“I almost moved to Nashville right after I got out of school. If I hadn’t gotten knocked up and engaged, I probably would have. I had the itch to make my own path, but when I realized I could still be my own person and make something for myself here and still have a family, I had to take it.”
“You seem to have it all. I still don’t know how you manage,” I lied. I kind of knew.
“Nannies and the support of my husband. Having someone who’s always on your side, no matter what? It gives you the ability to do anything you put your mind to. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said I was closing this place, but he’s always talked me off the ledge. He reminds me of why I’m here more than I am at home.” Naomi gave me a knowing look. “You have that man in your corner, too. Don’t forget that.” She patted my shoulder and walked into the back room.
She was right. Tate and I had each other. I looked at the clock and I was supposed to have left twenty minutes ago. I called out to Naomi, letting her know I was heading out for the night and thanked her for her advice. I was anxious to get home so Tate and I could talk about us. I wasn’t scared anymore. I knew we were in love and that wherever we decided to live, we’d be happy.
Picking up some pizza to take home, I called Tate and told him I’d be home soon and that he could head over. If I had timed it right, he’d be at the door five minutes after me, and I had just enough time to change out of my work clothes.
I’d just let my hair down and was walking out of my bedroom when I heard my front door shut.
“Pizza and a night with you? How’d I ever get so lucky?” Tate stalked up toward me and wrapped his large arms around me, his hands reaching and grabbing a handful of my ass.
“Oh, yes. Pepperoni and sausage pizza and a girl in a t-shirt and boxer shorts. How’d I forget that’s every man’s dream?” I laughed as he gave my butt a hard squeeze. “Ouch! What was that for?” I asked as I rubbed my sore cheek.
“To remind you that you’re mine.”
“Mmm. Are you going to give me a hickey for dessert?”
“Are you giving me permission to give you a hickey?” he asked with excitement in his eyes.
“Only in spots people won’t see,” I bargained. I liked him all territorial of me.
“Done.”
We settled on the couch flipping through the stations before settling on some random reality TV show and ate in silence, Tate finishing off half the pizza while my normal two slices left me stuffed.
I snuggled up to him, trying to figure out how to approach talking about our future. After a few minutes, I couldn’t keep my mouth shut any longer.
“You miss them, don’t you?” I asked without moving. If I moved, I feared it’d scare him off. No quick movements!
“Who, baby?”
“Payton, Ryder, and them. You miss being there with the group.”
“Yeah. Seeing them all together made me want what they had. They’re all happy with kids and wives. They have each other and it, I don’t know, it feels like I’m not privileged to be there. I’m the outsider of the group because of being in Chicago, but they make me feel like we belong with them.” He ran his hand over his face.
“I feel the same way.”
An awkward silence ran through the room and I knew that whatever was said next was going to be monumental in our relationship.
He had to say it.
I waited for him to pull the trigger, my insides wanting to jump out and scream at him to do it.
“Are you saying what I think you’re saying? There’s a lot of commitment laced in those five little words, baby.” He turned toward me, and I could see the hope in his eyes. We were always going to be in it together. It was obvious.
I bit my lip and nodded shyly. “I want what they have, too. The kids, the friends, the family. I want my kids to grow up with little Jagger and Emilynn. I’m in this with you baby, let’s take the leap.”
Whew. I said it and it wasn’t all that terrifying. Holy shit. I just told him I wanted babies with him. And to move across the fucking country. All right, maybe it was terrifying.
“I didn’t think it would be right for me to consider it. You’re here and asking if you want to live together is one step but asking to move to California and find a home with me there? I figured it’d be relationship suicide. I just want to be with you, honestly, but I think we could really settle down and make a home for ourselves there and have our own non-traditional family with Payton and her family and Tristen and his. Baby, is this happening?” Tate asked. All of the obstacles we were going to have to face over the next couple of months raced through my mind but the happiness overshadowed it all.
No. I wasn’t going to overanalyze. This would be good for both of us. I just hoped Payton and everyone would be on board as well.
“It’s happening. Naomi already knows that I’ve been considering the idea. She’s the only person who I need to tell.”
“Your sister?”
“She’ll find out eventually. I’m not going to rush out and make an announcement, though. Sophia would only try to burst my happy bubble. I’d like to keep that bubble as long as possible. Will you talk to Payton? Make sure they’re okay with it, too?”
“She actually brought it up, too. She and Ryder had talked about why we didn’t live closer and offered to help us find a place. I’ll make it as painless as possible for us. I promise.” Tate gave me a kiss on the forehead. I couldn’t imagine my life any better than it was at that moment.
BY THE FOLLOWING NIGHT, Tate had already talked with a new gym in San Diego and video chatted with a realtor to help us find a starter home near Payton and Ryder. Everything was falling into place and since I was off work, I decided to pack away some of my winter clothes and make a pile to donate to Goodwill. I didn’t wear half of what was in my closet and donating it would be much easier than hauling it to a new home.
I was on cloud nine. Thoughts about my future ran through my head as I made a huge stack of unwanted clothes and neatly packed clothes that would need to go with me to San Diego. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to the fantastic weather they seemed to always have.
I’d just finished labeling one of the boxes when the doorbell rang. Figuring it was Naomi since I had texted her earlier in the day about the news, I ran to the door and threw it open, only to slam it shut as soon as I saw who it was.
Dylan.
What was he doing here? Sophia wasn’t with him. We hadn’t spoken since the day in the hospital. We were amicable when we had to be, but we never went out of our way to talk to each other.
“Really, Stella? I didn’t think you disliked me that much,” I heard him call out from the other side.
I took a deep breath and slowly reopened the door, my hand holding onto it for dear life. Something felt off, but I quickly dismissed it because, after all, it was just Dylan.
“Uhh, hey Dylan. What are you doing here?” I tried keeping my voice steady. My heart was beating out of my chest. Seeing him usually didn’t affect me at all. He was a cheater of a boyfriend, but that was Sophia’s problem, not mine.
“Just thought I’d pay a visit to my future sister-in-law.” He smiled a sleazy smile and waltzed into my apartment like he’d been there a hundred times before. Dylan had been to my apartment once, and that was over two years ago. I was surprised that he remembered where I lived. He was still wearing a suit, but his tie was hanging around his neck loosely and I could smell the alcohol on his breath. It was a quarter to eight, so he had a good two hours between when he left work and when he showed up at my doorstep.
“You asked her?”
“Yep. Sure did.” He hopped up on the island and had a seat. I tried to remain calm, but something was off. “I had to. She kept going on and on about how you had it all and how she was wasting her time since I was never going to put a ring on her finger. So, I asked and she said yes. The only problem is that she’s not going to put out until the wedding, which is complete bullshit.” Hi
s words were slightly slurred and with each word, he became more enraged.
“Make it a short engagement then.” I laughed, hoping it would lighten his mood.
“Oh, I tried. She’s still stuck on your fucking boyfriend though, I think. Said she wants to make a big announcement and have an engagement party and that we had to invite both of you. I get inviting you, but him? She still talks about him, compares me to him. It’s bullshit.”
This was news to me. I knew she had a thing for him and had manipulated him, but damn. I thought she just wanted what I had and to make me miserable.
“I’m sorry, Dylan. Truly, I am. Why don’t I call you a cab and you can go talk to her? Maybe negotiate some pre-wedding terms in the bedroom.” I reached for my phone on the counter, and he grabbed my wrist, yanking me toward him.
“What the fuck, Dylan?” I snatched my arm back and rubbed my red wrist.
“Nu-uh. If I can’t have her, I’m going for the next best thing.” He jumped down and pushed me against the sink, pinning me there with his hips. His breath slithered down my neck, and he rubbed his arousal against me. Tears ran down my face as I remembered all those years ago when I was forced to be with a repulsive man.
“Fuck. You,” I spit in his face. Rage boiled up under my skin and survival skills kicked in. I wasn’t weak anymore.
“Since you asked so nicely, don’t mind if I do.” Dylan reached down for his pant buttons and I head-butted him as hard as I could, smiling when I heard the crack from his now broken nose. “Dumb bitch!”
My forehead throbbed from the impact, causing me to blink a few times as pain radiated over my head. I’d deal with the pain later; I still needed to get away.
“I’m not second best, and you’re a worthless piece of shit!” I screamed. A knee to the balls effectively brought him to his knees, and I ran out the door, looking for somewhere safe call the police. I rambled off my address and what had happened, but I couldn’t tell you what was said on the other end of the line. I was shaking as I dialed Tate’s number next.
“Baby?” I asked through sobs.
“What’s the matter?! Are you okay?” Tate asked in a panic. I sat on a curb; my arms wrapped around my knees and laid my head down. I needed him more than ever.
“Please come get me?” I sobbed again, feeling the tears hit my arms. I meant to say more, but I couldn’t get the words to come out. I couldn’t move. I was scared to look around me. I heard voices near me, but they weren’t going to help. They’d ask questions that weren’t any of their business.
“I’m on my way, sweetheart. Are you safe where are you at?” I could hear him grabbing his keys and a door slamming. Lifting my head up just a little, I could see the two police cars in the distance and my neighbor who was walking toward me.
“Yeah. I’m safe now. I need you.” All I could think about was him being there to protect me and hold me. The sirens grew louder and I think he could hear them through the phone.
“Shit. Five minutes. I’m already in the car. Stay on the phone with me, baby. Talk to me.” His voice was rushed but calm.
“I was strong. He didn’t win,” I mumbled out without thinking.
“He? Who, baby?”
“It doesn’t matter now. I just need you.”
“I’m proud of you. You’re my fighter. Forever and always.”
The policeman was walking up to me and I felt rude being on the phone. “I’ll be outside, Tate. Please come find me. I have to go talk to them.” I put the phone on the ground, not at all ready to relive what had just happened in my home.
The police officer was sympathetic but thorough, making me give every detail I could remember and giving me his coat when he noticed I couldn’t stop shivering. If he only knew it was from the memories and not the temperature.
It wasn’t long before Tate got there and the police left with Dylan in the back of a squad car. His blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit, and they said they had to book him.
I couldn’t go back inside my place. Not right then, at least. Tate understood and drove me over to his home and got us settled into a hot bath. He was so gentle and understanding about it all even though I’d barely muttered a full sentence to him. He knew exactly what I needed and words weren’t necessary.
“I’m so ready to get out of this town. I never want to be a victim again. I never want to feel powerless.” I had relaxed into his body, my head resting on his chest as he gently rubbed his arms over my body. He hadn’t meant for it to be sexual, but all I could think about was him making me forget about what almost happened.
“I wish I could have been there. I’m so thankful he didn’t get any further than he did, but the fact that you were in that position to begin with, that he disrespected you that way? It’s unfathomable how any man could do that to a woman.”
“He’s marrying her. What a fucked-up marriage that will be. I pray they never procreate because having them as parents are a sure way to ensure therapy will be needed for their child.” I felt his stomach vibrate in laughter, and it was nice to know he was always on my side.
“Well said.”
I moved my ass slightly from side to side, hoping he’d take my hint. Even with how the day had gone, I wasn’t going to let Dylan ruin another minute of it. Tate’s groan and roaming hands told me exactly what I needed to know.
I reached for his hand and positioned it between my thighs. His fingers began moving between my folds and began circling my clit.
“Is my girl greedy?” His tongue came up and flicked against my ear. His breathing had changed into a deeper, more desperate rhythm and his cock was growing behind me, poking my ass pleasantly.
“Always.” I spread my legs to allow him easier access. After a moment of playing with my clit, he pushed two fingers inside me, and I gasped at the fullness. His fingers were exquisite, but I needed him inside me more than I needed air to breathe.
Positioning my feet firmly on the tub, I lifted up and waited as he slowly directed himself into me. Our moans filled the air as he slowly made love to me, guiding me up and down with one hand on my hip and the other rubbing my clit. I ground into him each time he filled me and it hit my G-spot perfectly.
“So good, baby. I’ll never get used to the feel of you surrounding me.” He kissed my neck and shoulder, showing his love for me. Before long, I felt his hard cock grow even harder, and I couldn’t hold back from the impending orgasm. He felt too good.
“Right there. Fuck, Tate,” I moaned as I came. His rhythm became more erratic as he pummeled himself into me, coming deep inside me.
We laid like that for what felt like hours, our breathing slowing down and matching each other’s. He brought me to his bed and whispered how he’d always be there for me and how San Diego would be our future together. I fell asleep with his warm arms around me and hoped that over the next few weeks, everything would fall into place.
I WOKE UP TO THE doorbell ringing, followed a few seconds later by Sophia’s screeching voice yelling at me. “You bitch! How could you?!” I moaned as her steps grew closer and her screaming continued. Waking up to my sister’s wretched voice was something that would soon be in the past.
Stretching, I opened my eyes when I felt Tate missing from the bed. And my clothes. I quickly covered up just as she threw open the door, hitting the wall with a loud bang. It was too early to deal with her, but Tate was right behind her telling her to get out of his home. He was livid but stayed silent.
I could have fun with this.
“Tate, baby, would you mind grabbing me one of your shirts? I think we left our clothes next to the bathtub last night,” I said in the sweetest voice the morning would allow.
That earned me a grunt and foot stomp from Sophia. I smiled at the small win. Tate tossed me a t-shirt, and I slipped it over my head.
“You’ve ruined him! If this stays on his record, he’ll be disbarred! Plus, when word gets around to my students’ parents that their teacher is engaged to a criminal, how wil
l that look? Don’t you ever think about others?” Sophia spit out in such a condescending tone that the look on Tate’s face was of pure shock. He hadn’t seen this side of her yet.
Sadly, I was immune to it. She’d done this for years, and it didn’t hurt me anymore. She was in such an alternate reality that she really believed she was innocent in all her schemes. I was damn sure the only reason she became an elementary school teacher was to give the impression that she could be the sweet, bring-home-to-mom, good-natured woman that high society would love. If people could only see her behind closed doors.
“Think about others? Really, sis? He tried to rape me! All because you stopped putting out, by the way. Your fiancé tried to assault me, and you’re upset with me? Oh, I’m so sorry I look like you and since he couldn’t be with you, he thought he’d try with me. I’m so sorry I put that thought into his head. It must have been all my fault. You dumb bitch. Get the fuck out of here! I’d like to spend the rest of the morning with someone who really does love me.” I stood and walked toward the door, waving her out. My ass was probably showing, but at this point, I was standing my ground without a care about her.
I looked over at Tate, and he gave me a questioning look, asking if he needed to step in. I gave him a wink, and he knew I needed to settle this between siblings.
“Oh, he did not. Maybe Dylan had a few beers, but you must have seduced him. I mean look at you?” She eyed my outfit up and down.
“You’re at my boyfriend’s house and you woke me up! Yes, I’m going to fuck him, and yes, I’m going to look like this after waking up next to him. We love each other. What Tate and I have? It’s normal!”
“Slut,” she said as she looked at her manicured nails.
“Really?” I asked her incredulously.
“I should have given better hints. None of these issues would have been a problem then,” Sophia said with a snicker.
Deceitfully (Sinfully Series) Page 15