Not So Charming: A Hate to Lovers Romance (Carlisle Cellars Book 1)

by Fabiola Francisco

  With a swooping motion, Miles sits us both on the couch, and I’m straddling his lap. I feel his erection pressing into my core, and it takes everything in me not to rock my hips into him. His hands comb my hair away before holding my face as his eyes search mine.

  “We don’t have to go any further. We’ll stop right now.”

  My eyes fall shut. My breathing is erratic, and if I speak right now, the words will be jagged and breathless. He leans forward and kisses my closed lids, causing me to tremble.

  My hand roams down the front of his chest as I blink my eyes open, stare into those mossy green eyes that twinkle.

  “I mean it, June.” He takes my silence as uncertainty.

  I smile, kissing him quickly. The ball’s in my court, and I’m at war with my head and heart. One says to stop, take it slow, test Miles. My heart tempts me to throw my worries away and give myself to this man, to trust him. When he kisses my forehead and hugs me, my heart wins.

  “Take me to your room.” I don’t look at him until he lifts my chin and moves his eyes between mine.

  “No.”

  “What?” I sit up, hurt filling me.

  “I don’t want you to feel like you have to. That’s not what this is about.” His hands roam my back in gentle circles.

  “I don’t feel like I have to do anything. I want you. I want you to have me.” I whisper this last part centimeters from his lips. My heart is pounding at my boldness.

  “Fuck,” he says under his breath.

  I hold his face and tilt his head, kissing his neck, skimming my lips over his skin until I’m by his ear. Miles's hands tighten on my hips, and I smile.

  “Bedroom,” I whisper into his ear. He slips his hands from my hips, bringing them to hold my face and then crashing his lips to mine.

  Miles stands, never breaking contact, and walks us down a hall toward his room. He kicks the door closed and drops me on the bed, staring down at me with a sexy-as-sin grin. Goosebumps break out on my skin as I stare at him.

  Wordlessly, he straddles me, moving his hands to the hem of my shirt. He kisses me quickly before removing the shirt, cupping my breasts through my bra. My nipples peak as he brushes his thumbs over them.

  His lips attack my neck, and his hands remove my bra, feeling skin on skin contact as he teases me. Moans escape me, my head falling back, giving him everything. He could take it all, and I wouldn’t argue it.

  Miles kisses a path down my chest. His tongue swirls around the pebbled peaks before taking each nipple in his mouth as I arch into him. The scruff on his face scratches my sensitive skin, adding another layer of pleasure beyond what I thought was possible. He smiles against my skin, moving lower…lower… Until he kisses my hip, unbuttoning my jeans and lowering the zipper. He gazes up at me as if asking for permission, and I nod silently, anxiously waiting for his next move.

  Miles doesn’t waste time. He pulls my jeans down, followed by my underwear. I lift my hips to help him and then hold my breath as I watch him. His eyes are full of hunger as he looks up at me, his finger exploring, but he never breaks eye contact.

  I clench when he swipes a finger up my pussy, sensitivity tensing me.

  “Relax, Junebug,” his voice is husky. I lean back on his bed, willing my muscles to unclench and my heart to slow down.

  Miles spreads my legs apart, his thumb brushing my clit as he watches my reaction, learning my body and what I like. I’ve never been more exposed. My hips buck, and I mentally urge him to speed this up.

  “Wonder what you taste like…” His deep voice is low, and I whimper.

  When his tongue swipes my clit the way his finger did, I clench and thrust and thrash around. A loud moan escapes me. Jesus, if this is with one tiny swipe, I don’t want to think how it’ll feel when he takes this further.

  “So good,” his breath hits my most sensitive area. “Need more.”

  He hooks one of my legs over his shoulder, opening me for him, and tasting all of me like a starved man who’s returned from a long trip in the middle of nowhere and found his oasis. His tongue licks and tastes. His lips suck and kiss. His teeth nip the sensitive skin on my inner thighs before he moves back to my core.

  My body thrashes and begs for more. The noises that leave my mouth are new, and my pleas are urgent. Miles feasts on me until I’m trembling and heated, spikes of desire rolling up my spine.

  I grip the sheets and press my head into the mattress. Wild moans fill the room, and Miles continues to make me feel so damn good, his mouth and hands working wonders. I lose myself in the pleasure rolling through me, crying out and arching my hips, begging for all he has to give me. My muscles are tight, and my core clenches with his assault. It feels amazing, uncontrollable pleasure coursing through me. I fall off the cliff, free-falling into waves of orgasm, pulsing every inch of me as he slows his mouth.

  “Holy shit…” I breathe out through my racing heart.

  Miles chuckles, climbing over me and settling between my legs.

  “So good.” He kisses me, not caring that my taste is on his tongue, and I lift his shirt over his head, needing him naked and inside of me.

  He stands when I throw his shirt on the floor and reach for his jeans. Miles gazes at me, his eyes sweeping down my body then back to my face. He steps out of his jeans and boxer briefs, fisting his length. My eyes are glued to him, my body clenching at the sight as if it didn’t just have a hell of an orgasm.

  I reach for him, wanting to feel him, and Miles allows me to explore his body. My hand wraps around his length, stroking him and smiling when he groans. Base to tip, I add the right amount of pressure, my confidence increasing with each moan that escapes him. I’ve never felt more alive.

  Miles stills my hand and reaches for a condom in his nightstand. Then he shifts between me again. I wrap my hand around his length again, wanting him hard and desperate like I am.

  I kiss him feverishly, holding him to me while my hand continues to pleasure him. Miles thrusts into my touch, growling and kissing me, his hands tweaking and pinching my nipples.

  “Need in you,” his gruff voice breaks the silence.

  I nod, releasing him and scooting up on the bed. I watch as he sheaths himself, confident and all man. His strong body settles over mine, the tip of his thick cock brushing against my clit and making me moan.

  Miles brushes my hair away and stares into my eyes as he lines himself up with me.

  “I’m gonna make you feel so damn good,” he promises before kissing me with every ounce of that promise and thrusting into me. I cry out in pleasure. As soon as he enters me completely, he pauses and murmurs, “So tight,” against my lips.

  “More,” I beg, holding him, tightening my legs around him, and digging my heel into his ass to encourage him to move.

  Miles takes the hint and thrusts, his body taking over, his mouth kissing every inch he could reach, our bodies connecting and moving in a way I never imagined. Chills fill me. Nothing has ever felt so right before, but my desire trumps my fear.

  Long strokes of pleasure fill me as my body tightens and another orgasm begins to climb. I claw Miles's back, staking my claim. He fucks me like he owns my body—and at this moment, he does. He owns all of me. I surrender to him, giving him everything and taking what he gives me.

  Miles lifts one of my legs higher up on his hip, deepening his thrusts. I moan, calling out his name in a mumbled cry. He works my body with perfected experience, hitting that spot that drives me wild. I squeeze around his length, earning me a groan of pleasure. To know I could make him feel this way…

  Any doubt about not fitting in each other’s lives escapes me as Miles and I move in perfect harmony. We’re so in tune as we continue to chase our climax, kissing and touching and pleasuring. Until we fall apart at each other’s mercy. Until our breaths mingle in a kiss and the earth shatters around me.

  We hold each other, him still inside of me, as our breathing comes down. Our skin is slick, but I don’t care. I don’t want anythin
g to break this moment.

  “Fuckin’ amazing,” Miles whispers, lifting his head. He kisses my forehead, the action so gentle in comparison to what we just did.

  “Yeah,” I whisper. He moves his weight off me.

  “We could do that again…”

  “Give me a bit.” I’m still breathless, and Miles laughs.

  “I’m in no hurry. We have all the time in the world.” His promise makes my heart flutter.

  Kissing him quickly, I stand and head to the bathroom. I catch sight of Miles's naked body on my way and bite back my moan. I hope he’s right. I hope we have all the time in the world to learn each other’s bodies and hearts.

  After cleaning up, Miles tugs my hand and leads me to his bed. “Stay,” is all he says before climbing into bed and scooting back, opening his arms for me. I smile and nod, joining him in bed and allowing his arms to hold me through the night.

  Chapter 21

  June

  “How are things with Miles?” My mom smiles over at me as we head to see another car. It’s been a week since Miles and I slept together, and thankfully, my mom didn’t make a big deal about me spending the night at his house. As much as she’s my best friend, she’s still my mother, and I’d rather keep that part of my life private.

  “Things are good,” I respond. And they are—they’re great, actually.

  Miles and I have spent more time together this past week—dinner, morning coffee dates before he goes to work, and sneaking glances while we’re at work. I’ve been firm in keeping our distance at the winery, but when he smiles my way and winks secretly, I swoon. Hard. Like a heroine from a romance novel, and then I roll my eyes at myself for acting as such. I can’t help it, though. Miles has shown me a different side of himself than one I had assumed, and I like it a lot.

  “I’m happy to hear that. You’ve been spending more time with him lately.” I resist the urge to roll my eyes. I know she’s fishing for information.

  Usually, I’d be more forthcoming with details, but my mom knows Miles and his family, works for them, so this feels weird.

  I breathe out that thought and talk to her like I would about anyone else. So what if they’re the Carlisles and we’re the Sullivans?

  “I like spending time with him. He’s funny, kind, and smart.”

  “I’m glad you gave yourself a chance to get to know him better. The Carlisles aren’t bad like you conjured in your mind.” She arches a brow, never lifting her gaze from the road, yet she’s still able to impress me with that glare.

  “It’s not that they’re bad people. I know they’re not. But you work for them, and now I do, too. That, and I had blamed Miles for some of the crap I went through in high school.”

  “You expected him to defend you,” she nods pensively.

  “Yeah,” I say, embarrassed by my confession. “I know it wasn’t his responsibility, but he had—has—a pull with people in town. Everyone listens to his family, admires them, so why didn’t he stick up for me when he knew who I was.” I blow out a breath and lean back on the seat, willing my racing heart to slow down as the memories from growing up here crash down on me like a tsunami.

  “Remember, you’re only imprisoned by the past if you keep yourself there.” My mom reaches out and pats my knee.

  “I know,” I whisper. “Miles and I actually talked about it. Turns out he did say something, but it wasn’t enough. I guess the idea I had of him overpowering the rest of the people wasn’t effective when it came to me.” I don’t know if I’m making sense to my mom, but she nods as if she gets me. I guess that’s mother’s intuition, read minds and understand the jumbled nonsense her child says.

  “It’s good you spoke about it. I also think it’s great you’re giving the town a chance. I’ve told you this before, but I stayed here for a reason. It’s not all bad. This town has a lot of good to offer. I just hope you open your eyes and see it. Not because I want you to stay, though selfishly as your mother I do, but because I want you to heal, live without letting others dictate your life, and know in your heart that none of the hurtful words spewed at you were true.”

  A knot forms in my throat as my mom speaks. It’s not the first time she tells me this, but it might be the first time I listen without the cloud of judgment blocking my vision.

  “Thanks, Momma.” I focus on my breathing, keeping it flowing evenly.

  Maybe coming home was less of a punishment and more of a blessing so I can finally release the past and live the life I want, actually figure out what that life is without insecurity holding me back. So much of what I experienced growing up affected the decisions I made—where I went to college, never finishing college, the job I had. I’ve played it safe, stayed within myself, guarded my heart all because people not so subtly whispered behind my backs, teased me, gossiped that I wasn’t even worthy of my father’s love.

  Releasing a deep exhale, I blink my eyes and look at the woman who raised me. My mom has been everything I’ve needed. She gave me enough love for two parents. She took care of me, taught me respect, loved me, and worked her ass off to give me a good life.

  “Anyway…” she changes subjects before the conversation gets any heavier. “About this car. You ask the questions I taught you, and I’ll have a look around, taking in details. Then, I’ll ask any other questions.”

  “Sounds good, car guru,” I tease.

  She laughs lightly. “It’s fun to car shop.”

  “More like stressful,” I volley back.

  “We’ll find a great car for you. This one looks promising from the information online.”

  I pray she’s right. I’m ready to have my own sense of independence where I can drive anywhere without a schedule to adhere to or feeling bad that I’m leaving my mom on foot when I do take the car.

  Once we pull into the apartment complex where the person selling the car lives, I say a quick prayer and ask for guidance when it comes to making the right choice. The 2014 Jetta looks like it could be a winner, but things on the internet are always skewed to their reality.

  “Moment of truth,” my mom says as she parks in a guest spot.

  “Let’s do this.” I nod, stepping out of the car into the Texas heat.

  The seller meets us outside, and soon we’re looking at the vehicle. I ask the questions my mom taught me, look at the interior, and check the exterior for any major damages. From what I can see, it looks to be in good condition.

  After test driving it and checking the engine, my mom starts talking about the price, hustling the guy. I’m in awe of her poker face and strength. When the guy agrees to my preferred price, I almost jump up and down and hug my mom. Instead, I smile and thank him, writing out a check and getting the title from him.

  He was ready to sell, having all the paperwork prepared, and I’m grateful I can take the car today. I thank the man, grab the keys to my new, used car, and hug my mom.

  “You’re amazing. Thank you!”

  With her help, I was able to use the money in my savings and not be enslaved to a monthly payment. Of course, that’s thanks to the severance pay I got at my job and moving back home, plus what I had left from my savings over the years. Not to mention, my only expenses recently have been groceries, coffee, and books. Whatever money I hand my mom to help with house expenses appears right back in my room the next morning.

  “Dinner? To celebrate.”

  “Tacos?” She beams.

  “Of course, but it’s on me.”

  She gives me a pointed stare but doesn’t argue. We get into our respective cars, and I follow her back to Willow Creek. On the way, I call Miles and put him on speakerphone.

  “Hey,” his smile sounds through the call.

  “Hi, guess where I’m calling you from!” I can’t help but show my excitement. With Miles, I’m learning to guard myself less and less, which I hope doesn’t backfire on me.

  “Hmmm… The top of the Eiffel Tower?”

  I giggle. “You know that’s not it.”

&
nbsp; “I know, when you visit the Eiffel Tower, I’ll be with you.” My heart halts. Those are the kinds of promises he can’t make. Traveling to a foreign country together comes with bigger commitments.

  “Junebug?” he says when I remain silent.

  “I’m here,” I choke out. “I bought the car,” I add.

  “Congrats!” He whoops, making me laugh.

  “Thanks. It’s a great car, and I got an even better deal thanks to my mom.” I stroke the leather steering wheel.

  I smile to myself. The car I had in Los Angeles was way older than this one, the seats creaked when I sat, and it was just to get around a city that required a car most of the time.

  Ironically, Willow Creek doesn’t require a car since it’s a small town, but the winery is on the outskirts, and walking would be a trek. I’m not interested in arriving to work a sweaty, smelly mess.

  “We’ll celebrate… Preferably in private,” his voice grows husky, and I shiver.

  “Miles,” I warn.

  “In public?” he teases.

  “You’re impossible.” I shake my head and laugh, signaling my turn and following my mom into town.

  “But you like me, so I win.”

  “You’re so full of it, but yeah…I like you,” I sigh. “I’m having dinner with my mom now.”

  “Okay, call me later. We’ll celebrate tomorrow. I expect to see you more than sideways glances at work. I want to kiss you.” I groan at the memory of his kiss, and he chuckles. “I mean it.”

  “I know you do. I’ll call you when I’m home.”

  “Good. Enjoy dinner.”

  “Bye.” I hang up with a smile on my face and meet my mom in front of the restaurant. Tacos, a margarita, and queso dip are in order. I can’t think of a better meal to celebrate than this.

  After dinner, I make the haste decision to surprise Miles.

  “I’ll be home in a bit. I want to show Miles the car,” I tell my mom.