A Torey Hope Novel Series: The Complete 4-Book Box Set

by A. D. Ellis

  Chapter 27

  Nate

  Please, please, please let her allow me to fix this. I hate that I opened my big fat mouth and hurt this gorgeous girl. I’ve never felt bad about physically hurting anyone, it was usually my goal. I’ve never worried about hurting my family because I’m always kind and honest with them. I’ve never worried about hurting friends or girls I dated because they all always knew the score before anything ever started. But, this innocent girl was hurt by my dickhead comment and I seriously worried that she would walk away and not let me fix this.

  Imagine my surprise and delight when the next words I heard coming from Libby’s beautiful mouth were, “How about you kiss me first so I can decide if there’s anything even worth fixing?” Libby has a look of total disbelief on her face, like she can’t even believe the words that are coming from her own mouth. It’s almost comical to watch the look of horror on her face as the words pour from her mouth as if she has no control of them. Her words and her sweet look of shock are enough to do me in. Damn, this girl.

  Chapter 28

  Libby

  No, no, no…..I did NOT just seriously ASK a guy I barely know to kiss me! A guy who, until today, treated me with wariness and indifference. A guy who has slept with my sister. Oh. My. Gosh! No, no, no. What is wrong with me!?!? Please, tell me I fell asleep in my office and this is all just a dream. No, it’s a nightmare! That’s what it has to be! Nope, I for sure just heard a very real, very sexy growl rumble through Nate’s chest right before he inched toward me and put his hands on both sides of my face and crushed his mouth to mine. His lips are blazing hot yet they gentled immediately, almost like he realized this is something I’m not used to doing. He’s right, I’m definitely NOT used to a kiss that curls my toes! Austin Douglas was like kissing a toad compared to kissing Nathaniel Morgan. I NEVER had this type of reaction to kissing Austin! I’m pretty sure I moaned as I brought my arms up to his chest then moved them around behind his neck. Nate Morgan, the guy I just recently met, the guy who picks me over Audrey, the guy I just wantonly suggested should kiss me, is kissing ME! No, check that, Nate Morgan is now FRENCH kissing me. I feel his tongue gently probe at my lips then retreat. I may or may not have whimpered when his tongue left. But when he nipped at my bottom lip and I opened my mouth a bit in surprise, his tongue came back seeking entry. My insides melted like liquid metal as our tongues danced. Nate’s hand wrapped around the back of my neck and tilted my head to the side, allowing him to deepen the kiss. Just as my body felt like it was about to spontaneously combust, Nate slowed the kiss down, and then backed away with a few last little soft kisses against my lips. I am pretty sure I shuddered at the loss of his lips against mine. My heated body protested the cool air that took the place of his warmth as he stepped away from me. Nate looked at me with a dazed expression, smirked a little while shaking his head and ran his hand through his hair. Nate and I were both breathing as if we’d just sprinted around the track. I don’t know how he can fix this supposed misunderstanding, but I’m totally on Team Nate with hopes he can make me understand his hurtful words.

  Chapter 29

  Nate

  Shit, I need to slow down. I knew within 2 seconds of having my mouth on Libby that she has had very little experience with kissing. But, damn, those moans and whimpers almost did me in. As my tongue, which seems to have a mind of its own, gently probes at her lips, her soft pink tongue gingerly comes forward like she’s testing the waters. The next thing I know, our tongues are involved in what I can only describe as a sensual dance and I’ve walked Libby up against the wall. Maverick, who is obviously conspiring with my tongue to scare this sweet girl off, stands up tall and proud as if he’s waiting for a personal introduction. I’ve had plenty of mind-numbing, meaningless, escapism sex. However, right at this moment, I want nothing more than to get Libby under me so I can worship her beautiful body and bury myself deep inside her; I know sex with Libby would be a very emotional experience. Whoa, which is exactly why I’m backing away and stopping this kiss. For now. Never….NEVER have I reacted that way to a kiss. We break apart, both breathing hard, both with heavy hooded eyes. Then my Libby says the sweetest words with those kiss-swollen lips, “Um, yeah, I think there’s something there worth fixing. So, Nathaniel Morgan, how are you going to heal my hurt feelings? Just what did I misunderstand?” Her gorgeous, mesmerizing eyes looked up at me with such hopeful expectation that I nearly felt my knees buckle.

  I’ve always believed people when they told me, “You’ll know when you meet the right girl, you’ll just know,” and I’ve always trusted my gut and my heart to let me know. Up until now, my gut and my heart have never even gotten more than just a little interested in any girl I’ve met. I never paid much attention to feelings for girls because I never had any intention of taking things past a purely physical level; and, even then, I didn’t even allow most of those physical connections to evolve past a couple hookups. However, the second I laid eyes on Libby, I knew it. My subconscious fought it, I tried to remain indifferent and detached, but I knew it. My gut knew it. My heart knew it. Maverick knew it, but he can’t be trusted. Libby is the one. My head and heart feel all funny as scenes race through my mind….Libby and me against the counter reminiscent of my parents just this morning, Libby wearing a wedding dress, Libby with a belly swollen with our child, Libby and I growing old together. Holy shit, this is WAY more than I was looking for. Way more than I thought I wanted. Way more than I can probably handle. But, in this moment, my head and heart are in complete agreement. Libby is my future. Now I just have to fix this.

  Chapter 30

  Libby

  First, Audrey was right. Tongue CAN be fun. Holy cow! I want so badly for Nathan to fix this misunderstanding so we can have more kissing. Actually, as damp as my underwear are right now, I obviously want more than just kissing but since I’m not Audrey that’s definitely not happening. Seriously, all the times I had sex with Austin Douglas, or a more accurate description is that Austin Douglas had sex with me, I never got turned on for him. But, kissing a man I barely know has me turned on more than I’ve ever been. Speaking of barely knowing the man in question, how in the world have I gone my whole life barely dating or attracting attention from men, but now, after knowing Nate for only a couple weeks, I feel like I’ve known him forever and I want to spend time getting to know him even more? Is this the “love at first sight” thing you hear about? Is this what people mean when they say, “You’ll know when you meet the right one, you’ll just know.”? Because, as I look at Nate, all my reservations about dating fly out the window. I want hand holding and dates and flowers and dancing and cuddling on the couch and kissing, yes, lots of kissing, with Nate Morgan.

  Nate takes my hand and smiles at me. How can a simple gesture like hand holding seem so sweet and so right?

  “Libby, I wasn’t talking about you when I referred to the freaky one. I was referring to Audrey. You are the pretty one. Let’s go see my dad. He already ripped me a new one for being rude so I’m sure he’ll be happy to see me learning my lesson AGAIN about name calling. God, I feel like such an ass.”

  We walked to the food tent and found the rest of the Morgans eating. Nate motioned for his dad to come over. Before we left, I noticed two huge smiles on Cindy and Nick’s faces when they saw Nate holding my hand. I loved my hand in his, but it also felt unreal that I’d just shared a mind blowing kiss with a man I barely knew and now I’m holding his hand. My dating history is basically nonexistent, with the exception of the whole Austin Douglas screwing both my sister and me the whole time we dated situation, I’m shy and quiet and used to living in Audrey’s shadow with her insults and put downs to keep me company. That’s who Elizabeth Decker is. Isn’t it? The real Elizabeth Decker doesn’t go around kissing men who are practically strangers. The real Elizabeth Decker doesn’t fantasize about seriously dating a gorgeous man. Or, maybe this is the real Libby Decker and she’s just been waiting for Nate to bring her out?

&nbs
p; Chapter 31

  Nate

  “Dad, I need you to be honest when you answer my question even though it will paint me in a bad light. I’ve hurt Libby’s feelings and I need to fix it. Earlier when we were talking about the Decker girls and I referred to the prettier one not the freaky one, can you tell Libby what I said to you please?”

  Dad looked hesitant and I knew he didn’t want to tell Libby what I’d said about Audrey, but he must have realized the importance of this when he looked at my pleading eyes. So, with a red face, he said, “Well, Elizabeth, he said you were gorgeous. He apologized for calling Audrey freaky but explained she was just too, too much for him. Does that help clear up any confusion?” Thank you, Dad!

  “Yes, Mr. Morgan, that was very helpful. Thank you,” replied my sweet Libby. Whew! Crisis averted!

  “You called ME freaky!?!?”

  Uh-oh! I guess this is a great lesson in keeping your damn mouth shut unless you have something nice to say! Now I’ve gone and hurt Audrey’s feelings! Damn, who knew she was within ear-shot? Time to man up.

  “Listen, Audrey, I’m sorry. There’s no excuse for my asshat move. I was name calling, and I was wrong. Just because you’re not my type doesn’t mean you’re freaky. Luckily, my dad didn’t play bystander and let me get away with my bully behavior. He called me on it, and I appreciate it. I’m sorry for calling you names.”

  I didn’t let go of Libby’s hand that whole time I apologized and Audrey’s eyes flashed with envy and anger right before she lashed out, “Well, you’ll learn soon enough which one of us is the freaky one. I love my sister, but she’s not enough woman for you or any man. Hell, under those plain clothes I bet she’s got even uglier granny panties. She’s not hot, and she never will be. She’s kissed and been with ONE guy her whole life, and I had to coerce him with sex with me just to get him to keep dating her! She laid there like a limp rag doll during sex. I had to keep her man happy with real sex! So, don’t count on her to keep up with your needs! You’ll find out soon enough that you need more than what Beth can give. When you’re ready for a real woman, you know where to find me. I can promise you hot and totally no-strings-attached sweaty sex any place, any time!”

  I seriously have never been so shocked or angry. My sweet Libby was mortified and we had drawn a crowd, including Captain Decker. I waited for his reaction. I waited for him to stand up for Libby, his daughter. But he just shook his head at Audrey’s rude, hurtful words. I could tell these were insults that had been hurled many times before.

  “Audrey, I won’t stand for you talking to or about Libby like that. You say you love her, but you just said some very hurtful words to her and I get the impression this is par for the course with you the two of you. You bully to make yourself feel better, she lets it happen because you’ve convinced her she’s beneath you, all while family and friends stand idly by. All due respect, Captain Decker, but Libby deserves you stopping Audrey’s bullying and standing up for her. When you just shake your head or make excuses for Audrey, you’re confirming Audrey’s inaccurate insults in Libby’s mind. Audrey, I’m sure you can take care of the tear down and clean up here. I’m taking this gorgeous girl away from here for a little while. When you’re ready, an apology is in order, and I can help you find someone to talk to about your reasons for bullying your sister.”

  With that, I lead Libby to my Jeep with many wide eyes and open mouths in our wake. Even though I’ve never used my counseling degree in a professional aspect, it felt good to know I had the knowledge to pin down what was going on with Audrey and Libby. I had no clue what had happened in Audrey’s life that caused her to bully Libby. It could have been her mother dying. It could have been any number of things or a combination of many things. But, Libby and Audrey both need to work through this unhealthy relationship, and they both are going to need help healing from this. I want to walk beside Libby through the healing if she’ll let me. I can only hope that Audrey will see someone about this problem she’s having. If not, it could get ugly, and I worry about the repercussions for Libby.

  Chapter 32

  Audrey

  This is complete and utter bullshit. I won’t stand by and watch Beth and Nate get all lovey dovey. I had him first, and she’s not going to move in on what was mine to start with. I can get anyone I want to have sex with me. I’ve had younger guys, older guys, married guys, guys who thought they were gay, girls who didn’t even know they were gay, and girls who weren’t gay but still wanted me. I will get Nate back in my bed, even if just for a night. Beth doesn’t get a happy ending; she doesn’t have power here. I’m in control, and I will decide how this goes. Nate will be fucking me before the month’s end, and I’ll be sure that Beth sees it with her own eyes. Again. After she sees him fucking me, there’s no way she’ll allow him close to her. She’s probably already freaking out about dating a guy she knows I slept with before he knew her; no way she’ll let things keep going with him if she knows he had sex with me after he met her. All I need is a couple pills from a guy I know and some drinks with Nate and Beth at my place. A quick favor from a friend with benefits will get a strategically timed phone call to Beth to get her out of the picture for a bit. Easy-peasy. It’s a win-win really. I get some hot-guy sex, Nate gets to have sex with me again and try to prove to me that he’s not lame in bed, Beth gets reminded that she’s not in charge, I am.

  I give my pill guy, Max, a call. I figure I’ll owe him a little something for payment, but it will be worth it. He gives me a few pills, I give him some mind-blowing fucking and money. I could never afford the pills if I was paying cash only, but with the added payment I give him, the pills are mine. Max is a pretty scuzzy guy to look at and he could creep you out if you think about it too much. He’s not one of those dirty but hot guys. Max is more just dirty. But when I’m on my knees I can’t see his face and I can concentrate on just feeling good. I imagine he’s Nate pounding into me from behind and I scream as I come. Max gets off seconds later and our transaction is complete. Max gives me some shit about maybe continuing this at my house some other time but I tell him I’ll call him when he’s needed. I check with him on the dosage of these pills. He assures me that 1 ½ pills will be enough to screw Nate up but keep the important parts functioning and the ½ pill will get Beth out of it just enough to be confused but she’ll still know what’s going on when she sees Nate with me. Perfect. Now, I just need to play nice for a while and get them to my house.

  Chapter 33

  Libby

  Things were all over the place after the Fall Party. By things I mean actions and feelings. In short, Nathan took me for a ride in his Jeep, and we ended up at the school playground. We sat in the swings, side-by-side, and I felt carefree yet totally confused. Calm yet anxious. Happy yet sad. But, as Nate reached out to hold my hand, my perplexed mind cleared and I took in just how right this felt. How right Nate felt.

  Nate told me that Audrey needed to realize she’s a bully and get help and that I need to also get help so I can stop believing the insults she’s always throwing at me. He said that I probably needed some time to let things in my head work themselves out, but that he wanted to take me on a real date very soon. He drove me home and walked me to my door. After a hug and a gentle sweet good night kiss, my knight in shining armor drove off, and I headed to bed feeling emotionally and physically exhausted.

  Monday, after work, found Nate at my door step asking if I wanted to have a picnic. Um, who wouldn’t want to have a picnic with Nate Morgan? We laid a blanket on the grass in the apartment complex’s common area. Nate had brought sandwiches, chips, apples, and waters. We spent an hour eating and talking. We talked about my work, Nicky’s enthusiasm for life, Nate’s coaching, pretty much anything and everything. Nate had practice that evening so he had to head out too quickly, but I enjoyed the short time we got to spend together. “Thanks for having a picnic with me, Libby. It’s the first one I’ve ever been on as an adult and I’m glad it was with you. Have a good evening, sweet girl.�
�� Nate drew me towards him and slowly lifted my chin with his finger. I saw a question in his eyes, he was checking with me to see if I was ok with this. I nodded my head imperceptibly and Nate’s eyes went from questioning to warm. His head lowered and within seconds his lips were on mine. His lips tasted slightly sweet from the apple he had eaten. The finger on my chin moved to cradle the side of my head and he angled me so that he was in complete control of the kiss. His mouth trailed over my jaw and towards my ear. My insides lit on fire as his lips found my neck. I shifted closer to him and he growled as he quickly pulled me against him and then abruptly stopped the kiss. “Damn, Libby, I wish I could stay, but I have practice. I need to stop this so that I can actually go to practice without embarrassing myself in front of the boys.” He motioned toward the obvious strain in the front of his pants and I had to laugh. He walked me to my door and gave me a quick kiss before jumping into his Jeep and taking off. I spent the rest of the evening with a giddy smile on my face.

  Wednesday I got a delivery at work. It was a bouquet of daisies. They were absolutely gorgeous and I had tears in my eyes when I saw they were from Nate. Did he realize I’d never gotten flowers before? I never thought I’d get teary eyed over daisies, but they were just perfect and brightened my day so much. His little card was so sweet and I could tell he wrote it himself: “You’ve got me doing the craziest things, Libby-girl! Have you ever gotten flowers? I’ve NEVER sent flowers but….. yeah, so, I hope these made you smile!” I immediately sent Nate a text to say thanks and told him I had the biggest smile ever!