by Rye Hart
Even though I knew I should be pushing them away, there was something drawing me to them.
And I hated that I enjoyed it so much.
Cindy walked down the hallway to put Lily to bed, and I got up from the couch. I took the empty popcorn bowl to the sink and opened her fridge door. I pulled out a bottle of wine, searched for a bottle opener, and poured us each a tall glass. I turned around as she was coming around the corner and handed the crimson liquid to her, and she sighed with relief.
“I was just coming to open that,” Cindy said.
“Great minds think alike,” I said.
“I didn’t know you drank wine.”
“Only when the occasion calls for it.”
“This an occasion where you need wine? Did Lily wear you out that much with all her questions?”
“Hardly. But sometimes enjoying a glass of wine with a pretty woman is an occasion in and of itself.” Damn, I just couldn’t stop myself.
I watched her blush as the two of us settled back on the couch. We sipped our wine in silence for a little while, taking in the quiet around us. Cindy kept sinking further into the couch, relaxing with each sip she took from her glass.
Her legs were stretched out, and her curves were on display for me in all their splendid glory.
“So. How did the pot pie turn out?” Cindy asked.
“It was really good. Was that your first time making it?” I asked.
“From scratch, yeah. I think the dough was a little too thick. I’ll have to roll it out more next time.”
“I thought it was fine, so you’ve got my stamp of approval.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” she said.
“Did you work today?” I asked.
“I did. Have I told you what I do for work? I can’t remember. My mind isn’t what it used to be.”
“Regale me anyway then,” I said.
“I work at Nicole’s Novelties in town. The owner, Nicole? She’s my best friend. Known her for many, many years now.”
“Do you enjoy the work you do?” I asked.
“It’s a job. It’s money. My dream was to open a bed and breakfast here in town, someplace cozy with a decent view and a hot tub. I’d cook meals, and Bradley was supposed to be the maintenance guy. It was gonna be this whole thing until …”
I watched her sigh as I reached out and took her hand.
“Sorry,” Cindy said.
“For what?”
“For bringing him up.”
“Don’t ever be sorry for something like that. I understand, remember? You can talk about him all you want with me,” I said.
“Even when we’re sharing a romantic glass of wine?”
“Even when we’re sharing an entire bottle,” I said.
I reached for the bottle and filled our glasses back up. Cindy’s body was slowly tilting toward me. I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her close, feeling her nuzzle her cheek into my chest.
I bent down and kissed the top of her head as the chemistry between us began to grow.
“Bradley was a lucky man,” I said.
“What do you mean?” Cindy asked.
“You’re beautiful. You’re a wonderful mother. You’re a great cook. You’re kind and down-to-earth and patient. He was very lucky to have you.”
“Your wife was lucky to have you too,” she said in return.
“Cary,” I said. “Her name was Cary.”
“Beautiful name.”
“Beautiful woman,” I said.
“What was your son’s name?” she asked.
I gritted my teeth as I drew in a deep breath.
“Kason,” I said.
I felt her nod against me as she finished off her second glass of wine.
“They were lucky, too, you know,” Cindy said.
“Not so lucky it turns out,” I said.
I took our glasses and got up to set them in her kitchen sink.
“They were. You’re a generous man, Graham. Handsome. Protective. Calm. Caring. You're nothing like how this town talks about you.”
“They think I’m the big bad wolf?” I asked.
“Depends. You going around blowing houses down?” she asked.
“Nope. I try to keep to myself as best as I can.”
“Why?” she asked
“Because everyone’s better off that way.”
“I don’t think so. And I’m sure Lily wouldn’t think that way either.”
“You have no idea some of the things I’ve done,” I said. “The things I’ve set in motion that are still happening.”
“Then, talk to me.”
I turned my eyes to her as she stood next to me, her gaze holding mine in that determined way of hers.
“I can’t do that.”
“Then don’t,” Cindy said.
“I think you’re the first woman who has ever dropped the subject of a damaged man refusing to talk about his past,” I said.
“Your past isn’t mine to know unless you’re comfortable with it. It’s not mine to demand,” she said.
I lifted my hand to cup her cheek as her eyes slowly sucked me in.
“But know you can talk to me if you wish,” Cindy whispered.
“There are so many things,” I said.
“Then start with one,” she said. “Just one.”
I guided my lips to hers, unable to deny the tug my body felt toward hers any longer. Her hands slid around my waist, locking around me and pulling me into her luscious curves. I felt my cock growing against her as our tongues connected in a sweet, sensuous dance of lust that pulled goosebumps along the back of my neck.
“Just one?” I asked.
“Yes,” Cindy said as she nodded her head.
“I can’t resist you, no matter how hard I try,” I said.
Our eyes connected as Cindy’s hands worked their way up my chest.
“Then don’t,” she said.
I crashed my lips into hers and picked her up against my body as I stood. My hands grabbed her ass, feeling the way she ground her hips into me. I walked her all the way back to her room and piled us onto the bed, my hands stripping away her clothes as my lips peppered her skin with kisses.
I could smell her arousal dripping, calling to me as the animal within me awoke. I could feel my cock leaking for her as I pulled my shirt over my head. I looked up into her heated face and watched her chest heave. Her tits were perfect, pulled into tight peaks as her hands searched for my hair.
“Are you sure?” I asked.
Her eyes rose to connect with mine, and I saw them haze over with lust.
“Yes,” Cindy said. “I’m sure.”
CHAPTER 21
CINDY
His thumbs opened up my pussy folds, and he plunged his tongue into me. He pressed against my clit and lapped up my juices as his elbows pressed my knees open. I rolled into his lips, seeking any friction I could. I was desperate for him, desperate for this man who understood my pain and wasn’t out to repair it.
His lips sucked at my clit, and it curled my toes. I dug my heels into his back, feeling his muscles twitching for me. He bent forward, pressing my knees to my chest as he opened my body up to him. His tongue kept pressing and licking, flicking and spreading me apart. Heat was cascading in places I’d never felt before, and I knew I was going to unravel. My fluids were leaking down my thighs, and his tongue was perfection. He was face-planted into my pussy, and his body had me pinned.
All I could do was give myself over to him because I couldn't move to do anything else.
I parted my lips to moan his name, but nothing came out. My orgasm crashed over me like a boulder rolling down a hill, and it became hard to breathe. My pussy fluttered, and juices spilled from my body. His tongue kept licking until my toes curled so tightly, they cramped. I whimpered and pushed out choked groans in an attempt to release my sounds.
The garbled sounds that would’ve resembled his name had he not left me breathless.
He lapped at my puss
y, taking long strokes as he worked me through my orgasm. He slowly settled me down to the bed, my legs jolting from the pleasure. I released his hair, relinquishing him into the night as I lay on my bedspread for his pleasure as his knees landed between my legs.
I felt his cock sliding up and down my slit before slowly pushing into my body.
He dropped to me, his lips encompassing mine. I could taste myself on him. I could taste the salted mixture of his efforts intermingled with my arousal. It was intoxicating. His body was intoxicating. He was an incredible man who had somehow managed to understand me and pull me from a darkness I’d been swimming in for far too long. His hips rolled against mine as my walls contracted around him. His muscles pressed into my skin, molding me to him as he steadied himself on his forearms.
I opened my eyes and found him watching my face as his cock slowly slid in and out between my thighs.
“Graham,” I whispered.
“Cindy,” he said.
“You feel …”
He kissed my lips, a grin growing on his cheeks as he sped up.
“I feel what?” he asked.
“Oh, shit,” I said.
“Answer my question.”
“You feel amazing,” I said.
“And?”
“Incredible.”
“And?” he asked.
“A-and, oh shit. Graham. Don’t stop. I …”
He backed off his movements, and I whimpered. I gripped his back, trying to get him to come back to me. I locked my legs around his hips and tried to pull him closer to me, but all I got in return was that cheeky little grin of his.
“And what?” he asked.
I pushed my body against his and managed to flip us over. I slammed myself down on his cock, causing him to groan loudly. I planted my hands on his chest and curled my fingertips into his muscles. They were rippling for me, glistening with sweat as I leaned down into his ear.
“And perfect,” I said breathlessly.
His hands grabbed my hips as I rocked against him. He moved me at a pace he set for both of us as I steadied myself against his strong body. He was guiding me, teaching me how to fuck him the way he wanted. I memorized the movements and swiveled my hips, watching as he bit down on his lower lip.
I was growing weaker and weaker against him, sinking into his body as electricity surged through my veins.
“Let go, Cindy. I’ve got you,” Graham said.
His words shot shivers down my spine as I buried my face into the crook of his neck.
He pounded into me, grabbing my ass and massaging my cheeks. I was helpless against him. Doomed to forever give into his wants so long as he was around. I wrapped my arms around his neck and held on, our bodies pressed together as he thrust into my body. It was happening again. I could feel it building. Graham was grunting in my ear, and every muscle in his body was working for my pleasure. I could feel his feet digging into the mattress as my lips sucked at his neck. He was panting my name, groaning it out as his cock swelled against my walls. My clit was poking out and seeking the friction it wanted to feel again.
And his tightly wound curls granted my body that desire.
“Graham. Oh my gosh. Oh. Fuck. Oh yes, Graham. Oh, yes.”
I came around his cock, my entire body shaking against him. He thrust into me, my pussy tugging at his cock as he painted my walls with his cum. His lips turned to mine, and he kissed me, swallowing my whimpers as I screwed my eyes shut.
My hands ran through his hair as he held my body still on top of him.
I couldn’t stop kissing him. Even after his cock had dwindled and slid out of me, I couldn't stop. I covered him in kisses. His cheek. His lips. His neck. His chest. I kissed down his abs and allowed my fingertips to trace the strength of his muscles. I massaged his thighs as I kissed back up his body, relishing the euphoria I was experiencing.
I hadn’t felt this close to anyone since Bradley had died, much less a man.
Graham wrapped me up in his arms, and the two of us fell asleep. His body kept me warm, and his arm stayed tight around my waist. I didn't care that I was leaking, and I didn’t care that Graham was sweaty. All I cared about was the step I had taken with him and the emotional cage I had allowed myself to crack as my breathing started to even out.
I found myself hoping Graham would be there in the morning.
CHAPTER 22
GRAHAM
The growing sound of birds chirping forced my eyes open. It kept getting louder and louder as a body shifted next to me. I jerked, my arm tightening around the moving object as the sounds ceased.
Then I felt the warmth shift in my arm before a small kiss was pressed to my nose.
“Good morning.”
Cindy’s voice wafted over my ears, and it forced my eyes open. Holy shit. Had I stayed the night? My vision focused, and her beautiful smile came into view, her naked curves pressing into me.
I had stayed the night.
Fuck. I certainly hadn’t planned on doing that.
“Is Lily up yet?” I asked.
“No. Though it’s probably not smart for you to be here when she does wake up,” Cindy said.
“Exactly. Let me find my clothes, and I’ll get up.”
“Could you stay a few more minutes?” she asked.
I looked down into her beautiful eyes, and I couldn't deny her. I didn’t know why, and I didn’t have enough caffeine in me to try and unpack why. I settled back down next to her and felt her curl into me, her soft skin settling against mine.
She was comfortable.
No wonder I had fallen asleep.
I felt good. For the first time in two years, I felt good about things. I had a beautiful woman in my arms who wanted me around. She had a beautiful daughter who seemed to enjoy having me around too. I had a job in a town that didn’t suck balls, and I was branching out into the community, making friends with my boss and pulling a decent weekly income.
It almost felt like things would be okay.
A rustling sound came rushing down the hallway, and Cindy jerked up. I heard Lily beginning to yawn, and I threw the covers off our bodies. I searched for my clothes, pulled them on, and silently made my way to the front door. Cindy had a robe pulled around her body, and her hair was a tangled mess of knots. She looked outstanding with her tired eyes and her lopsided smile and the marks I’d left behind on her chest. I fisted her hair and pulled her in for a kiss, feeling her gasp before our tongues collided. She melted into me instantly, her hands gripping my back as I held her steady with my arm.
“Have a good day,” I said.
“You too,” Cindy said breathlessly.
I went home and got myself ready for work. I looked into the mirror and saw the eyes of my son, but shockingly, there wasn’t any guilt. I felt sadness. Responsibility. Anger.
But the guilt was minimal. That was definitely new.
I had a much better day at work. I was focused and in-tune with things. I got caught up with my cars from yesterday and took on a few overflow cars from the other mechanics. I made more money than I’d earned in any one given day since I’d been hired, and I smiled at the thought of my next payday.
Maybe I’d treat Cindy to something nice.
The day didn’t seem long, even though it was a ten-hour shift. I got home and cleaned myself off before I grabbed a beer from the fridge. I stood in the mirror and looked at my chest, seeing the crescent marks Cindy’s fingernails had left behind the night before.
I still couldn’t believe she caught me off guard enough to flip both of us over.
My phone rang as I sat down, and I saw it was Daniel. It was about damn time that fucker called me back. I picked up the phone and put it to my ear, ready to give him a hard time about whatever the hell it was that held him up so badly.
But the moment I heard his voice, I knew something was wrong.
“Graham, you need to listen.”
“Daniel, what’s wrong?” I asked.
“Shut up and listen. Don�
��t interrupt.”
“Okay. Go.”
“I dug into my sources and leaned on every connection I had. Graham, they’re both looking for you.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Damn it, Graham. Focus. The Agency and the mob. They’re hot on your trail, and they’re coming after you. If they haven't already found you.”
“How do you know this?” I asked.
“Some wiretapping, some following, some license plate stalking. Shit like that. Come on, you know how this works. You’re questioning me now?”
“You need to slow down. I can hear the urgency in your voice, but it doesn’t do me a damn bit of good if you don’t paint the entire picture for me,” I said.
“They know you’re in Oregon,” he said.
“Where did you hear that?”
“It came across one of my contacts’ desks at the Agency. He called me the moment he could about it. And since the damn CIA managed to stay one fucking step behind the mob the entire fucking investigation—”
“You’re assuming they already know where I am,” I finished for him.
“I was assuming until this morning. One of their license plates was clocked in town, Graham. In Bend. The CIA is coming, but the mob’s already there.”
Everything around me stilled. I set my beer off to the side as I stood and went to the kitchen window. I looked out to see if anyone was watching me and see if anything looked weird or out of place.
Then my eyes scanned over to Cindy’s house.
Holy shit. There was a car I didn’t recognize in the driveway. If they were in town and had been watching me, then they knew I had spent the previous night with Cindy. Were she and Lily now in trouble because of me?
“I have to go,” I said.
“Graham, I’m coming into town. We have to get you out of there.”
“Do whatever you need to do, Daniel. But I have to go,” I said.
