Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 67991 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67991 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
With my game plan in effect, I start thrusting even faster into her, determined to bring her to the brink with me.
Tempe’s muscles tense and she lets out a guttural moan as she tightens her grip on my body. My senses are overwhelmed and I quicken my pace, but then slow down just enough to feel the pulsing of her clit under my thumb.
Tempe’s words ring in my ears, driving me to the edge. “I’m so close.”
Her body quivers beneath me, and I know I’m right there with her. I thrust into her with all my might, each movement sending us both toward the brink. And then it happens—Tempe is the first to climax, her body clenching and trembling as she falls over the edge. I watch in awe as she comes undone in my arms and it’s all over for me.
I can’t hold back any longer. As her body continues to spasm beneath mine, I slam one last time into her before losing control. A wave of ecstasy washes through me and I groan out my orgasm as I press my cheek against hers.
As we try to catch our breaths, I drop down onto Tempe’s sweat-soaked skin, feeling utterly spent but intensely satisfied. I gather her into my arms and roll us to the side.
We’re both quiet but she’s the one who breaks the silence. “So does that mean like… we’re official or something?”
Snickering, I reach down and squeeze her ass. “Yeah… we’re official.”
“Still not cashing that check,” she says.
“I know,” I murmur, but I’ll find a way to get the money to her mom. I have no clue if Natalie has as much pride as Tempe does, but it’s worth a try.
She’s the real deal now, so I’m going to do whatever I can to help her and her family.
Another thought strikes me. “Christmas is day after tomorrow.”
“I know,” she says with a slight groan. “I still have to get some shopping done for my mom and Cooper tomorrow. I’ve been so busy between work, taking care of Mom, and being your fake girlfriend, I haven’t had time.”
Guilt hits me hard, as I hadn’t even thought about how this might affect her personal life. “I’m sorry.”
She lifts her head, gives me a warm smile. “Don’t apologize. I knew what I was getting into, and besides… I have time tomorrow. It’s Christmas Eve and luckily, I don’t have to work. I’ll be able to get it all done.”
“Are you still good going to the party with me at Brienne Norcross’s? I know we had tentatively scheduled it on the ‘fake girlfriend agenda,’ but now that we’re the real deal, I’d love for you to be my date.”
“Of course,” she says brightly. “It sounds fun.”
“And how about I take you shopping tomorrow? I’ve got some things to pick up too.” Like presents for her, Cooper and Natalie, because it suddenly dawns on me, I didn’t just gain Tempe, I gained her family too.
“Um… okay.” She seems to reconsider before popping back up again. “Yes. That sounds fun. Let’s do it.”
And it does sound fun. Shopping, getting in the Christmas spirit, being a real couple, which is both odd and appealing at the same time.
“And I’d like to invite you to have Christmas Day dinner with us,” she says. “Farren too, of course.”
I’m so stunned to actually be invited into her inner sanctum on such an important holiday that I’m momentarily speechless. She takes it as if she might have crossed a boundary as she immediately backpedals. “I mean… only if you want to. You might want to spend it with family—”
I put my hand to the back of her neck and pull her to me for a gentle but quieting kiss. She sighs into my mouth and I mumble against hers. “I’d love to. Farren too, I’m sure.”
Tempe laughs, then really kisses me and all thoughts of Christmas are abandoned. I roll her to her back, put my hand between her legs and start the process of loving her body all over again.
CHAPTER 15
Rafferty
We maneuver through the bustling mall, the air filled with the mingled scents of pine, cinnamon and fresh coffee—a festive cocktail that makes the holiday rush almost bearable.
The other thing that makes this not only bearable but actually enjoyable is my shopping companion. Tempe clutches a list, her brow furrowed in concentration, and I’m just here to carry bags and offer moral support.
Admittedly, it’s been slightly painful to watch her balance a limited budget to buy things for her brother, a task that normally her mother would handle but can’t because of her injuries. I want to pull out my credit card and hand it to her, but I know she’ll never accept it.
As we pass a jewelry store, sparkles in the display cabinet catch my eye and as Tempe pauses to cross a few things off her list and make additional notes, I zero in on a delicate diamond bracelet. It’s simple yet elegant, the kind of thing Tempe would wear without thinking it’s too much.