“Hey, ladies. I got some treats for us.” Sky looked up and she stopped what she was doing to open the bags and gasped.
“You got me a cake. Aww, Hunter, you are awesome. Thank you.” Sky came around and pulled him down to her and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Shelly watched them both and smiled.
“Yup, and got you ladies some muffins for tomorrow for breakfast as well. It smells good in here, whatcha making, Red?” He left Sky to finish what she was working on and walked over to Shelly. She smiled at him while stirring something that smelled like bacon.
“It’s a warm German potato salad. I hope you guys like it. If not, we have regular salad. Plus the rolls are in the oven.”
“Never had it, but I’m sure it will be great.” He couldn’t help it, he leaned in and kissed her cheek. It seemed too natural to him. She stopped and looked at him for a moment as a blush crept over her face. Not wanting to break the sweet little moment he just had with her, he caressed her cheek before he turned to leave, not trusting himself a second longer with her. The need to feel her soft lips under his was stronger than he would have thought.
Opening the fridge he pulled out a beer and made his way outside where the guys were grilling up the steaks.
“Hey, Hunter. You’re just in time. Mickey was telling us Scarlett needs us to head back into the studio next week to lay down a new track. Something about the old one didn’t come out right and she fired the idiot behind the soundboard who screwed up. I figured it shouldn’t take more than a week, two at most, to get the sounds laid down.”
“Sounds about right. We can do it. I got nothing going on. I did the charity event last night, so I’m free and clear.”
“Oh, how did it go? I saw the paper this morning with your picture and a cute little girl. I have to admit, bro, she was a better looker than you,” Booker joked. Hunter however, explained Emma’s situation and it made him realize he was better off than he thought. The guys didn’t say anything but nodded.
“Well, brother, I have to say, you shocked me. I would have been lost in that situation,” Mickey confessed. They joked around a couple more minutes until Joey pulled the steaks and a burger off the grill. Bringing them in the house he saw Sky had already started laying everything out on the table.
Sitting down they passed the food around and they all took a big spoonful of Shelly’s potato salad, which he thought was amazing.
“Wow, Shelly, this is great. Never would have thought a warm salad like this would work but it does,” Mickey stated as he dug in.
“You’re welcome. I like to cook but it was hard in a small apartment and the long hours I worked. My mind is always creating different outlines in the middle of the night, or making sure I have everything ready for a breakfast meeting. I just couldn’t seem to adapt the nine to five hours like most people. Sometimes I was lucky to get home to sleep or shower. But, anyway, I love cooking. Thank you for letting me do it.”
The rest of the meal was eaten in comfortable conversation until Sky said she had something to say. Hunter watched as Sky reached into her pocket and pulled out a small card and handed it to Joey.
Joey looked at her for a minute then opened it. A gasp escaped Joey as he looked at the inside and then at Sky and then back again.
“Really?”
“Really.” A single tear fell down from Sky’s face.
“I’m gonna be a daddy,” Joey said as he scooped up his wife kissing her soundly. Hunter jumped up as did the rest of the guys and walked over to the couple. Joey released Sky and everyone gave her a hug and a kiss before slapping Joey on the back.
He turned and saw Shelly smiling as Milo was talking to her.
“I’m gonna be a big brother.”
“You sure are, Milo, you will be the best big brother there is.” He heard her respond. A sense of joy washed over him. Things were changing for them all but maybe change wasn’t such a bad thing. Still unable to keep the smile from his face he went to the kitchen and brought out the cake. It was time to celebrate.
Chapter Nine
After all the food was done there was such an amazing high floating around the house. Milo had challenged her to a game of Mario. Unsure what to do she decided to go ahead. Boy had things changed since she was a little girl. She pulled her feet up next to her as she moved from side to side. She thought she was getting the hang of it until a stupid lightning cloud shrunk her butt or she got ran over. It was so comical she couldn’t help but laugh. While she waited for another round of getting her butt beat by a seven year old, she glanced over to Sky and Joey, who were snuggled up in a large chair. A glowing smile on Sky’s face and Joey had one hand on her back rubbing up and down with the other on her stomach where their tiny baby rested. For such hard rock people, they were so different from what she would have thought.
Milo laughed as he once again won before Sky said it was time for bed. Both Sky and Joey helped him to his room. Mickey wanted to play so Booker challenged him. She decided she needed to take a break. She grabbed the glass of wine Mickey had given her during the toast to the new member of the band and walked outside to enjoy the amazing view. Time had flown by today while she cooked, laughed, ate, and celebrated with everyone. These people had welcomed her into their special moments and she felt happy.
The screen door opened and Hunter walked over and sat down next to her on the swinging bench. “It’s pretty out here. My place has a nice view but it feels odd sitting out there.”
“I promise, Hunter, I will make it better for you. You have an amazing house and it will feel like home soon. Which reminds me, when do you want to look for furniture?”
“Well Monday we have to go into the studio and the schedule is iffy when it comes to time. But tomorrow is Sunday. Do you think maybe we can look at a few places tomorrow if they’re open?”
“Tomorrow would be great. We would avoid a lot of companies then too because it isn’t a normal working day for designers. What time to do you want to start?”
“Well it depends.”
“Depends on what?” She was starting to like this flirtatious side of Hunter. Usually it would bother her, especially since he was so damn hot. But he wasn’t pushing her hard, this was more of a high school flirt and was sweet and endearing.
“Whether you want to sleep in or have breakfast with me first.” Okay, she didn’t see that coming. Maybe he was just being nice.
“I don’t sleep in. I’m lucky if I get about three hours a night, though I admit since I have been here, I sleep a little more than I have before.”
“Great, how about I pick you up at say eight and we can get a bite before we hit some shops.” Hunter had turned and looked at her with a look in his eyes. It wasn’t a playful look but one that screamed something carnal—lustful—and it made her feel wonton. Out of instinct she licked her lips and Hunter’s eyes followed her movements and he groaned. He moved closer to her until she could almost feel his breath on her.
“Hey, Guys,” the sound of Sky’s voice broke her out of the hypnotic trance she was in with Hunter.
He grabbed her hand and whispered so only she could hear.
“We will finish this later. Hey, Sky, little man go down okay?” And just like that he turned the switch from hot to cold. Shelly suddenly needed a cold shower or to jump into the ocean, whichever showed up first.
“Yup, he’s all out.” Shelly got up and excused herself saying she was tired and had to get up tomorrow to go shopping and she needed to make a master list. Getting to her room she took a shower, trying to calm her nerves. Never in her whole life had she been so turned on just by a simple look or the closeness of someone.
As the hot water ran over her body her mind went to the blue eyes staring at her. Closing her eyes she imagined his hands moving along her body to her breasts. Stopping to lavish them. She pinched her elongated nipples allowing the slight pain to make her sex scream with need. Continuing the path with her hands, she moved down to her pussy. Slowly she moved so she was rubbin
g her clit as it swelled with desire. She loved being bare down there as much as she hated the questions if her red hair matched her pussy hair. She used the water to help push a finger into her cunt, moving in and out while she rubbed her clit, imagining Hunter was on his knees eating her out while she held his short blond spiky hair, as he loved on her most intimate parts with his mouth. Lost in sensation she came moaning as she creamed her fingers. Allowing her body to cool from the excitement she rinsed off, climbed into bed, and fell instantly asleep.
*****
Hunter woke bright and early making sure to make his bed and clean the mess he had made. With only one room to worry about, it only took about five minutes. After all was done he showered and dressed to pick Shelly up. Checking in with everyone he sent a text to Scarlett and Mickey letting them know he would be out shopping for stuff today and Booker had his back if something came up.
Pulling into the drive of Joey’s house he could already hear the sound of Milo laughing. The kid could sleep for hours when he wanted or wake at the crack of dawn. Today it sounded like it was an early morning. Walking right in the house he saw Sky sitting at the table reading something on her tablet while Joey put together a giant looking Lego tower. Kissing Sky on the cheek he sat down.
“Shelly come down yet?”
“Not yet but I heard the shower going so I think it will be soon. Want some coffee or anything? Those muffins were awesome by the way, thank you.”
“Anything for you, Sky.”
“Oh I saw your picture in the paper again. It seems you made a positive note with the press, good job.” He blushed and then looked up. He could feel when she entered the room. The sweet smell of wild flowers filled the air.
“Hey, sorry, I had to make sure I wrote down the right measurements for things. You ready?” Shelly asked.
“Whenever you are, Red.” Her sweet smile made him grin. Seems she didn’t mind the Red comment and it seemed to fit her better.
Opening the door he led her to his car and then they were off. He knew a great small diner that served the best French toast and omelets. Pulling in he was happy to see just an older crowd at the stop. The waitress showed them to a small booth near the back and handed them the menu after pouring them both a cup of coffee.
“So which shops are we hitting today?” Hunter did his best to distract himself from looking at her too long. Today she wore a soft purple colored laced top along with some jeans and boots he’d love to see around his ears. She looked so different than what he remembered her wearing the first couple of times he saw her. It seemed she was starting to come out of her shell and he hoped to pull her out of it, along with her clothes.
Shaking his head, clearing those thoughts, he ordered his food as did Shelly. Her one hand was holding her coffee and the other rested it on the table above her notepad with all her notes. Reaching out he covered it with his own. At first she stiffened and tried to pull out but he held her in place.
“Shelly, don’t freak out okay. I promise I won’t do anything in public again. I should have learned my lesson from Joey last year but I’m a hard learner. Anyway, I don’t want to drag you into a mess but I do like you. There is something different about you. I can’t seem to put my finger on it.” He rhythmically ran his thumb along her hand feeling how soft and silky they were.
“Could it be I don’t put up with your flirty attitude and don’t fall over you like other women do?” She smirked at him.
“Could be. Why is it anyway? Am I not your type?”
“My type. Ha, you’re funny, Hunter. You’re sexy, dangerous, funny, a smartass, and play several instruments. What girl wouldn’t go for you? I don’t because I have learned not to believe in a good thing.” The answer shocked him.
“Why?”
“Well hello, Hunter, look at me. I’m not your typical model figure. I like food and my boobs are real. I work a lot, well until recently. And well just look at me, I can’t wear skimpy bikinis nor do I want to. My ass will jiggle, and I hate shorts with a passion. Men see me as a friend, a colleague, that’s it. I’m used to it so I never see the need to pretend to be something I’m not.” He was just about to say something when the waitress put the food in front of them, effectively breaking contact between them. However, he was far from letting the subject go.
“I don’t think so, not in the slightest. I will have to show you it seems and prove I just don’t want a fling with you. Hell, I can walk into a store and get laid anytime but I want something with you. You’re different, Shelly, and maybe it’s exactly what I need.” Her mouth opened and closed several times but nothing came out.
“Now eat up, Red, we have some shopping to do.” Instead of her berating him like everyone else did when he put his foot down about something, she nodded and ate her food. Not able to hold back the smile on his face, he ate his food with gusto.
With the bill paid, Shelly rattled off the directions to the first shop she thought he would like. Pulling into a parking space he quickly ran around trying to get her door but missed it by a few seconds. Instead he took her hand in his and walked into the store. She led him over to the areas with a variety of sofas and love seats. He didn’t know what he liked for color or really anything.
“I have an idea. Don’t look at the color. But let’s do the plop test.”
“The what test?”
“Oh come on this is the fun part. It’s called the plop test. Many people think I’m nuts but it works.”
“Okay, how do we do it?” He wasn’t sure what she had led him into but he followed her anyway.
“Okay, when you come home from a long day you drop your keys, turn on your TV, and what’s the next thing you do.”
“Lay out on the couch.”
“Yes, maybe some do. But you plop your butt down. You want to fall into a couch and feel comfortable. Right? So we plop our butts into different pieces and see what ones we like.” She smiled and unexpectedly fell back into a three piece couch. Her giggle made him laugh and soon he joined her, plopping into several different pieces finding the right fit for him.
He was shocked how much time had passed by the time they had picked out various pieces he liked, but she told him she had the color. The stuff would be delivered during the week and she was going to be there taking care of everything.
Around five o’clock he decided it was time for dinner but he didn’t want to go out and eat so he suggested a picnic at his house. Shelly agreed and with food in his back seat, he drove to his house hoping to turn on the charm and to prove to Shelly he was serious about her.
Chapter Ten
Shelly was biting the inside of her cheek from nerves. She never intended to stay for dinner with Hunter but when he asked if she wanted to do a picnic, she couldn’t say no. He looked so cute and he seemed to have fun with her while looking at furniture. He led her into the house and to the kitchen where he once again grabbed the paper plates and cups. Carrying the small bags to the empty living room, he put the food down and ran upstairs to grab a small blanket. She laughed at how silly but sweet this all was. He pulled out the fried chicken and various side items they’d ordered at the drive-thru.
“Sorry I don’t have any wine or anything. I have some beer if you don’t want a soda.”
“A beer sounds great, Hunter.” He ran into the kitchen bringing two beers. Again they ate as she told him about her past and growing up with her family. He would ask a question here and there but gave her room to talk. The sun was slowly setting and she knew she needed to leave soon. He had to work tomorrow and so did she. There were several people to call and some items she needed to acquire without him.
“Hunter, this has been fun but I think it’s time for me to head back.”
“You could always stay over.” He wiggled his eyebrows making her laugh.
“I think it would be a bad idea.” She stood and Hunter followed suit.
“If it would be a bad idea so would this…” He grabbed her around her waist pulling her next to
him with his chest crushing against her. He left no room to argue as he slanted his mouth over her. A soft gasp was all he needed as he plundered her mouth. Taking no prisoners as she concurred, drinking in all her moans and whimpers. Wrapping her arms around his neck, he ran her hands into his hair holding him to her. The bitter taste of the beer was surrounded by the warmth of him. Hunter’s hands roamed her body then moved to her ass, grabbing a handful while the other held her hair, tugging to the point of pain and pleasure.
His lips released hers moving to her neck, biting and sucking softly. Her once dry panties were now soaked with juices of anticipation. But her mind was running through various reasons why this would be a bad idea.
“Hunter, we have to stop.”
“I don’t wanna stop, God you smell so good, Shelly, I bet you taste even better.” Hunter was now moving to her breast. The feeling of his hands relishing them, sliding his thumb over her taught nipples almost made her lose track of her reasoning.
“We have to. I work for you and this is wrong. You just want me because you haven’t had any other woman in a while.”
In an instant he stopped everything he was doing and looked at her.
“It’s not like that, Shelly.”
“Come on, Hunter. I’m not stupid enough to believe you would want me just because you like me. You’re horny and Scarlett has a leash around your neck.” She saw him look pissed at her. “Look, I don’t want to fight with you. Thanks for breakfast and dinner, but I think I should head back now. I have an early morning, as do you.”
“Shelly, we need to talk about this. It’s not why I kissed you. I wanted to, I really do…”
“Don’t say you really like me, Hunter. I just can’t hear it, okay. I think I will call Sky and see if she can get me.” She moved to the hall and heard Hunter yell “whatever” and then he was gone. Not one to let a tear fall because she didn’t want to play by his rules, she walked outside and sat on the steps waiting for Sky. It wasn’t more than ten minutes when Sky pulled up asking if everything was okay.
Playing for Keeps Page 6