by C. M. Steele
“Fine, you’re right. You stick to your boy and I’ll look for someone until you’re ready to come back home for good.” I knew that wasn’t what she wanted, but I needed to get her to admit it.
“What?” She finally looked at me. She was awed at my relent.
“What? What? You’re right. We don’t know each other, and I have no intention of interrupting your college goals. So until the day we can see where this leads, I’ll do my thing and you do yours.” I was bluffing out of my ass. I had no intention of finding anyone. I knew she wanted me more than she was letting on. Was it lust or did she feel that immediate connection that I did?
Her mouth opened and closed several times as she thought about what to say. Having nothing to add, she returned to her occupation of looking out the window. I smiled to myself because she was jealous. Good, it’s a start. Now to find a way for her to stay away from this little fuck.
We were almost there when Cam called through the car speaker. “Did you get my sister yet?”
“I’m right here, Cam,” she said, leaning toward the console so he could hear her better.
“Cool. Mom has been harassing me for not getting you myself. I can’t wait to see you, Van.” I knew that Cam loved his little sister a lot. It was sweet to see. If I had a sister, I’d be the same way.
“Me either,” Vanessa replied happily.
“Have you been giving Tim shit?” Cam asked.
“Only a little,” Vanessa admitted with a laugh.
“Good, don’t go running off my right hand man.” Guilt swarmed all over me. I was sent because I could protect her, but all I wanted to do was nail her to the nearest surface and breed her so she couldn’t leave me. I need to get my shit together. I was already thinking thoughts most men didn’t consider when they met a super fine ass chick.
“She can’t scare me off.” I gave her a meaningful look.
“Good. Tomorrow’s the Christmas party.” Cameron reminded both of us. I was looking forward to it now. I’d be able to see her dressed up looking stunning.
“I almost forgot,” she said.
“Yeah. Tim, you better be there, too. Don’t try to ditch like last year. I’ve got some pretty females I’d like you to meet.”
“You know the way to get someone to a party.” I chuckled. Really, all I had eyes for was Vanessa, and that wouldn’t change with some loose broads looking for nice end to a night.
“See you soon, Van.”
“Can’t wait, bro.” Cam hung up returning us to the silence of before. We were only five more minutes away from the large James estate. I knew this relationship was going to be a battle of the wills, but I am a Marine. Patience was something I learned a long time ago.
3
Vanessa
I wanted to scream. I didn't say I was going to see Will. He took it that way just because I didn't like being bossed around. We met like five minutes before he started to mark his territory.
It pissed me off when he pulled back and practically did an about-face. It was like he was trying to get me angry. It worked. I couldn't wait to get to the house so I wouldn't have to see him. When Cam mentioned women that only made it worse. I was tempted to invite Will, but that wouldn't be cool. I knew from the moment I saw Tim's photo I wouldn't want anyone else.
If he even flirted with those women, going back to school would be easy because I'd want nothing to do with him.
“You know, Tim. I think it’s best if we forget this attraction.”
He slammed on the brakes and thankfully the road was empty. “What the fuck?”
“Look, one second you’re spitting out that you want me to have your babies and the next you’re setting up time to find hookups with my brother. I might be young, but I’m not stupid. I won’t be waiting around for a manwhore. I can’t trust a man like you, so let’s just call it what it is, lust, and move on.”
“The fuck we’re not. I don’t want any of those chicks Cam’s talking about.”
“Please. You two probably go out looking for ass.”
“No, we don’t. Your brother doesn’t date often because he’s always working.”
“Fine. Let’s just slow it down. After tomorrow’s party, we’ll decide if there’s anything more besides lust.”
“I already know there is, but I’ll give you that. Just so you know, if I find a motherfucker kissing or touching you, I won’t be responsible for my actions.”
“Same here,” I agreed, giving him a dirty ass glare.
We pulled up the front gate and that ended all discussion.
Just before he put it in park, he growled, “Damn, I can’t wait to kiss you.”
“Me either, but not until after the party.”
My mom rushed down the stairs, hugging me tightly. “I missed you!”
“I missed you, too, Mom.” We pulled apart, and I saw Tim out of the corner of my watching me. I shouldn’t have made I eye contact with him. His dirty stare did fucked up things to my girly bits. Even standing outside in this cold winter weather with no coat couldn’t quell the burning desire under my flesh. It actually sent a chill down my spine that gave my mother the wrong impression.
“Oh no, it’s cold out here. Let’s get inside before we get sick. I can’t be a hostess tomorrow if I’m sick. By the way, there’s going to be several young men I want you to meet. They all live here, so maybe you’ll come back.”
“You know I have to finish.”
“I’m only teasing, but I still want you to meet them. Who knows what could happen.”
I watched Tim shake his head slowly behind my mother’s back. It was cool because I just warned him about the broads. My mother walked in front of me and Tim behind. He was so close, I could feel his breath on my neck. Feeling needy and bad, I stopped in my tracks bumping my ass into his body. “Sorry, Tim. I almost slipped.”
“Oh, honey, be careful. You don’t have your winter boots on. Kids,” she said before going up the stairs.
Without anyone seeing, he used his free hand to wrap it around my waist, and pulled me back into his body. I felt the long thick stiffness pressing hard against my ass. “Slipped my ass. But that’s okay. I’ll make you pay for that later.” He quickly snatched my ear between his teeth and sucked, letting go before my mother turned.
“I hate you.” My body was so damn close to convulsing into an intense orgasm.
In a hush, he said, “No you don’t. I’m going to make sure that you never do.” Addressing both of us he said, “I’m going to drop this off then I’ve got to get back to work.” He left my suitcase upstairs and split without saying another word.
The moment he was gone, I knew it was more than lust. I missed him like I hadn’t seen him in forever.
“So, is there something going on between you and Tim?” My mother looked at me suspiciously. I couldn’t fault her because she was right on the money and the energy that flowed between Tim and I was electrifying. I knew it, but I didn’t know if I could handle it.
So I lied, “What? No, of course there isn’t. We just met when he picked me up.”
“Okay, but so you know he’s much older than you.” It couldn’t be clearer that she didn’t believe me. I didn’t know if it was because my heart was pounding and could be heard a mile around or the flushed, embarrassed, guilty expression on my face. Either way, I stood there aching for an older man. I didn’t know how old he was, but he didn’t look that old.
“How much older?” I asked.
“He’s thirty-one.”
“Wow, that’s old. Well, it doesn’t matter anyway. I’m leaving in three weeks so I’m not interested in starting a relationship.” There went another bullshit lie out of my mouth, but my mother didn’t push the issue. Instead, we talked about the school and my roommate.
“Tell me about school.”
“It’s really good. I passed the first semester, and when I go back it will be to all new classes. I hope that it will be easier than the first. With the nice weather it was hard to not
ditch somedays, but I made it through.”
“If it becomes too much you could always come back…”
I interrupted her, “Mom, I told you I wanted to learn how to stand on my own.”
“I didn’t say you had to come back here. If you would’ve let me finish, I was going to say that you could go to school in the city. That way you’d be closer to home, but far enough away to have your independence.”
I felt like an ass. They were always looking out for me—with good reason. I should have been getting on their asses for it now. Tim let me feeling tense and I was taking it out on my mom. “Thanks, Mom, but I want to make sure I get my first year done before I decide to leave.”
“That’s fine, sweetie. We just want you to be happy.” She hugged me again. I missed her hugs.
~~~~~
It was over two hours later before the house filled up with the rest of the James Family.
“Simon, Cam, Dad!” I squealed and ran up to them, hugging each one of them. They squeezed me tighter until I yelped and they let me down. They were all bigger and stronger than me, but they were sweethearts.
My eldest brother Simon started right away. “We’re so glad you’re here. Have you changed your mind about college? Are you planning to stay?”
I tilted my head in frustration then shook it. “Simon, you know I have to try.”
“How’s school going, sis?” Simon asked. I was sure they all want to know because they were anxious to get me back in my room safe, protected, and loved. It was amazing to have that love, but part of it was because they didn’t think I could manage life without them. I didn’t tell them that I actually got a part-time job that I quit after two weeks because it was too much for me. I hated that they were practically right. I was the stereotypical rich daughter, getting everything I want, no real awesome individuality, and an ability to spend without trying.
“It’s going okay. I got a two B’s and two C’s,” I revealed. They were going to find out anyway.
“Damn that’s great, Van.” Cam put his arm around my shoulder and squeezed my bicep. I placed my head on his chest quickly, missing my big brother.
“Thanks, Cam.”
“I hope you aren’t doing too much partying,” my dad said with a raised brow.
“Of course not, Dad.” I really didn’t go out more than like three times. Once to a concert at the Pavilion and two parties at a bar. They didn’t let you drink, but you could go dance.
“That’s what she tells us. I bet she’s been to several dorm and frat parties.” Cam nudged me.
I nudged right back and changed the subject. “Shut up. Isn’t there a game on tonight?”
“Yeah, come on the Seahawks are playing in about ten minutes. Wife, we could use some snacks. Please,” my dad asked. He arched his brow at my mother and we all knew that he was messing with her. My mother stood there with a wicked smile.
“Absolutely, dear, as soon as you lend me a hand.” She gave my dad the usual look that said she had other things to do with her hands.
“Fine, kids give your mom and I a few minutes,” he replied absentmindedly, pulling my mom into his arms.
“Few minutes, ha! We’re probably not going to get snacks until half time,” Simon said with a laugh.
“Okay, then you kids make it. I need to talk to your mother.” They started to kiss before he scooped her up and carried her out of the room. It was the norm. Their love was still going strong after all this time. Us kids headed into the kitchen while our parents got it on. We were so used to it that it didn’t even really gross us out anymore.
“So Van, are you sure everything’s alright. When I talked to you last week, you weren’t looking forward to coming home.”
“Well to be honest. I don’t want to go back, but I have a lot to still do.”
“You don’t have to go back.” They said in unison.
“Yes, I do,” I hissed.
“I know you don’t like school, so whenever you’re ready to throw in the towel don’t be afraid. We’d all understand,” Simon said.
“Just drop it, guys. I promise it’s alright.” I grabbed two bags of chips and carried them to the family room, ignoring them and leaving them to bring the drinks.
4
Vanessa
As the house was being decorated, my mom and I tried on several dresses that were brought to the house for us. I ended up with a little black dress. It wrapped around my neck with thin strings crisscrossing my back. It wasn’t my favorite color, but it hugged me so well that I hoped to keep Tim’s attention away from the bimbos that would be here. My mother said the guest list was going to be small, but the way Cam put it there was females for them.
The party was already in full swing when I decided to make my appearance. I didn’t know if Tim was the kind of guy who showed up on time or two hours late, so I opted to take my time to look beautiful. It was a painful and tedious task, but I believed I was done. Calming my nerves as best I could, I took the stairs one step at a time. I was almost down to the bottom when I heard a familiar voice call my name.
I tried to hide the look of disappointment when it wasn’t Tim, but rather Will.
“Hi, Will,” I said pretending to be happy to see him. I had no idea that he’d been invited. Strange because I didn’t tell him about it and everyone in the family knew we broke up.
“Damn, do you look fucking fine as hell,” he said it with a wolfish smile.
“Thanks, Will.” He pulled me into his arms and squeezed me tight. I wanted to push away without making a scene and thankfully my mother came to rescue just as I caught the dirty look come from Tim.
There he was looking so hot in red. Was he my Christmas present?
Cam handed him a beer, and the look on Cam’s face turned to a grimace when he saw Will. They both approached; neither of them happy to see Will with his arm still around me. I pushed away, almost trying to leave the room to get some air, but I wanted to see Tim.
“So Will, it’s good to see you here again. Did you bring your girlfriend?”
“We broke up. I came here with my parents and to see my girl here.”
“She’s not your girl,” Cam said.
“Not anymore, but we can fix that.”
“Are you planning to move to Urbana with her?”
“No.”
“Then I don’t think anything will change. Van here was just telling me yesterday that she can’t wait to return to school.”
“Is that so?” Tim asked.
“Yes, it is.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot to make introductions. This is my head of security and my sparring partner, Tim Russell. Tim this is Vanessa’s ex-boyfriend, Will.”
“Hello Will. For an ex, you’re extra touchy feely.”
“You sound jealous, Tim,” Will accused with a scowl. It was like they were about to fight. I closed my eyes and tried to magically silence both of them. Luckily Cam wasn’t so bright when it came to feelings.
“He’s not jealous. Van’s like a little sister to him. He’s too old for her. Besides, she’s too busy with school to be dating anyone.”
“Well, if all of you will excuse me I need to get a drink.”
“Hey, just because you’re in college doesn’t mean you can dip into the alcohol,” my mother warned with a tease. I shook my head and walked away from the war about to unfold. I didn’t want to be a part of the fight should Tim lose it. He promised we’d take it slow, but he was ready to bash Will’s head in.
I poured myself a glass of punch and mingled around the room for about an hour before I spotted Tim and Cam talking to a couple of scantily dressed broads.
Trying to cool my jealousy I walked out into the back covered porch where it was slightly cooler. It wasn’t enough. I wanted to cry. Without a coat, I stepped out the back door, letting the cold winter air hit me in the face. It stung immediately, but before I could take another breath, I was yanked back into the porch.
“Are you trying to freeze to deat
h out here?” Tim growled angrily, wrapping his arms around me. Before I knew what was going on he slammed me against the wall of the house. “Damn it, Van. Why are you crying?”
“Because. I can’t do this.” I looked into his eyes, wanting to kiss him, yet run at the same time. He had me so confused, more mixed up than any stupid algebra or English class. Tim made me crazy with possessive jealousy, and we weren’t really a couple. How was I supposed to manage months without him, living in perpetual worry and sadness?
“Can’t do what?” He was pressed against me, with his face close to mine. Our eyes meeting, mine full of unshed tears and his full of concern.
“Us,” I muttered, feeling so confused. I didn’t think I was mature enough to deal with my jealousy. The emotion was so new to me when it came to relationships that it got to me.
“Is it because I was talking to Cam’s guests?” He asked.
I nodded then sobbed, “Yes. That woman touched your arm and you smiled at her like you wanted her.”
He wiped my tears away with the pad of his thumbs, which were course and manly. It was like he didn’t work as security for my brother, but as a construction worker or some job that he had to work with his hands. “Honey, I didn’t and you know that. I was being civil. I removed her hand from my arm three times, but she was persistent, just like your ex. He refused to leave you alone. It took all I had to not knock his ass out.”
“You looked so mad at me when I saw you coming toward us. I was afraid you were getting back at me with them. You said you didn’t want anyone touching me and that was the first thing he did. Please know I didn’t want him to even be near me, and I didn’t even know who invited him.”
