Page 42 of Bourbon & Bonfires

“Challenge accepted.”

I feel the bed dip as he moves off. Rustling through what I assume are his jeans, they hit the floor before he’s back over me, kneeling between my legs. The tear of something draws my attention, and I open my eyes to find him with a condom packet in his hands.

As soon as he’s sheathed, he uses his knees to open my legs wider and leans over me, his hands on either side of my head. When he doesn’t move, doesn’t push into me, I look up and see something in his eyes ... I won’t go there. I won’t say love, but there’s something there, and I’m lost to it.

Slowly he pushes into me, and I arch my back as he fills me. It’s been so long. So long since I’ve been with a man, since I’ve felt cherished and loved. If ever. It’s never been like this. As he begins moving, I match his pace. Lifting my hips, I meet him thrust for thrust, my hands gripping his lower back, pulling him to me.

I can tell by his breathing he’s close, and I’m right there with him. It isn’t until he stops moving that I realize I’m crying.

Last night was more than I could have predicted. When I arrived with burgers and shakes, I didn’t expect to spend the night. I definitely didn’t expect to spend the night with Addison in her bed. Naked. My first thought when I woke up this morning was how much of a dick move it was to sleep with her on the night she was hurting. My second thought was how badly I wanted it to happen again.

I’ve had my share of girlfriends and flings. Hell, even a few one-night stands along the way. But never have I had a night like last night. That wasn’t just sex; it wasmore.

The sound of the shower draws me from my slumber and I get up, leaving my beauty to sleep and walk to the kitchen to find Mason grabbing a banana, his backpack slung over his shoulder. With a wave, he hightails it out of the kitchen to the front door. Rummaging through the cabinets, I find coffee and make a pot then call my dad to help with the office. After giving him a quick rundown of the last twenty-four hours, I decide to call Addison’s work. Doc Burning is very sympathetic to Addison’s loss, and agrees it is best she take the day off.

As I’m finishing my first cup of coffee and throwing a few pieces of bacon in a pan, I hear the telltale sound of bare feet on tile. Turning toward Addison, I take in how beautiful she is in the morning. Her hair is mussed, and there isn’t a stitch of makeup on her. Her shirt is crooked, and her short shorts draw my attention to her toned legs. Legs I didn’t spend enough time between last night.

“Good morning.” My greeting is simple, but by the confused look on Addison’s face, anything more would be unwelcome.

“What time is it?” she asks between yawns as she walks toward me, taking my coffee out of my hands.

“A little after eight.”

“Oh no, I’m going to be late for work. I need to jump in the shower.”

When Addison turns to walk away, I wrap an arm around her waist and stop her. Taking the coffee cup from her hands, I set it on the counter before spinning her around to face me.

“I called Doc this morning and told him you’d need the day off. He sends his condolences and said to tell you to take as much time as you need. Mason left for school about twenty minutes ago.”

“You called my work?”

“I did. And mine.”

“You own the company, Landon. Who’d you call?”

“My dad,” I say before kissing her forehead and turning my attention to the bacon.

“I can’t believe you did that.”

“Are you mad?” I don’t hear anger in her voice, but I may have overstepped by calling her boss.

“Mad? No. I just can’t believe you did that.”

“Why? Addy, you’re exhausted and had some really bad news. I think if ever a mental health day was needed, today is that day. I figured we’d eat some breakfast, shower—obviously together—and then binge on Netflix. If you want to talk about Henry, I’d love to hear about him. If you want to cry, I’ll hold you. And,” I say tugging her to me, “if you want to spend the day in bed, I’m all right with that too.”

“About last night ...” Addison is suddenly very interested in my feet as she speaks.

“Yeah?”

“Thank you.”

“Babe, you don’t have to thank me. Believe me, it was all my pleasure.” My hands squeeze her a little tighter for emphasis.

“Oh my word. Just stop.”

Her laughter fills the room for a little while. I know enough about loss to know it will come and go. But, for now, I’ll appreciate it while I have it.

After we finish breakfast, I make good on my promise of a dual shower, and although I offered three big Os, I settled for the two she gave me. Once we’re dressed, we settle on the couch for a day of Netflix and naps.

---