Night Owl (The Complete Serial)

by M. C. Cerny

  “Huh.”

  “Do you know her?”

  “Who?” I’m having a moment processing all he’s said and don’t realize he’s asked me another question.

  “My girlfriend… Do you know her?” He smiles and takes the loofah, running it over my shoulders and down my arms.

  “Maybe…” I try to not crack a smile, but James is playing a game with me. He’s become a regular jokester. Maybe this is better because I don’t want to deal with what just happened back at the radio station.

  “Well, see, I met her at work.” The loofah traces back up my arms and over my collarbone, then down my back.

  “Did you now?” I turn my head to look up at him. His dark hair is plastered to his head, and his eyebrows hold drops of water to them.

  “I did. I tried to stay away, but she made it so hard. She makes everything hard.” James pushes himself against me and I feel the thick ridge of his cock pressing into my right hip. This might have been the worst time to get sexy, but it was a perfect distraction from the real world. My mouth goes dry just thinking about him. Tall, erect, and waiting for me to make a move because, of the two of us, I’ve shied away every time.

  “Maybe you just come on too strong and she doesn’t have a chance to recover,” whispering, I lean my head back, rolling into him. My hand tentatively reaches out to touch him. His hand covers mine with a smooth squeeze and I stroke the hard length of him, running my finger down the soft head. My thumb catches his slick arousal and I circle the top of him, moisture beading at the top as I’m pulling down and cupping him, molding him in my grasp.

  “God, Casey.” James begins to come undone in my hands, and I realize how much more I want with this man. I slowly sink down to my knees in the pooling water. “You don’t…” James grips my shoulders, trying to pull me back up.

  “Shh… I want to.”

  “No, your knee is banged up.” He’s half picked me back up when I push his hands away. I want this right now.

  “Let me. Please.” This is something I can give him, something I can focus on besides the insanity waiting for us outside my apartment and the sting of my bruised skin. I kiss his hard belly below the ridges of his defined abs, taking the head of his cock in my mouth, his pleasure echoing in the confined space…

  20

  James

  Casey’s eyes grow dark as she slowly sinks to her knees. I’ve only dreamed of this the last eighteen months I’ve known her. My fantasies consisted of her sashaying her pert ass around the office, ending with her avoiding me at all costs. Perfect lips the color of ripe summer strawberries nip at my stomach. My body clenches, electrified with each press of her lips on my body. Casey stays on her haunches, the position showing me her thick thighs, pale skin, and curvy waist. Her delicate ankles press deep into her ass before she rises up to meet me, mouth to cock. She sucks me deep before popping me out of her mouth. Her hands slide up my legs and my dick bounces against my stomach, waiting for her next move. Casey looks up at me, eyes wary, and I want to reassure my shower nymph that all will be well.

  The shower spray has soaked us both and tangled her dark hair, making it a mass of wet curls falling over her shoulders and between her breasts. I let my hands fall to her face and brush water droplets off her forehead, tracing her cheek, following a path to her lips. Casey kisses my palm before reaching up to circle her hand around my cock. She grips me and squeezes, earning her a grunt. My eyes roll back, making me look up for a brief moment. I need air, but the shower mist and Casey’s gaze have sucked it right out of me. All I can think about is how heaven sure is a hot place. Casey glances at my now throbbing dick taking me deep. I watch her ruby lips surround me from tip to root and my vision blurs for a moment.

  Soft lips encase me in her hot mouth sucking gently and I’m a slave to her ministrations. I thought I would be taking care of her, but she’s taking care of me instead. She pops me from her mouth, licking her tongue down my shaft and back up to my head, swirling around it. It takes a bit of effort to not blow my load right there. I could have sworn I was a man of finesse, but Casey unmans me with each look, heady breath, and lick.

  “Sweetheart, perhaps we–” I don’t get the words out because she starts squeezing my sack and pumping me hard into her mouth. The rhythm pushes me closer to the edge with each pull. I think she tries to say something, but it comes out more like a humming vibration, sending me right over the edge in a fucked up mess of desire and emotions. “Ah, god, Casey.” I praise her.

  I drop the loofah in the shower and run my fingers through her tangled hair, unable to pull her swollen lips from my shaft. I tug hard on the back of her neck, but she doesn’t let go. I’m barely able to stand or speak as I lean into the wall of the shower. Glancing down, I admire the curve of her back and the pinpoints of her spine, little indents that map the most beautiful real estate of her body. Casey continues to grip me and I feel the tip of her finger trail back, massaging that forbidden spot I’d only heard about. The pad of her finger slides closer on my appreciative groan, and I feel her smile around my shaft.

  “Turnabout is fair play. You wait, minx,” I growl. My dick jumps, catching me unprepared for the second wave. I try shielding the spray of water from Casey’s face, smoothing her messy hair back as the orgasm forces me to lean against the shower wall, weakened by her.

  Releasing me, she licks her lips. “You were saying, James?” A wanton smile curves her face, eyes sparkling.

  “You’re evil, sweetheart.” I look at her with hooded eyes, using my thumb to wipe her bottom lip. Feeling her soft, plump lips makes my stomach clench with renewed need.

  “Your girlfriend must be some girl.”

  I pull Casey up, her hips rubbing against my sated body, and realize the shower has gotten cooler. A chill overcomes us both and I know we need to get out from under the water.

  “She’s something all right.” Shaking my head when she laughs, I wash her hair, then let her rinse off in the remaining warmth of the water. Grabbing towels, we wrap ourselves, heading into her bedroom.

  “I’m so exhausted.” Casey plops down on the bed and I join her, rolling the covers down so we could get in, pulling them back over us.

  “I bet. It’s well after the time you’d normally get home if I had dropped you off.” Casey snuggles against my chest, still wrapped in the towel, and I know the time is right to talk about what happened.

  “What a mess. James, what are we going do?” Casey places her hand over my heart and I hold her tight, afraid to let go.

  “Weather it like any storm, except together. No running or avoiding it.” The truth is the only thing we have. Plus, this isn’t something easily covered up. I’m anticipating phone calls from our legal department, maybe the FCC, probably HR on top of potential caller complaints… All things I don’t want to think about or mention to her until tomorrow–later today when the time is right.

  She’s quiet and I wonder if she’s fallen asleep until she speaks softly, “I’m so embarrassed.” A tremble is my only indication she’s not actually crying, just deeply unsettled. Embarrassed doesn’t even come close to covering the feelings I have as the anger builds. Our relationship is our business and not something we should have to be ashamed of for any reason.

  “I’m going to find out who did this.” I don’t know if this is a promise I can keep, but I’ll do everything in my power to find the culprit responsible.

  “I know you will, James. I know you will.” Casey leans up and kisses me sweetly, a tear trailing down her cheek, splashing against my bare chest like ice.

  I look at her, assessing every curve of her face. I’m relieved she’s physically okay, but who knows what the hell could have happened. Is more is coming our way? “I want to hire a security firm for protection and to investigate what the fuck is going on. Last time the police couldn’t find anything out and I’m not willing to take any chances.” Wordless, she nods. I know there isn’t any other option than to figure out who is responsible…
/>
  21

  Casey

  A buzzing sound attacks our warm little nest. I try swatting my arms to end the annoying interloper when I realize it’s James’ phone vibrating. Our blissful unawareness of the outside world is over. The device clamors to the edge of my nightstand and James manages to catch it, looking at the screen.

  “Shit,” he grunts before placing the phone back down again and flopping against the mattress and pillows. His chest heaves a sigh that lifts me up.

  “What is it?” Bothered, I lean on my elbow, pushing the sheets and comforter down, realizing we fell asleep wrapped in damp towels. James avoids eye contact so I give him a gentle shove. “Hey, I thought we were in this together.”

  “It’s my lawyer’s office.” He looks in the direction of my window, face drawn tight as light struggles to peek through my blackout curtains.

  “So…” I tap my finger against his chest and James gives me a wry look. This conversation could go in a number of ways, and my stomach rebels stinging sharp with acid. “Call them back, James. See what they want.” I don’t want to know but, after a few hours of sleep, things feel a bit different today. It’s a Band-Aid better ripped off all at once.

  “Honestly, I’d rather not.” Pulling me down, he wraps his arms around me and playfully rolls me over onto my back. It’s nice, but I also know he’s avoiding things. Things that simply won’t go away.

  “Honestly, I’d prefer we get this sorted out.” He exhales a deep sigh, his head still buried in my neck giving me a sucking, sloppy kiss. “Hey! Don’t start that!”

  “Party pooper.” Grumbling, he gets out of bed, taking his phone. He grabs his clothes from the bathroom and dresses. I get to watch him step into his black boxer briefs with ease, sliding his pants up his legs, concealing his delicious body. He drops his wrinkled dress shirt over his head, buttoning it. Hair hangs over his forehead, recklessly mussed.

  “I’ll be right back.” Annoyed, he walks into the living room; although he must know I’ll be able to hear every word that is said. I decide that, whatever the outcome, we need sustenance. Food and coffee won’t set things to rights, but it will help get us on track.

  Pushing myself from the bed, I grab our towels and drop them in the hamper, grabbing a silk robe from the closet. As I tie it around me, I hear the front door of my apartment shut. I rush to peek out of the bedroom, missing James as he closes the door. Walking through the living room, it looks like chaos exploded in my living space between small messes of tossed pillows and a throw blanket.

  My apartment is nothing like my parents’ modest home in Delaware. They live in their safe little neighborhood, picket fence, and all the other amenities that come with staid and normal lives. Emptiness fills my chest leaving me hollow and sad as I look at the sum total of my life collected in this little room.

  The evening runs through my mind again and again. I try to busy myself by tidying up and popping in a coffee filter with grounds from an almost empty bag. I don’t have a fancy coffee maker so this will have to do as water from the tap fills the reservoir. I never thought James Austin, my boss, would be sleeping over, let alone calling me his girlfriend. Self-doubt hovers in the air like a stink I can’t get rid of. I check my refrigerator for food, but I’m greeted with two percent milk, moldy cheese, and take-out leftovers I need to get rid of. Maybe this is a game for James. I’m an easy target, the single chubby girl working at the bottom of the totem pole. My thoughts continue to roll downhill as I’m pouring a cup of coffee when the door opens and shuts.

  “You smell amazing in the morning.” James makes a production of smelling my hair before snatching my coffee cup from my fingers. I should have known it was a ruse. I watch him, my eyes assessing his mood.

  “You’re just after my coffee.” My voice is clipped and I hate that I sound a little desperate for reassurance.

  Thoughtfully, he takes a sip. “Don’t hate the game. Hate the player.”

  I pour myself a new cup and turn to face him. He looks wary. I warm my chilled hands on the cup, sipping carefully to avoid the chip in the rim.

  “So what did your lawyer say?” My stomach knots and I put the cup down on the counter. James looks at the cup, his eyebrows furrow for a moment and he switches cups with me. I begin to protest but he traces my lip with his finger. Speechless at his thoughtfulness, he smiles, and his eyes follow mine watching his gentle touch outline my pouting lips.

  “I can’t let these beautiful lips get injured.” I kiss his fingers and he gets back to being all business again. “We have a meeting at one this afternoon.” James sips his coffee from the damaged cup looking at me over the rim, setting it down next to mine on the counter. Moments like this confuse me; his thoughtfulness makes me suspicious, baggage I can blame on bad ex-boyfriends and useless beauty magazines.

  “We? As in both of us?” Nerves shake me. I was never much of a rule breaker, but I’m worried that something much bigger is trying to consume us and destroy our fragile beginning.

  James is leaning against the counter, looking at me. Maybe he’s carefully choosing his words, or maybe there’s no good answer to any of this. All I know is that I’m scared everything I worked for is going down the sink quicker than Drain-o. “Casey, it’s going to be all right.” He knows there’s nothing that can be said to reassure me right now.

  I swallow the lump in my throat. “Sure, it is,” I say, sarcastically. “Philadelphia and our neighboring stations got a clip of you eating me out on syndicated radio and there won’t possibly be any repercussions whatsoever. Come on, James. I studied broadcasting. I know there are ramifications for what happened. The FCC has rules about this. My contract has rules about this.” Crossing my arms over my heaving chest, I roll my tear-filled eyes and try to walk away.

  “Hey, hey come on.” James grabs me by my arm and holds me still until I look up, my lip trembling and my eyes burning with tears. “Hey, do I look worried?” No. James looks sexy as hell while I’m falling apart.

  “You sure as hell should be worried.” I don’t know why he is sweeping this under the rug. How can I go back to work? Will I even have a job to go back to? All the worries overwhelm me and he’s just standing there, doing nothing.

  “I’ll worry when it’s time to worry.” James leans over the counter, trapping me against it.

  “What the hell does that mean?” I’m snippy, bitchy, and afraid. “This isn’t some fucking game. I don’t get a free pass here, James.”

  “I know it’s not a game. I’m going to take care of it. Can you trust me to do that?” I feel his body tensing and his pulse thumping through the vein in his neck.

  “We barely know each other. You could walk away from this with a slap on your wrist and forget we ever met. I can go back to dog walking and serving coffee.” I push him back but James is unmoving.

  “Tell me you’re not fucking serious?” He closes whatever distance is left between us and panic rises in my chest.

  “Maybe that would be better.” The dark cloud of dejection hovers low and deep thinking we should end this while we still can, while James still has his company and I still have something of my pride left. Maybe my old bedroom hasn’t been converted into a craft room or a room for my mother’s parakeets. I could grovel and enroll in dental school making everyone happy.

  “Better for who?” He shakes his hanging head against me before speaking again. “I’m not leaving you behind and you’re not taking the fall for something that was no one’s business but ours. This wasn’t your fault.”

  “What do you mean?” Uncertainty cements me in place unable to move or think beyond the last few hours of time.

  “It means we have a meeting at one this afternoon, and it’s barely past ten right now.” James bites my ear with a sharp sting, his mouth leaving another sultry kiss on my neck below my earlobe. I feel every pass of his nose against the column of my neck and close my eyes tightly at the sensations in my core. He knows exactly what he’s doing.

  A di
straction.

  James is good at distracting me from the reality of our situation. I feel a tug on the belt of my robe, warm hands curling around my ample hips and pulling me closer, sliding around, cupping my ass in a grip that’s likely to leave a colorful impression of his fingertips. His hands move up, tracing my spine. One stops on my lower back, one between my shoulder blades, pulling me in. Once his hands settle, a tug pulls the silk robe off my body.

  Both of us watch it pool to the floor. Expensive silk and cheap linoleum flooring mirror what I think about myself. I may look all right on the outside, but I feel unworthy in this man’s presence. “I know what you’re doing, James.”

  He lifts me off my feet easily, setting me on my kitchen counter. Cold granite rubs against my thighs, the temperature tickling my clit. The shiver takes my mind off how clean my counter may or may not be right now. I do my damnedest to not use my kitchen a whole lot, except for coffee. After this, I’m pretty sure I’ll be better about not neglecting them. James’ hands on my exposed breasts, fingers rubbing over my nipples, bring me back to the moment. He has my full attention now the kitchen be damned.

  “So let me do it, Casey. Stop being such a stick in the mud.” James determined to get his way pulls me deeper under his spell with his voice low and sexy.

  “Are you calling me boring?” I lift my head to look at him. He’s biting his lip to stop smiling. Idiot.

  “You? I’d never say that.” I know James would like to make an inappropriate joke right now. Instead he kisses my collarbone, sucking the skin until pleasure mixes with just a hint of pain. I squeeze his arms, letting my nails dot his skin with small crescents. I can only imagine how colorful my neck is right now. I’m going to need my turtleneck dress for the meeting if he keeps this up…

  22