Casting Stones (Stones Duet #1)

by L. M. Carr

  “Tits? Oh, that’s awful! I hate that word!” With much success, I squirm to get out of his hold.

  “What? Why?”

  “I don’t know. It’s derogatory. It makes me feel like a piece of meat or something.”

  He chuckles at my words as he lowers his head to kiss my breast.

  “Call them what you want. They’re perfect.”

  The sound of keys jiggling at the back door sends me scrambling to stand and reaching for my discarded work shirt.

  “What happened?” Shane’s fingertips graze my shoulder where the purple mark is fading. The concern drips from his voice.

  “Nothing.” I slip my shirt on over my head.

  “It doesn’t look like ‘nothing.’”

  “I’m fine,” I reply as I tuck my shirt in.

  I turn to find Jenna walking in with Lenny following closely behind her. His left index finger is wrapped in bulky, white gauze.

  “Lenny! Are you okay?” I ask, taking his hand in mine.

  “Oh yeah, nothing a couple of stitches couldn’t fix.”

  Jenna’s eyebrows shoot up in disbelief as she mouths the word, “Fifteen.”

  I don’t know how Lenny is going to manage this place for a few days until his finger is healed up.

  A high-pitched whistle slips through Lenny’s thin lips. “Looks good in here,” he says, appraising Shane’s work.

  “It was all him. I can’t take any credit.” I throw my hands up in the air.

  Shane rolls his eyes, “Don’t let her fool you. It was both of us.”

  Jenna’s eyes dart between the two of us.

  Lenny tells us that his brother-in-law is going to help out for a while as he inspects the grease bins that have been emptied and wiped clean.

  “You ever cook before?” he asks Shane.

  “I worked at a restaurant back home all throughout high school and then I cooked a little in the service.”

  “Marines?”

  “No, sir. Army.”

  Lenny nods his head as he lifts the sleeve of his white T-shirt, displaying a faded eagle tattoo with the words, “82nd Infantry Division” underneath. I’ve never seen Lenny look as proud as he does right now.

  “Nice,” Shane says. I wait for him to show the tat around his bicep, but he doesn’t.

  There’s an awkward lull when all conversation stops.

  “Well Len, if you’re all set, I’m going to head home.” Jenna says, looking at the time on the clock.

  “I’m good. Go on home. I’ll need you in early tomorrow though.”

  “What? Why?”

  “I lost a day’s wage and so did you.” Lenny grins.

  “No way! You are so paying me for today! I took you to the hospital and stayed with you while you whimpered like a baby when they stitched you up!”

  “I didn’t whimper.”

  “You absolutely whimpered,” she objects.

  Jenna looks at Shane and says a quick goodbye before she pulls me in for a hug, whispering in my ear, “So did you do it?”

  I tense, wondering how she knows I almost had sex with Shane a few minutes ago. “What?” I ask.

  “Oh, come on! Did you or not?”

  “Did I do what?”

  “Kiss the cook.” She laughs and releases me.

  My face turns pink. “Goodbye, Jenna.”

  I want to do a whole lot more than just kiss the damn cook.

  “Bye, Lenny.See you Monday.” I wave as I wheel my bike through the back door while Shane follows closely behind. His laughter in response to something Lenny whispered piques my curiosity.

  “What was that about?” I ask, keeping the bike between us as a barrier. I would’ve hoped that my desire for him would have been quashed when Lenny and Jenna came in, but seeing Shane stand there, so confident and sexy, has me ready to drag him to the nearest corner in the alley.

  He shakes his head and smiles at me, resisting the urge to laugh again. “Can’t tell you. I promised him.”

  “You’re going to keep a secret from me?” I feign being deeply hurt and clutch at my chest. “I’m wounded.”

  He gives nothing in return but a grin from ear to ear. I love that grin. It’s cute and playful.

  “Fine! I can keep secrets, too.” I swing my leg over and straddle the bike frame.

  “That’s not fair. He made me promise.” He moves to stand in front of me so I can’t move forward.

  “Well, I can promise that you’ll never know what I can do with my tongue.” I raise my chin contentiously.

  “I know very well what that sweet tongue can do, little thief.” The proximity of his face makes me close my eyes and tilt my head, preparing for the soft touch of his lips.

  He presses his lips against mine, letting his tongue slip out and lick my bottom lip. “So sweet.” He pecks my nose and moves back to look at me. I scan his face and chest, taking a moment to appreciate the strong arms that grip the handle bars.

  “What are we doing later since I can never get a Friday night with you?”

  I shiver as a wave of guilt consumes me. I hate keeping him at bay every Friday, but I don’t really have a choice. “I don’t really have any specific plans. Why?”

  “Want to come over to my place? I’ll make you dinner and then we can do something fun.”

  Yes, please! “What’d you have in mind?” My heart speeds up at the thought of having “fun” with him.

  “We could go go-carting or to play mini-golf,” he suggests with complete seriousness. The idea of driving a death trap doesn’t sit well with me and I haven’t been mini-golfing in years. The last time I went was when David took me.

  “Uh… sure, I guess.” I try to hide the disappointment in my voice and fail miserably.

  “You don’t want to go or you don’t want to go out with me?” The apprehension is clear in his tone.

  I laugh. “Of course I want to go out with you! But honestly, I’d rather not do either one of those things.”

  “Why not? Afraid of a little competition?”

  I take a sharp breath in and exhale it. “I don’t know how to drive and the last time I went golfing, the club flew out of my hand and hit some old guy in the back of the head. It was pretty sad actually.”

  “You really don’t know how to drive? I thought you were kidding when you told me that.”

  I give a quick shrug of my shoulders. “Never had the need to drive.”

  “Most kids can’t wait to turn sixteen and get their license…so they can go parking.”

  “Parking?”

  Simultaneous chirps of his phone break our staring contest. He slides his hand into his front pocket to get his phone, but it slips and falls to the broken concrete. I watch him move quickly to pick it up and notice two names on the screen: Leslie and Mia. An unexpected and unfamiliar flash of jealousy spikes within me when I see the second name. I know Leslie is his sister, but he has never mentioned anyone named Mia and by the expression on his face, I can tell she’s important to him.

  Instead of checking the messages, he slides the phone back into his pocket and catches me staring at him. His hands grip the handle bars and he brings his face close to mine again. “I’ll get you at six.”

  Panic begins to move in, causing my adrenaline to spike and hitch my breathing. “Shane, I’ll meet you somewhere. I live across town and we know how bad traffic is on the weekends.” I offer instead of giving him my address.

  “Remy, I said I’ll pick you up.”

  “And I said we’ll meet.” I answer defiantly.

  He narrows his eyes on me. “Why are you being difficult? I’m going to go to your house eventually you know.”

  “Difficult? I’m not being difficult.” I lower my lying eyes.

  “Yes, you are, but I’ll give in…this time.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Tell me where you want to meet.”

  I glance at my watch, realizing that I haven’t talked to my mother in a few hours. “I’ve got to go.” Slow
ly I back my bike up so I can go around him.

  “Where are we meeting?” He steps back.

  “I’ll text you in a bit.” I shout back over my shoulder as I begin to pedal away. I can’t get away from him fast enough. The things he does to my heart and body drive me crazy. Crazy with interest. Crazy with desire. Just looking at his hands and arms causes a delicious sensation below; I would probably orgasm on the spot if I saw the rest of him.

  THE APARTMENT IS quiet when I walk in as I glance around for any sign that my mother is home. I open and close the few doors, calling her name until I confirm that I am alone. I undress quickly and shower, allowing my hands to wander freely over myself. With a towel wrapped around my body, I open the mirrored cabinet door and lather myself with body lotion. I spritz perfume into the air, letting it coat my skin lightly before I throw on a pair of jeans, a flowing shirt and my sneakers. Shane has been relentless with his text messages, insisting that he pick me up. After our playful banter, I relent and give him the address where we can meet. I don’t mind the quick walk a few blocks away.

  I sit on the concrete steps of the apartment building to wait for him, wrapping the pea coat around my body to ward off the chill in the air. Without the extra layer of protection against the cool temperature, I instantly regret not grabbing the beanie Candy knitted for me last Christmas. That’s one thing I hate about the Northeast; one day it’s nearly eighty and then next, the temperature plummets to forty degrees. When I get the chance, my plan is to move some place where the weather is always warm but not too hot.

  The sound of a loud truck pulls me from the thoughts of open, green fields and endless rolling hills that float around in my mind. Shane looks over and spots me. I stand, brush off the back of my pants and wave, but he continues on. My eyes follow the pickup truck until it pulls to the side of the road, finding an empty spot between a car and a fire hydrant.

  Quickly, he cuts off the engine, hops out and begins to make his way towards me. He has the most ridiculous grin on his face. And for some strange reason, I find myself grinning back at him. With purposeful strides, he shortens the distance between us until he’s mere inches away. I pull my gaze from his handsome face as my eyes involuntarily close. I inhale deeply but slowly, savoring the smell of his cologne. It’s not too strong, but it’s clean and masculine. Beneath a black leather jacket, a button-down shirt fits perfectly around his sculpted chest and his jeans, dark but weathered, grip his thighs. He looks delicious and I lick my lips slowly before reopening my eyes.

  “Do you know how gorgeous you look just sitting there on the steps?”

  “I’m not gorgeous.” I look down feeling slightly embarrassed by his flattering remark.I’ve heard those words a thousand times, but coming from his lips seems…complimentary instead of derogatory.

  “You are. Don’t argue with me.”

  I look up to challenge him but am silenced when his mouth comes crashing against mine. One hand cups my jaw while the other snakes around to my back, pulling my body flush against his. He moans his pleasure when I reach behind and lace my fingers around his waist.

  As if long lost lovers, our tongues reunite and greet one another. I’ve been kissed before but nothing has ever felt like this. With the swirling motion of his tongue, the circular mint slips into my mouth as he makes silent promises, sending me into a crazed frenzy. My hand slides down lower down to the back of his jeans and I give a hard squeeze when I’ve reached my intended target. Again, he moans his pleasure.

  “My God. You drive me insane. I can’t wait to taste you.”

  A quick frisson travels through me.

  His tongue finds my neck and small kisses trail a line up to my ear. “Are you going to invite me up?”

  I hear his words; my body isn’t listening because I simply hum in response.

  I turn my face to meet his lips once again. With his lips pressed against mine, he smiles before finally giving me the opportunity to breathe.

  “Are we going to stand here or are we going up those stairs into your bed?”

  Oh God! My wanton body desires his touch, begs for the erection pressing into my belly, but I don’t think the tenants would want two strangers knocking on their door, asking to come in and use a bedroom.

  He must sense my hesitancy, but I’m sure he wouldn’t understand my reasoning. “Remy?”

  I offer a swift shake of my head as the word, “No” slips through my lips. I step back, widening the space between us.

  “Did I offend you? I didn’t mean to disrespect you.” Shane kisses my forehead and utters an unnecessary apology for his forwardness on the sidewalk where the neighbors or even my parents might be watching.

  “I’m a big girl, Shane. No one’s looking out for me.”

  “I’ll look out for you.” Another quick kiss is placed on my forehead.

  “Besides, I don’t want your parents to think I’m taking advantage of you before I’ve met them.” I bite my lip to curb the words that I want to scream about how meeting my parents will never happen. Hell, I’ve never even meet my father.

  I need to change the subject and I need to change it fast. I walk along the sidewalk until I hear his voice.

  “Hey,” he calls, stopping at the side of the truck. “This is me.”

  “Typical,” I mumbles through a smile as I stand there waiting for him to unlock the door.

  He leans down to whisper in my ear. “What’s that supposed to mean?” I shiver at his proximity. “You don’t like my truck?”

  “It’s just a really big truck. I mean look at the tires. They’re almost as tall as I am.” My cheek rises in a small, playful smirk when he turns to grin at me. His beautiful blues drop to my mouth. His lips are so close to mine. I can’t bear the temptation any longer.Slowly, he eases forward and touches my lips with his own as he licks my glossy lips. My mouth opens and my head falls to the side while his tongue peeks out and finds mine. The remnant of the mint lands on his tongue.

  “Thief!” I smile.

  What starts as a soft and gentle kiss between friends becomes a desperate need of desire only to be satisfied by a lover.

  “Where are we going in that monster truck of yours?”

  He roars loudly with laughter and I love the sound of it. “Monster truck?”

  “It’s huge!” I counter, opening my eyes wide for emphasis.”

  “You should see how it maneuvers through wet and slippery terrain.” His eyes sparkle with humor.

  I feel a sudden throbbing feeling surge through me as I get the impression he is no longer talking about his vehicle.

  “Well, lucky for you, we have a clear night with no sign of rain. Dry as a bone.” I climb in and slam the door shut as he walks around the front of the truck, smirking at me.

  “Those are for you.” He tips his chin toward the bouquet of flowers.

  I smile at him. “You’re a good guy. Thank you!”

  “And you’re a beautiful girl.” He leans over and kisses me quickly.

  I’m a little surprised he knows the streets and highways so well for just having moved here recently. Boston is my home; I know it like the back of my hand. I find myself watching him and he taps the steering wheel, keeping the beat to a song I’ve never heard.

  “What?” he asks.

  I simply smile and reply, “Nothing.”

  He signals and takes the next exit, bringing us to an area I know well but haven’t traveled to in so long. I spent almost four years of my life here every day. It was one of the places I always felt safe. If all goes as planned, I’ll be back here in January.

  The truck comes to a stop in the middle of the vacant parking lot. I glance around at the tall fixtures that provide light. I eye him curiously, wondering what we’re doing at Fenway High School.

  “Shane, what are you planning?”

  “Planning? I don’t really have a plan other than to teach you how to drive.”

  “What?” I gasp loudly. “You want to teach me how to drive? Are you craz
y? I’ll crash your monster truck!’

  “I’m a very good teacher.”

  I roll my eyes, “Didn’t you say you were a Physical Education teacher?”

  “I did,” he confirms. “And I was very good.”

  I snicker sarcastically.

  “I taught my students lots of things.”

  Another snicker escapes.

  “I taught them about physiology of their bodies and how to be in constant control of every movement including hand-eye coordination.”

  I swallow nervously, wondering what it would have been like if I had a hot P.E. teacher like him. I’m sure the teenage girls are wild about him.

  “You make it sound so…dirty.”

  “Teaching football players the importance of body control is dirty? Hmmm…I didn’t peg you for a pervert.” He opens his door, steps out and walks around the front of the truck before yanking the passenger door open wide. I want to kiss his playful expression.

  “Pervert? I’m not a pervert! You’re the one talking about knowing their bodies and being in control!” I swing my legs over and wedge my way through the doorframe and his body.

  He closes the space before I make it through; I find myself lodged in a wonderfully delicious predicament. His face moves forward and comes to a stop. He’s so close I can feel his breath on my face. “On the field, Remy. I was talking about the football field.”

  Oh, he’s such a liar! I want to call his bluff, but he steps back and lets me pass. I walk around the front of the truck, keeping my eyes pinned on his.

  I climb into the driver’s seat and feel so small, almost inadequate. Lord knows the few times Simon tried to teach me how to drive have been nothing short of disastrous.

  “Adjust the seat and the mirrors so you can see all around you.”

  “Adjust the seat? How do I do that?”

  He tells me about the lever on the side, but I can’t seem to locate it.

  Without warning, his massive body covers mine when he leans over to press the button, raising the entire seat. “Better?” he asks as he slowly moves back into the passenger seat.

  I gulp. “Yeah, thanks.”

  Once the mirrors have been adjusted properly and I’m given a detailed explanation about the mechanics of the gas pedal and brake, I shift into drive. The huge truck roars to life as if it were a caged animal finally being released. With both feet, I abruptly slam down on the brake, thrusting us forward as the seat belt strains against across our chests. “Sorry.”