Page 26 of Sunflowers and Surrender

“Find your vibrator, and run it over your little bundle of nerves while my tongue is buried in your sweet, wet pussy.”

“Alex!” Her nails are buried so deep in my ass I’m sure she’s drawn blood. I pound into her relentlessly as she throws her head back, moaning unintelligibly. The sight of her is sending me careening over the edge.

“That’s it, baby. Come all over me.” Two more strokes and there’s no holding back. “Oh, fuck. Sunny.” My heart is about to tear through my chest. Collapsing beside her, I struggle to catch my breath.

As my pulse begins to slow, I reach over and brush her damp hair from her face. Leaning on my elbow, I kiss her forehead, her nose, and her lips. “I’ll never forget this night. Ever.”

Tuesday blinks up at me wordlessly.

Stroking her cheek, I kiss her again. “You okay?”

“Yes.”

She’s so quiet, and it’s a bit unnerving. I gather her in my arms and coax her to give in to sleep. Hopefully, tomorrow will be the start of a new life for both of us.

Chapter 18

Tuesday

I wasn’t dreaming. This actually happened. Waking in Alex’s arms felt similar to the last time. Yet there was no trepidation this time. He held me tight, his morning wood buried between my ass cheeks, kissing the nape of my neck as he stirred.

It was as if I could finally exhale. And thank god. Because how do you have sex like that and ever think you can walk away?

Last night was overwhelming. I had no idea anything could feel that way. Between my euphoria, utter exhaustion, and fear that I’d wake up today and it’d all be over, I couldn’t risk any meaningful conversation.

I’m far too sore to give morning sex consideration. Alex seemed to anticipate this as he brought me some Ibuprofen and a tall glass of water before jumping in the shower and heading to Ricky’s to gather my things.

Grace squealed so loud in the phone at the news we were giving this relationship thing a go I thought my eardrum might’ve ruptured. When I thanked her again for finding Gavin to stir the pot, she said, “Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday. No, like, for real.” I guess one day, I’ll have to learn more about how she found him.

Once Alex returned, he made us breakfast, and we spent the remainder of the day watching Netflix, cuddled up on his couch. I hated the idea of returning home, but he had to report for work at six in the morning, and I had classes and work at Cygnature Blooms tomorrow. Besides, I’m fully aware I needed to take it slow with him. Neither of us had ever been in a long-term relationship. We’ll have to pace ourselves if we don’t want this blaze to fizzle out too quickly.

“I hopeyou enjoy that beautiful poinsettia, Mr. Roberts.”

“Oh, I will, Tuesday. My wife is going to love it.”

As the kind regular to our shop exits the front door, he lingers to hold it wide for a well-bundled Grace, who’s carrying two coffee cups. “Holy cow. It’s so cold.”

“Christmas is in the air.” I laugh.

“I’m thinking I’d prefer to feel Christmas in the air on a sunny island in the Caribbean.”

I can’t help but recall the cruise and that incredible night with Alex. I’d definitely like to make cruising to all sorts of destinations happen. Especially the tropical ones. “Do you have any plans for the holidays?” Unlike our home, where every single year is the same, Grace’s family seems to alternate where the celebrations will occur.

“I’m not jazzed about going this year, to be honest. It’s at my Aunt Kittie’s house. She has this big dog that’s obsessed with me whenever I visit. There could be a house full of people, but that dog insists on following me around everywhere with his nose in my crotch.”

A chuckle escapes. “He must like what you’ve got going on downtown.”

“It’s embarrassing. I stopped wearing dresses because it’d look like I peed myself when it was his damn wet nose.”

Looking at the coffee cups Grace has deposited on the counter, I ask, “Did you make a coffee run?”

“No. It’s hot chocolate.” She rubs her hands together in excitement. “They were selling it at Fancy Nosh.”

“Oh, yum. Thank you. Were you getting lunch there?”

“I’m actually applying for a job-”

Grace’s words are interrupted by shrill sirens coming close to our shop. “Are we on fire?” She laughs.

---