Then There Was You: A Single Parent Collection

by Gianna Gabriela

She turns toward me, shaking her head. “No.” Ripley moves toward me, and my dick gets hard as one of her hands travels up my chest and around my neck. The other moves down until she cups my dick. “Take me upstairs.”

  My fingers spear into her hair. “Are you sure baby? I told you I would take this slow.”

  “I know you did. I’m completely sure.” She pulls away from me. “Unless you don’t want to.”

  I move toward her. “Oh I want to.” She runs toward me and jumps into my arms. My hands immediately go to her ass, and I move up the stairs to her bedroom with her in my arms. I set her down on her feet, grab the hair at the base of her neck, and tip her head back. My lips are gentle at first, but I slowly increase the pressure. Her hands cup my face as she opens her mouth, letting her tongue trace the seam of my lips.

  Ripley plays with my mouth with her tongue and I let her do so for a few moments before opening my mouth, my tongue tangling with hers. While I kiss her, my hands drift down her body until they’re under her shirt, then slide up until I’m cupping her breasts over her bra. She moans into my mouth as my thumb strokes over her nipple and I give the other side the same treatment, relishing the exquisite moan she gifts me with.

  She grips my shirt and pulls it up, and I remove my hands from her shirt to help her pull my shirt up and over my head. Her shirt is up next, followed by her bra. Again I pick her up and suck a nipple into my mouth. Ripley’s back arches and she cries out as I nip it with my teeth.

  I pull away and toss her onto the mattress, following her down. My lips slowly travel from her belly button up to one breast, sucking the nipple into my mouth while plucking the other with my fingers. Switching sides, I give the other the same treatment. Her fingers spear my hair, and the bite of pain has my already hard dick trying to punch a hole through my shorts.

  While I work on her nipples, I reach down between us and unbutton her shorts then shove my hand down the front of them. My fingers immediately reach the wetness between her legs and I gather some of it then rub her clit until she starts moaning. My fingers move back down and I push one into her, loving the way her back arches as she cries out.

  Pulling it out, I thrust two inside. She’s so wet, her body is making a squelching sound. I want to get deeper, but her shorts are in the way. After pulling my fingers out, I rip her shorts and panties down and off. I push her legs back by her thighs so she’s spread wide for me, and without hesitation, I attack her pussy with vigor. The taste of her coats my tongue and I moan, savoring the flavor. I work her clit until it swells between my lips, and she’s babbling incoherently, pumping her hips up toward my mouth.

  “Please let me come.”

  How can I resist a request like that? I shove two fingers inside of her, moving them in a come-hither motion as I suck her clit hard. It’s not long before she cries out and her body spasms. Her juices flow freely and I lap them up eagerly. When her body goes lax, I climb off the bed quickly and strip out of my shorts and boxer briefs.

  Ripley is a vision in front of me, her hair spread out on her pillows, her body covered in a rosy hue. Her nipples, slightly red and swollen, beckon me again, and the best part is her legs, which are still bent and spread in front of me. Her sex is wet and swollen for me. Starting at her stomach, I plant kisses along her smooth skin, up between her breasts until I reach her neck. I drag my tongue up slowly until I reach her earlobe, nipping it with my teeth.

  I reach into her nightstand and grab a condom, ripping it open with my teeth before sheathing myself. “Are you ready baby?”

  She cups my cheek and gives me a look so filled with warmth and love that my eyes get blurry. “I’m ready. I love you Brock, so much.” I line my cock up with her opening and just before I push inside her, I place my lips against hers.

  “I love you too.” Thrusting in to the hilt, I groan at the way her body squeezes me. She’s so warm, tight, and wet.

  She’s got her legs wrapped around my thighs as I work myself in and out of her, and I grab her by the wrists to pin her to the bed. Her pussy flutters around me when I do it—Ripley’s always loved when I pinned her down, and I’m glad she still loves it. Bending down, I nip at her lip and say, “You feel so good baby. Fuck, you’re tight and so wet for me.” I plunge deep and hold myself there, slowly circling my hips, hitting her clit every time.

  Ripley tries to free her hands, but I squeeze her wrists tighter. She tries to move her hips, but I keep myself planted deep. My dick would be cussing me out right now if he could talk. I need to move, but not yet.

  “Brock, if you don’t do something right now, I’m going to scream.”

  I chuckle and she growls at me, trying to buck harder. Infinitely slowly, I pull out before pushing back in at the same pace. Her groan is music to my ears, but the ache in my balls is telling me to move faster. Before I do, I move her hands up above her head and shackle them with one of mine. My other hand moves down to her thigh and pulls it up higher around my hip, and I manage to sink even farther into her, causing us both to moan.

  “Are you ready for me to fuck you?” I whisper against her lips.

  “For the love of god, please just do it already.” I kiss her lips hard and then pull almost all the way out before thrusting inside. I begin to pound into her at a punishing pace, and grunts, cries, and moans fill the room as I fuck her hard and fast. I let go of her wrists and she grabs my shoulders.

  I reach between us and rub her clit until she explodes around me. Her head tips back, and the most glorious cry rips from her lips. Her channel tightens around my dick and I feel the telltale sign that I’m about to come. I throw both of her legs over my shoulders, practically bending her in half, and power into her until finally I plant myself to the root. Burying my face in her neck, I groan against her skin as I come into the condom then collapse onto her with my full weight.

  Ripley’s fingers trail up and down my back, causing goose bumps to pop up all over my skin. I push up looking down into her sleepy eyes, and reach up to stroke her cheek with my fingers. “Fuck me, you’re beautiful.” I ease my softening cock out of her, not missing the whimper that slips past her lips. “Let me take care of this and I’ll be right back.”

  I kiss her one more time before exiting the bed and going to the bathroom to get rid of the condom. Back in the bedroom, I find Ripley lying on her side, still naked and uncovered. I climb in and settle on my back, and in seconds Ripley is draped across my chest, her fingers gently brushing over my scar. It only takes about thirty-seconds before she’s out, and I’m following close behind her.

  26

  BROCK

  Ripley and I have just picked up Alex after his weekend of being spoiled. The little guy was excited to see us when we showed up at the restaurant for breakfast and chattered on excitedly as we ordered coffee. He sat between Ripley and me in our booth, and several times, I caught Jonah looking at the three of us, smiling widely. We stayed at the restaurant until almost lunch time.

  Now we’re stopping for ice cream before heading to my grandparents’ place to pick up Tiny. I park on the street and help Alex out of the back seat, and we meet Ripley on the sidewalk. With Alex in between us, we start walking toward the ice cream shop. As we stroll, the hair on the back of my neck stands up and a bad feeling settles in my gut.

  “Brock?” My body locks up tight. Ripley and I turn around, moving Alex behind us and not letting go of him.

  One look at the man in front of me, and all I can think is that he looks fucking old and so fucking sad. My father always looked large and imposing when I was younger, but now he is no longer the intimidating man I once knew. He’s an older, beaten-down version of that man. I don’t miss it when Ripley trembles next to me, and I want to kill him for that.

  “What do you want?” I don’t try to hide my displeasure from him.

  “I wanted to see if we could talk. There are some things I want to say to you. Can we do that? Can we talk?” I notice he won’t look at Ripley, and he keeps trying to glance at Alex b
ut our bodies are shielding him the best we can. “Son, please.”

  “I am not your son,” I hiss. “I haven’t been your son since the first time you raised your fist at me.” I don’t miss his flinch, and I don’t even care. The man in front of me is dead to me. “I don’t think we have anything to talk about, especially after what you did. You are not my father. Stay away from me. Stay away from my mother. The next time I see you, it won’t go well.” Rage fills me, but I tamp it down and turn to grab Alex, picking him up in my arms and using my body to move Ripley toward my truck.

  “I thought we were getting ice cream,” Alex says as I buckle him into his booster seat. My hands tremble, but I try to get control of it.

  “I know buddy. We’ll get some ice cream later, I promise.” I go around to Ripley’s side and before she gets in, I pull her close. “Are you okay?”

  Ripley looks at me, her eyes glistening. “No, no I’m not.” I hug her close.

  “Okay, let’s get you home.” Her eyes look haunted, and it makes me want to go beat the shit out of my father. Why, why did he have to show up and screw things up when Rip and I were finally getting things back on track? I help her inside and then shut the door. I spot my dad standing on the sidewalk—why the fuck does he look sad? Why do I even care?

  When we get back to her place, I make her take one of her Xanax and go lie down. Alex seems to be oblivious to what’s going on, which is a good thing. I tell him his mommy is lying down because she has a headache; I don’t want to lie to the kid, but he wouldn’t understand what’s happening.

  I get Alex a snack and set him up with a movie before grabbing my phone and walking back to the kitchen. I call my granddad and ask him to bring Tiny over, and of course, he agrees. I call Jonah to tell him about running into my dad. He’s just as shocked as we were and wants to come over to check on Ripley, but I ask him to wait because I want her to rest.

  I make him a promise that I’ll call and let him know how she is later. Alex is watching cartoons in the living room, oblivious to the drama from earlier. Sitting down next to him, I wrap my hand around the back of his neck, pulling him close. “Hey buddy, I’m going to go check on your mom. I’ll be right back, okay?” He looks up at me and smiles.

  Upstairs, I find Ripley curled up in the middle of her bed, and thankfully she’s fast asleep. I hate that my father ruined our day, hate that seeing him caused unpleasant memories to come back to the surface for her. I hate that the rage I once felt because of that man tried to return, but I’m proud that I was able to tamp it down.

  I sit down on the side of the bed, reaching out and stroking a hand over her hair. “I’m so sorry baby.” I bend down and press my lips against her temple. “I love you.”

  RIPLEY

  It’s been two days since we ran into Brock’s dad, and Brock is driving me crazy. I love him, I do, but if he doesn’t stop hovering, I’m going to lose my shit. I’m okay; yes, it freaked me out seeing his dad, but that was not the same man who hurt me. That man was a broken shell of the person. I don’t have to worry about that man ever hurting me again, because Brock and Jonah would never let it happen.

  That thought gives me warmth, combats the chill that usually encompasses my body when the memory of that night flits through my mind. I just hate that Brock is watching me like I’m going to break at any moment, because I’m not. Alex keeps me sane, keeps me together. He makes me be the best mom, the best person I can be.

  I stop at the grocery store to get the items I need to make dinner tonight. Brock has done it the past two nights, so it’s only fair that I return the favor. Plus, we have a reason to think positive and celebrate—Brock has a second interview with the police department next week, and he’s super stoked about it.

  I move up and down the aisles, grabbing the necessary ingredients for cheese tortellini with meat sauce, Caesar salad, and garlic bread. I’m almost to the checkout lane when a woman stops right in front of me. She’s gorgeous with dark hair, dark eyes, and a curvy figure I’d kill for.

  “Hi.” That’s all she says. Weird. She keeps staring at me and not saying anything, making me feel like I’m under a microscope, like she’s assessing me.

  “I’m sorry, have we met?” She shakes her head. I back up with my cart and then wind around her, because something just doesn’t feel right. Luckily, once I get in the checkout line, she’s gone.

  After paying for the groceries, I head home where my boys are waiting for me. Once inside with the groceries, I put them away, and the laughter coming from the back yard has me peeking outside to see Brock chasing after Alex and Tiny. My baby boy is having so much fun with them.

  I turn away from the window and begin making dinner.

  “Hey babe.” Brock comes in the back door with Alex on his back and Tiny bringing up the rear.

  “Hey guys.” He bends down to kiss me then turns around so I can reach Alex, kissing both of his cheeks. “Hi, baby. Did you have a good day today?”

  “Brock took me to the park then we saw Grandma and then we went to see his mommy and she bought me some candy.” Brock’s quiet chuckle makes me smile. I’m sure that’s why they were outside running around, burning off the sugar rush.

  “That’s great baby. Why don’t you go potty and wash your hands. Dinner won’t take very long.” He and Tiny disappear out of the kitchen and I can hear his pounding feet as he runs up the stairs. I turn back to the sauce and smile when I feel Brock’s arms wrap around my middle. His lips press against my neck and he kisses his way up to my earlobe, nipping it with his teeth.

  He’s always been so free with his affection, and I’m glad to see he hasn’t lost that. I turn in his arms and push up on my tiptoes, kissing him slowly and thoroughly. The oven beeps and I reluctantly pull away. “I have to put the garlic bread in. Better go wash up.”

  Brock kisses me one more time before running upstairs, I put the finishing touches on dinner, and I do it with a smile on my face.

  I whimper as Brock pulls his softening cock from me. That was the most intense orgasm I’ve ever had. After dinner and Alex’s bath and story time, he went right to sleep with his buddy. We’ve moved Tiny’s dog bed upstairs, next to Alex’s bed. Before, that poor dog never looked comfortable when I checked on them, but now he sleeps about as hard as Alex does.

  After I washed my face and brushed my teeth, I got into bed while Brock was locking up downstairs and watching the news. I was just starting to fall asleep when Brock grabbed me and pulled me until my back was firmly pressed against his front. His hard dick against my ass and his lips against my neck woke me right up.

  It didn’t take long before I was panting and moaning. He let me climb on top of him and we groaned in unison as I impaled myself on his cock. Then I began to ride him, rolling my hips on each downward motion. He pushed himself into a sitting position and sucked on my nipples as I rode him to completion, and then he flipped us until I was on my hands and knees. He pounded into me, causing a bite of pain with each thrust, but I loved it.

  I came again with him, both of us collapsing on my bed.

  Now I lie with my head on Brock’s chest, the steady beat of his heart relaxing me, making me pliant. His lips press against my forehead and I snuggle in closer.

  He asks, “Your birthday is coming up, what would you like to do?”

  In a week and a half, I turn twenty-five, but in a way, I feel older. Maybe it’s because I’ve already been through a lot and have learned so much already. “I don’t know, maybe just a nice dinner. We could have everyone over.”

  He tips my head back and places his lips on mine, then says, “Whatever you want baby.”

  “I just want you and Alex.” I sit up. “I’m going to go look in on him.” Snagging my nightgown from the floor, I throw it on and then head across the hall, peeking in the door. Alex is sleeping sideways with his arms and legs hanging off the sides of the bed. There’s no point in moving him because he’ll just move back; it may be time to get him a real bed.

>   I move across the hall to my man, who is already asleep. Even in sleep, he grabs me and pulls me snug into his body, and I slip under peacefully.

  27

  BROCK

  A WEEK AND A HALF LATER

  Hopping out of my truck, I grab Alex and place him on the ground next to me. We’re picking up Ripley some flower arrangements because it’s her birthday today, and I want to make up for all the birthdays I’ve missed. She told me all she wanted was dinner with us, but back in high school, on my birthday she’d decorate my locker with streamers, balloons, and love notes. I don’t have a locker to decorate, but I’m decorating her place and having everyone over for a sort of surprise party.

  She’s at work now, so Alex and I are going to decorate, and Jonah is supposed to be bringing streamers. I had Jonah invite her friends, and I invited her mom and mine. Kat never responded to the email I sent her so I doubt she is coming, but Cale responded and is going to try to make it.

  I grab Alex’s hand and we step inside the flower shop where my mom works. We find her and Cheryl talking closely, and they both look up when the bell chimes above the door. “Well hey you two.”

  “Hey, Mom. Hey, Cheryl. How are you two ladies today?”

  “We’re good honey. Come give me a hug, Alex.” Alex runs around the counter and gives my mom a huge hug, which always causes a pain in my chest. She has no clue what her ex-husband did, and she never will.

  Cheryl comes around the counter. “We’ve got your flowers all boxed up and ready to go. We’ve got a colorful variety for you, and your mom thought Ripley would like the arrangements in different colored watering cans. Come with me and I’ll show you.”

  “Alex, you stay with my mom.” He nods his head as he sucks on a lollipop I’m sure she gave to him.