by Tessa Elaine
I can’t say I have been doing that in the last few years. I have been lost in this dark place, keeping everyone at a safe distance. I haven’t been the brother or the son they deserve.
Mama and Lex don’t care about money, so helping with the bills, but not being present. Means nothing to them.
“I’m sorry, Lex,” I say to my little sister. Grip tight on the steering wheel as I drive her home.
“What could you possibly be sorry for, Wyatt?” I glance over, and Lex is looking at me like I’m crazy.
“I haven’t really been present, and that’s going to change, I swear.”
“Again. Wyatt, what are you talking about?” She’s shaking her head at me.
“I know I haven’t been at my best since I got back, but I’m working on it. You and Mama deserve the best version of me.” Lex cuts in.
“And what about Sarah?” She smiles at me, the little shit.
“Fuck yes, Sarah deserves everything, but so do you and Mama. I haven’t been there for any of you like I should.”
“Shit, big brother, you’re getting all sentimental on me. Gonna make me cry.” We both laugh because I’m not one to get all mushy.
“I’m here if you need me, Smalls”
“What I need is for you to stop calling me smalls,” she sticks her tongue out in true bratty sister fashion. “And maybe one tiny little favor?”
“Anything,” I tell her.
“It’s Dean. I’m worried after school kicking him out and losing his job. Wyatt, he won't talk to me. I know you don’t want to hear about my boy trouble, but I feel like I owe him so much.” She twists her hands in her lap.
She’s right, I don’t want to hear about her boy trouble, but I understand. I feel like I owe the guy a hell of a lot too. He lost a lot to protect my baby sister, and in my book, that’s as good as a life debt. If you ask Dean, he would do it all over again.
I know that look he had in his eyes when he was talking to Lucas and me. That’s the look of a man in love, little sis just doesn’t know it yet.
I should probably be worried, but any guy that can stand up to Lucas and me, want to pay his debt, and not take shit lying down. Well hell, Lex could do much worse.
“No worries, smalls, Dean starts work with Wayne Construction Monday. Lucas put him on my crew and Sarah is helping him get his GED. We got his back, so chin up.”
Lex squeals in my ear and next thing I know she's wrapped around my neck. I get a big kiss on the cheek, a thank you, and she’s back in her seat.
“Don’t thank me, the guy earned it.”
“So, does that mean you like him?” She looks a little uncertain with her question.
“I take it you do, and you’re about to let him know it.”
“You know me, big brother; I’m not one for subtlety.” Her smile is the biggest I’ve seen in a long time. As long as Dean keeps that smile there, I will have no complaints.
I drop Lex off at Mama’s and make it back to Sarah’s in record time. Whatever she’s cooking smells amazing, but the only thing on my mind is Sarah. I will always wish we would have started our forever sooner. I wish I didn’t waste so much time, but I only have myself to blame.
Sarah was always there, waiting on me to pull my head out of my ass. Well, it’s out now, and I plan on making up for all the time I missed. I won't let another day go by that she’s not in it.
Walking into the house, I find Sarah in the kitchen humming to the music coming out of her phone. She is a vision; for the first time in four years, I am thankful I survived the explosion. I never thought I would be thanking the heavens that I was lucky enough to come home.
Sarah turns around, and when our eyes meet I know, I’m the luckiest bastard in the fucking world. That smile is all for me.
“Dinner’s done,” she whispers her eyes all over me.
“I’m only hungry for you, princess. I think dinner can wait.” Her eyes turn from shy to blazing with heat.
Taking Sarah by the hand, I lead her to her room. Slowly stripping her of every piece of clothing she’s wearing. I need to touch her skin, and I need her touching me.
My fingers trail from the pulse that's beating so fast I can see it, down to the tops of her beautiful tits. She has no idea how gorgeous she is, or how much she has me tied in knots.
“Perfection,” I tell her as my fingers trail down her stomach to the place she needs me.
Sarah’s breath is speeding up, her body is leaning into mine, needing more.
“Wyatt,” my name is a breathless whisper on her lips. God, I could listen to her moan my name forever, and I plan on it.
“Tell me what you need, princess. Tell me all those dirty thoughts that are just for me.” I love when Sarah lets go and shares a side of her that no one else gets.
Like she has kept it locked away, waiting on me to help her unleash it.
“Wyatt, I need you inside me. I want you to fill me up, please, don’t make me beg.” Music to my ears.
Reluctantly I remove my hands from her body, trying my hardest not to rush this and just bury myself inside of her. Pulling my shirt over my head, I toss it to the floor. The pants are a little more difficult. I sit on the side of the bed, removing my shoes first, then my jeans. It's not the sexiest move but it's better than ending up on my ass.
Sarah doesn’t seem to care. Her eyes are all over me, taking in every scar, every tattoo. Sarah’s love for me has given me a confidence I didn’t know I lost. I don’t feel less than, I don’t feel like a mess of a man. I just feel like Wyatt, like a man in love with a beautiful woman.
“Come here, princess.” Sarah kneels on either side of my legs poised above me while I sit on the edge of her bed.
Her pert nipples are in the perfect position for my mouth, and I can no longer hold back. Sarah sits up just a little taking my hard length in her hand. My tip touches her wet heat, and I’m an animal, taking her nipple between my teeth as she sinks down on me. I’m so lost in the warmth surrounding me I almost miss her calling my name.
Such a beautiful sound her needing me, needing us, as much as I need her. She rocks her hips slowly at first, testing her rhythm, finding her pace. Every thrust of her hips has her clenching me tight, bringing me closer to the edge. I can’t get there before she does, I need her to be with me.
One hand on her hip and the other in her hair, I angle her body just right. Every time she drops down on my hard cock, I hit that perfect spot that has her crying out. Moving her faster needing her to cum with me. I pull her hair, so she pushes her chest out.
I latch on hard to that right bud, hollowing out my cheeks, craving her release. Sarah's pace picks up, and I am slamming her back down on me. So close. She’s so close.
I feel her lock down on me as her sex ripples around me with her orgasm. Sarah’s head is thrown back in ecstasy, mouth open in a silent scream. Most beautiful fucking thing I have ever seen and that sends me right over with her.
Panting and trying to catch our breath, I run my hands all over her. Reminding myself this is real and that this is my life. It’s still so hard to believe I have my princess in my arms.
Chapter 20
Sarah
The week had been amazing and overwhelming at the same time. I never thought I could have this with Wyatt. Every night I was either at his house, or he was at mine having dinner. Some nights he would fall asleep with me in his arms. Then other nights he didn't sleep at all.
On the nights Wyatt didn't sleep, if we are at his cabin, I would find him in the woodshed. The man can build the most amazing things with his hands. I keep telling him those hands are magic, and not just with his woodwork.
I took full advantage of watching him work on those nights. Making myself a cup of tea, I would head out with Mutt hot on my trail, and we would sit on the bench in the corner watching him work. The way his arms would flex while he was sanding, the sweat that made his shirt cling to his hard chest. I couldn't take my eyes off him.
It would lea
d to sweet kisses, heavy petting, and Wyatt carrying me to the shower, where he would love my body until the water ran cold.
The weekend came, and Wyatt had consumed my every waking thought. We had spent so much time together, it felt like we are both trying to make up for lost time.
Thanksgiving was fast approaching, and we both had the week off.
It's the elephant in the room, and every time I bring it up, he tries to distract me. Telling me, “Princess, we will figure this out.” Then kissing me until I forget what we were talking about. Or, “Princess, I promise I will take care of everything.” Then he gives me multiple orgasms. The man knows how to take my mind off things.
My brother had invited Wyatt over for dinner, and Elena asked me to lunch over the weekend. We both gave them an excuse, wanting to spend time alone. I don't think I could have hung out with my brother and Elena and acted like there is nothing between us.
Thanksgiving is less than a week away, and I have no idea how this is going to work. I would love nothing more than to tell my family, to finally have our relationship in the open. No more hiding.
We could actually go out instead of being cooped up in the house. Not that I didn't enjoy our time cooped up, I just think it would be nice to go out on a real date. Act like a real couple and do normal couple things together.
Wyatt suggested we go to the next town over, and he would take me to dinner and a movie, but that made me feel like his dirty secret. I don't want to be anyone's secret.
I'm trying so hard to have faith in us, in him. It's not easy.
The weekend goes by, and things start to get tense. He spent his days splitting wood and doing chores. It felt like he was avoiding me or the subject of telling everyone. I'm at that point of blowing up on everyone, and they wouldn't even know what they did wrong. We don't know how they’re going to take it, but Wyatt is worried and keeps putting it off.
By Monday my heart has had enough. I tell Wyatt I need to go home and take care of some things. He doesn't ask what those things are or when he's going to see me again. It leaves a terrible pain in my chest.
I feel like I'm hanging from a noose, my throats tight, and I can't breathe. If the rope didn't snap my neck, I would slowly suffocate in my pain.
Having what I always wanted, finally having my happiness, just for it to be taken away. It's slowly killing me, and I don't even know if Wyatt sees how much he's hurting me.
Sometimes I wonder if he truly sees me as more than Lucas's kid sister. I think they all forget I'm an adult and I can make adult decisions. Especially when it comes to my love life.
I'm so sick of being handled with kid gloves.
I go back to my place and start deep cleaning. It's what I do when I'm stressed. Two o'clock hits and the house is spotless. What am I supposed to do with the rest of my week? I need a distraction, and I know just the person.
The phone rings a couple times before she answers and I'm relieved to hear her voice.
“So nice to hear from my lovesick friend.” I am love sick.
“I need a girl's night,” I tell her.
“I'm going to kick his ass!” God, I love her. “I will meet you at Mac's.”
“Elena, we can go to the diner.” I try telling her. She's pregnant so what fun is a bar when your best friend can’t drink with you.
“Nope, I'm getting you wasted, and you are going to spill. There is a lot to catch up on.” I roll my eyes behind the phone but agree to her shenanigans.
The bar is crowded for a weekday, and I find a seat in the corner. I don't mind, the last thing I need is small town gossip because they were eavesdropping on my conversation.
Elena walks in twenty minutes late, and I know it was my brother's fault. She means the world to Lucas, and now that she's carrying his baby, he is a thousand times more protective.
I ordered a long island tea before she got there. Mac makes these strong, so I'm relaxed by the time she takes her seat. Elena orders lemon water and sits patiently waiting for me to start.
With a heavy sigh, I spill my guts, and I do mean spill. About everything. From calling him when she got back in town, and I needed help with Lucas. To his random calls with nothing to say. Then about the fight, we had at his cabin after Lex was attacked and the kiss we had at the wedding shower. There is so much to catch her up on.
By the time I get to this weekend I'm on my second drink, and I'm not sure if that's a good thing. I'm supposed to be feeling more relaxed, but my emotions are amplified. My voice keeps getting louder as I vent about the man I love. Poor Elena just sits there and takes it all, I know she wants to say something, but she's letting me get it all out.
When I'm finally finished, and I have worked myself up, Elena finally chimes in.
“One, I'm a little pissed you kept all this from me. You lost your freaking v-card Sarah, and you didn’t even think to call me. That’s a big deal, you held onto that thing like it was the second coming.”
I have to laugh at her ridiculousness, the second coming? That makes no sense, but I understand what she means. I should have called her and talked about all of this before it got all crazy. Maybe then my head wouldn’t be a mess.
“If you must know, it hurt like hell at first, but Wyatt was incredible. Honestly, I’m glad I held on to it. It’s always been Wyatt for me; you of all people know that.”
Elena shakes her head and continues with her list.
“Two, I'm sorry. I’m sorry things aren't easier for you two. I have watched you guys pine for each other for too long. I want to see you guys get your happy ever after.”
Me too.
“Three, why don't you just tell them? If Wyatt’s holding back and you’re ready, take charge girl.” I'm staring into my drink trying to find the answers.
I want to tell them, I should tell them. If Wyatt can't handle it, I will. They're my family, and it would probably be better coming from me. It still doesn't answer my question. Why is he so afraid to tell everyone?
I'm going over all this in my head when I hear my name.
“Sarah Wayne and Elena Brighton, as I live and breathe.” I cannot handle Amber Towe right now.
“Amber.” My ton is flat hoping she will get the point and leave. Elena is staring daggers at her, and as usual, the girl has no common sense or self-preservation.
“It's a shame about your brother, I thought we had something good.” I see Elena start to stand, so I grab her hand.
“My brother wouldn't touch you if you were the last person on this planet.” I'm not usually into confrontation, but get a few drinks in me, and the capital B comes out.
“So rude Sarah, maybe that's why Brad left you. After all, he was coming to me while you were together, he needed a real woman to give him what you couldn't.” Really, I left him. I don't even care; he can tell people whatever he wants. Then it hits me, what she said. Brad was cheating on me the whole time. I should feel sad or angry, but all I feel is relief.
So glad I didn't sleep with that A-hole.
“I'm sure you have enough experience with the whole town, you can definitely give him what I couldn't.”
“Like a disease,” Elena mumbles under her breath.
I have never been this rude to anyone in my life. My mama would lose her mind if she heard me right now. Even if my mama doesn't like you, she will bury you with her charm. She says there is no sense in stooping to their level, be better than them, show them their words don’t affect you. It pisses them off more to see you happy than miserable.
Mama always knows what she’s talking about. But after a few drinks, I don’t care about Amber's face turning red or her stomping off mad. It felt good to stand up for myself, probably wasn't necessary, it is just Amber.
“When that bitch breathes, the air comes out crooked,” Elena says, and I lose it. Doubled over laughing until the tears start falling. God, I'm glad she's back in my life.
I have one more drink, and Mac cuts me off. He knows I'm a lightweight and my daddy would have
his ass if something happened to me. Elena tells him she's leaving her car and Lucas will get it tomorrow. She's driving me home.
Elena helps me into the house and into my bed. She tucks me in, and I tell her to keep my secret, she just laughs and says always. Before she leaves, I tell her what a great mother she's going to be, and she makes me promise to call her tomorrow.
I hear the front door close, and I feel so alone again. I am an ugly crier and being drunk makes it worse. All I want is Wyatt, to be in his arms, to tell the world he's mine. Why does it have to be so hard?
My last thoughts as I fall asleep are of him all alone at home and my heart breaks.
Chapter 21
Wyatt
Maybe I took one too many hits to the head over the years. I just keep fucking this up, and I know exactly where I went wrong this time. You would think the fact that I knew I was fucking up I would have stopped myself. Nope, started a one-way collision off a cliff and instead of hitting the break I hit the gas.
I thought this would be easy, telling everyone that we are in love.
The second she brought up talking to the Wayne’s and her brother, I froze. I’m not scared of him being mad, because let's face it, Lucas is going to be pissed. I’m more worried about her mom and dad. Sarah looks up to them and their relationship, hell we all do.
Barrett is the only man that has ever treated me like a son. He would take me hunting and fishing when he took Lucas, and my best friend never complained once. I always thought I was taking time away from him with his dad. Lucas would just tell me I was his brother and dad loved us both.
Not having my own father in my life, a man that by blood was supposed to love me but left me and never look back. At such a young age that was hard. Then Barrett came in and was a father to a boy that wasn't even his. Treated me just like one of his kids, even taking me on family vacations with them. I couldn’t ask for a better role model in my life.
Then there is the ever loving Eva, the woman is a saint. My Mama is the best don’t get me wrong, I don’t know what Lex and I would have done without her. Eva and my Mama became close when I started to hang out with the Wayne’s. I am so thankful my Mama had a friend in this small town when we first moved here.