Chapter Sixteen
Braw: adjective, good, fine. Pronounced: B-raw.
* * *
Hunter
She’s still here.
Sleeping peacefully.
In my bed.
Like a small boy on Christmas Day waiting patiently for everyone to get up, I’ve never been so excited.
Wake up, wake up, wake up.
I unwrapped the best gift of my life last night.
If someone had told me yesterday morning that I would wake up lying next to this perfect girl in the next twenty-four hours, I would never have believed them. But here I am.
Watching her peacefully sleep, eyes fluttering from time to time, I can’t help but think it is wrong of me to find this tiny girl cute and sensual all at the same time. It’s kind of like her fries and ice cream combo, a weird combination that just works. I need to try that.
I got a superb taste of her last night and already I’m addicted.
Scanning her face, she looks a lot younger than she is with her natural fresh, fair face framed by her caramel hair, draped against the charcoal sheets.
I love her hair. I’ve never known anyone to have a waterfall of hair as long as Eden’s. I fucking wrapped my hands around that last night from behind as she arched her back and reversed onto my cock. It worried me I was a little too rough with her, but she begged for more, reassuring me that she was enjoying it.
I roam my eyes down her tiny figure wrapped around the bedsheets. My Cupcake.
Having been on a weeklong instructors' course, and not getting to sleep until after three in the morning, she must be exhausted.
We were at it for hours. Last night was incredible. She was incredible.
She showered me with kisses of appreciation after every orgasm, which melted my heart and rendered me speechless.
I uncovered a brave and sensual woman. She’s been hiding herself away for too long. Her body blossomed last night, like a creamy-white Queen of the Night flower, she’s been waiting for the right time to bloom.
She was a little shy when we tried a few different positions, but once she got into it, she really let go, showing me a cheeky but erotic new side of her.
Surprising me, she’s a little spicy, and she likes sex, and when I say she likes sex, she really enjoyed it all last night, becoming a little braver every time. She was instructing me what to do as the hours rolled by. She trusted me to explore new and exciting things last night.
She sleepily thanked me for looking after her and for helping her discover her newfound ecstasy before drifting off. I watched her as her breathing settled to an even contentment before drifting off myself. I could watch her for hours.
There were also moments of raw passion and desire which demonstrated Eden’s physical stamina. I’m sure it has something to do with her being a dancer or some shit. She fucking bounced up and down on my cock like a pogo stick at one point, as she discovered it was the ultimate position to take her to the moon and back. Most women give up after a few squats. But not Eden; I may have met my match.
I chuckle to myself at the memory of her seriousness last night. “Okay, what position are we doing next? I’m super flexible. Try me.” She really did properly get into it. She was soft and hard, fast and slow, tender but teasing all night. She was, is perfect.
It makes my heart ache a little at the unwelcome thought of having to leave her here in Castleview Cove. Long distance I’ve done before, but being away from her all the time, I’m not sure I can. Now I’ve found her, I don’t want to ever be away from her.
I drag my hand down my face at my thoughts. I don’t want to spoil this little euphoric bubble I’ve woken up in today.
Carefully, I roll over and grab my phone from my bedside table and prop myself against the pillow. Opening our group chat, I drop a message to my team.
Me:Do we have much on the training plan today or could we take an extra day off?
Luke:Why? Are you not feeling up to it today?
Me:Just tired and feel like I could do with a day to myself.
Luke:He’s tired, Evan. Is the old man not managing to keep up the pace?
Evan:Hmm… I don’t think it’s that. I wonder what it could be… taps finger to chin emoji.
Me:I’m just tired, you pair of idiots. I never ask for days off.
Luke:Maybe it’s got something to do with…
Evan:Yeah, it probably has. You’re right, Luke.
Me:What is he right about?
Why the fuck are these two talking in code this morning?
Luke:Well…
Luke:Rumor has it “you’re the best,” Hunter.
Aw, shit.
Evan:But you need to give it “harder”
Luke:Was there an actual banshee in your cabin last night, Hunter?
How did they hear? Were we that loud?
Noah:I believe there was, although there was a full moon last night; maybe it was a she-wolf.
Me:Assholes.
Luke:Next time, close your goddamn windows.
Pippa:What have I woken up to?
Evan:Hunter had a run-in with a starving Scottish she-wolf last night. Did you not hear it?
Luke:It was ravenous.
Me:Stop talking about her like that. That’s enough.
Pippa:Oh God, I can only imagine what this means, but it’s about time. Would you like to hear about my sex life, Hunter?
Me:Fuck no.
Pippa:You pair stop talking about Hunter’s then. I’m leaving this conversation now. Day off, yeah?
Luke:Yeah.
Evan:Yup.
Pippa:Good. We have to organize your trip back to Florida as you have a photoshoot with your new sponsor. A signature is required on some paperwork with them too, plus a couple of interviews. We’ll stay here. It just needs you. A pain I know, but they couldn’t organize it for here in Scotland. You only need to be away for a few days and then back here again to train before The Cup. I will organize the jet. I’ll speak to you later this week about specifics. Peace out.
Evan:I can reshuffle a few parts of your training around and slot it in across the week.
Luke:Same here. I can do that. I wouldn’t mind spending the day with Ella, anyway.
Evan:I’d like to meet up with Toni today too.
Are my boys complete horndogs?
Me:Okay. Thanks.
Luke:You’re welcome, tiger.
Me:She never fucking called me tiger.
Evan:Nope, but you roared like one.
Me:You’re on your final warning!
Evan:Yeah, yeah, whatever.
Luke:Have a fun day off, pony boy.
Christ, we must have been loud if Evan could hear us two cabins down.
I slide my phone back in the side and turn back around to face Eden.
An idiotic smile crosses my lips as I drift my thumb over her pale cheek, staring at her like some lovestruck teenager. She’s so peaceful, with not a worry in the world. She often has these little brow furrows, as if deep in thought all the time, but someone can detect now not a single line as she lies here beside me. Smooth and supple, like all her worries have disappeared.
I don’t want her to worry or second-guess herself anymore. I want her to live a life full of wonder, happiness, and excitement. She so desperately wants it.
She’s been through so much. I cannot imagine what losing a child must be like, and all by herself. She deserves happiness.
My phone buzzes on the side table, bringing me out of my rom-com movie moment I’m currently having.
Glancing at my phone, I see a text from Ella.
Shit.
Opening it, my heart beats in a different rhythm. Ella is a ball-crushing bombshell; I psych myself up before I open it.
Ella:I hope you gave her the full show last night ;) But please don’t hurt our baby girl.
Me:How the hell do you know?
Ella:I have eyes and ears everywhere, and I believe you were both loud last night ;)
Luke. I’m definitely having words with him and Evan later this week about my privacy. No doubt they’ll just laugh in my face, but it's worth a shot. Who am I kidding? It’s pointless. This happens when you employ your friends. It turns into a frat boy party.
Me:I have no intention of hurting her, ever. That’s not my style.
Ella: Famous last words. Just know, I am watching you. Bug eyes emoji.
Me:Message received and understood. To be honest, I don’t think I could handle what you would do to me if I did.
Ella:Protect those balls at all costs.
Ella:I’m not talking about your golf balls either.
Christ, I think my testicles just jumped up into my body.
Eden’s protectors are fiercely loyal to the core. I don’t blame them for looking out for her; she’s been through more than enough trauma for one lifetime.
The deep urge to protect her with everything I am, and bring her into my world to keep her safe, runs deep in my veins.
I lie for a few minutes as all these jumbled thoughts run through my head.
Leaving Eden to sleep—I don’t think she’s waking up anytime soon anyway—I carefully leave the bed and make my way to the shower.
Then I plan on making her breakfast. I’m hoping she can spend the day with me. If not, I’ll just follow her around today like a lovesick puppy. Love. Wait. Not love. No, lust sick puppy. Yeah, lust.
* * *
Eden
Fluttering my eyes open, it suddenly dawns on me where I am. Hunter’s bed. I hear the shower tinkling away in the adjoining bathroom. I’ve been in this room hundreds of times before, but never like this. It’s only ever been to help Mum with the decor or check people in.
I cup my hands, covering my face, not quite believing I came here last night and then the things we did in this bed together. A carnival of giggles escapes my lungs.
Yowza, it was good. When I say it, I’m talking about the sex; it felt like more than sex. Maybe it wasn’t, but it was intense and mind-blowing and all the things I read in my books. It’s all true. Better than true because it happened to me.
Hunter wound me tighter and tighter with every orgasm, showing me how good it would feel each and every time. He woke up every molecule in my body. It’s the closest thing to heaven I’ve ever felt.
He was patient and kind, but gave it to me hard and rough when I asked. A flush of embarrassment whisks over me as I think about how forward I was asking him what position he wanted next, I think I was showing off a fraction, wanting to show him the level of my flexibility.
Gosh, who was I last night?
Lazily, I sit up, pull the covers around my still naked body, and cross my legs in a lotus position. My jaw opens as I let out a wide yawn in sheer satisfaction.
Glancing around the room, I wonder what time it is. Looking to the bedside table, I lean over and grab my phone that Hunter must have put there for me. He’s even put it on charge for me. My heart melts at his small gesture.
Seven in the morning.
I hover over my WhatsApp icon. This is big news for our little friendship circle. I really want to tell the girls. I may live to regret this. I tap the icon to open and text our group chat.
Me:So, I did a thing.
Beth:A thing, or someone?
Ella:Someone - she did someone.
Beth:Aubergine emoji.
Ella:Water emoji.
Eva: Yup, I know she did someone.
Me:How do you know?
Ella:Luke heard you - you were LOUD
Eva:And Ella told me.
Me: Please tell me that’s not true?
Me:Is nothing sacred anymore?
Toni:Why, lovely people in my phone, are we texting so early?
Beth:Eden did someone.
Toni:About time. Please tell us it was Mr. Swoony McSwoonerson.
Me: That’s a shit nickname.
Eva:Gotta do better than that Toni, what about Mr. Ankle Spanker?
Beth:Or Mr. Womb Raider.
Toni:What about King of Cocks?
Beth:Love it.
Ella:Did he score a hole in one?
Beth: Good one… more golf puns please.
Toni:We don’t know any, shoot, Beth.
Beth:Did he lay you out spread eagle?
Eva:Pahahahahaha.
Beth:Was his shaft stiff and hard?
Eva: Dear Lord.
Beth: Did he play 18 holes and you can barely walk today?
Toni: Can you walk, cowgirl?
Beth:Is he a king in the bedroom?
Ella:Gotta be, have you seen the size of his hands?
Beth:Did he tell you to get into position, lift your head, and spread your legs?
Me:Why do I even bother with you lot?
Ella:We’re sorry.
Eva: Sorry, we’ll be serious now… go for it… Tell us, what was it like?
Me:It was…
Toni:Incredible?
Ella:Good?
Eva:Great?
Beth:Fantastic?
Me:Earth-shatteringly mind-blowing incredible and I think I saw stars. Like actual stars. And he was tender and rough and then caring and then we had rocket-fueled fun. I have no other words.
Toni:Mamma Mia.
Ella:I’m speechless.
Beth:Holy cow.
Eva: Oh my.
Ella:So were there orgasms? Plural?
Beth: Go on, make us well jell.
Me: Yes, seven times!
Toni: Seven?
Ella: In Len Goodman Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing With the Stars style… Sev-en!
Eva: Christ, is he magic?
Beth: He’s a fucking King alright.
Me: He actually told me he was a vagician.
Eva: If those words came from anyone else it would be dickhead like, but he’s so nice, I think he really is a vagician!
Ella: I just spat my cup of tea out all over Tartan’s jacket.
Ella and that bloody horse. She’s turning into Mrs. Dolittle with all these animals she's been gathering lately. She’s just bought another dog to keep Treacle company. If my suspicions are accurate, then it’s filling a hole in her heart that’s been empty for a very long time. Like me, she puts on a good show.
Toni: Does he have a brother?
Beth:Piss off, Beth, he’s mine if he does.
Toni:I called dibs first.
Me: You lot are on fire today!
Eva: How do you feel? Are you okay?
Me:I feel incredible! Like I’ve bloody woken up. I had fun. It was fun. I feel excited. About everything. Ella was right. I needed to get a life and get some :)
Beth: Aw, our little girl is growing up.
Ella: Sorry, say that again? Ella was…?
Me:Right! You were right!
Ella: Why, I thank you, my work here is done… I’m currently bowing to Tartan and Treacle.
Beth: So, is this a long-term thing, you think? Or just a few weeks of fun?
Toni: Or a one-night stand?
Eva: Please don’t do the one-night stand thing; that’s more Beth’s style.
Beth:Get stuffed, Eva. I’m not that bad.
Toni: Yes, you are!
Beth:Enough now, I’m going off you lot.
Me:Honestly, I have no idea. I really, really like him. He’s not like anyone I have ever met before.
Ella: You haven’t met/dated anyone other than Jamie before Eden, but he is different.
Toni:I think it’s his height; he’s huge.
Eva: Or his dazzling smile?
Beth: Or the length of his enormous cock, perhaps? Is it as enormous as they say in the papers?
Me:I’m not answering this shit anymore. Now bugger off to your jobs.
Me:See you girls tomorrow when we open again for classes, the joiners are expected to be done in a day.
Ella:I bet you get *done* today… again.
Beth: Don’t forget to get it rough. That’s a golf term, girls.
Ella: And he never misses a hole, so you’ll be well looked after.
Eva: You girls are so immature… I love it!
Toni: What does all that mean in golfy terms? Golf sounds more sexual than it is when I’m watching it down at the beach. I think I’m missing out somewhere; I need to get you to explain this all the next time I see you, Beth.
Beth:You’re a fanny!
Aaannnnd… that’s my cue to leave that conversation. I slap my phone down on the bed and chuckle to myself.
Without warning, the bathroom door opens into the bedroom with a clunk. As if by magic, in a cloud of steam, Hunter appears in the doorway wrapped in a fluffy white towel from the waist down.
A mild storm of butterflies instantly flutter in my tummy. Who knew men looked like this in real life? I fist the sheets with my hands and pull it up, covering my mouth.
“Good morning, gorgeous.” Hunter tilts his head.
All I can do is grin like a goofy girl under the sheet. “Hi,” I say, my voice muffled.
Strutting toward the bed, Hunter bends from the waist down and plants a delicate kiss to my forehead, then my temple.
Arms straight, towering his hands on either side of me on the mattress, he places another on my eyelid. Everything Hunter does is performed with intentional care and he makes me feel extra special, always.
Using his pointer finger, he drags the sheet down that’s covering my mouth.
“I haven’t brushed my teeth,”
What a stupid thing to say.
“Mmm, and here’s me thinking you were feeling a little shy and regretting what we did last night.”
“A little shy, yes. Regret, no,” I confirm.
“No regrets, that’s a relief.” He relaxes. “My tongue was buried deep in your pussy last night and you’re feeling a little shy?”
I blush deeper than a cherry and fling myself flat against the mattress. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to your filthy mouth.”
Straddling over me now, he says, “You had no complaints last night.” Then he leans down for a kiss as he laces his hands in mine and stretches our arms above my head.
I scoff.
“You smell of sex and me, dirty girl.”
This is all so new and exciting. We simply smile at each other.
“You look so peaceful when you sleep; are you tired today?”
“Nope, I feel good.”
“Just good?” he teases.
Smiling, I scrunch my nose and squeeze his hands in mine. “Yeah, just good. Why, what would you prefer me to say?”
“That you feel like a new woman and that you had the best sex of your life last night. It was for me. Please tell me it was for you too?”
“Is this to feed that ego of yours again, Mr. King?” I say, teasing.
“One hundred percent it is.” His face drops. “I’m being serious now, promise. How do you feel today? Are you okay, baby?”
I’ve noticed he calls me baby when we have these close tender moments and then Cupcake when he’s being more playful. He’s a complete dream; I’m not actually sure if he’s real. Maybe if I blow on him, he’ll disappear into thin air, like a dandelion seed on the wind.
“I can’t deny it, Hunter. I feel extraordinary today.”
“Extraordinary.” He beams.
“You were. I feel fabulous. A little sore though.”
He frowns. “We can leave Miss Minnie alone today. I would never hurt you intentionally. I’m sorry.”
“You didn’t hurt me. It’s just, well, it’s been a long time for me and we got a little wild last night.”
We both laugh.
“I’ll be fine for more soon,” I say suggestively.
“Oh, really? You want more, huh? I’ve never had so much fun. It was fun, right? And beautiful. You’re entwined around my heart, forever.”
Swallowing hard to fight back my emotion, I tell him, “You always know the right thing to say.” I rub my thumb across his hand.
I’ve never known a guy to open up the way Hunter does. He wears his heart on his sleeve and I really like that about him.
Eyes locked, he asks, “What are you doing today? I wondered if you would like to spend the day together. I’ve been waiting weeks to spend time with you. Could we do that today?”
“No training today?”
“Nah, I have the day off and I would like to spend it with you. Do you have to teach classes though?”
“The dance studio is closed today as the joiners are coming in to remove the old lockers and install poles, which I’m looking forward to. Once I sort them out, I’m as free as a bird. I need to let them in, actually.”
“Can you not stay for breakfast?”
“I’m afraid not. I really need to go to the studio, but we can get brunch when we go out for the day. There’s a great little food shack down by the beach where they do the best cheese toasties ever.”
“That sounds perfect.”
“Crap, I just remembered my new car is being dropped off this morning. If they do that early, yes, I’m all yours today.”
More seriously now, he tilts his head in thought, then his tongue dips out slightly and licks his bottom lip. “All mine for today? Or for more?”
I’ve been asking the same question myself.
“Today and more. You’re here for a few weeks, so the more is for those,” I try saying as casually as I can.
“Okay,” Hunter says with a look I don’t recognize, then he clears his throat. “Well then, you better get up for our day of adventure together. I would love for you to take me on all the sightseeing stuff today, visit the castle, and I want to eat ice cream and walk on the beach.”
“Sounds like a braw day. I like the sound of that.”
“You’re wearing a bra today? What?”
“Braw means fine, good. It sounds like a good day is what it means. I never got around to buying you that Scot's tongue guide book I promised you. I need to go to the shops today and buy a book of our wee sayings. Remind me to do that.”
“I really need one and I can’t wait to see your new car.”
“Yay, I’m getting my wheels back, baby!”
“You’re so silly. It’s time to get up, Miss Lazy Bones. It’s going to be Eden and Hunter’s Day of Fun.” He cheers as he shuffles off the bed, before placing a chaste kiss to my lips and pulling me up out of the sheets.
“Ooppsie, you’re naked. Well, this is turning out to be my best morning so far in Scotland.” Startling me, he dips his head and takes my nipple into his mouth, sucking hard. He then moves across to the other, giving it the same attention.
Oh, that happened fast, but it feels so good. I grab on to his shoulders as joy leaps around my body and my sex throbs again.
“Oooooh.”
“I want you so bad, now that I’ve tasted you. I’m not sure I can stop, but you need to go for a shower and we need to give Miss Minnie a rest. Also, you’ll hate me if I hurt you more and you have to wait another few days longer. Plus, we have a day of adventure planned. My cock hates me right now for saying all these things,” he mumbles, still kissing my skin as he travels north to my mouth.
“I know how your cock feels,” I say, laughing against his mouth. “But I also agree with you. Later maybe?”
“You sure?”
I bite my bottom lip with my teeth and nod on a smile.
“I really like you, Eden.”
My heart stops.
“I really like you too, Hunter.”
Goofily, we smile at each other.
“I’m looking forward to today,” I whisper. “But first I need clothes. And I need to let these joiners into the studio. They said they’d be here at eight.”
“Okay, you go home and get ready. Text me about the time your car is being delivered, and then I’ll run across. Sound good?”
“Perfect.” I steal a quick kiss and then scurry about the bedroom, trying to find my clothes and trainers.
“Oh, two things, Eden,” Hunter says as I’m pulling on my leggings.
“Mm-hmm?”
“First thing.” He holds up his fingers. “How many fingers am I holding up?”
I count. “Seven.”
He keeps them held up, pulsing his fingers in the air as if they’re a flashing neon sign.
“Seven times, baby; that’s how many times you came last night. Can we beat that, do you think?” he asks proudly.
This guy. “You are really competitive, aren’t you?” I laugh as I put my bra on, then flip my top on over my head.
“Have to be, it’s in my blood. And the second thing is… so no panties again, huh? Is this a regular thing? Do you ever wear them?”
“Eh, yeah, from time to time, but just the really stringy micro thong ones.”
“Fuck’s sake, Eden. Where have you been all my life?” He stalks toward me, rubbing his towel over his cock. “You need to go now, or we will never get out of this bedroom today. I’ll walk you to the door. Turn around, you little tease.”
Grabbing my shoes and phone, a small scream escapes my lips as he chases me down the stairs. Pulling on my trainers quickly, I hop toward the door.
“I’ll see you in a couple of hours then, yeah?” I say, swiping my key off the sofa as I pass it, then fling open the front door.
Just as I leave, Hunter catches me, spins me back around, and lifts me in quick succession. I wrap my legs around him like a koala. I don’t want to go. I want to stay with him forever. Our kiss is slow and deep. It lights up my soul and I feel my heart drum hard and fast in my chest. Dragging my hands through his wet hair, I want to ask him to take me back up the stairs. Lost in each other, we kiss and kiss, our tongues caressing. I don’t even give a hoot that I haven’t brushed my teeth yet. My dirty all-nighter level is through the roof. He pushes me against the doorjamb, rubbing his yet again hard length over my leggings. Our breathing quickly becomes heavy and heated as we lose ourselves in each other.
“Eden?”
Oh shit.
Faster than an Amazon Prime delivery, we stop kissing, pull apart, and turn our heads toward the voice.
“Morning, Mum.”
“Son of a bitch,” Hunter whispers. “Eh, morning, Mrs. Wallace.” Hunter clears his throat as he gently lowers my feet to the ground, then places me in front of him, facing outward in the doorway to cover his massive erection.
So this is awkward, me in last night's clothes. Hunter standing here in front of my mum in just a towel where Hunter’s cock has pitched a tent inside and is currently rammed against my back. World, swallow me now.
My mum raises her eyebrows high with a surprised smirk, then brings her hand to her mouth and draws a zip across it. She turns on her heel and shifts her slight figure fast across the gravel path toward the sports facility, her shoulders shuddering up and down in concealed laughter.
Bug-eyed, I draw in a large breath through my nose, then suck in my lips and hold it.
“Ho-ly-shit,” Hunter exhales.
We can’t hold it in anymore, and we both burst out laughing.
“My mum’s seen your hard-on. What the hell just happened?”
“I’m going to get arrested for indecent exposure. How will I ever be able to look your mother in the eye now?”
“She almost saw your other eye.”
With hands on his hips, he says, “Stop it. I’m a professional man.” He stoops his head. “There is no coming back from this. Should I go across and apologize later?”
He’s such a caring man. Bless him.
“No way. She’ll be fine. You probably gave her the thrill of her year.” My phone buzzes. “My God, I really have to go; that’s the joiner. He’s early. I need to let these guys in.”
I jump out the door, leaving Hunter still in shock at our morning shenanigans. “Get dressed, you filthy bugger. Stop flashing the residents.” I run down the path in delight. “See you in a wee bit.”
“You are trouble. Miss Minnie is going to get it later.”
Still standing in the doorway, Hunter watches me running toward the studio with my hands in the air cheering.
Eden’s back in business… Well, Miss Minnie is… seven times… bloody hell.
What a night.