Beautifully Scarred

by H. P. Davenport

  Quinn winks at me. With a nod of her head, she motions me to the empty chair next to her. “Care to join us, big guy?”

  Mills looks back and forth between Quinn and me. She folds her arms across her chest, which pushes her breasts up to show the perfect amount of cleavage in her shirt.

  She sighs and looks directly at me. “Fine, you can join us, but don’t get any funny ideas. I’m not going home with you tonight.”

  Quinn angles her head, and an evil smile spreads across her face. “You slept with him, and you’re allowing him to sit with us?”

  Slept with him? Why would Quinn assume that? Letting me sit with them?

  Mills shoots Quinn a murderous look, and Quinn busts out laughing. “This night just got interesting.”

  Mills raises her chin with a cool stare in her best friend’s direction. “I didn’t sleep with him.”

  Pulling the empty chair out, I set my drink down on the table. “She wanted to,” I mutter, focusing on Mills.

  Quinn presses a hand to her mouth in an attempt to stifle her giggles, but it doesn’t work. A loud laugh breaks from her chest, drawing attention from a few onlookers seated close by.

  Mills’ lips part, and she reaches for her now almost empty drink, never taking her eyes off me as she licks her lips and whispers, “You are so dead.”

  Her body is tense, too tense for my liking. I don’t want to piss her off. However, I do enjoy poking fun with her. I know she’s attracted to me, even if she won’t admit it to herself. I can tell by the way she looks at me, the way her eyes change color. I noticed when I kissed her, they became dark from desire, the same shade they are now. She fidgets in her seat under my scrutiny.

  The waiter appears to my left, setting a round of drinks down for the ladies. “I took the liberty of ordering you another round.”

  Mills nods toward the tumbler being set in front of me. “I see you took the liberty to order yourself another as well. A little presumptuous, shall we say.” She tilts her head to the side, and a line appears between her brows. “What made you think we would even allow you to join us?”

  I take a mouthful of my drink before setting it down. The tip of my tongue traces my lips, toning down my grin to a fool’s smirk. “After the other night, I didn’t think you would refuse.”

  Quinn looks between Mills and me. “What exactly happened the other night? I feel like I’m missing something here.”

  Mills throws Quinn a look that screams ‘Shut the fuck up.’ Finally, after what seems like an eternity, Quinn turns her attention to me. “I’m going to excuse myself. I’m exhausted.” She meets Mills’ stern face across the table. “It seems like you two have some unfinished business to attend to. Shall I wait up, or will you be doing the walk of shame in the morning?”

  I damn near choked on my own tongue at Quinn’s boldness. Mills wasn’t short for words the other night, and her friend is no different. These two are quite a pair.

  Mills doesn’t answer; her thin-lipped mouth curls into a sneer. “Run along, Quinn, before I strangle you in front of a packed restaurant.”

  Quinn pushes her chair back, and I stand. She throws her arms around my neck, whispering. “Don’t hurt her or I swear I’ll cut your dick off and make you eat it for lunch.”

  Don’t hurt her? Why is she telling me this? Quinn seems very protective of Mills. I like that. From the little time I’ve spent with Mills, she seems guarded.

  Pulling back, she gives me a once-over. “I’m serious.”

  I lift my finger and cross my heart, giving Quinn an innocent smile.

  “What did you just say?” Mills asks, glaring at her friend.

  Quinn reaches for her handbag and replies, “Nothing at all. I simply told him it was a pleasure meeting him, and maybe I’d see him around.” She winks at me, blatantly lying to her friend.

  Chapter Eight

  Juliette

  “Ignore her; she doesn’t know when to keep her mouth shut.” I can feel my cheeks turn pink at Quinn’s remark. For her to say that really pisses me off, especially because she said it in front of Lee. If I’m being honest, I’m pissed at myself for my body reacting to Lee.

  I told Quinn about how I met Lee in Murphy’s. I also told her about the makeout session and how I grabbed his dick through his pants. The man is packing; I was fully aroused from a simple kiss.

  Quinn turns and walks through the restaurant, leaving the two of us alone. Lee occupies the seat Quinn vacated, so I can look across the table into his aqua-colored eyes. They seem to reveal more than he does verbally.

  Lee runs a hand through his ink-black hair. My fingers itch to follow their path through it, to see if it’s as silky as it looks. A handsome square face frames his arctic blue eyes. His profile is sharp and confident. There are touches of humor around his mouth and near his eyes. His white V-neck shirt clings to his bulging biceps, and his dark jeans fit him perfectly.

  His lips part in a dazzling display of straight, white teeth. “Are you done checking me out?” he says, appraising me.

  He caught me openly eyeing him, which I tend to do in his presence. Something about Lee intrigues me. He seems familiar, yet I know I’d remember him if our paths had crossed. I reach for the tumbler sitting on the table in front of me, ignoring his comment. “So, what has you in these parts of town?”

  Lee smiles, taking a mouthful of his drink, then sets it down. “I went into work for a few hours today, then decided to grab something to eat on the way home.” He lifts his chin toward me. “You?”

  “Quinn and I were shopping; we come here often. Best steaks around.”

  I suck on my lip ring, tugging it between my teeth, and he makes a throaty groan. “That fucking ring is going to be the death of me.”

  “Wouldn’t you like to know where else I have piercings?” I tease, knowing I’m poking a hungry lion.

  His deep blue eyes search mine, and I don’t hide what I’m feeling. I throw caution to the wind. The next question pops out before I can second guess it, my voice low and sexy. “Want to get out of here?”

  Lee knocks back the rest of his drink, pushing his seat back as he stands. He pulls out his wallet, and tosses two twenties on the table. He extends his left hand to me. “Come on. I settled your bill before I walked over here.”

  With trepidation, I place my hand in his. The simple act of holding his hand sends chills down my spine. My heart thumps in my chest.

  Lee doesn’t live far from the restaurant, walking distance, in fact. He lives above the restaurants in The Piazza. My fingers are still threaded through his while he unlocks and opens the door to his apartment.

  He lets my hand go and heads to the kitchen. “Make yourself at home,” he nods his head toward the black leather couch in the middle of the living room. Windows cover the entire back wall, from floor to ceiling. His apartment is spacious. I don’t sit. Instead, I walk over to windows overlooking the courtyard; they frame a spectacular view of the city skyline. Liberty Place One and Two, along with the Comcast Center, illuminate the dark sky.

  Lee walks over to the kitchen counter, setting his phone down by the Bluetooth speaker. “Black Honey” by Thrice echoes in the small space of the kitchen.

  When I hear the beginning of the song, I quip, “Nice choice, one of my favorites.”

  “I’m a music junkie. Music speaks to my soul. I’m always able to find lyrics that match my mood.

  I hear the sound of the refrigerator opening “What would you like to drink?” he asks.

  “Whatever you have is fine.”

  “I’ve got plenty. Wine, beer, or do you prefer what we had at Murphy’s the other night?”

  “If you’ve got Crown, that works,” I reply over my shoulder, while taking in the view before me.

  “Sure thing.” I hear him opening and closing the cabinets. Ice clangs against a glass.

  Moments later, two strong arms wrap securely around my waist. Looking down, I get a closer look at the tattoos decorating his arms. His rig
ht forearm showcases a black and gray shaded tree. Half of the tree is dead, the other half alive and thriving, filled with leaves. Storm clouds are shaded above the dead portion of the tree on his shoulder as two lone sparrows fly from it. The piece expands into an all-encompassing forest the full length of his arm ending at his shoulder.

  “What made you get this one? Does it represent something?”

  Part of my job includes asking my clients why they want their tattoo. Some idiots come in and pick a generic piece from the books just to get a tattoo; however, those who appreciate the art usually come in wanting detailed personal pieces. Those are my favorite. Most have meanings or stories behind the tattoo they want marking their bodies for the rest of their lives. A piece they will wear proudly.

  “Trees are thought of as long-lasting and resistant. They can survive a long time, some up to five thousand years. Trees weather storms and elements, which show their strength and adaptability to survive in their surroundings. People have to adapt to their surroundings. We choose if we are strong, if we will be resilient, if we will weather the storms God puts in our path.”

  My finger traces the details. “It’s beautiful. The piece and the meaning behind it.”

  He pulls me tight against his chest, and my pulse races. “So are yours.” His breath whispers against my neck.

  With each pounding thump in my chest, I realize how much I want to sleep with him. Usually, I would fuck a man and walk away, never giving him a second glance. I would get what I want, as would he. With Lee, I’m not sure why I didn’t take him up on his offer the night I met him. Here I stand again, in the middle of his apartment, with his arms wrapped around me, his erection pressing against my back, and I can’t do it. What the hell is wrong with me? Why is he different from all the other men?

  Lee dips his head to my ear and whispers, “Thank you for coming back here with me.”

  A gasp leaves me as his lips glide across my sensitive skin, causing a shiver to run down my neck. I hesitate and then shake my head. He takes a deep breath, and his lips brush against my neck as he speaks. “You are beautiful.”

  His breath against my skin causes a fire inside my body. I turn in his embrace, facing him. When his eyes meet mine, he arches a brow.

  We stare at each other for a long moment. My heart beats erratically as I wrap my arms around his neck. He pulls me against his chest, and we stand there in silence. I tuck my head against his chest and inhale sharply. “What are we doing?”

  Lee pinches my chin, tilting my head so our eyes meet. His eyebrows shoot up. His stunning eyes got even bigger and somehow a deeper shade of blue. His mouth twitches. “I’ve never wanted to kiss someone as much as I want to kiss you,” he murmurs.

  Lee leans forward until our faces are dangerously close. My mind tells me to move, put some space between us, yet my body is screaming at me to lean into him. To touch his face, to kiss his lips. Every part of my body prickles with want. With need. With desire.

  Lee’s large hand takes my face and holds it gently. The mere touch of his hand sends a warm shiver through my body.

  His lips brush against mine as he speaks. “I’m going to kiss you.”

  His lips are a whisper against my own. He raises his mouth from mine, gazing into my eyes. “Is that okay?”

  Heat in his eyes, I inspect his face. Being this close to him makes me feel things. Things I have never felt before. Nodding is all I can manage as his lips press against mine, gently covering my mouth. Parting my lips, I tiptoe to meet his kiss.

  He licks my lips, encouraging me to open for him. His tongue stokes mine ever so slowly. I groan as he tilts my head in his hand, taking control. The kiss is urgent and exploratory. Lee’s lips recapture mine, more demanding this time. My calm shatters with the hunger of his kiss, sending spirals of ecstasy through me.

  I move my hands to the back of his head, fingers tangling with his dark hair, lightly pulling him into me with a soft moan.

  This was only a kiss, but it awakened something inside of me that I’ve never felt before. Feelings. I prefer to be numb. Feelings make things complicated.

  Gulping down unfamiliar emotions, I pull back, biting down on my bottom lip. I run my finger down his bulging chest, watching his wicked eyes urge me further. My voice trembles. “I’m not sleeping with you.”

  He leans down, tenderly kissing the base of my neck. My body shivers, and he pulls back, tipping my chin up to meet his gaze. The corner of his mouth kicks up in a grin, making my skin tingle. I feel my blush deepen under his scrutiny.

  “We just met. I wouldn’t want you to sleep with me after only knowing me for a few days. So don’t pick apart my words. I’m perfectly happy kissing you and kicking back to watch a movie together. I enjoy your company.”

  Pausing, I look into Lee’s eyes. I swallow and inhale deeply to control my erratic breathing, not wanting to give away the effect this man has on me. “My company? We met once. Spoke for a few minutes, and here I am standing in the middle of your apartment.”

  Deep blue eyes stare at me as his fingers make subtle circles on my lower back. Every time his gaze meets mine, it makes my heart all warm and fuzzy.

  His mouth twists into a smirk. “We met once, but it didn’t stop you from grabbing my dick, now did it?”

  I swat his chest and laugh.

  The tip of his tongue traces his lips as he attempts to fight a smile from forming. “Stop overthinking this. Yes, we just met, but there’s something about you. You intrigue me. I want to get to know you. What’s wrong with the two of us hanging out?”

  I’m strangely flattered by his interest in me. I furrow my brows. “I don’t hang out. My life is crazy busy, and on the rare occasion I’m not working, I’m either at the gym, catching a band at Murphy’s, or crashing on my couch.”

  “We may not sleep together tonight, but mark my words, I will be fucking you very soon.”

  “You seem quite sure of yourself.”

  His eyes rake boldly over my body. “Let’s get comfortable on the couch.”

  I swallow back a smile and nod. Lee takes my hand, leading me over. “What type of movies do you like?”

  He reaches for the remote and settles into the deep cushion next to me. “I enjoy a variety. Suspense, action, drama, even history. Do you have a preference?”

  Lee extends his left arm across the back of the couch. “Come closer, I don’t like you all the way over there. I promise I’ll do my best to keep my hands to myself,” he teases.

  Scooting over on the couch, I settle in next to him, laying my head against his broad shoulder. “Anything but foreign films. I can’t handle the subtitles. When I watch a movie, I don’t want to have to read what they say in order to keep up. Too complicated for this brain,” I say, lifting my fingers and tapping the side of my temple.

  After a few clicks of the remote, Lee settles on a movie, depicting true events of twelve U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers who are sent to Afghanistan immediately after the September 11th attacks. I snuggle closer into his side, making myself comfortable as Lee’s finger mindlessly traces my right shoulder.

  “Like it so far?” Lee asks midway through.

  I lift my head from his shoulder. “A friend of mine told me about this movie, but I never got the chance to watch it. War stories based on true events are sort of a weakness of mine.”

  The two of us cuddle on the couch as the soldiers ride their horses into battle. One specific soldier has my attention. Chris Hemsworth. Damn, he is hot, even sweaty and covered in dirt.

  Lee holds me so close, I can hear his heart beat in his chest. This is new to me. I’m not one for affection or cuddling. However, I’m enjoying being close to him, relaxing against his muscular body. It feels natural. I fit perfectly in the crook of his arm, as if I’ve been held by him before.

  The credits roll on the screen, and I stretch my arms above my head. Glancing at the clock on the entertainment center, I notice the time. “I should get going, it’s later than I thoug
ht.”

  Lee stands and extends his hand to me. I place my hand in his and stand. “You are more than welcome to stay. I promise to behave myself.” He takes his finger and makes an ‘x’ over his heart.

  My stomach flutters like a teenage girl waiting to be kissed for the first time. Lee takes my face in his hands, holding it gently. His thumb strokes my skin as our eyes lock. Every time his gaze meets mine, my heart turns over in response.

  “Maybe I don’t want you to behave yourself. Ever think of that?”

  Lee clenches his jaw, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Don’t say things you don’t mean.” His voice echoes my own longing.

  I push my hand through my hair, then scrub my hand over my face. “Every part of my body is screaming for you to touch me, yet my head is screaming for me to get the hell out of here before I do something I may regret.”

  “Regret?” His voice is low and purposefully seductive. “I don’t think you’ll regret anything I do to you.”

  My lips part in surprise at his boldness, and my nipples pebble under my thin shirt. My breaths become shallow. Lee leans forward, his lips brushing against my neck as he kisses slowly to my ear. “This is your call, Mills. Green is go, red is stop. Your decision.”

  Lee leans back to get my approval, desire alive and glowing in his eyes, and I stand frozen. I swallow and hold my breath. A delightful shiver of want runs through me.

  With a simple nod of my head, he leans into me. I move toward him, impelled by my own passion. My heart flutters as his mouth draws near, and my lips part in anticipation. His nearness is overwhelming.

  Lee watches me intently, waiting for my response. “Say it, Mills. I need to hear it.”

  My heart beats erratically when he says my name. “Green,” I whisper softly.

  Slowly Lee brings his mouth within the same breathing space. I bring my gaze back to his, pausing briefly at his mouth. His lips descend to meet mine, then he’s devouring me. The touch of his lips is a delicious sensation.

  He presses his tongue to the seam of my lips, and I grant him access. All remaining hesitation melts away as Lee deepens the kiss. My pulse skitters alarmingly.