Heather

‘Heather, you and I both know reputations don’t always speak for the person.’

They sure don’t. Something I’m regretful and resentful for. Braxton and I have been together, as a couple for four months now. Not a single person suspects it and not a single person outside the two of us knows. Not even Ry, which is a miracle. He and Brax are like twins, always attached at the hip.

Things seem to be getting more and more complicated. At times, I just want to say fuck it all. I don’t know if I’ll ever fix things for Lucy. Billy has been so stubborn. Like, she has no problem that she and Lucy have been, so called, sneaking behind my back to talk of the phone, but she’s been giving Lucy shit about taking things further.

The whole situation has become ridiculous. I’ve tried to distance myself from it, but Lucy continues to make me feel guilty about what happened, between Brax and I at that club. I sigh at my thoughts.

Both Lucy and Brax turn to me. I shrug my shoulders and reach for another shot. Brax reaches under the table to squeeze my leg.

“What’s up with you?” He hisses in my ear.

I wave him off. “Nothing,” I mumble.

“You want to back downstairs to dance?” Lucy says, from my other side.

I try not to glare at her. I’m still annoyed with her from earlier. I felt like she was pissed that I’d given Nellie a makeover. The entire time while Nellie and I were sipping and getting ready, Lucy had been in a funk.

“No,” I shake my head.

I feel a little bad when her face falls. She turns to look across the bar. I groan, when Billy’s friends come into view. Lucy had pointed them out earlier. If word gets back to Billy that we weren’t the perfect couple, I could be roped into this for who knows how much longer.

“Maybe in a few,” I amend.

“I’m ready to go,” Brax states, looking between the two of us.

I sigh. I know that look. When he’s ready, we need to be ready. He’s our ride tonight. Braxton insisted he be our designated driver this evening.

I know why, it’s his way of making sure Lucy doesn’t try to sleepover. Her sleepovers means, he can’t. See what I mean about things becoming complicated?

Lucy is still my friend. I enjoy spending time with her. At least, when I’m not pretending to be someone I’m not. I’m getting tired of pretending. I’ve started a new life, but at times I feel like I’m still trapped in my old one. I’m suffocating to be honest.

Braxton’s patience is about to expire. The night we finally had ‘the talk,’ is still so fresh in my mind. It took almost a week before he cornered me for it.

“Are you ready to address this?” he grumbled, twisting the ring on his thumb, while keeping his gaze on his hands.

I’d been avoiding him, since that kiss in the guesthouse. We came so close to being caught. I wanted to try things with Brax, but I need time, time our family and friends wouldn’t give us if they knew. Then, there was Lucy. I had to fix the mess I made for her.

I was surprised it took him so long to show up on my doorstep. True to his word, when we’re at work we remain neutral. Braxton hadn’t even attempted to flirt.

I turned my body toward him, pulling my right leg underneath me. I chewed on my lip, trying to find the right words. I’ve had plenty of time to think this over.

“I want to do this. I want to…if you want I want to try dating each other,” I push out, before I lose the nerve.

“But? I hear a but coming,” he falls back against the couch, turning his head towards me. He holds up his hand. “Never mind, I already know what you’re going to say.”

“Brax, I just think, if we go into this with everyone else involved we’ll never make it,” I cautioned. He rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Listen to me. Do you really think your six brothers and Aunt Cass will mind their own business?”

He sits up, coming face to face with me. “Mom never gets in shit unless she’s needed. Fuck my brothers. Name one of them that’s in a relationship,” he rolled his eyes again, when I gave him a challenging look. “John’s ass doesn’t count. Those two are not happy and we all can’t stand that girls.”

“Okay, you have a point there, but Nellie and Wyatt may have something,” I shrugged.

“God, you’ll find anything to give as an excuse. You know damn well I’m saying to you. Their opinions don’t matter,” he huffed.

“Yeah, well, I have my reasons for wanting to keep this between us,” I frowned.

“Lucy?” he lifted a brow.

“It’s complicated. I just need time to straighten something out. I made a promise,” I pleaded.

His hand cupped my face, lifting it so we looked into each other’s eyes. “Fine, I’ve waited this long for you to be willing to give this a try,” he relented. “I’ll let you handle whatever’s going on with you and Lucy. We’ll keep things between us, until you see we belong together.”

I search his eyes, swallowing my emotions. “Us belonging together isn’t my worry,” I whispered. “I don’t know if I’ll be any good for you. If I’ll be any good at a relationship.”

“Same thing to me. Once you see we belong together, you’ll stop questioning everything else,” he said, just before leaning in and searing me with his warm lips.

That was the first night Brax slept over. I fell asleep in his lap right there on my sofa. I’d never felt more safe and cared for in my life.

I wish every night could be like that one. Instead, the last two nights, Brax and I have been trading angry texts, as Lucy slept in my guess room. At this point, I’m ready to tear my hair out.

“You’re thinking about getting me naked, aren’t you?” Braxton whispers in my ear, bringing me back into the bar.

I turn to frown at him. I see the humor in his face, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Granted, that was pretty mild compared to what made me slap him this morning.

I lean in. “You keep it up. I’ll make you keep that dirty mouth to yourself,” I hiss at him.

He gives me the most adorable pout, before leaning in my ear. “If I keep my mouth to myself, who’s going to suck those chocolate nipples, until you come screaming my name? I told you. I plan to titty fuck you tonight,” he purrs.

I glare at him. “Really?!” I whisper-yell.

“What, you know you miss my touch,” he licks his lips, his eyes dropping to mine.

“Shh,” I hiss.

“No one’s paying attention to us. Stop looking so nervous,” he smirks.

“Brax,” I warn.

He frowns, his eyeing narrow at me. “This shit is getting old. Explain to me again, why after four months we’re still hiding.”

I sigh, rubbing my forehead. This has been my own question for days now. I’ve become more and more aggressive in front of everyone else. Heck, you would think I loathe Brax, not that we’re a couple. It’s starting to wear on me, pushing him away, when I truly want to draw him closer.

Somedays, I think I just might forget myself. The act has become a chore. Well, Honestly, I’m still not ready to tell everyone, I still need some time for that. Nevertheless, I do have deep seeded questions about this entire Lucy thing.

“Yo, I’m out,” Toby calls, dragging my eyes from Brax and saving me from having to answer.

We all wave and say goodnight. I notice Ryan looking around the bar, before pulling a frown. Obviously, he doesn’t see the type of trouble he’s trying to get into.

“I think I’m over this,” Ryan grumbles, when Toby leaves. He looks down at his phone, then up at Brax. “You want to get into something? I got an invite to some A list shit.”

“Nope, I have plans. I’m going to drop these two off. Then I plan to spend the night honing my stroke skills,” Braxton says slyly, sticking out his tongue to nail his point.

“The same chick you’ve been seeing?” Ryan says, after chuckling. His eyes flicking between the two of us.

I scowl and turn to face Lucy. I’m going to kill Brax one of these days. As I look at Lucy, she’s nodding off right here at the table. I’m grateful for that. I’ll be able to get her home pretty easily.

“What girl?” I hear Brax rumble.

“Yeah, right, you said it’s more than one,” Ry says dryly. “I can take Heather and Lucy home.”

“I got it,” Braxton snaps.

“Just thought you’d want to get your night on with,” Ry replies.

I turn to see his eyes glittering with mirth. Mm, maybe there is one person that knows. I curl my fingers into fists under the table.

A thump to my right catches all of our attention. I turn to see Lucy’s upper body resting on the table. We all start to snicker. I may be tipsy, but I’m a long way off from where she is.

“Let’s go,” Braxton says standing.

He rounds the table and tosses Lucy over his shoulder. Two months ago, she might have been pissed. Lately, she’s been more open to Braxton’s teasing. Yet, one more thing that feels off to me.

“See you at breakfast Sunday?” Ry asks as he kisses my cheek.

“I don’t know. Maybe,” I shrug, knowing that my real answer is no.

I’ve been avoiding Aunt Cass again. I think one look at me and she’ll know I’m dating her son. I don’t know how to hide anything from that woman.

We get outside to Brax’s car and Ry helps to get Lucy in the back of the Bentley. Brax and his cars. I just can’t with him.

“See you guy’s later,” Ry says, patting Brax on the back, as we round the car for Brax to open the passenger side door for me.

“Later,” I wave.

“Fuck,” Brax groans, looking down at his phone. His head pops up in the direction Ry just disappeared in. Ry is already long gone.

“What?” I ask, when he turns sad eyes to me.

He crowds my space, until my back is to the door of the car. My eyes widen and dart around us. He sighs, placing his forehead to mine.

“No one’s out here to see us,” he says tightly.

“What’s the matter?” I place my hands on his waist.

“Dad needs me on a fucking call,” he breathes out in frustration.

“Oh,” I say and actually pout.

“I’ll make it up to you,” he promises, lifting his hand to cup my face.

“You don’t have to,” I shake my head, trying and failing to hide my disappointment.

“Have dinner with me,” he commands.

“Huh?” I wrinkle my brows.

“Tomorrow, I’ll take care of everything. Just say, yes,” he commands.

“I have a shoot with Lucy. We were supposed to hang out after,” I murmur.

“Yeah, I know, which is why we’re not doing this at your place. I’ll text you where, in the morning. After the shoot, tell her something came up,” he coaxes.

I’m nodding my head, before I think it through. I miss spending time with my boyfriend. Between Lucy, work, and secretly spending time with Amanda, I’ve been feeling stretched thin. It seems our relationship is what gives the most sacrifices

“Okay,” I say softly.

Brax dips his head to nip my bottom lip. “I miss your taste so much. I can’t wait for tomorrow. I’m going to kiss you, until there isn’t a lip on your body that isn’t swollen.”

My face and body heat with his words. We haven’t had sex. Not full intercourse, but Braxton knows a million ways to make me come without being inside my body. His dirty words have ruined more than enough pairs of underwear.

“Let’s get you guys home,” he says, kissing my forehead.

My heart sinks. I was so looking forward to spending time together. Although, as thoughts of a real date fill my head, my spirit lifts again. I can wait one more day.

* * *

Braxton

I swear, I hate the government contracts that come through. Our relationship with them changes the whole meaning to ‘don’t ask, don’t tell.’ We get the assignments, we don’t ask a thing, we complete the assignments and confirm, they don’t ask us for details. It’s a win win, but sometimes the shit can be annoying.

We have to strike swiftly, when we get the chance. Last night, I finally had a chance. I needed to get the information our client required and silence the source. This is the shit Black and Lock really make it’s million on.

I’m tired to the bone, but I got shit done. If Ryan hadn’t disappeared last night, I would’ve taken him along to get it done faster. At least that way, I would have gotten back to Heather, before the night was over.

A part of me wanted to just ask him to take care of it. It’s a good thing he took off. My head wasn’t in the right place. All I wanted was Heather. That dress she had on, it reminded me of my twenty-first birthday.

I think of Vegas and smile. I’m taking my time with Heather. It’s killing me, but I don’t want to rush things. I know she’s still healing. I’m thankful that she’s allowing me to be a part of that.

That’s why no matter how tired I am, at this point, I’m going to make tonight special. I look at the clock and dial Wyatt. I press my lips, when the call rolls over to voicemail.

I roll onto my back, looking up at the ceiling. Maybe I can pull this off here at the apartment. Ry was on his way out for a run, when I stumbled in this morning. He seemed to be in a good mood.

“Fuck that, that fucker will double back just to see who you’re dating,” I say out loud to myself.

I tap my phone to my lip to the beat of the music playing in the background. Sleepy shit. I play music when I’m drained, but need to think.

Toby’s apartment comes to mind. It would be perfect. His ass doesn’t give a shit about anything but whatever’s going on with him. If I ask to use his place he’ll give in just to get me off his back. I grin at my idea, quickly dialing his number.

“What?” he grumbles into the line, causing my grin to widen.

Good, his moody ass is in just the mood I need. This will be quick. His ass owes me.

“Why is everyone so grumpy this morning? Wyatt’s ass won’t even answer. You guys need to get better at this morning shit,” I croon into the phone, masking my own exhaustion.

“Fuck you and your morning,” he grumbles back.

“At least I know you still love me. Speaking of loving me, I need a favor,” I roll right over his words.

“No,” he snorts.

I pull the phone from my ear and frown. Asshole, I mouth before placing it back at my ear. I’m not going away that easy.

“Oh, come on, I haven’t even asked yet,” I huff.

“Question, would Cassy Black approve of whatever you’re going to ask me?”

“Fuck,” I mutter.

My mother would kick my ass if she knew I’ve been hiding something like this from her. Mom loves Heather. I think she’d be happy to see us together.

“You see, no.” I hear the toilet flush on the other end, water starts to run not too long after.

I go to tease his ass about pissing with me on the line, but I know his ass will hang up. I keep my joke to myself, but I’m frustrated as hell. He’s not even trying to hear me out.

“You be on some bullshit, you know that?” I grunt. “I’m there for you whenever you need.”

“Dude, you didn’t even call me first,” he scoffs.

The incredulous sound in his voice almost makes me laugh. He’s right, I didn’t think of him first. Toby can be an ass. It hasn’t always been that way, but he’s changed.

“Yeah, cause your ass is always the first to say, no,” I mutter.

I hear him sigh and I know I have him. “I have plans this morning,” he replies.

“Good because what I need is for tonight. Honestly, I don’t even need you. I just need your place,” I croon, not even able to keep the triumphant smile from my face.

“Whatever, just don’t break any of my shit and don’t do anything crazy. If the cops show up at my place—” he growls.

I cut him off. I already got what I needed. “Bro, relax. It’s not that serious. Thanks,” I ends the call to get some fucking sleep.

* * *

Heather

“Will you relax,” Braxton rasps in my ear, as he walks up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

I inhale and the fragrant aromas of garlic, tomatoes, and something spicy fills my lungs. I sag back into his hold. It feels like it’s been forever, since we’ve been able to do this and just relax.

“A dress and heels two nights in a row. I’m becoming a lucky man,” he croons into the crook of my neck.

I smile, relishing in his warmth. I picked this dress out with him in mind. I saw the way his eyes lit up last night. I decided on the grey hooded jersey dress and black ankle boots, wanting to be sexy, but sort of casual. While it hugs my curves, it’s different from the tight black dress I wore last night, both are out of my normal comfort zone.

“I don’t know about your luck. I may leave after tasting your cooking,” I tease.

“Nice, with the shit talking. You know who my mother is,” he growls, slapping my ass. “Come sit, I’m starving.”

I walk over to where he’s holding my chair out. Everything looks great. My cheeks hurt from smiling. The table setting is perfect, the food smells delicious, and the music playing softly is the right touch. It all makes this night romantic and absolutely perfect.

I feel like I’m in an actual restaurant. We move through a salad and appetizer, both leaving me impressed. The conversation is extremely light, but I figure he’s allowing me to experience the meal. However, it’s the main course that has be rolling my eyes in my head and moaning in pleasure.

“Oh God, this is good,” I moan, with my first spoon of stew.

“Why do you always underestimate me?” his voice rumbles.

I lift my head to look into his eyes. His words sound heavy with meaning, not his usual teasing tone. I knit my brows, looking into his depths. He’s first to break the eye contact, looking down into his bowl.

“This wine is great,” I say, trying to lighten the mood.

“Glad you like it,” he replies, still focused on his food.

“Okay, talk to me,” I sigh, placing my fork on the table.

“Not tonight,” he shakes his head.

“If you’re going to be in a mood, why not?” I push.

His eyes lift to mine. He tilts his head. I can see the wheels turning. He sits back in his seat and just stares.

“Lucy is a problem for me,” he finally states.

I groan, placing my elbows on the table, dropping my head into my hands. I wish I would have kept my mouth shut. Why didn’t I just keep my mouth shut?

“Hear me out, he continues. I don’t know what you two have going on because you refuse to tell me, but there’s something up with her. You’re not seeing it, but I am. I don’t like it,” he says firmly.

“I made a promise, Brax. You know I don’t like going back on my word. I have to fix what I did. Then things will be fine,” I say, pleading with him with my eyes.

“Dude, you don’t get the weird vibe she’s been giving off lately?” Brax barks. “I swear, I thought she was going to suggest a threesome the last time we all hung out at your place. Something is up, she’s…desperate.”

“There’s a lot going on. You just don’t understand,” I rub my forehead, trying to release the building tension.

Brax sighs. “Look, Baby. I don’t want to fight. I just see shit you don’t see. Whatever’s going on with her. It’s a problem. We have enough shit against us as it is. Her ass is an easy fix. Stop fucking with her.”

I get pissed. I’m tired of all of this. I just wanted one nice night and it’s turned into this. I didn’t want to talk about Lucy, work, my situation with Amanda, none of it.

“Where’s this coming from?” I snap.

Brax scoffs. “I’ve been trying to tell you this for months. But if you really want to know. Lucy called just before you got here. She said you guys were supposed to go see a movie, but you were late.

“You and I both know that’s some bullshit. You guys were together earlier. She made it seem like she hadn’t seen you all day, asking me if I heard from you,” he snarls.

My brows knit, my anger turning to Lucy, instead of Brax. “Seriously?”

Brax presses his lips, giving me a pointed look. My mind starts to turn over his words and Lucy’s behavior lately. What the hell?

I don’t even notice when Brax stands and rounds the table. He plucks me from my seat, sitting in my place, and brings me down into his lap. I wrap my arms around his neck.

“I’m sorry. That shit got under my skin. You probably think I’m being insecure, but…I just have this feeling, H. I need you to be more careful with her. Don’t underestimate what I’m saying to you.”

The plea in his voice tugs at my heart. “I hear you,” I nod.

“Good,” he cups the back of my neck. “Come here.”

I don’t protest. I lean in as he draws me to him. When our lips meet, I feel like my whole world rights itself. Braxton’s lips slip over mine and my mouth parts open. He quickly enters my cavern with passion and possession.

Dinner and Lucy are both forgotten. A deep groan comes from his chest, sending a shiver through me. Not for the first time, I think of what it would be like to feel him inside me. The thought doesn’t last long. I’m so far from ready for that. I don’t want lust to ruin the bigger connection we’re building.

“Are you going to let me taste you tonight?” he rasps, in between nipping and sucking at my lips.

I nod, unable to say the words, but knowing I need more. I need just a little more, although not ready for the full course. Brax stands, carrying me outside to the apartment balcony. He places me on the glass outdoor table.

His eyes are filled with so much desire, as he looks down at me. His hair is blowing in the slight breeze, making him look sexy as hell. His dress shirt molds perfectly to his shoulders and well defined arms. I can see him straining against his jeans.

“Don’t move,” he commands.

I look at him curiously, as he backs his way into the apartment. I let my head fall back, looking up at the stars. My mind wonders to Lucy, then to Amanda. Something was a little off the last I saw my sister.

Maybe Brax is right about Lucy. I haven’t been as focused as I should be on things between us. For one, I’m just so annoyed with it all. Secondly, I have so much other stuff going on in my life.

“Not tonight,” Brax tsks, when he returns with a bowl and a bottle of champagne in his hands. “Wherever your mind just went, we’ll deal with it tomorrow. Tonight, I’m celebrating that pussy.”

He steps between my legs, placing the bowl and champagne on either side of me. I squirm before him, anticipation licking at my veins, inciting my blood to pump faster. I can already feel myself dripping.

Brax is my boyfriend. This is okay. You’ve done this before. He’s safe.

I chant the words in my head. It’s getting easier not to need to, but I still do to keep from freaking out. No matter how good I know he’ll make me feel, I’ve come to the brink of losing it a time or two. Although, Brax knows me so well, each time, he pulled me back just before I fell over.

It’s one of the reasons I know I’ve fallen so hard for him. He’s always there to make me feel safe. His touch is always the soothing balm to my aching soul.

Braxton’s long fingers begin to peel my panties from beneath my dress. His eyes remain on mine, always proving he’s here for me. He slips my underwear right over my feet, tucking them into his back pocket. I know I’m not getting those back.

Bending at the waist, he gets eye level with my soaked core. I hear more than see him inhale deeply. He uses a finger to collect the arousal that’s dripping between my cheeks, bringing it back up to my wet folds.

“Damn, you smell so good. How have I gone so long without eating this pussy?” he murmurs.

“Brax,” I pant, my core clenching.

He reaches for the champagne, taking a swig, before reaching in the bowl, and pulling out a fat strawberry. I lift to my elbows to watch what he plans to do. Lowering his body, he pushes my thighs back, taking advantage of my flexibility.

He places the strawberry between my folds, then allows the champagne to drip from his lips on to my mound. His mouth his on me swiftly. Lapping around the strawberry, but never disturbing it. Not until after he chases the liquid from both my sex and his mouth.

When he has licked me to his liking, his tongue makes a scooping motion to retrieve the strawberry. I throw my head back, letting my cry rent through the air. My belly is on fire, my mind has gone blank, only allowing me to feel this pleasure, nothing else.

“Best chocolate covered strawberry I’ve ever had in my life,” Brax says looking up at me with a crooked grin. His thumb starts to circle my clit. “One day when I do this, the world will know you’re mine. They’ll know I’m the man that worships every inch of you.”

“Brax,” I cry as my legs start to shake.

“I’m just getting started, Baby. Sit back and enjoy the stars, you’ll be see plenty.”

Sure enough, with another strawberry and mouth full of champagne, he brings me to the point of seeing more stars than those shining above. My chest heaves as I try to catch my breath. Braxton kisses my inner thigh, before licking it.

If I thought he was done, I was sorely mistaken. Braxton pushes my dress up, palming my ass to lift me, as he guides the fabric further up, until my breasts are exposed. The cool night air hits my tightened buds, only to have one warmed by the hot, wet suckle of his perfect mouth. His full lips play with my nipple, teasing, caressing, and worshiping my flesh.

I arch up into him, his thumb returns to my nub. I whimper, wanting him to stop, but never wanting this to end. Brax pulls away from the peak he’s lavishing to move across to the other. It receives the same attention and devotion.

I came so hard the first three times. The last two hitting back to back. I don’t think I have another in me. Brax on the other hand, has confidence in me and his skills,—as if his skills have a presence of their own that wraps the entire balcony and pulses through the air. I open my legs wider, starting to feel greedy and selfish. I’ve done nothing but take.

Brax lifts his head, his golden eyes locking on mine. “Whenever I bring you pleasure, it’s because I’m supposed to. It’s my job to. If I get to come, it’s an honor and a bonus. You will always come first,” he says hoarsely.

I think I come from is words alone. His words are for me. No one knows this Braxton. He’s all mine.