My eyes moved up and down Michelle’s body. She was beautiful. Her body was wrapped in a tight black dress that barely covered her ass. Her long slender legs were finished off by red fuck-me shoes. Turning to Ash, she was almost a duplicate of Michelle, except she had short blonde hair.
Thirty minutes later, we were walking into a condo in one of the more expensive high-rise buildings downtown. Michelle turned on a few lights and pointed to the bar. “Make us some cosmopolitans, Tristan. Ash and I are going to go change into something more, suitable for the evening. I suggest the two of you start losing some of that clothing.”
Turning, I looked at Nick who smiled and nodded his head. Looking back at Michelle, I wanted to ask what their plans were, but I closed my mouth and waited for them to leave.
Heading to the bar, I looked at Nick. “Dude, if they want some kind of foursome, I’m saying no right fucking now.”
Nick held up his hands. “I’m right there with you. I’d be fucking scarred for life if I had to lay my eyes on your dick.”
After making the drinks, Ash came out first. My mouth dropped to the floor as I watched her walk over to Nick. She was dressed in a red see through nighty and red high heel shoes. “Nick baby. Are you ready for me?”
Nick stood there stunned. Like me, he had had his fair share of girls, but Ash and Michelle . . . these were not girls.
Nodding his head, Nick followed Ash as she led him down a hallway, but not before grabbing two drinks.
I watched as they disappeared around the corner. Turning around, I about dropped my drink. Michelle stood before me a baby-blue corset, black high heels and in her hand was a tie.
“You want me to put that on?” I asked as I smiled.
Shaking her head she smiled. “No, baby. I want you tie me up and fuck me in the ass.”
“Holy fuck,” I whispered. Walking up to me, Michelle took the drink from my hand and drank from it. Letting some of the liquid run down her chin she gave me a smile I would never forget.
“Tristan, I’m about to teach you things you’ve only dreamed about. Your world is about to be rocked, honey.”
Taking my hand, she led me down another hallway opposite of the one Ash and Nick went down. Reaching the end of the hallway, she turned the doorknob and pushed open the door. Pulling me inside, I stopped and took a look around. The walls of the room were painted almost the same color as her blue corset. There was a giant king-size bed in one corner with bars along the back headboard. Looking to my left there was a giant chair that looked like a chaise lounge. Walking over to it, I ran my hand along the leather. “We’ll start here, baby. I sure as hell hope you have stamina, if not, I’m going to teach you.”
“Tristan? Hey, are you sleeping over there or what?”
Opening my eyes, I quickly sat up and looked at Ryn. She was staring at me with a concerned look on her face.
Could Ryn ever accept that part of my world? I’d only been twenty-three when I was introduced into another level of sexual satisfaction. A level I liked and wasn’t sure I could give up for anyone. Would she find out and leave me for Dodge, or would she stay and let me teach the many different ways I could satisfy her? And satisfy her I could. Michelle had taken to me and we were together for over six months. I wouldn’t say we dated. When she was in the mood for something a little more challenging she would call me. She also introduced me to the other side of the club that was more for those people who enjoyed a spicier sex life. Anytime I wanted to use my playroom, I just went to Midnight Rodeo and found a willing partner. And there were plenty. I sometimes would hook up with the same girl, sometimes I went for someone new. I gave up the club scene when I started dating Ryn. I picked it back up about six months ago when Liberty and I were more of an on again and off again couple.
“Tristan, where are you? Shit, you’re like a million miles away.”
Shaking my head, I stood up. “Sorry, I got to thinking about shit and one thing led to another.”
Smiling, she winked. “Are you thinking about that stupid job of yours that you hate so much?”
Seeing this as an easy out to what I was really thinking about, I nodded my head. “Yeah.”
Helping Ryn up, we gathered up the blanket and slipped it into the basket. I handed the basket to Ryn and picked her up. She giggled and said again, “You know I can walk if you would start letting me use the crutches. What am I going to do when we go back to Austin and you’re not there to wait on me hand and foot?”
Winking, I said, “You’ll just have to stay at my place.”
Ryn ignored my comment and looked up as I walked back up to the house. “I’d give anything to look up and see this every single night,” Ryn whispered.
“Do you not like living in Austin?”
She shook her head. “Not really. I tell Azurdee all the time how envious of her I am. I’ve actually thought about moving out toward the hill country. I need more space. It helps me think and clear my head.”
I couldn’t pull my eyes from her. I watched her as she stared up at the star-filled night sky. I gently set her down on the deck as I took the basket from her. Hope began to fill my heart. Ryn would probably love living at the ranch.
Taking in a deep breath, I was about to say something when Ryn began talking. “I guess we should head in. I’m kind of tired.”
Nodding my head, I helped her back into the house and to her crutches.
Another missed moment that I let slip by. Again.
SITTING ON THE DECK OUTSIDE, I typed away on my computer. I had to admit when I first sprained my ankle I wanted to just cry. My whole vacation was ruined. But Tristan had made it even more fun. His sense of humor was beyond amazing. His cooking was to die for. If only he would touch me, or kiss me, or show some sort of interest in something other than being a gentleman and taking care of my every need.
My cell phone rang and I reached down for it.
Dodge.
I was pretty sure Tristan was out running, so I answered it.
“Hello?”
“Hey there, darling. How are you doing?”
Smiling, I said, “I’m doing good. How are you?”
“I’m better now that you’ve turned your cell phone back on and I’m hearing your voice.”
I instantly felt guilty. I loved hanging out with Dodge. He was fun, carefree, and never made me feel like I owed him something. Well, at least until two weeks ago when he made me feel that way. Now he wanted more out of our relationship. I wasn’t sure I wanted more with Dodge. I’ve always thought of him as my friend, well really, my fuck buddy friend who, for a while, was able to make me forget about Tristan—the man I so desperately wanted, but couldn’t have.
“I know, I’ll be glad to get back home. I miss my place.”
“So, I’m thinking Christmas Eve. Dinner at my place?”
Closing my eyes, I let out a sigh. I didn’t want to deal with this right now. I needed more time to think. “Um . . . well . . . I’m headed out of town the week before Christmas so I’m not sure I’ll be back by Christmas Eve, Dodge.”
“Oh, okay. No problem. What about New Years Eve then?”
Laughing, I looked out over the beach to the ocean. “Maybe.”
“Ryn, I’m trying to be patient and let you decide what you want to do with our relationship. Shit. I guess I’m just missing you.”
Smiling, I whispered, “I know, Dodge, I miss you too, I’m just not sure . . .”
Hearing something behind me, I turned to see Tristan standing on the deck. He was holding a coffee mug and his face showed he had just heard what I said.
“Hey, um, maybe we can chat later?”
“Yeah, sure. Let me know when you’re coming home okay?”
Nodding my head, I said, “Yep. Will do. Bye.”
Hitting End, I smiled. “Hey, I thought you were out running?”
Tristan looked away from me. “Why would you think that?”
Staring down at my hands before looking back to Tristan, I said
, “Um . . . I guess I just thought you would be.”
Tristan looked back at me. I sucked in a breath of air. Was that . . . hurt in his eyes? “So, I guess you’re going to need to go back to Sierra’s place and pack? I’m sure you’re ready to get home.”
“Tristan, is something the matter? You seem angry.”
Setting the coffee cup down onto the table harder than I think he meant to, he stared into my eyes. “Nah, everything is fine. I just figured you were anxious to get home to Dodge, or at least it sounded like you were.”
Shit. I hadn’t wanted Tristan to hear me talking to Dodge. We had made so much progress the last week and a half. I was hoping this would carryover once we got to Austin.
“I’ll get changed and bring you back to Sierra’s place so you can get ready to leave.”
Feeling like my whole world just stopped, I slowly nodded.
Tristan walked up to me and I looked at him. He looked as if he wanted to say something to me. Closing his eyes, he whispered, “I’ll be ready in ten minutes.”
Barely talking above a whisper, I said, “I need to get my things together and I’ll be ready to head over there.”
Tristan turned on his heels and made his way past the pool and back into the house. My heart actually felt like it was breaking. Again.
The drive back over to Sierra’s house was dead silent. Tristan had come over earlier to check on the house and my car. I felt guilty that I hadn’t been staying at a place I was paying for. I didn’t care though; I was thrilled at the idea of being alone with Tristan. It was part of the reason I had turned off my phone. There were so many times Tristan looked like he wanted to kiss me, or say something. He just couldn’t do it. I wasn’t sure if I was glad or happy. My days of hating him slowly disappeared with each time he picked me up and carried me in his arms, or he made me the most amazing home-cooked meal and served it to me in bed. He would then get under the covers with me and we would watch movies. It had been a perfect week and a half together.
Ugh. Why does my heart have to be so set on this stupid man sitting next to me?
Tristan pulled up and parked in Sierra’s driveway. Helping me out of the truck, we made our way up to the house. Looking over my shoulder at Tristan, I couldn’t help but notice he looked like he was feeling sick. As he pushed his hand through his hair, I wanted to ask him what was wrong.
I was managing to get around much better now with the crutches. Tristan walked up and dropped my bag onto the leather couch then looked into the kitchen. He shook his head as if he was trying to erase something from his memory. My eyes dropped to his hands, they were balled into fists. He was staring at the kitchen island and my conversation with Sierra resurfaced.
Oh. My. God. He knows.
“Did Sierra tell you?”
Pulling his head back, Tristan asked, “Tell me what?”
Swallowing hard, I turned back and looked at the kitchen island. He knows Dodge took me against the kitchen island. I saw it in his eyes. Looking back at him, I felt the need to explain everything about Dodge. How I had only used him for sex and that our relationship was nothing more than just that. Sex.
“Tristan . . . I’m so . . .”
Tristan held up his hand and attempted to smile. “Hey, whatever happens with you and Dodge is your business.”
My eyes filled with tears. “Did you mean it?”
Tristan stared at me with a confused look. “Did I mean what?”
I let the tear fall and I could see what that single tear did to Tristan. He sucked in a breath of air and took one step closer to me. “You just answered my question by not knowing what I was asking.”
“Ryn, what in the fuck are you talking about? You’re talking in circles.”
Smiling weakly, I said, “Thank you for taking care of me. I loved spending time with you again.”
Tristan’s eyes lit up and he moved closer to me. “I enjoyed it too, Ryn.” My cell phone rang but I ignored it.
Taking another step closer to me, Tristan lifted his hand and placed it on the side of my face. Leaning my head into his hand, Tristan smiled. I wanted nothing more than for him to pull me into his arms and kiss the crap out of me.
Leaning in closer, Tristan’s lips hovered just above mine. My cell began ringing again and for some reason thinking it might be the office, I reached into my back pocket and swiped to answer it without looking.
“This is Ryn Webster.”
My eyes moved across Tristan’s face before they landed on his lips. Kiss me damn it!
Tristan reached up and was about to take the cell phone from my ear.
“Hey babe, are you packing up?”
Dodge.
Taking a step away from Tristan, I spoke into the phone. “Hey. Yeah, I um, I’m getting ready to start packing now.”
In that moment I could see it on Tristan’s face. He knew it was Dodge.
Oh God. Why did I answer the phone? Why didn’t I just let him take my phone and hang up?
“When you get back, dinner’s on me if you get in early enough.”
“That sounds like a plan. Okay, I’ll let you know when I’m leaving and . . .”
Tristan turned and began heading to the front door. Panicking, I began to try and walk after him.
“Dodge, can I call you back in a few minutes?”
Tristan picked up his pace and made it to the front door. Pulling it open, I called out after him. “Tristan? Tristan, please wait!”
I stared at the door as I listened to him start up his truck and pull out of the driveway.
Dropping the cell phone from my hand, I wrapped my arms around myself to control my sobs.
“Why did I answer the phone? Oh God . . . why?”
SHUTTING THE DOOR BEHIND ME, I walked away quickly. I knew Ryn couldn’t move fast enough to catch me before I got to my truck.
Opening the door, I jumped in, started my truck and backed out of the driveway. I didn’t bother to look back. It was clear to me that Ryn had moved on. Sierra was wrong; Dodge wasn’t Ryn’s fuck buddy. He was more.
I wanted to get back to the house, pack my shit, head back to Austin and put the last two weeks behind me.
Walking into Starbucks, I smiled when I saw her. Standing there talking away to some poor older woman was Sierra. The older lady would nod every now and then to be polite, but I could tell she just wanted Sierra to stop talking to her. Ordering my coffee, I made my way over to the table.
It was as if Sierra could tell I was there before she saw me. Looking over her shoulder, Sierra smiled when she saw me. Turning back to the older lady she said, “Excuse me, my fuck buddy is here. Gotta run.”
The older woman’s mouth dropped open and she said, “Oh my goodness,” as she watched Sierra walk up to me. Kissing me on the cheek, Sierra asked as she wiggled her eyebrows up and down, “So? Did y’all make up and end up having hot sex?”
Feeling my stomach drop, I looked away.
“Well? I’m waiting to hear all the juicy details.”
My expression was emotionless as I turned back to her. “Sorry, darlin.’ There are no juicy details to share.”
Sierra narrowed her eyes at me. “Tristan! You promised you were going to talk to her. You had her living in your house! What in the hell!”
Looking around, I grabbed Sierra and pulled her to the side of the room. “Jesus, Sierra, keep your voice down.”
Placing her hand on her hips, she rolled her eyes. “What happened?”
The barista called out Sierra’s name and then mine. Getting our coffee, we headed outside to sit. Letting out a deep breath, I started talking. “I wanted to show her I could take care of her, without sex and all that other shit. There were a few times I thought there was something brewing between us, but one of us would pull away.”
Blowing on her coffee, Sierra shook her head. “Okay, so y’all didn’t get it on, but how did you leave things? Did you make plans to take her to dinner or anything?”
Looking away, I mumbl
ed, “Not really.”
Leaning closer to me, Sierra said, “Excuse me? I didn’t understand what you said.”
Remembering how I left Ryn was making me feel sick to my stomach.
“Oh. My. Gosh. You didn’t. You acted like a dick again, didn’t you? Pushed her away when things got to heated huh, Tristan?”
Giving Sierra a dirty look, I shook my head. “No. Not really. Well, kind of.”
Taking a drink of her coffee, Sierra gave me a look. “What does that mean? Kind of?”
“I tried a few times to talk to her, but I just couldn’t.”
“Pussy,” Sierra said as she sat back in her chair. The guy next to us turned and gave Sierra a look.
“I tried, I was about to kiss her the last day we were together. I brought her back to your place so she could pack up and her damn cell phone rang. She answered it and when she realized it was Dodge, she took a step away from me and kept talking to him while I fucking stood there like an idiot.”
Sierra made a face and whispered, “Ouch.”
Taking a sip of my coffee, I nodded my head. “Yeah. Ouch.”
Leaning forward, Sierra placed her elbows on the table. “Maybe she was just being polite.”
I shook my head and looked away. “Nope. Heard her talking to him before I brought her back to your place. She said she missed him. My guess was they were making plans to get together when she got back.”
Blowing out a breath of air, Sierra asked, “Why didn’t you offer to follow her home, Tristan? You know. Make sure she made it home okay with her sprained ankle and all.”
Shit. I hadn’t thought of that.
I fell back in the chair. “Sierra, guys don’t think like girls.”
Chuckling, Sierra said, “No shit. Life would be so much better if you did.”
Giving her a smirk, I asked, “How have you been?”
A look of sadness spread across her face as her eyes looked down. “My ex is taking me to court. He’s claiming I used money that belonged to him to buy my house.”
“What? Did you?”
Snapping her head up, she glared at me. “No! Why would you ask me that?”