by C. Shell
Nate twirls the rental keys around his finger as we search the lot looking for the modest Ford sedan my father rented us to drive over the next couple of days. I would have preferred something sportier, but this isn’t a vacation, and I didn’t get a say in anything, so it is what is.
That should be my new motto in life. Whenever things go to shit, I’ll just respond with, ‘it is what it is.’ That could clear out a lot of stress in my life.
“Do either of you have a piece of gum or a mint in your pocket?” Airplane food is the worst. I wasn’t very hungry after eating all the pizza before boarding, but my nerves got the best of me. Before I realized what I was doing, I was halfway finished with a nasty ham and cheese sandwich. The taste still lingers in my mouth making me want to hurl.
“I might have something in my bag,” Jimmie muses. “Let’s get in the car, and I’ll dig it out for you.”
It takes us another ten minutes of mindlessly walking around the parking garage before we find the rental car. Brown, large, and ugly, it's exactly what I would expect my dad to pick out. Opening the passenger door, I slip inside and check out all the buttons, drink holders, and secret compartments while the guys load up our bags. The car might be fit for a grandma, but it smells nice and once Jimmie gets it cranked and on the road, the super cold air conditioning becomes my best friend.
“I don’t remember Texas every being this hot,” Jimmie complains.
“And it's not even officially summer, yet. Imagine how hot it will be then. Hope Dad lets you work in shorts.”
“We just got here, Addison,” he gripes. “Don’t start on me already.” I glance over at him, and instead of looking angry he looks concerned. For him or for me? I’m good, so he doesn’t need to worry about me. Maybe he’s nervous for Dad, and thinks that I would ruin his special day.
If that’s the case, then his concern is warranted.
Dex leans forward between the front two seats and begins fiddling with the radio. He’s like a kid with a new toy, switching from one song to the next, never staying on one station long enough to enjoy it. “Any day now,” I huff. “Just pick something from this era, and that doesn’t suck or talk about losing a dog, house, or wife.”
“You’ve limited my selection by fifty percent with those parameters.” A smile plays on his lips, and I yearn to bite them.
Dex settles for a pop station with some half decent songs, and I spend the rest of our drive watching the green landscape pass us by. David and Cindy live in a newer neighborhood with a fancy, gated entrance, winding manicured streets, and large lots with big ass houses built on them. It makes my mom’s little seaside cottage look like a shack.
Pulling into the circular drive, I take in the two-story, colonial style home set far back from the curb surrounded by large oak trees, and a private pond off to the side with unrepressed anger. Since when does my dad have this much money to burn?
Nate and Dex grab our bags while I follow Jimmie up the walkway, making sure not to step off the path and smush Cindy’s precious, little, pink flowers. Before we can reach the door, it flies open and out steps my father.
I smile despite my irritation. I don’t like being on the outs with my father. He might be a dipshit, and there is a good possibility that he’s done some bad things, but he’s still my dad. That doesn’t mean I condone his conduct. I will, however, try to right his wrongs which include keeping my brother in Florida.
“Hey, Pops,” Jimmie exclaims stepping forward as my dad wraps his arms around my brother, hugging him tightly.
I stand awkwardly to the side feeling as if I’m intruding on their happy reunion instead of being a part of the joyous event.
Shaking off the unwelcome thoughts, I step forward determined to make the most of our trip. Slipping past their huddled form, I check out our surroundings and the cluster of ducks waddling around the pond’s edge. I love ducks. I love their colorings, the way they walk and swim in a line, and above all, I love how they do everything as one unit. Just like the CW Boys.
“Did you all have a good flight?” Dad’s question draws me back to the group. His hair appears darker than last time I saw him, making me wonder if he colored it. I didn’t think guys cared about such things.
“Wasn’t bad,” Nate responds, his gaze catching mine. “Why don’t we go find your room and get you unpacked. I’m sure you want to get some rest before tonight.”
“Are you tired, Addison?” My dad asks, real concern in his tone.
“A little,” I confess. I hadn’t wanted to say anything and look like the travel-pooper, but leave it to Nate to notice. And then call me out on it. Always the gentlemen, that one. “Traveling always wears on me and I didn’t get much sleep last night.”
“Well, we have a full house at the moment with Cindy’s family also in town. I’m afraid that we only have one bedroom with a full-size bed and a blow-up mattress available.” He glances at our horrified faces and has the decency to look ashamed. “I will let you figure out the sleeping arrangement.”
It’s not great, but it could be worse. “It’s fine.” I turn my back on my father and face the guys. “You can have the bed as long as I get the shower first. I feel dirty and probably reek from all the muggy heat.”
“Deal.” Dex looks thoughtful, his crystal blue eyes crinkling in amusement as he ushers me into the house. I don’t get much time to enjoy the pricey décor as we follow my father through an elegant living room, a chef’s inspired kitchen, and down a set of wooden steps to a finished basement. I look around the recently renovated room with an arched brow.
“We’re staying in the basement?”
With new sheetrock and brown carpeted floors, the space isn’t awful, but it isn’t great either. With only a small window over a desk in the corner, there isn’t a lot of natural light, and the fluorescents in the ceiling create a horrible buzzing sound that grates on my nerves. It feels like I’m in some cheesy old motel room. Not that I’ve ever been in one myself, but I’ve seen movies and heard the stories.
Dad leans against the banister looking comfortable in this setting. “Yeah, sorry but all the rooms upstairs are spoken for. The bed is new along with all the bathroom amenities. I’ll make sure that Cindy brings you down some blankets and pillows for the blow-up mattress.”
In this moment, it's clear who wears the pants in the house. To confirm my suspicion, I ask, “Who has the upstairs bedrooms?”
“Oh,” he says, rubbing at his chin, “Cindy has a lot of out of town family and friends that are staying with us. She hasn’t seen them in a few years and wanted them close.”
“As opposed to your kids who have never been to your home and who you only see once a year,” I counter with a heated glare.
“Most of the guests are older and are more comfortable upstairs. You all are young and don’t need as much space.” I watch as my dad’s face heats to a cherry red. I imagine him to be a horrible poker player with that quick temper. “You and your friends are guests in my home, Addison. It would serve you well to remember that.”
“Dad,” Jimmie says. His face looks severe in the horrible lighting. “We’re here to celebrate your wedding. There is no need to start a fight. We’re fine staying down here.”
“Dinner is at seven. Cindy hates it when people are late so try and be on time.” With a stomp that would make any toddler proud, my dad climbs the stairs and exits the basement with a flourish.
How I went from being Daddy’s little girl to Daddy’s annoying problem is something I will never understand. What ever happened to a parent’s unconditional love? My eyes are still locked on the door when fingers snap in front of my face, jolting me from my thoughts. I make myself appear as normal as possible, not wanting the guys to know how much my father’s indifference messes with my head.
“Good to see that Dad is doing well. He sure hasn’t changed any.” I try and make light of the situation, but my heart is heavy.
Dex stares at me for a long moment, his voice rough as san
d when he speaks. “Fuck him. Fuck him for treating you like the gum stuck to the bottom of his shoe and fuck him for not seeing how beautiful, smart, and amazing you are.”
“Fuck him,” Nate agrees.
Tears spring to my eyes, threatening to burst forward. I hold them back, not wanting to become a babbling idiot. I’ve got this. Deep breathes and thoughts of Peewee help to calm my emotions. And then Jimmie goes and ruins all my hard work by pulling me into a surprisingly tender hug, and muttering, “Fuck him.”
Those two words are my undoing. My chest tightens, making every intake of air tight and painful. I wipe at the tears leaking from my eyes creating a mess with my mascara. Dex and Nate make a move to comfort me, but I hold a hand out, stopping their advances.
I’m not some damsel in distress who needs protecting. I can and will handle whatever is thrown my way. With my head held high, I nod toward the stairs. “Let’s get out of here and do some exploring before dinner.”
“You’re not too tired?” Dex questions.
“I’m okay.”
Nate gives me a small smile. “You’re going to get us into trouble.” It’s not a question but a statement, so I don’t bother denying it.
“Only one way to find out. Who’s with me?”
My question holds more weight than a simple request to walk the perimeter of my dad’s estate. I’m asking who will stand by me when the shit hits the fan. Who will be there to hold me when the remainder of my relationship with my father comes crumbling down, because it will. There is no hope in him forgiving me after I yank his darkest skeletons from the closet. I hold my breath waiting to see if one or both of them will take the plunge.
Jimmie has no clue what I’m asking, so I’m not surprised when he grabs my hand and drags me up the stairs. I don’t dare turn around to see if Dex and Nate are coming, but release a bubble of laughter when I catch the sound of their footfalls trotting up behind us.
They are my family and my lifeline. They are my CW Boys.
Chapter Eighteen
Nate
David’s home is what my dad would call a mini-mansion. Its grandeur is overshadowed by the tacky over-priced furniture and the sickly stench of greed. After David’s proverbial fuck you, we head to the pond that Addy couldn’t stop looking at when we arrived.
“Do you think it has any fish in it?”
I haven’t seen her this excited about anything in a long time. A smile tugs at my lips. “Why, do you want to do some fishing?”
She turns to me, her face lit up with enthusiasm. “Do you think we could?”
“You really want to catch a fish?” Dex asks. He keeps trying and failing to skip rocks across the water. It would be comical if he weren’t getting pissed off. “I think these rocks are broken.” He sounds thoroughly affronted which makes me laugh.
“I would love to try,” Addison replies. “Do you think Dad has any fishing poles we could use?”
“I didn’t see any storage sheds around back so let’s go check the garage,” Jimmie says. “If he has any then they will probably be in there.”
Addison motions for him to go. “Be a good brother and go check for me, please.”
“When am I ever not a good brother?” he yells over his shoulder, already heading across the yard to do her bidding.
I wait until I am sure he is out of hearing range before I bring up our real reason for being in Texas. “Are you still planning on trying to get into your dad’s office tonight?”
She looks around as if to make sure no one is listening. Her paranoia is amusing. “Of course, I am. Tomorrow will be too risky with so many people coming in and out of the house setting everything up. If I can’t get it tonight, then we’re screwed.”
Her moxey is damn sexy. That is one of the things I love most about her. Well, that and her unwavering loyalty, her smile, the way her eyes twinkle when she’s excited, and that adorable tinkering laugh she has.
I look out over the calm water and take in the fresh air. Being around the ocean all the time I’m used to the smell of salt water that always lingers in the air, nothing like the pungent odor of jasmine that is found here.
“It might be tricky getting into his study with Cindy making us all attend dinner tonight.”
Addy takes a seat on the water’s edge and starts playing with the red clover dotting the grass. “Don’t worry about Cindy or David interfering. I have an idea to keep them busy for a while.”
I sigh, not liking the devious look on her face. “What are you up to?”
Dex glances my way looking just as worried as I am. “Jelly Bean, don’t go off doing something reckless.”
Addy stands with a Cheshire grin on her face, giving my shoulder a comforting rub. “Don’t worry, boys. My plan is foolproof.”
Famous last words.
Chapter Nineteen
Addison
I am so happy I called dibs earlier on the shower because after fishing with the boys I am in desperate need of one. Fishing is hard work. Dex said that I was a natural and praised the two fish I caught. I, of course, released them after getting a selfie and sending it to Cammy to show her how awesome I am. The guys didn’t catch but one little fish, yet all-in-all, we had a lot of fun.
“Addy, you need to hurry up,” Nate calls through the door. “We don’t have much time to get dressed before dinner, and the three of us still need to shower.”
“I’m almost done,” I answer back. And by almost, I mean I still need to shave my legs, wash and condition my hair, and moisturize my entire body when I get out. So honestly, I have a lot to do before I leave this room.
“We could conserve a lot of water and time if we took a shower together.”
“Clever idea,” I say, rolling my eyes, “but I don’t think the stall is large enough for the two of us. And I need some private time,” I add biting my lip to keep from giggling.
“Private time?” I might be imaging it, but I swear his voice sounds huskier all of a sudden. “What does that mean?”
“Where’s my brother?”
“He and Nate are upstairs talking to your dad.” I hear Dex blow out a heavy breath as he tries the knob and finds the door unlocked. “Can I come in?”
I wipe the water from my face and lean back against the chilled ceramic shower wall, giving myself a perfect view of the door and countertop. “You can come into the room, but not the shower. I meant what I said about there not being much space in here.”
The door creeks open and Dex walks in, his eyes scanning the room before landing heavily on my naked body. I run a hand down the shower door, wiping off the steam so I can appreciate the vision before me.
Dressed in only cut-off sweatpants that ride low on his hips, my eyes hungrily take in every inch of exposed skin, starting with his hard pecs and ending with the deep V shape that begins at his waistline and dips below the waistband.
At the look in his eyes my confidence wavers.
I can do this…but should I do this?
“You’re so fucking beautiful.”
Dex and I stare at each other. The anticipation of what’s about to happen gains strength in the small room until I’m suffocating on it. With our eyes locked, he tugs down his pants, pulling out his hardened cock and brandishes me with an arrogant smile.
“Your move, Jelly Bean. Play with those pretty tits of yours for me.”
My gaze slowly drops to his hand, not the one gripping the countertop, but the one stroking his dick, giving it a good tug as he watches me with hunger in his eyes. I could play coy and act embarrassed to draw this out, but where is the fun in that.
My hands glide over my water slicked skin as I cup my breasts, feeling the heavy weight of them in my palms, I drag a finger across the stiff peaks of my nipples, and gasp from the heat that it sends through me.
“That’s it, baby,” Dex mutters. “Squeeze your nipples for me and none of that gentle shit either. Do it the way I would if I could touch you.”
If he could touch me? God,
I wish he would. I’m so damn achy needy, and fear my fingers won’t be enough to snuff out the yearning in my core. I don’t want to have sex with Dex, not until we talk with Nate and figure out what is going on between all of us, but my body isn’t listening to logic.
My eyes close and a memory forms from the last time we were together. My thumb and forefinger close around the hard nub and I squeeze and twist it precisely the way Dex did. There is a bit of pain, but it only heightens the pleasure streaking through me. My thighs clench together, and I suck in a harsh breath.
Opening my eyes, I tilt my head to side glance over his form, wanting to see if he’s as affected by our game as I am. Dex leans against the counter, using the mirror as a pillow as he works his engorged cock, the head a dark purple with a drop of pre-cum glistening the tip. I want to lick it off and savor the taste, but that isn’t in the rules.
“Do you remember what it feels like to be inside me? The way my muscles clench around you as I come?”
“Fuck me,” Dex hisses through clenched teeth. “I’m not going to last long, baby. It’s been too long since I’ve fucked you. Put your fingers in that pussy and fuck yourself. Imagine it's my cock thrusting inside you, claiming and marking you as mine.”
A low keening sound escapes my throat. His dirty words heighten my arousal making my movements sloppy and urgent. My hand slides down to my sex, and without preamble, I plunge two fingers inside my slick pussy.
My knees go weak, and it takes all my strength to stay upright. “Oh my God,” I say on a shaky breath.
His lips twist into an expression I can’t decipher. With our eyes locked on each other, we work as one to get the other off. I feel the water go cold, my shower going longer than expected, but the bite of the cold water only adds to the experience.
The pace of my fingers increases, my thumb passes over my clit, and I’m a goner. My walls clench like a vise as the orgasm crashes over me like a tidal wave. My lids close as I come on a silent scream. Dex isn’t so quiet, his grunts and growls of ecstasy vibrate off the walls giving anyone within proximity a good idea as to what we’re up to.