Page 66 of I’d Be Honored

Maddie ripped the red dress from her body, and Hayley followed suit, discarding the rest of her outfit onto the floor.

Hayley dropped onto her knees in front of the bed, where Maddie was waiting for her, legs spread wide. She grinned, then buried her face between Maddie’s thighs.

“Baby,” Maddie groaned, panting hard.

Hayley circled Maddie’s clit with her tongue until Maddie’s body began to rock with pleasure for the second time. She shuddered, but Hayley held her grip, savoring every last drop of Maddie’s orgasm through the very end.

Maddie had barely stopped shaking when she grabbed a fistful of Hayley’s hair, pulling her up until she was lying flat on top of her. Their sweat-slicked skin clung together, their hearts pounding frantic rhythms against each other’s chests.

“Jesus,” Maddie swore softly, her voice worn.

Hayley looked down at her and drank in the sight.

This fearless, glowing woman beneath Hayley had become everything to her—the very center of her gravity—in a few short months. Every aching, soul-baring word Hayley had uttered that night had been the truth. She’d torch every single belief she’d ever clung to, every hardened defense she’d ever built, and take the risk of a ruinous heartbreak if it meant that she could have Maddie like this, every single day.

The night felt too short for everything Hayley wanted to do with Maddie—to Maddie. But it would all have to wait. As they lay in bed, spent and surrounded by quiet darkness, the two faced each other on a shared pillow. Maddie’s fingers drifted through Hayley’s hair in soft, sleepy strokes.

“Hayley,” Maddie whispered. Hayley opened her eyes to find Maddie gazing at her intently. “I don’t want to change you. I know you’ll probably never wear your heart on your sleeve the way I do.”

Hayley let out a soft breath.

“I just want this,” Maddie continued. “Us. However much of you and your heart you’re able to give me.”

Hayley kissed her in silent acceptance, already beginning to imagine what their future might look like.

Maddie tightened her arms around her, and together they slipped into sleep with the soothing, hopeful promise of tomorrow settling between them.

EIGHTEEN

EVERY TIME MADDIE THOUGHT ABOUT HAYLEY, her pulse quickened. Her heart hammered so hard against her ribs she feared it might break free. She could still feel Hayley’s touch branding her skin, remembering the way Hayley held her tightly throughout the long nights, entirely unguarded.

They had fallen into a type of quiet domesticity. Evenings were spent curled together on the couch, sharing a glass of wine. Mornings were softened by the familiar comfort of coffee and sleepy smiles. For the first time, Maddie felt a deep, almost overwhelming sense of contentment. She could see her future laid out before her with crystal clarity.

They were meant to last. It was that simple.

Maddie wanted to scream it to the world—that Hayley Maddox was finally hers.

That afternoon, Maddie had been wandering down the sidewalk when she came across a sleek white storefront with warm, glowing window displays. Across the top, large black letters stood out.

Afterglow.

Sitting just inside the glass was a smaller sign that read, “Need it now? 1 hour Discreet Delivery.”

Intrigued, Maddie looked closer. Lined up in neat, evenly spaced rows atop white shelves sat vibrators of every size, color, and shape she could possibly imagine.

Jackpot, she thought with a grin, and pulled the door open.

Maddie browsed the sex shop, taking her time as she scanned the selection and blushed slightly every time she found something new to try with Hayley.

After paying for her items, she walked out into the warm afternoon sun, an unmarked black boutique bag clutched tightly in her hand.

Back in her room, she emptied her purchases onto her bed and began to methodically sort the toys and lingerie into her overnight duffel.

She hadn’t quite finished when she heard the door creak open behind her. “Mads, you busy?” Caitlin called, stepping inside and smirking at what she saw. She gave a low, impressed whistle.

Maddie’s cheeks burned hot as she avoided Caitlin’s gaze. “What’s up?”

“Sandy just called. She’s in New York and wants to know if we’re free.”