Locked In (Well Hung Holidays Book 2) Read online

  Locked In

  A well Hung Novella – Two

  Faye Byrd

  Edited by Christine V.

  Cover images from Deposit Photos

  @unkreatives & @kwest

  Design Help from Jada D’Lee Designs

  Copyright 2020 © Faye Byrd

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the author.

  All trademark references mentioned in this book, including movies, movie characters or television shows, are the property of the respective copyright holders and trademark owners. No copyright infringement is intended.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons is entirely coincidental.

  Contents

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  EPILOGUE

  CHAPTER ONE

  Friday—February 14, 2020

  “Are you getting settled in?”

  “Yep.” I flop back on my freshly made bed, sighing happily. Any time I get to FaceTime Xander is great, but today is infinitely better because Annabelle and I have finally finished moving into our swanky new apartment thanks to his help. “I only have a couple boxes left to unpack.”

  He grins, one side of his lip lifting higher than the other. “I’m glad you’re finally away from that jerk.”

  I roll my eyes, annoyed at the reminder of Evan and his stupid antics. When I returned to Seattle, it was to find Annabelle directing her boyfriend, Rocco, as he hauled my belongings into her small, one-bedroom apartment. It had been tossed into the hallway by an angry Evan and his hussy, Rebecca, after they got drunk the night before, on New Year’s Eve.

  “Me too.” I smile. “And I appreciate your help, though I’m not sure two master suites were necessary.”

  “Oh, yeah they were.” He waggles his brows. “I need Annabelle as far away from us as possible when I do finally get to visit.”

  “When do you think that’ll be?” I ask, my hopes getting the best of me. We haven’t physically been near each other since New Year’s Day at the airport. I put on a playful pout. “I may be a little sour that you couldn’t make it today.”

  “Believe me. I feel the same.” He takes a deep breath, sighing heavily. “I promised my dad I was serious when I came back here, so I can’t go skipping out when he needs me most.” He smirks. “Apparently, Valentine’s is a big day for weddings at the vineyard.”

  “Who knew?” I roll my eyes, giggling. “But seriously, how are you handling the change from naked man to suit and tie man?”

  He chuckles, and it’s a rough, sexy sound that makes me ache. “I much prefer suit and tie man, but what about you, Ivy?” His voice drops to a low, sinful growl. “Which man do you prefer?”

  A moan slips out before I can stop it. “This is getting dangerous,” I say, fisting my hand to keep it from traveling south. “Especially if I’m not seeing you today. It’s pure torture.”

  “For you and me both.” He pulls the phone away, and I can’t tell quite what he’s doing, but his fingers are working away. He brings it back up as there’s a knock on my bedroom door. “You should probably check that.”

  My brows furrow. “What did you do?”

  “Go see.” He shrugs, looking like a sheepish little boy. I get up from the bed and bring the phone with me. When I open the door, there’s no one on the other side. “Look down.”

  My confused gaze trails from the phone to my feet where a small velvet box sits on the floor. A little gasp escapes as I snap my eyes back to him. “A present?”

  “Pick it up and go back in your room.”

  I do as I’m told, wondering what in the world this small, square box contains. I sit on the edge of the bed, hesitant for some odd reason. My stomach is doing a weird dance and my mind is running through scenarios a mile a minute.

  “Go ahead,” he breathes, licking his lips. “Open it.”

  My hand shakes as I lift the lid, and both relief and elation sweep through me in overwhelming waves. A large square diamond pendant hangs on a delicate gold chain. I’d almost bet it’s the necklace that goes with my bracelet. If not, it’s as close of a match as he could find.

  “I’ll be back in touch at eight pm sharp.” I’m brought from my musings by his rough voice. “Be wearing nothing but that necklace.”

  I gasp, but before I can respond, the screen goes dark.

  Who am I kidding?

  My only response would be … Yes, sir!

  CHAPTER TWO

  Friday—February 14, 2020

  “This new haircut suits you perfectly,” I say to Annabelle as she smooths her short bangs to lay flat against her head. “It makes you look taller if that’s possible.”

  “Exactly!” Her eyes meet mine in the mirror, and she’s smiling widely. “I told Rocco the exact same thing, but he doesn’t get it. Men never do.” She runs a makeup brush over her face before dropping it on the vanity and standing from her chair, doing a cute little spin. “How do I look?”

  “Fabulous as always,” I reply from my position on the bed. “Where is he taking you?”

  “He said it was a surprise.” Her nose crinkles. “I hate surprises.”

  “Ha,” I bark out. “At least he’s here.”

  “Oh, sweetie,” she says, coming over to sit beside me. “Xander would be here if he could. Our father is a serious business type of man, and Valentine’s is a big time at the vineyard. You’d think people wouldn’t want to hold weddings in Napa Valley in February, but you’d be wrong.”

  “Oh, I understand,” I reply, sighing. “It doesn’t keep me from wishing that weren’t the case, though.” I shrug casually. “It’s been six long weeks, ya know?”

  “No. I don’t want to know.” She breaks into a trill of laughter, and the sound is light and airy. “I assumed you had some kind of plans anyway.” She gives me a side eye. “Xander seemed way too interested in what I had going on this evening.”

  My cheeks burn so bright red I can feel the heat in my eyes. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “Of course you do,” she says, grabbing my hand to lead me from her bedroom. “But it’s none of my business. That would be weird.” The doorbell chimes just as we reach the living room, and her eyes light up. “That must be Rocco.”

  “You want me to get it?”

  She smooths her dress and nods. “Please.”

  I open the door with a huge smile. These two are simply adorable. Annabelle is this chic little sprite of a woman with a vivacious personality and an outgoing attitude, and Rocco is the exact opposite. He’s shy and quiet, fitting just perfectly into your average cute geek category complete with glasses perched on his nose, a sweater vest, and khakis.

  “Hey, Rocco.” I motion him inside. “Annabelle is just grabbing her purs
e.”

  It’s like I’m speaking to no one because he isn’t listening to a word I’m saying. His eyes are already diverted, and his full concentration is on Annabelle as she walks toward us. I feel like I’m intruding on a moment that’s too private.

  “I’m gonna,” I say, shoving my thumb over my shoulder. “I have a paper to write.” I hurry out of there like my butt is on fire. As I go, I yell, “Have a good night.”

  Once I make it to my room, I close the door and lean against it with a sigh, looking to the clock on my nightstand. Six-thirty. I spend the next hour unpacking the last two boxes of my stuff, then I jump in the shower, so I’ll be ready to FaceTime. I run the water a bit warmer than I’m used to, so my skin will be nice and pink, glowing, when Xander calls.

  At seven-fifty-nine, I flop on my bed with my phone in hand. As requested, I’m only wearing the necklace with the addition of my bracelet. The latter wasn’t part of the original request, but with Xander so far away, this bracelet is a piece of him I find myself not wanting to remove.

  Ever.

  “Oh, the weather outside is frightful,” blares through the quiet, and I bring up my phone, allowing the second line to play before I swipe right. “But the fire is so delightful.”

  I’m smiling before I see him, and my skin blazes even hotter when I realize he’s still in his snugly fitted black suit. “Hey, you,” I say, my entire body singing under his pretty blue gaze. “Right on time I see.”

  “Of course.” He shrugs one shoulder, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “I told you sharp.”

  As I watch him walk down a hallway, the things he passes begin to look familiar. There are photographs I know and love, ones I just hung yesterday. My heart gallops, and goosebumps spread across my skin like wildfire consuming the dry summer grass.

  “Xander …” I breathe, sitting up just as three raps sound on my door.

  “You should probably get that.” His voice is rough when he speaks, and I realize the phone has dropped to give him a sensational view of my naked body. “Now.”

  CHAPTER THREE

  Friday—February 14, 2020

  I toss the phone on the bed and bound across the room, snatching open the door and leaping into a stunned Xander’s arms. The bouquet of red roses he was holding drops to the carpet, and his arms encircle by back, pulling me snugly against him with a warm chuckle. I bury my face in the crook of his neck and inhale a large gulp of sin. Everything I feel for this man slams into me like a ton of bricks. It’s been a long six weeks, and he’s finally here.

  “Surprise!” he says, his large hands roaming the expanse of my naked back. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Ivy. I didn’t want our first holiday as a real couple to pass with hundreds of miles between us.”

  I tighten my hold on his neck and sigh. “Me either.”

  “Are you gonna let me look at you?” he asks with a chuckle.

  I shake my head, refusing to lift my face from his yummy smelling neck. My voice is mumbly when I reply. “Just a few more minutes.”

  He chuckles, but it turns into a groan as his hands move to cup my ass. “How about I make you,” he rasps, a lone finger slipping down to glide through my wetness. “Persuasion is a powerful tool.” His finger circles before slipping inside. “That’s it, baby,” he croons as I stiffen. “Lift so I can see those pretty eyes.”

  His mesmerizing voice coaxes my head up, and I meet his lusty gaze. “It’s sooo”—I trail off with a moan—"damn good … mmm … to have you here.”

  His feet start moving. After only a step inside the room, he kicks the door closed and continues toward my bed. His eyes are so intent on mine that I’m unsure how he navigates the space, but he does it perfectly—just like everything else. He pauses at the foot and places me on the edge, dropping to his knees and throwing my legs across his shoulders.

  It’s such a sudden move that I want to object, but his mouth is on me before I can, and now I wouldn’t dare. His lips, tongue, and fingers work like a well-oiled machine; they lick, suck, thrust, and tease me into frenzy and just when I think I might burst, he pulls back and lifts his dark, hooded eyes to mine.

  “Not just yet,” he grunts. “I don’t want to ever forget your taste again.”

  Even though he’s slowed his movements, his words are enough to catapult me into orgasm. His eyes widen when he realizes I’m convulsing against his fingers, but like the gentlemen he is, he jumps into action right away, tripling his efforts.

  His fingers thrust.

  His tongue flicks.

  His mouth sucks.

  And

  Then

  His teeth tug.

  My dying orgasm reignites and fresh waves pulse through me. I can barely catch my breath before another is crashing over me. My mind is empty of everything but this man. His smell. His touch. His very essence overwhelms me in the best way.

  How could I have forgotten the things he’s capable of?

  How will I ever go another six weeks without him again?

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Monday—February 17, 2020 through March 2, 2020

  Created: Mon, Feb 17 2020 at 2:38 PM

  From: [email protected]

  To: [email protected]

  Subject: I miss you

  Xander,

  It really sucked to wake in my bed all alone this morning. Having you here with me, even if only for two days, has reinvigorated me. I’m ready to graduate so we can map out a real future, one where we aren’t so far apart.

  My bed still smells of you, us, and I refuse to wash your pillowcase. I only hope your scent lasts as long as the memory of your touch. Annnnd, now I’m horny in the middle of class.

  Love you,

  Ivy.

  Created: Mon, Feb 17, 2020 at 2:39 PM

  From: [email protected]

  To: [email protected]

  Subject: Re: I miss you

  Babe,

  You can’t email me with thoughts like that when I’m doing a wine tasting with a group of blue-haired ladies. For some reason, they can read me like a book.

  It’s not like I can hide much anyway.

  FaceTime at 6?

  Forever Hard,

  Xander

  Created: Mon, Feb 17, 2020 at 2:42 PM

  From: [email protected]

  To: [email protected]

  Subject: Re: I miss you

  It’s a date

  Ivy

  Created: Fri, Feb 21, 2020 at 8:42 PM

  From: [email protected]

  To: [email protected]

  Subject: Are you done with the wedding?

  Hey,

  I just wanted to let you know that I’m done with my paper, so call me when you’re free.

  Ivy

  Created: Fri, Feb 21, 2020 at 9:39 PM

  From: [email protected]

  To: [email protected]

  Subject: Re: Are you done with the wedding?

  I wish.

  Give me another hour.

  Be naked when I call.

  X

  Created: Tues, Feb 25, 2020 at 4:39 PM

  From: [email protected]

  To: [email protected]

  Subject: Visit

  Hey babe,

  As I sit through yet another chilly wedding among the vines, all I can think of is the way you looked as you pleasured yourself under my careful command. The pink of your skin, the shape of your mouth, and the deepest depths of your eyes as they bored into mine.

  We need a solid plan for when I can feel your skin against mine. Taste your tantalizing flesh. Explore the depths you keep hidden from the world.

  Please say you’ll come here.

  Soon.

  Xander

  Created: Tues, Feb 25, 2020 at 4:40 PM

  From: [email protected]

  To: [email protected]

  Subject: Re: Visit

  What the heck?

 
You know I’m grocery shopping with your sister!

  You’re evil!

  Created: Tues, Feb 25, 2020 at 4:42 PM

  From: [email protected]

  To: [email protected]

  Subject: Oops

  Sorry!

  I’d actually forgotten. My bad. I just love you and want you to come here, to Napa. I think it’s time I introduced the love of my life to the ‘rents.

  Seriously, I love you.

  I’ll call you at 9 and we can make plans.

  Created: Fri, Feb 28, 2020 at 9:40 AM

  From: [email protected]

  To: [email protected]

  Subject: Tickets purchased

  I know you’re already working, but I wanted to make sure you knew the tickets have been purchased. My flight leaves at 6AM on March, 21. I have ten glorious days in between quarters.

  I love you.

 

  Created: Fri, Feb 28, 2020 at 9:46 AM

  From: [email protected]

  To: [email protected]

  Subject: Re: Tickets purchased

  YES!

  Love you back

  X

  Created: Mon, March 2, 2020 at 10:42 AM

  From: [email protected]

  To: [email protected]

  Subject: Scary Times

  There’s a lot of talk on campus about this new virus. One minute it was something on the news and now people are dying. There’s even a petition to close the university going around. It’s all making me nervous.

  This quarter can’t end soon enough.

  I need your arms around me again.

  Ivy

  Created: Mon, March 2, 2020 at 10:47 AM

  From: [email protected]

  To: [email protected]

  Subject: Re: Scary Times

  Always babe!