by Piper, M.
“Me too,” she pants, moaning when I run my finger down her slit.
“You’re fucking soaked, Ten.” I chuckle low, enjoying how wet she already is. Pushing the fabric aside, my fingers push inside her warm, soaked pussy and I moan, gripping my dick with my other hand. “My God, babe.” I pump my fingers in and out, a rhythmic motion.
“Yes,” she hisses, pushing back against me. “Fuck me, Nico.”
“I gotta get a condom,” I say but she reaches back and grips onto my thigh.
“No. I want you raw. I fucking hate condoms and I’m on the pill. Now can you please just fuck me?” she growls and I chuckle.
“If you insist,” I say, bending down over her and nipping her ear, making her gasp.
I push my lips to her neck as I nudge against her entrance, the fabric from her thong in my way but I’m too far gone now to really care. She moans and pushes back on me slowly. So fucking slow.
“Yes,” she whispers. “Oh fuck,” she moans, pushing farther back onto me.
“God, Ten. You’re so fucking tight.” I close my eyes and sit up, watching my dick sink into her. My balls tighten when I’m fully inside her and she moans loud, then starts pivoting her hips and my vision blurs. “Fuck, Reagan,” I growl, gripping her hips and pulling almost all the way out before slamming into her once. Hard. So fucking hard she screams out and her hand slaps her headboard.
“God, yes!” Her moans echo through the room as I set a pace that will have me coming in no fucking time, but it’s been too long. As much as I want this to last, I need this more than she does.
I reach around her and grip her throat, feeling her swallow and moan, then sit her up on her knees so we’re both kneeling on the bed as I fuck her senseless. Her hands grip my forearm and I tighten my grip on her neck slightly.
“This pussy is mine, Reagan,” I whisper in her ear. She moans and nods her head.
“Fuck yes it is,” she rasps, her eyes fluttering closed as her pussy starts to tighten around me and her moans get louder. “I’m…oh fuck I’m going to come, Nico,” she whines.
“Do it. Come on my dick.” I grunt, my balls tightening on the fucking cusp of an orgasm.
She starts to come, her legs shaking, her screams loud, and her pussy clenching tight around me.
“I’m close, Ten,” I huff, one hand on her throat and one hand squeezing her tit. “So fucking close.” Holding off this long has been the best type of torture.
“Come in me,” she pants, moaning and bucking back against me until I blow my load inside her, the best fucking feeling ever.
I fall to the bed next to her, wrapping my arms tightly around her and holding her close. Her body’s so relaxed against mine I think she’s fallen asleep until she takes a deep breath and sits up on her elbow, pressing a kiss to my nose.
“I don’t want you to leave tomorrow,” she whispers, looking straight through my eyes and right into the depths of my soul.
“I know,” I mutter, pulling her tight against me again and pushing my lips to her forehead.
“So how’s it feel to be back in town?” Mackenzie asks, propped on the counter of the shop. I glance around, so much has changed since I’ve been gone but I’m not sure what I expected. I left for over two years and I made sure everyone knew I didn’t want anything to do with this place. They’re all taking it surprisingly well that I came back with barely any notice and am taking over again.
“Weird,” I say. “Not gonna lie, I didn’t think I would ever come back here. Let alone be happy about it.” I laugh, grabbing a box to put in the back room and pausing when I pass Mackenzie. “Hey thanks for taking care of everything here. You did a kickass job. Probably better than I would have.”
“That’s what family’s for, right?” She shrugs. “As long as you don’t fire me now that you’re back we’re golden. I’ve come to enjoy this place.”
“I’m not kicking you out,” I say, walking to the back and setting the box down. “But I may have you start working opposite hours as me so I don’t have to be here as much.” I nudge her and she laughs.
“Fine by me,” she laughs.
“How’s my two favorite ladies doing today?” Ford blurts, barging in with a stack of coffees.
“Not your normal mugs, I see,” I say, taking one from him. “Thank you.”
“My mugs are a home-based commodity now. Plus, the new coffee shop down the corner that opened, though very hipster, makes some killer Nitro coffee.” He shrugs and hops over to Mackenzie, kissing her quickly before handing her the coffee he brought for her. “So, what’s on the agenda today gals?”
“Um, you go to work and leave us alone,” I say, laughing at the expression on his face. “Seriously, Ford. I’ve been back three weeks and every day you walk in here like we’re going to hang out. We’re not. You work almost a full city block away from me.”
“It’s not that far,” he scoffs. “Plus, it’s a Wednesday. Wednesdays in the banquet hall are boring.”
“Go bother Lincoln, then. I’m sure he could use some help with the tours today.”
“Hey, how’s Nico,” Ford asks out of nowhere. I pause mid drink and narrow my eyes at him.
“Good. Why?”
“You haven’t talked about him much since you’ve been back. Just making sure you two are ok. He was a good guy.”
“He still is a good guy,” I blurt. “I mean, he’s fine. We talk. A lot.”
“Do you miss him?” Mackenzie voices her worry and looks at me through pity filled eyes. I don’t want their pity, but I know they’re going to so I don’t fight it. Truth is, it fucking sucks without him here.
“Would you miss Ford if you didn’t live together?” Both of their eyes fly open and I raise my eyebrows. “What?”
“You’re saying you feel about Nico the same way I feel about Ford?” she asks, trying not to smile.
“No,” I blurt. “Not at all. Just… God!” I storm to the offices and grab my phone, checking to see if he’s messaged yet today. It’s nine am. I think he’s still in Chicago today…maybe. “Fuck,” I huff, sitting down. This is way harder than I thought it would be. I thought we’d facetime fuck all the time and text all the time and I’d be able to see him at least once a week, if not more, but I haven’t seen him since he left here three weeks ago and while we talk every day, we don’t get near as much time as I thought we would.
“Hey,” Ford says, leaning on the doorway. I glance up at my older brother and want to make a snarky comment about staying out of my love life, but I don’t because the look on his face grounds me. He’s my brother. I can’t throw walls up keeping the people I love most out.
“This sucks,” I finally say, tossing my phone onto the desk. “I don’t want to be that girl…but I’m being that girl.”
“You’re allowed to be that girl, but don’t let it get you down. Miss him. Be mad about missing him. Then do something about it.”
“Like?”
“Show up at his place,” he says, walking in and sitting in the chair across from me.
“Just show up? Randomly. On a Wednesday?”
“Why not?”
“Um…well work, for starters. And…bills. And work.”
Ford cocks his head at me like I’m an idiot for thinking he’s stupid at life.
“Reag, I know for a fact you were making bank at that strip club in Chicago.”
“It wasn’t a strip club,” I defend myself.
“Whatever. Potato, Potahto. It’s all the same. You were walking out of there with more money than you knew what to do with, and you didn’t move a ton of shit home meaning you either wasted it on male hookers or you’ve been saving it.
I roll my eyes leaning back in my chair. “Your point?”
“Take a day off.” He takes a sip of his coffee. “I mean, you’re the owner. Mack out there is your employee. You’re back to getting your share of the business profits now and we can afford to let Mack work a few days while you get some D.”
“Gross, Ford,” I mumble, mulling over the situation.
“I know, it tasted bad coming out.” He shudders and takes another drink. “Just think about it. It’ll be good for you.” He pauses. “You really like this one, don’t you?”
“Really,” I whisper, staring at the picture of us on my phone screen.
“I hope everything works out this time for you two, Reag. I really do.”
‘Thanks, Ford.” I sigh and unlock my phone. If he’s not going to put in the effort I expect, I may as well show him what it takes to keep us alive.
Reagan: Morning hot stuff. I miss you.
I hit send before I chicken out. In the past three weeks, every time we’ve talked I’ve tried to keep the ‘I miss you’ out of our conversations. I don’t want to make him think I regret moving back, because I don’t. I’m happy here…but I’d be happier if he were here with me. And that’s not fair to ask. Not yet. I just didn’t want him feeling bad.
My phone rings as I’m standing from my desk and I smile as his picture illuminates the screen.
“Hey you,” I say, not holding back the smile as I close my office door.
“You miss me?” he says with a whispered tone.
“I do.” I nod, taking a seat again.
“I miss you more than you even know. God, Ten.”
“Is it insane that we only knew each other a short time before I moved but I feel like I left my best friend?” I ask, kicking my feet up on my desk.
“Not at all. I feel like I lost my best friend when I came home to an empty place.”
“Your place wasn’t empty,” I laugh.
“May as well have been. My brother wasn’t here. You weren’t anywhere near. It was…dumb,” he says.
“Are you at work right now?” I ask, glancing at the clock.
“Ah…uh…” he pauses. “I actually called in today,” he says, then I hear why. The cough that comes out of him sounds deadly.
“Oh my God, are you sick?”
“I think so.” He clears his throat. “Either way, taking whatever this is into doctors’ offices today and spreading shit isn’t the smartest move. I used a sick day and am staying in bed.”
I pout my lip out. “I’m coming over,” I blurt, standing so quick from my desk that papers fall to the floor.
“What?” Nico says, and then starts coughing again. “Ten, you’re too far away to do that.”
“Nonsense. I’m coming over and taking care of you.”
The line goes silent and I hear him clear his throat again.
“This isn’t a pretty sight, Ten. There’s all kinds of gross and germs going on over here and I’d hate myself if I got you sick.”
“I’m invincible. It’ll be fine. Now, go back to sleep. I’ll be there in a few hours. I gotta run home and pack some things.”
I end the call and rush out to the store where Mack and Ford are making out.
“First things first,” I say, pointing to them. “Not again in here. Not when we’re open, closed, or otherwise. That shit’s not for my eyes,” I say, half grinning at Mackenzie and I wink at her, making her bark out a laugh. “And second, I’m leaving. I’ll be back tomorrow. Or this weekend.” I toss her the store keys. “Call Ford if you need anything. He practically just chased me out of town so he has to deal with the repercussions.”
“Chicago,” Mackenzie whispers, grinning.
“It’s calling my name,” I say, too excited.
After dropping by Lincoln’s office to break the news to him, he takes it surprisingly well and I call my mom and dad on the way home to grab some things.
“Hey guys. Just wanted to let you know I won’t be home the rest of the week. Nico’s pretty sick and I’m going to head up and take care of him.”
“That’s so cute!” my mom practically squeals with excitement. “You like that boy, don’t you?”
“A lot, Mom. Yes.” I smile. “He’s just…”
“Perfect for you? Yes,” she blurts. “I agree. Treat him right, Reagan. And keep him in line. Will you be back for dinner on Sunday?”
“I wouldn’t miss it,” I say, smiling as I end the call.
I’m on a mission so it doesn’t take me long at home to pack a bag. On the way out of town I stop by the grocery store to pick up some necessities for Nico. Soup, cough drops, meds, and a few rental movies just in case he doesn’t stream Netflix.
Which, let’s be honest, if he doesn’t stream Netflix we’re going to have bigger issues. Like what twenty five year old guy doesn’t have Netflix?
I arrive at his apartment complex a little after lunch time and am so giddy on my way up I drop my car keys twice before making it into my purse.
“Hey, I know you,” Gabriel says, grinning.
I’ve only met Gabe a handful of times, and he’s ok. Just okay. For the most part he just seems like a party animal that loves to show off. Which is totally okay, but he’s the complete opposite of his brother. I’m still not certain how they’re cut from the same cloth.
“I called your brother earlier and he said he’s sick,” I say and he gives me a look.
“No he’s not.” He laughs. “He’s playin’ you. Maybe he’s got some other girl up there and just didn’t want to talk.”
My heart rate spikes and I want to run as fast as I can to catch him in the act, then I roll my eyes at myself for thinking that way about him. I know him better than that.
“Shut up,” I grumble, letting him help me into the apartment. “Thank you,” I say.
I head to the table to drop off my things and when I don’t see Nico on the couch, make my way back to the bedroom. The door’s closed and what Gabe said to me earlier crosses my mind but I push it back.
“Nico,” I whisper, cracking the door open. He’s curled into his bed, snoring lightly and one hundred percent alone and a weight’s been taken off my shoulder. I yell at myself for even considering what his brother said. He’s not the type of person who would do something like that. Even if he used to be, which I have a hard time believing, he’s not with me. When the door creaks, he shifts in bed and his eyes try to open, making him groan.
“Gabe turn the fucking light off, I feel like mother fucking death.” He pulls the blankets tighter around him then he coughs again and it’s apparent he’s more sick than he let on.
I frown, sneaking inside his room and clicking the door closed behind me.
“It’s me, babe,” I whisper, walking over to him. His eyes open a little more and I feel so bad for him. “You look pretty rough,” I whisper, trying not to laugh.
“You’re actually here?” he reaches out and touches my arm. “I miss you, Ten. I think I’ve got the ‘missing Ten blues.’”
I reach over and touch his forehead. “What you have is a fever,” I say. “I’ll be right back.”
I slip out of the room and grab the bags I brought, bringing everything into his bedroom and ignoring his brother when he tries talking to me. I’m not a mean person, but his brother struck the wrong chord today and I don’t have time to put up with it.
Grabbing the aspirin from the bags, I pull out a sports drink and crack it open.
“Here, babe. Take some of these, it’ll make you start to feel better.” I hold out the drink for him and he grunts, bringing it to his lips and taking a sip then wincing.
“God, it feels like knives,” he grumbles.
“I think all those patients at those doctors’ offices you’ve been visiting have gotten you sick in the worst way,” I whisper, holding out the medicine for him. He takes it and swallows it down then lies back in bed, his glassy eyes finding mine.
“You came,” he whispers again, smiling at me.
“I told you I would. I keep my promises, Nico.”
“I knew you were an eleven.”
I push my hand through his hair and he sighs. “I’m glad I’m here,” I whisper. “I’ve missed you.”
“I miss you,” he mumbles. “Lie with me, Ten.”
I smile and push
off my shoes and pants and slide into bed next to him. He shifts slightly, letting me wrap my arm around him and he rests his head on my stomach. He’s burning up and I want to pull the covers off him to cool him off, but I know how it feels to have a fever and pulling them off him would be wrong right now.
Even sick he’s a good snuggler. I can’t believe how it only took a few weeks for me to become addicted to his snuggles, but I didn’t know what I’d be missing when I moved away. I do now, and it sucks because I’m actually happy being home. I don’t miss Chicago at all.
I just miss the man who lives here.
The night turns dark outside before Nico wakes up again. I lie in his bed the majority of the day with him, running my fingers through his hair and rubbing his back. His skin starts to cool after an hour or so and shortly after that I fall asleep for a bit.
When he shifts to move, he groans.
“My God,” he grumbles, pulling himself off me. “I think I’m dying,” he whispers, sitting up slowly and cradling his head in his hands.
“Well, that’s not really the improvement I was looking for.” I chuckle, sitting up next to him and resting my hand on his back. “I’m glad you’re sitting up, though. You hungry at all?”
He looks at me and all he does is smile softly and nod.
“I could maybe eat something light.”
“Soup? I brought chicken noodle.”
“Sounds amazing, actually. I may try to take a shower first.” He runs his hands through his hair and coughs, cursing and shaking his head. “This shit’s annoying.”
“I know.” I frown. “I’ll heat it up for you after I make sure you make it to the shower without passing out.
“I’m not going to pass out on you,” he grumbles, trying to laugh but ending in a coughing fit.
“The steam will be good for you,” I say, helping him off the bed. “When you get out I’ll have tea and soup ready for you on the couch. Then I’m changing your bedsheets.”
“You’re too good to me, Ten.” He smiles at me. “I really, really want to kiss you but I’m dying and I don’t want you to die. So save me a kiss for later. When I’m better. Ok?”
