Page 64 of Anything For This Love

I sit up as he starts to tug on my dress, letting him bring it over my head and exposing my matching undergarments. They’re the same blood red of my dress, trimmed in delicate lace, the bra barely containing my swollen breasts. The thong has a thick lacy band trimming the waistline that dips slightly lower in the front, forming a wide “V”.

“Fuck,” he breathes, taking me in as he hovers above me. “I want to taste every inch of you, but I don’t know where to start.”

“Start here and work your way down.” I tap my finger against my lips and he grins deviously, following my instructions.

He starts at my mouth, quickly making his way to my breasts, freeing each one from their cups. Dipping his head to pull the tightening peaks into his mouth, he licks and sucks both with equal fervor. His hands frame my waist as his mouth trails down my stomach. When it reaches the edge of the lace, his fingers dip below the fabric covering my hips. I lift them, silently begging him to take them off. I need to feel his mouth on my most sensitive parts. He slowly drags the red lace down my legs, torturing me with his teasing. Once I’m completely bare, he gazes upon me with scorching hot need, lust filling his icy blue eyes as they scan down my body.

I shiver at his scrutiny, anticipation tingling across my skin. Finally, he leans in and takes a slow lick, his large hands pinning my bottom half to the bed. My back bows as he circles my clit, an unladylike grunt leaving my mouth. He sucks it into his mouth and I nearly explode on the spot. His mouth leaves my body and I fight the urge to grab his hair and pull him back, but then his fingers part me and slip inside, curling forward. I gasp as he begins to move, stroking me deliciously. His mouth comes back down on my center, his tongue working its magic as I writhe, my hands clasping the blanket beneath me. My pleasure skyrockets, the sensation of hovering above the earth sending me into a state of euphoria. Then I’m falling, the sweetest crash imaginable leaving me limp and sated.

Before I can execute my next move, he has himself sheathed with protection and I’m pinned beneath him. I welcome him in as he thrusts inside, hitting all the overstimulated spots that ignited my last release. It doesn’t take long for him to send me over the edge again.

“Come for me,” he growls into my ear. “You don’t have to be quiet out here. Just let go.”

I scream my release into his shoulder, coming apart beneath him. Every cry, every whimper and scream, I let it all out. With one last punishing thrust, he stills, his face contorted in ecstasy as he climaxes. His body collapses beside me, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he tries to catch his breath.

We fall asleep shortly after, both of us spent. In the morning, Jacob lights a fire in the small fireplace, laying a thick, plush blanket on the floor in front of it. We enjoy the complimentary champagne and chocolate covered strawberries before making love once more, then check out and head home.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Jacob

My baby girlis two years old. Her actual birthday isn’t until tomorrow, but I’ll be back in Arlington, ready to start my work week, so we’re celebrating today. My parents are driving in for a small celebration at Abby’s house. Her Aunt Roselyn and Uncle Phil will be there, along with Tiff and Ethan. As far as I know, those two haven’t made up yet, so I suspect the environment will be a little tense.

The modest house is barely big enough to accommodate the small gathering, but no one seems to mind, although I notice Ros keeps her distance from my parents. She’s aware that my mother was behind the long separation between Abby and me, but Abby has assured her that my mother has been trying to make amends. She also asked her and Phil to play nice and keep the focus on Chloe. It’s her birthday and we all want it to be special. It’s the first time I’ve gotten to celebrate one with her, and we want it to be memorable for all the right reasons. They’ve agreed to remain civil and not cause any drama.

To keep things simple and stress free, we order pizzas and side dishes from a local, family-owned pizza shop. The counter is scattered with pizza boxes, bags of chips, a pan of salad, and aluminum containers full of chicken wings in three different levels of hotness. Phil carries in a folding card table and some chairs to add extra seating. My father and Ama dive into an in-depth discussion regarding his plan for the first one hundred days of his presidency if he gets elected. At one point, he asks for a pen and paper and starts taking notes. I watch, a pleased grin splitting my lips as he scribbles down her suggestions. This is one of the reasons why people love him. He listens. He talks to the people who will be affected by his policies and takes their concerns into consideration.

The party is in full swing when Tiff finally arrives, hauling a huge box covered in pastel pink wrapping paper. Placing it in the corner with the rest of the presents, she pastes on a wide smile and gives Abby a hug before leaning down to kiss the top of Chloe’s head. “Happy birthday, kid,” she says, gently tugging on one of Chloe’s pigtails.

“Gink oo,” Chloe chirps, giggling as she swipes at Tiff’s hand.

“Grab a plate and have a seat.” Abby starts to stand, but Ethan stops her.

“She can have my seat. I’m finished.” He stands and discards his empty plate, retreating to the bathroom without saying another word.

Tiff watches him longingly, her face growing ashen. Roselyn shoots her a curiously hostile look and Tiff drops her gaze. Abby doesn’t witness the peculiar exchange. She’s too busy wiping pizza sauce from Chloe’s hands and face. An odd tension settles around the two women and I wonder if Ros is mad about Ethan and Tiff dating behind Abby’s back or if it goes deeper. Tiff once worked for Ros but quit her job when she decided to move to Nashville and live with her father while attending cosmetology school.

Our squirmy little girl is ready to get out of her highchair and play. When Ethan returns, he scoops Chloe up and carries her to the living room, sitting cross legged on the floor as she dumps her plastic tote of toys in front of him. Ethan, being a good sport, entertains her with dolls and figurines while the other adults eat and catch up.

Once everyone has finished with their meal, Abby brings out the cake. The blue fondant has shimmery white splatters on it to give the impression of snow. Elsa and Anna figurines adorn the top, dressed in their signature attire. Little Olaf faces stare back from the sides of each round tier. Chloe squeals with excitement when she sees it. We all join in to singHappy Birthdayto her and she giggles with delight.

I help Abby serve up the cake and ice cream, depositing the dessert on princess themed plates. Chloe refuses to go back in her chair, so I hold her while she enjoys her cake. We’re both covered in frosting by the time the sugar kicks in and she wriggles out of my lap, but I don’t mind. I’m just happy to be here, to be a part of something I missed the first time around. I’ll take a little mess if it means being in Chloe’s life.

As conversation continues around the tables, I find Ethan and Tiff on the couch. They’re perched on opposite ends but are facing each other. Ethan’s eyes are full of regret and Tiff looks like she’s on the verge of tears as she stares down at her hands. Whatever is going on between them looks very private and intimate. They don’t need an audience while they hash it out, so I return my focus to Abby. Her smile lights up the whole room as she laughs and plays with Chloe. She looks infinitely happy, surrounded by the people she loves as we celebrate our child’s birthday.

Once everyone leaves for the evening, I help Abby clean up the kitchen as Ama packs away the leftovers. When she leaves the kitchen, heading toward her room to retire for the evening, I pull Abby into my arms and kiss her. Her lips taste like buttercream frosting as I swipe across them with my tongue.

“Mmm,” I groan, nipping at her bottom lip. “I’d really like to lick some of that frosting off another part of your body.” Her breath hitches as my mouth latches onto her neck and I give it a gentle suck.

She releases a frustrated growl. “Stop it. You’re making me horny and there’s nothing we can do about it now.” My lips curve against her throat at the playful warning.

“Are you sure?”

She chuckles. “Yes, I’m sure. My grandmother is just down the hall and Chloe is still awake.”

“It was worth a shot.” She pushes me away, rolling her eyes at my futile attempts to woo her. There is no way for us to get busy, so I drive the four hours home with a terrible case of blue balls.

Dad’s campaignis gaining steam, and with that, the news outlets come calling. He sits for several interviews, always charming his host and gaining the audience’s applause. He has a natural charm and just enough of a southern drawl to make people adore him. He’s garnered so much attention that if I’m in the city, there’s almost always someone snapping a picture of me. My face has become increasingly recognizable because of him. Now, it's not just the paparazzi and reporters trying to catch a glimpse of me, but giggling girls and brazen young women trying to get the perfect shot for their Instagram feed. Several ladies from their late teens to mid-thirties have even been bold enough to proposition me.

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