Hidden Kisses (Love in Sienna Series Book 2), page 16
I’m not normally scared of anything. I take on the big guys in the court room and don’t bat an eye. But right now, I’m terrified.
I don’t make friends easily, especially girlfriends. I really don’t want to lose Tia, but how could she forgive a liar? Especially a liar who’s been lying about what I’ve been lying about.
I take a deep breath and close my eyes, praying to a higher power to give me strength.
When I open my eyes, I reply to Johnny.
Me: See you soon.
This has to be done. I just pray it’s a positive outcome.
Johnny and I are sitting at a table in the back corner of a small coffee shop. I love coming here in the mornings before work when I sleep over at Johnny’s place. But I probably won’t come back here if today leaves bad memories.
I’m twiddling my thumbs and bouncing my knee when Johnny places his hand on my thigh.
“It’s going to be okay,” he says.
I stare into his eyes. “I’m a liar, Johnny. I’m a fucking horrible person.”
Johnny’s face drops as he looks at the table. “If that makes you a horrible person, then I’m absolute scum for everything I’ve done.”
I’m about to argue when the front door chimes and our attention is drawn to Tia and Mikey. I stand and give Tia a hug as they come to our table.
“What are you doing here?” she asks, clearly confused by my appearance.
“I’ll explain everything,” Johnny says, interrupting us.
Tia stares into my eyes for a moment, as if asking what the hell is going on, before sitting down next to Mikey.
“Tia, I have so much to apologize for,” Johnny starts.
I stare at the table. I can’t look at my best friend’s face while she hears about what I’ve done. I hate liars, and now I’m the worst kind of liar there is. I feel my anxiety spiking and I’m overcome with nausea.
“Leah told me about who you are,” Johnny says.
Finally, I muster the courage to look into Tia’s eyes and see the look of betrayal.
“Please don’t be mad at her. She didn’t mean to. I was telling her how what I did to you was the biggest regret of my life. And you know Leah. Her face gives her away. She can’t lie.”
“Seems like she’s done a pretty good job at lying lately,” Tia mumbles, and it’s like a knife in the heart.
“I was jealous of you, Tia,” Johnny sighs. “I know that’s no excuse, but my life was crumbling around me.”
I see Johnny’s leg trembling, and I place my hand on his knee to steady him.
“My dad killed my mom when I was just a kid, and he abused me until the day I left. Seeing you being picked up by your mom from school every day, and how fucking smart you were, it was just easy. I’m so sorry, Tia.”
“I don’t have a mom,” Tia says after what feels like an eternity of awkward silence. “That was my babysitter picking me up. My mom never wanted me. She left when I was a few days old.”
Johnny’s face falls more, and I think I see tears pooling in his eyes.
“I had no idea, and I should know not to judge situations.” He grabs the back of his neck and takes a deep breath. “Nothing I can say will ever make what I’ve done right. I just needed to tell you how sorry I am for everything I’ve done.” He turns slightly so his body is facing Mikey. “And you too, man. I was a fuck-up and I will never do what I did again.”
Johnny takes my hand in his and Tia’s eyes go even wider. I’m sure she already assumed we were together, but seeing this intimate gesture is now solidifying what she thought.
“Leah has shown me how to be a better man. I don’t ever want to go back to how I used to be. I would do everything in my power to make sure she never has another sad day.”
Tia doesn’t say anything, but I see a tear breaking from her eye.
“You don’t have to say that it’s okay. I know what I did wasn’t okay and there’s nothing I can do to make it better. But I swear I’m changing, Tia, and I want to mend these fences. I want Mikey and Leah in my life, and you mean the world to both of them.”
Tia turns to Mikey, staring at him for a moment, then turns her attention to me. A look I’ve never seen before is in her eyes. Not only is she hurt, but I can see the anger there too.
Finally, she turns her attention back to Johnny. “I accept your apology. I can’t begin to wonder what life was like for you, to be hurting so much. And I’m happy to hear you are changing and becoming a better man.”
And then, just when I think this actually going to go well, Tia looks back into my eyes.
“But you. How dare you lie to me? You are my sister! Were you really that scared I wouldn’t be okay with this? Yes, it would have hurt, but what hurts so much worse is the fact that you lied to me. I told you things in confidence that you seemed all too fine with sharing with someone you knew I hated. That hate is gone now, and I’m moving on, but I don’t think I can have you in my life anymore. Not when I can’t trust you anymore.” She slaps her hands on the table. “It’s not even the not opening up that is pissing me off right now, because we both know I’ve had issues with that. It’s the blatant lies. How long have you two been together?”
I stare at Johnny and I’s hands, disgusted with myself. “Officially, a couple months.”
“Unofficially?” she asks, lifting an eyebrow.
“On and off for around ten months,” I say quietly.
“Are you fucking kidding me?!” she yells, and some people turn to stare at us. “Is he the guy you were sleeping with, but it wasn’t serious?”
I nod my head, unable to form words.
“Great. Just great. My best friend, my daughter’s fucking godmother, is a lying bitch.”
“Woah,” Mikey says, cutting her off. “Babe, I know you’re hurting, but Leah was only trying to protect you.”
“And you!” she spits out, narrowing her eyes at Mikey. “I’m assuming by how calm you are, you already knew about all this shit. I’m surrounded by liars.”
She stands up and starts to storm off.
“Aren’t you going to chase her?” I ask Mikey, slightly confused.
“Nah. I drove and she forgot her wallet at home, so she’s stuck with me,” he chuckles humorlessly.
I look up and see Tia slowly making her way back toward us.
“Are you coming?” she asks Mikey, crossing her arms across her chest.
“I’ll be right there, babe,” he tells her.
She nods and slowly starts walking back to the door.
“She’ll come around, Leah,” he says as he stands up. “She’s just confused and upset. I promise this won’t last.”
I nod, but I don’t believe him.
I lean my head on Johnny’s shoulder when they leave.
“She fucking hates me,” I whisper.
“She doesn’t hate you, baby,” he murmurs. “She’s just hurt. We knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but at least we don’t have to lie or hide anymore.”
I nod. Now I have the man, but what if I’ve just lost my best friend? Is Johnny worth it?
“She still isn’t talking to me,” Leah says, throwing herself on the couch.
I chuckle and sit down, pulling her feet into my lap. “It’s been two days. She might need more time than that.”
“I’ve never gone this long without a text or some form of communication,” she whines.
“I’m not sure if this is the time to bring this up, but have you thought more about moving in?” I ask her.
She stares at the ceiling, and I sigh. Yeah, not the time.
I just figured it would be easier. She’s here every night anyway. And I haven’t had one nightmare since she’s been sleeping in my bed.
“I don’t think I’m ready, Johnny. My head is so messed up with everything right now. I was actually thinking I want to sleep at my place tonight,” she says.
I freeze. What the fuck? I thought that once we told Tia, Leah was going to be mine. Why is she pulling away?
She sits up and places her hands on my face. “Just for one night. I’m not running, I promise. I just need a breather.” She places her lips against mine and I inhale her wonderful scent of watermelon and honey. “Besides, it’s Sunday. I have laundry to do.”
I place my forehead on hers and nod. “You’re right, but I’m going to miss you. I sleep so much better with you in my bed.”
Leah packs up her bag, and I’m waiting for her at my front door. I grab her waist and pull her into me. Her lips always taste like mint. She is obsessed with mints, and the taste is something I crave now.
“Just one night,” she whispers between kisses. “I’ll be back tomorrow night after work.”
I kiss her one more time before letting her go.
It’s going to be a long fucking night.
“Come on. You’re rich now. You should be able to help your old man out,” he hisses out at me.
“So you can waste it on blow and hookers? No, thank you,” I scoff.
“You’re just like me.”
I push him hard.
“I’m nothing like you!” I scream. “Get out of my fucking house.”
I turn my back to my father. This piece of shit keeps coming back. I thought I was done with him when I left at eighteen. But I’m twenty-one, and now that I’m playing major league baseball, he’s back, wanting my money. I’m done. He gave me nothing as a kid. So why does he think I’d give him anything now?
I turn around and see his gun pointed at my face.
“You’re going to kill your only son?” I scoff at him.
“You’re not my son. You were just a parasite. Leeching off me, ruining everything I had. Your mom would still be alive if you were never born,” he growls.
How dare he bring up my mom? I can’t even see straight. I’m not thinking properly when I charge at him, wrestling for the gun.
The gun goes off with a loud bang, and I feel the warmth of blood.
My ears are ringing and my head hurts.
My old man is lying on top of me, lifeless, his blood soaking through my shirt.
I push him off and stare at his body. I probably should feel fear or regret, but all I can feel is overwhelming relief. It’s over. It’s finally fucking over. I never have to worry about this piece of shit again.
I pull my phone from my pocket and dial three digits. “Hello, 911? I need police. I think I just killed my father.”
I startle awake. One night away from Leah and the nightmares are back.
And I have yet to tell her about what I did. I’m a fucking murderer. A monster. How could she love me?
The police decided it was self-defense and I was let go. They were right; it was. But I still killed my own father. When I tell Leah, she’s going to look at me differently.
I’m already the reason her best friend isn’t talking to her. After I tell her this, I’m sure she’ll never want to see me again.
I wipe my hand over my face. I haven’t changed at all. I’m still a fucking asshole, destroying lives.
Me: Hey, man. You free? I need to talk to someone.
Mikey: Yeah. Give me a few minutes.
Fifteen minutes later, my phone is ringing.
“Hey,” I answer, hearing the sorrow in my own voice.
I’m surprised I’m not slurring my words. I’ve been drinking all afternoon. Leah will be home in about an hour, and she’s going to be pissed. But she’s in love with a fuck-up, so she might as well get used to it now.
“What’s up? That text was a little vague.”
“How can Leah stay in love with a monster?” I ask, taking a swig from my beer.
“What are you talking about? She knows about everything you’ve done. You’re not a monster, Johnny. You just made some fucked up decisions. The people you hurt have forgiven you. Now you just need to forgive yourself.”
“She doesn’t know everything,” I say, picking at the label on the bottle.
“What doesn’t she know?”
“My dad,” I sigh.
Mikey knows everything. He was ready with a lawyer when I called him from the police station. I didn’t need one since the situation was clear and I was let go right away, but he was prepared just in case.
“I’m a murderer, Mikey.” I’m so close to crying, but what’s the point?
Mikey sighs on the other end of the phone. “You are not a murderer. He was trying to kill you for your money. You’re lucky you didn’t fucking die that day. And that man was a piece of shit who killed his wife and beat you every day of your life for eighteen years. Even if you did murder him in cold blood, he would have deserved it.”
“But will Leah see that? Or will she just see the man who killed his own father?”
“Does she know what he did?” he asks.
“Yeah. I’ve told her absolutely everything about my life, except what happened to my dad.”
“She’ll understand, but don’t wait to tell her. You guys are finally getting to the point where you can be honest about your relationship. Don’t fuck things up by lying to her.”
“How are you and Tia doing?” I ask. She was almost as pissed at him as she was at Leah.
He chuckles. “Fine. We had great make-up sex. She’s still really hurt by Leah lying, though. She honestly doesn’t give a shit that you two are dating. I’m kind of shocked. What she does care about is her best friend not coming to her and telling her she’s in love.”
“Yeah, I get that, man. I hope they can make it through this. It would kill Leah to lose Tia. And honestly, I would hate that more than anything, because it would be my fault.” I pause, taking another sip of my beer. “I should have let her go at the beginning, but she’s so good for me. The nightmares don’t happen when she’s with me, and I’m finally happy. I’m not just going through the motions anymore. I have something to live for.”
“That’s great to hear. Look, I have to go. The girls will work things out, I promise. Maybe you and Leah can fly out for one of the shows next month, and they can get together and talk in person.”
“Yeah, man. That sounds good. I’ll figure something out.”
“Talk to you later,” he says as he hangs up.
I’m lying on the couch when Leah walks in. I made sure I cleaned up all the bottles, but I’m sure she’ll be able to tell I’ve been drinking.
“How was your day?” I ask, getting up to go to her.
My head starts spinning, so I sit back down, putting my face in my hands.
“Not bad. Are you okay?” she asks, sitting down next to me.
“Um, I’m not going to lie. It’s been a rough day and I’ve been drinking.”
She grabs my hand. “Do you want to talk about it?”
I pull her into me and lie down with her in my arms. “Not now, baby. Tomorrow. Right now, I just want to hold you.”
She moves so we are lying on our sides, facing each other. I’m so thankful I bought the large couch right now.
“I missed you,” she murmurs, then kisses my neck.
“I really want you to move in. One night away from you, and I know I can’t do that anymore.”
She looks up into my eyes. “I agree. Being away from you was shit. I almost came over in the middle of the night, but I didn’t want to wake you.”
I kiss her. “I was barely sleeping. So, is that a yes?”
She giggles. “Yes, I’ll move in.”
I quickly move us so she is lying on her back and I am on top of her.
“You make me so happy.” I kiss her neck, then pull her earlobe into my mouth.
I feel her body shiver under my touch.
I should take her to the bedroom, but we’ll have time for that later. Right now, I need her, and I’m not fucking moving.
I make quick work of taking her pants and panties off. Within seconds, my face is between her legs, and I’m in my happy place. I use my tongue to part her folds, and all the darkness is washed away by her taste.
“Oh. My. God!” she screams, and I know I’m doing a good job.
Lapping up her juices, I slide two fingers into her soaking wet pussy.
“Fuck,” she hisses, and I smile.
I’ve been with this woman for less than a year, but I know exactly how to make her scream. I can read her body. Every twitch, every moan, every movement.
I’ve never been with any other woman long enough to know them like I know her. And I didn’t want to know them. But I want to know absolutely everything about Leah, and I’m well on my way to doing that.
I pick up the speed of my fingers, feeling her body moving and her walls starting to tighten. She is so close. I pull her clit into my mouth, and I feel her go over the edge.
“Yessssss!” she screams at the top of her lungs.
I climb up her body and kiss her lips.
“I love watching you come undone,” I tell her, kissing her neck.
“Give me more,” she tells me, reaching for my sweats and yanking them down.
I reach over to the table and pull out a drawer, grabbing a condom.
“Really? Do you keep condoms everywhere?” she giggles.
“You never know when I’m going to want you. That body is so fine, I can’t always make it to the bedroom.”
She giggles again as I sheath myself.
“I think I want you on top right now,” I say, sitting and pulling her onto my lap.
“Mmm. I think I’m going to enjoy this.” She sinks down onto my cock.
She swivels her hips, and fuck, it feels so good. I tear her shirt open, making buttons fly everywhere. I smirk at her as I unclasp her bra and slide it down her arms.
I catch one breast in my mouth and bite down. Her moans fill the room and her movement starts to pick up. I throw my head back. I know I’m about to come, but I have to make sure she gets her second orgasm first.
I bite down on her neck, knowing it’s her weak spot, and I feel her unravel. Her walls contract around my cock, and I blow with her. There is no more holding off.
She collapses onto my chest and I kiss her cheek.
“I fucking love you, Leah.”
She looks up at me through her lashes. “I love you too.”
She rests her head back down and our breathing starts to even. I lift her off of me and lay her down, covering her with a blanket off the back of the couch.
I don’t make friends easily, especially girlfriends. I really don’t want to lose Tia, but how could she forgive a liar? Especially a liar who’s been lying about what I’ve been lying about.
I take a deep breath and close my eyes, praying to a higher power to give me strength.
When I open my eyes, I reply to Johnny.
Me: See you soon.
This has to be done. I just pray it’s a positive outcome.
Johnny and I are sitting at a table in the back corner of a small coffee shop. I love coming here in the mornings before work when I sleep over at Johnny’s place. But I probably won’t come back here if today leaves bad memories.
I’m twiddling my thumbs and bouncing my knee when Johnny places his hand on my thigh.
“It’s going to be okay,” he says.
I stare into his eyes. “I’m a liar, Johnny. I’m a fucking horrible person.”
Johnny’s face drops as he looks at the table. “If that makes you a horrible person, then I’m absolute scum for everything I’ve done.”
I’m about to argue when the front door chimes and our attention is drawn to Tia and Mikey. I stand and give Tia a hug as they come to our table.
“What are you doing here?” she asks, clearly confused by my appearance.
“I’ll explain everything,” Johnny says, interrupting us.
Tia stares into my eyes for a moment, as if asking what the hell is going on, before sitting down next to Mikey.
“Tia, I have so much to apologize for,” Johnny starts.
I stare at the table. I can’t look at my best friend’s face while she hears about what I’ve done. I hate liars, and now I’m the worst kind of liar there is. I feel my anxiety spiking and I’m overcome with nausea.
“Leah told me about who you are,” Johnny says.
Finally, I muster the courage to look into Tia’s eyes and see the look of betrayal.
“Please don’t be mad at her. She didn’t mean to. I was telling her how what I did to you was the biggest regret of my life. And you know Leah. Her face gives her away. She can’t lie.”
“Seems like she’s done a pretty good job at lying lately,” Tia mumbles, and it’s like a knife in the heart.
“I was jealous of you, Tia,” Johnny sighs. “I know that’s no excuse, but my life was crumbling around me.”
I see Johnny’s leg trembling, and I place my hand on his knee to steady him.
“My dad killed my mom when I was just a kid, and he abused me until the day I left. Seeing you being picked up by your mom from school every day, and how fucking smart you were, it was just easy. I’m so sorry, Tia.”
“I don’t have a mom,” Tia says after what feels like an eternity of awkward silence. “That was my babysitter picking me up. My mom never wanted me. She left when I was a few days old.”
Johnny’s face falls more, and I think I see tears pooling in his eyes.
“I had no idea, and I should know not to judge situations.” He grabs the back of his neck and takes a deep breath. “Nothing I can say will ever make what I’ve done right. I just needed to tell you how sorry I am for everything I’ve done.” He turns slightly so his body is facing Mikey. “And you too, man. I was a fuck-up and I will never do what I did again.”
Johnny takes my hand in his and Tia’s eyes go even wider. I’m sure she already assumed we were together, but seeing this intimate gesture is now solidifying what she thought.
“Leah has shown me how to be a better man. I don’t ever want to go back to how I used to be. I would do everything in my power to make sure she never has another sad day.”
Tia doesn’t say anything, but I see a tear breaking from her eye.
“You don’t have to say that it’s okay. I know what I did wasn’t okay and there’s nothing I can do to make it better. But I swear I’m changing, Tia, and I want to mend these fences. I want Mikey and Leah in my life, and you mean the world to both of them.”
Tia turns to Mikey, staring at him for a moment, then turns her attention to me. A look I’ve never seen before is in her eyes. Not only is she hurt, but I can see the anger there too.
Finally, she turns her attention back to Johnny. “I accept your apology. I can’t begin to wonder what life was like for you, to be hurting so much. And I’m happy to hear you are changing and becoming a better man.”
And then, just when I think this actually going to go well, Tia looks back into my eyes.
“But you. How dare you lie to me? You are my sister! Were you really that scared I wouldn’t be okay with this? Yes, it would have hurt, but what hurts so much worse is the fact that you lied to me. I told you things in confidence that you seemed all too fine with sharing with someone you knew I hated. That hate is gone now, and I’m moving on, but I don’t think I can have you in my life anymore. Not when I can’t trust you anymore.” She slaps her hands on the table. “It’s not even the not opening up that is pissing me off right now, because we both know I’ve had issues with that. It’s the blatant lies. How long have you two been together?”
I stare at Johnny and I’s hands, disgusted with myself. “Officially, a couple months.”
“Unofficially?” she asks, lifting an eyebrow.
“On and off for around ten months,” I say quietly.
“Are you fucking kidding me?!” she yells, and some people turn to stare at us. “Is he the guy you were sleeping with, but it wasn’t serious?”
I nod my head, unable to form words.
“Great. Just great. My best friend, my daughter’s fucking godmother, is a lying bitch.”
“Woah,” Mikey says, cutting her off. “Babe, I know you’re hurting, but Leah was only trying to protect you.”
“And you!” she spits out, narrowing her eyes at Mikey. “I’m assuming by how calm you are, you already knew about all this shit. I’m surrounded by liars.”
She stands up and starts to storm off.
“Aren’t you going to chase her?” I ask Mikey, slightly confused.
“Nah. I drove and she forgot her wallet at home, so she’s stuck with me,” he chuckles humorlessly.
I look up and see Tia slowly making her way back toward us.
“Are you coming?” she asks Mikey, crossing her arms across her chest.
“I’ll be right there, babe,” he tells her.
She nods and slowly starts walking back to the door.
“She’ll come around, Leah,” he says as he stands up. “She’s just confused and upset. I promise this won’t last.”
I nod, but I don’t believe him.
I lean my head on Johnny’s shoulder when they leave.
“She fucking hates me,” I whisper.
“She doesn’t hate you, baby,” he murmurs. “She’s just hurt. We knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but at least we don’t have to lie or hide anymore.”
I nod. Now I have the man, but what if I’ve just lost my best friend? Is Johnny worth it?
“She still isn’t talking to me,” Leah says, throwing herself on the couch.
I chuckle and sit down, pulling her feet into my lap. “It’s been two days. She might need more time than that.”
“I’ve never gone this long without a text or some form of communication,” she whines.
“I’m not sure if this is the time to bring this up, but have you thought more about moving in?” I ask her.
She stares at the ceiling, and I sigh. Yeah, not the time.
I just figured it would be easier. She’s here every night anyway. And I haven’t had one nightmare since she’s been sleeping in my bed.
“I don’t think I’m ready, Johnny. My head is so messed up with everything right now. I was actually thinking I want to sleep at my place tonight,” she says.
I freeze. What the fuck? I thought that once we told Tia, Leah was going to be mine. Why is she pulling away?
She sits up and places her hands on my face. “Just for one night. I’m not running, I promise. I just need a breather.” She places her lips against mine and I inhale her wonderful scent of watermelon and honey. “Besides, it’s Sunday. I have laundry to do.”
I place my forehead on hers and nod. “You’re right, but I’m going to miss you. I sleep so much better with you in my bed.”
Leah packs up her bag, and I’m waiting for her at my front door. I grab her waist and pull her into me. Her lips always taste like mint. She is obsessed with mints, and the taste is something I crave now.
“Just one night,” she whispers between kisses. “I’ll be back tomorrow night after work.”
I kiss her one more time before letting her go.
It’s going to be a long fucking night.
“Come on. You’re rich now. You should be able to help your old man out,” he hisses out at me.
“So you can waste it on blow and hookers? No, thank you,” I scoff.
“You’re just like me.”
I push him hard.
“I’m nothing like you!” I scream. “Get out of my fucking house.”
I turn my back to my father. This piece of shit keeps coming back. I thought I was done with him when I left at eighteen. But I’m twenty-one, and now that I’m playing major league baseball, he’s back, wanting my money. I’m done. He gave me nothing as a kid. So why does he think I’d give him anything now?
I turn around and see his gun pointed at my face.
“You’re going to kill your only son?” I scoff at him.
“You’re not my son. You were just a parasite. Leeching off me, ruining everything I had. Your mom would still be alive if you were never born,” he growls.
How dare he bring up my mom? I can’t even see straight. I’m not thinking properly when I charge at him, wrestling for the gun.
The gun goes off with a loud bang, and I feel the warmth of blood.
My ears are ringing and my head hurts.
My old man is lying on top of me, lifeless, his blood soaking through my shirt.
I push him off and stare at his body. I probably should feel fear or regret, but all I can feel is overwhelming relief. It’s over. It’s finally fucking over. I never have to worry about this piece of shit again.
I pull my phone from my pocket and dial three digits. “Hello, 911? I need police. I think I just killed my father.”
I startle awake. One night away from Leah and the nightmares are back.
And I have yet to tell her about what I did. I’m a fucking murderer. A monster. How could she love me?
The police decided it was self-defense and I was let go. They were right; it was. But I still killed my own father. When I tell Leah, she’s going to look at me differently.
I’m already the reason her best friend isn’t talking to her. After I tell her this, I’m sure she’ll never want to see me again.
I wipe my hand over my face. I haven’t changed at all. I’m still a fucking asshole, destroying lives.
Me: Hey, man. You free? I need to talk to someone.
Mikey: Yeah. Give me a few minutes.
Fifteen minutes later, my phone is ringing.
“Hey,” I answer, hearing the sorrow in my own voice.
I’m surprised I’m not slurring my words. I’ve been drinking all afternoon. Leah will be home in about an hour, and she’s going to be pissed. But she’s in love with a fuck-up, so she might as well get used to it now.
“What’s up? That text was a little vague.”
“How can Leah stay in love with a monster?” I ask, taking a swig from my beer.
“What are you talking about? She knows about everything you’ve done. You’re not a monster, Johnny. You just made some fucked up decisions. The people you hurt have forgiven you. Now you just need to forgive yourself.”
“She doesn’t know everything,” I say, picking at the label on the bottle.
“What doesn’t she know?”
“My dad,” I sigh.
Mikey knows everything. He was ready with a lawyer when I called him from the police station. I didn’t need one since the situation was clear and I was let go right away, but he was prepared just in case.
“I’m a murderer, Mikey.” I’m so close to crying, but what’s the point?
Mikey sighs on the other end of the phone. “You are not a murderer. He was trying to kill you for your money. You’re lucky you didn’t fucking die that day. And that man was a piece of shit who killed his wife and beat you every day of your life for eighteen years. Even if you did murder him in cold blood, he would have deserved it.”
“But will Leah see that? Or will she just see the man who killed his own father?”
“Does she know what he did?” he asks.
“Yeah. I’ve told her absolutely everything about my life, except what happened to my dad.”
“She’ll understand, but don’t wait to tell her. You guys are finally getting to the point where you can be honest about your relationship. Don’t fuck things up by lying to her.”
“How are you and Tia doing?” I ask. She was almost as pissed at him as she was at Leah.
He chuckles. “Fine. We had great make-up sex. She’s still really hurt by Leah lying, though. She honestly doesn’t give a shit that you two are dating. I’m kind of shocked. What she does care about is her best friend not coming to her and telling her she’s in love.”
“Yeah, I get that, man. I hope they can make it through this. It would kill Leah to lose Tia. And honestly, I would hate that more than anything, because it would be my fault.” I pause, taking another sip of my beer. “I should have let her go at the beginning, but she’s so good for me. The nightmares don’t happen when she’s with me, and I’m finally happy. I’m not just going through the motions anymore. I have something to live for.”
“That’s great to hear. Look, I have to go. The girls will work things out, I promise. Maybe you and Leah can fly out for one of the shows next month, and they can get together and talk in person.”
“Yeah, man. That sounds good. I’ll figure something out.”
“Talk to you later,” he says as he hangs up.
I’m lying on the couch when Leah walks in. I made sure I cleaned up all the bottles, but I’m sure she’ll be able to tell I’ve been drinking.
“How was your day?” I ask, getting up to go to her.
My head starts spinning, so I sit back down, putting my face in my hands.
“Not bad. Are you okay?” she asks, sitting down next to me.
“Um, I’m not going to lie. It’s been a rough day and I’ve been drinking.”
She grabs my hand. “Do you want to talk about it?”
I pull her into me and lie down with her in my arms. “Not now, baby. Tomorrow. Right now, I just want to hold you.”
She moves so we are lying on our sides, facing each other. I’m so thankful I bought the large couch right now.
“I missed you,” she murmurs, then kisses my neck.
“I really want you to move in. One night away from you, and I know I can’t do that anymore.”
She looks up into my eyes. “I agree. Being away from you was shit. I almost came over in the middle of the night, but I didn’t want to wake you.”
I kiss her. “I was barely sleeping. So, is that a yes?”
She giggles. “Yes, I’ll move in.”
I quickly move us so she is lying on her back and I am on top of her.
“You make me so happy.” I kiss her neck, then pull her earlobe into my mouth.
I feel her body shiver under my touch.
I should take her to the bedroom, but we’ll have time for that later. Right now, I need her, and I’m not fucking moving.
I make quick work of taking her pants and panties off. Within seconds, my face is between her legs, and I’m in my happy place. I use my tongue to part her folds, and all the darkness is washed away by her taste.
“Oh. My. God!” she screams, and I know I’m doing a good job.
Lapping up her juices, I slide two fingers into her soaking wet pussy.
“Fuck,” she hisses, and I smile.
I’ve been with this woman for less than a year, but I know exactly how to make her scream. I can read her body. Every twitch, every moan, every movement.
I’ve never been with any other woman long enough to know them like I know her. And I didn’t want to know them. But I want to know absolutely everything about Leah, and I’m well on my way to doing that.
I pick up the speed of my fingers, feeling her body moving and her walls starting to tighten. She is so close. I pull her clit into my mouth, and I feel her go over the edge.
“Yessssss!” she screams at the top of her lungs.
I climb up her body and kiss her lips.
“I love watching you come undone,” I tell her, kissing her neck.
“Give me more,” she tells me, reaching for my sweats and yanking them down.
I reach over to the table and pull out a drawer, grabbing a condom.
“Really? Do you keep condoms everywhere?” she giggles.
“You never know when I’m going to want you. That body is so fine, I can’t always make it to the bedroom.”
She giggles again as I sheath myself.
“I think I want you on top right now,” I say, sitting and pulling her onto my lap.
“Mmm. I think I’m going to enjoy this.” She sinks down onto my cock.
She swivels her hips, and fuck, it feels so good. I tear her shirt open, making buttons fly everywhere. I smirk at her as I unclasp her bra and slide it down her arms.
I catch one breast in my mouth and bite down. Her moans fill the room and her movement starts to pick up. I throw my head back. I know I’m about to come, but I have to make sure she gets her second orgasm first.
I bite down on her neck, knowing it’s her weak spot, and I feel her unravel. Her walls contract around my cock, and I blow with her. There is no more holding off.
She collapses onto my chest and I kiss her cheek.
“I fucking love you, Leah.”
She looks up at me through her lashes. “I love you too.”
She rests her head back down and our breathing starts to even. I lift her off of me and lay her down, covering her with a blanket off the back of the couch.
