Beyond Friends: Big Flirt Book One

by Echo, Kristen

  “You’re unbelievable.” My hands shook behind my back.

  “The handcuffs are unnecessary. She’s not dangerous,” he said, pushing off the jeep and stepping towards us. “Arielle, I’m so sorry.”

  “Sorry about the cuffs or about having us imprisoned. I can’t believe I ever loved you.”

  The policeman removed the metal from my wrists and tossed me at my ex. I stumbled forward and Richard caught me by the shoulders. His smile grew larger, taking up his entire face.

  “Easy there. I had nothing to do with you being arrested,” he proclaimed as the Mexican officer returned inside, leaving us alone in the gravel parking lot.

  “Right! Like I’m supposed to believe you’re not responsible.”

  “I’m not.” His voice was stern and unwavering. “Though, I can’t say I’m not taking a little pleasure in the way things have turned out.”

  “I’ve never known you to be mean,” I said, rubbing my sore wrists. “But you had us thrown off the resort. Having us arrested is twisted and—”

  His grip around my biceps tightened as he stared into my eyes. “I’ll repeat. I had nothing to do with you and your rebound getting picked up. Arielle, I would never purposely hurt you.”

  As much as I wanted to believe him, things didn’t add up. Richard was a shrewd businessman. Calculating and ruthless, but I’d never seen him be vindictive or cruel. Still, his words from earlier came to the forefront of my mind. He’d said I’d regret my decision. He was punishing me.

  “I don’t believe you. If you had nothing to do with this, then why are you here?”

  “Isn’t it obvious? I came to save you from spending the night in a filthy Mexican prison.”

  “Save me,” I scoffed and removed his hands from my arms. “I wouldn’t need saving if you hadn’t sent the police after us.”

  He ran his fingers through his hair. “To be honest, I expected a little gratitude. I’m not the reason the cops picked you up. I tried my best to persuade the resort’s manager not to call the authorities. You were never meant to be arrested.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “The thug you’re hanging out with punched a guard and broke his tooth. I overheard the manager call the authorities. I don’t know all the details, but you aren’t safe with Dean.”

  “Dean was protecting me because the guard groped me.”

  His eyes darkened and his lips thinned. “The officers never mentioned that when I paid for your release.”

  “They probably just wanted your money. I should press charges against the pompous security asshole.”

  A loud ominous laugh followed, echoing around the deserted lot. “Not sure you’d be doing Dean any favors. The officer I spoke with is related to the asshole.”

  I tossed my hands in the air. “Shit. This is a nightmare. But there must be a way to get him out. They never charged him with anything. At least not yet.”

  “I always pegged you as a smart girl. Don’t tie yourself to a criminal with no future.”

  “The smartest thing I can do is be with him. One day, I’m going to marry Dean and live happily ever after. Nothing you say or do will change my feelings for him.”

  “You’ve made your choice. I’m not here to win you back. In good conscience, I couldn’t let you rot in jail. But your boyfriend may not see daylight for some time. Good luck building your future around that.” He stepped towards the jeep and gestured for me to follow. “Get in. Your bags are in the back already.”

  “I’m not going anywhere with you! I am not leaving here without him.”

  “Suit yourself. But my flight leaves tonight. There’s nothing you can do for him unless you’ve got a boatload of cash to grease some hands. Lord knows, getting you out quickly wasn’t free. You’re welcome, by the way.”

  “Thank you,” I huffed. “How much did it cost you?”

  “More than an unemployed recent graduate can afford. More than your parents can cough up. Paying off the authorities isn’t cheap.”

  He sat in the driver’s seat and cranked the ignition. The purr of the engine filled the silence. Richard’s knuckles turned white as he gripped the steering wheel. With each passing second, my anxiety increased. I couldn’t help Dean by myself. I swallowed my pride and stepped towards the jeep.

  “Help me. Please, Richard. If you ever loved me, then please pay for his release. Do me this favor and you’ll never have to see me again.”

  “What’s in it for me?”

  “What do you want?” I crossed my arms over my chest.

  “I’ve only ever wanted what’s best for you.” He sighed and tilted his head towards the sky. “You believe me. Don’t you?”

  My gaze followed his. Dark clouds drifted overhead. A storm was brewing. The air was thick with humidity. Almost stifling.

  “The man I fell in love with was kind, charming and thoughtful. You were always so busy, but I never once doubted that you had my best interest at heart.”

  “Good. You are a bright young woman with wicked potential. The plan we had should continue. I want you to work for me.”

  A lump formed in my throat. I couldn’t respond. Working for his company had always been my dream, but after we broke up his father had refused to return my calls.

  “Don’t say no because your boyfriend won’t like it. Do what’s best for your career.”

  Dean wasn’t the type to get jealous, but I felt like this move would affect us both. I’d studied my ass off to secure a spot at Richard’s company. Every course had been personally selected by his parents. They’d groomed me for a seat at their table. Working alongside Rich had always been the plan, but things were different now.

  A job in the city would be a long commute once I moved in with Dean. The small town where he lived was close to an hour away. Everything he loved was there. His friends, his family and his career. Asking him to move would be too much. There were so many unknowns. Except, I loved Dean with all my heart. We’d figure it out.

  “The clock is ticking, Arielle. What will it be?”

  I closed the distance, my sandals grating against the gravel and kicking up dust. “Pay the police and get him out. I’ll pay you back every cent with interest once the paychecks start rolling in.”

  He nodded, turned off the engine and climbed out of the jeep. “Sit. I’ll be back shortly.”

  “Let me come with you.” I turned towards the dark building.

  “Your presence won’t help. Trust me. Plus, if things go south, I might need you to contact my father. Bribing an officer of the law can go either way.”

  With one nod of my head, he left. I wondered if my ex would do everything he could to help. He’d never cared for Dean or our friendship. There was no love lost between them. The minutes ticked by as I envisioned my future. Each image involved my dark haired, handsome best friend. I chewed on my nails, waiting for the door to reopen. When it finally did, only Rich walked out.

  “Where’s Dean?”

  He slid into the driver’s seat and started the jeep. “It’s been taken care of, but he’ll only be released in time to catch his flight in a few days. They don’t take assault lightly. I’m sorry.”

  My heart sank as my hands gripped the dashboard. “There has to be something more we can do. He did nothing wrong.”

  “The hotel guards’ accusation is all they need. It would be his word against yours and you’re the foreigner,” he explained as he sat next to me. “I was able to pay for his release, but they want to prove a point that tourists aren’t above the law.”

  “You’re fucking kidding me. He can’t stay here. I want to see him.”

  “You can’t. They don’t allow visitors,” he said. “They wouldn’t let me see you earlier.”

  “None of this would have happened if you hadn’t had us thrown out. Why did you do that?” My voice caught, and a sob escaped.

  My poor Dean would be stuck in that hellhole for three nights. It was all my fault. He only punched the guard because I
screamed. He was defending me. There had to be a way to fix this.

  Richard patted my back. “I was mad. No man wants to make a big romantic gesture and be turned down. It was a knee jerk reaction and I regret it.”

  “Can’t change it now,” I mumbled, wiping the tears from my cheeks.

  “A few nights in prison isn’t the end of the world. Let me a take you to a hotel. You’ll be reunited in a few days. I’d suggest you take that time to think about him and whether or not he can provide the life you truly want.”

  Richard didn’t wait for a response. He started the jeep and raced away from the cop shop. Away from the love of my life.

  I stared at the trees as we drove. The ocean poked between the green foliage, but it went by in a blur. Time wouldn’t change my feelings or what I wanted. Dean was my future. If only I’d told Dean how I felt. I would never regret choosing him. But holding onto my feelings was a mistake. For the next few days he’d be locked up, never knowing I loved him. Never knowing I wanted to live with him, marry him and make babies with him. I placed my hands over my stomach and smiled. The next time we saw each other, I’d tell him everything. No more holding back.

  Chapter 9

  DEAN

  “Sixty-two. Sixty-three,” I counted out loud the number of sit-ups.

  This was the third set of a hundred. Working out kept my mind busy. The physical exertion would hopefully exhaust my body enough to pass out for a few hours. I hadn’t slept much since being locked-up. I was too restless and desperate for answers.

  Days without Arielle seemed like weeks. Without access to natural light or a clock, I had no concept of time, but it felt like an eternity since I held her last. After they took her, no one returned for hours and she never came back. I went stir crazy, pacing the six by eight-foot cell while imagining the worst.

  My ears came within an inch of the filthy concrete floor and perked as keys rattled on the other side of the main doors. “Sixty-four,” I grunted as sweat dripped down my face.

  When the door opened, I jumped to my feet. There were only a handful of officers that came back and none of them talked to me. I respected men in uniform, but not one person would answer my questions. They did their job, delivered food and left me alone.

  “You’re up.” The cop unlocked my cell and tossed a shirt at me. “Put that on. It’s time to move.”

  It was one of my t-shirts. They’d gone through my bag. There was nothing of value to steal, but I’m sure they’d figured that out. I pulled the black cotton over my head.

  “Where is Arielle? The woman I came in with. What have you done with her? If anyone so much as laid a finger on her, I’ll kill—”

  “Alto! Keep your mouth shut and you’ll see her again.”

  My pulse raced. “She’s safe?”

  “No idea and I don’t care. Hands behind your back.”

  I obliged, and he slapped a pair of handcuffs on my wrists. “Where are you taking me?”

  “To the airport for your flight home. Time to leave Mexico.”

  Arielle had found a way to save me. I smiled as the officer escorted me outside. It was dark, but I breathed in the fresh warm air, letting it fill my lungs. I searched the parking lot. Other than a handful of beat-up trucks, the lot was empty. She wasn’t at the police station. I climbed into the back of their truck without protest.

  The drive to the airport went quick. I barely took in the scenery and didn’t care if I ever saw the ocean again. I needed to see Arielle. Her safety was all that mattered. When they pulled up to the arrival gate, I scanned the tourists for a familiar face, but didn’t see her.

  “Don’t return,” the officer said as he uncuffed me. “Unless you want to spend real time behind bars,” he added, handing me my bag and passport.

  I had no intention of returning. I nodded and put my passport in my back pocket. Digging through my bag, I found my cell. It was dead. I couldn’t call her. I stepped inside the brightly lit airport and my heart skipped a beat.

  Waves of chestnut hair drifted behind her as Arielle ran towards me. Her flip-flop sandals smacked against the tiles. She looked stunning, wearing a yellow summer dress and a warm smile. I closed the distance in three large strides.

  “Dean!” She wrapped her arms around my neck as I lifted her into my arms.

  “I missed you so fucking much.”

  My lips smacked against hers with more force than I intended. She opened her mouth and my tongue invaded. I kissed her hard and didn’t release her until my lungs begged for oxygen.

  “Are you okay? Did they hurt you?” I set her down and checked her body for any signs of injury.

  “I’m fine. How are you? You look… Oh Dean. What happened to your face?”

  She reached for my cheek, but I grabbed her hand and kissed the tips of her fingers. She smelled like coconut and strawberries. A delicious mixture.

  “It’s no big deal. I haven’t seen myself, but I’m guessing there’s a bruise or two. However bad it looks; trust me it doesn’t hurt. Nothing’s broken.”

  “Who hit you?” Her eyes roamed my body as her hands trailed down my arms and settled on my hips.

  I smirked as I recalled the weak beating I’d received. I’d taken bigger hits on the offensive line. “The little shit that touched you paid me a visit. His brother’s a cop. Let’s just say it wasn’t a fair fight and leave it at that. What happened to you? They didn’t…”

  The words lodged in my throat. I closed my eyes and hugged her closer. Physically she looked perfect, but that didn’t mean nothing happened.

  “No one hurt me.” She hugged me back and kissed my chest. “Richard paid for both of our releases right away. I’ve been free for days. He really came through for me. For us.”

  The admiration in her tone stung, but I needed to hear it. “Is he here with you?”

  “He left that night. I don’t want to talk about my ex.” Arielle cupped my face and stared into my eyes. “I missed you. These past few days without you have given me way too much time to think. Let me start by saying I’m sorry. This mess was all my fault.”

  “It’s not your fault I punched him. You are mine and I’ll never let another man lay a finger on you.”

  “I find your caveman possessiveness rather sexy. Does this mean you don’t hate me? Because you have every right to. You never would have spent a night in jail if it wasn’t for me.”

  “Wasn’t my first time. I spent one night in holding after pop’s had his heart attack. Blake and I fought because I quit school. It was only once, and I never told you because I was embarrassed. I don’t hate you. I love you.”

  She smiled and a deep blush spread across her face. “I love you too. So much it overwhelmed me at first. I feared that we’d lose the connection we already had. But I’ve always loved you. Always.”

  I kissed her gently and soaked up her love as I threaded our fingers together. “Let’s go home. You can tell me about how much you love me on the flight.”

  As we went through security and boarded the plane, she explained how Richard had stepped up. He’d bailed her out and helped me. As much as I wanted to hate the guy, I couldn’t. He’d brought us together. I owed him. I could tell she was nervous about taking his job offer, but I assured her it was the right move.

  Their relationship was over. Her career would keep them close, but her romantic future was with me. I trusted her. I trusted our love could handle a job a few miles away.

  Once we settled in our seats, she told me she loved me again. I’d never get tired of hearing her say those words. She was safe and in my arms. After a long make-out session, I passed out.

  “Wake up. We’re home.” Arielle’s lips and tongue grazed my ear.

  An involuntary groan escaped. “If you keep your lips on me, we’ll never get out of here. I need a shower and a bed; and I want you in both.”

  “If it’s okay with you, I could come with you and wash your back when we get to your place?”

  “It’s more than okay
.”

  We exited the terminal, collected our bags and headed towards my truck. She chewed her lip and gazed more at the ground than at me. It was clear she had something on her mind. I’d parked my fully restored and pimped-out 1953 Chevy 3100 inside near the back wall. The blue paint sparkled even in the dim light.

  “You never answered me about moving in.” I opened the passenger door for her and held my breath.

  Arielle jumped in and smiled. “I wasn’t sure if the offer was still on the table.”

  “It is.”

  She planted a chaste kiss on my lips. “Take us home. I would love to live with you.”

  Her words were the biggest turn on. Better than any porn I’d ever watched. Arielle was moving in. My cock pressed against my zipper, desperately trying to reach her.

  “You won’t regret it.”

  I ran to the driver’s side and peeled out of the parking lot. We talked and flirted for the next hour. She described in great detail all the naughty things she’d do once I took her to bed. By the time I opened the door to the cottage-style three-bedroom house I shared with my brother and cousin, my cock was throbbing. I carried her over the threshold, and she giggled.

  “Shhh. The guys are sleeping. Let’s not wake them. I want alone time with you first. Before they pounce and take you away,” I said, carrying her down the hall to our bedroom.

  My family adored Arielle. Once my roommates saw her, the questions about our trip and her future would start. I planned to avoid them for as long as possible and had the perfect hiding spot. I gently closed and locked our bedroom door and didn’t place her on her feet until we were in the attached bathroom.

  The space wasn’t much bigger than a postage stamp which forced our bodies to stay close. True to her word, she stripped me down and washed every inch of my body. Touching and kissing her was exactly what I needed.

  There was no rush. We had all the time in the world, but her smooth fingers teased me to the point of madness. After a second wash and rinse, she gripped my shaft, dropped to her knees and wrapped her soft lips around my erection. She kept her eyes with mine as she bobbed on my cock. In less than five minutes of her deep throating, I exploded against her tongue. I bit my fist to contain the roar that threatened to wake the neighborhood.