by A. E. Neal
A picture of Ally and I being escorted from the hotel stared back at me. The caption read, "BRODY MCCABE AND MYSTERIOUS FEMALE ESCORTED OUT OF SERAPHINE FERN'S BIRTHDAY GALA!"
Fuck.
She scrolled down and the first line of the article read, "It's no mystery that McCabe has been Arizona's hottest bachelor, but recently he proposed to Seraphine Fern. The couple has been on and off for the past few years, but the news of their recent engagement came as quite the shock as we watched Brody lead an unknown woman to a taxi after being tossed out of Miss Fern's party."
Another picture followed. "McCabe kissing unknown woman in back of a taxi" A perfect picture of me kissing Ally's forehead in the back of the cab.
Double fuck.
"It's pretty bad. They're popping up all over the internet," Kennedy said taking her phone and shoving it into her purse.
"Fuck," I said and pinched the bridge of my nose between my fingers.
"You should probably call her and at least warn her, before she wakes up tomorrow and sees her face all over the news," she said.
"I can't. She won't want to talk to me," I said.
"If you don't, I guarantee it'll suck a lot worse for you tomorrow," she said, took her drink and made her way back toward the stage.
Damn it.
I needed to call Nancy, she's the only one I knew who could put and end to all this. I made my way out the back door and sat on the edge of the stairs leading up to my apartment and dialed Nancy's number.
"Jesus Christ, McCabe. I thought you were trying to keep your name out of the tabloids for a while," she said.
"Nancy, you have to put a stop to this. It's all a fucking lie," I pleaded.
"You might be right, but I don't know what I can do. The Fern's official spokesperson has already issued a statement confirming your proposal to Seraphine. Sera's made a deal with one of the local magazines to do a human interest piece on you two. She's already posting pictures of her engagement ring on Facebook."
"Fuck! Nancy, you have to do something. I never fucking proposed to that psychotic bitch. We aren't even together!" I shouted.
"Calm down, Brody. I'll see what I can do. In the meantime, do not speak to the press, do not comment— Do you understand? And as for that girl pictured with you, we'll figure something out, but she's a reporter too, so it would be in your best interest if you didn't talk to her either. She could have set you up, just to get a story out of it," she snapped.
"She wouldn't do that, Nancy. I know she wouldn't," I said.
"Fine, but keep your mouth shut. I'll do what I can to fix this. Goodnight," she said and the line went dead.
If this night wasn't already the shittiest night of my life, it'd gone from bad to worse in a matter of two hours. I found Ally's number and hit send.
Ring...Ring...Ring...Ring...Voicemail.
I tried again.
Same thing, so I left a message.
"Allyson, it's Brody. We need to talk. I know you're not ready to talk to me, but I need you to call me back as soon as you get this, please."
Damn it! I held my phone up and prayed she would call me back, but I was worried she'd just delete my message and never have any warning once the photos of us blew up all over the internet. I needed to find Kennedy or tell her brother, so I headed back into the bar. Luckily, the band was on a break. I spotted Zac and waved at him. Kennedy had her arm around him and the two made their was toward me.
"Zac," I said.
"Brody, nice to see you again, man," he reached out to shake my hand. "Kennedy, have you met Brody?"
"Yes, actually," she said.
"Kennedy," I said, panic taking over my voice. "I tried to call her, but she won't answer. The team's PR agent says it's bad and she working on getting this fixed, but I need you to call her and tell her not to look at any of the local news feeds online or otherwise."
"Kay, I'll try, but I guarantee she already knows," She said and headed to a quiet spot in the hallway to call Ally.
"What the hell is going on?" Zac asked. "And when did you and Kennedy become such good friends?"
"Just met tonight actually. She was lending me some advice about your sister," I said.
"Oh yeah, how'd that go?" He asked.
"She threatened to rip my balls off and shove them down my throat, so I'd say it went well."
Zac laughed and shook his head. "I told you she's a little firecracker."
"Thanks for the heads up, man." I said.
Kennedy made her way back towards us and she had a solemn look on her face. I knew she had bad news.
"She's already seen it, Brody. I tried to tell her it was all bullshit, but she wouldn't listen to me, I'm so sorry." She said.
"I have to talk to her," I said and took off through the back door.
I hopped on my motorcycle, the engine roared, I dropped it into gear and sped off towards Allyson's house.
Chapter 22
Ally
What the hell was I thinking? Of course Brody was a high profile celebrity, why hadn't it occurred to me before? God, am I an idiot. Kennedy said it was all bullshit, but how the hell would she know that?
All I could do was think about how much I was going to miss my job. I'd never be able to talk my way out of this one, it was only a matter of time before Jeanette caught wind of the incident and all I could do was wait for the call.
I pulled the bottle of vodka from the freezer and grabbed the container of cranberry juice from the fridge. It was all I had to numb myself from the mess I'd gotten myself into. I grabbed a few ice cubes, plopped them into a glass and filled it halfway with vodka. I poured the cranberry juice over the top and gave it a quick swirl with my index finger.
The drink was strong and I gulped half of it before setting it on the kitchen counter. I couldn't look at another photo or article naming me "The Home Wrecker" any longer. I was startled by the doorbell and figured Kennedy forgot her keys, again. In my white cotton shorts and ratty college t-shirt, I padded to the front door with my drink in hand.
"Jesus, Ken—" I said as I swung the door open, only to find it wasn't my best friend, but Brody instead.
He looked panicked and worn out. He was still half dressed in his tuxedo, well, just a white dress shirt and black slacks.
"Can I come in?" He asked.
I stood for a moment, still shocked at the sight of him and for a brief second I thought about slamming the door in his face, but instead I invited him in.
"What are you doing here?" I asked and took another gulp of my drink.
He reached out, took the drink from my hand and led me into the living room. He set my glass on the coffee table and urged me to sit. He took a spot on the couch next to me and turned to face me.
"Allyson...please give me a chance to fix this. I don't know how the hell I'm gonna do it, but I need you to let me explain everything," he said.
"It looks pretty official, Brody. I mean, even her spokesperson gave a statement," I huffed.
I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, but I was back in guarded territory and wasn't sure anything he said to me would ever make me feel less like a moron for believing he truly wanted to be with me.
"I know," he said softly and rested his forehead in his hands. "I never meant for anything like this to happen, especially to you. Ever since the day you walked into the band's dressing room, I couldn't get you out of my mind. It's been night and day with us so far and I only wanted to show you that I am a changed man. I'm not the same guy you read about in those damn tabloids, I'm not a lying, cheating asshole everyone makes me out to be."
"Assuming everything you're telling me is the truth, why the fuck would Sera do this to you?" I asked.
"Ally—" He paused for a moment and looked me in the eye. "She threatened to have the bar shut down, if I didn't agree to take her to that stupid fucking party. Her dad is a good friend of the mayor's and they helped me get the liquor license early so we didn't have to wait for three months. Honestly, that's the
only thing she's got on me. She acts like she bailed me out of jail and I owe her my entire goddamn life now."
"She sounds like a real winner, Brody. You sure know how to pick them," I joked, but I could sense he was in no mood for my sense of humor.
"Sera's been— Ah, well...like a friend with benefits, to tell you the truth, but I made it very clear the last time I spoke with her, that she meant nothing to me. I wanted to try and fix things between you and I, since I screwed up so fucking bad the other night after practice. Then tonight, it was like we finally took a huge step in the right direction for once." He said and clasped his hands together on his lap.
I don't know what it was, maybe it was the first time I'd seen him so vulnerable or the fact he was finally admitting how much he liked me, but I believed every word he said.
"I believe you," I said. "I don't know why, but I do."
"I'll fix this, Allyson," he said.
"I know you will."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Anything," I said.
"I want to take you out on a real date. Like dinner and a movie," he said and it sounded as if it were the first time he'd ever said those words to someone.
"I'd like that," I giggled and my cheeks flushed a little.
"Good, its a date then," he said and pulled me into his chest.
I buried my face in his neck and he still smelled amazing. I looked up at him and kissed his cheek lightly. He caught me with his green, now turning amber eyes and leaned down to kissed me. I had fought so hard to keep my composure, but it dissolved as soon as his tongue parted my lips.
My heart raced and my breath became heavy. I massaged his tongue with mine and the next thing I knew, I was undoing the buttons on his shirt. His hands gripped my hips and he pulled me onto his lap. I straddled him with my legs on either side of his. He kissed my neck and nibbled on my earlobe, sending shockwaves of pleasure down my back.
"Ahhh," I sighed and he lifted my shirt over my head. I'd already take my bra off when I dressed for bed, so my bare breasts brushed against his chest.
He took one of my breasts in his hand, massaged it lightly, causing my nipple to pucker and ache under his touch. He rolled it gently between his fingers and latched his mouth over it. The feeling of his tongue flicking across it, sent me through the roof. I rolled my hips against his growing erection and he growled.
I struggled to pull his shirt off, but his cuff links made it impossible, so I tore at them; the links and buttons went flying.
He pulled me up into his lap further and slid his hands down around the waistband of my shorts and panties. I stood and let them fall to the floor. He unbuckled his belt and pants. I knelt down, pulled his shoes and pants completely off and tossed them aside.
I slowly snaked my body between his legs, dragging my fingertips lightly across his muscled legs up to the waistband of his boxer briefs. I caressed his erection softly and he sighed. I pulled them down and his thick, velvety, cock sprang free.
"Allyson," he breathed.
"Yes," I whispered.
"I want to feel you around me again," he said and pulled me onto his lap again.
I teased the tip of his cock against my bare, now very sensitive clit, and moved lightly against him. I could tell the sensation was driving him as insane as it was me. In one swift motion, he lifted me with both hands and brought me down over the top of his swollen, length.
"Ahhh," I cried out as he stretched me and filled me fuller than I'd ever been before.
He rocked my hips back and forth gently allowing my body to meld with his. We fit together perfectly, like yin and yang. The feeling was so incredible, I decided to take over, moving up and down on him slowly.
"Jesus, Ally you feel unbelievable," he growled and I dug my fingers into his back.
"Ahhh, yes. You feel so good," I cried and moved my hips faster.
"Fuck," he said and took both my breasts in his hand, pinching each nipple, just enough to pull me closer to the edge.
"Ahhh, Brody...I-I'm gonna...come!" I shouted as a wave of pure ecstasy washed over me, my muscles contracted around him as I continued to ride him.
"That's it, my little fox," he moaned as he guided me up and down over his straining cock.
I felt him pulse beneath me and he moved quicker, teasing my already sensitive g-spot.
"Oh, fuck yeah, keep going...please," I begged and I felt myself slip over the edge again.
"Jesus Christ, Ally. You're so fucking hot. Look at me, I want to you to see my eyes when I come," he ordered and I did.
My eyelids fluttered as he rocked my hips harder and faster, "Don't— Stop," I breathed as another orgasm shook my entire body.
"Open your eyes, Ally," he commanded and I did, his eyes turned from amber to deep forest green.
"Oh! Fuck," he growled and threw his head back. His body jolted beneath me as his filled me with his hot seed.
I collapsed against his chest and felt his heart race against my cheek. We were slickened with sweat and I realized we'd just had sex on the couch.
"Shit, Brody. We have to get up. Ken and Zac are gonna be home soon," I said. He lifted me gently, setting me on my feet and I bent down to kiss him again.
"You keep that up and we'll never get off this couch," he teased and pinched my naked ass. I winced and smacked his hand.
We gathered our clothes in our arms and made our way to my bedroom. Brody dropped his clothes on the floor and shut the door behind us. His hands crept up my thighs, over my hips and around to my stomach. His fingers drew tiny swirls around my belly button and I leaned back into him. I could tell he was ready for another round.
"We should take a shower," I suggested.
"I love that idea, lead the way."
I took him by the hand and led him into my bathroom. I turned the shower on and waited for the water to warm up. Every time I bent slightly over the edge of the tub to check the water, I felt Brody's hands on me, caressing and massaging my skin between his fingers.
"So damn beautiful," he said and kissed my shoulder.
Once the water finally warmed up, we both stepped inside.
"All I have is girly soap, I hope you don't mind," I said as I squeezed a little onto my shower poof.
He laughed and took it from my hands. "I think I'll survive," he said and massaged my back with the soapy lather.
"That feels marvelous," I breathed.
"Turn around," he said.
I turned to face him and I traced the tribal tattoo on his chest. I also noticed he had a date tattooed across his ribs.
"What do they mean?" I asked curiously.
He lifted my hand to his chest and covered it with his. "This one I got in college, it doesn't have a whole lot of meaning, I just liked how it looked," he said as he moved my hand down over his stomach and over the date, "This is the date my brother, Ian, died and below it are two fish, a red one and a blue one for his favorite book."
I hadn't even noticed the two fish below, they were intertwined at the tail and I thought it was beautiful.
"I love them," I said and traced the date with my fingertips, "Do you have anymore?"
"Just a small one on my shoulder," he said and turned around to show me.
It was a snake that curled around the edge of his shoulder blade and its head stopped just below the base of his neck.
"I like this one," I said and traced the snake with my finger.
"I like your hands on me, Allyson," he said and turned to face me again.
The warm water fell over his tanned skin and I watched as droplets fell from his hair. I reached up, wrapped my arms around him and he bent down to kiss me. I opened my mouth slightly to allow his lips to mold against mine. He moved slowly at first, but then his kiss became rough and needy.
I pulled away and kissed his cheek gently. He held my gaze for a moment, his green eyes grew darker and his pupils dilated.
"Allyson—" He asked. "I know we aren't taking it slow like you wanted, so if you wa
nt to stop, tell me now."
The heat between us built again and I knew I would never be able to slow down. Not when the most beautiful man I'd ever seen, stood before me naked and wanting. He wanted me. Me. Not anyone else, just me.
"No," I whispered, "Please don't stop. Not now, not ever."
He lifted me by my waist, pushed my back against the cool tile and pulled me down onto him. I gasped and let out an audible sigh. It felt so good to be wrapped around him. I felt his cock throb inside of me and he moved with quick thrusts. I wove my fingers in his wet hair and locked my ankles together as he sped up. My entire body tingled and he gripped me tighter, pushing himself as far as he could, filling me completely.
"Ahhh," I cried out, "Oh God, Brody."
"Come for me my little fox," he managed between ragged breaths.
I pulled his hair tighter as I felt the wave rush over me again and my entire body convulsed around him. Another thrust from Brody and he filled me once again.
He tucked his head into the crook of my neck and I felt his breathing start to calm.
"I will never tire of feeling you come undone around me, Allyson," he said as he placed a kiss on my neck.
"Brody?" I asked.
"Yes lover," he said and set me back on my feet under the water.
"Why do you call me your little fox?" I asked.
He chuckled and cupped my face. "You, Allyson are a vixen, a female fox. One who is cunning, feisty and oh-so-very-clever," he said and kissed me softly.
"Well...hmm...I don't know..." I said and he looked like a kid who just had his lunch box stolen, "I'm kidding, I like it. But I think I deserve to give you a nickname too," I said and poked him in the chest.
"Okay, but none of that sappy girly shit, like pookie or snookums, alright?"
"Deal. But I'm gonna have to think about it, 'cause I want it to be good," I said.
"It better be good," he said.
"It will and it'll be manly too. I wouldn't want to hurt your ego, Mr. McCabe," I teased and he grabbed me by the waist and tickled me.
