The Broken Road

by Melissa Huie

  “Listen, asshole, if you don’t get your hand off me, I’m going to break it,” I warned.

  Dominic just laughed and let go. “If you’re here with someone, where is he? Huh?”

  “Hey, baby, did you miss me?” said a voice behind me. A pair of muscular tattooed arms wrapped around my waist. I knew that voice. Shane. I breathed a sigh of relief. I looked up at him. His beautiful eyes were hard and his jaw was clenched. His body was coiled in anger. Shane was ready to drop this clown to the floor. I played the role and stood up on my toes to kiss his jaw line. I could feel a little quiver in his body as he relaxed his stance slightly.

  “Hey, sweetie. Of course I did,” I said with a smug smile on my lips.

  “What’s up, Dominic?” Shane said with a nod, his tone undeniably cold. Shane is a gentle man, but he is also a protector. He never fought unless it was necessary and when he did fight, he rarely lost.

  “Shane. Sorry man, I didn’t realize she was with you,” Dominic said, backing off slightly.

  Shane ignored him and loudly whispered, “Let’s dance.” Taking my hand, he led me to the dance floor. I turned and saw Fallon watching us with anticipation. “Thanks,” I mouthed, as Shane pulled me away. She just grinned. She knew how close Shane came to kicking Dominic’s ass.

  My favorite Usher song came on and Shane pulled me close. With my body tingling from his touch, my hopes soared. But I felt the need to give him an out, just in case. “Thanks for helping me, but I could have handled him. I think you made your point. You don’t have to dance with me if you don’t want to.”

  Shane gave me a mischievous grin. “We can’t let Dominic see you dancing alone can we? What, you don’t want to dance with me?”

  I had to smile. “Oh shut up, you fool.”

  He put his hands on my hips, and pulled me closer. Shane swayed his body in time with mine, matching me step to step. We fit perfectly. I was captivated by how well our bodies seem to fuse together. I threw my arm around his neck as he held me. We were so close air couldn’t have found a space between us. Electric sparks shot straight to my toes and I had to remember to breathe. I looked up at him; his eyes were dark and inviting. I don’t know if it was the loneliness of being single or the heat of the moment, but I put my other arm around his neck and tentatively touched my lips to his. I cannot believe I just did that. My cheeks flamed with embarrassment.

  “Sorry,” I stammered.

  Shane’s response stole what little breath I had left. He crushed his lips hungrily to mine. Those electric sparks were nothing compared to what I felt then. Fire broke out all over my body, the sensation shot right through me to a place that had been idle for far too long—my heart (and some place lower). His tongue gently caressed mine, and I sighed in ecstasy. Shane broke the kiss off first; there was fire in his eyes. “Damn, Megan,” he muttered, holding me tight. Oh my god, what did I do? I can’t believe we kissed!

  “Let’s get out of here while we’re still standing,” he growled, pulling me off the dance floor.

  We quickly walked over to the booth. It was practically empty, save for Josh and his wife. They were so busy with each other, they didn’t notice when I pulled out my coat and purse. Shane grabbed my hand and led me outside to his Harley. He handed me his spare helmet and put on his. He lifted up the visor on my helmet, looked me in the eyes, and said, “Are you ready?” I nodded. The promise and meaning of his words shot right to my belly, which flipped at the sound of them. My heart slammed against my chest as he helped me climb on. Even though we’d been friends for so long, I’d never had the chance to ride with Shane. Pressing myself against his back with a powerful machine underneath, I was nearly my undone. The closer we got to home, the hotter my blood burned. I didn’t want to think anymore, I wanted to feel. And by God, I wanted to feel him.

  * * *

  Before I knew it, we were pulling up into the driveway. He put the brake down and helped me off.

  “I’m just going to put this in the shed,” he said, not looking at me. Oh God. I’ve made a complete ass of myself. I simply nodded and unlocked the door. Penny was fast asleep so I just left my purse and coat on the bench and headed upstairs to my room. Disappointment and sexual frustration rolled off of me. Did the scene in the club really happen? Did I read too much into his kiss? Oh, forget it. I couldn’t keep it hidden anymore. It was now or never, consequences be damned. I was debating if I should brush my teeth when I heard his footsteps on the stairs.

  The butterflies were twisting my stomach. I needed to say something before it got awkward. I hadn’t had that much to drink so I couldn’t blame the alcohol. Hearing him behind me, I quickly turned around with the words “I’m sorry” on the tip of my tongue. But I never got to say them. Shane put his arms around me and kissed me with such need that I nearly lost my balance.

  “Shane, I . . .” I whispered, pulling back slightly. My body was telling my head to shut up.

  “You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to do this,” he whispered, his lips against mine. My body melted against his, consumed by need. It was time to live for the moment. His tongue danced with mine as he picked me up and wrapped my legs around him, then placed me on top of my dresser. He lifted my shirt over my head and while his lips suckled and teased the most sensitive spot on my neck, he slowly undid my bra, as if he was torturing me on purpose. My frantic hands fumbled with the buttons on his shirt until I pulled it over his broad shoulders. Shane’s lips kissed a trail down my neck and chest, finding my nipple. He gently raised my breast, massaging and kneading while his tongue pulled and fondled the very tip. My body was on fire and his touch intensified it. He picked me up again and laid me on the bed. He pulled off my jeans and my light blue satin boy shorts. The cool breeze from my ceiling fan only fanned the flames that consumed my naked body.

  “Megan,” he sighed. Pressing his body to mine, I felt his erection through his thin jeans. I wanted—no, I needed—to feel it. I grasped for his belt, but he smiled and slid his body farther down. His lips and tongue navigated every inch of my torso, moving to my core. I cried out with ecstasy as Shane slowly stroked my most sensitive area, first with his finger, then with his tongue. I gasped for breath as I felt myself climbing higher and higher as his stubble grazed my ultrasensitive flesh. I arched my body and tightened my thighs around his neck, begging him for more. With every thrust and every pull, I got closer to the brink. I begged, “Shane. Please.” He moaned in agreement. He finally brought his face to mine and I eagerly kissed him, tasting myself on his tongue. Standing up, Shane quickly discarded his jeans and pulled out a condom. I took it out of his hands. Staring straight into his eyes, I placed it over him. Shane growled and crushed his lips to mine as I guided his hard cock inside me.

  “Oh dear God,” I moaned. That fire on the dance floor applied to the bedroom as well. I had never had a man make me feel so good. It was as if his body was made to fit mine. We moved together, matching each other’s movements and needs. My body was a roller coaster, cresting and crashing with each stroke. I felt constant explosions and my body started shaking. I couldn’t get enough of him. Shane’s teeth nipped the curve of my neck as I dug my nails into his back. I pulled his lips to mine, greedily taking whatever he gave me. We exploded together, groaning loudly. We were both out of breath. My heart was racing. He rolled over on the bed and lay his head on my pillow, pulling me next to him. Panting, I gazed up at his face. I had always imagined what it would be like to make love to Shane. My dreams and fantasies were nothing compared to this. He gently stroked my jawline and kissed my lips softly. I fell asleep as he was stroking my arm, without even worrying about the next day.

  Chapter 11

  I OPENED ONE EYE and let my arm reach over to touch him, to see if it had all been real. All I felt was the coolness of the sheets. I closed my eyes, reliving the memories of last night. Last night was absolutely magical, I thought, as I stretched my sore muscles. No awkwardness, no hesitation.

  I lay there thinking for a
while until it was time to face the music. I sniffed the air. Coffee. He made coffee. I sat up and realized I was stark naked. I threw on some clothes and was about to head down the stairs, when my door opened. Shane was shirtless, his sweatpants hanging low on his hips.

  “Hi,” I said shyly. How was I supposed to act after sleeping with someone who was until very recently totally off limits? I didn’t have to wonder long.

  “Hey, you.” He placed my favorite mug full of coffee on the nightstand and came over to me. He cradled my face in his hands and gave me the most luxurious kiss. My toes curled, my pulse raced, and it took everything I had to keep from throwing him on the bed. When he pulled back, I had to blink to make sure I was in reality.

  “Um—,” I started tentatively, but his finger on my lips silenced me. He gazed at me with his beautiful brown eyes.

  “Last night was amazing. I’ve wanted to kiss you for the longest time; I just didn’t know how you felt. Unless it was just the alcohol talking?” he faltered, raising an eyebrow.

  “No. I loved last night. I’ve been waiting for last night. I just didn’t want this to be awkward,” I said, deciding that laying it all out in the open would be the best way to approach whatever it was we were doing.

  “What would be awkward? It’s us, Megan. You and me: two people who are attracted to and care about each other. I’ve had these feelings for you for so long but I wasn’t sure you felt the same way,” he said, gently kissing me again. This was the first time I had truly seen him open himself up to me. My stomach flipped and my heart soared. He has feelings for me.

  “If only I had known,” I whispered. Shane’s arms tightened around me as he pressed his lips to mine. Our kiss deepened as his hands made their way up my shirt and the fire inside me started smoldering again. His cell phone rang.

  “Argh,” he groaned. “I have to take this.”

  “Yeah, Adrian,” he said, walking out of the room. I wanted to scream, “Come back and finish what you started!” but I refrained. I brought my coffee downstairs and flicked on the TV. I forced myself not to wonder what it all meant. Like Shane said, we were two adults who cared about each other.

  I turned on the Morning Show while Shane was upstairs. It was Saturday and I didn’t have any other plans but to relax. Apparently, my mother didn’t realize my plans when she called.

  “Hi sweetie,” she said.

  “Hi, Mom. What’s up?” I didn’t pay much attention and choked on my coffee when I heard her say “. . . and the police came to check it out.”

  “Wait. What did you say, Mom? What about the police?”

  “I just told you. Someone broke into the house. But don’t worry, nothing was stolen. The police think it was some random teenager prank or something. Apparently there have been a string of break-ins lately,” she said, exasperated that her twenty-six-year-old daughter still had the attention span of a child. I quietly processed this. Mom didn’t know about the break-in at my house, I hadn’t wanted to scare her. I wonder if she had told Kyle.

  “Yes, I told your brother,” she said, reading my mind like always. “He threw a fit, obviously. Kyle contacted your cousin Jeff, who’s coming out tomorrow to install a new security alarm. Apparently the one I have now is too old.” She sounded frustrated. I knew my brother. As the man in the family, he took his job of protector extremely serious.

  “I’m glad that you’re okay. Do you want to stay here until Jeff comes over?” I asked. I didn’t want her to be alone if, god forbid, they came back.

  “No, that’s alright. I was planning on heading out to the beach with your Aunt Nancy anyway. I’m leaving tonight and coming home next week. Just be careful. Okay? Make sure you lock the doors. You have my key and cell phone?”

  “I do. Be careful, Mom. Have a good trip.” I tried to keep the worry out of my voice. After we hung up, I sat there for a minute. What is going on? First my house, now my mother’s? Could the break-ins be related? A sense of foreboding washed over me. As the daughter and sister of law enforcement, there could be any number of people holding a grudge against my family. With Uncle Bob prosecuting the drug cartel case, that number tripled.

  “Megs, are you okay?” Shane asked, leaning over behind me to nuzzle my neck. I quickly shrugged. I didn’t want him to worry, but I had to tell someone.

  “Mom’s house was broken into. It just feels odd. It’s like we’re being targeted or something,” I said dryly. I tried to not let the worry creep into my voice but Shane wasn’t stupid.

  “Is your mom okay?” His eyes were blazing.

  “She’s fine. She’s going with Aunt Nancy to the beach this weekend. It’s their annual getaway. This is too much of a coincidence.”

  Shane circled around the couch and sat down. He pulled me into his arms and said, “I’m sure it’s some stupid teen gang trying to assert their dominance. Let the police handle it. I doubt that there isn’t any more of a connection than that.”

  Feeling slightly reassured, I calmed down. I always had an overactive imagination. “You’re probably right,” I said, gazing into his eyes. Shane always made me feel safe. I briefly recalled how he took care of things when my house was broken into. Well, our house.

  “I’m always right,” he said with a cocky grin. I leaned into his neck, inhaling his scent of soap and aftershave. He had already showered and was dressed in a long sleeve gray T-shirt, jeans, and work boots. I could see the cut of his muscles through his shirt. “I’m heading into the shop for a while. I’ll see you later.” He pulled me off the couch and lifted my chin. Shane’s enticing eyes darkened. “Your mom is okay. That’s the most important thing. Try not to worry.” He lowered his head and brushed his lips against mine, teasingly at first, then deepening. I greedily accepted and wanted more. Shane chuckled as he pulled back. “Bye,” he said, smacking my butt.

  I smiled as he walked out the door and the second it shut, I jumped up and down. I didn’t know where our relationship was headed, but I was determined to enjoy the ride. I walked upstairs, took a shower, and put on jeans, a layered pink T-shirt, and a white cotton jacket. I slid on my sneakers and whistled for Penny.

  I clipped on her leash and we headed up the street. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, birds were chirping, and I was walking on air. My emotions had been on a roller coaster for the last twenty-four hours. I didn’t think I could be any happier than I was at that moment. I thought back to Alex and how big of a mistake I almost made. I fooled myself into thinking that I could forget Shane. I thought briefly of calling Dr. Collins to thank him. Without him, I would have never realized how big of an asshole Alex really was. And I would not have had the courage to kiss Shane.

  Chapter 12

  WHEN I STARTED CONTEMPLATING what to have for dinner, I froze. Should I assume that Shane and I would have dinner together? I didn’t want to be rude and make dinner for just myself. But then again, I didn’t want to assume that we were eating together. “Damnit, Megan. Stop overthinking,” I told myself as I pulled out some chicken and bell peppers. While the chicken and peppers simmered in fajita seasoning, I decided to just send a quick text. Nothing committal, just informative, I told myself as I pressed the send button. He won’t read too much into a quick text that says, “Chicken fajitas for dinner if you’re hungry.” If he doesn’t respond, that’s okay. No expectations, no disappointments.

  I was taking the Spanish rice off the burner when I heard the familiar exhaust of Shane’s Harley. Butterflies quickly replaced the hunger in my stomach. I busied myself with slicing up the zucchini and squash for a quick sauté. My back was to him when he came in.

  “Something smells good,” he said, coming up behind me and hugging me to his chest. The butterflies took off and I could barely keep the glee from coming out in my voice.

  “Thanks. It’s almost ready,” I said as nonchalantly as I could. His lips grazed my jawbone and pulled away. I shuddered at the electric shock and almost sliced my knuckle.

  “I could get used to this
,” he teased. Shane grabbed a beer from the fridge and kissed my cheek. “I’m going to shower. Give me ten minutes.”

  I just nodded. I am getting used to this, I thought as I put the tortillas in the microwave. I replayed his words last night, how he had feelings for me and wanted to kiss me. I wondered how long he had wanted to kiss me and why he hadn’t acted. Does it really matter? I chastised myself. I knew it didn’t matter. I got out the salsa, shredded cheese, and sour cream and had everything ready when Shane came down. I practically drooled at the sight of him. Even dressed in sweat pants and a sleeveless muscle shirt with bare feet, he looked gorgeous.

  I pulled out two beers and sat down right as Shane came into the kitchen. “This looks great. I’m starved!” he exclaimed, making himself a wrap.

  “I guess Adrian has you working too hard to take a break, huh?” I joked, as I helped myself to the rice and squash.

  Shane nodded, his mouth full. He quickly swallowed, took a gulp of beer, and said, “Yeah, we have a bunch of orders. We got behind when I was in Trenton, so now we’re playing catch up. I have a feeling we’re going to be putting in a bunch of overtime for a while.”

  We chatted while we ate, like nothing had happened. It was comforting to know that, while our relationship had grown, nothing had changed between the two of us. I didn’t feel the shyness or the awkwardness that I felt with Alex. We were still the same two people, just with the added benefits of having mind-blowing sex.

  After dinner, Shane helped me put away the food and dry the dishes. I was about to slip on my sneakers to take Penny for a walk when Shane slipped her leash off the mudroom hook. Penny started dancing; she loves her evening walk. “It’s starting to rain. Why don’t you stay here and get some popcorn ready. I picked up the latest Transporter movie. I’ll take her out.”