BELONGINGTOTHERANCHER
SamCrescent
Copyright©2024
ChapterOne
ClarissaWestlookedoutofthe kitchenwindow andthere was nowayshe couldmove on.Notfor atleasta minute. Onceagain,her bosswasclosetothehouse,manningthemainbackyard Hewaswithoutashirt,buttherewastheheatthat oftencameattheendofsummer.
Whenshehadaskedaboutthisjobintown,alotofmenandwomenhadbeenhesitant AxeStrongwasnotwell-liked Hedidn’ttakecrapfromanyone,andhewasn’texactlyopenaboutthings.Shestruggledtoreadhim.
Theadvertisementhadbeenclear.Hewantedawomantotakecareofhishome,tocook,clean,andinessencebelike a housekeeper andnannytohim There were nochildren,nowife,noone He hada few ranchhands whocame andhelped him,buttheynevercametothehouse.
Shedidn’tthinkshewasgoingtogetthejob,asshehadstruggledtogetanyjob Mostofthetime,shehadtobegfora chance,butthistime,nobegging,shejustshowedup,andAxe’sonlyrequestwasthatshecleanaroomandcookhimdinner. Thatwasallheaskedhertodo,andthenhegotupandleft.Justlikethat.
She had his home to herself the whole day, but she didn’t go snooping. Privacy was important and she respected people’srighttohaveit,soshegavehimthat.
For five hours, she cleaned his sittingroom, dusting, wiping, polishing, vacuuming, and makingsure there was nota speckofdirttobeseen.
After she was happy with her work, she went to his fridge and nearly had a heart attack She spent so much time cleaningthatshe’dnotcheckedhisfoodsupply.Sheassumedhehadafully-stockedfridge,butheonlyhadthebareminimum, and she had to come up witha meal. He had a single chickenbreast, a few cans of sauce, and somethingthat looked like cheese.There wasn’ta lottouse,butshe rolledupher sleeves,rememberedall her mother hadtaughther,andgotdownto business.
Shehadgroundupthatchickenbreastsincehedidhavemostofthekitchentoolsneeded Sheseasonedit,andgotto workonasauce.Fordinner,Axeenjoyedchickenmeatballswithaheavilyseasonedtomatocreamsauce,andsomepasta.She alsomadesuretoturntheleftoverbreadintogarliccheesebread
Clarissa had always loved to cook. She loved the years spentwithher mother, cookingatthe stove. Evenwhenher mothergotsick,theyspentmanyhourscookingandbakingtogether.Cuttingthosememoriesoff,shetriedtolookawayfromthe heavenlysightofthemaninfrontofher,buthermouthliterallywatered.Thiswasinsane.
Shehadneverbeensoenamoredwithamaninherlife.She’dneverwantedtobewithamanatall.So,eventhoughshe wastwenty-five,shewasstillverymuchavirgin Avirgin.
Nevertouchedbyaman
Notevensharedakiss.
Whenhermotherwasalive,she’daskherifthatmadeherabitweird,buthermotheralwaysassuredheritdidnotand thattherightmanwouldcomealong
Herfatherhadpassedawaywhenshewasyoung,soithadbeenherandhermotherformostofherlife.Hermotherhad dated,butnomancouldevercomparetoherfather,andshe’doftensaythatshewouldn’tsettle “The right man is out there, baby girl. You just have to wait and he’ll come. I promise.”
Clarissahadn’tbeeninterestedintheboysatschool,oranyoftheguyswhowantedtotakeherondates Noonegother juicesstirring,notlikeAxe.
Itwasunnervinghowattractedshewastoherboss.Havingsexwithhimshouldbethelastthingonhermind,butlateat night,whenshewassureshecouldhearhisgutturalmoans,shecouldn’thelpbuttouchherself She’dbeenworkingforhimfor sixmonthsnow,andshe’dbeenbringingherselftoorgasmwithvisionsofhim.
Nibblingher bottomlip, she glanced downthe lengthofhis bodyand couldn’thelp butwonder whathe was hiding beneaththosejeans.
Axe didn’tdress to impress She had no choice butto repair mostofthe clothes he had Whenshe suggested he get somethingnew, he’d grunt about the waste of expense. She never pushed, seeingas he was the boss, and she was just his employee.
Herheartbegantoraceashesuddenlylookedupandglancedoverinherdirection Forasplit-second,shehadnoidea whattodo.She’dbeenpeelingpotatoes,butthosewerecurrentlysittinginthewater,waitingtobepeeled.
Axedidn’tlookaway Whydidthismanbotherhermorethananyoneelse?Itmadenosensetoher Shefelthercheeks starttorise,andshewaspleasedsheworeapaddedbra,becausehe’dbeabletodetectthepointsofhernipples.Stupidbody. Stupidhormones.
Sheshouldn’tbesoaffectedbyhim.
He lifted his armand wiped itacross his brow, removingthe sweatthathad clearlygathered there. Sucha tempting brow Suchatemptingman Hemadeherache.
Thiswasinsane.Sheshouldn’tbethinkingabouthiminasexualway.
Get a grip on yourself This is the best job you ’ ve ever had, and you ’ re not going to spoil it now
Clarissawouldgiveherselfthefreedomtodroolabouthimintheprivacyofherbedroom,butcertainlynotnow Not whenshewassupposedtobecookingforhim.
HiringClarissaWestwasabigmistake.
Axe knew itthe momentshe knocked onhis door, butthere was somethingaboutthe sweet, temptingbrunette Even whenhesawherwalkingobliviouslythroughtown,oratthediner,hewasdrawntoher.Shewasabeautifulwoman.
Thatthick,lusciousbrownhair,whichhewantedtoseespreadoutbeneathhim.Clarissahadbeeninhisthoughtsfor manyyears He was fortyyears old, and he knew he shouldn’tevenbe thinkingaboutthe youngwoman Clarissa should be datingmenherownage,outpartying,oratleastlivingherlife.Sheshouldn’tbestuckonhisranch,cookingandcleaningfor him
Buthehadn’tbeenabletodenyher.
He’d knownhis fridge had beenemptythose sixmonths ago, and he’d beenunable to stayfar awayfromher, so he knewshehadn’tgoneshoppingtogetfood.Heexpectedtohavenomeal.
Whenhe’dwalkedintohishome,thescentshadmadehismouthwater,andifhewascompletelyhonest,abitaroused, he’dbeenamazed Thenhe’dtastedthechickenmeatballs,andtheywereunlikeanythinghe’deverhad
Therewasnowayhecouldletherleave.Clarissa’scookingwasoutofthisworld.Forthelastsixmonths,he’dbeen spoiled Hishomewascompletelycleanandhisfoodwasprettyspecialaswell,eachmealevenbetterthanthelast
He’dhadeverythingfromstir-frytopies,meatdishes,pasta,massive filledsandwiches.Youname it,she cookedit, andthen,she alsotoppeditoffwithsweetpies.Apple,blackberry,coconut,chocolate,andthatwas justa few flavors.She alsobakedlargebatchesofcupcakesandcookies.
Axedidsharethemwithhisemployees,buthedidn’tallowanyoneelsetocometothehouse.Hedidn’twanttoshare hiswoman
His woman? Clarissadidn’tbelongtohim.
Heglancedacrosstothehouseandsawshewaslookingathim Axehatedpeople,andhehatedthewholesocialscene Hecouldn’tdealwithsmalltalkorthesoundofgigglingwomen.
For alongtimehekepttohimself,andhedidn’thavetogointotownthatmuch,soheplantedthisvegetablegarden. Throughthesummerhehadeverythingfresh,andthroughthewinterhegrewwhathecould,butmostofthevegetableshegot, hefroze.Theywerenotthegreatest,buttheyservedaneedforhim.
Wipingacross his brow, he saw how her gaze dropped downto his chest He’d never gottena single piece of ink Therehadbeentemptationtoafewtimes,buthejustwasn’tinterestedinwastinghismoneyonink,nordidhehavethetime. Also,hedidn’ttrusteasily
ThefewhousekeepershehadbeforeClarissahadnothiddentheirattractiontohim.Someofthemhadsnoopedthrough his home andtriedto find outwhathe was worth, or how he was able to runthe ranch. Theyhadn’tbeenverytrustworthy.. Clarissahadstayedintheoneroomheaskedhertoclean,andthenmadehimameal
Hehadhiswaysofknowingwhatwasgoingoninhishome.Mainly,securitycamerashookeduptohiscellphone,so he was able to keep aneye onthe house throughoutthe day Axe had lostcountofthe number oftimes he’d caughthimself watchingClarissaasshebustledaroundhishome.Itdidn’ttakehimlongtorealizeshe’dsetuparoutineofcleaning,andshe kepttoit Helovedwatchingher,evenifitwas justcookingor cleaning Axeknew his obsessionhadreachednew heights, becauseeventhoughhereallyshouldn’thavedoneso,hehaddoneso.
He placed a camera inside her bedroomand bathroom. Manynights he layawake, watchingher. He knew whenshe wastouchingherself,andhealsosawhisnamespillfromherlipswhenshecame
Her orgasms were … pathetic. Axe knew he’d have her screaming and begging for more, if she just gave himthe chance
Heforcedhimselftolookawayfromherashedidn’twanttohavetoworkwitharock-harderection,whichseemedto behisconstantstatewhenhewasclosetoClarissa Thereweremanyofhisownruleshewasbreakingfortheyoungwoman Noneofhisotheremployeeswereallowedtoeatwithhim,buthedemandedClarissadoso.
Sittingoppositeherattheendofthedaydidn’thelpmatters.Allitdidwasmakehimsofreakingaroused.Hehadno choice butto workhis dickwhenhe stood beneatha cold shower Axe couldn’tevenrecall the lasttime he had a nice, hot shower.Theyallhadtobefreezingcoldtogethisarousalincheck.Notthatithelpedhisneedforher.
Pickinguptherake,heeaseditthroughthesoil,gatheringuptheweedshe’djustloosened Healsodidaquicksweep tomakesuretherewerenofrogslurkingaround.Clarissahadafearofthem.He’dbeenwashingupafewweeksago,whenher screaminghadalertedhim,andhe’dcomerunningtotakecareofbusiness.Thatbusinesshadbeenasmall,tinyfrog,andshe’d freakedout.Shehadafearofspidersaswell.Shewassoadorable.
He thought about his woman, and he knew he had to stop thinking about her like that. Clarissa was not his, but he
alwaysfeltpossessiveofher.
Hewantedtotakecareofher,toownher,topossessher,tofuckher. Andhecoulddononeofthat,becausehewasherboss
ClarissaglancedacrossthetabletowardAxe.
Heworeashort-sleeveddeep-greenshirt,andthecuffoftheshirtwastightashetensedup,slidinghisknifethrough thepepperedsteakshe’dcookedonthegrill.Shemadesuretogetitmediumrare,thewayhelikedit.Thepeppercornsauce wasinaseparatepotbesidehim Sheserveditwithsomegreenvegetablesandfreshnewpotatoes
Itwouldn’tbelonguntilthesummerwasbehindthem,andoncourseforautumn.Therehadbeenafewcoldnightsover thepastweek.Thedayswereniceandwarm,buttheyweregettingcooler.Shenormallylovedthecolderseason.Sherecalled the years spent with her mother as they snuggled together on the sofa, enjoying movies or reading books Sometimes they listenedtomusic.Theyweresweetmemories.
Withthe colder months approaching,her time admiringa semi-cladAxe wouldcome toanend He didlookgoodin clothes,justasgoodoutofthem.Notthatshe’dseenhimcompletelynaked.No,justshirtless,alwayswithapairofjeansor sweatpants.
Axealwayskepthimselfbusy.Therewasneveradayoffattheranch.EvenSundays,hewouldgoandcheckfencesand thecattle.Shedidn’tmind.Shealwayslovedtodosomething.Sundayshelpedhertakestockofwhatshehad,andmakealist forhimtocheckovereverythingsheneededintown
Mondaywashershopday,andhe’dwarnedhertotakefulladvantageoftheemptypantryandtostartfillingit.
Oncethesnow hit,theroadswerewaytoodangerous,andhewouldn’tallow her toleave Shefoundithotthathe’d refusetogiveherpermissiontoleave.Itwasinsaneforhertoeventhinkabout.She’dneverbeentoldwhattodoinherlife. Evenhermotherhadn’tgivencommandsorforcedhertodoanything.Theytalkedaboutit.
NotAxe.Hedemandedit.
Shehadtakenhisadvice,andknewfrompersonalexperiencehowtreacheroustheroadswereinthemaintown,andhis ranchwasoffthebeatentrack,quitedifficulttogetto Everytimeshewenttotown,shestockedtwiceasmuchasneeded,and thepantrywasniceandfull.ThiscomingSunday,she’dchecktoseewhatwasmissing.
Clarissa didn’tknow how he liked to spend his Thanksgivingand Christmas, butshe liked to celebrate She made a notetoaskhimifhehadatreeoranydecorationsshecouldusetogetthehouseallfestive.Theywerestillseveralmonthsoff, butshewouldliketobeprepared.
“Whenareyougoingtothestore?”Axeasked,surprisingher. Theyrarelytalked.Infact,otherthantheadviceandcommandshesentherway,theyneverhadaconversation. “Monday”
Henodded.“I’llcomewithyou.”
“Ifthereisanythingyouneed,Icanpickitup I’vegotalist”Beforehecouldsayanythingmore,sheslidoutofthe chairandmovedtothecabinetwhereshe’dhungherlistinside.Takingitdown,sheplaceditinfrontofhim,andsatdown.
Axeperusedthelist.“AChristmastree?”
“Iknow it’searly,butIwantedtomakesurewehaveone,orpre-book Franktakesearlybookings,andIthoughtwe couldhaveonedelivered.”
“Ihaveatreeandallthedecorationsinthebasement” “Youdo?”
Henodded
She’dnotbeeninthebasement.Itwastheoneplacehedidn’taskhertogo,andshewasn’tabouttoarguewithhim. “That’sgoodtoknow.”
Shewatchedasheswipedthepenthroughthelist Christmastreeanddecorationswerethere Everythingelsehelefton thelist.
“I’lltakemycar” “Okay.”
Heslidthelistbacktowardherandshetookit ClarissapausedasshelookedatAxe Theirfingershadtouched Itwas justasmalltouch,butitwasenoughtogetherpulseracing.
“Iwantedtooffermycondolencesonyourmother,”Axesaid.
Hiswordstookherbysurprise Sheletgoofthelistandsatbackinherchair,staringathim,alittlebewildered
“Youknewmymother?”
Henodded “Shewasakindwoman Whensheworkedatthesupermarket,shealwaysgavemeextrameat,butshe’d addthataftertheticketwasmade.Shewasagoodwoman.”
Her mother hadworkedatthelocal supermarketbeforeshehadgottensick.Evenafter her cancer diagnosis,shehad workeduntilshecouldn’tanymore.
“Thankyou,”Clarissasaid.
“She’sbeengonethreeyears,”Axesaid “Yes.”
“Iwenttothefuneral.Youdidanamazingjob.”
“Youwerethere?”
Henodded
“Ihadnoidea.”
“Youweregrieving”
Shenoddedher headandthenforcedasmiletoherlips.“Yeah,Iwas.”Shehadn’tpaidattentiontoanyonewhohad arrived atthe funeral All she had feltwas her owngrief After the funeral, her mother’s lawyer had beenthere to give one final letter fromher. Itwas a letter where her mother begged her notto allow painto getinthe wayoflivingher life. Her motherhadwantedhertolive,tofindlove.She’dtoldhertogrieve,buttodosoquickly.Timewastooprecioustospendit angryorsad
ClarissalookedoveratAxe.Tomanypeoplehisoutbursthadseemedrude,bringingupsuchpainfulmemories,butshe knewthiswashisway Hewasn’tbeingcruel,hewas startingaconversation
Forthreeyearsshe’dbeenalone.ThreeChristmasesfullofgrief.Threebirthdayswithnoonetoshareit.Threeyears ofjumpingfromjobtojob,tryingtofindherplace
Thiswasthefirsttimeinallthoseyearsthatshefeltshehadfoundwhereshewasmeanttobe.
Axehatedshopping AfteraverybusySundayofhavingtodealwithatorn-downfencethathe’dmissed,workinglate, andthenhavingtogetupearlytoworkonmorningchoresonMonday,hewasn’tinthebestofmoods.ThebreakfastClarissa servedhimhelpedtodealwithhismood,butshoppingwasclosetoputtinghiminabadone
Theyhadgottenthroughthevegetablesection,andithadtakenthemthirtyminutestodojustthat.Clarissahadnothing inher cart, because theyhad home-grownvegetables, butthe people stoppingher, wantingto talk, offeringhima smile, or attemptingtosayafewwords,wereinfuriating.
“Areyoualwaysthis…popular?”Axeasked.
Clarissasnorted “Nope Infact,thisisthelongestI’vespentinthesupermarket”Sheshrugged Axefrowned.“Thenwhyarepeoplestoppingyou?”Theywereatthemeatsection.HenoticedClarissahadgonepast thebutcherysectionandstraighttothepackagedmeat
Hehadtowonderifshewastryingtodealwiththepainoflosinghermother.
“Honestly,Ithinkit’sbecauseofyou.InallthetimeI’veworkedforyou,notoncehaveIbeenstopped,butthisisthe firsttimeyou’vecomewithme.”Shesighed.“Ithinktheyhaveacrushonyou.”
Heshookhisheadandgrabbedacoupleofpackagesofsteak.
“That’snotonmylist,”Clarissasaid Axeraisedabrowandshesighed.
“Fine Fine ButIliketokeeptoalist”
“I’mtheboss.WhatIsaygoes.”
Theywalkedaroundthesupermarketandhesawseveralwomentryingtogainhisattention,butheignoredthem.They couldthrusttheirchestsout,ortuckthewaistbandoftheirskirtsalltheywantedto Hehadnointerest Instead,thebeautyathis sidehadhisattention.Sheworeapairofoldblackdungarees,withagreenturtleneckshirt.
The heat had takena dramatic turnand it had gottencold It was sucha shockconsideringa few days ago he was workingwithoutashirtonassweatdrippedfromhisbody.
Theygottothebakingsectionandhewatchedasshegrabbedsomechocolatechips,barsofbakingchocolate,andicing sugar.She’dalreadypurchasedmanyblocksofbutter for baking.Hisstomachwaslookingforwardtowhatever concoctions shecameupwith.
Atthe checkout, he grew impatientwiththe youngwomanservingthem He pushed the boywho he caughtstaringat Clarissa’stitsoutoftheway,andpackedthebagshimself.
Clarissausedhiscardtopayforthetransaction,andthewomanbehindthecountergavehimagiggleandwishedhima goodweek.
“Doyounotflirtatall?”Clarissaasked “No.”
“Fairenough.”
Heglancedtowardherandsawthesmallsmileonherlips Whathadhesaidtoentertainher?Hedidn’tknowexactly, buteitherway,helovedtoseethesmileonherface.
Packingthebagsintothebackofhistruck,hetookClarissa’shandandhelpedherintothetruckbeforetakingthecart backtothebay.Oncethatwasdone,heclimbedbehindthewheelandturnedovertheignition.
“Areweheadinghomenow?”
“No,I’vegotalittlestoptomake.”
“Where?”
“You’llsee.”Pullingoutofthelocalsupermarket’sparkinglot,hedroveontothemainstreet,thentooktwoleftsanda right,beforeheheadeduptotheoldbarnownedbyaguycalledMitchell.
Parkingthe car, he climbed outand rounded the vehicle to help Clarissa He grabbed her hips and couldn’thelp but notice how full and ripe theywere. For a briefsecond, he imagined her onher knees before himas he pounded inside her, fillinguphernice,tightcunt
This was not the time nor the place to be gettingaroused, so he pushed those thoughts to the backofhis mind, and insteadtookherhand Shemadenomovetopullaway Mitchellcameoutofhiscabinandwalkeduptohim,shakinghishand.“Goodtoseeyou,Axe.”
Hedidn’tsayanything.HesensedClarissa’scuriosity,butheignoreditandfollowedMitchellbackinsidethecabin, andthatwaswhereheheardthem Mitchellhadcalledhimlastweek,saidhefoundtwolittlepupsdumpedonthesideofthe road.Heknewtheshelterswerefulltocapacity.
BeforehehiredClarissa,Axehadsaidgoodbyetohisdog,Gus,whohadbeenhiscompanionforseventeenyears It wasalongtimeforadogtolive,andhe’dnotbeenanypedigreebreed,butamongrel.AmongrelAxehadloved.
Now,hesteppeduptothetwopupsthathadbeenplacedinthemainlivingroom Themomenthesawthem,heknew theywereamixedbreed.Theirfeatureswouldbecomeclearastheygrewup,buttherewasnowayhecouldallowthemtogo intotheshelter.
“Oh,my,theyaresoadorable CanItouchthem?”Clarissaasked “Yes,ofcourse,”Mitchellsaid.
Clarissa stepped over the small babyfence Mitchell had used Axe had alreadymade the decisionto keep them, but watchingherwiththem,heknewhewasn’tgoingtolethergowithoutthem.
Shestrokedbothofthepups,liftedeachoneinturn,andkissedthebacksoftheirheads.
“I’llkeepthemsafe,”Axesaid.
JustashewasgoingtokeepClarissasafe.
Several Weeks Later
Clarissahadneverownedadogoracatinherlife Shelovedthem,buttherewasnotimeorextramoneyforapet Her motherhadsaidiftheywereeverabletoaffordone,she’dgetone.Thenhermotherhadgottensick,andthemoneywasused formedicalbills Ifithadn’tbeenforherfatherarrangingbrillianthealthcare,Clarissawouldhavebeenswampedwithbills Axeknew aboutowningdogs.For the firsttime intheir workinglife,he hadtakenthe time toshow her pictures and videosofGus.Shewishedshehadmetthecrazylittledog.ShehadafeelingAxemissedhisdog.
He took the lead in helping her take care of the two pups, but it was hard work Axe told her the key was to set boundaries,andhealsoshowedherhowtotrainthem.Afterpickingupthetwopups,theyhadtogotothepetstore,wherethey stockedupontreatsandfood Thenextstopwasthevet,andthenbackhome Theyhadbeengiventheirimmunizations,andthe vethadsaidtheywereperfectlyhealthy.
Theykeptbarkingthroughoutthenight,butAxewasinsistentthattheynotattendtothem.Beforebed,healwaystook themout,givingthematoiletbreak,andattendingtotheirneeds.
Thefirstweek,Clarissadidn’tthinkshewouldeversleepagain.Slowly,thepupsrealizedtheywouldbeattendedtoin the morning, and theybeganto sleep throughthe night, and throughthe dayas well Theywere active butverysleepy Axe would take themwithhimfor several hours, out onto the ranchto deal withthe cattle, or whatever workhe had. Whenhe broughtthemhome,theywouldenjoysomebreakfastandsleep
Afterbreakfast,shewouldtakecareofthem,dothehousework,attendtothegardenpatch,andthentrainthepups.For severalweeksthiswastheirroutine.
Lateonenight,Clarissatossedandturned.Thepupsweresilent,butthereweretimes,liketonight,whenshewassure she heardthemwhimpering.Shovingthe blanketoffher body,she wrappeda robe aroundherselfandthenopenedthe door, listening Therewasnosound
Shecouldn’tsleepandinsteadofstayinginherbedroom,shedecidedtogoandmakeherselfsomevanillamilktocalm hermind Shetiptoeddownstairs,andthepupsdidn’tevenstir ClarissaglancedoveratthemandsawDollyandSusiewere fastasleepandAxehadputasmallblanketoneachpup.Tomostpeople,Axecameacrossasthiscold,heartless,meanperson, butsheknewtherewassomuchmoretohimthanmettheeye.
Movingintothekitchen,shegrabbedasaucepanoutofthecupboard,followedbyamug.Shepouredsomemilkintoa mugand thentipped itinto the pan. Placingitonthe heat, she grabbed some vanilla and added justa smidge, as well as a spoonful ofsugar Hermotherwouldmakeherthiswhenevershewasunsettledandithelped Sheplaceditonthestoveand turnedtheheaton,waitingforittowarmup.
Thesoundofacreakingfloorboardhadhergasping,andsheturnedtoseeAxeinthekitchendoorway
She’dpressedahandtoherchest.“Youstartledme.”
“Can’tsleep?”
Sheshookherhead “Doyouwantadrink?”
“Sure.”
Shedecidedtosplitthelargemugbetweenthem Withthemilksteaming,sheturnedtheheatoff,andpoureditintoeach mug.
Axehadalreadytakenaseatatthetable Hewasn’twearingashirtandthepantsheworehungoffhiships
“Areyounotcold?”sheasked.
“No.”
She was alreadyfeelingthe cold and wishingshe’d puther slippers on Her feetwere freezing, as were her hands Wrappingherfingersaroundthemug,shequicklypulledthembackandthenwrappedthemaroundthemugagain,tentatively touchingit Shedidthismultipletimes,tryingnottoshowhimshewascold Axetutted.“You’refreezing.”
“I’mfine”
Hepushedhischairout,andtappedhisleg.“Putitup.”
Clarissa frownedbutthenshe gaspedas he reacheddown,grabbedher ankle,andplaceditonhis lap.She letouta littlesqueak,butthenhe begantorubher foot His hands were lovelyandwarm Evenhis thighwas warm Whywas he so warm,whileshewassocold?
Nibblingherlip,shecouldn’thelpbutwatchhim Howmasterlyheworkedherfoot Hegaveatut,andthenurgedher toputherotherfootup,whichshedidn’tmind.Shehadseenwhathecoulddowithhishands,andtheywereatemptation.With bothof her feet inhis lap, he worked the muscles and she gritted her teeth, tryingnot to vocallygroan, but it was next to impossible.Allshewantedtodowasmoan.
Lickingherlips,shechancedalookatAxe,andhewasn’tstaringatherfeet,butlookingather.Shepressedherlips together,feelinghercheeksheat Clarissadidn’thaveacluehow shewasabletogetarousedwhilehewasplayingwithher feet.Itwasinsane.
“Youhavemagicalhands,”shesaid,feelingbreathless. ****
Clarissahadsoft,coldfeet,andallhewantedtodowaswarmherup Thewarmvanillamilkwasforgottenashepaid moreattentiontoher.
Heworkedfromherfeet,uptoherankles,andthenteasedalittlefurther Sheworeoverlylargepajamasanditwasso easytoteaseupherleg,massaginghercalf,andthengoingfurtherupuntilheteasedherthigh,butthenhestopped.Pullinghis handoutofherpajamas,hegottohisfeetandClarissadidthesame Clarissawasinfrontofthetable,trappedbetweenitand him.Herheadwastiltedbackandthoseplumplipswerefartootemptingtodeny.
Eventhoughhewasshoutingthewarningsthroughhishead,hecouldn’tbringhimselftolistentothem,andbeforehe knew whatwashappening,he’dsunkhisfingersintoherhair,grippingthebackofherhead Shelookedsobeautiful andthe little gasp she letoutwas so tempting. He’d tried to control his arousal, butnothingwas working. His cockhad gone from flaccidtohardwithinseconds
Staringintohereyes,hecouldn’tlookaway.Hewasgoingtokissher.Therewasnowarningasheslammedhislips againsthers
Clarissa’shandswenttohisstomach,andthenbegantoslowlytraveluphisbody,wrappingaroundhisneck,andthen holdingontohim.
Hekissedthatfull mouth,andasheslidhistongueacrossherlips,sheopenedupandheplungedinside,meetinghis tonguewithhers,deepeningthekiss.Lettinggoofherhair,heslidahanddownherback,curvingoverherwaist,acrossher hip,thenmovingaroundtograbherass Thatfull,inviting,temptingassthatheneededsobadly Hetightenedhisgriponher Shewhimperedandhegrowledagainstherlips.
Howwashesupposedtobestronganddenyhimselfthispleasure?
Heliftedherupandplacedherontheedgeofthetable,andtheharshrealityofwhattheyweredoingcametohim.The mugsofvanillahadspilledtothefloor.Thecupshadbroken.
Clarissa was his employee He shouldn’tbe kissingher Breakingthe kiss, he stepped backfromher Clarissa’s lips wereredandswollenasshelookedathim.
“Axe?”
“Gotobed.”
“But…”
“Now.I’lldealwiththismess.Gotobed.”Heonlyhadsomuchstrengthagainsttemptation.
Clarissawashiswetfuckingdreamandallhewantedwastobewithher,tofuckher,totakeher.
Shedidn’tmoveandhebentdown,pickingupthecups Hedidn’twanttofireher,becausehewantedherthatbadly Afterseveralseconds,shedidn’targue,andhewatchedherassheleft.Shesteppedawayfromthebrokencups.
Axepickedupthemessandcleanedawaythesweetvanillamilk Oncethatwasdone,hewaswideawake Heneeded to clear his mind, so he unlocked the backdoor and stepped outinto the cold night. Italways amazed himhow quicklythe weatherchanged.Helookedupintotheclear,starrynightsky.
Whynow?He’dswornoffwomen Itwasembarrassingbutithadbeenfiveyearssincehehaddatedanyone Thelast womanhe’dbeenwithhadsaidsomecruel thingsaboutClarissa’smom.Itwaswhenhehadvisitedthetownregularly,and he’dgoneondatesanddoneeverythingsinglemendid
Clarissa was twentyyears old whenhe beganto see her ina different way. Axe was thenthirty-five years old and hadn’tliked the facthe was crushingona womanfifteenyears his junior So he’d attempted to forgetabouther onwasteful dates.Nothinghadworked,sohe’dwelcomedhisreclusivelifestyle.
Hedidn’tknowwhathaddrawnClarissatohishome,butheknewhecouldn’tkeepher.
Openingthe kitchendoor, he looked to see Dollyand Susie there, lookingadorable Axe bentdown, picked eachof themup,waggingtailsandall,andcarriedthemuptohisbedroom.Hebrokeallhisrules,butthenGushadalsosharedhisbed withhimaswell Takingthemintohisroom,hehopedhe’dbeabletousethemasanexcusenottogointoClarissa’sbedroom andfinishwhattheyhadstarted.
Hewouldhavetolethergo Hewasherboss.
Theycouldn’tbetogether.
Clarissadeservedsomeoneherownage Evenashethoughtthat,heknewhecouldn’tstandthethoughtofanotherman beingwithher.
“WhatthefuckamIsupposedtodo?”hesaidoutloud
Hedidn’tallowhisranchhandstocometothehouse,andhedidn’twanttohavetodealwithlettinghergo.Whydid lifehavetobesofuckingconfusing?WhydidClarissahavetogetunderhisskin?
DollyandSusiewerenotmuchhelp.Theyhadfoundtheir placesonhisbed,hadsnuggledup,andwerealreadyfast asleep.Climbingintobed,Axestaredupathisceiling.
He tried to close his eyes but whenhe did, all he could see was Clarissa. Her eyes had closed and her hands had welcomedhim.Shehadwrappedherarmsaroundhim,holdinghimtightly,notwantingtolethimgo.Hedidn’twanttolether goeither Fuck.
Why had he fucked this up by kissing her? He shouldn’t have touched her feet No, he shouldn’t have walked downstairs.Thatwashisbiggestmistake.He’dsetitright,onewayoranother.
ChapterFour
Clarissahadn’tbeenabletosleepawink.Fortherestofthenight,shehadbeenplayingthatkissthroughherhead,and shedidn’thaveacluewhyhehadstopped Whathadshedonewrong?
Thiswasherveryfirstkiss,andithadendedlikethat!Whathappened?Wassheabadkisser?
Thecycleofquestionshadbeenpermanentlyonrepeatinsideherhead So,nowshesatinherchairatthekitchentable, withamugofcoffee,waiting.Shehadnodoubthe’darrive.Itwasalreadyfive-thirty,soitwasonlyamatterofminutesbefore hesteppedintothekitchen.
Whenher mother’sillnessstartedtogetworse,Clarissahadgottenusedtowakingupearly Shenever usedtobean earlyriser,butthatallchangedwithinamatterofdays.Therewasneveramomenttomisswithhermother.
So,shesatandwaited,armsfolded Prepared
She didn’tknow exactlywhatshe was goingto say. She wanted her questions answered and he was the onlyperson whocouldanswerthem.Nibblingherlip,shereachedforhercoffeeandtookasip.
The sound of his door openingseemed to echo around the house. She also knew he’d takenDollyand Susie to his bedroomlastnight.Theywerenothereforhertotakecareof.She’dalreadychangedtheirwaterandcleaneduptheirsleeping area,foldingtheblanketstheyalreadyloved Sureenough,Dollywasthefirstonearoundthecorner,andassoonasthelittle dogsawher,therewasawaggingtail,whichmadehersmile.Susiecamenextwithanotherwaggingtail,followedbyAxe.
Hestoppedthemomenthesawher Forseveralseconds,neitherofthemspoke
Clarissafelthernervesandevenherarousalatseeinghimstarttorise.Thiswasn’tgood.Shewasdeterminedtostay angryaroundhim.Andso,shewaited.
Theproblemwas,Axewasamasteratthesilenttreatment.Hehadyearstomasterthisproblem.
Armsfolded,itchingtosaysomething.
She was prettysure her lips were still sensitive fromhis kisses lastnight To her, ithad beenanamazingkiss She wanted himto kiss her again, and again, and again. The truthwas, she wanted those hands all over her body, to show her exactlywhatshe’dbeenmissing
Clarissa didn’tknow ifhe was her “forever” kindofmanthather mother hadwarnedher about,butitwas certainly close.
Shelookedathimandwaited.
Andthen,shejustcouldn’ttakeitanymore.
“Youbroketherules”Shetriednottosoundsoaccusatory,butthatwashardtodo “We’ddisturbedtheirnighttimeroutine.Iwasfixingit.”
“Ah,okay”Shenoddedherhead Ask him Ask him Ask him if you ’ re a bad kisser “I’vegottogetouttowork,”Axesaidinthatgruff,commandingvoiceofhis.
She was tempted to just let it go, to pretend last night hadn’t happened, but … it had happened. The kiss had been incredible,atleasttoher
“Was Inotgood?” The words slippedoutofher mouthoftheir ownaccord.She wantedtoslapher handacross her lips,tofindsomewaytosilenceherself Shehatedconflictofallkind,andthiscouldleadtoconflict “Thatshouldn’thavehappenedlastnight.”
“Why?”
“I’myourboss!”Heglaredather.
“Oh,”Clarissasaid.“So,allIamtoyouisanemployee,isthatit?”sheasked. “Yes”
“Good.Thatisgreattoknow.”Shegottoherfeet,pickeduphercup,andtossedtheremainingcontentsintothesink.
“Iamyourboss,Clarissa Youaremyemployee Idon’tknowwhathappenedlastnightandit’snevergoingtohappen again.”
Shecouldn’tbringherselftolookathim Ofcourse,hespokethetruth Whatwassheeventhinking?Havingacrushon her boss was the biggestmistake ofher life, and she shouldn’tevenbe entertainingthoughts ofbeingwithhim. Thatis her mistake,nothis.
“You’reright Let’sforgetiteverhappened”Thiswasthebestjobsheeverhadandshedidn’tlikethethoughtofnot workingforhim.Shelovedworkingforhim.
Axelookedatherforseveralseconds,ormaybeminutes Eitherway,theywereexcruciatinglylong,nomatterthetime Shewaited.
“I’vegotworktodo.”
DollyandSusiewerewaitingatthedoorforhim.
Clarissadidn’tstophim,butshecouldn’thelpbutwatchhimasheleft.Thedoor closedbehindhim,andfor several minutes,shestoodintheemptyhouse,withherthoughtsonthepreviousnight Withnoaudience,shereachedupandpressed herfingersagainstherlips.Thatkisshadreallybeensomething.Droppingherhandtoherside,shefelttearsfillhereyes.
Herfirstkiss,toapointevenherfirstcrush,andithadstartedindisaster.Shewasgoingtohavetostopherselffrom thinkingabouthim,orwantinganythingmorethanaprofessionalrelationship.
Shemovedtothefridgeandbegantotickoffallthesmallerdetailsthatwouldhelpherkeepthisrelationshiptothatof abossandanemployee.Thefirstpointwouldbeforhertonothavebreakfastoranykindofmealswithhim.Clarissawould makesurebreakfast,lunch,anddinnerwereeithereatenbeforeorafterhim
Thatwouldbethestart.
Axehadeveryintentiontoapologize,andtosetthemontherightpath.He’dnotsleptatalllastnight.Thepuppydogs hadn’tbeenaproblem.Theysettledontohisbedanddidn’tmoveuntilhehad,thisverymorning.
Drivingalongthemainlineofthefence,helookedtoseeiftherewereanyproblems He’dalreadyreceivedthetext fromoneofhismenlettinghimknowthecattlehadbeencheckedoverandtherewerenoissues.
Thefencesheadingintowinter werealwaysaproblem,andithadbeenagoodfew yearssincehelastchangedthem all.Everysomanymiles,he’dstop,getout,andtesttheworkheandhismenhaddone.Hedidafullloopoftheproperty.
Thedogswerestarving,andashegottooneoftheopenfieldsthathadrecentlybeenmowedbyhiscattlechewingon thegrass,hepulledthecartoastopandletthedogsout.DollyandSusiedidn’tneedinstructions.First,theystartedbydoing their business,andAxewasalreadyatthebackofhistruck,openingthesupplies,sohecouldgoandcleanup.Axethensat backagainsthistruckasbothdogsstartedtheirmorningrun
Eachone returned to himas theysaw whathe held inhis hand a single tennis ball. Raisinghis arminthe air, he threwitacrossthefieldandbothtookoff Thistime,Dollywasthefirstonetotheball Susietrailedbehindher,andthenthey bothcamebackanddroppedtheballathisfeet.Hebentdown,pickeditup,andstartedtheprocessoveragain.
Forseveralminutes,hedidthis,everyotherday.Helovedthequiet,thepeace,ithelpedhimclearhismind,buttoday, itwasnothelpinghimdoanything.
AllhecouldthinkaboutwasClarissa.
Eversinceshehadstartedtoworkforhim,shehaddominatedhisthoughts,butthiswasdifferentandhecouldn’tdeny it.Shemessedwithhishead.Shemadeitimpossibleforhimtothinkorfocus.Andhedidn’tlikeit.
Thatkisshadbeenamazing Shelookedsoperfect,beautiful,andhewantedher Eventhismorning,lookingather,he hadfeltthatstirringinhisgrointhatrefusedtogoaway.
He didn’twantto ruinwhattheyhad. Theyhad gotteninto a greatroutine. He adored her company, and eventhough theydidn’ttalkmuch,itfeltcompanionabletohim.Herefusedtoallowakisstomesswiththat.
Afteranothertenminutesoftossingtheball,bothdogscametohisfeetandcollapsed,pantingforbreath.
“You’realreadyturningintolazydogs,”hesaid,laughing
Puttingtheballaway,hewenttohistruckandopenedthedoor.Thistime,hedidn’thavetoclickhistongue,eachdog jumpedupandclimbedontotheseatbesidethedriver’sone
Withthemlaid onthe seat, he rounded the vehicle, climbed behind the wheel, and thenturned over the ignition. He didn’tmove.
Clarissa’sbodyplayedoverhismind howshelookedasshesatwaitingtotalktohim He’dnotgivenherachance totalk,instead,he’dtakenthelead.
It’s better this way
Pressingonthegas,heheadedbacktowardthehouse,keepinganeyeonthefields,lookingforanyproblems.Thelast winter, a couple of trees had fallen and he had taken care of them Sometimes winter brought so many problems with the damagefromwind,rain,snow,andice,buthealwaystookcareofit.
He arrivedbackatthe house andthe dogs walkedintothe kitchen,andlike everyother morningsince theygotthem, foodwaswaitingforthem
Clarissawasatthestove.
Hesawsheworeapairofjeansandasweater Shehadanapronwrappedaroundherbody,andthemomenthestepped intothe kitchen,sheputthe breakfastplate,full withfood,onthe table.Axe always hada bigappetite,andtheworkhe did requiredalotoffood
Sittingatthetable,helookedtowardClarissa,butshe’dgonetothecoffeepot,pouredhimalargemug,andplacediton thetableforhim.
“Whereisyourbreakfast?”heasked “Ialreadyate.”
Thedogsfinishedeatingandwentstraighttotheirbeds Hecaughtsightofthesink.Thedisheswerecleanalready,andtherewashercleaningbasketonthecounter.
“Enjoyyourbreakfast,I’llhavelunchreadyattherighttime.”Shenoddedherheadandbeforehehadchancetoaskany questions,shewasonherfeetandgone.
Hesatatthebreakfasttableandforthefirsttimeinhislife,helosthisappetite.
Whatthefuck?
Whywasshenoteatingwithhim?
Maybehewasreadingitwrong
Runninga hand downhis face, he looked athis food and knew he wasn’tgoingto waste it. Pickingup his knife and fork,hedoveintothebreakfast Hisappetitesoonreturned
Hewouldn’tletanythingchangebetweenhimandClarissa.Theyhadaprofessional relationshipandonekisswasn’t goingtoruinit Howcouldit?
Herefusedtothinkofanythingbadhappeningbetweenthem.
One Month Later
Thishadtobetheworstfrostofthemall Clarissawassuretocheckallthewindowstokeepthecoldout Shemoved fromroomtoroomandmadesureallofthemweresecured.Theyhadn’tevenenteredwinterbutthefallwasturningouttobea particularlycoldone
She wrapped her arms around her bodyand made her waydownstairs to find her casserole alreadybubblingonthe stove.Turningtheheatoff,shelifteditintotheovenandallowedittocooklongandslow.
Thekitchenwasoneofthewarmestroomsinthehouse Sinceitwassocold,Axehadrefusedtotakethepupsoutto the fields. Theydidn’twantthe dogs to catchanyillnesses. Theyalso didn’twantto leave the house, other thanto do their businessoutside
Sheglancedovertowardthemandsawthembundledupontheirsleepingbags.Walkingovertothem,sheliftedtheir blanketsbackoverthem,andshesawthemsnuggleunder.Theyweresoadorable.
Glancingtowardtheclock,shesawitwasonlyanhourbeforeAxewasdueforhislunch.Therewasalwayssomuch worktodo,anditwasrareforhimtotakeanytimeoff.Shewalkedtothekitchen.
Thepastmonthhadbeen hard Shehadtofindmultipleexcusesnottositwithhim Shemadesuretobebusy Like thislunchtime,sheintendedtotellhimshehadthelivingroomtoclean.Thehouseworkwasnowsavedforwhenhearrived. Atdinnertime,shemadetheexcuseshehadeaten Shehadn’talwayseaten,andshehatedlying,butshe’dsneakasandwichso shedidn’thavetospendtimewithhim.
Whenhewasaround,sheavoidedeyecontactwithhim.
Thememoryofthatkisswasthemostunfairofall.
Shehatedit.
Herdreamswerefilledwiththefeelofhislipsagainsthers Itwascruel.
Her firstandonlykiss was alsothe worstone ofher life Steppinguptothe fridge,sheopeneditandpulledoutthe chickenbreastshe’ddefrosted.
From their last day at the supermarket, she’d spent a great deal of time preparing the food they had purchased, especiallythemeat.Severalofthechickenswerealreadyseasoned.Axelikedalotofflavorandspicewithhisfood.Thisone was seasoned withsome of the Mexicanspice blends she’d read online. Firingup the indoor grill, she placed the chicken breastacross,listeningtothesizzle
She washed her hands, cleaned up her zone, and thenwentbackto the fridge to grab the lettuce and tomatoes, along withthemayoandchilisauce
Closingthe fridge, she walked toward the bread tinand opened itup,findingone ofthe rolls she made the previous day.Shesliceditopen,spreadbutteronit,andplacedthatonthegrillaswelltoheatitup.Shemadesureitwasn’tanywhere nearthechicken,whichwasnearlycookedononeside Grabbingapairoftongs,sheflippedthechickenontotheotherside, thengottoworkonthesauce.Mayoandchilisauce,withadashoflemon,somesaltandpepper,towhichshegaveataste,and noddedherhead
TwosandwicheswereassembledasAxewalkedthroughthedoor.Sometimes,hepickeduphisfoodandaskedherto wrapitsohecouldgoouttowork Todaywasnotoneofthosedays
Hesatdownandsheputtheplateofheartysandwichesinfrontofhim,turningawayfromhimtodoherownbusiness.
“Whereareyougoing?”heasked.
“I’vegottogoandclean,”shesaid “I’vebeenmakingthecasseroleallmorning,andIhaven’tgottenaroundtoit”She wenttoleave,buthereachedoutandgrabbedherhand.
“Sit”
“Sir,justenjoyyourlunch.”
“Sir?”
“You’retheboss,aren’tyou?”sheasked,butshewasn’tlookingathim.Instead,shegrittedher teethandtriednotto thinkofhowpainfulitwasforher.Disappointmentfilledheratwhatwashappeningbetweenthem.
“Clarissa,sit”
“Don’tyouwanttoenjoyyourlunch?”
“Sityourassdown,don’tmakemeforceyou”
Shewantedtostickher tongueout,toglareathim,tostampher foot,butinstead,shetookadeepbreathandthensat downontheseatoppositehim.
Axelookedatherandthenatthesandwiches.“Whatdidyoueatforlunch?”heasked.
“Asandwich.”
“Bullshit”
Sheopenedhermouthandclosedit.
“I’mgoingtohaveasandwich.I’lldealwithmylunchinaminute.” Hepickeduponeofhissandwiches,andthenslidtheplatetowardher.“Eat.”
“I’mnothungry”Hertreacherousbodybetrayedherasherstomachgrowled,givingwaytothefactshewasverymuch hungry.
Heraisedabrow
Shedidn’tknowhowhewasabletodothat,andhetookabiteofhissandwich.
“Eat,andthenbepreparedtotalk”
“Talk?”sheasked.
“Yes,talk.YouandIbothknowweneedtodealwiththisproblembetweenus.”
“There’s no problembetweenus” She looked downat the sandwichonthe plate Her mouthwatered and she was hungry.
“Eat”
Clarissa grew tired of him ordering her around, but she couldn’t think of a good enough reason to deny him. She grabbedthesandwichandtookalargebite Ittastedsogood
Glancingacross the table,she lookedtowardAxe andsaw thathe was staringather.There was a problembetween them,ahugeproblem,anditneededtobefixed.
Axewasnotgoingtohaveherlyingtohim,notanymore.He’dseenthatshewasn’teatingproperly,andhewasdone playingthisgamewithher Thepastmonthhadbeenanightmare Hedidn’tlikeit
Seeinghereatnowwasagoodfeeling.Hefinishedhissandwich,andhewasstillhungry,buthedidn’tneedtogoback outsosoon.Infact,theworkwasn’ttoobadnow.HehadthetimetospendwithClarissa,toresolvetheirissues.
Sittingbackinhischair,hepickeduphiscoffeeandtooksipsashewatchedher.Shefinishedthesandwichwithina fewbites,andthensat,tryingtoavoidlookingathim.
“You’vebeenlyingtome,”hesaid
Clarissareturnedherbrowngazetohim.Shefoldedherarmsandsatback. “Why?”
“Idon’tthinkweshouldbehavingthisconversation.”Shemadenomovetoleave.
“Clarissa, things haven’tbeenrightfor us since thatkiss. We need to resolve them, otherwise…” He couldn’tbring himselftosaytherest.Iftheydidn’tfixthis,hewouldhavetolethergo,buthedidn’twanttolethergo.
Itwasinsane,heknewthat.Hedidn’twantanyoneelsetohaveher,buttheywerealsosupposedtohaveaprofessional relationship
Silencefellbetweenthem.Hedidn’tlikehowawkwarditwas.Tappinghisfingersagainstthecup,hewaited,andthen Clarissaopenedhermouth
“WasIthatbad?”sheasked.
Ofallthethingsshecouldhavesaid,thatwasnotwhathewasexpecting,andittookhimasecondtoanswer. “Bad?”
“Thekiss.Wasitbad?I’veneverkissedanyonebefore,andIthoughtitwasamazing,butthenwebrokethemugs,and you looked so annoyed I can only think I must be awful at kissing, or perhaps you didn’t like kissing me, which I totally understand.”Shestoppedtotakeadeepbreath,andthenhergazewasonceagainonhim.
Hewatchedasherfacewentabrightshadeofred “Iwasyourfirstkiss?”heasked.
Therewasnowayhecouldhavebeenherfirstkiss.Shewasgorgeous.Menmusthavebeenlininguptobewithher. Hefoundithardtoevencontemplateherbeingwithoutotherpartners
“Yes,youweremyfirstkiss.Ihaven’tbeenwithanyone.Thereisnooneelse,norhastherebeenanyoneelse.”
Hewasstartingtofeelalittledense “Areyoutellingmethatyou’rea virgin?”
Shenoddedandasshedid,shewentabrightershadeofred.Itlookedsogoodonher. Hefeltthattwitchinhiscock
Howthefuckhadthiswomanstayedavirgin?Shewastwenty-fiveyearsold,withamazingtits,andanassdesignedto besqueezed.Nottomentionthosethighs,whichhehadimaginedwrappedaroundhiswaistmoretimesthanhecouldcount.
Silence
Axestaredather.
Hedidn’tknowwhattosay Itdidn’tseemrealforhertobeavirgin “WhatdidIdowrong?”sheasked.
“Nothing,”Axesaid.“I…you’re…”
“Doyounotwantme?”
Axe pushed out his chair and rounded the table. Sinking his fingers into her hair, he tilted her head back, and then
slammedhislipsdownonhers.He’dbeenwantingtodothisfor solong,buthe’dheldhimselfbacktokeepitprofessional betweenthem.But,fuckprofessional.
Hecouldn’tbelieveClarissahadthoughtshewasabadkisser
Breakingthe kiss, he looked into her eyes. “Istopped the kiss because you’re myemployee and Idon’twantyouto thinkyouhavetodothis,oranyofthatmessed-upshit”
Hewasn’tgoodwithwords,heknewthat.Therewasnowayhe’dbeabletowritepoetry,orputtherightkindofspin onanyofit
Clarissaplacedapalmtohischeek.“Iknowyou’remybossandIknowweshouldkeepthings…rightbetweenus,but doyounotwantme?”
Her lips were already a nice, inviting red and plump fromhis kisses He stroked her cheek with the backs of his fingers.
Reachingforherhandthatwasonhischeek,heplaceditrightoverhiscock “ThatishowbadlyIwantyou,Clarissa”
Shereleasedagasp.“Thenwhystop?”
“Ididn’twanttoscareyou”
“I’mnotafraid.”
Andtherewasnowayhecouldleavehernow.
Slamminghislipsonhers,hekissedher hard,anddeep Clarissapressedagainsthim,andletoutawhimper,andhe allowedhertostandupastheycontinuedtokiss.Slidinghishandfromhercheek,hewentstraighttoherass,grippingtheflesh andsqueezing
Inthebackofhismind,heknewhewasbreakingallhisrules,buthedidn’tcare.KissingClarissawasthebestthing he’ddone.Herlipsweresotemptingtohim,andhedidn’twanttostop.Infact,kissingherdidn’tevenseemlikeenough.
Growlingagainstherlips,heheardhersoft,subtlemoan,andthenshearchedupagainsthim.Heranhishandsupher body,goingtowardhertits.Hiscockwassoharditwasalmostpainful.Steppingback,helookedintohereyesandknew he didn’twanttostop Thistime,hewasn’tgoingto
“Axe?”
Hedidn’tanswerher,butinsteadledhertothestairs Shedidn’tpullonhishand,didn’tsayasinglewordashetook herupstairs.Shefollowedhimtohisbedroom,andthenheturnedtowardher.
Theyweregoingtodothis.
Itwaswhattheybothwanted,andAxewastiredoffightingit.
ChapterSix
Clarissa’sheartracedasshelookedatAxe.Theywereinhisbedroom,thedoorwasclosed,butshewasn’tnervousin abadway
Heatfloodedbetweenherthighs,andneedfilledherbody.Hertitsachedandhernippleswererock-hard,anditwasn’t becausetherewasanycoldintheair ThiswasallbecauseofAxe
Hestaredather,andthenshefelthermouthgodryashereachedforthebuttonsofhisshirt.Onebyone,heeasedthem open,andshewaitedashepeeleditoffhisbody.Withtheshirtonthefloor,heworeaplainwhiteoneunderneath,andafter that,hewentforhisvest,andhestoodbeforehernakedfromthewaistup Notasinglemarkorinkonhisbody
Clarissareachedforhersweater,andthenwithoutwaitingforhisinstruction,shelifteditoverherhead,tossingitto thefloor
“With the right man, you’ll know what you want, and you’ll know what to do.”
Pushinghermother’swordsoutofhermind,shedrewherattentiontoAxe.
Withher sweater andshirtonthefloor,Axeclosedthedistancebetweenthem.Hewrappedhis arms aroundher and pulledherclose.Hisheadrestedagainsthers,asheslidhisfingersupherbodyandflickedthecatchofherbra.Hepulledit downherarms,andthenhishandswereonherbreasts
Shegaspedashisfingersslidacrosshertightenednipples.Hepushedthemtogether,andsheheardhimgroan.Hereyes hadclosedatthepleasurethatconsumedher “DoyouhaveanyideahowoftenIhavethoughtofthesetits?”heasked. Sheshookherhead.
“Sofuckingmuch.”
“Ididn’tknowyouthoughtabout…me.”
“Clarissa,Ihavethoughtaboutyoualot”Hestoppedandreleasedamoan Itwasdeep,guttural,andmadeherbody acheforwhathecoulddo.“Evenbeforethatkiss.”
Thisdidsurpriseher
“Beforethekiss?”sheasked.
“Yeah,beforethekiss.WhydoyouthinkIwantedtohireyou?I’veseenyouforalongtime,Clarissa.”
Shehadnoidea.Allthoughtfledhermindashetookpossessionofherlips. ClarissahadnoticedAxemanytimes.Severalofthosehadbeenwithhermother.
“He is a hottie, sweetie ”
“Mom, stop.”
“What? Forgive a woman, even an old one like me, for seeing him,” her mother had growled “Why don’t you go and talk to him?”
“He doesn’t talk to anyone You know what he’s like ”
“Yeah, he’s waiting for the right woman, all right You never know, baby girl, he might already have spotted her”
Shehadseenhimsomanytimes,walkingaroundtown,andeachtimeshesawhim,she’dtakenafewmomentstogather herbearings Sometimes,peopleintownwouldaskifshewasallright Shewouldalwayspretendshewasfine Theyassumed itwasbecauseofwhatwashappening,butithadnothingtodowithhermother.Itwasallaboutthemanhimself.
Staringintohisblueeyes,shecuppedhisfaceandpressedherbodyagainsthis Shewasn’tgoingtoallow nervesto stopher.
Clarissaslidherhandsdownhisbody,goingtowardthecatchofhisjeans.Sheflickedthebuttonopen,thenmovedthe zipperdown
He pushed her hand outofthe wayand shoved his pants downhis hips, thenonto the floor. Kickingthemaside, he steppedoutofthem
Clarissastartedunbuttoningherjeans,butAxemovedherhandoutoftheway.Shewasshockedashecroucheddown, andhisfacewasnexttoherstomach Hermouthsuddenlywentdryasshewatchedhim
Hepulledherjeansdownherthighs,andshehadnochoicebuttoputherhandsonhisshoulderstosteadyherself.One footaftertheother,heworkedthemoffherbody,andthenhemovedhertowardtheedgeofthebed,forcingher,untilshehad nochoicebuttositdown Sheletoutalittleyelp,butthenchuckled,whichsoonturnedintoamoanashegrabbedherpanties andstartedtopullthemdownherbody.
Shewasnowcompletelynaked
Pressingherthighstogether,Axeputhishandsonherknees,andthenstartedtostroketheinsideofherknee.Sheletout alittlemoan,andthenheworkedhishandsuptheinsideofherthighsuntilhewasabletospreadherwide.
“Iwanttolookatmyvirgincunt,”hesaid.
Clarissagaspedathiscrudeword,butshelovedit.
Hishandswentfromtheinsideofherthighs,reachinguptograbherhips,andthenpullingherdowntotheedgeofthe bed. Axe kissed her knee and Clarissa had no idea what he was about to do, but she wanted to watch. She lifted onto her
elbowsandlookedathim.
Hekissedeachinnerknee,andthenbegantoslowlyworkupherbody.Hewasgettingclosertoherpussy.Shefeltheat floodherbody
Washegoingto…kissherpussy?
She had read so manybooks, romance and erotic, and had always wanted to feel this, butshe didn’tthinkshe ever would.Nibblingherlip,shewaited.
AndthenAxe’smouthpressedasinglekisstoherpussy,andshecouldn’thelpbutmoan Thepleasurewasoutofthis worldandthatwasjustasinglekiss.
Axedidn’tstopthere.Hekissedandthenhistongueslidacrossherclit.
Shethoughtthekisseswereamazing,buthistonguewassomuchbetter
Axehadlostcountofthetimeshe’dthoughtabouthavingClarissanakedonhisbed,spreadout,andreadyforhiscock He’dspentmanynightsthinkingabouthavinghernakedandathismercy.
Hewantedtolickthisprettycuntforsolong,andthiswassomuchbetterthananythinghe’dimagined Shewasperfect andtastedsosweet.
She’s a virgin.
Go gently
Axedidn’tknowhowhewasgoingtobeabletogogentleonher.Allhewantedtodowassinkhishandsbeneathher ass,drawheruptohismouth,andravishherpussy Hewantedtosoakhisfaceinherarousal Hewantedherdripping
Her first time.HehadtokeeprepeatingandremindinghimselfthatClarissahadn’tbeenwithanyoneelse. Nor would she
Clarissawashis.Allhis.Andhewasn’tgoingtolethergo.
Themomenthetookher,madehisclaim,shewouldbelongtohim.Hewasn’tgoingtosharewhatbelongedtohim,and Clarissawaswaytooprecioustoletgo Hewasn’tafool
Slidinghistongueacrossherclit,hemovedbackandforth,andthencircledthehardnub.Hewantedtosuckherclit intohis mouth,buthealsocouldtell shewas sensitive Axeintendedtotakehis time,allowingher togetaccustomedtohis touch.
Shewhimpered,hisnameechoingaroundtheroomassheshoutedit.Itwasabeautifulsound.
Keepingcontrolofhisownneeds,heslidhishandsbeneathherass,squeezedthatripejuicyflesh,andthenlickedat herclit.Heteasedher,sensingthechangewithinherbodyasshegotclosertoherorgasm.Themomentshewentovertheedge, he was tempted to justtake her, to tear throughthe thinveil ofher virginity, buthe didn’twantto cause her anypain, so he continuedtolickher.
Clarissasaidhisnameasifinquestion,buthedidn’tstop Helickedandsuckedatherclit,sendingherovertheedge intoasecondorgasm,andthistimehedidstopbecauseheknewshewassoakingwet.
Pullinghis hands fromher ass,he stoodandpushedhis boxer briefs downhis thighs.His cocksprangfree.Clarissa collapsedonthebed,buthesawhergazewasonhim
Hisdickwassofuckinghard.Hewrappedhisfingersaroundthelength,andgoingfromthebase,hemoveduptothe tip,thenbackdown Pre-cumalreadyleakedoutofthetip
Hewatchedher.Shelookedsofuckingsweetandinnocent.Hedidn’twanttohurther,buttherewasnowayhewould beabletostopthepain
Pressinghis kneebetweenher thighs,henudgedher upthebed,andshefollowedhislead,lyingagainstthepillows. Herbrownhairfannedout,lookingsofuckingperfectasshedid.Justasheknewshewould.
Hepressedhislipsagainsthers
“Thisisgoingtohurt,”hesaid.
“Idon’tcare”
“Clarissa,tellmetostop.”
Sheshookherhead
Henudgedherthighsopen,andshespreadherlegsevenwider.Hereacheddown,grabbedhiscock,andthenheslid thetipbetweenherslit,nudgingherclit.Sheletoutalittlecry.
Axewenttoherentrance,tensedup,andthenthrusthardanddeep Themomentheenteredher,hefelthertenseandlet out a scream. He didn’t stop until he was balls-deep inside her, and as soonas he was, he wrapped his arms around her, holdingontohertightly
I’m never letting you go.
You’re mine, Clarissa Hisvirginwoman.Clarissawasallhisandhewasn’tgoingtolethergo. Hepressedkissestohercheek.“I’vegotyou.”
Clarissawrappedherarmsaroundhim,holdinghimtightly.
Herpussywassotightandsowet.Hedidn’twanttolethergo.Shewasafuckingdream,justasheknewshewould be Hetookseveraldeepbreaths,countedtoten,thentotwenty,tokeephimselfundercontrol Hewasn’tgoingtohurther
Timetickedby,butAxedidn’tcare.Hewashappytojustholdher,waitingforthepaintoebb.Clarissahadn’tmoved, butthenhe felther hands strokingdownhis back The tips ofher fingers caressedhis ass, strokedover the curve ofhis ass cheek,thenbackup.
Shekissedhischeek,thentowardhisneck
Heliftedandlookeddownather.Shehadtearsinhereyes,andhehatedtoseethem.Therewasalsoevidenceoftears havingalreadyfallenfromhereyes.Hecuppedherfaceandwipedhisthumbsbeneatheacheye.
“Ineverwantedtohurtyou,”hesaid “Iknow.”
Hegrittedhisteeth
“But,Axe,itdoesn’thurtrightnow.”Shegavealittlewriggle,andhetensedupashefeltherpussytightenaroundhis cock
Hegrowled.“Fuck,baby,stop.”
She gave a little giggle. “No. There’s no pain, and I want to know what comes next.” She looked so sexy and so tempting,especiallywithherbrightredcheeks “Showme,Axe ShowmewhatI’vebeenmissing”
Axelookeddownather for several seconds andthen,onebyone,he tookher hands,lockingthemeither side ofher head,andpressingthemtowardthebed
Hewasgoingtoshowher.
Clarissawasgoingtobecomeaddictedtohistouch.Hewasgoingtomakeheraddictedtoeverythingthatwashim.
Thefollowingmorning,Clarissalookedatthemanthathadhisarms wrappedaroundher.Thelasttwenty-four hours hadbeenadream Shedidn’tdaremove,forfearshe’dwakeupandtheharshrealityoftheirquietlifewouldcomeback Her bodyfeltsowarm.
Whenhe’dtakenhervirginity,ithadhurt,therewasnodenyingit Shehadbeendeterminednottotellhimorshowthat ithadhurt,butshe’dhadn’tbeenabletohideit.Therehadbeenquitealotofpain.Allthebookssaidawoman’sfirsttimewas painful,butshehadhopedthatwasallfiction.
Clarissa hatedthe tears andthe tinyscreamshe’dbeenunable tocontain Butshe lovedhow he’dwrappedhis arms aroundherandheldhertightlytohim.Shelovedfeelinghisbodynexttohers.Hewassomuchbiggerthanher,butshefeltsafe andprotectedwhenhehuggedher Shelovedbeingsoclosetohim,withnothingkeepingthemapart
Then,Axehadshowedherthatthepainaside,sexcouldbeevenbetter.Feelinghimthrustinginsideher,thelengthof hiscockgoinghardanddeepwithinher,shehadn’tbeenabletothink.Allshecoulddowasfeel,andthatwasevenbetterthan whatsheimagined.Shedidn’twanthimtostop.Andhehadn’t,andshehadfelthisreleaseashefilledher.
Afterward,he’dbeensosweet,carryinghertothebathroom,whichhadfreakedherout.Noonehadcarriedherintheir arms Shewasnotlight,notbyanymeans,butAxewasstrong Heplacedherasifshewasapieceofdelicatechinaontothe toiletandfilledthebathtubwithsomesalts.Hetookcareofherandwouldn’tlethermove.
Axehadthengoneandtakencareofthebed Shehadseenthesmallspecksofblood,theevidenceofhervirginstate Whenhefinished,hecamebacktothebathroomandjoinedher.
Axe was attentive as he washed her body, and he tookhis time. She knew he was allowingher time to relaxinthe water.Shehadnoideaifaheavilyscentedbathhelped,butshedidfeel relaxed.Shedoubtedithadanythingtodowiththe bath,andeverythingtodowithbeinginhisarms.
After their shower,thescentofher casserolefilledthehouse,as didthedogs,desperatefor their toiletbreaks They wentdownstairs,andsheservedthemsomedinnerwhileAxetookthedogsouttodotheirbusiness.
Theyateatthetable,butAxewouldn’tletherbetoofaraway Themeatwassotender,aswerethevegetables,thatshe didn’t need to use both hands to cut up the meal. Axe held one of her hands, and with the other, she scooped meat and vegetablesontoaspoonandateheartily.
Axesurprisedherevenmorebyhelpingherwiththedishes.Randomly,he’dwraphisarmsaroundherwaist,hugging hertightlyagainsthim.She’dfeelthehardridgeofhiscockpressagainsther,anditwouldmakehermoanandacheformore.
Afterthedishesweredoneandthedogstakencareof,Axetookherhand,ledhertohisbedroom,andmadelovetoher throughoutthenight.
“Icanhearyouthinking,”Axesaid
Sheliftedhergazetohisfacetofindhimlookingather.She’dstartedtolookathischest,andshewantedtopushthe blanketoutoftheway.
Pressingahandtohischest,shesaid,“Iwasn’tthinkinganythingbad,Ipromise”
“Whatwereyouthinkingabout?”heasked,reachingoutandtuckingsomeofherhairbehindherear.
“Lastnight”Shenibbledherlip
“What?”heasked.
“Nothing”
“Let’sagreethatseeingasyou’reminenow,youdon’tkeepanythingfromme.”Heraisedabrow.
“You…youdon’tregretwhathappenedlastnight,doyou?”
“No,Idon’t”Heranathumbacrossherlip,andthenheclosedthesmalldistancebetweenthemandkissedher “Do you?”
“No”
“Good.”
Hekissedheragain
Clarissadidn’tknowwhattodowithherhands.Thisiswhatshehatedthemost.Notthattheywerekissing,whichfelt sogood,butthatshewantedtotouchhim,explorehim.
Then do it Touch him, explore him
Shehadnoproblemwithhimtouchingandexploringher.Clarissawantedhishandsalloverherbody.
Sheputherhandsonhisbackandthenbegantoslowlyslidedown,goingtowardhisass Therewasafascinationwith hisass,itwassosmoothandyetsotight.Shefeltthemusclesbeneathherhands.Grippingthetightflesh,likehehaddonewith her,sheheardhisgroan.Thesoundgoingstraighttoherpussy.Shefeltatighteninginhercore.
Arousal flooded her pussyas Axe broke the kiss, butthenhis lips trailed downtoward her neck, and he didn’tstop there.Henippedatthefleshandthenpressedakisstherebeforegoingdown.Shegaspedashepushedher titstogether,and thenonebyone,suckedathernipples Takingeachbudintohismouth,heflickedhistongueacrosseachpeak,butthenusedhis teeth,nippingatthem.Itwaspainful,butplayfulandfeltsogood.Especiallyaftereachplayfulnip,hethensoothedeachbud
bylickingthepeaks,whichsentashockwaveofpleasurestraighttoherclit.
Axehadneverwokenbesideawomanbefore
Clarissawasn’tjustanywoman,shebelongedtohim,andhewasn’tlettinghergo.Hefeltthiswaveofprotectionbut alsopossession Hefinallyhadthewomanhe’dbeenwanting,andhewasn’tafool Shewaseverything
Hehatedhurtingherlastnight,butnowshebelongedtohim,andhewasgoingtorelisheverysecondandminute.He’d alreadywastedclosetosevenmonths Sixmonthspriortothekiss,andthenthispastmonthwhenhewastryingtobethegood boss.
Fuckthegoodboss.
Shewashis
Lickingathertits,hefelthiscockhardenevenmore.Hewantedhersobadlyandhe’dgladlylickandsuckhertitsall morning,buthewantedtotasteherprettycuntagain
Kissinghiswaydownherbody,hegottoherpussyandthenspreadherlegswide.Hepressedakisstoherclit,and then flicked his tongue across her nub He ran his tongue across her clit, around, and then drew it back and forth She whimperedandcriedout.
Axelookeduptoseehershakingandhermoansechoedoffthewalls.
Hepressedahandonherstomach,keepingherdownonthebed Withhisotherhand,hecuppedherpussyandslida singlefingerinsideher.Shewassotight.Workingthatonefingerinsideher,headdedasecondfinger,tryingtostretchherout. Shewhimpered,andhemovedathirdfingerinsideher,feelingherbodytighten Heattendedtoherclit,suckingthenubinto hismouth,andthensoothingitwithhistongue.
Hefeltherorgasmasitcrashedoverherbody,andhepumpedhisfingersintohertightheat,andthentonguedherclit. Axepushedherovertheedge,butthistime,hedidn’tsendherintoasecondorgasm.Pullinghisfingersthroughhertightcunt, hesuckedeachofthedigitsintohismouth,andthenmovedbetweenherbody.
Grabbinghiscock,heeasedinsideher,inchbyinch,lookingintohereyesashedidso Thelastthinghewantedtodo washurther.
Shewrappedher legsaroundhiswaist,andhebegantothrustinsideher,goingdeeperuntil hewasseatedtothehilt withinher tightcunt. Axe held himselfstill, lookinginto her eyes, contentto justbe withher, and notneedingto move. He strokedhercheekwiththebacksofhisfingers.
“I’mnothurtingyou,amI?”heasked.
“No.”
“Good”
Hepressedkissestoherlipsandthenslowlybegantopulloutofhertightcunt.Withjustthetipofhiminsideher,he begantorock,goingdeep Hetookhistime,makinghisthrustslong,feelingherpussyquiverashepressedinsideher Clarissawhimperedandtriedtospeedhimup.
Axepressedhisbodyflushagainsthers,slidhishanddownbehindher,andcuppedherass,holdinghertightlysohe wastheoneincontrol,andshecouldn’tattempttotakeover Hewasgoingtofuckher,makelove,andtakeher
“Please,”shesaid.
“Iknow whatyouwant,baby”Hetookpossessionofher mouthandbegantofuckher Hetookhis time,makingher takeeverysingleinchofhiscock,drivinginsideher.Helovedthesoundsshemade,butheswallowedthemdown.
Shewassofuckingresponsive
Helovedherass.
Helovedherpussy.
Helovedhertits
WhenitcametoClarissa,hejustfuckinglovedher.
Axestopped,andthenbrokethekissandstareddownintoherbrowneyes Hesawtheheatinhergaze
“What’swrong?”Clarissaasked,soundingsomewhatbreathless.
“Nothing”
Hehadbeeninfatuatedwiththiswoman,andevenagreatdealoflust.Hehadcravedher,hungeredforher,andshe’d dominatedhiseverywakingandsleepingthought.Shewasthemainfeatureofhisimagination,andhejustwantedher.There wasnodenyinghowbadlyhewantedher But,notoncehadheconsidered lovingher
This seemedsocrazytohim.He’dnever lovedanyoneinhis life,apartfromhis dog,Gus,thenofcourseDollyand Susie,whohadfallenintohisheartaswell
Clarissawasn’tadog,shewasawoman. Awoman you ’ ve been wanting for a long time.
“Axe?”
He didn’tanswer her and instead kissed her hard. Sexand possessionwere easy. He wanted Clarissa and he didn’t wantanyoneelsetohaveher,butloveputawholenewspinoneverything.
AxeknewhecouldkeepClarissaherewiththepromiseofhisbody,andthepleasurehecoulddotoherbody.Butlove howwashegoingtogethertostayorfallinlovewithhim?
Hewasn’taneasymantogetalongwith Hewas notlike a nine-to-fivetype ofguy His life was his workandvice versa.
Thislifewasn’tforalotofwomen Hisownmother,whenhisfatherownedtheranch,hadn’tbeenabletostandit workingthehomeeverysingleday,raisingason,dealingwithranchhands.Shehatedit,anditwaswhyshe’dleft.
His ownfather,beforehis death,hadwarnedhimthis wasn’taneasylife,andtotakecareofthewifehedecidedto have.
Awife. Thiswasjustsex Clarissawashisemployee.
AndAxeknewifhewasn’tcareful,hewasgoingtofuckeverythingup Hewasn’tgoodwithwordsorwithfeelings Hedidn’tknowwhathewasgoingtodo.
Allheknewwasthathedidn’twantClarissatoleave,notnow,notever
ChapterEight
Several days later, Clarissa watched as Axe worked the yard. Dollyand Susie were playingaround his feet, and he lookedthesameaseveryotherday,butshecouldn’thelpfeelingtherewassomethingdifferentabouthim Itwasn’tthathewas smiling,orperhapshewas.Therewasnotaharshnesstohisface.
The past few days had been a whirlwind of adventure Her body, even though they hadn’t been together since that morning,shestillfelthistouchallover.Shelovedhishands,hismouth,andhiswholebodyashesurroundedher.
Shewasstartingtolovemornings,eventheearlyrising.Axealwayshadhisarmswrappedaroundher,andshefeltso protected,sosafe Sheloveditwhenhekissedherneckandflickedhistongueacrossherpulse Therewassomuchsheadored abouthim.
Runningher hands downher apron, she nibbled her lip, tryingto thinkofanythingthatcould stop her fromthinking aboutherownthoughts,mainlylove. Love wassuchastrongword.Sheneededtostartthinkingintermsof like.ShelikedAxe andhishandsonherbody.Butthen,thatwasn’tthesame like wasn’tastrongenoughword.
You’re in love with him.
Clarissaforcedherselftostepawayfromthewindow andgotothestove,tostir thepotofspaghetti sauce.Itwas a verybasicdinnertoday,asshehadforgottentogetanythingelseoutofthefreezer,andshehadsomeleftovergroundbeef Not alot,butenoughtomakeamealfortwo.Shelovedmakinglargebatchesoffoodsotheycouldgointhefreezer.
Asshestirredhersauce,shefeltthatneedrushthroughher Forthelongesttime,ithadbeenherandhermother She knewherparentshadwantedmorechildren,butthathadneverhappened.Itwasalwaysoneofthosewishesthathadn’tcome true.Thenherfatherhadpassedaway,leavingjustherandhermother.
One ofher manywishes and desires was to have a large family. Axe’s ranchhouse had four more bedrooms, which werenotoccupied.Therewerebedsnotmade,andshecleanedthemregularlytokeepthemdust-free.
She couldn’t deny that her relationship if she could even call it that with Axe had made that yearning start to developagain.Inthebackofhermind,shecouldseelittlechildrenrunningaroundthekitchen,orheartheirlaughteroreven theirscreams,asshestirredalargepotofspaghettisauce
“Somethingsmellsgood,”Axesaid,joltingherfromherimagination.“Everythingokay?”
“Yeah,yeah,it’sfine.Dinnerwon’tbelong,”shesaid,takingthespoonoutandplacingitonthelid.
She was about to turnthe other pot of water on, but Axe reached around her and flicked the gas off underneaththe cooked spaghetti sauce. He took hold of her wrist, held her hand, and spun her around and away from the stove. Within seconds,hislipswereonhers,andshemeltedagainsthim Hepressedherupagainstthekitchencounterandshefeltthehard ridgeofhiscockagainstherstomach.Heatfloodedherbody.Hernipplesfeltsoincrediblytight.
“I’vemissedyou,”hesaid
Shecouldn’thelpbutsmile.“I’vemissedyoutoo.”Shewrappedherarmsaroundhisneckandstaredupintohiseyes.
Axereachedforthestringofhersweatpants,andshedidn’tfighthimashegrabbedherhipsandpushedthepantstothe floor Hetorethepantiesfromherbody Thesoundoftearingfabricfilledtheroom,andsheletoutagasp Hepressedhishand againstherpussy,andshecouldn’thelpbutsinkherteethintoherlipasshetriedtocontainthearousal.
“You’resowet Haveyoubeenthinkingaboutme?” “Yes.”
“Whathaveyoubeenthinkingabout?”heasked
Therewasnowayshecouldtellhimthatshe’dbeenthinkingaboutfallinginlovewithhim. Staringupathim,shethoughtaboutsex.“You,insideme,”shesaid. Itwasn’twrong,norwasitalie Axewasinsideher Therewasnogettingawayfromhowimportanthewastoher Hereachedup,grippedthebackofherneck,andpulledherinclose,makinghermoanasheslammedhislipsdownon hers
“I’mgoingtobeinsideyouagain,butnowI’mgoingtotakecareofyourpussy.”
Hebrokethekiss,andshedidn’thavetoaskhimwhathewasdoingashesunktohiskneesinfrontofher Helifted oneofherlegsandplaceditonhisknee,spreadingheropenwideforhim.Sheletoutalittlegasp,andthenanothermoanashe plungedfingersdeepinsideher,andthenhistongueattackedherclit.
Therewasnowayshecouldthink,onlyfeel Hefeltsogood
Whenever Axe touched her, there was no wayfor her to stop the pleasure, or to control it. Itwas justinstanthits of pleasureandneed
“You’resofuckingbeautiful,”hesaid,growlingthewordsagainstherpussy.
“Please,”shesaid.
Shedidn’tknowhowlongshewasgoingtolast,butthenhedidthisthingwithhistongueandfingers,andthebuildup toherreleasetookherstraightovertheedge,andshescreamedhisname.Theorgasmwasinstant,andlefthershaking.
At some point, Axe stopped lickingher pussyand instead stroked and teased her clit, before liftingher up onto the counterinthekitchen.Shedidn’thavetimetothink,notthatsheneededit,ashereplacedhisfingerswithhisimpressivecock,
fillingher.
Axehadspentmanynightsdreamingofbeingwithhiswoman,enjoyingalate-nighthotchocolate,aroaringfire,and beingnaked.
Hewassittinginhischair,Clarissabetweenthisthighs,andablanketthrownacrossherbody Theyhadjustmadelove infrontofthefire.
The snow was thick on the ground, and he’d called his ranch hands and told themto stay home He spent the day checkingonthecattleandgoingoverthefences,beforereturninghometofindClarissa.
Workneverstopped,butitdidslowdownforhiminthewinter.Hismenalwaysappreciatedthebreak,andhedidn’t forcethemtotravel interribleconditions Thecattlewerebroughtclosetohishome,currentlyhousedinthebarns He’dgo andcheckonthemregularly.Thisiswhathealwaysdidwhentheweathergottoobad.
“We’regoingtoneedtoputatreeupsoon,”shesaid
Christmas wasn’tfar away, and Axe couldn’tbelieve how the days, weeks, and months had all merged together. He wasn’tsurehowlongheandClarissahadbeenenjoyingeachother
“I’llgrabeverythingweneed,”hesaid,strokingthebackofherneck.
Sheletoutalittlemoan.“IloveChristmas.”
Axedidn’tsayanything IthadbeenalongtimesinceheenjoyedaChristmas Shetiltedherheadback.“Doyou?”
“IhaveafeelingI’mgoingtoenjoythisChristmas”Heleaneddownandpressedakisstoherlips
Shemoanedandhelovedwhenshedidthat.Healsolovedwhenshereachedbehindhim,grippingthebackofhisneck, prolongingthekiss.
Sheloosenedherholdonhimafterafewminutes,andhiscockwasalreadyhardasrock.ItseemedClarissahadthat affectonhim,andhejustcouldn’thelpit.
“Iwanttotrysomething,”shesaid,pullingtheblanketfromherbody
Seeingher naked back, curvingout to her impressive ass, he was intrigued, especiallyas she spuntoward himand placedherhandsonhisknees Sheranherhandsupanddownhisthighswithhergazeonhim Hewatchedher,notexactlysure whatshewanted,andhewaitedforher.
Thereshewentagain,nibblingthecornerofhermouth,anditwassotempting,hewantedtoreachoutandaskherwhat herdirtylittlemindwasthinkingabout.
“Iloveitwhenyourmouthisonme.Ilovefeelingyourtongue.”Hergazeslowlytraveleddownhisbody,andlanded rightwherehiscockwas
“Youwanttosuckmycock?”heasked.
Shenoddedandhesawtheblushstaininghercheeks “Andlick,andIwanttogiveyouasgoodatimeasyougiveme”
Hedidn’tthinkitwaspossibleforherblushtogoanydeeper,butitdid,andhecouldn’thelpbutsmile.Therewasno wayhewasgoingtoturndownherwrappingthosepreciouslipsaroundhisdick.Hehadn’tpushedClarissatotryanythingshe didn’twantto Herinexperiencewassweet,buthewantedhertoenjoyhistouch “Okay,”hesaid.“Just…don’tbiteme.”
Shesmiledathim “I’lltrynotto” Heloveditwhensheteasedlikethis.
Clarissa wrapped her fingers around his cock, and thenbeganto workfromthe base up to the tip, thenbackdown again.Axehadtogrithisteethtotryandkeephimselfincheck,andnottoblowrightthenandthere.Helovedherhands,her touch,andhedidn’tknowhowhewasgoingtobeabletocontrolhisorgasm.Hewasclosetolosingitalready.
Watchingher, he waited, and Clarissa’s gaze was focused onhis dick Clenchinghis hands into fists, he tried notto tenseupas shekissedhis knee.Shemoveduphis leg,andthenshekissedtheverytipofhis cock.Clarissadidn’tgivehim timetowaitbeforeshesuddenlycoveredtheheadofhiscockwithherlipsandsuckedhimintohermouth
“Oh,fuck!”Heclosedhiseyesandgrittedhisteeth.Itfeltsogood.
Shedidn’tstop,takingmoreofhimintohermouthuntilhehitthebackofherthroat Shepulledbackimmediately,but thenbegantosinkonhislengthsomemore.
Withhishandsstillclenched,heopenedhiseyesandwatchedasshetookhiscock,suckingathim.Itwasn’teasytodo. Hisorgasmwassoclose
She pulledoffhis cockandtracedher tongue downthe lengthofhis cock.He watchedas she exploredhis length.It wassheertorture,buthedidn’tstopher Allhewantedtodowaspushhiscockintohermouth,holdherinplace,fuckherface, andfillherlipswithhiscum.
Whenshe wrapped her lips around his lengthagain, he growled ather. “I’mgoingto lose control, Clarissa. You’re eithergoingtohavetotakeit,ormove.”
Shelookedathimwiththosebigbrowneyesofhers,andhecouldn’tcontrolhimself.
Hegaveherasinglegruntofwarning,buttherewasnowayforhimtostopit.Hecameinsidehermouth,fillingher, and to his amazement, she swallowed down his cumwithout a single complaint. The moment he became too sensitive, he placedahandonhershoulderandsheseemedtoknow heneededhertostop Shelethimgoandpressedakisstohisnowflaccidlength.
Cuppingherface,hestareddownintohereyesandknew hehadhitthejackpot Hedidn’twanttoloseher,notfora second,buthedidn’tknowhowhewasgoingtokeephereither.
ChapterNine
Theydidn’ttalkabouttheirrelationship,orthefuture.Theydidn’ttalkaboutanything.
Clarissa lookedover the tree andwonderedwhentheywouldtalkaboutanything She placeda handonher stomach andknewshewouldneedtocheck.Butitwassomethingtheydidn’ttalkabout.Theytalkedaboutalot,butnothingtodowith theimportantstuff Theydidn’tevendiscussthefacttheydidn’tusecondomsorthatshehadn’thadamenstrualcycleinallthat time.
Sheknewtherewasabigchanceshemightalreadybepregnantwithhisbaby.Itwasatmomentslikethisshewished for her mother,asshewouldknow whattodo How didshestartaconversationwithhim?Wouldhebelievethatsheloved him?Wouldhethinkshewasonlysayingitforthebaby?Wasthereevenababy?
Shehadalwaysbeenontime,andherbodywaslikeclockwork Clarissadidn’tknowifshewaspregnant,butshedid feellikeshewas.Howdidshebringitupinaconversation?ShouldshewaituntilafterChristmas?
Thesoundofthedooropeningpulledheroutofherthoughts,andshelookedovertowardAxe.Snowcoveredhislegs, andtherewassomeontopofhishead.
“It’sfreezingoutthere.”
Sherushedovertohim,grabbinghisjacketfromhim Thelastfewdays,Axehadneededtochangehisclothesasthe snowturnedtowaterandsoakedthrough.Therewerealreadysomepantswaitingforhim.
Shepickeduphiswetpantsandwalkedtothelaundryroom,placingtheminthesinksoshedidn’tgetwaterallover theplace.Aftershefinished,shewentstraighttothekitchenandputthekettleon.
Axelovedhiscoffeebutinthelastfewdays,Clarissahadnoticedthatthescentturnedherstomach.Sheusedtolove coffee.Now,shecouldn’tevenhandlethesmell.Shedidn’tknowwhatthatmeant. Yes, you do It means you ’ re pregnant
“Areyouokay?”
Axe’svoicewasclosetoherearcausinghertogiveayelp,andintheprocess,sheletgoofthecoffeejar Itfelltothe floor,butthankfullydidn’tsmash.
Sheputahandtoherchest “Youscaredme”
Axecuppedherface,andhefrownedashelookedather.“Iseverythingokay?”heasked.
“Yeah,ofcourse,everythingisfine.”Sheforcedasmiletoherlips.“Totallyfine.”
“Youcantalktomeaboutanything.” Shenodded.“Iknow.”
Secondspassedandsilencefellbetweenthem
Tell him.
Tell him
Now.
What do you have to lose?
Does it matter if it ruins Christmas? He might already know
Sheopenedhermouthabouttotellhimshemightbepregnant,butbeforeshecouldsayanotherword,DollyandSusie begantowhimper,drawingherattentionawayfromhim Glancingdown,shesawbothdogswerealsocoveredinsnow “Oh,babies,”shesaid.“DidDaddytakeyououtintothesnow?”Shegaveatut.“They’refreezing.”
“Buttheyhadalotoffun GrabDolly,comeon,I’vegotSusie,let’sgoandwarmthemup”
Clarissafollowedhimintothesparebathroom.Heclosedthedoorbehindher,putSusieonthefloor,andthenbeganto runabubblebath.Thedogslovedtohaveabath.
Shelovedwatchinghim Axewassolovingandattentivewithdogs,shecouldn’thelpbutwonder whathe’dbelike withkids.Onceagain,thevoiceinsideherheadkepturginghertoaskhim.
“You’rereallygoodwithdogs,”shesaid
“I’musedtobeingaroundthemmorethanpeople.”
“Oh”
“Yeah,notalotofpeoplelovethiskindoflife.Guswaswithmetwenty-four-seven.”
SheknewhehadaspecialattachmenttoGus.Hewasthedogshedidn’tgettotrulymeet.Shedidhavevaguememories ofseeinghimwithadogaroundtown,buttheyweresoblurry Herlifehadbeenmuchmorefocusedonhermotherbackthen “What’snottolove?”shesaid.
“Dogsareamazing Theyloveyouunconditionally,andallyou’vegottodoisfeedthem,lovethem,andyeah,there’s allthetrainingstuff,butit’sfine.Icanhandleit.”
“Whatabout…babies?”
“Pups?”heasked.“Breedingthem?”
“No, no, I mean, youknow, humanbabies. Have youthought about havingchildrenof your own, and I don’t know, perhapsafamily,or ?”Shedidn’tknowwhatelsetosay Inthebackofhermind,allshetrulywantedtodowasbeghimto consider her. She wanted to tell himthe truth, that she loved himand wanted to spend her life withhim, that she might be
