Hooked On You
by Brittany Anne
This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.
HOOKED ON YOU
First edition. March 31, 2018.
Copyright © 2018 Brittany Anne. All Rights Reserved.
Written by Brittany Anne.
ISBN: 9781980617143
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Dedication
For every person who has helped me along my journey; through kindness and cruelty alike, you’ve taught me invaluable lessons that I am grateful for.
For my mother; without your love of reading, I might have never found my passion, and without your glowing light, I might have never found myself.
And for my love; you are my real life love story, my romance novel alpha hero, and I still spend each day in awe over the fact that you exist and you are mine.
Hooked On You
by Brittany Anne
Chapter One
GABE MATTHEWS WAS NOT a drunk. Hell fucking no. He was completely in control… of his drinking, of his money, of his life, of everything. Okay, he could admit that maybe he drank a bit more than he should have, but who really cared? He was a lucky man, blessed with good looks, a high IQ, and a body that could suck down whiskey like it was water. Gabe had no complaints.
“I wasn’t trying to insult you, man. You know I’m just busting your balls,” chuckled Nick. Nick was Gabe’s best friend. Together since grade school, they bonded over fucked up childhoods and shots of tequila.
Gabe grinned at his friend, grabbing his newly filled glass and raising it up in the air. “A toast,” he started, eyes ablaze knowing that the night was young and just getting started, “to drunks everywhere!” Gabe knocked back the double shot of bourbon like it was nothing, opening his eyes to see his friend slowly take his own shot of some fruity shit.
Empty glass in hand, Gabe continued. “May our livers live long and prosper!” Nick and Gabe erupted into laughter. The bartender strolled over, a pretty redhead with perky breasts, interrupting their laughter with her own fake laugh, pretending she was in on the joke.
“Can I get you two another round?” her voice was hoarse from smoking. Gabe normally wouldn’t care about something so trivial, but with the night he had ahead of him…
“We’re good, sweetheart. Heading out of here.” He winked at her.
“You’ve had four doubles. Taking a taxi, yes?” she eyed him over.
“My sister is picking us up for a party tonight,” Gabe lied effortlessly. “She’s a college grad, now, and fuck it, I’ll drink to that,” he smiled his killer half smile, making sure to make a good impression on the bartender… he may come back for her sometime in the future if the party was a bust. Her painted lips stretched into a smile. Too easy.
As they walked to the car, the cold air hit Gabe almost immediately. Nick walked beside him, taking each step carefully, making sure not to fall. Gabe chuckled. They’d taken their first shots together, and yet here they were, Nick still unable to hold his liquor, Gabe able to hold enough for three grown men. Gabe just had a gift, he guessed. His headlights flashed as he unlocked the pickup.
“Woah, I thought your sister was getting us,” Nick paused near the bed of the truck.
“Fuck that. I’ve driven far drunker than this. Hop in.” Gabe jumped in the driver’s seat and started the engine, loving the beautiful growl of that hemi. He clicked on the radio to catch the ending of Motley Crue’s Kickstart My Heart. “Classic,” he muttered to himself, before noticing that Nick still hadn’t gotten into the car.
Gabe rolled down the window, leaning out and doing what he could to maintain his patience. “Get in or walk. You know I’m fine. I do this all the time!” It was a slow trudge, but Nick walked over to the passenger door and hopped into the car. “See? Now that wasn’t so hard.”
Gabe rolled out, excited to head over to his sister’s little graduation gathering. Drunk college chicks? Yeah, he could be down for that. For a second, he faded back to his college days, most of which were spent getting into trouble. If he was being honest with himself, Gabe knew he was getting too old for this shit. He was a grown man acting the same way he did as a college sophomore, but hell, he wasn’t hurting anybody. He was just trying to have a little fun. Gabe’s memories easily faded into the foggy abyss of his brain. Bourbon was a good friend to him, keeping those thoughts hazy and reminding him of just how much fun this night was going to be. He couldn’t help but smile. Gabe drove off as Nick nervously fastened his seatbelt.
***
VICTORIA PULLED THE thin black cloth over her head and stared at herself in the mirror. Amy was right, this dress was perfect. Two straps went over her shoulder, meeting at her waist and covering her breasts. Between the two pieces of cloth, lace, showing plenty of cleavage. Going past her waist, tight material wrapped around her, showcasing her curves and elongating her pale legs. Rising higher on the left side than the right, more lace was exposed on her thighs.
She had never felt sexy for a moment in her life, not until now. Victoria was a pretty girl with kind features, but this was different. This was sexy.
Long lashes made longer with black mascara and perfectly applied liner showcased her gray-blue eyes, her favorite feature. Her cheekbones were high and her full lips were rosy and pink. She smiled, marveling at the loose blonde curves falling over her shoulders and down her back.
Victoria felt as good as she’d ever felt, as good as she would ever feel. And thank God for that, because tonight was the night. Her whole life led her right to this moment, this party, something she had fantasized about since she was only thirteen years old.. and now it was happening.
While she was happy to be a college grad and even happier to see her friend happy and succeeding, too, that wasn’t what had her so excited. No, not even close.
Her heart was threatening to burst from her chest, not because of the party, but because of who would be in attendance. Gabe Matthews.
When Victoria had first laid eyes on Gabe Matthews, she knew she was looking at her soulmate. Sure, she was young, but Victoria had always had good intuition, and she knew without a doubt in her mind that she was staring at the love of her life.
But he saw her as a child because, well, at the time, she was one.
But not anymore. Now, at twenty years old, a college graduate, Victoria was all grown up, and she was finally ready to make her move with Gabe.
Victoria was only thirteen the first time she laid eyes on him, her best friend’s older brother. Out to dinner and celebrating Amy’s birthday with her family, Gabe showed up mid-appetizers, with a perfect jawline and long brown hair to frame his face. Victoria forgot how to speak.
For the next two years, every time Gabe came home from college, it was Heaven. He’d hangout with her and Amy, watching movies, playing games, he’d even tried to teach her guitar once. She had heard that he got into a lot of trouble while he was away, but he seemed so perfect to her when he’d come back.
Then, one Christmas, he didn’t come back. And he never came back again.
Until now.
Victoria had waited, pining over Gabe for as long as she could remember. They’d speak online every so often, but it was never anything more than chit-chat. Every other guy she met had to live up to the standards set by Gabe, and they co
uld never even come close. Then, as if a gift from the Universe, he came home, settling into an apartment and starting a business with his best friend, Nick.
Victoria hadn’t seen him since he returned, she’d been so busy with school. Getting a Bachelor’s in Psychology at twenty years old wasn’t an easy feat, and she poured her heart and soul into her work every single day.
Amy was celebrating her Associate’s degree, her dreams involving climbing up the corporate ladder at the clothing store she worked for. Victoria’s dreams were a bit different… she wanted to help people. She wanted to do good in the world, and then she wanted a husband and children, both of which she knew she’d find in Gabe. And tonight was the night that he’d know that, too.
Amy begged Gabe to come to the party at Victoria’s request. He’d agreed, and Victoria couldn’t be happier. Grabbing her clutch and giving herself one last glance in the mirror, Victoria skipped out of her house and headed over to the party.
Tonight was the night. Just don’t forget how to breathe…
***
WALKING INTO THE ROOM, Gabe was hit with flashing lights, booming music, and plenty of warm bodies dancing. He smiled, proud of his little sister for pulling off such a party. His eyes scanned the room, quickly finding the bar and walking over. Nick followed close behind, watching Gabe order a jack and coke and declining to get a drink himself.
Now that he had his drink, Gabe was ready to move on and find the second most important thing of the night: a woman. Once again scanning the room, Gabe’s eyes were caught by golden blonde hair flowing over sexy curves that were only accentuated by a tight little number. Gabe took a big sip of his drink. Please look as hot from the front as you do from the back, he silently prayed to himself as he sauntered towards her.
Getting close enough to smell the lavender coming off of her skin, Gabe placed his hand on the woman’s lower back, interrupting her and her friends and gently turning her towards him.
“Well, hello there,” he smiled.
She turned towards him and his heart fluttered in his chest. Gabe could have taken her right there, and the growing bulge in his pants certainly seconded that notion. His eyes bore over her body, her long legs, her beautiful breasts, perfectly exposed through the dress’s lace finish. She had open lips, pink and perfect, and he couldn’t help but wonder how they would taste.
“Gabe.” Her lips pulled into a wide smile. How did she know my— “Do you remember me?” Her tongue flicked out over her upper lip, nearly driving him mad. He took another sip of his drink, his head feeling fuzzy.
“Would you mind refreshing my memory, darling?” Another sip. He would’ve remembered sleeping with this chick, without a doubt. One more.
“Victoria. Victoria Wilson.” She stared at him with wide eyes. “I’m Amy’s friend. Don’t you remember?” His drink was almost finished.
Victoria Wilson. He certainly never expected his little sister’s best friend to have blossomed into what he saw in front of him. He smiled wide.
“Vic? No way,” he laughed, flashing a smile he knew would melt the girl’s heart. “How about you let me buy you a drink?” He took his last sip. “I need one, myself.”
“I don’t really drink…” she trailed off.
“Nonsense! C’mon, come to the bar with me,” he threw his arm around her shoulder and guided her towards the bar. She fit into his body well, her five foot six frame perfectly complimenting his six foot two frame. He lowered his hand to the small of her back.
This was turning out to be a damn good night.
***
VICTORIA’S HEAD WAS spinning. She was dancing with Gabe, and not the kind of dancing “friends” do with each other. His body against hers was perfect. He looked older now, stronger features, darker eyes, broader shoulders and rougher muscles. His hair was shorter now, too, nearly buzzed, and his jaw indicated that he hadn’t shaved in two or three days.
He was everything she’d ever wanted. She never imagined it going like this, going so easily. He’d come right up to her, invited her to dance, asked her if she wanted a drink. Perfect.
As the music blasted around them and their bodies melded together on the dance floor, Victoria’s hands couldn’t help but wander over those strong shoulders, that muscular chest, the hot skin on his neck. She never thought she would be here. She had hoped, yes, but in her wildest dreams, things had not gone this well. She had loved Gabe from the day she met him, and now here he was, feeling for her the same things that she felt for him. She had always hoped that he’d see her and fall for her one day, and that day had come, and she could not believe it.
Across the room, Victoria saw Amy, and for a moment, she wondered what her friend would think. Amy had known about Victoria’s little “crush” on her older brother, but it had become a joke among them, and surely, Amy didn’t know the extent of Victoria’s affection for Gabe. After Gabe left for all those years, they stopped talking about him almost completely. When a cute guy would flirt with or hit on Victoria and she’d turn him away, occasionally Amy would chuckle, asking ‘still got your eyes set on Gabe?’ and they’d laugh it off, Victoria never acknowledging that that was exactly where her eyes were set.
The truth is, Victoria had never wanted anybody else, not even for a moment. She had this idea in her head, a dream of her future, and he was the only man she ever saw in it. She knew that one day he’d fall for her, and today was that day. She could feel it in the way his body responded to hers. She knew that he felt what she felt, that he saw the future she saw.
Something in Victoria always felt bad for not letting Amy in when it came to this, but she didn’t want to ruin their friendship or make things awkward between them. Amy was her best friend, and Gabe was Amy’s brother, so some lines unfortunately had to be drawn there to keep things normal.
Amy had always been a wonderful friend to her, it almost felt wrong to keep these feelings for Gabe from her. Every crush, every heartache, every hookup, Amy had confided in Victoria. It hurt Victoria that she’d never given Amy that same trust.
She did it for Amy, though. She didn’t want to make her friend uncomfortable, and she didn’t want Amy to ever think that her love for Gabe had any impact on their friendship—it didn’t. Amy was her sister, and if Victoria was being honest with herself, she probably wouldn’t be here if it were not for having Amy by her side all those years.
Suddenly, Amy made eye contact with Victoria, her eyebrows crinkling with confusion before a huge smile broke out on her face. She winked, blew a kiss, and turned back to the group she was with. Victoria smiled, grateful to call Amy her best friend.
Gabe’s had slid down Victoria’s back, pulling at the thin material that barely covered her body, effectively pulling Victoria from her thoughts, from any thought that wasn’t him. His head lowered into her hair, lips brushing over her ear and whispering, “how about we get out of here?” A chill ran down her spine as she pulled back from him.
Victoria stared up into his eyes, feeling his hands on her waist and his hard body pressed against hers. Gabe towered over her, his aged features making him look even more powerful and strong than he had all those years ago when she’d last seen him. He was even more handsome now. Victoria had waited for what felt like her entire life to give herself to Gabe, turning down countless suitors and saving herself for the man she loved, the man who she hoped would one day love her. And today was that day.
She smiled slowly, knowing that her voice would give away her emotions and choosing instead to nod at him, nibbling on her lip and watching him stare down at her doing so. He looked at her lips like a starving animal, and she couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like if he kissed her.
Gabe turned, pulling her into his side and leaving his hand resting possessively on her lower back, like she was his prize. She smiled, wrapping her arms around him as they walked, knowing that her dream was finally coming true. Gabe would finally be hers, as she had always been his.
They walked together
, and despite refusing Gabe’s offer for a drink, she felt utterly intoxicated. Just being with him made her head spin; she didn’t need alcohol for that.
Slowly, they approached Amy and the man she was speaking with. They both turned to look at Gabe and Victoria, and when they did, Gabe’s hand traveled further down Victoria’s backside, giving a squeeze as if to remind her who she belonged to. She certainly didn’t need the reminder. She’d always been his.
“Congrats, little sister,” Gabe smiled at Amy, releasing Victoria to pull his sister into a hug. He kissed the top of her head before pulling back. “We’re about to head out, but great party! And great job.”
Amy’s smile was brilliant. “Thank you, Gabe. Really!” The sincerity oozing from her voice made Victoria smile. She couldn’t help it. Amy had always looked up to Gabe, and Victoria knew how much his approval meant to her. “Do you need a ride? I know you’ve had a couple drinks…” Amy trailed off, but Gabe waved his hand at her, shooing away the thought.
“I’m fine, I only had four drinks,” he laughed. Victoria felt a little funny.
“Plus all the drinks you had before we came here,” interjected the blonde man that had been standing there. His face looked incredibly concerned.
“Fuck off, Nick. You know I’m good,” Gabe shook his head, throwing a fake punch at his friend, who simply laughed it off, but the laugh never reached his eyes. “You need a ride, bud?”
“I’m good, I’ll walk. I was just congratulating Amy before I left,” Nick turned his gaze toward Amy and smiled. While Victoria didn’t know Nick well, she certainly knew Amy, and the look in Amy’s eyes sent a pretty clear message.
“You should stay a little longer!” Amy piped in. “I didn’t even bring out the cake.” Victoria almost laughed at her friend’s puppy dog eyes.
Hooked On You Page 1
