Relinquishing Liberty (Second Chances)

by Mayer, Maureen

  “Okay,” I replied breathlessly.

  His hooded gaze bore straight into me. “I’ll pick you up around eight.”

  He gave me a quick peck on the nose and released me abruptly from his hold, as though what just transpired between us was not the most sensual moment of my life. My mouth hung open, amazed at how quickly he had me under his spell. It was like a switch went off, and as soon as he had me swooning, he went back to his laid-back, fun-loving self. Oh, he knew what he was doing and he clearly won this time. Well played, sir. Well fucking played.

  “AJ’s” was packed tonight, and when it finally died down around 9:30, I was beyond exhausted. My back hurt, my head hurt, my feet hurt…I’d give anything just to go home and take a nice long relaxing bubble bath.

  Brett was surprisingly in a good mood, but for some reason it just rubbed me the wrong way. We ended our so-called “date” on good terms, but I still had this feeling in my gut that he wasn’t completely on board with my feelings for Shayne. Something was definitely off.

  When there was a lull in customers, I made my way over to the bar and finally broke the news to Brett that Shayne and I had made things official, but the huge smile that was plastered on his face never wavered. Not once. That just seemed to irk me even more.

  “Well, that must be a new record.” He gave me a smug grin.

  “What?” I looked at him puzzled.

  He leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. “So how long did it take?”

  “How long did what take? Just spit out whatever it is you have to say, Brett!” What the hell was he trying to get at?

  “Well. According to my calculations, and mind you I’m just roughly estimating here, there had to be about, oh I don’t know, six maybe seven hours between you running from one man’s arms to another’s. I must say Liberty, that’s quite impressive. I think you just might have a shot at getting into The Guinness Book of World Records.”

  He clapped his hands together with an excessive amount of enthusiasm, catching the attention of everyone in the restaurant. When Maddie saw what was going on, she raced over to the bar, shoving Brett up against the counter and rattling several bottles of liquor. He yelped as she pulled his ear down and whispered something I couldn’t quite make out.

  “All right, all right.” He held his hands up in surrender while Maddie pointed a finger in his face and gave him the evil eye. She stormed off in the other direction like a bat out of hell. I had to hand it to her; she may not be much size-wise, but she could be pretty intimidating when she wanted to be.

  “Liberty, we should probably take this outside.”

  I nodded, and he led me outside behind the restaurant where there was a picnic table coated with cigarette butts. Brushing them away, he sat on top of the table with his feet propped up on the bench and his elbows resting on his knees. He ran his hands through his spiky blonde hair, tugging it forcefully. He refused to make eye contact with me, so I just stood there with my arms crossed while leaving some distance between us.

  “Seriously Brett, what the fuck is your problem?” I waited for him to explain himself, but he sat there with his gaze planted on the cigarette butts now scattered in front of him. “I thought things were cool between us now. You even said you accepted the fact that I had feelings for Shayne, so I don’t understand why you’re so surprised that we’re together now. Care to enlighten me?”

  He let out a heavy sigh before lifting his eyes to stare deep into mine. “You honestly think it’s going to take you being off the market for me to get over you?”

  “Are you freakin’ kidding me? Are we seriously back at this again? Brett, I don’t know how to make it any clearer that there will never be anything between us. Don’t you see that we’re just not compatible? Besides, you’re like a brother to me. It wouldn’t feel right.”

  There was a fire raging inside him, flickering in his eyes and threatening to erupt.

  “So that’s all I am to you? A fucking replacement for your goddamn dead brother!?”

  His face fell in remorse as soon as it left his mouth, but it was too late. His hateful words burned straight through to the core of my heart, and now I was seeing red. There was a thunderous crack, and pain shot through my hand as it connected full force with Brett’s face. His cheek quickly began to swell with a scarlet imprint of my hand.

  “You fucking asshole! How dare you! My brother was my whole fucking world! Do you know what it means for me to even consider you in the same category as him? Do you!?”

  My vision clouded as tears began to pool in my eyes, but I refused…REFUSED…to shed any. He didn’t deserve them. Not. A. Single. One.

  “Shit, Liberty, I am so sorry. You know I didn’t mean it. I was…jealous, and it just came out. I didn’t mean to bring your brother into it. Come here, darlin’.”

  He stood and reached his arms out for me, but I flinched just at the thought of him touching me. Did he honestly expect me to just forgive him and go running straight into his arms like nothing ever happened? I may have found solace in those arms once, but not now. Now they were tarnished.

  “Liberty, please. I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry.”

  “Just stop, okay? I don’t want to hear anymore. You’ve done enough damage. Now why don’t you do both of us a favor and fuck off!”

  I pivoted on my heel and started back towards the restaurant, but he pulled me against him, locking my arms behind my back in a vice grip. I tried to wiggle free from his hold, but it was no use. My one hundred and twenty pounds struggling against his two hundred pound frame was clearly a losing battle.

  “Will you just hold still and listen to me for second? Jesus, woman, stop squirming!”

  “Brett, I swear to God, you have about ten seconds before I scream bloody murder!”

  He rolled his eyes at me. What? Did he think I was joking? “Look you were right, okay? Happy?”

  No, I wasn’t happy, and I wasn’t going to just let him end it at that. “Go on.”

  He finally released his death grip that was beginning to cut off my circulation, and I returned to my previous stance with my arms crossed defensively over my chest.

  “Darlin’, I would much rather have you in my life and dating someone else…yes, even Shayne…than not have you in my life at all.” He took my hand in his, gingerly rubbing circles in the center of my palm with his thumb. “You were right. We had a good thing going before, and here I go messing it up…again.”

  I sat there for a moment, soaking in what he just confessed to me. I felt a slight tingle building in my chest, causing my entire body to quiver. Brett placed his hands on my shoulders in an attempt to halt my convulsions, but I couldn’t hold it back anymore. I erupted into a full out frenzy of laughter, falling to my knees and placing my hands on the filthy cement in order to brace myself before I completely collapsed. I don’t know why I found what he said to be so funny, but I just couldn’t contain myself. It got to the point I was laughing so hard that I was snorting like a freakin’ pig. I threw my hand over my mouth. Yeah, like that was going to help.

  “Did you just giggle-snort?” He looked at me perplexed, like I must have lost my mind.

  I nodded, quickly bobbing my head up and down while still covering my mouth.

  Brett tossed his hands up in the air in defeat. “I give up. What the fuck is so funny, Liberty?”

  After a few more seconds, I finally calmed down enough to speak. “Us! We are so fucking dysfunctional together, it’s not even funny. Well, I guess I thought it was funny.” I let another low chuckle slip out. “We keep finding ourselves in the same situation. One minute we’re getting along great and the next, we’re ready to rip each other’s throats out. I swear, Brett, we’re worse than an old, married couple.”

  Brett threw his head back and laughed while slinging his arm around my neck in a loose chokehold. “Yeah, but you still love me, right?”

  “Hey, I told you to never doubt that, and I meant it.”

  “I know. I believe
you.” Brett leaned his forehead against mine while lazily rubbing the back of my neck. I relished in his consoling touch. This was the Brett I loved so much.

  “Hey, why don’t you, me and Maddie chill tonight. I’ll grab a pizza and whatever fruity shit it is that you and my sister love to drink so much.”

  “Arbor Mist? Oh, make sure you get me the sangria. I think Maddie likes the peach one. And don’t cheap out on us! Get the big bottles!”

  Brett shook his head, laughing. “You’re lucky I’m cool with you guys drinking since you’re both underage.”

  “Hey, don’t get all ‘overprotective brother’ on me. Besides, Maddie and I will be twenty-one next year.”

  “Ugh, don’t remind me. Then I’m really going to have to start worrying about you guys.”

  I rolled my eyes and popped my hip, resting my hand there. “Pshh, it’s not like we’re raging alcoholics, Brett. I can handle my liquor just fine.”

  “That’s not what I’m worried about, Liberty. A lot of guys like to take advantage of girls when their drunk. Travis is a perfect example of that. If he weren’t one of my best friends, I probably would have kicked his ass a long time ago. That’s why I had to make sure you stayed in my bedroom the night of your party.”

  “Yeah, sure it is.” I still wasn’t 100% convinced that was his real intention that night, but I’m not in the mood to get into it right now. “Well, I appreciate your concern. That’s very sweet of you, but what does this have to do with Maddie and I consuming a bottle of cheap wine in our own apartment?”

  “I was just doing my brotherly duty and lecturing you on the dangers of being a young woman and being taking advantage of when you’re drunk.”

  “Okay, enough with the big brother act. Let’s get back inside before Bob fires us.”

  “Ha! Bitch, please! Do you know how much business he would lose if it wasn’t for this sexy mug behind the bar almost every night?”

  “Did you really just say ‘bitch, please’?” I covered my mouth trying not to laugh.

  “Oh, shut up and get inside.” Brett came up behind me with his hands on my shoulders and steered me back towards the bar.

  “Let Maddie know she’s got a date with you and her favorite brother tonight.”

  “But you’re her only brother.” I said with a deadpanned expression.

  “You’re killing me, Liberty!”

  “I know.” I smiled and threw a straw at him before cleaning up some of the tables I left unattended. Man, Bob really didn’t give a shit. If this were any other restaurant, I would have been out on my ass a long time ago.

  I brought Maddie up to date with our plans, and she was ecstatic, mainly because I was getting along with her brother again, but also because he was buying us booze and that always brought a smile to her face. She was so easy to please.

  When Maddie and I got back to the apartment, I plopped down on the couch and groaned as the muscles in my back spasmed.

  “I don’t think I’m going to be able to move the rest of the night. When is Brett getting here?”

  “He’s picking up the pizza on his way here. He’s too cheap to pay for delivery.” Maddie rolled her eyes.

  “Well, I’m going to take a quick, hot bath. Hopefully it’ll loosen up this massive knot in my back.” I rolled off of the couch and had to practically crawl to the bathroom.

  “I bet you wish you had your sexy mystery man was here to rub it out for you.” She winked as she walked into the kitchen to look for the wine glasses. I couldn’t help but think there was a double meaning behind that. Knowing Maddie and her love for sexual innuendos, I wouldn’t doubt it.

  After stripping down and loading the tub up with a hefty amount of vanilla scented bubble bath, I sank down into the steamy pool of bubbles and let out a heavy sigh, releasing all of the tension I had pent up inside. It felt good to finally be able to relax after such a physically and mentally exhausting day.

  Lying there, my thoughts drifted to my upcoming date with Shayne. I hated the fact that we couldn’t see each other day, but I completely understood; he had a real job and that came first. Still, I found myself missing him something fierce. It was strange to develop such a strong connection with someone in just mere weeks. I wasn’t used to wanting…no…needing to be around someone so much. In fact, I had become a borderline hermit after AJ died, so this was a completely new feeling for me.

  I closed my eyes and thought back to the night of our first date. I pictured myself there again, lying on the beach, straddling his hips and listening to the crashing waves swallow my cries of ecstasy as I brought myself to climax. That delectable warmth began to pool deep in belly again, causing a pulsing sensation to build between my legs. I knew there was no chance of it going away without relieving it myself. What I wouldn’t give for Shayne to be right here, right now to take care of it for me…and then he was. Was I hallucinating?

  He knelt down beside the tub and took in the view before him. His tongue dipped out, slowly licking his bottom lip, while his eyes ran over my wet, naked body. The bubbles had begun to dissipate, and I felt entirely exposed. Shayne had never seen me completely bare before him, and I became anxious and aroused just thinking about it.

  “Tell me what you want, Liberty. I need to hear you say the words, sweetheart.” His hand reached out to brush away the damp strands of hair shielding my face.

  “You, Shayne. I want you…I need you. Please.” My body was on the verge of violently combusting. I was desperate to feel his touch. Begging and pleading for him to bring on my release.

  “Where do you want me, sweetheart? Where do you ache?”

  “You know where, Shayne. Please…touch me.” I seriously felt like I was going to die if he didn’t touch me this very instant!

  Shayne’s smile was drenched with desire as he gave me a knowing look. His hand dipped below the water, beginning at my throat and trailing down the valley between my breasts. He cupped one of my firm globes, caressing and encompassing it with his large, rough, calloused hand. Pinching my already diamond-hard nipple between his thumb and finger, he applied just enough pressure to cause a shockwave of pleasure to flood straight down to my swollen nub. He made sure to give my remaining breast just as much attention, and I felt like putty beneath his skilled hands.

  His hand continued along its tantalizing journey, moving further south to sweep over my fluttering stomach. When he finally reached his destination, he was in no hurry to get the job over with. His fingertips gently grazed over the surface of my smooth mound, and I was panting in anticipation. The second his fingers disappeared between my slick folds I almost completely lost it. His fingers ran up and down, collecting my juices until they coated my throbbing clit. His fingers danced in slow, steady circles, gradually picking up the pace until I was biting my lip so hard I thought I drew blood. The sensation was out of this world, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to hold back much longer.

  When I was just about ready to let go, he dipped two fingers inside me, continuing to draw circles over my hypersensitive clit with his thumb. He moved in and out of me, over and over, until I could feel my insides begin to quiver and tighten up around his fingers. He took that as a signal to curl his long digits against my inner walls, causing my back to arch out of the water and scream out his name. I continued to ride out the wave of pleasure until my breathing steadied and my body relaxed into the now tepid bath water.

  A knock at the door caused my eyes to shoot open, and I bolted up, splashing water all over the floor. What the—

  “You okay in there, Liberty? You’ve been in there for almost an hour, and the pizza’s getting cold.” Shit! I couldn’t let Maddie catch me with Shayne in here.

  “Oh, um, yeah. Sorry about that. I’ll be out in a sec.” I looked around the bathroom, and Shayne was nowhere in sight. Where the hell did he go? Had I seriously imagined the entire thing? I guess it was possible that I had fallen asleep… But there’s no way I could have felt that if I wasn’t awake. I stood up from th
e tub, and as I reached for a towel, I noticed that my fingers were drenched…and not with water. Holy shit, I actually masturbated in my sleep! What the fuck! And I imagined it was Shayne the whole time!

  God, I hoped no one heard me…

  I quickly dried off, popped a few ibuprofen for my back (probably more than I should have), and ran in my room to slip into some pajama pants and a tank top. When I came back out, Brett and Maddie were sitting on the couch and had just started watching Skyfall. Maddie was already engrossed in the movie, but Brett gave me a wicked grin, confirming that he had in fact heard me. Just my fucking luck. I ducked my head in embarrassment and walked into the kitchen to grab a slice of pizza and glass of wine. I noticed that he picked up an extra bottle. Bless his heart, I was going to need it tonight for sure.

  I moved over to the couch, squeezing between Maddie and Brett, and scarfed down the pizza. The wine went just as quickly while I chugged it down in three large gulps. After refilling my glass and resuming my spot, Maddie leaned her head on my shoulder and Brett draped his arm along the back of the couch behind me.

  Brett leaned in close to whisper in my ear. “Must’ve worked up quite a thirst while you were in there, huh?”

  I choked mid-sip, causing wine to trickle down my chin and turned to glare at him. He was beaming his oh-so-charming smile at me as he used his thumb to wipe away the remaining droplets of wine.

  “Ughhh. Seriously, Brett?” I shoved his hand away and smacked him hard across his chest, causing me to splash more wine everywhere. Lovely.

  “Sorry, darlin’. I couldn’t resist.”

  I sat my glass down, and he chuckled boisterously while I walked back to my room in my wine-sodden shirt. I could hear Maddie yelling at him to shut up, and it dawned on me that up until now, I’ve never heard her be so quiet…like ever. Normally that girl was talking a mile a minute. But set that girl in front of the TV with a good movie and a glass of wine, and she’d go dead silent. Good to know.

  When I returned in a dry shirt, I noticed that my wine glass had been completely drained. My eyes immediately darted to the culprit who was sporting a guilty look that was all too obvious.