Chapter Twenty

Gavin

I slowly rouse from the best night of sleep I've ever had. My body is warm and comfortable, my cock hard and wet.

Wait, what?

I crack open my eyes and find Ava kneeling beside me, holding my dick. Her tongue swirls around the head before slowly lowering her mouth around it. She goes down about halfway before coming back up. My eyes are riveted in place, glued to the action in front of me. Ava seems a bit uncertain, but that's not stopping her from taking what she wants. She's told me she doesn't have much experience sexually, so to watch her come out of her shell, to explore what feels good and what she likes, is a heady feeling.

She takes a bit more of my cock into her mouth, adding just a touch of suction. "Jesus," I grumble, my hips wanting to flex. I reach out and hold her hair, pulling it to the side so I can watch the show. "That feels so fucking good."

Turning her head, I notice the blush creeping up her neck. "Am I doing it right?"

Forcing myself to lie still, I reply, "There's nothing you could do that wouldn't be right, Ava. Trust your instincts. I promise you; I'll love it."

She seems to take my words to heart and shifts herself into a slightly more comfortable position. Then, she uses my cock as her personal learning device, sucking and licking my dick until my eyes are crossing and I'm ready to explode.

When I notice she still seems a little unsure of what to do with her hand, I reach down and move it to the base of my cock. Her fingers flex against the hard skin, which is the equivalent to a bolt of lightning through my veins. Her touch is a shot of adrenaline.

"Apply gentle pressure and move your hand," I instruct, showing her how to do it.

"Like this?" she asks when I pull my hand away.

My response is a moan. "Yes, beautiful. Just like that."

She leans down again, adding her mouth to the mix, and I realize now the error of my ways. Showing her how to give pleasure, to get me off, is going to cause this to end way too soon. My balls tighten, and I know my release is imminent. Her touch is better than anything in this world, except the feel of her pussy strangling my cock as she comes.

"That's enough," I blurt out, reaching for her hand and pulling her off me.

Her face registers a little shock, as well as worry. "Did I do it wrong?"

I reach for a condom in my bedside table. "Nope, you did it completely right, and that's the problem. I was two seconds away from exploding down your throat."

That sexy as fuck blush returns. "That would have been all right."

"Next time, sweetheart. Right now, I need to be inside you," I state, wrapping my dick in rubber and reaching for her hips.

Guiding her over my lap, she gets in position. "Umm, I'm not sure I can do this."

"You can," I tell her. "Let your body do the talking. Just do what feels good. I'll love every second of it."

I wait for her to tell me she's not interested in being on top, but that never comes. Instead, she reaches between her legs and takes my cock in her hand. She rubs the head of me through the wetness dripping from her pussy before positioning it at her entrance. She slowly starts to lower herself onto me, and all I can think about is how utterly amazing she feels.

"That's it, sweetheart. Take it slow," I instruct, watching as she gingerly drops down onto my cock.

She gasps when she's halfway rooted, her muscles stretching to accommodate me.

"Does it hurt?" I ask, suddenly worried it's too soon.

"A little, but it feels so good too." Her head falls back and her eyes close.

Gritting my teeth, I add, "Take your time." I don't care that my balls are starting to throb, that my body is begging me to thrust. I won't hurt this woman.

When she's finally seated on top of me, she opens her eyes and meets my gaze. "Oh God," she whimpers before lifting up a bit and sliding back down.

I force myself to remain still, lightly gripping her lower hips to help guide her. I take her all in. The swell of her breasts as she moves, the swirl of her hips as she finds a rhythm that feels good, the sight of my cock disappearing into her tight, wet pussy. All I can do is watch in complete rapture, knowing and understanding she's downright changing things for me.

For the better.

Life is so much better with her in it.

She flexes her nails into my chest, biting into my flesh. Her hips pick up the pace, and I know she's getting close. Her pussy muscles start to tighten around me, as she rocks her hips. "Gavin."

My name.

My fucking name on her lips as she starts to come is what does it. It triggers my own release and sends me reeling. My spine practically burns as it tightens and tingles, and this time, I'm unable to stop myself from flexing upward. She's squeezing me so firmly as we get off together, I can't really tell where I end and she begins.

As cheesy as it sounds, we're one.

Ava falls forward, her sweaty body pressing against my equally sweaty chest. "Wow," she mutters, her warm breath tickling my neck.

With my arms wrapped around her back, I hum in agreement. "You're a natural," I tell her, hoping to continue to boost her confidence where sexuality is concerned, because fuck me, Ava Rutledge is about as hot as a firecracker on the Fourth of July.

"I think I liked that," she confesses.

"I'm glad, because you're really fucking good at it."

She kisses my jaw, not seeming to be bothered in the slightest by the scratch of my scruff. "Not that I want to bring up my past at this moment, but I've never been on top before."

"The guys you've been with are idiots," I insist, kissing her cheek before claiming her lips. "Complete, utter wankers."

"Wankers?" she asks with a giggle. "Are you British?"

"Nope, but it seemed a little more PG than assholes, fuckers, or selfish douchebags."

She watches me for a minute. "They were all those things. You make me feel…alive. Valued. Different, but in a good way."

"You are different in the best way possible," I tell her before swiping my mouth across hers. "So fucking beautiful and sexual. I can't wait to see what other positions you like."

Again, she blushes. "Tell me more," she whispers.

I reach down and grab her ass, rocking my hips. The motion and friction cause my cock to kick with excitement once more. "We both need a shower, Miss Rutledge, and then, I'm gonna show ya."

Shower sex with Ava sounds like the perfect way to continue our day…

"I know it's probably too soon and violates our whole keeping this quiet thing, but I wish you'd come with me to dinner."

She pauses and turns around, her eyes wide.

Not wanting to give her a chance to tell me no right off the bat, I spell out what's been on my mind these last few minutes as she's gathered up her things to head home. It's a beautiful Sunday afternoon, and for the first time since I accepted the invitation to eat with my parents, I'm wishing I wouldn't have.

"My parents wouldn't say a word," I tell her. "If you ever want to join me at their house, they would be so thrilled and would keep it quiet if we asked them to. I'm not trying to rush you. I know this is a big step for you, so just know the invite is always there. I have dinner with them every week or two, especially if I have Annabelle. We join them at least once during the weeks I have her, but I also go over there when I don't have her. I know they'd love for you to accompany me." I take a deep breath, wishing I wouldn't have said anything at all. She looks shocked and maybe a bit perplexed. "All I'm saying is the invite is there. If and when you're ever ready, you're welcome."

She swallows hard and glances away for a moment. "Thank you for inviting me. I'm not sure I'm there yet, but I appreciate the offer."

I nod, hating that I feel even the slightest bit of sadness by her decline. "I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable."

"You didn't," she quickly reassures me, walking my way, her overnight bag forgotten. "I really appreciate it, honestly. And I hope we get to the place where I can join you." She runs her hands up my chest and around my neck, pulling me against her as she brushes her lips across mine. "I've never done the whole dinner with family before. It seems like a big step, but if I were ready to take the leap, it would be with you."

Her words are a balm to my heart. "You're the first woman I've ever wanted to bring home."

Her eyebrows pull together in question. "That can't be true. You were married."

I sigh and lean my forehead against hers. "I know, and yes, I did want to bring Julia home, but not as quickly. In fact, I dated her for about six months before I introduced her to my parents, and when that happened, it was because we were engaged." I give her a sheepish grin.

"Really?"

"Yeah. We met, started to date, and I asked her to marry me about six months later. The wedding happened pretty quickly, and she was pregnant with Annabelle not long after."

"Wow, kind of a whirlwind romance, huh?"

I nod. "Kinda, yeah. Looking back, I know it was all wrong. Don't get me wrong, I'll never regret the decisions I made back then because they led me to Annabelle, but Julia and I were all about the hot and heavy. It wasn't meant to last."

She blushes. "You're really good at hot and heavy."

I give her a wolfish grin. "It's my specialty. If we had more time, I'd give you another demonstration."

She laughs the sweetest sound. "I think my vagina needs a break from your hot and heavy for a bit." Then, as if realizing what she said, she blushes a deep shade of pink.

"Well, I'm always ready and at your service," I tell her, my cock focusing on her vagina and wanting another go. Sliding my mouth against hers, I confess, "You're not just sex, Ava. I feel it in my bones. Since the moment I first saw you, you've always been different. Having you here or being at your place is not just about sex. It's about you and me, and the fact I feel better in your presence than I ever have with anyone else. You make me feel…calm, for lack of a better word."

She gently lifts her leg and runs her thigh over my erection. "You don't feel very calm to me."

I bark out a laugh. "Yeah, well, get used to that. You evoke that kind of reaction regardless, whenever you're near. I'm like a walking hard-on in your presence."

She goes up on her tiptoes and brushes her lips across the underside of my jaw. "Let's table the parents' dinner conversation for a bit. Just know we'll definitely revisit it someday soon, because you feel different to me too."

My heart does this wild little gallop in my chest. It's a happy, content sensation I'm getting used to when it comes to her. "Sounds good."

Pressing her mouth to mine, we get lost in each other and make out like teenagers until it's past the time I was going to leave and am officially late.

"I should go."

"Yeah, but I wish you could stay," I tell her, taking her hand in my left and grabbing her bag with my right. We walk through my house and to the back door. I hold her bag while she puts on her boots and coat, and eventually, we make our way to my garage, where her car is parked. "Last night was incredible. All of it."

"It was," she agrees as soon as I place her bag in the back seat and hug her to my chest.

Brushing my lips across hers, I trail my finger over her cheek, memorizing the feel of her soft skin. "I've got all week without Annabelle, so if you want to have dinner or hang out, just let me know."

"I'd like that. I'm having dinner with my sister's family on Tuesday, but otherwise, I'm wide open."

"Sounds good." This time, I deepen the kiss. If I'm not going to get to touch or kiss her for more than a day, I'm going to need something to carry me through.

I pry my mouth away from hers, even though I'd rather not. "I'll text you later, if that's okay."

She gives me a gentle grin. "I'd like that. Have fun with your parents."

Ava climbs behind the wheel of her vehicle and waits for me to shut the door. Once she's started the car, I open the garage door and watch as she slowly backs out. It's after four and the sky is turning dark, so hopefully no one notices the woman leaving my garage. Not that I'd care, but I know Ava wants to remain private for a while. At least until my daughter is out of her class.

I totally understand and support her decision, but the moment Annabelle is officially moving on to sixth grade, all bets are off.

I want Ava. I want to be able to walk down the sidewalk, holding her hand. I want to sit across from her at the diner and share a meal. I want to kiss her in the park—okay, maybe not the park, but somewhere public, and I want everyone to see. Not to show her off, but to show the entire town how much I want her and how amazing she is.

I want them to know she's taken.

And she is, even if in just my mind.

We've not had the whole exclusive relationship conversation, but I know we are. Neither of us are serial daters or bounce from bed to bed. Sure, I've had a few girlfriends over the years, but none I've wanted to stand in the middle of the city square and declare my feelings for.

Ava makes me want to do that. To stand up and tell the world how I feel about her.

But let's not get into that right now. Because the truth is, I care about her. A lot. This isn't just a crush anymore. I'm developing real feelings, and with each moment we're together, those feelings grow. I can see myself falling for her, and despite the fact I should be a little worried to even think that right now after a few weeks, I'm not. Not worried in the least.

Because something tells me she's worth it.

Worth the risks and the potential heartache that comes with falling for someone.

Once she's gone, I close the garage door and return to my house to retrieve my keys and wallet. I could probably take the leftover cookies she baked, but I'm gonna be stingy and keep those for myself. Besides, my mom always makes desserts to go along with dinner, so I might as well just leave them here.

When I have my things, I lock up the house and return to the garage. My truck is parked in the first bay, but before I climb inside, I take a moment to study the empty space beside it. I liked having her vehicle here, in my garage. Hopefully soon, we won't have to hide when she's here, and if her car is parked in my garage, it's because it simply belongs there, not because we're trying to conceal it. Annabelle will be so excited to know I'm seeing her favorite teacher.

But that seems like forever away. Annabelle has about four months left of school. That's four months of sneaking around and hiding my relationship with Ava.

Just as I start to back out, my phone rings. My ex-wife's name comes up on the screen, and I'm certain it's my daughter calling, which makes me smile. "Hello, beautiful girl."

"Hi, Dad. Whatcha doing?"

"On my way to Grandma and Grandpa's for dinner."

"Awwww, I wish I could go, but we're getting ready to leave for dinner."

"Where ya going?" I ask, heading in the direction of my parents' house.

"The steakhouse. Mike and Mikey are going too."

"I'm sure that'll be fun," I reply.

"Yeah."

"Are you gonna have the chicken tenders?" I ask, knowing what response I'll get.

"Is there anything else to eat there?" she teases. She's ordered the chicken tenders and fries for as long as I can possibly remember.

"Maybe someday you'll actually try the steak. It's pretty good."

"Yeah, maybe someday, but today's not that day."

Smiling, I say, "I'm glad you called. I was thinking about you."

I leave out the part about why.

"Me too. I don't have school Friday for a teacher in-service day, and I get to go to work with Mom."

"That'll be fun," I reply as I continue to drive along.

"Yeah, but too bad you weren't still working on Miss Rutledge's house. I could go to work with you instead."

Smiling to myself, I answer, "I wasn't working inside her house except to install the new window. Everything else was outside. In the cold."

"Ehhh, okay, maybe that wouldn't have been as fun, but I still could have watched Tabitha."

"Maybe another time," I state, pulling onto my parents' road.

"Okay, Mom and Mike are ready to go so I better get off here."

"I'm glad you called. Have a great day at school tomorrow."

"I will," she assures me, and I know she will. She loves school. "Love you, Dad."

"Love you too, Belle. Talk to you soon."

"Bye."

I hang up, still smiling, as I pull into my parents' driveway. Talking to her always puts me in a good mood, even if it does cause me to miss her too. Her mom is pretty good about letting her use her phone, and for the most part, she gets to call when she wants. I love those surprise calls and look forward to them.

Shutting off my truck, I climb out and head for the front door. I love hanging out with Mom and Dad, but tonight, I'm looking forward to later. To calling Ava and chatting with her. Because at the end of this day, knowing I can talk to her until we're ready to fall asleep is the icing on the cake. I started today off with her, and even though we'll be in two different houses—two separate beds—I look forward to finding a way to end it with her too.

I'm totally gone for Ava Rutledge.

And that doesn't seem to bother me one bit.