by Andria Large
He did said “yet,” though. So maybe there is a chance for me in the future.
“Okay. That’s fine,” I reply and rub his arm.
Jack gives me one more kiss on the lips before rolling away from me. He grabs the tissue box from the nightstand and tosses it so it lands next to me.
“Thanks.” I smirk.
He gives me a lopsided grin, then sits up on the bed next to me while I clean up. After pulling my underwear and shorts back on and righting my T-shirt, I sit next to Jack.
“Are you okay?” I ask, still worried about how he’s feeling after that phone call from Greg.
Jack shrugs. “I’m all right, I guess. It just scared the hell out of me that he found my phone number and figured out where I am.”
I nod and wrap my arm around his shoulders, pulling him against me. “I know, but it’s okay. You’re still safe here. I’m here with you, and I won’t let anything happen to you.”
He nods and leans in for another kiss. “Thank you, Warwick.”
Chapter ELEVEN
WARWICK
IT’S BEEN really difficult to coordinate Jack’s surprise birthday party when we’re almost always together. Jack probably thinks I’m addicted to wanking off because I’ve locked myself in my room a lot over the past week.
Luckily, we haven’t heard from Greg again, and Jack is doing well with moving forward. Jack’s parents are in Birmingham. I set them up in a hotel, and they’re going to meet us at the restaurant where I’m having the party.
I’ve also flown in Diandra. Not only have I missed the shit out of her, but she and Jack became close in the short time they spent together, and I know he misses her too.
That night, Jack and I get ready to go out. Jack thinks I’m just taking him out for dinner. I tell him to dress nice because it’s a fancier place. When we get there, we walk in and go to the hostess stand.
“Reservations for Aldridge.”
“Sure, right this way,” she says with a knowing smile.
I take Jack’s hand as we follow the hostess to a back room with the doors closed. My heart rate skyrockets when she grabs the door handle and yanks it open. I make sure Jack enters the room first since it’s his party. Everyone inside the room yells, “Surprise!” and Jack jumps and stumbles backward. I grab him so he doesn’t fall on his arse. I can’t see his face, but I can only imagine.
“Mom? Dad?” Jack squawks and runs to them.
They both hug him at the same time, holding him tight, as all three of them cry. Watching them has my own eyes welling up. It’s great to see them so happy. It’s been over a year since they’ve seen each other, and not exactly by choice. I shove my hands into my pockets and wait, knowing Jack is going to turn to me at any moment.
He finally lets them go, and as expected, he turns to stare at me in awe, his face soaked with tears. “You did this?”
I nod.
He shakes his head as if he can’t quite believe it and walks over to me. He takes my face in his hands and gives me a kiss on the lips before wrapping his arms around my neck and hugging me to him. I hug him back.
“I can’t believe you did this for me. Thank you so much,” he murmurs.
“You’re welcome, love. Happy birthday.”
Jack gives me one more kiss before going to greet everyone else. It’s just his parents, my parents and brothers, and Diandra. Speaking of Diandra, after she says hi to Jack, she comes and launches herself at me, wrapping her arms and legs around me.
“Warwick! I’ve missed you so much. You need to come home,” she whines.
“Soon. I’ve got another couple of weeks here.”
“That’s too long.” She pouts as I set her down.
“Sorry, darling.”
“It’s fine. It’s just lonely in that apartment all by myself.”
“Yeah. Hey listen, has Greg been snooping around the hospital at all?” I ask, pulling her away from everyone so we’re not overheard.
“Not that I know of. Why?”
“Because he somehow got Jack’s new number and called. He knew that he was here in England.”
“What?” she squawks.
“Shhh,” I reply, motioning with my hand for her to keep it down.
“Oops, sorry.” She grimaces. “Maybe he hired someone?”
I nod. “That’s what I was thinking too.”
“Warwick,” Jack calls.
I turn to find him walking toward us with his parents in tow. I plaster on a smile even though I’m still aggravated about the whole Greg thing.
“Warwick, these are my parents, Christopher and Diane. Mom, Dad, this is Dr. Warwick Aldridge.”
“Oh, it’s so nice to finally meet you in person, Warwick,” Diane gushes and gives me a hug.
Christopher shakes my hand. “We can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for our Jack.”
I feel the blush creeping up my cheeks. I never know what to do with such appreciation. “It was nothing,” I croak.
“It was everything,” Jack says softly, his gaze locking on mine.
Their adoration has my heart flipping over, and realization smacks me square in the face. I’m falling in love with him. How did I let this happen? He’s not ready for any kind of relationship, let alone love. I’m just setting myself up for heartache.
After a few more minutes of conversing, we all find seats around the large table. Jack’s parents want to sit on either side of him, understandably, so Diandra and I take the seats directly across from him. A couple of waitresses come around and take our drink orders while small conversations pop up around the table. It looks as though everyone introduced themselves before Jack and I got here, since they are all talking like old friends.
Diane places her hand on Jack’s forearm, getting his attention. “So are you and Warwick dating?” she asks. It’s an innocent question, but it has Jack looking flustered.
“I… ah… no. Not exactly,” he fumbles.
Yeah, we fooled around, but that doesn’t mean it meant anything more than what it was.
“But you kissed him earlier,” she says, eyebrows drawn down in confusion.
“Yeah, that was kinda just as a thank-you. It didn’t… mean… anything…,” he says hesitantly, looking everywhere but at me.
I didn’t think we were dating, so I’m not upset about him denying that, but he basically said I mean nothing to him. And that right there fucking hurts. After all we’ve been through in such a short time, I didn’t think that kiss meant nothing. And this is why I should have never let my emotions get involved. I do my best to keep my face neutral. Diandra’s hand finds my thigh under the table. She gives it a squeeze; she knows me well enough to know I’m upset even if I’m not showing it.
“Oh, okay,” Diane replies. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to date anyone right now anyway. No offense, Warwick.”
“None taken,” I reply nonchalantly, staring at Jack, who still refuses to look at me. “Excuse me. I need to use the restroom.”
I shove out of my chair and do my best not to stomp out of the room. I shouldn’t be this hurt about what he said. We’re not dating. But to say a kiss we shared meant nothing really bothers me. This is what I get for falling for a guy who is emotionally unavailable.
I walk into the bathroom and go right to the sink, where I lean my hands on the counter and try to shove down the pain his words caused. A few minutes later, the door bursts open, and I glance through the mirror to see it’s a distraught-looking Jack.
“Warwick, I’m sorry,” he blurts and comes to stand next to me.
I shake my head. “Whatever, Jack. I get it.”
“No, you don’t get it.”
I cock an eyebrow at him through the mirror. “Do explain, because it sounded pretty clear that I mean nothing to you.”
“I just… I just meant we weren’t officially dating. You heard my mom; she doesn’t think I should be seeing anyone anyway. Which, in all honesty, I shouldn’t be, not after everythi
ng that happened with him. But then you came along, and you make me want things I know I shouldn’t want right now.”
I straighten and turn to face him, shocked by what’s he’s saying. “What?”
“Dammit, Warwick, you have to know I care about you. I thought I’d made that obvious. You think I’d do the things I did to you with someone I don’t have feelings for?” he says.
I flounder, not knowing how to respond.
“I wouldn’t,” he says firmly. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I don’t think my parents want to hear I’m messing around with someone else so soon after getting out of such an abusive relationship.”
I swallow hard and nod. “Yeah… yeah, you’re right.”
Jack steps into me, wraps his arms around my neck, and kisses me soundly. I snake my arms around his waist and tug him closer. My heart swells, knowing for sure he does actually care about me and not just as a friend.
“I’m not saying I’m ready for a relationship, but know that you mean a lot to me, and we are way past being just friends,” he murmurs after pulling away from the kiss.
I nod. “Okay.”
“Now, let’s go back so I can spend time with my parents.”
I smile. “You got it.”
I give him one more kiss before we separate and leave the bathroom.
JACK
WARWICK AND I walk my parents and Diandra to their hotel after the party. I had a great time, and I have no idea how I’m going to thank Warwick for bringing my parents to England for my birthday. Words can’t express what that means to me.
Warwick walks Diandra to her room while I walk my parents to theirs. I give them big hugs and promise to return in the morning. They’re staying for a couple of days, so I’ll get to spend more time with them. I meet Warwick down in the lobby. He’s sitting in an armchair, knees spread wide. He looks relaxed and sexy as hell. I walk over to him and trail my fingers down his arm as I round the chair to face him.
“Hey,” I say.
His eyebrows lift. “Hi there.”
“I was thinking…,” I start, squatting down in between his knees.
His gaze on me darkens with desire. I know he won’t initiate anything so this is up to me. I want him. I want to show him how much he means to me. To show him how much I appreciate everything he’s done for me for my birthday. I’m fairly certain I’m falling for him, which is dumb, I know, but I can’t help it.
“You were thinking?” he prompts.
“What do you think about getting a room for the night?” I ask.
His eyebrows crank down. “Really? Are you sure?”
“I… I can’t bottom,” I reply hesitantly, glancing up at him through my lashes. “But if you’re willing to, then I’m sure.”
Warwick’s face softens, and his fingers find my jaw. “I can do that.”
A small smile tugs at my mouth, and I stand, holding out my hand for Warwick. He takes it, and I help pull him to his feet. He yanks me against him and dips his head to give me a loving kiss on the lips.
“I’ll go get us a room. You go to the hotel shop and get us supplies,” Warwick says.
I nod. “Okay.”
Ten minutes later, Warwick is opening the door to the room. He lets me walk in first, then follows, shuts the door, and locks the dead bolt behind him. I toss the bag of lube and condoms on the bed before turning to find Warwick stalking toward me as he unbuttons his shirt. My breath catches at the sight of him. Lord, he’s gorgeous.
He stops in front of me just as he tosses his shirt aside. “Can I touch you this time?” he asks softly.
I nod jerkily. He doesn’t ask twice. He quickly unbuttons my shirt, then he moves in and kisses my neck as he lowers the shirt off my shoulders. Once he gets it completely off and tosses it away, he drops to his knees in front of me. I moan at knowing what he’s about to do. He undoes my pants then pushes them and my briefs to the floor, freeing my already hard cock. Warwick dives right in, taking me into his mouth, all the way down to the base. I choke out a strangled cry and grip his head.
Warwick bobs his head, finding a slow and languid rhythm. His hands slide up my thighs to grip my hips. I gasp when he flicks his tongue along the underside of the head. All too soon, I have to back my hips away, otherwise he’s going to make me come before I get the chance to fuck him.
I motion with my head toward the bed. “Take your pants off and get up there.”
Warwick grins wickedly and gets to his feet. I kick out of my shoes then get rid of my pants while he does the same. He climbs onto the bed on his hands and knees. He gets to about the middle, then turns and gives me a seductive glance over his shoulder.
“Like this?” he purrs.
I stifle a shudder and give him a nod. “Perfect.”
I move behind him and give his bare ass a swat. He moans and drops down to his forearms, sticking his ass higher. Kneeling behind him, I spread his cheeks, then lean in to taste him. He moans long and low as I swirl my tongue around his hole. He whispers my name, and it sends shivers down my spine. I reach between his legs and wrap my hand around his cock, stroking lightly.
“Jack, fuck me,” Warwick pants.
Instead of immediately pulling away, I lick a line down to his balls and suck on them one at a time. Warwick curses. Figuring he’s had enough teasing, I straighten up and reach for the bag with the supplies. I dump it next to Warwick’s knee and grab the lube first. After flipping the cap, I dribble some on his hole then smooth it around with my fingers before pressing two digits into him. Warwick shouts his pleasure. I work my fingers in and out, getting him ready for what’s to come.
“Come on,” he moans.
I remove my fingers and grab a condom, quickly tear open the package, and roll it on. With one hand on the small of his back, I use the other to guide myself into that tight hole of his. Warwick shouts again, and I catch his hands fisting the sheets out of the corner of my eye.
“You okay?” I rasp.
“Fuck… yes.”
I slowly inch forward until our balls are touching. I grip both of his hips and almost pull out before I push in again. Warwick moans loudly. Good thing we got a room, because I would have been mortified if we were at his parents’ house. With each pump of my hips, Warwick makes a noise. I watch my cock disappear into his ass and it’s a beautiful sight. He’s so tight and hot.
Warwick reaches back, grabs my thigh, and tugs at me with each inward thrust. “Harder, Jack, I want it harder and faster,” he barks.
I do as he asks and pump harder until the room echoes with the sound of our skin slapping together.
“Yesss,” Warwick growls.
He then takes hold of his dick and strokes it with quick, short movements. My orgasm takes root at the base of my spine and builds quickly.
“Shit,” I hiss. “I’m close.”
“Me too. Don’t stop.”
My grip tightens on his hips and he lets out a guttural shout. His hole contracts around me, letting me know he’s coming. I join him, moaning loud as I shoot my load. When we’re both spent, I gently pull out and get rid of the condom. Warwick came into his hand, so he gets up and goes to the bathroom to wash up.
I lie down on the side of the bed closest to the window and pull the covers up. That was amazing. Warwick is amazing. I’m starting to think I don’t want to ever be without him, and that scares me. I don’t want to fall in love with someone so soon, but my heart isn’t really giving me a choice here.
Warwick climbs under the covers a minute later and pulls me into his arms. He gives me soft little pecks on the lips before nuzzling his face into my neck. He pulls in a deep breath and lets it out with a contented sigh. He smooths a hand down my back and over my ass until he reaches my thigh, which he then proceeds to grab and hook over his hip so he can tuck his leg between mine.
“That was so good,” he murmurs, his voice muffled by my neck.
“Mm-hmm. It was very good,” I reply.
“Let’s get some sleep, y
eah?”
“Yeah,” I sigh and close my eyes.
“G’nite, love.”
A little smile lifts one side of my mouth. I love it when he calls me that. “Good night, Warwick.”
Chapter TWELVE
JACK
A SLIVER of sunlight peeking through the curtains warms my face, pulling me from my sleep. I rub the sleep from my eyes as I turn over. I glance at Warwick to find him still sound asleep. He’s on his side, facing me, his lips slightly parted as he snores softly. He looks like a little boy when he’s asleep. I can’t help but smile at his cuteness.
Sitting up, I drop my legs over the side of the bed and stretch my arms out. I walk naked to the bathroom. After draining my bladder, I get dressed in my clothes from yesterday. With Warwick still conked out, I grab my wallet and phone, then leave the room in search of breakfast.
I find a cute little shop on the corner. It’s fairly crowded, and there is a decent line. A wave of unease rolls through me. I scan as many faces as I can, making sure none of them are familiar.
No way he’s here. I’m just being paranoid. I pull in a deep breath and talk myself down from the rising panic. Everything is okay. He’s not here. I’m safe.
I’m almost to the counter when I get bumped from behind. I turn and come face-to-face with a wall of muscle in a tank top. My heart takes a dive bomb down to my feet. I can’t bring myself to look up at his face.
“Oy, sorry, mate,” the guy chirps in his British accent.
I blow out the breath I was apparently holding and force my gaze up. It’s not him. “It’s okay,” I wheeze.
He frowns at me. “Ya all right? You look a bit pale.”
I nod quickly and swallow the bile that had risen in my throat. “Yeah, yeah, I’m good. Thanks.”
I turn around. Holy shit, I need to get myself together. Finally, I make it to the counter and place my order. They take my name, and I move off to the side to wait.
“Greg?” the barista calls.
The name elicits the worst reaction possible. I freeze. I freeze like a statue. Every muscle in my body locks up tight. The man the name is attached to steps forward and grabs his bag. He in no way holds any resemblance to my ex, and I begin to relax. What the hell would I have done if it was him, though? Just stand there and let him take me away?