by Peyton Banks
“What about you and Wade?” Nasia asked.
The two looked as if they had been together forever.
“Not too long. I’ve known him practically my entire life since we grew up next door to each other.” Joy was a pretty girl, and when she smiled, Nasia could see why Wade was captivated by her. “I heard you’re the owner of the Shady Bean Café. I’m going to have to come check you out.”
“Please do.” Nasia enjoyed talking about her business to anyone who would listen.
They continued chatting about their line of work with Joy setting up an appointment with Yani to Joy inviting Nasia on her farm to see if they could do business. Nasia loved using fresh ingredients and had already made connections with other local farmers.
“What are you women chatting about so enthusiastically?” Wade asked.
The guys returned with drinks in hand.
The girls made room for them. Stan took his seat by Nasia and handed her a glass. He had gotten a long-neck beer bottle for himself. She recognized that he pretty much drank one kind and made a mental note to pick some up next time she went to the grocery store.
“Thanks,” she murmured.
He rested his arm along the back of the booth. Nasia scooted closer, loving the feeling of him against her.
“Girl stuff,” Joy replied haughtily.
“None of ya business,” Yani teased.
“Well, damn. Guess we aren’t needed, fellas,” Rashad joked.
“Hush up.” Yani elbowed him.
Rashad fell back as if she had really injured him. Chuckles went around.
“Don’t let her get away with that, Rashad. I believed that’s domestic abuse. Stan and I are witnesses.” Wade laughed.
“Hear, hear.” Stan tipped his bottle to Rashad.
“Hey.” Nasia reached down and pinched Stan’s side. The man barely had any fat on his body. She was so jealous; her tummy was nice and soft.
“What?” Stan jerked away from her playfully. “We men have to stick together.”
“Well, I hope you men know how to keep yourself warm at night,” Joy teased.
“On second thought. I didn’t see anything,” Stan claimed. He leaned over and dropped a kiss on Nasia’s forehead.
Nasia laughed. This had been a good idea. It helped her get to meet another woman who she wouldn’t mind getting to know and calling a friend. With the move and getting her business off the ground, it left little time to actually go out and meet people. She had been away from Shady Springs so long, it was like she was brand-new to the town.
Instead of finishing the game, they sat around talking and laughing. Stories from the ranch had Nasia with tears streaming down her face.
“We’ll have to do this again,” Joy said.
“Yeah, maybe one night we can talk Parker and Maddy into getting a babysitter and joining us,” Wade suggested.
“That would be great. That woman needs to get away.” Yani chuckled.
“I’m down. Just let us know,” Stan said.
Nasia was having a hard time concentrating with his fingers playing with her hair.
He glanced down at her. “Ready to go?”
Nasia nodded.
They stood and said their goodbyes.
Once in the truck, Nasia turned to face Stan. She took the time to study him. He guided the vehicle onto the street. They rode in silence for a minute, but Nasia just had to ask.
“Seriously. What is wrong?” she asked softly.
He looked at her, and again, she could see the distance in his eyes. She reached for his hand and brought it to her lips.
She kissed the back of it, entwining their fingers together. “Just tell me.”
He tightened his grip on her and blew out a deep breath.
Worry settled in, but she tried to not let it consume her, but his first words just about sent her into cardiac arrest.
“Victoria stopped by my house today.”
As much as he tried to not let it bother him, Victoria’s visit had left a sour taste in his mouth. He’d tried to push it down all night, but it kept popping up in his mind.
Nasia had immediately picked up on it, and he attempted to act as if nothing was wrong.
He hated sharing anything about his painful past with her. He didn’t want to be a burden on issues that happened before she came into his life.
“Okay,” she murmured.
He tightened the grip on her hand, disliking the tremor he detected in her voice. She had absolutely nothing to worry about.
That chapter of his life was closed, and he was not returning to it.
“I didn’t want to bring it up.” He grimaced, not wanting to spoil their date, but he was an honest man and would be like an open book with Nasia. That was something he’d taken away from his failed marriage. They had to be truthful with each other. Had Victoria come to him with her complaints about him and their marriage before she’d cheated, there was a slight chance they may still be married.
“What did she want?”
“She came to apologize for wrecking our marriage.” He snorted. He braked at a red light, flipping his blinker on. He faced Nasia, wanting to look her in the eye. “Nothing happened. I didn’t let her stay long. She said her piece, then I made her leave.”
“Why would she come by for that?”
“I have no clue.” He shook his head, running a trembling hand through his hair. That was the million-dollar question. Was it because she had seen him out with Nasia and got jealous, or was she truly wanting to right her wrong so they could try again?
“What happened between the two of you? I know she cheated, but was that the only issue?”
The light changed to green. He pushed his foot down on the gas and turned on the main road that led to Nasia’s home.
“Honestly, I couldn’t even begin to tell you. One moment I thought everything was good between the two of us, but apparently it wasn’t. She said I worked too much, never spent time with her, she felt abandoned. Am I perfect? No, but I worked my ass off to provide a great home, ensure we were financially stable, and what did she go and do? Slept with my fucking friend who told her she was pretty.”
It felt good to say that aloud. It was like a weight off his shoulders. He hadn’t really shared it with many people. He glanced over at Nasia expecting to see pity, but it wasn’t there.
“I don’t mean to unload all of this on you.” He sighed.
“Don’t worry. I asked, remember?” she said.
Her other hand came to rest on top of their collapsed hands, and for some reason, it comforted him.
He pulled into her driveway, leaving the engine idling.
“I appreciate you.” He leaned his head back on the headrest and stared at her.
“Why don’t you come in?” she asked, a small smile playing on her lips.
It was getting late, and he didn’t want to be a sourpuss in Nasia’s company. He stared at her, unsure if he should.
Seeing his hesitation, she continued. “You shouldn’t be alone tonight.”
He jerked his head in a nod and killed the engine. He got out of the truck and strolled over to her side. He wasn’t sure what it was about Nasia, but he was learning pretty fast she was becoming a weakness.
Once in the house, they kicked off their shoes with Nasia leading him by his hand. She tossed her purse on the couch as they bypassed it and guided him into her bedroom.
“Take all of your clothes off and lie on the bed on your stomach.” She motioned to the bed.
“What?”
“You heard me.” She laughed, backing away from him. “You’ll love this.”
She sauntered around the room and lit a few candles.
What the hell.
He kept his eyes on her, taking his clothing off.
Low, slow music came on over the speaker that sat on her dresser.
The last item hit the floor, and he stood curiously observing her, turning the lamp off, casting them in the soft candlelight.
“Bed.” She pointed toward it.
With a chuckle he did as he was told and laid on his stomach. He gathered a pillow underneath his head and held it in place while he waited. She disappeared into the bathroom. The sounds of cabinets opening met him.
She returned dressed in a short silky robe. Her hair was pulled up into a messy ponytail on top of her head.
“What are you doing?” he asked, taking her in.
“Shhh…” she murmured. In her hand was a soft black sleep mask. She rested it on his head and slid it down over his eyes, blinding him. Nasia’s lips brushed his shoulder, dropping a kiss onto his skin.
“Nasia—”
A finger rested on his lips, stopping him.
“I just want to take care of you tonight. Help you relax and take away all of your stresses.”
Her finger ran down his spine, eliciting a shiver to course through him. He swallowed hard at the feeling of her fingertip drifting along his back.
“Can I?”
Hell, at the moment, she could do whatever she wanted to do to him.
“Yeah.” He cleared his throat.
“Good. Relax. I promise you will enjoy this.” The bed shifted under her weight as she moved along the mattress. She helped him get into a better position.
Stan lay there, waiting to see what she was going to do.
A warm thick liquid poured onto his back, followed by her hands. The scent of lavender and roses greeted him.
Her hands explored his back and kneaded the muscles of his shoulders. He slumped down completely into the mattress.
Her small hands were working the tension out of him.
He basked in the feeling of her massaging him.
There had never been anyone who wanted to take the time to care for him. He was used to being the one who thought of everything, provided anything that was needed.
A slight groan slipped from him as her hands went farther down.
Nasia’s chuckle was low and shot a jolt of electricity straight to his dick.
The music floating through the air was sensual with the singer speaking of a long-lost love and what they would do to their lover once they found them.
Her fingers dug into the muscles, turning them to mush. She continued to use warm oils that allowed her hands to slip around his skin.
Stan’s cock was erect and pushing into the mattress. The need for this woman was growing.
It was quite scary.
He’d never wanted anyone as much as he desired her.
Nasia was always thoughtful and ensured his needs were met.
“You’re so tense,” she murmured.
His only response he could muster was a grunt. Her hands skated down to his ass. She worked those muscles, moving down to the backs of his thighs.
He balled the sheets in a tight fist.
Nasia tortured him ever so slowly until she reached his ankles.
The foot massage, mind-blowing.
“Now, turn over,” she whispered.
He rolled over, and his cock sprang free, jutting in the air away from his body. He went to remove the eye covering, but small hands stopped him.
“Leave this on. I’m not done.”
“What?” he rasped.
Stan’s body was strung tight, and he needed her. He tried to reach for Nasia, but she batted his hands away. Her musical laughter floated through the air.
“I’m not done taking care of my man,” she breathed.
The bed shifted, and her hands, slick with more oil, trailed along his legs. He swallowed hard when they arrived at his thighs. She kneaded the muscles.
His cock was painfully erect.
Nasia continued up, a throaty moan escaping her.
Good.
She was just as affected by this as he was.
He practically skyrocketed from the bed when her hand wrapped around his shaft.
“Nasia,” he gasped, reaching down and covering her hand.
He tried to pry her from him, but she wouldn’t release him.
“Stop.” She chuckled. “Just relax.”
Just relax?
He was two seconds from exploding, and she wanted him to relax?
Not fucking likely.
A moan was ripped from him the second her mouth joined the party.
“Fuck,” he drew out the word, unable to breathe. He clenched the sheets so tight, he wouldn’t be shocked to hear them rip.
She took her time tasting him, guiding his cock in and out of her mouth. Her tongue slid along the length of him, sucking him deep to the back of her throat.
Tremors rippled through him.
The woman was trying to take his soul.
It was hers.
She continued on, bringing him to the brink of his climax. Her hands, mouth, and tongue were very deadly. Wherever her mouth couldn’t go, her hand was there. Slipping along the length of him, coated with her saliva.
He writhed underneath her touch, turning his pleasure over to her.
“Nasia,” he groaned. He had to warn her that he couldn’t hold back any longer. His balls drew close to his body, signaling he was about to explode. He reached his hand out and found the top of her head as it bobbed up and down on his shaft. “I’m about to come.”
She tightened her grip on the base of his cock and moved her head even faster.
The only signal she had heard him.
Stan threw his head back and roared, filling her mouth with his seed. Nasia sucked it all down, not stopping for one moment.
The ripples of his orgasm racked his body, draining every ounce of energy from him, unlike anything he’d ever experienced before.
Nasia hadn’t stopped. She continued to stroke and suck on his cock which was still hard.
His body grew tense, the air ripped from his lungs.
Oh fuck.
He came again.
Stan fell back against the pillows, his breaths ragged. His body trembled from the aftershocks of his orgasms.
Holy hell.
His blood pounded in his ears. Stan was drained, unable to move.
What the hell had she done to him?
The bed shifted, and Nasia’s warm naked body came to lie next to him. She adjusted his arm so she could snuggle in the crook of it. The sleeping mask was removed from his face, but he didn’t even know if he had the strength to open his eyes.
Nasia brushed a soft kiss to the corner of his lips.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
He turned and pried open his eyes, taking her in. Her dark eyes were watching him, a cocky little smirk on her lips.
“For what?” He cleared his throat, his voice coming out raspy. “Why are you thanking me?”
Her gaze skimmed his chest, and her hand teased the wisps of hair scattered along his skin. A small smile played on her lips. The flickering of the candles highlighted all of her features. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.
Inside and out.
“For allowing me to take care of you.”
“That’s not for you to do,” he murmured, hugging her closer to him.
“Bullshit.” She snorted. Her fingers trailed along his face, running along his jawline. “I’m not your ex-wife, Stan. I want to provide for your needs, listen to your troubles, help you up when you are low. That’s what a couple does in a relationship. It’s a two-way street, and the longer I’m with you, the more I want to be a part of every aspect of your life. The good and the bad.”
At that moment, he fell in love with her.
He reached for her, drawing her closer and covering her mouth with his in a hard, bruising kiss. They rolled over until she was under him. After two orgasms back to back, he didn’t know if his cock would be waking up anytime soon, but that didn’t mean he would be denying her the pleasure of his tongue.
9
“Hey, sis!” Aleka’s voice greeted her on her cell.
Nasia instantly grinned. She could feel the excitement radiating from her sister through th
e phone.
“Please tell me you have good news.” Nasia moved around her kitchen, putting her clean dishes up.
She had decided to take a day off. Sara and Tarik were capable to prepping the café and running it. Today, she was going to post for the position of assistant manager in the local paper and online. She’d had a meeting with her accountant yesterday, and according to him, she was in a good position for the addition to the restaurant.
Afterwards, she planned to surprise Stan after he got off work with a good home-cooked meal.
“Did you ever doubt my ability to secure us two tickets, third row from center stage?”
“What?” Nasia shrieked. She hopped up and down in place with excitement. “How did you manage that?”
“Oh, honey. I can’t divulge my secrets. You know I know a guy, who knows a guy…” Aleka joked.
Nasia hadn’t spoken with her sister about the tickets since they’d initially talked about them. She had figured Aleka hadn’t got them. It was all over the news how quick the concert had sold out.
Nasia rolled her eyes. Her heart raced with the thought that she would be so close to Nina Hunt performing.
“I’ll book the hotel,” Nasia offered. “And how much do I owe you for my ticket?”
“Please. Consider it an early birthday gift.”
“Our birthday is in a few months.” Nasia closed the pantry and walked over to check on the roast she had in the crockpot to take a peek at it. The scent of it was beginning to fill the kitchen.
“Well, this is all on me,” Aleka said. “Why don’t I drive down to Shady Springs, then we drive up to Denver together for the concert.”
“But I had thought I would just drive up. That way you don’t have to waste gas coming down this way.” Nasia leaned against the counter and took in her kitchen. It was finally clean, and she needed to jump in the shower.
Shady Springs was located forty miles south of Colorado Springs. The drive to Denver was a little over two hours.
“It will be fun. I’ll drive down on Thursday night, then we can drive up here Friday, concert on Saturday, then I’ll take you back home on Sunday. It will be a fun girls’ weekend.”
A weekend with her sister would be fun. It had been a while since they had spent time together.