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Grief is such a weird fucking thing. One moment you’re feeling guilty for being here while they’re gone and then next, you’re wanting to keep moving on, knowing they would hate to see you upset.
Estella Ford. Caleb Ford’s daughter. She’s a sassy, fierce little thing. Truly, she’s a force to be reckoned with.
Whether it’s an allergy or not, it’s clear she can’t eat it and I need to make sure she has options here for when she stays. Mia might not be my responsibility, but while she’s here taking care of my daughter, the least I can do is make sure she’s taken care of too.
Her eyes flash back to mine. “Your pantry is full of gluten free snacks.” I suck in a breath. “I told you that all food and stuff would be provided for you. You couldn’t eat the snacks I had in the house, so now you can.”
“I don’t know how to act around you.” A sigh escapes him, torment mixing with the lust. “I don’t know either,” I admit, my voice barely audible.
There was a low point in those first few days after her death where I wanted to end it all, just for the possibility of getting to see her again. But then, this little girl—our little girl—brought me back to reality. She needs me today like she needed me then, and she’ll need me for the years to come.
“I saw you kiss him . . .” I pause, a ragged breath slipping from my lips as my hand falls away from the back of my neck. I take a step closer, closing the distance between us. “And all I could see was red.”
“But why?” she asks. “Why would it matter if someone else kissed me?” I drop my hand from hers, sliding it up her arm and along the base of her neck, curling my fingers around her spine. “Because it should have been me.”
She tastes like red cherries and a bad decision.
She has been the most unexpected force to enter my life.
“I’m sorry for letting you walk away. I’m sorry if I led you to believe it meant nothing to me.” My heart skips a beat and my breath catches in my throat. “What?” “I don’t regret kissing you, Mia.” His throat bobs, his eyes slowly searching mine. “I regret letting you think I did.”
“I want to have an entire night to take my time with you. I want to taste and touch every inch of your skin. I want to fuck you until we’re both satiated. And then I want to fuck you again.”
“If you get lost in your head, I’ll come find you.”
“Go back to sleep, pup,” he murmurs, his breath warm against the back of my neck as he nuzzles his face against me. “I’m not ready for it to be day time.” My body protests. “I hate to ruin the moment, but I need to go to the bathroom.” “Fair,” he murmurs. “I’ll only let you go if you promise you’ll come right back.” I giggle, wiggling against his arm as my bladder screams at me to get the hell up. “I promise.” “Good girl.”
“How are you feeling?” “Amazing,” I breathe, my eyelids fluttering open as I pull back to look down at him. Heat creeps up my neck, spreading across my cheeks. “And a little embarrassed.” “Why?” “Because I just came from rubbing against you.” A chuckle rumbles in his chest. “You’re not the only one who came.” He drags his fingertips along my spine. “And I’m not embarrassed about it.”
I stare up at him, my hand still moving along his length. “Tell me what you want me to do, Caleb.” He lets out a breathy whimper, drawing his bottom lip between his teeth before releasing. “I want you to suck my cock.” “Good boy,” I murmur, opening my mouth wide as I guide him inside.
“What was that for?” “Assurance,” I murmur as her gaze burns through mine. “For what?” My fingers tighten on her hips. “That you’re mine.”
“Were you touching yourself?” I inhale sharply, goose bumps erupting over my skin. “Who were you thinking about while your hand was between your legs?” I swallow again, my nostrils flaring. “You,” I admit.
“It feels like I’ve been waiting an eternity to touch you,” he breathes, his face dipping down to mine. “It’s been utter torture.” “So stop wasting time,” I breathe, his mouth sweeping across mine. “Touch me, Caleb.”
“I can’t make you a single promise about my future or even what this is between us, but I know I have no interest in anyone other than you.”
“You still have a chance, Caleb,” he says. “Make your shot and make it count.”
“I have to let go of you so I can hold onto her.” The smell of orange blossoms drifts through the breeze again and something brushes against my hand. I glance down and there’s nothing there. I can’t see her, but I know she’s here. I know she’s telling me it’s okay. She’s telling me to let go.
