19. Luca

19 /

luca

Our trip to the beach clarified things for me. I'd already liked Harper more than I could understand, but something about that night was pivotal. Since then, we'd no longer spent most of our time together, but almost all of it. My photo shoot schedule was tapering off, so if I wasn't doing that or Harp wasn't hanging out with his new teammates, it was a safe bet you'd find us up to no good.

Our days consisted of waking up together and enjoying a long session of morning sex. Satisfied for the time being, we'd then have breakfast and head out for the day's adventures. If we had things to do on our own, there was never any question about whether we'd meet again later.

This morning, Harp had left early for a physical exam with the Warriors' team doctor. We'd spent the night at my place, and as I drank coffee alone, the apartment's silence got me thinking. I'd spent so much time over the years feeling unhappy and alone, but now the silence held new meaning—peaceful solitude instead of dismal emptiness. Quiet moments were now opportunities to recharge and consider what we were doing. Part of me always craved Harp's presence, but even when he was gone, the anticipation of seeing him soon made me smile.

Our future was unknown, but I sensed things were headed in a positive direction. Unlike when I'd fallen for Caleb, I didn't have to hide my feelings from Harper. The honesty we'd promised each other from the beginning kept things open between us. There was none of the walking on eggshells I'd experienced in the past, living in fear he'd run away if he knew how I felt. Sure, there was vulnerability in being honest, but I'd learned vulnerability wasn't weakness. It was the foundation of a strong relationship.

There were still moments when I feared things might go wrong, but I trusted him more every day. Our routines would change when his season started, and again when mine began soon after that, but I had faith we'd figure things out. Because of our connection, I was convinced Harp and I could make it. We were doing all the right things, and as professional athletes, we knew a lot about follow-through.

When Harper got home, we went to his apartment for lunch, and then he said he needed a nap. The way he locked onto my mouth, slid his tongue inside, and cupped my dick through my gym shorts gave me the idea he didn't want to sleep alone. He led me to his bedroom, where it soon became evident he wasn't interested in sleep at all. I changed that by tying him to the headboard and fucking him so hard he came twice. I untied him, and after he drifted into unconsciousness, we were such a jumble of limbs and sweaty bodies, I gave up on trying to pull a sheet over us before falling asleep myself.

I woke to bright sunlight streaming through the windows, suggesting it was late afternoon. Harper was next to me, sitting against the headboard with his computer open across his thighs. His eyes were so wide I didn't need to hear the excitement in his "Guess what?" to figure out something special was happening.

"You found some new porn to watch on Use Me ?"

He laughed. "No, but that could be arranged." He turned the laptop so I could see the large, light green Victorian house on the screen. "This is that B&B I told you about near Bar Harbor. The one with the ocean in front and the spa out back? It's a fantastic place."

"I remember." I sat up and scooted close to him. "It looks terrific."

His beaming smile made me want to tie him down again. Except this time, I'd suck him off and then fuck his pretty mouth.

Tapping my stomach, he gave me a cross look. "Stop thinking about sex for a minute."

I put my hand over my heart and rearranged my lips into a pout. "You've never said that before. Does this mean the honeymoon's over?"

"Nah, it just means I'm fucking thrilled because they only had one room available, and I got it for the entire week." He set his computer aside.

A whoop of joy erupted from me as Harper climbed on top, his body heat igniting a blaze within me. I wrapped my arms around him, and we laughed our way through a happy kiss. The inn he'd found in Maine sounded like the perfect escape. Seeing his excitement for this place, a cherished memory of his, filled me with contentment. Not only did he want to go to Maine, but he wanted to share this amazing adventure with me.

We celebrated in our own memorable way. There was no mistaking him being erect again, which activated my own launch sequence. I did my best to tell him I was excited about the B&B as he kissed his way down my chest and stomach, but it got harder as he approached my dick, which was… well, getting harder.

Eventually, we dragged ourselves out of bed long enough to order pizza and binge-watch a fantasy show we liked. Since I had a photo shoot the next morning, we went to bed early. I slept like a baby, safe in Harp's arms and dreaming about our vacation.