Chapter 21

Twenty-One

Everett

“ C an I help?” Sutton asks as he steps up to the counter, peeking into the pot on the stove.

“Sure, buddy. Want to get the milk and butter out of the fridge?”

It’s been a couple of days since Gemma came home from the hospital, and while I know she’s feeling much better and back to normal, I’ve still been coming over to help where I can. Am I looking for any excuse to be around her and Sutton? Yes, but so what?

Hence why I’m making a very gourmet dinner of hot dogs and mac and cheese for the three of us while Gemma works on her laptop on the porch. The entire scenario we’ve got going tonight feels very domesticated, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it.

Since we go to the same place in the morning, I’ve driven Sutton to and from school every day this week to make things a little easier on Gemma, and I went with him to his baseball practice yesterday. I’ve always loved being around kids; it’s why I became a teacher, but it’s different with him in a way I can’t pinpoint.

“What next?” Sutton asks, placing the gallon jug of milk on the counter next to the butter container.

“Once I drain the water, which I’m going to do right now,” I explain as I take the pot over to the strainer in the sink, “then we can put in the milk and butter, mix it all, then add in the cheese sauce. Can you check the box, see how much milk and butter is needed, and then double that amount since we used two boxes?”

“Sure!”

As I’m transferring the noodles back into the pot, Gemma walks into the kitchen, sunglasses resting on the top of her head as she looks between the two of us. “Well, what’s going on here?”

“Mom, Everett is letting me help make dinner!”

A smile tips her lips. “That’s nice of him, isn’t it?”

“Yeah!”

“Guess who I just got off the phone with?”

Sutton’s eyes widen with curiosity. “Who?”

“Uncle Graham. He asked if you wanted to spend the night tonight. He and Aunt Megan are heading to Seforde tomorrow to pick up the crib for the baby, and they know you love the donut shop there.”

“Really?!”

“Yeah, what do you say?”

“I say yes, of course!”

Gemma giggles at his excitement. “Okay, I’ll text him and let him know I’ll drop you off after dinner. “How about you go wash up before we eat.”

“Can I dump in the butter and milk first?”

Smiling down at her son, she brings her hand up to the back of his head, ruffling the hair back there. “Sure, babe.”

The love she has for him is evident for anyone to see. It’s a beautiful sight, and I feel privileged to be able to witness it. He’s so sweet and empathetic and helpful, and it just shows how well she’s done raising him. I admire who Gemma is as a mother, and I know how lucky Sutton is to have a mom like her.

Not to mention, watching her be a mom is incredibly sexy.

It has to be a primal reaction, watching her do something we are biologically designed to do. There’s nothing sexier than that.

Gemma and I haven’t done anything else since that first night, but I hope to change that soon. I’ve been dying to have another taste of her. Dying to have her put her soft hands on me. Dying to capture her lips with mine again, flick my tongue against hers.

After Sutton helps get the ingredients into the pot, he rushes out of the kitchen to wash up in the bathroom. Gemma comes to a stop beside me, head turning toward me as her eyes drift up to my face, a sultry grin sliding into place.

“Hey, Mr. Windward.”

I huff out a laugh as I stir in the sauce packets. “Hey, mama.”

Her eyes darken, the sight making my balls throb. “I like when you call me that,” she says, a faint tinge of pink splashing her cheeks.

“Yeah? ”

“Mmhmm. It’s not something I ever considered I’d find hot, but coming from you, it does it for me.”

Glancing behind me and making sure Sutton isn’t coming, I lean down and press my mouth to hers, feeling the way she inhales sharply as my tongue glides along her lower lip, sweeping inside as she parts. It’s a quick kiss, over before it barely even begins, but it lights my blood on fire all the same.

“So, Sutton’s going to be gone tonight?” I ask hoarsely, a smirk full of mischief curling my lips.

Gemma bites down on her bottom lip, nodding. “Yup, and I was thinking, maybe when I get home from dropping him off, I could come over to your place?”

“Oh, is that right?”

“Yeah, and maybe we could have a few drinks, and I could properly thank you for all you’ve done for me this week.” Her eyes dip down, taking in my lips as she licks her own, all the blood in my body rushing to my thickening cock.

“Only if I get to taste your sweet cunt again,” I husk, wondering if she’s wet right now. Unable to help myself, I turn, pressing my ass against the edge of the stove as I bring my hand to the front of her waist, slipping underneath the flowy shorts she’s wearing. I glance around one more time, making sure we aren’t in danger of being interrupted as I sink lower, underneath her panties, running my middle finger through her slit, pleased as fuck to find her hot and slick already.

Gemma gasps, chomping down on her bottom lip again to stifle the noise as I sink my finger into her tight, welcoming cunt. A groan rumbles in my chest as I feel her walls clench around the digit, practically begging for me to add another.

But not yet.

Withdrawing my hand from her pants, I hold her heated gaze as I bring the finger up to my mouth, licking it clean.

“So fucking sweet,” I growl. “My new favorite treat. I can’t get enough.”

Cheeks flushed and her lips parted, she doesn’t say anything, but the desire overflowing from her eyes says all I need to know. That’s she is as into the idea as I am.

Hearing footsteps approaching from down the hall, I quickly and quietly add, “Can’t wait to devour you tonight.”

After dinner, I ran to the store to pick up a bottle of Gemma’s favorite wine before heading back to my place to tidy up a bit. My nerves are back in full force, knowing that Gemma is going to be here soon. I keep thinking back to the rules she set up when we decided to do this friends-with-benefits thing. Mostly, I want to know how particular she is about this being “no strings” and us staying “just friends,” because there isn’t a single part of me that wants to be just anything with Gemma.

The more time I spend with her—and with her son—the more I want. Does she think maybe sex is all I would want from her, so that’s why she suggested it? Or it could be because she lost her husband six years ago. That’s probably gotta make the idea of getting back into something serious a little scary, no matter how much time has passed.

I’m hoping if we spend more time together, both in the bedroom and out, she’ll loosen up the reins on those rules.

A knock at the front door has my pulse kicking up and my stomach twisting in the very best way. Pulling it open, the sight of Gemma on my porch takes my breath away. She changed out of what she was wearing when I was over there for dinner into a tight pair of high-waisted jean shorts with a little bit of frill around the bottom and a formfitting olive-green tank top that’s tucked into the shorts.

Her blonde hair, which was tied on top of her head in a bun before, is now flowing down her back in what I’m assuming are her natural waves. When she smiles up at me, my heart beats faster.

“You look fucking incredible,” I breathe, hooking an arm around her waist and pulling her into me. Giggling, her hands come up to my chest, fingers gripping my shirt as my lips seal to hers. She tastes minty fresh, and she smells downright delectable. “Want a glass of wine?” I ask, pulling back and taking in the flush on her cheeks.

She nods. “Please.”

Walking into the kitchen, I grab two glasses down from the cabinet as she spots the bottle on the counter. “Did you get this specifically for me?” she asks, a coy smile playing on her lips.

Lip ticking up on one side, I grab the corkscrew. “Maybe I did.”

After I pour us each a glass, we take them into the living room. My back patio isn’t nearly as inviting and cozy as Gemma’s. I don’t even have patio chairs yet.

“How’s the work going around here?” she asks. “I see the guys come and go all the time.”

“It’s good. They replaced the carpet in the bedrooms and the fencing around the backyard. Conway seems to have a guy for everything.” I breathe out a chuckle as I bring the glass up to my lips and take a sip.

“Yeah, he prides himself on being a one-stop shop,” Gemma offers. “How much longer until they’re completely done? That’s gotta be annoying to have your house constantly under construction.”

“It hasn’t been too bad. The guys are efficient, so nothing has taken too long. The roof is going to be the biggest pain, but then everything will be finished.” I’ve been slowly but surely making the house feel more like my home as the weeks go by. Bought some new furniture that was a bit more updated and felt more like me , hung some pictures throughout the house. I’ve still got a ways to go, but I’m happy with the progress made so far. “Conway estimates another month or so.”

“At least there’s not too much longer left,” she says. “Also, I’ll have you know, Sutton gushed to my brother and his wife as soon as we got there about how he helped you make dinner.”

A smile splits my face, loving how excited he was. “Yeah, well, having him help me was my second favorite part of that experience.”

Heat flares in her gaze. “And what was your first favorite? ”

Licking my lips, I murmur, “Getting to sample the dessert.”

Gemma’s cheeks blush, and she says in a low and flirty voice, “What kind of host would I be if I didn’t allow that?

Fire courses through my veins as my cock twitches behind my slacks. “Yeah, I think it’s a must. Wouldn’t want to be known as a bad host, after all.”

She laughs, her chocolate eyes twinkling. “You’re in the south now, Everett. We’re all about the hospitality.”

“In that case…” I set my wine down on the coffee table. “Maybe I should up my own hospitality, hmm?”

“That depends, Mr. Windward,” she drawls, placing her glass down on the table before tossing her leg over me and climbing into my lap. “What did you have in mind?”

Sliding my hand around the back of her neck, I thread my fingers through the strands, gripping them as she dips her head lower, bringing her lips a breath away from mine. “I’ve been dying to have the taste of you again,” I say before crashing my mouth against hers.

Gemma gasps, lips parting, and I use that to my advantage as I lick my way into her mouth, savoring the taste of her, loving the feel of her arms wrapping around my shoulders, holding me close as she opens wider, letting me take the kiss deeper. I can’t get enough of her. The way she kisses me back so voraciously. How her breasts feel pressed against my chest, and the way I can feel her nipples getting harder the longer I kiss her.

As the outside world fades away, all I can focus on is the way her lips feel against mine. Soft but firm, full. How they taste like sweet red wine and a hungry type of need all rolled up into one tempting flavor custom-made just for me. Her body molds to mine, hands coming up to fist my shirt, and as my tongue continues to dance with hers, I welcome the fuzzy feeling taking over my brain. Over my body. Welcome the burning inferno spreading from the center of my chest all through my limbs. Licking into her mouth, I explore every corner and crevice, kissing her like we have all the time in the world.

Kissing Gemma is addicting. It’s the most alluring treat, and I know without a shadow of a doubt, I will never find anything as satisfying. I know, with absolute certainty, that I will do whatever it takes to make sure I get to kiss her like this again and again.

Dragging my lips along the smooth skin of her jaw, I kiss the spot beneath her ear that she seems to like. She throws her head back, giving me better access, a breathy sigh falling from her as she grinds on my lap. Goosebumps bloom everywhere on her flesh, and a shiver rolls down my spine as her breathing speeds up and soft pants fall from her lips. Her body trembles in my arms, and I relish it.

“You want my mouth on that pretty pink pussy again?” I growl against her pebbled flesh.

“Yes,” she moans, nodding immediately.

“What about my fingers?” I ask, voice husky. “Want me to stuff you full while I use my tongue?”

Groaning, she grinds harder on my lap, her arousal practically seeping from her pores. Gemma pulls back, her lip tucked between her teeth, a smile forming as her eyes—hooded and nearly black—gaze at me. “I want that so fucking much, Everett.”

The way she says my name has me losing my mind as I pull her mouth back down on mine. It has me thrusting my tongue into her mouth the same way I want to do between her thighs. It has me damn near starved for her.

Breaking the kiss, I allow myself a moment to take her in. Her now swollen lips are red and slick with our shared spit, eyes glossy and hooded. Her cheeks are rosy, giving way to how turned on she is… What a fucking sight. Gemma bites down on her bottom lip again, giving me a little smirk before pressing her mouth to mine. Her tongue glides across the seam of my lips, demanding entrance, and when I grant it, she takes. And fuck, does she take . Gemma kisses me like it’s all she’s thought about the entire night. And hell, maybe she has. That thought, the possibility, has me groaning into her mouth.

She feels so good, so right in my arms. Feels so good on top of me. Our lips move fluidly, the kiss turning messy. Teeth come into play, clashing, nipping, tugging. My heart is working in overdrive as my mind tries to catch up to what’s happening. To the fact that Gemma is grinding in my lap and sucking on my tongue like she can’t get enough.

I’ve never had a woman take my breath away and make my knees weak from a single look before, but from the minute I met her, I knew she was different from anyone I’ve ever known. Gemma awakens something in me. I’m not going to let her walk away tonight without making damn sure she knows how it feels to be utterly worshipped and consumed.

Pulling back, chest heaving with shallow breaths, Gemma asks, “You know what I really want to do before you do any of that?” Her sultry lilt washes over me like a stroke of her hand.

I quirk a brow, lips tugging on one side. “What’s that? ”

Never taking her eyes off mine, Gemma slides off my lap and onto her knees in front of me. If my cock wasn’t hard before, it sure as fuck is now. “I want to taste you this time,” she breathes, hands coming to the button on my pants. I don’t miss the slight tremor.

She’s nervous, but it’s evident she’s also equally, if not more, turned on. I sit back, admiring the way she looks as she flicks open the button and drags the zipper down, her heated gaze alternating between that and my face. With a lift of my hips, she tugs the material down my thighs, my cock springing out and slapping my stomach.

Her eyes widen, tongue poking out to wet her lips as she peers up at me from beneath her lashes. “Wow,” is all she says, and I can’t help but smirk.

I reach down, wrapping a fist around my stiff length, soaking in the way she watches me as I slowly pump my fist up, then down.

“Show me your tongue, mama,” I tell her, as a thick bead of pre-cum pools at my slit. I’m dying for her to lick it clean.

Gemma grins before doing just that. Hot, wet tongue on display for me, I guide the tip of my cock up to it, dragging along the length of it, and she groans.

I breathe heavily through my nose, the sight straight from a dream. “Suck the head for me, baby,” I instruct her next.

With her eyes locked on mine, her lips close around my flared tip, and I moan as I feel her tongue curl around me. Keeping my hand fisted around the base, pleasure rips through my body as she hollows her cheeks, sucking onto the head. Her mouth feels like heaven and sin all at the same time.

Sucking in a deep breath, I have to stop my hips from thrusting up as I exhale a deep, throaty groan. “That’s it. You look so fucking sexy with your lips wrapped around me like that.”

Gemma pulls off, a grin on her face that is part arousal, part nerves. “You’ve got a really nice cock,” she rasps as she replaces my hand with hers.

Hearing her talk like that, so filthy, makes my balls ache.

I hum, smirking. “Is that so?”

Nodding, she bites down on her bottom lip as she strokes me nice and slow, driving me absolutely fucking wild. She looks sexy and beautiful all at once with her hand wrapped around my dick, and as she leans in and takes me into her mouth again, all the air in my lungs is punched out. She sucks me down, a little awkwardly at first as she tries to take all of me, her eyes filling up with moisture as she gags. It feels so fucking good. Backing off a little, she regains her composure before diving in again. Using her hand in tandem, she works my length until my eyes want to cross.

Until pressure builds at the base of my spine and a rush of tingles takes over my body. Until I know I’m going to come if she doesn’t stop, and I don’t want that.

Not yet, at least.

Pulling out of her mouth, I lean forward as I grab a fistful of her hair, tugging her head back until she’s gazing up at me. “My turn.”