The Dealmaker (Sex & Bonds 1)

“What about your sisters?” Porgeous asks, turning back to me. “Your family? You’ve been so hellbent on helping them out all these years. This is a sudden change of heart.”

He’s my only friend who knows about my family. He’s a fuckboy, yes, but he’s also the least judgmental person I’d ever met before I met Nora.

I lift a shoulder. “I grew up. Realized it was time I did something for myself instead of thinking about everyone else first. Don’t worry, I have Ree’s blessing.”

George smiles. “How is your mama?”

“She’s good. Finally getting some physical therapy for her back.”

“Glad to hear it.”

“She loves Nora,” I say quietly. “They all do.”

“Lemme guess. Nora loves them right back.”

I nod. “Never would’ve guessed Nora fucking Frasier would fit right in with the Morgans, but yeah. Yeah, she does.”

“I’m happy for you, Theo.”

I’m scared out of my mind. What if this blows up in my face? What if Nora hates me for making a move without telling her? What if the cost of Mom’s health insurance goes up? What if what if what if? So much to consider.

So much at stake.

But for Nora, I’m willing to risk it all.

Lattes in hand, I walk through my front door to find Nora standing at the sink in one of my button-downs and nothing else.

Legs for days. Tits pert, her nipples visible through the starched white fabric. Hair gathered in a messy knot at the top of her head. I know if I reach for her pussy I’ll find her bare, no underwear. I forbid her from wearing any while in my house.

She smiles when she sees me. Lips and eyes and all. She’s got her phone in one hand and a glass of water in the other. I notice the oven’s on; there’s something in the air that smells suspiciously like French toast keeping warm in said oven.

I smile too. Nora cooked my favorite breakfast for me.

“Hey!” she breathes. “I was just texting with Shelby. Sounds like the girls want sushi for dinner, so I thought I could grab O-Ku later while I’m out getting wine.”

A weight drops inside my chest. Nora is in my shirt in my house. Texting with my sister about my favorite sushi spot down the street from my townhouse. Making plans for our night together with my family. French toast in the oven, no panties—

I fucking love you.

“Coffee,” I manage, holding out the styrofoam tray. “For you. Caffeine. Coffee. For . . . you.”

Nora sets down her water and gives me a funny look as she moves toward me. “Did your sweaty workout cause the robot inside you to short-circuit this morning?”

I take her face in my hand and kiss her, hard, on the mouth. “Yes. I think I might need a reboot.”

“Lucky for you”—she licks inside my mouth—“I’m an expert at that.”

She tastes like toothpaste and smells like me, and the next thing I know I’ve set the lattes down and I’m crowding her against the counter, my mouth on her neck. I’m sweaty and sunburnt, but she doesn’t seem to care as she yanks my shirt over my head and runs her hands over my stomach, my chest, the aching muscles there tensing beneath her touch.

I’m also shaking. I kiss her lips and reach between her legs. My fingers slip easily inside her wet softness. I trace my fingertip over her clit, teasing, and she laughs breathlessly, lips moving into a smile against my own.

I love you.

“I love how wet you wake up for me,” I murmur, beginning to unbutton her shirt with my other hand.

She presses a kiss to the underside of my jaw. “I love how you bring me coffee.”

“I love—fuck.” The second button slips out of my grasp because I’m shaking so hard. “Shit fuck damn it—”

Nora covers my hand with hers. Her grip is gentle but steady. “Let’s do it together,” she says softly, moving our fingers in tandem to work the button through its hole. “Just like that. There we go, Teddy. See? Not so hard now.”

My body throbs as we move from one button to the next, each time revealing a sliver more of her chest, the curve of a breast. One nipple, puffy and perfect. Then the other. All the while I wonder—does she know? Can she tell I’m keeping it in?

Is she in love with me too?

The last button is undone and I help Nora wiggle out of my shirt. I lean down to kiss her shoulders. Take a nipple in my mouth, sucking lightly. Just enough to make her pant, to have her arching against me, asking for more.

My dick is screaming.

I grip her legs and gently lift her onto the counter. She spreads her legs, revealing a slit that’s red and pink and swollen. It’s bordered by little curls of dark blond pubic hair—she’s let it grow back since California. Staring, I shuck off my shorts and briefs. I’m at eye level with her pussy, so I duck my head and kiss her there. I press the flat of my tongue to her clit before gathering it between my lips. I suck.