by Jessica Cruz
“Dennis is a good man,” the man, Dave, said through cool, assessing eyes. “You’re lucky to know him. So if you’re Isabel’s daughter than Tommy must be your dad?”
“Yes, he is,” I beamed. Talking about my father always changed my mood for the better. “How do you know him?”
“We met in college. I didn’t stay long though,” he laughed. “It was too much for me. I ended up getting into broadcasting. Tommy was good at it though. I guess that’s why he’s the beloved surgeon with the miracle hands at Cooper.”
“Yes, they were sad to see him go,” I took a sip of my drink. “He had been there since before I was even born.”
“Wait, Tommy’s not at Cooper anymore?” A look of astonishment plagued his face. “Did the hospital fall apart after he left? What’s he doing now?”
“Living the dream,” I replied with a chuckle. “He retired and moved to Virginia. He bought a hotel right on the boardwalk in Virginia Beach, and he remodeled the entire thing. It’s gorgeous now. I’m so proud of him.”
“Who would’ve thought Tommy Ward would’ve ended up owning a hotel on the boardwalk of Virginia Beach? Remodeling an entire hotel doesn’t sound like much of a retirement though,” he laughed. “I haven’t seen your dad in years. We used to run into each other all the time. Next time you talk to him, tell him Dave Reiner said hello.”
The rest of the evening’s conversation was easy after that. Dave took a liking to me. He told me a bunch of stories about when he and my dad were in college together. He said he was even at Nick’s Christening before their friendship faded away due to the new responsibilities of work and family. Naturally, the other men warmed up to me. By the end of the night, I surprisingly had a lot of fun. Dave even mentioned to Wes how lucky he was to have me. I couldn’t help but feel a little smug at the thought.
“I don’t want you driving,” Wes said as he held my hand, guiding me down the stairs on our way to leave. The other men had left almost an hour ago, but Wes had some loose ends to tie up. I pretty much just drank nonstop the entire time he was gone. “I’m not letting you get pulled over for underage drinking leaving my bar.”
I didn’t argue. I was feeling pretty drunk. We had fun though. Wes seemed happy that I came, and honestly that’s all that mattered to me, “I’m sleeping over?”
“You’re definitely sleeping over,” he laughed.
Wes helped me into the car, and within a few short minutes, we pulled up at his house. He helped me inside as I stumbled over my heels, giggling. Okay, so I was really drunk. It’s hard not to get that way though when the person you’re dating owns the bar.
“You’re so drunk,” he laughed. I nodded my head in response. “What am I supposed to do with a gorgeous, drunk girl in my house?”
“I can think of a few ideas,” I said, while pulling my hair out of the ponytail, letting it fall wild down my back, “but first, you have to tell me something.”
“What?” Wes asked. He took off his jacket, so he was in nothing but a dress shirt. As he stood directly in front of me, I took in the heavenly scent of his cologne. He wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed me. “What do you want to know?”
“What am I to you?” I asked. He cocked his head to the side and gave me a look of confusion. “Tonight, you called me your girlfriend. I don’t ever remember that being established.”
He gave me a prolonged kiss that left me feeling ridiculously horny. I almost lost track of my question until he answered, “Fine, let’s establish it now.” He kissed my neck, licking up to my ear lobe, giving it a firm tug with his teeth. Fuck, this was hot. I could feel myself growing wet with anticipation. He whispered into my ear in a rough voice. “Will you be my girlfriend, Adriana Ward?”
“We still have so many things to discuss,” I said, trying to think straight. If I wasn’t so drunk and so horny, I’d be able to keep levelheaded. We had certain issues to talk about though. I was afraid I’d agree to something he really wasn’t ready for.
“Had,” he seemed to be correcting. “I don’t care about approaching this like a contract. I’m done with objectives and stipulations. You make me irrational, and I like that.” Wes pulled down the zipper of my dress letting it fall to a pool at my feet. From there, I only stood in my thong and heels. “So are you going to be my girlfriend or do I have to convince you?”
“I might need a little convincing,” I said, between kisses. He picked me up and carried me to his bedroom, putting me on my back in his bed.
Wes pulled off his shirt first, then his socks and shoes. Next, he undid his pants so he was in nothing but a pair of boxer briefs. It felt like all of his movements were in super slow motion. His body was sculpted perfectly right down to his impeccable abs and the V cut that led to his cock. His chest was mostly absent of hair, but he had a delicious happy trail that I couldn’t stop staring at. A playful smile captivated my lips. How could I be so blessed to have this right now?
He climbed on top of me, kissing my neck. I could feel him growing hard between my legs. I moaned. He continued to kiss down to my nipple, capturing it between his teeth, sucking it until it was hard.
A growing feeling of excitement flurried in the pit of my stomach. At the same time, he pulled down my underwear and kissed my inner thigh, sucking and teasing the skin. Slowly, he licked my clit, flicking his tongue in a hypnotizing way. I clenched the bed sheets as the tantalizing feeling of euphoria began to corrupt my body.
Wes stood up, pulling off his underwear to reveal himself. He climbed on top of me, sliding himself deep inside of me with some difficulty. It had been months since the last time I had sex. I felt tight around his thick cock and a little pained from his size.
“Relax,” he instructed with a light voice. He kissed my forehead, and I did my best to listen. I shut my eyes tight, taking in long, easy breaths. Slowly, he was able to fit himself completely inside of me, making me feel full. I moaned a sound of arousal into his ear. He breathed. “That’s it, just like that.”
Everything remained in slow motion. My eyes were still shut tight as he eased himself in and out of me. I bit down on my bottom lip; my jaw quivered slightly. It was such an aching ecstasy. It almost felt like I was a virgin again. I was so tight. A shock ran up my spine every time he rocked back and forth.
“Are you okay?” Wes whispered.
I nodded my head in response, unable to find the words to communicate with him. He took note of my expression and began to pick up his pace slightly. It wasn’t unbearable. I could take this. He began to move faster. I could feel his eyes locked on to me, assessing my every movement. Still, I could take it. I yelped a cry, mixed with pain and pleasure. Now, they were one in the same.
He didn’t stop. He moved faster and faster, pounding into me. My muscles loosened up a bit, making room for his cock. My back arched, and I cried out. Wes pulled himself out of me and watched my expression with carnal desire in his eyes.
I nodded an approval, still unable to speak practical words. He changed positions, laying down on his back and urging me to sit on top of him. Slowly and rhythmically I began to bounce, controlling the pace, feeling him deeper in me than before. He moved faster, bouncing me harder and harder. Grabbing me by the waist and yanking me down to meet each one of his penetrating thrusts.
“I’m going to come, Adriana,” Wes huffed between his tempestuous penetrations. His pace was building, going faster and faster. “Where do you want me to go?”
I pulled myself off of him in one quick motion and sat on my knees. I pushed my breasts together, arching my back towards him. He stood up and started jacking off, keeping the same pace that he had been building while he was inside of me. Finally, he came all over my chest, releasing a groan of satisfaction. As he finished, he stared into my eyes. Electricity passed between us. There were no words to express what either of us was feeling.
Slowly, he stepped down from the bed. I couldn’t help but follow after him with my eyes. He still bore a sizeable erection. I coul
dn’t believe we had just had sex. It was grueling and wonderful all at once. I knew I’d be sore tomorrow.
Wes grabbed a towel and wiped off my chest. He threw it to the floor and then collapsed on his bed, looking exhausted and satisfied. He urged me to lie down next to him in the crook of his arm. Of course, I was all too happy to comply.
We were silent for a while, but finally, he said, “You didn’t go.” My silence was enough of a confirmation for him. He sounded concerned. “Was it good for you?”
“Yes,” I reassured him, giving him a kiss for good measure. “It’s just I haven’t had sex in a really, really long time.” It felt embarrassing to say. Tonight in bed, I was definitely Adriana. I was innocent and meek. He controlled everything. Once I found my sex appeal, I’m sure Jersey would make an appearance in the bedroom. I thought back to yesterday’s high. I knew she could more than handle Wes. I added. “I was tight, and you are….big.”
He laughed, “I guess that’s a good enough reason for me.” He rolled over, so we were facing one another. He kissed the tip of my nose and brushed some loose strands of hair out of my face. “You never answered my question.” I stared at him through my wide, blue eyes. “I want you all the time. I can’t get you out of my head. I’ve been going crazy lately thinking about how you’re not really mine. I need to know you are. Will you be my girlfriend?”
It was such a childish question. I felt like I was in the second grade being asked out by the monkey bars, but Wes needed this. Hell, we both needed this. Confirmation of a monogamous relationship between the two of us was just as important to him as me. I couldn’t take the pangs of jealousy I felt whenever I thought he could feel romantically about another woman while working at the club. I was sure they wouldn’t go away, but at least, I could take security in the fact that he was mine.
“Yes,” I answered simply. I brushed my nose against his, rubbing it up and down in slow strokes. I loved the way his skin felt against mine. “I’d love to be your girlfriend.”
With those final words, I fell asleep in the arms of my boyfriend. It was the beginning of my first relationship. I was dating a man my mother loved for all the wrong reasons. I was dating a man that I obsessed over for all the right reasons. Hopefully, he’d be able to accept me for me because, in this world, Adriana and Jersey are one in the same. Her skeletons were mine, and the truth was…I had one, big closet.
Chapter 14
My mom and Dennis lived in a nineteenth century Victorian mansion complete with eight bedrooms, two kitchens, a tennis court, one massive balcony, and a pool house. Needless to say it was obnoxious to only have two people living in it, but together Mr. and Mrs. Darth ruled their estate only feeling crowded by the size of their massive egos.
It was a lavish and impeccable domain for dinner parties, but surprisingly, my mother had decided to use Wes’s bar to throw her event. This, I found odd, since she loved inviting company over. She’d spend the bulk of their time showing off her exquisite property with its upscale finishings and aristocratic possessions. I guess, for once, she decided to switch things up and host an event at a more relaxed setting.
As I walked through the front doors, Isabel was making her way down the grand, cherry and mahogany staircase. She adored making an entrance even if it was only for her nineteen year old daughter. When she met me in the two story foyer, she planted a kiss on my cheek and ruffled my hair with her hand. Slowly, she assessed my outfit of jeans paired with a brown aviator jacket and riding boots, complete with a red scarf. She was silently judging my fashion choices, but her opinions seemed to be screaming in my brain. I rolled my eyes and remembered that I promised myself I’d be on my best behavior tonight. I wasn’t making an effort for her. I was making an effort for Wes. This was just as much his night as hers, and I’d do whatever it took to keep my boyfriend happy. I blushed. It made me feel like such a girl whenever I referred to him as my boyfriend.
“Adriana, I’m so happy you agreed to spend the day with me,” she gushed. “It was a marvelous idea for us to get ready together. How is Wesley doing?”
“He’s great,” I answered quickly, hating the use of his full name. He wasn’t a Wesley. He was a Wes. As far as I was concerned, Wes and Wesley were two totally different people. My boyfriend was definitely a Wes. “He’s working hard to make sure your party tonight is a success. What are you celebrating anyway?”
“It’s more of a social gathering for networking purposes,” my mom answered as she tugged at my scarf until it was to her liking. “Dennis wanted something more ‘fun’ than our typical, catered dinners, so we decided to try something new. I think he’s looking for a few investors for a new business or property or something. I’m not really too sure. You know how I hate to get involved with that side of his life.”
That was Isabel for you. She didn’t care about how the money came in just as long as she was able to spend it. Before I lost what little respect for her that I had, I directed her outside to my car in the driveway, so we could get along with our day.
I spent the rest of the day prepping for this event the way my mom would. First, we got massages to ease any tension. Admittedly, it was fantastic. It was a splurge I have always allowed myself. Then, we got our hair done together, followed by makeup, manicures and pedicures. By the time I was done, I felt primped and scraped into perfection. I always wondered how my mom could look so youthful at these things, and now, I knew. It was all a facade brought on by a day’s long list of activities.
We pulled back up at her house. It was pretty late by now, and I had successfully managed to avoid all of Charlie’s phone calls as to when I’d be back at work. Tomorrow, I was sure I’d go in for my last time. It was a necessary evil. I needed to approach him about the photograph. Perhaps, he’d be willing to trade it in exchange for a final, farewell performance. He could promote the shit out of it, and I’d put on a show like no one had ever seen. Charlie liked fireworks. I was pretty certain it’d be the only way I could convince him to give me the photo. Otherwise, I didn’t know what I’d do.
“Are you excited?” My mom asked, interrupting my thoughts. I cocked my head to the side, wondering what she was referring to. “Adriana, don’t you remember? I bought you an outfit to wear tonight.” She brushed her hand along the side of my face. “It’s been so long since you’ve let me pick out one of your outfits.”
“Yes, I’m excited to see it,” I said in a pained voice. Part of keeping my mom happy meant giving into the little requests she made, like spending the day getting ready together and allowing her to pick out my clothes like some sort of child. Maybe that’s why I craved control so much. For every second of my life that my mother was in, she attempted to make all my decisions for me.
We walked up the staircase together into the bedroom that was designated for me while I was in high school. It felt remarkably unfamiliar being in here. It was ironic. Although it was my bedroom, I couldn’t even remember the last time I had ever slept in here.
“I made sure to have this pulled for you,” my mom said while walking to a clothing rack. There was a bag hung on the bar, concealing whatever she had chosen. “I hope it fits.” My mom undid the zipper to the bag revealing a black, lace mini dress with capped sleeves and a flesh silk lining. It was beautiful. It was classic and modern all at the same time. It’s exactly what I would have picked for myself. I was shocked. “What do you think? It’s Alexander McQueen.”
“I love it,” I stared wide-eyed in disbelief. “Thank you. I really wasn’t expecting this.”
“Don’t doubt my taste, Adriana,” she said smugly while hanging the dress back up. “You forget. I used to be a huge competitor in the pageant world before your father blessed me with Nicholas. Fashion and beauty have been important to me for as long as I can remember.” She went to the dresser and picked up something. “I thought you could wear this tonight with the dress, too. They’d look great together.”
She handed me a diamond ring, a square-cut stone with jagged edge
s and fine points. It was an antique. I had recognized it from years ago, “Mom, are you serious?”
“Yes,” she said, sliding it onto my finger. She kept her eyes locked onto the diamond. “It’s time you get this, Adriana. You’re a woman now. I don’t know how it happened, but you’re no longer a little girl. Your grandmother’s ring now belongs to you. Treasure it always, baby. It was her most prized possession.”
The front door downstairs pushed open, ruining the moment, and I willed myself to stay calm. Dennis was home. I hated being around him, but for Wes’s success and my mother’s happiness, I’d try to be on my best behavior. He trotted up the stairs with heavy steps, sounding more like a horse than a man. I cringed with each step he took because each step meant he was getting closer and closer to me.
“Aren’t you ready yet?” He sneered at the doorway. He made eye contact with me for a fraction of a second, but then, he immediately removed his gaze. It was a smart move on his part. I was just waiting for an excuse to snap. “We have to leave for this thing in less than a fucking hour. You had all damn day, and you’re still not ready to go.”
“We just have to put our clothes on,” my mother replied in her hushed voice. She stepped between Dennis and me to prevent me from attacking. I felt like punching him in the face. If he made one more smartass remark, I couldn’t promise any ladylike behavior on my part. “Go take your shower and get changed, my love. Let this be a good night for our family. Don’t forget appearances.”
For whatever reason, that seemed to silence Dennis. Without another word, he left the doorway, slamming his bedroom door. Fuck, he was like a child. I couldn’t understand how my mom could put up with him. He was a disgusting person. I truly felt that if she were to ever leave him, our relationship would be able to blossom. Until that day came, if it ever would come, I had to keep my distance. It was better for all of us.
She smiled at me pleasantly, acting as if not a damn thing had even happened. The look on my face said otherwise, but she continued to ignore it. “Go ahead and get dressed. We’re going to get out of here soon. Tonight’s going to be wonderful.”
