Landlady: A New Adult Romance (Northbridge Nights Book 1) (27 page)

“You're right. This is perfect.”

When we got back to our room, I desperately needed a bath. My bones
ached and my head swam. But I hadn’t brought a cast cover with me,
so I'd need help. Normally I wouldn't ask my date to do something so
unappealing, but I had no choice.

“Asher, could you do me a favor?” I asked.

“What is it?”

“Can you give me a bath?”

“I would love to,” Asher said. “That sounds incredibly sexy.”

“It would be sexy if it didn't entail trying to keep a gigantic
cast elevated and dry,” I said.

“I'll take any chance I get to see you naked.” Asher grinned. He
locked the front door, swept me off my feet and carried me towards
the bathroom.

Once inside, Asher drew a bath, and I sat on the toilet seat,
watching steam curl up from the hot water. Asher looked in the mirror
and watched as it fogged up.

“I bet this isn't what you pictured yourself doing at the end of a
first date,” I said.

“No, it isn't,” Asher replied, “it's even better.”

“How could this be better?”

“Uh, first of all, I get to see Sierra Maywood naked in a tub. Hot.
Second of all, I get to actually wash her body? Even hotter. I'm the
luckiest man alive.”

God, I fricking loved this man.

After the bathtub had been filled halfway, Asher turned off the
faucet. Then, on one bended knee, he helped me peel off my t-shirt.
He unhooked my bra, and the rush of air against my skin made my
nipples harden. Asher let out a small hum as he tugged off my bra
straps and marveled at the sight of my breasts.

“You, Sierra Maywood, are a goddess,” he murmured.

I ran my fingers through his dark hair and leaned against him,
bringing a nipple to his mouth. He drew the tight bud between his
lips and sucked. Tiny fireworks exploded in my belly, and I wanted to
forgo the bath altogether in lieu of something far more exciting in
the bedroom. But my muscles ached, and I felt sticky. I needed a
bath.

“You drive me crazy, Asher,” I moaned.

He made circles with his tongue around my areola, teasing the puffy
pink skin before gently nipping it.

“Have I told you how much I love your tits?” Asher groaned. He
cupped his right hand over my right breast and squeezed. “They're
absolutely perfect.”

“You're absolutely perfect.” I smiled. “Now help me in please.”
Leaning against Asher's shoulders, I hobbled into the bathtub. The
water lapped against my shins. It was fairly hot, but not scalding.
Asher lowered me down slowly, careful to keep my right leg elevated.
I propped up my cast on the edge of the tub, and Asher kept it from
sliding down into the water.

He grabbed a face cloth and wet it before squeezing body wash on top
and working it into a lather.

After I had settled down, Asher washed my neck, letting the foam
slide down between my breasts. My nipples were poking in and out of
the water, and he couldn't help but give them a pinch. I squealed.

“Focus, Asher!” I cried, trying not to laugh.

“It's kind of hard when you're naked in a tub, and all I want to do
is join you,” he replied.

“If you get my cast wet you're in big trouble, buddy.” I shot him
a warning look, and he nodded.

“Okay, lift up your arms.”

“I can wash my own upper body, Asher. I just need help with washing
my left leg.”

Asher shook his head. “I want to explore every inch of your body.
Please?”

I felt hairs on the back of my neck prickle as Asher dragged the
washcloth over my sensitive arms. When he brushed the undersides of
my biceps ever so gently, I groaned. Asher squeezed more body wash
into his palms and washed my breasts in a very professional manner.
He actually seemed to be concentrating quite hard and lost in his own
thoughts.

“What are you thinking about?” I asked when he was almost done.

“Just how magnificent your body looks,” he said, not looking up
from washing my leg. “And all the nasty things I'd do to you if you
didn't have a broken leg.”

“You better slow down with the praises; it's all going straight to
my head, you know.” I grinned. “Come on, let's get me dried and
up to bed, shall we?”

“Yes, ma'am.” Asher winked at me as he lifted me out of the tub
and wrapped a fuzzy towel around me. The towel was warm and soft, and
I just about swooned in his strong arms. I was a bit light-headed
from sitting down in the hot water for so long and clutched Asher for
support.

“Have a seat,” Asher said, gesturing to the toilet. He pulled out
a hair dryer and plugged it in. Then he began blow-drying my hair
while running a brush through the tangles. “I love your hair,”
Asher said, “Always have. It's pure silk.”

Each brushstroke against my scalp sent tingles down my back. It was
so relaxing, and the heat felt so good against my head and shoulders
that I almost fell asleep. I suddenly realized that this was what it
felt like to be pampered by the man I loved. And I never wanted it to
end.

“Mind carrying me to bed?” I asked when Asher was done.

“I wouldn't have it any other way,” Asher murmured, kissing the
tip of my nose.

Once we left the bathroom, a chill ran down my spine. The difference
in temperature caused goosebumps to spike along my arms and legs.
“Geez it's cold out here,” I said, teeth chattering.

Asher quickly brought me upstairs and laid me on the mattress. Then
he wrapped the comforter up around my neck and climbed into bed with
me. “Are you still cold? Do you need anything?”

“I'm fine,” I said, face flush and heart beating fast. “I just
need you. Here, beside me. Hold me, Asher.”

“Okay love.” Asher pulled me up against his chest, and I could
hear his strong heartbeat thumping against my ear. His chest hair
tickled my cheek as I inhaled his scent.

“This is so comfy,” I said. “I could stay like this forever.”

“Me too, Sierra. Me too. Now get some sleep, baby. You earned it,”
Asher murmured against my hair.

The moment was intimate. Sweet. Completely undemanding and relaxed. I
was surprised at how soon my eyelids began to droop. Minutes later, I
was sound asleep.

CHAPTER 26

ASHER

I HAD ALWAYS PUT OFF buying my own home because I didn't want to lay
down any roots. I liked the idea and freedom of just packing up my
things and moving to a new condo or townhouse and starting anew. In
fact, one of the reasons I had decided to rent Sierra's grandmother's
house was because I wanted a fresh start. My old condo, the one I had
rented after I graduated from law school, reminded me too much of my
college days. Too many drunken parties and one-night stands. I also
felt stifled in that penthouse. It was too much money for too little
space.

So when I learned about a charming Victorian home available for rent,
I jumped at the opportunity. I'd always had a soft spot for historic
homes.

I never thought in a million years any of
this
would happen.

I looked down at Sierra, who was sound asleep in my arms. Something
was so different about her. I could feel it down in my bones. My soul
was drawn to hers—no other way to put it, really. It was an
uncontrollable feeling that made me feel exhilarated and terrified at
the same time. Being with her felt so right, but at the same time,
held so many questions. What if we couldn't make this work? What if
all of this led to nothing? I would've put my heart on the line for
nothing.

No. I couldn't possibly let something this good slip through my
fingers. Though I hadn't known her for long, I knew she was a keeper.
If I fucked this up, I'd be ruined forever. No doubt about it.

Sierra was the type of woman who could convince
me to put down roots–who already had, really. To stay and to
treasure a home that belonged to both of us. And I
would
treasure her. Worship her. And I would do everything in my power to
make her realize how much she meant to me. My world had been blurry
and undefined chaos until she appeared and made everything clear. It
began as lust, but was so much more now. It was love. A pure,
unadulterated, can't-live-without-it kind of love.

I should've just slept with her, but I couldn't. My mind swam with
questions and possibilities, and I needed to calm the fuck down. So I
drove. I drove all the way back home, filled a suitcase full of
Sierra's clothes and then I saw her teddy bear. The first thing I had
ever learned about her: she was a grown woman who still kept a
stuffed animal. I'd thought it was ridiculous then, but now I found
it absolutely adorable. Oh how far we'd come. I grabbed the teddy
bear before driving back to the lodge.

By the time I returned, it was two in the morning. Everything was
peaceful and for the first time in weeks, everything was clear to me.
It was as if all the puzzle pieces clicked into place. All my worries
faded away, and I had a clear direction now. I knew what I had to do.
When I'd figured everything out, I crawled into bed, pulled Sierra
close and fell asleep.

+++

“I HAVE A PLAN,” I announced first thing in the morning.

Sierra groaned and rubbed her eyes. “It's too early in the morning
to have a plan. I need coffee first.”

“Already ordered room service.” I grinned. “Your breakfast
feast awaits.”

“When did you get up?” Sierra asked, pushing herself up. She
noticed her suitcase on the floor. “When did you get my stuff? Holy
cow how long have I been asleep?”

I glanced at my watch. “It's only nine. I got up an hour ago. I
couldn't sleep last night, so I went for a drive,” I explained. “I
wanted you to have a fresh change of clothes when you woke up.”

“You shouldn't have, Asher.”

“It's my duty, as your boyfriend.” I walked over and brought back
a set of clothes I'd picked out for her. “In fact, as a thank you,
I'd love it if you could wear this.”

It was a bright red tank-top, and a flared white skirt. In terms of
lingerie, I'd chosen a lacy red bra and matching panties for her.

“Sure. Help me put it on,” Sierra said. She dropped the blanket,
and her exposed breasts made me gasp. “We better hide those
beauties before I lose my self-control,” I said, looking away.

“Maybe I want you to lose control,” Sierra purred, tugging at my
arm and bringing me down onto the bed.

“I made plans for today,” I said. “I don't want us to be late.”

“I'll be quick,” she smiled, tugging at my belt and unbuckling
it.

“Sierra—”

“Give me ten minutes. Fifteen tops,” she said, sliding my belt
off and working on the zipper.

I couldn't help but stand still and watch as
she tugged down my trousers and then continued onto my briefs. Thank
God I’d taken a quick shower earlier. But still, we had things to
do.

“You don't have to—”

Sierra looked at me through hooded eyes. “I really, really want to.
I've been craving your cock since we stepped foot in this place.”

“Have you now?” I asked, grinning.

“Mmhm.” She freed my erection and studied it, her pupils
dilating. Her fingertips brushed along my shaft like a paintbrush
stroke, sending a painful tingle down to my balls. When her hands
finally closed around me, I tensed.

Sierra didn't waste another second. She wrapped
her lips around my swollen head, and I was
gone.

“Fuck, Sierra...”

Sierra lowered her head until I hit the back of her throat. Then she
withdrew again, leaving a trail of glistening wetness along my
pulsing member. She repeated the action, this time moving faster.
Within a few minutes, I was ready to explode, and she knew it. I
wanted to do so much more with her, but I knew I couldn't. I didn't
want to hurt her, especially since her leg was still healing. After
all, I was a pretty big guy at 6'4” and almost 210 pounds.

When I couldn't handle a second longer of that sweet torture, I
pulled out and came all over her smooth chest. Sierra licked her lips
and sighed, watching my face as it contorted with ecstasy.

“You taste
fantastic
,”
she said. “Should we go for round two in a bit?”

I leaned down and kissed her; her lips tasted like me. “Time to
return the favor.”

“I thought you said we'd be late,” Sierra pointed out.

“This can't wait,” I replied, pushing her down on the bed. She
was already soaked when my fingers found her opening and dove inside.
I explored her slowly, carefully, an adventurer braving a new world.
Her every gasp and sigh ignited me, set my nerves on fire. I wanted
to spend all day pleasuring her over and over; I really did. But
unfortunately, this would have to be quick.

My fingers probed her channel until they found her G-spot. Within a
couple minutes, she was arching her back and bucking against me. A
minute after that, she exploded against my hand, covering me with her
sweet cream. Her entire body relaxed and she exhaled. A shudder
visibly ran through her as she uncurled her toes.

I leaned down and kissed her again. “You O-face is absolutely
gorgeous. I'm gonna need to see that again later tonight.”

“Are you sure we can't just stay in bed all day?” Sierra pouted.
“I'm so comfy right now.”

I walked into the bathroom and returned with a warm towel to wipe her
off. “Come on. Let's get some breakfast in you and then hit the
road.”

“Where are we going?”

“I'd like to introduce you to some people.”

“Who?”

I grinned. “My newest clients.”

+++

I'D CALLED EARLIER TO CONFIRM they were still staying at the Hilton.
But I double-checked now just to make sure. I wanted to keep it a
surprise so I didn't tell Sierra what was going on until we waltzed
into a meeting room at the hotel and I made the introductions.