Page 38 of Deception & Daylight
“Iwasa man whore. Until I met this five-foot nothing wildcat with fuck me eyes and a mouth that doesn’t quit.” She’s stunned silent. If I had to guess, I’d say she’s considering whether to slap me or kiss me; I’d be open to either option. Continuing the conversation like I didn’t just rock her world with my declaration, I lean in close and whisper in her ear, “You need a safe word.”
She shivers as my breath fans over her flesh, and cocky grin spreads over my face. Pulling back, she meets my heated gaze. Her eyes stay locked on mine until, finally, she breathes out one simple word: “Daylight.”
“Why daylight?”
“Because it’s the only thing that can break through the darkness.” And fuck if that statement doesn’t bring me to my knees.
Chapter 16
Mags
? Heaven – Niall Horan
Spurred into motion by yet another bout of writer's block, I head out to The Ridge for a change of scenery — and a drink or two can’t hurt. My footsteps echo on the concrete as I stride into the bar in the heart of Oak Ridge, taking in the familiar sight of the modern, rustic space. A few patrons are dotted around the floor at high top tables, while the long row of stools stands empty across from the familiar face of my best friend’s husband standing arms crossed behind the counter.
“Look what the cat dragged in,” Cade drawls as I slide onto a stool at the far end of the bar. “What can I get ya, Mags?”
“A lobotomy?” I deadpan.
“Fresh out of those, I’m afraid. Anything else?”
“I guess a margarita will do. Double shot, top shelf shit, please. And hey, a little birdie told me you keep a secret stash behind the bar. You wouldn’t happen to have something for your favorite girl’s bestie, would you?”
Cade chuckles, reaching beneath the bar “As a matter of fact…” He pulls out a pack of M&M’s and a bag of gummy bears. “Pick your poison.”
“Oooh. Gummy bears, all day long.” I snatch the bag from his hands and tear into it like I haven’t eaten in weeks, pausing when I realize I must look completely feral. With a mouthful of the sweet treat, I manage a muffled “thanks”.
With a nod and a quick rap of his knuckles on the pristine wood surface, he takes off down the bar, rimming a margarita glass with salt as I dig into my bag of treats.
Out of my periphery, I spot a massive hand reaching into my space, snagging a handful of my gummy bears before I can stop him. My head snaps up, putting me face to face with Miles as he pops them into his mouth. I had hoped to avoid a run in with my fake boyfriend tonight, but that’s pretty much impossible in this town. Between living at his mother’s inn, being best friends withhisbest friend’s wife, and his favorite lunch spot being the only diner in town, I’m well and truly fucked if I want to stay out of his orbit.
Yesterday’s surprising conversation has been playing on a loop in my mind, mingling with thoughts of a commanding Miles Barlow taking control of my pleasure. It’s a heady thought, though not an unwelcome one. Lost in the depths of his brilliant blue eyes and his smile like daylight, only one word formed on my lips.
Daylight.
Despite our initial connection on the app, our digital exploits never went beyond a few sexts here and there. In hindsight, it always felt a little… one sided. I shared plenty of intimate photos over our three-month exchange, but they were never reciprocated. I even made a video once when I was feeling particularly bold.
I’ve never shied away from my sexuality, but Miles always gave me the impression he was holding himself back. His secretly dominant nature came as a complete surprise, but it makes sense when I think back on some of our early exchanges. The prospect is both exhilarating and somewhat intimidating, but I’m looking forward to exploring this side of my sexuality.
“Hands off my treats, Barlow,” I scold half-heartedly as I watch his throat bob on a swallow.
“Why don’t you tell me where you’d like me to put my hands instead, Watson?”
Before I can come up with a sassy retort, the love of my life walks into the bar. “Hey babe,” I pull Paige close, her soft curls brushing my cheek as I hold her a little too long. I didn’t realize just how much I needed the contact until I had her wrapped in my arms.
When I release her from my hold, her features have softened and there’s a glassy sheen to her eyes, some unspoken emotion hidden behind those dark brown eyes. “What was that for?” she asks.
I shrug, securing a mask of indifference. “Just missed my bestie.”
Giggling softly, she says, “Whatever you say, weirdo.” She waves at her husband as he returns with my drink, leaning over the bar to give his wife a very not safe for work kiss.
“Now that’s how you greet your man,” Miles says, puckering his lips suggestively in my direction.
“I think the fuck not.” Bringing the margarita to my lips, I take a prolonged drink, moaning as the delicious combination of flavors hits my tongue, followed by the slight burn of the extra shot of tequila. I pluck the lime off the rim and bite down, locking eyes with Miles over my glass. There’s unmasked heat in his gaze as a bead of condensation lands on my exposed cleavage, minimal as it is. Locked in a staring contest, I nearly miss the assessing stares from my best friend and her husband until Paige clears her throat. “Oooook. So… I’ll have what she’s having.”
Miles adjusts the visible bulge in his jeans before turning to lean his elbows on the bar. Unprompted, Cade slides him a beer that he downs in one long pull. “Yeah, I’m gonna need something stronger,” he mutters, slamming the empty bottle on the counter.
“I’ve got you, man,” Cade says, pouring two fingers of top shelf bourbon before sliding it across the bar.
