Neutral Grounds

by Jiffy Kate

  “Let’s go,” Shep says, pulling me into the house and up the stairs. At first, when he flings the bedroom door open, I think he’s going to explode and start ranting about his father, but instead, the calm and collected Shep is back in full force. “Pack your bag.”

  “Where are we going?” I ask, standing in the middle of the room and trying to keep my head from spinning. What a fucking day, man. I feel like I’ve been on a giant roller coaster. My time with Shep earlier when we were driving around was great. I felt like he let me see a part of him that not many people know. Since then, I’ve been turned on, pissed off, and thrown to the vultures. And after I felt like I’d been picked to pieces, Phillip swooped in to finish me off.

  He doesn’t look at me as he walks around, collecting his things. “Anywhere but here.”

  “I just want to go home.” It hits me so hard. All I can think of is getting back to New Orleans. I need to be in my own element so I can process the past day and a half. It’s hard to get your head on straight in the middle of a whirlwind.

  Everything will go back to normal once we’re back in New Orleans.

  “Whatever you want.” Shep’s words are simple, but they hold weight, like there’s a deeper meaning, something below the surface. When I meet his eyes, the blue is so dark I almost can’t see it.

  I swallow down the surge of feelings.

  Somehow in the breadth of a second, there’s a silent conversation, an understanding.

  Whatever I want.

  I want Shep.

  That’s the root of every emotion vying for control inside my body. I want Shep on the most basic level. I want him in my life. I want to be a part of his. I want what’s best for him. I want him to be happy.

  Without another word, he pulls his phone out of his pocket and begins talking, his tone demanding. Fifteen minutes later, we’re changed out of our party attire, packed and hopping in a car outside of his parents’ mansion, heading to the airport for the last flight to New Orleans.

  I have a feeling we won’t be on a private jet, but I don’t care.

  Whatever gets me home is all I care about.

  “I’m sorry,” Shep whispers, his gaze focused on the side window as the driver makes his way out of the fancy neighborhood and onto the highway. “I should’ve known this would be a mistake.”

  For a moment, I hold my breath, thinking he’s regretting not just bringing me to Dallas, but all of this…marrying me. I want to say something, but I’m scared. If I open my mouth, I might admit something I can’t take back, or wouldn’t want to. Even though I trust Shep, I don’t know how deep that trust goes. Sure, he’s nice to me and chivalrous and sweet. He seems to have my best interests at heart, but to what extent? It’s obvious to me now, he comes from wicked, money-hungry people and my mama always says the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

  As much as I’ve tried to be my own person and forge my own path, I know I’m like my mother. I come off as someone who isn’t interested in the frivolity of love. I can’t afford it. But it doesn’t mean I don’t love the idea of it. I love seeing my friends in love. I love watching couples come in and out of my shop and seeing their love in living color. It’s beautiful.

  But for myself, I know I’m too much like my mama. I didn’t fall far from the tree. If I let myself love someone, it would be deep and life-altering.

  And as much as Shep might try to break away from his family, he’s still a Rhys-Jones. Deep down, I’m sure there’s a part of him that’s fighting to be like Phillip. When and if that part of him rears its ugly head, where would that leave me?

  Where is the safety net in that?

  “You’re too quiet,” Shep says, turning toward me and reaching for my hand. “Get out of that pretty little head of yours and come over here.” He shoots for our typical, friendly banter, but there’s an intensity I can’t ignore. It’s kind of desperate, which is something I’ve never seen from Shep and it makes my body respond. Heat begins to simmer in my belly and I give in to his gentle pull, sliding across the seat until my body is next to his.

  At first, he just slips an arm around my shoulder and leans in to kiss the top of my head. It’s innocent, a gesture that could be shared between good friends, but we’re not good friends. Are we? No, we’re Shep and CeCe and our relationship has been complicated from the get-go. We’ve never been anything as simple and straightforward as good friends. So, when his hand begins to stroke my arm in a sensual, much more than a good-friends way, I’m not surprised when my eyes roll into the back of my head.

  Thank goodness it’s dark and he can’t see what a touch from him does to me.

  “There you go…just relax,” he soothes and my entire body responds. That tone, the way he says those words, takes me back to our weekend together so long ago. I remember what it was like to have his seductive words whispered in my ear. The way he coaxed me into submission is something I knew I’d never experience with anyone else ever again, which might explain why I never tried.

  Well, that and the fact that no other man ever understands my level of commitment to my business. But Shep does. He’s never questioned it.

  Needing to touch him too, I slide my palm across his stomach, appreciating the contrast between the softness of his shirt and the hardness beneath. When my pinkly dips lower to the waistband of his jeans, he groans and I smile, leaning my cheek against his chest.

  “Don’t start something you don’t plan on finishing,” Shep warns.

  Maybe I do…plan on finishing, that is.

  I’ve thought about his proposition during our negotiations about monogamy and I’ve decided he’s right. We’re married and have vowed not to be with anyone else for the next year. Plus, we’ve already had sex, so we know we’re good together. At least, he’s never told me any different. And I know he’s the best I’ve ever had.

  Two consenting adults who are obviously attracted to each other should enjoy the act of sex.

  That’s all it would be—a carnal display of our inner desires. It’s simple…science, really.

  I mean, have you seen Discovery? Every time I flip the channel there are two animals going at it. Why should we fight that?

  “CeCe.” Shep’s words are strained and I realize, during my inner debate, I let my fingers slip below, stroking the light trail of hair that leads to glory.

  Chapter 17

  Shep

  Holy fucking shit.

  I can’t believe I survived the last thirty-something hours. Come to think of it, I also can’t believe it’s only been that long since CeCe and I left for our trip. At times it felt like we were in Dallas for days and other times it felt as though time was moving too fast. Those were the fun moments, of course, when it was only me and CeCe, living in our bubble, getting to know each other better and, I think, coming out better for it.

  Showing CeCe around Dallas— introducing her to the people and places that mean something to me—went better than I ever could’ve imagined. I thought I was being optimistic hoping for us to be civil to each other for the duration of the weekend. Instead, I think we came to an unexpected, unspoken agreement that we’d both let our guard down and enjoy our time together as much as we could. And, we really did enjoy ourselves.

  Well, I certainly did, especially on the drive to the airport a few hours ago.

  The way CeCe’s fingers traveled over my skin, slipping in and out of the hair that trails down my stomach…it wasn’t just sexy, it was familiar. It was as comforting as it was exciting and although I would’ve loved for her to work her way down further, I was thrilled simply by the fact she was touching me.

  Too soon, though, and we were at the airport, rushing to make our flight and with it being a commercial one, there was no way to continue what she’d started. Mark my words, one of these days I will have my way with CeCe while in the air. But the Mile High Club is much more fun when you’re traveling in a private jet.

  Which reminds me, I should start planning our honeymoon.

&n
bsp; CeCe slept for most of the hour and a half flight back to New Orleans and she’s asleep again in the car that’s driving us to my townhouse. She’s obviously worn out but not in the way I’d prefer.

  For now, I just want her in my bed any way I can have her.

  The car pulls up to the front of my place and I get out, trying my best not to disturb CeCe. Thankfully, she stays asleep against the window as the driver and I place our bags inside my front door. I don’t want anything getting in the way of me carrying CeCe—my wife—to my room. I guess this would be like me carrying her over the threshold in the traditional sense but maybe, she needs to be awake for that?

  Hell, if I know.

  CeCe stirs as I lift her out of the car and take her inside.

  “Where are we?” she whispers, making me smile with her sleepy voice.

  “We’re home.” At that, her brows furrow, so I amend. “Well, it’s my place but I’ve already told you what’s mine is yours, so feel free to move in whenever you’d like.”

  She sighs, laying her head against my shoulder. “It makes more sense to stay at my place because of my work hours, you know that.”

  “Is that your invitation for me to move in with you?”

  “My apartment is tiny, there’s no way you and your big head would fit.”

  “Big head?” It’s obvious she’s fully awake now so I don’t hold back my laughter. “I’ll show you my big head.” I toss CeCe onto my bed and immediately cover her body with mine. She gasps and I feel it everywhere. I honestly meant for my actions to be playful but now the air between us is so charged and alive, I don’t think I can move.

  CeCe’s deep brown eyes are open and clear, holding me captive to her gaze. She must see the question on my face because she quickly glances at my mouth and nods her head. I don’t wait for her to change her mind or chicken out; I take full advantage of this moment and kiss her. She greedily accepts my tongue into her mouth and I know there’s no coming back from this—from her.

  I’m done.

  We devour each other for what feels like ages, my jaw aching in the best of ways, when we finally break free to catch our breaths.

  “Wow,” CeCe says, sighing. “And I thought our wedding kiss was good.”

  I don’t try to hide my smirk. “I’ve wanted to kiss you like that all weekend, among other things.”

  “Other things, hmm? I wouldn’t mind doing other things.” She bites down on her bottom lip, eyeing me carefully.

  I don’t know why her words surprise me, but they do. I was afraid she’d want nothing to do with me after the disaster we just left in Dallas. I feel like the luckiest man alive simply by her allowing me to kiss her but to hear she wants to take things further and she wants it now, I’m speechless.

  Well, almost. “O-okay,” I manage to sputter out.

  She laughs and soon I follow, and it’s exactly what we need to relax and collect ourselves. I lean forward and kiss her gently this time. There’s no pressure, no anxiety, no worries. There’s only the two of us wanting to connect in the most basic, yet intimate way possible, sharing a part of ourselves that’s secret and special to only each other.

  And, god, do I want her.

  CeCe runs her fingers through my hair before cradling my jaw in her hand. It’s moments like this that separate her from other women I’ve been with. That was just sex, a release, a fleeting moment. But my time spent with her is different. This is more.

  I knew it when we were together two years ago, and I know it now.

  We kiss again and it’s just as passionate as before but it’s also intense and controlled, setting the stage for what’s to come. Reluctant to leave her mouth but desperate to taste more of her, I kiss, bite, and lick my way along her jaw, down the column of her neck to her collarbone. I remain there for a bit, the taste of her skin igniting something feral inside me.

  The breath she releases is shaky but her voice is strong when she commands me to remove her shirt and bra. I waste no time undressing her completely but I do take a few seconds to simply look at her. She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen and where some women may feel shy or insecure lying naked under a man’s watchful eyes like CeCe is right now, that’s not her. She’s thriving under my gaze, coming alive.

  And, now I get to make her come undone.

  I quickly remove my clothes and settle back down between her legs, my mouth immediately finding her nipple. CeCe’s reaction to my mouth on her sensitive skin is fascinating and I love watching her face morph as I bite and suck her. Although I’d love to stay here forever, I find I’m no longer able to resist the temptation waiting lower.

  CeCe spreads her legs as I travel down her body, opening herself up for me, and fuck, I want to devour her. I will devour her. All it takes is one lick, one taste, and I’m barely able to control myself.

  She’s just as sweet as I remembered.

  It doesn’t take long before CeCe grips my hair, grinding her pussy against my mouth while begging for more. She always comes fast when I eat her out, but I don’t mind because it means I’m closer to being inside her. Maybe one day I’ll be strong enough to prolong her pleasure but today is not that day.

  Slipping two fingers inside her, I pump them as I suck on her clit. “Fuck, yeah, Shep. Just like that. Don’t stop!”

  When she begins to climax, I can feel her clench around my fingers, so I suck harder, causing her orgasm to rip through her as she screams my name.

  I do love the sound of that.

  Once she’s calmed down a bit, I sit back on my knees and CeCe follows me, grabbing my face, and kissing me hard. I love that she doesn’t care about tasting herself on my lips. It shows me she’s desperate to have her mouth on mine and that’s fucking hot.

  “You. Inside me. Now,” she demands in between kisses, pulling me on top of her as she lays back on the bed.

  “Let’s consummate this bitch,” I say, reaching over to grab a condom out of my bedside table drawer. Realization dawns and I look back at CeCe. “I don’t mean you’re the bitch I’m consummating…but I guess, you kinda are but I didn’t mean it disrespectfully. Shit, I don’t know why I said it at all.”

  “Shep,” she says loudly, getting my attention and putting an end to my rambling. “Shut up and consummate this bitch.” She’s laughing which means I haven’t offended her and I’m so relieved this is really happening and she didn’t kick me out of bed. Except, I forgot I haven’t bought any condoms since I moved in.

  “I, uh…”

  “I’m on birth control and it’s been a while, if you remember.”

  “I swear, I’m clean. I would never put you at any kind of risk.” I mean those words for all aspects of our lives, not just here in my bed. Hoping with every cell in my body she believes me, I kiss her softly. “I trust you,” is her reply and the weight of those words coming from her nearly leaves me breathless.

  We kiss again and I enter her slowly, feeling every inch of our connection as her body stretches to fit me, molding around me. It’s not just a physical bond, it’s emotional and the way it feels as I push in as far as I can go, is… otherworldly.

  “Fuck,” I gasp out, trying to keep a hold on what little control I have left. “Never, it’s never been this good.” She tightens around me and I’m torn between making this slow and sensual and just fucking her brains out.

  CeCe runs her hands down my back, stops at my ass, and grabs it, pushing me further into her. Yeah, we can take it slower next time.

  Pushing her knees up toward her chest, I’m able to drive into her even deeper. CeCe grabs onto the headboard behind her, her pelvis meeting mine thrust for thrust and it’s not long before I feel the familiar tingle move down my spine, causing my balls to tighten. Thank fuck, CeCe starts making her delicious sounds again, signaling she’s close, so I push harder and faster until we’re both screaming our release.

  Eventually, I pull out and roll onto my back, taking CeCe with me, so she can lay against my chest. We’re both swea
ty and need a shower but I’m too exhausted to move.

  It’s the best feeling in the world.

  Too soon, though, sunlight peaks through my blinds and I feel CeCe escape my hold on her.

  “No, come back. It’s too early,” I groan and reach for her, my eyes barely able to stay open.

  Laughing, she says, “You said that three hours ago. It’s now almost eight in the morning and I need to get to work.”

  “But I want you, CeCe. Can’t we do it just one more time before you leave?” I’m obviously not above begging. What has this woman done to me?

  “You also said that three hours ago.”

  “And it worked, so get back in this bed.”

  She puts her hands on her hips but I don’t miss the smile trying to show itself. “Shep, we fucked three times already. How are you still this insatiable?”

  I throw the blanket and sheet off my body, showing her my hard-on. “It’s you. You do this to me. Now, get over here, you sexy wench.”

  CeCe bites down on her lip, which means she’s seriously thinking about my offer, so I go in for the kill. I grab my shaft and pump it a couple of times, my eyes never leaving hers. Her cheeks flush and her eyes darken. When she licks her lips, I know I’ve won.

  She huffs out a breath before pulling her top over her head. “One more time and then I have to leave. And don’t forget your meeting with Maverick later.”

  “Please don’t mention Maverick when I’m about to make love to my wife,” I murmur as I pull her body under mine. She tenses briefly but relaxes as I kiss her, sliding into her warmth once again.

  After walking CeCe to the corner closest to Neutral Grounds and watching her until she disappeared inside—which, by the way, felt like the most natural thing in the world, like I was meant to wake up next to her, make love to her, and walk her to work—I made the short trek to Blue Bayou.

  Walking up to the main doors, I smile when I see one is already propped open. Carys loves to welcome in the New Orleans breeze, as she puts it. There’s no fucking breeze, but I think I get what she means. After being here for a while now, there’s just something about the morning air. Sure, it’s a bit heavy in these summer months, but it also smells sweet and there’s a newness I can’t get enough of.