by J. L. Mac
“What can we make to eat, woman?” I have a taste for the diner.
“Let’s not make a mess. We can go to The Diner.”
“What diner?”
“The Diner. That’s what it’s called.” I shrug.
“I go there for breakfast before work every day. It’s cheap and the coffee is the best. They make great cheeseburgers.”
“The Diner it is.”
“You have to change clothes though. It’s not a suit and tie kind of place.”
“Only if you help me.”
“I think I can arrange that.” I smile a naughty smile and I know I’m in trouble. He growls as he tosses me back over his shoulder and heads towards the stairs.
I explain where the diner is and we make the trip across town in comfortable silence. His hand crosses the console of this fancy beamer and claims a spot on my thigh. He looks over at me and squeezes as he smiles exposing his pearly white teeth. It successfully melts my indifferent heart. Damon does something to me and I don’t know what the hell to think of it. I’m so out of sorts, but I am kind of enjoying it. I don’t feel so alone with him. I feel like I belong somewhere. Like I belong with someone. It’s a revelation in my screwed up world.
He parks right in front and jumps out. He walks around to my side of the car and opens my door. Someone pinch me. He has got to be joking. No one holds open doors for me. I sit and admire how great he looks in his jeans, plain white snug fitting tee and Chucks. He is gorgeous whether he is in a suit and tie or in his plain casual clothes. His warm amber eyes seem to glow in the sunlight. The thick dark hair flutters in the light breeze.
“Are you going to get out or should I bring your food to the car?” I snap out of my ogling and step out.
“Sorry I was enjoying the view.” He sweeps my hand from my side and threads our fingers together. I freeze and he tugs me along.
“This is what couples do. They hold hands. Eat lunch together. You’ll get use to it.” He gives my hand a squeeze.
We step into the diner and I point at my usual booth. We slide into the worn bench-seat. I wave at Noni. She catches my gesture out of the corner of her eye as she scoops ice into a cup. I watch as her jaw drops. Yep, Noni, I brought a man with me. She whips out her order pad and pencil and all but runs to us.
“Hey, Noni.” I say casually.
“Hey, doll.” She looks to Damon and stares. What the hell Noni? He’s a bit young for you. Noni has got to be in her fifties. I guess she could be a cougar. I wouldn’t doubt it. She is a beautiful middle-aged woman. Her dark brown hair is sprinkled generously with gray but she wears it well. Crowes feet mar the edges of her almond shaped hazel eyes. But, overall she has aged gracefully which is really saying something for a woman who has busted her ass as a waitress for all of her adult life.
“Noni, this is my -”
“Boyfriend,” Damon interjects as he shoves his arm forward. Noni extends her hand to him and they shake.
“Damon, this is Noni. I see this woman about as much as I see Sutton.”
“Damon Cole, it’s a pleasure to meet the woman who feeds my lady breakfast.” Damon winks at her while showing off that winning smile. I roll my eyes as I watch Noni’s face pale and her hands tremble. Really? Dear, God Non, get ahold of yourself.
“Damon Cole,” she mutters. Okay this is awkward.
“Alrighty,” I say feigning enthusiasm as I drum my fingers on the table.
“Now that introductions are out of the way… I’m starving what about you?” I look to Damon.
“I’ll have whatever you’re having.” I nod. Smart man.
“Okay, that’s fair enough. So then we will take two cheeseburgers with bacon, double patty for big guy here, cut the lettuce, tomato, and onion, mayo for me, and…” I arch a brow at Damon.
“Mustard,” he adds.
“Mustard for him, two orders of fries, and two waters. No lemon.” I cap off my order with a smile and Noni walks away with our order scribbled down.
“How long have you been coming here?” I take in a deep breath and think back.
“Right after I started working at the store, so seven years I guess.” He nods.
“So what was it that you wanted to discuss with me?” He begins to open his mouth, but is cut off by my damned phone. I dig the phone out and see that it’s Sutton. I swear the old fart is the only one who ever calls me. It’s a testament to how lackluster my life really is. Was. Whatever. I swipe my thumb across the screen and hold it to my ear.
“What’s up, Captain?” I glance to Damon and watch him purse his lips together and pinch the bridge of his nose. What the hell is wrong now?
“Have you talked to that boyfriend of yours?” I scowl at his tone.
“He isn’t my boyfriend!” I clip into to phone. I glance up to Damon. He is pissed. Fuck. His eyes narrow on me and I feel pinned to this seat. I need to get off this phone and explain.
“Well, if he isn’t your boyfriend he will be when you find out that he is the one who bought the store. That man seems to be set on impressing you, Miss USA.”
“I’ll call you back,” I mumble down the line then hang up.
“Not your boyfriend huh?” I stare at him blankly. I don’t know what the hell to make of what Sutton said about him being the buyer. Why would he do that? I don’t even know what to say to him. Noni interrupts our silent staring match. She sets the plates down and nearly trips over her own feet trying to get away from us.
“You bought the store?” He looks up from his food.
“We will talk about this when we get back to my place.” His voice is firm and intimidating. I must’ve really pissed him off. I press forward anyway.
“No. I want to talk about it now.” He closes his eyes and takes in a deep breath. He opens them and his fiery eyes burn into me.
“No. We will discuss this when we get back, Josephine.” He waves two fingers in the air to signal Noni for the check and she delivers it along with two to-go boxes. He loads up both our meals and tosses a one-hundred dollar bill on the table. He slips out of the booth and drags me towards the car.
Our ride back to his place was silent, but far from comfortable. When we get into the elevator he jabs his finger angrily into the panel. Why the hell is he so quiet? I need to explain why I said that to Sutton and he needs to explain what the hell is going on with the store. The elevator comes to a stop and the doors open. He still hasn’t said a word. My hand is swept from my side and tugged forward. He opens the front door and pulls me behind him. I try pulling away, but his grip on me only tightens. I wish he would just stop and say something. The silence is unnerving.
“Are you going to say anything? Tell me what’s going on?”
“Baby, I’m about to tell you everything you need to know. Trust me.” I’m dragged up the staircase so fast my feet can barely keep pace with his. He leads us into his library and I am utterly confused. Are we seriously going to sit down and talk things over in the fucking library like two stuffy business associates?
“Take off your clothes, Josephine,” he orders in a quiet, but low voice.
“What?” My brows bunch together.
“Take off your clothes or I’ll take them off for you, but it’s doubtful that you will be able to wear them again, once I’m done.” I stand frozen in place feeling shocked and confused at his words. I don’t understand why he won’t just talk about this shit.
“Fine,” he huffs as he strides forward to me. He grips the delicate fabric of the navy shell and rips it open.
“My shirt!” I gasp. His hands go to the hem of my camisol and muscles it open also. What the hell? His destructive hands go to the waistband of my shorts and rip! Fuck! I’m left in my panties and bra before him.
“Talking seems a lot more productive then tearing up clothes, don’t you think?” I grate through gritted teeth.
“Ready to talk, Josephine?” What? I’m so confused. I furrow my brows again and begin to shake my head.
“Let�
�s talk baby,” he purrs in my ear. Oh shit. My stomach flips and flutters as I grasp what he intends on doing. I can’t say I don’t want it. I could use an orgasm or two, or three. He grips my bra and easily snaps it open. It falls to the floor. The delicate fabric of my underwear is no match for his brute force. He demolishes them with one forceful yank.
“Now we talk.” I say nothing in return. I am speechless and turned on by my amazing man with multiple facets. His fingers grip me about the elbow and guide me behind one of the oversized plush chairs.
“Bend over and ready yourself, baby.” Ready myself for what? My hands develop a small tremor as I lean forward over the chair as instructed. I peek back over my shoulder and see him shed his clothing. My core tightens with anticipation. The heat between my legs burns white hot as my arousal builds. His big hand lands on the back of my neck, and gives a brief squeeze before trailing down my spine. One finger slips between my cheeks and trails down the seam of my opening. I close my eyes and revel in the feel of his touch. The tearing of foil catches my attention and I am glad that the condom discussion has been saved for another time. The head of his erection nudges against my opening. He carefully and gently guides the tip of himself into me. I breathe deeply in anticipation. He moves in further just a fraction.
“Who are you, Josephine?” he asks in a calm yet lusty voice. I see what he is playing at.
“I’m your girlfriend,” I answer feeling a little proud of myself.
“If you are my girlfriend then what does that make me, Josephine?” he punctuates his sentence by filling me with the full length of his cock all at once. I gasp and rock up to my tip toes involuntarily. His strong hands grip my hips tightly and I struggle to fill my lungs. He withdraws slowly.
“Tell me.” Once again, he plows into me stealing my breath in the most delicious way. My body clenches in pleasure.
“My boyfriend.” My voice comes out weak and breathy.
“Say it again,” he orders. I comply on yet another hard thrust.
“Ah! My boyfriend.” He rears back and comes at me again. The head of his cock bangs away at the deepest parts of me sending exquisite little aches through my womb.
“Again,” he pants.
“My boyfriend!” I shout. His speed increases by double and he takes me to climax in no time. One hand leaves my hip to reach around and massage my breast. He groans in appreciation. I feel his body tense as he nears orgasm with me. I pant hard and begin seeing spots. My stomach clenches. My channel tightens around his perfect cock. A lightning storm of raw pleasure rips through my veins as my orgasm consumes me. He stills buried deep and shudders. A guttural groan resonates through his chest. His fingers dig into my flesh while our bodies are overcome with breath taking ecstasy in perfect sync. He rests his forehead against my back. He pulls out of me and stands me upright to face him.
“I didn’t mean it,” I say on a rush.
“I only said it because of Sutton. I don’t want to hear any shit from him.”
“I’d never deny you. Please don’t deny me.” Oh damn I feel like a real douchebag. He sounds wounded and I am to blame. Who cares if Sutton knows? I can handle his old ass. I won’t be able to hide my relationship with Damon forever.
“Why’d you buy the store? Are you going to turn it into a bar or something?”
“Look around yourself,” he orders and I do. I scan the library. My eyes flit over the rows and rows of books around me. I look back to him and quirk up an eyebrow. So what does he want me to see?
“Books are what you love. They are what you know. It’s obviously your passion. I didn’t want you to lose that. You’ve lost enough.” His voice is low and velvet smooth in my ears. My heart squeezes and aches in my chest. I feel the sting of tears threatening.
“What?” I whisper barely loud enough to hear. Those honey eyes cut into me. He grips my shoulder with one hand and runs the backside of his other hand over my jaw.
“You’ve lost enough. I bought the store for you. I want you to run it. It’s in your hands now.”
“You didn’t buy it so you’d have some kind of control over me?” The corner of his lips lift into a small smirk.
“I’d be lying if I said that purchasing the store in no way benefitted me.”
His big bare shoulders lift and fall as he shrugs.
“I figured it’s the way to my ladies heart. So I bought the place.” Without hesitation I wrap my arms around his middle and breathe a deep sigh of relief.
“I…I…”
“Hush.” He lifts a finger and holds it to my lips effectively silencing me.
“I told you I’d give you what you deserve. Let me show you.” He bends at the waist and sweeps me off my feet. I am pulled tight against his defined chest and carried down the wide corridor to his room. I feel as if I am in some type of euphoric daze and I have to admit that I have never felt so lucky in my life. His generosity doesn’t feel like charity. It feels like something good and genuine and beautiful, and it’s mine as long as I take what he offers. I can’t refuse him. Not in any capacity.
“I don’t get it? Why me? You’re way out of my league.” He sets me down on his bed and climbs over the top to lie down beside me. He wraps his arms around my bare body and tugs me into his chest. It is quickly becoming my favorite place to be. I feel so safe here. I feel…right, being here. Right here in his arms. It’s so damn confounding. I peek over my shoulder at Damon and his warm eyes are on me.
“I can’t explain it. I saw you and everything came together for the first time in my life. It felt like breathing. You are the one who is out of my league. I don’t deserve you. Trust me.” Why would he say that? Even hearing it makes me ache for him. I turn in his arms to face him.
“You…you are amazing in every way! How in the hell could you possibly not deserve me? I just hope by some miracle I can really be what you think I am.”
“I know I’m right about you. I can feel it. My gut is never wrong.”
“You are kind of cocky and a whole lot bossy, big man,” I muse tauntingly. He cocks up a brow and smiles a panty dissolving pearly white crooked smile. Damn I am in so much trouble with him. I never knew I could feel this happy around someone. I could easily fall for him. Hell maybe I already am.
His fingers crawl up my ribs then tickle me beneath my arms.
“Stoooooooooop!” I squeal like a wounded animal and flail about.
“Aw, my Josephine can’t stand to be tickled,” he teases as he keeps at it. I squirm and bat at him.
“Pleaaaaase!” I cry out. His hands leave my sides. I am rolled to my back as his big frame lifts and he swings a leg over me. He straddles me. My arms are pulled above my head and he holds me immobile with ease. My smile fades as I look up into those pools of warm honey. I like being here. I enjoy being with him. I don’t know how I could ever not have him. What if this doesn’t go anywhere? What if it doesn’t last?
“What’s wrong” A deep crease mars his forehead making his concern clear. I sigh and clear my throat to confess my worries. I feel like I can talk to him about it. I should talk to him about it.
“I’m scared.” I admit my fear honestly and watch as he purses his lips together.
“I’m scared that if I get attached to you I will be destroyed if something ever happened to us or to you. I won’t put myself in a position to lose again. I would never survive it.” My eyes are askew and it makes admitting my private concerns easier.
“Look at me,” he demands. I direct my gaze to him without hesitation. He releases his grip on my arms and brings them down. He presses my palms against his naked chest. His skin is warm and tanned. His muscles bulge and ripple when he moves or speaks. Watching him is intoxicating. I couldn’t dream up a more beautiful man. He holds my hands in place against his chest as our eyes stay locked on each other.
“Nothing is going to happen. I won’t let anything or anyone ruin this. You have no need to worry. I won’t let you lose anymore. Do you believe me?” I do believe h
im. I know it’s completely stupid, but fuck if there isn’t a little tug in my chest telling me that I believe him. I nod, yes.
“Say it, Josephine,” he says firmly.
“I believe you.” He takes a deep breath and resumes his position beside me.
“That’s good.”
“Can we eat now? I really want my burger before I have to get back to my place.” His grip tightens on me.
“We can eat, but you are staying with me.” The way he just said that has the clearest damn tone of finality I have ever heard. I can’t just stay at his place all the time. I have to check my mail and pay my bills and wash laundry and other shit that normal adults do at their home.
“I don’t have a choice. I have to…feed my fish.” What? What the hell? Why am I lying about owning a fish? What’s so hard about telling him hell no I have to go home because I have shit to do? I groan internally at my lie and lack of ability to sever myself from him. Fuck my life.
“Oh. You have fish?” He even sounds skeptical. I don’t own a damn fish or dog or cat or anything else that requires love and attention.
“Yep. One of those cheap goldfish in the glass bowl.” He rolls me to face him and I wince a little on the inside I know he can tell I’m full of shit.
“What’s his name?” My eyes dart around as I scramble for a name. Shit. Shit. Shit.
“Oh. Um. I just call him Fish.” I shrug and pretend to pick at my nails. This is a mess. I am no liar and apparently I should stay that way because I flat out suck at lying to Damon. I glance over at him and I can see a smirk play across his mouth.
“Okay fine. I’ll go with you.” He releases me and rocks up out of the bed. I watch his phenomenal naked ass as he makes his way toward the closet. Shit. He can’t come with me. He will want to know where the damn fish is. He won’t accept no for an answer. I’ll make it work. I can do this. I slide off his bed and join him in the closet. He glances over to me as I walk in and start digging through my newly acquired collection of panties. I grab a lacey blue thong and slip them on. Damn these feel nice. Damon walks over to me and stands right up against my ass as I work on choosing a bra. His hands reach around and cup both my breasts. He rolls each of my puckered nipples between his forefinger and thumb. I close my eyes and let my head rest back on his chest. His lips brush against my ear.