His body holds me down with his delicious weight, and I close my eyes, riding the waves of pleasure taking me higher. As my orgasm filters through my pelvis, I savor this release. I let it consume me, blocking out any fears and doubts.
The bubble bursts, filling me with shimmering pleasure, and he comes with a deep groan, finishing inside me.
It’s a curious bliss, this gorgeous mountain of a man wanting me, praising me, filling me. It’s an appealing escape from the shit show I’m hiding from back home–a suggestion there might be something different waiting for me in this place I’ve always avoided.
But I have so much to sort through first, and I don’t want to think about it now.
Tomorrow will be here soon enough.
9
Blake
Too soon. The thought drifts through my mind as dawn slowly brightens Hutch’s master bedroom.
My eyes open, and I look around the masculine suite. It’s all dark woods, navy fabrics, and straight edges. I’m wrapped in a warm cocoon on one side of his king-sized bed, and I hear the whisper of his breathing across from me.
Sliding quietly out of bed, I tiptoe to where my gray sleep shorts and black tank lie in a heap just inside the door. Last night feels like a different world to me now. I’m shaken and disoriented, like did that actually happen?
I steal a glance at Hutch, gorgeous with the blanket draped low across his waist. One arm is over his head, and he’s a Michaelangelo lying in repose with the yellow light of dawn highlighting his sculpted physique.
Biting my lip, I slip through the door without waking him.
The second floor is silent and dark, but when I enter our room, I’m surprised to see my sister up and fully dressed in jeans and riding boots. A red and cream plaid flannel shirt is open over her gray tee, and her hair is in a low ponytail.
She takes one look at me and continues gathering her things.
“Where are you going?” I ask softly.
“I’m heading over to Uncle Hugh’s to take some pictures. Dawn is really beautiful at the stables.”
Hesitating, I look to my bed then back at her. “I’ll go with you.”
“Hurry up. It’s a short window of time.”
We’re out the door in less than five minutes, in the golf cart I recognize from my uncle’s garage, driving to the estate in the misty morning.
“How did you get this golf cart?”
She shrugs. “Scar said he’d bring it over for me last night.”
I look behind the seat to see her canvas bag is packed. She appears ready for a day of work.
“Did I fall asleep for a hundred years?”
Hana shoves a spiral curl behind her ear and gives me a quick glance before returning her eyes to the road. “I think coming here was a good thing. The city is so toxic. Don’t you love the air? I don’t remember it being this way when we visited before.”
I want to say it was probably because she was always high–or because she appears to be sparking a little romance with Hutch’s silent and scary partner.
Instead I simply agree. “It’s nice.”
I’ve got enough going on in my brain with everything that’s happened to me in the last twenty-four hours.
She slows the cart and stops at the front door. “Hop out. Unless you want to go with me to the stables?”
“No, I’ll stay here.” I look up at the grand entrance. “I’ll make us some coffee and breakfast if I can find anything. I’m sure Norris can help me. Come back when you’re finished.”
Her eyes have a distant look, and she nods. “I’ll be back in a half hour.”
I watch her silently cruise away, a mix of relief and anxiety swirling in my chest. Will her new interest in life continue if we return to the city? Should she stay here? Rubbing my forehead, I put my hand on the door before I realize I don’t have a key. I have my phone, but I knock, waiting to see if Norris will answer.
He does in a burgundy silk damask robe. “Miss Blake! I wouldn’t have expected you at this hour. My goodness, I’m not even dressed. Are you alone? Do you require coffee? Tea?”
This old man has been with my uncle since I was a child, and I hate to see him so stressed and anxious. Placing my hand on his forearm, I give it a squeeze.
“Coffee would be great, but don’t worry. I’ll make my own if you’ll show me around the kitchen. Hana is taking pictures in the stables, so she’ll be a few minutes. Is there anything I could make for breakfast?”
“Of course, Miss. I have eggs, batter for pancakes, waffles, scones–”
“Eggs would be perfect. And toast? Bacon?” He nods, and I put my hand in the crook of his arm. “Lead me to the kitchen, and I’ll do inventory.”
Norris excuses himself, and I pour a cup of coffee. I tell him to take his time, while I walk through the house, thankful for a bit of alone time to sort out my thoughts.
Dropping onto a plush velvet sofa in the living room, I think back over the last twelve hours. I slept with Hutch, several times, and it was very, very good. A charge radiates through my belly, and I put my hands over my face. What am I doing?
I can’t start something with him. We have nothing in common. All we have is ridiculously hot chemistry. He’s firmly established here in Hamiltown, and my life is entirely in New York…
A life I hate.
Still, my friends are there…
Or are they?
Besides Hana, Debbie was my only real friend in the city, and a weight presses down painfully in my chest when I think about what happened to her. Coming here, finding Uncle Hugh missing, I realize I haven’t even searched for the latest on her case.
Taking out my phone, I do a quick Google search that tells me… Police haven’t released any details. With a sigh, I consider texting Trip. The very idea makes my skin uncomfortably tight. I don’t want to talk to him.
I could ask Hutch to help me–and take a chance of giving him even more reasons to judge my sister, my lifestyle, and my so-called friends.
Hutch Winston and I are very different people. We don’t share the same world view.
Or do we?
Being in this place, seeing Hana here, I feel like my life in New York doesn’t reflect who I really am and what I want, at least not anymore. I do want peace–it’s why I jumped on my uncle's invitation to come here so fast.
Pushing off the couch, I take my coffee mug to the kitchen. There’s really no point in devoting so much time and emotional energy on this when I don’t even know how Hutch feels. If he’s not serious, all the mental gymnastics could be a colossal waste of time.
I’m feeling pretty silly and childish when I notice Norris hurrying to the front door. My brow furrows, and I don’t remember hearing the doorbell ring or anyone knocking.
When he opens it, my stomach drops. Two men I do not want to see saunter in like they own the place.
“How’s it going, chap?” Trip slaps Norris on the shoulder like they’re old pals when they’ve never even met. “We’re looking for Blake and Hana.”
“Trip?” I’m frowning as I close the distance between us. “What the hell?”
“Blake! And a kind hello to you, too.” Trip arches an eyebrow at me, and my lips tighten.