Love Hurts (Forever and Always #17) Page 7

  “And now you don’t?”

  I looked down at her. “Why would I when I have you?”

  “I’m still not a porn star.”

  “That’s right. You’re better.” My hand moved around her waist and I held her close to me. “I don’t care if you don’t believe me. You’ll realize it eventually.”

  “I never said I didn’t believe you. I’m just surprised.”

  “I’m going to be a dad and a husband. I shouldn’t be doing that.”

  She studied me for a moment. “You take your positions very seriously.”

  “Damn right, I do.” I kissed her neck. “I’m a family man.”

  “I never would have expected that from you.”

  “Neither did I. But then you came into my life and turned that all around.” I approached a kid’s showroom. “How about this for the baby?” Everything was blue and dark.

  “What if it’s a girl?”

  “It’s a boy.”

  “Why are you so sure?” she asked.

  “I just know.” My hand moved to her stomach and touched her gently.

  “Are you an obstetrician now?” she asked like a smartass.

  I leaned close to her. “Do you want me to bend you over and fuck you in front of everyone in this store?”

  She put her hands on her hips and gave me a firm look. “What if I said yes?” she challenged.

  “You don’t think I’ll do it?”

  “Not unless you want to get kicked out permanently.”

  “There’s the bathroom…”

  “I’m calling your bluff, Mr. Ten Inches.”

  I growled at the use of the nickname. Now I did want to be inside her.

  Cassandra browsed through the selection for hours until she finally made a list of everything she wanted. It was pricey, but I knew we needed furniture for our new house. It was much bigger than the apartment, and we needed to fill space.

  We walked to the check out area and handed over the list. He rang us up then signed us up for delivery. It was expensive but I threw my credit card down and didn’t think twice about it.

  Cassandra was buzzing with excitement, ready to decorate our new house so we could move in. I still needed to set up the alarm system and satellite so I could watch all the games.

  After we walked out of the store, she hooked her arms around me and pulled me in for a kiss. “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “For buying me all those nice things.”

  I rubbed my nose against hers. “I didn’t do it out of the goodness of my heart…” I nodded down to my crotch. “But the goodness of my cock.”

  “Well, I’ll thank him when we get home.”

  I patted my dick through my jeans. “He says he looks forward to it.”

  We got into the car then drove to the house. As soon as it was in our view, Cassandra’s face glowed. “It’s so beautiful.”

  I pulled through the gate and headed to our three-car garage. “I’m glad you like it.”

  “I can’t believe you lied to me. I was so devastated…”

  I cupped her face and pressed my lips close to hers. “That was the only time. I just wanted to surprise you.”

  “Well, you did a really good job of it.” Her left hand moved to my arm, the coldness of her ring touching my arm.

  “That was the plan.” I kissed her then got out of the car.

  Cassandra wasn’t too far along, but her stomach looked enormous since she was so small. But I thought that was sexy as hell. Pretty soon she would start waddling. I got hard just thinking about it.

  After we walked inside, the movers arrived.

  “Baby, stay out of their way.”

  “I want to help.”

  My eyes widened like she slapped me. “Don’t even think about it.”

  She rolled her eyes. “It wouldn’t be anything super heavy.”

  “Don’t touch anything,” I snapped. “I mean it. I’m paying these guys for a reason.”

  I was usually pretty easy going and let her get her way with stuff most of the time, but there were certain instance when I put my foot down and acted like a Neanderthal. And those were times when it threatened her safety.

  “Fine,” she said quickly, not wanting to fight.

  “I mean it.”

  “I heard you,” she spat.

  I glared at her so she knew I meant business.

  “I just said I wouldn’t touch anything.”

  “Good.”

  “You’re fucking crazy sometimes.”

  I grabbed the back of her neck and pressed my body into hers. “You’re responsible for that. Don’t forget it.”

  She was never scared of me. Half my weight and a foot shorter than me, she always stood up to me. Even though my hand was around her neck, she didn’t flinch. She knew I would never hurt her, but she always knew should could kick my ass if she wanted to.

  She kissed the corner of my mouth, making me melt immediately. “Calm down, psycho.” She stepped away and my hand dropped. When it came to my baby and my fiancé, I was a little crazy. Now I understood Sean a little better.

  The mover’s arrived and started carrying everything into the house. I helped them while Cassandra stayed out of the way like I asked. We practically bought the whole store so there was a lot of shit. Just moving everything inside took two hours alone. And then they had to set everything up. I knew we’d be here all night.

  “Baby, this is going to take awhile,” I said. “I’ll take you home and come back.”

  “I’m fine,” she said.

  “It’s getting late. You should lay down.”

  “When I’m six months pregnant, we can talk like this. I’m only a third of the way through.”

  “You know, most women would love being pampered and taken care.”

  “I’m not most women,” she spat.

  “You must be hungry. Go rest and get something to eat.”

  “What about you?”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  “No.” She dug her hands into my pocket and pulled out my keys. Her hand was near my cock so I didn’t object. “I’ll go get us some food.”

  I’ve never let anyone drive my car before, but technically, it was going to be half hers anyway. “Be careful.”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  “I mean it.”

  “And we can just stay here for the night.”

  “We don’t have any sheets or blankets,” I said.

  “So? You’ll keep me warm.”

  I liked that idea.

  She kissed the corner of my mouth again. “I’ll be back soon.”

  “Okay.” I grabbed her ass as she walked away.

  She looked over her shoulder and glared at me before she left.

  I helped the movers assemble everything. When I got hot, I took off my shirt and kept working. There were at least ten guys there and that made my life easier. They were worth every cent. If I did this alone, it would take a month. And if Sean helped me, it would take longer because he was a damn idiot.

  Cassandra came back with food from a restaurant. I was starving so I took a break and ate everything. She eyed my chest while I ate, clearly enjoying the sight.

  “What are you staring at?”

  “You.” She gave me a playful look.

  “It’ll have to wait.”

  “I can be patient.” She finished her food while she kept staring at me. I knew she wanted me to fuck her. I would take care of that after everyone left.

  When the movers finally left, all the furniture was assembled. We were still missing rugs and decorations but at least it wasn’t empty anymore.

  “It’s looking good so far,” Cassandra said.

  “Yeah. You have good taste.”

  “I can’t wait until everyone comes over and sees it.”

  “We’ll have a party,” I said.

  “I like parties.”

  We went upstairs to our new bedroom and lay on the mattress and bed frame. I wanted
everything to be brand new because I slept with so many other women on that other bed. I wanted to start my new life with Cassandra—the right way.

  She cuddled into my side then pulled off her shirt, telling me exactly what she wanted. Her hands went for my jeans greedily, clearly excited to get laid.

  “Someone is horny,” I said.

  “Seeing you work with your shirt off was very, very arousing.”

  I smirked. “I’ll do it more often.”

  “Good.” She got my jeans and bottoms off. “Now make love to me.”

  That made my spine shiver. “I can do that.”

  She lay on her back and hooked her legs around my waist. Her hands rested on my shoulders, ready for me to enter inside her.

  I loved how much my woman wanted me. She initiated sex just as often as I did, and sometimes even more. I’d wake up in the morning to the sight of her on top of me, riding me like a cowgirl. Now, I moved between her legs, and my dick found her immediately. I slipped inside and thrust.

  Cassandra’s nails dug into to and she moaned loudly. She was never prepared for how good I felt. I made sure I always took her by surprise. The bedframe tapped into the wall while I rocked into her. I took it slow because I wasn’t in a hurry. She lay beneath me and just enjoyed it, desire in her eyes. I usually preferred any sex position other than missionary. I hated looking at a girl’s face. I preferred watching a woman’s ass bounce on my dick. But I loved looking at her. The lovemaking I had with her was so much better than all the fucking from my past. Not just because I wasn’t wearing a condom or because Cassandra was the hottest chick in the world, but because I loved her.

  She breathed heavily, a dazed look on her face. “Oh Mike…”

  Hearing my name made my spine shiver. Knowing I pleased her so much made me feel good. I kissed the corner of her mouth and kept going.

  “Yes…right there.”

  I increased slightly and pushed myself all the way in, hitting just the right spot. I understood her body better than she did. I knew exactly what she liked and how she liked it. It was like feeling brail when I was blind. When our bodies were joined, we were combined. And because of that, she was an extension of me. I knew her better than myself.

  I steadied my control while she rode her climax, saying my name over and over. Listening to her come was the best part. That’s what always got me off. I never felt that way before. A woman’s pleasure and satisfaction was never my concern. I usually delivered anyway because I was naturally good at what I did. But my fiancé’s satisfaction was important to me. I wanted to make her feel as good as she made me feel. I released inside her then pressed my face to hers, feeling emotionally and physically connected to her. I wanted to hold onto this moment. It was exactly how I wanted to start our lives in this new house.

  After I pulled out of her, I lay beside her, my eyes closed. It was two in the morning and I was too tired to drive back to the city. And I didn’t want to risk Cassandra’s safety. I didn’t give a shit what happened to me.

  She cuddled next to me. “Can I wear your shirt?”

  “I was sweating in it.”

  “I don’t mind.” She yawned then released a deep sigh.

  I picked it up off the ground and gave it to her. After she put it on, it stretched past her knees, acting as a blanket. There was something about her wearing my t-shirt that got me hot. It just did, inexplicably.

  I extended my arm so she could use it as a pillow then pulled her close to me, keeping her warm with my body heat. “Are you cold?”

  She buried her face in my chest. “I’m perfect.”

  I suddenly wasn’t tired anymore. All I wanted to do was stare at her. The beauty of the world didn’t catch my attention. Nothing else mattered. I just stared at her while she slept, knowing she was the most precious thing in the world.

  7

  Cortland

  I didn’t know what the hell I was doing. Monnique was constantly on my mind, but I couldn’t just go back to her. Something was holding me back. I wanted her to fight for me even though I wanted my space at the same time. It made no sense. I had no idea what I was doing.

  I ignored her for the next few days. Well, I didn’t ignore her because she wasn’t reaching out to me. She claimed she loved me but she was so calm all the time. I hooked up with her then gave her no guarantee we would get back together. That made me an asshole, in my opinion. But it didn’t seem like she cared.

  After I hit the gym after work, I went home and showered. Whenever I was in the mood, I thought about Monnique. Anytime my dick got hard, I thought about her mouth sealed around it. And even when I wasn’t hard, I’d think about it and then I would spring to life. I was totally obsessed with her and it wouldn’t go away. It wasn’t fair. Why couldn’t I love someone who loved me in the same way? That treated me fairly? Someone that didn’t hurt me? I have no fucking idea.

  After I ordered take-out, I sat on the couch and watched the game. Now that I’d been single, on and off, for a while, I realized how much I took my time with Monnique for granted. I assumed she would always be there, and as soon as she wasn’t, I realized how depressing my life was. I didn’t like watching a game alone. I didn’t like having to order extra food just to get free delivery. I hated being alone. Before she came along, I was perfectly fine being by myself. But now it was just unbearable.

  She texted me at nine. Hey, I’m sorry to bother you and I don’t mean to be out of line, but I have a work dinner tomorrow and I’d love for you to be my date. I don’t have any other guy friends. But if you don’t want to, I completely understand. It’ll probably be boring anyway.

  Anything with Monnique could never be boring. I shouldn’t go. I was getting in too deep with her. I should be moving on but instead I was falling in love with her all over again. I needed to cut her off and be firm about it. I’d love to go with you. Why the hell did I just say that? It was like my brain was at war with every other piece of my body, particularly my heart.

  Really?

  This is where I should say no. Cortland, say no. Definitely. Whatever. Forget it.

  Thanks. I really don’t want to go alone.

  Why?

  I just don’t.

  I didn’t press her. It was hard to tell how she felt over texting. When she and I were together, we hardly texted. Since we were always together, we never had long conversations through messaging. What time?

  8. And it’s black tie.

  Fancy.

  I’m picking up my dress later. Let me know if you need help picking something out.

  Monnique used to pick out clothes for me. It made my life a million times easier. She was a natural at it. I didn’t even need to try anything on and everything fit perfect. I’ll just wear one of my suits.

  Can I be picky and make one suggestion?

  I’ll do anything for you. Seriously, what the hell was wrong with me? Pull your head out of your ass, man. Since it’s your dinner. I hoped that would mask my desperation and obsession.

  Can you wear a dark blue tie?

  Yeah. Is your dress blue?

  Yeah.

  I can do that.

  Cool.

  I leaned back in my chair and watched the TV. I didn’t even care about the game or the score. I had a hundred dollar bet with Ryan but that didn’t seem interesting anymore either. Now I wondered how the party would go. I hoped I wouldn’t get carried away and do something I couldn’t take back.

  I did my hair three times because it had to be absolutely perfect. Why? I had no idea. I just wanted to look nice for her. I kept wondering how she would look. Blue was a nice color on her. Well, all colors were nice on her. The dark skin accentuated everything. She even looked good in black. I kept thinking about those brown eyes. I shivered just thinking about them.

  When I arrived at her apartment, I knew I shouldn’t be there. This was a bad idea. My heart kept going back and forth. I wanted to be with her again but I was too scared. I was never scared of anything, but Monnique
burned me bad. I was constantly paranoid my obsession with her would be the death of me.

  She opened the door without me knocking. “I figured you’d stand out there for awhile if I didn’t open the door.” She gave me a playful look and walked back inside.

  I didn’t even hear what she said. I was staring at her. Fuck.

  Her dark blue dress had thin straps that crossed in the back. They were thin and almost unnoticeable. Her sculpted and round shoulders looked defined and toned. The dark skin underneath highlighted the color just right. The gown was made of silk, or something similar to it. It hugged her body like tape and reached down to her feet. Her feet were hidden under her dress, but I spotted black pumps. My mouth went dry at the sight of her. She looked….fucking hot.

  I should run while I had the chance.

  “Do you mind holding my keys?”

  Huh? My mouth was still open. “What?”

  “I don’t want to carry a purse so can you hold my keys?” She didn’t seem to notice my look of wonderment.

  “Oh. Sure.” I took them from her and placed them in my pocket, right next to my raging hard-on.

  She shut the door behind her then watched me lock the door. “You look really handsome, Cortland.” Her sweet and feminine voice glided across my skin and into my ear.

  “You look….unbelievable.” There were no words to describe just how gorgeous she was. I could pull up every synonym for beautiful in the dictionary but it still wouldn’t do it justice.

  “Thank you.” Her hair was pulled back, to show off her shoulders and back. A few loose strands framed her face, and she tucked a piece away. A slight redness was on her cheeks. “Shall we?”

  “We shall.” I walked beside her until we reached my car outside. Like always, I opened the door for her and helped her inside. A piece of her dress was over the car frame so I grabbed it and tucked it in, touching her ankle. Just that got me excited.

  When we arrived at the hotel, there was valet parking. Even though I had to pay for it, it made my life easier. I handed over the car and the money and escorted Monnique inside. I didn’t put my arm around her or touch her. She didn’t touch me.

  “This is fancy,” I said.