Hiding Away (Anchored Hearts #1.5) (6 page)

C
hapter Ten

~
JANE ~

I was such an idiot.  I should’ve left when I woke in the middle of the night.  Instead I made myself at home and stayed.  I don’t know why I couldn’t get myself to leave, but I didn’t, and he made it obvious this morning that he didn’t want me gone.  Then I went and agreed to go out with him again tonight. 
Idiot!

Managing to miss mom when I got home, I hightailed it up to my room and locked the door.  Quickly, I shed my clothes and threw on some pajamas before setting the alarm and crawling into bed. 

If I thought sleep would take me, it didn’t.  Instead I spent a good hour reliving the entire night and morning with Cal.  This is
not
what I wanted.  I tried giving myself a pep talk that this was just for fun.  Cal wasn’t the relationship type.   W
as he? 

UGH! 
I slammed my fist into my pillow after rolling to my stomach, willing myself to sleep.

I woke up in a panic long before my alarm was due to go off.  My sleep schedule was so fucked up.  Accepting defeat, I decided to shower and get ready for tonight. 

“Mom, can I borrow your car?  I need to run a quick errand.”  I made my way into the study where she was busy writing in a notebook after getting ready.

“What time did you come strolling in missy?”  Her tone was accusatorial, but her look was devious.  She’d never admit it, but she was living vicariously through me.

I couldn’t help the laugh that left me as I told her, “I’m not giving you details.  Gross!” 

“Well, he looks good on you.”  She winked and went back to her notebook.

“Mom, the car?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Thanks.”  I kissed her cheek before heading out. 

I drove to the closest home department store to pick out a gift for Cassidy.  Remembering what James told me he gifted her with, I knew what to get her.  After purchasing the new sheets, getting a gift bag and card, I headed back home to primp a little more. 

Cal had texted me to let me know he was on his way.  I was eagerly awaiting his arrival in the foyer when mom came walking in from the kitchen. 

“Where are you headed?”  She waggled her brows at me and I rolled my eyes in response. 

“Out.” 

I peeked out the front window just in time to see his Ford pickup pulling up the drive.  Bolting for the door, I ignored my mother’s protests to invite Cal inside.  He had already jumped out and was opening my door as I jogged to his truck.  As I buckled myself in, I watched as she waved from the porch.  She was ridiculous.  Would she always treat me like I was still a teenager going on my first date?

As he pulled back out the driveway I suddenly became very nervous.  Grabbing my hand, he kissed my knuckles before releasing my hand.  He pointed to the gift bag I had placed on the floor. 

“What’s that?”

“It’s Cassidy’s birthday, right?”  He nodded.  “Well, it’s a gift.”

“That wasn’t necessary.  What’d you get?”  Raising his eyebrows and grinning like a fool, he placed his right hand on the nape of my neck and began twirling some of my hair.  The surge of desire that ran through me was incredible.  I couldn’t remember ever reacting to someone’s touch like I did to Cal’s, not even Derek’s touch had that effect on me.

“Well, she got a new bed so I got her some sheets.”

The question in his eyes told me he was unaware of James’ birthday gift to Cassidy.  I told Cal that James upgraded her from a twin to a king.  At first he seemed a little surprised, then annoyed.  I couldn’t suppress the giggle that escaped my lips at the protective brother coming out in him. 

“Really Cal?  You’re not so obtuse that you still think she’s a virgin do you?”  I watched him turn red and suspected that there was probably more to the story about Cassidy and her virginity.

“Of course not.
  I just don’t need that mental image in my head!”

“Duly noted!”

We sat in silence for a few and listened as Hunter Hayes came across the speakers singing
I Want Crazy
. 
It surprised me that Cal was listening to it.  I wouldn’t have pegged him as a country boy.  I guess I had more to learn about him.  Then I mentally chastised myself for wanting to learn more about him.  This was just supposed to be fun.  I couldn’t shut my brain off. 
Knock it off Jane. 
I was pulled from my thoughts as we pulled up in front of Cassidy’s place.  I recognized the motorcycle parked in front.

“We’re early, doesn’t look like Lena or Anthony are here yet.” 

I turned to face him, after his statement, and found his eyes were transfixed on my mouth.  I pressed my lips and thighs together, watching as he leaned in closer.  My heart began a marathon as I anticipated his touch.  He didn’t kiss me, but instead nuzzled my cheek and made his way to my neck.  His facial hair grazed along my skin, sending my stomach into a tailspin, as his fingers played with the ends of my hair.  The ripple that ran through my body nearly sent me over the edge.

Bringing my hands up to clasp his face, I brought his lips to mine and sighed with delight as he teased my mouth.  It wasn’t long before we were both panting and I pulled away.  He did the same and I eyed the bulge in his pants as he adjusted himself.

Rubbing his hands up and down his face, like he was trying to shake it off, shake me off, he then got out of the truck.  He was at my door and opening it before I could do so myself.  I grabbed the gift before jumping down and we made our way up the porch.  Cal knocked on the door and right before he knocked again we heard yelling coming from inside.  He looked a little troubled and turned the knob to find it open.  The voices grew louder and I immediately recognized James booming voice traveling down the stairs. 

Cal looked at me and I put my hands up in resignation.  “I’m not butting in.  I’ll stay here.”  He nodded before going inside and ran up the staircase, directly across the entryway, to the upper floor.  I stepped just inside the entryway and tried not to eavesdrop.

It wasn’t but a moment or two later when Cal came down the stairs with James stomping behind him.  “Everything ok?”

After going outside James and Cal began to explain to me what was going on.  Apparently Cassidy had a visit from Dan, scumbag galore, and he fed her some lies about James’ past with Melissa.  James looked utterly distraught.  I discovered they, Cal and James, had both known things they were keeping from Cassidy.  I couldn’t resist the urge and smacked them both across the tops of their heads, which was a feat considering they both practically towered over me. 

“You stupid asses.  What the hell is wrong with you two?  No wonder she’s pissed off.  I’m pissed off
for
her!”

C
hapter Eleven

~ JANE ~

Offering to attempt to clear the air, I headed inside and upstairs.  Cassidy conceded to hear me out.  Dan really did a mind fuck on her.  I told her the truth behind James, Melissa and Jason, my brother, and his death and the involvement Dan and Melissa had in it.  I didn’t entirely blame them.  Jason started using drugs on his own.  Dan and Melissa just fed his addiction.  Soon James knocked on the door and I let them work the rest of it out.  Cassidy had the true story now and I was happy to help.

The rest of the evening went off without a hitch, until we got to the bar.  I really liked Cassidy.  She was a god send for James and I believed he was the same for her.  Knowing what she went through over the summer, my heart understood her loss and I was impressed with her ability to seemingly move on. 

Cassidy and I were having a great time tearing up the dance floor with her friends and coworkers, Lena and Anthony.  It was liberating and just what I needed.  Later, James was with Cassidy on the dance floor and Anthony had Cal’s attention at the table.  I seized the moment to run to the bathroom.  When I left the bathroom I headed to the bar to grab another round of drinks.  Scanning the bar for an available server, I spotted Dan.  Even
I
knew this was too convenient.  He was here on purpose.  James would flip a lid and I imagined Cal might too. 

I made it back to the table just before Cassidy did.  Pulling her to the bathroom, I was starting to panic.  How were we all going to get out of there before someone caused a scene?  I explained what was going on to Cassidy and we headed back to our table, but it was too late. 

The scene that was unfolding in front of us had my palms sweating and my heart racing.  I hated confrontation and wanted out of there immediately.  Cal handled everything with grace and James, with his million connections, got Dan thrown out with no questions asked.  A few minutes later we all decided to call it a night.

~ CALVIN ~

We were walking out of the bar, trying to salvage what was left of the night, when I realized that fucker just couldn’t take a hint.  Dan popped out of an alley and started hurling insults at my sister.  I was about to clock him when James beat me to the punch, literally.  We’d attracted a crowd when Cassidy yelled for me.  Some cops were approaching her and James and I made my way over, recognizing Officer Morel. 

Eventually we all parted ways.  I dropped Lena and Anthony off at Cassidy’s, where Lena had left her car, before I started driving the back roads. 

“Jane?”  She jumped at the sound of my voice and looked to me.  “Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you.  Are you ok?”

“No, it’s ok.  I’m fine.”

“Do you want me to take you home?”

“Ugh.”  She dropped her head back against the seat.  “Why do I feel like a damn teenager breaking curfew?”  She looked at me and we both laughed.

“Honey, you can break curfew with me.  I’ll keep you safe.”  I winked at her and the smile that broke across her face was priceless, and my pants were suddenly too tight. 

“And how do you propose to keep me safe Officer Charles?”  Her eyes were seductive along with her tone.

“I have my ways.  Handcuffs may or may not be involved.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.  Anything you say can and will be held against you.”

“As long as you’re the one being held against me, I’ll be good!”  The air was thick with sexual tension.  I had to cool this down before I drove us off the road.  “Are you up for some fresh air, Jane?  I know a little spot.” 

“I’m up for almost anything.”  Christ, she was going to have me begging on my knees if I wasn’t careful.

I turned the radio back on, went to my romantic country playlist and picked
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely
by The Band Perry
and drove
to a secluded spot I knew well.  I knew the playlist would come in handy eventually.  We sat and listened to the song as it finished before I rolled down all the windows and jumped out of the truck.  I pulled the blanket out of the backseat and tossed it in the bed.  She was climbing out of the truck when I made my way around to her. 

She had a jacket on, which she would need as the night was cooling off.  I offered her my hand, which she took, and I led her to the front of the truck, which was facing an open field.  The sky was pretty clear and the moon was low and bright as the stars speckled the sky.  Leaning against the front of the truck, I pulled her back against me.

“Crazy night.  You ok?”

She nodded and dropped her head to my chest as I rested my chin against her temple.  “I just hate that guy.  We have a long history.”

“Dan?  Yeah, not my sister’s finest moment.”

“Don’t blame Cassidy.  We all have a douchebag or two in our closet.”  She elbowed me gently as she said it.

“Do tell.”

“Not tonight.”

I let it go.  I wasn’t one to push.  Another slow song came on and I pushed her away from me as I took her hand in mine.  I pulled her to me and we began to slowly move to the music.

“That’s quite the playlist you have setup to play Officer Charles.  Should I be worried you do this kind of thing often?”

“Absolutely not.  I was just waiting for you.”  She rolled her eyes and smiled before looking away.

Fall
Into Me
by Brantley Gilbert
was serenading us.  She let go of my hand and wrapped her hands around to my back, going under my jacket.  Laying her head against my chest, I cradled my arms around her and looped my hands at the small of her back.

C
hapter Twelve

~ JANE ~

The night air was taking on the smell of fall with a little mix of winter.  It was warm for early November, but it wouldn’t last.  I wasn’t sure if Calvin was a complete player, that smooth or just that genuine.  Praying it was the later, I took a deep breath, inhaling his scent and relaxed into him.  I turned off any thoughts of running from him and decided to enjoy the moment.  I deserved a little piece of happiness and I wanted to believe Cal could give it to me. 

His hands gently ran up and down my back.  As a shiver ran through me he wrapped his jacket around both of us and I burrowed into him a little deeper.  I felt his hand on my cheek and leaned into it.  Tilting my head up, I found his hooded blue eyes staring into mine.

“Green, they’re definitely green.” 

I smirked as he leaned down and rubbed his nose up the length of mine before he kissed my forehead.  That’s not the kiss I was expecting.  He pulled me closer as he ran one hand through my hair and the other up and down my back.  I decided to risk it and pulled the back of his shirt out of his pants, running my hands underneath.  He was
so warm and I felt him pull my hair back, causing my head to tilt up to him.  Before I could find his eyes his lips were on mine.

He teased my lips and whispered my name as I dug my nails into his skin, eliciting a groan from him.  I pressed myself into his growing erection and opened my mouth to him.  We were still gently swaying to the beat as we made out like a couple of teenagers.  His hands caressed my face and neck as we nipped, licked and teased each other.  I heard the song end and another started up that I actually recognized
. 
Drunk on You
by Luke Bryan
started playing as my hands worked around to his front.

“I’m drunk on you.”  He smiled as he whispered the words against my lips. 

His kisses began to trail over my face and down to my neck.  I felt my chest heaving, I was so turned on, and squealed as he suddenly picked me up and easily carried me to the bed of the truck.  He opened the tailgate and set me down on the edge, working his body between my legs.  Grabbing his face, I pulled his lips back down to mine.  We quickly became frenzied as he rubbed me through my jeans with the palm of his hand. 

“Calvin…take me…”  Startled, he pulled away.  I was even a little surprised at my words.  He raked his hands through his hair, seemingly lost for words.  “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t have protection with me.  Will you come home with me?”

“I thought you’d never ask.”  I grabbed his shirt and tugged him back to me. 

He picked me up, my legs wrapped around him as he carried me to the driver’s side. 
“Scootch.”

I slid over to my side as he rolled the windows back up and we high tailed it out of there.  We barely made it in the front door of his place before we fell back on the couch tangled in each other.

Laughing I climbed off of him, barely, and headed toward the stairs to his bedroom.  He stalked behind me like a hunter seeking his prey.  I took my shirt off, threw it at him, and he caught, then stuffed it in the back pocket of his jeans.  I barely made it into his bedroom before he caught me around the waist and pulled me back toward the door.  Pressing my front against the door he crouched behind me, digging his erection into my rear which caused me to moan.  His mouth was scorching my back as his hands cupped my breasts through my bra.

Dropping my head to the door, I felt his hands travel to the clasp at the back of my bra and undo the hooks.  Another shudder ran through me as his hands found my exposed breasts, and I let the bra drop to the floor.

Turning in his arms I said, “You have on too much, as usual.” 

I watched as he yanked his shirt off as I started on his jeans.  Once the buckle was undone and the button and zipper down, his jeans fell from his hips to the floor with a thud.  Stepping out of them, having already removed his sneakers downstairs, his fingers began working on my jeans as he leaned in and kissed me again. 

“My boots…let me get them off first,” I panted between kisses.

He directed me to the bed and when the back of my legs hit the mattress, I fell back onto my elbows.  Finding the zipper, he removed my boots and then my socks as I
undid my pants.  Before I could react, my hips flew up over the mattress as he tugged my jeans off in one stroke.  I was left giggling on the bed as he crawled on top of me. 

My laughter ceased and my breathing became more erratic as Calvin molded my breasts with his hands and mouth.  Licking down my belly, until he reached my underwear, he kneeled between my legs and removed them.  I spotted the strip of condoms on the night stand, reached over and grabbed them, ripping one packet off.  Scooting up the bed, Cal eyed me curiously.  Putting the packet between my teeth, I got on my knees and waited for him in the middle of the bed.  Palming his erection, through the material of his boxer briefs, I then slipped them down his hips. 

I tore open the wrapper, placed it in my hand without removing the condom, and began stroking him with my other hand.  When he grew to his full length I removed the condom and placed it on him.  We teased each other with our hands a little bit longer before we both grew desperate.

“Sit down.”  I ordered him softly and he obliged. 

He leaned against the headboard as I crawled into his lap.  Licking at his lips I positioned myself closer to him.  He reached between us and slipped his fingers through my wet folds and had me nearly delirious with desire. 

“Now.”

It was all I had to say.  He grabbed his cock as I slid myself onto him.  With his head buried inside me, he wrapped his arms around me and kissed me so deeply he nearly made me comatose.  I slowly pulled him all the way in and felt myself pulse around him as my body became accustomed to him.

Rocking my hips up and down on him, we taunted each other with our mouths, and the pressure inside me continued to build.  I tried to remain calm, cool and collected, but emotions suddenly flooded me. 
Turn it off Jane. TURN.IT.OFF! 
My body began to lose control as I rode him faster and faster.  Gripping my hips tighter, Calvin seemed to be losing control too. 

I moaned his name into his neck as I clung to him for dear life, it was only a short moment later and he was quivering inside me as his release found him.  I was entirely limp against his body as he leaned against the headboard, catching his breath.  Tears ran silently from my eyes as I turned my face away from his neck.  My breathing was under control and I pretended to be asleep so that I could hide my emotions.

We sat there like that for a long time before he whispered my name.  This time I
was
on the verge of sleep.

“Calvin,” I whispered back.  He maneuvered us down the bed so that I was lying on his chest and then he pulled a blanket over us. 

“If you want me to take you home, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

Smiling into his chest I murmured, “Holding my peace.”  His hands continued to run up and down my body as sleep claimed me; thoughts of him as my home drifting through my foggy brain.