CHAPTER FIFTEEN
The ringing phone wakes me the next morning, and I fumble around trying to answer it. And promptly land face first on the floor.
The hell?
Opening my eyes, I remember I’m not at home. I’m at Sophie’s, and apparently I’ve slept on her couch.
"What are you doing on the floor, Hope?"
I look up to find Sophie planted in front of me. Scrambling back onto the couch takes a minute. I swear, I’m the most graceless person on the planet.
"Forgot where I was."
She sinks down onto the couch next to me. "Ugh, that was work. I gotta fly down to Wilmington tonight for an eight a.m. meeting tomorrow. Fucking bullshit, but at least I can work from home today."
"Why are they always telling you this stuff last minute?"
"Got me. I sat in on the Friday afternoon conference call. They said something about going to Wilmington early next week. Just not how early." She shrugs. "It’s better than West Virginia, at least."
I don’t know how Sophie manages to stay so positive. Her firm drops these last-minute travel plans on her all the time. Yes, they pay her decently, but they also treat her like shit. She’s only considered a "staff attorney," and they’ve made it clear they will never promote her to an associate. That means no big end-of-year bonus, and no respect. But since she looks good and doesn’t drool when she speaks, she’s presentable enough to send to clients’ offices, to do the work the associates and partners don’t want to be bothered doing. Why she puts up with it, I have no idea. She says she likes the traveling and never doing the same thing two weeks in a row, which I understand. But, I can see after almost two years of having her life constantly interrupted, it’s starting to wear on my friend.
"You want to give me a lift home?"
"You don’t have to go. Why don’t you stay here until whatever is going on with Rock’s club blows over? You can drive me to the airport tonight and have my car for the rest of the week."
"Won’t your brother be annoyed if I’m here?"
Sophie shrugs. "Why? He’s next door. He works all night and sleeps all day anyway, so you probably won’t run into each other all that much. Besides, he likes you."
That’s nice to know. Ben’s a good guy. The kind of big brother I always wished I’d had growing up.
"Think about it."
I give her offer serious consideration. If I stay here where Rock can’t find me, I can avoid him and have a little breathing room to sort out my feelings. It’s the chickenshit way out, but I don’t care. All this danger is too much for me. I already lost one husband, who never so much as drove over the speed limit. Now I have a boyfriend who runs around at night with guns and a bulletproof vest strapped to his body. I don’t think my mind or heart can take losing someone I love again. Especially someone like Rock, who is a powerful force of nature, but puts himself at risk constantly.
Sophie pats my hand. "I’m going to run down to Stewart's for some eggs, coffee, and the paper. You want anything else?"
"Nope."
I yawn and dig around in my backpack for a toothbrush. As I’m rinsing my mouth out, I hear the distinctive rumble of a motorcycle. My heart speeds up at the familiar sound. How the hell did Rock manage to find me?
Why do I automatically assume it’s Rock? It’s not like he’s the only guy in the world who owns a motorcycle. I rush to the living room window and peek outside. Sure enough, it’s him.
So much for hiding out.
I’m still pissed, but the anger fades as I watch him take off his helmet. Before I realize it, I’m flinging open the door and running outside without even caring that I’m barefoot, in a sleep shirt, and braless.
"What are you doing here?" I ask as I slow my steps.
He slips off his shades and drinks me in. "I don’t know if I should spank you or hug you."
Well, that’s unexpected.
"Excuse me?" I say, crossing my arms over my chest.
He swings his leg over the bike and approaches me slowly. "I told you to stay put and let Hoot keep an eye on you. First thing you do is take off?"
"Yeah, how did you find me anyway?"
A smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. "I have my ways." Then his eyes turn serious. "You had me fucking worried."
I drop my arms. "About what? What am I supposed to be so afraid of?"
"Sass mouth," is the only warning I get before he drops his shoulder and flings me over it. My feet kick, and he hooks an arm across my thighs to keep me still. I’m terrified he’s going to drop me on my head, so I smack at his ass and legs to put me down. I realize in the commotion, my sleep shirt is bunched around my waist, my underwear-clad butt pointing up in the air.
"Rock, put me down. I don’t need Sophie’s brother seeing my bare ass," I hiss.
We’re moving swiftly across the lawn, but he pauses and sinks his teeth into my hip. It’s a little love-bite, but I squirm, and a crack fills the air as his palm lands on my left ass cheek.
"Ow! Did you just spank me?"
"Yup. Felt good too. Gonna do it again as soon as I get you inside."
"Like hell. Put me down, you jackass."
He pushes inside and sets me down. "Where’s Sophie?"
"She ran down to the store to get some stuff for breakfast."
"Good. I have time to fuck you."
His words ripple over me, and a rush of wetness dampens my panties. "No," I whisper.
I watch as his gaze bounces around the room, taking everything in. Unsure about his intentions, I back away and grab my overnight bag.
He follows my tentative steps. "Where are you going?"
"To get dressed. You’re making me nervous."
He closes the distance, grabbing the bag from my hands and pulling me against his chest. His mouth closes over mine, and I melt right into him. His arms tighten around me and lift me slightly off the ground. I can’t concentrate on anything but his mouth moving against mine, his tongue stroking inside. We’re moving, but I don’t know where. Finally he stops and sets me on the bathroom counter. Closing the door behind him with a quiet snick, he pauses before turning back to me. My bag hits the floor with a soft thud.
"Take your shirt off."
"No."
He raises his eyebrows, clearly not accustomed to hearing "no."
I hold out my hand. "Uh-uh. Don’t come any closer. You’re like sexual crack. I can’t think straight once you get your hands on me."
A big sexy smirk takes over his face, and the skin around his eyes crinkles a little with the gesture. Damn, he’s hot.
"I’m mad at you," I croak out. I don’t sound mad, though—I sound horny and desperate.
He cocks his head and crosses his massive arms over his broad chest. "You’re mad at me?" Disbelief drips with every word.
"Yes. You made me worry."
The smirk slides off his face. "Why were you worried about me, doll?"
"You didn’t answer my text. I don’t want to be all clingy, demanding to know where you are all the time, but you could have just let me know you were okay with a few short words."
Fuck. Why am I such an unbelievable asshole? I had Hoot watching the house, so I knew Hope was okay, but she had no way of knowing what was going on with me. I’m so used to only checking in with my brothers, it never occurred to me I should check in with Hope. It’s not like shooting her a two-word text would have killed me. Honestly, no other woman had ever worried about me enough to ask me to before. The guys would probably laugh their asses off and call me whipped, but I like knowing Hope cares.
"I’m sorry. I got caught up last night. We had guys from one of our out-of-town charters come up for support as well as another local ally, and it got hectic."
"Is everything okay?"
"For now."
"Does this sort of drama happen a lot?"
I’m tempted to lie to her and say no, because I know she’s not going to like the truth. But I really want to build something with Hope, so I know I need to be honest and take whatever the consequences are. "Not a lot. But it’s not unusual either."
She shakes her head and looks down, muttering, "Dammit." Her hand reaches out and curls into the waistband of my jeans and tugs me closer. I’m so fucking happy. She spreads her knees apart and pulls me right up against her, then wraps her arms around my waist. She nuzzles her cheek against my abs, and my cock jumps. She’s being all sweet, and I don’t want to ruin the moment.
"Sorry."
"Shower with me," she says in that husky voice that gets blood pumping straight below my belt every time I hear it.
She slips my cut off my shoulders, and again I’m amazed at how she treats it with reverence. I’ve known club girls to take a guy’s cut and toss it on the floor. Not my girl. She seems to know its value to me. Or she’s just a neat, orderly person. But, no—that’s not it. I’ve seen the inside of her closet—she definitely has no problems tossing clothes on the floor. I chuckle at the memory.
She lifts her head, a hurt look spreading across her face. No fucking way. I cup her cheeks and kiss her soft lips. "Nothing bad, baby." I strip my shirt over my head, and warmth spreads through me as she takes me in with obvious delight.
"Like what you see?"
"Oh, yes." Good God, she’s cute. I love the way her eyes eat me up, like she thinks I’m the sexiest man alive. Her female appreciation makes me want to roar with pride. And I believe she called me "sexual crack" a couple minutes ago. I need to reward her for that little ego boost.
To give myself a chance to calm down, I walk over and flip on the shower. Sophie must have a kick-ass water heater because the room fills with steam fast. I strip Hope out of her shirt and panties and shuck my boots and jeans. With my hands on her hips, I guide her into the shower. Here there are no ghosts to get in our way, so when I’m done soaping her up, I press my body tight against hers. My cock slides along the crack of her ass and I groan at the dirty images the sensation calls up. We’re thinking along similar lines apparently, because she thrusts her ass out at me.
I snap, pushing her shoulders down and slamming my cock into her. She sucks in a deep breath and begins rocking against me.
"Fuck, that’s good, baby."
She whines in agreement.
And then I realize I forgot to roll on a condom. Godfuckingdammit.
"Why’d you stop?"
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
"No condom."
She goes very still. "I’m not on the pill or anything, Rock."
Fuck! I remember she’s not very enthusiastic about having children, and quite honestly, neither am I. Although in the back of my mind, I’m thinking if there’s ever a woman I wanted to have kids with, it’s Hope.
"Finish on my back," she says just loud enough for me to hear it over the rushing water.
Her words almost make me lose it. Could she be any hotter?
I ease my cock back into her slowly and grit my teeth. I can’t remember the last time I fucked a woman raw, but that thin layer of latex makes a big difference. Feeling every bit of her against my most sensitive parts is amazing. I’m pretty sure I’ll cry like a baby the next time I have to wear a rubber. Slowly, I slide my hand down to play with her clit until she’s trembling and on the verge of coming. Bringing my lips to her ear, I nip and kiss her skin. "Come for me, doll."
She explodes, and I’ve got to pull out. I keep rubbing her clit, letting her ride it out while I start sliding my fist up and down my cock. Staring down at her beautiful heart-shaped ass gets me moving faster. Her smooth, creamy skin is an unblemished, unmarked canvas. No tramp stamp on my girl to use as a target. But I don’t need one. She’s got these two perfect little dimples above her ass that will do the trick.
I pick up speed with every stroke, focusing on those two teasing indentations. My balls tighten, signaling I’m ready to blow. Desire consumes me and I ignite, watching in fascination as I come all over her sweet little ass and back. I groan low and long as I finish.
Mercy, she’s going to kill me.
She twitches her ass at me, and I already want to fuck her again. Instead, I pull down the showerhead and clean her up. When I’m done, I turn her in my arms and take her lips in a gentle kiss.
"That was hot, but I’m sorry I got carried away."
She drops her head, hair covering her face. How can someone her age be so shy about this kind of stuff? Deciding I don’t care because it’s so frickin’ cute, I place my fingers under her chin and tip her face up.
"Can you get on the pill for me, doll?"
She hesitates, and her cheeks flush pink. "I’ve had trouble taking it in the past, but I’ll make an appointment and see if there’s something different I can try."
Fuck. I’ve never really given women’s health issues a whole lot of thought. Now she’s got me curious, but I don’t want to embarrass her any more than I already have. In time, I plan to learn every single thing about my girl.
"I’ll go get snipped if it means I can fuck you raw every damn time."
She sucks in a breath and blushes even redder at my crude words. Her arms snake around my waist, and she crushes her body against mine. I’m not sure what’s brought this on, with me acting like a filthy caveman and all, but anytime her body is close is good to me. I take the opportunity to run my hands up and down her slick curves.
Wait a second—did I just offer to neuter myself so I could fuck her without anything between us on a regular basis?
And not long before that, I’d been thinking I wouldn’t mind a little mini-me or mini-Hope running around. This is what she does to me. Twists me and turns me until I don’t know which way’s up.
I love it.
A knock at the bathroom door startles us apart.
"Hope? Are you okay?" Sophie calls.
Hope pulls farther away from me. "Yeah."
"I assume that’s Rock in there with you?" Sophie says with a laugh.
My girl shakes her head. I can tell she’s mortified, and I remind myself not to have her up at the clubhouse during any of our wilder parties. She’ll probably keel over.
Since Hope still hasn’t answered, I answer for her. "It’s me, Soph. We’re good."
Sophie’s laughter rings loud and clear. "Okay."
I twist the shower off and help Hope out. She’s busy covering her face with her hands, shaking her head back and forth, so I grab a towel to start patting her dry.
When I look up and she’s still blushing like crazy, I can’t help but tease her. "Don’t tell me you girls don’t tell each other everything."
"Telling is different than witnessing it."
"Doll, she didn’t witness anything."
She huffs out an annoyed breath. "You’re exasperating."
I stuff down my laughter. "Funny, I thought the exact same thing the day we met."
"You did not!"
"I sure did. You kept trying to get away from me. Didn’t even want to have lunch with me."
She stops, her smile faltering. Fuck, I’m an idiot.
Neither of us speaks for a few beats, but finally she turns and bends over to rifle through her backpack, giving me one spectacular view. Fuck if I don’t want to blow my wad all over her again.
"Sweetheart, if you keep bending over in front of me like that, we’re really going to give Sophie an earful."
She snaps up straight, clutching a pile of clothes to her chest. "Animal," she says with a giggle.
My hand connects with her ass and stops to knead her perfect flesh. "Fuck yeah, I am," I growl.
She scurries into her clothes, and inside I wave goodbye to her beautiful boobs. What a crime to cover them up. I decide then and there, if I ever get her to move in with me, I’m going to demand she walk around the house naked at all times.
Wait a second. If? If nothing. Fuck, I should ask her to move in with me right this second.
"Hope—"
"Breakfast is getting cold, horndogs!" Sophie shouts.
I’m still standing there buck-ass naked like a moron, lost in thoughts of waking up with Hope in my arms every morning.
Suddenly Hope is completely dressed. She brushes a quick kiss on my cheek.
"See you out there."
And breezes out the door.
What the hell just happened?
Scurrying out of Sophie’s bathroom, I think of how I’m going to explain my behavior. I’m beyond mortified because I have no idea how much of our shower escapades she heard. Did she hear him groaning as he came all over my back? Hear him smack my ass? My cheeks burn with awful possibilities as I try to remember how much noise we made during our encounter.
Sophie’s facing the doorway with a Cheshire cat grin on her face. "Morning, buttercup. I leave for twenty minutes, and you manage a booty call. I’m impressed."
"Sophie, I’m so sorry. I didn’t—"
She holds up a hand with a spatula in it, cutting me off. "Please. It’s not the first or last time that shower has been so violated."
"Should I come back later, so you girls can trade shower sex stories?" Rock asks as he comes up behind me.
I close my eyes, praying for the ground to swallow me whole.
Sophie giggles. "Hey, Rock. Work up an appetite?" she asks with a sly grin.
Wench.
"Yeah, if it’s no trouble." He peers around her at the stove and seems satisfied when he notices she’s already got a bunch of stuff in various stages of preparation.
"I’m going out of town tomorrow for business, so I wanted to use some of this up so it doesn’t go bad." She gestures to the neat piles of cut vegetables and the stack of bread waiting for its egg bath. "So you’re really doing me a favor."
The kitchen door bangs open, and Rock reacts like we’re under siege. I place my hand on his arm and greet Sophie’s brother. "Hey, Big Ben."
"Hey, Hope."
He grabs Sophie in a bear hug and looks at the stove with longing. "You just get home?" Sophie asks
"Yeah."
"Rock, this is Sophie’s brother, Ben. He lives next door." They shake hands warily, taking each other’s measure.
"That your bike outside?"
"Yup."
"You with Hope?"
"Yes."
He nods. "Good. I was afraid Sophie and Jonny had another bust up."
Sophie turns and glares at him. "Shut up, Ben."
Concerned, I tune the guys out and move next to my friend. "What’s going on, Sophie?"
Slapping the spatula down, she sighs. "Nothing."
Sophie’s not going to talk about this in front of the guys, so I let it go.
While we’re waiting for breakfast, Ben and Rock wander outside to look at the bike. I’m pretty sure Ben plans to threaten Rock into treating me well. I’m not sure how that’s going to go over, so I’m a little anxious when they’re outside so long. Finally, Sophie runs out and yells at them to get their asses inside if they want to eat.
Ben lets out a loud yawn as walks into the kitchen.
"Go to bed, you big jerk," Sophie scolds.
"Nah, I got a few things I want to take care of outside."
Sophie rolls her eyes. Her brother has a hard time sitting still. That includes sleeping.
As we’re clearing the dishes, someone bangs on the front door. Sophie’s happy squeals can be heard across the house, so I pop my head around the corner and find her plastered against Jonny. She’s got her legs and arms wrapped around him, and he’s cupping her ass. Between kisses, he’s telling her how much he missed her and not to ever hang up on him again.
I clear my throat, because I know any minute Ben’s going to step out, find his sister acting like a horny spider monkey, and lose his shit. Jonny breaks the kiss and looks up at me.
"Hi, Hope."
"Hi, Jonny."
He sets Sophie down but keeps his arm around her. "Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt. I just missed my girl."
Since he’s constantly on tour, we’ve only met a handful of times. But, I know he’s crazy about Sophie, and I also know she drives him up the wall with her insane commitment issues.
"Come on, we’re just finishing breakfast. Hope’s boyfriend is here. Ben’s here too," she adds with a warning glare.
Jonny’s fists flex at her brother’s name, and I wonder what the story is. Shit, I’ve missed a lot lately.
"Hey, Rock, right? Good to see you again," Jonny says as soon as he rounds the corner. He nods at Ben and helps himself to a plate before sitting down. Wait, when did these two meet?
Sophie and Rock share an awkward look.
There’s a story there, and I wonder which one I’m going to have pry it out of.