Until Then

by Delisa Lynn

  “I get that. Well, I’m gonna head out. You good?” He stands and rakes his hand over the back of his head.

  “Yeah, I’m going to let Mark know I’m out too. I’ve been looking forward to these four days off, but I have that class to teach tomorrow. You still assisting?”

  “Yeah, I’ll be there. It’s at nine in the morning, right?”

  “Yeah, it is. I’ll see you then,” I say before heading to the office to let my captain know I’m leaving.

  Walking to my truck, I decide I’m in the mood for some pizza so I drive to Malley’s, the best pizza this side of Cleveland. I order a small loaded meat pizza and some mild buffalo wings.

  Once I make it to my small apartment, Brutus greets me and is ready for some treats. With my work schedule, my sister is gracious enough to let him out and make sure he’s fed. That was one thing she promised me when I got a dog, that she would help take care of it.

  Flipping on the TV, I watch some sports talk show on ESPN and eat. Instead of sulking all night, I’ll head to Paula’s and have a few drinks. Taking a quick shower, I grab some clothes and head to the bar.

  At Paula’s, there’s a car in the parking lot that sticks out like a sore thumb—Roe’s new Coop. I debate if I should go in or not. After the week I’ve had, I decide to go in.

  As I walk through the door, I see it’s not too busy for a weekday. Heading to the bar to order my drink, I look to my left and see Roe with that guy from her pictures. Matt. It’s just the two of them. I watch as they laugh and drink, turning so she doesn’t catch me looking. Downing my drink, I ask Todd to fix me another, as well as a shot of tequila. I look back over to see Roe and Matt dancing, her grinding all over him.

  Jesus fucking Christ, she was right when she said she only wanted one night with me. A week later and she’s already with someone else. I turn back around, done watching her dry-hump him here in front of everyone.

  “If it isn’t Kole Harris,” I hear a female voice slur. Shit, it’s Tabby, one of my one-night stands. And that’s all that it was—I bounced afterward.

  “Hey, how are you?” I mumble, staying attached to my stool.

  “Good. You’re sexy as ever, you know that?” She rubs her hand down my back.

  “Thanks. Well, it was good seeing you, Tab,” I say. As I turn to get away from her, I bump into a shoulder. Looking up, I start to apologize, but then I see who it is. “Roe.” The word leaves my mouth as soon as I see her eyes.

  “Hey, Kole,” she deadpans. “How are you?” She glances to her boy-toy by her side.

  “Good, and you?” I run my hand down the back of my head. This is fucking awkward.

  “Oh, sorry. This is my friend, Matt.” She motions between the two of us. “This is Kole.”

  He reaches his hand out to shake mine. “Good to meet you, Kole.” He smiles, like he’s rubbing it in my face that he’s out with her and I’m not. Dick

  “Likewise. Well, I better get going, I’m meeting a friend here,” I say as I walk toward the back of the room. I don’t turn around; I can’t look at her…with him. My body is on fire. I never get jealous, but right now, I want to beat the shit out of Matt.

  Taking a seat in the corner, I see Roe staring at me. More than likely, she’s wondering who I’m meeting. I take a pull from my beer and watch the wall across from me. Damn, Paula needs to update this paint.

  I feel like I’ve stared at the same orange and brown-colored wall for hours. Todd brings me another drink but I decide against it since I’m driving. I look around and don’t see Roe anywhere. Thank God, they left.

  But Tabby sure the fuck didn’t. She comes and wiggles her way onto my lap. I nudge her, trying to push her off, but she wraps her arms around my neck.

  “Come on, get off,” I bite out as I remove her claws from me.

  “I’d like to. Take me home, please. It’s been far too long,” she purrs in my ear.

  “Get off, Tab. I’m not taking you anywhere,” I say, right before her lips crash onto mine. The stale taste of menthol cigarettes and beer have my pizza and wings ready to come up. I pull back and push her away. “Get the fuck off. I’m out of here.”

  “Come on, you’re not playing fair, Kole. I’m not wearing any panties. You can take me against the wall outside then go. I just want your cock in me,” she whines. “That one time wasn’t nearly enough. I know you’re lonely, let me help you.”

  “Not happening. Go find someone else to get your rocks off with.” I turn on my heels and walk as fast as I can toward the door. Once I get outside, I look around in hopes of seeing Roe, but there’s no sign of her anywhere—her car is gone.

  Climbing in my truck, I pull out of the parking lot and head home. More alcohol is what I need. Jim Beam sounds really good right now.

  I can’t believe he acted like that toward Matt and me. It’s like he was pissed that he had to see me. As we were leaving, I saw some blonde bar tramp playing kissy-face with him, so I just left and pretended I didn’t even see them. Matt drove my car back to my house, knowing I was fuming.

  When Kole texted me earlier that night, I wanted to see him, but I already had plans. Matt and his boyfriend are arguing, so he wanted to hang out. But as much as I love my amazing gay friend Matt, I would’ve been much happier spending the evening in the arms of the one and only Kole Harris. He does something to me I’ve never felt before.

  “Are you thinking about the fireman?” Matt asks, squeezing my leg.

  I nod. “Yep,” I reply, popping the P. “But I don’t want to talk about him. Come in and have a drink with me. You can crash here if you want.” I slide out of the seat, and my feet hit the concrete.

  “I can do that. I wanted to ask your opinion on Ricky anyway,” he says, following behind me. “Do you think I should give him a second chance? It was just a kiss…so he says.”

  “Do you love him?” I unlock my front door and make my way in. Kicking my shoes off, one goes flying across the room. “Oops. Anyway, do you?” I ask as I grab the bottle of wine from the counter. “Pink Moscato.” I hold the bottle up. He nods his head letting me know he is down for a drink. Grabbing two glasses from the wine rack, I pour us both an overflowing glass.

  “I do love him. Plus, we’ve been together over a year now.” He downs his drink and grins. “More please.”

  “Come on, let’s sit on the bed. I need to change into some sweats.” His feet follow behind mine as we head into the bedroom. I grab some sweats from the dresser, and he sits on my bed. “So, he was drunk, and the man came onto him. That’s what he told you?” I ask as I slip out of my clothes into the comfort of the loose cotton. It always feels great changing into sweats, or yoga pants.

  “So he says. I can’t believe you just changed in front of me. No shame whatsoever,” he teases.

  “Please, I have the wrong equipment.” I settle next to him and turn the TV on. “So, one drunken kiss, which he didn’t do himself. Or wait, did he kiss back?” I raise my eyebrows in question.

  “Nope. He says no, anyway. I trust him, and honestly, I know he wouldn’t lie, or cheat for that matter. I’m just pissed that he allowed it to happen, that he was actually in that predicament in the first place.”

  “Yeah, I can see your point. Maybe just give it a few days. You can stay here as long as you need to.”

  “Thanks, boo. I’m going to crash here tonight, for sure. You know, for what it’s worth, I think Kole likes you, likes you.”

  I roll my eyes, downing the rest of my drink. “I don’t do relationships. You know that. Plus, did you see that skank his mouth was latched onto as we were leaving? If he was so interested in me, then he wouldn’t have had her in his lap.” And it’s true. Who does that?

  “Well, it seemed like he was pushing her away when I looked back, doll. I think you read too much into it.” Maybe he has a point.

  “More wine?” I ask as my feet touch the carpet. “I need more, that is.” I giggle. I’m definitely drunk. I hate that this is the first man since Lu
cas. I haven’t even kissed anyone else other than Kole, and then I see him with his tongue in Bitch Barbie’s mouth.

  “Damn girl, you’re going to have a hangover in the morning.” Matt laughs as I plop back down on the bed with a bag of ranch-flavored Dorito’s and another bottle of wine.

  “No judging, I need to drink and eat. God, I’m starving. Did we even eat anything?”

  “Yes, we did. Salads at the bar. You haven’t had that much to drink, have you?”

  Shit, why don’t I remember eating? I shake my head and snuggle into Matt. He’s a good listener and always smells so damn good. “Thank you,” I whisper.

  “No thanks needed. Isn’t this what friends do?”

  Today, I have a class that I’m not ready nor prepared for. In order to become a firefighter, I have to pass three classes. This is the first one I’ve been to. I’ve heard they’re hard and frustrating, but worth it.

  Sliding into my car, I head to the closest coffee shop for an iced coffee—I need all the sugar and caffeine I can get. After I grab my luscious drink, I pull into the parking lot of the fire station, my nerves already getting the best of me. Pulling out my phone, I send London a quick text; she and Matt are supposed to be meeting me here as well.

  Walking into the building, I see Kole talking with a few of the fireman. Shit… Turning to walk the other way, London approaches me. Her smile grows even bigger when she sees the sexy-as-sin man standing on the other side of the room. I roll my eyes then grab her hand and find the nearest bathroom, yanking her inside.

  “What the hell is going on?” she asks as she checks her makeup in the mirror.

  “Him. He didn’t call me for a week. Then, out of the blue, he asked me out yesterday, but I’d already made plans with Matt. Well, we ran into Kole, who acted like a complete prick. Then, as I was leaving the bar, I saw some tramp with her tongue down his throat. And now…he’s here.” I slide down the wall and bring my knees up to my chest. “I like him…more than I should.”

  “You had sex once, and now you want more?” She slides down next to me.

  Placing my head on her shoulder, I sigh. “That’s exactly the problem. He said he doesn’t do relationships, and neither do I. Remember, my ex-fiancé crushed me.” I wrap my arms around her. “I don’t want to like Kole.”

  “Well, love, looks like you broke your rule. You’re seriously crushing on that man. There’s no denying that.”

  “Hell, what am I supposed to do?” I stand up, pulling her with me. “Did you see him? He’s hotter than a summer’s day in Florida.”

  “Yeah, he is smoking hot, that’s for sure.” She winks and we walk out of the bathroom, making our way to the class. I see Matt already inside.

  “Hey, bitches, I saved you seats.” We slide into the chairs next to him, and he immediately gives me a questioning look. “What’s wrong? You look funky.”

  “Kole is here,” I whisper.

  “As in, here for the class?” he asks, his eyes darting toward the door. Shit, there he is.

  “Guess so.” I sink further into my chair as Kole smiles and walks toward us.

  “Roe, can I speak to you in private?” he asks, nodding at my two friends.

  “Yep. Out there?” I point toward the door. “I’ll be back, you two.” I follow behind Kole as we walk down a hallway.

  Stopping at the end, he leans against the wall. “How are you?”

  “Good, getting ready to take the fire test.”

  “So, is he one of your boy-toys?” He crosses his arms, and I just look at him. “Matt, the guy you had plans with. And now you’re here with him too.”

  “Matt? He and I are co-workers, but why should it matter? I saw you with the blonde bimbo at the bar,” I bite out.

  “Who, Tabby? She came on to me, and I pushed her away.”

  “Didn’t look like you were pushing her away when I saw her mouth on yours.” I stare off in the other direction, unable to look at him. He makes me feel things I don’t want to feel. He sets my body on fire—my pussy is begging me to climb his body.

  Placing his hand on the wall beside of me, he brings his face within inches of mine. “You mean like how you and Matt were dancing? You grinding your ass on his crotch?” His jaw ticks. “It’s taking everything I have in me not to drag you into the nearest bathroom and fuck you like I’ve wanted to all week. You, Roe, are all I’ve thought about.” He leans in, his mouth grazing mine. “We will have a repeat of last week, and you’ll forget all about Matt.” He kisses me and walks away.

  I place my hand over my lips. What the fuck just happened? I guess I could’ve told him that Matt is gay and only my friend. I’ll just let him think what he wants for now.

  Walking back into the class, London and Matt are staring at me as if I have something written on my forehead.

  “What was that all about?” London whispers.

  “He’s pissed that I haven’t contacted him since we slept together,” I admit.

  “Way to go! I’ll give him a ten. Is he hung?” Matt teases.

  “Shut up. You’re worse than she is,” I say, jerking my thumb toward London. The two of them together, talking about sex, always leads to a rating.

  “Please, he has always been worse than me. He’s the one who started the rating shit, remember?” She rolls her eyes.

  “God, how am I friends with you two.” This is pointless. “Class is getting ready to start,” I tell them both, pulling my pen and notepad from my purse.

  “Shit just got interesting.” Matt elbows me, and I look up, seeing Kole, Abbott, and another hot guy sitting at the desk up front.

  Holy hell, they’re teaching the class.

  London stares at me, eyes wide. “I didn’t know. I promise.”

  “Whatever.”

  Walking in that classroom and seeing the look on her face left me satisfied. I can’t believe she was sitting with that Matt dude. I’m not playing any fucking games; once I came in her pussy, I knew I’d want more. I watch as she fidgets in her seat. The minute I try to make eye contact, she breaks her gaze and dips her eyes in another direction. I honestly didn’t know she would be in this class, or else I would have kept my ass at home.

  Once Linus wraps things up, I stay behind, needing to talk to her again. She knows I’m waiting, looking between her friends and then back to me as I lean against the table with my arms crossed. She watches me for a while before eventually motioning the other two on.

  I smile as she walks toward me.

  “You did well on the test.” But I’m sure she already knows that.

  “Thanks, I figured I did.” She bites the inside of her cheek before she continues. “I’m not sure what this thing is with us, but I’m not ready for a relationship. I just wanted you in my bed that night,” she whispers.

  Pulling her closer to me, I murmur, “You only wanted me one night?” Fuck, she smells like Heaven. My mouth hovers over hers. “You sure about that, sweetheart?” I crash my lips to hers, and she moans in my mouth. Sliding my hands up her sweater, I tweak her nipple. Goddamn, my dick is ready to be in her.

  She breaks the kiss, running her fingers over my chest. “Wait, we shouldn’t do this here. What if someone comes in?”

  Shit, she has a point.

  “Come on, I can’t wait. I have to do it now.” I sound like a horny teenager. The testing center is closed, so no one else should be in this area, but I walk over to the door, looking down the hall just in case. Seeing no one, I pull her down the hall to an empty room, locking the door behind us. “We’re good here.” I quickly turn her around and pull her shirt over her head.

  My mouth finds hers again as I unbutton her jeans, sliding them down her thighs, along with her silk panties. Her hands go to work on my belt then my zipper. My dick is thanking her; he’s so fucking hard, I’ll come with her touch. He springs forward, and her small hand grasps my large length. I move my legs until my jeans are at my ankles then, lifting hers, help her step from her clothes. I grab her by her ass
and hoist her up my body. I’m craving the taste of her pussy, but right now, my dick wants the attention. Her mouth can’t get enough of mine as I lean her against the wall and enter her roughly.

  “Mmm, yes.” Her head falls back against the wall, her face flushed. The blush looks good on her.

  “Fuck, you feel so good around my cock,” I say into her neck. “This isn’t going to take long. The way you’re milking me, I’m going to come and soon.” I pump into her tight cunt. Jesus fucking Christ, this pussy was made for me. Now that I’ve had her, I can’t let her go. I won’t.

  “God, I’ve missed you so much this week,” she admits, her hands twirling the back of my hair. “Kole, yes. Right there.”

  Those two words make me lose my shit. I place my right hand on the wall, steadying myself as I pour every ounce I’ve worked up this week into her. “Fuck,” I growl, then tease, “Did your toes curl?”

  “Sure did.” Her mouth catches mine, and we kiss hungrily before I hear someone in the hall. She pulls back and looks at me. Placing my hand over her mouth, I let her slide carefully down my body. My dick looks like a happy fucker, covered with her creaminess.

  “They left, but we better go. Come to lunch with me. I’m not done with you,” I tell her.

  “Okay, I can follow you. Unless you want to drop off my car at my house?” she asks, zipping her pants.

  “Yeah, we can do that. I’m off the next four days.” I wink.

  “Well, isn’t that something. So am I.” She straightens her top then unlocks the door. “Let’s go.”

  “Wait,” I grab her and kiss her again. “I can’t get enough of you, woman. What are you doing to me?”

  She smiles, and we walk out hand in hand.

  After dropping Roe’s car off in her driveway, she got in the truck with me, and I head toward my favorite pizza joint. I can’t explain it, but I really like having this woman by my side, even for something as mundane as pizza. The things this woman makes me feel; I’ve never craved anyone the way I’m craving her.