by CC Monroe
“Please, baby, I have to help her.”
Bronx looks back at Deacon, giving him a death glare. “You are going to take care of this. Take her home, and I’m taking Ashley home.”
Well, now I know her name. It’s then I realize Brew’s eyes are on me. There is so much worry behind his anger. Shaking my head, I let him know I’m not upset and it’s okay.
Sure, this was a dumpster fire situation to be in, but I know she is his past, and I can’t hate or be mad that he had a life before me. But I have so many damn questions.
“Fuck me. All right. Come on, crazy ass.” Deacon leaves me and heads toward Lacey’s car.
“Please don’t call her that.” Ashley looks pained. I can tell her heart is soft and her soul is breaking, and I don’t even know her. I’m an only child, so I don’t know the feeling, but I can imagine. Once Deacon takes Brew’s place, Brew is on me.
“Baby, I am so sorry. I can explain everything. Let me just get everyone out of here.”
“It’s okay. Take your time,” I reassure him, squeezing his wrist.
Kissing my forehead, he starts to holler at everyone to leave. They all climb on their bikes, and within ten minutes, Brew and I are sitting at his kitchen table with coffee. Should I be drinking this before bed when I’m already tired? No, but hell, it’s been a night. Better this than tequila.
“Ask me anything. I’ll tell you,” Brew starts.
That’s loaded.
“Okay. Who is Lacey, and what’s the story with that?”
Taking a sip of his coffee, then releasing a deep sigh, he begins, “Four years ago, I met her at the club. Bronx and his wife brought her to one of the parties. She and Bronx’s wife are sisters. Well, instantly, she caught my eye, and what I thought was going to be a one-night thing turned into three years of toxic hell.” He pauses, and I don’t interrupt. “At first, it was good. We had a great time together, but I realized she had a drinking problem fairly early on, and I tried to help her. I kept trying, and it would work for a while, or so I thought. But she just got better at hiding it. Well, every time we would call it off, she would draw me back in with tears and a guilt trip and… other things.” He doesn’t have to say sex. I get it. It’s a powerful tool to use against a weak heart.
Doesn’t mean I don’t feel a ping of jealousy. Lacey was a hot mess, but I won’t lie; she was beautiful.
“The last straw was when she started using drugs and stealing from my business.”
“Oh wow. I’m so sorry. So, you broke it off?”
“Yes, a year ago. She hasn’t let it go since, and she shows up whenever she’s on a binge, begging for me to take her back. It’s been a long time since the last time, so it slipped my mind. I should have told you about her sooner.”
“Brew, we are still new to this and haven’t had the ex conversation. You don’t owe me an apology.” I reach across the table and rub his knuckles.
“Yeah, but you shouldn’t have seen that, and I’m sorry for the things she said. You know it’s all bullshit and it’s not true, right?”
I smile. “I’m tougher than you think. Besides, now I know the crazy in your life. I was starting to think you were perfect.” I wink, trying to lighten the mood.
“So, the ex talk. You have exes?” His face draws tight, the possessive side coming out.
“One. My first boyfriend and the last man I decided to let in my life. Until you.”
“Really. So, I don’t have a long list of men whose asses I need to kick?”
This makes me laugh. “No, we ended on good terms. We were high school sweethearts, then in college, we just wanted different things. He’s married with kids, a lawyer in the city. No need to go all caveman.”
He relaxes a bit. “Good. I don’t like the thought of men other than me wanting you. Even though that is nearly impossible. Who doesn’t want you?”
“Well, there is something that stands them apart from you.”
“What’s that?”
“You are the only man I have ever said I love you to and who has made me feel love.” I admit the most vulnerable part of me. But how can I not?
“Really? You didn’t love…”
“Daniel, and I loved him, but I wasn’t in love with him. He was more of a best friend.” I reveal my high school sweetheart’s name. We pause, looking at one another, the silence surprisingly not awkward at all.
“What about New York?” He breaks the silence.
“What about it, Brew?” I know what he means, but that isn’t easy to just answer. He leans forward, putting his elbows on the table, and both hands engulf his coffee cup.
“I made a vow before and then again after Lacey that I wouldn’t want or ever be in a relationship with another woman. Then you came along. But I don’t think I can let you go and just let this be a fling. For hell’s sake, JJ. You had me saying I love you within weeks. That’s not who I am. Not at all.”
“So, what are you saying?” I ask, and he doesn’t answer my question. Instead, he stands and reaches out to me.
“Come with me.”
Chapter Ten
Brew
JJ looks up at me with trepidation and still so many questions left unanswered.
“Where are we going?” she asks, taking my hand extended out to her, and I smile.
“Don't ask. Just let me show you.” Walking with her hand in mine but her still a hesitant two steps behind, I lead her to my bedroom. We enter and head straight to the en suite. I have a large jacuzzi tub I had specially made for me. I’m over six feet and have aches and pains from my work often, so I wanted an oasis for myself.
“That bathtub looks heavenly,” she whispers, looking it over.
“Yeah, and we are about to climb in and enjoy it.” I kiss her neck, starting to undress. JJ watches, relishing the sight. Being very fit and proud of the body I’ve maintained my whole life, I'm not ashamed to let her gawk. What my lady wants, my lady gets.
“I love that you’re enjoying the view, but we can’t get in with you all dressed.” I start the water, taking lavender Epsom salts and turning on the jets.
“I am enjoying it, so let me have a minute,” she responds sassily.
“All right, suit yourself. I'll just have it all to myself.” Climbing in, I sit and lean against the back of the bathtub. Watching her, her eyes roam all over my body, and the intense need has my cock growing hard. “Get undressed and get in before I do it myself,” I growl. This sets her into motion. Removing each item, with her eyes unwavering from mine, she lets me take in the sight of her now.
Goddamn, I’ve never seen a more beautiful body. Ever. Thin calves that lead to luscious thighs and hourglass hips, a feminine stomach, full breast with rose-colored nipples, and the sexiest pussy.
“Turn around.”
She doesn’t hesitate. JJ isn’t like other women. She’s confident in herself, just like me, and one hell of an independent woman. But she knows her body is sinful, and with me, it’s a weapon she knows how to use.
That fucking ass. So damn full. The kind of ass that would look so good being fucked by me. I growl, now fully erect.
“Come here. Now,” I demand, and she hurries to me, putting one foot in and then the other, but before she goes to sit, I stop her. “Put your foot on my shoulder and the other one by my hip.” Suddenly, I realize the design of my bathtub may have been made for the right partner too.
“What?”
“Don't make a hungry man ask twice.” Getting what I'm saying, she sucks in a deep breath. I sit up straight, my face directly in line with her pussy. As she assumes the position I told her to, I’m hit with the scent of her, her slit wet and begging for me. Turning my head but keeping my eyes on hers as she looks down on me, I nip at her calf and thigh. She flinches, her stomach clenching and tightening, a moan slipping out. Taking the knuckle of my pointer finger, I slide it through her slit, spreading her lips and stopping on her clit. I circle it, her legs trembling in response.
“Oh… Go
d...” She trails off, taking that plump bottom lip between her white teeth.
“Does that feel good, baby?”
She nods eagerly.
“What about this?” Leaning forward, I lick up the same trail I did with my finger, repeating the action. Fuck, she tastes so damn good. This is pleasure for me, to please her, make her come on tongue.
“Brew, don’t tease me, please.”
The way she begs is delectable, like her pussy. I pick up speed, licking at her clit faster with my tongue, circles then flicks, and she loses her control, filling the bathroom with her throaty moans.
“Mmm,” I hum into the beautiful center of her, using my middle finger to slide inside her. I go deep and curl my finger hard, sucking in her nub at the same time. JJ explodes on my tongue, screaming my name and using her hands for both balance and to push me deeper into her center to ride my face and tongue for complete release.
“I love you. God, I love you, Brew.” She pants as she comes down from her orgasm.
“Come here, baby,” I say huskily, my voice low and soft. I have to help JJ, taking her hands and lowering her into the water, and she tangles herself around me. I scoot forward enough so she can wrap her legs around me. Using the scented water, I run it up her back and over her shoulders, kneading and rubbing at the knots. She does one thing that only she has ever done to me, and it drives me beyond wild with desire—she kisses and sucks at my neck.
“Do you want me?” she moans into my ear, reaching one hand below the water to stroke my cock, and I have to fight hard to tell her no. I want tonight to be about JJ. After she saw a glimpse into the shitshow that is my past, especially after we shared I love yous, the most gentlemanly thing I could do—and want to do—is make tonight about her.
“Fuck.” Her skillful hand works my shaft. “Yes, I do, but I want this a little more tonight.” Pulling her hand away from cock with great effort, I place it against my chest, and I kiss her above her breast, where her heart beats.
“You’re a giving lover.” She smiles, massaging my shoulders.
“I try. So how do you feel about everything?”
“That’s loaded. Why don’t we start with one thing at a time?” She giggles.
“Fair. We said I love you,” I remind her, keeping our chests against one another, and she smiles up at me.
“Yeah, we did. Like two teenagers who have lost their minds.”
This makes me chuckle. “I meant it. I know this is all fast and we are risking a lot to be together, but you are worth it, JJ.”
“How so?” she implores.
“I want to get to know you, spend time with you, take care of you, and I’ve never been the kind to do that.”
Her features soften, and she makes a small noise of appreciation, cupping my face and rubbing my cheek with her thumb. God, we are so different outside of the walls that encase us when it’s just her and me. We both carry a façade of badass individuals who don’t need anyone or anything, but once inside and alone, those walls tumble.
“What do you want to know about me? Ask me whatever you want.”
“Anything?” I quirk a brow.
“Yes, anything.” She laughs.
“New York. Born and raised?”
“That’s easy. Yes, born and raised. I have the attitude and accent to prove it, but only when pushed.” I can see that. “My parents are happily married in the boroughs of New York.”
“Nice. I already told you I’m an only child, so my parents call and check in, especially my mother,” I tell her. She scratches the skin at the lower part of my back, the sensation really nice.
“What are their names?” JJ asks.
“Clara and Dennis.”
“Oh my God, that is so cute! Sounds like such a southern couple. Like they met in high school and fell in love.”
My eyes widen. “You been checking up on me, baby?”
She shares a curious look. “What do you mean?”
“They did meet in high school. They had me nine months after graduation, in fact.”
“Oh my God! That is so sweet. What are they like?” Her shoulders lift with glee, the sight fucking adorable.
“Dad is a stone wall, like me, and my mother is a softy who is constantly calling and making sure that I’m preparing to take a wife,” I tease as if we’re in the olden days, and JJ laughs. “What?” Grabbing her hips, I squeeze them, and she giggles some more.
“You act like you aren’t the perfect mix of the two. You got the soft and hard sides.”
I tsk. “Yes, but that’s only for you. I don’t show the soft side, baby. This is reserved for my lady.”
“Your lady? You are preparing to take a lady, good sir?” she mocks me, and we both share a laugh.
The laughter dies down, leaving us in silence for a brief moment.
“So, what are you going to do after six months? When you try to leave, and I don’t let you.” I pull her in closer than what I thought was possible, bringing my nose to hers, and she peers into my eyes.
“Make a mistake, maybe?” Her words would offend me if I didn’t know what she meant.
“You wouldn’t be making a mistake. You can chase that dream here, with me. In my bed, in my home, in this town.” Rolling her forehead against mine, she places her hands against my chest.
“You say that, but we haven’t known each other that long, Brew. We can’t just meet and… boom, fall in love and change our whole lives.”
“Why’s that? Isn’t that what love is?”
“Yeah, but usually people take time to fall in love and plan a life together. We are still getting to know one another.”
“Why do we have to let others or society choose our fucking timeline, baby? We are grown adults who can do that all on our own. I don’t listen to fucking no one but myself, and I want you. I don’t want to stop what this is, and I don’t want to let you leave.”
Her breathing increases, fear, arousal, and a mixture of emotions storming in her eyes.
“So, we just do this? No matter what people think? I pick up my life and move here?”
“Yeah, tell me what’s in New York that makes you feel this way, baby. What is waiting there that is fucking better than this?” I lift her hips, line my hard cock with her center, and bring her slowly down my shaft. JJ gasps, moving and adjusting to my length and thickness.
“Nothing. Oh God, nothing, Brew.” When she throws her head back, her breasts are there for my taking. I suck a puckered peak into my mouth and move my free hand to the other.
“Exactly. Dreams can be chased anywhere, but you and me, we can’t run from this, and we sure as shit can’t find it anywhere else. And if you think you have any chance of escaping me, you’ve lost your fucking mind, baby.” She uses her legs to ride me, and I watch. The water spills over the lip of the tub the faster she goes, and I sit back and take in the scene.
JJ’s head is thrown back with desire. Her breasts bounce, her slick slit somehow deathly tight as she gives me pleasure and owns hers.
“Yeah, just like that. Fuck me like you know I own you, baby.”
“No one owns me,” she tries to say without a hitch in her voice, but she fails, and I don’t like her answer.
“Oh yeah?” Grabbing her hips, I start lifting her and slamming her back down onto my shaft violently. “Look at me, now. Tell me you aren’t mine again while taking this cock and looking me in the eyes.”
JJ has to give a lot of effort to look at me, but when her head drops and she bounces so fucking hard on my cock, she shakes her head. “I can’t.”
“Why not?” I dig into the skin of her hip, and she whimpers.
“Because you do own me, and I want you to make it known. Claim me like I want it.”
“Good girl, I knew you couldn’t deny it. Now come on my cock and let me fill you with my cum.”
“Oh God! Yes!” she screams through her orgasm. The tightening of her core and the delectable sight of her coming has me exploding, filling her with my se
ed. And suddenly, it hits me. This is it for me. I want her in my bed, with me every night, building a life with me, giving me a family, and never letting anyone have her but me.
The next few weeks pass, and this becomes routine, us talking and getting to know one another, then making love like we won’t get the chance to again. JJ is consuming my mind, and I still can’t believe I let it happen. We are both obsessed with one another, never getting our fill. The second I can, I have her in my arms. Work hours seem longer and nights shorter, but I’m falling over my own feet for this woman. Breaking all the rules I ever had, JJ shattered them like fragile glass.
Working on the structure and outline of the master bathroom for the house my team and I are building, my phone rings, and I see my mother’s name. Since JJ and I have been together, I’ve been neglecting everyone and everything else in my life. Sliding the hammer in my utility belt, I pick up.
“Hey, Ma, how are you?”
“Hey, Ma? Son, you have not said a word to me in weeks. I’ve called, I’ve stopped by the house, and nothing. I was ready to call in special ops to find you.”
I smirk at her comment. Always the worrier. “Yeah, listen. About that, I need to tell you something.”
“Oh no, is everything okay, son? Dennis, come in here. Something is wrong with Brew.”
I roll my eyes and chuckle. “Ma, calm down. I’m fine. Everything is fine. No need to rally the troops. I just wanted to tell you that I met someone, and I’ve been a little wrapped up in her.”
There is a long silence, so long I’m sure the call dropped. Pulling the phone away from my ear to check, I see its still connected.
“Ma?”
“Do you… do you love her?”
I smile, seeing my old lady in my head. “Yeah, Ma, I do.”
“Oh my God. Son, I’m so…. I’m speechless. Do you think maybe you could let us meet her soon? I know it’s probably not something you want to do. Heck, after Lacey, I was convinced you would never love anyone.”
