“You can open your eyes now.” Vincent’s soothing voice reached Natalie’s ears, and she stopped her incessant humming. “Natalie, did you hear me?”
“I did,” she replied and squinted one eye open, followed by the other. “We’re here?’
The truck shut off, and he jangled the keys for her to see. “We’re here.”
She slumped in the passenger seat with a grateful groan. “Thank God. I was close to passing out the last few miles.”
“Hence humming the Star Trek theme for the past fifteen minutes?”
Cringing, she undid her seatbelt and leaned over the console to kiss him. “You know you love me for all my weirdness.”
“I love you for more than that,” he added, reaching a hand around to squeeze her ass.
If they weren’t in a truck, she would crawl to his lap and show him just how excited she was to be in a non-moving vehicle, but he pulled away and turned her face to look around them. An old stone and brick house stood before them, surrounded as he’d promised by gardens of beautiful flowers and cacti, and the Cyprus trees with their low-hanging branches swayed in the evening breeze.
“Wow,” she beamed, stepping out of the truck in a rush. “Oh, wow!”
She spun around in a circle, taking in the open land surrounding the house. In the distance, she could see a herd of cattle. In another field closer by were several horses, moving through the tall grass waving in the wind. They whinnied at the sight of people, and her boots crunched across the gravel as she walked to the fence.
“Do you think you could be happy here for a weekend?”
“Just one?” she lamented as Vincent placed his boot on the bottom fence rail.
“I was thinking every weekend—that we can get away, of course.”
“Now that sounds like the perfect adventure to me. Even with the two-hour car ride.”
He draped his arm over her shoulders, and they stood side by side, watching the sun sink lower on the horizon as the horses continued to graze without a care in the world. The fresh air filled her lungs, and Natalie wiped a tear from her eye. She’d missed this so much more than she realized. Being outside, being on a new adventure, and there she was with her husband, on his land, with so many activities calling out to her.
“Unpack and we’ll rustle up some dinner. I was thinking burgers tonight?”
She snickered as she climbed up into the bed of the truck to undo the straps around their suitcases. “Your burgers or my burgers?”
His dark look had her chortling. “Yours. You know, at least I try to cook every now and then.”
“And I will always eat whatever burnt and weird food you serve me,” she informed him. Once the suitcases were unloaded, she stomped to the tailgate and fell into his waiting arms. “Just because I love you.”
“Damn straight, woman,” he grumbled, and before she could get away, he slung her over his shoulder, spanking her ass as he carried her into the house. “Now, let’s get this honeymoon started right. Whiskey and burgers.”
Billy grumbled when his cell went off in the middle of the night. He covered his head with his pillow and tried to tune it out as another alert went off, and another, but finally gave up. With a curse, he reached out a hand, feeling for it. He brought it to his face, under his pillow, and squinted at the news alert.
Latest Scandal About to Rock Cunningham Campaign.
“What?” Wide awake now, Billy shot up in bed and clicked on the alert. His eyes skimmed the article, hinting at a larger one to come by Sunday morning. He was already on the phone with the man in charge of media alerts. When Jeff finally answered, Billy screamed at him to figure out what the hell was going on.
“What’s the scandal?” Jeff asked frantically.
“Just figure out where this asshole is getting his information, if he has any. I don’t want that article to hit on Sunday.”
“So there is a scandal? Billy, what’s going on, man?”
“Nothing, just do your job. I’ll try and get ahold of Vincent.” He hung up and dialed his boss and friend. There was no answer. After an hour, there was still no answer. Billy could drive out there himself, but that was overdoing it. Hopefully, they could stop the article before it hit the web or the papers and everything would be fine.
The pit in his stomach said everything was about to fall apart.
Lana locked her car and glanced around the street for her fiancé. They were meeting at the florist at the end of the block to pick out flowers for their wedding in September. She checked her cell again, worried she’d messed up the day or the time, when someone tapped her on the shoulder.
“Excuse me, miss,” a man in a fedora said.
“Oh, hello. Can I help you?”
“I believe you can. Where is your husband today, Mrs. Cunningham?”
“Huh? Oh no, you have me confused with my sister. I’m Lana,” she said and held out her hand with a bright smile on her face. “And who are you?”
“Hank Butcher, ma’am. I’m sorry for the mix-up. I’ve been hoping to talk to your sister.”
“Oh, well, she’s been pretty busy lately,” Lana informed him. “I’m sure you could always call her and leave a message or something.”
“I suppose I will have to do something of the sort. Does it happen often, you two getting mixed up?”
Lana shrugged, uneasiness settling her stomach. She looked around for her fiancé again, but he wasn’t in sight. “Sometimes. We got used to it after a while. And there are a few differences if you’re paying attention. Most identical twins have at least one or two small details that are different. “My eyes are darker,” Lana rambled, gripping her phone tighter in her hand. “And I have a tiny freckle on my chin that she doesn’t. And then there’s the piercings and tattoos, of course. Those help quite a bit. I’m sorry, who did you say you were again?”
“Hank Butcher, and thank you. That is very useful information.”
“Useful? For what?” Panic set in and her hands shook as the man leered at her and swiped his finger across his phone before holding it up to her.
“So would this be you, then, on that marriage website?”
“What? What marriage website?” Lana fumbled for words as she stared at her photograph on the phone, her profile listed beneath it. “I don’t know what that is or how you got that picture, but you need to leave me alone, right now.”
“I’m just curious. if Vincent Cunningham went through all that trouble to pick you, how did he wind up with your sister? Although a change was made to the marriage license. Interesting story, don’t you think?”
Lana fumed and raised her hand, slapping the man across the face. “Get away from me, or I’m calling the cops. And you leave my sister alone, got it?”
“Lana!” Alex ran over and placed himself between her and Hank. “Who are you?”
“He’s an asshole, that’s who he is!” Lana yelled over Alex’s shoulder.
Hank tipped his hat and, whistling, walked away, not even seeming to care that he had been slapped across the face so hard it left a mark. Alex tried to talk to her, but she had to text Natalie and tell her what was going on. Her fingers shook so badly, she garbled the message a few times before finally sending it.
“I think I screwed everything up,” she mumbled and clung to Alex. “Oh, Natalie.”
“You’re cheating,” Vincent grumbled as Natalie held up the fishing line with another largemouth bass on it. “You’re singing to the damn fish or something, aren’t you? I’m calling bullshit, right now.”
She beamed at him as she unhooked the fish and dropped it into the bucket beside her. “I think that’s enough for a good fish fry, don’t you?”
“I think I hate you right now.” He cast his line out into the lake again.
Natalie giggled with glee beside him, a contagious sound that soon had him grinning again. “You’re jealous.”
“Yes. Yes, I would be that.”
So far, the day had been nothing but perfection. He’d started the morning with another tantalizing romp in bed followed by a good old-fashioned Texas country breakfast with enough calories to last until dinner. They went horseback riding through the fields and the trails around the ranch, and she spotted the archery range he and his dad used a long time ago. They rode back to the house and hiked through the trees and tall grass to the range. She was good—incredible, actually. Watching her shoot was such a turn on, they made love right there in the grass, sharing their passion with the rest of nature.
Afterwards, he led her to the private lake on his land and they fished. She was up by three, and the only thing he caught was a damn turtle that wouldn’t leave his line alone.
“I think your friend’s back,” Natalie teased and nodded out to the water.
“That bastard,” he growled as the turtle swam through the water, chasing his line all the way back to the dock. “That’s it, I’m calling it. I think we’re finished for the day.”
Natalie reeled her line in and handed it to him so she could carry the bucket of fish. “Not a bad haul for this afternoon.”
“No,” he agreed, nudging her playfully with his elbow. “Not at all.”
The adventurous side of Natalie had been in full swing since the second they stepped out of his truck on the gravel drive. He’d only brought one other woman here, and the last thing she wanted to do was spend time out in nature. Natalie, no makeup or jewelry, wearing her ratty denim shorts, sweatshirt, and cowboy boots, sloshed lake water on her legs as she walked and not giving a single damn about any of it. The light in her eyes had yet to dim, and he wanted to see it grow even more.
He put the poles up in the barn, and she sat out on the back patio at the cooking station, filleting the fish like a pro. “Please tell me you’ve done that before.”
“Once or twice,” she told him, concentrating on the fish in her hands.
“Once or twice. Okay, I’m going to go change real quick. If you need me, holler.”
He’d barely stepped inside when she yelled for him. He darted back outside, thinking she’d sliced open her hand by accident, to see her grinning like a madwoman and shaking, trying to contain her laughter.
“Seriously?”
“What? You said holler if I need you. I always need you.”
Grunting, he stomped onto the patio, wrapped an arm around her waist, and crushed her to his body as he kissed her hotly until she panted for more. Then he set her back on her feet with a wink and whistling, strode back into the house.
“That’s not fair!” she called after him.
“I don’t play fair!”
He walked into the bedroom and changed out of his dirty clothes from their hiking, using them as a blanket when they had sex, and the slime from the fish on his jeans. He dug through his suitcase, looking for a fresh pair of jeans, when he saw the bright pink gift bag left by her sister. He peeked out the bedroom door, but she was still outside on the patio. As quietly as he could, he dug through the tissue paper and pulled out several different items that instantly made his cock stand up, ready to go another round.
“Oh, good God,” he whispered.
Inside the bag was a vibrating dildo, which he set aside as several ideas came to mind. The next item was a cock ring which he had never seen before in his life. Apparently, it vibrated, too. Several pieces of skimpy lingerie with beads making up the crotch instead of fabric were also part of the package. He pictured those on Natalie and groaned, imagining her walking towards him in nothing but that pink slip of fabric and pearls. A pair of fuzzy handcuffs came next, but he wasn’t into the bondage scene. The last item was a bottle of strawberry-flavored lube for both sexes.
“You done in there or what? I’m ready to fry these bad boys up!”
His lips curling with a mischievous grin, Vincent slipped the items he wanted into his suitcase and tucked the pink bag away again. After dinner, they would have some fun. They would have lots and lots of pleasure-squeezing fun.
The fish was delicious, probably made even more so by the fact that Natalie caught all of them, showing Vincent up for the second time that day. He might not admit it, but she was a better archer than him, too. All through dinner, his eyes raked down her body as if she was already naked, and by the end of it, Natalie’s breath was shaky and her thighs were clamped together hard, trying to quell the throbbing want for him.
He pushed back from the table. “I’ll clean up the dishes if you want to shower.”
“Are you telling me I stink?” she asked curiously. He was up to something, but she had no idea what.
“Only a little,” he added and winked.
“Hey, if you want to do dishes I would be more than happy to shower.”
She planted a kiss on his cheek and trotted off to the master bathroom to clean up. She showered quickly, not wanting to miss a moment of time with Vincent since this was their last night together. Though the honeymoon was short, Natalie had loved every second of it and knew they were returning home even closer than before. This marriage would work. She felt it deep in her bones.
When she turned the water off and pulled back the curtain, the clothes she’d picked out to wear were gone. In their place was the damn strip of pink lace with beads for a crotch. A wildflower rested beside it with a note.
Natalie glanced to the door to see it cracked open and soft flickering candlelight beyond. She grabbed a towel from the track and dried herself off as she picked up the note: Join me when you’re ready so we can watch the stars come out together.
Her heart swelled, and she brushed out her hair, braiding it into a thick braid she tossed over her shoulder, rubbed lotion into her skin, and slipped into the panties. The beads felt strange at first against her lips instead of an actual piece of fabric. She took a few steps and bit back a surprised gasp of pleasure as they rubbed her in all the right places. The bedroom was empty, but there were more flowers on the floor, leading her out into the living room. The sliding glass doors were open, letting in the cool evening breeze. Candles covered the tables and mantle, the end tables, and a few places in between. Set on the coffee table by the oversized couch were several more of the items Lana had sent with her. Before, Natalie had been embarrassed by those things, but now, they called to her. She imagined Vincent holding the vibrator as he broke her apart in the most delicious ways. Another gasp slipped from her lips as a very naked Vincent stepped in front of the open back doors.
She opened her mouth to say something, but the love and awe in his eyes as he looked at her from toes to head tore the need for words away. He stalked closer, each step causing her heart to pound, and her hands trembled in anticipation. When he was only a foot away, his hand reached out and cupped her breast gently in his palm. Her eyes closed as a shiver of want slithered down her spine. His other hand slid across her ribs, but he didn’t pull her into his arms. Didn’t kiss her. Instead, his hands explored her body as if he touched it for the first time. Each finger pressed and massaged as they followed the curve of her hips and the fullness of her breasts heavy with need. His thumbs rolled and teased across her nipples as she bit her lip on a moan. Each touch sent a ripple through her body until every nerve screamed for release.
Her hand reached out and held his hard cock, wanting to take part in this sensual dance. He grunted but didn’t pull away. Her other hand reached for his hip as she smoothed it along his abs, up to his pecs, and tugged gently on his nipples. The fine dusting of hair on his skin tickled the palms of her hands. Then he was gone. She frowned, opening her eyes.
“No, keep them closed,” he whispered hotly as his hands trailed around her body, telling her he was now behind her. “Keep them closed.”
Grinning, she did as he asked, her hands searching for his body. “Vincent?”
“Right here,” he murmured, and his lips kissed the hollow at her shoulder and neck.
She fell back into his chest as his kisses traveled to her shoulders and his hands gripped her hips hard while his erection teased her, pressed against her lower back. With his guidance, they walked backwards and Natalie nearly opened her eyes, but she heard the rub of his body on the couch cushions as he pulled her down to sit on his lap. Only one of his hands caressed her body now, holding her breasts, kneading and massaging the soft flesh. When something else dragged up her thigh, her nails dug into his thighs and her legs spread wide without even needing to be asked. He cursed, the sound muffled behind her, as he drew the vibrator up the inside of her thigh and back down the other. Each drag up made her hips lift, seeking out what she wanted, but his dark chuckle told her he was only getting started. His other hand disappeared from her breast and suddenly stroked her cleft, spreading her wetness and her swollen lips. She worried the beads would be in the way, but the man used them, dragging the strand up against her clit and her crying sheath. She moaned, her hips rising and falling with each tug. When she was close, so close to finding her release, he stopped, shoved the beads aside, and the hard tip of the vibrator sought entrance within her.
With his cock pressing against her ass cheek and the vibrator stroking her cleft, Natalie was lost in a sea of wanton desire. She heard a click and a gentle vibration hummed through the vibrator and into her body. He slipped it inside her, languidly at first, just the tip. His other hand rolled and tugged her bead until he thrust the vibrator fully within her body. She moaned with each drag out and each thrust back in. His mouth found her neck, and as he sucked on her earlobe, Natalie lost all control. Her hips bucked in time with his hand until he thrust hard and fast with it, sending her soaring over the edge and into a bottomless abyss of pleasure. A cry tore from her throat, and he held the vibrator inside her, pinching her nipple at the same time, and she screamed even louder, her inner muscles clenching hard around the silicon toy.
As he dragged it from her body, she shivered and fell limp against him on the couch. His lips continued to soothe her neck and shoulders, kissing and nipping as she recovered. When she was able to see straight, she tilted her head to the side and met his amused gaze.
“You continue to surprise me,” she murmured.
“Is that right?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Wait until I show you what to use next.”
She glanced at the table and saw the strawberry lube and the cock ring. “Are you sure?”
“Why not? I think your adventurous spirit is rubbing off on me.”
Natalie sat forward, his hips bucking to press his cock against her back, and she wiggled her hips in reply. The lube…she would use that first. She picked up the bottle and stood on shaky legs, rolling it in her hands.
“This is going to be cold,” she warned him, sinking to her knees in front of the couch.
His eyes darkened as she popped open the bottle and dripped some of the thick liquid onto his cock. It twitched, and he sucked in a breath as his hands dug into the couch cushions. “That’s not cold, that’s freezing.”
“Not for long.” She spread it around, and moving closer, she covered him with her mouth.
He groaned and his hips bucked his cock into her mouth deeper. “Woman,” he uttered, trailing off in a stream of curses as she licked the vein in the side, squeezing his shaft with each glide of her hands. He hardened in her hands, and the throbbing urgency to have him fill her was too enticing.
With a pop, her mouth pulled free. She reached behind her for the cock ring. She stretched it a few times, added more lube just in case, and eased it around his shaft. His eyes bulged when it settled against his base.
“I’m not going to last much longer if you keep touching me with that thing on,” he warned and hoisted her onto his lap. She straddled him, and a shudder burst through them both as he slipped inside. She reached between their bodies, searching for the tiny button, and flipped it on. “Shit,” he cursed and grabbing her hips, held her steady as he thrust hard and fast.
Natalie had to agree and lowered her mouth to his as she held him tight. His darting tongue mimicked his cock, and she moaned before too long as he stretched her and rubbed her inside and out in all those tiny places that made her squirm for more.
The breeze blew through the house, sending the candle flames flickering around them as her cry echoed into the night. His hand reached up her back, tugging on her braid, and she relished in the desires he awoke in her body. She rode him hard, matching each of his thrusts until he rolled them over and pinned her to the couch. Her legs wrapped around his body as he plowed into her. With a yell of release, his cock swelled within her, and she felt the heat of him spill into her as her cries of pleasure turned into a breathless moan. She gasped for air, in a state of disbelief at the never-ending waves of the orgasm that washed across her body. His arms shaking, he struggled to pull her back to his lap, slipping free at the same time. He reached down and picked up the used cock ring.
“Who knew,” he whispered and tossed it onto the coffee table.
“That’s…one way to put it,” she murmured as her head fell into his shoulder. “I don’t think I can move.”
“This couch is pretty comfortable,” he agreed, snuggling against her neck. “I vote we stay here for a while.”
“A long while,” she added. “Do we have to go back tomorrow?”
He sighed and lifted her face. “I wish we didn’t. We’ll come back as often as we can.” He kissed her forehead and whispered, “I love you.”
Natalie held him harder. “I love you more.”
His chuckle vibrated through her body. They remained together on the couch for a long time into the night, neither one wanting to move and break the magic of the moment.
