Page 17 of Smoke After Hours

Unfortunately, a noise outside in the woods forced us to break apart. Volley gripped my hips and placed me behind him on the bed, his pistol immediately out. I was the closest to theswitch and cut off the light so that we could see into the darkness without the glare, clutching the sheet around me since I was bare from the waist down.

We moved away from the window, but we didn’t speak. Didn’t take our eyes away from the woods. When Volley told me he needed to check it out, my heart was beating out of my chest, partially out of worry, but also because of that damn kiss. A kiss that put all the others we’d ever shared to shame because his lips hadn’t just made love to my mouth, but my pussy, too.

I was still throbbing in pleasure upon realizing that his lips and hands were a work of magic that my body had needed more than I realized, when he returned, alert but amused.

“It was Jaxon and Talia Lockwood,” Volley mentioned, referring to the newlywed couple who had joined the trial run for High Hoppers last year. “They wanted to fuck in the woods, but they got spooked by a raccoon and ran in the wrong direction toward our cabin instead of theirs.”

My eyes widened as I thought about how our dim light had been on and our curtains had been completely open. “Guess we gave them a show, huh?”

He smirked, placing his gun down. “They claimed they didn’t see anything, but Talia was blushing, so I assume they got off while watching me get you off.”

My body shivered at the thought. “Well, it’s not like we don’t understand the intimacy of watching someone orgasm.”

His eyes darkened and he clenched his jaw, no doubt thinking about all the times over the years that he’d seen me please myself. Touch myself. Masturbate to whichever toy he slid into my nightstand. He broke eye contact to close the shades and turn the light back on, leaving it dimmed.

What were we supposed to do?I know what I wanted him to do. I wanted him to fuck me senseless and give me at least two more orgasms. Yet, I knew how Volley’s mind worked. Even ifit had just been the Lockwoods, the possible threat had brought Volley back into protector mode.

So instead of telling him to fuck me until I couldn’t walk tomorrow, I announced, “I’m taking a shower,” dropping the sheet, letting him see the wetness still between my legs.

I didn’t see his reaction, but I heard his grunt, followed by a growl that grew deeper as I removed my shirt and bra next, leaving me in the nude as I tested the temperature, knowing I had to keep it short so that there was enough hot water for him.

The bathrooms were small, but I left the door ajar, not surprised when he stood to lean by the kitchenette counter so that he could get an unobstructed view of me.

His heated eyes roamed over every part of my body, burning me more than the hot water was.This is us.Him watching. Me letting him watch. The balance of our friendship back to what it continually was.

Unlike other times, there was a chance we would talk things out later, but for right now, I was just enjoying his eyes on me like always. His attention was like a part of my skin at this point. Something that fit so perfectly and seamlessly into my life, that it felt like a natural extension of who I am. I don’t know what I would be like without it.

That night, he held me the entire time, whispering Swahili words that I couldn’t define, but felt like in my heart held true meaning that he’d never tell me out loud. At least not yet.

We fell asleep that way. Our arms wrapped around each other.

Tightly.

Effortlessly.

Purposefully.

I awoke sometime in the middle of the night, causing Volley to stir awake as well. Every now and then, I still had nightmaresabout the time my mother was taken. Then more recent ones about losing Cora and the possibility of my dad being murdered.

Tonight, Volley tucked me back into his arms safely. Over the years, he hadn’t made a habit of slipping into my bedroom, but when he did, I always slept better when Volley was near me. Holding me. His large arms the embrace I needed to combat my fears. He quieted the noise … always.

He was my favorite person in the entire world. My safe space.

seven

HOP STOP #5 - Brownie Bud Bites: A weed and liquor inspired tasting at Pretty Little Flavors Restaurant & Candy Shop.

VOLLEY

“Hey, cuzzo,”Vanessa “Nessy” Blackwood-Carden stated as she ran up to Bentley and embraced her in a big hug. “Glad to have you back in Chicago.”

Nessy was the owner of Pretty Little Flavors, a cannabis-infused food and dessert aphrodisiac restaurant in downtownChicago. In the cozy ambiance of the restaurant, you were immediately surrounded by the aroma of various herbs, spices, sweetness, and of course, cannabis.

“It’s good to be back,” Bentley told her, returning her hug. “Volley and I can’t wait to try some of the dishes you’re featuring today for your High Hoppers event.”

Nessy rubbed her hands together, a sly smile on her voice. “Oh, y’all are in for a treat.” She leaned forward to hug Volley. “My bad, big head. I forgot you were standing there. How’s life treating you?” Her eyes bounced between me and Bentley. “Still dragging your feet on making a move before someone comes along and snatches up my cousin?”

Laughing, I shook my head. Nessy was a straight shooter, especially when it came to her family. To her, it didn’t matter that Bentley wasn’t a blood cousin. They were chosen cousins, which to me was probably even better.

---