Sweet Obsession (Men of Whiskey Row Book 1)

by D. A. Young

  “I like the flowers, darlin’,” Jack drawled, positioning himself at her entry. His lips tickled her ear licking her lobe. “They’re definitely brightening my day.”

  He thrust into her deeply, and she fell forward; but his arm snaked across her chest to hold her shoulder and keep her in place. “Play with your breasts. Touch your nipples like I would,” he ordered hoarsely in her ear.

  Noelle cupped her aching breasts and began to squeeze and pinch her nipples which brought her closer and closer to an orgasm. She leaned her head back to seek his mouth. Lips clinging together, Jack surged into her over and over again as their tongues tangled with each other. He slid his fingers down to play with her clit and it was too much for Noelle. She detonated, milking his cock tightly until he succumbed to the fiery pleasure as well. “Now that is what I call a great way to start the day,” he said, breathing harshly.

  “I concur,” Noelle said tiredly as she leaned forward to rest on the counter trying to catch her breath. But Jack wasn’t done and tilted her head to the side to kiss her lazily. Noelle smiled against his lips as she felt him stirring back to life inside of her. She whimpered as his finger slid back down her body to slowly tease her extremely sensitive bud. “Again Jack? Really?”

  “I have no willpower when it comes to you and my pussy, baby,” he growled, sucking on her neck as aftershocks ran through her body. This time, it was nice and slow, but the quaking orgasms at the end were just as powerful, leaving them both panting and weak-kneed. Suddenly they stiffened as the sounds of cheerful whistling outside the kitchen door could be heard. They stood frozen for a moment before scrambling with Jack quickly pulling out of her with a curse and Noelle attempting to cover her breasts but only succeeding in getting flour on her chest.

  The door opened suddenly but quickly shut again. “Aaaargh, my eyes! What the hell is wrong with you people?!?! Get a freakin’ room already!” Guy shouted in outrage. “Are you guys really doing that next to the biscuits?! I had my heart set them on them. With lots of honey and strawberry jam! It’s the only reason my hung-over ass is even up this early!”

  Mortified, Noelle allowed Jack to carry her upstairs, her face buried in his chest. She was shaking with laughter as Jack shouted with no remorse over his shoulder, “Sorry, Pippy!”

  ***

  Thanks to Jack and Noelle’s early morning activities, breakfast turned into brunch. After a shower where she had to fight off her horny husband’s advances, Noelle threw her hair in a haphazard ponytail and put on a fitted, grey t-shirt with silk flower-printed track pants. She sent Jack to get the ingredients for drinks, and he dragged a pouting Guy with him, promising to bring his brothers, Holt, and the Romankovs back with them.

  Noelle dragged Sidra and Avery out of bed to help her cook. Instead of the meal she was prepping earlier, she decided to do the fry the chicken she was brining for dinner, with waffles and apple whiskey syrup, spicy kale with eggs, and roasted potatoes. The chicken was frying to a nice golden color in a huge cast iron skillet, and when Sidra saw it, she rubbed her hands together gleefully.

  “Yassssss, honey. Bringing out the big guns in ‘Operation Get Yo’ Man, are we? I’m so glad I brought my appetite,” she said with relish as she set the table.

  “Hush girl and plate the eggs,” Noelle scolded lightly with a happy smile as she set the potatoes in a dish and then added chopped parsley, bumping Sidra’s hip as she passed her.

  “It was really good huh?’ Avery asked enviously as she wiped glasses and silverware. Both women glanced at her in surprise. She held up her hand. “I know it’s not something I normally comment on, and you both think I’m prudish; but I couldn’t help but notice that you’re walking around with a little umm…caution…and you do have a hickey on the back of your neck.”

  Noelle grabbed the back of her neck and stood ramrod straight. “I’m not going to say anything about it, except that I am extremely happy with the results of our fornication,” she stated primly and went back to placing food in dishes.

  There was a moment of silence before Avery scoffed, “To coin a phrase from Sidra, ‘Bish, please!’”

  They fell into peals of laughter and high-fives as the kitchen door opened, and Jack walked in, followed by their guests, laden with bags from the liquor store. “Smells good in here, baby,” Jack said, dropping a kiss on Noelle’s forehead. “Mornin’, ladies.”

  Everyone exchanged greetings and small talk, gathering around while Jack and Darby made a big production of making Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas. When everyone had a drink in hand, they all gathered around the loaded table to clasp hands in prayer. It was decided that Avery would say grace. Unable to resist teasing them, Guy opened his mouth.

  “Why are we doing this?” he asked innocently. “I could swear that the food was already christened this morning.” He emitted a yelp when Jack punched his arm. Noelle hung her head in embarrassment which let everyone in the room know that hanky-panky had ensued bright and early in the Sullivan household, much to Noelle’s chagrin and their guests’ amusement.

  “All right, children. Let’s not embarrass the happy couple anymore. How about we bless the union instead?” Alexei suggested with a solemn face, though his eyes twinkled with mirth. All agreed before bowing their heads so that Avery could say grace.

  Everyone sat down and the lids were lifted off the dishes; pleasant small talk ensued until Jack removed the lid from the largest platter containing the buttermilk fried chicken. The delicious aroma filled the air and all talking stopped as the men at the table looked at the chicken then each other. Guy, Holt, and Alexei gave the Sullivan brothers concerned looks that were ignored as their attention was focused on the heaping platter of golden brown chicken which they stared at with something akin to horror. Noelle, Sidra, and Avery looked at each other in confusion while Kat made a gurgling noise in her throat. Since she was sitting between Jack and Darby in the corner, she squeezed Jack’s hand and gave Darby’s shoulder a reassuring rub which caused him to shudder and lower his head.

  Unease filled Noelle as she looked at Jack, standing over the dish and staring at it as if the chicken would reassemble like a transformer, rise up, and beat his ass. “Is something wrong, Jack? If you don’t want chicken, there’s other stuff to eat. Let me make you a plate.” Noelle stood up eager to ease the tension in the room that seemed to be building by the second. She shot her friends a helpless look, but they were just as in the dark as she was. Still Jack didn’t speak, but surprisingly, Holt did.

  “Let it be, love,” he said with a kind smile to her. “He’ll be fine, won’t you, Jackie?”

  Jack snapped out of his trance to find all eyes on him in concern. Then his gaze met Noelle’s anxious one, and he knew he had to pull it together. “Yeah, I’m fine. Sorry about that. I was just thinking about something I had to do at work. Thank you so much for making this food. Everything looks great. Well, c’mon everybody, let’s all dig in!” He winced as he heard his overly-enthused tone. Noelle’s raised eyebrow let him know he was full of shit. The advice he always gave his clients was coming back to bite him in the ass. If you aren’t sincere, you sound like a complete moron.

  Jack looked at both of his brothers and tried to convey the message: Please eat the damned chicken so Noelle’s feelings wouldn’t be hurt. He was rewarded with stiff nods that said they understood. He grabbed the biggest piece of chicken and sat down again, giving her a reassuring smile; but her look said she remained unconvinced that all was well. Kat complimented Sidra’s blouse and conversation awkwardly started again.

  Jack could feel Noelle’s suspicious gaze on him as he picked up a chicken thigh. Taking a deep breath, he resolutely bit into it and was pleasantly surprised. Flavor exploded in his mouth. The chicken, golden brown and crunchy on the outside, was really juicy, tender, and savory on the inside with a kick of spice. He could taste the tang of buttermilk, seasonings, and herbs she’d used. He closed his eyes and relished the delicious taste of it bringing back old memories.
It was exactly how his mama used to make it, and because he hadn’t been able to get that taste replicated anywhere else, he’d long given up on eating fried chicken or finding it again. Jack opened his eyes to find Darby and Casey watching him cautiously, as they waited for his verdict.

  Tears blurred his vision as he swallowed and took another big bite. To be sitting in this house that was a dedication to his beloved mother with Noelle, close friends, and family, eating chicken that tasted just like Ma’s was a true sign; he believed that she was watching from above. I love you, Ma, he said silently and continued to eat the chicken until only a clean bone remained. It was only then did he realize that all conversation had ceased, and he was again the center of attention. He cleared his throat and used his wrist to wipe his eyes. “You outdid yourself with the chicken, baby. It’s fucking amazing.”

  “Thank you,” Noelle murmured uncertainly, watching in amazement as all the men reached for pieces of chicken and proceeded to scarf it down quickly. They spoke with full mouths as they laughed and agreed that it was some damn good chicken. Even the refined Alexei had grease smeared on his lips as he chowed down. Both Casey and Darby had tear-filled eyes as they grinned like lunatics at Jack and each other.

  “Soooo…do you people not have access to fried chicken or something up here?” Sidra asked as she snagged the last piece of chicken, holding it out of Holt’s reach as he attempted to steal it from her hands. “Holt, I will smack you so hard into the future, you’ll be able to meet your grandkids. Damn, I’ve never seen chicken disappear that fast. It was easily two birds.”

  Her gaze locked with Casey’s, and she could see they were filled with emotion before he lowered his head to wipe his mouth with a napkin. Sidra could see that he was just as shaken up as Jack, but trying to be a badass. She wondered what the story behind their strange behavior was. Across the table, Avery nodded her head in agreement and smiled sweetly at Darby as he willingly gave her a thigh from his full plate.

  “Not like this, Sidra,” Jack spoke in a voice thick with emotion. “And not for a very long time.”

  ***

  After brunch, Jack took Noelle for a drive while everyone else lounged around watching the NBA Finals. Before leaving, he asked Avery if she could help him cut some flowers and fancy them up. In her element, Avery grabbed the pruning kit that she traveled with at all times; because everybody should carry one on their person she insisted when they all looked at her like she was crazy and followed him. The bouquet she composed was stunning and colorful. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and the weather was perfect for a drive. Sundays are definitely for lovers, Noelle thought, just happy to be with him as he grabbed her hand and wove their fingers together. She admired the way their complexions seemed to blend together seamlessly.

  “I just want to say thank you very much for the wonderful meal again,” Jack said glancing over at her. The lower half of his face was now completely covered in scruff and his black hair was curling up all over his head. He was so beautiful to Noelle in the afternoon light, that for a moment, she forgot to breathe. His gaze quickly turned to concern. “You’re not still weirded out about the chicken thing are you?”

  “Ummm…no. Well yeah, okay that was kind of…different, but I wasn’t thinking about that just now,” Noelle said, a little flustered to be caught gawking like a groupie. Even though he was hers for the time being, it was ridiculous how thirsty she still was for him. Jack grinned, and his white teeth were a startling contrast to the black beard and deep tan he now sported. I want to have babies with this man really bad, she mused.

  “What were you thinking about then? Penny for your thoughts, sugar,” he said warmly and brought their linked hands up to kiss her fingers. He opened her palm and gave the center a lingering kiss and she crossed her legs tightly at the feel of his soft lips on her skin, certain that if she didn’t control herself she would jump all over his ass.

  “I was just thinking about what a great time I’m having here and how I’m am really going to miss it when we leave tomorrow.” As Noelle said the words out loud, she realized it was true. She’d really grown to love the mountain town of Whiskey Row; the fresh air and the nice people she’d met, and wished things were permanent between them so she could visit more often. But the thought of being in Jack’s hometown when they were no longer an item was incredibly painful. When they were done, it was best that she walk away and leave everything in the past. “Why’d you stay away so long?”

  Jack didn’t say anything as he made a left turn and pulled the car over. Noelle glanced over to her right and saw a cemetery. “I think it is better I show you, so that you have a better understanding.”

  He got out, grabbed the flowers, and came around to open her door, helping her out also. His chivalry was just one of the many things Noelle loved about him. Silently they walked through the cemetery, being respectful of those eternally resting. The many cemetery rows were arranged from smallest to largest tombstones. Jack grabbed Noelle’s hand as they reached the back row and stood before a large granite heart shaped tombstone. It read:

  Here lies Moira Aileen Sullivan,

  Beloved mother to Jackson, Darby and Casey.

  May you rest in eternal peace.

  You are gone but never forgotten for

  death leaves a heartache no one can heal,

  while love leaves a memory no one can steal.

  Underneath were her birth and death years; and as Noelle looked at the dates, she realized how young the boys were when they lost their mother. Jack cleared his throat and lovingly touched the heart, before stepping forward and speaking. Noelle was surprised to hear his deep, southern voice slip into an Irish accent.

  “Hello, Ma. It’s been awhile since I’ve come to visit ya’ and for that I’m sorry, truly I am. I hope you’re not that mad, ‘cause I’ve brought me beautiful wife Noelle with me. You’d really like her. She’s smart, funny, kind, and makes chicken just like you, Ma. It took me back today, and I almost started bawling like a babe and so did the boyos. Even Alexei was caught up in the moment. I wish you coulda seen him shoveling it into his mouth! You know me and the other two haven’t eaten it since you’ve been gone. Could never find it just the way you made it.” Jack took a deep breath, struggling for control; and when he spoke again, Noelle could hear the thickness of the tears he was trying to hold in. “She made it just right too, so crisp and juicy, my wife did. It’s time for me to tell her our story. So that she kinna better understand. Dinna fash yourself, I won’t tell her how you used to twist our ears.”

  Jack gave a raspy chuckle and leaned over to kiss the heart, lips lingering. “Well, that’s it for now; I just wanted to come pay my respects to my best Galway girl before we leave ‘The Row’. I know I was a real shite not to visit sooner. Mo ghrá, go deo agus i gcónaí ag (My love forever and always). Until next time, Ma.”

  Tears flowed freely down Jack’s face and he made no effort to wipe them away as he placed the huge bouquet below the headstone. It was a cleansing process for him to be able to talk to her after so many years of silence. For so long, the pain of losing her had been a gaping hole in his chest that all the therapy in the world wouldn’t fill. The regrets of not being able to do more to help her made him the man that he was today. Noelle came to rest her head on his shoulder and slip her arm around his waist. Gently her fingers wiped away his tears. Together they stood like that under the warm sunshine until he was able to compose himself and lead her away. Before going, she pulled away to kiss the granite heart as well. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Ma. Don’t worry, I’ll look after your boys.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  The drive back to the house was a quiet one. Jack was deep in his thoughts, and Noelle was hesitant to disturb him. They arrived to find a note from Darby; everyone had gone over to Holt’s for a game of Bocce, and they were welcome to join them. The silence was driving Noelle crazy so she decided to keep busy by making them cappuccinos.

  When she was done, sh
e placed them on a tray and brought them to the living room, where Jack was staring pensively out the window. She sensed he needed time to get his words together and sat down on the sofa, patiently waiting for him. Finally, he came over and sat next to her on the couch. He spoke, keeping his head down and focusing on his hands.

  “My father Patrick Sullivan was nothing more than a sperm donor. He was a monster that death was too good for. He’s buried at the top of Devil’s Hill, and I personally named it after him. My mother was a beautiful young woman from Galway, Ireland. She came to the states to attend the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. where her father’s childhood friend was a professor. She lived with him and his wife while attending classes there. She was at university for two years before she met Patrick and Ian in study hall. All three hit it off immediately.

  “Her family disapproved of my mother having any male friends, and her guardian gave my mother an ultimatum, which if you’re Irish, you know is the equivalent to raising a flag in front of a bull. The ultimatum was that she discontinued her friendship with her male friend or risk being sent back to Ireland; so Patrick and Ian helped my mother get financial aid and become a U.S. citizen. Next Patrick helped her to get a place to stay. The smooth bastard introduced her to an ex-girlfriend who needed a roommate, and then he charmed himself into Ma’s bed,” Jack said bitterly and clenched his fists.

  “My parents were inseparable, and her family desperately tried to get her to go back to her guardian’s house, but she wouldn’t hear of it. To hear Ian tell it, Patrick wanted to spend all his time with Ma, and his grades started to suffer.” His hard tone turned to one of pride. “Not Ma’s though; she thrived in the academic environment, and her success started to put a strain on their relationship. When he started to lash out at her verbally, she finally decided to distance herself from him, and moved in with Ian’s family.” Jack looked down at his hands.