by Anthology
Just maybe not here in New York City.
I pushed back a stray hair and continued to strum my fingers through her golden strands. Her beautiful sapphire eyes stared at the ceiling, and I wasn’t sure what she might be thinking.
I cleared my throat, bringing her attention back to me. “When we were at Rockefeller Plaza, I was going to…well, before the guy knocked you down and tried to steal your purse.” I shook my head not sure how to even tell her what I needed to. I inhaled deep and just blurted it out. “I was going to ask you to move in with me. Here.” I swallowed and looked around the place. It was nowhere near as warm and inviting as her apartment. Hell, I should’ve at least tried to decorate to make it seem a little bit homey.
“And now?” she asked. My eyes drifted back to hers, glossy and absolutely breathtaking, but I realized how she must have taken that.
“Now I realize that I should probably move down to Atlanta.” I swallowed, as my heart sank just a little. It wasn’t a knee-jerk reaction. Every time something had gone wrong on this trip, I thought more about it. “It’s nicer down there, the weather—warmer. I looked into the department down there when Andi had her…”
Lana popped up and turned to me. “You…you would leave your job here to move down to be with me?”
“Well, yeah. I love you.” It popped out quicker than I’d rehearsed. In my mind when I finally told her, we’d be at some romantic spot and it’d be just like in one of her romance novels. That was actually the beginning of the speech I had prepared for when we were at Rockefeller Plaza that I never got to say to her.
Lana’s eyes teared up and she quickly brushed them away. “I love you too, Kyle.” She sniffled and leaned in toward me as I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close. Everything about her was perfect, I thought as I inhaled her sweet strawberry scent that I loved so much. Even the goose egg on her head was perfectly shaped. The silk of her lips crushing against mine topped it all off.
Making her this happy was worth it all. I’d leave the city I grew up in, the city that I loved and the job I’d worked my entire life for—all for Lana. She was more than worth it.
Lana
During this hellacious trip, our sex had even seemed off. It was usually great; there was no mistaking how fantastic Kyle is in bed. But it felt like we were missing that connection we’d always had.
Yet, right now kissing Kyle and the sweetness of his lips, so firm and demanding at the same time. This was the amazing man I fell in love with.
My thoughts kept drifting because of the nagging voice in my mind telling me how unfair it was to ask him to leave all of this—for me. He was going to transfer to Atlanta and work down there, leaving the job that meant so much to him. I knew that he was doing it for us, for our relationship and I loved him even more because of that.
Kyle drew my attention back to our moment. His hands were amazing, the way he would glide his fingertips along my side. He loved to take his time. Every time with Kyle was slow and steady at first, but always built up to this intense crescendo. A heated mind-blowing orgasm. Always.
Just the thought of it had me panting with anticipation.
His fingers slowly tugged at the zipper of my dress and brushed against my skin shooting goose bumps in its wake. Besides the city noise outside of his small apartment window, the only other sound was the gasp of my breath when Kyle grazed the side of my breast.
The silky touch of his lips against my neck elicited deep moans from my throat. “Yeah, Angel,” he whispered as his mouth moved between my breasts. His hand glided over one caressing it with the gentlest touch as his tongue encircled my nipple bringing them to hard peaks.
“Ohh,” I murmured. I could feel him smile against my skin as he lowered himself further down my body leaving a soft, delicate trail of kisses along the way. The smell of his spicy scent hung in the air as he dragged the lace top of my blue, silk panties down. Teasing the fabric over my mound, he lingered as his lips kissed where they had been.
My hands tugged at his hair the moment his tongue swept over my core. His fingers only added to my rush of pleasure while my heart raced as he coated me with my own excitement.
Kyle took his time, his tongue circling my clit bringing me right to the edge before pulling back to draw out my impending orgasm. I felt the vibrations of his soft chuckle and squirmed against his mouth trying to press for more.
Still trying to catch my breath, I watched as he stood, pulling the hem of his shirt over his head. My eyes zoned in on every ripple of his stomach muscles as he tossed his shirt off to the side.
The sound of his belt unbuckling drew my eyes down further along his hard body. Undoing his jeans, his cock sprang out and I smiled knowing he was just as anxious as I was. Rolling a condom slowly down his shaft, I licked my lips in anticipation.
The mattress sank as he lowered himself over me, his hardness immediately pressing against my core. Dragging his tip along my slick heat, I moaned as my whole body clenched with anticipation.
My Kyle. He had proclaimed his love to me and now he was going to back it up with his actions. And God, how I needed that right now. My legs lifted as I shifted awaiting him. Kissing me soft at first, he grew more demanding as his whole body weight pressed against me. My breasts heaved with need as he entered me, inch by amazing inch until he plunged deep into me.
“Oh, yes,” I cried out. The sensation was so overwhelming I could have come right then from that initial thrust. Kyle had other plans. Withdrawing slow, he did the same fantastic motion again. My orgasm built each moment he drove into me. Harder each time until I could no longer hold out.
My whole body braced as his continued thrusts drew out my climax even more. That’s when I heard him moan and I opened my eyes mesmerized as my Kyle came inside of me while my breaths slowed.
Kissing my neck, his lips moved to my ear. “I love you so much, Angel,” he whispered as he exhaled. I wrapped my legs tighter as I clenched my core around him, enjoying hearing him groan out a final satisfaction.
“I love you too,” I murmured as I came down from my own bliss.
Kyle
Waking with Lana in my arms was pure heaven. My angel slept so sound, but I kept checking to make sure she was really there. The silk of her skin as I ran my fingers along her arm made me smile.
Being with Lana grounded me. The hours I spent working as a detective in violent crimes really wore on me at times. The anticipation of seeing Lana made it all easier to handle.
Leaving her last time in Atlanta was tough, especially knowing that my partner had a lead on our case. The thrill of being able to figure out the mystery and also save the young woman was something that couldn’t be beat. It was one of the cases that a detective remembers forever.
When I checked during my last visit, Atlanta didn’t have any openings in my specific area of expertise. I might have to go back to being a patrolman until something opened up. Not something I was really wanting, but to be with Lana, I was willing to do that. Especially when just thinking about her going back home in a few days crushed me inside. I wanted to wake with her in my arms each and every morning.
Lana
I would have sworn Kyle’s hand shook as he reached for the door to The Cask and Barrel. The way he was taking in slow deep breaths made me wonder if he had reservations about coming to the party. Yesterday, before the door bashed me in the head, Kyle had been so excited about coming here for New Year’s Eve.
I wasn’t sure why he’d be nervous. After all that had gone wrong so far, what else could happen? Kyle was going to move to Atlanta, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled. Maybe he wouldn’t even have to work with the police. He could work at the construction site with my best friend Andi’s boyfriend, Cal. The way Kyle made love to me last night after he told me he would move, I had this odd sense—like he was solidifying his passion for me. Everything between us was going to fall into place.
Kyle tugged on the brass handle and held the door open for me. Excit
ed to meet all of Kyle’s work buddies, I stepped inside with a flurry of butterflies in my stomach. After removing Kyle’s jacket, a wave of cool air hit my shoulders thanks to my new sleeveless, silky top. The black beads woven into the dark beige fabric made a small rustling noise that made me smile. Kyle insisted I buy it for tonight. It had a hint of sexiness that threw a spark to his warm, brown eyes. Add in my new jeans that hugged me perfectly and black heels that I just had to have, Kyle had said I was stunning.
The bar had that laid back feel to it. The type where you walked in and felt like you were immediately with all your friends. I could see why he couldn’t wait to come here. Especially after he had told me another cop was in the band playing tonight—Lucky Plus One. The lead guitar and singer, Tom, was also another detective in Kyle’s precinct. Sarcastic as fuck, is how he described Tom. Kyle’s eyes had lit up just telling me stories of the guy.
“Asher!” A couple of guys called out and I couldn’t help but smile just as big as Kyle was beaming. He placed his hand on my lower back and led me to the small group on the other side of the long, curved bar.
After all the high fives were finished, a quick, “Everyone, this is Lana,” introduction was made. A quiet fell around the group and my cheeks heated immediately as I felt all eyes on me. I gave a small wave as one man leaned in to examine my forehead. I mashed my lips together hoping he wouldn’t ask. The goose egg was now the size of my fist and had turned a deep, shade of purple. Since the only mirror was in Kyle’s bathroom, I’d managed to forget all about it. Until now. My stomach churned.
“What the hell did you do to her, Asher?” I hadn’t even met the guy yet and his hand was reaching for my forehead. I cringed away, relieved when his hand was slapped away by the woman standing next to him.
“Liam!” The woman’s dark, tight curls bounced. She had the most amazing golden eyes I’d ever seen that were now glaring at the man. “Leave her alone. She hasn’t even met you yet.” She turned to me, her expression didn’t falter as she said, “I’m Letha.” She nodded her head toward the group. “They call me ‘Lethal’, though.” She flung her hand toward the guy introducing him. “This is Liam, or as we like to call him ‘Frosty.’”
Lucky, Frosty and Lethal? I wondered how many other nicknames I’d have to remember. Trying to keep track of their last names they called each other was hard enough.
I nodded my head and managed a grin. “Nice to meet you both.” My voice sounded much tinier than usual knowing everyone was still staring. I had tried to cover my bump with my bangs, but they kept curling into my eyes. Even sweeping them to the other side was pointless since they had a mind of their own.
“They’re usually friendlier than this,” the woman on my right leaned in and whispered. I managed a relieved smile.
Turning, the stunning red head held out her hand. “Tempest,” she said.
Smiling, I shook her hand and was about to say mine, when she laughed and teased, “Lana?”
“Right.” I chuckled.
“I’m also a waitress over at Gemini.”
My smile fell immediately and Tempest’s eyes flicked over to Kyle.
He cleared his throat as he explained the horror of that day. “We…were going to stop there, but a bus drove by and completely soaked Lana with street water.”
“Ohhh,” Tempest dragged out her response as she cringed.
“And that,” another woman in the group spoke up, pointing to my head. “Is another thing that happened?”
“Last night. The bathroom door wouldn’t open. So Kyle kicked it,” I said it as plainly as possible just as several guys burst out laughing. I glanced to see Kyle press his lips together.
“Was this all on Kyle’s New York City world renowned tour?”
My eyes flicked to Kyle’s, the spark that had been there earlier seemed to have lessened.
Another woman spoke up. Her beautiful brown hair was complimented by her bright blue eyes. “Stop it, Jake.” She swatted at him and turned back to me. “Kyle was really excited to show you around New York.”
My eyes again went to Kyle’s and any smile I might have had completely vanished. He had really put so much work into showing me his city. My heart sank thinking about how wrong things had gone and I quickly thought back to my list of complaints.
“Kyle’s such a sweet and caring guy,” she said as she held out her hand and I shook it. “I’m Tess, by the way and that’s Jake.” She nodded to the man that just teased Kyle.
Everyone else introduced themselves one by one, as even more people joined in the party. The music started up by Tom, or “Lucky” as everyone called him, who I met earlier. His new girlfriend was up there with him singing backup too.
The evening was fantastic. Everyone was so much fun to chat with and glancing at Kyle joking around with some of the other officers, he was in his element. He caught my eye and winked at me holding up his beer, smiling.
As much as I had complained about this cold and dirty city, the warmth in this place from all of his friends made this past week’s disasters fade away. Kyle was willing to leave all of this. For me. Tears pricked my eyes as I realized I could never ask that of him. This time it was me who was willing to make things work. For him.
“Are you all right? Did someone say something to you?” Kyle was at my side and I hadn’t realized tears were now streaming down my cheeks. This whole time I had tried not to cry and now I was practically bawling.
“I can’t…” I swallowed. “Kyle, I could never ask you to leave all this. You can’t move from here. I won’t let you.”
His powerful arms pulled me tight, crushing me against his rock-hard chest. “Angel, stop. I made the choice. I didn’t ask you. It’s fine. I love Atlanta.”
I shook my head and pulled away. “I don’t want you to move down though.”
All expression dropped from his face as he stared at me.
Quickly, I added, “What I mean is I don’t want you to leave all this. I’ll move up here.”
Kyle stared at me for a moment, before looking over my head and glancing around the bar. His eyes returned to mine, his brows pinched together. “You would do that?”
I smiled. “For you, I would do anything. Even endure the Kyle New York City tour all over again.”
He laughed, the spark returned to his eyes and I was so glad I could give that to him. For him, I would do anything. Even if I might wind up in the hospital from the next tour.
Through Stained Glass
By Jami Denise
Girls had rules and one of the most unbreakable ones was never let a sister struggle through a broken heart alone.
Melanie and I had been friends all our lives. But, as long as I’d known her, and as much as I loved her, I still wasn’t in the mood to go out and help her drink her sorrows away. I would, because that’s what we did, but I was going under serious protest.
All I wanted to do was crawl in bed with a quart of ice cream, watch a sappy chick flick and pretend the last year of my life was a bad dream. I was exhausted, emotionally, mentally and physically after packing up my life in Texas and moving back home to New York.
Alas, it was not meant to be.
“That’s what you’re wearing? It’s New Year’s Eve, Lyssie!”
Melanie gave me a once over, rolled her eyes and then turned back to the mirror to finish brushing on her mascara.
I looked down, frowning. Black jeans, black sweater, boots, and a gold chain belt. Nothing fancy, but better than usual.
“We’re going to Cask & Barrel, Mel. I hardly think it’s an occasion to break out high fashion. That place is a dive.”
She clucked her tongue, turned and glared, and pointed her mascara wand at me. “I’m looking for a dirty little hook up—and that’s the perfect place to go. You’re supposed to be my wingman—woman—whatever. You look like you’re going to do yard work, not scope out men.”
It was my turn to roll my eyes.
“First, I don’t do yard work. I do
n’t even have a yard, smart ass. Second, I would never, ever, wear two-hundred dollar boots to mow the lawn. I’ll change my top—happy? I’m raiding your closet.”
She smiled and turned back to the mirror. “Please do. Make sure you pick out something sexy. Those boobs are money. We need those boobs tonight.”
It was going to be a long night, and I was so close to telling her to forget it, but then I remembered what she’d just gone through. She needed me, and she needed a rebound quickie. If that girl didn’t get Cord out of her head she was going to explode, and I’d be left with the mess.
She was also right about my boobs. They’d been the E-ticket to free drinks since I discovered their power in high school. Drinks, dates, free passes on speeding tickets, you name it. Was it shallow? Probably, and to be perfectly honest, it’d been a while since I’d brought them out of retirement. It wasn’t often that I found myself out on the prowl, there was no time for that.
But the occasion called for the big guns, so I swallowed down the urge to tell her to forget it and found a slinky little number, low cut, fit me like a glove, and bonus points—it did great things to my boobs.
“Is this better?”
She smirked through the mirror and puckered her freshly painted lips. “That’s what I’m talking about, Lyss. And red—it’s perfect. Ready?”
Not really, but what choice did I have?
“Janice and Dani are meeting us later. Did you talk to them?”
I shook my head. “No, but I saw the text. Am I driving?”
“Nope. I called a car service. There’s no way we’re driving on New Year’s Eve, and it’ll be impossible to get a cab tonight. Plus, I don’t want you trying to escape!”
She knew me too well. “Let’s go before I change my mind.”
