by L. M. Carr
“Morgan, you can come out on the boat if you really want to,” Mason offers before I leave.
“No, thanks. I wouldn’t want to embarrass you boys.” I wink, walking back into the house and right past my parents who are talking in the kitchen as my mom cleans up from lunch.
My mother coughs loudly then calls my name, her voice laced with deep concern.
I stop by the front door and run the cuff of my sweater across my eyes to dry the moisture. “Yeah?”
“Honey, is everything okay?” Her hand rubs my shoulder gently. “What’s the matter?”
My body sags as the weight of what’s the matter settles in.
“Come here.”
My mom spins me around and hugs me close. I reach around and place my hands flat against her back, crying softly against her shoulder.
“Andrew...he’s so—” I say, pulling back.
“Well, what about Andrew?” The crow’s feet by her eyes soften at the mention of his name. “Is something going on between the two of you?”
Stepping away completely, I toss my hands in the air. “I don’t know, Ma. Some days I think so and others, he’s a total idiot.”
“Have you talked to him about it? I mean, you’re living on the same property and you work together. I can’t imagine it’s that difficult to find some time to talk.”
I run my hand through my hair, allowing my fingers to rake over my scalp. “He’s not much of a talker.” He’s more of a fucker I want to add, but I don’t think my mom would appreciate that.
Needing some fresh air, I kiss my mother’s soft cheek and promise a quick return as I set out on foot toward the main road.
Distracted by the gazillion thoughts ricocheting off one another and texting with Toni, I don’t notice the vehicle creeping slowly beside me.
“What are you doing?” Andrew asks as he pulls over and opens the passenger door.
“Taking a walk.”
“On the main road? You could get killed out here!”
“Carpe diem,” I retort sarcastically.
“Get in!” he demands.
I step into the Hummer and sigh, keeping my eyes forward to avoid Andrew’s stare.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” I ask.
“I’m just trying to figure out what’s bothering you so much. I’ve never seen you like this. You’re usually pretty easy going.”
My head lolls to the left and I grin sarcastically. “Awww, thanks for noticing.”
“Want to talk about it?”
Andrew’s question elicits a full blown chortle from my belly. “No, thanks.”
Shifting his body, Andrew turns to face me head on and reaches for my hand. My eyes focus on the way our fingers are linked together. “Come on, Morgan. It might help to talk about it. You know, get your feelings out in the open. Dredge up something painful and relive it so I could look at you with pity.”
My forehead wrinkles when I look at the expression on his face. My lips pinch in anger and my expression darkens.
“You’re mocking me, aren’t you? I was only trying to help you.”
He cocks a raised brow. “Like I’m trying to do for you?”
“This is different. As much as I love coming up here, it reminds me of the person I was before Sean. I hate that I gave him my heart and he trampled all over it.”
“How did he hurt you?” he continues to prod, pushing me as I have done to him so many times before.
“It doesn’t matter!” I yell, fueled by exasperation and anger. “Sometimes it’s just easier to pretend his infidelities never happened.”
Silence fills the space in the vehicle.
Gazing into his eyes, I search and find the mask this virile man hides behind. It’s a well-worn mask, one I suspect he’s worn for many years even before this recent tragedy which claimed the lives of his parents.
“Why do the people we love seem to be the ones who hurt us the most?”
“Your ex was an asshole just like my parents.”
I swallow at his harsh and disrespectful comment regarding the deceased.
“I wish I knew what you were talking about.”
“Trust me. You don’t really want to know what my parents were like. But this I will give you, I was dead to my parents long before they ever set foot onto that helicopter.”
A protest rises, but my argument and pleas are interrupted when Andrew crushes his lips against mine. His tongue invades the warm cavern of my mouth and his hand cradles the back of my head, tilting his own to deepen the kiss. My right hand moves to his thick wrist and I moan when his grip tightens. Hot ribbons of desire race through my body and goose bumps dot my skin when Andrew’s tongue sweeps across my jaw, leaving a trail of lust to my ear lobe.
“Jesus Christ, how is this possible?” I ask aloud, wondering how my attraction to him grows exponentially whenever he touches me.
“I want you. All of you.”
A victorious smile spreads across my face, knowing this gorgeous man wants me.
“Andrew, do you really think sleeping together is a good idea? We live on the same property and we work together.”
“All the more reason.”
I search his eyes and see all the reasons I should and all the more reasons I shouldn’t. Just as I open my mouth to reject his offer, his lips part.
“Forget with me,” he murmurs as his lips ghost over mine.
Realization dawns before my eyes like a flash of lightning. Forget with me.
Andrew fucks to forget.
Moving to my ear, he pants desperately, “We can leave tonight. I can get us home in less than two hours.”
I pull my face back and caress his cheek then lips. “We have tomorrow. We don’t need to rush this.”
Andrew’s lips are once again on mine and he kisses me senselessly. I can’t contain my amusement when he sucks my bottom lip between his teeth. “I’m going to suck on every part of your body tomorrow. You’re going to feel me everywhere.”
I gulp, wondering if I’m ready to take him everywhere.
As we pull back out onto the main road, Andrew pulls into a convenience store and returns momentarily with a small paper bag.
“What’s that? Candy? Please say you grabbed peanut M&Ms,” I plead, reaching for the bags.
He shakes his head. “Better than candy.”
I peek into the bag. “Condoms? How is that better than candy?”
“You’ll see.”
I back away from him and shake my head. “Hey, we are not having sex in my parents’ house! My dad will kill you!”
“Actually, I think both your parents like me very much.”
♦♦♦
Back at the house, Gabe and my dad manage to convince Andrew to join them for a few hours of fishing on Mason’s boat. I’m not sure how I feel about this. I don’t want Mason asking questions about my relationship with Andrew.
Walking alongside Andrew, I’m taken by surprise when he laces his fingers with mine as Mason’s dock comes in to view. My fingers tingle with delight at his touch.
“What are you doing?” I ask through tight lips, feigning a smile.
“Holding your hand,” he says, lifting it to his lips and placing a soft kiss. His smile from ear to ear beams at me.
“Okay,” I sing song. I watch my dad and Gabe load all their fishing equipment onto the boat as well as the live bait Andrew picked up.
“And I’m going to kiss you before I leave.”
Andrew turns to face me and plants one on my mouth. After a quick swipe of his tongue across mine, he winks. “I’ll see you in a little while.”
Shell-shocked, I stand there running the tip of my index finger along my bottom lip and think to myself What the hell?!
“Don’t miss me too much!” Andrew calls as he steps onto the Crownliner.
I raise my hand and wave as the boat lurches forward. “Have fun. Love you!”
The moment those two little words leave my mouth, I freeze, regretting them inst
antly. I understand this overt display of affection is for show, acting as if we are in a relationship, but when I waved goodbye, it felt so natural like I’d said it a hundred times before.
Had anyone else been paying attention, they would’ve noticed the panicked and stunned look on Andrew’s face. Swallowing became a near impossibility because my mouth was suddenly dry as I tried to speak. Desperate to correct the false revelation, I mouthed the word “sorry” and grimaced, adding to the already uncomfortable situation.
♦♦♦
When the boat docks at nearly seven o’clock, my mother is already in bed, having retired early because of a headache. I’d sat in my dad’s recliner and watched an old episode of NCIS in a comfy pair of sweatpants and a hooded sweatshirt, my damp hair is atop my head in a messy bun.
Combined laughter announces the arrival of the Montgomery men plus one. I jump to my feet to greet them. My eyes nearly bulge out of my head when Andrew appears in the door way sopping wet from his waist to his feet.
“What the hell happened to you?” I screech.
He grins. “I ended up in the lake.”
“How?”
“It’s kind of a funny story, actually,” Andrew chuckles. “Mason was reaching over the front of the boat because his line fell in. I tried to help but ended up knocking him in.” The dark yet playful look in his eye reveals it was no accident.
“Dude, he was pissed!” Gabe laughs. “I can’t believe he thought you did it on purpose.”
“I know it,” he feigns innocence.
“Where’s your mother?” my dad asks, looking at the stove for dinner.
“She went upstairs. Said she had a headache.”
My father toes off his boots and dashes up the stairs.
I toss my brother a questioning look.
“She’s been getting migraines again.”
Annoyed, I gripe, “Oh, she didn’t tell me that.”
“I’m heading home quick and then I’m off to work. I’ve got to keep the streets of Warren County safe.”
I laugh at his joke. No one here even locks their cars at night.
“Want to come by to see Connor? Let me text Molly to see if he’s still awake.”
The thought of my nephew puts a smile on my face and I glance at Andrew, wondering if he wouldn’t mind a quick visit.
“As long as we can grab a bite to eat. I’m starving,” Andrew reveals. “I could eat just about anything right about now.” His eyes roam over my body.
I draw my legs into my body to quell the throb in my core. “I know a good place to eat. One taste and you’ll never ask for anything else again.”
Andrew licks his lips, his azure eyes dark and ravenous. “Lead the way.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“A biker bar, Morgan?” Andrew’s voice is incredulous, his eyes cutting sharply to the old men wearing MC colors. “Seriously?”
“Don’t let the colors fool you. They’re harmless.”
My face beams with giddiness while I roll my eyes at his expression. I look around at the patrons I’d waved hello to when we walked in. Some of these people are long-standing icons who have been here since the restaurant opened its door so many years ago. They’re good people. Hard working people who, year after year, put up with annoying tourists who flock from all parts and settle in for the summer. “Don’t be such a snob.”
“I’m not a snob!” he retorts quickly, stepping back when a huge man barrels his way to the exit. “I’d be surprised if this place passes a health inspection or doesn’t get shut down by a rival club?”
I smirk. “I know it’s not a fancy French restaurant, but just wait until you taste the BBQ.”
Sliding his hand up to scratch the back of his head, Andrew concedes and follows me. A smile appears on my face when he reaches for my hand and tightens his fingers around mine.
“I don’t want to get lost in here,” he quips with a smile of his own.
We reach the small wooden table and sit. Searching behind the napkins, I grab the double-sided, laminated menu that hasn’t changed since the establishment’s opening in 1989.
Tapping the menu impatiently, Andrew comments about the poor service just as a waitress saunters over to the table.
“Hey, you!” the petite dirty blonde says sweetly, leaning in to give me a quick hug. “Long time no see!”
“Hi, Rach!”
“I didn’t know you were here. Coop didn’t mention it.”
I cock a curious eyebrow, waiting for her to elaborate about her on again—off again relationship with my brother.
“Oh you know Coop!” she sighs, attempting to sound casual before her gaze shifts and she smiles to the handsome man sitting across from me. “And who’s this?”
“This is Andrew.”
Nodding briefly, Andrew says hello then adds, “How’s it going?”
Rachel’s round, pale cheeks redden and her eyes twinkle with delight.
It’s not that I don’t think Andrew is gorgeous, but since I’ve gotten to know the man behind the beautiful face, the strong chest, broad back and the insanely muscular arms, I’ve become immune to his looks. Kind of.
Holding the notepad up to shield her mouth, Rachel points in Andrew’s direction and whispers, “He’s hot.”
I tuck my hair behind my ear and look down, taking a quick glance at Andrew and smile. Shaking my head, I whisper back, “He’s my co-worker...and I’m pretty sure he can hear you.”
Laughing, Rachel takes our beverage order and returns shortly with two bottles of beer and a small galvanized steel bucket of peanuts then scribbles our dinner order.
A handful of peanuts are scooped out and placed onto a dish sitting in the center of the table. Slowly Andrew cracks the shell, popping the nuts into his mouth. I, on the other hand, place the entire peanut, shell and all, into my mouth to suck the salt off first before I proceed to remove the casing.
His eyes are laser focused on me as he shifts in his seat.
Enjoying this little game, I continue to swirl my tongue around, causing the peanut to bulge at my cheek as I suck off the natural sodium. Pushing the entire peanut through my lips, I retrieve it with pinched fingers and crack the softened shell before dropping the two seeds onto my tongue.
After moaning dramatically, I grin. “I love salty nuts,” I say casually.
His throat rolls as he swallows the food in his mouth then takes a healthy swig of beer.
I grin crookedly at the expression on his face. Lust and frustration battle for prominence.
Leaning forward, Andrew narrows his eyes and clenches his jaw. “If we were home, I’d rip your clothes off right now and fuck you fast and hard.”
I gulp at his words and feel a shiver slide down my spine. Trust me, I can flirt just as well as anyone else, but the look in his eyes renders me speechless with no witty comeback except, “Too bad we aren’t home.”
Casting my eyes away, I look down and grab the last peanut as Andrew does the same. Our fingers brush against one another in the bucket, with each of us refusing to let go. Curling my smaller fingers around the legume, I claim victory when I hold the papery shell between my thumb and index finger, slowly licking the salt off. I tilt my head, drawing out the process with tiny laps of my tongue.
“I licked it so I guess it’s mine.”
When my attention is drawn away momentarily, Andrew seizes the opportunity to retaliate.
Grabbing my wrist, he leans across the table and shoves my fingers into his mouth, stealing the peanut from me. With a single motion, he cracks it and uses his free hand to remove the shell. Revealing the two oval pieces in his mouth, he chews then swallows. His eyes never stray from mine.
“I ate it...so I guess it’s mine.”
I release the breath I’d been holding and feel moisture dampen my hot pink lace hipsters.
“Here you go,” Rachel says, setting down a huge platter of smoked BBQ baby back ribs, a side of mashed potatoes and buttered corn on the cob. “These are t
he best. The meat is so tender,” Rachel moans, “it falls right off and you’ll be left sucking the bone.”
Dragging his gaze away from the waitress, Andrew’s cheek lifts slightly, revealing the hint of a sly and devious smile. “Sounds delicious already.”
“Let me know if you need anything.”
Using nimble fingers to pull the ribs apart, Andrew nods. “I think I have everything I need right in front of me.”
I think I have everything I need right in front of me? With our playful antics about peanuts fresh on my mind, I wonder if he’s really talking about the food on his plate or something entirely different. I can’t imagine the possibility that Andrew is referring to me. There’s no way! Is there? I tighten my lips into a hard line as emotion swells in my heart and butterflies flit around my belly.
When I catch his eye, something tells me it just might be the latter.
Andrew and I dig in to the meal, moaning our pleasure as we devour the tender meat.
I reach for the last piece of corn bread at the exact same moment Andrew does.
“Leggo my Eggo!” I laugh, closing my fingers, staking my claim on the sweet bread.
“What’d you say?” he asks curiously.
“I said ‘Leggo my Eggo’!” I repeat with a smile. “Remember that commercial from when we were kids? Gabe would always steal my waffle, but then Cooper would take it away from him.” The memories flood my mind. “Oh my God, my older brothers used to torment me.”
Andrew’s smile slips from his face and for a moment, he looks...sad. With an imperceptible nod, he confirms that he does in fact remember. “I can’t imagine life with so many siblings.”
He relinquishes his hold on the corn bread. “You can have it.”
My jaw drops dramatically. “Andrew Darling playing nice. Hah! You’re full of surprises.”
“Actually I’m full of something else,” he counters darkly with a slow wink.
Lust insists my stomach is willing to forgo my favorite dessert in the world just to have a taste of what he’s offering, but Logic isn’t buying it.
Changing the conversation, I ask him what his favorite subject in school was.
“Human biology.” He suppresses a smile.
I tilt my head and twist my lips sarcastically. “In elementary school!” I clarify.
