Just A Man (The Porter Trilogy Book 1)

by Shannon Youngblood

  “Will you tell me what happened to you, Charlotte?” he whispered in my ear, stroking my hair.

  I involuntarily tensed up and cringed at the same time. After such an amazing release, I didn’t want to think about it. I wasn’t ready to rehash the story again, and not with Alex. I still wasn’t sure where we stood in regards to our odd relationship, and divulging this info wasn’t something I could do until I knew for sure.

  “I can’t right now, Alex. As much as I’m grateful that you came to check on me today, why do you want to know so badly? Do you want to know the history of all of your fuck buddies?” I couldn’t help the sarcasm that dripped out of my mouth on the last statement.

  “You have never been just a fuck buddy to me, Charlotte, and I resent your tone,” he spat out, clearly angry at my words.

  I pulled away from him and stood up, walking to the foot of the bed. “That’s what you asked from me yesterday, Alex. Remember? No strings? Sounds like fuck buddy to me.” I grabbed a hair tie from my dresser and pulled my hair up into a low ponytail. I was back to being ticked off at him. The ever present mood swings from the both of us were terrifyingly familiar at this point.

  I watched as he ran his fingers through his hair and gave it a gentle tug. “Charlotte, I don’t know how to do this. I’ve never had to do this.”

  “Do what, Alex, what are you talking about?” My irritation made me sound a little vicious, and I felt bad, but only slightly. I didn’t know what he was saying. I looked at him and waited, watching different unreadable emotions flicker across his face.

  “I’d like to take you out on a real date,” he mumbled, clearly out of his element.

  As quickly as it had come, my anger disappeared, and was replaced with amusement. “You’ve never asked anyone out on a date? You’re kidding, right?” I giggled a little, but immediately stopped when I saw the serious expression on his face. “I’m sorry.”

  “You didn’t answer the question, Charlotte.” His voice came out with a little more authority than before. This was the Alex I knew. This was the Alex I was falling for. He wanted to go out on a real date? So did I. The answer was obvious.

  “Yes, I’ll go out on a date with you.” I voiced, glancing back down at my toes. When he didn’t say anything, I looked up and saw more in his eyes than I had ever before. I saw affection. Affection for me.

  He jumped out of bed, smoothing his hair back down, and came around to where I was standing at the foot. He smile was infectious and I couldn’t stop my own from popping up to mirror his.

  “I’ll be back at 7pm to pick you up. Wear something nice,” he said, wrapping his arms around my waist and leaning in for a kiss on the cheek.

  When I frowned at him, he stopped. “What, Charlotte? What’s wrong?” I hadn’t expected him to leave so quickly. I needed more time with him, just to be in his presence.

  I blushed with where my thoughts headed, but I lifted my chin and in the boldest voice I could muster, I said, “I’d like to return the favor you did for me, in bed.”

  He looked at me with confusion, trying to understand my meaning. I saw when the light clicked on in his head and his knowing smile crossed over his face. “Oh, would you, Miss Hightower? I think I could accomodate your request. Come here.”

  I took a step forward and put my hands on his chest, pushing him to sit on the bed. “Arms up,” I commanded with more strength than normal. When he sat down on the edge and complied with my request, I lifted his shirt up over his head and placed my hands back on his chest, throwing his shirt on the floor.

  I straddled his hips with a knee on each side of him, keeping my eyes level with his. I wanted to make him happy, like he had done for me, and I wanted him to find his own release. I leaned in and placed kisses on his collarbone, blowing each one with a little air before moving on to another section of his neck and shoulders.

  I could tell that he wanted to do nothing more than flip me over and take control, but he was letting me do my thing, realizing that I needed to be in control and take back a little more of myself that I had lost last night. I loved him for that alone. Love, that word seemed to be following my thoughts with a lot more occurrences.

  I made my way down to his stomach, trailing light kisses around his navel and through his happy trail. When I felt him shiver under my lips, I picked up the pace, wanting to give him as much pleasure as he had bestowed on me. Never stopping with my lips, I unbuttoned his pants and slid his zipper down. He tilted his hips up so I could remove his pants and his boxers, his erection springing free in front of my face. I licked my lips in anticipation.

  “You don’t have to do this, Charlotte,” he said through clenched teeth, and I knew if I decided to stop, he would let me. But I wanted to thank him for the last few hours. And I wanted him to know I wasn’t scared of him. I wanted him desperately and I needed to show him as much.

  I cupped his balls in my right hand and licked the tip of him lightly. He jerked when I made connection with him before he reached out his hand, pulled out my hair tie, and grabbed a fistful of my hair in his hand. He held my head firm, as if waiting for me to give the ok. When I took the entire tip of him in my mouth, I felt him shudder and tug on my hair a little tighter.

  I slowly, very slowly, worked my mouth down to the base of his shaft, licking and flicking my tongue on the way down. When I could feel him in the back of my mouth, I relaxed the muscles in my throat and started a lazy suction from base to tip, licking and nibbling along the way.

  I wanted him to enjoy this for as long as possible, so when his cock swelled even more and his balls tensed up, I removed my mouth and slowly started stroking him, keeping the orgasm close, but not pushing him over the edge. I was using a technique he had used on me in the past, and I knew from experience it was probably torturous for him.

  He hissed out loud, losing his restraint on his control. Before I knew it, he flopped down to the bed, taking me with him and dragging me up his body, his cock pressing between my breasts and then resting between my thighs.

  “Hey! I was enjoying that, what are you doing?” I playfully slapped his chest and tried to shimmy my way back down to his waiting cock. He held me tight, not letting me move from his chest.

  “It’s my turn now, Charlie, you’ve teased enough,” his lusty voice cooed in my ear, sending shivers down my spine, straight to the middle of me.

  With no more words, he lifted me up and over him, making his intentions very clear, and lowering me down onto him. He filled me, utterly and completely, and I threw my head back to moan out my pleasure. He started at a slow pace, lifting my hips up and then slowly dropping me back down. I knew he was trying to bring me my own climax once again before he exploded.

  My fingers found my clit and delivered a torturous circle, around and around. Just like last time, he pushed my hand away so he could do it himself, and let me take over the riding. I pressed my hands into his chest and created a steady rhythm between us. It took no time at all for me to reach the edge of control, and, before he could ask, I leaned forward, letting my hair frame the both of us, and looked deep into his eyes.

  “Now, Alex, now, I can’t wait anymore,” I pleaded, rocking on him faster than before, delighting in the intense gaze of his eyes and the feel of him pushed deep within me. I’d never felt fuller and more at peace than I did in that moment.

  He grabbed my hips, and, with one quick thrust, he stilled inside me and I felt his cock empty deep within my womb. My climax burst through me with his first spurt of come. We never broke eye contact through either of our orgasms and the look in his eyes scared me a little. His eyes were deep pools of golden pleasure, but I couldn’t look away. I didn’t want to look away. I wanted to drown in his eyes and never come up for air.

  After a few moments, I could no longer hold myself up, I looked away as I collapsed on his chest. While my breathing returned to normal, I swirled his few chest hairs around my finger and felt a bubble of peacefulness surround us. I closed my eyes to listen to hi
s heart rate slow and enjoy the peace he brought to my heart and soul.

  Chapter 20

  I opened my eyes to the falling sunset outside my bedroom window. I felt sated and at peace laying there, basking in my own bliss. I knew Alex wasn’t beside me anymore, but I rolled over anyway, reaching out to him. The bed was cold, so he had been gone for a while. I sat up, rubbing my eyes and wondering how long I had dozed after our impromptu tangle in the sheets. When I reached for my phone, I saw a note on the bedside table with my name on the front in Alex’s flowy handwriting.

  Charlotte,

  You were sleeping too peacefully to wake you. I’ll pick you up at 8pm instead of 7pm for our date. Wear something nice, and, if you’re comfortable, pack an overnight bag.

  See you soon.

  xo

  -A

  I looked at the time. 5:43pm. I had a little over two hours to get ready. He told me to look nice and I planned on doing just that. He had given me such a gift today and filled me with serenity. I needed it after the events of last night. I knew I had sent him an apology about my freakout, but I had yet to tell him why I’d had a mental breakdown. I wanted to tell him soon. I didn’t want anything to stand in the way of our relationship, and, if the events of my past were something he couldn’t get over, I needed to get out before I fell even deeper for him.

  The thought was scary. I knew he could very well be repulsed after I told him and might never want to see me again. I may end up having to look for jobs on Monday anyway. I told myself Alex wasn’t like that, but, truthfully, I knew very little about the man. That would be my goal tonight. Learn more about Alex Porter. What was his favorite color? Where did he go to school? How old was he when he learned to ride a bike? Inconsequential things like that would make me feel closer to him and put us on a more level playing field.

  Before I started picturing Alex at a tender age learning to ride a bike, I needed to get in the shower and get going. I washed, dried, shaved and primped. I wasn’t much of a makeup person, but today I wore some eyeliner, mascara and some lip gloss. By 7:45, I was dressed and ready to go. He said to wear something nice, but he didn’t say anything about formal, so I opted for a tea length dress. It was red with large white flowers on it and had no sleeves. I wore a small white wrap over it as well. I decided on my red pumps and no hose, since this time of year was still quite warm in Southern California. I wore my hair down and put a small amount of gentle beach wave curls in it. I felt pretty.

  My overnight bag was still packed from the night before and all my toiletries were still at Alex’s penthouse. I was ready to go. I took a moment to think about the events of the day. What started out as a horrific early morning experience seemed to be ending with a beautiful date with a gorgeous man.

  I walked into the living room to see Danny eyeballing me. I hadn’t seen him since Alex had stormed in. God only knew the thoughts racing through his head. I didn’t know how Alex was going to take my news and plans of the evening, but I knew Danny would support me either way.

  “You look beautiful, baby girl. Alex?” he asked suspiciously.

  “Yes, he’s taking me on a real date, and I’m spending the night.” I stated matter-of-factly. I wasn’t in the mood to argue with him, I just needed his love. We would have our time to talk, but tonight was not that time.

  He raised an eyebrow at me, questioning if that was a good idea.

  “I know last night was a shocker for you, and reliving it was terrible for me. I haven’t told Alex any of it yet, but he came over to soothe me, and I really like him Danny. Please be happy for me?” I pleaded. I wanted Danny on my side in this.

  “Of course I’m happy for you, baby girl, I just don’t want to see you like you were last night. You scared me and broke my heart into a million pieces. I want you to be happy,” he said, smiling at me.

  I rushed into Danny’s arms, trying not to release the tears threatening to spill. I didn’t have time to fix my makeup. Danny understood me better than most people ever could. I knew he would always be on my side.

  Alex took that time to ring the bell and Danny let me go so I could open the door. When he came into view, I’m pretty sure I stopped breathing. He was wearing something a bit more casual than his normal suit. Black pants and a white button up shirt with a red sweater vest. The red matched my dress perfectly. He looked mouthwatering.

  I knew when he caught sight of me, after shaking Danny’s hand. His eyes started on my face and he slowly made his way down my body, stopping at my shoes and glaring at them a little longer than necessary. When he made his way back up to my face, he closed his eyes as I saw a shiver run through him. He strode over to me in long glides and pulled me into his arms, smelling my hair.

  “You look stunning, Charlotte,” he murmured to me, kissing my head and cocooning me in his warmth.

  “Thank you, so do you.” I blushed.

  He pushed me back, keeping me at arm’s length so he could scan my body again. “You’re breathtaking,” he whispered, before leaning into my ear and saying, “I can’t wait to get you home.”

  His voice was sultry and promising, and I had to press my thighs together to add some friction to the sudden ache I felt between my legs, despite two orgasms a few hours ago. This man made me hot all the time. It was scary and sexy all at the same time.

  When he straightened back up, he dipped to grab my overnight bag and held out his hand for me to take. I ran over and gave Danny a hug and a chaste kiss on the cheek before running back and grabbing Alex’s hand.

  “You ready, Charlotte?” he asked, with a twinkle in his eye. I knew his question was not just if I was ready to leave the apartment.

  “Yes, let’s go,” I said, navigating to the door. I was ready.

  When we stepped outside, he wrapped his arms around my waist and guided me to a black sedan with tinted windows. Bracks was standing outside the back passenger door waiting for us. He nodded at me and opened the car door, Alex following in behind me. The car was spacious with black leather seats and a mini bar of sorts in front of us. I also noticed there was privacy glass between us and the driver’s seat, but it was down, allowing us to see into the front seat.

  When the door was shut behind us, Alex reached over and pulled me onto his lap, snuggling me into his chest with his chin resting on the top of my head. Bracks got in the driver’s seat and looked at Alex. I watched as Alex nodded and Bracks nodded back. Within seconds of the exchange, the privacy glass was raised.

  “Where do you want to eat, Charlotte?” he asked, rubbing my shoulder with his thumb from where my wrap had fallen slightly.

  “Doesn’t matter to me,” I mumbled, “You decide.” I truly was ok with anything he chose as long as I was with him. I closed my eyes, enjoying the sensation of his hands on my bare flesh.

  He took my chin in between his finger and thumb and raised my head. “Hey, you ok?” he asked, a worried expression in his eyes.

  “Perfect.” That was the only word that came to mind. I was feeling amazing.

  We sat there for a while, just enjoying the feeling of each other and watching the passing of the city under the neon lights. He was taking us back towards LA, I guessed, for dinner.

  “Would you like to talk a little bit before we get to the restaurant, Charlotte?” he asked. I didn’t know know what he had in mind for conversation, but I knew what I wanted to talk about.

  I looked up at him and smiled before I blurted out, “How old were you when you learned to ride a bike?”

  He looked at me like I’d grown two heads before he tossed his head back and laughed. The sound made my knees weak. Thank God I was sitting down.

  “Where did that come from?” he asked, still chuckling.

  “I don’t know, I just decided I wanted to learn everything I could about you tonight and some random questions popped into my head to ask you. I don’t really know much about you, you know.”

  I saw a look pass through his eyes, but it was gone before I could tell what it wa
s. I shrugged it off and waited for him to answer.

  “I was 17 the first time I rode a bike,” he sighed, pain etching his flawless face, “I don’t like to talk about my past though, Charlotte, so please, pick a new subject.”

  I blushed and looked down at my hands. I knew what it was like to not want to talk about my past and I wish I had never brought it up. I didn’t want our evening to suffer because of one poorly asked inquiry, so I went to my next question.

  “What’s your favorite color?”

  He took a deep breath. “Today, my favorite color is red,” he said, looking down at my dress and then lingering again on my shoes, “But the last few weeks it’s been emerald green.”

  It took me a moment before I realized he was staring into my eyes, my emerald green eyes. My face heated, as usual, but only until he grabbed both sides of my head and pulled me in for a toe-curling kiss. His soft lips betrayed the rough intensity of the kiss, making me squirm underneath him to relieve the intense buildup of pressure. His light stubble brushed against my cheek, giving me a new sensation to feel. I felt his hand stroke my ankles and lightly feather its way up to my knee.

  When he reached my kneecap, his fingers dipped around to trace circles on the inside of my knee and the tingles sent jolts up my leg and into my center. He stayed there for a few minutes, torturing me with his touch and loving me with his mouth.

  When he finally pulled back and dropped his hands, we were both panting, our foreheads resting against each other, our eyelashes fluttering against the others.

  “What are you doing to me, Charlie?” he asked, but more to himself it seemed, so I didn’t answer. When we both regained normal lung function, he placed me back in my seat and tried to discreetly adjust himself outside of his pants. It gave me a little jolt to know that I had done that to him. If we hadn’t been in a car, I might have boldly taken over.

  “Put your seatbelt on, Charlotte,” came his clipped tone from next to me. I looked up at him, confused at his sudden change in demeanor. When he looked down at me and saw me staring, he raised his eyebrows at me, forcing me to drop my gaze and do as he had ordered. I was so confused. Within two minutes, we went from a steamy makeout session to an icy cold silence.