She pulled off and stroked me. “Please tell me you’re watching the time.” She was worried she’d be caught in the act and the possibility of it turned me on. That was the difference between us.
I pulled her head forward encouraging her to continue. “Don’t worry. It’s paid for. I left instructions for it to be left on the porch.”
She jerked her head away. “Why did you—you knew?” Her face fell and she got to her feet. “Am I that predictable?”
“I wouldn’t say that, but considering you’re okay with sexualizing our relationship and reducing it to that alone, well, I can’t help but think you’re a certain kind of woman.” I stood as her eyes flashed.
“Excuse me?”
“Well, I’m not the only one who makes assumptions. I mean, you actually think I’d go for this, I might as well play along.”
“What do you mean?” She wiped her mouth, suddenly repulsed by the taste of me.
“This! You turned what could be something special between us into a sex lesson.”
“Special? Between us?” She laughed. “You make it sound like we could have some perfect, loving relationship. I thought you’d be happy with this arrangement.”
“Happy? Why, because you’re fucking me?” I pounded my fist on the table. “Who’s the asshole now? You won’t be with me because you think I’m some womanizing player, but you’re the one refusing anything more and then calling me and wanting a hookup. We can fuck if you want, sure, but the sooner you understand that I want more from you than a piece of ass, the better off we’ll be.”
Her eyes flashed wide and her face was full of regret. “I didn’t think it mattered to you. I’ve heard about your reputation, seen the cars coming and going from your house, I know all about Meagan and what you did to her. Explain that! Make it something I can forgive enough to be with you.”
“Forgive? I think you better start worrying about where you get your information.” That had been the issue all along. Meagan had poisoned her against me and since there was a gag order after it went to trial, not many people knew of the outcome.
“I trust my source. How can you help every other person in this town, but not the woman who is carrying your child? Is that why you do it? Because of the guilt?” She was reaching and I had just about enough of her shit. But then her eyes soften. “It’s not too late to make it right, Tanner. I know there is goodness in you.”
Her hand fell upon my chest and I walked her back against the table. I was so angry and turned on that I wasn’t thinking about much more than taking her. I pushed her back across the flat top, her back landing with a thud atop the placemats, and then I spread her knees apart.
I sheathed my cock with the last condom in my wallet and tossed the wrapper on the floor. “Please.” Her face was full of anguish and I leaned down to her ear.
“Do you still want this?” I felt her hair brush against my face as she nodded. Good, she was going to get it.
She dragged a strangled breath from her lips and spoke, “Yes.”
“Good girl, Angel.” With that, I centered my cock at her slit and pushed into her tight slit.
She cried out. “I’m still tender from the first time.” I angled her hips and teased her little g-spot.
“You want me to go easy?” I worked my hips against her, dipping to her depths and to my surprise she shook her head.
She had no idea what she was getting into. I hitched her legs up over my arms and pounded her little slit so hard the table walked against the wall, banging and knocking a steady beat.
“Tanner,” she cried. Tears washed her cheeks but she was smiling and gripping at my hips as I worked her relentlessly and sure enough, her channel began to quake around me. It gripped my cock and pulsed so good around it milking my cock.
“I’m coming.” She panted through the words and then went limp beneath me. I brought her legs together up in the air and then turned her to rest on her right hip. She tightened up even more and I almost lost it right then and there. I eased up and edged my release, savoring the urge to come.
“I do want this, Tanner.” I looked down, and she met my eyes with such sincerity that it crippled me a little.
I thrust even harder and then pulled her up to her feet. I spun her around and she fell against the table, her soft round ass exposed to me. I was tempted to take it, that’d really show her a lesson, but I knew if I played my cards right, there would be no limits to our future and what I might do to her.
“Show me how much.” I buried deep inside her tight walls with one thrust and she pushed back against me as if she needed it deeper.
She never complained through any of it and that in itself was such a turn on.
Her head fell back and I gathered her hair into my hands and held it tight, pulling her hair back to give me some leverage. Then my balls tightened and my cock bucked inside her as it released into her depths.
I stilled behind her and then once the final drop had been spilled, I pulled out.
She stood up on weakened knees and then pulled up her panties and shorts. “You’re amazing.” I put away my cock and was back to being cold.
“Glad to be of service.” I straightened my shirt and she stepped closer, laying her head on my arm.
I gathered the bill and put my phone in my pocket and headed to the back door. “Wait you’re leaving?”
“Yeah, I think it’s for the best. I wouldn’t want you to get the wrong idea about things. But thanks for the sex.” I knew I was being crass, but she’d pushed me to it. The sex was as amazing as the first time, if not better, and I couldn’t help but want more, but she had a lot of reality to come to grips with.
She put her hands on her hips. “Is that all you have to say to me? Thanks for the sex?”
“Yeah, what would you have me say? This was your call, remember. This is what you chose.” She’d chosen wrong. “I think you have a little homework to do anyway. It’s all public record now. I think you’ll find it on the internet. Meagan couldn’t make it go away.” God knows she’d tried.
Nora crossed her arms and slid into a chair at the table. “If I’m wrong I’m sorry.” She threw out her hand.
“When you learn the truth, you can come over and apologize for real.” I turned and walked out.
Chapter 13
Nora
I couldn’t believe he was angry with me but I decided to follow his suggestion and look into what happened with Meagan. I took out my phone and looked up their names as I walked to the porch and found the pizza waiting. It might have been hotter when he left it, but as I opened the box and took out a slice, it tasted just as good.
It seemed there was a whole lot of news about the suit from the time it happened, but I’d somehow missed it. That wasn’t hard since I didn’t watch the news. There was enough depression in the world without the aid of the media, and I wasn’t letting it touch any part of my life.
I found a link to an article and read the header aloud. “Billionaire Baby Scare Hoax.” I skimmed the titles and read through a few of the articles but that first headline had been the gist of it all. Meagan had lied. She’d gotten pregnant by another man and tried to pin it on Tanner. Paternity tests had confirmed it. I sank into my chair. How could I have been so wrong? I’d just assumed and taken her word. Was I that afraid of being hurt?
I wanted to run to him, but before I could gather myself my phone rang. I was hopeful it was Tanner, but it was just Harper. “Hey, Sis.”
“Hey, you. What was that name of the doctor you wanted me to call about space in his office?” I’d told my sister she should find a way to practice in town so she could move home.
“It’s Dr. Fenton. He should be able to tell you if those spots are still available. I mean, it has been a while since I told you about it.” My mood was horrible so my tone was clipped.
“You’re in a pleasant mood. Does it have anything to do with Tanner?” I’d told her how we were talking, but not that I’d slept with him. “I know what�
�s happened between the two of you. Luke and I talk, you know? I hate that I had to hear it from him.” She sounded like our mother when she’d get that tone.
“I was trying to keep things private but I suppose that’s not Tanner’s strong point.” I raked my hands through my hair and released a long breath. “I was looking up a case file on him.”
“Are you having him investigated?” She gave a little chuckle and made a sound of disapproval.
“No, it’s about an old suit that was filed against him.”
“Oh, you mean the one where he supposedly knocked up some chick? Yeah, Luke was telling me how that impacted Tanner hard.”
Again, she was telling me things that I should have known, especially since I had slept with him. “Well, I didn’t know and I kind of shoved it in his face. I met the girl at her first doctor’s appointment and her story was so believable.” If I didn’t think he was honorable enough for a real relationship, then how could I expect he’d be good enough to forgive me and let me have one more chance?
“You should know better than to listen to small town gossip. So now that you’ve found out you’re wrong, what’s the next course of action?”
She was mothering me again, just like she’d always done since we were little. “I’ll go over and apologize. I just hope I haven’t screwed up my chances. I kind of insulted him again not even an hour ago. I thought you were him calling. We did it again.”
“Dammit, Nora, I told you to loosen up. I didn’t mean be loose.” Her laughter grated my nerves and I could hear the faint sound of Luke there snickering with her.
“You two are both impossible.” I took another bite of pizza wondering if I should take over a few slices for him. I decided it wasn’t half bad and wrapped them up in foil.
“You better get used to it and make things right with Tanner. He’s going to be around a whole lot. That’s the same sound advice that Luke gave his brother and now I’m giving it to you.”
“I want to work it out. I’m not entirely sure how to go about it.” I hadn’t done anything like this before and my nerves were on edge. Tanner had been angry the last time I saw him so I didn’t want him taking his anger out on me.
“You need to go to him then. I’m sure he’s just as miserable as you are and wants to make it right.”
“I’m nervous.”
My sister let out a deep sigh. “No, you’re in love. Trust me, I know.”
Harper had always given me decent advice and I knew when I hung up I should have gone right over and apologized, but I struggled back and forth with the idea. If I went over there then I’d accept him into my life and my heart. I wondered if I should give in at the last minute, but then I jumped to my feet and ran out the back door.
I ran across the grass to the house and then knocked on his door. It came open a moment later and Tanner stood there drinking a beer.
“I’m sorry. I was all wrong about you and Meagan. I was just so scared of getting hurt. All of the other men in my life have used me and discarded me like a piece of trash. I wanted you to be different, Tanner, but you’re almost too good to be true.” I didn’t know if my words were registering or not because his face was as stiff as stone.
“Yeah, I’m not used to women wanting me for anything but sex or money, so I guess I was a little hard on you too.” I thought of his powerful thrusts and felt the tickle between my legs.
“I deserved it. I hope you can forgive me and I understand if you never want to see me again.” I went into desperate mode. “You had every right to leave earlier, but I wish you hadn’t. I don’t want us to fight.” I stood there looking at my feet next to his and didn’t know what else to say. “I was going to bring you some pizza but I left it at home.” I was going to offer to go get it when he shook his head.
“I’m not worried about it. I’ve lost my appetite now and I’m more concerned with my thirst.” He held up a beer and I wondered if he’d intended to get drunk. Maybe it was a way he drowned his sorrows or his anger.
I let out a sigh thinking what a big mistake I’d made. “Why didn’t you just tell me about Meagan when I mentioned it?”
His face darkened with a scowl. “Why should I have to? I don’t owe you any explanations for who I am. If you’re too scared to figure that shit out on your own then there isn’t any hope for us anyway.” His words wounded and I glanced to the floor.
He put his hand on my shoulder. “Look, Nora. I know that we’re going to have to be around one another because of my brother and your sister, and I’m willing to deal with that, but I don’t see how it’s ever going to work out for us until you’re able to trust me.”
“I can trust you. I know that now, Tanner. I wish we could start all over again, I really do. I’d do things so much differently.”
“Well, I hope you don’t regret what happened between us because I don’t. I never will. I cared about you and it wasn’t enough, and that’s how it will have to be. I trusted you, but now I’m the one who’s not so sure.” He slowly closed the door in my face.
I stood there for a long while staring at the door and hoping it would open, then I turned around and took the long walk home. I couldn’t believe things had ended this way just when I thought we’d have it all worked out.
I had done everything I could to avoid a broken heart, but now it seemed inevitable. I walked back across the lawn and into my house to put the cold pizza away. I couldn’t even look at my kitchen table and considered burning it. How would I ever have a decent meal there again knowing what had happened on top of it?
I’d never again feel his tight body against mine. Never again share a kiss or a knowing smile across the room. I’d kissed it all away with my own doubt. It was all I could do to drag myself to bed and not run over there demanding for another chance.
I’d let a little time pass and then see what happened. With any luck, he’d miss me and show up, but the hope of that soon faded knowing how stubborn Tanner was.
I didn’t have much hope left.
Chapter 14
Tanner
Standing at the charity event watching Nora from across the room was the worst experience ever. Not only did my heart ache like a pussy every time I looked at her, there were men gawking at her. She’d worn a pale blue silk dress that hugged her lean figure in all the right places and with the absence of panty lines, I was certain she was naked under there. It wasn’t like her to dress that way, but she’d pulled it off in the best way possible.
I wasn’t a slouch myself and every single woman in the place had flocked around me, staying within reach, and ready to grab me if the opportunity struck.
I wasn’t interested. It had been a month since Nora and I had last talked and the silence across the lawn had been deafening. Every time I saw her outside, I’d walk out and she’d turn around to go in the house. It was frustrating, to say the least, but I wasn’t about to go chasing after her.
She had tried to mend things, but I was exhausted over the emotions that aren’t like me. I wasn’t the kind of guy that broke down over a woman and I wasn’t the kind of guy that groveled.
Apparently, the kind of guy I was, included getting jealous as a man in a dark gray suit with a red tie approached her, carrying a glass of wine and looking as fit as me, my eyes narrowed.
“You okay?” Luckily my brother was with me to calm me down.
“No, look at that guy. Smug bastard. He really thinks he’s going to get somewhere with her.” My lip curled and I might have made a noise that sounded like a growl.
“Easy, she’s just having a good time. When Harper found her at home she was a mess. I told you not to let her get away and look at that, I think maybe you have.” I glanced up to see that Nora was taking the man by the hand. Her eyes met mine for a moment and she gave me a nervous smile.
“Whatever. She can dance with whoever she wants. I’m not going to step in like some weirdo and ruin her night. She doesn’t want me. Besides, I don’t think I could stop myself from ruining
pretty boy’s life.” My hand balled into a fist.
“Then you should stop looking like you want to punch something. Did you think she’s only dancing with him to make you jealous and with hopes that you’d step in? Or that she wore that tight ass dress that belongs to Harper for you?”
My eyes widened. She’d made that effort for me? That had me wanting to run right over and push Mr. GQ on his ass. But I’d let it slide, at least as long as he kept his hands off her. She should have a good time in spite of me.
I waited for the song to change hoping their dance would be over, but my jaw cracked as it slowed down even more and there they remained, dancing so close it would be hard to find air between them and I was sure he loved rubbing up against her like a horny dog.
Harper stepped up and put her hand on my back. “There, there, Tanner. She’s only dancing with him. It’s when she leaves later that you’ll have to really worry. You now she hasn’t been with anyone else but you, but I told her maybe she should expand her horizons.” She belted a laugh so loud that a few heads turned including Nora’s.
“Did you have to dress her up like a high-class hooker? Look at that dress. It’s like an extra layer of skin.”
“I think she looks amazing. And I wonder; what’s he thinking?” She and Luke chuckled but then I grabbed her hand and led her out to the floor. She shrugged at Luke and I made sure we were right up next to the happy couple.
We danced around them for pure intimidation and when they stepped off the floor Harper wouldn’t let me follow. “Not just yet, I love this song.”
“Then get Luke to dance with you.” I dropped her hand and headed across the room where the guy was alone.
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