Page 66 of Pretty Please Me
He sits back in his seat as his eyes scan all the way up my body. “Are you sure you’re up for that? I figured you’d be too sore.”
“Then I guess you underestimated me, sir.” I twirl my hair as I stare back.
“Fuck. I don’t know how I’m supposed to say no to that.” He stands and offers me his hand, wearing a wicked grin. “It would be my honor to initiate you, but you’ll have to keep the screaming to a minimum. We don’t want to be rude.”
“I’ll try my best, sir, but I can’t make any promises.”
“Christ, how did I get so lucky?
I hold his hand and follow him closely as he leads me to a private room in the back of the plane.
It’s not even a cramped bathroom.
“And they say chivalry is dead.”
TWENTY-FIVE
Maggie
A warm breeze blows my hair in my face, my long strands getting stuck in my lipgloss, and I do my best to tame it in the wind. It’s eight o’clock, and we’re standing on the front porch of the cutest three-story beach house right on the beach.
Crashing waves lull in the distance, and my stomach is in knots now that we’re here. Fortunately, I didn’t have much time to worry about anything on the flight. I was far too busy being ravished in the back room. If there’s one thing I can say about Sam, the man is in no hurry when it comes to pleasuring a woman.
My mind flashes to the memory, and the knot in my stomach tightens even more.
“They’re going to love you.” Sam kisses me on the forehead as he rolls our bags behind him. Of course, he won’t let me touch mine. “There’s nothing to be intimidated about. Just remember to hold your breath when you walk through the door,” he says as he turns the doorknob and steps in front of me just in time for the largest dog I’ve ever seen to jump on him. Its head is even with Sam’s when it stands on its hind legs.
“Hey, Denver. Who’s a good boy?” Sam coos as he rubs his ears. And just like that, Denver notices Sam isn’t alone and abandons him, leaping up to greet me with a wet tongue straight up my nose.
Now I know why he said to hold my breath.
I stumble back, the dog’s weight knocking me off balance, and Sam comes to stand behind me. “Whoa, now, Den. You’re coming off a little strong. Let the lady warm up before you attempt second base.”
“Goodness, it’s very nice to meet you, Denver,” I say as I wipe dog slobber off my face with the arm of my sweater.
“Denver, what have I told you about accosting visitors!” a man scolds as he pulls him away by his collar. Once released, Denver sniffs around our luggage.
“Hi, I’m Simon.” The man looks eerily similar to Sam, except his tattoos stretch down his arms, and his hair is clean-cut and straight, whereas Sam’s is a little longer and wavy.
I give his hand a tight squeeze. “Nice to meet you. I’m Maggie.”
“Whoa, now! Do my eyes deceive me, or is that a woman on Sam’s arm?” An older man pushes toward us. His eyes are warm like honey, and his hair is solid white. It’s almost like I’m staring at Sam in the future. “I’m James.” He claps Sam on the shoulder, then pulls him into a hug. When he breaks away, his smile covers his face. I can practically feel the joy beaming off him. “You must be the infamous Magnolia.”
I reach out my hand to shake his, but he just laughs and pulls me into a tight hug, his large body enveloping me in a blanket of joy. “In this family, we hug. Welcome to our home. We’re so happy to finally meet you!” He breaks away and runs his hands up and down my arms before releasing me fully.
I don’t understand how, but I actually feel happier, as if some of his happiness transferred to me by osmosis.
“Hey, Charlotte! The kids just got here!” he calls over his shoulder as he attempts to grab one of the suitcases. Sam swats him away.
“I’ve got the bags, Dad. Why don’t you show Maggie to the living room while I put these up?” Sam grins and darts his eyes to the side, telling me to follow him.
“Okay,” I mouth as I rub my fingers on the hem of my sweater. I follow James through the entryway into a cozy open-concept living space with a giant off-white sectional. A cute woman with white hair, though it looks more platinum blonde than anything because her complexion is so stunning, squeals as she closes the oven door and rushes over to us.
“Oh, gracious, you’re even more beautiful than Sam described. I’m so happy to meet you. I’m Charlotte.” She grabs the sides of my face and squeals. “Samuel, you could have told us she looked like a supermodel!”
Charlotte’s eyes well with tears as she looks at me and then hugs Sam. “It’s been too long, Sam. We are so happy you’re home.”
“It’s good to be back.” His smile is soft and genuine, and I can’t help but notice how his shoulders seem to have relaxed. “Something smells good.” He looks toward the kitchen.
