Needing You Close (Tyler & Gemma duet Book 2) Page 14

  I tuck my bottom lip into my mouth. “You can shower at my house,” I suggest.

  His eyebrow pops up. “Perfect. Maybe you’ll join me then?”

  “Maybe,” I purr, grabbing my flowers. “I am a dirty girl.”

  “Hot damn, baby. Keep talking like that and …” He pushes back. “Just mmm.” Tyler kisses me one last time before we lock the shop and leave. On the way to the cottage, I’m all smiles as we chat about the weather and how oddly happy my dad’s been acting.

  “You think Jerry’s dating someone?” Tyler asks, and it makes me giggle.

  “He doesn’t date.” I shrug. “Maybe it’s just all the fall vibes putting a pep in his step or something. It’s his favorite season too.”

  “Could be.” Tyler chuckles. We park and make our way to the cottage, and we can’t seem to keep our mouths and hands off each other.

  “I need that shower now,” he whispers against my lips as I unbutton his shirt. “You coming with me?” His eyebrow arches.

  “Yes,” I desperately mummer. Tyler grabs my hand and leads me down the hallway. When we’re in the bathroom, he devours my lips.

  When we come up for air, I light some candles I keep on the counter for when I take bubble baths, then flip the switch. “Just creating a little ambience,” I whisper as Tyler undresses me.

  He peels off my blouse and skirt as his lips trace my collarbone. I’m nearly breathless, my breasts rising and falling as he nibbles on my neck and ears. With my eyes closed, I unbutton his pants and slip down his boxer shorts, then grab his hard length. He lets out a deep groan when I stroke him.

  “Gemma,” he growls, his head rolling back on his shoulders. “Fuck.”

  We finish undressing each other until we’re naked. It’s the first time we’ve been without clothes together in over a decade. Tyler studies every inch of me and grins.

  “You’re so goddamn beautiful,” he mutters as my lips crash against his.

  “How about that shower now?” I ask, knowing if we don’t get in now, we might not.

  “Good idea.” He chuckles, reaching over and turning on the water. Tyler steps in and holds his hand out for me. The water is warm and falls over my skin as Tyler grabs the soap and washes me. His hands feel so fucking good as they caress every inch of me. I’m nearly panting by the time I’m clean. I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him.

  “When are you going to make me yours?” I finally ask.

  “When you’re ready,” he genuinely replies. “I don’t want you to rush into a relationship, considering what you’ve been through.”

  I wrap my arms around his neck. “I’ve been waiting for you since the day you left, Tyler. I’m ready.”

  He plucks my lip into his mouth, then kisses down my body. Flicking my nipple with his tongue, Tyler moves lower until he’s on his knees. Carefully, he loops my leg over his shoulder, then devours me whole.

  “Oh.” I let out a ragged cry as his tongue flicks my clit. “Tyler, yes.”

  One finger slides inside me, then a second. It won’t take long before I lose myself with him, not with how much I’ve wanted him the past few weeks. I was his for the taking from the moment we entered the cottage. Tyler takes his time, making sure to properly please me, adding just enough pressure with his mouth. The orgasm builds quicker than I ever expected, and I try to steady myself by grabbing him so I don’t bust my ass.

  “Mmm,” he moans against my pussy, keeping his pace as the release rushes through me. The groan that comes from his throat is guttural as I ride the wave. He steadies me by my ass, allowing me to fully lose myself in the moment, which I do.

  Tyler pulls away and stands, then adds shampoo to his palm and washes my hair. I’m so damn relaxed as he massages my scalp while my body fully recovers. Once he adds the conditioner and I rinse, Tyler smiles.

  “Hungry?” he asks, and I guess he doesn’t realize we’re not done here yet.

  I fall to my knees, wanting to show him the same pleasure he’s given me. “Gemma,” he warns. “You don’t…” His words trail off as soon as I place him in my mouth.

  I look up at him, noticing his eyes rolling the back of his head as I try to give him the best blow job of his life. Not wanting to rush, I trail my tongue down his shaft and around his tip before I stroke him a few times. He’s long and hard, and his girth nearly fills my mouth as I take most of him in.

  “Fuck. That feels amazing.” He places his hand against the wall as I pick up my pace. I want him to understand how much I love pleasuring him. As his body tenses, I slow to a snail’s pace, teasing the fuck out of him. His pants tell me everything I need to know, and he warns me before he comes. Grabbing his ass, I shove his cock to the back of my throat, wanting to swallow him down.

  Moments later, his body convulses as he loses himself. I continue pumping him and don’t stop until his orgasm does. Tasting him again is something I’ve dreamed about for so damn long, and something I’ve only ever shared with him.

  “You’re delicious,” I say, and I can see his pulse still racing in his neck when I stand and meet his eyes.

  Tyler leans his forehead against mine. “You’re mine, Gemma. You understand that, right? I was stupid to ever let you go.”

  “I won’t argue with any of that.” I beam, our mouths crashing together in a white-hot kiss. Though our bodies are clean, our actions were dirty and hot. I’m living for every moment I get to spend with him like this.

  We step out of the shower, and Tyler takes his time drying me. It’s sensual and sweet, and my heart is full of adoration for this man. It seems like it’s too good to be true, and I keep waiting to wake up and find out it was a dream.

  “Let’s order a pizza and snuggle on the couch,” I suggest, just wanting to be as close to him as I possibly can. “Or we could have sex until the sun rises.”

  Tyler pulls me closer, tracing his lips with mine. “I don’t wanna rush things with you, Gemma. I’ve waited all this time to be with you, and I want it to last forever.”

  My cheeks heat at his admission. “Same,” I whisper.

  He paints my lips with his, and I don’t want the night to end. “I’m not letting you go this time, Gem. Now, let’s order that pizza.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  TYLER

  I’ve had a permanent smile on my face since Wednesday when I told Gemma my true feelings, and I meant every word. Everleigh has called out my change in demeanor a dozen times, and Jerry’s even made a comment about my giddiness. Though we’re not announcing our relationship status to the world, it’s not being kept a secret either. It’s fun to give the whole damn town something to talk about.

  I woke up fairly early this morning because I had a training session from six to nine. While I was tempted to wake Gemma before I left, I’ve kept her up late all week, so I didn’t. Instead, I told her to text me after she’s had a cup of coffee. Once I’m home and showered, she sends me a photo of her lying in her bed, hair disheveled, looking like a goddess.

  Tyler: I’m so lucky.

  Gemma: And why’s that?

  Tyler: Because you’re my girl. What’re your plans today?

  Gemma: Thought I’d lay around naked and wait for you to come over.

  Tyler: You’re making this really hard.

  Gemma: Well, if you’re hard, get over here ;)

  I totally set myself up for that response.

  Tyler: Get up. Eat breakfast. Put on some clothes because I’m taking you somewhere this afternoon.

  Gemma: OOH! Where?

  She always ruins her surprises.

  Tyler: I’m not telling you, but dress to be outside until after dark.

  Gemma: Okay! How much time do I have?

  Tyler: I’m picking you up in 2 hours :)

  Considering it’s the third week of October and the temperature has dropped significantly, I dress in a long-sleeve T-shirt and jeans. I even grab a light jacket because it’s been brisker at night. Before I leave, I take Sassy for a walk and thi
nk about hanging out with Gemma and creating new memories together. Once we’re back, I feed Sassy some dog treats, then head to the boutique to get Everleigh’s car.

  Everleigh has the place decorated from head to toe in black and orange. Each corner has witches and wizards, the mannequins are skeletons, and spiderwebs dangle from the ceiling. She wanted to create a haunted house vibe with the music and sound effects. Every customer who enters is greeted by Cara, who’s dressed like a ghost and hands them bags of candy. Everleigh has outdone herself with the decorations, and it makes me chuckle. When she pops out from behind a mannequin wearing black lipstick, I pretend to be scared. “Got me!”

  “Shut up, you didn’t even jump,” she says.

  “Prison will do that to a person,” I remind her, and she shakes her head. “Keys, please?”

  “I’ll give them to you under one condition only,” she teases.

  I groan. “Walking Sassy was the only thing you asked. Anything else isn’t a part of the deal we made.”

  “Oh well.” She shrugs. “I want you to bring Gemma by the shop so I can finally see you two together in public.” She dangles the keyring on her pointer finger. I try to swipe them from her, but she’s too fast. “Say you will…”

  “Oh my God. You’re so annoying.”

  “Uh-uh, promise me,” she continues, and I finally give in.

  “Okay, fine. But we’re not staying long.”

  She drops them in my palm. “Works for me.”

  “You little shit,” I throw back before I turn on my heels.

  “You love me!” she shouts across the way just as an animated ghost wiggles and flies on a string across the ceiling. Cara tries to hand me a bag of candy, but I refuse.

  Once I’m in the car, I let out a laugh. Everleigh’s something else, but she’s right, I do love her along with all her ridiculous antics. She’s Gemma’s and my number one fan, and I appreciate how much she supports the idea of us being together. It’s something she’s wanted for longer than I can remember. She deserves a matchmaker award because she’s so damn sly.

  It doesn’t take long before I’m turning into Gemma’s driveway. I’m almost twenty minutes early, but if I know her, she’s dressed and pacing, trying to figure out where I’m taking her. She won’t guess, and I threatened to feed Everleigh TV dinners for the next month if she slipped.

  I knock on Gemma’s door, and she immediately wraps her arms around my neck and plants her lips on mine. “I’ve missed you.”

  “I always miss you,” I admit, taking in the sweetness of her skin. “You taste delicious.”

  She grabs my hand and drags me inside. I cross my arms over my chest and smirk when I see what she’s wearing.

  “Am I dressed properly? Should I change?” Concern covers her face.

  I grab her hand and pull her closer. “It’s the season when all the basic ladies dress like Han Solo, so I’d say you nailed it. And you’ve even have a scarf with candy corn on too.”

  She snickers and playfully smacks me. “Blame Everleigh! All of this came from her shop. She’s a bad influence and makes me want to buy everything in there.”

  “She’s really good at that, but truthfully, you’re dressed perfectly for the occasion. You’re beautiful.” I slide my lips against hers. “Ready?”

  She sighs. “If you only knew how bad I wanted you right now.”

  “It’s worth the wait, I promise,” I whisper, kissing her again. “Let’s get going.”

  “Okay, fine! You’re so determined to drive me crazy.” She whines and pouts, but a smile meets her lips and ruins her act. We drive across town, and her brows furrow when she realizes where I’m taking her.

  I park outside the shop, and Gemma narrows her eyes at me. “We’re visiting Everleigh?”

  “She made me promise I’d bring you to see her,” I admit.

  Gemma chuckles and shakes her head but doesn’t say anything because she’s aware of how my sister is. Hell, she knows her better than I do. We get out of the car and walk inside, and Gemma immediately lights up when Everleigh rushes and nearly tackles her to the ground. “I’ve missed you so much!”

  “The shop is amazing! You added way more stuff and have completely transformed it into Halloween central.” Gemma studies the outlandish decorations with wide eyes. Everleigh might’ve gone overboard, but neither of us admit it.

  “Every customer has loved it.” My sister snickers and goes to a giant cauldron with smoke billowing from inside. A moment later, she dramatically grabs a bag of candy from it as if she magically made it appear, then hands it to Gemma.

  “You two have fun,” Everleigh squeals and whispers something in Gemma’s ear. When she pushes away, a blush hits Gemma’s cheeks, and I can only imagine what was said.

  “We’re leaving now,” I sing-song, grabbing Gemma’s hand and interlocking my fingers with hers.

  “Aww,” Everleigh says loudly, and I keep moving forward. When we’re outside, the crisp fall breeze hits my cheeks, and when I glance over at Gemma, she’s smiling wide as she opens the bag. “I love candy corn.”

  “The whole town is going to have a sugar rush, compliments of Everleigh,” I throw out.

  Gemma walks toward the car, and I shake my head.

  “Don’t we have somewhere to be?” she asks, confused.

  “Yep, we do,” I say and squeezing her hand. When we round the corner, she finally realizes what I planned.

  “The Harvest Festival? I haven’t been since I was a teenager,” she beams with a hop to her step and a grin so wide it’s contagious.

  After four blocks, we’re in the middle of the town square. Everywhere I look has some sort of activity going on or kids running around in costume. I wrap my arm around Gemma as we stroll the street full of vendors and booths.

  “Ma’am, wanna get your face painted?” a young girl asks her. There’s a poster board full of different designs. Gemma grins and looks back at me, almost as if she’s waiting for my approval. It almost breaks my heart because I’m sure Robert didn’t like things like this.

  “If you want,” I encourage. “It’ll be fun.”

  A moment later, she sits on the stool as the girl moves Gemma’s long brown hair away from her face.

  “What kind of design?” she asks, pointing at the choices.

  Gemma taps her index finger on her mouth then smiles. “What about a cat?”

  The girl’s face lights up. “Sure!”

  Grabbing her supplies, she dips her brush in the black paint. Carefully, she paints whiskers on Gemma’s cheeks, then a pink upside-down triangle on her nose. When the girl is done, she grabs a mirror and shows Gemma.

  “You’re the prettiest cat here!” she compliments, and Gemma laughs.

  “How much do I owe you?” Gemma unzips her crossbody purse, but I’ve already got my wallet open and cash ready.

  “Six dollars,” the girl says.

  I hand her a twenty and tell her to keep the change. She holds it, and her eyes go wide. “Really?”

  “Yeah! Consider it a tip for being an amazing painter.” I grin.

  “Thank you so much.” She’s so excited that she nearly squeals.

  When we leave, Gemma loops her arm in mine. “That was really sweet of you.”

  I glance over at her and how adorable she looks with whiskers. “She did a good job, and I think she’s right. You are the prettiest cat here.”

  “Maybe I can have her to teach me how to paint.” Gemma snickers, then leans into me.

  We continue viewing the different fall themed items—plastic pumpkins, wreaths, candles, pretty much everything a person could imagine. At the end of the block, a photo booth is set up, and it seems to be a popular area because the line is long.

  “We should check this out,” I suggest, and she nods.

  “Yes! We totally should, so we have photos to remember our first date.” She winks. Right now, in the middle of the street, all I want to do is kiss her, not caring who sees, but I don’t.


  “First of many,” I admit. She tucks her bottom lip into her mouth, and I’m tempted to pluck it free. After we wait in line for ten minutes, it’s our turn to walk inside. After I pay, she gestures to the props if we want to use them. Gemma places a wizard's hat on my head and hands me a wand as she grabs a sign that reads “All Tricks” and a crown. The photographer moves us in front of a backdrop of a haunted mansion.

  “You get five poses,” the photographer explains.

  “Perfect.” I give him a thumbs-up, and he counts down. We make silly faces and laugh our asses off for another. Next, I wrap my arm around her and pose like high schoolers at prom. For the last two, I place my hands on her cheeks and kiss her, something I’ve wanted to do since we arrived.

  “Those turned out great,” the guy admits, directing us to where we can get our photos.

  “Can we pick them up later?” Gemma asks, seeing how many people are already waiting.

  “Yep, we close at nine! They’ll be in an envelope waiting for y’all.”

  After we leave, my body buzzes from being so close to her.

  We pass Disney princesses, Marvel characters, and the occasional devil and vampire.

  “I’ve always loved Halloween,” she admits.

  “I remember,” I say, interlocking our fingers as we enjoy being together.

  In the middle of the square is a big stack of wood where the ceremonial bonfire will be lit at dark. I glance over and see a stage where a band will perform at seven. Purple and orange lights are strung from poles, creating an area for a dance floor. I make a mental note for us to come back later, but we still have a few hours before sunset.

  Gemma and I play a few games, and she randomly takes out her phone and snaps selfies of us. As we pass people on the street, I wonder if news has fully spread about Gemma and Robert’s breakup. We have no reason to hide anymore, though it’s a little awkward with so many wandering eyes. Honestly, though, I don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks. For the first time in a long ass time, I’m happy. I won’t let town rumors and whispers ruin a good thing.