“Shut up.” She laughed before taking another bite. “I haven’t been here in over a year, and I don’t know why. This stuff is so damn good!”
They exited the place and walked side by side along a pathway as the sun began to set, streaking the dark blue sky with deep purple. In their silence, taciturn words were said, shared and declared. Their hearts appeared to draw closer, especially when he sucked the last bit of his float through the straw, tossed the remnants in a trashcan, and took her hand for a moment, forcing her to face him as he stopped walking.
She swallowed what was in her mouth, and simply looked up at him.
“What?” she questioned with a sweet smile.
“What’s a guy gotta do to get you exclusively, huh?”
A devious smile spread across her face.
“Sean, you don’t waste time, do you?”
“Nope. Like I told you, I wasted too much time in the past. Not doing it anymore. So, what gives?”
“You want to date me exclusively?”
“Yes, and there is another motivation.”
“And what’s that?”
“I don’t want you to fuck someone else.”
At this, she burst out laughing. “Your bluntness is a real disorder!”
He smirked, looked away, then back down at her.
“I’m serious. Normally, I wouldn’t try to tie anyone down at this point, but I really like what we got goin’ on here and I’m man enough to admit that you messing around with another guy right now would anger me.”
“Anger you?” Her brow rose in question.
“Yeah, I feel like, ya know…” He looked away, feeling a bit silly as he declared his feelings, but it needed to be said never the less. “This is my turn, my time. I took a risk, and I want to just let you know where I stand. So, you gonna give me a chance solo, or do I have other bastards to compete with? If so, just tell me, be real with me so I know what I’m up against.”
She smiled smugly, a smile he understood but slightly resented. He’d put his cards on the damn table, and now she realized she had the upper hand and she savored having a bit of control over his ass.
“I’m not dating anyone else right now, Sean.”
“Good. Let’s keep it that way.” He took her empty cup from her hand and tossed it in the trash. “That was good, right?” They held hands once more as the sky darkened, but the Manhattan skyline stretched out before them, magnificent and regal, illuminated so beautifully in the distance.
“It was delicious.”
“But your kisses are sweeter…” He stopped and grabbed her fast, making her gasp. Twisting her body to get her flush to him, he ran his palm down to her lower back and pressed her against him in a tight embrace. Before she could protest, he pressed his lips harshly against hers, delivering an urgent kiss and then another. Unable to resist, he slicked his tongue within her wet mouth, made the woman moan and melt against his frame as she wrapped her arms around his neck. When he’d finished with her and pulled away, he couldn’t help but notice the gleam in her dark brown eyes, and that was his undoing. He sealed her lips with one more kiss, a small, sweet peck, before turning away, taking her hand again, and walking along the pathway.
She said nothing for a long time, and neither did he. He had her, and that was all that mattered to him. He’d staked his claim, she complied, and now, it was time to put in the legwork to continue to explore one another, and build a foundation he could rest his love-struck heart upon…
‡
Chapter Eight
“You should’ve gotten busted.” Treasure reclined on the bed and propped her feet up on a spare pillow, flexing her toes, taking in the moment of leisure. Stifling a yawn, she checked out the time on her alarm clock, but refused to tell the man goodbye. She’d been chatting it up with Sean for over an hour, and it shocked the hell out of her, because it felt like only ten minutes had come and gone. Once again, the natural born jester was at work. The man didn’t even have to try; he was just intuitively funny and fast with his wit and that made him even sexier and more stunning in her eyes. He had her laughing so badly, her stomach cramped to the point of discomfort. She was certain she’d feel as if she’d done a hundred crunches later in the day. Picking up her glass of wine, she sloshed it lazily, stared at the liquid for a moment, then set it back down, wishing to remain clear-headed and enjoy his crazy banter with full sobriety.
“No one saw me, I was invisible.”
“Oh, so you have super powers like that? You just turn clear in front of the whole damn world?” she quipped, slapping the bed as she rolled about and blew out air from a happy place deep within.
“I do. Garbage man by day, Invisi-Guy by night.”
“You should be robbing banks or something then.”
“Ms. Chambers, you struck me as a law-abiding citizen. I’m surprised at you.” He chuckled, real loose and easy like.
“I know!” She laughed a bit louder. “You’d think I’d be a better person than to lead you into a life of crime,” she joked. “Shame on me.”
“You’re plenty good enough. I only spend time with quality. I know good shit when I see it.”
“You think I’m good shit, huh?” She smiled weakly and crossed her ankles, the sheets beneath her feeling oh so good, but not as good as the deep man’s voice vibrating in her ear.
“You’re the best shit. I’d bet my fight money on that.”
“Your fight money, huh? We’ve not talked about your kickboxing much. I know it’s important to you… Maybe I’ll see you fight one day.”
“It is and you will.”
“Aren’t you afraid of getting hurt?”
“Treasure?”
“Yes?”
“You are definitely a mom.”
She burst out laughing and placed her arm behind her head, melting further into the pillow, disappearing into the bed, swallowed up.
“No, I’m not afraid of getting hurt, baby,” he said quietly, as if taking her by the hand and gently leading her down a flowery path. “It’s fun, it keeps me in shape, I blow off steam. And besides, I’m good at it.”
“Do you have a silly name? Like Hulk Hogan, The Rock, or something like that?”
“No way! Just Sean… Sean is the Shit Mahoney and S.O.S.—Sean offers Superiority.”
“Hell!” She burst out laughing again, prompting him to join in the fun. “That’s not true, that’s not your name.”
“Right, but when you read about my fights online you will see things like, ‘Mahoney takes no baloney’, ‘Sean the Irish Beast’, shit like that. I didn’t coin it, but people have said stuff like that, so it sticks.”
“That’s kinda neat though. Hmmm, very interesting.” She tapped her lower lip contemplatively, wondering what the man would look and move like in the ring…and between her legs. She hated how the thought of him pounding someone’s face in aroused sensual sensations in her gut, travelled to her kitty cat, and made the little tiger purr.
“Yeah, I’ve always been a fighter.” He paused and blew his nose. “Kickboxing is just a demonstration of what is in my heart. For me, it’s my art, you know? I think it altered my psyche, actually, makes me a better person.”
“What do you mean?”
“Like, I’ve been fighting since the day I was born, Treasure. According to my mom, I was premature…a tiny little thing.”
“Well, we have something else in common, Sean. I was premature, too.”
“And for me, you came right on time…”
She couldn’t help but smile wide into the phone.
You’re taking my heart away from me, man…taking it right out and making me want you…chase behind you…
“But yeah,” he continued, not waiting for a response from her. “I couldn’t breathe on my own when I was first born. I was in ICU, and the doctors didn’t think I’d make it but before they knew it, I was thriving, off the ventilators and picking up weight like nothing bad had happened at all. My lungs were strong, and my he
art got stronger, too. That’s everything, you know? Can you take in air, live a bit, feel it, put your heart and soul into it? You’ve got a lot of soul, I like that about you, Treasure. You’re real grounded… I gotta lot of heart. When we’re together, we help each other have both. That’s why I never want to not be close to you since I met you. When I’m with you, I feel complete.”
He’s killing me…
No he isn’t, he’s reviving me, blowing life into my trust factor… Damn, he is so deep.
“I don’t take any shit off any fucking body,” he blurted suddenly, apparently having secret thoughts she wasn’t privy to.
“Don’t I know it.”
“I don’t hesitate to defend myself. Especially after everything I’ve been through but more importantly, I don’t pause to protect the people I love. I don’t flinch, think it over or hesitate. That can be a problem sometimes too I guess, but whatever. No matter who it is, if someone messes with my family or my friends, it’s on.”
She sat there for a while, rolling his words around inside of her head, considering how beautiful they were, how genuine they sounded, regardless of how ruthless. Her paranoia then got the best of her. Maybe the man was high, or these were simply drunk ramblings? No one would say such things under normal circumstances…such lovely things from such a masculine person…or would they?
“Are you plastered?” she asked behind a smirk as she took another sip from her glass, needing a bit of courage. After it came out of her mouth, she thought better of it, but it was far too late.
“I haven’t been drinking tonight, Treasure.” He made a sound as if he were sucking his teeth. “I have been eating these leftover chicken wings though.”
“Mmmm, that sounds good. Where are the leftovers from?’
“Bar Matchless.”
“Oh my God, their wings are so good!” She could hear him smacking on the other end now, and what sounded much like him licking his fingertips. “Just rub it in! Could you eat any louder?! Goodness! I’m starving over here.”
“I can feed you…”
All she could do was swallow, catch his drift and hold it close to her clit.
“You want me to bring some over?” he clarified, making her blush with shame at how her thoughts had gone to the damn gutter and got comfy and cozy there. Then it hit her as to what the fucker was truly saying…
She paused, startled by his proposal.
“Well, no, it’s late and—”
“I can come over. I wouldn’t want you to travel here at this late of hour, but I have no problem coming over there.” He paused; seriousness seeped into his tone, turned on fast like a teenage boy watching porn for the first time. His urgency dripped all over the conversation…making her misty between the thighs…
Oh yes, the kitty cat cried…
She crossed and uncrossed her thighs, but it was no use.
“Well—”
“I’ll even pick up a bottle of wine or a case of beer if you want. I’ll bring the rest of the wings, there’s plenty, but you have to tuck me in your bed and read me a naked time story.” She burst out laughing at the silly man.
“I shouldn’t laugh at you…I shouldn’t encourage this.” She drew her legs up to her chest as her body warmed with a new wave of freshly launched desire.
I would love to take you up on your offer…
“Don’t you want me to come over?” His voice dropped like a booming base.
“It’s late, Sean.” She grinned a bit wider, a tight expression no doubt as she fought her internal whore to leave her be. “And besides, I haven’t introduced you to my children yet. I need to do this the right way.” Sitting straight against the headboard, she struggled to get a hold of herself, regardless of the way her pussy continued to purr for the bastard.
“Mmmm, okay.” He sounded duly disappointed. “This chicken bone should be you… I’m sucking the shit out of it.”
“Oh God!” She threw her head back, looking up toward the trey ceiling, as a thunderous roll of laughter tumbled out from between her lips.
“I’ll have you screaming that if you let me stop by…”
“Yeah, yeah, all the guys say stuff like that,” she teased.
“Nah, nah, I’m serious,” he said coolly. “Hold up, let me get this sauce off my hands real quick.” She waited a second or two and then he continued. “You’re in your sexual peak and I’ve been known to climb mountains, stick my flag in the top of the apex, and make a woman yodel like she’s from Switzerland.”
“Just…stop it!” She laughed so hard, she was certain she was turning red. She put her hand up in the air, as if he were sitting there and she needed to put him on pause. “You’re out of order!” she yelled out with mirth.
“I’m in perfect working condition…you wanna find out?”
“Sean, I’ve got no patience for you tonight.”
“You don’t need any patience, just a relaxed body.”
“I have to get off the phone.” She clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth, hoping he’d keep going, keep talking, saying flirtatious, salacious words.
“So you’ll get off the phone, but won’t let me get you off? Ain’t that ’boutta bitch!”
Now she was cracking up extra hard as she slumped over to the side, her head lying in the puddle of sheets.
“You’re an absolute mess…a beautiful mess…” Her smile slowly dissipated as she realized what was happening—she was enjoying this man, really, truly enjoying him, crushing on his ass hard…liking him, loving him. He had wormed his sneaky self into her heart on the coattail of a well-placed guffaw. Though his words were so damn funny, he was so damn sexy about it, too. Everything he uttered sounded intimate, whether it was meant to be or not.
“I’m your beautiful mess if you want me to be. I like you, Treasure. I really like you more than I think you understand…so glad to be your man.”
“…I like you too, Sean, a whole lot, actually…and I’m glad I’m your lady.”
“Glad you realize who you belong to. I’m selfish when it comes to this sort of thing. You know what? I think about you all the time.”
Her cheeks warmed at his admission.
“…I think about you a lot, too.”
“I want to spend more time with you. I understand you are extra careful because of your children, you know, not wanting them to meet me just yet, and I know your time is sparse, but…I think I should. We’re together and well, we have something special. It’s time to take this to the next level.”
She hesitated for a quick moment, then came from the heart, pushing her fears temporarily aside. “We do…and, perhaps you’re right.”
“We have a nice connection, a nice vibe. I feel like I can be myself with you now. The start was kinda rough, but I like this, ya know? It feels good.”
“It does.”
“I want to make your body feel good too, baby… I want to make love to you so bad, Treasure, shit! It’s driving me crazy… I gotta get close to you.” He sounded almost as if he were about to fall the hell apart, and it was all her fault for keeping her sweetness put away under double bolted lock, rigid chastity belt and hidden key.
“What do I have to do to slide inside of you, huh? I’m not just trying to have sex with you, honey. I’m trying to be yours, completely. I’m not yet until you’ve had me in all ways…”
Her pussy lips immediately warmed and kissed one another, delivering a wet smooch between her clenched thighs. The man had caught her completely off guard, blasting her away with that candid truth, and her body embraced the words, took them down whole.
“Sean, you are making this so hard.”
“Serves you right. I’ve been hard for the past twenty minutes and you’ve done nothing to take me out of my misery. Don’t you want me to make love to you, Treasure? Right here, right now, don’t you want me inside of you?” he asked, his breathing a bit heavier on the other end.
“Yeah, I do, Sean. And do you know why?”
; “Why?”
“Because I care about you so damn much, and my mind and heart are in agreement that you’re better than good. You’re great.”
“I’m your next great thing…just where I wanted to be. But I still can’t come over, right?”
“Just a little more time…the kids, baby…my children. I want to introduce them to you first before they discover Mom has a man in her bed. You understand?”
“I understand.” Once again, she could hear the disappointment in his tone.
“But believe me, I want you so badly, Sean.” She needed to make him understand that she respected his vibe, and wanted in on the shit, but there were other factors to consider. “I am attracted to you, not just physically, but the way you carry yourself and just your general personality. I’ve had so much fun with you tonight.” She stifled another yawn as the night drew on, but like a child, she had an internal tantrum, refused to end the phone call. “You are always a riot.”
“Making you laugh makes me feel good.”
“Speaking of which, Sean, no one could just be this way on a whim. It’s a gift. What you have is a blessing to others. I’ve seen you in action in public, too. You make strangers around you laugh on a daily basis. Do you know how great that feels when someone has a shitty day? You really do have something. It’s…it’s wonderful.”
“Thanks. That’s nice of you to say. You’re funny, too.”
“Thank you.”
An awkward silence soon followed, and then she heard music playing quietly in the background. After a short while, she recognized the song: Lloyd’s, ‘Feel So Right.’
“…You are not playing that song, Sean…” She rolled her eyes in disbelief. This sort of saucy R&B was her guilty pleasure, and she was all too familiar with the lyrics of the tune. How befitting. How very manipulative of the bastard…
All I want to do is touch you…
“Look, Treasure, I’ll wait for you, baby, but I’m not known for my patience. I know that you want to do this a certain way, and I get it. But you need to make that happen sooner rather than later. I’ve waited a long time, that should tell you something, and I’ll wait a bit longer, too, but eventually, I’m going to need you to show me something. You showed me your mind, you showed me your heart. I got them now, they’re mine. Now, I need you to show me more…I need to taste your fuckin’ pussy.”
The Fight Within Page 14