Then He Came Back (Love From Austin Book 2)

by Chris Campillo

  Chapter 32

  Trey had joined Wes, Dave, and Emma on the slopes, and they’d stayed longer than planned. He’d wanted the time with his son and the distraction from Sue and her runaway stunt.

  Dinner was late. The kids had been fed and put down earlier. Exhausted and ravenous, Dave and Wes barely said two words. Sue and Patty were happy to carry the conversation. He hadn’t seen Sue this animated since they’d arrived in Tahoe. Come to think of it, he’d never seen her like this. She was almost manic. And unlike breakfast, she included him and chitchatted away as if nothing had gone down between them just hours earlier. Dinner was horrible.

  Afterwards, everyone headed off to bed, but Trey couldn’t sleep. He was too pissed. He poured himself a Scotch and sat on the couch, staring out the window. When he heard a door open, he jumped, hopping it was Sue coming out of her bunker. No such luck. Patty shuffled down the stairs and plopped down beside him.

  He shot her a glance. “You’ve got a baby. You’re supposed to be sleeping.”

  “No kidding.” She yawned. “But I can’t when I’m worried about you.”

  He shrugged. “No need to worry about me. Life is good. I’m spending time with Wes . . .” He put his drink on the table and hung his arm around her shoulders. “And my favorite sister and her kids. What could be wrong?”

  “You’re not nearly as sly as you think. I’m talking about Sue.”

  “What’s Sue—”

  “Trey, I’m too tired to play games. Ever since this morning, you two have been acting like drug dealers hiding at a police station. You’re both wired tight.”

  He leaned forward and grabbed his drink, rolling the glass between his hands. “We’re trying to get along after years of her hating me. It’s awkward, that’s all.”

  “Obviously, not that awkward.”

  “What are you saying?” he asked, suddenly feeling on edge.

  “Oh, come on. The gig is up. When I put Noah down for his nap this afternoon, his room did not smell like baby powder.”

  He looked over at his sister who was smirking. He immediately turned away, embarrassed. Not sure how to respond, he took a long sip of Scotch. Thankfully, she didn’t appear to be in a hurry, so he took another.

  Hell, things couldn’t get any worse. Maybe a woman’s perspective would help. Patty was younger, but she didn’t miss a beat. He set his drink down and turned to his little sister. “It’s complicated.”

  “Love always is.”

  He threw her a nasty look, knocking the clever smile off her face. “I’m not going to talk to you if you get all crazy.”

  “Fine.” She grabbed the throw off the back of the couch and covered her feet, hunkering down into the sofa. “So relating to your baby mama after seventeen years must be strange.”

  “Yeah, you could say that.”

  “But things look okay between the three of you. I’m sure this is hard for her, but she did invite you back into Wes’s life.”

  He laughed.

  “Okay, so maybe it wasn’t with open arms, but she seems to be accepting your relationship. Heck, she let him come to Tahoe to meet us.”

  He nodded. “All things considered, that’s going well.”

  “So, it’s just you and Sue that’s mucked up.” He didn’t answer, so she poked him in the ribs. “Talk to me.”

  “Hell, I’m not going to talk to my kid sister about this.” He stood up to leave.

  “You sit your ass down, Trey Harrison. If you haven’t noticed, I’m not twelve anymore. I’ve had two kids and a lot of sex.”

  “Oh, God. Not another word.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Oh, get over it.” She reached up and grabbed his hand. “Come on. Sit down . . . please.”

  He stared at her, but she gave him a look that said she wasn’t going to let him go. Cursing, he dropped back on the couch. He ran his hand over his whiskers, then leaned forward, resting his arms on his thighs. “I thought things were changing between me and Sue. Definitely for the better. But then this afternoon . . .”

  “After you—”

  “This afternoon, she goes AWOL. Checks out. Then at dinner, she’s acting like nothing happened. I don’t know what the hell her deal is. She’s not the girl I remember.”

  “Well, hell no, dumbass. She’s eighteen years older, and I’m guessing those weren’t easy years. She’s obviously going to have changed.”

  “I know that,” he snapped. “But I never thought Sue Brinkley would . . .” He looked up and shook his head.

  “What?”

  “I never thought she’d take . . . life so casually.”

  She burst into laughter and had to cover her mouth to keep from waking the house. Now, she was pissing him off. “You think that’s funny?”

  She finally settled and wiped the tears from her eyes. “No, I think you’re funny. You’re so clueless, honey.”

  He scowled at her.

  “Sue isn’t taking life casually. Are you kidding me? If that were the case, she’d be strutting around, loose as a goose.” She reached over and grabbed his hand. “Listen to me. I know this as a woman. Whatever is going on between you two is freaking her out. And women don’t freak out over something casual.”

  He let out a deep breath and settled back into the sofa. Good to know he wasn’t alone. “So, what do I do?”

  She hugged him, then broke away with a huge smile on her face. “You’re asking me for advice. I love it.”

  “Forget it.” He started to rise, but she stopped him.

  “Sorry. I’m sorry.” She cleared her throat, but he knew she was suppressing her laughter.

  “I’m waiting,” he said, a little too rough.

  “Okay. First of all, you’ve got to give the woman some space. From what you told me, she originally greeted you like a feral cat. The fact that she’s gone from that to making—”

  He held up his hand. “Stop.”

  “Whatever, wuss. Point is, that’s a hell of a big jump. Give her time to get used to the idea.”

  “I’m leaving in six weeks. I don’t have time.”

  She pulled back and studied him. “So, why do you want to head down this path if you’re leaving next month?”

  He’d asked himself that question all afternoon. What could he expect in a month and a half? Why even start? Because he wanted Sue, body and spirit, all shields down, as long as he could have her.

  Patty ruffled his hair. “You’ve got it bad.”

  Ducking out of her reach, he pushed her hand away. “Thanks for the help.”

  “Oh, hush. Look, she’s leaving tomorrow, you and Wes are here until Thursday. It’s perfect. She’ll have time away from you, and when you get back to Austin, you can take it from there.”

  He thought it over. It was a damn good plan. If the woman wasn’t trying to keep her fortress in place, she might have the time to see what they had.

  His wise little sister yawned. “So, did that help?”

  “Yes.” He pulled her in and kissed the top of her head.

  “Good. Want to repay me by taking the two a.m. feeding?”

  “You got it.” He’d be up anyway, thinking of Sue and how he would convince her to give him a shot.

  Chapter 33

  “So, did you do any skiing?”

  Sue looked at the elderly lady sitting next to her. She had a sweet smile, an eager light in her eyes. The look that Sue knew, from years of flying, meant she was ready to make a new friend and talk the entire flight.

  Wasn’t going to happen.

  “I did, but I really messed up my back. I took some pain medication, but now I’m so sleepy.” With that, she turned and hunkered down. She’d never been more grateful for a window seat. You are such a liar. And to a poor, old lady.

  Her moment of guilt was easily pushed aside when she thought of all the conversations she’d had to endure over her Tahoe weekend. Of course, she hadn’t taken drugs, but she was ready to pass out from the mental exhaustion of playing house guest while de
aling with Trey. Making love to Trey.

  If only she could sleep. But her mind wouldn’t shut down, and her heart wouldn’t stop sending out those strange pulses. Maybe she’d developed an arrhythmia. Could you get that from great sex, from an orgasm that set new standards on the rating scale? She shivered thinking about it.

  “Are you okay?” her sweet neighbor asked. “Do you need a blanket?’

  “No, thank you.” No, she needed electroshock therapy. Anything that could knock out the thoughts and feelings and memories Trey was kicking up in her life. Hell, the arrhythmia had nothing to do with physical sensations. Her thoughts were driving this abnormality. Thoughts of making love, of memories that she’d never wanted to revisit bombarded her.

  That summer, eighteen years earlier, they’d both known they wouldn’t see each other after Trey headed east. His next eight years had already been booked—undergrad, med school, and summer internships at every alumni practice his father knew. He would only be back in Peoria for short holiday breaks spent with family. Perhaps that’s why they’d been so desperate that last week.

  They were inseparable. As soon as her shift ended at Osco’s, he would be waiting for her in the parking lot. Hours flew by, filled with words of love and kissing and heavy petting that was one inch away from sex. Before that week, they’d established an unspoken rule for nothing below the waist, leaving him continually frustrated and her flushed and hot.

  But that last week, the limits were forgotten. All but one. They couldn’t get enough of one another. As soon as the sun set, they took his Bronco to an old, gravel drive, surrounded by corn fields, and crawled into the back seat. She experienced her first orgasm at his hand, and she reciprocated, even once attempting a very awkward, but much-appreciated blow job. Fortunately, horny eighteen-year-olds were grateful for any attempt.

  The night before he left, they couldn’t be together until late, after his family’s send-off dinner—the one to which she hadn’t been invited. As soon as he picked her up, they headed for their spot. There was a full moon that night, shining into the back seat, but they barely noticed. It wasn’t long before they were breathing hard and fast.

  “Suz,” he moaned. “You’re so hot. So wet.” She always was when he touched her. “I want you so bad.” He took her lips, plundering her mouth as if that would satisfy him. Not hardly.

  Her heart was so attached to him. She didn’t know how she’d ever feel this way again. Even though they had no future together, she wanted one last connection. Something so permanent that distance couldn’t destroy it.

  She broke away. “Trey.”

  He took her in his arms, rubbing his hands over her back as if he had to keep touching her. He rested his chin on her head, and she felt his chest rising so rapidly. “I know. I know we can’t.” He kissed her hair. “But it doesn’t mean I can’t want you.”

  Pulling away, she gazed into his eyes, searching, then knowing she was making the right choice. “I want you, too. I want us to be together tonight . . . to make love.”

  She heard him swallow as excitement flashed across his face, shortly followed by doubt, then hope. He cradled her face. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.”

  He kissed her, and she could feel the joy in his lips. But then he broke the kiss and grabbed her shoulders. “I’m leaving tomorrow.”

  “I know. And I’m the one who said no plans for the future. But this is about now. I love you. I want to share this with you. I want you to be the one.”

  “I love you, Suz.” His voice broke. “So much.” He pulled her onto his lap and kissed her, working his way down her neck.

  She drew back to face him. “But we need to get protection . . . condoms.”

  He looked down as if he were embarrassed.

  “Trey. We have to, you know that.”

  He lifted his head, a sheepish grin covered his face. “I have a condom.”

  She was surprised but relieved. They wouldn’t have to make a humiliating stop at the drug store. But she did wonder why he would make such a presumption. “Were you planning on this?”

  “No!” His face turned so serious, but then his eyes softened, and he smiled. “But a guy can always hope.”

  He was wonderful. She had never been surer of anything. So why were the nerves suddenly kicking in? She’d been through Sex Ed, she’d heard other girls talk. She knew what would happen, but it didn’t stop a shiver running through her.

  “Come here.” He held her tight and ran a hand over her hair. “Don’t be nervous.” He knew her so well. They stayed like that for a long time, not kissing or anything sexual, well, except for his erection pressing against her bottom. After some time, he lifted her chin and kissed her. It was an innocent kiss, but it felt like a solemn promise.

  “You know you can trust me, right?” he asked, cradling her face in his hands.

  She let out a shaky breath and smiled. “I think that’s pretty obvious.”

  He laughed, sounding a little nervous himself. “We’ll take it slow.” With that, he took her lips gently, but it soon turned into a mating of their mouths, tongues exploring, tasting, searching. It didn’t take but a minute before his hands found her breasts, cupping them through her plain bra. Despite the barrier, his touch sent tremors through her body.

  He stopped and lifted her T-shirt, locking eyes with hers. Taking her silence as approval, he gently pulled it over her head. Then, he pulled down the straps of her bra and turned her to unfasten it. When she turned back, she held it in place, feeling so vulnerable. He had touched her so many times, had even kissed her nipples, but she’d always remained somewhat dressed. Only the necessary parts were pushed aside. He’d touched her in the most personal place, she’d taken him in her mouth, but somehow, bearing herself to him felt different, more intimate.

  Slowly, he pulled her hands away along with the plain, white bra. His eyes focused on her breasts, and he let out a deep breath. “You’re so beautiful. So perfect.” When he finally looked up, his eyes were dark, yet full of love.

  He eased her down on the bench seat, covering her body with his. Even behind his khaki shorts, she could feel his hard form pressing against her thigh. The idea of his size entering her sent another tremble of fear through her, but when he placed his mouth on her nipple, all thoughts vanished. He drew it in, creating a wonderful shock of pleasure through her body. He always made her feel this way. “Trey,” she moaned, grabbing his shoulders and squeezing tight.

  As he continued to love her breasts, he unfastened her shorts, working them down her legs along with her panties. She kicked them off the rest of the way. He leaned up and gazed over her body, following the path with his hands. His breathing had become ragged, like her own. “So beautiful.” He lifted his eyes to her. “I love you.”

  She had to swallow before she could speak. “I love you, too.”

  His hands stopped at the top of her thighs, where he began to stroke her. He groaned when he felt how wet she was. “You’re ready.” She was. She wanted more of him. She felt the stirring that she’d had before when she’d experienced an orgasm. She wanted that again but with him inside her.

  Stopping, he yanked off his own shirt, then leaned over her, providing the perfect position for her to rub her hands across his tan chest, his lean muscles, so hard. His heartbeat as fast as his breathing.

  He sat up, hoisting his hips, and dug out his wallet. He opened it, and with shaking hands, pulled out a square, shiny package. He looked to her, and she couldn’t help but smile, feeling nervous, embarrassed, happy. They were really going to do this.

  In the confined space, he worked off his shorts and boxers. His body made her heart stop. She’d seen the jutting penis before, but it was different to see him completely nude. His tan ended low on his hips, making the hair between his thighs that much darker, making his erection seem that much bigger. A flash of panic hit her chest, but then he gazed into her eyes. His tender look washed the anxiety away.

  He tore open the p
ackage, and she watched curiously as he rolled the condom on. He turned to her and smiled. “We’re safe, now.” Moving over her, he supported his weight on his elbows and settled between her legs. Her heart constricted as the reality of the moment struck. They were really going to do it.

  Her eyes watered, but she bit her lip to keep the tears from falling. It didn’t matter, he noticed. “Are you all right?”

  Her throat was tight with emotion, making speech impossible. She nodded, and a tear escaped, which he lovingly wiped away. “What’s wrong, baby?”

  When she could finally speak, she whispered, “I’m glad I’m with you.”

  “Oh God, Suz.” He kissed her then. Slowly, gently, reverently. But it didn’t stay that way for long. It never could with them. He moved and let out a shaky breath. Again, she was struck with how big he felt against her thigh. She tensed and moved her hands against his hips.

  “It’s okay.” He kissed her cheeks. “I’ll be careful.”

  As he said the words, he adjusted himself so he was touching her there. The tip brushed against a sensitive spot, and a wonderful shimmer of sensation flowed through her, just like the night before, when he’d used his fingers to make her feel so good. She opened her legs further.

  He adjusted himself again, this time to her opening. He pushed in, or tried to. She felt a tremendous pressure, but there seemed to be nowhere for him to go. He released a ragged breath and rested his head on her shoulder.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Ssshh. Nothing’s wrong, baby.” He lifted his head. “You’re just tight. It’s okay. Relax.” He glided his fingers over her, touching the most sensitive spot, then working them into her, stretching her. She moaned, as the warmth and tension started to build. “That’s it. Open up for me.”

  But then he stopped, and she felt his erection against her, this time pushing harder. Sue hissed at the burning, stretching sensation of him entering. It’d be okay; it was supposed to hurt the first time. He mumbled something soft and kissed her cheek as she took shallow breaths. Finally, the pain eased a fraction, and she sighed.