One More Time_A Second Chance Romance

by Rye Hart

  “I’m only going to say this once,” Sean said. “Stay the hell away from Emily, or I will fucking end you.”

  With one last punch, Sean shoved Tanner back to the ground and stood up. He was shaking with fury when he turned to face me. My eyes were wide with shock and fear, and I couldn’t move. My body was still pressed against the wall as if some invisible force was holding me there.

  “Come on,” Sean said, an edge in his voice. He grabbed my hand and pulled me to him. Wrapping his arm protectively around my shoulders, Sean led me through the crowd of people in the club, not letting me go until we were safely outside. Once the night air whipped across our faces, Sean dropped his arm and glared off into the distance. I followed him to the car, neither of us saying a word.

  We climbed inside and drove toward home. Sean was still shaking with unresolved rage. I tried to think of something to calm him down, but I couldn’t pry my lips apart. Part of me was terrified and shaken by Tanner’s assault, but another part of me was turned on by how fast Sean jumped into action. Watching him pummel Tanner into the ground for me was hot, and when I looked over at him, I felt a rush of desire wash over me.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE - SEAN

  My head was racing as I drove us home. It took all my strength not to turn around and go back to the club. Hitting that jackass a few times wasn’t enough. He deserved to be beat fucking unconscious, pummeled until his face was be unrecognizable. I wanted to put him in the hospital and have him wake up, alone and afraid to see my face again.

  Instead, I just kept driving. My anger was far from fading, but I knew I couldn’t do any more than I had. I had Tommy and Sarah to think about. If I got arrested for assault, they wouldn’t have anyone to take care of them. They’d already lost their mother, I couldn’t let my own anger rob them of their father.

  Still, it was impossible not to feel a burning rage the entire ride home. It wasn’t until we finally pulled into the driveway that I turned around to see Emily staring at me, her eyes wide and her face flushed.

  For the first time since the club, I wondered if I had scared her. She had never seen me fly off the handle like that before, and I never wanted her to. What that asshole did to her was awful, and he deserved to be punished for it. But what I did was bad too. I hadn’t once asked her if she was okay.

  “I’m sorry,” I said softly. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”

  She shook her head and reached over to touch my knee. Her hands were steady, but there was something in her eyes I didn’t recognize.

  “Did I scare you?” I asked. “I’m sorry. It’s just, when I saw him holding you there, I lost it. I lost my mind, Emily. I’m sorry.”

  “Stop apologizing,” she said firmly. “What you did was amazing. I’ve never felt so protected in my life.”

  “He deserved worse,” I said darkly. “I shouldn’t have left him breathing.”

  “Yes, you should have,” Emily said. “You did the right thing by walking away, Sean. There wasn’t anything else you could have done. You saved me. That’s what matters.”

  “I know, but I’m still angry,” I said, punching the steering wheel. “Who the fuck does he think he is? That’s the same guy from the pizza place, right? The one you said has been hounding you for years?”

  Emily nodded and looked down at her hands. “I never imagined he would do something like that. He’s always been interested in me, but he’s never been violent. Ever. That was—”

  “Fucked up,” I finished for her. “Deserving of a serious ass beating.”

  “You beat him pretty good,” Emily said. “He’ll regret ever laying a hand on me, and he won’t feel great tomorrow morning.”

  “I hope not,” I said. “I hope he remembers it and never fucking touches you again. Emily, if he even talks to you again other than to apologize for being a sorry piece of shit, I’ll break his fucking skull.”

  “I don’t think he will,” Emily said quickly. “And if he does, I know how to handle it. He was drunk and crazy tonight. Janie’s been warning me about him forever, but I never gave it much thought. I really thought he was harmless.”

  “Well, he’s not.” My voice was hard and flat. When I glanced at Emily, I saw a frown cross her face as she ducked her head again. She stared at her hands for a few minutes, and I tried to think of something to comfort her, but my mind was blank. The only thing I could focus on was my anger.

  “Let’s get inside,” Emily said softly, finally lifting her eyes to meet my gaze. “You can’t pick up the kids yet. Not while you’re this angry.”

  “You’re right.” I sighed, and we both got out of the car.

  Once inside, I followed Emily into the kitchen. She grabbed us each a bottle of water, and we stood there silently. When her eyes found mine, she no longer looked shaken or upset. She put her water on the counter and walked slowly to me, her eyes dark with desire.

  “Emily…” I began, but she placed her finger over my lips.

  “No more talking,” she said. “No more anger. What Tanner did was fucked up, but you were there to protect me. Sean, you were my hero back there, and now, I want to repay you.”

  “Now?” I asked, surprised. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “That was the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen,” Emily said firmly. “Watching you protect me like that? God, I don’t think I’ve ever been so wet in my life.”

  Her words were the first thing that quelled my anger since we left the club. I swallowed hard and put my water bottle on the counter. Emily grinned and stepped closer to me, her eyes trailing dangerously over my body. I’d never seen her like this. Usually, she was innocent and sweet but eager for pleasure. Now, there wasn’t a trace of innocence in her eyes.

  She placed her hands on my chest and leaned forward, her sweet breath wafting across my face. I inhaled the smell of her, and my cock instantly grew hard. It pressed painfully against my jeans, and I groaned. My hands found her ass. With a squeeze, I pulled a moan from her lips, and the sound was music to my ears.

  Emily’s eyes were still boring into mine. She was staring at me with so much desire, so much passion, that I could no longer think straight. I slid my hands down her ass, yanking up the skirt of her dress and cupping her ass in my hands. Her lacy panties felt amazing beneath my fingers, and I tugged on them playfully.

  I leaned forward, ready to feel her lips against mine, but she pulled away quickly. Her eyes were full of mischief as she took a step backward and slid her panties off beneath her dress.

  I watched her every movement with wide, lustful eyes. When she turned around and pressed herself against the counter, sticking her ass out and lifting her dress, I growled and flew forward. Rubbing my hands along her bare ass, I slapped it once and then leaned over to press my lips to her ear.

  “I’ve never seen you like this,” I said softly.

  “You like it?” she asked, her voice low.

  “God yes.” I moaned and ran my hands over her ass again, sliding my fingers between her folds to feel her wetness. She was soaked, and I grunted in surprise. “Holy shit.”

  “I have never been so turned on in my life,” she said, pushing her ass into me. “Take me, Sean.”

  I didn’t need any more encouragement. I tore my jeans from my body and slid off my shoes. Kicking my clothes aside, I pulled down my boxers and threw them behind me. My cock was hard and ready as I took a step forward. I wrapped one hand around Emily’s waist to feel her throbbing clit.

  My fingers rubbed her gently while she moaned and rocked her hips. When I slid inside of her, she jerked and shoved backward, forcing me even deeper. I growled and pushed her back down, laying her face flat against the counter.

  While I rubbed her clit, I pounded her hard. She was soaking wet, and for the first time, she didn’t have to be quiet. She moaned with abandon, crying out my name over and over again. The sound of her voice sent waves of pleasure shooting through my body, and I took her harder, still rubbing her clit furiously.

&nb
sp; “Sean!” she screamed so loud, I thought the neighbors might hear. “Oh God, Sean! Harder!”

  Her legs were trembling as I took her harder and faster. Finally moving my hand from her clit, I wrapped my fingers around her hips and forced her into me. She was shaking and moaning, crying out her pleasure and driving me to my brink.

  When she came, her cry was earth-shattering. She rocked into me and shook violently, moaning and gripping the counter for support.

  “Fuck,” she moaned. “Holy shit. Oh God.”

  I wasn’t done. In one motion, I pulled out of her and spun her around. Her legs were still shaking as I lifted her into my arms and carried her to the kitchen table. I laid her on her back and shoved her dress up again.

  My eyes roamed over her body as she laid there, ready for me all over again. She reached out her hands for me, and I collapsed on top of her, my lips crashing into hers. Our kiss was hot and full of passion. I was soon out of breath, but I didn’t care. I pulled my lips from hers and yanked at the top of her dress, pulling it down just far enough for her tits to pop out. She wasn’t wearing a bra, and I growled at the sight of her perky nipples.

  Taking one in my mouth, I bit it hard and reveled in the sounds coming out of her mouth. She tangled her fingers in my hair and wrapped her legs around my waist, shoving her hips upward.

  “I want you,” I said against her tits. “God, I want you.”

  She rocked her hips harder into me, and I reached down to grab my cock and shove it inside of her. She gasped and arched her back. I growled and took a nipple between my teeth as I pounded her pussy relentlessly.

  The table moved with every thrust, and I briefly wondered if it would break under us. In that moment, we were animals, driven forward by our undeniable need. I pounded her so hard, her tits were bouncing against my mouth. I lifted my head to see her.

  “Fuck,” I groaned. “You look so fucking hot.”

  “Sean,” she breathed. “Sean.”

  My name became a chant of pleasure on her lips. She called out to me as I thrust faster and harder. The sound of our flesh smacking together filled the room. My cock was throbbing, and I knew I was close, but I wanted to see pleasure cascade over her body one more time.

  When she came, she screamed out and grabbed her tits, pinching her nipples between her fingers. The sight was enough to make me explode. I shot forward, filling her completely and grunting like a rutting animal. My body tensed as my pleasure overtook me. Emily tightened her legs around me, letting me feel every inch of her as I shoved deeper inside.

  Our bodies were fused together with sweat and lust. I laid on top of her, my cheek resting on her swollen nipple while she held me close. Her fingers dug into my back, and our groins were still pulsating with our combined orgasms.

  “Shit,” I said as I pushed myself up and slid out of her. “Holy shit.”

  “Come here,” she said softly. She sat up on the table and held out her arms to me. I moved forward to hold her, kissing her softly.

  Our kiss was full of meaning, and when we finally pulled apart, I sighed and went to find my clothes. I knew it was almost time to pick up the kids from Mrs. Johnston. I didn’t want to leave Emily’s embrace, but it was getting late.

  While I got dressed, she fixed her dress and pulled on her panties. Our eyes met, and she came forward, kissing me again and moaning against my lips.

  “I have to get the kids,” I said. “Wait for me in my room.”

  She nodded and disappeared down the hall. I stared after her until I was calm enough to move. Reluctantly, I pulled myself away and headed for the front door. I hurried toward Mrs. Johnston’s house, still thinking of the gorgeous woman now lying in my bed.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR - EMILY

  Sean had been trying to get some serious work done for days now. The kids were always antsy, and it was now too hot to let them stay outside all day. I did what I could to keep them quiet, but inevitably, a fight would break out and Sean would reemerge from his study, frustrated and exhausted.

  On Wednesday, I decided I would take the kids out for ice cream so Sean could really try and work. This book was so important to him. I could see it in his eyes every time he talked about it. His ambitions to be a writer were so precious to him, he was afraid to admit it to very many people. I wanted to help him protect those ambitions while he strived toward his goal. It wasn’t easy, but I was determined to do my part.

  After lunch that day, I loaded the kids into my car, and we drove out of town. There were plenty of ice cream shops in the town square, but I wanted to spend more time away from the house. We drove half an hour down the road, in search of something new and exciting. When we came across a snow cone stand, Sarah practically jumped out of her seat with excitement. Laughing, I pulled over and helped them out of the car.

  We talked toward the stand together, Sarah jumping up and down with joy.

  “I haven’t had a snow cone since we moved here!” Sarah said.

  “We had a stand right outside our neighborhood,” Tommy explained. “Back home, we got snow cones almost every day. It was the best!”

  “Well,” I said. “What flavors should we get?”

  “Hmm.” Sarah craned her neck to read the menu.

  It took almost ten minutes for Sarah to decide what combination she wanted, and when she did, it sounded disgusting to me: blue raspberry, mango, and cherry. I asked if she was sure, but she just nodded with enthusiasm. I glanced at Tommy, and he shrugged. We each ordered our cones and then walked over to the benches to sit down.

  Tommy and I ate our snow cones in silence, but Sarah hummed to herself. She was smiling as she ate her disgusting snow cone, and I couldn’t help but laugh. Sarah was the easiest person to please. All she needed was a little attention, some sugar, and a day full of sunshine. It still amazed me how attached I’d grown to both her and her brother in such a short amount of time. We hadn’t yet spent a full summer together, and already, I loved them both.

  “Napkins?” I asked when Sarah was done. She nodded, and I handed her two. She wiped her face and then smiled at me with bright blue teeth. Tommy laughed at her, and Sarah stuck out her equally blue tongue.

  Tommy and I took our time with our treats, eating them slowly to enjoy every single bite. Sarah kept begging for a second cone, but she knew she wouldn’t get it. When Tommy and I were done, the three of us found a trail behind the snow cone stand.

  “Do you guys want to walk it for a little while?” I asked. “Could be a pretty cool adventure.”

  “Sure!” Tommy said.

  “Yeah!” Sarah nodded.

  We headed down the trail and soon realized it wasn’t long enough to matter. We played in a little clearing for a while. I sat back and let the kids run out all their energy until they were exhausted. They ran back over to me and fell on the ground, both laughing.

  I handed them each a water from my bag, and we all sat in silence, sipping water and enjoying the bright sunshine. It was getting hot, and I knew we needed to head back soon, but I wasn’t ready to end my day with them. It wasn’t often I got to take them somewhere new and special. I wanted to enjoy this moment as long as I could.

  “I’m glad you came to live with us,” Tommy said suddenly.

  When I looked at him, I saw that he was playing with a blade of grass, his eyes focused downward and his face slightly flushed.

  “I’m glad too,” I said. “You guys are so much fun.”

  “I love you,” Sarah said brightly. Her smile was enough to melt my heart, but her words made me tear up.

  “Oh, honey,” I said. “I love you too. And you, too, Tommy.”

  Tommy smiled but kept his eyes focused on the grass. I ruffled his hair gently and leaned back, closing my eyes to bask in the sun.

  “You’re like a mommy,” Sarah said.

  “What do you mean?” I asked, looking at Sarah curiously

  “You take care of us,” she said. “You feed us breakfast and lunch and dinner. You always give
me baths and put us to bed. And you take care of Daddy too. You make him eat when he forgets, and he smiles more now. He never smiled so much before you moved in with us. That’s like a mommy, right?”

  “I don’t know,” I said, unsure of what to say and remembering my promise to never try and take her mother’s place. “But I do know that I care about you and your brother and your daddy so much. I love taking care of you.”

  “Will you stay for a long time, then?” Tommy asked, finally looking up. His eyes were so much like Sean’s, I found myself melting as he fixed them on my face.

  “I’ll stay as long as you guys will have me,” I said, and I meant it. Being their nanny was the best job I’d ever had.

  “Forever!” Sarah said with a giggle. “You can stay with us forever!”

  “Yeah.” Tommy nodded. “Forever and ever.”

  I laughed and pulled them both in for a hug. They both giggled when I tickled their sides, and soon, we were all in the middle of a tickle fight. Sarah was laughing so hard I worried she might pee her pants, so I calmed them down, and we headed back to the car.

  Once inside, I cranked the A.C. and both Tommy and Sarah fell silent. It wasn’t often that either of them were quiet for any length of time, but they’d had a busy day today. They were exhausted, and I wasn’t surprised when Sarah fell asleep before we made it home.

  I bent down in the backseat to wake her up, smoothing her hair off her face. She always looked so young when she slept, like she was two or three instead of five. I wanted to freeze this moment, to keep her little for a while longer. My heart ached as she opened her eyes and rubbed the sleep away. “Let’s get inside,” I said to the kids. “But remember, be quiet, okay? Your dad’s working.”

  They nodded, and we all headed inside, keeping our voices down and our footsteps light. When we stepped over the threshold though, we saw Sean sitting on the couch, staring off into the distance.