Chapter 20
Jennifer
“Morning,” Victoria called out through her half-open driver’s side window the following day.
“If you say so,” Jennifer uttered as she traipsed toward the Toyota idling in the driveway while two of her favorite people in the entire world waited for her to approach from inside. I only agreed to this because I can’t stand knowing that my drinking hurts them. Katie needs me. She doesn’t have a female role model and Vicki can’t run The Literary Ladies alone. It’s too much and the expenses would kill her. They need me. I can do this—for them. “Hey, beauties,” Jenn said with a forced smile.
“I can drive if you want or if you’d rather walk, the weather is perfect,” Victoria rushed out on a single breath. “I just don’t know if you’re up to it. You haven’t had the boot off for long.”
She’s jumpy. I bet she thinks I’m going to bolt. “I assumed we’d walk,” Jennifer replied, thrusting her hands into the pockets of her waist-length, pink faux leather jacket. “I just need to walk slowly, and besides, I wore my new sneakers.” She pivoted a toe before her, trying to distract herself from the heaviness of their meeting. “I went shopping a few weeks ago right before the party at The Gilded Seashell. Marshalls had a huge sale and I couldn’t resist buying these sneakers, this jacket, and a few sweaters.” They don’t need to know about the lingerie.
“Awesome,” Katie said throwing open the passenger side door and then skipped around the back of the car to stand beside her. “Damn, girl!” Katie giggled. “That jacket is amazing! Can I borrow it?”
“Sure,” Jennifer said absently, her mind traveling elsewhere. “Of course.”
“Look at you,” Andre said, his voice deep and husky. With a few long-legged strides, he reached the bed, his full lips curving into a sly, knowing smile.
She posed before him, her back arched suggestively to enhance her femininity. The extra time she’d spent curling her auburn hair into long, wavy locks had been worth it judging by the look of sheer admiration he rained down on her. She cocked her head, her hair tickling her bare skin as it cascaded down the length of her spine.
His hand lowered to the bed, a callused fingertip reaching out to caress leisurely over the ample swell of flesh overflowing from her pale pink demi bra. “You’ve been shopping.” Her nipples puckered beneath his touch. A soft cry escaped her lips as he gave each tight bud a pinch and slight tug.
Well aware of his proclivity to watch, Jennifer feathered her freshly manicured hot-pink fingertips over the barely there waistband of her matching thong.
She blinked up at him, her eyes met with his dark, intense stare. The tip of her tongue slipped through the seam of her mouth, wetting her lips. Her breath hitched as her eyes traveled down his torso to land on the bulge protruding from beneath his zipper.
“Touch yourself.” Andre took a step back. “Show me how you want me to play with your pussy.”
Dirty and provocative, his request turned her on. She got off on being his personal porn star. Her palm smoothed over her belly. A thrilling rush washed through her as he undid his belt. “I want to see your cock,” Jennifer said, her voice breathy.
Wordlessly, he unzipped his jeans and then shoved them to his ankles, his cotton briefs immediately following. “Do it for me—pleasure yourself,” he commanded, kicking his pants and briefs aside.
A moan of pleasure escaped Jennifer’s lips as she drove her hand beneath her thong. She pressed her fingertip down over her clit, electricity pulsing through her, and began to rub. “Oh. God. Yes.” Jennifer lolled her head to the side, her mouth dropping open as she panted, nearly salivating as Andre gripped his cock.
“Stop,” Andre suddenly ordered, as she neared her climax.
“I can’t. It feels too good,” Jennifer groaned, her hips undulating up and down.
“I said stop.” Andre reached down, his beefy hand gripping hers. “It’s my turn.” Jennifer cried out as he pulled her hand from her panties. A gasp rolled from her tongue as he quickly replaced it with his own and then thrust a finger between her slick folds.
“Ahhh...” She sighed as a second finger immediately followed. “Fuck me,” she screamed, lost in a frenzy as he worked in and out of her channel. “Faster! I need to come!” Her fingers slipped over his cock, working the velvet shaft up and down as his pace quickened. She was so wet, her juices streaming down her inner thighs as she dropped her legs wider. “Harder! Faster!”
Perspiration dotted her forehead, sweat rolling between her breasts. Her legs quaked, her hips bucking as hot lava pooled in her belly. “Oh...God!” Jennifer shouted as her entire body convulsed, her juices spurting wildly between her legs to soak their mattress.
Aftershocks pulsed through her, her breathing labored as she lay spent. She opened her eyes to peer up. Her heart squeezed as she noted the desire flickering in the depths of his lingering gaze. “My turn,” Andre said simply and then clutched the edges of his T-shirt. Slowly he rolled the cotton over the corded muscles of his stomach. Jennifer admired his broad chest, chiseled to perfection, as he lifted the fabric up and over his head. “You want this?” His large hand cupped his crotch.
“I thought you’d never take that off. I wanted to see all of you. You should always walk around naked,” she panted.
A deep laugh wafted over her as the bed drooped from his weight. He lifted onto his knees, positioning his cock just above her mouth. “Suck it.”
“Is there enough time?” Victoria said, snapping Jennifer from her reverie.
“What?” Jennifer snapped, her attention returning to the present. Emptiness consumed her as she glanced around the neighborhood, squinting through her dark sunglasses. Today was the first time in two weeks that she’d stepped outside. How is it possible that life still goes on? Birds sing, children play, regardless of the fact that I feel dead inside? I wonder what cure Shane O’Halloran has for that.
“Do we have enough time to walk to The Corner Café?” Victoria repeated, still seated behind the driver’s seat.
Katie lifted her arm slightly, her swanlike neck arching down as she peered at the watch that hung from her dainty wrist. “I think so. It’s only 10:15. Shane always goes to the morning service at Channing Memorial Church. I’ll send a quick text to let him know not to rush.”
Hmph. Who would have thought that the gruff, mysterious Shane O’Halloran went to church? A few strands of hair flowed freely in the air around her, tickling Jennifer’s ear. “We’re not going to have many more nice days like this,” Jennifer stated in a half-assed attempt to be civil as Victoria exited the car.
Side by side, Jennifer, Victoria, and Katie plodded out of the driveway. The mid-morning sun warmed Jennifer’s cheeks, her mind plagued by memories while her physical body screamed for a drink. She hadn’t had one in over twelve hours. Victoria and Katie emptied all her stash down the drain and tidied up her apartment while she took a much-needed shower before they left the previous night.
Sunday mornings used to be special. Although they’d not lived on Cottage Street for long, Jennifer and Andre had quickly gotten into the habit of early morning sex followed by a jaunt downtown for breakfast. As kids, they’d always hoped to live on this side of the city. The beach, world famous Cliff Walk, opulent Bellevue Avenue, and eclectic Broadway Avenue were all within walking distance. From those early morning strolls to romantic evenings spent wandering through the sand, their condo was the oasis they’d always dreamed about. Dreams don’t last. Neither do fairy tales. He’s probably having breakfast with her while I hang out with my friends.
“Good morning,” her neighbor called out to them, his German Shepard, Maxwell, tending to his morning business as his master looked on from the porch steps. “Beautiful day.” He smiled brightly.
Shame enveloped her. She sucked in a deep breath. Much to her chagrin, her eyes watered, tears threatening to spill.
“There’s no way in hell that I’m that baby’s father. Do you hear me? No. Fucking. Way.
”
Snapshots of the altercation between Andre and Rosalyn flashed through her mind. A drink was the only thing that could make her forget. Although temporary, she welcomed the numbness that came only with the bottle. With a forced smile, Jennifer lifted her hand into a slight wave. Surely, her neighbor had witnessed her embarrassment.
One foot before the other. Jennifer kept repeating that mantra as she fought the urge to bolt. To run back to the condo and drink until she could feel no more. I’m going to do this for them. Because I love Katie and Victoria, and knowing that my behavior hurt them kills me.
“We’re here!” Katie pointed to the orange sign outside of The Corner Café located on Broadway. “I’m starving,” she added, her steps growing speedier.
“Me too,” Victoria said. “How about you, Jenn?”
“Yup,” Jennifer answered, her stomach roiling at the idea as they trudged over the crosswalk and entered the busy restaurant.
THE WORDS BLENDED TOGETHER as Jennifer attempted to read the menu. Breakfast had always been her favorite meal but other than wanting coffee—lots and lots of coffee—she didn’t have an appetite.
“Shane said he’d be here in five minutes,” Katie said, peering up from her cell phone. “I need to warn you, he comes across grouchy but he’s actually a big teddy bear. You just have to get to know him. He’d probably kill me for telling you this, but he and Liam would have tea parties with me.”
“That’s adorable!” Victoria laughed and then took a sip of her coffee. “I can’t picture either of your brothers sipping tea.”
“You know, that information could become invaluable someday.” With a shake of her Splenda packet, Jennifer poured the contents into her coffee and stirred it with a spoon. “It never hurts to have some secret information stored away should you need it. Keep that in mind, Katie.” Jennifer winked.
A full-on bright smile broke out on Katie’s face. So pretty. I’m not going to be surprised if you’re approached someday to become a model. Jennifer felt her spirits lifting slightly as Katie rambled on. In the few months she’d gotten to know the teen, she’d been humbled by her sweet, gentle nature. The knowledge that she’d even played the slightest part in Katie O’Halloran breaking out of her shell filled her with pride. The teenager had way too much going for her not to shine.
“Shane’s a good guy. Just misunderstood. He’s a lot more sensitive than Liam. Kinder, actually.” Katie lifted her glass of orange juice and took three large gulps. “I think that’s why he keeps to himself. He doesn’t like anyone to think he’s a wuss.”
“I can understand that. I’ve often been misunderstood myself. It’s much easier to keep your mouth closed sometimes,” Jennifer said.
“I highly doubt anyone would mistake either of your brothers as a wuss.” Victoria shut her menu, placing it down before her. “They’re both just so—”
“Hot,” Jennifer said, a cocky grin crossing her lips.
Victoria’s cheeks flamed a bright crimson. “Handsome,” she blurted. “Both of them. Especially, Liam.”
“She had the hots for Liam all through high school.” Jennifer pointed to her left side, delighting in watching Victoria squirm. “I think I met Shane once. He graduated two years before us and he was into some sketchy shit. Let’s say neither of us knew him very well.”
“Liam is a good guy, too,” Katie said, pausing a moment before she continued. “But he’s a player. He’s way more like my dad. Definitely not boyfriend material.”
Jennifer folded her hands onto the tabletop. “This is probably way out of line, Katie. Please, if I say anything that ever makes you uncomfortable, just tell me and I’ll shut up. But I’ve got to admit that I’m surprised at how close you are to both of your brothers. It was well-known your father left his wife to be with your mother. I’d think your brothers would have been resentful.”
“No,” Katie answered softly. “They never acted like they were. In fact, Liam said it always felt like an escape when they’d come to visit for the weekends. My mom was a lot nicer to both of them than their biological mother. From what Liam always told me, Shane took the brunt of her abuse because she blamed him for having to drop out of college and marry our dad because she’d gotten pregnant. She was a little bit nicer to Liam, but when she drank, she’d just call him names too. I only met her once, and I wasn’t impressed. She was drunk and evil to me.”
“Huh.” Jennifer cocked an eyebrow. “She sounds like a winner.”
Katie shrugged. “When my mom got sick, Shane stopped coming for the weekends.” Katie’s smile faded, her voice shaky. “Mom always asked him to visit when he’d call on the phone, but he’d always say the bar was understaffed and he needed to remain at work. It was an excuse. I know it was because Liam worked there too and he visited. There was no reason why they couldn’t have alternated weekends. After she died, Shane never mentioned her. He didn’t even go to the funeral.”
Jennifer and Victoria both reached across the table, each taking one of Katie’s hands in theirs. “I’m sorry, sweetie,” Jennifer said. “I shouldn’t have brought it up. I was out of line.”
“Everyone processes grief differently,” Victoria added.
“I know.” Katie sighed. “Shane always keeps everything inside. Liam on the other hand—” A bashful laugh escaped through her lips. “He doesn’t hold back.”
“Liam’s a hothead,” Jennifer laughed. “Always was. We used to get into so much trouble together in high school.”
“Really?” Katie leaned forward. “What kind of trouble? Tell me. I might need it someday.”
“Speak of the devil,” Jennifer said, waving the rugged, handsome man who just entered through the front door. “Just in the nick of time, your brother just arrived.”
Chapter 21
Jennifer
“Shane!” Katie practically jumped out of her chair when Shane opened his burly arms wide. She threw herself against him, hugging him tight.
I hope he doesn’t break her. Jennifer worried her bottom lip as Shane’s humongous hands clasped around Katie’s tiny waist.
“How’s my favorite little sister?” he asked, releasing her from his clutches. “Hello, ladies,” he said in a rich baritone as Katie sat down.
“With a voice like that I’d imagine many women have lost their panties,” Jennifer said, lifting her coffee cup to her lips.
“Jenn!” Vicki sputtered. “Don’t mind her. She’s got a warped sense of humor. No filter.”
His lips twitched, curving into an amused smile that showcased a perfect set of shiny white teeth. “Some,” he answered matter-of-factly as he lowered his burly body into the empty chair beside Katie. “But at my age, I’m looking for quality not quantity.”
“Good answer,” Jennifer said, instantly liking the dude. He was cool, she could tell. If she was going to seek help for her addiction, she at least needed to like the person who counseled her.
Before they could continue their friendly banter, the waitress came to take their orders. Shane O’Halloran ordered enough food to feed an army, but that didn’t really surprise her as his hulky body took up almost the entire side of the table. Poor Katie sat with her arms squeezed together, her chair pinned against the wall.
Once the waitress left, Shane turned his ice-blue gaze on Jennifer. He studied her for a moment, his keen gaze intense. “You have a headache?”
Jennifer nodded, her fingers trembling as she lifted her coffee cup to her lips, the dark roast dripping down the side of the white porcelain as she attempted to take an unsteady sip. “My head is pounding,” she said, the cup feeling heavy as it banged down onto the table. She fidgeted in the seat, wishing they still had their menus so she could use it to fan herself.
“You’re anxious,” he said. “Do you feel as if you’re in a haze?”
“I do,” Jennifer said, her voice quivering. “I was fine up until a few minutes ago. I had my shit under control. But...but now, you look at me as if you can see right through me. It’
s making me nervous. The only way I know how to take the edge off is way stronger than coffee.”
“Your body is going through a natural detox. It’s in withdrawal and craving a drink.” He braced his elbows on the table, his biker jacket lifting slightly to reveal a hint of a tattoo. “I’m not one to mince words. You may not know me well, but I am sure you’re well aware of that.”
All three of them—Katie, Victoria, and Jennifer—nodded in agreement.
“I’m willing to help you, but you have to be willing to do the work. And it’s hard. Sobriety is a lifetime commitment. Do you understand that?” He cupped his chin and added, “My time is too valuable to waste if you’re not serious about getting sober. This is only the beginning. Your withdrawal is going to get a hell of a lot worse than it is right now.”
Jennifer sniffled, a tear escaping from the corner of her eye. Dear God. What the hell is wrong with me? “I can’t explain how I’m feeling. I’m so nervous. I don’t feel like I’m myself. I’m here, seated at the table, but I feel weightless.”
“Oh, Jenn,” Vicki said, leaning over to wrap her arm around Jennifer’s shoulder. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Me, too,” Katie chimed in, her worry evident in the tone of her voice.
“It’s a big commitment,” Shane stated. “You don’t have to decide right now. I’ll give you my phone number—you can think about it and call me when you’re ready.”
“No!” Jennifer blurted out, her fingers fiddling with the tongs of her fork. “I don’t need time. I can’t afford to live my life like this. I can’t stand knowing that I hurt people that I love. Plus, I have a business to run.” She turned to peer over to her side. “Vicki and I are partners. It’s not fair to leave her with my share of the work. Katie is so helpful, but I’m the co-owner. I’m responsible for that café, not her. She needs to go to school.” She sucked in a deep breath, releasing it slowly before continuing on. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”
Forever His Desire Page 9