Letting Go of Us (Anchored Hearts Vol. 3)

by J. M. Witt

  We both checked our phone calendars and agreed as we programmed the appointment in. Two weeks and we could finally move on. I already knew what my answer would be and believed I knew what his choice would be too. We’d been through too much together to walk away.

  We walked to a nearby restaurant and had dinner after our session. After, he walked me to my car and I found his truck near mine. I was a little surprised he hadn’t taken his bike. He told me to hang on and ran to his truck and opened up the back door. He pulled out a square flat board, closed the door and made his way back over to me.

  “What’s this?”

  “Your painting. The one with the quote.”

  Gasping, “Right! I almost forgot.” I popped my trunk and he laid it in. “Now I need to find somewhere to hang it.” Just then, like on cue, Ryan pulled up. That meant one thing. James wasn’t coming over. I looked to James and pouted.

  “Work calls. We’re almost there, baby.”

  “I know.” I knew it wasn’t the time or place, but I had to ask. “Nothing on Dan?” He shook his head. “I don’t understand. Where could he be?”

  “I don’t either. He’s probably left town, but I’m not risking your safety.”

  “I know.” I dropped my head to his chest as he held me. Mumbling, “I just want this all over so we can all have some peace.”

  “Me, too, Blackbird.”

  ~<>~<>~<>~

  The wedding day was finally upon us. I couldn’t believe how fast that week and a half went, but I didn’t have time to think about it either. The ceremony was going to be at four, with pictures following and then dinner. Fireworks would begin just after ten and James and I had made sure to secure the staff, DJ included, to remain late into the night. They’d be well compensated and we planned on partying all night. We all deserved a party of epic proportions and that’s what we’d planned.

  I was headed to Jane’s room at The Benedict, awaiting the elevator to open in the lobby. The doors opened and I was greeted by James. He smiled brightly and whisked me into the elevator. He didn’t even say hello before his lips were cemented to mine. The past week had been the easiest to restrain ourselves, simply because I’d been so busy.

  As I savored his mouth on mine I realized it was no ordinary kiss. It was fevered, but not rushed; desperate, but not sloppy; and I became lost in him. With his hands in my hair and mine gripping his waist, he pressed me up against the elevator wall and I could feel every pulsing inch of him against me. I pushed back, and he let me, and then his back was up against the elevator wall. Smirking that ‘I dare you’ smile at me, he awaited my next move.

  I ran my hands down his arms, starting at his biceps and down until our fingers entwined. Raising his arms up, I let go and told him not to move. I was sure he was holding back a laugh as I took the lead. Burying my face in his neck, I bit and sucked at the exposed flesh. His hair was pulled back neat and was still damp from his morning shower. His cologne traveled through me and the result was my muddled head and wet panties. Sighing and sagging against him, my hands tugged his shirt out of his pants, desperate to feel his skin against mine. He was always so warm. My hands ran over the ripples of his abdomen before moving to the muscles of his back.

  “Come back to the penthouse with me.” His deep baritone sent a thrill through me.

  I wanted nothing more. Our twenty-eight days were almost up and he’d been more than strong during that time, me the weak one. Now it was my turn to be strong.

  “I can’t.”

  Groaning, “You can.” His arms dropped and pulled me closer as he sucked on my ear. “I can’t manage another three days without you. It’s been too long.” My eyes closed, I listened to his words as my body felt weightless against his. “Blackbird…”

  Stammering, “James, we, we can’t, it’s only three more days.” He worked his mouth harder against my skin, “Oh, you have to stop that. You know how hard it is for me to say no to you.”

  The elevator chimed and we were on the floor for the penthouse. How had he managed that? Before I could object, he was pulling me after him, toward his door. He swiped the key card and opened the door, slamming me up against it once it was closed and we were inside.

  “James, Jane is waiting for me.”

  “She can wait.” He growled as he lifted my legs to circle his waist.

  It was only three days. He removed his suit jacket as I pulled his tie loose. Buttons hit the floor as I yanked open his shirt. He snarled at me, and without removing his shirt he crushed his lips to mine as my nails raked down his chest leaving red lines in their wake.

  “You owe me.” Pulling back, he looked at me, lost at my meaning. “Poker. When do I get to tie you up?”

  He smiled and simply said, “Soon.”

  Loosening his hold on me, my feet hit the floor as he pulled my t-shirt over my head. Slowly, his fingertips trailed over the mounds of my breasts where the lace of my bra met my skin. My chest was contracting as my eyes found his. I nodded my head once, knowing the question his eyes were asking.

  “Cassidy, if you cross this line with me it’s done. There’s no going back. I won’t go back.”

  I nodded my consent and he tugged my yoga pants down and cupped my bare cheeks with his hands. His thumb slid into the back of the thong before he ripped them from my body.

  “Stop destroying my underwear collection you brute.”

  “You know I’ll just buy you more.” His nose was buried against my short strip of curls, “I’ve missed your scent. You smell so good. Only one thing is better.” Pulling my leg aside, his tongue licked at my seam, “You taste like heaven.”

  I couldn’t suppress the moan that fell from my lips and then my phone started ringing. Shit! “James, I have to go.”

  Kissing up my belly he begged, “Make them wait. Please.” He was back at his full height, hovering above me as his fingers released the front clasp of my bra. His eyes were engrossed on my breasts as he massaged one and lowered his head to consume the other. His free hand massaged my hip, working to the back of my thigh.

  “Hurry up.” He groaned against my breast before releasing it and standing. I watched as he pulled a condom out of his wallet and dropped his pants. Commando! My eyes looked to his cock and back to his eyes as I said, “Shocking. Hoping to get lucky, Mr. Benedict?”

  “A guy can hope.” My hand found his length as his eyes closed and he hissed a breath. “Cassidy…”

  He grew even harder in my hand as I kissed his chest. I heard the foil packet rip open as he gently pushed my hands aside. Once he was sheathed his fingers grazed across my lips. It was embarrassing how wet I was for him; you could hear his fingers slide in and out of me.

  “James…make me remember.”

  Without word, wrapping my legs around him, he pushed me back up against the door. He waited for me to look at him before he began the slow torture of sliding into me. My legs were already trembling when he pulled out and finally pushed in to his full length. My womb clenched as a rush of love flooded me. My eyes began to water as I tried to pull him closer to me.

  “Baby, did I hurt you?”

  “No. I forgot how good you feel. It feels so good, please don’t stop.”

  He smiled before he kissed me. My fingers tangled in his hair as I worked some strands loose. My hips rocked in rhythm to his, grinding against him to gain the most contact. His shirt clung to his shoulders as my hands cleaved to them. He pulled me away from the door and walked us to a dining chair.

  Slowly, he sat down as his tongue explored my mouth. His hands held my shoulders as he pushed me back. The angle had me gasping as he slid out and back in again. My head dropped back as I let him manipulate my body. One hand gripped my hair is it hung down my back, longer than normal from months of neglect. His other hand moved to my hip as he demanded I touch myself, coming before him.

  “Do it, Cassidy.”

  My fingers began to circle my clit as I sought out my orgasm. The flutters started as he continued his as
sault on me. I leaned back a little further as he tightened his hold on my hair, loving how he felt so deep inside me.

  “James!”

  “I got you. I’m never letting go.”

  I gazed to him and I used his words for the first time, crying out, “Always, only, and forever you.”

  The smile overtook his face as he pulled me to him and whispered against my lips, “You and me. No one else.”

  I felt the tear roll down my cheek and I knew he saw it, too. “You’re mine and I’m yours.”

  Then it was his turn to use my words, “Only you.”

  He leaned me back again as we rode each other into a frenzy. I could feel his own pace quickening as my fingers worked my clit feverishly. Wanting to see his face, I picked my head up and he easily released my hair and brought my mouth down to his. Both his hands held me tight as I started moaning louder.

  “I’m going to come, James. Don’t stop.”

  My body tensed and went limp all at once against him. I couldn’t stop squirming and he bellowed out his own release as I ground my hips onto his. His fingers moved to the back of my thighs, each touch causing me to quiver even more. We were both suffering from new born giraffe syndrome—what we’d jokingly named it months prior—and needed time to recover our legs.

  We were rudely interrupted as my cell started ringing again. “Shit!” He was panting into my neck as I snuggled up closer to him. “I have to go.”

  “I know.”

  I was pulling my clothes back on as he watched me. “Sorry about the shirt.”

  Shrugging his shoulders he replied, “I have more.” The tension was in the air, but in a good way. “You’re nervous. Why?”

  “It’s, I just…”

  He sauntered over to me and pushed my hair behind my ears. “I want you. I’ll move my stuff back in today. It’s up to you.”

  I wanted nothing more, but I was worried about Dr. Pratt. “Maybe we should wait till Monday. I just want to get this wedding over with and then you’ll have my full attention.”

  Smiling, “Understood. You should get going before they call a search party.” I nodded and picked up my purse and headed toward the door. “I hate you, Blackbird.”

  Blushing, I smiled brightly and turned to him. “I hate you too, JB3.” He winked at me as I walked out the door.

  I headed back to the elevator, checking my phone. I had missed calls from Lena, Jane and Mrs. Whitford. I made it to Jane’s room just as my phone began ringing again. The door was slightly ajar as I made my way inside.

  “There you are! We were beginning to worry.”

  “Sorry, I was caught up, err, traffic was a wreck.”

  Jane looked at me and knew I was lying. She walked over, hugged me and whispered, “He’s written all over you.”

  I asked, “What do you mean?”

  “He’s all over you. I can see it, like in your aura, your vibe, and I can smell his cologne. It’s about time you two got your shit in order. Please tell me this nonsense with you two is over?”

  Smiling, with emotion in my voice, I mumbled, “I think so. I love him so much.”

  “I know you do. The feeling’s mutual.”

  The morning and afternoon flew by as we got ready. Lisa, Bev, Jane and I had our hair and makeup done in the bridal suite as the photographer and videographer fluttered around us. When it was close to time, I made my exit. I had to make sure Lena had everything handled and I needed to check on Cal. Jane looked amazing in her dress and I’d meet her in the bridal room before the ceremony, before I took my place with Cal at the altar.

  I found all the guys downstairs wandering the terrace overlooking the garden where the ceremony would take place. I walked through the reception hall and spotted Lena. Everything seemed to be in place. The room was a sea of green, light yellow and white. It was beautiful.

  “Cassidy, you look amazing! The cake was just delivered and everything else is all set.”

  I let out a big breath, “Excellent. You’ve really pulled this off. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

  “It’s no biggie. I was glad to help and I love my job.”

  “Ok. I’m going to go check on the guys. The guests are starting to arrive. I’ll see you soon.”

  I made my way back out to the terrace as guests were being asked to take their seats. I spotted my Dad, my uncles and some cousins and made my way over. I was bombarded with questions of where my own husband was and did my best to explain that he was with the bride. If I started trying to explain it all I’d just end up with diarrhea of the mouth.

  I managed to snag Cal and pull him to a private corner. He tugged on his collar as I noticed the sweat beading on his forehead. Was he hot, anxious or both? I smiled at him and asked if he was ok.

  “Me? I’m great. Just ready for it to be over. You know me. I’m not a suit and tie guy.”

  “I know, but you look great. Remember to breathe. You may faint when you see Jane.” I looked around and Lena nodded that it was time. “Ok. I’m going to go make sure Jane’s all ready and I’ll be back.”

  “Ok.”

  I knocked on the bridal dressing room door and James opened it and smiled at me. He stepped out and closed the door as he kissed my cheek.

  “I can smell you on me and vice versa.”

  Giggling, I smacked his arm. “Knock it off. You can not.”

  “I can.”

  Rolling my eyes I inquired, “Is she ready?”

  “Yup. You can go in. I just wanted to give her and her parents a minute.”

  I tapped the door gently as I opened it. Bev was holding back tears and Jane’s father looked like the proudest man alive.

  “Sorry to interrupt.” Jane beamed at me as I continued, “They’re ready when you are.”

  Nodding she responded, “I’m ready.”

  I hugged her and took another look at her. The lace dress hugged her perfectly. She wore a long veil that would trail behind her. The dress was almost entirely backless and would probably cause Cal to have a coronary, in a good way. Her hair was pulled in a low side bun, accentuating her delicate frame and features. We were forehead to forehead and the photographer caught the moment.

  “I always wanted a sister.”

  She smiled, “Me too!”

  Her eyes began filling with tears, “Oh no you don’t. Cock! Balls! Schlong! No tears, Jane!”

  Everyone started laughing and I nodded at her and made my way out of the room. James clutched my wrist and pulled me back to him.

  “Say cock again. It makes me hot.” I shook my head as we laughed and I made my way back down the hall.

  ~ JAMES ~

  I watched her walk down the hall, to where Cal was most likely waiting. She looked stunning in that green dress. It made her look like a fairy with all its flowing layers and I wanted to get her out of it. Slowly. I’d been determined to wait the twenty-eight days, but when I saw her that morning in the elevator, I couldn’t wait any longer. All my resolve pushed away. I had also told myself I wouldn’t be with her again until I knew she was wholly committed to us. Please, God, let her be wholly committed.

  We waited a few minutes before it was time to walk Aunt Bev to her seat. I walked back up the aisle and Cal and Cassidy then took their turn down the aisle and took their places. A chill ran up my spine and as I scoured the crowd an eerie feeling settled over me. My eyes found Smith and he sensed it in me too. He discreetly walked out and made his way to the back of the garden. He radioed a few guys as my eyes continued looking over the crowd. There were close to two hundred people in attendance. I swore to myself he’d pay if Dan ruined this day for Jane.

  The curtains closed and the music changed. I looked behind me to see Jane and my uncle walking my way. It was time. She was so happy and my fears about Dan were pushed aside. I kissed her cheek as Lena told me to take my place. It was all a little untraditional, me standing beside Jane and Cassidy beside Cal. But, it made sense. Once I took my place across from Cassidy and Cal, the music
stopped and the minister asked everyone to stand.

  The curtains opened again and everyone spotted Jane. There were a lot of ‘ohs’ and ‘ahs’ as she made her way to the altar. Cassidy deserved a day like Jane was having. One way or another I would make it happen, I just didn’t know when. Though, I had some ideas. It was nice standing across from Cal, watching him pledge his life to my cousin. I knew he wouldn’t hesitate to take another dozen bullets for her. Staring at Cassidy, she dabbed at the tears in her eyes as they threatened to fall.

  “You may kiss your bride.”

  The cheers filled the garden as Cal and Jane gave their audience even more to applaud. They were introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Charles and walked down the aisle. I smiled at Cassidy and kissed her cheek when we met in the middle. She looped her arm through mine as we followed behind the bride and groom.

  Chapter 15 ~ Miracle

  ~ JAMES ~

  Too soon we were all thrown into a flurry of greetings and tasks to achieve. Dinner was going to be a drag as Cassidy sat next to her brother and I sat next to Jane. I wanted her close to me, needed her close. My thoughts were interrupted when both fathers took their turn at thanking everyone for attending. Screw this. I moved my chair and sat at the end of the table so I could be close to her. Smiling, she shook her head at me as I joined our hands under the table.

  Then the microphone was handed to Cassidy and she stood. I let go of her hand as she took a deep breath and unfolded a piece of paper that had been clutched in her other hand.

  “I’ll try to make this quick. As you all know, Cal is my big brother and he’s done his brotherly duty well. Maybe a little too well.” The crowd laughed. “You’re my best friend and all I’ve ever wanted for you was to find someone as loving, kind, generous, funny, and as spectacular as you are. I hate to break it to you, but you didn’t find that. You found something more. Jane, where do I begin? You’re the sister I never had and I’m so happy you’re a part of my family. I wish you nothing but the best. May you be the anchor to keep his feet on the ground and may he be the wings to keep your heart in the clouds. I love you both.” Everyone clapped as she added, “Cheers to Jane and Cal.”