Beat of Her Heart Liquid Silver

Every Beat of Her Heart Maggie Casper (c) 2005 ISBN 1-59578-096-3

Every Beat of Her Heart Maggie Casper Published 2005 ISBN 1-59578-096-3 Published by Liquid Silver Books, imprint of Atlantic Bridge Publishing, 10509 Sedgegrass Dr, Indianapolis, Indiana 46235. Copyright © 2005, Maggie Casper. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author. Manufactured in the United States of America Liquid Silver Books http://lsbooks.com Email: [email protected] Cover Art by Dawn Seewer This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

Dedication To Niki, Denise and Pauline, the sisters of my heart. Thank you for being there through good times and bad and for letting me be myself and loving me in spite of it. But most of all, thank you for allowing me to love you in return!

Chapter One Grant casually strolled through the front door of Leather and Lace, the scent of vanilla candles and perfume permeating the air surrounding him. He winked at the women who were browsing through the racks of lingerie, then planted a slow, wide grin on the ones seated in the conversational area before heading to the back of the large room where the counter was located. While he wasn’t the type to settle on one type of woman, Grant appreciated all women, every shape and size. There was something heady about the softness of a woman’s skin, the way she smelled when aroused. Being the flirt he was, he also liked the way they became all flustered when he teased them. “Mornin’ ladies,” he said, his voice smooth and slow. Several stifled giggles and a few purred answers followed him. Their eyes sought him out, so Grant made sure to put a bit extra strut in his walk. Might as well keep the ladies happy, he thought with a wicked grin. “Would you stop teasing the customers?” A voice scolded from the far side of a rack of black thong panties. Grant couldn’t see the woman’s head over the clothes rack, but he’d know that voice anywhere. “Morning, Brown Eyes. The boss lady here?” he asked, wondering if Elena Thomas, his pregnant boss, was wandering around somewhere. Grant had enjoyed working at Leather and Lace so much that when he started working construction for Elena’s older brother, John Richardson, he couldn’t up and leave all together. Elena had asked him to stay on for some part-time work and they’d quickly worked out a schedule that seemed to fit in around the hours he worked construction. The extra money was a huge plus. Ally Wilson peeked from around the rack, brown eyes twinkling merrily, curly brown hair bobbing up and down with her movements. She’d always reminded him of a pixie … a pixie with gentle curves that kept his hands itching for a feel. It was a compulsion he would fight until the end. The last thing Grant wanted to do was lose his best friend, which is exactly what would happen if he followed through with what his body was urging him to do. She leaned in conspiratorially and whispered, “She was, but she said she had to get back before Luke realized she was gone.” “Did the order come in?” he narrowed his eyes at Ally. “You two didn’t try to lift those boxes, did you?” Ally’s throaty laughter enveloped him. Gold flecks showed in her whiskey-brown eyes. “Now Grant. You know better than that. Laney wouldn’t try because she knows there would be hell to pay with Luke. As for me, I didn’t have to do it; that nice man who took over driving the truck unloaded everything into the storeroom.” She waved away his worries with a flick of her wrist, then walked back to the register. “I know how many hours you’ve been working since your crew started the job over at the mall and I wasn’t sure you’d be able to make it.”

Grant wanted to growl in frustration, but kept it to himself. Stay in control. With a false smile plastered across his face, he looked at Ally. “Well, I’m here now, so let’s go see what we’ve got.” Grant walked to the storeroom trying to get his possessive streak under control. Ally wasn’t his girl, she was his friend. The sooner he got that fact straight, the better off he’d be. White-knuckled fists dangled at the end of his arms. It wasn’t working. The thought of Ally’s twinkling eyes and dimpled cheeks smiling at anybody else was just a bit too much. Grant wanted to take her in his arms and hold her tight until she promised to save all her smiles for him, but it wasn’t going to happen, so instead he held onto the fact that she was his best friend. Knowing that he and Cherie would see her every Friday night for pizza and a movie helped him through his need to possess her. Ally’s taking the job at Leather and Lace and moving to be closer to her new job was the best thing that had happened to him since Cherie’s birth. Over the past few months, she’d helped his little girl deal with her grief over the loss of her mother. She’d been there to help him plan Cherie’s sixth birthday party and even gone with them shopping for school clothes, something Grant had been very thankful for. But Grant was having trouble keeping his hands to himself. He would love nothing more than to see Ally naked and at his disposal. He’d even considered telling her just that, but had shot the idea down. They were good friends and had been through a lot together … but he always heard the saying like father, like son in the back of his mind. Ally’s happiness and welfare wasn’t something he was willing to chance ruining, so he kept himself in control. Always in control, so there were no slip-ups. And while they might have been friends for years, Ally didn’t know the real Grant, the private Grant that Wanda had grown to hate, and eventually leave, before her untimely death in a car crash. Although Grant hated to admit it, even to himself, he worried that if he did bare his soul, Ally would look at him differently. Or maybe she would simply walk away. That was a change he wasn’t willing to take, so instead, he cherished every moment they spent together and held his feelings in check. It was the only thing he could do. Ally’s small, warm hand touched his arm. “Hey, you all right?” “What? Oh yeah, I’m fine. You’ve done a lot this morning,” Grant looked pointedly at the unloaded boxes. He didn’t like Ally working so hard, but could say nothing about it since she didn’t belong to him. Belong to him? Grant chided himself for his caveman way of thinking. Ally was an independent woman living on her own and he was still thinking in terms of possession. He blew out a breath, frustrated because he knew it was too late to change his way of thinking. His possessiveness was something that was integrated deeply. It’s just the way he was. Which is the reason why you’re single. The voice in his head taunted again. “I didn’t carry any of it, Grant. I just started opening the boxes so Laney and I could take inventory.” She didn’t owe him any excuses, but it warmed his heart that she offered them. “Okay, Brown Eyes. If you’re done counting then I’ll start stocking. I’ve got the rest of the afternoon off.” ****

Allison knew it wasn’t politically correct for a woman nowadays to want to be taken care of, but she did. Daily, she longed for the feel of solid arms to hold her, a warm wide chest to snuggle against in the early morning light. Not only that, but she wanted Grant to be the man to give it all to her. There was just something about him that made her hot and wet. It had always been that way. Something about him warned that his outwardly appearance was the complete opposite of the man he’d become in the bedroom. Ally wanted to find out firsthand. Once or twice, she almost asked him what he liked in bed. They were friends, after all. She hadn’t been able to pry into his private life, though, whether from embarrassment or the knowledge that it was none of her business, she wasn’t sure. “Where do these go?” Grant asked holding up a bundle of white fabric and boning by its lace. “And what in the hell is it?” Ally giggled, then batted her eyelashes coyly. “Why Mr. Scott, sir. That there garment you’re holding in your hand is a woman’s unmentionable.” She couldn’t help a hoot of laughter at the look on Grant’s face. Ally had a love for old movies and had given her best southern belle impersonation. Evidently she wasn’t actress material. “It’s a corset, Grant,” she finally answered, putting him out of his misery. “Hmm,” he mumbled, looking at the object. Then he looked her over from head to toe, making Ally’s nipples peak and her juices flow. The man was just too much. “Uh uh, don’t even look at me. That torture device doesn’t look too friendly. I think I’ll just stick to plain ole cotton, thank you anyway.” Allison walked past Grant to show him where Laney had said she wanted the corsets to hang. It was amazing to see this mountain of a man with rough, tanned hands working in the center of a lingerie store. It wasn’t a sight Ally was sure she’d ever get used to. The thought of him fondling her underclothes as she wore them made heat pool between her thighs. Of course, it wouldn’t be the same since she didn’t own any of the pretty things Leather and Lace carried. She’d eyed a few of the more conservative pieces but had yet to buy any. Up until a few months ago, Ally had been content wearing her plain white bras and cotton panties. Some of them were cute with flowers and some of the popular cartoon characters, but for the most part, they were plain. “It doesn’t matter,” she muttered. “No one else is going to see them anyway” “What was that?” Grant asked. “Huh? Oh nothing. I was just talking to myself.” He chuckled, that deep rumbling laugh she loved so much, then teased. “As long as you don’t start answering yourself, it should be fine.” The sound of his voice so close behind her had her hormones into overdrive in a second flat. There was only one way Ally could think of to get her mind out of the gutter and that was to change the subject. “What time does Cherie get out of school?” Ally already knew the answer, but talking about children, especially Cherie, would keep her centered. The fact that she couldn’t have children helped remind her that she was in no way worthy of a man like Grant Scott. It was a hard cross for Ally to bear, especially since she had thought she’d finally worked her way through the thick cloud of despair. Not to mention the callous treatment

she’d come up against with her idiot ex-husband. The past few years had been a lie. Ally had made it day by day telling herself that she was fine with the fact that she would never be able to birth her own children and then she found herself back in Grant’s life. His presence shot her self-imposed lies all to hell. Grant deserved to find a woman who could make him happy and give him more children. He was a wonderful father and Ally knew that his life wouldn’t be complete without a woman to hold and siblings for Cherie. There was no way she could be that woman. The thought depressed her even more. She loved him so much, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to hang around when he started dating again. The thought stirred so many emotions that her chest ached with them. Ally reminded herself that she was there to help Cherie through the loss of her mother and to help Grant with Cherie, not to drool over the man. Shaking her head, Ally looked up, realizing that Grant had been speaking to her. “I’m sorry. What did you say?” “Must have been a good one,” he said with a smile on his lips. “You were way out there.” “Just thinking is all. What was it you said?” He cocked his head to the side and stared for a minute, making Ally want to swipe her hand over her mouth to be sure there were no crumbs lingering there. “I was wondering what you wanted to see on Friday,” he repeated, still looking at her intently. “How about we stay in? We could rent some movies. I’ll cook.” Grant gave her a dejected look, his big eyes round and sad and then said with a straight face, “You mean I don’t get pizza.” “Oh, you!” Ally scolded, smacking him on the arm. It was warm and muscular against the palm of her hand. He was so handsome leaning over the boxes of lingerie that she couldn’t help her impulsiveness. Before she was able to stop herself, she leaned over and gave him a peck on the cheek. A jolt of sensation cascaded through her body with the contact, causing her to suck in a breath, which was a huge mistake. Spicy and masculine, his scent wafted around her. It clung to her, overwhelming her already inflamed senses. Ally snapped her gaze to his and for once he wasn’t smiling. His eyes were intent, never leaving hers. His jaw was tense. He looked positively dangerous. A shiver ran through her body. His look was erotically frightening and utterly arousing. Ally cleared her voice hoping for calm. “You, uh … you had me there for a minute. I’ll tell you what … we’ll compromise. You bring the pizza and I’ll rent the movies. Your place or mine?” she asked before giving thought to the sexual innuendo behind the question. Grant seemed irritated. He gathered an armful of push-up bras, ran his free hand through his hair in agitation and then said over his shoulder as he walked from the room. “It doesn’t matter. You choose, just let me know.”

Chapter Two It had been two days, two of the longest fucking days of his life. His cock stayed hard most of the time, reminding him of what he couldn’t have. The whole thing was enough to keep him in a black mood. Grant scowled and rubbed the cheek Ally had kissed. It hadn’t been more than a peck, but his body had responded as if she’d dropped to her knees and deep-throated his whole length in one fell swoop. The feel of her soft, warm lips was branded on his skin. He was mindless with his need for her, but smart enough to know that the only thing he’d accomplish by pursuing a relationship would be to ruin a really good friendship. That was something he wasn’t willing to do. Grant took a bite of his turkey sandwich and chased it down with a swig of soda. It was a sunny day, perfect in all respects. He swung his legs, taking in the rays while enjoying his lunch from where he sat perched on his lowered tailgate. The mall parking lot was a busy place at lunchtime. The rest of the crew was scattered about enjoying their free hour before it was time to resume work. Their boss, John Richard, had wandered off to his truck where he usually ate while going over blueprints or something similar. They had been working long, hard hours at the mall trying to meet their deadline. It was going to be close, but Grant figured they would make it as long as the weather held out. It would be a relaxing way to spend a lunch if he could get his shaft to relax, Grant thought, adjusting the fly of his jeans. He just couldn’t keep Ally out of his mind. It was a bit irritating to realize that she had always been there, right at the edge of his thoughts. She’d also been there physically. It seemed that she had some sort of inner radar where he was concerned. It had been that way since high school when she had started tutoring him. She had never been one to belittle or to pry. She just watched and listened as if taking in everything around her. He could still remember the night he’d left home. With nowhere else to go, he’d turned to Ally. Fearing what her parents would say and do, he’d gone to her bedroom window and tapped lightly. “Ally, you there?” He could still hear the hoarseness in his voice. Remember the ache it caused just to speak. “Ally,” he whispered, tapping her window again. She’d looked like an angel with her hair flowing freely around her shoulders, innocent in her concealing nightgown. Her indrawn breath hissed back out slowly at the sight of him and her brown eyes had misted with tears. “Don’t cry Brown Eyes, just help me in.” And she had. “What did he do to you?” she had whispered, no longer able to hold her tears back. It only took a minute for her to regain her composure though, and soon she was tending to him. He’d been a sight, that was for sure. His old man had finally gone over the deep end that night. One eye was swollen completely shut, the other just a slit; both battle bruised until he’d looked like a raccoon. The fingerprints marring his neck had looked worse than they felt once he’d regained full use of his voice. It was the internal scars, he’d realized with trepidation, that would take much longer to heal, if ever.

That night was the last time he’d seen his father alive. It was also the first night of a bond between him and Ally he was sure would never be broken. That night he’d vowed to always remain in control and to never have children. So far, he’d only been able to keep one of those self-made promises. Grant was brought out of his memories when he noticed a woman coming out of the mall. She was tall and lithe, with long wavy hair that looked like spun gold in the sun. She moved with grace as if she were floating over the ground. She had become an inside joke for the crew to torture the boss man with. Every day at lunchtime, she came out. She didn’t talk or strut around like many of the other women did, she just sat and watched. Although she seemed still to some, Grant knew different. Her eyes were always scanning the area, always busy, as were her hands. The look on her face was serene. The only time Grant had ever seen her smile was once, when she’d been watching the boss man. It seemed she did that often, which was why she and John had become the brunt of many a joke. It was something John didn’t like, but the crew, being the friendly bunch they were, liked razzing him. No one even knew who the mystery woman was. She was a nameless beauty who sat idly by, day after day, and watched John while she ate her lunch. Grant wondered if anyone had even thought to ask her name; then decided they probably hadn’t. He didn’t figure anyone had merely because she was interested in their boss. The crew was a tightknit group who wouldn’t take the chance of offending if the boss man decided to take the mystery woman up on her offer. Grant finished off his drink, smashed the can in the palm of his hand; then hopped off the tailgate. It was Friday and he had plans, although he didn’t know what they were yet. He’d give Ally a call and find out whose house they were going to watch movies at. He could either pick the pizza up on the way or order it to be delivered. Grant frowned when he thought of the three of them not going out as they usually did. He’d gotten the feeling that Ally had wanted to back out of their night altogether and that thought had angered him. Control was not easily won these days, but he’d accomplished it and would continue to do so as long as he could keep seeing Ally on a friendly basis. On the other hand, if, for some strange reason, she decided to cut and run on him, all hell was going to break loose. **** Warm water cascaded over the sore muscles of his back several hours later as he showered away the day’s worth of accumulated sweat and grime. Ally should be over anytime now, going by the message she’d left on his answering machine. Grant had already ordered pizza and Cherie was bathed and decked out in a new pair of pajamas. The only thing left to do was to pray to the sex gods that he could keep his hands to himself for the night. After turning the shower off, Grant dried off with the blue bath towel he favored. He ran a comb through his wet hair, then brushed his teeth. When he was finished, he draped the towel around his hips, tucking it in so that it hung lose on his hips. He strode from the bathroom, only to careen into Ally, which aroused him instantly.

Grant steadied her slight form, his hands at what would have been her waist had she been of average height. Instead, his large hands were wrapped around her torso. He couldn’t resist the flick of a thumb against the lower swell of one finely shaped, perky breast. Ally pulled back from him as if she’d been burned. It was only then that he noticed he’d lost his towel in the collision of their bodies. He was a large man and proud of it, so he made no quick movements to cover himself as if embarrassed. Ally’s eyes seemed to linger on his chest for a brief second before flickering down to his groin. Her gaze heated him even further, making his shaft throb in time to his accelerated heartbeat. Grant groaned when Ally licked her lips. Her cheeks were bright pink. Whether from arousal of embarrassment, he couldn’t be sure. It was as if she couldn’t pull her eyes away from the sight of his erection. He wanted to chuckle at the startled look in her eyes as they snapped up to his, when she finally realized she’d been staring. Instead, he raised a single brow; then bent to pick up his towel. His good intentions and celibate thoughts had dropped to the floor right along with the towel. The last thing that crossed his lust-riddled mind as he straightened and reached for Ally was the absolute need he had to taste her. He fisted his hand in her silky brown curls, loving the way the strands felt running through his fingers. With a slight tug, she was forced to move closer. Her eyes widened a bit but she said nothing. Her wide brown eyes asked questions Grant wasn’t sure he could answer. He leaned way down, caressing her body, adoring how small she felt against him. There was nothing sweet and lingering about the kiss. When his lips touched hers, everything inside of him exploded and he was no longer thinking with his brain. “Open up, Brown Eyes,” he said, hoping she wouldn’t recognize the steely edge to his voice. When she just continued to stare at him, her arms dangling useless at her sides as if she’d lost the ability to move, he tightened his grip on her hair, making her gasp, and when she did, he murmured. “Good girl,” right before his tongue plundered her mouth. He nipped her full lower lip. The sounds she made caused his pulse to race and his shaft to throb. Her taste was mysterious, forbidden, and at the same time it was like the brightest ray of sunlight, burning him. Grant probably would have devoured her whole, right there in the carpeted hallway if a little voice hadn’t come to him. “Daddy,” Cherie called from the living room. “Are we gonna watch the movie Aunt Ally brought or not?” **** Ally wasn’t sure what she’d expected by not going out to the movies but this wasn’t it, she thought, a bit dazed as Grant released her hair and took a step back. He watched her closely but didn’t say a word. She remained just as quiet. The shaking of her hands was visible, so she hid them behind her back; then took a couple of steps in retreat. Grant's green-eyed gaze was intense and a bit uncomfortable. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but turned and stalked up the hall instead. He closed his bedroom door with a bang, making Ally jump. The breath she wasn’t aware she’d been holding came out in a whoosh, making her a bit lightheaded. “What in the hell was that all about?” she asked herself, walking to the living room where Cherie was seated on the floor.

The tingling of her body warned that there was much more to Grant then even she was aware of. It felt as if all her bones had disintegrated, leaving her legs wobbly and weak. Ally oozed onto the couch and tried to slow her pulse by taking slow, deep breaths. It wasn’t working. She had never, in her whole life of twenty-seven years, been kissed like that and she’d been married. Grant’s toe-curling version of a kiss had her more aroused than even the best sex with her ex-husband. Ally absently wondered if she should excuse herself for a few minutes in order to run home and change her panties. The thought made her laugh. She sobered immediately when Grant came into the room. He stopped in front of her. Looking down, he asked. “You all right?” Ally wondered why she wouldn’t be. She was confused and aroused and wet, but why wouldn’t she be all right? “Yep, just fine. And you?” She couldn’t help herself. He was treating her as if she were a child with a skinned knee, not an adult woman who had been almost kissed to orgasm. His brows furrowed and his eyes darkened. “Answer my question, Ally.” His voice was commanding, as if he would punish her if she didn’t follow his orders. The gravely sound coursed over her, causing chill bumps. Even while the sound of his voice compelled and aroused, it also irritated. “I told you I was fine, Grant. Why don’t you put the movie on before Cherie gets even more restless?” The next two hours were spent in silence while the three of them watched the movie. Ally had no idea what she was watching; she couldn’t get her mind off Grant. Trying to be discreet, Ally continued to glance his way off and on throughout the movie. On many of those occasions, it was to find him openly watching her. Ally’s nerves were wound tight and for the first time since she’d met Grant all those years ago, she couldn’t wait to separate herself from his company. The thought was upsetting, leaving an ache deep in her chest. There was just something about the man, a side of him she didn’t know that warned her to stay away even as her body screamed for her to jump him. This time, Ally was bound and determined to follow her head and not the ache in her chest or the tingling between her thighs. Getting involved with Grant was not something she could do, no matter how much she loved him. There was a possessive gleam in his eyes now as he watched her, stalked her with his grass-green gaze. The new look proved that she had no choice but to start pulling herself back from him. If she didn’t, she was going to find herself in an emotionally painful position. It was disheartening to think that she’d snowed herself so well for all those years. It was sickening how easily she’d made herself believe that it was perfectly okay if she couldn’t have children. She’d told herself that very thing so often that she’d actually believed it, for a while. Tonight changed all that. Reality had been forced on her and it wasn’t pleasant. There was no way she could, in good conscience, get involved with Grant knowing that she could give him no more children. For the first time since her bastard of an exhusband had left her, Ally felt like less than a woman, unworthy of a long-term relationship, all because she couldn’t have children.

It wasn’t fair but it was reality, and the sooner she came to terms with the fact that she’d fallen in love with her best friend but didn’t deserve him, the sooner she could get on with her life. Ally moved as if on automatic pilot. She washed the few dishes they had used and straightened the kitchen while Grant tucked Cherie into bed. She was so lost in thought that she didn’t hear the squeak of the kitchen door opening as Grant entered the room. She almost jumped out of her skin when his big warm hand settled on her shoulder. “Good God! You scared the crap out of me.” Grant chuckled, then tucked her hair behind her ear with a single finger. “Sorry Brown Eyes, wasn’t my intention.” Ally smiled as she took a step back, breaking their contact. “You seemed deep in thought,” she heard Grant say. “I’m just tired is all. I think I’ll make an early night of it.” Even to her own ears her voice sounded shaky. She didn’t look at Grant as she gathered her purse and keys from the kitchen table. Her knees were going to buckle any minute, she was sure of it. The house was dark and quiet as she walked through it to the front door. Ally reached for the knob to open the door, but Grant blocked her retreat. His large hand was flattened against the door high above her head. She couldn’t force herself to turn around. “We will talk about what happened tonight. Sooner or later, Ally, but it will happen.” He was back to that tone. The one that made her want to stomp her foot and cream her pants all at the same time. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” she said, her back to him. “Maybe. Maybe not, but we will talk. Count on it, Brown Eyes.” Ally took a deep, calming breath; then opened the door when Grant removed his hand. The drive home seemed to take forever. All she needed was a cold shower and a good night of sleep, she assured herself. Then everything will be back to normal.

Chapter Three Nothing is ever going to be the same again, Grant thought. He couldn’t get the Friday night episode out of his mind or Ally’s taste from his tongue. The length of his fingers itched to feel her hair entwined with them once again. His palm tingled with the thought of stroking her smooth skin. He was going to go crazy if he couldn’t get himself under control. Grant was due to work at Leather and Lace tomorrow for an hour or so before leaving for the construction site at the mall. It was going to be an interesting day. That much he knew for sure. He cursed soundly when his hammer slipped, striking his thumb. The throbbing pain brought him out of his daydream of Ally and crashing back to reality. It wasn’t a pleasant place to be just then. He shook his hand for a minute before returning to the task in front of him. It took another couple of hours before he and the rest of the crew finished their work and John let them go. He was relieved to be done on time to pick Cherie up from school. Her constant chatter would put him at ease and keep his mind off of Ally. At least, that was what he was hoping for. Then he could tuck his angel eyes into bed and have the rest of the night to brood. It would do him good and give him plenty of time to think about what to say to Ally tomorrow when he saw her again. Those were Grant’s last thoughts as he drifted of to sleep. **** Wednesday morning dawned clear and bright. Grant awoke early, as usual, to get Cherie ready for school, and then he was off to Leather and Lace. He wasn’t taking any chances this week that the new truck driver would take too much of a liking to Ally. The thought of Ally kissing another man made Grant see red. The thought of kissing her again, the way he had the other night, scared him. Control would easily be lost if he didn’t keep a tight reign on himself. Using a key to let himself in, Grant entered the store. All was quiet except for a tune playing softly on the radio. The lights were off in the store but he could see a glow toward the back where the storeroom was located. He entered the back room, causing Ally to stop what she was doing and look at him. “Hi,” she said, a stilted smile on her face. She looked a bit unsure. “Just in time. The truck just pulled up,” she nodded toward the opened door. She looked as cute as ever, her brown curls bouncing around her shoulders. The fit of her jeans was enough to make him wonder who’d painted them on. The way her blouse dipped just low enough that he could see a hint of creamy cleavage made his mouth water. The deep forest green of it set off her whiskey eyes perfectly, bringing out the flecks of gold dotting her irises. Grant was rooted to the floor. He couldn’t seem to move an inch as he watched Ally. It took a second before he realized she’d gone out the door. “Shit,” he muttered beneath his breath, moving quickly to catch up to her.

“Mornin’, sweetheart,” he heard the truck driver greet her. It took everything in him not to double up his fist and deck the guy. The man might not be God’s gift to womankind but he was thickly muscled and had a ready smile. A smile Grant wanted to wipe clean off the man’s face. Grant didn’t give her time to answer before he cut in. Grasping Ally by the elbow, he said. “Why don’t you go back inside and get ready to inventory the boxes as we bring them in?” Ally narrowed her big brown eyes but said nothing before turning back toward the building and disappearing through the door. The way she relented even though the argument was right on the tip of her tongue made him wonder. Would she relent the same way in the bedroom? Would she allow him the unlimited use of her body, to do with as he saw fit? The thought brought his cock to a throbbing erection that strained mightily against the seam of his jeans. Grant grumbled a few obscenities under his breath, scolding himself for backtracking. Instead of a mature man, he was acting like a randy teenager ready to rut. It was embarrassing how quickly she could get to him and all without even trying. The new truck driver who was still moving boxes toward the back of the truck chuckled. Grant could only assume it was his obvious possessiveness of Ally the man found amusing. “Where’s Charlie?” Grant asked more as an accusation, wondering about the older man who normally drove the delivery truck for Leather and Lace. The man just kept chuckling. “Pop’s on vacation. Hasn’t taken one in years so he decided to take Ma on a long one. They’ll be back in a few weeks.” “Charlie’s your father?” Grant inquired, not at all sure what he thought of the news. The man, who was now huffing and perspiring from moving the boxes, stopped. “Yeah, I’m Skip, the oldest.” Grant watched as Skip used a folded bandana to wipe the sweat from his brow. “Hey, listen. I was just being friendly. Didn’t know you had a claim on the lady. I’ll be minding my manners.” Grant grunted as he hefted a couple of boxes. “See that you do,” was all he said before her started carrying the boxes inside, silently denying the fact that he’d claimed Ally as his own. Arms straining, Grant carried in the last of the boxes. He was struggling to hold the last box and close the door when he heard something. The sound was soft and smooth. It flowed over his body, making his cock rise to attention. It was damned irritating, given the fact that he’d just willed the beast to rest. When he finally had the door closed and locked, he looked to where Ally was humming over her clipboard. Her heart shaped, jean-clad ass swayed back and forth in tantalizing tandem to the beat of the song softly flowing from her lips as she leaned over a large box, counting its contents. An overly aggressive curl kept falling forward, getting in her way. Instead of brushing it behind her ear, she tried to blow it out the way with a puff of her breath, but it wasn’t being cooperative. Grant couldn’t see Ally’s face from his vantage point but the sight of her ass was just as good in his opinion. He caught a glimpse of her profile as she once again tried to blow the hair from her face. She was too cute for her own good, and his.

It seemed he had very little in the way of willpower when it came to Allison Wilson. Before Grant’s brain had the chance to override the throbbing desire of his cock, he was standing directly behind her. The way she was bent at the waist brought her ass in alignment with his thighs. He’d have to remember her lack of height when he was finally able to take her from behind. The position would allow him to sink balls-deep into her warm pussy. He could imagine what it would be like to have her inner muscles grasp him tightly within her tiny body. Whoa there! He chided himself, pulling his mind back from the depths of that erotic mental picture. Grant settled one of his large hands on her hip causing her to jump, bumping him. It was a good thing her ass wasn’t aligned with his cock in that instant, because he probably would have come in his pants he was so hot and ready. “Grant?” Ally asked, her voice no longer smooth and calm. Grant pulled her back to him; then placed an open palm on her back when she tried to stand. “Stay just like that, Ally,” he growled, and she stilled immediately. “Damn, but you’ve got a perfect ass.” His voice was low and sounded husky to his own ears. He smoothed one hand across her ass, causing her to shiver and squirm, but he wasn’t ready to let her go. His other hand stroked the length of her spine. Even with his long reach, Grant couldn’t help but to lean into her. He could picture taking her that way, hard and fast. Riding her until they were both nothing more than a puddle on the concrete floor of the storeroom. When his hand met the hair at the nape of her neck, he gave a slight tug. Ally dropped her clipboard into the box and moaned, a sound so feminine it was enough to make a man insane with lust. **** Ally arched her back, to accommodate for the angle of her head. The arching of her back caused her ass to lift, teasing them both with the possibilities. Grant delivered a stinging swat and Ally couldn’t stop the sound of her indrawn breath. It was loud in the silent room. “Stay still, Brown Eyes. Let me do the work for the both of us.” Ally relaxed the slightest bit. It was all she could give, all she could do to still the erratic beating of her heart. She said nothing in return. Grant snaked an arm around her center, just below her breasts, and lifted her upper body to him. With his free hand, he tucked the annoying curl of her hair behind the shell of her ear, then ran his tongue along its rim. Ally was wet and ready. She could feel her panties dampen and smell her own musky scent. Never in her life had she been brought to such a height by foreplay alone. Involuntarily her neck arched, a silent plea for his lips. Instead, his hand covered her breast. Her nipples were painfully tight against the soft cotton of her bra. Grant plucked one several times, bringing it to a hard peak before he grasped it tightly. The unexpected bite of pain caused Ally’s body to tense up. “Hey,” she exclaimed as heat spiraled from her breast to her center. Her vagina clenched and throbbed, releasing her essence, dampening her panties.

“You’re playing with fire, Brown Eyes. Now stay still. If I’d wanted your neck arched for my mouth, I would have done it.” His words were insane. Arrogant and overbearing to her independent womanly senses, but they turned her on, dragging her closer to the precipice. Never before had she achieved an orgasm by merely being fondled and talked aggressively to, but if he kept it up, that was exactly what was going to happen. Ally straightened herself, knowing instinctively that was what he wanted. He towered over her, the top of her head not even reaching his chin. He released her imprisoned nipple. A flood of sensations ran through her body as the blood resumed its natural flow. “Good girl,” he murmured against her cheek as he leaned forward. Ally couldn’t catch her breath or calm her pulse. His actions were overwhelming and new, and although a big part of her was screaming that she make a break from him, there was a tiny part that insisted she stay for the whole show. The feel of his hand on her breast kept Ally unsure. Would he pinch her again, and if he did, would it feel as deliciously wonderful the second time? Ally groaned in frustration when his hand left her breast. She could feel the rumbling of Grant’s stifled laughter against her back. Ally tried to take a step, to turn. She wanted to see him, to touch him and feel his lips against hers but Grant stopped her. His hand traveled from her breast to her throat. Ally couldn’t help the convulsive swallow as his long, blunt-tipped fingers circled her throat, pressing slightly against her pulse point, circling lazily. “Stay just like that, Ally,” he said, wedging a muscular thigh between her legs to ensure she did as he asked. When Grant bent his knee, bringing him in contact with her womanhood, Ally exploded. “Oh… Oh…” Ally’s voice trailed off when the hand at her throat turned her face to the side and up. Her mouth was covered, possessed by Grant’s. His tongue laved, his teeth nipped and the warmth of his breath soothed as rippling waves of sensation tightened her muscles. Ally felt the arm around her torso move. Felt his hand press into her lower abdomen above her pubic bone at the same time he moved his knee, forcing the seam of her tight jeans against her sensitive clit. The light behind her eyes flashed brighter and she thought she heard him breathe the word “beautiful” against her lips. It was a struggle to keep her knees locked, to keep herself upright. It wouldn’t have mattered in the least had she not been able to remain standing on her own. With the wide expanse of his chest at her back and his thigh wedged between hers, she wouldn’t have gone far. Not to mention the steel band of his arm pinning her back to his front. What a magnificent front it must be, Ally thought, feeling his length press into her lower back. Trying to regain just a bit of her composure and balance, Ally reached behind her, grasping the back of Grant’s thighs as if he were her lifeline. She held tight, relieved to finally have something solid to grasp. Her hands no longer fluttered about at her sides. Grant groaned deep in his chest; then flexed his hips forward at the feel of her hands. Something deep down inside warned her that she was treading in dangerous waters, but Ally couldn’t stop the overwhelming need to explore. She reached as far as she could, running her hands up and down the inside of his thighs. His grip on the side of her face tightened when she ran her fingers lightly over the bulge of his denim-covered testicles. Knowing her touch could ignite him so quickly was

powerful. Ally couldn’t help the purr of feminine satisfaction that escaped her slightly parted lips. Not even the jingle of a bell brought her completely back to herself, but the shrill voice following that jingle was like being dunked into an icy lake. “Yoo hoo, is anybody here?” The annoying sound was recognized immediately. The voice itself might be like fingernails running down a chalkboard, but the woman behind the voice was one of the sweetest Ally had ever met. Ally tried to jump away from Grant but he held her stubbornly tight. “Get her settled then come back here to me.” Grant’s voice was rough, demanding. It rubbed her the wrong way. Reality crashed back in waves. Her head started to throb with the understanding of what she’d almost done. “I’ve got to get to work, Grant,” Ally said, trying to sound in control. Her control didn’t last for long. All it took was one look at Grant and she knew she was in trouble. His eyes were the color of jade. So green they were almost black. They burned right through her, pulling at her until she thought she would faint from the intensity. He stood straight, legs spread as if ready for battle. “I’ll only say it once, Brown Eyes. Don’t play with me. Now go do what you have to do, I’ll wait.” Ally wanted to argue, but something about the set of his jaw warned her that it was a very bad idea. Her nerves were strung tight and she didn’t like the confusing feelings coursing through her body. They were new and scary and she wanted nothing to do with them. The man staring intently at her was a stranger. He was dangerous, used to being in charge. He wouldn’t take no for an answer. Ally knew that they had passed the point of no return. There would be no going back to being just friends and she couldn’t allow herself anything more. That left only one thing, to back completely off. Her chest ached at the thought. Her eyes misted, causing Grant to take a step toward her. She thrust both hands in front of her as if to ward him off. He stopped in his tracks, his jaw tense, his eyes narrowed. “Hello.” The voice intruded again. “I’m coming, Mrs. Whittle,” Ally hollered to the woman who prepared and delivered pastries every morning. She turned back to Grant, studying his face, wondering how her normally laid-back friend came to be so dominant, such an intense lover. She wanted to remember everything that had just happened because their friendship, as she knew it, would be over once she walked from the storeroom, away from him. It was the only thing she could think to do. “I’ve got to go.” “Son of a bitch! Don’t you even try it, Brown Eyes. I’ll put stripes on your ass if you do.” It was as if he could read her mind. Like he knew how she planned to distance herself from him. His voice was low, angry. It tore her heart to shreds. He opened his mouth to say something else when his cell phone beeped, followed by John’s voice over the speaker of the phone’s walky-talky feature. “You there, Grant?” Ally knew she wouldn’t get another chance, so she walked from the room, feeling as if a small part of her had been left behind.

Chapter Four Launching his cell phone across the room seemed like a great idea. It was right up there with giving Mrs. Whittle a piece of his mind for baking so fucking early in the morning. Whipping Ally’s ass would swiftly follow those two things. If he’d pegged her look right, Ally planned on running far and fast. If not literally, then figuratively, and there was no way in hell he was going to let it happen. “Grant?” John’s voice came through the speaker again. Grant pressed the button that would connect him with his boss and friend, John Richardson. “Yeah, I’m here.” “You almost done over there? One of the men called in sick today.” John had to say no more. Grant owed the man big time for hiring him with no references. No more than a good word from his sister, Elena. Lane, as Grant thought of her, was one hell of a woman. “I’ll be there in a few,” Grant answered, walking from the storeroom into the store. “Well, there he is,” Mrs. Whittle’s screeching voice crooned. “Have a Danish, Grant.” Grant smiled at the little round woman. She really was a sweetheart. “No thank you, ma’am. I’ve already had my breakfast.” Grant gave her a nod before crossing the room toward Ally. She was busy at work preparing a pot of coffee. The thought of Ally avoiding him was too much to think about. Her friendship was the only thing keeping him from taking her to his bed, making her his. If she pulled back, he would have no reason to stay away. The whole thing could turn sticky. Avoiding him would only make matters worse, but Grant wasn’t sure Ally would listen to him if he warned her. No, just wait and see, Grant told himself. It was going to be hell but he would do it. “Ally,” he said from behind her. Her back straightened, her shoulders tensed, but she didn’t turn. “I’ve got to go to work, that was John,” he said unnecessarily. Still, she said nothing. Grant put his hand on her shoulder, intending to turn her so he could see her face, but she shook her head, her brown hair bobbing and swaying with her movement. “This is not a good idea, Grant.” Her voice was low and sad. Grant wanted to argue, to insist that is was the best idea ever, but decided against it, mainly because he agreed with her. What would happen if he insisted and then afterward she looked at him like he was demented, some type of freak? That was what Cherie’s mother had claimed was her reason for divorcing him. After years of being married and having a child together, she’d claimed he was sick and perverted. She no longer wanted to be bound to his bed. She no longer wanted to share her fantasies. Grant wasn’t sure he’d be able to handle the same rejection from Ally. He would give her time to think about their friendship and he’d do his best to keep his greedy paws off of her. It was the only thing left for them to do if there was any hope of salvaging their friendship.

“I know, Brown Eyes, but I won’t apologize. It’s who I am.” Her head turned sharply toward him. Grant didn’t wait for the questions or say anything else. Instead, he turned and walked to the front door. A minute of indecision overtook him but he fought it, turned the knob, and left the building. The next two days were the longest ever. Grant did just as he’d promised himself he would. Staying away from Leather and Lace and Ally proved to be even harder than he’d thought. Grant didn’t call Ally after their close call in the storeroom. He didn’t know what to say. It was a problem he’d never had where Ally was concerned. The whole damned mess pissed him off. Then, when he did call, there was no answer. Grant had purposely waited until after hours so that Ally would have some privacy during their conversation. She was probably screening her calls. The thought made Grant crazy. It was already happening, his inner beast roared with anger. He wasn’t going to let her get completely away! It just wasn’t going to happen. “I was prepared and even hoped to leave it at friendship, but you want to take even that from me,” he said aloud, the sound of his voice filling the silent interior of his bedroom. “It’s not going to happen, Brown Eyes. I can promise you that much.” Grant wondered if the men with white jackets were going to come and take him away for talking to himself. He gave a deprecating smile. Ally would probably wish they had if she kept up her evasive tactics. Friday, the day he, Ally and Cherie usually got together for pizza and a movie, came ,bringing along with it a storm. The weather seemed to match Grant’s mood. The clouds were dark, promising rain. The construction crew at the mall worked tirelessly throughout the day to finish the week’s work. The men didn’t look forward to the wet weather the clouds promised, but were looking forward to the weekend off. Grant just waited. Waited to see if Ally would return his call. If not, he would give her another call, another chance . It was pizza and movie night, a tradition they hadn’t broken once since the death of Cherie’s mother. A tradition he didn’t plan on letting lapse now. Minute after minute of the day trickled by, yet his cell phone never rang. Grant was angry, worried, and horny as hell. It was an impossible combination, one that could prove to be explosive. After a cold shower and a firm lecture to himself, Grant called Ally. Cherie was sitting across from him at the kitchen table enjoying an early evening snack. Her mouth was smeared with grape jelly and a milk moustache graced her upper lip. She was absolutely adorable, he thought as he waited for Ally to pick up. Her phone rang for the eighth time and still, there was no answer. Cherie squirmed on her seat. “We gonna go to the movies tonight, Daddy?” she asked. “Sure are, baby. I just don’t think Ally is going to be able to join us.” “Why not?” It was a simple question, but Grant had no idea how to answer it. “She just can’t tonight,” he said. Grant wasn’t sure how he knew, he just did. Ally wasn’t going to answer her phone and she wasn’t going to meet them at the movies the way she sometimes did.

Grant finished dressing and helped Cherie do the same. He’d decided to leave a bit early so he could stop by the Ally’s apartment above Leather and Lace. Maybe she was sick or hurt. Grant doubted it, but he wouldn’t be at ease until he knew for sure. **** Ally sat on a narrow bench at the edge of the deserted playground. Normally she enjoyed walking in the park, watching the kids play. Today however, the weather wasn’t cooperating and since it was already getting dark, the place was more deserted than usual. Being afraid to go home because Grant might call or drop by was embarrassing to admit, even to herself, but that was exactly her problem. Guilt ate at her for not calling, for missing a night out with Cherie, but Ally felt she had no other options open to her, so she did what she thought was best. The hours seemed to take forever. Ally left the park and drove the short distance to the mall. In the bookstore, she ordered an iced coffee, bought a romance novel and sat to read. Ally was only a few paragraphs into the book when she noticed the tall blonde woman covering her kiosk cart. From where she was sitting, Ally couldn’t see what type of merchandise the woman sold or the name of the business. Within minutes the woman’s task was done and she was walking toward the mall entrance to the bookstore. Ally sucked her iced coffee through a straw, still watching the woman from where she sat. There was something very natural about the way the woman moved, as if she were at ease with the world around her. When she disappeared into the store, Ally picked her book back up and tried to focus on the story. It was no use, though. She couldn’t get Grant out of her mind. Ally knew there was going to be hell to pay the next time she saw him. The thought of an angry Grant made her shiver. It was still mind-boggling exactly how little she knew about the private life of the man she’d considered her best friend since high school. How was that possible? “May I join you?” a voice asked from beside her. Ally looked up to see the tall woman with standing before her. Up close, her hair seemed to be as red as it was blonde, long and naturally wavy. “Sure.” Ally wasn’t sure she would be very good company, but the woman seemed the sincere sort and a bit of company would be nice. She missed Grant and Cherie more than she thought possible. “My name’s Zoe,” the woman said, her voice melodic. Ally grasped Zoe’s hand and felt warmth radiate up her arm. “I’m Ally.” “Sorry if this seems strange, but you seemed like you could use some company and I needed a place to read the classifieds. Hope you don’t mind?” A perfectly shaped brow arched in question. “Not at all and I could use the company.” Ally motioned toward the newspaper Zoe was motioning though. “Looking for anything in particular?” “An apartment. I’m kinda stuck right now. My building was recently sold and the new owner is raising the rent. I can’t afford what he’s asking. I’ve got to be out by the end of the month.” It was completely insane, Ally knew it the minute the idea came to mind but she was going to do it anyway. There was just something about the woman. Something different, something that made Ally trust her immediately.

Before giving the matter anymore thought, Ally blurted out. “You could move in with me.” As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Ally blushed. She could feel the heat creep up her neck to her cheeks, but Zoe said nothing. “I didn’t mean it quite that way,” she said, feeling like an idiot. “I rent an apartment above the store where I work. I’d have to talk to my boss, of course, but the living room is spacious with a couch bed. I think there would be plenty of room for the both of us. At least until you could find something else,” Ally amended. Zoe laughed, the sound was deep and rich and extremely unexpected. “I knew there was a reason I was drawn to you.” “I don’t understand?” said Ally. “I saw you sitting over here and could feel that you might need someone to talk to. Something about you drew me and I couldn’t ignore it so instead, I followed it.” Ally wasn’t sure what to think about that, so she said nothing. Instead, she gave Zoe the address of Leather and Lace as well as her phone number. During the dark and quiet trip home, Ally hoped that Zoe would take her up on her offer. Somehow it just felt right. The night was a restless one. Ally remembered the sound of Grant’s voice on her answering machine, angry and hurt. She could hear Cherie chattering in the background and wanted to cry with missing them. The rain hit her bedroom window in waves, keeping her awake. The next morning wasn’t any better. It was still raining, dreary and dark, with no sign of the sun. Ally wanted to crawl back into bed and stay there, but she didn’t. She got up, showered and dressed for the day. Somehow, knowing that there would be few, if any, customers in the store that day made her spirits sink even further. After doing her morning chores, Ally sat behind the counter for a few hours. Soft country music filtered through the speakers keeping her company. She heated a leftover Danish. It, along with a cup of coffee, made up her breakfast. Lunch was skipped completely, her nerves too frazzled to eat. Ally knew Grant would come, and it would be sooner, not later. He wasn’t one to leave things hanging. Just after one o’clock, Laney called and gave the okay to lock up for the day. Ally was glad for the respite. She took the stairs to her apartment at a slow pace, not looking forward to spending the rest of her day alone. It wasn’t a problem she would have to worry about for long. Ally twisted the knob, opening the door to her apartment. It was dark but she knew instantly that she wasn’t alone. A lone figure sat on the couch, head back, eyes closed. It was Grant. He lifted his head, looked at Ally, then moved to stand. “Grant, what are you doing here?” “You didn’t leave me any choice, Brown Eyes.” Was all he said before he strode across the room, taking her in his arms.

Chapter Five Ally felt wonderful in his arms. Grant tried to relax his muscles, afraid he was holding her too tightly, but soon gave up the fight. The feel of her soft breasts between them was sensory overload. Grant wanted nothing more than to throw her to the floor and taste every inch of her petite body. The thought of grazing his teeth across every curve, of sweeping his tongue into every valley made his cock stand up and take notice. If her pussy was as blissfully sweet as her luscious lips, Grant was sure he’d never be able to let her go. He was so hot, so obviously hard he knew there would be nothing slow about their lovemaking this time around. Ally’s hands pressed against his chest, he couldn’t release her. When she tore her mouth from his, he couldn’t help the possessive growl of frustration that welled up from deep within his chest. “What in the hell are you doing here?” Grant captured Ally’s face in his hands, turning her head until he could look down into her wide eyes. “You left me no choice, Ally.” He knew his voice was rough and insistent, saw the wariness in her eyes but could do nothing about it. “I won’t let you avoid me.” She struggled briefly in his arms before pushing with more force. Grant let her go, regretting the decision instantly when she backed away from him. “Come here,” he ordered, to which he received a negative shake of her head as she took another step in retreat. “You didn’t answer my question, Grant. What are you doing here and where is Cherie?” “Come here.” His patience was at an all-time low. “Grant?” The confusion in her voice was just enough to keep him focused. “Cherie is fine. She’s staying with a friend who went to the movies with us last night. You know, the Friday night movie we always go to together?” He knew he was being a jerk but couldn’t seem to help himself. “And I’m here because you didn’t leave me a choice. I’ve been holding myself back for months, Brown Eyes, and I was okay with that until you tried to take even your friendship from me. I won’t let it happen, Ally. Now come here.” When she took another step in retreat, Grant pounced, like a predator claiming its prey. He pulled her in close, wrapping an arm around her waist, lifting her until her feet dangled inches off of the floor. “I won’t let you leave now, Ally. Don’t you understand, baby? I can’t live without you!” Grant leaned down so he could look into her eyes. Resting his forehead against hers, he searched their depths for the truth of her feelings. “Please tell me you want me as much as I want you?” His voice was ragged and rough. The amount of emotion coursing through him left no room for pride. He just needed to hear the words. “I do Grant. Oh God, I do but…”

Grant cut her words off with a kiss of passion, one so fierce he thought the exhilaration of hearing her voice the words would drown him. “After tonight you belong to me. No one else will ever have your sweet pussy. Do you understand?” Her eyes wide, she said nothing. Determined, yet irritated that even after saying the words he longed to hear, she still had an argument lined up, Grant crushed her mouth to his. Twining his hand in her hair, her held her still. God help him if she said no. He’d tear his body from hers in an instant if he had to but it would take every ounce of his will to do so. With her legs kicking at his shins, Grant lowered Ally to the carpet-covered floor of her living room. “That’s enough,” he bellowed. “Keep it up and I’ll tie them so you can’t kick.” He smiled when she stilled instantly. Grant then wrestled her shirt over her head, leaving her clad in nothing but a plain white bra from the waist up. He waited briefly, praying the whole time she wouldn’t ask him to stop. When she remained silent, he stretched her hands high above her head until she had to arch her back, thrusting her cotton-covered breasts toward him. “Perfect,” he murmured, looking her in the eye. “Stay just like that.” It was a warning, and from the look on her face, she was well aware of the fact. Grant moved lower, making quick work of removing her pants. The cartoon character panties caused him to pause. They reminded him of something Cherie would wear. They were cute but there was nothing sexy about them. Later, when he was able to think about more than sinking the length of his cock into the tight sheath of her pussy, they would have a discussion on her choice of panties. For now, he would just remove the offensive garment and do away with it. Grant pulled Ally’s cotton boy-cut briefs over her hips and down her legs. After throwing them aside, Grant sat back on his haunches to look his fill. Ally moved her hands to cover herself, earning a stinging slap on the outer edge of her thigh. “Ouch, dammit!” “Stay still and keep your hands where I put them.” “Fuck you.” Her hair was free around her head, her breasts heaving with every panting breath she took. The taunt peaks of her nipples pressed against the cotton barrier begging for attention, but it was the dampness on the curls of her mound that drew him. “That’s exactly what I’m going to do, Ally. I’m going to fuck you, hard and fast. I’ll be so deep inside of you that you won’t know where you end and I begin. You’ll scream my name until your voice is gone. If you don’t want that to happen, you’d better say the words now.” Grant thanked the stars when she clamped her lips firmly closed and glared at him beneath her heavy lids and the thick veil of her lashes. “I hope you’re ready then, Brown Eyes.” She was shaking her head no, but the words didn’t leave her mouth and her body begged for more. Even if she wasn’t aware of the subtle changes, Grant was. With a deft flick of his wrist, Grant unhooked the front closure of Ally’s bra. His mouth watered, anticipating her taste. He stood and quickly removed his clothes. “Stay just like I put you,” he warned again. Ally’s eyes were the color of deep, rich coffee now, pupils dilated.

Completely nude, Grant stood over her, palming the long length of his shaft before lowering himself to the floor over the top of her. The feel of her warm flesh against his had him struggling for control. “Spread your thighs for me, Ally.” She did so, an unsure sound escaping her lips. Grant stroked the length of her slit, testing her. She was warm and wet, dripping with need. There would be no time for niceties. Right now he had to feel her moist heat grasping his cock, milking him. Ally lifted her hips, the invitation clear. “Tell me what you want, Ally.” “Please… just…” “Just what?” Grant growled, holding the head of his cock at her sopping-wet entrance. His hands held her hips, arching them, preparing for his entrance. “You’ll do as I ask, Brown Eyes. Now tell me what you want,” he insisted, circling her clit with a single finger, never actually touching it. “Oh God. Now. Please Grant, hurry.” That was all he needed to hear. With the sound of her plea etched into his mind, Grant plunged into her, burying himself to the hilt in a single stroke. “Son of a bitch, baby. You’re so fucking tight, so hot.” Grant levered himself up on his arm, using the other to keep Ally’s hips arched to his need. Pulling back, Grant re-entered her painfully, slowly before backing back out and plunging home again. The tempo he set was erratic. It kept her on edge, never allowing her to reach the blissful peak her body desired. Ally lowered her hands, clutching at his ass, urging him on. Grant stopped mid-stroke. “Put them back, baby or I’ll spank your ass good before I let you come.” Ally’s eyes went wide again but she did as he asked. He chuckled at the look on her face; then resumed stroking his shaft deeply into her this time, setting a pace that would send them both quickly over the edge. **** “Oh, faster, Grant. Faster.” Ally couldn’t believe the words tumbling from her mouth but there was no stopping them. The feel of Grant buried deep inside of her left her mind whirling. She could feel every vein, every ridge of his shaft. He was long, his width filling her like she’d never been filled. The initial bite of pain had only heightened her arousal. Something she’d never thought possible. The threat of a spanking lingered in her mind, making her wonder exactly what it would take to make him follow through with the threatened punishment. He was lying fully on her now, his hands holding her head still. His lips were warm and insistent, parting hers for his tongue’s pleasure. He nipped and laved, never removing his hands from the sides of her head. Grant’s rigid length filled Ally completely, then left her only to fill her again. She felt his cock throb deep inside her before his body stiffened with his release. The warmth of his semen filling her, his erection pulsing within the tight clasp of her body, was enough to send Ally over. She screamed his name as wave after wave of her climax hit with relentless force, leaving her sated and limp. A feeling of weightlessness swept over Ally. Working on instinct alone, her arms clutched for a hold. It was then that she realized Grant was lifting her.

“Where are we going?” Ally felt him press a kiss to the top of her head. “I’m taking you to bed.” Rain pelted her bedroom window, but it no longer seemed as dark, as dreary as it had earlier. Ally pushed away the feeling of unease trying to swamp her, to bog her down. She just wanted to be able to enjoy what was being offered while he was offering it. Once Grant found out that she couldn’t have children, his feelings would change, just as her ex-husband’s had. The thought brought an ache to her chest, but Ally wouldn’t allow it to ruin the moment. Grant laid her on the bed; then disappeared. Ally had no idea how long he’d been gone. All she knew was that something blissfully warm and soothing was coaxing her legs apart. Ally shook herself awake. Looking down her body, she saw Grant lying between her spread things, a washcloth in his hand, washing her mound. Heat crept up her neck, she tried to scramble back, away from his intent perusal of her womanhood, but Grant was too fast. One hand grasped her leg while the other kept up the tender ministrations of cleansing her with the warm washcloth. His eyes were now trained on her face. “You belong to me now, Ally. I’ll wash you every time I take you; so you might as well get used to it.” Ally continued to struggle, embarrassed and angered by Grant’s words. “Let me go! I’ll shower if you want. Just let me up.” Grant shifted himself so that he was lying within the cradle of her thighs, his growing erection pressed to the now tender flesh of her inner thigh. His weight pinned her to the bed, making her feel helpless, an uncomfortable sensation. The way he was taking care of her was wonderful, even if he was acting like a macho jerk. His hands framed her face, his look was possessive, intense, but his touch was gentle. Grant ran his thumbs over the crease in her brow cause by the frown she couldn’t seem to wipe off of her face. “No one will ever have you again, Ally. You belong to me now. I didn’t want it this way but when you stayed away, I just couldn’t help myself.” “I don’t think…” Grant cut her off, his words nearly a sneer. “No, you don’t think and you can’t even begin to understand.” His touch was now firm, holding her in place. “I like things my way, Brown Eyes. You don’t understand yet, but you will. The only thing I can hope is that you won’t hate me for it.” Ally couldn’t imagine what he was talking about. She must have voiced her confusion aloud. Grant thrust himself from the bed and stalked to her dresser where he opened drawer after drawer, rummaging through them until he evidently found what he was looking for. When he came back to the bed it looked as if he was holding the majority of her panties. Grant sat on the edge of the bed with her panties in his lap, a look of panic written clearly across his face. “This will start it, help you understand what I meant when I said I like things my way.” Grant was still magnificently nude and extremely aroused. His thick erection seemed to have a life of its own. It bobbed with his movements, catching her attention. When

Grant leaned over her, lifting her chin with a finger beneath her chin, Ally realized he had been speaking to her. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said. His brows knitted in frustration as he plunged a hand through his hair. “I couldn’t leave things alone, Ally. I couldn’t let you go and I am so afraid you’ll end up hating me for it.” It was one of the first times Ally could remember such vulnerability in Grant. She felt his pain deep within herself but had no idea how to help because she had no idea what he was talking about. “I don’t understand.” “Then I’ll help you understand. For starters, don’t wear these anymore.” Grant stood abruptly then dropped a pile of her panties on the bed next to her. “Why? I know they aren’t sexy but they’re comfortable.” “They remind me of a little girl’s panties, of Cherie’s panties. You aren’t allowed to wear them again.” Ally couldn’t believe what she was hearing. It was one thing to be taken care of and another thing completely to be treated as a child. “Allowed!” she fumed. “Yes, Brown Eyes, allowed. Do whatever you like with them, throwing them away would probably be best, but don’t let me catch you wearing them again.” His voice was edged with steel, different than she’d ever heard it directed toward her. “What in the hell is it to you and what makes you think I’d listen to a word you say?” Ally shivered when his eyes narrowed on her. She sat, rooted to the spot. Unable to move when he climbed back onto the bed, Ally watched as Grant rose over her. The look on his face showed an amount of anger Ally had never seen Grant expose but for some reason, she wasn’t afraid. “You’re mine,” he growled. “That’s what it is to me and if you don’t do as I say, you won’t be sitting comfortably. That’s why you’ll listen to me.” His look softened a bit, his head dipped and he took her mouth in a searing kiss that stole her breath. Ally felt Grant suck her top lip into his mouth and whimpered. Her breasts were flattened by the weight of his chest. She couldn’t think straight when her senses were being overwhelmed. “I know you don’t understand. Hell, half the time I don’t understand, but this is me, Ally. It’s who I am. Good or bad, it’s just the way it is.” His voice was moderated, almost soothing, in complete contrast to his words, but it was evident from the look on his face that he was doing everything possible to remain in control, Ally felt the need to soothe him. She stroked his brow, brushing his hair from his eyes. “I don’t understand either. Not why you are the way you are or why your being that way makes me feel the way I do. It won’t be easy, because it is new and goes against everything I as a woman have been taught, but I’ll try, Grant. That is all I can offer.” Grant studied her closely as she talked, then said. “I tried to stop it, Ally. It’s too late now. There’s no going back, baby. It won’t be easy for you to get used to at first. The sooner we move you in with me, the better, I think.” An argument died on Ally’s lips as Grant moved down her body, burying his face between her thighs making her forget his threat to turn her life upside down.

Chapter Six He’d done it. Finally lost the battle and all because the stubborn woman snoring softly beside him took him to the edge of his limits without even realizing it. Ally’s cheek was scrunched against the hand beneath it, making her look extremely young and innocent. She wouldn’t be innocent for long and that bothered Grant. The guilt was already unbearable. He’d all but taken her against her will, ranting and raving about her panties for God’s sake! Like father, like son. The words rang loudly through his mind. Even that warning was not enough. There was just no way that he could let Ally go now that he’d claimed her. She belonged to him just as a wife of old belonged to her husband. Not having the piece of paper made no difference to Grant, she was his all the same. Hot on the tail of that thought was a scary alternative. Was it possible that his kinkier-than-most sexual preferences would turn Ally into the jaded female Wanda had become? Would she then accuse him of being perverted? Would she leave him? That thought was enough to still the rest. It hadn’t been so bad when Wanda had kicked him out. The worst part had been leaving Cherie, but to lose Ally would be so completely different. Not only would he lose the only woman who had truly ever held his heart, he’d be losing his best friend as well. Even knowing the possibility existed, Grant couldn’t leave her be. There was no way he would distance himself from her. He wanted to taste her and hold her every chance he got. If at all possible though, he would do whatever necessary to ensure that he didn’t run her off the way he had Cherie’s mother. He could act like a normal man who enjoyed nothing more than vanilla sex, all he had to do was put his mind to it. Grant snorted, it wasn’t likely, but he was willing to give it a try. If that was what it would take to keep Ally, he’d do it. Ally made sleepy noises, then snuggled closer to his side. She felt tiny, curled along his side the way she was. He felt protective and obsessed, like he wanted to carry her off to a place where they would never be bothered again. Grant needed some time to think, some time to get himself together. After slipping quietly from the bed, he dressed. It was still dark outside, although the clock on the wall said it wouldn’t be for long. Grant wrote a short note to Ally; then tiptoed into the bedroom to leave it on her bedside table. Her panties were strewn about the floor, so Grant gathered them, taking them into the kitchen where he found a small trash bag. Once all the panties were inside the bag, he tied it off and sat it next to her trashcan. He couldn’t help but chuckle as he remembered the look on her face when he’d warned her about her choice of panties. She’d looked at him as if he’d completely lost his mind. The problem was, when it came to Ally, he had lost it. He was curious if she would heed his warning. The palm of his hand tingled in anticipation of the spanking he could give if she did disobey him and at the same time, he hoped she wouldn’t push that far this early in the game.

Grant needed some time to make her understand what he would expect, what he would insist upon once they were living together. In order to do that, he had to be thinking clearly and in order to think clearly, he needed to get away from Ally, at least for a little while. Grant went home and was welcomed by a message on his answering machine. John needed the crew at the jobsite. Grant figured working through his thoughts was just as good as sitting and staring at the walls so he dressed and made it to the job site in record time. It was pretty deserted so early in the morning, but John was there. “Hey, boss.” Grant received a grunt in return. He couldn’t help but chuckle at John’s mood. The crew had been riding him relentlessly about the leggy blonde who liked to look her fill of the boss man while eating her lunch. Grant decided not to push. Instead he said, “So what’s on the agenda for today?” John looked up at him, his eyes clear and bright for so early in the morning. “Right now I’m just concentrating on getting back on schedule. That damned rain put us back a bit.” Grant knew exactly what John meant. Time was money and they’d lost quite a bit of time with the rains. He didn’t need to say the words, though. The two men stood, side by side, leaning over the rail of John’s pickup truck drinking coffee and looking at building plans until the sun peeked out and the rest of the crew began showing up. Before Grant headed for his task, he turned to John. “How’s Lane doing?” He hadn’t seen Elena for what seemed like forever. “She’s doing good. Luke doesn’t let her out much. I think he’s afraid she’ll waddle herself right into trouble. Can’t say as I blame him,” John said referring to the fact that Laney was coming along in her first pregnancy. Grant nodded his head before ambling off. Lane’s face was replaced with Ally’s and he couldn’t help but wonder what she would look like pregnant with his child. That thought stopped him in his tracks and his mind wandered even further back to the pleasure they would enjoy in order for her to get that way. The thought process caused his cock to swell against the fly of his jeans. He could picture her splayed beneath him as she’d been last night, making those little mewling sounds he loved. After that, the rest of the day seemed to trickle by so slowly Grant thought his cock would explode before he ever made it back to Ally. He ached to feel the clasp of her sweet little pussy surrounding him. The feel of her satiny smooth skin beneath his hand would rejuvenate him better than the strongest coffee ever could. He’d spent his whole lunch hour dreaming about what it would be like to have Ally on her knees before him, her mouth circling the head of his cock while he buried his hands in her hair. He would rub her curly brown tresses on her face, stilling her head as his cock thrust in and out. Would she make those naughty little sounds as he buried himself balls deep in her hot mouth? Would she allow him to take over the way he wanted to? Grant felt a drip of pre-ejaculate roll from his fully aroused shaft and hoped to hell he could control himself long enough to get off the job site before a damp circle made itself evident on the front of his pants. “I’m off, boss,” Grant called out, gathering his gear and heading for his truck.

John looked up then wandered toward him. Grant cursed under his breath. “Who set a fire under your ass?” John asked. Grant didn’t answer the question. He loaded his gear in the back of his truck instead. “See you tomorrow, Grant,” John said. The boss turned to walk away, then threw over his shoulder, “Stay out of trouble.” He chuckled. Grant couldn’t let him have the last word so he backed his truck out of the parking stall it had occupied and pulled up next to John, rolling down the window. “I will, if you will,” he said, nodding toward John’s truck where the blonde stood. Grant couldn’t help but laugh at John’s muttered “son of a bitch” before driving off for a hot shower and a hot woman he hoped was still willing. **** Ally’s insides quivered as she looked at the clock hanging behind the counter. It was almost time to close. Almost time for Grant to show up. Ally could still clearly picture the morning. Waking alone with no more than a note to occupy the spot next to her had been a surprise and a lesson in frustration. The note Grant had left didn’t say much, just enough to make her worry and wonder all day. She’d read it so many times, looking for hidden innuendos, special meanings, that she’d memorized it. Good Morning, Brown Eyes, Things have changed between us, but I’m sure you already know that. You’ve got some decisions to make before we can go further. I’ll be by after work to pick you up. We need to talk. After, we’ll pick Cherie up and have dinner. Be ready by 6:00. Grant It was simple, really, and yet it wasn’t. Ally was well aware that they needed to talk. She just wasn’t ready for anything big to happen. She couldn’t allow anything big to happen. She certainly wasn’t ready for it to end, and that was exactly what would happen when she finally got up the nerve to tell him she couldn’t have children. For at least the millionth time in her life, Ally soundly cursed her body. She was helping the last customer just before closing time when the front door opened. The bell attached the handle jangled merrily. A large form moved through the entrance, allowing the door to close behind him. Ally recognized Grant instantly. The way he moved could be considered graceful for such a large man. He carried himself with a sureness that made her heart flutter. Grant was her best friend and yet, he was a stranger. He was easy going and laid back, always had been, but Ally was learning that in private he changed. In private, he turned into a dominant man. A character straight from one of the slutty romance novels Ally loved so much. Grant waited by a rack of g-string panties while Ally tended to the last customer. From the corner of her eye, she watched as he fingered the barely-there panties. Her feminine entrance wept in hope that he would finger her the same way. Ally walked the customer to the door, chatting quietly along the way. When the woman was gone, she locked the door and flicked the light switch, causing the room to darken, but not so much that she couldn’t see her way back to the counter. It was brighter in the back of the room where a glowing light from the slightly opened storeroom door spilled over, casting shadows. Grant was nowhere to be seen. “Grant,” she called softly. “Right here, baby,” he said from behind her, startling a frightened yelp from her.

Ally put her hands on her hips. “Dammit! Don’t do that.” Grant chuckled, then pulled her in close for a toe-curling kiss. His mouth closed over hers; there was nothing tentative about it. His lips parted, consuming her whole mouth as if she were a feast. “Open,” he said in a low growl. His voice sounded strained. Ally couldn’t help but wonder why he was holding back. Her thoughts kept her from following his voiced order so he took it upon himself to see that she obeyed. With a hand cupping each side of her jaw, Grant used his thumbs to open her mouth. Not giving her a chance to protest, he swept his tongue into her. Ally moaned at his taste, warm and minty. His mood seemed dark and mysterious. His insistence made her shiver with anticipation. Ally had spent most of the day wondering what it would be like to be overpowered and taken by Grant. Ravished until she was incoherent with lust. It was a thought that remained forefront in her mind as his tongue traveled in the groove between her teeth and upper lip just before he sucked her into his mouth. The feel of his moist mouth tugging on hers sent a jolt of heat to each breast where it combined forces before arrowing straight to the apex of her thighs, making her knees weak. Grant let Ally slide down his body, pressing her close all the way until her knees touched the floor. When she was on her knees before him, Grant caressed her cheek, rubbed her scalp in soothing circles. The feel of his large body set Ally’s libido rocketing to an all-time high. He smelled like man, musky and wild with a hint of soap mixed in. She wanted to devour every inch of him, to test his endurance. She wanted to taste his essence as he moved the rigid length of his shaft in and out of her mouth. Ally rested her forehead against the denim-clad erection, causing Grant’s fly to bulge even more. Her hands were on his hips, fingers looped in his belt. She wanted to free him, to taste him. Of their own free will, Ally’s fingers followed the waist of Grant’s jeans until they met at the top snap. With a flick of her wrist, the snap came undone. Looking up at Grant, Ally licked her lips. He was watching her. His green eyes dark and dangerous as his hands banded her wrists. “Grant?” Ally didn’t like the uncertainty in her voice. She liked being deterred from her goal even less. “Ask me for what you want.” Ally shook her head to clear it. “Huh?” she said. It was evident that more head clearing was necessary to coax her mind back to reality. “Ask me for what you want,” he repeated, clearly struggling with lack of patience. His jaw was tight, set so rigidly Ally thought she should be able to hear his teeth grind. She looked up, then up farther until her eyes finally met his. In complete innocence, Ally’s tongue peeked out to wet her parched lips. His hands tightened on her face just a bit. Her fingers were still tucked in the front of his jeans, debating whether to lower his zipper. She wanted to seduce him into forgoing the conversation, the need to taste him was so strong her insides shook with it. Ally moved her fingers, grazing the crown of his shaft. Grant sucked in a breath and moved a hand back to her wrists. His grasp was as strong and determined as the look on his face.

“Put these behind your back, Brown Eyes,” he said, giving her wrists a squeeze, indicating he was speaking of her hands. Ally did as Grant asked, not yet certain just how far she could push and remain unscathed. What made her body shiver in response all the more was not knowing if she did, in fact, want to remain unscathed. The thought of being erotically punished by Grant brought vividly arousing pictures to mind. With her hands behind her back, Ally was slightly off balance. Grant’s hands on her face, in her hair, kept her right where he wanted her. She looked back up at him, begging with her eyes for what she wanted. “Now. Ask me for what you want.” Rough and resolute, his voice poured over Ally. She licked her lips again, earning a warning growl from Grant. The sound vibrated through her, reaching every sensitive nerve ending. “I, um… I want to taste you.” Ally could feel the heat of her blush as it bloomed on her cheeks. “Good, Brown Eyes, because I’ve got to have that mouth on me. Then we’ll talk.” Ally couldn’t pull her gaze from Grant’s. His words sent a frisson of fear down her spine that was quickly forgotten when his nimble fingers tugged down the zipper of his jeans. He lowered them, along with the white boxer briefs he was wearing, allowing the length of his thick erection to spring forward. Ally shifted her hands forward, the need to touch him overwhelming, causing her to forget his command. “You’ve earned yourself some punishment,” Grant’s voice was low, causing Ally to whip her hands back behind her back. Squaring her shoulders, Ally stayed as still as possible, waiting for Grant to make the next move. She didn’t have to wait long. Grant palmed the length of his shaft, running a finger over the crown every now and then to spread the moisture beading the tip. He circled the base, then gave a nudge to the back of Ally’s head. Ally didn’t make Grant repeat the silent command. She was so ready to take him in her mouth. She thought she might come in her panties from his taste alone. The bulbous head of his shaft disappeared between her lips as she opened for the invasion. “Wider, Brown Eyes. Right now I just want to feel your heat.” Ally opened her jaws as wide as they would go, just holding him there. A drop of pre-cum landed on her tongue, its taste sweet and creamy, not at all salty like she’d read it would be. Ally couldn’t help but flick her tongue, exploring, looking for more. Her actions brought a ragged groan from Grant. His hands tightened on her face, pulling her hair in the process. Her scalp burned and tingled, her core wept, needing release. Drowning in lust as she was, Ally forgot where her hands were supposed to be. She knew instantly the mistake she’d made when she cupped the heavy sac between Grant’s legs.

Chapter Seven Pulling himself from Ally’s mouth, Grant squatted beside her the best he could with his jeans around his thighs. Her eyes were wide, her breathing choppy as it burst from her lungs. “Get up, Brown Eyes.” She did as he asked, eyeing him warily. Her gold-glittered brown eyes kept wandering to his cock. He could feel her gaze like a brand, hot enough to burn. “I’m sorry,” she said. “Please don’t stop. I don’t want to stop,” she finished with a bit more force to her voice. “Me either, Ally but we’ve got some things to settle first.” Grant pulled his pants up over his hips, then tugged her hand, leading them up the stairs to her apartment. “You don’t want to talk now, do you?” her voice was incredulous. Grant had a hard time not laughing. “Just for a minute, baby. Once you understand what’s to happen, we’ll get back to where we left off.” Ally gave a small tug of her hand but Grant paid her no heed, continuing to pull her up the stairs behind him. When they reached her bedroom, Grant quickly scanned the area, searching for what he’d need. When he didn’t see a chair in the room, he made a mental note to bring one. He was sure they would need one if Ally’s past sassiness was any indication. For today’s punishment though, the bed would work just fine. Grant sat on the edge of the bed. A grin split his face when Ally dropped to her knees between his splayed thighs. The snap of his pants was undone, the zipper lowered, showing off his cloth-covered erection. “Not yet, Brown Eyes, but soon. Real soon.” He watched as Ally cocked her head to the side, her eyes curious, but not enough to ask. “How do you feel being here with me?” His question must have caught her off guard because Ally ducked her head and blushed. Grant lifted her chin with a single finger until he could clearly see her face. “I don’t think so, baby. There won’t be any more hiding.” He let his finger drop but gave a mischievous wink when she kept her face up. “You can answer my question now.” She shook her head just a bit, her brown curls swaying with the movement. “I’m not sure. You’re different.” “Yes. I am.” There was no sense in arguing the point, so Grant agreed. “I’m still me, but you never knew the private me.” A lopsided smile tugged at Ally’s mouth. “You mean the bossy you.” He chuckled, then reached out to hold her face in his hands. The feel of her smooth skin against his palm was like a dream come true. “I guess that would be a way to put it. I insist on always being in control in my personal life.” He didn’t get to continue due to Ally’s interruption. “You mean during sex?” “It’s rude to interrupt, Brown Eyes,” Grant scolded. “But yes, I do mean sex and any other private time. In my eyes, you belong to me now. There is no going back, Ally. If

this isn’t something you can handle then you need to tell me now so we can work something out. Do you understand?” Her eyes were wide, shimmering with unshed tears. She nodded, then spoke. “I understand. You’re saying if I don’t let you…” she waved her hands, her cheeks turning pink once again. “If I don’t let you do whatever you want to me, then we can’t be friends anymore. That is what you’re saying, isn’t it?” Grant took a deep breath but it didn’t help. There was no calming his nerves when it came to this conversation. So much could go wrong. So much could be lost. He nodded his head. “That’s exactly what I’m saying. I’ll protect you, and although I’ll never hurt you, I’ll test your limits. I’ll push you until you beg for mercy, Ally. Do you trust me enough to be mine?” Grant held his breath as Ally closed her eyes. Her lips were slightly parted and he wanted so badly to kiss her until she agreed to his every whim. It would be easy to accomplish since she was still kneeling before him and his hands were still grasping her face, but it wouldn’t be fair. He wanted her to come to him of her own free will, not because she’d been seduced into it. Grant used every ounce of his willpower to control his primal urges. He trounced the need to secure her to the bed and take her over and over again. He especially held tight to the need he had to paddle her ass. He could picture the pale globes of her ass quivering under each sensuous blow he dealt. Sooner or later he was sure she’d earn herself a spanking; he just had to remember never to raise a hand to her in anger, not even with the intention of turning her ass a beautiful shade of rose. The sins of the father are the sins of the son. Grant had to remember the type of man he’d come from, the type of man he could possibly become if provoked. When Grant felt the forward motion of Ally’s head in his hands, he realized she was nodding her acceptance. A breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding whooshed from his lungs. “Say the words, Brown Eyes. I’ve got to hear you say out loud who you belong to.” “I belong to you.” Ally stated simply. Grant blocked out the hint of doubt in her voice, telling himself it was nothing more than fear of the unknown. **** Ally couldn’t believe what she’d done. Her body was on fire and although she knew there was no future for them, she couldn’t resist. Her body longed to feel Grant over her, under her, buried deep inside of her. She was already anticipating the pleasure they would share. When Grant stood, Ally moved to do the same. A hand at her elbow helped her to her feet. “Take your clothes off, Brown Eyes.” Ally’s eyes snapped to Grants. “Slowly. I want to watch as you reveal yourself to me inch by inch.” Ally wasn’t exactly uncomfortable with her body. She might be short and curvy but she’d never heard any complaints about her figure. It was just that she hadn’t had the pleasure of undressing in front of a man in a long time.

Ally reached for the hem of her shirt. Her hands trembled slightly as she pulled it over her head. It took a few deep breaths to calm her nerves so she could go on. “Perfect,” Grant said, his voice hummed with approval. He seemed relaxed, more like the man she’d known since high school. “Look at me, Ally. And don’t look away.” After a brief inner struggle, Ally lifted her gaze to Grant’s. His green eyes danced, lighter flecks dotting the deep color. Ally loved his eyes. Slightly crinkled at the corners, they smiled even when his mouth didn’t. A wave of brown hair curled rakishly over his forehead. How she would love to push that wild strand of hair back from his face, to run her fingers through the thick pelt of his hair. “Now, lower the cups so that you spill over. I want to see your nipples, Brown Eyes.” Ally did as Grant asked. She had to lower the shoulder straps just a bit to accomplish the task, but it was worth the effort when she saw the look on Grant’s face. The cool air caused her nipples to tighten painfully. “Touch yourself.” Grant held up a hand when Ally opened her mouth to protest his command. “Pinch them, baby. Until they stand out for me. I want to see them turn dark with your arousal.” His voice was changing again. He was no longer as relaxed. Ally brought first one hand and then the other up to her chest. She wasn’t a huge fan of touching herself. It probably had something to do with what she’d been taught as a child. God, it felt great to let go and being commanded to be naughty was beyond liberating. Ally pinched her nipples, rolling them between her fingers. The pressure was wonderfully arousing with Grant’s eyes on her but it wasn’t nearly as nice as feeling his hands on her. “Your pants now Ally, panties too.” A shiver ran up her spine at his commanding words. She released her nipples and bent to push her pants over her hips. “Turn around.” A small whimper of excitement burst from her mouth. “Grant?” “Turn around.” He repeated the command in the same tone, low and calm. The nerve endings beneath her skin danced in anticipation. Ally turned around until her back was facing Grant, then she slowly wiggled out of her tight jeans. When her hips were free, she lowered them, bending at the waist, knees straight. Ally was almost sure Grant would be able to see the dampness ringing the crotch of her cotton panties. Her cheeks grew pink wondering what he would think. “Your panties too, Ally.” There were no words of protest as Ally lowered her plain white cotton hip huggers. She was ever-so-happy that she hadn’t put on her comfortable granny panties this morning. Sooner or later, she was going to have to buy something a bit sexier. In an instant, Ally made the decision that it would be sooner. She was so caught up in thought that she didn’t hear Grant move. The feel of his work-roughened hands against her backside was a surprise. She jumped at the contact; then rocked back until her bottom was pressed to his palm.

His finger dipped into her moist center. “All for me, baby?” he asked running his moist finger up the crease of her bottom. The feel was electric, but new; Ally couldn’t help but pull away. Grant didn’t push. Instead he grasped her shoulders, turning her until she faced him. “Time to finish what we started downstairs,” he moved toward the bed, taking her with him. Ally’s mouth watered, her insides flooded. The zing of electricity spiraling straight to her clit bordered on painful. Within seconds Grant stood before her gloriously nude. Without a word, Ally dropped to her knees and took him into her mouth as deeply as she possibly could. Grant sucked in a breath. “Oh yeah. Just like that, baby.” The feel of his hands on her face, rubbing her hair over her cheeks until it tickled her lips where they circled his cock, was intense. She flicked her tongue over the crown, taking a drop of pre-cum with it. Ally continued her ministrations until she felt Grant’s hands tense. His grasp on her face, her hair tightened, adding the needed bite of pain. She was so close, just from the feel of him in her mouth, the taste of him against her tongue. It wouldn’t take much more than a touch to send her over. With one hand on Grant’s thigh, Ally steadied herself. The other hand she lowered to the spot between her thighs, needing attention. She’d just separated her labia, intent on searching out the swollen bud of her clit, when Grant grabbed her upper arm, stilling her movement. “You are to ask for what you need.” He had to be kidding! If her mouth wasn’t full of his cock, she would have said as much. Ally couldn’t help the tightening of her jaw. It was reflexive when she was irritated. Grant’s hand squeezing her chin reminded her to relax. The increased thrust of his hips reminded her of what she was doing. His words told her exactly how it would end. “Both hands on my thighs, Ally, and keep your jaw relaxed.” She wanted to ask what he was talking about. She was so hot she thought she might explode. His shaft sank deeper almost to the point that she gagged before it retreated. Grant held her still, a hand on her cheek and one at the back of her head as he thrust forward over and over. There was nothing humiliating about it. If anything, Ally was even more aroused by his treatment. She hummed her approval and felt Grant’s cock swell as a result. Stream after stream of his fluid filled her mouth. Ally lapped and licked until she’d swallowed every last drop before sitting back on her haunches. Her jaw was sore, her lips tender. She was more than ready to start again. Grant lifted Ally until she was standing. With measured steps he led her to the bed. “Sit on the edge of the bed.” Ally’s body was all geared for a good honest fucking. She was afraid she’d come before he could sink all the way in to her. When she was perched on the edge of the bed, Grant knelt before her. The feel of his hands on her legs, bringing them up and over his shoulders, made her muscles quiver. His mouth was hot and wet against her. She was so close to the edge but Grant wouldn’t hurry.

“Ask for what you want, Ally.” “I want your tongue.” Her words were hard to hear over the pounding of her heart. Grant did as she asked. His tongue tortured and teased but never quite made it to the one place she so badly needed it to be. He circled her clit but never once did he go far enough to bring her the mind-blowing orgasm she needed. “I’m almost there,” she cried. “Oh please. Please just a little more.” Her hands were tugging at his hair, her thighs squeezing his face and just as she reached the top, he stopped. Grant stood before her, his mouth glistening with her juices. He was gloriously nude and aroused to the point that his shaft dripped. He was absolutely magnificent and she hated him. “Why did you stop? Dammit, Grant.” Her body was trembling as much from shock and anger as from arousal. He’d stopped, just like that. His arms circled her, pulling her close until their bodies melted together. His hand forced her head to his chest where he held her and soothed her with quiet words. His voice was low, helping her relax. When she was breathing normally again he turned her to him, holding her at arm’s length. “That was your punishment. I warned you when we talked, Ally. I was more serious than you’ll ever know. It’ll take time, but you’ll get the hang of it.” Ally couldn’t believe her ears. The man was insane! In her anger, Ally couldn’t think of a thing to say so she kicked his shin, hurting her bare foot in the process, then stomped from the room, Grant’s words ringing in her ears. “Get dressed, Brown Eyes. We’ve got to pick up Cherie. And if you’re thinking about locking yourself in there,” he said speaking of the bathroom. “I wouldn’t try it. You’ll like the punishment for that even less.”

Chapter Eight Ally sat next to him, a mutinous expression on her face. She hadn’t said a word to him, her anger and confusion palpable. Together, they’d picked Cherie up from her friend’s house and although Ally wouldn’t even consider talking to him, she smiled and chatted with Cherie as if they were best friends. It was wonderful to see them together. Grant wondered what Cherie’s reaction would be when Ally moved in with them? Would she be happy when they married? It was an idea Grant hadn’t even considered until he’d felt Ally’s mouth on him, until he’d tasted her sweetness and felt her reaction to his loving. Grant’s marriage to Wanda had been an uphill battle, and after their nasty separation, he thought he’d never marry again, but the thought of not having Ally in his life was enough to make him crazy. The thought of her with another man was enough to make him violent. As long as he kept a tight rein on his control, all would be well. “We’re here,” he said unnecessarily, as he pulled to a stop. Ally opened her door, letting herself out without looking at him or speaking to him. She held her door open until Cherie climbed out, still chattering a mile a minute. They held hands and walked to the door where they waited for Grant. Grant wondered if she still trembled inside, remembering the feel of his tongue on her pussy? Could she still taste him in the warm depths of her mouth? He hoped so, because the memory was ever-present in his mind. He figured it would be for many years to come. “Here we go,” he said, swinging the door open. Cherie walked through with Ally close behind her. Grant picked up the rear while staring at Ally’s bottom. He could think of numerous things to do to her ass that would drive her crazy. Ally turned toward him, catching him in the act of ogling her ass. Her cheeks turned red and her beautiful brown eyes narrowed. She put her hands on her hips, raising her chin in a stubborn-as-hell gesture. “Grant Joshua Scott,” she scolded. “You ought to be ashamed of yourself.” She added, her voice a mere whisper. They heard a giggle behind them. Cherie was standing a couple of feet away, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Grant couldn’t help but chuckle. “And just what do you find so funny, Cherie Antoinette?” Grant arched an eyebrow, trying with all his might to stifle another chuckle. Cherie broke out in peals of laughter. It was wonderful to see her so happy again. Ally tried to sneak around him, but Grant wasn’t in the mood to let her go. “Where do you think you’re going, Allison Pauline?” Ally just stared wide-eyed at him while Cherie sank to her knees on the floor doubled over in laughter. Ally wasn’t laughing, though. The look it her eyes frightened Grant. She was much too serious. Ally’s almondshaped eyes glittered as she watched him. Grant couldn’t help but move closer. He had to feel the warmth of her body against his, even if they were both clothed.

He held her face in his hands; then reverently kissed each eyelid until it closed. His lips moved over her cheeks and her nose in tiny pecking kisses until her found her mouth. Then and only then did he deepen the kiss. “Eww, that’s sick,” Grant heard from behind them. “Damn,” Grant swore under his breath, having forgotten that Cherie was watching. He tucked Ally’s cold, trembling hand in his and tugged her toward the living room. “Come on, Brown Eyes.” Cherie insisted that Ally help her with her bath and tuck her into bed. Even though Grant was the one who normally had the pleasure, he had no problem giving the task up to Ally. It would give him time to regain his composure. He was losing it, plain and simple. The thought frightened him. “She’s sound asleep,” Ally said, coming quietly into the living room where Grant sat on the couch. Her arms were crossed over her chest, blocking her breasts from his view. He wanted her completely nude, arms at her side or bound out of the way above her head. The way she was covering even her clothed body irritated him. “Come here.” Grant winced at the curt order. “I’m ready to go home, Grant.” Ally’s voice sounded unsure, her feet stayed rooted to the floor, arms still crossed tightly in front of her. With everything in him, Grant evened his voice. “Come here, Brown Eyes.” Ally looked around. Her pink tongue peeked out, swiping her lower lip in a nervous gesture. The movement caused Grant’s cock to tighten in response. When she still didn’t respond, Grant got to his feet. For every step he took toward her, she took one in retreat. Her action made him want to pounce, to conquer her and then taste every inch of her again and again and again until she couldn’t take any more. “Don’t you know that running only makes me want to give chase?” He couldn’t help the growl of the words as they slid past his lips. “When you back away from me it makes me want to bind you to me until you’re at my mercy.” He knew he was walking a fine line, but couldn’t seem to stop. “And when you cover yourself,” he said, reaching out to pull her arms away from her breasts, “it makes me want to train you so that you know, just from my gaze, that every time you go against my wishes I’ll spank your ass until it glows pink, and revel in your cries of pain and pleasure.” Ally’s eyes were wide, her breath coming in shallow pants as he stepped forward. She tried to retreat, but Grant still restrained her. He held a delicate wrist in each hand, keeping her arms clear of her body, freeing her cloth-covered breasts to his gaze. “It would benefit you to go along, Ally. Don’t deny me and don’t ever tell me no. If you are afraid of something or need some time, just say the word.” Grant could see the mix of emotions in her widened eyes. He wanted to soothe her, to make it easy, but he wasn’t an easy man, so he knew it would do no good. “You agreed, baby. You said you belonged to me and I’ll never forget it. Now, come here.” As if in a trance, Ally stepped toward him. Grant lowered her arms until they were by her sides, then crushed her to him. The toe-curling kiss they shared only fanned the flames until they were both burning for new heights. With an arm at her back and one behind her knees, Grant swung Ally up into his arms.

**** The feel of her breasts smashed against his chest was too much. His words and actions had aroused her beyond comprehension. The rapt look on his face as he walked to his bedroom worried Ally. She was still shocked numb to think that after all this time Grant would remember something as trivial as her middle name. She wanted to please him, but she couldn’t let herself get in too deep. If she did, she’d surely die of a broken heart when he found out the truth and left her. And if he didn’t, could she give herself knowing he would regret it in the future? Ally was afraid he would wonder what it would have been like to have more children and sooner or later, he would blame her for the lack. She didn’t think she could live through the hurt of it. Grant stopped and sat her on his bed. His thumb smoothed over the frown line marring her brow and then to the corner of her eye where it came away wet. He lifted his thumb to him mouth, licking the salty wetness of her tears, his eyes never leaving hers. “Do you want to tell me?” he asked, not pushing in the least. Ally shook her head but said nothing. “We’ll be all right, baby. I’ll make sure of it.” His words were quiet and solemn, sincere. Ally only hoped he was right, but just in case he wasn’t, she would keep her love for him buried deep. “I’m going to undress you this time, Brown Eyes. Stand up for me.” Ally did as he asked, her legs trembling to the point that she wasn’t sure her knees would continue to hold her up. Grant looked down at her from his towering height. “Lift your arms in the air.” His voice was husky, his words clipped. When Ally did as commanded, Grant lifted her shirt over her head. She lowered her arms back to her side, earning a murmured “good girl” from Grant as he walked around her until he was standing at her back. His fingers felt rough against her heated skin as he unclasped her plain white bra. Grant pushed it from Ally’s shoulders until it dropped to the floor at her feet. His head dipped to her neck, nipping and licking until she shivered beneath his mouth. His breath was hot against her flesh as he said. “You taste better than I remember, if that’s possible.” Ally couldn’t help the stiffening of her body at his words. Her body remembered how aroused she’d been, how close she’d come to climaxing before he stopped, leaving her frustrated and on edge. Grant chuckled. “That was for disobeying,” he said as if reading her mind. “This is for pleasure. I’ll tell you if you’ve done something to displease me. You’ll know you have punishment coming.” His words were arrogant. Ally wanted to smack him and kiss him and beg him to bury his face between her thighs like he had before, but she couldn’t seem to string enough words together to create a sentence, so she said nothing. “Trust me to love you like I know you need to be loved.” There was that word again. The same word Ally had spent the past few days trying to eradicate from her vocabulary. Grant’s arms reaching around to unfasten her pants brought Ally out of her inner thoughts. His palm against her abdomen made her muscles spasm with anticipation.

Grant stayed behind her; she could feel his breath on her neck. His fingers wandered to the waist of her pants where they tugged to lower the tight jeans over the swell of her hips. The warmth of his breath moved down her back until there was a tingling sensation radiating through her backside where his breath brushed her. Moisture and heat seared her fleshy globes when his tongue rasped across them, nipping along the way. “Oh!” she cried, trying to pull away from the unfamiliar sensation. Grant's hands shot up, holding on tight to her thighs. He pulled her back, his hold still tight, until she stopped struggling. “Step out of these,” he said, restraining her with one hand while he tugged her jeans and panties free with the other. Ally watched as he tossed her clothes aside. His gaze followed them, green eyes narrowed, until he saw the plain white panties she’d been wearing. Ally swallowed, thanking the stars that she hadn’t worn her flowered panties. They were her most comfortable ones, but she only had two pairs left thanks to Grant. Grant, who was still on his knees behind Ally, spoke, bringing her back to reality. “To the bed, baby. On your back with your knees parted and your hands above your head. I want to see all of you.” Ally couldn’t help the blush covering her face. Slowly, she moved to the bed. Climbing onto the center of the monstrous bed wasn’t too hard. Not covering herself took a bit more work, but the look on Grant’s face spurred her on. Opening herself to his gaze was an entirely different story though. “Put your feet flat on the bed, Ally, then let your knees fall to the side.” He was standing at the foot of the bed watching her, his erection straining against the fly of his jeans. Ally opened her mouth to speak, her hands lowered at the same time. “I don’t think I can.” Her voice was a husky whisper, low and shaky. “One thing at a time, Brown Eyes. First, raise your hands like I told you and keep them there.” Ally did so slowly, not liking the vulnerability she felt without her hands to shield her. “You have a beautiful body, Ally. Be proud of it.” Grant unfastened his jeans and lowered them to the floor. He removed his shoes and socks, then kicked the denims to the side. His shirt came next, leaving his powerful chest bare. He was virtually hairless, only a small tuft congregated in the center slightly below the nipple line. It was brown and curly, plummeting to his navel where it whirled before disappearing into the elastic waist of his white boxers. Damn, but she loved boxer briefs. They hugged all the right places, making her mouth water, her internal muscles spasm. And the white ones were fabulous, leaving little to the imagination as the thin fabric cupped his semi-rigid length. The bed shook as Ally licked her lips. It was only then that she realized Grant had been talking to her. “Oh, what?” she asked, looking a bit sheepish. “I want to see you, Brown Eyes.” His eyes followed the line of her closed legs. “You’ve seen me before, Grant.” Holy crap! She wasn’t sure she was going to be able to do it.

“I’m willing to work with you, let some things slide, but I don’t normally ask more than once. Or maybe it was a bit more punishment you were looking for?” he asked, a devilish twinkle in his eyes. “No! Um… I mean, no,” she said, struggling to relax the taut muscles of her thighs. Grant climbed onto the bed beside her. The bed dipped under his weight. “Let me help,” he said, his voice low but edged with steel. The feel of his hands spreading her thighs was so delicious Ally thought she would explode with only his touch. His big hands smoothed their way up her thighs, stopping only when his thumbs were at the curls. There they teased and tantalized until Ally couldn’t help but grasp his arm, urging him on. His face was hard, unbending, and Ally worried he would punish her in the same way again for moving her arms when he hadn’t given her permission. “I’m sorry,” she said, a frantic look in her eyes as she thrust her hands back above her head. “Quite all right, baby. I’ll let it pass, this time.”

Chapter Nine Tremors shook his body as he stared down at Ally. She was open and ready for him. Even in her obvious nervousness, she was aroused. The slick cream coating her parted labia was proof enough, the way it glistened along her inner thighs and the thick bush of curls covering her entrance made him want to eat her up. Her eyes watched him intently, as if she were trying to figure out his next move. Grant decided then that keeping her off guard would only increase her fervent arousal. The curly hair beneath his thumbs was wet and aromatic. He could smell her scent clearly at his close range, and his mouth watered to taste her once again, but that wouldn’t come until later. With the fingers of one hand, Grant separated her until her beaded clit was free of its confining hood. He watched her face, stared into the depths of her eyes as he pressed the little button with a single finger, causing Ally to gasp. Grant drank the sound in as if it were nourishment. He then rolled the tiny bundle of nerves between two fingers, plucking and squeezing until her hips rose off the bed. The sound of her voice was like music to his ears. She was finally getting it, understanding what he was looking for. “I’m almost there. Oh God, Grant, I need to come.” “Then come for me, baby.” He murmured the words against her inner thigh, still torturing her clit with relentless fingers. His warm breath sent her over and in a cry of release, her body convulsed beneath him. Grant pulled his underwear from his body as if possessed. His need to sink into her was beyond belief. He reached into his night table for a condom, quickly sheathing himself before he guided his length to her still-quivering body. Something in the back of his mind niggled, but was quickly thrust aside as her body grasped his cock, sucking him in until he burned in her depths. The sound of flesh upon flesh filled the room as Grant stroked in and out of Ally’s tight sheath with the intensity of a wild beast ravaging its mate. Her quiet pleas, the purring sounds of pleasure leaving her kiss-swollen lips sent Grant spiraling out of control. He pounded into her until he felt himself swell. His cock throbbed inside the latex sheath covering him, his balls drew up close to his body as the tingling sensation in his spine increased. Before he could slow things down, he burst on a groan, filling the condom covering his dwindling erection. Grant lowered Ally’s legs to the bed. He didn’t even remember lifting them to begin with. Her thighs had been spread wide and were now like jelly, quivering beneath his hands. He’d been so lost in his own release, he couldn’t even say if she’d enjoyed the same. What in the hell kind of man are you! Grant left the bed for the bathroom. He disposed of the soiled condom and cleaned himself up, then wet a washcloth under a stream of steaming hot water before heading back into the room. Ally was on her stomach sound asleep. The sound of her soft snores filled the room along with the lingering scent of their sex. She looked absolutely amazing the way she

was laying on his bed. Her nude pale skin glistened with perspiration. Her wide-flung arms were limp, one hand hanging off the edge of the bed. Grant sat on the bed. He parted her thighs, taking the warm wet washcloth to her. When Ally groaned and tried to curl into a ball, Grant stopped her movements. “Not again, Grant,” she groaned, sounding sleepy even though her eyes were wide open. “You have no idea how embarrassing it is to be cleaned like a child.” “Shh,” he soothed. “Let me take care of you, baby.” The warmth of the washcloth must have put Ally back to sleep, if the sound of her deep breathing was any indication. “That’s it, baby. You rest and I’ll clean you up. Wouldn’t want you to be sticky now, would we?” She wasn’t completely asleep, because she answered, her voice drowsy. “Not sticky, you wore a condom.” Grant’s head snapped up, but Ally was once again softly snoring. Still nude, Grant carried the washcloth to the bathroom where he hung it over the edge of a laundry basket. He looked in the mirror at himself and in a flash he knew. He hadn’t used a condom the first time. The thought should have frightened him silly. Probably would have in the past, but the thought of tying himself to Ally for all time didn’t bother him a bit. As a matter of fact, he thought is sounded awesome. Grant strutted back into the room, comfortable and sure of what the future held. Now Ally would have no choice but to move in with him, to marry him. After climbing back into the bed behind her, he pulled her ass into the cradle of his thighs, pulling her close enough that he could feel the fleshy globes close around his straining cock. With an arm around her waist and a smile on his face, Grant drifted off to sleep. Grant dreamt of many things. Ally, all warm and submissive, dominated the vivid dreams. There would be no reason to bind her, unless she wanted the experience. She would follow his words, mentally binding herself when he asked it of her. The thought of it kept him hard throughout the night. Grant woke to the shrill ringing of the phone in his ear and a cold spot on the bed beside him. Bleary-eyed, he reached to the phone setting on the nightstand and jerked it to his ear. “What?” There was a pause then a laugh. “Well, good morning to you too.” He mumbled a few not-so-nice words before pushing himself to a sitting position, feet on the floor. “Is that you, Lane?” “Sure is. Sorry if I’m bothering you, but my brother just called. He’s not a happy camper this morning, said he needs you at the site as soon as possible, something to do with an order of supplies. He sounded fit to be tied, so I offered to call you for him.” “Oh, hell,” he grunted, running his hand over his face. “Thanks, Lane. If you talk to John let him know I’ll be on my way as soon as I figure out what to do with Cherie.” “No problem, he understands. Just get there as soon as you can. It’ll save the rest of the crew a massive headache.” They both laughed, then hung up. Grant stood, tired and beyond pissed. The sun wasn’t completely up and Ally was gone. Her side of the bed was cold. She’d been gone for a while. Grant made a quick check of every room before jumping to conclusions, but when he turned up no Ally, he seethed.

**** Ally’s inner thighs were deliciously sore, reminding her of the night past. Stifling a yawn with her hand, she cleaned the counter next to the cash register. It had been a long day. Getting up before dawn in order to catch a taxi home had been the start of it, evading Grant’s phone calls had only added to the torture. And to top it all off, the weather had turned to shit once again. A drizzle wet the sidewalks, adding a chill to the air. It was by no means cold, but to Ally it felt as if winter had arrived. She’d felt lost all day, never quite knowing what to do with herself. It was inevitable that Grant would show up at closing time, which was quickly approaching. Squaring her shoulders, Ally reminded herself that she was independent woman. It wasn’t necessary that she answer to another. Yeah, that’s why your body can’t forget how thoroughly it was taken last night and why your mind can’t let go of the memories. The obnoxiously submissive voice had been taunting her all day. Ally wanted to hold her ears and scream, but knew it wouldn’t help. There was no changing the fact that her inner self loved every bit of Grant’s style of loving, even if he was arrogant and unbending. It was characteristics like those that made her shiver from head to toe. The sensitive bud of her clit tingled, remembering his choice in punishment. Oh yeah, she’d been mad, but what an eye-opening experience it had been. Never before had Ally ever let someone take over quite so thoroughly. And as much as she didn’t want to admit it, it had been thrilling as hell. The bell over the front door jingled a brief moment before a little voice called out. “Hi, Ally.” “Hey sweetie! How was school?” Ally asked Cherie, trying to keep her eyes off of Grant. “It was okay. We had pizza for lunch.” Ally grinned at Cherie, then ruffled her hair. “Sounds good, munchkin.” Ally finally glanced at Grant, who was standing next to the counter. His muscular arms were crossed against his chest. His booted feet stood shoulder-width apart. His face was hard, unsmiling. Ally swallowed, fighting for control of her wayward body. Just looking at him made her ache, but to see him straight from work caused all her nerve endings to work overtime. His jeans encased his thighs like a glove. They were faded to white in all the strategic spots, making her mouth water. The white cotton of his t-shirt was stretched taut over an impressive chest. Ally could make out the faint outline of his flat nipples and the small patch of curly brown hair beneath them. Her breath quickened. He cleared his throat, a mocking smile kicking up one corner of his mouth. Ally’s cheeks heated at the forwardness of her perusal. “Grant.” She knew she was in deep, deep love and even deeper trouble. The love she would continue to push aside, she could always deal with it later, but the deep trouble part made her want to run until her legs were too tired to carry her. Her clit throbbed, remembering Grant’s brand of punishment. There was no way in hell she was going to let him get her so hot she could melt and then leave her again. Nope. No way in hell.

Before Grant had the chance to say a word, Cherie piped in. “Dad said you’re coming home with us again tonight.” Her eyes twinkled merrily at the thought. Grant remained silent, his gaze hard, masking any emotion. “He did, did he?” “Yep,” she nodded her head. In a voice much more quiet than normal she said. “I think you’re in trouble Ally.” Her cherub face turned toward Grant for a minute before focusing back on her. Cherie moved a step closer. “Daddy’s been very quiet. You see the way his jaw is sticking out on that side?” she asked, pointing not so discreetly. “That means he’s mad. I don’t know what happened, but I’m glad it wasn’t me.” And then as if everything were normal, she clapped her hands. “I was good so Daddy said I could have ice cream after dinner.” Ally wondered if that meant she couldn’t have any. The thought made her smile. “You done here?” Grant asked. Ally didn’t want to think about what he had in mind. If she did, there was no way she would be able to stop herself from melting into a puddle at his feet. “I’m done. It’s been a slow day with the rain and all. I just finished cleaning.” Ally looked at her watch. “I just need to lock up.” Ally walked to the front of the store where she locked the door and turned off the lights. She could feel Grant’s eyes on her the whole way. Cherie, who was completely oblivious to the underlying tension, sat on a stool quietly looking at a catalog. The little girl was such a treat to be around, it broke Ally’s heart knowing that there were no little people in her life and for whatever reason, there never would be. That was part of the problem. After seeing a multitude of doctors and having every test under the sun, she still had no diagnosis. Ally pulled herself together, shaking her head to clear the old hurt. “You two want to come up for a while?” She was trying to sound polite and distant. Things couldn’t keep going the way they were. “Just long enough for you to gather a few things. We can move the rest over the weekend.” The ringing in her ears blocked out all other sound. God, how she would love to move in with this man, to play house with his daughter and maybe even become his wife. It would be a dream come true, but there was no way, in good conscience, that she would do that to Grant. Cherie watched them for a brief minute as if she could tell something was going on. Before long though, she grew bored of them just standing and staring at each other, so she went back to the still-opened catalog on the counter. Ally fought to talk past the lump in her throat. “I can’t.” Grant moved closer to her then took her in his arms. “You can, baby. You will.” His features were unrelenting, he wasn’t in the mood to take no for an answer. “You don’t understand, Grant.” Ally tried to pull away from him. The feel of his strong arms around her were making her weak, but he wouldn’t let her go. “No Ally, you don’t understand. You belong to me. You said the words yourself. I won’t let you go now. I can’t.” Grant didn’t give her time to think, much less talk. He lowered his head to hers. His mouth sought hers in a mind-numbing kiss, silencing any protest with his tongue.

Chapter Ten Grant forced Ally’s lips open with his probing tongue. She tasted so sweet, so fresh. He wanted her to melt into him, to become part of him. How he would love for her to let him take over, to allow him to dictate her every whim behind closed doors, to submit completely and take with love what he offered. Grant growled into her open mouth. She was magnificent and stubborn as hell. He wanted to seduce her to his way of thinking, but he knew she would fight him every step of the way. Ally’s stubbornness was a direct challenge. Although Grant loved the way she thrust her chin when pissed at him and narrowed her eyes when he let his arrogance show more than normal, everything in his being screamed for him to tame her. It had nothing to do with breaking Ally’s spirit and everything to do with her submission, with the shift of power he craved almost as much as he did her taste, the feel of her flesh beneath his hand. Grant knew a clear head would be necessary to make it through the night. He also knew Ally was holding something back. There was something keeping her from allowing her emotions free reign. With her hands flat on his chest, Ally pushed herself away, breaking the kiss. Emptiness replaced it. “I’ll follow you, but I need my car because I won’t be staying.” Ally rose up on her toes and with a hand behind his head, pulled him down for a sweet kiss, silencing his protest at her declaration. Her lips were sweet and plump against his. “I’ll tell you why after Cherie is asleep, then you’ll understand.” Grant saw the tears in Ally’s eyes as they threatened to spill over. She was blinking frantically trying to stop them before they had the chance to start. “Cherie sweetie, Daddy’s going to take you home.” Her voice wavered. “I’ll um… follow you in just a bit.” Grant placed his hands on her shoulders, turning her toward him. He wanted her to bury her face in his chest. He wanted to make her feel safe and cared for. “I don’t know what’s wrong, Brown Eyes, but we’ll deal with it together. Now, I want you to go and pack enough for a few days. We’ll wait.” Ally shook her head. “You can’t make a decision like that, Grant. You have no idea what I’m going to tell you.” Her voice was frantic, pleading. Grant hated seeing her struggle. He felt as if he was losing her when he never really had her. Grant bent to accommodate for her lack of height and kissed her lips tenderly, passionately. He needed Ally to know exactly how he felt about her. “There’s nothing you can say to make me feel any different, baby. I love you, don’t you know that?” Ally moaned against him mouth, making his cock ache and spring to life. “I can’t. You can’t, Grant. Don’t you understand?” She was shaking her head. A mirthless laugh seemed to be wretched from deep within. “No, you don’t understand, you couldn’t. Please just let me go. I’ll be over in just a little while, and once Cherie is asleep we’ll talk.” Grant didn’t want to leave her. Except for throwing her over his shoulder though, there was nothing he could do about it. “We’re going to go, Ally.” He could see the quick

flash of relief in her eyes. He lowered his voice, struggling with his lack of patience. “If you make me come back for you I’ll paddle your ass, don’t think I won’t.” His voice was fierce. He was afraid to leave her and afraid to stay. Grant felt as if he were going fucking nuts. Ally nodded her head. Her big brown eyes stared back at him. The rapid rise and fall of her chest proved how much his words had affected her. Her peaked nipples pressed against the thin cotton of her shirt. Grant wanted nothing more than to draw them deep into his mouth, shirt and all. When he realized his words had put her into such a heightened state of arousal in a matter of seconds, his palm tingled. He silently wondered if she would like an erotic spanking and worried briefly over whether he could accomplish the task without going too far and hurting her. She was such a tiny woman. Grant felt a reckless need to test his theory. Leaning in close, he grazed her closed lips with his tongue, stopping when she opened for him on a breathless sigh. “I’m sure you’ll earn a spanking before long, baby. Seems like you’re the type to enjoy pushing and pulling at a man’s patience. Oh, how I’m going to love punishing you.” The words were whispered a breath away from her now gasping lips. Her breath was warm and sweet, testing his will power. “Like that idea, do you?” Ally shook her head, but not very convincingly. “Would you…” she swallowed, licked her lips. “Would you really do that to me, I mean, if I deserved it?” Grant peeked over his shoulder to where Cherie was humming a song. She was fully engrossed in the catalog. Ally gave a small cry of alarm when he pulled her swiftly to him. “You belong to me, Ally. As you already know, I’ve got a different, more oldfashioned view of things. You’ve already had a taste of my punishment.” He noticed how prettily her cheeks flushed at his reminder. “If you disobey me on anything I think is serious, you had better believe I’ll paddle your ass.” Grant lowered a hand until it cupped the fleshy globe of her ass, pulling her closer to him. He toyed with the crevice, hiding the spot he’d not had time to thoroughly explore, wondering if they’d ever get that far. Her pointed nipples rasped against him as her breaths were forced from her lungs in short little bursts. “Can’t you see it, you over my lap with your bare ass clenched in anticipation, waiting for the first stinging strike. It’ll hurt so good, baby. At first you won’t know what the hell to think. The surprise of the first several blows will take your breath away and you’ll wonder what you've gotten yourself in to. You’ll beg and plead, but you’ll have no idea whether you want me to stop or continue.” Ally was squirming against him by the time he’d finished painting the erotically charged picture for her. On purpose, Grant narrowed his eyes. A completely serious look covered his face. One he knew damned well would intimidate the largest of men. “Just don’t push too hard when you finally decide to do it. I’m patient but you’ve pushed hard enough when it comes to what’s between us. That’s one subject I won’t play around with, Ally. Push there and you may not be sitting comfortably for a while.” And that fast, her arousal was cast aside. Grant could actually see it, and couldn’t help but chuckle. He flicked the tip of her nose, then said over his shoulder. “Time to go, Cherie. Ally will be over in half an hour.”

Ally opened her mouth as if to argue with him. “No more than thirty minutes, Brown Eyes. Don’t make me come back for you,” he repeated, although he didn’t really think it was necessary. **** The man was an arrogant, egotistical, maniacal beast, Ally told herself, muttering under her breath as she ascended the steps leading to her apartment. It was a real shame he also happened to be dominant, honest and loyal to a fault, not to mention, drop-dead gorgeous. He was exactly the type of man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. The impossibility of the situation made her spirits sink. Ally figured she had no choice but to tell Grant every sordid little detail about her marriage, about why her rat bastard of an ex-husband had left her. If she didn’t get it over with, they were all going to end up hurt. Hurting Cherie and Grant was the last thing she wanted to do. She knocked on Grant’s door without a minute to spare. He answered clad only in a loose-fitting pair of sweatpants. They hung low on his hips, giving Ally a wonderful view of his washboard abs. “Enough,” he growled, pulling her into his house. “Look at me like that much longer and there won’t be any talking going on tonight.” His words were like a douse of cold water right over the top of her head. She needed to keep her mind clear so she could say what she’d come to say. Ally pushed her raindampened hair off her forehead. “Before you say anything, I’ve got a few things to say myself. Maybe if you listen you’ll understand why I want you to move in with Cherie and me. Besides the fact that we love you, that is.” Grant's lips lifted into a crooked smile. It took everything inside of Ally to keep from jumping him. Instead, she held her trembling hands tightly together in front of her. His words caused her heart to shatter. How had she let things get so far? It felt as though she had rocks in the pit of her stomach. She felt nauseous and dizzy with the knowledge that he loved her and she was going to ruin that by telling him something she should have been truthful about since the beginning. “Let me go first, Grant. Please.” His chin was angled stubbornly and Ally knew he wasn’t going to let her say her piece until he was done saying his. “Not this time, baby. Sorry.” Grant separated her hands. After clasping one within his much larger palm, he towed her into the living room where he sat on the sofa, pulling her down next to him. “You’re not going anywhere, Ally, so you might as well relax and listen. Then you can say whatever it is that’s got you so upset.” Ally knew better than to struggle against Grant’s hold. His hand held hers firmly and there was something about him that was different. He seemed even more rigid than he had lately, not at all in an arguing mood. It was still baffling for Ally how they had been friends for so long and yet she knew so little about the man he really was. “All right, dammit!” she said, giving in. “It’s not like I have a choice, really. Do I?” Ally cocked her head to the side, watching him closely.

He didn’t flinch or so much as bat an eyelash at her outburst, although the hand holding hers did tighten the slightest bit. “Nope,” he finally answered, a wicked grin crooking his sensuously masculine lips. “No choice.” Grant watched her intently, his eyes boring into her as if he could read what she was thinking. Ally concentrated on the soft pitter-patter of rain against the roof, hoping it would soothe her nerves. It didn’t. Grant’s next words had her scooting to the edge of the couch. “Tomorrow when you go home, you’ll pack enough clothes for the rest of the week, and this weekend we’ll get you moved in here.” With every word, Ally’s heart crumbled just a tiny bit more. “I’ve already told you, Grant. I can’t” His eyes were fierce, his lips flattened into a thin, dangerous line, but his voice was low and calm. “You will, Brown Eyes. You might not have given our lovemaking much thought,” Ally gasped at his words. He held a finger to her parted lips. A look of warning crossed his features. “But I have, and the first time, we didn’t use any protection. I’m clean, but I’ll be tested again if you’d like,” he said almost instantly. “It’ll be a while yet before we know anything for sure. I want you here, with me, until we know, and even if there is no baby, I’d still love for you to stay.” Ally could feel all the blood drain from her face, her head was spinning, overwhelming emotions made her want to weep. The look in his eyes as he spoke to her of a possible baby brought it all out in the open. It hurt so bad Ally wasn’t sure she was going to make it through. Without thinking, Ally jumped to her feet, wrenching her hand from Grant’s, wincing at the small bite of pain her actions caused. Her heart thundered in her chest so hard it made her breathless. She stared at Grant for a minute before turning her back on him, burying her face in her hands. “Oh God, what have I done?” Grant’s voice echoed behind her; a mirthless laugh, cynical and cold, burst from his lips. “Takes two, baby,” he said making the endearment sound like a curse. “Nothing will probably come out of it anyway so don’t worry too hard.” His words tore through her, ripping her heart to shreds. How right he was, but he had no clue, and now that Ally had an out, she wasn’t sure she could tell him. It would be the coward’s way out, not her usual flair, but wouldn’t it be easier to let him think the worst than to tell him the truth, that she was only half a woman. As much as Ally wanted to do just that, there was no way, in good conscience, she could. With her heart in her eyes and tears streaking her deathly pale face, Ally turned back to Grant. His face was hard, not a single sign left of the man she’d secretly loved most of her life. “You don’t understand. I can’t be…” The lump in her throat was growing to massive proportions. “Let me guess. You can’t be pregnant,” his words were curt, biting. “Afraid it’s going to ruin your figure or that a child will get in the way?” he snarled. He was hurt, so Ally could forgive his words, but it didn’t make them hurt any less. What came next almost buckled her knees. “It’ll be for the best if you’re not. Anyone who is more worried about those type of things wouldn’t make a good mother anyway.”

A sob of pure agony escaped her throat as tears streamed down her face. He deserved the truth and she deserved the benefit of the doubt. It seemed that neither of them were destined to get what they deserved. Ally whirled on her heel and ran for the door. Even the cold wetness of the rain soaking her clothes wasn’t enough to bring her to her senses. She was at her car, soaked to the bone before she could think clearly enough to open the door and slide behind the wheel. The sound of Grant’s voice, insistent, yelling over the wind and rain, didn’t even penetrate her anguished mind as she sped away from the only man she’d ever love.

Chapter Eleven The utter stillness that overcame Ally’s body at his words was something Grant wasn’t sure he’d ever be able to forget. The desolate look in her tear-stained eyes would always remain in his mind. When she’d run out the door, Grant had stood, rooted to the spot, stunned by the words that had spewed from his mouth, venomous words meant to hurt, which wasn’t at all like him. He was worried and he owed her more than an apology. It took a couple of minutes to get a teenaged girl from up the street to come sit with Cherie, who was still sound asleep. Grant’s hands trembled as he backed his car out of the driveway, hoping against hope Ally had gone home. He was about halfway to Leather and Lace, when he noticed the flashing hazard lights on the side of the road. His heart was in his throat. Please let her be all right. He chanted the words over and over. Carefully, so as not to get his car stuck in the mud, he parked behind Ally’s car, cursing himself all the way. She was hunched over the steering wheel, her forehead pressed to it, shoulders shaking. Grant couldn’t see any blood and it looked as if her car was in the same condition it had been in to begin with. He lifted the handle expecting it to be locked, surprised when it wasn’t. “Ally, baby,” he said, rubbing a hand over her back. She wouldn’t even look at him at first. It was as if she didn’t even know he was there. “Oh God, baby. I’m so sorry. So, so sorry,” he continued to murmur as he pulled her from the car. The rain was coming hard now and they were both wet all the way through to their skins. “Are you okay, Brown Eyes? Did you have an accident or something?” he asked, running his hands over her arms and back, checking for anything out of the normal. Finally she looked up, as if she just realized who it was holding her. Raindrops caused her long, dark lashes to look spiky but her face was still chalky white. Grant expected her to be angry, to rant and rave, possibly even yell and scream but she didn’t. Instead, she took a deep, shuddering breath and pulled away from him slowly until she was standing an arm’s length away. He couldn’t release her. Not yet, possibly, not ever. “I’m fine,” she said, but Grant knew better and cursed himself again for being the cause of her distress. She seemed to gather herself together, as if pulling a protective armor around her, to shield her from the pain. Then she opened her mouth and spoke. “I can’t have kids. I know I should have told you sooner so you wouldn’t have wasted your time, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I just wanted…” her voice faltered, her breathing frantic as the rain mingled with the tears streaming down her face. Grant felt as if he had been poleaxed. “I needed to love you even though I knew you deserved better. I’m sorry. I should have…” She didn’t finish the words, or at least Grant didn’t hear them, as he pulled her to him. He lifted her off her feet, burying her face in his neck.

Her tears were a hot reminder against his neck. He deserved to be horsewhipped, and all Ally could think to do was apologize. He’d spend the rest of his life, and then some, trying to make up for the angry words he’d just thrown at her. Grant carried Ally back to his car as if she were made of glass. After sitting her on the front passenger seat, he went quickly to her car to gather her belongings and lock the vehicle. He held the keys since he had no pockets in his now-drenched sweatpants. When he got back to the car, Ally wouldn’t look at him. She stared blankly out the passenger-side window. The only words she spoke were a plea to be taken home. Once again, Grant couldn’t give her what she wanted. Instead, he drove her straight to his house. Grant didn’t give Ally time to protest when they got back to his house. “Shh,” he crooned. “You’re wet and cold and upset and I’m damned sorry for my stupidity but I won’t let you down, so you might as well stop fighting me.” Grant could tell Ally’s mind wasn’t on heeding his words. A stinging swat to her wet backside when she wiggled in his arms for the hundredth time stilled her movements. Grant couldn’t help but smile. After carrying her straight through the house, passing a gaping teenager along the way, Grant deposited Ally in the shower with a warning not to get out until she was toasty warm. “Stop being such a jerk,” she spat at him. Grant paid the teenaged girl who was standing at the door, a wide-eyed stare on her face. He made his way into the kitchen to fix them some coffee, grimacing at the trail of water he was dripping on the floor. He was still trying to compose himself when Ally came into the room. Her hair was wet, only this time she smelled faintly of soap and the lotion he preferred. She was dressed only in a long t-shirt, his t-shirt, and she looked absolutely lost and wary. “I’m warm now. Will you take me home?” Her eyes were puffy and red. Grant silently cursed himself again. “I’m going to shower and get into something warm,” he said, purposefully evading her question. He needed a few minutes to get his act together, a few minutes to douse his arousal at seeing Ally in nothing more than his t-shirt, knowing damned well that she was wearing nothing beneath it. When he reached the entrance to the kitchen, he stopped and turned. “I’ve got a lot to say, Brown Eyes. A lot to explain and, if possible, answer for.” He started walking again before a different thought struck him. “Be here when I get out, baby,” he warned. **** Ally stayed. Although Grant’s words had bitten deep, causing much pain, she couldn’t bear to leave. She was bemoaning the fact that not only had she turned into a blubbering twit, but she’d also blurted out her deepest darkest secret, the one she’d kept buried inside for far too long. Taking a deep shuddering breath, Ally lifted Grant’s shirt to her face, inhaling his scent. His shirt hung loose on her petite frame, covering her to her knees. Wearing it made her feel safe and warm. When Grant made it back to the kitchen, Ally had trouble looking him in the eye. He was so large, so masculine and from the look on his face, just as stubborn as she was.

Damn, but she was tired of arguing with him. Ally knew things couldn’t go back to the way they were before, when they were just friends, but she wasn’t sure they could move ahead either. The thought of going on without Grant made Ally’s chest ache fiercely. Her hands were twined together on top of the table, as she continued to focus on Grant’s chin. She had no time to think before Grant moved closer. He leaned down, touching his lips to hers in a kiss so warm, so utterly sensual Ally thought she could easily end up as a puddle at his feet if he continued. His hands framed her face the way she liked. His fingers massaged her scalp, and Ally could do nothing more then moan. When he was done, he moved slightly away, just far enough to pull a straight-backed chair away from the table so he could sit. Once he’d done so, he lifted her chin with a finger until she was looking at him. His face seemed older than it had, and although she could smell the scent of soap on him, he hadn’t shaved. The slight stubble of a beard made him look dangerous and distinguished. “I don’t know what to say, Brown Eyes.” His voice was hoarse-sounding, raspy. Nothing at all like the low calmness she was used to. Ally looked at him, really looked at him then. His eyes were glittering and red-rimmed. He didn’t seem himself. She couldn’t help but want to soothe his hurt, knowing that her news must have had a profound impact on him. “You don’t have to say anything, Grant. I should have told you before … before any of this happened.” It was all she could manage to croak out. “You know I’d never intentionally hurt you, don’t you? God, baby, how I love you.” His hand on hers tightened. “Don’t, please,” she sobbed, gulping back her tears. “It’s going to be hard enough to leave as it is. Please don’t say things like that.” His body seemed to go rigid, every muscle bunched, then stilled. “You aren’t going a damned place!” His fist slammed down on the table as if to punctuate his words. Ally was shaking her head, doing all she could to keep the threatening tears from streaming down her face. “I wouldn’t do that to you, Grant. You and Cherie deserve better.” “I won’t listen to you sit here and tell me you aren’t good enough. I can’t fucking believe you could think that. You’ve lost your mind.” He stood; then paced across the kitchen. She watched the play of muscles across his back. His job working construction had molded him beautifully. He turned the slightest bit then, and Ally could see the rise and fall of his chest as he took a few deep breaths before coming back to the table. For once she’d like to see him let go. To know exactly what he thought until the very end. “Listen, Brown Eyes. If anyone here isn’t good enough, it’s me. After all the things I said to you, you should be kicking my ass all over this house.” His words startled a small laugh from her lips. “I love you, baby. I can’t say I know exactly what you’re going through or what you’ve been through, but I’ll be here to help you through it from now on. Cherie and I both, if you’ll have us?” The look on his face was so telling. The cool mask of indifference was gone, replaced by green eyes full of love.

“You’ve got to be sure, Grant. I can’t do it again. I just can’t” “Do what again, baby?” Ally wasn’t sure what to tell him or how to tell him. The memories, although not as painful as they had been, were still a stinging reminder. “When I was married before, I um… couldn’t get pregnant. Dan was tested and everything came out fine. Then it was my turn.” Damn, how she hated the memories, the pitying looks. “They couldn’t find anything wrong and when the fertility medications made me so sick I stopped taking them, he left me.” Ally left out the cruel words her ex-husband had thrown at her. From the look on Grant’s face, he was liable to find Dan and beat him to a pulp. “It’s okay though, really,” Ally tried to play it down. Grant rose from his chair and in one swift movement picked Ally up. “No, it’s not okay, but it will be, baby. That I can promise you.” Ally’s mind whirled with the possibility of what the future might hold, a future where she was a part of his family. Needing to feel closer, Ally held onto his neck and buried her face in his chest as he carried her through down the hall and into his room. For the first time in years, she didn’t feel less womanly because of her problem. Grant loved her no matter what. All Ally could think of as Grant slipped her borrowed tshirt over her head was how much she loved him in return and all the pleasurable ways she could prove it. The way he feathered kisses across her face and chest as he teased her entrance with deft fingers brought Ally’s arousal quickly to the surface. Although not forgotten, her sadness and fear over the fact that she could not have children, in that moment, was not at the forefront of her mind. Grant’s words of promise rang through her lust-induced brain as he buried his face between her splayed thighs. It was the last thought Ally had before she was overcome by wave after wave of pleasure.

Chapter Twelve Ally was able to forgive and forget because Grant’s apology was sincere. Never, in a million years, did Ally think Grant would purposely hurt her. The weeks that passed were, for the most part, wonderful. Ally spent much time with Grant and Cherie doing things a family would do, and when she got down in the dumps about what she perceived as her lack of womanhood, Grant was always there. He seemed to know exactly when she needed an extra-firm nudge to get her back into the swing of things. She remembered clearly their last poignant conversation on the subject. “How can you want to be with me, Grant?” she’d sobbed, going on and on about how much he would regret his decision and would end up hating her for it. His words were simple. “Because I love you, Ally.” After he’d dried her tears for the umpteenth time, they talked calmly and seriously about their future. Ally had never really thought about adoption or any of the other alternatives. Even now she wasn’t too sure about it, but just knowing Grant was with her through it all made the aching pain bearable. Cherie also made a huge difference in her life. The little girl was a joy to be around even when she wasn’t on her best behavior. With Cherie and Grant in her life, Ally no longer felt alone or worthless as a woman. It was a heartening feeling to know Grant loved and desired her for more than her supposed ability as a woman to have a child. For the fist time since Dan had walked out on her, Ally felt hope. It was wonderful. What bothered Ally though, was the fact that he never seemed to let go. Not even in bed when she was writing and moaning. He always held himself in check. It was disheartening and Ally began to wonder if Grant was already growing tired of her. Grant wasn’t too happy when she voiced her worries aloud. “How in the hell could you think that?” he thundered one evening as he helped her lock up Leather and Lace. Ally watched him rein in his anger, hide his emotions behind a mask. “How can I not think it, Grant?” She was just as angry and as determined to get the truth as he was to hide it. “You’re always so fucking in control it’s about to drive me nuts.” Grant’s jaw tensed at her words but he gave no argument. That’s it! Ally thought. She was pissed and the damned ass was going to hear it all, just the way she saw it. “I act like some God-damned slut when we’re together because pleasing you pleases me and you can’t let go even an inch.” Two long strides had Grant in Ally’s face. “Don’t ever say that about yourself.” His voice was lower than normal. Ally knew he just needed a little push, which was good since she was in a pushing mood. Ally laughed, a wicked little laugh. This was wasn’t like the arguments they’d had before, this one was exciting and possibly even a little fun. “What? That I’m a slut? Hell, Grant, when it comes to you, I am. You know damned well I would do anything you asked, in bed or out.” Ally’s voice stopped abruptly when Grant grabbed her waist in a tight hold, lifting her off the floor. “You don’t want to push me, Ally. I won’t let you push me, do you understand?” Grant kissed her lips, hard. The punishing caress should have turned her off. Instead it

made her so damned hot and horny she thought she would explode right there. He set her firmly back on her feet then abruptly left the store. Ally stayed home that night. She had a plan to put in gear and needed some time to think on it. Let the stubborn fool stew for the night, she thought as she drifted off to sleep. It was exactly what he deserved for driving her crazy. At about lunch time the following day her cell phone rang. Ally fished it out of her bag, knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt who it would be. “Hello,” she answered in a syrupy sweet voice. “Where in the hell were you at last night?” Grant’s voice growled over the phone. Ally idly wondered why Grant had no problem yelling at her over the phone, but get them face-to-face and he clammed up nine out of ten times. Why in the hell is he so afraid to let go? “Stupid questions don’t deserve answers, Grant.” Ally held back a giggle when Grant’s voice exploded in a string of curses a truck driver would be proud of. “Cherie’s camping with a friend for the weekend,” he started. “We’ve got some talking to do, Brown Eyes. I’ll pick you up when I get off work.” Not likely, Ally thought. There was no way she was going to make it that easy. “I’ll meet you at your place,” she said, holding the phone away from her ear when the cursing started again. “I’m not going to argue with you, dammit!” Grant thundered. “And I warned you not to push me, baby.” His voice had gone rough, deep. Ally wanted nothing more than to sit and listen to it all day but there was a curious customer standing on the other side of the counter. Watching. Listening. Ally nodded to the woman and smiled as she began ringing up her items. “Oh, you know me, baby, I live to push,” she taunted, mimicking the endearment he used. “I’ll meet you there after work. Gotta run, I have a customer.” And with those words Ally disconnected the call on a still-cursing Grant. Ally had been planning throughout the night and most of the day. She had even dreamed about it. What it would be like to make a magnificently-made man like Grant lose control. He’d warned her several times and as a result, she’d backed off. It wasn’t going to happen any more. Ally remembered back to last night. To waking from a deep sleep drenched in sweat, her body wound tight. The peaked tips of her breasts had ached something fierce, not to mention her still spasming inner muscles. It was the first time Ally could remember ever climaxing from a dream alone. Her cheeks heated at the remembered dream. She’d evidently done something very bad, because after forcing her to strip, Grant had taken her over his lap and paddled her long and hard. He’d left enough time between blows so she could catch her breath. In her dream, her backside was on fire, but no amount of begging or squirming could make him stop. He’d kept on and on until she felt as if she would go up in flames. The first smacks to pepper her bottom had been light and then they had gradually grown in intensity until each was forceful and separate. It was mind-boggling to think that type of pain could only add to her pleasure. Ally found herself wondering if it were true and hoping that before the night was over, she’d find out first hand.

Her hands trembled slightly with remembrance of the wicked dream, but Ally wasn’t going to let it stop her or the plans she’d set in motion by first choosing a few items from Leather and Lace. Items she’d seen Grant checking over just a bit closer than normal. The next step in her master plan was a quick stop by the local Mart store that carried her favorite flowered panties. Remembering how much Grant disliked her cute panties made Ally shiver. It was exactly the reason why she needed a special pair. White with tiny pink flowers, they didn’t come much cuter than that, and there was no way she could pass up the matching bra. After paying for her items, Ally slipped into the store’s restroom and put on her new panties. The cotton drawstring pants she was wearing along with backless sandals made the job easy. Pulling her arms out of her tight top in order to don the matching bra proved harder, but in a matter of minutes she was finished. Ally couldn’t hide the wide grin curving her lips as she drove to Grant’s house. She was over half an hour late, on purpose of course, and hadn’t bothered to answer her cell phone. If those two things alone didn’t pull it off, she knew damned well her new underclothes would. **** Grant paced his living room trying to control his temper. The woman was a menace, that much he knew for sure. He’d left work heading for Leather and Lace to tell Ally exactly what he thought of her stubbornness, not even bothering to stop for a shower, but she’d already been gone. And now, she was close to forty minutes late and he wasn’t sure whether he was worried, angry, or both. Her cell phone rang over and over before he hung up; she still wasn’t answering. “Damn,” Grant swore just as a flash of light made its way through his opened front door. The security screen made it nearly impossible to clearly see in or out unless you were standing close. He hurried to the screen just in time to see Ally climb out of her car. She was wearing a long coat, which seemed strange to Grant. It might be a bit chilly but it definitely wasn’t that cold. He narrowed his eyes as she made her way up the front walk, her arms loaded with bags. “’bout damned time,” he mumbled, allowing his anger to fade slightly now that he knew she was safe. Her mouth spread into a devastating smile that caused his breath to hitch and his cock to throb to attention. “I’m glad to see you too,” she purred seductively against his chest. He always worried about her size and his strength. The woman was tiny. He watched her retreat into the kitchen, then followed, but not too closely. She was up to something, he could sense it, smell her mischief in the air. “I brought some food and snacks. Enough to last through the weekend,” she said over her shoulder, then had the nerve to wink at him, of all things. Ally’s eyes traveled down the front of his navy sweat pants; then snapped back up to his face. A nice pink blush covered her cheeks. Grant couldn’t help but chuckle. He was noticeably aroused and Ally’s teasing entrance had only made it worse.

His brief bout of humor vanished when Ally removed her long coat. Underneath she wore a filmy blouse. It fit tight across her chest, outlining her breasts to perfection. If the blouse hadn’t been black, Grant was sure he’d have been able to see her nipples. A fairly short tan skirt ended mid-thigh, making Grant wonder exactly what she had on beneath it. The skirt tightened over her hips as she reached to hang her coat from the rack by the kitchen door. Grant wondered, with slightly more than a touch of possessiveness, who else had seen her dressed like she was. “You went shopping like that?” he asked as calmly as possible. Ally finished hanging her coat; then sashayed back to the sink where she washed her hands. “Yep,” she answered, as if she didn’t have a care in the world, still facing away from him. Grant growled low in his throat, moving behind her. “Did you keep your coat on?” He was going to lose it if she said no. She popped a freshly washed green grape into her mouth before answering. “Nope, too warm.” Grant leaned in and nipped her neck just hard enough to gain her attention. She stilled completely, cocking her head to the side so he had better access. “I don’t like the thought of other people seeing you dressed like that, Brown Eyes.” Ally’s eyes twinkled merrily, as if baiting him was some part of a greater plan. She sidestepped him and even though he could have stopped her, he didn’t. She turned to him, hands on her nicely rounded hips. Her tongue played with her top teeth, teasingly, seductively making the ache of his erection grow by leaps and bounds. “I wore it for you, Grant,” she said as she headed to the living room. “Making all the other men come undone was merely a bonus.” His mind exploded at her words. Cool down, Grant, he warned himself. The selfwarning had no effect. “What in the hell did you say?” he demanded, following her into the living room. “You heard me. So, what did you want to do?” Grant closed in on her like a randy teenager jumping on his first girl. Before he knew it, he had her up against the wall, her back to him. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t grasp the idea of moving away from her. “I’ll be the only man coming undone where you’re concerned, baby,” he rasped in her ear, pressing her closer to the wall with his hips. She wouldn’t quit. “Think so, huh?” “I know so.” He used his bare feet to nudge her legs apart. He had her arms pinned neatly behind her, causing her back to arch until her breasts were flat against the wall. Grant leaned down, taking one of Ally’s earlobes into his mouth. His actions caused her to shiver. Her ass pushed back until the length of his cock was pressed tightly to the clothcovered crevice he planned to explore. Grant moved slightly away and to Ally's side in order to gain better access to her body. With a single hand, he held her wrists firmly yet gently behind her. He kept his eyes on her face as he hiked her skirt up and over the generous swell of her ass. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes closed tightly. When the cool air hit her, she shivered and moaned. Ally’s back arched farther, causing her ass to lift slightly. “Is this what you were looking for, baby,” he whispered close to her ear, lowering his free hand into the

waistband of her panties. “You wanted to make the men come undone, Brown Eyes. It worked, but I’m the only man it worked on. I’m the only man who’ll ever touch you again,” he taunted, as he slid a finger along her soaking-wet cleft. Grant kept the pace slow and lazy, moving his finger back and forth but never penetrating her. She moaned, a rough sound deep in her chest. Her body was writhing over his hand and he was so damned hot he wasn’t sure he was going to be able to keep the both of them standing. “Spread your legs wider, Ally.” The command came out as a growl. When she didn’t heed his words instantly, Grant gave her the incentive needed. He stilled all movement. “Wider or I’ll stop.” “Oh,” she gasped, struggling to do as he asked. When her legs were as far apart as he dare insist, he plunged a single finger into her grasping pussy, loving every noise his action wrung from her. After stroking his finger in and out of her tight sheath, he pulled it from the clasp of her body until he found her puckered back entrance.

Chapter Thirteen Oh yeah, she’d pushed all right and couldn’t be happier about it. She was a bit wary and uncertain, but so turned on it didn’t seem to matter anymore. The feel of Grant’s long, thick finger buried so deep inside of her had almost overwhelmed her as he pinned her against the wall. The predicament she found herself in pulled more emotion from Ally than she thought she had to give. Her body tingled from head to toe in anticipation of what he’d do next. Whatever it was, they’d either have to move or he’d have to turn her around because there was no way he could enter her the way she was. She was much too short for something like that. Damn short people anyway, she thought. In the next instant though, her mind went blissfully blank. The feel of his finger at her anal entrance was beyond exciting. It was new. Sharp. Grant played there for a minute before his finger retreated, and Ally heaved a sigh of relief. “Not so fast, baby,” Grant said as his finger grazed her wet slit only to find its way back to her bottom. Ally stilled. “I warned you not to push, but you kept on and kept on. Now it’s my turn to push,” he said, slipping the tip of his finger past the tight ring of muscle guarding her anal entrance. “Oh, oh, oh,” Ally panted. It didn’t exactly hurt, but it was so different, so intense. “Relax Brown Eyes, and trust me,” Ally thought she heard Grant say as his finger delved deeper, but she couldn’t be sure. Her body clenched around his finger. The blood was pounding so strongly through her system that Ally could hear little above her own heartbeat. She felt Grant free her hands. For a moment they hung limply at her sides, but when Grant’s finger entered her another fraction of an inch, Ally spread her arms wide, holding on to the wall for dear life. Of its own accord, her hips arched, causing Grant’s finger to slip even deeper. Ally could feel every inch of the single digit. He had to be all the way in, didn’t he? It felt as though her body wouldn’t be able to handle another inch. She couldn’t imagine taking more there. The thought wracked her body with shivers. “You thinking about what it’s going to be like when you take my cock here, baby?” he asked, wiggling the finger buried deep inside of her, making her cry out. Ally was getting close, so close. She could feel the small spasms starting. Grant must have felt them too. He pulled his finger out until only the tip remained, then fed it back into her, slowly. Steadily. The hand he’d been holding her arms with reached around and found her clit through the cotton of her panties. Oh what she wouldn’t give to have that barrier removed. The finger fucking her bottom picked up its pace. She couldn’t help her reaction as her hips hunched back, searching for more. Through her panties, Grant pressed her clit hard. That was all it took for Ally to explode. Her body quivered and shuddered as her orgasm reached new heights. Her cry of release filled the air around them.

A final spasm washed over Ally as Grant pulled his finger from her. He then turned her in his arms, kissed her deep and hard before carrying her toward the couch. Oh yeah, pushing was good. Very good, Ally thought as she snuggled against the rock-solid wall of Grant’s impressively wide chest. Grant stood Ally on her feet. Her knees were still weak from the thunderous orgasm she’d just experienced, her thighs quivering like boneless heaps. She felt absolutely wonderful. A crooked smile crossed her lips as she looked down at Grant where he sat before her on the couch, his legs spread so she could stand in the open spot created. His greater height put his face right about even with her breasts even though she was standing. Grant’s green eyes narrowed in on her smile. “Was that in your plan, baby?” he asked softly, rubbing his hands up the back of her thighs, pulling her so close her shins brushed the front of the couch. Ally remained silent. She’d gotten what she wanted, in a way. She still had no idea why he insisted on staying so damned in control. It was evident, from what she’d just experienced, that he was a whole lot of hot fun when he let loose. After the mind-blowing orgasm he’d just given her, it wasn’t even necessary to push for the spanking. Of course, that meant she had to find a way to do away with the panties she was wearing. “You pushed and I pushed back. Seems to me you enjoyed it just a bit too much to be considered punishment.” His words were like warm honey flowing over her body. Ally couldn’t seem to move an inch or to tear her eyes away from his. “I don’t like you playing games with me, Ally. You have no idea what I’m capable of.” His words were irritating. He was trying to make it sound as if she was at fault for something or another. “Sure I do, you just showed me.” “Ally,” he groaned. “You know what kind of man my father was. Can’t you even imagine how easily it would be for me to follow in his footsteps?” So that was what all his hard-won control was all about. Well, it was time for it to come to an end if she had to thump him upside the head to accomplish it. “I know exactly what that sick bastard was capable of, or had you forgotten who it was that took care of you after the last time?” Her hands were on her hips. She could feel her anger brewing like a violent storm. “Then you know it’s not a good idea to push me.” “No, I don’t know that.” Ally shushed Grant when he made to interrupt. “Do you hit your daughter out of sheer anger and meanness, Grant?” She didn’t give him time to answer. “I’ve pushed and yelled and screamed for all sorts of reasons over the years and except for being really pushy in the bedroom, you’ve never taken a step to correct my behavior with violence.” Ally was on a roll. She couldn’t believe that Grant thought himself anything like his father. “Hell, I’ve spent the last two days pushing hoping you would take action, but nooo!” she said sarcastically. Her hands were moving now as if the motion would make him hear her better. “Not Grant Scott. God forbid you let go and take me down a peg, give me what I deserve for being so obstinate.” When Ally finally finished her tirade she was out of breath and Grant was staring up at her with a wickedly wide grin on his face. “So, you think I’m pushy in the bedroom?”

he asked, his voice husky, laced with an edge of steel Ally’s vagina recognized immediately. “Out of everything I just said, that was all you came away with. Good God, no wonder I’m going crazy,” Ally spouted, spearing a hand through her hair. She made to take an agitated step away but Grant stopped her progress by tightening his hands on the backs of her thighs. “You know, Brown Eyes, I never really thought about in such simple terms until you shouted it right at me that way,” he said, a smile still plastered across his face. His teeth gleamed white against his tan face. He ran his hands further up her thighs, lifting her skirt in the process. His eyes narrowed on her flowered panties but the smile never left his mouth. “And I’ve got no problem bringing you down a peg, as you put it.” **** She wasn’t afraid of him. That was the first thought to cross his mind. And from the look of her flushed face and the remembered words she’d spoken yesterday, she would do anything for him. He wanted to return the favor by giving her what her body craved. His palm tingled at the thought. Grant wondered the best way to go about doing it. “Take your clothes off for me, baby,” Grant kept his voice soothing, yet there was no doubt his words were a softly spoken command. Ally’s body jerked at his words. Wanting her to do it on her own, for the both of them, Grant released her legs and sat back on the couch. His cock surged to life as Ally removed first her tight-fitting blouse and then her skirt, leaving her clad in nothing more than a flowered bra and panty set. He chuckled. “These were to prove a point, I assume?” The pink of Ally’s cheeks deepened, making her look wanton, just the way he wanted her. The fingers of one hand fiddled with the fingers of another, showing her nervousness. “Um yeah, but that was before I ah … before what happened over there.” She answered hesitantly, motioning to where he’d taken her against the wall. “Sort of a last resort type of thing,” she admitted. “I brought some other stuff, some sexy stuff from Leather and Lace. Why don’t I just go put those on for you?” she said, taking a step back before he caught her. “Not so fast, Ally.” He kept his voice stern even though he really wanted to hoot with laughter and kiss her senseless. “I thought I threw all of these away.” “Most of them, I think. I bought these before coming…” Her voice trailed off midsentence when she realized what she was saying. This time Grant couldn’t hold back the chuckle. Standing there before him in pink-flowered panties, just a bit taller than his seated height and twiddling her fingers of all things, made Ally seem almost childlike. Except, of course, for the sensuous swell of her breasts and the peaked tips of her beaded nipples pressing against the cotton of her bra. Her hips flared from a small waist, enticing his fingers to touch. She was all woman, no matter her underclothes. “What did I say about these?” Grant asked, fingering the soft leg elastic of her panties. Chill bumps formed on her skin as a result of his touch. “You don’t like them, they remind you of little girl panties.”

Grant gave a curt nod, keeping his face stern. “And what did I say would happen if you wore them again?” “But these aren’t them,” Ally protested. Damn, she was a feisty piece and asking for it if ever a woman was. “Answer me, Brown Eyes.” She gave him an irritated look. “You said you’d spank me,” she finally got out, her face turning a darker shade of red. “So you do remember,” he chided her. “Go close the door, baby,” Grant instructed. Grant knew no one would be able to see them but if he knew Ally as well as he thought he did, she’d be making plenty of noise real soon. When she turned to do as he asked, he added, “Wouldn’t want the neighbors hear you cry out each time my hand marks your ass.” Just as he’d expected, Ally turned a wild-eyed look his way. “Come on back now, so we can get this over with.” His cock ached to be buried deep inside her body. Every nerve ending cried out for him to just take her, but Grant wasn’t listening. He’d waited half his life, hoping against hope he would find a woman to complete him. Not only had Ally managed that, but she’d also exorcised his demons. No small feat to be sure. Grant watched in amusement as Ally’s eyes scanned the room. She was right at the front door but leaving in her underwear must not have appealed to her because finally, with the flick of her wrist, she swung the door shut. “Take your bra off, Brown Eyes.” “Uh, Grant? I’m … uh, I’m not too sure about this anymore.” She sounded so sweet, so sincere and yet her nipples still protruded from her breasts and if Grant wasn’t mistaken, there was a nice wet patch at the crotch of the panties. “Do you trust me, baby?” he asked, his tone serious. “You know I do.” Ally’s answer was instant, sincere, although said in a shaky voice. Grant sat still for a minute, thinking. When he’d reached a decision, he nodded his head. Holding out his hand, he said. “Come here, then.” Ally moved to his side without hesitation. “If it gets to be too much, just say so. Do you understand?” Grant lifted her chin to see her eyes better. “You won’t disappoint me, Ally. Never will you disappoint me.” He’d seen the worry in her eyes. She put her hand in his, moving forward as he tugged her to him. When she was draped face-down across his lap, he pulled her panties down to her knees and rubbed her curvaceous ass, smiling when she shivered. “Ready, baby?” Grant was beyond ready. His shaft was throbbing in anticipation. The flesh of her ass was cooler than that of her back, where Grant’s hand was splayed. It wouldn’t remain cool for long, because Grant intended to warm her up nicely. Ally gave a yelp as his hand came down the first time, then giggled when she realized it hadn’t hurt. “Sorry,” she giggled again. Grant said nothing. For the next couple of minutes, Grant peppered Ally’s ass all the way down to the top of her thighs. Dusky rose in color, her skin felt much warmer now. The rounded curves of Ally’s ass jiggled enticingly under his hand urging him on even as her breathing changed.

What started out as little yelps and giggles quickly changed to moans and finally to the short panting breaths bursting from her lungs in quick succession. Grant paced himself, allowing Ally to become accustomed to his hand, and although her ass was glowing brightly now from the intense spanking, she made not a sound of complaint. Stopping, Grant rubbed the marked flesh of Ally’s ass, making her gasp. He felt the exhalation of her warm breath against his leg, felt pressure and pain as Ally caught the flesh there between her teeth. Only the cotton of his sweatpants saved him. His large hand was so dark compared to the pale globes of her ass as he kneaded and squeezed the tormented flesh, loving the way Ally reacted to the erotic torture. She was grinding her hips against his leg in search of release. Grant gave one last playful swat to Ally’s ass before helping her from his lap. Her panties fell around her ankles as she stood and were quickly kicked off. Grant scooped the cotton garment up then held it to his nose, deeply inhaling Ally’s womanly scent. When he noticed Ally watching him, he winked and said. “I’ll just hold on to these for a little while.” As he finished the words, Grant unfolded his length from the couch and quickly removed his low-slung sweatpants. He was completely nude beneath them. Once again, he stretched his arm out and waited for Ally to come to him.

Chapter Fourteen Her ass was on fire and the heat was spreading. It was even better than she’d ever dreamed. When Grant reached a hand out for her, Ally didn’t hesitate to take it. She was surprised when Grant turned her and sat her on his lap, facing away from him. Swollen and throbbing, Ally felt Grant’s shaft beneath her and couldn’t help but squirm. “Lean forward just a bit, baby.” Grants voice dripped sex appeal. Deep and dark and so damned sexy, Ally felt her juices flow as a result. “Just like that, Brown Eyes,” he crooned, fingering the swollen flesh at the apex of her thighs. “You’re so hot and wet, baby, you’re gonna burn me alive.” “Oh shit, Grant. Come on. Please,” Ally begged, riding his finger. Grant couldn’t hold back any longer, he placed the bulbous head of his cock against Ally, groaning as her body clamped down on him, sucking him in where she was deep and wet. A look of sheer bliss must have crossed his face because he felt as though he was going to explode. “Stay still for a minute, Brown Eyes,” Grant murmured against her neck. He shifted Ally’s upper body to the side just a bit so he could see, thanking the heavens for his taller than average height and her petite frame. Had they been closer in size, he wouldn’t have been able to see a thing. Grant snaked both arms around Ally, loving the noises that were coming from her. He could tell by her stiffness that it was taking everything in her not to move, to remain still as he’d asked. With a hand on each leg, Grant lifted, draping Ally’s knees over his thighs, opening her wide. The new position caused added depth to his penetration of her sweet little pussy, causing her to gasp. “Okay?” he asked, unable to get more than the single word out. She didn’t answer, she moaned. Grant figured that was good, wanting only to add to her pleasure. He allowed his fingers to wander to her clit, where he rubbed and rolled the beaded nub until she was frantic, not allowing her to lift her hips or move upon him. “Oh Grant, please. Oh please,” she cried, her head thrown back onto his shoulder. Grant nipped the flesh where shoulder met neck harder than he should have, marking her. Ally’s pussy clenched at his action, tiny spasms milking the length of his cock as it stayed buried deep inside of her. “Touch yourself, Ally. Play with your nipples.” He knew the added stimulation would drive her insane. Like a robot, Ally did as he asked. Her hands rubbed her breasts, lifting them before her fingers lightly plucked the beaded nubs. “Harder, baby. I know you like it harder,” Grant commanded. A command which Ally followed wordlessly. After a minute or so of the torture, Ally gasped, her nipples now a much deeper shade of pink. The feel of Ally’s muscles clenching him as her orgasm mounted made Grant lose all control. Grabbing her hips, Grant lifted Ally; then lowered her swiftly, plunging into her as if there were no tomorrow. Over and over he lunged into the tight clasp of her body.

There was no going back, no slowing down, Grant thought, as his balls tightened in preparation. A rugged cry was torn from his lips as he came hard and deep in the moist recess of Ally’s pussy. The two of them slumped back onto the couch together in a boneless heap, still intimately joined. Their panting breaths were the only noise to fill the otherwise quiet room. It seemed like an eternity before Grant could rouse himself enough to get them to the bedroom where they would snuggle the rest of the night, waking several times for more love play. That night, his dreams were filled with not only different ways to take the woman he’d come to love but on what it was going to be like when she lived with him and Cherie, because she would live with them. Grant wasn’t going to leave her a choice in the matter. Bright and early the next morning, after they had dressed, Grant, standing with his hands on his lean hips, legs wide apart as if he was going to battle, told Ally his decision. His jaw dropped when she giggled and threw herself into his arms, wrapping her legs tightly around his waist. Of course, Grant took advantage of the situation and it was lunch before the pair came up for air again. Ally gave him a long kiss before leaving his house. The vixen had planned the weekend out, even going as far as asking Laney for the morning off. She was due back at Leather and Lace for an afternoon shift. On her way out the door, she mumbled something about needing to call her roommate to break the news that she’d be moving. It made no sense to Grant since he knew for a fact Ally had no roommate, and was soon forgotten. The weekend passed in a sensual haze. The minute Ally walked back through his door after work that evening, Grant ravished her where she stood before taking her to bed and not letting her out. He stayed buried deep within her tight body throughout the night, never allowing her the freedom of disengaging her body from his. She’d been miffed at his high-handedness at first, then with a huff, she’d settled in for the night. Several times that night, Grant brought her to orgasm with slow movements and erotic words, dark words. Words of how he planned a lifetime of loving her every way possible, everywhere possible. How he longed to tie her and spank her until she begged for mercy, heated words of love. In the morning, Ally was still flushed pink, looking as beautiful as ever. Over the past few days, Ally had fallen hard. She’d always loved Grant in a way, but it was so different now. The thought of living without him scared her shitless. That was one of the reasons why she’d finally agreed to move in with him and Cherie. The other was because she loved them both until she thought she’d explode from the pure joy of it. The same day Ally gave Grant the news of her decision, she started packing. Most of her packing was done in the evening while Grant was working. The construction job on the local mall was becoming a nuisance. He’d wanted to have Ally fully established in his home by now. Instead, Grant had to settle for late nights of loving even though they were both exhausted, Ally from working and packing and Grant from the long strenuous hours he was putting in with the rest of the crew at the mall. Then the day finally came. Grant had never been happier to load boxes in his life. Ally was his and this was just one more step in making sure she stayed his. Grant

watched her as she spoke to someone on the phone. Her face was glowing, happy. Knowing he and Cherie helped Ally get to that point made Grant want to strut his stuff. “Sure, no problem,” he heard Ally say. “I’ll see you this afternoon then,” she added before hanging up. “Who you gonna see this afternoon?” Grant asked, snuggling Ally tightly to him. His curiosity was peaked. “Zoe. I met her at the mall a couple of weeks ago, she was supposed to be my roommate but since I won’t be here, she’s going to be living alone. Laney liked her right off. She really is a neat woman…” Ally’s voice trailed off. “But?” Grant prompted, knowing she wasn’t quite done. “There’s just something about her, something … different.” Ally shook her head, then lifted her mouth to Grant. All thought about the mysterious Zoe vanished. Late that same afternoon, they were taking a break in the now-empty apartment when there was a knock at the door. Ally answered the door and welcomed a long-legged blonde. Grant felt his jaw go slack before he started laughing, and once he started, it seemed almost impossible to stop. Tears rolled down his cheeks, his mirth so great, while Ally and the woman he assumed was Zoe stood back and stared. **** The first thought to go through Ally’s mind after inviting Zoe into the now vacant apartment, seeing the look on Grant’s face and hearing his hoots of laughter was, what in the hell is wrong with the fool? Zoe didn’t seem to mind that Grant was laughing like the town idiot. A small smile even curved her lips. Ally watched Grant until he managed to control his outburst of misplaced humor. When he was once again calm, Grant strolled over to where Ally and Zoe stood, thrust out his hand and introduced himself. “You’re working construction at the mall,” she said. Her voice was husky, her words spoken in a slow drawl. Ally watched Grant nod his head. His kept his green eyes locked on Zoe’s until the moment their hands clasped, then his gaze snapped to Ally’s. It was in that instant Ally was sure the warm tingling sensation she’d felt upon touching Zoe hadn’t been in her mind. The confused look on Grant’s face made Ally smile. It was a strange feeling, one she had asked Zoe about after her curiosity got the best of her at their second meeting. It was at that time Ally saw what Zoe sold at her kiosk stand in the mall. Over coffee, Ally and Zoe talked. “Go ahead,” Zoe said. “I know you’ve got questions.” Ally wasn’t sure what to say. She felt an unexplainable closeness with the woman sitting across from her, a woman who was by all means, a stranger. “You sure you don’t mind?” Ally asked, not even sure of an exact question. “Not at all.” There was something so soothing about Zoe’s voice. Just as there was now with them standing in the bare doorway of what used to be her apartment. After patiently answering her questions that day, Zoe and Ally talked for nearly an hour about everyday things. It had been the beginning of what Ally was sure would be a life-long friendship.

Grant was still smiling like a halfwit, which irritated Ally to no end. She wasn’t at all jealous of Zoe, who was so different from herself. No, she was worried Grant was going to make Zoe uncomfortable. “Grant, could I speak to you for a minute?” Ally said, no longer able to hide her mounting irritation. Grant looked from Zoe to Ally and back before getting up and following Ally. “What’s up, baby?” he asked. “You’ve got to be kidding! What’s up? You’ve been smiling like a Cheshire cat since Zoe got here and you can ask me what’s up.” Ally was done being reasonable and in no way regretted her quiet outburst. What she didn’t expect was for Grant to start laughing again. “Would you shut up,” Ally muttered under her breath when Grant’s laughter became a roar. He made a wheezing sound, his large, tanned hand cradling his stomach. “Oh baby. I’m sorry,” he snickered. “Really, I am,” he added a bit more calmly when Ally continued to give him the evil eye. “I’ll let you live, Grant Scott,” Ally said, hands on hip, foot tapping a fast staccato. “If you tell me what in the hell is so funny that you can’t seem to shut the hell up.” Grant gave her a look that made her shiver. Coming in close, he pulled her to him, then nipped her bottom lip. “Watch your mouth, Brown Eyes, or I’ll watch it for you.” Damn, Ally loved it when he got all macho. She was just rising to her toes to nip Grant back when there was a knock at the door. Grant started laughing again earning himself an elbow to the ribs. “I’m not going a damned place until you tell me what is so fucking funny.” The look on Grant’s face at her words was far funnier than anything Ally could remember seeing. She wasn’t one to curse excessively unless riled. Right now Ally was doing it just to get a rise out of Grant and from the calculated look on his face, Ally knew he was aware of it. She couldn’t wait. “I’ll take care of that mouth later,” Grant growled a warning, prompting Ally out the door ahead of him. “Promises, promises,” she said naughtily as she sashayed out the door in front of him. A yelp left her lips when the flat of his palm connected with her backside. She might have bristled on the outside but on the inside, Ally was jumping for joy. When the two of them got back into the living room it was to find Zoe sitting on the floor, against the wall facing the door, just staring at it. The knock came again only this time it was louder, more like a bang. “You might want to let him in,” Zoe said, still staring at the door. Ally stared at her for a minute, then looked back to Grant, who once again seemed to be mesmerized. “Were either of you expecting anyone?” “Yes.” “No,” they answered simultaneously. Grant’s positive answer set Ally’s feet in motion toward the door, but Grant stopped her. The knocking came again, even louder. “He gets angry fairly easy, at least from what I’ve seen, although I have no idea why he’d be here. You might want to answer that.” Zoe’s voice was still completely calm even though the rest of her looked tense.

“How in the hell does she know who’s on the other side of the door?” Grant whispered. It didn’t work, his voice carried through the empty room. Zoe didn’t seem to mind. She’d lifted herself to her feet, looking like her usual serene self. “Ask her yourself,” Ally muttered as she opened the door. John, Grant’s boss and her landlady, Elena’s brother, stood on the other side, looking as big and intimidating as ever. “Hey, Ally,” he said, giving her a peck on the cheek. Ally looked back toward where Zoe stood as still as a statue and wondered what could possibly be going on. Grant owed her one hell of an explanation, that was for sure. “Uh, hi John. What brings you over?” Ally asked, plastering a smile on her face as she stepped aside, allowing John into the apartment. He still hadn’t looked into the room and Ally couldn’t help but wonder what would happen when he finally did. “Not much. Just thought I’d see how you two were coming along.” He said, his voice stopping cold. “Zoe? What in the hell are you doing here?” Ally had to give Zoe credit. Except for the lift of a single brow she didn’t show any outward signs of distress at John’s rude words. “Hi John, it’s nice to see you too.” The woman was definitely playing her cards close to her chest. Ally wanted to give her a high five when she saw that John at least looked a bit embarrassed by Zoe’s words. Ally wondered if anything ruffled her feathers. She’d just opened her mouth to hopefully defuse the situation when the world tilted and her head spun. In the span of a few seconds, Ally found herself over Grant’s shoulder. “I think that’s our cue to go, Brown Eyes.” Ally hadn’t heard any cue, but being over Grant’s shoulder was turning her on, so she gave no argument. She’d get the story out of him sooner or later, one way or another. All the way down the stairs and in the short ride to Grant’s house with his large hand fit snugly between her slightly parted thighs, Ally wished she could have been a fly on the wall. She was beyond curious over what was happening between Zoe and John. Dinner that night was a happy affair. Grant had made slow, exquisite love to Ally before picking Cherie up from her friend’s house. Ally wasn’t sure she’d ever forget the look on Grant’s face when she walked from the bathroom dressed in nothing more than a white corset and lacy thong panties. Sexy underwear was something Ally would be collecting right and left if it always brought forth the results she’d just gotten from Grant. Later that night, as the three of them sat around the small dining room table, shoveling in bites of food and talking in between, Ally was hit with the importance of the moment. This was her family. Hers! Salty tears of joy blurred her vision as she looked up to Grant, giving him a brilliant smile. “Thank you,” she said, her voice breaking. Grant looked a bit taken aback. She wasn’t sure if it was by her words or by the emotion reflected there. “For what, Brown Eyes?” Cherie was watching her, a worried frown crinkling her brow. Ally smiled brighter. “For loving me and allowing me to love you … both.” Grant moved instantly, cradling her head to his body and Cherie wasn’t far behind. Ally knew then that is was only the beginning of her new life.

It took a few more days, but finally, Ally found herself cozily moved into Grant’s home. Her home. They hadn’t talked about marriage yet but Ally didn’t care. She knew with every beat of her heart that she belonged to Grant just as he belonged to her. And Cherie, sweet little Cherie belonged to the both of them. The six-year-old chatterbox had been so elated by the change she hadn’t been able to fall asleep that first night. Knowing that Cherie belonged to the both of them helped heal old hurts and although Ally knew she’d always miss not being able to conceive a child of her own, Cherie was helping fill the once-aching void. She also knew without a doubt that she would love Grant and Cherie until the day she died. The End About the Author: Maggie Casper’s life could be called many things, but boring isn’t one of them. If asked, Maggie would tell you that blessed would more aptly describe her everyday existence. Marrying young and being loved by a great husband and four gorgeous daughters should be enough to make anybody feel blessed. Add to that a bit of challenge, a lot of fun and an undeniably close circle of friends and family, and you’d be walking in her shoes. Speaking of challenges and fun, when not writing, Maggie’s alter ego spends her time fighting fires and treating patients as a Lieutenant and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician with the local fire department. These awesome people are like her second family, no picking and choosing, they’re just stuck with her. A love of reading was passed on by Maggie’s mother at a very early age and so began her addiction to romance novels. Maggie admits to writing some in high school but when life got in the way, she put her pen and paper up. Seems that things changed over the years because when she finally decided it was time to put her story ideas on paper the pen was out and the computer was in. Took her a while to catch up but she finally made it. When not writing, Maggie can usually be found reading, doing genealogy research or watching NASCAR. If you’d like, drop by www.maggiecasper.com to see what Maggie’s working on next.

Meet Lsb Authors At Http://Lsbooks.Net We invite you to visit Liquid Silver Books http://lsbooks.com for other exciting literary erotica romances. Weekend Games—Chris Tanglen Destiny's Magick—Rae Morgan Love Lessons—Vanessa Hart Portal—Sydney Morgann Bittersweet—Louisa Trent Business or Pleasure…or Both?—Rae Morgan and Jasmine Haynes And many, many more!!