Ride With Me

by Joanna Blake

  There was no question about it.

  They were a hit.

  Elle chugged a bottle of water as everyone kept jumping around. She felt limp, like a wet noodle. But it was more than that.

  In that last moment, as the house lights came up, she'd seen him.

  Jake Delancey.

  He was here. He'd seen the whole show too, she could tell. Something about the fact that he'd seen her like this made her feel exposed, vulnerable in a way she'd never felt before.

  "I have to get out of here."

  "Wait- Elle where are you going? We need to celebrate!"

  "I just- need some air. I'll be back."

  She brushed past Tom and ran out into the alley behind the club.

  Elle was bent over, trying to catch her breath when she heard footsteps behind her.

  "You were great tonight."

  Oh fantastic, now Tom was standing behind her in a dark alleyway. Her whole body tensed up. She didn't think he'd get too aggressive with her but she couldn't be sure. And she was really, really not in the mood for this right now.

  She turned and gave him a half hearted smile.

  "Thanks."

  "I'm serious Elle. With the right help, you are going to be a big star. You've got 'it.' In spades."

  She took a deep breath.

  "Yeah well you were a big help. Thanks for packing the house."

  He stepped closer, running his hand over her shoulder.

  "All I had to do was put a picture of you on the flyer. You're so beautiful."

  She swallowed and stepped back a little.

  "Thanks Tom. I think I need to get out of here. I just want to go home."

  His eyes narrowed and he grabbed her.

  "I don't think so babe. You still have to pay the piper. I was going to take you someplace nice to celebrate but a brick wall will do just as well."

  She started to scream as he pushed her up against the wall. He yanked her skirt up and reached for her panties. One hand was pressed against her face as she felt her stockings being torn away. She was trying to kick him, to fight, but he was too strong.

  The next thing she knew she was leaning against the wall and Tom was lying unconscious on the ground.

  Jake Delancey had just laid him out with one punch.

  Where the hell had he come from?

  "Are you alright?"

  She stared into the bluest eyes this side of the Atlantic. He’d saved her. Tom had been about to-

  "Elle? Come on honey you are scaring me."

  "I'm alright. Thanks."

  He smiled and took her hand.

  "Let's get the hell out of here."

  His bike was parked at the mouth of the alley. She climbed on behind him. She noticed he'd brought two helmets this time.

  Confident bastard wasn't he?

  She leaned forward as he revved the bike and wrapped her arms around him. She pressed her chin onto his shoulder, raising her voice so he could hear her.

  "I still don't like you Delaney."

  He glanced back at her right before he pulled into traffic.

  "I know."

  9.

  Jake paced around his bedroom, feeling something he'd never felt before.

  Jake Delancey was nervous.

  He had never felt anything like this, particularly when it came to women. But now that he had the girl he'd been dreaming about for so long alone with him in his bedroom, he wasn't sure what the hell his next move was. He could just jump on her, but that didn't seem right after what she'd just been through.

  Damn.

  Elle was in the adjoining bathroom. His house. His room. He glanced over his shoulder. His bed. He'd brought her home to his place without thinking. He'd given her a stiff drink and sent her straight to the shower.

  Now he had no clue what to do with her. He knew now he was in over his head with this girl. He abhorred violence against women in general, but seeing that animal touching her that way- it had sent him over the edge with rage and jealousy.

  He'd wanted to actually kill the guy. And if the bastard had actually hurt her, he would be laying dead in that alleyway instead of waking up with a massive headache.

  They were all lucky that it hadn't been worse.

  The water stopped running.

  He stopped pacing and braced his fists on the window sill. He stared out into the darkness, trying to figure out what the hell to do when she came out of the shower. He'd offer her the bed of course. He could sleep on the floor. Maybe give her one of his old t-shirts to sleep in...

  He looked up to see Elle standing in the doorway with a towel wrapped around her. She was sparkling clean, her skin glowing from a vigorous scrubbing. Her long wet hair hung over her shoulders and her breasts- well let's just say the towel didn't cover much. He glanced down at her long, long legs and his mouth went dry.

  Really really dry.

  Then she started walking towards him. He opened up his mouth, trying to think of something to say.

  "Hey."

  She smiled at him and kept walking.

  "Hey."

  She didn't stop until she was standing inches from him. She cocked her head to the side and stared up at him.

  "Cat got your tongue?"

  "No. I just- wanted to make sure you were okay."

  "I'm fine."

  "Good. That's good."

  "Is there anything else you were wondering about Jake?"

  His jaw dropped open. Was she- "What's the matter Jake? I'm here in your room half naked. Isn't that what you wanted?"

  "You might not be in the mood."

  "Oh but I am."

  "After what happened."

  "After what almost happened. If it wasn't for you."

  She dropped her towel.

  "I want to forget how his hands felt. You'll help me with that won't you Jake?"

  He nodded slowly, staring into her beautiful green eyes.

  "I'll help you."

  He glanced down at her and grinned. He felt like he'd just won the God Damn lottery. But the prize was way better than money.

  He got to have her.

  He pulled her against him and did what he'd been dying to do since the moment he laid eyes on her. He kissed the hell out of her. This time though, she was 100% kissing him back. And she was good at it.

  Really good.

  And this time, he didn't have to stop.

  He groaned and let his hands begin to roam. Her damp skin felt like wet silk. He bent down and lifted her slightly so he could taste her breasts. They were perfect. High and round with two bright pink nipples just begging him to kiss them. He did, smiling as he heard her panting above him.

  She was just as hot for him as he was for her.

  Good.

  He set her down on her feet.

  "Bed. Now."

  Her eyes flashed at him and he was treated to the sight of her pert bottom as she obeyed his command. Then he was pulling his clothes off as he followed her down to the giant unmade bed.

  He kissed her again, pulling his shirt open so he could feel her against his skin. They both moaned at the contact. He grimaced, wishing his pants were off already. He wanted to bury himself inside her and never come out. He reached down to caress her. She was wet already but too tight. He knew he was above average.

  Well, that was a bit of an understatement. He was way above average. And Elle was tiny. He took a deep breath and pulled back. She blinked up at him, all warm and willing female.

  He shook his head and started sliding down her body, kissing as he went.

  "Not yet sweetheart. Not just yet."

  He stared at her sweet little pussy as it came into view. She had a nice little patch of dark hair above. It contrasted with her pale skin and the pinkness of her swollen nether lips.

  Delicious.

  He had to taste her- had to make sure she was ready.

  He lowered his head and got to work.

  *********

  "Oh my GOD!"

  Elle was a
bout to fly off the bed. Jake Delancey had his head between her legs and he was- he was-

  "Oh oh oh!"

  Elle's body arched upward as Jake's tongue slid inside her again and again. He was fluttering his finger over her clitoris at the same time. And he wasn't stopping.

  She was tossing around on the bed as the orgasm continued to tear through her. She didn't think she could have climaxed harder but she did a moment later as he brought her to yet another peak.

  She reached down and grabbed his head, pushing him away.

  He came up grinning as he rapidly pulled the rest of his clothes off. She was breathing heavily as his gorgeously muscled body was revealed. The man's shoulders were even wider than she'd thought, his belly flat and trim, his chest broad and smooth.

  In short, he was perfect.

  "Are you trying to kill me then?"

  "I wouldn't dream of it darlin'."

  He pulled his pants off and her eyes widened. She'd been too busy admiring the rest of his physique to wonder about that or how big it was.

  It was big.

  Too big.

  Her eyes widened as he climbed on top of her again, leaning toward the bedside table for a condom. He must have caught the look in her eyes as he rolled it on over his shaft.

  "It'll be fine."

  "Uh huh, if you say so."

  "Elle-"

  She lay back and closed her eyes.

  "Damn it Delancey, get on with it!"

  She could almost see his grin as he nudged her thighs apart and guided his cock to her opening. It felt like hot steel where it pressed against her. Her body stretched as he eased his way inside.

  "Jesus Elle."

  He was panting heavily now too, their breathing intermingling as he slid deeper by the second. She felt filled up, it didn't hurt though. No, it felt good.

  Scratch that.

  It felt amazing.

  Elle watched as he strained above her. He was circling his hips slowly now, his rod sliding a little deeper with each thrust. His face was a mask of utter concentration. He was holding back.

  Well, that wouldn't do now, would it?

  "Jake."

  He opened his eyes and stared down at her.

  "Yes?"

  She let her hand slide down to his bottom and squeezed.

  "Have at it."

  His eyes widened. He groaned as she pulled him all the way inside her.

  "Oh God-"

  That's all it took. He unleashed on her, pulling one leg up and using it for leverage. He held her captive as he rode her without mercy. His hips pistoned hard and fast into hers as she grabbed onto his shoulders and held on for dear life.

  Elle felt her body contracting as the friction inside her reached a fever pitch. Her body convulsed on the bed as she came again. But Jake didn't stop. He was thrusting into her faster and faster. She felt another orgasm approaching when something changed.

  Jake was about to cum.

  His hips bucked out of tempo as she felt the tell tale swelling of his member. It got even bigger if that was possible. Shivers of pleasure shot through her as he pulsed hot seed into the rubber. She looked up as Jake came inside her, his head thrown back and his eyes squeezed shut.

  Her own orgasm was subsiding by the time he finally stopped moving. He held her close as they both tried to catch their breath. He kissed her neck and her shoulder before rolling off to lay by her side, pulling the blankets over them.

  "You'll be the death of me woman."

  And then he rolled on top of her again.

  She was half asleep hours later when the door burst open. Jackson and Daniel stood there. Daniel turned immediately to face the wall when he saw her. Jackson did not. His gaze raked over the two of them lying them in bed.

  "What the hell Jackson!"

  "Typical."

  "It's 4 am, get the hell out of my room!"

  "Dad's on his death bed and you're-"

  "What? Why didn't anyone tell me?"

  Jackson laughed bitterly.

  "Check your damn phone once in a while."

  Daniel put his hand on Jackson's shoulder.

  "Come on Jackson. He didn't know."

  "Just like he didn't know about mom right?"

  Jake was on his feet in an instant, completely unconcerned about his nudity.

  "You know I couldn't get back here in time."

  "Of course. It wasn't your fault. It's never your fault!"

  Jake laughed.

  "That's a good one. We both know that it's always my fault. Even when it's not."

  He slipped a robe on and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Elle wanted nothing more than to sink into the bed and hide. Her whole body was red with embarrassment.

  "I'll be back soon. Rest."

  Jake stormed out without another word with Jackson close on his heels.

  Daniel stopped at the doorway and turned back to Elle.

  "Sorry about this Elle."

  She nodded.

  "I'm sorry- about your father."

  He smiled sadly and left. She was on her feet in an instant. She couldn't stay here. She'd made a huge mistake. But she'd been so shaken up and-

  Oh hell, don't lie to yourself girl.

  She finally admitted that she had wanted him from the get go. But that was then. Now she'd had him. He'd been worth the wait and all the bother. But she couldn't stay.

  Not after this.

  Maybe if they hadn't found out this way- but no. Jake wasn't a one woman man anyway. Was she supposed to stay on as maid and just watch him parade an endless stream of girls through the house? No thank you.

  It was over and that was that.

  Just like her friend back home had warned her, Nashville had eaten her up and spit her out. She was just a country girl after all. Stupid and naive. She'd proven that by falling into bed with the first rich, handsome man she met.

  She just didn't fit in here. She felt a little hitch in her throat as she started putting her clothes on mechanically. She couldn't resist pulling his shirt on over her skimpy top. It would be something to remember him by. For a moment she had an image of Jake finding his bed empty. Worrying about her. Missing her.

  She snorted in disbelief.

  Don't go fooling yourself girl. Any more than you already have.

  Jake might be upset in the morning but he'd be fine in two shakes. He was the sort who always landed on his feet. He wasn't going to let a waitress change his bad boy ways.

  Even if he was genuinely upset that she'd left he could have any woman he wanted to comfort him. Now that he'd had her she was sure he would have cast her off anyway without a backward glance. That's how men like him operated. Especially the rich ones.

  And now that the band was on the outs with Tom… it was all her fault somehow. Everything.

  Elle wiped away her tears and snuck down to the front hall to call a cab.

  It was time to go home.

  10.

  Jake was pacing back and forth as he raked his brothers over the coals.

  "You're sure she didn't say anything else?"

  Daniel shook his head sadly.

  "No Jake. I swear. She did look mortified though."

  "You shouldn't be sleeping with the help anyway."

  "She wasn't the God Damn help Jackson!"

  "Jacks- shut up. Can't you see he's in love with her?"

  Jackson grunted and ran his hand through his hair.

  "I'm sorry."

  Jake didn't want to accept his apology. He didn't. But what Daniel had said was true.

  He was in love with her.

  He was 100%, Grade A certified, in love with one little Irish gal named Eleanor Gavin.

  And God only knew where the hell she was after all the excitement of the night before.

  Dad had pulled through the night. In fact, his recovery had been nothing short of miraculous. Jake had a sneaking suspicion it had something to do with his agreement to stay and help his brothers run the estate and horse breeding farm.<
br />
  That was all due to Elle. He could see a life for himself here now. With her.

  She'd given him the most incredible night of his life. They'd made love three times in rapid succession. Each time had been more intense than the last. And just like that, poof, she was gone.

  Well, he wasn't going to stand for it. Not at all.

  Especially not after he'd given in to his father after all these years. He'd been beside himself as the old man gasped for breath. He'd begged his father to reconsider.

  Leave the place to them! I don't want it. But I don't want to deprive them of it either!

  What do you want son?

  I want peace. And I want her.

  The girl they found you in bed with?

  Yes.

  If she's the right girl for you, she'd want you to stay put.

  Jake had hung his head, knowing his father was right. Elle was fiery, beautiful, and incredibly talented. She was also practical and loyal to a fault. She'd tell him to stay if he asked her opinion. Besides, if he stayed put he had a better chance of hooking her for good.

  Alright father. You win. I'll stay.

  His father had breathed easier after that. And Jake had left him to rest and gone back to find an empty bed. Now he was frantic. She wasn't answering her phone and didn't seem to be at home.

  He sighed. He had no choice now and he knew it. He left his brothers and went to the one place he thought he'd never set foot in again.

  The God Damn Country Club.

  In minutes he'd tracked down the waitress that Elle roomed with. The one whose brother was in the band with her. He hoped that she'd tell him without his having to beg. But he was mentally preparing to get on his knees, just in case.

  "Hey Shirl."

  The girl gave him one look and sighed.

  "She's gone."

  "Where?"

  "You aren't going to like it Jake."

  "Doesn't matter. I have nothing left to lose."

  **********

  Elle scooted toward the window, trying to get comfortable. The plane was being held and had been for the past two hours. Why, nobody knew. The passengers were starting to get mighty cranky about it too.