by Amber Nicole
“I may have broken the hinge, while breaking in. I’ll go down to the hardware store in the morning. I guess it’s a good thing you have a whole floor to yourself,” he shouts while hurrying down the hall, just missing the pillow I lobbed at his head.
“Really Dad!” I shout back, ignoring his chuckles. I turn the music back on and look at the text Memphis just sent.
Ten I See: You have always been my sister, shortcake. Now it’s just official.
I cringe and turn my head screaming into a pillow again. After a moment I calm down and send him a thumbs up. I mean what the crap do you say in response to that? Sorry but I have never had brotherly feelings about you? Or how about that’s total horse shit. Yeah, that would go over really well.
I thought for a while there something might happen. We had a moment last summer before he headed off to Nashville to become a big star. One hot, heated, passionate kiss. Thanks to a spin the bottle game, that my friends totally rigged. But that’s beside the point. The way he kissed me back, I thought my dreams were finally coming true. Well, until he totally freaked out. I get it, he didn’t want to ruin our friendship, but who's to say it would have?
I sigh. It's too late now. You can’t date your step-brother. Can you?
I quickly switch over to my best friends’ message feed and send an SOS. It doesn’t take them long to respond, putting a smile on my face.
Sam I Am: Who am I killing?
Cass: I have a shovel and a tarp on standby.
Lee: I have alcohol and tissues!
I’m really going to miss my girls.
Me: NO killing! Dad just announced he’s marrying Frankie!
Me: I’ll take that wine and some cuddles though. Maybe some ice cream too.
We chat back and forth for a little while until they’ve made plans to come over tomorrow.
"Dinner!" Dad shouts. I slowly push off my bed and groan. This is going to be super awkward. Maybe I can just grab a plate and go back upstairs. Here’s to hoping.
Giggling comes from the dining room as I grudgingly move down the steps at a snail's pace. When I reach the second floor banister I'm busted.
"Come on slowpoke, Frankie made your favorite." I give my dad a small smile and sniff the air. My hunger immediately makes its presence known once the aroma of BBQ ribs and homemade mac and cheese hits my nose. I move down the stairs at a faster pace. My stomach seems to be overruling my head and heart. When I reach the bottom my dad swings me into his arms and tosses me over his shoulder. "Umph! Baby girl, maybe you should lay off the carbs." He snickers and I swat the back of his head.
"I’m still the same weight I was at the beginning of summer thank you very much. You had no problem at graduation swinging me about. You're just not as young as you once were," I quip back and he scoffs, tickling my sides and setting me by the table. Before he can retort, Frankie comes over and kisses his cheek then grasps his bicep, giggling. "I don't know what she's talking about, honey. You can still throw me around," she says with a wink.
"Ewww." I moan covering my ears. "Please save that for after I leave for college. Seriously, this is weird enough as it is, and it's only another week."
They burst out laughing and sit at the table. I slowly lower myself to the chair and wait for the amazingness to be passed my way. I load up my plate, then go to stand, but the glare sent my way has me halting and sitting my ass back down with a sigh. Frankie pretends she didn’t see my horrible attempt at an escape and tries to start up a conversation.
"So, Cara, have you packed everything?" she asks after watching me devour five ribs and two helpings of mac and cheese. I take a sip of my pop before wiping my mouth and answering. "Almost. I need to run into town and grab a few more things,” I say.
“How about you girls go do some shopping?” my dad immediately interjects with a fantastic idea. “Put some miles on the good ole American Express.”
Cue my eye roll. I go to decline, but Frankie jumps up and down like a two-year-old in her chair and claps.
“Oh that sounds lovely. We can get our nails done too. I’ve always wanted a daughter. Memphis will sit and let them give him a foot massage, but he doesn’t handle shopping for long.”
That brings a smile to my face. I guess some new clothes and having pretty nails for my first day of college wouldn’t be too terrible.
“Yeah sounds good, how about tomorrow afternoon? The girls are coming over in the morning.” The grin my dad has when she nods I guess is worth saying yes. The landline rings and he hops up to answer it.
"Honey, it's Memph," I get up to take the call when I see Frankie do the same. Right, he was talking to her. This is going to take some time to get used to. He sits back down and reaches over to the platter of meat, setting some more ribs on my plate.
"I don't know where you put it all, baby girl." He shakes his head with a chuckle. “I know things are going to change around here, but thank you, Cara.” I give him a small nod and dig back in. At this rate I won’t have the freshman fifteen. It will be more like emotional eating thirty. But he seems happy. It's been a long time since I've seen him light up like he is. Frankie is good for him. I just wish she wasn't the love of my life's mom.
Two
Memphis
“So when is the big day?” I huff at my mom as soon as she answers the phone.
“Oh honey. I know this is big news, but I’m happy. He makes me really happy. This was not planned, trust me. After what your father put us through, I never expected to fall in love again, let alone marry someone.” A sniffle comes over the phone and I instantly feel like a jerk. I sigh and try to calm down. “Yeah, I know, Mom. I get it. How is Cara taking the news? Her messages were short and honestly a bit bitchy.” I laugh, trying to hide my thirst for information.
“She will be okay honey. It’s just a lot especially with her leaving for college. Too many changes happening all at once.” The toilet flushes in the bathroom, and the faucet turns on. I know I need to speed this conversation up. Nothing worse than your mother hearing a one night stand in the background. “Cara is strong-willed, but has a huge heart. She’ll be okay, but listen, Mom, I have to go. I love you. I’ll call you in a few days.”
“Okay honey. I miss you. I love you too. Have a great show, can’t wait to see you in person.”
I say goodbye and hang up the phone, then toss it on the bed, before running my hand down my face with a groan. Why? Why did she have to choose Mr. Matthews of all people? I’ve been head over barrel for his daughter for way too many years. Yeah it started out brotherly, but then she grew up and became a bombshell. The epitome of my farmer's daughter fantasy. Long dirty blonde hair, sun-kissed skin, and legs that go on for miles. It only got worse after that stupid kiss. I shake my head and order my dick to calm down. The bathroom door opens and the girl I buried myself into last night—well I guess this morning since we didn't make it back here until eleven—walks out in just her panties. She's cute, but not Carson. No one could ever replace Cara. Though I keep trying.
"Hey. So I don't usually do things like this. I'm not sure what the protocol is exactly," she says with a nervous laugh, pushing some brown hair behind her ear. She's sweet, but for the life of me I can't remember her name. Sally or maybe it was Sandra. I shake my head. It doesn't matter. She’ll be gone in a few hours. They always are. I give her my panty melting grin and chuckle, then grab her hips, tossing her back on my bed. She lets out a loud squeal then sighs as I stand above her. I lean down hovering over top but not touching. She hasn’t earned my touch yet. I grab her hand, and using her own fingers trail it down her body. Taunting. Teasing, but not letting her touch any part that's aching. I like control, but I also love to watch them squirm.
I lean down over her neck, softly breathing. She moans and reaches out to pull my full weight on top of her with her free hand, but that's not going to happen. I slap her breast hard with her hand and she moans louder, before biting her lip. “I can make this good for you baby. Or I can make you crave a r
elease I won’t be giving you. All depends on how well you can follow instructions,” I growl in her ear. She whimpers and starts to beg. Fuck, I love the sound of that. I smack her other breast then move her hand to her reddened nipple, slowly circling around with the tip of her finger. Taking her hand, I bend her fingers the way I want them and move them lower, trailing her bikini line. I run them over her wet panties, before slipping them under the lace. She groans and squirms, but I’m not done yet. This morning was too fast for my liking. I lean closer and trail my mouth and tongue down her body, following the path her fingers just took. When I reach her nipples, I give them no mercy, nibbling on them. Her moans become louder and I know she’s not going to last long. This is my favorite part. The anticipation. The insatiable need to come. It gets me higher than any drug I know.
“Now darling, I’m going to move my hand, but I don't want you to stop until you are right on the edge,” I whisper into her chest. I slowly pull my hand away and she groans in protest, but does as she’s told. “Good girl. Just like that.” I growl, moving back to watch as her body starts to writhe and a sheen of sweat coats her skin. I move my hand up my length, taking my time, edging myself the way I want her to. When she bites her lip and arches her back I know she's ready for me. I slip the condom on and slide her panties to the side pulling her hand away. I slap her clit hard then thrust into her. She screams before exploding on my cock, squeezing me so tight I need to think of random stupid ass things to keep myself from following her into bliss.
“Hold on, miss, because that was just one.” I attack her nipple with the tips of my teeth once more.
“Oh my god.” she yelps, clawing up my back with her press on nails. I knew when I met her at the bar those would be leaving marks in my skin before we were through. Some may call me a player; it tends to come with the job description. What can I say? I love sex. What red-blooded southern man doesn’t?
The front door slams open, and I groan before covering what's-her-face’s mouth with my palm to decrease her moaning.
“Put your dick away, Superstar. You cannot be late to rehearsal again.”
Fuck. She really knows how to kill the mood. I grab the brunette under me’s throat and give it a squeeze watching as her mouth pops open in surprise and her core tightens around me once more.
“Looks like our time is about up babe.” That's all the warning I give her before I really start to pound into her tight pussy. She’s definitely going to be walking funny after this. I can't help the smirk as I thrust one last time hard and deep, circling my pelvis in just the right spot to have her falling over the edge with me. The tingling in my spine shoots lower as I give her what all the ladies want, but will never have thanks to the rubber I always wear. What can I say I’m a hot commodity.
“That was. Holy shit,” she gasps, catching her breath. I jump up and head for the living room not caring if I’m naked. Gem’s seen it all before. Many, many times. I find her going through my mail on the counter.
“It’s mainly junk, but if you really want to snoop you could go read my journal I hide under the mattress,” I grunt, watching as she jumps.
“Fuck! You scared the shit out of me,” she says, breathless, spinning to berate me, but stopping the moment she realizes I’m bare assed. “Really! We’ve had this discussion Memphis. Clothes must be worn in my presence. I need this job.” She pouts with her hands on her hips as she bites her bottom lip and gives me a once over. I chuckle and roll my eyes.
“Well at least you wore a condom. That’s something,” she snarks.
“Give me an hour Gem. I’m starving.” I don’t listen to her reply as I walk back to my room for a quick shower.
When I enter the bedroom, there’s a red faced chick fully dressed, slamming her feet into her heels. She looks over my shoulder and scowls. For someone who just had their mind blown she looks awfully stressed. I remove the rubber and drop it in the trash can by the nightstand.
"Gem? Do you have a girlfriend? Because I am really not that kind of girl!" she snaps at me. Whoa! I raise a brow and cross my arms, watching her until she gulps.
"No, I'm single. She's my assistant."
Her face softens and she bats her eyes, trying to play off her overreaction. “Oh, well in that case. Want to go grab some food?”
I burst out laughing and she furrows her brow in confusion.
“Oh babycakes,” I say with a shake of my head. “You blew it. Time for you to go,” I open the door wider and step aside. She huffs, then pouts, before sighing and moving quickly to the front door. “Right, well, I’ll just go then.” She shuffles out, and I don't follow. Whatever her name is, is way too dramatic for me. I would have taken her to eat, before going our separate ways. I mean I am a nice guy, but nope. I don't need more crazy in my life. I wait twenty minutes, quickly taking a shower and dressing before calling down to the concierge to make sure she's left.
When the coast is clear, I make my way to the BBQ food truck around the corner. I’ve been craving some good ole southern cooking.
I load up my plate of ribs with bbq sauce, then find a table in the shade. The sun is just starting to set and I sigh. I miss home. The big city is nothing compared to empty fields of wheat, sitting in the back of my pickup, watching the sun go down, and listening to Cara sing softly to the radio.
Sometimes, when I am in the studio laying down a new track, I think back to those summer nights. I guess you could call it my happy place. I glance down at my watch and jump up. Shit! I’m late for rehearsal. Again. Sending Gem a quick text, I toss my paper plate in the can next to the food truck, and haul ass to the venue we’re performing at in a few hours. I throw open the door and race up the four flights of stairs. Damn, I really need to work out. Not hauling hay bales and dealing with the livestock every day has made me weak.
“You’re late, man. Keep this shit up and the boss is going to start shortening our play time,” Alex growls from his position on the couch. I try to not roll my eyes but he just gets under my skin sometimes.
“I know dude sorry. I was eating dinner and forgot to check my watch.”
He has no problem rolling his heavily made up eyes. Who does he think we are, some rock band? We play country for fuck’s sake.
“Good, everyone is here,” Gem says, coming into the room. “We have a change of plans it seems.” From the tone of her voice I know I’m not going to like the next words to come from her mouth. I plop down in a chair and lean back, preparing myself. Fuck! Can today just end already?
Three
Carson
“Come here, shortcake. Give me my little strawberry. How are my favorite girls today?” My husband says taking our daughter from my arms.
“Daddy,” Brantly shouts before crashing into his legs, giving them a big hug. He’s missed him so much. Being a musician’s wife is hard, but the life, and freedom it has rewarded us is worth it. Plus, I would never want to put an end to his dreams. My man was always meant to be a star.
“It’s time to get up,” he whispers in my ear, confusing me. I look at the ground. What is he talking about? I’m standing right now.
“Girl, get up!” someone says into my ear before smacking my butt, waking me from the very nice dream I was having. Wait! I jolt awake and roll over, falling out of my bed onto the floor. Laughter erupts all over my room, and I roll onto my back glaring at three of my best friends.
“What are you guys doing here?” I grumble, pushing myself up from the floor with a wince. Yeah, that's definitely going to leave a mark. Lee jumps off my bed with a giggle and helps me up giving me a huge beaming smile. “Well miss sleepy butt, we’re going on an adventure.”
I raise my brow at her and she rolls her eyes. “I know you leave for college in a few days, and I start my job teaching down at the dance studio in town, but girl, this is our last summer to be wild and free.”
I walk over to my bathroom and shut the door, taking a moment to wake up. I love my girls, but sometimes they can be a bit too peppy in t
he mornings. I need my coffee and at least ten minutes of lying in bed, scrolling Instagram or Tik Tok on my phone. I am not prepared for this. I quickly pee and hop in the shower, turning the water scalding so I can feel the tension and stress seep from my shoulders. I close my eyes and think about my dream. This isn’t the first time I’ve pictured a future together, but it is the first time I woke up wanting to cry. I’ll never have that now. I shut the water off and the door swings open. “Cara, I’m setting your required clothing on the vanity. Nope. Shush. You will put this on and meet us in the kitchen for coffee and omelets.” The door slams shut before I can argue. I hesitantly reach for my towel and dry myself off before opening the curtain to find my hot pink bikini and a pair of my shortest ripped jean shorts laying there on the counter. I think the last time I wore those was last summer. They’re not going to fit over my butt now. Oh hell no. I’m okay with a beach day. It actually sounds perfect, but I’m not wearing those. I hang my towel on the rack then grab my bikini, quickly putting it on, before storming into my room. I move over to my closet to grab a sundress and find all the hangers missing. Well that's odd. I shuffle over to my dresser to grab a T-shirt to at least cover my chest and my drawers are empty. Oh my god! They are incorrigible. I move to my bathroom, pull up the tight ass shorts, walk over to my bedroom door—which is still broken—and stomp down the stairs in a huff.