Chapter 5

FIVE

Cora

“Are you going to Olive and Xavier’s New Year’s Eve party?” I ask Noelle as I fold my clothes and put them away in the dresser.

“No, I’m going to hang out with Ansel and just have a quiet night in,” she says and I can hear the smile in her voice.

“That sounds fun!”

“Yeah, it’s been nice having him back in town. I missed him.”

“I bet. Well, have fun. I’ll see you in the New Year!”

“Have fun at the party! Tell them all that I said hi and Happy New Year.”

“I will,” I promise. “Talk to you soon.”

“See you.”

We hang up, and I finish putting the rest of my clothes away.

“Are you going to the party?” Huxley asks, and I smile at him over my shoulder.

“Yep. You?”

“Yeah.”

I nod, and he hovers in the open doorway.

“Are you hungry?” He asks finally, and I nod.

“I could eat. Are we cooking here tonight?”

“Yeah, unless you wanted to go out.”

“No, that’s fine.”

“Omelets?” He asks me, and I nod.

“Sounds perfect.”

We head out to the kitchen, and as we get to work on dinner, I can’t help but think back to when I first moved in with him and how I was so sure that it was going to be awkward or a mistake. That’s not the case, though. I feel so at ease around Huxley, so at home in this house. I know that it’s only been a few days, but this place already feels like home.

“What are you thinking?” He asks me, and I blink, getting back to cutting up the vegetables.

“Just thinking about dinner,” I lie. “What about you?”

I smile as I look over at him and see him smiling down at the frying pan on the stove.

“New Year’s resolutions,” he says, and I blink again.

“Really? Are you making one this year?”

“Yeah, thinking about it.”

We add the vegetables to the eggs, and Huxley gets started on our omelets while I move to make us some toast.

“What have you come up with so far?” I ask him as he flips the omelet in the pan.

“Well, I think growing the business,” he says as he plates our food.

“Sounds good. Like hiring more people?” I ask him as I set the table, and we sit down.

“We actually just hired another Marine. You might know him; he grew up here in town.”

“What’s his name?”

“Ansel James.”

“Noelle’s Ansel?” I blurt, and he frowns.

“Uh, yeah, I think that he does have a girl named Noelle. He was always talking about her on our deployments and writing to her.”

“Oh my gosh! What a small world,” I say with a grin as we both dive into our food.

“What about you?” He asks me.

“I’d like to maybe find a new job or another one. Make some more money, grow my savings,” I list.

“What else?” He asks as he finishes his food.

“I’d like to pick up a new hobby. Lose some weight and start working out more, even if it’s just going for a walk.”

“Hm,” he says, and I quirk a brow.

“Got something to say?”

“You don’t need to lose weight,” he grumbles.

“I’d like to,” I stress.

He grumbles some more as I pop the last bite of omelet into my mouth.

“I’ll do the dishes,” I say as I push to my feet and carry my plate over to the sink.

“I can get them.”

“You did most of the cooking. I’ll clean.”

Huxley joins me at the sink as I load the dishwasher. He washes off his plate and passes it to me to put in the dishwasher.

“Did you come up with any other resolutions?” I ask him as I close the dishwasher.

“Yeah,” he says softly as he washes and rinses the pan, leaving it in the rack to dry.

“What is it?”

He takes a deep breath and looks down at me. He looks so thoughtful, and the energy between us shifts, growing more serious.

“I want to be braver,” he whispers, and I lick my lips.

“Braver? You were in the military. You were a Marine. I thought that there was no one braver.”

“There’s not.”

“Then what do you need to be braver about?”

“There’s just something that I haven’t been able to say…until now.”

I stare at him, and he takes a step closer to me until our toes are touching.

“Cora, I… I want you. Badly. I have for a while.”

My heart is racing like a runaway train, and I take a shaky breath. I’m not sure what to say, and my mind races as I try to process this new information.

Huxley likes me, really likes me, and as way more than just a roommate. He wants me, but what do I do with that information? Do I act on my feelings? Or try to forget about them?

Maybe it’s time that I start to be brave, too, and admit something to Huxley and myself.

“I want you too,” I whisper, and he lets out a rough exhale.

“Say it again,” he commands, and I swallow hard.

“I want you, Huxley. I like you too.”

Huxley’s eyes are dark and stormy, and I can feel the tension radiating off him as he steps closer, closing the space between us until we’re pressed up against each other. My heart races, my pulse pounding in my ears as I look up at him, the intensity in his gaze making my breath hitch. I can feel the heat simmering between us, something raw and undeniable that neither of us can ignore any longer.

As I watch, it’s like the beast that he’s kept caged inside of him is let loose. His hands cup my face, and he tugs me against him as his lips claim mine.

“Cora,” he says, his voice low and rough, his hands reaching out to grip my waist. His fingers dig in, pulling me against him with a possessiveness that makes me shiver. He’s so close I can feel the warmth of his breath, his hand moving up to cup the back of my neck, tilting my head up to meet his gaze.

I barely have time to react before his mouth crashes down on mine, rough and demanding. It’s not gentle, not soft—this kiss is fierce, all-consuming, and I lose myself in it completely. I press into him, my hands clutching his shoulders, and he growls low in his throat, his grip on me tightening as his lips move against mine, urgent and hungry.

He kisses me like he’s claiming me, his mouth hard and unrelenting, and I respond with just as much intensity, my hands sliding up into his hair, pulling him closer. I can feel the tension in his body, the way he’s barely holding himself back, and it ignites something wild in me. I tug on his hair, and he lets out a low, feral sound that sends a thrill down my spine.

“Cora,” he groans against my mouth, his voice thick with desire, and the sound of my name on his lips makes me ache with need.

I pull him even closer, desperate, needing more. His hands roam over my body, rough and possessive, leaving a trail of heat wherever he touches. His mouth moves down to my neck, his teeth grazing my skin, and I gasp, clutching him tighter. He nips at my collarbone, then soothes the spot with his tongue, making me shiver as I tilt my head back, giving him all the access he wants.

“God, Huxley,” I breathe, my fingers digging into his shoulders, and he pulls back just enough to look down at me, his eyes blazing.

He doesn’t say a word, just crushes his mouth to mine again, his kiss rough and desperate, like he can’t get close enough. I can feel the heat between us building, the fire and intensity that neither of us can contain. It’s raw, wild, and I lose myself in it, in him, in the way he kisses me like he’s wanted this for as long as I have.

There’s nothing soft about it—just heat, need, and the feeling that neither of us is holding back anymore. And as his hands tangle in my hair and his mouth claims mine over and over, I know I’m his, and he’s mine.

This is raw passion.

Pure need.

“Cora,” he murmurs, his voice low and rough, sending a shiver down my spine. He brushes a strand of hair from my face, his fingertips grazing my cheek with a touch that’s achingly gentle. My pulse quickens, and I can feel my cheeks flush under his gaze, heat pooling low in my belly as his fingers slide down to trace the line of my jaw.

I melt against him, my hands tangling in his hair as he pulls me even closer. His lips move slowly, exploring, tasting, igniting a fire inside me that I can’t ignore. I press into him, needing more, and he responds with a low, rumbling sound that vibrates through me, pulling me deeper into the kiss.

His hands are everywhere, one on my waist, the other sliding up my back, his fingertips pressing into me as if he can’t get close enough. His lips part against mine, and I let out a soft sigh as his tongue brushes against mine, sending sparks through every nerve. I sink into him, into the warmth and strength of his body, feeling the world around us fall away as his kiss deepens, becoming urgent, desperate.

“Huxley,” I breathe, his name a whisper against his lips, and he pulls back just enough to meet my gaze, his eyes dark and hungry. The look he gives me sends another wave of heat through me, and I can barely catch my breath as he leans down, his lips grazing my ear.

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted this,” he murmurs, his voice thick with desire, and I feel a shiver run through me.

“Then don’t stop,” I whisper, my hands tightening in his hair as he captures my mouth again, harder this time, more insistent, his hands roaming over my body, igniting every inch of skin he touches. I press against him, feeling the heat and strength of him, wanting more, needing more.

The kiss grows deeper, hotter, his mouth trailing down my jaw to my neck, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. I tilt my head back, giving him better access, and he doesn’t hesitate, his lips brushing over the sensitive skin just below my ear, making me gasp.

I’m lost in him, in the feel of his hands and his mouth and the way he holds me like he never wants to let go.

“Bed,” he mumbles against my lips, too wrapped up in me to pull away enough to talk.

“Uh-huh,” I mumble back, and then he’s lifting me and carrying me to my room like I weigh nothing. My body heats even more at his show of strength, and I moan, writhing against him.

“Fuck, Cora. You’re going to make me come before I’ve even got you naked.”

I gasp as he lays me down on the bed and grinds against me, thrusting between my legs and driving me wild.

“Been dreaming about you naked and beneath me for so long,” he whispers as we rock together.

“Then do it. I don’t want to wait any longer,” I beg him.

He nods, standing between my legs and pulling his shirt over his head as he stares down at me with so much heat and longing in his deep green eyes. His dark brown hair is slightly mussed, and I know that it’s from my fingers being in it.

“You turn,” he says, and I sit up, pulling my shirt off and dropping it on the floor.

I have a moment of panic and self-doubt as I stare at Huxley’s ripped body, but when I look up at him, his eyes are locked on my curves, and as I watch him, he licks his lips. He wants me. He’s staring at me like he’s never seen anything sexier, and that helps my confidence level grow.

“Bra,” he rasps out.

I reach behind me and unhook the clasp, letting the straps slowly slide down my arms until they’re off. Then I let the cups drop, and the bra falls to the floor next to my shirt.

“Fuckkk,” he groans, and I blush.

“Take off the rest of it,” I tell him.

We both reach for our pants at the same time, and it’s like we’re racing to get naked. I win, but Huxley is right behind me, and then he’s on me.

His lips land on mine as he lifts me and drags me to the very center of the bed. His knees nudge my legs wider, and he lets some of his weight press onto me. It feels delicious to have him on me like this, his hot skin branding mine everywhere it touches.

His tongue tangles with mine, and his fingers tangle in my hair, tugging at the strands until he has my head angled just right. The kiss deepens, and his cock rubs against my drenched core, the tip rubbing back and forth over my clit, until I’m right on the edge and begging him to put it in.

“Please!” I scream, and he hums against my lips.

“Need to taste you,” he says, and I push on his chest until he lifts off of me a bit, then reach down and swipe two of my fingers up my pussy and hold it out to him.

“Here. Taste. Then you fuck me before I scream.”

“Oh, Cora, baby, I’m going to make you scream,” he promises me wickedly.

His lips wrap around my fingers, and when his tongue swirls around the digits, I almost combust.

“Put it in,” I pant, and he moans as he licks my fingers clean.

“In a minute. I need another taste.”

He grabs my hand and runs my fingers through my juices again. Then brings those fingers back to his mouth.

“Oh my god,” I pant.

“Say my name,” he orders.

“Please, Huxley.”

He kisses the tips of my fingers and then starts to kiss his way down my body. He cups my breasts, and I arch into his hold as his lips wrap around one nipple, his tongue rolling over the stiff peak.

My hips are restless against his. His cock keeps rubbing against me, so close to where I need him, but I can’t get him to where I want him.

“Huxley,” I cry out, and he grins against my breast before he switches to my other nipple.

I let out a frustrated groan, and he chuckles as his teeth nip at my skin.

“Be patient. I’ve been dreaming about this for so long. I want to take my time.”

“I’m so close to just taking care of myself and saying screw you,” I warn him.

He growls but starts to kiss down my body. His hands grip my thighs, and he holds them open as he licks a path up my center, and then he buries his face in my core.

I scream as he sucks my clit into his mouth and come so hard that I see stars. My thighs clamp down around his head, but that doesn’t faze him. He keeps licking me, his tongue circling my little button until I come again.

He licks up all of his juices, and I reach down, tugging at his hair to get him to stop.

“Fuck me,” I order, and he licks my clit once more and then prowls up my body.

He kisses me, and I taste myself on his tongue. His cock nudges at my opening, and I wrap my legs around his waist as he starts to push into me.

“Wait!” I gasp. “Shouldn’t I…take care of you first?” I ask him.

“You can do that later,” he promises me as he sinks in another inch, nudging up against my virginity.

“Thank fuck,” he groans, and I frown.

“Wha—” I start, and then he thrusts into me, popping my cherry and bottoming out inside of me.

We both groan, and as he fills me, and my legs tighten around his waist. He kisses me and then looks into my eyes, studying my every reaction as he starts to slide out of me and then push back in.

He buries himself inside of me over and over again, lighting up all of my nerve endings and pushing me closer to the edge with each thrust.

I’m soaking wet, and Huxley starts to really pound into me. His pace is rough, and I love it. Normally, I feel big and heavy, but having Huxley take charge and move me wherever he wants me makes me feel dainty and sexy.

“Oh!” I cry out as he hits a spot inside of me that makes me feel like a firecracker about to go off.

“That’s it, baby. Let me hear how much you love it. I want to hear you scream my name until you’re hoarse.”

“Fuck,” I pant, and he shakes his head.

“Not good enough.”

He kneels between my thighs, putting my ankles on his shoulders and dragging my ass into his lap. He’s so deep this way and I suck in a sharp breath as he pounds against that spot inside of me.

“Huxley… HUXLEY!” I scream as I start to come on his cock.

“That’s it,” he says, his cock grinding against my clit as he pulses against me.

“Oh,” I cry out as his fingers rub against my clit, making my orgasm go on and on.

He holds my thighs tight and practically bends me in half as he starts to fuck me harder. Stars burst behind my eyes as another orgasm starts to build in me. I can tell that Huxley is close too. His pace is starting to grow erratic, and I can feel him swell in me, and I can see him losing control in his eyes and the set of his mouth.

We lock eyes, and he stares at me with a look close to love as we both come.

“Cora,” he whispers, and I’ve never heard anyone say my name like that. With so much longing, love, and need.

I love it.

I might even love him.

Wait. No, that must just be the post-orgasm high messing with my brain.

Huxley pulls out slowly, and I look away from him, trying to hide my feelings before he can see them. He rolls onto his side, both of us breathing hard, and I try to look normal as I snuggle under the comforters next to him. He pulls me into his side, and I rest my head on his chest, listening to his racing heart as I try to sort through my feelings.

I can’t be in love with Huxley… can I? I haven’t really known him that long. Plus, I can’t date my roommate. If we break up, it would be so awkward. Although, sleeping with my roommate may have already made things awkward…

I’m so warm, so comfortable, that soon enough, my eyes grow heavy, and I start to drift off. As I fall asleep, my last thought is that maybe falling for Huxley isn’t the worst thing in the world.