by Jacob Chance
“You’re the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.” His lips skillfully play along my neck until his hand cups my chin, holding me steady for our mouths to join together. His tongue slips between my parted lips, flicking against mine. I push the diminished ice cube into his mouth and he hums with surprise before passing it back to me. We continue with our sexy game, until the ice is melted and both of us are breathing heavily.
“Damn, Elle. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get enough of you.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“I need another beer if we’re going to stay here any longer. Do you want another drink?”
Downing the rest of the contents, I hand him my empty glass. “I’d love another one.”
He brushes a whisper of a kiss over my lips. “I’ll be right back.”
My eyes follow his broad-shouldered physique as he walks up to the bar. Losing sight of him in the crowd, I face forward once more and search for any sign of Sean or Tatum. They should be arriving any minute now.
“Elle, right?” Liberty questions, standing to the side of me.
Her stealthy approach startled me. I didn’t see her coming. I nod my head in reply to her question.
“So you and Josh are together now?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t mind that he’s been with me for two months now? You don’t mind sharing him?”
“You guys are friends.”
“Okay, if that’s what you want to believe go nuts. You should ask your friend Janny about it. She knows. She came over one morning when we were still in bed.”
Her words unsettle me. I don’t want them to affect me, but they do. “Look, I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing, but I’m an adult. I’m not going to fall for your bullshit.”
“Think what you want, but I have no reason to lie.”
“What’s going on?” Josh asks when he approaches. I’m sure he can see the distress on my face. I’ve never been very good at hiding my emotions.
“I was chatting with Elle. You know, girl stuff,” she giggles as if we’re the best of friends. “I’ll see you two later.” She waves her fingers before walking off.
Good fucking riddance.
Both my hands clasp the cold glass of rum and coke Josh placed on the table in front of me. Tipping my head back, I suck a large gulp into my mouth. Swallowing the liquid down, I pray Liberty’s words are merely lies meant to scare me away because if they’re not, Josh hasn’t been honest with me. And if he hasn’t then we’re over before we’ve had a chance to see what we could become.
“I’m so glad you stopped by. I haven’t left the house in three days and I’m going stir crazy,” Janny tells me as we sit on her back deck, sipping ice tea. Lily is down for her morning nap and Kyle is running errands.
“I bet. I don’t know if I’m cut out for being a mother. Look at my own, she’s hardly a role model for me to emulate.”
“Sometimes, the people with the worst childhoods make the best parents. They’re more empathetic because of what they’ve endured.”
“Maybe. I don’t know. It’s not like I need to think about it right now anyway.”
“If things with you and Josh keep progressing, you will.”
Shrugging my shoulders, I don’t say anything.
“Are you guys having problems?”
“I thought everything was great until last night. We were out at a bar and this girl, Liberty, who is friends with Josh came over to our table.”
Janny nods. “I’m aware of who Liberty is.”
My heart sinks to my stomach with her admission. Was Liberty telling me the truth, after all? Am I too blind to see what’s right in front of me? The heart sees what it wants to and ignores all the signs that something might be wrong.
“She waited until Josh went up to the bar before she mentioned they’d been together for two months and that she’d met you one morning.” I pause, carefully watching Janny for any reaction.
“I did meet her the morning Lily was born. She slept over Josh’s the night before. He told me nothing happened.”
“Do you think he was telling the truth?”
“I do. He had no reason to lie to me. You guys weren’t together then. He said he was still hung up on you and wasn’t ready to start anything with her or anyone else.”
Exhaling a large sigh, I smooth my hair back from my face. “I was so worried. I cut our date short last night, told him I had a headache.”
“Did he suspect something was wrong?”
“Of course, he did. I denied it and now I feel bad I was dishonest. But, I didn’t want to blow it up into some huge thing and have a fight with him over it.”
“What he doesn’t know won’t hurt, but maybe you should give him a heads up that Liberty was trying to stir up trouble. You shouldn’t worry about Josh not telling you the truth. It’s not who he is.”
“Yeah, you’re right. I think I’ll leave it alone for now. Now that I know for sure they weren’t together, I don’t see her being a problem anymore.”
21
Josh
“I’m nervous, Josh. Why did we have to do this today?” she questions, her hand on her stomach.
“There’s absolutely nothing to worry about. I promise they’re going to love you.” Shutting off the car, I undo my seatbelt. Rubbing a hand over her thigh, I soothe her. “Come on. We’re going to have a lot of fun. My family is a little crazy.” I flash her a quick smile.
She pulls the visor down, checking her hair. “Okay, I’m ready. Let’s get this over with.”
Thirty minutes later we’re seated at the dinner table with my grandmother, father and both my brothers. The initial introductions went smoothly. My grandmother winked at me, a signal that she likes Elle and my dad gave me a thumbs up behind her back. Jam stared at her a little too long and Owen had to hug her. I told them both to back the fuck off when she used the bathroom. I don’t need to worry about my own brothers poaching my woman. I’m turning into a possessive boyfriend. I’ve never been this way before.
“Elle, what do you do?” my father questions.
She wipes her mouth with her napkin and places it back in her lap. “I work in the financial district.”
“I used to work there too. Many moons ago.” He smirks. “Now, I run a garage for the Bastards.”
To Elle’s credit she doesn’t react when she hears the name of the club.
“That’s a big career change. Do you ever miss it?”
“Not really. I still dabble in investing by using my own money which satisfies that side of me.”
“I guess the important thing is doing what you’re passionate about,” she says before taking a bite of carrots.
“Are you passionate about investing other people’s money?” Jam asks.
Her eyes dart in his direction. “No, I’m not. I let my parent’s pressure me into going to school for what they wanted me to become.”
I never knew this and now I’m kicking myself for not asking. “What did you want?” I question, genuinely interested.
“I wanted to be a teacher.” She rolls her eyes.
“Why are you rolling your eyes? It’s not too late to become one,” I mention.
“I think that ship has already sailed. I can’t imagine going back to school and now I’ve come to like the money I make.”
“It’s never too late to make a change,” my grandmother chimes in. “I’m still trying to decide what I want to be when I grow up.”
“You’re a spry eighty-one, Gram. Go for it. The sky’s the limit.” I tell her.
“Is that supposed to be a reference about me dying soon?” She winks at me.
Once dinner’s over, I linger in the kitchen to help my grandmother with the dishes. Elle tried to stay and help, but I told her we were all set. I want some time alone with Gram. We don’t get to see each other very often these days and I miss her.
“How have you been, Josh?” She asks as I rinse each plate, before placing them in t
he dishwasher.
“I’ve been good - busy.”
“I can see that.” She smiles.
“It’s not only because of Elle. I’ve been working a lot of hours at Canvas, trying to build a solid client base. It takes a lot of time, but I love tattooing.”
“You’re still finding time for your painting, right?” She raises an eyebrow at me. Gram has always been my biggest support in every way, especially when it comes to my artwork.
“I am. I’ve been invited to take part in an art competition. It’s a fairly prestigious event and I’m honored to have been asked. I won’t win, but I could gain some exposure from it.”
“Why would you say you won’t win before it even happens?” She crosses her arms over her chest and narrows her eyes at me.
“I’m trying to be realistic. I’ll be competing against some well-known artists.”
“Well if I’m not mistaken, you’re also well known.”
“I don’t know about that, Gram. The paintings I did for the state house definitely gained me a lot of exposure, but I have a long way to go.”
“Could this competition be another step in helping you with that?”
“Help me gain more exposure? Yeah, absolutely. Which is why I need to make sure I love the painting I submit. It needs to be my best effort.”
“Josh, I’ve never seen you give less than one hundred percent on anything. I’m sure, this will pay off for you.”
She holds her arms out for a hug. I can’t resist the comfort she offers. Her hugs are legendary and always make me feel better. No matter how old I get this never changes.
“So, what do you think of Elle?” I ask, when we part.
“She’s a gorgeous girl. I can certainly see the appeal.”
“She’s much more than a pretty face,” I cut in.
“Hold your horses, I wasn’t done.” She sends a scolding glare my way. “She’s got a great personality too and I can tell she’s crazy about you.”
“You can?”
“Yes. She looks at you with love in her eyes.”
“She’s hard to read and she’s not very forthcoming with how she’s feeling. She’s never really had a serious relationship before.”
“And you’re serious about her?”
“Completely.”
“I think if you’re honest and patient with her then it will all work out.”
“I hope so. I’m head over heels and it’s unnerving not knowing if she feels the same.”
“I had a great time with your family,” she says, as we relax on her couch. She’s lying between my legs, her head on my chest as we watch Battlestar Galactica episodes.
“I knew they’d love you. I think my brothers might be crushing on you.”
“Now, you’re being silly.”
“It was awesome to be the envied one for a change.”
“What do you mean?” Her fingertips stroke delicately along the top of my hands where they lie on her stomach.
“When we were younger, I was always looking up to Jam and being envious of all the hot girlfriends he had. Even Owen has never had to work to get a girl. But now, I’m the one with the sexy as fuck girlfriend and they noticed.”
“So, I’m only a trophy to you? Just someone to use for bragging rights?” she jokes, rolling over, resting her crossed arms on my lower stomach. When she places her chin on top of them, it doesn’t escape my notice that her pussy is pressed against my now hard cock. She smiles mischievously and rolls her hips into me.
“You can be anything you want.”
“What do you want me to be?”
“I want you to be the dick sucking champion of the world,” I joke.
“I don’t know about the world, but I’m feeling pretty inspired.” Rising to her knees she backs up until she’s kneeling between my legs. Her fingers move down to undo the button and zipper on my pants.
“I like where your inspiration is taking you.” I grin down at her.
“I bet you do,” she says, pushing my pants open. “Commando? I like it.”
“I haven’t had time to do laundry. But I like free-balling occasionally.”
She licks the length of my cock from the base to the tip and I lose my train of thought. When she repeats the motion my breath stutters. She smirks knowingly. Staring up at me, she wraps her plump lips around the head and begins to suck.
Oh fuck. My fingers burrow into her long tresses as she slowly slides up and down my cock.
“Hmm,” she hums, like my dick is the best thing that’s ever been in her mouth. It’s such a turn on.
“Do you like sucking my cock?”
She pulls her mouth off with a pop. “I love it.”
“Fuck, Elle. You’re incredible.” I gasp as she swallows me down once more, this time stroking me with her hand as well. Between the tight seal of her mouth and the firm grip of her fist, I’m barely hanging on. I don’t want to come and end this exquisite pleasure, but I want to see her swallow every drop of my orgasm.
Head bobbing faster, she slurps and sucks driving me mad. “Fuck yes, don’t stop,” I order. Raising my hips, I thrust up with every downward motion of her mouth. I want to fuck her mouth so hard, but I curb the urge, letting her have her way with me.
“I’m going to come,” I warn. She keeps sucking, never letting up until she pushes me over the edge of reason. I shudder, groaning her name, fingers clutching her head, as I release into her hot, wet mouth. My heart pounds so hard, I might be having a heart attack. I don’t think I’d complain if my last moments in this life were spent inside any part of Elle Johnson.
“What do you think?” she asks, wiping the corner of her mouth with her thumb.
“Think? About...what?” I can’t even form a complete thought right now. I’m lucky I can remember my own name.
“Am I the dick sucking champ?”
22
Elle
“Hello,” I say as I answer my phone. The number that came up on the screen is unknown.
“Elle.” The deep voice on the other end sends chills down my spine in the worst possible way. Fear washes over me. Shit. It’s been a month since I had dinner with my father and I was hoping Scott had changed his mind. However, my luck couldn’t be that good.
My mind whirls in a frenzy of thoughts. What am I going to do?
“Elle,” he barks, snapping me back to this moment.
“Scott,” I utter, hoarsely.
“Did you miss me, baby?” he asks with a chuckle.
“No, can’t say I have,” I reply, regaining some of my footing now that the initial shock of hearing his voice has worn off.
“There’s my girl.”
“I’m not your girl.”
“Are you sure about that? I think you are and when I take you to dinner I’ll tell you all about it.”
“I don’t want to go anywhere with you.”
“If you care about tattoo boy then you’ll have dinner with me,” he says, sounding smug.
What does he know about Josh?
Crap. I can’t have Scott messing with him. He only opened Canvas two months ago and everything’s starting to come together for him. “Fine. Where and when?” I question, but my stomach is in knots with worry. I don’t want Josh negatively impacted by my father or Scott. Both of them have limitless amounts of money and are ruthless enough to get whatever they want. Ruining someone like Josh wouldn’t even be challenging for either of them.
“Tonight, Chez Regis at seven o’clock. Don’t bother driving. I’ll be taking you home after,” he informs me, confidently.
“Fine.” I have no intention of letting him drive me anywhere. Meeting him in public is bad enough, but nothing good will come from being alone with him.
“I can’t wait to see you, baby. It’s been way too long.”
When the call ends, my head falls into my hands as despair invades every cell of me. I don’t know what kind of dirt Scott has on Josh, but he has something. Most likely it’s fabricated, but it won’t
matter. It will be enough to permanently damage his reputation. The situation is hopeless. All I can do is meet him tonight and see what kind of game he’s playing.
Walking into Chez Regis, my eyes peruse the bar for any sign of Scott. Stopping when they lock onto his broad-shouldered frame and dark hair, my feet slow their approach. I shiver from a combination of dread and fear of what he’s got planned. Things are never what they seem with him. I can’t let my guard down for a single second because he strikes when you least expect it.
Scott spins around on the bar stool as I come up beside him, a large smile on his handsome face.
“Hey, baby.” He rises to his feet, drawing me into his arms. My body goes stiff like a board, every part of me rebelling against this close contact between us.
“Please don’t call me that,” I say, already knowing it will only anger him, but I can’t stomach hearing an endearment fall from his lying lips. Once upon a time, I believed the lies and half-truths he spoon fed me, but no longer. Now immune to his charms, I see him for what he really is - an opportunist.
“Don’t tell me what to do,” he grits out between clenched teeth, grabbing my upper arm tight in his meaty fist. “I think we both know it won’t go well for you.” His eyes flash with anger or insanity. Either is a possibility with Scott and I’m sure of this better than anyone having dated him from the time I was a senior in high school until sophomore year of college.
“Let go, Scott.”
“But I can’t keep my hands off you, Elle.” His other hand moves to my other arm, pulling me closer until my breasts are pressed into his chest. “I still remember how tight your pussy was and I can’t wait to feel it again.” He flashes a devious grin and my stomach rolls with fear.
“Can we sit down and talk now? I need to get home. I have to work early in the morning.”
“My baby’s anxious to get this show on the road,” he says and I cringe with disgust. “I’m looking forward to dessert back at my place,” he adds, making matters worse.
