Empty Net

by Toni Aleo

  Throwing his head back, he held his eyes closed as he released into the back of her throat while a hard groan left his lips. She sucked him dry, squeezing his balls as he came with a shout, holding onto her hair like a life vest. After a moment, he finally opened his eyes to find her standing in front of him, a cupcake held out to him. He smiled, leaning forward, taking a large bite it. Letting out a groan of appreciation, he said, “I can’t decide what tastes better.”

  “Between?” she asked with a lusty grin.

  “You and the cupcake,” he said, leaning forward again. She thought he was going for the cupcake but he wasn’t. Her nipples were hard against the white cami she wore. They were teasing him, so instead of the cupcake, he took a bite of her nipple. Audrey let out a loud hiss, her hand gripping the counter, as he sucked and bit her engorged peak. When he was tired of the cami in his way, he pulled it over her head, taking her sweet rosy nipple in between his teeth, teasing it with the tip of his tongue. Pulling back, he smiled at her as he scooped his finger along the frosting, and placed it on her nipple. Biting down on her lips, she watched as Tate slowly licked the frosting off her. When he had one nipple clean, he smeared frosting on the other, and repeated the torture on her other nipple. Sounds of appreciation filled the room and boy, did he love her noises. She would hiss, then scream, and then let out little spurt of breaths. It was the hottest sounds in the world, and Tate could live the rest of his life making her make those sounds just for him.

  Turning her around, he laid her over the counter, smacking her thighs open before entering her fully, embedding himself deep within her. Taking a hold of her shoulders, he drove into her, his body smacking against hers with each thrust. She started to scream, her body clenching him as he continued to pound inside her in delicious need. Tate closed his eyes, as he pushed past his need to spill inside her, wanting to enjoy the feel of her for just a little longer. Slowing down, he kissed up her back, dusting kisses along her shoulder as her body shook under his. Kissing up her neck, he stopped at her ear, biting it softly before he whispered, “I love you.”

  She nodded, smiling as she turned her head to look at him. “I love you,” she said back before he took her mouth with his, kissing her with a fierceness he had never felt in his life. He never craved those words the way he did with Audrey. Now that he heard her say them once, he wanted to hear her say them over and over again. Moving away from her mouth, he took her hips in his hand, his fingers digging into her thickness as he started to pound harder inside her. It didn’t take long until his toes where curling and his groan was louder than her moans while he spilled inside of her.

  Tate collapsed against her back, taking in her sweet scent that mixed with her sweat as the aftershocks of his orgasm shook through him. He moved his hand up her body and then back down, enjoying the feel of her under his hands.

  “So,” she whispered.

  “So,” he returned a grin on his face.

  “Was the cupcake good?”

  He chuckled against her as she started to giggle. Man, he loved her, and he knew he would for the rest of his life.

  “Baby, that was the best damn cupcake I have ever tasted. You need to make more.”

  “Will they lead to counter sex again?”

  With a grin, Tate nodded against her back, “Absolutely.”

  ***

  A couple days later, Audrey stood in the middle of the crowded bar, looking for Piper. She had disappeared to the bathroom again, leaving Audrey to be hit on by every single male in the bar. It figured, before she couldn’t get a guy to look at her twice but now that she was completely and utterly in love with Tate, everyone wanted a piece of her. Maybe it was the dress. It was pretty fantastic, a pretty dark green, with a bust that dipped down showing off her impressive full breast before it turned into a puffy tutu skirt. Pairing it with black Manolo Blahnik stiletto heels and black tights, she had to admit, she was pretty hot. Her hair was up in a high bun, and her makeup was dark and drastic, so maybe that was the reason the guys were hitting on her. She only wished that it was her guy instead of them.

  Audrey missed Tate so much and hated that he wasn’t there, but he had promised he would call her a few minutes before the New Year began, so they could at least be on the phone together when the clock struck twelve. Moving into a seat, she brought out her phone to text Tate.

  I miss you.

  When he didn’t answer back, she frowned. Surely he didn’t fall asleep, that would just suck, she thought as she put her phone down in her lap. When Piper came into view, Audrey smiled. Her best friend was decked out for the evening, and Audrey was glad that Piper had invited her out with her. She wore a gold open-back, sparkly mini dress that came to the very top of her thighs. Her legs looked like they went for days when she paired them with Audrey’s gold Jimmy Choo peep toe pumps. Her hair was down in waves and with her makeup done in gold tones. She looked gorgeous and she was turning heads left and right, but for some reason, Piper didn’t want anything to do with anyone but Audrey.

  “Gosh, this place is packed,” she complained as she scooted into the seat beside hers.

  “Well yeah, it is New Years,” Audrey explained as she looked around the packed bar. Looking back at her gorgeous date for the evening, she asked, “So how have you been?”

  She hadn’t seen Piper much lately. She had been working, and taking care of Allison. It wasn’t as if Audrey had much time for her either. Between Tate and looking at places for the cupcakery, Audrey hardly had time for anything else. It was weird because she used to have all the time in the world, but now it was different.

  “Okay, you know, busy,” Piper said, with a shrug of her shoulders.

  “Well that sucks, I’ve been busy too.”

  “Yeah, I know, I bet you are excited though, I am so proud of you for quitting Rocky Top and doing something that means something to you,” Piper said with a warm smile.

  “Thanks,” she said with a nod, “I’m glad I did, I’m so ready to get Audrey Jane’s up and running, you know?”

  “I bet it’s going to be epic! I just know it.”

  Audrey grinned widely as Piper took a sip of her water, “Are you sure you don’t want to drink with me? I can get us a cab, no big deal.”

  Piper shook her head quickly, as she said, “Nah, I’m good. I haven’t been up to drinking lately. My stomach hasn’t been right. I think I caught that stomach bug that’s going around. Allison had it last week.”

  “Oh, that sucks.”

  “Yeah, I’ve been queasy, but there was no way I was missing New Years with my girl.”

  Audrey smiled, “I’m glad you convinced me to come out, I was gonna sit at home and be depressed ‘cause my boyfriend wasn’t here.”

  Piper giggled, “No moping, my dear friend.”

  “Nope! Only a good time!”

  The two women clanked their glasses together and while Audrey downed her margarita, Piper sipped her water. The rest of the night, the women danced and drank as they enjoyed the night out. When it was close to twelve, they made their way down Broadway until they were in a good place to watch Nashville’s version of the ball drop. It was a music note, and at the stroke of midnight, it fell onto a guitar. Then the river would be lit up with fireworks as everyone sang and kissed their date for the night, or maybe a random stranger. It still bothered Audrey that Tate wasn’t there, but it would be okay. He promised he would call. That’s all she could hope for.

  Audrey knew Tate was going to be calling soon, she hoped, so she held her phone in her hand, waiting for a call or text. She hadn’t heard his voice all day, only through texts had they been able to talk. He had a busy day in Chicago, and it sucked that she hadn’t gotten the chance to talk to him. Looking over at Piper, she found her waving her arms in the air like a crazy person.

  “What the hell are you doing?” Audrey asked, laughing.

  Piper giggled, “My arms are freezing!”

  Audrey laughed, nodding as she moved her hands up and dow
n her arms, “I know right? Sheesh.”

  Piper nodded, moving closer, probably for warmth. Audrey looked back over at her and said, “So have you been talking to anyone?”

  Piper shook her head, “Nope.”

  “Why not?”

  “Still caught up on Erik,” she said simply and as if it was already known. She smiled as she shrugged her shoulders, “But don’t worry, my New Year’s resolution is to change that, to find someone who wants me.”

  “Good for you,” Audrey encouraged.

  “Thanks, what’s your resolution?”

  “To open Audrey Jane’s and succeed. I might try to convince Tate to take me to Sweden. I wanna see his home country.”

  Piper smiled, “Wow, Audrey, I’ve never seen you like this.”

  Audrey brows came together as she said, “Like what?”

  “So in love, it’s refreshing. I’m totally jealous though,” Piper laughed.

  Audrey’s face warmed and she knew it was bright red. It wasn’t from the cold either; it was from being called out on her happiness. Piper was right. She had never felt such a love in her life. When Tate had a chance, he was always saying he loved her, and she did the same. She loved him so much, and was so lucky to have found him. “I am, and I ain’t gonna lie.”

  Piper giggled leaning into her as they laughed, “I’m happy for ya, babe.”

  “Thanks, your time is coming.”

  “You think?”

  “I know,” Audrey said with a smile, “We will both be deliriously happy and married by next New Years, I bet you a hundred bucks!”

  Piper giggled, “I hope to God, you’re right!”

  The two women giggled, leaning against each other for warmth. When Audrey’s phone started to ring, she let out a squeal when she saw Tate’s face smiling up at her from the display. Hitting talk, she exclaimed, “Hey baby!”

  “Hey, love, sorry I didn’t text you back, been busy.”

  “No big deal,” she said smiling from ear to ear, “I miss you. I wish you were here.”

  “I know you do, but I have a question for you before the clock strikes twelve.”

  “Okay?” Audrey asked with a grin. She assumed it was about her resolution and she couldn’t wait to tell him her plans.

  “Did we ever decide if it was creepy to watch the other person without them knowing?” he asked.

  It felt like the world froze around her. As she slowly turned, her gaze met Tate's. He wore his thick green beanie hat, his puffy brown jacket and jeans. His eyes were tired, but his grin was unstoppable. He was only inches away from her, and within a second, she was in his arms, her phone, Piper, everything forgotten as she kissed him hard against his cold lips. His hand came up her neck, holding her close as he took over the kiss, using his tongue to play with hers. When they parted, he smiled down at her, cupping her cheeks.

  “How’d you know where I was?” she asked.

  Tate smiled, “Piper has been texting me, and when I got here she waved me down. I’ve been waiting for the right time to tell you I was here.”

  “The right time would have been when you first got here!” she said smacking his chest, “you flew in just for New Years?”

  He smiled as he nodded, “It is important to you.”

  “Come on guys! It’s starting!!” Piper yelled at them. Tate took Audrey’s hand in his and they moved beside Piper to count down to the New Year. The three yelled out with the rest of the crowd, counting down and when the music note hit the guitar, Broadway was boisterous as everyone cheered and snuggled up close to their date. Audrey looked up into Tate’s eyes seeing the exploding fireworks reflected in his eyes. He smiled, and wrapped her up in his arms, kissing her passionately as if they weren’t in the middle of Broadway with a million people around them.

  Audrey brought her hands up to his cheeks, nipping at his full bottom lip before she smiled up at him.

  “Resolution?”

  Audrey’s smile grew, “Open Audrey Jane's and to go home with you to Sweden.”

  He nodded with a grin on his face as she asked, “Yours?”

  “To marry you,” he said with a wink, “And win the cup, and maybe MVP.”

  She had lost her breath at the ‘marry her’ part. Surely he was just joking but he didn’t seem to be. He smiled down at her, kissing her again on her lips. When they parted, she gasped out, “Happy New Year, Tate.”

  “Happy New Year, love. I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  Chapter 24

  Tate leaned against the wall that led to Audrey’s kitchen.

  “Are you sure you’re not settling, Audrey?”

  Tate watched as Audrey pinched the bridge of her nose. Her laptop was opened in front of her and paperwork lay everywhere across the counter. In her hand was her phone with Fallon on speakerphone. “Fallon, I promise. Everything is fine. I’m not settling for anything but perfection.”

  “He was questioning and reconsidering something that you can’t change,” Fallon persisted. “The guy tells you he loves you and you’re back being putty in his hands. How is that fair, Audrey Jane?”

  Tate leaned his head against the wall, shaking his head as his heartbeat picked up. Things had been fine between him and Audrey, but he knew Fallon wasn’t happy with him. Neither was Lucas. Luckily the Assassins were on a mini break and Tate didn’t have to worry about dealing with Lucas, but it didn’t keep Fallon from calling Audrey and harassing her.

  “Thank you for the reminder, sister dear, and also, if it was such an issue then why does he still want to be with me and love me?” Audrey asked.

  “Audrey, I have no doubt that he loves you, but he isn’t thinking. He is letting the love for you cloud his judgment and ten years from now, he’s gonna break your heart.”

  “So you’re a fucking psychic now,” Audrey yelled. Tate could tell she was getting irritated. “Why is it that when I find a guy, you find every one of his flaws? Why don’t you go examine Lucas and leave me and Tate alone?” Audrey said before she slammed the phone down and shook her head. She looked back at the screen as her eyes pooled with tears, she still hadn’t noticed him. He hated that he had caused this between her and her sister. They were so close and he wouldn’t be the wedge between them. That’s not how family works.

  Coming off the wall, Tate walked around the counter and wrapped her up in his arms from behind.

  “Hey,” she said, startled, “I didn’t know you were back.”

  “I sneaked up on you, didn’t I?” he asked as she smiled.

  “Yeah, I’m glad you did too,” she said, moving her hands over his, “but I lost track of time, I wanted to be ready when you got back.”

  “It’s okay, baby, what I got planned for us doesn’t start until three, you have time,” he informed her, kissing along her neck, “I have to run out for a few, okay?”

  “Where to? I’ll only be a few.”

  Tate scoffed, “Yeah right, you’ll be at least an hour.”

  She smiled sheepishly as she nodded, “Yeah, so? I gotta look good for my man.”

  Tate shook his head, kissing her lips, “You always look good, I’ll be back okay?”

  “Okay.” Audrey kissed him once more before closing up her computer. He knew he had a good hour until she would be ready for the surprise date he had planned and he knew just how to use that hour.

  And it involved Fallon Brooks.

  Since he had a purpose, he was able to get into the truck and drive off with only a few hiccups. He was getting better, or at least he thought he was. Who knew? He only drove when he had too, and it still took him a few times to get into the truck, but at least he didn’t want to run back into the house anymore. Pulling into Rocky Top Wines, Tate parked and made his way out of the truck. Tucking his hands in his pockets, he ran into the warmth that the building offered him. It was uncommonly cold this January; Tate was learning that with Tennessee you just go with the weather. Nothing was set in stone when it came to weather in this state. />
  Tate rode the elevator up to Fallon’s floor, and then walked down the hall to where a man in a yellow suit was grinning at him. He looked behind him to see if the guy was smiling at someone else, but Tate was the only one in the hall. He wasn’t sure if he should smile or run, so instead he said, “Hey, I’m looking for Fallon Brooks.”

  The guy smiled, “She’s right in there, but before I let you go by, aren’t you Audrey’s boyfriend?”

  Tate nodded, a real smile coming over his face at the mention of Audrey’s name, “I am. Tate Odder,” he said holding out his hand.

  The guy took it, shaking it softly and Tate couldn’t help but notice the guy’s hand was softer than his. “Rob Slater, I have been Fallon’s assistant for over seven years, so I feel like I’m Audrey’s older brother.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” Tate said with a nod.

  “You too. You’re way hotter in person. Audrey did good, very good,” he said with a flourish of his hand. Rob then winked at Tate before throwing Fallon’s door open, “Tate Odder is here to see you, and may I say, our girl did very good!”

  When Tate saw Fallon’s face, he didn’t think she agreed. She stood up, looking classy and polished, in a form fitting grey suit as her large hands gripped her hips. “Tate, I wasn’t expecting you.” And she didn’t look happy to see him either.

  “Yeah, we need to talk,” Tate said sternly as they both glanced back at Rob.

  “Okay, and that’s my cue to leave,” Rob said as he quickly left the room, shutting the door with a slam.