by Kristen Echo
If Ryan had lived, she’d be married by now, or in full blown planning mode. Her chest ached, and she rubbed at the invisible pain he’d left. She blinked a few times and forced a smile. “No more drinks for me. In fact, I’m bailing. You two enjoy the rest of the night. Congrats again, Rich. You deserve it.”
Mellie let go of her man and tossed her arms around Hailey. Their breasts mashed together. They’d always been close to the same height, but Mellie’s heels made her tower closer to six feet. With Hailey’s injury, she couldn’t wear heels, not that she cared to. She wore nothing but combat boots these days. They went with everything, including the short black mini dress she wore now.
Her friend hiccupped and laughed. “Don’t go yet. We promise to stop kissing and dance with you.” She leaned in closer, until her lips grazed her ear, making Hailey uncomfortable. “I get so horny when I drink. Don’t you think he looks hot in his suit? Fuck, I love it when he wears it out.” Her attempted whisper rang out loud and clear.
Richard laughed and collected his drunken bride to be. “On that note, if you’re leaving, we’re leaving,” he said, spinning Mellie around and tossing her over his shoulder.
Hailey couldn’t help but laugh. They were too cute.
Her friend protested until she was put back down. She slapped Richard’s shoulder playfully and turned away from him. “Oh my god. Speaking of suits and horny… look who’s coming our way.” Mellie pointed in the direction Hailey had come, and her eyes followed over her shoulder.
Sure enough Mr. Arrogant and Mr. Dimples headed her way. She rolled her eyes and flipped her long brown hair over her shoulder like she couldn't care less how hot they both were. She was probably the only woman in the club not staring at them. Whatever, he could pick one of his other admirers to seduce; she was no longer interested.
“I’m out. Love you both,” she said and walked towards the exit. If she didn’t get out right away, she was bound to make a huge mistake. She flashed the bouncer a smile, and he opened the door as a strong hand wrapped around her bicep. If his scent hadn’t given him away, she’d have twisted the hand that touched her and broken his fingers. That didn’t happen.
“Wait. We’ll do it your way.” The deep voice was unique, and she knew it was Mr. Arrogant without having to look.
She loved it when men caved. They were all so predictable which was too bad. If he’d let her leave, she might have respected him. Doubtful but now they’d never know.
“Came to your senses,” she said, turning to face him as they lingered in the entry.
He rubbed the back of his neck as if he was unsure. Not a move she expected from the mighty mouth she’d met earlier. “Your rules. Can we start with a name? I’m—”
Hailey covered his mouth with her hand. His name didn’t matter, and she didn’t want to share hers either. “No names. No strings.” She eyed his friend. “And no threesomes. I’m flattered, but I can’t. Sorry.” She had no doubt it would be fun, but she couldn’t be with another blond.
Mr. Dimples laughed. “Never my intention. I’m heading home. I’ve got my own… never mind. You two have fun.” He winked at her then the men exchanged a bro hug before he left the bar.
“Okay. No names. What else? I’m intrigued.” His lip kicked up on the side into a lopsided cocky grin. It made her knees weak. She was a sucker for straight teeth and full lips. Some women liked eyes, but Hailey was all about the mouth. His was sinful and inviting. A tiny scar marred the right corner, and she wanted to lick it.
“No more talking either. I think we’ve both said enough. The only other words that should come out of your mouth are I’m coming. Got it?” She smiled, and his laugh seeped into her like a deep tissue massage, hitting all the right spots.
He nodded and didn’t say a word. She gave him points for his listening skills. She hoped his other skills would be even better. Hailey took his hand, and the heat spread through her like an electric current. What was it about his touch?
His grip tightened as he followed her through the maze of bodies. The bar was packed, but they made it without interruptions. The lights were already on in the tiny office. Her friend Derek’s jacket hung on the back of a worn leather office chair. He managed the bar and never used it when the bar was open for business because he always worked the floor. She tossed the word friend around loosely since his intentions were clearly more than platonic. She’d made the mistake of telling him she was single when they met. His attention was harmless, but she’d made it clear nothing would ever happen. He was in his late twenties and wanted a relationship, a wife and kids. She wanted none of that.
The door closed, and the small space seemed even smaller. She swallowed as adrenaline coursed through her veins. She needed this. Obviously, he was done taking orders because a second later, her ass dropped onto the desk, her legs curled around his trim waist and their mouths mashed together.
His tongue licked across her seam and she opened for him. The kiss was rough and heated as their hands went straight to work. They knew why they were there and it wasn’t for tea. Her panties moved down her legs and his slacks dropped to the floor before they took their next breath. His cock sprung into her hand. Thick, long and hot. She squeezed hard and ran her hand from base to tip. His lips never left hers as his finger slipped through her wet folds. They both moaned at the same time.
“We need a condom,” he said when she pressed the tip against her entrance.
She’d left her purse in the office at the start of the night. Hailey continued to stroke him as she reached over and fumbled to find her purse. He pushed one finger inside. Her body quivered. She found the clutch and struggled to open it with one hand.
“Yours wouldn’t fit me.” He licked along her jaw and nibbled on her ear. “Let go for a second and I’ll get one from my pocket.” He removed her hand from his penis and he reached down to his pants. She sucked in a deep breath as he pushed another finger inside her, prepping her.
“That feels good, but I want your cock inside me.” She moved her hips to greet his fingers.
The moment he was in front of her, Hailey ripped the condom from his hand and sheathed his cock. He growled as she rubbed the tip next to where his fingers entered her. “You’re so tight, baby. Let me work you in a little first. I don’t want to hurt you.” He plunged his fingers in and out, twisting them and teasing her. His mouth latched onto her neck, trailing kisses from her jaw to the hollow of her throat.
Hailey wanted more. She wiggled her ass on the desk, tugging her dress until it was over her breasts and exposing them. He took the invitation to play. His hand dipped inside her demi-cup, toying with her hardened tip. She moaned as he pinched her nipple. She loved having her breasts fondled. “Yes,” she panted as his hands worked her over.
His mouth moved along her collarbone and covered her breast with kisses. “Your tits are perfect,” he said before sucking hard on her puckered tip. He moved from one to the other, driving her insane with desire.
She continued to pump his cock with one hand, pressing the head against her clit. Her other snaked inside his shirt. The fine ridges of his muscles greeted her. Her walls tightened around his fingers as he chomped hard on her nipple. She looked down to see his smile against her breast. Her tip trapped between his teeth pushed her over.
“Oh… Oh! Fuck, yes!” The orgasm was unexpected and rippled through her like a rock tossed into calm waters. She bit down on his shoulder to stop from crying out louder, but her muffled moans filled the room.
He soothed the sting of his bite with slow licks and gentle kissed around her areola. No part of her breast went unattended. All the while, he continued to move his fingers inside her. Seeing the joy on his face as he became acquainted with her breasts nearly sent her over again. His smile was deadly.
“More. I want more.” Hailey pulled his hand from between her open thighs and used her legs to draw him closer. The head of his penis poised at her entrance, but he didn’t push in like she wanted. “Fuck me ha
rd.”
“Tell me how much you want me,” he said, teasing her folds with his cock. Soaking himself with her moisture.
“I want your cock more than I want air. Fill me, fuck me, and make me come!” She lifted her hips, and he impaled her with one swift thrust.
“Fuck, baby!” He pressed their bodies together and kissed her, swallowing the satisfied moan that escaped as he claimed her. He stayed buried deep like that for only a moment before his hips worked their magic.
Her nails raked against his back and her legs caged him. He wasn’t a small man in any sense of the word. She loved the stretch and fullness he provided. It had been way too long since someone had taken her like this. She liked it rough and his thrusts made her teeth rattle. He didn’t ask what she wanted; he knew and gave it to her hard. Pounding her faster until they both panted for air. Their sweat and the aroma of sex filled the room.
His speed increased. The desk scratched against the floor with each thrust. “Fuck, you feel so good. Too good to hold out any longer. Come for me. Now!” His command tipped her over.
Her walls clenched around him and her entire body vibrated. Hailey threw her head back as she let go. The orgasm hit her hard, making her temporarily delirious. The loud roar that followed couldn’t be contained. She was a lioness claiming her prey. Her legs tightened around his hips, pulling him deeper. He thrust again hard, letting out his own powerful growl. A second later, he exploded inside her.
Pure and total bliss washed over her. She opened her eyes and the look of rapture on his face was perfection. His lips were open, and his eyes scrunched closed as he pumped the last of his release. She could look at that face for hours. He had the best come face.
“What the fuck are you doing in here?” Derek, the manager’s loud and irritated voice boomed through his office.
Their time was up. She wrapped her arms around his neck to hide her body from the eyes of the intruder. “Derek, I’m sorry. We… I didn’t mean—”
“We apologize for taking over your office.” Her lover glared over his shoulder at the man who’d interrupted them. His bare ass on display and he never moved to cover himself though he made sure Hailey was out of sight. “If you don’t mind, get the fuck out while we get dressed.”
Derek’s eyes narrowed and then his eyebrows shot to the ceiling. “Right. I’ll give you a minute.” He left and closed the door behind him.
Not the reaction she expected. “Do you always get what you want?” Hailey kissed him and leaned back on the desk.
Dark eyes roamed her body. He cupped her breasts and whistled. “I hope so. You are full of surprises and you have the best tits I’ve ever seen. I’m nowhere near done with you lady.” He pressed his hips against hers and she could feel him hardening inside her.
She laughed. “Let’s deal with one situation at a time, sex fiend.” She leaned forward and captured his lips one last time. She savored the softness and the way his tongue swept across hers. “Let’s get dressed before the manager has a heart attack.”
He responded with a lopsided grin that made her wet all over again. He pulled out, and she felt a trickle of moisture chase him. “Fuck!” His expletive summed it up.
The condom had ripped.
She stared at his semi-hard cock and the torn ring of latex around the base. He removed the broken rubber and tossed it in the waste bin before pulling up his pants. A moment later his shirt was tucked back in his pants and he looked just as he had before they walked in. Sexy and ready to pounce. Hailey adjusted her bra and jumped off the desk. She righted her dress and smoothed the black fabric over her hips before retrieving her panties from the floor. Rather than put them back on, she used them to clean her leg and then stuffed them into his hand.
He laughed at her actions. “Why did you give me these?”
“They’re ruined, and it’s your fault. You can keep the evidence as a reminder of our time together,” she teased.
“I’m not letting you go that fast. I won’t need the reminder. But, to address the elephant in the room, I’ve never had a condom break before. I swear I’m clean,” he said. “Are you… birth control?” He ran his fingers through his mane of dark hair.
“Good to know. I’m clean and we’re covered,” she replied with a sigh of relief. Just to be safe she’d get tested, but at least she didn’t have to worry about getting pregnant. A tilted uterus and severe endometriosis left her incapable of having kids. The news had been a blow many years ago, but she’d come to terms with it and Ryan had never wanted kids. She’d found the perfect partner and lost him. Hailey exhaled and smiled at the stranger in front of her. He didn’t need to know the reasons, but she could tell he was nervous. “Shit happens and condoms rip. It’s not the end of the world. Nothing bad will come from it.”
The words had barely left her mouth when knuckles rapped against the door before it opened. Derek entered and looked down at the floor. He couldn’t even look at her. “You guys shouldn’t be in here. I’ll clean up and move the desk back.”
Hailey wasn’t one to blush, but her cheeks heated as he stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Derek, I’m sorry for the mess.” Her eyes drifted to the desk pressed against the wall and the scattered pages across it and the floor. “I can help you clean up.”
“Thanks. I’d like to chat with you too, so I’d appreciate it if you could hang back for a moment,” Derek never looked at her as he spoke. His eyes remained glued to the worn laminate. The faux wood grain had scratches from the chair and the desk. No doubt some new lines caused by her recent actions.
“Sure,” she responded, leaning against the desk and folding her hands in front of her.
“I’ll wait for you by entrance doors.” Mr. Arrogant planted a kiss on the top of her head. His calloused fingers ran down the length of her arm as he stepped away.
Those fingers had been inside and all over her. She’d miss the feel against her skin. That was stupid, and she shook those thoughts away. He wasn’t someone she’d ever see again. Nothing more than a stranger passing in the night. “I’ll be out in a minute,” she lied. She rubbed her thighs together as he stuffed her wet panties into his pocket and left the office.
He’d be waiting a long time. After an awkward chat and scolding from Derek, she left through the back door and never looked back.
CHAPTER ONE
ONE MONTH LATER
H olidays were tough on the heart. Hailey sipped her water while she observed her mother from across the room. They resembled one another a great deal which had always bothered her younger sister, Meagan. Hailey inherited her father’s height and slender build, unlike her shorter and more voluptuous sister. Besides the curves, they weren’t so different. Except the last time she saw her sister, her cheeks glowed in a way that Hailey envied. Her little sister was in love.
Any minute, she’d be meeting the man who captured her baby sister’s heart. She wasn’t looking forward to the introductions. Not much excited her these days.
Love was overrated.
It hadn’t done her any favors. If anything, she wished she hadn’t known the highs it brought into her life. Ignorance would be better than the pain. As quickly as that thought came, she pushed it aside. Her grip on the cup tightened until the cheap, clear plastic caved in and crumpled into a ball. A few drops of water dripped onto the dark, hardwood floors. In truth, she wouldn’t give up the love she’d experienced for anything. Even if it had the power to bring her to her knees.
Hailey closed her eyes and saw him. Ryan’s big blue eyes often hid in the darkness and shadows. The light in them shone too strong to disappear. She never wanted him to fade away completely. Her heart beat faster as she put the pieces of his face together from memory like a jigsaw puzzle. She smiled, picturing his baby smooth chin that couldn’t grow hair. Her fingers itched to rub the softness one more time.
The doorbell rang, disrupting her fantasy. Her eyes fluttered open. Both her parents made their way towards the front door. It wasn’t Meagan. Her
sister wouldn’t have used the doorbell. She stayed put, leaning against the wall for support. Her fist continued to squeeze the cup. The sharp corners dug into her skin as she watched them answer the door.
After two decades married to Colonel Spencer Rylen, her mother still worshiped the ground he walked on. Her eyes lit up when he approached, and she hung onto his every word. The pair were teenagers when they married. Three kids and several overseas deployments later, they were still together. Their love was stronger than ever. Hailey watched her father place a dominant hand against the small of her mother’s back. She missed the way it felt when Ryan used to do that. One touch conveyed so much emotion. Her mother melted into the subtle contact and her hair dark brown and gray hair hung down in loose waves, caressing the top of his hand.
Her father opened the door and a rush of cool air wafted through the house. “Hello. Right on time,” he said, stepping aside and waving his hand for the person to enter.
“Happy Easter,” her mother greeted the newest house guest. “Come in.” Today, she’d applied makeup thicker than usual to cover the puffiness from hours of crying. Lines creased the corners of her eyes. She wore a bright smile and a brighter apron over black slacks and a pink button-down blouse.
Hailey rolled her eyes. Pretending to be happy became tiring when all she wanted to do was crawl back into bed and sleep. She pushed away from the wall and tossed the broken cup into the garbage by the kitchen. With an open concept living space, she remained in plain sight. Avoiding the guests was best for everyone. Saying nothing trumped telling everyone to get lost. The only reason she got out of bed was to see her sister and meet her leading man.
In her peripheral view, she caught her mother’s glare for not coming over. They were big on appropriate behavior and conditioned responses. Living with her parents became harder with each passing day. At first, she’d needed their support and help as she underwent rehab for her lost toes. Those days were behind her. The time had come to move on. Their expectations were clear, and she hadn’t lived up to them; another tough pill to swallow.