One Unforgettable Favor

by Nicole Vidal

  “Tesoro, I have only been with you. There’s no chance I’m the father.”

  I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. I lift my legs over his and scoot forward. He wraps his arms around me, pulling me in close. “We need to talk to Nicholas.”

  “We will after you relax. I care about you. I haven’t nor will I ever lie to you. I promised you complete, blunt honesty. I honor every promise I make.”

  I nod against his neck before gazing up at him. Hurt, fear, and care stare back at me.

  “I care about you too. I was fine until he threw the baby question at me. I’m sorry I doubted you.”

  “Going public with me isn’t going to be easy.”

  I hear the unspoken questions. Are we done? Can you handle this? Do you still want me?

  “I don’t want to break up.”

  “Neither do I.”

  While in his arms, I memorize him more thoroughly. His dimples get me every time he smiles.

  “We should order some groceries and call Nicholas. Do you still want to go out tonight?” Part of me wants to show him off at the bonfire, but the other part wants to keep him to myself as much as possible.

  “Let’s see how the afternoon goes.”

  After placing a grocery order, I call Nicholas, who surprisingly answers right away.

  “Hi. How are you and Kelly?”

  Cash is sitting beside me on the chaise dragging his fingers up and down my forearm. Who knew that feels amazing?

  “We’re well. How are you?”

  “I’m fine. I need to tell you more about the guy I’ve been seeing. It’s Cash.”

  “I know.”

  “What do you mean you know?” I ask, surprised and slightly angered.

  “Blaine alerts me when your photo is posted on any entertainment sites. I saw photos of you in Central Park, at Tavern on the Green, and a beach somewhere.”

  “You’re having me watched?”

  “No. I’m just making sure you’re treated fairly by the press. Why are you telling me now?”

  “This morning there was a local photog on my doorstep when we came back from a walk. He asked about photos. I only knew about the one from the park. Cash and I decided to tell you last night, but it was too late to call.”

  “Is he with you now?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you want me to send Maia or Connor for a little while?”

  Both work for Jacob and rotate on Kelly’s security team. I haven’t had personal security since I graduated from college. One of my floor mates realized that Nicholas was Ellis Barnett and made a few threats against me. Once I graduated and had my own place, the need evaporated.

  “No. Jimmy has always been appropriate when he questions me. I just wasn’t prepared for one of the questions he lobbed at me today.”

  “The pregnancy rumor?”

  “Seriously, have I been living under a rock? Yes, the pregnancy rumor.”

  “No, ignoring the headlines is a promising idea. Hashing out every false rumor or accusation will take a toll on your relationship. As odd as this may sound, just be honest with each other and never believe a headline or story until you have talked to him. If you change your mind, let me know.”

  “I will.”

  “Thank you for telling me.”

  “You’re welcome. Have a great holiday.”

  “You too. Love you lots.”

  “Love you lots more.” I set my phone on the end table and curl into Cash’s arms. I’m still unsettled about the whole Brittany thing. I’m sure Cash is telling the truth. Perhaps I will need to take Nicholas’s advice to heart and use it.

  “Do you always say ‘love you lots’?” Cash asks before kissing the top of my head.

  “Yes, why?”

  “My siblings and I say ‘love you bunches.’ It’s interesting that we both have that with our siblings.”

  “It is.”

  An hour later, our grocery delivery arrives. After emptying the bags, we set up an antipasto plate, add some wine, and sit on the patio talking about various topics, mostly his plan for his future.

  “Tell me more about your day job and how a deal works. I know you aren’t staying, but it will help me learn more about you.”

  I listen to Cash explain a basic deal and how each aspect would work from start to finish. Not once do I feel dumb for asking a question or a clarification of something I don’t understand. Cash is genuine. It’s an impressive quality. He’s extraordinary all around. It’s rare to find someone who is the total package and doesn’t know it.

  23

  Cassius

  Newspapers and websites have slung rumors and other untrue headlines since I became an adult with a huge trust fund, not to mention my lucrative position as a partner in a venture capital firm. Never have they affected me like earlier today. It crushed me seeing how Noelle looked asking about Brittany. When she refused to let me in to talk, I scanned the entertainment sites. When I found a few headlines regarding the pregnancy, I contacted my attorney to see if I have any recourse as the stories are patently false. I probably don’t, but it’s worth a try. I will do everything in my power to make her happy.

  “Tesoro, do you still want to go to the bonfire?”

  “Yes, why?”

  “We dozed off. It’s near seven. We should get moving.” Luckily, the bonfire is at the beach near her condo.

  “Do you need to check outside first? Does Jimmy normally hang around for lengthy periods of time when you blow him off?”

  She smirks. “No. Typically, he leaves after he asks his questions.” I stick my head out my front door and see a few people near the entryway, but I can’t determine who they are. “We can just leave out the back.”

  “That’s fine when I’m here, but I don’t think that’s safe for you alone.”

  “Not you too. Ugh!”

  “What does that mean?”

  “Nicholas asked if I wanted him to send Maia or Connor for a while.”

  “It’s not a horrible idea.”

  “I’ll consider it if it gets worse.”

  I pull her into my arms. Her body against mine makes it difficult to think. Even clothed, I have issues containing my desire for her. Every time we kiss is better than the last. Learning her is fast becoming my favorite pastime. I pull her lower lip between my teeth, nipping gently before dipping my tongue into her mouth. When I pull back, her tongue follows to explore the depths of my mouth. After kissing until we’re both searching for air, we gather a blanket and some hoodies for our evening out. Following her out her patio door to the parallel street, we walk back to the beach.

  “You made it,” Kate says as we approach the raging fire, throwing her arms around Noelle.

  “Hi, Kate,” Noelle says.

  “Kate.”

  “Cash.”

  “Seriously, I need you two to get along. Today has been enough,” Noelle mutters.

  “Truce.” I extend my hand to Kate. Noelle hasn’t had time to share what happened today, and she likely won’t.

  “Truce. Just don’t hurt her and everything will be fine.”

  “I won’t.”

  Noelle and I spread our blanket next to Kate and Keyton. I’ve never been to a bonfire on the beach before. It’s fun and relaxing. We sit absorbing the heat from the fire, talking amongst ourselves or simply enjoying the calm. There are four other people, but they’re just friends. Kate and Keyton take off for a walk about thirty minutes after we arrive.

  “Thank you for inviting me. I’ve never been to a bonfire before. It’s fun.” I share with Noelle.

  “You’re welcome. Really? What else haven’t you done before?”

  “I’ll let you know when you suggest something.”

  Feeling my phone vibrate in my pocket, I glance at the number.

  “Sorry, this is work. I’ll be right back.” I walk away to take the call. After a brief exchange, I return to the blanket. I sit behind Noelle and pull her against me like on our first date. I don
’t miss the soft sigh falling from her lips. I have a deep desire to learn what makes her moan every single day.

  “Everything okay?” she asks, settling against me. Lavender teases my nose.

  “I guess. Mrs. Waller cancelled her return flight.”

  “Okay. Does that impact you in any way?”

  “No. The only change is Mrs. Waller won’t be on the plane back to New York on Monday morning.” As we finish talking, Kate and Keyton return from their walk. Kate looks flushed. Kate and Noelle jump into a conversation that only the two of them can understand. I thank Keyton again for his help when Noelle was sick and continue to enjoy her warm body in my arms. As the fire dwindles, so does the group. Noelle and I are the second couple to leave.

  “Thank you for coming. I know Kate isn’t your biggest fan.” Noelle shares.

  “I think Kate would dislike any man who divides your attention from her.”

  “Ouch!”

  “That wasn’t meant as arrogant as it sounded. You’re happy and you aren’t available for Kate on a whim. At first that’s hard on a friendship. Deep down, Kate is happy for you.”

  Rather than take the risk that Jimmy or someone else is at the front, we enter through her patio. I feel as if we’re sneaking around like teenagers breaking curfew.

  The next morning, the sun peeks into her bedroom, warming my arm. Noelle is still sleeping, facing me with one arm under her pillow and the other draped over her waist. Her silky red camisole and matching shorts cover almost nothing, especially with the lace accents in appropriate—exposing her breasts—places. Resisting the urge to pull her nipple into my mouth is getting increasingly more difficult. Instead, I place a kiss on the top of her hand, the middle of her forearm, her upper arm, and the cap of her shoulder.

  “I love waking up with you,” she murmurs, her eyes still closed.

  “I love waking up with you.” Moving inward, I kiss along the lace edge of her camisole. Goose bumps erupt along her chest, and a soft moan falls from her lips. Her fingertips graze my chest in intoxicating lines. As I drag the thin silk strap down her arm, I latch onto her nipple.

  “Cash,” she whispers, digging her polished fingernails into my skin.

  I draw a circle around her nipple with my tongue while pinching the other one. In a quick movement, Noelle pushes me to my back and straddles my hips. She’s deceptively strong. Crossing her arms in front of her, she lifts the camisole over her head.

  “Better?” She leans forward, offering herself to my mouth, her auburn tresses framing her flawless face.

  Instead of answering her with words, I bite down on her nipple, making her shout my name. I feel her heat through her shorts and mine. Pressing her breasts together, I nip her other pink peak as she rocks against me. When I release her, Noelle moves slowly down my chest, marking every few inches with her hot mouth. Licking my nipple with her tongue, she sends tingles down my spine. She travels down my rib cage to the point of my hip.

  The closer she gets to my cock, the higher it jumps. Dipping her hands under the waistband of my shorts, she pulls them down over my feet. Climbing back up, she kisses a path along my leg and inner thigh. The warmth of her tongue touching my shaft has me arching off the bed. She licks upward toward the tip, circling it with her tongue. Holy fuck! As she teases the tip more, I focus on the blue of the sky to prolong these moments of pleasure. After taking me in her mouth, Noelle sucks me deep. I can feel the back of her throat. I lean up onto my forearms to watch her beautiful mouth surrounding me. Each moment brings me closer to my release. Gripping under her arms, I pull her up.

  “I wasn’t done.”

  “I know.” I’m not a patient man; when I want something I go after it. Pushing her shorts and panties aside, I swipe my fingers up her folds.

  “You make me so wet,” she murmurs as I bury myself in her core. With wide eyes, she meets me thrust for thrust. Gripping her hips, I lift as she bears down. No one has ever taken me so deep before. Her walls are tightening around my throbbing cock.

  “Tesoro, come with me.” Her hands fist the duvet around my rib cage. As I get closer, so does she. Her rhythm increases to match mine. As I explode inside her in short bursts, her body shudders with pleasure and she plummets over the edge.

  She lowers herself, plastering her perfect breasts against my chest, her mouth near the crook of my neck, her soft hair fanned over my arm. I’ve never felt this way before. There is only one explanation—her. Slowly regulating my breathing, I realize I’m so raptured with her, I didn’t use a condom.

  “Tesoro, I’m sorry.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I didn’t use a condom.”

  “We. I’m just as much to blame as you are, but I have an IUD.” I nod. “Do you need me to move?”

  “Not yet.”

  She nods against my neck, and I draw my hands up and down her back.

  After a second round, we make a hearty breakfast and lounge around during the rainy Sunday. Never have I wanted to stay put with a woman. Trapped inside with Noelle makes for a perfect day. Being anywhere with Noelle is unmatched. Unfortunately, tomorrow I need to go back to New York. Near ten we climb into her bed.

  Waking to Noelle’s mouth on my body the following morning is a fantastic wakeup call despite the fact I need to leave here today. Even though I assure her it isn’t necessary, she drives me to the airport for my flight home. A few too many sensual kisses have me rushing through the terminal. I miss her already and it has been less than thirty minutes since her lips caressed mine.

  24

  Noelle

  The remainder of the holiday creeps by. I’m out of sorts, and my home feels empty without him. I miss him desperately, and it’s only been a few hours. To clear my head, I lace up my shoes and walk around my neighborhood, ending near the pier. I sit on our bench—it’s not technically ours, but it is to me. Unfortunately, the beach is bustling with people on this warm, sun-filled day. I’m not able to relax as much as I would like. Returning home, I flow through a long yoga practice to clear my mind. Feeling a bit more zen, I check my messages. I was actually zoned in during my yoga. I didn’t hear any of these messages come through.

  Kate: Are you free? I want to talk about Keyton.

  Me: Yes, I’m free. Are you visiting or calling?

  Kate: Visiting. I’ll be there in twenty.

  Me: Okay.

  There is a text from Noah too.

  Noah: How are you?

  Me: I’m well. You?

  Noah: Relaxing today, but work is busy right now.

  Me: Good for you. Love you lots.

  Noah: Love you lots more.

  Finally, there are a few from Cash.

  Cash: I miss you already.

  Cash: My huge bed will be lonely without you.

  Cash: I’ll call you later tonight. xoxo

  Me: I miss you. My bed will be lonely too. Talk to you later. xoxo

  As I finish a bottle of water, Kate comes in through the front door. She looks happy but also has concern on her face as well.

  “Hey.” Kate says closing the door behind her.

  “Hey, yourself.”

  “Thanks again for coming on Saturday. I know you prefer to stay home in general.”

  “We had a wonderful time. That was the first bonfire Cash has ever been to.”

  “That’s surprising.”

  “Maybe a little. What’s up?”

  Kate bends my ear for the next thirty minutes about how well things are going with Keyton and apologizes for not listening sooner while gushing over his bedroom skills. I tune out most of the details. I won’t share any details about me and Cash. She can fill in as she wishes. The best thing about inviting Kate over is that she cooks when she’s chatty. A little over an hour after she arrives, she’s plating a beef stir-fry for the two of us.

  After dinner, Kate scurries home to call Keyton and get ready for her work week. She’s a chemist who works in a secure lab. I would be bored to tears with her job,
just like she would be pulling her hair out with mine.

  I attempt to keep myself busy to ignore the fact I could be unemployed by the end of the day tomorrow. After a short video call with Cash, I snuggle under my sheets to sleep. My pillow smells like Cash, and it helps me slip into dreamland with him as the star.

  The moment I arrive at the center the next morning, Sheila asks me to join her in the meeting room. “These papers arrived over the weekend.” She hands me the withdrawal papers for Mason from the center signed my Mrs. Sanfilippo. “I’m sorry, Noelle. Your employment here will end at the close of business tomorrow. Please take today and tomorrow to complete reports for the students and complete the termination packet. I’ll send you information pertaining to your vacation buyout, sick-time payment, and accrued bonuses by the end of the day.”

  “Thank you, Sheila.”

  As she leaves the room, I sink deeper into the office chair. I knew this was coming. All my preparation for this moment doesn’t even come close to being enough. I think twice about pulling out my phone, but then realize I don’t work here anymore. So what if she sends me packing today instead of tomorrow?

  Me: Can you talk?

  I barely press send and my phone is ringing.

  “Morning, tesoro. You didn’t even get to check your email, did you?”

  “Nope. Mrs. Sanfilippo signed and sent the paperwork on Saturday morning.”

  “I’m sorry. Even though you knew it could happen, it still feels pretty crappy.”

  “It does.” This center was my first job in my field. It’s devastating to lose it due to a mother’s failure to see a teacher hell-bent on helping her son.

  “What is the plan?”

  “I have today and tomorrow to finish my evaluations and reports for the students. Beyond that, I have no idea right now. I’m sorry to lay all of this on you.”

  “No, I care about you. I always want to be your first and only call whether something is fantastic or awful.”

  “Thank you. Will you call me tonight after training with Evan?”