One New Message (A Dark Romance Novel)

by Vivian Ward

  When I awake, he’s the first thing on my mind, and I can’t stop smiling. Picking up my cell phone, I see a text message. It’s him.

  “Good morning, precious. I couldn’t stop thinking about you last night. Hope your day is as gorgeous as you are.”

  Sighing, a sweet smile tugs at the corners of my lips as I look at the beaming sunlight that’s spilling into my room through my curtains. I’m so glad to be back home.

  Chapter 6

  Present

  Watching the two of them is doing something to me. Something about it turns me on. Part of me wants to tell them to stop, but I can’t. Taking another sip of my alcohol, I don’t mind when Zack’s other hand dips down to my thigh. He’s dangerously close to feeling my wetness.

  “Joline. Did you hear me?” Trent says. “Let me take you home.”

  His voice is firm, but I still want to stay and have some fun. I’m not ready to go home. My closest friend just got married, and I haven’t seen Zack in ages. I need a break. I want to decompress. Even if only for a night.

  And I believe Zack is the escape that I need right now.

  He’s always been carefree, fun, and has taken risks. For a night, I don’t want to stop what I’m doing, go home, and watch another boring movie or search for jobs that aren’t there.

  I’ve been searching for a job ever since I came home and still haven’t found anything. I even went to a temp agency, hoping to fill a spot somewhere. Long-term.

  They said that they could place me in an attorney’s office while his secretary was out on maternity leave, but the job would only last two weeks as the temp who was filling it quit on short notice. I need more than two weeks. I need serious cash.

  Yes, Trent will buy me anything I’d like or ask him to, but I’m not a freeloader. I’ve always worked for and earned everything I’ve ever had. Today is no different than yesterday, or last week, or last month, or last year. It feels better to earn my own money.

  Before my mom died, she taught me that a woman should never let a man control her with money. It’s better to earn your own and take care of yourself. If you can do that, you’ll never have to rely on anyone. You’ll be independent and will have your own freedom. She told me that you can set yourself free in anything that you do if you put your mind to it.

  Besides, I would rather skim by than have a man say I owe him anything, but mostly, I’d prefer to earn money and take care of myself just like my mom taught me.

  “You know what? I feel like dancing,” I say, standing up from my seat.

  Trent means well, but sometimes he can be controlling. I think it’s part of his personality, being a businessman and running so many successful businesses, but I’m not having it tonight. All of the stress has gotten to me, and with Zack by my side, I feel like I can finally break out of my shell and feel more confident while letting my hair down.

  Like old times.

  I hold out my hand to Zack, who is grinning up at me. I feel like I’m floating. Maybe it’s the room that’s still spinning, or maybe I’m floating in the beautiful sea of his eyes.

  “I’ll do the honors,” he reaches for my hand.

  “No! No, you won’t.” Trent’s hand has a firm grip on my elbow, and he’s not letting go. His fingers are pressed into my skin. For a moment, I think I can feel his hands trembling. “If she wants to dance, I’ll take her.”

  I stare at the two of them, waiting to see which one will cry Uncle. Zack stands, puffing his chest out at his brother as only a few inches of air separates their bodies. I can hardly see any light between them. They look like they might break out into a brawl at any moment.

  “Let her choose,” Zack says. His hands are at his sides, balled up into fists and his knuckles are turning ghostly white.

  “Zachary, I can promise you this. You will never have a permanent spot in her life. Not like I do.”

  Leading me out onto the dance floor, away from his brother, Trent holds me close to him as he darts an icy glare at Zack. It’s odd how I can feel the warmth of his body, yet, he’s so cold toward his own family. We dance through one song before he finally steps back and puts some space between us.

  “I’m going to get my keys and then I’ll take you out to the car. Will you be all right if I leave you resting here for a minute?” he asks.

  “Yes, I’ll be fine.”

  I begin to think about how different, yet similar, the two of them are. They’re both equally sexy and attractive but in different ways. They are both charming, yet in their own way.

  I’m still not sure how Trent got me to start casually dating him. I think it was his charm combined with my loneliness. When I first came home, I was afraid I’d become dad’s new best friend. His tag along. I didn’t want to do that. I want to be young, live my life and have some fun.

  My fun has been much different than what I imagined it to be. I think my expectations were a bit skewed before I came back home. All of my friends have grown up and gotten married. The days of clubbing and partying are over for most of them as they’ve settled down, had babies and started families.

  Maybe that’s why I’ve gravitated toward Trent. He showed an interest in me. He always has, but so has Zack. The difference is that Trent has been here while Zack hasn’t.

  And we’ve definitely had some fun. Visions start to cloud my mind, and before I know it, I’m daydreaming about him again. I do that quite often. Minutes tick by, and I begin to wonder if Trent is ever coming back.

  Then I see him. Zack.

  The same lush, vibrant eyes that pulled me in while I was standing at the altar beside my closest friend, Karli. They sparkle even more brilliantly up close.

  “Come with me,” Zack says with a sly smile on his face. His warm, sweet breath on my face, on my neck, it’s everywhere. He’s so close to me that his lip barely grazes my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

  I can’t move.

  I can’t breathe.

  I’ve had a few too many drinks, and I know that I shouldn’t, but I can’t help myself. Ever since I got back I wanted to see him, and now he’s here and damn, he’s even sexier than I remember. Towering over me, I realize how huge he is. Broad. Wide. Strong. I can see his muscles through his shirt.

  The first few buttons of his shirt are still unbuttoned, accentuating his tanned, muscular chest and I can’t look away. It’s like the sun blinding me and even though I want to, I can’t turn my head away from him.

  But there’s one problem. My moral compass is spinning uncontrollably.

  Trent and I have been casually dating for the last three months.

  His arm outstretches, and he takes my hand in his. His hands are so warm and so smooth, just like him. If it were anyone else, I would never ever go with them, but for him, I’ll go.

  Standing from my seat, I begin to wobble, but his arm wraps firmly around my waist, catching me before I can fall. Pulling me closer to him, I can smell sex, manliness, and raw, primal want on him. Without uttering another word, he whisks me away, and we slip out the back door.

  I glimpse over my shoulder, and for a second, I think I see Trent searching for me, but I can’t tell. It only takes a few seconds before I’m cloaked in darkness with the only light coming from the moon above us. We’re gone, and now I’m all alone with Zack.

  Gorgeous, delightful Zack. The bad boy.

  Chapter 7

  Past

  How many dates have we been on?

  The question plagues my mind as I apply some lip gloss to my plump lips and smack them together to give them an even coat.

  It’s hard to say how many dates we’ve been on exactly. With all of the luncheons, the dinner dates, the walks in the park, and the time he took me out on his company boat have all been fun, but I lost count. It seems like we spend almost every day together, but it’s really not.

  Today is special because we are going to a carnival and I’m so excited. Butterflies are stirring deep within me; though, I’m not sure if it’s from the excitem
ent of riding rides that always scare me, yet give me a rush at the same time, or if it’s because I know I’m about to spend another wonderful afternoon with Trent.

  We always have so much fun together, and I know that today will be no different. I check myself once more in the mirror and carefully study the cute girl staring back at me.

  Hair is neatly in place, check.

  Lip gloss and mascara look amazing, check.

  Short, tight shorts to show off that booty he loves so much, big fat check!

  Trent always tells me what an amazing ass I have. I largely contribute that to my mom’s side of the family and thank the Lord above for what he blessed me with. This hot honey would rather have a big booty than a deflated pancake.

  When I open the door, his eyes widen as he drinks in my appearance and a look of awe spreads across his handsome face. The sunlight is hitting him just right at this moment, he looks like an angel sent from heaven.

  “Joline, you look amazing!”

  “Let me slip on my sandals and I’ll be ready.”

  He walks in and says hello to my dad who absolutely adores him to death, but doesn’t hear him.

  “Sorry, he’s sleeping. I probably should have told you that when you walked in. He sleeps like a log and doesn’t hear a thing.”

  “Oh,” he whispers. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t be sorry. You didn’t wake him. Come, let’s go,” I reach out and take his hand in mine as we make our way to the door.

  My dad tells Trent how much he wants grandbabies every chance he gets. When we’re in private, my dad always tells me how he’d love to see the two of us get married. I know he wants to see me happy and have a stable future, but I’m not so sure that I’m quite there yet.

  Marriage is something that I don’t take lightly, and I’m not one hundred percent sure that Trent is the one. How am I supposed to know? How does anyone ever know? There are over seven billion people on earth. How is anyone sure they’ve met the right person?

  Once we are at the carnival, he walks over and opens my door. It’s so Trent-like. Smiling, I get out of his convertible and pull my shorts down, hoping they’ll grow a few inches because I realize they’re a bit shorter than I thought they were but it’s too late to do anything about it.

  Without any warning, he reaches down, grabs me by the waist and scoops me up like a toddler. I squeal with laughter and delight, but I’m also terrified that he might drop me.

  “Put me down!” I exclaim as my legs and arms flail about. “You’re going to drop me!”

  “Are you kidding me?” he laughs. Gently, he puts me on the ground, my feet firmly touching the earth, and backs me into a tree. “Have you not seen the size of these guns?” he bulges his bicep and points at it. “I’d never drop you, especially not a tiny little thing like yourself.”

  “Oh, please,” I roll my eyes. “There’s nothing tiny about me. Don’t you see these thick thighs? This big booty? There’s nothing little about me.”

  His knee pushes my thighs apart as he places his hands on each side of my head and leans into me. Suddenly, I can feel his erection against my belly, and I can’t move because there’s nowhere for me to go. I’m backed against a tree with him towering over me.

  “I know one thing that’s little,” his hand reaches down and cups my lady parts. “And tight.”

  I swallow. Hard. God he’s making me wet. I want to grab his cock with my hand and begin stroking it, but there are people walking all around. With the way we are standing, it’s unlikely they can see where his hand is, but I’m too shy to reach out and return the gesture to him.

  Slowly, his hand moves ever so slightly, and his finger dips between my thighs and his fingers slip inside my panties.

  Oh, please don’t go there. You’ll feel how wet you’re making me.

  I bite my lip because I know it’s coming. His finger begins massaging my clit.

  “My,” his warm breath tickles my neck, “I see someone’s wet. Let me know when the heat gets too hot.”

  I gulp. He navigates his hand so that his palm is pressed firmly against my clitoris and slips his finger past my entrance. Pushing his way inside of me, his tongue flicks my ear before he sinks his teeth into my neck.

  It might be 88 degrees outside, but it doesn’t stop the goosebumps from prickling on my skin or the shivers that run down my spine.

  I’m dying inside. I want him. All of him. His hips grind into me, pressing his erection snug against my belly. For all that is holy! He’s fucking hard.

  A second finger slips inside of me, making his fingers stretch me.

  “My god,” he whispers in my ear, “you’re so fucking tight.”

  Inhaling his scent, my nipples harden as I think about how I’d love for him to suck on them. Bite them.

  “I want you,” I whisper back, grabbing his thick cock in my hand and give it a squeeze. At this point, as wet as I am, I don’t care who is standing nearby or what people might say.

  “How bad?” his free hand reaches for my nipple and pinches it. “Because I could do some bad things to you.”

  “Please,” I beg. “Let’s go.”

  He stops planting kisses along the temple of my forehead and looks me in the eyes.

  Did I say something wrong? Did I do something wrong? Oh no….what did I do?

  “I’ve got a better idea,” a twinkle glimmers in his fierce blue eyes. “Follow me.”

  He grabs my hand, and before I can say another word, I follow him to the top of this big, steep hill. We have the perfect view of the carnival from up here. I look down, and I can see the ferris wheel, the swings, and I can see children lined up in long lines as they patiently wait their turn to ride next.

  But I have a ride of my own.

  His hands scoop me up around my waist, and he spins me around. A squeal escapes my lips, and at the exact same moment, I can hear a child squealing as the ferris wheel turns faster and faster.

  Lying me on the grass, he climbs on top of me. I hear a faint hint of carnival music in the background, but all of my attention is focused on him. His perfect features.

  Slowly, he begins unbuttoning my blouse as he stares deep into my eyes. All I can see is pure want and desire staring back at me. But as much fun as he’s having, I need this. I need to be needed. I need to feel wanted. I need…him. I need him to need me.

  Wrapping my legs around his waist, I tease him by bucking my hips. A devilish grin pulls at the corners of his mouth. Seductively, he leans down and tastes the salt of my skin where my neck dimples at my collar bone. I throw my head back, offering myself to him completely and totally.

  I look back down and watch as his tongue traces down the V between my heaving breasts as I watch in anticipation. It wasn’t even two minutes ago that his hands were busy undoing the buttons and now his mouth is there. He grabs me and pulls me on top of his lap so that I’m sitting on top of him. Our faces a mere inch apart.

  Kisses are planted at the top of my breasts as he reaches back to unclasp my bra. The instant that my breasts feel the warm sun followed by the cool breeze, his takes my nipples into his mouth and sucks them. Hard.

  The carnival music is still playing in the background, and I can smell sweet cotton candy and popcorn, but none of it is as sweet as this. Reaching down between my legs, I unzip his zipper and push his boxers to the side, exposing him.

  Slowly, I begin stroking him as I take him into my hand. At first, it’s long, slow strokes but as he continues sucking on my nipples, he clenches them between his teeth and allows his tongue to roll over them. I don’t know how much more of this I can handle.

  If he’s going to turn up the heat, then so am I.

  My long, slow strokes on his shaft become short, fast pumps. Pumping his huge cock in my tiny fist is more than he can handle. He releases my breast from his mouth, and the cool breeze causes my nipple to turn to pebble while his hands aggressively unfasten my shorts.

  Sliding them off of me, I lean back and am flat on
the grass; the warm sun shining down on my nude body for all of him to see. Licking his lips, he surprises me when he doesn’t climb on top of me but darts his head between my legs.

  It feels like someone has sucked all of the air out of my lungs when I feel his tongue lash out against my clit.

  Fuck. I’m wet.

  So fucking wet.

  He can feel it too. He stops for a moment to look up at me, and I can see my juices glistening on his chin that’s being bathed in the warm sunlight. His hand reaches up for the breast that he was just suckling and begins rolling my nipple between his fingers as he dives back down between my legs.

  I wonder if my pussy is as swollen as my lips from kissing him?

  My back arches as his tongue continues to lap up my sweet nectar and I can’t help but notice a bird flying overhead. I close my eyes as I feel myself beginning to climax, but the warm sun refuses to let me see darkness. Tiny spots appear behind my lids as my thighs clamp shut and I cum all over his face.

  Climbing my body as if it were a ladder, I felt his firm bulge slide up my body. I wrapped my hands around the back of his head and neck and kissed him, tasting my delicious juices. I couldn’t wait another moment for him to enter me.

  “Please,” I beg. “I need you so much now.”

  “Yeah? You sure? Say it again.”

  “I need you. I need you, Trent. Now.”

  Kneeling between my legs, he sits up and reaches into his pants pocket. Using his teeth, he rips off the foil packet and rolls a condom over his length. With his hand firmly gripping his dick by the base, he asks one last time, “Are you sure? You really want this?”

  “Oh, my God, Trent. Please, give it to me,” I hiss in his ear.

  Slowly, he pushes himself inside me. I can feel his length consuming me, stretching me, and expanding me. It’s been so long. So very long.