Fearless Attraction (Cassie Series) (7 page)

             
He disappears through the door and I'm left staring. I hadn't paid attention to what the girl looked like that he was with, but I'm sure she was beautiful. I'm glad he has been able to find someone else, it decreases my guilt, not by much, but enough to feel better about the situation. It just wasn't meant to be with Pierce.

             
When Avery arrives, we take our seats and order our food.

             
"You seem distracted," he takes notice.

             
I shake it off. "I'm fine, just pretty tired."

             
He smiles and accepts my answer, never questioning a thing. I do my best to focus on him, and me, and us. I don't want to continue to think about the hurt look on Pierce's face, and the fact I really need to apologize face to face.

             
After dinner and the movie, Avery drops me off and says he will be back first thing in the morning to pick me up for the Thanksgiving festivities. Something I'm really not looking forward to, but since I have Avery by my side, it'll make it all easier. I hope.

             
Since Aubrey is gone, I make a heaping bowl of ice cream, pour a glass of wine, bringing both into my room. I pass out sometime later while watching reruns of Full House.

             
In the morning, I give myself just enough time to get showered and dressed. I don't bother eating, my stomach is churning and I'm not sure I can handle any extra food in it. Avery arrives to pick me up and together we head to my dad's house, which is where Trish is living now, too. That thought alone annoys the hell out of me. If it weren't Avery's mom, I'd tell her she can pack her shit up and go to hell, but sadly, I have to bite my tongue.

             
What kind of person sleeps with her
friend’s
husband, then moves into
her
home? I have no respect for the women, and never will. We all make mistakes and we tend to hurt those around us, I know first-hand, but what she did was just wrong.

             
Pulling into the driveway, Avery reaches over and gives my leg a reassuring squeeze. "I know this isn't going to be easy, but let's just suffer through it together, then we can get on with our day. If you want to leave at any given time, let me know, and we're gone. Okay?"

             
I smile at his thoughtfulness. I know this is just as hard for him. I'm sure he hates my father as much as I do, as well as his mom. I'm honestly not even sure what the two of us are doing here. They hadn't thought twice about how this would affect us, and never once apologized to either of us.

             
I nod my head and lean in to give Avery a kiss. "Thank you," I tell him.

             
He gets out of my car, then walks over to get me out of the passenger side. I love when he drives for me. There was no way I was riding the back of that motorcycle wearing heals and dress clothes.

             
Before getting to the front door, it swings wide open and Trish is grinning at the two of us. "Oh, Avery and Cassandra, it's so wonderful to see the two of you." She leans to give Avery a hug but he continues walking past her, not a word, a smile, nothing. He pulls me along and I smile at Trish, but it isn't sweet at all, it's more of a smug smile.

             
We walk together into the kitchen, where Ellen is getting the rest of dinner finished. Trish saunters in after us, her smile has faded some but she is trying like hell not to let it show.

             
"Why don't you two come along and leave Ellen to finish getting ready. I'm sure it'll be only a few more minutes. Am I right?" She looks at Ellen with a stern look. I cannot believe Ellen stayed, I'd have left them high and dry.

             
Ellen simply replies, "Yes ma'am, give me ten minutes." She smiles at me while stirring some mashed potatoes.

             
I do as I do most years and sneak a little taste using my finger. She swats my hand away with a light laugh.

             
Avery and I walk out of the kitchen but we don't follow his mother. Instead, we end up in the family room. I look at all the pictures of my parents still hung up. At least that hasn't changed... yet. I pick one up off the mantle and stare at the happy couple in it. Avery walks over, wrapping his arms from behind me.

             
"They looked so happy."

             
I sigh. "I know, and this was only two summers ago. I don't get it, not sure I ever will."

             
"I know Angel, me either." He kisses my temple as I place the picture down.

             
I turn in his arms and wrap mine around his shoulder. He places another kiss on my lips softly. "I'm not sure I can ever forgive her. It didn't just ruin my parents, and yours, it ruined you and me, it ruined us. Even if just temporarily. It took all my power not to shove her away from me when she opened the door."

             
I rest my head on his chest, unable to look at the pain in his eyes. I nod against his chest that is beating a little faster. He is angry, and he has every right to be. "I know, Avery, I know."

             
A throat clearing catches our attention. It's my dad. We both turn towards him and his brows pinch together. "Lunch is served." His eyes wander around the room I hardly ever saw him in, before turning and walking away. At least he doesn't put up any pretenses, pretending this is all okay.

             
Lunch is awkward as ever. Hardly anyone talks. Hardly anyone eats. All our eyes stay focused on our food until someone does decide to say something, which just makes things even more awkward. Then when lunch is done, I thank Ellen and walk out the door. I don't say bye to my dad or Trish, and Avery follows behind me. He thanks everyone for lunch, but he doesn't sound all that grateful about it.

             
The ride to his dad's is very silent. When we pull in, he starts to open the door but I stop him. "Avery."

             
He turns and looks at me, his eyes darkened some. He looks miserable.

             
"I'm sorry Cassie. I just want to go see my dad." He climbs out of the car and walks straight to the house, leaving me behind. This is part of why I left him, knowing the stress of our parents would eventually rub off on us and cause unnecessary tension. I ignore it because I know having him is completely worth it.

             
I climb out and follow behind. His dad doesn't answer the door, so we both walk through and Avery calls out to his dad.

             
We make it to his office and he is sitting at the desk, sipping on some amber liquid. Avery shakes his head before plopping down in a seat across from him. "Dad, really? It's hardly two."

             
Teddy shrugs. "Your point? I don't have to work tonight."

             
Avery sighs. I just stand there, watching, not sure how to act. Avery points to the chair next to him, which I reluctantly take.

             
They chat while my mind wanders off. It takes until Avery nudges me for me to be brought back into the now. I look at him, wondering why he nudged me.

             
"Did you hear me?"

             
"No," I laugh out.

             
He shakes his head in slight amusement, his green eyes shining bright. He is hopeful about something.

             
"I just said, I'm sure your mom wouldn't mind if we brought my dad with us for dinner. She always has a lot of guests, would she mind another?"

             
"Oh, no, of course she wouldn't mind. That is a great idea actually, I don't know why I hadn't thought of it."

             
He turns to his dad. "Put the drinks away and go get showered, we'll be down here waiting. You can ride over with us, since I don't want your buzzed ass driving."

             
He dad stands and shakes his head. "I only had two, I'm fine. But I'll take the offer, then I can have another one when we get there." He winks at me before walking out of the office door.

             
I snicker softly. Avery turns to me. "You think that’s funny?"

             
"Sort of." I shrug and he shoves at my shoulder.

             
I had text my mom to double check and she was more than happy to have Teddy join us.

             
We arrive to a packed driveway. More than usual, actually. I'm happy to see Aubrey, Mason, her parents and his, and three of my mom’s closest friends with their families. It's just what my mom needed for her first holiday alone. Her only single friend, Dianne, is immediately flirting with Teddy. I don't blame her, he is an older version of Avery sans tattoos. Well, I think.

             
We all chat and I see Avery loosen up a lot, finally smiling and really talking with everyone. It helps he has Mason here. Jaxon, a son to another of my mom’s friends, is our age, so they have another guy to talk to. Aubrey and I mostly pick at the food displayed while chatting with the adults. There are only two other kids, both in their early teens, so they've gone outside to "tan" on the beach, in their clothes.

             
Dinner goes smoothly, and the food was amazing. My mom hired a catering company for our dinner, since she really isn't the type of mom who cooks. After dinner, most everyone leaves, thanking my mom. Her friend, Dianne, stays, as well as Avery and I, Teddy of course, as well as Mason and Aubrey.

             
Aubrey and I help clean up while everyone goes outside to start a mini fire in my mom’s pit. Once the kitchen and dining room are cleaned up, we join everyone outside. I lay with Avery in the chase lounge, not having any choice but to cuddle close. Thankfully a blanket covers us, so no one can see his hand placed exactly where it should not be.

             
Teddy and Dianne chit chat and flirt in front of everyone, making all of us smile. We do our best to ignore them as we talk about other things. Eventually we all say our goodbyes, and I make sure to give my mom a large hug and kiss before leaving, thanking her for making Thanksgiving much better than I had expected.

             
After Avery drops his dad off I scold him. "You are so bad!"

             
He winks at me and says, "what ever do you mean?"

             
"Pft, stop playing the innocence card, it's not working with me. Your hand was traveling in areas it should have not been visiting when my mom and your dad were only a few feet from us. I thought we were taking it slow?"

             
He just grins, not saying anything. When we arrive home, he says he wants to walk me to the door. The second I get my door unlocked, I discover he has other things in mind. I push against his chest. "Avery, slow."

             
I try to be stern but when he licks at my ear before biting down, I quiver. He whispers seductively, "do you know what today is?"

             
I giggle softly, backing into the apartment and closing the door with my foot. "Thanksgiving," I mutter.

             
"Last Thanksgiving was one of the best days of my life." He kisses my jaw, making his way to my mouth so slow, it's killing me softly.

             
"Oh," was all I could manage, as I thought about how last Thanksgiving played out. The first time we ever had sex together, and it was incredible. I can't help but dampen just thinking about it.

             
He licks at my lips, asking for entrance and I allow it. After a sweet, passionate make out session, he pulls away and looks me in the eyes. "Tell me no and I'll stop, but I want this so bad."

             
I bite down on my lip and turn around, walking towards the bedroom. He runs up behind me, pulling me into his arms to carry me into the bedroom. I just laugh and allow him to be his crazy self.

             
He lays me down on the bed and strips off all my clothes, before stripping out of his own. I'd laugh at his little patience if I wasn't so turned on and ready for this. Of course he'd change my mind so easily about the whole taking things slow idea. When it comes to Avery, I don't have much will power. I'm surprised it's lasted this long honestly. At least we attempted.

             
He kisses from my mouth to my ear then whispers again. "Let me show you how much I love you."

             
My eyes nearly roll back as I think about what he is going to do. He slowly rains kisses down me, stopping only once to pull my nipples into his mouth and sucking softly. He gets to between my legs, teasing me as he blows cool air against my wet folds. My body shakes, ready for him, craving his touch, his warmth.

             
"Avery," I breathe out.

             
He doesn't respond, instead he licks at my heated entrance, making his way slowly to my clit, where he continues to make love to me with his mouth. It's utterly the most amazing feeling in the world, especially when he pushes two fingers deep inside me. I'm panting and moaning so loud, thankful Aubrey isn't here to hear my insane noises.

             
I get off on his face but he doesn't stop. I pull at his hair but it just causes him to go harder and faster, pushing his tongue against my throbbing nub. My insides pulsate as another orgasm erupts through me, causing me to arch into Avery's face.

             
He pulls back and I laugh at the juices surrounding his mouth. He wipes them with the back of his hand then climbs on top of me. He kisses at my shoulder, biting down softly. "I love you," he whispers.

             
"I love you, too," I repeat in my own whisper.

             
He pushes into me, a soft moan escaping between his lips. "God I missed this," he says. His eyes bore into mine.

             
I don't say anything, unable to, as he pumps into me, thrusting hard. I push at his shoulders, causing him to roll onto his back so I can be on top. I like having that kind of control. I ride up and down his shaft, doing kegals as he grips my hips, making me go faster.

             
His hands find my bouncing breasts and squeeze at my nipples, giving me just what I need to get off once more. This time I start to black out slightly but don't give up riding him. As I scream out his name, he gives off a grunt, and my insides fill with his warmth. I squeeze myself around his cock as I pull off him, making his body shudder beneath mine. It's the best feeling of empowerment.

             
We lay side by side, not saying anything. Avery looks up to the ceiling, a large smile on his face. I watch him with puppy dog eyes, falling in love more and more. I run my hand up and down his chiseled abs, which causes his eyes to slowly close. It's not much longer that I'm doing just that.

Chapter Five

             
Before I know it the holidays have come and gone. Things have flowed smoothly, almost too smoothly. But I don't fight it. I welcome it with a smile.

             
I meet up with Aubrey's mom to start planning her baby shower. We meet at a bakery so we can choose out a cake for her. She refuses to find out the sex of the baby, so all the planning is a lot harder than I had wanted it to be. We end up finding a cake that is a mixture of blue, pink, and yellow.

             
After that, we pick up party supplies and she brings them all home with her.

             
I decide to run to Mason's after so I can get a few ideas and figure out a way to surprise Aubrey with her shower. I don't want her knowing anything about it. It's an all-female baby shower, going the traditional way, but I am hoping Mason can find a way to at least get her there. Plus, we'll need him to show up with his pick-up truck after so that they can bring the crib and stuff back to his place after.

             
Aubrey is moving in with him in a few months, before the baby is born. Which saddens me greatly, but of course it's for the best, so I'm happy for her.

             
I knock on Mason's door and a really pretty girl answers the door. I start to think maybe I got the wrong door, but when Mason stands behind her a second later, I realize I'm very much at the right apartment. I give him a questioning look.

             
"Oh, hi Cassie, come on in."

             
The girl moves aside as I walk past her. My eyes take her in. This must be the infamous ex-girlfriend. She smiles at me but I don't return the gesture, instead I look at Mason and lift my brows. I need an explanation soon, or things will not end so well.

             
He sighs and does this exaggerated eye roll. "Cassie, Morgan, Morgan, Cassie. Morgan is a friend of mine, helping me out with something important."

             
"Okay," I drag the word out.

             
"Sit, I'll explain. But you have to promise me you won't say a damn word."

             
I cross my arms. "Well, that depends on what it is, because I refuse to allow you to hurt my best friend."

             
He shakes his head with a smile. "Sit." I do as he says, needing this explanation. There is no reason his ex-girlfriend, lesbian or not, to be alone with him in his place. They've spent way too much time together, and I don't like it one bit. And I know damn well Aubrey doesn't either.

             
"I know I haven't been with Aubrey all that long, but we have a kid on the way and I'm completely in love with her. I couldn't picture my life with anyone else. I don't want to scare her, but... but I want to marry her. I've been planning on an incredible surprise to ask her to marry me. I want it completely romantic but not over the top. I'm not into that sappy shit though, so since Morgan is a girl, I got her opinion. She's been helping me a great deal. And I would've asked you, but well, you're her best friend and I know how girls are. You probably wouldn't have kept your damn mouth shut."

             
I feel my entire body relax into the seat. "That is what this is all about?"

             
He nods his head with a shy smile.

             
My smile grows fiercely. "That is awesome Mason, I'm so happy to hear that! I was about ready to beat you over the head with a frying pan." We both laugh softly as he shakes his head at my stupid threat. "She'll say yes, Mason, don't stress about it. And if you guys need help planning, I am her best friend after all, and could think of some pretty awesome ideas."

             
He comes over and hugs me. "Thank you Cassie. I'm sorry I kept this from you."

             
"No problem. But you may want to rush this a little, because I've seen her cry a lot of tears about you two hanging out and she isn't dealing well. You're stressing the baby out. Good intentions or not, you shouldn't be allowing her to internally battle with herself this way."

             
"Shit, I feel like an ass." He runs his hands through his hair. "I knew she was a little upset but I promised her I'd let her know soon, and not to worry."

             
"She is young, pregnant, and you're hanging out with your ex. Of course she is going to panic, no matter how much we all ensure her nothing bad is happening."

             
He sighs and looks to Morgan. "Can we get this done faster?"

             
She comes over and sits next to me at the kitchen table. "I'd say by next week."

             
"Perfect!"

             
"Are you going to tell me the plans?" I ask whoever is willing to tell me.

             
Mason looks at Morgan and waves his head to her, giving her permission to answer me. She looks at me and smiles. "Well, as of now the plan is that they're going to fly down to Texas where the, uh, conception happened. He is going to do a picnic on the beach, serving her favorite dishes. They'll go out to dinner that night, and while at dinner he'll get down on his knee, ask her to marry him. Then they'll have three days down there to have their pre honey moon, since the baby will have been born at the time of their wedding. They won't be able to have as romantic of a time with a child," she shrugs, "and the honey moon part is what we still have to plan. The tickets are purchased and the restaurant has been notified."

             
"And this has taken you two like two months to plan?" I look at Mason.

             
"You'd be surprised! It wasn't so much planning this, it was booking tickets, calling around, planning things around classes and my job. And we haven't met up more than a dozen times. It probably seems like more because Aubrey goes a little crazy each and every time."

             
I sigh, a bit frustrated but completely understanding. "Okay, well I think it sounds perfect. I'll look into things for the honey moon thingy."

             
"Thanks Cassie, I appreciate it. So is that what brings you here?"

             
"Actually no." I almost forgot my real reasoning when I saw his ex. "I was here so we can plan how to get her to her baby shower."

             
His eyes narrow playfully. "Great, another surprise! She is going to either love us or hate us."

             
"Speak for yourself," I say with laughter.

             
We make the plans and say bye as I leave. I'm thankful when Morgan leaves the same time as me. I'm happy about what they're planning and the fact it seems totally innocent between the two of them, but I still don't like them being alone together. We're in college, she may just be experiencing with girls but not be a full on lesbian. Don't most girls try the whole girlfriend thing in college at least once? I'm not one of those girls, but she could be, and she could change her mind and decide that she likes guys after all. I don't need her questioning her sexuality around Mason.

             
Instead of worrying about her, I decide to be thankful for what they're planning. I'm so happy for Aubrey and the fact Mason wants to marry her.

             
Avery meets me at my apartment after his PT session and he walks in grinning. I kiss his mouth as I start preparing a light dinner for the two of us. "What has you all happy?"

             
"Besides you," he says. He pinches my butt and I swat at his hand. Chuckling softly, he walks over and sits on the bar stool watching me. "Got some good news from Franklin today." Franklin is his personal physical therapist.

             
When the water starts to boil, I place the spaghetti in the pot, then turn to face him. "Oh yeah? What’s the good news?"

             
He continues grinning, unable to stop. I can't help but smile as well, knowing it's obviously not just good news, its great news. I haven't seen him smile like this in a long time, if ever. "I can start fighting again."

             
Did someone just punch me in the stomach? That is what it feels like. "Um." I'm at a loss for words. I just stare at him and wonder if I should pretend to be happy or if I should let him know I don't think it's a good idea.

             
Well, it doesn't matter if I want to pretend or not, obviously my face shows my disappointment.

             
Avery walks over and wraps me in his arms, placing a kiss on my forehead. "Hey, don't be upset. It's just underground again, it's not semi-professional. I won't be leaving you and I won't be getting hurt. It'll be good to get some extra cash again, and it's something I love. I thought you'd be happy for me."

             
"I am Avery, I'm really happy for you. I'm just scared. I don't want you to get hurt again." And I don't want you to leave me again. I don't say that part out loud and I know I don't have to. He said it himself, he knows I'm worried about it.

             
We sway together, wrapped in each other’s arms. "I won't fight if you don't want me to." It comes out as a whisper. I know I can't tell him not to fight, I couldn't hurt him like that. I've hurt him enough. Fighting is his passion and if he wants to risk things, I won't stand in his way.

             
"You should fight." I pull away from him and stir the spaghetti, then I reach for the sauce, putting it into a large bowl that I microwave. Avery just stands and watches me as I prepare our dinner. Avoiding him as much as possible so he doesn't see the disappointment on my face, I reach into the freezer and pull out some frozen garlic bread. I place it in the preheated oven. Now that everything is in the process of heating up or cooking, I have no choice but to stand in the kitchen, waiting.

             
Avery sits back down but stares at me, reading my expression. "You don't want me to."