Force of Love (Forever and Always #4) (Ryan and Janice)

by Todd, E. L.

  I stared at her for a moment. “Okay. I just don’t want you to be anorexic again.”

  “You don’t have to worry about that,” she said.

  The waiter came over and placed the bill on the table. Before Monnique and Janice could steal it, which I knew they both intended to do, Cortland and I reached out for it. He grabbed it first then pulled it away. I opened my wallet and gave him my card and he placed both of ours into the sleeve.

  Monnique crossed her arms over her chest. “You two are both sexist pigs.”

  Cortland was quiet for a moment. “Is that supposed to offend me?”

  I laughed.

  “It should,” Monnique said.

  Cortland shrugged. “I never denied that allegation. I’m very sexist when it comes to you.”

  She leaned toward Janice. “For the longest time he would wait for me to get off work at the entrance just to walk me to my car after my night shift was over.”

  Janice held her hands to her chest. “Awe.”

  Monnique rolled her eyes. “Not awe.”

  “That’s so cute,” Janice said.

  I placed my arm around Janice. “I would do the same for you, baby.”

  “Well, my car is like ten feet from the entrance. Ten feet,” Monnique said.

  Cortland glared at her. “A lot can happen in ten feet,” he snapped. He stared at her with anger brewing in his eyes. I understood his frustration. It would bother me if Janice walked to her car alone, especially since she was an attractive woman. There are a lot of crazy people out there.

  Monnique finally backed down and dropped the conversation. I thought that was wise. Cortland and I were the same in that respect. We protected our women. It was a bit crazy, but it was better than something horrific happening to them. I knew Sean was the same way with Scarlet. Every time she came to the apartment, Sean escorted her even if he didn’t intend to stay and visit. That always gave me peace of mind.

  We were quiet for a long time until Monnique reached for his hand. “I’m sorry, honeybunny.”

  “It’s okay,” he said.

  “Are you guys ready to go?” I asked.

  Janice nodded as she leaned closer to me. Monnique looked at Cortland, silently asking him what he wanted to do.

  “Let’s hit the road,” Cortland said as he rose from his chair.

  We left the restaurant and returned to Cortland’s car on the street. When we were inside, the girls started chatting again while Cortland and I said nothing in the front.

  Cortland turned down the radio. “Jason wants to go out tomorrow.”

  “Where?” I asked.

  “That bar, Scotty’s.”

  “What for?”

  “He says he never sees us anymore.”

  I looked at Janice in the rearview mirror. She was smiling as she spoke to Monnique. Every time I looked at her she looked amazing. “I wonder why.”

  “You wanna go?”

  “Not really.”

  “Why? We haven’t seen them in a while.”

  “We aren’t single anymore, Cortland. It’s different now.”

  He sighed. “Yeah, but that doesn’t mean we have to return to our old ways.”

  “I just feel weird going out like I used to.”

  “I don’t think he would care if we brought the girls.”

  I shook my head. “I don’t want Janice there. I’ll just pay attention to her the whole time.”

  “True.”

  “Well, I guess I’ll go.”

  “Yeah. It will be fun. I don’t want to be one of those guys who gets married then disappears.”

  “Good point.”

  Cortland parked the car then we climbed out. We walked back to the apartment then walked inside.

  Cortland opened the fridge then grabbed a beer, handing it to me before he grabbed his own. “So are we playing ball in the morning?”

  “Nah,” I said. “I’m already spending too much time with you as it is.”

  He laughed. “Yeah. I get sick of you too.”

  “It didn’t seem that way when you followed me in the bathroom.”

  Cortland rolled his eyes. “You caught me.”

  We sat on the couch and watched the television. Janice took Monnique into our bedroom to show her this new coat she bought. I never understood why women needed the approval of other women. I would never ask Cortland what he thought of a shirt or sweater I bought.

  When they came back in the living room, I snatched Janice and pulled her into my lap, trapping her with my arms. She tried to squirm away with a few giggles until I kissed her lightly on the neck. She smiled then leaned against my chest. She was so light and small that I could throw her in the air.

  Monnique sat next to Cortland and pulled his arm over her shoulder.

  I tried to concentrate on the game but all I could think about was Janice sitting on my lap. Even though we had been living together for a while, I was never satisfied with her. I wondered how long this electricity would last until it died out, but I hoped it will last forever.

  When she adjusted her weight on my lap, she moved toward my ear. “Whatcha thinking about it?”

  She knew what I was thinking about. My massive erection made it clear. I took another drink of my beer. “The game,” I said with a smile.

  She raised an eyebrow. “I sincerely hope not. You have a thing for guys in tight pants?”

  I moved my hips slightly then rubbed her bottom with my cock. “Yes. That’s it.”

  “I thought so.”

  “You caught me.”

  “Cortland will be happy.”

  I started laughing. “Yeah, he probably will.”

  She leaned back against my chest and wrapped her arms around my waist. She pressed her face into my neck and closed her eyes. I knew she wasn’t tired. She just liked being as close to me as possible. I liked her affection and her adoration. I wasn’t sure what I did to deserve it, but I’ll accept it anyway.

  When I looked over at Cortland, Monnique was kissing his neck.

  “Uh, if I wanted to watch porn I could just rent it.”

  Cortland flipped me off. “Let’s go, babe.”

  She pulled away from him then rose to her feet. “Thanks for coming to dinner with us,” she said with a smile.

  I stood up and hugged her. “Anytime. Thanks for the invite.”

  Janice hugged her tightly. “Let’s go shopping next week.”

  “Definitely,” Monnique said excitedly.

  “Only if it’s for slutty lingerie,” I said.

  Both women gave an incredulous look.

  Cortland clapped my back. “I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

  “What’s tomorrow?” Monnique asked.

  “We are going out with the guys,” he answered.

  “Oh okay,” she said.

  “Is that okay?” Cortland asked hesitantly.

  “Of course,” she said with a laugh. “I’m excited to get you out of the house!”

  I laughed. “I don’t blame her.”

  Janice opened the door for them and let them walk out. When she closed the door, we could still hear them talk.

  “You really don’t want me around so much?” Cortland asked sadly.

  She laughed. “I’m just kidding, honeybunny. I want you to have a good time with your friends.”

  When their voices disappeared, Janice and I walked into our bedroom.

  “You don’t care either, right?” I asked as I started to strip off my clothes.

  She eyed me with a hungry expression. “No, not at all.”

  “We’re going to a bar,” I said as I lied on the bed and set my alarm.

  “And what difference does that make?”

  I smiled at her. “I’m glad you trust me.”

  “Why wouldn’t I?” She removed her clothes and I stared at the show.

  “We need to get a stripper pole in here.”

  “That would be fun.”

  My eyes widened. “Really?”

&nbs
p; “I took a couple of classes.”

  I sat up. “Are you being serious?”

  “Yeah. I know a thing or two.”

  “I’ll look around tomorrow.”

  She laughed. “You’re being serious? You want to put a metal pole in your bedroom?”

  “Our bedroom. And hell yes.”

  She crawled on top of me. The strands of her hair tickled my skin as she moved. I squeezed her small waist with my hands, feeling her skin. She was so tiny but had obvious feminine curves. When she leaned down and kissed me gently, I melted at her touch. It was soft and wet, full of love and adoration. She tasted sweet and I liked it. I moaned loudly. I tried to sit up and kiss her harder but she pushed me back, kissing me gently.

  I grabbed her face and deepened the kiss but she continued to pull out then return to kissing me with soft kisses. She was teasing me, driving me crazy. She grabbed my cock and pressed the tip against her entrance. I felt the moisture. I tried to thrust upwards but she moved out of the way.

  “Goddamn, Janice.”

  She smiled as she kissed me. “Be patient.”

  I moaned. “I’m never patient.” I rolled on top of her then pinned her down. “Don’t play with me.”

  “Teach me a lesson.”

  My eyes widened. “Oh I will.” I separated her legs then slid myself inside her. It was smooth for the entire way. She opened her legs wider as she felt me inside her.

  “Ryan,” she said with a moan.

  I moved inside her gently, kissing her everywhere while I ran my fingers through her hair. I fit within her perfectly, feeling the right amount of moisture and friction. I kept my pace slow as I made love to her. I didn’t feel like fucking, being carnal with her. I just wanted to feel her, touch her, and claim her as my own. I loved making love more than any other activity. She was my first, and I liked sharing that experience with her.

  She ran her fingers through my hair while she kissed me, breathing into my mouth. The quiet sounds of her moans made me shake. I loved pleasing her, driving her crazy. I held her legs back with my thighs and continued to glide deep inside her. She was tightening around me and her breathing had increased. I knew she was about to come for me.

  “Look at me, baby.”

  She opened her eyes and stared into mine. “Ryan.”

  “Baby, I love you.”

  She moaned. “God, Ryan.”

  I moved into her faster. “I love you more than anything.”

  “Ryan,” she said as she gripped my back. “I love you too.”

  “I know.”

  When her orgasm faded, she kissed me again. I leaned further over her and kissed her forehead. I knew I was about to come. I pressed my face against hers as I felt the explosion inside me. My hips thrust inside her quicker as I emptied myself inside her, depositing my very soul within her—my girl. “Baby.”

  When I was done, I kissed her lips then pulled out of her. I lied beside her and felt her immediately cuddle next to my chest. I kissed her forehead before I closed my eyes.

  My phone rang on the nightstand and the light from the phone illuminated the room. I groaned. I assumed it was Scarlet. When I looked at the phone, my heart fell. It was Missy. I ignored her call and lied back down next to Janice. She had her eyes closed so I knew she didn’t see the name on the phone. I didn’t have anything to hide, but it looked pretty suspicious to have a girl call me this late at night.

  When I closed my eyes, my phone rang again. It was her. I ignored the call and returned it to the nightstand. Janice still didn’t move.

  When the phone rang for the third time, I just turned it off. I was getting really sick of this girl’s bullshit. I knew exactly why she was calling and it pissed me the fuck off. I told her I was monogamous now. She had to accept that.

  Janice cuddled next to me. “Who keeps calling you?” she asked with a yawn.

  I was quiet for a moment. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to lie to her. I had never lied to her before and I didn’t want to start now. It wasn’t my style. “This girl named Missy.”

  “Is everything okay?” she asked. She didn’t sound concerned at all. I was surprised. I don’t think I would be as calm if a guy called her three times in a row on a Friday night.

  “Yeah it’s fine, baby.”

  “Are you sure? Why did she call you three times?”

  “I don’t know. I don’t care.”

  She yawned again. “Okay.”

  I was shocked. I never had a girlfriend before but I didn’t expect this absolute trust. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” She placed her hand on my heart and felt it beating. She did this every night and I wasn’t sure why.

  “Baby?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Why do you do that?”

  She rubbed my chest. “I want to make sure you’re okay. My father used to do it to me when I was little every night before I went to bed.”

  I smiled. “Thanks for checking on me.”

  Her hand stopped moving and I knew she was asleep.

  3

  “Ryan?”

  “What?”

  “What’s this?” she asked, staring at the box.

  “It came in!”

  “What came in?”

  I dragged the box into the kitchen and placed it on the ground. The delivery man must have just brought it. I opened the box with shaky hands. “Thank you, priority shipping.”

  She crossed her arms over her chest while she looked at me. “Do I want to know?”

  I pulled the Styrofoam away and revealed the long, thin beam. “It’s beautiful.”

  She smiled. “You actually got one?”

  “Hell yeah.”

  “I didn’t think you were being serious.”

  “Then you don’t know me very well.”

  “Where are we going to put that?”

  “In our bedroom where I can get a private show.”

  She shook her head. “We can’t hook that up without drilling into the floor or ceiling. We’ll have to pay for damages.”

  I ran the cold metal across my palm. “That’s what the security deposit is for.”

  She rolled her eyes. “You’re insane.”

  “Yep.”

  “Well, at least you’re aware of your insanity.”

  Now I was just ignoring her. I knew exactly where I was going to put it.

  “Don’t you think this might be a little dangerous?”

  “There’s supposed to be another package,” I said more to myself than her.

  “What?”

  I grabbed the box and dragged into the bedroom.

  “Ryan?”

  When I got in the room, I grabbed my tools and started my work. Janice came to the doorway and watched me for a moment.

  “Can you not hear me?”

  I situated the pole and began to use the screws. “Huh?”

  She shook her head as she sighed.

  There was a knock on the door and she turned away. “I guess I’ll get it because you are temporarily unavailable.”

  I rose to my feet and walked past her. I never let her open the door when I was home. If it was Cortland, he would either just walk in or he would let me know he was on his way. I knew it wasn’t him.

  When I opened the door, I was happy to see the delivery man. “Thank you so much,” I said as I took the package.

  “Sure,” he said before he walked away.

  When I turned away, Janice looked at me.

  “Do I dare ask?” she asked.

  I smiled at her. “This is for you.”

  She stared at me. “It’s slutty lingerie, isn’t it?”

  “You know me so well, baby.”

  She sighed. “What have I gotten myself into?”

  “I’m almost done with the pole.” I walked away then returned to my bedroom. When I finished, I stepped away and admired my handiwork. I checked it by bearing my own weight onto the beam. It was sturdy and strong. I was very, very excited about this.r />
  When my phone vibrated in my pocket, I cursed.

  “What?” I asked, still staring at the beam.

  “Uh, are you coming?” Cortland asked.

  “I said I was.”

  “Then why aren’t you here?”

  “What time is it?”

  “Past nine.”

  “Oh—sorry. Lost track of time.”

  “What are you’re doing?”

  I smiled. “I’ll let you know when I see you.”

  “Uh, I don’t want to know.”

  “I’ll see you soon.” I hung up then walked into the living room. “Baby, I’m headed out.”

  “Okay,” she said. “Are you done?”

  I wrapped my arms around her. “It’s all ready to go.”

  She shook her head. “You’re psychotic.”

  “I expect a show when I get home.”

  She shrugged. “We’ll see.”

  “And wear one of those pretty things I got you.”

  “Maybe.”

  I kissed her on the forehead. “I’ll see you later.”

  “When will you be home?”

  “I’m not sure. It might be late. You might already be asleep.”

  “I’ll wait for you.”

  I smiled. “I was just kidding about the pole dancing. You don’t have to do it tonight.”

  “It’s not that,” she said quietly. “I don’t want to go to sleep without you.”

  I felt my heart squeeze. “Okay.”

  She wrapped her arms around my neck, pressing her chest against mine. I felt her soft breasts push against me. “Have a good time.”

  “I’ll try.”

  “And don’t come home with any more lingerie,” she said as she rubbed her nose against mine.

  “I can’t promise anything,” I said with a smile.

  “Be safe.”

  “Always.” I kissed her on the lips then walked through the door. When I closed it behind me, I locked it. I was always afraid that Janice would forget to do it. We lived in a good neighborhood of the city. Sometimes break-ins happened, but nothing violent or dangerous occurred. I knew I was being paranoid, but I couldn’t help it. As soon as Janice kissed me for the first time, I immediately felt the need to protect her like I protected my sister.

  When I reached the bar, the guys were already standing at the bar.

  “Hey man,” I said as I shook hands with Jason.

  “Long time, no see,” he said as he looked at me. “I heard you got married.”