Ripple Effect, page 12
part #1 of Effect Series Series
“Hey, sweetie. How are you doing?”
I focused on combing my fingers through some of Lindy’s hair. She was a good dog as she sighed contentedly.
I responded, my voice sounding distant, “I’m good. I slept in this morning, and I need to work on some things, but I was about to call, so you didn’t worry.”
My mind wasn’t in the right place to talk to my mom now. When I thought about memories like that, it was hard not to ask her why she hadn’t fought for me to keep that puppy. I never even had a chance to name him. I knew the answer though. She had been fighting her own battle each and every night against my dad. Knowing that still didn’t take away the sharp memories I had that sometimes cut me like a jagged piece of glass. I always wanted to ask her why she hadn’t taken me and left. My questions sometimes made me feel guilty because I loved my mom.
She broke through my thoughts. “Did you hear me, Ainsley?”
“I’m sorry, Mom. What did you say?”
She had the patience of a saint as she responded, “Don’t forget about Donna’s party. You promised you would come. I let her know that you’d be bringing someone. It’s proper for someone your age to have a date at these upscale celebrations.”
“I’ll figure something out, Mom. I’ll talk to you later. Love you.”
“Love you, too, sweetie, so much.”
I hung up the phone and put my head back on the couch. The deep cleansing breaths I took helped rid my head from all the cobwebs trying to set up shop this morning. I felt a body sit beside me, and I cracked open my eyes.
Adam was sitting there in boxers, looking me over. “Is everything okay?”
I loved his tatted, muscular body. He was beautiful.
I looked down at Lindy, who then stood up and walked over to lie between our legs. I resumed petting her.
“I will be. I was talking to my mom, and sometimes, it’s tough for me to think about the past.” I cleared my throat. “Did you sleep well?”
Adam’s brows drew together, and his hand came down to meet mine. “I’m not pushing for answers, Ainsley, but you can talk to me if you need to.”
“Thanks. I will. I don’t plan on inundating you with drama. You don’t have to worry about that.”
I remembered Adam talking about all the outside stuff a relationship could bring, and I didn’t want to scare him off.
He picked up our entwined hands and looked at them for a few minutes. “My ex, Selena, broke up with me the night I was going to propose to her. She had been cheating on me for months. After that, I decided I was never going to go down the road of marriage and supposed happily ever afters. Since that night, I haven’t put myself back out there until you. You changed my way of thinking, Ainsley. I want this and all that comes with it.” He paused.
After a few moments of silence, I looked up.
He continued, “Ainsley, you don’t have to tell me. When you’re ready, know that I put the drama out there first. I’m here if you need to talk. I want to be here for you.”
Both our heads were lying back on the couch. I liked that Adam hadn’t asked me to give him something I wasn’t ready for. I guessed that made sharing a two-way street for both of us without judging.
“My ex, Jarrod, promised me forever. He wanted me to reconnect with my father in order to fast-track his career. When I refused to play my part, he went out and slept with my friend. Her dad is some bigwig at a company. Last I heard, they broke up, but he had a job, and he’s been rising through the ranks.”
“Ainsley, I won’t ever push you toward someone you don’t want to be near. I’m going to protect and support you.”
I kissed him. “Thank you.”
Lindy whimpered.
Adam turned to his dog and patted her head. “Are you hungry, girl? Let’s go get you fed.”
Lindy jumped up and started racing toward the kitchen area.
Adam got up off the floor. “Let’s eat, too. Do you like omelets?”
“Yes, that sounds great. I haven’t had an omelet in forever.”
Omelets with all the extras were expensive. I usually had plain eggs, but that was it.
Standing, Adam threw me up and over his shoulder. We made our way to his kitchen as I squealed in delight. I smacked his ass, and the next thing I knew, I had a finger sliding inside me, rubbing and working me. The tingling feeling invaded my body, and all I could focus on were the tantalizing sensations.
He walked over to a doorway where there was an exercise pull-up bar with rings extending a few inches down.
“Do you want to try something?” he asked.
His sex-ridden voice and his touch had me in an incoherent state.
I slapped his ass again, and he pushed two fingers inside me, causing me to moan.
Before the torture became unmanageable, I responded, “Yes, I’ll try anything at this point. You’re not playing fair.”
My voice was needy as he kept working me into a wanton state.
He set me down in front of him and took his shirt off of me. He pinched my nipples as he said, “Ainsley, we’ll do a real sex swing at the club sometime, but for now, we’ll do this. When I pick you up, grab those rings up there. I’m going to shove my cock so far inside you while you hold on. Okay?”
My brain would not let me focus as he continued pulling my nipples to tight little points. I nodded because I was honestly up for whatever. He lifted me up, and I grabbed the rings, squeezing them. He supported me underneath my thighs, which helped me hold on to the rings better. He lined himself up and teased my clit as he looked into my eyes.
“Adam, stop screwing around and fuck me already.” My voice was frustrated.
Adam’s grin spread wider. Bringing his erection back to my entrance, he said, “I like when you talk dirty. I’m going to let that dirty mouth suck me off soon.”
I let out an aggravated sound, and he sank so deep inside me that I screamed out. He was a madman as he swung me on and off him, hitting that magical spot that I craved. We maintained an intense eye contact as he continued to strike in and out. My arms were getting tired, which only added to the sensation building within my inner core.
Adam brought me to the point of no return, that place of pure bliss. My orgasm seared into my being as it hit. My grip loosened, but I held on as Adam came within me. Each time he’d poured himself into me felt like something between us deepened. Adam finished with a satisfied grin on his face. I wrapped my legs around his waist, completely spent, as I released the rings while he held me.
He nuzzled me. “Now, that was some fan-fucking-tastic sex.”
“I would say it was sexilicious.” My voice sounded completely satisfied.
He chuckled. “I would have to agree. That was sexilicious. Let’s get you fed. By the way, we’re eating breakfast naked. I might need a second round with you on the bar stool.”
I kissed his neck as he set me down on a chair. He got some food out for Lindy, filling the automatic dog food dispenser, and then began getting out ingredients for the omelets. I noticed a large doggy door that led outside. That was probably how Adam could keep such strange hours and not be home every night.
“What can I do to help?”
Adam glanced up and gave me a sexy grin. “Just relax. I’m cooking you breakfast this morning.”
He moved around the kitchen like a seasoned pro. He diced and chopped onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, and green peppers before cracking the eggs for the omelets. I watched in awe as he made me freshly squeezed orange juice. He was a man of many talents, and my mouth watered. The smell of food began to fill the kitchen.
I remembered my mom’s earlier request to bring a date to the function for her friend, Donna, whom I couldn’t stand. Adam going as my date would be easier than debating with my mom on what was considered proper or not in the present day.
“Hey, Adam. Can I ask you something? And feel free to say no.”
He glanced at my hand before he poured the egg mixture in the pan, and a crackling noise commenced. “Of course. Ask me anything. I’ll always shoot straight with you, Ainsley. I promise.”
I flexed my hands on the countertop as I prepared my question. My insides were nervous from the fear of rejection, but I would accept whatever he said and be okay with it. “So, my mom has requested that I go to a function for one of her friends next weekend. She has it in her mind that it’s proper for me to bring a date. If you’re willing to go, it would be easier than me expending the energy to talk her out of why it’s not necessary for me to have someone there. I mean, I want you there, but I don’t want you to feel pressured to go.”
A corner of his mouth tipped up. “Yes, I’ll go. If she’s worried about proper etiquette on bringing a date, what’s your mom going to think of me all tatted up?” There was a note of concern in his voice as his brows drew together.
I shrugged my shoulders. “If you make me happy, that’s all my mom cares about. It’s one of the areas she doesn’t meddle in at all. She trusts my judgment.”
He nodded to himself as he pulled the omelets out of the pan. “Breakfast is ready. Do you want to go anywhere today?”
He set the plate down in front of me. We started eating, and the omelet was delicious. Flavors burst in mouth.
I took another bite while I thought about it. “This is delicious. Honestly, after the last few days, I could use a down day, but I’m flexible.”
“I think that sounds like a good idea. But no Last Unicorn.”
I giggled. “You’re expected to sing the Prince Lir parts next time Emilyn comes over to watch it.”
He smirked. “I’ll figure out a way to talk her out of it. I’m not worried.”
Adam oozed confidence, and I had no doubt that he was right.
“I think I figured out something I want to do today,” I said.
“What’s that?”
“Figure out a few more positions on the Tantra Chair.”
A devilish grin spread on his face. “I think my day just got filled with lots of sexilicious sex.”
I giggled, and I took another bite, thinking about all the orgasms to come.
Just under a week had passed since Ainsley and I had started officially dating. It was Friday, and Ainsley was on her way to the club.
Brandt needed me to be here tonight since he was going camping with his brother in Stone Mountain. They did it every year, just the two of them, to remember their father who had been killed in Afghanistan. Their dad had died when Brandt was ten and his brother, Logan, was seven. Brandt’s dad was American, and his mother was English, which was the reason Brandt had the slight accent at times. His parents had met and fallen in love on one of his dad’s tours. After his dad had died, his mom had debated about moving back to Europe. In the end, she hadn’t wanted to take the boys from the only home they could remember with their father. They had been fortunate not to have to move through the years.
My sister, Jessica, was still bugging me about coming to my parents’ anniversary party. I still hadn’t decided. I wasn’t sure if I could go. I wanted to spend some uninterrupted time with Ainsley tonight and think about all this shit tomorrow. I still had a while to decide on what I was going to do. After having lunch with my parents today, guilt plagued me for not just agreeing to go. My mom had said something I was still thinking about as I waited for Ainsley.
I walked into the deli where I would meet my parents once a week for lunch. The place had a green awning with the words Something Sweet to Eat written in white. I met my parents inside at our usual table. Baked goods lined the counter and sugary smells filled the air.
My mom was slender with blonde hair and hazel eyes. She was short at just under five foot five. I towered over her. I was the exact image of my dad. Add twenty-five years to me, and I’d look exactly like him but with tattoos.
As I sat down, the waitress came up to the table and asked, “Same as always?”
My parents and I all said at the same time, “Yes, please.”
She turned and walked away with a smile on her face. She was the owner’s daughter and worked at the deli in the summer.
My mom started off with, “How’s the club doing? I saw The Thrillhammers made the paper again, and it looked like they were playing at Club Envy.”
I chuckled. My parents had actually cosigned the loan for the club. When Brandt and I had broken the news that we were expanding into a sex club, they had been supportive but shocked. After the details had been thoroughly outlined, they had accepted the direction we would be taking the club.
“It’s going good. Pays the bills, so no complaints.”
My mom gave me a gentle smile. “What’s been going on in your world since we met last week?”
Ainsley came to mind, but I wasn’t ready to mention her yet. Out of habit, I reached up and felt the scratch of my whiskers. I had forgotten to shave again. “Nothing much. You know, working and trying to stay on top of everything.”
My dad was wearing one of his old Falcons T-shirts. He wore old ones during the off-season. It was one of those sports superstitions he and his buddy Marty would do to bring the team luck during the next year.
Our lunch was delivered. I had a Reuben sandwich with chips. It was the best sandwich in town.
My dad chimed in, “Your cousin, Lori, had her baby. She’s coming to visit at Christmas.”
I talked around the bite I had taken, “Oh, good. I’ll have to make sure to see her.”
Even though my brother, Jake, and I didn’t talk, this worked for my parents and me. It allowed us to stay close. We never mentioned him. I would never force my parents to choose between us even though he was a lying, cheating bastard.
My mom was watching me intently having that knowing look on her face. She was about to say something that was going to make me uncomfortable. My mom laid her hand on my free one. “I know you’re going to find your true love one day, Adam. She’s going to come in like a bright comet and change your world, leaving everything altered. I know you don’t like talking about this, but I can sense something changing in you. I know it’s a little off topic, but I needed to say this.”
I had no words as I stopped mid-bite, thinking of the brown-haired, blue-eyed woman who had been plaguing my every thought as of late.
My phone beeped, stirring me from my memory.
Finally, she is here.
Ainsley: I’m here.
Me: I’m on my way out. Stay in your car until I come to you.
Ainsley: Yes, sir!
I went to the entrance and then jogged across the lot to my girl. She gave me a sweet smile and a wave from the driver’s seat. Things were easy between us. I liked holding her in public and showing affection without any pressure to change who I was. Ainsley didn’t push me for what I wasn’t able to give. She let us exist and be without the normal bullshit relationship pressures, like what our future might look like and all that other crap.
I still wondered what was so troublesome from her past. In time, perhaps she would open up about it. There had been a few times this last week when I’d thought she wanted to tell me.
I opened the car door. “Hey there, baby.”
As she got out of the car and locked it, she responded, “Hey. Sorry I’m a little late. Nancy’s hours are changing, so she’s not going to need me as much. Emilyn was upset, but she’s better now that I promised to still see her. Nancy also asked me if I could help watch Emilyn the next few Friday nights. I guess Nancy has a new boyfriend.”
Mentally, I said a plea that Ainsley had said no. I knew I was a bastard for thinking that, but right now, I wanted all of Ainsley’s free time. I was a selfish prick when it came to her, and I didn’t care.
I grabbed her hand as I started walking. “What did you end up telling her?” I tried to keep my voice casual.
Ainsley was in those super short shorts and the tank top she had worn that night when I had come over to her place for spaghetti.
Hell, I’m going to have an issue with guys keeping their eyes where they belong.
I was on security tonight since Brandt was gone. There would be no sex for us until after the club closed, which would be four in the fucking morning since I’d have to monitor everything.
Ainsley gave me a sad face. “I told her that I’d help her out. I didn’t have any plans anyway.”
I froze near the entrance of the sex club. My mouth gaped open. “Are you serious? Ainsley, I’m your plans when you’re available.”
She leaned up and nipped my lips. “Gotcha.”
“You…you…”
She rocked my world with the smallest actions that wouldn’t make sense to anyone. Ainsley was real. She wasn’t conniving or caught in money and prestige. Ainsley wanted to be happy and cared for.
I went to her ear. “I’m going to fuck you hard for that.”
She tilted her head and kissed me. “That’s what I was hoping for.”
Ainsley walked toward the door where Trigger stood his post. She was saucily swaying her ass at me, and if I could pound into her right now, I would. I’d have her screaming for my cock. She knew I wasn’t going to be able to do anything for a bit.
I jogged up behind her and put my arm around her shoulders. She looked up at me and gave me a beautiful grin as the slow hum from the sex club took over. Just having her in this environment had me envisioning all the possibilities. Her pale blue eyes danced with happiness, and I liked being the one who had made them do that.
The crowd was getting thicker as the night darkened. It would be a full house tonight.
We were headed back to the security office when my cell phone rang.
“This is Adam.”
“Adam, Hampton. Do you have a second?”
I looked down at Ainsley, who was watching me. I started heading for the bar, and she followed. I had to take this phone call.
“Hampton, can I call you back in five from my office?”
“Sure thing, Adam.”
“Thanks.”
I hung up the phone. With Brandt and two of our bouncers being gone, we were short-staffed from our normal head count.
Ainsley popped up onto a bar stool. The movement caused her shorts to ride up a little further.
