Follow Me Down

by Melissa Toppen

  “God, we haven’t made those since we were kids.”

  “And I haven’t gotten any better at it.” I laugh.

  “Well lucky for you, I have.” She turns, heading for the door.

  “I’ll see you inside in a minute.”

  “Sounds good.” She shuffles out of the shop.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Fallon

  The morning sun peeking into the blinds warms my face, slowly pulling me from sleep. I roll in the bed, my arm going to Titus’ side which, to my disappointment, is empty.

  Sitting up, I look around the room before my eyes settle on the clock on the bedside table. Just after nine.

  I stretch my arms over my head before throwing back the covers and sliding my legs over the side of the bed. It takes me a few seconds to muster the energy to actually get up, but once I do, I head straight for the bathroom.

  Because Link’s bathroom is in the hallway, and it shares a wall with Titus’ bathroom, I immediately hear the clear signs of the shower running.

  After using the bathroom, I wash my face and brush my teeth, pausing when I hear voices coming from the other side of the wall.

  That’s odd...

  Shutting off the sink faucet, I lean toward the wall.

  “You made your choice. You chose to leave with him instead of stay for me,” I hear Ellen say. Assuming she’s on the phone, I turn, ready to exit the bathroom when I hear a response. I instantly freeze.

  Link?

  “I didn’t want to leave. You know I didn’t. But what was I supposed to do? Live on the streets so we could be together... in secret no less? I had nowhere to go, E, and you sure as hell weren’t shouting about our relationship from the rooftops or anything.”

  “I told you I would take care of you.”

  “Take care of me? It’s not your job to take care of me. Besides, you were sixteen. Not to mention embarrassed to even be seen with me. I loved you, Ellen. Fuck, I still love you. But I couldn’t bet my entire future on someone who wouldn’t even tell her own brother about our relationship.”

  Wait... What?

  Link and Ellen?

  Ellen and Link?

  That’s not a pairing I would have ever put together. Then again, it kind of makes sense. The way they’ve acted toward one another. How they’ve been picking on each other since she arrived. Granted, I originally thought it was because they viewed each other as family. Now I’m starting to realize there’s a hell of a lot more to it.

  I listen closer, feeling guilty for eavesdropping but also not able to stop myself.

  “You know what, it doesn’t matter now, does it? The past is the past and I can’t go back down this road with you again.”

  “I hate to break it to you, E, but if that was the case, you wouldn’t have crawled into my bed last night. Or the night before.”

  My heart is thumping so loudly in my ears at this point that it’s a struggle to hear her reply.

  “Temporary lapse in judgement.”

  “Temporary lapse in judgement, my ass. Funny, isn’t it...” His voice drops so low I can’t hear what he says next.

  “You need to get out before my brother comes inside.”

  “Yeah, because god forbid anyone find out that something is going on.” I can hear the anger in Link’s voice.

  “There’s nothing going on.”

  “Yeah, keep telling yourself that.” I hear the bathroom door open and then slam closed moments later.

  I’m so taken aback. I’m not sure what to do. Obviously, I was not meant to hear what I heard, and as much as I wish I could unhear it, I can’t.

  Quickly exiting the bathroom, I throw a bra on under my t-shirt before making my way out of the bedroom. When I enter the living area, I see Link through the screen door, leaning over the railing of the porch, a cigarette dangling between his fingers.

  His gaze swings in my direction when he hears the door creak behind him, giving me a stiff nod before facing forward again.

  “Hey.” I step up next to him.

  “Mornin’, puppet,” he grumbles, taking a long drag from his cigarette.

  “You’re smoking outside.”

  “Ellen doesn’t like it when I smoke in the house when she’s here. Says it stinks.”

  “Well, she’s not wrong.” I lean forward, pressing my forearms against the railing.

  It’s strange, normally I feel completely at ease with Link in a way I never have with anyone else. But right now I feel knotted up inside, like I’m not sure what to say or do.

  On one hand, I want him to know what I heard. On the other, I want to pretend like it never happened.

  It’s none of my business, I know that. But this is Link and Ellen. Titus’ best friend and sister.

  “Can I ask you something?” I turn my head toward Link, waiting until his eyes meet mine before continuing, “Does Titus know?”

  “You’re going to have to be more specific than that.” He pushes upright and I do the same.

  “About you and Ellen. Does Titus know?”

  I don’t miss the way his face pales or how his demeanor instantly shifts.

  “I don’t know what you think you know, puppet,” he stammers.

  “I overheard you two in the bathroom.” I don’t need to explain more, his expression says it all.

  “It’s not what it sounded like.”

  “What it sounded like is that you and Ellen were together when you were teenagers, and that she spent the last two nights in your bed. I’m just curious if Titus has any idea about any of it.”

  “Fallon.” He blows out a puff of air.

  “I’m not going to tell him. But I think maybe you should. It’s not fair to keep something like that from him.”

  “It doesn’t matter anyway. It’s over. Hell, it’s been over for a very long time.”

  “It’s really none of my business, Link. But it didn’t sound like it was over to me.” I place my hand on his forearm. “I obviously don’t know anything about your history with her, and I’m not trying to pry into your business, but if you ever wanna talk, I’m a pretty good listener.”

  “And Titus?”

  “What you do about that is on you. Our friendship is separate from whatever he and I are doing. Do I think he deserves to know? I do. Am I going to force your hand to tell him? No. What I know stays with me.”

  “You really are one of a kind, puppet.” He smiles down at me, the tension in his shoulders relaxing a bit.

  “Hey, guys.” Both our gazes shoot toward the steps when Titus suddenly appears.

  “Hey.” I smile, pulling my hand away from Link’s arm.

  “Everything okay?” He looks between the two of us.

  “Yep.” I nod. “I was trying to convince Link to make me some breakfast.”

  I instantly feel guilty for the lie.

  “Well, lucky for you, Ellen and I are going to make breakfast.” He holds the door open, waiting for me to head inside before following, Link directly behind us.

  “You’re cooking?” I swing an apprehensive gaze his way.

  “What? I can cook.” He chuckles.

  “Don’t let him lie to you.” Ellen suddenly appears at the entrance of the hallway, her wet hair hanging in waves down her back. “He’s an awful cook. But I balance him out.” She heads into the kitchen and I don’t miss how she avoids Link’s gaze.

  I feel bad for the guy.

  It’s not like I know much, but from the little bit I heard, it sounds like this thing between the two of them has been going on for years. And if I heard right, it’s still going on. At least for Link.

  Regardless, I meant what I said. I have no intention of breathing a word of what I learned today to Titus. It’s not my place, and truthfully, it’s none of my business.

  ——

  “Finally.” Titus lets out a sigh of relief the instant Ellen’s car disappears down the driveway.

  “Finally? I thought you liked having your sister here?” I give him a confuse
d look.

  “Oh I do.” He drops an arm around my shoulder as we stand side by side on the front porch. “But I also like when she leaves too.” He chuckles when I lay a playful smack to his stomach.

  “That’s not a nice thing to say.”

  “Still true.” He pauses. “She sure did take a liking to you.” He turns, pulling me to his chest.

  “Of course she did. I’m amazing.” I smile up at him playfully.

  “That you most certainly are.” He leans down, pressing a kiss to my lips.

  “Get a fucking room.” We step apart at the sound of Link’s voice breaking the silence, spotting him heading toward us from the shop.

  “Where the hell have you been?” Titus turns, watching him approach.

  “Just figured I’d get some work done.” He stops at the foot of the steps, his gaze sliding to mine for a brief moment.

  I know the reason for his abrupt departure while Titus and Ellen were cooking, and why he was hiding out in the shop until after Ellen left. He was avoiding her. That much was obvious to me.

  “Ellen just left. You missed telling her bye.”

  “We said our goodbyes earlier.” He shrugs, pulling a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket before sliding one from the pack. Pressing it between his lips, he lights it and takes a long pull. “Speaking of which, I noticed she packed up that painting that was in the living room.”

  “She did.” I nod. “She knows a guy who runs an art gallery in Atlanta. She’s going to see about having him put it in his store.”

  “No shit?” Titus pulls back, having not been aware of this before now. I guess in the thick of everything else going on I had forgotten to mention this to him. “You didn’t tell me that.”

  “She offered when we went out for mani/pedis. Though I highly doubt anyone will want to buy it.”

  “Don’t sell yourself short. You’re incredibly talented.” Titus smiles.

  “You don’t mind, right? That she’s doing that for me?” I hadn’t considered that maybe this might bother him until this very moment.

  “Of course I don’t mind. With Ellen’s influence, you could really do something with your art.”

  “You think so?” The thought makes me smile.

  “I know so.” He leans in, kissing my temple.

  “You two make me want to vomit,” Link grumbles, climbing the steps to join us on the porch.

  “Speaking of art,” I take a step back. “I was actually thinking I might get started on another piece today.”

  “Sounds good.” Titus nods. “Link and I have a lot of work to catch up on. Given my sister’s unannounced visit, we’re a little behind.”

  “Well, I won’t keep you.” I slide past him. “You boys have fun,” I call over my shoulder.

  “Yeah, fun,” Link grunts as I round the corner of the porch, heading to where my art supplies are already sitting out.

  I set a blank canvas on the easel Titus made for me, smiling to myself as I ready my paints. Feeling more than a little inspired, I dip a brush into one of the colors and lower it to the canvas.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Fallon

  It’s been a week since Ellen went back home to Atlanta. A week longer that I’ve gotten to spend with Titus. A week filled with countless heart flips, butterflies galore, and a newly forming tingle that starts at the back of my neck and works its way down to my toes every single time I look at him.

  We’ve spent countless hours talking, learning more about each other with each passing day. There’s something so incredible about him being the last person I see, the last voice I hear, the last touch I feel before I fall asleep. And then I get to wake up and experience every sensation all over again.

  It still seems unreal to me. How a man like Titus, a man that up until three weeks ago I didn’t even know existed, has been able to change my life so dramatically.

  Music flows out of the cabin as I pack up my art supplies and make my way around the side of the porch, pausing outside the door to listen. I don’t recognize the song, but it’s slow and soulful. I smile to myself before pulling open the screen door and making my way inside.

  I immediately spot Titus in the kitchen.

  He’s shirtless and barefoot, his jeans low on his hips doing some really good things for his ass. It’s hot in the cabin, is what he always says when I ask him why he never seems to have clothes on. And while he’s not wrong, especially now that summer is in full swing, I think he walks around like this on purpose because he likes the reaction it gets from me.

  I stand in the doorway for several seconds watching him stir something in a pot before he senses my presence, clearly not hearing my entrance over the music blaring through the small cabin.

  “Hey.” He grins, popping a lid on the pan before peeking into the oven.

  “What are you doing?” I ask, giggling when he pulls me into his arms and drops a kiss to my mouth.

  “Making you dinner,” he says like it should be so obvious.

  “No offense, but I’ve seen you in the kitchen.” I pull back and give him a teasing wink. “You sure you don’t need some help?”

  “I’m not that bad.” He fakes offense. “You just wait. I’m going to knock your socks off.”

  “I’m not wearing any socks.” I look down at the flip flops on my feet.

  “Would you rather I say it’ll knock your panties off?” His voice drops low, his lips sweeping against mine. “Because that can be arranged.”

  My body instantly gets tight and a slow ache forms in my lower belly. I have to take a few calming breaths to pull myself together. When he looks at me the way he’s looking at me right now it’s all I can do not to tackle him. Titus stirs something in me; a desire I’ve never felt toward another person.

  “You talk a big talk,” I tease, needing to distract myself.

  “I walk a big walk too.” He winks, taking my hand in his before stepping back and twirling me under his arm.

  My head drops back on a laugh when he pulls me to his chest and starts swaying slowly back and forth to the song spilling from the Bluetooth speaker on the counter.

  My laughter doesn’t last long. Like the song, Titus’ movements are slow and sultry. His hand grazes slowly down my back. His lips trail up the side of my neck. His hips sway back and forth against me as he effortlessly moves us around the small kitchen.

  All I can do is hold onto him, fearful that if I let go my legs won’t be able to support my weight. That’s what he does to me; he turns my body into mush and my mind even more so.

  “Fallon,” he whispers, his lips at the base of my throat send a rush of need through my body.

  Tangling my fingers in his hair, I lift his face to mine before pressing my lips firmly against his. He instantly deepens the kiss, his arms wrapping around my waist as his tongue sweeps through my mouth.

  An involuntary moan slips past my lips and he swallows it whole, pulling me off my feet so the only choice I have is to wrap my legs around his waist, my arms locking around his neck.

  Backing me into the refrigerator, his mouth continues to move against mine. When his fingers slide up my shirt, touching my bare skin, the last of my control snaps.

  All I see is Titus.

  All I smell is Titus.

  All I feel is Titus.

  All I want is Titus.

  My hands find the back of his neck as I pull him closer to me, my fingers digging lightly into his flesh as the desire coursing through my body starts to take hold. I feel like I can’t get him close enough. I want to feel him everywhere.

  “I want you,” I say against his mouth.

  “Then I’m yours.”

  It’s only seconds before his lips are on mine again and he’s moving with me still in his arms, guiding us through the cabin with complete ease.

  He pushes his way through the bedroom door, but I’m too far gone to care where we end up. The only things that matter are the way his body flexes as he lowers me to my feet and the way his hands s
kirt up my bare back as he pulls the fabric of my shirt over my head and deposits it on the floor. My bra is next. His fingers against my flesh cause prickles to pepper along my arms as he slides each strap down before tossing it to the side.

  He steps back and looks at me for a long moment, appreciation shining through his gray eyes. Just the sight has my skin blistering from the heat of his gaze. And then he’s moving, slowly lowering himself onto his knees in front of me.

  I’m in complete amazement, watching him unravel me just as he’s done countless times over the last few weeks. His fingers go to the waist band of my shorts, sliding them down my legs in one fluid movement. He kisses the top of each thigh, running his nose along the seam of my panties before slowly standing and guiding me onto the bed.

  He stands before me, his breathing rapid as he leans forward and slowly removes my last articles of clothing.

  My entire body goes rigid as he spreads my legs open, allowing his eyes to trail across my now bare exterior. I don’t shy away from his penetrating stare. Instead, I embrace it. Encourage it. I want him to see all of me, have all of me.

  I hear the buckle of his pants and the rustle of fabric as they fall to the floor, the tear of the condom. His eyes dart down as he rolls it onto his length, but my gaze remains locked on his face. On the way he’s looking at me–making every part of my body ache with the need for his touch.

  He crawls up the bed, the heat from his body causing tiny beads of sweat to form along the back of my neck as he settles his weight on top of me.

  He pushes my hair from my face, his lips once again finding mine as he kisses me deeply. I jump slightly when his hand slides between us and settles between my legs. When his fingers push inside of me, all coherent thought leaves my body.

  I become greedy, lifting my hips to meet his hand as he pumps his fingers inside of me.

  I’ve never had a man’s touch control me the way his does. I feel each flicker of movement across every surface of my body.

  When he pulls his hand away, I whimper, but my disappointment quickly fades when he slides his hard length against me, his face hovering inches above mine.