Hooked on You: An Annapolis Harbor Series Prequel

by Lea Coll

  “I served time for it.” How was this a possibility and I didn’t know? I thought once something was on your record it was permanent.

  “Department of Corrections or prison?”

  I could see Taylor going into attorney mode as she asked questions. “D.O.C. I was sentenced to a year.”

  “I can outline what you’re doing now, the good you’re doing for the community, the child you’re helping, or how you’d like to apply for a job without the conviction on your record. It’s not guaranteed, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.”

  I placed my beer bottle carefully on the table between us as panic filled me. “That’s why I didn’t want to tell you. This isn’t fixable. I can’t tell the court about the child I help. I don’t want anyone to know his mother neglects him. I don’t want Family Services involved. I don’t want them to take him. I might never see him again. They might put him in a worse situation.” I stood, wanting to leave.

  Taylor stood, laying her hands on my chest, her blue eyes on mine. “You don’t know what would happen and I wouldn’t do anything you don’t want me to do. I promise. I’d never do anything to hurt you. You can trust me.”

  I’d told her the things I was most ashamed and scared of. I told her about Zach the person I most wanted to protect. If I wanted something more with her, I’d need to trust her. “Okay.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  TAYLOR

  I wanted to step closer to him. I could feel the muscles of his chest, his stomach. I wanted to push up his shirt and feel his bare skin. I knew words were difficult for him, but I hoped touch would be easier. I placed my hand on the back of his neck, tugging him down to me. I moaned when his lips met mine—from a combination of the hard ridges under my exploring fingers and the realization that he was all mine, even if it was for just this moment. As he took the kiss deeper, his hands on my hips, he held me there then pulled me closer so I could feel his hard cock. “Please, Gabe.” I wanted more. I wanted him over me. I wanted his shirt off, but I wasn’t sure he’d take this any further.

  He took one look at my face and lifted me into his arms, my legs wrapping around him. “Bedroom?”

  “Yes.” He walked me inside and I fell back on my bed.

  He toed off his shoes before climbing onto the bed to hover over me, lips finding mine again, as his hands were everywhere—caressing my breasts, drifting down my stomach, and then unbuttoning my jeans before his hand slipped under my panties, cupping me.

  “You’re so wet.”

  I’d never been so attracted to a guy or been so impulsive. I didn’t know where I stood with him, but I didn’t care. “Gabe,” I pleaded, arching into him, encouraging him to pump his fingers inside. “Please.”

  “I’ve dreamt about you under me. I didn’t think it would ever happen.” He placed kisses on my neck, driving me wild with his touch and his honesty. He slowly stroked me but he didn’t slip a finger inside where I wanted him—no, where I needed him.

  Frustrated, I lifted up on my elbows, wiggled out of my tight jeans, and lifted my top off. Kneeling, I turned my attention to him. He still wore his T-shirt and jeans. “You’re wearing too many clothes.”

  But he wasn’t paying attention to my words. He was fixated on my body. Suddenly self-conscious, I sat back on my heels and tried to cover myself. His hands stilled my wrists. “No, don’t cover yourself. You’re beautiful.” I felt a flush start in my chest up my neck and my face. Releasing my wrists, he cupped my face, looked deep into my eyes, and said, “You’re perfect.”

  Why had I thought he would be the perfect one-night stand? We’d only begun, and his sweet words were churning emotions inside me I hadn’t expected.

  Then he kissed me again, as one hand moved to the back of my head as his other hand slipped under my panties and into me. I whimpered into his mouth. God, he was good at this. He set a steady rhythm as his finger pistoned inside me and curled to find my g-spot. The orgasm crashed into me hard, leaving me breathless as I tore my mouth from his.

  I pushed the embarrassment that I’d been so responsive aside. I’d never been more desperate for a man. No matter where this thing between Gabe and I went in the future I’d have this as an experience. I fully intended to stay in the moment and enjoy it.

  He slowly laid me back on the bed, removing my panties, and unsnapping my bra, leaving me naked and spread-eagled on my bed. He hovered over me as my hands drifted under his shirt, caressing his rippling muscles. The roughness of his jeans teased my thighs as he settled between my legs and rubbed his hard cock on my core.

  Fuck. That was hot. He took one nipple into his mouth as he continued to rock against me, the friction of his jeans slowly driving me up again. My hands went to the back of his head, tangling with his hair, and holding him to my breasts.

  “I want more.” I wanted him inside me—driving into me hard. “Please.”

  With a quick kiss to my mouth he lifted off me, my nipples damp and puckered from his attention and the cold air. I watched as he removed his shirt with one hand and grabbed a condom from his wallet, tossing it onto the bed. He tugged off his jeans and finally stood next to the bed naked.

  The moonlight coming through the French doors revealed every muscle in his body. He was so defined, his arms, his abs, and his powerful thighs. Without a shirt, I finally saw the tattoos covering his arms. I hoped I’d have time to explore them more later.

  He placed a knee on the bed, ripped open the condom, and sheathed himself. “Are you sure?” His eyes shot to mine, hesitant for the first time since he’d carried me into my bedroom.

  “Yes.” I’d never wanted anything more. I held out my hand for him to come closer. The hair on his thighs tickled mine as he settled his hard cock at my entrance.

  I loved the confident way he explored my body. I moaned as he finally slid his tip inside me. I closed my eyes, wanting to savor the feeling of him, knowing I’d never recover from it.

  “Open your eyes, baby.” His voice was low and rough.

  My eyes opened to find his eyes darker than I’d ever seen them. “I want you to see me when we’re fucking. I want you to know you’re with me.”

  His words dove deep inside me taking root. How could I forget? I’d never responded to anyone like this. “I’m with you.” I fought the temptation to close my eyes because it felt so good.

  Then he drove into me to the hilt, pausing a second for me to adjust. My hands dug into his back urging him to move as I arched up. He picked a slow and steady rhythm hitting my g-spot with each thrust. It was too much. “Gabe,” I whined, slowly losing my mind with each stroke.

  “Let go, baby. I’ve got you.” Then he tilted my hips, enabling him to grind into my clit as I exploded into a ball of white-hot heat for him.

  Coming down from the high, a feeling of uneasiness traveled through my body. Why had I let myself go so easily? I’d never been more free and open with a man. It was dangerous.

  His face was focused in concentration and I wanted him to lose control. I tapped his side lightly so he’d get the hint. He rolled, taking me with him until I was riding him.

  His eyes traveled over my body, his hands cupped my breasts. “You’re so hot.”

  His admiration of my body spurred me on as I slowly rose up and slid back down. I could do this. I could be with him and not lose myself. After a few minutes of me controlling the tempo, he gripped my hips tightly and thrust up a few times until he groaned his release.

  Despite being on top, the feeling of vulnerability didn’t go away. I lifted off of him as he removed the condom and threw it out in the bathroom. I lay unmoving, unsure what to do next. I’d never been with a guy where we hadn’t already discussed exclusivity, but I needed to keep this light. My time here was temporary. This couldn’t be anything serious, even though it felt like we’d solidified the connection we’d made on the balcony through our bodies.

  But when he came back into the room, his face was soft and open. He leaned over the bed kissing me softly. “Thank
you.”

  “For what?” I asked as he slid into the bed behind me.

  He placed soft kisses on my shoulder. “For being you.”

  I turned in his arms so I was facing him. He was always putting himself down. Telling himself he didn’t deserve things. “You deserve me.” I brushed his hair out of his eyes. “You deserve this. You deserve to be happy.” However long it lasted.

  His breath caught and I knew he didn’t believe it. Not yet. Instead of saying anything else I kissed him softly, showing him instead.

  Chapter Seventeen

  TAYLOR

  The next morning I stretched, feeling sore and blissfully tired. Gabe woke me up in the middle of the night for another round, rifling in my nightstand for a condom from the unopened box I’d bought when I moved in—hoping for an adventure and some fun. He’d been so much more.

  I rolled over and reached my hand out to find the bed empty and the sheets cold. Had he left? In past relationships, sex happened at the guy’s place because I lived in my parents’ home. I never stayed overnight but I made it clear it was because my family needed me.

  I strained for any sounds in my small apartment but didn’t hear anything. I didn’t know why I hoped for something different, but I did. I’d hoped he allowed himself to feel what I did last night. But maybe it was too much too soon.

  I slowly opened my eyes, letting them adjust to the morning light. I didn’t smell any coffee brewing or hear any footsteps in my tiny apartment. Lifting my head, I looked for a note on the pillow or my nightstand which wasn’t there.

  Falling back onto my pillow I closed my eyes tight. I’d hoped for a lazy morning in bed, breakfast, and more sex. I should have known better. I couldn’t change him. He’d had years of people not believing in him and him thinking he wasn’t good enough. I wasn’t going to change him in a day. I thought I’d gotten through to him last night with our bodies coming together even if he hadn’t heard my words.

  My phone buzzed. I jumped up hoping it was Gabe telling me he’d run out to grab breakfast, but it was Hadley. Where were you last night? You left me alone with Preston! You owe me! I scrolled up and realized she’d texted last night several times wondering where I was. My phone must have been on silent. I checked to see if my mom had texted or called but there was nothing new at home.

  I had a whole Saturday ahead of me. What was I going to do? I texted Hadley.

  There was an interesting development last night I couldn’t miss.

  Hadley: Nice! Gabe? You’re totally forgiven. You owe me coffee, beignets, and shoe shopping!

  I could use a friend. Taylor: Fine.

  Hadley: Yay!

  Should I text Gabe and ask him why he’d left? No, I wanted casual, so I couldn’t complain if he wanted the same. I just hadn’t expected it to bother me so much.

  I got up, determined to live my life and not dwell on a man sneaking out of my apartment after the hottest sex of my life. I took a shower, washing his scent off of me feeling sadder than I ever had after being with a man. I pulled on a sundress and ballet flats and hopped onto the streetcar to meet Hadley at Café du Monde. I could do this. I could have hot sex with a man and move on like it was nothing—like I did this every Friday night with sexy men. When in reality, I’d never had a one-night stand or considered one before Gabe.

  I stepped off the streetcar and was immediately engulfed in a flowery hug. “There you are. Finally! I’m starving and about to pass out from lack of caffeine.”

  I pulled back from Hadley giving her a look. “You’re holding coffee in your hand.”

  “It’s almost empty and it’s not from Café du Monde. I need French Roast with a bag of beignets. Let’s go. After I’ve eaten several I want to hear about the sexy times with Gabe.”

  I laughed. I didn’t think I’d ever discussed boyfriends with my friends. I’d never been close enough with anyone to reveal the intimate side of a relationship. We got into the long Saturday line, chatting about Friday night happy hour with the office before finally taking our order to an empty bench outside.

  “Tell me everything,” Hadley said, setting up the bag of beignets on the bench between us and lifting the lid off her coffee for it to cool.

  “Everything?” I was stalling, unsure where to start. How much to tell her. I carefully opened the bag, taking one beignet out and lifting it to my mouth. I needed this—coffee, pastries, and a friend.

  “Did you fuck him? He sounds like a man who would fuck good and hard.”

  My mouth fell open and I dropped the beignet into my lap, spraying white powdered sugar all over my dress. “Oh, shit, Hadley. Keep your voice down.” I frantically tried to mop up the sugar with napkins but it just smeared.

  “Sorry, I tend to get carried away.” She lowered her voice. “Did he fuck you good and hard?”

  My face on fire, I rolled my eyes. “Yes.” She leaned forward, waiting for more details. The reason I’d been drawn to Hadley initially was that she was so outgoing and fun. I just hadn’t expected her to be so blunt about sex. “And then we did it a couple more times and it was more.”

  “Like ‘make love to me’ more?” Her eyes widened—both of our beignets forgotten in our hands.

  “Yes.” My face was still hot and I looked around to see if anyone was listening to us but they weren’t. I had to talk to someone about his leaving. I didn’t know what to think. “I think it freaked him out.”

  “Maybe it wasn’t any good?”

  “No, it was amazing. Best sex of my life before he left without saying goodbye.” It felt like more than sex—but maybe he didn’t feel the same. Or he did and he freaked.

  She winced. “Ouch. That sucks. But he’s kind of a bad boy, right? That kind of behavior is expected.”

  Was Gabe a bad boy? I’d seen another side to him—a sweet vulnerable side—the one that wanted to be better, to be seen as someone worthwhile, and I knew he was. “I went into it expecting a one-night stand and it was stupid to expect something different.” He’s shown me all along who he was. We get too close and he retreats. “Remember, he thinks I’m too good for him.”

  “He has a major inferiority complex.” She waved her hand at me. “He’s not used to beautiful successful women falling at his feet.”

  “Definitely not.” Although, I didn’t feel beautiful right now or successful. I felt defeated, used, and covered in powdered sugar.

  I was truthful last night. He deserved to be happy. He deserved a beautiful successful woman by his side. But was I strong enough to battle his demons? Was I the woman for him? I thought he’d already decided I wasn’t and it hurt more than anything.

  My phone buzzed from the pocket on my hip. I pulled it out, checking the screen. “It’s him.” My heart picked up. I needed to punch in my code to get the full message, but I hesitated. What could he possibly have to say that he couldn’t have said by waking me up to say goodbye?

  “What did he say? Taylor?”

  I sighed and keyed in my passcode.

  Gabe: I’m sorry. Can we talk?

  I dropped the phone on the bench between us and Hadley scooped it up. “Oh, this is good. He’s apologizing. Think how good the make-up sex will be.”

  I narrowed my eyes on hers. “I haven’t decided if he deserves make-up sex yet or if I’ve forgiven him.” I’d have to wait and hear his explanation.

  “If you’re going to be with him you have to understand that he’s not perfect. He has baggage but it sounds like he’s working on it. Listen to what he has to say. You can always say no and walk away, but maybe he has a good explanation.”

  “He’s scared.” I leaned back on the bench, taking a long sip of coffee, which was finally the perfect temperature, and ate the beignet in two bites. I needed the caffeine and the sugar.

  “He is. You can help him work through his issues and sculpt him into the perfect boyfriend.”

  “I don’t think it works that way. Once a bad boy—always a bad boy.” Didn’t all girls think they could ch
ange the guy when they couldn’t? That was reality. He was the only one who could change himself.

  “I don’t know. I haven’t dated one.”

  “You haven’t?” I was surprised. Hadley had wild and fun written all over her. I figured she’d been with all types of guys and enjoyed them.

  “I’ve dated, but I think guys expect me to be one way when I’m not. I’m not as crazy as I seem.” For the first time since I’d met her, Hadley was subdued, the brightness in her eyes dimmed. “I’m actually boring.”

  “That’s not how I would describe you.” She never talked about her history with men and I was curious.

  She waved me off. “Enough about me. What are you going to do about Gabe?” She placed the phone in my lap. “Are you going to respond to that?”

  I picked up my phone and typed: out with a friend now. Can we talk later?

  I didn’t want to cut my time with Hadley short. He’d left my bed of his own free will last night. He could wait.

  Hadley read my response over my shoulder. “That’s right. Girls first. We still need to go shoe shopping. Eat up these beignets, then we’re doing some retail therapy.”

  “Sounds amazing.” I didn’t think I’d ever spent time with a girlfriend shopping before. I normally ordered everything online.

  I tilted my head up to the sky, feeling the warmth of the sun on my face as I popped the last of my beignets into my mouth. That was the feeling I had the whole time I’d been in New Orleans—freedom. I didn’t have to rush home. I didn’t have to babysit Caleb. I could make last-minute plans for coffee and shopping with a girlfriend. It was amazing, and whatever Gabe’s issue was last night could wait. I was done letting the needs and feelings of others dictate my actions. I would put myself first.

  I crumpled up the paper bag and dropped that and my empty coffee cup into the trash. “You ready?”

  “Yes.” Hadley linked her arm with mine as we walked down Bourbon Street, looking into shop windows and laughing. She pulled me to a stop in front of the store, Hot Heels Boutique. “This is it. This is the store I was talking about last week. The shoes are amazing. If you want fuck-me heels or power shoes for court, come here. Elise’s taste is impeccable.”