Until Her Smile: Happily Ever Alpha World Read online

  “What are you doing tonight for dinner?” Peyton asks, after we’ve settled in together.

  “Nothing that I know of, why?”

  “Would you like to come over to my dad’s place and have dinner with the two of us?”

  “I’d love to. What can I bring?” I offer.

  “Just your pretty little self,” he says, squeezing my hip where his hand rests against my skin.

  “You sure? I don’t mind bringing something. I can bake some cookies, or cake, a pie, or brownies.”

  “I guess if you want to bring some kind of dessert, who am I to tell you no. So, pick something and bring it along, if that will make you happy.”

  “Any request on what I make and bring? Does your dad have a favorite dessert?”

  “Nope, I’m sure anything that you make will be perfect, and Dad’s not picky.”

  “What time should I come over?”

  “Anytime this afternoon. I’ll plan to have the grill going around five thirty, five forty-five at the latest. My dad likes to eat early.”

  “I’ll plan to arrive by five. Earlier, if I get everything done before then that I need to do today.”

  We talk for a few more minutes before sleep claims both of us once again. I wake again a few hours later, still wrapped in Peyton’s arms. For only having slept in his arms for a few hours, they make me feel so protected and at home. I’ve never felt so at peace and while I can’t put my finger on why I’m feeling that way, I’m not going to overthink it at this point. Peyton has to go back home in a week, so I’m going to just enjoy the time we do have together.

  I pull into the driveway of the address Peyton gave me for his dad’s house and park behind his truck. I reach over and grab the pan of salted caramel chocolate chip cookie bars I baked this afternoon. They’re one of my guilty pleasures I love to make, but don’t often because I can’t stop myself from eating the entire pan.

  I step out of my car, pan in hand, and am hit by the incredible smells floating my way from the grill out back. I make my way up to the door and ring the bell, then wait for someone to open the door. When no one answers after a minute, I walk around the side of the house and find Peyton and his dad sitting on the back deck together.

  “Hey!” I call out.

  “You made it!” Peyton calls out, as he stands up and starts down the few steps to the yard to meet me. Once he’s standing in front of me, he reaches out and takes the pan from my hands and then bends to brush a kiss against my cheek. “Come, I’ll introduce you to my dad.”

  He places a hand on my lower back as he escorts me to the deck and up the stairs. “Dad, I’d like to introduce you to Stacey Evans. Stacey, this is my dad, Robert.”

  “So nice to meet you, sir,” I say, shaking his outstretched hand.

  “No need for formalities, Stacey. Please, call me Robert. And it’s nice to meet you, as well. Anyone good enough for this guy to want to bring around for dinner is good in my book.”

  “Daaaad.” Peyton groans next to me and I giggle at his reaction.

  “What, son?” he asks pointedly.

  “Nothing,” Peyton says, shaking his head as he walks over to the grill.

  “So, tell me about yourself,” Robert says, as I take a seat next to him at the patio table. It’s set up in one of the corners of the deck that’s covered with a pergola.

  “I’m a songwriter here in Nashville. I’ve been here since I graduated from college a handful of years ago. Born and raised in North Carolina, where my family still lives. I’m the only rebel that left to pursue my dreams.”

  “Pursuing your dreams is important.”

  “It is, and reaching so many this past year has been so amazing.”

  “Peyton was telling me about your success. I think it’s great you’ve been able to accomplish so much. Takes hard work and dedication to reach the level you have. You must be proud of yourself.”

  “I still pinch myself occasionally to make sure this is my real life. That I really do get to go to work each day with these incredibly talented artists, and that they’re seeking me out to write for them. It’s still a little unreal sometimes.”

  “Can I get you something to drink?” Peyton asks as he comes back over to the table from the grill.

  “Sure, what do you have?”

  “Beer, water, lemonade, there might be a few pops in there.”

  “A glass of lemonade sounds perfect for now,” I tell him before he disappears inside the house.

  “I’ve never seen my boy so smitten with someone as he is with you,” Robert muses, once Peyton is inside and out of earshot.

  “Yeah,” I concur, not knowing really how to address what this is between the two of us. We just met two days ago, yet it feels like we’ve known each other forever. I dread next weekend with him having to leave again. I know he’ll only be just over an hour away from here, but still, it’s not really feasible for one of us to be driving back and forth to see each other. Hell, I don’t even know if that’s something he wants to happen. He might be perfectly happy with a week-long fling and be done with me when he leaves next weekend. “It’s crazy how quickly we’ve connected. I can’t even describe it.”

  “Oh, I can, sweetheart. It’s call fate. That boy of mine has shunned relationships practically his entire life. His mother walking out on us when he was young really did a number on him. Then, the one time he tried his hand at a relationship, and the girl he was dating did a number on him, as well. Ever since that, he’s stuck to his guns that he wouldn’t even consider a relationship, and now here he is, bringing you home to meet me after two days. The only girl he’s ever brought home to meet me, mind you. No one in high school, no one since he’s joined the military. No one. You can’t tell me that fate didn’t have something to do with the two of you meeting the other night.”

  I’m a little tongue-tied at Robert’s frankness. I knew Peyton had his reservations about relationships, but to know that I’m the only girl he’s ever brought home to meet his dad floors me. I figured there’d have been girls in high school, but the way it’s sounding, that’s not the case. I sit back in my seat and let Robert’s words sink in.

  “Here’s your lemonade,” Peyton says, “and a fresh glass of water for you, Pops.”

  “Thank you,” I tell him, flashing him a small smile as he takes the seat next to me.

  “Welcome, and your dessert looks amazing. I snuck a peek at it when I was inside. Took all my self-control to not try a piece now.”

  “Tsk tsk, you don’t want to ruin your meal now,” I tease him.

  “Never.” He chuckles. “The food should be done any minute. I’ve got steaks, and some veggies and potatoes almost done on the grill,” he tells me, taking a drink from his own glass.

  “It smells wonderful. The aroma hit me when I got out of my car and my stomach started growling immediately.”

  Peyton leans over and kisses my cheek once more before he stands up and heads over to the grill that’s situated across the deck, out in the uncovered part.

  “As I said, he’s smitten,” Robert says, low enough that only I can hear him. I do my best to hide my smile but can feel it cresting my lips as I watch Peyton’s every move. He places the food on a platter and then brings it all over to the table. I help pass out the plates and utensils that are piled in the center of the table before we all fill up our plates.

  We fall into a comfortable conversation while we eat, enjoying the meal Peyton prepared. It’s a perfect fall evening. The weather is just right—not hot and not cold enough to drive us inside until after the sun sets.

  Chapter Nine

  Peyton

  I grab the stack of plates and carry them inside, setting them down in the kitchen sink before going back out for the grill tools.

  “What can I help you with?” Stacey asks from the chair where she’s still sitting, talking with my dad.

  “Nothing, you keep your pretty little self right where you are and just relax. I’ve got everything covered.
”

  I’ve been watching how well she’s gotten along with my dad tonight and they’ve interacted as if they’ve known each other forever. She has me feeling things I never thought I’d feel toward a woman. But hell, here I am, introducing her to my dad just two days after meeting her. Asking her to come to dinner tonight was like second nature. I knew I wanted to spend more time with her and doing that with my dad just felt natural. Having them together just felt right.

  “I think I’m going to turn in,” I hear my dad tell Stacey. “It was so nice to meet you and I hope to see you around again.”

  “You too, Robert, and thank you for having me over.”

  “Anytime, dear, anytime,” he tells her before making his way inside, and he stops in the kitchen. “I’m off to watch some TV in bed and call it a night. I might finally be kicking this infection, but I’m feeling quite tired all of a sudden.”

  “Good night, Dad. Holler if you need anything.”

  “Night, son,” he says, walking out of the kitchen and down the hall toward his bedroom. I turn around and Stacey is now standing by the counter, watching me and my dad.

  “Let me help,” she says, coming to stand next to me at the sink.

  “No need, I’ve got everything loaded into the dishwasher already.” I lean down and close the door, hitting the power button before shutting the door all the way. “Want to sit out on the deck or curl up on the couch?”

  “Can we sit out on the swing?”

  “Sure, you want a blanket to keep you warm?” I offer, knowing that with the sun down, the fall chill is going to set in soon.

  “That’d be perfect.”

  I grab a light blanket from the living room and top off my glass. “You want a refill?” I offer, holding up the pitcher of lemonade.

  “I’m good for now,” she says, grabbing the blanket from me as she makes her way back outside. The sky is free of clouds tonight and this neighborhood is far enough away from all the downtown lights that you can actually see the stars when they’re out.

  I take a seat next to Stacey on the swing Dad has out here on the porch. She wraps the blanket around herself, some of it covering my lap. I lift an arm, placing it along the back of the seat, and motion for her to move in close to my side. She takes my offer and slides right in next to me. I bring my hand down, pulling her in just a little tighter to my side.

  We sit in silence, both staring up at the sky as I rock us lightly in the swing.

  “Do you know anything about astronomy?” I ask, breaking the silence between us.

  “Not really. You?”

  “Nope. I can usually find the Big Dipper, nothing more than that.”

  “Sounds about like me. But I do enjoy sitting out here, just looking at the stars. It’s so peaceful. And it’s nice to just be, ya know? Life is usually so go-go-go all the time, so to sit out here with you and just take it all in is nice. Thanks for asking me to come over tonight. I’ve really enjoyed getting to meet your dad. I can see where your personality and charisma come from. You’re like his mini-me,” she tells me.

  “Thank you for coming and spending your evening with two bachelors.” I drop a kiss to her temple.

  “Can I ask you something kinda frankly?” she asks, a few moments later, eyes still on the stars above us.

  “Anything. I never want you to hold anything back. I’ll always answer you truthfully.”

  “What are we doing? What do you want from this?” she asks as she fidgets with her hands, rubbing them together nervously.

  “I’ve asked myself the same question so many times today, and the best answer that I can come up with is we’re spending time together, getting to know each other better,” I tell her, pausing long enough to take a drink. “I’ve never wanted anything serious with anyone, but the thought of leaving here on Sunday without knowing that I’ll get to see you and talk to you again tears my fucking heart out. I don’t know what it is about you, but you have me wanting something I’ve never wanted before. It’s messing with my head just a little bit, if I’m completely honest with you.”

  My words have a huge smile filling her lips, so at least I haven’t scared her off yet.

  “You came out of left field, that’s for sure,” she replies, obviously still processing what I’ve told her as she formulates a response. “I-I’m also not looking forward to you having to leave next weekend. But at least you’re only an hour or so away. We can see each other on the weekends, if we wanted. I can drive up to see you, so you don’t always have to be the one driving down here. That is, if you want to see where this goes between the two of us.”

  “Stacey, let me make this as clear as I can. I want you. I don’t know how that will work out all the time, but make no mistake, I’m staking my claim. You’re mine,” I growl as I slam my lips to hers, then pull her into my lap so she’s straddling me as I kiss her deeper.

  She breaks the kiss and brings her forehead to mine as we both suck in a few breaths. “Take me to bed, Peyton,” she says and I spring into action. I stand up and she wraps her legs around my waist. The blanket that was wrapped around her drops to the deck. I snag a corner of it and pull it up, setting it on the swing. Once I’m free of the blanket and not worried about tripping over it, I stalk inside. Stacey’s lips have found my neck and are driving me fucking crazy. My dick is as hard as a steel pipe and pressed against the zipper of my jeans, trying to bust its way out of my pants.

  I make it back to my bedroom and lay Stacey out on the center of my bed. I kiss her quickly on the lips before I push back off the bed. I walk over to shut and lock the door, then reach behind my head, grabbing the collar of my t-shirt and pull it off over my head in one swoop. I watch Stacey’s face as I do, and notice her pupils dilate once the skin of my torso is exposed.

  “Like what you see?” I ask, as she bites that plush bottom lip of hers.

  “Mmmhmm…” she agrees, a smile now cresting her lips.

  I close the distance between the door and the bed once again, opening the nightstand drawer and pulling out a strip of condoms. I rip one package off, toss it on one of the pillows, and place the rest of the strip on the top of the nightstand for easy access.

  “A little sure of yourself?” she asks, her left eyebrow cocked up as she motions to the strip of condoms on the nightstand.

  “Just making sure we’re prepared.” I wink at her. “Are you going to be able to be quiet tonight, or do we need to pack this up and take it to your place?”

  “Um…I’d like to think I could be quiet,” she says, a coy smile on her lips. “And as much as I’d like to already be naked underneath you, the thought of going back to my place where we don’t have to worry about how loud we are sounds appealing, as well.”

  “You’re killing me right now.” I groan as I hover over her on the bed. “So, are we being quiet?” I ask, dropping a peck to her lips, punctuating my question. “Or are we leaving?”

  I kiss her again, and this time, I linger, drinking her in as I explore her mouth with my own. I feel her fingers trail a path around my body, resting against my back as she attempts to pull me closer.

  I break the kiss, wanting so bad to move things along and sink inside of her, but I don’t want either of us to have to hold back. “That’s it, we’re going to your place. I’ve made up my mind,” I tell her as I find my shirt and pull it back over my head. “Let’s go. I need inside you.”

  I pull her up until she’s standing in front of me. Stacey grabs her things and I write a quick note for my dad, letting him know I’ll be back tomorrow morning. “I’ll follow you,” I tell her before I close her car door.

  I jump in my truck. Since it’s already getting late, and tomorrow’s a work day for most people, the traffic isn’t bad and we make it to her place fairly quickly.

  Once inside her condo, I close the door behind us and lock it up tight.

  “Where were we?” she asks, wrapping her hands around me and pulling me against her as her lips find my neck.

 
; “We were”—I stop to kiss her as I slide my hands down her body and under her ass. Our lips part as I heft her up and she wraps her legs around my waist once I have her high enough. I bring my lips back to hers and kiss her deeply— “about to get naked.”

  I start walking and don’t stop until I’ve entered her bedroom and am standing next to her bed. I lay her back on the bed, her ass at the edge of the mattress. This position gives me full access to press my cock against her pussy. I can feel the heat radiating off of her even through the layers of fabric we’re still wearing. I thrust against her as I devour her mouth, then move my lips along her jaw and down the column of her neck.

  I break apart and take my shirt off once again, then step back from the bed and remove my jeans and boxers. Standing completely naked in front of Stacey, I give my cock a few strokes as I let my eyes roam her body. She’s yet to move, so she’s still fully dressed, lying in front of me. “Think you could lose the clothes?” I finally ask as she watches me stroking myself.

  “If you insist,” she says, “but I was enjoying the show.”

  She winks up at me as she sits up and starts removing her clothes. Her shirt and bra come off first and join the pile of my clothes on the floor next to the bed. Next, she shimmies out of her tight-ass jeans, taking the scrap of lace she calls panties with them.

  Besides the movement of my hand on my shaft, I stay stock still, watching her undress. As each inch of skin is revealed to me, my mouth waters and my fingers itch to brand her skin.

  With her fully naked and spread out on the bed in front of me, my control finally snaps, and I advance, dropping to my knees and sliding my hands up her legs. I hook my hands behind her knees and pull her ass back to the edge of the bed, then dip my mouth to her center and lick her seam. The shudder that rattles through her body spurs me on. I spread her folds with my fingers, rubbing circles around her clit before I sink two fingers inside her pussy. I latch on to her clit, sucking it hard between my lips. I lightly graze with my teeth, sending another jolt of pleasure through her body.