by L. M. Carr
“If there’s anything else, please tell me now.” I beg for mercy as pity stains my voice.
He leans over and presses a slow lingering kiss onto my forehead.
“Because tomorrow, I am done with Alex Parker for good.”
I bury my nose in his chest, kissing the spot where his heart is and seal it with two taps before reaching around and running my hand rhythmically over the bare skin of his back.
“Me, too. I’m going to find a new job as soon as I can. Maybe I’ll get back into the union and as far as racing, I’ll find a new sponsor. I’m done with anything that has to do with Alex Parker.”
I never realized how closely intertwined their lives were. Their names were practically synonymous in their circle of the drag racing world.
Sighing loudly, I release a cleansing breath. My life, my world will begin anew. I will move forward and leave the past where it belongs—in the past.
I search the face of the man I love, feeling a connection to him like I’ve never felt with anyone else. Pushing myself, aligning my body with his, I reach up and caress his face that is now covered with a scruff.
“I love you.”
He closes his eyes while my fingers slide over them. They reopen when the tips of my fingers reach his lips.
“Let me show you how much I do.”
I lower my mouth to his and begin a slow dance of licking, lapping and tasting. Each movement filled with sensual promises of what is in store for him. For us.
He rolls me over and hovers above me, staring down with a combination of incredible desire and hunger in his eyes.
I smile shyly.
“Why are you smiling?” he asks.
“You look hungry.”
I love the devilish twinkle that shines in his playful eyes.
“I’m ravenous,” he groans in my ear as his hand moves from my face and travels over the curves of my body, moving the material of my short dress as he continues. His warm hand stills at my core then begins a slow circular motion, teasing… tempting…arousing me incredibly. My core throbs at his touch and my adrenaline races; I need an immediate release. I close my hands around his biceps, securing him in place. A soft moan emerges from my throat and encourages him to move those dexterous fingers, providing me with the highest summit from which I jump, freefalling into complete and utter bliss.
His mouth devours mine.
“I love you,” he mumbles against the corner of my mouth.
“Show me.” I stare at him with hooded, lust-filled eyes.
I want more.
I want all of him.
Tyler carries me to the bathroom. While the water in the shower heats, he turns me to face the mirror. My cheeks are darkened with smeared mascara and my eyes are still puffy and red, but with him standing behind me, looking at me the way he is, I feel more beautiful than I ever have.
He presses a kiss onto my shoulder as he unzips my dress. Every kiss is matched with the lowering and then removal of the silky material until I stand naked. His hand slides over my nipples which constrict immediately, forming tight pink buds.
“Beautiful,” he whispers.
Staring at the oval mirror, my light brown eyes meet his pools of bluish-green, holding him captive. I twist in his arms and face him. I begin the process of undressing him slowly, starting with his blue dress shirt. My lips trail a line of kisses over the long, pink scar etched down the middle of his chest.
I bend at the waist to unbutton and unzip his dress pants, sliding his boxers down over his thighs until they both reach the tiled floor. He steps out of them and stands before me in all his glory.
And what a glorious sight it is!
My hand moves involuntarily, reaching out to touch him. With each stroke, he hisses in pleasure. My eyes never leave his.
I’m guided into the shower and lathered with soapy hands as they skate around, washing me, cleansing not only the exterior, but the interior as well. Tyler Strong expunges the pain and suffering caused by a man I once pledged to love until death do us part.
“I need you,” I beg, not caring how desperate I sound.
Tyler swipes a hand across the shower curtain and grabs a towel. After drying me off quickly, he lifts me up and I wrap my legs around his waist. I can feel the heat emanating from his hard body.
Landing on the bed, he wastes no time ravaging me with his mouth.
“Please,” I beg again.
Conceding to my demands, Tyler spreads my legs with his and slowly, carefully sinks in to me.
I am a goner, completely lost in him as he consumes me.
Time slips away as we join our bodies, tangling ourselves in a sensual declaration of love and adoration.
His breathing finally regulates after he releases and he collapses on top of me. I rub the planes of his back now covered in a layer of sweat. I smile and savor the moment, realizing how much I love the feel of him on me; I love the feel of him in me.
My heart surges with intense emotion because…
I love Tyler Strong.
I AWAKE ALONE in Tyler’s bed, sitting up quickly and scanning the room for any sign of him. Everything is still as it was last night except for the vacant spot on the adjacent wall and the pile of folded shirts that were sitting on top of the dresser.
Long after he fell asleep last night, I had lain awake for several hours, reviewing the last five years of my life and vowing to never lose myself as a person or accept abuse in any form from anyone.
The glow from the fireplace had provided enough light for me to see the contents of his room. The usual things, a bed, side table and a dresser, filled the confines of the four walls. A huge photograph framed in black hung prominently on the far wall. It was the same picture I’d smashed last night except Penny wasn’t in this one and Alex had his arm draped over Tyler’s shoulder. They each wore team shirts, Alex’s race team logo displayed boldly on the left side of their chests.
Eventually my eyelids grew weary, falling heavily as I drifted off to sleep next to a man who I was convinced would never hurt me.
From the living room, I hear the door swing open as Tyler complains, grumbling about the lock and the cold weather. The bedroom door is wide open so I pull the blanket up to cover my nakedness, fearing he might not be alone. I glance at the clock. Nine o’clock. I never sleep in this late, but then again, my sleep schedule has been off for years since I started working nights. It’s like having jet lag without having traveled.
“Good morning.” Tyler walks into the room, carrying two coffees in a cardboard tray and a small white box.
Pushing myself up to a sitting position, I smile and lean over to meet his kiss.
“Good morning yourself,” I mumble against his cold lips. “What’s all this?” I ask, accepting the cup of coffee.
“Breakfast in bed.”
He opens the box, pulls out a pastry and holds it out for me to take a bite. Keeping my eyes laser focused on his, I open my mouth, letting the sweet cream drip on my tongue.
“Thank you,” I chew, moaning dramatically as my eyes close before dragging them upward to reopen.
Tyler shoves the rest into his mouth. “This is the best éclair I’ve ever had.”
My eyes widen with disappointment while a frown turns my mouth.
“What?” he asks only to realize the reason for the expression on my face. “Don’t worry. I got half a dozen.”
We thoroughly enjoy our breakfast in bed together, leaving only crumbs in the box.
I finally drum up the courage to bring up the topic I’ve been thinking about all morning.
“So about last night…” My statement wafts, lingering in the air as a question.
Tyler’s countenance stills, apprehension is clearly defined all over his handsome face.
“Do you regret it?”
I rise to my knees, the blanket falling to the side as I remove his coffee cup from his hands.
“Actually,” I grin wickedly. “I was wondering when we could do that
again.”
My body flies backwards as Tyler pounces on me, attacking my mouth desperately.
We remain locked behind closed doors, choosing not to leave his apartment for two whole days.
***
“KARRIE,” TYLER CALLS, “why is Roger here?”
I smile to myself, watching from the kitchen as Tyler opens the front door and shakes Roger’s hand, motioning for him to come inside.
“Good to see you. How’s the leg?” Roger wipes his feet, removing the brown snow from last week’s snowfall.
“Stronger than ever.”
I breeze into the foyer and kiss Roger lightly on the cheek and whisper, “Thank you for doing this.”
“I’m happy to help.”
The two men follow me into the kitchen and sit opposite one another. Roger opens his briefcase and removes a thick manila folder.
Tyler’s forehead wrinkles in confusion as he inquires what this is all about.
Inhaling deeply, I pray for courage and take his hand in mine.
“I have a business proposition for you.”
“A business proposition?”
“I’d like to sell you half of the business and half of the race team.”
“Why?” He shakes his head and I can already hear the excuses he’s going to try to give me.
“Because you’re a good electrician and an even better racer.”
“Yeah, but—”
“I told you I was done with him and I am.” I haven’t uttered my deceased spouse’s name since the first night Tyler and I made love.
I said I was done and I meant it.
“I,” he swallows hard then clears his throat, “I don’t have that kind of money.” I know it pains him to admit that; he’s a proud man who works so hard.
“I know that. That’s why I’m selling each part for one dollar.”
“What?” he sighs incredulously. “Why would you do that?”
“For the same reason you gave me back everything in his will even though legally it was yours.”
Tyler stands abruptly and paces the room.
“I don’t know a thing about running a business and I want you to race. It’s what you love to do. It’s who you are.”
Roger spreads the documents out on the table.
“Ty, all you have to do is sign by the Xs.”
I smile in appreciation.
“And give me a check for two dollars plus my commission, of course.”
With hesitation, Tyler reaches out slowly for the proffered pen that’s still wedged between Roger’s fingers. The tip of the fine point pen finds its mark on the line by the X, but he swiftly pulls away and sets the pen down on the table. My eyes exude encouragement as my hand lifts the pen again.
“Please,” I whisper. “All you have to do is sign right here.” I tap the X.
“Can I think about this?”
Rising quickly, I stand and haul Tyler into the living room, needing to talk some sense into him.
“What’s the matter?” I spin around and pin him with questioning eyes.
“Why are you doing this?”
“Because I want you to have it. You deserve it.”
“I never wanted anything of Al—”
I slap my hand over his mouth and narrow my eyes.
“Don’t. Don’t you dare say it,” I warn angrily.
He slides my hand away from his lips.
“I want to build a life with you, but I don’t want to take what he left behind. I’m not some charity case.”
“No, you’re not. You’re going to be a smart business owner and sign those papers.”
His cheeks round as he blows a huge puff of air out.
“I don’t know about this.”
“You want to know what I know?” I snap before continuing. “What I know is this… I know you love me and I know that I’m so in love with you more than I’ve ever been with anyone else in my life. Did you hear me? I love you completely, crazily, wildly!”
He cups my face when emotion swells and my chin quivers.
“Tyler,” I pause to gather my thoughts once again. “The way I see it is he screwed us both so let’s use this to move forward completely. It might seem drastic, but I’m that serious about you and our future.”
After some hesitation from him, I implore him with a whispered plea, “Please. Do this for me. Do this for us.”
Nodding slowly, he lowers his mouth close to mine and kisses me softly.
“You have me wrapped around your little finger.”
“I’m happy to hear that because I have something else to tell you.”
He rolls his eyes dramatically, anticipating the worst.
“I asked Roger to do something else for me.”
“Just tell me.” His patience is wearing thin.
“I’m putting the house for sale and,” I lick my lips and swallow hard. Grinning widely, I say the words he never expected to hear. “I’m changing my last name back to Miller.”
A crane might be needed to pick up his jaw from the hardwood floor.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes! Completely! A hundred percent!”
His silence speaks volumes.
“How many times do I have to tell you I’m done with him?” I stand on tip toes to kiss him when I see the emotion in his eyes. “I love you.”
“Where will you live?”
“Wherever you live. You’re not getting rid of me that easily!”
After reviewing and signing all the documents and Tyler writing a check for one hundred and fifty-two dollars, Roger promises that he’ll return in a few days with our copies of the legal forms.
Two weeks later, a “For Sale” goes up in the yard, and my name is legally changed back to Karrie Miller.
As if we’ve been together for years and not just a few months, Tyler and I spend each night that I’m not working snuggled together either watching Homeland or Game of Thrones on Netflix. At the start of every episode, I think about how we began watching the series. Tyler and Pam had debated about the classic rock music era. Tyler was overconfident and Pam won, earning her the title and nickname of Rock Chick. The wager was decided that if he won, she’d have to go with me and get her motorcycle license. If she won, we’d have to watch GOT.
Pam is one of those people who won’t bet unless she’s a thousand percent positive. Tyler was only a hundred percent. Either way, I came out the winner because Pam loves Tyler and he loves her.
***
TYLER POPS HIS head in through the doorway and startles me, causing my finger to click and close the browser on my laptop.
“Your parents are here.”
“Okay.” I reply guiltily as he steps further into the room.
“What are you doing?” he sings songs playfully, coming to stand behind me in the leather desk chair.
“I was studying.”
“And?” He cocks an eyebrow and squints.
I confess, “Doing a little online shopping.”
“That’s just going to be more stuff to pack when we sell the house.” He alters his choice of words. “When you sell the house.”
I ignore the unnecessary correction. “I saw something I really wanted to order.”
“Oh hey, Kare Bear.” My dad suppresses a smile when he catches Tyler giving me a brief kiss.
“Hi, Dad!”
I stand and walk toward the door, stopping to look back. I reach into my pockets only to come up empty. Turning around, I pat my hand over the pile of papers for what my mom had given me two days ago.
Tyler pauses and glances at me.
“What do you need, babe?”
“Nothing really. I just had a flash drive.” I look in the desk drawer and then on the floor, wondering where I could have put it.
“My mom wanted me to look at her new design ideas.”
My dad chuckles. “Don’t worry about it! Your mother has about a hundred of them lying around the house. Trust me, she won’t miss that one.”
> The table has been set and a bottle of wine chilled.
I thank Tyler with a smile and kiss.
“You’re so good to me.”
Servings of delicious food are scooped onto our dishes and we enjoy good conversation.
“So Ty, how are the guys adjusting to having you back?” My mom sets her glass of wine down carefully, knowing how sensitive the topic is.
“He’s their boss!” I interject. “They have to adjust. It’s not like they have a choice. And besides, if they don’t like it, they can go find another job!”
Tyler slips his hand over mine, soothing me after my minor outburst.
“It’s okay. They really have done a great job keeping things up and running for all these months now. I think it’s going to take some adjusting on all our parts.”
A tight smile is sent in my direction.
“You should see some of these houses. They’re huge, sprawling sixty-five hundred square foot homes with four or five bathrooms and only two people live in them. It’s crazy!”
“Have you had any offers on the house?”
I shake my head as I take a sip of wine.
“No, the realtor said winter is a hard time to sell. We may have to wait until spring.”
“I can’t wait for spring!” Tyler pats his solid stomach and sighs, implying he’s eaten enough and thoroughly enjoyed it.
“I thought you race in the summer,” my mom asks with a curious expression.
“I usually race down south in the spring but stay locally in the summer. It all depends on the weather and how I do.” He hesitates for a moment. “Last year was the fastest I’ve ever gone. I’m hoping to get back there soon.”
My dad asks a few technical questions and about the progress on the turbo Tyler’s decided to rebuild. After buying half of the race team, Tyler sold what bikes were left, sold others for parts and is starting from scratch. He’s determined to distance himself from his former sponsor, A.P. Racing, and start fresh on his own.
“You guys go talk swing arms, fuel and forks while we get dessert ready.” My mom rubs my dad’s shoulder lovingly as my two favorite men head into the living room to catch a football game on TV. The smile on my face is immense when Tyler catches my eyes and mouths “I love you.”
