Rough Spark: Big Flirt Series Book Two

by Echo, Kristen

  “I’ve got a hot date,” I announced, pulling her against my chest. “Ladies, I’m stealing Gemma away right now.”

  “You two have fun.”

  My folks had always loved Gemma. Her last name never mattered. Even though they hadn’t approved of our decision to date in secret, they had respected our wishes. When the truth came out, they defended us and tried to reason with the Newburys. It only caused more problems. Countless inspections, audits and better business bureau complaints had followed. Our business was struggling. With grit and determination, we stayed open. One wrong move and we could lose it all.

  Messing around with our enemy’s daughter was most likely a nail in our coffin, but I was powerless to stop. I loved her too much to be prudent. She hadn’t returned for me, but I knew she’d stick around this time. Knowing she was mine made me want to shout it from the rooftops. I wanted to celebrate our love.

  “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Janet added.

  “A date.” Gemma’s brow lifted. “I recall you saying you didn’t date.”

  I gripped her hand and tugged her towards the exit. “Love makes men do things they might not otherwise have considered.”

  A chorus of awes followed. Once we were outside, the sun kissed her face, illuminating her beautiful features. She chewed on her lip as her eyes searched the street. It was empty. Too damn hot for people to be loitering about when they could be at the lake, dipping their toes in the crystal-clear waters.

  “This way. Ice-cream shop is only a block down. Dessert before the main meal.” I planned a leisurely walk to the park where we first kissed. It was corny as fuck, but I figured she might like the stroll down memory lane.

  Her arm extended as her feet stayed locked in place. “I can’t.”

  “Why not? I have a rare evening off, and I’d like to spend it with you.”

  “Because… there is too much to do. The funeral is tomorrow.”

  “Your mom handled it,” I reminded her. “All you need to do is show up. The house is all boxed up. We deserve a night off.”

  Her long lashes landed against her cheeks as she exhaled. “I’m supposed to meet my parents for cocktails at the Lodge in a few minutes. They want me to sleep at their place so we can head to the funeral together in the morning.”

  “Oh. You never mentioned it.”

  “I wasn’t sure I would go. Then my mother sent me a text demanding I attend.” She pulled her hand from mine and twisted her fingers. “I’d rather go for ice-cream with you, but I have to make an appearance. It starts shortly.”

  “I’ll go with you.”

  Her eyes met mine. “That’s not a good idea.”

  We hadn't been out. I didn't think it was an intentional move on her part, and it didn't bother me until now. I didn’t want to set foot in that hoity-toity lodge, but I would do it for her. This felt an awful lot like history repeating. I wouldn't be her secret again.

  “Those assholes treat you like shit. Let me take you. I want to be there if you need me.”

  “It won’t be that bad.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Well, it won’t be fun, but I can handle one night with them. You’d be bored to death listening to them ramble about stock options and the latest vacation destination. I appreciate the offer.”

  “Are you ashamed of me?”

  “No.” She ran her hand down the front of my shirt. “I’m ashamed of them.”

  “Then why not let me take you?”

  “They wouldn’t let you through the door. I’m trying to save you the embarrassment.”

  “Sounds more like you’re saving yourself the embarrassment.” I pushed her hand away. “I’m good enough to fuck but not to be seen on your arm. I stupidly thought things were different this time.”

  Her eyes filled with moisture. “Please, Blake. You have to trust me. I’d love to go on a date with you. I love you.”

  All my indignation disappeared when the tears spilled down her cheeks. I trusted her but hated that I didn’t fit into her world the way she fit into mine. I had to let her enter the wolf den on her own. Those were her people.

  I hugged her and kissed the top of her head. “Go. We’ll do something another night.”

  She hugged me tight. “I’ll call you once I’m finished with all my obligations.” Her hold loosened, and she stepped back, adding more distance than I wanted. “Once the funeral is over, we’ll be free to do whatever we want.”

  I nodded, staying silent. If I opened my mouth, she wouldn’t like the words that burned my throat.

  Gemma always put the needs of others before her own. It was my job to take care of her. Everyone expected her to cater to their whims, I refused to be like everyone else. My need to show her off and date like normal people, was equally selfish. She wasn’t your average woman. This wasn't the time to press my agenda.

  “I love you,” she said, pulling my face towards her. Her lips pressed against mine, soft and gentle. A chaste kiss. “I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

  Again, I didn’t respond. Even though I knew this wasn’t her idea, it was her decision to go. She opted to put their demands above our relationship. I would never be able to compete with them and their money. Shit like this would end up being a common occurrence. I had some soul searching to do. Maybe having time alone to think wasn’t a bad thing.

  “Thank you for understanding.” She turned and stepped away.

  “Don’t thank me,” I grunted as a familiar truck pulled alongside the curb. The windows were down, and the tunes masked the sound of Gemma’s steps. Resting my hands on the doorframe, I poked my head inside. “Hey, Kirstin. What brings you by?”

  “Heard through the grapevine that a certain heartbreaker was back in town.” She kept her hands on the stirring wheel as her brown eyes met mine. “Just wanted to check on you. Judging by the scowl on your face, you could use a friend.”

  I smirked. Kirstin was a straight-shooter, and she knew me well. Our relationship had been easy. No drama, secrets or hidden agenda.

  “Perfect timing,” I said with a smile. “You just reminded me of an old expression.”

  “Oh yeah. Which one?”

  I glanced over my shoulder and watched my woman leave. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

  Chapter Ten

  Gemma

  Sleeping alone sucked. The crestfallen look on Blake’s face when I declined his invitation haunted me. There would be a lot more nights alone if I didn’t pull my head out of my ass. I should have gone on our first official date instead of placating my parents. After a horrible evening, I’d snuggled under the covers, tossing and turning for hours. I hated the cold space next to me where Blake should have been. The bed didn’t have his scent. I punched the pillow and rolled onto my back.

  The modern tray ceiling and pot lights differed from the rustic wood slats at my grandfathers. There was no warmth or charm in my parent’s house. The art on the walls was selected for design; not for appeal or personality. It didn’t feel like home. All the luxuries in the world didn’t compare to the lakefront cottage. I couldn’t believe my mother planned to sell it as though it meant nothing. The memories were priceless. If I had a choice, I’d buy that place and live there forever. I’d fill each room with my paintings and Blake’s babies. Assuming he’d forgive me.

  “Idiot,” I mumbled into the darkness.

  In a short amount of time, I’d become used to his presence. I craved his touch. I missed him.

  My heart clenched as I glanced at my phone on the nightstand. There was no message or missed call. I’d debated contacting him when I’d returned from the Lodge, but it had been after two. He didn’t need his slumber interrupted to hear me whine about the lives of the rich and privileged.

  I dragged myself out of bed and showered. The tears dripped at a steady pace, matching the flow from the showerhead. I wasn’t ready to bury my grandfather. Once the estate was finalized, everything would go to my mother. I’d be forced to either leave town or for
feit my allowance. Leaving wasn’t an option. I’d be penniless. My bank accounts were shared. Nothing was mine. Except the car, which I hated. It had been a graduation present. At least it would fetch a few dollars to tide me over for a few months until I secured employment.

  The river stones rubbed my feet as the jets pounded the knots on my shoulders. I lingered until the room was filled with steam and my fingerprints wrinkled from the moisture. Wrapping the plush towel around my body, I sighed. The anti-fog mirrors reflected melancholy and pale listless features. Far from the warrior I needed to be today.

  I squared my shoulders. “Get through today. Then you have the rest of your life to look forward to. You can do this. Be strong like him.”

  My grandfather was a superhero. If I could channel even a quarter of his energy, I’d be able to hold it together. I placed my hand over my heart and closed my eyes. His physical presence wasn’t needed for me to feel him. His love and support surrounded me.

  “Forever in my heart.” I wiped away a tear and sniffled.

  With a nod of my head, I marched out of the attached bathroom. Using the remote, I opened the blackout blinds. As the dawn of a new day spread its light over the room, I sat at the dressing table and added the finishing touches to the eulogy. Once I was satisfied with the words, I took my time getting ready. Styled my hair in loose curls and pinned the side with an antique pin I’d found that once belonged to my grandmother. As I donned the outfit Blake had selected, a sense of panic settled over me.

  I grabbed my phone and dialed his number. I needed to hear his voice. When he didn’t answer, I tried not to take it personally. If the roles were reversed and he’d ditched me to hang with people who hated my guts, I’d be upset. I’d probably need a few days to calm down. He was most likely at work. I pushed aside the prickling possibility he was avoiding me, or the even more heartbreaking chance he was with Kirstin. I’d spent my night with jerks while he entertained his ex. When I heard him say her name as I left, it had taken superhuman strength not to turn around. I wasn’t ready to see her, and I trusted Blake. The only reason he wasn’t by my side was because I had pushed him away. I had to stop doing that.

  Leaving the bedroom, I stepped outside. The scent of wildflowers danced through the air. I could stare at the lake for hours. Gentle waves crashed against the beach a few feet away. I spotted my mother and father seated on the lanai. A pitcher of sangria was half empty on the table between them. Neither looked up from their tablets as I approached.

  “You’re both up early.”

  My mother glanced at the diamond encrusted watch on her wrist. “Our hair and makeup crew will arrive shortly.

  “I won’t be needing their assistance. I couldn’t sleep, so I—”

  “Don’t be ridiculous.” Her eyes drifted up from the screen and roamed my body. “Unacceptable.”

  “Excuse me? I’m perfectly capable of dressing myself and painting my face.”

  Her eyes narrowed into angry slits and her lips pursed. I shouldn’t have opened that can of worms. For the next twenty minutes, my mother criticized. My hair wasn’t right. My outfit lacked elegance. I hadn’t worn enough makeup to cover the dark circles under my eyes. As usual, my father ignored us. If the conversation wasn’t about golf or sailing, he wasn’t interested. I tuned her out and watched the boats coast over the water as her list went on and on.

  When the crew arrived to fix me, I welcomed the escape but declined their services. Looking the part of the perfect daughter wouldn’t turn me into one. The only reason I attended the function at the Lodge and agreed to travel to the funeral with my parents was to honor my grandfather. I’d give him today before I severed all ties with the Newburys. They could keep the money. I was done being their pawn.

  By the time we arrived at the funeral chapel, I was a nervous wreck. I hadn’t heard from Blake. Everything I had to say deserved to be said in person. I owed him more than a text or voice message.

  Playing my part as a dutiful daughter, I walked into the chapel with my parents. We presented a unified front. A loving family, mourning the loss of our patriarch. When we reached the front, my mother dabbed at the corner of her dry eye with an embroidered silk handkerchief. A fake show for the strangers.

  I sat facing the casket. My chest tightened. I reached for my mother’s hand, seeking support. She brushed it away and shook her head. Her rebuff shouldn’t have surprised me, but the sting wasn’t easily dismissed. I was all alone to mourn. The air-conditioning and fans couldn’t keep up with the midday heat that wafted in every time someone entered. There was only one person I wanted to show up, and I’d told him to stay away.

  A tear clung to my lashes. I blinked it back, but another followed. My mother glared at me.

  “Pull yourself together. Don’t embarrass us.” She offered no gentle touch or words of comfort.

  No amount of preparation had equipped me for the mountain of sorrow that came with officially saying goodbye. As the service started, the grief hit so hard I couldn’t catch my breath. Containing the dam of tears that threatened to erupt at any moment took every ounce of my willpower. I needed Blake next to me, holding my hand. I clutched my chest and searched the pews for this face.

  Hidden in the back row, I spotted him. I nearly broke down as his intense blue eyes fixed with mine. He came for me. The first tear escaped as his love wrapped around me from across the room, giving me strength. I mouthed thank you as my father mumbled something about unwelcome guests and a lack of security.

  The priest spoke, but I heard nothing. I was too devastated. This was real. My grandfather was gone. When my time came to speak, my mother placed her hand on my thigh.

  “Change of plans,” she whispered. “The eulogy will be delivered by the priest. You’re in no condition to address a crowd.”

  “Fine. My words weren't for anyone but him anyway.”

  As she removed her French manicured nails from my leg, my tears stopped. I listened to the standard memorial spiel and completely disconnected. The words could have been about anyone. Insert name… blah blah blah. As soon as the singer began the first verse of Hallelujah, the audience climbed to their feet and I bolted down the center aisle.

  I could have been more discreet, but I didn’t worry what anyone thought of me in that moment. All I cared about was being in Blake’s arms. Hearing the steady and calming rhythm of his heart propelled my legs forward. I watched him push through the crowd. His broad shoulders were covered in a suit jacket that I knew he wore to blend in. When he stepped onto the red carpet, I tripped, stumbled forward and launched myself against the hard planes of his body.

  He caught me. “Do you need to sit?”

  “No. I just need you.”

  “I’ve got you,” he cooed, hugging me.

  The warmth from his touch wasn’t stifling like the air in the room. I breathed him in, taking solace in the familiar. I gripped the back of his polyester jacket with two fists. He stood still like a rock. Sturdy and solid, allowing me time to get my footing. With my face buried in his embrace, we stood in the center aisle until the song ended.

  “You have no idea what this means to me. I pushed you away and yet here you are. I don’t deserve you,” I whispered.

  All eyes were on us. He shrugged his big shoulders. “I had to make sure you were okay.” He gripped my chin, tilting my face. Our eyes met and his lip lifted into an uncomfortable smile. “Maybe we should sit or leave. We’re kind of stealing the show.”

  I chuckled. “Let them stare. This is one way to announce our relationship.” I released his jacket and grabbed his hand. Threading our fingers, I brought his hand to my mouth. I kissed the back before placing it over my heart. “Sorry for yesterday. I should have chosen you over them. I’ll never make that mistake again.”

  His full lips switched into the sexy and confident smile I knew and loved. “Pretty big declaration.”

  “I love you,” I said loud enough for all to hear, including my parents. “If you’ll have me, I�
�d like to spend the rest of my life making it up to you.”

  “Scandalous,” someone said.

  The murmurs nearby only fueled my desire to leave. There was no reason to stay. I lifted onto the tips of my toes and kissed his lips quickly. I didn't care about decorum. Screw everyone here if they didn’t like what they saw.

  The priest tapped the microphone and cleared his throat. “Be seated.”

  Blake separated his mouth from mine. “Stay or go?”

  “Take me out of here,” I replied.

  He draped his arm over my shoulder and escorted me out of the chapel. “Bold move, Gemma,” he said as the doors closed behind us.

  I gripped the front of his white shirt and pulled him towards the stretched limo idling at the curb. The driver leaned against the hood, lighting a cigarette. He motioned to help, but I waved him away.

  “Your services aren’t required. Enjoy your break,” I said. I opened the door, shoved Blake inside and followed. Once the privacy screen was in place, I crawled between his legs and unbuckled his belt.

  “What are we… what are you doinggg?”

  The last word hung in the air as I pulled his cock from his briefs and licked the crown. With our eyes locked, I swallowed the glorious mushroom cap. Silky smooth. Wrapping my lips around his girth, I tightened my grip around his shaft.

  He’d blown my mind by showing up when I needed him. It was time for me to blow his mind. I played with his balls as I took as much of his length as I could fit into my mouth. His hands dove into my hair and he moaned as I squeezed and pumped his cock. I went slowly. Licking, sucking and teasing. Soon he took control, thrusting his hips, feeding me more and plunging down my throat.

  “I’m going to cum and fill your pretty mouth,” he hissed. “But you’re going to cum with me.”

  A second later, he flipped me over. His cock never left the tight seal of my lips as he laid me down on the bench. The scruff on his face rubbed against my thighs. He parted my knees. His hot breath tickled my skin as he lifted my dress and kissed my sex. Hovering over me, he had full control.