Untamable

by Jamie Schlosser

  “How about a skull bandana instead?” Estelle finished off dad’s costume by wrapping the black material around his head. “All right, Robert. You’re ready to set sail.”

  Sometime in the few minutes I’d been gone, Gretchen had brought out a fresh plate of food for Dad. She’d replaced the ‘pureed potato crap’ with the tapioca he liked.

  Estelle got up to sit at another table and waved the next person over.

  Taking her seat, I picked up the bowl and came face to face with a transformed man—and I wasn’t just talking about the pirate ensemble. Dad’s smile was easier, his eyes a little more focused. Just a few minutes with Estelle and he looked five years younger.

  “Boy, she’s really something,” he said before accepting a bite of the pudding from me.

  “You’re not telling me anything I don’t already know.” I wiped his chin with a napkin. “The fact that she convinced you to put makeup on is a miracle.”

  “Makeup?” He sounded offended. “No, I’m a swashbuckling rogue.”

  I snickered. “Well, she got you to sit still long enough, so that’s something.”

  “Son, when a beautiful woman raps Dr. Dre, you keep your ass in the seat until she’s finished.”

  My own laughter hit me so hard, I almost dropped the bowl. It was a deep belly laugh, and tears sprang to my eyes for a completely different reason as I tried to picture Estelle quietly busting out lyrics about God knows what to my father.

  She smiled at me over her shoulder, then went back to painting a clown face on a gray-haired woman.

  Once I could fully form a sentence, I said, “Truest statement ever made.”

  “You better hold onto that one.” Dad’s eyes flitted to Estelle. “She’s a keeper.”

  “I know,” I agreed with him.

  Problem was, keeping her had never been part of the plan. I’d meant it when I told Estelle I wasn’t in a good place to be starting a relationship.

  But I knew better than anyone that plans could change.

  With both hands on the wheel, Estelle stared at the front entrance of Windsor Lakes. The sun had fully set and the night air was chilly, so I was thankful that she’d finally put the cloth top on her Jeep. No music played on the radio. The only sound was the quiet hum of the heater.

  I braced myself for Estelle’s pity, but she surprised me.

  “He’s great, Emery.” Her eyes swung my way. “You’re so much like him.”

  That made me smile. “If you’d known my mom, you wouldn’t be saying that. Even Dad would tell you I take after her.”

  Estelle shook her head. “I don’t need to know her to be able to see the similarities between you and your dad. You have the same smile, and this part…” She rubbed a thumb over the cleft in my chin.

  “This is the first time I’ve ever introduced a woman to him,” I told her, feeling like the confession splayed me wide-open.

  Her plump lips made an ‘O’ shape. “Seriously?”

  I nodded. “Unless you count a homecoming date, yeah.”

  “Wow. That’s kind of a big deal.”

  “Yes. It is.” I held her stare, willing her to understand the depth of my feelings for her and for the first time, I witnessed an uncharacteristic fear in Estelle’s eyes. A sense of hesitancy I’d never seen before. It was like shutters fell over the openness I’d gotten so used to.

  Her gaze darted back to the building. “Does he ever get to leave?”

  Changing the subject. Ouch. I’d be lying if I said that didn’t sting a little.

  I grimaced, thinking about the few unsuccessful outings we’d had. “Not anymore. He becomes disoriented if his routine is scenery changes. It took him a long time to get used to Windsor Lakes and he’s happy here, for the most part.”

  “I’m sorry, Emery.”

  “Hey,” I said, softly gripping her chin as I turned her face my way. “What did I say about feeling sorry for me?”

  “I can’t help it. Seeing that”—she tipped her head toward the building—“is a lot different than hearing about it. It must be so hard for you. And him.”

  “The hardest part about living so far away is wondering if he’ll still know me next time I come visit,” I admitted quietly. As hard as it was to say out loud, this was something I needed to let Estelle see if I wanted her to know me. She’d been so honest, it was only fair I did the same. “What if today was the last time he’ll ever look at me like I’m his son?”

  Blowing out a breath, she shook her head. “He’ll always know you.” She leaned over the middle console and pressed her lips to mine. “He’ll always know you,” she whispered again before coming back for more.

  This kiss was different than all the others. It was slow and sweet. Soothing. Much better than words of sympathy.

  Warmth spread through my chest as she held both sides of my jaw, controlling the kiss. She was comforting me. Reassuring me. She was simply giving.

  And I let her, all while pushing thoughts of eventually saying goodbye far from my mind.

  CHAPTER 18

  EMERY

  When I woke up in Estelle’s bed with her naked body snuggled against mine, I couldn’t find the motivation to get up. Leaving her bed before the sun came up had gotten harder every time.

  Last night, instead of sneaking back to the RV, I made the conscious decision to stay.

  We didn’t even have sex after we got back from Windsor Lakes. We channel surfed until stopping on a bad infomercial, but paid no attention to the TV. I had no idea it was possible to talk about literally nothing for hours, but that was what we did. With Bobby in my lap and Alice curled up with Estelle, we laughed about random things, our conversation veering from one insignificant topic to the next.

  After taking a shower together, we collapsed onto the bed, both naked and exhausted. I’d managed a soft kiss to Estelle’s forehead before my eyes closed.

  And now I had this amazing woman in my arms, and I didn’t want to let go.

  I couldn’t let go.

  I never should’ve assumed I could do casual with Estelle. Somewhere along the line, she became mine.

  Mine.

  But given her reaction to my candor last night, it was safe to say she might not feel the same. Maybe she was just scared. Hell, I was scared too, but I wanted her in my life.

  This wasn’t temporary for me. Not anymore.

  I wasn’t sure how we were going to make it work, but we could discuss it later. Today, I just wanted to pretend we had all the time in the world.

  As early morning light filtered through the curtains, I did something I’d never done before: I called in sick.

  Lovesick counted as an illness, right? It had to be legit, because the way I felt was downright disturbing. Every time I thought about my numbered days with Estelle, my stomach felt like it was in knots.

  I sent a text to Steve.

  Me: I’m not feeling well and I don’t think I’ll be able to film today.

  Steve: Are you serious? How bad is it?

  Me: Remember the food poisoning you got while we were working with the cat who wouldn’t stop eating clothes?

  Steve: Good God, do I ever.

  I could almost imagine his sour expression at the reminder of the time he and half the crew got lunch from a taco van in Arizona. They were out of commission for two days.

  I wasn’t asking for much—all I wanted was twenty-four uninterrupted hours with Estelle.

  Steve: I guess we’ll have to do as much as we can without you today. We can get more interviews done.

  Shit.

  Me: I think Estelle’s sick too. She and I ordered food from the same takeout place last night.

  Steve: Damn it. We’re going to be set back a whole day.

  Me: If I feel better this afternoon, I’ll try to do a couple follow-up visits with the adoptees.

  The suggestion wasn’t a lie. Going to see Cindy at Nikki’s would make Estelle’s day, and I’d get to see my family. Win-win.

  Steve: Oka
y. I’ll let everyone know.

  Shifting, Estelle sighed. I wondered if my movements had woken her, but when I looked down, her eyes were still closed, those long lashes resting against her cheeks. Her breathing evened out before hitching again.

  I set the phone back on the nightstand and held her tighter.

  She let out a quiet moan, her hand clenching, digging her fingernails into my chest. Her hips jerked slightly, causing her soft pussy to rub against my thigh. Another whimper followed a gasp.

  A sex dream? Fuck yes.

  My morning wood became a raging hard-on. What was happening inside that pretty little head of hers? Was it me between her legs? I sure as shit hoped so.

  “Emruffft.” She sighed. My name on her lips wasn’t fully formed. Close enough, though. It told me what I needed to know—she was dreaming about me.

  Estelle’s thigh came up, crossing over the lower half of my body. Smooth skin caressed my balls.

  “Fuck,” I whispered, my erection trapped between her leg and my stomach.

  Estelle let out a long humming noise before climbing on top of me. Wild hair covered my chest and she buried her face by my neck.

  As her breathing evened out again, every inhale made her body rock back and forth, and my dick grazed her slick entrance.

  Fuuuuck.

  She wiggled her hips and the tip slipped inside her heat.

  That woke her up.

  Although she didn’t lift her head, her body went rigid and her breaths came faster. I ran a hand down her back to let her know I was awake too. I was a little bit sad that our unexpected morning playtime had to end.

  Only it didn’t end.

  Instead of moving off me, she tilted her hips up then pushed down. She was so wet that I slid easily through her tight pussy until my dick was buried halfway inside.

  The sensation was so intense, a string of whispered swear words left my mouth, but I had no idea what I was saying. I’d never been inside someone bare before, and it eclipsed every thought I had inside my brain.

  I didn’t even realize I had shut my eyes until Estelle whispered, “Emery, look at me.”

  I did as she said.

  And seeing her hovering over me—hair mussed up from sleep, pupils dilated—made my heart thump.

  Brushing the hair out of her face, I rubbed her cheek with my thumb and whispered, “Hey, beautiful. I see you.”

  Her mouth dropped open and she blinked. “You’re still here.”

  My lips quirked up. “We’re playing hooky today.”

  “Really?” Smiling, she shifted slightly, causing the most unbelievable friction on my cock.

  “Estelle.” I licked my lips and tried to form coherent words. “No condom.”

  Biting her lip, she appeared conflicted. “I’ve never had sex without one. It feels different. Like, really-fucking-good different.”

  “Yeah,” I grunted as she swiveled her hips, pushing me deeper. “So fucking good.”

  “Your skin is so hot… so smooth.” Her walls clenched around me.

  I gasped. “Shit. I don’t want to stop.”

  She stilled. “Neither do I. I have an IUD. And I’m clean. You?”

  I nodded.

  “And—” Estelle hesitated, glancing away.

  Placing my finger under her chin, I tilted her face toward me. “And what?”

  “And we’re not with anyone else, right? We’re monogamous.” Her cheeks pinked. “For the time being, I mean.”

  Maybe it was a good time to have that talk. The one where I told her she was mine and I was hers, end of discussion.

  “Estelle, I don’t want anyone else,” I stated, my tone certain.

  “Okay.” She gave me a naughty smile. Then she began to move, and any speech I could have prepared about all the ways we’d be good together flew out the window.

  Letting out a long groan, my back bowed off the bed as my fingers dug into her hips.

  I felt everything. Her heat, her slickness, her silky walls gliding over every inch of my dick. It was too much.

  “Baby,” I rasped. “Oh, shit. You’re so fucking good.”

  She kissed my neck. “Tell me when you’re gonna come, okay?”

  Making a sound of agreement, I nodded.

  It was the first time she’d ever been on top. I loved being the one in control, but this was awesome.

  I let her ride me. Let her use my body. Her nipples grazed my chest as she ground herself on me, rubbing her clit on my pelvic bone.

  I palmed fistfuls of her ass, completely lost in her.

  So wet.

  Hot.

  Tight.

  So fucking intimate.

  I wanted this. Just her skin and mine. We were completely connected. From now on, I didn’t want any barriers between us.

  Sitting up, Estelle’s arm went behind her and she lightly grabbed my balls. My hips jerked.

  I pressed the heel of my palm to her clit. I needed her to get there. Now.

  Estelle rocked faster until her body stiffened above me. Throwing her head back, she let out a strangled moan. Even as her orgasm subsided, she didn’t slow her pace and I couldn’t hold back any longer.

  “Now,” I grunted. “I’m gonna come.”

  I was about to roll us over so I could pull out and come on her stomach, but she lifted off me. Quickly scooting down my body, she sucked my cock into her mouth.

  My hand went to her hair and my hips bucked, fucking the inside of her warm mouth. I came with a shout as I watched her swallow my cum down.

  Shocked, I gaped at her. Panting. Speechless.

  “That was so much fun.” She sat up with a naughty grin, primly wiping at the corners of her mouth.

  Holy fuck, she was dirty.

  Calling in sick was one of the best decisions I’d made in a long time.

  CHAPTER 19

  ESTELLE

  “This is Nikki’s place,” Emery said, pointing to the two-story suburban home at the end of the cul-de-sac.

  Parking my jeep out front, I observed the immaculate lawn, the cute blue shutters, and a couple chairs on the wraparound porch. Four pumpkins sat outside the door, and I couldn’t help noticing one had a cat face carved in it. I caught a flash of light-orange fur in the bay window.

  “This house is adorable.” I smiled. “Cindy’s got it made.”

  “I’m sure she’s having the time of her life,” Emery agreed.

  As we walked up the front steps, I couldn’t help feeling overwhelmed.

  This was the second time Emery was taking me to a family event. Not exactly something you do in a fuck-buddy arrangement.

  And he wasn’t shy about being affectionate, even when we were in public. He was constantly holding my hand and finding ways to touch me. It seemed like now that the cameras weren’t around, he wasn’t holding back at all.

  Honestly, it scared the shit out of me.

  Everything about us was starting to feel real. Too real.

  I couldn’t fall for a TV star. Out of all the stupid, crazy things I’d done in my life, that would be at the top of the list.

  “You okay?” Emery asked before ringing the doorbell. “Nervous about seeing Cindy?”

  I shook my head.

  “What is it then? You’re walking all stiff.” His eyes scanned my body and he lowered his voice. “You didn’t put on underwear for this, did you? Honestly, it’s not worth the wedgie. No one would know if you were going commando.”

  Laughing, I shoved at his shoulder. “Be serious. Of course I’m not wearing panties.”

  He let out a sexy growl. “Of course not.”

  Stepping closer, his hand gripped my waist before his thumb slipped under my white sweater. The goosebumps on my skin had nothing to do with the chill in the air.

  The moment was broken when the door swung open and Lizzie came flying out.

  “Uncle E!” she squealed, launching herself at Emery. He caught her and gave her a big bear hug until she complained through giggles that she could
n’t breathe.

  What was it about seeing men with kids that was such a turn on? It was like a mainline straight to my libido.

  Then again, everything Emery did was sexy. It was becoming a problem, just like my too-real feelings for him.

  After getting inside, Cindy greeted me with a sniff and a purr before curling up on Lizzie’s lap. Emery introduced me to Nikki’s husband, Tom. Tall and lanky, with glasses and reddish hair, he had an endearing geeky vibe. It totally matched up with the fact that he was a sixth-grade science teacher.

  Nikki hooked her arm with mine. “Estelle, would you like to help me in the kitchen?”

  Uh-oh. I knew what that meant. Clearly, that was woman-code for ‘I’d like to talk to you alone.’

  “Sure,” I agreed reluctantly.

  She’d seemed super nice last week at my apartment, but that was before Emery and I were involved.

  Nikki gave me the task of putting together the salad while she sliced a ham she’d gotten out of the oven.

  I thought maybe she would immediately start grilling me about what my intentions were with her baby brother, but she didn’t. We were working side by side when she spoke.

  “I just wanted to take a second to thank you for Cindy.”

  “You’re welcome.” I scooped up the chopped tomatoes and dumped them into the bowl. “But it’s me who should be thanking you.”

  “A cat with a cleft lip.” Nikki laughed lightly, shaking her head. “What are the odds, huh? As you can imagine, Lizzie is self-conscious about her appearance. Having a friend who’s just like her has done wonders for her self-esteem.”

  “You have no idea how happy I am to hear that. It’s like they were meant for each other.”

  “Speaking of meant for each other,” she started, “he likes you a lot.”

  “Who does?” I knew exactly who she was talking about.

  “My brother.”

  “Oh. Yeah, he’s really great,” I said, proud of myself for not adding in bed at the end of that sentence. I didn’t think his sister would appreciate the joke.

  “I mean, he really likes you. As in, completely crazy about you.”