Dirty Secret: A Bad Boy Romance (Bluefield Bad Boys Book 3) (8 page)

Chapter 17

Lenix

I’d sheltered myself in the back corner of the balcony, burrowed deep in my hooded sweatshirt and sunglasses. A gaggle of paparazzi, with their nosy ass cameras had been milling about down on the beach all afternoon but had finally gotten bored enough to leave. Especially after Axel had gone down to literally draw a line in the sand for them to stay behind. Aside from the texts and conversations with Dawson, it had been the most entertaining part of the day.

The reporters, or whatever you call people who lurked around celebrities waiting for some scandal to break, had gone as pale white as the sand on the beach when Axel had stomped off the porch toward them. One nervous guy fell back on his ass in alarm, dropping his camera in the sand. Axel was polite enough to yank him to his feet. Although, I was pretty sure the guy had peed his pants when Axel lowered his giant hand to him. Then my clever thinking bodyguard had taken his giant, shovel-sized foot and drawn a deep trench in the sand in front of the reporters. He told them not to cross it. From the angle he’d left them at, it would have been impossible for them to get a picture of anyone sitting on the balcony.

Nevertheless, I decided to stay tucked into the farthest corner, pretending to be interested in my book, but really just hoping for another text from Dawson. His last text had mentioned that he was going down to the water to body surf. His sisters had gone off for the day, and he was alone. That made sitting by myself on the balcony, wishing I lived a regular life, that much harder.

Duff stepped out on the balcony. “Brick, Rex and I are going to watch that zombie flick. Why don’t you come down and watch it with us. Graham ordered pizzas. And he’s mixing up some margaritas.”

I lifted the book. “Nope, I’m really into this story. I’ve got to keep reading to see what happens.”

“Is that right? Then why is it every time I’ve seen you this morning, you’ve been staring at that phone like someone is going to pop out of it any second.”

“That’s your vivid imagination. Now leave me alone. And stop watching me, you weirdo.” I waved him away. Duff rolled his eyes and walked inside.

I looked down at my phone, thus proving Duff right. At first, it seemed Dawson would just be a diversion, something to keep me from going mad with boredom. But now, I was like a nervous, anxious woman waiting around the phone to see if the hot guy she met at the bar would call her. I wanted to see him again. That was certain and solid in my head.

With most of the men I dated, it took only a few dates to know that the guy wasn’t worth wasting much of my precious spare time with. That happened more often than not. But I found myself spending the entire morning planning out how I’d find time to be with Dawson.

My phone buzzed and I grabbed it.

“Which beach house are you in?” Dawson texted.

“The one with the gray stonework and the big back porch.”

There was a long pause. I got to my feet and walked to the railing on the balcony. There were the usual people meandering along the path walking dogs or skating. But the sand was mostly empty.

I lifted my gaze toward the final ridge of sand that blocked the first few feet of water. A tall, dark figure walked up over the ridge. I knew it was Dawson just by the way he carried himself with his impossibly broad shoulders and that unflinching, badass swagger. He stood there and stared straight up at the balcony.

I pushed my hood off to reveal my most easy to recognize feature, my red hair. Although, I had a sneaking suspicion that it wasn’t necessary.

The phone rang and I pulled it from my pocket.

“I’m walking up there, so if your bodyguard shoots me on my journey to that back porch, I just wanted to let you know that you are absolutely worth dying for.”

“Holy shit, sweetie, you sure know exactly what to say to win my heart. Axel’s in his food zone with a pizza. I think you’re safe for a quick visit. I’ll meet you on the porch.” I raced back inside and flew down the steps but slowed my pace near the bottom, not wanting to attract any unwanted attention. I was close to getting out unnoticed until Graham came from the kitchen with two margaritas. “Len, you’re just in time. The movie just started, and you haven’t missed any brains being eaten yet. But hurry. Axel is sucking down those pizza slices fast.”

“No thanks. The balcony was too hot, so I’m going to sit on the porch for awhile.”

He stopped and looked pointedly at my sweatshirt.

I zipped it up. “I’m wearing it so no one sees me, and that’s why the balcony was too hot. Or should I just strut around on the porch without it?”

He shook his head. “No, never mind. Just stay close to the house. I’m sure those reporters will be back later, snooping around, trying to figure out just what the hell is going on with you.”

“Well, there’s not much to see. So as far as I’m concerned, they can sit out there all damn day,” I said casually to throw him off any scent that I was up to something. It seemed to work because he headed into the television room with his drinks and never looked back.

I shot out onto the porch just as Dawson put his foot on the first step. He was wearing wet swim trunks, and his hair was slicked back. We froze, as if stuck in time for a brief moment.

“Didn’t know it was possible, but you look even better wet, coal miner.”

He closed the gap between us with three long strides. I jump into his arms, wrapping my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist. Our mouths crashed together for a kiss we’d both been thinking about all day.

I pulled my mouth away long enough to taste the salt on my lips. “Hmm, you taste like a delicious sea salt potato chip.”

“Yeah? Then I hope you’re hungry.”

He carried me to the railing on the porch and perched my bottom on top of it for support. I clung to him with my legs and arms, wanting nothing more than to keep him between my legs forever. He kissed me roughly, hungrily, as his hands reached between us and unzipped my sweatshirt.

I tightened my legs to pull him closer. My pussy rubbed against the bulge in his wet bathing suit as his mouth moved down over the swell of my breasts, peaking above the top of my tank top.

He held me with one hand to keep me from slipping backward off the porch. Of course, with the way I was holding him tightly with my legs there was little chance of it.

I reached under the waistband of his trunks. The fabric was cold and wet but his cock felt hot in my hand as I curled my fingers around it.

“God, baby, I’ve been thinking about fucking you all damn day. That freezing ocean didn’t do a thing to help me cool off.” He groaned as my hand slid along his thick, hard erection.

He stared down at my hand in his bathing suit and moved his free hand between us. He slipped his fingers under the leg of my shorts and pushed aside the crotch of my panties.

His mouth came back hard over mine as his fingers pushed inside of me.

“You’re so fucking wet with sweet honey, Pixie, that just feeling you is going to make me come on your hand.” I moved my hand faster, and he finger fucked me as I gripped him with my legs.

“Please, Dawson, just take me away with you. Take me away from all this where we can just fuck all day and night and never have to talk to another soul.”

He rocked his hips, and I moved my hand over him, fast and firm. Slick moisture dripped from the fleshy tip. I badly wanted to taste him. His fingers plunged deeper into me, and I cried out, my voice echoing around the porch as he brought me to orgasm.

I kept a steady pace on his cock. His head lulled back as his eyes drifted shut. He rocked in rhythm with my hand. He gripped me against him, his muscles growing hard and tense as his hot seed dripped along my hand.

We had no time to recover. Heavy footsteps plodded through the house.

He opened his eyes. “Either there’s an elephant in your house, or that big bodyguard heard you cry out. By the way—that was fucking hot. Any way we can record that sound?” He knew Axel was headed toward us, a notion that would send any sane man running from the porch like his ass was on fire. But Dawson stayed tight between my legs.

I kissed him and hopped down from the railing. “You’d better go before he gets out here. He’s kind of dangerous when he’s pissed.”

“Told you, you are worth dying for.” He kissed me again.

“Yes, but if he kills you right now, who will I sneak out to see tonight? I was kind of looking forward to a repeat of last night.” I pulled his hand and led him toward the steps.

Axel’s footsteps were loud and right at the back door.

Dawson turned around on the first step and kissed me once more, even as the back door flew open and Axel’s heavy feet pounded the porch. “Later, Pixie,” Dawson said quietly. He flashed a smile over my shoulder at Axel, spun around and ran. Axel ran after him with big plodding steps, but Dawson was way too fast.

Axel leaned down and rested his hands on his thighs to catch his breath. I zipped up my sweatshirt and turned to go inside.

“Lenix.” Axel’s booming voice rolled up to the porch from the beach. “Who the hell was that?” He trudged back to the steps. “Is that the same guy you sat next to on the plane?”

“Dawson?” I asked with an innocent blink of my lashes. “Yes, that’s him. He’s a friend. Isn’t he dreamy?”

“Fuck, Lennie, what are you trying to do to me?” He reached the top step and finally caught his breath.

I walked over and smiled up at him. “He’s just a friend. He’s gone, so no more worries. Go inside and eat your pizza and watch your zombies. I’m going up to my room where I will be safe and sound for the rest of the afternoon.”

Chapter 18

Dawson

I was on vacation with my sisters, and somehow, I was almost managing to spend less time with them than when there was half a country separating us. One big reason was Wyatt, and another was that we’d just naturally grown apart. Megan and Aubrey had always been close, and I’d always been close with Andi. We’d stayed in those two separate teams our whole lives. But when it came to my sisters, I would do anything to protect them, and they all knew that. There was no question about it. So, when Aubrey came to me after the trip to the aquarium, I knew something was bothering her.

Megan and Wyatt had gone to dinner, and Aubrey and I sat and ate hamburgers on the patio of their cabin. “What’s got you in a twist, Aubrey?”

“Don’t know what you mean.” She doused a fry in ketchup, pretending to be more interested in the fry than the conversation.

I was slumped back on the chair with my beer. I stretched my leg out and tapped her chair with my foot to get her to look at me. “Bullshit. You do that same wiggling rabbit’s nose thing that Andi does when something is bothering her.”

She shrugged and stared at the fry that was more ketchup than potato now. She seemed to be deciding on whether or not to tell me what she had on her mind. With a sigh, she dropped the fry on her plate.

“Something happened today, and it’s really bugging me. I know Megan can take care of herself. And I know she’d never stay with someone who was—” She paused. “She would never stay with a guy if he was abusive.”

I sat up so fast the chair scraped the patio. “What the fuck happened?”

“No don’t. See, I knew you’d get all huffy and rooster-like.”

“Tell me.” My jaw was clenched tight as I spoke.

“It’s nothing. I’m sure I was just jumping to conclusions.”

I scrubbed my face with my hands. “Aubrey, damn it, fucking tell me.”

She looked at me, and it seemed that if she could have dragged the words back in, she would have. “You have to promise you won’t say anything to Megan or Wyatt. There’s already enough tension between you two.”

“Not promising anything. But if you don’t tell me, I’ll ask Wyatt myself, and I won’t be sitting calmly on a patio chair.”

A short laugh left her mouth. “You and I have really different definitions for
calmly
.” She took a deep breath. “We were walking to the car. They’d been arguing about something. I can’t even remember what, but Wyatt kept getting angrier. You know how Megan can do that to people. Anyhow, his foot shot out, and he kicked her on the leg. She stumbled a bit but caught herself. She looked back to see if I’d seen it. Which I had, and I was pretty sure my mouth was hanging open. She laughed it off like they’d just been messing around. But I don’t think that it was in fun. Of course,” Aubrey said quickly, “I could be completely wrong. I might have misread the whole situation. Please, you can’t say anything, Dawson. Otherwise, I’m moving into your room for the rest of the vacation.”

I nodded and wondered just how I was going to keep from wrapping my hands around the asshole’s neck when I saw him again. “Why the hell is Megan with him? I could tell he was a jerk the second he walked in the door.”

“I’m not sure why she’s with him. I think she just wanted someone badly and figured he made good money and he’s nice looking. But I agree with you, he really lacks in the personality department. I told you, but just let it go.”

I picked up my beer. “Can’t do that. I’ll talk to Megan when the creep isn’t around. If I find out that he’s ever lifted a hand to her—”

“No more,” she said. “Let’s just drop the subject. I’m sure Meg knows what she’s doing. So, what are you going to be up to the rest of the night? Are you expecting a visit from your skateboarder friend? She was cute. Who is she?”

I picked up the last fry and ate it. “Just a girl. A really amazing girl.”

Chapter 19

Lenix

It was well past midnight before the house finally filled with the sound of men snoring. Earlier in the evening, Graham had decided that since he had us all under the same roof with nothing to do, he’d take advantage and call a business meeting. His agenda stretched on forever and covered everything from marketing products to what the theme of the next album would be. I had a hard time focusing on the discussions, mostly because I was too focused on the secret texting slash sexting conversation I was having with Dawson. Eventually, Graham, taking on his strict father role as usual, had threatened to take my phone for the rest of the week if I didn’t pay attention. Everything about the man was irritating, and it seemed he was beginning to feel the same way about me. The loving, supporting relationship we’d had at the start of this venture was slowly disappearing for good. He’d always been money hungry, but now that he had more than he could ever use, he was losing any of the qualities that I’d once admired about him. Ambition and enthusiasm had been replaced by greed and the never ending quest for more.

I looked out my bedroom window as I pulled on my sweatshirt. The same cold, dense haze had rolled in to obliterate the beach. Eerie drifts of opaque clouds floated over the sand and beach path. The lights along the path were turned off, most likely to discourage people from milling about late at night. Draped in a horror movie quality fog, the entire beach looked terribly uninviting. But there was no other time to see Dawson. Our short visit on the porch had only increased my need to see him.

I picked up my phone and texted him. He was most likely fast asleep, but I had to give it a try. “Are you still up for a visit?”

He texted back quickly. It made me smile to think he was sitting there in the dark of his room waiting to hear from me. “Hell yes. I will walk your way to pick you up. It’s too late for you to be out alone.”

“Thank you. I confess that fog looks kind of scary, and I’m a big chicken about scary. I’ll meet you on the path.” I hurried and put on my shoes and grabbed my beanie and scarf. Tonight they’d provide warmth instead of a disguise. Not even the most obsessive reporter, not even squirmy little Jergen, who seemed to spend his entire career following me around, would be out at this hour.

I tiptoed down the stairs working hard to miss the few steps that creaked. Although Axel, even with his jack rabbit hearing, had had enough beer and food tonight to drop him into a sleep coma. I’d found that the easiest way to get in and out of the house was through the infamous back porch.

I opened the back door and sucked in a startled breath. Rex was just entering the house with a pungent cloud of pot smoke around him.

“Lennie, what the hell are you doing up and dressed?”

“Uh, I’m going out for a walk. Couldn’t sleep.”

“Me either.” He held up the joint. “It’ll help you sleep.”

I shook my head. “You know that stuff gives me a headache. I’ll be fine.”

“That fog is thick. I’ll walk with you.”

“No,” I said way too sharply.

He eyed me suspiciously. “What are you up to, Len?” Just then a large figure appeared in the swirl of haze at the bottom of the porch steps. Just seeing Dawson made my heart flutter ahead of its normal pace. No guy had ever caused that kind of immediate reaction. There was just something so different about Dawson. He was like no one I’d ever met.

I put my hand on Rex’s arm. “Please don’t say anything to Graham.”

“I’m not your keeper, Lennie. You’re a big girl, and to be honest, I’m getting pretty fucking tired of Rush’s control over us.” He glanced over his shoulder at Dawson and then back at me. “Are you sure about this?”

“More sure than I’ve been about anything in a long time.” I hopped up, kissed his cheek and then flew down the stairs, landing right in Dawson’s strong arms.

A laugh of relief and excitement flew from my lips as I wrapped my arms and legs around him. “I seem to have gotten into this funny habit of wrapping myself around you like a beer can cozy the second I see you.”

He tightened his hold on me. “No complaints from the beer can.” He kissed me, and it was the kind I’d been waiting for all day, tender but deep, a kiss from a man who had suddenly, and without warning, become important to me.

“Being wrapped in your arms is always perfect, but somehow, they feel even better when we’re standing in a cold, spooky mist.” Reluctantly, I lowered my feet to the ground. “As much as I’d love to have you carry me all the way to the motel, it might be a bit awkward.”

He turned his back to me. “Not if I carry you on my back.”

I laughed and hopped up onto his wide, strong back. I curled my arms around his neck, and he hooked my legs with his arms.

I rested my chin on his shoulder as he headed along the path. “I guess this is what they call a pea soup fog. Although clam chowder would be better, especially with that unique aroma the ocean lends it. How was your day?”

“The only part I remember was when you and I were on the porch. Everything else is just a blur. What about your day?”

“Yep, the porch visit is the only thing I can remember too.”

“That guy just now—he’s your drummer, right? Is this going to be a problem for you?”

“Nah, he won’t tell. The guys all know that Graham has too much control over our lives. When we were brand new to this, we appreciated it. He was sort of like a father, guiding us all through the stress, tension and heartbreaks of making it in the music industry. Now we’re needing him less, and I think it scares the hell out of him. I think we could get out of this fog faster if I walked on my own. Besides, you’ll need all your strength for when we get back to the room.”

“So fucking right. Not that you weigh more than a lightly filled backpack.” He lowered my legs. I climbed off his back and took hold of his hand. The houses all looked menacing and haunted behind their curtain of fog. It felt as if the beach path stretched on forever.

Dawson glanced over at me. “Can I ask you something?”

I stopped, turned and kissed him. “Yes, I’m up for a little kink.”

His low laugh formed a puff of white air. “Yeah? Not what I was going to ask, but that’s a good start. I just wondered if you’d sing for me. Your voice is pure sex as far as I’m concerned, and I would love to hear it in person.”

“Pure sex. Huh? Who knew? What do you want to hear? Or, let me rephrase that. Which song is going to get you prepared for our fun back in the room?”

“I think you could sing just about anything, and I’d be ready.”

“It’s a small world after all,” I sang.

“Yep, that works. And with the added bonus that I’ll be replaying the song in my head for the next twelve hours.”

I laughed and changed songs to Stardust, one of Ice Cake’s most popular songs. Dawson tightened his grip on my hand, and I sang to him all the way back to the motel.

We reached his door and he pulled me into his arms for a kiss.

I reached between us and stroked the erection pushing at the front of his jeans. “I guess that did the trick.”

“Sure did. Of course, I’ve been like that most of the day just thinking about you. Now about that first answer. You mentioned something about kink?”

“I sure as heck did.”

He opened the door and pulled me inside his room.