Sunshine and Whiskey: A Garden Falls, TN Romance

by Allie Kay

  I ached for his lips on mine. I ached for his hands on my body, for the touch of his fingers between my thighs, stroking me toward orgasm. The anticipation now was unbearable.

  Switching on the lamp next to the bed, he stared down at me. He tugged my dress off, his gaze hungry. "You are so beautiful."

  My entire body heated at the emotion and desire in his eyes. I couldn't verbalize what I wanted, so I pulled him back down for another kiss and allowed my hands to roam the smooth hot skin of his back and sides. The coarse hair on his chest tickled against my breasts. And for once in my life, I didn't mind being tickled.

  Sean's rough hands slid up my sides and it was almost too much—the gentleness in his touch, the desire in his eyes. His soft lips contrasted with the scratch of his unshaven chin on my throat. He murmured little endearments as he kissed his way down.

  Slipping beneath me, his hands shook a bit unhooking my bra.

  "Nervous?" I whispered.

  Raising up over me, Sean slipped the bra down my arms. He groaned as he looked down at me. "Not too much. Just... Damn." He brought his mouth back to my throat, resuming his exploration. His mouth was hot against my bare skin and I tangled a hand in his hair, guiding his head down my body. Panties and boxers soon landed crumpled on the floor.

  He paused briefly and asked, "Are you sure?"

  With a vigorous nod, I kissed him again. He fumbled in the nightstand for protection before covering my body with his own. We both cried out when he slid into me for the first time. Kissing me deeply, he began to move. With slow, steady thrusts he soon had me panting his name. I clung to him, gasping his name when I reached my peak. He continued to thrust, even as I came down from my orgasm.

  He nipped and licked at my pulse point, nibbling as he thrust again. His movements grew erratic before he growled as he found his own release.

  Afterwards, I lay encircled in his arms, a satisfied smile on my face. With a big sigh of contentment, I pressed my lips against Sean's bare chest.

  "You okay, sunshine?" His voice vibrated beneath my cheek.

  "Mmm… more than okay. That was amazing, Sean." I rose up to brush my lips against his. "It was worth the wait."

  Squeezing me to him, Sean returned the kiss. "Did I hear correctly that you told your mother that you were spending the night?"

  "You sure did," I told him with a smile.

  Sean had relaxed enough to start sharing some things with me about his past. "My mom was either drunk or high—sometimes both—pretty much my entire childhood." He pointed at a long jagged scar on his thigh. "Fell on a broken beer bottle when I was like three. It was infected and nasty before CPS got a call and took me away from her that time. She cleaned up for a while. Long enough so she got us back. Just to start the cycle again as soon as she was getting that welfare check again."

  I ran a hand up and down his chest as he spoke. My heart ached for all that Sean had been through. How could his family be like that? My family was so close. It was hard to imagine life without them. No wonder Sean had turned to drugs. He’d had no support system. No loved ones to worry about him. Nothing. The strength of character he'd shown to overcome his past impressed me.

  "The round marks on my back? Some asshat my mom was screwing around with—probably her drug dealer or something—put his cigarettes out on me. She was like a revolving door with men. I couldn't tell you how many men she had in and out of my life."

  “No happy memories?”

  “Not really, no. I was thinking about that at the hospital earlier. I think the happiest we ever were was when she had just shot up. At least then she was … content.” He shrugged. “Tell me about your childhood. I’m sure it’s a lot less depressing.”

  Since he asked, I began to share a few funny memories from my childhood. I wanted to lighten the mood. The contrast between our pasts was stark. Where his stories had been dark and heartbreaking, mine painted the picture of a happy home life with devoted parents and loving siblings.

  Thinking back and laughing, I told him of a particular day spent at the beach. "Daddy let Zane and I bury him up to his neck in sand. Karly was mad that she wasn't the one getting buried. So, we ended up digging a hole right next to Daddy and planting her in it. My mom probably still has all the pictures. I'm sure she'd love to show you. It took us longer to unbury them than it did to bury them."

  Sean's tone was wistful. "Sounds like you are really close to your family."

  "One day, maybe you can be a part of that."

  His arms tightened around me and he sighed. Our chatter slowed and we drifted off to sleep in each other's arms.

  Feeling Sean's warm lips on my shoulder as I woke made me smile. I enjoyed an unhurried stretch before turning into his embrace and wrapping my arms around his neck. It was some time before we made it out of bed. He pulled me into the shower with him where we ran out of hot water and had to rinse off in a cold spray, laughing together. I’d never showered with a guy before, but it was an experience I wouldn't mind repeating. Unfortunately, the good mood had to end and funeral arrangements had to be made for his mother.

  25

  Sean

  I picked out a basic casket and opted for only a graveside service for the woman who gave birth to me. The funeral director tried to talk me into more, but I refused to budge from my decision. Tammy Turner had never done much for me and this was all she deserved.

  The simple service was short and sparsely attended. A few scruffy men and two women with stringy unwashed hair stood off to the side talking amongst themselves. I vaguely recognized the women. Other than them, Talia, and the pastor, no one else showed.

  After the service, the women came up to me. "You're one of Tammy's boys, aren't ya? The younger one?"

  "Yes, ma'am, I'm Sean."

  "You look like you've done good for yourself. Imagine seeing one of Tammy's boys in a nice suit," one of them cackled, fluttering her arms in her amusement. She didn't bother hiding the track marks on her arm.

  Once more, I was grateful I'd gotten away from that life. Jess Taylor had done me a favor when she arrested me that night. Someday I might even tell her that.

  "That mean brother of yours was in prison. Guess that's why he ain't here?" the other one asked.

  "Last I heard he was, yes, ma'am," I responded, my voice quiet. I didn't want to talk about my asshole brother. I hadn't had a chance to really tell Talia about my brother or the shit Brian had put me through. I didn't want her to learn about it out here, like this. Some things were meant to be kept private.

  The first one snapped her fingers. "Oh, I remember now. You're the one who got shot! I can't believe you didn't die that day. We all thought you were gonna, ya know? Even Tammy thought you would. She said she'd lost both you and… uh… what was your brother's name again?"

  Talia gasped at my side and grasped my arm tightly. Fuck, I should have warned her. I closed my eyes for a minute and let out a deep sigh. "Brian. His name's Brian."

  I recognized them now. Former neighbors from the projects I'd grown up in, that's who they were. I knew they'd looked familiar. Their names escaped me, but they had been friendly with my mother. Probably had the same dealer.

  "That one never was any good. Always was mean as a damn snake, even as a little one. He used to steal my kid's toys and throw them out in front of cars. He wasn't but six or seven years old then and already tormenting people. Him shooting you takes the cake though. I never seen no one be that happy about hurting someone.” She shook her head. “You clean now? You look clean. This your wife? She's a pretty little thing."

  "Yeah, I'm clean, have been for a while now. She's my girlfriend, we're not married yet."

  Talia squeezed my arm and leaned into me smiling when I said yet. I hoped I didn't scare her off with that comment. Damn it, I should have guarded my words a little more carefully. But at least it took her mind off Brian shooting me.

  When my mother's friends drifted away, I pulled Talia into my arms. "I didn't embarrass you, did I? I sh
ould have told you I've been thinking of us long-term."

  "No, it was nice to hear. A girl always likes to know that her boyfriend wants more than just now. It makes us happy, you know." She smiled as she tiptoed up to give me a kiss.

  I pulled her close and kissed her gently. Scaring her off was the last thing I wanted to do. Talia had never met my mother, yet she stood by my side while I said my final goodbyes. She stayed strong for me when I couldn't be. Her being here today meant more than I'd ever be able to explain.

  Damn, I was falling for her.

  26

  Sean

  A few days later, I pulled up to Talia’s parents' house and walked up to the porch. Damn, it was a beautiful day. Nice breeze, enough cloud cover to keep the sun from scorching. The town couldn't have picked a better day for this festival. Festivals weren't really my thing, but Talia loved them, so I'd go. Anything to bring a smile to her face. I was on the steps when the door opened. Talia came out arguing with her dad.

  Aww, hell, what now?

  Her dad needed to lighten up. Talia was old enough to make her own decisions. The sooner Sam realized that, the better off we'd all be. It was annoying as fuck to have her dad treat her like a little kid with a curfew. It made me feel pervy.

  "I don't want you going out with this guy. If you want to go to the festival that bad, your mom and I will take you. Or hell, see if your sister will go with you."

  Talia squeezed her eyes shut and I could just about see the smoke billowing out of her ears before she rounded on her dad.

  This should be good.

  "I'll go out with whoever I want! I'm an adult, Dad! Keep fussing at me every time I leave the house with him, and maybe, just maybe, I won't live here anymore. Maybe I'll move in with Sean."

  Move in? Fuck.

  I sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly. While I hadn't put much thought into the two of us moving in together, now that she brought it up, it seemed like a damn good idea. I could come home to her all soft and sleepy in my bed every night. Wake up to her sweet face on my pillow each morning. Except I lived in the slums and would be terrified to let her be home alone.

  And, oh boy, her daddy didn't like that idea.

  Sam's face was purple and he advanced on Talia. She stood her ground. I was ready to step in if need be, but they needed to get this out. I wouldn't interrupt unless I had to. Sam didn’t seem the type of man who would physically harm her, at least.

  "You will not live with that man. I've seen that shitty apartment. My daughter will not live there and I refuse to support that sorry son of a bitch. You'll stay here where you belong."

  I bristled at Sam's words, but bit my tongue. Hard. My fists clenched at my sides. Stay out of it, I ordered myself. Stay out of it. But fuck, it pissed me off that Sam thought I needed supporting. I made more than enough money to support myself, and her when the time came. I had money in the bank, no debt. I'd spent years getting my shit together.

  Talia turned toward me and my heart started pounding at the look in her eyes. The smile on her face and the extra sway she put in her walk looked like trouble. When she stopped at the edge of the steps, putting us almost at eye level, I braced myself. I had a damn good feeling what was coming. Talia wrapped her arms around my neck and plastered herself against me. I slipped my arms around her waist.

  She tugged my head down and kissed me. I knew it was just to piss her dad off. But when your girl kisses you, you damn well kiss her back. So, I pulled her close and when she sighed, I deepened the kiss.

  How could I resist?

  Her dad's growling was enough to keep me from snugging her hips to mine, but damn I wanted to. I wanted to do it just to prove a fucking point. But instead I found myself easing back on the kiss. If I wanted long-term with Talia—and I did—then I needed to somehow get her dad to accept me.

  I'd never cared what a girl's family thought of me before. I’d only ever been serious about one girl. Her family had been content that I had a job and my own place, own car. That wasn't good enough for Sam Richmond though. He wanted more for his daughter and I could understand why. Talia was amazing and deserved the world. But she wanted me and I wasn't going to give her a reason to change her mind.

  I slowly pulled away from Talia's kiss. Nuzzling her cheek with my nose, I whispered, "You trying to get me shot again?"

  "Nope." She giggled and tried to capture my lips with her own again.

  "Not in front of your dad." I led her away from her still bitching father, calling over my shoulder, "I'll make sure she gets home safe and sound."

  Sam's glare didn't end. Not when I tucked Talia in to the passenger seat. Not when I walked around to the driver's side. Not even when I backed out of the driveway.

  "Well, that could have gone better."

  "That's an understatement. Uh, about what I said."

  I glanced over to see her cheeks turning that gorgeous shade of embarrassed that I loved. I raised an eyebrow and waited for her to continue.

  "I, uh, I don't want you to think that I expect us to move in together. I was just riling my dad up some. Ya know, pushing his buttons."

  "I know. I figured that out myself." I reached across the console to grab her hand. Pulling it up to my lips, I murmured, "When the time is right, we'll talk about that. No worries."

  The beaming smile she rewarded me with filled me with happiness. I was glad I'd told her we’d talk about it later. Probably sooner than she was thinking at the moment even. I needed to find a better place to live. That had to happen first.

  We arrived at the festival and she slipped her soft little hand into mine. And I would walk across the sun for that small pleasure. I spent twenty dollars throwing baseballs at bowling pins to win her a bear. A bear I could probably get at a store for five. But she wanted it. And winning it for her earned me a hell of a kiss. So, in my book, that was twenty bucks well spent.

  We rode some of the rides at the carnival and she clung to my arm, squealing so much that I wondered if she would actually die on a real roller coaster. I didn't mind her clinging to me though. Not one bit. Not when it smashed her pert breasts into my bicep. Maybe festivals weren't so bad after all.

  The sun was setting when we walked back to the car. I had several bags of what-nots she'd purchased from the vendors. Jewelry, some souvenirs for her family, even a T-shirt. The bear I'd won her was crammed under one arm while she snuggled in under the other. Damn, it had been a good day.

  I chucked our purchases in the trunk and helped her into the car. As I went to get in, I noticed a flyer or some shit under the wiper blade. I snatched it off to see that it was a photo of me and Talia. Someone had taken a picture of us dancing at Garden. I sank into the car reading the note on the back.

  She didn't get the point. Maybe you're smarter. Doubt it.

  The longer you fuck her, the longer I will have to spend

  erasing the feel of your touch from her shivering, naked body.

  End it now, and I may let her live.

  What the fuck? I glanced over at Talia and all the color had drained from her face. Her hand covered her mouth and she was shaking her head no. When the tears fell from her eyes, I leaned over and held her as best I could inside the car.

  "I thought he'd given up. I hadn't gotten a new note in weeks."

  "New note? How many of these have you got? You never said anything." Someone had been threatening her because of me? I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. If I got my hands on whoever had dared to scare her like this…

  "This is the third. This is why my dad insisted on the self-defense class. We should probably call Jess and tell her there was another note."

  "Do you have her number?"

  She nodded and pulled out her phone. She called Jess and left her a message about it. I laid the picture on the dashboard. Had I known what it was, I wouldn't have touched it. I'd probably ruined any fingerprints that were on it by touching it like I had.

  "Who's their prime suspect?"

  "
I thought it was Caleb. But he denied it in a way that made sense. He's never been the note-writing type. He didn't even really text. He said he was more of the action type."

  "I don't trust a word coming out of that asshat's mouth though. Do you?"

  "Not really, no. He's lied to me before."

  Of course he'd lied before; he's a stupid abusive bastard. "Maybe I need to have a talk with the little fucker. Show him what it's like to be scared."

  Talia grabbed my arm and cried, "No, please. I don't want you to end up in jail over Caleb. He's not worth it!"

  The panic on her face got me to back down. For now. I pulled her close and held her until her heart rate slowed. Jess called while we were driving back to her parents' and agreed to meet us there. When we arrived, she put the picture into an evidence bag.

  "So that we're clear, my fingerprints are going to be all over it." It was probably overkill to explain something that simple. Considering it was found on my car and all. But with my past, it was hard to be too careful when it came to cops.

  "Oh, I know, honey. I made a note of that in my report here." Jess patted me on the shoulder to reassure me.

  That did not reassure me. Cops touching me voluntarily was too fucking weird.

  Sam blamed me, of course. He stomped up, his hands fisted as his side. "If you'd never showed interest in her, none of this would have started. She'd be safer if you would just walk away."

  I took a deep breath. If I was to have any sort of future with Talia, I couldn't swing back if the older man took a shot. Just couldn’t knock my future father-in-law on his ass. That wouldn’t be cool.

  Jess came between us and put a hand on each of our chests. Sam swatted her hand down and moved to come around her.

  I was going to have to be the bigger man today. "Sir, I think we can agree we both want Talia safe. Tonight was the first I'd even heard of these notes. I want to get to the bottom of them as much as you do."