Resistance Page 23

  By four p.m. I’m home with Allie. We’re sitting together at the table building a volcano for her science project. My mind keeps wandering to how Pepper’s evening is going at work. I wonder if she’s sporting the same dopey smile I am from our date today.

  “You’re doing it wrong!” Allie huffs at me. I shoot her an I’m-losing-all-patience-with-her look and stand up from the table.

  “Then you are more than welcome to make it yourself,” I snap.

  “Sawyer!” she whines petulantly.

  “Allie!” I mimic. She shoots up from her seat, stomps her foot, and crosses her arms over her chest. Her pout is perfected.

  “Please help me,” she states, trying to sound not whiny. I chuckle and look at her.

  “I think make we should get dinner started and then take another crack at this. What do you feel like?”

  “Steak and mashed potatoes,” she answers. This kid thinks anything is possible on a whim. It kills me sometimes.

  “I don’t have potatoes,” I answer.

  “Steak and corn then.”

  “No corn,” I answer.

  “What do you have then?” she asks, exasperated.

  “Hm, mac-n-cheese?” I arch an eyebrow at her.

  “With steak?!” she squawks.

  “No. That’s disgusting. With hot dogs?” I offer up. Allie’s eyes slide to mine and shoot daggers at me before realizing I was kidding. Her laughter fills the house as I move to the kitchen to make us some macaroni and cheese. I grab the box, the pot, and a wooden spoon while she cranks up the music. Lord help me if Britney Spears comes on again.

  Chapter 42

  End Game

  “Sawyer! XOXO”

  The text message from Pepper pops onto my screen and I grin.

  “?” I reply.

  I continue getting the shop ready for the day. I know what she’s talking about but I want to drag it out a bit. The flowers I bought should have been delivered to her door by now. The florist had walked me around the shop and asked me a million questions about Pepper as she pointed out various options. I’ve never dropped so much money on something that’s life expectancy is less than a week. But, I know that it’s well worth it. My phone dings.

  “They’re seriously gorgeous.”

  “Happy you approve.”

  “No like, I’ve never seen a bouquet so stunning.”

  “Again, if you’re happy, I’m happy.”

  “Happy seems like a gross understatement.”

  “You can make it up to me...”

  “eh hem....dare I ask?”

  “Date, tomorrow night. Pick you up at 6.”

  I type out the message and hope that she will agree to taking a night off for me. I seriously hold my breath for what feels like an eternity. Finally the phone pings again.

  “Deal.”

  “Dress warm.”

  I breathe a sigh of relief, shove my phone in my pocket, and unlock the shop doors, ready for a full, busy day of artwork.

  * * * * *

  Hippie Hill. Nothing in Blacksburg is more relaxing sitting down on the grass and eating while you watch life happen on College Avenue downtown. I spread the blanket out. Pepper holds the basket that I packed. She looks adorable in her puffy down vest and hat. I smooth out the wrinkles and pat the ground next to me. She hands the basket over and sits.

  “What’s in there anyways?” she asks, a hint of curiosity to her voice.

  “Hungry?” I ask.

  “Maybe?” she answers coyly. “This is a really perfect spot to enjoy people watching and the view.”

  “I thought you might enjoy it,” I mumble as I dig through my bag to find the plates I packed. I set one in her lap and pull out another for me. Reaching into the basket, I pull out our dinner.

  Her lips part as she watches me pull out each item.

  “What is this?” she asks excitedly.

  “Dessert for dinner. A dessert buffet of sorts.”

  Her eyes get wide and her plump lips turn up into a perfect, radiant smile.

  “Really? This is all dinner?” she asks, glancing at the assortment of cheesecake, tiramisu, cookies, brownies, and pastries I’m unloading.

  “Really. On one condition.” I’ve left the fruit desserts in the basket on purpose. Her rule about no fruit in her dessert is ridiculous and I’m about to change her mind.

  “A condition?” she snarks.

  “Yup. You game?”

  “Sure.” She shrugs. I pull off my scarf.

  “I’m going to feed you. You are going to be blindfolded.”

  She stares at me like I’ve lost my marbles and I can’t help the laugh that bubbles up and out of me. “Them’s the rules, kid.”

  “Fine.” Her eyes narrow at me but she extends her neck just slightly, letting me know it’s safe to cover her eyes. I tie my scarf around her head. Her perfect little nose and pouty, lush mouth are all you can see of her face now. I grab a little chunk of cheesecake.

  “Open up.” She does as she’s told and parts her lips. “A little more.” I watch, fascinated at the way her lips open more for me. I slide the cheesecake in between her lips. They close around my fingers and she moans in pleasure as she sucks my fingers clean.

  “You like?” I chuckle.

  “Mmmhmm.”

  I grab a chocolate-covered strawberry and raise it to her mouth as she swallows.

  “Again,” I command. She licks her lips and opens for me. I slide the berry halfway in.

  “Bite.” Her teeth tentatively bite down, drawing the berry into her mouth. “Thoughts?”

  She chews and swallows. Her mouth curves up into a smile.

  “It was yummy.”

  “Fruit and all?” I ask, close to her face. Her breathing picks up, the short puffs of air coming out like little clouds of smoke. I could lick her lips right now from this position. She leans in just barely and I pull back slightly. I grab a raspberry Danish.

  “Open.” She does as she's told without hesitating. Her chest rises and falls with small jerks. I slide an end into her mouth. “Bite.” She does. When she swallows, I whisper into her ear.

  “Was it tasty?”

  “Kiss me,” she breathes.

  “You want a taste of me? All this dessert and it’s me you want?” I say, hovering near her mouth. Her hands reach out, tracing up my arms until she cups my jaw between her hands. Her thumbs stroke back and forth on my cheeks.

  “Yes. Always.” She pulls me and just like that another little piece of resistance is gone. Her lips find mine and she draws my bottom lip between hers and sucks. She still tastes like strawberries and chocolate. It’s sinful. I cup her head with a hand and snake the other around her waist, pulling her flush against me. I pull back and slip the blindfold off her head.

  “Watch,” I say, pointing down the hill across the horizon. Pinks and deep oranges light up the sky around us.

  “How’d I get this lucky?” she mumbles quietly.

  “I was just asking myself the same thing.”

  We sit in peaceful contentment watching the sun’s rays fade and the shadows lengthen around us, holding hands. Nothing has ever felt so stunningly perfect. When the sky is a deep navy and Pepper is shivering next to me, I know it’s time. Standing, I extend a hand to her. She smiles and takes it willingly. I pull her to her feet and draw her close to me. One hand slides to her waist, the other holds her right hand to my chest.

  “What are we doing?” she asks.

  “Dancing. Now, shh, don’t be a moment ruiner.” She laughs but says no more.

  She is the most delicious thing I’ve ever seen. Our bodies begin to move as one as I sway her gently back and forth in the grass with me. I can feel her nipples bead tightly in the cool air as her chest pushes against mine. The thin cotton of her shirt does nothing to aid her vest in hiding her lust, need, and desire for me. Nothing has ever been so tempting in all my life as the idea of taking Pepper right here, right now. But I can’t. We’re dating. I’m proving to h
er that I can be the man she thinks I am. She thinks she’s doing this to prove to me that she’s who I want. How ridiculous. Yet, it feels right. Taking this slow, even after all this time. It feels justified to start fresh. To start this the right way.

  I start to hum the tune to “Beneath Your Beautiful.” It makes me think of her. I’m a terrible singer, though, so she’ll have to wait on the words. I hum into her hair as her cheek rests on my chest. She fits. Every part of her fits with me. We move together naturally until I just can’t hum any longer.

  “How will I ever be good enough for you?” she whispers into the chilled air. I stop short and tilt her face to mine.

  “Pepper. You already are.” Her eyes glisten with unshed tears as my words sink in. She wraps her arms around me, squeezing tightly. I hold her close in silence and let her have the moment to try and accept my words.

  Chapter 43

  Time Served

  Since our picnic date, Pepper and I have been on cloud nine. Everything seems to just have fallen into place. She even sat down with Dominic and asked for at least two weeknights where she didn’t have to work the late shift so we could have more time together. Clara won’t stop razzing me about my permanent grin at work and Allie keeps singing that childish, nerve-grating song about me and Pepper sitting in a tree. Nothing breaks my mood, though. Not lately. Everything is just too good to bring me down. Even Beau and Hoot said I better find my badassery or they would kick me out of the MC. I know it will wear off. I know it won't be new and shiny forever but I’ll be damned if I’m not going to enjoy the shit out of in the moment. I want to be able to look back and remember all the perfect little moments when times seem tough. I want to have it all sitting in my heart to ride out the bumps in the road when they come; I’m not naive, I know they will come.

  Pepper stands before me in a striped, emerald-green, low-cut shirt that makes her boobs look amazing and her waist look tiny. Her dark wash, boot cut jeans and strappy gold heels make her legs look like an appetizer rather than a body part. The layer of pink lemonade lip gloss shines in the light and all I want to do is taste it. It’s been months of our taking it slow. I’m about to just take her. She’d only protest for a second before giving in. I know it. I lick my lips and smile salaciously at her. I can’t help it. It’s as if her body was made to make all red-blooded men drool and think with their lower halves.

  “Ready?” I question as she steps towards me.

  “Yeah.” Her voice is breathy as I reach my hand out for hers and lead her to the truck. Her eyes glitter with mischief.

  “Is there something I should know about?” I ask curiously.

  “Nope. I’m just happy to see you.” Her reply sounds suspect to me but I can’t pin down why.

  “Alright then,” I answer sweetly. She quirks a brow at me and smirks. She’s definitely up to something. Opening her door for her, she steps in front of me and climbs up into the truck, wiggling her ass near my face as she gets in. Torture. And she knows it. She’s teasing me. Our drive is filled with bad innuendos and flirtatious banter. I will explode at any moment. One over-the-top statement from her, one look of need or desire, and I’m a goner. I’m actually thankful when we arrive at the restaurant. It’s the best steakhouse in three towns. I usher us in, resting my hand at the small of her back. I want to let it drift lower. I want to feel the exact spot where the small of her back turns into the top of her ass. I groan as I hold the door open for her.

  “What?” she asks.

  “Nothing,” I answer, embarrassed that I let the sound slip out.

  “Uh, huh.” She smirks.

  The food is to die for. I can’t remember the last time I had a steak done to perfection. Salty, tender, and barely pink in the middle.

  “Mmmm,” I groan, “this is soooooooo good.”

  “Best steaks in Virginia,” Pepper says between bites.

  “Oh yeah?” comes my dorky reply. Pepper and I talk in spurts during dinner about nothing and everything. Favorite sports teams, worst college class ever, boxers or briefs, the economy, and why she doesn’t eat seafood. It’s amazing how good it can feel to get a little inside information on someone after what seems like a lifetime of getting only resistance.

  “Dessert?” she asks with a grin.

  “I’m stuffed.” I pat my belly. “But have at it.” I know better than to get in the way of my girl’s dessert. She smiles a broad smile and asks the waiter for the dessert menu. It’s ridiculous that something so simple makes her eyes light up so brightly.

  After Pepper indulges in her favorite pastime, dessert, we make our way back to her house. She sits in the middle of the bench seat. The feel of her arm wrapped around my waist as we drive home sets my hormones on fire. I walk her to her front door and watch as her golden eyes transform from clear to dark. Her eyes, trained on my mouth, are bleeding desire.

  I lick my lips and lean just slightly towards her. Taking her chin in my hand, I tip it up, bend down close, and seal my mouth to hers. Fire. Always so much passion in the slightest of contacts. My dick is throbbing with anticipation and we’d barely begun anything.

  She reaches back, pushing the door open, and pulls me inside with her. Clothes rustle as we stumble through the threshold. I need this. I need her. I’m going to score tonight. It’s happening.

  “I wish I could tell you how much I love you, how much you mean to me." Her voice falters slightly. She nuzzles my cheek and continues down my neck, setting a fire across my skin, coals deep in my soul bursting into flames.

  "Show me,” I whisper and move my hands to the hem of her shirt, pulling it off. She grabs my shirt, pulling it up and over my head as I kick the door shut behind us.

  Her hands move on my chest, ribs, belly, and sides as her lips move to my jaw, neck, throat, collarbone, and down. It shouldn’t be this thrilling to watch. Her breasts thrust forward and her nipples remain hard, and I can’t seem to get enough of the show.

  Everywhere she touches and tastes, my muscles jump. She goes down further, tracing the ridges of my abs with her tongue as one hand goes to my belt buckle and tugs. I growl, fingers flexing at her neck. I haul her up, her legs wrapping around my waist, and kiss her. Without breaking our kiss I move us to the bedroom.

  Trailing her tongue along the line of muscle that curves from my hip to my groin, my entire body shudders. She’s branding my body. The hand at her neck disappears and she looks up wildly at suddenly being pulled up my body. I haul her up so she’s straddling me. My erection between her legs sends chills through me. The warmth of her around me is torture. I want inside. There is nothing else I want or need. Her hips grind down on me. My hands come to her sides and sweep upwards. One hand goes to her breast, lifting it slightly. She breaks away from our kiss and looks down to watch me take it to my mouth.

  My lips close around the nipple and suck, hard. Her hips buck in my lap, causing me to moan against her nipple. She whimpers at the sensation. I pick her up and lay her back onto the soft bedding. Looming over her, I trail a calloused hand on her from shoulder to waist and trace the edge of her panties. She shivers and I can’t suppress my grin. I love knowing I have that effect on her. I run a hand over the branches of her Magnolia tattoo at her shoulder and bicep. There are so many things I’m going to do to her body.

  Chapter 44

  It’s Happening!

  “Beautiful,” I groan, looking down at her. I move to remove her panties and pause. I need permission. I need to be sure. “You want this?”

  “Yes,” she rasps.

  “You sure? After this, there’s no just friends—ever again,” I state. My willpower is dwindling fast. For the love of all that is holy please let the answer be yes. She sits up.

  “There's only one thing I need," she says, placing a hand over my heart. "The rest are just details.”

  Puddle of mush. I am nothing but sludge as my hands make impossibly fast work on the button and zipper of my jeans, and with one tug they’re gone. Just as fast, her panties are t
ossed on the floor. She wraps her legs around my waist while my kisses work her ear, neck, and collarbone. She tastes fresh and clean. My fingers toy between her legs and her groans drift into my mouth as we kiss.

  “I need you,” I grunt. My thumb puts pressure on her clit, moving in a slow circle, and I watch as her hips buck again. So hot. I could watch her pleasure move through her all day long. Her muscles flex with every stroke inside her from my fingers. I shift my hips and she adjusts her legs around mine as I drive in. Her lips part, her neck arches, and her eyes flutter closed. My thrusts are driving us towards orgasm too quickly. I pull out. I watch with amusement as her eyes fly open.

  “Don't stop!” she admonishes, panting. I smirk at her and flip her onto her belly, moving us backwards towards the edge of the bed. Resting a palm between her shoulders, the pads of my fingers trace the large tattoo.

  I am going to burst. I can feel it coming on hard as I dive back into her warmth. I enter slowly, taking my time. She glances over her shoulder at me, our eyes locking as I start rolling my hips. My hips move faster, the pace frenzied. The buildup is too intense. “Sawyer!” she pants as she comes. The sound of hearing my name on her lips in that moment is pure ecstasy. Five seconds later with my legs tightly wound, I plant my face at the nape of her neck, drive deep, and groan her name.

  I adjust us so we’re lying side by side on the bed. She turns her head into my neck and kisses me behind the ear as I lightly trace the muscles of her back. She angles her body so the arm closest to me is bent back and angled behind her head and the other rests so her palm is over her heart. She is stunning in the pale light of the room. I blame the orgasm, but before my brain caught up with my mouth I whisper, “I love you, Pepper.”

  Her body stiffens in my arms as if she’s shocked but then she kisses me. Her body relaxes against mine. “I love you, too,” she says on a whisper. Four words. Four short words. Eleven letters have made me the happiest man alive.