by L. Wilder
When I couldn’t stand it any longer, I finally said, “I’ve got to go to the bathroom, and maybe get something to eat?”
“It’s a long drive. We don’t have time for a bunch of stops, Henley,” he grumbled.
“I’m talking about five minutes, Maverick. I’ll make it quick. I promise,” I pleaded.
Pulling off the interstate, he murmured something under his breath. As soon as he put the car in park, I got out and raced towards the front door of the convenience store.
“Five minutes!” I heard Maverick shout as the door shut behind me.
I was tempted to take my time, but I was afraid he wouldn’t stop again if I didn’t hurry. I finished in the restroom, bought a couple of drinks and a handful of snacks, and I quickly grabbed my bag of goodies, heading back to the car. Maverick was waiting outside for me when I walked out.
“I got us some snacks.” I smiled, hoping to get some kind of reaction out of him.
“You planning on feeding an army with all that?”
“I wasn’t sure how long it would be before we stopped again.” He took a drink and a bag of chips from my hand as he started the car and pulled out onto the road.
Trying to make the best of the quiet time in the car, I used my phone to check my emails, send out a few text messages and finish reading my book. Every now and then, I would look over to check on Maverick, hoping that he might say something, tell me what was worrying him. But without fail, his attention was focused on the road, letting me know that he had no intention of talking to me. When the daunting silence got to be too much, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.
I had no idea how long I’d been asleep when I felt myself being carefully lifted out of the car. Without opening my eyes, I knew Maverick was cradling me in his arms. The warmth of his body was too inviting, and I was too damn exhausted to protest. So, I rested my head on his shoulder and let him carry me to the room.
I couldn’t even remember him putting me in the bed, but I woke up the next morning with my head plastered on his bare chest. I slowly lifted myself up, trying my best not to wake him up and carefully eased myself onto the floor. I stopped at the edge of the bed, unable to keep my eyes from roaming over his chest, marveling at the beautiful artwork that marked his skin. It was the first time I’d seen the large tattoo across his broad chest, and my fingers twitched at my side, longing to reach out and touch him. My body yearned for him, overwhelming me with a desire like I’d never known before. I haven’t had much experience with men… just one real boyfriend since high school. After I caught him cheating on me with my best friend, I’d sworn off guys altogether and tried to focus on my studies. Until now, I hadn’t missed it. That spark, that desire to be with a man. I’d had my distractions with school and my family, and I was happy just being by myself. Now… it was different. Now, I wanted him.
The white cotton sheet rested just below his hips, taunting me, begging me to crawl back into that bed next to him. My eyes slowly traveled up along the muscles of his chest, gradually stopping when I reached his handsome face. My heart ached as I looked at him sleeping so soundly, the burden that he carried with him every second of the day had seemed to melt away. Lying there with his face free from his dark thoughts, he actually looked peaceful, almost vulnerable. I wanted to curl up next to him and hold him close. I wanted to try to keep the demons from finding their way back to him.
“How long are you planning to stand there staring at me like that?” he grumbled with his eyes barely squinting open. Damn. The spell was broken.
“Well, you ruined it. For a minute there, you actually looked kind of sweet.”
“Nothing about me is sweet, Slick,” he smirked.
“Why don’t you go back to sleep, and let me enjoy Sweet Maverick for a little while longer?” I teased, but he wasn’t in the mood for it. “What time is it, Henley?” he demanded.
I looked over at the clock and told him, “8:30.”
He closed his eyes and growled under his breath. For a second, I thought he was going to do like I suggested and sleep longer, but instead, he threw the covers back and sat at the edge of the bed. He dropped his head into his hands and rested his elbows on his knees, letting out a low, deep sigh.
“How much longer is the drive?” I asked apprehensively.
“We’ll get there late tonight, but we need to get rolling,” he said as he stood up and headed towards the bathroom. He stopped at the doorway and glanced back at me, lost in a thoughtful gaze. After a few seconds, he said, “I slept better last night than I have in months, even though you’re like sleeping next to a damn heating pad. Hell, I’m surprised that I don’t have third degree burns after lying next to you all night.” I noticed just a glimmer of a smile creeping across his face before he closed the door behind him. Damn, I loved that smile… it’s going to be the end of me.
I was already dressed and ready to go by the time Maverick had the car loaded. I knew he was in a rush, but I was in dire need of a cup of coffee. “So, how about some breakfast before we go?”
“Drive through,” was all he said as he started the engine.
I’d already given up any hopes for pancakes and bacon, so I said, “Cool beans.”
After we grabbed something to eat, it was several hours before we stopped again, and that was only to get more gas. The long drive was killing me. It would be different if Maverick would actually talk to me, but he just sat there stewing in his thoughts. I wanted to know what was going on in that head of his, but I was afraid I’d set him off. When I had finally worked up the courage, I asked him, “How’d you get the name Maverick?”
“Cotton.”
“Okay… but why Maverick?” I pushed.
“He used to watch reruns of some old show called Maverick. He thought the guy reminded him of me,” he said, looking over in my direction. “I’ve always stood up for what I believe in, even when it would be easier to just let things go.”
“I like it. I think it suits you.” I finally had him talking so I thought I would push a little further. “Are you going to tell me why we are going to Tennessee?”
“I have some papers to sign.”
“Couldn’t they just fax them to you or something?”
“No.” One word. That’s all I got, so I kept trying.
“Will I get to meet your brother while we’re there?”
“Probably.”
“Does he have a delightful personality like his brother?” I taunted. Surely one of them knew how to have a decent conversation.
He looked over to me with a smirk and said, “Of course.”
That smile! I’d do just about anything to keep that smile on his face. I felt like I was getting somewhere, so I just kept talking. “Good to know. How about the others? Is this MC club like yours?”
“They’re different,” he clipped.
“How?” I prodded.
“Just different… safer, but a club nonetheless.”
“By safer I’d assume that you mean they don’t deal in illegal activities, so there are less threats to deal with?” When he didn’t reply, I kept talking. “I guess that would make it easier. I mean not having to worry about who’s waiting to take you down at every corner must have its advantages.” The muscles in his throat began to twitch letting me know that it was time for me to redirect. “Cassidy says they have a lake there.”
“Yeah, their club is just a few miles from the water.”
“That would be so cool. I’d love to have a place where I could sit out on a big wide porch and drink my cup of coffee while I looked out over the water. Perfect way to start the day.” Just the thought of a place like that made me wonder what I was going to do after college. After two more classes, I would be graduating, and I really had no idea what I was going to do. I’d always dreamed of being a graphic designer – creating images that could be seen all over the world. Now, I found myself wondering if Maverick would have a place in my life when this thing was all over. What did his future hold and would
I be a part of it somehow? It was silly for me to even think about it. We barely knew each other. It was ridiculous, but a part of me liked the thought of having him in my life.
“If anyone could manage to get a place like that, it’d be you,” Maverick said, pulling me from my thoughts.
I wondered about that remark. It seemed like a real compliment, but I didn’t respond. Instead, I sat there in silence, looking out the window wishing we’d hurry up and pass the Tennessee state line. When the minutes rolled into an hour, I finally just closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.
I woke up when Maverick nudged me with his elbow and said, “We’re almost there. It’s late, so we’re just going to stay at the club tonight.”
“Okay,” I yawned with a deep breath, trying to pull myself awake. I was too tired to get nervous about meeting a bunch of new people, but I did have enough sense to know that I needed to brush out my hair and fix the mascara smudges from under my eyes. Just as I finished making myself look half-way presentable, he pulled through a small gate and stopped in front of the Devil Chaser’s clubhouse. It was much smaller than Maverick’s club, but even in the dark, I could tell that it was a really cool place. It had a rustic feel to it, and I couldn’t wait to see what it looked like inside.
“Most of the guys aren’t here, so it should be a pretty quiet night.”
When I opened my car door and finally stood up and stretched wide, the muscles in my legs cried out in relief. “At this point, I don’t care if Satan himself is in there. I’m just glad to be out of that damn car.”
Chapter 15
Maverick
‡
I WASN’T IN the mood to search for another hotel room, so I was relieved when Bishop gave me the okay to stay at the club tonight. He was already expecting me, but wasn’t aware that Henley had come along. After asking a hundred damn questions, he finally agreed to let us both stay. I didn’t blame him for being concerned. Bishop’s the president of the club, and he’d worked hard to protect his brothers and their families. Having Henley with me made him apprehensive, but I assured him that we’d be gone as soon as I signed the adoption papers.
When I opened the door for Henley, I was surprised to see Courtney and Bobby sitting at the bar. I put my arm around Henley’s waist, nudging her forward. I hadn’t really had time to prepare her for Court, but I had a feeling that she could hold her own.
“Well, if it isn’t Mr. Serious himself,” Courtney called out as we walked over to them. “It’s good to see you, stranger. Lily told us you were coming in tonight, but she didn’t say that you were bringing your girlfriend.”
“It’s good to see you, Courtney. Been awhile. Have you been keeping yourself out of trouble?” I said laughing.
“Always!” she replied, trying to sound defensive. She motioned her head over in my direction and said, “He’s a great guy. You know, once you get past all that broody moody stuff.” She extended her hand out to Henley and said, “I’m Courtney, and this is my fiancé, Bobby.”
Henley looked over to me, waiting for me to correct Courtney’s girlfriend comment from earlier, and when I didn’t, she said, “I’m Henley. It’s nice to meet you both, and I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one that calls him out on his grim disposition.”
“Tell me about it. It takes an act of Congress just to get the man to smile,” Courtney laughed.
“Well, some things never change. Crack Nut, get your woman to behave,” I teased. “Mind if I grab a beer?”
“Brother, it looks like you could use more than one. Grab us both a couple,” he said smiling.
I reached in the cooler, grabbing us each a beer, and then sat down next to Bobby. “Bishop still around?”
“He had to go check on Tessa. She’s had some trouble with the pregnancy, and they put her on bedrest for a couple of weeks. But before he left, he said for y’all to take one of the empty rooms. There’s one down the hall. Second door on your right.”
“Appreciate it,” I told him, before Courtney started rambling on. She talked nonstop about school, the wedding, and me. She hadn’t changed a bit since the last time I was here. When I had to lay low, the Devil Chasers opened their doors to me, on the condition that I helped them out with Courtney. They’d had some trouble with a rival MC gang that was trying to come into their territory, and they’d needed me to keep an eye on her. It gave me a chance to get to know them all, and I got to spend some extra time with John Warren. When everything went to hell back at home with Tony and his thugs, I had to return. Fortunately, things with the DC’s were resolved shortly after I left.
Bobby and I listened to them carry on as we all drank several beers, and I was surprised that Henley never mentioned that we weren’t a couple. Instead, she played along with the idea, letting them both think that she was mine. Even telling Courtney all about the pranks she’d pulled over the past few weeks, somehow making our relationship seem… real. They continued to talk and drink as Bobby told me about some of the new bikes they had been renovating, and how Gavin had been a great addition to their crew.
We’d been there talking for almost an hour, and we were all feeling the effects of the alcohol. It was good to see Courtney and Bobby again, and I was glad they were both doing so well. As Henley continued to talk, she nestled herself into the crook of my arm like it was something she had always done. Without thinking, I rested my hand on her hip and pulled her closer to me. It felt right having her there next to me, calming me, making me feel human for the first time in so long. She turned her head back to look at me, and when her eyes met mine, I couldn’t stop myself from leaning down and pressing my lips against hers. The feel of her mouth against mine made the blood rush to my cock, instantly fueling my need to have her – all of her. She slowly turned her body facing me, pressing her hips against my growing bulge. I traced her bottom lip with my tongue, and when she opened up to me, I completely forgot that we weren’t alone.
We were still locked in our embrace when Bobby announced, “I think that’s our cue to head home, Court.” He laughed as he stood up to leave, taking Courtney by the hand and leading her towards the door.
“I’ll see you two love-birds tomorrow,” Courtney shouted just before the door closed behind them.
Henley placed her hands on my chest, pulling herself away just long enough to say, “Where’s our room?”
I didn’t hesitate, didn’t think about the consequences. I just took her hand and led her down the hall. As soon as I shut the door behind us, I said, “Are you sure about this?” I prayed that she hadn’t changed her mind. I wanted her… craved her. Without me even realizing it, this woman had turned my world upside down and made me want… more.
“Absolutely,” she said as she lifted herself up on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me closer as she pressed her lips against mine. The kiss instantly became heated, intensifying my need for her. I took several steps forward until Henley’s back was pressed against the wall. My hands slid down to her ass, lifting her off the ground as I grinded my throbbing cock against her. Her legs instinctively made their way around my waist, and the heat of her body set me on fire. An overwhelming need to extinguish the burn had me struggling to contain my craving for her. I’d never wanted anyone as much I as wanted her in that moment. My lips left her mouth, and slowly traveled down her long slender neck. Henley moaned with pleasure as her fingers raked through my hair and down the back of my neck. Her hips rocked against me, making my cock grow harder, prying against the zipper of my jeans.
“I’ve imagined having you like this, Henley. Your hot little body pressed against the wall while I fucked you,” I whispered as her fingertips clawed at the back of my shirt, lifting it over my head. “You’ve thought about it, too. Haven’t you? Feeling my cock inside you, fucking you until your body collapses around me?”
“Yes! Yes!” she cried out. “Please, Maverick.” My mind flashed red at the sound of my road name coming from her lips. At any other time, it woul
dn’t have mattered. She’d called me Maverick a thousand times, but in that moment, something was different. I needed to hear her call me by my name.
“Logan,” I corrected her. “Whenever we’re alone, when I have my mouth on you,” I whispered as I nipped at her neck. I reached down between her legs and pressed firmly against the fabric of her white shorts and whispered, “my fingers inside of you, or,” a deep moan vibrated through her chest as I ground my cock against her, “when I’m fucking you senseless with my cock, I want to hear you crying out my name.”
“Logan,” she whimpered as the warmth of her breath swept across my neck. I’d never felt like this before. I’d never wanted something so much. She was more than I ever imagined, and it was impossible to resist her. I eased her shirt over her head, exposing her perfect round tits. I couldn’t wait to get them in my mouth, feeling her squirm beneath me while I explored every inch of her body.
With her legs still wrapped around my waist, I carried her over to the edge of the bed. She lowered her feet to the floor, and slowly reached behind her back, removing her pink, lace bra. She didn’t shy away from me when I watched her breasts fall free from the lace fabric, taunting me, begging for my mouth. She was absolutely stunning, but I wanted to see more of her – all of her.
“I want to see all of you, Henley.” She eagerly released the buttons of her shorts and let them drop to the floor. With her eyes locked on mine, she stepped out of them, leaving her sandals behind. She stood before me wearing only a pink pair of lacy panties. Fuck me… she was gorgeous.
“All of it, Henley.”