Before I have the opportunity to think on what this means, his mouth is upon my core, ravaging me. His tongue invading on the attack to own every millimeter of my pussy. He more than claims my pussy, he captures it. As he licks, separating my lips to find my swollen, sensitive, aching clit, I think I’m going to go crazy with my desire. When he inserts two fingers at the exact moment he sucks on me, I come apart around him. My thighs grip his head as the electric current washes over me. He doesn’t stop, he continues, lapping and fingering me as I ride out my orgasm. He uses his thumb to rub over my anus; gentle pressure without breeching my entrance. He blows gently on my sex and sucking on my inner thighs, he lets me build again from his fingers. The tightening in my belly radiates over my body. He comes down, licking me once again. As I relax into my coming orgasm, he increases his pace on the two fingers inserted in my pussy. I’m on the verge of release when he sucks hard on my clit and inserts his thumb into my ass. Immediately pushing me over the edge, I see stars as the world dances around me. My body trembling uncontrollably, I remotely take in, Harrison’s gentle kisses now coming over my belly and back to my breasts. I stiffen with concern that he will take my overly sensitive nipples. Quickly, he covers them with his hands, gently massaging to relax me.
“Tiff, I got you, relax baby. You have to come down from that one.”
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’ve been holding. Harrison kisses me, his erection pressing into my leg. I move, wrapping my legs around him. I’m ready for him. Just as the moment comes that I think he’s going to enter me, the sound of his phone ringing stops the moment. He drops his head to my chest. Trying to be helpful, I reach for his phone. As I hand it to him, I glance at the screen. Sophia. That is the cold dose of ice water I need, this is a mistake. I give Harrison his phone, as I wiggle from under his body.
“Tiff, wait.” He says, not answering his phone.
“I’m sorry,” is all I can manage as I retreat to my bedroom. Hiding in my bathroom, taking the longest shower I can, sounds like a plan.
Harrison
Shit! What have I done? How did I let things get so out of control with Tiffany? Damn it.
“Hey, Soph, sorry I didn’t catch the phone in time.” I say, as Sophia answers my return phone call.
“Hey Harrison, I wanted to let you know Maggie and Brayden are home. Everyone is missing you.” Sophia says.
Everyone, huh? Does that include her? “I plan on returning tomorrow. Tiffany should be fine now.” I state.
“Okay well, have a safe trip, see you when you get back.” Sophia says.
“I have a few things to square away before I get on the road. I will text when I leave. We need to have a talk when I return Sophia.”
“Yes Harrison, we do. Look, I gotta go, I have a client. I wanted to let you know about Maggie. See you soon.”
With that, the call ends. First, I have to face Tiffany. When I get back to Charlotte, I have to face Sophia. Regardless of Sophia and me not being in a committed relationship, I need to be honest with her about what happened between Tiffany and me.
I go into the kitchen to retrieve my sweat pants. Tiffany only has one bedroom and bathroom now. I enter the bedroom, immediately taking in the noise of the shower. I stand against the door, and bang my head against it.
This was not supposed to happen. I grab a t-shirt from my bag. Sleeping in her bed, even if only to sleep was a bad idea these last few days. It’s created a closeness and intimacy we didn’t need to share. I pack up the last of my things and take my bag to the living room. Once Tiffany is done, I will gather my toiletries and get on the road.
She comes out, wearing oversized sweats and her hair in a messy, wet pile on top of her head. Her attempt at unsexy is failing miserably. I want nothing more than to rip those clothes from her body and finish what we started. My sweats won’t hide the desire burning throughout if I don’t get my mind and dick under control.
“Tiffany, I’m sorry.” I start to say. She puts her hand up to silence me.
“It’s okay Harrison. Earlier was a mistake, I think we both are lost right now and got caught up. I don’t want to mess anything up for you. I know you can’t stay here. I’m going to be okay, Harrison. I know this is goodbye.”
Unable to stop myself, I pull her to me, holding her close.
“This isn’t goodbye. I’m always only a phone call away, Tiffany. I know we both fucked shit up in the past. I’m here for you now, all you have to do is call. Even if you just want to catch up, call, we can chat. I have to get back to Charlotte; I have a job, family, friends, and Sophia there. I didn’t mean for things to happen today, but I don’t regret it. I don’t regret anything with you, Tiffany. We’re friends. You can visit me anytime and I promise I’ll visit you as soon as I can. This isn’t goodbye, it’s until I see you again.” I say meaning every last word of it. This isn’t goodbye. Tiffany is an important part of my life and always will be.
Chapter Eleven
Settling In…Not So Easy
Tiffany
Harrison is on his way back to Charlotte. The quiet of my space is overwhelming. Loneliness engulfs me. I’m trying not to wallow in my misery, but it’s all simply too much to absorb.
As much as my body enjoyed every second of my time with Harrison, my heart now aches at the loss. He has Sophia, I remind myself. My wish is for Harrison to have happiness. She seems to give him that. I hope I haven’t somehow messed this up for him.
“Oh Matt, what have I done now?” I whisper to the empty space around me. Knowing I will never hear a reply, my grief consumes me. Snuggling into my living room chair missing my friend, I allow my thoughts to wonder. Will I ever feel settled without Matt around?
Harrison
Leaving Tiffany sucks, but my life is back in Charlotte. When I get home, Sophia and I have to get on the same page. I have to face her with what happened between Tiffany and me. Can she forgive me? Will she understand? I want to be with her, emotions and tensions just got the best of me for a moment.
I bang my hand on the steering wheel of my beloved car. Damn it. I’ve made a mess of everything. I’m not one of those guys. Even though Sophia and I aren’t in a serious relationship, I should’ve never allowed anything to go on with Tiffany. I have a sister and a mother who taught me better than to mix myself up with two women. Maggie is going to kick my ass once she finds out. I’m wild and rebellious, yes, but I’m loyal and faithful.
The long drive home is uneventful. Arriving at my apartment, I attempt to get settled in. Thoughts of Tiffany invade my brain. Is she okay? What is she going to do for a job? Does she have anyone there to comfort her?
So many things are unsettled for both of us right now. My phone rings, shaking me out of my concerns for Tiffany.
“Ryder, what’s up?” I answer.
“Dina passed out, we’re at the hospital. They are keeping her for observation. When will you be back in town? I need you at the shop, man.”
“I just got back, I’ll go in. Is Jake around to fill me in on the work orders? Do they know what’s wrong with Dina?”
“Yeah, Jake will catch you up. Not sure with Dina yet. I tried to call your parents to let them know. Neither Maggie nor Bray answered either, so keep trying to reach them. Dina is fine, but we don’t know why she passed out. Reception sucks inside the hospital, I’ll call and text when I can. Handle things at work and let everyone know what’s going on please.”
Quickly, I head out to get to the garage. Ryder is a good man and he takes care of Dina. Those two have been through so much. Dina may not be my sister by blood but she’s my family. After the loss of her parents and the bullshit with her asshole ex, I’m happy to see her settled. Ryder and Dina are still in the early, honeymoon stage of their marriage. Everything is still fresh and new.
I send a text to my parents, Maggie, and Brayden letting them know that someone needs to call me. Dina will want them around. Regardless of whether this is serious or simple, we are her family now and s
he needs us. The little things mean the most, Dina always says. She always embraces the text messages or calls that one of us is thinking of her. Having no one else to call family, she says we have kept the loneliness at bay.
Thinking on Dina’s loss, my mind goes back to Tiffany. Does she need me to be there for her right now? Does she know in her heart that she’s not alone? I’m here for her, but does she really believe it?
Chapter Twelve
Picking Up The Pieces
Tiffany
It has been three weeks since Harrison left. I spent the first week overcome by my grief. Harrison is good to call or text me every day and check in. I make sure he thinks I’m doing okay. I’m not his problem, no need for him to worry over me. He’s invested in me because of Matt; eventually, as time passes, I will be a memory of what once was. Harrison will always have my heart, but he’s moved on and I need to. Time heals all wounds, or so they say.
My phone rings jolting me from my thoughts of Harrison. Looking at the caller ID, I cringe, seeing it’s my step mother.
“Hello, Candice.” I answer.
“Tiffany, I’ll make this quick. I’m calling to inform you that your father and I have made a decision to donate your belongings here to the local homeless shelter. We needed your bedroom space to make a room for our new Yorkie, Prissy. She’s a doll but a little yappy at times. Your father decided she needs her own bedroom, so we cleared out yours. If you want any of your stuff you can find it there. Thomas and I are moving forward in our lives together, you are nothing more than a bad memory.”
Before I can reply, she hangs up. What the hell just happened? Did my dad really give away all of my childhood belongings? I didn’t have much left at their house, but still, who gets rid of their child’s stuff to make room for a damn dog?
This is it, completely on my own now. Candice’s call proves that my father is done with me. I’ve been thinking on what I want to do. I made a list of my hobbies. If I’m going to change careers I should make it one I love to do. I happen to love to bake. There is an ad in the local newspaper for a cake decorating class at our community college. At first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to go or not, but now I have my answer. I’m going to take that class and I’m going to open a confections shop.
This feels right. It feels like I’m picking up the pieces of my life.
Harrison
The past few weeks have been non-stop. Dina is fine, she’s home being pampered by Ryder and Maggie. It looks like in eight months I’m going to be an uncle. Maggie and Brayden have been away on their honeymoon. Since Dina and Maggie have a business together, Dina took on too much work in Maggie’s absence. Not knowing she was pregnant, she stayed too busy, got dehydrated and fainted. Kenna, Jake’s wife, is stepping in to help more for the weekend events so Dina can take better care of herself and the baby. Maggie is back at the office for the weekday stuff, as well as running the weekend events. Together, we will all make sure both Ryder’s garage and Dina’s business stay strong while those two take a step back and focus on their growing family.
I’m at work with Jake and Brayden. We are busy, but that’s the usual. Jake, who is in the Army reserves, keeps giving me this shit eating grin all day long. Finally, we catch a moment to shoot the shit over lunch. Maggie was thoughtful of us all when she brought Brayden lunch and brought enough sandwiches for everyone. Sitting down in the lobby, Brayden joins in with Jakes new found expression.
“Cut the shit boys, what’s the deal?” I ask.
Jake is grinning even bigger now. “Nothing man, it’s just that it’s your turn man. One by one, we’ve all succumbed to the ball and chain. When are you and Sophia gonna get serious? You’re no spring chicken, old man.”
“Shit, Sophia doesn’t want that. I’m not the ball and chain kind of man.” I reply, feeling slightly despondent about my situation. Not that I will ever openly admit that to the guys.
“Women want it, Harrison. They want the fairytale shit. And you know what? It’s our job as men to give it to them.” Jake states, between bites of his sandwich.
“Really, fucker, you’re going to say that shit to me? I do recall, helping pull your head outta your ass where marrying Kenna was concerned. How’s that working out for you, lover boy? You sure as shit are happily married now. I can’t believe you.” I retort, sharply, making my agitation known.
“Hey man, I’m not trying to piss you off. My bad, dude. I thought I could help push you like you helped me that’s all, seriously.” Jake says.
“Nah, man, sorry for being a moody prick. I know, I gotta get my shit straight. This Tiffany shit has messed with my head. Matt and all that, I just need to pick up the pieces and get back on track.”
Chapter Thirteen
Maybe It’s Time
Tiffany
Finally, I have found my niche in life. Cake decorating not only makes me happy, but I’m good at it too. Who wouldn’t be happy smelling sweet, delicious confections all day?
Being comfortable in what I’m doing, I actually started to open up. Elodie and I met the first day of class. Her mom owns a local bakery. She’s twenty eight like me. Elodie is going through a bad divorce. Her mom said she would hire her if she took the cake decorating classes. Apparently Elodie’s mom, Susan, loves to bake, but doesn’t have the patience to teach someone to decorate.
With my business background, Susan has hired me as well. She wants to expand her business and thinks I can help with growing her current clientele. This gives me an opportunity to use what I currently know, while expanding my experience in all things baked goods. There is more to it than making a pretty cake. Cookies, pies, puddings, pastries, and specialty goodies, as well as, the fudge are all parts of what keeps Susan’s Sweets going. Susan was smart because her business isn’t solely reliant on cakes. She has a fairly large amount of regulars stopping in for pastries in the morning, and buying snacks for later in the day. If she could pick up some strong business contracts to provide snacks for meeting rooms or break rooms, it would give her a regular, dependable income to the business, in addition to what she’s currently doing. When I suggested this, Susan hugged me tight, smiling in appreciation. I’ve written some proposals and delivered them to a few businesses.
The pieces to my life are falling into place slowly. Elodie and I are going out to dinner tonight just to hang out. Dressing in jeans and a V-neck pink top, I slip on my flip flops and head out. Now that I’m no longer under my father’s scrutiny I can go out in casual comfort. Smiling at my new found freedoms, I head out to meet my new friend.
Elodie is already seated when I arrive. I join her, order my drink, and scan the menu. Settling on what we want, we order our dinner.
“Tiffany, I know we haven’t known each other long, so if I’m overstepping just say so, okay. What’s the deal with you and Harrison? You talk about him all the time, he texts or calls daily, but you never mention a boyfriend.”
The mention of his name causes butterflies in my belly and a smile to cross my face. “El, we’re friends. We have a history. I’m new to the girl talk thing, I forget to share sometimes. Harrison is my ex. We were in a long term relationship of sorts. I messed up and for a couple of years we didn’t talk. Circumstances brought us back together in a way to build a solid friendship. He’s my friend now, nothing more. He has someone else in his life.”
“Are you sure you’re just friends? I’ve never known a man to be so attentive to a female friend without wanting more.” Elodie states. She’s searching my face as if she’s looking for clues to the truth.
It’s now or never. Knowing this is the time to trust someone, I share all of my past with Elodie.
“I’ve been a bitch for so long, Elodie. I don’t have friends. I had Matt who loved me for all my faults. My attitude and the fear of my father’s rejection cost me any future with Harrison years ago. He’s seen firsthand how my dad is, and understands that now. He’s supportive of me, but anything beyond friendship won’t happen. Elodie, you’re
the first girl that I’ve ever had as a real friend. I hope this doesn’t change your opinion of me.”
“Tiff, you’re my friend; this doesn’t change anything. It makes some things make a little more sense. My asshole ex ruined all my friendships. When you get married, you have a responsibility to someone else. I got busy being Jeff’s wife and forgot to maintain Elodie’s life outside of Jeff. Then, I had Josie and became a mom all by nineteen. My so called friends didn’t understand my life because they were all out partying and being young. The few friends that did hang around after I became a mom slowly disappeared as Jeff’s attitude got worse. Now, I’m alone; I don’t have friends to comfort me, I don’t have Jeff anymore. Outside of being Josie’s mom, I’ve not been happy in years. I understand the need to find yourself, Tiff. I think we’re gonna be great support for one another.” She says smiling up at me.
We finish dinner, giggling and talking as if we have been friends for years. For the first time ever, I’m relaxed around someone other than Matt and Harrison. A gentleman walks over carrying a chocolate brownie dessert.
“Good evening, ladies. I thought you could enjoy a dessert.” The stranger says while placing the dessert in between Elodie and myself.
“Thank you, I think.” I stammer, not sure why he’s here.
“My name is Alex. You’re beautiful when you smile. I wanted to introduce myself and ask you for your number.” He states, confidence oozing off of him.
He’s handsome enough, if you like a man in a suit. His blonde hair short, crystal blue eyes only further highlighted by the gray in his suit and the blue tie he’s wearing loosely around his neck. He’s attractive, but he doesn’t make my belly flop. Elodie is grinning at me across the table and giving me the look of ‘go for it, girl’.
“This is very kind of you, Alex. My name is Tiffany, and this is my friend, Elodie.” I say. Deciding on a whim, I pull out my old business cards that have my current cell phone number on them. I hand it to him with a small smile.
Love and Repair Series Box Set Page 32
