When his mouth landed on my hip bone and sucked slowly on a patch of skin there, I looked down at him and knew that I would follow the man wherever he led.
You are mine and I am yours. Forever.
And when I flipped him over and finally pushed into his body, stroking slowly in and out of his tight heat and kissing his lips with sweet softness, I was torn between sobbing in relief and shouting with joy. So this is what it felt like to give oneself completely over to another.
It felt like home.
When my body roused from sleep several hours later, it was still dark outside. The clock indicated it was shortly past six, so I decided to get up and embrace the day. I looked over at Charlie.
He was small and slender and feminine, skin so pale he almost looked fragile and with a sprinkling of freckles that made him look even younger than he was. But I couldn’t think of anyone I’d rather have beside me when I was at my most vulnerable. He was strong and brave and loyal. Charlie was feisty and passionate and so very dedicated to righting a wrong.
I wanted the world for him. But I had no idea how to go about it.
My plan was to go into town early and triple check everything was ready for our grand opening. I could stop at Sugar Britches and have Charlie’s favorite coffee ready for him the minute he arrived.
I slipped out of bed with a soft kiss on Charlie’s cheek, just below the dark eyelashes closed gently in sleep. “I love you,” I whispered to his sleeping form before making my way into the shower.
The note I left on top of his wallet explained my plan to meet him at the pub. I climbed into the truck and drove to the square, deciding to walk to Sugar Britches first thing.
Before I got out of my truck, I made a phone call. Bruce answered on the second ring. “You’re up and at ‘em early today, Hudson. I can’t say I’m surprised.”
I’d known he was an early riser too. “Yes, sir. Exciting day ahead. But that’s not what I’m calling about. I was hoping you could help me with something else.”
“Sure, what’s on your mind?”
Bruce had been colder than normal toward me after catching me kissing Charlie, but during dinner he’d seemed to thaw. Maybe during the course of the meal he somehow realized I was still the same man he’d always known despite the change in who I was dating. I hoped my asking for his help would appeal to the part of him that couldn’t resist new business opportunities.
“I wonder if you might be able to help me find a buyer for my tap nozzle invention,” I said, trying desperately to keep my insecurity at bay. It was highly possible no one would want it. Just because one Irish bartender saw value in it, didn’t mean anyone else would be willing to lay down an investment on it.
“Considering I’m in the business of investing, I’m sure I can find an investor interested in it. Let me make a few calls and see what I can set up.”
“Thank you, Bruce. I appreciate it.”
I entered the bakery with a noticeably lighter spring in my step, and I wasn’t the only one. Stevie was chipper this morning.
“It’s the vanilla bean! Maxwell House, coming right up.” He turned to start my plain house roast, but I stopped him.
“Actually, I’ll have a mocha latte,” I said, reaching into my pocket for my wallet. “And a blueberry muffin. And whatever Charlie likes.”
“Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit. Hudson Wilde has gone round the bend,” Stevie teased. “Fancy hot cocoa and a Charlie special coming right up. How’s your boo?”
I felt my cheeks tighten with a big grin. “Gorgeous. Sexy. Mine.”
Stevie’s eyes widened. “Good for you, McSassafras. ’Bout time you claimed him for real. That man’s a snack.”
Instead of growling at him, I grinned even more. “A serious snack. Tasty and sweet and sometimes even deliciously salty.”
I wasn’t sure Stevie had ever been so shocked. He turned around to finish making the drinks and mumbled something to himself about wonders never ceasing.
After gathering my treats, I left the bakery and made my way over to the pub. When I entered, I saw a beautiful vision behind the bar. Only I knew this time it wasn’t a woman. It was most definitely a man. Under those clothes were muscles and body hair, strength and steel, and a gorgeous uncut cock I knew almost better than my own.
I blinked.
That gorgeous man was mine. He was mine, and I was going to find a way to be with him when everything was said and done.
“Charlie Murray, get your arse in here,” a voice boomed from the direction of the kitchen. “The man has no boxty on the menu! Christ Jaysus.”