The Eyes That Own Me (Timing is Everything Book 1)

by Rebecca Fischer

  We managed to convince the intramural boards to ban him completely for unsportsmanlike conduct due to a petition signed by several teams and 'someone' hinted at illegal drugs being in his locker. Daddy sure didn't want a steroid-feeding pothead running his company. Who knew our hunch would actually be true?

  Karma's a well-deserved bitch.

  I've been in the kitchen making us lunch and found her sitting on my outdoor couch on the back deck. She hooked her iPod up to my outdoor speakers with a country mix crooning along. I swear I've gotten addicted to these songs thanks to her.

  I sit next to her and placing the plate on the small table. "Babe, you've gotta eat more than this. One sandwich isn't going to be enough."

  She settles under the arm I wrap around her. "I either haven't eaten or had gross hospital food the last few days. I don't wanna overdo it and get sick. Aaron always went on and on about overstuffing after deployments. You don't want me sick on top of everything do you?"

  The little minx has the gall to give me a puppy dog eyes! She knows I'll cave every time.

  "You are so lucky you are out of commission or else I'd spank you for using that face on me. Our kids are going to have me wrapped around their fingers with that look."

  I realize what I just said and see that her face has gone completely white. It just slipped out. After a few silent and very awkward moments, the color has come back, and she completely throws me with her answer.

  "Well, how about we at least wait a few years before we unleash little monsters on you? Let me heal first, and I look forward to practicing with you."

  She gives me a wink and a daring smile. Like I've said a dozen times before. she never ceases to surprise me. I can't help but kiss her, trying not to put pressure on her arm and shoulder.

  "I still have one good hand and mouth you know? We don't have to be completely abstinent while I recover."

  "Oh baby, trust me. I've already gone over every possible scenario in my head. It's going to kill me not to touch you. The doctor said no strenuous activity for a couple of weeks, and I'm not taking any chances." The puppy dogface has come back in full force, and she puts her right hand on my chest rubbing back and forth. "No! Don't you dare give me that face, woman. Behave. As much as I want to, I will not cave on this. You need to heal first."

  She laughs, "Aw come on. I'm not an invalid."

  I shake my head and cup her face with both hands. "You're playing dirty. This is not fair. I promise, once the doctor clears you, I will lock every door in this house, kick Jeremy out for the weekend, and love your body until we can't take anymore. But for now, you behave."

  Giving me a slight pout, she pouts, "You're lucky I can't cross my arms right now. I am quite disappointed in you, Matthew. Guess I'll just have to watch Magic Mike and Magic Mike XXL then for some manly half-naked viewings since my own boyfriend won't show me the goods. You'd think having all of this free time on my hands would mean I'd get some stimulating entertainment."

  "Honey, those men can't read your body like I can and give you those toe-curling orgasms you enjoy so much. Reverse psychology isn't going to work."

  She drops her head against the back of the couch and sighs. "I guess if I can't see you naked right now then I'll take the sandwich."

  This is pure torture watching her be so worked up and not being able to do anything about it. In a few days, the sling on her shoulder can come off and she'll just be sore for a while.

  I meant what I told her when I said I wanted to celebrate my birthday with just the two of us. Birthdays have never been a huge deal to me except for turning eighteen and twenty-one. It's tearing me apart to see my angel so sad. All of her birthday plans are ruined. I know she wanted to give me a special night since she had planned on being out of town the whole weekend. If turning it into a fanfare will make her happy then I'm all for anything that will make her smile.

  Her eyes have gained most of their mischief back, and her sarcastic demeanor is refreshing. Unfortunately, I can tell she's still upset since the green in her eyes still lack their normal vibrancy. I have no problem proving to her that I love her and will take care of her.

  To my advantage, I can start moving some of her stuff here over the next few months. I won't fight her once she recovers to stay at the condo because I know how much living with Kylie has meant to her. They're sisters in every way but blood, and I remind myself of the fact that she agreed to move in come August.

  Watching her lay her head back while snacking on her sandwich, eyes closed, basking in the sun; I can't believe where my life has led me. I can't help but stroke the back of my hand across her cheek, careful not to hit the bruise on her temple. She turns her cheek into my hand as her eyes open.

  "I love you, Charlotte."

  Her smile widens. "I love you too."

  The look she gives me settles any insecurities after the accident to rest. We're in a great place and can only grow stronger together.

  The next morning before I head into work, I make my angel breakfast in bed. She needs to keep building up her strength. I walk into my room and lose my breath momentarily. I see her cuddled up with all three dogs. Ruckus is plopped onto my pillow as close to Charlotte's head as possible with Zamboni and Nike on either side of her legs. Well damn, I guess it's a good thing I left the bed or else they would have pushed me out.

  I love that my dogs have protected her as they would me. She'll never be unloved as long as I'm around. She gives her heart in everything she does, sometimes forgetting to take care of herself. Her recovery will be my way of proving to her that she can count on me and let go just a little bit.

  Leo called me last night and told me he is flying in tomorrow and will stay for the week. He said he could help with Charlotte's preliminary physical therapy. He had a Physical Therapist friend show him the stretches and workouts Charlotte will need to do to get her full mobility back. He works out more than Jeremy and I do so he can be more helpful.

  More helpful my ass. I know he's been talking to Bree, and I can't wait to give him shit for trying to hide his feelings for her.

  As weird as it is to have a full house with Charlotte around, I know she will be quite entertained. I plan to pick up some of her favorite movies tonight and make Leo suffer through them with her while I'm at work.

  I know she likes to read to relax. I also know she doesn't have a Kindle and uses her tablet for PowerPoints mostly. On my lunch hour, I'm going to pick one up for her and download a bunch of books by the authors I've seen on her bookshelves, plus get her an Amazon gift card. Yes, I understand it is silly to have both the electronic book versions along with paperbacks, but this way she can have a bunch of them at her disposal.

  That night, I'm walking back into the house and the amazing scent of garlic hits my nose. Charlotte better not have cooked all day. I march into my dining room intending to scold her but see a romantic spread across my table. I'm stopped in my tracks looking at my angel angrily sitting at one end in her tank top and flannel pajama pants. I find her mom in the kitchen at my stove stirring up a storm.

  I put the Kindle bag by the door and lean against the countertop. "Mrs. Hanston, I'm glad to see you, but please tell me Charlotte didn't lift a finger to help you with this dinner. She knows she's still grounded from cooking."

  She swats my arm with a wooden spoon. Damn, that stings. "Oh hush, you brute. I made sure she sat on the couch like a good patient." She gives me a small hug. "Happy birthday, dear. And please? Call me Grace. She wanted you two to have a nice dinner tonight. Now, go give my baby girl some attention. I kicked her over there when she wouldn't leave me alone.

  "You don't have to tell me twice. Thank you for dinner."

  Watching my angel be kicked out the kitchen is hilarious. She's so picky about recipes and people invading her 'cooking space'.

  Kissing her cheek and crouching next to her chair, I ask, "So you've been exiled, my love?"

  Attempting to cross her arm over her sling, she struggles to look menacing
. "Mama's being unreasonable. I could've made all of that one-handed. But does Grace Hanston ever listen to anyone but Daddy? No. Banishing her own daughter. Pfft."

  "Now love, your mother is just trying to help. I told you we didn't need anything fancy tonight."

  She looks at me with an 'I dare you to keep talking' face. We’re both lucky her mother is here or else I would be hard pressed to keep my hands off of her. In the middle of our stare-off, Grace walks in.

  "The lasagna only needs ten more minutes, and the garlic bread is toasting. There's a salad in the fridge, and I'm leaving you two to your evening. Have a relaxing birthday, Matt."

  She kisses Charlotte on top of her head and gives me a kiss on the cheek before wishing me happy birthday again. I go back and grab the bag with the Kindle.

  "Now, love, don't get mad at me, but I got you a little something today to help pass the time even when Leo is here."

  "Babe, you didn't have to. It's your birthday. You're the one getting the presents. I mean, they're nothing fancy, but you're a tough man to shop for." She leans to her right side and picks up her backpack off the floor then pulls a bunch of wrapped gifts out and places them on the table.

  Nodding to the pile, she says, "Happy Birthday, Matt."

  I tear into the gifts and love her even more. I'm strange. I hate gifts that have no purpose. She got me tickets to a Three Doors Down concert for us to go to in August and more Cubs gear. Baseball season is very important to me, and now I have new team pride to show off.

  Her last gift leaves me speechless. She made me a scrapbook filled with pages of the two of us. This is probably one of the most thoughtful gifts I've ever gotten. I love photo documenting all of our experiences together. Our camping trip, the trip to Charleston we took on Spring Break, me all gross after winning intramural championships, and all of the times we've walked the trails around town.

  I kiss her as hard as I can without injuring her. "Angel, this is amazing. I love that you made this for me. We've had a crazy few months haven't we?"

  I take her hand in mine. "Yes, we have, and I look forward to many more in the future. You've helped bring me back to the person I once was growing up. You accepted me and encouraged me. Our life has grown to be one I never thought I would have. You were a huge part of my change, and I love you so much for never giving up on me. Thank you for everything."

  "I should be the one thanking you. That first night at the Chris Young concert, I had been thinking that the only thing missing from my life was true love. You are my soul mate, and I'm never letting that go."

  I hold her close and revel in this warmth of holding her close. Once the timer for the food goes off, we settle in for a quiet dinner. After stuffing ourselves with her mom's delicious dinner, I set up everything for her e-reader while ignoring her protests that she’s fine with physical books. I show her all of the books I downloaded for her, and the gift card leads her to spend hours trying to find new books to read. Her book selections are somewhat random holding everything from contemporary romance to murder mysteries. I watch her eyes glaze over in obsession with this new toy. I laugh quietly to myself that simple access to an international library is one of the best ways to make her relax and feel happier than she has in days.

  This is the birthday I had wanted. Just my angel and me.

  The pain in my shoulder has gone away for the most part. I'm still not supposed to do any heavy lifting for a few more weeks. The muscles in my legs had stayed strong enough that they are already healed 100 percent. All those years of playing sports helped me out. The bruises on my ribs are barely sore. The one on my temple faded after a week, and now they are barely visible with a little makeup. I know I got lucky physically, but the aftermath has been so frustrating because I'm so restricted.

  Rob let me come back to work but has pretty much stuck me to the register and light prep. His attitude has taken a complete 180 toward me. I don't know what people said to him when I was in the hospital, but he even apologized for being a jerk.

  It's as if the universe is actually working in my favor for a change.

  My professors were more than understanding about the accident and had given me permission to miss the first two weeks of classes. I still went, though, since Matt and I have the same classes. As much as I love him, he can't take proper notes to save his life. He's so naturally smart that sometimes I just want to smack him. Luckily, I'm right handed, so I was able to take the notes I prefer to help me study. I admire Matt's efforts, but his handwriting is chicken scratch. I'll admit it was cute watching him carry my backpack for me. He also set up my tablet and notebook in the way I like.

  Summer classes are so compacted that we already have presentations lined up. I changed at work before coming to school to meet up with Matt. Ten percent of the grade is dressing in business formal attire, and I know I'm only getting half of that because I can't get a jacket to fit over my cast. Plus, it's hot as Hades out right now. My professors were understanding about missing classes, but since I've returned I have to follow all of the requirements, even if the humidity is making my skirt stick to my legs and my hair is a giant frizz ball.

  This must be an attractive sight.

  I'm meeting Matt at the coffee shop to practice my speech one more time. It's been our spot since that first time he bought my drink for me. I'm waiting in line when I smell his cologne surround me and feel his hot breath on the back of my neck. He wraps his arms around my stomach, pulling me against his warm hard body.

  "You look like walking sex. I think we should play hooky so I can see what you're hiding underneath that skirt." He digs his erection in my back. "Your ass looks fucking amazing. I stood outside just watching you twist and turn through the tables. I really want to throw you over the counter and have my way with you."

  It's crazy how much our sexual tension is through the roof these days. He's been depriving me of his body for weeks, and it is completely unfair. It's his own fault for telling me I wasn't healed enough. I knew wearing this skirt would probably torture him, but he deserves it. I have a plan and it better work. I've hinted my cleavage at him across the table, and when I look up between sentences, his eyes are pointed right at the boobs. I add a little extra sway to my hips when he walks behind me on the way to our class. As I sit down, my skirt hikes up a little bit, and I cross my legs over one another in hopes my legs might entice him just a little bit more. My lord, this is going to be the easiest seduction in history.

  If only this dang presentation wasn't taking forever. I practiced my speech so much that I can recite it in my sleep, but Matt's eyes haven't left my body, and I can only imagine the fantasies running through his head right now. When I sit down in the chair next to him, he places his hand on my upper thigh and gives it a squeeze, knowing the warmth of his hand is dangerously close to where I've wanted him most lately. I grab his arm, enjoying the feel of his warm skin from where he rolled up his sleeves, take his palm in mine, and draw light circles on it while enjoying the sight of his erection growing in a room full of people. It's been self-satisfying to know that I’ve had this kind of power with him.

  As soon as class lets out, Matt drags me back to his jeep, and I try not to fall over in my heels. However, I am enjoying the view of his ass in his suit pants. That man could make Jorts all the rage again with his ass.

  Once we reach his jeep, he cages me in against the driver side window, dropping our stuff onto the concrete, and my hands land on his chest.

  Rubbing his nose against mine, he whispers low, "Angel, you are so lucky that we drove separately, or I would be feeling the hell out of your pussy in my car the whole way home. You wore that skirt on purpose. You are still healing and now you tease me like this? You're playing dirty."

  He tries to get the better of his restraint. "How about we don't drive separately? You can take care of my needs in the car and once we get home. I'm sick of waiting. I feel fine, Matt." I wrap my wrist around his neck, trying not to whack him with my cast, and pull his mouth
to mine. I use his trick of tracing my tongue across his lips and the second he opens his mouth I suck on his tongue in the way I know drives him insane. I feel his hands grab onto my ass, almost ripping my skirt in half trying to gain the upper hand of the kiss. I love when he gets out of control like this.

  Sadly, Matt is the one to pull back first. "As much as I would love to continue to feast on your lips right here. I don't favor being arrested by campus police for public indecency. Let's go home so I can take care of you properly."

  He guides me around the front of his jeep and helps me up into my seat. I don't mind leaving my car here until the morning because my rental car sucks. I can't wait until the insurance money comes in so I can try and get a new car.

  The drive to Matt's house, even though he says it's ours, takes about double the normal time. That might just be me because I am so worked up. I can't get any relief at all, even with the tightness of my skirt making my legs rub together. My seduction plan is working so far. Might as well see when Matt's resolve will break.

  "Matt, when we get back to your place, how about you help me out of this skirt, and I'll show you just how indecent I can be? Please tell me the house will be empty."

  His hands grasp the steering wheel so tight that the veins in his forearms are about to pop loose.

  "I am definitely taking you over my knee and even if Jeremy is there, I'll send his ass to the gym. Although I plan on making you scream my name so many times, that he might hear you there, too. It's been too long since I've felt your juices on my tongue and around my dick. I'll try my best not to hurt you, but I need to be inside you."

  I fan myself from how hot the car is getting. There is steam gracing parts of the windows, and we still haven't made it to his house.