Always the One, page 4
part #1 of Always and Forever Series
Trey
OPENING MY EYES, I stare up at the ceiling above me, briefly forgetting where I am for a second. By the darkened shadows and stillness, I’d guess it to be two or three in the morning. The warmth pressed into my side shifts slightly and it all comes back to me. I’m here with Shayla, not just with her, but with her, with her, she’s mine now.
Glancing down at her figure beside me, I love how peaceful she looks. Auburn hair in a mess on my arm and her full, pouty lips slightly apart as the faintest sound comes out. Deciding not to wake her up, even though everything in me wants to. I go against the urge to do so, my selfishness taking a back seat. Sure, I would prefer to spend the rest of the night talking, flirting, kissing, and fuck me, touching. Damn, I love touching her soft skin. I behaved like a gentleman, but I so badly wanted to dip my hands inside her panties and touch her sweet heaven. Fuck.
Picking her up, extra careful not to wake her, I make my way toward her room for the second time tonight, placing her on the bed. Pulling the blanket up and over her chest, I kiss her once on the cheek and leave her to sleep. I make my way to the elevator and head up to my floor, tonight has been amazing and I can’t wait to see her again. My girl.
I listen to the sound of my alarm clock and ignore its purpose. It’s Saturday and usually I would sleep in but we have a weekend session in the studio, so that shit ain’t gonna happen. I moved out here with Kingston so we could open up a recording studio and it’s been a surprising success. Following Lana and Shay was an added bonus.
We have three local bands and a ton of major-league bands who come through Seattle that like making records here. Something about the weather putting their artistic skills to use, and I’m not complaining, business is good. I reluctantly force myself out of bed and head to the shower. I’m about to submerge myself completely in the water when I hear my phone ding on the counter. I reach out to dry my hands before grabbing it. Smiling, I see Shayla’s name above a text.
Shayla: Hey, I have work this morning. I hope you have a good day! xoxo
Me: Can I take you out tonight, maybe dinner and a movie?
Shayla: Um, yeah, I can see what I can do. I have dinner with a possible investor for the boutique. Lana is sick as a dog, so I am gonna be going alone :( poor girl drank too much I think. She’s been puking all night.
Me: Shit, that sucks, make sure you give her lots of water. But, babe! That’s fucking awesome. An investor? This is huge! Yeah, let’s meet back at your place, and I’ll take us to a movie.
Shayla: Fingers crossed. xoxo
Those damn hugs and kisses, now I’m thinking about her lips and her taste. I put my phone down and finish my shower before it leads to me jerking it.
BANG, BANG.
“Bro, let’s go, we have to meet with a local band today. Rise and grind, quit playing with yourself, weirdo.”
Well, now I don’t need to worry about relieving myself. My roommate just cock-blocked me. How in the actual fuck is that possible? He’s right, I have shit to do today, and as much as I would like to sit here and think about my girl naked and wet, that isn’t going to help me get anything done.
“I’m coming, hold the fuck up.” Within twenty minutes, I’m dressed and ready to go. Now I just have to remain focused on work for eight hours until I get to meet my girl for a movie.
“That sounds awesome, guys, keep it up, hit the snare a little more.” Nodding my head to the beat, I realize I lost track of time. Music has been a huge influence on my life, I listen to it all day, I play the guitar, sing, and occasional drums, but it’s an essential component in my life. Moving to Seattle to open this studio was one of the scariest, but most rewarding ventures I’ve done. Growing up with a wealthy dad, and I mean wealthy, I never had the chance to give independence a go…until I moved to Seattle and spent my entire life savings on this studio. It’s worth every drop of blood and ounce of tears. It didn’t start out easy, Kingston and I had to experience eating noodles for a year or two, but now we are sitting very comfortably and only expanding. So, you could say life is good.
“Hey, dream boy, you wanna talk about your late night with my sister?” Kings questions, walking into the booth and crossing his big arms over his chest, his tattoos making them look even bigger. Kingston is more built and bulky than I am, but we could go head to head any day.
However, today wouldn’t be that day. This fucking goon protects Shayla like she’s a damn newborn baby. I thought I was gonna be able to avoid it for another day, since we have a busy day here. But, it looks like its now or never, since he will not let it go—its not in his nature.
“Uh, yeah, listen, buddy—”
He puts his hand up to stop what I’m about to say. “I’m not an idiot, we all knew this was gonna happen one day, especially Lana and me,” he says, crossing his arms again and shaking his head with a sly grin.
“But I know you and I know your “fear” of commitment.” He huffs out fear while bending his fingers in quotations.
“She’s a fucking saint, bro, and she deserves the best. No matter how long we’ve been friends.” He’s right, we’ve been best friends for years, growing up in the same neighborhood, where we first met fighting over whose red bike was better. I still think I won.
“She deserves nothing but the best, and I won’t put you above her, so if you hurt her, bro, there will be hell. I own many guns…” he threatens me with a warning and a side of sarcasm. Even with the sarcasm, I know the message is serious. He really protects my girl with his life.
“Yeah, no, I know, she deserves the best. I may be terrified, but she makes me want to try, she makes me want to live, and not just exist.” I look back up at Kingston and he’s wearing a shit-eating grin, and I know he will get me back for saying something so corny.
“Wow, look who’s all”—he pinches my cheeks—“filled with all the feels!” I push his hands away and punch his stomach.
“Fuck off, bro. We all know once Lana gives your dumb ass a chance you’ll turn into Mr. Rogers himself,” I tease.
The day passed quickly and before I know it, it’s time to leave to meet Shayla. I ask the guys to wrap it up and give a quick bye to Kings. I’m almost to her place when my phone starts ringing.
“Hey, gorgeous, you ready to go? I’m pulling up in two minutes.” I hear ruffling noises in the background, followed by a man’s voice.
“Yeah, Trey, change of plans. We ended up staying longer than expected at the restaurant, but I’m heading there now. Give me like—” She stops and laughs after the man speaks again.
A weird feeling forms in my stomach, and I notice my hands growing a little tight on the steering wheel.
That’s weird.
“Shay?”
“Yeah, sorry, give me like five more minutes, and I’ll be there.”
I have the sudden urge to get to her, although I’m not sure why. I just want to go to her.
“Where are you, I can meet you there. Is it closer to the theater?” There’s a long pause and she laughs again, causing my knuckles to whiten as I grip the steering wheel even tighter.
That’s when I realize it. I’m fucking jealous, me, Trey. No, I’ve never been jealous over a woman before, ever. However, it’s Shayla, my girlfriend, not Shayla some random chick. Who the fuck does this guy think he is, making her laugh that sexy little way she does. Those laughs are mine. Okay, step back, bud, you are getting too hotheaded and the guy is probably a fat, old, rich guy. I don’t need to worry. Do I?
“Shay?” I ask, trying to hide the bitterness in my voice. “Where are you?”
“Oh, Trey, I’m sorry, Evan was telling me a story of the waitress… Sorry, geez, I’m at the House Grill, his driver just got here, so I don’t mind heading there.”
Evan? Yep, he sounds like he shits dust. You got this, Trey.
“That’s by the movies, I’ll just come get you.” Changing direction, I begin heading toward the restaurant. “But please wait inside, it’s not safe down there.”
“I don’t mind waiting in my car or driving to the theater.” I hear heels hitting the pavement in the background.
“No, go back inside, I’ll have Kings come get your car tonight, it’s not safe, go inside.”
“Trey, I’m a grown woman, don’t talk to me like that.” She sounds mad, and I hate that she’s getting the wrath of my obvious jealousy. This is new for me, all of this—her and me, this relationship—and I’m still adjusting to the change. I just need her to understand that.
“Babe, I didn’t mean to sound like a dick, okay? It’s not safe downtown at night, all right? Can you please go inside, and stay until I get there?” I ask more calmly this time.
She’s silent for a moment, and then it’s like a switch is flipped. “Trey, this was a bad idea, I’m not in the mood to go out tonight, I’m just gonna head home. Talk to you tomorrow.”
Click.
Fuck!
Great, this spiraled out of control and now she’s pissed. Day two, this is fantastic, and I just may win the award for the biggest piece of shit boyfriend that ever existed. I quickly redial her number in hopes that I can stop her from leaving and prevent this damn fight from further tailspinning.
Pick up, baby, pick up.
I call a few more times but it keeps going to voicemail. As I pull up to the parking garage, near the restaurant, I see her leaving. Hurrying to make a U-turn, I speed after her. This night will end with us on a good note, I refuse anything else.
I call her again as I weave in and out of traffic, trying to catch up, but she denies it. I understand I sounded like a fucking caveman, but she’s beyond pissed at me.
We both stop at the red light, and I see her looking at me in her rearview mirror, I motion for her to pick up her phone by pointing to mine in my hand. Doubtful that it’ll work, I call her back and she answers in a huff.
“What, Trey?”
“Babe, I wasn’t trying to be a dick, okay?” I wait hesitantly to continue, in fear she may snap even more. “It’s not safe at night, and I didn’t—” Before I can finish what I’m saying, she cuts me off.
“Trey, I’m a grown woman, and I think you’re just jealous of me being out with someone else.” She pauses. “So don’t take that out on me.” The phone goes silent, and I know she hung up on me. Again.
The light turns green and she makes an escape for her apartment, but I keep pace with her, and we both pull into our parking garage within seconds of each other. Jumping out of the car, I make a beeline toward her, where she’s standing outside the elevator. Barely making it in time, I throw my hand between the closing doors and it slides back open. When she gets a good look at my agitated face, I half expect her to calm down, but she stands her ground like a firecracker. Further letting me know I’m a prick and I need to calm the fuck down.
Walking slowly toward her, she just shakes her head, so I stop.
“You need to calm the hell down, you caused me to make a scene in front of my investor. Secondly, what grounds did you have to get all hotheaded like a damn goon and treat me like that? Huh? Don’t worry, I’ll wait.” Huffing, she readjusts herself, popping her hip out and tightening her arms.
Holy fuck, I’m in trouble and she is showing no mercy. I feel I could have sweet-talked her if this was a new relationship and we were still learning each other, but we aren’t. We have history and she is not backing down and most definitely not taking my fucking shit. God, I’m filled with pride. Still jealous, sure, but filled with pride.
Catching my breath, I slowly saunter toward her, backing her into the corner. She turns her head away from me, her arms still crossed, when I place both arms on either side of her head, boxing her in. I need to say sorry and fix this right now, I completely acted like a idiot on our technical first date. Shit, we didn’t even get to it because of me.
“You’re right, I’m jealous, okay?” I tilt my head to the side and let a small but devilish snicker leave my lips. First, I’ll start with flirty and charming, see if I can get out of the doghouse. I pray it works. “Not jealous of him, but the fact that he had my girl at dinner and got to steal her laugh, see her smile, and gawk at this tight little number you’re wearing.” Dropping my hand to her thigh, I lightly tug on the bottom of her white, skintight dress.
“I just wanted to get your sexy ass to the car safely, baby. Okay?” Using one hand, I pull her flush against me and take my other hand to lift her dress enough so I can pick her up. She still hasn’t said a word, but the slightest hint of red begins to dust where the V-neck of her dress starts. I pull her up by her ass, urging her to jump up and straddle me. Causing her arms to drop from her chest and wrap around me. So far so good, I hope she can forgive my punk ass.
“You’re my girl, and no one will ever taint or touch what’s mine. Got it, beautiful?” All she gives me is a slow, reserved nod.
“Fine. But I shouldn’t forgive you for being such jerk. And I only will this one time. I’m gonna blame it on mental instability.” She smirks. “Seriously though, Trey. Don’t ever talk to me like that. I’m not just some girl. Before this whole thing started we were best friends, and I need you to treat me as such. Got it?” she demands and I concede willingly, she is fucking right. I dropped the ball tonight and the last thing I deserve is this saint of a woman in my arms.
“You are right, I was wrong to do that shit back there. You didn’t deserve it. I will get my shit together,” I promise, ready to turn this night right back around.
I lift my hand up her back, stopping at her plush, soft neck. Gazing into her eyes, I ask for permission with this one look, making sure she gives me the green light before I make my next move. She bites her plump, pink lip and that’s my invitation to take exactly what I’ve been thinking about since we last kissed. Her taste.
Roughly, I grab her hair in my fist and pull her head back, taking her lips. It starts slow and sensual, but I want her to fucking feel me. I want her to be marked so no other man can touch her. I want every man to be able to smell me miles away. She makes me wild, and I wouldn’t change that about her. I love the complete control she has over me. Like a beautiful devil, tempting me to sin.
Licking her bottom lip, I feel her warm tongue touch mine, her taste sending me over the edge, coaxing the beast in me to come out to hunt. I urgently kiss her without regard, until I hear the annoying sound of the elevator stopping. Damn it to hell, I don’t want to stop. Shit.
I’m going to get her behind that door and lick, suck, and taste her body from the pink of her toes to the burgundy hair on the top of her head. Thankful the hallway is deserted, I continue to carry her as I walk toward her door. Not that others being around would fucking stop me. I start sucking on her soft and delicate neck. Fuck she tastes good. This discovery alone makes me grow even harder. I know she can feel it pushing against her warm core, because if I can tell she’s warm and wet, then she can feel my raging cock begging to break out. I need a release and so does she, the silent moans and the tiny grind of her hips against me proves it. We get to her door, and I place her slowly onto her delicate feet, letting her feel every inch of me. I’m wound tight and I want her.
Turning to unlock the door, I watch her hand slide around the handle and my dick spikes. I imagine her tight fist gripping me hard. This is fucking torture. Grabbing her heavy tits in my hands, her head hits my shoulder and a moan falls from her swollen lips.
“Open the door, baby.” Her movements go into rush mode; I swear she gets us through the door in less than a split second.
“Lana’s out on a date, so we have the apartment to ourselves for a little bit, what do you want to do?” She turns toward me, slowly sliding her high heels off. I know what she’s trying to do and it’s fucking working. No lights are on in the apartment; the skyline shining through the window casts a shadow on her soft face. I can see the red in her cheeks, the rash on her neck from my scruffy, unshaven face, and her lips swollen from my attack.
I want to close this gap between us, but my brain cells start to function again, hitting me with the realization that we need to slow down. Yes, I’ve known Shay my whole life, but she doesn’t need her first time to be makeup sex. I may not be innocent from past indiscretions, but I won’t just give her a quick fuck. Call me a cheeseball, but she deserves flowers, candles, and fucking chocolates. She’s a treasure not a cheap toy.
“Wait, wait, Shay, we need to slow down.” I watch the look of desire vanish from her face and slowly see rejection creep into place. Immediately, I try to retract my last statement, that’s not why I want to stop. I need to stop because she’s too special to sleep with on what was supposed to be our first real date.
“You don’t want me?” Her head hangs low, like she’s ashamed of herself.
“No. Shit. Baby, that’s not what I meant.” I quickly stride toward her. Gently, I rest my palms against her warm cheeks, the once shade of red from arousal is now one of embarrassment. Making me feel like a complete dick.
“You’re irresistible. Trust me, I want nothing more than to drag you into that bedroom and worship your body until you’re ruined for any other man. But you deserve more than that. You deserve all the hearts and flowers, which I plan to give to you, but we’re new, baby, and we need to make sure we take our time. We have forever, let’s not forget to enjoy the learning process.”
I feel hopeful that I smoothed this over. I was wrong. A single tear rolls down her cheek and lands on the pad of my thumb. I feel the panic building in my chest, and my brain starts searching for another rebuttal to help her understand better. When I open my mouth to speak, she stops me and whispers a quiet understanding, one that I’m barely able to hear, but do.
“You’re right…thank you for being so good to me.” My heart rate drops back to normal, and I feel the weight lift from my shoulders. This is my girl. I know she’s a virgin; I overheard her talking to Lana about it the other day. The animal in me wants to claim that part of her and bang on my chest like King Kong. But the gentleman in me, the one who cares a lot for Shayla, makes me want to ease her into that. I don’t want her to have sex on my accord, only on hers. She needs the gentleman, not the animal…yet.
