A cough sounded near the table breaking them apart. They were both breathless and Wes’ eyes were hooded and stormy. They looked over to the person who had coughed and Ty stood there with two beers in his hands looking uncomfortable.
“Umm, sorry Jill sent these over.”
Wes looked over at Jill who was seated at the bar. He watched her turn away from them with a smirk turning her lips upwards. He knew she had purposely sent Ty over. Wes felt bad for the kid and Jo still couldn’t look at him she was so uncomfortable.
“Tell her thank you Ty.” Wes said stoically and handed Ty a ten-dollar bill.
“Thanks man and for what it’s worth. I didn’t want to interrupt.”
“I know Ty, thanks. Don’t worry about it.”
When Ty left Jo grabbed her beer taking a huge sip from it.
“Why do I lose it around you?” Jo mumbled.
“Maybe for the same reason I lose it around you.” Wes said pushing a piece of her hair back behind her ear.
Jo smiled up at him. That was the perfect answer she thought.
“I’m not usually into PDA.” She said sheepishly.
“Yeah.” Wes chuckled. “Believe it or not, I’m not either.”
“I guess we need to have better restraint, huh?” Jo giggled.
“Or not go for so long with out seeing each other.” Wes replied.
“Oh I vote that solution.” Jo exclaimed softly.
Wes pulled her to him again and planted another kiss on her lips, but this time he pulled back before it became too heated.
“So my Jo, what have you been doing since you are not going in to work?”
“Well I have sort of started another investigation piece and I’ve been working on that. If the story pans out, I can sell it to a paper or news channel as a freelance writer.”
“Care to share what you are investigating?”
“Uh, not right now. I’m not trying to be cagey. I just don’t want to jinx it.”
“Are you staying safe?”
Wes was serious and Jo squirmed a little. She had not told him about any of her mishaps. Maybe she should though she thought, just so someone besides her knew. Plus she had the feeling that if he found out about those he might really lose it.
“Well actually. I’m starting to think that a few accidents that I’ve experienced may not be accidents at all.”
Finally, Wes thought to himself. He had wanted Jo to trust him and if she confided to him about the brick and paint he’d feel better knowing she knew she could talk to him.
“Tell me Jo. I promise I won’t over react.”
“Oh, you are getting to know me aren’t you?” She said nervously because that had been exactly what she’d been worried about.
“I like getting to know you Jo. So spill, what’s been going on?”
“Well a few months back I had a brick thrown through my living room window. Then my purse got taken and my phone was in it. My phone had some documents on it pertaining to the story I’m working on, so I’m not sure if that was an actual purse snatching; and then…” Jo hesitated. She knew he wouldn’t be happy with the next one. “Someone threw an open can of paint on my car.”
Wes sat quietly. He was figuring out how much he should reveal to her. He didn’t want her to think he stalked her and he wanted to be supportive without being too cavalier.
“Say something Wes!”
“Okay, I don’t want secrets between us Jo. I knew about the brick. I read about it on line. I was there for the purse snatching and… don’t wig out on me okay.”
“Oh God!” What?” Jo said almost frantically.
“I knew about your car because I drove past your house one night and saw your car covered in paint.”
Jo sat quietly. Her mind was filtering what he just revealed.
“Okay now you say something.” Wes implored.
“Why were you driving past my house then?” She asked quietly. Knowing they hadn’t been reunited at the bar until after that incident.
“Oh man, please don’t run for the hills Jo. It’s not as creepy as it seems.” Jo had pulled back from touching him and Wes felt her chill.
“Why were you driving past my house Wes?” She asked him again her tone was harsh.
“I was worried about you okay? I had just met you. I didn’t like how Officer Laramie was following you. I knew he would pull you over again if he had a chance. When I learned who you were I did a quick drive by just because I needed to. I was actually worried he had thrown you in jail. I should have told you earlier.”
“But you saw my car spattered with paint; that was later.”
“Yeah, I drove past another time.” Wes said guiltily.
Jo let what he said sink in. The she looked up at him and placed her hand on his forearm. “Why Wes? Why would you do that?”
Wes covered her hand with his. “Jo after I met you I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I barely knew you yet you were constantly on my mind. My protect the innocent training just kicked in.”
“Oh so you were just being a Boy Scout?” Jo said. “I was just a good deed?”
“Jo, I like you. I have from the second you tried to stop me from stealing your car. Good deed aside I had to make sure you were okay. I can’t explain why. I don’t know myself.” Wes looked exasperated. He ran one of his hands through his hair.
Jo sat back took another sip of her beer and turned back to Wes. She recognized that it was obviously ingrained in him to help people and take care of them, but she also liked that he had admitted that it was because he liked her. She realized if they were to continue to date that she’d have to get use to a few things about her alpha male. Jo also knew she’d missed him way too much this week to spend what little time they had together arguing.
“Okay Wes it’s sweet in a caveman, stalker kind of way, but from now on we need to be honest with each other. Deal?”
“Deal.” Wes gave her another kiss and this time when she kissed him back Wes let out the pensive breath he’d been holding.
“So now that you know that I know everything, can we talk about your safety?” Wes said shifting into security mode.
“Please don’t make me feel like a client of yours Wes. I am sure you have a no fraternizing policy and that would stink.” Jo said playfully.
“Actually, we do not have that policy in place.” Wes said, “So I can continue to date you and care about your safety.”
Jo couldn’t help herself; he just made her feel so special. She gave him a huge smile and leaned into his side.
“Well in that case let me just state that I can take care of myself. I have always been careful. I lock my doors; I don’t talk to strangers; unless they are stealing my car that is.” Wes smiled at her humor. “So I’m good, but thanks.”
There was no way Wes was going to tell her about seeing the dark sedan when he had been sitting outside of her place now. He felt like he had just dodged the proverbial bullet by admitting everything he had. No, Wes thought, I need to just enjoy being with her right now. With the way his schedule kept changing he had no idea when he would be able to see her again.
Wes gave Jo a kiss on her forehead. “Okay Jo, just remember, I am a phone call away.”
“Thanks Wes.”
Wes’ cell vibrated and when he looked at the number he groaned. “Sorry I have to take this.” Wes left the table and walked into the hallway.
Jo sat at the table, relaxed, sipping her beer when Jill appeared.
“Here’s your pay for the night along with the tips.” Jill tossed the envelope down on the table.
“We won’t be needing you anymore.” Jill turned and walked away.
Crap thought Jo. The money had been perfect for her weekly expenses of food and gas. She sighed and decided she’d look for another bar that might need a singer. Jo was determined to not let Jill wreck her good mood tonight. She wasn't going to tell Wes either because she knew he'd be mad at Jill and Jo hated drama. Wes returned to the table and Jo kn
ew by just looking at him that he had bad news.
“I’m sorry Jo I have to go. It’s a work thing.”
“That’s okay I appreciate you coming tonight.” Jo stood and faced him.
“I saw your car out back. I’ll walk you out if you’re ready to go?”
“I am thanks.”
When they got to Jo’s car she unlocked it and placed the guitar in the back seat. When she straightened Wes wrapped her in an amazing embrace. He then bent to kiss her goodbye. Jo was on her tip-toes, her torso pressed intimately against his. The kiss was passionate and Jo could feel the hard response it had elicited from his body.
Wes’ cell vibrated again and he groaned as they pulled away from each other. He looked at his screen. “I’m sorry I do have to go.”
“Thanks again for coming tonight Wes. I did love your request.”
“I meant it Jo. I’ve missed you.”
He gave Jo a quick kiss on her lips and watched her get into her car before turning towards his.
Chapter 13
Wes and Jo
The next week, Wes texted Jo every day, often multiple times, and Jo always responded. He didn't call every night though, and when he did call Jo could hear the strain in his voice. Whatever he was doing was running him ragged. On Tuesday they met for coffee. Jo was delighted to see him but he was so tired he kept yawning.
Jo wondered what he could possibly be doing that has him this worn out. They never discussed their relationship and although she was curious to know where she stood with him she kept her mouth shut. He never gave her any reason to think anything other than good thoughts, but because of his strange hours and secrecy a little niggle of insecurity gnawed at her.
On Thursday she met him in a park for ice cream. She didn’t ask why they were meeting there or where he had to dash off to at precisely 5:00pm. She found that talking to him was easy, and when they were together it was always enjoyable. Even though she'd only known him a few weeks and seen him a grand total of four times she felt like she'd known him much longer.
On Friday he called her at 4:00pm and told her that he had a last minute change in his schedule and that he could he take her to dinner if she was free. Jo was delighted and dressed with care. She was a little surprised that he didn't ask why she wasn't singing at the bar, but she knew he had been so busy he probably had just forgotten. He didn’t say how long he could spend with her, but she was going to do everything possible to let him know how much she liked him.
They met at the restaurant in Jo’s town that she and Nick frequented for Happy Hour. Wes had driven there and Jo walked. They sat inside instead of on the terrace, and once again Wes sat on the same side of the table as her. She loved how he was always touching her thigh or caressing her neck.
They talked about everything except what Jo hoped they would discuss and that was what he was doing with all his time. If she hadn’t Googled him she would think that he was married and she was an unsuspecting affair, but the article that popped up about T.U.F.’s, that was written just last year, clearly stated that all three men, Wes, Jace, and Andy were single.
At one point when they were enjoying their first drink, Jo tried to steer the conversation towards what was making him so tired, but Wes dodged the question and it left Jo feeling awkward. The intuitive niggle was starting to become more like an alarm. They ordered dinner and she felt like she was the one keeping the conversation flowing. Wes kept stifling yawns and Jo hated that he was out with her because he probably felt like he needed to be rather than wanting to be.
Jo excused herself from the table and when she came back she was carrying their dinners in take out bags. Wes was texting and as soon as she reached the table he quickly put the phone away.
“What’s going on?” He asked eyeing the bags.
“Come on, I know you’re tired, Wes.” Wes did not argue and followed her outside.
On the side walk Jo turned to him and extended one of the bags towards him. “Wes I appreciate the fact that you wanted to have dinner with me, but you’re exhausted. Take your dinner, go home, and get some sleep.”
Wes was tired but he also wanted to spend any free time he could with Jo. He had obviously done a piss poor job of conveying that to her.
“Jo you’re right I’m tired, but I want to spend time with you. My schedule, well it’s complicated, and I have commitments that I can’t walk away from. How about if we go back to your place and eat? I don’t want to spend my free time sleeping.”
Jo nodded. “Are you sure?”
“Very.” He said as he took both bags from her and placed them in the trunk of his car.
He drove the short half-mile to Jo’s house and on their way inside they met Nick coming out.
“Hi.” He said to Jo, giving Wes a not so nice once over. “I was going to see what you were doing.”
“Oh thanks Nick. Wes and I are going to relax a little. Do you have a date?”
Nick nodded. “Yes. How about if I catch up with you tomorrow?”
"Sure thing. See you tomorrow." Jo said. She didn't want to play games with Wes but he needed to know she wasn't sitting home and waiting for him to make time for her.
Inside Jo’s home she retrieved plates, silverware, napkins and beer and set everything up at the kitchen table. Wes took the dinners from the bag and emptied the contents onto the plates. They ate in compatible silence sharing bites with each other. When they finished they both cleaned the table and then Jo waved Wes to the couch and queued up her Die Hard DVD.
She sat back on the couch and snuggled into Wes’ side. He had lifted his one arm inviting her in and when she pressed the remote start button she heard Wes chuckle when he saw what movie they were going to watch.
“Truly one of my favorites.” He said.
“Mine too.”
As they watched the movie Jo felt Wes totally relax next to her and when she looked up at him she saw that his eyes were closed. She stood up carefully trying not to disturb him but his eyes opened.
“Where are you going?” He asked groggily.
“I’m going to let you sleep Wes.”
“Please stay with me Jo. I’d love to just hold you. Maybe I just need a little catnap. I am really being a crappy date aren't I?”
Jo smiled at him. “Wes you’re tired. I understand if you want to go home to your bed.”
“What I’d like to do is stretch out here, take a little nap and hold you.” His voice was husky and a little thrill went through her that he was so intent to stay with her.
Wes stretched out on the couch and motioned for Jo to join him. Jo laid down with her back to his front. Wes bent his elbow and pulled Jo as close to him as he could with his other arm. He helped her get comfortable and she used his arm as a pillow. Wes wound his arm so it was wrapped around her and his hand was tucked under her small body. Jo couldn’t have moved if she wanted to. Within minutes Jo heard Wes snoring softly. Shortly after she turned off the movie and fell asleep nestled in Wes’ large frame.
Jo awoke to sunlight filtering in through her living room window. They were in the same position that they'd fallen asleep in, the only difference being a hard, large and very noticeable heaviness was now pressed up against her rear.
Jo’s girly bits tingled to life and she couldn’t help herself as she pressed back wanting to feel more of him. The arm that had held her fast all night repositioned itself and Jo felt her self being turned slightly.
“Good morning.” Wes said his green eyes hooded and sexy.
“Morning.” Jo said shyly.
“I’m going to kiss you now, okay?”
Jo nodded and turned so she was now on her back. Wes leaned down and feathered tiny kisses all over her face before finally capturing her mouth. The kiss started out sweet and tentative but Jo couldn’t help but pull him closer. She could feel her nipples hard against her lacy bra and she was already tingling from the seductive morning kiss.
“Jo can we take this in your room?”
J
o nodded. She stood from the couch and Wes stood up next. His dress slacks revealed a very impressive bulge and before Jo knew what she was doing she had reached for his neck to pull him down for a kiss and with her other hand she ran it along his hard length. Wes groaned from her touch pressing unabashedly into her fingers.
He broke the kiss. “Jo. Room. Now.” His breathing was ragged and a little twirl of pride went through Jo loving that she could affect Wes so erotically. She grabbed the pillow he slept on and led him to her room and when they got there Wes took off his shirt and then turned to Jo and took off her shirt and bra as Jo dropped the pillow. He stood back from her still holding both her hands.
“You are so gorgeous.”
Jo unclasped her hands from his, unbuckled his belt, and then unzipped his pants. She snuck a look up at him and saw that he was watching her with a small smile playing across his lips. His green eyes were watching her intently. Jo slid his pants down and she followed them going to her knees.
She looked up at Wes with an amused smile and ran her hands over his length once again. She then placed her mouth over his still covered head. Wes bucked as her mouth took in his head. Jo kissed him through his silky boxers and then ran her hands up his thighs loving how strong and muscular they were. She placed her hands at the waistband and slowly slid them to the floor.
Jo helped him step out of them and when her eyes returned to his cock she was awed by his size. Wes was impressive in the manhood department. Jo looked up to his face and saw such raw emotion there it almost frightened her. She trailed her hands over his hips and then captured his length in her hands seeking out the large satiny head with her mouth.
Wes literally hissed with the intimate contact.
“Jesus Jo.” Was all he could choke out.
Jo drew him into her mouth sucking, licking and moving him in and out of her warm mouth. Wes had his hands threaded through her hair. Jo made love to him with her mouth, taking him as far back as she could before drawing him out. She reached under his base and gently rolled his large sacs with her fingers. She felt them tighten.
One Tough Love Page 8
