Page 121 of Consume Me

“They raised the bar pretty high.”

“I’m going to raise it to the damn stratosphere.”

The moment we park, the forest lights up, revealing a blanket of bright bulbs draped across various trees, illuminating our path.

“Wow.”

Owls hoot in the night, and I can hear animals scurrying away in the brush. A thick layer of snow scrunches under our shoes. When we reach the lodge, I can see myself living here, growing old. It’s just so out of this world beautiful.

Moving to the fireplace, Blake piles a few white oak logs on top of each other and starts a fire. The atmosphere gets more homey and warmer in seconds as the fire crackles, glowing in fiery reds and oranges.

My stomach grumbles, and he says, “Let’s get my girl fed. I don’t intend on sleeping much tonight.”

A heat wave sweeps through me, giddy for what’s to come.

We move to the kitchen, and there is something so special about preparing dinner together—those small touches and fleeting glances accompanied by secretive grins. After we prepare the mac and cheese with a salad on the side, we move to the living room with the plates.

“Is there anything that you cook that isn’t delicious?” he asks, moaning, taking another spoonful.

“Delicious is my MO,” I say, beaming.

He rakes those hungry eyes over my body. “That you are.”

Now I am hungry for something else entirely.

When we put the empty plates down, he drags me onto his lap, caressing the sides of my waist.

“I could gaze at you all day long and still wouldn’t get enough.”

“I’m a sure thing, just so you know.”

He chuckles softly, but his expression is serious. “I won’t ever hold back with you again.” He says it like a vow that imprints itself on my cells. “Not a single day will pass without me showing you what you mean to me.”

Tears well up, emotions overwhelming me. I silently pray to whatever power is above not to take him from me now when I am finally living a dream that I never believed would turn into reality.

“Are you real at this moment?”

He leans into me, my lips tingling when his breath fans my mouth.

“Does this feel real?” he asks, kissing me with wild abandon and unadulterated passion. Tongues dancing, our lips nibble, pressing together. He deepens the kiss, making me feel breathless, but I dive in for another.

“Does this feel real?” he asks again, this time pulling at my sweater and unclasping my bra. Goose bumps erupt when I catch the desire flaming in his eyes. He tweaks my nipples before twisting them. I moan at the pinch of pain, but then he sucks them gently. I am already wet, but when he plays with my nipples, it always flames up my arousal.

“Does that feel real?” he asks, setting me down. He pulls down my leather skirt, then my tights and thong, discarding them on the floor.

I am fully naked while he’s dressed, yet I don’t feel vulnerable. On the contrary, I feel powerful knowing he wants me just as much. He traces a finger from my belly to my pussy.

“Spread your legs.”

I shiver at his command and do just that. A groan rumbles in his throat as he pushes one finger inside of me.

“So fucking wet, baby.” He sucks the digit into his mouth, humming in appreciation.

I descend on him, tearing at his shirt and then unbuckling his pants. Naked, he looks majestic––from his imposing stature and defined chest, rippling with muscles, to his washboard abdomen, trimmed waist, and that carved V-line and strong thighs. He’s physical perfection. I salivate, wanting to lick every inch of him.

“Fuck me, Blake. Now,” I say, not caring that I sound desperate.

His green eyes intensify, burning for me. In one swift move, he has his hand wrapped around my neck.