CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Gabe
The hot water pounds down on my sore muscles, a welcome relief after the grueling shift I had. Three car accidents and two house fires.
One fatality.
Definitely not a great fucking day. It’s probably the only part of my job I don’t like, when someone’s life is out of your control. Sometimes you’re too late.
The need to see CeCe is more profound than ever. I want to bury myself in her body and forget all about the day’s events. Unfortunately, she works late so I’ll have to wait.
With that depressing thought in mind, I shut off the shower and head into my room to get dressed. After sliding on my jeans, I reach for a shirt and that’s when my doorbell rings. A scowl forms on my face as I head downstairs to answer it but it fades the moment I open the door, revealing the one woman I’ve been aching to see.
CeCe holds a picnic basket while shouldering one of her ridiculous-sized purses, her little rat dog’s head peeking out from the top.
“Blondie,” I greet her, my surprise evident. “I thought you worked tonight?”
She leans against my doorjamb, a suggestive smile curving her perfect pink lips. “Jill was a doll and said she would take my shift so I could surprise you with this.” She lifts the basket, excitement dancing in her eyes.
“What is it?”
“Let me in and you’ll find out.”
Smirking, I step aside and she strolls right in, beelining for the kitchen. My gaze drops to her perky ass. The tennis skirt she’s wearing teases the top of her slender thighs and makes my cock harden on the spot.
Stifling a groan, I rein in my need and follow her into the kitchen to see what she’s up to. My good intentions diminish the moment she turns and flashes me that smile of hers.
That’s all it takes for my shitty day to fade away.
My arm curls around her waist and I reel her in for a taste, the small contact of her lips against mine thrashes through my veins. I’m certain I could kiss the girl for the rest of my life and never tire of it.
Our moment is interrupted when the dog shoves his wet nose between us. CeCe pulls away with a chuckle, stroking his back. “I hope you don’t mind that I brought him. I felt bad asking Mrs. Bilson to watch him again.”
“As long as he doesn’t piss in my house or cockblock me, he’s welcome here.”
“No peeing or cockblocking, I promise.”
She gives him a kiss on the head then places him on his feet. He wanders off, nose sweeping along the floor as he explores his surroundings.
“Are you ready for your surprise?” she asks, that excitement lighting up her face again.
“Yeah. Especially if it involves you taking your clothes off.”
“Not quite yet. That’s for dessert,” she says with a sassy wink. “First, let’s have dinner.” She lifts the lid off the basket and tilts it to show me what’s inside. “Ta-da!”
The aroma wafting from the basket has my stomach rumbling in hunger. “You know me so well, Blondie.”
“Guess who made it?”
My eyes widen, her answer reflecting back at me. “Seriously?”
“Sure did. Your mom helped me.”
Another bout of surprise fills me. “You went to my mom’s?”
“Yep and we had a great time. This cooking thing isn’t as hard as I thought. Except for the raw meat,” she adds with a shudder.
As amused as I am, I can’t deny the shift in my chest knowing she stepped out of her comfort zone.
“Come on, let’s eat before it gets cold,” she says, carrying the basket over to the table.
While she does that I grab us some plates and utensils. By the time I come back, she has all the food laid out, including a beer for me and a margarita for herself.
“You thought of everything,” I say, impressed.
“I did, I’m very proud of myself. Now sit down and tell me how good it is even if it sucks.”
There’s no way it sucks, especially if my mom helped her.
We both take our seats and she watches in anticipation as I take my first bite. I consider fucking with her about how awful it is but the hope in her eyes has me doing the opposite and so does the paradise on my tongue.
“It’s amazing, Bella,” I groan.
“Yes!” She fist pumps the air. “Martha Stewart doesn’t have shit on me.”
I chuckle but it trails off quickly as I stare back at her pretty face. “I appreciate all this, I do, but you know you didn’t have to do this, right? I meant what I said the other night, CeCe.”
She shrugs. “I know but I wanted to. Not only for you but also for myself. I wanted to prove that I could do it, that I wasn’t just some stupid blonde like that ex bitch thinks I am.”
My blood heats as I remember my confrontation with Catalina, hating that CeCe heard it.
Reaching over, I wrap my fingers around her delicate hand. “You’re far from stupid, Blondie, anyone who takes the time to get to know you can see that. It takes brains, confidence, and hard work to accomplish what you have.”
Her fingers squeeze mine, a soft smile resting on her face. “I had a wonderful time with your mom today.”
“I’m glad to hear it because, next to you, she’s the most important woman in my life.”
“I can understand why. She is a wonderful mother and loves you very much. I admire her strength. She’s been through a lot. You all have.”
There’s an underlying tone in her voice that has me tensing and by the look in her eyes, I have no doubt she knows about the one part of my life that I wish I could forget.
“She told me about your father,” she whispers, confirming my suspicion.
A heavy breath leaves my mouth as I release her hand and sit back in my chair.
“Please don’t be angry. I wasn’t prying, I swear. We were just talking and sharing things about our families and he came up.”
Hate sears my veins like it always does whenever I’m forced to think about him. Grabbing my beer, I tilt the bottle to my lips, hoping it will cool my heated blood. “Let’s get one thing straight right now. That piece of shit isn’t my father. Got it?”
She nods, remorse and something that looks a lot like pity darkening her eyes. Something I don’t need or want. “I’m sorry for bringing it up. I just wanted to be honest with you.”
The sincerity in her tone has me fighting to lock up my anger. “I appreciate you telling me.”
As much as I hate that she knows, I knew it would only be a matter of time. At least now I don’t have to be the one to tell her the details, though I’m sure it wasn’t easy for my mother either.
I feel her gaze burn into the side of my face as I go back to eating but I’ve completely lost my appetite, every bite tasting like acid on my tongue.
“Being with your mom today made me miss mine even more,” she starts quietly, changing the subject. “It also made me think about my father.” Pain and sadness threads through her voice, mixing with my already turbulent emotions.
Reaching over, I take her hand in mine again. “I’m sorry.”
“Me too,” she whispers, offering me a sad smile. “Do you want to know how he died?”
“Only if you want to tell me.”
“I do. It’s time.”
I nod and wait patiently, knowing this subject is hard for her. Something I completely understand.
She inhales a deep breath, bracing herself for what she reveals next. “He was murdered.”
Every muscle in my body tenses, shock flaring inside of me. I thought maybe he died in an accident or had a heart attack. Not something as heinous as murder.
“Do you remember that political scandal a few years back involving the teenage girls who were being trafficked from the group home?” she asks.
“Yeah, I remember. Senator Michaels was involved.”
It was some sick shit and front-page news for months.
“He’s Emily’s father.”
My eyes widen at the revelation. “Emily as in your best friend, Emily?”
“Trust me, it’s not something she’s proud of. She was dealt a shitty hand in the parents department.”
I’ll say. I remember reading that even his wife was involved in trafficking those girls. If memory serves me right, she’s behind bars while hopefully her husband is burning in hell. Although, if you ask me, death was too good for a bastard like him.
“Em has been my best friend since birth. Our parents were very close but not even my father knew how horrible Senator Michaels really was until it was too late.”
The sorrow in her voice guts me. She should never know this kind of loss and sadness. If I could carry it all for her, I would.
“The night it all went down my father was there. He’d known for a few months what they were up to and was trying to gather evidence for the police. Only everything got screwed up and Emily was caught in the crossfire.” She pauses, taking another hard swallow. “My father took a bullet for her. He saved her life.”
My mind spins with everything she says, disbelief coursing through me.
Her eyes lift to mine, and the tears streaming down her red cheeks are like a punch to the gut. “It was bittersweet. I lost my father but my best friend’s life was spared.”
My fingers squeeze hers, wanting to offer any kind of comfort I can. “He died a hero, CeCe. That’s more than a lot of people can say.”
It probably doesn’t make her feel better but it’s the truth.
She flashes me a watery smile. “Yeah, he did, but he’s always been my hero. And now I’ve found another one.”
Her pinned gaze conveys exactly who she thinks that other person is. “I’m far from a hero, Blondie. I’ve never taken a bullet for anyone.”
“Maybe not but you ran into a burning building for a girl you didn’t even know because she didn’t want to leave behind one of her most cherished possessions.”
“I’d run into a burning building for you any day.”
Her expression softens as she pushes to her feet and comes to stand before me, her hands moving to my shoulders as she straddles me.
My fingers dig into her hips, her tempting lips only inches from mine.
“I know you would, because next to my father you’re the best man I’ve ever known. A man who stepped up and took care of his family when they needed it, despite only being a child himself.”
My mom just fucking blabbed to her about everything, didn’t she?
“It’s not a big deal. I just did what had to be done.”
“I disagree. I think it’s a very big deal and so does your mom. She loves you very much.”
“I told you I’m her favorite,” I joke, trying to lighten the mood but she doesn’t let me.
Her hand moves to the side of my face, fingers fanning my jaw. “I’m so sorry he hurt you.”
My teeth grind as I try to ward off the intense pain that penetrates me whenever I think about him. “Don’t be sorry. We’re better off without him.”
“Can I ask you just one thing and then I’ll never bring this up again?”
I find myself nodding even though he is the last person I want to talk about.
“Is that why you hated me when we first met?” she asks on a whisper. “Because you thought I was like her.”
The hurt reflecting back at me makes me feel even more guilty than I already do. “I never hated you, CeCe,” I tell her honestly. “But I hated what I thought you stood for. I hated your expensive lifestyle, but more than anything, I hated the way you made me feel when I was around you, because it made me think I was like him.”
“I’d never do what she did,” she whispers, a single tear trickling down her cheek. “I’d never break up a family like that.”
“Don’t you think I know that? I was wrong about you in the beginning and you’ll never know how sorry I am about that. But make no mistake, CeCe, I know you are nothing like that bitch.” Reaching up, I cup her soft cheek. “You’re beautiful,” I whisper, leaning in to brush a kiss across her cheek. “Sassy and kind.” I take her bottom lip between mine, possessing her mouth before I pull back and look deep into her pale irises. “But best of all…you’re mine.”
The moment the words leave me, she closes the remaining distance between us, our mouths fusing in a fevered hunger, tongues dueling in a pitch of give and take.
A growl shreds my throat, my hands slipping under her skirt to cup her perfect round flesh. She severs our heated connection for only a second, reaching down to grip the bottom of her tank top and removing it from her body. My eyes zero in on the sexy purple lace bra, admiring the way her creamy mounds spill from the top.
“Let’s skip dinner and go right into dessert,” she says in her saucy little voice that has my cock tightening behind my jeans.
“You always have the best fucking ideas.”
Her laughter fills the air but trails off on a gasp when I sweep my arm across the table, our food crashing to the floor as I press her back to the shiny wood, laying her out before me.
She gazes up at me, eyes hooded with need. “I should be really mad you just did that but I’m not. Not even a little bit.”
Smirking, I reach behind me and pull my shirt over my head. “Don’t worry, baby. I’ll make it up to you.”
Taking my seat once again, I inch my hands up her smooth legs, shoving them under her skirt to rip her panties off. Another gasp flees her, hips lifting off the table.
I drag her closer to the edge, bringing all that pink glistening sweetness in direct line with my mouth. My fingers lock around a slender calf as I grab one of her legs, draping it over my bare shoulder, then do the same with the other. Her scent impales my nostrils, fueling the need barreling through me.
“As much as I love what you made tonight, Bella, nothing compares to the taste of your pussy.” My mouth descends, tongue delving through her hot center.
“Oh shit!” Her cries echo throughout the room as she grinds herself into my face, taking the pleasure I eagerly give her.
I devour every bit of her, the length of my tongue covering her wet flesh. Over the top of her skirt, I watch as she coasts her hands up her flat stomach to cup her lace-covered breasts.
Groaning, I lift my mouth from her and replace it with my fingers, stroking her clit. “Take off the bra, CeCe. I want to see your hands all over your pretty tits.”
She does as I say, removing the lace cups and letting all that generous flesh fall into her hands. Sexy little moans spill past her lips as her fingers tweak her pink nipples.
“Goddamn that’s fucking sexy.” My free hand moves to my belt, undoing the buckle before opening my jeans. I release my aching cock and stroke myself, needing to relieve the pressure. My eyes remain on hers as I drop my mouth back to her bare pussy, lapping at all the sweetness.
The faster my tongue works her, the faster my strokes are.
“God, I’m going to come already,” she cries.
“Do it, baby,” I groan. “Come all over my face.”
The encouragement sends her careening over the edge.
My tongue never falters as I lick every drop she gives me. When there is no more left to take, I push to my feet, my cock still hard and heavy in my hand.
CeCe’s eyes become riveted; her lips parting on a sharp inhale.
“You like seeing how hard I get for you, Bella?”
“Yes,” she pants, eyes trained on my stroking hand. “I love knowing I make you feel this way.”
“You have no idea the shit you make me feel.”
Her eyes lift to mine, the moment growing heavier with our unspoken words.
My gaze never strays from hers as I grip her hips again and enter her in one perfect thrust. The connection is so perfect it rocks the very foundation of who I am. Her wet lips part on a hungry gasp as her pussy stretches for me. I bury myself to the hilt, her back arching off the table.
“How do you want it,” I ask, my voice rough. “Slow or fast?”
“All of it,” she whispers. “I want all you have to give me.”
She has all of me, especially the organ in my chest. However, I continue to keep that to myself. I start off with slow, deep strokes, her snug pussy gripping and sucking me further into its hot depth.
When she’s writhing and begging for more, I pick up speed. Her tits bounce as our bodies slap together, creating an unmistakable need.
Her teeth sink into her bottom lip as she tries to stifle the sexy little mewling noises coming from her.
“Don’t be silent, CeCe. Scream for me. I want every person in this goddamn world to know who you belong to.” I change the angle of my thrusts, my hips pumping harder as I hit that spot deep inside of her.
Within seconds, she falls over the edge once again, my name pouring from her lips, banging around inside of my chest.
I follow along with her, fighting to keep upright from the pleasure racing through my blood.
We both groan as I pull out of her.
I yank up my jeans just enough so I’m able to lift her into my arms, loving how perfectly she fits.
“Tell me, Fireboy,” she murmurs, her voice soft and sleepy. “How many women have you carried like this?”
“Never anyone as beautiful as you.”
She rests her head on my shoulder, a smile claiming her perfect lips.
I carry her straight to my bed, wanting to do nothing else but feel her naked body against mine. The mattress dips with my weight as I crawl in behind her.
She turns to face me, her hand resting on my jaw. “Want to know what else I learned today?”
“What?”
A shift happens within her eyes but nothing could have prepared me for what she says next. “Me estoy enamorando, muy profundamente.” The Spanish words I said to her the other night roll off her tongue flawlessly.
I’m falling and I’m falling hard.
My mouth pulls into a smirk. “You’ve been busy today, Bella.”
“Mmmhmmm,” she murmurs, but her teasing tone softens along with that look in her eyes. “Did you mean it?”
I brush a gold lock of hair out of her face, never severing eye contact. “Yeah, I meant it.”
“Good, because me too.” Rising up on her elbow, she plants a kiss on my lips that has me aching for more, but unfortunately, she pulls back too soon. “I also Googled and found out that puta means whore. Did you know someone called me that back in high school?” she tells me, anger creeping into her voice. “This bitch from another cheer team we were competing against. At the time I didn’t know what it meant but it was obvious it wasn’t nice. Now knowing exactly what she said I want to find her and gauge her eyes out.”
“Let’s do it. You can kick her ass and if she has a boyfriend I’ll kick his ass.”
“Deal but let’s have a nap first. I’m exhausted,” she says, dropping back down on my chest. “After all, I did slave over the hot stove all day.”
I look down at her, raising a brow.
“Okay, not all day but it was long enough.”
A chuckle rumbles deep in my chest.
Cooking or no cooking, she’s perfect and I plan to never give her up.