Alluring Turmoil

by Skye Turner

  This weekend is LSU’s Homecoming and we’re supposed to meet up with Erik, Alec, Bradi, Micah, Jessie, Dade, Liam, and Cruz for some tailgating and then catch the game. Alec was able to pull some strings to get us tickets for the game sitting together.

  Work is crazy busy and more and more people are booking us for large events. But, I’m looking forward to having a Saturday off to just hang out with everyone and have a good time. It’s been way too long since I’ve done that. And being in public with Jude is both exciting for me and terrifying at the same time.

  It’s Friday night and we’re about to close up shop. Our capable employees are going to be opening and closing for us tomorrow, so Erik and I are scrambling to make sure everything is ready for them.

  I’ve just filled the cooler with the baked goods for tomorrow, so all they’ll have to do is set them out in the display, and I’m wiping down the glass and counters.

  There’s only one person in here and he’s tapping away on his laptop as he sips his iced coffee with his ear buds in.

  Erik is filling the napkin and sleeve dispensers as the two employees working tonight refill the coffee beans and syrups for tomorrow.

  The bell on the door chimes and Erik and I both look up. It’s Alec. Erik’s face lights up. It’s so good to see. He really is a handsome man. He’s a little older than us at thirty one, but he’s tall and fit. It looks like he takes care of his body. He’s always dressed well, and tonight is no exception. He’s wearing khaki flat front pants and an emerald polo shirt that really brings out his eyes, which are also green. His hair is a dark blond, but he has paler highlights. He has the look of a surfer.

  He walks up to the counter and I watch as his hand reaches for Erik’s, and he brushes his knuckles with his fingers.

  He looks over and calls out a greeting, “Hey, Lexi. Ready for tomorrow?”

  I smile at the affection I see in both men’s eyes. “I certainly am. I haven’t been off on a Saturday in probably two years.” Looking at Erik, I catch his eye. “Hey, I can lock up. Jude should be here in a few minutes anyway. So why don’t you two go ahead and take off.”

  Erik looks at me and then at Alec. “You sure, Lexi? We can wait until he gets here.”

  I wave them away. “I’m sure. Besides, I’m not alone. These two are going to stay until I lock up anyway, so I’m good. Go ahead. Enjoy your night. We’ll see y’all tomorrow.”

  “Ok. See you tomorrow, love.” He blows me a kiss as he grabs his keys from under the counter, and they walk out holding hands.

  Alec calls out, “Night, Lexi!”

  I finish straightening everything and look at the clock. It’s ten minutes after we’re supposed to close and Jude is not here yet. This is strange.

  I see the baristas talking quietly and looking at their watches, so I tell them to go ahead and go, and I lock up behind them.

  I call Jude’s cell and it rings and rings before his voicemail comes on, “Hey it’s Jude. I can’t grab the line right now, because obviously I’m busy. If it’s important, leave me a message and I’ll return the call once I’m free and able.”

  I listen for the beep and leave him a message. “Hey, baby. It’s Lex. I thought you were picking me up tonight, but maybe I got it wrong. Anyway, I’ve closed up the shop, but I have no ride home, so call me back when you get this. I don’t want to have to call Erik to leave his date to come grab me.”

  I wait and wait. Half an hour later, I send a text.

  “Lexi

  Where are you? Is everything ok?

  I can’t just hang around here anymore, so I’m calling Bradi to come grab me and bring me home. Call me later. I’m worried.”

  I call Bradi and she answers on the first ring. “Hey, chicka. What’s up? What are y’all doing tonight?”

  I sigh and say, “Hey girl. Can you come grab me from the shop? I thought Jude was picking me up and Erik has a date with Alec. I don’t have my car. So if you’re free, can you come grab me, and bring me home?”

  “What do you mean you thought Jude was picking you up? Did he just not show up? Did something happen? Where is he?” She’s throwing out questions rapidly.

  “I don’t know. He didn’t answer my call and I got no response to my text, so I have no idea. Maybe he wasn’t supposed to pick me up tonight. I don’t know. I just need a ride home, so can you get me girl?” My mind is racing with thoughts of him in an accident or some other horrible scenario and I’m almost in tears.

  “Yeah, girl. I’ll be there in five minutes. Stay inside with the door locked. Calm down. I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation.” I hear her grabbing keys and she’s whispering to someone. I assume it’s Micah.

  “Ok, thanks girl. I’m sure you’re right. See you in a few.” I hang up and drop my head into my hands, trying to hold back the tears.

  Seven minutes later, Bradi and Micah are knocking on the door. I grab my purse and unlock it, before setting the alarm, and locking it back.

  Bradi pulls me into a hug. “Nothing from him yet?”

  I sniffle. “No. Nothing. I don’t know what’s going on and I’m worried. What if something happened to him?”

  Micah sets me in the car and hugs me. “I’m sure he’s fine, Lexi. Let’s just get you home.”

  Out of the corner of my eye I see the look they give each other over the top of the car.

  What the hell is going on?

  I stare out of the window on the ride to my house just running through scenarios in my head. Did he wreck his bike? Did he just get so wrapped up in the band, he forgot? Is he working in the house and misplaced his phone?

  We pull up and Bradi opens the door to let me out. “Do you want us to come in? We can hang with you. We’re just staying in tonight anyway.”

  I shake my head at her and say, “No, y’all go on home. Thanks for getting me. I appreciate it. I’ll see you tomorrow though. I’m going to bathe and just try to go to bed. Hopefully he’ll call me soon and let me know what’s up. Thanks!”

  They give each other another look and Bradi hugs me again. “Ok. Well call if you need me. I mean it. I can be here in like ten minutes! Love you girl. Everything will be ok.”

  “Will do. Thanks, chick.” I walk up and unlock the door; they wait until I get inside and close it, before pulling out of the driveway.

  I check my phone one more time and at the silence, drop it on my dresser, and head to the bathroom.

  I spend about an hour in the Jacuzzi tub and only let the water out once it starts to cool. By now, I’m over being upset and worrying and I’m just pissed. Even if Jude was busy, I would think I was important enough to warrant a phone call!

  I towel off and walk into the bedroom with the towel wrapped around me. My phone is vibrating on the dresser.

  Walking over to it, I glance down and see “Sexy Rock God” on the display.

  Hmm, guess he’s not dead after all.

  I ignore it and walk to my closet to get dressed.

  Once I’m settled into comfy pajamas and my hair is pulled up messily on top of my head, I grab my phone, and sit on the bed. Unlocking the phone, I see I have three missed calls and four texts from Jude.

  I click on the texts,

  “Sexy Rock God

  God, Baby, I’m sorry! Where are you?”

  “Sexy Rock God

  Lexi, I’m sorry. I lost track of time. Call me back.”

  “Sexy Rock God

  Baby? Are you mad? Please pick up the phone or text me back. I’m so sorry.”

  “Sexy Rock God

  Dammit, Lex! I’m sorry! Pick up the damn phone!”

  Grimacing, I close the phone and place it on my chest, as I think about how to compose a response. How dare he get pissy with me when he’s the one who stood me up!

  It rings. Without looking, I answer it. I know who it is. “What?”

  “Lex? What do you mean ‘What?’ I’ve been calling and texting you for an hour.” He sounds exasperated.

  “Have you now
? Well I guess I was busy. Now since I know you’re not dead, I’m going to bed! Goodnight, Jude!” I snap out.

  He sighs. “Lexi, baby. Don’t hang up. I’m sorry. Don’t be mad. I’m sorry. I was dealing with some stuff… some stuff with Dade and I lost track of the time. When I saw what time it was, I ran to my phone and saw the missed calls and text from you. I’m so sorry. Don’t be mad. Are you at home?”

  “Yes Jude. I’m at home. Where the hell else would I be? Now I’m tired and I really want to just go to bed!” I’m still pissed…

  ‘Dealing with stuff with Dade.’ What stuff?

  And maybe this is petty, but he can miss my calls and texts and I’m supposed to just be ok with it, but he’s annoyed that I didn’t answer his?! I was worried, dammit!

  “Baby, can I come over? I am so sorry. I mean it. Please don’t make me sleep without you in my arms tonight…” He pleads with me.

  Don’t give in, Lexi. Don’t you give in… Dammit!

  “Fine, but I really am tired and I’m not ok with this. So, I’m ready for bed.”

  “Ok. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. I’m sorry, baby. I love you.” I can hear the frown in his voice.

  “Uh huh.” And I hang up. I’m allowed to be a bitch sometimes.

  I’m lying in bed with the TV on when I hear the knock at the door. Padding through the living room barefoot, I check the peephole, and then lean my head against the door for a second before opening it.

  Jude is standing there, with a sheepish look on his face, a bag on his arm, and three pink Gerber Daisies in his hand. Holding them out to me, he whispers, “I’m sorry. Forgive me?”

  Frowning, I take the flowers from him before gesturing inside and shutting the door. “Did you steal these from my garden? And I was really worried, Jude!”

  “I did not steal them. I simply thought they would look better in your bedroom than left to wither and die in the garden. And I know you were. I’m sorry. Really, baby, I am! Do you want me to grovel? I will! Just tell me what you need me to do.”

  He’s so sincere. Rolling my eyes because I’m so ridiculous, I walk to the kitchen and grab a vase from the cabinet, before filling it with water and setting my flowers in.

  Taking the vase with me, I turn out the light and lead the way to my bedroom. Jude follows silently.

  We get to the room and once I place the flowers on the nightstand, I turn around. He’s dropped his bag to the ground and is standing in the doorway with his hands in his pockets, just looking at me.

  “Am I forgiven or am I going to get the silent treatment all night?” he asks.

  I smirk. “No. No silent treatment. But some groveling would be nice.”

  He stalks over to me, picks me up, and drops me on the bed, leaning over me. “Ok, I’ll grovel. Would you like me to do it with words?” he whispers in my ear. “With my mouth and tongue?” He licks and nips my neck. “Or with my hands?” He trails his fingers up and down my arms from wrist to shoulder.

  I’m shivering. How does he turn me on so fast? He’s barely touched me and two seconds ago I was mad at him, but now I want to just lie back and let him ravish me. Something is wrong with me.

  I lean up on my elbows and press my lips to his ear. Licking the outer rim, I whisper, “I’d like all three please.”

  He lifts his head, gives me a wolfish smile, and pulls my tank top over my head in one motion. As I gasp at the unexpectedness of it, he pushes me back so I bounce off of the bed and grabs the waistband of my lounge pants and panties, and pulls them down my legs.

  In seconds, I’m completely naked.

  “Um, a little warning would be nice…” I gasp out as he kneels on the floor and pulls me to the edge of the bed, licking my breasts and sucking a nipple into his mouth. The statement ends on a moan.

  He’s feasting on my breasts, sucking and rolling his tongue over the taut peaks one at a time, as his fingers pinch and roll the nipple of the other. He moves between the both of them. Once my nipples are swollen and standing at attention, he nuzzles and licks the valley between my breasts and nips the undersides of them, using his tongue to soothe the spot, after he bites down and sucks.

  My hands have fistfuls of the sheets and I’m rolling from side to side with the pleasure.

  He kisses and licks his way down my stomach, pressing kisses here and there and swirling his tongue into my belly button. My hands leave the sheets and grab his head; pushing him down, moving him into the position I most want him in.

  He looks up and grins at me. “Where do you want me, baby? What do you want me to do to you?”

  I moan as he licks around the seams of my thighs, and avoids the spot that is begging for him. “Lick me. God Jude, I want your mouth on me. Eat me… please…”

  I’m begging him. He mutters, “As you wish.” And then his mouth is on me. He’s licking me, tracing the folds, before he flicks my clit with his tongue. When I’m writhing and fisting his hair, he moves and licks me along the seam of my pussy. I’m so wet.

  He pushes my thighs apart as far as they will go and he starts thrusting his tongue inside of me, wriggling it as he thrusts. He’s fucking me with just his mouth and tongue and it’s driving me crazy.

  “More, Jude. More. I need more. Give me more. Deeper.”

  So, he adds a finger to my channel and starts curling it inside of me as he sucks on my clit. He adds another and then another.

  I’m so close. I see starbursts behind my eyes.

  He can feel me tense and he knows I’m right there. He blows on my clit as he moves three fingers inside of me, and then he bites my clit just as he hits the spot.

  Fireworks go off in the bedroom and I scream out his name.

  He licks me gently until I stop convulsing, and then he climbs up my body, and pulls me into his arms.

  He whispers, “Better?” and as I burrow into his chest and nod, completely spent, he whispers again, “I love you, Lex.”

  I murmur, “I love you too. You’re forgiven.” After pressing a kiss to his chest, I fall asleep.

  Jude

  It appears as if I am forgiven. Thank God. I can’t believe I forgot the time. But Dade called and then things got crazy, and I spent all afternoon dealing with the situation.

  That was close though. I can’t lose track of things like that again. I have to be more aware of what’s going on. When Lexi wouldn’t answer my calls, I panicked. I can’t go through that again. I’m going to handle the situation and then I can spend another week with Lexi before we have to head out.

  She doesn’t have to know. I’ll handle it and all will be ok.

  I look over at her, asleep in my arms, and feel my chest clench. I love her so much. She’s everything… The most important thing in my life. I’m going to do whatever it takes to prove that to her this time.

  I pull my arms out from under her and get up to check my phone one last time, before undressing and climbing back in bed to fall asleep with Lexi in my arms… exactly where she’s meant to be.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Lexi

  The smell of coffee and bacon reaches my brain through the haze of sleep and wakes me. I look over and there’s Jude, the most beautiful man in the world, sharing my pillow. I’m so lucky.

  He stirs as if he feels my gaze on him and slowly opens his eyes. They meet mine. “Morning, baby. Whattimeisit?”

  I look over at the clock. Wow, we slept late.

  “9:15. I can’t believe I slept this late! I haven’t slept this late on a Saturday in years. I bet you anything, Erik pops in here in about five minutes.” I kiss his scratchy chin and laugh.

  Jude grabs me and rolls me underneath him. He kisses my neck. “Hmmmm. Do you think we have time for a quickie?”

  From the doorway, we hear, “Nope. Now get your lazy asses up.”

  Both of our heads whip up and Erik is standing there shirtless, with my coffee in his hand, laughing at us. “Ugh… if you bring me that wonderful coffee you are forgiven for ruining our moment!�
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  Jude says, “Well, I don’t drink coffee. I’d rather have sex. Go away Erik!” And he rubs against me.

  I laugh, scandalized. “JUDE!”

  Erik walks in, reaching out his arm so he’s not too close to the bed. I reach up from under Jude and grab it.

  “Dude, you’re such a cock block. Go the fuck away,” he grits out.

  Erik and I laugh and Jude groans and throws himself facedown on the bed.

  Erik walks back to the door, trying to mute his laughter. “Man, you’re grouchy without your morning sex. We’re leaving here at eleven, so if you really need your morning dose of Lexi, go into the bathroom. I only have one set of earphones!” He laughs as he shuts the door, right before the pillow Jude was lying on bounces off it, and hits the floor.

  “I hate him,” Jude says.

  “No you don’t. And I do feel kind of dirty. I could use a shower…” I get up and walk across the bedroom naked with his eyes following me. Bending over like I dropped something at the bathroom door, I open my legs and call back, “Coming?”

  Jude jumps up and races after me, to the bathroom. “Not yet, but soon!”

  An hour later, we exit my room. Dressed, sexually satisfied, and ready for the day.

  Erik and Alec are being all lovey dovey in the kitchen.

  Jude good naturedly grumbles at them, “I wish you two were all hot and heavy, just so I could cock block you too!”

  We all laugh hysterically. The mood for the day is set!

  Bradi and Micah arrive a bit later, always fashionably late, and I must say she looks great. She’s got on a very short denim miniskirt with a cropped LSU jersey and wedge sandals. Her blonde and brown hair is in twin braids, and she’s wearing eye black strips that read “LSU” on her perfectly made up face.

  She takes in my appearance and lets out an approving sound. She makes me twirl so she can get the full effect. I’m pretty pleased with myself.

  High ponytail with an LSU headband, tight purple LSU see– through shirt with a gold tank top underneath, white skinny jeans, and brown knee high, flat boots complete my ensemble.