7. Sully

CHAPTER 7

"Thanks for having us over, Talia," Nick says, lifting his glass in a toast at my dining table. "We've missed getting everyone together."

"Yeah, it's been too long," Willa adds, grinning. "And this food looks amazing."

Talia blushes at the compliments, waving them off with a modest smile. "I'm glad you're all here. It's nice to have a full house."

I watch from my seat at the end of the table as Talia flits around, making sure everyone's got what they need. She's a natural hostess, her smile bright and infectious. I can't take my eyes off her.

I can still taste her on my lips, the kiss lingering in my mind like a sweet, forbidden memory. She surprised me—kissing me like that. But I shouldn't have given in. Now, it'll be even harder for me to resist her, knowing how she feels against my body.

She's right. I need to get myself under control. But it's these feelings I need to tamp down. Because Talia doesn't want me. She might think she does. But I know who I am. I'm a hermit. A grump who likes his peace and quiet. I'd just dim her light.

As everyone digs in, the conversation turns to the Inn. Gavin's wife, Kat, feeds him a dumpling, then turns to Talia. "So, how's the renovation going?"

Talia takes a deep breath, her expression turning serious. "Honestly, it's been a lot tougher than I expected. There's so much to fix—leaky roofs, faulty wiring, not to mention the plumbing. Sully's been a lifesaver with that."

All eyes turn to me for a moment, but I just nod, keeping my focus on my plate.

Talia continues, "There's a lot of projects I can't handle on my own. It's going to take time for me to be able to get the Inn as I'd like it. But at least now I can have guests, thanks to Sully."

Eyes are back on me, and it's killing me. "She's a hell of a cook," I finally say, my voice gruff. "You're lucky to have her feeding you tonight."

Everyone laughs and nods in agreement, showering Talia with more praise. She smiles, but there's a hint of vulnerability in her eyes that tugs at something deep inside me.

"Seriously, this food is incredible," Paige says, her eyes wide. "I can't remember the last time I had Chinese food this good. And I appreciate you making some vegetarian dishes for me and Maddie."

"Of course, I love finding new ways to make a recipe work for those with special diets and preferences."

"Well, you've outdone yourself," Logan says, resting a palm on his gut.

"Sully helped," Talia offers. "He's actually pretty good at making dumplings."

Dash chuckles and slaps me on the shoulder. "And I've never seen him use chopsticks with such skill. Who knew you had so many talents, Sully?"

I roll my eyes at him and he gives me a wink.

As my friends chat around me, I find myself stealing glances at Talia, marveling at how effortlessly she fits in with this group. It's as if she's always been a part of it, and the thought fills me with a strange sense of contentment.

But beneath it all, she's still so different from me. I could never be good enough for her.

"How about a game?" Willa says, after we've finished dinner, and are seated around the main living room. "Trivial Pursuit, anyone?

I raise an eyebrow, feeling a flicker of interest. "You know I can't say no to that, Willa. It's my favorite." I throw a look at her husband, Dash, who I guarantee put her up to it.

Talia's eyes light up. "That's a wonderful idea!"

There's a round of enthusiastic agreements, and soon enough, we're all gathered around the coffee table with the game board spread out. Talia sits next to me, our shoulders brushing. I try to ignore the heat that spreads through me at the simple contact.

"Alright, teams?" Gavin suggests, waggling his eyebrows at his wife.

"Couples," Talia says with a grin. "And since Sully and I are the odd ones out, we'll pair up."

There are playful groans and teasing comments, but everyone seems to agree. Talia and I exchange a competitive look, and I feel a surge of determination.

The game starts off with a question about ancient history, and Talia answers it with ease, her knowledge impressive.

As the game progresses, we fall into an easy rhythm. Talia's extroverted energy balances out my more reserved nature, and we complement each other perfectly.

"Stop showing off, you two. You're making the rest of us look bad," Nick teases, when we get another colored pie piece added to our wheel.

"Talia's got to be a ringer," Reece adds, with a smirk. "This is one big ruse that Sully orchestrated to get us back for all those poker nights we cleaned him out."

I chuckle and stroke my jaw in thought. "Not a bad scheme.

Talia laughs, a sound that's quickly becoming one of my favorites. Our eyes meet and for once I'm able to hold her gaze, captivated by her sweet smile.

By the time we reach the final round, it's clear that Talia and I are the team to beat. The last question falls to us, and it's a tough one about classical literature. I rack my brain, but it's Talia who comes through, her eyes lighting up with recognition.

"It's Jane Austen," she says confidently, and I nod, trusting her judgment.

"Final answer?" Gavin asks, grinning.

"Final answer," we say in unison.

There's a moment of suspense before Gavin announces, "Correct! Talia and Sully win!"

There's a round of applause and playful groans of defeat from the others. Talia and I share a triumphant look, and bump fists.

"Good game, everyone," Maddie says, beaming. "And congratulations to the winning team."

Talia nudges me with her elbow, her eyes sparkling. "Told you we make a great team."

"Yeah," I say, my voice softening. "We really do."

Later, I step out onto the back porch, needing a moment to clear my head. The cool night air feels good, a welcome contrast to the warmth inside.

I hear the door creak open behind me and turn to see Nick and Gavin stepping out. They exchange a look, and I know immediately that they're up to something.

"What?" I ask, leaning against the porch railing.

Nick smirks. "We were wondering about you and Talia."

Gavin nods, a grin spreading across his face. "You like her, don't you?"

"What is this high school?" I feel my cheeks heat up, but I try to play it cool. "Sure, she's…nice."

Nick rolls his eyes. "Nice? Come on, man. We can see it. You've got it bad for her."

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "So, what am I supposed to do about it?"

Gavin steps closer, clapping a hand on my shoulder. "Tell her. She's really great and kinda perfect for you, Sully. We all see it."

I shake my head, feeling a knot of anxiety in my chest. "You guys know I've never… What if I screw it up?"

Nick's expression softens, and he squeezes my shoulder. "You've got to trust that she'll understand. If she's the right woman, she'll get it."

Gavin nods in agreement. "Just be honest with her. You're a good man, Sully. She'd be lucky to have you."

I let their words sink in. They're right—I can't let my insecurities hold me back. Talia's worth the risk.

"I guess I just need to find the right moment," I say, more to myself than to them.

Nick grins. "That's the spirit. And if you need any advice, you know where to find us."

Gavin chuckles. "Yeah, just don't wait too long. A woman like Talia won't stay single forever."

I nod, feeling a mix of determination and nervousness. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it."

They both clap me on the back, and we stand there for a moment, the silence filled with unspoken support. It's moments like these that remind me why I value these friendships so much.

"Dead arm!" Gavin yells, punching me in the arm, as he and Gavin head back inside.

"Damnit!" I grab my arm, pain throbbing in my bicep. "Asshole," I grumble as they leave chuckling.

Why am I friends with them again?

The house is quiet now after everyone has left, the lively energy from earlier fading into a peaceful hum. Talia and I clean up the remnants of a successful dinner amid the background noise of clinking dishes and running water.

"That was fun," Talia says, her voice soft and content. She hands me a towel to dry the dishes.

"Yeah," I agree, taking the plate from her and wiping it dry. "You really know how to bring people together. And they were strangers to you."

She smiles, a little tired but happy. "It's nice to have a full house. It reminds me of when my family would gather for holidays. Lots of noise, lots of food, lots of love."

I nod, feeling a pang of something I can't quite name, as I remember gatherings with my own family. "Everyone had a good time. And they really like you."

She blushes, looking down at the dish she's washing. "I couldn't have done it without you. The plumbing, the company…you've been a huge help, Sully."

I'm not sure what to say to that, so I just keep drying the dishes, my mind spinning. I know I need to say something, do something, but the words seem to stick in my throat.

We finish the last of the dishes, and I set the towel aside, feeling a sense of finality. Who am I kidding? I'm no good at this stuff. "Well, I should go."

Talia turns to me, her eyes searching mine. "Do you have to?"

My stomach churns and the question hangs in the air, filled with unspoken possibilities. I feel my heart skip a beat, the weight of the moment pressing down on me. This is it, the chance to be honest, and make my move.

"I don't have to," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

She steps closer and grabs my shirt. "Good. Because I want you, Sully O'Neill."

I open my mouth to say something, but I'm speechless. My cock has taken the lead, high and hard in my jeans.

She notices and slides her hand over my bulge.

"Fuck," I groan.

Her eyes widen. "That's some piece you're carrying."

She squeezes me again, watching me moan, and I reach for her throat.

She gasps, as I pull her into a kiss by the neck, tangling my tongue with hers. She tastes like sugar and spices, and I can't get enough.

"Bedroom?" I ask, breaking the kiss to gather her into my arms.

"Upstairs…directly to the…left." She's breathless, and my confidence soars.

I throw her over my shoulder and bound up to her room. She's laughing as I toss her onto the bed.

"Impressive," she says, sprawled on the comforter.

She's beautiful and I take a deep breath, gathering my courage. "There's something I need to tell you."

She looks up at me, her eyes blown out. "What is it?"

I crawl over her and drag my thumb over her lower lip. "I'm…a virgin."

Her brow furrows. "Really? But grabbing my throat…the way you kiss?—"

"Was it bad?" The world spins for a moment as I second guess myself. "I just did what felt right."

She grabs my shirt. "Not bad. Hot! Very, very hot!"

I let out a breath. "Oh." I smile. "Thank god."

Her eyes soften, and she strokes my cheek. "Thank you for telling me. But for the record, I'm not concerned."

"No?"

"Not in the least. You're a natural," she purrs. "You just tell me what you need from me?"

I thrust a hand into her silky hair. "What makes you come?"

She giggles. "Lots of things, baby." She kicks off her shoes. "Do what feels right, like you've done already, and we won't have any problems. As long as you don't mind a little direction every once in a while."

"Please…" I say, leaning forward to kiss her again. She runs her hands up my back, pulling my shirt up. I sit back and pull it the rest of the way off.

"Sully. These abs…" Her fingers drag over them and I can't help but flex for her. She latches onto the waistband of my jeans and unfastens them. I move to kick off my shoes and pull my jeans down, leaving me in boxer briefs. The fabric is barely able to contain my eager cock.

She pushes me back onto the bed, then removes her jeans. She crawls over me and my breath catches as her top goes flying, followed by her bra. Her sweet naked tits have me reaching for them, and she shivers as I touch her dusky pink nipples.

Fuck, those are pretty.

She's moved to kissing my neck, my chest, flicking her tongue over my nipples, and it's wonderful. She drags her tongue down my stomach, and her hands massage my cock through my underwear.

"Oh damn…"

She pulls my boxer briefs down and I lift my hips for her. She slides them all the way off and returns to my dick. I'm so hard it hurts, the skin stretched tighter than ever before.

"You're huge," she whispers, as her fingers stroke up the length, my heart in my throat. But when her small hand curls around the tip, using my pre-come to slide all around my sensitive head, I buck.

"Talia!" I'm trembling, already on that edge. "I can't…you're going to make me come."

She continues her maddening motions. "I want you to come fast. Means you'll last longer afterward." She grins, and lowers her mouth down.

Shit. Is she going to?—?

Fuck yes, she takes me in her mouth, and my hips jerk. "Oh hell…" Her mouth is so hot and wet and that tongue is like magic.

I glance down and she tugs at my balls.

That's it. I'm done. My climax hits me hard.

And before I can warn her, I'm pumping into her mouth.

"Baby…" I try to push her away, but she grabs onto my hips and sucks harder, taking my come willingly into her mouth.

I writhe and jerk. "Fuck me. Shit, my god, Talia."

When I'm a sweaty pile of flesh, heart racing as if I'd just run a marathon, she slides off my cock. She kisses up my body, until she's nibbling on my ear.

"How was that?" she purrs.

My voice comes out like gravel. "I can barely move."

She chuckles and I pull her against me. "But I'm not sure that's going to hold me as long as you hoped. Not when I'm starving for that pussy."