Against the Rules (Liberty Cove Book 1)

by Julia Black

  He stared at me, those blue eyes wreaking havoc in my chest. “Go to her.”

  I started. “What?”

  “You barely had time with her today, and you just cooked this great meal for us. Let me do something in return. Go be with her while she brushes her teeth, help her change into her pajamas, and read a very long story for her. Meanwhile, I’ll organize the kitchen. Deal?”

  That was not the answer I expected from him. “W-why?”

  He shrugged. “Do you always question when someone wants to do something nice for you?”

  “For the last five years, yes.”

  With a small smile, he shook his head once. Then caught my shoulders and pushed me away. “Go. Take care of your girl.”

  I didn’t know what his endgame was, but was he trying to bribe me? Score points? It wouldn’t work. But … spending a few more minutes with my baby and not having to organize the kitchen by myself sounded like heaven.

  I let a thankful smile show in my lips. “Thanks.”

  ***

  Josh

  To be honest, I had no idea why I was doing this. Because she had taken the time to cook a nice meal for us? Because it warmed my cold heart to see them both together? I didn’t know, and right now, I didn’t question it.

  Instead, I just rinsed the dishes, put them in the dishwasher, scooped the leftover rice and chicken and green salad into plastic containers, put them in the fridge. Next, I found a broom and swept the kitchen’s floor, then found a Lysol and wiped the counters.

  I stepped back from the kitchen, inspecting it to see if I had forgotten anything. Nope, it looked all right.

  Satisfied, I turned around to leave the apartment.

  Kiera stood outside of Luana’s bedroom, her arm crossed, narrowed eyes on me. “You didn’t have to do that.”

  Why did she looked so beautiful when mad? She had ditched her shoes the moment we entered her apartment, but she still had her work clothes—skinny black pants and light blue blouse which accentuated the color of her eyes. Damn if she wasn’t a vision.

  I shrugged. “I wanted to.”

  “Why are you doing this?”

  “Because I wanted to,” I repeated.

  “That’s not the only thing I meant.” She took two steps forward, then stopped again. “I mean … everything. Why did you accept Luana’s invitation, why did you let her bring you in here, why do you play with her, and why spending time with her, with me?”

  “Perhaps I want to be friends.”

  She didn’t answer, but I knew she caught on my bullshit. Being friends was what I told my brain, but my body, the same one that was begging me to reach over and pull her to me, said something else.

  She came into the kitchen, grabbed a beer bottle, and offered it to me. I stared at the beer, wary. “You’re med a student, which means you’re smart, and you’re probably good with biology. Right?”

  “Wait … what?”

  “I have a project due next weekend for my biology class and I’m stuck. My professor is away for the week, so I can’t get a hold of him.” She turned around and picked up a wine glass from the cabinets. “I could use the help.”

  My eyes traveled down her back, pausing for a long time on her ass. It looked so round and firm in her skinny pants—I knew her ass was round and firm. I had touched it, I had squeezed it. And I wanted to do it again. My cock twitched and I gritted my teeth. Fuck. I blinked, trying to focus on what she was talking about, but when she turned back to me with her full wine glass, I stared at her beautiful face, and I felt lost again.

  “Josh?”

  I shook my head once. “Yes, I can help you with it.”

  “Cool.” She walked past me and gestured to the dining table. “You can take a seat there. I’m gonna get my things.”

  I watched as she strolled into her bedroom, and it took all my fucking strength not to follow her there. I raked my hand through my hair, let out a long breath, then marched to the dining table. I plopped down a chair, and tried to adjust my hard on inside my jeans. Fuck, this hurt.

  Being near her like this and not touching her hurt.

  She was right. What was I doing here? Hadn’t I established she wasn’t for me? We wouldn’t get involved, we wouldn’t have sex again, and I didn’t do the whole friendship thing. That had been just my stupidity talking. I had only a handful of friends and we weren’t even that close.

  I pushed against the table, determined to leave, but then Kiera appeared from her bedroom, a laptop, a notepad, and pens in her arms. However, what caught my attention was the fact that she had changed from her work clothes to dark blue yoga pants and a white tank top. She had changed her fucking clothes just a room away from me.

  I closed my eyes for a moment, reminding me that she slept only a couple of walls from me. She showered, stark naked, just a couple of walls from me.

  Fuck my life.

  She dropped her things on the table with a loud thud, making me open my eyes.

  She took a chair beside me, and opened her laptop.

  “So,” she started, turning the laptop to me. “Here are the details of the project.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Kiera

  I didn’t like Luana spending the night away. Actually, she had only had sleepovers three times so far, and they all had been in the last year. Tonight would be the fourth time.

  Mercedes’ niece, Gloria, was visiting with her twin girls who were just a couple of months older than Luana. They had been playing together all day long, which was actually nice, since I was able to catch up on sleep and school work. I joined them for an hour here and there, just to check in on them, but Luana didn’t seem to miss me. It made me proud of her and also sad—my baby girl was growing up and didn’t need her mommy all the time anymore.

  At night, they ganged up on me, begging for Luana to spend the night there. How could I say no? Besides, my apartment was a huge mess. I could use the free night to organize the mess and clean it from floor to ceiling.

  It would be a long night, but sooner or later, it would have to be done. Better tonight, while I was childless.

  So, I donned cropped yoga pants and a tank top, tied my hair into a high ponytail, put on some loud music, poured myself some wine, and got to work.

  It was ten at night, almost three hours later, when I carried two big trash bags downstairs. The warm breeze of late August kissed my damp skin, and I took in a lungful of fresh air, before turning the building’s corner and finding the fake brick wall that hid the large trash containers.

  I threw the bags away and considered walking once to the park and back, just to enjoy this beautiful night.

  I turned the corner, going back toward the apartment and ran right into someone.

  “Ow …”

  I stumbled back, and, even though I didn’t think I would fall, hands closed around my elbows.

  “Are you okay?” Josh asked.

  His chest—his naked, glistening with sweat, ripped chest—was right in my face. I gulped down and took one large step back, making him let go of my arms and forcing myself to look at his face instead.

  Not his chest. Not his chest. Not his delicious chest.

  A lopsided grin adorned his full lips. “Kiera?”

  “Yes. Yes, I’m okay.” I frowned, still fighting with my own eyes so they wouldn’t dart away. Or better, down, right to his incredible body. “What are you doing?”

  He wrapped his hand on the discarded t-shirt across his shoulder. “I was running.” He gestured down to his feet, and I allowed my eyes to travel down, very slowly, taking in every inch of his hot, hot body. Oh, yes, look at that. He had gym shorts and running sneakers on.

  “This late?”

  “It was the only time I had. This week, I’m running either at ten at night, or six in the morning.”

  “Jesus …”

  “Speaking of which … you didn’t take Luana to get her cast yesterday.”

  I averted my eyes. “I did. Early in the morning,
before my shift started.” To avoid you, which seems kind of impossible.

  “I see …” His tone was harsh. I glanced back at him just as he looked down at me, at my body, making me feel self-conscious. I tugged at my ponytail, wishing I had left the apartment a little more presentable. “And what are you doing here?”

  I pointed to the garbage area behind us. “I’m cleaning the apartment.”

  He nodded. “While Luana sleeps.”

  “I don’t know. I hope she’s sleeping.”

  He frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “She’s having a sleepover at Mercedes.”

  The frown fled and a new shine, a very dangerous shine fell over his eyes. “So you’re alone.”

  It wasn’t a question.

  I lifted my chin, determined to not let his hotness, his maleness sway my resolve of keeping him away from me. Of having him as a friend, and nothing more. “I am.”

  “And you’re doing what on your night off?” He made quote marks with his index fingers.

  Heat of embarrassment flooded my cheeks, and I let out a silly chuckle. “I’m cleaning the apartment. I’m twenty-two, and I’m cleaning and doing laundry on a Saturday night. See how pathetic my life is?”

  He stared at me so, so serious. “I don’t think your life is pathetic at all.” I sucked in a sharp breath. “I think you’re a great mother, and a great woman, who is doing the best she can, and let me tell you, you’re doing an amazing job.”

  This time the heat that spread through my cheeks wasn’t due to embarrassment. And, with the intensity of his gaze still locked on mine, the heat traveled down my chest, through my stomach, to the middle of my thighs. Holy shit.

  “Don’t say that,” I whispered, taking a step back.

  “Why? Besides not being used to people doing nice things for you, you aren’t used to compliments either?” he asked. I averted my eyes and didn’t answer. “You aren’t. I should know.” He took one step toward me—much larger than mine, bringing us too close together—put a finger under my chin and lifted my head so I was looking into his eyes. “Let me tell you again. Kiera, you’re doing an amazing job. I bet being a single mom is really hard sometimes , but you’re still going and fighting and you’re raising your kid right.” He paused. His gaze flicked to my lips for a brief moment and I sucked in a sharp breath. “You are amazing.”

  “Josh …”

  He leaned into me, and his manly scent mixed with his sweat intoxicated my senses. “You have no idea how much I want to kiss you right now,” he said, his voice low. His fingertip slid from my chin to my neck. I was melting, and there was nothing I could do about it.

  “I think I do,” I whispered.

  “Please, Kiera, tell me I can kiss you.” His hand closed around my nape. “I need to kiss you.” I didn’t answer him. Instead, I rose to my tiptoes and brushed my lips against his. He groaned. “I’m taking that as a yes.”

  Then he dove into me, his mouth capturing mine in a wild kiss. His lips were the perfect combination of soft and hard, and his tongue assaulted my mouth with fervor. I was still melting.

  I wrapped my arms around him and ran my fingers over the many muscles on his back. Oh my … I could spend an entire year just exploring his muscles, and I was sure it wouldn’t be enough. Damn, I wanted to explore all of him right now. I had to.

  I pulled away just enough to whisper, “Take me to your apartment.”

  ***

  Josh

  I led her inside my apartment and quickly locked the door. Then I lunged at her, wounding my arms around her hot body and claiming her luscious mouth with mine again. She was so fucking delicious.

  I wanted to take this slow—I had imagined it several times these past few days—but I couldn’t. The hunger, the need inside me were too much.

  Kissing her, teasing her tongue with mine, I guided her into my bedroom. Then I pushed her against the wall, pressing my body against hers, rubbing my hard on to her hips. She moaned. Damn, I had forgotten how insane her little sounds made me.

  I pulled back just so I could get rid of her tank top. Then I kissed her again, loving the way my chest felt against hers. There was just one thing in the way …

  Still kissing her, I snaked my hand up her back and unclasped her bra. She chuckled against my lips while I made quick work of getting rid of that piece of clothing, too. Then I glued my torso back on hers and, fuck, her breasts grazing against my chest was too fucking good.

  I didn’t want to stop kissing her, tasting her, touching her, but I hadn’t seen her entire body the first time we had had sex. Now, I wanted to.

  So I reached down and tugged on her pants. Understanding what I wanted, Kiera took over, and I stepped back while she slid out of her pants and panties.

  And I just stood there, gawking at the perfect woman in front of me. She was fucking stunning. Her breasts were perky and full, a slim waist and flat stomach, round hips, long, lean legs. My cock hurt as the desire flowed from every cell in my body and concentrated right there.

  A blush spread over her cheeks. “Are you just going to stare at me?”

  “Hell, no,” I said, advancing on her.

  I brushed my lips against hers, teased her with my tongue, but then I turned her around. She gasped as I splayed her hands on the wall and pressed my chest to her back, my cock poised at her ass.

  I pushed her hair to the side and inhaled deep, taking in as much of her cherry perfume as I could. That scent went well with her and it entice me to no end.

  She moaned as I closed my hands around her breasts. I played with her nipples, rolling my fingers over the hardened buds, and pinching gently. Letting out little gasps and moans, Kiera squirmed every two seconds, rubbing her ass onto my hard on, making it hurt more and more.

  I slid one of my hands down her stomach to her core. I teased her for a moment, rubbing my fingertips across her inner thighs, then slipped two fingers inside her. Kiera let out a hiss and bucked against my hand. Fuck, she was so fucking wet.

  I leaned my head on her shoulder, first planting a gentle kiss on her smooth skin, then biting it gently, all the while fucking her with my fingers.

  “Josh …” she whispered.

  I felt her core tightening around my fingers. To help relieve her ache, I slid my other hand down and rubbed her clit with my thumb.

  That was all it took. Kiera leaned back on me as she came, trembling her perfect little body against mine.

  I couldn’t take it anymore.

  As quickly as I could, I took off my running shorts and boxer, put a condom on, and adjusted myself behind her. She moaned as my cock grazed over her pussy.

  “Please,” she whispered, breathless.

  I leaned into her, pressing my chest on her back, and putting my mouth on her ear. “Please what?” I pushed hard around her entrance.

  She moaned again. “Fuck me, please.”

  Letting out something like a growl, I obliged her wishes and in one powerful stroke I filled her up, going as deep as humanly possible. Her walls were fucking tight and wet around me, and I shuddered.

  I bit her shoulder. “You feel so fucking good.”

  She pushed her ass back, toward me. “Move,” she hissed. “Oh, God, move.”

  This woman …

  Clasping her waist with my hands, I moved. I pulled my cock all the way out and pushed in, hard and deep. She gasped, but kept asking for more. And I gave her more. I pumped into her with all I had.

  Her eyes half-closed, Kiera threw her head back, surrendering to the pleasure. I trailed my lips along her neck, inhaling her sweet cheery perfume. Had she applied that perfume to clean her apartment? Or her smooth skin had soaked the scent permanently? It didn’t matter. All that mattered was that it drove me crazy—crazier. I nipped at her earlobe, and glided my hands from her waist to her round breasts. Her nipples were hard, and I couldn’t help gently pinching them. She let out a cry.

  This right here, being inside her, touching her, licking her …
it was too fucking much.

  I wouldn’t last long and I had to. I wanted to.

  I pulled out of her and, in one swift move, picked her up in my arms. She yelped, but didn’t complain as I carried her to my bed. Then I paused.

  My bed. My sheets. This woman with her perfect body, and her come hither smile.

  So fucking much.

  I crawled over her. She grazed her long nails over my chest and my stomach. Then she wrapped her hand around my cock and I bucked.

  “You like this?” she asked, her voice low, sensual.

  Fuck.

  I dropped my head to her, resting my forehead on hers. “You have your hands on me. What’s not to like?”

  She smiled and pumped her hand over my length once, twice, three times. Hissing, I closed my eyes, surrendering to the sensation. Then, surprising me, she slipped her other hand around my hip and tugged me closer. Still holding my cock, she guided me into her.

  “Fuck …” I whispered, completely gone.

  Kiera wound her legs around my waist, lifting her hips and pulling me even deeper. I tensed, knowing, feeling I wouldn’t last long. I wanted to, but there was nothing I could do, not with her. She was just too much for me.

  Kiera sank her nails on my back as I thrust into her with long, deep strokes. I felt as her entire body tensed. Knowing she was almost there made me pushed even harder into her. Holy fuck, how could this keep getting better and better?

  Then, Kiera stilled for a brief second. Her walls tightened around me as she came. I fought against it. I even pumped into her a couple more times, but I was a goner. The pleasure exploded deep inside me and took me over. I fell over her, joining her as we both trembled away the bliss.

  She kept her arms and legs wrapped around me for a long time, and I dared not to move, lest I spoil whatever was going on here.

  After a while, Kiera turned her face to mine and brushed her lips over mine. “That was even better than the first time.”