Together We Stand

by JA Lafrance

  “That’s my dirty girl. I knew you could do it.” His breath grew heavier. “You’ve got me so hard. Are you pretending that’s me? That I’m touching you?”

  “Yes.” Her eyelids drifted closed. Alternately she cupped her breasts and pulled on the peaks.

  “Show me how just how filthy you can be. Lose the pants, Riley. I want to see you. All of you.”

  Her eyes popped open and she swallowed. “If I do that, then I want something in return.”

  “Anything.” The promise carried such weight. If only the thing she wanted most could come true, but distance separated them.

  “Put the screen where I can see you too.”

  As he moved to comply with her request, Riley reached down and pulled off her bottoms and her panties. When the screen settled, she saw Heath’s profile, his body, thick with muscle, his hand curled around his strong shaft, softly stroking. His heavy balls were drawn up tight, and his thighs were flexing. God, she wanted to feel all that muscle, all that smooth warm skin against her own palms.

  Instead she drew her fingers down her body, passed her pubic curls and toward her swollen lips. As she drew her fingertips along her vulva and located her clit, she couldn’t hold back the moan.

  “Damn, I wish I was there.”

  “So you could do this?” Kneeling on the bed, she spread her legs a little wider, and pushed two fingers inside herself. His hand moved faster. “What else would you do?”

  A wicked grin turned up the right side of his mouth. “My naughty little girl wants to know all the dirty things I plan to do to her?”

  Her hips rocked in time with her little thrusts. Her own touch wasn’t going to be enough. She needed his words. “Yes. Yes. Please.”

  “I love it when you beg me.”

  She watched his gaze tracking her movements. She was growing desperate. It’d been too long since she’d had a decent orgasm and the one currently building seemed promising. “Heath, please!”

  “I think I’d do just that, Riley. I’d tie you down to our bed and work you over with my tongue. I’d lick and tease that little clit of yours until you begged me to let you come.” His words painted a vivid picture. She wished it could be true. “But I wouldn’t let you.”

  “Bastard.” The word was whispered, yet he still heard it, if his chuckle of amusement was any indication.

  “Are you close? Is your body quivering? Are you ready to beg me?”

  “Yes. Yes. Heath.” His name was little more than a breathless moan.

  “What would you give me, Riley? What would you do for me if I let you come?”

  “Anything. Anything.” She vowed.

  “Would you let me fuck those gorgeous, sassy lips? Would you take my cock down your throat?”

  Her hips moved faster. Her fingers thrust harder.

  Apparently, her groan wasn’t enough of an answer. “Would you, Riley?” He demanded.

  “Yes! Yes!” She cried. “Anything!”

  His hand was nearly a blur as he jerked himself off, the muscles in his arms and chest straining. She knew he was trying to hold back. “That’s what I’d do, Riley. I’d fuck that pretty face of yours, and then I’d flip you over and take you from behind, pounding into you until you screamed my name.”

  His dirty words threw her over the edge. “Heath!” With his name on her lips she came, her fingers pumping faster until the climax subsided, and she fell on all fours before the camera, her breasts swaying freely close to the lens.

  “Fuck! Riley, God!” Heath’s roar came through the microphone as his cum spilled over his hand, and his body shook.

  In the aftermath of their rowdy evening adventure, Riley’s skin cooled quickly. She tossed her clothing back on and made a quick trip to the bathroom while Heath found some tissues.

  Soon they were settled before the screen once more, and shame for what she’d just done flooded her. Laughing it off, she told him, “I’m not sure I can do that again.”

  His head cocked slightly to the side as he examined her. “You really have no idea how hot you are, do you?”

  Another blush scurried across her face. She huffed out noise that was part laugh, and part scoff.

  “You are, Riley.” His serious tone made her take note. “You are, you know. You’re everything.”

  Suddenly she knew she needed to tell him. She wouldn’t be able to hide it much longer anyway. She was beginning to feel sick each morning and soon her parents would take notice. “I have something to tell you.” Riley wavered. “I didn’t want to tell you this way, but I don’t think I can wait.”

  Heath leaned forward. “What’s wrong? What happened?”

  “Nothing bad. At least I don’t think so. I just figured you’d want to know. I wanted to tell you in person, but this lockdown is dragging on and on.”

  “Riley, babe, just tell me. Whatever is weighing on your mind, let me be a part of it.”

  “I’m pregnant,” she blurted.

  He sat back, blinking. “Really?”

  She nodded.

  “Shit, that’s fantastic!”

  “You think so? I didn’t want to tell you over the phone.”

  “I want to be there.” His face was a blend of excitement and concern. “I missed too much last time. Too much. That’s not happening again.”

  “That’s why I wanted to let you know.”

  “I’m coming to you. I’m done with this lockdown. They’re easing restriction, increasing the number of people we can see. I’m coming to you.”

  Riley licked her lips and couldn’t keep the eagerness from her tone. “When?”

  “Two weeks. The protesters did their best to social distance and most were wearing masks, but it was still a lot of people. Give me two weeks and I’ll be there. If it’s okay with your folks we’ll stay there, and if I come into contact with anything or anyone that increases my risk, I’ll separate and stay away again.”

  “Okay.”

  It was almost too good to be true. She’d be able to hug him again. Seth would be thrilled.

  “I want to be there. Midwife appointments, morning sickness. All the stuff I missed before. I can’t believe this. You’re going to give me another baby.”

  The excitement in his voice brought tears to her eyes.

  “When did you take the test?”

  “Two weeks ago. I’d been feeling off and then my period was late.”

  “Damn, you’re the best. This is fantastic.” Heath’s smile was brighter than she’d seen it in weeks. “You know I’m going to marry you, right? One day.”

  Tears slipped passed her lashes. “You don’t have to say that.”

  “It’s true. It’s always been true, but I didn’t want you to think it was because of Seth. And I want you to have the wedding you’ve always wanted. Not one where you can’t drink because you’re nursing or nauseated. Start sending me pictures of rings, so I know what you like.”

  Riley couldn’t keep the frown at bay as she wiped the tears from her cheeks. Surely, he should be able to pick out a ring for her. She shouldn’t have to pick her own. “You don’t know what I’d like?”

  “Nah, I know.” He twisted away from the screen, his muscled back stretching as he reached to the nightstand. “Your surprises are always so much better than mine.” Turning back, he set an open box before the screen, a diamond ring flashing in the center of all the black velvet.

  Her mouth dropped open. “Oh my God.”

  “Marry me, Riley.”

  A giggle escaped. “This was not how I pictured getting engaged or telling you I was having a baby.”

  “Our plans never seem to work out in the picture-perfect way. Who needs all that lovey-dovey crap? I just need you.” He gave the box a jiggle. “Say yes.”

  Remembering Mercedes’ earlier mischief with Scott, Riley grinned. “I don’t know, Heath. You made me wait an awfully long time for you. It’s only fair that I return the favour.”

  Heath hung his head, before shaking it slightly. “I adm
it, I was a bastard. A total and complete bastard. I made us both wait.” His gaze locked on hers. “Don’t make me wait any longer, Riley.”

  “Maybe I ought to make you beg,” she teased.

  That sexy grin tugged at his lips. “Payback’s a bitch, you know.”

  “And you’ve got the good handcuffs. So…” She dragged out the word.

  “I love you, babe.” Surprisingly his patience didn’t seem to be thinning, and for a moment Riley really thought he’d wait, he’d beg, he’d do just about anything for her answer. “Say yes.”

  One word slipped passed her lips. “Yes.”

  Two Weeks Later

  Heath was due any minute. It was the first time she’d be able to hold him, touch him, to kiss him in months.

  Sure, she’d seen him a few times. Once the weather had grown warmer, they’d stayed six feet apart as he played soccer with Seth. Seth was too young to really understand what was going on. He didn’t understand why Daddy wasn’t coming home with them, but as long as he saw Grandma and Grandpa afterwards, he could be easily distracted. But distraction hadn’t worked on Riley. No, she’d cried in the car each time they parted ways, and then again later each night.

  Now she was waiting for him, nervously tapping her fingers against her parents’ granite kitchen island. Why she was tense, she didn’t know. They were engaged, had a kid together, and another on the way, yet here she was anxious as a teenager waiting on her first date. She’d changed her outfit three times.

  The doorbell rang. Despite eagerly waiting for it, the sharp noise still caused her to jump.

  Her mother placed a hand atop Riley’s. “Relax, sweetie.”

  With a nod, Riley slipped from the stool and called for Seth. She wrapped her hand around Seth’s tiny fingers and tugged him toward the entry.

  A bundle of nerves and excitement, Riley pulled the door open.

  In the bright morning sun, he stood on the front step. His hair was still damp from the shower he’d had after work, and his jaw was absent of the scruff he’d accumulated in the past few days. In one hand he held a duffel bag, indicating just how real this was. He was home, or at least with them in their temporary home, and he planned to stay.

  Their gazes raced over one another, and a smile graced his mouth. Dropping the bag, he squatted down and held out a hand to Seth.

  The boy hesitated, clinging to her pant leg. It broke her heart to see Seth so unsure of his own father. This stupid virus was truly awful, on so many levels.

  Heath, however, wasn’t fazed by his son’s reluctance. He glanced up at Riley. “I figured this would happen, so I came prepared.” Reaching into his bag he withdrew a big blue ball with green speckles.

  Seth’s eyes lit with joy.

  “Remember buddy? We like to play catch. Ready?” He held up the ball. Seth caught on quickly and raised his arms. “Bribery works every time.”

  They tossed it back and forth a few times, before Riley’s mom interrupted. “Maybe Daddy would like to come in, and not stand in the doorway all day.”

  Heath shuffled forward a bit and closed the door. Seconds later Seth launched himself at Heath.

  Her fiancé wrapped his arms around the toddler and pulled him in for a tight hug. “I missed you, little man.” He kissed his cheek and gave him another squeeze before setting him free.

  Her father walked in from the living room, phone in one hand and glanced up. “Heath, how’s it going?”

  Straightening, Heath shook her dad’s extended hand.

  “So, you’ve knocked my daughter up twice now.” Her dad faked a gruff tone, but the smile on his face gave away his true feelings about being a grandpa again. “Let’s see this ring she’s been telling us about.”

  Objecting, her mom elbowed him. “Let him get in the door!”

  “He’s in the door.”

  Rolling her eyes, his wife replied, “Give them a few minutes to themselves, before you start. You know maybe she’d like to see the ring first.” She took Seth’s hand. “Come on, baby, let’s go get your bathing suit on.”

  Seth wiggled with excitement. “Das! Das! Pool!”

  Riley didn’t pay them any mind as the three of them left her alone in the front hall with Heath.

  They stared at one another for all of four seconds, as the sounds of her family faded farther into the house.

  She opened her mouth to speak, but when he reached for her, she could only draw a quick breath before his lips descended on hers.

  Groaning, she ran her hands over his chest, and shoulders before twisting them in his hair. With each touch she reassured herself that he was real. Dreams of him couldn’t compare to the feel of his hard body beneath her fingertips. A video screen wasn’t nearly as potent as caressing his silky hair with her own two hands.

  With one hand on her hip and the other wrapped around her nape, he dragged her closer, aligning their bodies so all that hard, compact muscle was pressed against her flesh. His tongue slipped into her mouth, pulling another groan from her as she let it stroke along hers. He tasted like mint and warmth, and Heath. A combination powerful enough to weaken her knees.

  Her hand stroked his cheek when they separated. “No more being apart.”

  He rested his forehead against hers. “I promise, I’m done with missing you for months. Never again. I’m making you mine in every sense of the word.”

  Riley shivered at the promise in his words. Body and soul, she’d surrender to him in a heartbeat.

  His palm slipped down to cradle her stomach. “I can’t believe you’re giving me another baby.”

  A smile spread across her face as he dropped once more to his knees, this time to lay a kiss against her belly. “I can’t wait to meet you little guy.”

  Riley coughed. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”

  He glanced up, a question in his eyes.

  “I can’t know for sure, obviously,” Riley told him with a shrug. “But something feels different this time. It might be a girl.”

  Heath’s eyes widened, the grin on his face glowing even brighter. “Fantastic, Riley. Fantastic.” His hand disappeared into the side pocket of his duffel bag, and a moment later he produced the little black box he’d shown her on the video.

  Riley reached for it before he could even get it open. She flipped open the lid and pulled out the beautiful princess cut diamond ring.

  “Scott gave us his blessing,” Heath told her, making light of the years he’d put her off thinking he needed to distance himself from his buddy’s sister. His grin was that of the prankster he’d been as a teenager.

  Riley huffed. “You only ever needed my blessing.”

  Despite her answer during their video call, he asked again, his voice somber. “Marry me, Riley?”

  She slipped the ring on her finger, cupped his face between her hands and pulled him toward her. “Yes,” she whispered, before his lips met hers once more.

  If you enjoyed the characters who appeared in Make Me Beg, you can visit them now in the Love Me or Leave Me series.

  About Cameron Allie

  Cameron Allie grew up in a small town, north of Toronto. Currently she lives with her husband, their two young daughters and their spirited cat, Darcy. She writes contemporary romance that’s been described as “warm and fuzzy erotic romance,” and will soon be making a foray into the world of sci-fi.

  https://www.cameronallie.com/

  Second Chance

  Gillian Jones, All edits donated by Quoth the Raven

  Sometimes love comes and bites you when you least expect it. — Second Chance

  Second Chance

  Chapter 1

  Chance

  “Sonofabitch!” I shout, dropping the box head wrench after it slipped and gashed the hell out of my right hand. “Motherfuck!” Blood begins to pool in my palm. I’m likely going to need a couple of stitches, but it will have to wait. I’m on a deadline with this tranny installation, and Chance McKidd is never late with a job. Neither are any of the gu
ys who work for me at Second Chance Garage. It’s our promise, it’s what we’ve built our reputation on as the best shop in the greater Ottawa-Gatineau area.

  “You okay there, boss?” Stephan, my full-timer, asks, rolling out from under the hood of a Corolla.

  “Yeah, I was tightening the bolts on the fly wheel. Box head slipped, got me good. Fucker made it through my glove to boot.”

  “You okay to finish or do you need to go see Mare?” He jokes about our shop’s favourite nurse extraordinaire, who works just down the block at Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital. The poor girl, she always seems to be on shift when one of us dumbasses has an accident—or so it seems, anyway. It’s become the running joke between her and us.

  “Nah, I gotta finish. Toss me the duct tape, and I’ll be good. Told Leroy I’d have his Jeep back to him today. I’ll pop down later, if need be.”

  Steph nods, tosses me the tape, and I quickly wrap it around the wound a few times, hoping to at least stop the blood long enough for me to finish. I need about another hour, if all goes right.

  “Lemme know if you need a hand,” Steph shouts as he rolls back under the beat-up Toyota.

  “Ah, I should be okay.” As it happens, I can almost install a transmission with my eyes closed. I’ve been working on cars my whole life, thanks to my pops. My two brothers and I practically lived in my dad’s body shop growing up.

  Chapter 2

  Faith

  “Shit, shit, shit. Mare, I’m sorry I’m late. Go, go. I’ll catch myself up,” I say to my friend and co-worker, as I run to the nurses’ station at Perth and Smiths hospital where I work as a relief nurse in the Emergency Room, for now. My goal is to eventually get a transfer to Operating Room nursing, as I have specialized training in that as well as ER nursing.

  Clipping my ID badge to the pocket of my dark purple scrubs, I can feel Mare’s eyes on me, waiting to hear what she already knows is coming. Yet she decides to ask me anyway. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time I’ve been late.