Passion in Portland 2016 Anthology Read online

  Lon wasn’t used to his brother being this upset. Sure as brothers they fought, but Merritt was the level-headed, reasonable one. Typically, he didn’t get so worked up, especially over a girl he had just met. “Are you going to pout like a little bitch or tell me what the hell your problem is?”

  “I had plans with her tonight, but she cancelled. She said she wasn’t sure if she could reschedule. So I guess this means you’ve won. I just hope you’re doing this because you like her, and not because she’s into me.”

  Lon wasn’t oblivious to the fact that his brother had been into Allyea, and that she might have been interested in him, but a date? She wanted to go on a date with him. Lon was confused about a lot of things, but not about his feelings for Allyea. Seeing her with Merritt may have opened his eyes, but only to finally see what had always been there.

  “Whatever dude. I’m heading out of town. I’ll hit you up later.”

  Even though Merritt hung up abruptly, Lon wasn’t worried about their fight. They were family, they had fought before, and this would all blow over just like everything else. But Lon now understood his brother’s anger. He had felt something similar to that last night when he saw Allyea with Merritt.

  You won. Merritt’s words echoed in Lon’s head. Maybe he had. The fact that Allyea had cancelled on his brother meant something. They had always put their friendship first, but this time he hoped she was putting him first because she had feelings for him.

  The buzzing of his cell phone startled him out of his thoughts. Looking at the phone he saw a text from Allyea.

  Home now. Where are we going? I need to know how to dress.

  Lon smiled at the idea of Allyea pacing her bedroom, like a real girl trying to figure out what to wear on their date. A first date. They had gone out before, but tonight was a real date. Last night he had winged things, but since she agreed this morning, he’d been busy making plans. He wanted to show her how serious he was about this. He had the reputation of a player, and he wasn’t always a great guy to women, but Allyea always got his best. He always gave that to her without effort or obligation. And now she was going to get every good piece of him he had, and maybe some of the bad, if she was up for it.

  That kiss they’d shared knocked him on his ass. It was more than a kiss. Lon hadn’t been able to sleep because he kept thinking about how he had been so blind for all these years. That he had an amazing woman right in front of him and he hadn’t even considered going after her. He wasn’t blind to the fact that she was beyond gorgeous, but thinking back now he saw more than that. He saw past her looks. When he looked at other women he saw a pretty face, or a hot body and a good time. Nothing deeper. Allyea was the complete opposite of those women, even before he realized his feelings for her. He was smart enough to see that.

  Lon grinned as he responded to the text: Dress nice. Reservations at 6. Pick you up at 5:30.

  Pick me up, lol. Don’t get lost.

  Typical Allyea. Always giving him shit.

  Chapter Four

  “This is a little over the top, don’t you think?” Allyea looked around the dimly lit downtown restaurant that sat below street level.

  “You think so?” Lon blushed as he rubbed his hands together. “I just wanted to be clear that this is a real date.”

  Allyea laughed. The dozen long stem red roses were gorgeous, and the bottle of champagne on ice was romantic, but the red and silver heart shaped balloons that took it over the top. “It’s clear to the whole restaurant. In fact, I think they might be expecting you to propose.” She playfully rolled her eyes at him as she shook her head. She hadn’t expected Lon to go all out, and now, seeing how much effort he had put into the evening, she was overwhelmed. Allyea hoped that she was playing it cool. Lon didn’t seem to be nervous at all, which only made her more tense.

  “No, no, no. No proposing tonight, no offense.” Lon said with a laugh.

  At the awkwardness in Lon’s laugh, Allyea chewed on her bottom lip as she studied him. His knee bounced rocking the table, and some of the flush had left his face. She had so many things weighing on her mind, she didn’t even know where to begin. Lon was her best friend. She thought she knew everything about him, that she couldn’t be surprised, but here he was, changing everything.

  “Are you trying to plan an exit strategy?”

  Lon’s teasing words pulled her from her thoughts. “No. Nothing like that.” She pressed her lips together in a flat smile.

  She had been trying to figure out how things would play out if they took their friendship to the next level, and the only thing she could come up with is that they wouldn’t be sleeping with other people. That was the thought that worried her the most. How could she expect him to change? The Lon she knew was confident and had a clear picture of what he looked for in a woman, and it was nothing more than one night. If they were going to be more than friends, then she would expect him to be exclusive. And if she expected him to be exclusive then she would have to trust him. Trust that he was serious, and that he wouldn’t get bored with her after one night.

  Trust that he wouldn’t cheat.

  Allyea was relieved when the first course was served, breaking the uncomfortable silence. The Melting Pot was a beautiful, upscale fondue restaurant in downtown. She’d never been before, but heard wonderful things of the decadent menu. For the first course they chose the beer cheese fondue served with bread and apples.

  “You said you cancelled some plans you had tonight,” Lon said. “They must’ve been pretty boring if you cancelled them just to stay in?” He shoved a piece of bread smothered in cheese in his mouth.

  Watching Lon act so casual now was setting her at ease. He was still the same Lon. She needed to relax, and remember that this wasn’t just some guy. This was Lon. She could be herself around him. He already knew most of her faults. He knew her family and about her childhood, too.

  “The usual Saturday night, I guess. Why?” Allyea said, leaning over and grabbing a green apple slice.

  “Just curious. I mean, I didn’t really ask you if you were seeing anyone.” Lon cocked his head to the side.

  Allyea realized he knew. He and Merritt were brothers after all. Sauvvie had warned her that she should tell Lon before Merritt did, but she hadn’t expected the news to travel that fast. Of course, she owed him an explanation, but she wasn’t going to play games with Lon. If he wanted to know he was going to have to ask. She’d never let him get away with that shit before, and she wasn’t about to now.

  “Why don’t you cut the shit?” Allyea rested her elbows on the table, and leaned in. “I know you better than you think. Ask me what you want to ask me already and get on with it. She gave him a wide-eyed smile.

  “Why didn’t you tell me my brother asked you out?”

  Lon sounded casual, but when his blue eyes met hers she saw the desperate pleading in them. He was hurting. But he wasn’t the only one who was hurting here.

  “I was going to last night, but then I got distracted when you started talking about how you wanted to be more than friends.” She took a deep breath, and collected her thoughts. “And after that I just knew I couldn’t go out with him. And I won’t, no matter what happens here.”

  “You didn’t tell him that you were cancelling because of me?”

  Allyea sighed inwardly, “I didn’t want to hurt his feelings and who knows what’s going to happen here. If nothing comes of this, there’s no reason to get between brothers.”

  “You can stop saying that.”

  “What?”

  “That nothing could happen here. It’s happening. It’s been happening, for years. I think it just happened backwards for us.”

  “Backwards?” Allyea questioned as she tilted her head.

  “Yeah. Not that I wasn’t attracted to you at first, and now, but in the beginning it wasn’t about that. We made a real connection. Most relationships I see start with the carnal attraction and then they get to really know each other from there.”

 
Allyea couldn’t help but stare at Lon. She didn’t know when he had become this insightful. He was right. They had everything else, and what it was now coming down to was sexual attraction. Could they go there? Allyea eyed him from across the table. His hair was always kept clean cut, but long enough on the top to be messy. He was dressed in jeans with a light blue Henley shirt, which made his eye shine even in the dim lighting. Yes. I could defiantly see myself naked with that. Allyea blushed at the thought, but she had secretly wondered what all the fuss was about. Lon had driven women to the point of stalking, so he must know what he is doing.

  “So…where do we go from here?” she asked as she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

  ***

  Lon scooted across the booth towards Allyea. He’d never understand how he’d missed the power she held in those hazel green eyes. She had always been gorgeous. But the only conclusion he could come up with is that he’d always seen her as more than a beautiful face and delicious body. And that’s not what he had wanted. Until now, he’d never considered the idea of actually settling down with one woman. Being with only one woman no longer sounded like a bad idea. And being with Allyea didn’t sound like settling. She was the whole package. He would never do better, or find anyone more suited for him.

  Gently, Lon lifted her chin and met her lips. He wanted to give her time to back out of the encounter if she didn’t share his feelings. The soft moan Allyea let out as he claimed her lips made his body react. The way her breath picked up, and the rise and fall of her chest as she inched closer had him aching with need. When she palmed the back of his neck and pulled him closer, he knew that she felt the electricity, the rightness of their bodies coming together.

  The waiter clearing his throat popped their bubble. Which was fortunate, because Lon had completely forgotten where they were. They asked the waiter to give them another minute.

  Lon placed a simple kiss on her swollen lips, “Looks like this is where we go from here.”

  “No.”

  “No?” Lon tensed and sat up straight.

  Allyea licked her bottom lip then caught it between her teeth.

  That action only intensified his arousal from their mini make out session, his erection painfully restrained by his pants. If she keeps this up, I’ll embarrass myself.

  “No. I think it’s time for you to ask for the check.”

  The grin on Allyea’s face and the way she raised her eyebrow in a seductive manor had his mind scrambling for her meaning.

  Allyea leaned over and rested her lips gently against his ear, and a chill ran though his body. “I want you to take me home and make love to me.”

  Her husky breath on his ear echoed the need he was feeling. In less than a millisecond his mind comprehended and he waved down the waiter.

  “Check!” Lon croaked, almost jumping out of his seat.

  ***

  Lon was impressed by the fierceness of Allyea’s passion, as she stripped off her dress then threw it on his bedroom floor, before she launched at him. He was happy to let her take charge because he wanted to take things at her pace. The fact that she was here, letting his hands memorize the shape of her body was enough, but he was thrilled when she let him seize her willing lips.

  Allyea pulled away from the kiss and taking a small step back, caught her breath.

  Lon took the opportunity to let his eyes wander over parts of her body that he’d never seen before, parts he’d recently dreamed about. The way her porcelain skin reflected the dim light of the room was intoxicating. He had no words, but the growing erection, which was now uncomfortable in his pants was saying it all.

  He stripped off his shirt then tugged off his jeans so quickly he almost fell over. At Allyea’s tiny giggle, he shook his head with a grin on his face. The silly episode reminded him that they were still them, but now they were so much more.

  Allyea wrapped her arms around his neck then combed her short nails though his hair. “Do you have a condom?”

  This was happening. Lon composed himself enough to answer, “Over here.” He grabbed one from the drawer of the bedside table. When he turned, Allyea caught him off guard as she pushed him onto the bed.

  She wasted no time climbing on top of him and aligning their bodies. Lon never had a woman take charge before. They’d always waited for him, but the change was sexy as hell.

  With her laying on top of him, Lon took the opportunity to clutch her close and capture her lips. The idea of having a beautiful amazing woman on top of him had never been so erotic.

  With their tongues entangled, Allyea rubbed herself against his erection.

  Even with the thin fabric separating them he was worried that he was going to spill before he got to the main event.

  Lon broke the kiss. “I need just a minute.” He took a couple deep breaths. Allyea must have caught his reaction because she rolled off of him. At her wiggling motion, he realized she was shimmying out of the rest of her clothes and he quickly followed suit. In another a beat, she had taken the condom and sheathed his solid cock.

  Once again, Allyea settled herself on top of his body, this time slowly guiding his hard length into her tight pussy. The pleasure, so intense it was almost painful, urged him to thrust deep into her, taking what he wanted, but he wasn’t about the ruin this moment.

  When she had taken all of him, they both let out a deep throaty sigh.

  Allyea rocked her clit against his body. He held her hips then let his hand roam up her body finally landing on her breast. She covered his kneading hands with her own as another moan escaped her lips. Lon wanted to free his mind and enjoy the pleasure they were sharing, but he was focused on not coming too soon, like an eager teenager. He wanted to last as long as possible and make sure that Allyea was completely satisfied.

  Picking up the pace, Allyea sat up, moving off his cock, only to take it deep inside again and grind her clit against his base. Up, down, grind. Up, down, grind.

  Her hazel green eyes met his as she opened her mouth and ran her delicate tongue over her bottom lip.

  He studied the changes in her expression, which moved from passionate to something carnal. Lon watched as her panting deepened, her lids heavier as they opened and closed. He caressed her cheek, and rubbed his thumb over her bottom lip. When she pulled the digit into her warm mouth and sucked, he almost spilled into her.

  Allyea leaned forward and rested on her forearms on his chest.

  He needed her release. He was too close to his own, and he wasn’t about to leave her unsatisfied.

  His greedy hands rested on her perfect ass before he grasped her hips, holding her in place as he thrusted up, deep into her cunt. When her eyes rolled back and a gasp escaped her lips, he wanted to claim them, but he was enjoying watching the hunger roll through her body.

  When he drove in again, her gaze shot to his and begged for more. She stilled her body, allowing him to take the lead. Grabbing her hips, he lifted her, letting his length slowly slide out of her tight canal. He guided their bodies back together, grinding against her clit when he settled to the hilt.

  He lifted her again, knowing that the build was now torture. With a firm grasp on her hips, he pulled her against his body, plunging, rough and deep. He felt goose bumps erupting across her skin and watched as she forced her eyes open and let out a strong moan. Her core squeezed his throbbing member. He lifted his head and captured her lips as he came hard inside the most remarkable woman he’d ever met. Neither screamed each the other’s name in wild passion, but the shallow, husky breaths and shaky exhales were intimate and sensual. Lon held her body tight against his as their orgasms radiated through their bodies.

  Allyea broke the kiss and relaxed on top of Lon, letting her head fall into the crook of his neck. He soothed his hands over her back. When she rolled off of him, he tossed the condom into the trash then pulled her to him and she snuggled in the nook of his arm. He held Allyea in a comfortable silence, as he reveled in the intensity of the love they had made.

/>   His body was still alert from the epic orgasm he had, when he felt Allyea’s delicate hand run up his torso, and settle on his cheek. The sparkle in her eyes, and the way she slipped her tongue over her bottom lip before nibbling on it said more than words ever could. If she was ready for round two, he was more than willing to accommodate.

  ***

  Allyea skipped out of Lon’s bedroom before he had a chance to pull her back into bed. She would have happily let him if she hadn’t been desperate for a glass of water and a snack. They’d worked up quite an appetite. She smiled fondly at the recent events.

  When she wiped the smile from her face, it broke out even bigger. A chill ran up her spine as she thought about the intensity they’d shared the first time they made love. And each time afterwards, they explored fun new ways to satisfy each other’s needs. Allyea knew better than to question why they hadn’t been doing this all along. She knew why. It hadn’t been their time. It hadn’t been right, but it was right, now.

  Allyea surveyed the cupboards in the kitchen that matched those in her apartment, but in true Lon form they were empty. She headed back to the bedroom to tell him that she was going to grab some snacks from her apartment when she heard his hushed voice. She stopped outside the bedroom door and eavesdropped.

  “Maybe I led you on. I’m a jerk. but this is never going to happen between us…yeah there is someone… it’s very serious.”

  Allyea swooned over those words: “very serious.” She’d wondered about his seriousness, had reservations about it. She hadn’t thought he was lying, but maybe he hadn’t considered the significance of what they were doing.

  She didn’t know why she’d ever worried. Lon had always treated her special. She’d loved him then for all his good and bad. And now she realized that she was in love with him. She hadn’t pressured him to put a label on their situation, but he had. In his mind they were “very serious.” And she agreed.

  When she moved to stand in the open door way, Allyea’s heart pounded so hard that she thought it might come out of her chest. The expression on her face must have scared Lon because he tossed the phone aside and sat up quickly.