Page 58 of Bourbon & Bonfires

“I cannot believe we just kissed like that in public. I’m mortified. What if one of my patients saw me?”

“Addison, if one of your patients saw you, they’d probably think you are one lucky woman to be able to get up on this,” Landon says, motioning across his body. I smack him and stand, declaring it’s my turn to buy a round of drinks.

After a few more rounds of drinks, I’m laughing and teasing the group like I’ve always been part of this crew. It’s amazing how much these six people love and care for one another. Minnie and I are outsiders to the group, but I don’t think you’d ever know that looking in from the outside. I’ve missed having friends like this. It’s been years, before I was with Dan, that I had a true group of friends. Most of our socializing the last few years was centered around his career or Mason.

I excuse myself to the restroom, taking my phone with me, hoping to at least text with Mason before it’s too late. Once I’ve finished in the restroom, I lean against the wall in the hallway and exchange a few texts with Mason. Before I darken the screen, I notice a new text under Dan’s name.

Dan: I’m in town. I’d like to see Mason for breakfast. He’s not responding to my text messages. Please ask him to call me.

Me: He’s already in bed and has plans in the morning. It’s been months, Dan. I think it’s best you and I talk first.

Dan: Fine, I’ll come to your house in the morning.

Me: No. I don’t think that’s a good idea. There’s a coffee shop in town, Roasters. I’ll meet you there at 10am.

Dan: See you then.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

I should go back to the table, make an excuse, and head home. There’s no way I’m going to enjoy myself tonight with this looming over my head. Besides, I can’t see Dan with a hangover, and if I have one more tequila shot, it’s bound to happen. How Ashton convinced us we all needed to take a shot for her since she can’t drink is beyond me.

By the time I make it back to our table, Ashton and Jameson have left. I’m surprised she lasted as long as she did. Being the only sober one in a group like this can’t be fun. I open my mouth to say I need to leave but don’t manage a syllable before Landon has my hand and is leading me to the dance floor.

I recognize the song as one we danced to on New Year’s Eve and smile as I melt into his arms. This time we aren’t unsure of each other. We aren’t strangers drawn together by an attraction. Now we’re together, and our movements show how connected we are. With each beat of the song, Landon’s arms pull me closer, his hands wander, and my need intensifies. Dancing with him is the greatest form of foreplay. My heart races, my palms sweat, and I want to crawl inside him. My need for this man is greater than any temptation.

“I want to leave,” he whispers as he sucks my ear lobe into his mouth. My knees buckle, and I can only nod.

Clasping my hand in his, he pulls his phone from his pocket, tapping the screen a few times. I know he’s texting Mr. Larson for a cab. I guess life in Lexington means you text your local cab driver. At the table, we say our goodbyes, and I tell the girls I won’t be at yoga in the morning. We all agree yoga the day after tequila may not be the best idea for any of us.

Mr. Larson is waiting at the curb outside the bar when we exit. Sliding in the backseat first, I leave room for Landon, but he doesn’t accept it. Sitting so our thighs touch, his arm is around me, holding me close while the other drums on his thigh impatiently. I can’t help but laugh and give a little giggle as I place my hand on his. You’d think this was our first time together. I suppose in many ways it is. Tonight feels different. There’s a shift in our relationship, and as I peer up at him through my lashes, I have an overwhelming desire to lay my heart on the line to him. To tell him how I feel, to tell him about Dan. Most of all, I want to ask him to ignore my baggage and the drama. I want to tell him I don’t care about the age difference anymore. If he’s in it, so am I.

I realize halfway home that we aren’t heading toward my house but toward Landon’s. I make a mental note to set my alarm to allow enough time to get home and change before I meet Dan. I’m not sure the car completely stops before Landon is tossing a few bills toward Mr. Larson and opening the door. He offers his hand to me, and the moment I place my smaller hand in his, he tugs me from the cab and practically sprints to the front door.

Three steps in the door and I’m flying through the air and over his shoulder. I’ve read plenty of books with a fireman’s hold, but I’ve never personally experienced it before. It’s not nearly as hot as they make it out to be, but in my books the girl isn’t three tequila shots in.

“This may not be the best idea,” I warn, causing him to abruptly stop and pull me down the front of his body. “Whoa,” I whisper, swaying a bit.

“Shit! Are you okay? Feel okay?”

“Yeah, just give me a minute. Don’t make a joke about me being old either.”

“Baby, I would never. Are you okay?”

I nod and that’s all he needs before grabbing me below my butt cheeks and lifting me so we’re face to face. A huge smile matching mine is my greeting. Instantly, my lips are on his, and we continue what we started at the bar.

Lips. Tongue. Nibbles and licks. Each movement sends my heart racing and my hands flying. In what feels like seconds, our clothes begin flying, and I’m flat on my back on Landon’s plush bed. His hands glide over my skin, memorizing every inch. My hands mimic his movements and a predatory growl from deep inside him is my only warning before he leads me down the sweetest path of ecstasy.

When he reaches for a condom I stop him. I’m on birth control, and we’ve been together for months. “Just like this,” I say as my hands tug at the waistband of his boxers. Eyes wide he gulps and grins as my hand finds his hard length and glides up and down. Once. Twice. Three times.

“Fuck.” One word with so much meaning. Landon slides into me, and it’s the greatest feeling in the world. Nothing separates us. Tonight, in this moment, I believe in us. I believe in the words he says and those he hasn’t yet. I know in my heart I love this man. His heart, his soul, and his whole being makes me believe in every promise he whispers when he thinks I’m sleeping.

His movements are slow, but my climax isn’t. I reach my peak quickly and another follows almost instantly. Sliding his arm under my knee, he lifts my leg over his bicep causing him to go deeper, filling me completely. I feel him growing inside me, a twitch and a moan from deep inside, and I open my eyes to meet his. A split-second passes and in that moment, I see it all.

The love and devotion of one man for one woman.

Him for me.

Us.

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