All We Know (A Novella)

by J. M. Walker

  “Tell me why not.” Gabe pinched my chin, tilting my head to meet his gaze.

  I licked my lips, my eyes dropping to his mouth. A mouth that had been on every inch of my body. “You’re my son’s best friend.”

  “I am.” Gabe’s voice was low as he continued to stare at me. “But I also know that he loves you and he would want his mom to be happy. He would want me to be happy as well.”

  “Are you happy?”

  He cocked his head to the side. “Last night was the best night I have ever had. I don’t care about the age difference between us. I like you. I have always liked you.”

  “But you deserve someone your own age.”

  “Age is only a number, baby.” He kissed the corner of my mouth.

  I shivered at the term of endearment. That had never been Randy’s thing. He called me by my name and my name only. No pet names.

  I pushed Gabe back a step and slipped out of my pajamas, no longer shielding him from my nudity. It wasn’t like it mattered anymore since he had seen and been in every part of my body. My throat still burned from the way he had shoved his cock into my mouth.

  “We can take this one day at a time.” His eyes roamed over every inch of me. “We don’t have to tell James anything yet. But I know last night wasn’t a onetime thing for me.”

  I let out a breath of relief. “It wasn’t for me either.”

  He gave me a cocky grin. “Good. Cause I wasn’t taking no for an answer anyway.”

  I laughed. “So…now what?”

  In a quick move, he pulled me back into his arms. “We fuck. And we fuck some more.” His hands slid up and down my back.

  His cock twitched against my lower abdomen.

  Wrapping my arms around his neck, I ground against him.

  He shivered, a low groan leaving him.

  “I like that idea.” I covered his mouth with mine, letting him use me like I knew I deserved.

  Like we both deserved.

  Lynne

  It had been a month since Gabe and I slept together for the first time. James was none the wiser. Although we were discreet, every time he came over, he would touch me whenever he could. Even if it was just his fingers grazing my rear. Or a light kiss to the back of the neck. He was constantly touching me, letting me know that he was actually in this. For the long run? I wasn’t sure. But I did know that it was fun. Maybe I was going through a mid-life crisis.

  Every time Gabe spent the night, he would join me after I went to bed. He would wake me up by kissing down the length of my body. My eyes would open as soon as his mouth ended up between my legs.

  He would wink at me and have me coming undone in a matter of minutes.

  It had been our routine ever since that first night together. I wasn’t sure if James caught onto anything. Gabe and I talked more now than before we started sleeping together. So maybe he did. But he never hinted.

  One night, the three of us were watching a movie. I had cooked us homemade lasagna that I spent all day preparing while the guys were out.

  They started the movie while I cleaned the kitchen and did the dishes. With my back to the entranceway, the hairs on the back of my neck tingled.

  A warm body came up behind me. Fingers pushed the hair off my nape, followed by a soft bite to the back of my neck.

  I shivered, a slow smile spreading on my face. “Miss me?”

  “Always.” Gabe gripped my hips, pushing his pelvis into my rear.

  “You should stop,” I said, keeping my voice low. “James could walk in.”

  Gabe’s hands went around to my front. “Let him.”

  “Gabe.” But I couldn’t push him away. His hands felt so damn good on my body. It had never been like this with James’s father. There was never any passion. That specific need and hunger for each other.

  Gabe popped open the button of my jeans, lowered the zipper and moved to my side.

  “Gabe,” I whispered.

  “Shhh…” He lowered my jeans to just below my ass.

  Thankfully my sweater was long enough that if James did happen to walk in, he wouldn’t see anything.

  Gabe ran his finger over my clit.

  I jumped, wanting to spread my legs but was confined by my jeans.

  He continued watching me, running his finger back and forth over the swollen nub. Slipping his fingers lower, he thrust two inside me.

  I sighed, reveling in the control he had on my body.

  “You’re fucking incredible.” Gabe kissed my cheek.

  As soon as he leaned back, James walked into the kitchen.

  “I thought you were coming back with beer.”

  “I was but thought I’d keep your mom company while she did the dishes,” he told my son while keeping his fingers deep inside me.

  My cheeks heated, unable to focus on their words. My body vibrated, my hands stumbled over the dishes I was trying to wash. This was something I had never done before. Not even with James’s father. This was far from the norm for me. This was…this was taboo.

  Gabe pushed his thumb against my clit, rubbing it back and forth over the hard bundle of nerves.

  I chewed my bottom lip, forcing myself to keep from crying out for him to bend me over the counter and just fuck me already.

  “Mom, you talk to dad today?”

  I nodded. “Yeah. He said he’s good with you just going up to see him for a few weekends here and there.”

  “Okay, good. Listen, I’m heading to my room. I’m going to try and look for a job tomorrow.”

  “Okay, good luck.”

  He came up to me and kissed my cheek.

  I jumped, almost expecting him to find his best friend’s hand between my legs.

  When James left the kitchen, Gabe’s hand sped up.

  “God,” I whimpered.

  He smirked, leaning down to my ear. “You’re nice and soaked for me. Isn’t that right?”

  I nodded. “Yes. God, harder, Gabe, please.”

  “You’re fucking perfect.” He slammed his hand against my center, shoving his fingers harder and faster inside of me. The pleasure was almost too much. My knees shook.

  “Come for me,” he growled, kissing my cheek. “Let me hear my name leave your lips.”

  I looked down, watching his fingers disappear into my body. “So good.”

  He chuckled. “Come for me, baby.”

  Two more pumps and I broke.

  My thighs shook, a soft cry leaving me. His name left my mouth, sliding between us and made me realize that I could get used to this.

  Gabe wrapped an arm around my shoulders, placing a soft peck on my cheek. “I like this. With you.” He pulled his hand from between my legs, sticking his fingers between his lips.

  “I like this too.” I pulled up my jeans and did them up.

  “Was it ever like this with him?” He meant my ex.

  “No.” I finished up the dishes and dried my hands before turning toward him. “He used the excuse that going down on me was gross.”

  Gabe scowled. “Fucking please. It’s one of my favorite things. Probably more than sex.”

  “Oh I figured that.” I laughed.

  He grinned, leaning against the counter across from me.

  “Are you spending the night again?” Please say yes.

  “Do you want me to?”

  I closed the distance between us. Placing my hand on his chest, I felt the thump thump of his heart beneath my palm.

  “I won’t hurt you,” he murmured, grabbing my hand.

  “I know.” I looked up at him. Even though he was younger than me, he was far more mature than most of the guys I knew who were my own age. He was good for my son. He helped him keep a good head on his shoulders. He was the best influence for him when his father and I were going through our hard times.

  Gabe leaned his forehead against mine.

  I let out a soft sigh, breathing in the scent of his cologne.

  “I want you, Lynne.” Gabe gripped my hip, pulling me closer. “No
t just for sex. I want a relationship with you.”

  I leaned back, staring up at his handsome face. “You don’t think it’s weird?”

  “Why would I?” He kissed the corner of my mouth. “I don’t give a shit about the age difference. We’re good together.”

  I took a chance and wrapped my arms around his shoulders, holding him tight.

  “I want to date you.” He kissed the side of my neck. “I want to go to bed with you every night and wake up beside you every morning.”

  “Really?” I shivered against him. I wasn’t used to this kind of treatment. I had settled for Randy, not knowing the difference between being treated just okay and being treated phenomenal.

  “Yes, baby.” Gabe hugged me, holding me against him like his life depended on it.

  “I haven’t dated since James’s father and I split up.” I leaned back and cupped his face. “I also can’t have anymore kids.” We had almost lost James due to some complications with my pregnancy. I had to have a hysterectomy right after he was born. “Are you okay with that?”

  “If I’m with you, I’m okay with anything.” He brushed his thumb along my bottom lip. “I don’t want kids anyway. And even if I did, we could always adopt.”

  “I’ve thought of adopting but I’m happy with just having James being my only child.”

  Gabe lowered his mouth to mine. “I’m happy with you,” he murmured against my lips.

  I deepened the kiss, sliding my tongue against his.

  “Hmmm…” He cupped my ass, lifted me into his arms and placed me on top of the counter.

  “James could come out of his room,” I said, pushing my hands beneath his shirt. “He could find us.”

  “He could.” Gabe ran his mouth down the length of my jaw. “He could come in and see me kissing his mama.” He lifted my shirt, sliding his hands over my skin. “He could see me touching her. Holding her.” His hands slid up my torso to my chest. He pushed his fingers beneath my bra, cupping me.

  “God.” I shivered. I loved the way his hands felt on my body. He made me feel owned but cared for. His touch completely consumed me.

  Gabe pulled a hand from beneath my bra and wrapped his fingers around my throat. “You’re mine. Aren’t you?”

  “Yes.” I stared up at him. “And you’re mine.”

  ***

  (Gabe)

  Stepping between Lynne’s legs, I cupped her head and deepened the kiss.

  She sighed, inviting me in.

  Slipping my tongue against hers, I ground into her.

  “What the fuck are you doing to my mom!”

  I jumped away from Lynne.

  James stood at the entranceway to the kitchen. His face was red, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.

  As much as I knew I should explain, the words wouldn’t form on my tongue.

  Lynne jumped down from the counter. “James, I can explain.”

  “Explain what? How I walked in and found my best friend with his tongue down my mother’s throat?”

  She stepped in front of me, no doubt shielding me from the wrath of her son.

  James and I had been through a lot together. We had our good days and our bad ones. Just like most friendships. But I wasn’t sure how this one would turn out. And I feared that this would break us.

  “How long has this been going on?” James demanded, pulling me from my thoughts.

  “James,” Lynne said gently.

  “Tell me.”

  “Over a month,” she murmured.

  “Fucking hell.” He stepped around her and shoved me back. “Out of all the women in the world, why my fucking mother?”

  “James, watch your mouth,” Lynne scolded, trying to step between us.

  James ignored her and got in my face. He was so close, I could see the specs of brown in his deep blue eyes.

  “You know I’ve always had a crush on her,” I told him.

  His grows narrowed. “That was when we were kids. Hell, all of my friends had a crush on her at one point or another.” He pushed me. “But I don’t give a shit about them. You are my best friend. I know your reputation.”

  I rolled my eyes. “That is old and done. I’m not like that anymore and you know that.”

  “James, please.” Lynne pushed her way between us. “This isn’t just a fling.”

  James looked between us. “I can’t with this shit right now. Maybe I should have gone to dad’s after all.”

  “Baby, please.” Her eyes shone. “I’m happy. I’m really happy.”

  James shoved away from her and headed into the living room.

  “I’ll give you two some time alone.” I kissed her head and left the kitchen.

  “Gabe.”

  I stopped.

  Lynne stood a few feet away. “Give him time.”

  I wanted to go to her. To pull her into my arms and keep her safe from her son’s rage. But I knew they needed to talk.

  “Please don’t leave,” she added.

  “I’ll be in the backyard.”

  She nodded, her shoulders slumping with relief.

  I walked by her, letting my fingers graze hers.

  James was in the kitchen. I could feel his eyes burning into me. He probably thought I wanted to just fuck his mom and be done with it. But it was more than that. He was right though. I did have a reputation but then I got bored and calmed down. I had an itch, and no one came close to scratching it until Lynne. I finally had the balls to move things forward. I was going to confess how I felt until James walked in.

  “Gabe.”

  I stopped at the patio door.

  “This better be worth it.”

  Of course it was worth it.

  But instead of saying anything, I ignored James and headed outside.

  ***

  (Lynne)

  “Mom.”

  I sighed, turning toward my son. I looked at him then. Really looked at him. He was a younger version of his father. With light brown hair and freckles on his cheeks from the sun kissing his skin, he was my ex-husband’s twin. But his personality was nothing like him. He was kinder. Gentler. His heart was big. He would give the shirt off his back with no questions asked.

  “I’m sorry if I hurt you.” I looked down at my feet. I had never felt ashamed before. Not where my son was concerned. But now I did, and I prayed that he could find it in his heart to forgive me.

  “Mom.”

  I looked up at the gentle but firm command.

  “You have nothing to be sorry for.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Am I a little surprised? Yes. But I want you happy. I want Gabe happy too.”

  “This came as a surprise to me too. I wasn’t looking for a relationship at all. Your dad hurt me. So I guess it…”

  “Ruined you for other men?”

  I nodded. “I’ve had a hard time trusting men but with Gabe, I feel like a completely different person. But I will stop this if you want us to.”

  James closed the distance between us and wrapped me in his arms. “Are you happy?”

  I returned the embrace. “Yes. I am. Gabe treats me well. And I know there’s an age difference between us but he’s more mature than most of the guys I’ve met who are my own age.”

  “I know.” James leaned back, cupping my face. “I love you, Mama.”

  “I love you too.” I gave him a small smile. “Are you good with this? With us?”

  “I…” He sighed. “I had every intention of yelling and demanding for you to stop seeing each other but then I noticed the way you looked at him and he at you. You love him.” He raised his hand when I opened my mouth to argue. “You don’t have to tell me. But I see it.”

  He grabbed my hand and led me to the backyard.

  Gabe was sitting on the patio set off to the left. He was on his phone, but his head snapped up when he saw us approach.

  James led me toward him. “Stand up.”

  Gabe looked between us but did as he was told.

  James pulled me in front of h
im and cupped my shoulders. “I want you both to be happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. So, while this did come as a bit of a shock, I give you both my approval.”

  My heart leapt to my throat. “You do?”

  “I do.” James smiled down at me. “I just want you happy. Like I said, I was going to throw a tantrum just for shits and giggles but decided against it.”

  “Aren’t we lucky,” Gabe murmured.

  James raised an eyebrow. “I can still do that.”

  Gabe scoffed. “You’re not five.”

  “Asshole,” James threw at him.

  “Fucker,” Gabe retorted.

  James pulled Gabe in for a hug, muttering quietly to him.

  “I know.” James clapped his upper back before releasing him and pushed me into his arms. “If you hurt her, I don’t give a shit how close we are, I will kill you.”

  Gabe wrapped his arm around my shoulders. “I wouldn’t expect any less from you.”

  “Are you sure you’re okay with this?” I asked James, needing reassurance that he did actually approve and not just say he did to make me happy.

  “I am.” James sat on the patio couch.

  I joined him, with Gabe sitting on the other side of me.

  “I think if it was anyone else, I wouldn’t be.” James covered my hands that were in my lap. “You weren’t happy with dad. I knew that. But I also know that you deserve more. Both of you do.”

  My eyes welled. “Thank you.”

  “Just don’t hurt her,” he said, looking over my head.

  Gabe brushed his finger down my arm before linking our hands. “I don’t plan on it.”

  I gave him a small smile.

  The guys started talking about sports and what they had planned for the rest of the summer. I sat back and listened, soaking it all up.

  I was thankful James reacted the way he had. It could have been worse. I could have lived out my worst fear. It was one reason why I hadn’t actively searched for a partner.

  Listening to the guys talk, laughing every now and again, made my heart soar. I could get used to this feeling. Happy and elated that things were finally moving forward. As Gabe and James poked fun at each other, the talk of our relationship no more, I realized something. James was right. I was falling in love with Gabe. But it was a love I had never experienced. Not even with Randy. There was no passion with him. He never put me first. It was his way or no way. I understood now what love was and I couldn’t ask for a better man to grow with.