by Heather Anne
I nod and try to pay attention when the conversation switches to Cam's job. I hear a gaggle of giggles and turn around to see Grayson with a woman on each arm. For some unknown reason, it pisses me off. He continues to flirt and let these chicks rub all over him even as Cam takes the stage.
Camden is a great singer but Grayson is better. Camden's voice is more on the smooth side where Grayson's is rough and gritty. I get up and start dancing by myself, beer in hand. I feel someone behind me grab my hips and I turn to see a guy I’ve never seen before.
He's not too tall, maybe about five ten, with a crew cut and piercing blue eyes. He's adorable and when he smiles at me, he has two dimples that make me smile back at him. He spins me around so I am facing him.
"Jake," he holds out his hand as he continues to move to the beat of the music.
Jake is really nice and funny. I’m enjoying myself, but I can't help looking at Grayson more than I would like. He narrows his eyes, his fists clenching around the shoulder of the brunette who is attacking his neck with her mouth. I watch as she grabs his neck and tries to pull him down for a kiss. He shakes his head, leans down, and whispers something in her ear. Her eyes are hooded as he grabs her hand and, as they disappear into the crowd, that feeling of jealousy that has become all too familiar where Grayson is concerned pounds in my head.
"Is that an ex or something?" Jake asks.
"Nah, I just met him earlier today," I admit.
"Are you sure? If looks could kill, both me and the brunette would be dead by now," he jokes.
I shrug it off and as a few more minutes pass, it's pretty clear to both of us that my mind is somewhere it shouldn't be.
"Nice to meet you, Skylar," he bends down and kisses me on the cheek before he walks away.
"He was cute," Amy comments as I get back to the table.
"Not my type.” Because apparently my type is broody, tattoo covered, manwhores.
Lauren looks like she is about to grill me, but I mouth the word ‘Later’ to her and she nods her head, turning back to Jeffers. I glance around the bar. Grayson has not returned and that brunette is nowhere in sight. I can’t help but wonder what they are doing and then I think I wish that was me off somewhere with him.
What the hell is wrong with me? I have never been this way when it comes to guys. Even back in high school when I was a hormonal teenager I never got jealous. With Tim, I was so secure in our relationship that if anyone would hit on him or me we would laugh it off. I purge my mind of all thoughts related to Tim because tonight, I can't go there.
I am so wrapped up in a virtual stranger, I feel like I’m not myself. The Davis Brothers finish their set and Camden hops off the stage with Landon in tow, joining us at the table. I see Carson head straight towards some blonde, snake his arm around her waist, bend down, and kiss her.
"Where’s Gray?” I hear Landon ask as the waitress places a tray of shots at the table.
"Out back with some skank," I mumble as I grab one of the shots and down it.
Landon looks at me with curiosity. "You ok, Skylar?"
I nod, not really wanting to get into a conversation about how attracted I am to his brother. Lauren squeals as Camden lifts her out of the chair, sits down, and puts her in his lap. Friends my ass.
"I'll be back in a few, nature calls," I say to Lauren.
"Want me to come with you?" she asks and I notice Cam grimace.
I laugh, shake my head, and head towards the restrooms. I’m surprised by the fact there is no line. I make quick use of the facilities, wash my hands, and reapply my lip gloss. As I head back to my friends, I feel someone tap me on my shoulder.
"So, what's the deal with you and Gray?"
Kristy. I groan. "Nothing," I answer and go to turn, but she blocks me.
"Are you sure about that?" she asks and I roll my eyes.
"Um, yeah, I just met him a few hours ago," I deadpan.
She scoffs. "Well that's never stopped me before."
The ridiculousness of the conversation causes me to laugh.
"That's cause you're you," I say and attempt to sidestep her, but she blocks me again.
She puts her hand on her hips. "Stay away from him," she warns.
"Excuse me?"
"I said stay away from him. I have everything he needs."
"Silicone and hair extensions," I mumble.
"I mean it. You have nothing to offer him." Her voice is almost a screech and I wince.
"Is that so?" I hear from behind me and my body shivers as his arms wrap around me from behind.
"You will get bored with her and come back to me, you always do," Kristy says.
Grayson spins me around so that I am facing him. He pulls me so close that I almost stumble. Reaching out, I press my hands against his hard chest. His scent envelopes me. It’s like the ocean and spice with the faint smell of smoke.
"Not this time," he says over my head.
He looks down at me and before I know what's going on, his lips brush against mine. I hear Kristy gasp and the click of heels as she storms off. I try to push Grayson off, but he wraps his hand in my hair.
"Just a taste," he says before smashing his lips against mine.
He licks my lips, prompting me to open for him. The kiss is soft and not commanding at all. Not really passionate, but it's the most sensual kiss I have ever had. His tongue brushes against mine; one, two, three times before he pulls away. He drops his hands from my hair, the look in his eye is teasing as he licks his lips.
“Mmmm, strawberry." He turns and walks away.
I’m left standing there, wondering what the fuck just happened.
Chapter Nine
I run my hands through my hair as I pull my phone from my pocket and text Landon.
Heading home see you in AM.
His response is immediate.
Ok bro.
Sure, I could have gone over to the table to say goodbye to my brothers but I can't run the risk of seeing her right now. I light a cigarette the minute I get out the door and walk home.
Strawberries. That is all I can taste. All I can think about. Why the fuck did I kiss her? I can't remember the last time I kissed a girl. I try to stay away from kissing. It's too intimate. Kissing promotes closeness and can offer the promise of more; two things I am not capable of giving anyone. I’m a get it in, get it off, get it out kind of guy and it is a rare occurrence that I do repeats.
I’m baffled as to why I kissed her. Well, I know why I kissed her - basically to piss Kristy off. Scumbag move I know, but the only thing it managed to do is get me hard as a rock; which made the blowjob I got from that smoking brunette pointless.
I groan as I reach my front door and I can't get Skylar off of my mind. I just wanted one small taste and all it got me was craving more. As I go into the bathroom to start the shower, all I can think about is the taste of her lips, the scent of her skin - a hint of cotton candy, vanilla, and the faint smell of sweat. The way her velvet tongue was reluctant against mine had me more turned on than I’ve been in for fucking ever.
All I have to do is think of her name and my dick twitches. When I picture the way her hand touched her lips as I walked away from her, my cock stands at attention. I try to ignore my dick just as much as I try to ignore the sparks that ignited as my lips touched hers, both are an epic fail. I palm my cock and have a repeat performance with myself. Something tells me my dick and my hand are going to be best fucking friends if I don't figure my shit out.
I wake up early after a night of fitful sleep. For the first time, my dreams weren’t invaded by lifeless brown eyes and the metallic smell of blood, but by stormy, gray eyes, satiny soft lips, and the mouthwatering taste of strawberries. What the fuck is wrong with me? The last time I got this hung up over a kiss was the first time I kissed Lainey and I was six-fucking-teen.
I wipe the sleep out of my eyes and try to rid my mind of thoughts of my dead wife. I fail as the guilt starts to settle in. There is something about Skylar that a
part of me wants to explore, and I don’t just mean her tight little body. She exudes kindness and compassion, which is the opposite of what I allow myself to be into. She has a golden heart, where I have a blackened soul. I need to either fuck her and get her out of my system or avoid her at all costs, except for group of course.
I groan as I get out of bed and grab my jeans off the floor and my long sleeve t-shirt off the back of the chair. My phone rings; it's Landon.
"Morning bro," I answer as I sit on my bed to put my socks on.
"So, what happened last night?" My brother doesn't beat around the bush and I decide to be partially honest.
"Kristy was giving me shit and Frankie was eyeing me the entire time. I promised I’d try, so I got out of there before the temptation became too much." What I didn't tell him was that I needed to get out of there before I pulled Skylar into the back alley and fucked her against the wall like a goddamned whore.
"That's great, Gray. I’m proud of you."
My chest tightens and I can't say anything. It’s been a long time since anything other than disgust or embarrassment has come from any of my siblings. "I’m fine. I didn't have much to drink and I handled myself well last night. It was great being up on stage again," I admit and it was completely true. For the first time in a long time after a night out, I didn’t wake up with a hangover and no recollection of what took place the night before.
"I’m glad. Listen, I got an appointment coming in at nine. Can you stop at Beans for coffee?" he asks.
I suck in a breath. Guess avoiding Skylar is going to be harder than I thought. "Sure. Your usual?"
"Yep, and grab a dozen muffins. Lauren started making salted caramel ones and they are amazing. I can eat at least four in one sitting."
I laugh at my brother's sweet tooth. "No wonder you look like you’re getting man boobs," I joke as I put a gray beanie on my head and grab my wallet.
"Fuck you," he laughs.
"Ok, I’ll be there soon," I say.
"Later," Landon replies and hangs up.
I light a smoke and start my walk into town. The closer I get to the coffee shop, the more agitated I get. I’ve never let a woman affect me quite like this before and I need to shut this shit down fast. I push open the door to Beans and sigh in relief when I don't see her.
The place isn't too packed; a few people at the tables reading and on their laptops or tablets. I walk up to the counter.
"Hey, Lauren," I greet the blonde and she turns around with a look on her face that says she wants to castrate me.
"Grayson," her tone is flat.
"Can I get both mine and Landon's usual and a dozen muffins? Make sure you put six of those salted caramel ones in there or Landon will be a little bitch," I try to joke and she just turns her back to prepare our coffee.
Damn, this is a feisty one. I’m not sure how Cam puts up with her being so hot and cold. I turn around, lean my back against the counter, and take in my surroundings. I scan the room for any signs of Skylar and I feel disappointed that I don't see her. I see Amy wiping a table. She waves and I wave back.
"She isn't here," I hear Lauren say from behind me.
I turn around and she has the two coffees in a holder along with a box sitting on the counter. I decide to play dumb and give her a look that says I have no idea what she is talking about.
"Leave her alone, Grayson. She has been through enough," Lauren says softer this time.
"Yeah, I know," I sigh.
"You know?" she asks, looking just as baffled as I feel on the inside.
"She didn't tell you?" I’m shocked. My experience with having a sister is that girls talk about everything and anyone.
"Tell me what? That you kissed her?" Lauren smirks.
I don't get a chance to say anything.
"Listen, Grayson, you know I love you guys. I don't know where I’d be without Cam and your family, but Skylar isn't one of your whores."
I cut her off as I run my fingers through my hair. "I know."
"Then you know you need to leave her alone," she says.
"I don’t know if I can do that," I admit and her eyes widen.
"You need to. She can't do unattached and she's been through hell this last year. She’s finally pulling herself out of it. She moved here to get a fresh start. To get herself out of the darkness and, no offense, but let’s face it, Grayson; you are darkness. You can't give her what she needs and honestly, I think the both of you need to work on yourselves." She gives me a soft smile.
Fuck me if she isn't right. I thank her for the coffee and look at my phone as a text comes through. "Hey, Lauren, make it one more. Carson is at the shop, too."
She makes his coffee and sticks it in the tray. "I mean it, Gray, just please be careful with her," Lauren pleads.
I say the one thing I know is true about Skylar. "Give her some credit, Lauren, she’s stronger that you think."
I leave Beans and head towards Branded, the tattoo shop my brother Landon and I own. Lauren's words ring through my head and I know she’s one hundred percent right. The last thing Skylar needs is my brand of asshole. Lost. Broken. Unfeeling.
I get to the shop and I hear Carson bark out a laugh from the back of the shop and then I hear a familiar voice.
"You're just as gross as your brother!"
Just hearing her voice makes my balls ache and my skin prick. Listening to the lightness in her words, I become resolved in the fact I will not hurt her. As much as I crave to feel Skylar writhing beneath me and long to see the look on her face when I make her come, I refuse to put my own physical needs before the emotional needs of someone as amazing as she seems to be. For once in my life, I think maybe I’m not the selfish bastard I think I am. For the first time in a long time, someone else comes before me.
Ain't that some shit.
Chapter Ten
After that kiss with Grayson, I composed myself and accepted the fact that it was just a play to get under Kristy's skin. Even though I knew I couldn't ignore the fact my lips still tingled and the taste of him lingered on my tongue.
I got to talking to Landon about a tattoo I have been wanting to get. I wanted something to remind me of Tim, but I couldn't get anything too lovey-dovey since I’m not at the point of forgiveness yet. I want to be, but I’m not. Honestly, I don’t know if I ever will be. I read on the internet about project semi colon and I decided that's what I wanted. I wanted the dot to be a heart and I wanted it small on my ankle. He told me he had a nine am appointment but could squeeze me in around ten.
Landon calls me to the back as I walk into the shop. I’m shocked when I see his appointment is Carson.
"Morning boys," I smile, and Carson, who is lying on his stomach, lifts his head from his arm and gives me a killer smile back. He is just as gorgeous as his brothers, but looks more like a surfer with shaggy blond hair and pale green eyes.
"Morning, beautiful," he flirts.
Landon rolls his eyes. "Hey, Skylar. Head down, Car. Did you have a good time last night?" Landon asks as he gives me an intense stare.
"Yeah, you guys are awesome! I haven't let loose like that in a long time."
"I’m glad. Speaking of loose, where did you disappear to last night?" Landon asks Carson as I take a sip of my coffee.
“Oh man, there was this hot little blonde who eye-fucked me the entire time. I grabbed that little minx and took her to my truck so she could fuck me in other ways.” He waggles his eyebrows and I almost choke on my coffee.
I roll my eyes. "You are just as gross as your brother," I deadpan.
Both of the brothers give me a questioning look as I hear, "Awe come on Skylar. I know you don't mean that."
Grayson walks in looking hot as fuck. His dark hair is sticking out from underneath a gray beanie and his hazel eyes are bright with humor. I can't help but notice how the deep green, long-sleeve t-shirt clings to his chiseled chest and my eyes unapologetically rake over his body. This man is the definition of hot. Everything about him is
chiseled and hard, his ink just adding to the bad boy persona that makes him so much more attractive.
He bends down to put the coffee and box on the table next to me and I gasp as he whispers, "The way you’re looking at me tells me that gross is the last thing you think of when you think of me."
I can feel wetness pooling in between my thighs and I know I need to get a grip. Grayson and I can't happen. He is a man whore. He has issues. They are written all over his face.
I am barely paying attention to the boys as they talk about Carson's tattoo, which is coming out amazing. It takes up his entire back. It's of a stage with a microphone in the middle and several different instruments surrounding it. The background is a bright blue, almost like the stage is in the sky, and it looks like it is raining flaming music notes all around. It's absolutely breathtaking. From what I gather, Landon has been working on this for months.
"Coming out awesome man, your best work ever," Grayson compliments his brother.
"So, when does my appointment come in?" Grayson asks.
"I have someone coming in forty-five minutes and the notes are taking longer than I thought - mind doing Skylar?" I sputter and Gray smirks.
"Oh, I don't mind at all." He winks and the seductive look has butterflies tickling my belly.
I start to protest because just the thought of Grayson's hands on me makes me break out in a sweat. Remembering the way his tongue touched mine has me internally fanning myself.
"Trust me, Skylar, if anyone does this tattoo, it should be him," Landon nods at Grayson as he wipes the excess ink off of Carson’s back with a paper towel.
Grayson shrugs. "What is it you want?" he asks as he motions for me to follow him into another tattoo room and I can't help but notice how the muscles on his back move as he walks.
"A semi-colon," I say and I notice him stiffen and then relax.
He points to a chair. "Just a regular semi-colon?"
"Well, I was thinking the dot could be a heart. I want it small. On my ankle," I say.
"That's kind of boring, Skylar." I start to say something, but he continues "I have an idea. Let me draw it out. It may be a little bigger than you want. Are you set on the ankle or would you be willing to go on your calf just above the ankle?"
