Porter Read online

  “I do.” I give her a sidelong glance.

  “Name it.”

  “‘You Really Got a Hold on Me’ by the Beatles.”

  “Sing it with me.”

  “I don’t sing, Frankee.” Never have. It’s not something we did in my house.

  “You do when you’re with me in this time-warp car.”

  She holds her pretend microphone to my mouth and belts out the lyrics. I give in and softly croon some of the words I know. The smile on Frankee’s face spreads ear-to-ear, and I see that it’s worth feeling like a fool just to see how happy it makes her.

  “Good job, magic mouth.”

  Frankee relaxes in her seat and we cruise—and hold hands—while listening to sixties songs.

  “I’ve never driven a woman around in my Porsche.”

  “Why not?”

  “I haven’t dated anyone since I bought her. I wouldn’t let just anyone ride in Sophia.”

  “Is that what we’re doing? Dating?”

  “We aren’t not dating.”

  “Having sex doesn’t mean you’re dating. Eating meals together doesn’t mean you’re dating. Going to concerts together doesn’t mean you’re dating. But reaching out to hold my hand while we ride around… that means we’re dating.”

  Funny how the simplest thing can be the most significant.

  “Then it’s official. We’re dating.”

  And we leave it at that. Nothing more to say.

  Just enough milk. Just enough salt. Just enough pepper. Frankee’s sawmill gravy is nearly identical to my mom’s. And her biscuits are tall and light and airy with the perfect amount of sour from the buttermilk.

  “Damn, girl. You acted like your cooking capabilities were mediocre. Baby, this isn’t mediocre. It’s exceptional.”

  She shrugs. “We didn’t have the money to eat out when I was growing up. This is just everyday cooking to me. Nothing special.”

  She doesn’t get it. “But it is special. I don’t get this kind of food unless I go home.”

  “You don’t have to go home to get meals like this anymore. I’ll cook for you. All you have to do is tell me what you want.”

  I reach out and grasp her chin as I lean closer and pull her in for a soft kiss. “I know it’s nothing to you, but it’s very special to me. Feels like home.” Her cooking ain’t the only thing that feels like home.

  “I’m happy I can do this for you. Are you finished?”

  “As much as I hate to admit defeat, I can’t eat another bite.” Seems like such a shame to leave even a crumb.

  “No need to gorge because you think you’re never getting this again. I’m happy to cook for you whenever you like. I enjoy it.”

  It’s Sunday night. She’ll have to go home soon. “How long can you stay?”

  “Two hours max.”

  I come up from behind and wrap my arms around her, plucking the dish from her hands. “I’m going to take care of the cleaning.”

  “If you’re cleaning then what am I doing?”

  “You are going to the bedroom and putting on something sexy and waiting for me on the bed.”

  “I can do that. Anything specific you’d like to see me in?”

  Things have changed between us today. I’d like tonight to reflect that. “Wear something sweet. Skip the porno apparel this time.”

  “I have a very sweet baby-doll set I think you’ll love.”

  “Baby doll sounds perfect. And for the music, choose something slow and romantic. A song you consider perfect for making love.”

  That brings a smile to her face. “Okay. I’ll be waiting in the bedroom.”

  I take my time cleaning the kitchen so Frankee will be ready when I come to her. I know she is when I hear the music. ‘Look What You've Done to Me’ by Boz Scaggs. One of the love songs from Urban Cowboy.

  Movie’s older than her. Hell, movie’s older than me.

  She’s standing beside the bed in a short but flowing white baby-doll gown. Damn. She looks like a sweet, innocent virgin on her wedding night.

  “Is this what you want?”

  “Yes. You and that outfit and this music are exactly what I want.”

  I go to her and tenderly pull her into my arms. I press several kisses to her lips, and we simultaneously open our mouths for our tongues to meet. It’s a familiar yet somehow new sensual waltz for the two.

  We’ve shared a lot of kisses, but I want every one we share tonight to feel different. I want each one to tell Frankee how much I care for her. I want my touch to show her how much I adore her. I want my tenderness to whisper all the things I can’t say because I’m too afraid.

  We move onto the bed and I feather kisses down her chin and throat. My mouth continues traveling lower and I pull the fabric of the gown down and both of her breasts are bared. I cup them and rub my thumbs over her rosy pink nipples before sucking one. Something between a moan and the sound of my name leaves her mouth as she laces her fingers through my hair.

  I release her nipple and she grasps my shirt at my stomach and pushes it upward. I grab the neck and pull it over my head in one swift motion. Her hands explore my pecs and shoulders and biceps, stopping when she reaches her design on my arm. “You’re going to wear me right here on your body. Forever.”

  “I am.”

  My mouth glides lower down her belly and then to her hipbones. I kiss each of them and everything in between before I pull back the waistband of her panties to bury my nose inside. “Mmm, you always smell so good.”

  Kneeling between her legs, I grasp the waistband of her panties and pull downward as she raises her hips. I drag them down her legs and toss them to the floor next to my shirt.

  I place my palm on her chest between her breasts and slowly glide it down until I reach her stomach. It’s flat now, but it’ll grow one day with another man’s baby. I don’t like the way that makes me feel inside. Not even a little.

  “What are you thinking?”

  I move lower and kiss the inside of her right knee as I look at her eyes. “I’m thinking you’re beautiful and perfect, and I’ve never wanted anyone more than I want you.”

  I kiss her inner thigh and she arches her back, reaching overhead to grab the edge of the mattress. She knows what’s coming.

  I flatten my tongue against her and lick straight up her center. One slow upward swipe. “Mmm.”

  I slowly drag my tongue up the middle of her slit several more times. No fancy moves. Just licking her like an ice cream cone.

  “Porter… that feels… sooo good.”

  It isn’t going to take long to push her over the edge. I can tell by the increase in her breathing and rocking of her hips. And although I’m not in a hurry for her to come, I do want her to have a mind-blowing orgasm.

  I stiffen my tongue and push it in and out of her against the upper wall, hopefully hitting that ultra-sensitive spot just inside her pussy. I’m certain I’m getting it right when I hear panting and feel her fist the top of my hair. “Oh God… Porter.”

  Her body jolts, and I feel the shudder of contractions against my mouth. Her back arches off the bed and she pulls harder on my hair. Such a fucking turn-on to taste her sweet orgasm.

  Her muscles relax, my cue that she’s in post-orgasmic bliss, and I work on taking off my remaining clothes. When I’m naked, I kiss my way up her body until I’m hovering above her.

  I lower my body between her legs and her eyes lock with mine. “Frankee…” I try to swallow the lump in my throat but it doesn’t move.

  She touches the side of my face. “What is it?”

  I gather the words I want to say and even in my head it feels like I’m tripping over them. “I’m…”

  She strokes her fingers down my cheek. “You’re what, Porter?”

  Just say it. “I’m falling for you… so fucking hard.”

  Her hand grasps the back of my neck and she pulls me down to kiss her. Our lips are still pressed together when she whispers, “I’m falling in love with you. I
feel it happening a little more every time we’re together.”

  She bends her knees and wraps them around me, pulling me against her. I’m nearly breathless when I press my erection against her slick opening—unsheathed, uncovered, unprotected—and wait for her answer.

  She lifts her hips and pushes the head of my cock against her entrance, giving me the permission I seek. I slide inside her bare. Skin on skin. Nothing separating us. “Frankee…” I’m at a loss for words again.

  Never felt anything like this.

  I move slowly, so fucking slowly, savoring the full sensation of being bare inside her.

  We’re heart-to-heart and our bodies feel like one. I’ve never felt closer to anyone in my life. Ever. And I want this feeling to go on and on.

  Despite trying to prolong our union, I feel the onset of my orgasm. “I’m getting close. I want to come inside you.”

  Frankee tightens the hold of her legs around my body. I don’t think I could pull out if I tried. “Yes.”

  “Uhhh…” I grip Frankee’s body tightly and thrust one final time. I spasm and empty myself inside her. But this isn’t only a physical act; it’s also symbolic. I’m filling her with all of the affection and fondness and passion I have for her.

  With eyes closed, I press my forehead to hers. Neither of us says anything, but we don’t have to. Our silence does all of the talking for us.

  Sex and fun. That’s what we chose to call this.

  But this isn’t just sex. This isn’t us having a little fun before she moves to Austin.

  We were wrong. So very wrong.

  This is more.

  A white chocolate mocha isn’t the only thing I find on my desk in my new workspace inside Porter’s office this morning. “Oh, look at that. Someone left an arrangement of flowers on my desk. Since you beat me here, you wouldn’t have happened to have seen who that was, would you?”

  “I think it was that guy you’re dating.”

  “You mean the one I shared an amazing weekend with?”

  “I believe that’s the one. But there’s a card. Maybe you should read it to find out.”

  I break the seal on the envelope and take out the white rectangle.

  I fall a little more every time we’re together.

  —WPB

  I can’t not smile when I read Porter’s use of my words last night when I told him I was falling in love with him. “What does the W stand for?” I should definitely know the full name of the man I’m falling in love with.

  “William.”

  I want so badly to go to him but it’s too risky. “Well, Mr. William Porter Beckman, thank you for the flowers and the coffee and the wonderful weekend. I’ll show you some proper appreciation later.”

  “You’re quite welcome, Miss Frances Ameline Dawson. And I look forward to your proper appreciation.”

  I put the card inside my purse instead of returning it to the envelope. “It’s inevitable that I’ll be asked about the flowers today. What should I tell people?”

  “Say whatever you like.”

  “Okay. What would my very handsome, sexy, insatiable boss like me to do today?”

  “There are so many ways I could answer that question.”

  I’m not the only one who has thought about all the things we could do in here behind a closed door.

  “Rephrase. What kind of graphic design and marketing would you like me to do today?”

  Porter sits on the corner of my desk. “How far did you get on the merchandise?”

  “Maybe halfway.”

  “I want to see what you’ve done so far.”

  Porter has already fired up my computer so I navigate to the merchandise folder. “I came up with another idea when I was lying in bed last night.”

  “Me too. That we’d have lunch at my place today.”

  “Silly boy. Did you forget what I told you about my period starting today?”

  “I haven’t forgotten.”

  I stop navigating through the folders and look at him to see if he’s serious about what I think he’s suggesting. “Are you into that?”

  “I don’t know. Never tried it.”

  He doesn’t look repulsed. “Are you wanting to try it?”

  “Are you wanting to try it?”

  “I asked you first.”

  “Well, when I said that we’d have lunch at my place, I meant we’d pick up food and actually eat lunch together. But then you brought up having period sex.”

  “I brought it up… and now I’m dropping it.” I open my girly T-shirt designs first. “Ladies cut.”

  Porter moves off the corner of my desk and stands behind me, leaning over my shoulder. He’s not touching me but his body calls out to mine. My attraction to him is insane.

  “Those are cool.”

  “There you are.”

  Why does my dad walk in every time Porter gets near me? “Oh, hey Dad.”

  “What’s going on? Why is your desk in here?”

  I say nothing, waiting for Porter to take the wheel on this one.

  “The separation was making it impossible for me to give Frankee the supervision she needs. I’ve been very pleased with her work and would like to give her some additional responsibilities. But I felt it wasn’t the right thing to do unless I was readily available to guide her.”

  Oh damn. He’s good.

  “I know Frankee’s learning a lot being under you.”

  It’s easy to learn when you stay under your boss as much as I do.

  I look up at Porter. “It’s unreal how much I’ve learned being under Mr. Beckman.”

  My dad’s brow wrinkles. “Are these flowers for you?”

  “They’re from me. Just a token of my appreciation for a job well done her first month at Lovibond. She has lifted a lot of burden from my shoulders, so I’m free to work on other things that need my attention.”

  “I’m proud that Frankee being here is working out for you. I just wish this wasn’t temporary. I don’t want my little girl moving to Austin.”

  I thought my dad might come around about my move. He hasn’t. “Daddy… you act like I’m moving to the other side of the world.”

  “You might as well be. But that’s not a conversation for us to have here and now. I’ve gotta clock in and get to work.”

  I wait until my dad is gone to look at Porter. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re as smooth as Ex-Lax?”

  He chuckles. “You’re comparing me to shit? The man who eats your pussy? And fucks you into oblivion? And gives you mind-blowing orgasms?”

  “And makes sweet, passionate love to me after telling me he’s falling for me. Don’t forget that one.”

  Porter looks at his office door and then grasps my chin and quickly kisses my mouth. “Yes. That, too.”

  Last night was different. It wasn’t sex. It wasn’t fucking.

  We made love.

  And we didn’t talk about it afterward. I’m glad; I think words would have ruined that special moment.

  Porter simply held me in his arms until I had to go home. And every second was perfect.

  He releases my chin. “I liked the way things went last night.”

  “I liked it too. And I’d like more nights like that.”

  “That can be arranged.”

  Secret embraces. Stolen kisses. Whispered conversations. That’s my daily routine with Porter.

  I love my workspace being inside his office. Even when we’re working and not talking, we’re still together. I get to steal glances at his handsome face and hot, muscular body whenever I like.

  You’d be surprised how close you become when you spend every day with a person.

  Porter hasn’t been in the office much today, so I’m happy when he returns after being gone. “You look pleased.”

  “I am. We finally worked out the problem with the sweet potato cream stout. A batch is being bottled as we speak.”

  “That’s great. I know you’re glad to have that worry off your mind.”
/>   “That’s one of my worries off my mind.”

  “Did you talk to your mom?”

  “I did. She said she feels okay. Just tired.”

  Her second chemo was two days ago. “That’s to be expected. Doesn’t mean anything’s wrong. Did you tell her you were coming to visit?”

  Porter has been feeling so much guilt about not being there for his mom as she goes through her treatments. I’m glad he’s going to see her.

  “I did and she’s very happy. Sounded like it really lifted her spirits.”

  “I know it did. I’m sure she misses her baby boy.”

  “She wants me to bring you.”

  Wow. I in no way had expected that. “Really?”

  “Yeah. She enjoyed talking with you and would love for you to come home with me.”

  “Is that what you want?” I don’t want him to take me if he’s only doing it for his mother.

  “I would love to take you home to meet my family.”

  “When would you want to leave?”

  “Mom wants us to eat dinner with them so I’d like to leave Birmingham by two.”

  “And we’ll come back late Sunday?”

  “Not too late. I always try to be back by six.”

  Looks like I’ll be using Tuscaloosa as an alibi again. “I think I can do that.”

  “Do you have another sweet lingerie set you can pack?”

  “You want to have sex at your parents’ house?” Hmm. I don’t know about that. Seems disrespectful. Especially with this being my first visit. I sure don’t want them to think I’m a slut.

  “Yes. Tomorrow will make five days since I’ve had you. I’m horny as fuck.”

  I’ve never gone home with a man to his parents’ house. I don’t know how this works. “What will the sleeping arrangements be?”

  “We’ll sleep in my old bedroom.”

  I’m the one with the young parents but there’s no way they would let a guy sleep in my bed with me. “Your mom and dad will be okay with that?”

  “I’m thirty years old. They don’t care if my girlfriend sleeps with me in my bed.”

  Oh, swoon. “You just called me your girlfriend.”

  “You enjoy putting labels on us.”

  “Excuse me? You’re the one who just labeled me your girlfriend.”