“Open wide. I want you to talk. I want you to beg, Cherry. Got it?”
“Got it,” I said, my words panted instead of spoken.
He gave me a serious look that was calculating and controlled.
“Daddy,” I added. My body released even more lubricant, almost like it was turned on against the better judgment of my mind. Edison slapped my tit hard, and it broke me out of my thoughts. My skin was red and heated, as if every single inch were begging for release, a prize that only Edison could give.
“Cherry, I want to fuck you hard.”
Then his mouth was on me, and it was everything I’d hoped for, probing and fucking. When his tongue wasn’t inside me, his fingers were and his tongue found my clit and gently attacked it, making me quake on the bed. The experience was somehow heightened by not being able to touch him. I felt completely exposed under his stare.
“Oh God!”
Edison slid a finger into my ass. As if the sensation weren’t already an overload, he began to thrust his finger in and out of my asshole while two others penetrated me and fingered my G-spot. When his tongue touched my clit, I went off like a firecracker, bowing up off the bed and bucking my hips. The flow of energy seized me and wouldn’t let go as wave after wave of pleasure sang through my body from head to toe.
“I want you to come like that on my cock,” Eddie said, slowing and then withdrawing.
“Okay,” I squeaked out, my mind still not fully returned to my body.
He raised a devastatingly perfect eyebrow at me.
“Okay, Daddy,” I rasped.
He smiled and flicked my nipple. “Happy Fourth of July, little cherry bomb.”
I woke to an empty bed. I’d fallen asleep in Edison’s arms, but his spot was so cold, it made me question whether last night actually happened, or if like in the fairy tales, it was all just enchantment. But my nether regions were sore, and that realization sent my skin back to tingling. He’d been here, he’d inside me, and the sex had been unforgettable. Against my best judgment, I looked for a note. There was none to be found. I searched for my phone, and it too came up empty—no texts, no missed calls. I even checked my email.
After slipping into a silk robe and slippers, I made my way to the kitchen. The only evidence he’d been here wass that another slice of the cake was taken. I imagined him sitting at the table, stealing cake as the sun rose. I wondered if Imelda had rubbed up against his leg as he ate. I wondered if he’d seen me sleeping and it had been a terrible sight. When I went to make coffee, my stomach lurched and I ran for the bathroom.
I barely made it in time before I unloaded the contents of my stomach. I needed crackers, ginger ale. Underneath the stream of hot water in the shower, I began to cry. Life was easier before Edison Roads. I might have been lonely, but at least I wasn’t confused all the time.
After feeding Billy and Imelda and keeping down a piece of toast, I decided to go into work, even though it was Sunday. Work was the only thing I knew how to do that kept my mind off the uncomfortable stuff.
On the drive over, my phone pinged with messages from my mother.
He’s a looker.
Are you certain he’s single?
Why not apply to his company like your father suggested?
He might eventually make you a partner.
I silenced my phone and tossed it into my purse. Why was it so hard for them just to believe in me and my ability to be successful on my own?
Mack was blasting AC/DC as he airbrushed flames onto the hood of a Corvette. He had earplugs in and a safety mask on, but he still sensed my presence and waved at me. I waved back and smiled sadly. Mack and Clem believed in me and my shop. At least for the two of them, I needed to keep this place up and running.
I buried myself in baking six dozen cookies and icing them by hand. Afterwards, Mack and I carefully removed the tape pattern from his paint job. It looked sick, and I high-fived him for the artistry and detail.
“You okay, boss? You look a little green around the gills. Too much fun on the Fourth?”
“That obvious, huh? I’ve been sick every morning.” When the words left my mouth, my heart shuddered at the realization. Sick in the morning. Just when I thought the situation couldn’t get any worse…
“Sharon gets like that every time she’s knocked up.” By the look on his face, Mack realized his snafu right after it left his mouth. It was none of his business, but Mack was one of my best friends, and right now, I was only angry at myself. “Shit, boss. That was insensitive. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t open my fat mouth.”