The XOXO New Adult Collection: 16 Full Length New Adult Stories

by Brina Courtney

  He eased the bike into a spot, glancing back to give me the cutest grin. Cade could make my heart do things I didn’t know possible. I returned his expression, clicking the helmet snap off. I smoothed my hair, doing my best to detangle the ends. I cringed when my finger got stuck, pulling the roots hard against my scalp.

  “You look beautiful, you don’t have to do that,” he said, reaching out and guiding my hand away.

  I shrugged him off, working on a twisted section. “It’ll be a nest before morning. I have, ow, to do it now,” I explained, wincing with each knot.

  He swatted my hand away, gently caressing and feeling my hair between his thumb and forefinger. Detangling wasn’t pleasant, but something about him doing it made it an immensely sexy process. His eyes never left mine. When he finished, he squeezed my chin and helped me off. “Do you remember what you ordered that morning?”

  I snorted, “Of course, but do you?”

  “I remember what we both ordered,” he stated proudly.

  “Why?” I laughed beside him.

  He moved forward a few steps, opening the diner door for me. “I remember everything about you,” he said like it wasn’t a big deal.

  I stopped, unsure of what to say or do. “You....you...do?” I stuttered.

  “Yep. Are you coming in?” he asked with an amused grin.

  I hurried forward, feeling his warmth on the small of my back. He squeezed my upper arm and leaned in to talk to the hostess. Cade oozed sexuality and charm. The girl blushed and giggled at his nearness, then gave me a once over. She nodded quickly, grabbing two menus and leading us to the booth we sat at once before.

  “Milady,” he said in his best British accent, sweeping his arm out like he was on a game show.

  I smiled widely, giggling, and slid in the same side I had all those years ago. “Thank you, sir.”

  “I’m glad you’re smiling around me again,” his voice all of a sudden rang out.

  “This week has been...different for me.”

  “How so?

  “Well, I found out I blamed you when I shouldn’t, the bench we met at is being destroyed, and I was arrested,” I told him nonchalantly.

  He held up his hand to stop me, “Wait,” his expression was serious, hard. “Did you say the bench is being destroyed?”

  I chuckled,” Really, Cade? I tell you I was arrested and the bench is more important.” I shook my head, bending to read over the menu.

  “That was next question,” he shrugged, sipping his coke.

  I grinned at his easy going nature. Nothing really ever fazed him. I wished I knew how to be like that. “Yeah, the bench is being destroyed,” I sadly admitted. “I saw the papers come through our office this morning.”

  “Hmm....one second,” he said, pulling out his phone. He quickly typed out a text, then placed it back in his pocket and gave me his full attention. “Ok, next question. Arrested?” he drawled out, raising his brows.

  I pursed my lips, nodding slowly. “I, uh, got in a fight. In the grocery store,” I said, clasping my hands together. “The one on Jackson.”

  “You, Francesca Taymon, got in a fight? I don’t believe it.” His hands went palms up in the air, his face in disbelief. “What was it with? What was it over? An apple?”

  “No, not an apple, Cade. It was...” I paused, why had I mentioned this? “Jadesmithson,” I mumbled, shoving the straw to my water in my mouth.

  “Who?” he questioned, leaning forward.

  Sighing loudly, I slammed the glass back on the table. “Jade Smithson,” I stated, rolling my eyes.

  His mouth fell open and he stared. For a long time. When it began to get uncomfortable, he erupted in loud laughter. The surrounding tables gave us dirty looks, which I smiled apologetically to, while the staff whispered as if they didn’t know whether to kick us out or tell us to quiet down.

  “Cade,” I hissed, “Shh.” I held my finger up to my lips, feeling like I was in grade school again.

  “You got in a fight with Jade? Really? Who won?” he choked out.

  “Me,” I said proudly, smirking at the revelation.

  “What was it over?” he asked, a knowing look adorning his face. He knew he was making me nervous and he was enjoying it.

  “It doesn’t matter,” I said, waving his questions off. Luckily, the waiter came at that moment to take our orders.

  We placed the same exact order as we had that November morning. We both smiled at the memories we were simultaneously having. We chatted, catching up on each other’s lives. Five years was a long time, and there was no way we would learn everything over one meal. We laughed, stared, and studied one another, reveling in being in company again. I didn’t think the night could get any more amazing.

  ###

  The ride back to our town was short, but sweet. He kept squeezing my hand with his. I laid my head on his back, feeling tight muscles when he would move a certain way. I expected him to take me home, for the evening to be over, but we ended up at the bus stop. An abandoned truck was parked on the curb, a large Ford with a big enough bed to hold three of his motorcycles. I watched him curiously as he got off, reaching behind the back wheel to grab a key. He apparently knew the owner of this vehicle...or I was about to go to jail again. Maybe prison this time. “Uhh..Cade? What are you doing?” I questioned, pointing to the key.

  “We, what are we doing,” he said as he pointed between the two of us. “Get off, please, I gotta load it in the back.”

  “Why?” I inquired.

  “Because, we can’t take the bench with us on the motorcycle,” he hissed in my ear.

  “What? The bench?” I yelled out, staring at him like he’d grew two heads.

  “Francesca, doll face, you gotta quiet down before the cops show up. You can’t go shouting out things like that. They’re destroying it anyways. We’re just saving them some time,” he shrugged, like stealing a bench was nothing.

  I slid off the seat, watching him heft the heavy bike in the back like it was a sack of potatoes. I didn’t know what to do, where we were going to put it or anything at this point. All I did know was that here I was, following Cade’s lead, and I couldn’t be more excited.

  Chapter Twenty-Cade

  Francesca’s expression was a cross between shock and delight. She was always safe, the quiet one that didn’t try anything, didn’t rebel. I knew I was a bad influence. My head screamed for me to take her home and stay far away, but my heart...it ached for her. Seeing her smile at me, because of me, was the most amazing feeling in the world, and I didn’t want to lose it. I wouldn’t let that go.

  So here I was, having her assist me in a robbery, albeit the thing was getting destroyed anyways, but that was beside the point. She was my lawyer, I was already in trouble, and she’d been arrested days ago. Francesca Taymon was arrested because of you Cade. She would never have gotten in a fight with the queen bitch if it wasn’t because of me. It gave me hope she still held feelings for me, despite all we’d been through. All the bad I did to her, the hurt I caused her. She continued to stare at me her hair windblown from the ride back, her face flushed a sexy pink, her eyes wide and dancing with the adrenaline rush she was about to experience.

  “Cade,” she hissed, taking long strides to me. “I can’t believe this. Ok, I can’t lift it. Do you have any tools?” she questioned, her head turned in all directions, searching for any sort of witnesses.

  This woman continued to amaze me. One second she’s terrified, the next she’s barking orders. And through it all, she had no idea how incredibly sexy and appealing she was. “I have a crow bar. It’s just nailed down at the legs. Keep watch,” I commanded.

  She stood straighter, her back curving so quickly that my mind quickly forgot the task at hand. Before I could get my mind any deeper into my thoughts, she saluted me. “Yes, sir,” she spat at me like I was her sergeant.

  “Really?” I whispered, looking her over.

  She nodded quickly, a small smile playing at her lips. She
really tried to not laugh, I had to give her credit there. I chuckled, shaking my head at her. I lifted the crowbar out of the truck bed, briskly jogging up and down the sidewalk to look for any signs of life. Satisfied we were alone I worked quickly and smoothly, removing the heavy nails from the base of the bench. It wasn’t heavy, and the years had worn on the wood. I knew why the city was set to destroy it...I just couldn’t bear the thought. In mere minutes it was loose and I had it situated in Jay’s truck. Francesca paced under the streetlamp, chewing at her nails. It was obvious she was a nervous wreck, convinced we would get caught and that would be it. I couldn’t stop myself from staring. Her hair looked darker in the moonlight, her eyes peered at me from under her thick, long lashes. She was mesmerizing.

  “We’re ready,” I said, ushering her forward. I opened the door, helping her in.

  “Thanks,” she said, her eyes still darting all over the area. “Where are we taking it?”

  “My place,” I said, starting the engine with shaky hands.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked, nodding to where they were.

  “I dunno, I have a headache. I just need some Tylenol or something,” I said, shrugging her worry off.

  “Cade, are you sure?” She reached a cold hand out and caressed my forearm.

  “Yes,” I snapped, “I’m sure.” Why did I snap at her, I thought. A beautiful girl is worried about me and here I am being mean. “I’m just gonna get home. I’ll be ok,” I explained, my voice slightly less harsh. I didn’t know what was wrong with me, but I needed to pull it together before I lost her again.

  ###

  She fidgeted with the hem of her shirt all the way back to my apartment. Things were different, they’d changed...probably because I was a total asshole to her moments ago. I rushed around to her door, being gentlemanly and opening it. She smiled and said a small thanks as I inwardly kicked and cursed myself. I led her to the door, pushing it enough for her to step in.

  “Make yourself at home, I’m gonna go grab that Tylenol real quick,” I told her, heading towards the bathroom. I closed the door behind me, reached under the sink, and pulled out a small bottle of vodka. Opening the cabinet, I took out four Tylenols and downed them with a big swig. It burned going down. It’d been hours since I had a drink. I’d promised her I would be sober, but I had to take the pills with something.

  “Ok, much better,” I said, coming in to see her seated on my old, black couch. “Do you want something to drink?” I asked, suddenly feeling very nervous.

  “Water please?” she asked, her voice showing obvious uneasiness.

  “Sure,” I said, going to the kitchen. I poured her a water, adding a few pieces of ice, and fixed myself a coke, adding some of the vodka I’d stuffed in my pocket. Walking back in, I saw her twisting and pulling at her hair. “You ok, doll face?”

  She peered up, looking scared and unsure. “Cade...I’m sorry I blamed you,” she sniffled, a tear rolling down her face.

  I swiped it away, cupping her cheeks and making her face me. “It’s ok. It’s just as much my fault,” I whispered, my eyes fixated on hers, then moving to her lips. I asked her with my intense stare if it was ok. She whimpered as my thumb traced her bottom lip and I knew. This wasn’t going to be last time. Nothing would stop us.

  6 years prior-June

  Francesca’s head lay on my shoulder, her hair cascading around me coating me with a lavender blanket. Her body was snuggled close to mine, giving off more heat than I’d like, but I didn’t care. She was here, laying in the backseat with me as we watched the glow of the stars around us. I ached for her, longed for her, wanted her to be mine, but it hadn’t happened. I was technically still with Jade, though I hadn’t seen her in days. I kept telling her it was over, but every time she would show up with my favorite drink and we’d end up in bed together. It was a bad habit. I needed to break it.

  “Cade,” her soft voice said.

  “Yes?” I replied. My hand reached up and smoothed her hair.

  She wiggled closer, peering up at me. “Kiss me.”

  It was so unexpected, so sexy, that I couldn’t say no. My lips found hers, my tongue exploring every inch of her mouth. She moaned into me, moving her body so her leg draped over mine. I needed her closer. My hand found her waist, my fingers digging deep into her hips. She pulled back, her eyes wide and full of desire. I knew she couldn’t be experienced. She bit her lip while she stared at me, then straddled me. One move and she undid my whole being. I gripped her tighter, feeling her skin hot under her shirt. I moved my hands underneath, her silky body shivering at my touch. I leaned her back, throwing our stuff in the floor, and guided her body to the seat. Hovering over her, I stared down into her beautiful face. She reached her tender hand up, caressing my cheek, then arched her body against mine.

  Groaning, I bent down to bite at her neck, “You’re trying to kill me,” I growled in her ear before taking the lobe between my teeth.

  “Cade,” she gasped, her nails sinking into my upper arms.

  I kissed her deeper, my hands sliding higher. Her fingers gripped my back, pulling my shirt to my head. I watched, wide eyed, as her trembling hands pulled it off. Her delicate fingers explored my chest and back. My heart fluttered under her touch, my breathing becoming difficult. Her innocence shone in her eyes, but the desire was stronger. Ever so slowly, she pulled up, resting on one elbow, and lightly left a fiery trail from my jaw to my chest. Her lips scorched my skin. Growling, I leaned down, taking her lips with more aggression. She moaned into me, releasing herself from the shirt that covered the body I so desperately needed. I ravaged her skin, my lips touching every inch of her body. My teeth nibbling her most sensitive areas. Eager fingers tugged and buried into my hair, guiding my face back to hers. Our tongues danced, sending tingles all through my body. When her breath hitched and she made a path to my jeans with her fingers, I knew I couldn’t this now.

  My thoughts cleared, and I looked around. I couldn’t take her virginity here in this car, in the middle of nowhere. I bent, kissing her one last time, then sat up. She looked hurt, rejected, and it tore my heart in two.

  “Not here, Francesca. You deserve the best. Not this,” I told her, pulling her closer. I didn’t know if she believed me, but we spent the rest of that night talking and enjoying our time together. It was the last time we were alone before the accident.

  Present Day

  Her pink, full lips parted, ready for mine. I took my time, slowly inching closer to her, my eyes never leaving hers. Her breathing intensified, as did mine, and the anticipation was enough to make us crazy. I kissed her, gentle at first, then letting the passion I felt take over. Her hands found my hair, using it to guide me closer. Francesca Taymon was finally going to be mine.

  Chapter Twenty-One-Francesca

  My mind was reeling. Cade’s lips were so consuming. I wanted him, and he obviously wanted me, but the rational part of me was screaming to stop and wait until I knew this was for real this time. The rest of me...well it was pressed into every hard muscle on his body. His hands roamed freely, igniting my skin in its path. His lips drew me in, making my head spin, and my knees weak. His teeth nibbled at my neck, causing a rush of need to overtake me.

  “Cade,” I moaned into his shoulder, slipping my hands under his shirt to feeling his skin.

  He hissed as I scraped my nails up his back, stopping to grip his shoulders. “Dammit, you’re driving me insane,” he said huskily. He stood, taking my hands in his and leading me to the bedroom. His room was a wreck, but I couldn’t let my clean nature get to me at this moment. All I thought of was him.

  He gently laid me down, his fingers brushing my hair off my face. His deep sea eyes gazing at me with an intensity I’d only seen from him once before. I could feel his heartbeat against my chest. Our breathing was heavy, labored, as we eagerly, yet deliberately, undressed each other. His eyes grew dark with desire while he ravaged me with them. Our hands explored, driving the other wild with longing. We took turns,
leaving soft trails up and down necks, chests, and every other sensitive area we possessed. Being with Cade was everything I’d ever wanted, but was better than anything I could have imagined. We came together, over and over again. We were a perfect fit in every aspect. Our hearts grew more in sync as our bodies connected. He drove me to the brink, only to stop and start again, until finally our bodies exploded in bliss together. When we were spent and needed a break, he wrapped his arms around me, leaning his head on my chest and falling fast asleep. I lay there for a long time, my fingers lightly tracing hearts in his hair. He mumbled a few times, though each time was incoherent and I couldn’t coax him to repeat it. I finally drifted off to sleep, having my first night without nightmares since the accident.

  ###

  The glaring sunlight shone on my face, waking me. I felt something hot and wet against me, and I tried to move away. I looked around, seeing a huge mass of clothing in the corner, and trash littering the floor. Cade’s. I remembered now, I slept at Cade’s house. Turning my head, I saw his body glistening in sweat. One leg was draped over mine, his arm still around my waist. Now I knew where the wetness was coming from, but I didn’t know why or how to get away without waking him. I stretched my free arm around, checking his forehead for a fever. Cool. Weird, I thought. Why would he be sweating so much if he didn’t have a fever? Surely snuggling up to me wouldn’t make him that hot. I slid out from under him, searching his floor for my clothing. I walked to the hall, seeing only one door and assuming it was the bathroom. I made myself presentable, combing through my hair with my fingers, brushing my teeth with my thumb. Satisfied, I went to find his kitchen and get water. His garbage can overflowed with empty liquor bottles which concerned me. His sink was high with dirty dishes, showing how much of a bachelor he truly was. I snuck back to his bedroom door, seeing his body half covered with a sheet, his dark hair sticking in every which direction. He looked adorable. I headed back to the sink, diving head first into cleaning his kitchen.