Don't Turn Back (Coming Home Book 1)

by Stephens, Amy

  I finish my lunch and return back to work. The afternoon goes by so quickly, I don’t even realize that it’s time to get off. Wouldn’t it be nice if every day went by this fast? I’m anxious to get home to Jennifer. I know next week she will be back in school for her finals, but once she’s finished, we will have a whole month before her classes resume in the winter following Christmas break. I hate knowing I will have to spend my nights alone, since she will be working, but at least I can look forward to spending the weekends with her.

  I get home from work, and we eat tacos for supper. Rebecca came over to spend the afternoon with Jennifer until she had to be at work, and I’m glad she didn’t have to spend her day alone. I certainly had her in my thoughts the majority of the day.

  I help her get everything put away in the kitchen, and we both relax in the living room. I’m dreading her having to leave for work later on tonight, leaving me here alone. Sadly, I will be heading out just as she is coming in from work in the morning. I would love to be able to accompany her to work tonight just to have someone to talk to, but for now, I will settle for sweet dreams of her instead.

  I also hate not having any way to get in touch with her. Jennifer has a cell phone, but that’s all. She didn’t see the need to have a phone here at the apartment, saying it was an unnecessary expense.

  I plan to see about getting a cell phone of my own very soon. Even if it’s one of those pay as you go phones, at least I would be able to call or text her at any time. Maybe when I get my next paycheck, I will check into it.

  Jennifer gathers everything she needs for work and stands at the door. “I’m going to miss you tonight.” I can see the sadness she feels written all over her face.

  “I’m going to miss you too, babe.” I embrace her, lightly kissing the tip of her nose.

  “If I don’t see you in the morning before you have to leave, maybe I can swing by and meet you for lunch.”

  “That would be awesome. I would really enjoy that. Be careful tonight.” I don’t want to let her go, but I know she needs to leave to make it on time to relieve Rebecca.

  Once she is gone, I try to relax in front of the TV, but it’s not the same being alone in her apartment. I walk to the kitchen to get a glass of water and glance through the cabinets. I’m not really hungry, but I need something to help pass the time. Finally, sleep takes over and I am out for the night.

  The next morning, I wake up and make a pot of coffee, drinking two cups before heading out the door.

  The weather is definitely changing, and there is a slight chill in the air. Clint shows up a few minutes after me, and we immediately get busy washing cars. Once again, the customers are tipping quite well today. The way it works, Clint and I place all our tips together in one container. The last one here turns it in at the end of our shift, and at the end of the week, Jared divides them up between us. I feel that’s fair, and last week I made an extra hundred bucks. I plan on taking Jennifer out for a nice Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, and the extra money will come in handy.

  I know Jennifer is sad that her parents won’t be here for the Thanksgiving. Rebecca has invited both of us to spend the day with her family, but I told Jennifer I felt a little uncomfortable since I still don’t know Rebecca very well. She was a little sad at first, but I think she understood the way I felt. I then told her my plans to take her out for a nice meal, and she said that would make the day perfect.

  Shortly before noon, I notice Clint checking out someone walking across the parking lot. “Check out that hot, pretty momma. Mmmm, mmmm.”

  I see that it’s Jennifer, and I don’t like the tone he used one bit. I make introductions between them both, Clint not seeming to care at all about his previous remarks, then finish up so she and I can grab lunch. The more I think about it, I really don’t like the way Clint kept staring at her. If she had heard his earlier comments, surely she would be uncomfortable standing here beside him now.

  Jennifer suggests we grab a burger and fries at one of the nearby places in the shopping center. “What was up with your friend?” She asks me after we sit down to eat.

  “That’s the first time I have seen that side of him. He’s usually pretty quiet, but he was definitely checking you out.”

  “I kind of felt funny about it.” She tells me. “Oh well, some guys are just assholes.”

  We finish up our meal, and I’m sad that she has to go. “Jared’s only keeping the shop open for half a day tomorrow, so I should be home around lunchtime to spend the afternoon with you. I’m not sure about Friday yet but at least we will have all of Thanksgiving Day to be together.”

  I walk Jennifer over to her car, and she kisses me goodbye.

  I really enjoy having lunch with Brian. With all of the time I’ve been able to spend with him, he’s really starting to grow on me, more and more. I’m still not fond of our opposite schedules, but hopefully it will make our relationship stronger in the end.

  I decide to take a nap instead of studying when I get back to the apartment.

  I hadn’t planned on sleeping very long, but I wake up when Brian opens the door, coming home from work. “Hey baby, you okay?” He leans over, a worried look on his face.

  “Yeah, I guess I was more tired than I thought. I’ve been asleep all afternoon.”

  I sit up and stretch. I feel better after my nap, but dang it, I’ve only got a few hours before I have to go in to work. Instead of fixing any supper, I suggest we order pizza. Not only will this be quicker, but it saves time from dirtying up the kitchen as well. Brian agrees, so I settle back down on the couch again. He changes out of his work clothes and joins me.

  “I missed you today.” Brian leans over and pulls me to him for a big hug.

  “I missed you more.”

  I feel the sudden urge to give him a deep, passionate kiss. We start making out, pretty hot and heavy, only to be interrupted by a knock on the door. I grab my purse and take care of the pizza delivery guy.

  The rest of the night goes by quickly, and before I know it, I’m walking out the door to go to work.

  Thanksgiving morning comes, and my parents call to check on me. I tell them about my plans to have a nice dinner with Brian instead of spending the day with Rebecca and her family. While my father is happy to know I have someone to spend my time with, I get the feeling my mom is not too sure of this sudden relationship. She seems suspicious of Brian’s intentions.

  I take my time getting ready for our Thanksgiving dinner date. Brian dresses in one of his new outfits and looks so happy with himself. I allow him to take care of everything at the restaurant, giving him a feeling of self-worth, and an ego boost. The meal is exceptional, and I tell him he did a great job in selecting the restaurant.

  I am so full by the time we return to the apartment, but miserable, because I’ve only got a little bit of time before I need to change and go to work.

  Brian walks up behind me in the bathroom, and I look up to see our reflection in the mirror. We both looked very nice tonight. I never expected to see myself with someone as attractive as Brian. I start to wonder, if we had met a few years ago would things have turned out differently for him?

  I turn around to face him, and he meets my mouth with a breathtaking kiss. I pull away after a few moments, needing a minute to slow down my racing heart.

  “Wow! Where did that come from?” I manage to get the words out while I’m still trying to even out my breathing.

  “You have no idea how bad I want you right now, baby.” I see the intense desire in his eyes.

  Not wanting to waste any time, I return my lips to his and challenge his kiss with one of my own. Brian picks me up and sits me on the bathroom counter. I break the kiss long enough to take a few breaths, then run my fingers through his hair as I bring his face closer to mine.

  I wrap my legs around his waist, and he places his hands underneath me, pulling me closer to him. He manages to walk backwards towards the bedroom holding on to me tightly. As he sits me on the edge
of the bed, I lift my arms, and he pulls my sweater up and over my head. I’m not used to being this nearly naked around anyone, so I pull my arms in front of me as if to cover myself.

  Brian senses my slight uneasiness. He lightly plants kisses beginning at my forehead, edging down the side of my neck, and stopping just above my breasts. He unhooks my bra and takes his time teasing each nipple, first with his fingers, then with his tongue. I am on fire.

  I’m also not sure what to do at the moment.

  I listen to the sucking noises he makes as he spends time torturing each breast. I’m unable to speak. Slowly, he kisses a trail down towards my stomach stopping just above the waistline of my pants. He unhooks the button, and I lift up just enough to allow him to push them down and completely off of me. He takes his fingers and traces the lace of my panties, which are now completely soaked between my legs.

  I’m unsure if I should be embarrassed by my being this turned on. Sliding my panties over to the side, he inserts two fingers inside me, and I let out a soft moan. At the rate we’re going, I’m going to explode long before I can even get his clothes off.

  I am just about to come when he removes his fingers. Brian crawls up on the bed, on top of me, and I don’t waste any time pulling him to me. He is hard as a rock.

  I reach down between us and rub his dick up and down. He is so big and firm, and I wonder how he even fits inside me.

  “Hang on a minute.” He whispers and eases off the bed. I watch him walk to the bathroom and open the drawer where we left the box of condoms. He struggles to tear the foil wrapper; I’m loving the view of his ass.

  He walks back to the bed, and I use my hand to feel that the condom is already in place. He is ready for me. Slowly, he runs his fingers back and forth, spreading my own moisture and heat all around. I love the feel of his fingers massaging me, but I am even more eager to feel him inside of me.

  He places the tip of his dick at my entrance and barely enters. Ahhh, I love the way he is teasing me. All at once, he pushes inside. At first, I hold my breath, but then exhale slowly as I relax around him. Once he feels me relax, he begins to slide in and out again, slowly, then increasing to a pace that leaves us both panting. He feels amazing inside of me.

  All at once, Brian slows down. “Baby, I’m about to come.”

  Using my hands, I grab ahold of his ass. I pull him to me, forcing him to go deeper and deeper. I feel the muscles in his butt tighten and relax with each thrust.

  The sensation is building in me, and I‘m ready to go with him.

  “Please…” I manage to say before I’m forcefully grabbing him, pushing him further inside. I’m lifting my hips from the bed trying to get as much of him inside as I can.

  “That’s it baby. Let go.”

  “You… feel…so good. Don’t…stop yet!” I am barely getting the words out between each pant.

  All at once, he collapses, unable to stay on top of me. We are both silent. Moments later, he reaches for my hand and entwines his fingers with mine. We lay side by side, holding hands. I hear his breathing return to normal, and we both drift off to a satisfied sleep.

  My phone rings in the distance, and I am startled awake. I ease out from underneath his arm that is still draped over my stomach. I run to the kitchen and answer before the phone cuts off.

  “Hello?” I say into the phone, still sounding half asleep.

  “Jenn, are you okay?” I realize its Rebecca on the other end, and why she must be calling me.

  “Shit. Oh my goodness. I am so freaking sorry. I must have fallen asleep.” I have never been late for work. Ever.

  “Hey, take your time. I’ll cover for you ‘til you get here. It’s no big deal. I’m just glad you’re ok.”

  “Thanks, I’ll be right there.” How did I manage to fall asleep, knowing I had to be at work? I run to the bathroom to get cleaned up.

  I am so mad at myself, but as I glance into my bedroom, the light shining from the bathroom casts a faint glow over Brian’s naked body, sound asleep in my bed. I smile, and my heart feels such an intensely emotional pull for him.

  I wake up in the middle of the night to an empty bed. I sit up and look around, but the apartment is dead silent. Once my eyes completely focus, I notice the nightlight shining in the kitchen. The first night I stayed with Jennifer, she told me she felt more comfortable leaving a night light or a lamp on at night while she was away at work. Even though she’s not scared to stay here alone at night on her nights off, she just prefers to have the light on for comfort.

  I walk in to the kitchen and flip on the main light. I look around and see a note left on the table.

  “Sorry babe. I overslept for work tonight. See you in the morning.”

  Jared had given me the next couple of days off, figuring that business would be a little slower with everyone out doing their Black Friday shopping or spending time with family. Clint, having seniority over me, was still going to work a few hours each day, even though I really could have used the money myself.

  I let out a sigh when I realize Jennifer is at work. I had completely forgotten about it. I’m wide awake now, as thoughts of our lovemaking replay in my head.

  She and I are really starting to feel like an actual couple. Yes, I am physically drawn to her, but there is an emotional bond that also connects her to me in my heart. I just need to keep my shit together and take care of her as best I know how.

  I find a couple of late night shows playing on television, and I settle down on the couch to watch them. I start to get sleepy, and am finally able to drift off to sleep again. I don’t wake up until I hear Jennifer coming in the door from work the next morning.

  The next couple of days seem to fly by, and before I know it, I’m heading back to work again. Jennifer has her finals this week, and I can tell by her actions how nervous she is about them. I know she is going to do well, but she takes her schooling so seriously.

  On Friday afternoon, Jared tells me he wants to see me in his office before I leave. I finish getting all the cleaners and hoses put away before heading inside. I throw my jacket across the front counter and see Clint leaving from Jared’s office.

  “Have a good weekend, man,” I tell him. I have tried hard to be social with Clint, but he is a tough nut to crack. Ever since the day he made the comment about Jennifer and I called him out on it, he has been very short with me. We’ve never spoken words about it since then, but I can tell he’s just not my biggest fan.

  He looks over at me and forces his words. “Yeah man, you too.” I can’t stand the cockiness in his tone. It really rubs me the wrong way.

  I knock on Jared’s door, and he tells me to come in.

  “Hey, what’s up?” I take a seat in one of the chairs across from him.

  Jared looks up at me, but he doesn’t have his usual cheerfulness about him now.

  I am suddenly concerned about this look he is giving me. “Everything okay?”

  As he stares at me so severely, I get the feeling this is not going to be good.

  “Brian, do you remember when I hired you, I told you how I run a very reputable business here, and I have a lot of repeat customers?” It doesn’t take me long to figure out this is not going to be a friendly chit-chat.

  “Yes sir. I’m not sure I’m following you though.” I tell him.

  “Last week, I had a gentleman tell me he had some money go missing from his car. He swears the money was in his glove box before he got here, then, when he placed his paperwork for his service in the glove box, he noticed it was missing. At first, he thought maybe he had left it at home, but then he found the envelope under the seat. Empty.”

  “So, what are you saying? Are you implying I took it? Because you are wrong. Jared, I didn’t take anyone’s money.” I am completely shocked he would think I had anything to do with the money. This is nothing like that other time… I struggle to stay focused on what Jared is telling me.

  “I really want to believe you Brian. I really do. I spoke with Cli
nt about this first, and he said you did the car wash and cleaning for the customer while he was on lunch.” Disappointment is written all over his face.

  “Jared, I swear to you man. I have never taken anyone’s money. Yes, I’m still trying to save up my own money, but now that Jennifer is helping me out, I’m managing right now. I don’t need anyone else’s money.” I know my face must still show shock, but I’m starting to get angry that I’m being accused of something I really don’t know anything about. I can’t help but feel I’ve been set up. Would Clint do this to me?

  I know that what he is about to say is not going to be good. The knot in my stomach tightens.

  “Brian, I really like you, but I am going to have to let you go. I can’t afford to have negative things said about my business, or customers distrustful of my employees. This is my livelihood, and I have to make sure my employees are absolutely trustworthy if they are going to represent me. My business takes care of me and my family.”

  I duck my head. “Come on Jared. Why can’t you believe me? I promise you I did not take that money.”

  “Brian, my decision is firm. Since this is my personal business, I feel the need to repay the customer for his missing money. I have also refunded him for his services that day. I don’t feel it’s necessary to take all the money from your check, but as you will see, I did deduct half. I’m sorry to do this to you, but it’s my final word on this matter. Now, if you will, please leave.” He hands me a sealed envelope containing my final check. I’m too scared to even open it right now.

  I don’t even remember leaving work and driving to the apartment. I sit outside in the car for a few minutes trying to figure out how I’m going to explain this whole mess to Jennifer. I bang my hands on the steering wheel.