Reed's Reckoning

by Ahren Sanders

  I haven’t heard from Reed all day and find myself more disappointed than I should be. He said he’d be back tomorrow, but I hoped he’d call Davis tonight. I saved the message from Sunday afternoon and listened to it a dozen times. There’s no doubt that he was about to say ‘I love you’, but stopped himself. It had to be a slip of the tongue. There’s no way he meant to say it. It’s too soon.

  After pouring my glass of wine, there’s a soft knock on the door. I see Reed’s truck through the living room window and my heart races. As soon as I open the door, I’m yanked into a rock hard chest and wrapped in his arms. The scent of his cologne surrounds me as I sink into him. His hold on me is tight but I’m able to tilt my head slightly. He stares down at me with heat in his eyes. I wiggle one arm out of his hold and run my hand across his cheek until my fingers touch his lips. He parts them slightly and touches the tip of his tongue to my fingertips. Neither one of us says anything but the energy between us buzzes.

  I lift up and put my mouth lightly on his. He lets me go and grabs my waist picking me up. My legs and arms wrap around him automatically. Fire ignites in my body and I deepen the kiss as he walks us into the house and kicks the door shut with his foot. My back hits the wall and his hands cup my ass. Our tongues swirl in rhythm and I pour myself into the kiss. I thrust my hips against his waist and feel his erection hitting directly at my core. Need and lust runs through my body, heating everything in its wake. The friction of our hips grinding against each other feels amazing. His groans fill the room and I slow the kiss remembering where we are. He feels me pulling away and moves his lips across my cheek until he hits my ear.

  “I fucking missed you,” he whispers. The sexiness of his voice causes me to grind against him again.

  There’s no doubt the moisture between my legs has seeped through the flimsy material of my shorts. My nipples strain against the lace of my bra and I start to pant. Jesus Christ! How embarrassing.

  “Did you miss me, Arianna?”

  I can’t talk so I nod against his neck. One hand glides down my leg and into the hem of my shorts. His finger grazes the edge of the silk of my underwear. He moves the silk to the side and rubs his fingers between my swollen lips. He teases me with his touch until I moan.

  “Say it. Say you missed me and I’ll take care of you.”

  Smug bastard.

  Shaking my head, not giving him the satisfaction. He removes his fingers but uses his whole hand to cup my sex and squeezes. I cry out and then bury my mouth on his shoulder trying to smother the sounds I can’t stop from making. My body begs for the pleasure but my mind won’t give in.

  “I feel you trembling. I know exactly what you need. All you have to do is say three little words. ‘I missed you’.”

  I try to wiggle away, but his body and one arm has me pinned against the wall. I swivel my hips against his hand trying to get enough contact to relieve myself, but he twists his wrist and squeezes again. The need for release seeps all the way down to my toes. Then I think of something that may get to him.

  “Reed?” I whisper.

  “Hmmm?”

  “If you don’t want to take care of me, I’ve got a very talented BOB in my room that’ll do it. The thought of it actually excites me.”

  His body stiffens and his eyes meet mine shining with desire.

  “Not fucking happening.” His fingers move back to my slickness and he slides two inside me roughly. The intrusion feels incredible and I tighten around him.

  “Jesus, Ari. My dick is jealous of my fingers right now. Your pussy is smooth as silk and heat is coating my hand. I feel every muscle straining. Do you know how bad I want to taste you? Run my tongue along every bare inch of your skin and suck until you scream?”

  Moaning at his words, I feel pressure building at the pit of my stomach.

  He moves his finger faster inside of me and moves his thumb to my clit. My body explodes against his hand and I throw my head back against the wall, writhing against him. He licks and kisses lightly along my neck as I try to regain my breath.

  “Fucking beautiful.”

  I stay quiet until I can form words. When my eyes meet his, he is grinning widely. If my brain was working I would spout off a sarcastic reply, but everything in my body is affected by the orgasm this man just gave me. He slides his hand out of my shorts and walks us to the sofa. He sits with me still wrapped around him and hugs me close.

  Realization of what just happened hits me hard and I cringe with embarrassment. Pictures of me humping his hand flood my mind and I try to move away. His arms tighten as I wiggle and avoid looking at his face. What a floozy!

  “Ari, look at me. What’s going on in your head?”

  Stilling at the tone of his voice, I bring my eyes up to his face. His eyes are dancing with happiness and he’s grinning at me.

  “I can’t believe I just humped you like a dog in heat. I don’t know what came over me. I am mortified. You must think I’m—”

  “Remarkable, beautiful, sexy as fucking sin? Yes, baby, I think all those things because it’s true. Don’t you ever get embarrassed about how I make you feel or the sounds you make when our bodies touch. It’s natural. You and I fit together, and I can’t wait to reacquaint in every way.”

  “Really, Reed, you shouldn’t say things like that. I still want to take things slow.”

  “No, Ari, the last month is as slow as I’ll go. I did slow for a while and it sucked.”

  “You did slow for four days!”

  “No, I did slow for four weeks, I only told you four days ago. I’ve known from the beginning I wanted you back in my life. Now, I’m moving onto Operation Matthews.”

  “What is that? It sounds both mischievous and scary at the same time.”

  “Well, in an effort not to scare you off, it’ll be on a need to know basis. Now come back here and kiss me again.” He leans up and takes my mouth softly in a sweet embrace. I try to question him more but his mouth distracts me and I give into him. He pulls back hesitantly and stares back into my eyes.

  “I’m not kidding, I missed you and Davis.” Something is off in his voice.

  “Reed, is everything okay?”

  “It is now. I just watched my woman come wrapped around me. My son’s asleep in the other room. I am home.” He pulls me down and runs his hands up and down my back. I relax into him. We stay like this for a while before I sit up.

  Wanting to comment about calling me his woman, but I think twice. When I wiggle against him, he hisses.

  “Careful, babe, I have little restraint.”

  I giggle and his face lights up.

  “Maybe I should move off your lap so I don’t test your ‘restraint’?” I scoot back. He lets me go and adjusts his pants.

  “The only reason I’m letting you go is to get a drink. There’s so much I need to tell you. And not much of it is good.”

  His voice is sad and I remember what Davis made in school today. Maybe it will help cheer him up. “Okay, my wine’s on the counter, get whatever you want. I need to run and get something.”

  He nods and helps me up. I dig through my workbag and pull out the folded paper. I hide it under the sofa pillows and wait for him to return.

  He puts our drinks on the table and picks me up like I weigh nothing. Then he situates us on the couch where I am draped over his legs. Reaching across me, he gets my wine and his beer and leans us back.

  “Right, so where should I start? Jack or my sister?”

  “Wherever you want. I’m here to listen.”

  “Well before I get started, how was Davis’s day?”

  “Awesome, every day is great to a little boy. His biggest disappointment is when they serve peas and carrots for lunch.”

  “Gross, can’t blame him there.”

  “Something tells me peas and carrots don’t have anything to do with your story.”

  He shrugs and then starts talking. When he tells me about his sister’s miscarriage, my eyes fill with tears. I agree with him t
hat he needs to tell her about Davis when she’s not so raw. There’s a different tone in his voice when he talks about Jack. It’s hurt, devastation, and sadness. I see the pain on his face and my heart aches for him.

  “Reed, I think it may take some time, but you need to talk to Jack.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding me?”

  “No, as much of a giant asshole he is, he was watching out for you. I’m not sure you can ever repair the depth of your friendship, but he is your oldest and best friend.”

  “You think what he did makes him my best friend? You can’t be okay with him.”

  “In his own way, he was acting as your friend. I could have been mad at Luke for betraying me, but he loves me and he wanted what was best. Jack did the same thing.”

  “I think Luke looking out for you and our unborn child is a little different than Jack deciding not to tell me you were pregnant.”

  “Yes, but think back to that time. You had a lot going for you. I had nothing. He thought I broke up with you to date my best friend. I can see how he thought I was looking for a meal ticket. Even if it isn’t true, he’s entitled to his own opinion. He made a bad choice and I bet he regrets it now.”

  “I don’t care what he regrets. He’s at the top of my shit list right now.”

  “Maybe so, but think about what I said.”

  He drains the last of his beer and doesn’t answer me.

  “I may have something to cheer you up.” Reaching under the pillow, I pull out the paper and hand it to him.

  “Oh, baby, you have everything that could cheer me up.” He runs his hand across my stomach and kisses my neck.

  “Stop, I’m serious. Here.”

  He takes the paper and opens it. His face lights up, the earlier sadness is gone. When he looks at me, I smile back.

  “Father’s Day party at the daycare, huh?”

  “Yes, you’ve officially been invited to your first fatherly event. This Friday at three.”

  “This means the world to me. Thank you.”

  “Don’t thank me, thank your son. He can’t wait to introduce you to his friends.”

  He holds me against him for a while until I start to feel sleepy. I stifle my yawn, not wanting to leave the comfort of his arms.

  “Ari, what time does Davis get up in the morning?”

  “Usually seven, Why?”

  “I want to stay here tonight. I’ll get up before he does, if you want, and leave. But I need to hold you in my arms.”

  “Reed, I think it’s too soon.”

  “Baby, we’re back in each other’s lives.”

  “Back in your life and back in your bed are two different things. At least with one, I have boundaries.”

  “Baby, you have all the boundaries you want. I’m going to tear them down. I’m prepared to wait as long as you need before I make love to you, but I want you in my arms tonight. I need it.”

  The pleading in his eyes breaks any hesitancy I have. “Okay, but you have to get up at six and leave.”

  “How about I get up at six and get breakfast for us. I haven’t seen him since Saturday. I can get him ready for school and help you out.”

  “That’s a good plan.” I love the idea of a leisurely morning getting ready for work. “Do you need to get your bag out of your car?”

  “Do you have an extra toothbrush?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then no, I don’t need anything.”

  He picks me up and starts toward my room. “What about your pajamas?”

  He looks at me and smirks. “I still sleep in the same pajamas I did when we were together.”

  Holy shit! How am I supposed to keep up my resolve when a naked Reed Matthews is sleeping next to me all night?

  Chapter 13

  Ari

  “Arianna Williams.” I answer my desk phone irritated at the interruption. I’ve been in a dreamy fog thinking about Reed since leaving my house this morning. Last night was perfect and this morning Davis was incredibly excited to have him there.

  True to his word, Reed didn’t try to have sex with me but held me all night long. I convinced him to wear his boxers in bed but had to promise he could stay over again tonight. After my day yesterday, a mind-blowing orgasm, the glass of wine, and all the heaviness of our conversation, I was exhausted and slept against his chest never moving.

  “Miss Williams?” a quiet voice says on the other end.

  “Yes?”

  “This is Jamie, Davis’s teacher.”

  “Oh no, is everything okay?”

  “Yes, of course. Davis is fine. But I noticed you listed a Reed Matthews as his guest for the Father’s Day event on Friday.”

  “That’s right.” I wait for her to recognize his name and question me.

  “Well, the only man we have on record as approved guests for Davis is Luke Adams. I’m afraid you will need to bring Mr. Matthews in and get him on our registry.”

  Crap! How could I have forgotten about that?

  “Of course, Jamie. I will try to bring him with me this afternoon. What does he need?”

  “His driver’s license or some other form of picture ID.”

  “Thank you, I’ll take care of it.”

  “Miss Williams?” Her voice is timid and small.

  “Yes?”

  “Please forgive me if I am out of line, but Davis is telling everyone Reed is his daddy. Is that true?”

  “Yes, it is. It’s a very long story, honey, but it’s true. I’ll make sure you get to meet him before Friday okay?”

  “Thanks so much, see you later.”

  We hang up, and I text Reed to meet me at the house this afternoon so we can get him introduced to Davis’s teacher.

  There’s a knock at my office door and before I can say come in, my boss, Phillip Green walks in. I smile widely at him but he doesn’t return the sentiment. He positions himself in one of the chairs in front of my desk and looks at me with concern.

  “Phillip, this is a surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

  “I wish it was a good surprise, Arianna. I need to talk to you about some recent concerns brought to my attention.” His voice is serious and strong.

  A pit forms in my stomach and my heart races. We’ve always had a great working relationship and I’ve never felt as nervous as I do right now with him. “What’s wrong?”

  “First, let me ask, is everything going okay with you? I need to know that you would be honest and tell me if you were having trouble at work, at home, or felt overwhelmed with the added responsibility you’ve picked up this last year.”

  “No, I’m fine. Everything is fine, great in fact. I’ve loved the new projects and enjoyed the challenges and learning opportunities. I’m not overwhelmed at all.”

  “I’ll cut to the chase then. I’ve received three phone calls this week from customers that you manage their portfolios. They have expressed concern with your work on their behalf and asked to be reassigned.”

  My mouth drops open and vision blurs. What? I work my ass off for these people and try every different scenario to invest their accounts with the best interest options available. I’ve landed my last two clients from referrals alone.

  “Phillip, what are you talking about? I’ve been working like crazy to keep everyone happy and profitable. I never slack when it comes to the well-being and reputation of this bank. Who’s complaining, I will get a hold of them immediately.”

  “I know your dedication and commitment here. That’s why I’m going to review the client files personally. First glance, everything seems fine, but I will go line by line to make sure we have done the right things. I would like to keep the clients names private for now because I don’t want anything to change in your working relationship if their concerns aren’t valid.” He gets up to leave, l stand with him.

  “I’ve lost the chance for the promotion, haven’t I?” My voice cracks.

  His eyes warm and he looks straight at me. “Not if I can help it. Why do you think I put i
t on hold? There’s no one more qualified than you. Don’t let it consume you. Keep working hard and let me look into these concerns. I’ll get back to you in a few weeks. In the meantime, if something does come up and you need to talk, please come to me.”

  When he walks out, I sink into my chair and hit my head on the headrest. What the hell is going on?

  “You sure you’re gonna be okay?” Reed asks me for the fourth time when we pull up in front of the daycare.

  I told him the story of my meeting when he arrived at the house to get me, and his attitude went from carefree to concern. He hasn’t let go of my hand since we got in his truck. I’ve been dissecting in my head every client I have and going over conversations, emails, and all correspondence trying to think of where something messed up. He listened closely and tried to help me sort through my ramblings.

  But now that we are here, I have to put my worry aside for a few hours and take the next step to introducing Reed into our lives. He comes around to open my door and help me out. When we walk in to the center, the assistant gives me a warm smile and starts to greet me. When she sees Reed, her eyes grow wide and she drops the papers in her hand. I watch her face turn red as she stutters through her hello.

  She gains her composure enough for us to register Reed as an approved guardian and then I lead him back to Davis’s classroom. The kids are going wild when we walk in, and when Davis sees us, he runs full speed. Reed let’s go of my hand long enough to pick him up and then pulls my waist back to his side.

  Jamie, Davis’s teacher introduces herself, and gives us the rundown on the day. He had no accidents, no falls, and no fights, so we are all good.

  When we get back in the car, Reed insists on taking us out to dinner. I call Grandma Katy to invite her, and she says she’ll meet us at the restaurant with Luke. He stopped by to visit and since we weren’t home yet, he walked over to Katy’s. When I tell Reed this, he doesn’t even flinch. I guess he finally is over his insecurity about Luke.

  Once our dinner is served and my wine refilled, I tell Katy and Luke about my day. Luke’s jaw ticks, telling me something is wrong.