Page 18 of His Big Pipe

“Oh damn, Talia. I didn’t…expect it to feel this good.”

I grip the sheets under me and clench down.

“Fuck!” he growls. “That’s…” He gathers me closer as he thrusts into me.

And even though I’ve just come from him going down on me, I’m right there again.

I cry out. “Sully, I’m going to come again.”

“God yes,” he rasps against my cheek. I feel him shudder as he kisses me. It sends me off, my climax ripping through me.

He’s coming, too, his noises like a man possessed as we kiss. He jerks and I grab his ass tight, shoving him toward me.

We ride out the orgasm, clinging to one another, kissing and whispering expletives, until I’m spent and gasping on the bed.

It’s one of the most satisfying experiences I’ve ever had.

“Best first time. Ever,” rasps the grumpy plumber who stole my heart.

I wake up to an empty bed, the warmth of Sully’s solid form replaced by the cold emptiness of the morning light. For a moment, I lie there, hoping he’s just in the bathroom or the kitchen. But the silence of the house tells me otherwise.

A hollow ache throbs in my chest. We had such a great time last night, both at the party and afterward. I thought…I thought it meant something to him, too.

I sit up, wrapping the duvet around me, and let out a deep sigh. I can’t let this ruin my day. There’s too much to do, too many things to fix. But as I get dressed, the sense of loss lingers, a shadow that refuses to be shaken.

A knock at the door startles me out of my thoughts. I open it to find Nick standing there with his construction crew out front, and beside him are Logan and Vi, all smiles and ready for action.

“Good morning!” Nick says brightly. “We’re here to help with the renovations.”

I blink in surprise. “What? How—why?”

“Because Sully asked us to,” Vi explains, stepping forward. “But honestly, we were eager to help anyway. We all want to see the Deepwood Inn flourish, and we think you’re the perfect person to make that happen.”

“Especially if you make your delectable cooking a part of the Inn experience,” Logan adds with a grin.

“Really?”

“You’re an amazing hostess, Talia,” Vi says. “You deserve a place to shine.”

Her words fill me with joy, and a feeling I’m not familiar with—satisfaction. Contentment. Maybe this is what I’m meant to do. Provide an experience for guests that’s unique to Montana. Bringing part of my heritage, part of my culture, here.

“Thank you for saying that,” I say, a little choked up.

Vi rubs my arm. “I’m glad you’re here. It seems like just yesterday I was the new girl in town. But this community welcomed me with open arms. Now it’s our turn to welcome you.”

Nick gives her smile and I can see the love in their gaze.

My thoughts turn back to Sully. “Where is the big guy anyway?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

Logan and the rest of them begin pulling out equipment and measuring tapes. “He’s gone back into hiding.”

Nick gives me a pointed look. “He’s afraid of his feelings…for you.”

I swallow hard, the ache in my chest deepening. “I see.” So he does have feelings for me. “Well, thank you all so much for coming. I’m grateful for your help. Where should we start?”

We all get to work quickly as I tell them my plans. Their energy and enthusiasm fills me with excitement and it leaves me buzzing for how this place will turn out. But my mind keeps drifting back to Sully. I need to see him, to talk to him.

As soon as I can, I slip away and make my way to Sully’s cabin. I find him on his back porch doing a crossword. A duck out on the lake quacks and he looks up, surprised to see me.

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