by Alex Grayson
“Could have fooled me. What did I do in a past life to have to pick up my sister from a hookup?” He sighs and points to the back seat.
“What about the front?” I pout.
“Sorry, Car, got my new partner with me.”
Damn, a new partner to witness me in all my shame. After buckling up I look toward the front seat. His partner’s looking out the window so I don’t get a good glimpse.
“Sorry we’re not meeting under better circumstances. I’m Carly.” I reach out my hand and gasp when he turns his warm whiskey eyes my way.
“Sorry, Car, this is my new partner Devin Hardy.”
Devin…Vin. Devin, my brother’s new partner is Vin. My Vin. The man that turned my world inside out then disappeared off the face of the earth.
Fuck. My. Life.
The car ride is silent even though my brother cracks a few more jokes at my expense. He mustn’t be that great at his job if he can’t sense the awkward tension between me and his new partner.
The car stops outside my building and I jump out without a word, running for the front door.
“You’re welcome!” my brother yells.
I get to the main door and I’m about to shut it when a foot blocks my attempt. My eyes track the lean leg all the way up to the culprit’s face.
“What do you want?” I whisper-yell not wanting my brother to hear anything.
“You forgot your wallet in the back seat.” He hands me my wallet but doesn’t remove his shoe. “We need to talk. Listen…”
“There’s nothing to say. We hooked up and that’s it.”
“Carly,” he says in warning.
“What? I haven’t heard from you in months. And now I’m supposed to welcome you back with open legs? Give me a break, Devin.”
“I’m coming back later to explain.”
“No, you aren’t.”
“Carly, I’ll be back.” He turns and leaves.
What could we possibly have to talk about? The situation seems pretty simple to me. One-night stands are common. I don’t know what he’s making a big deal about. It’s not like I’m gonna run and tell my brother that his partner screwed me and left before he had his pants zipped.
Christ, why can’t I get over this guy? The logical part of my brain argues I barely know him, I shouldn’t be so attached. The other part reminds me how good he made me feel and that I might have a chance to experience it again.
With a sigh, I walk up the two flights of stairs to my apartment. After thoroughly rinsing my eye and any other body part that came in contact with cat hair, I decide it’s a great time to catch a nap.
Breakfast dates are exhausting especially when it ends with semen in your eye.
A few hours later, there’s a knock at my door. I sit up in bed dreading opening it. What if it’s really Vin making good on his promise? When I shuffle my feet to the door and open it, I find Devin holding a paper bag in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other.
“Hungry?” he asks with a sly grin.
“Actually, I’m starving.” I gesture for him to come in then shut the door. As I walk into the kitchen, Vin pulls out Chinese food containers and loads them on plates he finds in my cabinets. He sees me standing, not making any move to get closer. Finally, he walks over, wrapping me in his arms before kissing me silly. We break free a moment later and I try to glare at him, but I’m in such a haze I sit my ass down and eat the damn Chinese food with him.
“Now that I have your belly full, let’s chat.”
“You gonna explain why you disappeared and why I haven’t heard from you in months? Or why you’re here right now with food?”
“The call I took that night was one I’d been waiting a while for. I can’t discuss the details because it’s classified, but I went undercover that night up until a week ago. No communication, not even with my family. I wanted to reach out to you because, fuck…” He rubs his hands down his face. “When I was undercover, I couldn’t stop thinking about you. When I needed to be focused, I wasn’t. I couldn’t get the feel of you out of my head.”
“Me either,” I whisper feeling relieved he didn’t just ditch me. That he still thought of me. “Now answer this, how did you know I was the wrong number that night at the bar.”
“The person I thought I was texting ended up messaging me right after. I ran you through a search and got your information.”
“That easy, huh?”
“That easy. I’m a cop, remember?” We sit there for a second staring at each other until I smile shyly at him.
In an instant I’m on the table in front of Vin as his hands rub up and down my bare thighs. The large sleep shirt I’m wearing being pushed up my hips by the motion.
“Did you let him cum inside you?” He tenderly kisses my inner thigh.
“What?” I ask, completely confused.
“Your hookup, the one we picked you up from. Did he cum inside you?”
Oh, shit. “No, just in my eye.” I pant and almost burst out laughing when I realize what I’ve revealed. “Forget I said that.”
“You’re so wet I can see it through your panties.” His face dips down and licks the length of me over the fabric. “I’m going to make you forget any other man exists.”
My panties are ripped clean off and the noise further drives me out of my mind. Vin dives into my pussy with determination. My body nearly launches from the table but his hands hold firm on my hips making it impossible to move.
He laps up my juices like he needs them to live. His fingers enter me and he picks up the pace with his tongue. Tiny black spots cloud my vision as my head flies back.
Vin pulls back, his eyes are dilated and he’s sucking the fingers into his mouth that were deep inside of me. It’s not enough. I need so much more.
“Get inside me,” I demand lying back on the table, spreading my legs freely.
I hear his belt buckle and pants hit the floor. A second later, he’s sliding home with his shirt still on and that’s not okay with me. I find the hem and pull it over his head and sink my nails into his skin, scratching down his chest when his hips swirl in a delicious rhythm.
“God, Carly…” he moans picking up the pace.
I try to make it last, but it’s all too much. My pussy spasms and he begins cursing as he joins me in climax.
I didn’t realize how much I missed him until he was back. How crazy is that, missing a stranger?
Sometime later, we’re in bed as I trace little patterns on the skin of his abs.
“So, what is this?” I whisper, unsure if he’s sleeping.
His hand finds mine and entwines our fingers. “This…” He squeezes my hand, “is us fucking while sometimes getting dinner, maybe catching a movie.”
“You can’t just say dating?” I laugh.
He huffs but pulls me closer.
“Can you do me one huge favor?” I ask.
“Anything.”
“I’m glad you said that.” I laugh. “You get to tell my brother.”
“Fucking hell. You have me at a disadvantage woman,” he laughs. “We’ve been partners for a few days.” Vin groans burying his nose into my neck, making me laugh harder.
“You agreed,” I sing-song really and truly happy. Even if I don’t know him that well and this could completely crash and burn. I feel safe and happy with him, so I’m going to ride him for all he’s worth.
Whoops. Ride this for all it’s worth. My bad.
About Brittany
Brittany Crowley was born and raised in Massachusetts. She still lives there today with her husband and 3 kids. Getting into the world of romance after she had her first child, she was hooked. Though she had many ideas in her head, Brittany was unsure if she had what it took to become a writer. A few encouraging words and one writing challenge later, she completed her first book. Now you can find her trying to keep up with her crazy kids and writing any chance she gets.
Visit her at www.authorbrittanycrowley.com
Secret Games
Hog Wild Series, Book 1.5
HL Nighbor
Nobody gets hurt as long as you play by the rules.
1
I scan my surroundings as I enter the brightly lit hotel lobby watching for anyone who may know me. Even though this hotel resides two hours outside town, being caught would be a disaster. Taking a moment to compose myself, I sit in the plush leather armchair in the corner and twist my stunning wedding ring on my finger. Nerves cause my palms to slick with sweat.
I came here tonight to let loose and explore a wild, adventurous side I know resides within me. The evening started with an eagerness to shed my timid nature, to spice up my life, but now I question my ability to separate fantasy from reality.
Can I really follow through with this?
Can I throw out the rule book and be bad for once?
Steadying myself, I take a deep breath as I slide the ring off and gently place it in the front pocket of my quilted Coach handbag and I rise from the chair. I rub the now empty space on my finger and take a moment to evaluate my appearance in the large mirror hanging behind the chair.
The emerald green dress I chose for tonight is flirty and subtle. The blousy top stretches across my chest, leaving my shoulders and neck completely bare. The billowy sleeves end at the elbow and the skirt cinches in at the waist only to flow to several inches about my knees.
Decision made.
I pull the silver chain strap of my purse over my shoulder and make my way toward the hotel bar with renewed determination. The clicking of my black stiletto booties on the hardwood floors echo throughout the cavernous lobby. My knees wobble ever so slightly with each hesitant step.
You came here for a reason, Avery. Don’t chicken out now.
Pushing open the heavy glass door to the hotel bar, I’m overwhelmed by the sheer number of people occupying the large space. I take a moment for my eyes to adjust to the faintly lit room and my heart to calm it’s racing beat. Music blares through the overhead speakers, and patrons crowd the decent-sized dance floor.
I spot an empty seat at the crowded bar and move to claim the black leather stool. Fidgeting with the hem of my skirt, several minutes pass as I try to gain the bartender’s attention to order a drink to take the edge off. Before I have the chance, he places a glass in front of me.
“Courtesy of the gentleman in the corner.” The bartender nods his head in the direction of my admirer. “Please let me know if you need anything else.”
I lift the glass to my lips and take a sip of the tart cocktail, making eye contact with my admirer over the rim. His body leans casually against the wall, one leg bent slightly with his foot propped against the baseboard. Crossed arms cause his shirt to pull across his broad chest and muscular shoulders.
Damn, he’s hot. I think he’s the perfect guy for my plan tonight.
I grace him with a small smile in appreciation and then divert my attention to the drink in my hand. Swirling the contents helps to steady my nerves and I return my gaze across the bar to continue my subtle flirtation only to find the previously occupied spot now empty.
Ugh. I suck at this. I can’t even maintain a guy’s attention long enough to approach him.
Maybe this was a mistake after all.
With a sigh, I down the remaining contents of the glass and begin to stand from my seat.
“You’re not leaving already, are you?” Warmth fans across my ear and the gentle press of a body against my back ignites goosebumps.
I turn ever so slightly and enjoy the delicious, spicy male scent of my companion. “I was thinking about it, but I could be convinced to stay.”
“That’s the best news I’ve had all night.” The mysterious stranger deliberately brushes against me as he slides into the unoccupied barstool to my right and catches the bartender’s attention. “Can we have another round, please?”
“Thank you.” I nervously tuck my long, dark hair behind my ear, hoping my blush is not obvious. From afar he was quite handsome, but up close he’s devastating to the senses.
His hair is closely cropped on the sides and just long enough to hold on to. A couple days of stubble decorates his jaw and frames his lush, kissable lips. Long lashes surround his deep chocolate-colored eyes. Colorful tattoos artistically swirl on his strong forearms, revealed by the untucked black shirt he has rolled and pushed up to his elbows. Dark-wash jeans showcase powerful thighs and end with a pair of heavy black boots.
The bartender slides our drinks across the shiny wood and my drinking partner lifts his glass. “How about a toast…uhm…”
“Jill,” I answer his unasked question. “You can call me Jill”
“Well, Jill, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Jack.” A slight smirk tilts his lips as he turns himself in his seat until he faces me head on. “What should we toast to?”
I pick up my drink and spin my stool in his direction with hesitancy. “To new friends, new adventures, and secret games.” I lift my glass in salute and bring it to my lips for a taste, needing to wet my dry mouth.
“To secret games.” Jack returns the toast and takes a drink of his beer. “So, what brings you to town this evening? I’ve never seen you before and I would remember you, if I had.”
“I’m just passing through on my way back from a business trip.” I hope he doesn’t notice my shaking hands as I tear at the coaster under my drink. I can’t help but wonder if I can follow through with this. If I’m emotionally strong enough to fulfill this fantasy. “The drive was becoming too much and I needed to stop for a break. If I have too many more cocktails, I may have to stay the night and continue my journey in the morning. I take it you’re from around here.”
“More or less.” His non-answer confuses me. “Work brings me here a lot. I pretty much live in this hotel these days.”
“Oh. You already have a room for the night?” I fiddle with my fingers in my lap mentally beating myself up for being so direct and obvious. My naturally naïve nature wars with the outspoken woman I’m trying to portray in the moment.
Jack reaches over and holds my hand. “Do I make you nervous?”
The concern in his eyes eases my anxiety a tad. “However lame this sounds, it’s not you. Really, it’s me. I don’t randomly flirt with strangers, but I was feeling daring and wanted to do something bold.” The words spew from my mouth in a jittery string of syllables.
“Like hooking up with a random guy in a bar?” He rubs this thumb across the back of my hand still in his.
“Yeah,” I reply with a shrug. “Just like that.”
Releasing his hold, he motions towards the bartender. “Can we get six shots of tequila? With lime and salt, please.”
“Tequila is your answer?” I ask dumbfounded.
“Yep.” He slides a shot toward the end of the bar and picks up the saltshaker. “A little liquid courage it great for settling the nerves and who doesn’t love some sexy shots.”
Raising my hand to his lips, he slides his tongue seductively over my inner wrist and while never breaking eye contact, he shakes the salt on my wet skin. He grabs the lime with his right hand and takes the shot glass in his left.
“Let’s loosen you up a bit.” He leans in to whisper in my ear and slips the lime between my parted lips. “You better hold on tight, darling.”
He nips my ear lobe while he brushes his finger across my exposed collar bone and I gasp, inhaling lime juice. My eyes tear and I quickly pull the fruit from mouth. The acidic burn in my lungs causes me to double over in an unsexy coughing fit.
“Whoa, there.” Jack pats my back and a glass of water appears in my line of sight. “Have a drink.”
I greedily gulp the water and it eases the fire. Placing the glass on the bar, I wipe the tears from my face. “Sorry. You caught me off guard. Let’s try this again.”
“Are you sure?” He asks, unconvinced.
“Really. I’m good. I promise.” I bring the lime back to my lips and extend my salty wrist in his direction. I slide forward on m
y stool until my knees gently brush his inner thighs. My bold move shocks me.
Where did this inner vixen come from?
“Where were we?” He asks and cups my wrist in his much larger hand.
With a wink, he licks the salt from my skin and tosses back his shot. He slides his hands into my hair and he brings his lips to mine, the thrill of excitement sending a shiver through my body. His tongue licks the juice from my lower lip before he wraps his teeth around the lime wedge, pulling it free from my mouth.
Fuck. That was hot.
Feeling brave, I stand between his legs. “I think it’s my turn.”
I give him a view of my cleavage, as I lean over him to grab the saltshaker. Pulling back the collar of his shirt, I run my tongue along the spot where his neck and shoulder meet. He shivers when my breath blows across his damp skin.
“Don’t move. I would hate to make a mess.” I whisper in his ear as I shake the salt over the wetness.
I grab the lime and slowly rub the juice over his lips before I spin it to place it in his mouth. With the shot in hand, I move until my body presses against his chest. His hands slide up my legs and firmly grab my hips.
The taste of salt and pure male floods my mouth as I lick Jack’s neck. I pull back just enough to toss back the shot before I bring my mouth to his. Taking a move from his book, I trace his lips with my tongue. The hands on my hips tighten and forcefully yank me forward. I yelp in surprise from the boldness of the act.
Jacks drops the lime before I can take it with my teeth. He nibbles on my lower lip and my mouth hesitantly parts when his tongue seeks entry. The bitterness of the tequila, tartness of the lime, and the sharpness of the salt compete on my taste buds, but despite the war, a flavor that is uniquely Jack remains front and center.
Breathless, I step back with my fingertips pressed against my tingling lips. “Wow.”
I gracelessly flop onto the stool; the four remaining shots taunt me from their place on the bar top. Without thinking I grab one and toss it back without lime or salt. The burn of the tequila shocks me from my lust coma and my brain function returns.