Breaking Free: Breaking Free Duet Book #1

by JL Davis

  “Hey! It’s nice isn’t it? I haven’t gotten a chance to come here until now. I’m glad it’s with you.” I kiss him before we walk inside to see where we’ll be spending our weekend together.

  “No one can hear you scream all the way out here, Brooke,” Cole whispers in my ear as I fumble with the keys in my hand and then drop them. He chuckles. “We need inside the house. At this rate I’d consider that porch swing over there.” He laughs.

  “You may be sleeping on that porch swing.” I laugh mockingly and finally get the door open.

  “Nicely played.” He nods and closes it behind him. He puts our bags down and as soon as they hit the floor, he wraps me in his arms. We stay like this for a few minutes. Neither of us say a word. We simply enjoy the moment being in each other’s arms with no worries or distractions.

  “This is nice.” I sigh, finally breaking the silence. “What did you bring?” I nod toward the grocery bags he’d brought in with him on the floor.

  “I got the pizza, and well that’s a given. I also got Cokes, chips, and chocolate bars.” He grins, proud of himself. It’s adorable.

  “That will go perfect with what I brought.” I quickly put the cold items in the refrigerator and leave the rest on the counter. There’s no need to put it all away. We may forget something and I’m not sure if Mya told her parents I was here or not.

  Cole puts the Cokes away in the crisper. “Want to check out the rest of the house?” I know where he’s going with this and I’ll definitely play along.

  After a tour of the rest of the house, where we spent way more time in the master bedroom than intended, Cole and I warm up the pizza he picked up on his way here. I fill our wine glasses with a lovely Moscato, and we sit down at the table for our first dinner together.

  “This isn’t how I’d have liked our first date to be, over pizza in a stranger’s house, but I’m having a nice time with you, Brooke. I’m glad we’re here.” His eyes are warm and so inviting.

  “Every relationship is different, Cole. Just like every case is different.” I smile.

  “I see what you did there.” Cole nods as he takes a bite of his pizza. He doesn’t speak and I’m thankful.

  “Have you ever been in a serious relationship, been married?” I ask curiously, as if it’s no big deal, just conversation between two people.

  “No. Not that I would consider serious. I was dating a girl before I went in. She’s now with someone who used to be a friend of mine. I know now that he wasn’t a true friend. Those are hard to come by.” Cole shrugs. “What about you?”

  “I’ve never been married but have been in a serious relationship. Let’s just say he wasn’t who he said he was.” I sigh with the reminder of that horrific relationship.

  “What happened?” He crosses his arms, now concerned.

  “It was terrible. He was abusive and my parents wouldn’t believe me when I had the bruises to prove it.” I shudder at the thought of his hands on me.

  “I’m so sorry, Brooke. You don’t have to say any more. I can see it bothers you. Any man that puts his hands on a woman deserves a beating from a real man. I have no respect for a person like that. That isn’t a man.” Cole’s jaw tightens. I can see he’s struggling with his anger and because of what I said. Noted.

  I stand and walk over to him and gently massage his shoulders. After several seconds they’re no longer tense. He seems to have calmed down some. I can feel the tension leaving him the longer I touch him.

  “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have told you that. I wasn’t thinking about how you’d react to it.” I need to be more cautious when telling him things.

  “It’s okay. I’m so sorry you had to go through that.” He turns in the chair to face me. “I’d never put a hand on you that you didn’t want.” His eyes search mine.

  “I believe you, Cole.” I kiss him softly before he stands, collects the plates, and we clean up from our extravagant dinner.

  I want to believe Cole. I want to believe that he’d never hit me. I can see the struggle he has with his anger. I also see how hard he fights with it. I think with continued therapy and my help he will be okay. I have no problem helping him release his anger. It would be my pleasure.

  “What now?” I stand in the doorway. I see a shelf full of board games and walk over to inspect them closer. “Are you any good at poker?” I turn and ask him playfully.

  “I’m not so bad.” He shrugs and walks over to me. “You?”

  “I’m not very good at all, but I’ve always wanted to play strip poker, though.” I trail off playing with the deck of cards in my hands. I glance up at him and the hunger in his eyes has me second guessing the game completely.

  “Let’s see what you got. I mean the cards. I already know what you’re working with under that pantsuit.” He chuckles. “Seriously, though. Don’t you want to put on something more… ‘Brooke’?”

  I roll my eyes knowing what he means. I’m still in officer mode when he looks at me. I’m sure it’s weird. Wait a minute. No. “You’re only saying that so I’ll have fewer clothes to take off.” I frown and he chuckles. “Be right back.”

  I can be comfortable and still have as many layers on as I do right now and drive him crazy in the process. I take off my flats, slacks, and jacket. I’m left in my tank and panties. I add a tank on top of the one I have on now, cotton boy shorts, and pair of socks. I’m positive I have at least one more article of clothing than him. Hopefully it’s enough, in case he is better than me at poker. We shall see. I walk back into the kitchen just as Cole begins to shuffle the cards.

  I’m almost positive now that Brooke is in fact adding layers instead of removing them. My guess is she’s not very good at poker. That will benefit me in many ways. I can’t wait to see her stripping off her clothes. I’m going to enjoy this very much.

  “Aren’t you beautifully layered.” I arch a brow, amused because I saw this coming. She’s very easy to predict at times.

  Brooke winks and takes a seat at the table and watches me shuffle. “You’re good with those cards.” She stares at my hands as I continue to shuffle.

  I laugh. “When it comes to cards, you won’t win by distracting me.” I smile. She’s cute to even think she could. I’m a serious player. It doesn’t matter what I’m playing, I’m giving it all I’ve got.

  “You’re probably right, being as I won’t be losing any of my clothes.” She giggles.

  “I must say, you’re quite sure of yourself and you’ve never even seen me play,” I say. How could she be better than me?

  After four hands, I’m left wearing only my socks, and Brooke has lost only one of her two tops this far. To say I’ve lost is an understatement. I really should start wearing briefs. Going commando hurt me a bit. I’m grasping at straws here. It doesn’t bother me that she’s winning, because I love how excited Brooke’s been throughout playing.

  “So, looks like you’ve got only your socks on, and those count as one by the way, just as your shoes were.” Brooke squeals in her chair. I can see the many glances here and there, but I’m not enough of a distraction for it to benefit me.

  “It looks that way,” I say, as I glance at the three kings and an ace high. I’m not sure how she’ll be lucky enough to beat the hand I’m holding. “Let’s see what you got.” I nod toward the table, ready to lay down my own hand.

  Brooke lays down a full house. “Beat that.” She giggles, anticipating my hand.

  I glance at her and then my hand a few times before I finally reveal the shit I have and that she’s won. I’m okay with it. Really. I can feel the tension in my jaw as I lay my hand down for her to see. “You got me.” I sigh. I really am a sore loser and in the worst way.

  “No. You got me.” Brooke gets up and walks over to me and drops to her knees. “I didn’t know you were such a baby.” She begins to stroke me gently. “Let me kiss it and make you feel all better.” She glances up into my eyes before she takes me into her mouth slowly. She doesn’t break eye contact
and it’s so hot.

  I grip the side of the chair with one hand and bring the other into her hair. I don’t want to force her. I just want to move the hair that’s fallen into her face so I can see her as she sucks me off. She breaks eye contact briefly to cup my balls with one hand. It feels too good.

  “Brooke. Let’s go into the bedroom,” I breathe, needing a minute.

  She releases me with a pop, and I take a sharp breath releasing the chair. As I stand, Brooke grabs the box from the table, and we walk to the bedroom.

  “What’s in the box?” I ask, pulling the string as she holds it between us.

  “We’re about to find out.” She hesitates. “You never truly know with Mya.” She sighs.

  Brooke seems to brace herself before she takes the top off. She pulls out a strand of condoms and a small bottle of something. She begins to read the bottle.

  “Not as bad as I thought. She can surprise even me at times.” She giggles. “Looks like we’re giving each other massages and having lots of sex.” She laughs and wiggles her brows.

  “Sounds good to me.” I pull her into my arms and kiss her greedily before I remove her clothes and walk her over to the bed. “Would you like your massage now?” I ask.

  “That would be wonderful.” She sighs sweetly at the thought and kisses me.

  “Lay on the bed and we can begin,” I say, keeping up the role.

  “Thank you, sir.” She gives me a sweet smile and does as I’ve said.

  I pour a small amount of the oil into my hands and rub them together, warming it up before I rub it onto her skin. I start with her shoulders and work my way down to her little toes. As I massage her toes, I can see her lips and can’t help myself. I bend my head and flick my tongue between her legs.

  “Cole,” she breathes, but says nothing more. She’s entirely relaxed.

  I flick my tongue again and receive only a moan this time. I crawl up her lifeless body.

  “Brooke,” I whisper into her ear.

  “Hhhmmm…” Brooke moans softly. I watch as she lays there, breathing so peacefully. She looks happy, and I’ve made her that way. It wasn’t just the sex we have. That’s a nice feeling, knowing that she wants more with me. I’m so glad we’ve gotten to spend this extra time together. I hope we have much more time together.

  As much as I’d love to wake her, I reach for the blanket instead. I drag it over her gorgeous, naked body and kiss the top of her head before I finally remove my socks and cuddle in beside her. I’ve waited for this moment, dreamed about it, and laid awake imagining holding her all night long and I intend to do exactly that.

  Only Brooke didn’t allow us to sleep the entire night. I wake a bit distraught, but when I feel her wet mouth go down on me, I quickly catch up. I grab her waist and flip her onto her back and no longer under the covers. I can see her vaguely from the light pole outside.

  She giggles. “I’m sorry I fell asleep. That massage felt so good. Thank you.”

  “It’s technically still our first night together. There’s twenty minutes left until midnight,” I say, attempting to make Brooke feel better about falling asleep on me. I’m going to show her how it can be when we aren’t rushed and paranoid. I intend on taking my time getting to know every part of her body.

  I can’t believe I fell asleep during my amazing massage. I felt terrible when I woke up with Cole snuggled against me with his arm around my waist. I felt so terrible, I wiggled from his grasp and woke him with a surprise.

  It only took a minute to get him hard and alert enough to know what was happening. He was definitely surprised and took charge as soon as he was fully erect and awake. Cole kissed, licked, and nibbled over my entire body before he did more than have sex with me. It was more than rushed sex at his house. We were able to enjoy each other, connect more passionately, and I see so much more in the eyes staring back at me. I’m scared to continue staring, but I can’t seem to look away as his orgasm rips through him with a moan from deep inside.

  “Thank you for waking me up,” Cole pants. “I thought I was dreaming at first.” He chuckles as he tries to catch his breath.

  “Thank you for the wonderful massage, too wonderful it seemed.” I wink. “I made up for it, though, didn’t I?”

  “Ten-fold. Pun intended.” He winks. “I think you cheated by the way. How else could you have beat me that badly?” He arches a brow on the way to the bathroom.

  “You’re joking right?” I look at him, trying to figure that out because I’m not sure. “You can’t be serious. I don’t cheat at anything.” I shake my head, a bit irritated with him all of a sudden if he’s for real with this shit.

  I decide against following him in case he was serious and needs a minute to think about how ridiculous he’s acting. It was just a freaking game. He cannot be this immature.

  Cole walks back into the bedroom with a serious look on his face and he doesn’t say a word as he gets back into the bed beside me.

  “Are you seriously pouting right now?” I giggle and jump on top of him. “How can you be mad? You can’t spoil our time together over a silly game, Cole. Look at me.” I grab his chin, forcing him to look at me. “Cole.” I stare into his eyes.

  Cole smiles slightly before he cups my face in his hands. He leans in closer and kisses me. “I’m not mad. I’m just kidding. Aren’t I cute when I pout, though?” He wiggles his eyebrows playfully.

  I grab the pillow beside him and hit him with it. I know he was mad. It bothers him to lose. I get it and duly noted. I’ll let the big baby win next time, unless it’s losing to a horrible bet. I’ll play my heart out just as I did before. I had no idea how a grown man could get so butt hurt.

  The next morning, Cole and I both wake up starving. I can hear his stomach rumbling as I lay here. Our stomachs are carrying on a conversation. I think of getting up to make us breakfast.

  “What are you doing?” Cole asks, squeezing me tighter against him. “It’s our first morning together. Don’t I even get a kiss before you leave me?” He yawns.

  “I didn’t know you were awake. I was just going to make us something to eat. Our stomachs were getting to know each other well.” I laugh and lean in for a kiss.

  I can tell he wanted it to be more. I do too, but I’m too hungry to concentrate. I could be going down on him and then in the next minute think it’s a bread stick in my mouth. I’m that freaking hungry right now and that wouldn’t be a pretty ending.

  Cole smiles. “I heard them too. I think yours is what woke me.” He chuckles. “Let’s go get you fed.” He hops from the bed.

  I observe him for a moment. “Morning person, huh?” I smile, eyeing him suspiciously. We dig through our stuff for clothes and get ready for the day.

  Cole and I seem to work well in the kitchen together. I watch as he cracks four eggs into the hot skillet so effortlessly, like some master chef. I on the other hand would have cracked each one and there would be tiny pieces of shell in the eggs that I’d have to fish out with a toothpick for five minutes. He doesn’t seem to mind cooking at all and may even be better than me it seems. He’s definitely taken notice.

  “Do you need some help with that toaster?” He looks concerned.

  I don’t know what’s wrong with me. It’s hard to focus when I have Cole standing beside me, surprising me with his cooking skills, and looking so damn hot right now. I can’t even get the freaking toaster to work. “I got it. I think it’s just broken.” I flip it upside down like an idiot and crumbs fall out onto the counter. It looks like enough to make a loaf of bread. Not really, but it’s a lot.

  “Brooke, it might help if you plug it in. That’s just a thought, or you can also continue to be stubborn.” I swear just as the words were leaving his mouth, I realized myself that it wasn’t plugged in. Just wow.

  I roll my eyes dramatically and sigh. “I’m going to blame it on not having any coffee yet. I’m going to look for the pot.” I open every cabinet, and no coffee pot is found. It’s a travesty. How do Mya’
s parents not have a coffee pot? They seem to have every damn thing else.

  “Toast, Brooke.” Cole alerts me.

  “Oh no.” I hurry over and lift the handle. “Saved by the Cole.” I turn and kiss him before I grab a plate, butter, and walk over to the table.

  Cole comes over with our plates and takes a seat beside me and we enjoy breakfast together at the table while watching some geese down by the lake.

  “Would you like to take a walk down to the lake after breakfast?” I ask between bites.

  “Sure. That would be great, actually. Burn this breakfast off.” He pats his six-pack and I just shake my head. He’s being ridiculous right now and he knows it. He could be a model, and a damn good one at that.

  After cleaning up from breakfast, Cole and I put on our tennis shoes, walk out onto the back patio, and into the fresh air. “It’s a beautiful day to be outside.” I inhale the clean air into my lungs and sigh as I exhale. It’s refreshing along with the sun that’s beaming down on us as we walk through the back yard. We have to walk through a gate to get down to the water.

  There are two wooden deck chairs on the water’s edge. Cole sits in one. I choose his lap instead of the other chair. He sighs lightly once I lean back against him.

  “What made you decide to become a parole officer?” He kisses the side of my head.

  “My father wanted me to follow in his footsteps. If he had his way, I’d have been a lawyer, or a judge like him. I wanted to be a nurse. I felt being a parole officer was sort of a happy medium. I could help people and my father was still proud of me, I guess.” I sigh.

  “Are you happy?” Cole asks, and I have no idea how to reply.

  “I mean, I am happy. I just, I’m still missing so much. I had imagined by now, I’d be married, have children, a big house, and a dog named Rover. I don’t have any of those things.” I trail off with disappointment. I wanted to be honest with him, as disappointing as it was to say.