Fighting Control (Bay State Series Book 3) (4 page)

As I'm descending the stairs I hear her breathless reply. “Tomorrow.”

I could have kept on kissing her forever and still not of had enough. I wonder if she has a roommate or if she still lives with her parents?

Does she plan on staying in sports journalism or is she just interning? She did mention just coming home from college recently at the party last week. All questions that I plan on asking her at dinner.

Sick of staring at the television, not really paying attention to what's on, I decide to do something with myself before I go stir crazy with impatience. 

The shower isn't doing a damn thing to calm my mood and I find myself daydreaming about her body beneath mine. I absentmindedly start to stroke my throbbing cock. I'm so hard for her, picturing what her nipples look like, glistening from my mouth. The erotic images are enough to send me over the edge into a mind blowing orgasm and I shoot my load all over the tile in front me.

Fuck! I hope I last longer than that when I finally do get inside of her. Lots and lots of foreplay. That's my plan and I'm sticking to it. I'm going to make her cum so many times that as soon as I breach her tight walls she'll explode from sheer pleasure overload and I can follow her as I reach my crest, releasing myself in her willing flesh. Just thinking about it makes me hard as a rock again. Well at least I know I can go a couple rounds if need be. I stroke out another fierce orgasm imagining the feeling of her slick inner muscles squeezing and milking me dry, before shutting off the water and stepping out of the shower to dry off.

Looking at the clock on my dresser and seeing only an hour's gone by, I let out a heavy breath and get dressed for a run. Hopefully by the time I get home I'll be worn out enough to fall asleep quickly.

I'm anxious for tomorrow night. Part of me doesn't want to rush her and the other wants to show her pleasure like she's never known.

I know I'm strong enough to be patient for her.

I just don't  want to be.

reluctanc
e

Tanya

Shit...... I stare down at my phone in my hands.

{ Good morning beautiful, just reminding you about dinner tonight. Ttyl, Julian. }

Last night comes crashing back to me. Julian, fucking, Martin is texting me. Why did it have to be him? Why did I have to drink so much again last night? I didn't mean to lead him on, really. I was just a bit inebriated. He is good looking. I really couldn't help it. I just wish the puzzle pieces would have fit into place last night before I agreed to dinner with him.

Are there rules against us dating? I'm not so sure and it's not something I want to bring up casually at work and get an inquisition. I can just picture it now. I groan and fling myself out of bed, choosing to ignore his text for now and take a nice hot shower.

I can't stop thinking about his eyes and the way they seem to see right through me. A shiver makes it's way down my spine at the intensity I saw last night in his gaze. The water running down my buzzing skin does little to clam my ever growing nerves.

After turning the shower off and drying myself, I walk into my room in search of what I'm going to wear today. It's summer, so a nice light dress will do the trick. Rifling through my closet, I can hear my phone buzzing on my nightstand. Deciding on my black and red kimono style knee length, I snatch a pair of red sandals from the closet floor.

By the time I reach my phone it's stopped ringing and the screen's turned black. Hitting the home button I see three missed calls, all from Ilyanna. I didn't want an inquisition, but it looks like I'm going to be getting one anyway.

I take my time getting dressed, putting on a layer of light makeup and pulling my hair up in a loose ponytail, not wanting to bother with styling it. It's been super humid the last couple of days, so it will just frizzle to all hell anyway after being outside for twenty minutes.

Letting out a sigh, I pick up my phone, unlock it and touch the screen to call her back. Holding the phone to my ear, I hold my breath while I listen to it ring.

“It's about damn time,” she says as soon as she answers.

“I was in the shower. What's up?” I ask all too cheerfully, knowing damn well why she was calling.

“Seriously, you have to ask? Do you not remember who you left the bar with last night? I want details. Where did you meet? How long have you known him? And most importantly, why didn't you tell me? What the hell?” She sounds out of breath by the time she finishes firing off her questions.

“Do you want to meet somewhere for breakfast. I want to see Haylee anyway and I can fill you in there?” I need some time to collect my thoughts and I do want to see that beautiful little girl of hers.

“Sure, meet me at Sonny’s diner in thirty,” she says and I agree before ending the call, grabbing my keys I leave the house, locking the door behind me.

The streets are bustling with people, all in their casual clothes. Being a Sunday, it isn't at all surprising. Joggers pass by me in groups, all out for their morning runs. Parking a couple of blocks away, I walk past the park and I watch as one father pushes his child on the swing. The little boy's mother stands in front of them, tickling his feet as he swings towards her, making him squeal with laughter. The boy's little sister pulls on their mothers' dress, yelling, “my turn, my turn.” I smile to myself while turning away and continue down the street.

I wonder if I'll ever have what that family does. My mind starts to wander back to Julian, the way he looked lying in his bed that morning, sleeping peacefully with the sheet pooled around his waist. This time my vision changes as a little blonde haired girl jumps up onto the bed and grabs him in a big hug. “Daddy, wake up.” I shake the thought from my mind. I'm getting way ahead of myself here, Jesus, Tanya, get a fucking grip.

Opening the door to the diner and stepping inside, I immediately spot Ilyanna. It's kinda hard not to, seeing the bright pink car seat sitting on top of the table.

Holding my head high, I walk the distance to them with a smile on my face. If I thought for even one minute I was going to get any reprieve from questioning, I'm sorely disappointed. Before my ass even hits the seat, she’s firing off at the mouth.

“Okay, spill it girl. Tell me everything.” A huge grin splits her face as she waits for me to talk.

“Well, hello to you too. Can't I at least say hi to this little sweetheart before you grill me?” I ask, already knowing the answer.

“You knew what you were getting into when you agreed to meet me here. Just take her out of her seat and talk while you snuggle her. It's called multi tasking. You do know how to do that don't you?” What a wise ass.

“Fine, I guess I'll start from the beginning.” Taking a quick look around the diner, not wanting anyone else to hear me, I take Haylee out of her seat, push it to the far side of the table so it isn't in the middle of us anymore and lean in towards Ilyanna before speaking. “I went to some party with a couple of co-workers the night you had Haylee.”

“That's why no one could get in touch with you?” She guessed.

“Yes, from what I understand everyone was trying to call me while I was already passed out but I'm not entirely sure.” I pause to catch my breath for a moment before continuing, taking a second to blow raspberries on Haylee's cute little chubby cheeks. The sound of her giggling brings back the image of the little girl with Julian and I quickly shove it away.

“Anyway, I woke up the next morning in his bed not knowing what had happened the night before. I snuck out and called Ashley as soon as I realized I didn't have my car. She came and brought me to my car and I figured I would never see him again. Boy was I wrong.” I still don't know if it was a coincidence or not. I've never seen any players or for that matter any celebrities at all in that club.

“Well damn, aren’t you just the lucky one? So what happened the night he took you home?” Shit I'd like to know the answer to that question.

“That's the thing; I don't know. I thought we had sex. But the more I think about it, I know we didn't. I remember kissing him but that's about it. I plan on asking him at dinner tonight.”

“He's taking you out tonight?” She let out a high pitched squeal.

“Yes, and I plan on asking him about our alleged night together.” Changing the subject, I ask, “Where the hell is our waitress?”

“Oh, I told her when my friend got here to give us a little privacy until I waved her over. I didn't want to be interrupted,” she tells me matter of fact and laughs at the look of shock on my face. I can't help it and I start laughing with her. Haylee must think we're pretty funny because she starts laughing with us and I blow more raspberries on her soft, rosy cheeks.

Ilyanna calms down enough to wave the waitress over and we order our breakfast and the conversation turns to safe topics. I want to ask her if she thinks it's conflicted to date Julian, with our professions being so closely connected. I choose to shut the subject down for now. I'll ask Julian his opinion tonight.

When we leave the diner she offers me a ride to my car and I decline. I need the time to clear my head again. I can't shake the feeling that going out with him is a bad idea. What will people say?

Why should I care what people think?

I've worried about that all too often in my life.

It’s time to take a chance on me.

Part of me is reluctant because of our conflicting jobs and part of me really, really wants to get to know him better.

The spark, the chemistry, it was definitely there.

I mean come on, it's not like I'm going to do an article on our life. If anything personal was ever written he would obviously know who did it. But why would I do that? What would I gain? Not a God damn thing.

By the time I get home, I'm no longer torn straight down the middle. I'm now teetering around eighty twenty, so I swallow that small shred of reluctance and text him back. He must have thought I changed my mind. It's been hours since he sent his good morning message.

As I open up my app to find his message, my phone beeps with an incoming text from my brother Frank.

{ Mom's hvng bbq 1 clk be there }

Damn, can't he at least take the time to spell out his words? I hate that shit. It's only a few more letters. Seriously?

{ I'm home numb nuts. Why are you texting me? }

And why didn't my mom just text me? I was only gone for an hour. Did she not think I'd be back home today?

As if summoning her, she calls up the stairs to me, her voice getting louder as she climbs them. “Tanya baby, you home?”

“Yeah mom, just had breakfast with Ilyanna,” I say in answer just as she knocks on my door. “Come in.”

“We're having a little barbecue at one. Will you be home?”

“Yeah, I think I have plans tonight, but I'll be home this afternoon.”

“Okay. Why don't you invite Ashley? I haven't seen her in forever. You two used to be inseparable.”

“Sure. I'll give her a call in a few.” And with that she leaves the room.

My phone beeps and I see it's from Frank again.

{ Wasn't sure if you were with your new lover boy. You weren't home when I left for the gym. See, I can spell brat. }

{ No I wasn't with Julian. I was having breakfast with Ily and Haylee. And you're the brat. ;p }

{ Whatever C U in a little while brat...... }

Urgh... Brothers. Royal pains in the ass, but I do love them. Why is he even still living at home? He's been out of school for years. At least George has his own place. It would be torture if I had to deal with both of them on a daily basis again like when we were younger.

Forgetting all about texting Julian back after my banter with Frank, I call Ashley while scouring the cabinets for a light snack to invite her over this afternoon and after a lot of coaxing she agrees. She made up about ten different excuses and I dismissed them all. I never did say I play fair. I had to bring out the big guns and tell her my mom missed her, which is the God's honest truth.

Guilt.

Gets her every time.

Walking back into my room, I notice my phone on my nightstand and it’s blinking blue, indicating a new text. With a groan I pick it up, already knowing who it's from. I can't believe I forgot to text him back. He must think I'm ignoring him. Maybe I was at first, but this time it wasn't deliberate or anything.

{ Hey, did you forget about me? }

I quickly type out a reply.

{ No. Sorry. Busy morning. Got sidetracked. What time should I be ready? }

Looking at the time, I see that Ashley should be here any minute. She promised to come over early and help my mom and I get ready for the cookout.

I really want to take my phone with me but I can't. It's dangerously close to dying, so I plug it in and head downstairs to join my mom and wait for Ashley.

I'm sitting in the backyard with my parents, Frank and Ashley when George walks through the patio door with Braydon, Ilyanna, Haylee, Brent, Sarah, John and Rachel, who's starting to get that little baby bump, you only know is there if you know, you know?

George takes in all the faces around the table and stops short. Really short, but recovers quickly, barely noticeable. But I notice. What the hell?

My mom jumps up and runs to Ilyanna, she snatches Haylee out of her hands and starts babbling incoherently. Baby gibberish, it's kind of cute.

Rachel and Sarah immediately gang up on me.

“So, Julian Martin huh?” Rachel asks while batting her eyelashes at me. She has a cute little sundress on with strappy flats wrapped up to mid calf.

Trying to change the subject, I ask how she's been feeling.

“Better, but nice try. Now Dish it.”

I look to Sarah, who has a little knowledge on the subject for help. She shrugs her shoulders at me with a shit eating grin, indicating it's all me. I give her a cold hard stare and a little smirk that says “Gee thanks.”

I stand up and motion them to follow me inside, too many ears out here. I'll just have to make sure we're all carrying something when we come back out. Ashley gets up from her seat and follows us.

Once inside Ashley looks at me and says, “Hey, this is good stuff. So what if I want to hear it again.”

I tell Rachel all about my drunken night, not knowing what went on between us and really wishing I knew, but not really wanting to find out. “Like I would ever see him again right?” I blow out a breath, exaggerating annoyance. “Wrong. Who shows up the club last night and of all things, saves me from my ex.”

Sarah interrupts with, “What the fuck seriously? No shit. Go on. I haven't heard this part yet.” By the time I had returned to the table with Julian last night, she had already left with Brent.

“Yes do tell,” Ashley adds. “I haven't heard this part yet either.”

They sit, bouncing in their seats with excitement while I fill them in from Eric cornering me to Julian saving me and the ride home to the text on my phone this morning. Shit my phone.

“I have to run upstairs and grab my phone, he might have texted me back. Don't go outside without me.”

I hear them snicker and one of them say something like God forbid I miss a text from sex on a stick. I can't help but smile at that. He is sexy.