Cowboy Up: A Contemporary Romance (The Cherry Series Book 1)

by Luna Starr

  The kitchen in Tommy’s house was an expansive one, just like the rest of his home. It had expensive black granite countertops and high-end stainless steel appliances. His father was a well-known lawyer and after he’d divorced Tommy’s mother, he and Tommy had moved here to Vergennes. Apparently, Tommy’s father was on vacation in Belize and he’d left Tommy alone, oblivious to his sinful ways. Remembering the various half-emptied beverages teetering on the edges of the tables around the house, I imagined Tommy’s father would live to regret that decision.

  “Here you go,” Chrissy said. She handed a Jose Cuervo branded margarita glass to Gloria, filled to the brim with the lime-tequila mix.

  “Jess?” she asked. The strawberry margarita Chrissy was offering me stared me right in the face. I shook my head and put my hands up in a play of disinterest.

  “Jess? Come on, seriously,” Gloria said, in a dry, caustic tone.

  I subtly tugged on Gloria’s blouse as we briefly turned our backs to Chrissy and Jason. “I told you I wasn’t going to drink and neither should you,” I said, whispering softly.

  “Jess, this is probably the last party we’re going to attend before we graduate and all go our separate ways. For once, just let loose and have fun... please?” Gloria pleaded. “Do it for me?”

  Gloria was very persuasive and maybe she was right. This was the last party before graduation and then who knew where everyone would end up, or if I’d ever see any of these people again. And it was just one drink, so really, where was the harm in that? “One drink, okay?” I asked, obviously relenting.

  “Chrissy, she’ll take one,” Gloria said, sticking her index finger up in the air with gusto.

  “Here you go. There shouldn’t be too much Patrón in this one,” Chrissy remarked, eyeing me askance, like she had no idea why she’d invited me, let alone why I’d come.

  I reluctantly took the margarita from Chrissy and then I turned around to find there were about twelve other people in the kitchen with us. Strangely enough, I found everyone’s attention on me. It looked like they were all waiting, waiting on me, the good girl, to take her first sip of alcohol. Jason stoically grinned as he held Chrissy by her hips. Gloria’s eyebrows were raised as high as they would go as she egged me on, “Just do it... come on!”

  “Fine,” I said, slowly placing the edge of the glass on my lips. The strawberry concoction entered my mouth as I instantly smelled the pungent, sweet smell of the Patrón in my nostrils. It was immediately overtaken by the sugary, fun, candy-like taste of the strawberry margarita mix as I swirled it around my mouth. I gave the group, who displayed elated expressions, a slight nod. “I can’t even taste the alcohol,” I said with a reluctant smile.

  “See? That wasn’t so bad,” Gloria said as she thumped me on the back.

  “Wooooo!” Chrissy yelled, pumping her fist in the air. “Let’s go to the back yard. I want you guys to meet some peeps,” she excitedly said. She must have been pretty drunk, considering she gave a rat’s ass about us meeting anyone. Or maybe this was embrace-your-closest-nerd day, I wasn’t sure.

  I gave a playful shrug and said, “Sure.”

  And for the first time in my life, I disobeyed that nagging voice in the back of my head. For the first time, I decided to be open-minded to new experiences. And I wasn’t going to lie, I kind of liked it.

  Chapter Three

  Jessica

  There was Tommy, standing by the pool with a couple of his buddies. His deep-brown eyes, immaculate smile, and perfect jawline on full display like a proud, colorful peacock. He was around 6’2’’ and wonderfully built. Not overtly buffed out, but slender and strong, kinda like an Olympic swimmer at the height of his physique. His dark hair was perfectly styled—short, kind of spiky, but preppy at the same time.

  There was something rough about Tommy though. He’d gotten into trouble at St. Hilda’s every now and then by being a wiseass, and he’d also had a few suspensions. But none of that seemed to matter to my subconscious because I was still having naughty dreams about Tommy, just like I had throughout our four years of high school. And, now, as I gazed at him, I did wonder what it would be like to take his cock inside my mouth…

  What is wrong with you, Jessie? I rebuked myself, amazed that I was even allowing such licentious thoughts to breed in my head. Yep, I needed to be more aware of my thoughts and be better about forcing down the sinful ones.

  “Tommy, Gloria and Jessica are here,” Chrissy announced, as she led us to Tommy and his buddies, who were all holding Bud Lights by the pool. His buddies were Steve and Tad. Tad was a little bit on the heavy side, but he had a cute face and was known as a clown. Steve was as fit and handsome as Tommy, though his hair and skin were much fairer. He had a bit of a reputation as a player and a perv, always the first to play up the sex angle in every conversation. He probably got away with it because he was so damn good-looking.

  “Hi guys,” said Gloria, smiling coyly at each of them.

  “Hi,” Tommy said to Gloria and then to me. I noticed him quickly glancing at my chest with his blissful, brown eyes. I wasn’t sure why but I was strangely happy that his eyes had settled on my breasts. Maybe it was just because he’d noticed them? Of course, it was pretty impossible not to notice them considering how big they are.

  “Well, the good news tonight is that Tommy got a full-ride wrestling scholarship to the University of Iowa,” Chrissy slurred proudly, her eyes raking Tommy in a way that said she was lusting after him. I wasn’t sure where that left her boyfriend, Jason, who happened to be standing right behind her, lost in conversation with Tad.

  “Congratulations,” I said. I took another sip of my margarita and tried to keep a level head where Tommy was concerned—something which was difficult considering how freaking hot he was.

  “Thanks,” he answered as he gave me a look that said he appreciated my comment. And then he looked down at my bust again.

  “You girls like the margaritas?” asked Tad. “I made ‘em special.”

  “Yeah, they’re great—you made them?” Gloria returned the question.

  “Yep,” Tad answered. “They better be good. My family’s last name is Cuervo.”

  “Is it really?” I asked, amazed.

  “No,” Tad answered, as the rest of the group chuckled out loud and I suddenly felt stupid. Totally embarrassed, I buried my gaze in my glass and took another generous sip. I figured everyone probably thought I was socially inept, or worse, someone who was completely out of her element. It was fairly obvious that I was the only nerd here. Well, Gloria used to be a nerd with me but it seemed she was doing a good job of sloughing off that title.

  “Just teasing ya,” said Tad. “You want another?”

  Without even realizing it, I’d finished my margarita. Other than the ceremonial sip of wine I had during Mass every Sunday, this was my first time ingesting alcohol. I was expecting to feel a slight buzz, but I didn’t have one at all. In fact, I just felt really relaxed. I felt good.

  “Sure, why not,” I said with a shrug as Gloria glanced over at me with an encouraging nod.

  “I’ll be right back with another,” Tad said enthusiastically as I thanked him. Tommy, meanwhile, continued to make small talk with Gloria, although his eyes kept straying back to me—or more pointedly, my tits. I just stood there and listened to them, feeling a little bit awkward because no one was talking to me.

  When Tad came back from the kitchen with a couple of margaritas in his hands, I was happy to see him. He gave one to Gloria and one to me. Checking myself to make sure I was capable of drinking another margarita, I decided I was and eagerly downed a gulp with confidence. I figured as long as I kept stock of myself and didn’t overindulge, I’d be fine. And what were two margaritas?

  ***

  The party, surprisingly, continued into the wee hours of the night without the police knocking on the door telling everyone to go home. The music was still pumping loud and clear throughout the neighborhood. Gloria mentioned to me that at l
east half the block were Tommy’s dad’s clients, which was a possible explanation for why they tolerated the loud music. That, or they were far enough away that they couldn’t hear it. Of course, it was so loud, I didn’t figure that could really be the case.

  I was getting comfortable in my own skin as the night continued. I was on my third margarita before I realized I was touching Tommy on the shoulder and arm as we talked about everything under the sun. I suddenly couldn’t remember how I’d even started talking to him in the first place or where Gloria was. When I glanced down at my glass, it was empty.

  “You’re really funny, Jessie,” Tommy said as he reached over and squeezed my arm. I looked up at him in awe, almost as if I were seeing him for the first time. It was safe to say that we were bonding somewhat. And I definitely liked the feel of his arms—they were solid as a rock, and I could feel his biceps protruding every time he lifted his arm as he expressed himself. Yep, Tommy had the perfect body and, what was more, he knew it.

  Feeling like I had to pee, I excused myself and started back toward the house. I also figured it was probably a good idea to find Gloria and explain to her that I had no idea how I’d ended up talking to Tommy. And, more importantly, that she and I had promised not to lose sight of each other.

  As I made my way through the living room, weaving in and out of people, my need to pee was all-encompassing. But, unfortunately, when I reached the bathroom, the line was six people deep. Realizing this could become a situation, I immediately turned around and seeing a staircase, started up it, figuring I could probably find another bathroom upstairs. And there was one—with a sign that said: “out of order.”

  Just freaking great, I thought to myself as I worried I was going to pee myself right there. I started down the hallway, walking past a couple who were making out. When I reached the end of the hall, I noticed another staircase leading to the third floor of the house. But the bottom of the staircase was roped off. Clearly, no one was supposed to venture beyond the rope.

  Maybe it was the liquid courage, but I was hopeful that the third floor might have another bathroom. I slid underneath the rope and started up the stairs, glancing behind myself to make sure no one saw me. No one was anywhere near me so I figured I was safe.

  I hurried down the dark hallway until I reached a door at the end. Opening the door, I noticed it was an office with a tiny glow coming from a lamp on the overly large desk. I closed the door behind me and hurried across the office to another door which led into a bathroom, thank God. I didn’t even bother to close the door because I figured no one was up here anyway. Instead, I put my empty margarita glass down on the sink counter, pulled my dress up, yanked my panties down, and plopped myself onto the toilet. Relief suffused me as soon as I started to pee.

  “How’s the party?”

  I felt my heart drop down to my toes as soon as I heard the deep voice. I brought my attention from where it had been on the floor and glanced up and into the face of a man. He was tall and broad and he was older, maybe in his forties. But he was also very handsome, his face chiseled and his jet black hair cut short. Stubble decorated his strong jaw and his blue eyes seemed to radiate from his tan complexion. He was wearing a black T-shirt that did little to hide the swells of his arms. And his blue jeans gave him a relaxed, casual sort of look but I could tell by the expression on his face that he was anything but casual.

  I scrambled to pull my panties up but then I realized that if I stood, he would catch a glimpse of my pussy. So, I stayed seated, my panties still around my ankles.

  “Who,” I started, my voice unsteady. “Who are you?”

  “I’m Grey Jacobs,” he answered. “Tommy’s father.”

  “But,” I started. I shook my head again, trying to shake my drunkenness away but it wasn’t working. “You’re supposed to be out of town!” I slurred. And then I remembered my manners. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Jacobs,” I said, suddenly feeling stupid considering my panties were around my ankles and I was sitting on his toilet.

  He chuckled and wrapped his big arms across his chest as he leaned against the doorway of the bathroom and continued staring at me. “I was out of town but I got back early,” he answered.

  “Does Tommy know you’re here?” I asked, amazed that his dad would be okay with this crazy party. I was even more amazed that I wasn’t demanding him to turn around so I could pull my panties up and pull my dress down. But for some reason, I thought maybe he liked seeing me like this and I didn’t know why but I suddenly didn’t want to disappoint him.

  You’re drunk and not thinking straight, I said to myself.

  “No,” Mr. Jacobs answered with a smirk. When he smiled, I realized he had one dimple, something which only added to his handsomeness. “I snuck in through the garage and came up here without anyone seeing me. Didn’t want to rain on your party parade.” He glanced at my empty glass of margarita which I’d set on the counter. “Are you old enough to drink?”

  “No,” I answered as I dropped my gaze to the floor and felt a blush crop up on my cheeks. I wasn’t sure why I’d answered him so honestly. Maybe if I’d been in a more sober state of mind, I would have lied. But I knew myself better than that. I didn’t lie.

  “Don’t worry, I won’t tell,” he said with another chuckle. “How old are you?”

  I glanced up at him again and found him eyeing me intently. “I’m eighteen,” I said.

  “So, it appears that you know my name but I don’t know yours,” he said as he eyed me pointedly.

  “Jess… Jessica,” I answered. “Jessica Gibson. People call me Jessie.”

  “Well, Jessica Gibson, I’m happy to make your acquaintance,” he said with a boyish smile that made me all nervous inside. “I’ve never heard of you before,” he said, his eyes never leaving mine. “And I generally know all of Tommy’s friends. Do you go to St. Hilda’s?”

  I nodded. “Tommy and I don’t really hang out much,” I answered with a little, nervous smile. “I’m surprised he actually invited me here tonight.”

  “Why don’t you hang out much?”

  I dropped my attention to the floor again. “Oh, well, I guess we don’t run in the same crowd.”

  “What crowd do you run in?”

  “Um, the less… popular one,” I answered, feeling totally embarrassed, especially given the fact that I was sitting on the toilet with my panties around my ankles and my dress crumpled around my waist.

  “Why is that?” he demanded as I glanced up at him and shrugged. His questions, while relentless, seemed somehow innocent—like he really couldn’t understand why I wasn’t in the popular crowd.

  “I guess I’m just not that outgoing,” I said with an apologetic smile. “And I can be a little shy.”

  “Well, Jessica, you’re beautiful, so I’m not sure why you’re shy.”

  I swallowed hard as soon as he complimented me because I was so taken aback by it. I didn’t know what to say but inside, I was beaming. I mean, I always knew men noticed me—my tits and my ass mostly. But they never really noticed my face. And I wasn’t sure why but I had a feeling Mr. Jacobs was talking about my face when he said I was beautiful—maybe because he was looking me right in the eyes when he said it.

  “Thank you,” I said quietly.

  “You haven’t asked me to turn around so you can take care of your business,” he pointed out.

  I nodded as my heart rate started to escalate and my palms grew clammy. I didn’t say anything because it felt like there was a rock stuck in my throat.

  “Do you want me to turn around, Jessica?” he asked, his tone of voice deep and throaty.

  “Um,” I started, unable to meet his gaze. Did I or didn’t I? If I said yes, what would that mean? And if I said no, what would that mean? “Do you want to turn around?” I finally asked, glancing up at him, my eyes wide.

  “No,” he answered immediately, his tone level and completely unapologetic. “I want to watch you.”

  My face was on fire, I was blushing
so fiercely. But there was something else going on. I felt pricks of exhilaration fanning out between my legs. It felt like my pussy was stinging. “You do?” I asked on an inhale, suddenly feeling dizzy. I’d had so much to drink, I half wondered if I were just imagining him. But then I didn’t think alcohol made you see things? Maybe it did.

  “Yes,” he answered matter-of-factly. “I want to watch you stand up and wipe your pussy. Then I want to watch you bend over so I can see into your cleavage as you reach for your panties and slide them up your legs slowly.”

  I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t even think. All I knew was that I wanted to do Mr. Jacob’s bidding. I wanted to make him happy.

  “Do you want to do that for me?” he asked as he continued to study me with those hawk eyes. He took a sip of an amber-colored liquid from a tumbler that I hadn’t even realized he was holding. When he set it back down on the table which was just beside the bathroom door, I realized why I hadn’t seen it before—it was hidden by the door.

  “Yes,” I breathed, feeling the truth of my words deep down in my core. At the moment, I wanted to do whatever he wanted me to.

  “Then do it.”

  I nodded as I reached for some toilet paper and with my heart in my throat, I wiped my pussy in front of Tommy’s dad, in front of Mr. Jacobs. Then I stood up. My dress was bunched around my waist and I left it there, realizing my pussy was on total display for him. And I watched his gaze travel from my face, down to my tits and further down until it rested on my pussy. Remembering his instructions, I leaned over so he could see inside the top of my dress and I gripped my panties. I started to pull them up my legs.