“Just like that huh?” I laugh.
“Just like that.”
“Now what are you really doing here? I know you didn’t come all this way just to hang up on my ex-boyfriend.” I take a step back, retrieving my bag from the ground.
“I came down with Gavin. His mom is having her monthly Tuesday night spaghetti dinner. Thought I’d see how you felt about Italian.”
“Are you inviting me to Gavin’s parents’ house?” I cock my head to the side.
“I am.” His smile deepens. “It’s a tradition at the Porter household, and you’d be doing me a huge favor by saving me from the likes of his cousin Tracy.”
“Tracy huh?” I raise my eyebrow, throwing him a curious look.
“She grew up with me and Gavin. I think she’s still convinced I am going to marry her one day.” He lets out a light laugh.
“Who knows, maybe you will,” I tease, nudging him playfully.
“What do say? Save me for an evening?” He hits me with the most pathetic sad face he can muster.
“Now how can I say no to that face?” I laugh. “I have to head back to my room first and change,” I say, assuming it’s a pretty casual affair considering he’s sporting his usual faded jeans, a fitted black t-shirt, and leather jacket.
“Come on, I’ll give you a ride.” He takes my hand and pulls me in the direction of his bike which I now see is parked directly across the street from the diner.
I must have walked right past him and not even realized it, too busy dealing with Garrett to really pay attention to anything else going on around me.
****
“So this is where you live?” Decklan follows me inside of my empty dorm room, closing the door behind him.
“It’s not much but it’s home,” I say, looking around the small square space that is packed with two beds, a desk, and more clothes and shoes scattered around the room than two people could ever possibly need.
“Harlee,” I explain, pointing to the mess of clothing. “She’s in class right now.”
“No inspiration?” Decklan doesn’t acknowledge my comment, immediately honing in on the easel and blank canvas sitting in the corner of the room.
“It’s my final project for the semester. I’m supposed to paint a self-portrait.” I shrug, stepping up next to him. “Or rather a portrait of how I view myself. I’m just not quite sure there’s anything there to paint.” I don’t realize the statement until it's already left my mouth.
“What do you mean?” He turns curious eyes on me.
“I don’t know.” I briefly meet his gaze before turning back to the canvas. “Sometimes I’m just not sure who I am: the girl I want to be or the person my parents’ made me.”
Grabbing my chin, he turns my face towards him, his gray eyes burning into mine.
“I think you know exactly who you are. You’re just afraid to let her out.” He pulls my body flush with his, dropping a deep kiss to my mouth.
“Beauty.” His lips trail down my jawline, dropping to my neck as he pushes my jacket from my shoulders. “Strength.” He tugs the hem of my shirt upward and discards it to the floor before reaching around and unclasping my bra. “Sex.” He hisses against my mouth as he pops open the button of my jeans.
“You just have to let yourself see the person I see.” He lifts me up, almost immediately depositing me on top of my bed.
I lift up slightly to allow him to peel my jeans and panties away, leaving me completely bare in front of him.
“I’m not sure that person exists.”
“Oh, she’s in there.” He lets out a controlled exhale, dropping his lips to my stomach. “And she’s fucking driving me insane.” He growls, trailing kisses downward until his face settles between my legs and he nips at my sensitive flesh.
“All I want to do is taste her.” He flicks his tongue against my clit causing me to jump slightly. “Feel her quiver beneath me.” He flicks again, this time with more force causing a deep moan to escape my throat.
“Fuck, Kimber.” His breath is hot on my skin as he continues his slow assault, torturing me with each flicker of his tongue. “That’s it, baby.” He breathes, applying more pressure as his movements become more purposeful, pulling my body to a height of pleasure it’s never before experienced.
I’ve never done anything like this. While it leaves me so completely exposed and vulnerable, Decklan has a way of making me feel confident and sexy. It allows me to explore the sensation of pleasure coursing through me without judgment.
“Decklan.” I arch my back and cry out as an orgasm hits me out of nowhere, building deep within me until I feel like my body is about to split apart beneath his skilled tongue.
He slows his movements, not stopping until he is sure he has pulled every last bit of pleasure from me that he can; my body literally trembling beneath him.
Standing, he grabs my legs and twists, flipping me to my stomach with next to no effort. Securing his hands at the base of my knees he tugs me downward until my feet are on the floor, my backside perched upward.
I hear the rustle of fabric and the rip of the condom wrapper before his massive erection settles against me from behind. Sliding the tip up and down, making sure I’m ready for him. When he finally enters me on a deep thrust, I cry out, my voice muffled against the blanket beneath me.
Gripping it tightly against my face, I let out another deep moan when he rears back and thrusts inside of me again. He goes so deep I swear I can feel him everywhere. His fingers tighten around my hips as he works up a steady rhythm, pumping in and out of me so forcefully that I can feel the mattress sliding against the frame beneath me.
“You better be ready for me, baby.” He groans behind me, his movements becoming less controlled with each moment that passes. “Fuck you feel so good.”
The slow build that has been working its way back in with each thrust suddenly boils to the surface, the sound of him behind me making it impossible to hold it in any longer. I bunch the blanket tightly in my fingers and scream into the fabric, my entire body going rigid as my second orgasm waves over me with so much intensity I can barely control the quiver running through my body.
“Fuuuuck.” I hear Decklan groan behind me as he lets go of his release as well, slamming into me so frantically I know his must be just as intense.
Several long moments pass before he finally slows to a stop and pulls out, pulling me up into his arms. Dropping his face into the crook of my neck, he kisses my flesh, his arms wrapping tightly around my torso.
“What are you doing to me?” He breathes into my hair.
“I could ask you the same question,” I get out weakly, turning in his embrace.
“We should go.” He lays a gentle kiss to my lips. “Gavin hates when I leave him alone with his family for too long.” He laughs lightly.
“Or we could stay.” I take a step backward towards the bed, pulling him along with me.
“You’re insatiable.” He grins, taking another step with me.
“I mean, we can just leave then.” I tease, sliding onto the mattress, putting my entire body on display for him.
“Maybe we have a little more time.” He gives me a wicked smile, his eyes holding so much promise. I can already feel my body tightening from the anticipation of what I know is to come.
Chapter Twelve
Decklan
“You’re late.” Gavin opens the door and hits me a stern look. A look that completely disappears when he realizes I’m not alone.
“Well hello, Kimber.” He gives her a wide smile, opening the door further to allow us both to pass through.
“Is that Decklan?” I hear Rosie, Gavin’s mom, before her petite frame pops around the corner, hitting me with a wide smile. “There he is.” She crosses the space towards me, wrapping her arms around my waist.
“How’s it going, Rosie?” I ask when she finally releases me and steps back to give me the once over.
“Oh you know, trying to keep all these hooligans under control.” She
sighs, pushing her auburn hair away from her face. “Who’s this?” She turns wide eyes on Kimber when she finally registers her semi-hiding behind me.
“Rosie, this is Kimber. Kimber, this is Rosie, Gavin’s mom.”
“Oh dear, I’m practically mother to all the strays in this neighborhood.” She hits me a playful wink before turning her attention back to Kimber.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Rosie.” Kimber steps forward to take Rosie’s extended hand. “I hope I’m not imposing.”
“Good heavens, girl, of course not; the more the merrier. That’s how we operate around here, isn’t that right boys?” She flashes her gaze between me and Gavin. “Besides, it will be nice to have another lady here tonight. Save me from all the testosterone floating around.”
Kimber and Rosie laugh in unison, and I can visibly see Kimber relax next to me. She never said it on the way over but I got the impression she was very nervous about coming here tonight. I knew she’d be fine as soon as she met Rosie.
Everyone loves Rosie. She was like a second mother to all of Gavin’s friends growing up, including me. Had she not let me stay here my senior year of high school, it’s likely I would never have graduated and who knows where I would be now. I am one hundred percent aware that I owe her more than I will ever be able to repay her.
“Well come on you lot, dinner is almost ready,” she says before turning her attention to Kimber once more. “You can come with me, let these boys do what boys do.” She laughs.
Kimber gives me a small smile and then follows Rosie down the hall towards the kitchen, disappearing from view within seconds.
“What the fuck?” Gavin turns to me the moment we’re alone.
“What?”
“You brought her here?” He takes a hard look at my face, clearly trying to place what the hell is going on with me.
“It’s just dinner. Besides, I thought it might be nice to have something appealing to look at instead of your ugly ass.” I bump my shoulder roughly into his as I head into the living room to my right, tossing my jacket down on the back of the couch.
“Ha. Ha.” He crosses his arms in front of his chest, leaning into the wide arc doorway. “You must really like this girl,” he observes, his smile spreading.
“Don’t do that,” I warn.
“Do what?” He fakes innocence.
“Don’t make this something it’s not. It’s not a big deal.” I collapse down onto the couch.
“Uh huh.” Gavin’s smile seems permanently attached to his fucking face, and for some reason, it kind of pisses me off. “I don’t know why you’re so hell bent on putting on a show, Deck. We may not be blood, but we are brothers. You don’t have to front where I’m concerned.”
“I’m not.” Even as the words come out I know they’re bullshit, but I say them anyway.
Truth is, I’m not ready to let this be more than it is. Kimber’s a phase. For whatever reason, I need her right now. Right now, not forever. I’ll bore of her soon enough and then finally be able to shake the hold she seems to have on me.
“Say whatever makes you sleep better at night, dude, but I fucking know you. Whether you want to admit it or not, that girl is changing you. And for the record—” He cuts me off when I start to interject, “—I think that’s a good thing.”
I open my mouth to respond but then immediately close it when Rosie’s voice filters through the house.
“Dinner’s ready.” She hollers down the hall before yelling up the stairs as well.
Pushing into a stand, I throw one more warning glare at Gavin, making sure he knows that if he tries any bullshit tonight I won’t hesitate to take his ass out, before heading towards the dining room.
****
Kimber
It’s so refreshing to see Decklan like this, relaxed and more at ease than I’ve seen him before. It’s clear by the interactions happening around the Porter dinner table, Decklan is very much a part of this family, and I get the impression that is something that means a great deal to him.
I hide my smile behind my napkin when I look up to see Tracy, Gavin’s teenage cousin, sitting across from Decklan, her elbow resting on the table, her cheek propped up on her fist as she gazes dreamily in his direction.
He clearly notices, throwing me a playful side glance when he sees I notice as well. It’s innocent, and honestly, I can’t say I blame her. I would probably be doing the same thing if I were her. Decklan is beyond gorgeous. Any girl would have to be blind not to be physically drawn to him.
“So, Kimber, what is it that you do, hon?” Rosie cuts into my thoughts, pulling my attention to her.
“I’m actually a freshman at the University of Oregon.” I smile politely, trying not to show just how much I hate being put on the spot.
It’s bad enough that Decklan’s eyes are on me, but to have Gavin, his mother, two cousins, two uncles, sister and brother-in-law all staring at me makes me feel squeamish. I have to consciously make sure I don’t fidget under their gazes.
“My niece Cecelia studies there, something to do with the brain.” Rosie laughs when she clearly blanks on what it’s called.
“Psychology, Mom.” Gavin shakes his head on a laugh.
“That’s it, Psychology. What do you study there, dear?”
“Art,” I answer, waiting for the familiar looks of disapproval I am used to seeing when I tell someone I am majoring in something so impractical.
To my surprise, not one person looks at me like that.
“That’s wonderful. Mr. Porter always loved the Arts. God bless his soul. He took me to this old ratty gallery for our first date. I didn’t know anything about art at the time. Listening to him talk about it was like listening to someone speak a foreign language, but oh how I loved to watch the excitement on his face as he tried to explain it to me. I think I fell in love with him that very first night.” She smiles fondly at the memory. “Do you know what you want to do after you graduate?”
“I’d actually like to own an Art Gallery,” I admit. “As much as I love to paint, I appreciate others work far beyond my own. I can’t imagine doing anything more rewarding than helping launch careers of new artists and making sure the world has the opportunity to view their work.”
“I think that sounds incredible. Mr. Porter would have really liked you.” She turns her attention to Decklan. “She’s a special one. Don’t you go mucking it up.” I can’t help the smile that takes over my face when Decklan laughs and nods at Rosie.
The conversation continues to flow throughout dinner but thankfully stays off of me for the most part; besides the occasional question about West Virginia or my parents’, which I manage to brush over seamlessly.
By the time Rosie excuses herself to the kitchen to get dessert, I feel more comfortable than I ever remember feeling at my parents’ dinner table. It’s clear how loving and supportive this family is, and I can’t help but feel envious of Gavin in that regard. He’s extremely lucky.
“Thank you for inviting me.” I turn my attention to Decklan for the first time in a while.
He gives me a stiff nod but doesn’t speak. I can immediately tell something’s off. Beads of sweat have formed across his forehead, and his skin is extremely flushed. He takes a deep inhale and lets it out slowly, a small tremor running through him.
“Decklan, are you okay?” I ask, resting my hand on his shoulder which he immediately shakes off.
“I’m fine.” He abruptly pushes away from the table, his unexpected action causing me to jump slightly.
Crossing through the dining room, he disappears down the hall before I can really even process what’s happening. Just moments later I hear the front door open and close. Not sure if I should follow him or just stay put, I sit conflicted for several long seconds before finally deciding to check on him.
Just as I push my chair back to stand, Gavin halts my movements.
“Don’t,” he says, pulling my gaze to him. “He’ll be fine.” His voice is hushed and barely
audible over the other various conversations floating around the room. “He just needs a minute.”
“What’s wrong with him?” I lean forward, trying to keep my voice down.
“It’s just a headache, you know from the accident,” he says, my stomach twisting slightly at his words.
“What accident?” I ask, obviously having never heard this before.
“Nothing, forget about it.” He tries to play if off like it’s not a big deal, but I can see right through his failed attempt.
“What accident, Gavin?” I try again but am cut off when Rosie reappears carrying a large glass dish, a perfect looking double layered chocolate cake displayed on top.
“Alright, here it is,” she sings, setting it in the center of the table.
As much as I don’t want to appear rude, I can’t just sit here and eat cake knowing that Decklan is outside in pain. Despite Gavin’s advice to leave him be, I politely excuse myself from the table, feeling Gavin’s eyes follow me as I cross the room.
I push my way outside moments later, the cool evening air feeling perfect on my heated skin. It takes only seconds to locate Decklan, sitting on the bottom step slumped over, his head dropped to his knees.
“Decklan?” I say his name hesitantly, watching his body go stiff the moment my voice reaches his ears.
“Go back inside, Kimber.” His voice is pained.
“Are you okay?” I ask, ignoring his request.
“I said go the fuck back inside, Kimber,” he growls, his hands going into his hair as he straightens his posture.
I hesitate for a moment before disregarding his statement.
“No,” I insist, my tone absolute.
Climbing to the bottom of the three-step stone staircase, I step directly in front of Decklan and crouch down to his level.
“Not until you tell what I can do to help you,” I say, putting my hand under his chin to force his face upwards.
“There’s nothing you can fucking do.” I suck in a ragged breath when his glossed over gray eyes find mine, the pain behind them so evident. “Fuck.” He drops his head slightly, clearly fighting through the pain.
Not sure what else to do, I drop my knees onto the concrete landing and wrap my arms around his neck, securing him against me. I know it does nothing for the pain he’s clearly feeling, but I’m just trying to bring him even the smallest bit of comfort. He doesn’t return my embrace, but he doesn’t reject it either. Instead, he simply rocks in my arms as I gently trail my fingertips across the back of his neck and across his shoulders.
Crazy Stupid Love (Crazy Love #1) Page 10
