19. Morgan

19

MORGAN

Nerves flutter in my stomach during the ride to my apartment. Dane drives his sports car. I sit in the passenger seat, staring out the window, trying and failing not to focus on the strong hand resting on my thigh.

Every few seconds, Dane’s fingers stroke my exposed thigh. I think he’s doing it on purpose. I think he wants to torture me so that by the time we reach my apartment, I’ll be ready to strip down and throw myself at him the way I’ve been daydreaming about since New Mexico.

I’m not inexperienced. Not by a long shot. But the way I feel right now reminds me of when I was a teenager about to sleep with her boyfriend for the first time. I blame Dane’s good looks. And his sexy physique. And his bright smile and sense of humor.

Oh, God.

This is bad.

I’m so into Dane Larson it makes my head spin. I can’t think of one flaw. Other than showing his temper around Chelsea. But I’d be hard-pressed to find someone who wouldn’t react that way if their cheating ex tried to be friendly towards them. I know it makes me furious when Aaron acts like he didn’t rip my heart out and throw it in the trash.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

I turn and see Dane glance at me before returning his attention to the road.

“I’m nervous.” There’s no point in lying.

“About?” The automated GPS voice comes through the speakers, telling Dane the next direction to my apartment.

“I don’t bring men back to my apartment.”

It’s true. I haven’t been in a serious relationship since Aaron. If I’m seeing a guy and decide to sleep with him, I always suggest we go to his place. I want the ability to make a quick exit if things don’t go well. It’s my safety net.

The fact I invited Dane to my place is additional proof things with the hockey star are different.

That should terrify me. And it does, a little. But it also excites me. It also makes my stomach flutter with nerves that I hope I’ll be able to stifle when the time comes.

“Why not?” Dane asks, turning down the road that leads to my parking garage.

I shrug. “No one was ever worthy.”

“But I am?” He smiles.

I laugh. “Yeah, I think you are.”

Please don’t prove me wrong.

“I’m honored,” Dane sounds sincere.

I just nod.

Dane turns into the garage and my pulse picks up speed as he parks in one of the visitor spots on the first floor.

This is it.

I get out of the car and straighten my dress’s skirt so the slit reveals the least amount of skin possible.

Dane rounds the car and holds out his hand, looking pointedly at my heels. “For balance.”

I could tell him I’m a pro at walking in stilettos. My college clubbing days prepared me well, but I lace my fingers through his instead. “Thank you.”

Anticipation floats around us as we ride the elevator up to the fifth floor. I live five miles away from downtown. While my building isn’t as luxurious as Carlee’s in Midtown, it’s still got some nice amenities, like a garage elevator and interior front doors. Other than that, it’s not the best, but it was the best I could afford while in school.

Mom and Dad had offered to help me rent a better place, but I refused. I’d wanted to make it on my own. Now that I work for the Ranchers’, I can afford a better place. I should look into one.

Dane’s thumb runs over the back of my hand as the elevator rises, drawing my thoughts back to the moment at hand.

Does Dane know he does that? Or is it just an absentminded gesture? How many girls has he reduced to a puddle with his affectionate caress?

Stop it, Morgan.

I’m not an insecure person. I won’t let myself wonder about Dane’s past and ruin this night.

The elevator door opens. My heart thumps in time with each step we take to my front door. I fumble with my wristlet to get my key. Dane waits patiently at my side.

I take a deep breath and unlock the door, stepping inside and pausing to allow Dane to walk past. “Welcome to my humble abode.”

Thank God I cleaned up before tonight’s event.

My one-bedroom apartment isn’t tiny, but with all the potted plants and homey decorations, it can easily look cluttered if I leave dishes out or have clean clothes lying over the back of my couch.

Dane walks inside and turns his head, taking in my living room with my hand-me-down furniture and plush cream rug. The bottom shelf of my bookcase is filled with textbooks from my school years while the rest are adorned with well-worn novels and knick-knacks from family, friends, and my travels over the years. Framed photos hang on the wall, as well as a painting of the Dallas skyline that I did myself at one of those drink-and-paint places with Carlee.

I follow Dane as he wordlessly wanders into my kitchen. He stares at my fridge. “That’s a lot of magnets.”

“I collect them.”

“I can see that.” He looks over his shoulder and smiles at me. “Your place is really nice, Morgan. Very homey.”

“Thank you. That’s what I was going for.”

“Am I really the only guy you’ve ever brought here?”

I nod.

“Not even ass face?” His features twist with disdain.

I laugh. “No, Aaron’s never been here. We broke up before I moved here.”

More like I moved here because we broke up.

I wanted a fresh start from the life I led with Aaron. That started with a new place where he couldn’t drop by at will to try to convince me to take him back.

“Good.” Dane loosens the tie around his neck. “Mind if I use the bathroom?”

“Of course not. It’s down the hall.” I motion to the only hall in the place.

“Thanks.”

When I hear the bathroom door close, I let out the breath I’d been holding and look around the kitchen, flustered.

Should I wait for him here? Or should I go to my bedroom?

Does Dane do foreplay? I’m sure he does, but would he rather it happen organically while we’re watching TV or something? Or should we cut to the chase and kick things off on my bed?

Gah! I’m a mess. I need to pull myself together. Dane is just a man—a man with a chiseled jawline and perfectly sculpted muscles, but a man nonetheless.

I move into the living room and sit on my couch.

I bend over to undo the delicate buckle around my ankle when I hear the bathroom door open.

I look up, and my mouth dries. Dane stands at the edge of the living room with his shirt off. His muscular, tan torso dips and bulges as he walks towards me. “Let me do that.”

He kneels.

I suck in a breath as he takes my foot in his hand and kisses my ankle before unhooking the tiny buckle and sliding my foot free. He repeats the same with the other foot. This time, his eyes lock with mine as he kisses my shin. His hands rest on each leg, and he pushes the skirt wide. His kisses move to my thigh.

Sweet baby Jesus.

“Is this okay?” He asks, pushing my skirt even higher.

“Yes,” I say, breathless. “It’s more than okay.”

Dane smiles. “I’ve been thinking about doing this all day.”

“Doing what—Oh!”

His fingers hook my thong, moving the scrap of fabric to the side before pressing his mouth to my center and giving one long lick.

My hips buck. “Dane!”

He draws back just far enough to meet my eye with a smug expression. “Is this still okay?”

This is, by far, the most sensual sight I have ever seen. A man as formidable as Dane Larson, kneeling between my legs, his mouth poised to devour me, makes me throw all caution to the wind. Nerves disappear. All that remains is a desire so strong I feel like I’m going to combust.

“Yes,” I say, stronger this time. My hands grip the couch cushions by my hips. “Please, don’t stop.”

“Oh, baby. You don’t have to worry about that.” Dane dives back between my legs with renewed enthusiasm.

I moan and pant with each stroke of his tongue. Heat gathers in my core with each expert flick and delicious press of his fingers.

“Oh, god.” Pressure builds. “I’m close!”

Dane growls approvingly and increases his pace. Heat rushes to where he touches me, and then it explodes out, rippling through my limbs as I rock against his face. My hands find their way to his hair, and I grip tight as I ride out the orgasm.

When my pleasure ends, I exhale a shuddering breath and release his hair with a disbelieving sigh. Dane looks up. His jaw glistens with moisture.

“You’re so fucking sexy, Morgan.” He licks his lips. “And you taste delicious.”

I think I’m going to die.

Dane stands and adjusts his erection in his pants before holding out a hand. I let him pull me to my feet, then wrap my arms around his neck and draw him down for a passionate kiss. I taste myself on his tongue, and desire stokes to life in my chest once more.

I lower one hand and undo his belt buckle in one smooth movement. Dane hums, impressed, but the amused sound morphs into a tortured groan when I slip my hand into his underwear and wrap my fingers around his dick.

“ Morgan .”

“Yes?” I grin against his lips and stroke his thick length once. Twice. Three times. Moisture beads at the tip. I run my thumb over it and spread the smooth liquid down its length.

“You’re killing me.”

“Not yet, but I will.” I kiss his lips once, then pull away and drop to my knees.

I slide Dane’s pants to his ankles, then look up and hold his gaze as I do the same to his boxer briefs. His jaw slackens as I take him in my mouth, keeping eye contact as I hollow out my cheeks.

“Damn, Morgan.” His hand dives into my hair, grabbing a fistful. The pull on my scalp sends tingles to my toes. I love it. “Keep doing that.”

I oblige, bobbing my head and cupping his balls as I work his dick between my lips, tongue, and gentle nips with my teeth.

His grunts, groans, and moans fuel the fire of my lust. Going down on a guy was never something I enjoyed. It was always done in reciprocation, but I didn’t get off from it.

With Dane, I feel my core slicken with each pleasure-filled sound that leaves his mouth. Knowing I’m the one who makes him feel this good does something to me. I’ve never felt this way before.

“Oh, shit, Morgan.” Dane grunts. The hand holding my hair shifts ever so slightly, adjusting my pace as his hips buck. “I’m going to come.”

I don’t pull back.

If anything, I increase my efforts, sucking and licking and stroking his dick until Dane lets out a guttural roar and spills into my mouth.

My eyes water as I swallow salty mouthful after salty mouthful. Dane’s hips slow their bucking. He releases his fist and strokes my head with an expression filled with wonder and affection that makes my stomach flip.

“Holy shit, Morgan.” He reaches down and wraps an arm around my waist to pick me up. My legs wrap around his waist. He captures my lips in a long, sensual kiss. “That was incredible.”

“Good.” I grip his shoulders and kiss him again. “But I don’t want to be done yet.”

I’m still riding high on confidence.

“Oh, baby. Don’t worry. We’re just getting started.”

Kisses trail over my shoulder, rousing me from sleep. Calloused fingers gently push the hair off my back to expose my neck. I moan when teeth nip at the sensitive flesh. I arch my spine.

Dane’s breath warms my skin. “Good morning, gorgeous.”

A smile pulls my lips. I open my eyes and turn on my back. Dane lifts his chest, hovering over me with hands on either side of my head.

“Good morning.” I reach up and push a strand of hair off his forehead. It falls back the moment I lower my hand. “How did you sleep?”

“Like a rock.”

“Good.” I push myself up and kiss his lips quickly before plopping back down on the mattress. I want more, but I need to brush my teeth first.

Dane grins.

God, he’s so handsome.

Last night was the most incredible night of my life. Our sexual chemistry is out of this world. I’ve never experienced anything like it.

I came three times, and I have no doubt Dane would have kept going if I hadn’t pleaded for mercy and insisted we rest before he ravished me again. Dane Larson is a selfless lover. And I’m a very, very lucky girl.

“What are your plans for the day?” His eyes trail over my collarbone, dipping down to stare at the sheet covering my breasts. I can practically see his internal debate about whether or not to tug the sheet down.

I hope he does.

A night of sleep has renewed my libido. A pleasant ache throbs between my legs, but I’m sure the pain will disappear the moment we start fooling around again.

“No plans. You?”

Please say you want to hang out.

“I actually want to take you somewhere,” he says. “If you’re free.”

I’d rather stay in bed together, but his hopeful expression piques my interest. “Where?”

“It’s a surprise.”

“Hm. Can’t we stay here?” I reach up and run a finger between his muscular pecs. “I promise I’ll make it worth your while.”

Who am I?

This sultry seductress is new to me. But I won’t lie; I kinda love her.

Dane has awoken a part of me that’s lied dormant my entire life, and now that she’s out of her cage, she wants to roam free.

Dane grumbles, clearly conflicted, before he shakes his head firmly. “No. Surprise first. Sex later. Lots and lots of sex.”

I pout. “But I’m so cozy.”

I burrow deeper into my bed.

“Tough shit, Morgie. Come on.” Dane rolls away before I can thwack him with the pillow under my head for using the embarrassing nickname.

He laughs and adds, “Get that fine ass up, Caldwell. We have an appointment to keep.”