This Much is True

by Louise, Tia

  I’m shaking my nose close to the cat’s when JR stands, going to the top of the stairs. He pauses on the landing, inspecting the second floor. “This looks like the master suite.”

  Rising from the Cosmo love-fest, I slowly walk the rest of the way and stop beside him. “You want it?”

  His shoulders drop, and he takes my hands in his. “You can have it if you want.”

  As much as I hate being the only one doing the chasing in this relationship, my dad once told me if I wanted something, I had to go for it.

  “We can share it.” It’s a cautious suggestion, coupled with a sweet smile.

  He doesn’t answer, but his hands tighten around mine. “Hope…” He says my name on an exhale, almost like a prayer. He’s so heartbreakingly sexy.

  Lifting my eyes, I meet his. “That’s my name. Don’t wear it out.” It’s meant be playful, but it comes out a little sad.

  I guess I’m not as great an actress as I’d like to be.

  Releasing my hands, he cups my face, lowering his forehead to mine. “I can’t drag you into this mess of mine.”

  “It doesn’t look like a mess. It looks like a family.”

  “You have no idea.” His thumbs move against my cheeks, and he lifts his head to meet my eyes.

  I stretch higher, touching my lips to his jaw. “Either way, I’m here.”

  “Hope…” It’s a rough whisper.

  “Kiss me, John.”

  It’s all it takes.

  He lowers his mouth with a groan capturing my lips with his. Fire shoots through my veins as his tongue finds mine, curling and teasing.

  Raking my fingers along his neck, I thread them in his hair, pressing my body against his.

  His kiss is rough and beautiful. My core tightens, and I ache for him to satisfy my need.

  He lowers to sit on the foot of the bed, putting his face at my waist. Reaching down, he slides his hands up the back of my knees, lightly up my thighs, lifting my dress.

  I hiss as electricity flames higher with his touch. Reaching down, I pull the thin garment over my head, baring my body for him, all except for the makeshift undies.

  His blue eyes darken, studying my breasts, my tight nipples, the air rushing in and out of my lungs.

  He holds both of my wrists behind my back, not letting me move. It’s thrilling and it shifts my body closer to his face.

  Tracing his nose along my bare stomach, he pauses at my underwear. “What’s this?”

  “What’s what?” My eyelids lower, desire burning in my veins.

  “Your panties are in my pocket.” His mouth forms a hot pucker on my hip, and he pulls the skin, touching me with his teeth.

  Wetness floods my core, and I gasp. “Scout stole some of Alice’s underwear—”

  His grip on my wrists tightens, and he pulls me back. When our eyes meet, his twinkle. He’s almost laughing. “You stole my granny’s panties?”

  I exhale a laugh. “I didn’t have a choice.”

  “They’re sexy.” His face returns to my hip, and he pulls another little bit of flesh between his teeth.

  Oh, God. My chin drops back, and my eyes roll. It’s just what I want. I want him to take me, hold me down, fuck me hard.

  I’m breathless. “I’ll take them off.”

  “I will.” His ironclad grip on my wrists loosens, and large hands cover my hips, sliding the cut and knotted panties down my legs.

  He takes his time, and I think I’m going to dissolve in front of him. When they’re at my ankles, he glances up at me and I see all the hunger burning in my stomach reflected at me.

  Straightening again, he slides his nose along my lower stomach. “You are so beautiful.”

  “I think I’m going to combust.”

  I’m lovestruck standing in front of him, swaying to the movement of his lips across my flesh, the scruff of his new beard against my sensitive skin. I want him inside me. I want his body sliding against mine, firm and hard. I want his massive dick in my body.

  “How is this possible?” He slides warm hands up the back of my thighs, cupping my ass.

  “What?” I manage to inhale.

  “You’re so damn sweet, so innocent… and you hypnotize me. I’m completely at your mercy.”

  My hands are free now and I thread them in his soft hair. “What makes you think I’m not at yours?”

  Leaning forward, he covers my bare pussy with his mouth, roughly sliding his tongue across my clit, turning my knees to liquid.

  “Oh, shit…” Gripping his hair, I can barely stand. He’s holding me up, and his mouth moves faster, tongue lapping hungrily, and my legs begin to tremble. “John…”

  Another kiss, another suck, and currents of orgasm race through my thighs.

  “I’m going to come.” It’s a broken cry.

  He slows down, giving me a little grin. “Not so fast, beautiful.”

  Gripping my waist, he turns me to lie back on the bed and he stands, pulling the shirt from his jeans. Stormy blue eyes survey my body, moving from my lips to my neck to my breasts, to my hands sliding lower on my stomach. It’s a heated caress, turning my skin to chills.

  I’m mesmerized at the sight of his ripped body disrobing in front of me. His tattoos are on full display. My knees rub together, and I’m sizzling inside reading the quote on his upper chest. This much is true.

  I will have this man, I complete the thought in my mind.

  “Will you touch yourself for me?” His voice is thick.

  “I’ll do anything for you.” I don’t even care how that makes me sound.

  His eyebrow arches, and a tease of a smile is on his sexy lips. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  Those loose jeans are the last thing separating our bodies, and I can see his massive cock, pushing against the thick fabric.

  God, I want him naked.

  Now.

  A swift push, and they’re on the floor. He stands, and his cock rises in all its glory. I want it inside me, stretching and filling, but he’s more focused than I am. Reaching for his jeans, he pulls out a condom.

  My eyebrow arches, and I do my best sassy. “What are you doing with a condom?”

  “I thought I might get lucky.” He rips the foil painfully slowly. “Apparently my brother has several.”

  “Lucky him.”

  “Lucky me.”

  JR rolls the shield on slowly, and he’s like a god, shoulders broad, muscles rounded, hands fondling his dick. I’m in my wildest fantasy watching him.

  As soon as it’s on, he places a knee on the mattress, climbing over me slowly, like a predator, thrilling my insides.

  “I’m going to hold you down.” He dips down to kiss my stomach. It’s shockwaves through my limbs. “Then I’m going to fuck you hard.”

  He’s at my breasts, and he slides his tongue around my tight nipple before pulling it between his teeth. It’s a charge direct to my throbbing core.

  “Is that acceptable to you?” His face is right above mine, and the muscle in his jaw moves as he waits.

  My thighs readily part for him. “I will allow it.”

  Lifting his chin, he looks up at the ceiling. That ridiculous dimple appears in his cheek—the one that just pushes all of his amazingness over the top. “This girl…”

  He exhales something like a laugh, and I lean up to lick him.

  My tongue touches the top of his chest, and I raise higher, dragging it to his neck. It’s as far as I get before his mouth covers mine fast, hard and demanding. His lips shove mine apart, and it’s all wildness. Tongue pushing into my mouth, swiping away the saltiness of his skin on mine.

  He’s ferocious, and I’m writhing in the sheets, wanting more, wanting everything.

  Our hands collide between his legs. Together we guide his cock to my pussy, and he shoves in so violently, my breath catches.

  “Oh…” My back arches, and I can’t stop a gasp of surprise.

  We were together only this morning, less than twelve hours ago, but he’s
still a shock to my senses. I’m so full.

  Despite his declaration, he pauses. A large hand smooths my hair back from my forehead, and our eyes meet.

  “Are you okay?” His brow is lowered, concern in his lusty eyes.

  I close my eyes as my body quickly accommodates his size. “Yes…”

  Rotating my hips, I’m better than okay.

  It’s enough. Pulling back, he thrusts harder, faster. He’s focused, working out his own needs, scooting me higher in the bed with every plunge. My eyes flutter shut, luxuriating at the heaviness of his body, the press of his frame, holding me against the bed, claiming me, taking me.

  My knees are bent, rising rhythmically with every thrust. My hips buck higher to meet his, and deep inside, I feel the tingling of something new. He’s touching a part of me that curls my toes. Sharp waves of pleasure lift my hips, clench my core.

  “Hope…” He groans loudly, lifting up and clutching my ass.

  Dragging me closer as he pushes deeper, my hands slap the mattress as my body tightens. I’ve never felt pleasure like this. I’m shaken to my core.

  He leans down to pull sharply on a hardened nipple, and I break, wailing and shaking. It’s an experience I’ve never had.

  His head drops back, and he groans low and loud, tingling my entire body. I feel him pulsing deep inside me again and again. Our rhythm is primal and perfect. Our bodies are one in this release.

  As we come down, his grip on my skin relaxes. Quickly disposing of the condom, he returns to the bed and gathers my now-boneless body to his chest. We don’t speak, yet he holds me so close.

  Warm lips touch my brow, and I’m so satisfied. I’m so happy to be wrapped in his arms, safe in his embrace. He’s the grumpiest, sexiest, most divine man I’ve ever known.

  He’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever held in my life, and it terrifies me.

  What will I do if he tells me it’s time to go?

  Jr

  I’m roused by the golden glow of the sun breaking through ivory lace curtains. Hope’s little body is against mine, her perky, round ass close to my morning erection.

  Damn, I’ve got to get out of this bed before I fuck her again. Why didn’t I ask Scout for more than one condom?

  Truth is, I wasn’t sure she’d want to sleep with me again. I was a little drunk when I took her in the woods yesterday morning. I don’t remember if I asked. I only know I saw her beautiful body shining like an angel, and I couldn’t fight anymore.

  Now we’re at the end of our journey. She says she was a stowaway, but I can’t help feeling like a kidnapper. I felt like a shit and a half when GA told me to get her suitcase.

  She doesn’t have a suitcase.

  Hell, I tried to leave her barefoot on the side of the road between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The memory stings my stomach so bad.

  Today I have to do the right thing. It’s going to hurt like hell, but I can’t ignore the truth any longer.

  “Hmm… Hey, grumpy.” Her soft voice fills my chest with warmth.

  Her slim hand traces along my neck, threading in my hair. Reaching up, I pull her fingers to my lips. “Good morning.”

  “Why are you leaning over me scowling?” Her eyes aren’t even open.

  “How do you know I’m not smiling?” Leaning down, I kiss her shoulder.

  It rises, and she grins, blinking awake. “That doesn’t sound like the John I know…”

  Our eyes meet, and her voice trails off like she wants to say more. I want to say more, but instead, I turn away, moving the covers aside and going to the bathroom.

  Closing the door, it takes a minute, but I’m able to use the restroom, put on some clothes, and mentally kick my own ass. I can’t do this with her now. The timing is wrong, and shit, speaking of timing, my time is up.

  When I return, the bed is empty. The sheets are pulled over the mattress, but her dress, sexy granny panties, and little white boots are gone. I quickly jog down the stairs to the scent of coffee meeting me halfway.

  Hope’s opening and closing cabinets in the kitchen. “She has coffee, but there isn’t any food here. Besides the cookies.”

  My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I slide it out. “GA made breakfast. Let’s go.”

  She looks around. “I guess I don’t have anything. Let’s go.”

  “Where’s your dad now?” Scout rips off a piece of toast and sticks it in his mouth.

  “Shady Rest.” Hope leans closer to him, and I push against the irritation.

  My brother likes hearing people’s stories and asking questions. Of course, she’s drawn to him. Not that it matters.

  He scowls, talking with his mouth full. “Is that a funeral home?”

  Shaking her head, Hope takes a sip of coffee. “It’s a short-term nursing home facility. He had to have his knees worked on, and we thought February would be a good time. I had no idea he’d end up trapped there. They won’t even let me visit!”

  Gran places a hand on her chest. “My goodness! That’s terrible.”

  “Yeah, but I call him all the time. He’s in good spirits.” She finishes the last of her oatmeal. “Dad’s a Buddhist, so he believes everything works together towards the greater good.”

  “That’s not just a Buddhist philosophy.” GA nods, standing and collecting plates.

  “Let me help you!” Hope jumps out of her seat, taking the plates from my grandmother.

  “You sit right back down. You’re company.” Scout and I both stand at the same time, and she looks at us. “Look at my boys. They’re going to help.”

  She hands each of us the dirty dishes and takes Hope’s arm, leading her into the living room. “Tell me more about your family.”

  “There’s not much to tell…”

  Scout and I look at each other, and he exhales a laugh. “I guess we’re doing the dishes.”

  “Too bad she never bought a dishwasher. I’m drying.”

  “Jerk.” He snatches up the rag and switches on the hot water.

  It doesn’t take long to wash the few dishes we used. I dry the plates and stack them on the counter.

  “Good night?” He cocks an eyebrow at me, and I shake my head.

  “Not going there.”

  He frowns. “But you slept with her, right? Or should I say slept with her again?”

  “I’m not talking about her to you.”

  He’s quiet a minute, rinsing the soap off the last plate. “Are you going to ask her to stay?”

  “No.”

  “Dammit, why not?” He tosses the dish cloth on the counter. “She’s perfect for you.”

  Is she? Things are pretty great, but in my experience, perfect can go bad fast.

  “Bad timing.”

  My stomach is tight. I don’t want to have this conversation with him. It was hard enough having it with GA then asking her to loan me money. She was cool about it, saying she had plenty, but if that were true, why is she still living in this matchbox sized house?

  “Look, I get it. Becky is a bitch, and finding out about her and Dad is enough to make anybody give up on love, but you’ve got to look at what’s right in front of you.”

  I turn my back to the counter; I can’t help wondering how this happened. How have I gotten to the point where I have no control over my life? So many things I want, I can’t have.

  Exhaling deeply, it’s time to level with him. “I’m getting on a plane for San Francisco in five hours.”

  “What?” His voice is hushed. “Why?”

  “I violated my parole coming here. I got that car, hoping I could make it back before I have to check in with my parole officer on Friday. If I don’t… If they catch me, I’ll go back to prison for the rest of my sentence. Possibly longer, depending on the judge.”

  His eyes widen, as his lips part. “That’s why you freaked at the roadblock… That’s why you backed down when Becky threatened to call the sheriff—”

  “I can’t take any chances. I’m going to see Dad, then I have to get bac
k to California. Fast.”

  “Jesus… Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I don’t know. I didn’t want you to worry.”

  “Worry, hell. You’re risking everything coming here. Why?”

  Scrubbing my fingers against my forehead, I think of all the reasons. “I couldn’t sit in that dead city and wait. I had to see Jesse. I had to come here and confront Dad. I had to find out why he did it and make him fix it.”

  “What made you think you could do it without getting caught?”

  I look out the window at the sunny neighborhood street.

  It’s completely empty.

  “I read this article about the Cannonball Run. Some guys set a new record last month… Twenty-seven hours.”

  “That’s the race from New York to LA?”

  “Yeah.” I remember reading the story, and the plan unfolding in my brain. “They talked about the empty highways, no state troopers… I thought, if you could help me drive, I could do this.”

  “We did make pretty good time.” He turns to lean beside me against the counter. “But now you’re flying back? Isn’t that just as dangerous? What if you pop up on a watch list?”

  “I don’t think they’ll be looking for me flying into California. Anyway, it’s more risky to drive, possibly get held up.”

  His lips tighten and he exhales deeply. “How can I help?”

  Gratitude swells in my chest. I expected him to be shocked. I expected skepticism, possibly disappointment, but he’s only supportive.

  I pull him in for a brief hug. “Thanks.”

  “It’s the least I can do.” His voice is quiet. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you when it all went down.”

  “Hey, you were dealing with your own shit. I know.”

  “I guess I thought Dad would take care of it.”

  I can’t answer that. I know he knows what I’m thinking. We both expected too much of our dad. We always have.

  Which brings me to this, the part that’s going to hurt me the most. “You can do something for me. If it’s not too much to ask.”

  “Ask away.”

  “Stay here with Jesse. Until I’m out of the woods. I don’t want him to worry, and I think you’ll help him.”