What Tears Us Down: A Single Dad Standalone Romance (Arrow Creek Book 3)

by A. M. Wilson

  “Hurry up, Rosie. I’m feeling rather impatient to see what you’re doing.”

  The image clears of wild movement and comes into focus. She’s propped or holding the phone to aim straight between those beautiful thighs. One knee is cocked, and her foot rests on the seat. The other falls open as wide as it can go in the confines of her front seat. Fabric of yet another skirt drapes across the tops of her knees, and her dainty hand runs slowly along her slit.

  “Fucking beautiful,” I groan and stroke myself faster. The lips of her pussy are dusky red and glistening. Her fingers trail from circling her clit to plunging two inside her tight walls.

  “Are you away from people?”

  “I’m in our usual spot,” she replies breathily, a little muffled due to the distance from the speaker.

  My chair squeaks as I sink deeper. “I need to hear you. Don’t be shy.”

  “I wish you were touching me. I’m imagining your fingers are inside me again.”

  “Put another in for me, Rosie. Stretch yourself with three. Prepare to take my cock.”

  She releases an erotic moan as she does as directed. “It’s tight,” she gasps. Her increasing pants tell me she’s close.

  “You can take me,” I instruct. “Push them deeper. Fuck yourself faster. I need you to come for me.”

  “Oh, Rhett,” she cries my name on a gulp of air as she does as I ask.

  “I can hear how wet you are.” I jerk myself faster. The sounds of her sodden cunt drive me toward the brink. “I need to be there so I can drink every drop.”

  “I need your mouth.”

  Fuck, I’m so close. “I need your mouth too, Rosie. Those pink lips stretched wide over my cock as I fuck the back of your throat.”

  She whimpers.

  “Say my name, Rosie.”

  She pumps her fingers faster, harder as a keening cry starts.

  “Say my fucking name when you come.”

  “Please, baby.”

  “Say it!”

  “Rhett!” she cries. Her fingers plunge deep as her hips twitch and gyrate. At the sound of my name falling from her sweet lips, the first rope of come shoots from my dick and coats the top of my fist. I keep my eyes glued to the screen and her glistening fingers shoved deep as several throbs jet more from me.

  “Show me yours,” I demand to see my prize. What she did to herself with thoughts of me in her mind.

  She pulls her fingers out with a hitched sigh and presents them to the screen. The digits nearly shimmer with the evidence of her arousal.

  “Your turn,” she murmurs.

  I hold out my messy fist covered in the erotic evidence of my orgasm.

  “Next time is down your throat followed immediately by filling your cunt.”

  A shuffling jerks the camera screen from her side. I use the distraction to snag a few tissues from the box on my desk. I’ll never be able to blow my nose again at work without remembering this experience.

  Her gorgeous face fills the view. She bites her lip. “Is that a promise?”

  I gaze down at her, hoping she doesn’t miss the dark assurance. “Tonight.”

  “As much as I want this to happen, which is a hell of a lot if you can’t tell, I think I deserve more than a quickie in the back of your Jeep for the first time.” She looks away and bites the inside of her cheek as if suddenly embarrassed. She has fuck-all to be embarrassed about after that fucking sexy display of confidence and trust.

  “Give me your attention, Rosie.”

  I wait until she returns her eyes to the screen. She still appears uncomfortable as if she divulged too much, and dammit, I want to wipe that look off her face.

  “First off, I absolutely intend to fuck you in the back of my Jeep someday. Second, I agree that the first time I sink inside you won’t be in the back seat or at a fucking truck stop. Tonight, we’re getting a room at the Arrow’s Inn Hotel, and I’m taking you properly in a bed.”

  “I can’t afford a hotel room yet.”

  I know how much she hates handouts, so I gentle my voice. “I can afford an extra night. I have my son this weekend so I’ll book tonight, and you can leave before his mom drops him off tomorrow.”

  “What about Ghost?”

  “Bring her. I’ve seen signs that the hotel is dog-friendly. She can have the extra bed since we won’t be using it.”

  Her brows remain fixed in thought.

  “If you want this, say yes,” I damn near beg. “There aren’t any strings attached.”

  “Okay.”

  “Good girl.” I trap my lower lip between my teeth before releasing it and giving her a smirk. “Now I have to go if I want to get these reports finished. I’ll text you when I’m close to the hotel.”

  She nods. “Should I bring anything?”

  “Just you.”

  “I meant dinner or drinks.” An eye roll accompanies her words.

  I swipe a hand across my mouth to hide another grin. “I know. If we need food, I can order in. Though I don’t expect a lot of time for eating unless it comes served between your legs.”

  She squeals. “I’m letting you go, you dirty man.”

  “See you in a few hours.”

  Evie gives a little wave and ends the video call.

  I toss my phone onto my desk and recline in my chair. My hands lace over my lower stomach, reminding me my pants are still spread wide open. I stare at the ceiling, contemplating the last thirty minutes with a light feeling in my chest. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this carefree in the company of a woman.

  Most of my one-night stands existed under the cloak of booze and darkness, yet something’s inherently sexier about being with a woman while stone-cold sober. Not to mention the secrets we’ve both shared add a layer of trust beyond our primal desire.

  I don’t have the first clue where this is going, but I’ll take fun and light any day. I’m not disillusioned about Evie’s predicament. She could up and leave me at any moment without saying goodbye. I’m starting to anticipate how badly it would suck if she ghosts me, but I also understand. We’ve both stated our intentions practically from day one.

  That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy every damn second of her company and crave more by the day.

  It’s with that thought I retrieve my cell and call the hotel to extend my standing reservation an extra night.

  14

  Evie

  A truck stop bathroom is no place to get ready for a sexy night with a new man, but my options are severely limited. Such is the life of living out of my car. I did my best to run a quick razor over my legs and armpits, but this is the twenty-first century after all. A little body hair isn’t going to send him running, and if it does, fuck him. He’s already seen my vagina with a little hair since I haven’t been able to shave her properly in two weeks now. If the man had an issue, he wouldn’t have set us up for round two.

  Technically three if we’re counting the time he had his hand beneath my skirt, but who’s keeping track?

  I’m washed, dried, and dressed in a long white skirt paired with a black bodysuit that clings to my figure and accentuates my hips. Once Rhett’s text gives me the okay to drive to the hotel, I make a quick stop at Cami’s to pick up Ghost. I don’t feel comfortable leaving her unattended in my car for more than a quick run into the gas station if I don’t have to, and Cami was more than willing to take her for an hour.

  I’m slightly breathless as I climb from my car and up the stairs to her front door. The anticipation for later fires nerves normally kept dormant. A swift knock later, and she swings the door wide.

  “Damn girl, you look amazing!” She gestures me in, and I step over the threshold in a pair of strappy sandals.

  I glance down at my outfit as I follow her into her kitchen, hoping it isn’t too much. “Thank you. I was going for casual.”

  “Casual in a small town is a pair of jeans without rips and a clean top. You look like you’re about to walk the catwalk.”

  Shit. “Is it
too much?”

  “Oh, no, no, no. Don’t you dare. Hype that shit up, girl. You’re a bombshell.”

  A comforting warmth sparks in my gut. “Okay, good. Thanks.”

  “Sorry we can’t keep Ghost longer. You looking that hot, I feel like I should do you a solid and ask Law to reconsider.” She gives me a cheeky grin.

  I laugh. “It’s not necessary. I’m not going anywhere Ghost can’t, and you have plans.”

  Cami leans a hip on the counter. “Where exactly are you going?”

  “Um…” I stall. Crap. I didn’t adequately prepare a response to this. I know Rhett said his friends don’t know about his situation, and I assume that includes visiting his son in a hotel. “You know, I forgot what it’s called. Some restaurant with a patio out of town,” I fib while hoping such a place exists.

  “Rhett’s taking you?” She drops a knowing smirk.

  “It’s just dinner.”

  “I’ve heard that before, except it was it’s just a one-night stand and poof! Now they’re married with a baby.”

  “Is this your story?”

  She shakes her head. “Nope. Kiersten.” Cami takes a drink from a glass beside her. “Though I also had issues admitting my feelings before Law forced them into the open. I think it’s just something women do. Especially us strong ones who are used to being independent.”

  I feel like she knows more about me than she does. Her assessment isn’t wrong, though I’m not looking for a relationship. I tell her as much, but she just laughs.

  “We all say that. Whether it’s because we’re working through past hurts or afraid of getting hurt again, it’s just an excuse. If I could do it all over again, I’d jump right in. Would have saved me from more heartache in the long run. Every love hurts a little bit. That’s how we grow.” Her expression turns nostalgic.

  “Whoa, pump the brakes. Who said anything about love?”

  She straightens. “You’re right. I got away from myself. You probably want to get going so you can have dinner. Let me grab Ghost from Evelyn’s room.”

  I try not to think about what Cami said as she retrieves my dog. Love? Ha! No thank you.

  She comes back moments later with the bag I use for her toys and my pup.

  “Where is it you guys are going tonight?” I ask, remembering she has plans with her family.

  “Our new house is just about finished. Law’s taking us for a walk-through. I haven’t seen it since it was only the bones.”

  I take the leash from her. “Is it a new build?”

  “Mm-hmm. Law’s a contractor. I’m sure you’ve seen his work. He built Rhett’s house.”

  My cheeks redden but not for the reason she’d assume. “Oh, um, I haven’t seen it yet, actually. We’re just friends.”

  She laughs. “Typical guy. He probably spends his time at your place because his is most likely a pigsty.”

  I join her laughter. “That’s probably it. Well, I should head out. Thanks again. Are you still open for next week?” I have two clients scheduled, and Cami and Evelyn have been wonderful dog sitters.

  “Of course.” She walks us to the door and holds it open. “With summer just around the corner, Evelyn will be happy to take her most days.”

  “You’ve been a real lifesaver.”

  Cami smiles softly. “Don’t worry, I already know how you can pay me back. I’m going to need help with a move-out clean in the near future.”

  I wave my hand between us. “Psh. I already planned on it. Without payment this time. Let me catch up so we’re even.”

  “Deal. I’ll bring Kiersten and the drinks. She can bring her inappropriate humor and the baby.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” I lead Ghost down the stairs.

  “Enjoy your dinner,” she calls as I walk away. I flick my wrist over my shoulder and wave.

  Guilt sours my gut as I settle us in the car and back out of Cami’s driveway. I’m barely starting to make friends outside of Rhett, and beginning friendships with lies doesn’t feel right. I’m not usually a dishonest person. Ever since things ended with Tate, it feels like I struggle to tell the truth.

  I need to figure out what it is I’m doing. If I’m staying, the best course is to come clean to the people I want to stick around.

  My phone rings through my dash. I stab the button on my steering wheel when I see Caiti’s name on the screen.

  “Hey, love,” I answer as I check traffic and pull out onto Main Street.

  “What are you up to this evening?”

  “If you must know, I’m on my way to dinner and drinks with a friend. We booked a hotel room for the night.” I can’t wait for the day when I can just tell people the truth. But I know my brother wouldn’t let me hear the end of it if he knew what I was really up to. Also, who shares their sexual activity with their brother and sister-in-law? This boundary is a necessary one.

  “A hotel room, huh? Sounds extravagant for an evening of drinks.”

  I sigh. “I haven’t let loose in a while, and there are surprisingly few rideshares here. I don’t even know if there’s a taxi service.”

  She laughs. “Arrow Creek sounds like a true small town.”

  My heart leaps into my throat as I suddenly remember I let the name slip to my brother. “Is there a reason you called? I’m almost there.” I twist my fingers tight around the steering wheel.

  “I just thought it was my turn to call and bug you about a visit.”

  “Caiti—”

  She cuts me off. “But since I know what you’re going to say, what I really wanted to ask is if you can make time to come here. Your brother just got a promotion, and it would be quite the gift if I could fly you out for a week to surprise him.”

  “I don’t know…” I trail off as the logistics swirl like a windstorm in my mind.

  Time off with a brand-new business.

  Someone to watch Ghost for an extended period.

  Airfare and missed wages.

  And a quiet little voice teases how I might miss Rhett.

  “Eric misses you.” Her guilt-inducing words steal my breath. God, I miss him too. “He worries that you’re out there alone dealing with who knows what because you refuse to share. You don’t have to pay for anything or worry about paying me back.”

  “You know how hard that is for me to do.”

  “Tell yourself his promotion is paying for it.” Caiti laughs.

  I click my blinker to turn into the hotel parking lot. “When are you thinking?”

  “A month from now. I want to give you time to make arrangements and also enough time to pass that he won’t guess the surprise.”

  “Since you’re so persistent, let me see what I can do with my schedule, and I’ll text you.” I inject my tone with teasing and sass when, in reality, I feel a weight being lifted.

  “Yay!” she squeals. “Okay, well I’ll let you go. I have a busy evening planned, and Eric should be back any minute. I don’t want him to overhear the surprise.”

  I shift the car into park. “Good timing. I just pulled into the hotel.”

  “Love you. Let’s video chat soon, okay?”

  I’m grateful we aren’t on video now as blush stains my cheeks. Video calls will never be the same again after this afternoon. “Um, of course. Love you too.”

  She hangs up.

  I shoot Rhett a text letting him know I arrived and gather our things. I didn’t even pack a change of clothes since my car is a traveling suitcase. All I need are Ghost’s items, and we’re all set for the night.

  For a small-town hotel, the lobby is vast and clean. Cool air-conditioning welcomes me through the revolving door. Glinting chandeliers hang in the entry, and a fountain occupies the space decorated in white and chrome. Across from registration is an elevator bank, and to the far left, I can see an open lounge with a bar. Maybe Rhett would like to grab a cocktail to warm up for our evening activities.

  The elevators to my left open to reveal the man who’s captured my attention these last t
wo weeks. He doesn’t even bother to disembark. Rather, he stares with a heated gaze that conveys without words that I better get my ass over there before the doors shut again.

  I don’t break eye contact as I tap Ghost and lead us across the space. Sliding in beside him sends my temperature skyrocketing. I’m tempted to step back into the lobby for a blast of the cold air. Everything else disperses when he turns to me. The doors closing encase us in our own private box.

  He scans my face before locking on my lips. “I wasn’t sure if you’d bail at the last minute.”

  “You’ve mistaken my personality if you think that I wouldn’t show.”

  His large palm settles in the curve of my waist, hot and authoritative.

  “I need to know you want this. When we get to that room, I’m dying to show you what I’ve been thinking about doing to you.” Rhett lowers his mouth to my neck, pressing an open-mouthed kiss there. My skin sizzles at the contact. “All. Day. Long.”

  The next press of lips includes a scrape of his teeth along my shoulder. I fist the nearest thing to steady myself, which happens to be the side of his navy button-down shirt.

  “I’m all yours for the night.” I speak the truth. I can’t promise much beyond tomorrow morning, but for tonight, he can have whatever he wants. I tilt my head back as he peppers his lips along the column of my throat. “I want you to show me.”

  He ensnares my hair in his fist, effectively holding me still. “We haven’t even started, and you’ve already made me a very happy man.” He presses deeper into me, proving his point with a rock-hard erection.

  “Rhett,” I gasp.

  The doors slide open. He instantly releases me to tug me out of the elevator. A salacious grin settles on his face when he glances back. “I’m counting the number of times I can make you moan my name.”

  I don’t even bother glancing around the hallway. I don’t give a fuck if we’re alone or not. Let the world hear the filthy things he wants to do with me. All I can think about is the next ten seconds and getting ourselves behind a locked door for the rest of the night.

  He stops us midway down the hall and swipes a key card. The click resonates somewhere in my lower belly as hormonal hell breaks loose. I’m swarmed from the inside with a fire of desire so intense it’s a wonder I’m not already a pile of ashes at his feet.