Who We Are (FireNine #2)

by Williams, S. Q.

  “What do I do?” he asked, that smile still tugging at the corners of his lips.

  “Just strike a pose… anything. Make it sexy… serious… cute. Whatever. You know what to do. You do this all the time.” I held my camera in front of my eye and angled it at him.

  Laughing, Gage did a few poses. Some naughty. Some nice. And some just downright sexy. Each time the camera flashed, he’d switch it up, and each one was perfect. It was going to be hard choosing just three for my project. One picture I knew I was going to use. He sank his teeth into his bottom lip and licked it. His hazel eyes were narrowed right at the camera, his stance firm yet casual. After I snapped my last shot, I lowered my camera and grinned at him.

  “You’re a pro at this, huh?”

  Shrugging, he walked toward me. I told him to stop and held the camera in the air to take a photo of us together. Grabbing the camera out of my hands, Gage kissed my cheek and then took a step back. “My turn. Pose for me—and make it sexy! No bullshit.” He laughed out loud, those adorable chinks forming around his eyes as usual.

  I swallowed a little as my nerves got the best of me, but as Gage stepped in front of me and placed a kiss on my forehead and then my cheek, I looked up at him and comfort snuck up on me. “Just have fun. It’s what I do. I used to hate it, but now… it’s pretty cool.”

  “Right.” I blew out a breath and took the spot in front of the window where Gage stood. He placed the camera in front of his eyes, his lips hinting at a smile. I knew he was staring at me. My poses at first were silly and evidently corny, but as the flash of the camera happened more and more, I decided to get sexier for him. I’d bite my lip, smile at him beneath my eyelashes. Each flash from the camera took longer and longer until finally Gage pulled the camera away and looked directly at me. His eyes were hungry, his face hard. He was serious now, and I was confused, turned on, and a little excited by it.

  In an instant, he marched for me, picking me up in his arms and crushing my lips with his. My chest pressed on his and my breath caught the more our tongues collided. He panted hard, almost greedy with his actions.

  He pulled away a few inches and brought his hand up to brush his calloused thumb across my moist bottom lip. His other hand was still glued to my waist, pulling me closer. This wasn’t how the night was supposed to turn out at all, but I refused to fight it.

  Gage smiled a little, his hazel eyes hooded and lowering to stare at my lips. The glazed look in his eyes proved he was thinking about inappropriate things. I wanted to find out exactly what he was thinking, so instead of stalling any longer, I pressed my lips on his and hooked my arms around his neck. He pulled me up so I could wrap my legs around his waist and then spun around, rushing for the kitchen and placing my back on the table, a small amount of force added. It was the kind of force that made me moan—kind of rough but kinky. Not too much to hurt me.

  Sexy.

  Perfect.

  I arched my back and the palms of his hands glided up my thighs. He grunted, shifting and pulling me down, centering my body between his. His hands slid their way past my hipbones, my stomach, ribs, until finally he met my breasts. He gave them a light squeeze while groaning against my lips, and I locked my fingers through his hair, begging him to continue. Begging for more.

  He continued showering me with kisses, pulling one hand away from my breast to get to the string of my shorts. He untied them, slid them down with one hand, and pulled away just enough to slide them past my ankles. As soon as they were discarded, he pulled me up, crushing me against his body once again. I was dazed, knees locked, my mind wondering what he was going to do next.

  “You want it on the table, Sweet Ellie?” he asked, his voice a near growl. “On the table from behind or on the counter?”

  I stifled a gasp, staring into his hard hazel eyes. Oh God. His smile was so devilish. But I loved it. Perfect way to get me going.

  “I want you to choose,” I whispered.

  “Me?” he questioned as if he wasn’t hearing correctly.

  “Yes. You.” I looked down and had the urge to do something really out of character. With this man turning me on, I was going crazy. Wanting it all at once. I wasn’t thinking straight. I never could with him around. I reached down and went for something I normally wouldn’t have done at a fierce moment like this. I unzipped and unbuttoned his jeans, sliding them down to his ankles and reaching through the slit in his boxers to grab his cock.

  “Oh, shit,” he growled, drawing me to him. His lips were on my ear and the rumble in his voice demanded persistence.

  And I did. I stroked and stroked him as he grunted, jerked back, and palmed my ass cheek, gripping it whenever he would hiss through his teeth. But I felt like something was missing. Something had always been missing. Jacking him off was getting old and played out. I was sure he’d had many hand jobs before. Another naughty thought came to mind and I was sure he’d had plenty of these as well, but I went for it.

  I sank onto my knees, running the palms of my hands down his slightly hairy thighs. As I stopped lowering, I looked up and he was staring at me, watching with hawk eyes. Those eyes were begging me to do it, nearly pleading. His erection before me was already waiting. Waiting for me to complete a task I’d never done before.

  I licked him once and he shuddered. I licked again and again. This was new, but he seemed to be enjoying it so I didn’t bother stopping. I wanted him ready like I was. This turned me on just as much as it pleased him. I loved the sight of him squeezing his eyes shut. I loved the feel of his hand fisting my hair, moving my head back and forth. I loved the way he hissed my name through his teeth while groaning. It was hot and tempting me in every way. I wanted to take charge after conquering something I thought I’d never do. I mean, I wasn’t a pro, but I think I was good enough for him.

  Gage hissed again but grabbed my arm and pulled me up. He didn’t speak as he crushed my lips, slipping his tongue into my mouth and pulling me close. He picked me up in his arms and turned around. My ass landed on the cold marble counter and he panted roughly, snatching his lips away and growling while pulling my shirt over my head. He unhooked my bra next, tossed it on the floor, and then slid me closer. I moaned as his tip met my entrance and he moved in, pressing his lips on the corner of my mouth.

  “What happened to my Sweet Ellie, huh?”

  I whimpered. He was stalling purposely. He was making me beg with my body and it was a shame he was winning. I was aching below, trying to get his entire length inside me, but whenever I got closer, he would pull back.

  Gage clasped either side of my face and licked my lower lip. His teeth softly grazed it and this moan came out much heavier. He then kissed me, pulling me in by my hips and sliding inside me all the way.

  I gasped behind his lips, squeezing one arm around his neck and pressing the palm of my other hand on the marble behind me. Gage pumped into me and things got hotter, steamier, and breathier. I was panting and screeching; he was hissing and growling. He hit all the right spots and each time he did, I would squeal. I was so close to climax, and he knew because he picked up his pace. He grasped my ass, pulling me closer, deepening his strokes. Sweat built up between us, some trickling down his chest and glistening beneath the fluorescent light above.

  “Come for me, Ellie,” he mumbled into my ear, his breath thick and sticking to my wet skin. His voice. Damn, there was just something about it. Something that drove me crazy. It was so deep, so hypnotizing. I started quaking in his arms the more he mumbled in my ear. My legs wobbled wildly around him as he thrust in and out of me, grunted into my ear, and grazed his teeth across my shoulder.

  “So close,” he murmured.

  I moaned outrageously then. I shattered and squeezed my eyes shut, watching the stars burst and scatter across the night sky once again. Oh, I loved this feeling. This free feeling. All was gone. There were no worries or difficulties. It felt so good to scream with nothing but pleasure.

  Gage did one last hiss and growl and then pulled
me close, shuddering and quaking while releasing his heat. My walls throbbed around him, but it was pleasurable. I smiled over his shoulder, enjoying the peace that filled the room.

  After a while, Gage pulled out of me and helped me off the counter. We agreed on taking a shower together and of course we had sex again, but this time around it was different. We made love against the shower wall and it was heavenly. He kissed me all over. He even licked me in the sweetest part of my entire body. I loved it, but something was different. I noticed how Gage barely talked. He looked into my eyes, but not for very long. I was probably too stuck in my sex trance to notice, but something was up. And I wasn’t sure if it was good or bad. We made incredible love, but after drying off and changing into more comfortable clothes, he still hadn’t said anything.

  Gage was lying behind me and my hips were buried into him. His breath ran across the bend of my neck and his fingers were entwined with mine, resting on my stomach. He placed soft kisses on the lobe and the top of my ear as we listened to the cars passing by outside the balcony window.

  Finally, Gage spoke up, and hearing his voice brought relief to my insecure conscience. “Eliza?” he whispered, stroking the edges of my hair.

  “Yeah?” I whispered back as he kissed my temple.

  He was silent for an uncomfortable moment. His warm breath ran across my cheek and not long after, he sighed and pulled me into him even more. He pulled the blankets on top of us and I pushed back a little, enjoying our warm, cuddling embrace. “Eliza, I love you. No matter what,” Gage finally said, kissing my cheek.

  I turned in his arms to face him. I slid in closer and he wrapped his arm around me again, kissing my forehead. He smiled—it was faint, but it was a smile. I tilted my head up and pressed my mouth on his. His velvety lips consumed mine as he gripped my face, caressing my whole body with his hands. Our lips parted and our tongues molded as we panted, the heat rising and building beneath the sheets.

  I finally broke the kiss, knowing if we were to keep going, another shower would have to be arranged. Sighing, I hooked my arm around Gage’s waist and kissed him. “I love you, too, Gage. I always will.”

  He grinned, his teeth sparkling from the slits of moonlight spilling in through the balcony window, and then he pulled me close, kissing my forehead once again as I snuggled against his rock-like chest.

  It wasn’t too long before we fell asleep and it was the most peaceful sleep I’d had in a very long time.

  The following morning, the left side of my bed was colder than it should’ve been. I ran my fingers across the sheets, slowly opening my eyes, my fingers wandering for the warm body that was next to me the night before.

  I sprang up, glancing down at the empty side of the bed. I swung my legs around and rested them on the edge of the mattress, grabbed my shorts and tank top off the floor, and then rubbed my eyes. I figured Gage must’ve gotten up early, so I checked the bathroom first. It was dark and empty. I walked out of the bedroom, making the turn for the kitchen. Unfortunately, it was empty, too. I checked the living room—no sign of him.

  My heart pounded a tad bit heavier as I ducked around the corner and checked the floor on the left side of the bed. His bags weren’t there. Nothing was there. It was empty. Panic surfaced, but I shook it off, pressing my lips and scrambling through the closet for a washcloth.

  Maybe he just went out for some breakfast, I thought. He told me his vacation was coming to an end this weekend and he was going back to reunite with his band and start their new season soon. Maybe he left early. I tried thinking nothing of his disappearance. I tried thinking positive.

  I took a deep breath as the hot water spurted out and I washed my face. I found an outfit for the day, ironed it, and then headed for the kitchen to make some scrambled eggs. But the whole time, I was worried. Last night he was acting so… off. I knew I should’ve asked him what was going on, but he really did seem like he wanted to be around me. I didn’t seem to be his problem. Something else was on his mind. I wanted to ask, but our night was going too perfectly. I didn’t want to ruin it.

  I sighed, dumping my eggs into a bowl and sitting at the table. My phone was on the table as well and an impulsive thought came to mind. Call him. Yeah, that’s what I’d do. Call him. Maybe he had to meet someone somewhere. Maybe he had a few things to take care of. He’d plugged his number into my phone for a reason. It was best to give him a ring.

  I grabbed the phone and dialed. I took a deep breath as the phone rang in my ear and I stared at my hot yellow meal. With each ring, my heartbeat pounded through my eardrums. Why the hell am I worrying so much?

  Maybe because I knew something else was up. Maybe because I knew Gage, and he would never take all his things and leave without telling me where he was going. And maybe because the phone went to voicemail after my fourth attempt of calling.

  I placed my phone down, ate my eggs, and then went to my bathroom to brush my teeth and get dressed. I couldn’t be late again, but this was going to bother me until I heard back from him. Instead of thinking about it, I grabbed my keys, my portfolio, my satchel, and my lunch, and then hurried out of the apartment, locking it behind me.

  Good thing my day was occupied. I did a lot of work with Monica and Kelsey, more so Kelsey than Monica. Monica was still being a jealous brat, especially when Frank would come down and compliment me on a new drawing or graphic design for FireNine. I wasn’t worried about Monica, though. I didn’t care for her stares or smart remarks.

  It was already bad that I was working on a ton of FireNine stuff. It was a clear reminder that I was upset with Gage. I checked my phone every time I got the chance and there was nothing. I’d even called on my lunch break—still no answer.

  I stuffed my phone into my satchel and went back to eating. I hadn’t realized I was frowning until Kelsey came into the break room with a thick paranormal novel tucked beneath her arm, her glasses sitting on the bridge of her nose before she pushed them up. “What’s with the attitude today, chick?” she asked, sitting across from me.

  I perked up as she pulled out a sandwich. “I’m fine.” I lied.

  “Psshh.” She rolled her eyes, taking a huge chunk out of her sandwich. “This,” she said, holding her hand out and pointing at me with a full mouth, “isn’t fine. You’re bumming out. What happened?”

  “Nothing. It’s just one of those days.”

  “How was lunch with Gage yesterday?”

  Hearing his name made me wince. She didn’t catch it, though. “It was great.” Lunch was great, but last night was even better. I didn’t want to think about it. I didn’t want to think he slept with me and then just left. We weren’t a one-night-stand thing before, so we wouldn’t be one now.

  “Just great? What’d ya do last night?”

  “Kelsey, can we change the subject, please?” I asked—well, I meant to ask. It came out kind of snappish instead. “I’m just—I don’t wanna talk about last night… or yesterday. Period.”

  “Oh… yeah. Sure. I’m sorry.” Kelsey looked me over with sympathetic hazel eyes. “I mean… well, if there’s anything you want to talk about, I’m here to listen, you know—I mean, not now, but later maybe. I’m here.”

  I smiled gratefully. “Thanks. I know you are and it means a lot to me.”

  Kelsey forced a smile and started eating her sandwich again. She opened her book to read, and I was glad she didn’t speak any more during our break. She read the whole time while I moped over my choice of clam chowder soup. It was hard to eat when Gage was running through my mind. A lot of bad shit was going on up there that I couldn’t control. Was this payback for what I did to him last summer? Was he trying to get me to fall in love with him all over again and then leave without a formal good-bye?

  “Oh, God.” I groaned, and I was glad Kelsey was no longer in the break room because she definitely would’ve commented on my gloomy outburst.

  This was bad. Real bad.

  Work was work.

  I got home and changed in
to some comfortable yoga pants and a tank top. I chose a light meal of Frosted Flakes and figured watching Looney Tunes would help clear my mind. My cell was sitting on the coffee table and I took glances at it every few minutes.

  No calls. No texts. Nothing.

  It was definitely time to worry. This wasn’t like Gage, and I hated how bothered I was getting. I didn’t want to call again and seem desperate—but then again, I did need to know what was up and where he’d gone.

  I grabbed the remote and flipped the TV off. I stood, snatched my phone, and made my way toward my bedroom. From my spot on the edge of my bed, I could see the tops of the cars passing by. It was raining once again and thunder rolled above. The cars rode along the slick roads, and I even heard a few people yelling for taxis. It was kind of soothing. I guess because it proved I was awake and not dreaming.

  I looked down, gripping my phone in hand. I don’t know how long I stared at the screen, but after a few minutes of debating, I turned on the screen, dialed Gage’s number, and pressed the receiver to my ear.

  The phone rang.

  It rang again.

  And again.

  And one last time before reaching his voicemail.

  It was best to leave a message, just in case he was busy, so I said, “Gage. Hi. It’s Eliza… Um… You probably already know it’s me.” I laughed. I felt so corny saying that. “Look, I’m worried about you. I didn’t think you were going to leave so early in the morning or so soon, but if something came up for the band, I understand. Just give me a call when you’re free. I… love you. A lot.” I sighed, lowering my head as tears stung the rims of my eyes. I wanted to fight the negative feeling taking over me, but it was impossible. With each hour, my positivity in this situation faded. “Goodnight.”

  I hung up the phone and gripped the bridge of my nose with my thumb and forefinger. The tears were still burning my eyes, but I refused to cry so I shut them and allowed my eyelids to cool the heat.