Bad Reputation

by Nicole Edwards

Unable to look away from Chase, I force my legs farther apart, holding my breath as he leans down and brushes his lips over the inside of my thigh. With my hands on the ground behind me, I lean back enough so that I can still watch what he’s doing to me. When his tongue snakes through my folds, another shiver racks my body.

  “I could do this all fucking night,” he rumbles, his voice laced with gravel.

  “I could let you,” I tease, but my chuckle is cut off when he flicks my clit with his tongue. “Oh, God!”

  “Watch me, Cass,” he orders. “Watch while I eat your pussy.”

  Forcing my eyes to remain open, I watch as his head lowers again. It’s not easy to keep my eyes open when the force of the pleasure he’s bringing me is so intense, my body trembles. I have no idea how much time passes before I can no longer remain upright. Easing down on my back, my body bucks and writhes beneath his ministrations. The way his tongue teases, his fingers sliding into my body, the night air caressing my skin…it’s all too much.

  His hungry growl and the way he suckles my clit is what finally sends me over, my climax causing my muscles to tense painfully, but it’s a small price to pay for the delicious tremor that races through me.

  The next thing I know, Chase is lifting me off the ground and carrying my limp and sated body over to the oversize lounge chair. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I don’t let go as he lays me back and settles his weight over me.

  “Cass…”

  Our eyes lock as he enters me. Along with the delicious friction, I feel something else. Something in my chest. A tightening that’s not painful, but it is surprising. I know what it is, but I’m hesitant to admit it. Even to myself.

  I’m falling in love with this man, my best friend. I know I shouldn’t, but there’s no stopping the inevitable.

  Chase shifts, lifting my leg over his arm as he begins fucking me harder. I hold on to him, allowing the pleasure to take over again, sending me soaring higher and higher as he thrusts into me again and again.

  “God, Cassie…I can’t get enough.”

  The intensity increases until Chase is pounding into me, driving as deep as possible. It’s more than I ever expected, but I fear it’s not only the physical pleasure that’s driving my body to heights I’ve never known before. It’s much more than that.

  It overwhelms me completely and I shatter at the same time he roars his release. With my mind and body temporarily separate, I’m left feeling blissed out and confused.

  I know deep inside that I shouldn’t be falling in love with Chase. It wasn’t what he signed on for.

  But I can’t help it.

  In fact, I’m no longer falling.

  I’m already there.

  Chapter 27

  When sitting down with Chase, we got onto the subject of role models. I have to say, I’ve received many different variations of responses. Chase’s wasn’t necessarily new or different, but it was very enlightening. “My fathers. I look up to them. The way they handle themselves, the way they treat others, the way they treat each other…I only hope that I can live my life in a way that not only makes them proud of me, but also gives me the kind of contentment they both have found.”

  —Excerpt from Sports Unlimited’s Bad Boys of Sports edition

  Chase

  “Cassie? Where are you? Call me back when you get this.” I hang up the phone and stare at it.

  Technically, it’s not my night to cook dinner, but since Cassie has been running herself ragged going to interviews, I figured it was only fair that I not insist that she take a turn. After all, I simply want to be with her. I really don’t give a damn who does the cooking. So this morning I texted to tell her my offer and she accepted, advising that she would be here by six.

  It’s half-past and she’s still not here, nor is she answering her phone. I’m not sure if I should be worried. She mentioned something about having an interview with a new company, but I think she said it was at two. Surely it didn’t run that long.

  Then again, she’s an executive bigwig, so what do I know about how long interviews take for that kind of shit.

  It’s been three weeks since everything went down and things have been going surprisingly smooth. Between me and Cassie anyway. Of course, the fact that we’re having sex six days out of seven is probably why. And when I say we’re having sex…Cassie is insatiable. Not to mention, she’s got a seriously kinky side. One I’m trying to exploit to the best of my ability.

  Granted, I think she’s using sex as a way to avoid everything else going on. I’m doing my damnedest not to dwell on the fact that she’s using me. I mean, come on. Who in their right mind would complain about that?

  Doesn’t mean I’m not hoping things will change, that at some point she’ll realize I’ve got feelings for her. I’m certainly not about to bring it up. That would only mess up the good thing we’ve got going.

  My phone buzzes and I grab it, expecting a text from Cassie. What I find is a text from Natalie.

  Natalie: You heard from Cassie? I’ve tried calling her all day.

  Chase: No. She’s supposed to come over for dinner. No show.

  Natalie: Should I run by her house? Check on her?

  Damn it.

  If anyone’s going to check on Cassie, it’s going to be me.

  Chase: No. I’ll run over there.

  Natalie: K. Text me when you find her, please.

  Chase: Will do.

  I shut down the oven and pull out the mango salsa salmon I was making. After shoving it in the refrigerator, I pull on my shoes and grab my keys.

  Ten minutes later, I’m pulling into Cassie’s driveway. Her car’s here, but there aren’t any lights on in the house that I can tell. The worst part…there’s another car in Cassie’s driveway. One I’m not familiar with.

  For the first time since I met the woman, I’m tempted to hop in my car and go right back home. No way could I handle walking in to find Cassie with…

  I don’t even want to think about it.

  Since I’m not one to back down from a fight, I climb out of my car and head right for the front door. I’m tempted to knock, but I decide not to. If Cassie doesn’t want me here, she should have fucking answered her phone and told me as much.

  Seconds later, I’m walking inside. The house is dark, with the exception of the light in the kitchen.

  “No, I’m serious,” Cassie says, giggling. “I know it’s not really an option, but right now, I’m scrambling.”

  “It’ll be fine, Cassie,” a man’s voice says reassuringly.

  And just like that, my heart slams against my ribs, my respiratory system kicking into high gear.

  There’s a fucking man in her house.

  And the goddamn lights are off.

  I swallow my anger and step out of the foyer and into the living room.

  “I’m here for you,” the man says, and I’m already thinking of the fastest way to tear his throat out.

  “I know you are. And I greatly appreciate that. It’s just—”

  I clear my throat and two sets of eyes swing my way. I’m looking at Cassie though, so I see the shock—or is that guilt?—that contorts her face.

  “Chase!” Cassie is instantly on her feet. In her haste, she nearly sends the barstool toppling over. “What are you doing here?”

  I glance from her to the mystery man and back.

  She blushes.

  Swallowing hard, I do my best to maintain my composure. I know that I have no right to barge in here. I don’t have any claims to Cassie, even if we are fucking. She’s made it clear that we’re going through a friends-with-benefits phase. I haven’t actually agreed with her on it, but I haven’t opposed her either.

  “Chase, this is…” She turns to look at the man standing beside her, then back at me. “Uh…this is Jonathan. Jonathan Wright.”

  I don’t move. I can’t.

  Her head swivels again. “Jonathan, this is Chase Barrett. He’s a friend of mine.”

  A friend?
/>
  In all the years I’ve played hockey, never have I taken a physical hit that hurt as much as that. It’s not a feeling I much care for.

  “Nice to meet you,” Jonathan says, his eyes bouncing between me and Cassie.

  Awkward silence ensues as I stare at Cassie, waiting for her to say something that will make sense of all this. I’ve spent the past month fucking her senseless and this is how she tells me it’s over? She invites a man back to her house?

  “Could you excuse me for a second?” she finally says, speaking to Jonathan.

  It’s not until Cassie is urging me back toward the foyer that I move. Hell, I think it’s the first time I’ve inhaled since she made the introduction.

  “Why are you here?” she asks, her voice soft, her eyes full of question.

  It takes me two times, but I manage to clear my throat. “Who the fuck is that?”

  Cassie takes a step back, clearly impacted by the force of my words.

  “I told you.”

  “No,” I growl, trying to keep my voice low. “You told me his fucking name.”

  “What’s wrong with you?” Cassie’s back straightens and her hands go to her hips.

  “What’s wrong with me? Me?” Shoving my hand in my hair, I swallow the rage that fuels my bloodstream. “Are you fucking serious?”

  “Please be quiet,” she hisses.

  I meet her eyes again. She’s serious. Her continued glance into the other room tells me she’s worried what this asshole will think.

  “There’s a fucking man in your kitchen, Cassie,” I declare, as though it’s not painfully obvious.

  “I’m quite aware of that,” she counters, her words rushed and fueled with anger. “Which is why you need to go.”

  Goddamn, does the woman not realize she’s ripping me to shreds right now? It hurts to fucking breathe, but I manage to nod.

  “I see where I stand,” I mutter, turning toward the door.

  “I’ll call you later, Chase,” she says, her voice soft.

  I spin around and glare at her. “Don’t fucking bother. It’s clear I’ve been replaced.”

  Cassie

  “Replaced?” I whisper, my disbelief ringing in the silent space as I stare at the front door that’s slamming shut behind Chase.

  Although I’m tempted to run after him and hash this out, I don’t. I have company and I owe Jonathan more than that. After all, he made a detour on his way out of town just to talk to me.

  Sliding my hands down the front of my suit, I regain my composure and head back to the kitchen.

  “Everything all right?” he asks, his gaze trained on the space Chase vacated a short time ago.

  “It’s fine.” Returning to the barstool, I find myself fidgeting.

  “I should probably go.”

  I nod. “Thanks…for everything.”

  “I really think you should give this opportunity a chance,” Jonathan says, his tone cool and even. “The director of a charitable organization is not a position to scoff at.”

  “I know.”

  “And between me and you, they’re really excited about the skills you can bring to the table.”

  That’s really nice to hear, but until they make an offer, I’m not going to hold my breath.

  “And if that doesn’t pan out,” Jonathan continues, “I’ve got plenty of other opportunities. I’m here to help you, Cassie.”

  I nod. I know he is. That’s the very reason I sought a headhunter. In an effort to salvage my reputation, I had no choice but to pull out the big guns. After my interview this afternoon—what I expect to be the first of many with the Texas Tornadoes Foundation—I called Jonathan to get his thoughts. He kindly agreed to run by my house—though it isn’t protocol—so he could calm my nerves.

  Jonathan retrieves his keys from his pocket. “If I hear anything at all, I’ll let you know. You’ve got a lot of options here. The publicity you received worked in your favor. Everyone is sympathizing with you. I think it helps that”—he nods toward the front door—“you’re so close to Chase Barrett.”

  It’s true. People love Chase. And yes, after the news of my resigning my position went public, people did tend to side with me. Not that it’s helped me get a job as of yet, but I’ve got a few prospects.

  “Call me if you need anything, Cassie. And let Chase know that it was nice to meet him.”

  “I will.” Following Jonathan to the front door, my mind whirls back to my encounter with Chase. I’m still reeling from how upset he’d been when he came over to find Jonathan here. Had he given me a second to explain, he would have known that…

  “Good night.”

  I jerk my attention back to Jonathan and offer a smile. “Good night.”

  After closing the door behind him, I lean against the wood and stare into space.

  I’m so confused by Chase’s actions. I’ve never seen him act like that before. I mean, if he did think Jonathan was a romantic prospect, why didn’t he put on a show? Tease me until the man was running from the house? That’s the way it usually went.

  Until we started having sex, that is.

  “What have I done?” Dropping my head into my hands, I brush my hair back from my face and straighten.

  I pour myself a glass of wine and grab my cellphone, retiring to the couch. It’s been a long day and I was hoping to spend the evening at Chase’s. Unfortunately, that doesn’t appear to be the plan anymore.

  Speaking of.

  I tap the screen, but nothing happens.

  “Shit.” I remember the damn thing died about two hours ago and I forgot to charge it.

  Grabbing one of the charging cords plugged into the lamp, I hook it to my phone and give it a few minutes to boot. When it finally comes to life, I see I’ve got several missed calls and about half a dozen texts from both Chase and Natalie.

  Taking a sip of wine, I pull up Chase’s texts first.

  Chase: I hope you’re in the mood for salmon tonight.

  I received that text nearly four hours ago.

  “Shit.” I completely forgot he offered to cook me dinner tonight. I was so caught up in my own drama, I didn’t think about Chase. I was too worried about fixing my life, finding a job, getting back on my feet.

  Chase has been great through all of this. I can tell he’s going above and beyond to provide a distraction and it’s been working. For the most part anyway.

  It probably hasn’t helped that I find myself wanting more and more time with Chase. And not merely as friends. I know that’s wrong and I know we could never have anything real because…well, because that’s not the way it works.

  Chase is my best friend and I never want to lose that. Trying for something more is a surefire way of obliterating the good thing we’ve got going.

  I quickly text a response to Chase: I’m sorry I forgot dinner.

  Ten minutes pass and I get no response. I can see he’s read the message.

  I need to go over there and explain. If I do, all of this nonsense will be behind us.

  Of course, thinking about apologizing only makes me relive the angry encounter we had earlier. He was seriously pissed. I’ve never seen him like that before. For a man who is used to casual encounters, that didn’t feel like a very casual response.

  I mean, this isn’t a casual thing for me, but it’s not like I can tell him that. I love Chase. More so now than before, I think. But that doesn’t do either of us any good and if I’m capable of one thing, it’s repressing all those stupid feelings and pretending they don’t exist.

  What would happen if I did tell Chase that I’ve stupidly fallen in love with him over the past month? I can practically hear the conversation.

  “Hey, Chase. You know this whole friends-with-benefits thing we’ve got going? Well, it seems I’ve gone and fallen in love with you.”

  “What the fuck, Cassie? That’s not the way this works.”

  Yeah. I don’t need to have that conversation.

  Not today.

  Not e
ver.

  Yep. That pretty much makes my decision for me. I’m not going to beg and plead with him to forgive me. After all, this is probably for the best.

  “We can’t keep doing this,” I say to the empty room.

  And we really can’t. It’s only going to ruin our friendship. Eventually Chase is going to move on and…and I don’t even know what. I don’t want to think about Chase with another woman. The thought makes me sick to my stomach, but I know I don’t have the right to feel that way.

  I’m the one who seduced my best friend. He’s only taking what I freely offered, but it won’t last forever. Chase isn’t the settling-down sort and me…I don’t even know what I’m going to be doing tomorrow. I have no job. It’s only a matter of time before the rest of my life unravels. I need to focus, to work on pulling my shit together.

  It’s clear I can’t be trusted to make good decisions right now.

  After all, look how easily I managed to fuck up my life.

  Not to mention the people who mean the most to me.

  Chapter 28

  Chase

  The gym was my only option.

  That, or there was a good chance I would end up in jail.

  The sheer rage that consumed me when I left Cassie’s house had to burn off eventually, I knew. And now that it has, I feel a little empty, but at least I can trust myself again.

  Maybe.

  I still can’t fucking believe that Cassie had a man at her house.

  And she acted like it was no big deal either.

  Apparently, I’m a dumbass for thinking that there could be something more between the two of us. It wasn’t until I saw him that I realized just how much I’d been hoping, or just how much I’d actually fallen for her.

  So, rather than put my fist through a wall, I’m here at the gym. A little time with the heavy bag did wonders for some of the tension in my shoulders and the half hour on the treadmill hasn’t hurt either. Now, as I sit in the sauna, letting the rest of my anger wash away in the steam, I’m trying to figure out how I move forward from here.

  The last fucking thing I want is to lose my best friend. And there’s no doubt that I’ll risk that if I show her how much this has affected me. I figure it’s better to pretend that what we’ve shared was nothing more than an affair that had to end sometime. After all, that’s clearly what it was to her.