Infamous Love: A Mountain Haven Novel Read online

“Gray, I need you.”

  My head turned from one side to the other. I ached with the desire to give my body over to the overwhelming sensation of another orgasm. It hovered on the horizon, just out of reach, threatening to be bigger than anything I’d ever experienced. When it finally crashed down like the waves on the shore, I jerked with the force of it, shuddering and moaning, my fingers seeking him. He kissed his way up my body.

  He was worshiping me. There was no other way to describe it. As soon as I’d recovered from one orgasm, he’d build me up again.

  There were no words to describe the feelings coursing through my body as he cradled my head in his hands, his cock nestled in my folds. I wanted this―him―all night long. I never wanted him to stop.

  He rocked inside, every part of our body touching, connected.

  He whispered sweet words against my lips, promises of forever. It was too good to be true, empty promises that would eventually evaporate like water in the desert.

  The orgasm built inside, softer than before, settling over me slowly. He groaned his release into my neck.

  We lay like that for a while, his arms wrapped around me, his finger tracing circles on my shoulder. I drifted off in a haze of contentment.

  Chapter 17

  Gray

  Telling Elle about my past made me feel closer to her. Each confession, every revelation wove a pattern in our souls tying us to each other. Being with Elle was something I hadn’t dared to hope for—acceptance and understanding—maybe even love.

  The night I confessed my past to her, all night long, I’d reach for her, making love until we were spent. Exhausted, my muscles sore, I’d gone to work the next day with a smile on my face, excited for the future.

  I wanted happiness with Elle. I took stock of my life as I met with patients, performed exams, and troubleshot problems. I wanted to offer her something that mattered. At the top of that list was a home, one I wouldn’t want to lose. I wanted to take that leap―that risk―with her, knowing she’d catch me on the other side if something fell through.

  I’d scoured real estate listings on my break to figure out what I liked. I was unsure whether that was a home in town, a farmhouse with a barn and acreage, or a house on the lake. What felt right? It was way too soon for these thoughts, but I wondered what Elle would like too.

  I’d always wanted pets of my own, a dog, a cat, maybe even chickens, and a horse. I could envision raising children on a farm, teaching them about animals, gathering eggs every morning, riding a horse, and enjoying nature.

  My goal moving here was to do whatever it took to get the clinic. Now, I wanted to do whatever I could to keep Elle, to make my life worth living again.

  Taking that risk was worth it if it meant I could have what I’d experienced last night forever. I’d do anything to keep that feeling.

  I’d called a realtor then the bank to start the approval process for a mortgage. I wanted something permanent in Telluride, where people supported and loved me. Where they wouldn’t turn their back at the first sign of trouble. I’d been so afraid to reveal my past. When I had, Henry and Elle stood by me. I was no longer a scared kid who’d felt alone and betrayed. I was surrounded by people I could trust.

  Contractors came in to give estimates on the kennels. I heard back from a couple of vets about their mobile vet clinics. They were more than happy to pass on their information. I wrote up a proposal of what each would cost. The kennels wouldn’t be too expensive. Plus, we could add boarding to our services, bringing in more than enough money to cover the cost. The vet clinic might take more time. It was significantly more expensive, and I wanted to use it to offer free services. I’d need to figure out a way to make it work. I sent my proposals to Ed, hoping he was still on board.

  All week I was getting calls from rescues, asking if we had the additional space for them. I wanted to be able to say yes, and hopefully soon, I’d have an answer for them. I wanted to see my dreams, my plans, come to fruition. For the first time since my life imploded, I was in control. I wasn’t hiding. I felt powerful as if anything was possible.

  I thought I’d been in control before. I’d been hiding in plain sight, not letting anyone in. Not improving, not succeeding, just existing.

  I spent evenings with Elle at her apartment, which was significantly more cheerful than mine, and the days finding ways to improve the clinic. I finally took what Ed had said all these years to heart. I tried being more sympathetic, more personable with the clients. It was difficult at first, but each day it got easier. I attributed the change to Elle. Her positive attitude and happiness naturally spilled over to every aspect of my life. I smiled easier. I was less grouchy, less likely to snap.

  By the end of the week, Ed gave the go-ahead for the kennels. I immediately called the contractor with the best estimate, getting on his schedule.

  On Saturday, I went to see houses while Elle worked, trying to figure out what appealed to me the most. I kept coming back to the idea of a farm. Open spaces, a home with a porch, a swing, a view of fields, a barn for animals, room to expand.

  The next Thursday was Halloween. In the past, I usually stayed in with the lights off, pretending I wasn’t home and avoiding the few kids that lived there.

  This year, Elle planned to hand out candy at her shop. The thought of doing something on a holiday, greeting kids, was outside of my comfort zone. She suggested I participate as a way to prove to the townspeople I was interested in becoming one of them, part of the fabric of the town. I’d resisted Henry’s suggestions to join him for town events in the past, never feeling a part of it the way he did having grown up here.

  I opened the door to her shop in the charcoal suit we’d agreed upon. The shop was decorated with skeletons, ghosts, and streamers. It looked amazing.

  Piper sat in one of the stylist’s chairs, leaning toward the mirror with a make-up wand of some sort while Henry sat next to her.

  I was just about to greet them when heels sounded on the wooden steps. “Gray. You’re here.”

  I turned my head to see Elle coming down from her apartment, stilettos marking her descent, emphasizing the curve of her hips. Her hair hung past her shoulders, sleek and straight, with none of her natural curl. She wore a tan blazer, a white button-down shirt with a press lanyard, and a narrow skirt hugging her curves.

  My mouth was dry. She looked sexy. “Yeah. There weren’t any emergency calls this afternoon.”

  She smiled wider as she approached me.

  The beauty of her smile made me slightly dizzy. My heart thudded in my chest. The rest of the room, Henry, and Piper faded away until it was only Elle and me.

  Stepping close, touching the lapels of my jacket, she tilted her head. “You look so handsome.”

  “You look—” there weren’t words for how beautiful, hot, and gorgeous she looked. “Unbelievably sexy.”

  Her eyes held a naughty gleam. “Wait until later, I saved some candy for you.”

  “Oh, yeah?” My voice turned gravelly at the thought of bending her over a desk, playing out a naughty secretary scene with her in this outfit. I hoped she was referring to herself as candy, not Halloween. My dick swelled, confined by my stiff pants. I wished we were alone, that there wasn’t candy to hand out or responsibilities.

  Then her forehead wrinkled. “Where’s your Superman shirt?”

  This was why I hated Halloween. It wasn’t the children running around asking for candy, it was having to wear a costume. It usually made me feel stupid, like I was a child playing a game. I wanted to impress Elle, make her happy. “It’s under my shirt.”

  Her lips twisted into an adorable pout I wanted to kiss off her. “How will anyone know you’re Superman?” She stepped back, gesturing at her hot as fuck outfit. “Without your costume, I look like a boring attorney, not Lois Lane.”

  “They made me wear a costume too. Yours isn’t as bad as mine.” Henry called over, reminding me we weren’t alone, cooling my desire for a second.

  Then Elle s
tepped closer, slowly unbuttoning my shirt. My cock twitched in my pants as my breath hitched. I wanted to grip her hips and pull her against my erection so she could feel how she affected me. Instead, I tried to take a few deep breaths, focusing on something unsexy like the dog I operated on this morning.

  “What’s your costume?” I tried to focus on Henry, glad my voice hadn’t cracked.

  Henry stood, pulling his sister to stand next to him, both in red and black outfits with fake guns on their hips. “We’re Deadpool and Lady Deadpool.”

  Elle smiled. “I think you guys look great. I wish I could have convinced this guy to wear a more adventurous costume.”

  Lowering my voice, I whispered in her ear. “You’ll feel plenty adventurous when I get you alone tonight.”

  Elle shivered. “I can’t wait.”

  Her hands settled on my chest, the warmth seeping through the Superman t-shirt before she pushed the button-down shirt open. “There. Perfect.”

  Logically, I knew she was referring to my costume, but I wanted to believe she’d meant I was perfect. I wasn’t the tarnished kid whose dad was arrested in a federal raid. I was a man, one worthy of her attention, maybe even her love. “Thank you.”

  She smiled up at me, something simmering in her expression, awareness, desire, longing.

  She probably wasn’t aware I was thanking her for more than unbuttoning my shirt. I was thanking her for coming into my life, being there for me, supporting me, being someone I could count on, and more importantly, pushing me to be a better person.

  Piper brushed past us, grabbing a cauldron overflowing with candy. “We’d better get out there. The kids will be coming by soon.”

  “I already set up a table and chairs.” Henry followed Piper outside.

  I lowered my head, dropping a chaste kiss on Elle’s lips. “I can’t wait to be alone.”

  Without waiting for a response, I grabbed the second cauldron of candy, pushing open the door to a gust of wind. Clouds drifted across the sky ominously, partially covering the almost full moon.

  As soon as we were settled, the first family with what looked like three superheroes stopped by the table, saying, “Trick or Treat.”

  “Oh my gosh, what adorable costumes,” Piper gushed. “Is your dog a taco?”

  Behind them on a leash, was a bulldog in a taco costume.

  The child nodded.

  “How cute.” Piper walked around the table to take a picture of their dog, petting him.

  The mom asked me, “Aren’t you the new vet?”

  “I’ve been here four years now, but I guess I’m new compared to Ed.” I smiled at her.

  Her kids grabbed candy, arguing over which one was the best.

  “Well, I think it’s great to see you out.” Then she turned her attention to her kids. “Did you say thank you?”

  Elle nudged my shoulder with hers. “I told you coming out tonight was a good idea.”

  I felt like a teenager hanging out at a table at prom, but I had to admit she was right. Maybe if I made more of an effort, I wouldn’t be the “new” vet anymore.

  More families stopped by until the street, which had been blocked off, was crowded with people. I kept going into the shop to grab more bags of candy to refill the cauldrons.

  By 8:00 p.m., the crowd had thinned. Elle and Piper started to clean up.

  I was exhausted. I’d started the day early with surgeries. I was ready to have Elle all to myself.

  After Henry helped me carry the table to the back storage room, Piper asked, “You want to head to the bar for a while?”

  I was about to refuse when Elle squeezed my arm. “I’m really tired.”

  I got the impression she wanted to spend time with me too.

  We said our goodbyes to Piper and Henry. I grabbed Crew to take him outside while Elle mentioned grabbing some snacks. “Don’t change.”

  She raised a brow but didn’t argue.

  After a quick walk, where all I could think about was Elle in her Lois Lane outfit, I took the steps two at a time, pushing open the door. My pulse was already racing, my mind stripping Elle out of that skirt, slowly lowering it to the floor, revealing the black lace thong she liked to wear so much. The thought of that tiny scrap of lace between her ass cheeks preoccupied my mind, urging me on.

  Elle stood by the counter dumping chips into a bowl. It was a purely domestic scene until she popped a chip in her mouth, licking her finger. Turning to find me standing in the doorway watching her, she slowly drew her finger out of her mouth with a soft popping sound.

  Fuck. Thoughts of her dropping to her knees and sucking my cock overtook all reason. I unclipped Crew, hanging the leash by the door.

  Then I stalked toward her, gripping her hips like I wanted to do when I first saw her earlier in the evening, pulling her back against my crotch. The scent of her citrus shampoo filled my nostrils, reminding me of her naked skin.

  Elle turned her head slightly, looking up at me under her lashes. “Are you happy to see me, Clark?”

  “I am. Very happy.” I breathed into her neck, biting her sensitive skin lightly.

  She gasped, arching her back, rubbing her ass against me. “You took long enough. I’ve been waiting for you.”

  My mind raced with possibilities. Elle bent over while I pounded into her, her sitting on the counter, legs spread while I feasted on her, her on her knees. “I want to fuck you right here.”

  “So do it.” Her voice was breathy, her words an invitation I couldn’t refuse.

  My cock hardened. My hands drifted up her sides, cupping her breasts, weighing them in my hands. Her nipples were so hard I felt them through her clothes. The moment was surreal, making me dizzy with desire. How was I here with her when a few weeks ago I was perfectly content being alone?

  I unzipped her skirt, tugging it down over her hips, groaning at the sight of the scrap of lace barely covering her center. I removed my clothes, toeing off my shoes, desperate to be inside her. She made quick work of her shirt. When she placed her hands on the counter, bending over, spreading her legs for me, all my blood shot straight to my cock.

  I gripped myself with one hand, the other testing her thong. It was soaked. “You’re so wet.”

  She looked over her bare shoulder, her eyes full of lust. “All for you.”

  Her words touched something deep inside me, something that had been buried under fear and shame. Elle was mine. It might not last, it might explode in my face, or it could be the greatest thing I ever experienced.

  The feeling was heady. I slipped a finger under the lace, sliding through her folds, then slipping one finger inside her hot, wet heat. Growing thicker as she rode my fingers, I gripped my cock tighter, giving it a tug. When I added a second finger, she said, “I need you. Inside.”

  Her words were desperate, needy. When she caught sight of me working my cock, her eyes darkened. “Gray. Please.”

  “I’ll give you anything you want.” I nudged her feet farther apart before dipping my knees to slip inside. Once I was balls deep, her walls tightened around me; I pulled out to the tip, thrusting back inside her with more force than I’d ever used. Something about the costume, the position, and the feelings swirling around me, made me desperate for her.

  Her tits bounced with each thrust, urging me to move harder, faster. I spread the globes of her ass so I could see where I entered her. Her slick heat surrounded me, sweat covered my skin, my muscles bunched tightly with restraint. I wanted this to last. Her moans urged me on, my thrusts long and hard.

  I reached around, pressing on her clit, her pussy clenched, spasming around me. Her moans echoed off the walls. The sensations were too much. The tingle started at the base of my spine, flowing through my body, leaving me light-headed. I covered her back, kissing her lightly before pulling out. “Let me get a washcloth.”

  I washed up in her bathroom, wetting a washcloth to clean her. She turned to face me, her expression satisfied, yet something was churning under the surface.
Her eyes looked uncertain as if she couldn’t believe what we’d shared, that I was here.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, that was—”

  “Hot?” I gave into my baser urges referring to it as a fantasy. The sexy librarian outfit was an excuse for all the untold emotions simmering under the surface of our skin.

  Her determined eyes held mine. “It was more.”

  I wanted to shrug it off, but she was right. It was more. I connected with her on a visceral level. I kissed her softly. “I felt it too.”

  She sighed, swaying into my body, her nipples grazing my chest. I sucked in a sharp breath. I’d never get enough of her.

  “Are you hungry?” she asked, breaking the spell.

  “I’m starved.” I grabbed some chips from the bowl.

  She smiled tentatively. “Thanks for coming tonight, for being a good sport.”

  “It wasn’t that bad.” There was something more vulnerable about standing in her kitchen naked and eating chips than the sex we’d shared.

  “I think people were surprised to see you. It’s good for them to see you participating in community events. It shows you want to be here, that you’re happy. A man who wears a Superman costume, handing out candy to little kids is more approachable than one who hides in his apartment on Halloween.”

  That made me pause. Is that how people saw me? I sounded like a coward. That’s how I’d been living my life, in fear of being found out, afraid to take risks.

  “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” The truth of those words rang between us, filling the space, making me shiver from the intensity.

  She encouraged me to be the person I was underneath, the one I’d been hiding all this time. She helped me be the person I was meant to be.

  Chapter 18

  Elle

  Finishing up with my client, I cleaned my tools and swept up the hair clippings. I’d been floating since last night. Each moment with him made me fall deeper and harder.