Forward Progress (Men of Fall Book 1)

by S. R. Grey

  “How do you mean?” I asked, curious as to where this was going.

  Paul, dead-serious, replied, “You won’t have to spend any money on gas this way.”

  That cracked me up.

  Laughing, I said, “Dude, those days are over. Need I remind you that we have plenty of cash now?”

  I knew when he chuckled that I’d walked right into that one.

  Sure enough, he countered, “Yeah? If that’s true, why haven’t you rented us a new apartment? Or better yet, buy us a nice house?”

  I had to think fast on that one.

  “Um, I’m waiting for spring. It’s easier to look for places in nicer weather.”

  “Bullshit,” Paul rightly called. “You’re hoping to move back in with Graham.”

  “Umm…”

  I couldn’t deny that one.

  Good thing Paul’s so supportive and understanding.

  “That’s cool, sis,” he said softly. “I like his house too. And it fits you guys. Not too big, not too small, just right.”

  “It is rather perfect, isn’t it?” I mused.

  Paul chuckled. “It is. But one thing, sis. Doesn’t the team own that house?”

  “Yeah, for now,” I confirmed with a sigh. “Though I’m sure they’d let Graham buy it from them, or work the purchase into his next contract somehow.”

  That’s what we’re hoping for. But first we have to get to that point.

  As I’m lounging around, pondering and reminiscing about that call, Paul arrives. He barely has a chance to walk in the door before I’m up and on him.

  Practically tackling him and wrapping the kid up in a giant hug, I tell him, “Oh my God, I am so damn happy to see you.” I lean back and take him in. “You look great, by the way. You’ve grown at least two inches, I think.”

  Paul shrugs. “I don’t know about that.”

  “Well, I do,” I retort.

  He is taller, making him lankier than ever. He looks good, though, healthy and happy. His pale green eyes are clear and bright, and there’s a contented glow about him.

  I feel fantastic. This is the only gift I need for Christmas.

  Well, being back together with Graham would be nice too.

  That one will have to wait, though.

  Paul steps back and drops his duffel bag to the floor.

  Reaching out, he ruffles my hair playfully and tells me, “You’re goofy, sis. You act like you haven’t seen me in years.”

  “It has been months,” I remind him.

  As we head over to the sofa, he says, “Yeah, I guess you’re right. That old saying must be true then, huh?”

  “Which one is that?” I inquire as we sit down at the same time.

  Before he answers, he calls “Jinx!” and I push him away.

  “Stop.” I laugh. “Now tell me, what saying is true?”

  “Okay, okay. I’m talking about the one that says how time flies when you’re having fun.”

  God, that makes me happy. It means Paul really does love his new school.

  To be absolutely sure, I ask, “You really like it up there, don’t you?”

  He nods. “I do. I feel like I’ve finally found my tribe.”

  I’m so pleased to hear that that I let out a choked sob.

  “Hey, what’s this all about?” Paul drapes an arm around me, comforting me. “There’s nothing to cry about. I just told you I love school.”

  “I know,” I blather. “That’s why I’m crying. I never thought in a million years I’d ever hear you say that.”

  Shaking his head, he says, “It is a little wild, huh? Me loving school, who would’ve thunk it. But I do. And it’s all thanks to you.” He sighs. “I’m just sorry you had to sell yourself to get the money.”

  I twist to face him. “Hey, don’t say that.”

  Looking solemn, he says, “It’s true, though, Eden. You once said it yourself.”

  “In a way, yes, I did sell myself. But it turned out to be a good thing. Not only do we not have money troubles now, but I fell in love. Graham is a good man, Paul. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted and more.”

  “He is pretty cool,” Paul agrees.

  “I’m glad you like him. You know your opinion holds a lot of weight with me.”

  “I know. I guess you could say then that you have my blessing.”

  I burst out in laughter.

  “What’s so funny?” he asks.

  “It’s just that our dynamic is so messed up. I’m the older sibling. I should be giving you my blessing for things. I’m supposed to be looking out for you.”

  “You do,” Paul replies. “But really, shouldn’t we both be looking out for each other?”

  “Damn, you really have grown, in more ways than one. That school is making you wise, kiddo.”

  He shrugs. “Maybe. There’s something else I’ve been thinking about too. And this one’s really going to blow your mind.”

  “Uh-oh, I’m afraid to hear. What is it, little bro?”

  Smiling big, he says, “This ‘little bro’ is going to walk you down the aisle and give you away when you and Graham get married.”

  My heart skips a beat, both at the sentiment and at the thought of marrying Graham.

  But my brother misreads my stunned expression.

  “Wait, you want to marry him, right?”

  Blowing out a breath, I say, “Yes, of course.”

  “So what’s wrong, then?”

  “Nothing.” I shake my head. “It’s just that your words really hit me. That’s all.”

  “In what way?”

  “They made me realize that I really do want to marry Graham. I love him. I love him a lot. And we should be in it for the long haul.”

  Looking thoughtful, Paul says, “If that’s the case, then we definitely need to find a way for you to see him on Christmas.”

  “Yeah,” I bite out, “good luck with that one. I wish.”

  Sounding wiser than his years, and like he has something up his sleeve, Paul states, “Wishes are what Christmas is all about, big sis.”

  Christmas Surprise

  Our last regular season game is the day after Christmas. That means there’s no point in me flying out west to Las Vegas to be with my sister and her family.

  Fuck, this is not how I hoped the holidays would go.

  Before all the breakup bull, I planned to surprise Eden with plane tickets for me and her to fly out there. I was even going to buy Paul one so he could come along. He’s a cool kid and I like him. I wanted to show him and Eden around the city I’ve lived in for the past several years. I also hoped to introduce them to my sister, Chloe, her husband, Dylan, and my new niece, baby Autumn.

  So much for that, though. Now I’ll be spending Christmas alone at the house.

  Only good thing is there’s not supposed to be any “babysitters” watching over me.

  Yes, the Comets have finally come to trust me enough over the past few weeks that they’re beginning to scale back the number of people assigned to keep an eye on me.

  Finally!

  It sure was crazy at first. After Eden and I got caught together, the scrutiny was almost nonstop. Now, there’s only someone around during the day.

  Christmas Day arrives and I find myself looking out all the windows. Wow, it’s snowing like crazy. Everything is blanketed in white.

  The good news is there are no parked cars in my driveway, not a single one along the whole damn stretch.

  That means I’m not under surveillance for at least today.

  Hallelujah, it’s a Christmas miracle!

  I think about calling Eden, but she’s probably with her brother and I don’t want to infringe on their time. So I end up sitting in front of the TV most of the day, watching A Christmas Story on perpetual rerun. I’m inspired to call for Chinese takeout, but unlike in the movie, all the Asian restaurants are closed.

  I end up making a cold cut ham sandwich and call it a day.

  As I’m walking up the stairs to head
off to bed, there’s a knock on my front door.

  Weird.

  Thinking it might be an exuberant fan who somehow breached my security system—or maybe a Comets employee arrived to the premises after all, as they all have the necessary codes—I tromp back downstairs.

  “This had better be good,” I mutter rather loudly as I swing open the front door.

  But then I’m all like, “Oh, hey…”

  Eden’s brother, Paul, is standing on the doorstep. He’s wearing a light jacket, even though the snow’s still falling briskly.

  “Jesus, get in here,” I say, stepping aside.

  “Hey, thanks,” he replies, rubbing his no-doubt cold hands together.

  As he’s walking in, I notice there’s no car outside, prompting me to ask a barrage of questions.

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Eden’s fine, right?”

  “How’d you get here? Did you walk?”

  “Wait. How’d you not set off the alarm at the gate?”

  Paul chuckles as he shakes snow from his auburn hair. The color is so much like Eden’s that it kind of hurts to look at him. He reminds me of her, and the hole in my heart.

  “Everything’s fine,” he says. “Eden’s good, and I am too.”

  I breathe a sigh of relief.

  “As for your other questions, Eden drove me over here. She’s parked way down the main road. We pulled off on some desolate side street. You know, to be on the safe side and all.”

  I nod. “Good call.”

  “As for the alarm, she knows the code and gave me the digits. I tapped them in on the keypad, the gate opened, and I walked down the driveway.”

  I nod and nod, listening but really far too excited to pay too much attention.

  All I just heard is that Eden is here!

  As in right down the fucking road!

  Not giving one single fuck as to who might be watching outside my residence, I say, “Take me to her.”

  “You got it, man. In fact, that’s why we’re here. I insisted it was only right for you two to see each other on Christmas Day.”

  Fuck, I love this kid.

  After donning a parka, and giving Paul a heavier coat to put on over his lightweight jacket, he and I head out and start down the driveway.

  “Shit, I’m glad we both have on boots,” I say to him as we make our way through at least eight inches of unshoveled snow.

  “Right?” Paul chuckles.

  Once we reach the main road, he points down to where Eden is supposed to be parked. I can’t see her car, but the side street is right there and that’s enough.

  “You got it from here?” Paul asks.

  “Yeah.” I nod. “Go on ahead back to the house. Make yourself at home.”

  I give him the entry code for the front door alarm.

  “Cool, man. I’ll probably just camp out down in that awesome theater room of yours. Maybe grab a snack, sleep for a bit too. I mean, if that’s all okay with you?”

  “Are you kidding?” I laugh. “Do whatever you like. Just don’t try to call for Chinese takeout.”

  He looks at me strangely, and I say, “Never mind. There are cold cuts in the fridge and bread out on the counter.”

  “Perfect. Thanks, Graham.”

  God, I’m in such a good mood knowing I’m about to see Eden. It’s been so long. I haven’t laid eyes on her since the night I took bitchy Brooke to the diner.

  Paul, turning serious all of a sudden, tells me, “Hey, I don’t mean to interfere with what Eden has planned, but I think you two should be back before dawn. We better keep this little secret rendezvous under the cover of night.”

  Eden must’ve told him where she’s taking me. It has to be to her secret spot, which is kind of now our secret spot.

  That’s perfect.

  It’ll be all snowy and more desolate than ever up there on the summit. Good thing her Audi has all-wheel drive.

  I promise Paul, “We’ll be back before it’s light out.”

  “Good.” He pats me on the back. “Now go be good to my sister.”

  Like that’s going to be difficult.

  After Paul walks away, I practically run down to the side street.

  Once I turn onto it, I see the car.

  That’s when I start sprinting, slippery snow be damned.

  Hey, a man in love can do amazing things. I don’t lose my footing once.

  And neither does Eden.

  Not even as she jumps out of the car and races to meet me.

  “Graham!”

  “Babe!”

  We slam into one another, falling into each other’s arms.

  With my face buried in her hair, I murmur, “God, I’ve missed you.”

  “I missed you too, Graham. I love you.”

  “I love you too, sweetheart.”

  My lips find hers as light, fluffy snowflakes dust our faces, melting instantly from the heat we start generating.

  Back in the car, and all the way out to our secret spot, I can’t keep my hands off Eden.

  Caressing her leg, sliding my hand up her side and into her hair, my lips finding her cheek.

  “Graham,” she gasps. “I swear if you don’t stop doing that, I’m going to have to pull over right here and jump you.”

  I trail kisses down her neck, murmuring, “Like that’s a bad thing?”

  The car swerves left, then right. Good thing we’re the only vehicle on the road.

  Eden then says, “Um, I would pull over, but we’re in the woods.”

  I look up and around, laughing. “Ah, the good ole boogey woods.”

  “The very ones.”

  Though the forest looks anything but scary tonight. The trees and ground are beautiful, blanketed in white.

  But I insist we keep going. “All the way,” I say.

  Eden looks over and raises a brow. “To the end?”

  “Till we can’t go any farther, love.”

  Eden drives on, and by the time we reach the summit, the tires are spinning.

  “I can’t go any farther,” she says.

  I unbuckle my seat belt. “This is good.”

  We’re on each other then.

  As she straddles me, we ditch our coats and get to work on the rest of our layers.

  Hers are easy—after she kicks off her boots, her leggings don’t stand a chance. One good tug and they, and her panties, are down and on the car floor.

  For me, one button undone and a zip later and my jeans are loose enough to shimmy down to my knees, along with my boxer briefs.

  “I’m ready,” she tells me.

  I slide my fingers along her slick slit, back and forth, over her swollen nub. “Fuck, you are.”

  Rocking with me, she breathes out, “I really missed you, Graham.”

  I move my fingers faster. “Clearly.”

  As I continue my ministrations, her hair falls around her, sticking to her face. It may be cold outside, but it’s an inferno in here.

  My dick jumps at how sexy she looks right now. I want her so badly.

  “It’s been too long,” I grind out.

  “It has,” she agrees.

  Shit, did I just say that out loud?

  I guess my mind is as foggy as the windows.

  And it is. I can think of only one thing—burying my hard cock deep inside Eden, enveloping myself in her love.

  She reaches for me, but I tell her, “That’s not going to be enough, babe.”

  “I know. I need you too.”

  And then I remember. “Shit, I don’t have any condoms. I just ran out of the house. Fuck, I didn’t think.”

  She places her hand on my cheek. “It’s okay. I went on birth control a while ago. We’re good.”

  “We are?”

  She smiles at me, so beautiful as she says, “We are.”

  I move my hand and slide it down along my length, coating my cock with her juices. Eden is as anxious as I am. She positions herself above me, and as I stroke my cock, she lowers her
body so that with each pass the head slides into her a little more.

  “That feels good, babe.”

  Fuck, no joke, she feels amazing bareback.

  “It does. It really does,” she concurs, her voice thick with lust.

  I love that I can do this to her, make her so hot that she can’t even think straight, let alone form coherent words. It’s only fair, as my mind is just as muddled. Right now we’re just two bodies burning for each other, needing to be joined.

  I slam up into her and she cries, “Harder.”

  I give her what she wants, but she screams, “More!”

  “I know,” I rasp. “I can’t get inside you deep enough.”

  Wrapping my arms around her, I lift her up, flip us over, and somehow get the fucking seat down.

  Finally, she’s under me.

  Yes!

  In this new position, I drive into her, harder, deeper… “Oh, Graham, yesssss.”

  Yes is right.

  I am a jackhammer.

  I am a god.

  I’ve never fucked like this in my life.

  I’m relentless, pistoning until I feel her come, her pussy convulsing around my cock.

  That makes me shudder as I empty into her.

  I feel her come once more.

  I can’t tell anymore where I end and she begins.

  So I stay right where I am—inside her, loving her, holding her, and waiting till I’m hard again so we can start all over.

  Morning Dawns and We Must Part

  Graham thinks my Christmas surprise for him was the best.

  He tells me as much, then adds, “The only thing better would be if I could take you back to the house and stay in bed with you till New Year’s.”

  How can I argue with that?

  “Mmm…” I nuzzle into him. “That really would be the best.”

  It would be beautiful and wonderful, but it can’t happen. The sad reality is that we’re lucky to have had this brief interlude of time together.

  I can thank my brother for that. Paul pushed me to take a chance.

  “It’s freaking Christmas, Eden,” he said when we were at the apartment. “Nobody is around to catch you two sneaking off.”

  I knew then that I had to bring Graham to our secluded, special spot. I’ve always adored it here, but now that I share it with the man I love, it means so much more.