Until Then

by Delisa Lynn

  “How did he get in my house?” I whisper-yell into the phone. “Please tell me I’m dreaming.”

  “You asked him to go home with you, silly.” She laughs. “Not a dream, love.”

  “This isn’t funny. I would never do that.” I look back and see that he’s still asleep, his chest rising and falling with his arm draped over his face.

  His stomach is lick-worthy. Good morning, abs.

  “Are you there? Did you hear me?” London snaps into the phone.

  “Yes, sorry. My eyes are full,” I mumble. “I’m finding a new best friend, one who won’t let strangers stay in my house.”

  “Please, you asked him. Plus, he’s harmless. He’s our friend’s brother, and he used to be a cop. He’s a fireman, so you know he likes to save people. Just consider yourself saved. Now, I have a naked man in my bed I need to service. I suggest you do the same.”

  “You’re such a whore,” I say before hanging up on her. I tiptoe back into the bedroom, trying to replay last night over in my head.

  We had drink after drink at the bar, and then went back to Kathy and Lopez’s house, ate shrimp puffs and drank more beer. I do remember drinking water at some point. Everything after that is a blur.

  Shit, why can’t I remember? Oh, my God… He drugged me. No, he couldn’t have; I would know. Wouldn’t I? Shit!

  Closing my door, I lock it and strip out of my clothes. I have on the same red lace thong I had on last night, but no bra. I stare at my reflection in the floor mirror—no marks. That’s a plus, right?

  Pulling my clothes back on, I unlock the door and tiptoe back to the kitchen. I can’t think straight without coffee, so I grab my favorite mug from the dishwasher, set it under the Keurig, and pop one of my favorite flavors in the machine. I push Start and watch it brew, the caramel aroma making me feel better already.

  “Good morning, sweetheart.” I hear a male voice behind me.

  I freeze. Clearing my throat, I turn to face him. God, he is gorgeous. “Did you drug me?” I blurt. Oh, hell. I do not want to look at all of his sexiness while questioning him. I turn back around.

  “Excuse me?” he says confused.

  “How did I get outta my dress and into these?” I turn, pointing to my clothes. He laughs and walks around taking my coffee. My coffee. Which is in my favorite mug. He sips the coffee as I cross my arms and give him a death stare, but he smiles and takes another drink. I notice that not only is he shirtless but he has nothing on besides jeans, which hang low around the V that dips from his stomach to his…yeah. Hello, happy place.

  I watch as he drinks my warm caramel coffee. I feel hot and flushed. I swear I can’t breathe. What is he doing to me?

  He sets the mug on the counter. “You asked me to come home with you. I didn’t drug you or anything.” He runs his hand over his face. “I did, however, dress you in those clothes. I couldn’t let you sleep in that dress. But I was a perfect gentleman, I swear. I found those clothes lying on the bed, so I helped you into them. I put you to bed, left some water and aspirin out for you, and then I crashed on the couch. Which, by the way, is very comfortable.”

  “So we… Well, you didn’t do anything. You put me to bed then slept on my couch?” I ask as I make another cup of coffee.

  “That’s correct, sweetheart. I would never drug or take advantage of you, or any woman for that matter.” He shakes his head and then takes another drink of my coffee.

  “That’s good to know. Would you like some breakfast?” I make my way to the refrigerator.

  “Sure, what are we having?” he asks as he slides onto a bar stool.

  “Toaster Strudel. I have apple or strawberry cream cheese.” I hear him laugh, and I turn around. “What’s so funny?”

  “Well, I thought you were going to cook. But I’ll take the apple.” He smiles and reaches for his coffee. “This is a nice place you have here.”

  “I’m not much of a cook, so that’s not going to happen. And thank you, I’m still working on it. There’s still so much I want to change and re-do. I really want to add an en suite to the master.” I pop two apple strudels in the toaster then grab the strawberry for myself before tearing the icing packets open. “Icing on yours?” I ask, taking two plates from the nearby cabinet.

  “Yes, please. If you ever need help with the remodel, let me know. I’m pretty handy. Is there enough room to add the addition?”

  “I’m sure you are,” I mumble, then louder say, “Yes, there is. I actually have two huge closets, and I’m sure I can take away from some of the space in the overall room.”

  “Well, sounds like you have a good idea what you want.”

  I set his food in front of him and stick mine in the toaster. “Yeah, I do. After seeing this place online, I fell in love with it.”

  He bites into one of the yummy pastries. “This is so good. That’s awesome too. Sometimes it’s hard to find a good home.” He moans around the sweetness, and I have to cross my legs at the ankles, suddenly experiencing an ache I haven’t felt in years. Holy shit. He’s turning me on just by eating a goddamn pastry. The toaster popping makes me jump, and I realize I’m ogling over him.

  Snap out of it, Roe.

  Setting my food on my plate, I grab my icing packets and carefully squeeze them on. There’s never enough icing in these damn things. After assembling my food, I grab my coffee. “Would you like something else to drink? I have milk, apple juice, and cranberry juice, I think.” I open the refrigerator door to double check. “Yes, and sweet tea and water,” I say, turning back to him.

  “Water will be fine.”

  Why is that dimple in his chin so damn attractive?

  Grabbing two bottles, I hand one to him and stand across from him at the breakfast bar. Taking a bite of my pastry, I know I’m not nearly as sexy as he is when he was eating. “So, you’re off the next few days?” I ask, making conversation.

  “Yeah, I normally work three days on, then three off.” He bites into his last pasty, some icing latching onto the corner of his mouth. His tongue darts out, catching it.

  “Mmm,” I mumble to myself. I would love to be that icing right about now.

  “That good, huh?” He smirks.

  Oh, shit, he heard me. I swallow my food, trying not to choke on it. “Mmm, so good.” If he only knew I wanted to lick his face off.

  “I’m going to call the insurance company while I’m here. I’ll call Pez to pick me up. Have you had a chance to look over the car yet?”

  “Yeah, I really don’t see that it’s fixable,” I say around my food. “They’ll come out and look at it, won’t they?” I’ve never dealt with this kind of thing before.

  “They should. Honestly, that was the first wreck I’ve ever been in. I feel like an idiot. I really thought you’d pulled forward.” He scratches the back of his head. “Thanks for breakfast, it was really good. Where do you want to go to dinner?”

  “It’s all good. At least neither of us was seriously hurt. My head hurts a little, but I blame that on the Jack. Plus, we may have never met if you hadn’t clobbered Coop.” I take a sip of water to wash down the sweet taste of my breakfast. “As for dinner, surprise me.”

  “Yeah, good point. I’m really glad we met.” He stands and stretches. His jeans slip, and I swear I can see part of his cock. I almost choke on my water. “Can I use your bathroom to freshen up?”

  “Of course. I have some extra toothbrushes, and you can use my shower if you’d like,” I say, walking toward the bathroom. “Sorry, it’s messy. No one ever uses it except London.” I start moving all the girlie crap out of his way.

  I manage to dig through the drawer and pull out the extra toothbrush. Grabbing a towel and washcloth, I lay them on the side of the bathtub. “There’s shampoo and shower gels in there. Just make yourself at home.”

  “Thank you so much. I appreciate this,” he says as I turn to walk away. “Oh, and Roe?”

  “Yeah.” I turn around to face him again.

  “You’re rea
lly cute when you’re drunk, and you like to talk in your sleep.” He turns the water on, and my face heats up. What the hell did I say last night?

  “Thank you.” I rush from the bathroom, needing to text London ASAP.

  Me: Are you still having hot animal sex?

  While waiting for her to reply, I start cleaning up the kitchen then make my way to the couch. Picking up the blanket he used for a pillow, folding it back the way it was. Before draping it back over the couch, I quickly bring it to my face. It smells like him…so good.

  Quickly putting it back, I start folding the other one, then grab the remote and turn the TV on the music channel. Straightening and picking up here and there, I hear my phone ding.

  London: No, he had to leave. But that man is hung like a stallion. He sure knows how to use it too.

  Me: You’re a pig. You should’ve been a man.

  London: I would’ve been hung too.

  I burst into laughter, absolutely loving her sense of humor.

  Me: He’s in my shower.

  London: You gave him the goods?

  Me: Hell no, but he’s going to make sure I get a car. He wanted to call the insurance company. We do have a date tonight.

  London: Date?! You go, girl. I think he’s hot. He comes from a good family, as you know. I’ve known his sister for a while.

  Me: I agree. Good, because I like him… I need to finish cleaning. I’ll TTYL. <3

  London: Okie dokie. Smooches, hooker.

  I toss my phone on the counter and turn to see a freshly showered Kole standing behind me. His hair is wet and bushy all over his head, his tight T-shirt clinging to his torso. He smiles and says, “The adjuster should be here within the next hour. I hope it’s okay if I wait.”

  “Sure, that’s fine. I’m just cleaning up; I didn’t realize it was this messy,” I admit, turning to the dishwasher. As I unload it, I can feel his eyes on me. Those dark eyes that I’m loving to look at. Wait, did I say loving? I mean liking… I like looking into his eyes.

  “It’s not messy, sweets. I think it’s cozy. That view you have is amazing,” he says, and I looked confused. The view? He must sense my confusion. “The trees and the lake.” He walks over to the window and pulls the curtain back a little.

  “Oh, yes, I love that view.” I smile like an idiot; he and I are seeing two different sights. He picks up his other shirt, pulling it over his head. Damn, good view. The words of his tattoo vertically down his ribcage catch me off guard—‘When love is lost, so is the soul.’

  I wonder what it means. “I’m going to shower, will you be okay? You can watch whatever you want,” I say, pointing to the remote.

  “Yes, of course. Can I use your phone charger? I noticed we have the same phone.”

  “Sure. Help yourself to whatever you need, or want,” I ramble as I walk into my bedroom. God, why does he make my stomach flutter?

  Grabbing some clothes, I head for the shower, closing the door and locking it behind me. Although he used my toiletries, my bathroom smells like the sexiness of him. Turning the water on, I strip and climb in, stepping under the water. Wetting my long hair, I grab the shampoo and lather it up. I keep thinking about the hotness that is more than likely sprawled out on my couch.

  Running my hand down my body, I moan as images of Kole come to mind. His hands on my thighs, spreading my legs apart, hovering over sensual spots. His fingers dipping in my sweetness while his thumb circles my clit. “Mmm, yes,” I moan. My head falls back against the tile as I imagine his head replacing his fingers, his tongue circling my clit. “God, yes. Feels so good. Mmm, Kole.”

  I moan as my finger slides deeper, hitting that spot that makes me come undone. I feel my orgasm rock my body, making my eyes roll back in my head as my thumb circles my clit. “Holy fuck,” I huff as I collapse against the tile. Hell, I hope he didn’t hear me… But being around him turns me on, and I needed this release.

  Standing up, I pull myself together and finish my shower, washing all the dirty thoughts of Kole Harris fucking me fast and hard from my mind.

  I can’t believe I went home with her last night. We were both drunk, and Kathy dropped us off really late. I was going to head home, but Roe asked that I stay with her. Changing her clothes and putting her to bed had me wanting to climb in behind her. For the first time in years, I wanted to cuddle. Everything about her makes me want to run and never look back, but then again, I want to stay and know everything about her. It worked out, though, as I needed to get this stuff with the insurance squared away. I feel really bad that her car is sitting out there looking like it went through a garbage compacter.

  Searching for my shoes, I realize I left them in the hall, next to the bathroom. Picking them up, I walk past the bathroom door. I can hear water running, but I swear I also hear my name being moaned. No way. My mind is playing tricks on me.

  Then I hear the words “Feels so good.” I try to walk away, but then I hear a thump and the words, “Holy Fuck.” Damn, did I miss the invite to join her on getting off? The thought of her with her fingers between her thighs, moaning my name, has the attention of my cock.

  “Not now, man. Not today.” I say looking at my bulging jeans. “Fuck.” This isn’t good. I haven’t been laid for weeks; my trusty right hand and a bottle of lotion have been just fine. Until now… Shit.

  Think of something else, Harris. Keep your cock in your pants. I make my way back to the kitchen. Looking at my phone, I see I have a missed call from Lopez, so I dial his number.

  “Hey, Pez. What’s up brother?” I say into the phone.

  “Not much. Are you still at the paramedic’s house?” He chuckles.

  “Yes, and her name is Roe.” I laugh, then clarify, “I’m waiting for the insurance adjuster.”

  “Hmm… Well, did you have a nice night?” I know what he’s thinking.

  “I slept on her couch if that’s what you’re asking.” I throw it out there immediately, knowing he likes to overthink things.

  “Well, I was just seeing what was going on. You need a ride home?” he offers, realizing my truck is at home.

  “If you’re not too busy, that would be great. I’ll call you when I’m ready.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll talk to you soon.” I slide my phone off and shove it in my pocket. Walking over to the window, I gaze out at the water. I could sit here all day and stare at the lake on the other side of the trees. It’s so refreshing.

  It was an hour later before Roe reappeared from her shower. Long hair in a braid that falls to the right side, she put on a little makeup and a pair of jeans that showed all her curves. Her mint green top complements her hazel eyes. We talk about her job, my job, failing to mention why I left the force. She never asked.

  The insurance company showed up a little over an hour after I called, Frank was his name, and he was very accommodating, he assessed her car. Surprisingly, they gave her a check, on the spot, to get a new one. I suggested we look for one the next day, and she agreed that would be fine. Once the adjuster left, I called Lopez, and he came by and picked me up. As I was leaving, I kissed her cheek and told her I’d be back at six to pick her up for our date. Her face lit up, and she said she’d be ready.

  When I get back to my apartment, I grab a beer from the fridge, and sit on the couch, which is nothing fancy, just a “man couch,” large and comfortable. It was on sale, and I didn’t care what it looked like, as long as it was comfortable. I take a pull from my beer and start thinking about Sherrie. We were married for five years, and just like that, she was taken from me. Although I didn’t pull the trigger, it was still my fault; she was there because she was coming to see me.

  The kid who shot her needed some extra cash, so he was working for Joey Beltaro, a drug dealer we’d busted months before. He was retaliating on me since I shot and killed one of his leaders. The bullet that killed my wife was meant for me. Not a fucking day goes by that I don’t wish it were me and not her. I wish like hell that I died that night.

 
Tossing the empty bottle in the trash, I grab another then sit back in my spot and cradle the brown bottle. I never was a drinker, until it all happened. Ever since then, alcohol helps me cope. I left the force and studied for my paramedic exam, and then became a firefighter. When I’m not at work, I’m here with my longneck friend, or my buddies Jack and Jim.

  Downing the liquid courage, I realize that, although I showered, I have on day-old clothes. Going into my closet, I pull out a gray Henley shirt and a pair of jeans then dig through, looking for a pair of shoes. I settle on a pair of black Timberland boots. Setting everything on the bed, I decide to take a quick shower since I smell like a damn woman after using Roe’s toiletries.

  Turning on the water, I climb in as soon as it gets hot. Placing my hands on the wall, I let the water run over my face. I start thinking about Roe—her long dark hair, her smile, and that damn giggle. My dick comes to life just imagining her. I think about her in the shower, pleasuring herself while thinking about me.

  Yep, I’m fully erect now. My man isn’t going down until he gets relief.

  I squirt some shower gel in my right hand and start stroking my dick, remembering her moans coming from the bathroom. I wonder what her pussy tastes like, how wet she would get for me. How her tongue would feel circling the tip of my cock. What it would be like to fuck her tight cunt.

  I stroke harder, feeling my balls grow tight. I imagine being under her while she rides me, watching her tits bounce as she moves up and down. That’s it. That’s exactly what I need. My hand pumps faster, and my cock jumps as my release shoots full force out in front of me, and gets washed away down the silver drain below me.

  Jesus, it’s like I’m fifteen fucking years old, beating off in the damn shower. I feel a lot better now, though. Finishing my shower, I dry off before I check my phone; it’s a little after four o’clock and I need to finish getting ready. I ditch the towel on the floor and head towards the bedroom. I slide my jeans on then pull my shirt over my head before stepping into my boots.

  I run my hand through my messy hair. It’s short, but not too short. I grab a beanie and stick it in my back pocket—I’ll put it on when my hair dries all the way.