Husky & Hot Page 12

  “The guy I’m getting to know is pretty great, even without the tattoos or the brain.”

  “Thanks,” he said, sounding shy all of a sudden.

  “What about the cross, the anchor, and the one on your calf?”

  “A phoenix. I got that one to remind me to rise from the ashes. No matter what life throws at me I’m stronger and I will come out on top. The cross is pretty obvious. I’m certainly not devout but I am a believer.”

  “And the anchor?”

  He took a deep breath and I knew that one was the hardest. “The words around it… it’s Latin. I didn’t want anyone to know what it meant unless I told them. It says ‘I refuse to sink.’”

  I was silent for a minute, trying to figure it out. “I don’t get it. Isn’t that what anchors do? Sink?”

  Drew chuckled softly. “Yes, anchors sink, but they also keep the boat from sinking. If you’re in rough seas, you drop anchor and ride it out. It acts as a sort of brake slowing the boat down. If you let the boat keep floating around freely it usually gets beat to pieces by the storm. The anchor says I will remember what keeps me grounded and won’t let everything else bring me down.”

  “I guess that makes sense. Why did you get it?”

  He kissed my forehead and tipped my chin up to him. Even in the dark I could see the sadness in his eyes, the pain within him. The tattoo took something from him.

  “I got it because of Brandi. She tried to sink me. Every day I was with her a little piece of me went away. I tried to keep floating with her, figuring if I went along with whatever she wanted it would be okay. If I’d remembered who I was then I wouldn’t have put up with her shit for as long as I did. The anchor is to remind me every day that if I start going with the flow then it’s time to drop anchor and be me again.”

  It was beautiful, if not painful. I hated hearing what he went through with her, but knowing she was out of his life made me feel better. Maybe he was over her and what we had could be more than a rebound.

  But it wasn’t about me.

  “That sounds like a good thing to remember. Your tattoos are very personal. Thank you for sharing that with me.”

  Drew snuggled against me, pulling me tight to his chest. “Now you need to tell me something personal. Something you don’t tell a lot of people.”

  “I do?” I asked, laughing.

  “Yeah, isn’t that how this works? I tell you something personal and you tell me something?”

  “Is that like ‘I’ll show you mine if you show me yours?’”

  Drew flipped us so I was underneath him. “Ooh, I like that game,” he teased as he slid into me. “And it feels like you’re already ready for me to show you mine.”

  My legs circled his hips as my back arched, my body seeking his. Drew’s teasing quickly turned to moans as our bodies did the work of our minds. I clutched at him and he watched me. Our eyes locked onto each other. For once, we didn’t talk, we didn’t play. Drew’s body slid along mine, taking my body and my heart on a trip I didn’t know if I was ready for.

  I felt my core tighten and could tell he did too. His thrusts became faster, deeper, but his eyes stayed on mine. His jaw clenched as his eyes drifted closed for a second, then snapped back open to watch me.

  Staring into his eyes I felt my heart opening. The last part of me that was holding out released with the rest of my body, falling over the edge into orgasm and love all at once. I was hopelessly, completely, totally in love with Drew Montgomery. And nothing would ever be the same again.

  Drew grunted his release, the tension in his jaw easing as he pumped into me. His eyes reflected a softness I rarely saw from him. He kissed me gently while still deep inside me, our bodies linked together from head to toe. He rested over me, his eyes holding me prisoner. I saw love reflected back in his gaze. The same love I’d just realized I felt for him.

  Eventually Drew slid out of me and tucked me against him. His chin rested against the top of my head and I listened to his heart beat steadily in my ear. Neither of us spoke for a few minutes as if the weight of the moment we’d shared needed to settle around us before we could talk about it, or anything else.

  Drew’s fingers traced slow, lazy circles on my back. I started to drift off, warm and safe and loved within his arms. His voice broke through my doze, “Tell me something.” He spoke softly, his chest rumbling with sound and vibrating against my ear.

  I smiled and kissed his skin, thinking about what he would want to know. Before I could come up with a story for him he asked, “Tell me about something that changed you.”

  There were only two things in my life that changed me, one for the better and the other… well, just made life harder.

  “My dad changed me. Losing him was the single hardest thing I’ve ever been through in my life. He was my best friend when I was little. Aside from the fact that I look like him, I’ve always acted like him. My sense of humor is just like his. He was a big guy, full of life. It absolutely shredded me when he died.”

  Drew’s hand continued to rub my back, encouraging me.

  “He was 43 when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. By the time they found it, like with most people, he didn’t have long. Once he found out he was sick he deteriorated quickly. Within a month he could barely get out of bed and three months later he was gone.”

  I snuggled tighter into Drew, drawing strength from him so I could continue.

  “After that I felt alone most of the time. Dad and I had been so close that I floundered for a while after he died. I was in middle school when it happened and I threw myself into finding approval from others. By the time I hit high school I was looking for guys to make me feel better. My mom was still grieving and my sister was her best friend so they didn’t know what was going on with me, but I was a mess. For a while at least.”

  Drew’s arms tightened around me. “What happened, baby?” he asked softly.

  “I started dating this guy my junior year of high school. He was sweet and said he really liked me. I totally believed him. I thought I was falling in love. But it was high school. Nothing lasts in high school. When we broke up I was hurt, then I found out he was going out with Kathy Jenkins. She was the popular girl. Tall, gorgeous, blonde, skinny. We weren’t friends, obviously, but I wanted to be friends with her. It was high school, right? Everyone wants to be friends with the popular people.”

  Drew chuckled softly. As a scrawny kid I imagine he felt the same way when he was a teenager.

  “I figured since she was dating my ex we had something in common so I decided I was going to talk to her one day, like give her tips about Brian or something. Anyway, after gym class I got dressed then walked over to where she was with her friends. I asked how things were going with Brian and mentioned what a sweet guy he was and that he had good taste in girlfriends, as a joke.”

  I paused, taking a breath, feeling myself flash back to that locker room so many years ago. Heat flooded me as the embarrassment washed over me fresh. I didn’t want to tell him what she said, but I knew he wouldn’t let me stop.

  “She’s not here, baby. She’ll never have anything to do with you again.”

  His words gave me strength and I finished telling him. “She gave me the cruelest look I’ve ever seen. She was standing there in her black skirt and a black lace bra and looked just as hot as she ever did. Her eyes trailed down over my body. I’d gained even more weight after my dad died and I was big. I tried to be trendy, but it never looked as good on me. Kathy sneered at me and said, ‘Well, his taste has improved lately. To be honest, I don’t know what he ever saw in a fatty like you. No other guy in school wants anything to do with you. Brian is learning what it’s like to date a girl other guys dream of dating instead of one everyone laughs at.’ It hurt, a lot, to have her say that. I don’t think I ever missed my dad as much as I did that day.”

  “Oh, baby, she’s wrong. High school boys are stupid, but real men know that the most beautiful women are the ones who know who they are. I’
ve never seen her but I know she’s not someone I’d ever be attracted to. You, baby, you are hot. You are the woman every man wants now. Not that bitch.”

  I nodded. “That day changed me. I started to believe what you’re telling me now. I quit getting my approval from guys and started getting it from me. I decided who I wanted to be and quit worrying about what everyone else thought about me.”

  “You’re amazing, you know that?”

  I laughed. “You’re pretty amazing.”

  “I’m sorry about your dad. And about Kathy Jenkins. Although I am glad you went through all that because you… you’re a pretty fucking awesome person now.”

  “Thanks,” I said softly, unable to keep the emotion from my voice. Drew held me tightly and we drifted off together, letting our pasts gently float away.

  ~*~

  Three days later Drew was still staying with me at night. In the morning we would enjoy shower sex then he would go home to get dressed for work. I told him it was ridiculous.

  “I know. Bringing a bag over here feels so high school though, like I’m having a sleepover with a buddy instead of spending the night with my woman.”

  I couldn’t resist the tingle that spread through me at his words. I was his woman!

  “No, it means you’re planning ahead to stay with me and not deciding at the last minute.”

  “I feel like I should go home every day and at least check in.”

  “Check in with who? You’re the only one who lives there.”

  Drew laughed. “I know. Okay, maybe it is ridiculous. But you’re coming home with me this weekend. Besides, I have the bathroom of your dreams.”

  “Kitchen too,” I agreed, wrapping my arms around his neck.

  “You’re just using me for my house. I understand,” he teased, kissing me hard. His tongue pushed into my mouth and we quickly became lost in each other. By the time we broke apart we were both panting and I could feel Drew hard against my belly.

  “Alright, I need to go get changed. I’ll see you at work. Pack a bag so you can come home with me this afternoon.”

  I tapped a nail against my lip and said, “Oh, I’m not sure. I might need to come back and check in.”

  “Oh, you think you’re so funny,” he growled as he pulled me into his arms again. He teased me with a kiss then tickled me until I nearly wet myself. One more smacking kiss and Drew was out the door.

  When he got to work that morning he kissed me before getting his coffee then disappeared into his office. He and Xander were working on the town hall project. Their proposal was due in two weeks. I was excited for them and really hoped they’d ask me to help out again.

  The morning passed with each of us working alone at our desks. I made a few new changes to the website and updated all the client files with what had been accomplished lately. I was impressed with Drew and Xander’s ability to get things done. They did most of the work with their own hands since they had the skills, but they brought in crews to make the work go faster.

  Xander left for an early lunch with Mandy. A pang of jealousy ripped through me, wishing Drew and I could have a relationship like that. One where everyone knew we were together and we could go to lunch together. Maybe one day.

  A few minutes after Xander left the door opened again. Assuming it was Xander I called out, “Did you forget something?”

  “I have no reason to inform you of my comings and goings,” Drew’s mom snarled at me from a few feet away.

  Immersed in my own world I hadn’t realized she was there or that she’d gotten so close to my desk.

  “Of course,” I stammered. “I apologize, Mrs. Montgomery. I didn’t realize it was you. I thought it was Xander.”

  “Well, I would expect a receptionist to be more aware of what is going on around her. Maybe I should have a talk with my son about your ability to perform your job.”

  “Mrs. Montgomery, I am very good at my job. I don’t think it’s necessary-“

  “Hey, baby, can I buy you lunch? If we’re quick we can get back before Xander,” Drew called from the hallway, his voice getting louder as he approached us. When he finally turned the corner the grin fell from his face. “Mom? What are you doing here?”

  Thirteen

  “Well, I guess I understand why she can get away with such poor performance.”

  “Mom, Carrie is very good at her job.”

  “I’m sure you think she is if you’re calling her… that.”

  “Mom, is there something I can do for you today?” Drew asked, trying to steer the conversation, and her, away from me.

  “I wanted to have lunch with my son. I never see you anymore, but I guess I see why now.”

  “Why don’t we all go out to lunch together? You can get to know Carrie. She’s wonderful at her job and she’s a very kind person, Mom. I think you two will get along well.”

  I hoped staying silent would mean I could pretend I wasn’t there. Maybe if I didn’t say anything they would forget about me. Then Drew said that! What was he thinking? His mom hated me on sight. I could only imagine how she would feel knowing we’d been seeing each other for over a month.

  “I’m not so sure that’s a good idea,” I said quietly.

  “Yes,” his mom agreed, “I came here to have lunch with my son. Not my son and his… whatever.”

  “Drew, why don’t you go out with your mom? We’ll have lunch another day,” I told him, trying to get out of spending another minute with her.

  “Please, both of you. You both mean a lot to me and I would like you two to get to know each other. Please.”

  Drew had never used the word ‘please’ with me. At least not in a begging way. I knew it was important to him and while I knew his mom hated me, I cared for Drew and she wasn’t going to stand in the way of that.

  No, that’s not true. I loved him. I knew that without a doubt. I hadn’t worked up the courage to tell him, but that didn’t make it any less true. If what I’d seen in his eyes was truth then he loved me too. And that meant I’d be seeing a lot more of his mother in the future. One way or another we were going to have to find a way to get along.

  “Okay,” I said quietly, looking at Drew but keeping my eyes from his mother.

  She huffed and finally said, “Well, it looks like I don’t have a choice.”

  Drew clapped his hands and ushered us both out the door, probably so we didn’t change our minds. He insisted on driving everyone to Clara’s Cafe, with his mom sitting in the front seat, of course.

  Clara’s Cafe was a cute little restaurant in downtown Winterville. On historic Winter Way, Clara’s Cafe became a favorite for most people in town right away. It was a tiny place, but with its pale blue walls and bistro tables throughout the space it was comfortable and cozy.

  Drew guided us to a table near the back of the crowded restaurant. He held out his mom’s chair and she looked up at him like he was a prince. Was it possible to be jealous of a man’s mother? Damn, I hated feeling like I wasn’t as important. In fact, I was starting to wonder if Drew would drop me if his mom said he needed to.

  We ordered drinks when the waitress came over and since we were all ready, we ordered our food also. Drew and I needed to get back to the office and his mom was making it obvious she didn’t want to spend more time with me than she had to.

  “Isn’t this nice?” Drew said a little too brightly. I could tell he was trying to make up for the awkwardness we all felt.

  “How long have you been manipulating my son?” Mrs. Montgomery asked without addressing Drew’s question.

  “Mom!”

  “What?” she asked innocently as though she’d asked if I liked me job.

  “Please do not speak to her that way.”

  “Well, I simply don’t know how to speak to her, Andrew. I don’t know anything about the woman except she’s your receptionist, not that she’s a good one, and that apparently she’s in a relationship with her boss, one that you’ve kept from me. What am I supposed to think?” />
  Drew shot me a look then focused on her. “Mom, you’re supposed to be happy for me. Carrie is not manipulating me. We’re enjoying each other’s company.”

  “If she’s not manipulating you then what exactly is going on? You don’t call someone ‘baby’ unless you’re in a relationship.”

  Drew shrugged and glanced at me. The weight of his look made me believe he was going to tell his mom exactly what was going on, maybe confess more to her than he had to me. I didn’t really like it, but I was happy to hear whatever he had to say.

  “It’s really none of your business, Mom.”

  What the fuck? Did he seriously just say that? Was he still trying to hide our relationship? His mother walked in on him calling me ‘baby’ and he was still acting like it was nothing? Maybe our relationship was nothing. Maybe I’d built it up to be more in my head than he had. Maybe I was wrong about what I’d seen in his eyes.

  I was hurt, and a bit pissed. His mom was important to him, and, again, someone important to him was kept in the dark about our relationship. First he didn’t want Xander to know then his mother.

  Secret relationships sucked.

  “Why would you tell me that? I knew everything about your relationship with Brandi. Why would you keep this one from me? Are you ashamed of the fact that you’re seeing her?”

  Oh, that BITCH! How dare she say that about me? Fury spread through me like wildfire and I nearly leapt across the table at her. My relationship with Drew was nothing like his with Brandi. For one thing I wasn’t fucking around on him, and I had half a mind to remind her of that.

  Then I looked at Drew.

  His eyes flashed with anger, pain, and disbelief. What I felt didn’t come close to what he felt, and it was obvious by the way he was looking at his mother.

  “Mom, not everything in my life is your business,” he began through clenched teeth. “I am not, and never would be, ashamed of Carrie, or anyone else I would see. If I were ashamed I wouldn’t be with her. As for my relationship with Brandi… The only reason you knew so much was because she told you, not me.”

  Mrs. Montgomery pursed her lips and watched him, clearly unhappy with his words and the way he spoke to her. I didn’t care. I wanted to jump up and down in victory, maybe even dance around and sing ‘Na-na-na-na-boo-boo, he juuuust told you!’ My man was defending me to his mother. Ha!