No More Waiting (The James Family Book 3) (3 page)

I interrupted her, “Mom, I told you I wanted to learn how to stand on my own.”

“I didn’t say you had to come back here. If you would’ve let me finish, I was going to say that you could go to school in the city. That way you’d be closer to home, but far enough away to have your independence.”

I felt like an ass. They were always looking out for me—with good reason. I should have been getting on their asses for it now. Tim let me feeling tense and I was taking it out on my mom. “Thanks, Mom, but I want to make sure I get my first year done before I decide to leave.”

“That’s fine, sweetie. We just want you to be happy.” She hugged me again. I missed her hugs.

~~~~~

It was over two hours later before the house filled up with the rest of the James Family.

“Simon, Cam, Dad!” I squealed and ran up to them, hugging each one of them. They squeezed me tighter until I yelped and they let me down. They were all bigger and stronger than me, but they were sweethearts.

My eldest brother Simon started right away. “We’re so glad you’re here. Have you changed your mind about college? Are you planning to stay?”

I tilted my head in frustration then shook it. “Simon, you know I have to try.”

“How’s school going, sis?” Simon asked. I was sure they all want to know because they were anxious to get me back in my room safe, protected, and loved. It was amazing to have that love, but part of it was because they didn’t think I could manage life without them. I didn’t tell them that I actually got a part-time job that I quit after two weeks because it was too much for me. I hated that they were practically right. I was the stereotypical rich daughter, getting everything I want, no real awesome individuality, and an ability to spend without trying.

“It’s going okay. I got a two B’s and two C’s,” I revealed. They were going to find out anyway.

“Damn that’s great, Van.” Cam put his arm around my shoulder and squeezed my bicep. I placed my head on his chest quickly, missing my big brother.

“Thanks, Cam.”

“I hope you aren’t doing too much partying,” my dad said with a raised brow.

“Of course not, Dad.” I really didn’t go out more than like three times. Once to a concert at the Pavilion and two parties at a bar. They didn’t let you drink, but you could go dance.

“That’s what she tells us. I bet she’s been to several dorm and frat parties.” Cam nudged me.

I nudged right back and changed the subject. “Shut up. Isn’t there a game on tonight?”

“Yeah, come on the Seahawks are playing in about ten minutes. Wife, we could use some snacks. Please,” my dad asked. He arched his brow at my mother and we all knew that he was messing with her. My mother stood there with a wicked smile.

“Absolutely, dear, as soon as you lend me a hand.” She gave my dad the usual look that said she had other things to do with her hands.

“Fine, kids give your mom and I a few minutes,” he replied absentmindedly, pulling my mom into his arms.

“Few minutes, ha! We’re probably not going to get snacks until half time,” Simon said with a laugh.

“Okay, then you kids make it. I need to talk to your mother.” They started to kiss before he scooped her up and carried her out of the room. It was the norm. Their love was still going strong after all this time. Us kids headed into the kitchen while our parents got it on. We were so used to it that it didn’t even really gross us out anymore.

“So Van, are you sure everything’s alright. When I talked to you last week, you weren’t looking forward to coming home.”

“Well to be honest. I don’t want to go back, but I have a lot to still do.”

“You don’t have to go back.” They said in unison.

“Yes, I do,” I hissed.

“I know you don’t like school, so whenever you’re ready to throw in the towel don’t be afraid. We’d all understand,” Simon said.

“Just drop it, guys. I promise it’s alright.” I grabbed two bags of chips and carried them to the family room, ignoring them and leaving them to bring the drinks.

4

Vanessa

As the house was being decorated, my mom and I tried on several dresses that were brought to the house for us. I ended up with a little black dress. It wrapped around my neck with thin strings crisscrossing my back. It wasn’t my favorite color, but it hugged me so well that I hoped to keep Tim’s attention away from the bimbos that would be here. My mother said the guest list was going to be small, but the way Cam put it there was females for them.

The party was already in full swing when I decided to make my appearance. I didn’t know if Tim was the kind of guy who showed up on time or two hours late, so I opted to take my time to look beautiful. It was a painful and tedious task, but I believed I was done. Calming my nerves as best I could, I took the stairs one step at a time. I was almost down to the bottom when I heard a familiar voice call my name.

I tried to hide the look of disappointment when it wasn’t Tim, but rather Will.

“Hi, Will,” I said pretending to be happy to see him. I had no idea that he’d been invited. Strange because I didn’t tell him about it and everyone in the family knew we broke up.

“Damn, do you look fucking fine as hell,” he said it with a wolfish smile.

“Thanks, Will.” He pulled me into his arms and squeezed me tight. I wanted to push away without making a scene and thankfully my mother came to rescue just as I caught the dirty look come from Tim.

There he was looking so hot in red. Was he my Christmas present?

Cam handed him a beer, and the look on Cam’s face turned to a grimace when he saw Will. They both approached; neither of them happy to see Will with his arm still around me. I pushed away, almost trying to leave the room to get some air, but I wanted to see Tim.

“So Will, it’s good to see you here again. Did you bring your girlfriend?”

“We broke up. I came here with my parents and to see my girl here.”

“She’s not your girl,” Cam said.

“Not anymore, but we can fix that.”

“Are you planning to move to Urbana with her?”

“No.”

“Then I don’t think anything will change. Van here was just telling me yesterday that she can’t wait to return to school.”

“Is that so?” Tim asked.

“Yes, it is.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot to make introductions. This is my head of security and my sparring partner, Tim Russell. Tim this is Vanessa’s ex-boyfriend, Will.”

“Hello Will. For an ex, you’re extra touchy feely.”

“You sound jealous, Tim,” Will accused with a scowl. It was like they were about to fight. I closed my eyes and tried to magically silence both of them. Luckily Cam wasn’t so bright when it came to feelings.

“He’s not jealous. Van’s like a little sister to him. He’s too old for her. Besides, she’s too busy with school to be dating anyone.”

“Well, if all of you will excuse me I need to get a drink.”

“Hey, just because you’re in college doesn’t mean you can dip into the alcohol,” my mother warned with a tease. I shook my head and walked away from the war about to unfold. I didn’t want to be a part of the fight should Tim lose it. He promised we’d take it slow, but he was ready to bash Will’s head in.

I poured myself a glass of punch and mingled around the room for about an hour before I spotted Tim and Cam talking to a couple of scantily dressed broads.

Trying to cool my jealousy I walked out into the back covered porch where it was slightly cooler. It wasn’t enough. I wanted to cry. Without a coat, I stepped out the back door, letting the cold winter air hit me in the face. It stung immediately, but before I could take another breath, I was yanked back into the porch.

“Are you trying to freeze to death out here?” Tim growled angrily, wrapping his arms around me. Before I knew what was going on he slammed me against the wall of the house. “Damn it, Van. Why are you crying?”

“Because. I can’t do this.” I looked into his eyes, wanting to kiss him, yet run at the same time. He had me so confused, more mixed up than any stupid algebra or English class. Tim made me crazy with possessive jealousy, and we weren’t really a couple. How was I supposed to manage months without him, living in perpetual worry and sadness?

“Can’t do what?” He was pressed against me, with his face close to mine. Our eyes meeting, mine full of unshed tears and his full of concern.

“Us,” I muttered, feeling so confused. I didn’t think I was mature enough to deal with my jealousy. The emotion was so new to me when it came to relationships that it got to me.

“Is it because I was talking to Cam’s guests?” He asked.

I nodded then sobbed, “Yes. That woman touched your arm and you smiled at her like you wanted her.”

He wiped my tears away with the pad of his thumbs, which were course and manly. It was like he didn’t work as security for my brother, but as a construction worker or some job that he had to work with his hands. “Honey, I didn’t and you know that. I was being civil. I removed her hand from my arm three times, but she was persistent, just like your ex. He refused to leave you alone. It took all I had to not knock his ass out.”

“You looked so mad at me when I saw you coming toward us. I was afraid you were getting back at me with them. You said you didn’t want anyone touching me and that was the first thing he did. Please know I didn’t want him to even be near me, and I didn’t even know who invited him.”

“I saw what happened. I sensed you coming down the stairs. I was just delayed in walking toward you. If I had, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion. He wouldn’t have had a chance to corner you and try to stake his claim. Although I’m sure Cam and I would have gotten into it over you.”

“He’s a bit over protective of me.” I had to admit that even though it was nice, Cam could be overbearing at times.

“Yeah, he wants you to do what makes you happy. According to everyone, even you, that’s finishing school.”

“See, don’t you see that’s why we won’t work? We’ll be far apart from each other. I know I’ll be freaking out.”

“I will too, but you’ve got to know this and know this now. I haven’t been with a woman in years. Waiting for us to be together will suck but not unbearable.”

“What?!” I was really shocked. “Why not?”

He chuckled, the answered, “Because I’ve been too focused. When I was in the Marines, I wanted the comfort of a woman’s touch. It wasn’t often, but after the last time and I couldn’t go through with it, I realized that I didn’t want that type of comfort anymore.”

“Did you love them?” I wanted to smack myself for asking.

“No, babe. Sorry, I didn’t even know them for more than that night. I know it makes me look bad, but when you don’t know if you’ll make it through another tour…Well, let’s not talk about it.”

“I’m glad that you didn’t love them. It’s a lot less to compete with.”

“You’ve got no competition. You’re mine and that’s it. Now, I know you said I couldn’t kiss you until after the party, but I can’t wait.” His lips came down on mine. The sensation was indescribable. The pressure he applied was gentle at first, letting our kiss develop. I slid my hands along his massive shoulders, loving the feel of his strength under my fingers. “Shit, princess. God, I want you in my bed tonight.”

“Can we?” I asked, whimpering against his lips.

“No, we can’t. If I take you to bed, I won’t be able to let you go. Hell, I don’t know if I could let you go anyway,” he growled before taking my lips again. This time it took us until we were both breathless before he pulled his face away from mine. Our eyes were trained to each other. “You’re so beautiful and your lips beg to be kissed daily.”

“I knew coming home was going to be a bad idea,” I said, reaching and pulling his mouth back to mine, taking over our kiss. With the hunger we felt, he pressed me harder against the wall. I could feel his thick cock, pressed against my thigh. His body held me in place, while he slid his hands under my dress. Slipping my panties to the side, he ran his finger down my slit. My body knew who it belonged to and ached to be touched by its owner so much that I was creaming hard.

I wasn’t even embarrassed about how wet I was because he growled in my ear. “Damn, baby. My cock can’t wait to get into your pussy, but for now this will do.” I moaned as his fingers teased my cunt. He parted my lower lips, pushing two fingers into me. I was about to come when he added, “You’re so wet for me. Come, princess, come.” I followed his command, cumming intensely against his rough, large fingers. My body shook and pumped on his hand while his mouth came down on mine, absorbing my cries.

“Damn, you’re fucking sexier when you come,” he whispered. “I’m going to miss you, but now you’ve got a reason to come back to me.”

“Yes, I do.” My heart was thumping so erratically that I could barely catch my breath. “What about you?” I asked nervously still panting.

“Oh no, princess. If you touch this, I will come and you won’t be going anywhere but my bed and most definitely won’t be going back to school.”

“Okay,” I replied trying not touch the erection that wanted to burst from the seams.

He growled, taking in my wanton and flush expression. “No, it’s not okay, but after this coming semester, you’re coming back home and going to school here.”

“Okay,” I responded. Right at that moment I would have agreed to anything. I was feeling euphoric and completely undone.

“Damn, orgasms make you compliant. I could use that to my advantage later.”

“You’ve found me out,” I purred, leaning my head on his chest while he pulled me tighter into his arms.

“Let’s keep this between us. Go in first, then I’ll follow behind in a minute. As much as I want to let everyone know you’re mine, I want to give you the time without the pressure,” he said, kissing me one last time before I broke away and walked into the party.

5

Tim

When I arrived at the party, my eyes immediately searched for her, but she wasn’t anywhere to be found. Mrs. James came up to me and pulled me to the side. “Cam is helping in the dining room right now, but I have a feeling it isn’t Cameron you’re looking for. Listen to me, Tim. If you want my daughter, you better be ready to make it permanent or the men won’t take it sitting down.”