My tongue instinctively ran over my lips. Holden stood, placed his hands on my desk, and leaned closer to me. The smell of his woodsy cologne fueled my libido even more. “You know. Come to think of it, we’ve never had sex in your office or mine.”
The beating of my heart was so strong I felt it through my entire body. Trying to keep my cool, I replied, “That would be rather tricky since your father is sandwiched between both of our offices.”
“We can be quiet.”
Lifting a brow, I entertained the idea for a few brief moments. When his green eyes met my brown, something ignited between us. It didn’t take much to heat things up with us. We never seemed to be able to get enough of each other. I had thought it was only because we were making up for lost time, but things seemed to be growing even more intense as the weeks passed. Each time we were together was more incredible than the time before.
“I don’t know. You tend to bring out another side of me when we’re together.”
Holden’s gaze turned dark, and I knew that look. He was turned on and the chances of us having sex were increasing by the second.
He walked around the desk and reached for my hands, pulling me up. “I bet if you try really hard, you can be quiet.”
My gaze drifted over to my office door.
“I already locked it.”
Focusing back on Holden, he wore a devilish grin. “So you had this all planned out?”
“It’s called positive thinking, baby.”
I lifted the left corner of my mouth in smirk. “Is that so?”
“Yep. Just like I’m positive if I slip my hand down those panties, you’re going to be ready for me.”
My body trembled and a rush of wetness hit my panties. Holden took a deep breath in. “Fuck you smell so damn good.”
I pressed my lips together, silently wishing he would do what he said and give me the orgasm I so desperately wanted.
His hand came up and caressed the side of my face so gently. “You’re so beautiful. You make it hard to breathe when I’m around you.”
My own breathing became shallow as I looked into his eyes. “If I bend you over this desk and fuck you, can you be quiet?”
All I could do was nod in response to the sweet action mixed with his dirty talk.
“Is that a yes, Em? Because right now all I want to do is sink my—”
The knock on my office door caused me to gasp and Holden to curse under his breath.
“Just when it was getting good,” I whispered.
“Emylie?”
It was Holden’s dad. I went to walk over to the door, but Holden grabbed my arm and shook his head.
“What?” I mouthed. There was no way I was going to get it on knowing Sam was standing on the other side of my door.
“He’ll go away,” Holden whispered.
I covered my mouth to hide my smile. “You’re crazy!”
His mouth pressed to mine, kissing me like he hadn’t seen me in days. His tongue explored my mouth with pure desire. When his hand slipped up under my dress, I opened my legs wider for him.
One sweep of my panties to the side and his finger was massaging my pulsing walls.
“Jesus, you’re fucking wet,” Holden whispered.
Dropping my head to his chest, I relished in the feel of his touch.
Pressing his thumb against my swollen clit, I gasped.
“Are you close?” he asked, slipping another finger in.
“So. Close.”
Just as my body was winding up with my orgasm, he pulled his finger out and unbuckled his belt. He wasn’t trying to be quiet at all. When I saw his hard dick slip from his pants, I let out a moan.
“Commando,” I whispered. My teeth sunk into my lip and my body shook knowing he would be buried inside me soon. “That’s so damn hot.”
I wanted to drop to my knees and take him in my mouth. Run my tongue along the pulsing vein that ran the length of his dick.
“Put your hands on your desk.”
Doing what he asked, I held my breath.
“Are you ready, baby?”
My breaths were labored and the need to have him inside of me was almost too much to take. If I slipped my fingers down to my clit and pressed, I’d come on the spot.
He pressed his dick against me, slowly inching in as he ran his hands over my ass cheeks. “Damn, you look hot like this. There are so many things I want to do to you, Em.”
“What kind of things?” I asked while glancing over my shoulder.
We were still whispering but I gasped when he pushed into me hard and fast. Leaning over my back, he bit my earlobe and said, “Lots of dirty things.”
“Oh God, Holden,” I whispered while I gripped the desk harder.
That’s when we both heard the door unlock.
Pulling out of me, he grabbed me and pulled me down to the floor.
“Emylie?”
The sound of Sam’s voice caused my eyes to widen. Holden covered my mouth.
“Why would she lock her office door?” Sam asked.
“Not sure,” Debbie replied.
I prayed they wouldn’t walk into the room any farther. If they did, they would surely see us.
Then it happened.
My entire world came to a stop and I was positive Holden was about to pass out.
My father spoke.
“Maybe she went out on the ranch with Holden?”
Pure panic filled me as I looked at Holden. He acted calm, but I knew deep down inside he was seeing his life flash before him.
“You know what, I’m pretty sure she told me she had a few errands to run. I bet that’s where she is.”
“Huh. I swore I heard her and Holden in here talking,” Sam said.
Holden closed his eyes.
This is not happening. My father is not standing in my office next to Holden’s parents with the two of us down on the floor with Holden’s dick hanging out of his pants.
Maybe if I squeeze my eyes closed tight enough, I can make this a dream.
“How about a piece of pecan pie, gentlemen?”
“That sounds heavenly. Just don’t tell Kim I said that,” my father stated with a chuckle.
The door shut and the sound of muffled voices disappeared. I quickly pushed Holden’s hand off my mouth and jumped up. Attempting to straighten myself out, I looked directly at Holden. “Your mother knew! Oh my God … she must have seen us?”
His face turned white. “No,” he whispered. “There was no way she saw us.”
“Oh, she knew! I didn’t tell her I had errands to run! Oh my God. Your mom knows we had sex in here. I’ll never be able to look at her again.”
After tucking his dick back into his pants, Holden laughed. “Nonsense. She doesn’t know.”
The door opened and we both froze.
Debbie cleared her throat and we both slowly turned to face her. Her furrowed brows were lifted and her hands laid on her hips.
“Oh, hey, Mom,” Holden said with a nervous chuckle.
My mouth opened to say something, but nothing but an awkward sound came forth.
Debbie glanced between us then focused back in on Holden. “You’re both grown adults who are building a future together. Now I know what it’s like, believe me. Sam and I had some fun times in his office, and the barn, and on the tractor.”
Holden’s hands flew up to his ears. “Mom! Oh God, why?”
She walked in and pointed to Holden. “If my mind had to go there, then so did yours.”
Glancing my way, I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment. “Chuck, the contractor, is looking for you both. They have some questions about the kitchen cabinets.”
I nodded. “Yes ma’am.”
Debbie winked and gave me a smile. “Now get back to work, both of you.”
Holden’s mom turned and headed out of my office, leaving the door wide open. I let out a sigh of relief and plopped on my chair.
“How did she know?” Holden asked.
My head shook. “I don??
?t know.” My heart was hammering in my chest. I was never having sex in my office or this house or anywhere other than my bed ever again.
“That was kind of exciting!” Holden stated with a laugh. My head snapped over to him.
“What? That was sheer horror. How can you say that was exciting?” I questioned.
He wiggled his brows then leaned down and pressed a kiss to my lips. “The thrill of being caught.” His face lit up with amusement and I couldn’t help but giggle. “Listen, I’ve got to go, but I’ll call Chuck and set up a time to meet with him at the house.”
“Okay, sounds good.”
Leaning in closer, he kissed the spot on the side of my neck that caused my heart to accelerate. “I promise to pick up where we left off tonight.”
My stomach dipped and a wave of heat washed across my body. This man could melt me into a puddle of mess with a few simple words and one touch.
“I can’t wait,” I said with a breathy voice.
Holden stood back and flashed me that smile I loved so much. “Bye, babe. Love you.”
“Be careful, and I love you too.”
Watching him walk away, I couldn’t help but let the feeling of utter happiness settle over my body.
Life was moving on and we were together. That day in the barn when we held each other close and talked of a future together no longer seemed like a lost dream.
MY GAZE DRIFTED up again to my rearview mirror. The sheriff had been following me for about a mile now.
Glancing over to Emylie, she had her face buried in her phone, looking at backsplash samples.
“I guess we need to figure out which one so we can get this over to Chuck.”
“You pick, babe. I’m good with anything you want.”
With a sigh, she looked my way. “No. This is our house, Holden. Really it’s your house, and you talked me into moving in with you.”
“Baby, it’s our house. We’re doing this together. Remember you forced me to let you pay half on the loan?”
She chortled. “Okay, then you have to be part of the decision.”
I glanced in the mirror again.
“Did you call Mason and Becca to tell them we’re on the way?”
“Yep,” she said absentmindedly. “Becca sure seemed excited about something.”
I rolled my eyes. “When is she not excited about something.”
“Stop it. She’s happy and that makes me happy. Sage is over the moon in love with Mason. Did Mason tell you she called him Daddy the other day?”
Warmth spread through my chest when I thought back to Mason standing there with tears in his eyes. I knew then I didn’t want to wait. Life was short and I was ready to start my life with Emylie. That’s when we decided to come up with the plan.
My hands started sweating as the sheriff got closer to me.
“Uh … yeah. He told me. He was pretty um, emotional about it.”
“I bet!” Emylie said with a soft chuckle.
“What’s wrong? You seem so nervous.”
“Cop. He’s been following me since I pulled out of the driveway.”
Emylie turned around and looked out the back window. “It’s probably nothing. You’re not speeding are you?”
“No.”
“Do you have a taillight out?” Emylie asked.
“Not that I know of.”
“Lights working on the license plate?” she asked, attempting to hold back a giggle.
Rolling my eyes, I replied, “Ha ha.”
She reached for my hand. “You’re being silly, Holden. It’s fine.”
“Right. I’m just a little on edge tonight and you know my track record with cops.”
“I noticed and yes, I know.”
I glanced up again before swallowing hard. His lights turned on and I let out a curse.
“He’s pulling me over.”
Emylie looked over her shoulder again. “Damn. We’re going to be late. You have the worst luck with cops.”
I pulled over into the parking lot of the gas station and took in a deep breath. Glancing over to Emylie, she shrugged. “Maybe you were speeding and didn’t realize it.”
The sheriff walked up as I let the window down.
“Holden Warner?”
“Uh, yes, sir that’s me.”
He opened the truck door and said, “I’m going to need you to keep your hands where I can see them and step out of the truck.”
Emylie’s looked at me with a terrified expression. “I don’t think it was a light out.”
Another sheriff appeared on Emylie’s side of the truck. “Ms. Sanchez?”
“Y-yes?” Emylie stuttered.
“Please step on out of the truck ma’am and stand on over here.”
Emylie did as she was told, but true to her personality, she started with the questions. “Are you going to tell us why you pulled us over? Is it because he’s been pulled over so many times?”
“Hey!” I looked at her. “Seriously, Em?”
She shrugged and made a face. “Sorry!”
The sheriff replied with only a “No.”
“Oh. Well, do we get a hint?”
I tried like hell not to laugh. The sheriff walked me behind the truck while the other sheriff did the same thing with Emylie.
“Sir, we need you to stand here while we call for backup.”
“What in the hell did you do, Holden?” she gasped.
“Me? How do you know it’s me?”
Her mouth dropped. “They said your name!”
I motioned to the sheriff standing next to her. “He said your name.”
She went to say something and stopped.
Then dispatch came over his radio.
“Contain the suspects until backup arrives.”
Emylie looked between both cops and then back to me. “This is not looking good!”
“Sir, I need you to put your hands behind your back and get down on the ground.”
Emylie’s gaze widened. “Holden,” she whispered then peeked at the sheriff standing next to her. She pulled her head back in shock. “Why are you recording this on Holden’s phone? What in the hell is going on here?”
The sheriff placed the box in my hand as I dropped to one knee. Behind Emylie, I saw everyone approaching. I drew in a deep breath and started talking.
“Em?”
She focused back on me. Her chin quivered as she looked at me. “It’s always been said since I can remember that you and I were meant to be together. I knew the first moment you smiled at me you would always be a part of my life. Then one day, something inside me changed and you were no longer my best friend, but the woman I loved. Over the years, I dreamed at night about how I wanted to make you my wife. How would I ask you? Would I be able to make it special enough? Could I make it something we would never forget?”
I pulled my hands out from behind my back and opened the small red velvet box that held her engagement ring I bought back when we were in college. I’d had the ring stored in a safety deposit box in California and was the only real reason I had flown back when everything went down with Daphne. Her hands went over her mouth as she let out a sob.
“It’s been one hell of a bumpy road for us. If I could go back and change one thing, you know I would, but I can’t. So all I can do is promise you from this day forward that I will love you and take care of you. I vow to never in this lifetime hurt you again. You were made for me and I was made for you. Will you marry me, Emylie Sanchez?”
Tears flowed down her face as she nodded her head and rushed over to me. I got up just in time to catch her in my arms.
Our family and friends quickly began cheering as Emylie and I kissed. Laughing against my lips, she pulled away and looked back at everyone and then at me.
“How did you do this?”
Setting her down on the ground, I placed the diamond ring on her hand and kissed her. “I called in a favor from a friend.”
She glanced up and looked at Dave. “Oh my God, Dave Jones! I
didn’t even know that was you!” Emylie rushed over and hugged him. “You scared the shit out of me!”
Dave threw his head back and laughed. “Was it a moment you’ll never forget?”
Emylie chuckled. “Yes! I will for sure never forget it!”
“Good. Then we did our job.”
Walking back over to me, Emylie buried her face into my chest while I wrapped my arms around her. Becca and Kim were the first ones over to us, pulling Emylie from my arms and demanding to see the ring. Mario and I shook hands as he gave me a pat on the back.
“Good job, son.”
After thanking him, it was my father’s turn. We shook hands then he pulled me in for a quick hug. I hugged my mother who promptly turned to Kim and started talking about wedding plans. I walked over to Dave and his partner Jim and thanked them again for helping me out.
“Any time,” Dave stated with a quick handshake. Jim handed me the camera he used to record the proposal and congratulated us again.
After all the hugging and congratulating, Mario whistled and got everyone’s attention.
“Now that Holden has made it official, it’s time to throw a party for these two! Finally!”
The cheers erupted again as Emylie walked up to me and I wrapped her in my arms. Kissing the top of her head, I held her close.
“Are you happy?” I asked with my mouth pressed next to her ear.
“I’ve never been so happy in my entire life. But we need to talk alone.”
My heart dropped. Shit. Maybe I asked her to soon? I originally was going to ask her the day we moved into the house, but I couldn’t wait any longer.
Forcing a smile, I managed to speak. “Sure, okay, well let’s head on over to your folks’ place, I’ll take the long way.”
She reached up with her hand and gently placed it on my cheek. “It’s nothing bad so get that look out of your eyes.”
Leaning into her touch, I tried to ease the fear in my chest. Everyone scattered off into different directions as I held the truck door open for her. Once she was in, I slowly walked around the front of the truck while I attempted to settle my racing pulse.
I climbed into the cab of the truck and started it. Emylie instantly blurted out, “I want to elope.”
My head jerked back as I turned to face her. “What?”
“Run off and get married.”