Now or Never

by A. J. Bennett

  Interesting. If Ethan couldn’t stand them, then there was a good chance Derrick felt the same way. A slow smile spread across her face.

  They made their way to the bar, and the bartender pushed over their drinks without asking for their order.

  Grayson tried to take in the guys. It should be illegal to have so many attractive men together at once.

  One of the guys from the group made his way over to the table and stood next to them. He had tanned skin, pale eyes, a shaved head and infectious smile.

  He leaned down and spoke over the music. “I’m just going to stand here and buy your drinks. You don’t have to talk to me.”

  “That’s your line?” Luna laughed, “I have to admit it’s pretty good.”

  “The big guy over there sent me over. I’m on wing man duty.”

  Grayson looked over. Most of them looked pretty big to her. “Which one?”

  “The ugly redhead. I told him I couldn’t tell the difference between you two, but he said he wants you,” he said, pointing at Grayson.”

  “He wants me?” Grayson couldn’t help but smile. Big ugly redhead? That sounded perfect to her right about now. It was hard to tell hair color from the distance and the dim light. “Tell him to come over here.”

  The guy took a swig of his beer, sat it down on the table, and then made his way back to the group. Grayson watched him talk to a burly man in the middle. He was big, but she couldn’t tell if he was attractive or even if his hair really was red. A few guys slapped him on the back as he made his way over to their table.

  “I’m not having sex with the bald one there’s no way I’m fucking the wing man,” Luna said firmly.

  “I don’t care what you do. I want the ugly red,” Grayson said as she watched them come forward. He was huge over six foot and at least 220 lbs.

  “There are a lot of them. I’m sure I can find one to entertain me for the evening,” Luna yelled over the music and raised her bottle to her lips.

  The big guy came over to her side of the table. She liked that he didn’t pay attention to her sister. Usually guys made a stupid comment about never having twins or something equally as ridiculous. His hair was more auburn than red and made her think of Derrick. His face was wide, eyes light brown and his crooked nose had been broken more than once. His arms were covered in tattoos. Definitely not what she would call attractive. And yet she knew instantly she wanted to go home with him that evening.

  “What’s your name?” Grayson asked.

  “Brick.”

  “Brick? I guess that’s fitting. Obviously, not your real name?”

  He smiled. “That’s what everyone calls me. What’s yours?”

  “Should I make one up? Or tell you my real name?”

  “I guess that’s up to you.”

  “Grayson. That’s my real name.” He reached out his hand to shake hers. His hand was huge and callused. She was immediately turned on just by the touch of him. Chemistry.

  Luna went over and joined the group of guys leaving them alone. They spent the next couple of hours talking. The attraction between them was undeniable. After her fourth drink, Grayson leaned over and yelled over the noise, “I want you to take me to your room and fuck me like you own me.”

  “Don’t say that unless you mean it,” He practically growled back.

  “Oh, I mean it.”

  He stood up leaned down and tossed her over his shoulder like a damn cave man and carried her out of the bar. Grayson was laughing and kicking telling him to put her down, or she was going to get sick. Once outside he set her down.

  “Damn girl. You’re about to give me a heart attack. Are you sure about this?”

  “I’m sure. Let’s go.” She grabbed his hand, and they walked across the way to the hotel. The bar really was in an ideal location.

  The door shut, and Brick pushed her against it. His hands were pressed on each side of her. “You’re fucking perfection,” he told her, his body firm against hers.

  Her face was already flushed from the drinks, but she could feel the heat rise. What the hell was she doing? She found herself asking that question over and over these days.

  He pulled her shirt over her head and unclasped her bra dropping it to the floor. One hand grabbed her breast, and his thumb roughly rubbed her taunt nipple in a circular motion. With the other hand, he pushed down her pants.

  Grayson undid his pants and nearly gasped. He was huge and more than ready to go. She dropped down onto her knees and tried to take him all in, but that wasn’t going to happen.

  As if she weighed nothing he pulled her up and slid her onto him. She wrapped her legs around his waist and cried out. His large hands gripped her ass. Holy shit. He pushed her up against the door. “I’m going to fuck you all over this room.”

  Grayson moaned.

  He tossed her onto the bed and turned her around. His hands nearly covered her whole waist. Before long, they were both slick with sweat. He carried her over to the chair got on his knees and tossed her legs over his shoulders and spread her swollen lips apart running his tongue up the sides of her, his scruffy face nearly driving her mad.

  It was the most intense sex she had ever experienced and after Derrick that was saying a lot. Where Derrick had always held back Brick devoured her. Where Derrick made her feel powerless; he made her feel powerful.

  He made her feel beautiful.

  “What the hell are you doing with someone like me?” He asked when they laid beside each other catching their breath.

  “What do you mean by that?”

  “Look at me. You’re way out of my league. You’re gorgeous, and we’ll I’m me. It’s like beauty and the beast.”

  “Why did you pick me and not my sister? Guys always want my sister.”

  He thought about it for a moment. “It was the way you walk.”

  Grayson tilted her head to look at him. “The way I walk?”

  “Yeah, your sister walks like she knows everyone is looking at her, and she eats up the attention.”

  “You, on the other hand, are totally unaware of the effect you have on others. It’s very sexy. You seem at ease with yourself and your surroundings.”

  Grayson nearly laughed. She never felt at ease with her surroundings, but she was glad she came across that way. Perception was reality.

  Grayson turned over and ran her hand over his chest, stopping to feel an indent.

  Brick grabbed her hand.

  “What happened?” Grayson asked softly.

  “Shot in Afghanistan. One of my buddies got killed, I went ballistic. I don’t know how I’m alive.”

  Grayson leaned down and traced the scar with her lips and then climbed on top of him. She was surprised to feel the full length of him grow so quickly. She loved that she had that effect on him.

  They literally did not sleep a wink.

  The door opened, and a cleaning lady walked in while Grayson’s legs were thrown over his shoulders, her ankles grasped in his hands. He didn’t stop; hell, he didn’t even turn around. The woman covered her mouth and turned and left the room giggling.

  They both burst out laughing as soon as the door shut behind her.

  “I guess we’ll have to put the do not disturb sign on the door next time.”

  “Next time? How long are you here for?”

  “Two weeks. We just got here yesterday.”

  Grayson grinned. The idea of spending two weeks in his bed was very, very appealing. For the first time, she looked forward to seeing someone again. Well other than Derrick, but that obviously didn’t end well. Two weeks she could handle. Maybe it would be possible to forget about Derrick. At least for a little while anyway.

  Brick’s phone buzzed, and he grabbed it off the table. “Shit,” he said with a laugh, “I’m late for work. The guys are waiting for me outside.”

  “Sorry,” Grayson said, smiling sheepishly.

  He pulled her to him and kissed her deeply causing every part of her body to tingle with desire. “Mee
t me tonight at the same place?”

  Grayson nodded, reluctantly got out of bed, and pulled on her jeans.

  “Thank you.”

  He laughed. “You’re thanking me?”

  “Yeah, I was in need of a distraction.”

  “A distraction huh? I’ll take what I can get at this point,” he said as he pulled her in and kissed her quickly.

  Grayson was grinning from ear to ear when she made her way down to her jeep. Her face fell when she saw she missed messages from Derrick. Why did she feel like she was cheating on him? That was beyond absurd. He was the one that left without saying good-bye. He obviously chose the blonde over her. She would be stupid not to move on.

  CHAPTER 30

  She didn’t know why, but she had kept Brick a secret from Derrick. It started to drive her crazy after a week, so she finally told him. Maybe it was out of spite. She wasn’t even sure anymore. As pissed off as she was at Derrick, she still kept her phone in reaching distance just in case he messaged her. They chatted online for hours each day, which only confused her more. She felt like she was finally getting to know him, but he’d still left her without a proper good-bye. He chose someone else over her—it was as simple as that. And if nothing else, Brick was an escape from that harsh reality. She enjoyed hanging out with him and his friends. They were fun and lived in the moment. Being carefree and going with the flow was not something Grayson had ever been good at.

  I haven’t told you something. She hesitated for a moment and then hit send.

  Oh?

  I’ve been seeing someone for the last week.

  Who?

  A guy from out of town. She bit her lip as she pushed send. For some reason, she wanted to make him mad like he had made her that day at the bookstore. He’s navy.

  A fucking SEAL?

  I guess. I never asked, but that’s what Luna said.

  Did you use protection?

  Grayson covered her mouth and looked at the screen. She hesitated. The truth was she had not. It happened so quickly with Brick it never even crossed her mind. And after once what was the sense in worrying about it? They had talked about it later, and Brick insisted he was clean that they get checked every six months. She believed him but would be sure to go to her doctor before she was with anyone else. Plus, as far as she had been concerned her time with Derrick was over. He forfeited his right the day he looked away. Before she had time to form a reply Derrick’s message chimed.

  I see.

  What does that mean?

  I have to go.

  Of course you do. You always run away don’t you? Are you angry?

  Nope.

  God forbid you show some emotion. Need I remind you that you had your chance and blew it?

  Why did you lie about it?

  I didn’t lie. I just didn’t tell you. I guess I felt guilty, like I was cheating on you, which is absurd.

  Me too.

  Me too what? You feel like I cheated on you?

  I know it’s not fair, but yes. I had secretly hoped you would wait for me.

  That’s not fair! How can you say that? Do you not recall how we left things? You didn’t even say good-bye to me.

  Free will, Gray.

  Screw you and your god damn free will. Derrick you are driving me fucking crazy. All I do is think about you, everyday, all day long.

  Obviously not if you’ve been fucking a SEAL for a week.

  Grayson inhaled sharply. She didn’t know how to respond. If you want me to not see him again I won’t, but only if you agree not to see the blonde.

  You can have sex with whomever you want Grayson.

  I guess I can. And by the way, he’s got a 10” cock and fucks me like I belong to him. Grayson hit send and waited, but no reply came. A few moments later Derrick signed offline.

  How did this get so complicated? It was supposed to be an easy no strings attached relationship. She should have known better, she wasn’t made for those sorts of relationships. She buried her head in her hands and fought the tears from falling. But it was useless.

  How could I be such a fool, Grayson thought, I never should have done any of this to begin with. Now I’m left with nothing but heartache. No matter how amazing the sex was with Brick it was Derrick who she longed for.

  Later that evening Grayson and Luna made their way to the bowling alley to meet Brick and his friends. After her argument with Derrick, Grayson really didn’t want to go out, but they had already made plans. And Luna loved to bowl, so she had to go.

  She sent a text to Brick letting him know they were on their way, and when they pulled up, he was waiting for her outside. A smile spread across his face when he saw her, and she was glad she decided to show up. She loved the attention Brick heaped on her.

  He walked across the parking lot to meet them. “You look incredible,” he said. He threw his arm around her shoulder, and she draped her arm around his waist. Brick told her he loved being seen in public with her. That he felt like a rooster with his chest all puffed out when she was by his side. Brick’s PDA was the complete opposite of Derrick and Grayson’s interactions. She had to admit it was flattering.

  Luna rolled her eyes, and they made their way to the group of guys who had already started bowling.

  “Watch Mason, he takes bowling very seriously,” Brick laughed. “He brings his own shoes with him on the road, it’s ridiculous.”

  “Is that so?” Luna clapped her hands together. “I guess I’m going to have to kick his ass.”

  Brick gave Grayson a look that caused her to giggle. Luna really was a good bowler so it would be interesting to watch.

  “Your shoes are at the table.”

  “How’d you know our shoe size?” Grayson asked surprised.

  “You left your flip flops one morning. They were so tiny I had to check the size.”

  Once they reached the table their drinks were handed to them, and Luna started trash talking trying to get Mason all riled up. Knowing Luna, they would probably end up in bed before the night was over.

  Brick pulled Grayson on to his lap. His large hand slid up her shirt and Grayson leaned in kissing him slowly at first and then deeper. He was just the distraction she needed. The hell with Derrick.

  “Get a room!” One of the guys yelled and then a few of them clicked glasses.

  “I don’t think I can wait that long,” Grayson whispered into his ear. “Let’s go into the bathroom.”

  “You’re killing me girl.”

  Grayson hoped off his lap, took a shot of whiskey and walked towards the men’s room.

  “Brick it’s your turn,” someone yelled.

  “I’ll be missing this game,” Brick said pulling her close, and not bothering to turn around.

  “Jesus, how’d that bastard get so lucky?” Grayson heard one of the guys mutter.

  Sex in a public bathroom, this is definitely a first. Grayson smiled to herself.

  Brick pushed her up against the cold tile wall his mouth trailed down her neck. Reaching down she stroked his hard cock through his pants.

  “Grayson,” he groaned his mouth against her skin. The feel of his mouth made her shiver.

  He lifted her as if she weighed nothing. His hand roamed under her shirt. Her breathing was ragged, and she wanted him very badly. Grayson pressed her legs tighter around his waist. Her arms encircled his neck and she ran a hand through his hair. Meanwhile, Brick was still busy under her shirt. His other hand dug into her thigh, and she moaned.

  Grayson sucked on the bottom on his lip, and Brick kissed her back his breath growing raged.

  The door creaked open, and a big bald man walked in clearing his throat.

  “Hey, man. I hate to do this, but she can’t be in here.”

  Grayson’s face turned bright red, and she buried her head in Brick’s neck. He slowly lowered her to the ground.

  “We’re not done,” Brick said hoarsely.

  “If it was up to me, I’d let you stay all night, but this is a public restr
oom.”

  Grayson pulled her shirt down and was glad no clothes had been removed yet. “It’s fine we’ll finish in the car.”

  “Lucky bastard,” the bouncer said while shaking his head with a grin

  “Don’t I know it,” Brick said as he smirked and grabbed her hand. They made their way outside and hurried to the parking lot to finish what they had started.

  When they got back inside they were finished bowling and already in the bar. Arms wrapped around each other Brick pushed her up against the bar and crushed his lips to hers.

  “I’ve never been one for PDA, but I want everyone here to know you’re with me,” Brick said roughly and kissed her again.

  They listened to Karaoke and drank a lot.

  Suddenly Brick jumped up, and Grayson had no idea what was going on. Next thing she knew Brick had some guy on the ground, and his fist smashed twice into the guys face. Blood poured down the guy’s mouth it looked as if the side of his face had been crushed.

  Grayson moved closer Brick’s hand was raised to hit the guy again.

  “Brick!” Their eyes met, and Grayson shook her head no. Brick dropped the guy to the ground and came to her.

  “What the hell just happened?”

  “I’m sorry you had to see that. I don’t want you to see me like that.”

  “Why did you hit him?”

  “He pushed Mason,” Brick said and looked away.

  “Pushed him? I didn’t see anything are you sure he didn’t just bang into him? This place is packed.”

  Some of the guys were crowded around them now and pulling them to the other side of the bar.

  “We need to stay over here in case the cops come. You busted that guys jaw. He’ll probably have to have it wired back together.” Danny said over the music.

  Grayson was confused, and more than a little freaked out. Unless she had missed something completely there was no need for the show of violence, and she was pretty sure Mason could take care of himself anyway.

  Mason looked embarrassed. Grayson pulled away from Brick and walked over to Mason.

  “Did that guy start a fight with you?”

  “No, Brick overreacted as usual. The guy thought I was hitting on his girl and came over to confront me. It was nothing. I had it taken care of. “