“Scratching an itch.”
“Rhys,” she wiggles against me in weak protest. “We shouldn’t.”
“Doesn’t mean we can’t,” I lick the shell of her ear, moving my hands down and cupping her sex through her clothes. Her hiss is nearly my undoing. “I need you. You can tell me, you don’t need this too, but I heard my name roll off your lips last night.”
“Oh, God.”
I spin her around, so she’s facing me and pin her against the counter. “Let me make you feel good.”
“I…Rhys…this isn’t a good idea.”
“It’s a horrible idea, a very naughty and satisfying idea.” It really is. All of the above. By the way, her body continues to press against mine, I know she agrees. “If you don’t want this, tell me to stop.” KJ sighs. “That’s not an answer,” I squeeze her ass and grind against her.
“I should tell you to stop.”
Fighting back a smile, I kiss her lips. When she parts them, I slip my tongue inside. She rewards me by lifting herself up onto the countertop and spreading her legs so that I can settle between them. Now she’s at the perfect height for me to rub my cock right against her core. “Fuck, that feels good,” I grunt as she wraps her legs around me, locking me in place. Even with our clothes separating us, I can feel her heat. I wish like hell, she’d give in and beg me to slip inside her, right now.
Instead, I’m trying to keep my head on straight and take it slow. Making sure I give her every chance to stop me before we cross the threshold again.
She pants my name as I bite her collarbone while slowly trailing her shirt up her torso with my hands.
“Do you want me to take this off?” I tease.
“God, yes.” Her head rolls back as she lifts her hands, making it easier for me to rid her of her shirt. Her sheer bra exposes her gorgeous tits. The temptation is too much to resist. My mouth is on her, latching on through the thin material, sucking and nipping, while my left-hand teases her other breast, pulling, pinching. “Holy fuck. Rhys!” Her back arches, pushing her pebbled nipple closer.
Goddamnit, I could fuck her right here on the kitchen counter. My right-hand squeezes and palms my length in search of some kind of relief. “I want to be inside of you.”
“Do it,” her voice is wanton and needy. “Fuck me, Rhys.”
The minute the words leave her mouth, I’m tearing at her leggings – tossing them to the floor before dropping my shorts just enough to set my cock free. I push her soaked panties to the side and slide home. “Christ,” I gasp as her heat envelopes me. Perfect time for reality to come crashing in. I pull back out and rest my forehead on hers with a pant. “I don’t have a condom.”
Protection wasn’t even on my radar. Since we weren’t going to do this.
If I’d have thought about condoms the first time – we wouldn’t be in this awkward place now. And I wouldn’t have Reid.
Her lips form a perfect ‘o,’ and her head drops. She jumps off the counter, grabbing her pants from their landing spot and attempts to cover her lower half. I’m still painfully hard as I adjust my shorts, tucking myself away.
“Hey,” I reach for her as she tries to skirt past me. She closes her eyes for a beat and blows out a breath. She’s shutting down on me again, I recognize this for exactly what it is. “Kelsey,” her full name slips from my lips, and she looks at me briefly.
“Don’t, okay? We shouldn’t be doing this anyway.”
That really almost happened.
I’m still trying to catch my breath as I lean back under the shower spray and let the warm water cascade down my body. Tears stream down my face. Here, I can let them fall freely.
I let him touch me. God, we almost had sex! Again. I was going to let Rhys fuck me, right there in the kitchen like some kind of slut. Regret sweeps over me as I mentally scold myself for letting things get that far. I should have stopped him, he gave me every chance.
His mention of condoms was worse than a bucket of ice washing over me.
Rhys never used a condom when we were together. That’s in large part, how we ended up here in the first place – that and a fluke with my birth control pills. The IUD I had put in after Reid would assure that wouldn’t happen. Even if I wasn’t having sex, the idea of not having to worry about pills or shots anymore was appealing enough to give it a try.
Not that I blame Rhys, but the fact that he felt like he needed to protect himself proves our level of trust is still non-existent. We’ve come from a place where we were both too caught up in each other, too turned on and needy to even think about something so damn simple – to this.
It’s not something I should feel proud of. We should have used condoms every time, using one now should be a no-brainer – at least until we’d had a conversation about that side of things.
And then it hits me.
What if he was protecting me? Who’s to say that Rhys has been a saint? Could I really blame him if he wasn’t?
I fucked up. And yet it still hurts to think that there might have been someone else in the brief time we were apart.
My tears finally fade by the time the water runs cold, and I step out, wrapping myself in my robe. My throat feels dry, and I can feel a headache coming on. Without thinking, I grab the ibuprofen from the cabinet and slip my feet in my slippers to fetch a bottle of water from the kitchen.
“We should talk,” Rhys catches me off guard as soon as I step in the hall.
“Rhys, its fine. You were smart to stop,” I ignore him and keep moving, trying to escape again as quickly as possible. When I shut the refrigerator door, he’s standing right there. I roll my eyes and sigh in frustration. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”
“No, I’m not. Because I almost crossed a line with you tonight and I think it’s something we need to talk about.”
“Can we talk about it another time? I’m getting a migraine, and I’d rather sleep it off,” I say as I crack open the bottle of water and rinse down the pills.
“I think we’ll both sleep better if we talk about it now.”
I sit the bottle of water down and scrub my hands over my face. “Talk. Make it quick. Say what you need to say.”
My bossy side throws him for a second. “Shit…I don’t know what I want with you. I know I’m insanely attracted to you. We wouldn’t be here if I was able to resist you,” Rhys pauses, but I know there is so much more than he wants to say.
“But,” I offer.
“But, I’m still hurting. What you did, the choices you made…”
“It’s unforgivable. I get it. I know, I fucked up. And I’ll keep apologizing, not because I’m trying to get something from you, but because I live with that regret every day. When you’re here. When you’re back home, living your life. When you’re off on photo-shoots with other models that I can never compete with. I’m still living with the regret. I’m paying the price for my mistakes. You can have any woman you want Rhys, so do you. Okay?” I swallow back the emotions, forcing myself to stay strong and mean it.
“What the hell do my photo-shoots have to do with anything?” he asks defensively.
“Oh, come on Rhys, you’ve got a whole harem after you. Those half-naked women draped over your body if you have such a hard time resisting me – I’m sure you’ve had your way with more than one of them.”
Rhys' eyes widen, he shakes his head. “Are you fucking serious right now? Do you even hear yourself? I haven’t had sex with anyone else since you.”
His words knock me off course, forcing me to take a step back. “You…you’re not…”
“I’m not fucking anyone. I’m not with anyone. Hell, I’m more with you than anything.”
“Hilarious, Rhys. With me? Shit, you barely speak to me unless it’s related to Reid.”
“Because I’m trying to do the right thing!” He runs his hands through his hair and looks at me. “I’m trying to do the right Goddamn thing. You make it hard for me to think straight. Your apology tonight? I couldn’t
trust myself to say anything back to you because I didn’t know what to say. God, Kelsey I want nothing more than to forget about the past and move on, but I need more time.”
“More time to forgive me, but obviously not more time to fuck me. You can do that just fine right?” I snap, more than a little hurt.
“No. Damnit, no. I don’t know.”
“Rhys, listen, you’re a stand-up guy okay? You love Reid fiercely, and I happen to adore you for that. But it’s not good for either of us if you don’t know what you want.”
“What if I want sex, Kelsey? A few months ago, you said that was all you wanted. Why can’t it just be about sex if you’re the one I want to have sex with?”
I ponder his question. He’s not wrong. I did only want sex. Hell, even the first time we were together – it started as just sex. “That’s the thing though Rhys, it’s never only sex with us. You know it, and I know it.”
“So, we take it slow. In the meantime, we’re both getting our needs met.”
“Basically, you’re using me for sex.” And I’m willing to let him. Because I’m an idiot. Because I… I love Rhys Mitchell and if all he’s willing to give me is sex, then I’ll take it.
For now.
Deep down, there’s a part of me that may still believe that he’ll eventually see me as something more.
He moves closer to me, his lips inches from mine as his arms box me in. “Think of it as a mutually beneficial agreement. We’ll both be satisfied.”
I’m not strong enough to tell him no.
I’ve never been able to turn down Rhys.
Instead, I give in and let him scratch his itch. I let him finish what we started earlier, this time in my bed – with my body under his. And he’s right. When he’s done, we are both satisfied, sexually at least.
Sitting in my patrol car, I scroll through my social media trying to pass the time and quiet my mind. Leave it to my partner to take the night off too, asshole. I could be tormenting him instead of sulking over the fact that it’s been too long since I’ve seen my boy and his momma. Two weeks turned into four, and now I’m over here itching for my shift to end.
I laugh at some of the comments on my fan page, fangirls fawning over the new edits from the photo-shoots that kept me away from being a dad. I reply to some of them and snap a selfie to post. Less than a minute later the ‘likes’ start appearing.
My text alert sounds, and I chuckle as Smitty’s name pops up.
Smitty: Pretty boy, don’t you have a citation to write or something?
Me: Fuck off.
Smitty: Breakfast after work.
Me: Plans.
Smitty: Nope. Breakfast, it wasn’t a request. I’ll meet you at the diner. Don’t stand me up.
Life’s kept me from my friends here at home too, Smitty included. I’m surprised the fucker’s lasted this long without calling me out on it. Since I haven’t really felt much like talking while I’m at work with him, I guess he figures he’ll corner me at breakfast instead.
Me: You sound like a girl. Really, man, I need to hit the road.
Smitty: And you’ll need to eat, you can spare thirty minutes for a friend, dickhead.
Yeah, I’m not getting out of breakfast with Smitty. This isn’t a good sign. I’ve got a feeling he’s up to something. Fuck. I mean, I have been pretty much bolting whenever I can but for good reason. And, I haven’t told Smitty about Reid yet, so I don’t expect him to understand.
My shift ends on time, and I drive to the diner near the station to meet up with Smitty.
He’s standing outside, leaning against his car, waiting for me and for some odd reason he doesn’t look happy.
I shake my head and swear under my breath. I’m really in no mood for bullshit today.
“What’s up?” I ask as I walk over to where he’s standing.
“Got some catching up to do,” he answers gruffly as we enter the diner and grab a table.
“Morning boys, what can we getcha’?” We’ve barely sat down in the booth before Carey comes over with two cups of hot coffee for us.
I order my usual as does Smitty. We’ve been coming here for the last five years – ok well Smitty’s probably been coming here longer, but we’ve done this once or twice a week since I joined the force and got paired up with his broody self.
Carey jots down our orders and scurries off while I pour Splenda and two creamers into my cup and wait Smitty out.
Doesn’t take him long.
“Something been keeping you away, pretty boy?”
“Aww, Smitty, you been missing me?”
Smitty grunts and shakes his head, “What’s this I hear about you having a little boy?”
Everything around me stops as I process what he’s just asked me. For a split second, I imagine this must have been what it felt like for Kelsey when I showed up on her doorstep that day.
I don’t answer quickly enough because Smitty speaks up again.
“There a reason why you’re hiding them? Why you haven’t told anyone?”
I’m not hiding Reid, but for now – I’ve kept him tucked away, all for myself.
“There a reason why you’re offended by this information? I mean damn. I’m still getting used to the idea and trying to work out the details myself,” I defend.
“I’m your partner. When shit goes down, I’ve got your six. And yet, you didn’t think you should tell me that I’ve got a little nephew out there?”
That was not the reaction I was expecting from Smitty. Shit part of me expected him to be skeptical and tell me something like make sure he’s mine. I didn’t expect him to claim him too. Yet, there’s one burning question on my mind.
“Who told you?” I give him a questioning glare.
“You do realize, I’m banging your girl’s best friend.”
I hold up a finger, “First, she’s not my girl. Second, I prefer not to know about your sexcapades.”
“Whatever. Still, I should have heard it from you.”
“You’re right, you should have. Which means your girl, should have kept her mouth shut.”
A young waitress who is not Carey brings us our food, she sits the plates down but lingers until we look up at her in confusion.
“Uh, I’m sorry,” she giggles.
Smitty kicks me under the table. I try not to wince because I know what’s coming.
“You looked really familiar when you walked in, and well, hehe, I was just wondering, are you Rhys? That hot cop who’s on book covers now? I just finished reading this book with you on the cover. I have it with me. Could you sign it maybe? Could I get a picture with you?”
I can’t look at Smitty because if I do, I’m going to laugh. Instead, I smile at the waitress and quickly read her name tag. “Tell you what, you go get your book, and I’ll sign it for you, Ava,” I turn up the charm and give her a wink.
She lets out a giddy squeal and bounces off.
Three…two…one…
“Son of a bitch,” Smitty hoots. “This never gets old.”
I laugh and shake my head. “You don’t have much room to talk. Yours is coming. Just wait.” I’m looking forward to the day that Smitty’s face is plastered on a book cover. He’s just waiting for Zoey to finish writing then I’ll be able to rag on him like he’s been doing to me for months.
Hell, I posted a picture of him, a little behind the scenes from the photo-shoot March, and people went crazy. I have no doubt – once his name’s out there, his fame is coming.
Ava’s back with her book and her phone. I pull out my pen from my shirt pocket and sign the inside before handing it back, then she leans over my shoulder and takes a selfie of us together. I’m eager to get her away from me because her busty chest pressed against me feels all wrong.
I fight back another laugh when Carey comes over and shoos Ava away.
“I’m so sorry boys. She just started, and all she’s talked about is getting to meet you, Rhys. I tried to keep her away, but I had to take a phone call, and
she got her way,” she smiles.
“Ah, it’s alright, Carey. She meant no harm.”
“Breakfast is on the house today. Mac’s orders before you two start protesting,” Carey winks and walks away.
“Damn, Mac.”
“Smitty,” I pick up my napkin and wipe my mouth.
“Yeah, I know, you’ve gotta run. Before you go, let me see pictures of the kid. I know you’ve got some.”
I grin like a Cheshire cat as I pull out my phone and pretend to load my photo album. “He’s something else,” I hand him my phone.
He looks down at my phone then drops it on the table. “You fucker.”
Now it’s my turn to have a good laugh, at his expense.
“There’s something really wrong with you Rhys,” he turns his head and slides my phone back across the table.
“Aww come on, you didn’t like that picture?”
“I could have spent my whole life without seeing whoever’s schlong that is. Jackass. Why the fuck do you have a dick on your phone man?”
“I googled it.”
“Sure you did.”
“Trust me. I could have showed you mine, but I didn’t want you to get jealous.”
“Why do you have pics of your dick on your phone? Never mind. Forget I asked,” Smitty raises his hands in surrender, “But seriously, delete them before you get in some kind of trouble. And dear God don’t be dumb enough to send nudes to anyone.”
“Okay, that conversation went south quickly. Thanks for the tip. Christ man, I’m not that dumb.”
“Nightstand,” Smitty coughs in his hand.
“Fuck you.”
“Just sayin. Now, can you be serious for five seconds and let me see my nephew?”
“Okay for real, here’s Reid.”
He eyes my phone cautiously, not taking it from my hand until he’s sure I’m not setting him up again. Smitty’s completely silent while he looks at the picture of Reid on the screen. It’s actually a ridiculous selfie that I took of me and him the last time I was with them, but it’s one of my favorite photos.
“Man, he looks just like you.”
“I know.”
“You and KJ?” he questions as he slides my phone back over.
Hot Cop (Too Hot To Handle Book 1) Page 11
