by Louise, Tia
“You asked where I’ve been. I was with Yarnell, working at the Lodge in Half Moon Bay.”
“Yarnell… I couldn’t remember her name.”
“Her parents were big Shields & Yarnell fans.”
“The mimes?” He frowns. “They were creepy as fuck.”
“They were the original pop and lockers!” I push his shoulder. “They started a whole dance craze. Anyway, we weren’t allowed to watch a lot of mainstream stuff growing up. I’m surprised you know who they are.”
A smile curls his lips, and it makes me so tingly. “Tell me about this lucky charm.”
“So I was working at Half Moon Bay Lodge in housekeeping, and I really sucked at it.” He slides a finger along my forehead, moving my hair behind my ear. I lose my train of thought for a second, then I remember. “Oh, and I stole this lady’s body spray.”
His full lips part, and I put my finger on them. “Before you judge. I was cleaning her room, and I got distracted by all her cosmetics. I just picked up the body spray to smell it, she came in and started screaming I was a thief, so I ran.”
His pretty, pretty eyes twinkle, and he exhales a short laugh. “I’m sorry.” He clears his throat when he sees my eyes narrow. “That doesn’t explain why it’s good luck.”
“Oh!” I shift in the bed. “I ran into this guy’s room to hide, and we got to talking, and I told him about Pancake Paradise, and he offered to give me money so I could reopen. Only he wants me to move to Monterey…” JR’s brow lowers, and his eyes go from glowing and loving to super pissed. I exhale a little laugh. “What’s wrong?”
“Some guy you don’t know offered you money?”
Biting my bottom lip, more warmth flares in my chest. Is he jealous? “No, no. It’s not like that. He’s an investor. He said to update my business plan and send it to his secretary.”
“How do you know?”
“I Googled him.” It’s my turn to slide the hair off his forehead. Such pretty hair. “Yars already knew who he was. She says he’s the richest man in Manhattan.”
I realize that sort of rhymes, but JR is not buying it. “I don’t like it. He wants in your pants.”
“John Roth Dunne, he does not.” I shake my head and laugh. “Stephen Hastings is a happily married man with two children—”
“And you’re a beautiful young girl who turns into this beam of sunlight whenever you talk about your restaurant. You’re fucking irresistible.”
This time I can’t resist. My eyes warm, and I press my lips together before pushing my arms around his neck and kissing him firmly on the mouth. Our lips part, and our tongues slide together as he rolls me onto my back, deepening the kiss, taking my breath away.
He lifts his head, and when our eyes meet, it’s hot and demanding. “I don’t want some strange guy giving you money.”
My insides are sparkling, and I’m sure it’s showing in the grin I can’t hide. “That’s kind of how investors work.”
“Then I want to meet him.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Make sure he knows this is strictly a business transaction.”
I kind of super-love this possessive side of him. “I’m pretty sure he already knows that.”
“I want to know that he knows that.”
“Tell you what.” Lifting my head, I kiss him again briefly. “If I even see him again in person, I’ll be sure you’re there with me.”
“Good.” He leans down and kisses me again, slower, heating my core. “Although I still don’t like it.”
My forehead crinkles. “Why not?”
“I want to give you everything you need.”
“Oh.” I shake my head, hugging myself closer to him, pressing my bare chest to his and loving the feel of our bodies together. “You already do.”
Jr
Hope in my arms is like coming home.
Her body molds to mine like we were made to be together, perfect and beautiful. I bury my nose in her hair and breathe deeply… Vanilla and something different. Caramel?
Her talking about some guy making her dream come true has me angry and hot. I want to fuck her again. I want to wrap her body around mine and make love. I want to be the man who gives her everything she wants. I want to make her life mine. We’ve never had a chance to say the words, but I think she feels the same.
When I realized I had Clyde’s confession, my first thought was I’m free. My second thought was Find Hope. Nothing stands in our way now. I can come to her with clean hands.
I can ask her if she wants to try.
I can make a promise…
I can tell her the truth. She fills a part of me I didn’t know was lacking. The sunshine in her hair, the sparkle in her eyes, all of it turns the anger in my chest to peace. She changed me. Hell, she kept me from punching my dad in the face. She made me have faith again. She’s my hope.
Her soft cheek is against my chest. Her finger traces the lines along my stomach, and it feels so good. She’s in my arms, and I’m on the right path again. It’s all coming back to me now, and I’ll do whatever it takes to hold onto her.
“That 911 operator sure got an earful.” She lifts her head. Our eyes meet, and she’s so adorable.
Threading my fingers in her hair, I chuckle. “You called the cops on me.”
“I thought you were a burglar.” Slim fingers lightly trace the lines of ink above my pec. “This much is true… What does it mean?”
I take her fingers in my hand and kiss the tips. “People lied to me, and because of their lies, I lost everything, my son, my freedom, my reputation… I decided the only thing I can believe, the only truth is me.”
Her pretty brows furrow, and her eyes are sad. “Sounds lonely.”
“I was in a pretty dark place.” Remembering it makes my chest cold. “The system took everything I had and left me with nothing.”
“It’s like what you told me that night?” Her voice is quiet. “Like when you were a football star?”
I forgot I’d told her that. “Yeah.”
Her fingers move from my hand to trace the line of my jaw. Her blue eyes are focused on them, so careful. “Do you ever think you can trust someone again?”
She has no idea…
In that moment I make a decision.
“I don’t like you being here alone. I should stay with you, or you can come back to my place.”
Her brow arches. “You have a place?”
“It’s just a studio on Divisidaro, but it’s better than you being out here alone and vulnerable.”
“I thought you said we couldn’t be together.” She’s teasing, and I roll her onto her back.
“Something changed my mind.”
“Something… like?”
Leaning on my elbow, I gaze down at her angel face. “Like I think I got a miracle.”
Her pretty blue eyes widen. “How?”
“GA has a prayer chain, and she insists they make shit happen—”
“Shit like what?”
“I found the guy who set me up.” Shaking my head, I still kind of can’t believe it. “Not only that, I got him to confess.”
“John!” She pushes up to sitting, and I shift onto my hip beside her. “Oh my God! That’s incredible… That’s…” She hesitates, shaking her head as if she can’t find the words.
I get it. This changes everything.
Dropping my chin, I kiss the top of her shoulder. “I know.”
It’s a big moment, the break we need, and I want to hold her, linger here.
Her breath swirls in and out, and I feel the excitement tight in her body. I remember what we said, if there’s any chance…
It’s our chance.
Our heartbeats slow, and I can’t resist. “You know, it’s pretty cool, but it’s nothing like pulling a copperhead out of a wooden box.”
“Brother Bob.” Her head drops back with a groan. “Talk about a liar. He was not incredible. He was insane.”
“He sent his goons
after us.”
“And you kicked their asses.” She grins, sliding a finger along my brow. “It was hot.”
“It was a close call.” Shifting, I lean back against the headboard.
“So what now?” She bounces beside me, and I can’t help noticing her small tits bobbing.
My fingers trace from her waist to her breast, and I think how amazing it would be to have her any time I want. She covers my hand with hers, threading our fingers, and my train of thought disappears at the sight of her body.
“Hellooo…” I look up, and her head is tilted to the side, a sexy smile curving her lips.
“Sorry, what?” My thumb slides around the stiff peak of her nipple, and she leans forward, threading her fingers in the side of my hair and tracing her lips along my brow.
My dick perks up… almost like it’s been four weeks since I’ve seen her.
“What happens now?” Her voice is low, and her lips feather against my cheek.
Gripping her waist, I pull her across me in a straddle. “Now I take it to my lawyer and clear my name.”
Her tits are right at my chin, and I lift them in my hands. Soft and tight, just like the rest of her. Leaning forward, I pull a taut nipple between my lips and give it a gentle bite.
I’m rewarded with a sharp gasp, and her slim hand fumbles between us, guiding my cock to her hot little pussy. I don’t have a condom, and I’m about to stop us when she lowers her body, moving onto her knees and riding me.
“Shit…” My eyes squeeze shut, and my hands grip her soft ass.
I need to stop her. I need to be responsible and put on a condom.
“Hang on, beautiful.” It’s almost more willpower than I have. “I can’t get you pregnant yet.”
“John…” Her lips seal against mine, and she hugs me.
She’s so hot and tight and slippery and tempting. She’s killing me.
“Hold that thought.” Shifting our positions, I lay her on her back. I’m still inside her as I thrust, sliding in and out as our bodies heat and tense. My jeans are just within reach, and I pull out a condom.
Leaning down, I pull her warm lips with mine, sliding my tongue along hers as I lift my hips, coming out with a long pull. I’m on my knees above her, and she rakes her fingernails up my thighs, tracing them around to the center. It’s insanely hot, and my fingers tremble as I roll on protection.
Her knees rise, and hot blue eyes meet mine. “Fuck me, John.”
She doesn’t have to ask twice. I catch a knee with my forearm, lifting it higher as I bury deep, thrusting hard and fast. Her back arches, and she moans. Rotating her hips like a dancer, she blows my mind.
We move in a primitive dance, like the waves on the ocean. Leaning down, our mouths collide, and it’s all instinct and desire. The air is filled with soft moans and low grunts, It doesn’t take long before we’re coming again. Her insides clench, and I kiss her small breasts. I drag my mouth higher, kissing her shoulder, behind her ear. I taste the sweet salt of her skin.
She’s velvet and sugar and spice. She’s hot liquid and warm depths. She’s my best fantasy come to life. She’s the promise of a better life ahead, something richer and fuller.
Something true.
We’re coming down, and I quickly dispose of the condom before gathering her in my arms again. This time her back is to my chest, and my arms wrap over hers. My face is at her ear, and I kiss her neck.
She exhales a laugh, and I do it again. It makes me smile to feel her happy in my arms.
It makes me do something I haven’t done in years.
It makes me believe in a bright future waiting at the end of this long, dark road.
“I’ll drive you to your apartment.” Hope is sitting on a barstool across from me, holding a piece of jelly toast in one hand and a mug of coffee in the other.
She’s the cutest ray of sunshine in faded jeans and a long-sleeved green sweater.
“Thanks.” Taking out my black iPhone, I study the face. “The confession is stuck on this phone. I’m guarding it with my life.”
“Why don’t you back it up on a computer?”
“Don’t have one.”
Her brow furrows, and she looks around the cottage then back at me. “Isn’t that weird? Not so long ago everybody had a computer. Or at least a laptop.”
“Either way, I can’t lose this recording. Nothing can happen to this phone.”
“Why does that make me feel terrified?” Her voice is a whisper, and she stands, carrying her plate to the sink.
“Let’s get going. I’ll call my lawyer first thing and play it for her.” I tuck my shirt into my jeans. “Maybe she can record it through the phone.”
“Good idea.” Hope nods, snatching up the keys. “Did you get enough breakfast?”
“I’m good.” Polishing off my cup of coffee, I place it in the sink before catching her waist and pulling her to me. “You’re going to your restaurant?”
“My retail space,” she corrects me, and I can’t tell if saying it makes her sad. It seems not. “I’ve got to get what’s left out of there before the lease expires.”
“Let’s plan to meet up at noon.” Leaning down, I kiss her.
She melts into me, kissing me back.
I love how she does that.
“Your place or mine?” Her voice is sultry, but I don’t have time to carry her to the bedroom. It’ll have to wait.
“Here. We’ll come here.”
“I wish it were now.”
We’re out the door, and at this hour, it doesn’t take long to get from her beach house to my apartment in town.
As we drive, I take her phone and study the face. It’s a picture of her smiling on the beach, her blonde hair falling over one eye. “How would you feel about going back to Fireside with me? Once all of this is done.”
Her eyes are on the road, but a smile lifts the corner of her mouth. “I’d love to see everyone again, Scout and Jesse and your grandmother.”
“I don’t have your number.”
She parallel parks at the sidewalk in front of my apartment and takes her phone from me, unlocking it and handing it back. “Type in your number.” I do as she says, then she nods. “Now type in Scout’s.”
My brow furrows, but I do it. As soon as I’m done, she takes the phone again and quickly thumbs out a text. So that’s what Scout’s always bitching about.
Seconds later, my phone buzzes, and I lift it, reading her text on the face. Who’s up for another road trip?
It doesn’t take long for my brother to answer. Is this Hope? You found her?
I chuckle as my chest expands. Unlocking my phone, I slowly tap out. I found her.
She smiles, and when our eyes meet, hers are warm and glistening.
Leaning across the seat, I kiss her long and slow before I get out. Hell yeah, I found her, and I’m never letting her go again.
Before I get out, I think about what I’m about to do. “Everything’s going to change.”
“It’s going to be amazing.” Her voice is quiet, eyes bright.
Leaning in one last time, I kiss her soft lips, then I’m out the door, heading inside to call my lawyer and start our new life.
Only life never goes the way you choose.
Pacing my apartment, I listen to the phone ring. Checking the time, it’s after eight. I guess my lawyer doesn’t get into her office until nine, but she’s got to have an answering service or a machine or something.
A loud banging on my front door makes me disconnect. I’m holding the phone, looking down as I go to it, thinking about that text Hope sent, thinking about another road trip.
“Can I help you?” My voice has an edge. I’m not expecting a delivery.
I don’t think Clyde would come here, but I’m not certain. I am certain I could kick his ass, but would he bring a gun?
“Open the door, Dunne. It’s Deputy Blank.”
My chin draws back. What the hell is my parole officer doing here? I turn the locks and r
emove the chain. I’m just turning the doorknob when it flies inward on me, causing me to take a few steps back.
“What the hell?” The words barely leave my lips, before I’m surrounded by masked cops, jerking my hands behind my back. “Hold up!”
My phone slips from my grip and falls, hitting the wood floor with a crash. My stomach crashes with it, and I try to dive for it.
My struggle gets me a knee to the ribs, knocking the wind out of me. Still, desperation twists in my chest. That phone is everything.
“Stop resisting, asshole.” The men gripping my arms aren’t asking questions or reading my rights. Handcuffs are slapped over my wrists, and they jerk me upright, pushing me towards the door.
No… My throat is tight. My heart thuds fast in my chest. My entire future is slipping away with that shattered phone lying on the floor.
Hope…
“Why are you doing this?” My voice cracks.
I’m still struggling, needing to get my phone, but the more I twist, the tighter they grip my arms, pulling them behind me so hard, I think my joints will pop.
“Please…” I gasp, blinking the heat in my eyes.
“Don’t make me tase you.” The biggest guy growls at my ear.
He’s holding my arms behind my back, and he drags me up so straight, my feet nearly lift off the floor. It hurts like hell, then his black boot heel lands directly on my phone’s face.
“God… NO!” I shout. “I’ll go with you. Just stop… My phone.”
The first guy, the smaller of the two, looks down to where his partner’s foot is on the device holding my key to freedom. “Is this your personal device?”
His sarcasm makes me sick. I’ve only wanted to kill a person one other time in my life.
“I need that to call my son.” For some reason, I don’t trust them with the truth.
I don’t know why they’re doing this, and all I can think of is Deputy Blank’s disgust at me walking around on parole. She hates me.
“I told you,” she steps between the officers and me. “You should’ve thought of your son before you started dealing drugs.” Deputy Blank circles around to the door, her hands on her hips. “We got a tip this morning you’ve violated your parole. You went to South Carolina without prior authorization. Authorization I already denied.”