Hammered

by Cathryn Fox

  “Um, hello,” I say. “Over here.” Summer rolls her eyes, and I crook my finger. “Bring it in sister,” I say, and she throws her arms around me.

  “Bro,” I say as we all sit and Kylee sets a wine glass in front of Haven. “Red or white,” she says. “I’m not pregnant and I miss having a wine buddy.” She gives Haven a wide grin.

  “Please be her wine buddy,” Summer says and Haven laughs. “So I can live vicariously through you until this little one is born.”

  “You don’t have to twist my arm. I’ll have red.”

  “I think you mean we’ll start with red,” Kylee says. “It’s been a long day with Jesse. Those teeth had better come in soon.”

  Sean stands and grabs a beer from the cooler. He untwists it and hands it to me.

  “Thanks, bro.” I step up to Jamie at the barbecue to see what’s cooking.

  He glances over his shoulder as the girls all talk. “Things good?” he asks, in that big brotherly way that says he knows something isn’t right.

  “Yup.”

  “Heard Carter and Jared were at the cabin with you last Sunday night.”

  “We had the kids from the club overnight,” I say, even though I’m sure he already knows that. “Could use the extra hands with so many kids.”

  He nods. “Okay, good,” he says, and I get it. He’s letting me know he’s got my back. I glance down the beach and spot a guy walking by, pants baggy, a black ball cap, his gaze latched on us.

  “Do you know who that kid is?” I ask and Jamie turns. I have no idea if he’s the punk who was hanging out at Haven’s trailer, but he fits the description. Then again, lots of kids who summer here with their parents fit the description, but this punk is watching us a little too closely. Which is pretty stupid, considering any one of us could and would snap him like a twig if he tried to hurt Haven.

  “That’s Tucker Miller. He’s with his folks in the gray and white cottage down the road. I did some work on their deck last year. Why?”

  “Right, I remember. Good kid?”

  He glances at Tucker again and flips the steak on the grill. Smoke rises as he sizzles the other sides “I haven’t had any problems with him, why?”

  I shrug. “Carter said some punk was hanging around Haven’s trailer.”

  He cocks his head, his brow furrowed. “Want to go ask him?”

  “Just keep an eye on him for me,” I say. Christ, I don’t want to scare the kid if he’s innocent. Officer Walker would be all over my ass for harassing the rich folk who summer here. I take a sip of beer and turn to find Haven and the others all leaning in, their voices low. I catch Sean’s eye and he leans back, ending the conversation. Why the hell is she always in deep conversation with my brothers?

  “What’s up?” I ask, and drop down next to Haven. I put my hand on her thigh and give it a light squeeze.

  “Oh, just telling everyone here about last Sunday’s bonfire,” she says and I stare at her. Why the hell is she lying to me?

  “Really?” I ask, giving her a chance to tell me the truth.

  “Why don’t you help me with the salads,” Kylee says, and Haven rises. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I definitely plan to get to the bottom of things later.

  Summer makes a move to get up and Kylee points a finger at her. “Stay. We got this.”

  They disappear inside, and Sean stands to grab a plate for Jamie.

  “I like her,” Summer says. “Don’t fuck this up, Ty.”

  I laugh. “Why don’t you tell me what you really think?”

  She leans into me. “I know you, Tyler. When you build something, you build it to last.”

  “Ah, okay.” What the hell is she getting at?

  She runs her finger around the rim of her glass, her chin up a notch and I know a lecture is coming on. “Did you enjoy putting that temporary structure up for the movie set?”

  “Not really.”

  “That’s what I mean.” She takes a sip of her lemonade, and I tug at the peel on my bottle. “When you build something, you don’t want to see it torn down. I have never seen you build something with a woman before, but you are here, whether you realize it or not.”

  I nod, totally understanding what she’s getting at. I’ve never built anything with a woman. Never wanted to. Things are different with Haven, but she’s here only temporarily and I can’t forget she’s with me because she needed a protector. Will she ever see me as something more or am I simply setting myself up for disaster? “You don’t really know what’s going on, Summer. Things aren’t quite as they seem.”

  “Maybe not, but I have eyes. I see the way you look at her.”

  Haven comes from inside, a big salad in her hand. “This all looks de—” Her voice falls off when she glances at Summer and me. I’m not sure what she sees on our faces, but her steps slow. “Everything okay?” she asks, her face paling a little. She glances up, searches the beach.

  Shit, I hate seeing her so worried. “Everything is fine. Summer is just getting hangry,” I say and Haven’s shoulders relax.

  “This one is going to be just like his uncle,” she teases. “Needing food all the time.”

  Haven drops down next to me, and Sean puts a plate of steaks in the middle of the table. “Dig in,” he says and Haven glances at me. I give her a smile to let her know she is safe, and we weren’t talking about her stalker. For the next hour, we eat, and laugh and my family is kind enough to tell Haven stories about me from our childhood. I don’t mind, though. I love the smile on her face. In fact, I love an awful lot about this woman.

  We clear the dishes and Kylee brings out the chocolate cake, and Haven says, “I’m sure it tastes better than it looks.”

  “It looks amazing,” Summer says, and we hear a cry from inside the house. Sean disappears and comes back with two bundles in his hands. He passes Jesse to Kylee, and sits Devon on his lap. Devon instantly grabs a fistful of cake and shoves it into his mouth.

  “I think it’s good,” I say. “Devon’s eyes just lit up.”

  We all laugh and moan in appreciation as we devour the cake and before we know it the sun is low on the horizon. Perfect for what I have planned. After a round of hugs, I toss my arm around Haven and lead her to my truck. The night air is warm, and I’ve never seen Haven look more content than right now—outside of bed, that is.

  “Want to go for a ride?”

  “Sure, it’s still early.”

  We jump into the truck and I head for the old homestead. “I thought we were going for a ride,” she says when I park.

  “We are. On my bike.”

  “Oh,” she says her eyes wide.

  “You up for that?”

  She nods eagerly and I love the trust she has in me. “I am, but I’m in a dress.”

  “Just keep your legs wrapped around me.”

  “That shouldn’t be a problem,” she says and my dick twitches, liking the idea of that too.

  I grab my spare helmet from my truck and put it on her head, fastening it tight. “It’s a bit big, but it will do for tonight.” I make a mental note to pick up a smaller helmet for her tomorrow.

  I put my own helmet on, jump on my bike and balance it for her. She slides in behind me, and tightly wraps her legs around my body. Her warmth seeps into my skin as I start the bike and head out onto the winding road that follows the shoreline. Her hands hug me tight as she settles against me. I take my one hand off the bike and lightly rub her hands to make sure she’s warm.

  We ride a little longer and when the sun disappears in the horizon and the stars dot the black canvas overhead, I make my way back to town. I find a parking spot on Main Street. I help her off the bike and remove her helmet. I grin as I look at her.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “Nothing, you look adorable.”

  “God, I have helmet hair, don’t I?” she asks and starts to smooth her hands over her mess of curls. I capture her hands and tug them away.

  “Leave it. You always look great.”


  She eyes me like she’s not sure she believes me. “Fine, what are we doing here?”

  I gesture with a nod to Sugar’s. “Ice cream.”

  “Oh, God, one dessert tonight was enough. I won’t fit into my clothes.”

  “You’ll thank me for that. Sugar’s has the best ice cream in the world.”

  “That’s a big claim, Ty.” I laugh and take her hand. The bell chimes overhead as we enter the ice cream shop and ten minutes later, as we’re strolling down Main Street and her moans reach my ears, I grin and turn to her.

  “Am I right, or am I right?”

  “You’re right. Best ice cream I’ve ever had.” She casts me a quick glance. “Best night I’ve ever had.”

  “I thought the night we went fishing was the best night ever.”

  She gives a noncommittal shrug. “I’m a woman, and it’s my right to change my mind,” she teases. “Seriously though, every night just keeps getting better and better.”

  “What do you normally do on a Friday night?”

  “Dinner with ‘friends’, but most nights I’m home alone.” She does air quotes around friends, and my heart squeezes. Everyone needs someone to count on. She has her brother, but he’s busy with his career, and I hate the thoughts of her home alone on a Friday night. “What about you?” she asks.

  “Well, the guys and I normally go to Winchester’s and—”

  She holds her ice cream free hand up to stop me. “Say no more,” she says with a laugh.

  “For the record, this is much better.”

  She smiles at me. “I think so too,” she says and slides her hand into mine. We walk in comfortable silence, and I point out the shops, giving her a little history lesson on the town, and once we finish our cones, we head back to my bike. We take off for the cabin, and once there, I help her remove her helmet, and she goes up on her toes to give me a kiss.

  “Tonight was perfect,” she says, her gorgeous eyes sparkling under the moonlight. Fuck, I love seeing her this happy. I put my hand on her face, and brush my thumb over her soft cheek.

  “It’s not over yet, Haven.”

  “Oh?” she says with a grin. “You have something else planned?”

  “Yeah, I do.” I take her hand and lead her to the water. I drop down onto the dock and pat it. “Sit with me.”

  She sits, and kicks her legs out as the moonlight glistens on the dark water. We sit like that for a long moment, a comfortable silence surrounding us. She breaks it and says, “Have you given any more thought to opening a gym, especially now knowing Jace wants your place for a restaurant?”

  “I’ve been thinking about it non-stop. I just wanted to have enough saved so I could open with a bang, and not have to add pieces once I’ve saved up enough. There was a perfect location, but I was too slow to react. I didn’t have enough of a down payment at the time.”

  “Oh, that’s too bad,” she says. “Where was it?”

  “An old fish plant on the water. Great spot.”

  She puts her hand on my thigh, and gives a reassuring squeeze. “Something will come up, I’m sure.”

  I nod. “I could always clear lots around the lake and put something up there. It’s not the ideal location, but it’s a location. What are your thoughts?” I ask, wanting her opinion.

  Instead of answering, she says, “How on Earth am I going to go back to city living after this?”

  Crickets chirp and bull frogs croak as I take her hand in mine, not really understanding her change in subject. She’s the one who brought it up, but I don’t press. I have more important matters at hand, like trying to get her to fall in love with Blue Bay—with me. I shake my head, hardly able to believe how fast and how hard I’ve fallen for this woman, but the truth is, I am building something with her and I don’t want to see it destroyed. Rock is probably going to lose his mind when he finds out, but I’ll deal with him when the time comes.

  I stand and peel my shirt off. “Let’s go for a swim.”

  “I don’t have a suit.”

  “You think you need one?”

  “What if someone comes?”

  “Someone is going to come,” I tease and pull her to her feet. I look over her face. “Don’t tell me you’ve never been skinny dipping.”

  “I’ve never been skinny dipping,” she says with a laugh. “Seriously, though, what if someone sees us?”

  “The only ones who are going to see us are the frogs and crickets, and I have it on good authority that they’re pervs anyway.” She laughs out loud, and I reach for the hem of her sundress. “Is that a yes?”

  “That’s a yes,” she says, and I lift her dress over her head. She raises her arms to help and once I have her partially naked, I stand back and admire her lush body. I scrub my face, anxious to get my mouth on her. “You are so gorgeous.”

  My dick thickens as I appreciate her curves, and I tear into my pants to release the pressure. She wiggles out of her panties and darts a glance around. “This is kind of fun.” I take my dick into my hand and stroke and her gaze drops to watch as she unhooks her bra. “What was that you said about coming?” she teases. I growl and reach for her, but she backs up and jumps into the water.

  When she resurfaces, I say, “You’re going to pay for that.”

  “You’ll have to catch me first.” She swims away, her laughter echoing in the still night.

  “I’ll catch you,” I say and dive in. Fuck, that’s cold. I come up and shake the water from my face, but can’t seem to find her. “Marco,” I call out, feeling like a kid again and loving the new memories we’re making here.

  “Polo,” she responds, and I turn toward her voice. I swim after her, and she’s laughing so hard, it doesn’t take much time for me to reach her. I wrap my arms around her. “Caught you.”

  “Yeah, you did. Now what are you going to do with me?”

  I find her mouth with mine, and we sink below the water as we kiss. Her legs wrap around my waist, and I swim us to the dock. With a little boost, I help her up, and climb up behind her. Her body is cool from the water and I wrap my arms around her.

  In no time at all, her skin is warm, hot from my touch, and I gather our clothes and make a little pillow for her. “I need to be inside you, Haven.”

  My cock pulses, eager to feel her softness wrapped around it. I lower her onto the deck, and she puts hers arms around me as her legs widen for me, and invitation that tugs at my pounding heart.

  I reach between our bodies and slide a finger inside her, and a growl rips from my throat when my finger meets with hot wetness. I love how she’s so ready for me. I pump her for a minute, my slick finger brushing that sensitive bundle of nerves inside her until she’s writhing and moaning beneath me. My mouth finds hers and she whimpers as I remove my hand and place my bare cock between her legs.

  “This what you need, Haven?” I ask and press my crown inside. Her body tightens around me, and when she answers with a needy moan, I piston forward, driving high and deep inside her, wanting to stay just like this…forever.

  “Haven,” I murmur into her mouth. Her tongue tangles with mine, her nails scoring my back as I completely fill her. “So good.”

  “Yes, so good,” she agrees and moves her hips. Her tight channel fucks my thick cock, and I let her work my dick for a minute longer. I take her hands, put them over her head, and pull almost all the way out. My turn to take over. Her nipples tighten against my chest as I jerk my hips forward and slide into her. She’s so goddam drenched I easily glide in, our bodies fitting together so perfectly. She was made for me. I fucking know it.

  Her legs hold me tight, her soft thighs around my hips, and my heart beats an unsteady rhythm as I fall just a little more for her.

  “Tyler,” she whispers, her heat searing my dick as we make love. Intense heat zaps my balls as I go up on my hands and push inside, rocking hard against her body. Her hips lift, meet and welcome my every thrust. Her hands go to my chest and she splays her fingers, like she wants to touch ever
y inch of me, inside and out. I revel in the feel of her soft palms, the way she circles my tight nipples.

  Sensations batter my body, and I slow the pace a little, not wanting this to be over just yet. I push my pelvis against her clit, each time I fill her, and her eyes close as a hard tremor wracks her body and strokes my aching cock.

  She moans a low, aching sound that lets me know she’s right there. “I’m…oh God, Tyler.” She takes a gulping breath as the heat of her release scorches my dick. She comes around my cock, each hard pulse taunting my release.

  “I love when you come like that,” I say, and give her a second to catch her breath. Her eyes meet mine, and my world tilts on its axis. Jesus, I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want her. Her sweet pussy hugs me tight and I power into her, chasing my own orgasm now. I bury my face in the hollow of her neck, and taste her sweet skin as my dick throbs. Lost to everything but her, I give myself over to the pleasure and fill her with my seed.

  She cups my head and brings my mouth to hers, and we kiss. Slowly this time, each savoring the taste and moment as I deplete myself in her. I push her hair back, and take in her eyes glistening, post-orgasm contentment all over her face. I free her mouth and she inhales and lets it out slowly.

  “I’m so glad you caught me,” she says with a smile.

  “You like what I did with you huh?”

  She’s about to answer, but instead her smile falls and she turns her head quickly. “Did you hear that?”

  I follow her gaze, and peer into the dark woods. “What did you hear?”

  “I thought I heard a noise, like a click or something.”

  My insides tighten, as I pull out of her and sit up. “Chances are it was just a twig breaking. Probably a racoon or something. I’m sure it’s nothing,” I say to reassure her, but what if I’m wrong? What if there is something or someone out there, and I was so lost in her I missed it. Fuck, I shouldn’t have taken her out here like this. She put her body in my hands and I don’t take that lightly.

  “What if it’s a bear?”

  I help her sit up, and she reaches for her dress. “Want me to go check?”

  “No,” she says quickly. “One encounter with a bear is more than enough.” She puts her hands on my face, and there’s real worry in her eyes when she adds, “I am not going to sit here and watch a bear eat you alive.”