Justified Love (The Southern Gentleman Series Book 1) (23 page)

“Naw, I’m taking the night off to relax,” he said wrapping his hands around Skye’s chair. I wish she would act on Wyatt’s advances. Maybe she’s just worried about Wyatt’s musical reputation.

Wyatt’s manager always told Wyatt it would be a better idea if he stayed “Single” in the eyes of his fans. I think it’s bullshit, but I guess if you’re trying to make a name for yourself, you will do anything your manager says. Personally I think his manager is just feeding him crap just to get a percentage of his money. Then again, it’s none of my business, and they are grown men and women.

Harley, on the other hand, was fiercely independent and didn’t want to make a big deal about her friendship with Chuck. Too bad Chuck was overly sexual and tried every chance he got to wrangle in Harley. Harley tries to swat him off, but secretly I know she adores him. He’s the only guy who doesn’t let her get away with her bullshit. She can come across as an angry bitch, but at the end of the day Harley and Chuck belonged together. The sooner they figure it out, the better.

Sitting in the chair, I crossed my legs worried someone could see up my skirt getting a nice beaver shot. Although I was terrified, someone could see I was also excited that only Colt knew I was going commando tonight. Colt pulled his chair close to me, placing his hand on my knee sending shivers down my back, and the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Just the touch of this man on my bare skin made me want to straddle him. Trying to distract Colt from moving his hand higher, I stood volunteering to get drinks for the table. “Everyone cool with beer?” I said flustered. “Sounds good to me! Skye, why don’t you and I help Carr?” Harley piped up.

Walking to the bar I could feel Colt’s eyes burning a hole in the back of my skirt. Turning around to give him a wink, I could see him shifting around in his chair trying to adjust himself. He was so damn sexy.

“You have that boy so twisted up,” Harley said.

“I’m not sure if you mean that physically or figuratively?” I looked at her amused.

“I’m pretty sure both,” Skye added.

“This man will destroy me. I can’t see myself being with anyone else,” I said misty.

“Sounds like love to me,” Skye said.

“Oh, it’s definitely love. I’ve been in love with him since we were kids, but never grew to fully accept it till these last couple of days. I felt if I didn’t allow myself to love him, it wouldn’t hurt as much when that love wasn’t reciprocated. I just hope he feels the same way I do,” I confessed to Harley and Skye.

“If he doesn’t, I will be devastated. Paisley was relentless, but Colt not feeling the same, would devastate me,” I said concerned.

“Why don’t you talk to him about it,” Skye asked.

“I’m just scared it will freak him out, and that’s the last thing I want to do.”

“To be completely honest, better to rip the band-aid. If he doesn’t feel the same way, at least you didn’t waste days, weeks, months or even years.” Harley preached.

“I think you’re right,” I said

“Time to rally up and bust out those brass ones,” I said assertively.

Placing the drinks on the table, I sat down suggestively while crossing my legs. Colt reaffirmed his hand on my leg, giving me a devilish grin.

Glaring at Colt, I was a little nervous at my revelation. Saying it to myself was one thing, but to say it in front of my two best friends was something different altogether. Their opinion meant the world to me.

Colt began rubbing my leg while giving me a look that said, “I want you, and I’m willing to take it right here, right now.”
Down boy!
  With a fervent look in his eyes, he began to move his hand up my skirt. Thankfully no one could see under the table in a dark room, but I couldn’t help but feel exposed.

Leaning over to whisper in my ear, “Your skin is like velvet the way my hand glides over it.”

Spreading my legs just slightly, I allowed him to continue up my legs. Grazing my sex with his fingers, I tried to control my want for him. Feeling my heart pounding in my chest, I looked at Colt. He was staring at me daring me to see how far he could go. With a tempting smile, I reached under the table, and I moved his hand, fully cupping my sex. Looking around our table, our friends were emerged in other conversations not noticing our game of “I dare you.”

Encouraging Colt to push the boundaries, even he was amazed at my willingness to play this game. Come on; take the bait you sexy man. He gave in and ever so slightly slid his fingers inside me. I was soaking wet and ready for him. Still staring at me he raised an eyebrow at my lust. Without saying a word, he began teasing me with his digits. Gliding his middle finger across my sex, he worked his magic fingers.

Patiently he added another and began rubbing my clit like he was ready to pitch a curve ball.

Leaning into me, he whispered, “Let’s see how much control you have baby.”

Working me harder and faster, I started to get flustered with the anticipation of the release. Just then, my worst nightmare happened, Har wanted to start a conversation.
Are. You. Fucking. Kidding. Me!
I couldn’t get mad at her too much. She had no clue Colt was working me like a puppet master under the table.

“You ok, Carr? You’re looking a bit peaked,” Harley said.

Trying to hold my composure, “Oh yeah, yeah, yeah,” I started as Colt laughed at my attempt to keep it together.

“It’s just been a long day, and I think I’m a little tired,” I said gasping slightly. Shit, I’m right there.

“Maybe you need to stop riding your man, and get a good night’s sleep,” Harley added.

“Yes!” I exclaimed as I come hard.

With a look of confusion Harley responded, “Well shit, Carr, no need to shout. Calm your tits down.”

Laughing at my expense, Colt slowly removed his hand from under the table. Running his fingers across his lips, he licked his fingers, one at a time. He was so dead. I smiled as he raised an eyebrow at his secretive vulgarity.

“Good girl. I’ll reward you later,” he whispered into my ear.

For the rest of the night, we relaxed and enjoyed the company of our friends. Chuck reenacted my Matrix leap of faith as the entire table doubled over laughing.

“You know Colt, you worked well with those kids today,” Skye began.

“Do you want kids of your own one day?” she said avoiding my stare down.

            “Of course! I would love to have lots of children. I will tell you; I would never raise my children the way my parents raised me though, “ he admitted.

“Why is that?” asked Harley, who was clearly avoiding my stare as well.

“My parents, although they loved me in their own way didn’t have a clue how to be parents. I suppose that’s why they only had me; they couldn’t handle having another brat. I don’t want that for my kids. I want them to know they are loved, appreciated, and encouraged every minute of every day.”

“Wow, you sound like a total pussy,” Chuck interrupted.

“Shut the fuck up, Chuck,” Colt rebutted.

“Actually I find it incredibly sexy that a man can show his sensitive side,” I said brushing my hand across Colt’s leg.

“Damn. That’s probably why you haven’t had a date in like ten years, Chuck,” Harley interrupted.

“Oh ha-ha. Maybe I’m just playing hard to get,” Chuck added.

“I doubt you were playing anything hard unless you’re referring to your hand and a bottle of lotion,” Harley said as the table erupted into a fit of laughter

“Speaking of which, I think it’s time to get this party rolling home,” Wyatt chimed in.

“Oh really,” Skye said with a look of “what the fuck” on her face.

“What? A guy’s gotta take care of business somehow.” He counteracted

“True dat. My rabbit is on its last leg. Might be time to invest in a new one,” Harley added with a laugh.

“Let me know if you need any help with that,” Chuck growled trying to be suave.

“I’m sure I can manage on my own big boy,” Harley responded.

“Damnit, why you gotta shoot me down every time? I’m going to keep trying. One of these days you’ll accept my invitation,” he said defensively.

“I sincerely doubt that,” she said with her viper eyes. She would strike, just not right now.

Paying the tab and getting up from the table, I took Colt’s hand in mine. Swinging back and forth, I couldn’t help but smile. I keep learning new things about Colt every day, and it just makes me fall for him even more. I haven’t found a flaw yet, but I was sure there was one. There you go being negative Nancy again, Carr. I can’t retreat back to hermit Muffin Top now. Those days were gone. Muffin Top, would never willingly allow a man to get her off in a bar with her friends just feet away. No, Muffin Top was a prude. Carrington Grace Mason was a bona fide sex goddess, a force to be reckoned with.

Climbing into the cab, I leaned over and gave Colt a kiss on the cheek.

“What was that for?” he asked.

“I just felt like it. Do I need a reason?” I asked.

“Absolutely not, baby,” he responded.

“I just wanted to be near you,” I said.

Pulling me close to him, I leaned my head on his shoulder as we drove to his apartment.

Covering my mouth as I yawned, “You’re not tired are you?” Colt asked.

“Nooo, never. It’s been a long day, and I’m looking forward to spending time with my man.”

“I like the sound of that, darlin’,” he said laying a kiss on my head.

Chapter 19

            Carrying me into his apartment, Colt refused to let me walk up the stairs.

            He said, “I don’t want you falling asleep and tripping. That gorgeous face can’t bear to have a scuff on it.”

            Laying my feet tenderly on the ground, I looked at him with adoration. Cupping my face with his hands I put mine on top of his. Taking his palm, I kissed it gently.

            “Come here baby, we need to have a talk,” he said taking my hand and pulling me towards the bedroom. Sitting me on the edge of the bed, I was terrified of what was about to come out of his mouth.
Was he going to tell me he didn’t want to date me anymore? Was he going to tell me he didn’t think this was working out? I’m starting to freak out. Oh crap, my palms are sweaty and clammy. Gross!

            “Colt, it’s O.K. Hey, at least we gave it a shot. We can still be friends though,” I said not believe my words. I knew if I walked out of that apartment right then; I would never talk to him again unless I was forced too.

            “I mean, why kid ourselves. You’re Colton, Fucking, Wilson, and I’m Muffin Top Mason. It would have never worked out,” I said as he folded his arms across his chest and just stared at me cockeyed.

            “Just promise me it won’t be awkward hanging out. I know Harley tolerates Chuck, and Skye is best friends with Wyatt, so I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot of each other,” I rambled.

            “But I had a lot of fun, and the sex was incredible.”

            “Carrington Grace Mason, are you finished?” he said interrupting my rampage.
Geez, he didn’t have to be such a dick about it. I mean, I was just stating the facts.

            “Technically, I could go on, and on, about how unsuitable we are as a couple, but I have a feeling you don’t want to hear that and frankly, neither do I. I’ll just grab my things and get going,” I said getting ready to get up from the bed.

            “Sit down,” he said with a forceful voice that annoyed me, mainly because it was hot as hell.

            “Why?” I said.
Jesus, Carr, shut your mouth for once. Let the man talk. Maybe he’ll be decent and give you an honest answer about why it didn’t work out.

            “You know, you tend to ramble when you’re nervous or scared,” he said.

            “So I’ve been told but…” he silenced me with his finger.

            “Just let me finish,” he said.

            “It’s quite cute,” he said with a smile.

           
What the fuck was going on here? I’m supposed be leaving, and drowning my sorrows in a carton of chunky monkey.

            “I’ve been holding off having this conversation because I wanted to be sure how I felt. I wanted to say the right words. Carrington Grace Mason, I love you.”

           
Umm, excuse me?

            “I’ve loved you since the first time I laid eyes on you. Now that we’re adults, and I’ve gotten to know you on a deeper level, I’m never letting go. I love you for your quirky attitude and your ability to make my friends and me laugh. I love you for making me feel like I can be a better man. I love you for your compassion and understanding. I love you for the confident, beautiful woman I see in front of me, even when you don’t see it yourself. I love the way you get flustered when I’m trying to impress you, and how you blow it off by wrinkling your nose. I love that you always smell like honeysuckle and sunshine. I love that you’re always optimistic. You never give up, and you keep pushing regardless of the circumstances. I love how sexy you are, especially in those pink lacy panties. I love the way you hair falls on the pillow in the morning, and the little snore sounds you make when you’re sleeping. I love the way your blue eyes look peering out from under my hat, and the fact that you wear my hat. It’s a serious turn on. I love that you love your mama and daddy so much. I love your contagious giggle. It’s childlike and reminds me of the first time I fell in love with you. I love the way our bodies fit together; we were molded to fit one another. And mostly, I love the way you look at me. You make me feel like I’m the only man in the room,” He went on.

            “You are the only man in the room to me,” I said almost in a whisper with tears in my eyes.

            “Carr, you are my world, and I can’t go another day not telling you how crazy in love I am with you,” he said wiping the tears from my eyes.

            Resting my finger on his lips to shush him, I pulled him close and kissed him with everything I had. Taking his lip into my mouth, our tongues collided together. Slowly pulling back, I placed a soft kiss on his lips.

            “Are you done talking,” I asked under heaving breath.

            “I could go on and on…” he said going in for another kiss. This time he kissed me sweetly, with so much love and passion. “Mmm,” I moaned into his mouth. Not wanted to stop, I knew I needed to pull away so I could get out what I had to say.

            “Colt, I love you too. I’ve wanted to say it since we were kids. It’s kind of funny; we’ve known each other for so many years and yet, we are just now figuring out what idiots we’ve been. You had me petrified. I’m not sure what I would have done if you wanted to call things off. I love you so much it makes me stupid insane. I should be worried saying that, but honestly I can’t imagine another day not being by your side. I’ve waited too many years to tell you how much I cared.”

            Kissing all over his face and then landing on his lips, “I love you for your sense of humor, and the fact that you can make me laugh just from the slightest tickles. I love your baby blue eyes, and the way they sparkle when you’re looking at me. I love that you have an old soul and appreciate the littlest things, like a smile. I love that you hold me close and protect me when we dance, listening to Frank. I love this fantastic body, and the way it stirs emotions deep inside of me. I love that you want to start your program for kids in need and want to renovate a house. You’ll do great with both. I love how you love and appreciate your friends as if they were your family. I love the way you sweep the hair away from my eyes and just look at me - looking at me the way I always knew I could be.  I love that you make me feel comfortable and safe. I love that you can look past my imperfections and see the real me. I love you for not judging me and loving me regardless. But mostly, I love you for loving me,” I finished with tears in both our eyes.

            “Why did we wait so long to do that?” I joked with a smile.

            “Leave it to you, Care Bear to make jokes right now,” he said taking me in his arms and laying me down on the bed. Turning sideways we rested our heads on the pillow just looking at one another. Tracing the lines on his face with my finger, I stopped “Why are you so good to me?” I asked.

             “Because you deserve it,” he stated.

“But I don’t deserve anything,” I said slightly confused.

            “You deserve the world baby, and I want to give it you,” he said with confidence.

             “It amazes and shocks me still that you are here, with me. I don’t deserve this kind of happiness,” I said.

             “You, of all people are worthy of this type of happiness, Carr. I couldn’t think of anyone else that deserves it more. I leaned toward him placing a soft kiss on the lips.

            “I love you, Colt.”

            “I love you too, Carr.”

            “It feels good to say it finally out loud,” I said.

            “I know what you mean. Baby girl, you will never be without love. I will love you today, tomorrow and forever if you’ll have me.”

             “I wouldn’t want it any other way, baby.”

              Lingering on his lips, Colt made a clicking noise. “Taking a snap-shot to remember this moment.” 

●

            Leaving Colt’s apartment the next day, I was floating on cloud nine. Colt and I spent the night making love over and over. I can’t get enough of this man. He brings out my best qualities and now, I feel unashamed to love him fully and without fear. The weight that was holding me back was now lifted from my shoulders. Walking on air, I walked in my house completely dazed.

            “Carrington? Is that you darlin'?” Granny hollered from the kitchen.

            “ Yes, Granny. It’s me,” I yelled from the foyer.

            “Get your tail in here!” she ordered.
Oh crap! Granny’s pissed

            “Whatever it is, I didn’t do it,” I pleaded my case like a child in trouble.

            “Who says I’m going to yell at you?” she said as I peeked around the corner.

            “You have that same tone in your voice mama had in hers when I had my hand in the cookie jar.”

            “Ok, I’ll agree with you. It did sound similar,” she chuckled.

            “So what did I do now?” I asked a little nervous wringing my hands out. Granny Bird’s wrath was nothing to mess with.

            “I just haven’t seen you honey. Something tells me Colt has a lot to do with it. Am I right?” she interrogated me.

            “You told me to fall hard. Didn’t you?” I said with a grin.

            “Granny, I fell, and Colt was there to catch me,” I said with a smile.

            “Now that you have that love, don’t let it go. Hold on to those reigns like a Colt…get it…” she said giving a nudge like Chuck would have.

            “Yes, Granny. I get it. Are you sure you’re not in your twenties?”

            “It’s my swag darlin’, whatever that means.”

            Laughing hysterically, I couldn’t help but run over and give her a giant hug.

            “What do you have planned for today, baby doll?”

            “I’m going to head down to the town historical society to check out these blueprints they keep talking about. Something just doesn’t sit right with me, Granny. I feel like I’m missing something important. I just don’t know what it is; it’s driving me crazy,” I responded sounding frustrated.

            “You’re a smart cookie. I know you’ll figure it out. It’s like a jigsaw puzzle. Chip away at it piece by piece and always trust your instincts.”

            “Thanks. I’ve been stressing about this the last couple of days trying to rack my brain for a solution. I’m going to head up and take a shower. Is Daddy around?” I asked.

            “He’s out in the field, but he’ll be back for lunch in a little bit. Would you like me to tell him to wait before he heads back out?”

            “That’s perfect, Granny,” I said galloping up the stairs.

            Stripping off my clothes, I could still smell Colt on me. Completely naked I stood in front of the mirror looking at my reflection. Staring back at me was not the same little girl who grew up in this room. This woman in the reflection was a strong, confident, intelligent, loved woman. Instead of looking in the mirror and feeling disgusted at my reflection, I was finally seeing the woman I always wanted to be. I would thank Colt every day for the rest of my life for guiding me to be this woman. He always brought out the best in me with everything I did.

            Getting dressed, I bopped down the stairs, grabbed some papers from Dad’s office and wondered into the kitchen.

            “Hey, Daddy. Rough morning?” I asked cheerfully grabbing an apple from the bowl.

            “Not too bad, Care Bear. It’s a hot one out there today,” he responded.

            “I’m dreading going back outside,” I said under my breath.