Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 81986 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 410(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81986 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 410(@200wpm)___ 328(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
“It’s complicated.” Looking away, I dusted off my hands.
“That’s what Sam said. And I get it. You’ve been through the wringer. And you’re not a talker. Nor one to ask for help. Been there, man.” Cal waited until I glanced his way again to continue, “But know that I’m here if you ever need anything. Questions. Venting. Whatever.”
“Thanks.” I swallowed hard. He was being far kinder than I deserved. “I…can’t. Not now. I feel like a soda canister with a faulty nozzle all shook up. Like talking might turn to yelling and might never stop.”
I hadn’t meant to say all that, but Cal merely nodded like he really did understand. “Yelling won’t scare me. Just saying. And sometimes you gotta let it out. Otherwise, you’re likely to blow when you least want to.”
“Thanks.” I didn’t see myself taking him up on the offer anytime soon, but I figured I could at least be less hostile.
After we arranged the patio furniture and sent Sam’s mom on her way with her favorite caramel chai, we settled in for a quiet afternoon at the shop. Sam wanted to be able to offer evening hours, but thus far, the summer business hadn’t been able to justify having a night crew. Indeed, the place was a wasteland, missing only some tumbleweeds by the time Sam sent George and Marta home, leaving him and me to handle closing.
After we locked up, I headed to the supply room to ensure everything was in place for the morning crew.
“You deserve a reward,” Sam announced as he followed me into the back of the shop.
“Oh?” I stopped walking, which allowed him to sweep me into a hug from behind. The windowless space afforded us a certain level of privacy, and I relaxed into his hold, already anticipating that kiss I’d wanted for hours. His breath prickled against the skin of my neck. “Because I went to that group?”
“Among other feats.” He stroked a hand down my torso. “Believe that was you this morning trying to bargain a reward for group attendance.”
“It was.” Skin pleasantly heating, I squirmed to encourage more touching. Failing that, I tried to turn, but he held me tight. “I’m pretty sure my exact request was to blow you.”
“You think you deserve that?” He nipped my ear, sending electric sparks down my spine.
“Yes.” I laughed because he’d trapped me, and he knew it. “I deserve good things. Including getting to practice my oral skills.”
“Practice, huh?” He licked one of the cords of my neck.
“Not claiming to be great at it. Haven’t had the most chances, but I want to be spectacular for you.”
“You already are spectacular.” Sam kept nuzzling my neck. The way he forced me to accept his praise bordered on sadism, and despite knowing he was sincere, I still struggled to agree with him.
“Easy for you to say.” I scoffed. “You like me no matter what.”
“And so would the rest of the world if you let them in.” Gripping my head firmly, he tilted my chin until he could give me a swift kiss. “You’re enough. Exactly how you are.”
“Eh.” I lacked his faith in humanity. People were fickle and far more money- and status-driven than Sam wanted to admit.
“Don’t make me take away your reward.” He squeezed me closer, palm spread wide on my stomach. The blatantly possessive hold made me want more of Stern Sam.
“Maybe I want a punishment instead.”
“And maybe I’m the one in charge.” Biting, he playfully tugged my earlobe.
“Yes, Sir.” I sighed happily as he spun me to face him. I was curious about what sort of punishment Sam might dole out, but knowing him, the real risk was him heaping more niceness on me. And I liked him in charge best of all.
“That’s better,” he said regally. “Now you may kiss me.”
I took the order seriously, kissing him with the care I usually reserved for spreadsheets, final exams, and detailing my car. I brushed my lips against his, delicately re-learning their shape and taste, cautiously deepening the kiss, all while holding him as if he were a luxury watch to be carefully handled and admired.
I liked pleasing him, liked learning what he enjoyed, what made him gasp, what made him clutch my back. But I liked it even more when he took over with a low growl, kissing me deep and hard, tongue owning my mouth exactly how he’d owned my body the night before.
“Excellent job.” His breath came in harsh pants as he rested his forehead against mine.
“Is that all the reward I get?” I glanced meaningfully down at his fly.
He arched his eyebrows. “You think you should get more?”
“Yes.” I licked my lips, knees already heading to the tile floor even before he pressed on my shoulder. “Please.”
“You may unzip me.” He leaned back against the utility sink. Felt naughty doing it here at the coffee shop. After hours, low chance of being caught, but I liked the sense of urgency the location lent our play. I slid his zipper down, but he placed his hand over mine before I could withdraw his cock. “Have you been good today? Do you deserve to touch it?”