by Elle Wright
We stayed in my truck for quite some time, until Dallas had a craving for ice cream. On the way home, I stopped off at the Cold Stone Creamery inside the Greektown Casino and bought her favorite concoction.
I wrapped my arm around Dallas. “Who eats peanut butter cookie dough ice cream?”
“You—” she held her spoon up to my mouth, “—once you try this. You’ll thank me later.”
I sampled the cold treat and was pleasantly surprised. I groaned. “That is good.”
“Told you,” she chirped. “Should’ve got you one.”
“I’ll just eat yours.”
Dallas cracked up. “That’s what you think.”
A scream drew my attention to a crowd gathering around a lady who’d apparently passed out on the ground in front of the casino.
“I hope that woman is okay,” Dallas said. “Maybe we should call someone.”
“Maybe,” I murmured, pulling out my phone to make that call. But as we neared the group, my heart sank. Because the woman was my mother.
“Shit,” I grumbled, taking off toward my mom. “Call 911.”
Chapter Thirteen
I Don’t Wanna
Preston
The DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital was crowded, with patients lying on beds in the hallway and a slew of people in the waiting room. Fortunately, my mother’s arrival by ambulance and her precarious condition had enabled her to be moved to a private room within the emergency department.
It had been a few hours, and she’d been in and out of consciousness. I stared at her sleeping form, so small in the bed. The thought that our prior interaction could’ve been our last made me sick to my stomach. But that could’ve very well been the case. If I hadn’t been there, if I hadn’t acted so fast, she could’ve… Knowing that my mother could potentially kill herself with her addiction was one thing, but actually giving her CPR in front of the casino was something else entirely.
Everything had unfolded in slow motion. The crowd, the flashes of cell phones recording the scene, Dallas talking to the dispatcher. Even in the midst of the chaos, her voice had centered me, cleared my mind enough to do what was necessary. So far, the doctors had pumped Mom’s stomach and started an IV drip. The years of binge drinking had taken its toll on my mother’s body. End-stage liver disease and acute pancreatitis. The diagnosis should’ve been a wakeup call when she’d received it a couple of months ago, unbeknownst to me. But she’d continued to drink, continued to do everything she shouldn’t. And now she could die.
“Preston?” My mother’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
I stood and walked over to the bed. “Ma.”
Tears filled her eyes. “You came.”
“I just happened to be there at the casino tonight.” I’d told myself to stay calm when she woke up, but my anger wouldn’t let me. “Good thing I was, because you could be dead if I wasn’t.” My voice cracked and I could feel my own tears burning my throat. But I continued, “If you’re not going to care about yourself, maybe you could try to care about me. For once.”
My mom closed her eyes. “I do care about you.”
“Prove it. Get yourself together. Stop burying yourself in that bottle.”
“He broke me,” she whispered.
I frowned. “What are you talking about? Who is he? And what does he have to do with this?”
“Your father.” She met my gaze then. “Your real father, Parker.”
I stepped back. “I don’t want to talk about this. I already know the truth. I had a DNA test and I’ve met his kids, my siblings. No thanks to you.”
“You have every right to be angry with me.” She tried to grab my hand, but I moved out of her reach. “I haven’t been the best mother to you.”
My heart pounded in my chest. “I can’t get into this with you right now.”
She sobbed. “I have to say this, Preston. In case I don’t make it.”
“Don’t say that,” I ordered. “You can live if you want to.”
“I’m not strong enough.”
The first tear fell from my eyes. Because I knew she was right. She wasn’t strong at all. She’d never been strong. “Mom.”
“Listen to me. It was never your fault. It’s just that every time I look at you, I see him. And I’m reminded of the man who promised me he loved me and never did. I’m reminded of the man who used me, then left without even saying goodbye. I’m reminded of the man who treated me as cold as the ground you’re standing on.” She sniffed.
“Here.” I handed her a Kleenex.
“In spite of my behavior, you’ve exceeded all of my expectations. I’m so proud of you and the way you’ve risen above everything that life has given you, that I’ve given you.” This time when she reached out for me, I held her hand. “I’m sorry.”
I leaned down and kissed her brow. Because no matter what she’d done, I still couldn’t turn my back on her. “You can show me you’re sorry by getting treatment.”
“I’ll try. One of these days, I’ll get this mother thing right.”
“Hopefully before I turn fifty.”
She shot me a wobbly smile. “Maybe?”
I sat there with her for a few more minutes. Once she’d fallen asleep for the night, I walked out to the lobby. I picked up the phone to call Dallas when I heard her voice.
“Preston?”
I turned around. Dallas was standing there with a cup of coffee in her hand. “You’re still here?” Once we’d made it to the hospital, I’d told her to take my truck home and I’d figure out the rest later. But the fact that she’d stayed… “You didn’t have to wait for me.”
She stepped closer to me. “I wouldn’t leave you.”
I pulled her into my arms and held her. “Thank you.” I kissed her head. “Thanks for staying.”
“How’s your mother?”
“She’s resting now. I’ll come back in the morning.”
Dallas pulled away and grabbed my hand. “Okay. Let me take you home, then.”
The drive home was quiet but peaceful. Dallas had driven my truck like it was her car and I was grateful she hadn’t hit all the potholes on the Detroit streets. When we made it to my house, she started the shower.
Stepping in front of me, she unbuttoned my shirt and removed it. Next, she unzipped my jeans and pushed them and my underwear down. She kissed my chest, over my heart. “Let me take care of you tonight,” she whispered.
I tugged her shirt up and off. “Only if you join me.”
The corner of her mouth quirked up. “That can be arranged. Give me a second, okay?”
I stepped into the shower and waited. I heard the shower door open a moment later. Then, I felt her behind me. She smoothed her hand over my back before she kissed my spine. She washed me then, pampering me with her skilled hands and her kisses. She took her time on my back, my ass, and my legs, and worked her way around to my chest, my stomach, and my dick.
When her hand wrapped around my growing erection, I kissed her, holding her to me as if she were the key to my survival. And in that moment, she was. I needed her like I’d never needed anyone or anything else. Her mouth, her body, her mind, her heart… Just her. I was lost in a haze of desire for her. Only for her.
Nothing was like it had been. Nothing would ever be the same for me. Now that I’d had her, I would always want her. I pinned her against the tile. “Dallas,” I murmured against her skin.
“Preston,” she breathed.
“I need this,” I confessed under the spray of the water. “I need you.” I kissed her chin, nipping her skin before kissing her again and sucking her bottom lip into my mouth. Dallas’ soft pleas made me yearn to give her everything, to give her all of me. Forever. I pressed my dick against her. “Is this how you want it?”
Her beautiful brown eyes popped open. “No. Not here.”
Without another word, she turned the water off and led me out of the shower into my bedroom. My body was burning with desire by the time she was finished dr
ying me off. I reached for her to pull her closer, but she pushed me onto the mattress and climbed on top of me.
She caressed my face and brushed her mouth over mine, just as she lowered herself onto my dick. I thrust into her hard, loving the way we fit together, the way we moved together. It had always felt right, like this was the way it was supposed to be between us. Never mind the ruse, the deal, the circumstances. There was only this, only us.
Dallas gripped my short hair with her hands as she rode me, setting a pace of intense, but slow, movements that made me crazy with need. Every kiss, every touch stole something from me I knew I’d never get back. But I couldn’t stop if I wanted to. I never want to.
It didn’t take long for her to come, whispering my name as she trembled against me. And I was right behind her, letting out a low, long growl as I followed her over. I held her for a few moments, not wanting to let go of this moment—or of her.
Eventually, she lifted her head, her eyes glazed over and her lips swollen from my kisses. She smirked. “Maybe your nickname should be Damn, Preston?”
I laughed and fell back on the bed. “I think I like that.”
She ran her fingers through my hair and nipped my chin. “I do too.”
I rolled her over and peered down at her. “Be very careful, Dallas. I might not want to let you go.” Too late. I’m in love with her.
Dallas searched my eyes. “Well, good thing you don’t have to tonight?” She brushed her mouth over mine.
Soon, we were making love again. But in the back of my mind, her words replayed in my head. I didn’t have to let go tonight, but would I have to tomorrow? Or some other time in the near future? Dallas might’ve meant the words as a joke, but they’d cemented that there was indeed a time limit to this arrangement. And when it was over, when she walked away… She would destroy me.
Dallas
“Got a minute?”
I glanced up from my laptop and smiled. “What brings you this way?”
Tristan walked into my office. “Just thought I’d come by and make your day.” He set a manila envelope on my desk. “Some good reading.”
I picked up the envelope. “What is it?”
He took a seat across from me. “Open it.”
I did as I was told and pulled the contents out. The photographs were unmistakable. Pictures of Kimball embracing a random woman who wasn’t Yasmin, snapped in some sort of beach resort. They’d been captured kissing behind a palm tree, draped over each other on a small yacht.
“Can you say busted?” I murmured.
“Exactly. I sent the pics to Skye, and she’s handling it. I expect a live stream from Keshia T by tomorrow evening.”
I smiled. “This is great, Tristan. Thank you.”
“Hopefully, the paps will leave you alone.”
I stuffed the pics back into the envelope. “Actually, I think they were already losing interest in me. Especially since I’ve been hanging out with Preston. He’s not a celebrity, so I don’t think they care much anymore. This will help, though.”
“Definitely.” He leaned back in his seat. “I also wanted to tell you I’m leaving town.”
“Didn’t you just get back?” Tristan had been missing in action since his birthday. My mother had been beside herself with worry.
He let out a heavy sigh. “I was still in town. One of my friends took those pictures for a small fee.”
“Aside from the fact that we’re supposed to leave for our family trip tomorrow, I really wish you’d consider staying, Tristan. It would definitely help repair some relationships.” Duke hadn’t mentioned the fight since that night, but I knew he was still bothered by it, because he hadn’t even asked about Tristan when he’d called. “I don’t like this distance between us.”
“Not all siblings have good relationships. You know that. Look at Mom and Dad. They intentionally keep their families at arm’s length.”
“Because there’s a lot of bad blood.”
He shrugged. “Same here.”
“For no reason,” I argued. “At some point, a talk needs to take place if there’s going to be healing.”
Tristan stood and walked to the window. Staring out at the street, he said, “Some things will never be the same again.”
His words struck a chord with me, because I felt that way about my relationship with Preston. Somewhere along the line, my fake boyfriend had turned into my real man. Or at least the man I wanted to be with night and day. One night, One fuck had become too many nights and counting. And I didn’t want it to stop.
“I want everything to be different, Dallas,” Tristan continued, oblivious to my inner turmoil. “I enjoyed being around for the summer, playing softball and hanging out with the family. But if not being here makes it easier on everyone, I should just go.”
I walked over to him and rested my head on his shoulder. “Things are not better with you gone. You can’t believe that.”
“You sure about that?” He lifted a questioning brow. “You don’t call me Fun Killer for no reason.”
I shrugged. “Everyone has a nickname.”
“True, D.D.” He wrapped his arm around me. “I love you.”
Tristan wasn’t the type to say those words. I could count on one hand the number of times he’d said it to me. Hearing it today made my heart swell. “Love you too.” I hooked my arm in his. “Please reconsider. Mom and Dad will be devastated if you’re not on that plane tonight.”
He peered up at the ceiling. “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Is it Demi?”
He shot me a sidelong glance. “Partly,” he admitted. “I don’t want to cause her any more pain.”
The two of them had skirted around each other for over a decade, and it was high time they aired everything out. “Did you ever stop to think your leaving has caused her pain? You can’t just tell someone how you feel and bust up.”
“You’re right. I should’ve never said anything.”
“That’s not the answer either.”
He narrowed his eyes on me. “Does this mean you’ve told Preston how you really feel about him?”
I blinked. Backing away, I said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Preston and I have an understanding.” And I understood I’d fucked that up royally the moment I’d fucked him again. And again. And again.
“That’s good, sis. But it’s also bullshit. I’ve seen you two together. I’ve seen the way he looks at you and how you look at him. If my instincts are correct, I would say he’s not just your fake boyfriend.”
“Too bad I don’t listen to you.”
He laughed and pointed at me. “Ah, you got me.”
I closed my laptop and put the envelope in my bag. “I wish I could stay and kick it with you longer, but I have a lunch date.”
“Conveniently.”
Giggling, I said, “Seriously, I’m meeting Maya.”
Tristan grinned. “Give her my love.” He headed to the door. “And I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Tomorrow,” I commanded. “I need to see you on that plane, Tristan.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Think hard,” I shouted as he walked out.
A little later, I joined Maya at her favorite restaurant. “Hello.” I kissed her on her cheek. “You always beat me.”
“My morning meeting ended early.” She waved the waitress over, and I placed my drink order. Once the server left, she leaned forward. “I have good news.”
I smiled. “Today must be the day for that.”
“How so?” she asked.
I showed Maya the pictures Tristan had brought me. “I’m thinking my stint as fodder for the gossip mags might be over soon.”
She scowled as she studied the images. “He’s such a dirtbag. But good riddance.”
“Yeah. He’s definitely not my best moment.”
Maya peered at me. “I’d say you hit the lottery with Preston.”
“You know the deal on that.”
&
nbsp; “I also know what I’ve seen.”
The waitress brought my drink over. I took a sip. “It was an act,” I lied. “Your idea, remember?”
“Oh, I do. But I’ve been around you two for a while now. I don’t think you should disregard the chemistry you obviously have with him.”
My mentor was observant. She’d seen what Preston and I couldn’t hide even though we’d tried. And since it was futile to argue that point, I changed the subject. “So what’s the good news?”
“Don’t think we won’t circle back around to this,” she warned. “But the board has made their decision. They love you and they think you’ll be an asset to the organization as a full member. They’re willing to throw their support behind you in a future campaign for prosecuting attorney.”
“Wow.” I thought I would feel happier than I did in that moment, because I’d worked for this. “That’s great.” I tried to sound excited, but I failed spectacularly.
“Dallas? Sweetie, what’s going on?”
“Nothing,” I lied. “I’m ecstatic.”
“But…?”
In the last hour and a half, I’d received good news from my brother and my mentor. And all I could think about was Preston. I’d been essentially vindicated with that Kimball scandal and accepted by Color of Law, but the victory felt hollow. But I couldn’t tell Maya that. Could I? “Nothing,” I repeated, forcing a smile. “I’m so thankful to you for your counsel, your friendship. This is a huge honor. I won’t let you down.” I meant that with everything in me, and I would jump in with both feet to succeed.
Maya tilted her head, studying me with wise eyes. “I’ve known you since you were a little girl. I can tell when something’s wrong, no matter how hard you try to hide it.”
I scratched the back of my neck. “Just a lot going on.”
“Well, now you have two less things on your plate. You can go back to normal.” She eyed me over the rim of her glass. “That’s what you wanted, right?”
“Right.” What if that’s not what I want?
Everything seemed to be happening too fast. Last week, I’d spilled my guts to Preston in the bed of his truck, and now I was evaluating my future with him. Or without him. The only thing I knew for sure was it wouldn’t be easy to go back to being sorta friends with him. Despite what I’d told myself, he’d become more than the ruse, more than my fake boyfriend. The perception of a relationship had become my reality. And I didn’t know what the hell to do about it.
