The Hunted (5 page)

“I can tell you’re not happy, Basil.”

“I’m happy. I’m just adjusting.”

“And your job?”

“Mom, don’t tell Ivy, but I’m waitressing at a strip club and the tips are really good.”

I know I can tell my mom anything from me working with elephants on Mars to working on Capitol Hill and she’d accept it without blinking an eye or judging me.

“Why not tell Ivy?” She blows a huge puff of smoke from one of her hookahs.

“You know how she’s all judgy and I’m just sort of enjoying getting through life the way I know how to right now.”

“Basil.” She takes my hands and begins rubbing familiar small circles on the pads of my palms. “If you’re happy, then I am. I just miss my sweet baby.”

“I am happy. I’m happy that I’m doing something on my own, and I know it’s not the most traveled path, but it’s mine and I’m proud of that.”

“Good. Now tell me about this strip joint. Any hot males?” She wags her eyebrows in my direction.

“Female strip club, Mom.”

Her friend joins us on the porch and is not shy about showing off her lady bits to the world. I just thank God she’s a female and not male.

“Basil, this is my new friend Wynter.”

“Hi.” I wave and try to send her a slight smile while not staring at her shriveled up wrinkled boobs. Damn, I hope my nipples never look like raisins at that age. My mom jumps from her chair and covers her friend in a robe while tying the robe for her. I watch as my mom leans in and places quite a heated kiss on the woman’s lips and then embraces her in a long hug.

My mom’s never been shy about bringing her lovers in and out of the house, whether they are male or female. If anyone should be absolutely free in his or her sexuality, it should be me, but it’s like it had the opposite effect on me–it made everything shrivel up inside of me.

“Basil, so nice to meet you.” The older lady extends her wrinkled hand to me.

“It’s actually Bay; only my mom calls me that.”

“Well, Bay, I’ve heard lots about you.”

I chuckle and think I have no freaking clue who this lady is. “Oh.”

“Yes, and the art in your mother’s house is simply stunning. So glad you’re pursuing it.”

“Wynter’s deceased husband had an art gallery, Basil, she has a good eye.”

“Oh, sweetie, your art is something unique and refreshing.”

“Thank you, Wynter.”

My mom intertwines her hand with Wynter’s and the two nuzzle together as I talk to them about my apartment and job. I hold nothing back knowing these two would never judge. Hell, I don’t know Wynter, but if she’s with my mom, then that’s all I need to know. I even find myself opening up about Van.

“The bouncer is my neighbor and he’s probably the…”

“Probably what, Basil? Go ahead.”

She turns to Wynter. “Basil’s never been good with her feelings and the other sex.”

“Mom.” I toss a towel in her direction.

“Well, it’s true, sweetie, just keeping it honest and open here. What about Van?”

“He’s hot, dark, and broody and we’ve kissed. Kissed lots in my book.” I shrug my shoulders. “You know me being awkwardly shy and all–it’s felt like a lot.”

Those three words sum him up perfectly. There’s not one other thing I know about him.

“Well, honey, your book is missing a lot of chapters,” my mother chimes.

“Where do you live again, Bay?” Wynter asks.

“On the south side of the city.”

“Oh shit. There have been several murders over there.”

“Yeah.” I nod. “They’ve been on the other side of my neighborhood. No one seems to be too worried about it. I feel safe with Van.”

“Basil.” My mom stands to her feet.

“Calm down, Mom, the club is literally a few blocks from my apartment. My manager Stew practically owns everything around it. I’ve never even been spooked.”

“And this Van lives next door, so you’re probably very safe,” Wynter adds.

“Yes.” I immediately agree, trying to lay my mom’s fears to rest. “Mom, it will be what it will be, right?”

It’s some of her bullshit she always tries to pull on me.

“Yes, sweetie. Just worried about you and being so far away.”

“It’s an hour and twenty minute drive. It’s not like I’m in a different state.”

“Do you have time for lunch?”

My stomach growls at the words and all three of us erupt in laughter.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

My mom and Wynter quickly lay a large spread of fresh fruits and vegetables in front of me. I asked to remain outside, as the autumn sun feels good on my skin. There’s nowhere in the city for me to comfortably sit and enjoy the fresh air and sun, so this is like a treat for me.

“Slow down Basil, you’ll get a belly ache.”

I just nod and continue to eat as if this were my last meal.

“I bought this for you.” My mom sets a large canvas tote on the table. When I look in it, I squeal, sending the food in my mouth splattering all over. Covering my mouth, I say, “I’m so sorry, but oh, my God! Thank you, Mom.”

I bound from my chair and wrap her up in a hug and let the tears of fear and anxiety finally pour out of me. The scent of cedar wafting off her hair hits me hard, causing my tears to flow even harder. I had no idea I missed home and my mom so much. She pulls me into her lap even though I’m a good half-foot taller than her.

“Mom, it’s just what I needed.”

“Never lose sight of your dream, Basil, you can get there your own way but never lose sight.”

“I was just going to take my art supplies from here.”

“No, you won’t.” She swats my back. “The day those leave here will be the day it kills me. In those art supplies I see you and still have a piece of you here in my home.’

“I love you, Mom.”

“You’re my sun, Basil.”

She’s never said the words ‘I love you’ to me, only ‘you’re my sun.’ When I was little, she’d tell me a very unique story about the sun and how it saved a woman from the darkness and eventually death. So to her, I’ll always be her sun.

“Now, go paint me a new piece.”

“Okay.” I run my fingers through her long gray hair that waves down her back, mimicking my curls perfectly.

“Let me text Ivy to see if I have time.”

Me: How’s it looking?

Ivy: Good.

Me: How long do you plan on staying?

Ivy: A couple more hours. Gannon and my dad might go to the country club to golf.

Me: Okay, just let me know.

Ivy: Okay.

I almost decide against it but go for it. I know I won’t have time to chat on the way home and Ivy seldom answers her phone.

Me: Is there a thing between you and Gannon?

Ivy: * shrugs *

Me: Truth, now.

Ivy: I do like him, but I don’t think he’s into me.

Me: Then why give him my number?

Ivy: He likes you, Bay.

Me: Well, that’s not okay.

Ivy: It’s totally okay. Go with it.

Me: I love you and nothing will come between us.

Ivy: Let’s just see how it plays out.

Me: Okay, but…

Ivy: I know you don’t want a man and blah blah blah…love you, Bay! PS-Your lady bits may thank me though.

Those are the only words I needed to hear. I mean, I’m sure any girl my age would love to date Gannon and romp around in the sheets with him, but nothing will ever come between Ivy and me. I’ll never let that happen. She’s as big of a part of my life as my mom. She’s always been one to cycle through men fast and who knows, maybe she and Gannon are on that cycle and already at their end point.

“Okay, I’m going into my room to paint, Mom. Love you.”

I kiss the top of her head before I practically skip into my house. The scents, sights, and feelings are overwhelming, sending my happiness into overdrive. Watch out bright colors, because you’re about to meet your maker.

“
H
ow’s your mom
?” Ivy asks as I walk up to her car.

“She’s good.” I can’t help the smile that’s plastered across my face and the easiness that fills me from the tips of my toes to the top of my head.

“Bay.”

I turn to see Ivy’s parents and bounce up the steps to hug them.

“You look great,” her mom says.

“Thank you.”

“Ivy says you’re doing great in the city.”

“I am,” I say it with confidence now knowing I’m doing the right thing. Coming home today renewed everything inside of me–reassurance is what I needed.

I jog over to Ivy’s car and jump in the backseat before Gannon has the chance to. He gives me a sideways look from the outside of the car, and I gesture to the front seat with my hand.

“Bay, I could’ve sat back there,” he says as he climbs into the front seat. Ivy is still up on the porch chatting with her parents.

“It’s my turn.” I smile at him while nervously picking at a loose curl.

He faces me, and I clutch the canvas tote filled with my new paint supplies tighter than humanly possible. In slow motion, he places his palm on my kneecap, and I squirm a bit under his touch, wanting more and then wanting it all to disappear in the same moment.

“Have a good visit with your mom?”

I nod, unable to speak.

“What’s in your bag?”

“Just some paint supplies.” I look down to avoid eye contact.

“I’m not going to eat you.”

Flashbacks of Ivy explaining to me in great detail what it meant for a man to eat out a girl flood my memories, causing me to flush crimson red.

I try to talk but only stammer out a few syllables that make no sense at all. Gannon reaches back further, tucking some curls behind my ear and then trailing his hand down my jawline. My flesh fires up just like when Van touches me. It’s all so new and overwhelming.

“You have no idea how beautiful you are, Bay.”

Fireworks erupt in my belly as the bright red flush continues to deepen my cheeks.

“I don’t want to embarrass you anymore, but there’s something about you I can’t get past.”

Moments pass, and I’m finally brave enough to look up into his eyes and wonder if his looks will ever stop taking my breath away.

“I don’t know what to say.” I shrug my shoulders and feel like an idiot.

“You could start with thank you.”

I giggle at his simple comment, but then it is cut off when he takes my hand in his and brings it to his lips. He places a soft kiss on the back of my hand, and it causes me to clutch onto his harder and flex my hips.

“Your skin is even sweet.”

“Holy shit.” I cover my mouth with my other hand when the words fly out. “Sorry, I’ve never been kissed.”

His deep chuckles embarrass me. “Oh, Bay, that wasn’t a kiss. It’s probably a good thing this seat is between us because I’ve only thought about you since meeting you. It’s been a very long few weeks.”

Oh shit, this can’t be happening right now.

“I think Ivy likes you, Gannon, and I can’t handle losing her as a friend.”

“So, you’re saying there’s a chance you’ll go on a date with me?”

“Gannon.” I laugh at the goofy look on his face.

“Ivy and I talked today and know it would never work. She told me to go for you, but if I broke your heart she’d tear my eyeballs from the sockets.”

I cover my mouth and laugh hard at Ivy scolding him and can picture the entire scene in my head. Without thinking, I react in the moment with Gannon staring at me and the emotions coursing through my body. I lean forward, kiss him on the lips and quickly sit back.

I watch as he licks his lips, taking his time savoring what I left behind. I can’t believe what I just did and break out into another fit of giggles.

“What’s so damn funny?”

“I don’t know what came over me.”

“Come here.” He signals with his pointer finger. “I have a secret.”

Like a fool I lean up and tilt my ear to him, just a little too eager. His hand clutches my chin and turns me to face him. He sends me a crisp nod before I realize his face is close to mine and then our lips brush. An electric zap blows through my being with just his light touch. His hand goes to the back of my head as he pulls me as close as possible into him with my right tit smashed against the back of the seat.

“May I?”

I nod and then smile. In the next moment, Gannon’s lips are on mine, and I freeze. The feel and taste are so delicious I nearly melt under his touch. His grip on the back of my head tightens, sending me into action. Hesitantly, I kiss him back and when I do, he stops his actions and lets me take over. My lips glide up and down his before they center on his and enjoy his plump lips.

My kiss turns into something hungry and passionate, and I’m fighting to get closer to him. Grabbing his collar with both hands, I try dragging him over the seat and back onto me. He lets out a low throaty growl, driving me insane. Gannon takes one step over the console with his body contorted into a pretzel and is on me before I know what’s happening.

I look up real quick to see the front door of Ivy’s house open with no one on the steps.

“Fuck, I shouldn’t have kissed you, Bay.”

My heart sinks with his words and my face must show my confusion.

“No, Bay.” He drags his thumb down my jawline. “I just don’t know that I can stop right now.”

His hand sneaks up the hem of my tank as he glides his palm over my stomach.

“Kiss me again, Gannon.”

He casually anchors his other hand on my hip as he dips down lower and covers my mouth this time. My hips buck up to meet him as I feel a pressure building up that I’ve never experienced before. He sits back up with a pained look covering his face as he clenches his eyes shut and then dips down to my neck. Gannon runs his tongue along my neck, stopping and sucking on the skin as he goes.

If I let myself stop and think about what I’m doing in the backseat of my friend’s car, I’d die of embarrassment and humiliation. It nearly happens when he runs a hand to my center, covering it. Instantly I push up on him and feel sweet pleasure shoot up.

“Gannon.” It comes out breathy and out of control.

He continues to rock his hand on me and with my other hand, I grab the back of his head, bringing his face down to mine. Our lips meet and go right back to brutally attacking each other. I feel his fingers fumble with the button on my shorts and then I hear the sound of my zipper going down. It’s like the man has a spell over me and I’d go with whatever he was about to serve up.

When the skin of his palm lands on my sensitive skin below my panty line, I moan into his mouth. His fingers dip lower, finding my entrance, and it’s all too much to handle. I throw my head back, arching up into him whimpering out his name but seeing Van’s face when I close my eyes.

It’s all too much right now, but the pleasure coursing through my blood has made me drunk with want. I crave this sensation and touch from a man and need it. I’m addicted.

His teeth nip at the skin on my neck as his fingers work in and out of me.

“Gannon.” My voice is drenched in passion. My hips never slow as the delicious pressure builds low in my tummy.

“Fuck, Bay, I’m so sorry I can’t stop.”

“Don’t stop.”

My fingers dig into his shoulder blades as I hang onto something concrete in the backseat of Ivy’s car.

“Let go, Bay.”

His hips come down on the inside of my thighs, and that’s when I feel his large erection rubbing against me. I don’t know if it’s the combination of his voice or the fact he’s so into me, but I spiral out of control, screaming his name. He covers my mouth with his to muffle the screams, and I don’t miss the large smile covering his face.

I melt back into the seat feeling all sorts of pleasure still coursing through me but nothing compared to the release I just experienced. Gannon pulls his hand from my shorts and begins licking each finger.

“Stop.” I cover my face, about to die of embarrassment. The more the heated moment passes the more reality sets in and so does my nervous tendency.

“Watch me.” He pries a hand away from my face.

He continues to lick his fingers clean and then dips down with his mouth and runs circles with his tongue around my belly button while he quickly refastens my zipper and button.

“I think I like it when you ride in the back.” He kisses the tip of my nose before sitting up on his knees.

“What about that?” I point at the extremely large bulge in his denim jeans.

He chuckles. “You’re too damn cute. I just wanted to kiss you and got a little out of control.”

We both hear a door slam and look up to see Ivy bouncing back in our direction. Gannon leaves one more wet and very sloppy kiss on my lips before he crawls into the front seat. Ivy is totally engrossed texting on her phone and didn’t see a thing.

She opens the door, sits in front of the wheel and continues to type out a message on her phone. Gannon looks over his shoulder at me, sending me a quick wink. My phone chimes, alerting me to a text message.

Unknown: My God I’m never going to be able to get enough of you.

Me: Gannon?

Unknown: Yeah.

Me: I’m kind of speechless.

Gannon: That’s good.

“
What the fuck happened to your hair? Looks like you’ve been freshly fucked, Bay,” Ivy teases me.

I send a punch into her shoulder before looking into the rearview mirror and seeing the spray of dark curls shooting in every direction, but it’s more of my flushed crimson cheeks that I stare at.

“I think you look perfect.” Gannon brushes my cheek with his arm nearest to me. I promptly sit back, avoiding any further contact with the man. It’s very clear we can’t touch without anything else happening.

I plop back in my seat exhausted from the events of today–overreacting with being home and spending time with my mom, knowing what I’m doing is the right thing for me, and then whatever in the fuck just happened between Gannon and myself, not to mention Van.

“You look like a hot mess, Bay.”

“Gee, thanks, hoochie.” I run my hands through my hair, resting them on the top of my head as I sprawl out in the backseat.

Gannon flips down his visor and looks at me in his mirror. “A gorgeous hot mess, that is.”

My cheeks flare right back up into a bright red blush as I stare back at him in the mirror. “You’re crazy, Gannon.”

I almost regret my last words, knowing most likely what he was about to come back with, and it will quite possibly create an awkward moment in the car. My worried eyes look over to Ivy, who shoots me a quick smile in the rearview mirror.

“Quit worrying, Bay, Gannon and I decided it would never work out between us since he has a major crush on my best friend.” She flips her hair over her shoulder. “I’ve already got my eyes set on another catch.”

Ivy’s never been one to get hung up on a guy, so it doesn’t surprise me she’s okay with all this. I, on the other hand, still feel uncomfortable as hell about all of it, but in the heat of the moment, it’s like something I’ve never experienced. And my body is hyped up and ready to have Gannon cover me again.

I kick my feet up on the console and within moments feel Gannon’s hand on the top of my bare foot, rubbing little circles on it. His touch, the warm sun, my full belly, and satisfied body drift off to sleep quickly.