His name is a chant spilling off my lips until I’m hoarse. He blasts me out of the atmosphere, until I’m no longer suspended to this earth. I have chills, but my skin is on fire. He’s sending me to another universe—hell, another realm—where orgasms shatter everything I’ve once known.
Crawford collapses beside me, but we’re still a tangle of entwined limbs and rushes of toe-curling pleasure. When we finally catch our breath and float down to reality, he threads his fingers through mine.
“Damn, Kee.” He raises my hand, raining sloppy kisses on my wrist. “If that’s what love is, we’re fucking soulmates.”
I giggle while snuggling closer. “Fated by simultaneous climaxes and destined for a mutually satisfied forever.”
Healing Hug #32: The only one that truly matters is when you’re free to love with open arms.
Plumes of charcoal-rich smoke waft over to my spot on the patio. I slouch lower in my lounge chair, sipping on the fruity cocktail our resident and borrowed bartender blended for me. Decker sure knows how to mix a lot of booze together and make the end result taste delish. With another pull off my straw, the liquor sends a warm buzz through me. A nap is very likely to drag me under if I remain seated. I force myself to stand, stretching once I’m upright.
Groups of friends and family form chatting clumps across our backyard. All of our guests are smiling and sharing laughs. Elsa and Patch are partaking in the festivities, chasing each other all about. Mother Nature has been kind enough to grace us with a cloudless yet balmy afternoon. I allow a grin of my own to curve my glossy lips. This tradition in the making is long overdue.
Crawford appears out of seemingly nowhere, wrapping an arm around my waist. “What’re you thinking about?”
“Nothing much. Just enjoying the view. I never thought to gather everyone together like this. Thanks for the suggestion.” I bump my hip into his.
“Didn’t expect that coming from me, huh?”
“I do now. Social events seem to be growing on you.” I lean against his side, savoring the woodsy musk floating off him. The alcohol in my system takes a backseat as his addictive scent goes straight to my head.
A low rumble drums in his chest. “That’s not the only thing expanding for me. I happen to be rising to the occasion, just for you.”
He turns into me and a noticeable bulge presses against my ass. If the semi in his jeans is any indication, this man is always ready to romp. Not that I’m complaining one little bit. The path of love bites and hickeys hidden by his shirt are proof of just how much I appreciate that insatiable need. His nose and mouth carve a hot path along my jaw.
“Not the time, Ford.” Yet I tilt my chin, granting him access to explore.
“That’s not what you said this morning.” His tongue joins the party, trailing fire down my neck.
“I wasn’t serious about sneaking off for a nooner.” A squeak escapes me when he nips at my exposed nape.
“Never tease a man with that,” he murmurs. Rather than force me to reconsider, Crawford straightens and resumes a more publicly appropriate pose.
I allow my thoughts to wander as his thumb draws circles around my hip bone. “Have you heard from him again?”
His smile dims at the edges at the mention of his father. “He called yesterday. The tone in his voicemail is slightly less scathing. I think he’s coming around very slowly.”
“How do you feel about that?”
Crawford shrugs, tipping a beer to his lips. “Pretty good. I said my piece. The next step is up to him.”
“And Grant? Is he adjusting to the new grind well?” I scan the crowd, finding his brother. The man in question is currently trying to flirt with my bestie. Based on the scowl pinching Josey’s features, she’s not impressed with his attempts.
He follows my gaze with a chuckle. “I’d say he’s doing just fine.”
“Maybe I should rescue her,” I muse.
“Ah, he’s harmless. They’re probably just reminiscing over the past.”
I furrow my brow. “Do they have history?”
“Barely.”
“Vague much?”
Crawford nods at them. “We’ll see how this plays out first. I don’t wanna give you a reason to dissuade her.”
I squint at him. “That’s ominous, and interesting.”
“Life in a small town, babe.”
A familiar figure appears in my periphery. “Speaking of, did I ever tell you that I bumped into your mother when we were…fighting?”
He stares at me from under the curved brim of his ball cap.
“I was not aware of that. Did she tell you a bunch of embarrassing stories?”
An unladylike snort stings my nose. “I wish.”
His hum is soothing. “She’s probably saving those for our wedding.”
I almost swallow my tongue on a garbled choke. “Oh?”
Crawford bends to whisper in my ear. “Don’t pretend you haven’t pictured it.”
“Maybe,” I murmur.
“Close your eyes and imagine with me.” His warm exhale prompts me to follow instructions, my lashes fluttering shut. “You’re wearing a lacy white gown, heading down the aisle sprinkled with wild flowers. I’m waiting at the altar in a black suit, ready to promise you forever. Millie has our rings fastened on a pillow, our lives merging as one.”
I blow out a stream of hot air at the vivid dream he paints. “You’ve given this a lot of thought.”
He nods against me. “I’m a man with a plan.”
“Well, this is me getting on board.” I press closer to his chest.
“That’s good to hear because I plan to begin carrying it out very soon.” His hold on
