Janet Read online

  I glared at him. “You said I was beautiful a few weeks ago.”

  “A lot can change.”

  I kicked him under the table.

  My brother laughed. “You know I’m kidding.”

  Scott placed his arm over my chair. “I think you look gorgeous tonight.”

  I blushed. “I try…”

  “And you succeeded.”

  Tony watched us. “I like him.”

  Scott smiled. “I think I’m in.”

  “You were in the moment my sister told me about you,” my brother said as he ate his chicken. “It was a done deal. I trust my sister’s judgment. In fact, I was worried the opposite would happen, that she would die alone.”

  “You aren’t married,” I said.

  “But I’m a guy. I don’t care if I get married.”

  Scott looked at my brother. “That changed when I met Janet. I’ve felt differently ever since.”

  Tony nodded. “Even though you’re a Yankees fan, I like you. Welcome to the family.”

  I smiled. “You charmed yourself into my brother’s heart.”

  “It looks like I did,” Scott said with a smile.

  Tony stared at him. “But if you fuck with my sister, I’ll kill you.” He said it with a straight face. The anger in his eyes made me shiver.

  Scott nodded. “There won’t be a problem.”

  My brother smiled. “Good. We got everything straightened out.” He picked up his dish and put it in the sink.

  “Your brother reminds me of a serial killer,” Scott whispered.

  I laughed loudly. “He’s normally not weird like this. I swear.”

  “I know he’s just protective of his sister. I’m the same way with Elisa. I felt so bad for her when we were growing up. She never had a date to formal, the prom, nothing because we scared all the guys off. The first boyfriend she had hated all of us. I’m surprised he stuck around as long as he did.”

  “I do feel bad for her,” I said. “That must have sucked.”

  “And we didn’t really accept her husband until he proposed. If he was committed to Elisa as long as he was, with us watching his every move, we knew he really loved her. From that day on, he was another brother in our family.”

  “That’s a sweet story.”

  He nodded but his eyes turned dark. “He passed away a few years ago.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay,” he said. “She’s getting remarried.”

  “Well, that’s good.”

  “Yeah.”

  “You like him?”

  “I like him a lot, actually. He’s a good guy and a good father. I know he’ll take care of my sister. Plus, he and Ethan work together so I know he’ll always be watched like a hawk.”

  I sighed. “The Benedicts…”

  He laughed. “We’re a bit crazy.”

  “That’s an understatement.”

  Scott turned to Beatriz. “Have you been sore this week?”

  She smiled at him. “I can barely walk.”

  “We’ve been doing good. Now we’re up to four miles.”

  “I know,” she said.

  I noticed that my sister only spoke to Scott. She ignored me and my brother altogether.

  “So, do you still want to go tomorrow?” he asked.

  “Yeah,” she said. “But not on the weekends.”

  “Definitely not,” he said with a laugh. “I wouldn’t survive.” He stood up and grabbed the remaining dishes and carried them to the sink. Tony was washing them and loading them into the dishwasher. My brother could be an ass but he was a sweetheart at the same time. Scott helped him.

  I looked at my sister. “I really did mean well.”

  She glared at me. “I don’t want Mom to know.”

  “You know Tony. He would never tell,” I said. “And he’s a master at lying. Mom still thinks he works as an administrator for a computer programming company even though he knows hardly anything about computers. Don’t worry about it.”

  She seemed a little relieved. “Okay.”

  “Are we good?”

  She nodded.

  “I’m glad.”

  The guys moved to the couch with their beers. They turned on a college baseball game and started yelling at the refs. I sat beside Scott and pretended to be interested. He was bonding with my brother and I didn’t want to ruin that.

  Scott placed his arm around my shoulder while he watched the game. They talked about the different players and the calls. I sat there, totally confused. I started to stare at my nails, wondering what color I should paint them.

  When the game was finally over, Tony still didn’t leave. I wanted my brother to go because I wanted to fool around with Scott, but at the same time I didn’t want him to leave because Scott and I would have to talk about my job…

  “Well, I should get going,” Tony said.

  I cringed.

  We walked my brother to the door.

  “Thanks for dinner, sis,” he said as he hugged me. He kissed me on the forehead then pulled away.

  Scott eyed us, his expression unreadable.

  Tony turned to him. “If you get so annoyed with my sister that you want to punch her in the face, send her my way. I’ll take care of her.”

  Scott laughed. “Thank you.” He shook his hand. “It was a pleasure meeting you.”

  “The guys are getting together at the sports bar this week to watch the game. I want you there.”

  Scott seemed surprised. “Of course. Text me when and where.”

  “I will,” my brother said. “Goodnight.”

  “Goodnight,” I said. I shut the door then turned around, facing Scott.

  His face was already burning with anger. I was amazed how quickly his mood had changed. Perhaps he was pissed the whole time but he kept up the façade. He pushed his hands against the door, boxing me in. “What’s going on?”

  I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I’ve just been having some problems at work.”

  “What kind of problems?” he snapped.

  “Why are you so angry?”

  “What did Ryan do?”

  I couldn’t believe he guessed that. “He just got upset and told the whole office I was a whore. Now all the guys come to my office and ask for sex.”

  He clenched his fists. “Did you report it?”

  “Yes.”

  “And?”

  “My boss said he wouldn’t do anything.”

  Scott nodded. “Did Ryan threaten you?”

  “He just said I deserved it.”

  The rage was evident in his eyes. He was furious. “Why didn’t you tell me? Why do I have to find out from your fucking brother?”

  I took a deep breath. “Calm down, Scott.”

  He slammed his fist into the door. “You should have told me the moment it happened. I take care of you, not your brother.”

  “I knew how you’d react.”

  “Well, I would have been less pissed if you told me in the beginning.”

  “I highly doubt that.”

  He glared at me. “Don’t tempt me,” he said. “You’re quitting tomorrow.”

  “I will when I find another job.”

  “Did you not hear me?”

  “And did you not know that I need to pay bills?” I snapped.

  “I’ll give you the money.”

  “I don’t want your money!”

  “Too fucking bad,” he snapped. “I will not let my girlfriend be harassed at work.”

  “It’s nothing I can’t handle.”

  “And what if they try to rape you, post things online, follow you home?” He breathed through his anger. “Do as I say.”

  “I don’t follow orders.”

  “You follow mine,” he hissed.

  I pushed him back then opened the door. “Get out.”

  “No.”

  “GET OUT!”

  He grabbed the door and slammed it shut. “You can’t get rid of me. I’m too involved now. I will not
let the woman I love be spoken to that way. I refuse to let it happen.”

  “I don’t give a—wait. What?”

  Scott still looked angry. “Quit your job tomorrow.”

  “You love me?”

  “Why is that surprising?”

  “We—we haven’t known each other that long.”

  “So what?” he snapped. “I dated a girl for two fucking years and I never fell for her. I just wasted my time with her, hoping the emotion would emerge. It happened with you immediately. I don’t believe in time frames or waiting until enough time has passed. My parents died never knowing they’d only live to be forty. That’s it. Forty. So, I don’t give a shit if it’s only been a month. I’m fucking in love with you. And I know you love me too.”

  I felt my heart race.

  “Now quit your job,” he snapped.

  I stared at him. “I will when I find another one. I won’t repeat myself.”

  “And I guess I’ll have to. Quit your fucking job. I have more than enough money to take care of you. It’s just sitting in my fucking bank account.”

  “I don’t want your money!”

  “You’re so fucking annoying!”

  I pushed him. “Get out now.” I opened the door again.

  He guided me to the door and pinned me against the wood, pressing my hands against my sides. The crazed look in his eyes made me feel frightened. His body pressed against mine, making me feel small and weak. Scott grabbed my neck then kissed me, his lips sealing over mine.

  I tried to fight it. I turned my head but he continued to kiss me. I gave into the desire and kissed him back, daring my tongue into his mouth passionately. Our breaths came out heavy, and the sweat formed on our bodies. He released my arms so I could move my fingers through his hair. He picked me up and pressed me against the door, kissing me while he grabbed my hips.

  I grabbed his neck and moaned into his mouth. Our earlier fight had disappeared in light of the heat I felt for him. His words of love came back to me. I couldn’t believe he said them. And by the sincere look in his eyes, I knew he meant them.

  Scott carried me down the hall and into my bedroom. After he shut the door with this foot, he dropped me on the bed then pulled his shirt off.

  I moaned when I saw his naked chest. I grabbed my own shirt and pulled it off.

  Scott’s eyes widened when he saw my bra.

  I sat up and unbuttoned his jeans, pulling them down along with his boxers. When his cock sprang out, I moaned.

  “Oh…”

  “I know I’m cocky,” he whispered. He grabbed my pants and pulled them off. When my thong was gone, he stared at my body hungrily, his arms shaking. “You are—yeah.” He leaned down and kissed my inner thigh then moved to my neck. His cock pressed against me. It was thick and heavy. I grabbed it and massaged it.

  Scott moved into my hand, making quiet sighs as he kissed my body. He unclasped my bra and kissed my bare tits. “You’re so beautiful, baby. I’m going to come just from staring.”

  My nails dug into his back. “Why don’t you come inside me instead?”

  “Baby…don’t talk like that.” He grabbed my neck and kissed my lips, making me melt with every kiss.

  I rubbed the head of his cock with my thumb, feeling the drizzle leak.

  Scott moved down until he reached the apex of my thighs. His lips pressed against my clitoris and I felt the fire ignite. A guy had never gone down on me before. I always thought it was gross but now that I actually felt it, it was amazing. His tongue moved inside me while his thumb worked my clitoris. He pulled me to the end of the bed and kneeled on the floor. Scott kissed and licked, blowing occasionally. I gripped the sheets while he pleasured me.

  He wrapped my legs around his head and continued to touch me the right way, making me writhe and moan incoherently. My sister could probably hear everything that was happening but I didn’t care. I’d never been more turned on in my life.

  “Scott…”

  He applied more pressure to my clitoris and his tongue moved at a quicker pace.

  I gripped his hair while I held on. It was coming…

  It hit me like a speeding train slamming into a concrete wall. I moaned loudly, practically screaming. It was so good that I couldn’t contain it. It spread throughout my body, making everything sting and burn. I was panting, reaching for breath that I couldn’t find. I was dizzy, unable to process how good it felt.

  Scott crawled on top of me and rubbed his nose against mine. “Did you like it?”

  “Oh…yeah…definitely.”

  He smiled. “I’m glad. I really enjoyed it.”

  I pulled him to the bed and climbed on top of him.

  His cock twitched in excitement. “I don’t expect anything in return,” he whispered. “Don’t do something you aren’t ready for.”

  I grabbed his cocked and licked the tip.

  “Oh…fuck.” He lied down and watched me kiss his dick.

  It was big so I took it slow. Nothing was more disgusting than initiating a gag reflex. I pushed him to the back of my throat while I used my hand.

  Scott crumbed before me, his hips rocking into me slightly. “Janet…”

  I deep-throated him repeatedly, taking him as far as I could. When I reached the tip I licked it before I went back down. My tongue glided over the vein in his shaft. I hated giving head, but I was enjoying it for the first time. I loved getting him off. Scott was clearly loving it and so was I.

  “Baby, I’m about to come. Pull out.”

  I moved my head faster.

  “Damn…” He stiffened as he released himself, filling the back of my throat. I breathed through it, swallowing as he squirted. I kept going until he was completely done, wanting to make his orgasm last as long as possible. When I pulled him out, I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand.

  “You’re a pro,” he whispered.

  “I just like your cock.”

  He grabbed me and pulled me to the pillows. His arm hooked around my waist and he held me close to him. “That was amazing.”

  “I’m glad you liked it,” I said as I ran my fingers down his chest. “I really liked yours.”

  “I’d eat your pussy any day.”

  “I may hold you to that.”

  “I hope you do,” he said with a smile.

  I cupped his face and stared into his eyes. When I looked at him, my heart throbbed painfully. I never trusted anyone the way I trusted him. He was the light to my stars. He made me so happy, so safe. I never through I’d be this happy.

  Scott sighed. “So…where were we?”

  “I don’t want to fight,” I whispered.

  “I don’t either.”

  “Then why do we do it?”

  “Well, I’m an asshole and I need work on that. You’re just defending yourself.”

  “We’re both very passionate.”

  “I don’t think that’s a bad thing,” he said.

  “I’ll quit my job when I find something else.”

  He kept the anger back. “It makes me really, really uncomfortable, baby.”

  “I don’t feel unsafe. It’s just annoying.”

  “I still don’t like it.”

  “I’ll find something else soon. You can’t make me do anything.”

  “I know,” he said. “I don’t mean to be controlling. I just really care about you.”

  “I know you do.”

  “I’m sorry I yelled.”

  “I’m sorry I pushed you a few times,” I said.

  He smiled. “I deserved it.”

  “We’re okay?”

  “For now,” he said. “If you don’t find a job soon, I’ll make you quit.”

  I glared at him.

  “Damn, I did it again.”

  “Yeah you did.”

  “Please just resolve it immediately.”

  “I will.”

  “Thank you.”

  13

  Work was unbearable all week. The guys didn’t let up. Any respect
I had in that place was gone. I had a few call backs and phone interviews, but no one had invited me for a face-to-face discussion. I was starting to panic. I needed to get out of there and Scott was getting crazier by the day. Anything set him off. Knowing I was working there was driving him insane.

  When I got off work, I called Hank. “Hey.”

  “Hey, you coming by?” he asked.

  “No, actually I wanted to see you if you wanted to have dinner tonight.”

  He paused for a moment. “With Joey?”

  “No, just us.”

  “Um, okay. Is everything alright?”

  “Yeah, everything is fine.”

  He was quiet again. “Janet, I don’t mean to be rude, but…I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression with my comment last month. You’re my sister and I just don’t see you that way. And you’re Beatriz’s sister. I could never do that to her.”

  I was confused. “Oh. That wasn’t my intention.”

  “Phew.”

  I laughed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to give you the wrong idea.”

  “I guess my guilt got to me. I’ve felt paranoid since I opened my big mouth.”

  “I don’t even know what you’re talking about.”

  He sighed. “When I said I wished I met you before Beatriz.”

  “Oh,” I said. “I didn’t take that seriously.”

  “I’m glad you didn’t,” he said. “And now I’m embarrassed.”

  “Hank, you’re so cute.”

  “I wasn’t expecting that reaction,” he said happily. “But I’ll take the compliment.”

  “So dinner tonight?”

  “Well, what’s the purpose of it?”

  “Why are you complicated? Just have dinner with me.”

  “So it’s just going to be you and me. No one else?”

  He cornered me. I felt horrible lying. Hank was practically my brother. He had always been so sweet to me. “My boyfriend will be there.” I hoped that would get me off his radar.

  “Why am I having dinner with you and your boyfriend?”

  Damn, why was he so nosy! “Just come, okay?”

  He was quiet for a moment. “Beatriz is going to be there, isn’t she?”

  I said nothing, knowing my act had been caught.

  “Janet?”

  “Please come.”

  “We aren’t getting back together. I know our marriage is important to you, but it’s gone.”

  “Please,” I begged. “You need to get along anyway. Do you want Joey to see two parents who can’t be in the same room together?”