Coming Home- A Holiday Novella Read online

  “Shake it off, my friend. We are going to have a fucking good time tonight,” Natalie announced as we pulled onto the side road that would take us down by the river.

  “Well, I am getting drunk, and if I find someone I like, I’m going to have my first one night stand.” The idea of sexing up some stranger was not anything that I normally would do, but I couldn’t deny that it made me a little hot to think about it. Maybe I needed a good dirty fuck to get me out of this rut.

  “Yes!” Natalie high-fived me as we pulled onto River Road and parked.

  “Let’s do this, sexy bitch.” Natalie winked at me and then climbed out of the car.

  We stopped at a tapas restaurant and had something to eat along with what I was sure would be the first of many drinks. I was amazed at the development of what was now known as the Riverwalk area. When I was younger, before leaving for college, there wasn’t much down there other than some old industrial buildings. Now it was full of fun restaurants, shops and bars.

  After walking for a bit, we decided on an upscale looking club with nineties music pumping from inside. “Evening, ladies.” The bouncer checked our ID and grinned at us. “Have a great night.”

  “Oh, we intend to.” Natalie grinned back before taking my hand and leading us through the mass of people to the bar. After ordering us each a shot of Fireball and whatever the house specialty cocktail was, we moved down to two seats that had just opened up.

  “To coming home,” Natalie held up the shot and I did the same before throwing it back and swallowing the hot liquid, enjoying the burn as it went down. I immediately felt the warmth spread through my body and began to relax, the earlier confrontation with my dad almost forgotten.

  The bar was sleek and polished. Black leather covered all the seats with silver accents everywhere. The only bursts of color were coming from the lighted wall behind the liquor, and the way the lights shown on the bottles scattered muted colors throughout. The bar top was sleek black granite and the bartender continuously wiped it off, keeping the shine spot free.

  The dance floor was frosted glass blocks with a smooth surface covering it. Small lights shone from the floor, giving it enough light that you could see what you were doing and who you were dancing with. Most of the people appeared to be in their mid-twenties or thirties. It wasn’t the wild uncontrolled party scene that some bars were. We had made a perfect choice by coming here.

  I drained the rest of my drink. “Want to dance?” I asked Natalie. She nodded, sucking down the last of her drink before standing. By the time we reached the dance floor I was feeling great. The music thrummed through my body and I let myself go, just feeling it and moving. Natalie was doing the same. We were in our own zone, so when I felt the large hands on my hips, I almost screamed. When I turned around the man in front of me basically took my breath away.

  His dark hair was just long enough that it curled slightly at his neck in a way that made me want to reach out and run my fingers through it. His eyes were as dark, almost coal black, and full of mystery. His olive skin was flawless except for the bit of trimmed scruffiness along his angular jaw line leaving no doubt that he was all man. My eyes followed down the length of him, taking in his broad chest. His burgundy dress shirt stretched deliciously across his muscles and narrow waist, leaving very little to the imagination. God, there was something so sexy about a dress shirt rolled up the arms. I wanted to grab hold of his forearms and feel the muscles I could clearly see. His black pants hugged thick thighs and I was half tempted to walk around him so I could see his backside, which I was sure was just as yummy.

  “I didn’t mean to startle you.” His low, deep voice rumbled through me, and his warm breath on my ear gave me chills as he leaned in to speak to me over the music. He must’ve noticed my reaction to him if the sexy smirk was any indication. Ahh, he liked the game too.

  Regaining my composure I gave him my own knowing smile. I could tell he was enjoying me as much as I was him with the way his eyes continued to rake over my body. I felt my nipples harden from the way he took me in. There was a hunger in his eyes like I was a dessert to a starving man. God, I so wanted to be his dessert. I quirked an eyebrow at him when I saw his breath catch as he noticed my pebbled nipples pressing against the fabric of my dress, given the fact that it didn’t leave much to the imagination either.

  With another smile, I turned back around and shimmied back so I was pressed against his front, grinding my ass into his rapidly hardening crotch. When he groaned I felt the warmth spread to my core. I caught Natalie’s eyes as she danced with a blonde guy across from me. She nodded slightly and smiled before turning back around, giving her guy her full attention.

  “What’s your name, angel?” He asked, pulling my hair to the side, speaking mere inches from my ear.

  “Ella,” I spoke over my shoulder, wiggling my hips to the beat, and doing my best to suppress my own groan at the feeling of his hard cock pressing against the top of my ass. I was so out of my element here, but damn if it didn’t feel fabulous to just let go for once.

  The feel of his large hand splaying across my stomach was exquisite. The tip of his pinky skid just above my pubic bone and I knew without a doubt that I wanted this man. If I was going to step out of my comfort level and live for one night, it was going to be with him.

  “Nice to meet you, Ella. I’m Matteo.” God, even his name was sexy.

  Chapter 3

  Matteo

  Ella. Fuck me.

  I saw her the moment she and her friend walked through the door of the bar. Holy fuck, it was as if I was drawn to her, or at least my dick was drawn to her—damn sure took notice of the gorgeous woman with the long auburn hair, that was for certain. Her body was amazing in the little black dress she wore, hugging her curves perfectly and showing those exquisite legs that went on for miles. The dress was long enough to be respectable, but short enough to make you crave a bit more. When she turned around, her head thrown back in laughter from something her blonde girlfriend said to her, I knew I needed to have her. And I would.

  It hadn’t taken long for them to hit the dance floor, and although I almost never danced, I couldn’t stop myself from walking to her, yearning to feel her body against mine.

  Now she was pressing her backside to the front of my crotch and I could barely control myself from flipping her over my shoulder and taking her out of here right that fucking minute. Her body was better than I anticipated. Soft, yet defined. Her skin had a sun-kissed glow, something that was completely out of place here in the dead of winter in Iowa.

  The songs continued as we moved together. I kept my hand against her stomach afraid if I let up at all she would move away. I wasn’t taking chances. I wanted this girl like I hadn’t wanted anyone else. Ever.

  “I don’t believe I’ve seen you in here before.” I resisted the urge to kiss her neck. My mouth was close to her skin as I leaned in so she would hear me over the music. She smelled fucking amazing, like a combination of citrus, vanilla and hint of tequila. Good enough to lick and I hoped to have a chance to do just that.

  “I’m positive you haven’t.” She placed her small hand over the one I had resting on her stomach and pulled it back enough so she could turn around in my arms. “I just got into town.” She winked as she wrapped her arms around my neck and continued to grind against me.

  My restraint was weaning, and I knew if I didn’t get her alone soon I was going to lose it. That must’ve been the only reason I did what I did next. “Do you want to get out of here?” I was almost as shocked as she was with my question. I didn’t do casual hook-ups. It wasn’t as if I didn’t have ample opportunity. I was usually way too driven by business to meddle in things that could easily turn into a drama fueled situation.

  Ella took a few moments to school her features before stunning me with her answer. “I think I’d like that.” The. Fuck. Did she just agree to go home with me? I didn’t want to give her a chance to change her mind, so I told her to let her friend know I
would get her home safely and that I would meet her at the front of the bar in a few minutes.

  It didn’t take me long to say my goodbyes, and I let out an audible sigh of relief when I saw her standing right at the front waiting for me. “Ready?”

  “You have no idea.” She grinned as I took her hand, leading her out into the night.

  ***

  I drove the twenty minute drive to my house, not second guessing what I was doing. It just felt right. I’d never brought a hook-up to my house before. This was my sanctuary. It was where I got away from the chaos that was my life, and I never had the inclination to merge my outside life with the calm of my home. That was all about to change.

  “Nice neighborhood,” Ella remarked as we drove into my community. She seemed so confident and sure of herself, but I could swear I detected a hint of apprehension in her voice. I reached out and took her hand in mine after I pulled the car to a stop in my driveway.

  “You sure about this, Ella? If not, we can turn around right now and I will take you back to the bar or home.” I took a deep breath and held it in as I waited for her answer.

  “Oh, hell no. You have no idea how much I want this.” The confident woman was back and I felt my pants tighten.

  She was out of the car before I was even able to make it around. Eager. I liked that. Taking her hand, I led her through the garage and into the finished basement of my home. I didn’t give her too much time to look around as I pulled her up the stairs to the main floor where my bedroom was. Thank God for an open floor plan. It allowed us to move unrestricted through the house. I turned and closed the bedroom door after we walked in. When I turned around I groaned loudly.

  “Fuck me.” She stood in front of me in a black lace thong and matching bra, that lovely dress lay in a black puddle around her feet. Her boots were removed and I had to wonder how long it took me to fucking shut the door. It was as if she magically undressed and stood in front of me like an offering. One I would gladly accept.

  “Jesus, Ella.” I stalked toward her, pulling her into me when I reached her. Her skin was nearly flawless except for scattered freckles here and there. Her legs were long and lean and her ass ... Fuck, her ass was fucking perfection—firm and round. I slid my hands down her hips and around until I hand that delicious backside in my grasp.

  “I’m going to make you feel so damn good, baby.” I leaned in, covering her mouth with mine. When she moaned I took the opportunity, sliding my tongue between her sweet lips, tasting and liking. She was everything I craved. “On the bed.” I backed her up until her legs hit my king-sized bed, causing her to sit. Dropping to my knees, I ran my hands up her smooth legs, loving how her head fell back with my touch.

  Leaning in, I ran my nose along her cleft, taking in her sweet scent. I couldn’t hold back. I needed to taste her. She must’ve wanted the same thing, lifting her hips enough for me to slide that thin black lace down her legs and off. “Lay back, Ella.” She did exactly what I asked without question and I barely waited for her head to hit the bed before closing my mouth over her. Her moans fueled me on, licking and sucking, I couldn’t get enough of her sweet taste on my tongue. I could feel her getting close. I took a finger and slid it in, groaning around her as I felt the walls grip my finger. I slid it back and entered her with two this time, curling them up. She was moving her hips, riding herself on my fingers and I continued to lick and suck her clit.

  She gripped the blankets as she shuddered and screamed my name as she continued to ride my fingers. My cock throbbed, demanding attention. I stood and dropped my pants and boxer briefs, kicking them off almost frantically. I pulled my shirt off, barely getting all of the buttons undone. I couldn’t have cared less if I popped all of them off.

  Ella sat up enough to take her bra off and drop it over the side of the bed before she scooted further up the bed. She eyed my cock as it bobbed with each step I took around the bed toward the nightstand. I grabbed a condom, wasting no time as I rolled it over my dick and climbed onto the bed.

  Kneeling between her legs, I trailed kisses up her stomach, pausing briefly to take each of her perfect tits in my hands and suck her taut pink nipples into my mouth. Ella ran her fingers through my hair, tightening her hold and pulling me up to her mouth. “Fuck me, Matteo,” she groaned before pulling me down for a frantic kiss.

  She didn’t need to ask again. I positioned myself at her opening and pressed hard, burying myself to the hilt in her warmth. Her gasp brought me up short, causing me to hold very still. “Fuck, Ella, I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?” She was so fucking tight around me. I needed to move, but I wasn’t about to do anything until I knew that she was okay.

  “I’m good, Matteo. It’s just been a while. Please, move.” She pulled me back down for a kiss as I began to pull out slowly and pushing back in. “I swear, Matteo. If you don’t fuck me hard I’m going to walk out of here and find someone who will.”

  The fuck she would. I pulled back almost to the tip and slammed back into her hard. She cried out, throwing her head back, eyes closed in ecstasy. “More,” she moaned.

  I lost all sense as I fucked Ella hard and fast, taking what I had craved from the moment I laid eyes on her, and giving her what she seemed to need too. We were lost in each other, melding together like our bodies were made for one another. I could feel myself chasing my orgasm, loving the way she felt around me. It wasn’t until she screamed again and I felt her grip me from the inside out that I allowed myself to tumble over the edge, slamming a final time into her as I grabbed her hips and growled her name, filling the condom as I buried myself inside her as far as I could go.

  When I caught my breath, I slid off of her and fell to the side of her, staring at the ceiling. When I heard her giggle, I turned to find her on her side watching me. Her auburn curls tumbled around her shoulders and I had to touch them, tucking a loose strand behind her ear.

  “That was fucking incredible.” She grinned at me. My pride swelled a bit, knowing that she enjoyed herself. I had never wanted to please a woman as much as I had Ella, and in the process of making sure she was taken care of, I had the most mind-blowing orgasm that I’d ever experienced. I leaned in and kissed her before rolling off the bed and walking to the bathroom to dispose of the condom. I returned with a warm washcloth and carefully ran it between her legs before tossing it into the hamper and laying back down, pulling her into my arms.

  I wasn’t normally a cuddler after sex, but I wasn’t ready to let her go yet, and there was no way either of us was ready to go again right now. “Let’s rest for a bit and then I’ll take you home.” I kissed her before pulling her tighter into me, smiling when I felt her relax into my arms.

  Chapter 4

  Ella

  When I woke up, it took me a minute to remember where I was. My fault for getting too comfortable with the man who was currently holding onto my left breast like it was his. How in the hell was I going to get out of this? God, what had I been thinking? I couldn’t remember a time when I’d let myself act completely free like this. It was both exhilarating and scary at the same time.

  I tried slithering downward, but that only increased his hold on me. I closed my eyes tightly and counted to three in my head before I preformed a stealthy roll away from him. I held my breath, waiting for him to wake, but after a small snuffling snort, he rolled to his other side and I knew I was free to make my escape.

  I was careful to be as quiet as possible as I moved around the room gathering my things before gently turning the knob on the door, grateful when it didn’t squeak. After cautiously closing it again, I made my way through the huge living area. Matteo had a beautiful house. He obviously did well for himself. He did well for me too. I couldn’t help but smile as I felt a bit of soreness between my legs, reminding me of the spectacular sex session we shared just hours ago.

  Reaching into my purse, I located my phone and typed out a quick text with Matteo’s address to Nat, hoping like hell that she wasn’t home and asleep yet. I wanted to
make my escape and save the awkward morning after walk of shame. It was best for everyone. I sighed a huge breath of relief when my phone buzzed with a response from my best friend letting me know she was only around ten minutes away. I let myself out the front door, making sure to lock the bottom lock before I pulled it closed.

  It was colder than I remembered it being when I arrived here. It could’ve been that I was so hot thinking of what was going to happen with Matteo that I didn’t notice, but the frigid cold was enough to take my breath away now. By the time Natalie’s car rolled up to the curb I was physically shaking. Damn this dress!

  Sliding into the passenger seat, I groaned when I felt the heat pouring out of the vents, holding my hands up to them to try and warm them up quicker. “Thanks,” I said, smiling softly as we pulled away from the curb.

  “Well?” Natalie asked as we turned off Matteo’s street. I knew exactly what she was referring to.

  “I have no words.” I giggled. “It was better than the sum of my entire sexual history combined.”

  “Good.” Natalie nodded as she turned onto my dad’s street, which coincidentally was only several blocks away.

  “Well, you probably could’ve walked home.” Natalie pulled up the driveway of my dad’s house and stopped.

  “I would’ve if you weren’t able to come get me. Thanks for that.”

  “It was no problem. I actually met up with some of the people from work after you left. You really should apply for a job at my hospital. We would have so much fun working together.”

  “I might. I still don’t know if I’m staying, Nat.” I felt so out of sorts. I wasn’t sure what I was doing with myself. Everything I’d done lately had been on complete impulse, and I wasn’t sure that was the best way to continue. I would have to really think about what I wanted.

  “Oh, Ella,” Natalie sighed. “Where else would you go? Back to Arizona?”

  “Definitely not.” I shook my head vehemently. “I just need to think about things.”