Adrienne had sat quietly the last few hours listening to the music herself, reflecting on the whirlwind that had overtaken the last couple days. She looked over as he turned up a bottle of water with one hand, letting the liquid fall effortlessly into the corner of his mouth. Not a drop was spilled while he sat with the other arm extended on the steering wheel, slightly flexing.
Thoughts whirled in her head and she had to get some of it out. “Gage,” she said. “Can we talk a for second?”
“Yeah,” he said, belting out the chorus line before reaching over to turn the volume down. “My singing that bad?”
“What? No,” she denied. Well maybe a little. She exhaled slowly. “No, Gage, I wanted to tell you that I’m sorry for the argument we had before heading out.”
To her amazement he said two words she never expected. “Me too.”
She examined his face, which now showed hints of being troubled. The Great Wall of Gage was going up brick by brick, but part of him wanted it down, to be far on the outside of it, or have them both tucked safely within its protection.
Leering at the passing mile marker, she just blurted it out. “Is this going to work?”
“You mean… us?”
“Yup,” she replied. “Are we rushing into this without really feeling it out?”
He didn’t answer right away, honestly not knowing the answer himself. He had asked himself that question a hundred times on this ride alone.
“Well, it's not like we don’t know each other, Ady,” he finally said.
She nodded.
“You’re right. Over a year we’ve lived with each other, me having to tolerate your ass,” she said with a laugh. “I mean we’ve been fighting vampires, ghouls, werewolves and things I can’t even remember the names of over that time. Shouldn’t that, if anything, bring people closer together instead of tearing them apart? I guess if this was a perfect world like in movies and books that’s how it works. But shit, Gage, the crazy ass real one we live in is so far from perfect.”
He cast a look her way before returning his eyes to the road. “The world may be imperfect darlin’, but there are some perfect things in it.”
She blinked in awe. Where had the real Gage gone? This man’s words managed to wrap around her like a warm blanket, enveloping her very soul. Yet as great as this was, she was still stuck with a foot out in the chill of reality.
“Maybe I just feel undeserving?” she questioned.
“Of what, or who? Me?” he asked.
She didn't answer, afraid of what might be said.
“Doll, you’re far from undeserving,” he responded, sending over a large hand to massage her thigh, “so far from that. Look, I've found your everyday demons are easy to understand: Murder. Death. Kill. Then repeat. It’s what they do and it’s what makes us know what to do. Nice and easy, right? Predictable? Normal folk are a totally different animal, complete with their own inner demons that manage to complicate the simplest of things. Especially mine, Ady, and there are a lot of them.”
Adrienne took her hand and placed it on top of his.
Gage continued, “I’ve been struggling to keep my past life and my current one, with you and with Joey, separated. Hell, I think all JMs do that to some degree as a sort of protection. But, the last two days have had my vastly cool and collected mind twisted in a thousand different directions. Each one of those can be traced back to one thing.” He pointed a thick finger her way, “You.”
She blushed, but really connected with what he was saying. She had been doing the exact same thing these last couple days.
“But I’m willing to try this if you are,” he said without any hesitation. “Our past lives are who we are just as much as the ones we’re living right now. There ain’t no sense in keeping part of us locked away in a box since it all makes us who we are, right?”
Damn, Gage had become a psychologist; a sure sign the world was ending soon. But, she found herself again agreeing with him.
He smirked as the original Gage came back. “I mean, it could all suck… through no fault of my own of course.”
She pinched him hard.
“Ow!” he shouted. “Damn, this girl has a bite on her! Told ya that ya liked that sort of thing.” He shook his head mockingly and tapped her thigh with a fist. “Vamp hunters, I tell ya. Bunch of pain freaks.”
“Thanks a lot,” she said sarcastically, “but you've made a compelling case, Mister Crosse. I’m willing to give it a shot. I definitely can’t say there won’t be a few hiccups along the way.”
“No doubt and definitely a ditto here. But we live in a world where nightmares are real.” He turned his palm up and grabbed hers. “They’re gonna take every chance to get in the way of what we have planned.”
Glancing in the rear view mirror, he switched into the fast lane and gunned it as fast as the engine could take them. “Non Omnis Moriar,” he muttered. “I live by my motto: ‘Not all of me shall die’… so bring it bitches.”
Hand in hand, the two fell back into silence as the truck zoomed past Fort Worth. The long drive ahead of them had just gotten a little bit easier.
GAGE DROVE ON FOR the next four hours, zoned out and letting his mind wander.
Adrienne had long passed out with her mouth agape in that sexy ‘I’m about to drool down my neck’ sort of way and a chuckle sprung free as he took in the sight. If his phone hadn’t died again he would have snapped a memento for later use.
You really like her don’t you? said an unwelcome voice from deep inside, barging into his thoughts. He really didn't feel like having this conversation with himself right now, but took on the challenge of quieting himself.
“Yeah I do. There are definite feelings here,” he answered. “We’ve sorted this out, so there’s no need for any doubt.”
Oh, so bringing her along on this reckless mission was the right thing to do?
“Yes it was.”
But you’re putting her in jeopardy by getting closer to her, especially not knowing what you're about to swagger yourself into; you're the walking definition of selfish!
“No, I’m not. She’s in the life too and both of us are already in the crosshairs of God knows how many different creatures and factions. Why not take this opportunity to enjoy the time we have together?”
It’s irresponsible, that’s why! Totally! Love in this life is nothing for us, except for pain.
“And sometimes love is the key that is missing in our lives” he continued to battle, a headache brewing beneath his temples from all of the back and forth.
The voice needed to shut up, as weariness was settling in. Looking at the endless, dark asphalt through squinted eyes was exhausting and the call of sleep lingered over the big man.
They had made it just outside of Amarillo, Texas when Gage pulled off on Exit 76, riding the access road to the first motel off the highway. The minuscule Atomic Inn blazed in full neon glory amidst the lackluster lights of the surrounding services.
A faint drizzle began to fall on the windshield, bathing his view in a kaleidoscope of circular color and cascading drops. When the truck rolled to a stop in front of the manager’s office, he yanked the key from the ignition and just sat for a moment with both eyes firmly shut. The stillness was so inviting, coupled with the slow patter of rain. He could have stayed there all night, but alas the longing for a mattress overruled.
ADRIENNE OPENED AN EYE as she lazily came to. She seemed to be developing a bit of a habit of waking up at odd times in different rooms with Gage. Of course, he was up and about somewhere, nowhere to be seen.
She sat up to take in the room, which by all appearances was sorely outdated. Its walls were solid wood paneling and the bright furniture sat on a heavily patterned carpet that had to be straight out of the 1970s. The covers that she rested underneath were no exception, the arresting floral pattern powerful enough to send the sanest mind straight to the asylum.
A musty odor clung to the air and the lingering smell of stale cigarettes
ingrained in just damn near everything.
Gage emerged naked from the bathroom, washed his hands and set to vigorously brushing his teeth, the striations in his arms and shoulders flexing nonchalantly with each stroke. How could a man make the most mundane things in life so astonishingly sexy?
As he swaggered back and forth, he waved from below and his masculine scent pushed aside the staleness of the room. He must have showered too. Precious gems of moisture clung tightly to him as he leaned over the sink to rinse his mouth, those massive lats catching the overhead light.
“Stay right there,” she said.
He didn’t move.
“God damn, that back of yours. One day I’ll get used to it, but today definitely is not that day.”
He paused, hands on the countertop to let her take in the sights before adding a slow rolling hip pop. From there he raised his arms into a double bicep flex, every muscle embossed in that insanely thick back. Bringing his elbows closer together, she saw muscles she had never noticed before and time just went ahead and stopped. An eternity with that view would not be a bad thing at all.
Gage glanced down, already growing and leaking, desperately wanting to turn around but she was still solidly transfixed on her view. He waited a few more seconds, continuing to rise and then just made his move.
Concentrating as he turned, her eyes dropped as he came into view.
There he stood, reaching full attention and looking surreal as ever. He had never before been this generous and solid. Unquestionably the sight turned him on and a stream of expectation escaped the tip of his head, flowing down along his shaft until a dozen gratifying inches later it dripped onto the floor.
She walked up to him, playfully pulling off her shirt and panties before tossing them aside, coming to rest on her knees. Looking up from below, he towered over her, the monster cutting through the middle of those eight remarkable ridges and crowned by his expansive chest.
“You know what you're doing, darlin’?” he growled with that distinct drawl.
She answers by grasping it with both hands, each unable to close fully around him. With a few long strokes she teased out a few more streams before bringing him to her, his advancing sweetness dancing on her tongue. Her lips went on to caress his head, taking in a few inches with each loving suck. Her tongue flicked underneath each time, sending waves surging up his spine. Those massive arms reached up to grab hold of his hair and before long the mop became a tormented, seductive mess.
Arms falling to the back of her head, he guided her all around his sizeable balls. The sight of that coupled with himself being so full instantly drove him wild and a lush idea leaped into his head; something he hadn’t been able to do before with anyone.
Taking one of his hands, he escorted her head up the shaft towards his throbbing head, bracing himself with the other one before bending over to meet her. With shocking ease he was able to and when there, took himself into his own mouth. There they kissed with himself raging in between, sharing in the now ceaseless flow.
Adrienne started to show her excitement on the carpet, the sheer elation of what was happening becoming too much. She pulled away and looked in his eyes. “Flip me,” she said before clutching at his beard.
Gage didn’t wait, the look in her eyes said that she wanted the B and nothing short of that was going to satisfy her. In an instant she was upside down, cradled in his arms, making quick work of him while he had access to all her goodness.
Her eyes had zero choice but to roll back as his beard met her skin. Though his soft hair exhilarated her hundreds of times with each touch, this was no timid beard ride; this was a rodeo. He dug in with such intensity that she nearly came. She looked down and he filled her view, the carpet passing by underneath until she felt her back against the wall. Once settled, she tried to service him a little more but only managed a single lick before he tore into her again. Each thrust of his tongue sent her closer to heaven.
She shifted herself and at last managed to grip him and went to work, countering each move he made with one of her own.
There against the wall they both battled it out, sliding across and knocking over the lamp on the nightstand, then the nightstand itself. He was pressing her so hard it was a miracle the wall hadn’t dented. She gained the upper hand, his balls beginning to contract in ecstasy.
Snatching her from the jaws of victory, he threw her onto the bed and got on top before she had a chance to recover. His dick filled her mouth and his tongue worked her door. Thrust after thrust from both ends showed her who was boss and soon she found herself vanquished. Pleasure gushed into his waiting mouth while he continued to pump away, before long flipping around to splash himself across her breasts.
He collapsed beside her, himself a wrecked heap. He peered over her way and was amazed by the volume.
“Good thing I pulled it out, eh? You might have drowned.”
She didn’t answer nor did he push her for one; the sounds of heavy panting all they could muster.
They could clean up later.
LIGHT FROM THE NEON wonderland just outside the window filtered in through the cheesy curtains, pouring a pallid mix of colors across the crumpled sheets and towels.
As Adrienne stretched beneath them, she tried to yawn but her jaw twinged. It was sore, but not in an insufferable way; in fact it felt sort of euphoric. After giving it a quick rub, she settled in to try and sleep for a few more precious minutes.
However like clockwork, the bathroom door opened and heavy footsteps approached. She propped herself up and saw his hulking frame come into view, complete with an enticing smirk.
“When nature calls, you listen,” Gage said, leaping into the bed and sending her flying.
Laughing, he quickly caught her and drew her in close. For a moment his smile faded away, replaced with a look of concern. Keeping one hand around her he used the other to prop up his head, staring deep into her eyes.
“You need warning labels,” she said. “Big, bright ones.”
“Oh? You know I can do big. Bright’s not so much my thing,” he said, letting go of her. He snatched one of the pillows, tucking it under his arms. “But I think this should provide enough cushion for the pushin’.”
She didn’t know whether or not to roll her eyes. “You sure about that?”
“Well,” he replied, tossing her a condom. “There’s really only one way to find out, gorgeous.”
THE REAR DOOR SLAMMED after Gage threw their duffle bags in the back of the cab. His stomach grumbled while he watched Adrienne walk with bowed legs into the diner across the street. As she waddled in her black jean shorts and red halter top, he couldn’t help but beam from his own handiwork.
Locking the door and setting the defenses, he made his way over to The Crispy Biscuit himself, noting the bombastic ‘All You Can Keep Down’ sign that clung to the front door as he entered.
Pancake special today? Jackpot!
As he walked in, it was like he stepped through a time portal and transported back in time. The place had a genuine 50s diner vibe, complete with checkered floor, ultra shiny chrome trim, and a colorful jukebox in the corner that rolled out the oldies.
Adrienne was seated at a booth by the windows facing the other services. She had already ordered their drinks by the time he strolled over, collapsing into the bench seat across from her.
“Whatcha going to get?” he asked her without touching the menu cradled between the condiments.
“I’m not too hungry actually. I just need some coffee to fully charge my ass. Maybe some snack things from the gas station over there before we leave.” She pointed out the window to the service station, now bustling with activity.
Gage perked up in his seat, eyebrow rising. “Something up?” he asked.
“No, not really,” she replied. “I’m just a bit… sore. Everywhere. I wonder who made that happen?”
He raised a hand meekly just as the waitress dropped off their drinks; a pot of coffee for Ady and a large g
lass of ice water for Gage. She was a pretty little thing, young and blonde. Her glossy white name tag read “Audrey”.
“Have you decided on any food this morning?” she asked in an excessively effervescent voice.
Gage widened his eyes so much they nearly fell out. “Well first off Miss Audrey, I will take a mug for some coffee as well. Ya seem to have been drinking a lot of it this morning, am I right? It must be a-freaking-mazing.”
Adrienne sank her face deep into her palms, wishing she could push herself into another dimension.
“No sir!” Audrey pressed on. “Just super duper happy to be here!”
“Well alrighty then!” he said with a large shit eating grin. “Super duper! I will take one of your pancake specials too; the one advertised on the ginormous poster in the door over there.”
“Okie dokie!” She turned to Adrienne. “And for you, ma’am?”
She spread her fingers and looked through them guardedly. “Oh nothing, thanks. I’m fine with just the coffee.”
Audrey cocked her head the side as if that was an unacceptable answer. “Little bit of a headache there?” she whispered.
“What? No…” Adrienne said, dropping her hands to the lacquered tabletop. The silverware bounced with an awkward jangle.
Audrey nodded profusely, scrunching up her face. “It's okay if last night’s libations don’t wanna get to going. I’ll bring you a couple headache powders,” she said, raising her hand up to cover her lips. Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I keep extras in my purse for just such occasions.” After a friendly wink, her attention fluttered back to Gage. “And those pancakes will be right out!”
“Oh darlin’,” he said as she took off. “Can I also get some bacon, lots of it? Big boy here.”
Audrey nodded and all but skipped her way into the kitchen.
Adrienne shook her head as she disappeared behind the doors, only to look back at Gage with a start. He was staring back at her through the dark lenses of his runed sunglasses. They appeared designer, but faint sigils of sight were etched into the lenses, allowing him to see things the naked eye could not.
Homeward Bound (Journeyman Book 1) Page 9