──────※ ·❆· ※──────

Imani

After one last look at Garrett, Imani turned the handle and opened the door. It felt as if she had stepped into a different era. A flood of memories hit her as she stood at the threshold.

He lifted her to the fireplace rug and smiled down at her as if she were telling a flirtatious joke.

She held his muscled, young body.

His mouth was on her.  

In a matter of minutes, they had completely lost themselves in each other. 

Imani breathed deeply as she entered through the door. She smiled, fully embracing the memories, and spun around, taking in the scenery. The large structure was part of an old resort that attracted tourists interested in Alabama's wildlife. Fishing. Camping. Hiking. Swimming. The smaller cabins were always full. But when the nearby factories shut down, people lost their jobs and money, so the town slowly died.

It quickly became a popular hangout for local teenagers looking to party and engage in other activities.

"Do the Hawthornes still own this property?" she asked.

Garrett answered, "No. The Johnsons bought it last year."

"It looks remodeled," Imani said as she entered the large room. A fresh pine scent filled the air. The windows appeared spotless as if they had undergone a thorough cleaning. "New hardwood, windowsills, and appliances. They have even updated the interior."

"It's amazing in here. I found the key inside my grandfather's desk, so I came by earlier to make sure no rodents had climbed inside. Everything is in working order, and the property is secure."

"Do you think they plan to sell this place?"

Garrett shrugged and set down their bags. "I haven't seen any realtor signs. But they have kept this place in excellent condition for travelers looking to rent it for a night or two."

Imani watched carefully as he walked past her, his attention drawn to the fireplace. It was the focal point of the large room, constructed of stone and granite. A stuffed head hung above it. Specifically, a massive deer. Nothing had changed with the furniture. Some leather and suede chairs in a dark rust color stood out. Though worn, they were in good condition for their age. A big bag of pillows and blankets sat beside the sofa.

Several framed photos adorned the wall as she walked over to a writing desk. Garrett's family had frequented the lodge, but her parents had never brought their children here.

Her heart dropped, and she circled the desk, staring at the last frame to her left. She stood there and watched it for so long that her neck hurt. Imani moved forward, rising on her tiptoes but failing to grasp the frame's edge.

"Here." His breath gently caressed the back of her ear. "I'll get it."

Garrett's fingers brushed against the frame as he pulled the photo from the wall, while Imani remained motionless, her gaze fixed on him. He extended his hand, the object glinting in the light as they both leaned in closer to examine it. The image revealed a beautiful play of shadows and light, with its simplicity standing out in its clarity. Powerful.

Three little boys splashed around a pale woman who sat on the edge of the water; their joy filled the scene with lively energy. Her gaze met the photographer's, a moment of joy captured, laughter suspended in the air. Water dripped from her brown hair, which flowed down her sides, while the middle child nestled against her, seeking solace.

Garrett leaned against his mother and placed his head on her shoulder, wrapping his arms around her. Her face lit up, a bright smile stretching from ear to ear, eyes sparkling with happiness. Her three boys laughed with glee, mirroring her warmth and love.

"I forgot about that picture," he whispered.

"Your mother looked gorgeous and so happy with her family."

He smiled. "Everyone got along back then."

When Garrett glanced at her, a knot formed in her throat. The sorrow in his eyes moved her to her core, and he made no effort to hide his pain. She understood what it was like to lose a parent. While Abraham was technically still alive, he had long stopped trying to enjoy time with his family. What was it like for the Beaumonts? Imani took the photograph from Garrett's hand and ran her fingers over it. It was clear that all three boys loved their mother. She gave them life.

She placed the photograph on the desk and slid her hands around Garrett's shoulders. He drew her into his arms, and they embraced for what seemed like eternity. Imani rested her head gently against his chest, comforted by the reassuring rhythm of his heartbeat. She found solace and release in that precious moment, allowing all of her worries to fade. Everything seemed to fall into place.

She didn't want to think about their problems or how the past had hurt their relationship. All she wanted was to feel. She wanted to connect and experience the love she saw in that photograph.

"I need to speak with you about something important," he said calmly. "It's about my leave of absence."

"Can we talk about this later?" she asked, taking a breath.

"I think it would be best to let you know now."

"Okay. Tell me what you need to say," she gently urged as he kissed her.

"It's just that..." He paused and stepped back to look her in the eye. "I will be heading back soon. Sooner than I had planned."

Imani moved forward, reaching for his hands. "That sounds serious. Are you leaving today?"

Garrett quickly shook his head as he cupped her cheek. "No one has called me in, so I'm yours at the moment."

"Perfect." She smiled as he placed his hands on her hips. "Because I need you to love me like you do."

The corners of his mouth quirked. "My pleasure."

She wriggled out of his grasp, slipping her smaller hand into his larger one. Her body tensed up as Garrett swiftly snatched the other family picture off the wall.

Imani glanced up at him, meeting his intense gaze. She remembered the sensual curve of his lips, along with the rapid pulse in his neck. His hands glided down her sides, finally resting on her hips. As he lifted her, Imani instinctively wrapped her legs around his hips and buried her hands in his hair. He hesitated for a moment, seemingly contemplating his next move, before passionately kissing her. It was an unforgettable kiss, filled with hunger and tenderness. Assertive and playful. The intensity of their kiss left them both breathless, giving them a moment to breathe.

The arousing sensation between her legs was difficult to ignore, and she shook in his arms. He moved his mouth slowly down her throat, causing her hips to gyrate.

Garrett gently lowered her, then took a small step back. His erection strained beneath his jeans, and she licked her lips with eyes fixed on the prize as her heartbeat rose.

"Shh," he said in a low, commanding voice.

She felt a sense of dryness in her mouth as their eyes locked.

"Mani, I'm serious. Don't make those sounds unless you want this to end before it even begins."

A slow smile appeared on her face. "What sounds are those?" she asked, reaching for the hem of her hunter-green sweater.

"The ones that tempt me to fuck you." His hands were loose, his voice rough, and his eyes onyx.

She bit her lip as she pulled the sweater over her head and let it drop to the floor. Then she said, "You seem to find every noise and movement I make quite stimulating. It's frustrating when I push you to your limits and you feel powerless."

"Damn right."

She liked how he watched her tongue while she licked her lips. She felt strong, sexual, and completely in charge.

Imani gracefully removed her jeans and boots, placing them next to her top. She knew he was close to the edge when she straightened and saw his fisted hands.

He moved toward her. "You're not being fair."

"Fair, honey?" She moaned, tilting her head so she could see him better.

"You know you are," Garrett replied while reaching for her bra. As his knuckles lightly touched her bare skin, her breath caught. "You should wear these more often."

"A strapless bra?"

"Yes. Do you have any more of them?" His mouth moved to where his knuckles had been, making her groan.

"I do," she whispered as he gently touched her collarbone. "There was a sale, and I couldn't resist purchasing a suitcase full of them."

"Thank God for commerce." His hands were on the back clasp.

"I remembered you enjoyed silk bras." She smiled at him.

"Best damn touch in the world, aside from your skin, Mani."

She smiled at that. His hands moved down her hips, his touch urgent as he tore at her lace thong, tossing it to the clothes on the floor. Sexual tension developed between them. A sense of urgency fueled their intense yearning for physical intimacy.

Imani leaned in for another kiss as he removed his pants. Her fingers worked to get him as naked as she was. Then came a long, introspective kiss that left her feeling lightheaded and overwhelmed with a sensual sensation. She felt like crying because she was so hot, wet, and swollen.

"I need you," she gasped as his lips pressed against one of her nipples. Every pull and suckle sent a powerful surge of desire and need through her, finding a place for longing.

"Wait," he said with a gruff voice. After giving her breast a final nip and kiss that left her weak, Garrett quickly walked to the fireplace and reached for a bag. He spread a large blanket on the floor in front of the fireplace.

Before he could move or speak, Imani pushed him back onto it. She smiled as she took the condom from his hands. "You're prepared."

"Always."

She ripped it open with her teeth. "You're more organized now that you're older." She stood over him, her intense gaze meeting his as he focused on the space between her legs.

"It's my job to stay organized."

"That's perfect, Gray, and one reason I love you."

He swiftly leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on her lips. "I love you, Mani."

Imani straddled him, a playful grin spreading across her face as he exhaled a pleasurable sound. With a confident touch, she rolled the condom over his solid mass. His shoulders tensed, and his expression became fierce. She leaned forward for another kiss, her sensitive nipples brushing against his bare chest. God, he was like a fever she couldn't shake. She carefully slid on top of him, her lips tightly sealed, so that she could fully experience his touch, smell, and taste.

Garrett moaned against her lips. Sex like this felt so good that she nearly burst into tears. He had been her first partner and would be her last. Their relationship had just the right amount of natural chemistry and undeniable attraction. Nobody in the world could ever love her the way this man did.

They embraced each other passionately, leaving her speechless. Their bodies tightened, and their hands clung to one another. And when she reached the climax, Garrett's name was on her lips. His body and mind pierced hers.

She felt a deep sense of joy as the powerful impact of their love radiated within her. Gratitude, fulfillment, and desire washed over her. There was nothing better than being with Garrett Beaumont, and she wanted to savor every second she had with him.

Imani closed her eyes tightly and held onto him, feeling an increasing sense of fear at the idea of losing him, particularly because of his risky profession.

──────※ ·❆· ※──────