500 Days

by Jessica Miller

  “Alex, that wasn’t very nice,” Jack said, crossing his arms.

  “Please, I saved your ass. And I was being nice.”

  “See I told you she comes in handy, sometimes,” Jasper said, hitting Jack on the back. I flipped him off. He ignored me and looked back at Jack. “You got to admit it was kind of funny.” I could tell Jack was trying not to show it but he thoroughly enjoyed watching me put it to those women. Even though I knew he wished I would have gotten rid of them in a more kindly manner.

  After talking to Casper and the cougar town express took their exit, Jack started to relax a little. I even caught him throwing back a few shots with the boys, which was a surprise because Jack was normally the responsible one. I didn’t question it. Jack needed to have some fun and let loose. He deserved it.

  It was rounding 1am and I was ready to go home and take my boyfriend to bed. The boys seemed to have other plans. Jack was smashed, Jaxson could barely stand and well, Jasper was Jasper. I couldn’t ever remember seeing Jack drunk. He had us cracking up the whole night. He told Casper stories of when we were younger and his first experience taking me shopping. He admitted half the time he had no idea what he was doing. Casper assured him, despite his lack of parental skills, he did a great job raising us. I knew Jack took that to heart.

  He smiled, patting Casper on the arm. “You did good Alex. I know mom will be excited to hear all about him.” I flinched when he mentioned mom. I looked at him funny. It took a minute for Jack to realize what he said. I watched him swallow the big lump in his throat. “Um, excuse me.” He got up abruptly. Not happy with his slip of the tongue. I got up and followed him.

  “Jack, what the hell was that all about?”

  He turned to me with a pained look on his face and I knew I wasn’t going to like what I was about to hear. “I’m going to go see her before I head back.”

  I took a step back, not believing what I was hearing. The last time Jack had visited our mom was the first year after he enlisted into the marines. He hasn’t been back since and I wondered what the sudden visit was about. “Why? Why now?”

  “I have some things I have to take care of.”

  “Like what?” I snapped.

  “Alex, now is not the time or place to have this conversation,” he growled.

  “Well maybe you should have thought of that before you opened your big mouth,” I yelled.

  “He doesn’t know?”

  “No, and I’d like to keep it that way if I can.”

  “Alex, you can’t hide who you are forever. He will find out, and better you tell him the truth now rather than later.”

  “I will,” I snapped. “Just, not now.”

  “What, you’re gonna wait until she’s released?” Jack knew me all too well.

  I switched the conversation back to him. I was good at that. “What’s so important that it can’t wait?”

  “Because this is the only time I have to speak on her behalf.” His shoulders sank.“We should discuss this at another time.”

  “No, damn it!” My voice was loud enough to draw the attention of the rest of my brothers.

  “What the hell is your problem, Alex?” Jacob complained, standing next to Jack. I glared at both of them.

  “Tell him Jack. Tell him what you told me.”

  Jack scrubbed a hand down his face seeing no other way around it. “I’m going to visit mom before I leave.”

  “Jesus Alex, you act like he just told you he just killed someone,” Jacob said. My eyes meet Jack’s. “What’s the big deal?”

  I knew I was overreacting. I think I just panicked when Jack mentioned her in front of Casper and I was letting my fear of him finding out take over. “Nothing,” I whispered.

  “Then chill the fuck out,” Jasper said.

  I could tell Jasper and Jacob were about to gang up on me when Jaxson stepped in, throwing an arm over Jasper and me. “Alright, we got a whole table of shots going to waste over there. So how about you put the bullshit aside and have some fun.” Jaxson, always the cool, calm, and collected one, dragged Jasper and Jacob away.

  “Alex, I’m sorry. It just slipped out, but you really need to be honest with Casper about our past.”

  “I know. Just, not now.”

  Jack relented and gave me a hug, squashing whatever animosity I was feeling towards him. We both sat back down and tried to enjoy the rest of the night. Casper gave me a sideways glance and I just shook my head at him. My attention was now focused on Declan and Colton who seemed to be having a heated argument of their own. Declan stormed off in the direction of the bathroom while Colton had a worried expression on his face. “I’ll be right back,” I told Casper and got up to follow Declan.

  When I reached the bathroom she was pacing back and forth. “What is up with you today?”

  She ran a shaky hand through her hair. “Nothing,” she snapped, stepping into one of the stalls. I leaned back against the sink, waiting. “YES!” she cried. Two minutes later she came out of the stall and let out a deep breath.

  “Seriously Declan.”

  She washed her hands before she turned to face me. “I was late.”

  “Late as in?” She nodded. “But now?”

  “It’s all going to be okay,” she smiled, relieved.

  “Why didn’t you just tell me?”

  “I didn’t want to say anything until I knew for sure. Colton and I had been so careful so I never thought,” she shook her head. “I just need to be extra cautious from now on.”

  “Next time, talk to me instead of going into serious bitch mode, got it?”

  “Hopefully there won’t be a next time.”

  “Come on,” I said, pulling her out of the bathroom. I couldn’t imagine what Declan was going through and I couldn’t blame her for freaking out. I would have gone ballistic if I thought I was pregnant. I think this was probably the first time ever Declan was so happy to get her period. She instantly apologized to Colton and the relieved look on his face said she told him the good news.

  “Everything, okay?” Casper asked.

  “Yeah, everything’s going to be just fine.”

  Chapter 21

  Casper

  The band was playing at Angels and Demons tonight. I was itching to get on stage and let out some of my frustration. Alex had cornered me in the back room and got me so riled up I almost threw her down on the floor and had my way with her right there. She was the one to pull away and leave me to have to adjust myself. The wicked smile on her face as she walked away told me she loved seeing me in agony.

  The club was packed and the fans were rowdy. I was sure our opening set didn’t help, but I just needed to rock it out. Let everything out when I sang. Alex was already in the back delivering us drinks when we returned. I instantly grabbed her and dragged her into the bathroom. She let out a little yelp, surprised by my abruptness. I closed the door behind her and slammed her body back against it. The gasp that escaped her lips told me she loved every minute of it. “You’re gonna pay for earlier.”

  Her tongue was in my mouth before I had the chance to even take a breath. Our bodies crashed into the door making a loud thump. I could feel her lips smiling. I spun her around and lifted her up onto the sink positioning myself in between her thighs. Her uniform was so damn tight I was afraid I would rip it. I had no problems doing that but she had to go back to work and I knew she would be pissed at me. I unzipped the back of her shorts. She pressed her palms on the sink to lift herself up enough so I could pull them off. “You’re not wearing any underwear?” She smirked at me. God, I loved this girl.

  Alex reached for my belt buckle, stuffing a hand around my fully erect cock. I let out a moan in relief falling against her. There was a knock on the door. “Hey Cas,” Greyson called.

  “He’s busy, so fuck off,” Alex yelled back. I laughed, my head falling onto her shoulder. I kissed her neck, nibbling on her silky white skin. I slipped my hand over her most sensitive parts. She drew in a breath. “Do you have som
ething?”

  I sighed, shaking my head no. She pushed me away from her. “What the hell?” After the scare with Declan and Colton, Alex had been extra anal (not the kind I liked) about different contraception. I didn’t blame her. I would be just as freaked out too.

  “I didn’t expect you to attack me. I don’t carry that stuff with me anymore.”

  “Me? You’re the one who dragged me in here.”

  I groaned, falling back against the wall. Alex hopped down off the sink and sunk to her knees. Before I had a chance to ask what she was doing her lips were circled around my dick. I let out a breath. She was good. She was better than good. This girl had me ruined. My head fell back as she worked her hands and mouth. One squeezed my ass while the other moved up and down my shaft. I was just about to warn her, pull away when she dug her nails into my behind, keeping me rooted in place. I groaned loudly as her lips slipped back and forth. She released me, licking her lips as she stood up. “Did I ever tell you how fucking amazing you are?” she giggled, giving me the softest kiss.

  “I need to get back to work before Gus sends out a search party for me.” She waited until I had my pants up before opening the door. I walked her out and gave her a very unforgettable kiss before I sent her back out to the wolves. I watched her stumble a little as she walked down the hall. I chuckled. Alex flipped me off without even turning around.

  I walked back in to the dressing room. Greyson was staring at me. “What?”

  “I fucking hate you, dude.”

  That made me smile. “One day you’ll find the girl of your dreams.” He rolled his eyes at me.

  “Yeah, if they invent a blow up doll with a hole small enough for his dick,” Colton chuckled.

  I laughed, plopping down on the couch, taking a swig of my beer. “Fuck you both,” Greyson whined, getting up and leaving.

  “Greyson, we’re just messin’. Don’t be such a baby.”

  “Let him go,” Colton said.

  “What’s his deal?” I asked as I poured myself a shot.

  “He’s been moping around ever since you and Alex got together. He thinks he lost his wingman.”

  I stifled an eye roll. “He’ll get over it. I’ll hook him up with Kaylee. He’ll forget all about us.”

  “Does she know you’re off the market yet?”

  “No, but I haven’t talked to her in forever. I think she has a feeling something is up. I know as long as I have someone else for her she’ll be fine.”

  After our last set I introduced Greyson to Kaylee – after I explained to her that I was a one woman man now. She wasn’t too happy about it and told me to call her when I came to my senses. I ignored her comment and left her with Greyson which was punishment enough.

  I headed straight to the bar and took a seat with the best view in town. Alex was bent down getting some glasses from underneath. I cocked my head to the side to check out her goods. As if she knew I was staring, she looked over her shoulder and threw me sexy smile, winking. “Hey sweetie, what can I get ya?” Shauna asked.

  “I’m good.”

  Alex stood up and looked at me funny. “You’re not drinking?”

  “I prefer to just enjoy the view.” Alex rolled her eyes and filled up a glass pushing it in front of me. “What time you done?” I asked, taking a sip of my beer.

  “Not til close. You don’t have to wait. You can go back to my house or I could meet you at yours?”

  “No. I’m not letting you walk out of here alone.”

  “Cas, I’ll be fine. Gus hired more help and no one is allowed to walk out by themselves anymore.”

  “I feel better if I personally walk you out myself,” I said, placing my glass back on the bar.

  “Fine, but you better behave,” she warned with a playful look.

  “I should say the same to you.”

  Girls came up to me all throughout the night, making passes, giving me invitations to come home with them, and slipping me numbers. I turned every single one of them down letting them know I was happily taken. I could tell Alex was getting very angry with all the women coming up to me and made it a point to let me know how unhappy she was about it. Several nasty looks and threats let the girls know just exactly who had stolen my heart. “You better call off your groupies before someone walks out of here in a body bag,” Alex growled.

  “Jealous?” I arched a brow.

  “Keep it up and you’ll be going home alone,” she warned, her jaw clenching, letting me know how serious she was. I hid my smile to keep her from getting more pissed off. I knew what she was capable of and a ticked off Alex was not someone I wanted to mess with. I did my best to keep the ladies at bay but my reputation had made it hard. Most of the girls found it hard to believe that I actually was only seeing one girl.

  By the end of the night Alex barely said two words to me. She stormed past me on the way out. “Alex,” I called, taking on a light jog to keep up with her. I reached out to grab her arm and stop her. “Alex, what are you so upset about?”

  “You seriously have to ask?” She crossed her arms tightly over her chest. “All night I had to remind you that you were no longer single.”

  “Are you kidding me?” Now I was getting pissed. “I made it perfectly clear to every single one of those girls that I was happily taken.” She turned away from me. “Alex,” I touched her shoulder and spun her around to face me. “You can’t get mad every time some girl comes up and talks to me.”

  “You’re telling me you wouldn’t get pissed off if some guy came up to me and started putting his hands all over me?”

  I gritted my teeth. “No.”

  She threw her head back and laughed. She slipped her arms up my chest, leaned in real close to my ear and whispered, “You’re telling me that if some guy came up to me and playfully dragged a finger up and down my arm,” she demonstrated, making my whole body tense. “And whispered dirty little things in my ear, you wouldn’t be the slightest bit upset?” She was egging me on, but damn it she was right. I would have been furious if any guy had laid a hand on her. I would have buried their face in the ground. She dropped her arms and backed away, a big satisfied smile on her face. There was no hiding the anger on my face at the thought of another man touching Alex.

  I backed her up against the car making her suck in a breath. “I would break every bone in their body, starting with the parts that touched you.” Slipping her hands behind my neck, she tugged me closer for a kiss. Every body part suddenly became aware of the gorgeous creature attached to my lips. I pulled back resting my forehead on hers. “Alex, you know it’s going to happen, but we both need to realize that everyone else is just background noise and the only thing that matters, is you and me. I’m telling you now. There is and will never be anyone else for me but you.” She ran a finger lightly along my jaw, sending a thrill of heat up my neck.

  Placing a tender kiss on my lips, she asked, “My place or yours?”

  Knowing Greyson was most likely going to try his best to take home Kaylee, I thought it best to go to Alex’s, wanting to avoid what could be the most awkward morning of my life. I opened her door for her. “Yours,” I said as she buckled herself in. “Lock your doors and wait till I get there.” She rolled her eyes at me and put the car in reverse almost running over my foot.

  Alex was already inside before I got there. I stifled a groan as I walked up the steps and knocked on the door. “Who is it?” she called in a sing song voice.

  “It’s your knight in shining armor,” I smiled, leaning against the wall.

  “I don’t know any knights.”

  “Alex, open the door.”

  “I’m not supposed to open the door to strangers.” I heard the neighbor’s door open and the elderly woman next door was peeking out through the crack.

  “Alex,” I growled, getting the evil eye from the neighbor. I heard her giggle through the door as she unclicked the locks. I pushed her back and slammed the door behind us. “Your neighbor was about ten seconds away from chasing
me down the hall with a bat.” She waved me off like I was exaggerating and reached behind me to lock the door. I didn’t know how she managed to change so fast but she was out of her uniform wearing a small t-shirt that barely reached the edge of her behind. Her face was fresh and stripped clean of all make-up – which I preferred – and she was positively glowing. She reached out a hand for me and led me in the direction of the bedroom. Never getting tired of checking her out, I tilted my head to the side. She was still not wearing any underwear and each cheek flashed a little with every step. I bit the inside of my cheek. This girl had no idea how incredibly hot she was just by simply being her. In two quick steps I reached her waist and spun her around. She yelped, a little surprised. I bent down, picking her up and throwing her over my shoulder. She let out a tiny scream, laughing. I smacked her bare bottom as I carried her back to her room.

  I tossed her down on the bed and climbed on top of her. I paused, grazing her cheek with the back of my hand and took a moment to let everything sink in. I was never going to stop wondering how lucky I was to have found her, to have her to call my own. I was never going to get tired of touching her, holding her in my arms.

  “Hey,” she breathed. “Where you’d go?”

  I blinked, looking down into her eyes. “What?” I asked confused.

  “You seem somewhere else.”

  I closed my eyes and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her lips. “Nothing,” I smiled. I rested my head on her chest, listening to her rushing heartbeat.

  She gently caressed my hair with her fingertips. “Hey, you okay?” I could hear the concern in her voice.

  “Yeah,” I whispered, running my hand over her side, stopping at her ribs. I could feel her intake of breath as I traced the outline of her tattoo. “Can I…can I just hold you for a while?”

  “Of course.” Alex scooted down so she was now eye level. She pushed back the crazy strands of hair that always fell by the end of the night. I closed my eyes and let out a breath. Her touch always relaxed me. I tightened my grip around her, pressing our foreheads together. “Should I be worried about this little cuddle session?”