Unbreak This Heart

by Betty Shreffler

  The fluttering in my stomach halts, then repeats their circular spin. “Oh, okay. Send him in.”

  I feel foolish. I can’t focus on anything while waiting for Carter to walk in. When he does, he instantly brings a smile to my lips.

  “Hey, beautiful.”

  Crossing his arms, he leans against the door frame and surveys my office with those captivating eyes of his. “Nicely decorated and that view is fantastic.”

  I smile appreciatively. “What are you doing here?”

  “Jane said you had a rough weekend. I thought I’d stop by and coax you out to lunch, as friends of course.”

  Irritation tickles my neck. Apparently, no one can keep my secrets from Carter.

  “What did you have in mind?”

  “I was thinking the Greek restaurant on Whiskey River Street. It’s not too far from here.”

  “Okay, I’m game.”

  “Great.”

  Gathering my purse, I lock my office behind us. “Melanie, I’ll be back in a while. Want me to bring you anything?”

  “I’m good, thanks for asking.”

  We step outside my office building and Carter strolls over to a green Kawasaki street bike. He picks his helmet off the seat and outstretches his hand for me to take it. A thrilling sensation swims through me. I’m jazzed at the idea of getting to ride the bike. My grin spreads ear to ear. Carter looks at me and smiles.

  “Now that’s the smile I like to see. You gettin’ on?”

  I nod, taking the helmet. I’m sure I look ridiculous in my blouse and dress pants, but I don’t care. Bikes have always fascinated me—the speed, freedom, riding the edge of danger. I slide on and wrap my arms around him. His abs are rock hard, and the warmth of his back presses into me, relaxing my own body all the while my emotions are abuzz.

  We weave through traffic and I watch in amazement as everything whizzes past us. Carter controls the bike like it’s an extended limb. He owns the road and my attention. The thrill of the ride has my energy high. My body’s numb of anxiety, too exhilarated to feel anything otherwise.

  We arrive at Little Greek and he parks the bike. Climbing off, I remove the helmet, practically bouncing on my heels. Carter takes the helmet and sets it on his bike.

  “Did you enjoy that?” he asks, a smirk curling the corner of his mouth.

  “Uh, yeah. That was awesome.”

  “I’ll have to take you on a longer ride sometime.”

  My exhilaration is butchered as I think of Todd. “We probably shouldn’t.”

  Carter frowns. “I forgot about him.”

  For a few moments, I did too. Guilt gnaws at my insides as I follow Carter into the restaurant. He pulls out my high-top chair and I take a seat.

  “What are you gonna get?” I ask him as we look over the menus.

  “I have a bad habit of always getting the same thing everywhere I go, and it usually is something that has chicken or steak in it.”

  I laugh. “Me too. I’m terrible at trying new foods. When I know something is good, I want to keep getting it.”

  “Should we try something new today?” he asks. We both look at each other before he makes a face and I shake my head. “Nah.”

  The waitress comes. We both order the same thing—chicken gyros and Sprites.

  “Do you like to cook?” he asks.

  “I do, actually. My grandmother was Italian, and she made amazing dishes. I picked up some of her skills. Do you?”

  “I can cook a few basic things to get by. I do love Italian,” he winks.

  “Maybe I’ll have you, Jane, and Kyle over one night for some authentic Italian food.”

  “I’d love it.”

  Carter’s beautiful blues lock on me and study me. My body warms from the lustful look in his eyes. Pulling my gaze away from his, my cheeks flush.

  “Alex.”

  I look back at him, nervous. “Yeah?”

  “I have my first MMA fight coming up. I’ve been training for it for a while now. I’d like it if you came. I could use your support.”

  My stomach tightens. “An MMA fight?”

  He nods.

  The thought of him getting hurt causes my stomach to coil. “I’ll come, but I don’t know if I can watch it. I can’t stand the thought of you getting banged up and bleeding.”

  “The goal is to be the least banged up and bleeding.”

  I frown. “Carter.”

  “Will you come? It would mean a lot to me.”

  The way his gaze meets mine, begging me with those soft blue eyes, melts my reserve. “Yes, I’ll come.”

  “Thank you. It’ll help to have you there.”

  “Why is that?”

  “No doubt I’ll feel awful by the end of the fight. Seeing you will be my consolation.”

  A peculiar sensation runs through me. I know his comment shouldn’t be making me feel as good as it does and that leaves me with lingering guilt.

  “I’ll be there with aspirin and a bottle of whiskey in hand.”

  “Good. I’ll probably need both.”

  Our food arrives, and we settle into eating and talk about some of the upcoming training he’ll be doing with me. After we’re finished, he tries to pay, and I ask the waitress to split the bill. Carter frowns at me. “Now I owe you something for that.”

  “No, you don’t. You brought me out to lunch to make me feel better. That was enough.”

  We get our bills and head back out to his bike. That same exhilarating feeling rushes through me.

  “If I’d known you would react like this, I would’ve taken you out on it sooner.”

  He hands me his helmet and I slide on behind him. The breeze cools the heat warming my body as I lean against him. Something about him has always felt comforting to me. Knowing he’ll be leaving as soon as we get back fills me with overwhelming disappointment.

  When we arrive back, he helps me off the bike and out of his helmet. His gaze lingers over me and I feel hypnotized as he studies me.

  “It was good to see you today. Maybe I’ll pop in for lunch again sometime.”

  “I’d like that.”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow, beautiful.”

  Turning away, he puts on his helmet as he climbs onto his bike. I watch, mesmerized by how attractive he looks atop his motorcycle. I head back to my office in a daze.

  Melanie grins at me as I return. “How was lunch?”

  “I got to ride a motorcycle to lunch. Best. Lunch. Ever.”

  She laughs and hands me my missed messages.

  “Um, Todd called a couple times. I think he wanted to see you for lunch. I told him you were with a client.”

  “Thank you.” Rubbing my hand across my temple, I attempt to ease the headache forming.

  Back in my office, I fiddle with my phone before finally dialing Todd back.

  “Baby, where were you?”

  “Melanie told you I was with a client, right?”

  He sighs. “I wanted to give you your last present during lunch, but it’s fine, I’ll bring it with me tonight.”

  “Another present?”

  I can hear him smile into the phone. “It completes the outfit.”

  As soon as he says that, I know—he bought me high heels.

  “I look forward to seeing them.”

  Todd chuckles. “See you tonight.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  —

  ALEX

  The dress Todd got me is skintight and reveals my cleavage. It’s like he bought the dress one size too small on purpose. My hair is curled and partially pulled back, makeup done, and I’m sipping wine to shed my edginess. Todd knocks on the door and I walk to it barefoot.

  Standing on the other side in a black tux is Todd, looking incredible, and in his right hand, he has a pair of black stilettos dangling from their tiny straps.

  The shoes are sleek, sexy and suicide on spikes. His gaze rolls over my body and his eyes glimmer with desire.

  “It’s a good thing I already bought
the tickets, or we wouldn’t make it there at all. You look hot as hell, baby.” He steps into my apartment and holds out the heels. “Let me see it all together.”

  Taking the heels, I smirk at him. He leans against the door and watches my ass as I walk to my sofa.

  I sit and slide the heels on and buckle them tight. Slowly, I stand and make sure I’m balanced before walking toward him. He runs his tongue across his bottom lip then releases it between his teeth. “Come here.”

  Meeting me in the middle, he pulls me to him. The length of him grows hard and goosebumps form across my skin. Placing his hand in my hair, and the other around my waist, he holds me steady as he kisses me, his tongue venturing in and out with raw intensity. Hand lowering down my back, he squeezes my ass. Pressing his erection against me, he moans into my mouth.

  “We need to go now, or I’ll say fuck it and throw you over this couch.”

  My hand goes to his chest, stopping him as that thought causes panic to set in.

  “We should get going. I don’t want to miss the play.”

  Taking my hand in his, he moves it over his erection as his kisses travel along my cheek, neck, and ear. I let out a breath as arousal warms my core.

  “Are you sure?”

  My ass hits the couch and his hand slowly slides up my inner thigh. Wet kisses and his warm breath mingle against my ear as his hand pushes past my underwear.

  “’Cause baby, your body is telling me otherwise.”

  His finger slides into my wet folds and I tilt my head back as pleasure rushes through me. Todd nibbles at my neck and works in swirls against my clit. Continued kisses cover my moans as my body trembles and my orgasm builds.

  “That’s it, baby. Come for me.”

  Raising my knees to his waist, I give him better access. Arm rested on my back, he holds me on the edge of my couch.

  “Fuck, baby. You feel so good.”

  Whimpering, I push my hips against the stroke of his hand.

  “Yes. That’s it.”

  With his other hand in my hair, he tilts my head back and kisses me rough and passionately. Releasing my hair, he uses both hands to secure my legs around him before lifting me off the couch. He presses me into his erection, and I try to jerk back, but his lips cover my mouth and my body relaxes into his kiss.

  He carries me to my room, covering me with kisses and nibbling my neck. My breath is heavy, and my desire is pulsing between my legs. Todd lets my legs down by the bed and pulls my dress up and off. He glances down at my black, strapless bra and lace underwear. A grumble escapes his chest.

  “I’ve waited so long to have you.”

  Before I can say anything, his lips lock on mine as he sheds his jacket and unbuttons and removes his shirt.

  “Climb on the bed for me.”

  Taking his lead, I ease onto my comforter, my stomach tight with anticipation and unease. He kicks off his shoes, unzips his pants and folds them down, exposing his boxer briefs. With one hand he pulls his erection out and strokes it.

  “Take your bra off slowly, then the sexy lace underwear.”

  Nervously, I follow his instructions. His strokes quicken as he watches me. I’m now lying on my back in full view for him with nothing but the heels. Moving forward, he touches me, rubbing my clit, making me wet with desire.

  “Have you had anyone, but me?”

  Shaking my head, I let out a pleasured breath.

  His hand grips my thigh. “You’re so perfect, baby. Just for me.”

  The tip of his erection presses into me and my body instinctively jerks back. His grip on my thigh tightens. “It’s gonna hurt a little at first. Relax.”

  He pushes forward again, and my body locks up. “Todd stop, I’m not ready.”

  “Yes, you are. Relax.”

  He pushes into me and I try to pull back from him. With his grip tight, he holds me steady. “Damn it, Alex. I’m not going to hurt you!”

  Tears pool in my eyes. I want him to stop, yet I’m ashamed I feel this way. I shouldn’t feel like this. I should be accepting him, letting him make love to me, but my body is trembling, and tears are running down my cheeks. It’s too late. I’ve made a mess of everything.

  Letting out an angry breath, he shoves away from me. Pulling his pants up, he zips them, then grabs his shirt and jacket in quick, abrupt movements, indicating how pissed he is.

  Turning onto my side, I cover my breasts as the tears stream down my cheeks.

  “I thought you’d changed, gotten over it. We can never move forward if you can’t handle us having sex.”

  I watch his back as he walks out. Moments later, I hear my front door slam behind him.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  —

  CARTER

  Alex arrives for her lesson and she looks tired and worn down. Her eyes are somewhat puffy as if she cried not too long ago. My chest tightens at the sight of her sorrowful expression.

  “Alex, you okay?”

  She steps forward and I can see the emotional weight pressing down on her. Tears fill the corner of her eyes and I open my arms for her as she moves into them. Running my hand over her neck and back, I try to soothe her tears. I want to know why she’s upset and I want to fix it now.

  “Alex, talk to me.”

  “Todd…last night…he…” More tears dampen my shirt as she sobs into my chest.

  “Did he hurt you?”

  Her head moves against my chest and anger courses through me.

  “Alex.” I lift her head and look at her as I wipe her tear-stained cheeks. “How bad did he hurt you? Did he…”

  She shakes her head no and some of the tension eases out of my shoulders. “Fuck the training. I’m taking you home.”

  Placing her hand on my chest, she shakes her head. “No, I want to stay. I want to work out everything I’m feeling.”

  “We’ll do a half hour today, how about that?”

  She agrees, laying her head against my chest. “I’m such an idiot.”

  “No, you’re not. He’s an asshole.”

  “He is.”

  I rub along her back. “You sure you’re ready to do this?”

  Her tears have stopped, and she sounds more confident. “I am.”

  I put her through a circuit, and she gives it all she’s got. I can see by the end that her stress has lessened, and I even get a smile out of her.

  Handing her a towel, I sit next to her on the bench as she drinks her water.

  “I don’t want you to be alone at home. I have a dinner thing with my family tonight. How about you come with me?”

  She studies me, her beautiful green eyes softening. “I don’t want to impose if it’s a special family dinner.”

  “It’s fine. I think you’ll have a good time if you come.”

  “Okay. I’ll come.”

  “I’ll pick you up in an hour.”

  She smiles and nods, waving as she leaves. “Thank you,” she mouths silently.

  ***

  When Alex opens her door and glimpses my bike behind me, her face lights up, and I’m thrilled to see it. She steps out and I hand her the extra helmet I brought her.

  “Brought one just for you.”

  Her bright, green eyes have lost their puffiness and are now filled with intrigue. Satisfaction spreads through my chest. Making her happy brings me more joy than I anticipated.

  Taking the helmet from me, she tucks it into her arm and walks with me to my bike. I help her onto it and caress her arm. She doesn’t flinch and I’m relieved.

  “You ready?”

  She climbs on and I make sure she’s settled with her warm hands around my waist and nestled against my back before I take off.

  The road beneath me gives my body a feeling of utter freedom. It’s better than the release I get at the gym or the adrenaline rush of a fight, but having Alex cling to me as I slip through the breeze and increase speed is just as pleasurable as an orgasm. A woman’s warm body and the power of a high-speed machine is intoxicating. T
he only thing better would be if I could make love to her as she leans over my bike and looks back at me with those pretty, lust-filled eyes.

  The dude down south makes himself known and I cool my thoughts. The last thing I want to do is give her a reason to shut me out again. I was the one she came to when Todd hurt her and that tells me she sees me as the man in her life who can soothe her troubles. I want to be so much more than that for her, but it’s a start, and I’m not going to ruin it.

  When we make it to my mother’s home, I see my brother has already arrived. His shiny red mustang is parked along the side of the road. I pull into the drive and hold the bike steady so Alex can climb off. I set my helmet on the bike and take hers and do the same. Her expression tells me she’s nervous about this dinner. Gently, I take her hand and she grips it tight. She’s more nervous than I thought.

  “Everyone is gonna love you.”

  Leaning down, I kiss her head and feel her tense muscles ease slightly. She gives a forced smile and I squeeze her hand a bit, letting her know I’m here for her.

  I knock, and voices reach the door before opening it. My mother’s round face swells with a grin. Her black, bouncy curls swing as she motions us in.

  “Come in, come in. Carter didn’t tell me he was bringing a date!”

  She reels Alex in for a hug and squeezes her tight.

  “Not a date. Alex is a friend.”

  Alex’s eyes dart from my mother to the food on the counters.

  “I’m sorry. I would have brought something. It was last minute that I was able to come.”

  My mother waves her hand in the air. “Don’t you worry yourself one bit. We have plenty of food to feed these men. Welcome to our home. I’m glad you could join us tonight. I’m Sandy, Carter and Kevin’s mother.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Alex.”

  “Well, I hope you came hungry because I’ve made enough food for a feast. Would you like something to drink? I have beer, wine, soda, or water.”

  “I’d love a glass of wine.”

  “Ah, my kind of gal already? What kind? Red or white?”

  “White would be great.”

  “Hey C!” My brother’s boisterous voice rings through the house. He walks into the kitchen dangling a beer in his hand. “Get in here. The fight is on.”