Goddamn. That’s a beautiful sight.
“Then you’ll be playing me for a long damn time, Moby. Because I’m that good.” She winked as she used the nickname she’d given me.
In that moment, I wanted to see her laugh for a hell of a lot longer than I’d be staying in New Orleans. I had a ticking time bomb on my hands, and I wouldn’t be able to stick around much longer. Hell, I shouldn’t have stuck around this long. But as I took my seat across from Magnolia, I was certain I’d stay as long as I fucking could.
God, I should just take her with me.
The thought came out of nowhere, but I couldn’t say it was altogether crazy. Hell, it was the only good option, because I sure as shit didn’t want to walk away from New Orleans and leave her here.
“You’re one of a kind, mama. Never met a woman like you before.”
Her laughter died away as her whiskey-colored eyes met mine. “I find that hard to believe. Besides, you’re already getting laid. No need to flatter me for it.”
She couldn’t see what I saw in her, and that was a goddamned tragedy.
“It ain’t flattery when it’s the truth,” I told her. “Now, let’s play. You gotta admit I’m getting better. A few more days, and I’m gonna give you a run for your money.”
Her hand froze as she reached for the chess piece. “You’re staying a few more days?” she asked quietly.
I nodded slowly. “Damn right, unless you want me out of here.”
That brilliant smile of hers came back, and it was even brighter than before. The world was going to hell outside her doors, but inside that rickety old house, it was paradise. “I’ll let you stay. You’re good entertainment.” She winked again, and my dick went rock hard.
I rose from the chair. “Game can wait. I’ve got something else to keep you entertained right now.” One step brought me next to her, and I scooped her out of her chair and bounced her against my chest. “Unless you’ve got a problem with that.”
She was laughing as she kissed me, and it was the best fucking kiss of my life. It was the first time I realized Magnolia tasted exactly like happiness. Like forever.
“Does it feel like I have a problem with that? I already know how the game’s gonna go. This way, at least you might surprise me.”
This woman.One of a kind. “You’re asking for it now.” I carried her to her bed and held her a few feet above it.
“You’d best believe I’m asking for it,” she said with a cocky, playful grin.
So I dropped her.
Her laughter came even harder when she bounced twice, and then I was on her.
“Laughing at my chess skills. Laughing at me as I take you to bed. You just can’t stop laughing,” I said as I pulled her against me and rolled so I was beneath her. The stitches in my shoulder smarted at the movement, but I hid it. At least, I thought I did.
She sat up on top of me, her face flashing to serious in an instant. “I saw that. You’ve gotta take it easy. Leave the manhandling for later.”
I reached out to grip her around the waist. “I’ll manhandle you every chance I get, stitches or not.”
“Stubborn fucking man.” She shook her head, and her thick, dark hair swayed between us. “You’re lucky I like you.”
“Is that right?” I asked, feeling my lips lift at her admission. My hands skimmed down to the curves of her peach-shaped ass.
“That you’re lucky? Fuck yes, because I’m about to do all the work.” She pressed her palm against the center of my chest, and I settled back onto the mattress.
I was talking about the part about her liking me, but I decided not to press her too hard on it yet. There’d be more time for that later. More time to see if she’d leave with me. Walk away from this life and figure out a new one together.
Who the fuck am I right now? Thinking like this?
It didn’t matter how fucking crazy it sounded—it was the only answer that worked for me. You didn’t find a woman like Magnolia without thinking shit like that.
Later.
Because the second her hand closed around my dick, the only thing I cared about was how many times I’d be able to get her off before I lost my mind inside that tight cunt of hers.