“Don’t cry.” He kissed me again—a heart-filling, soul-gathering kiss.
“Love me, Reed, don’t stop.”
“I can do that.” He came alive inside me again.
He filled me with everything he had. He laced his fingers with mine and moved my hands above my head after rolling me to my back. This time he watched me as his hips began rocking. I knew what he wanted to see and I wasn’t embarrassed. I wanted to watch him come too. This time it was longer…sweeter.
“Keep your eyes open for me, baby.”
I hadn’t known they closed. I smiled and let the waves wash over every inch of my flesh from my pussy outward. Reed waited until the ripples almost stopped. With a final groan, he came. I watched and tried to imprint the memory on my brain so I could fantasize about it again and again.
His laughter brought me out of my haze. “I think your pants are cutting off the circulation to my balls.”
I looked down. Somehow, my sweats were half off my ass, pulled low in the front with the elastic under his balls.
“Not good,” I whispered.
“Maybe too good. I think I can go again.”
My kinky Reed was back, not that he ever went far.
“Come on, let’s have another round in the shower so I can get this condom off and put on another.”
“I went to the doctor and got the all clear.”
His groan was exaggeratedly loud. “Now you tell me.”
“I don’t think you gave me a chance before.”
His hands tightened on mine. “Hold still, baby.” He slipped out of me and I heard the condom come off. Then his cock—hot and bare—slid back inside. “Lift up.”
He released my hands and pulled my pants down farther. He wouldn’t take his cock completely out and only managed to get my pants down to my knees. Then he rolled so I was on top. He grabbed the bottom of my t-shirt and lifted it over my head. The sexual gymnastics were awkward and funny but I was too turned on to laugh.
“Pull your feet up by my hips,” he ordered through gritted teeth.
When I complied, my groin pushed farther against his, but he shimmied my sweatpants off one leg at a time. He still had his shirt and jeans on, which wasn’t fair; when his hands enveloped my breasts, I stopped thinking.
“Ride me, baby, take it.”
He went deeper this way and hit the back of me. It hurt, but felt wonderful at the same time. I rose up so I was sitting back slightly. He released my breasts and propped himself up to his forearms just watching me as I rode him.
“So beautiful.”
I took his unshaved scratchy face between my palms and moved forward. I didn’t kiss him, just breathed in each breath he expelled. I had no idea if he knew what I was doing, but he didn’t stop me. His eyes were half-closed, sparkling blue orbs as he watched where our bodies joined. He glanced up and met my eyes. I saw such intensity, but it didn’t scare me; it thrilled me. He didn’t say anything as he glanced down again and watched me move over every inch of his cock. The heat built and my breath caught.
“Come, baby.”
I did.
Arching my neck, I let my body go and thrilled with every vibration of my orgasm while Reed watched.
Minutes passed as I lay in his arms. He finally moved from the bed and took off his clothes. He didn’t come that last time and his cock jutted out big and proud. He picked me up and carried me into the bathroom, only putting me on my feet so he could adjust the water. The hot spray felt wonderful, but then Reed’s soapy hands felt better. He washed every inch of me then handed me the soap and I returned the favor. He turned to rinse the soap off and I went to my knees.
When he faced me again, I was right where I wanted to be. His back blocked the water as I licked the remaining drops from his length. His hands went into my hair as my mouth surrounded him. I glanced up to see the heavy pulse in his throat and the look of complete ecstasy on his face. His eyes were closed, lips slightly parted like he said mine went when I came. I could understand the attraction. I held the base of his cock above his balls with one hand, and squeezed the heavy sac with my other. I needed to rethink my perfect moment because this was it. He didn’t take long to come and I gloried in the taste of him. I took everything he gave, swallowing his thick, salty cum.
He was mine and I decided I wasn’t ever letting go. My brother was right. I could change Shumway fortune. I could accept Reed and trust that he wouldn’t hurt me.
Chapter Thirty-One
We were back in Reed’s bed, his arms around me, my back to his front. His breath blew over my damp hair across my neck. I listened as his breathing slowed, and he fell asleep holding me. We needed to talk. I had so much I wanted to say, but he needed sleep. I’d seen the exhaustion in his eyes. We could talk later.
His tightening arms woke me up. His stomach growling made me laugh. I could feel him hard against my back.
“I’m hungry.” His rough, sleepy voice was precious.
“There’s a frozen lasagna in the freezer that I can heat up.”
He turned me so I was on my back and moved down my body while he spoke, “That’s not what I’m hungry for.”
How could I not laugh? I’d heard his stomach. “You’re such a liar.”
“Okay, so I’m hungry for two things. Stay still or I’ll tie you down.”
“What if I want to be tied down?”
He did what I least expected. He stood and pulled me off the bed. After opening a dresser drawer, he handed me one of his t-shirts. I wasn’t sure what just happened.
“If I’m tying you up, I’m taking my time and I don’t want to pass out. Food first.”
“You’re such a romantic,” I said as I slipped the shirt over my head.
He grabbed a handful of the t-shirt and pulled me close, kissing my nose. “You got it, baby.”
We heated the lasagna and carried it back to his bed over my protests.
“I need a ride to the airport in two hours. I was hoping you would take me.”
Two hours. He’d only been here for three. His finger turned my face back to his. “I’m sorry I can’t stay longer, but I needed to see you.”
I understood and was so glad he came, but it broke my heart to have him leave again. I decided our serious talk could wait. I wasn’t wasting a minute. It was more important to feel him right now and for him to feel me.
I gave him a small grin. “You better eat quickly, then, because tying me up could take a while.”
“Then feed me, woman.”
I did. I put the fork to his lips and watched him chew before feeding myself with the same fork. He never complained, just lay propped against the pillows and let me care for him.
“Are you done?” The sparkle was back in his eyes.
“Yes,” the word was little more than a sigh.
***
Two hours later, I drove him to the airport. Well, he drove and taught me how to use the navigation system so I could find my way back home. I watched him drive while he held my hand the entire way.
“Your plane takes off Saturday morning and that afternoon you’ll be in my arms again. I’ve booked us a suite so Jon and Bitsy aren’t alone. A large suite.” He gave me his goofy leering grin. “I have a game Sunday, but Monday is clear for Disney World. Between games and practice, other than Monday, I’ll only be available in the evenings. You can come watch practices or relax at the hotel. Both works too. I’ve rented you a car so you can take Bitsy back to Disney on Tuesday. It’s a lot to see in one day. We’ll go back when I’m in off season and do it right.”
“Reed?”
“Yeh, baby?”
“You’re rambling.” I’d never heard him do that before.
He brought my fingers to his lips and kissed them. “I don’t want to leave you.”
“I’ll be okay.” For the first time, I was comforting him.
We didn’t talk after that. He pulled up to the departure gate and we both got out of the car. He gave me a kiss that wasn’t
decent in public, but I didn’t care. Without a word, he walked away. I wiped the wetness from my cheeks and followed all the friendly directions spoken to me from the speakers in the car and found my way home. I still had laundry to do and kids to feed. I would be okay.
***
The week dragged by. Lawrence delivered a credit card in my name and more papers for Reed to sign, along with cash for my trip.
“Reed told me you’re not allowed to argue with an old man and he doesn’t want to worry about you or your sister and brother. There’s money for tips and anything else you need.”
I peeked inside the envelope. There was enough cash for us to live on for months. The credit card took it far overboard, but I kept my thoughts to myself. “You were friends with Reed’s father?”
“Yes.” I could see his relief that I would let the money and credit card issue go for now.
“What was he like?”
Lawrence smiled and started talking. “Sam was a complete playboy back in his day. We met in college. He got all the girls and I was the nerd. He wanted to play college ball, so he walked on the field and got a spot. He was that good, but his parents weren’t keen on the idea. His dad needed him to take over the business. His mother wanted him to settle down. They were good people and deep down Sam was the best.”
“Maggie told me Sam could have played professional ball.”
“Without a doubt. After Sam married Deli-, um Delores, I mean Mrs. Tyler, they regretted forcing him to follow in his dad’s footsteps. Delores made their lives miserable.”
I just couldn’t believe she had that much control. “One woman?”
“Yes. Things were different back then. Sam’s dad had a mistress for years. Delores discovered it and held it over her father-in-law’s head.”
“Do you really think things are so different now?”
Lawrence’s face turned red. “You have a point, young lady, and a gentleman shouldn’t have mentioned it to begin with.”
That made me smile. “Go on, please.”
“Mrs. Tyler was…is a manipulative, driven woman. Social status with enough money to keep it is all she thinks about. I can say that now that I’m out of her finances and only deal with her when she needs Reed’s handouts.”
“I thought she has her own money.”
“She lives off a trust. It should be enough to keep her comfortable, but she always wants more and expects Reed to foot the bill for her many charities. They’re good causes so it’s hard to argue, but that woman has never been satisfied with anything in her life.”
“So what did Sam see in her?”
He hesitated for several minutes and I didn’t think he would answer, but finally he said, “I don’t think anyone knew what he saw in her and I know I didn’t. The saddest thing of all is that Sam loved her. He died loving her.”
Lawrence left the house, late for another meeting, and I was depressed. Reed’s father loved his mother even when she made him miserable. I was actually relieved that I worked at Tasty Burger that night. It took my mind off my earlier conversation, and for once, I didn’t mind the smell of old grease.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Bitsy stayed the night at Maggie’s on Friday and Jon was going out with his friends. He did his laundry and packed his bag for our trip before he left, but I needed to wash for Bitsy and me and then pack for us too. I had a hamper full of clothes and was almost to Reed’s front door when a shiny, very expensive car pulled up. It didn’t take any imagination at all to figure out who the impeccably dressed woman stepping out after the driver opened the door was.
Oh my hell.
The glare she gave me should have turned me to stone. I looked about the same way that I had when Reed surprised me when he showed up Sunday. Mrs. Tyler could have stepped from a fashion magazine. Every died-brown hair in place, her skirt and blouse perfectly adorned with refined jewelry, and her face having been through subtle tightening, so, God forbid, no wrinkles marred her well-moisturized skin. I stood waiting for the attack.
“I’ve come to speak with my son. I’m assuming you’re hired to do…something and forgot the correct door for servants.”
Was she serious? Servants? “Reed isn’t here, he…”
She cut me off. “That’s apparent or you wouldn’t be standing there holding laundry that quite obviously does not belong to my son. Open the door and I’ll wait inside.”
“Reed’s in Florida for spring training.”
I saw her flush, but that was all she gave away. The tone of her voice never changed. “Then I will leave him a note. Open the door.”
I put the basket down, unlocked the door, and punched in the security code. I knew it was a mistake, but I didn’t know what else to do. “There are paper and pens in his office. I just need to put this down and I’ll show you.”
“I assure you I know my way around my son’s home.”
I listened to her heels click against the tile as she walked to Reed’s office. I practically ran to the laundry room, sat the basket down, and ran back. I took a deep breath and walked into the room with dragon lady. She had my manila envelope open with the credit card and money half spilled in her hand. She didn’t even look guilty as she counted the bills.
“I’m sorry, but that’s mine.” I wasn’t sorry at all.
“I see my son pays you for more than house cleaning services.”
“That’s none of your business.”
“Well Miss…” she looked down at the name on the credit card, “Shumway, I think you and I need to talk about this situation.”
“I don’t think so.”
She ignored me, set her purse on his desk, pulling her checkbook out of the side. “I think we can settle this quickly. You know my son won’t keep you around for long, he never does. He’s wild like his father, but it won’t last much longer. He’s playing the field because he’s settling down soon. You,” Now she looked me up and down, pursed her lips even tighter, and continued, “are not marriage material, as I’m sure you already know.”
“You need to leave.” I didn’t say please or give any room for argument. She wouldn’t understand anything but direct speech.
She ignored me again. “I think ten thousand will be a good payoff. You will leave here today and have no further contact. I’m here to let Reed know that his fiancée will be in town next week and Monique will not stand for your presence. The last thing Reed will want is you hanging around. This is more money than you will see when he dumps you and quite a bit more than the envelope holds. I, of course, will hold onto the credit card. I wouldn’t want you to get yourself into legal trouble.”
Fiancée. I knew she was lying, but it pissed me off that she thought I was that stupid. But I had a serious problem. I couldn’t leave her in the house alone. Reed didn’t trust her, because I’d figured out she didn’t have a key or his security code. I couldn’t physically throw her out either. I could play her game, though. Shumways had bigger balls than this bitch any day and I’d figured out what this was about.
I stood straighter. “Cut the shit. You and I both know there is no fianceé. I think you’re also aware that Reed gave me authority over your charity expenditures. I’m guessing you know exactly who I am.”
Her gaze traveled over me once more. “Yes, I see you’re not quite as dumb as I’d hoped. Why my son is infatuated with a girl with your baggage I have no idea, but it doesn’t change the fact that you’re leaving.”
I could easily picture two black eyes on her perfect face. “If by baggage you mean my sister and brother, you need to think carefully before you say another word.”
“Are you threatening me?” Her shocked look was priceless.
“Yes. You can say anything you want about me. Reed’s a grown man, so you can even say what you want about him. But my sister and brother are a different story. Now, I will not say it again. Get out of this house.”
“You’re making a mistake. My son will hear about this. No one speaks to me this way, especially
not a welfare recipient with a mother who couldn’t keep her legs closed.”
The bitch. I took a step toward her. She picked up her purse and placed it between us like the expensive leather might protect her. Raising her chin an inch higher, she walked past me. I wanted more than anything to stick my foot out and watch her fall flat on her face.
The wicked witch left.
Doubt set in.
Chapter Thirty-Three
I finished the laundry, packed, and sat on Reed’s bed waiting for his nightly call. While Reed’s mom’s visit upset me, Lawrence’s words disturbed me the most. Sam loved that woman until he died. How could he? How could Reed love me? Was Reed like his father and would love someone even if she were bad for him? Yes, I wanted Reed, loved him, and the security he brought to my life was a bonus I couldn’t ignore. Hell, I burglarized his house for god’s sake, proving I would do anything for my brother and sister, even if it was illegal.
The same thoughts went around and around in my head until the heavy metal music from my phone pulled me out. “Hi.”
“Watcha wearing, baby?”
Dumb grin on my face, that was me. “Can I pretend it’s something sexy?”
“With you under it, believe me it’s sexy.”
My thighs clenched. I wanted to bring up his mother, but couldn’t do it. What could I say to him? Your mother’s a bitch. He already knew it, so I played my sex kitten part and followed his lead. It didn’t matter that I’d be with him tomorrow, Reed wanted to hear me scream his name. I gave him everything he wanted.
I slept in Reed’s bed that night after sending a text to Jon. Actually, I didn’t sleep, I just lay dreaming about his taste that I’d absorbed into my memory. And thinking bad thoughts. I had a lifetime of bad thoughts to fall back on. The worst part was that Mrs. Bitch did everything she set out to.
I had to find a way to walk away from Reed. I loved him that much.
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