I woke to a tangle of sheets and an empty bed. Sunlight streamed through the crack in my curtains, the room already hot and sticky thanks to the increased humidity the storm had left behind.
Straining, I listened for movement in my house, hearing nothing but the ocean in the distance and the call of seagulls outside.
For a moment, I wondered if I’d dreamed Gunnar. If last night had been a beautiful figment of my imagination.
I shifted, feeling a slight ache between my legs.
Definitely not a dream.
I quickly walked around my house, double checking each room. My initial sense was correct—Gunnar was gone.
Suppressing the disappointment, trying valiantly to look on the bright side, I showered, washing his scent from my skin.
In an effort to shake off my funk, I threw on a summer dress, pulling my hair back into a messy, wet bun. Standing before my mirror, I examined the woman staring back. Her lips were swollen and dark smudges colored the skin under her eyes, while her cheeks were tinted pink—from residual pleasure or beard burn, I wasn’t sure.
‘No regrets,’ I whispered. ‘No matter what happens, you gave yourself freely and without restraint. You enjoyed Gunnar and he enjoyed you. He worshipped your body, and you rocked his world. Don’t dwell. You’re gorgeous, fierce, and a complete badass. If he doesn’t realize that, then that’s his loss. But don’t you dare regret a moment of this.’ I gave myself a firm nod, mentally dressing in my Wonder Woman costume.
I’m a sexy badass. I can do this.
My phone buzzed, a notification from my book club popping up on the screen. Unlocking the cell, I read over the messages I’d missed last night, a flush creeping up my neck.
Anika
LADIES! ELLA PICKED UP! THIS IS NOT A DRILL! ELLA PICKED UP!!
Collins
No fucking way!
Honey
Yes Queeeeeeeen!! Finally!!
Blue
Do we know him? Who is this pillar of godliness?????
Anika
A customer. Never seen him before. Picture big broad shoulders, luscious blonde hair and a mouth that looks like angels would consider straying to the dark side for one taste. The Viking Gods were kind to our girl last night.
Blue
Okay, I’m on board.
Collins
*fans self*
Honey
Why do you guys get all the good ones?? WHERE IS A MAN TO PLUNDER MY THIGHS??????
Collins
As a woman who has abstained for YEARS I need details. Dirty, filthy details. GIVE THEM TO US Ella! HURRY!!!
I chuckled, typing out a quick reply I knew would enrage my friends.
Ella
A woman never kisses and tells 😉
Anika
YOU BITCH!!!
Collins
You do you, hun. But seriously, how big are we talking?
Blue
Just wait until Monday. We WILL get all the tea!
Honey
WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO US???????? Meanie!
Smiling, I locked my screen, sparing a final glance in the bathroom mirror.
‘Okay, you’re good. Now get to work.’
I wasn’t due at the restaurant until early afternoon, but an owner’s work was never done. I pulled out my laptop, setting it up on the kitchen island. I stood in the doorway of my pantry, contemplating breakfast options when I heard my front door open.
My heart skipped.
‘Hello?’ I called, stepping away from the pantry.
‘Hey, you’re up.’ Gunnar rounded the corner, carrying a large takeout bag and two coffee cups. ‘Sorry it took me so long. Anika wanted to make you something special. Said something about—’ he continued to speak while placing items on the counter beside my laptop.
He’d changed. The damp clothes that I’d thrown in the dryer last night were gone, replaced with a shirt and dark board shorts. He smelled fresh, a mix of soap, salt, and him. I watched as he pulled a backpack off one shoulder, dropping it on the floor.
‘Hope you don’t mind. I brought an overnight bag. No big deal if you’re not comfortable—’
My body reacted before my mind caught up. I launched myself at him, wrapping myself around him like a koala. I pulled his head down, pressing frantic, open-mouthed kisses to every part of skin I could reach.
His hands slipped down, palming my ass before boosting me up. My legs wrapped around his hips as we kissed, our tongues tangling in a desperate, gasping slide. He twisted, shifting so I sat on the island counter, his cock now perfectly level with my pussy.
I pulled back, urgently tugging at the drawstring of his shorts. Desperately I shoved them down, reaching to grasp his cock. His thick length landed in my hand—hot, hard, and already pulsing with need for me.
Me.
I groaned, shifting so I could guide him to me.
‘Stop. Condom,’ Gunnar groaned out as I rubbed the head of his cock against my clit. My wetness coated him, both of us throwing our heads back in a simultaneous moan.
‘Pill,’ I panted, unwilling and unable to halt the desire pulsing through my bloodstream. ‘I’m on the pill. Please, can you just—’ I pulled him to my entrance, tilting my pelvis toward him. ‘Please—’
‘I’m clear, but pregnancy chances and—’
‘In me,’ I demanded. ‘Now’
Gunnar slammed home, our bodies locking.
‘Fuck,’ he bit out, thrusting again. ‘So good. So. Fucking. Good.’
He pounded me on my breakfast bar, ripping my top down until my dress fell below my breasts. Cupping my breasts he lifted them to his hungry mouth, laving them with attention.
‘I’m gonna—’ my breath caught, my body tensing as I danced on the edge of an orgasm.
‘Now,’ Gunnar ordered, thrusting hard. ‘Come for me, Ella.’ He dropped a hand, pressing a finger against my clit.
I screamed, dying a million little deaths as pleasure overrode all other senses. The waves of clutching, delicious tension flowed through my body as I milked his cock. Distantly, I felt his cum, his heat adding to my enjoyment.
Gunnar held me tight, one hand lazily stroking my hair as I returned to myself. I pulled back a little and looked up to find him smiling.
‘Good morning.’ Satisfaction glinted in his eyes. ‘Miss me?’
I took one look at his beautiful face—a face that had quickly become so dear to me—and burst into tears.
‘Hey, hey. Shit!’ He lifted my chin, pressing a kiss to my forehead. ‘What’s all this? Did I hurt you?’
I’d been so convinced he’d left me—that this connection had been one-sided. Horrified by my reaction, I ducked my head, shifting to try to escape him.
He cupped my cheeks, holding me in place as he searched my face. ‘Ella, baby. Talk to me.’
‘I thought you’d gone,’ I admitted, watching confusion cross his face. ‘You didn’t leave a note.’
He blinked. ‘After last night, you thought I’d just—leave?’
I shrugged, feeling suddenly vulnerable. I leaned away from him, pulling the straps of my dress up, covering my breasts. ‘I don’t really know you, Gunnar. You could have been the type to wham, bam, thank you, ma’am.’
He sighed. ‘True, we’ve been moving fast. Can’t say I’m sorry, though.’ He stepped back, laying a hand on my thigh as he gave me a little space. ‘Ella, you’re amazing. This thing between us—it’s—special. Unique. I’m not leaving. And if I was, I’d make damn sure to let you know where I was going.’ He pulled me into his chest, holding me close. ‘I’m sorry I upset you.’
I let him hold me, fighting to bring my emotions under control.
‘Sorry.’ I scrubbed at my face, giving him a watery smile. ‘I just—you’re right. What we have is different. I’ve never had this reaction to someone before.’
‘I know, baby.’
He pulled me back to him and I reveled in the feel of his strong arms holding me tight.
‘Come on,’ he whispered. ‘Let’s eat.’
