“That’s good,” he nods.
“I added a splash of lemon while it cooked. Gives it a hint of acidity.”
“I approve. I also have the sexiest cook with me.” He winks, and heat creeps up my neck and cheeks.
Once I show him how to sauté the peppers and onions and give him a chance to handle the pan, we eat.
“The guys would love this,” he says between bites.
“I’m glad. It’s a quick dish, too, since I know you may not have a ton of time to eat at the firehouse.” I wash down my bite with wine and relax. I feel so at ease around Tate.
“How was dinner last night?” he asks as he finishes up his third fajita.
“It was good. I haven’t spent as much alone time with Miles as I’d like, and I love getting to know June better now that we aren’t kids.”
“That’s awesome. Who would’ve thought they would end up together?” His eyebrows lift.
“I don’t think they even fully understand it themselves,” I chuckle. “They’re good for each other, though. Just goes to show… We shouldn’t judge people without knowing them.”
“We were good for each other, too,” he says, clearing the plates.
My heart stops upon hearing his words, panic rising. “Are we still?” I’m afraid of his response despite him assuring me he wants to be with me.
He looks at me over his shoulder and drops the plates in the sink. He walks over to me, holding the back of my neck. “Yeah, babe.” He kisses me softly.
I sigh with a small smile. “Okay, good.”
“Come on. We’ll clean up later. Tell me about the rest of your dinner with them.” He holds my hand, leading me to his couch in the living room.
Cuddled next to him, I say, “I even offered to help plan their wedding. I figured it’d give me something productive to look forward to while I wait for things to get figured out. They’re both crazy busy between rebuilding the winery and opening the bookstore.”
“Do you need a date?” His eyebrows dance on his forehead. My heart soars that he’s thinking about plans with indefinite dates.
I bite my lip to keep from smiling and tease him a bit. “I’ll have to let you know after my boyfriend confirms if he’ll be in town or not. That could be awkward.”
I laugh wildly when he grabs my waist, catching me off guard. He settles me on his lap, holding my face to his. “The only boyfriend you have is right here, baby, and he won’t need to confirm anything.”
My heart pounds, breath catching in my lungs. “What if you work that night?” I know his schedule is different than someone working a regular job.
“I’ll see if I can switch with someone for that week.” He shrugs as if it’s no big deal.
“You’d do that?”
“Of course.” He nods, eyebrows furrowing. “I’d like to be there with you.” His thumb brushes featherlight strokes across my cheek.
“Also, don’t think I didn’t miss you calling yourself my boyfriend.” I blush as I call him out.
“Well…what am I if not?”
The love of my life, I want to say, but I bite my tongue. “I like the sound of boyfriend,” I smile, keeping the comment safer.
His lips meld with mine, a slow kiss building between us. My hands grip the cotton on his shirt over his chest as his arms tighten around me. Our tongues tangle as desire spikes throughout my body. I moan into the kiss, wrapping my arms around his neck and bringing him closer to me. Our bodies flush, my heart thumping wildly and unevenly.
When Tate moves his lips down my jaw to my neck, I let out a whimper. Never taking his lips off me, he lays me down on the couch, his body hovering over mine as his teeth graze my earlobe. I’m at his mercy with just his mouth. I can’t imagine what it’ll feel like to have his hands on me.
“You’re so stunning. So damn perfect for me. Always were,” he mumbles as he trails his lips back up to mine, his nose skimming my cheek. “You make me so damn hard.”
My pulse spikes. I reach between us, needing to feel the evidence of his words. When I cup him through his jeans, he groans and drops his forehead against mine.
“Are you sure about this?” His jaw ticks with his constraint.
I cup the side of his face and smile. “With you? Always,” I whisper before devouring him with my mouth. His hands roam up and down my body as if undecided about where to touch first. I surrender to him, opening my legs wider so he can fit between them.
“Bedroom,” he growls, grabbing my ass and lifting us off the couch. He stumbles a bit but makes his way to his room. We lock eyes on the way, Tate walking blindly down a path he knows by heart.
As soon as we enter his room, he places me on his bed, kneeling before me and caressing the sides of my face. Wordlessly, his hands skate down to my shoulders and arms, down the sides of my body. He’s taking his time, which only amps up my desire. Wetness and pressure build between my legs as goosebumps break free on my skin.
When I pull his head to mine for a searing kiss, he falls over me, causing us both to laugh. Tate climbs on the bed beside me. His lips fuse to mine again as his hands explore my body, sneaking under my shirt and skirting over my skin, causing my stomach to dip at the sensation.
I bring my arm around his back, keeping him close. When I feel his hardness against me, I reach between us to feel him. Noticing my end goal, Tate brings my arms up and above my head, turning me on my back and straddling me.
“Keep them there.” His voice is gruff. His fingers slowly skim my shirt up my body, exposing my bra. My heart beats double-time at being this way with him again.
He brings it up over my head and throws it on the floor. Kissing the swell of my breasts, his touch continues to sear me, fire building in my veins, fueling me. When he tweaks my pebbled nipple through my bra, I cry out in a combination of pain and pleasure.
Tate pushes down the cups of my bra, hungrily licking and nipping my tits, sucking a nipple between his lips while the other twists and tugs. Desire shoots down to my core, forcing me to squeeze my thighs.
“How wet are you?”
“S-so much,” I stammer. He laughs darkly, and his hand trails down my belly until he cups me through my jeans.
“Fuck, I feel your heat through the fabric.” I nod silently. I’m ready to explode.
Tate kisses down my body, and I hold my breath, waiting for what his next move will be. He unsnaps the button on my jeans and trails them down my legs, keeping his eyes focused on mine with a devilish smirk.
“It’s been way too long since I’ve tasted you, babe.” His finger brushes just inside the elastic of my underwear, teasing me until I’m begging for him to rip them off.
“I need more,” I tighten my fists around his sheets.
He follows orders and kisses up my thighs. As soon as his lips are on me, I scream in pleasure, and it’s just the beginning. White knuckling the sheets above me, my hips thrust into his mouth as he sucks my clit before fucking me with his tongue. He’s relentless, pulling me into a haze. He flicks my clit with his tongue, and I tense.
When he does it again and sucks it into his mouth, I squeeze my thighs so tight around his head, I’m afraid I’ll choke him. My hands tug his hair, pulling and pushing him simultaneously, begging for more and pleading for him to stop—a war of desire controlling my actions.
“So good,” he murmurs against me. “Can’t get enough.” His strong hands push my thighs apart, and his eyes meet mine. I snap as I stare into those icy blue orbs and watch his tongue fuck me. For all that’s holy, this should be illegal.
My body tenses and tightens with my impending orgasm. Tate thrusts a finger into my pussy while his tongue pleasures my clit, and I’m a goner at the overwhelming sensation. When he curls his finger and finds that spot, I thrash on the bed at his complete mercy. Blackness dances around my eyes as I swim in an ocean of lust.
I jump off the cliff of my orgasm, free-falling into an abyss where I know Tate will catch me. This is nothing compared to how it was when we were teenager
s. Tate was my first everything, but this…this is so much more intense.
As I catch my breath, he kisses up my body, unclasping my bra. I tear at his t-shirt, and he helps me yank it off, another article to our pile of clothes. Then, his lips are on mine, tasting myself on his tongue, as I sneak my hand into his jeans, pushing them down with my hands and feet. I wrap my hand around his hard length and stroke it, feeling powerful when he huskily groans.
“I need to feel that tight pussy.” God, when did he become the king of dirty talk?
A moment of regret hits me since I know it wasn’t with me, but I quickly recover when he stands and kicks off the rest of his clothes. Staring at him naked again feels like the first time. Tate was always in shape, but now his body is that of a man, not a teenager. His muscles are stronger, his chest broader, chest hair sprinkled throughout. The veins in his arms are prominent as he moves his hand up and down his dick while looking at me like he’s ready to pounce.
“You’re mine,” he firmly says, so I don’t question his words. “No one else but you.” He sheaths himself with a condom and crawls over me.
His touch is delicate, contrasting his words. Soft fingers brush against my cheek. Tate thrusts into me, and then stills as if he’s savoring this moment. I look into his eyes and see so many emotions reflecting back at me.
“No one,” he repeats as he begins thrusting into me in long, steady strokes as if we have all the time in the world to get lost in each other.
With lips fused and bodies moving in harmony, I promise myself to never lose this again. Once upon a time, he was my person, and I want him to be that again. I feel like he already is.
I let go and allow him to take me over the edge again, basking in the feel of having Tate Carrington in my life once more. He’s all I want, all I need.
Chapter 21
Madison
I stare at my phone in disbelief. My mouth hangs open as I read the words over and over again, my eyes blurring in part because of sadness and another part full of hope. After not checking my social media for weeks due to the shit show that I’m going through, I decided to brave it today.
When I checked my messages, one stood out to me. Sadie Lynn started her career around the same time as me, and we’ve hung out quite a few times. She’s always been a sweetheart.
I’m shocked by what her message says.
SadieLynnOfficial: Hey, Rose, I’ve been thinking about you these last couple of weeks. I know what you’re going through. I’d love to chat whenever you’re free.
She knows what I’m going through? So many thoughts have been racing through my mind since I first read it. Finally, with shaky fingers, I reply, letting her know I’d love to talk. At this point, the word is out, so I have nothing to lose. Besides, Sadie never struck me as one who loves drama.
I go in search of my mom to tell her about the message and find her and my dad embraced in a hug. Not wanting to break their moment, I smile and walk away slowly so that they don’t hear me.
I want what my parents have. My mind wanders to Tate and what we’ve shared these last few weeks, what we shared the other night. Sleeping with him is more than just about pleasure. He makes me feel alive, wakes up a part of me that’s been dormant for years. His presence makes Rose disappear, and Madison reappear.
I wish I could’ve stayed and slept with him throughout the night, but Paul was outside waiting, and I didn’t want to have to explain to my parents that I had sex with Tate. As much as I’ve lived on my own for a long time and I’m an adult, it’s still weird having my parents know that.
In the kitchen, I wait for my parents with a glass of sweet tea and check my messages continuously, hoping Sadie responds right away. Chances are, she’s busy, and it’ll take her some time to get back to me, but I’m anxious to hear what she has to say and what exactly she means when she says she knows what I’m going through.
I never even heard rumors about her, and I think something like assault would stick in my mind.
I hear my parents’ laughter nearing and smile to myself. Reading the last few messages Tate and I shared, I pretend we’ll get to that point. Right now, dreaming about a fantasy life is keeping me moving forward in real life.
“Hi, honey.” My mom walks around the island, smiling.
“Hey, Mom.” I place my glass on the counter, spinning the phone in my hand. “I got a message from a peer,” I begin. “She wants to talk. Her message was vague, and I’m assuming it’s because nothing we share on social media is every fully private. Anyway, she says she knows what I’m going through.” I shrug, looking at my mom as if she has all the answers.
She nods slowly. “Nathaniel,” she calls my dad. I furrow my brows. “Let’s tell your dad, too, so we can get advice from the lawyer,” she explains when she notices my confusion.
“What’s going on?” My dad strolls into the kitchen with his hands in his pockets. Ever since I arrived, he’s been working from home more than before. I don’t know if it’s because I’m here, or he’s allowing Brett to step into his role of CEO, so he’s ready when my dad retires.
I repeat what I just told my mom. He nods, sitting beside me. “Talk to her.”
“I told her I wanted to. I’m waiting to hear back. I’m nervous, but I have hope that she can help. Maybe if there’s two of us…” my words trail off.
“I know, honey.” My mom clasps my hand.
“Do we know if we got approved to sue before the EEOC reviews our complaint?” I ask, hoping the response is yes.
My dad shakes his head. “I haven’t heard from the lawyer yet, so I’m guessing no.”
“Wait…” I lean back and look at my parents. “We need to go through this process because it’s my employer. What if we sue just the man? He’s the one that—” I shiver, the words hanging in the air as a sick reminder of how wicked some people are.
My dad nods, pensive. “We’ll figure out.” He pulls me to him, kissing the top of my head. “We’ll get you through this.”
I blink back tears, smiling at my mom as I hug my dad. “Thank you,” I whisper. I’m so lucky that I have the parents I do, and I’m so grateful they love me this much.
“What if we have a family dinner tonight?” I ask. “All of us.”
“I love that idea,” my mom beams.
“Great, I’ll text Brett and Miles.” I scoot off the stool. I’ve missed too many family nights, and I want to make them up.
“You could invite Tate.” My mom’s words surprise me, nerves freezing me in place.
Wide-eyed, I stare at her with my mouth open, no words coming out.
“I think that’s a good idea. I’d like to have a word with him, make sure he’s not takin’ advantage of you,” my dad says with a stern expression.
“Daddy…” I whine. “You know Tate’s not like that. You’ve known his family your whole life.”
“Don’t matter,” he shakes his head. “You’re my little girl, and you’re vulnerable right now. It’s easy to use your fame for someone else’s good.”
I cross my arms and glare at him. “Tate is not using me.” I can’t believe he’d think that.
My dad scoffs. “I’ll be the judge of that.” He stands, not backing down. Stubborn man. “Invite him so I can ask what his intentions are.”
I spit out in laughter. “What is this, the eighteen-hundreds?” I clear my throat and imitate a male voice. “I’d like to know what your intentions are with my daughter, young man. If you hurt her, I’ll bring out my shotgun.”
My mom laughs across the kitchen, trying to cover her face with her hand. My dad glares at both of us and walks away with a huff.
“Mom,” I look at her with wide eyes. “Please don’t let Daddy embarrass me. Tate and I are just reconnectin’,” I beg.
“I’ll talk to him,” she assures me. “I do think it’d be great if he came.”
I take a deep breath, nerves fluttering around my belly. “I’ll ask him.”
When I’m alone in the k
itchen, I throw my head back and squeeze my eyes shut. Why doesn’t he work tonight? I could use that excuse.
“Are you tryin’ to talk to God?” Ms. Sullivan’s amused voice breaks through my thoughts.
I blink my eyes open and right my head, looking at her. Scrunching up my nose, I say, “I don’t know if God could stop my dad from intimidatin’ Tate.” My lips flap with my breath.
Ms. Sullivan laughs. “Tate can defend himself. Besides, it’ll be good for him to know your family’s watching you.”
I roll my eyes. “Not you, too.”
I walk away, mumbling to myself as Ms. Sullivan’s laughter rings behind me. Walking up to my room, I check my messages again before I play my guitar. When I see a new message, my heart pounds as I pray it’s from Sadie.
SadieLynnOfficial: I’ll call you. Still the same number?
Before I can reply, my phone rings. Staring at it for a beat, I answer, heart pounding in my throat.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Rose, I figured I’d just give the number a try since I’m alone right now. How are you?” That’s a heavy-loaded question.
It’s weird having someone call me by my artist name after being back home for some time.
Sighing, I lean back against my headboard and cross my legs. “I’ve been better.”
“Let me guess. It was that douche Wright.” She skips the small talk.
I gasp as she uses his last name, knowing exactly who touched me.
“He does that. He forces himself on you but never takes it too far as if he knows how to play the law. Then, he intimidates you, scaring you into staying at the label.” Her words are full of venom.
“Sadie, what happened?” Pain strikes me that someone as sweet as her has also fallen victim to this scumbag.
“It wasn’t that bad in retrospect, but…” Her voice drops, sorrow evident. “No matter if it’s groping over clothes or full-on rape, no one should be treated that way.”
“I agree. When was this?” I shift on my bed, stretching one of my legs out.
“It was when my career took off. I wish I would’ve said something, but I didn’t have anyone to turn to. My parents… Well, let’s say they’d overlook anything so that I’d keep the dough rollin’.”
Homecoming Queen: A Second Chance Romance (Carlisle Cellars Book 2) Page 15