by Cassia Leo
“Don’t give me that shit. Be there on time.”
“Is Suzy cooking?” Mike emptied the trashcan, not turning around to look at Joe as he waited for an answer.
“Fuck no,” Joe said, breaking out into laughter.
We all knew that Suzy couldn’t cook. God love her, and Lord knows she’d tried, but it wasn’t in her DNA.
“Thank fuck,” I huffed out, walking to the backroom to grab a cold one.
“Dude, someday you have to teach her to cook,” Mike said, shaking his head.
“Fuck that. She doesn’t need to learn how to cook. It’s not why I love her.”
“We all fucking know that,” Anthony said, rolling his eyes as he rolled the beer bottle between his hands.
“Shut your fucking mouth. You’re talking about my fiancée.”
“Uh huh,” Anthony muttered, wiping the drops of beer from his mouth.
Moments like this I loved. Sitting around, shooting the shit, and just laughing made me happy. I loved my brothers and their women, but I liked having them all to myself.
“I couldn’t give a shit about Thanksgiving dinner, Joe. I’m waiting for the bachelorette party,” I said, smiling as I walked toward my station. Then I kicked my feet up, leaned back, and took a sip.
“Izzy,” Joe warned, glaring at me from his chair.
“Oh, shove it, mister. It’s a girls’ night and we’re going to have fun. Don’t tell me you boys are just going to sit around and watch sports all night. I know what the fuck happens at bachelor parties. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”
“What the fuck does that shit even mean?” Mike snorted.
“Dumb fuck,” I mumbled against the rim of my Corona.
“What the hell did you just say?” His voice boomed as he turned to stare at me.
I gave him an innocent smile. “Love you.”
“Dude, I can’t believe you’re getting married in a week. What the fuck? I never thought you’d be the first to be tied down,” Anthony said, getting up from his chair. “I’m grabbing a beer. Anyone else want one while I’m up?”
I picked up my phone to scroll through my Facebook newsfeed. “Nope,” I said.
To my delight, there was a message from Flash. We grew up together and I think I’ve known him forever. We used to play doctor when we were alone. It was the first time I ever saw a penis. As we grew up, the quick peeks turned into touching—then fucking when we hit high school.
Flash and I had an understanding. Neither of us wanted to be tied down, and we weren’t exclusive. He was my booty call when I had an itch that needed to be scratched. He moved away a couple of years ago, and since then, every time he was in town, I would get the call offering a quick fuck and an even quicker goodbye. It was a match made in heaven.
Flash: Whatcha doin’ baby?
He was the only person in the world I let call me baby. It was patronizing and I fucking hated it. Typically, it would earn a man a punch to his junk, but when Flash said it, I let it slide.
Me: Getting ready to head home. U?
“Izzy, are you listening to me?” Joe asked, casting a shadow on me as his big body blocked out the light.
I shook my head as I looked up at him. “What?”
“Do not have naked men at the bachelorette party.”
“What’s a little peen between friends?” I asked, laughing in his face.
“You know I love you, Izzy. I never judge you, but do not have peen at my soon-to-be wife’s party.” He put his hands on his hips and tapped his foot.
“Pfft,” I said, standing up. “You having pussy at yours?” I asked.
“No.”
“Fucking liar!” I shouted, hitting him in the chest with my finger.
He looked down, watching me as I poked him. “I mean it, sister. I don’t want any nasty-ass stripper touching my woman.”
I kept poking him. “Do you hear yourself?”
“I ain’t fuckin’ deaf and neither are you. I never ask for much, but this is non-negotiable. I believe Suzy told you she didn’t want one.”
“Suzy doesn’t know how to have fun.” I waved him off as I tossed the empty bottle in the trash.
“Suzy does. She just prefers my dick. She doesn’t need some greasy male dancer touching her.”
“Joe,” I said, sliding my arm around his waist, “the stripper is only there for the other girls, not for Suzy.”
“Bullshit,” he mumbled, kissing the top of my head. “Please, Iz. For me.”
I puffed out a breath, moving the hair that had fallen in my eyes. “Fine, Joe. As long as you’re happy,” I lied.
There was no way in hell I’d throw a bachelorette party for my soon-to-be sister-in-law and not have a stripper. If the boys got to see snatch, then fuck yeah, we were seeing peen.
“Thanks, baby girl,” he said, squeezing me tight.
“Any time.” I looked up and smiled. Releasing him, I stuck out my tongue at Anthony as I sat.
He winked, knowing I was full of shit, and started talking with Mike about the big Thanksgiving football matchups. I tuned out, picking up my phone as I waited for us to close the shop.
Flash: Interested in a little company tonight?
I tapped my phone as I thought about his offer. Did I want to see Flash? I didn’t have to be up early the next day, but then again, I never had to be up early. I hadn’t had sex since the last time he’d dropped by, and that was over a month ago. I could use a good fuck.
Me: Hell yeah. Get your sexy ass to my place. Meet ya there?
Flash: On my way. Be there in 30.
I stood, shoving the phone in my pocket. “I gotta go, boys.”
“Where the hell you runnin’ off to?” Mike asked, stretching out and looking comfortable.
“None of your business. I got shit to do,” I said as I grabbed my purse out of the backroom.
“Two o’clock tomorrow, Izzy,” Joe said as I reached for the door handle.
“Got it!” I yelled over my shoulder, leaving my brothers behind, and headed home.
***
“Yo!” Flash bellowed as I heard the door slam shut.
“Back here,” I replied, before spitting out my toothpaste.
He walked into the room and said, “Get your sweet ass over here and gimme a kiss, baby.”
I turned toward him, glaring as I wiped the leftover paste from my lips. “You must have me confused with someone else.” I winked at him and laughed.
He smiled, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed. “I know exactly who I’m talking to.” Then he closed his eyes and puckered his lips.
I threw the washcloth at him, hitting him square in the face.
His eyes flew open as the cloth fell to the floor. “What the fuck was that for?”
“You’re not the boss of me, Flash,” I said, putting my hands on my hips as I stared at him.
His eyes softened as he pushed off the doorframe. “I’ve missed you,” he whispered, trying to wrap his arms around me.
“Flash,” I warned, pushing him away. “I’m not your girlfriend.”
“A guy can dream, can’t he?” He brushed his lips against my temples, finally gaining a firm grasp around my body.
He felt nice. I’d never admit it, but I did like Flash. I loved him, but no way in hell was I in love with him.
“Might as well shoot for the stars.” I giggled, snuggling my face into his chest and inhaling. My nose tickled. His normal smell was missing and seemed to have been replaced by something offensive and stinky as fuck. “Flash, you smell like shit,” I said, pushing him away.
He lifted his arms, sniffing his pit as he wrinkled his nose. “Fuck,” he muttered, pulling off his shirt. “Let me grab a shower and I’m yours.” He kicked off his shoes and unzipped his pants. Bending over, he pushed down the jeans and tossed them to the side.
“You’re mighty comfy here, aren’t you?” I asked, taking my turn to lean in the doorway and stare at him. He was rough aro
und the edges but beautiful. His smile was killer, but he wasn’t the boy I’d had a crush on when I was a kid.
As he reached in the shower, turning on the water, he turned to me and smiled. “I can fuck you smelling like shit.” His back stiffened as he stood straight, cracking his knuckles. “As long as I get some pussy, I don’t give a fuck what I smell like.”
“Get your dirty ass in the shower,” I groaned, ready to rip my hair out but itching to touch him.
He laughed, climbing in the shower. Flash was always cute, but as he’d aged, he’d turned into a ruggedly handsome man. Less and less of his skin was visible, replaced by tattoos that decorated his body like a storyboard—most of the work I’d done over the years. He’d been my best test subject when I was learning my craft. Stupid fucker, if you ask me. I wouldn’t let some newbie put ink that soap couldn’t wash off on my body. He was tall, a couple of inches taller than I was, and lean. He wasn’t overly muscular or bulky, but he fit between my thighs like a glove.
“You starin’, baby?” he asked, his voice muffled by the water.
I blinked, pulling my eyes away. “Fuck no. Hurry your ass up,” I said, stomping out of the bathroom.
I pulled back the blankets as I waited for Flash. His whistling filled the room, along with the plops of water that cascaded off his body, hitting the shower floor. I stripped off my clothes, fell on the bed, sprawled out, and stared at the ceiling.
I used to get so excited when he said that he was dropping by for a little while. Not so much anymore. I kept telling myself, “It’ll pass,” but it never did. He’d grown more loving and tender, and both of those freaked me the hell out. It ain’t my bag.
Years ago, I’d be jumping up and down on the bed, waiting for the big, bad Sam, a.k.a. Flash, to come toss my apples. Now, it was—
“Ready or not, here I come!” he yelled from the bathroom, interrupting my thoughts.
“Yippee,” I muttered, rolling my eyes as I leaned up on my elbows.
He strode into the room stark naked and dripping wet. “You look edible.” He stopped at the foot of my bed and stared down at me. “I think you need to come, Izzy. You’re wound tight tonight. Let me help you out.” He grabbed my feet and yanked my body to the edge of the bed.
“Up for the challenge?” I asked, raising an eyebrow as I placed the bottom of my feet on his chest.
“Babe, really?” he asked, holding my ankles.
“You think you’re that good at eating pussy?” I laughed, trying not to hurt his male ego.
“I munch like no other.”
I knew the man tried to be sexy, but ew. He wasn’t. “Show me whatcha got. If you’re a good boy, I’ll give ya some pussy.”
He rubbed his hands together before placing my foot on his shoulder. “I’m going to eat it like it’s my last fucking meal.”
I melted into the bed, feeling his hot breath on me as he inhaled.
“Better than fresh-baked apple pie.”
“Less talking, more eating, Flash.” I threw my arm over my face, blocking out all light as he placed his mouth on me.
Moaning, he sucked my clit into his mouth, making my eyes roll back into my head.
“Fuck,” I hissed, drawing in a sharp breath.
He mumbled, the vibration penetrating my skin, as he drew me deeper into his mouth. Sinking into the bed, I reached down and grabbed his head.
“Right there, Flash,” I pleaded, grinding my pussy against his face.
He gripped my thighs, pulling me closer as his tongue traced tiny circles around my clit.
Shivers raked my body. He knew exactly how I liked it. Many years of fooling around had given him that advantage over other men. His fingers slid through my wetness, causing my body to clench in anticipation.
“You missed me, baby,” he murmured against my pussy, his hot breath lashing my clit like a whip.
“Flash,” I warned, pushing myself against his face. “Shut up and eat.”
“Mmm hmmm,” he mumbled, closing his lips around my clit, sucking gently.
Needing something more, I touched my nipples, rolling them between my fingers. Waves of pleasure came over me as I stared at him. Moaning and writhing underneath his touch, I closed my eyes and rode the crest, waiting for it to come crashing down and wash away the stress.
The warmth of his mouth, the flicks of his tongue, the pressure of his sucking, and my fingers on my breasts had me screaming within minutes.
“Fuck,” I mumbled, my body growing limp as I sagged into the mattress.
“Damn,” Flash groaned, licking his lips as he pushed himself up. Resting on his heels, he stroked his shaft and stared. “Baby, I can’t wait to tap that pussy. I’ve missed you and being deep inside you.”
I giggled, grabbing my sides as I rolled over. “Oh my God. When did you turn so wishy-washy?” I asked, gasping for air.
“Fuck you, Izzy. I know you fucking love me,” he said as he started to lean over me.
“Wait,” I said, putting my feet against his chest, pushing him away. “We’re friends, Sam. Nothing more.” I needed him to understand this. He and I would never be any more than what we were right now—fuck buddies.
We didn’t go for drinks like girlfriends to talk about our lives. He never took me to dinner, unless you count the shithole bar in town as a restaurant, or McDonald’s. We didn’t hold hands, walk along the beach, or snuggle. We fucked and he left. Plain. Simple. No feelings involved.
“I know, Izzy.” He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing, as he looked down at me. “I meant as a friend. I’ve known you my entire life.”
“Just as long as we’re clear, Flash.” I slid my feet down his chest, rubbing against his hard length before I opened my legs to him. The look on his face was closer to a little boy losing a puppy dog than one about to fuck my brains out. “Come here and kiss me already,” I said, holding out my arms to him.
A small smile spread across his face as he leaned over me, placing his arms under my body. “I thought you’d never ask,” he said with a chuckle.
I’d known Flash long enough to know that there was something more he wanted to say, but he always held back. I loved him. Don’t get me wrong. We’d gone to kindergarten together, but I wasn’t in love with him. I never would be, either.
I grabbed his face as he hovered over me. “Hey,” I whispered, “I’m happy you’re here.”
His eyes lit up as he rested his forehead against mine. “Thanks, Izzy. It’s just so hard at times.”
“What is, babe?” I asked, moving my arms around his shoulders.
“Being part of the Sun Devils MC. I feel so lonely.”
“Get yourself an ol’ lady,” I replied.
He rolled his eyes, pushing himself up on his elbows. “They’re bullshit.”
“Come on. I’m sure there’s someone you’re sweet on, Flash.”
“She’s not—”
“Babe, listen to me. Everyone needs someone. You need to fill that void.”
He sprawled out on the mattress, putting his hands behind his head. “It’s not that simple, Izzy.”
Resting my head in my hand, I placed the other on his chest. “I know. You have a big heart, and any girl would be lucky to have you, Sam.”
He didn’t like anyone calling him that anymore, but I was always the exception to the rule. I only used it to help drive home the point. He needed to finally comprehend that he and I would never be a “we.”
“Not the one I want, though,” he mumbled, blowing out a breath.
My heart hurt for him, but I just couldn’t give myself to him in that way. “I’m sorry. You know I love you, but not in that way. You’ll always be one of my best friends. You need to forget about me and find someone who’s going to love you the way you deserve to be loved.”
“Yeah, maybe.” He closed his eyes as he laid his hand on top of mine and stroked my skin. “No woman will ever measure up to you, though, Isabella.”
“I know I’m pretty fanfuckin
gtastic, but I’m not the one. She’ll fall into your lap when you least expect it,” I said as I nuzzled my face against his chest.
“What about you?” he asked, kissing the top of my head.
“What about me?” I looked at him.
“When are you going to find someone to love?”
“Aw, baby. I have my family. I don’t need anyone else.”
“We all do, Iz. When are you going to stop lying to yourself?”
I winked at him, laying my head back down against his skin as I twirled his dark chest hair in my fingers. “I have as much love as I can handle. I don’t want to be tied down. I’m happy with my life. The last thing I am is lonely.”
“Liar.” He laughed, pulling me flush against his side. “Can we just sleep like this tonight?”
“Snuggle?” I asked, wanting to run out of the room.
“I just want to feel close to someone tonight. Please, Iz. I’m so comfortable like this. I don’t want to sleep on the couch.”
I bit my lip, feeling shitty about always doing that to him. Having him sleep in my bed always felt too intimate for me to handle. “Fine,” I said, hoping I wouldn’t regret it later. “Don’t get used to it.”
“Thanks,” he whispered, burrowing his nose in my hair. “Night.”
“Night,” I mumbled as I closed my eyes.
An overwhelming sense of guilt came over me as I lay in his arms. Flash loved me, and had voiced it many times over the years. I’d always set him straight. Tonight felt different, though. It was as if I’d had a knife and jammed it in his heart. I felt like such a cunt for telling him I wouldn’t love him—not in that way, at least.
We’d sworn that it wouldn’t be any more than a physical friendship. He’d promised me years ago that he wouldn’t fall in love with me. Sam had given me that amazing smile while speaking the words I’d wanted to hear but meaning none of them. I felt the end near for us, because I couldn’t handle having to kill his heart and hurt him every time we were together.
Hurting someone, no matter the reason, sucks—especially when they’re a friend. Someone who has been by your side and had your back since you were a little girl is an important person. He meant the world to me, but I could never settle down and spend my life with Flash.
I needed to let him down easy, and that wasn’t my strong suit. I always spoke my mind, and sometimes I came off as brash or unkind.
