Numb

by Lynn Rider

“Humor me, Meagan,” he said, snapping out of his deep rumbled voice.

  “Okay, you’re on speaker,” I resigned.

  “Take off your nightgown.”

  “How’d you know?”

  “Take it off, Meg,” he interrupted.

  I slid the gown over my head and threw it on the edge of the bed.

  “Lie back down,” he commanded softly. I did. “Take off your panties.” I didn’t bother to object and did as I was told, kicking them off under the sheets.

  “Drag just the tips of your fingers across your breasts, lightly brushing your nipples.” I did as he said and my nipples tightened to pebbles. “Close your eyes and pretend it’s me. Lick your fingers and gently squeeze your nipple. Do you feel it tightening? Squeeze harder. Rub your finger so it brushes against the tip of your hard nipple. My tongue is flicking against the tip. Now gently pull just the nipple and release it.”

  I followed every one of his commands. As my moistened fingers slipped from its soft grip on my taught nipple, the coolness of the air against the wet skin prickled my entire body with goosebumps.

  “Wet your other hand and do the other nipple. I love your nipples in my mouth.” His voice dropped lower once again. I immediately obeyed, repeating the same treatment on the other side. “Now take your hand and slowly drag it down your body, skirting your skin so softly. I see your tattoos, they’re the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen, Meagan. I love that you’re such a good girl with a wild streak. Move them lower now, lightly caressing the skin just above your short mound. God you’re sexy. Touch your clit. Is it tight?”

  “Yes,” I answered quietly through shallow breaths.

  “Run your fingers over it in a circular motion.”

  I did as he commanded once again, and with each circle made to the fleshy pebble a jolt of pleasure shot deep into my core. My body instinctively rocked in motion, heightening the sensation to an almost frenzied state.

  “Run your fingers the length of your opening. Feel how wet you are?”

  “Yes …” I was wet. Soaking wet.

  “Drag your wetness up to your clit. Rub small lazy circles. Not too hard, light pressure. Are you rubbing your nipple?”

  “Yes,” I moaned.

  “Good, I love your nipples, I love your sexy body. Move your fingers through your folds one more time, this time putting your fingers deep inside. Do you feel me inside of you?”

  Another moan slipped from my lips.

  “You’re so wet for me. I want to feel your clit again. Rub your clit, this time a little harder. Small circles, baby. Feel me nibbling on your nipple. Pinch it and pull.” I felt my clit convulse under my fingertips as my body impulsively rocked with each ripple of my orgasm. My quiet moans mixed with Ashton’s own throaty groan as we both came.

  “I TAKE IT ASHTON hasn’t found out about the events at the restaurant the other night,” Leah called out as I walk in their Hamptons house sans Dave.

  “No, and he won’t if I have anything to say about it. Anyway, no one will find me here. It’s not like I’m a celebrity. They’re just curious because Ashton’s never been linked to one person exclusively.”

  “You’ve got that all figured out, huh?” She laughed as I follow her into the game room where Cliff and some of his friends were playing pool.

  “Hey, Meagan,” Cliff greeted me as I walked into the room and made a beeline for Luke.

  “Hi, everyone.” I picked up my little pudgy friend and nuzzled into his neck.

  “We see who the important one is here,” Cliff said, feigning sarcasm with a smile as he watched me with Luke.

  “Damn straight.” I laughed and exited the room with Luke in my arms, following Leah to the kitchen.

  “So you’re really not upset about the other night. I wish we hadn’t left you, I feel terrible.”

  “Don’t. They’re the assholes. Besides, I’m certain the other night was a fluke. I heard the valet tell Dave they hang out there all the time hoping to catch someone who might be of interest. It probably took them a long time to figure out who I was. Truth be known, if I hadn’t arrived with a bodyguard they probably wouldn’t have suspected me to be linked to anyone.” I shrugged.

  “Probably so,” Leah said with a half-smile.

  “We’re going down to the beach to get ready for tonight,” Cliff announced as he entered the kitchen with his friends.

  “Not too close to the deck this time. Your mother almost shit her pants when she saw the effects of the last bonfire on her precious deck.”

  “Why don’t you come down with us and you can boss me around by the water where I can throw you in,” he said to her with a devious smile.

  Leah looked my way and I shrugged. “I could use some sun. And I would love to see you get thrown in the water.” I laughed.

  “Oh no, he knows better. He wouldn’t get any for a long time and he’s begging me for another baby,” she said sardonically in Cliff’s direction.

  My head snapped from Cliff to Leah. “What?”

  She nodded, her eyes full of mischief as she carefully eyed Cliff, who was laughing with his hands held up in surrender.

  “I think I hear my name being called.” Cliff laughed and walked out the back door with his friends.

  Leah’s attention turned to me. “You didn’t tell me that you were trying for another.”

  She smiled. “He’s been ready since Luke was born, but we’ve been entertaining the idea together for about a month now. Luke is coming up on six months old and we want our children close in age.”

  “Wow, Leah, I think that’s great. Why don’t you make me one?” I teased as I snuggled up to Luke. “Or just give me this one,” I reiterated, kissing his belly and hearing him laugh.

  “Hi, babe,” Ashton answered my call happily.

  “Hi, I wanted to call you now because I’m about to go down to the beach. Cliff and his friends have this huge bonfire going and I know you’re going on soon, so I didn’t want to miss wishing you good luck.”

  “Thanks, I wish I was there with you instead of here,” he said quietly into the phone. He was so sweet, but always tried to seem so manly with the guys.

  “I wish you were too. Cliff and Leah have invited us both back when you get off tour in a couple of weeks. There will be a few weeks left of season when you’re done with the tour. This place is amazing.”

  “That sounds great. How was the drive without Dave?” he asked, changing the subject.

  “Good, I got to listen to my music without apology.” I laughed.

  “I want you to stay with Leah and Cliff at all times. Never be alone, okay?”

  “Ashton, no one even knows who I am here. Besides, this place is crawling with celebrities. I’m just the girlfriend of a celebrity. I’m probably better off without Dave attracting attention.”

  “Regardless, I don’t want what happened at Shay’s the other night to happen again without him nearby.”

  I didn’t respond as I ran through my mind, trying to determine how he knew.

  He sighed. “I know what happened, Meagan. Your picture landed on a tabloid, sitting there with your head in your hands. I wish I had been there to protect you. I’m sorry you keep getting tied up in that.”

  “How did you know it was me?”

  “First, I would know your beautiful body anywhere. Second, it said you were alone and broken-hearted over me.”

  “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. Dave was having a hard enough time that day.” I sighed, thinking about the pain he was still trying to overcome.

  “I know. I gave him a hall pass but told him that you’re my Sabrina. I’ve never loved anyone like I love you and he has a job to protect you. Cliff has assured me he‘ll keep an eye out for strangers while you’re there. Stay near the house so you can get inside if you need to.”

  “Cliff?”

  “Yeah, I talked to him yesterday.”

  “How?”

  He laughed. “I got his number when I was at their house that night. He s
eems to think he can kick my ass in golf, so I told him as soon as I’m back it’s on. Don’t tell him I said this, but he may actually beat me. I haven’t been able to play much since I’ve been on the road.”

  “You and Cliff, friends? I think I’ve heard it all now.” I laughed.

  “He’s a pretty cool guy, Meagan. You should already know that, though.” Static filled the line followed by muffled voices. “I gotta go babe. We’re doing a quick interview with a local radio station before taking stage. I’ll call you later.”

  “Have a good show. I love you.”

  “Love you too.”

  “Don’t be nervous, Meg. You have no reason to be.”

  “Don’t leave me with Kelly,” I insisted quietly.

  He laughed before leaning over the console of his SUV and kissing me on the lips softly. “She’s not that bad. Believe me, she wants us here. She’s the one who insisted we have this barbeque. Kyle and I share a bus, so he wants nothing to do with me when we’re not working.” He grinned.

  “She makes me nervous.”

  “Babe, I thought you two got along in Nashville.” He sighed.

  “James was on the plane both directions, so conversation was easier.” I smiled.

  “Okay, I won’t leave you unless you give me the all clear signal.”

  I flashed him a skeptical look just before he jumped from behind the wheel and ran around to open my door. “What exactly is the all clear signal?” I asked as he helped me from his SUV and we started toward the house. He opened his mouth to respond just as the front door swung open.

  “I was wondering if you were going to show or not. Kelly is in the kitchen and we’re about to hit the pool,” Kyle greeted us as he stepped to the side to allow us entry. The foyer opened to a huge great room where two identical brown haired boys were running around with matching swim trunks and water wings on. Our arrival caught the attention of one.

  “Unc Ash!”

  He ran toward Ashton and the other followed suit immediately. Ashton bent over and allowed them to bulldoze him over onto the floor while tickling them. The sound of laughter was contagious as I found my smile widening over this grown man being mauled by two little people.

  I glanced up as Kelly entered the room with a dish towel in her hands. “Kyle, you couldn’t let them get in the door first?” she scolded as she lifted one of the little boys from Ashton’s body.

  Kyle was all smiles watching the attack. He shrugged at Kelly’s comment before lifting the other from Ashton. “Let me at em!” the little boy insisted. We all laughed, watching the little one squirming in Kyle’s much larger and stronger arms.

  “Meagan, this is Chance and Chase,” Kelly called out over the ruckus of the boys as she handed the little one from her arms into Kyle’s.

  “Pool time!” Kyle yelled out as he carried two arms full of boys through the room and out the back door. “Come on, Ash!”

  Ashton looked at me hesitantly. So much for the all clear. I smiled and nodded for him to go. He pulled his shirt off as he ran through the living room toward the pool. Kelly and I laughed as we saw the splash caused undoubtedly by Ashton’s big body hitting the water.

  “Sorry, we don’t normally greet our guests like that, but Ashton isn’t really considered a guest, so you get grandfathered in as well.” She laughed, shaking her head once more as she peered outside. “Would you like a drink?” she asked, leading the way from the room.

  “Yes, please. You have a lovely home.” I admired the high ceilings and all the windows leading out to a beautiful patio.

  “Thank you. It’s a work in progress. I’ve asked Reese for help, and she’s offered some, but with her being in Nashville and, of course, busy with Ava Caroline, she hasn’t been able to offer much assistance.”

  “Well, you’ve done a beautiful job with it.”

  “Thank you. Kyle insisted on this neighborhood because of the security. We bought it from an older couple. I’ll have to show you the last two rooms that have yet to be done. Hideous.” She shook her head. “Come on, I’ll show maybe you can offer some insight on what to do with the avocado green bathroom.” Her nose wrinkled before leading the way.

  The house was beautiful and spacious. During the tour, Kelly was actually extremely down to earth and very family orientated. I could see she was strong, much like Reese, and hoped we could be friends.

  As if she could read my mind, Kelly turned and looked at me. ”Meagan, I’m really glad you came. I never felt the timing was right when we were in Nashville to apologize for my behavior at lunch that day. I’m just passionate about my friends and let my mouth overload my ass … again. I’m sorry and would like to consider you a friend.”

  “I would like that too.” I smiled.

  “Babe, towels?” Kyle interrupted from the doorway.

  Kelly went into the next room and came out holding an armful of folded beach towels, handing them off to a dripping wet Kyle. He kissed her chastely on the lips and she smacked his ass he turned to walk away. I smiled at how normal this all seemed.

  “He’s so hot. I tell you, I don’t know how I got so lucky,” she said thoughtfully as she watched him wrap one of the boys in a towel and scoop him up into his arms like a baby.

  I smiled, not knowing how to respond. I turned my attention outside to watch Ashton. I thought I was the lucky one.

  “How are things with Ashton?”

  I thought pensively about her question, trying to find the right way to express my happiness. “Ashton isn’t who I thought he would be.” I smiled as I watched him splash one of the twins.

  Kelly’s attention turned to me. “What do you mean?”

  “He screams bad boy with his cocky attitude, muscles and tattoos, but he’s not.” I watched him flip one of the twins upside down. “I didn’t want to get involved with him because I was afraid of how badly he would hurt me.”

  She smiled, glancing out the patio door briefly. “He would have if you’d been anyone else, Meagan. He changed because of you. He loves you more than he probably loves himself.”

  “I’m glad he does. I love him too.”

  She grabbed a tray of steaks from the refrigerator. “Here, take these outside and I’ll make another round of drinks.”

  Ashton was sipping a beer and pushing one of the twins on a swing when I approached. “How can you tell which one is which?”

  “I can’t.” He laughed before taking a long pull of his beer.

  “Seriously?”

  “Nah, you can tell if you spend enough time with them. Chance’s face is more round. Chase’s chin is pointy like Kyle’s which gives them a distinct difference if you know what you’re looking for.”

  I nodded. “But that would require they stand still long enough to examine them.” I laughed as I watched the other little boy fly down the slide, quickly get up and run for the ladder to do it again.

  “Want me to tell how to cheat?” he asked quietly. I looked at him curiously. “Chase fell and busted his head open about a year ago and had to have stitches. He has a scar that runs over his left eye interrupting the line of his brow.”

  “That helps.” I laughed, examining their little brows.

  “I thought it might.” He winked and grabbed for me, drawing me in closer and kissing me softly.

  “Eww, Unc Ash kissin a girl!”

  Ashton turned his attention to the little boy. “Do you blame me? Look at her, she’s hot!” he declared, pointing at me.

  “Sees hot!” the other one chanted as he hopped from the now barely moving swing and ran away.

  “Keep it G-rated over there!” Kyle called out from the grill.

  Ashton pulled me in tighter and kissed me once more. “I love you,” he whispered as he looked me in the eyes.

  “I love you too. Thank you for making me come. Kelly isn’t as bad as I thought.”

  “What did you say? Ashton you were right?” He laughed with a cocky grin.

  “Meagan, I know you don’t know me well, b
ut if you ever need someone to talk to you can call me.” I looked at Kelly hesitantly. I knew she wanted to be friends, but I wasn’t quite following her. “About their life, the paparazzi or the tabloids. I heard what happened at the supermarket and at Shay’s.”

  “Thanks.”

  “He’ll be home soon and it will get better. They hardly acknowledge me anymore. If you feel overwhelmed, call me.”

  “He told me about Austin and your best friend.”

  My comment threw her off balance, and I immediately regretted mentioning it. She eventually smiled weakly. “I’m hoping that’s not over.”

  I shifted my head sideways in question. “Amber married some shithead who she eventually divorced. She’s single again, but she’s convinced she and Austin are poisonous together,” she said sadly as she put the last dish away.

  “Does she still love him?” I asked, curiosity getting the best of me.

  “You don’t ever get over your first love,” she said matter-of-fact. I remembered Douglas making a similar assumption and I knew it was true in my case. I’d always love Ashton if something were to happen to us. The thought instantly made me sad.

  “Are you okay?”

  I smiled, pushing those thoughts away. “Yeah, I just can’t imagine not being with Ashton. I don’t know if I could stay away.”

  “Well, just don’t let those tabloids get to you.”

  We finished cleaning up the kitchen just as we heard a loud shrill from the living room. Kelly led the way to the living room, but she didn’t seem panicked. Ashton was sitting on the edge of the couch directing the boys on their moves while Kyle was on the floor being attacked by the boys one at a time. They circled him like a tag team wrestling match; one at a time they’d strike, then climb off and tap the others hand.

  “Kyle and Ashton! What are you teaching my sweet boys?” Kelly yelled as she took in the spectacle.

  Ashton and Kyle both snapped their attention our direction, looking guilty. “I told you boys to calm down,” Ashton said quietly as he raised his hands in surrender with his best innocent look upon his face.

  I shook my head but smiled. Ashton had been so attentive all night to both Chase and Chance. It gave me silent hope that this could one day be our life.