’t have any bubbles, but yeah, it’s cooling down. This old place I’m living in doesn’t have a shower. So, I get to bathe in the claw foot.” I realized I was steering the conversation away from photography and I didn’t need him focused on my naked body. Another lick of heat coiled deep in my tummy to call me a liar.

I wanted him focused on me. Every bare, unclothed inch of me.

I was torn. I didn’t want to come off like a total slut, but part of me wanted to follow the path he was trying to lead me down.

“Hmm, that sounds nice, but I prefer it standing up in the shower,” he said, his voice dropping.

My breath caught in my throat and a jolt of electricity went straight to my pussy. “Why don’t you send me another picture,” I suggested, my voice low and full of need. Who was I right now? As I waited for him to take his photo and send it, I thought about what to send him. The ping revealed a picture of his headboard. The wrought-iron posts were lined with big fluffy pillows in ivory silk cases. I imagined my hands wrapped around those posts, holding on for dear life as he fucked me. “Very nice.”

“Thank you. What are you going to send me?” He asked suggestively and then went quiet as I took a picture and sent it.

“Mmmm, I’ve always had a thing for nice feet. Have you ever had someone suck on your toes?” he asked, and another jolt went through me, my need mounting, and my pussy beginning to throb.

Another ping sounded before I could answer, and the picture was of him, giving me a seductive stare. He was shirtless, with the perfect amount of chest hair that matched his stubbly chin. The tattoos on his chest were mesmerizing. I could stare at them all day and I wanted to rub my fingers over top of them.

“You’re very handsome. But I’m sure you get that all the time.” I hated that I couldn’t be more creative, but it was better than asking him what a guy like him was doing on the dating site in the first place. He could have any woman he wanted.

“Actually, not really.” He moaned, and I had to wonder what he was doing, but then he cleared his throat.

“Do you really like Loving Cup coffee?” I wondered if it had been a line.

“I do, and I think I saw you in there before.” I heard a sound of shuffling and wondered if he was standing up.

“Really?” I felt that rush of panic again as his words registered. “I will admit that it’s a little freaky you know where I work.”

“Hey, don’t worry about it. I should have been smarter about that and not made you worry. I won’t go down there and bug you or anything. You’re safe.”

“What if I want you to come down there and bug me?”

Seriously, what the fuck was that?

This was not how I usually talked to someone I barely knew. Tate was definitely bringing something out in me.

His low laughter caused another wave of warmth to course through me. “What about meeting up for dinner?”

“That would be nice.” I couldn’t believe I’d scored my first date with what had to be the hottest man on the dating site. “When would you like to meet up?”

“Well, the evening is still young, how about we meet up tonight?”

I hesitated for just a moment before saying, “Ok, sure.”

God, please don’t let him be a serial killer.

“How about I meet you at your work, and we go from there?” he asked.

I appreciated that he didn’t ask to pick me up where I lived. “Sounds good, how about seven?”

“Perfect,” he purred. “I’m looking forward to it.”

We ended the call and I tossed my phone across the room so as not to get it wet. I laid my head back against the edge of the tub and tried to breath to calm the butterflies in my stomach. I was nervous for my meeting with Tate and still incredibly turned on by our conversation.

I closed my eyes and pictured his smoldering stare as I slowly slid my hand down over by breasts, stopping to tweak a nipple into a taught peak. I groaned out loud as my hand slipped below the water and my legs parted. I slid my fingers through the soft curls and gasped when they touched my clit, which was swollen and ready to be worked.

I pushed two fingers inside myself and licked my lips as I imagined Tate between my knees. I fucked myself with my fingers while drawing circles on my clit with my thumb. It took only seconds before I came, panting loudly and splashing water out of the tub. As my orgasm faded, I stood and pulled the plug on the tub. I had a lot of work to do to get ready, starting with a phone call to Rain.

Once I had my hair wrapped up on top of my head, I dialed Rain, and she answered with a bored tone. “Hey, chick.”

“Where are you?” I closed my eyes and prayed she wasn’t gone off with Daren Craig, or worse, hanging out with Devin still.

“Downstairs, why?”

“Because I have a date tonight! So, get your sweet ass up here and help me find something to wear.” I walked to the mirror and checked my face; not a blemish on it, not counting the dark circles under my eyes from working doubles.

“You do? Who?” I heard stomping through the phone, and soon those footsteps were coming up my stairs. I went to meet her in the kitchen.

She hung up her phone as she opened the door and I shut mine off too. “It’s that hot guy from Matched Solid. He wants to see me tonight.”

“Already?”

“We talked on the phone. He’s going to meet me at the Loving Cup so I will be in a familiar place, and then he said if it works out, from there we can grab a bite to eat. I sent him a picture of my feet.”

The random addition to our conversation had her face screwing up in expressions that told me she didn’t know what to think.

“Why would send him a picture of your feet?” She glanced down at my painted toes. “At least you’ve had a pedicure.”

“He called while I was in the tub and we were sending pictures back and forth,” her eyes widened and her brows raised.

“No, nothing like that!” I said quickly, deciding to leave out the part where I was so turned on that I masturbated to the thought of him.

“Ok, so what are you going to wear?” she asked.

I looked at her, suddenly panicked. “I have no fucking clue.”

CHAPTER EIGHT – TATE

I ran my fingers through my hair hoping to make it behave, but it was no use. I had let it get to the point of needing a haircut and knew I’d not be able to go more than another week unless I wanted to look like a bum. I made a mental note to get in to the barber soon.

I heard the door open and someone come in, figuring it was my sister.

“It’s me.” Her familiar voice called out when I entered the living room. “I got all the way to my house to get a few things, and she’s still at it. I swear I think the girl’s running a business.”

“We’ll get the rest of your things together. I’ll go over there with you tomorrow. I’d go tonight, but I already made plans.”

“You must have lady plans because you smell good.”

“Didn’t realize I was in the habit of stinking.” I went to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water and broke the seal before taking a swig.

“You know what I mean. Who are you seeing? Is it one of those girls from the site or are you giving Terri one more chance?” She rolled her eyes.

“You know I don’t believe in second chances. This is the girl from the site; the pretty photographer. We had a conversation, and I didn’t scare her off. She’s going to meet me for coffee and maybe dinner.”

“Well, I’m coming back here tonight, so you can’t be a pervert and bring her home.”

“If I wanted to be a pervert, as you say, I can always afford a hotel room.” I wagged my brows at her as she watched me put the bottle back on the other side of the counter.

“You’re horrible. It’s the first date.”

“No offense sis, but I’ve got this under control.”

“I’m just saying, you should probably give this a different approach than your norm. She seems like a nice girl, and if she’s using a dating site, maybe it’s because she’s leery and has been hurt before. The site is set up like a huge screening room, so some women use it that way.”

My sister had a point. Although, the reality of the matter was I had a short period of time to meet the requirements of my inheritance.

“I’ll take things as they come, but I’m not making any promises. I like this girl, so far. If we hit it off, I’m going to let things run their natural course, and if we end up in bed tonight, whether it’s her place or a hotel, that’s my business.”

She gave me a scolding glare that was so much like my mother’s it gave me chills. She really was becoming a clone, but I’d never tell her that. “Just promise me you’ll be careful with your own heart and I’ll shut up.”

“I’ll be careful.” I grabbed my wallet and keys off the bar and gave my sister a kiss on the forehead. “Don’t wait up.”

My sister knew about the clause in my trust that said I needed to be settled and have a kid before I could get the rest of the money. She teased me about it constantly, especially since my father hadn’t suggested my grandmother do the same for her. We both knew she wanted to see me settled. Then she could stop worrying about me.

I headed out to the car and was soon on my way across town to the coffee shop. The Loving Cup was a local gem, and it brought back memories.

I parked my Jeep up front and fought the urge to check my hair in the mirror. She could take me or leave me as I was.

I walked in and found her already sitting at a small table to the side. It had to be the best sight I’d seen in a while. She was sitting there alone waiting for me. The spot she chose was perfect for privacy, and I glanced around at the other patrons and was thankful it was a quiet crowd.

Her eyes sparkled, and her cheeks turned red as she greeted me with a smile on my way over. She got up and greeted me with a handshake, and I took the time to feel how soft the skin on the back of her hand was. “It’s nice to see you in the flesh.”

I pulled out my chair and took a seat across from her. “Likewise. Have you been waiting long? My sister showed up, and I got held up in traffic.”

“Not long at all, I just sat down. I thought I’d check work my schedule while I was here.”

I nodded and took in the sight of her. She’d let her hair down, and it fell to shoulders in soft waves, the chestnut color complementing her green eyes and alabaster skin. She was a real beauty, natural with a wholesome look, but there was a gleam in her eye that told me she had a slight wild streak in her just begging to come out.

“I haven’t ordered yet, I didn’t know what I wanted, and I thought I’d let you choose something for me.”

“Wow, you trust me with that big of a decision? I’ll see what I can do, but I will admit, it’s been a while since I had a cup.”

“Well, I work here, so I like it all. I’ve tried every combination on the menu, and my favorites include caramel.”

I took her hint and minutes later returned with two caramel mocha lattes and two biscotti.

“Great choice. Thank you.”

“They didn’t let me pay since I was with you and said it was in the house.” I slid into my seat and dunked my biscotti.

“Yeah, one of the many perks of knowing a Loving Cup employee. I can also get you tickets to and UT game, so if you bleed orange, there’s that.”

“Nice. I love UT.”

“You were saying you do astral photography. I’ve always wanted to try that. I love Orion, and it would be nice to capture that for my apartment.”

I was surprised she knew anything about it. “Many people are fascinated with his belt, but I’ve always preferred the shoulder stars.”

She stirred her latte and nodded. “Betelgeuse and Bellatrix. I know that because I had two cats named Castor and Pollux.”

“The Gemini twins?” I wondered how the two were related.

“Yes! I was going to name them Betelgeuse and Bellatrix, but my dad said that was too hard to spell, so we went with Castor and Pollux instead. My dad loves astronomy and used to take me to the observatory to see the stars all the time. It was like our thing, you know. He’d always take me out for ice cream and then to the observatory.”

“That’s awesome. I can’t believe you know about the stars.” There weren’t too many people around that have a passion for astronomy.

She waved her hand. “Well, I don’t know much, really. Just a little. But it’s something I’d love to learn more about. It’s fascinating, especially how you’re able to capture them on camera.”

“Maybe you’d like to go camping with me sometime, and I’ll show you how to do it. You can even take a few shots using my camera if you want.” I thought of having her in my tent, all to myself and my body even responded to the idea. My cock grew in my pants, and I couldn’t help watching her mouth as she talked. Her pouty lips were amazing, and I knew just what I wanted to do with them. With any luck, I’d get a kiss from them before the night was done.

“I used to go camping some when I was younger, but I haven’t been in years. It seems like I haven’t done much of anything lately but work.”

I wanted to steer her away from the topic of work if possible because I couldn’t tell her what kind of work I did for Hazen’s company, but sure enough, it was the next thing she asked.

“Do you work as a photographer or something else?”

“I do photography mostly these days, but I work for a friend’s company here and there.” I held my breath and hoped she wouldn’t ask me to specify.

“That’s great. Where do you go camping?”

“There’s a place up in the hills that’s a bit closer, but caught light pollution in the last image, so I have to find a place further west. I need someplace dark.”

“I don’t know that I’d like to be all alone in the pitch dark,” she said.

“What if you weren’t all alone?” I asked boldly, looking into her emerald eyes.

She cleared her throat and a blush rose to her cheeks.

I asked my next question, trying to lighten the conversation. “The latte is good, but I’m feeling like a steak. Do you eat steak?”

“I love a good steak. I can’t remember the last time I had one. Aunt Helen makes smothered pork chops that are out of this world.”

“Aunt Helen?” I wondered if she lived with her aunt. That could pose a problem if we wanted privacy. With Megan living at my place, we couldn’t go there.

“She’s not my aunt; she’s my friend Rain’s. I live in their garage apartment. Both of my parents moved a few years ago, and they took me in. I’ve got my own space, but my best friend is right next door, so it’s the best of both worlds.”

“That sounds great.” Really great, in fact, no nosy aunt just down the hall. “So what do you say to dinner?” I asked her again.

“I’m in. Where are you taking me?” I caught her glance over across the room and turned to see her make eye contact with a girl across the room with jet black and purple hair.

When I glanced back at Kami, her cheeks were redder. “That’s my friend Rain. She’s trying to be discreet about keeping her eye on me, but she was afraid you were going to be a pervert.”

“Well the night is still young,” I said in an over-the-top way that said I was joking. But was I? She laughed, took my hand, and led me across the room to her friend’s table.

“Hey, Rain. This is Tate Evans. Tate, this is Rain Campbell.” Rain held out her hand.

“It’s good to meet you. I was just finishing up my coffee and about to head home. Should I wait up?”

That’s up to you.

CHAPTER NINE – KAMI

Tate brought me to dinner in his jeep, and I couldn’t get over what a nice ride it was. The thing was tricked out with every additional feature you could imagine, and I knew he must have a good job to afford it.

For dinner, he’d bought me the biggest steak and shrimp platter I’d ever seen, and I had more than half of it in a to-go box.

We’d spent the better part of two hours getting to know one another. We shared stories from our childhoods, talked about photography as well as our other hobbies, and confessed our hopes for the future. It was thrilling to hear that he wanted a sole career in photography as much as I did.

“That was an amazing dinner. I only wish I could have finished.”

“I can’t believe I did. I haven’t eaten that much in a long time.” He helped me into the lifted jeep and placed the to-go box in my lap after I clicked my seatbelt.

He went around and climbed in beside me. “Do you need me to take you back to your car at the Loving Cup?”

“No, Rain brought me. I didn’t want to have to go back for my car. I live across town, not far from the coffee shop.”

“I’ll take you home then. If you’re ready?”

I didn’t want the night to end, but I gave a nod, not wanting to sound too eager. “Sure, thanks.”

As soon as we rounded the corner to my place, I could see the problem. There was a crowd of cars lined up outside Aunt Helen’s house and at least six people out on my lawn. Rain had called the practice, and they were still going strong. Then again, it was still early. I leaned forward in my seat and let out an audible sigh. “Oh no.”

“Is that your house?”

“Yeah, that’s where I stay, up above the garage. Looks like I won’t get any sleep tonight either.” I knew I was going to have to move out sooner or later, but Rain and Aunt Helen were the only family I had around. It’s what caused me to stay so close to them. Not to mention, it was super cheap and I’d just started making it my own.

“Does this go on a lot?” He pulled to a stop just out front.

“Yeah, like every other night lately. Rain’s my best friend, and her Aunt’s been good to me, but this is getting old.”

His eyes narrowed as he sympathized with me. “I could imagine. Do you work tomorrow?” He leaned up and glanced out at the window.

Yeah, first thing in the morning.”

“Look, I know this is our first date, and I understand if you want to say no, but my sister is at my place, and if you want to come home with me and stay, you’re welcome to. I mean, just for a night of peace and quiet, no strings or conditions and you can sleep wherever you like. I have two guest rooms and a couch. Plus, a built-in chaperone in Megan,” he added with a smile.

“I don’t want to impose. Besides what would your sister think? It’s not exactly the best first impression.”

“She would think that her brother knows what he’s doing and she doesn’t need to worry about it. You can give Rain my address and phone number so she knows where to reach you.”

“It sure sounds better than listening to sound checks and arguing all night; and they don’t know when to leave.”

“Then stay with me. I’m serious; it’s cool. We can go in and grab a few things and be on our way.”

I hesitated only a minute longer. “Ok, if you’re sure.”

“I’m sure,” he promised. “I promise I’ll be on my best behavior. If you want me to be.”

The way he looked at me made my insides turn to jelly, and if he wasn’t careful, I was going to drench my panties. I cleared my throat and opened the door.

“I’d introduce you to Aunt Helen, but she’s at bingo.” We approached the house, and I hoped to not bump into anyone, but as per usual, Devin was in the path of my stairway.

His head turned and his face grew serious as Tate and I passed, then they turned and headed back into the garage, whispering like a couple of adolescents.

We walked into my apartment and I suddenly became super self-conscious.

“I’ll just grab a few things, please ignore my mess. I’m redoing the living room and just yanked out some carpet. There’s beer in the fridge if you want it, just make yourself at home.” I hurried to gather my things not wanting us to hang around too long.

When I came out of my room with my bag, I found him staring at a few of my framed macro photos.

“These are really cool. I can tell this one is a cheese grater, and this one is a whisk, but what’s this one?”

“That’s a corkscrew.”

“I see it now.” He took another sip of his beer and turned to take my overnight bag off my hands. “These are really good. You definitely have the eye.”

“Thanks,” I said blushing. “I actually had my own studio for about six months. I may have ‘the eye’ for photography, but not so much for business. Someday, though, I will own my own studio again. And maybe a gallery too, so I can showcase my work, as well as boost other local artists.”

“That sounds amazing,” he said. “Well, with talent like this, I have no doubt you’ll get there. And who knows, maybe you might save a spot on the wall for me? It’s always been a dream of mine to be known for my work.”

“I’ll tell you what,” I said. “You get me out of this noisy shit hole tonight, and it’s a deal.”

He laughed. “You drive a hard bargain. Is this everything?” he gestured to the bag he held.

“Yep, all set,” I said.

“That’s impressive. My ex would have had three bags just for one night,” he said.

“Yeah, that’s not me,” I told him. “I don’t have time for all that.”

“It’s refreshing,” Tate said. “Plus, you don’t need anything else to make you beautiful.”

I blushed at his compliment and shook my head. “You’re quite the sweet-talker,” I said.

He smiled. “I mean, I can be, sure. But I’m serious Kami. You are beautiful.”

I stared at him for just a moment too long, my lips parting as I stepped toward him. Suddenly, a loud bang and shouting came from outside.

“What the hell was that?” Tate said, going to look out the window.

“Probably my ex being a jackass,” I said.

He turned and looked at me. “Ah, so that’s who that dude was with the Bimbo Barbie when we walked up.”

I couldn’t help but giggle. “Yeah. Not one of my finer choices in life.”

We headed downstairs and I went into the garage to tell Rain where I was going and to give her his info. Before I could step away from him though, Tate leaned down and brushed a kiss to my cheek. I knew from the way his eyes were trained on Devin that it was for his benefit.

I headed across the room, and some of the band waved while others said hello. It had been a while since I’d come down to see them. Devin folded his arms across his chest as I approached and Rain stepped a little in front of him.

Devin wasn’t about to be overshadowed. “Is that who you’re seeing? Mr. Rich Prick?”

“What’s it to you?” I answered before I turned my attention to Rain. “I’m going to stay the night.”

Rain placed her hand on my arm. “Do you think that’s a good idea? You barely know the guy, Kam.”

“I just need to get away for a night. His sister is at his house anyway, so it’s no big deal.”

“Call if you need me. I’ll come get you. And keep your cell phone on.” Rain hugged my neck, and Devin huffed and walked away. He had some nerve acting like he had a say in who I hung around with, much less judge them.

“I’m texting you his info now so you’ll know where I am,” I told her and forwarded the address Tate had put in my phone. I hurried out to the jeep and climbed in before Tate could come around to help. He watched as I clicked my belt and then shut the door for me.

We drove to his place, which was a nice three-bedroom house in a much better part of town. I thought about what Devin said and how he’d called Tate a rich boy. Maybe he’d seen Devin’s car parked out front. I wondered just how much money he had, not that it really mattered. I had never really cared all that much about material things.

“You have a beautiful home.” I noticed things were quiet, and even though I’d prepared myself to meet his sister, part of me was glad she didn’t seem to be home.

“Thanks, I wasn’t kidding about my sister, by the way, but I’m not sure she’s here after all.”

“It’s fine, really. Don’t worry about it. I’m OK with us spending a little time alone.”

“Why don’t you go to that shelf over there and pick out a movie. I’ll make some popcorn and get us a couple of drinks,” he said, walking toward the bar in the back of the room.

I went over to the massive entertainment center and browsed through the hundreds of DVDs that he had stacked in alphabetical order. I pulled out a favorite romantic comedy of mine and held it up for him.

“Ah yes, don’t tell anyone, but I love that movie,” he said with a wink.

I took a seat on the soft black leather couch, and he disappeared into the next room to grab the popcorn. I looked around and noticed there were several framed images lining the walls. “Are those yours?” I asked, when he came back into the room.

He set the bowl of popcorn and two glasses of wine down on the coffee table in front of us. “Yep,” he said. “I have hundreds but not enough space to put them all up so I just picked out my favorites. Sometimes I change them out for others when I get bored.”

“They’re beautiful,” I said. He really was a master of his art.

“Yes, beautiful,” he repeated.

When I turned my head, his eyes were focused squarely on me. Before I realized what I was doing, I leaned forward and offered my lips to him, which he gladly claimed. His tongue swept over mine, setting my nerves to buzzing. I could hear my blood rushing in my ears as his hand came up to cup my face.

I shifted in my seat so I could press closer to him and he slid me over so that I was straddling his lap. Instinctively, I ground against him, feeling his hard shaft on my inner thigh. He pulled back for a moment and looked up at me.

“We can stop if you want to,” he said, his voice husky and full of the same need I felt building in my core.

“I’m OK,” I told him, allowing my body to fully rule my head for once in a very long while.

His tongue caressed mine, and he brought his hands up to squeeze my breasts, his thumbs brushing softly against my tight nipples.

I slipped my hand down to stroke him through his jeans, feeling his cock grow even harder in my hand. He groaned into my mouth and lifted me off him, laying me back on the couch and moving over me.

He kissed me deeply as his hand wandered down below the waist of my jeans and into my panties. A voice inside asked if things were moving way to fast, but I proceeded to ignore the voice.

I involuntarily bucked against his fingers and he took the cue to slip one inside me.

I cried out and wriggled against him as he worked his finger in and out of my sopping pussy.

“I need to taste you,” he said, his voice a low growl. He withdrew his finger from me and traveled down my body, stripping my panties and jeans off with fevered quickness. Once I was naked and spread out for him, he looked up at me through hooded eyes.

“God, you’re beautiful,” he whispered, as he lowered himself to my trimmed mound and kissed me there. An explosion of pleasure washed over my center as his tongue found my clit and stroked it.

My entire body stiffened as he worked me with his tongue. I reached down and tangled my hands in his hair as he licked and sucked my most intimate places. He worked me to the brink with his magic tongue, before pushing me over the edge with a well-timed finger driven deep inside me.

I cried out and clenched my legs around his head as I rode out the wave of my orgasm. When my breathing finally returned to normal, I looked down to see Tate still propped between my legs, a smile on his lips that still glistened with my juices.

“God, you’re even hotter when you come,” he said, bending his head to give me one final lick.

I bucked and squealed, squirming beneath him before finally sitting up. My eyes locked onto his and I licked my own lips.

“Time to return the favor.”

CHAPTER TEN – TATE

Kami reached for my belt, and I leaned back and let her take out my cock. Her eyes widened as she wrapped her hands around it. “Impressive.” She leaned down and licked my shaft from my balls to my head, which was ready to burst like a ripe berry.

I drew in a breath through my teeth as she wrapped her lips around my head and sucked, pumping me with one hand and fondling my balls with the other. She left no part of me craving attention. I shuddered as her hand slipped even lower and grazed past my ass. “Fuck, baby. You’re going to pop me quickly if you don’t slow down.”

She pulled off and smiled up at me, and the sweet girl I had imagined was licking her pouty lips just like she had in my fantasies. Here was the little minx I knew she was hiding somewhere inside of her. “Do you want me to stop?” She raised a brow and waited for my response.

“Hell no.” I fisted my hand in her hair as she took me back in her mouth and began to suck me off in earnest. She was relentless and I was close to the edge in a matter of minutes.

I splashed her tongue with a bit of precum, and she sucked my salt down her throat, without flinching, which sent me over the edge. “I’m about to come.” She didn’t let up though, instead, she took me further into her mouth and then pulled back, so the head of my cock rested against her tongue as my hot seed spilled between her lips. She sucked and drank every bit from me, and my mind was reeling. Oh yeah, she was definitely the one.

After she’d taken every last drop, she rose up, and I kissed her mouth. I kissed her deep to show my appreciation and then picked her up and carried her to my bed, where I spread her out on the sheets and feasted between her legs once again.

I pushed my fingers into her tight hole and stroked her walls, lapping and tasting every part of her. She particularly liked me licking her rim, and I darted my tongue in and out of her tight star to see how much she liked anal attention.

She screamed out my name and came one last time as headlights reflected on the wall in my room.

“Shit, my sister’s back.” I came up from between her legs and snuggled up behind her, kissing her shoulder.

“We better behave then, right?” She turned over and faced me, her perky breasts a nice distraction as I peeked down at them.

“I’m going to try my best, but you are not making it very easy,” I told her.

She giggled and brought the sheet up to cover herself. “I’m going to go tell her you’re here, so there isn’t a surprise, but I’ll be back shortly.” I gave her another kiss and hurried to shrug on a robe. I went out to see Megan, who was throwing out our half-eaten popcorn.

“Hey, where have you been?” I tightened the belt around my waist.

Megan raked her hand through her hair. “I went to the house again to try and get more stuff. I only got a few things. I see you’ve had your date here.”

“Have. It was a madhouse at her place, so I brought her over to sleep here. She’s got work in the morning, so we’re about to crash.”

She rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe you brought her here. Or that she let you so soon.”

“Hey, it happens. We intended to watch a movie, and one thing lead to another.”

“The road to hell is paved with good intentions, brother.” She shook her head and went to her room, which was thankfully on the other side of the house from my master suite.

I headed back to my room and found Kami tucked into the covers and sound asleep. She was so beautiful, and I couldn’t believe how things had happened. Though it was much faster than I’d expected, it just felt right.

I set the alarm and crawled into bed, snuggling close behind her, trying my damnedest not to let my dick touch her ass. I knew if she rubbed back against me, neither of us would get any sleep tonight.

***

“Good morning, beautiful.” I rolled over to turn off the alarm.

“This is the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in.” She spoke with her eyes closed and hugged her pillow tight. “I don’t want to get up.”

I kissed her shoulder, and she turned and stretched, her perfect breasts bouncing slightly as she moved.

I gave her bottom a soft swat. “Get a shower, and I’ll make you breakfast.”

She moaned in protest. “No, join me in the shower, and I’ll grab breakfast at work.”

“If I join you, you’re either calling in, or you’ll be very late.” I gestured to the alarm clock. “I hit snooze twice.”

She pretended to pout as she crawled out of bed and went into the shower, as I enjoyed the view. It took everything I had in me not to follow her in there and fuck her senseless under the warm spray.

An hour later, I had taken her to work and returned home. My sister was in the kitchen doing dishes and giving me a scolding look.

“If you want to help, I’m going back down to my apartment. I told Meghan I’d be coming to get my things, so she better not invite her latest lover over until I was out.”

“I’ll call Hazen and see if we can use his truck. It just sits at his house now that he’s got that Corvette.”

“That would be great. I just want to get the big things in storage, and I’ll bring the small things here if you don’t mind. I don’t want Dad knowing I’m here for a while. He’ll irritate the shit out of both of us over it until I move home. I’d rather stay where I’m at or be homeless.”

“You don’t have to worry about it. You can stay as long as you want, but be warned. I have a feeling I’ll have Kami over again soon.”

She held out her hand defensively. “I don’t want to be a bother. If you need me out of the house, just tell me.”

“Don’t worry. I will.”

***

Hazen’s truck was packed, but thankfully, my sister didn’t have anything left to get from her old place. Hazen helped out, and the two of us were following my sister to the family mini storage where she was going to store her things.

“How are things going on the site?” He honked at a woman on the side of the road and waved. The guy knew everybody.

“It’s great. I met someone.”

“That’s good news; but don’t limit your options too quick. You’ve still got some time before you need to tie the knot. You’ll meet a lot of someone’s; trust me. I’ve hooked up with a lot of them if you ever want to compare notes.” He gave a deep chuckle, and I shook my head. There was a time in the not-too-distant past that I was just like him.

“It’s not like that. I’m all done with variety hour, my friend. I know I could go on a fuck feast before settling down for good, but I’m not interested in that. I’m looking for someone normal. There are too many gold diggers out there anyway.”

“What fun is having money if you can’t use it to your advantage?” He picked up his phone from the center console and switched it on to his gallery. “Take a look; I bet you find Little Miss Perfect in here.”

I frowned. I doubted that Kami had met him, but then again, we never talked about being exclusive. I took the phone and scrolled through about forty photos of women he’d either seen or fucked.

Many of the women I’d seen on the site, but they had so much attention, they didn’t need anyone to message them. I had been shocked to see that Kami hadn’t been responding to her messages from some of the obvious players. “She’s not in here.”

“No? That’s a shock.”

“Not really. You know I can see all of her activity. She’s not fallen for a single line that some of those dogs on the site throw at her. She hasn’t engaged with anyone but me.”

He looked at me sideways. “And have you gotten into her panties yet?”

“That is none of your damn business,” I said, a little too forcefully.

Hazen raised his eyebrows at me. “Don’t tell me she’s gotten under your skin already?”

I blew out a breath and shook my head, not really knowing what I felt. “I don’t know man, she’s just different. Not like the chicks I usually go for,” I said. “And have you actually banged all these girls in your gallery?” I asked in an attempt to direct the attention away from myself.

He grinned at me and nodded. “A gentleman never tells.”

I shot him a look. “Since when have you ever been a gentleman?”

CHAPTER ELEVEN – KAMI

It was hard to believe it had only been just a few days short of two weeks since Tate and I met. Bedding a guy on the first date wasn’t my style, but I came to find out Tate had a way of bringing out my wild side. I thanked my lucky stars that his sister came home that night.

It gave me a chance to reflect and push the breaks, a little. We hadn’t had sex or done any of the deliciously naughty things we’d done in his bed, although I sure as hell wanted to; on countless occasions.

I hadn’t spent the night again. I told him I wanted to take things slowly as we got to know each other more, and he agreed to let me take the lead. I really liked him and felt myself getting attached, so I wanted to give our relationship enough time before we got physical again.

I’d put my heart on the line one too many times in the past and ended up devastated, so I promised myself two full weeks of dating before we’d take things to the next level. I didn’t tell Tate an exact timeline, because I didn’t want to feel pressured if I still wasn’t ready.

Tate was unlike any other guy. He was so patient and respected my wishes, without attempting to change my mind. We had so much in common that it was almost too good to be true. Things were moving so fast that it almost scared the crap out of me.

Not too long ago, I’d sworn off men almost entirely and prepared myself for a sperm donor.

If I was going to open my heart to Tate, I needed know that I could trust him; that he wasn’t hiding anything from me. With that said, we had only a few days to go before the end of my two weeks of no sex rule. Being alone with him in the woods was going be a real test of my self-control.

I prepared for our date, dressing casually for adventure, as Tate suggested. I couldn’t help but think about him and our time together.

Not only had he come in for coffee when I was on shift, but he’d called me, texted, and even came to my house a few evenings to help me install furniture and paint the walls. I still wasn’t sure if I was going to stay there, but it needed doing, and Aunt Helen had agreed to take a bit off my rent for the work. I could certainly use the break.

We took full advantage of flirting hard, and he’d even sent me a picture of his naked ass upon request. It was the least he could do since I sent a picture of my bare breasts.

That conversation had been intense, and it ended with the two of us both pleasuring ourselves for the other to hear. Phone sex was underrated, and I hoped I’d never have to masturbate alone again.

I pulled on my hiking boots, which was another request, and wondered what he had in store. I hoped I wasn’t rock climbing or one of those places where you shoot each other with air guns. Devin had taken me to those places when he wanted some adventure, and I’d gone home from both with bruises.

He showed up in his jeep a half an hour later and came around, as usual, to help me in. He even clicked my seatbelt and gave me a quick kiss. “I’ve missed seeing you.” He walked around and got in the driver’s seat.

“You saw me yesterday.” He’d come in for a cup of coffee on my morning shift.

“Right, and it has been too long.” His words had me warm and fuzzy inside, and I kept telling myself not to get too excited. Once the new wore off me, who knows how he’d feel.

It had happened that way with Devin. Things were amazing between us at first, but then things got too comfortable, the new wore off, and he grew bored. Bored enough to stray. Tate and I hadn’t even solidified that we were in a relationship yet, and I was afraid we were fast-tracking our way to sudden burnout. I hoped I was wrong, but my history proved otherwise.

He drove us out toward the interstate away from the city. “Where are we going?” I glanced out the window and saw the city growing further away in the distance.

“We’re going out to the country. I have a few places I like to go where it's pitch dark, and the sky is alive.” He put his hand on my knee and gave it a squeeze. “I hope you’re not afraid of the dark.”

“As long as you stay close, I think I’ll be OK.” I placed my hand over his.

“I promise I won’t leave your side.” He picked up my hand and brought it to his warm lips, which brushed my knuckles. “I’m glad you listened to me about the hiking boots. There are all kinds of critters up here and some rough terrain, and that’s on the beaten path.”

“Will we have to leave the beaten path?” I glanced to the back seat and saw a medium-sized black bag that had a roll of duct tape looped through the strap and his camera case. For a minute, I wondered if I should be worried. Tate did seem too good to be true, and now he was taking me far from the city in the pitch dark of night with a duffel bag and a roll of duct tape.

“No, we won’t. I brought my big light and some duct tape to secure it to a tree so I can get a good look at what’s around and what I’m doing.”

I breathed a little easier. “Why don’t you just use your headlights?” I knew the jeep had a huge light bar overhead.

“The smaller lights are easier to aim, and I turn them off and on so often. I’ll lay a blanket down that you can sit on.”

“That will be perfect for looking up at the stars, among other things,” I said, glancing at him from under my lashes. The vein in the side of his jaw bounced and I knew he was thinking dirty thoughts.

A few minutes later, we pulled off onto a dark and winding road that led up into the hills.

He parked, and I stayed in the jeep as he scanned the area with a flashlight before choosing a spot to set up the light that he ran off a huge battery. He also had them rigged on a switch so he could flip them off and on as needed.

He came to my door and opened it, taking my hand to help me out. “You weren’t kidding. It’s dark out here.”

“It’s the new moon.” I like coming out on smaller phases, and before the moon rises so I get great quality photos. I came out a couple of weeks ago before the moon came out, but I wasn’t happy with the shots. The new moon, that’s the best time for what I do.” I stepped and stumbled as he stayed pressed tight behind me talking just above my ear. “Come and sit here. You should adjust to it soon.” I’d been in the jeep where there was some light from the displays.

I lay back and looked up at the sky, which was lit up as I’d never seen it. “That’s amazing.”

“It always looks that beautiful; we just can’t always see it. That’s why I like to capture it. You’d be surprised at how many people think my photos are faked.” His voice stayed close, but he let my go in order to capture a few images.

“OK, I need your help, now,” he finally said. I turned my head to barely see his outline moving in the dark.

“My help? I didn’t think you were going to put me to work.”

“You thought you were just going to get off easy, huh? No chance.” He chuckled. “Come here. I want you to point this thing to whatever piece of sky you like.”

“I want to capture Orion.” I gazed up at the sky, where I knew it to be. “Here.”

“OK, hit that button and we’ll see what we get when we’re done.” I did as he instructed, and he stood close behind me, his hands moving from my shoulders to my waist. I turned from the tripod, and our lips met with a tender kiss that soon deepened.

His hand came up to my hair and my back arched as he leaned into me. I pressed my hips forward, finding his and he slipped a hand down to my ass to cup it and draw me even closer. His thick erection pushed into me, and I felt the hunger for him aching deep in my core. He pulled away, each of us panting.

“I’m trying to behave, but you make it so hard.” He chuckled softly, and I could barely see the white smile in front of me.

“I’m sorry. You’re right. I was the one who said we should take things slowly. I don’t mean to make it hard.” After a moment, we both laughed at my words.

“I love being close to you.” He drew me into his arms and kissed me again, this time laying me back against the soft blanket. Every time things would heat up to where I’d think he’d want to have sex, he pulled away, teasing me and driving me crazy. He was waiting for me to tell him I was ready.

I wanted him so badly and yet; I liked the throbbing ache between my legs. We rubbed together, his erection pressing hard into my mound. It was so good that a few strokes later, I quickened our pace as I came hard.

“That’s my girl. You’re about to push me over too.” Moments later I did, and even though we didn’t have sex, it was the hottest, most satisfying make-out session I’d had in ages, even better than our phone sex.

I was more than ready for the real thing.

CHAPTER TWELVE – TATE

Megan’s footsteps warned me that I was about to be attacked. I opened my eyes just in time to see her approach my bed.

“Oh, you’re so lucky you woke up. I was about to dive bomb you. Dad wanted me to wake you up and have you call him. He’s in lecture mode, and now it’s your turn.”

“No thanks. I’ve heard his lectures before. Besides, I haven’t even had my morning coffee yet.”

“You going to Loving Cup?”

“No, once I get up I’m going to the kitchen. Kami gifted me a bag of my special blend for those mornings when she’s not on shift.” I rolled over as she walked to my desk and looked at the prints I had made the night before.

“That was sweet of her. Looks like I found the culprit to your sleeping in.” She held up the only image I had taken enough care to title. “Kami’s Sky?”

“Yeah, say it fast, and it sounds like Kami’s guy.” She curled her lip and shook her head. “Hey, I thought it was funny at four a.m., besides, it is her sky. She took that photo the other night.”

“Taking her on your shoots and letting her touch your camera? Things are getting serious. She camped out with you?”

“We only stayed a few hours. But she didn’t mind the bugs or the dark.”

“Just be careful. We both know you’ve got an inheritance to worry about, but if you get her pregnant before Dad even hears about her, he’ll really have something to lecture you about.” She turned to head out of the room.

“We haven’t slept together. Just messed around a little.”

She stopped in her tracks at the door. “You haven’t? But she stayed the night, and you had her in the middle of nowhere with nothing but your camera and six million mosquitos.” She gave me a sideward look as if she wasn’t buying it.

“Don’t believe me. I’m serious. We haven’t done anything yet.”

I was actually proud that I had held off even though it wasn’t easy. I wanted to be inside of Kami more than anything, but she preferred to take things slow and I respected her for that. She wasn’t like my sex hungry exes who I could have bent over any public bathroom sink, and they’d have thought nothing of it. They were so eager to get into my pockets that they’d have done just about anything and I’d let them. I’d never lasted more than a day without taking a woman if I’d wanted her. But Kami deserved better and I was determined to give it to her.

“I’m impressed. I’m proud of both of you. I’m mostly proud that you took my advice to heart and you’re letting things happen naturally, at least for now, even if she’s the one setting the ground rules. However, you’ll have to open up to her about your predicament sooner or later. Your time is limited.” She leaned against the doorjamb.

“I like her a lot, and don’t want to scare her away. I haven’t found the right time to tell her about my inheritance but it’ll come up and when it does I just hope she doesn’t get the wrong idea about me.”

“Well, I’m happy for you, brother. You deserve happiness and a good woman to give it to you. I hated that last one.”

“I know. Those days are over. I’m turning over a new leaf with this one.”

“Good to hear.” She was cut off by the phone ringing on my nightstand. I gave the screen a glance.

“Shit. It’s the old man.”

She laughed. “Have fun!”

I rolled my eyes, and she smiled and left my room. I hit “ignore” and went to take my morning piss. I had less than zero interest in listening to his same tired speech. I was a grown-ass man. He could talk until he was blue in the face and nothing he could say would change my mind about photography and I didn’t need him stressing me out about my impending deadline with the inheritance.

I had a strong feeling that my dad wanted me to fail, so even telling him about Kami wasn’t going to go over well. I was going to leave that conversation for another day.

I brushed my teeth and hopped into the shower to wash up. I watched the suds flow down over my abs. I had been lucky in the genetics department. I had never had to work that hard for the body I had. I was naturally built broad shoulders and trimmed waist. My abs were well-defined and ended in a V that pointed directly to my large cock.

As I thought about Kami, who was coming over later, my cock began to grow. Oh, how I wanted to bury myself inside her sweet pussy and make her scream my name. The pressure built and I reached down and grabbed hold of myself, intent on finding some relief.

I stroked my dick to the thought of Kami’s full lips. I closed my eyes and remembered how good it felt when those lips were wrapped around my shaft. I pumped myself faster as I imagined how velvety soft her pussy would feel. I steadied one hand against the wall and bit my lip as I came, spurting hot ropes of cum down the drain.

I dropped my head and caught my breath. As the tingling faded, I finished washing up and stepped out of the shower. Hopefully now that I had relieved myself, I wouldn’t be a ball of sexual tension when Kami came over. I was trying super hard to let her take the lead, but I wanted her so badly, my balls were almost constantly aching.

Time crept by as I waited for Kami to come over, but finally, she showed up on my doorstep looking like a million bucks. Her long, wavy hair was pinned back and made her eyes more striking. I reached for her hand and pulled her in for a kiss, my hand resting on the small of her back. The dress he had on was silk beneath my fingers, but it felt as if I were touching her tender flesh.

She deepened the kiss, and her tongue mingled with mine, stroking and prodding until we were both breathless. “That was one hell of a greeting.” I gave her a smile and led her to the sofa.

“I’ve missed you.” She smiled sweetly and dropped her handbag and keys on my coffee table. “Can you believe I had the entire day off? It seems like forever since I’ve had a whole day to myself.

“I’m glad you came to share it with me.” I sat with her and pulled her close. “I missed you too.”

“Did you?” I ran my hand up into her hair as she leaned her head back, allowing me to kiss her neck. She was so gorgeous, I had tried to use so much restraint with her, and it had been tough.

She pushed me back onto the couch and then dropped herself into my lap. I buried my face against her breasts and kissed them, unbuttoning her dress in the process. She giggled, and her fingers went through my hair, gripping it just behind my ears.

“I missed this.” She kissed me again.

“Me too.” I no sooner got the words out of my mouth, and she’d kissed me again. I grabbed her ass, and as she shifted to straddle me, I ground her closer. “I want you Tate,” she whispered.

I pulled back and looked at her. Her eyes were hooded and her lips were swollen from our kisses. Even though I had gotten myself off just an hour before, I was already hard and ready to go again. I ached to be inside her.

“Are you sure?” I asked.

She nodded and leaned forward to put her lips against my ear. “I’m sure. I want you.”

Within a few moments, I had her dress off and laid out naked beneath me.

I kissed her down her stomach and pressed my tongue flat against her mound. She cried out with pleasure and cupped her breasts, pinching her own nipples. I kept my attention between her legs where her bare, glistening sex was wide open for me.

“You waxed?” I stroked my tongue against her clit and sucked her naked flesh into my mouth.

“Yes. I hope you don’t mind. I wanted you to like it.”

“I love it. Did you do it for me?” I hoped she’d thought of me every moment.

“Yes.” Her cheeks reddened, and her eyes burned on mine.

I stoked her folds and tongued her channel until a fresh gloss coated my tongue and she was panting feverishly. Then I rose up and shed my own clothes.

My proud cock extended from my hips and she lay there before me, her mouth slightly parted and panting as she hooked her feet around my waist and pulled me down to her.

“Oh, shoot, I wasn’t prepared. I don’t have a condom, but I can check my car. Maybe I’ll find one there.” I started to get up, but she shook her head.

“It’s OK, I don’t want to wait. Just pull out before you come.” Her impatience was an immediate turn on.

I centered my cock at her entrance, and she held on tight to my shoulders as my hips thrust forward to slip inside. I took it easy and gave her just the head, popping it slowly in and out of her warm channel. But then she dug those heels in again and pulled me to her. I fed it further, inch by inch until I was almost to her depths, rocking my hips against her.

She met my eyes as I paused to let her settle around me. “I want it all.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN – KAMI

As soon as I urged him deeper, he obliged and thrust once more until he’d filled me completely. I was stretched to my limits and controlled my breaths as he rocked back and forth easing the pain. I ran my hands over his firm chest and up around his shoulders feeling the thick cord of muscles that lived beneath his tight flesh. I traced my fingers over the tattoos that covered his broad upper back and moaned as he filled me over and over again.

His breath was warm against me as he leaned down, kissing my breasts before taking one of my taut nipples into his mouth. His teeth grazed, nibbling softly before his lips pulled with hunger.

He thrust steadily, and I tightened my walls around him, milking him for what I hoped would only be mine forever.

His mouth crushed down on mine and he backed away to meet my eyes still thrusting deeply and coaxing my pleasure from me.

He grabbed my hips and tugged me forward, grinding against me as he worked me, his hand resting on my mound as his thumb circled against my clit. He had me squirming beneath him. The pressure built until it consumed me and my orgasm burst from me with a scream that sent his hips into power mode, pounding away until our flesh slapped together loudly.

“You soaked my fucking balls, baby. That’s so hot. Drip for me.” He spoke the naughty words right into my ear, and it sent chills down my spine and brought a moan from deep in my chest. “That’s right, moan for me, Kami. I love making you feel good.”

“I love it too,” I whispered breathlessly against his shoulder, and he chuckled.

“I bet you do, baby.” He rested on his elbow, working his hips in a slow, steady pace as he ground against me, and brushed his hand through my hair and flicked his tongue in my ear, stopping to bite my ear lope. “You’re so beautiful.”

He pulled out and I whimpered at the loss of sensation. Tate bent down and lifted me easily from the couch. He carried me to the bedroom, and set me down on my feet at the foot of the bed. He laid back and crooked his finger at me. “I want to look up at my beautiful girl.” I liked the sound of him calling me his, and wondered if he truly meant it.

He didn’t miss a stroke, and I rode him gently as I settled around him, finding that the base of his cock was only stretching me wider. I pushed myself down on his base until I felt his heavy balls press against me.

“God this feels good.” I leaned forward and rolled my hips around as he reached up and cupped my breasts, pulling me down so that he could suck my nipples, biting and licking like he couldn’t get enough.

“Yes, it does. Ride my cock, baby.” He reached down and cupped my ass, working me on his cock until I found the pace myself and was bouncing steadily on top of him, my breasts bouncing up and down as he lay back and watched.

“You like what you see?” I rolled my hips and ground against him a bit before taking up the pace again.

“Fuck, yes. You’re fucking gorgeous, baby. I love those perfect tits, and your ass is fucking amazing.” As he said the words, my head lolled back, and I felt the wave of pleasure rock through me as I came again.

He sprang into action, working his hips to help me through it as my body took over and had me writhing against him, moaning and mumbling until it subsided and I was left weak.

As soon as I lagged, he lifted me up, manhandling me like I weighed nothing and put me face-down on the bed. I braced myself for his reentry, longing for it. My legs quivered beneath me, my thighs twitching as the wetness from my release ran down to my knees.

His cock slapped at my ass as he rubbed my pussy, dipping his fingers inside my tender channel. “You get so wet. I love it.” He let his fingers, still slick from entering me, rub against the tight star of my ass, and then he pressed against it. “One day, I want to take this.” He leaned over and kissed my shoulder as he entered me. “Would you let me?”

I would let him do anything he wanted, but I couldn’t tell him that just yet. “Yes,” was all I said as I ground myself against him, tilting my ass upward and rolling it as he filled my pussy again with his giant cock and worked his hips.

“Good girl.” His voice was strangled, and he worked his pace up to a fevered thrust. “I’m going to come, baby.” He started to pull out and tensed up for a few seconds, as if he was reconsidering it, but proceeded to pull out and release his seed all over my bare ass.

He slapped my ass playfully and kissed my lower back. I fell to the bed and rolled over to my side, not yet ready to move otherwise. My legs trembled, and I was spent.

Once I felt like my legs would hold me again, I went to the bathroom to clean up.

When I came back into the room, Tate was propped up on one elbow watching me.

“Stop,” he said.

I stopped in my tracks. “Stop what?” I stood there, at the foot of the bed, completely naked and turning pinker by the second.

“Right there, and turn around for me. I want to see you.” He smiled sweetly, and it was hard to resist anything he’d ask of me. So I turned around.

“God, you are beautiful,” he said.

Feeling a bit self-conscious as he was staring at me, I came around the side of the bed and went to slip in under the covers. Before I climbed in, something caught my eye.

On the desk near his bed, I saw prints of his photographs. “Are these from the shoot?” I picked up one that he’d framed, the dark sky was a perfect match for the black frame, and at the bottom, printed into the photo was a small white rectangle with a title. “Kami’s Sky?”

“It’s the photo you took. I wanted to frame it for you.” He rolled across the bed and got to his feet, standing naked beside me.

“I can keep it?” I searched his eyes and then held the photo out to look at it.

“Of course. I can always print another one for me. But I wanted you to have it.”

“Kami’s Sky?” I tilted my head thinking it sounded a lot like Kami’s Guy. “It reminds me of Hendrix.”

“Hendrix?”

“Yeah, like when he says, “kiss the sky” in Purple Haze, and people think he’s saying, “Kiss this guy.” I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“See, you get me. Now granted, I hadn’t thought of Hendrix, but I did like that it sounded like Kami’s guy too.” He sat on the bed, and I turned to see that his cock was standing at attention again.

“So, do you mean, Orion or yourself?” I had to know if he really meant that I was his girl or if it was the sex talking.

“I kind of meant both. I mean, the image is of Orion, but I thought it would remind you of our time together too.” He reached out and took my hand, and I left the picture on the desk as he pulled me into his lap. I straddled him, his thick length jutting up between us.

“Someone’s ready for more.” I ground my hips into his cock, and he chuckled.

“I am.” I caught the way he looked when he said it, and couldn’t help but think he was talking about more than sex.

“Me too.” I lifted a brow. I wanted to spend more time with him and hopefully, build what we had into so much more. “Do you think you could teach me more about shooting the stars?”

“Absolutely. How about you and I take a weekend trip out west and camp beneath the sky?” He brushed my hair back from my shoulders and kissed the top of my breasts. “You can bring your camera, and I’ll bring mine. I’ll show you a few tricks.”

“I’ll show you some tricks too.” I ran my hand up his length, and he hissed a breath between his teeth.

“I’d love that. Why don’t we take this discussion to the shower?”

I kissed him, nipping at his bottom lip, and nodded. He lifted me up and walked us to his bathroom where he turned on the shower and pulled me in behind him.

He held me there a moment, letting the water warm us, and then he lifted me up into his arms, and put my back to the wall. Once we had gotten our balance, he gripped his cock and centered it, and I cried out as he pushed it into my already tender channel.

He slowly pumped in and out of me and I held on tight as he consumed me. I couldn’t get my mind around how someone like him, so sexy and talented, could make me feel so good about myself and say and do all the right things. It was all still too good to be true, but I was going to enjoy it all while I could.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN – TATE

I got up late and spent the rest of my morning trying to catch up with my admin duties. Over the past two weeks, since Kami and I had finally gone all the way, I had been so wrapped up in spending time with her that I’d neglected my agreement with Hazen.

I was trying to be a good friend and help they guy out, but I hated that I had to sit and spend time sending out messages to people I never intended to hold a real conversation with. My message box was overloaded, and the notifications were through the roof. I had to keep remembering to turn the stupid ping off

I felt bad keeping multiple secrets from Kami, but it wasn’t like I was spending time on the site trying to find a hookup. I had no interest in anyone but my Kami. She was the only woman for me. Our trip was planned for the upcoming weekend, and I couldn’t wait to have her all alone for the entire time.

I sent out my standard message to all the new women on the site and waited to get bombarded. Over the past weeks, the ladies had sent me everything from their numbers and addresses, to shots of them completely nude, and one woman wanted me to see just how good she was at blow jobs and sent a video of her sucking a huge black dildo. I had deleted them all and not responded more than “nice.” I didn’t want to encourage more of the behavior, which was funny, because the old me, before Kami, would have welcomed it, and then fucked them all.

It would stand to reason, that if I were getting loads of messages, then Kami was too. I’d tried to refrain from snooping over to her account to see what she’d been up to, if anything.

My window of opportunity was closing and I needed to produce an heir.

First, I needed to know for sure that she was as serious me as I was about her. I took a deep breath and hit her profile through my admin feature.

There were several messages from men who wanted nothing more than to fuck her and leave her, and a few from some of the new registers hoping to score attention. My blood raced when I saw that she had last been on just that morning and upon further inspection, she’d thanked one of the men for telling her what a knock out she was in her photo.

That wouldn’t have been so bad, but she’d told him “likewise” in regards to his own profile image. The guy was good-looking enough I supposed, and I could see why she might be interested if she weren’t seeing me.

Not yet. Not officially or exclusively. I would remedy that soon enough.

I decided to look closer into Michael Smith’s profile and found that he was already chatting up a few other women. Nothing too serious, nothing too perverted, but he had sent a photo of his cock upon request. I looked at the photo of a hand gripping a fat-headed, erect cock. “I’m bigger, Asshole.” Though not by much. I decided to flag him as ‘reported’ and put his account on a three-day suspension.

“Sorry, Asshole, but you’re not getting close to my girl.” And I damned sure didn’t want him sending her a cock pic. No. Fucking. Way.

I was just about to log off when I got a ping telling me about a message. I opened the file, and it was a response to my standard hello. It’s nice to see a handsome face here. How are you?

I didn’t know what to say, and at least the woman was polite and not perverted. I had to continue to play the part and I could at least be civil. I arrowed over the message box and prepared to type. I’m good; you’re not so bad yourself. Hope you’re having a wonderful day.

With that, I was about to log off, but then my phone rang. “Hello?” The number hadn’t been familiar.

“Hi, this is Steven Pratt from the local observatory. Your friend Kami Kendrick and I had a conversation down at the Loving Cup, and she told me that you’re a wonderfully talented astral photographer.”

I had met Steven Pratt way back when I first started, but he didn’t seem that interested.

“Hi, Steven. We’ve met, actually. It’s been some time ago, but I came down to the observatory and got a map from you. We talked a bit, but you were quite busy at the time planning an event.”

“Oh yes, I kind of remember that. You came in, and I was working on the yearly Galaxy Gala. It’s our largest charity event of the year. As a matter of fact, that’s why I’m calling. We’re going to need some images made into murals, and I’d like to use some of yours if you’re interested. Not only that, but I was hoping we could maybe feature your art in an exhibit the night before and during.”

“That would be great.”

“We’ll pay you for the prints we use for the murals, of course, and the cost of enlarging them, but I’d like to go over some of the shots and maybe our committee could choose four or so?”

Four photos selling would be awesome for my Dream Weavers project, but having my work on display would be even better. “So, Kami told you about me, huh?”

“Oh yeah, that girl’s probably your biggest fan. She was raving about you.”

“Yeah, she’s a great girl. So, when would you like to get together?” And just like that I was dropping down his name and number on the pad beside me and marking my calendar.

Once I got off the phone, I logged off my computer, not before noticing I had a few more hits from the woman, and turning off my notifications.

I was so excited about the exhibit and dying to see Kami, who I knew was at work, that I got up and threw on some jeans and a tee and headed out to the Loving Cup.

The place was busy, but most everyone was already seated with their coffee, sipping and chatting. I looked around and didn’t see Kami, but figured the cue of bells on the door would bring her out front. When it didn’t, I walked around to the side, near the restrooms, where I found her and her ex, Devin, arguing in the small hallway that led to the back.

“I know you were in there; I want my key!” Her head turned up as she finished her sentence and she grew wide-eyed seeing me step up behind Devin.

“I don’t like being accused. Why don’t you bitch at Rain or Aunt Helen and ask them what the fuck happened?” He turned around and saw me. “Oh, what did you do; call your rich prick boyfriend and tell him?”

I stiffened at the remark about my wealth, but let it go. I hadn’t told her about my money.

“You should leave.” I stepped around him and put my arm around Kami.

“Don’t fucking tell me what I should do. Your girl, here, she’s a fucking nut job. Good luck with her.” He turned his eyes back on Kami. “Have fun with your pretty rich boy, but you better watch him. I hear he spreads it around, and I don’t mean his money.”

I stepped up into his face as Kami tugged my arm. I could lay waste to the guy without a second thought. “Get the fuck out.” He laughed and turned to walk away.

“Don’t worry about that guy. Let’s get you back out front before someone has a caffeine withdrawal.”

She went around the back of the counter, and I met her out front, sitting on one of the small stools at the end of the bar. She went about helping the two customers that the other baristas hadn’t taken care of yet. Once things were back to normal, and everyone was happy and sipping again, she walked over to stand in front of me.

“So, are you going to tell me what that’s all about?” I placed my hand on hers. I hated to see her shaken by that asshole.

“Someone came into my apartment and had sex in my bed. I know it had to him.”

I made a face. “That’s sick. How could he get in?”

“He never returned my key when he moved out. He used to live with me there when we were together, which is another reason I’d like to move out and find a new place.”

I wanted to offer that she come and live with me, but since we’d been taking things slow, I knew I had to get past the next step first, and that was making things exclusive between us, officially.

“I don’t like him coming here, I don’t like him being in your apartment, or having access to it anytime he wants. You could be in there sleeping and have that asshole come in on you. I don’t trust him.”

“I don’t either, but he’s not giving me the key, and I’ve been dragging my feet on changing the locks because I was putting money into fixing the place up instead.”

“Look, I’m going to change the locks for you. I don’t want you to have to go through that anymore.”

“No, I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

“You’re not asking. I offered. And I’m not taking no for an answer.” I met her eyes. “You’re my girl. I want you safe.”

She lifted her chin. “Your girl, huh?”

“You know you are.” I smiled. “I want you to be. I know we’ve been careful to take things slow, and I know we’ve been waiting to put a label on things, but you’re my girl.”

Her eyes sparkled with tears, and she leaned across the counter and kissed me hard. “That’s all I’ve wanted.”

“I know we’re both on that site, but I don’t think there’s any reason to keep looking, do you? I mean, we are good and don’t need to, right?” I wanted her to agree.

“Of course. I’ll shut down my account. It’s not like I’ve used it since I met you.” I thought of the message she’d sent that man earlier in the morning.

“You haven’t been on at all?” I gave her a sidelong look, and she shrugged.

“I have had a few guys tell me I’m pretty, and I’ve thanked them, but it’s mostly perverts so, no, I don’t spend time there. You’re all I want, Tate.”

“I’m glad to hear that, baby. I feel the same way.” I breathed a sigh of relief that she had been honest and would delete her account.

“So what did you swing by for?”

“I got a call from the observatory. Seems someone is pimping my talent.” I chuckled.

“I may have bragged. Showed a few pictures of yours through Google.” She tilted her head to meet her shoulder.

“Yeah, well, because of that bragging, I just sold at least four mural sized shots and I’m going to have my very own exhibit at the Galaxy Gala sponsored by the observatory.

She let out a little squeal. “That’s amazing! I’m so happy for you.”

“I owe it to you. You did it. And to show my appreciation, I’m about to run out and buy us a brand new double sleeping bag.”

“How romantic.” She let out a breath, and I leaned in kissing her deeply.

“You haven’t seen the half of it.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN – KAMI

I was all set to leave on my trip and felt better about going now that I had new locks on my door. I’d gotten off work the day before to find that Tate had them installed already. I hadn’t known he could be so handy.

I knew in my gut that Devin had pulled the stunt fucking some girl in my bed, but I’d never be able to prove it. I wished I could see the look on his face when he tried to get his key to work now.

After I thanked Tate for his work, and he’d gone home to sleep in his own bed and check on his sister, who was feeling a bit under the weather, I got online and deleted my account from Matched Solid.

I didn’t need the profile anymore, and it had served its purpose. I’d met the man of my dreams, and he was better than anything that had ever happened to me. Truly worth the ten dollars I’d paid to join.

I wouldn’t miss it, and if anything were to ever happen to me and Tate, I was going to give up dating forever anyway and actually go into a real sperm bank this time. That’s what I promised myself.

I gathered my things and decided to change into jeans, and I was just tying up my hiking boots when Rain came up with Tate in tow. “She hates snakes and spiders.”

“Well, me too, so if we come across any of those, it’s every man or woman for himself.” He chuckled.

“Wrong answer, buddy! You better take care of my girl.” She came over and sat beside me on the couch as I tied my last shoe.

“Don’t worry.” Tate leaned down and kissed me. “And just so you know, she’s my girl too now.” He gave me a squeeze.

“I know the first rule of survival. I don’t have to be fast, only faster than you.” I gave him a nudge.

Rain laughed. “I’ll keep an eye out to see if anyone comes up here.”

“Well, they’ll be in for a surprise when they aren't able to get in, and besides, I already know it was Devin. Had to be.” I knew she was trying to give her friend the benefit of the doubt, but I was past that with Devin.

“Well, I’ll still be on the lookout. Just in case, it would be good to know. And if Devin gets out of line and tries to come up, I’ll tell you I’m sorry for trusting in the asshole.”

“Yeah, that’s what I told you after I dated him.” I laughed, but Tate pulled me to my feet. “We better get going, baby. I want to make it out before the moon rises, so I can get a few good shots in the dark.”

“So, you’re only going to be able to get pictures when the moon is down? What do you do with all that extra time?” Rain wagged her brows at me.

“Use your imagination.” I giggled as she rose to her feet and hugged me.

“You two have fun. Do all the things I wouldn’t do. You deserve some fun, friend.” She broke the hug and then went in to hug Tate, who kindly responded. “Take care of our girl,” she whispered in his ear.

Once Tate made his promise and Rain let him out of his headlock, we headed out to the jeep and then made our way out of town. We drove a long way, talking about camping trips from our past and growing up in Texas. We had a few more things in common than we’d ever imagined and soon the sun was setting, and it seemed we’d been driving forever.

“How much farther?” I leaned in and kissed his cheek.

“About another half-hour. We’ve only been driving for two hours. Do you need another break?” We’d stopped once already and grabbed a bite to eat, but I was hungry for him now. It was going to be a long night.

I reached over and rubbed his crotch, feeling his cock harden beneath my touch. I knew it wasn’t fully erect and decided I wanted to feel it grow in my mouth. I worked him out of his pants and gripped it, still growing in my hand, and quickly lowered my head to put my mouth on him. “Fuck, Kami.” He stroked my hair and grunted as I worked myself down, taking all that I could of him into my mouth, and past my tonsils.

He held my head still and pumped his hips. “Should I pull over, or do you want me to keep driving?”

“Keep driving,” I whispered around his flesh. “I just wanted to pass the time.”

He chuckled, and his cock jerked in my mouth. “I love it when you’re bored.”

I relaxed my throat and took him deeper still until his head closed off the back of my throat, and I gasped for air, pulling back. He moaned, and a taste of his salt splashed the roof of my mouth.

“Sorry, baby. You’re about to make me pop.”

I eased off and teased him slowly for a while, edging and then relenting, until he growled. The sound made me take him harder, sucking and bobbing my head, hoping to earn another taste. He didn’t disappoint. His cock swelled in my throat, and I pulled back just in time to catch the hot spurts of his nectar against my tongue. I swallowed him down, wiping my mouth as I rose up and he pulled me into a kiss.

“You’re amazing. That was so hot and you know I’m going to pay you back once I get that tent set up and we’re tucked in for the night. You’ll be howling louder than the coyotes.”

“I’ll hold you to that, and don’t remind me about the coyotes.” I didn’t want to think about the critters we might encounter. I wasn’t a girlie girl, by far, but I still didn’t like anything that had more legs than I did.

“Don’t worry about them; you’ll scare them off when you scream my name.” He belted a laugh as I nudged him in the arm and redid his pants.

We found a place to park and got out to search for the perfect site for pitching our tent and setting up the camera. The pitch darkness wasn’t as big of a surprise as last time, and my eyes adjusted quickly.

“This looks like the spot.” He took out his camera, showing me how it was set up, and we talked about the proper settings and how to make adjustments.

Though I knew my photography, I didn’t mind letting him give me one-on-one. He was a great teacher and let me use the camera we’d adjusted while bringing out a second one. “I’m going to use this one, so you can shoot too, tonight.”

“I brought my camera, remember?” I didn’t mind using his, but I had come prepared.

“I’ll set your camera in a bit if you want, but I didn’t think you’d want to mess with your adjustments. If yours is anything like mine, it can be hard to get them just right again. Besides, I have a few extras.”

He clearly very passionate photography and had put quite a bit of investment into it. I wondered what his family thought about his passion.

“You mentioned your dad and you don’t talk much. Do you mind if I ask why?”

“Well, our relationship is a little complicated. He thinks my photography is a waste of time, and I guess that’s why this exhibit will be even more important to me. He thinks I should find a real job, but I’d rather shoot myself than put on a suit and tie and sit at a damn desk every day.” He checked his viewfinder and snapped a few photos.

“Maybe one day he’ll surprise you. Once he has a chance to see how good you are and how happy it makes you, maybe he’ll back off,” I suggested.

He shrugged. “Doubt it, but it’s a nice thought. What about your family? You don’t talk much about them.”

“There’s really not much to tell. I’m an only child and I never knew my dad. He took off when my mom found out she was pregnant with me. She raised me by herself until she died during my freshman year in college. Rain and I had been best friends since high school and so she and Aunt Helen just kind of took me in.”

He shook his head. “Damn. Maybe I shouldn’t complain about my dad so much.”

I looked at him and smiled. “It’s OK. I’ve gotten used to it. It’s not like I’m totally alone. I have Rain and Aunt Helen. And you,” I added, my cheeks turning pink.

He reached out and pulled me close. “Come look at this shot.” He pointed to the viewfinder, and I saw a little white streak on the image.

“What is it?” I leaned in closer.

“That’s a shooting star. It’s not easy to catch one without the camera rolling continuously. But looks like it’s my lucky night.” He turned his head and kissed me.

The moon was rising in the sky, and he let out a breath. “Time to change the strategy. There will be light soon, so I want to change my settings so I can shoot the moon. But first, let’s get that tent up.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN – TATE

Pitching the tent didn’t take as long as I thought it would with Kami’s help. She’d pulled the thing out of the carrying case and had it laid out before I could even get the rods out, and after that, it was smoothe sailing.

Being able to open up about my past was a good sign. I still had so much more to tell Kami about my history but I needed to find the right time. I wasn’t sure how she’d react to it all. Would she think I was using her for money and that was the only reason I pursued her? I had full intention to open up to her.

I also had an imminent deadline approaching. I now had less than one year to produce an heir or I’d lose millions. Something had to be done.

Kami milled around inside the tent, unloading a few things from the car and spreading out our sleeping bag and pillow, while I took time to light the fire.

Once the fire was good and blazing, Kami crawled out of the tent wearing sweat pants and a concert tee with a Live Wired logo. I had heard of the band.

“Live Wired? Why does that sound familiar?” I tilted my head, and she giggled.

“It’s Rain’s band. I told you about them, remember?”

“That’s right.” I rolled my eyes. The ex’s band. “I hope that’s not Devin’s shirt you’re wearing.” I hated to be an ass, but I really hated the idea of his shirt against her flesh.

“God no, it’s mine. I was the first person to own one. I had them made for the band and snagged this one for me before all the mediums were gone.”

“Damn, and here I was looking for a reason to ask you to take it off.” She giggled and came closer to sit next to me.

“Don’t tell me you’re jealous of Devin.” She giggled.

“No, I’m not jealous of him, but I do like you naked.” I leaned over and kissed her softly, and she leaned in toward me, deepening the kiss.

“I have the bed made if you’re interested.” She wrapped her arm around mine and lay her head on my shoulder.

I slipped off my gloves and held out my hand for her to take it. “Come on, baby. You can help me into something more comfortable.” She got up from the blanket, and we went inside the tent, which was big enough for us to stand in at its center.

She’d made a nice pallet with a blow-up mattress and our sleeping bag, and I drew her near and lay her back against it. “I want to taste you, Kami. Like you tasted me.” I pushed up her top and kissed her breasts, and then I slipped my hands into her waistband and tugged down her sweatpants. I couldn’t wait to feast on her soft, silky mound, and I wasted no time pushing my fingers inside. My mouth soon followed, licking her clit and sucking her lips. Now and then I’d lap my tongue across her slit and then down to her ass before coming back up.

She moaned as I dragged my nose up to her clit and then higher still to her tummy, where I kissed her trailing all the way up to her breasts.

Her voice strangled through her pleasure. “I want you inside me, Tate. Please give it to me.”

She snaked her hand down and gripped my cock, leaning up to take it in her mouth for a quick taste before laying back and spreading her legs wide. She was hungry for it, and I was going to give her exactly what she needed to be sated.

She knew it too. She handed me a condom she’d slipped just under the pallet I took the packet and made quick work sheathing myself for her. Soon enough, I’d feel myself letting my juices flow inside of her. I couldn’t wait for that day.

The pallet shifted beneath us as I rested on my elbow to center my cock at her soft folds. She wasted no time pushing her hips upward to take it inside, and I met her persistence with a thrust that had me plunging to her depths all at once.

She hissed a breath through her teeth, and her hands reached around to claw at my back. “It feels so good.” She panted as I found my pace and soon she was writhing with pleasure beneath me, her pussy tightening around my shaft, milking it.

I lifted her legs and angled myself against her soft button, pushing and prodding with my head, barely entering her, then teasing by pulling back.

She begged for more with every moan, and I found her tight nipples with my mouth, nipping and sucking as I continued to work her.

I’d edge my own release and pull away, driving her into a fit each time until I gave her more. “Please.” She met my eyes, and I knew I couldn’t torture her any longer. I hooked my hands behind her and rolled us over, so she was on top.

I brushed her hair away from her face. “Now, you can take all you want. Do whatever you want with me, baby.” I met her lips as she leaned forward, grinding her pussy against me, and kissed me deeply. She trailed her kissed down to my chest and then rose up, her beautiful breasts bouncing gently as she rode me.

She leaned forward and rested on her hands to twerk her ass on my cock, and she gripped me, with each upward pull, milking my release. “It feels amazing.” She kissed me deeply as my hands roamed her body.

After a moment, she rose up again and met my eyes. “I want you behind me.” She blushed a little and ran her hand up my chest to grip my pectoral.

“You don’t have to ask twice.” I shifted us around, and she got on all fours in front of me.

I came up behind her, and suddenly, a howl sounded outside the tent. She jumped up flew into my arms. “That was close.”

“Yeah, it was. We’re OK. The fire will keep them away, and we hadn’t opened any food. They’ll go away.” Her wide eyes were fixed on mine still as if she weren’t so sure. “Trust me, baby.” I pulled her into my arms and kissed her. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise, Kami.”

“OK, I trust you.” She got to her knees and then placed her hands down on the pallet, offering her sweet glistening pussy to me. I reached out and rubbed my palms against her tight, round ass and gave it a slap, rubbing the spot to soothe it as she yelped.

I rested the head of my cock against her soaking slit and pushed forward. She moaned and tilted her ass, taking the head of my dick right against her sweetest spot. Her pleasure sounded even sexier as I noticed her hand pinching her nipples in front of her. I reached around and rubbed her tender nub, stroking it softly with my fingertips while she writhed beneath me.

“I’m going to come.” Her voice had lowered an octave, and it was the sound of such pleasure that it pulled mine from me.

I worked her like a piston, quickening my pace to pound out our pleasure and as she quaked beneath me, her thighs trembling, her pussy gripping my cock as she screamed. “I’m coming! I’m coming.” She sagged beneath me, and I caught her, holding her up against me as I thrust deep and hard.

“Fuck!” I punched at her dripping hole harder as my release spilled forth and I imagined myself soaking her insides, drenching every nook and cranny of her tight channel. I wanted that with her. I wanted things so familiar that we had that level of trust between us.

I kissed her shoulder, then her neck and down her spine, until I finally pulled back and pulled out. I released her from my hold, and she collapsed to the bed and rolled over.

I stretched out next to her and gathered her up next to me. “If we only had a shower.” The sweat had broken on my forehead.

A soft giggle bubbled from her throat. “We're just going to have to rough it, city boy.” She pushed her ass up against me, and I held her tight.

“I was thinking about round two. I like sex in the shower, don’t you?” I rolled to my back, and she turned to snuggle up against my side, her face resting against me.

“I love it, especially with you. I love it here, too, though. I like it just being the two of us. All alone to do whatever we want. Be as loud as we want.”

“And that you were. I never knew you could hit those notes. Maybe Rain will sign you up for backup vocals.” She giggled and stroked her hand softly across my chest, playing with the hairs until minutes later, the motion stopped, and her breathing leveled off to a soft purr.

I savored the minutes just holding her as she slept before drifting off myself. Tomorrow was going to be the true test of our relationship.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN – KAMI

I woke up against the hard earth, and for a moment I didn’t know where I was. I felt Tate pressed against me, the sleeping bag he’d bought still spread out around us. We hadn’t even zipped the thing up, but somehow in the night, it ended up over us like a blanket.

“The bed deflated. I guess we were too rough on it.” His fingers rubbed against my elbow. “I think it was these rib breakers. They’re sharp enough.”

“Are not!” I pulled away and nudged him with it, causing him to chuckle.

“You’re brutal. I like it. How about you come over here and rough me up?”

I rolled over and pressed against his side, still not wanting to wake. “Once I find the energy I will.” I was still sore from the night before, and I felt a bit gritty and unattractive, my morning breath and hair keeping my face hidden under my hand.

“Fine. I guess I’ll have to take care of this massive hard on all on my own.”

“Mm, it is massive, isn’t it?” I slipped my hand down and gave it a feel, then wrapped my hand around it and pumped it slowly.

He moaned, “God, you’re amazing. Even when you’re half-asleep.” He rolled me over and braced himself above me. I wasn’t going to stop working him, and still had a grip on him when he took my hand and pinned it over my head with the other.

“I was going to have my fun.” I pouted.

“No, I’m going to have mine. You lay there and relax. I’ll see if I can wake you up.”

He smiled down at me and then wagged his brows before diving between my thighs.

All at once, pleasure and his mouth consumed me, I closed my eyes and rolled my hips up to force his tongue where I wanted it. His fingers darted in and out of my pussy and spread me open, stroking my walls. He used his thumb to circle my clit as his free hand held my hands tight against my stomach.

The slow ache built between my legs and he worked me into such a frenzy with his relentless teasing, that I started to squirm.

“Fuck me, please. With your fingers, with anything, please.” I needed to be filled, and he laughed as I lay there helpless to his ministrations.

He dipped his fingers back inside me, pressing upward and working my spongy button. My g-spot had always been the point of no control for me, and he found it easily.

He rose up, and I braced myself for his thick cock, which he rubbed over my clit.

Lost in the rapture of ecstasy, I bucked my hips toward him and reached down to grip his cock and center it to me. He thrust it inside me and pounded hard as he met my eyes with a smile.

He closed his mouth over mine, his tongue diving deep, the taste of my nectar filling my mouth as he brought me to orgasm.

He lifted my legs, and I rested them on his shoulders. He kissed my shins and continued to pump me hard until he tensed. The head of his cock swelled, and then he twitched inside me. I felt the spurt of his warmth deep inside me, and only then realized that he hadn’t been wearing a condom. It felt so absolutely intimate and incredible to be filled with his seed.

Finally, he pulled away. “We should get up and get dressed.”

I shook my head and smiled. “You’re something else. Sex and then back to business,” I said, to which he grinned in response. “I’d like us to be careful next time. This last time around we went in unprotected, and both of us forgot.”

“I know. But, hey, I wouldn’t mind a little me or you running around.”

“You crack me up. But please, let’s be more careful next time.”

“Sure, you got it.”

I let out a breath and sat up as he rolled off me to the other side of the bed. I found my clothes and passed him his pants. I didn’t want the trip to end.

“Listen to that, Tate. Do you hear it?” The sounds of nature were the only ones tickling my eardrums.

He narrowed his eyes. “Um, I don’t hear anything.”

“Exactly. It sure beats the sound of Rain’s band banging in my ears or the sound of my ex-downstairs cracking jokes for everyone to laugh at. Even the Loving Cup is noisy. I like it out here with nothing but the sound of your voice and the pleasant song of nature.”

“Why don’t you move out, like you’ve been talking about?”

“Aunt Helen rents it to me at a discount because she doesn’t owe anything on the place and it keeps it from getting too run down. I’d love to move, but that would mean dipping into my savings and I want to pay off my debt.”

“I could help if you wanted.”

He was sweet to offer, but I shook my head immediately. There was no way I was going to let him. His money was his own, and I wanted no part of him doing things for me on that level. Buying dinner was one thing, but helping me with an apartment was totally different.

“No, that’s sweet, but I think what I need to do is get another job. If I took on an extra income, I wouldn’t have to take anything out of my savings.”

“You already work so much at the coffee shop, how do expect to find the time? I don’t like the idea of you working yourself to death, and I want time to be with you. Let me help.”

“You help by supporting me; being with me. And don’t think for a minute that I’m going to let anything keep me from seeing you. I’ll make sure we have time.” He was so sweet to care, and as I helped his pack up the equipment, he was quiet.

I couldn’t take it anymore as we got into the jeep to head home. “What’s the matter? You’ve been quiet since I mentioned a second job.”

“I just want to help.”

“I don’t want your money.”

“I know you’re not like the other girls. I offered to help.”

“I know you did, and I really appreciate it. It was a really sweet gesture, but I just can’t take it.”

He nodded and started the car, looking a bit like a petulant child. I reached over and put my hand on his. “I don’t want you to be upset. I’m still wondering if I even want to move. Rain and Aunt Helen are like family to me, and I don’t know if I could move away from them. I think I’ll finish painting and hopefully, the new look and new locks will make me feel better.”

“If you decide to, before you go out and take another job, and divide our time, please consider my offer. That’s all I ask.”

“Ok, I promise to consider it.” I stroked his hand and brought it to my lips for a kiss. I was glad that we were together and as I watched him, staring at the road ahead, I wondered how I got so lucky to end up with a man like him. He was so sweet and devoted to me that I found myself relaxed and trusting in his word. He had been so focused on me, and it was so much different than how Devin treated me. I didn’t feel I needed to worry about Tate straying. He’d proven to me that his only interest was in me and no one else. I decided right then and there to stop letting my past with Devin determine how I treated Tate. He deserved my trust, and I was falling hard for him because of it.

“Instead of going home, how about you stay with me another night?”

“I could do that. But as soon as we get back I’m heading for the shower, so don’t get in my way.” I gave him a nudge, and he chuckled.

“I won’t get in your way, baby. I’ll join you.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN – TATE

I was editing my shots from over the weekend, and thought about Kami and how she wanted to get another job. The wasn’t going to help my journey to get her pregnant.

I’d hoped she’d let the idea go a week ago when we returned from camping, but she’d mentioned it again two days ago.

I considered asking her to move in, but I had Megan to think about as well. She might feel pressured to leave, and I didn’t want that either. I knew where she’d go, and my sister didn’t need to move home.

Then again, maybe I could find my sister another place to stay, giving her the encouragement so that Kami could move in. But what a step that would be. While we were getting super close, Kami was independent in many ways. I wasn’t sure she was going to go for it.

A knock on my door forced me to get up and stretch my legs. I’d been sitting at the computer for hours, and though I needed a piss break, I headed to the door first.

Hazen walked in as soon as I opened the door. “It’s fucking hot out there today, man. I hope you don’t mind me grabbing a bottled water.” He headed straight for my kitchen.

“Help yourself; I’ll be right back.” I left for the bathroom, and when I came back, he was standing in my kitchen looking at his phone.

“What brings you by?”

He gestured down to an envelope on the counter. “I’m here to give you a bonus. I know you don’t want my money, but I have to give you something dude. You’re the hottest thing going on that site, my friend, and everyone I know is talking about you. You’ve even caught the attention of some of my favorites, and they are asking me for an introduction. I told a couple that you and I don’t share, especially at the same time.”

I went to the Keurig to make myself a cup of coffee. “They wanted a threesome?” I winced. I had known Hazen too long, and we weren’t about that kind of thing. Now me and two chicks? That I would have thought about back in the day.

“They want a lot of things with you, my friend. Are you still seeing that girl?”

“Kami. And yes, I’m seeing her. Only her.”

“Does she know about all the women you’re hitting on?” He gave a sly grin.

“No, she doesn’t think I’m on the site still. I signed the NDA about what I do, I haven’t said a word to anyone, but I will say, you’re about to have to find another man. I’m not sure how long I can keep helping you and keeping it from Kami.”

“Wait, are you falling for her?” He asked, incredulously.

The “L” word had always been one I’d avoided, but with her and how things had been going, it fit.

I took my coffee and pulled the hot cup to my lips. After taking a sip, I met his eyes. “So? Maybe I am.”

Hazen held his hands up. “Hey, man, I think it’s great, really. But I wish you’d reconsider. That bonus is a nice one, and there’s plenty more there where that came from if you keep up the good work.” He gestured to the envelope he’d put on the counter.

I walked to it and opened it up, leaning on the counter over my coffee. There was a five-thousand- dollar check inside.

“I appreciate the gesture, man. I was doing it to help you out and to find my girl. Both of which I’ve done. I don’t need your money.”

“I know you don’t, but I appreciate what you’re doing for me and I wanted to show that appreciation. Blow it all on your girl if that makes you feel better.”

I shook my head “I don’t want to mess this thing up with Kami, man. I can’t keep doing this forever. I do love her.”

“Dude, you’re forgetting who you are talking to. I’ve known you since we could both walk. You say you love her now, but you’ll get bored in another month or two and be back on the prowl.” Hazen said.

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. He might be my best friend, but right now, Hazen was pissing me the fuck off. “I’ve told you before, this is different. She is different. I’m done with that shit, man, and if you bring it up again, we are going to have a big problem.”

Hazen held his hands up in a defensive gesture. “Hey, no need to get your boxers in a bunch Tate. If you say it’s different, then I believe you.”

I nodded and unclenched my fists at my sides.

“That’s not the only reason I came by. I was going to see if you wanted to come by the club later. You can even bring your girl if you want.” He glanced down at his phone. “Check this out, man. I swear, owning his site is the best thing I’ve ever done.” He shoved his phone in my face and on the screen, there was a picture I’d seen before.

“She sent me the same one, you know. Asked if I wanted to party with her.” I laughed as his face fell.

“Oh well. It’s not like I want an honest relationship. I just want to fuck her.” He shrugged and belted a laugh.

“You’re a dog, man. You aren’t ever going to settle down, are you?”

“Not if I can help it. But seriously, man. Stick around. I’ll take care of you. And if you want to come out to the club, I swear I won’t mention any of it to your little lady.”

“Kami and I are going to see her friend’s band play somewhere tonight. Maybe after, I’ll see what you’re up to.”

“Sounds good. Hit me later, man,” Hazen said as I shut the door behind him. I wasn’t sure it was a good idea to take Kami to the club where Hazen hung out. What if one of the women from the site was there hoping to cause a scene?

I went to get ready for the night, and after trimming my facial hair, I jumped in the shower. I thought about Kami and me in there the night before, and my dick hardened. I ignored it, knowing later that night it would get some attention. I loved the slow build and knew the payoff would be amazing.

As I dressed, I got a call from Kami. “Hey, sexy. I got off a bit early, so I’ll be ready for you in about twenty minutes.”

“Good, because I miss you.” I meant it too. I’d thought about her all day. I grabbed my keys.

“Maybe you can show me how much you miss me when you get here,” she purred.

“I’d love to, but won’t that make us late for the show?” I asked.

“Not like I haven’t seen them a million and one times already,” she said.

“Rain is excited about us being there.” The girl practically begged us to come and when we’d said yes, she’d jumped up and down cheering. As much as I would rather spend the evening fucking Kami senseless, I wanted to be supportive of her friend.

“I like that you’re trying to be thoughtful to my best friend. She really likes you, you know.”

“I can’t blame her. Now get that sweet ass ready. Maybe if we get there early, we can leave early,” I said.

“Oh, I like the way you think. I’ll be ready when you get here.”

We ended the call, and I tossed my phone in the seat and heard a ping. Shit. The sound was distinct to the dating site. Surely Kami would know what it sounded like. There was no way to turn it off now. I needed to be back at my house to do that. I breathed a curse under my breath and decided once I arrived, I’d turn off my phone or leave it in the jeep. No big deal.

CHAPTER NINETEEN – KAMI

Tate showed up to get me and met me with a kiss. He held my face a moment after he’d pulled away and stared into my eyes. “I’ve missed you so much. It’s hard being away from you for even a day.” I felt the same, but hearing him admit it made my heart soar.

“I know what you mean. It’s getting tough spending the night alone in bed.” It had been our tradition of late to talk just before bed, and we’d even fallen asleep on the phone with one another like two damn teenagers.

“Yeah, you should really spend the night more often.” He met my eyes and raised a brow. “How would you feel about spending every night with me? And waking up every morning in our bed?”

The question caught me off-guard, and my breath hitched as I was unsure how to react. “Tate.” It was all I could say and my eyes filled up with tears.

“I’m not trying to push your or upset you—” he started before I cut him off.

“No, it’s not that at all Tate. It’s just that, well, I’m falling for you,” I finally admitted.

A bright grin split his handsome face and he cupped by face in his large hands. “I’m falling for you too, Kami. I love you. I didn’t want to jump into anything until I knew the time was right to tell you, but I can’t wait anymore.”

“I’ll talk with Aunt Helen and Rain tomorrow. I know they’ll understand. No one ever expected me to hang around forever, I’m sure. And it’s about time I get out in the world.”

“Well, you don’t have to do it alone. I want to take care of you, Kami.”

I let out a sigh. “I want us to take care of each other. I will still work, and I’ll contribute.”

“We’ll talk about that later in bed, where I have a better shot at convincing you to let me do for you.” He wagged his brows.

I fell into him and rose up on my toes to kiss him deeply, his tongue mingling softly with mine. It made my knees weak, and I felt the faint flush of blood from my face as the heat blossomed between my legs. “You’re going to make me want to skip the show again.”

“Then we better get going.” He took my hand and led me out.

His phone was in my seat, and I moved it out of the way. “Here, you better put this in your pocket.” He always carried his phone in his pocket, and he frowned and turned it on and then quickly put it away.

“It’s been acting up. I think I’ll turn it off and reboot it later.” He gave me a smile and started us on the road.

The club was so packed that it was hard to weave through the crowd, but we managed to do it and found a table near the front to sit at.

A waitress came up and leaned her big breasts over into Tate’s face. “You want a beer?”

“Sure. Baby, what do you want?” I looked over, and he waited on me to answer.

“You know, I think I’ll have a beer too. Draft please.” I gave her a pointed look to get her tits off my man, but she strolled away casually like it wasn’t a big deal. I shook it off and let it go. It wasn’t his fault.

I could see Rain standing toward the back and waved her over.

She crossed the room and seemed a bit anxious. “I’m ready to get this show on the road. I’ve been looking for Devin for an hour now, and he missed out on the practice earlier. I swear, I’m going to kill him if he no-shows.”

“He’ll be here. You know how he is.” I looked at Tate who gave a polite smile and looked back out to the crowd. I didn’t think he wanted any part of the conversation, and I couldn’t blame him.

“Yeah, he’s an asshole. You’re much better off with this super-stud. How are you, Tate? Are you ready to rock and roll? This doesn’t seem like your usual crowd.”

“Actually, I used to come here quite often, but my girlfriend at the time was a waitress here.” He gave me a sly smile and then looked back across the room.

“Oh yeah? A waitress, huh? Is she still working here?” Rain asked the very question I wanted to, and I was relieved when he shook his head.

“No, it was years ago. Whole new crowd, it seems.”

“Good,” I mumbled. Rain gave me a wide-eyed stare.

“So what are you two love birds up to?” She glanced back and forth between us, and I wanted to tell her so badly the good news. That the two of us were in love, and Tate had asked me to move in with him. I knew she might lecture me on how soon it was, but I was prepared for it. It was a bit soon to some, but when you’re in love and want to spend each waking moment with that person, what else could you do?

“We’re waiting on the best show on earth, from what I’ve heard.” Tate gave her a big smile as the waitress returned with our beer. He took his bottle and turned it up.

“You’re the sweetest.” He was, I hadn’t gushed on about the band like he made out, in fact, he knew that I mostly was sick of their practicing under my apartment, but he also understood how much I loved Rain. She was like a sister to me.

Someone yelled out Rain’s name across the crowd, and she turned to see Daren Craig hanging on a woman with bleached-blond hair and big tits as another guy stepped forward and waved her over.

I could see the disappointment on her face, and I rubbed her arm to try and offer support. She’d been crushing hard on Daren lately, and it was obvious he’d moved on. The other guy was still waving his arms and wailing out Rain’s name. “Thanks for coming.” She turned and went to greet the man, slapping on her best face as Daren gave her a sympathetic look. I hoped he was sorry.

“The man with the blonde is the guy Rain likes. I sure hope Devin shows up soon. She can’t take too much disappointment in one night.”

“Is there anything we can do?”

“I’ll call him.” I took out my phone and dialed the lame ass’ number. Tate watched as I tapped my fingers on the table.

Finally, he answered. “Well, if this isn’t a blast from the pasts. Are you done with that rich asshole and need a real man again? Cause I’d throw you a bone. You know, for old time’s sake.”

His words were so disgusting that I wanted to puke. “Where the hell are you? Rain’s freaking out.”

“I’m in the parking lot now. But I’m kind of busy.” I heard a female moaning in the background.

“You’re so disgusting. Will you hurry up and crawl off that poor girl and find Rain.” I hung up.

“Where is he?”

“He’s out in the parking lot molesting some poor girl.” I saw Rain across the way and got up to get her attention. “I’ll be right back.” I left him at the table and walked across the room to whisper in Rain’s ear.

“Your golden boy is out in the parking lot getting his knob slobbered.”

“I’m going to kill that asshole. He knows how much I worry, and he plays these games all the time.” She let out a long breath. “Did you see Daren? He’s obviously not interested in me anymore, but on a positive note, there’s Billy over there, and he’s more than willing.” She gestured to a rough-looking guy who seemed as if he was ready to beat someone’s ass.

“Yikes. He’s scary.”

“Tell me about it. Why can’t I meet a nice man like you did? You two seem so happy tonight.”

“Well, that’s because we told each other those three magic words for the first time before driving out.” She squealed so loud that looked over to Tate to see if he heard it, but he was sipping his beer and looking around the room. Now and then he’d peek my way.

“That’s so sweet! I’m sooooo happy for you!” She gave me a hug.

“We also talked about something else. He wants me to move in with him. I’m a little hesitant, because of what happened before, but I was hoping that Aunt Helen would keep the apartment open in case it doesn’t work out. At least for a few months.”

“That sounds like a solid plan. I mean, it can’t hurt. Talk to her, and I’m sure she will. She mentioned not wanting anyone else that wasn’t like family living under our roof, so she doesn’t want strangers for tenants.”

That was good news.

“I hope I don’t need it. I’m spending the night with him again, and we’re going to talk out the details. I’ll hit you and Aunt Hel up about it together as soon as I know when.”

“See, now I’m really jealous. I wish just once, one of these assholes would change. But that’s not the way it works, is it?” She took a calming breath and gave me a tight hug. “I better get backstage.”

“I better get back to Tate before he meets another waitress.” We shared a laugh, and I hurried back to my man.

I joined Tate at the table and finished my beer, Tate moved his chair closer to mine and ordered us a pitcher.

We enjoyed the show when Live Wired took the stage. The music was loud, and Rain sang her heart out, even dedicating one of the slower ballads to me and Tate. Devin had rolled his eyes but played well, and the rest of the band were great as usual.

Once I knew the set was winding down, I leaned in and kissed Tate on the cheek. “I’m ready to go back to your place now.”

He brushed my hair back. “Anything you want, lead the way.” He got off his stool and took my hand.

CHAPTER TWENTY – TATE

We left the club and were all over each other on the way to the jeep. I’d expected her to want to mess around a little on the way, but when we stopped at the convenience store for gas, she came across and straddled my lap.

“Fuck, baby. You’re going to get us arrested.” I had laughed, and she kissed me hard and reluctantly went back to her seat, trying her best to control the need that she’d told me grew inside of her by the minute.

After I pumped gas and paid, I got in and saw that she was panting and scissoring her legs. I reached across and pushed her skirt up a tad and drew my hand in between her thighs. “Let me ease you a bit.” I stroked her tender bud, and she ground against me. Then she spread her legs wider, and I slipped two fingers inside of her and stroked her channel, building a steady pace.

I couldn’t wait to get her home and into my bed, so I could do things to her that you only read about in romance novels. Unfortunately, my boner took a big hit when I pulled into my driveway and found my father on my front porch.

Fuck . This was not in my plans for the night.

“Um, is that your dad?” she asked.

I blew out a breath. “Yeah. I guess ignoring his phone calls didn’t give him the message to leave me alone.”

Kami straightened herself up and checked her face in the mirror, making sure she didn’t look like we’d been fooling around. I got out of the car and went around to her door, opening it for her and helping her down.

My father stood up and shoved his hands in his pockets, staring down at me with his usual look of disapproval. “Tate,” he said by way of greeting.

“Dad,” I replied.

I saw his eyes flick to Kami as he looked her up and down. I moved slightly in front of her, as if trying to shield her from his appraising gaze. He looked back to me and gave a small shake of his head.

“I thought since you haven’t been answering my calls, I should come and make sure you hadn’t partied yourself to death,” he said.

“You know Megan’s been staying here. She’d have let you know if anything was up,” I said, annoyed.

“Yes, well…” he trailed off. “And who is this lovely young woman you’re hiding behind you?”

I felt Kami step out to my side and I put a protective arm around her. “This is Kami,” I told him. “My girlfriend.”

He looked her up and down again and gave a curt nod. “Tick tock, son. Time’s almost up if you want your grandmother’s money.” With that he stepped off the porch and walked to his car parked at the curb.

My teeth hurt, I was clenching them so hard, and I only exhaled when Kami placed a hand on my arm.

“What was that all about?” she asked.

“Nothing,” I said. “Just my father being his usual charming self.”

I took her hand and led her up the steps and into the house, determined not to let my father ruin my night. “Now, where were we?”

***

Waking up to her in my arms had been everything, and as I glanced down at her, I gave her a kiss on the ear. She stirred beside me, and her eyes fluttered open. “Good morning, Tate.”

“Good morning, baby. Did you sleep well?” She wasted no time climbing on top of me and laying against my chest as her slit straddled my shaft, which lay against my stomach.

“I did, but I wanted you all night. I even dreamed of us. We were both naked and laid out in the street in front of a crowd.”

I stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head. “Did you like it? All those people watching?”

“I didn’t care; I was with you, and I knew it was a dream.” The crowd from the night before must have influenced her dreams. I felt my cock stiffen beneath her and she ground herself against me.

“You’ve got me stirred up.”

“Then make love to me.” She lifted her head and kissed me with no reservations. I rolled her over and ravished her breasts before finding my way down between her thighs.

She moaned out my name as I nudged her legs apart and darted my tongue into her tight hole. She was soaking wet for me already; it must have been a good dream. I growled and feasted until she lost control and writhed beneath me as her pleasure spilled and I drank it down like a parched man in the desert.

I came up and met her eyes. She was my girl, and I couldn’t wait until she moved in and I got to be with her every day. I leaned over her and centered myself against her and she reached up for me to pull me closer, her need apparent in her eyes.

She was relaxed and purring like a kitten, and that’s just the way I liked her, and this would be the second time we fucked without protection. It was such a damn turn on to feel her so completely.

“Fuck, you feel so good, baby. When we’re done, let’s go get your things and move you in. I don’t want to spend another day here without you.”

“You mean it? So soon?”

“Yes, today. Why should we wait? I think Helen and Rain will be OK with it, and it’s not like you don’t already spend the night. You can bring anything you want.” I ground my hips into her and stared deep into her eyes. “Tell me yes, Kami. Tell me you want to today.”

She giggled. “Of course. I want to immediately. But what about Megan? I hate to impose on her before she has a fair chance to figure out what she wants to do.”

“She’ll be fine. I’ll take you home to get your things.” She threw her arms around my neck as I bent over and kissed her.

“OK, but fuck me first. I want to come again.” She rolled her hips, and I quickened my pace.

“Hold on, baby.” I thrust my hips hard into her and rocked her pleasure, her orgasm taking over and causing her to moan so loudly, I was afraid my sister had heard it. I was certain she was home, and I put my hand over Kami’s mouth, and we both laughed as she trembled through the last waves of her orgasm.

“It’s so good, Tate, I don’t ever want it to stop.” She pulled me down as she came, gripping my cock with her tight walls.

I worked her through her pleasure, and soon it became too much to hold back. I thrust one last time, hard and deep and my cock exploded inside her depths.

I collapsed against her, kissing her neck. We laid a while, and I finally got up to go throw away the condom. While I was in the bathroom, I went ahead and brushed my teeth and started the shower.

I stuck my head out to tell her to join me but found her still as a statue sitting on the side of my bed. I looked down to see what she was so fixated on and noticed my phone, which soon let out another ping.

My blood turned cold. I knew she had the wrong idea, and I also knew I had waited too long to tell her the truth.

“Is that my phone?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

“I wanted to know the time. My battery was dead, and your alarm clock is blinking.” I looked over at the display and saw that the clock hadn’t been reset from a week ago when the power blinked. I didn’t exactly use an alarm for work anymore. “I’m sorry. It seems you have a few new messages.” She dropped the phone and got up looking for her clothes.

“I was going to delete the account, I swear. I just forgot.”

“That’s why you had to turn off your phone, isn’t it? Because otherwise, it would have gone off all night.”

“I’m sorry. I swear to you, I haven’t been talking to anyone. I’ll delete the account right now.” I logged on my computer and hoped I’d avoid her leaving me. I went to the account and hit the settings and deleted the access. “Look, see. It’s gone. Please, I swear I haven’t been talking to anyone.” I knew I had, though. I had sent out hundreds of messages, and even though I had only done so for Hazen, my face and name were still attached to them. I needed to tell her, but I wanted to talk to Hazen first. If I had his green light, it wouldn’t be breaking the terms of my agreement. She would be pissed, but at least she would understand.

“I thought we’d done that, already. When I did mine, you should have done yours.” The disappointment in her voice had me feeling like a piece of shit.

“I know, baby, I just forgot, and I should have. Forgive me?”

“That’s what Devin would say when he’d get caught here and there. I forgave him, time and time again. Then eventually I caught him cheating. I’m not going to do that again. Not ever.” She put her clothes on and tried to push past me in the doorway to my room.

“Kami wait, don’t go. I’m nothing like that asshole. You know me,” I begged.

She looked up at me with such pain and anger in her eyes that it nearly took my breath away.

“Do I? Do I know you? You hardly ever talk to me about your past, or how you miraculously have some much money. And now I know that you never deleted your account like you said you did. So tell me, Tate, how well do I really know you? Apparently, I only know the parts of you that you want me to see. I thought you were different,” she said, her voice hitching and breaking my heart.

“I’m so sorry, Kami. I’m sorry I lied, please just don’t go. Let’s talk.”

“There’s nothing to talk about Tate. My phone is dead, so can I please use yours to call Rain to come get me?” she asked.

“Please, just let me explain everything,” I tried again.

“Explain what exactly? Maybe you could start with your father’s ‘tick-tock’ comment last night, and why the hell he was looking at me when he said it,” she challenged.

“It’s complicated,” I said, lamely.

“No, Tate. The truth is never complicated,” she shook her head vehemently. “Please call Rain.”

My grip on my phone tightened. “No, I won’t. I’m asking you to stay here with me and we can work this out.” I knew I was practically begging, but I didn’t care. I couldn’t lose her.

“Either you call Rain, or I start walking and I’ll hitchhike a damn ride if I have to,” she said, her voice harsh now.

“I’m not letting you leave,” I said, hoping to be able to talk some sense into her.

True to her word, Kami pushed past me, grabbed her shoes and purse and headed out the front door. I ran after her, nothing but a towel wrapped around my waist.

“You try and follow me and I’ll scream bloody murder,” she warned.

I looked down at myself half naked on the porch and sighed. “Wait,” I called out. “I’ll call Rain.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE – KAMI

Mondays were the worst days to pull double shifts since they were always slow, but at least I had my phone with me to keep me company and my boss didn’t mind if I texted my friends when I wasn’t serving up the Loving Cup’s finest brews.

Tate had messaged me at least fifty times since yesterday. He’d apologized at least twenty times and told me that it wasn’t what it looked like. I’d had to laugh at that one. Wasn’t that what they all said when they got caught?

The thing was, was that I truly thought Tate was different. I thought I knew him better than I obviously did. Could he really have faked all that? He’d told me he loved me and invited me to move into his home with him and his sister. Maybe there was a reasonable explanation. Or did I just want to believe that I hadn’t been fooled again?

Before I could answer that question, Rain walked in with a grim look on her face.

When she’d come to pick me up at Tate’s yesterday, I’d told her I didn’t want to talk about it. I said we’d had a fight and left it at that. She knew not to push me and figured it had just been some petty snit that we’d get over.

“What’s wrong?” I closed the space between us, knowing the girl well enough to tell that whatever it was she’d come in to tell me, was not good news.

She gave me a look like she didn’t know what to say, and I was left to guess for a few more intense moments. “Tell me, Rain. Is it Aunt Helen? My parents? Did someone die?” The look on her face was so unreadable, yet so frightening that I could only imagine the worst.

“No, no one is dead. Though you might wish they were.” She took a deep breath and sat at the nearest table. “I don’t know how to say this, but I guess I could start by asking how well you know Tate.”

“Wait, what? What do you mean, how well do I know Tate?”

“Did you know he’s like really wealthy?”

I shook my head. She’d been talking to Devin again. “I guess so. Big deal.”

“You make it sound like it’s a welfare check, Kam. But I’m telling you, he’s like filthy rich, and has quite a playboy reputation.”

That one hit home. I thought about the messages on his phone again and started to feel increasingly nauseated. She looked down to her phone and then after keying with her thumb, she turned the thing around and let me see a few images that had popped up. Pictures of Tate dressed up for parties, draped with women, everything plush and gilded around him. One of the images I clicked on, showed him with a sports car and the title of the article read Young Millions .

“So he has millions. Who cares?” I asked.

“That’s not all I have to tell you,” Rain said.

“Oh, this should be good,” I said.

“Listen, Kam, he’s been whoring around the Matched Solid site the whole time you’ve been together.”

I sighed. “I know.”

“Wait, what? You know? Is that why he called me to come get you yesterday?” she asked incredulously.

“Yeah. I grabbed his phone to check the time and saw a bunch of notifications. I don’t know, Rain. He swore to me that there was an explanation, that it wasn’t what it looked like. He’s been texting me nonstop, trying to get me to talk to him.”

“Well before you talk to him, you need to see the rest of this. That girl Samantha I work with got a message from him.”

My blood turned to ice-water and my face burned.

“What kind of message?”

“She forwarded it to me, in screen shots, so you can see for yourself, Kam. It’s him, and he seemed pretty interested.” I took the phone and held my breath as I read his brief, but damning message. Hello, Beautiful. It was the first thing he said to me. And sure enough, that was followed by, hope we can chat . He’d baited me like all the others. But why spend so much time with me? Perhaps I was a hell of a lot easier, or gullible. My nausea increased.

There was one last screen shot of Samantha telling him how hot he was and his response was “Likewise.”

“When did she say this happened?”

Rain took her phone and held my hand. “She told me last week she was talking to this amazing guy. She said he was extremely gorgeous and she’d show me his picture at lunch. You can imagine I almost fell over when I saw it was Tate. She said he was well sought after. There’s a forum, and some of the women had been battling for his attention. She figured he finally settled on one.”

“This has been going on the entire time I’ve been with him.” I pulled away and put my hands over my face as tears came to my eyes.

“I’m going to beat his ass; I swear it, Kam!” She was livid, and I knew it was only because of my tears.

Suddenly, I felt the contents of my stomach rise into my throat and I barely made it to the bathroom before I vomited everything I’d eaten that morning. Once I emptied my belly, I splashed cold water on my face and went to tell my boss that I needed to go home. Since I had never once called in sick in my two years, he didn’t hassle me at all.

“I’m so sorry, Kam.”

Rain offered to drive me home. Even though I’d thrown up, I still didn’t feel right. I accepted and we rode the short distance in silence.

I closed my eyes and pressed my forehead to the cool glass of the passenger window. I couldn’t believe how stupid I’d been. I had put myself in exactly the same position that I’d been in with Devin. What an idiot I was.

My phone buzzed in my hand and I looked down to see another text from Tate, begging me to talk. I nearly threw the damn thing out into the street. My stomach lurched again and I had to roll down the window so I didn’t puke in Rain’s car.

She patted my leg and looked at me sympathetically when I was finished. “You really do love him, huh? You weren’t even this bad after Devin.”

Tears coursed down my cheeks as I shook my head. “Yeah Rain, I really do love him.”

We arrived home and I climbed the stairs to my apartment. I looked around and felt incredibly sad. Just yesterday, I was planning on leaving his place behind and starting a new chapter with Tate in his home. God, how had I let myself get so swept up in him.

I ran straight to my bed and laid down, not even bothering to take my clothes or shoes off. I cried myself to sleep and when I woke a few hours later, I felt no better. I got up and went to the kitchen to fix myself a little something to eat, but the minute I opened the refrigerator and looked at the leftover casserole Aunt Helen had sent up with me yesterday, my stomach lurched again.

As I ran to the bathroom, I caught a glimpse of the calendar on the wall.

Wait. What was the date today?

Oh, holy fuck.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO – TATE

I was at my computer tweaking photographs when my sister burst into the room. “Great news, brother!” She plopped down on my bed and tossed a pillow at my head.

I ducked and spun my chair around to give her a dirty look and toss it back. “What the hell?”

“I found a house!”

“The one down the street?” I had hoped my sister would stay closer to me rather than move across the city where I couldn’t keep an eye on her.

“You wish! It’s only a few minutes from here, but the house is perfect, and I already put down some earnest money. I just have to come up with the rest of the down payment, and then I’ll use my next trust check to pay the closing cost.”

“Here, take this.” I passed her the check from Hazen, and her eyes bugged.

“Wow, is this what Hazen gave you to be super-stud on his silly website?”

“Yeah,” I shrugged. “I want you to have it.” Megan’s expression grew softer. “Still haven’t heard from Kami?”

I shook my head. “No. She won’t answer any of my texts. I thought about going down to her work, but I don’t want to be that guy and cause a scene. I just don’t know what to do, Meg.”

“Do you want me to try?” she asked. “I mean, I know she and I don’t know each other well, but I’m willing to give it a shot.”

I shook my head and smiled at my sister. “I really appreciate that, but I need to fix this myself.”

Megan opened her mouth to speak but the sound of knocking at the front door cut her off. I scrambled to my feet and all but ran to the door, hoping against hope that Kami had come to talk. When I threw the door open, however, it was Rain that was standing on the other side. And boy was she pissed.

“Rain—” I started, but she held up her hand.

“No, you don’t talk, asshole. You listen,” she said, her voice harsh.

I shut my mouth and stood helplessly while she let loose on me.

“You are a sorry excuse for a man,” she began. “Kami is the best thing that has ever happened to you, will ever happen to you, you threw it all away? Why? So you could fuck a bunch of whores who send you pictures of their fake tits?”

“It’s not like that Rain,” I tried again.

“I said you don’t talk!” she yelled. “My best friend is hurting because of you; because of your selfishness and your need to get your dick wet. You are a disgusting piece of shit.”

“Hey!” came Megan’s voice from behind me. “My brother may be a lot of things, but he is not a piece of shit.”

“It’s OK, Meg,” I said, holding up my hand.

“No, it’s not,” she argued. “I’ve had about enough of this. He made a mistake, a really big one, but he doesn’t deserve to be talked to like this.”

“A mistake?” Rain asked, incredulously. “He was fucking several other women at the same time that he told my best friend that he was in love with her!”

“No, actually, he wasn’t,” Megan said.

“Listen, I get that you are his sister and you want to protect him but—”

“Oh, for the love of Christ. Would you please come in off the porch and let him explain? The neighbors don’t need to know our business.”

I stood between my sister and Kami’s best friend, not quite sure what to do, but knowing I had to do something. “Yeah, Rain. Please come in.”

Hesitantly, she stepped over the threshold and into the living room. Megan turned to go back to her own room, but added, “I’ll let you two talk, but know that if I hear you berating him again, you and I are going to tangle.”

I shook my head and motioned for Rain to sit on the couch. “I’m sorry about my sister. She can be a bit overprotective. Can I get you something to drink?”

Rain perched on the edge of the leather sofa and shook her head. “No, I don’t want anything from you but an explanation of why you would do something like this to Kami. And be forewarned, that my bullshit detector is a lot more sensitive than hers.”

I sighed and sat down. I was going to tell Rain everything and hold zero back. I couldn’t let anything stand in the way of winning Kami back.

“It’s true that I have been talking to women on Matched Solid, but I swear to you, I have not been sleeping with any of them. I haven’t even met any of them.”

She regarded me with an air of disbelief, and so I continued.

“The site is owned and operated by my best friend Hazen. He needed some help boosting traffic on the site and he asked me to help him out. The job was that I would send messages to newcomers as well as the women who weren’t getting as much attention, to keep them coming back.”

“So you were baiting them?” she asked, her lip curled in disgust.

“Yeah, I guess I was. But I swear to you, that’s all it ever was. I came across Kami’s profile the very first day I started helping out. I thought she was beautiful and had actually seen her at her coffee shop months before. I sent her the standard welcome message. I never expected it to go anywhere further, but then she responded and we actually started to talk. That’s the truth.”

“So you did all that for your best friend, just as a favor?” Rain asked unconvinced.

“Well, that actually leads to another topic.” I took a deep breath before continuing. “I have a hefty family inheritance, for which I will only be given the lump sum if I’ve settled down and conceived one heir by my thirty fifth birthday.”

“So you used the dating site to find the girl you planned to knock up, and my best friend was one of hundreds of girls you flirted with before you found your perfect baby mama?”

I cringed, hating how that sounded. “Yeah, I guess you could say that. Listen, I know how awful that sounds, but the minute I actually spoke to her and got to know her, I was committed. I will swear to you, to her, to anyone who will listen, that I never met up with or did anything with those other women. It never went past a few harmless messages. I love her, Rain. I love her more than I’ve ever loved anyone.”

“You can see how your reputation makes that a little hard to believe, right?” she asked me.

I sighed. “Yeah, I know. I’m the first to admit that I’ve been a dog in the past. I’ve been selfish and immature and stupid before, but all that ended when I met Kami. I want to be the best person I can be for her. I want to be the man she deserves.”

“I’m not sure that even exists,” Rain said softly. “She deserves the world.”

“I know. And I promise to spend the rest of my life to give it to her. Do you think she could ever forgive me?”

“I don’t know,” Rain admitted. “And I don’t know if she should.”

I got up and went to my room, returning with my laptop and a folder of papers with the terms of my inheritance. I handed all them to Rain.

“Go ahead, look through it all.”

After about ten minutes of reading and poking through my computer, Rain looked satisfied. “Ok, I believe you.”

My heart swelled with hope. “You do?”

“Yes. You made her happy, Tate. Happier than I’ve ever seen her. You’re going to have to do a lot of work to get that back.”

I nodded my head vigorously. “I know and I’m willing to do whatever it takes. Will you help me?” I asked, hopeful.

Rain regarded me with a look before finally nodding her head. “I’ll see what I can do.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE – KAMI

“Kam?” I heard footsteps approaching as I rolled over, still in bed. After I’d looked at the date on the calendar, I’d run to the drugstore and got a test, which confirmed my worst fear. I was pregnant with Tate’s baby. Those two unprotected times were all it took to change my life forever.

I never expected to get myself knocked up by a man I’d fallen so deeply in love with, only to have my heart smashed into bits by him.

I’d cried myself to sleep again afterward. That weekend had been filled with so much hope and love, and now I was left with a permanent reminder of it. I found myself totally lost.

Rain sat down on the edge of my bed and smoothed my hair away from my face. “Are you still sick?” she asked, feeling my forehead?

I shook my head, and the motion made me queasy all over again. I bolted up and out of bed, slapping my hand over my mouth as I ran to the bathroom. Rain followed me and held my hair as I puked, then offered me a cool cloth for my forehead.

“No,” I said, when I regained my composure. “I’m not sick.” I opened the drawer and pointed to the stick that lay in the bottom. I watched Rain’s eyebrows knit together as she leaned down to look, and then shoot up almost to her hairline when she realized what she was seeing.

“Oh my God, Kam!” she shouted.

“What am I going to do, Rain?” I asked her, tears falling down my cheeks.

She grabbed my hand and led me to the living room, pushing me gently down onto the couch and sitting next to me. “It’s going to be ok,” she said reassuringly.

“How?” I asked her. “I’m so stupid. I went and got myself knocked up by a liar and a womanizer. I’d wanted to get pregnant so badly and it happened in the worst way. How is it going to be ok?”

“Yeah, about that,” Rain said. “Look, don’t be mad, ok, but I went over to Tate’s house earlier.”

“What? Why” I asked her.

“Because I wanted to give him a piece of my mind,” she said.

I couldn’t help but smile. I loved how much Rain loved and protected me.

“Listen, Kam, there’s a whole story that you don’t know—”

“Oh God, not you too,” I groaned. “Please tell me that you didn’t fall for his bullshit, Rain?”

She shook her head. “No way, you know me better than that. I listened to what he had to say, and then I went and got my own proof.”

“Proof of what exactly?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

“It seems that though Tate was working on the Matched site, he wasn’t on there to meet anyone. The site is owned by his best friend who hired him to help increase traffic by engaging women who were either new to the site, or weren’t getting a whole lot of attention.”

“Ew, that’s gross,” I said.

“Yeah, I know. And actually, Tate felt the same way, but he saw it as a way to kill two birds with one stone.”

“Two birds? What does that mean?”

Rain took a deep breath before diving into the story. “He told me how he came to have his money. Apparently, his grandmother left him a trust when she died, but it came with a stipulation. In order to get the full amount, he has to be settled down and have a kid by his thirty-fifth birthday. His friend convinced him that he could both help him out, and find someone to have a kid with.”

“Oh my God, that’s disgusting,” I said. “But at least it explains the comment his dad made. I can’t believe he was just using me to get his money.”

“Maybe that was his first intention, but he really does love you Kami. And he’s really sorry that he hurt you. Like he’s pathetic right now. Super pathetic. You should see him, he looks like shit.”

“Good,” I said, trying not to smile at his discomfort.

Rain laughed. “Seriously though, Kam. He knows he should have been honest from the beginning but he didn’t want you to think he was using you.”

“So the messages to the other chicks were just to help out his friend?” I asked.

“Yeah. He wasn’t even getting paid to do it. His role was to reach out to these women, send a message or two and move on. He never met up with any of them.”

“Never?”

“Apparently, no. I talked to Samantha after I left his place and she confirmed that other than a few harmless messages, nothing else happened. She had also found out that another friend of hers had talked to him too, and said the same thing. His responses were pretty generic actually.”

“And you believe him?” I asked her.

“I do,” she said. “Plus his sister was there, and she vouched for him. I mean, I get that she’d probably have his back either way, but she doesn’t strike me as the type who would lie for him.”

“No, she’s pretty straight with him,” I said.

“See? Listen, Kam, I don’t agree with what he was doing. I think it’s pretty sleazy and demeaning, but as far as you are concerned, he loves you and he’s not been unfaithful to you.”

I sat and absorbed everything she’d just told me. So Tate had been faithful to me. If Rain believed him, I knew that I could too.

But what about the baby? That was a huge game changer. He might be ready to give up his playboy lifestyle for me, but would he be ready to be a father?

“So what are you going to do about the baby?” Rain asked softly.

I shrugged my shoulders. “I don’t know. It hasn’t fully sunk in yet I don’t think. I mean, of course I’m going to keep it, but that’s about as far as I’ve gotten.”

“You have to tell Tate,” she said.

“I know.”

Rain leaned over and gave me a big hug. “No matter what, you’re going to be OK.” She bent her head down and patted my belly. “Auntie Rain is gonna spoil you rotten, little one,” she said with a huge smile.

I rolled my eyes and groaned. “Just promise me that he or she won’t come home with purple hair one day.”

“I make no such promises,” she declared as she rose to go.

I sat for a few minutes after she left just thinking about everything she’d told me. Though what Tate had done had been gross in its own right, he had never cheated on me. He really did love me. The realization flooded me with relief. Now I just had to tell him about the baby.

I got up and walked over to the counter where the mail was sitting from the past couple of days. I picked up an envelope with a familiar address and turned it over in my hands. I knew exactly how I was going to tell him.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR – TATE

The Gala was packed when I walked in with my sister on my arm. Steven Pratt welcomed me as the others gathered clapped for me. I gave a polite nod and introduced Megan to the crowd.

“Where’s that lovely girl you were seeing?” asked one of the women from before.

“She might be here later.” I didn’t know what else to say and felt too strange to explain that we’d broken up. The wound was too fresh to pick at, and I wanted to just get the night over with, so I could go home and crawl back in bed.

The woman walked away satisfied, and Megan gave me a reassuring pat on the back. “Show me your work.”

I led her around the gallery, nodding and saying hello to the crowd who all seemed to like my photography and wanted to chat about it. After a while, I made small talk with some of the other members of the committee, I flagged down a waiter and took a drink from his tray for my sister and then two for myself. I downed the first and placed the glass back on the tray and gave him a pat on the back as he walked away.

“Easy, there. They won’t ask the lush back next year.” Megan chuckled, but it was half-hearted.

“I don’t know why I’m nervous. She’s not going to come. I really fucked up with her.”

“Well at least dad seemed interested when I left the invitation with him.”

I gave her a withering glare. That didn’t sound accurate.

“OK, fine. His new girlfriend is the one who seemed interested. He just rolled his eyes and played it off. I think he was a little jealous that she liked your picture.”

“Great.” I hated most of my dad’s girlfriends, and it sounded like I wouldn’t like the new one any better. I don’t know why they had to put my face on the invitation. My photographs would have been sufficient.

As I stared off into the other room, where the murals were covered for their unveiling, my sister nudged me.

My mouth fell open as I turned to see Kami walking into the room.

“I’ll just leave you a minute. Go to her.” Megan gave me a pointed look and scurried away.

I walked over, and Kami took a deep breath as I stopped in front of her. “Thank you for coming.”

She rocked back and forth on her pumps and looked around, smiling and waving to the ones who’d been looking for her. “I know how much this means to you,” she said in response.

“Nothing means as much to me as you do,” I said to her.

She regarded me with a look I couldn’t quite read before responding. “Rain told me everything,” she finally said.

I inhaled a breath. “And?”

“And we have a lot to talk about,” she said. “But not right now. Enjoy your show.” She turned to walk off into the crowd.

“Kami.” She stopped and looked over her shoulder before turning to face me. “I’ve missed you.”.

Before she could say anything in reply, Steven tapped his glass and called the room to his attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s a great honor to be here tonight to share the love, passion, and science of astronomy with our friends and beloved guests. As you know, we’re always on the lookout for ways to improve our observatory, and this year, in honor of our fiftieth anniversary of the Galaxy Gala, we commissioned a talented artist and photographer, Tate Evans, whose astral photography will now grace the walls of the observatory’s event room.” He swept a hand, and the veils came off the pictures I’d sold and made into wall-size prints. The crowd cheered, oohing and ahhing at the unveiling, and Steven asked me to step up.

I hadn’t prepared for a speech or anything, but I plastered on a smile, even though I wanted to throw up, and headed up to stand beside him.

“All the lovely photographs on display here tonight were taken by this man right here, and we’re so proud to make him an honorary member of the Galaxies, which hosts events like these to beautify the observatory and, of course, give back to the community.” Steven patted me on the back, and I gave a nod and said many thank-yous before he handed me the microphone.

I took a deep breath and felt my face turning red. “Thank you so much, Steven, it’s an honor to be a part of such an amazing group of people, and I’m proud that my photography is now a permanent fixture here. More than that, I’m really glad I have friends here tonight, including two special ladies: my sisters, Megan and Kami Kendrick, both of whom I love dearly. Enjoy the night. You both inspire me more than you’ll ever know.” I raised my glass high and the others toasted with me. I gave the microphone to Steven and had to get away.

I hurried out to the observation deck and tried to catch my breath. The glass window that showed the best view of the night sky I could ever image spanned the room around me. I put my hand to it and leaned forward.

“That’s an amazing view.” Her voice sent chills down my spine, and I turned to see Kami standing in the door behind me.

She was so incredibly beautiful, even more so than the last time I’d seen her only a few days ago. She was positively radiant tonight. “Not as amazing as mine,” I said, cringing at how much of a cheesy pickup line it sounded like.

To my immense relief, she laughed.

“You said Rain told you everything?” I asked her.

The smile disappeared from her lips and my heart sank. “Yes. Listen, I don’t agree with what you did, buttering those women up so that your buddy could make more money off them and keeping details about your inheritance a secret from me. You should have told me, even if you were afraid of my reaction. That’s what people who love one another do, Tate. They tell each other the truth, and work through the hard stuff together.”

I hung my head. “I know. If it makes any difference to you, I actually felt pretty awful about baiting those women. And I can’t apologize enough for not trusting you with the truth earlier.”

She nodded. “I appreciate that. Bottom line, I know you didn’t cheat on me.”

“Never,” I said, shaking my head vehemently. “I never would.”

I held out my hand, and she took it. My heart pounded in my chest as she stepped close and I kissed her knuckles.

“I’m terrified, Tate.” She met my eyes, and I put my arms around her waist.

“Of?”

“You. Giving you my heart wasn’t easy.”

“I’m so sorry. I’m sorry I broke that trust, and I’m sorry that I’ve made you leery of me. I love you, Kami. You’re my girl. Tell me you’re going to stay?” I pulled her closer and captured her mouth, and she pushed me back up against the glass, deepening it until she pulled away breathless.

“I’m going to stay.” I let out a long breath, and a terrible weight had been lifted as I gathered her up even closer and kissed her hard, trailing my mouth down her neck and to her breasts and back up.

“Good, because I didn’t intend on letting you go.” I kissed her again, and we made out against the window until my sister cleared her throat behind us.

“Really? Can’t you see we’re busy?” I didn’t want to let Kami go for a minute. I had my girl back.

“Sorry, but you have guests, so you better get your pretty little butts out here and greet them.” She gave me a pointed look and disappeared behind the door.

We walked out arm in arm to greet my guests, and my heart stopped as I caught a glimpse of my father through the crowd. He was studying my murals pretty hard and talking to Steven Pratt. The older man stepped out of the way, and I caught Dad’s expression. He was smiling.

“Well I’ll be damned.” I pulled her across the room to where my dad was now laughing with Steven.

“Ah, here he is, the man of the hour. I was just talking to your old man, here.”

“Hello, Dad. Thanks for coming.” I shook my father’s hand

“Tate, I have to admit, you’ve done a damn good job here. I can see why you feel like this is more than just a hobby.”

His words shocked me more than if he’d told me he was born on another planet. It wasn’t exactly a glowing endorsement, but it was the best that I could expect from him.

“I’m glad you came to check it out. And you remember my girlfriend, Kami.” Dad’s eyes lit up when he saw my girl.

“Yes, I do. She’s a real beauty, son. The old apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” He gave a snicker and pulled his own new girl closer. “This is Robin.” Robin didn’t look much older than me or my sister, but we smiled and welcomed her anyway. We may as well be nice; dad would replace her soon enough anyway.

My father and his flavor of the month left us to walk the exhibit, my sister opting to go find another drink.

“I think this might be the best night of my life,” I said as Kami settled against me.

“You did a beautiful job,” she said and I shook my head.

“I wasn’t even talking about this. I’m just so damn happy you’re giving me a second chance. By the way, did I tell you that you’re positively glowing tonight?”

She looked at me shyly and bit her lip. “Yeah, about that…”

***

“I can’t believe you’re having my baby,” I said as I spun Kami around. Once she’d whispered the news in my ear, I couldn’t wait to get her home.

Now we were snuggled in my bed and I was the happiest man in the entire world. I had the woman of my dreams in my arms, and she was carrying my child. Money, or no, nothing could have topped this night, and it was all thanks to Kami.

EPILOGUE

Kami

I sat at my computer, looking over photo submissions that I was considering for my first gallery showing. I looked over at our daughter, Eliza, sleeping peacefully in her bassinet next to me. The surge of love that shot through me every time I looked at her still took my breath away. It had been a crazy year, but I wouldn’t have changed any of it for the world. I had Tate, our daughter, and the studio and gallery I’d always dreamed about.

I heard the back door open and looked down at Eliza once more before going to greet Tate as he came in.

“Hey, babe, I’ve got great news,” he said by way of greeting.

“Me too! I almost have all the prints I want to use for the gallery showing. And I saved you a spot as promised.”

“That’s amazing, babe. I’m so proud of you,” he said with a kiss.

“So what’s your good news?” I asked.

He waved me out to the garage, and I followed. Once out in the garage, I spotted something large in the driveway through the little windows. “You’re going to love it!” He hit the button on the doors and hurried to go out while the thing lifted.

“I hope you’re right.” I ducked under the rising doors and saw his surprise.

“It’s a classic Airstream, baby! Isn’t it amazing?” His smile was so wide that I couldn’t help but smile too.

“I want a tour.”

“I’m so excited to show you. I was about to drop forty-grand on one of the bigger models, but this one was only thirty, and it’s been fully restored. The old couple selling it had health issues and needed a fast buyer. I had it all checked out. It’s perfect.” He walked up and opened the door, and I held my breath hoping the two of us, plus the baby, could sleep comfortably in the small trailer.

He opened the door, and the classic style of the little camper took my breath away as I stepped inside. “It’s so nice.” I fell into his side, and he kissed my hair.

“I knew you’d love it. It’s so much better than one of those new ones with no personality, and this one is small enough to pull with the Jeep. We’re going to be camping in style, baby.” I couldn’t help but laugh at how excited he was. With the money he had coming in a couple of years, he could have easily bought any camper he wanted, but he wanted one that was suited to our needs, one he knew we’d love and enjoy together—all three of us. He was the sexiest man ever.

“I can’t wait, baby.” I kissed him, pulling him close.

He reached up and opened an overhead compartment. “Look, I can put all my camera equipment in here. Look at the kitchen area. And it’s got a nice fridge too. We’re going to eat well.”

“How about you show me the bedroom. Let’s make sure there’s enough room in the bed for two.” I walked forward, seeing the door that led into the small sleeping area and opened it.

On the bed was a beautiful white wedding ring quilt and it was sprinkled with red rose petals. On the small side table, there was a bucket of chilled wine and two glasses.

“I was hoping you’d want to see the bedroom.” He pushed my hair aside and kissed the back of my neck. His hand trailed up my front and cupped my breast as he thrust his hips forward pressing his erection into my back.

“You’re the sweetest man.” I stroked his face and kissed his mouth, slipping my tongue in to meet his.

He walked me to the bed and lay me back against the quilt. “Do I get to keep this too?” I rubbed my hand along the quilt, and he nodded.

“It’s part of my surprise.”

“I love it, thank you.” He gave me another quick kiss on the lips before moving his way down. He slipped off my shirt and kissed me over the swells of my breasts and to my tummy. He didn’t stop until he was hovering over my mound and pressed his mouth to my thin cotton shorts. He watched me closely as he tugged at the waistband and then slipped them down. I kicked them off my feet, and he laughed at my urgency.

“Eager beaver.” He leaned up and closed his mouth over my mound, kissing and teasing my clit.

“It’s very eager, so you better not make it wait too long.” I tugged at the waistband of his jeans, and he watched as I undid his pants and slipped them off taking his undies down with them. His cock was hard and weeping for attention, so I pulled it into my mouth and gave it a long suck. “Mm.”

“Fuck, baby. I want inside you.” He brushed his fingers through my hair and undid the clasp that held it up, letting it fall to my shoulders.

I lay back and spread my legs wide, slipping my hand down to cup my mound and trail my fingers along my slit.

He dove back down and kissed me, then came up to meet my mouth, his knees resting on the bed as he hovered over me. He put one arm down beside me and centered his cock at my entrance, wasting no time with pushing deep inside of me.

I moaned out and hissed through my teeth as he stretched me so far, I thought I might come apart.

He pumped his hips, working me at a slow, steady pace while kissing me deeply. Then he brought me over the edge of my climax and held me, staying still inside me as I trembled around him. “You’re so beautiful when you come, baby.”

And just to prove how much he liked it, he worked me through two more orgasms until the trailer was seriously rocking.

He rolled us over, and I flattened my hands on his chest as I rode him steady. “I love you, Tate.”

I love you, baby. I’ll always love you.” He stroked my breasts and rose up to capture a nipple between his teeth. I moaned and rolled my head to the side as he quickened the pace, cupping my ass to lift me off and on his throbbing cock.

“Fuck, baby. I’m coming.” He twitched inside me as he came and I gripped his cock with my slick walls and milked every last drop.

We collapsed on the bed, and he tucked me to his side as I traced the pretty fabric of the quilt. “May I have some wine?” I trailed my toes along his calf, and he sat up to pour us a glass.

He handed me mine and then took his holding it up high. “To our new camper, to many nights under the stars, to us.”

“Cheers.” I took a sip, and he brushed the hair away from my face and smiled at me. “What’s that look for?”

“I’m thinking about how pretty you are. You’ll be a beautiful bride one day. I can’t wait to see you all in white, walking down that aisle toward me.”

“Assuming I marry you.” I laughed, and he gave me a wounded look. I passed him my glass, and he placed it on the table.

“You’ve already had my baby,” he said, beaming with pride.

My heart swelled when I thought about how he was with our daughter. He loved her fiercely and was an amazing father.

“True, but that isn’t exactly a proposal.”

“I guess I better hurry up and ask then.” I wondered what he was doing when he put his wine glass down and pulled open the little bedside drawer.

“That’s a handy little—"

Seeing what he had in his hands, I froze. The little blue box was the perfect size for a ring, and my heart beat faster when he got down on his knees.

“Kami, I love you so much. I want to end every night with you and start each morning by your side. Would you do me the honor of being my wife?” He opened the box, and the ring inside sparkled.

My heart burned in my chest and my eyes filled with tears. “Yes! Are you kidding me? of course!” I fell into his arms, and he held me so tight I couldn’t catch my breath. Our tears mingled as I kissed him, and we held each other for a quiet moment of nothing but the two of us in love.

Just as I leaned down to give him another long kiss, I heard a squeak coming from the open door leading into the house from the garage.

“Sounds like the princess is awake,” I said, smiling.

“Should we tell her our good news?” He asked.

“We should,” I said.

As we walked back into the house and Tate grabbed Eliza from her bassinet and pepper her with kisses until she giggled, a lump formed in my throat.

I was the luckiest woman in the world.

The End