Chapter Sixteen

Oakley woke instantly, feeling a heavy body against her back. Her mind took a couple of moments to click and realize Tanner shared her bed, not Hercules. Mental images and memories of the night flooded her mind, sending a pulse of pleasure to the pit of her stomach.

After scooting to the edge of the bed, she slowly sat up, trying to make as few waves on the mattress as possible, hoping to allow Tanner to remain slumbering for as long as he wanted. Something told her he didn’t get nearly enough sleep, probably related to the situations that had led to his guilt.

His short, sandy hair, mussed from their exertions and recent nap, took years off his age in combination with the relaxed expression on his face. Muscles stood boldly over his entire body, even in a state of total relaxation. Her breath caught as she gazed at his form. Yummy. And he wanted to be with her. The idea still perplexed and humbled her at the same time. Never in her wildest dreams did she envision such a gorgeous man sprawled out naked in her bed.

I must have wished on the right star.

She could have sat there staring at the living piece of art named Tanner all day long—however, duty called. If she didn’t get moving, Hercules would be clawing at the door and wake Tanner. Upon standing, she headed to the closet and pulled out a long, thin robe, ignoring the dull ache between her legs, a reminder of their activities the evening before. She pulled the soft material over her, and tiptoed out of the bedroom, shutting the door quietly behind her.

Hercules immediately sat up on his mattress, his tail wagging in greeting.

“Need to go out?” she whispered to the dog as she walked to the back door and tugged it open.

Crisp morning air swooshed in, sending a chill over her barely cloaked body. Shivering, she willed her pet to hurry while debating whether to start breakfast or take a shower. By the time Hercules had finished his business, she’d made a decision. She let Hercules back in before heading to the bathroom. Morning breath tipped the scales in favor of cleaning up, winning hands down over food.

Oakley let the hot water flow over her body. She soaked up the warmth and comfort it provided. Steam filled the room as she scrubbed.

Her thoughts turned to Tanner and the night they’d shared once more. She’d always heard about morning-after regrets. Yet everything felt right about their intimacy and Tanner himself. She couldn’t have found a better man. Caring and compassionate, he proved to be a gentle and unselfish lover. Something she knew not all men could claim.

Tanner. Her heart pitter-pattered at the name. The sex couldn’t be surpassed in her limited experience, fulfilling her dreams and then some. But it was more than that. Tanner stirred her emotions, plucked her heartstrings, and meant more to her than she had ever imagined. Love. The word popped out, but when she considered the situation, it truly fit. She loved him. Why else would she fall into bed with a man she’d met so recently? A man that had picked the lock of her house, no less. If that wasn’t a sure sign of a woman in love, she didn’t know what was.

Oakley worked shampoo then conditioner into her hair, massaging with her fingers.

Could he love her back? Return those deep-seated feelings? Would he even admit such a vulnerability to a woman? In all honesty, she knew little about him and even less about his ability to commit and express undying love for all time. He didn’t come across as a romantic, being a pedal-to-the-metal, work-hard-and-play-harder kind of man. Could those adrenaline types ever be content with the same woman for the next half century or so? Did they secretly long for a stable home life or would they become bored within a month, out searching for an elusive, exciting adventure? No answers came forth.

She turned off the water, grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her hair. After stepping out of the small enclosure, she began to dry off.

A muted cell phone ring sounded, carrying through the door. Realizing the tone wasn’t hers, Oakley knew Tanner would wake and answer the phone. That left her little time to get presentable and start on breakfast. Hurriedly, she rubbed the fluffy towel over her body before pulling the robe back on. Only then did she take the wrap off, bending over to soak up the wetness from her thick, long hair. Satisfied, she tossed the wet linen into the hamper. After a quick brushing, she pulled the locks into a ponytail, striding out of the bathroom, even as she tied the belt on the robe.

When she didn’t spy Tanner, she headed to the kitchen, hoping to get a head start on meal preparation before he appeared. After all his energetic play last night, surely his stomach would be growling for food.

Tanner emerged from the bedroom just as she pulled pancake makings out of the fridge.

Her belly knotted as she felt a flash of nervousness. What if he was the one with regrets? Told her he’d changed his mind about trying a relationship? Felt cornered already? Panic rushed through her veins, setting her heart to skipping.

“Good morning.” He yawned and scratched his abdomen, pulling her attention down to his bare chest. Wrinkled jeans covered his bottom half, the top button left open.

She forced her gaze away from the bulge in his pants, already remembering the flesh barely covered by the denim. Large. Full. Pleasure causing flesh. One night with Tanner and she had turned into a sex-crazed, penis-craving hussy. She mentally kicked herself and forced her mind away from the risqué images flooding her inner thoughts.

“Morning.” Her voice quivered. Clearing her throat, she removed plates from the cupboard.

Tanner shot her a grin before striding over. Just as she pulled the silverware drawer out, he wrapped his arms around her middle, pulling her against him. His lips tickled her neck with tiny kisses as he trailed up to nibble on her earlobe.

Oakley giggled at the tickling sensation, leaning back against his large frame. “Someone is frisky this morning.” Her worries washed away with his affection. His kisses bolstered her confidence, and gave her the inclination to tease. A relief and welcome addition to the day.

“Mmmmm,” he murmured against her ear. “It seems so, despite a phone call from my mother.”

Oakley turned in his arms, blinking up at him. Her mood buoyed dramatically upon seeing the expression on his face. Gasping dramatically, she widened her eyes. “You have a mother?”

He snorted, relaxed his arms and looped them lazily around her waist. “What? You thought I was hatched?”

She bit her lip in an effort to stifle the grin. “Well, now that you mention it…” She squealed as he tickled her sides. He didn’t stop until she panted for breath and pleaded for mercy.

He smiled mischievously at her, hands at the ready, wiggling in a blatant reminder of his tickling abilities.

“Brute,” she laughingly chastised. “Here I was, going to make you breakfast in bed.”

“Now, I like that idea. Whip cream and chocolate syrup will do nicely.”

Oakley tilted her head, dumbfounded. “I was thinking pancakes. What were you thinking?”

He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips, cradling her head. Pulling back a hair, he explained. “You can be my plate. I’ll spread some sweet treat over you and commence licking.”

Her face flamed even as her belly somersaulted in slow motion. A sudden inspiration struck. “It’s my turn to torment you.” She’d had precious little time last night to explore his body. He had promised her free rein later. Today, she intended to take him up on the offer.

Tanner groaned low in his throat. He grabbed her hand and tugged.

Digging her feet in, Oakley stood firm. The confusion written on his face made her lips twitch. “What about breakfast?” She gestured to the kitchen counter.

“I would rather have you.” He pulled once more. “Leave it.”

She shook her head, pointing to Hercules, who lay stretched on his mattress snoring away. “Counter surfer extraordinaire. He’ll inhale anything and everything left out.”

Tanner rolled his eyes, but released her.

Scurrying, Oakley snagged up the items, quickly stashing them back in their respective places. With that small chore complete, she held out her hand, smiling widely when Tanner interlaced his fingers with hers.

“What kind of chocolate do I need to get from the store? The squeeze bottle or a small tub to dip you in?” She adored the new comfort between them that allowed her to banter even about a subject she’d rarely ventured into before. He’d done that for her, opened the door to her sensuality, and welcomed her with open arms.

Tanner growled while Oakley chuckled, pleased with her new-found ability to razz. Never had she considered herself a sexually charged person. One night with Tanner and she suddenly couldn’t wait to explore all kinds of play with him by her side. Hussy central, here I come. The thought, once a put-down, made her grin while adding a bounce to her step.

He led her into the bedroom with a chuckle. “I think I created an insatiable minx.”

“Is that so bad?”

“Oh, no. I have a fondness for minxes, after all.” He made quick work of the tie on her robe, dropping it dismissively to the floor, his eyes firing with obvious appreciation. Not waiting for Oakley, he stripped out of his jeans, letting them drop to his feet before stepping out.

When they both stood naked, he reached out, tracing the curve of one breast. “You’re beautiful.”

She shyly watched his hand, her breath hitching at his light skimming. Needing to touch, she placed her palm on his pec, rubbing, rotating her wrist enough to track down the center of his belly. She used her index finger to outline his six-pack abdominal muscles, marveling as they jerked with each caress. Feeling aggressive, she leaned in, opened her mouth, and flicked her tongue across his nipple, smiling to herself when a moan escaped him. With gaining confidence, she repeated the act, kissing the area before sweeping with her tongue.

Oakley reached out, letting her hands slide along his flanks before feeling the tightness of his rear. Impishly, she squeezed.

Tanner backed her against the bed, nudging her downward, after snatching a condom from his discarded jeans. His hands roamed over her chest, dipping lower as she reclined and scooted back on the mattress, finally cupping her bare core. Her legs opened of their own accord, eager to experience the same pleasures as before. After nuzzling her cheek with his day-old stubbly chin, Tanner placed a quick kiss to her lips, moving lower before she could play tag with his tongue. Settling on her breast, he suckled greedily.

Her attention perked, centering on his jutting arousal. Even as she watched, a drop of moisture emerged, clinging to the tip in blatant invitation. What would he taste like? Nothing held more priority for her than finding out. Tilting her hips, she squirmed, edging over to her side.

Tanner followed, lying down in her vacated space so that they faced one another. He coaxed her into a deep kiss while snagging her top leg just behind the knee. With a slow pull, he bent the extremity, letting her knee rest on his hip. Upon releasing her leg, he sought her clit once more, stroking the area with long fingers.

Intent upon her goal, Oakley shifted, using her weight to shove Tanner onto his back, rolling gracefully until she settled astride him. She met his eyes, then scooted back, resisting when he clutched her shoulders in an attempt to pull her forward. “I want to give you what you gave me,” she whispered as she tongued his belly button.

Tanner flopped back, his fingers delving into her tied-up hair. His eyes closed as she neared her destination, only to open again half-lidded—bedroom eyes.

After gaining balance on her knees, she arched her back, wrapping her fingers around his erection, gently gliding up and down, measuring his length while learning the feel of his exquisite flesh. He bucked under her touch. She darted her tongue out, flicking across him. Once. Twice.

“Oakley, damn.” Tanner sat up, clamped his hands on her waist, and lifted. With a show of supreme strength and control, Tanner reclined back, depositing Oakley to straddle his hips.

She pouted, peering down into his face from her new position.

He groaned and handed her the condom. “Later, minx. When I’m not on a hair trigger with you.”

“When will that be?” Oakley grinned to herself, enjoying the fact she pushed him to the brink so easily.

“Maybe sometime in the next decade.” His lips curled up at the corners.

Her confidence soared. “Let’s hope sometime sooner. I want to know every inch of your body by sight, feel and taste.”

Another moan followed as his hips lurched upwards. “You’re killing me.” His words set her into motion.

She recalled how he’d placed the rubber before, quickly getting it started and rolling down, earning a hitched breath as a reward.

“Ride me,” he grunted out between clenched teeth.

His command made her stomach summersault in delicious motion. She stared at him, read the sexual need in his eyes and knew she could do no other than please the man who gave so much of himself and asked so little in return.

Oakley sat up and scooted closer. Tanner assisted with one hand on her hip, the other wrapped around the base of his rigid cock. He rubbed the mushroom head up and down between her folds before finally centering on her entrance. “So wet.”

He pinned her gaze as she began to lower her body, somehow making the moment much more personal and intimate. After a second of hesitation and a twinge, her body welcomed him back with eager abandon. In no hurry, she joined them by centimeters, marveling how she could accept his large endowment with little difficulty.

“So hot and tight.” He clenched his teeth as she continued her snail’s pace progress. “Made just for this. For me.”

She blinked at his phrasing, so like her unvoiced thoughts. Too distracted to ponder the similarity further, she moaned in sultry happiness. Highly aroused, Oakley felt fire lash through her with the return of his erection to her sensitive core. Fullness and sharp hints of ecstasy sparked from her femininity as his manhood sought the deepest joining possible.

Settling completely on his lap, she paused to catch her breath and savor the moment.

“Okay?” A spark of worry crossed Tanner’s face.

She grinned down at him, touched by his concern. “Perfect now. You’re just a handful.”

He matched her smile. “More than that. Much more.” Reaching up, he cupped her breast and strummed the nipple. “Slow and easy. Take your time. Find what you like and how you like it.”

His guidance reassured her, bolstered her ego, and made her feel sexy all at the same time, a new discovery along with her long dormant libido, which took a mighty leap to life. While she could never have imagined how exciting, stimulating, and beautiful lovemaking could be, she now knew she didn’t want to live without it—or Tanner.

He made her complete in more ways than one.

With careful movements, she rocked against him, analyzing the myriad of sensations flooding her nervous system. Lifting up, she soon reversed course, quickly catching onto a patient rhythm. Fingers of delight danced over her on the next downstroke as she altered the angle just enough for his cock to rub up against a tender spot. “Oh.” She shivered and repeated the movement.

“Right there?”

“Uh-huh.” Closing her eyes, she braced her hands on Tanner’s chest and gyrated her hips in search of other secret spots thus far undiscovered.

His hands tightened on her waist, encouraging her movements, slowly at first then with increasing speed. Those brown eyes locked with hers as he reached between their bodies, finding her ultra-sensitive nub, and brushed over it.

She sucked in a breath. “Tanner, yes.” A whimper followed as he centered his attention on her clit.

Need crashed over her like a huge ocean wave. She twisted. She bounced. She rode him hard and fast then slow and grinding. Tanner’s touch followed her each step of the way, spurring her to greater heights, prodding her toward the peak.

Tension gripped her lower body. She dug her nails into Tanner’s pecs, instinctively bracing for an earth-shattering impact. A ragged cry tore from her throat as she hinged on the precipice of climax.

“Come for me, Oakley.” His fingers fluttered once more, with delicate intensity that shoved her right over the top, flying headlong into the fire, as Tanner thrust hard upwards to meet her final descent then locked their bodies together. His grip on her hip tightened, holding her in place, as her core rippled in delicious contractions, each one stealing her breath and surging her through the waves of rapture.

His cock swelled an instant before he grunted and jerked against her.

Panting, she watched his face, saw the contortions of ecstasy and knew he’d reached the same high level as she.

Worn out and lax, she draped across Tanner’s chest, relishing the occasional leftover bursts of pleasure. His breathing matched her own, but soon leveled out as they rested in the beautiful aftermath.

His belly rumbled loudly.

She grinned, lifting up enough to peer down at his face. “Finally time for breakfast?”

He smiled and rubbed her back. “If you feed me, you can have your way with me again later.”

She shook her head, happy and thrilled with the morning. “What an offer.” Her chuckles ruined the mock stern demeanor she’d tried to pull off.

He lightly smacked her on the rear. “Up, before I change my mind.”

Oakley lifted and scooted, sliding off the end of the bed. A few steps took her to the dresser where she gathered underwear and clothing for the day ahead. She needed to do a bit of cleaning before dressing.

Tanner sat on the bed, watching her the whole time. His eyes danced and sparkled with intensity. Only when she loosely held her shirt against her chest did he rouse, first removing the condom and disposing of it before collecting his jeans then hunting for his shirt in the other room.

“Pancakes coming right up.” She headed to the bathroom for a quick pit stop first.

* * * *

“What are you going to do today?” Tanner took another bite of pancake dipped in syrup.

Oakley sipped her juice. “Nothing today. I need to be online from ten to two tomorrow for the final for all my classes. I have to be available in case they have questions or problems with the test. After that, I submit grades, and then I’m free.”

He nodded. “After tomorrow, you’re off for the summer?”

“Not all summer. I run the test, post final grades. After that, I have about a month off before summer semester starts. It’s shorter, but more intense.”

“You like teaching.” He made it a statement.

She chewed and swallowed. “What’s not to like? I get to set my own hours, stay at home, don’t have to punch a time clock or deal with students face to face. The pay could be better, but overall, it’s a great job.” Oakley forked another bite. “What about you? Ever consider changing careers?”

He pondered her question for a long moment, staring at her. Just watching her eat turned him on. You have it bad. “What else would I do? It’s not like me or the other guys can simply retire, go to work in a cubicle, and be content for life.”

Her green gaze appraised him—intelligence and curiosity showed in their depths.

A blaring ring cut through their conversation. Tanner plucked his phone out of his pocket, noted the phone number, and immediately answered. “Owens.”

Dr Miller’s voice came across. “Loco. Just the man I was looking for.”

“I guess so, since you called me.” Tanner grinned, winking at Oakley as she blatantly eavesdropped from across the table.

The older man snorted. “Smartass. I’ve got some free time tomorrow afternoon. You want to do lunch?”

Tanner watched as Oakley’s tongue reached out, licking the remaining maple syrup off her fork. His groin immediately tightened with the remembrance of how that tongue felt on him.

“Loco? Can you hear me?”

“I’m here.”

He chuckled through the phone. “Would that be my former employee that has you all engrossed in everything but this conversation”

“Uh-huh.”

“So, are you free for lunch or busy playing with your neighbor?”

Tanner refocused on the conversation. “I’m free. Where and when?”

“Café on the corner of Main and Delaware at noon?”

“Ummm.” Tanner narrowed his eyes as he watched Oakley lick her lips. Whether she realized it or not, she teased him mercilessly and sent blood rushing back to his tireless cock. He shouldn’t be this aroused mere minutes after coming. Obviously, no one had bothered to tell his raging dick as it began to throb with need once more.

A sharp whistle carried through the phone. “Will that work for you?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Try to keep up, Loco.”

“You have no idea.”

The older man laughed. “Oh, I bet I do. See ya tomorrow.”

“Yeah.” Tanner shut his phone.

“Hot date?” Oakley grinned at him, mischief plastered across her face.

Lowering his voice, Tanner leaned in. “Yes. And because you distracted me with that tongue job on your fork, I’m not telling you anything more.”

She giggled. “Even if I make it up to you later?”

He bit back a groan, a wicked thought running through his mind. “Maybe.” He shoveled in food, pushing those erotic images away. At this rate, he would have to take a cold shower or three before meeting with Dr Miller. That or go to lunch with a hard-on that wouldn’t subside. Neither one appealed.

Never before had he wanted a woman so badly. He’d been with scores of women, gorgeous woman, and not one had made him feel so jacked up with simple bantering at the breakfast table. Hell, he’d never fixated on a woman while she ate, finding the simple act sexy beyond belief. The power she held over him would have been downright frightening if he didn’t see her inner self—the compassion, the sincerity. No ulterior motives existed—he knew it for a fact. Oakley showed her true colors to him and everyone else she met, yet asked nothing in return.

He could get used to this. Sitting at the table with Oakley, tossing sexual innuendos back and forth, teasing and enticing, cranking up the passion until they could fall into bed, hastily shucking clothes along the way. He envisioned her with a baby bump, his hands molding over the evidence of their love.

A child? Love? What in the hell am I thinking?

Startled, he shook his head, trying to clear the uncomfortable daydreams that had appeared out of nowhere. He had lost his ever-loving mind if he considered having a child. Love wasn’t something he wanted to look at too deeply, but he didn’t automatically toss out the possibility. But a child? A family? Those words had never entered into his thoughts until now. His job didn’t allow the luxury of a family anyway.

“Tanner. Earth to Tanner.” Oakley’s voice pried through his thoughts.

He blinked up at her, finding her lips twitching with mirth.

“Cat got your tongue?”

He grinned back. “Oh, I was just considering all kinds of uses for yours.”

She squirmed on her seat as a low whimper escaped her throat. Turnabout was fair play. Besides, he enjoyed watching her desire escalate, knowing it would simmer all afternoon in anticipation of his return tomorrow.

Nothing would keep him away, knowing Oakley sat at home, hot and wet, watching the clock until she could tear away from the computer and jump his bones.

His phone rang once more, this time in a different tone. Without checking the number, he answered, “Owens.”

“Hey, buddy. Got time and energy to burn. Want to meet me at the big gym?” Spoon asked.

“When?” The workout would do him good and provide a much needed distraction.

“An hour? Don’t tell me you’re just now dragging yourself out of bed.”

Tanner snorted. “I’ve been up a while, I’ll have you know.” He glanced over at Oakley. “Feel like working out?”

She bobbed her head, emptying her glass of juice.

“Okay. An hour. Later.” He slapped the phone closed.

“Boy, you’re popular today.”

“Too popular.” He glanced down at his wrinkled garments. “I guess I should go shower and change. I’ll be back in thirty and we’ll hit the road.”