Still Creek (The Cove Series Book 2) Read online

  She spreads her legs with want as I brush over her with my fingertips, humming in appreciation. Palming her with one hand, I take her nipple between my thumb and middle finger. Applying pressure as I pinch it a little more. Her eyes widen as her cunt grows wet; my girl has a flare for the wicked.

  “Not yet, baby, soon though. Once you’re good, I’m taking all of you.” My words come out as a growl when she whimpers at them.

  “Sounds good to me, I’d follow you anywhere and give you anything.” Sitting up, her hands find my hair as she rushes my lips with her own.

  “Shower.” The only word I can manage as I pick her up, walking with her to the bathroom. Turning to set her on the counter, she shakes her head in protest.

  “No. It’s gonna be cold,” she explains wide-eyed. I drop her to her feet instead and start the shower.

  Stepping in together, I begin to soap her down. Groping her breast as I run the bubbles over her, she never disappoints as she moans from the contact. Pawing at her hip, I drag her ass back into me.

  “Put your hands on the wall in front of you, baby,” I direct her as she willingly molds to my command. “Good girl. Up on your tiptoes.” Tapping her ass lightly, for now. “I’m going to take you from behind, but before I do, I’m going to lift you up. I want you to bend your knees and grip my waist. Understand?” She nods quickly, making me bite back a chuckle.

  “Good girl. And Thayer, this will be fast and hard,” I snarl in her ear just as I lift her.

  She does exactly as I ask, pressing her palms flat against the wall as I slide into her hot, slick cunt. Lifting her as I pull back, I slam her down and meet her with a thrust of my own. Pounding her pussy until her ass slaps against my pelvis with the only other sound filling the room being our grunts.

  Fucking her so well, I know she’ll remember every time she sits down today, where I’ve been. She begins to clasp on to my cock, working me deeper with each push. As she explodes with a shuddered release, she throws her head back, screaming my name. I release whispering hers and my allegiance.

  I claim her as mine in every possible way, as she has me. Rooting myself in her heart so she’ll never forget me. As I will never forget her. I thought I was in love once, but I’ve learned over the last few weeks it wasn’t love. Love consumes you and somehow still makes it possible for you to breath. It fights through each barrier to save you, even from yourself. A love I haven’t known all my life. A love that fills the voids.

  My legs go limp as my feet touch the shower floor, but Hardy never let’s go. Keeping one arm tightly around me, he tugs my chin around for him to kiss me. Giving in to his mouth is the sweetest thing. Nothing I can control or want to.

  “Let’s get you cleaned up, we still have work. We’ll both have some explaining to do, I believe,” he reminds as he rubs soap into a washcloth. “Spread ’em.” I gape at his demand, not really sure what he’s meaning.

  “What?” Eyes wide with my mouth hung open just as wide.

  “Hun, we need to wash me off you. Believe me, I would prefer to leave it on you so other men will know you’re mine.” He takes my mouth as it continues to hang open, kissing me vigorously.

  “I can do it,” I say, looking everywhere but at him.

  “Are you embarrassed?” he asks, as if in shock. We’ve been naked for nearly ten hours, doing all sorts of fucking and now, why am I being shy?

  He demands this time. “Thayer, it’s okay. I plan on sharing many things with you, including a lifetime of showers. Spread ’em.” I bite the corner of my lip, and his brow kicks to one side as he grins.

  Twenty minutes later, we’re showered and teeth are brushed. One is going to lay into me about being so late. After dressing, I start coffee for us both. Hardy walks into the room with worn out jeans and a wife beater, damn. Wish we could stay in bed all day.

  “Hey, hun. Things went incredibly fast last night; we still need to talk.” Dropping my eyes to the floor, I jut my chin out, trying to be brave.

  “I know, I’m sorry. I should have explained I was a virgin sooner. I understand you may not be ready for all of this, Hardy. I knew the risk when I did it, don’t worry about it.”

  “I’m not talking about your virginity. I’m honored, which makes me feel weird, but I am. It means more to me than you may understand right now. What I need to say is, we need to talk about everything. Things from my past I haven’t shared with you and what all of it means to us.” Listening intently, I try to understand. It’s not happening.

  “I’m not sure what you mean.” Refusing to look at him, I pretend to clean the kitchen. Taking me by the hand, he leads me to the front door.

  “We need to talk, that’s it, hun. Stuff like I’ll need to bring Lulu once in a while if I stay over. I’ll need more clothes. We need to tell your family. I’m older than you, it may matter to them. Most importantly, Thayer, I have a past. It’s ugly. More than I’ve already told you, I need to be honest with you. Okay?” Searching his eyes, I see he’s worried. I nod.

  “You’re right, we need to talk. We should’ve last night. Of course, Lulu can spend the night. Yes, let’s tell my family. As long as you’re honest with me, we’re good. Your past is just that, Hardy. Your past. I want it all with you, everything.” Stepping closer to me, he takes me in his arms.

  “Sounds like a plan, hun.” Puckering his lips, he comes in for a kiss. I lean away as he narrows his eyes.

  “Why do you keep calling me hun? I hate it, you realize that, right?” He tightens his hold, wrapping his hand around my neck to pull me closer.

  “I do. I like it, hun.” He kisses me breathless before leaving.

  Watching him leave makes me nervous. I went all in last night with him, and I’m not sure if he can handle it. I’m not entirely sure I can. He intimidates me in so many ways, good ways. But I can’t help to worry if I’m enough for him. He’s experienced things I never will.

  Gathering my things, I leave for work. Again, I’m nervous as hell for fear of running into One. I don’t care if he knows, but Hardy isn’t so ready. I pray all the way to work they’ll be gone by the time I get there. They’re not. What’s worse? One sends me a text that he needs to see me. The fuck?

  Walking into my office, I throw my things on a chair and try to calm my nervous. I’m sweating bullets, nice. I answer a few messages, trying to postpone the inevitable. One texts again, this time with asap attached. Rolling my eyes, I straighten my clothes, grab my phone, and walk next door. They’re all here, great.

  “Hey, what’s up?” I say, scanning the room quickly to spot Hardy in the corner, looking pissed. What the fuck?

  “Did you not learn anything over the last six years? Or did you just forget, a job site injury must be reported? I don’t care how small it was, we have an example to set and procedure to follow.” He’s barking at me as if I work for him.

  “First, I was trying to help since no one else saw it happen. Second, he’s a grown-ass man, ask him. Finally, Yes, I know. I apologize.” Lowering my eyes, I see Hardy’s standing now.

  “I said it was on me. One’s making it an issue. I apologize, Thayer.” Hardy’s eyes switch between me and One.

  “It’s fine. Next time we do better, okay? Let’s get the truck ready. Thayer, Hardy, can you stay behind for a few minutes?” One doesn’t even look at us when he asks.

  “I have ten minutes, I got a late start,” I say, peeking at Hardy with a grin. He’s pale with his mouth ajar. I can’t help but snicker when Hardy glares at me.

  “What? What’s funny?” One looks up from his papers to ask.

  “Nothing. So what’s up?” I say, trying to move this thing on.

  “Alright, so I’m not going out to Lea’s today. I, ahh, I’m not sure where we are, but I think it’s best I stay here. When are you having lunch with her, Thayer?” One shuffles papers on his desk.

  “Saturday. What’s up? Oh, God. You slept with her. You did. Oh, my.” One looks up at me from his papers, lips pursed.

&nbs
p; “Thayer, please. Would you like to talk about this guy you’re seeing? I just need you to see if she’s okay, alright?” He pulls his brows down to look menacing, but it doesn’t work, and I begin to giggle.

  “Recon, I got it. And if you have time, I’d love to give you an update about him.” I cross my legs as I get comfortable. Hardy’s green in the face.

  “He back? Is he treating you better?” Now, Hardy’s face is poker red. Shit.

  “We’ve talked. Things are good.” One relaxes in his seat as he sits back.

  “Good. Don’t sleep with him until he can commit, got it?” Son of a bitch.

  “One. Seriously.” Looking over at Hardy.

  “Hardy would agree; you need a good man.” One nods at Hardy, who scratches his face.

  “You do, Thayer. You need a good man.” He pretends to look out of the window.

  “I have a good man. He’s not had it easy, but he understands we’re meant to be together. Now, if you’d both excuse me, I’m going.” I stand swiftly. One knows I’m mad.

  “Thayer, I’m sorry. We understand he hasn’t had an easy life, we just want you to be careful.” He folds his hands together like Dad does when he’s about to deliver a lecture.

  “I’m careful, One. I’ve waited twenty-four years, I’m not a fool. Besides, Hardy’s had a hard life, do you think less of him?” His eyes go wide as his face brightens.

  “No. Hardy’s a good man.” Agreed. So I nod with a smile.

  “Yes, he is. I need to go. I’ll call.” I exit the room with a smile of satisfaction.

  I no sooner walk through my office door when my phone chimes. It’s Hardy. “Hey.”

  “Hey, long time no see.” His voice is light while music plays in the background.

  “Tell me about it, you good man, you.” After a long pause, he answers me.

  “That was a trick question, Thayer, and you know it. You should have asked if dating me would matter.” He’s smug in his answer. I put an end to it.

  “He’s still here, I’ll go ask.” I open and shut my door for effect.

  “The fuck you will. Just hang on until we talk this evening, okay?” We both chuckle.

  “Tonight. It won’t matter, I’ve already slept with you.” I laugh as I end the call.

  The day goes steadily. I’m excited to see him. Hurrying home to freshen up, I change into a summer dress, sans underwear. Hardy was right about one thing; I didn’t sit all day. I’m not complaining, though, not in the least. Even after he told me, I thought he was exaggerating. He wasn’t. Nothing painful but I definitely thought of him every time I tried to sit.

  No sooner do I change, when my favorite text hits my phone. I do my best not to run to the front door. I fail miserably. Throwing the door open, I watch him swagger over to me. Damn, this man is hot as fuck. His shirt is thrown over his shoulder, his pants riding low, heavy from the tool belt he wore today. His hair spiked everywhere from sweat.

  “Hey, hun, I’m home,” he declares with a crooked smile. So he is.

  “Good day at the office?” I ask offhandedly as I focus on his fine ass bending over to take his boots off. “Come in and do that, we’re not leaving those outside.” I reach to grab them.

  “Really? You don’t want those inside; I’ve sweated in them all day.” He tugs them from my arms.

  “They’re fine. Don’t argue.” Slipping my hand in the waistband of his jeans, I pull him into a kiss. He releases the boots as he fists my dress in one hand.

  “Tell me you’re naked under this,” he mumbles against my lips.

  “I am. Although, a little sore.” He grins against my lips.

  “Good. Now, take me to bed and let’s work that out.” Ask and ye shall receive.

  Taking him by the shoulders, I wrap around him.

  An hour later, we shower and change. It’s late, so I check the fridge for dinner. Not much in here, I need to change that if we plan on doing this every night. Just as I’m about to offer to make a store run, Hardy walks through the door.

  “Would it be okay if we go get Lulu? I’d hate to leave her alone another night.” His face is soft, his eyes downcast as if he expects a negative answer.

  “Perfect. I need to grab a few things from the grocery store, is that okay?” Reflecting his face like a mirror, his eyes light up. It worked.

  “Really? Yeah, sure. That’ll work. Are you sure?” he questions me as if my answer has changed.

  “Positive.” He kisses me quickly and runs off.

  “Grabbing my wallet.” He jogs back and opens the door.

  We take his truck since we’re bringing Lulu back. I didn’t care either way, this gives me the opportunity to get a good look at his place. The last time I was here, I just ducked out and ran. It’s big, at least a four bedroom. Near the ocean, so it’s on stilts with a double garage under it. He opens the door to help me out before keying in his alarm code.

  “Uh, do you want the code? I mean, it’s always good someone else has it in case I forget. It’s new.” It’s like he keeps expecting me to leave.

  “Sounds good.” Pulling out my phone to edit his information.

  “Five, twelve, sixteen.” He stands there with his hands in his pockets, twisting his mouth like he needs to say something.

  “Got it. Anything else?” Hardy peaks over at my phone then shakes his head.

  “Nah, let’s get Lulu.” His eyes fall with his face; I can’t hold out. Taking his hand in mine, we walk up the stairs.

  “I know.”

  “You know what?” He squints as he appraises me.

  “It’s the day we met.” A coy smile plays on my lips.

  Stopping on the stairs, we kiss as if it’s the first time. Hardy thinks of himself as such a tough guy, not worthy of much. He’s so much more, if only he’d believe it. If One agreeing he’s a good man doesn’t do it, I’ll have to find another way.

  “Hey, girl. Hi, Lulu.” Hardy greets her.

  Lulu jumps on him, kissing him however she can. I’m not sure who’s more excited, Lulu or Hardy. She turns to me, as happy to see me as her daddy. She runs from him back to me, kissing and jumping as we walk through the house. Hardy puts Lulu’s food and bowls with a few toys in a bag. Picking up her leash, he bends to put it on her when my phone receives a text. It’s One.

  One: Hey.

  Me: What’s up?

  One: It’s Hadlea. She’s been hurt. At the ER with the boys.

  Me: OMW.

  “What is it?” Hardy asks.

  “Lea. She’s at the ER. We need to get there. One’s there with the boys.” He unhooks Lulu’s leash, and we walk back to the door.

  Hardy breaks every law known to man, hurrying to the hospital. Parking in the first spot he finds, we both exit the truck at the same time. He stands at the back of the truck, staring across the street. An old Ford sits there, empty. I watch him as concern plays on his features. His eyes narrowed, and his mouth pulled tight. Hardy’s forehead is wrinkled as he’s lost in thought.

  “You okay?” I question before I walk away.

  “Fine, I’m coming.” He catches up with me as we rush to the ER entrance.

  Racing through the doors to the emergency room, we see One right away. He’s surrounded by Lea’s sons, each look concerned. I want to hold Hardy’s hand. I love Lea and I know what she’s become to mean to One. We’ve become fast friends. Lea and her children are special to our family now. Growing up with brothers, Lea’s like the sister I never had. One finally sees us, and he doesn’t look happy.

  “Did you two come together?” One’s eyes dart from me back to Hardy.

  “Yeah, I was worried. Hardy was there, and now we’re here. What the fuck?” Speeding through my reply enough to throw One off asking what happened. It works.

  One and the boys fill us in as best they can while we wait for the doctor to come give us a report. We drift around the seating area for what seems like forever to hear anything more. Finally, the doors swing open as a man in a white lab
coat strides out. He asks for Lea’s family; the boys include One. I know my big brother is happy to be here for them all.

  Lea’s children are allowed to visit her, One asked to wait, giving them the chance to go first. He walks over to where Hardy and I sit, to give us a little more background on what’s been happening. We’ve all been dealing with our own shit lately, so we take the time to catch up.

  “So you really love her, man?” Hardy asks One as we wait.

  “More than words. I can’t explain it; it’s just that simple.” He smiles at us as I hug him, and Hardy returns the sentiment.

  “After you speak to her, you think I can see her for a few minutes?”

  “Yeah, I’ll make sure of it. The boys seem to be okay with this, don’t you think?” One worries.

  “They do. Happy even,” Hardy chimes in.

  We wait with One while the boys visit their mom. Lea has three boys, one of which is married. She was a young mother, but she’s done a helluva job raising them. I’m happy to be an aunt and ready to help in any way I can. One goes in to see Lea when the boys come out, and they sit with us for a while until it is time for them to go. After returning from their last visit for the night, they tell us we can go back to see Lea.

  No sooner are we through the door walking toward Lea’s room when we run into One’s ex-wife, Montgomery Easley. I hate her, fucking cunt. She’s made my brother’s life a miserable existence for years. It would do my heart good to stomp her ass, bitch. One must’ve told Hardy my loathing of his ex because he’s on me, pushing me through Lea’s door before I can get ahold of her. But not before I can take a parting shot. “Fucking cunt.”

  “Thayer,” One calls my name to remind me where I am.

  “Hey, Lea. How are you, sweetie?” Plastering a sweet smile on my face to try to alleviate my harsh words for One’s ex-wife.