by J. D. Rivera
I cocked my head to the side. “Miranda? You do realize I’m a lot bigger than you, right?”
“I didn’t really think about that,” she said, stopping her rummaging. “I was just thinking…”
“I know. I’m fine sleeping in the ones I have, though.”
“Okay,” she replied, walking back into her bedroom. “But maybe you aren’t as big as you think you are.” She turned around, a playful smile across her face.
If I didn’t know any better, I’d have been offended. “I know I’m as big as I think I am.” I smirked. “And I know you know as well.”
She climbed under the covers. “Maybe.”
“Do you want me to show you? Because I can. Right here, right now.”
Her cheeks flamed. She was such a contradiction. One minute flirting, the next shy and embarrassed. “I’ll be right out,” I said as I shut the door and put my boxers back on.
Grabbing my jeans and shirt, I opened the door and walked back into the bedroom. She was under the covers with her head on the pillow, hair fanned out around her, making my pulse quicken. She looked peaceful. Knowing she could look that way around me after what I had done caused my chest to tighten.
I placed my clothes on the desk chair and crawled in beside her, immediately pulling her close to me. My arm wrapped around her to rest on her stomach and I kissed her head. “Thank you for giving me another chance.”
“Thank you for wanting me.”
It was a simple statement, but it meant so much more. She didn’t feel worthy of someone wanting her. I had no idea what had happened in her past, but I was determined to wipe it from her memory and make her see she was worth everything.
“What are you doing tomorrow?” I asked.
“I have to work. What about you?”
My hand caressed her stomach lightly. “I’m taking my mom car shopping and then I guess I’ll be waiting for you to get off work.”
I felt her smile. “Goodnight, Brad.” She lifted my hand and kissed it.
I turned her head toward me. “Goodnight, beautiful.” I kissed her gently before pulling back and closing my eyes.
I had to be the luckiest man alive.
Chapter 19
Miranda
I woke up with a heavy arm slung around my waist. I smiled to myself, thinking about how my night ended much differently than anticipated. Brad was still sleeping heavily behind me, his breath tickling my neck. I needed to pee, but I wanted to enjoy being in his arms a while longer.
My phone vibrated from the nightstand and I gently reached for it, trying not to disturb Brad.
Poco Richard: Fucking call me back.
And just like that, all of my self-doubt in regards to Brad consumed me. How would he act when he woke up? Would he instantly regret coming to my apartment? Would he regret saying he wants me?
My heart completely stopped when I realized this would end. Once he found out about my addiction, he’d drop me like a sack of potatoes.
I laid my phone back on the nightstand and he stirred behind me. His hand slid across my stomach, underneath my shirt as he kissed my neck. “Morning, beautiful.”
I rolled over, facing him. “Good morning.”
He searched my eyes for a moment then gave me a gentle peck on the lips. “What’s wrong?”
I didn’t know what to say. I hated telling him I doubted what he had said the previous night and I couldn’t tell him about Preston’s text.
“Nothing. It’s just early.”
“Are you sure?” He placed his hand on my cheek, skimming his thumb over my skin. “Are you worried about my reaction this morning?” When I didn’t respond, he continued. “I’m not going anywhere. Right here, with you, is where I want to be.”
“Okay.”
He chuckled. “Okay? That’s all you have to say?”
“I’m glad you want to stay and you don’t regret coming here last night.” I smiled. “Better?”
His lips captured mine in a kiss before quickly pulling away. “Coming here was the best decision I’ve made in a long time. Possibly ever.”
I grinned before he melded our lips together again. The kiss started out slow, but quickly escalated as his hand traveled up my thigh, slipping beneath my shorts. I couldn’t be sure, but I think I heard him moan as he began gripping my ass in his hand. He rolled onto his backside, taking me with him.
My legs were straddling him and I was able to feel exactly how much I was affecting him. I pushed on his chest slightly and broke the kiss. His face contorted with confusion as I smiled down at him. “I just wanted to take in the sight of you from this angle.”
He laughed, his face beaming. “Look all you want, I’ve got all morning.”
I froze, remembering I had to be at work by ten. I glanced at the clock, it was eight fifteen. “Ugh. I don’t. I have to be at work in less than two hours.”
“What time do you get off?”
“I’m working a double to make up for missing this week, so it’ll be late. Especially since it’s Saturday.”
His brows furrowed. “Why did you miss work this week?”
I gazed at his handsome face, debating on whether I should lie to him. “I wasn’t feeling that great so I called in sick.” It was the truth, even if it was also a lie.
“You’ve been sick?” He looked worried and I instantly regretted lying to him.
“Not exactly,” I answered, taking in his confused expression. “I was…I just didn’t feel like going to work. I kinda just stayed home and checked out.”
He grabbed my hips, holding me in place as he sat up and leaned against the headboard. “You checked out? What the fuck does that mean? Let me guess, this started Saturday night?”
My chest felt as if a large boa constrictor wrapped itself around me, squeezing out the oxygen. I didn’t want him to know that side of me. “I…uh…”
“You don’t need to answer.” He ran his hand over his scruffy cheek, still holding me with the other. “I’m so fucking sorry. I’m sorry I made you feel like a…whore. You are the exact opposite of that.”
“Let’s just move on,” I suggested.
“That sounds great to me.”
I scooted back slightly and lowered my mouth to his chest. He felt wonderful against my lips as I slowly inched up his body. I took my time, kissing as slowly as possible, dragging my tongue along with my lips.
“Beautiful…” he trailed off. Him calling me “beautiful” sent chills throughout my body. I secretly loved it. I loved that he wasn’t calling me “sweetheart” like he did every other girl, making me feel like I was special.
My lips reached his neck and he grabbed my face, crushing our mouths together. His tongue brushed against mine in a way I could only describe as incredible. His hands found the hem of my shirt, inching it up my body before pulling it over my head. I hadn’t worn a bra, so I was completely exposed.
“Perfection,” he murmured as his hands traveled from my back, to my shoulders, and finally my chest. He caressed me, palming and kneading. Circling my nipple with his finger, he dove forward, taking it into his mouth. I gasped at the sudden assault, the heat from his breath causing me to moan. Gripping his hair, I pulled him closer as he moved to my other breast. The shot of desire bursting within was almost too much. My hips moved of their own accord, sliding against him, rubbing.
He growled, lifting his mouth back to mine, and pulling me closer. I sank into the kiss, losing myself with every stroke and caress of his body. I slid down, connecting to him in the most primal way. Our bodies were one, our breathing in sync, as I continued to work us both into oblivion, obliterating the bad memories with new ones.
“I’m sorry,” Brad said as I rolled off him, both of us gasping for air. I froze. Was he regretting having sex with me again? “Shit. No. That’s not what I meant. I just mean I promised you last night we wouldn’t have sex.”
I exhaled the breath I was holding. “Don’t be sorry. We…I mean, I, enjoyed it and I don’t regret i
t.”
“I enjoyed it, too. A lot.”
“Good.” I glanced at the clock. “Ugh. I really don’t want to get out of bed but I have to shower and get dressed for work.”
“Can I help you with the shower part?”
“Absolutely.”
Twenty minutes later, we were both extremely clean as we stepped out of the shower and a thought hit me. We hadn’t used a condom.
“We need to…be more careful,” I announced as we both dried off, trying to sound normal.
“Careful?”
“Yeah. We didn’t use a condom. Either time.”
I scrunched my lips together, stifling a small laugh at the sight of the color draining from his face. “Brad. It’s okay. I’m on birth control.”
“Were you trying to scare me?”
“You lost all your color there for a minute.” I started laughing as he narrowed his eyes.
“You think that’s funny? How about I show you funny by throwing you back on that bed? And this time I’ll remember the damn condom.”
I started laughing harder and he swooped me up and flung me onto the bed. “I have to get dressed!” I shouted.
He loomed over me, both his legs locking mine together. “You should have thought of that before you started laughing at my expense. Now, I just might hold you here all day, in this bed, and teach you a lesson.”
“I’ll call the cops.”
He leaned down, inches from my lips. “I am the cops,” he growled before crushing his lips against mine once again.
A few minutes later, he broke away from my tender lips and stood, grabbing my hand to help me up. Once on my feet, he swatted my behind. “Get dressed, woman. Those tables aren’t going to wait themselves.”
I rolled my eyes and quickly padded into the bathroom. I shut the door behind me, pinching myself to check if this was my real life or a dream. I grabbed a black V-neck and a pair of jeans from my closet and practically threw them on. I brushed my teeth, then quickly combed my hair and added some mascara to my lashes.
Brad was sitting in my desk chair with his head resting against the back and his eyes closed. “Are you okay?”
His eyes flew open. “I’m great actually.”
“Are you tired?”
He stood up and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. “I slept better last night than I have in a long time.” He planted a kiss on my lips. “But working long hours and killing myself trying to stop thinking about this girl has worn me down.”
“Trying to stop thinking about a girl, huh? How’s that working out for you?”
“Not well, but I’m okay with that. More than okay.” He kissed me again, his eyes shining. “Thank you for giving me a second chance. You’re truly amazing, beautiful.”
I smiled and stepped back. “I really have to go to work.”
“Okay, I’ll walk you to your car.”
I grabbed my cell phone and stuffed it in my purse before we left my apartment and crossed the parking lot, hand in hand. He opened my door and I climbed inside. He inclined his head and gave me one more lingering kiss. “Call me when you get off work, okay?”
“Okay,” I agreed. “I’ll see you later.”
He nodded and then shut my door and walked toward his truck as I drove away, a huge smile across my face.
***
I walked into Mario’s with ten minutes to spare. The break room was empty and I took a minute to collect myself and calm down. I didn’t want to seem like a fourteen-year-old who learned the popular guy had a crush on her.
I took a deep breath and placed my purse in my locker just as I felt it vibrate. I thought about ignoring it, but my curiosity over it being Brad won out. I grabbed the phone and swiped the screen.
Poco Richard: Answer your fucking phone, whore. I’m getting impatient.
I crammed the phone back into my purse and slammed the locker door. I tried to block out the words, but I couldn’t. This all felt like déjà vu. If history was in fact repeating itself, I knew things would keep escalating—he’d eventually find me and I’d pay.
“Miranda?” I heard from a distance. I jumped as I felt two arms wrap around me and elbowed whoever it was in the gut, my initial response to fight. “What the hell, Miranda?”
I blinked at the voice, realizing it was Gage. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry,” I said, my heart pounding in my chest.
“It’s okay. But what the hell?”
I placed my shaky hand over my mouth and shook my head. I was a complete mess. “I’m so sorry. You just scared me.”
He tentatively grabbed my arm in a comforting manner. “I’m sorry I scared you. You looked upset and my initial thought was to comfort you.”
“It’s okay. I shouldn’t have reacted like that.” I took another deep breath. “Can we just forget about this?”
“Yeah. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Positive.”
We walked out of the break room in silence. The day went by quickly and I was grateful. I could barely look at Gage as I gave him the drink orders for my tables. I was completely embarrassed.
Around five o’clock, the restaurant was packed and my section was busy. The last open table in my section had just been seated and I wasn’t paying attention as I walked toward the booth. Stepping in front of the table, I finally glanced up, startled by the occupants. Brad and his mother sat across from each other, both grinning wide.
“Hey,” I greeted.
“Hi,” Tina answered.
Brad gestured toward his mom. “Miranda, you remember my mom, right?”
“Of course. We’ve met several times at Mackenzie’s house,” I answered nervously. Why was he here with his mom? What had he told her about us? Was there an ‘us’? We never really discussed it.
“It’s nice to see you again, Miranda.”
“You, too.” I smiled. “What can I get y’all to drink?”
“I’ll have a Dr. Pepper.”
“I’ll have a Budweiser,” Brad replied. “And can I go ahead and order some fried pickles? I’m starving.”
“Of course. I’ll get those right out.” I smiled and they both smiled back. Brad’s eyes connected with mine and a lot of my unease from Preston’s text dissipated.
I went to the bar to place Brad’s beer order and then the kitchen to get the Dr. Pepper and water. I put in the fried pickle order and took a deep breath before returning to their table.
“Here is your Dr. Pepper,” I said, placing Tina’s drink in front of her. “And here is a water for you, just in case you want it.”
“Thanks.” He cleared his throat. “How’s work been? You look busy.”
“It’s been steady. Everyone pretty much came in at the same time. But tips are good, so I’m not complaining.” I glanced around to check on my other tables. “What have y’all been up to?”
“Just buying mom a car.”
I angled my head toward Tina. “Did you find one? I hate car shopping.”
“We did. I was fine with the low end model, but Brad had to make sure I had all that fancy stuff.”
“I got you a good deal.”
“I’m going to check on my other tables and get your beer. I’ll be right back,” I stated, and he responded with a wink.
I checked on the other tables and placed a couple of orders before I grabbed Brad’s beer and appetizer. I placed the appetizer and beer on the table, took their food orders, then walked toward one of my other tables, who were motioning for me.
I treaded toward the bar and waited for Gage to finish talking to a few customers. He nodded in greeting. “Whatcha need?”
“Two Budweisers.”
“You’ve got it,” he said as he walked toward the tap. He filled up two frosted mugs and placed them in front of me.
I felt a warm arm come around my shoulder and Brad’s familiar scent. “I can’t get one moment with you,” he whispered in my ear.
“It’s Saturday. It’s usually like this.”
His
gaze turned toward Gage standing behind the bar. The look in Brad’s eye reminded me that he saw me with Gage the night before. He lifted his hand from my shoulder and stuck it out toward Gage. “Hi, I’m Brad. Miranda’s boyfriend.” I had been right, he was staking a claim, but that wasn’t what made my heart skip a beat. It was the fact that he admitted he was my boyfriend.
Chapter 20
Brad
The look on the guy’s face was priceless. His mouth fell open and his face turned red. I loved it. After a beat, his eyes drifted toward my outstretched hand and he finally shook it.
“I’m Gage. Miranda’s friend.” He eyed Miranda. “You never told me you had a boyfriend. I would’ve thought you would have said something at dinner last night.”
Was he trying to make me think she was a cheater? “It’s new,” I answered for Miranda, who was still shocked by my declaration. I knew she would be since we hadn’t discussed what we were, but I figured I’d just introduce myself with the title I wanted. No matter what, he needed to back off.
“I’m going to get back to the table. I just wanted a minute.”
“Um, okay,” she whispered.
I bent down and whispered in her ear. “Relax, beautiful. We’ll talk more later.”
She nodded and I left, walking back to my mother, who had a wide grin on her face as I sat down. “What?”
“You.”
I took a swig of beer. “What about me?”
“Did you put that boy in his place? You know she was just placing an order and he was just doing his job.”
“Oh, he wants way more than that with her.”
She shook her head. “I’m just glad you got your head out of your ass.”
“Me, too,” I replied as Miranda brought us our plates.
“Here you go,” she announced. “Bacon cheeseburger and fries for you,” she placed the food in front of me, “and a cheeseburger and fries for you.”
“Do you need anything else?” she asked.
My mom shook her head and I grinned. “Yes.”
“What?”
“You,” I replied.
She beamed at me and I fucking loved it. I had known her for several months and she had never looked like that before. I loved that I made her feel that way. “Well, Detective, I’m working. So, no.”