by Lucy Darling
I notice Reed taking in my office as I head back to my desk. “What?” I ask, feeling defensive all of a sudden. Does my office look like shit or something? I’ve never given a fuck what anyone thought of my office but me. I’m the one that has to be in it. Now I’m wondering if Carly is going to stand here with the same expression on her face. What if she hates my space?
Reed just shrugs. Only he would show up to my office to not talk. Fucking typical Reed. I’m guessing he’s not used to an office that might be a little inviting, unlike his own. Mine has a few pictures here and there of family and a signed ball I got from a game my dad took me to when I was younger. I think the more time Reed spends with Tinsley, the more he’ll change into a nicer person. Now that he’s finally letting someone close to him.
“What?” I finally ask as I sit back down. “Don’t you have a wedding to be planning? A girl to stalk?” Ha. Now I’m being a hypocrite.
“How the tables have really turned.”
I narrow my eyes at him. He is right. “Don’t act like you don’t have someone watching your woman.” He always does. Even when she didn't know. I think I’m stealing some of his moves now. He gives me another one of his shrugs. I let out a sigh, leaning back in my chair.
“It’s consuming, isn't it?” It is. He turns to look at me. “I’ve been mad at my father for years you know.” I nod. I knew that. Reed’s father became the shell of the man he’d been once he lost his wife. “I get it now. He does better than I would if I lost her.”
“Fuck. Don’t say that shit. You’re not going to lose Tinsley, but even still you’d never do that to any children she left you. I know you can be a cold bastard, but I know who you really are, Reed. You wouldn't do that to your child. You know all too well what it feels like.”
“You’re right.” He’s quick to agree.
“My parents. They have always been madly in love. I’m starting to see a trend with us Weston men.”
“When we fall, we fall hard?”
“Yes.” He shakes his head in agreement. “I say we come to terms with the fact that we’re just a little bit crazy. If we do that, then we can both agree it’s pointless to be sitting here when we could be sitting at the bar of my restaurant watching them with our own eyes.” Reed, smirks seeming to like my idea. “You didn't come here to try and fuck with me.” He gives me a look. I put my hands up, laughing. “Okay you didn't only come here to fuck with me. You’re killing time. Waiting.”
He stands from the chair in front of my desk. “Then what are we waiting for?”
“Not a fucking thing.” I stand, ready to go get my girl. The only difference between Reed and me is he already got the girl. I’m still trying to get mine to not think I’m crazy. OR at least not know I am until after I’ve gotten my hold firmly on her.
14
Carly
“Do you realize we could end up with the same last name?” My pretty frozen drink pauses almost to my mouth. I had thought of that a few times. Each time I’d shove it right back out of my head. It’s as if my mom hears Tinsley when my phone vibrates on the table. We both look down at it. Tinsley snags the phone off the table before I can. “No. Not today. This is my day. She’s not putting you in a bad mood on my day.”
“Okay,” I agree, taking a drink of the mock margarita.
“So.” She puts my phone back down on the table. “Back to us having the same last name.” She beams at the idea. It does sound really kickass.
“Tonight is about your last name.”
She shakes her head no. “Not a chance in hell.”
“Tins. It hasn't even been a full week since all of this started. We should give it some time before we go getting ahead of ourselves.” I try to play it off. Her and Reed’s relationship is different. It may have seemed as though everything happened quickly once it started, but they’d known each other and loved each other for years.
Should I really be thinking about marriage when I’ve only known James for a week? My heart is racing thinking about all of it. Which is why I try not to. Marrying James isn’t in the cards for me. At least I don’t think it is. It definitely isn’t in my mom’s.
She’s been blowing up my phone about meeting one of her friend's sons since we’re both in the same city now. Probably another one of those stuffy self-involved jerks. I’ve met plenty of them thanks to my mom. The only thing that has been keeping her off my back is me saying I’m too wrapped up right now with Tinsley getting married and still settling into my place. I know that I’m not going to be able to hold her off much longer. That thought has me wanting to spend as much time with James as I can.
“No flipping way. Not after all the things you’ve told me about him doing for you. A man isn't doing all that unless he’s playing the long game.”
“It’s not like that,” I rush to say. “He’s helping me with my list.”
“You told him about your list?” She seems surprised by my revelation. I guess I don’t really talk about it that much because sometimes it seems as if it’s a losing battle. That I’ll never be able to fit in all the things I want to experience before my mom has me married off into some cookie cutter life. Now that James is in the picture, I have hope that I’ll at least be able to check off a big part of it. The thought of him not being with me to complete it or add to it makes me sad.
“Earth to Carly.”
I snap out of my thoughts and push that sad feeling to the side. “Yeah. It sort of popped out.”
“How many things has he personally checked off that list?” Tinsley gives me a devilish grin. I reach up to touch my face, which is flushed. Not enough is my first thought.
“Well, all the stuff we’ve done. That’s why he did the drive-in date.” One of the many things he’s done to help me. I know it’s silly, but I’ve never been to a drive-in movie before. I bet my mom doesn't even know what they are. James didn't just check it off my list. He hit it out of the ballpark with his setup.
He somehow rented out a park and had a giant screen put up. Lights had been strung up and everything. I almost died when the screen came to life and it wasn't a real movie. It was an upcoming episode that wasn't scheduled to be out until later in the week of my favorite show.
I have no idea how he pulled that off, but he did. What I do know is that I couldn’t stop smiling that entire night. It was incredible, and I’m happy that I was able to share those moments with him. No matter where the future brings me, I’ll always remember that night. I’ll always remember James.
“He could have taken you to a normal drive-in.” She picks up a chip, dipping it into the salsa. “Everything he does for you is over the top.”
“I don’t want to jinx anything. He hasn't talked about the future. I mean he’s never even invited me over to his place.” James shares lots of things with me, but I feel there is this side to him I’m missing.
“We didn't think Reed was into me either and look how that turned out,” she reminds me.
“I know, and now we’re going to flip this around and think James is super into me. We have to be careful that we’re not getting wrapped up in what happened to you and Reed. That was an isolated situation. Now we’re just going the extreme other way when it comes to James and me.” That’s the truth whether I want to admit it or not. I have to be conscious of that fact.
“Maybe.” Her face scrunches. I can tell she’s not buying it, though.
“I don’t want to talk about it. This night is about you.”
“Fine, but I’m telling you that Reed and James are a lot alike in many ways. Neither do things they don’t want to.”
“Reed let you come out tonight.” I steal a chip for myself.
“He would never get between us.”
“I know, but I thought it might be harder.” James' eyes had raked over me before I’d left, but he hadn't stopped me. I am in a strapless dress that hugs me tight around the top and flares out at the waist. I told Tinsley to wear something simple. I adore this style of dress bu
t what I love more are my heels.
I could run in heels if I actually ran. My mom has had me in them since I can remember, dressing me up like a doll. Now that I am away from her, I can pick what I want. I feel sexy. James kissed me and told me he’d handle Reed. Secretly I wanted someone to have to handle James, which is stupid because I want tonight to happen for Tinsley. My thoughts are all over the place when it comes to that man.
“We’re at a Mexican restaurant and I’m pregnant. I think he knows it’s not going to be some crazy night.” Yes, those things are both true. I listened to Tinsley when she told me to plan something we’d have fun doing. Flashing cocks aren’t really our thing. Tinsley actually doesn’t care for much male attention at all, and I don’t want to draw extra attention to her after some of the things she’s been through.
“You do know this isn't just a restaurant, don’t you?” I smile. She glances around. James helped me find this place. Her eyes go wide for a minute.
“Salsa dancing! We haven't done that in forever.” She starts wiggling around in her chair. We spent many nights trying to teach ourselves how to salsa. I have no idea why. We spent one whole summer obsessed with it. I think it had something to do with all those new dance shows that started airing on TV.
“We’ve also never done it in front of other people,” I point out. She glances around the restaurant. James told me around ten they will start to remove tables and the place usually becomes slammed.
“I think this is why people drink.” She has a very good point, but really I don’t care. People can stare. I am here with my best friend. She is marrying the man she’s been in love with her whole life. That is worth celebrating. As for me, I really need to stop caring about what others think I should or shouldn't be doing. Tonight I’m going to do whatever I want.
15
James
“I hope you’re happy with yourself.” I look over at Reed, who looks like he’s about to come out of his skin. I know the feeling.
“Were you really going to tell her no?” I ask him. He gives me a look. He would never tell Tinsley no if he didn't have to. I know because I am in the same fucking spot with Carly. What I can do is control some aspects of things to put me somewhat at ease. But there is no way that I’d be able to tell her no.
Her mom has done that enough to her. I’m not going to clip her blossoming wings. Each time Carly’s phone went off, I noticed it was her mom’s name lighting up the screen, causing her lips to turn down in a frown. Every time she got off with the woman it would take me a good hour to get her mood back up. My mouth between her pretty thighs always worked the best.
I try not to let it bother me that she hasn't said one word to her mom about me. She’ll talk about Tinsley or how her new place is coming along, but not a single word about me. It’s probably a good thing I can’t hear what her mom is saying to her. I’ve never wanted to choke a woman before, until now. I see many wonderful family holidays in the future.
Scratch that. There’s no way I’ll be able to be in her mom’s presence if she has something negative to say to Carly. I’ll have to do something about it. That woman will not keep doing this to Carly, and she sure as fuck won’t do it to her grandkids either. I’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. Right now I am still working myself into Carly’s system. Trying to make myself a permanent fixture in her life.
I’m helping her spread those wings while checking one thing after another off her list for her. Seeing her face light up every time I do something with her is like a fucking high and I’m addicted.
“It’s getting late,” Reed says, picking up his beer and taking a drink. He makes a funny face.
“It’s good.” I shake my head at him.
“I could use something harder.”
“Not if you want to be harder later.” That actually gets me a smirk. “Look at them. They’re having fun.” Carly says something that has Tinsley bursting into laughter over the music that they have started to play. They cleared out the dance floor area about ten minutes ago, but no one has ventured on yet. I was a little surprised when Carly told me what she wanted to do. I went to work to find a place for them.
I had no idea she was going to dress to match the theme. I’m always in a state of arousal when Carly is near me. Which is all the time now. But that red dress against her pale skin and dark hair was something else. It made everything about her stand out. Then the fucking shoes. I don’t know how she does those heels all the time, but she pulls them off each and every time. I’m going to make love to her in nothing but those heels one day.
I have no clue how I’ve kept my dick out of her. Every night I’m in her bed eating her cunt multiple times. I could have taken her by now. She would have let me. I didn't want her to let me take her. I want her to need it almost as much as I do. I also don’t want her thinking I’m only here for one reason. I’m playing the long game. I want her for the rest of my life.
“I’m looking at them,” Reed says, throwing back the rest of his beer. “So is every other motherfucker in here.”
“Yep.” He jerks his head my way. “And they are all ours. As much as we want to put them in a cage we can’t.”
I’d fucking love to, but this isn’t about me. It’s about her. Taking the light out of her eyes would kill me more than some fucks checking her out. They’ll never know what she tastes like. What she sounds like when she comes. Look away, motherfuckers. It’s all you’ll ever get.
I fold my arms over my chest, watching them and not caring if this makes me a stalker. I sit up straighter when I see Carly jump up from her chair as the song changes. She holds her hand out to Tinsley, who takes it as they head to the dance floor alone. As much as I know this is going to be torture, I smile because my girl is spreading her wings again. She’s the first on the dance floor.
It doesn't take but a few seconds to realize both of them know what they are doing as they move to the music together. This is why she wanted to come here. They laugh and dance, not paying attention to anything but each other. It’s not long before more women join them on the floor as the restaurant part fades away and the space turns more into a bar feel.
More men inch toward the dance floor. I feel my body grow tight. Why can’t these fuckers leave them alone? I can’t say I blame them. If I were one of these men and saw Carly I’d be the same way. I know exactly how they are feeling.
When I first saw my girl, I wanted to snatch her up in the middle of a store. She wasn’t even in a fuck-me dress and heels moving her body like she is now. Plus, she was holding a pregnancy test and I still gave no fucks. I wanted her still.
“I can’t take any more,” I say when I see two men making their move. It’s all over their faces, and the girls have no idea. They’re oblivious to how attractive they are.
“Thank fuck.” Reed is on his feet moving with me through the crowd. The men start to try and dance with the girls, but they shake them off and step away. They don’t take the fucking hint, though. Not until they spot us coming toward them. Then the lightbulb in their thick skulls finally turns on. They turn, getting the fuck out of there as quickly as possible. They must have sensed danger, but Carly hasn't even noticed I’m almost on her until she spins right into me. She looks up at me, her hands going to my chest.
“Took you long enough.” Her fingers grip my shirt, pulling me down for a kiss. I grab her hips and pull her into me as I take her mouth, letting every motherfucker in this place know who she belongs to. She moans into my mouth, trying to rock against me. As much as I love the feel of her up against me, I sure as hell am not dry-fucking her in the middle of a dance floor.
“Sweetness,” I growl, pulling my mouth from hers.
“What?” She blinks innocently up at me.
“I think it’s time to check another item off your list.” I take her hand, leading her toward the back of the place. We continue down the hallway past the bathrooms. A bouncer at the end steps out of my way, letting me by. I made sure I bought that priv
ilege before I let Carly step foot in here tonight. I needed to guarantee her safety.
“Where are we going?”
I push open the door to the owner’s office, pulling her in and slamming the door behind her.
“What is-”
I cut her off, my mouth taking hers. I grab her ass, lifting her to press her against the door. I devour her as I rock my cock against her wet heat. I pull my mouth from her, kissing down her neck and the v to her tits.
“Oral in public?” she asks. Her breathing is heavy, already letting me know how turned-on she is. I can read her so easily.
“That’s the one,” I say as I nip the top of her dress. For the first time tonight I’m fucking happy she has a dress on. It is going to make this a whole lot easier. Her fingers go to my short hair and give it a tug. I pull back to look at her. She’s shaking her head back and forth.
“It’s not me that gets oral, James. I give it.” If I didn't have some of our weight pressed against the door, my knees might have given out. I haven't let her near my cock. I don’t trust myself. Now she wants to suck me off in the back of a bar? Why does that sound so hot? My little virgin wants to get on her knees and let me fuck her mouth with a hundred people feet away. She runs her tongue along her teeth.
It’s in that moment that something inside of me finally snaps. I reach up, grabbing her chin in a tight hold. “Are you sure about this, sweetness? I’m a man on edge. I’m not sure how gentle I can be right now.” I swipe my thumb across her bottom lip. Her pink tongue comes out to taste it. I swear she’s trying to kill me.
“I want to taste you like you taste me.”
I shake my head no. A pout forms on her lips. I should pull back but I’m too hungry for her to stop. Plus, we all know that there is no way that I can deny her anything. Especially when it comes to request for my dick. All rational thoughts go out the window.