Abby's Plight (Southern Love #5)

by E. L. Todd

  He smiled. “Now when you have clothes on.” He winked and left the hallway.

  Chapter Three

  Abby laid the sheets down and added extra pillows. “You should be reasonably comfortable.”

  Paul eyed it, a look of disappointment on his face.

  “What?”

  “I—I was hoping I could sleep with you…”

  “Oh.”

  He caught her startled look. “I realize how inappropriate that is, and if you’re uncomfortable, that’s totally understandable. I just thought having someone directly beside me, you, would just make me feel better.”

  Abby processed his request. She never slept with a guy friend before. Since it was Paul, it didn’t seem that weird. They’d been friends for a long time. He was like a brother she never had.

  “But this is great,” Paul said as he sat on the couch. “Forget I said anything.”

  “No, you can sleep with me.”

  “Are you sure?”

  She grabbed his arm and yanked him to his feet. “Yes—as long as you don’t snore.”

  He smiled. “According to Alex, I don’t.” His face immediately fell when he spoke her name. The pain was difficult to watch.

  “Come on.” They walked into her bedroom then pulled down the covers. Abby changed into her pajamas in the bathroom and Paul lay on top of the bed in his clothes. When she came back, he was staring at the ceiling.

  “I’ll set the alarm,” she said.

  “Okay,” he said quietly.

  After she turned off all the lights, she turned on her side and stared at him. “You need to clear your mind. If not, you’ll never sleep.”

  He sighed. “I should just take drugs so I can drift away.”

  “That’s not funny, Paul.”

  “I wasn’t trying to be.”

  Abby ran her fingers up and down his arm gently, trying to sooth him. When she heard his breathing change, she knew he fell asleep. She sighed and closed her eyes, finally able to get some rest.

  The next morning, she and Paul went to breakfast before they went to work.

  “How did you sleep?” she asked while she sipped her coffee.

  “I haven’t slept that long in so long I can’t remember.”

  She nodded. “I’m glad I could help.”

  He eyed her over his coffee. “Thanks for everything, Abby. I know I’m not much fun to hang out with right now.”

  “That’s not true…”

  He eyed her.

  “Okay, you’re depressing as hell.”

  He chuckled.

  “But I love being around you no matter what.”

  “Thanks for being my friend, especially after I kissed you like an idiot.”

  They hadn’t talked about that since it happened. She thought it should be left unsaid.

  Paul pushed his half eaten plate away then sipped his coffee. When the check came, Abby immediately paid for it.

  “I got it,” Paul said firmly. “You’ve done enough.”

  “No,” she said. “It’s your turn to be taken care of for once.”

  He still held his wallet.

  Abby glared at him. “Put that away, or I won’t watch the third Godfather with you.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “That’s a very cold threat.”

  “I mean it.”

  He put his wallet away.

  “Thank you.”

  Abby looked around the small café and saw everyone coming and going before work. A few retired people took up some of the tables for hours. Abby envied them.

  When she saw the brown hair that was so similar to her own, she felt her heart accelerate.

  “What’s wrong?” Paul asked.

  “Nothing,” she said quickly.

  The woman moved to the front of the line. After she ordered her coffee, she turned around. And Abby recognized her. It was Alexandra. Abby tried to play it cool and hoped she wouldn’t be seen. The café was crowded, so Alexandra might not even notice them. But she did.

  Alexandra approached them, Paul’s back turned to her. “I can’t believe my sister is awake this early.” When she reached the table, she saw Paul’s profile. The moment immediately became intense. Paul stared at her then glanced at her engagement ring. Alexandra almost dropped her coffee.

  The silence stretched for an eternity. Neither one knew what to say to the other. Even Abby was awkward.

  Paul took the lead. “How are you?” He kept a stoic expression, but Abby knew his heart was ripped apart.

  “Good…you?”

  “Well.” He nodded. “Congratulations on your engagement.” He swallowed the lump in his throat.

  Alexandra couldn’t tell if he was being serious. “Thanks…”

  Abby glanced between them, noting the increase in tension. “Well…”

  “What are two doing here?” Alexandra asked.

  “Just getting breakfast,” Paul said quickly.

  “You guys hang out?” Alexandra asked.

  “No,” Abby said immediately. “We just ran into each other.”

  “At seven in the morning?” Alexandra asked incredulously.

  Abby felt caught in her lie. “Yes…”

  Alexandra eyed her sister. “I should get to class.”

  “And I should get to work,” Paul said as he looked at his watch. “It was nice seeing you, Abby. You too, baby.”

  Abby covered her face as the words flew out of his mouth. The awkwardness increased by tenfold. Alexandra gasped quietly when she heard the nickname he always gave her. Paul cringed when he heard himself.

  “I apologize,” he said. “Old habits die hard.”

  Alexandra nodded. “It’s okay…”

  Paul left the café without another word. Even when he was out of the building, the awkwardness still hung behind. Alexandra looked at her sister, suspicion on her face.

  “Why are you having breakfast with Paul?” she asked.

  “I told you,” Abby snapped. “I ran into him.”

  “Come on, Abby. Let’s be real here. You don’t get up until ten minutes before your shift start—always.”

  “Well, I went to the gym.”

  “When?” she asked incredulously. “At six?”

  Abby decided to take the offense since her sister was pinning her down. “What are you implying?”

  “Are you sleeping with Paul too?”

  “I’m really pissed you would ever ask me that,” Abby snapped. “I would never do that to you. Are you fucking kidding me?”

  Alexandra backed down. “I had to ask.”

  “Well, I’m not.”

  “I still don’t understand why you were with him.”

  “I already told you. I ran into him.”

  Alexandra studied her sister’s face. “And that’s the truth?”

  Abby felt cornered. She felt horrible lying to her own sister, but if she admitted how distraught Paul was, it would make Alexandra feel sad and guilty. It was better if she didn’t know just how much Paul was suffering. She would never let herself be happy. “Yes.”

  Alexandra nodded. “Okay. I’m sorry I assumed otherwise.”

  “Thank you.”

  “So, you’re leaving soon?”

  “Yep.”

  “You better bring me back a souvenir.”

  “Not if you’re a brat,” Abby said.

  “Be safe. And have fun with Fernan.”

  “I’m sure I will.”

  Alexandra left the café then walked to the university down the sidewalk. Abby felt the guilt rise as she watched her sister disappear from view. She hated lying. It wasn’t in her nature. After she downed the rest of her coffee, she went to work.

  Fernan came downstairs as soon as he heard her walk inside. “Are you excited about tomorrow?”

  “Is that a serious question?” She put down her purse and pulled out her chair.

  “I’m very excited. There’s a lot of places I want to take you.”

  She clapped her hands together. “This is g
oing to be so much fun.”

  He sat at the edge of her desk and crossed his arms over his chest. “So, is Toby permanently out of the picture?”

  Abby was uncomfortable by the question. “Um, no.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “You worked it out?”

  “I explained to him that I wasn’t doing anything wrong. I didn’t try to win him back. I just wanted his forgiveness. But he didn’t want our arrangement to end.”

  Fernan rubbed his chin. “So, you’re sleeping with both of us?”

  “Well, I haven’t slept with him yet.”

  He nodded.

  Abby noticed the sadness in his eyes. “Fernan, maybe we should end our arrangement. If this bothers you, we shouldn’t be doing it. And I understand if you want to take a step back.”

  “No,” he said immediately. “I don’t want that.”

  “And I don’t want you to get hurt. I just want to be with someone that can give me what I need right now. If that isn’t you, that’s fine. I don’t want you to feel obligated.”

  He came close to her then cupped her cheek. “I’m that man. I can give you everything you want.”

  “Are you sure?”

  He kissed her forehead. “I am.”

  “Okay.” She pulled away.

  “Should we have dinner tonight before we go?”

  “Actually, I had plans with Toby.”

  “I see.” He nodded then left her desk. “Well, I’ll see you later.” He walked up the stairs to his office.

  She watched him leave the entryway with a look of sadness. Even though both men knew about each other, she still felt guilty, like she was hiding something. She focused on her work and forgot about the ordeal.

  After work was over, Fernan wrapped his arm around her waist and embraced her on the sidewalk. “Don’t forget your passport, darling.”

  “I won’t.”

  He gave her a scorching kiss like he always did. It left her winded, breathless. When he pulled away, he kept his face close to hers. “I’m looking forward to making love to you in such a romantic country.”

  “Me too.”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow.” He kissed her forehead then got inside his limo.

  After she watched him drive away, she went back to her apartment and got ready for the evening. She wore a dark blue dress with gold jewelry. She hoped she looked hot like she was supposed to.

  When a loud knock played on the door, she knew she was out of time. Abby opened the door and stared at Toby. He was wearing a suit, the same kind he wore to work. The dark blue tie added subtle color to his outfit, and his Rolex shined in the light. His body was tight, compacted under the fabric. And his face was the most appealing. He looked more handsome than he did before, even though nothing noticeable had changed.

  Toby eyed her approvingly. “You did as I asked.”

  “Well, I tried.”

  “And you succeeded.” He grabbed her then pushed her against the door. She was caught off guard by the strong aggression. Toby stared into her eyes then rubbed his nose against hers. Her breathing hitched when he came near. Then he pressed his body against hers and sealed her mouth with a kiss. His lips were always precise, kissing her in just the right spot. The fire of longing blazed inside her, and she wrapped her leg around his waist. He immediately grabbed her thigh and held it. The idea of dinner was forgotten. Now she knew what she wanted to do.

  Toby broke their kiss. “At this rate, we’ll never get to dinner.”

  “So?” she blurted.

  He smiled. “My kind of woman.” He grabbed her purse from the counter and put it on her shoulder. “After you.”

  She walked outside and he came behind her. After she locked the door, he hooked his arm around her waist and held her as close as possible. When they walked into the elevator, he pinned her against the wall and shared a heated kiss with her. The elevator moved to the bottom while their mouths devoured each other. Now Abby really didn’t want to go to dinner. She wasn’t even hungry. She just wanted to feel Toby inside her.

  The doors opened and Toby ended their embrace. Her mouth immediately longed for him, sad that the kiss was gone. He grabbed her hand and led her out the building.

  “Where are we going?” she asked.

  “It’s a surprise,” he said.

  “I like surprises.”

  Toby turned away from the main strip and headed to his apartment building.

  She smiled. “Did you cook dinner for me?”

  “Maybe.”

  They walked inside then moved to his apartment. When they entered, she saw the candles around the room and the dishes on the table.

  “Fancy,” she said.

  He came behind her and pressed his chest to her back. “I hope you like it.” He nibbled on her ear.

  “I will if it’s as good as that.” She gripped the back of his neck.

  His hands moved to her hips and slightly lifted her dress. He continued to breath into her ear, making her shake underneath him. “You hungry?” he whispered.

  “Not for food.” She pulled away and marched to his bedroom.

  He came behind her then pressed his erection against her ass. “I’m going to rock your world so fucking hard.”

  “You shouldn’t build yourself so high,” she said as she turned around.

  “I haven’t built myself up enough, actually.” He pushed her on the bed and stood in front of her. She leaned back on her elbows and stared at him.

  Toby locked his gaze to hers as he started to remove his clothes. He pulled his jacket off then tossed it on the ground. She’d never seen a man strip before, but she was enjoying watching him. He loosened his tie then dropped it on the ground.

  When he unbuttoned his shirt, that’s when the show got interesting. The lines of his chest and stomach had her shaking, wanting to explode without even touching him. He loosened his trousers and dropped them to the floor. When he only stood in his briefs, he stared at her.

  Abby stared at his crotch, seeing the massive erection formed in the fabric. Drops of liquid stained the front, showing his excitement. She licked her lips involuntarily.

  Toby grabbed the rim and held it for a moment. Abby heard a drumroll in her head, waiting for the grand finale. He pulled them down, showing his long and hard cock. It twitched while he stared at her.

  Abby’s mouth opened. “Mmm…”

  “I knew you’d like him.” He came to her then kissed her. His lips pushed her down into the mattress, and his cock pressed against her thigh. His hand immediately reached behind her and yanked down the zipper. The heat he felt for her made her hotter. His breathing was short and uneven, and he rocked his hips slightly, impatient to be inside her. Seeing the desire in his eyes made her feel attractive, sexy, which she didn’t feel very often. It made her more aroused than she’d ever been.

  When the dress was off, he stared down at her, seeing her in her thong and underwear. “Oh my fucking god…” He kissed her stomach and her hips, running his tongue everywhere. “I’m going to come just from staring.”

  “I sincerely hope that isn’t true.” She dug her nails into his skin while she watched him devour her body.

  His fingers gripped her thong and pulled it down. It slid past her thigh and to her ankles. Toby stared at the area between her legs. The hungry expression on his face showed his intense desire. He moved his face to the apex of her thighs and gave her a gentle kiss.

  The light touch had her reeling. She leaned back and opened her legs.

  Toby gave her a cocky smile then returned his mouth to her entrance. His tongue moved across her folds, applying the right amount of pleasure then releasing it when necessary. His tongue circle her clit, making her knees wobble.

  Toby moved between her legs then grabbed her thighs. He spread them open and pinned them back. The force he used made her writhe on the bed. He took control and kissed her tender area with gentleness and aggression. She had someone touch her in this way, but it was different with Toby. His tongue
was sending her closer to the edge.

  “Toby…”

  He inserted his tongue inside her then rubbed her clitoris with his thumb. He suddenly applied more pressure than before, pushing her over the edge and into the cannon. The unexpected orgasm left her screaming. She moaned through her teeth, unable to handle the size and strength of the blinding orgasm.

  “Oh fuck…” She dug her nails into his skull, not wanting him to stop.

  Toby sucked her clitoris until her high dissipated. Her breathing slowed down as the euphoria faded away. Then he moved over her stomach, suspending himself with his arms. “I’m not done with you.”

  She grabbed his hips and pulled him to her. “You better not be.”

  Toby rubbed his nose against hers then placed his cock between her folds. She was soaked from his mouth and her own fluids, so he slid across her clitoris. Her body was tender from the orgasm she just had, and the extra touch felt amazing. Her fingers twitched slightly as he moved up and down. She widened her legs as he moved.

  Abby placed her hands on his chest then touched him everywhere. He was strong and hard, like a wall directly in front of her. His skin was hot and warmed her fingertips. Seeing him rock into her made her heart burst all over again. They hadn’t actually had sex, but her mind was already blown. She knew she wouldn’t last long once he was inside her.

  Toby bit her bottom lip with his teeth then kissed her gently. She was panting for him, unable to process all the pleasure he was giving her. His lips set her mouth on fire, and his cock was making her orgasm start all over again. Then his chest made her feel safe. Seeing his strength and masculinity made her ovaries scream.

  “Toby….come on,” she said between kisses.

  “Anxious?” he said with a smile.

  “Stop being an asshole and fuck me already.”

  He broke their kiss. “I’m not going to fuck you.” He opened his drawer and pulled out a condom. He handed it to her. “I want you to do it, baby.”

  She ripped the packet immediately then grabbed the condom. She rolled it onto his enlarged head then pinched the tip. She moved it down to the base then gave it a gentle squeeze. He was already oozing into the tip.

  “How flexible are you?” he asked.

  “Pretty…”

  He grabbed her thighs and pushed them back, her feet near her head. He squeezed her tightly then moved toward her entrance. She was wide open for him, waiting for him to slip inside.