Page 64 of The Flavor of Us

Robert nods once, sharply. “We’ll have our team reach out with the official contract and event details this afternoon. Congratulations, Carleen. You’ve earned it.”

The meeting wraps up with a few more pleasantries, some handshakes, and a promise to meet soon to finalize everything. The afternoon sun hits just right as we step out into the parking lot, casting everything in a warm golden glow. I did it.Wedid it.

Ashton practically skips ahead, digging into the inside pocket of his blazer with that signature cocky smirk on his face. Ryder stands close beside me, one large hand casually brushing against my lower back as we walk. He doesn’t need to say anything—his steady presence speaks volumes.

“Alright, boss lady,” Ashton announces, turning on his heel with a dramatic flourish. In his hand is a tiny bottle of champagne, the kind they sell in little gift boxes. “Couldn’t let such a moment pass without a little bubbly, could I?”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Seriously? You were carrying thatinyour jacket pocket during the meeting?”

He shrugs one broad shoulder, grinning. “Always prepared for success, darling.”

I take the bottle from him, twisting the cap off with a satisfying pop. The fizzy scent of champagne wafts into the air, and without hesitation, I tip the bottle back and take a long sip. The crisp bubbles tickle my tongue, the cool liquid sharp against the heat in my chest.

Ashton’s watching me when I lower the bottle, his smile softer now, less teasing. I see the shift in his gaze, the way it drops briefly to my mouth before flicking back up to meet my eyes. My stomach flips, and my pulse quickens. “You want some?” I ask, holding the bottle out to him.

He shakes his head. “Nah, I’m good. But… can I have something else?”

The world narrows down to just us, the faint hum of traffic in the background fading away. His eyes are warm, filled with something deep and unspoken. My heart hammers in my chest as I nod, my voice catching in my throat.

“Yeah,” I whisper. “Yeah, you can.”

Ashton steps closer, his hand reaching up to cup my cheek as he tilts his head down. His lips meet mine softly at first, almost hesitant, like he’s waiting for me to pull away. But I don’t. I lean in, my free hand finding his chest, fingers curling against the soft fabric of his shirt.

The kiss deepens, his mouth pressing more firmly against mine as he tilts his head to get a better angle. His other hand finds my waist, pulling me just a little closer, and I let myself fall into it. It’s warm and electric, sending a pulse of heat straight through me.

When we finally break apart, I’m breathless. Ashton’s forehead rests against mine, his grin lazy but soft. Ryder clearshis throat lightly, but there’s a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth when I turn to look at him. His blue eyes are bright, filled with amusement and something deeper that makes me want to lean into him, too.

“You two done making out in the parking lot or are we gonna head home and celebrate properly with our Beta?” Ryder drawls, one brow raised.

I grin, swatting lightly at Ashton’s chest as I step back. “He’s right. We’ve got a certain Beta waiting at home for us, and I’m pretty sure she’s going to want in on this celebration.”

Ashton chuckles, reaching down to take my free hand in his as Ryder steps closer to my other side. “Think Tati’s gonna lose her mind when she finds out?” Ashton asks as we walk toward the car, his voice filled with boyish excitement.

“Oh, absolutely,” I reply, smirking. “But it’ll be worth it. She’s been our biggest cheerleader through this whole thing.”

Chapter thirty-one

TATI

I wake up to the soft morning light filtering through the sheer curtains, a dull throbbing in my head. The events of the previous night come rushing back to me—the celebration, the drinks, and the wild abandon with which I'd thrown myself into.

I stir in my nest, reaching out for my Alphas instinctively. My hand brushes against warm skin, and I smile, recognizing the familiar touch of Ashton. But as I move closer, I notice a hint of movement from the corner of my eye.

"Good morning, my sweetheart," a deep voice rumbles from behind me, sending shivers down my spine. Ryder’s strong arms wrap around me from behind, pulling me back against his bare chest. I can feel his morning erection pressing against my lower back, and a wave of desire washes over me, dispelling the remnants of my hangover.

"Mmm, good morning to me," I purr, leaning into his embrace. I turn my head to kiss Ashton, who is now fully awake and smiling at me with those captivating brown eyes. His lips are soft and warm against mine, his hand gently caressing my thigh, slowly moving upward.

Ryder's hands are roaming too, his touch sending sparks of pleasure through me. He knows exactly how to make me feel alive, Ashton swallowing my moan as Ryder's fingers slip between my thighs and run through my folds. Holy shit, this is definitely one way to wake up. A moan falls from my lips as I squirm between them, Ryder pushing a finger inside of me.

“Seems our Beta woke up a little needy. Ash, is there something we can do about this?”

I’m about to ask where Carleen is when Ashton just hums, still kissing me. Then he wraps a hand around my thigh and drags it over his hip, opening me up. I expect him to thrust inside of me but he’s still wearing his pants—which just leaves Ryder. The head of his cock presses against my entrance, slowly stretching me open.

Yeah, there’s no fucking way I’m ever going to be able to take his knot. Holy, fucking hell,he’s huge.

Ashton chuckles, breaking the kiss. “Big isn’t it? Like a fucking monster but it feels so fucking good, little doe. You can take it. I know you can.”

I gasp as Ryder pushes further, his purr settling any anxiety creeping in. He goes slowly, inching his way inside until he’s fully seated. "Oh, gods, Ryder," I breathe, my head falling back against his shoulder. Ashton's hands are on my breasts now, kneading and teasing my sensitive nipples, his touch contrasting with the deep, powerful thrusts of Ryder's cock.

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