by J. M. Witt
A friend! She had to know that she was more than a friend.
“Ok, see you soon.” She put the cell down and headed to the kitchen.
“A friend?” Looking back to me, she started chewing her nails and shrugged her shoulders. “Cassidy, we’re more than friends.”
“Well, a lady doesn’t presume anything. What should I have told him? Yes, Dad, he’s great in the sack. Hung like a horse, too!” She was smiling from ear to ear, “If I’m more than your friend then you need to let me know.” She planted her hands on her hips and her eyebrows were raised at me.
I made my move toward her, cornering her in the kitchen, and she didn’t flinch. “You’re more than a friend, Cassidy Charles.”
“Then what am I, James Benedict?”
I had her pinned against the wall and pushed her hair behind her ears, “Girlfriend?”
“Tenant girlfriend is more like it.” I tickled her hips. “Hey. You have to admit, girlfriend sounds silly at our age.”
Shrugging my shoulders I told her, “You’re more than a girlfriend, Cassidy.” I leaned in and kissed her when there was a knock at the door.
“Miss Charles, do you have a moment to make a statement about your relationship with JB3?”
“Seriously, they’re knocking on my door?” She closed her eyes and dropped her head on the wall behind her, looking defeated.
“Cassidy, go finish getting ready. Grab some sunglasses, too, and we’ll leave. I’ll call Smith and he’ll come and deal with them. Okay?” She agreed and I released her so she could go upstairs.
~ CASSIDY ~
When I got upstairs, I rethought my clothing choice and traded my jeans for slacks and my tee for a blouse. I pulled my hair up into a pony and curled a few strands hanging around my face before I applied some light makeup. I was examining myself in the mirror, realizing I was a nervous wreck, when I heard the front door open then close and heard voices. Who was here?
I made my way down stairs and spotted Smith and James talking. When I got into the living room I saw Delaney as she pulled a red wig out of her bag.
“What’s the plan, James?”
What in the world? I looked to James, wondering what the plan was indeed.
“Cassidy, you remember Delaney, she’s here to help.” I nodded nervously. “You guys take the bike, they’ll think its Cassidy and I. After they leave we’ll take the Rover. Sound good?”
“Easy peasy.” Delaney threw the wig on, checked herself in the mirror above the mantel and asked, “How do I look, love?”
Smith walked over to her and kissed her cheek. “I think I like you as a redhead.” She giggled.
Smith and James exchanged a high five like a couple of school kids and then Smith and Delaney headed out the door.
James turned to me, “You can close your mouth, Cassidy.” He was amused at the look of shock on my face.
“Delaney and Smith?” He nodded. “But, they’re, wow, I didn’t see that one coming.”
Shrugging his shoulders, he mentioned that Smith and Delaney had been together for several months.
“Where’d she get the wig?”
“Let’s just say Delaney likes to role play.” I immediately chastised myself for asking the question and was disturbed that he knew that. The look I gave him must have told him that. “Calm down. Delaney and I are strictly friends.” He sauntered over to me, “I didn’t take you for the jealous type.”
“Well, I am. Hands off, you’re mine! I don’t play nice with others.” He was grinning profusely as I grabbed his shirt aggressively before pulling his lips down to mine.
“I think I like possessive Cassidy,” and he kissed me again.
Surprised by my immediate hunger for him I yanked his shirt out of his jeans and ran my hands up over his abs and chest. I raked my fingers back down his chest before I slid my hands into his front pockets where I dug in to find the side of his erection and rubbed it.
“We’ll be late, Cassidy.” He tugged on my lip as his hands pulled me closer and he thrust against me.
“So what? More time for us, less time for them to give us the third degree.” Pulling his belt open, and then his jeans, I plunged my hands into his boxer briefs and claimed what was mine.
“Baby, we’ll be getting the third degree if we’re late.”
I stroked his cock with mad determination, “Please. I’ll be quick. I want you hard and fast.” I bit his chest as yanked down his jeans and boxer briefs.
Moaning, he gave me what I wanted, “I can’t say no to you, Cassidy.”
“Maybe you don’t want to say no.” Removing my hands from him, I started discarding my own pants.
He was unbuttoning my blouse, “Why are the buttons so small?” Before I could help him he ripped it open, “Oops.” He smirked at me before nuzzling his face in my chest. He pulled my bra cups down and devoured my breasts; one with his mouth and the other with his hand. Biting and sucking, I just knew he was leaving a mark on me.
I managed to free my ankles of my pants and panties, “James.” It was a plea and I didn’t have to say anymore. Sucking on my breast as his other hand cupped my wet, naked sex, “OH, yes.” He showed no mercy as two fingers pierced my vagina, “Holy shit!” He was digging and circling into me as his thumb found my clit. “Please, wait; I want you inside me when I come.”
He growled, “I am inside you.”
“Your cock, I want your cock inside me.”
Snarling, he removed his hand from me and I sighed at the loss of him. He maneuvered me to the dining table and lifted me so that I was sitting on top and I eagerly spread my legs wide for him. Stroking him again, I polished the bead of moisture all over his tip as he grabbed my hips and jerked me to the very edge of the table. I braced my hands on the edge of the table and looked to his face. I followed his gaze to find he was staring at my sex while stroking his cock.
He inched forward and rubbed his erection all over my clit. I threw my head back at the exquisite feeling. “Cassidy, watch me fuck you.”
A shiver ran through me at his words and I looked down just as he pushed into me. The feelings coursing through me were intensified by watching him claim me. It was more than intimate watching as he pulled all the way out and slammed back in.
“I own you, baby.”
Breathless and panting I said, “Ditto.” It was the only word I could muster. I continued watching him and my release was building with increasing speed. I felt my clit tightening. “James…”
I closed my eyes for a moment, rejoicing in the sounds of our bodies. Clenching around him, I recognized the change in his rhythm, as he was close too. I opened my eyes and saw that he was tense all over and his eyes were glazed over. Watching him as he watched himself fuck me sent me over the edge. My knuckles were burning from gripping the table so fiercely and I lifted to buck into him, my release now inevitable.
My orgasm wouldn’t cease. He lifted his eyes to mine, “I love watching you come.”
I twitched again, clenching around him knowing he was holding back and torturing me. How did he do that? It seemed to go on forever.
“Ahhh, Cassidy.”
Finally he threw his head back and let his release claim him. I was still shaking and moaning and I thought I could possibly come again. He pulled out of me and rubbed his head all over me while his seed poured out of his engorged head. The feeling of his cum bursting against my clit was too much.
“Holy hell,” I fell back to the table as he continued circling my tight nub. “Please, no.”
“Yes.”
His orgasm had subsided but he continued massaging my clit with his cock. The heat emanating from him was overwhelming and he was gentle yet tenacious. Leaning over me while nuzzling my belly, I grabbed his hair as a second orgasm swallowed me up.
“James, please, stop.” Panting and pushing against his head, “I won’t be able to walk.” My whole body was convulsing and the room was spinning. Encouraging me on, my hearing was mom
entarily distorted, like I was under water, due to the power of my orgasm.
“I’ll carry you.” He put in another stroke for good measure and I smacked at him. “Are you well and satisfied, lady? We’re good and late.” He sounded annoyed.
I jerked my eyes to his and he was smirking at me as my breathing was still quite erratic.
“You ass! It’s your fault. You make me this way.” He offered up his hand and I took it as he pulled me to my feet, kissing me long and hard. “Thank you, sir. I’m well and satisfied.” He smiled at me as my legs were still shaky but I managed to hold my own.
We cleaned ourselves up and put our discarded clothes back on. I ran upstairs for a new top and opted for a short sleeve sweater. We were out the door and there was no sign of any reporters as we hopped in the Rover and headed to his parents’ house.
~ JAMES ~
We pulled through the gates and I glanced over at her. Her eyes were big and she was speechless. “Cassidy, it’s just a house.”
“That’s not a house, it’s a mansion.” I squeezed her thigh as she grabbed my hand. “You grew up here?”
“I did.” I recognized Cal's truck, noticed another Ford truck and assumed it was her father’s.
“Wow.”
“I take it your dad drives a Ford, too?”
“He’s a Ford retiree. He’ll love your Rover.” I noted her sarcasm as she smiled.
“What did he do?”
“He started on the line right out of high school. He eventually finished his engineering degree when I was little. He retired a couple years ago and now works as a consultant.”
“And your mom? I know you said she’s been gone a long time. Were they divorced?”
She exhaled, “Not exactly.” She looked at me knowing I wanted more info. “James, she’s dead. It’s a long, horrible story for another time.”
Why didn’t I know this? I mean, I knew her mom was deceased, but a long horrible story? Maybe she was exaggerating. “Cassidy, I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”
Smiling she said, “It’s ok. Lisa, his fiancé, and Dad have been together for several years. They’re actually getting married the weekend of Thanksgiving.” She looked to the door and we both spotted Cal and Jane waving at us before they disappeared inside. “We should go in, we’re being rude.”
“Okay. Hey, relax. My parents will love you.” I gave her a quick peck before we went inside.
Chapter Twenty-One – Introductions…
~ CASSIDY ~
The house was huge. Good grief. My childhood home could fit inside it times five. He was holding my hand and I was sure I was squeezing the life out of it. We walked through a few different rooms with Cal and Jane trailing behind.
“Cal, where’s Dad?”
“I haven’t seen him yet. He’s here somewhere.”
I nodded at his response as James pulled me along. Familiar voices started to travel down the hall. We entered a room that looked like any other normal family room, but bigger. My Dad and Mr. Benedict were standing by the fireplace and Lisa and another woman, who had to be Mrs. Benedict, were on the couch.
“Ah, there’s the birthday girl.” Always having been a Daddy’s girl, even more so since Mom died, he walked over to me and gave me a big hug before kissing my cheek.
“Hey, Dad, how are you?”
He pulled away and eyed James from head to toe. “I’m great. You must be James. I would say I’ve heard a lot about you, but I’d be lying.”
I rolled my eyes as they shook hands and exchanged smiles.
“Mr. Charles, it’s a pleasure to meet you. You have a wonderful daughter.”
“Please, call me Dave. Indeed she is.” He moved over to Cal and Jane. “And who might this lovely creature be?”
“Hey, Dad, this is Jane. She and James are actually cousins.” Jane offered her hand and my Dad embraced her instead. “I warned you, we’re huggers,” Cal was laughing as Jane was pulled into a hug without warning.
“Jane, you’ve eased my mind. I was beginning to worry the boy would be alone forever.” Jane and I cracked up as Cal frowned.
James placed his hand on the small of my back and guided me to the woman on the couch. “Cassidy, I’d like you to meet my mom, Eva.” I turned my attention away from my father to James’s mother. She was quite lovely and as tall as me, if not taller, and I noticed they had the same dark hair, olive skin tone and eyes.
“Cassidy, it’s an honor to meet you. James has told us so much about you.” She stood and kissed my cheek as I looked at James who just shrugged his shoulders. “All good things, I promise.”
His dad then came over and we exchanged greetings. “A pleasure to see you again, Cassidy.” The last time I saw James’s dad was for business and I knew him as J.J. Benedict; it was a pleasant change of pace.
After everyone was properly introduced, we were escorted to a large dining room. I went to sit at the end of the table furthest from his parents and James interceded. “Cassidy, please sit here.”
His father was at the head of the table and his mother to his left. I was placed next to her, with James to my left. My father sat at the other end, with Lisa across from James, Cal across from me and Jane was sitting across from Eva, and next to J.J.
“Aunt Eva, how are you feeling? You look good.” Jane looked thoroughly concerned.
“I’m well, honey. No need for concern.”
Sensing the tension in the air, I wondered if she was not being entirely truthful. I looked to James, but he was deep in conversation with my father and my attention was pulled back to Eva.
“So, Cassidy, I hear you’re quite the event planner.”
“Yes, I work for B & C.”
“Yes, Cecily. How is she?”
The question threw me off a little, “She’s good, as far as I know.” Eva nodded as I took a sip of my water.
“So, James and Jane, which one of you will give this old man kids to spoil first? I’m partial to grandkids, but grandnieces and nephews will do, too.”
I inhaled my water and started choking while Eva began thumping my back as I looked at the other dinner guests. Lisa was dumbstruck while Cal tugged on the collar of his shirt. Jane wasn't fazed and James, well, I couldn’t bear to look at him or my father.
“For God’s sake, Dad,” James sounded annoyed.
“Jackson, ease up. In all seriousness though, when?” Eva was smiling from ear to ear and my Dad started cracking up.
“You two are incorrigible.” James leaned in and asked if I was okay. I nodded, but still couldn’t face him and he put his hand on my leg and gave me a reassuring squeeze.
“I think they’re worse than Mother.” Jane leaned in and kissed Cal on the cheek. “Relax, it’s their game.” Cal visibly eased, a little.
“I’m an old man and James needs an heir. Better get the show on the road, Son.” His dad was relentless.
“You forgot to preface male heir.” I was stunned. My dad was playing along now and Cal was laughing. “I don’t know what you’re laughing at, Calvin. Your clock is ticking, too.” Cal paled and now it was my turn to laugh as the jokes and jabs continued through our late lunch.
Once the meal was over, we headed back to the living room. We were all sitting down when Lisa asked the inevitable, “So, how did you all meet? It can’t be a coincidence, the two of you dating cousins and all.”
All eyes fell to me and almost everyone in the room seemed uncomfortable except for my dad and Lisa. Did his parents know the truth of it all? I wanted to crawl into a hole and felt myself pale as James took my hand, but Cal took the lead.
“Jane and I both paid Cass an unexpected visit and we hit it off.”
“How romantic. Cassidy, what about you two?”
Someone shut her up. I didn’t want to rehash all the nasty details.
“I met Cassidy a few months ago. She wouldn’t give me the time of day. I’ve been wooing her ever since.”
I exhaled at his words—he was amaz
ing—so cool, calm and collected. I didn’t even think about what we’d tell them if they’d asked.
“Smart girl.” Jackson was smiling as Eva smacked his leg.
Smiling at them, it was obvious they were still in love after all this time. His dad was more relaxed than I remembered him being at our meeting last month when I met with him to discuss auction details. It was evident he was a man with a heart of gold, like his son.
“Cassidy, dear. We wanted to get you a little something.”
Eva stood and caught me off guard as she handed me an envelope. The gift was totally unexpected. “You shouldn’t have. Thank you.”
“Go ahead, open it.”
I nodded and opened it up finding a gift certificate for a massage, mani, pedi, cut and color and a facial. It was too much.
“James told us how busy you’ve been. We figured you deserved a day of pampering.”
“Really, it’s too much. Thank you so much.” I got up to give her a hug and spotted James grinning from ear to ear. “I can’t wait to use it!”
I went to sit back down and Dad handed me an envelope before I managed it. “While you’re up.” He winked at me.
“Dad, you shouldn’t have. With the wedding and all...” He waved me off.
Inside the envelope was a pair of concert tickets. I blushed and immediately stuffed the tickets back in the envelope. “Thank you, Dad.”
“I heard he was coming and I remembered how you used to blare his music in high school. I figured you’re old enough to go to one of his concerts.” My dad prided himself on knowing all our likes and dislikes when Cal and I were growing up. Cool as he was though, he didn’t allow me to go to many concerts unless Cal was willing to escort me.
“Who are they for?” James was curious.
“Yeah, Cassidy, tell him who your high school obsession was!” I threw Cal a threatening look and he tried to subdue his laughter.
“I’ll tell you later. Thank you, Dad!” Dad and Cal were having a great laugh at my expense. James seemed to have dropped the subject but was eyeing me suspiciously.
Suddenly, all attention was on Eva. She had dropped herself to the couch and was holding her head in her hands. “Mom!” James, J.J., and Jane were fretting around her immediately.
