Best (Change Series Book 3)

by Melanie Jayne

  My good mood soured. “Is my mom bothering you?” I unfolded my leg so I had both feet on the floor.

  “She’s called my place a couple of times and left messages. She wants to see you. She’s worried about you.”

  “Great,” I sighed. “I’m sorry.”

  Ramsay shook her head. She’d met my mother head on and won.

  “She’s been in contact with my attorney in Tampa on a regular basis,” I told the ladies.

  Zoe frowned. “Sounds like she isn’t going to go away.”

  I felt my stomach roll. “I’m going to have to figure something out. She’s not giving up.” I shook my head. “The only reason she’s interested, now, is because she thinks my story would make a good movie,” I said, bitterness in my tone.

  “Does she want to produce, direct, or star?” Ramsay’s tone was sharp.

  “I’d guess she’d want to star, and probably get a credit for executive producer.” I looked away because I wanted to cry from embarrassment.

  Zoe moved to rest on the arm of the chair and wrapped me in her arms. “Honey, we all have our issues with our parents.” She gently put space between us so she could look into my eyes. “This shit with your mom...you don’t have to deal with it alone. You’ve got us. And Tye’s got your back. He’d move heaven and earth to take care of you.”

  Layla crowded in behind Zoe and smoothed my hair. “You know Forde. If you need him, he’ll do whatever’s necessary.”

  “Ava doesn’t stand a chance,” Ramsay declared, eyeing my friends. “It sounds awful, but I can’t wait to see how she gets handled.”

  My mom wouldn’t win, but I hated that my friends would be exposed to her.

  Ramsay stayed after Zoe and Layla left. This visit had been such a whirlwind, I felt as though we hadn’t spent much time together.

  She stretched her legs and plopped her feet on top of the coffee table in the living room. “So...”

  I chuckled. “Where do you want to start?”

  “With your man, of course.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “He is luscious.”

  I nodded. “That’s a good adjective.”

  “I like him,” She paused, and then turned serious, her cheekbones becoming more pronounced and her lips thinning. She looked very much like her socialite mother at that moment. “I want you to tell me the truth. Does he know everything?”

  “Yes.” I curled my legs under me. “About my family, life with Ava, and everything in Tampa.”

  “And he’s handling all of that?”

  “He’s asked questions about how it was growing up, but we don’t talk about Florida. He heard the story, read the reports, and talked to that reporter, so I think he knows everything.”

  She nodded.

  “I’m lucky Ramsay.” I paused wishing I had something stronger to drink. “He listens, but he doesn’t give me pity. Sure I could see that he hurt for me, and was angry, but we don’t have to talk about it for me to know he’ll be right here beside me through the good and the bad.”

  “Honey, I’m happy you’ve found a place here.” Her eyes were shining with unshed tears. “I’m glad I could meet Tye and your circle. I like it that they care for you, but don’t smother you. You’ve always been independent, but I think that it’s good you have people to watch over you—from a comfortable distance.”

  “I’m happy.” I couldn’t hide it, I smiled often.

  “Enjoy every second of it, because you deserve it.”

  “You do, too.” I was getting a weird vibe from her. During this visit, she’d said all of the right things, but somehow she seemed a little withdrawn and watchful.

  Ramsay’s eyebrows drew together in a fierce frown. “We need to come up with a way to handle Ava once and for all.”

  “I could see if any of the guys are willing to make her disappear,” I said only half joking. I figured they probably could, but I didn’t want that weighing on my conscience or theirs.

  “Your co-workers are unique,” she said, her tone too innocent. She was studying the throw pillow as if it was the fall issue of Vogue.

  “Is there one in particular you find more interesting?” I was curious. I wished I had paid closer attention during our Thanksgiving dinner to see whom she had spent time with. “No,” she answered quickly. Too quickly.

  “I think you should come back for the New Year’s party. Heck, come for Christmas and just stay. You know you’re always welcome.” I sensed she might be a little tired of not having any real roots. “And I don’t mean you staying in a hotel like you did for this visit. Stay with us.”

  “Tye might want to have a say in that.” She was stalling.

  “You’re my family. He’d agree with my standing invite, or I could talk to Forde about setting you up in the apartment across the hall.”

  She gave a quick, noncommittal smile. “The ladies seem to think a proposal is imminent...”

  I noted her clever tactic, trying to change the subject. “That just proves my point. I’ll need family around, and you’re it.”

  “So you really think he’s gonna put a ring on it.”

  “When I say it out loud, it sounds like I’m bragging.” My cheeks heated.

  “Do you think the Golden Boy will listen to me when I tell him which styles of rings you’d most like?” She might have been giving me a superior smile, but I knew my best friend was giving our relationship her approval.

  “Ooh! Don’t call him that. He hates it.”

  “Oh? But Osi can call him that?”

  Hmm, she’d been paying close attention to Osi. I would’ve thought Rick would be her first choice, but she rarely did the obvious thing. I mean, she’d befriended me, the wallflower, when she’d been the center of the universe our freshman year.

  “The guys know it bugs him.”

  She giggled. “Seems like you might be a little protective yourself.”

  I shrugged and tried to look innocent.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Tye

  I unlocked our apartment door and dealt with the alarm. Then I helped Billie with her coat. “Were you warm enough in this?” December had turned bitter, and the clouds were spitting a snow and sleet combo. Sure, the changing weather was great for putting me in the mood for the upcoming holidays, but she wasn’t wearing much under the woolen material.

  “We didn’t have to walk far,” she said, in the process of taking off her high-heeled pumps.

  I hurried to take off my coat, and then hung both in the closet. I tracked her progress through the living room. She’d been quiet on the ride home.

  I followed her into the kitchen. “You really looked amazing tonight.”

  “Ramsay did it all.” She held up a bottle of water, silently asking if I wanted one.

  “Please.” I didn’t open it immediately. “So what did you think?” Tonight’s was our first of many holiday parties, and I was curious.

  She took a drink, and then leaned against the counter. “It was a big night for you. I knew I’d be meeting people you work with, so of course I wanted to look nice.” She sounded stressed, not like her usual teasing self.

  Tonight, she wore a berry-colored cocktail dress with a full skirt and a neckline that skimmed her shoulders. It reminded me of one of those dresses rockabilly retro girls wore. However, with the high heels and her artfully applied make-up, Billie looked glamorous rather than cartoon-like. “You’re always the most beautiful woman in the room.”

  “You should know,” she muttered.

  “What was that?” I put my water down on the island and gave her my full attention.

  She blew out a breath that billowed her cheeks. “I gather that you have known most of the single women in the room tonight, or at least that’s what they wanted me to think.” She gave me a challenging look.

  I felt the anger hit me, my muscles tensing as I readied for a fight. “Problem?” I sounded calm and cool.

  Her blue eyes met mine. “No.” She sighed loudly. “It’s not like it
was a shock to run into your priors.”

  “Did something happen tonight. Someone say something to you?” I didn’t like the thought that someone had upset her.

  “It’s no big deal,” she said, trying to brush it off.

  “Billie,” I growled. “Talk to me.”

  Her gaze locked with mine. “It’s the looks and the constant assessment, okay? Some like to let me know they’ve been there before me, and others like to hint they think I’m on borrowed time.”

  I moved toward her. “Honey, you know—”

  She sidestepped me. “I can’t help thinking how all of this is going to implode when Mrs. Shields decides to talk again. How are the people you work with going to look at me, at you?”

  I could see the pain in her eyes. “Let me handle her. I can fly to Florida or L.A. to talk to them.” We’d been circling around this topic for a week.

  “Some of the people tonight, they don’t like seeing you happy. I feel like I’m sitting on a bombshell that could hurt your career.”

  She sounded so bitter. I shrugged. “Jealousy is part of the deal. Attorneys have big egos.”

  “I don’t mean just about your award. I mean about us.” She started to pace. “One of your exes or an enemy could easily put two and two together and figure out who I am. Are you ready for that?”

  “They won’t,” I said, “and I don’t care.”

  “I don’t think you have any idea what women are capable of. Your history of hitting and then running might catch up with you and me,” she warned.

  “What? Now you have a problem with my past?” My grip on my anger slipped a little. “I’ve never lied about it. Is it going to come between us?” I felt blindsided by this.

  She shot me a look like I was a moron. “It’s always there, Tye. You’ve made no secret of your record number of conquests. I can’t forget it, because they’re always around, flirting with you, glaring at me.”

  “How long has this been bothering you?”

  “Oh please…like you don’t think about my history?” She moved back toward me, her steps less graceful. “Like you don’t think about what he did to me every time we’re in bed?” She stood toe to toe with me. “You hold back because he’s always there.” She waved her hand in front of her body.

  Oh, hell no. “Billie.” I moved in closer and dropped my voice low. “He’s not with us, or at least, he’s not with me in any way.” Her eyes reflected a vulnerable uncertainty. “I know he’s not with you when I’m licking your pussy, and you’re making those sweet sounds, or when I’m deep in you, and you’re begging me to fuck you harder.” I pulled her into my arms and ignored how stiff she felt. “It’s just you and me, babe.”

  I felt her body relax just a little, and then she stiffened again. “Then why do you make me beg for more every time, Tye? I bet you had no trouble pounding into your randoms. I’m sure you didn’t hold back with them.”

  I put space between us and raised my voice. “Are you telling me I’m not giving you what you need? Because I seem to recall you coming your brains out every time.”

  “That’s not what I’m saying...” She tried to pull away.

  I gave her more space but didn’t release her. “Then tell me what I’m not giving you.”

  She began to fidget. “I’m not saying you aren’t a good lover. You’re great, amazing.” She licked her bottom lip. “It’s just that… Please don’t hold back.” She was breathing hard by the time she finished sharing.

  “I don’t want to scare you,” I said, still being loud.

  “I know that!” she said, matching my volume. “I’m just saying I like it more when we go hard. When you push me a little.” She dropped her gaze to the floor as her cheeks turned pink.

  Jesus! I placed my hand gently under her chin and lifted her head to see her expression. She looked uncertain, nervous. I could see the tiny lines around her eyes, and there was a crease between her brows. I leaned in and kissed her forehead, hoping to calm her. “Thank you for having the courage to tell me what you need.”

  She let out a deep sigh.

  “Tonight I want to try something.” I made sure there was a note of authority in my voice.

  Her gaze darted to mine and sharpened.

  I knew I had her full attention. “Do you trust me?”

  A moment passed, and then she nodded.

  “Tonight, I need words, Billie,” I said, my voice rasping.

  Her eyes darkened with desire. “Yes, Tye, I trust you.”

  “Then, let’s go to bed.” I wanted to chuckle, but I wasn’t sure she’d understand, and I didn’t want to cause her any doubts. She trusted me with her body. I needed to make tonight the best.

  At the door to our room, I made her stop. “Go in, take off your clothes, finish your bathroom routine, and then lie on top of the covers.”

  Her eyes widened, but she hustled into the room.

  I fought a smile. Billie was full of surprises. Sexually, she was responsive and, apparently, open to more. Tonight, I’d prove to her that I could handle all her needs.

  I checked the locks and alarm again and stopped to take off my shoes and socks. When I heard her moving around the bedroom, I slid silently to the door.

  She was on her back with her hands clenched over her belly. Her right foot was fluttering from side to side.

  I strode into the room, trying to keep a fierce look on my face when I really wanted to tell her not to be nervous. I stripped out of my shirt and dropped it onto the floor. I moved to the foot of the bed and studied her from head to foot. “Unclench your hands, Billie, and place them above your head.” My voice sounded loud in the quiet room.

  I watched her take a deep breath; her tits rose and fell. Slowly, she moved her arms.

  I dropped one knee onto the bed beside her. “Such a good girl,” I cooed. I placed a light kiss on her shoulder.

  She shivered.

  I ran my chin from her shoulder to her tit. I knew the shadow of my beard was scratchy.

  Her right knee bent a little, but she then straightened it.

  I put my mouth over her nipple and sucked it into my hot mouth.

  Her body bowed up. “Ohh,” she moaned.

  She loved to have her tits played with. I couldn’t keep my hands off of them.

  I’d moved back and forth across her chest, and I knew she was primed. Her legs were open, and her foot was moving restlessly.

  Billie reached to touch my hair, but I corrected her immediately telling her, “No hands.”

  “Tye, Jesus, please,” she whispered, imploring.

  I chuckled and climbed off the bed.

  “Wait, where are you going?” She began to sit up.

  I grabbed her ankles and pulled sharply to catch her off guard. When her ass was at the edge of the bed, I fell to my knees and attacked her dripping pussy with my mouth. God, I couldn’t get enough of her.

  I used my teeth lightly on her outer lips, and she loved it. Her hips pumped, pleading for more. I sucked and tongued as I pushed two fingers inside her. I was ready to come just listening to the tiny moans and breathy sighs Billie gave me.

  Time to up the ante. I stood over her, ignoring her objections, grasped her knees and pushed her body a foot higher on the bed. Then I placed her feet on the edge of the mattress. Her knees were sharply bent. I repositioned myself between her thighs and dove back in. “Baby, I want to touch you,” I told her with my mouth hovering over her clit.

  “Do it,” she urged as her hips bucked invitingly.

  I moved my hand to the curve of her ass. I ran the tip of my fingers over what was hidden inside the crease.

  She tensed but didn’t use the safe word.

  I blew on her sensitive clit while my fingers continued to explore. When I found the rosette of her hole, I passed over it. I started to tongue fuck her then teased my finger lightly over that sensitive ring.

  She was breathing hard. I kept my mouth busy, and I coated that finger with her wetness. It replaced my t
ongue in her channel.

  “Tye…,” she cried.

  “Shh, patience baby.” I kissed the inside of her quivering thigh.

  I once again moved my hand to her ass. I circled her hole with my wet finger as I licked her pussy from top to bottom with long swipes. I held my finger at the opening, and I applied a little pressure.

  Billie exhaled. “Ahhh.”

  I kept up the pressure and breached the opening. Her muscles clenched around my finger.

  Between my mouth on her pussy and my finger slowly moving inside her ass, Billie lost her mind. When her orgasm hit, she screamed my name and trapped me between her thighs.

  When I could get free, I flipped her to her belly. I wrapped an arm beneath her to lift her hips and slid her back to me. I stayed on my feet, standing behind her.

  She instinctively went to all fours.

  “Fuckin’ perfect,” I told her as I shoved my cock into her hot pussy.

  I dropped the leash on my hunger and pounded into her.

  We were both slippery from our exertions, and I was losing my hold on her hips. I pushed her shoulders down to the bed, which changed the angle of my strokes.

  “Fuck, that’s good,” she muttered as she pushed her ass back into me.

  I kept hammering into her, not wanting it to end.

  I slid my hand under her to get at her clit. I ran the pad of my finger over the bud, and Billie went off.

  I continued two more strokes and felt my head explode.

  I somehow managed not to fall to the floor. I made it to the edge of the bed, falling face first. Dragging in deep breaths, I stuck out my hand to touch Billie. I needed to know she was all right.

  I found her arm and ran my hand up and down the soft skin. “Baby, are you with me?”

  “Hmmm,” she murmured.

  I lifted my head and shifted closer. Now, I was concerned. “Billie, did I hurt you?”

  Her body was shaking.

  I rolled her over to her back and realized that she was laughing.

  “What the fuck?”

  She opened her eyes and looked at me, finally understanding that I was worried. “Jesus, Tye, can’t a girl enjoy her post-orgasm glow?”