A Shot in the Dark

Chapter Eight




Paige stood at the edge of the walkway leading to the fire station, staring at the front door and coming up with twenty reasons why she should turn around and never show her face here again. The shift wouldn’t have changed yet, which meant unless he went home after going to Mavericks last night, Carter would be inside. The early morning air was cool, making her shiver as she tried to convince her feet to take the last few steps necessary to get herself in there to apologize.

God, she hated this.

“Can I help you?”

She turned to see Garry coming up behind her.

“Hey, you’re Carter’s girl, right? From the coffee shop?”

“Hi, yes, that’s me.” It was hard to ignore the shop-girl title, but the last thing she needed now was to get into a pissing match with a friend of the man she currently needed to grovel to.

“He should still be in there if you’re hoping to see him. Shift’s not over for another hour.”

“I know.” She was five kinds of fool, but she couldn’t back out now. “Mind if I follow you in?”

“Not at all. If you want, we can surprise him a bit. I got a call from the boys earlier to say he was being a right bear last night. It will do him some good to see you.”

Paige somehow doubted that. “I’ll do my best.”

With no way to gracefully retreat now, Paige followed Garry into the station. Heat from the vent chased away the chill on her skin and helped to settle her nerves. Carter wasn’t the type of guy to lose it on her, let alone do it in front of his buddies. If anything, she was expecting his reception to be as chilly as the morning air.

“I’ll tell you what,” Garry said as he hung his coat on a hook in the small office near the lobby. “We can do this right if you’re up for a little fun.”

In for a penny. She smiled. “I’m game.”

There was something slightly evil in Garry’s smile. “This is going to be awesome. Follow me.”

The echo of distant male laughter grew louder as they made their way through the station until they reached the truck bay, where Garry pointed toward one of the suits.

“I could get into tons of trouble for this, but it’ll be worth it. Why don’t you slip into one of those and climb up into the truck. I’ll send Carter in for something and you can surprise him. How’s that sound?”

Like a bad frigging idea. “Is there someplace I can change?” Paige already had her jacket off and her purse in hand.

“Washroom right over there. I’ll give you a few minutes before I’ll send him along.”

“Why do I get the impression you’re far too excited about all of this?” She asked as she took the heavy jacket and pants from Garry.

“Let’s just say this is payback from my birthday party last year.”

“Do I want to know?”

“Nope.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

“Ten minutes,” Garry called back over his shoulder as he jogged from the room.

With no time to think about every way this could spectacularly backfire on her, Paige pulled her shirt off and stepped out of her jeans, leaving herself clad in only her black bra and panties. Then she got into the too-large fire pants and pulled up the braces before slipping her arms into the jacket. Gary hadn’t given her boots, which left her with her sneakers. She gathered up her clothing and jogged over to the truck as quietly as she could manage in the heavy gear.

The damn thing was huge. It took some careful maneuvering to get up on the running board and into the front seat, before she could slide her way into the back. It was weird sitting up high. Even as she pressed her body down low in the seat, the feeling of being visible, exposed, was overwhelming. Time slowed and she was left with nothing to do but count her own breaths as she fought to maintain her control.

She ignored the list of what ifs racing through her mind and tried to relax her muscles one by one. Her pounding heart slowed and she stretched out to fill most of the small back seat.

“Which truck?” Carter’s loud yell echoed in the bay.

“Two,” came Garry’s answering call.

Paige closed her eyes and listened to Carter’s footsteps grow closer. A burst of cool air had her nipples standing on end and her eyes flying open as Carter hauled himself into the driver’s seat, muttering under his breath.

“Lose something?” she asked, hoping to sound coy and not freaked out.

To his credit, Carter didn’t startle. He turned around, eyed her sprawled out on the back seat and quietly closed the door. “Garry?”

“He mentioned something about a birthday party last year.”

Carter’s soft sigh was the only clarification she received on the matter. “What are you doing here?”

“I…” She sat up, struggling under the weight of the protective jacket. “I wanted to ask you a question.”

He frowned. “Ask away.”

“Why did you show up at the club last night? I knew you were working, but you never told me what had brought you there.”

Carter seemed lost in thought even as he tapped out an uneven beat on the steering wheel.

“I called your cell phone, but you weren’t answering, I tried the store when I was on my break. I got Ian and he told me where you’d gone but didn’t say what you were doing.”

Paige beat down the urge to kill her brother. He had his own issues to deal with. “I wasn’t trying to deceive you.”

Carter finally looked at her. “I know. For half a second I figured maybe you wanted to go play without me. But after, I remembered our conversation the other night about you wanting to deal with Rick your way. It was a public place and the type of spot where I figured you’d want to talk to him. And while I’m a domineering prick some days and need to learn when to back the hell off, I also couldn’t stand the idea of you being alone with him. I took a supper break and came to check on you. I was concerned.”

The guilt of the previous night came back with a vengeance. “I’m sorry. I’m stubborn and stupid sometimes. I’ve had to be the one to take care of Sadie and Ian for years now. I think I’ve forgotten how to let someone look after me. I did need to deal with Rick on my own, but what I said to you wasn’t fair. You’re nothing like him. Not once have I ever been concerned for my safety with you. Just the opposite.”


Paige bit down on her bottom lip and let her gaze slip to the floor. “I haven’t been this attracted to anyone in a long time. I think I scared myself, and when I get scared I try and put as much space between me and that thing as possible.”

“I happened to be that thing?”

She smiled. “No, that would be my own chicken tendencies. I’m sorry you bore the brunt of my stupidity. I hope you can forgive me.”

Turning fully around to face her, Carter hesitated for a moment before nodding toward her chest. “What’s this about?”

She shrugged. “Make-up present? It was spontaneous and I didn’t put any planning into it.”

The weight of his stare bored into her skull, making Paige feel as though he could see every thought in her head. It was a challenge not to squirm as she realized the Dom in him was trying hard to come out and play. It was hard not to want that, want him when he was like that.

“If I told you to come over here and get on your knees in front of me, that wouldn’t be an issue? Because after last night I got the distinct impression you wanted nothing more to do with me in my Dom capacity.”

The time for words was officially gone. Paige got to her knees and shuffled as best she could in the confined space and got as close to him as she could. For good measure, she let her gaze fall to his chest and she put her hands behind her head. “No issue, Sir.”

He let out a growl, low and animalistic. “We can’t do this here.”

“I’ll go where you want, Sir.”

“Get out of the truck. Don’t forget your things.”

“Sir?”

“I’m not going to f*ck you where the others can see, or have my boss walk in and fire me. Get your stuff because I’m going to take you home.”

Paige moved like she’d been given a shot of electricity. Grabbing everything she could, she tossed the clothing down to Carter and climbed down the truck to the floor. Before she had a chance to say anything, he picked her up and slung her over his shoulder. Squealing, she struggled for a moment before he landed a slap to her ass. Not that she could feel the contact through the pants.

“Garry, mind covering the last part of my shift for me? I have an emergency at home that requires my immediate attention.”

The chuckles that answered announced their audience. At least Paige could blame her red face on being upside down.

“No problem, I’ve got your back. We’ll see you later.”

Her head spun as Carter carried her out to his truck and tossed her into the passenger side. “Don’t move.”

“No, Sir.”

Excitement built at the idea of seeing Carter’s place. She knew he lived close to the station, but that was the extent of it. She pulled the jacket closed, ensuring no one would be able to see her bra. “Should I get dressed, Sir?”

“I said don’t move. That includes getting dressed. I have plans for you.” The small, devious smirk took years off his face.

“Oh.” This was going to be fun.

“Yes. Oh.” Traffic slowed them down as Carter navigated toward the Gartner Expressway. “Actually, I’ve changed my mind. What are you wearing under there?”

“My bra and panties.”

“Perfect. I want you to play with your nipples. Tweak and flick them until they are nice and big.”

Paige’s breath caught. She slipped her hand inside the jacket, letting her thumb graze over the lace-covered nipple.

“Open the jacket. I want to see what you’re doing.”

With her fear and guilt now gone, it was easy to relax and follow Carter’s lead. She arched her back, thrusting her breasts into the air and letting the jacket fall open. Even though he didn’t turn his head, Carter watched her using the rearview mirror.

“Pinch it harder, Paige. I want you so worked up you’ll be begging me to let you come.”

Unsure if she should be vocalizing her pleasure or not, Paige decided to err on the side of caution and let out a soft moan as she canted her hips in time with her pulsing squeezes. The stiff material of the pants rubbed her in the right place, making her p-ssy clench from want of being filled. Traffic opened up and Carter managed to catch the next three green lights, speeding up their journey.

“Take your other hand and put it down your pants. You’re not allowed to come, but I want you to play with your *. I want those panties nice and wet.”

“F*ck,” she muttered as she did exactly what he wanted. “I’m already drenched.”

“Good girl. That’s what I want. Pinch your * a bit to help take the edge off.”

“Hurry.”

“Almost there. My place is up here.”

They turned down another side street, lined with older brownstone houses. Carter pulled into a small driveway, shoved the transmission into park and practically kicked the door open. “With me.”

Paige let him pull her across the seat to come out his side of the truck. Carter scooped her out of the truck and into his arms. She pressed her nose against the side of his throat to lick his skin.

“I have the bottom apartment. Nice and insulated.”

Under normal circumstances, Paige would have admired the nice stonework of the stairway leading down to his front door. She would have loved the simple yet elegant iron grating on the window of the heavy wooden door. Over time she would grow to appreciate the hardwood floors and the way the walls seemed to absorb the noise from the outside.

But right then, in that moment, the only thing she could think about was Carter.

He set her down in the middle of the living room, and she got to her knees without being told. The controlled in-out of his breathing had grown more ragged, and Paige knew it had little to do with any exertion he’d expended while carrying her.

“Take the jacket off.”

It fell easily to the floor, pooling over her feet.

“Look at me.”

Carter fumbled with the front of his pants, pulling his cock free from the confines of his underwear.

“First, I want you to know that I accept your apology. Second, I’m not even a little sorry for what I did to that a*shole. I’ll punch him again if he comes within half a city block of you. Third, if we are going to make a go of this I need to know that you trust me. Trust that I won’t do anything you’re uncomfortable with. And trust yourself to know when to stop me.”

“I do.”

“It might take some time for us both to believe that, but I’m willing to give it a go if you are.” Without releasing his cock, Carter reached over and cupped her cheek. “Because I can’t stop thinking about you, and the idea of you not being around would drive me nuts.”

A warmth Paige never remembered feeling before spread out from her chest and touched every part of her being. Tears welled up, but she refused to cry, not now. Instead she eyed his cock and licked her lips.

“Please, Sir.”

Carter stepped closer to rub the tip of his cock across her bottom lip, growling when she stuck out the tip of her tongue to tease him. “Open up.”

The head of his cock breached her lips, and the heady taste of his sweat and skin made her mouth water. Moaning, she lapped at the underside of his cock, teasing the bundle of nerves as he slowly pumped in and out of her.

She went to reach for him, but Carter pulled away. “No hands. Put them behind your back and keep them there until I say.”

He didn’t move close until she did as he’d asked. The angle of her head and the stretch of her arms behind her made everything that little bit uncomfortable. Her muscles ached and it was hard to swallow but she relaxed her throat as much as she could, giving Carter room to thrust deep.


“All f*cking night I wanted to leave the station again and come find you. I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind since I walked into your shop.”

Paige let her teeth scrape along his shaft. She wanted to tell him she’d been the same way, but she wasn’t willing to release her prize. Instead, she pulled back, releasing his cock, only to dive back in and run her tongue from his base to the tip.

“You’ve been bad, Paige.”

She nodded, wishing she could suck his balls. “I should be punished, Sir.”

“That’s right.” He pulled back but left his cock out. “Stand up and follow me.”

At some point she’d need to analyze how happy following Carter around made her. Right then, she didn’t care.

The size of his bedroom wasn’t anything out of the ordinary, but at that moment, it felt monstrous. Carter pulled an armchair from the corner and sat down. “Stand over there and let me see you take those pants off.”

Unlike the other times they’d been together, Paige had none of the embarrassment or concern. The unequivocal want reflected in Carter’s eyes made her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

Slowly, she slid the braces down her arms, one at a time. The waist of the pants was large enough they would have fallen to the floor had she not held them up. Being naked except for her bra and panties, dressed in clothing that clearly wasn’t hers, was more of a turn-on than Paige would have expected. She took her time sliding the pants down her legs, letting the scrape of the heavy material tease every inch of her skin. Making sure to keep her ass high in the air, she stepped out of the material and slowly stood again.

“Turn.” His voice was little more than a harsh whisper. She did as he asked and waited. “Walk backward toward me.”

It was hard not knowing where she was going, but somehow Paige managed to without stumbling. Carter’s hands were on her ass cheeks as soon as she got into range, squeezing hard.

“Bad, bad girl.” He pinched first one, then the other cheek. “Bend over and touch your toes.”

Paige could feel his hot breath on her skin once she’d assumed the position. Carter ran his fingers inside the edge of the lace of her panties, his knuckles rough against her skin. He hooked a finger and pulled the thin fabric hard to the side. Paige shivered as the heat from his mouth got closer, quickly followed by the hot swipe of his tongue over the top of her ass.

“Whatever should I do to punish you? What do you think?”

The press of his thumb against her a*shole had Paige crying out, her body swaying forward, trying to escape him. Carter slapped her ass hard, pulling her back into place with her panties. “We’re not doing this again.”

“Sorry, Sir.”

“Have you ever been f*cked in the ass, Paige?” He pushed his thumb in a little, stretching the muscles.

“No.” It was one of the few things Rick wasn’t interested in.

“Want to try it?”

She swallowed and closed her eyes. “Whatever you want, Sir.”

Another squeeze before he released her. “I have lube and condoms in the bathroom drawer. Go get them.”

Paige didn’t remember standing up or finding her way to the small bathroom. She ignored the lotions, combs and creams and grabbed the items she was after. Upon her return, Carter had pulled off his shirt and kicked off his boots. Sitting only in his pants, he watched her walk back.

“Turn around, back into position.”

By the time she’d handed over the supplies and bent over, Paige’s heart was pounding madly. The jerk of her panties to the side and the returning teasing of his thumb left her head spinning.

“You’re tight here. I’m going to have to work you open so I don’t hurt you.” He slowly pressed a lubed finger into her ass. “F*ck, you’re squeezing around me hard. You need to relax, baby. Like that.”

Carter pumped his finger in and out of her ass, turning and stretching her. It was odd at first, uncomfortable, but the more he teased her, the faster she relaxed and started to enjoy the sensations. When she started moaning, he added a second finger.

“No, don’t tense up on me now. Keep yourself relaxed. This is only two fingers, not big enough, but you’re getting there.”

He slipped a third finger into her p-ssy and pumped his hand in steady beats in and out. Paige gasped, and her body shook while she held her position. She wanted to throw herself on the bed and spread her legs wide and beg Carter to f*ck her. Of course, he wouldn’t do it if she was obvious about the whole thing. Instead she did her best to give him what he asked of her, knowing he would make everything else wonderful.

“Think you can handle another one? Of course you can.” He didn’t even wait for her reply, removed the finger from her p-ssy and added it alongside the other two in her ass.

“God, Carter, Sir, it’s too much. Please.”

“You’re not safe wording out on a few fingers in your ass, are you?” He fanned out those fingers, stretching her open and making her p-ssy pulse.

“No, no, I’m not. No.”

“I want to see you when I make you come from this. Go lie down on the bed on your back.”

He slapped her ass, sending her stumbling in the direction of the bed. Paige happily fell onto her stomach on the bed with a giggle.

“What’s that? Laughing?”

“No, Sir.” She giggled again.

Carter was on her in an instant, pinning her legs down and slapping her ass as hard as he could. The stinging blows came hard and fast, and Paige cried out in pleasure and pain as she tried to escape his unexpected punishment.

As quickly as it had begun, Carter flipped her around until her tender ass was pressed into the not-so-soft cotton comforter. Once upon a time, Rick would have been glaring at her with disdain. Instead Carter’s beautiful hazel eyes smiled down as he grabbed her legs and lifted them up to his shoulders. Leaving them in place, he quickly rolled the condom down his shaft.

“Bad, bad girl.” The tip of his cock nudged her stretched hole. “Laughing when you’re supposed to be getting punished.”

“Sorry, Sir.” She didn’t even attempt to hide her grin.

“I can see that.” He slapped her ass and pushed into her with one long, slow stroke.

Paige had no idea who moaned loudest. All she could feel was Carter stretching her wide, her chest tightening, and pleasure shimmering through her body the deeper he went. When he couldn’t go forward any further, Carter let her legs slip to his sides and ground his pubic bone against her *.

“I want to hear you, Paige. Every groan and grunt. I want you crying out, begging me to let you come. Do you understand me?”

She swallowed and nodded frantically. “Yes, Sir.”

Paige tried to buck up into Carter’s thrusts, but he forced her hips down into the mattress. “Just feel.”

Feel she did—every inch of his cock sliding in and out of her body. The pounding of his heart against her chest as he collapsed onto her, driving himself deeper. Her voice grew raw from the force of the cries escaping her. Her fears and reservations melted to nothing as her orgasm stampeded closer.

“Need to come,” she managed to whisper.

Carter leaned in and nipped at the tip of her nose. “Beg.”

“Please, please, please, please.”

With every word, Carter slammed into her ass harder, forcing his body hard against her *. When she didn’t think she could take another second, he slipped his hand between their bodies and pressed against her.


“Now.”

Paige screamed until she couldn’t take any more, then she bit down on his shoulder. The pleasure was nearly paralyzing, obliterating her sight, leaving her only with her hearing. Carter didn’t slow or hold back. He thrust into her a few more times before letting out an answering cry. Panting and sweat-soaked, they fell together.

Sleepiness encouraged her to roll close to Carter’s side, tucking her shoulder under his arm and letting her head rest on his chest.

“Am I forgiven?” she asked, playing with his nipple.

“Only if you agree to come to the station holiday party with me in November.”

Paige knew things were finally going to be okay. “Yes, Sir.”





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Double Shot



Coffee shop owner Sadie Long has been lusting after her good friend Paul Williams for years. When she caters an event at Mavericks, the sex club where he works, she gives in to her threesome fantasy, and enjoys a night of mind blowing sex with Paul and his hot boss. But in the light of day, will she lose Paul as a friend, or gain him as a lover?