chapter 1:
IVY
My fists tighten around the bedding so that my knuckles turn white, while Hunter impales me from behind.
“Oh, God!” I grind out between my clenched teeth which firmly holds the comforter between them.
This was supposed to be a quick bite to eat so I could spend the rest of my lunch break getting started on the inventory. When Hunter came home, I knew that plan had gone straight to hell, and was only proven right when it turned into a session of afternoon sex. His left hand holds my skirt in place, bunched over my hips and his right grasps a fist full of hair, while he powers into me. An orgasm crashes through me for the third time, and my arms give out. But Hunter keeps going, his dangerous skills enough to keep me falling over the edge again and again.
I shake my head, moaning, “Oh, God. I can’t... Please.”
But at this point, I don’t know if I’m begging for more or less.
“We’re not done yet, Princess.” Hunter rasps from over my shoulder. He slows his movements to teasing shallow thrusts that bring my body back to earth. “This sweet pussy is mine. And I want more of it. Do you hear me?”
I nod like a bobble head, wishing he’d resume his original pace. “Yes. It’s yours. Take it!”
“Good.” He says, with an obvious smirk.
“Don’t stop.” I plead.
“Never.” He says, filling me completely with one hard thrust.
I let out a grumbled moan, with some other incoherent words, as Hunter fucks into me fast and hard. My body begins to rise again, the feel of his heavy balls slapping against my clit pushing me closer, even faster, than before.
“Fuck!” Hunter chokes out, with his grip on my hip, hard enough to leave a mark. “That’s it, Baby.”
He slaps my ass, and I moan, “Hunter,” with my orgasm just in reach.
Sometimes he’s so sweet and caring. And I love that. But I love it just as much—maybe more—when he’s rough with me.
“That’s my girl.” Hunter grunts, knowing exactly how much he’s turning me on. His hand reaches around to pinch my clit between two fingers. “Come on, Baby.”
I unravel, falling blissfully—powerfully—just seconds before he does.
His big body falls on top of me. And I can feel his heart thudding just as hard as mine is. Hunter moves to relieve my body of his weight, and I catch sight of the clock on my side of the bed.
“Shit! I’m going to be late.”
I jump up, and adjust my clothes, while Hunter tucks himself away, with a cocky grin plastered on his face. I’d make some smart remark to try to give him hell, if he hadn’t been so damn good. But he’s earned the right to be cocky this afternoon.
Rushing downstairs to the bathroom, I freshen up, fixing my hair and make-up, before washing the ‘I just had sex’ scent from my body. Hunter’s cologne is embedded in my skin and clothes, but there’s no time to change that now. I run around like a crazy person looking for my wedges, and his smirk spreads into a full-grown smile.
“What?” I ask, a little annoyed that he’s making fun of me, knowing how important it is that I be on time this week especially.
Helen is out of town, and she’s left me in charge of her salon alongside her niece, my best friend, Cassie.
“You look gorgeous.” He says, with that blown-away look he gets sometimes after seeing me dressed for the day. It’s so sweet, some of my annoyance melts away, and I smile appreciatively at how good he looks too.
We walk downstairs, where Hunter opens the front door for me, and kisses me goodbye, like we aren’t going to see each other in a few hours.
“Don’t forget to come home right after work.” I tell him. “I have a surprise for you.”
“I told you I don’t want to celebrate. Just you naked. All night.” Hunter says, about his birthday, but I wave him off.
On my birthday, he took me out to dinner and dancing, which isn’t exactly his scene. Then we found the perfect spot under the stars, where he surprised me with a silver necklace with a heart-shaped pendant that I wear every day. The word forever is engraved on it, with the “o” being my birthstone—a little white diamond. As I was putting it on, he said. “Now you have my heart. And I have yours.”
And when I turned around, he showed me his left arm, with a realistic red heart he’d gotten tattooed, all tied up in ivy.
I smile at the memory. “Before that, I have a surprise for you, that you’re going to like.”
He flashes his sexy smirk. “Yeah. Okay, Baby.”
I kiss him again and smack his ass the way he does mine. “Now behave yourself, Birthday Boy.”
The minute I open the salon door, I feel a chill. Peggy, one of the stylists, stops what she’s doing and gives me a look of sympathy, and exhaustion. When she steps out of the way, I can see why.
I’d know that blonde hair pressed into a perfectly straight bob anywhere.
“Mom?” I ask, surprised she’s sought me out, let alone inside the salon, since she’s never had anything nice to say about it.
Six months ago, she completely crushed me with the hurtful ugly truth that she never wanted a child. And after I forgave her—even though she didn’t ask—our relationship was strained yet again. She hadn’t taken the news that Hunter won me back while I was out with my cheating ex, Brantley very well, and she spent the entire dinner treating Hunter horribly. We haven’t spoken since. I’d given up on ever finding the common footing required for us to repair what little relationship we had. Since I haven’t heard from her, I assumed she’d done the same. It’s surprising how excited I am to see her. I’d thought I was over trying to keep her in my life. But inside I’m a mess of joy, confusion, and anger.
It’s not that I wanted to give up having a relationship with her anyway. I tried for years. But my mom hasn’t always been the warmest person. Her values are all screwed up. She still believes I belong with a man like Brantley, so he’ll keep me pampered in the lap of luxury. She doesn’t understand how little that stuff means to me. I was miserable with Brantley. I just wish I can make her see how great Hunter really is. That he loves me more than I’ve ever imagined one person could love another. Then maybe she and I can have a chance to get to know each other. And maybe—just maybe—we can have the bond I’ve always wanted.
“Sweetheart.” She sings, blowing a kiss at me, and looking over my clothes. “You look nice.”
I try not to be offended by how shocked she is that I’m not wallowing in filth and rags. I mean, I’m still me.
“Hi.” I say, not knowing what else I should say. I don’t want to dig right in, just in case this isn’t a social call. “How can I help you?”
“Right to business. I like it.” She smiles. “Well, I can use a trim.”
She sits in my chair, holding a little white-haired dog companion. The sound of her deep inhale lets me know the minute she smells Hunter’s cologne. I wait for the backlash, but it doesn’t come.
“Cute dog.” I say instead, to fill the void.
“Yes, this is little Ivy.”
I almost choke. “You named the dog after me?”
“Well, when you find a good name, dear, you stick with it. Anyway, seeing you has been wonderful. I’ve missed you so much. I’ve only got one daughter. And you only get one true mother.”
“I know.”
“I’d love to catch up. I know you’re busy. But it would be nice.”
I stand in front of her and examine her hair. I’m limited to what I can do without supervision, but since her hair has already been trimmed, I know for sure this isn’t a professional visit after all.
“I agree.” I say, resting my scissors on my station.
“Excellent. Dinner then? Saturday night? It’d be nice to know that your life is on track.” She says, petting the little dog on the head and blowing it kisses. I’ll admit it’s more affection than I’ve ever seen her show another living being.
“I don’t know. I have to see if Hunter’s free and—”
“As much as I’d love that. I was hoping for just you to come. I’ll stop by some other time to see… Hunter. And your littlelove nest.”
Just saying his name looks like it’s going to strangle her. But she’s trying and for her that’s something. I look at myself, and can’t help thinking if I can change, she can too. Plus, I’m in no rush to repeat the last time she was in the same room as Hunter. And I know he’s is in no rush to sit down with her again either. So, I’m more than willing to take this thing slowly.
“Okay. Where?”
I rush out the door at the end of the day to prepare for the overly romanticized plan I’ve had in my head all week. Sometimes I still can’t believe I have a job. The only things I’d ever worked for in the past were pageant wins, cheerleading, and bagging a rich and suitable man. But I never felt this good doing any of those things. I’m already in love with my job—with my life. I smile to myself, cooking dinner for the man I love on his birthday, only half-worried that it isn’t shaping up to be exactly as I pictured it.
My lungs burn from the puff of smoke I’ve just swallowed with my head practically inside the oven. The smoke alarm is blaring and the entire place smells like burnt cheese. If Hunter’s shop is still full of people, like it was when I got home, they’re all getting a healthy whiff of my burned lasagna—Or whatever the hell this is—right about now.
I don’t know what I was thinking. I wanted to surprise Hunter with a birthday dinner, since he’s always cooking me breakfast. However, I bit off more than I could chew. My eyes blur as I use the oven mitten to wave at the black cloud in front of my face. And as I reach inside the oven to grab the awkwardly placed pan, I misjudge the opening, and graze my arm on the shelf.
“Goddamn it!” I yell, blowing on the blistering surface.
“Ivy!” Hunter comes crashing through the door, with a concerned look on his face. “What the hell is going on? Are you okay?”
He rushes to my side, ushering me to the sink, and turning on the cold water.
“It’s okay.” I tell him. “I’m fine.”
“Come here.” He says, taking my arm in his hands to examine my reddened skin.
Every time Hunter looks at me, I get a tingling feeling all over my body that makes me feel wanted, and I can’t think of anything else except for how much I want him too. But when he looks at me like this, with so much concern and love in his eyes, I get to feel cherished, which only reinforces everything I feel for him.
I never wanted to be taken care of, just cared for. And Hunter does that in spades. But it amazes me how he’s always so quick to come to my rescue. I’ve never felt so safe in my life, as he studies the patch of singed flesh, before placing it under the running faucet. He adds a little antibacterial soap, cleaning the area gently, then softly pats it dry with a kitchen towel.
“You’ll live.” He finally says. His lopsided grin is enough to melt my insides.
“I told you I was fine.” I tease. “But thank you, Doctor.”
His brown eyes darken, and I clench my insides, amazed at how easily this man can flip a switch to turn on my libido.
“But I can use a more thorough checkup.” I say, using his t-shirt to pull him closer.
His smile closes around my lips, as the feel of his mouth on mine drowns out the sound of the still beeping smoke detector. Lashes from his tongue coaxes a shiver down my spine, as Hunter scoops me off the ground, with both hands on my ass. Always so willing to go wherever he takes me, I wrap my legs around his waist, and he rests me on the counter. I love it when he sifts his fingers through my hair, cupping the back of my head in place.
It’s a greedy kiss that reaches me in all the right places. My panties are already damp, and if I were standing, my knees would be weak. My nipples have pebbled into painful peaks pressing against the cups of my bra. And my pussy begs for Hunter’s attention.
Before I can unfasten his belt, Gabe comes barging into the room, halting my fingers, and putting a stop to the make-out session all too soon. “Jesus! Fuck! Don’t worry about the noise or anything. Do I need to call the fire department or what?”
Hunter growls frustration, stepping away to glare at the man he’s probably wishing he hadn’t hired six months ago.
“No, asshole. I’ve got it.” Hunter says, going to the detector and knocking it off the ceiling with the broom stick. He presses the reset button and sits it on the table.
Gabe goes over to the window.
“Doesn’t open.” I say, and Gabe hangs his head in amusement.
Hunter swings around to the smoking stove.
“What were you doing in here anyway, Princess?” He asks using the potholders to lift the ruined food from the oven.
“I wanted to make you dinner.”
He smiles, as Gabe comes around the counter.
“Jesus Christ. Were you making him dinner or trying to kill him?”
“Shut up, asshole.” I say, hopping off the counter. “I’ve never cooked lasagna before.”
“Have you ever cooked anything before?” He counters with an all too amused look on his face. I give him the finger, and face Hunter just in time to see the smirk teasing his lips.
“You know what your dirty mouth does to me.” He says, wrapping an arm around my waist.
“I’m out of here, before you two start this shit again. Listen, Hunt, don’t forget I’m gone until tomorrow afternoon, but the shipment never came. I’ll stop at the supply store on my way back just in case they don’t make it by morning. Should be enough needles till I get in.”
I want to ask him where he’s going since I need his help with Hunter’s present. But I don’t want to ruin the surprise. I flash him a look, and he sends a reassuring nod that Hunter misses.
“Thanks.” Hunter replies. “Bring a receipt, I’ll get you back.”
“No worries.” Gabe says, hurrying out the door, as Hunter presses me against him.
“You cooked for me?”
“Tried.” I correct. “But the pie’s still good.”
I point to the pecan pie on the counter. Pecan is Hunter’s favorite, so I went to Cassie’s after class yesterday, and she helped me bake it. It’s the best one out of ten ruined creations, so I’m hoping it tastes good.
“You baked me a pie?”
“I did. With a little help.” I tell him. “Someone said they didn’t want cake for their birthday.”
“Mm.” He groans into my ear, as his arms tighten around me. “I’d planned on eating something sweeter.”
“Good.” I smile, pulling back before it’s too late, and we start something that we’ll have to finish like we almost did a few minutes ago. “You can do that later. Like tomorrow, when it’s not your birthday. But I have plans for you tonight.”
The smile on his face isn’t as bright as I’m used to but if it were up to him, he wouldn’t be celebrating his birthday at all. I’m hoping to change that. I still have another surprise, for him. One that I need him out of the apartment for.
“Go.” I say, since I’m already prepared to give in to anything he wants. “I mean it. Go, before I change my mind. Besides, didn’t you say Snake was coming by today?”
“Yeah. To finish the rest of it. But leave the mess. I’ll help you clean up, when I get back. You should be studying for your exam, anyway.”
He kisses me on the forehead and leaves me standing in the kitchen with a dumb ass smile on my face. I told him about that test a few weeks ago and I can’t believe he remembered it.
I set up a few fans and open the door, hoping to air out the smoke. The burnt cheese and char smell is so not sexy. Next, I grab a lamp and decide the living room will be the best place to work on Hunter’s surprise.
“Knock. Knock.” A female says, with a less than enthusiastic voice.
Roxie is standing in the doorway with a toolbox and an expression even less eager than her voice was a second ago.
“What are you doing here?”
“You’re a paying customer.” She says, rolling her eyes.
“But Gabe—”
“Is busy. He asked me. Do you want to do this or not?” She asks impatiently.
“I…”
“I have better shit to do than coddle Hunter’s girlfriend. If you want the work. I’m here.”
It’s the first time she’s ever accepted me as Hunter’s anything. Least of all, his girlfriend. In the beginning, she tried chasing me away by telling me about their ‘friends with benefits’ arrangement. And if that wasn’t bad enough, she thought it was her job to let me know that Hunter “didn’t do” relationships. After Hunter and I became an official couple, she’s kept her distance. But it doesn’t mean she likes me. She rolls her eyes at everything I say. Or pretends I don’t exist. So, why am I considering letting her do this? Anyone else would call me crazy.
“Look.” She says, noting the indecision on my face. “You need the work. I could use the cash. And I promised Gabe. As long as we don’t discuss you know who, we can get through this.”
I consider her words. “Gabe did tell you what I want, right?”
She enters the apartment and closes the door. “No. But whatever it is, we don’t need to talk about Hunter to get it done.”
Nodding agreement, I lead her into the living room, still shocked at the strange turn of events. In the end, I’m doing this for Hunter. I can endure the next couple hours to see the look on his face, when I show him his surprise.
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