Trouble

by Tia Louise

  Lowering my device onto my desk, I don’t reply.

  Chapter 15

  Joselyn

  “Tree frogs can live five to nine years.” Ollie sits on the opposite end of the couch from me holding his weird little pet with the oversized orange eyes.

  He’s got on a gray-camo Old Navy hoodie, and he looks like a little man with his blond hair parted to the side. He’s such a cutie.

  I’m using Judge Judy to distract me from obsessing over Spencer, and she’s about to go off on some schmo giving her an obviously fake story. I love it when she does that.

  Glancing at Ollie, my nose curls. “Why do her eyes have to be like that? It’s creepy.”

  “She uses them to scare off predators. If she were in the forest, she’d blend with the leaves. If something gets too close, her eyes pop up.” He does a little pop motion with his hand, and his brown eyes widen.

  “She’s a freak.” I squirm, scooting farther away on the couch. “Don’t let her get on me, okay? If she got lost in my hair, I might have a heart attack.”

  “She won’t hurt you.” He flops away again, giving me a disappointed face. “People think frogs are poisonous, but they’re not. They have toxins on their skin to protect them, but it won’t kill you.”

  “Wait…” He has my full attention now. I pull my feet under me and move to a squatting position. “So you’re saying that little lady is toxic?”

  “If a dog ate her, it would get sick. But it wouldn’t die.”

  “How sick?”

  “Like throwing up and stuff, but it wouldn’t die.”

  I cut my eyes to Courtney, who’s studying her phone. “Did you know this?”

  Her brow furrows, and she looks up at me. “What happened?”

  “Chartreuse is poisonous?”

  “Pfft, no she’s not.” Court rolls her eyes, shaking her dark, curly hair. “Ollie, stop scaring Aunt Sly.”

  “It’s true, Mamma! She won’t kill you, but she can protect herself!”

  He seems so proud, I decide to go to the table and sit with Courtney rather than make him take his freaky friend to her cage. Judge Judy is midway through her lecture, but the expression on my friend’s face pulls me away.

  “Hey, is something wrong?” I put my hand on her forearm, and she gives me a weak smile.

  “It’s the usual.” She glances to where her son is absorbed by his frog and lowers her voice. “He’s back.”

  “Dammit,” I whisper. “I’m sorry, Court. What can we do? Tell me. I’ll help however I can.”

  “You focus on getting your business back on track. I’ll worry about my personal life.”

  She tries to play it off, but I can tell she’s worried.

  It makes me worry, and I rub my hand up and down her forearm, thinking. “What happened? Anything new?”

  “Oh, he’s still going on about his son and wanting his son. I’m scared he’s going to try something.”

  “Does Ollie know what to do if he shows up at school?”

  “Yeah, and I’ve talked to his teachers. They’re all aware of the situation.”

  Fine lines trace the corners of her eyes, and it aches in my chest. “You don’t need this stress. I wish there was some way I could help you.” Chewing my lip, I nervously try, “What if we moved to a different place? So he can’t find you?”

  “He’s not going to run me out of another apartment. Anyway, he’d just find us again… He always does.” Her voice simmers with quiet anger. “I need a gun.”

  Fear tightens my throat. She might be right, but I’m afraid bringing a gun into the mix could get the wrong person shot.

  “Do you know how to use a gun?” We’re speaking just above a whisper, leaning close.

  “I’ll learn.”

  My mind is racing, and I think about anything else we might do. She’s talked to the school. She’s talked to me. “What if we renewed the restraining order? You said the first one had expired… Maybe we could get a permanent one.”

  “What good is a piece of paper if he’s determined to get what he wants?” She’s so frustrated and angry, and while I can’t relate, I can empathize.

  “I won’t leave you alone. If anything, you’ve got me here.”

  Her eyes tighten, and I wish I had something better to say. “Thanks.” She squeezes my hand. “I’ll figure it out. But enough of my shit. How did it go today with Spencer? Any progress?”

  Shaking my head, I think about our session. He was so cocky in his office, acting like he was going to drop his pants to see me squirm. I’m glad he didn’t, because I don’t know what would’ve happened. I’m not sure how I’ll respond if he decides to test my boundaries. I’m only human.

  He didn’t, though. He started talking, asking questions like he wanted to open up and get to know me. Then I put my hand on his scar, and he shut down so fast, it made my head spin.

  I have no evidence, but my instinct tells me that white stripe across his shoulder is the key to why he’s alone. Why one minute he’s over the top possessive, then the next he slams invisible doors in my face.

  “One minute he acts like all he wants from me is s-e-x.” I glance towards Ollie, who is singing along with the theme to PAW Patrol and doesn’t seem to be paying attention. “The next, he’s asking questions like he wants something deeper. I feel like a yo-yo.”

  “You are not a yo-yo. You’re an intelligent woman with a killer bod. You could get any man you wanted, and you deserve one who will treat you like a queen.” She’s defensive and awesome, even in the face of the fear I know she’s feeling.

  I hop out of my chair and go around to hug her tight. “So are you.”

  “No thanks.” Her laugh is bitter, exhausted. “I’m off men.”

  “I understand,” I sigh, dropping into my chair again. “But I do need the money, and hell, I kind of like the guy.”

  “You’re screwed.”

  She’s so blunt, I start to laugh, which makes her start to laugh. I’m sure it’s the stress, but it is comforting to be together dealing with the shit.

  “I’ll make us some dinner. My problems really are minor compared to yours. I’m serious about getting that restraining order. Let’s go tomorrow and just see what the cops say. Even if it’s just a piece of paper, we can at least get it, right?”

  Her smile is so hopeless. “Sure. We can do that tomorrow.”

  * * *

  “What’s your pain level today?” My hands slide down Spencer’s warm skin, and I dig my fingers into his firm muscles as the soft notes of a muted piano waft around us.

  Today, we’re meeting after hours, which makes me nervous. On my way in, I passed Miles going home. He was friendly as always, but I didn’t like the look he gave me, like he suspected something more than massage would happen during my visit.

  “I still have some discomfort when I move in particular ways, but no more fives.” Spencer’s voice is muffled from being in the cushion. “You’re very good at your job.”

  Leaning down, I spread my palms over his lower back, carefully making my way to his heavenly ass. My palms follow the lines of his muscles, and an image of his hard body pressed against mine, holding me down as he fucked me hard, flashes across my brain.

  Clearing my throat, I banish the memory. “You’re a quick healer. We can probably make next week our last appointment.”

  “Then I won’t be your client anymore.”

  “I guess we won’t see each other anymore.” I’m not sure why I said it… Okay, I know. I want to know his thoughts on the matter.

  He lifts up onto his elbows, and I step back. “I’ve heard some people get regular massages just for the hell of it.”

  Pressing my lips together, I nod. “They do. We could certainly continue along those lines. Usually it’s a monthly type thing, but it could be biweekly.”

  “But then I’d still be your client.” Hazel eyes narrow at me. “I’m not particularly happy with this arrangement.”

  “Lie down so I can fi
nish. Please.” My voice is quiet, and he hesitates a moment before doing as I ask.

  I carefully step forward and resume working on his lower back, curling my fingers into the muscles along his hips, resting my thumbs in the large dimples at his waistband. Luscious.

  “That feels good.” His voice is husky, sexy, and heat filters through my lower belly.

  I should not be aroused by his sounds.

  I should distract my mind.

  Too late.

  “I don’t know why you’d be tired of our arrangement. You said yourself you don’t do relationships.”

  The oil is on my forearms, and I lean forward for my favorite part. Using my body weight for pressure, I slide my arms up the large muscles of his back, going all the way from his waist to the top of his shoulders.

  It’s a problematic move considering our past, because it’s not just my arms, it’s my body moving against his. My heat travels into him, and we’re slippery and oily and close.

  I can’t stop my mind from remembering being naked with him, sliding all over him, riding his hard cock. As much as I fight against these feelings, my panties are drenched, and my face is flushed.

  He’s right. I getting tired of this arrangement, too.

  Exhaling my frustration, I’m at the top of his right shoulder when I feel his warm hand on my inner thigh. I immediately freeze. My heart beats faster.

  His palm moves higher, raising my temperature. It’s flat against my leg, and when the side of his finger reaches the crotch of my pants, he slides it back and forth.

  He’s rubbing my pussy, teasing my crotch through my clothes, and I’m not moving away.

  It’s wrong and against my rules, and I’m so aroused from dragging my body against his, I could actually come.

  “That’s right…” His voice is a rumbling purr. “You’re so beautiful.”

  My breath tightens in my lungs, still I don’t move away.

  I don’t grab his wrist and make him stop. Instead, I rock my hips in time with his movements.

  “You make me so hard.” He growls. “I want to bend you over this table and fuck you until you can’t walk. I want to slide my dick inside you and come all over your sweet ass.”

  “Spencer…” My insides clench, and I struggle against my rising orgasm. “What are you doing?”

  “Tell me to stop, and I will.” It’s a rough order.

  It’s the voice of reason, giving me one last chance.

  My promise to my mom, everything I know I have to do if I actually do want to be with him, be something of value, surges to the forefront of my brain.

  “Stop.” I take a step back, placing my hand on my stomach. My heart is beating so hard, I turn away, walking on wobbly legs to the door and switching on the overhead light to break the spell. “I’ll just pack my things and go.”

  “Joselyn…” He’s tender, but I don’t look at him.

  I don’t know which version weakens me more, when he’s being a total asshole or when he’s being kind, lowering a bridge.

  I’m not sticking around to figure it out. “You have my Venmo. I’ll text you about your next treatment.”

  I wouldn’t characterize it as running, but I don’t stop until I’ve made it to the elevator. I don’t look back.

  Chapter 16

  Spencer

  She ran.

  Again.

  I couldn’t resist anymore. She was so close to me, rubbing her body against mine. Her hair tickled my shoulders, her breath skirted across my skin. I’d done my best to be good. For three sessions, I’d followed her rules. I’d distracted us with conversation. I’d distracted myself with hating the whales.

  Then she put on the sultry piano. The scent of lavender and patchouli was heavy in the air. She ran her fingers all over me, and I couldn’t stop it.

  I reached out and put my hand on her, and she ran.

  I touched her in the way I know she loves. Why the fuck is it wrong to give her what she wants?

  Growling as I slide my hand over the fading erection in my pants, I know why it’s wrong, dammit. I don’t have to have it explained to me.

  It’s just…

  It’s Joselyn.

  She’s mine.

  What?

  What the fuck is that supposed to mean?

  I saw this woman for the first time a year ago in Daisy’s store. She hated me then because I’m sure Daisy told her I was an asshole, the Simon Cowell of the group, Mr. Freeze. She was there to comfort her cousin because of something that pituitary case had done.

  I was there because Daisy had asked me for a favor.

  I was the fucking good guy for once, and there was Joselyn, glaring at me like some sort of gorgeous, fiery banshee sent to suck my soul away and leave me trying to figure out what the fuck happened to my carefully ordered world.

  Since she’s reappeared in my life, I’ve been off my game. I don’t know what I’m doing or why I can’t maintain my unquestionable control.

  It’s intolerable.

  She’s casting her witchy spell over me, massaging my muscles, healing me… And god dammit, if another man touches her, I’ll cut off his hands and shove them up his ass.

  With a growl, I scrub my fingers over my eyes. I was right to let her go. This is not like me.

  Snatching my phone off my desk, I hastily send a text to Miles. You said something about travel? I’m up for it. The longer the better.

  I’ll get out of town for a week or so, fuck someone else, and I’ll be back to normal. Nothing resets my compass like a trip to New England. I’ll get on top of this, and we can reconvene when I’ve got my head straight.

  * * *

  Of course, that isn’t how it goes.

  Miles doesn’t reply to my text until today, and it isn’t what I wanted to hear. Too late, my friend. Heather is bringing the goods to us. She and Daisy have worked out a deal where they’ll be on display in Daisy’s store until the auction.

  Fuck.

  I’m just reading his text when my phone lights up with another. It’s her.

  My friend Courtney has offered to take over your remaining sessions. She’s very good. I highly recommend her as a replacement for me.

  A growl rumbles in my throat, and I reply without even considering the consequences. I want to see you. Today. Meet me for drinks at Nightcaps, five-thirty.

  The phone falls silent. No gray dots to indicate she’s thinking, nothing. I think perhaps she’s going to treat me the way I did her and not reply.

  She doesn’t. I don’t think it’s a good idea.

  My jaw clenches. I’ll see you there.

  No more running, no more bullshit. This ends now.

  * * *

  I have two martinis waiting when she walks through the door. Her red hair hangs in waves over both shoulders, and she’s wearing a dress that looks like black overalls. Only, it ends at the top of her thighs, and she has a sheer top underneath.

  She’s stunning, and I stand to pull out a barstool for her. “I took the liberty of ordering drinks.”

  “I’m not planning to stay.” Her voice is smokey sex, and her lips are full pink. I want to devour them. “Is this about working with Courtney?”

  “I will not be working with Courtney. You are my massage therapist, and you will remain so for as long as I need you.”

  “You said you’d respect my boundaries, and you didn’t.”

  “I apologize.” I take a sip of my drink. “I suppose I find you irresistible, for whatever that’s worth.”

  She doesn’t drink her martini. Instead, her slim fingers toy with the base of the tumbler. “Why are you the way you are?”

  “How am I?”

  “Cold, distant—”

  “I’m neither of those things as you well know. I’m realistic and in control of my emotions.”

  Her brow furrows and clear blue eyes blink up at me. “You can’t be alone forever.”

  “Why not? I’m not uncomfortable being on my own. I don’t understand
why others have a problem with it.”

  “So you just go from woman to woman, no feelings attached? Doesn’t that chip away at your soul?”

  “My soul is quite well. Don’t tell me you’ve become one of them—thinking you can change me.”

  “You said it’s not possible.” She’s quiet as she studies the frosted glass.

  So that’s what’s happening? My feisty redhead has become attached? Instead of being disgusted by her emotions, I feel gentle.

  “I won’t change.” I slide my finger along the peach fuzz of her cheek, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. “But it would be fun to let you try and change me.”

  I cup her jaw with my hand, and the vein in her neck pulses. Her breath quickens, and she won’t meet my eyes. In this moment, she’s the mouse, and I’m the lion.

  Leaning closer, I slide my nose into her hair, speaking in her ear. “Do you want me to kiss you, Sin?”

  Her voice is thick. “No.”

  “We could have a lot of fun if you’d relax your rules a bit. I did.”

  “I said no.” She pulls away abruptly, and anger lights in my chest.

  “Then I won’t. I won’t touch you again until you beg me for it. You’re right, Joselyn, I do sleep with whatever woman I want, and I don’t settle down because I’m honest, and like you, I don’t cheat.”

  “And I don’t beg.” She stands, fire flashing in her eyes. “I also don’t have a magic pussy. I only have me, and I am a relationship girl. That won’t change, so we’re wasting our time here. You can text me about your next appointment, and when we’re together, you’d better keep your hands to yourself.”

  She turns on her heel and walks out the door, and something shifts in my chest.

  No, I’m not melting. It isn’t a sign of weakness, but dammit, she’s magnificent.

  Chapter 17

  Joselyn

  “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be crying about his shit.” Courtney is sitting on the living room floor with her back against the wall, tears streaming down her face, and my heart is beating so hard, I feel sick.