I step up to the table. “Gentleman, Mister Benson has graciously offered to pick up your bar tabs. He’s really sorry about tonight’s events and any inconveniences it may have caused you.”
One of the guys speaks up and lifts his chin to Scott. “If he’s so sorry then why ain’t he apologizing?”
“Oh, he was just about to do that.” I nudge Scott.
“I’m sorry that I kicked your friend’s little bitch ass tonight.”
My chin drops to my chest and I shake my head. “Excuse us.” I yank Scott away from the table. “Really? That’s how you’re fixing this mess here tonight?”
He grumbles to himself and runs a hand through his hair.
Callie skirts up to his side. “Baby, I want to go. Can you please do what your lawyer’s asking so we can go back to the hotel. I’m tired.”
“I’m not his lawyer,” I say to her. “I’m not his anything.”
I step away and go back to the co-eds at the table. I grab a cocktail napkin from the bin and pull a pen from my clutch. “He’ll give you a thousand dollars each for your phone.”
“No fucking way, Haven,” Scott roars and then he’s behind me and gripping my arm. “No, I ain’t paying.”
“Tough,” I shoot back. My focus returns to the napkin in front of me as I draw up a “contract,” while they all gripe and chat. I can hear Callie whining. It’s like nails on a chalkboard.
I get all their signatures and then I ask each one of them to show me the video footage and I delete it all. Next, I instruct them to show me all their social media accounts. No one uploaded anything. “Now, Mister Benson will be in contact with each of you, in the next twenty-four hours to arrange for payment.”
“What are we supposed to do with no phones?”
All four men moan and protest as I deposit their devices into the plastic baggie.
“Figure it out,” I say. “You know, there was a time in history where we didn’t carry these little devices around.” I walk back toward the bar, ignoring Scott as he curses me under his breath.
Maybelle grasps my arm and pulls me over next to the pool table near the stage. “That was badass, girl.”
“Thanks,” I smile, clicking the cap back onto my pen. “It was pretty badass.”
“Okay, seriously, what’s up with you and Tyler?” she presses. “If you’re sleeping with him, pull a covert op for me and get him to confess to you that he wants to steal my recipe.”
I roll my eyes. “Maybelle, how drunk are you?”
“I’ve got a nice buzz,” she answers. “But seriously. He might not want my muffin, but I know he wants my puddin’.”
I pull her closer to the stage. “I can assure you that he doesn’t want your pudding recipe. He’s working on something bigger—a downtown revitalization. He’s looking into forming a committee that transforms downtown Mayfield to a thriving town square, like Smyrna Hills.”
“Okay, that’s pretty incredible, actually.” She eyes me. “How can you trust him?”
“Why don’t you trust him? Because he turned you down?”
“No, please, I get turned down more often than not. I don’t know. Something feels off.”
“I love you, Maybelle, but you’ve got to learn to trust people.” I grasp her hand. “I like him. I want you to like him. He has a good heart, everything he does is with purpose and most of it’s in honor of his sister.”
“What are you talkin’ about?” Her brow crinkles. “Tyler’s an only child.”
Shit. Shit. Shit.
“Uhm, I . . . oh, nothing. I misspoke.”
She narrows her gaze at me. “You’re a bad liar, cousin. Tell me.”
“I shouldn’t be telling you this because I was told in confidence.”
“You said Tyler does his work in honor of his sister. Where’s his sister?”
“I can’t because if this ever gets out . . .”
Maybelle holds up her hand. “Stop. I won’t say anything. I can keep a secret. We’re family, I’d never do anything to hurt you.”
I let out a deep sigh. What does this say about me professionally? Personally? If I tell Maybelle, does it mean I’m giving in to small petty gossip?”
“You say I should trust people. You should trust that not everyone here is a gossip and ready to spread rumors or hearsay.”
She has a point.
“I’m really trusting you with this, Maybelle. He had a sister. Ava passed away after they were. . .” I bite my lip. “Okay, here’s the deal—Tyler is one of the kids rescued from that horrible house in Clinton Park,” I whisper.
She swallows and her hand presses to her heart. “Oh no, the kids who were starved for days at a time? The kids from that house of rot and filth? Are you serious?”
I nod. “That’s part of the reason he opened his restaurant. I hope someday he shares his story, but for now he needs to protect his identity.”
“But if he tells people who he is,” she argues, “they’ll come by the masses to donate money to any of the fundraisers and charitable events he hosts because of who he is . . . was.”
I shift on my heel. “I don’t think he wants to do business that way, Maybelle.”
She sighs dreamily. “Wow, you’ve known him for a week and he’s totally confessed something deep and meaningful. I just knew that man was a catch.”
I scoff. “You accused him of being a thief, like two minutes ago.”
She laughs. “Okay, I’m done being suspicious of Tyler Nichols. I’m done. If you trust him, then so do I. And I’m getting outta here. Too much drama, even for me.” Her lips twist into a smile.
“Okay, but you said you were buzzed. You want a ride back to Mayfield?”
She waves me off. “Nah, I mean, I got a room at the University Hotel. All I need is Netflix and some greasy pizza.”
“All right, good night.” I hug her and she shuffles off.
That was one of the first really great conversations that I’ve had with Maybelle in a long time. We were tight when we were kids and then we grew apart. She wanted to stay and go to high school in Mayfield. She could have gone off to private school like me, but she stayed. I think she stayed in case her mama came back.
I walk up to the bar and my hand skates up Tyler’s back. Dalton’s talking about what happened here tonight.
“So, apparently, Callie met Corey for a drink before the show. They used to date when they were both here at Elliston. Scotty didn’t know about any of it, I guess. Thought Corey was tryin’ to steal his girl. So, Corey and his little band of jockstraps, they just had to come in here and make trouble. Personally, I think Callie wanted this to happen.”
“Coach Hamilton is gonna put the hurt on Corey,” I interject.
Dalton smirks. “I don’t doubt that for a second.”
Tyler wraps his arm around my shoulder and pulls me into his frame. “I’m ready when you are,” he whispers.
“Let’s go. I need you to make good on your promise.”
Tyler pulls his money clip from his pocket and asks for his bill. Dalton waves him off. “Get outta here, I got this.”
“Thanks, man,” Tyler says. “It was nice meeting you.”
“You too.”
We stride out of the bar and when we stop at his truck, Tyler layers his lips to mine. “You,” he says, “are a total badass. I was fully hard watching you work that room tonight. Oh, and the bar back there too.”
I smile against his lips. “I’m waiting for you to be a total badass, let’s go, now.”
Tyler
On our way back to my house, Haven blows through texts and emails on her phone. She is in work mode and it’s sexy as hell. But I can’t wait to take her mind off work. Pry that device out of her hands and peel that dress off her body.
Haven isn’t stressed at all. Cool. Calm. Collected. If she’s frustrated, I’m not seeing it.
“Done,” she says, and drops her phone into her clutch.
I grasp her hand now that it’s cellphone free
. “You’re impressive. I mean, that was something else watching you handle all those people tonight.”
“Wasn’t all me, Dalton’s idea was genius. I mean, I definitely was going to ask them to delete all the footage, but actually buying their phones—that was a new one for me.”
I shake my head. “Like I said, you kicked ass.”
“Thanks for coming with me,” she says. “I’m sorry that Scott was an ass to you. Do you think he’s mad at you?”
My hand glides over the steering wheel as I switch lanes. “I’m sure he is, but it’s nothing that can’t be worked out over few beers. I ain’t worried about it.”
“How’d the two of you become friends?”
I glance in my rearview mirror. “He and I met at the Bourbon Fest a few years back. We were judging the Bourbon Queen pageant.”
She lets out a roaring laugh. “Oh my god, are you serious? I cannot picture you judging a beauty pageant. Scott, yeah. But you, no way.”
“Yeah, well, what can I say.” I shrug. “I like being involved in the community and the pageant means a lot to most people.”
“That’s so true. I like that about you—that you care so much about where you live. I’ve never wanted anything to do with Mayfield, but you’re changing my mind.”
I lift her hand to my mouth and kiss the back. “Small towns aren’t so bad. You take the good with the bad. But I like knowing my neighbors. I don’t need to know all their business, but it’s nice to have people around that you can count on.”
“Hmm, yeah, I’m starting to see that,” she says, and turns her head toward the window.
The rest of the drive to my place is silent. When we make it back, I help Haven out of my truck and haul her up over my shoulder carrying her caveman style.
She squeals and slaps my ass. “You are actually carrying me like this, through your house.”
Her skirt inches up, the bare skin of her ass is right near my mouth so I bite her . . . more like nibble her sweet cheek.
“Did you just bite me?” she squeaks out.
Ignoring her question, I stride toward my bedroom. Harley lets out a long meow and then jumps off the chair in my room. He’s outta here.
I toss Haven onto the bed and she gives me a lazy grin. The light from the moon casts shadows on my wall and I can see her eyes are filled with lust.
“Finally, I have your sexy ass in my bed.”
“It’s about damn time,” she comments.
I run my hands along her calves and down to her feet. Then I go to work on the straps of her shoes. “Oh, this will be well worth the wait, I promise you.”
She laughs. “You’ve been making a lot of promises, hope you’re not over-hyping this.”
I smirk and drop one of her heels to the floor, and then the other. The mattress dips when I climb on and hover over her body. Her hands brush down the buttons of my shirt. I unbutton the first few before pulls my shirt over my head, casting it aside like it insulted her.
Her nails rake over my shoulders and she rubs herself against me.
“Fuck, Haven,” I grind out. “This is going to be quick if you keep that up. And that won’t be good for the promises I’ve been making to you.”
“Show me how good it will be,” Haven whispers.
Fuck me running up hill in a windstorm. Goddamn if I don’t just roar. I’m aching for this woman. My blood pumps through my veins like a horse racing at the Derby.
I take great pleasure watching as her chest rises and falls with each kiss and touch to her body. My hands skim up her sides and she moans. My mouth lands on the rise of her breast. “I want to tear this dress off you, fucking destroy it.”
“I’d rather you didn’t,” she pants, shifting her body so my hands can work the zipper at the back. The sound of metal hissing and Haven’s moans are music to my fucking ears. I kiss my way across her collarbone and down to her breasts. Wasting no time, I peel her out that dress and drop it onto the floor.
With a snap of my wrist, I have her bra unhooked and it finds a new home on the floor. I lever up onto my knees admiring the sight of Haven lying completely naked in my bed.
This is what dreams are made of—she’s stunning. Cheeks flush. Red marks from my stubble decorate her chest. Nipples peaked. And her pussy is glistening, waiting for me to devour. My hand cups her breast, and my thumb circles her nipple. She has freckles on her stomach. I stroke her there, exploring new and beautiful places on her skin.
I dip my head and take her other nipple into my mouth and bite down softly, dragging out the sensation. Haven reaches up and her hands tangle in her hair. She arches up and a curtain of blond hair spills over my pillow.
My tongue glides over the smooth skin of her stomach. She screams when my mouth lands on her clit. Getting my fill, I inhale her sweet scent—sunshine, honey and sex, and she tastes just as good. A wave of tingles shoots down my spine. My dick hardens to the point of pain.
“Tyler,” she moans. “Fuck, your mouth.”
“Mmhhh, Haven,” I growl against her skin. My tongue lashes over her skin again and her hands fly to my hair.
She hooks her leg over my shoulder and arches against my mouth desperate for more. I plunge my tongue inside her wetness, licking every inch of her walls. My thumb ghosts over her clit and she writhes beneath me.
“Oh my god,” she pants. “Tyler.”
“Yes, Haven?” I tease, hearing the desperation in her voice.
“Get your cock out and inside me right now, or I’m going to explode.”
My head snaps up from the wonderland between her legs. “Yes, ma’am,” I choke out and my feet hit the floor. She props up onto her elbows watching me strip.
“I’d help you with that”—she nods toward my belt—“but I’m going to enjoy this view.”
My pants and boxer briefs fall to the floor. Even in the darkness, I see her mouth drop at the sight of me fisting my cock.
“God, you would have a monster of a cock.” She licks her lips. “I want to touch you, Tyler.”
Jesus Christ. This girl is frisky, I like it. She prowls on all fours like a cat to the edge of my bed. Her fingers wrap around my length, layering her hand on top of mine and we move together in a slow, feather light motion.
“I’m going to suck your cock,” she says, the whisper of her promise slides right over my dick and down to my toes.
My hands weave into her hair. “Is this one of the filthy things you’ve got planned for me?”
She winks and then her mouth closes over the head of my cock. I watch in extreme fascination as my dick slides between her perfect pink lips. My hips shoot forward. Hot bliss hits my balls when her tongue teases the underside and back down the crown.
“Fuck, it’s so good,” I grind out.
She bobs her head, working her tongue along my skin taking me all the way to the back of her throat.
“Haven,” I hiss. Trying very hard not to come. I have to tune out the sounds of her lips and tongue smacking and gobbling up my cock. This is dick sucking at its finest. Nothing sweet. It’s rough and dirty.
My body vibrates under her hold, everything in my body buzzes on full blast as her tongue and hand move over me.
I snap my eyes to the wooden beams on my ceiling. Focus. Do not come.
“Beautiful, if you don’t stop, I’m going to come.”
Is this what drowning feels like? My hips move on their own accord and I slam into her again and again, rough stroke after rough stroke. A rainfall of chokes and pleas slips from my mouth. Her mouth is literally sucking the words from my brain.
Need you under me.
On top of me.
Ride my cock.
Fuck. Sweet lord.
Give me your pussy.
Need to be inside you.
“Haven,” I roar. “Up we go, darlin’. Gotta fuck you now.”
She pops off my dick and I’ve got her splayed out on her back with a swift motion.
I stare down into those impossibly gorge
ous green eyes as I slide my cock through her wetness. My hands fly to the nightstand and I snag a condom. Actually, I grab two because I’m going to fuck her again, I already know.
Haven moans and her lips land on mine. I kiss her hard and she tangles her hands through my hair.
She kisses her way up my neck. “Hurry, please.”
I manage to roll the condom down my shaft. “Tell me you want this as badly as I do.” I take my cock in my hand and tease her folds.
“Yes,” she moans.
I drag the head of my cock around her clit. “Good.” Grabbing the backs of her thighs, I angle her body and slide my cock through her wet pussy.
Fuck me. The first thrust is always the best.
Her eyes go hazy and she sinks deeper into the mattress. I smirk with satisfaction. Haven gasps and churns her hips as I push deeper.
“I could live with my cock buried deep inside you,” I whisper. “Hell, I could die here too, Haven.”
Haven’s arms snake around my neck drawing me closer. “I’ll have to charge you rent then,” she laughs.
Damn. She’s cute.
“Sold.”
My hips thrust against her and I stare down watching my cock pushing in and out of her. I stay there a moment, steadying myself just long enough to relish this sight. The overwhelming feeling of her heat and body pinned under mine.
“Oh, Tyler, I’m so close,” she groans, her nails biting into my skin.
My mouth drops to her nipple and I close my mouth around the peaked bud, biting then I suck hard. Haven’s inner muscles begin pulsing, pleasure swarms inside my chest.
Her body tenses and twists. Watching her fall apart is fucking spectacular.
“Yes, yes,” she screams as I fuck her through her orgasm.
I anchor myself to my headboard and continue pumping into her sweet heat. “Fuck me, Haven,” I roar out and then it’s fucking stars and everything throbs and burns.
It’s amazing.
“You feel that,” I ask, rubbing my sweat soaked forehead against her chest.
“I do, I feel it,” she whispers dragging her fingers through my hair. “I feel it everywhere.”
Beautiful March Page 17