Curves Ahead: a romantic suspense novel

by Andi Jaxon

  “Thanks, I can’t believe it’s done.” Leaning into him, this feels like a father daughter moment that I’ve never experienced. My father never helped me build anything. Never taught me how to use my hands or my mind to get things accomplished.

  Surprised, tears well up in my eyes and my lip trembles before I bite it. “You alright, hun?”

  Waving him off, I try to smile even though my heart hurts for the lack of memories I have with my parents. “I’m just tired.”

  “Tell me something, why did you want to build this?”

  “Well, Alex said I couldn’t show favoritism to Milo by giving him books, so I’m giving everyone books.” It’s a loophole and I know it, one that he will probably yell at me for but it’s worth it to give them access to books.

  David laughs and my eyes shoot to him, taking in his amusement. “You remind me a lot of Jane. Breaking the rules by not breaking the rules.”

  A small smile pulls on my lips. Pride in knowing that I’m similar to the woman I adore so much.

  “I can see that you’re good for Alex. He needs someone to challenge him. He’s been changing since you started coming around more, good changes. I’m starting to get glimpses of the man he used to be before Erika.”

  “It’s still early, we’re just getting to know each other.”

  “As his father, I’m telling you, call him on his bullshit. Make him man up and face the music when the time comes, sometimes that boy needs a strong hand.”

  I don’t know what to say, but the only thing running through my head is wildly inappropriate and definitely not something I want to say to David. I’ll make sure to get my riding crop ready. Can you face palm your own brain?

  “Okay, let’s get this baby installed.” Thankfully he doesn’t stand there and wait for me to respond. We load up the house, the pillar it’ll stand on, and the cement mix we’ll use to secure it, then head over to Alex’s house.

  Alex

  BY THE TIME I’M on my way home, I’m past the point of exhaustion. I did too much yesterday before going to work and I’ve been paying for it all night. Luckily, it was a quiet night but it went on for ever since I was tired. Turning down my street, I’m not sure what I’m looking at. The kids are gathered around something that’s been put up on my lawn. What the fuck is that? A doll house? A birdhouse?

  Parking in the driveway, I climb out with my bag over my shoulder. The kids are yelling, excited about whatever this is, and passing stuff around.

  “What do we have here guys?”

  “It’s a lending library!” Ivy’s curls bouncing around with her excitement.

  “It’s a what?” I take a few steps to stand in front of it, I can see it’s a small house but with shelves inside and a clear door. It has a roof and everything, with books inside. I have a sneaking suspicion I know who’s responsible for this. A grin that breaks out over my face at the thought of Kristen doing this, going to this much effort for these kids she barely knows.

  “Alright everyone, make sure you’re careful with the books okay? No fighting over them, and make sure you return them.”

  A chorus of agreement follows me to the front door. When I step inside, I notice the person sleeping on my couch. Kristen. Setting my bag down as quietly as I can, I crouch down in front of her face and run my hand over her hair. The touch has her stirring.

  “Hmmm… Alex?”

  “Yeah, babe,” I grin at her sleep roughen voice.

  “Did you see it?” she sits up and stretches her arms over her head, her perfect tits in my face.

  “I saw it, Gorgeous. The kids are ecstatic. Already borrowing books from it.”

  Her sleepy face shines with happiness and pride.

  “Thank you. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you going out of your way for them.”

  Kristen cups my cheeks in her hands, the brightness changing to something softer when she looks at me. “You’re not mad that I found a loophole?”

  Now I’m confused. “Loophole? What are you talking about?”

  “You said I couldn’t give books to one kid because it would show favoritism, this way, I’m giving books to everyone that wants one.”

  I can’t hold in the chuckle, “Of course you would find a way around it. Stubborn woman.” Lifting up, I kiss her softly. The slight tension in her body relaxing on a hum. “I’m not mad, I love that you found a way.”

  “Your dad helped me build it.”

  My head drops back as I laugh. “Of course he did! He loves shit like this.” Pulling her to the edge of the seat, her thighs straddle my hips and her breathing changes. Burying my face in her neck, the growth of my beard scrapes her delicate skin.

  With a hiss her head jerks away from me, “Be careful, people are going to start thinking I’m fucking a vampire.”

  “Good, it means they’ll steer clear of you. It’s less assholes I have to worry about trying to steel my girl.” Shit. I didn’t mean to say that. My stomach tightens to a painful level as I wait for her response. Fuck.

  Kristen pulls back far enough to look me in the eyes, her eyebrows low over her eyes. “Your girl?” She takes a deep breath and swallows hard. “I’m your girl?”

  “I want you to be. You wanna be my girl, Gorgeous?”

  Kristen’s hand cups the back of my head and she chews on her lip. “Only me, right? No one else?”

  “Just you baby, only you.” I take her lips again, this time showing her how much I want her. How desperately I need her. No other girl will ever compare to her, my fucking soul needs her.

  She pulls back, “I’m sorry.” Her breathing harder than a moment ago.

  “For what?” she looks like she’s in physical pain. What the fuck is happening?

  “For yesterday, for basically accusing you of using me. I’m so sorry. Insecurities were choking me and it’s my go to when I’m uncomfortable. I didn’t want to hurt you, Alex. I know you’re a good man. I wouldn’t be here now if I didn’t believe that.” Her words are fast, full of unshed tears.

  “Hey,” wiping my thumbs under her eyes to dry her tears. “It’s okay, I get it. I haven’t exactly given you a reason to trust me, but from here on out, I’ll make sure I never give you a reason to doubt me.”

  Her arms and legs wrap around me and I take her lips again. Standing, I take us to my bedroom. My shins hit the bed and I drop us on the mattress, covering her petite body with my much bigger one. Her mouth ravages mine, just as desperate for me as I am for her.

  Kristen

  THE NEXT FEW DAYS pass in peace, I spend more time at Alex’s than at mine, mostly because I love being around the kids. The lending library has been an amazing success, there’s now kids reading all over the neighborhood, reenacting their favorite parts, discussing characters and what they think they would do if in similar situations. Milo is rarely alone, there’s typically one or two kids sitting with him, either talking about books or just sitting together reading. It always makes me smile, to see Milo with people that understand a little more about him.

  It’s early now, the sun just coming up and I’m sitting on Alex’s porch, a steaming cup of coffee and one of his police hoodies keeping me warm. I like sitting out here at sunrise, when the world is still quiet. Enjoying the new day with a hot cup of coffee, reading, writing, just observing.

  The more time I spend here, the more I can see signs of Alex. The little old lady down the street has a freshly mowed yard, bushes and trees have been trimmed, houses have been power washed. He may not have done all the work himself, but he gave the people that live here a reason to care. Probably loaned them the tools to get it done.

  I could even see myself settling in here. Living on this street, with these neighbors. I’m comfortable here, I can be myself and not have to put on a show. No prancing or bullshit, trying to make everyone believe that I’m the perfect daughter to the perfect couple. I’m free to be whoever I want to be. That idea is thrilling. I can make a difference here, show the girls growing up here that they
can be anything. Scientist, teacher, homemaker, chef. They can open their own business or work at a local hospital. They can go to college or trade school and be happy.

  Draining my cup, I head back inside. The mornings are chilly, but it’ll warm up once the sun is high. Sitting down at the table with Ben’s case spread out around me, I look over everything again, read through my notes, and continually get stuck on a picture of Dan from his college days. His face is so familiar, I know I’ve seen it somewhere before. I can’t remember him having pictures up at the house Ben grew up in though. Even at the time I thought that was weird.

  I’m so focused on trying to remember where I would have seen a picture of Dan, it takes me a minute to realize there’s someone knocking on the door. Checking the time, its eight am and Alex should be home soon, but all the kids know his car. Opening the door, there’s a beautiful, voluptuous, blonde woman dressed to impress standing on the porch.

  “Uhh… Can I help you?” suddenly very aware of my yoga pants and baggy sweatshirt.

  “Oh, I’m looking for Alex Bennet. Do I have the wrong house?” she backs up and checks the house number, but it’s obvious she’s been here before.

  “You have the right house, he’ll be home soon.” When she turns to look down the street, I recognize her. This is one of the girls Alex use to have sex with. I’ve seen this one in action. “Would you like to come in and wait?” all my years of faking innocent may actually come in handy.

  The look on her face tells me she suspects a trap, she’s uneasy and not sure what she should do. “Um, sure.”

  I take a step back and let her in, a welcoming smile on my face. “Would you like some coffee? I just made some.”

  “Coffee sounds great,” she slides her hands down her dress as she sits on the couch.

  “Cream and sugar?” I call out from around the corner of the kitchen.

  “Perfect.”

  After refilling my cup and making hers, I bring both to the living room and sit down.

  “I know this is weird, but I kind of know who you are.”

  “Kind of?” she lifts a perfectly arched brow and takes a sip of the steaming liquid.

  “I don’t know your name, but I know you use to fuck my boyfriend.”

  She sputters, spilling her coffee and coughing. “Excuse me?” she says around bursts of coughs.

  “I’m dating Alexander Bennet and I’ve watched you have sex with him, before we got together of course.” I sip my own coffee as I watch the wheels turn in this girl’s head. I’m having way more fun with this than I should be. He should be home any minute and when he sees us here, he might actually shit a brick. I can’t wait.

  Hastily, she stands, setting her cup on the coffee table. “I should go.”

  “Oh, please don’t!” I jump up as well, setting my cup down. “I actually really want to see his face when he walks inside and sees us sitting here having coffee. I really don’t mean any offense, I’m not jealous or trying to make you feel bad.” Taking a deep breath, I hold my hand out for her to shake. “My name is Kristen.”

  “Jill.” She watches me for a minute, probably deciding if I’m a serial killer or not. “Where did you see me having sex?”

  A smile breaks out on my face. “The night before my best friends’ wedding, you showed up at the hotel. I was angry at Alex for being a man-hoe and blowing everyone off to get laid, so I followed him outside. You guys were on a bench. It was probably the hottest thing I’ve ever witnessed.”

  Her face flushes with embarrassment and she drops her hands to her face. “Oh, my God!”

  I can’t help but snicker. “I was also drunk, if that helps,” I offer, shrugging my shoulders.

  “Not really, but I’ll take it.” She laughs. “So, should we ask the get to know you questions?”

  With a smile, I plop back down on the couch. “Sure, I’ll start. Where did you meet Alex?”

  “The gym. He was a shameless flirt and we hit it off. Neither of us were looking for a relationship, just some fun when our schedules matched up. You?” she’s definitely relaxed and I have to admit, I kind of like her. Would it be weird to be friends with Alex’s ex fuck buddy?

  “His twin brother, Alister, is married to my best friend. I hated him from the get go.” I laugh as I remember our sparring match in Alister’s living room.

  “There’s another one of him?”

  “Ha! Kind of. He’s a math professor, much quieter, and definitely the good boy of the two. He’s also gay.”

  “I guess it’s only fair that we would get one brother and the gays get the other. We can’t be greedy with the good ones.” I laugh into my coffee, choking on the little bit I inhaled.

  I open my mouth to reply and the door opens, a pale Alex is standing in the doorway, eyes wide like he’s seen a ghost. With every ounce of self-control I have, I keep a straight face. “Hey, babe. How was work? Would you like some coffee?”

  “Uhhh… Hey, guys. What’s going on here?” He hasn’t moved from the doorway, his bag still in his hand as the wheels in his head turn with every possibility.

  “We’re just getting to know each other.” Jill pipes up with a smirk.

  “Ah huh. Okay, Kristen can I talk to you for a minute? In the kitchen?” He finally sets his bag down and heads toward the kitchen without looking to see if I’m following.

  The second we’re around the corner, he turns on me, pinning me against the counter and ravaging my mouth like a starved man with a steak. His hand grips my hair, kissing me for all his life is worth. I’m almost past the point of thinking, past remembering that someone sits on the couch on the other side of the wall I’m currently pushed against. Hell, I’m almost past the point of caring and letting him fuck me right here, right now.

  Using my hands on his chest, I push him far enough away to get my lips free. “Alex, stop. It’s okay. Alex!” it’s not until I’ve punched his chest that he stops kissing my neck, my ear, working his hands inside my stolen sweatshirt.

  “What?” His breathing is heavy, lust licking his eyes.

  “It’s okay. I invited her in.” the confusion wins out and the lust dies down.

  “Why?”

  “Well, she showed up looking for a good time and I offered her coffee. I’m not going to lie, I thought it would be hilarious to see the look on your face when you walked in and saw her here.” I shrug my shoulders.

  Alex drops his forehead to my shoulder, chuckling. “You’re a jerk, Gorgeous, and you’re going to pay for that.”

  “Bring it on, big guy. But you gotta get rid of the skirt first.” I challenge, lifting an eyebrow at him.

  “Oh, I can do that, little girl.” With a pull of my hair and a quick searing kiss, he leaves me in the kitchen to deal with Jill.

  Hoping against hope that she doesn’t come in here to say goodbye to me, I strip off my clothes except the lacey bikini bottoms and lean over the counter with my ass facing the doorway. I’ve never done anything like this, been this forward, but it’s exciting and nerve wracking. The front door closes and I count his steps as he nears the kitchen. Twelve steps before he halts.

  Looking over my shoulder, what I hope is a sexy smirk on my lips, I see him still as a statue. The lust is back in his eyes, burning holes through me the longer he rakes his eyes over my exposed skin.

  His eyes meet mine and a predatory grin lifts his lips. My heart is pounding in my chest, fire licks my veins, and my core becomes wet with need. I’ve never seen him look at me like this, but fuck do I like it. He’s dangerous and coming for what he wants, me. In just a few strides the edges of his shorts tickle the back of thighs, goosebumps erupting over my skin. My nipples harden into sharp peaks as his hand grips a handful of my hair and his mouth takes a long hard pull on my neck.

  My clit pulses and tingles, almost on the verge of an orgasm and he’s barely touched me. I hold onto the edge of the counter, until my fingertips turn white. With a pop, Alex’s mouth releases my skin only to bite and pull on my fles
h until his mouth is against my ear. “What should I do to you?” his growl vibrating down my spine.

  “Anything you want,” I breath.

  “Anything I want?” he uses the grip on my hair to force me up onto my toes.

  “God, yes.” I’m panting, I’ve never done that before.

  Nails dig and drag up my outer thigh, over my hip, across my ribcage, and stop short of my breast. I’m trembling, anticipating his next move. Fingers pinch and pull my nipples, my back arches into it, wanting so much more. He leaves me wanting, barely staying in one place before moving on to the next. His fingers dance over my skin, it tingles and almost tickles.

  “Lean on the counter,” his command startles me, but I do as he says. His hands leave my hair as he drops to a crouch behind me. His lips leave soft kisses on the backs of my thighs, up to my butt. The scratch of his chin a stark contrast to the kisses.

  The lace of my panty’s trails down my legs as he removes them, leaving me naked while he’s still dressed. He gropes and kneads the globes of my ass, kissing every inch of skin. Alex taps my inner thigh and I widen my stance. Anxiety and desire tighten my belly. I know he’ll want to put his mouth on me again, but I don’t think I can let it happen again.

  “So wet for me, baby.” A finger slides effortlessly through my lips. “Who does this pussy belong too?”

  Alex

  KRISTEN’S BODY IS TIGHT, anxious. Luckily, I know a cure for that.

  “Who does this pussy belong too?” my finger circles her clit, making it damn hard to concentrate. She stutters but doesn’t answer. A loud slap on her ass has her gasping and trembling in my hands.

  “Who does this pussy belong too?” I repeat.

  “You,” the word is strangled and makes me smirk. Damn straight it does.

  With my free hand, I gather her wetness and rub her puckered hole. She tightens up on me again, harder than a minute ago.

  “Has anyone been here?” I apply a little pressure on the last word, and she whimpers.