One Tough Love

by Zanne Sweeney

  “I came very hard, twice, thank you very much.”

  Wes sat up and Jo did too, but he stiffened, causing Jo to look at him.

  “I didn’t use a condom.” Wes uttered visibly upset. “I’m so sorry Jo.”

  Jo momentarily froze. “No wonder it felt so good.” She joked trying to keep the panic from her voice.

  “Are you… are you on the pill?” He asked hopefully.

  Jo shook her head. “No, there’s been no reason to be, up till now.”

  “Okay, Honey, let's not worry about this right now.”

  “Okay.” She said but she already knew she would.

  “Come on.” Wes said taking her by the hand and helping her off the bed.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Guest room I’m too tired to change the sheets.”

  That made Jo laugh and she instantly relaxed. They toppled into the guest bed and found their ying and yang position again, except this time they really did fall asleep.

  Wes woke up to his doorbell ringing. Jo was still asleep, naked and warm against him. He carefully extracted himself from her, threw on a pair of pajama bottoms from his bedroom and went to see who was at his front door.

  After looking through the peek hole he opened it and Andy entered bringing bagels.

  “Man I was beginning to worry.” He said.

  “What time is it?” Wes asked.

  “After 11:00, you never sleep this late.”

  Wes got a stupid grin on his face.

  “Oh, unless you weren’t sleeping the whole night.” Andy teased.

  “Shut it bro.” Wes said without malice forcing Andy to grin.

  They were sitting at the kitchen table enjoying the bagels and coffee when Jo appeared in the doorway. She had put his tee shirt back on and she shyly peeked around the corner.

  “Good morning baby.” Wes said cheerfully. “It’s just Andy. Come have a bagel.”

  “Just Andy? Man I’m hurt. Just Andy with bagels.” Wes’ friend pretended to be hurt.

  Jo walked into the kitchen patted Andy on the shoulder as she said good morning to him and before she could pull out a chair Wes had drawn her onto his lap. He kissed her cheek and Jo melted into his arms.

  “Very nice you guys.” Andy said contently. He loved that Wes had found someone that obviously cared for him.

  Jo blushed. Wes rubbed his hand up and down her back.

  “It is nice Andy.” He said softly.

  Andy and Wes talked about a few of the jobs T.U.F. was currently handling and Jo leaned back against Wes simply content to be near him. She was daydreaming when she heard Andy say he was getting ready to leave pulling her from la-la land.

  “Andy can you give me a lift home please?”

  Wes stopped rubbing her back and she felt him tense up. She turned her head to see that he wasn’t a happy camper anymore.

  “Wes I’ll come back later if you want. I just need to go home for a bit. You know go for a run, shower, do some work. I need to check my emails for any jobs, you know things like that.”

  Andy excused himself from the table and told Jo he’d wait for her downstairs.

  “Jo I thought you might stay here for a while?”

  “I’ll come back Wes. I’ll bring us dinner. You can relax all day. It will be good for you.”

  “Jo how about if you go home and bring stuff back here?”

  “Uh Wes that’s called moving in together and neither of us are ready for that.”

  “How do you know?” He replied a little testily.

  “Come on big guy. We can’t be joined at the hip. If I were the one that was recuperating you’d still have to go to work. Be reasonable.”

  Wes knew she was right.

  “Okay dinner and a sleep over.” He said.

  “Dinner.” She countered.

  “I don’t like this Jo.” Wes said quietly. “Don’t pull away now.”

  “I’m not baby.” She said cupping his chin. “I’ll be missing you too.”

  Jo scrambled off his lap threw on her clothes and gave him a tender kiss on his frowning mouth.

  “Be good Wes. Get some rest.”

  “For our sleep over?” He grinned. Jo laughed as she shut the door. God he was so friggin' perfect.

  When she got to Andy’s truck he asked if everything was all right.

  “Yup. Seems my man thought I would be here twenty-four / seven.”

  “You don’t want to be?” Andy asked seriously.

  “Andy it would be so easy for me to lose myself being with him. I have work to do, I have my own place. He’s going back to work next week. As much as I’d like to wrap him up and keep him with me all the time I can’t. He’d come to hate me. I’m not pulling away; trust me. I couldn’t if I tried.”

  Jo thought Andy was satisfied with her answer, because he let it drop. After he drove away from her house he pulled to the curb and called Wes.

  “Andy?”

  “Relax man. She is so into you, but she made a valid point. You both have to live your own lives and slowly learn to mix them. She is being smart Wes. She’s afraid you’ll tire of her and…”

  “I wouldn’t.”

  “You don’t know that. Besides what about next week when you come back to work? How would that make Jo feel if she stayed with you letting her jobs take a backseat to being with you and then when you come back to work you would be leaving her. That would be shitty.”

  “Yeah, I know. I’m still worried about her staying safe and fuck if I don’t miss her already.”

  Andy chuckled. “Get some rest bro. We need you back at the office and I have a feeling your little angel is going to have you running.”

  “Thanks for the call Andy.”

  “No problem.”

  Chapter 26

  Jo

  Jo went for a run around the lake and because she had texted Wes beforehand she laughed when she saw him sitting on his balcony using binoculars to watch her. She waved cheerily at him blowing him a kiss, relishing that wonderful feeling of knowing someone cares for you.

  After her run and shower Jo sat down at her computer and saw she had landed an interview at The Chicago Times. Her initial response was elation but her second thought was of Wes and what they were starting to build. She tapped out a response to them. She also received an email regarding another singing gig. She still had never discussed with Wes that Jill had let her go. She didn’t think Wes knew about it and she sure as heck didn’t want to stir up any trouble. The bar she would play in was in Morgis. It was a well known establishment that was renowned for hosting top bands on Thursday through Saturday nights. They asked her to play next Thursday. Her time was slotted as 9:00pm to 11:30pm and she could take two breaks. She would be paid 300 dollars, plus any tips she collected didn’t need to be shared with the bartenders or waitress staff. Jo replied that she would be there.

  Next Jo went food shopping. She bought staples and she also bought steaks, potatoes and salad fixings to take to Wes’ later on. She bought him a six pack of his favorite beer and picked up the movie The Expendable’s. She thought he’d like that. She hadn’t decided whether or not she should spend the night there yet but she figured she could play that by ear.

  After shopping Jo lay down on the couch and awoke to some serious banging coming from her front door. When she opened it Nick stood there looking disheveled, which was totally out of character for him.

  “You’re back. Finally.”

  “I am.”

  “Where did you go?”

  “My family’s Lake house.”

  “Oh.” He said feebly. Nick looked upset.

  “You should have told me. I was worried.”

  “I’m sorry I just needed to get out of town.”

  “Yeah I understand. Umm, did you hear that Wes was shot?”

  Nick wasn’t sure what Jo’s reaction was going to be but it certainly wasn’t what he expected.

  “I know I was with him at the hospital.”

&nbs
p; “Really? Why?”

  “Nick why do you think?”

  “Jo after what he did.” Nick was not looking happy.

  “He actually didn’t do anything Nick. It was all a PR stunt.”

  “Yeah, sure.”

  “Nick!”

  “I’m sorry Jo. He hurt you, badly.”

  “I was hurt, you’re right but we’ve talked, a lot, since then and we’re good.” She got a silly smile on her face thinking about sitting on Wes’ lap during breakfast.

  “You’ve really fallen for him, haven’t you?”

  “I like him a lot.”

  “Well I don’t like him.”

  “Yeah I’m getting that.”

  Nick rested on the doorframe; his laptop case was still hanging over his shoulder. “So how about dinner tonight?’ He said hoping to swing the terse conversation back to something neutral.

  “I can’t tonight.”

  “Wes?”

  “Wes.”

  “Sunday night then.”

  “What’s wrong with Saturday night?’ She joked trying to look offended.

  Nick laughed and Jo relaxed that they were back to being friendly. She knew he always had a date on Saturday nights.

  “Okay, studley, Sunday night.” She laughed.

  After Nick left Jo saw that it was past 7:00pm. She realized she’d fallen asleep for five hours. She grabbed her phone which she had turned off and watched it ping out of control as messages and missed call alerts pelted her screen. They were all from Wes.

  “Shit!”

  She quickly hit his name under her favorites as heavy knocks sounded from her door again. She thought Nick had returned and as she yelled, "Nick the doors open." she hoped that Wes would pick up his phone. Jo heard a song playing from outside she quickly turned back to the door, Wes stood in her doorway and now he didn’t look happy. She humphed, she was batting 1000 when it came to pleasing men today.

  She put the phone down and walked to Wes. “I was just calling you.”

  She could see that he was deciding how to handle himself so she decided to make it easy for him. She launched herself into his arms and pressed her mouth against his slipping her tongue between his lips.

  Wes remained still for all of two seconds before he hoisted her up by her bottom. She hugged his hips with her legs and Wes walked them into her house. He dropped her ass on the counter but continued to kiss her.

  When he pulled away Jo saw that predatory gleam in his eyes and knew she was forgiven.

  “I’m so sorry Wes I fell asleep.”

  "You thought Nick was at the door?"

  "Yes he stopped by."

  “I couldn’t reach you.” He said laying his forehead on hers. “I got hungry.”

  Jo burst out laughing swatting at his chest and Wes peppered her face with little kisses.

  They made the dinner and sat down to watch the movie. Jo had had a nap so she wasn’t tired and Wes must have had a nap as well because he stayed awake through the entire movie as well.

  After the movie Wes stood up. “Thanks for dinner Jo.” He gave her a light kiss.

  “You’re welcome. I’m sorry it was so late. I guess I still had to catch up on sleep.”

  Wes turned to leave and Jo caught his hand. “Want to sleepover?”

  Wes looked like he’d hit the lottery his smile was huge and Jo laughed.

  They climbed on to Jo’s bed and ying and yanged themselves.

  “I missed you today.” Wes said sleepily.

  “I missed you too.” Jo instantly felt guilty not telling Wes about the interview in Chicago. She didn’t want to get into in with him now so she told herself she’d tell him tomorrow. They both drifted off to sleep.

  When Jo got up in the morning Wes was already awake. He must have gotten the paper from the box on the street corner because when she found him in the kitchen he was drinking coffee and reading the paper looking very domesticated. Her heart pitty pattered in her chest. She could get used to seeing him every morning.

  “Good morning sweetness.” He said putting the paper down.

  “Good morning to you too.” She said giving him a kiss.

  “So what are your plans for today?” He asked.

  “I want to work on my case. I haven’t looked at it in over a week.”

  “Can I look at it with you?”

  “Okay.” She said hesitantly. Wes knew he was in uncharted territory with her regarding her work so decided to tread lightly.

  “I’m just going to be an extra set of eyes Jo, don’t worry.”

  That seemed to settle Jo. “I’m going to go home and shower. I have a few business calls to make. How about if I come back here later and we look through it together?”

  “Okay Wes good plan.” His ability to read people was paying off big time right now.

  After Wes left Jo lay out all the notes she’d been collecting. She wrote down things she needed to look at:

  Materials – where are they coming from?

  Who’s ordering them?

  Materials being switched by haulers?

  Building inspectors how often do they show up?

  Check out architect, foremen, and investors.

  Jo decided to take a break and go for a run. She didn’t want to look like she was stalking Wes so she opted for a different route, not the one in the State Park either.

  When she returned Wes was sitting on her porch. She could see he’d been worried, but he was doing a great job of masking it.

  “I’m fine Wes. I just went for a run.”

  Wes snorted. “I see that now.”

  “Oh was this one of those times I should have texted you?’ Jo teased him.

  “Funny girl.” He swatted her ass and she yelped dashing around him to unlock her door.

  She let Wes inside and she ran to take a shower leaving him to look over her notes. When she returned Wes was studying some of her paperwork thoughtfully.

  “Jo this might not be for me to say, but if these people catch you snooping around…”

  “I know Wes, but it’s my job.”

  “Honey it’s not your job. You’re doing this as a freelancer.”

  Wes watched Jo knowing she was probably going to hand him his head, but instead she walked to him and sat on his lap.

  “I know Wes, but it is something I love. If there is something underhanded going on and I can expose it, well it's a good thing.”

  “Jo this could be big. I’m concerned for your safety.”

  “I know you are, but I’ve been doing this for a few years and I am careful.” She feathered her hands through his hair. “I like the chase.”

  Wes smiled at her. “What am I going to do with you?”

  Jo gave him a wicked smile and led him back to her bedroom.

  Later that night Jo was describing some of the things she thought she’d follow up on regarding the case. Wes listened and playing devil's advocate. When she told Wes she was going to go to the bar again and see if she could talk to the one worker he stood up so fast it frightened her.

  “Jo, come on! Work the case from afar. Work the paper trail.”

  Jo stood up put her hands on her hips and glared at him.

  “Wes Tobin, don’t you dare tell me what I can and cannot do!”

  “Jo be reasonable.”

  “Oh brother, I should have never told you about this. You’ve gone all caveman.”

  Wes sat down exasperated.

  He let a full minute slide by before speaking again.

  “This caveman.” He said tightly. “Does not want anything bad to happen to his cavewoman.”

  Jo looked at him then burst out laughing. She flew into his lap and kissed his eyes, nose and cheeks and finally settled on his delicious lips.

  “We’re going to have some good ones aren’t we?” She said as she tickled his ear with the tip of her tongue.

  Wes hardened under her and when Jo felt him pressing into her she got down on her knees between his legs and kissed his grow
ing member through his jeans. Wes watched her, his eyes hooded with desire. She was so fucking beautiful. He loved talking with her, she was really brilliant and he loved matching wits with her.

  He watched as she unbuttoned his jeans and slowly peeled down his zipper. She encouraged him to lift so she could pull his pants down and when he did she also pushed down his boxers.

  Wes grew harder and his huge cock stood proudly against his abdomen. Jo was so sexy and the fact that she had no idea how desirable she was endeared her to him even more. He watched her pretty pink lips and knew they would be on him soon. The mere thought had him groaning.

  Jo kissed his smooth satiny head then kissed her way down his thick shaft. When she got to the base she licked her way around it dipping lower to taste his balls. Jo turned her mouth sideways and gently sucked her way back to his head. Wes was already holding back his load.

  Jo looked up at him and then in the sweetest, sexiest voice he ever heard she said, "Do not to move, at all, or I'll stop."

  “Christ.” He groaned.

  “Not one muscle Wes.” She said staring into his eyes before lowering her luscious lips over his bulbous head, and then very slowly down his rigid shaft.

  “Fuck Jo.”

  Wes held himself still. He couldn’t believe the little minx had torqued him up like this. He tried to close his eyes, but she told him to watch her. Wes watched her bob up and down on him, suctioning hard as she pulled up. He tried to calm himself down, but Jo had him so fixated on remaining still that he was hypersensitive to her warm wet mouth gorging on his manhood.

  She pulled her lips off of his cock and Wes looked at her questioningly. “I didn’t move.”

  “I know baby.” She said. “I forgot to tell you that I’ll let you know when it’s okay to cum.”

  “Fuck me.” Wes said watching her cheeks hollow as she suctioned hard, practically pulling the semen through his shaft.

  Jo licked her hands getting them wet and placed one on top of the other as she gripped his throbbing member. She began twisting her lubricated hands in different directions as she sucked and swirled her tongue all over the top of his magnificent cock. She let spit dribble down under her hands for additional lubricant and as she unwaveringly worked his taunt flesh; she could feel that her man was almost at a breaking point. His body was vibrating and yet he remained stone still. Finally Jo looked up at him and with his cock still in her mouth she rolled his balls in her fingers and mumbled “Cum.”