“There are benefits and drawbacks to everything,” Gram said, breaking into the heated debate. “You need to know the risks and benefits before you make choices, but you can’t spend your life second-guessing yourself, either. Research your options and then make a choice. And don’t be afraid to change directions if you find you’ve made the wrong one!”
“That’s excellent advice, Gram,” I said leaning forward. “I’m glad I followed it!”
The kids broke into laughter followed by a lively discussion of who would be the next neighborhood billionaire as they hustled down the stairs and headed for home. A few of the kids’ mothers were standing on their porches yelling names and reminding their children that it was almost bedtime. The almost-teens protested, while the younger kids high-tailed it home in fear of being punished if they didn’t. Gram sat on the porch watching to make sure all the kids got home safely.
“I’m glad you two could make it for dinner tonight,” she said smiling warmly as she noted our clasped hands. “It’s good for the kids, and for me.”
“Thank you for inviting us, Gram,” Payton said. “Your cooking is unbeatable and the conversation tonight was far and away the best one I’ve had in ages!”
“You’re really passionate about the game,” Gram said as she looked straight at m
e. “My late husband would have loved having you around, and not just because you’re a Halas.”
“That’s good to know,” Payton laughed as she squeezed my hand. “I’m sure I would have enjoyed that conversation immensely.”
“Mmm hmm,” Gram nodded as she looked off into the street. I waited for her to return, and after a few minutes, I noticed that her chin had dropped to her chest and she’d dozed off.
“Don’t wake her yet,” Payton said as she leaned toward me and rested her head on my shoulder. I leaned back and put my arm around her and we sat there gently swinging back and forth listening to Gram’s quiet snores while the stars came out on Alcott Street.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Payton
When we finally made it back to the penthouse, I could feel the change in Dax’s mood. He’d loosened up over dinner, and there was a softness around his edges I hadn’t seen before. I could feel the electricity between the two of us, and I couldn’t stop myself from running my hand down his arm to stop him from flipping on the living room lights as we walked through the door.
“Leave them off,” I whispered as I raised myself up on my toes to softly kiss his lips.
“Payton…” he murmured as he kissed me then turned his head away. “Don’t…please.”
“Why not?” I asked pressing myself against him. “It’s been a while and I think we could both use some release, don’t you think?”
“I can’t…” he said, shaking his head as I leaned in and began lightly kissing my way down his neck. Dax groaned softly as I ran my lips across his skin. “Payton…stop.”
“You want me to stop this?” I whispered as I lowered my hand so I could lightly run it up his thigh, stopping just before I crossed the line. “Are you sure?”
“No…yes….oh God,” he groaned as I kissed the skin exposed by the V of his t-shirt. I could feel him trying to resist, but I knew his desire ran as hot as my own. I could feel it in the way he’d reached for my hand under the dinner table, and the way he’d cradled me on the porch swing. I could feel it in the way he’d reached for me on the ride home and rested his chin on the top of my head, gently stroking my hair as we’d driven back from Gram’s.
“You’re sure you want me to stop?” I asked one last time as I tipped my head up and offered him my lips. When he looked down at me, I could see the need burning in his eyes. He hesitated for a moment, and then groaned loudly as he raised his hand and sunk it deep into my long, blonde hair, pulling me to him for a hard, deep kiss.
My body felt like it was on fire as we stood in the foyer making out like two hormone-fueled teenagers. Our hands were everywhere; touching and stroking each other through the layers of clothing. I could feel Dax pushing my skirt up around my waist as he slid a hand between my thighs. I unzipped his pants and shoved my hand into them, surprised to find that he’d gone commando. I grinned as I wrapped my fingers around his throbbing shaft and began squeezing as I stroked up and down.
“Jesus H. Christ, lady,” he exhaled as I ran a finger around the sensitive edge and spread the sticky liquid that was leaking from the tip. Meanwhile, he slid his fingers under the thin layer of fabric between my legs and was running the tips up and down my swollen lips.
“Oh fuck,” I groaned as he slipped his fingers between the slick folds and began stroking from top to bottom. I tightened my grip and began stroking faster, listening to his breathing get louder with every stroke.
“I’m getting close,” he warned as he dipped his fingers lower and slid inside me. I cried out as he rubbed my hard clit with this thumb and felt a wave of pleasure wash over me. My brain fought to keep focused on what I was doing as he worked to stay focused on me. We kissed hard and deep as our hands moved faster and faster. I could feel my body heading toward the point of no return and then in an instant, I felt it shoot through me as his thumb hit the right spot and sent me over the edge.
Dax groaned as I fought to bring him with me, and moments later he climaxed as I pulsed around his fingers. His hand continued a slow, steady rhythm as I felt wave after wave of my orgasm washing over me, and I held onto his throbbing shaft as he moved his hips in tight little thrusts. Our lips were still pressed tightly together as we slowly moved against one another.
“Thank you; I needed that,” I whispered into his lips and felt him smile.
“I need much more than that,” he murmured as his hand continued its slow rhythm. I could feel the wave of my orgasm cresting and my desire beginning to build again.
“Mmm hmm,” I nodded as I kissed him again. Dax’s response was to quickly withdraw his hand, scoop me up in his arms and head for my bedroom where we spent a long, sleepless night learning much more about each other.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Dax