by Lynn Rider
“You should drive it. He just let me take it for a spin and it’s incredible.”
“Not happening, Cliff,” she said dryly as she pulled the bread from the oven.
“See what I have to live with?” Cliff teased.
“Thank you for tonight, Ashton. I had a wonderful time,” I said as we stood outside my apartment door.
“I had a great time too. Thank you, Meagan, for taking me to meet your friends. I really enjoyed both of them, especially Leah. She keeps Cliff on his toes.” He laughed.
“She is pretty awesome. She’s the closest friend I’ve ever had,” I said pensively.
Ashton leaned in and kissed me sweetly. “Do you want to come in?” I asked when he pulled away. He studied me for a minute before his cocky grin appeared. “I don’t know what kind of guy you think I am, Meagan, but this is only our second date,” he said in a tone that didn’t match his expression.
“How many dates do I need to get through to get you naked?” I asked playfully.
He took in a sharp intake of air as if he were appalled, but then pondered my question before answering. “I’m a third date kind of guy. But I won’t see you for another nine days, so it’ll feel like longer.”
He leaned in and kissed me once more, this time more heated, and I was certain he’s going to make an exception. He turned me down last night, and he was leaving in the morning to meet the guys in Charlotte, North Carolina. Surely he wanted me as much as I wanted him. He stepped back.
“Until next time, babe.” He lifted my face with his finger under my chin. “I love you more today than I did yesterday.” He planted a chaste kiss on my nose before turning and walking toward the elevator.
I entered my apartment and almost collapsed because of the rejection. I couldn’t believe he was taking this dating thing so seriously. Third date. I glanced at my watch and realized it was just before midnight which gave me an idea.
“Hey, are you okay?” he asked when he answered his cell.
“Yes, I wanted to ask you on a date.” I tried to keep the giddiness from my voice.
He laughed. “You name the time and place and I’ll be there.”
“Promise?” I challenged.
“Promise.”
The doorbell rang ten minutes later. I hardly had enough time to get ready, but managed to pull the look together. I ran to the kitchen and grabbed a cup of coffee, almost burning myself on the way to the door.
I took a steadying breath before I turned the lock and swung the door open. Ashton’s eyes met mine with a smile before his gaze dropped. My breasts crested above the black lace push up bra that matched my lace, half-slip with garters attached to black thigh highs, and my feet adorned the highest red pumps I owned. His smile wiped clean as lust took over. His gaze returned to my breasts as I saw his Adam’s apple shift with a heavy swallow.
“You don’t play fair,” he stated roughly.
“Coffee?” I asked sweetly as I offered the cup to him, making good on my date for coffee. He shook his head and locked his eyes on mine. The desire caused me to take a step back into my apartment. I put the coffee down just before he scooped me up, kicked my door shut and rushed us to my room.
He threw me on the bed and silently studied me as he undressed. I sucked my bottom lip between my teeth and watched the cording of his muscles within his firm body pull and stretch when he lifted his shirt over his head. My gaze lowered, following the definition of every muscle of his chest to his beautifully deep V of his obliques. I mentally traced the indentation into the waistband of the jeans that he had yet to remove.
I watched the rise and fall of his chest with each breath and I knew he wanted me as much as I wanted him. He unbuttoned his jeans, pushing them down and stepping from them in one sinuous movement before climbing onto the edge of the bed.
He slowly crawled over me, hovering just inches from my body. He ran his fingers gently through my hair and gripped lightly at the root. “You’re so fucking beautiful, Meagan. I think I love you more at this moment than I did just fifteen minutes ago. You’re so full of surprises and I can’t get enough.” His lips collided with mine, kissing me passionately before pulling away and running his mouth over my jaw and down my neck. He nipped and bit gently as he traveled down my collar bone to the tops of my breasts. He ran his finger over the bulging mounds gently before he ran his tongue over them.
His fingers lowered down my body, caressing my skin as they traveled deeper before landing between my legs. I spread them, wanting to feel his touch. His mouth lowered and he pushed my legs further apart as he settled his body between them. His fingers ran through my folds briefly before I felt his warm mouth on my clit.
“Oh my God!” I cried out at the sensation his warm mouth was creating. “No, baby, it’s me,” he joked before sucking firmly on my clit.
“Ashton,” I moaned as his tongue ran lazy circles around my sensitive flesh. He inserted one finger then two deep inside me, instantly pushing me into orgasm. I rocked against his mouth until the last wave of sensation rippled through me.
He kissed my thighs gently with his open mouth before he traveled up my body once more. His hands massaged my breasts through the lace, causing them to further overflow from the top.
“Fuck, Meagan, my body and mind are at war with one another. I don’t want to unwrap you because I love how damn sexy you look, but there’s not an inch of your body I want hidden under that fabric from my mouth.”
He slid the strap of my bra over my shoulder and pulled on my breast until my nipple was exposed. His mouth sucked it to a hard pebble. I felt the drag of his hard dick on my thigh as he continued his assault on my nipples. I opened my legs and pushed my body into his slightly. He pulled away and gave me a devious grin.
“I like this wantonness,” he whispered huskily against my skin with a smile. He pushed my legs apart with his thighs and filled me. He shuttled in and out of me quickly with forceful, precise strokes. He lowered over me and covered my mouth with his. His tongue was as aggressive as his thrusts. The taste of his kiss was foreign, his flavor mixed with my own, and it energized me. I pushed into him, meeting each of his strokes, and I felt him harden as he neared his peak. He changed the direction of his movement, throwing me into another orgasm without warning. The room filled with my moan of his name and his grunt as we both peaked together.
“Third date is definitely where it’s at,” he said with laughter in his voice as he held me tighter.
“Tell me you’re coming to the Hamptons next week?” Leah whined over the Bluetooth connection in my car.
“Are you inviting me?”
“You don’t need an invite. If I’m there, you’re there,” she replied happily.
“I have to find out what to do with Dave,” I joked as he cast an ugly look at me.
Leah laughed. “Fine, you can bring Dave too,” she said, feigning agitation. “Does he babysit babies or just grown women?” she asked through her laughter.
“Leah, could you imagine Dave on the beach?” I laughed at the visual that was playing in my mind.
“Arms crossed, brooding looks at the seagulls.” She laughed.
“Very funny, you know I’m here, right?” he asked sarcastically with his deep voice.
“Oh hi, Dave. Just kidding, we have a nanny and the seagulls really aren’t a threat.” She giggled and he shook his head.
“Gotta go, Leah. Speed demon has me at work twenty minutes early,” I teased, glancing at Dave.
“Shit, I bet the boss loves your new chauffeur. Way to go, Dave. Here I thought only Ashton could make her early for something,” she said mockingly.
“Hey!”
“Bye. Have a great concert,” she said sweetly before disconnecting.
I turned to Dave and smiled apologetically. “You know we’re just messing with you, right? I really do appreciate you, and I know you’d rather be with Ashton.”
He nodded, but then a hint of a smile broke through. “You and your girl are gro
wing on me. I’m straight,” he said before clearing the foreign expression from his lips.
I climbed out. “See you tonight.”
Once inside, I changed clothes but still had time, so I sent Ashton a text.
‘What’s the word of the day?’
‘No word today’
‘What?’
‘It’s too dirty…or at least I can’t think of one clean sentence using it’
‘I’m intrigued now’
‘You intrigue me. That’s why I can’t come up with one clean sentence;)’
‘What is it? Let me try’
‘Bulbous’
I laughed wondering what to do with that.
‘You’re joking?’
‘Nope! Can’t do it either, can you?’
‘Nope. Mind goes to one thing only’
‘I like your way of thinking’
I laughed again, gaining the attention of Suzette. She smiled earnestly as she signaled for me to take the floor.
‘Gotta go. I love you’
I stowed my phone in my purse and locked it up before getting to work.
DAVE AND I WALKED INTO the crowded restaurant to meet Leah and Cliff for dinner.
“I’m just going to walk you to the table and then sit outside.”
I looked up at him, disappointed. “Dave, they made reservations for four. You’re my date. You have to eat with us,” I pleaded.
“That’s not part of the job description.” I watched as he subtly shook his head. I could never read his expressions unless I saw the hint of a smile that I’d been able to provoke lately. But tonight there was no presence of one so his comment stung a bit. He’d felt a little more distant than usual today when he drove me to work and I silently wondered what was wrong.
The hostess returned and escorted us to the table where Leah and Cliff were already seated.
“Dave, I thought you were a good influence. You guys are five minutes late,” Leah teased as she greeted us. Dave shrugged his shoulders without smiling. I gave her a pointed look, silently begging her to stop. She instantly stopped her berating. Dave greeted Cliff politely, but quickly excused himself to sit outside.
“What’s with him? He knows we’re joking, right?”
“I’m not sure. He’s been off all day. I’m going to try to talk to him tonight. Maybe he needs some time off. He could take it. It’s not like anyone has bothered since he’s been babysitting me,” I said wryly as I watched his tall frame walk from the restaurant.
“So are we on for the Hamptons next week? We’re leaving this weekend,” Leah asked.
“Yes, I have to work two more nights and then I’m off for four. Kind of stinks. Ashton’s next visit is for two nights and I have to work one of them,” I said sadly.
“It won’t be much longer,” Leah said brightly.
“Oh, Cliff, he wanted to know if you’d be interested in getting a team together for a charity golf tournament they do each year. It benefits the homeless shelters of the greater New York area.”
Cliff smiled. “Yeah, send me the dates and I’ll get some guys together.”
My text alert went off from inside me purse. “Sorry.” I looked at Leah and Cliff apologetically.
1 New Text Message
‘Babe, be nice to Dave today. I just noticed the date, it’s not a good day for him’
‘Yeah, I’ve been wondering all day what’s wrong with him’
‘Long story, I’ll tell you when we talk next time’
‘k’
‘About to take the stage’
‘Have a good show. I love you’
‘I love you too’
As we exited the restaurant, I scanned the darkness, looking for Dave. I didn’t see him anywhere as the attendant retrieved Cliff’s car without instruction and promptly pulled up, opening the door for Leah.
“Do you want us to wait with you?” Leah hesitated, looking around once more for Dave.
“No, go ahead. I’ll be fine. I’m sure he didn’t go far.”
She looked at me once more in question before I insisted. “Go, Leah. I’m not helpless. I can be alone for a little while.” I laughed.
“Okay, I’ll see you in a few days. Bring that grumpy Dave. Maybe we can get him drunk,” she teased before folding into the car and waving as Cliff pulled into traffic.
“Meagan!”
Panic set in immediately. I looked up to see a flash and then another. It was reminiscent of the night at the grocery store, but this time I wasn’t alone. As I heard the questions being called out, I also heard the faint sound of the young valet attendant yelling about private property and the police. I was blinded once more by the rapid flashes of light, so I settled on the bench with my face in my hands.
I heard the deep, stern rumble of Dave’s brooding voice, followed by the silence of the camera’s shutter. “Shit, Meagan. I’m so sorry I wasn’t here.” His voice was softer than I’d ever heard it as he kneeled next to me.
I looked up to see his sympathetic eyes taking in my tear soaked face. “Why do they do that?” I wiped the moisture from my cheeks with my fingertips. I glanced up to see the valet wearing the same weary look as Dave.
“I don’t know, but I should have been with you. I’m so sorry.”
“I’m fine, Dave. They just come on so fast that I don’t know what to do. What do they accomplish by doing that?”
“I should have been here,” he said one more time as he helped me to my feet and into the awaiting SUV.
“Are you okay, Dave?” I asked, looking over at him.
“I should be asking you that. You were the one practically attacked.” His voice was laced with frustration.
“I’m fine. They just wanted pictures so they could make up stuff. I wonder what they’ll come up with of me sitting on that bench with my face in my hands.”
“Ashton’s going to blow his lid.” He shook his head.
“Listen, everyone has to go to the bathroom once in a while.” I used the same excuse he used for me not too long ago.
He glanced in my direction and shook his head. “I can’t let you do that, Meagan,” he said authoritatively.
“You did it for me when I had my head in my ass, I’ll do it for you now that you’ve had your head in your ass all day,” I teased with a smile.
His heavy sigh filled the cab. “Today marks the anniversary of my daughter’s death,” he explained after miles of silence.
My head flew in his direction. “Oh god, Dave, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”
“Not many do. It happened four years ago. She was only eight.”
“What was her name?”
“Sabrina.” His lips turned with a genuine smile.
I studied him for a minute, wondering how at such a young age.
“Drive by,” he said as if hearing my thoughts.
“Shit,” I mumbled, sitting back in my seat. “I’m really sorry, Dave. Why didn’t you take today off? Or I could have gone straight home after work so you could have had time with your family.”
“I don’t have family. The night she was killed she was with my brother. They killed both of them. Her mother blamed me and we split after, so it’s just me.”
“You can’t be blamed for that!” I said defensively. He shot me a look of disbelief before turning back to the road. “I’m so sorry, Dave. I can’t imagine what the two of you went through.”
“It’s water under the bridge, but I can’t seem to move past it,” he said so low it was nearly inaudible.
“You shouldn’t. I believe everyone is brought into our lives for a reason. We usually don’t know why or even stop to wonder, but if we were to study every relationship, both good and bad, we’d realize we have something to learn from each one. It’s not always easy to see, or even pleasant, but there’s a lesson or a benefit that can be found in everyone. I know Sabrina only brought you joy, so focus on that and celebrate it. The happiness she brought and what she taught you about the life you’ve been put o
n this planet to live is the legacy she left with you. Don’t let that be wasted.”
“We’re going to Kyle’s for a barbeque when I get to town,” Ashton greeted when I answered his call.
“Okay, hello to you too.” I laughed.
“Sorry, Kyle asked me over last time I was there, but I was so busy trying to get to that third date that I forgot.” I heard the smile in his tone.
“I think I got us to that third date,” I said dryly.
“Yes, you did and I thank you for that … in fact, I think I thanked you all night.”
“You did not just say that.” We both laughed.
“Babe, were you nice to Dave today?” he eventually asked. I was hoping this wouldn’t come up.
“I’m always nice to Dave,” I said playfully, trying to keep tonight’s events in the far corners of my mind.
“Good. Four years ago today his little girl was killed along with his brother in a drive-by shooting in the old neighborhood.”
“He told me.”
“He did?”
“Yes, I could tell he was off and so I asked. He didn’t tell me right away, but eventually he did.”
“DeShawn and Austin were friends growing up, so we’ve known Dave for a long time. Dave saved Austin from overdosing one night.”
“What? He didn’t tell me that.”
“He wouldn’t. He’s too good of a man. He worked at a club, the same club he was working at the night Sabrina and DeShawn were killed. Austin took too much of something and passed out in the parking lot. Dave recognized him and rushed him to the hospital without the media finding out.”
“He didn’t tell me any of that.”
“I can’t believe he told you anything at all. He must really like you.”
“Of course he does. What’s not to like?” I said playfully.
Speaking of liking, what are you doing?” His voice dropped a pitch.
“I’m in bed.”
“What are you doing in bed?”
“Ashton, what do you think I’m doing? I’m getting ready to sleep.” I laughed nervously.
“I have a better idea. Put me on speaker.”
“Ashton?” I whined.
