Not much to look at. I know. “It is. When I say I’m from Boston, I bet you pictured some skyscraper.”
“Actually, I never thought about it. This is cute. And you’re lucky that you lived where you still have a neighborhood. I noticed we passed a small park and baseball field. Did you play there?”
“Baseball? No. But I hung out with my friends and got in a lot of trouble there. Teenage boys seem to be a magnate for it.” Joe just never outgrew it. And his trouble just got bigger over the years. If he didn’t end up in jail, he probably would’ve ended up dead. Joe’s so called friends, were more like dealers, and they weren’t always happy with him.
“I’m looking forward to meeting Cindy and your parents.” She giggled and added, “And hearing about that troubled teen you called yourself.”
I was already regretting being here and counting the hours before we can leave. “Do me a favor, and don’t believe half of what they tell you.”
“Wow. Half? I figured I was going to ignore most of it,” she teased. “I take it that is your mother standing in the doorway?” she asked and pointed.
“Yes it is,” Too late to run. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
“How would you explain my not coming in?” she asked.
“That you’re some lady that asked if we can share a taxi because you lost your wallet,” I said.
Robin glared at me. “I think you’ve given this too much thought. And quite possibly have changed your mind about me joining you.”
“Not with you being with me, just us being here. I probably should’ve informed them we were coming.”
“You mean no one knows? Not even your mother?” she asked sounding shocked.
I shook my head. “You said it should be a surprise.”
“Yes, for Cindy. Not your parents,” she sighed. “Well if you wanted to warm me up, it worked. I’m stressed.”
“Why? You talk to strangers all the time. Hell, you argue with them in a courtroom. How can you be stressed about meeting my parents?” It made no sense. Robin was the most confident woman I’ve ever met.
“Because in court I do all the questioning. I have a feeling I’m about to go under the microscope.”
I hadn’t thought about it that way. More proof as to why a relationship doesn’t work for me. “I’m an insensitive jerk.”
Robin reached over and held my hand. Looking into my eyes she said softly, “You’re not insensitive.”
“And the jerk part?” I asked jokingly.
She had a snappy retort. “The jury is still out on that.”
At least that brought back her sense of humor. I had a feeling she was going to need it. I opened the door to the taxi and got out. Then I bent over and whispered, “Last chance to run.”
“They raised you. How bad can they be?” I said.
You’re about to find out.
We didn’t even make it inside before my mother started asking Robin questions. I could’ve stayed in the taxi and I don’t think my mother would’ve even noticed.
“Mom, where is the birthday girl?” I asked.
“She’s not home. But first, don’t you think you should introduce this lovely young lady to us?” she said.
“Sorry. Mom, this is Robin Wellington. Robin this is Loretta Burke.”
“So nice to meet you Mrs. Burke,” Robin said.
“Please call me Loretta. And my husband Peter is at the store but will be home shortly. Come inside, it’ll give us time to get to know each other,” she said, holding the door for Robin.
As the two headed towards the living room I asked again, “Mom, where is Cindy? Did she have a doctor’s appointment today?”
“No. She doesn’t have any until next week,” Loretta responded.
Why won’t she answer my question. I knew where I could find my father. He spent hours in the basement tinkering or some repair. “Robin, are you all set? I want to go let my father know we’re here.”
Robin nodded but it was my mother who answered. “Of course she’s fine. It’ll give us some time to get to know each other.”
“Mom, why don’t you tell her about your quilting group?” And leave any personal questions out.
I hated leaving Robin like this, but I needed to know where the hell Cindy was. Mom avoided looking me in the eye when she answered, which meant she was hiding something. Dad, at least, would just say it, even if I fucking didn’t want to hear it.
As expected, he was sipping a coffee staring at the lawn mower that was onto of the work bench.
“Morning Dad,” I said.
“James. I didn’t know you were coming home. Is everything alright?” he asked.
“Yes. I’m actually here to surprise Cindy. Mom is dancing around the question as to where she is.”
He nodded. “Because she knows you’re going to be angry.”
“Where is she?” I asked, and my gut already had the answer.
“California. She flew out late last night with her friend Moose.”
Fuck. I knew it. “Who the hell is Moose?”
“A guy she’s…I guess, dating. It’s hard to tell. Cindy says they are just friends, but I don’t think we’re that lucky.”
There seemed to be several things Cindy intentionally kept from me. How the hell was I supposed to keep her safe if she acted so…irresponsible?
“Dad, why didn’t you stop her?”
He shook his head. “James, your mother and I raised you all to one day, spread your wings and fly. That is what Cindy is doing.”
Yeah. Look how that worked out for Joe. His wings have been clipped and now he’s a caged bird.
“She hasn’t recovered fully Dad. What if something happened to her?” I asked.
“James, you’re mother and I spent years worrying about you. Any call in the middle of the night or knock on the door, and I would see the panic fill her, worried you’d been killed in action. Cindy taking a few days to see what’s it like in California, is nothing compared to that.”
“Dad, I didn’t join the Marine’s to spite you.” I hated the fact my decisions had caused them so much stress.
“We know that. You were being who you wanted to be.” He walked over and put his hand on my shoulder and added, “You spread your wings and soared. I know if it wasn’t for Cindy’s accident, you still would be.”
“What kind of brother would I have been if I hadn’t been there for her?” Oh. I’d be Joe. We’d never know if Joe was a match or not, because that piece of shit wouldn’t even get tested.
“James, there are different ways of being there for a person. You gave a kidney. But now you need to be there for her as she learns how to move past the accident and live with the fact that she’ll always have a limp. She’ll always be in pain,” he said. “You have to learn to trust her to reach out when she needs us, and also be there when she does.”
I couldn’t remember the last time I had such a serious conversation with my father. Most of the time it had been a phone call, a short one. I know I should make an effort to change that. Just not now. I couldn’t change anything Cindy was doing at the moment, but I did have someone who might need saving.
“Dad, why don’t you come upstairs.”
“I will. Just want to get this damn lawnmower running first,” he said. “You want to stay and help?”
“I would but Mom might be giving Robin the third degree,” I said, knowing damn well that Robin could handle herself.
“Who is Robin?”
“A woman I…brought with me.” She wasn’t my girlfriend, and not sure we should call ourselves friends either. Lovers fits but was a crude way to introduce her. She was so much more to me, but what? Guess I’ve got some thinking to do. None of it would matter if my mother scared Robin away.
Dad patted me on the back and said, “We better get up there and save her before your mother starts planning your wedding.”
“Don’t even say that. We’ve only known each other a week.”
“And yet you
brought her here,” he said.
Fuck! What was I thinking? Brining her was like making a statement. Not just in his mother’s eyes, but it was possible in Robins as well. It had seemed all so simple and innocent when I asked her to join me. I guess even I fuck up when spreading my wings. Just don’t want to hurt Robin in the process.
As we entered the living room, we heard mom saying, “My James has never brought a girl home before. Never even spoke to us about any woman he may have dated. You must be very…special to him.”
She was. But what does that word, special, actually translate to? I sure in hell don’t do attachments, or relationships. Neither of us spoke about anything past the moment we were in. My mother was only seeing what she wanted too. Robin has to know that the only thing that bringing her revealed was that I care and trust her. That’s all. I can’t give more than that. I’m not that guy.
Even as I watch her I knew I wished I could be. Robin is the kind of woman you bring home to meet your parents and never let go. But I’m not that guy. She deserves someone who’d put down roots, build a house with a white picket fence, and have a few kids. What am I doing? I don’t even know if she wants any or those things either.
I took the empty spot on the couch next to Robin. “Don’t listen to her, she’s just trying to get me married off.”
Mom huffed. “You’re going to be thirty-one and still no grandchildren in sight.” Then she turned to Robin and asked, “You’re not pregnant are you? I mean, that wouldn’t be a bad thing, but…”
“Mom. She’s not pregnant and we’re not getting married. So give it a rest,” I snapped. Robin reached over and covered my hand with hers as though trying to calm the tension. It worked, surprisingly. I let out a slow breath and said, “I didn’t mean that to sound so…harsh.”
She turned to Robin and said, “That’s as close as you get to hearing sorry. It’s a word he’s never once used, not even as a child. He’s a loving man, but stubborn as the day is long.”
And getting more pissed off with each word.
I really should thank my mother. The last thing I needed was Robin thinking I’m a great catch. I’m a great Marine, but that’s all. And now, I’m not even that.
Chapter 16
James
We stayed a lot longer at my parents than I had first thought. Every time I tried getting Robin to leave, my mother would start on another story, or worse, whip out a photo album. Robin was an intelligent woman, so she knew damn well I found it pure hell. That didn’t seem to stop her from asking my parents questions. I swear she knew more about me, at least the younger version of me, than anyone else.
Thankfully my father had my back when I insisted we were going to a hotel. The last thing I needed was to spend a night with Robin under my parent’s roof. We might be grown-ass adults, but I’ve got too much respect to pull that shit. Besides, it’d only get my mother started back on the ‘when are you getting married’ topic.
“I’m surprised you don’t have your own apartment in the city,” Robin said.
“When I’m in Boston, it’s usually just to visit and not for any length of time. The longest I was there was after the surgery. That was just to heal and also to help keep an eye on Cindy.” Neither were needed any longer. “I guess I should’ve warned you about my mother before we arrived. She’s a bit…”
“Like every mother. That’s what they do. It’s how they show they care,” Robin stated. “I’m sure my mother would’ve hounded you with a million questions too if we were in Miami. Of course you wouldn’t have seen my father. He’s always at the office. There’s always the next big case that needs his attention.” She sighed. “God, I don’t want to be like him. At least, I don’t anymore.”
It’s been a long day and I finally have Robin all to myself. Talking about her parents or mine really wasn’t what I wanted to do. But there’d be plenty of time for that later. We weren’t flying back to Tabiq until morning and I wanted to make the most of the night.
“Those type of decisions can all be made tomorrow,” I said.
Robin glared at me and then finally seemed to have caught my drift. Stepping closer she said, “Is there something else you’d like to…talk about?”
Talk? Nope.
She was so much more than just a beautiful woman. She had heart and brains and one hell of a sense of humor. Any man would be lucky to call you his.
I wanted to scoop her into my arms, carry her to the bed and make love to her all night. Instead I leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “I’m glad you came with me today.” Despite the pressure from my mother, I really I meant it.
“Me too,” she said. “You’re parents were very sweet and welcoming.”
Like a spider to a fly.
“They’re good people. I just wish Cindy would’ve been here.”
“Are you sure you want to go back to Tabiq? Something says you’d rather be flying cross country to California,” she said.
“I do, but I won’t. She’s an adult now and I have to let her live her own life. Besides, I’m not sure if I want to meet her so called friend. Who has a name like Moose?”
Robin giggled. “A guy with big ears?”
I loved how even when I wasn’t happy, she found a way to make me laugh. “I’m going to have that picture in my head all night.”
“If you’d like, I can help with that,” she said in a sexy tone.
Now you’re talking.
“And how do you plan on doing that?” I encouraged.
“Why don’t you order up something to drink and I’ll be right back,” she said. Grabbing her small carryon case she headed to the bathroom.
I called down for room service and told them if they put a rush on it, they’d be a huge tip. The last thing I wanted was them knocking on the door once things started to heat up.
Who the fuck am I kidding. I’m rock hard already.
They delivered the glass of peach, sweet wine for Robin and a glass of bourbon for me, just in time. As soon as I closed the door, she exited the bathroom. Damn, she looked hot.
Robin was wearing some sexy black see-through lingerie that was only meant to tease the fuck out of you. It was working. I couldn’t wait to slip my hands underneath and touch and taste everything it was covering.
I wanted to tell her she looked beautiful, but I was speechless and couldn’t take my eyes off of her. Her voluptuous breasts called out to me, her nipples were hard and I wanted to suck them. I continued my gaze lower, over her abdomen, to her slender hips, and finally, at an equally sheer thong.
Fuck. Do you have any idea what you do to me?
By the look in her eyes, the answer was yes.
I’ve never wanted a woman as badly as I do Robin. I’ve already proven to myself, that I can’t stop with just a simply kiss. The swell of her breasts was only inches away, begging me to release them from the confines of the thin fabric.
“I’m glad we’re not flying out tonight,” I said, my voice horse.
Her tongue darted out, and she licked her top lip “Me too.”
In one swift move, I pulled her against me devouring her lips as though without them I would die. The kiss was hard and feverish. I could feel that desire exploding within both of us. Fuck, I needed this.
I inhaled her sweet scent and kissed my way down her jaw, across the nape of her neck and back to her lips. “I need you baby.” A moan of pleasure rumbled through me. I thought it had come from her, but it was my own.
There was no slow tonight. A pure raw, animalistic need was taking control. I couldn’t keep from touching her, my hands ran down her back, over her sweet firm ass, and back up to pull her hips firmly against me. As I ground my hard cock, teasingly, she moaned.
“James…I…I need you…too.”
I swept her into his arms and carried her to the bed in the other room. I fumbled with the delicate fabric, trying not to rip it.
She smiled. “Let me.”
I watched her untie the silky string in the fr
ont and the top opened to reveal her perfect breast. As I watched, I quickly removed all of my clothes, shirt practically ripped off, but I didn’t care. There was only one thing on my mind right now. Kissing every inch of her.
The only item remaining on her was the thong. “How did you know I love black?”
She smiled, “I guessed.”
“Would you like to guess what else I like?”
She slipped her thumbs under both sides of her panties and wiggled out of them as well. “Was I close?”
My heart wasn’t the only thing pounding. My cock was hard and aching for attention. I needed to taste her, all of her, from head to toe. I cupped her breasts, plucking at one nipple, and she moaned deeply. Then I sucked the other, teasingly flicking it with my tongue causing her to quiver in my arms.
“James,” she called out as she ran her fingers through my hair, begging for more.
I licked and nipped my way even lower. And when I touched her between her legs she cried out. Her body trembled as I spread her legs. And when my tongue made contact with her inner thigh she groaned in pleasure.
Breathlessly she begged, “James, I can’t…wait.”
“You can,” I said. I had thought this was going to be fast, but once I started, I wanted more of her. Not just taking, but giving. I circled her clit then sucked on it. Robin cried out in pleasure, arching her hips off the bed, her moans only encouraging me to continue my sweet assault. I’m not stopping until you come.
“You taste so sweet.” Devouring her sweet nectar feverishly I moaned inside of her.
“James. Oh, please, James. I—”
Her body jerked violently and I felt her lose herself in a powerful release. I continued to suck her clit until her body began to settle. Damn, she’s perfect.
My cock ached to feel her wrapped around it. I left her briefly and pulled my wallet out of my pants pocket on the floor. I really need to remember to toss them closer next time. Once the condom was on I returned to her. The hunger in her eyes said she’d been watching me.
I settled myself between her legs letting my fingers slip between her folds. Her hot juices coated my finger. I lifted my dripping finger to my mouth and licked it clean. “I love the how you taste. You’re my favorite dessert.”
Eleven Days in Paradise (Barrington Billionaires Book 11) Page 13
