Damaged Love

by Riann C. Miller

  Jet continues pumping his fingers as I ride out the last of my orgasm. When I finally come down, I open my eyes to see a man who’s very eager for his turn. “You are truly amazing. That is the best way to end a crappy night.” I smile and push on his chest until he falls back on the bed. I climb up between his legs and take him deep into my mouth.

  Blowjobs have never held a huge appeal for me, but hearing him softly moan fuels me on. I move my mouth and hand up and down his dick as his hand moves into my hair. Jet attempts to pull away, but I ignore him, because, for once, I’m enjoying myself.

  “Rach, stop. I don’t want to finish in your mouth.” Damn, I don’t think he was trying to sound sweet, but hearing his words causes my heart to beat even faster. I climb up his hard body until I’m straddling his waist. I reach around, take him in my hand, and slowly sink down, stretching to accommodate his size.

  “Mmm, yessss,” he moans, never taking his eyes off of mine. Slowly, his hands come up to my waist, and I continue to grind down on him. Already I can feel another climax building. I lean forward, placing my hands on his chest as I come apart, riding out another amazing release.

  “Best feeling in the fucking world,” Jet mumbles.

  Jet flips me over and continues to drive into me. Our eyes lock, and suddenly nothing else exists but us.

  My senses go into overdrive when Jet starts shaking from his own release before he finally drops down on the bed.

  “Sorry,” he bashfully says.

  “Sorry?”

  “I didn’t mean for us to be that loud. I’ll work on that, I promise. I don’t want her to walk in on us any more than you do.” Jet grins before pulling out and laying down next to me.

  “We’ll figure it out,” I add.

  “Am I allowed to stay the night?”

  “If you want to,” I hum, ready to fall asleep.

  “I wasn’t sure. I want to. Hell, if it weren't for the slow rule, I’d ask to move in or the other way around, but I wasn’t sure what you thought with Alana seeing me here all night.”

  “Alana will be fine. She knows we’re dating, and it’s not like I bring home different men all the time. Plus, half of the time she sleeps at Max’s, anyway.” I was expecting him to stiffen at the mention of Max, but he doesn’t.

  “Max had a date tonight.”

  I laugh at his comment. “Yeah, with Katelynn. He seems to really like her.”

  “Have you met her?” he questions.

  “No, but she works in the same building as him so maybe fate is on their side,” I reply with a smile in my voice while Jet just softly chuckles.

  “I’m sorry I was an ass before about you and Max. I didn’t get it, and truthfully, there are still moments when I catch myself fighting off my jealousy, but for the most part, I understand. You two have set the bar high for divorced couples everywhere.”

  I turn to my side and smile. “Max said something once that makes complete sense. We were never really a couple. I didn’t fall for him. He just happened to knock me up. Therefore, watching him move on with someone has never bothered me. We don’t have the same passion coursing through us that a divorced couple or even a couple that was once in love has, which has made co-parenting much easier.”

  He gives a lazy smile that almost takes my breath away. “That’s what I finally figured out.”

  “Good,” I add, because where Max is concerned, Jet has nothing romantically to worry about.

  “Now let’s get cleaned up and some food in you so you can make it through the night with the amount of times I plan to wake you up.”

  I laugh as I get up off the bed. “Jet.” He stops moving and looks at me. “I don’t know why you came back into my life, but I’m extremely grateful that you did.”

  His lazy smile turns soft. “Me too, baby. Me too.”

  For the first time since I lost Russ and my mother, my heart feels whole again.

  RACHEL

  “ALANA. LET’S GET A MOVE on it,” I shout as I grab my camera bag.

  “I’m coming, Mommy.” Alana runs into the room with her arms filled with papers.

  “What’s all of that?” I question as my phone starts to ring.

  “I made a treasure map for Jet.” Her smile beams so brightly it could light up the city.

  “I’m sure he’ll love it,” I quickly add before answering my phone.

  “Hello.” I hear a long deep breath exhale in my ear, but the caller doesn’t say anything. “Hello? Can I help you?”

  I pull my phone away to see if the call is still connected, and it is. “Hello?” I try once more when I hear a soft but almost evil laugh. The hair on my arms stands up as I quickly disconnect the call.

  “What’s wrong, Mommy?”

  I force a smile. “Nothing, sweetheart. We need to get down to my office before Zanie fires me.”

  “She can’t fire you, silly.” I laugh with her as we finally make our way out to my SUV.

  The drive to my office seems to take forever. Between Alana’s nonstop chattering and that phone call, by the time I make it downtown, my nerves are shot.

  “You made it,” Zanie greets us as I push open the door.

  “Sorry, the babysitter canceled at the last minute.”

  “No problem.” I take Alana to one of our extra rooms where she gets out everything she brought with her. “Be good. I’m going out to talk to Zanie.”

  “Okay, Mommy.” I blow Alana a kiss then I walk back to my friend, who’s been waiting longer than necessary for me to start work.

  “Sorry.”

  She waves off my comment. “Don’t worry about it. This week’s schedule has been updated and sent to your phone. The only thing I added since we spoke yesterday is a consultation in the afternoon on Friday for a freelance job.”

  “Thanks, Zanie. I know I’ve said this before, but I’d be lost without you.” Her face lights up with a smile. “Babe, you never have to thank me for being your friend. You might, however, need to start coming by more often. I know you have a guy in your life, but I miss the little one.” Before Jet came back into my life, I was at Zanie’s or she was at my place on a regular basis.

  “I’m sorry—”

  “No, don’t be sorry. I’m excited. I think Jet might be the one for you.” She sniffs a little, pretending to be sad when she’s anything but.

  “Shut it,” I laugh.

  “No, really. I’m serious. I’ve seen the change in you. Whatever’s going on between the two of you, it’s a good thing. Now, let’s get some work done because I need to cut out early so I can take a nap. I’m meeting Steven and some of his very questionable friends at Rage tonight.” I became a mother shortly after moving to New York, so thankfully I skipped right over the wild nightclub scene.

  The afternoon passes slower than either of us would’ve liked, which is normally the case when I have Alana with me. Zanie laughed more than normal, but we accomplished next to nothing.

  “I’m outta here.”

  “Have fun and be safe.” Zanie bats her eyelashes then grabs her stuff and leaves right as my phone starts ringing.

  A grin crosses my face when I see Jet’s name on the screen.

  “Hello.”

  “Hello, yourself. Are you done working yet?”

  I laugh. “I’m not done, but I’m about to call it quits for the day. Alana is with me, and I’m not getting anywhere with the prints I’m attempting to review.”

  There’s a long pause before I hear Jet take a deep breath. “Would you and Alana like to come by here tonight? I thought maybe she’d want to check out where I live.” My heart momentarily stops. Jet lives in a penthouse apartment that overlooks Central Park. She’ll love it there, of course she would, but then we’d go back home to our average if not small apartment and...

  “Rachel?

  “I’m here. Sorry, I was thinking.”

  “If you don’t want to or think Max will be mad—”

  “No, Max wouldn’t care. Plus, he has plans with
Katelynn tonight. We can come over for a little while, but we won’t be able to stay horribly late.”

  “Oh, yeah. I didn’t even think about how much time we spend together after she’s in bed.” Last week when Jet stayed the night, he opened a new door in our relationship and has stayed over more nights than he hasn’t. More times than not, Alana is still asleep by the time he has to leave to get ready for work. Therefore, she’s unaware of how many times he’s stayed, but we’re definitely at the next step of our relationship. I guess it makes sense that she knows more about Jet and his family.

  “I’ll pack up my stuff then we’ll head to your place.”

  “Great. I’ll be here waiting on you two.” I can tell he’s smiling by the tone in his voice.

  “Okay, I’ll be there soon. Goodbye.”

  “Bye, I—” He cuts himself off. “I’ll see you soon.” Then the line goes dead. I think he was about to say the same thing that’s been on the tip of my tongue for the last week. But I guess Jet is just as nervous about taking the next leap as I am.

  * * * *

  JET

  “Wow,” Alana says for the hundredth time in ten minutes. My dad had a lot of money, and while he might not have flaunted it in front of people, he always bought nice things—including his home and everything inside of it.

  I’ve never really cared for this apartment. I think the main reason stems from how different this place is compared to the home we had in Malibu. My dad purchased this place and paid someone to decorate it before I moved out here, and bottom line, this apartment has never felt like him or me. However, my nephew loves it, and it’s the last piece of my dad I can offer him.

  At Rachel’s and even Max’s, Alana hops over the back of chairs and hangs off the couch like she’s practicing for the Olympics, but here in my home, she seems afraid to even sit down, and I hate that.

  “Do you want me to turn on a movie? I bought a few to keep here for you to watch.”

  Instead of answering me, Alana turns her head toward Rachel, looking for her approval. “If you want to watch a movie, that’s fine.” Alana looks back at me and smiles while nodding her head yes. She picks out something with a princess on it then nicely sits on the floor in front of the TV.

  “You’d probably be more comfortable on the couch, sweetie.”

  “No, thank you, Jet,” she innocently replies.

  I walk over to Rachel and grab her hand then walk the two of us to the kitchen. Before she has the chance to say anything, I bring my lips down on hers in a kiss that turns heated within seconds. Her tongue moves with mine, and I start to harden against her leg, which causes me to step away. The last thing I want to do is fight off a serious case of blue balls with Alana in the next room.

  My eyes remain on hers. “Did you tell her she couldn’t sit on my furniture?” I question as Rachel’s eyes widen.

  “I just told her not to act crazy like she does at home.”

  I hold back a frustrated groan. “Rachel, I want her to act like herself. As long as she doesn’t get hurt she can launch herself off my damn couch for all I care.”

  “Oh,” she says under her breath. “I know I’m not her dad, but I want the next closest spot in the lineup. If you and Max have something going on and need help, I want both of you to call me. And if that happens, she might be here often, and I want her to feel comfortable with me, especially in my home.”

  More importantly, it’s time I face the reality that keeping this place for Connor isn’t realistic. He’s here less and less now that his dad is in his life, and I’ve never enjoyed living here enough to keep it for myself. “I’ll hire someone to go through the place and make it more kid friendly, but in the meantime, don’t stress yourself or Alana about something breaking.”

  I would put this place up on the market tomorrow if I thought I could get Rachel and Alana to move in with me. Hell, I would even move into her place if she’d take me, but I’m almost positive she’d reject that proposal—at least anytime soon.

  “I’m sorry. It’s just Max and I didn’t set very strict rules at home, and I was worried she would knock something over or...”

  “Like I said, don’t stress about it.”

  “Thank you,” she adds at the same time I hear my door buzz. I ordered take out the second I knew they were coming, and I’m certain I ordered enough food to feed twenty people.

  “Are you hungry?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay, I’ll get the food, you get the princess.” We both turn and go in opposite directions with the same goal in the end: eating dinner as a family.

  * * * *

  RACHEL

  Before Jet came into our lives, we ate more meals with Max then we did alone. Now Jet comes over almost every night, and the four of us end up eating together. The first night was slightly awkward, but every night since has been extremely relaxed. Jet appears to have moved past whatever hang-up he originally had where Max was concerned, and in my opinion, Max has really gone out of his way to make Jet feel comfortable.

  Tonight, however, things are changing because Max asked if Katelynn could eat with us—all of us. I’m in no way jealous of Katelynn or her relationship with Max, but I get the impression Max isn’t nearly as serious about Katelynn as she is about him, and I don’t want to confuse Alana. In the end, this is Max’s call. He doesn’t make a habit of introducing women who tend to come and go so maybe...maybe he’s ready for something more than I’ve noticed.

  The kicker is, Max is introducing her to all three of us at the same time. Our past experience has proven to be difficult, and I’m assuming Max thinks Katelynn will handle our arrangement better if she meets Jet at the same time.

  I’m brought back to the present when I hear my door open, and seconds later, I see Max and his girlfriend walking in.

  “Rach, this is Katelynn. Katelynn, Rachel.” Katelynn is gorgeous with her long brown hair and slim figure paired with dark smoky eyes. Hell, she could be a runway model.

  “Nice to meet you.” I smile.

  “Where’s my girl?” Max asks while his eyes scan my apartment.

  Before I can answer, Jet comes trotting in with Alana on his back. He’s relaxed and carefree, the same way he’s been for the last few weeks when he’s here and knows that Max will be stopping by. But the second his eyes land on Katelynn, he stops moving, and an awkward silence takes over.

  “Jet,” Katelynn says in a breathless whisper, causing Jet’s eyes to widen.

  “I, um...I...”

  Shit. Jet knows Katelynn, and by the way the two of them are acting, it’s safe to say she more than knows him.

  “What are you doing here?” she questions, making me wonder what the hell Max has told her.

  “This is my girlfriend’s apartment.”

  “Girlfriend?” she asks before shooting me a dirty look. Just moments ago, this woman walked into my home hanging on Max’s arm.

  “Yes. Girlfriend,” Jet states while he walks up and kisses me on the cheek.

  Max watches both his date and Jet with a guarded look. “How many people live in New York City? To call this city overpopulated is a massive understatement, and we pick two people who’ve been together? Shit, this makes us like an Eskimo group now.”

  “No.,” Jet says much louder than he should have, gaining Alana’s full attention.”

  “Jet...indoor voices,” Alana says with a finger in front of her lips.

  “You’re right, little lady. I just meant that yes, I’ve met your daddy’s friend, but no, I don’t know her the same way your daddy does.” My eyes scrunch because I’m clearly lost.

  “Jet and I have gone to several major events in the city, but I lost my phone, and my contacts weren’t backed up, so I don’t have your number anymore. I stopped by your place at the beginning of the year, but your doorman is like a Nazi, and to be honest, he’s downright rude. He threatened to call the police if I came by again.”

  My mouth drops open as Max’s eyes slowly close heari
ng her less than normal story. “If you’re not on the approved list then he doesn’t tell me who’s stopped by.” Jet calmly says as if he’s talking to an escaped convict.

  “We were dating. Why wouldn’t I have been on your list?” Katelynn’s eyes start to take on a frantic look as Max steps in.

  “Thanks for the offer, Rach, but I think Katelynn and I are going to take off now.”

  “What?” Katelynn whips her head around and gives Max a look that would have most men running in the opposite direction.

  Without answering her, Max walks over and picks up Alana. “Princess, Daddy has to go for a little bit, but I’ll try my hardest to come back and give you a kiss goodnight.”

  “Okay, Daddy. I love you.” My heart melts watching the two of them, and what makes this moment twice as special is having Jet’s arms wrapped around me.

  “Max, I thought we were having dinner here with your...” She stops and looks over at me with another hateful look. “Your ex-wife.”

  A few moments ago, Max appeared almost embarrassed by Katelynn, now he seems downright pissed. “Okay, enough. Let’s go.” Max firmly grabs Katelynn’s wrist and unwillingly walks her out of my apartment.

  The second the door is closed, Jet turns me around so I’m facing him. His mouth brushes by my ear. “I did not sleep with her. She wanted to, and she tried hard to get her way, but it didn’t happen.”

  I know Jet has been with other women in the last fourteen years, and I also know that it was hard for him to be around Max for a while knowing we shared something—no matter how meaningless it was—but Max is right. Adding another person into the mix that has slept with one of the three of us is just more than I want to think about.

  Not to mention I’m convinced that she was trying to make a claim on Jet—knowing he had a girlfriend, no less.

  “Over the years when I’ve found a technology driven company that was built on a good foundation but was in need of financial support, I’ve stepped in and offered my help, the same way my dad did for Kenner.

  “I purchased Katelynn’s dad’s company a year and a half ago. For some reason, her father was dead set on setting the two of us up. We went to a few fundraisers together, mainly because it was easier to tell her yes than it was to turn her down, but I knew she was after a lot more than a date and a good time—no matter how casual she tried to act. She works, but when we went out together, I saw the look in her eyes...All she ever saw in me was dollar signs.”