“God, her pussy is sweet, Coop. Need to fuck her harder,” Jared says through gritted teeth.
“Do it,” I pant, bracing for what’s coming next.
My orgasm hits me without warning, and it’s like I’m on another plane of existence. I feel both of their cocks ravaging me, and I fucking love it. I’ve never experienced anything so good. I sense the first throb of release as my ass fills with all that is Cooper. Seconds later, Jared comes, his seed seeping out of my pussy. I try to ride it out with them, but my mind and body are so shattered, I pass out.
Jared
“What a night,” I yawn, joining Cooper at the breakfast bar. He hands me a cup of coffee.
“It sure was. Is she still asleep?” He ends his question with a smirk.
“Yup. I thought she'd stay down for the count after the first blackout, but the girl has stamina. I think it may have been the sex swing that took the rest of her energy.”
“No way. It was the three orgasms we gave her on that swing,” he mutters, before taking a sip of coffee.
“Yeah. Can I keep it, or are you taking it home?”
Cooper shakes his head as he takes a seat on the stool next to me. “All yours man.” His face turns serious when he tells me, “I think we should tell her. This morning in fact. I want her to know.”
I raise my brow. "Everything? Are you sure?"
He's quiet for a beat as if working things out in his head. “Yes.” His response is hesitant and filled with worry.
“It's better if we give her a partial truth. Sometimes you have to tell a woman bad news in doses. It lessens the blow. Maybe keep my part in this out. Danni was doing me a favor getting her to join the agency, and she really doesn’t need to know I own it.”
Cooper had been looking for an in with Beth for a couple of months. As soon as he'd seen her on the street, all of his feelings for her came back with a vengeance. We looked into her, and found out where she worked and who her friends were. Apparently, I’d fucked a few or ten of them, including Danni. She knew of me, but not who I was. We didn't run in the same circles back then. I might have only spoken to her that one time, but I gave her a fake name.
It was just a matter of getting her to join and take the leap. I had my IT guy do a little computer manipulation, and like magic, we ended up being the best choices.
“Yeah, you’re right. I don’t think she’d take kindly to you owning the company, or for that matter, using her friend.”
“Please,” I retort. “Danni would never allow herself to be used unless it felt good. I gave her a carte blanche membership as payment. The last I heard, she threw a fetish party for herself, three other men, and another woman.”
Cooper laughs. “And how is it that you have never been arrested?”
“Simple. I’m smart.”
“Smartass.”
“Fuck you, Josh.” His former name slips out. I haven't used it in years, so it sounds foreign on my tongue. “She seems happy. Maybe wait another day to—”
A clearing of a throat startles Cooper and me.
Shit, Beth.
Based on her facial expression, I know that she heard at least a portion of our conversation. She's wearing Cooper's oversized sweatpants and a t-shirt with flip-flops. We didn't even hear her move about in the other room. Cooper goes to approach her, but she halts him.
“Anything to get laid huh, Josh?” His fists clench at his side and then she turns to me. “I guess you got another notch on your belt. So glad I could be of service.”
Her face is red, and the timbre in her voice venomous as she lays on one final blow to Cooper. “You know what Coo— I mean Josh. I was considering starting something with you. I thought you were funny and kind, but it was all a lie, right? You're just like the rest of the men in this world. Only good for a quick fuck. If I need you again, let me know if you’re going rate changes, yeah?”
At that parting jab, she storms out the door, Cooper charging after her.
Chapter 8
Then: 14 Years ago
Cooper/Joshua
“Josh,” Jared waved his hand in front of my face, “are you even paying attention to me?”
Of course, I wasn't. I was staring at the girl sitting at the top of the pyramid. I’d had a crush; no, I’d been in love with her since I’d stepped into the school junior year. She didn’t even know I existed.
The popular sophomore cheerleader with the shiny red hair and pale blue eyes was all that I’d thought about those days. The only chance I’d gotten to see her was during a mutual study hall, and there, during her daily practice. I always hid under the bleachers with my friend, Jared. We'd smoked to pass the time. He thought I was insane for wanting the girl so much, but I couldn’t help myself.
“Earth to Josh.” Jared shook my shoulder.
“What,” I snapped, finally focusing my attention on him.
“I asked if you plan on asking ginger over there to the dance.”
Shoving my hands in my pocket, I shrugged. “I don’t know, maybe.”
Jared rolled his eyes. “Seriously man, act like you’re older than her and grow some balls. She’s not that intimidating.”
But she really was, I’d thought to myself. Bethany Phillips was beautiful, and I’d been a scrawny, big nosed, blond haired loser. “She’d probably say no if I asked her anyway.”
“I can’t believe that you’re forcing me to say this.” Jared ran his fingers through his hair. “You are a good-looking guy, and she’d be a fool not to be interested. There, I said it. You’re such a tool sometimes; do you know that?”
“A tool that saved your life.”
Jared’s face cringed at the reminder, not because I’d saved his life, but for what caused him to almost die.
Friends since the age of seven, Jared had always been the type of guy who’d try anything. About a year ago, he’d had the bright idea to trip on mushrooms. I’d declined at first but then figured what could go wrong.
For us, everything did.
Our town had a series of rock formations, some at least thirty feet off the ground. In our tripped-out state, we’d decided it would be a cool idea to follow the trail through the woods and take photos from the top of one of the mini mountains. At some point, Jared slipped and fell over the cliff. Before I’d looked over the edge, I’d assumed he died. I was relieved that his hand caught a protruding tree branch instead. I’d hoisted him up with monumental effort, but it hadn’t been easy. After everything was said and done, he’d told me how grateful he was that I’d saved his life, and that one day he’d do something awesome for me. I’d hoped so. Maybe he could get Beth to like me. I’d chuckled at the thought. Never in a million years would Beth be the least bit interested in me.
“I need to head home,” Jared announced as he’d bent over to grab his backpack.
I gave him a questioning look and he grinned in response.
“The cheerleader next to your girl is meeting me there.”
“You have to tell me one day how you get so much tail.”
Shrugging, Jared told me, “I know what they want, sexually, and word of my awesomeness with the lady population has already spread throughout the entire school.”
I shook my head. “You know, normal high school teenagers date one girl.”
“Who says I’m normal?” He laughed. “I bet you’d change your tune if you were in the same position.”
“Nah. I only want one girl.” I chanced a glance over at Beth again who was packing up her stuff. I realized I’d stared a little too long when I heard Jared groan from beside me.
“One day you'll get some balls, my friend.” Jared punched me in the shoulder.
“Perhaps,” I mumbled.
“Oh shit. I have the perfect idea.”
“I know all about your ideas.” I rolled my eyes. “Usually they involve one or both of us getting hurt, in trouble with our parents, or both. What category does this fall into?”
“Shut up. It's foolproof, but don't be weird about it.”
“Fine. Tell me your master plan.”
“Okay.” He rubbed his hands together like a mad scientist planning world domination. “We’ve already established that you like Beth, but you have no game.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I muttered, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Well, it's true.” Jared gave me a pointed look. “Anyway, what if I showed you the ropes, you know, how to do things and such.”
My brows furrowed. “Things like what?”
“How to talk to girls, and umm … what to do with them.”
I opened my mouth to speak; however, Jared interrupted me.
“Listen, I know you're a virgin, and it's no big deal. I figure you need some guidance.” I must have looked freaked out, or worried, because he continued. “Relax. I'm not going to confess that I'm in love with you, and want to do you or something. I only want to help you because I owe you my life, and this is how I want to repay you. Hell, maybe I can make money on this one day. Before you tell me no, think about.”
Letting out a long sigh, I nodded at him as he left. I’d always admired Jared because he couldn’t give two shits what people thought of him. He never fit into any of the typical high school student roles. Not only was he smart and driven, he’d always marched to his own tune which would make him successful in the future.
Grabbing my backpack, I walked around the bleachers in the direction of my house, which happened to be where Beth was packing up the remainder of her stuff. I kept my head down as I passed her, but paused when she spoke.
“Josh, right?”
At her using my name, my heart pounded so fast I thought it would come out of my chest. I kept imagining the movie Alien, where the creature ate his way out of the man’s stomach. I prayed it wouldn’t happen to me. That would be really embarrassing.
Turning around, I stared at her, saying nothing. I was too mesmerized by the smile she beamed at me. I was fairly certain she was asking me something, but the way she said my name was on repeat in my brain. She brought me out of my fever state when she touched my shoulder and shook me, the warmth of her hand awakening the senses in my body, including my unused dick.
“You in there, Josh?” She was still grinning.
“Yeah … Umm, what did you say?” The question came out in a mumble, and I was surprised she understood me.
“Well, first I said your name, and then I asked if you could come to my house later.”
My eyes went as wide as saucers at the invite. I had no idea why she would want me in her house. Thoughts of Jared’s offer ran through my head. I should take him up on it because I had no fucking clue what to do.
“Your house?”
“Yes. Your friend Carl, with the dark hair, overheard me complaining about Mr. McCoy’s math class, and said that you tutor sophomores. Can you help me?”
I wanted to laugh because I had no friend named Carl, and I’d never taken Mr. McCoy’s class. The set-up reeked of Jared, but I couldn’t be mad at him. He just wanted me happy.
Before I had the chance to agree, an extremely large lacrosse player stalked in our direction. When he arrived, he immediately put his arm around Beth, giving me, a scowling look the entire time.
“Hey, Lou,” she said as he gave her a kiss on the cheek. It wasn't a boyfriend type of peck. I classified it as brotherly. Lou however, did not remove his arm.
“Is this loser bothering you?”
Beth tapped his appendage, obviously in an attempt to soothe the beast.
“Calm down. I was asking Josh to tutor me is all.”
“Not gonna happen,” the man-beast replied sharply. “I talked to Quincy's sister and she said she would. That way we can study together.”
Beth turned to me, her expression apologetic. “Guess I don’t need you anymore.” What she said felt like a thousand knives stabbing me inside my chest. I knew she didn’t mean to injure me, but it did. It was then I realized how much I really wanted her.
“Okay,” I muttered as I walked away. At that moment, I swore to myself that I would do whatever it took to have her, even if it meant crossing certain lines.
Chapter 9
Romance Is Dead
Cooper/Joshua
“Beth,” I shout as she runs down the hall to the elevators. “Wait, just let me explain.”
Pausing, she whirls around to face me, her eyes filled with anger and … hurt.
“Explain?” Her voice is quiet, but I’m sure she’s pissed. “Explain what exactly? How you manipulated me into sleeping with you? Or how you lied about who you were? I can’t decide which one I want to hear first from you, Joshua. By the way, the new nose and hair are a nice touch, but it’s your eyes that give you away.”
She turns to the elevator and presses the down button, but I grab her arm and turn her to me again. “I'm not finished with you yet.”
Despite her struggle, I pull her into a kiss. Though she fights me at first, her resolve eventually dissipates. In no way do I see this as a sign that she forgives me. In fact, I'm proven correct when she knees me in the balls, forcing me to let her go and hold myself.
“Fuck you, Josh,” she growls, actually growls, as the elevator arrives. “Don’t ever call me again,” she says as she enters. “And tell the other liar to stay away from me too.”
A lump forms in my throat as the doors close. I can’t believe that she found out this way. I knew I should have said something sooner. It seemed like a great plan at first, but now …
“Give her some time,” Jared says from behind me, placing a hand on my shoulder. “She can’t stay mad forever, and when you explain to her about the pining forever crap, she’ll let you back in.”
“Would you?” I ask him, turning around.
“I’m not the person to ask. I’ve never had a relationship, but I can read people. She likes you, that I'm sure of. She's probably trying to reconcile the new and old you. Give her tonight, and then grovel tomorrow.” He hands me my t-shirt, shoes, and jacket. “Go home, I'll clean up here.”
I smile wryly. “Thanks.”
About thirty minutes later, I arrive home. I want to call her so bad, but Jared says to give her time. Scotch seems like a good way to deal with the waiting, so I indulge. One glass becomes four or five.
I’m drunk, and it’s because of this fact I do something really stupid — like text Beth.
Me: I love you. I always have.
Dread runs through me as I stare at the phone, waiting for a response I don’t expect to come. Until it does.
Beth: You barely know me.
I smile at her response because she has no idea how much I do.
Me: I know you bite your bottom lip when you’re nervous, that you twirl your hair with your fingers when thinking. You smile at everyone, no matter if you like them or not. You look hot in a skirt.
Beth: You lied to me.
Me: I know, and I’m sorry. I want to see you. To explain.
It kills me that she doesn’t respond, but I understand. What could I really say to her? I’m currently drunk and it would probably come out all wrong.
Me: Meet me tomorrow at the coffee shop where we first met. Please.
Beth: I’m not sure I can.
Me: Sure, you can. Tell you what; I'll be there at 1:00 p.m. If you don't show up, then I'll take it as you ending us. I'll never bother you again.
How I’m going to be able to stay away from her is anyone’s guess, but I’ll tell her anything she needs to hear if the endgame brings her back to me.
Beth: I'll think about it. Goodnight, Josh.
Me: Cooper. Haven’t gone by Josh since I was a teen.
Beth: I like Josh. Goodbye.
Tossing my phone on the couch next to me, I stand. I’m a bit unsteady on my feet, but I manage to make it to the bathroom, take a shower and get into bed without killing myself.
As I lie under my duvet, I think about all the things I’ll say to her tomorrow. I’m also hoping and praying what Jared said is
true. She’ll forgive me. Because without her, I’m nothing.
Chapter 10
That’s What Friends Are For
Bethany
How did I not know it was him?
The question has been rattling around in my head since I left the hotel this morning. I knew there was something about him, but with that new face, I didn’t put two and two together.
Joshua.
I never knew his last name and had only spoken to him once. I do recall catching him staring at me a couple of times during study hall, but I was too immature to do anything about it. I was more concerned with being the perfect student, the perfect daughter, and the perfect cheerleader, that I missed out. I remember. He had the sweetest smile. One that really hasn’t changed, the more I think about it.
Drowning my sorrows in red wine on Christmas of all days, I decided to call Carrie and confess everything. She was pissed about me keeping the dating agency secret, but what upset her most is that I didn’t invite her to join. If Jared wasn’t such a lying asshole, then maybe I would try to get her in. She told me that she’s be here in twenty minutes to quote ‘punch me in the boob’ as punishment. I gladly agreed because being alone on the holiday would have been another stab to the gut.
While I wait for Carrie’s arrival, I make the proverbial call to the parents. They’re usually vacationing somewhere tropical during Christmas. They are not big fans of the cold, and I don’t blame them. Maybe I should have spent my money on a trip to Cabo instead. Sunburn pain heals a lot easier that emotional pain.
Fucking Coop … Joshua.
The door buzzer alerts me to an arrival. Carrie has her own key, so like a true Brooklyn resident, I’m suspicious of any unknown guest.
“Can I help you?” I push the intercom and question whoever it is.
Coming For Christmas: A Sexy Romantic Holiday Standalone Page 7
