Garrett (18 page)

“He’s like the perfect man,” Maryana says in wonder.

“Pretty damn close,” Olivia agrees with her mom. “But I’m going to help with the dishes too. Mom, you cooked, so go in the living room and relax.”

“Sounds peachy,” Maryana says as she picks up her wineglass and practically floats into the living room. Olivia and I grab the plates and leftover lasagna, carrying them into the kitchen. We stand side by side at the sink, scraping and rinsing the plates.

Olivia bumps into me and murmurs, “My mom likes you. A lot.”

“I like her too,” I whisper back. “She’s pretty fucking cool.”

“Sorry we, um…got interrupted,” she says as she fills the sink up with soapy water. “I really, really wanted you in my mouth.”

I suppress a groan. “Stop talking like that. I can’t handle another hard-on in your mom’s presence again.”

Olivia gives a low, husky laugh that seems to coat my entire body in lust. Apparently, just her laugh is as much of a turn-on for me as her touch.

Tilting my head down and lowering my voice further, I ask, “So…I know you’ve got your mom visiting and all, but any chance we’re going to get some alone time this week?”

“Sure we will, although you’ll have to stay here. I don’t want to leave my mom to go stay at your place.” Olivia washes a plate, rinses it, and hands it to me to dry.

“And she won’t mind?” I ask dubiously as I help dry the dishes she washes.

Olivia turns to me and gives me an eye roll. “Please…you heard her. She said we’re grown-ups and she knows we do grown-up things.”

“Yeah, but I thought that was just her being wacky,” I say with a chuckle.

“She is wacky…but she was serious too. So, what days this week do you think you can come over to stay?”

“Definitely Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, but Thursday we have a preseason game in Buffalo. But I’ll be back on Friday. And don’t forget…we have our first preseason game here this Tuesday night. Will you and your mom come?”

“I’d love to, and I’m sure she would too,” she says as she rinses the last plate and pulls the drain on the sink. She hands it to me and I dry it.

“Excellent, I’ll get you both tickets down on the ice.”

Olivia rinses her hands as I take the dried plates and put them back in her cupboard. “You don’t have to get us special tickets or anything.”

Throwing my towel over my shoulder, I turn to Olivia and pull her in to me. We wrap our arms around each other’s waists, and as I stare down at her, I become overwhelmed by her beauty. Her eyes, lips…her nose, and smooth skin. Fucking beautiful hair and a body that will always star in my fantasies. And yet the thing that gets me most excited about this moment is that she just said I didn’t have to do anything special for her. She doesn’t expect anything from me, and that’s one of the reasons I’m attracted to her.

Doesn’t mean I’m not going to do special things for her, but the fact that she doesn’t need that from me makes her even more stunning, in my book.

“I want you down on the ice,” I say as I lean down to give her a sweet kiss. “I want to be able to see you cheering me on. I’ve never had someone there just for me…I mean, outside of the times my family comes to visit.”

Olivia squeezes me tight and lays her cheek against my chest. “All right, then…I’ll be the one down on the ice screaming the loudest for you.”

I’ve definitely been anxious for the season to start. I flourish in the adrenaline and competition. Hockey season is the happiest time of my life. But I don’t think I’ve ever looked forward to a game more in my life than the one on Tuesday…because I know Olivia is my biggest fan and will be there to support me. It makes it a million times more exciting to me.

“If you look at your watch one more time with that annoying sigh of frustration, I’m going to smack you,” Stevie grumbles as he walks by on his way out to the front to help some customers.

I sneak another glance and see that it’s only three-forty-five
P.M.
and I have a little more than two hours left until I get off work. It’s Friday afternoon and the store is pretty busy at this time of the day. Our order list for the weekend is long so Stevie’s been manning the front while I’ve been doing all the arrangements.

Garrett flew back in today, and in fact, the team plane should have landed a few hours ago. We made plans to go out to dinner tonight, my mom insisting we go out on a date together since our time has been limited this week. I am so damned excited to see him that I can’t stop looking at my watch, which is moving at the speed of molasses.

This past week has been just amazing. It’s been such a comfort to have my mom here, and I’m sad she’s going to be heading back tomorrow. She promised to use the rest of her vacation time to come back out during one of my treatments, as she wants to be there for me when things are bad. I figure between her, Garrett, Stevie, and Sutton, I’ll be well taken care of.

Garrett did, in fact, stay at my house the first part of the week. He’d meet me there after I got off work, and my mom would have dinner ready for us. Then we’d talk for a while or watch TV, and eventually Mom would wander off to bed. Then it was on…the race to get inside each other’s pants while trying to be as quiet as possible. We learned very quickly that my bed was too squeaky, so Garrett fixed that by pulling my mattress to the floor and tossing me down on it.

One night, though…after Mom went off to bed, Garrett and I just stayed out in the living room and watched a movie. He lay behind me on the couch and wrapped one arm around my waist while the other cushioned my head. We were quiet for the most part, unless it was to make a comment about the movie, and every so often he would brush his lips against the back of my head. When the movie was over, he murmured, “It’s late. Let’s get some sleep.”

Then he walked with me hand in hand to my bedroom, where we did nothing more than take our clothes off and slip into bed together. We assumed our usual sleeping positions, with my head on his chest and one of my legs twined between his. It was the first time we didn’t have sex before going to sleep, and yet it felt natural too. It made me realize that while our sex is off-the-charts hot, it’s not what’s at the center of our relationship.

Garrett did, however, make up for it the next morning by pulling me out of bed and taking me up against the wall. He had to clamp one hand over my mouth to keep me from crying out, it felt so damned good. And yes, I’m very much looking forward to seeing him tonight. I’ve never thought about sex much, but with Garrett…I think about it a lot. I’ve never been with someone who is so giving and has made my body feel so good. I think I might be addicted to him.

I hear the bell over the door out front tinkle on a few occasions and figure Stevie is in over his ass out there, but he can handle it. He’ll flit around the store, helping to make efficient decisions, all while never making a customer feel left out or rushed. He’s a whiz at that stuff, because he’s more social butterfly than human.

Burying my attention in a set of bridal bouquets for a wedding tomorrow, I become lost to my thoughts of Garrett and baby’s breath flowers.

“How do you get sexier every time I see you?”

My head does a slow raise up and I’m already smiling before I make eye contact with Garrett. “What are you doing here? Thought you were going to be at my apartment at six-thirty.”

“Just couldn’t help myself. Needed to see you,” he drawls, and before I can stop myself, I’m shooting off the stool and rocketing toward Garrett. I manage a perfectly aimed leap, he catches me smoothly and I wrap my legs around his waist. We’d so kill it on
Dancing with the Stars,
I bet.

I manage to start kissing Garrett as well as flinging my arm out to catch the edge of the door that separates the front and the back, and swing it shut. Garrett just turns his big body and then pins me up against the door, mashing his lips to mine in a brutally hot kiss.

“God, I missed you,” he says when he lifts his mouth to pay attention to my neck. I can feel him hot and hard between my legs, and I’m flooded with wet arousal.

“Put me down,” I gasp. Groaning, Garrett pulls his head up and looks at me with curiosity, but then lets my body slide south. I quickly grab his hand and start pulling him through the shop, back past the floral design area and the coolers. Right into a little room that says
OFFICE
on it.

I flick on the light, push Garrett farther into the room, and then shut the door, turning the lock.

“I’m pretty sure I thought you were the most amazing woman on the planet,” Garrett says as he steps toward me in a predatory manner. His eyes are hungry as they roam all over me. “But if you pushed me back here for a little quickie, then I’m going to have to build a temple within which to worship your greatness.”

I snicker, but then reach out to undo his belt. “No quickie. I am finally going to give you a blow job.”

Garrett hisses between his teeth, groans, and then rumbles. “Oh, fuck…most perfect woman in the world.”

“Damn straight,” I whisper, and once I get his pants unzipped, I give him a little push toward one of the chairs that sits opposite Stevie’s desk. “Sit down in the chair.”

“You’re the boss,” he says with a grin, and despite our humor, I also see the underlying need in his eyes and in the massive erection that’s just beyond that zipper.

Just as Garrett is getting ready to lower himself in the seat, I say, “Wait. Push your pants down. Go ahead and get that cock out for me.”

“Jesus, Olivia…I don’t know if I can handle you dirty-talking right now.”

“Give me something to put my mouth on and you won’t be hearing anything from me,” I say with a grin as I step up to him. I watch hungrily as he pushes his pants down, and, yeah…that huge shaft comes free and I’m taking it in my hands so I can stroke it.

Garrett practically falls back into the chair and moans as my hands roam over the soft skin. He watches me through half-lidded eyes as I kneel down between his legs and lick my lips. I lean forward to take him in my mouth, but his hand comes out and caresses my cheek. “I really did miss you.”

My heart sighs over the reverence in his voice, and I give him a sweet smile. “I really missed you too.”

I let our gazes hold for just a moment more, then I bend my head over him. That first soft touch of my tongue on him and both of his hands sink into my hair while he whispers, “Yes.”

Yes
is right.

Yes, this is amazing and beautiful and sinful.

I love the way he tastes and the way he smells. As I take him farther into my mouth and lightly suck, I love the way his hips flex upward and I know he has no control over his actions. Because I’m making him feel so good.

“Baby…I’m not going to last long,” Garrett says softly. “Want me to push you off?”

I give a half-growl, half-moan and give my head a slight shake in the negative while I pick up the pace. While I’d love to draw this out, I sure as hell don’t want Stevie coming back here and ruining the moment for us.

I bob my head up and down on his shaft, using one hand to stroke at the thick base and my other to lightly stroke his balls. I want to touch them more, but they feel so delicate and I don’t want to hurt him. I’ve not done this before, and there’s so much I don’t know. I only know that what I’m doing right now feels good to Garrett, because his breathing is harsh and he’s thrusting upward into my mouth.

“I’m going to come,” Garrett pants, his grip tightening in my hair. He goes absolutely still and whispers in sharp bursts as he fills my mouth, “Fu-u-u-u-u-ck. Oh, fuck. So good.”

I immediately swallow, not totally digging the taste but completely loving what I just did to him. This is definitely something I’m going to keep on the agenda.

I pull away from Garrett as he softly slips out of my mouth. Resting my hands on his thighs, I ask him, “Was that okay?”

Garrett pulls on me, and since his hands are still plastered to the side of my head, I have no choice but to raise up. He brings me right to his mouth and gives me a slow kiss, pushing his tongue deep into my mouth for a leisurely mating with my own. When he pulls away, he kisses my lips softly and says, “There are no words to describe what that was. Possibly one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.”

“I’m glad,” I say with a beaming smile. “Because I really, really enjoyed doing that to you.”

“How about letting me return the favor right now?” he asks mischievously.

I stand up all the way and give myself a slight stretch because that position caused a little ache in my lower back. “No can do. I have way too much work to do so I can get out of here on time.”

“Can I help?” Garrett asks as he stands and tucks himself back in his pants.

“Absolutely,” I say as I walk over and open the office door. “I’ll have you cut all the new flowers that arrived today for tomorrow’s work. That will give me a boost.”

Turning to walk out the door, I run smack into Stevie. He’s standing there with his hands crossed over his chest and a knowing look in his eyes. “Having a private moment?” he purrs.

Garrett walks up behind me and places his hands on my shoulders. “Just making out a little. I missed her and couldn’t wait until tonight to get a kiss.”

“Mmmm, hmmmm,” Stevie murmurs, but I can tell by the tone of his voice he doesn’t buy the whole “we were just kissing” act.

Oh, well. I’m pleased with what I just did, and I know damn well Garrett is, and I know if Stevie really knew what just happened in his office, he’d be pleased for both of us. But I’m not about to share those intimate details with him. That’s for me and Garrett alone.

We’ve assumed the position. Garrett on his back, my head on his chest, legs appropriately woven in a proprietary pattern. My arm is lying across his stomach, my breasts pressed to his side. He strokes my arm with his fingertips and our breathing evens out.

I am mellow and happy.

I had another wonderful evening with my mom and my boyfriend, and it no longer seems odd to call Garrett that. We’ve been seeing each other three weeks exclusively, so I guess that is what he should be called.
Lover
just seems odd.

Hello, this is my lover, Garrett Samuelson,
I think inside my head. Yup, definitely too odd to introduce him that way.

“What’s going on inside that pretty head of yours?” Garrett asks, his voice rumbling within his chest as I lie upon it.

Idly stroking the skin over his ribs, I say, “Just that it doesn’t seem weird to consider you my boyfriend.”

Garrett chuckles. “Is that what I am?”

“I guess. I played it out in my head, how I would introduce you to someone, and calling you my lover just doesn’t seem kosher.”

Snickering, Garrett turns his face slightly and kisses me on my head. “Definitely sounds weird. I can accept
boyfriend.
”

Sighing with a smile, I listen to his heart beating strong and steady. That’s Garrett…strong and steady.

“I do believe I’m going to miss your mom when she’s gone,” Garrett muses. “She’s a lot of fun to hang out with, but I am looking forward to being able to have wild and loud sex with you again.”

“I know…this quiet stuff is for the birds. I want to scream your name at the top of my lungs.”

We both start laughing, and we automatically tighten our hold on each other.

“Olivia?” Garrett says once it gets quiet again. His voice is soft…hesitant.

“Yes?”

“I’m really worried about your next treatment. You know I’m going to be traveling over the days that the chemo is scheduled for, right?”

“I know. I put all of your games on my calendar. But don’t worry…Stevie and Sutton will take care of me.”

Garrett’s chest rises with a deep breath he pulls in, and when he lets it out he says, “I know…but I want to be the one that takes care of you.”

I push up onto my elbow so I can look at Garrett. His face is filled with frustration and worry. “Hey,” I tell him as my hand strokes his chest. “It’s okay. You helped take care of me last time. Stevie and Sutton can handle it this time.”

“I know,” he huffs. “I know they can do it. I just want to do it, and my fucking job is interfering.”

“Your world can’t stop for me,” I tell him firmly. “We’ll just figure out how to work around it.”

“I know that too,” he grits out. “I get all of that. But you know…I love hockey more than the air I breathe. Nothing has ever been a priority over it. I get all juiced up and excited over every single game. It’s an adrenaline rush and the greatest high ever. But for the first time ever…I’m a little resentful of it.”

I roll my body so I come to rest on top of Garrett. His arms come up and his hands cover my ass to hold me in place. Crossing my arms over his chest, I rest my chin there and look at him. “I’m sorry. You know I don’t ever want to stand in the way of your career. I want to support you in that as well, and I’m telling you right now…I totally want you to go play, and you can rest at ease knowing I’ll be fine.”

“I’m just not liking it…being gone while I know how sick you’re going to be.”

I push my body forward so my lips can meet his. I kiss him lightly and then nuzzle my cheek against his. “The mere fact that you care so much about it is enough to sustain me, Garrett. You are part of my strength in all of this.”

He smiles at me in gratitude and pride. “You actually inspire me. I see how amazing you are and how well you’re handling all of this. You have so much courage. It makes me stronger.”

“So, what you’re saying is that we make a nice couple. We complement each other.”

“I think we make a fucking fantastic couple.”

“Well, we got another week and a half before we have to worry about the next round of treatment. I know you have an away game next week, but I say we take advantage of our time together and try to kill each other with sex.”