“Take all the time you want.” One hand left her breast and coasted down her belly to nestle between her legs, gently exploring her through her panties. “I’m in no hurry.”
The way he touched her... “I need coffee, too.”
“In that case, let’s make it quick.” He rearranged her hands, planting them on the countertop, then sliding her panties down to her knees. “Later you can get me on my back, as you promised.”
Yeah, she definitely would. But for now... “How quick is quick?”
“Think I can make you come in under ten minutes?”
“Make me come?” She looked over her shoulder in time to see him roll on a condom. Had he carried it with him from the bathroom? So much confidence.
So well deserved.
“Yeah.” He had his boxers pushed down just enough to free himself and now he stepped up to her again, lightly nudging her legs farther apart. “Open them as wide as you can.”
The panties restricted her, and somehow that made it feel even naughtier than sex in the kitchen against the counter.
With one hand Rowdy pulled the T-shirt up above her br**sts and with the other, he touched between her legs, teasing, preparing her, making her squirm.
“I like this,” he said. “Having you bent over, and the smell of fresh coffee in the air. Two of my favorite things.”
He was so outrageous, and so skilled. Already wet, hot, Avery pressed back to him. “The coffee will get cold at this rate.”
He laughed, and slowly worked two fingers into her. “Better?”
“I want you, Rowdy.” Only you. Always. “Please.”
“And here I thought this scene couldn’t get any hotter.” He toyed with her nipple, lightly tugging. “I like hearing you ask me so pretty.”
As her eyes sank shut, she put her head back to his shoulder and murmured, “I swear to you, I will get even.”
“Damn, little bartender.” For a moment he went still, his breathing deeper, then he removed his fingers and nudged his erection against her until he could fully sink in, growling in accusation, “Way to push me past my control.”
Since that had been her intent, Avery held in her moan of triumph and suggested, “Now why don’t you push me past my control?”
He pressed deeper. “Consider it done.”
True to his word, Rowdy had her crying out with a powerful orgasm in under ten minutes. To protect her from his strong thrusts, he put his arm around her, creating a barrier between her body and the sharp-edged counter.
Soon after her pleasure ebbed, Rowdy tightened around her, growled deeply and gave in to his own release.
A few more minutes passed with both of them gasping, still slumped in front of the coffeemaker.
Laughing a little, Rowdy hugged her. “I’m awake now, just so you know.”
Avery barely acknowledged him. She honestly felt like she could doze back off just like this—as long as her legs held out.
Moving away from her, Rowdy rearranged himself, then pulled up her panties. He eased her away from the counter and directed her to a chair. “I’ll get the coffee.”
Slumped in her seat, Avery watched him all but whistle as he put sugar in her cup and then got out the creamer. “You’re insatiable.”
“You’re the one who was flaunting her wares here in the kitchen.”
“Ankle socks, Rowdy. And a flannel shirt.” She put a hand in her hair. “And even though I combed it, my hair is still a ratty mess. I need to wash it and blow it out and—”
“I think you’re turning me on again.” Smiling, he set the coffee in front of her and joined her at the table. “Do you realize it’s almost eleven? We slept late.”
Avery tasted her coffee, approved and after another drink she took a long stretch. “We’re allowed. It’s our day off.”
He watched her every move. “I figured I’d visit Marcus then hit the grocery store. Maybe load up on whatever you like.”
Stalling, she slowly dropped her arms and stared at him. “So you were serious about me staying?”
“I don’t say things I don’t mean.”
She wanted to ask if he cared about her at all. Her, specifically. She’d told him she loved him, and without replying, he’d taken her to bed.
At least he hadn’t sent her packing.
Yet. She realized, of course, she’d eventually have to find another job. She couldn’t bear the thought of seeing Rowdy with anyone else, but if she stayed at the bar, how could she avoid it? When he moved on from her, he wasn’t going to become a monk. No, he’d go back to his old ways, basking in the attention of every woman who saw him.
And then what would she do?
She loved him, so very, very much.
She could not pretend she didn’t.
From under the table, Rowdy nudged her with his foot. “What are you brooding about?”
God, he was perceptive.
“Worrying about Fisher?” He curled a lip. “Because you don’t need to. I can—”
“Will you be with any other women?” The second she said it, she wanted to slap a hand over her mouth. She’d blurted it out without any lead-in. Bam. There it was.
Of course, that needed some clarification. “While you’re with me, I mean. Are we...” She couldn’t think of an appropriate word for Rowdy’s outlook on things. “Exclusive. Right now I mean. That is, I’m not asking for a long-term commitment or anything like that. But if I’m staying here...”