Janet Read online

  “It’s not like that,” he said. “It’s just too soon. She’s going through a hard time. And letting her see me is just going to make it harder.”

  “Hank, I’ll do whatever you want. I’ll babysit Joey for a full month, I’ll bring you coffee every morning, I’ll do your laundry, whatever. Please just have dinner with us.”

  “You’re wasting your time.”

  “Hank, am I still family?”

  “What kind of question is that?”

  “Am I?” I pressed.

  “Of course.”

  “Then let’s have dinner like family.”

  He sighed. “You are so manipulative.”

  “I know,” I said with a smile. “So you’ll come?”

  “As long as you understand that your sister and I are getting divorced, and this dinner is only going to make her feel worse.”

  I knew that was a possibility but I had to try anyway. “Okay.”

  “I’ll see you tonight.”

  “Bye.”

  I hung up and called Scott. “Hey.”

  “Hey, my lovely lady.”

  “You have weird nicknames.”

  “I guess we’ll stick with baby, then,” he said with a laugh.

  “We’re having dinner with Hank and Beatriz tonight.”

  “Did I miss something…?”

  “I’m getting them back together.”

  Scott sighed. “You can’t force it. Just leave it alone.”

  “No, I’m doing it,” I said.

  “I have plans with Tony.”

  I rolled my eyes. “You spend more time with him than you do with me.”

  “What? He’s a cool guy.”

  “I feel like you like my brother more than me.”

  “Well, I have lately…”

  I knew what that meant.

  “Did you find anything?”

  “No.”

  He growled.

  “Just give me some more time.”

  “I’m not talking about this.”

  I fell silent. The only way Scott knew how to deal with his anger was by shutting his mouth. Since it was effective, I didn’t push him. “You’ll come, right?”

  “I guess I’ll cancel my plans.”

  “Pick me up at six.”

  “Alright,” he said. “I’ll see you then.”

  I hung up with a sigh. I’ve wanted to tell him the truth, that I loved him, but something was holding me back. I wasn’t sure what it was. There was no doubt. I knew how I felt. I’d never told a guy I loved him before so I was nervous. I thought Scott was the real deal but what if he wasn’t? What if he left me? I couldn’t stand the thought.

  On the way home, I picked up a dress then walked into my apartment.

  My sister was sitting on the couch, reading. She’d been going to her AA meetings and hadn’t touched any alcohol, but she was still miserable over the loss of her family. She wasn’t allowed at Joey’s birthday party. Beatriz cried for three days. I think Tanya was responsible for that.

  “We’re going out tonight,” I said.

  “No.”

  “I got you this dress,” I said as I showed it to her. It was black with a deep cut in the front. It was provocative, sexy, and eye-catching. Hank would definitely want to take it off of her.

  “It’s nice,” she said quietly.

  “Let’s get you ready.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t want to go anywhere.”

  “Beatriz, the only time you leave the house is when you run with Scott.”

  “That’s because he’s the only person who likes me right now.”

  “That isn’t true, Bee.”

  “Yes it is,” she whispered.

  “I love you, Tony loves you, Joey loves you, and Hank loves you.”

  She shook her head. “Hank doesn’t love me anymore.”

  “Then why are we having dinner with him tonight?”

  Her eyes widened. “We are?”

  I nodded.

  “Is Joey coming?” she asked hopefully.

  “No.”

  “Just adults?”

  “Yes.”

  “He wants to see me?”

  “Of course he does.” I handed her the dress. “And we are going to make you look so sexy that you’ll conceive your next child tonight.”

  The light returned to her eyes. “Help me get ready.”

  I smiled. “Of course.”

  After she showered, I helped her do her hair, apply her makeup, and get her into the dress. When we were done, she looked like a million bucks. The dress was low-cut, revealing her cleavage, and it was tight on her hips.

  “You look hot,” I said.

  “I hope Hank likes it.”

  “How could he not?”

  She took a deep breath. “I’m so nervous.”

  “Don’t be.”

  “Do I look okay?”

  “I just said you looked hot,” I said.

  She fixed her hair again.

  We walked into the living room when Scott knocked on the door.

  “Come in,” I said.

  He walked inside, a look of murder on his face. “How did you know it was me? I could have been a rapist!”

  I rolled my eyes. “Not now, Scott.”

  “And why isn’t your door locked?”

  “Because I knew you were coming!”

  He glared at me.

  Beatriz walked up to him, flustered. “How do I look?”

  He glanced at her. “You look great. You’ll definitely catch some stares.”

  She took a deep breath. “Thank you.”

  Scott looked back at me, the anger back in his eyes.

  “Shut up, Scott,” I said as I grabbed my purse.

  “You drive me crazy,” he snapped.

  “I envy you,” Beatriz blurted.

  I stopped and looked at her. “What?”

  “He loves you so much, Janet. It’s obvious in everything he says and does. You argue all the time but there’s so much passion between you. Hank and I used to be that way. I miss it more than anything.”

  I was speechless. My sister never expressed such thoughts. I looked at Scott, who met my gaze with a stoic expression. I didn’t know what to say.

  “You’re very lucky to have him,” Beatriz said. “Don’t ever take it for granted. You never know when it will be your last moment together.” She grabbed her purse then took another deep breath.

  Scott looked at me. “It seems like your family likes me more than you do.”

  “They do.”

  He raised an eyebrow.

  “But I love you.”

  Scott didn’t react. He stared at me for a long time before he took a deep breath, a smile spreading on his face. “And I love you.”

  I grabbed his face and kissed him. “I never told anyone that before.”

  “And I’m honored to be the first and the last.”

  I smiled at him.

  “Now you’re mine forever. You belong to me.”

  I stared at him, no longer upset by the possessiveness he felt toward me. For the first time, I gave myself to him. “And you’re mine.”

  He smiled again. “I’m glad you accept that.”

  “It’s about time, right?”

  Scott kissed my forehead. “We should go.”

  Beatriz sighed when she watched us. “God, I miss Hank.”

  “Then let’s head out,” I said.

  We arrived at the restaurant and walked inside. My sister was nervous, her hands were shaking. Scott gave her a gentle pat on the back and I smiled at her. Hank was sitting at the table, wearing slacks and a collared shirt. I stared at his face when he noticed us.

  Hank stared at Beatriz, appraising her features. His eyes stared at the curves of her hips, the swell of her breasts, and her hair that framed her face. His mouth practically fell open. I smiled triumphantly. Hank stood up and greeted us, but he didn’t look at me and Scott.

  “Hey—hi,” Hank said.

 
Beatriz smiled. “How are you?”

  “You look amazing,” he blurted.

  She smiled. “You look good too.”

  He stared into her eyes. “You—that dress.”

  I kept smiling, pleased with my work.

  “Janet picked it out for me.”

  “She has good taste,” he said.

  They stood in front of each other for a moment. The waiters walked by, moving around them.

  “Um, shall we?” Hank said.

  “Yes,” Beatriz said.

  Hank pulled out her chair and sat next to her. He kept staring at her.

  Scott and I sat on the other side.

  Scott opened his mouth to speak but I hushed him. He raised an eyebrow.

  Hank looked at the menu then looked at Beatriz. “I’m sorry about Joey’s birthday party.”

  “I understand,” she whispered. “Did he like my gift?”

  “He loved it.”

  “Good.”

  “How are your meetings going?”

  “Well. I still haven’t had a drink. I never will again.”

  He nodded.

  “How’s your sister?”

  “She’s—crazy.”

  Beatriz chuckled. “She was always a little…strong.”

  “That’s an understatement,” he said.

  “Does she get mad when you don’t fold your socks?”

  He rolled his eyes. “She’s so psycho about it. And I tell her not to do my laundry but she does it anyway.”

  Beatriz smiled, dazzling Hank.

  Scott and I remained silent across the table, looking at the menus and not speaking. Scott turned to me and stared at me, his hand rubbing the back of my neck. Nothing was said but nothing needed to be said. I knew everything he was feeling because I felt was feeling it too. Scott was as happy as I was, happier than I ever thought I could be.

  Hank finally turned away from Beatriz. “Hey,” he said. “I apologize for my rudeness.”

  “Not at all,” I said quickly. “This is my boyfriend Scott.”

  Hank shook his hand. “It’s nice to meet you. Janet is a good catch. You’re a lucky guy.”

  “I know I am,” he said simply.

  Hank looked at his menu. “Babe, what are you getting?”

  Beatriz was smiling wider than I’d ever seen her.

  He realized his mishap. “I mean, what are you getting?”

  It was too late, the damage was done. I knew my plan was working. Just a little alone time made all the difference. Scott and I remained quiet while they whispered to each other. We were sitting at the same table but we acted like strangers. Scott and I didn’t mind being quiet. We were still talking with our eyes.

  I’d never wanted him so badly. When we went home, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I knew he was thinking the same thing. We had waited long enough. I squeezed his thigh under the table and he kissed me on the check.

  When the check came, Scott and Hank split it. After we walked outside, they continued to talk to each other on the sidewalk. I didn’t know what they were saying but it seemed like the conversation was going well. Hank’s hand moved to her lower back.

  “They are back together,” Scott said automatically.

  “How can you tell?” I asked.

  “Believe me. I just know. It’s guy language.”

  Hank came over to us, holding Beatriz by the hand. “I’ll take her home later,” he said. “Have a good night.”

  I smiled. “You two have fun.”

  Beatriz let go of his hand and hugged me tightly. “Thank you so much. I know I’ve been such a bitch to you and I’m so sorry. I really am. You’re the most amazing person I know, Janet. I’ve always been jealous of you, admired you because I knew I could never be a fraction of what you are. I love you.”

  I felt tears in my eyes. “I love you too, Bee. Now go get him.”

  “This time I won’t let go.”

  I released her and watched her get into the cab with Hank.

  Scott rubbed my back. “You did it.”

  I sighed, so happy for my sister. “I’m so glad they’re getting back together.”

  He kissed me on the cheek. “Thanks to you.”

  I stared at the cab until it disappeared down the road.

  “So…my place or yours? It looks like we’re alone either way.”

  “It’s your call.”

  “Let’s go to my place just in case Beatriz comes home.”

  “Okay,” I said. “Guess what?”

  “What?”

  “I’m wearing that purple thong.”

  He moaned.

  14

  When we came inside, he immediately guided me toward the bedroom. My heart was racing in my chest as we walked inside. He shut the door behind him then turned to me. Scott stared at me for a long time. “You’re mine.”

  “I know.”

  He held me to his chest then pressed his forehead against mine. Nothing was said for a long time. I just felt his chest rise against mine. My body was shaking slightly, anticipating what was about to happen. I was excited, nervous.

  His hands moved to the back of my dress where he pulled down the zipper. It fell to the floor, leaving me in my bra and underwear. I didn’t feel self-conscious around him. I normally had a hard time just changing in front of Layla and Cassie. With him, I felt beautiful and perfect for the first time.

  Scott stared down at my body, his breathing increasing. His hand fingered my thong. “I like this.” His lips kissed my neck then trailed to my nipples. My hands moved under his shirt, feeling his powerful physique. It didn’t take much to get me excited with him. Scott could make me come this way if he wanted to. I pulled off his shirt then he continued to kiss me. He guided me to the bed then laid me down.

  I watched him unbuttoned his jeans and pull them off. His cock popped out, big and long. When I looked at it, I parted my legs unconsciously, wanting him inside. He caught the movement.

  “I’ll rock your world,” he whispered.

  I moaned then licked my lips.

  He grabbed my thong then pulled it off slowly, letting the fabric rub against my skin. When I was naked, he stared at me for a long time.

  The anticipation was killing me. “Scott…”

  “I want to savor this moment, the first time I made love to my future wife.”

  My eyes softened at his words.

  “You realize you’re stuck with me, right? I’ll never let you go. You’re forever claimed by me.”

  “I want to be.”

  He leaned over me then kissed my stomach. His fingers moved between my legs then rubbed my clitoris. My head rolled back as he touched me. He was so good at everything he did. My legs parted for him, wanting more. Two fingers slipped inside and he made me shiver with ecstasy. I grabbed his cock and rubbed him vigorously. We were both panting and we hadn’t even started yet. I’d never been with a guy that did so much foreplay. Most of them just wanted to do the deed and be done with it. Perhaps that’s why I didn’t enjoy sex all that much. Scott was different. He had me on the verge of an orgasm before we even started.

  “Tell me when you’re about to come,” he whispered.

  A second later, I felt it. “I’m there.”

  He pulled his fingers out and licked them.

  I sighed at the loss of his hand.

  He crawled on top of me and separated my legs. “I want to make love to you without a condom.”

  “I’m not on the pill.”

  “I’ll pull out.”

  I grasped his hair then twirled it in my fingers. “You better not get me pregnant.”

  He smiled. “I wouldn’t mind if I did.” He kissed me and set my mouth on fire.

  I ran my nails down his back, moaning as our bodies touched. I wanted him so much I wanted to scream. His naked body on top of mine was orgasmic enough.

  “Scott…”

  “I know,” he whispered. “I want it too.”

  “What are you waiting for?”
r />   “For you to tell me you love me.”

  I cupped his face. “Scott, I love you so much.”

  “I love you too.” He inserted his tip inside me then moved in.

  I gripped his forearms. “Oh my god…”

  He moved all the way then stopped, giving me a moment to adjust.

  It felt so good. I hadn’t had sex in so long and this was amazing.

  Scott looked into my eyes as he rocked into me. “Mine.”

  “Scott…”

  He kissed my neck and the corner of my mouth while he made love to me, his hand digging into my hair.

  “I’m already coming,” I said. I gripped him and felt the explosion hit me. “Oh…yeah.”

  Scott moved faster, hitting me in just the right place.

  It was definitely the best orgasm I ever had.

  He stared into my eyes until the moment had passed. He grabbed my neck then followed me a moment later, coming onto my stomach. Scott bit his lip while he moaned. I loved watching his face as he reached his bliss. He kissed my forehead then rested his face close to mine. “I’m sorry I didn’t last long.”

  “Why?” I asked. “You satisfied me.”

  “I haven’t had sex in a long time, especially without a condom. And you were so wet…”

  “You’re going to be getting lots of practice,” I said as I cuddled next to him.

  He smiled. “Good. I’m holding you to that.”

  I looked into his eyes, seeing the love and adoration shine bright. “I’m sorry I rejected you so many times.”

  Scott laughed. “It’s okay. You were right. I was a little psycho.”

  “A little?”

  “Which makes you look even dumber.”

  I hit him lightly on the shoulder. “You made me fall in love with you.”

  “I do have my ways.”

  “There’s that arrogance again.”

  He smiled. “You know you like it.”

  “No, I love it.”

  He grabbed towel from his floor then wiped my stomach. “Sorry about that.”

  “It’s okay. I liked it.”

  “You need to go on the pill. I really want to come inside you.”

  “I will.”

  “I look forward to it.”

  He pulled me to his chest then stroked my hair. “I’m really lucky I found you.”

  “Why?”

  “Most girls have no personalities. They do what I say with no questions asked.”