2X The Hear

by Nicole Elliot

  “Hi, Natalie.” I gruffed. Just my sister, calling at the worst times as usual.

  “Hey, what are you doing?”

  “Checking NASDAQ and day trading.” It was around three so the numbers were good, I could up my profits today. I had to be careful with day trading, I don’t want to make more than a few grand with penny stocks.

  “Of course. Do you want to meet me for dinner?” I wanted to say no. But there was a longing in her voice. Kit must be gone again.

  “Kit’s gone again?” I asked her. I felt her scowl.

  “Kevin…and yes he is. He left yesterday.” Her voice rang, she must be in her office.

  “Sorry. Yeah, we can have dinner. What time?”

  “I’ll be there in a few hours. I have some clients left.”

  “Okay, see you.”

  I felt bad for her, honestly. I know she loves the guy, but he was never around. Hell, Emilia was just down the street and it killed me not being able to see her. Speaking of, I still hadn’t heard back from her. She had to be done with work by now, so I dialed her.

  “Hello?” Damn, she had the sexiest voice. Like bells and flowers. It may not make sense but it does to me.

  “Emilia, you’ve been ignoring me.” I smirked.

  “Ignoring you?” I heard the smile in her voice.

  “Yes. What did Gabriella say?” She sighed.

  “Um, she said she was going to ask you to go for her.” She murmured, and I smiled like it was Christmas.

  “Uh huh, and what do you want to ask me?” I pressed. She huffed, like she did not want to see me.

  “When are you free tomorrow?”

  “Anytime. How does one work for you?”

  “That’s…fine.” I was distracted by the numbers on my computer screen, so much so that I shouted out loud when I made sure.

  “What, what is it?” She shouted, bringing me back down.

  I clicked to accept the trade and then shut it down.

  “Nothing I just made a good trade.”

  “Oh, okay. Congratulations.”

  “Thank you…what are you doing?” I heard her breathing on the end.

  “Watching television.”

  I got up from my chair, walking into my living room.

  “You aren’t going to ask me what I’m doing?” I pressed.

  “Tristan, I told you…”

  “I know. But you confuse me—you send me racy pics but you won’t have a simple phone conversation with me? That isn’t fair.”

  I was mostly playing, but even more serious. It felt like she hadn’t made up her mind about it fully, and I did not want to be played with. I had enough of that…

  “I know. I’m sorry. I know I have feelings for you but I don’t think I can do anything with them yet.”

  “Yet?” I sat on the couch, my hand running through my hair in frustration. “Look, Emilia. I like you too, much as I did not want to because…I’ve been played with enough. I know I tease you, but that’s because I like you.”

  “Tristan…”

  “I have to go, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  That turned bad pretty fast. I know, I’ve been teasing her even though she told me she did not want to be with me. But I expected her to resist. She did at first, but then I thought she was giving in. Now she was blowing hot and cold. I couldn’t take that. It confused everyone.

  Bottom line I still wanted her. My body churned for her. But I realized I’m not ready for this. It was why I’d been staying away from women in the first place, from anything other than getting my dick wet. But Emilia…she did more than that. I think…

  My doorbell ringing stopped me from entertaining that thought.

  It was Natalie. With Thai food. Just what I needed.

  “Hey.” I smiled and accepted the hug she offered. She looked like a fucking banana in her yellow pant suit, but a good banana I guess.

  “I brought your favorites.”

  She led herself to the kitchen, got the plates, and even served me my food. That is why I let her come over.

  “We have to talk about this Kit guy always leaving.” I said halfway through our meal.

  “He isn’t always leaving, he goes on business trips. It’s his job.” Her face tightened, there weren’t many conversations she would want to avoid, but this is one of them.

  “I know, but look what it does to you.” I said.

  “It makes you concerned, but I’m fine. I knew what I was getting into.”

  “Yeah I’m concerned that you are all lonely and shit. And bothering me.” That made her laugh, but only a little bit.

  “I’m not lonely. We video chat.” Her shoulders shrugged.

  “That is no way to have a sex life.” We both doubled over in laughter. That kind of stuff wasn’t awkward between us.

  It may not seem like it, but we were really close. I don’t know what I’d do without my sister, I’m just not the company type sometimes.

  “He is usually here a lot more. It’s just that right after we met, his company started this merge so he has been doing the front work. He only has a few more trips, and they won’t be as long. He’ll be here for Gabriella and Levi’s wedding.” The hope in her voice told me she was trying to convince herself of it.

  “What do you like about Kit anyway?” She rolled her eyes.

  “Kevin…and I don’t just like him.”

  “Whoa, I did not know you were in love.” A smile hinted at my face. She blushed and smiled wide.

  “It’s only been a few months, but I just know it.”

  “That’s great. You’ve told him?” She started giggling.

  “Last night over skype.” My brows raised.

  “Sis, that’s so high school.”

  “I know, but I had never told anyone before. I needed the security of the computer screen.”

  I could not stop laughing. My sister literally picked people apart in an hour and she couldn’t tell anyone she is in love with them. It was a rotunda.

  “I understand. What did he say? He better loves you too or I swear I’ll…” she placed her hand on my arm to stop me.

  “No. He does. And he sent me flowers this morning. A big ass bouquet, filled up my whole desk.”

  I kind of liked him now. I wonder if I sent flowers to Emilia…no, I have to try and respect her wishes. Much as I want to be inside of her, I can’t.

  “You’re thinking of someone.” She said.

  “Oh no,” I groaned. She could read me so easily. But she wasn’t budging. Her brows drew together as she peered at me. She might as well pull out a pen pad.

  “Oh yes, what is it? Is it planning the wedding? Is it too hard for you?” I shook my head.

  “No, not really. Gabrielle hired someone…it’s the florist.”

  “The florist?” I sighed. I guess I would have to start from the beginning.

  “At the charity ball, I met this woman. At the time, I did not even know who she was but we had sex. Thought I’d never see her again but when Levi asked me to plan his wedding, it turned out she was the florist he hired. And she did the arrangement at the ball too.”

  “Really? That was the most beautiful arrangement I had ever seen. What else?” I could not stop my eyes from rolling.

  “What? Oh um…I saw her last week. We had sex. But she told me she did not want to do that, she wants to be professional. Which I respect, and understand. But still…I can’t stop thinking about her. Not since that first night.”

  “You like her. A lot.”

  “Yeah, maybe even…I don’t want to do this again. I can’t.”

  “Tristan…”

  “No, I can’t. and I won’t.”

  “Okay, what can you do?”

  I shrugged. And I avoided the conversation because I have no fucking clue.

  Chapter Twenty Two: Tristan

  When Natalie finally left, I was all talked up and maybe even more confused. I knew how I felt about her. I know what it was. But I couldn’t act on it.

  I
wore jeans and a graphic tee shirt from one of my college clubs. I was surprised I still have them. But I did not feel like looking my best, or even decent. I knew once I saw her I would go crazy. But I did not expect this.

  She was in a bright, pink sundress. She looked like a fucking jolly rancher and I wanted to suck the shit out of every inch of her luscious body. It wasn’t low cut, but her pert little breasts filled out the top, a small swell appearing. She tied up her hair, revealing every sinuous curve of her neck and chest. Her legs were smooth and creamy, complete with a pair of white flats. Why the fuck would she do that?

  “Tristan!” fuck, had I been staring?

  I met her in her office, a small room in the back of her floral shop. The desk was big and white and took up most of the room, but it was speckled with small vases of flowers and a picture of her with a man with graying hair; he looked like her. Must be her dad.

  “Oh, yeah?”

  She blinked at me like I was dumb. Perhaps I was. She moved around her desk, hips swaying, hair bobbing. She’s like a flower patch of joy, bringing sun into my life for the first time in I don’t know how long. Maybe never.

  “I have a tentative idea—I say tentative because Gabriella said she might change it. And she’ll be here in a few minutes.” I furrowed my brow, I did not know she was coming.

  I checked my phone. Turns out I had a few messages. Levi was saying he would be here. I had no clue, I was so distracted. With good reason, anyway.

  “Okay. Levi is coming too.” I could leave. But I didn’t want to.

  “So, how has your day been?” she asked me. A timid smile forming her face.

  “Good. I slept in. As I always do since I don’t have a job.” I smirked. She shifted in her seat. I saw her looking at me, she made it obvious. Not just looking, checking me out. And it affected her. Her cheeks flushed, she rubbed her knees together. She wanted me—well, her body does.

  “I thought you do those day trains.” I chuckled.

  “Trades. But that’s nothing. It just keeps me busy. What about you?”

  “I had a meeting with an investor, to get bigger space.” My first thought was I’ll buy you a bigger space. But I kept it to myself. She liked to do things on her own, that much was obvious. But that does explain why she was dressed so nicely. I could not tell if she wore makeup, because her skin was so clear but her freckles were very prevalent. I wanted to kiss each one, memorize them.

  “That sounds really exciting. I hope it goes well.”

  Why were we ignoring it? This burn between us, we could set all these damn flowers on fire with how much we wanted each other. I wanted to shove every paper off her desk and take her against it. My cock was growing harder by the second, I could not stop thinking about her. She thinks about me too, but she hides it. Her body can’t though. Was she even wearing a bra? I could see her nipples poking through.

  We were literally saved by the bell of the door opening. That little chime made me happy though, it stopped me from acting out my thoughts.

  “Emilia?” I recognized Levi’s voice.

  I stood just as he entered with Gab. Man, they looked happy. She was in her black scrubs as always, and he was in one of his three thousand-dollar suits. I know because I have the same one.

  “Hey man.” I greeted him, and hugged Gab. I could not get over how happy they looked. He would look at her and smile. Even as we sat down, when they were supposed to be looking at what baby doll showed them, they would exchange this look. I never had that with Vivian.

  I would look at Emilia and she would look away. I should be happy she was avoiding this because I knew I wasn’t ready. But it was like my heart was begging to be broken again.

  “I think this is beautiful.” Emilia visibly relaxed at Gab’s approval. I noticed she was holding one of her sketch pads over her chest, probably to cover her erect nipples. I smiled at the thought.

  “Thank you. And this is just for the rehearsal dinner. We can carry it through the wedding or change it completely, it’s up to you.” She smiled kindly. She beamed when she talked about this stuff, she really loved it.

  It was how I was at work. Technology and I had always been friends. I understand, it understands me. I can control it, and I’m good at it. If I don’t program something at least once a day, I get a twitch. Mom says it was how I was, even as a kid.

  “We’ll have to think about it.” Gab and Levi looked at each other, but then both glanced at their watches. They really did only have a few minutes to spare.

  “No problem. But I’ll go ahead and put this order in. The dinner is Saturday, right?” They stood up, and I stood too.

  “Yes, oh and you are welcome to come. You can bring someone too.” Levi said to her, glancing at me. Asshole.

  He nodded and once they said their goodbyes, they left. I texted him for good measure.

  Asshole.

  “They really liked it. But they’ll have a laundry list for me tomorrow.” I said to Emilia.

  She grinned and set her sketch pad back down. I assumed she just wanted me to see them and suffer. My feet moved me before I could step them. I was inches from her, trapping her between the desk and my chest. She looked up at me, eyes wide. God, she is so beautiful it takes my breath away.

  “You look beautiful today.” I told her. And I meant it. It wasn’t just some ploy.

  “Thank you.” She blushed.

  There was no way I could stop myself from reaching out and touching the blush of her cheekbones. She inhaled softly, but leaned into my touch. Her eyelashes fanned over her cheeks as she did so. I cupped her cheek with my hand and brought her face up to kiss her.

  “Tristan,” she leaned back. But she was still close enough I could feel her breath across my lips. She smelled like berries.

  “Tell me to stop, and I’ll stop.”

  Her breath quickened, but she did not.

  She did not tell me to stop so I crushed my lips to hers. It had been too long. I felt her everywhere, in my fingertips and even my spine. Straight through to my cock that was rock hard in seconds. She deepened the kiss, her lips parting to make way for my tongue.

  I kept on, kissing her, claiming her mouth until I needed air. I broke away, my lips went to her neck. She arched back as she caught her breath. I set her on the desk and brought my mouth lower; lower until my mouth closed around her nipple through her cotton dress. She strained a whimper as she bucked towards me.

  I trailed my hand up her thigh, slowly until I reached her heated sex. I felt her through her cotton panties, soaking the fabric. I never though cotton panties were sexy, but she sure does make them that way.

  “Tristan, please. Touch me.”

  I growled. Hearing her beg was like a fucking best-selling song. She took my shirt off and tossed it aside, raking her nails down my front until she undid my jeans. As she did that I granted her wish, pushing her panties aside to rub her slick folds. I avoided her clit, until she whimpered so loud it turned into strangled moans.

  I tugged her dress down around her waist, revealing her pert nipples. Her nipples were hard, pointing towards me. I palmed her breast, working her clit harder, faster, until she was coming in my hand.

  “Tristan…oh yes.” Her moan was breathless. And perfect.

  But I needed to be inside of her. I kept my eyes on her as she took me from my briefs, wrapping her hand around the head of my cock and positioning me at her entrance. I saw the pleasure flow through her eyes as I entered her slowly. Every inch of me was coated by her, she clenched around me, making me groan; making my knees weak.

  “Please fuck me.” she breathed.

  I held her hips and started rocking into her. Going deep every time, until I was going faster, and faster. The desk shaking, the vases rattling. She leaned back, her tits bouncing with every thrust. It was a sight; her leaned back in ecstasy, her pussy pink and throbbing, closing around my cock like a vice. My balls tightened just at the sight of her rubbing her clit, fuck I love when she does that. I leaned
forward, caging her with my forearms on either side of her head as I kissed her. My tongue flying around hers, sucking on her lips until they were swollen.

  Her legs tightened around my waist, I could go anywhere if I wanted to. Her other hand was in my hair, holding me close to her. I kissed her neck, her collarbone, and sucked each of her nipples generously until she came.

  “Oh my…yes—yes!” She cried out, it spurred me on.

  I felt it building up inside of me, but I was holding off because I did not know how she would react afterwards. I wanted to savor it. How tight she is, how perfect I fit. How good her soft body feels against mine. I buried my face in her neck as I climbed higher, and higher.

  I thought the words; I’m in love with you. I have fallen so in love with you. But I could not say them. I just came instead, shooting my load inside of her until I was empty and spent. Collapsing against her.

  Flowers and sex still smelt pretty damned good.

  Chapter Twenty Three: Emilia

  The mental kicks I was giving myself could permanently bruise me. I mean, I told myself not to do this. Not to get with him anymore, but I did. We had sex on my desk. And it was good, as always.

  So, good I was screaming. What if a customer had walked in? I am an idiot. He makes me crazy. I have to be professional. I can’t keep doing this…

  “Do you want to grab dinner?”

  I was fixing myself up, making sure I at least looked like I hadn’t just had sex. I avoided his gaze because those emerald green eyes would make me do anything.

  “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.” I whispered. I felt his eyes on me, finally I turned to look at him.

  His hair was disheveled, a messy mop of brown and blonde. His eyes still flashed with arousal, his full pink lips parted. He was so hard to resist.

  “You’ll have sex with me but you won’t have dinner with me?” His brows tightened as he gritted his jaw. Yeah, he’s not happy. But I did not know how else to look after myself. How else to make sure this doesn’t affect my work anymore.

  “It isn’t like that.” My voice was quiet, but trembled with uncertainty. I had no idea what it was like. I did not have an idea of anything at this point.