Vince: Book Two of the Perfectly Independent Series

by Amanda Shelley

  Is her hair wet?

  Glancing at my bathroom, I see her bag and clothes piled on top from what looks like a run. No wonder they’re sleeping.

  She must sense me staring, because her lids flutter open, and her green eyes find me at the doorway in an instant.

  “Hey, you,” I whisper.

  Wordlessly, she smiles at me, then takes in the situation with Julia entangled with her and looks to me helplessly.

  I cover my mouth to stifle a laugh. They’re such a tangled mess, I have no idea how she’ll get out of there if left on her own.

  Holding up my finger to stop her movement, I walk to Julia’s side of the bed. In a well-practiced move, I expertly untangle her legs from Syd’s without any disruption. I can’t even count how many times I’ve had to untangle Julia from Vanessa to let her get some well-needed sleep. I swear from the moment she was born, this girl’s like an octopus and grows extra limbs in the night.

  As soon as she’s extricated, I’m blessed with the most beautiful smile as Sydney mouths, “Thank you.”

  She slips off the other side of the bed with cat-like reflexes.

  As soon as she’s standing, I motion for her to follow me out of the room.

  Reaching for her hand, I close the door behind us. As soon as we’re out of earshot in the living room, I stop and face Sydney, and I can’t help the smile that plays on my lips.

  “How was your day?” I ask, barely above a whisper.

  “Good.” Then she shakes her head as if another thought has struck her. “I can’t believe I fell asleep, though. Sorry. When she insisted I lie down, that was my demise.”

  “Jules is persuasive,” I admit. “Besides, you must’ve needed it. Van and I often fall asleep with her if she’ll actually lie down. You’re a miracle worker just getting her to rest in the first place. How did you manage to wear her out?”

  Syd pulls in a deep breath and slowly releases it. “Let’s see…” She ticks things off on her fingers. “We made pancakes for breakfast.”

  “Seriously? She ate cereal before you got here.”

  Sydney shrugs. “She said she was hungry. Then we played with Legos, did a few puzzles, and when it was warm enough, she rode her bike, and I ran beside her for about four miles if I had to guess. She said it was a route you often take with her, so I went with it. When we got back, I made her some soup and sandwiches.”

  “Wow, that’s a lot.”

  “I hope you don’t mind. I used your shower after she, in so many words, said I stink.”

  Ohmigod… Julia didn’t.

  Sydney’s wrinkled nose says I couldn’t be so lucky. “I’m so sorry…” I start.

  But Sydney cuts me off with a shake of her head, “No… she wasn’t wrong. I was a hot mess and in desperate need of a shower. No offense was taken—trust me.”

  Okay… how do I respond to that?

  Seeing this subject is a slippery slope, I quickly change it. “You may be sick of us, but would you want to stay for dinner tonight?”

  “I could be persuaded…” she singsongs.

  Before I can respond, I hear Julia call out from my room, “Sydney?”

  “I’m here,” Sydney calls out and immediately, we hear the pattering sounds of tiny feet rushing through the house.

  “Unks! You’re home,” she gushes as she runs into my arms for a hug.

  “Hey, squirt. Did you have fun today with Sydney?” I ask as I set her back on the floor.

  “Yes!” she boasts. “I had the best day ever!”

  “Whoa, whoa, whoa…” I protest. “I thought your best days were reserved for me.”

  “But she made pancakes and grilled cheese in one day, Unks! And we got to watch my favorite movie.”

  “I see how it is.” I pretend to pout.

  “Oh, Unks…” she says on a huff. “What are we gonna do with you?” Just like her mother would say.

  When I look to Sydney for help, she’s caught red-handed trying to stifle a laugh.

  “I see how it is!” I roar as I tickle Julia. “Syd’s your shiny new toy, and I’m just your old boring Unks. Traitor! You’re a traitor, I tell you.”

  Julia giggles between gasps of air and protests, “No… No… you’re not boring, Unks.” Big gasp. “Really…” gasp. “Not…” giggle, “Boring.”

  Putting her back on her feet, I smile triumphantly. “That’s what I thought.”

  “So besides having sooo much fun, were you good today?”

  “Yes, she was,” Sydney insists.

  “Good to hear,” Vanessa chimes in, and I turn in surprise at her voice from the hall.

  “Momma!” Jules rushes to greet her. “I had the best day today. Can Sydney babysit me again?”

  Vanessa chuckles. “Well, that’s up to her.” She looks to Sydney and shrugs. “But your daycare called, and you’re back to business as usual tomorrow. The pipes are fixed, and they miss you.”

  “Okay…” she draws out as if she’s not quite convinced but isn’t about to argue either.

  “What are you up to tonight?” Vanessa asks Syd and me as she sets Julia back on the floor.

  I look to Sydney who simply shrugs.

  “I’m thinking about taking Jules to the movies for a Momma date.”

  “Really?” Julia squeals. She’s been begging for a date with Vanessa for the last week or so, but with the tournament and excess crowds, she hasn’t had the time.

  “Yep. Go get your shoes on, and we’ll head out for dinner first.” When Julia rushes off to her bedroom, Vanessa turns to us. “You don’t mind, do you?”

  “Not at all,” flows off my lips with ease.

  Having the house to myself with Sydney sounds perfect.

  Of course, this only causes Vanessa to laugh in my face. “Don’t sound too eager to be rid of us.”

  Rolling my eyes, I lie through my teeth, “I’m not.”

  Yeah, my twin sees right through me. “Sure, Vinny. You keep telling yourself that.” But then she focuses her attention to Sydney. “Did today really go well?”

  “Absolutely.” Sydney fills her in on the events of their day just before Julia comes running into the room with her coat and shoes on.

  “I’m ready, Momma. Are you?”

  We chat for a few more moments before Julia’s chomping at the bit to leave, and Vanessa complies to her wish. We walk them to the front door and wave as they drive off together.

  The second the door snicks shut, and we’re alone, I snake my arms around Sydney’s waist and pull her in for a kiss. Her arms drape over my shoulders as her fingers find the strands of hair at the base of my neck. Damn, she feels amazing.

  Not wanting any risk of interruption, I break our kiss only long enough to scoop her up into my arms and walk to my bedroom. I have zero expectations—but I know how often Julia will forget something, and we have to return.

  Syd laughs as she reads my determined expression. “In a hurry much?”

  Rolling my eyes, I explain, “My family always forgets something. I’d rather not have them walk in and see a different kind of show.”

  The total brat she is waggles her brows suggestively, “Really? You’re certain there’d be a show?”

  “Oh, I’ll give you a show,” I say as I dump her on my bed, and she shimmies herself toward the pillow.

  Sure, the blankets are a tangled mess, but that is the least of my worries. The sexiest woman in the world is giving me a look that clearly makes her intentions clear—she wants me.

  Knowing I must keep my wits about me, I take every ounce of power I have to focus my attention solely on Sydney. As her hair fans out across my pillow, I’m taken by her beauty. Her long lashes flutter, revealing her green eyes which are now a dark-emerald shade as a smile pulls at her lips.

  “So, what kind of show are we talking about, Mr. Larson? Are we talking like Magic Mike?”

  As if…

  Yeah, there might be an eye roll thrown at her, but if she wants to see more of me, that can be arran
ged.

  Ripping off my shirt, she grins wider in appreciation. I’m not stacked with muscles, but I do work out, and I’m proud of my accomplishments. I keep my pants on because the rough barrier is the only thing keeping me from disgracing myself with her.

  She’s utter perfection, but to keep from showing her just what she does to me, I run through a list of sure-tell things to keep my raging hard-on at bay.

  Cold showers.

  Smelly gym socks.

  Jumping in a frozen lake.

  Yeah, the usual list isn’t working, but I’m not about to let her down.

  Maybe if I keep things playful, I won’t lose control.

  Reaching for her ankle, I pull her to me as I crawl up her body from the bottom of the bed. She giggles with the unexpected move, and her shirt raises to show her stomach.

  “You know… I’m all for equal rights, Syd. If I’m shirtless, you should be, too.”

  The brazen woman before me doesn’t even hesitate. Her shirt is up and over her head in an instant. Her breasts fill the cups of her bra perfectly.

  Holy shit. Maybe this isn’t such a good idea. If I thought I was on the brink of control before, I’m fucking screwed now.

  Ice baths.

  Pi is three point one four one five nine…

  Thank fuck, that calms me down, and I regain control of myself.

  I bring my lips to her rib cage, and she smells like my body soap—but also like her.

  I lick, suck, and nip my way up her chest.

  I palm her breasts, but Sydney pushes my hand away to rid herself of her bra.

  Sydney on full display is a sight to be seen.

  Her breasts are round and full and fall naturally apart. Her areolas match her lips perfectly, and freckles lightly scatter across her body, making intricate designs, making me want to run my tongue from spot to spot and explore each and every inch of her.

  I run my teeth along her hip bone, and she bucks up in appreciation.

  My hands roam to her hips, and her black leggings leave little to the imagination. My need to please her outweighs my own. One hand splays across her ass to pull her closer as the other finds her center, and I apply pressure at her clit.

  As she writhes beneath me, a soft moan escapes. “More… Vince. I need more.” She wiggles her ass as she pushes at her leggings.

  Wanting to give her my full attention, I drag her leggings over her hips, and I’m greeted with the most delicious sight. “Holy shit! You haven’t been wearing underwear?”

  “I forgot clean ones.” She shrugs as if that explains everything.

  But she hasn’t been wearing underwear.

  Why the fuck that’s such a turn-on is beyond me. But hell if I can think straight now.

  She hasn’t been wearing underwear.

  “Uh… Earth to Vince…” She waves a hand in front of my face.

  Shit. Did she say something and I missed it?

  “You’re not wearing underwear.”

  And the award goes to Captain Obvious.

  “Uh… I’m wearing a lot less than that.” She smirks. “Are you gonna just stare at me, or are you gonna do something about it?”

  “Oh, fuck yeah… I’m gonna do something about it.” I practically growl as I kiss the ever-loving fuck out of her. My hands roam as I deepen the kiss. When my fingertips stroke up her center and find purchase with her clit, she rewards me greatly with a moan.

  Wanting to keep from making a fool of myself, I focus at making this the best experience possible for her. As I work her core, I kiss my way down her body, giving ample time to each breast before kissing down her rib cage to where I know she wants me most.

  Her pants and moans have her practically speaking in tongues by the time I bring my mouth to suck at her clit. I insert a second finger to her core, and I pump them in and out, finding a rhythm to suit her needs. Her hands fist my hair, pressing me harder on her clit when I scissor my fingers as I continue my pattern.

  It doesn’t take long before her body stiffens, and her screams cry out. God, Sydney’s gorgeous when she loses her battle against an impending orgasm. Her body writhes as she pants and moans undecipherable words.

  When she releases my hair and relaxes into the mattress, I look up to be greeted with a glorious grin. She’s completely sated, and I won’t deny my chest puffs out a bit to know I put that look on her face.

  “Come here” She gestures.

  Of course, I comply—because I’d be a fool not to.

  “Give me a sec to recover, and then I’m gonna rock your world.”

  Oh, she already has. But I continue with our playful banter from before. “Oh, you think so…”

  Then reality hits. I don’t actually have any condoms. What am I supposed to do now?

  “What’s wrong?”

  And apparently, she can read me like a book.

  How the hell do I tell her?

  Sticking with honesty. “I… Uh… don’t have any condoms.”

  “There are other things we can do that don’t involve condoms,” she teases like before.

  “Oh, really, and what’s that? Are you up for playing a game of Scrabble later?”

  “Oh, I’ll make your vocabulary grow, but I didn’t quite have board games in mind.”

  With feign innocence, I tease, “Why, Sydney… are you trying to steal my virtue?”

  Sydney moves to her hands and knees and kisses my chest. “Is it stealing if it’s given freely?”

  She has no idea just how true her words could be.

  But she kisses my pec and licks down my rib cage. “Hmmm…” I moan but all thoughts of conversation are forgotten as she reaches for my belt and unclasps it.

  Holy shit. In an expert move, she has my buckle undone and the fly of my jeans slowly being opened. She kisses along my stomach as she tugs at my jeans to get them as well as my boxers apparently over my hips.

  With her intentions clear of rocking my world, I quickly assist her in discarding my clothes. I don’t even get a chance to think before she strokes the length of my dick with one hand while cupping my balls in the other.

  Holy hell, coherent thought jumps right out the fucking window when her tongue darts out and swirls around my tip.

  I’m already on the verge of exploding, and she’s done little more than kiss and lick me. Her slow and steady breaths make my sensitivity reach nuclear levels in a nanosecond.

  Not wanting to be a one-pump chump, I recite basketball statistics in my head. When that doesn’t work, I repeat my lists from before. They have some effects, but Sydney is winning my fight for control. As much as I’d love to lose myself in her completely, I want this experience to last a bit longer as well. Because, let’s face it, I never want this to end.

  She sucks me from root to tip as she plays with my balls in the best possible rhythm imaginable. But that isn’t what does me in. No—that would be when she pushes on that spot right behind my balls as she nearly swallows me that has me convulsing in an instant.

  “Syd…” I warn, knowing I don’t have much time.

  She continues her rhythm, ignoring me.

  “Syd,” I rush out almost in panic. “I’m gonna…”

  The witch that she is hexes me completely when she doubles down on her efforts, and I go off like the Fourth of July. All I see are stars, and I swear my world almost goes black. I’ve never come this hard in my life.

  But I’m not just coming. No, Sydney won’t let me do that. She milks me for every cent I’m worth, and there likely isn’t a drop to be found in me.

  When I stop twitching and sink far into the mattress, she pulls off me with the most devious grin I’ve ever seen. “You okay, Vince?”

  As if she doesn’t know…

  Fuck… when her grin turns triumphant, I want to kiss that sass right off her.

  “I’d say I’m good. Come here, gorgeous,” I say, pulling her to me.

  Thank God, she doesn’t put up a fight because I’m not at all certain I could even walk
in the state she’s left me in.

  Without hesitation, I pull her right up my body and kiss her. She tastes of me, she tastes of her, but most importantly, the way she kisses my mouth brands me like no other before. I feel this kiss from the depths of my soul.

  Time ceases to exist beyond the two of us. When we break for air, I pull her in close beside me. Her body melts into mine as if we’ve been molded together. I know we won’t be able to stay like this forever, but for the first time in my life, I know without a doubt, I’d really like to.

  23

  Sydney

  I’m still riding my orgasmic high as I make my way through my morning routine. My mind is on a replay loop of my evening with Vince. Damn. I’ve never felt the way I do when I’m with him. When I reach the kitchen, I find Chloe already at the table eating her breakfast.

  “Good morning, stranger. I haven’t seen much of you,” she teases as I pour some granola into a bowl and top it with milk.

  “I’ve been around,” I rebuke.

  “How was your day with Julia?” she asks as she takes another bite.

  “It was great. We had a lot of fun.”

  “I didn’t hear you come in last night. Were you out late?”

  “I actually fell asleep and didn’t come home until early this morning.”

  “I knew you looked happier,” she teases. “You’ve got that whole blissed out from too much sex thing going on.”

  I’m sure she’s right because my body’s as languid as it could be, but it’s not actually from sex. Of all people, Chloe would be the one I’d talk to about this; we don’t have any secrets. “I think it might be just a Vince thing; we haven’t actually done the deed.”

  “Really? You stayed over all night and didn’t have sex with the man? I could’ve sworn you have that I just had the best sex of my life look on you. Are you sure you’re not holding out on me? Remember, it’s been ages for me. Please be kind to the little people and let me live vicariously through you.”

  This earns her the laugh she was hoping for. “Trust me… I’m riding an orgasmic high, but it’s not from actual sex. We’ve done nearly everything but have sex. But, the thing is, he usually doesn’t take it that far. Trust me, there have been plenty of opportunities. I’m not sure what to make of it.”