Not Ready To Fall Page 5

  "Fine, but it's been a very long day and I have to be at the office early."

  Heading to my bedroom, I stripped out of my skirt and took my top off as I walked down the hall making sure he got a good view before slamming the bedroom door shut. Two can play at this game.

  JACK

  Score! She gave up with much less of a fight than I was expecting. In truth, I thought I was going to have to resort to my caveman skills and drag her along for the ride. Then I had to control myself as I watched her do a mini striptease walking down the hall. Fuck me. She had on thigh highs with garters. Double fuck me. Her perfect ass sashayed before turning the corner and I heard the door slam. I needed to keep it in my pants. At least for the time being.

  She came out wearing a white t-shirt, jean skirt and flip flops looking like she could be on the cover of a magazine. My heart sped up. She grabbed her purse and stood by the door waiting for me to leave so she could lock up. It was an almost two-hour drive to where we were going and I had just enough time to get us there before the sun would start to set.

  I headed to the passenger side of my truck and opened the door watching as she climbed in. Her skirt hiking up even further up her thigh. Her perfect long, tanned legs were their own work of art. She still didn't look very happy, as she buckled and crossed her arms over her chest. I had hurried to the driver's side before she had a chance to make a run for it. The Denali's diesel engine roared to life. I pulled out and put it in drive, hitting the accelerator and throwing us back in our seats. A small smile played on her lips and just as quickly her mask was back. I wanted to reach over and place my hand on her thigh so bad. Instead, I death gripped the shifter and kept my eyes on the road.

  She reached to the dash and turned the radio up, before turning her attention out the window. I wasn't going to tell her where we were going, but she'd find out soon enough. I had been up all night thinking of what I wanted to do to make it a special night and try and win some of her trust back. All the supplies I needed were hidden safely in the back of the cab. I grinned.

  What she didn't know is I made a mix CD for the ride. The first song was, Black Stone Cherry's All I'm Dreaming Of. I kept sneaking glances at her as she soaked in the lyrics. The more I thought about it, I was going to lose her before either of us ever gave it a fair chance. She was everything that I wanted, more than that she was exactly what I needed. I wasn't so sure I was going to be able to be what she needed though. As much as I wanted to change my ways, I loved my life. I was beyond torn. Everything felt better when she was by my side. Even when she was on my mind, I was happier. It hit me like I'd never been hit before. Out of the blue, unexpected, and all around life altering. Could I really take the leap?

  The next song was Dierks Bentley Hurt Somebody. She sat and played with a fray at the bottom of her skirt. My hand with a mind of its own reached over and onto hers. Her small hands were so soft and delicate compared to my large, calloused ones. I waited for her to react. Instead, she just stilled. The miles flew by as the warm summer air blew her hair around. The smell of her shampoo filling the space. The song switched to Florida Georgia Line's Like You Ain't Even Gone and she finally turned to look at me. She seemed like she was hesitating saying something, then her mouth closed and she turned her attention back out the window. My heart sank. I was fucked. She was already gone.

  CHARLOTTE

  For some reason, whether I was just exhausted or over emotional, I felt on the verge of tears. Why did he have to be so complicated? His hand in mine, us together made so much sense. He fought it so hard that my walls were back in place. It wasn't going to be an easy thing for him to knock them down again.

  "Jack," I paused. He looked over at me intently between looking at the road. "This isn't some game we're going to keep playing. My heart is not a chess piece. I've been more than understanding with everything you've been going through, but I keep getting tossed aside. You'll ignore or placate me, just to keep the emotional level down and I can't keep going back and forth. I was more than willing to try the friends with benefits thing, no strings attached to try and get to know one another better. To see if it's something we even wanted to pursue. All you keep doing is pushing me away and I don't understand why! It's frustrating and hurtful." I felt myself start to falter, so I stopped talking.

  "I don't know why I do it, and you're not exactly Miss Innocent in all of this either. You're just as guilty of pushing me away. Face it, we're a mess. I just want one more chance. The truth is, I don't have the time to give you what you deserve. I just can't commit to a relationship right now. I'm not saying I'll never be ready, but work is stupid busy. I'm willing to try, baby steps, but that's the best I can offer. I feel like an asshole even asking you to sacrifice that much, but I want you. You make me so happy, I'm almost sad. I know that probably doesn't even make sense."

  I tried to hide my sadness about what he was telling me. "I get it. I feel the same way. It's like I love to hate you. Some days I want to push you off a cliff, just to rush to the bottom to save you. But in all seriousness, I need you to decide whether you either want me or you don't. Then, stay or leave."

  The Band Perry's I Saw A Light came on. This song was one that I thought of when I thought of us. Like being at the right place at the same time. The chemistry that flowed between us. It was almost cruel that we met when we did, but I couldn't help but think there was a larger purpose. Just then he pulled off the exit toward the beaches. He shifted into four-wheel drive and onto the sand. He parked next to a lifeguard stand. Hopping out of the truck, he stood the stand up and ran to take my hand and help me out of the truck. I gave him a perplexed look. I stood there waiting, as he rifled through the backseat of the truck pulling out a basket and a blanket.

  He took my hand and pulled me to the lifeguard chair. He helped me climb up and followed as we took a seat. The sun was just about to set and the ocean breeze was cool. Wrapping the blanket around my shoulders, he proceeded to put his arm around me, pulling me close. We were the only ones here. The only sounds were the waves crashing. The electricity between us was something neither of us was denying. Just his proximity sent a current racing through my veins. The sun was fading beyond the horizon and I relished in the peacefulness. I knew we needed to talk, but right now I just wanted to enjoy the moment. I turned to look at him, but he was already looking at me. The fire that burned in his eyes when he looked at me sent shockwaves to my core.

  Fuck it... I hadn't had sex since the last time we did. I haven't even been able to get off. Stupid asshole turned my vagina into a damn traitor. She only wanted to work for him. Surprise crossed his face, as I moved to straddle his waist. I lowered my lips to his. It was time to let our bodies do the talking, and this time I was going to be in control. His hand lowered and hiked my skirt up to my hips. His thumb found my clit and did slow, deliberate circles as his other hand found my nipple. I reached down and unzipped his jeans, freeing his erection. His manhood was perfection, the right amount of everything and I needed him. Now more than ever.

  Sitting up, I glided him up and down my slick heat before lining him up with my entrance and slowly lowering myself down onto him. A low growl escaped his lips, as he picked up his pace rubbing me. I was already so close that it wouldn't be long before I'd be spiraling over the edge into the bliss that only he could provide. Our bodies were so in tune with one another. It's like we faded into one. His hand lifted up my shirt and exposed my chest. He took a nipple into his mouth and began teasing it with his teeth. I lost it. I came hard and fast. "Jack," I moaned.

  "Give it to me, baby. Cover me. Let me feel you."

  My back arched as I picked up my pace, riding him hard. His hand moved from my clit to my stomach and before long I was soaking him. His pants were going to be wet, but that seemed to be the furthest thought from his mind. "Fuck," he growled. "I'm gonna cum, baby!" His hands dug into my hips as we locked eyes.

  With reckless abandon, I fucked him as hard as I could. My body ready to release with
his one last time, we went over together. We had stayed like that for a minute before I climbed off and covered myself with the blanket.

  "What are you doing to me, Char?" He asked, running his hand through his beard.

  I sighed. "I'm not doing anything. This is just as hard and new for me. I don't think you get that."

  "Your affect on my emotions is stronger than with anyone before you. It's almost to the point of insanity. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but I'm also not used to giving any part of myself away. I haven't in a long time and I still don't feel ready. I'm going to end up hurting you and that's going to kill me. You're going to end up hating me, if you don't already."

  "You can't change the way you are. I don't want to change who you are. We learn to adapt. You don't know unless you try, but I'm not going to push you. If you want this, it has to be your choice. For now, I think we just need to take it at face value. We're friends. We need to get to know each other better. I already love you Jack, but you need to earn me."

  "I know," he said seriously. "I wanted to ask you something else. It's actually why I wanted to bring you here to begin with. What just happened was not expected and I'm not complaining, but it did distract me. You're so fucking beautiful, Char. Perfect."

  "Well duh, I'm a unicorn as far as girls are concerned. I'm not that crazy. I have a job, dreams and plans, and future. What it boils down to is that I want you, I don't need you."

  "I know, you really are and that's what scares me. You're almost too good to be true."

  "I'm here aren't I."

  "With an asshole like me. So listen, Colt, one of my best buddies, is getting married next weekend and I'd love for you to come as my plus one. It would be a chance for you to get to meet some of my circle. Plus, it would be a chance for me to see you all dolled up. They're not sparing any expense and it should be a good time."

  "I'd love to, but I'm so swamped at work right now. I've been working nights and weekends to try and get this project wrapped up." His face fell a little. Though, the thought of seeing Jack in a tux was super appealing. "Let me see what I can do."

  He leaned in and kissed my nose before laying me on my back and going for round two. Sex with Jack was something spectacular.

  CHAPTER SIX

  TONIGHT WE DANCE

  One week later...

  Jack

  I sat in front of Charlotte's, feeling more nervous than I've even been on a first date. That's technically not what this was, but it sure as hell felt like it. I was all trimmed up, the beard was under control and the tux was looking sharp. I finally got the nerve to walk to her door and knock. I felt like a kid picking up his date for prom. She opened the door and my heart jumped out of my chest.

  Charlotte was beautiful, no makeup, hair messy, rolled out of bed, but holy fuck all done up she was a twelve. Her hair was curled into big waves with one side pinned back, exposing her neck. She had on a knee-length coral colored dress. It made her hazel eyes greener. And, she had on falsies. I don't know what it was about them, but I loved when girls wore them. It made their eyes pop and had a little bit of a porn star vibe. If we had more time, I'd definitely be pushing her inside, slamming the door and having my way with her, but it would have to wait until after the wedding was over.

  Fuck, I was hard.

  "You look so ridiculously fucking sexy!"

  She reached up and wiped the corner of my mouth. I looked at her perplexed. "You're drooling," she teased.

  Taking her hand, I led her down the stairs and to my truck. I helped her climb up and closed the door behind her. The wedding was being held at an old farm about a half hour away. I put the truck in drive and tried my best to keep my eyes on the road, but she was so damn distracting.

  The last week was crazy busy for the both of with work, so we didn't have a chance to see each other. There was one night that I begged her to come over. Relentlessly begged. She finally said yes, but by the time she got there, we both ended up falling asleep and were out early the next morning. I was starting to not only accept, but enjoy thoughts of her crossing my mind often. She'd send me funny little picture texts to pass the day. Occasionally, I'd get a cleavage or ass picture and have to try not to fuck up whatever I was doing at work. The one day I was driving down Main Street when I opened up to see a picture of her perfect ass and almost ran over an old lady. She got a big kick out of that one.

  Our hands were laced together and it felt normal. "You ready to meet a bunch of knuckleheads?"

  "I can hardly wait," she laughed.

  "It'll be great. You're going to love them. You already know Hunter." I teased.

  I was still a little peeved about that whole thing, but there was nothing I could do about it and they didn't know. I ended up hiring the little shit back because he was one of my best guys. Though, I did threaten bodily harm if he even looked at her the wrong way.

  She rolled her eyes at me. "Oh, how could I forget Hunter."

  "Did you get a good view of your brain with that one?"

  "Shut up." She laughed.

  We turned onto the dirt road and headed toward the farm. White tents had been set up behind the old wooden fences. Her eyes lit up at the sight of it. The old, red barn sat front and center at the end of the drive. Valet stood at the ready to park the cars in the dirt lot across from the tents. It was going to be a huge to do tonight. Drinking, fireworks, a band, a DJ and tons of food.

  "Ready?" I asked.

  "Let's do it." She beamed.

  I escorted her over to where the aisle was and introduced her to a few people before finding her a seat since I'd be standing up front with the bridal party. She was mingling and I was proud of her. I loved that she could fit in and make friends wherever she went. She had that aura about her.

  Josh was standing behind me. We'd been friends since high school. His eyes drifted to Charlotte. "I can't believe she agreed to come with you."

  "What can I say, I'm charming. At least that's what your mom told me." I smirked.

  "You're such a dick."

  "How long have we been friends?" I joked. "It's baby steps, dude. It's written in the stars that we're going to end up together. What V and I had was only a fraction of what Char and I do. We share a deeper level of everything. I'm scared shitless, but she's it for me. I spent all this time fighting it because I've never felt anything remotely close to what I feel for her."

  "I'm glad, buddy. You deserve to be happy. Who knows maybe the next altar we're standing at will be yours."

  "If I have it my way, it will be."

  Just then the music started playing, I looked at Charlotte. A smile on her lips, she gave a small wave. Colt looked nervous as he stood there waiting for his bride to come down. The bridesmaids came down one by one, followed by the flower girl and ring bearer. Seeing them made me daydream about having one of my own. I couldn't help but feel that I was put here to be a dad. I couldn't see any other purpose other than finding a woman that I could love more than anything and bringing new life into this world.

  Finally, Danielle made her way into view holding on to her dad's arm. She looked beautiful. Colt's face changed. He was full of emotion and I felt it again. I was sure I wanted this. I was done waiting. Life was too short and Charlotte was it for me. All the cracks that were in my heart sealed together and I looked at the other half of my whole.

  Charlotte

  The ceremony was beautiful. You could see how much they loved one another just by how they looked at each other. It was unspoken but magical. I couldn't wait for one day when I could be the one in white surrounded by my family and friends. It made me happy to see Jack coming around to the idea of moving to the next level too. He was moving along a lot faster than I could have ever hoped, and it was on his terms. Seeing him in his element with all of his friends was a great feeling. Tonight was going to be amazing!

  After the wedding had ended, we had our fill of food, alcohol and even stayed to watch the fireworks. We had rented a room at the hotel down the road a
nd they had buses bringing us back and forth. I was looking forward to getting out of my heels and taking this dress off. Jack had retrieved the overnight bag out of the truck and helped me onto the bus. Seating was limited due to the amount of people, so he sat and pulled me onto his lap. His hand reached the side of my face and pulled my lips to his. It was a short kiss, full of promise.

  After we had checked in, we took the elevator to the fourth floor and started walking down the hallway toward our room. Jack whisked me off my feet and started carrying me. In my defense, my feet were killing me and I was walking slow. It had also been a long, grueling week since we'd been intimate. As soon as the key card was in the door, we were inside and the Do Not Disturb sign was hanging. He placed me on the bed and took a step back.

  "You're so fucking beautiful." He tossed his jacket onto the chair and made his way back to me. I kicked my shoes off and climbed to the center of the bed. He situated himself between my legs and hiked my dress up revealing my matching lace panties. "My favorite color."

  "I know," I winked. And just like that he ripped them off in a swift motion, vowing to replace them. His tongue found my entrance and he went to town like I was his favorite meal. My hands roamed his shaved head in appreciation. I moved my foot down to his erection and slowly stroked. I wanted to get in on the action too. I moved to get out of my dress and get him naked. Once the clothes were strewn across the room, we situated into a sixty-nine position, a first for us. I was so proud when I was able to get all of him in my mouth and down my throat. He let out his signature growl as I did it again. Sliding two fingers inside me, he began his mission to make me cum.

  His hands did things to me that I could only have dreamed of. I never realized what a shitty lover Owen was until I met Jack. Jack's goal was to make me feel good. To make me feel loved. He didn't need to say the words, I felt it with his actions. He brought me over the edge as I rode the glorious high. He moved so that his mouth was on mine.