Finding Reason (Breaking Free Series Book 3)

by Becca Taylor

  “I’m going for a swim. Care to join me?” Why did I just ask him that? The whole point is to get distance. Yet there he is, kicking off his shoes, and I’m looking forward to being alone with him.

  “Ready,” he states.

  Side by side, we walk out to the water, and I’m unsure of what to do. Hunter makes the decision for me when he takes my hand in his. I don’t think I’ve held hands with a guy since high school. It feels … nice.

  “How was your breakfast?” Hunter brings me out of my thoughts.

  “It was good. How was your meeting with Jeremy?” Apparently, he makes me uneasy and unable to engage in small talk. I’m usually witty, quick on my feet with responses, but with him, I can’t seem to be my normal self unless I’m flirting

  “Good. Lex?”

  I look up at him but can’t seem to keep eye contact.

  “Are we good?”

  We’re thigh deep in the Gulf, at least I am. To stall a little, I dive in to think of an answer. He follows my lead. I swim further out, but I know he’s close behind. From under the water, hands grip my leg, pulling me back to him. I emerge from the water, breathless.

  “You didn’t answer my question yet, Dolce.”

  I literally melt in his grasp when he calls me that; it’s really unfair. A man says one word in a different language, and I turn to putty in his arms. One positive thing, though, is that his arms are big and sexy as hell. He pulls my gaze back to his, waiting for my answer.

  “Yes, Hunter, we are good.”

  “Talk to me, Lex. What’s going on in that head of yours?”

  How do I explain something I’m not even sure about? “I’ve never been exclusive before, Hunter.”

  “And I’ve never really done the single life before. It’s not like I’m asking you to wear my ring. I’m just asking you not to write me off again.” He grips under my thighs, and my legs instantly wrap around him.

  “I didn’t write you off. I just … took a break. I don’t do intense.”

  He smirks as he grinds himself against me. “Was last night with me too much?”

  “Dammit, Hunter. Stop doing that and, yes, this morning was intense. Yet, at the same time, it wasn’t enough.”

  He squeezes my ass as he grinds me to him again. “Are your friends watching us? Does that turn you on?”

  It does. I look back at the beach, but they have left. The beach is deserted. It’s the heat of the day, and no one can be seen for miles.

  “They’re gone,” I whisper in his ear and give it a teasing nip. His hands squeeze my ass tighter.

  “Do that again.” His fingers easily untie the one side of my bikini bottoms. He undoes the Velcro on his shorts and lowers them just enough to let himself spring free. His eyes seek mine, asking a silent question.

  My answer is simple. “Yes.”

  He takes his time entering me. It’s equal part torture and ecstasy. Neither of us says a word as he moves me up and down his length. He stills deep inside me; I hold tighter around his neck and take over the motion. Each circle of my hips brings me closer to the edge.

  “Is this too intense, Dolce?”

  “I have a feeling you can’t do any less.”

  “If it’s too much, tell me. It will kill me, but I’ll stop.”

  “Don’t you dare stop.”

  Hunter brings his lips to mine. It’s not a sexy kiss. It’s desperate, much like our need for each other. He breaks the kiss and looks at the beach. It’s still quiet. One of his hands drops from my waist, as the other holds me and stops me from falling. He reaches between us and presses his finger against me. The roll of my hips is enough that he doesn’t have to do anything. With my eyes focused on his, I can’t control my release. It breaks free, and I want to scream. The second I feel the first pulse of his own release, he slams his mouth to mine. Our moans quieted by our kiss.

  Once the high is gone, he lowers me to my feet. Hunter takes care of me first by retying my bathing suit. After adjusting his shorts, he pulls me in for another kiss.

  “Take a ride with me next weekend, Lex.”

  “Hunter, I don’t do dates. I only do casual.”

  “Who said anything about a date? It’s just a ride, Lex. I think that’s as casual as it gets.”

  “Okay, but you have to feed me at some point. Especially if it leads to this.”

  I can handle it not being a date. Just fun.

  “I can agree to that. A ride and food. But, Lex, that makes it more than casual.”

  “I know; you seem to make me want to live on the edge. I’m not making any promises.”

  “Got it. No promises.” He playfully slaps my ass when I turn away.

  We head back to the beach. The girls left me a text saying they went back to the house, and they would talk to me soon. Hunter walks me to my car, but instead of opening the door, he presses me against it, giving me one more kiss to remember him by.

  “I’ll see you next week on our not date.”

  He winks, turns, and jogs back to the beach. Wondering what the heck got into me out there, I get in the car.

  Hunter. That’s what.

  He’s making me rethink my whole ‘I don’t date’ rule.

  MY SCHEDULE IS about to blow up, and I love it. I’ve never been one to enjoy just sitting around. The need to be constantly active is in my nature. Jeremy let me know the permits came through, and we’ll be starting construction tomorrow. I’ll spend five of my mornings at Butter My Bread throughout the lunch shift, and then I’ll head straight to the jobsite to work on the house. Any days off will be used to work at the construction job or my house.

  The big charity event is coming up soon, and it was announced that Slither would be the headline band. Since we don’t want to suck, we’ll be practicing more than usual. Rehearsal is tonight at Jeremy’s house. His is the only place we can practice any time of the day without pissing off the neighbors. The man is constantly working with power tools, so after one too many complaints, he bought acreage and built a soundproof area where we could play.

  Our focus tonight is to throw out some songs and put together a new set. Rich’s one request is that we are loud and energetic. The setting is an outdoor park area. During the day, they will cater to the families. Nighttime is when the adults will come out to enjoy the fun, giving us free rein of music.

  Over pizza and beer, we come up with some new material. Each of us voices our song choices, and this time, I want to showcase my talent—something we’ve never done before. Bentley is the singer for a reason. His vocals are sick and draw the crowd’s attention in with a single note. Caleb comes in a close second, and he usually sings a song or two. Occasionally, Kat joins us on stage. She brings beauty to the group. Jeremy draws the women’s attention with his pretty-boy looks and his energy when he plays his guitar. I’m hidden behind my kit and keep the group in line.

  “You sure about this?” Bentley asks me.

  “Wouldn’t have said it if I wasn’t up for the challenge,” I tell him with all the confidence in the motherfucking world.

  For the next hour, we play our hearts out. We always do. No matter if it’s just the four of us or a huge crowd. To this day, I get a rush whenever we get on stage together. Hell, I get the same rush even as we play in the room now.

  “Same time next week,” Caleb says, more as a statement than a question. We all agree to a time.

  As everyone leaves, I hang back to map out the week with Jeremy. He wants to make sure I can put in the time I’ve agreed to. I already worked it out, and Butter My Bread has enough help for me to step back some. “I can handle it.”

  “I’ve been thinking of getting more serious with Dee,” Jeremy says out of nowhere. I didn’t know they were serious.

  “How serious? You going to ask her to go steady?” I joke.

  “Shut up, asswipe. No, I bought a ring for her. Just not sure when I want to pop the question. She’s been traveling a lot more and may have to leave for a few months.” He pulls the b
ox out of his pocket and shows me the rock he bought.

  “Business must be going better than you are telling me. That’s some ring.”

  “Well, my furniture has been selling pretty well.”

  “You deserve it, man. You work hard. I’m happy for you. Deanna’s a good woman.” I give him a one-armed man-hug in congratulations.

  Straddling my bike, I start the engine with a kick of my foot. I laugh as I ride, thinking how my boys seem to be settling down and how my life is the opposite of theirs now. They had fun with women and never attached themselves to any of them until the perfect one showed up for each of them; it was like a domino effect, one after another they all fell. I pick up my speed, just enjoying the freedom for once. Taking everything day by day.

  OF ALL THE days, they picked today to deliver our tiles late. Both Jeremy and I had to stay and unload it. I rush home from work to get ready for tonight. There is enough time for a quick shower. I put on my favorite jeans, a white t-shirt, throw a button up shirt over it, and lace up my boots. Before grabbing my jacket, I spray some of that cologne that girls seem to love then head out to pick up my non-date for the evening.

  I’ve planned the whole evening in my head: a nice long ride, food at a local hidden spot, a nightcap at her house, and home. I turn into Lexi’s driveway. I don’t even get a chance to turn off the engine before she comes running down her front steps. Her red hair bounces as she moves. The black top she is wearing sits on only one shoulder, leaving the other exposed, and has me wanting to bite that exposed skin. As she comes closer, I can see the sides of it are shredded and held together with knots. And I want to undo each one. The jeans she’s wearing look specially made for her, showing off all her curves. Again, she’s wearing killer boots, and I think they would look even better wrapped around my neck. In her arm, she’s carrying a lightweight leather jacket, perfect for riding. Gracefully, she slides her arms inside the jacket when she stops in front of me. I don’t care what she says. It’s a fucking date.

  “Hey,” Lexi says. I sense nervousness from her.

  I pull her close, needing to touch her for a moment. “Hi. Ready to go?”

  She nods her head. From my saddlebag, I grab the extra helmet and place it on her head. It takes me no more than a minute to adjust the strap to fit her. To help her climb on behind me, I reach out my hand. She wraps her arms around my waist. Already, I love that I chose to bring my bike. I give her arm a quick squeeze, letting her know we are heading out.

  Lexi belongs behind me. Her body molds to mine; the grip she has around my waist is equal parts firm and relaxed. The way she moves with me on the turns tells me this is not her first time riding. For a second, that bothers me, but in the long run, it's better.

  Gabby hated my motorcycle. We’d get as far as the end of the road before she’d make me turn around to pick up the truck. It was probably for the better. She was screaming in my ear the entire thirty seconds.

  The traffic light turns yellow. As we stop, her hands move to my thighs, and I mimic the movement with my one hand. I move my hand in an up-and-down motion, enjoying touching her. She leans a little more on my back, relaxing against me. When the light goes back to green, I give her thigh a quick squeeze. She places her hands back around me but keeps her head where it is. It feels good.

  Purposely, I take the long way to Mallet's Crab Shack. It's a local hangout for people who like to ride, but you can't beat the food or atmosphere. I line my bike up with others along the back of the lot. I remove my helmet and put it on the handlebars before offering my hand to Lexi. She wraps her tiny fingers around mine then climbs off from behind me. After removing her helmet, she shakes out her hair, looking sexy as sin as she does it. Right now, I want to say fuck it and pull her in for a kiss, but that would make this a date.

  "I've never been here before. How did you find this place?" she asks as she hands me her helmet. I bought it with her in mind. Black with a touch of bright pink and orange flames; it reminded me of both her hair and her fire.

  I step off my bike before answering her. "A buddy of mine told me about it. A friend of his owns it. Freshest seafood in town."

  I place my hand on her back, leading her to the front door. When I open it for her, she smiles up at me, and I'm a goner. Her full lips draw me in again, tempting me.

  "Who knew you were such a gentleman."

  I scout the place for an open table and spot Rich. He waves us over. People say I'm big; Rich, however, is a beast. He slaps me on the back in greeting and then takes Lexi's hand in his. When he pulls that hand to his lips, I pull her back to me. This may not be an official date, but she's here with me. Rich, the bastard, gives me a knowing smirk.

  "I know you," Lexi says. "You own that tattoo shop that Kat and I went to."

  If possible, Rich stands taller. He takes pride in his shop. "That would be me. We have a few extra chairs. Care to join us?"

  I let Lexi make the decision for us. She follows Rich to a table with four other people. Before I can, he pulls out the chair next to him for Lexi to sit down. As soon as I sit, I pull her chair closer to mine, letting him know to back off.

  "What are you doing?" Lexi questions.

  I lean down by her ear, letting her know. "You may not be my date, but you are here with me. I'm just staking my claim."

  "By pulling my chair closer to you?"

  I nod. Then she moves her chair even closer and puts her hand on my leg. It's time for me to puff out my chest, as I move my arm and drape it over her exposed shoulder. Rich holds his hands up in surrender. He finally takes the time to introduce the guys and one girl we are sitting with. I’ve seen them here before.

  Rich calls the waitress over, and he pulls her on his lap when she comes. “This is Jasmine. She’ll be taking care of us and only us tonight.”

  She stands, and he gives a little slap to her ass. Tapping his cheek, he waits for his kiss.

  From the back, Mallet yells, “Keep your hands off my staff.”

  Lexi looks at me. I shake my head in a ‘don’t ask’ way. This is a regular occurrence at what we call The Shack.

  Jasmine looks directly at Lexi. “Don’t let these men fool you. They act all big and tough, but they are nothing but softies inside. What can I get you, sweetie?”

  Lexi asks for a beer, and I stick to water. The menu is a simple two-sided piece of laminated paper. One side shows lunch options, the other, dinner. I hand it to Lexi because I already know what I want: jumbo lump crab sandwich on a fresh focaccia roll.

  “What’s good here?” Lexi asks. I’ve tried everything that Mallet makes, and I have no favorite.

  In unison, the table shouts, “Everything.”

  Bear orders every appetizer listed for the table, along with another round of drinks. Lexi chooses the fish tacos with Mallet’s homemade mango salsa. Once she hears what I’m ordering, she suggests we share, since what I ordered was her second choice.

  Willow, the other girl sitting with us, quickly switches seats with Rich and strikes up a conversation with Lexi. Curiously, Lexi asks how everyone met. I met Rich back in school; we didn’t hang out much, but he was a stand-up guy, even back then. After he did my first tattoo, I never would go to anyone else. He’s the best around.

  Lexi leans close. “Did he do your other work?” She glances down at my jeans. Rich notices and laughs, knowing exactly what she was asking.

  “Hell, no. I wouldn’t touch that. We have a girl who does the piercings.” Rich makes a disgusted look.

  There is no way I would let him touch my junk either.

  “You entrusted some strange woman with your most prized body part?” Lexi jokes.

  “Jealous?” I ask her.

  “Of what? She poked a needle through your dick. There’s nothing to be jealous of. In fact, I should probably thank her for taking such good care of you.”

  The table erupts in laughter.

  Jasmine comes back with enough food to feed everyone in the restaurant. Thankfully, the attent
ion turns to eating and away from my body. After dessert, we call it a night. I shake everyone’s hand, while Lexi gives each of the men a kiss on the cheek, telling them how much she enjoyed listening to their stories. It’s easy to see why everyone is drawn to her. She has that spark that makes her shine. She and Willow make plans to get together at some point in the near future.

  We head out to my bike, and Lexi thanks me for dinner. It’s getting late. I know I should take her home, but I’m not ready for the night to be over yet.

  “Can we take the long way home? It’s nice out tonight, and who knows when I’ll get to take a ride on a motorcycle again,” Lexi asks me.

  This time, as we ride home, she talks through the microphone I have linked in the helmets. I ask her when her first ride was. She tells me about her grandfather and how he took her for a ride on a motorcycle as soon as her arms could reach around him to hold on. I tell her about my mom, and how she taught me how to cook. Anything she asks, I answer without hesitating. The only time I do waver is when she invites me in.

  “I would come in if this was a date, but since it’s not, I’d better head home.”

  “Are you sure? I’d totally let you cop a feel, if you asked nicely,” Lexi whispers by my ear.

  “Tell you what. You say yes to a real date, and I’ll put out then,” I reply, trying to keep it together. Because I’m ready to take her right here on my bike, but I want her to agree first.

  “Okay.”

  “Okay what, Lex?”

  “Yes, I’ll go on a real date with you.”

  In one quick movement, I pull her back and over my bike. She’s sitting in front of me, her thighs over mine. Reaching behind her neck, I pull her lips to mine. The kiss is nowhere near where I want it to be, but I purposely hold back. I want her to crave me come the next time we go out. When I pull away from her, she whimpers.

  I get off my bike to help her back on her feet. She heads for the front stairs but turns back when I tell her, “Next weekend. I’ll pick you up at six. Dinner and a movie.”