Chapter Five
Xia
Wiping my hands on my black pencil skirt, I force myself not to fidget. Today’s the day I go to speak with a banker about getting my own business loan. I have money saved, but I’d be a fool to spend it all starting up my truck. There are so many expenses. I need a partner. Since my family isn’t willing to do it, I’ll go the usual route: a banker. My business plan is solid, and I have a good reputation on my side. It’s become painfully obvious as I prepared for this that too much of my life is tied into someone else’s dream.
“Xia Foley?” The broad-shouldered blond with closely cropped wheat-colored hair and brilliant blue eyes is young. With his high cheekbones and cupid’s bow lips, he looks more like a model than a banker. Maybe he is. This is California. Everyone wants to be something else.
“You got this.” Jas squeezes my hand, and I find myself eternally grateful that God saw fit to put us in each other’s lives.
‘Thank you’ I mouth. Rising, I place a smile on my face.“Good morning.”
“Good morning, Ms. Foley. My name is David, and I’ll be helping you today.”
I follow him inside the small office and school my features to hide my unease.
“Tell me, how can our bank assist you today?”
“I’m looking for a business loan. I want to start up my own food truck business. I’ve worked up a plan and listed my references. I’ve already helped operate and open two other trucks. My father is Chef Richard Foley, so I know a thing or two about running a successful food business.”
“The owner of Fresco?”
“That’s the one.”
“I see.” His face relaxes, and a knowing spark fills his eyes. He’s heard of my father, so he knows I’m not completely broke or a clueless.
Please let that help me.
I hand him over the business plan. “I’ve worked up a business plan with expected growth and a detailed study of the current market. I’ve also mentioned I’ll be bringing a substantial amount of money to the table.”
“May I ask why you aren’t getting the loan from your father?”
“Certainly. It’s not a monetary issue. I’m trying to cut the umbilical cord, branch out on my own, and create a new legacy for the Foley family.”
“I see.” Time stretches as he pulls up my account information and we go over the paperwork. After everything is submitted, the waiting game begins.
“We’ve got everything in, and you’ll know within sixty to ninety days if it’ll be approved. I must say, you did your homework, which will definitely work in your favor. The food industry can be unpredictable, and the more evidence you show of how you plan to lead your business to success the better. Off the record, Ms. Foley, I hope you get it. Magical Munchies sounds like it’d be a delicious, trendy, and unique place.”
“Thank you, David.” A number of emotions swirl inside of me like a brewing storm. I’ve cast the die, the wheels are in motion, and there’s no backing out now. I have to tell Shayne. Of all the things we’ve shared recently, this secret is one I’ve kept to myself. After shaking David’s hand, I step out of the office hopeful, and concerned about a completely different set of problems. I requested this day off, and they pulled a worker from Fresco to take over for me. It was a good test for Shayne, and a moment away for me.
Working in close quarters and dating has filled my life, my head, and my heart with him. The time away is meant to bring clarity. I can’t think straight when he’s that close.
As I return to the waiting room, Jas stands. “How’d it go?”
“I have no clue, but we’ll find out in a month or so.”
“Did he say anything?”
Pride fills me. “He was impressed with my research and the plan we created. It’s a plus that I’m bringing some of my own money to the table. He also said he personally enjoyed the concept.”
“Sounds like a win-win! Now we get to hang out for the rest of the day, and then we’ll hook up with the mystery man you’ve kept under wraps.”
I roll my eyes. He thinks I’ve been helping her prepare an intimate surprise party for Andy, which is partially true.
“He doesn’t know, Jas.”
“You haven’t told him?” The shock in her voice causes a stab of guilt.
I cringe. “No,” I whisper. It’s a huge secret to be sitting on. “It’s not that I don’t trust him, it’s just … It hasn’t come up.”
“Because your mouths are too busy doing other things?” She wags her eyebrows, and I roll my eyes.
“Stop.”
“Am I wrong though?”
“No,” I groan.
“Have you sampled the goods yet?”
“No, but I was hoping you could go shopping with me for the outfit I plan on remedying that with.” Shayne makes me bold.
“What has this mystery man done to my caterpillar? You’re turning into a beautiful butterfly right before my eyes.”
“With him, I feel like I can do anything. I’ve never been this comfortable with a man before. It’s shown me everything that was wrong in my previous relationships.”
“We’re already using the R word?” Jas asks.
“He made it clear he doesn’t do casual.”
“Sexy, strong, and committed? Did he come from Mars?”
I laugh. “No, apparently he came from San Mateo.”
“Smartass. Come on, I know a place to go.”
I clear my throat. “I actually have a place. I’m looking for something Vickies and Fredrick’s aren’t going to have.”
“You naughty girl,” Jas whispers, wagging her finger.
“This coming from Ms. I like to keep things from getting stale?” I tease.
She shrugs. “When you’ve only had one sex partner, you have to get creative.”
“Come on. We’ve got a lot to do after this.”
***
“Okay, this place is adorable,” Jas squeals as we approach the small shop sandwiched between two bigger boutiques. Geek Chic is scrawled across the center of the front window in gold lettering. The decals surrounding it, say it all. Books, starships, and angelic symbols call to me like a mecca.
“Just think, we haven’t even been inside yet.”
“Oh, I feel my bank account weeping already.”
We step inside, and I swear it feels like coming home. Bookish buttons, scarves, and headbands are displayed on a table in greeting. T-shirts, posters, and purses line the left side of the store. The Doctor Who, Supernatural, and Star Trek fandom sections jump out at me immediately. I could spend hours here, but right now, I’m on a mission.
I walk through to the back where the lingerie is hung on the wall. The deep red corset with the golden Star Trek emblem stands out. Gliding my hands over it, a thrill runs through my body. I’ve always wanted to do role playing, but I never had the nerve to do it before.
“Is he a Trekkie?” Jas asks.
“No, but I think this may convert him.”
I grab the matching thong and a garter.
“My Uhura is going to be getting some Vulcan D tonight.”
“Mechanic D actually. He used to work in his family’s garage before he came here. I asked him to wear his uniform for me tonight.” I bite my bottom lip.
“I like you with him. I think you’re good for each other.”
“It’s too soon to tell.” I don’t want to get used to having someone I know is here temporarily. I’ve had enough of being let down by the men in my life.
“I think what you two have is special. Shayne is nice, but he doesn’t strike me as a man who takes to people easily.”
“He said his family was a bit closed off. I know he lost his father recently and they weren’t on good terms. That kind of thing will change a person. I get the feeling coming here was a journey of sorts for him.”
“Like the one you’re about to undergo?” She arches her eyebrow. “Seems like he could help you with it.”
I can feel her censure. “I know you want me to tell him. I will, but not yet. You have to realize you and Andy are different. He was your best friend. I’m still getting to know Shayne.
“I understand. But I know I’d be hurt if my girlfriend just quit out of the blue and left me behind.”
“I’ve got time.”
“Sixty days will fly.”
“I’ll be ready,” I insist.
“Uh huh.”
Used to her meddling, I tune her out as I stock up on sexy underwear. After the stressful morning I had, I deserve a little retail therapy.
***
I don’t try to hide the grin that covers my face as I watch Shayne approach. He must’ve run by his house after work. The jeans are hugging his thighs, and the white T-shirt highlights his shoulders, chest, and those muscular arms that make my belly flip like a pancake.
“Did you find the house okay?”
He nods and pulls me in his arms.
Inhaling his masculine scent, I bask in his warmth.
“Hi,” he murmurs against my hair.
“Hi.” I pull back and take him in.
“I missed you today. You made sure you weren’t far from my mind with that text this morning.”
“Me?” I say, feigning innocence.
“I hope you’re ready for what you set into motion to play out tonight.”
I lick my lips as my heart rate rises. “Your place or mine?”
“Yours. I’ve been daydreaming of doing dirty things on that king-sized bed in your room. Every time you lay down I want you thinking about me and the things we do.” He bites my earlobe and tugs lightly. I shudder. Moving his hand down to cup my ass, he massages. I can feel his bulge pressed against me, causing me to whimper. He pulls away, and I give a grunt of protest. He winks.
“Now I’m not the only one who’ll be aroused tonight.” He twines our fingers, and I guide him to the back patio.
We lined the patio with white bulbs. The watermelons we carved to look like cactus stand out on the tables covered with bright table clothes and mismatched pottery plates. Mexican blankets cover the table where we lined the food buffet-style, and another smaller table holds the buckets of beer and pitchers of peach and berry Sangria.
“Wow, you guys did a great job. Why the Mexican theme?”
“Andy’s mother is from Mexico.” Jas and I grew up in Andy’s kitchen right along with his mother and Abuela preparing traditional meals and celebrating holidays.
“Are they here?”
“They were earlier, but the crowds thinned significantly.”
“I’m going to say hi and give him his present,” he says.
I admire his stride and the way his jeans highlight his firm ass. I did well. I walk over to where Jas is reloading her glass of sangria.
“You want another one?” she asks.
“Please.”
“Peach or berry?”
“Peach.”
“Is it ridiculous that the sight of our boos interacting fills my heart with joy?”
“No. I feel the exact same way. Finally, Andy is getting some testosterone time in.” We watch as Shayne reaches into his pocket and pulls out a gift card.
“Oh my God. He gave him a GameStop gift card. They’re officially best friends forever.”
She hands me a glass, and I bask in the moment. It’s nice to not be the third wheel, not that they make me feel unwelcome.
“Thank you for helping me pull this off.”
“Girl, it was my pleasure.”
We join the boys, and I do my best to mingle as my brain tortures me with erotic images of the two of us together. His lingering caresses to my arms, neck, and face have my body on fire. I’m soaked and anxious by the time we say our good-byes.
***
Shayne
I’m not sure what possessed me to bring my uniform, but I’m glad I did. After taking a quick shower, I put on my navy Dickies, a fresh white T-shirt, and my navy button up with the K.O.C. garage emblem and my name patch. I grab the box of condoms from my nightstand and head downstairs. I bought a fresh batch for tonight. She won’t be leaving the bed until we’ve done our best to go through the entire lot.
She opens the door in a red silken robe with the Star Trek emblem. She steps back, and I follow her inside, closing the door behind me.
“Do I call you Uhura?”
“You can call me whatever you want, Charm, as long as you deliver on those promises you made.”
I run my hands over her silk-covered body. The slick material shaped over her killer curves has me growling in the back of my throat. She’s beautiful with her green locks tumbling around her face, and her lust darkened eyes watching my every move. Her lips are parted, and her skin is hot.
I pull her frame against mine, bury my fingers in her soft hair, and bend her backward. She gasps, and I dart forward, spearing her mouth with my tongue. Her moan sends chills down my spine. She tastes sweet and clean as her body relaxes and I support more of her weight. Tilting our head to the left and right, we feed at each other’s mouths. Working together and keeping our relationship under wraps is a lesson in restraint.
The light caresses, whispered words, and smoldering gazes keep me aroused. We’ve been building up to this moment since the first day in the truck. Biting her full bottom lip, I tug. She purrs like a kitten.
“You like that, Xi?”
“Oh, yes.” She digs her fingers into my shoulders, and I smile against her lips. She smooths her fingers over my shoulders and trails her nails down my chest. I release her hair, and she stands taller.
“You look so fucking hot in this.”
I chuckle. “Can’t say I’ve been told that before.”
Her eyes flash with something dark and possessive. “Good.”
I’m surprised that I like it. My whole life has been built around not being tied down.
She strokes the skin of my neck around my collar. “This first time, I don’t want you to take the shirt off.” Her words are quiet but clear.
“Is my girl a little kinky?”
“Apparently you bring that side out in me.” Inclining her head, she studies me from beneath lengthy lashes.
“I have no problems doing the things that please you. Only say the word.”
I untie the sash at her waist and slip the robe off her shoulders. It falls on the floor with a soft whoosh. Her breasts threaten to spill from the corset designed like a Star Trek uniform. I trace the emblem with the tip of my finger.
“You look fucking delicious.” Bending her over, I trace the swell with the tip of my tongue. She shudders, and the bulge in my jeans grow. I’ve been in a varying state of arousal all day. I refuse to let it rush me. I lick and nibble a path up her long neck. She tilts her neck back, giving me access. I suck on her skin until it turns purple, and she bears my mark. Pleased, I release her sensitive flesh with a loud smack.
“Are you wet for me yet, Xia?”
“Soaked.”
“I’ll be the judge of that.” I cup her. “I can feel you through your panties. So hot and wet. Is that all for me?”
She nods her head. Pressing the heel of my hand to her core, I grind it against her. She moves her hips, eagerly. I watch the passion playing across her face. The needy sounds escaping her full lips and the openness are an aphrodisiac. This is Xia with no walls or worries. How she should always be with me.
I take her to the edge and stop.
“Shayne,” she cries.
“Not yet. I promise, it’ll be better for the wait.” I capture her lips, silencing her protest as I trail my fingers down her arm. I deepen the kiss, sucking on her tongue as I explore her body. We separate, panting.
“You’re still too dressed.”
I cup her chin. “Undress me.”
She bites her bottom lip and glances away. I squeeze her face gently. “Xia.” I lower my voice, and she meets my gaze. “Take what you want.”
Her breath grows ragged as she tentatively untucks my shirt from my pants, then runs her palms up my stomach and over my chest. Our eyes lock, and I watch as she comes out of her shell, circling my nipples with her nails before she pinches them gently. I jerk as she rolls them between her fingers. The light tugs and rolls send sparks of pleasure racing through my body, but it’s the vision of her coming to life that has me harder than granite.
Her lids are lowered, and her lips are curved up into a wicked smile I’ve never seen before. She drags her nails down my stomach, and my muscles and my cock jump in response. She stops at my belt.
“Keep going.”
Her hands shake slightly as she undoes my belt buckle and moves to her knees.
“Don’t stop now,” I tease. She pops the button on my pants and shakes her head.
“Shoes first.”
Tease. I bite my tongue as she makes quick work of my boots.
“Step out of the shoes and then the pants.”
“Enjoy the control while you have it,” I say as I follow her directions.
She grips me through my boxer briefs. “Do I have control?” She strokes down. “Because I think you’re the one calling the shots.”
“You say that even with my cock in your hand?”
“I know that. I like that.”
She peers up at me, and I see the uncertainty in her eyes.
“I like being in control. I will push you, introduce you to new things, but I will never hurt you or go against your wishes. Is that okay with you?”
“Yes.”
“Good, now take me out and wrap those pretty lips around me.”
She takes me out and circles my tip with her tongue. “I have to warm up, baby. You’re not small.” She sucks my head in, and I groan. She’s playing with me. I like that resistance. She takes me deeper, and I’m lost in the slick heat and smooth stroke of her hand. I twirl her green locks around my fingers and rock my hips in time with her rhythm.
“You ready for more?” I thrust faster, and she opens her throat. “You’re doing so good, baby.” She hums, and I growl. “Keep that up, and I’ll be filling your mouth with more than my dick.” I ease out. “It’s time we take this to your bedroom.” I twine our fingers and allow her to guide me to her room.
I vaguely take in the photos, dark-colored dressers, and vanity before we’re moving to the bed.
“Lay down.”
Sprawled in the center of the bed, she’s a gift waiting to be opened. “Put your arms above your head, and lift your hips. Your time for touching is over.” She watches me with huge eyes as I remove her thong and dangle it on my finger. “One thing I know about you is you’re willful. I think encouragement is going to be needed to get you to keep your hands to yourself.” Bending over, I taste her lips while I tie her slender wrists together lightly. “You look good tied up and waiting for my next move.”
I spread her legs wide and run my pointer finger down the center of her wet cleft. “You’re dripping for me.” I bring the digit to my mouth and suck her feminine dew into my mouth, moaning as the flavor coats my tongue. “Even sweeter than I thought you’d be. I think I need a drink straight from the source.” I place my hands on her belly as I explore the cleanly shaven lips with the tip of my tongue, teasing the sensitive flesh where thigh meets pelvis before returning to her core. I circle her swollen clit and she bucks. Placing my arms on her thighs, I pin her down to keep her right where I want her.
I push my tongue inside. Her heat nearly scalds me, and her honey intoxicates me. She flexes around me, and I give her what she wants—deep thrusts as far as I can reach. Moans fill the air as she squirms beneath me and clutches the sheets. She’s close, but I don’t want her to come just yet. I pull away and slap her pussy.
“Hold it back.”
“No,” she wails.
“I promise I’ve got something far better than my tongue.”
Quickly stripping out of my boxers, I remove a condom from the pocket of my button down. I stretch the rubber over my dick and circle her walls with my finger as I rub her clit.
“Shayne,” she whimpers.
“You ready for me?”
“Yes.”
I grip my head and ease inside of her one inch at a time. “So damn tight.” She’s like a second skin squeezing me.
“Relax for me, kitten. Let me in.” I stroke her clit as I pull out and push in. Her breath hitches. “Not yet. You can’t come until I’m buried inside of you where I belong.”
She lifts her legs, wrapping them around my back. “I’m so close. Please, Shayne.”
“Almost there.” I bottom out and take a breath to keep myself from spilling before I caress her clit. “Come for me, Xia.”
I give her pussy a light tap. She screams loud enough to wake the dead while she convulses around me. As her body settles, I begin to move, gripping her hips to keep her in place, so I can go deep. She moans when I increase my speed as she adjusts to me. Her back arches and she meets me stroke for stroke.
“Are you going to come for me again, kitten?”
“Yes.”
I shift my angle, and she cries out.
“Right there. Oh my God. Don’t stop.”
I move fast, and she shakes as she explodes, clamping down on me with her slick walls. I let her take me over the edge, flooding the condom. Burying my nose in her neck, I get lost in her scent as the afterglow descends over me. I roll to the side and enjoy the feeling of being inside of her for a few more moments before I pull out to remove the condom and do some cleanup. I return with a warm washcloth.
“I know we both shared our test results, but how do you feel about birth control in the future?”
“I’d be open to it.”
“Good. Because as much as I’d love to make you my toaster strudel, I’m partial to Twinkies.”
She snorts and pushes at my chest. “Did you really just say that?”
“What? You got my meaning. Is it something you’d be open to?” I’ve never gone without a condom. It’s been drilled into my head since I was old enough to understand how my penis works. I’ve seen too many brothers trapped by a cunning woman. But with her, I want to feel everything. The level of trust we’ve created has me willing to try all kinds of thing.
“Yes.”
I kiss her lips and return to the bathroom.