contact.
The intense intimacy was as terrifying as it was enthralling, and I couldn’t look away. I couldn’t even blink.
And I was glad I didn’t because I got to watch as Maximo pulled my mouth off him and fisted his cock. Within a few rapid strokes, his deep groan sounded around us as his come shot out, landing on my lips and chest before dripping between us.
Panting like he’d run a marathon in under an hour, Maximo’s eyes traveled my face. “I want to take a picture of you right now and hang it on every surface in my house.” He paused before adding, “The ones no one else can see.”
I was relieved he didn’t have his phone because I didn’t doubt he’d follow through. The sentiment was sweet, though. Obscene, but sweet.
Opening the control panel, Maximo turned off the hot tub and fire before standing and offering me his hand.
I climbed out and bent to grab the marshmallows and sticks.
I’m never going to be able to look at the hot tub the same again.
After returning the supplies to the kitchen, I followed Maximo up to the bedroom.
Stripping off his trunks—and giving me a beautiful view that I wanted to photograph and display where only I could see—Maximo pulled on his joggers, sans shirt. “What did you plan for dinner, dove?”
It took me a moment to prod my brain into working. “Pizza.”
“So you’re set on eating nothing of nutritional value today,” he surmised.
“Hey. Our sandwiches had lettuce on them.”
He arched an eyebrow but didn’t argue further. “What do you want on the pizza?”
I’m not the only one who’s more agreeable after coming.
Filing that away for future use.
Schooling my expression and tone to be nonchalant, I said, “Extra pineapple and anchovies.”
Okay, this is also a moment I wish I could capture and keep forever.
Horrified disgust twisted his features as he grimaced. “I’ll order two different ones.”
I burst out laughing. “I’m kidding. Pepperoni with extra cheese. Like, a butt-ton of extra cheese.”
“I’ll tell them those exact words.” Palming the back of my head, he pulled me to him and pressed his lips to mine, clearly not caring what was dried there. He broke the kiss and issued orders. “Go change and clean up while I order the pizza, then meet me downstairs. We’ll watch the next movie while we eat.”
I watched him—and his muscular back—leave.
Maybe I can convince him to take more days off.
I’ll just be sure to ask after I make him come.
_______________
Why am I even surprised?
Standing in the doorway of the sewing room, I looked in at the shiny new Serger sitting next to my sewing machine. It was big and intimidating and unbelievable.
Turning around, I saw Maximo’s office door was closed, which meant he was gone. Of course.
I walked over and grabbed the note off the machine.
Vera said this will help with your hem issue.
-Daddy
God. He was unreal. He’d paid attention, figured out what I needed, and then did it.
I’d never, ever get used to that.
Bringing up my texts, I typed out a few different messages telling Maximo he didn’t have to keep buying me things. That I didn’t need anything. That him listening to me while I’d vented had been enough.
I deleted all of them before deciding on something simpler.
Me: Thank you, Daddy.
His return message came within seconds, affirming I’d made the right choice.
Maximo: That’s my good girl.
I’m so screwed.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Silver Tongue
Juliet
“LITTLE DOVE.”
“No dove here.” I burrowed into the pillows to hide my eyes from the evil bedside lamp. “Only a raccoon.”
“Need you to wake up for a minute, then you can go back to sleep.”
Cracking one eye—it was the best I could do—I peered up at Maximo.
It didn’t matter if he was up crazy late or just working from home, Maximo was always awake, showered, and dressed at an ungodly hour, like some sort of weirdo.
But he was a weirdo I missed.
It’d been almost two weeks since his day off with me, and I’d barely seen him. Each day, he’d been gone by the time I woke and got home after I’d gone to sleep.
“You awake enough to listen?” he rumbled, amused tenderness threading his tone.
“Mmhmm.”
“I’ll make it quick before you start snoring again.”
That was enough to make both lids pop open. “I do not snore.”
“Like a foghorn.”
“No, I don’t.”
“Like a forest of lumberjacks sawing wood.”
“Didn’t you have something important to talk to me about?” I gritted out.
“You’re coming to the fight tonight.”
I shot upright, nearly hitting his jaw with my head. “What?”
“And staying the weekend with me