Stay with Me [Brook Hollow 2] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Lee Rose

  He fell to his knees with wonder and she felt proud she pleased him. He tore her thong, throwing it on the floor with the rest of her clothes. He tore his shirt off and she caressed his hard tanned chest. “You are so sexy, Abel.”

  He grinned and kicked his pants off. He placed one of her thighs over the back of the couch, making her feel vulnerable to his view of her most intimate body part. She could feel the moisture pooling between her thighs. The air did nothing to drown the fire. His eyes eating her up made her feel hotter.

  “I swear you are a witch, Mia. You have put a spell on me.” He ran his hands all over her body. When he reached her backside, he spanked her bare ass quickly, surprising her. She narrowed her eyes at him, but then he kissed her and she forgot to be mad. It had felt kind of good anyway.

  He quickly rolled a condom over his cock, which was hard again. He entered her quick and hard but she didn’t care. She wanted him with every fiber of her being. She grabbed on to his waist and rode the wild wave. He pumped in and out of her pussy so fast and hard all she could do was hang on. She moaned with pleasure. “Oh yes, Abel. Harder. So good.”

  “I knew you were wild, Mia. You hide it well,” he whispered.

  She wanted to tell him it was him. Only he made her feel this way. No other man, not even Frank, had made her feel so wild, so eager to please.

  The couch moved with the power of his thrusts, but Mia gladly went with it. It was amazing. This man touched her body and soul like no other. She just wished she had a clue how he felt. Was she just a body to satisfy his needs? She ignored her insecurities and let the waves wash over her and take her to another plane of existence. Right now, right here, Abel was here with her and only her.

  * * * *

  Mia hugged Gwen tightly for the second time. They had picked her up from the airport, which was a good thirty minutes away from Brook Hollow. “I can’t believe you’re finally here, Gwen.”

  Gwen laughed with happiness. She eyed Mia up and down and nodded with satisfaction. “You look so good, Mia, happy and healthy. The sadness is gone. I am so excited to finally be here. I was marking the days off the calendar.”

  She hugged her aunt, eyeing her over. “Aunt Becky, I swear you don’t age. I hope I inherit your genes.”

  Becky laughed and led the girls outside to where she parked her car. “Oh, sugar, you just said the right words to make me feel big-headed.”

  They put Gwen’s two heavy suitcases in Becky’s trunk. “Good Lord, girl. How much clothes did you bring?” Becky grunted as she lifted one.

  “A lot. You know me.” Gwen shrugged getting in the car. “I haven’t been here since I was in high school. I don’t remember there being clothes stores, so I wanted to be prepared for all occasions. I know there is a bar and I am curious about it. Plus, Mia tells me Becky’s Brews is quite the trendy place to hang out. I must dress to impress.”

  “We have a women’s boutique now,” Becky added as she drove to Brook Hollow. “Plus, Italian restaurants and Chinese food. A lot has changed.”

  “A theater, too,” Mia added, looking out at the scenery along the long stretch of highway that led to Brook Hollow. She thought about Abel and their first date. She felt her insides turn into mush just thinking about him. She couldn’t wait to gush over him with Gwen. Becky knew she went out with Abel a few times, but Mia didn’t think she knew Abel often came over late at night to make love to her. She wasn’t sure if they were hooking up casually or not. He never said much, besides telling her she was sexy and beautiful. She didn’t want to be pushy either, so she decided to relax and go with the flow.

  He knew Gwen was coming to visit Becky, but he wasn’t aware of how close Mia and Gwen were. Mia had not confided in him about her problems in New York or about Frank. She felt guilty, and longed to talk with him about it all. She hated keeping secrets from him but for now it was necessary. Hopefully Mitch was right and Frank had moved on, forgetting all about Mia. She hated lying to Abel, but how could she blurt out, oh by the way I lied about my name and purpose for being here. That would not go well, she was sure. Jessy often dropped little hints saying Abel had been hurt in the past and had trust issues because of it. As far as Jessy and Lincoln knew, Mia and Abel had gone to the movies and had lunch. They didn’t know much else. Mia prayed all of this mess with Frank would be resolved soon. She wanted honesty between her and Abel.

  * * * *

  “No date tonight, Romeo?” Lincoln teased his brother.

  Jessy shook her head and swatted Lincoln’s arm. “Leave your brother alone Lincoln.”

  She turned to Abel. Her smile was wide and happy. “I like Mia a lot. She is a sweetheart.”

  Abel felt uncomfortable talking about Mia still. His feelings for her were growing, but he was still weary, too. He was trying to keep things casual and not mention feelings besides lust. At times he could see the sadness in her eyes, like she wanted to talk about labels and feelings. He would make up an excuse and leave. He felt like a dickhead but he was dealing with a lot of fears still. “We’re friends, good friends.”

  “With benefits?” Lincoln had no boundaries. Abel was willing to kill his younger brother right now, but they were in a crowded restaurant. They were waiting for their pepperoni and mushroom pizza.

  Lincoln laughed and put his arm around Jessy. He took a swallow of his beer. “It’s okay, bro. I’m just pulling your chain. I like Mia, too. I am glad you’re putting yourself out there instead of doing your lone wolf routine. Hopefully it grows into something meaningful.”

  Before Abel could reach across the table and strangle Lincoln, a feminine familiar voice behind him spoke. “Fancy seeing you here, Abel.”

  Abel groaned silently. Jane Lopez. He gave her a polite smile he’d give any citizen. She wore a classic black dress with pearls. Did the woman ever dress casually? He liked Mia and her jeans. He wasn’t afraid to grab Mia and kiss her. Jane was just too perfect and too proper. “Hello, Jane.”

  “I was just with your mother today. We had lunch.” She gave him her usual glance from head to toe and he felt nothing but discomfort. She didn’t try to hide her interest in him, but he didn’t desire her or even like her much. She walked around so conceited and ready to gossip about people with her friends who were just like her. “Hey, Lincoln.” She ignored Jessy completely, but Jessy just smiled and said hello anyway. Abel wanted to laugh.

  Without waiting for an invitation, Jane pulled a chair out and sat down right next to him. “I am waiting for my date. We’re supposed to meet here at six. It’s so awkward waiting by the door all alone.” She pouted and ran her hand down his arm. What was he supposed to say? He was the sheriff so he had to be polite.

  “Parking is bad here. I am sure he will be here any minute.”

  Jane looked smug and scooted her chair closer to his. She clung to his arm and smiled. Her lips were a bright red, but he preferred Mia’s soft pink lips that always tasted so sweet.

  Abel turned toward the door hoping her date was here and would take him off of his hands. Instead, he saw Mia enter with another taller blonde woman around her age. He remembered Mia telling him she was going to pick up Becky’s niece from the airport. Mia turned and made eyes contact with him. Her blue eyes landed on Jane and her hands clinging to his arm. Damn, this was awkward as hell. What if Mia made a scene and caused people to gossip about him being caught between two women? Jane would definitely milk it if it made the spotlight shine on her. He waited with his breath held in. Mia pointed to a booth by the other side of the restaurant away from him. Her friend nodded, unaware of anything going on. Abel watched Mia walk away. He should feel happy about it, knowing she had the right to feel hurt. Although they had not even talked about being exclusive, he had spent the last week with her making love to her. Part of him was a little miffed she had not come over to stake a claim. How crazy was that? Women made you crazy. Did he really want to get seriously involved with another woman? Hadn’t he learned his lesson? Keep things casual, Ramirez, he cha
nted in his head over and over.

  Chapter Eight

  Mia and Gwen sat on the porch of her small cottage. The night air was cool but they both had jackets on and enjoyed the weather. Thanksgiving was in a week. Mia couldn’t believe how fast time went by here. They had planned a simple Thanksgiving dinner for the three of them. Mia was just happy to have Gwen here. She missed her so much.

  “It’s way too quiet, Mia,” Gwen complained, looking at the night sky. “How do you stand it? No sirens, no traffic. Ugh.”

  Mia laughed. “I couldn’t sleep at first but now I enjoy it. I like going to the store and recognizing the girl behind the cash register and having her call me by name. This town grows on you.”

  Mia felt Gwen’s eyes on her and she knew she shocked her friend. Mia was the city girl who claimed she’d never leave New York. “I was hoping you’d think about coming home with me, Mia.”

  Mia’s heart felt conflicted. The first person to enter her head was Abel. She had been so hurt by seeing him with another woman at the restaurant earlier. She had plastered a smile on her face and enjoyed her dinner with Gwen. Was she ready to give up on him? Jessy had mentioned he had been hurt a few years ago without going into many details. Jessy told her to be patient. Was Abel worth it? Getting hurt was no picnic. Frank had been unable to stay faithful. Was it Mia or just men?

  Gwen broke the silence. “Your silence is making me scared.”

  Mia sighed loudly. “Part of me does want to go home, although I am afraid it is too soon. What if I run into Frank and he starts his crap all over again? I was slowly going crazy with that situation.”

  “I can see that, but I get the feeling there is more to this?” Gwen asked.

  “I met a man and I like him a lot,” Mia said softly. It felt good to say it out loud. “I know the timing is bad. I tried to resist what I felt but it was impossible. I am not sure what he feels besides lust, Gwen. It’s all so confusing.”

  Gwen sat forward, her eyes going wide with shock. “Who is he? You shocked me but this sounds interesting.”

  Mia told Gwen how she almost got mugged at the bar and that was how she met the sheriff, Abel Ramirez. She finished how they had a physical relationship, and thought maybe they had something special until tonight. Seeing him with an elegantly dressed woman made Mia realize that was exactly the type of wife a town sheriff might need. Not one with a stalker and no family.

  “He was there at the pizza place?” Gwen gasped. “You should have pointed him out. I would have marched you up to the table and demanded an explanation. Only an ass would date two women at the same time and not be honest about it.”

  “That’s why I didn’t say anything.” Mia rolled her eyes. “Maybe I was being naïve again. I thought Frank loved me, too. Maybe I am just clueless when it comes to men and who they are. You got lucky with Mitch.”

  “Mitch is great, but our relationship isn’t perfect, Mia.” Gwen startled Mia with her explanation. “He can be controlling and it pisses me off so I rebel and we argue. Then we calm down and talk it out. We compromise. That is why we have been together for two years. It’s hard work at times and I feel like giving up, but then I remember how much I love the idiot.”

  “But he doesn’t hit you or cheat on you,” Mia said sadly, thinking of Frank, and now Abel and the brunette beauty sitting next to him. “I’ve haven’t been dating Abel for long and he is already going out with someone else. She clung to him and he sat there just soaking in her adoration. I’m better off on my own. I must be lacking something.”

  “Bullshit, Mia. Call him and demand to know who the hell he was with. I don’t care if he is a sheriff. You deserve better than that shit.” Gwen pulled out her cellphone from her back pocket and handed it to Mia, looking upset. “Call him.”

  Mia pushed the phone away and looked at her friend with horror. “No way. I figured I’d just avoid him from now on and concentrate on work. Becky is letting me do some of the boo keeping so I am in the office a lot these days. I have a knack for math. Who knew?”

  Gwen wasn’t letting it go, however. She googled Abel’s home number and dialed. Mia gasped out loud and reached for the phone. Gwen got up and ran across the yard toward Becky’s back porch. She had a smirk on her face.

  “I am going to hurt you, Gwen,” Mia muttered with genuine feeling.

  Gwen smiled. “Yes, is this Abel Ramirez? Good. You don’t deserve my best friend, Mia. So if you are a cheater, keep walking, asshole.” Gwen hung up, looking superior.

  Mia covered her mouth, looking around the yard as if he would pop out of the bushes at any minute. “He is the sheriff, Gwen. Are you crazy?”

  “What is he going to do? Arrest me for being honest? Let him try.” Gwen shrugged and yawned. “I am tired. Hitting the hay, Mia. See you in the morning.”

  Mia watched Gwen go in Becky’s back door and shut it. Gwen was staying in Becky’s house since it was larger than Mia’s one bedroom cottage. “I am going to kill her.” Mia stalked to her cottage and went up the porch stairs. She grabbed the two empty glasses and took them inside. She set them in the sink and decided she might as well shower and try to get some sleep. Abel surely would show up at the coffee shop and reprimand her for tonight. Shit. Hopefully she could be strong and resist him and tell him to keep walking like Gwen told him.

  * * * *

  “What the hell, Mia?” Abel said angrily as soon as the door opened. It sure had taken her long enough to answer. Her hair was wet and clung to her face. She had a bright pink robe wrapped around her body, but her feet were bare. He forgot why he was here. She smelled fresh and he felt his body react positively.

  “Abel? I was in the shower. You scared me banging on the door like that.” She had the nerve to look angry at him. Her hands were on her hips, drawing his eyes downward. Her robe was parted enough for him to see her breasts were bare. He ran his fingers through his hair and tried to focus on the lecture he had planned in his head. He had practiced it on the way here. He was going to kindly tell her they needed to put the brakes on whatever they had going on. She was messing with his brain and making it hard to concentrate on his job. His job was everything to him. It was his sanity when Lydia left.

  “Who called me earlier?” He stepped in her living room and closed her front door behind him.

  She blushed, looking anxious and jumpy. Her eyes stayed on the ground. “Oh, that was Gwen, Becky’s niece. She was just being protective of me. She knew I was hurt by seeing you on a date earlier.”

  “You told her about us?” he muttered, trying to stay angry but it was impossible when all he wanted was to scoop her off of her feet and head to the bedroom. She smelled fresh like soap and flowers. He wanted to tear the robe off of her.

  Mia got an angry glint in her eye that he found rather sexy. Her cheeks were a pretty pink. “Are we a secret? Does your other girlfriend know about me? You never invite me out on a double date with your brother. You never mention me meeting your family. Is she why?”

  She sounded so hurt and sad that he couldn’t take it one second longer. He pulled her slight body into his arms and held her tight. He buried his face in her neck and inhaled her sweet scent. “I wasn’t on a date, Mia. That was Jane. She was waiting for her date to show up and invited herself to our table. I couldn’t be rude. My mom likes her a lot, but she is just a friend of the family to me.”

  He leaned down and took her lips in a kiss. Resisting Mia was impossible. He shouldn’t be kissing her, but a tornado couldn’t tear him from her right now. She tasted minty. Mia didn’t hesitate to open up to him and he took advantage of it. His tongue did a mating dance with hers. He heard her moan and her body leaned against his. He picked her up off of her feet and headed for the bedroom. His mind reminded him he was here to break things off with her, but his body had other ideas. A small lamp was on in her bedroom. He practically tore the robe off of her, leaving her nude. Her small breasts were perky and inviting. His hands went right to them and he cupped them softly. “I n
eed you, Mia. I’ve missed you these last few days but work is piling up on me.”

  She nodded silently and helped him take off the old gray t-shirt he had been wearing. He had been lying in bed watching the news with Roscoe when her friend had called and told him off. Had Mia planned it with her? At this moment he didn’t care. His jeans came off next and his cock sprang out with excitement. It was hard and eager to sink into Mia’s warm and soft body.

  He forgot everything except making love to Mia. Before he could blink, they were sprawled on the bed, hands everywhere and mouths connected. He feasted on her breasts and felt his cock twitch with need and want. He was as hard a rock. Mia’s hands were all over his body as if she was excited to stroke every square inch of his body. Her excitement added fuel to the flames, and soon it was an out of control inferno. Luckily, he had gotten into the habit of carrying a condom since dating Mia. He was glad now. He tore it open with his teeth and rolled it onto his hard penis.

  “You drive me wild, Abel.” Mia groaned as his cock entered her slick pussy. There was no playful foreplay tonight, no laughter, just a desperate need to be inside of her. He felt wild and out of control.

  “You make me feel this way,” he assured her.

  Her eyes were narrow with desire and her lips parted in a sexy manner as she let out sweet soft cried of ecstasy. He pumped his cock in and out of her body, feeling like it was never enough. He gripped her hips to hold her still. Her body was bucking up as if she too wanted closer, deeper. He looked down and her breast shook to the rhythm of his fast pace and it made him hornier. Her nails dug into his skin but the sting spurred him on to go harder and faster. “Shit, Mia. You’re gonna kill me, but I can’t even feel bad about it.”

  She giggled but held on to him harder, biting his shoulder with her teeth. “God, I don’t want this to end yet, Abel. I want it to keep going and going.”