FLAME (Spark Series)

by Cumberland, Brooke

  “Good girl. Tell me what you need.”

  I spread my legs out further for him. “Don’t stop.”

  “You want it harder, Doll?”

  “I want it any way you give it to me,” I spit out.

  “That’s right…let me control the pace,” he soothes. He rubs his hand over my clit as he continues thrusting inside me. My entire body pulsates from his touch and demands more.

  “Drew…yes…oh god…” I scream out, unable to contain myself. My body feels like it’s being ripped in two as I climax. He doesn’t slow down, rather he feeds it, making it much more intense.

  He grasps my hips hard, pulling me toward him as he pumps his own release deep inside me. My body collapses on the bed as he pulls out of me.

  I watch as he walks to the bedside table and takes out another condom. Another one!

  I hear him rip it off as he rolls another one on. Holy shit, this guy’s a fucking machine.

  “You thought I was done with you?” he asks as he sees my shocked face.

  I swallow as I feel him unlocking the handcuffs. He flips me and towers over me. “I can’t seem to get enough of you. I want more,” he growls.

  “What do you want?” I ask, finally able to breathe normally again.

  “I want you on me,” he commands.

  I lean up finally as he lays flat on the bed. I straddle him and let him fill me completely. Sex always feels too intimate when I’m on top, especially when those eyes of his stare right through me.

  I try not to think of that as I rock my hips against his. His hands land on my hips, controlling the rhythm. I place my hands flat on his chest as I watch him.

  It’s the first time I feel a real connection with someone. Someone who isn’t after just a quickie and bails. Hell, perhaps he is…a three-time quickie…but it doesn’t feel that way with him.

  Which is scary as hell…

  8

  I wake up feeling completely sore and bruised and smile when I notice Drew is still in my bed. It’s not like guys don’t normally sleep over, but this time, I actually want this one to stay.

  “Good morning,” he mumbles, his thick accent very noticeable. He moves us closer together as he nuzzles my neck.

  “You have a very sexy sleepy voice.”

  “Oh yeah? I think you have a very sexy everything.” I feel him smile against my neck. I wiggle my ass against his hard-on. “Are you always packing?” I tease.

  “When you tease it like that?”

  “Hey, I just moved.”

  “Sure…and it just reacted,” he jokes.

  “Well, I’m sure my roommate is still sleeping. That’d be one hellva wake up call.”

  “Hmm…are you wanting to invite someone else already?” He sucks on my ear, making my body shiver against him.

  I laugh at his comment. “Yeah, right. My roommate is so not like that. Actually, her and her boyfriend are having issues now. She’s been in a mood,” I reply honestly. “I’ll go make breakfast.”

  He kisses the tip of my nose. “Guess I’m taking a cold shower.”

  The truth is, Velaney had miscarried several weeks earlier. She and Eric weren’t exactly on speaking terms and she’s been pretty down about it lately. In fact, she pushes everyone away. I try to be there for her, but it’s hard when she locks herself in her room all damn day. I was finally forced to tell Eric the truth after Laney wouldn’t tell him.

  I grab Drew’s button-up shirt and put it on. I grab some food out of the fridge and dance as I start scrambling eggs in a pan.

  “What are you doing?” I hear Laney’s voice behind me. I’m actually surprised she’s up this early.

  “Just making some breakfast. Figured my girl needed to eat.”

  She eyes me curiously. “What’s with the get-up? She motions to my shirt. I bite my lip as I try to hide the giddy grin that’s threatening to show. “He’s still here?” she whispers as if we’re detectives or something.

  “Yeah, he’s taking a shower.” I shrug as if it’s no big deal. But inside I’m screaming, it’s a huge fucking deal!

  She teases me for letting a guy sleep over and take a shower the next morning. I rarely let guys get past the good morning ‘hello’ before I’m kicking them out of my room and Velaney runs into them, shooing them out.

  I act unaffected as Laney gushes about the fact that Drew is still here. I want to admit everything to her, but I know she’s hurting right now. And I don’t want to admit anything to myself at the moment.

  “He’s British…” I explain, wagging my eyebrows at her.

  “Oh my god. You hooked up with a British hottie?”

  “Do you see this smile on my face?” I wave a hand over my face. “This is the face of a very satisfied woman. So yes, hooked up, we did…a few times,” I gush, completely blushing.

  Velaney plops herself on the sofa, flicking through channels on the TV. I can tell her mind is busy as she chews her cheek. I’ve always been good at reading her.

  I offer her breakfast but she declines. Before I can argue, Drew walks out in cargo shorts and his tight black t-shirt that he was wearing under the blue button-up.

  God, he looks delicious.

  I lick my lips as I stare at him.

  I introduce Drew and Laney. I love hearing him talk. He tells her what a beautiful name she has, and I think even she blushes from hearing his voice.

  “Breakfast?” I ask, wrapping my arms around his waist.

  “Love to, Doll, but I actually have to get to the gym before classes.” He presses a kiss to the tip of my nose.

  “Aw, can’t you skip?”

  “Wish I could, Doll. But Coach has us on a strict schedule.”

  “Do you need me to drive you back to your car?”

  “Nah…I can take a cab,” he insists.

  I keep my arms wrapped around him as he kisses me goodbye. For the first time, I’m sad to see a guy leave.

  * * *

  I drag Laney out for the day. We go to a little bistro where I finally gush all about Drew. It’s so un-like me, but I can’t help it. I’m foolishly giddy.

  “Well, I can see you’re dying to tell me. So spill,” she says, waving a hand in my direction to let it all out.

  “Okay, so he and his buddies came into the bar last night. He’s doing a college abroad thing or something like that, and well, anyway, he plays Football here, but played Rugby back home. Rugby! God, could he get any hotter? Anyway, I was working with Julia and one thing led to another…”

  “And he ended up in your bed?” she fires back, laughing.

  “Well, we flirted first, had some drinks, then I invited him over.”

  “How classy.”

  “Listen, smartass.” I look at her seriously. “Just because I enjoy sex doesn’t mean I’m un-classy or a slut. I enjoy sex, so sue me.” I shrug. And sex with him was very enjoyable…

  “Hey, I don’t care what you do. And I would never call you a slut. I just feel uncomfortable meeting a guy you just slept with the next morning. I’m used to pushing them out for you—no introductions, no hellos—just there’s the door, now get out.”

  “Well, I still have his shirt, so there’s a chance I’ll be seeing him again. This way, it won’t be uncomfortable. You’ll already know him and you can just ignore him.” I smirk.

  “He is cute, though,” she admits, smiling as she takes a sip of my latte.

  “Oh god, don’t I know it. His accent in bed, oh my god, it’s fucking hot. He’s a fucking god in the sack, Lane. Like…I think one of the best I’ve had,” I confess, blushing.

  “If I’m not mistaken, I’d say you like him a lot.” She widens her eyes at me, showing surprise in her tone.

  “No…no…no. There’s a difference between liking a guy and enjoying a guy. I enjoy Drew. I do not like him,” I press, although it’s a complete lie.

  “Whatever you say.” She rolls her eyes.

  “He’s totally hot, though. I’ll give him that. I mean, Jesus…a British
Rugby College guy. Does it get any sexier?” My eyes light up.

  “I don’t know, does it?” she teases. “I’ll admit he’s hot, though. Probably one of the hotter victims…err…I mean, one-nighters you’ve had over.” She laughs, picking at her croissant she has yet to take a bite of.

  “Hey!” I slap her hand playfully. “He was ready and willing. Oh, sweet Jesus, was he ever willing.” I smirk, reliving it in my mind.

  “Okay, enough already. I get it. The guy is hot and he’s good in bed. Can we move on now?” She squirms in her chair, and I can tell she’s feeling uncomfortable.

  I get her to talk about Eric and the baby. She’s been closed off for weeks now, blaming herself for the loss. Eric’s been talking to me just to get information about her since she refuses to talk to anyone except me.

  “Let him be there for you, Lane. That’s what relationships are all about. I may not have experience in that area, but if romance novels have taught me anything, it’s that pushing someone away is the worst thing you can do. You’ll suffer from it and only regret it later on.” I say genuinely. “And you can take that to the bank, Nicholas Sparks!”

  “Oh my god, you and your smut.” She giggles, rolling her eyes at me once again.

  “It’s not smut. I mean, not all of it, at least.” I wink and squeeze her hand. “Talk to him. He misses you. You miss him. Why make it more complicated than it has to be?”

  “I hate when you’re right,” she mutters.

  “Honey, get used to it. I’m always right.” I smile back at her.

  “Well, I hope you’re right about this Drew guy. If he’s just for fun, you better not be the one sleeping on the bathroom floor.”

  “Ha! That would involve emotions. And sweetie, I don’t do emotions. I do sex.”

  Or at least that’s what I tell myself. However, now my mind is racing a million miles a minute from my night with Drew. I’m good at the sex thing. Just sex. Nothing more. But with Drew there was more…so much more.

  * * *

  It’s been three days since Drew was in my bed. He told me to call him, but I wasn’t sure if I should or not. What would I even say? Hey, wanna go for another round? I don’t do that. I never want a man for more than one night, but Drew…he’s different. He’s made me crave more of him.

  I work at the bar, trying to appear unaffected. I try to get him out of my head, but I feel disappointment as I expect him to be at the bar and he isn’t. Was what he said about coming to find me just a line? Or was he serious?

  “Can I get another, baby?” I look up and see my regular holding up his empty glass.

  “Of course you can.” I wink. He’s an older man who orders two fingers of whiskey and he’s a good tipper. So as long as I flirt with him, he’s happy.

  “What’s on your mind? You seem different today,” he says as he hands me a ten dollar bill.

  I grab it and put it in my cash register, placing his change on the bar before responding. “I’m fine. Just some things on my mind.” I smile, giving him reassurance.

  He tilts his head and says, “Hmm.”

  “What?” I ask, planting my hands on my hips. I don’t care for people analyzing me. “I’m fine,” I say again.

  “Okay…” He smiles, knowing damn well I’m lying.

  Shit. How is it written all over my face, yet I can’t get the emotions straight in my own damn head?

  Another hour flies by and I finally conclude that I’m going to call him after work. I don’t know what I’ll say yet, but I just want to hear his voice.

  “British hottie coming this way,” I hear Julia whisper.

  I smile and look up as I see Drew walking toward the bar with a bouquet of flowers.

  Flowers?

  “Hey, Doll,” he says, sitting down on a barstool.

  “Well hello, stranger.” I cock my hip and place a hand over it.

  “I’ll take a beer, please.” He smiles and I instantly go to mush. Freaking pathetic mush.

  I hand it to him and watch as he puts the neck to his mouth. His eyes stay glued to mine, never blinking.

  “So, flowers, huh?” I nod my head toward the bouquet sitting on the bar in front of him.

  “Yeah…” He shrugs lightly. “I have a date tonight. Thought it would be romantic, ya know?”

  My eyes widen in surprise. A fucking date?

  “Oh…” is all I’m capable of spitting out.

  “Yeah…not the place I would’ve chosen, but since she hasn’t called me yet, I have no choice but to bring the date to her.”

  It feels like my heart skips a beat at the realization of what he just said.

  “Right, I forgot, you like to be all stalkerish and stuff.” I try to be cool, unaffected by how happy I am that he’s here right now.

  “Well, a guy’s gotta do what he’s gotta do to get a girl’s attention.” He smirks, holding the flowers up at me.

  I grab them, shaking my head at him. “This is cheesy.”

  “I know.” He grins. He pushes off the stool, leaning his arms on the bar. “What time are you off tonight?”

  “What’s it matter? What if I have plans?”

  “You do have plans,” he retorts. “With me.”

  “I almost forgot how bossy you are,” I tease, leaning toward him.

  “Doll, I doubt you forgot anything. In fact, I’m sure you’re still reliving it in your head.”

  “You know? I just remembered. I do have plans tonight. And they’re not with you.” I know I’m being a bitch, but I hate how he’s getting under my skin.

  “Not a problem. I’ll wait.” He says in all seriousness. He barely flinches when I challenge him. “But sweetheart,” he whispers, leaning over the bar and into my ear, “I can guarantee you’ll be thinking of me the whole time.”

  He pushes off and heads in the other direction before I can come up with anything. Damn him.

  Why is this so damn confusing? I want him. He wants me.

  But I never want a guy. Not more than once, at least. So why is Drew different?

  I know he challenges me and perhaps that’s why. Most guys are content with one night and I never hear from them again. But Drew…he’s persistent on wanting more. More than I can probably give him.

  “Fuck me, he’s hot,” Julia says after a while. I snap my head up to her as she watches him. He’s at a table across the bar, drinking his beer and watching a game on TV. “I’m not above sloppy seconds,” she quips, tilting her head to gaze at him.

  “You horny bitch. What happened to Winston?” I remind her. “Still on hiatus, huh?”

  She huffs, letting out a slow breath. “I guess,” she mutters.

  “Oh, come on. I thought it was so you could focus on your relationship,” I mock.

  “Don’t get me started,” she snaps, pointing a finger in my direction. “It is so we can focus on our relationship, but dammit, a girl has needs!”

  “Guess it’s time to bring out the vibrator,” I say straight-forward.

  She about chokes. “I don’t have a vibrator.”

  “Seriously? Oh, my god, I have like five.”

  “Really? What the hell do you need with five?” Her eyes widen. “I mean, I know what you do with them, but five?”

  I shrug casually. “Depends what I’m in the mood for.” I smirk. “That’s it. After work, we’re going.”

  “Going where?” she asks, looking scared.

  I smile wide. “Dildo shopping.”

  9

  “This is just creepy.” Julia makes a face as we walk down the aisles at the adult store. It’s open 24 hours a day, which is perfect for a late night shopping trip.

  “It’s like fucking Heaven in here,” I snort. “Look at all these amazing toys. Alright, I’m guessing you need a beginner’s vibrator. Something simple. Wouldn’t want to scare you off now.” I can’t help but chuckle at how bright red she is.

  “Scare me off? Consider me frightened.”

  “Oh, it’s not that bad. It’s very nor
mal, Julia. Self-pleasure is what gets me through the lonely nights.”

  She laughs. “You have lonely nights? I doubt it.”

  “Okay…fine.” I laugh with her. “They’re a nice bonus during sex, too,” I confess.

  We laugh together as she squirms at all the displays. I show her all the good stuff—butt plugs, nipple clamps, g-spot vibrators, Luna beads. She squirms at all of it. I help her pick out a basic one and decide to grab some beads as well.

  “See, that wasn’t so bad,” I say as we get into the car. “Now you better come back to work a happy camper,” I quip, pointing a finger at her.

  “Well, if it does the job, I don’t see why I wouldn’t.” She smirks.

  “That’s the spirit.” I laugh. I drop her back off at the bar where her car is parked and see one car left in the parking lot.

  “What the hell?” I mutter.

  “What?”

  “There’s a car left in the parking lot. But the bar is closed. I don’t remember seeing it after we locked up.”

  “Maybe it’s your British hottie.” She winks.

  “Oh god…” I mumble, secretly thrilled at the possibility.

  “Let me walk you to your car just in case.” I undo my buckle and open the door. She walks with her bag in hand across the lot to where her car is parked.

  “Goodnight,” I say.

  “Night. See you later.” She chuckles, waving her bag in the air. “Or I might call in sick,” she teases, waving air quotes.

  “Ha, you better not! I’ll hunt you down,” I tease. I turn and walk back to my car where Drew is casually leaning against it.

  “You ditched me to buy a vibrator?” he asks, almost offended.

  “No…I ditched you to buy Julia a vibrator.”

  “Really? Getting kinky.” He laughs. “Can I watch? I mean, two girls with vibrators? I promise to be quiet.”

  I can’t help the laugh that escapes my throat. He’s just too damn cute when he’s being a cocky ass.

  “Hell no.” I snort. “And I didn’t ditch you. We didn’t have plans.”

  “As I recall, we did. I even brought flowers.” He smiles, and it’s so hard to resist wrapping my arms and legs around him.

  “Oh, is that how it works? You bring girls flowers, and their clothes just fall to the floor?”