Simmer

by Stephanie Rose

  Until I couldn’t.

  Drew

  WE SPENT MOST of the ride to my apartment in silence. I caught a couple of glances from Sara in my peripheral, but she wouldn’t utter a peep.

  “I think you scared Aaron.” Her shoulders jerked with a chuckle. “I never saw anyone back up so fast.”

  “Good. You’d tell me if he touched you, right?” I white-knuckled the steering wheel as the thought of that prick touching my girl sparked a rage in my gut. Bad enough he was making work difficult for her. When I pulled up in the parking lot, bad intentions were written all over his pudgy face.

  “Why? So, you could choke him like the steering wheel?” She folded her arms with an icy glare. “I don’t need a protector, Drew. I’ve dealt with way worse than him on my own—”

  “But you shouldn’t have had to. You aren’t alone anymore, and if he doesn’t cut all that shit out, he’s dealing with me.” I parked in front of my apartment and shut the engine off. If my stubborn girlfriend didn’t want protection, that was too damn bad. I’d make sure he didn’t come near her, and if he didn’t stop being a dick to her at work, I was all too happy to pay him a visit.

  “I didn’t take you as the jealous type, Kostas.” The corners of her mouth lifted. “Is this how you are with all the girls?”

  “Nope.” I leaned over the console and inched toward her. “I’m actually a pretty easy-going guy. But when it comes to you . . .” I gave her a quick peck on the lips. “I’m not rational. I’m unreasonable, possessive, alpha. Whatever.” I shrugged. “You may not need a protector, but you have one anyway.” I kissed her again, flicking the seam of her lips with my tongue. “Deal with it,” I whispered against her lips.

  She cupped my cheek and let out a long sigh. “What am I going to do with you?”

  “Come inside and find out.” I buried my head in her neck and nipped her earlobe before she jumped out of the car.

  “Where are the guys?” Sara asked as she scanned the empty apartment. Usually, Brian or Carlos left a trail of something when they were around, even this late.

  “They both went home.” I threw my keys in the bowl and slid my arms around her waist, pulling her back flush to my front. “Carlos headed out right after we got back from McQuaid’s. Winter break next week, remember?” I whispered in her ear as I splayed my hands on her thighs and drew her closer. Even in the baggy chef pants she had to wear, her perfect ass beckoned to me. “Why? Am I not enough?” I brushed her hair to the side and grazed the nape of her neck with the tip of my tongue. I smiled against her skin when she slumped against me. “Plus, now you can scream as loud as you want,” I taunted as I cupped her ass, pressing my thickening cock into her back.

  “I don’t scream.” Her voice dipped to that throaty rasp I loved as she tried to argue.

  “Oh, you scream, all right.” My hand drifted up her leg, brushing her core just enough to make her shiver in my arms. I wanted to take my time tonight, but after the buildup at the restaurant earlier and feeling her so pliable to my touch, I forgot any romantic plans I had. Fucking her hard against the wall and proving how loud she really did scream was all I wanted.

  “Wait,” she half groaned as she stepped away from me. “I need to clean up.” She grabbed her duffel bag and headed toward my bathroom.

  “You’re only going to get dirty anyway, and I love you filthy, remember?” I grabbed her arm and pressed a light kiss to her lips.

  “Give me a few minutes.” She kissed my chin before squirming out of my hold.

  I laughed as I trudged back to my room. Our apartment was empty and clean, ready for part two of my Valentine’s Day surprise for Sara. Part one was in the small box on my nightstand. Sometimes, it felt like the age difference was reversed and I was the one showing her things for the first time. I’d never understand how I was the first man to love Sara, but I would fight like hell to make sure I was the last.

  “Hey, Caldwell!” I called as I peeled my shirt off and lay back on my bed. “Did you fall in? You couldn’t have been that dirty—”

  My jaw went slack as all the blood in my body redirected to my dick. Sara stood in the doorway of my bedroom with cherry red lips and a matching red nightgown that fell so short, I could make out the red, see-through thong underneath. Her chestnut hair cascaded down her back and shoulders, grazing the top of her breasts that almost spilled over the neckline. Drool pooled at the corner of my mouth as she came closer, my heart hammering in my chest as my cock swelled to the point of pain.

  She climbed on top of me, her hair tickling my chest as she painted featherlight kisses up my stomach. I fisted the silky strands as she inched lower, lipstick prints making a trail down my hips until she yanked down my boxers and swallowed me whole.

  “Sara,” I growled as my hips bucked off the bed. She dug her palm into my stomach to push me back as her head bobbed up and down, swirling her tongue over the tip and inching up and down my length. My cock pulsed as I grabbed the back of her head, tortured whimpers falling from my lips. This woman was going to kill me tonight, and I didn’t care if she did. She was my heaven and I’d die a happy man.

  I fell out of her mouth with a wet pop. Peering down at her as I chased my breath, I crooked my finger.

  “Get up here. Now.”

  She leaned her elbow on my stomach and rested her head on her hand, a wry grin splitting her lips.

  “Or what?”

  I sat up and grabbed her by the arms, pulling her up toward me and flipping us over so I was on top.

  Taking her mouth in a ravenous kiss, I pinned her wrists above her head. She writhed beneath me, moaning as she fought to wriggle out of my hold, but I wasn’t budging.

  “You’re ruining my plans.” I ran my nose along the delicate curve of her jaw and down her neck, biting the skin behind her ear then soothing it with my tongue. “I was going to be romantic and slow and sweet.” I nudged her legs apart with my knee.

  “Why?” She squirmed against me, my erection jerking against her when I realized how wet she already was. Yep, she was going to kill me.

  “Valentine’s Day. I wanted to give you romance.”

  “We can be slow and sweet later. Can’t you just fuck me?”

  A sharp gasp escaped her as I let go of her arms, yanked off her panties, and granted her wish. My eyes fluttered as I moved in and out of her tight pussy, already clenching around me like a vise. I tried to keep my thrusts easy and light, but I lost control and pounded into her. Her breasts spilled all the way out of the nightgown and I dipped my head to suck on one of her nipples. Sara cried out, her fingernails digging into my back and cutting into my skin as I picked up the speed.

  “I love you. I love you so much,” she croaked as a layer of sweat draped over us. I exhaled a breath of relief when she pulsed around me. Hearing her say “I love you” with so much need and want tipped me right over the edge. She’d been on the pill a few weeks and feeling her bare already had me close to coming the second I was inside her.

  She giggled as I collapsed on top of her and dropped my head on her shoulder.

  “I didn’t give you your gift yet.” I lifted my head and wiped the damp hair off her forehead.

  “This wasn’t it?” She peered at me with tired eyes.

  “Nope. What kind of guy do you think I am?” I reached over her and grabbed the box on my nightstand.

  “Drew, what did you do?” She gathered the sheets around her and sat up. Her breath hitched when she opened the velvet box.

  “This is . . .” she trailed off as her finger glided down the white gold chain and the charm in the middle.

  “It’s a diamond spoon. Well, a couple of diamonds anyway. Wait until we sell this app and I’ll add some more.” I kissed her forehead. “This is only part one. Part two comes tomorrow.”

  “I didn’t get you anything.” She sniffled and wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand. “Why do you have to be so damn wonderful, Kostas?”

  “Didn’t get me anything?” I la
y back on the bed and pulled her toward me. “You in that nightgown? Crawling on top of me? When I’m an old man on my deathbed, that will be my last thought, and I’ll go with a smile on my face.”

  A laugh slipped out through her sniffles, but her eyes wouldn’t meet mine.

  “I have you. I’m covered for every holiday until the end of time.”

  Sara buried her head in my chest and hiccupped a sob.

  “Hey.” I tapped her shoulder to make her look up. This wasn’t the first time Sara cried without a reason. Usually she tried to hide it from me, but I could always tell. I suspected it had something to do with graduation approaching, but I already had a plan. School may be over then, but we wouldn’t be. My intention was to keep it close to the chest until I found out for sure but seeing her this upset almost made me spill.

  “I. Love. You. Anything else, we’ll figure out. Okay?” I jutted my bottom lip in a pout to make her laugh, but only got a half smile.

  “It’s late.” I cradled her cheek but couldn’t make her look at me. “You need sleep, and I need time to shower off all the lipstick below the waist.”

  She nodded, pecking my lips before coming back to my chest. I ran my fingers through her tangled hair until she fell asleep. Her brow crinkled even in her dreams. I sent up a silent prayer that this would all work out. I wouldn’t lose her . . . I couldn’t.

  Sara

  “GET UP, CALDWELL,” Drew sang in my ear as he fought me for the covers.

  “Go away!” I draped the pillow over my head and groaned. Even after a long, dreamless sleep I was still exhausted. Anything that required getting out of bed or putting on clothes didn’t interest me.

  “Your other present should be here in less than an hour. You have a head full of sex hair and need a shower. Get up before I carry you in there myself.” A loud smack filled the silence, my ass having a delayed reaction and stinging from the contact.

  “Ow! Are you going to slap my ass every day now?” I lifted my head to glare at Drew. “Once was cute—all the time, not really.” I huffed before sitting up and throwing off the covers.

  “Aw, did I hurt you, baby?” Drew lay on his stomach next to me and rolled me to my side, peppering wet kisses up my thigh over the raw soreness left by his hand print. I grumbled, half turned on, half pissed off. Letting myself enjoy his way of making it better for one more minute, I pulled away before rising from the bed and sifting through my bag for some clothes.

  “I’m going, I’m going.” I lumbered toward the bathroom when he stopped me and pulled me back.

  “Good, since last night you were coming, and coming,” he growled in my ear. I pushed him away as a laugh rumbled out of his chest.

  “You’re out of control. And what time did you get up?”

  “About an hour ago. Showered, straightened up, tried not to take advantage of the naked, sexy as hell woman sleeping in my bed.” He jutted his chin to the hallway. “Go!”

  I couldn’t help but laugh as I sauntered into the bathroom. I loved that pain in the neck so much.

  So much my heart was beginning to break.

  “All right. I’m dressed and showered.” I stalked over to where Drew was sitting on the couch with his laptop pounding on the keys. My boyfriend was such a hot nerd. Watching him in his element gave me a chill. “Where are we going?”

  “We aren’t going anywhere. Your surprise is coming here.” The doorbell chimed in perfect timing. “And here it is.” Drew grabbed my hand and dragged me toward the door. “Now close your eyes, no peeking.”

  “Seriously? Fine,” I huffed, even though I was loving this little game Drew was playing.

  With one hand draped over my eyes, he reached across my waist and clicked the locks on the door.

  “Surprise!”

  My eyes took a minute to focus before they grew saucer-wide.

  “Hi, Mommy!” Victoria squealed before she barreled into my waist.

  “Victoria!” I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed. Did she get taller since Christmas? “Oh my God, what are you . . . how did you . . .” I lifted my watery gaze to Josh standing behind her.

  “Drew’s idea. He even found somewhere for Brianna and me to stay for the next couple of days not too far away. It’s a vacation for all of us.”

  “It’s a breakfast bed!” Victoria chirped.

  “Bed and breakfast, I think,” I whispered, trying to hold back tears of joy this time. I turned to Drew, beaming like the cat who ate the canary. “This is my part two?”

  He nodded. “Yep. Guys are gone until Wednesday, and Brian is the neat one of the three of us, so I have her all set up in his room. Freshly cleaned, new sheets, he’s even got comics in there, but try to put them back exactly how you found them,” he said to Victoria in a loud whisper. “So, it’s the three of us for the long weekend. Good surprise?”

  I flung my arms around his neck so tight he choked out a cough. “The best surprise ever,” I whispered in his ear. “I missed her so much.”

  “I know,” he whispered back.

  I craned my head to Josh. “Thank you for bringing her here.”

  “Sure. And the ‘breakfast bed’ looks pretty sweet. Brianna could use a break.” His smile faded before he gave me a shrug. My heart broke for what they were going through. The last time I’d spoken to Josh they had seen a fertility specialist who was optimistic, but Brianna was still resisting.

  “I never loved President’s Day so much!” I pulled Victoria in for another hug and my heart leaped at her giggle. “We’re going to have the best weekend ever!”

  She replied with a stern nod. “We have a ton of plans.”

  “We?” I squinted at Drew.

  “Yeah! We’ve been talking about it for weeks.” Victoria bounced with excitement. “I almost messed up and told you a few times.”

  Victoria asked Drew for his cell number before I left Queens, so they could “talk about comics on her iPad.” I’d caught them going back and forth quite a bit and loved that they formed such a nice friendship, but I had no clue they were plotting a surprise.

  “I didn’t realize I was this out of the loop.”

  “Drew is pretty persistent.” Josh handed Drew Victoria’s backpack. “You guys have fun. I’ll see you Wednesday morning, Sweets.” He kissed her forehead and headed back to the car.

  “Bye, Dad.” Victoria waved at Brianna in the front seat and she waved back to both of us with a sad smile. I’d gotten to know her a little over Christmas and could see her infertility was affecting her in a big way. I hoped the weekend away would be good for them both.

  “All right.” Drew rubbed his hands together. “First things first. Did you eat breakfast yet?”

  “No.” My daughter clicked her tongue in irritation. “We left when it was still dark, in the middle of the night. I’m starving!”

  “Okay, then. Sara, get your jacket. We’re going to the pancake house!”

  Her nose scrunched up at Drew. “But it’s noon. Are they open?”

  “Pancake house serves all day long, pretty girl!”

  “Wow! Okay, Mommy. Get your jacket on!” She grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward the door.

  Drew handed me my jacket and planted a quick kiss on my cheek. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Gorgeous.”

  I took in a sharp breath to stop a tear from sneaking down my cheek and mouthed “I love you” before Victoria dragged me outside. When we stepped in the car, I called McQuaid’s and called out for three days. The restaurant would be slow this week, and I was allowed five days of paid time off I’d never dreamed of taking until now. Spending three days with Drew and Victoria was well worth the few hours of overtime I’d lose.

  Until that moment, I didn’t know there were levels of falling in love. Granted, I’d never actually been in love before Drew, but what he did for me and my daughter, sacrificing his winter break and his apartment to entertain a nine-year-old because he would know how much it meant to me, it was too much. I pictured the Grinch cartoon Victor
ia loved and the part at the end when his heart grew three sizes and burst off the screen. My heart swelled so much, it really did feel like it burst. The Grinch and I had a lot in common before I’d met Drew. I saw things differently. I felt things other than anger and frustration. He showed me a different kind of life.

  A life I wanted more than anything, but wasn’t sure how to keep.

  Drew

  “WHAT ARE WE doing today?” I set my plate of pancakes and bacon on the table and took a seat next to Victoria. Since she arrived a couple of days ago, the three of us had been nonstop. Sara was shocked there was so much for a kid to do this far upstate, and when I’d first researched places to take a nine-year-old, so was I.

  Her nose crinkled as she leaned back and crossed her arms. “Can we just hang out here? Get a movie. I’m tired, Drew.” Her lips pursed as she speared the last piece of pancake.

  “Tired?” I laughed and nudged her sock-covered foot under the table. “You’re the kid, pretty girl. You’re supposed to have a ton of energy.”

  “I ran out of it.” Victoria scrunched her nose at me. “Can’t we stay here?”

  “Did I ever tell you,” Sara whispered as she draped her arm around me from behind and kissed my cheek, “when you’re not here, he makes me run on the track at six o’clock in the morning.”

  Victoria gulped her glass of milk and set it down, gaping at the both of us. “Six o’clock? That’s too early!”

  I craned my head to plant a quick kiss to Sara’s lips. “I’m guessing you want to be lazy, too?”

  “Lunch and home for a movie isn’t lazy.” Sara tilted her head with her sexy lips twisted in a smirk. If we were alone, being home all day would have been fine with me.

  “Yes, it is! It’s a beautiful, sunny day. I’m dragging you ladies out.”

  “It’s supposed to be freezing today anyway.” Sara’s hair was piled on the top of her head and she wore my T-shirt over her leggings as pajamas. So beautiful and so mine—in my clothes and in my apartment. I wasn’t looking forward to letting either of them leave on Wednesday. “It’s not who you are, but let’s be lazy.”