Leather and Steel (Romance on the Go)

by Hennessee Andrews

  He fell over to his side, wrapping up Skye in his arms and pulling her back to his chest. The moment was reminiscent of those years ago where they cuddled and drifted off the sleep together. But all of that was in the past and neither of them were the same. He knew he shouldn’t be there with her, but he always wanted just one more time. The truth was simple. One more time would never be enough with Skye. He wanted all of her, always, and that he knew he’d never have. Soon, she would go back to her life, and he’d be the loser again.

  When he noticed Skye had fallen asleep, Brock eased out of bed and quietly dressed. Tonight was his “one more time” and also his last. He couldn’t watch her walk away again, knowing it was so easy for her. He also refused to put himself through the pain. Skye had wings and was meant to fly. As much as the thought bothered him, he knew it was the truth. “Good bye, Skye,” he whispered and exited her hotel room.

  Chapter Three

  Skye awoke and stretched. She was sore, but in a delicious way. Rolling over, she found an empty bed. She flipped the blanket back and got out of bed. There was no sign of Brock anywhere, not even a note. Reality hit her hard as tears began to stream down her cheeks. All the signs were there. His attitude was evident. She’d hurt him worse than she’d imagined. The night they shared was retribution, a final goodbye. He had never been given the chance so many years ago.

  The day she left still haunted her. In her subconscious was always the thought “What if?” She’d ignored the memories, only at times to recall the best ones. That eventually led her to the state she was currently in….numb.

  She looked at the clock and wiped away her tears. She deserved for him to walk out on her without a goodbye. Sniffling, she quickly sucked up the tears and tried to wash away the pain in a hot shower. Images of their lovemaking flashed behind her eyes, making her heart ache. She grasped the knobs of the shower as she allowed the pain to consume her. Sobs erupted, bringing her to her knees with water from above raining down on her.

  Skye didn’t know how long she had been in the shower, but she finally managed to stand and shut the water off. Noting the time, she hurried to get ready for breakfast with Mallory. Right now, she decided, she needed to think about someone else and that person was Mallory.

  Waiting in the diner for Mallory, Skye opened her compact mirror and checked her appearance again. Her eyes were still red and puffy. She suppressed a groan, knowing Mallory would notice straight away and… Speak of the devil. Mallory waltzed in and waved, making her way to the booth. She slid in across form Skye and took off her sunglasses, revealing another set of puffy eyes. Skye’s heart hurt for her. Mallory had been very close to her dad and Skye couldn’t imagine how difficult his death was for her.

  “Hi, Skye. Thanks for coming down. I’ve missed you, and with everything going on, your presence makes it almost bearable.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it. I’m sorry for not visiting more often,” Skye apologized. Work was pressing, stealing time away that she could never get back. Revelations of the past swarmed like angry bees in her head. She’d walked away from Mallory as well.

  “That’s life. We live, struggle to make ends meet, chase dreams in hopes of seeing them come to fruition.” Mallory sighed. “At least Dad lived his life to the fullest. He said he had no regrets the day before he died. It made me feel better. To know he felt fulfilled.”

  Skye nodded, fighting selfish tears that threatened to fall. Had she led her life to the fullest? Or had she lived a life full of regrets?

  “You’re quiet this morning. It’s not like you not to have something to say. Enough of me and my depressing thoughts. How have you been?”

  “Okay, I guess,” Skye replied and sipped her coffee.

  “You’re a terrible liar. How’s work? The last time we talked you were working a big project that was very exciting. Did you get it?”

  “I don’t know. The meeting was yesterday. I’m waiting to hear from my assistant,” Skye replied, but now cared less about the damned project.

  “What the hell is up with your eyes? You’ve been crying,” Mallory said.

  Skye rolled her coffee cup between her hands. “Oh, life. You know, regret. That sort of shit.”

  A waitress walked up with her pad of paper and a pen. “Good morning, ladies. What can I get for you?”

  The thought of eating made Skye’s stomach churn. “I think I’ll just have coffee.”

  Mallory rattled off an order and turned to Skye. “Are you sure?”

  “Yeah, my stomach is bothering me.”

  The waitress walked away, leaving Skye to face Mallory’s penetrating eyes. “I’m not hungry,” she repeated.

  “Spill it.” Mallory motioned a “come on” gesture. “What’s going on? Did you see Brock last night?”

  Skye nodded and a tear escaped, rolling down her face to settle on her upper lip. She wiped it away with her napkin. “I’m such a selfish bitch.”

  “Wait. What?” Mallory acted stupefied by her words.

  “It’s true. I took that job and left him without a word,” Skye confessed.

  “What do you mean you left without a word? I thought y’all broke it off.” Mallory leaned across the table and grabbed Skye’s hands.

  “I lied. I was scared. We were getting so serious and I was young. I wasn’t ready for a commitment. I ran away with my ass on fire.”

  Mallory gasped. “You hadn’t broken it off and just left? You didn’t tell him anything?”

  Skye shook her head and looked down into her cup.

  “What did he say to you last night to upset you like this?”

  Skye gave a sarcastic chuckle. “He didn’t have to say anything. The pain was evident as we, er—”

  “You had sex with him!” Mallory exclaimed and rubbed her forehead. “So what? Ya’ll hooked up and never talked about the past?”

  “Nope.”

  “What’s the problem? I mean, you both got together and had sex. Now you are beating yourself up for your actions fifteen years ago?”

  Skye simply nodded.

  “You were only twenty one!” Mallory exclaimed with a rise in her voice. “Wait.” She laughed. “I know what your problem it.”

  “Oh, yeah?” Skye asked, waiting.

  “You’re in love with him. Admit it.” Mallory pointed an accusing finger.

  “No, yes.” Skye growled. She couldn’t be in love with Brock. Lust would be more accurate.

  “Oh, my God. It makes perfect sense now. You’ve never married. You have a string of bad relationships and Brock got divorced after two years. You two dumbasses have been in love with each other all the years!”

  Skye considered Mallory’s evaluation for moment. Could it be true? Could all the past failed relationships be because her heart belonged to another?

  “I’m right and you know it. My only question to you is what are you going to do now?” Mallory asked, crossing her arms and leaning back in the booth.

  Skye shook her head. “I don’t know. I have a job and a life in Boston.”

  “Are you happy?” Mallory quickly asked.

  “What kind of a question is that? Of course I’m happy.” She was happy, wasn’t she? Doubt swirled in her mind. Had she ever truly been happy in Boston?

  “If you’re not happy, as I suspect you’re not…let me tell you that life is too short not to be. I think my dad could attest to the validity of that statement.”

  “It’s not that easy, Mallory,” Skye said in return. Mallory was deliriously happy with her marriage and life. She had met the man she was destined to be with. Brock, well, he’d basically said goodbye.

  Mallory smacked her hand down on the table making Skye jump with surprise. “Yes, it is!”

  ****

  Later that afternoon Skye drove by her old house and parked across the street from it. In the distance, a train stretched, whistling through a crossing. She leaned back and listened to the familiar rumble and noise, missing the sound. The noise of steel grinding against st
eel beckoned her, pleasing her with the sweet resonance that seemed to touch her soul. The large trains and the locomotives that pulled them had an erotic lure to them. They were unforgiving, domineering and able to kill or maim in a split second. Knowing that Brock worked alongside the beasts furthered her desire for him.

  Brock was not only intelligent, but fearless in the wake of danger that made up his day-to-day environment. Heaven help her, she missed him and always had. She tucked the memories away, only periodically allowing them to surface then stuffed them away again. Mallory was correct in her judgment. She was in love with Brock Masterson and always had been.

  The sound of the train grew fainter the farther away it traveled, leaving her feeling empty inside. She opened her eyes and squinted, trying to block out the harsh rays of the sun from her sensitive eyes. Her cell rang, making her jump. She tossed items out of her purse in a rush, hoping Brock was calling. Frowning, she answered, “Hello, Renee.”

  “We got it!” Renee squealed at the other end. “Martin Industries signed the contract. For the next six months, we have full reign over the design of their newest complex!”

  “Great.” Skye tried to sound enthusiastic, but the sentiment fell flat.

  “Did I catch you at a bad time? I can call back later.”

  Skye said, “No, it’s fine. I just have something I need to clear up here.”

  “Are you still heading back tomorrow?”

  “Yes. I mean, that’s my plan.”

  “You’re worrying me, Skye. Are you sure everything is okay?”

  “Yeah, no worries,” Skye reassured her. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  After ending the call, Skye knew she should be excited, but wasn’t in the least. The emotions of last night’s encounter with Brock left unanswered questions between them. Making a decision, Skye put the car into drive and sped away from the curb. Her mind and heart sought answers. Today she planned on putting everything out on the table, including her heart. She refused to spend another day trying to suppress her guilt.

  Twenty minutes later she drove up to the crossing Brock had been working on the day before. The orange railroad maintenance truck was parked in the same spot. She stopped in front of it and flung open her door. Enough was enough. The silver metal CTC house door stood open across the street. She looked both ways for traffic and swiftly crossed. The chat beneath her feet was loud and hard to walk in wearing sandals. The noise also was an alert to Brock who stepped out of the building.

  God, he was gorgeous standing there with a pair of lineman pliers in his hand, a hard hat perched on top of his head, and clear safety glasses covering his sultry brown eyes. His lips quirked in amusement while he watched her stumble in the loose gravel.

  “Next time I’d recommend boots,” he said and returned inside the small building.

  Skye stepped up to the door and watched him work. How he knew where all those damn wires went was beyond comprehension. His back was wide and muscular, tapering down to a slim waist and squeezable, plump ass. She wanted to touch him and feel his mouth on hers again. She wanted him to know how she felt, how she’d always felt, but was overcome with an intense desire and tried to fight it.

  Tentatively she stepped in, reaching out to trace the curve of his shoulder blade. He continued to work, engrossed in his troubleshooting. She traced the contours of his muscles, gliding down to his waist while she admired his features. Tears blurred her vision as she put both hands on his back, loving the feel of his strength flexing.

  Brock continued to ignore her, only flinching from her touch every once in a while.

  “I’m sorry, Brock. I never knew how my actions would affect you. I was selfish, stupid,” she whispered with her mouth close to his ear. “I know now how deeply I hurt you and I want you to know how much I missed you.”

  Brock barked out a laugh. “You missed me enough to call, huh?”

  “That’s not fair, Brock. I was young, too young to settle down, but I know now—”

  Brock turned with anger flashing in his eyes. “What do you know, Skye?”

  “That I’m in love with you,” she confessed and wrapped her arms around his neck, her mouth seeking his.

  At first Brock didn’t respond, but her insistent lips swept across his. “Kiss me, Brock. Please.”

  A firestorm exploded between them when their mouths connected with a force of pure, unadulterated passion. She held his neck tight while he pulled at her hips, holding her tight against his frame. His eager lips explored, tracing her lips moments before pulling them firmly to his own. Their breaths were heated and hungry, turning to panting.

  “Please forgive me, Brock,” Skye pleaded and felt his strong, calloused hands grasp her breasts and squeeze.

  Skye let out a muffled cry. His eyes were fixed on hers and black molten lava swirled in the depths of them. She fell to her knees in front of him and pushed him against the wall of the small four-by-four-foot space. Her fingers fidgeted with his tool belt, releasing it and allowing it to fall to the floor with a loud crash. Brock looked down, watching her while gritting his teeth tightly together. She unhooked his belt and pushed it aside. Her fingers trembled and she struggled with the button on his jeans. Once she’d unbuttoned and unzipped the fabric, she pulled his snug fitting jeans down his thighs. Underneath, cotton fabric held back his erect cock. She jerked his boxers down quickly and grabbed his length.

  “Skye.” Brock groaned, bucking his cock through her fingers with a pained expression on his face.

  Pre cum glistened on the head. She licked it, running her tongue through the slit, eliciting a groan from Brock’s lungs. His manly scent pulled at her, making her crazy with desire. She licked again, swirling her tongue around the tip before pulling him deep into her mouth.

  “Fuck.” He growled, his hands finding salvation in her hair. He held on tight, guiding her mouth up and down his length. His legs quivered under her hands on his thighs, and she allowed him to fuck her mouth with a merciless force.

  The sound of vehicles crossing the tracks with a steady thump, thump propelled her anticipation. Just outside the metal enclosure the world was moving around them. They could be caught so easily, but she didn’t care. All that mattered was Brock and this moment.

  His cock continued to slide in and out of her mouth as saliva pooled, lubricating the length of him. Her hand moved to the area behind his ball sac and rubbed, making him curse.

  “Damn it, Skye!” He growled and tried to pull free from her mouth.

  She sucked him deep into the recesses of her mouth and opened her throat, allowing his cock to sink all the way in. His hands gripped her hair tightly and his release erupted. She swallowed around him and felt his cum ease down her throat.

  Brock pulled out and she sucked in a much needed breath of air. He stumbled back and held on to the wall for support. He was out of breath and sweat trickled down his temples. Skye leaned forward, lightly flicking her tongue over his softening cock, and giggled. “I thought that would get your attention,” she teased. Inside she was a mess of desire. The evidence lay between her wet thighs.

  “Come here,” he demanded and helped her up. His hands grasped the front of her denim shorts, unbuttoning and unzipping them in mere seconds. He shoved them down her slick thighs. “Take them off,” he demanded and knelt down to lift her leg.

  Skye squirmed, freeing her leg. Brock lifted it and placed it against the door jam. A jolt of exhilaration raced through her as his tongue swept between her folds. Her hips bucked against his mouth, seeking pleasure from him. Two fingers impaled her swiftly and she fought to suppress a scream. His fingers continued to please while his tongue lapped over her clit, sending her mind into dreamland.

  Brock’s strokes were measured and quick, pushing her toward the peak. She caressed his face between her hands, moving up to pull his hair and direct his mouth to where she wanted it the most.

  His fingers sped up, fucking her with the anger she knew he was pouring out. It made her hot, in
satiable, and she wanted more. “Yes, Brock!” she squealed. “Just like that.”

  “I want to hate you,” he said with a growl, thrusting his fingers in and giving them a wiggle. She cried out as her orgasm built. Her heart ached hearing his admission, but fueled the desire for him she could no longer deny.

  “I want to deny you as you denied me. I want you to suffer as I have,” he shouted and nipped at her swollen clit. “But I can’t. My heart won’t allow me to push you away and out of my mind.”

  “I’m so sorry, Brock.” Skye gasped. Her release rocked her body, sending her through a maze of dizzying colors and shapes. They morphed, pulled and stretched as her body quivered with Brock’s tongue gently swiping her clit.

  Brock released her and stood, wobbling on his feet. She opened her lids, sobering, and noted his misty eyes. Jumping into his arms, she wrapped her legs around his waist and held on, kissing him with all the passion her heart contained. He held her tight, matching her fire as they groped and pulled against one another, seeking to cure the pain their hearts had endured.

  They broke away and held each other. Skye wrapped her hands around his head and pulled him to her chest and began to cry. The emotion had welled up and was now spilling over.

  Brock held her firmly in his arms. “I don’t mean to hurt you with my words, Skye, but you wounded me deeply. I never knew what happened or what I had done to push you away.”

  She sobbed harder. “You loved me.”

  Chapter Four

  Two weeks later Skye packed the last of her belongings into the moving truck. Brock surveyed the truck and smiled. “Looks like that’s all of it.”

  “Yeah,” she replied, wrapping her arm around his waist and placing her head against his chest. “You’re stuck with me now, forever. That’s a long time, you know. If you want to back out, you better do so now,” she teased.