Life After Taylah (19 page)

My pussy tightens around him, and I know it won’t be long before I come for him again. He’s driving into me with force, causing our skin to slap together. His fingers are tight on my ass, biting into my flesh as he fucks me. And boy, is he fucking me. This is pure, raw, primal fucking. The kind that has your pussy clenching just thinking about it. At that thought I’m coming again, utterly exhausted but completely content. My orgasm seems to rip all the stress from my body, relaxing me.

Nate is close behind me, his thrusts becoming frantic as he gets close to his release. When he finds it, he quickly pulls out, taking his cock in his hand and jerking it furiously. I stare down at it, my body tingling with awareness. His cock is big and thick, and right now it’s glistening with our arousal. He stops jerking and lets out a ragged groan as he begins to come, releasing onto my belly. I tremble as the warm liquid touches my skin.

God, that was hot.

“Sorry.” He chuckles hoarsely when he’s stopped trembling. “So much for your shower.”

“It was worth it,” I whisper.

He nuzzles my cheek, breathing me in. “You’re so fuckin’ pretty, Dancer. You know that?”

I laugh softly. “I do now.”

“Shower with me?”

You don’t have to ask me twice.

~*~*~*~

A
warm mouth tickles my cheek and I’m slowly roused from my deep, warm sleep. I blink a few times to clear my vision and see a soft, glowing light. It seems to be dark out still, and Nate is sitting beside me, mostly decked out in his motocross gear. “I’ve got to go, honey,” he murmurs. “I just wanted to say goodbye.”

I stare at him and I know my eyes grow soft. I spent the night in his arms, my head against his warm chest, my body tangled with his. He woke me at midnight and slowly slid inside of me, then he made love to me until I came twice and was utterly exhausted. Afterwards he held me, his chest pressed against my back, and we fell asleep.

“Okay,” I whisper, my voice groggy from sleep.

“Goin’ to call you soon, okay? When you’re done here, just leave the key.”

I nod, reaching up and running my fingers over the stubble on his cheeks.

“See you, baby,” he says, pressing his lips against mine quickly but softly.

“Bye, Nate.”

He winks at me, and then stands, leaving the room so silently I barely hear him. I roll over, warm and content, and I go back to sleep.

~*~*~*~

“W
here have you been?”

I’ve just arrived home to find Jacob on my doorstep. He’s got his arms crossed and his face is tight with anger. I know he’s been trying to call me for the past week but I’m not interested in speaking to him. There’s nothing to say. I’m not interested.

“Last time I checked,” I say, stepping past him and unlocking the front door, “it was none of your business.”

He flinches and puts his hand on the door, stopping me from opening it. Then his other hand curls around my arm, jerking me until I’m facing him.

“It is my business.”

I snort and stare down at his hand on my arm. “Firstly, it’s none of your business because we’re not together, and secondly, get your hand off me.”

He doesn’t move his hand.

“Are you seeing someone else?”

I glare up at him. “None. Of. Your. Business.”

His fingers tighten. “Don’t you dare think it’s this easy to get rid of me, Avery. I’m part of your life through your father, like it or not.”

“I don’t see my father, so it’s really not my problem who you’re associated with. If you’re so close to him, then I see no reason for you to be here. I’m sure he’d love to listen to you and your bullshit.”

He pulls me harshly, causing my teeth to grind together in anger.

“We need to talk about the business. Your father signed it over to you and Liam when your mother was alive. It’s clear neither of you want it, so the only way to break the agreement is for you two to sign it over to me.”

“No.”

His jaw tics. “Don’t start something you can’t finish, Avery. You’ve no interest in your father’s company, and neither does your brother. He wants me to have it when he goes.”

“I don’t care what he wants, I’m not signing it over to you. No way in hell.”

“I can’t afford to pay out your half,” he barks. “Don’t make this harder than it is. I’ll take you to court and . . .”

“Do it!” I snap, jerking my arm in an attempt to get it out of his grip. He only tightens his hold.

“Listen to me, Avery,” he hisses leaning in close. “You’ll do whatever the . . .”

“Let her go.”

I hear Max’s angry voice and I turn my face to see him standing at my front gate, glaring at Jacob.

“This is a private conversation,” Jacob growls. “Go away.”

Max storms in and quick as lightning takes Jacob by the shirt and hurls him close. “Listen to me, Jacob. I can put you away for trespassing and harassment just because I’m having a bad day and want someone to charge. All Avery has to do is give me the word. My suggestion is that you let her go and walk away, or I just might put you in the cells for the night.”

Jacob drops his hand from my arm and glares at Max for a long moment. Max’s hard expression does not slip, and he doesn’t take his eyes from Jacob’s face. Jacob quickly looks away and turns to me, his eyes narrowed. “We’ll be talking about this.”

“Later,” I snap.

He turns with another scalding glare, and storms off down the path. When he’s gone, Max turns to me. “I’ve been looking for you all night.”

“Sorry,” I say, turning and walking inside. “I needed space.”

“You okay?” he asks, following me in.

“I honestly don’t know, Max. I have so many questions.” I turn to him and he’s watching me carefully, studying my face as if checking to make sure I’m not about to break down. “Can I meet him?”

He looks confused. “You want to meet the man who was sleeping with your mother?”

“Did he kill her?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “I honestly don’t think so. His story checks out and there was no DNA of his anywhere in her car.”

“Then it won’t matter if I speak to him.”

“Can I ask why?” he dares to say, tilting his head to the side.

“I have the right, don’t I? To get some answers?”

He sighs loudly. “I guess you do. I’ll have to speak to him—it’s his decision if he wishes to speak to you.”

I nod. “Well, the sooner you can ask the better.”

He smiles weakly and walks over to my coffee machine, flicking it on.

“What now?” I ask, following him in. “With the case, I mean.”

“I’ve got leads. The minute I have anything solid you’ll know.”

“Are they promising leads?”

His face seems to harden just slightly. “Yes.”

There’s something he isn’t telling me, but I’m not ready to push for it. I spent last night emotional because of the last piece of news he shared. I need this given to me slowly. I peer down at my watch and curse loudly. “I’ve got to go, Maxy. I’m meant to be assisting Lyn with teaching in ten minutes.”

He nods. “I’ll let myself out.”

I turn and rush into my room, throwing off my clothes and pulling on a pair of loose pants and a tight tank top. I grab my sneakers and my ballet shoes, and I rush back down the hall, shoving it all into a bag as I go.

“Later!” I cry.

I don’t hear his answer—I don’t have time. I’m late.

“W
hat’s going on lately?” Lyn says, watching her group of ten year olds that are warming up.

“Nothing,” I say, leaning down and touching my toes, stretching my legs out.

“Avery, you’ve been late, you’ve been distant and you’re not yourself.”

I sigh. “Max is back in town, Lyn.”

She lifts her eyes. “What?”

“He’s back in town and he’s reopened Mom’s case.”

Her eyes soften instantly. “Oh, honey.”

“It’s just been hectic, between that and leaving Jacob. I’ve just been distracted.”

“I’m so sorry about your mom’s case. It must be hard having it all raised again.”

“It never really closed, it just got put on the backburner. I’m glad it’s being brought to light again. If I can have an answer that might put my mind at rest, then I’ll take it.”

“I understand that.” She nods, turning to the group. “Okay girls, let’s start where we left off last session.”

~*~*~*~

“T
here’s a very good looking man standing at the door staring at you,” Lyn says when the lesson is over and the girls are getting changed.

I turn quickly and see Nate standing at the door, leaning against the frame. He’s got a sexy half-grin on his face, and the helmet for his bike is tucked up under his arm. He’s still wearing that sexy-as-hell motocross outfit. My heart leaps into my throat and a smile spreads across my face.

“That’s just a friend,” I manage, unable to pull my eyes from Nate.

“Some friend,” Lyn murmurs. “You did good today, Avery. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I nod, not looking at her as I walk towards Nate. His grin gets bigger as I near closer.

“Hey, you,” I say, stopping in front of him.

“You got work this afternoon?”

I shake my head.

“Good. You’re coming with me.”

“Am I now?”

He leans down and takes my hand, tugging me out the door. “You are.”

We get outside and I see his bike leaning against a tree. “There are parks, you know?”

He laughs and pulls me closer. I feel the heat radiating off the engine when I step close. He must have given it a good workout this morning.

“My baby doesn’t like parks.”

“Ohhh, your baby,” I tease. “Your baby is a bit battered.”

He turns to me, his eyes warm, but he doesn’t touch me. He doesn’t lean in and kiss me, or hold me close, because I know he can’t. My chest seizes a little at that thought. Knowing he can’t and won’t touch me in public, that there’s a chance we’ll never just be able to walk down the street holding hands, absolutely kills me. He sees my expression and his face loses its light and happy shine.

“Stop thinking it, Dancer. I know you are, so just stop.”

“I’m not thinking anything,” I whisper.

“You’re thinking that you’ll never have me the way you want, and I’m telling you to stop.”

I look up at him. Damned mind-reader.

“Stop because it’ll never happen and there’s no point in dwelling on it, or stop because it will happen?”

He gives me a soft, pained expression. “You’re asking a question I can’t answer right now. If you don’t want this, walk away now. I won’t follow you. I will respect your choice.”

“You know I can’t do that,” I say, my voice low and soft. “I can’t walk away from you, Nate.”

He steps forward and strokes his fingers down my cheek. “Then get on the bike and let me show you something.”

I stare at the bike, then back to him. “Is that thing street legal?”

He barks out a laugh and rolls his eyes. “On the biker, Dancer.”

I sigh. “Fine, let’s do it.”

He hands me a helmet off the back and I pull it on over my face. He does the same and then climbs onto the bike, kick-starting it. It purrs to life, loud and angry, as if it just wants to go fast. He reaches his hand out and I take it, using it to pull myself over the bike behind him. I wrap my arms around his waist and he takes off. I squeal with delight as he zips through the traffic.

We ride for about an hour until he reaches a dirt road on the left of the highway. He turns onto it suddenly, and our smooth ride quickly becomes bouncy and adrenaline-filled. I scream and close my eyes as he picks up speed, tearing down the road as if it’s the easiest thing in the world for him. He weaves around a few trees and launches over a few small bumps in the road.

“Nate,” I yell, laughing. “Oh my God!”

He laughs, boisterous, and so incredibly boyish.

He skids around a corner, flicking rocks to the side as he brings us closer to a large lake. I stare at the gorgeous water as he begins to slow the bike, and my smile widens. It’s gorgeous, a large lake surrounded by trees, lush grass and rocks. It’s a perfect day out today and the sun is shining. Combined with the gorgeous scenery, it couldn’t be more breathtaking.

Nate brings the bike to a stop and we both get off. I put my helmet onto the ground and walk over to the water, my smile not once slipping. Birds swoop down, skimming the surface, and there’s a cool breeze. It’s stunning. Nate comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and pressing his lips to my ear. “I love this place. It’s where I come to think.”

“I can see why,” I murmur, taking his hands in mine.

“Sit with me.”

He pulls me down onto the grass, tucking my bottom in between his legs. He keeps his arms around me, and rests his chin on my shoulder. We stare at the water for the longest time, not thinking about anything else except the beauty and serenity of this place.

“Tell me your best memory of your mom,” he says, pressing a kiss to my shoulder.

“I have a few. One of my favorites is my fifth birthday. I remember it well. She asked me for months and months beforehand what I wanted for my birthday—I kept telling her I wanted a fairy. She asked me what I meant; perhaps I meant a fairy doll, but I told her no, I just wanted a fairy. On the day she woke me up, dressed in a fairy outfit. I remember laughing for so long with her, thinking all my dreams had come true as she led me through the fairy garden she’d spent all night creating. It was perfect.”

He’s quiet a moment, before he whispers, “She sounds like she was an amazing mother.”

I smile. “She was. It’s why it was so hard to lose her.”

“I can’t imagine living with that kind of pain, not knowing if she’s okay must be so fuckin’ hard.”

“It was. It
is
,” I say, my voice low. “I used to have nightmares about it every night.”

“You turned out well, considering.”

I laugh softly. “You mean I didn’t run off the rails?”

“Exactly.”

“I couldn’t. My brother was doing a good job of that. I couldn’t add to it.”

He runs his fingers up and down my arms. “Your brother struggles, yeah?”

“Yeah. He always has.”

“It’s not easy.”

“No,” I say, taking his hand and pressing it to my lips. “What about your family?”