Vote Then Read: Volume I

by Carly Phillips

  “You passed the fuck out. That’s what happened.” He ran his hand over her forehead. “You feeling okay now? Let me get you water.” He walked to the bathroom, still completely naked as she checked out his fine ass from behind. She’d passed out?

  “Maybe you should go to the hospital.”

  Panic streaked through her. “No!”

  He studied her. She’d overreacted.

  “I mean, I’m sure I’m fine. I’m awake now.” She took the water and gulped down a few sips. “See? All better.”

  “Has that happened to you before?” he asked, sitting next to her.

  “Um . . .” Should she lie? “A few times. It’s nothing, really.”

  “Blacking out isn’t nothing.” He climbed into the bed next to her, scooping her into his arms. “Was it the sex? Was it because of something I did?”

  She smiled, hoping it would set him more at ease. His heart was thudding against her shoulder pressed against his chest.

  “You need an ego boost? Yes, Dre. You’re so good at sex you made me black out.”

  He let out a breath and chuckled. “Well, that’s a first for me.”

  “Me too. From sex, I mean.” Every other time it had happened it was because she was feeling too much. Her body just shut down.

  “You had me worried.” He pulled her closer as his lips pressed a kiss to her shoulder.

  “Dre?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Why are you leaking down my leg?”

  “Shit.”

  He’d forgotten a condom, again. She had too though. When they were together like that, logic went out the window.

  “I’m so sorry. I got caught up and totally forgot. I swear I wasn’t . . . I mean, fuck. I screwed up.”

  “It’s okay. I forgot too. And I was kind of begging for your cock.”

  His deep laughter rumbled in his chest, vibrating through her body and sending chills across her skin.

  “You certainly were. But that’s no excuse. I shouldn’t have been so careless. That’s the second time it’s happened with you. I’ve never gone bare with anyone else before.”

  She heard what he didn’t say. He’d never let his guard down that completely in the past.

  “Me either.” She’d not once been so reckless. But the panic never came. She was safe in Andre’s arms, shielded from the real world as she reveled in the moment just a little longer.

  “Do you need anything from me? I can run to the pharmacy?”

  “No. My IUD is as effective as they come, Dre.”

  “Right. I forgot.”

  A beat of silence passed. His palm brushed up and down her arm soothingly.

  I wish I could keep you.

  “I like it when you call me Dre.”

  “You said only your friends could. I am a friend now. I figured it was allowed,” she teased.

  “You’re something, that’s for sure.”

  “Maybe I should just call you D.” She giggled and affected a casual tone. “Hey, D, come on over and give me some of that D.” Her laughter grew louder.

  “You think you’re hilarious, don’t you?”

  “I try.” She sighed.

  “You can have this D whenever you want, but only if you never refer to me as D. Understood?”

  “If I do, do I get punished with the D?”

  He snorted. “You’d like that too much.”

  Anything with this man’s cock was a gift. She’d never been one to go crazy over a penis before, but Andre’s stretched her so perfectly.

  He cleared his throat. “This weekend, my friends are getting together at Remy’s house. You wanna come?”

  That sounded an awful lot like a date. She shouldn’t go, just for that reason. But she wanted to. What did that mean?

  “You don’t have to. Remy asked if I’d bring you along.”

  She let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Remy was her friend; so was Jasmine. She’d go to see her friends. Friends. Yes, maybe if she thought the word ten more times it would cement into her brain. She’d never had this problem before with guys. There was always a clear line in the sand. Feelings were never mixed with sex. If they were, it was usually from them, and she’d take her cue and run the other way.

  “Mia?”

  “Sorry, yes. That sounds like fun.”

  “Let’s get cleaned up. I was going to make you dinner before all this happened.”

  “You were planning to cook for me?” She turned towards him, her belly grumbling at the mention of food.

  He grinned sheepishly and shrugged. “I figured it would be nice. You cooked for me, and I wanted to return the favor.”

  “I’m starving, so how about we have a quick shower?” she agreed.

  “Then you better go in there alone, or it might be another hour until we get dinner. Unless—do you need me in there? You know, in case you fall?” he quickly amended.

  That ache in her chest was like a sinkhole, getting deeper by the second. He was worried about her.

  “I’ll be fine.” She stood and disappeared into the bathroom before he could see the emotion welling up as tears slipped past her defenses and down her cheeks.

  After a quick shower, she went to the bedroom to dress. When she entered, the fresh set of sheets and comforter caught her attention. He’d stripped her bed and then made it for her. A note sat in the center.

  Went home to shower and start dinner. Come on over when you’re ready. -Dre

  “Friends do dinners,” she said aloud, trying to convince herself.

  Besides, she’d just worked up one hell of an appetite. A tiny voice inside her told her he was the only man to appease it.

  Another voice told her to run.

  23

  Mia

  “Did you bring the wine?” Andre asked with his back turned to her at the stove.

  Mia shut the door behind her. He’d changed into a pair of low-hung sweatpants and a Seaview Construction T-shirt.

  “Don’t I always?” Mia held up the bottle.

  Andre turned and smiled. “Perfect.” He picked up a wooden spoon and stirred whatever deliciousness was in the pot making the whole house smell divine—garlic and onion with the rich aroma of a tomato-based sauce.

  Mia set the wine on the counter and walked over to peek at the stove. The large pot bubbled with the thick red sauce, and bits of green herbs floated along the surface. “Need any help?”

  “How about a taste test?” Andre pulled the spoon from the red sauce and blew on it. Her attention darted to his muscular forearms and the veins running through the sinewy tendons. He shifted his hand as he offered her a sample. Her gaze met his as she bent forward and opened her mouth. Andre’s eyes darkened as he brought the sauce to her lips. She moaned at the perfect blend of herbs and tomatoes before licking her lips.

  Andre’s gaze darted to her mouth just a moment before he tenderly kissed her. The richness of the sauce mixed with his natural sweetness, overloading her senses. This kiss was different than all the ones that had come before. This one was tender. She’d already been sexually satiated, but a new longing built deep within her.

  She broke the kiss, staring back into his glazed eyes. What was that? “I think it’s done.”

  Andre nodded and shut the stove off. “Pasta is too. Wine opener is in here.” He pointed to a row of three drawers before motioning to a cupboard. “And glasses are in there.”

  Mia pulled open the drawer and found the corkscrew. She was just thankful to have something to keep her hands busy. This all seemed a little too domestic. But he’s been to my house for dinner half a dozen times or more. So why did this time feel so different?

  She poured herself a full glass and took a few big sips before filling his cup. He carried over their plates of steaming spaghetti and meatballs before setting them on the rectangular table off the kitchen. Mia took another sip before joining him. This is not a date. Just two friends sharing a meal after fucking each other’s brains out.

 
; “I’m so hungry.” Mia sat across from him. No need to be too close.

  “Well, we did have quite the workout.” Andre chuckled.

  She laughed before taking another sip of her drink. The alcohol smoothed out the edges and enabled her to relax. She could do this. Friendly banter like they always had on their runs. No need to imagine this was something it wasn’t.

  They tucked into the food. Andre’s gaze never seemed to leave her for too long. She sliced a meatball and stuffed a piece of it in her mouth. “This is really good. How did you learn to cook like this?”

  Andre smiled before taking a sip of his own wine. “My parents always took turns doing the cooking. When we were old enough, they’d drag us into the kitchen with them. We had a rule that the cook didn’t have to clean. I hate doing dishes, like, loathe that chore.” He shrugged. “So, I opted to cook dinner more often than not.”

  He cleaned up and did my dishes the night of Mamá’s birthday though. Somehow knowing it was his least favorite thing made it all that much more meaningful.

  “It paid off. This is delicious.”

  He flashed her a wink. “The secret is love.”

  She coughed, panic squeezing her chest tight. Andre sat straighter, brows knit together. “Are you okay?”

  She nodded, reaching for her wineglass to dislodge the stuck food. Gulping down the alcohol helped in more ways than one.

  “Went down the wrong hole,” she rasped, patting her chest. The sudden urge to flee rose within her.

  He smirked. “I’ve been around Bently too much for me not to have a comeback for that.”

  She shook her head. “Boys and your sexual innuendo.”

  He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “Says the woman who told me that she was going to be the best thing I ever tasted.”

  She laughed, the tension leaving her chest. “I guess I did, didn’t I?”

  “You weren’t wrong.”

  She couldn’t help but smile. But I was wrong about the depth of how I could feel for you. This man had her knocked off her axis.

  By the time they’d finished their dinner, she was warm and relaxed from all the wine, and the laughter. Andre stood and gathered their plates.

  “I can do the dishes,” Mia offered.

  He shook his head. “You’re my guest.”

  “But you helped me last time. And you cooked. It’s only fair.” She drained the last of her glass and got up to help.

  “I guess you could help me.” He caved.

  They worked side by side. Mia washed and rinsed while Andre dried and put away.

  “Let’s leave the glasses out. I have another bottle right here.” Andre pulled one from the fridge.

  She hesitated. Should she stay?

  He popped the cork and poured two generous helpings before passing her a glass. She glanced out his window towards her dark empty house. What could one more glass hurt?

  Mia followed him into the living room and took a seat on his comfy couch, tucking her feet under her before she sipped again from her glass. He settled next to her, his hand gripping her knee. Even though she’d just had the man an hour ago, fire burned up her leg from his touch, igniting a blaze of something between lust and comfort. The alcohol hit her, adding a floaty, relaxed feeling to the mix.

  “You’re a pretty cool person,” Andre said.

  “You’re not so bad yourself.”

  “Truth or dare?” he asked.

  She shook her head. “What are we, in middle school?”

  He laughed. “Come on. It will be fun.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Dare.”

  His eyes glimmered in the low light of the living room. “I dare you to tell me one of your fantasies.”

  “Going right for the deep questions, huh?” She laughed, tipping her head to the side. The room tilted as she set down her near-empty glass of wine. Threading her fingers into his, she licked her lips and met his gaze. Flashes of children running around as she and the imagined Prince Charming snuggled up together played through her mind. Prince Charming could look an awful lot like Andre. She shook her head, trying to rid herself of the impossible.

  “I’ve always wanted to try semi-public sex. You know, like, where someone would just have to look up and see you or walk through the door. I imagine it would add a little extra something.”

  He took a drink and nodded.

  “What about you? Truth or dare?” She relaxed against the back of the sofa, spreading her legs over his lap.

  Andre’s big hands grasped her feet, massaging them. “Truth.”

  “Mmmm.” She tried to focus, but the things that man could do with his hands . . .

  “Mia?”

  “Why were you so mean to me?” What exactly had caused this man to hate her so much without even getting to know her?

  His hands halted as he sighed. Andre’s eyes met hers. “Because you scared me. I felt that spark between us, and you are so goddamn sexy. You made me want you when I’d sworn off women. You made it impossible for my life to continue the way it was in my comfort level. I got angry at myself and took it out on you. Sorry again about being an asshole.”

  She nodded. “I get that.” Boy, did she ever.

  “Your turn.” He pressed his thumb into the arch of her foot and resumed the massage.

  God, she could lie here like this forever.

  Whoa. Don’t get too comfortable. This is just temporary.

  “Truth.”

  “What do you want out of life?”

  Wasn’t that a loaded question. “I just want security. And to find happiness. To honor my parents’ memory.”

  He nodded, not taking his eyes off her. It was like he knew she was just scratching the surface, that she was holding back. “I pick dare.”

  This game was becoming all too real. “I dare you to kiss me.” Help me feel not so alone for a little while.

  Andre grabbed her hand, pulling her onto his lap as she straddled him. His hands gently but firmly grasped her face. Her eyes fluttered closed. Anticipation wound thick between them as his breath tickled against her lips. She closed the distance, melding her mouth to his. Soft lips, hot tongues, and chemistry sparked like fireworks on the Fourth of July, lighting her up inside. Tears escaped the corner of her eyes. What was this man doing to her? Maybe it was the wine. Maybe she was drunk on Andre. Either way, this was too much and not enough all at once.

  One of his palms moved to the back of her neck, gripping and holding her closer while the other traced her spine.

  The way he held her was like he cherished her. Like he cared for her. She gripped his shirt, pulling him closer and holding him at a distance all at the same time. Breaking the kiss was harder than it should have been. “I should go.”

  “Stay?” he asked, chest heaving against hers.

  She glanced at the stairs, hesitating.

  “I promise I’ll make it worth your while.” He nipped at her shoulder, as heady tingles shot through her.

  What could it hurt? As long as they had sex, it wouldn’t mean anything more, right? His touch blurred lines. Whatever this feeling was between them was more like controlled disorder. She was on the verge of combustion even though she’d just had him hours ago. Yet still, Mia wanted him. She couldn’t walk away from this.

  “Okay.” Her voice was just above a whisper.

  Andre dug his hands into her hips and stood, lifting her in his arms as she wrapped her legs around his waist and giggled.

  The man was chaos and she couldn’t get enough. She’d hang on just a little longer, stealing what happiness she could and locking it away for the dark days to come. Because they would come. They always did.

  24

  Mia

  The cookout was in full swing. The scent of roasting meat and smoke from the grill wafted over Remy’s backyard. Three picnic tables had been moved together to form one long table filled with several delectable dishes.

  “You’ve really outdone yourself, Remy. I don’t know wh
ere you find the time or energy to do all this,” Mia complimented.

  Remy smiled and adjusted her baby boy on her hip. His little light brown fist grabbed one of her long braids. “I love doing this. Mikel helped me prep most of it last night after we got the kids in bed. Emma and I finished it up this morning. Have you met her yet?”

  Mia shook her head.

  Remy waved her hand for Mia to follow. “Come on over here. I’ll introduce you.”

  Mia glanced towards the grill where Andre stared at her, sipping on a beer with both Mikel and Bently at his sides. He offered her a secret smile as her belly flip-flopped. Darting her eyes back ahead, Remy stood by two pretty blond women she hadn’t seen around before.

  “Mia, this is Emma. We’ve been best friends forever.” Remy smiled at the woman closest to her. Emma stretched out one tattooed arm which Mia gladly shook. “Nice to meet you.”

  “I’ve heard a lot about you. Rem doesn’t shut up about your cookies. This is my girlfriend, Roxy.”

  The other woman waved before wrapping her arm around Emma’s waist protectively.

  “Hello. It’s great to meet new people.” Mia smiled.

  “Mia is going to run a new yoga studio in town,” Remy said to Emma.

  Roxy’s blue eyes looked her up and down as if sizing her up. “Yoga, huh?”

  “Yeah.”

  “That’s really cool. Maybe we can check it out together once it opens,” Emma suggested, placing her arm around her girlfriend as well. Roxy seemed to relax a little.

  Mia’s skin tingled. She turned in time to catch Andre’s stare once again. He winked before angling back to Mikel and saying something. They both laughed.

  “Earth to Mia,” Remy said. Mia snapped her attention back to her friend. Emma and Roxy were now walking towards the coolers of beer. How long had she been ogling Andre? Remy’s grin told her it was long enough to be caught.

  “Are we going to talk about the elephant in the room?” Remy asked as Lyra darted around them and then ran back to her swing set.

  “What do you mean?”

  Remy rolled her eyes. “I think he really likes you too. Just be patient with him. He’s had his fair share of heartbreak.”