by S. N. Garza
That woke me up instantly and I knew he noticed when the flash of hurt came over my face because his hand withdrew. Slowly, making my womb clench, and the wet arousal ease onto my vagina and upper thighs.
“Right. I need to be getting out of here. I just wanted to tell you bye. And come by the shop later. I know the guys will want to see you and Johnny would be upset if you didn’t stop by to say hi to him.”
I nodded because I did miss them. They had been a make shift family for me those last few years.
“I’ll come by today.”
His smile was somber, but he didn’t say anything except brush my hair back to cup my cheek. His grey irises burned into me like hot coals. His black brows creased as if debating something within himself.
“You okay, Deke?”
“Can I kiss you?”
Somehow that brought a wry smile to my face. “Why are you asking permission? I’m pretty sure we did more than that throughout the night to not have to worry about propriety now, Deke. So asking me isn’t necessary.”
“I think it is. May I, Penelope?”
I let out a sigh, not understanding why he was asking me for permission. But I did like his lips on mine. However, my brain decided to participate in this little conversation as I said, “It won’t change how things are between us. What happened before, it’s not going to go away just because I let you in my bed last night, Deke.”
“Our bed.”
“Sorry?”
“I’ve slept in this bed for so long that it’s ours.”
“Deke.”
“May I kiss you?”
“Yes.” Sighing, I let him have my lips again. Although it wasn’t a hardship because I love feeling his lips on mine. He kissed like a sexy, wicked dream. Taking everything I had and giving none back. I wanted him all over again.
And with a tenderness I didn’t know he had, his warm, moist lips caressed mine slowly before his tongue slipped past and swiped over my lips, asking for permission.
Didn’t I say he was irresistible? He was so good at this. His kiss was sweet, gentle and dear God it was melting my heart as it liquefied my core, making my breasts tingle with sensitivity and my thighs squeeze together tightly. His sucked my bottom lip between his lips until a small moan escaped. Then the kiss was but a whisper as he let my mouth go.
“Dawn will be coming soon, Penelope. Sleep, babygirl. I’ll see you later.” His lips met my forehead where he placed a lingering, leisurely kiss before he stood up, the tight muscles of his chest bunching and rippling as he turned to go back to the window. And the back view was almost better. My gaze followed him to the window.
“Your shirt, Deke.”
“Wear it today. It’s my SoIn shirt.”
“Isn’t it cold outside?”
“Trust me, I need the cold air hitting me right now before I come back over there and give you exactly what your eyes are begging me to take.”
He opened the blinds, then the window. He slipped out, his gaze meeting mine one last time before he let the blinds slide down and then the window shut.
I swear it was like I knew he was still there. Maybe leaning his head against the window pane. Sometimes I thought I felt him close by when I was younger. I got out of bed, the wet heat from our encounter spilling slowly out of me, wetting my thighs. I only shuffled the curtains a little, until I peeked through a blind at eye level. And I was right. But instead of leaning his head against the window, our eyes caught and held. Then his eyes narrowed and his nose flared.
“Get your pretty ass dressed before I come back in there and spank it.”
“I’d really like to see you try, asshole.” And just that fast, he made me want to smack him against his head. Asshat.
“You’ll find out sooner or later not to play this game with me, Penelope.” Then he closed his eyes for moment, taking a deep breath and then said, “Please get dressed.”
“Bye, Deke. Oh, and I hope you don’t want your shirt back. I might just burn it.”
His chuckle filtered through the window as he shook his head. “Bye, babygirl. I’ll see you later.” And just like that, he walked to the back fence. The breaking dawn had not yet touched the back part of the yard yet as he slipped through the loose boards of the back fence.
I walked back to my bed and flopped back on it. How could I have been so…so…idiotic! After everything he’s done to me I let him in here? Let him…do those things to me? Those wicked, hot, delicious, naughty things to me? He knew I wasn’t going to be here for but for the week. What did he think? He could come here, fuck me, have his way with me and then what? I’d leave and he’d have a clean conscience?
I haven’t forgiven him. The vile things he said to me that day and then when I called, only to hear he was sleeping with Vera?
Vera. I hadn’t run into her yet and I didn’t even know if she was still here anyway. I knew she had big plans to go to New York or L.A. She wanted to be a star. An actress. Ha. That made me wonder if she had ever been my friend at all. Frustration laid into me as I thought about what he probably did to me, he did with every other chick he slept with. Of course I wasn’t special. He was taking my weakness…my only weakness and was playing me. He was my weakness.
It was my fault, I know. But it was like once his lips fell on mine it was like static bombarded my brain, blocking out everything except the pleasure he was giving me. The hot little touches, the burning kisses and the toe tingling sensations he brought out of my body as we made lo—no, as we had sex—had my body wanting him even more. Even right now.
Bastard. No way was I going to be able to sleep now. I looked to the clock, almost seven. My parents were due home at half past and since sleep was not happening, I was going to shower. Get his…scent, his touch, his kiss washed off me. Even though I secretly wanted for more.
My father’s disapproving stare at my short shorts and tank top over my sports bra didn’t do anything except make me wary. The fact he hit me was still sending shocks through my system. I never knew he had that mean side to him. Who knew?
When I came back they had already been in their room, thankfully. Freshly showered, I stood in the middle of my room wearing nothing but a towel. Deke said to wear the SoIn shirt he left and when I noticed he had placed everything into my room before leaving, I thanked him silently as I cursed him loudly. Did he not want anyone to see him leaving my house? Did he think I cared what my parents thought anymore? I was of age for crissaskes. I opened my window to check the weather. Still cool from this morning. I knew running in those clothes probably hadn’t been smart but after the first five minutes, everything on my body had warmed as I worked each muscle.
I looked through my suitcase for my snug Old Navy jeggings, the cowboy boots Iridessa got me for my birthday because she thought I was insane for being a Texas girl and not owning a single pair. I looked over the shirt Deke told me to wear and I saw exactly why he wanted me to wear it.
That asshat.
It had his name on the left breast. I shook my head but decided what the hell? It wasn’t as if he was claiming me anyway. The shirt was too long to tuck in, so I looked through the small hope chest for a tee clip holder. Those things were so retro, but it was either that or I was butchering this shirt to fit my body. And I planned on returning this shirt to him, so I didn’t think he’d appreciate that.
I shuffled the clothes on before pulling out the leather jacket Patrick sent me for Christmas last week. He told me I should have come to Houston instead of here, but I did want to see mom and dad. See how they were doing. Was it a mistake?
Only God knew but it wasn’t something I wanted to dwell over. I needed to go Christmas shopping. I didn’t know if mom or dad was going to get me anything, but I wasn’t going to let that dim my spirits. Maybe I could twist Trixie’s arm into coming shopping with me. I knew she didn’t like the whole shopping experience, but I didn’t want to go alone and I sure as hell wasn’t going to ask Deke to go with me. Ha. If only he was that lucky.
/> I got dressed and went to my phone, seeing I had two missed calls, one from Iridessa and the other from Alan. Then a few texts from Alan. Asking me how I was. Was my run good? Everything going well? I texted him back with the appropriate answers.
Alan.
Sigh.
What was I going to do when I got back to Arizona? I thought I’d start something with him when I got home but now? Hell, I don’t know. I knew what Deke and I were doing was stupid and it wasn’t going to be lasting so maybe it didn’t matter either way. I was leaving and Deke knew that. It’s not like he whispered those soft whispers he did when we first experienced sex together. This time was just a hot, erotic ride and the sweetest pleasure I’d ever known. Could I find that with someone else?
Hell if I knew.
I told Alan I’d talk to him later and that I was going to go Christmas shopping when he replied with a kissy face and ‘have fun, pretty girl.’
Oh, boy. I liked Alan. I really did. We had fun together and I loved his smart brain and his soft, manicured looks. But if I put him side by side with Deke, who was all tall, alpha, muscled and inked. Ugh. I could see why women fell at Deke’s feet. He was one hot piece of man that had every bitch in heat panting after him. And damn if I wasn’t one of them. For a brief amount of time anyway.
Maybe this would be my last trip here. I didn’t think Lilton was my future. At least, I didn’t see it that way. Not anymore; those wishful dreams I had before prom vanished. My music was only getting better and I was always picked for the best position within the university symphony. I was the youngest flutist and I knew what the others thought. I was a suck up. But they had no idea how one I felt with my music. My instrument was another extension of me. How hard I practiced playing since I first got my flute. I didn’t feel guilty about being the best. After all, it is my being the best that kept me having a full scholarship.
It was approaching one in the afternoon when I finally drove into town. Most parking spots in front of the stores were full so I drove into Southern Ink’s side lot and parked, locked and pocketed my keys.
Of course, Deke’s Harley was there. Along with Johnny’s. I had no idea what model they were except the heavy metal Harley Davidson logo on the side. I couldn’t help myself as I passed Deke’s bike, I caressed the chrome and steel, remembering the memories of me riding on the back of it so many times.
To feel the wind blowing in my hair, my arms wrapped around his waist, my body pressed tightly against him. Crap.
I shook my head at the memory and walked around barely noticing the other vehicles. My brain infused with nothing but the man I knew was inside. I looked to see the icicle lights hanging from the shop and shook my head. That was Bunko’s doing. He loved celebrating the holidays. Didn’t matter which one. He was a festive guy for someone so big and burly. He was even bigger than Johnny. Built like a brick. Bunko and Castor both were only a few years older than Deke. But unlike Bunko, Deke and Johnny, Castor wasn’t as tall as the others. Barely six foot tall, a handful shorter than the other guys. Johnny and Deke were about six-three, six-four. Bunko was six-six.
Walking into the shop, the bell chimed and three sets of eyes looked up at me. Bunko was near the front and behind him, Castor’s eyes widened and a flush rushed his cheeks as he quickly lost eye contact. Trixie was behind him at her station who waved and winked.
Deke and Johnny must be in the back office. Trixie was about to say something when Bunko, who knew his real name, filled out my view, giving me a long look over. Oh, boy. He didn’t recognize me.
“Hey pretty lady. Never seen you here before. What’s a sexy little thing like you doing in here?”
There was strangled cough behind him when we turned to see Castor shaking his head furiously and Trixie’s lips widened in a laugh that could only be described as comical. She was about to burst at the seams with laughter. Bunko turned back to me and crunched his eyebrows.
“Don’t worry about that lot, honey, I can help with anything you want. Or need.”
“Hey, Bunko.”
He jerked back, looked me over lingering over my breasts, then my legs and hips before shaking his head.
“How you know my name, sexy girl?”
“Do I look that different since when you last saw me?”
“Uh, I’m pretty sure if you were one of my one night stands, I’d remember you. Oh, yeah. Tight little body like yours, I’d definitely remember you.”
A laugh past my lips as I heard Cas in the background say, “You’re a fucking dead man walking, Bunko.”
Trixie covered her mouth trying not to keel over in laughter.
Bunko turned and said, “What the hell y’all freaking out for? I ain’t ever see this girl before.” He turned back to me and said, “I know I haven’t slept with you, although you’re looking pretty damn tempting, so if you’re knocked up, I am not the father. Although I can assure you, we’d make pretty babies.”
“The fuck is going on here?” Deke’s gravelly voice was hard and he was glaring daggers at Bunko. Oh, yeah. He definitely heard what Bunko just said. Johnny was just behind him with an amused smile. He shook his head at me, winking. I looked back to Deke who turned his death stare on me. “Penelope, why don’t you come on over here? Now.”
Bunko’s head twisted to Deke like lightning. “Penelope? You mean Penny?” His head flew back to mine and as his gaze traveled up my body, his eyes widening at my shape, sighing as he looked over my breasts and then to my face. “Penny? That you?”
“The one and only, Bunko.”
“Holy shit!” Like lightning, he grabbed me around my waist and lifted me a foot off the ground, shoving his face between my boobs. I leaned back and laughed as his smile turned bright, his white teeth shining. “Damn, girl. You look…” he mouthed the last word, fuckable.
Which made laughter spring from my lips and I reached my arms around his neck. Hugging him back, he rubbed his head against my boob and I was definitely not mistaken when I felt his arousal against my hip.
“That’s the sweetest compliment I’ve ever gotten. Thank you, Bunk.”
He set me slowly down and his eyes sparkled with mischief. “What brings you by to see me, sweet thing?” He winked and he wasn’t long in waiting for the response he wanted.
A growl sounded from close behind and the voice was tight as it spoke. “Fucking touch her again, Bunko and I’m going to rip your balls off.”
That only riled Bunko up more. “You filled out real nice, Penny.”
“That’s it.” Deke was reaching out for Bunko when Johnny’s voice boomed out above the room.
“That’s enough, children. Bunko, stop pissing Deke off. Castor, don’t be scared. Trixie, get it out.”
That’s when Trixie’s laugh burst free and she bowled over with laughter. “Oh, goodness. This is so great. First Cas and then Bunko.” She clapped and hooted with hilarity. “Woot. I needed that.” Deke turned his angry, hooded stare at Trixie who just laughed some more. “Don’t look at me like, Deke. The only people who would recognize her is me, you and Johnny. Bunko and Castor see with their dicks first.”
“Enough, Trix.” Johnny was the only one who could ever tame this bunch. “Penny, honey. Wait you waiting for girl? An invitation?”
I walked around Bunko who was still smiling like the dirty, sexy dog he was and passed Deke, whose arm wrapped around my bicep.
“It’s a little warm here. Why don’t I take your jacket, Penelope?”
I tilted my head and then looked to my closed jacket. A smile wandered up my smile before I refused. “Nah, I’m good.”
Then I pulled my arm away and I knew it was only because Deke allowed me to and I walked passed him. His hot grey stare burned a hole into my back and I felt it all the way down to my core, heating my insides and I knew I was getting wet as lust filled my loins.
I stepped up to Castor next, wrapping my arms around his waist, hugging him.
“You okay, Cas?” I asked when he didn’t return my hu
g. It kind of hurt my feelings.
But his face wasn’t on mine, it was locked on the person behind me. I turned to see Deke crowding in. His leveled stare hard and unyielding as he waited to see what Castor was going to do.
“Don’t worry about him, Castor. But I get it if you don’t want to hug me.”
Castor’s eyes turned down to me and his jaw tightened, sighed as he whispered, “Fuck it.” Then he pulled me to him, his breath warm against my neck. “Missed you, honey.” He whispered loud enough so only I could here.
I whispered back, “Me, too. Even though you had the same reaction as Bunko.”
He quickly pulled away with a tight smile. “Yeah, well.” His hand went behind his head with unease as he looked from Deke to me. He laughed awkwardly and shrugged his shoulders.
“Penny, dear, stop torturing my boys and get on over here.” I obeyed because I didn’t want to cause trouble and turned to Johnny.
Big and burly, head still bald and shiny. His white teeth clashed with his tan leathery skin, but he was no less handsome. I got to him and he picked me up in a big bear hug that was normal for him.
“We missed you something fierce, little girl.” Then he whispered, “Be careful with him, Pen.” That made me stiffen. Be careful with him? I tried pulling away when he quickly stated, “I never said be easy. Just handle him like only you can, girl.”
That brought a small chuckle out of me although I didn’t think anyone knew how to handle Deke Morgan.
“What the hell y’all whispering about?”
Deke was now standing close, his fingers hooking into a back belt loop before prying me away. His hands gripped my waist as he brought me back.
I tried yanking away from him but his grip was firm as he spoke in a hard tone that I quickly was becoming to dislike.
“Penelope.”
I gave him my own version of the death stare and said, “Deke Morgan, get your paws off me.”
His smile was slow and wicked as he looked over my body at his own leisure. I rolled my eyes and turned back to Johnny who was looking back from Deke to me and then again. He let out a sigh and shook his head.