by Anthology
I might fuck with him, but West is one of the best guys I know. I’ve known him since he worked at my father’s golf course as a teenager, and he’s always been a stand-up guy. My sister couldn’t have picked a better man as her husband, and he proves it time and again.
"Calm down, dude, I’m halfway there. It’s gonna be late before I roll into town, though. Do you want me to stop by and grab the key for the apartment?"
"Nah, Alex gets so tired, and my girls need their rest. The next few days will be busy, so I don’t want you to come by late and wake her up. I have a tenant living in my old house. You’ll be sharing the driveway with her. Why don’t I give her the key to the apartment and you can just grab it when you get there?"
"Sure thing, West. I’ll see you and Alex tomorrow. Just call your tenant and make sure she knows I’m coming. I don’t want to end up on the business end of a shot gun because some chick thinks I’m a serial killer, coming to feast on her liver."
West laughs in to the phone. "Nah, Annie’s cool. She’ll probably invite you in and try to feed you. I’ll give her a call as soon as I hang up."
My fists burn as I white knuckle the steering wheel. My muscles tense, and the blood pumping through my veins stops cold. Finger by finger, I unfold my hands from the wheel and breathe, slow and deep. It’s a common name. No way in hell it’s her. I have to ask, though. I can’t just let it go.
"Annie who?" I ask in a clipped tone, trying to keep the quiver out of my strained voice.
"Annie Frederick. She’s a school teacher in town …"
I didn’t hear another word West said. The monotonous hum of his voice droned on as my mind flooded with memories of the past. And not the good kind. Annie’s a memory I buried deep down and make sure to never let it come up for air. Air would only feed the fire, and I’d never let her anywhere near my heart again. Not her … not anyone.
I told West to leave the key in the garage. He questioned me, but I gave him some bullshit excuse about being crabby and not wanting to make a bad first impression. No way am I telling him shit about Annie and me. I’d like to keep the brutal stomping of my heart a private matter, fuck you very much.
My tires crunch the patches of ice piling on the driveway as I turn into 202 Sugar Hill Lane. As I park on the side of the red hatchback with the ‘Plant Seeds and Sing Songs’ bumper sticker, I find the weather telling. Ice in Louisiana. Annie always did bring out the extremes in all things.
She was a tornado, swooping into my life and pulling me into her current. The ride was fleeting and intense, full of passion … and something else. At the time, I thought love, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Like all natural disasters, she spit me back onto the dirt, my maimed heart lying beside me, barely pumping.
When our paths crossed at our alumni graduation reception five years ago, I marveled at how we could attend the same college for all those years and never cross paths. Our souls were like opposing magnets, the attraction stronger than either of us could resist. Now, my only regret is ever laying eyes on Annie Frederick. I curse the day I RSVPed for that fucking reception.
I stare at the illuminated window of her house, outlined in multi-colored Christmas lights, not sure if I want a glimpse or not. I don’t. Of course, I don’t.
Long since forgotten anger and hurt fill my chest to the brim, and I know one thing for certain. I’m going to make damn sure she gets a glimpse of me. And I’ll make her so fucking sorry she ever threw me away.
Ho, ho, ho. Merry Christmas.
Chapter Two
Five Years Earlier
Emmett
"Warmer."
I trail my tongue down her neck, loving the erratic pounding of her pulse underneath her flushed skin.
"Warmer," she whispers as I lick her breast bone and pinch her already hard nipples. Her back arches, and a strangled moan tumbles from her lips.
I grab her hips with both hands, pushing her into the bed as my tongue dips into her navel. I pepper open-mouth kisses along the lace of her white panties. She tries to squirm out of my hold, but I tighten my grasp and chuckle.
"You are soooooo warm right now, Emmett. Practically … on … fire." Her words push from her mouth in bursts, head thrown back, her perfect tits pushing up toward the sky.
I’ve never seen anything more beautiful in my life.
"Tell me, sweet Annie," I say as I run a finger under the elastic of her panties back and forth, ever so softly. "Do you want me here?"
She fists the sheets by her head and releases a frustrated sigh. "You know I do. Please, Emmett."
"Good girl." I pull her panties down her legs at a tortuous pace as she squirms. "I love it when you beg."
I push her knees wider and run a finger down her center before following with my tongue. The taste of her, the sound of her breathy moans, the fire crackling just under my skin—it’s a damn miracle I don’t come in my jeans. Everything about Annie intoxicates me … unravels me. I can’t imagine going back to a time where I didn’t know her, even if that was only three days ago.
Three magical, passion-filled days.
My tongue meets her gasps, stroke for stroke, circling her clit as my fingers push into her hot, wet pussy. I can’t wait another minute to bury myself inside her.
"Let me," she whispers as she slips the condom out of my hand. I lose my jeans at lightning speed, and her warm fingers wrap around my cock, pumping slowly as she licks her lips.
I chuckle. "No time for that." I crush my lips to hers as I hear the wrapper tearing. I open my eyes and study every inch of her face … my match. "I need inside, baby. But I want those lips around my cock tonight. Yeah?"
"Oh yeah." She says after suiting me up, laying back on the pillows, and spreading her legs wide for me.
"Jesus … happy graduation to me."
Her infectious giggles are cut short when I enter her in one hard drive. She gasps, wraps her long, luscious legs around my waist, and grinds into me shamelessly, and I swear, I’m king of the world. I drop my forehead to hers, lips brushing, breath intermingling, souls intertwining with every thrust.
"Nothing’s ever felt this way before." My lips brush hers with every word, and I hope she feels the sincerity behind each one. I met Annie on Tuesday, and Monday is a distant memory now. I can’t recall a time when her name, her melodic laugh, or her rich, brown eyes weren’t at the forefront of my mind. What did I even think about before three days ago? It doesn’t make any sense at all, yet it’s the most natural and logical feeling I’ve ever had.
"Nothing’s ever been like this before."
Her confirmation, knowing she feels it, too, ignites an already burning passion inside me. There’s no stopping the blaze as primal need takes over. Nails on skin, teeth on lips, and hearts on sleeves, we tumble over the edge, together.
And there’s nowhere in this world I’d rather be.
Annie
I reach down and swipe my graduation cap off the floor. Emmett’s arms wrap around my waist and pull me back to his chest as I place the cap on my head. I fall back onto the bed with a giggle, then turn to straddle his hips.
"Three orgasms in twelve hours? Best graduation present ever." I look down at his already hardening cock with a raised eyebrow. "Already? Really?"
"What can I say, sweet Annie? When you’re anywhere near me, I have a perpetual hard-on. You should give me your sympathy, woman." His full lips curve into a boyish smirk. "And lots and lots of sex."
I throw my head back and laugh, then pull the graduation cap tighter on my head.
"And I’d like that graduation cap to be a permanent part of your wardrobe. That cap, and nothing else."
He gives my hips a quick squeeze before knifing up to meet my eager lips. They’re both soft and demanding … sweet and erotic. His lips are every single thing I never knew I longed for.
And he leaves for New Orleans tomorrow. Welcome to my life.
I’ve been wasting my heart, marking time, for years on my ‘nothing special,
pass me the remote, babe’ ex-boyfriend, and now that I’ve found someone real and amazing, I can literally count the hours I have left with him. He starts medical school four hours away, and I accepted a teaching position at Live Oak Elementary, right here in good old Providence. It’s unfair … and I don’t want to accept it.
I lean down and brush my lips over his earlobe. "As long as you return the favor, I’ll be your naughty co-ed any day, baby."
His fingers dive into my hair, and he pulls back, his eyes run over my eyes, nose, and lips, memorizing every curve, wrinkle, and line. I feel exposed and exhilarated. I’m hopeful the look in his eyes is the same emotion tattooed on my heart. The feeling of a new love taking root quickly, but permanently.
Four hours isn’t the end of the world, right? Except he’ll be eyeballs deep in bones and cadavers, and I’ll be drowning in lesson plans and grading papers. Who am I kidding? Keeping connected as we start our new careers would be difficult, even if we were in the same city, much less hours away.
But what if we were in the same city? What if I could erase the distance?
There’s no medical school in Providence, but they most certainly have elementary schools in New Orleans. I know it’s crazy, but I resist the urge to search the Orleans Parish School Board website for open positions. I want to run home and fire up my laptop before the logical, rational Annie takes over and ruins the idea.
But I wonder what would happen if I told Emmett what I was thinking. Would I be talking to the spontaneous man brushing his fingers over my breast, my stomach, my … holy moly … or would I be talking to the logical, rational Emmett? Because I’m pretty damn sure the rational Emmett would think I lost my damn mind.
"And while I’d love to be your naughty co-ed right this second, I have an exit interview with my advisor this morning." I swing my leg off of Emmett as he groans, and I swipe my phone off his bedside table. "Ugh!"
Emmett sits up behind me and bites my shoulder playfully. "What’s wrong?"
"What?" I ask, distracted by his closeness. "Oh, I have a doctor’s appointment that I completely forgot about—"
"Cancel it. And come back to me right after your meeting is over."
"No can do. It’s a mandatory physical for my new insurance with the school board. The paperwork is due next week, so I can’t reschedule." I reach around and run my fingers through his messy blond locks. He makes bed head look damn sexy. "I’ll come back this afternoon, though. I’ll even help you pack."
"Sweet Annie, if you’re within ten feet of me, I can assure you, I won’t be packing."
I slide my shirt over my head and search the room for my skirt and shoes. The gentle timbre of his voice and the sight of him tangled in sheets summon me back to bed.
Dammit, focus, Annie!
My flats peek out from under the bed, and Emmett’s greedy hands slide up my skirt as I bend down to get them. I yelp and grab the bedside table for balance as he smacks my ass. He swivels my body around, hand still shoved up my skirt, massaging my stinging cheek.
"Two things."
"Yes," I croak, unnerved by the intensity of his gaze.
"I want you back here tonight. There’s a lot we need to figure out … to discuss." There’s no hint of hesitancy in his expression, and I let my hopes and wishes bubble over.
"Okay," I whisper, rolling my phone over in my nervous hands. I lean down and brush my lips to his, and I can’t resist burying my head in the crook of his neck. His smell … his warmth … his energy — they intoxicate me.
I reluctantly make my way to the door, but turn around for one last look.
"What’s the second thing, Emmett?"
His lips curve into a Cheshire cat grin, and his eyes twinkle with mischief. "Ask your doctor about birth control. I want you bare … and soon."
Sweet baby Jesus.
Maybe I’m not the only one thinking of the future…
Chapter Three
Present Day
Emmett
"Mmmmmm, I’m not ready to leave yet, Emmett. I’m not done with you yet." Her saccharine voice grates my nerves, and I keep my revulsion in check as red, most definitely fake, nails scrape down my stomach, to the button of my jeans. Come to think of it, I’m pretty sure the word ‘fake’ sums up this chick nicely. Nails, tits, hair … the whole shebang. Plastic and pompous.
What the fuck was her name? Christy? Candy? Eh, what difference does it make? This is a ‘one and done’, anyway.
I grab her wrists just as she starts to lower my zipper. Yes, I’m standing in the driveway shirtless and shameless, but even I have my limits.
"Whoa, whoa. Slow your roll, baby." I try to keep the irritation out of my voice as I push her away.
I’m about to peck my lips on the top of her head and get the fuck out of dodge when I hear a door open behind me and the telltale jingling of keys. I’m fucking freezing to death. My nipples are frost bitten pebbles and there’s frost dangling from my nose hairs, but I plaster a charming as hell smile on my face and change my tune in a split second.
I couldn’t have planned it any better if I tried.
I wipe the grimace off my face and grip Christy … Candy … ugh, whoever, by the waist. I pull her in for a kiss with the faint sound of crunching gravel in my ears. I crush my lips to hers and slowly turn her body to give Annie the full show.
Take a peek, sweet Annie. This is what you’ve been missing all these fucking years.
Dick move? Absolutely. But I can’t think of a more worthy recipient of my venom than Annie. When it comes to her, I’ll dish it out and then some.
I pull away and deliver my panty-melting smile. "Mmmmmm, that’s nice."
Her giggle nauseates me, but I power through.
"I’ll see you soon, okay, baby?" I lie, loud enough to be heard by all parties present.
"Mm-kay," she groans as she shimmies down my body. She lowers herself into the car without ever breaking eye contact, and I resist every urge in my body to flick my eyes to Annie. I won’t give her that satisfaction.
The red Mini Cooper pulls out of the driveway with a honk and a wave. I wave back, thrilled she’s leaving.
I turn and face my audience, oddly proud of the spectacle I’ve just made of myself. She’s frozen at the edge of the driveway, purse clutched to her chest. Annie’s eyes are saucers, wide and horrified.
My attention wakes her up, and she jolts slightly. She sneers and shakes her head as she looks me over.
"Care to zip your pants, Emmett? This is a family neighborhood, not skid row, for Christ’s sake."
"What?" I ask with a chuckle and a shrug. "Afraid you may like what you see, Annie?"
She rolls her eyes and hikes the strap of her purse up on her shoulder with a huff. She shakes her head in frustration.
"Mommy, can I bwing Weasley wif me. I pwomise, I won’t let him out in the caw again."
Her voice reminds me of tinkling bells, soft and melodic. She bounds down the stairs, nearly missing a face plant in the grass. Between the oversized pink backpack, the plastic container hiked under her arm, and the wand in her other hand, it’s hard to know what to question first.
Is that a damn rat in that aquarium?
Blonde pigtails with pink ribbons dance on her shoulders as she bounces to the car. Her pink glitter shoes light up with each step and hop.
"That’s fine, Luna. But if Weasley shows up in my lap, I’m opening the car door and helping him make a break for it." Annie narrows her eyes at the little girl and places a hand on her hip. This is obviously her "I mean business" stance.
The little girl … Luna … gasps and stops short at Annie’s warning. "That’s not funny, Mommy!"
"Neither is wrecking the car as I fend off a stir crazy rat. Keep that lid shut tight, little girl."
"Yes, ma’am," Luna says with a mischievous smile. Then she turns those sparkling eyes to me.
Sparkling blue eyes … with blonde pigtails. What the …
"Who aw you?" she asks with a cocked
head and cautious eyes.
The real question, the most important question, is who the hell is she?
Scenarios barreling through my brain paralyze me, keep me silent as she stares, waiting for my answer. Unfortunately, I’ve got nothing. It’s a rare occurrence, but I’m speechless.
Annie jumps into action and takes the rat from Luna. She opens the back door, and after placing the aquarium on the floorboard, she ushers Luna into her seat as quickly as she can.
"That’s no one, baby. He’s staying in the garage apartment for a bit, but he’ll be in and out of our lives before you know it."
Shit … that stings.
"Three days, if I had to guess," I spit back, knowing I hit my intended target when she stops cold, hovering over Luna in her seat.
She straightens and sucks in a breath before shaking her head. From the look of it, she’s trying to rid her mind of any thought of me. While she tries to forget me, my eyes wash over her fully for the first time in five years. Honey-kissed skin, soft and flowing chestnut hair, and doe eyes that make me feel something … everything.
Fuck if she’s not still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. One glance has heat coursing through me, right underneath the surface, begging to burst free. Some things never change … and some fools never learn.
She shuts the back door and walks around the hood of the car, eyes fixed on the keys in her hand. "Like I said, this is a family neighborhood, so I’d appreciate you keeping the crotch shots out of my driveway."
I walk toward her car and wait for more. More of what, I’m not sure, but this conversation doesn’t feel finished to me. Not even close. My hand shoots up and stops her from closing the car door and she huffs at me.
"That’s all you have to say to me right now, Annie? No crotch shots?"
She shuts her eyes for a moment, then slowly lifts them to meet my angry gaze. She looks tired … defeated … fearful.
