Chapter Fifteen

Aspen checked her appearance one last time and tried not to vomit.

Everything was set. She'd ordered a gorgeous grilled halibut, some roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, and a Caesar salad from North Banks Restaurant, then dumped the food into appropriate pans arranged on the stove so it looked like she'd cooked. The table was set with a vase of fresh flowers, a cheerful daisy tablecloth, and real linen napkins. Only one candle was lit, so it wasn't overkill. The French doors were open, and the night breeze drifted in.

She'd dressed in a simple maxi dress with a deep V-neck in a royal blue that looked good with her coloring. She left her feet bare, showing off coral-painted toenails and a silver chain ankle bracelet. Her hair was straightened with ruthless precision. She'd even donned Sierra's magnetic eyelashes, which she'd never used and had taken over an hour to finally get right.

Today's makeup tech was amazing. They actually stuck to the liner, which she'd discovered after reading the instructions and messing up a few times.

She'd skipped a bra because she was small enough to carry off the dress without it. Her underwear was a wispy piece of white lace that barely covered her freshly waxed mound.

And yeah, she'd screamed when the woman ripped off the cloth, leaving her baby-smooth and a bit sore.

But she felt as confident as possible for this night.

The bell rang.

Dragging in a breath, she went to the door to let him in. Immediately, her heart galloped at the sight of him, put together in casual jeans and a pink button-down shirt with the cuffs rolled up, showing off his sinewy, muscular arms. His hair was neatly tamed, and that razor-cut jaw clean-shaven. He smelled of ocean, musk, and temptation. "Come on in," she said with a smile.

"Thanks." He pressed a kiss to her lips, then lifted two bottles of wine. "I didn't know if you liked red or white."

"Both. But we're having fish, so white will be great."

"Perfect. God, that smells good. I haven't eaten all day, and as for a home-cooked meal? Can't even remember the last time I had time to cook."

Aspen hid a wince as she turned and led him into the kitchen. "Figured we could have drinks on the porch, and then I'll serve."

His gaze swept over the kitchen, which looked like it belonged on a magazine cover for cuisine. She'd used Sierra's good china and fancy silverware. The halibut was warming in the oven, and the rest of the meal was in gourmet cookware that Aspen hadn't even known existed. Like the magnetic eyelashes.

She had to get out more.

"This is amazing. I'm so impressed."

She opened the wine—which she did well—and laughed it off. "Wait until you taste it first. I enjoy hosting a nice dinner."

Hosting was the keyword, so it wasn't really a lie.

"Well, I'm a lucky man. How was your writing day?"

A sigh spilled from her as she handed him his glass. "Slow. I'm trying not to get frustrated, but I don't have much time to waste. These are the times I wish I was a plotter, but each time I try, I can't write a word."

"Creative energy is so unique to each person," he commented. He clinked his glass to hers, and the creases deepened around his eyes as he gave her a devastating smile. "Cheers to inspiration. And tonight."

Her belly dipped at the husky timbre of his voice. "Cheers."

She sipped the wine, which was already chilled and had a buttery finish she loved in a chardonnay. "The porch is screened, so the bugs won't bother us," she said as they stepped outside and settled into comfortable, oversized chairs. The crickets sang, and the fireflies glowed around their protected area. He crossed an ankle over his knee and regarded her with full focus. "So, what do you do if the words aren't coming? Do you work better under pressure?"

She wrinkled her nose as she thought about the question. "I don't think I produce diamonds under pressure. I do the usual things to get unstuck. Go for a walk. Take a shower. Do freewriting. Watch a well-written television show. But mostly, I just sit there for hours. Eventually, I write something. One word begets another. I tell myself I can fix it all later."

"I admire your perseverance," he said quietly. "On the other side of a successful book is the events, the press, the readership. A lot of promotion. But what no one sees is the drudgery of showing up day after day. You have great faith."

A prickle of awareness shot through her. She stared at him, touched by his thoughtful observation and how he glimpsed what many couldn't. "I've always believed that," she said softly. "Everyone seems to want the secret sauce. Not everyone wants to do the hard work. A mix of cajoling, dreaming, and waiting. It does take great faith to create something from nothing. And ego."

His brow lifted. "There's nothing wrong with ego. We need to rely on our beliefs when things go sideways—like they normally do. Ego helps smooth the way."

Something shifted inside her at his words. There was a calmness radiating from him, an acceptance of the things she accomplished when no one was looking that he seemed to understand better than anyone.

It made her feel seen.

The voice inside her whispered that Brick Babel was a master at manipulating emotions. That was how he'd managed to break so many hearts. But a truth threaded through his tone that Aspen clung to. Because, at this moment, it was a gift she needed to believe was real.

Especially tonight.

"You're more than a pretty face," she said, needing to lighten the moment.

He laughed, and she reveled in the deep, throaty sound. "That's what my mom used to tell me. Always insisted on high grades, and if I was impolite, she'd smack me in the back of my head."

She laughed with him. "Sounds like your mom was special."

"She was. I miss her every day."

Her heart squeezed with shared pain. "Me, too. I'm glad I have my sister. Do you have any other family you're close to?"

Brick shook his head. "Grandpa Ziggy was the last. My father left when I was young, and I have no desire to find him."

As he stared into the shadows, fingers gripping his glass, Aspen caught an edge of loneliness radiating from him. She longed to reach out and soothe him, bring back the light, but she wasn't ready to cross that line yet. She gave him the words instead. "He's unworthy of being found. It's obvious how deeply you can love. Look at everything you've done to continue your grandfather's legacy, even at the expense of your own dreams."

Startled, his gaze swerved to hers, and she caught her breath at the sudden fire in his ocean-blue eyes. He slowly put his glass down on the table and leaned over, dragging her chair a few precious inches over so their knees were touching. That full lower lip quirked. "Oh, you can't say things like that and not expect to be kissed, Aspen Lourde."

And then he did, cupping the back of her head, his lips moving over hers with a thoroughness that made her sag against him, rendered helpless under his spell. She bloomed under the attention, enjoying the slow, teasing thrust of his tongue against hers, the firm grip of his fingers, and the way he took over and allowed her to sink into the pleasure. His sinful taste lingered when he finally pulled away.

She blinked. "I think we should eat now."

He smiled, pressing his thumb against her damp lips. "I think that's a good idea."

Brick took her glass and hand as they moved into the kitchen. "Can I help serve?"

"No, I've got it. If you can refresh our wine and then sit?"

He nodded. Aspen hurried to transfer it all to beautiful serving pans and laid it out in front of him. "Bon appétit," she said proudly, forgetting that she'd bought the meal instead of cooking it.

The pleasure on his face as he ate made her giddy. She wondered what his expression would look like doing other things he enjoyed, but then she felt her cheeks heat and shoved the thought away. "This is unbelievable," he said, forking up another piece of fish. "Did you use rosemary or parsley? And what's that other ingredient I can't place? A hint of cumin?"

Her stomach clenched. Wait. Why did he sound so authoritative about seasonings? "You…you cook?"

"Yeah, I love to cook. But on my terms, when I have plenty of time to linger and try new recipes. I've just been lazy these past two weeks."

Uh-oh . She focused on her dish. "I didn't know. I guess I figured you'd be more of a DoorDash guy."

"When I'm working long hours. So, which herbs did you go with?"

What had he mentioned? She snatched the first one. "Rosemary."

"I thought so. Did you use butter or cream for the potatoes?"

Shit. "Both," she said weakly. "It's my secret double punch. "

"Brilliant." He asked more questions about how she'd prepared each of the dishes until the guilt of her lie squirmed inside her. Aspen must've answered wrong a few times. He looked a little confused when she said she'd used pepperoni in the Brussels sprouts—she'd meant bacon. And what the hell was prosciutto and its purpose? His brow arched when she told him the fish was stuffed with ginger. She should've said garlic.

Desperate, she shoved potatoes into her mouth and tried to change the subject. "When do you plan to reopen?"

"Saturday. My friend Kane said he'd help out until I see if I need another regular driver. I made some calls about offering family coupons at all the mini-golf places, but I can't get ads running until the first week of August."

"Do you have a graphics person?"

"No, I use Canva and try to do them myself."

"I've gotten pretty good with design. Want me to take a look?"

"You're busy writing a book and are already saving my business," he said gently.

"I actually love drawing," she admitted. "It's a nice break for my brain, so I don't mind."

"Then yeah, I'd love a second look."

"How's your social media?"

Brick winced. "Kind of sucky. I have that on the list."

"I'm a genius at those ads, too."

He regarded her over his wineglass. "Is there anything you can't do?"

Aspen sighed and leaned back in her seat, completely stuffed. "Yeah. Write another great book."

"You will, baby."

She thrilled at the endearment, her body perking up at his attention. It didn't sound like a throwaway line but hummed with sincerity. "Hope so." Aspen wrinkled her nose in thought. "I guess I wish I enjoyed it more. It's been a while since I felt the excited buzz of chasing a story. Where everything falls away except for me and my characters."

Her buzz now only came when creating a bunch of cartoons with silly stories.

"Maybe you need a little more inspiration."

She stilled at the sexy growl, slowly raising her gaze.

Brick watched her like a hunter who'd spotted prey he didn't want to startle. Heat bristled around him, and a male awareness flared in his eyes. Sexual chemistry popped in the air, and suddenly, Aspen wanted nothing but for him to touch her .

As if sensing her need, he rose from the table and stood before her. Tugging her from the chair, she tipped her head back and fell into blazing-hot blue eyes. "I can't stop thinking about the night on the beach," he murmured, smoothing his palms over her hair in a calming gesture. "How good you felt against me. How sweet you tasted."

Aspen shuddered and leaned into his strength. Already, her body melted like hot caramel, and she wanted nothing but to let go tonight and be with him. All of him. "Me, too," she whispered.

He lifted her easily, taking her mouth in a deep kiss until her hands wrapped around his neck and clung tightly. Turning, he began walking forward, pausing at the stairway. "Bedroom?" he murmured, nipping at her lower lip, soothing the sting with his tongue.

She fought for breath, but it was a losing battle. It had been too long since a man had put his hands on her with such focused attention. "First one on the right."

Aspen expected him to put her down and walk, but the man just continued kissing her as he moved upstairs without a hitch. It was the sexiest thing ever to be carried, to feel so treasured and delicate under his delving mouth and firm hands. She heard him kick the door open, then shut. By the time her feet slid to the floor, her head spun.

"I can't get enough of you." His eyes blazed. "When I first kissed you, I told you I would no longer ask for permission. But my intention now is to get you naked, put my mouth all over you, and make you come. I'm asking only once."

Her knees almost went out as his words blistered her ears. Her nipples were so hard they ached, and she swayed slightly. It was like her private, dirty fantasies had come true to stand right in front of her. "Permission granted," she choked out.

"Take off your clothes," he growled.

She took a hesitant step back. Goose bumps prickled her skin, and she felt a bit woozy from his demand. Okay, this man was in Jason Momoa and Hemsworth territory. Sexual masculine energy crackled from his very aura, hitting her so hard her lungs ran out of air. Aspen bit her lip. Normally, she was a straight shooter and had no issues being naked or getting her sexy on. But he was a bit overwhelming. And for one terrible, awful moment, she wondered if she'd disappoint him. Her chin tilted up. "I'm shy."

She waited for him to be impatient with her or respond with some smart-ass comment. Maybe she even expected him to just tackle her to the bed to overcome her sudden hesitancy. Instead, he did something unexpected that changed everything.

His ocean-blue eyes softened, along with his expression. He closed the distance between them slowly as if calming a wild horse, and gently cupped her cheek. "Nothing to be shy about, baby," he murmured. "Not when you look like that. Not when all I want to do is get on my knees and worship you the way you deserve."

Her body relaxed, and then he was kissing her, and oh, God, it was like drowning in a deep well of pleasure that she never wanted to surface from. The delicious scent of him rose in her nostrils, and his lips melded to hers, sliding back and forth with teasing motions until she moaned and begged for more. His tongue touched hers, then invaded her mouth with a possessiveness that curled her toes—a sexy invader storming her defenses and ripping them down one hot, slow thrust at a time.

He smoothed his hands over the straps of her dress, slowly tugging them down her arms, exposing her bare breasts. She arched as the cool air hit her, and then hot fingers caressed, tweaking her hard nipples, then cupping both mounds in his palms. "God, you're so pretty," he muttered, lowering his head to taste, flicking his tongue against the peak, and then sucking it fully into his mouth.

Aspen let out a cry, pulling at the buttons of his shirt in a desperate need to feel him against her. But Brick had other plans. The skirt of her dress was crushed in one of his hands as he pulled the fabric up over her waist while his mouth kept up its love play with her sensitive breasts. Aspen felt as if she were drowning in too much sensation, helpless under the sensual onslaught. Her core was wet and needy, and when his fingers slipped under the elastic of her panties, sliding over her clit, she jerked hard, sinking her nails into his shoulder.

"Oh, God."

"Feel so fucking good. You're so wet."

Those talented fingers sank into her channel, rubbing gently back and forth. His thumb brushed her clit. The orgasm exploded through her, curling her toes, and with a loud cry, her body spasmed.

Stunned at the quick, almost violent orgasm, she moaned his name and clung hard as the ground shifted beneath her. His teeth tightened on her nipple as he continued stroking her, letting her ride out the last wave, leaving Aspen panting.

"I-I'm sorry," she whispered, half-embarrassed at how quick she'd come apart. He was still fully dressed!

Her nipple popped from his mouth, and he raised his head. She noticed his pupils had dilated, darkening his eyes to a deep, navy blue, blistering with raw hunger. "Again."

He lifted her and placed her on the bed, then stripped quickly, giving her flashes of a muscled chest with golden hair, a tight eight-pack, and tanned skin. Aspen hoped she could stare at him later, but he seemed to share her pulsing need to satisfy the frantic hunger roaring inside her.

Brick pulled the dress down her hips and divested her of it in one motion. Her panties were damp, and he traced an index finger over the delicate white lace, pressing against her sensitive clit until she writhed in need. "You're so perfect. So responsive. I can't get enough." He pushed her thighs apart and lowered himself, his hot mouth traveling over her stomach to trace the lines of her panties. He pushed his nose against the damp lace and breathed deeply. "I want your scent all over me. I want to taste all this sweetness on my tongue."

Aspen shook helplessly, his dirty words bringing her right back to the edge as she twisted in demand for what he promised. "If-if you keep talking like that, I'm going to do it again too soon."

His laugh was wicked as he tugged her panties down inch by slow inch. "Consider it a warm-up. I intend to fuck you all night long."

And then his mouth lowered, and his tongue swiped at her weeping slit. She shrieked his name at the feeling of his wet heat over her swollen tissues, but he only settled in and began to devour her. Lips, tongue, and teeth explored every inch, teasing her clit with bare brushes that made her wantonly grind herself against his mouth, begging him as he kept her on the razor's edge of release. Her experience with oral sex was limited and mainly focused on her giving the pleasure. She'd never had a man take his time like she was a four-course meal he wanted to leisurely enjoy in his own damn way.

"Brick!"

"I know, baby," he crooned. "Does it hurt?" His teeth skimmed over her throbbing clit as his fingers sank into her wetness with firm, strong strokes.

"Yes," she moaned.

His lips closed around the sensitive knot, his gaze locked on hers as he stared up the naked length of her body, his eyes glittering with hot demand. "Come for me."

Then he sucked hard.

She exploded, letting out a keening wail as she soared so high she doubted she'd ever come down. The orgasm went on and on as he kept working her, and by the time she slumped back onto the mattress, she felt drunk .

"God, I could watch you all day. You're so very sweet, Aspen."

Brick reared up, staring down at her like a satisfied warrior. Since being a kidnapped harem girl was one of her fantasies, his dominance in bed was fulfilling every single silent need she'd so desperately dreamed of.

He reached over, ripped open the packet, and sheathed himself. He was thick and huge, and Aspen experienced a flash of worry for a moment. Would it hurt? Would he even fit? "Um—"

His mouth twitched in a smile. "Don't worry, baby. I'll take care of you."

Poised at her entrance, a tiny moment of panic hit. Where did this awful vulnerability come from? As if once he was inside her, she'd be forever changed. A flash of memories overtook her, bringing her back to the time with Ryan when he'd commanded her trust, taking her virginity and innocence, only to betray her in the end.

"Aspen?"

She blinked, coming back to the present. His gaze burned into hers. His hands were gentle as he cupped her cheeks, pressing his lips to hers.

"Do you want me to stop?"

She relaxed inch by inch, softening under him. Brick wasn't Ryan. And she was the one controlling this relationship, set by her terms. "No." Her mouth was greedy over his, kissing him with all the dark and desperate need he'd ignited in her. "Fuck me, Brick. Take it all."

He hissed out a curse, his grip tightening. And then he slowly began to push forward.

Inch by inch, he buried himself deep. Her body fought at first, but he kept a steady pressure, filling her completely. Aspen gasped, feeling overfull and completely overtaken. The sensations washed over her as she squeezed him tightly, her skin prickling, muscles quaking with the need for him to move.

Grasping her wrists, he guided them over her head so she could grip the spindles of the headboard. "Hold on."

He moved.

Head thrown back on the pillow, Aspen let her body go as he took her on a wild ride with each thrust of his hips, shoving her higher and higher until there was nothing left but a desperate, aching hunger. Gaze trained on her face, he devoured every expression as if he owned them, and she tightened her grip on the headboard as she began to spin out.

His fingers bruised her hips. He swiveled and hit a spot that made her insides clench and shiver, and with a low laugh of satisfaction, began hammering at the exact place that did things to her body she'd never experienced.

And then his hands moved from her hips, sliding between them to lightly massage her clit.

Aspen crashed into the orgasm all at once. As she screamed his name, he dipped his head, and she sank her teeth into his shoulder, shuddering helplessly under him. His body stiffened as he followed her over, growling her name. They clung to each other hard as everything shattered around them.

He rolled to the side before he collapsed, tucking her head against his chest. They stayed quiet for a while, breathing heavily, and Brick finally got up to dispose of the condom. When he returned, she was lying like a rag doll, limbs fluid, cheek pressed to the pillow, not even enough energy to cover herself with the sheet.

He pressed a kiss to her shoulder and smoothed back her hair, then lifted the covers and moved her under them with such gentle care her eyes started to sting. "Sleep," he whispered in her ear, stroking her bare back.

Aspen wanted to tell him there was no way she could fall asleep with a naked man in her bed. She'd been on her own for so long, a bed partner made her a tiny bit anxious. Maybe she'd pretend to sleep, then sneak away for some space once he was snoring. Maybe she'd—

She slept.