Breaking Free: Breaking Free Duet Book #1

by JL Davis

  By lunch, I’m ready to pull my hair out. One of my ‘frequent fliers’ failed a drug test for methamphetamines and lost his job. I have no choice but to revoke his parole. He attempted to cry and use his children as a reason not to be placed in handcuffs, begging me to give him another chance. He seemed to have forgotten about his first failed test. I do believe in second chances, but he should have thought about his children before he snorted those nasty chemicals up his nose. But I won’t judge. I’m working on that. His ignorance, his illness has earned him a lovely stay in our prison system for the next three to five years. Maybe this time he’ll learn.

  After work, I’m so relieved I have plans with Mya to get pedis at our favorite place not too far from my office. They have the best massage chairs and they also serve wine. Most do, but this place allows you more than just one glass. I need to unwind after the stressful day I’ve had, and my toes resemble an ogre’s.

  Mya is sitting on the bench waiting for me as I pull into a front row spot. My headlights hit her just right in the face and she flips me off. I can’t help but laugh at her.

  “I love you too,” I say as I get out, shut my door, and walk over to her.

  She gives me the once over with an odd look on her face. “What’s up with you?” She quirks an eyebrow.

  I giggle and look at her like she’s crazy. “What do you mean?” I’m fine other than being emotionally drained.

  “You look different. You look happy even. What happened? Oh my God!” she yells, drawing unwanted attention to us.

  “Jesus, Mya. Shut the hell up.” I glance around, now embarrassed. “You can really piss me off,” I say through gritted teeth.

  Mya giggles. “I know,” she says, while continuing to giggle. “It’s so easy to rattle you. Come on, let’s go get pampered.” She slides her arm through mine and we walk inside.

  She should be glad I love her so much. Anyone else would’ve knocked her on her ass by now, but I tolerate her, have for about ten years now. She’s my girl and I love her dearly. She’d be there in a minute for anything and I trust her with my last dollar. Mya’s what a loyal friend should be.

  Once inside, the horrible chemical smell hits my nostrils. It’s easy to tolerate, like Mya. We walk over to the wall of polish colors. There are hundreds to choose from here. We normally choose by our current mood. I walk over to the pink shades. I’m not sure what my current mood is, but I want a dark pink.

  “Going with pink, huh?” Mya sarcastically says snatching it from my hand. “You got the ‘D’ didn’t you? You did!” Mya squeals.

  “How about we let the entire building know I got laid,” I whisper, irritated yet again. She’s not helping my stress level at all. “I think I’m going to go.” I reach for the bottle.

  “Okay. I’m sorry. Someone’s pissy today,” she accuses and gives me a snotty look.

  “I’m not, really. I had a rough day. I just want to relax with my best friend. Can we do that, please, and you not give me shit in the process?” I stare at her, waiting for her to agree or I can go home and relax in the bathtub.

  “You can’t get out of this, though. You already admitted it and I want details tomorrow then,” she says matter of factly.

  “Thank you.” I sigh and walk over to an empty seat and sit. There are only two women ahead of us, thankfully.

  “Hi! Two over here.” The sweet woman smiles and motions us to the two empty chairs.

  I sit down, turn my massager on, and place my feet in the hot, pretty, blue water. I fight the urge to moan. Mya on the other hand does not. She sounds like she may have orgasmed as her feet hit the water.

  I close my eyes and try to let go of all the stress that’s been hounding at me lately. I can’t seem to get Cole out of my head. I even thought about making a ‘surprise house visit’ today but decided against it. I knew he was working anyway. I could also get away with making a ‘work check’ with the issues he mentioned to me during a previous discussion that had to do with the CEO or whoever she is. A nasty cheater is what she is, who’s bordering sexual harassment charges. She doesn’t want to mess with me and better watch herself.

  “So, do you want to tell me what’s up with you?” Mya turns toward me in the chair next to mine.

  I glance over and my face scrunches up. “I want to. I really do. But I can’t. Let’s say if I did, you could get into trouble if anyone found out.”

  Mya looks around the room. “Is this some prank show? What the hell, Brooke?” Mya asks, pursing her lips, annoyed. “That sounds ridiculous. Are you fucking James Bond?” she whispers.

  I spew my wine into my hand. “Mya!”

  “Oh no! I didn’t make you do that!” She holds her hands up in defense.

  I shake my head at her just as Suo walks over to begin. I’m so glad I have her this time. She doesn’t try to carry on a conversation with you. She allows you to enjoy it. Most of the time I enjoy talking to them. Today’s not one of those times.

  “You’d have to swear not to say anything.” I stare at her seriously. Her eyebrows arch in excitement. “Not here,” I add and her face falls. “You’re like a child.” I roll my eyes.

  After our pedis, Mya and I sit outside on one of the benches. There are several lined down the shopping center walkway.

  “Okay. I promise not to say anything. You know I won’t. You’re my best friend, Brooke.” Mya’s eyes soften and she smiles sweetly.

  “I don’t even know how to tell you this. I’ve sort of started something with one of my parolees.” I grimace, waiting for her to lecture me.

  “It’s Cole Ferguson, isn’t it? It is, isn’t it?” She hounds me for the truth.

  “Yes.” I bury my face in my hands. “What is wrong with me?”

  “Girl, you lucky bitch. He is freaking gorgeous and he seems to be a good guy, Brooke. Really. He is a good man who made a stupid decision. Don’t fault him for that.”

  “I’m not. We’re going to see how things go for now, at least until he gets off parole.” I can’t believe those words just came out of my mouth. I never thought there’d be a day.

  “I’m happy for you, really. Please, just be careful. You have so much to lose if it were to get out. It won’t be by me, no matter what. I got you, girl.” Mya kisses my cheek before she stands. “I need to get home. Call me, okay?”

  I nod. “Thank you. I’ll call you.” I watch her walk to her car. She gets in and flips me off before she pulls away. She’s the best.

  It was hard for me to focus while at work today. It’s honestly been hard to focus since being with Brooke. I can’t stop thinking about her. At one point, I completely lost all train of thought while daydreaming about her ass and the next thing I knew, a load of bottles that were coming down the belt suddenly hit the concrete floor beneath my feet and broke into a million pieces.

  After cleaning up the mess, I went to Jim’s office to let him know what happened and to apologize. I offered to pay for the broken bottles. Jim was very understanding and said not to worry about it. He said that accidents happen. I want to make it right, though, and plan on leaving some cash on Jim’s desk Friday when I get paid. Every day I’ve caused one issue or another. If it wasn’t at work, it was at home. The other day, I guess I had put too much dish soap in the dishwasher because bubbles were everywhere. It was insane.

  On my way home, I can’t help but imagine that Brooke will be waiting for me when I get there. Every day, I pull in the driveway and the disappointment sets in when she isn’t there. Is this how it will feel all the time? It hasn’t even been three whole days since I was last with her. I need her and I miss her smile. I haven’t seen nearly enough of it yet.

  After finally letting her guard down, I got to see the real Brooke, see who she really is underneath that hard-ass exterior. She isn’t at all the bitch everyone had said she was at all. I can’t wait to learn more about her. Maybe she’ll willingly let me get to see more.

  I showered, ate a frozen pizza, and now I’m sitting here on t
he couch looking at Brooke’s business card. Her cell number is on it, but should I call her? I’m not quite sure if we’re a couple, together, or what we are. I want there to be more. I want her to be mine.

  I want all of those things with her. I don’t plan on seeing anyone else. I’m a one woman guy. That’s how it should be, but some guys get weak and downgrade from time to time. I want her and only her. What if someone else wants her? Would she act on it? We need to talk a bit more about ‘us’ or the lack of. I need security in a way.

  By eight o’clock, I’d driven myself crazy. I can’t find anything on TV. I have nothing to clean and all the laundry is caught up. I decide to leave and am currently in my truck and on my way to the gym to workout. It shouldn’t be too busy at this time of night. When I pull in, there are only five or six vehicles in the parking lot and I’m somewhat relieved that I don’t see Brooke’s SUV. I need to learn to deal with not seeing her much now that I’ve actually had her. This isn’t your normal, see each other any time you want relationship. I’m not even sure if it is a relationship at all. Here I go again. I need confirmation, before I drive myself crazy.

  I walk through the doors and instantly feel a little better just by being here. I love working out and love the way my body feels afterward. It’s addicting that’s for sure. I crave it. My body starts to ache after I’ve missed more than a couple workouts.

  I walk to the locker room, put my bag in a locker, and head for the bench to work on my arms first. I pushed myself to the limit and without a spotter, probably wasn’t the smartest idea, but I feel much better. I sit up and go to reach for my water bottle. All the progress I had made in keeping my mind off of Brooke has been replaced with anxiety as she walks through the door in all her glory.

  She’s walking briskly to the locker room while looking at her phone. She won’t notice me way over here and I’m glad. I’m able to stare at her in her tight, breathable tank and matching leggings that look like they were made for her. This also gives me a few minutes to collect myself and decide how to approach her.

  I decide to walk to the locker room to speak with her privately, instead of in front of everyone in the gym. As I round the corner, I see that she’s stretching, bent over and touching her toes. Seriously?

  I don’t want to startle her, but I can’t help myself. It’s the perfect opportunity. “Are you stalking me now?” I ask from directly behind her.

  Brooke jumps and lets out some sort of squeal before turning to me. “Jesus, Cole. Are you kidding me?” She looks agitated.

  I hold my hands up to protect myself. I’m not sure what she might do by the look in her eyes. “I’m sorry. Funny seeing you here.” I pull on her tank, unsure what else to do.

  Brooke’s face softens and she looks to her feet nervously. “I’m sorry, Cole. I’m really glad to see you.” She sighs and awkwardly reaches for my arm but decides against it and lowers it to her side.

  I open the door and peek my head out. I see no one coming our way. Everyone is currently on a machine or doing some sort of workout. I shut the door and walk back over to her as she watches my every movement.

  Once in front of her I take her hands in mine and walk her backward into the wall. Her dark green eyes longing for what’s to come. I press my body against hers, bring one hand up to her cheek, and our lips connect. I kiss her urgently, our tongues thrashing together and our hands now all over each other.

  I pull away slightly and press my forehead to hers. “Want to go work out at my house?” I ask hopefully, as I look deep into her eyes. I can see the beach, so relaxing and I want to dive right in.

  I can see her weighing out her options. Her eyes finally fixate on mine. “I really need to work on my abs.” Brooke pats her stomach, steps around me, and heads toward the door and stops once there. “Let’s go, Mr. Ferguson.” She says impatiently.

  I grab my bag quickly and chuckle. “I would’ve said ‘after you’, but you seem to be in quite a hurry.” I smack her ass. It’s firm yet jiggly enough to give me something to grab onto and I do exactly that until she swats my hand away as she pushes the door open.

  “I really need that workout. It’s been a stressful day; a stressful week. I’ll meet you there.” she says without looking at me and continues on to her SUV.

  I think she needs this as much as I do. I wish things could be different. I wish I hadn’t gone to prison, but if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have met her. She doesn’t work, live, or socialize anywhere near me. I’m pretty positive we wouldn’t have met any other way. There could be a silver lining to the big mistake I made. I might have found a wonderful woman that might be perfect for me. She might even be ‘the one’.

  I pull into my driveaway and Brooke’s standing outside her SUV twirling her finger in her hair. I’m not sure, but I think my heart just skipped a beat. I didn’t know that was a real thing. I thought that was something romance authors say in their books that make real men like me look bad because we don’t really think or talk like that. I take a deep breath and then get out of my truck and walk toward the most beautiful woman I ‘ve ever laid my eyes on.

  I think going to the gym couldn’t have been a better idea. I was so relieved when I walked in and saw Cole. I was a bit surprised and didn’t know what to say to him, so I pretended to be busy on my phone. I think there was so much left unsaid between us. I’m not sure where we stand other than we’re about to go into his house and have sex and I can’t wait.

  I watch him as he gets out of his truck and walks over to me. He makes everything look sexy and effortless. I follow him up the sidewalk and to the door. It seems to be taking him forever to get the key in the lock.

  “Wow. Is this what I have to look forward to?” I say sarcastically.

  Cole glances over. “Huh?’ He ruffles his brows.

  “You seem to be having trouble finding the hole there.” I nod toward the door knob. I try my best to keep a straight face. The corners of my mouth fight the urge to smile. I’m sure I look ridiculous.

  “There’s no way to reply to that and not make myself sound like an ass. I’ll just have to prove you wrong, after we talk,” he adds, as he finally unlocks the door and opens it, letting us both inside.

  Cole barely has the door closed and I’ve already backed him into it. “What did you want to talk about?” I run my hand down the front of his jeans as a distraction.

  Cole grins. “That’s not going to work. I want to know what we are. Where do we stand?” He stares down into my eyes. “Besides the obvious.” He rolls his eyes. I think it’s adorable when a man rolls his eyes. I don’t know why. It just is.

  “I like you, Cole. Honestly, if we’re having sex, I don’t really feel comfortable having sex with anyone else. I’m not into someone’s sloppy seconds or getting diseases.” I crinkle my nose.

  Cole sighs and looks relieved. “I’m glad you said that. I don’t like the idea of sharing you with anyone else. I don’t share, just so you know.” Cole leans in. “I think we’re done talking now,” he says, his voice so controlled as his lips mold against my own. He then lifts me in his arms.

  I squeal, caught off guard as he walks toward his bedroom. “Cole, could you be rough with me?” I whisper into his ear.

  He nearly trips and then clears his throat nervously. “Sure. I can do that. I just didn’t want to hurt you.” He trails off. I was grateful he wasn’t rough with me the first time. It would’ve been much more painful.

  “Thank you,” I say as he sets me on my feet. I watch him as he reaches into his drawer and sets a condom on top. He also pulls out a small paddle. “That’s what I’m talking about.” I giggle. I love a man who isn’t intimidated by toys. Some men are so full of themselves.

  “Undress,” Cole says, as he takes his shoes off while watching me.

  Normally, I’d be pissed by someone being so demanding. Cole on the other hand, it’s turning me on. I lift my tank over my head, pop my bra, and drag my leggings down my legs before he’s gotten his second shoe o
ff. “Hurry up. I can’t stay that long, Cole.” I trail off with disappointment in my voice as I wait to see some skin.

  I can’t wait another second. I hurry to help him with his shirt and then with his jeans. I feel that he’s taking longer on purpose. I get it. I wish I could stay longer; I do. But I can’t as much as I want to.

  He takes my hand and walks me over to the bed. He lifts my hand over my head and spins me quickly. My hand is now behind my back, his warm breath against my ear, and his length is digging into my lower back.

  “Bend over,” Cole whispers, before nipping my ear lobe.

  I inhale a sharp breath and his hand glides down my back as I bend over the side of his bed. I wait anxiously, unsure of what’s to come. Cole runs his hands down the sides of my hips, my thighs, and then drops to his knees. He slowly lashes his tongue between my legs. I bite back a moan and grip the side the pillow beneath me.

  Cole stands abruptly, rubs himself against me, spreading my wetness before he pushes forward slowly. Cole taking me this way gives him more depth, filling me, as I meet him thrust for thrust. He takes my hips, holding me firmly in place as he slams into me. The sound of our bodies smacking together echoes through the room along with our breathing and moans. I try to smother my cries into the pillow. It feels so good, almost too good.

  “Is this what you want?” Cole struggles to say as he thrusts inside me.

  “Yes,” I breathe. I can’t manage anything more. This is what I needed. Him.