Ride It Out (5 page)

Chapter Eight: Anne

The next morning, sort of stuck halfway between asleep and awake, I let myself drift back to yesterday and the time with Blake. I could just lay in bed forever, thinking about him. He'd insisted on cleaning up the kitchen, then left shortly after dinner, much to my disappointment. The afternoon and part of the evening wasn't nearly enough time with him.

I think he might have felt the same way, but he insisted he didn't want to tire me out too much. Seeing me take another dose of meds might have influenced that concern. But if I'm honest, the faint lines around his mouth seemed a little deeper, reminding me his accident wasn't so long ago, so I reluctantly agreed..

That brings me, fully awake, to the kiss he gave me right before he left. It was the sweetest kiss, most tender kiss I’ve ever had. Okay, okay, it isn't like I've had that many kisses. Or any like that, for that matter. But it was also sweeter and more tender than any kiss I've ever read about, and that's a
lot.
Makes me think—and hope—he wants more than a summer fling.

A man like him undoubtedly has any woman he wants, wheelchair or not. His injury does nothing to make him less handsome and virile. Of course, for me particularly, it might add a little to the appeal, but I know plenty of nurses who would fall all over themselves to give him a sponge bath. The thought sparks jealously in me, something I never really thought myself capable of.

I can’t believe I let him do all he did last night. I’ve never even met anyone I would consider letting touch me like that, never mind give me an orgasm. And oh man, if that’s what they are like then I sure won’t complain if he wants to give me more. The feel of his hands on me, and those lips were unimaginably wicked. I can only dream of what he’s capable of in the bed.

“Look at me.” I laugh at myself to try and lessen the bite of disappointment, imagining him in bed.

Blake probably won’t come back after the way I made a fool of myself. He didn’t even get anything out of it. He’d be crazy to want me. A virgin, with little to no experience. Okay, fine. No experience. Men like him want women who know how to please them the same way, women who can meet them evenly. Not some little twit they have to train.

Racing around the cottage, I'm trying to get ready for Adam's visit. He should be here any minute and I’m over-the-moon excited to see him. I miss him more than I imagined I might. Still, I want to make sure nothing is out of place, and convince him I’m just fine here on my own.

I don’t want to give him any reason to think I can’t keep staying here. A few days ago, my biggest fear might have been him taking away my fledgling independence. A great deal has changed though. Now I'll do anything I possibly can to keep him from taking Blake away.

The door rattles, startling me. “Sis! I’m here!”

“Adam! You made it!” Speeding towards him, I push the little flash of fear out of my mind. I can't believe I left the door unlocked, yet again, even knowing how it worried Blake.

He held up one hand. “Hey, slow your wheels. You run me over we’re going to have problems.” Laughing, he moves out of my way just in time, playfully tapping me on the head. He gives me a big hug and kisses my forehead. “You look happy Anne. Even have some color to you. Bet you haven’t been staying out of the sun like you’re always told, am I right?”

I can't keep from giggling. “What happens on the beach stays on the beach, right?”.Oh, what a sentence full of so much more than he knows. That leads me to thinking about Blake again. He’s always in my head, just waiting for the chance to fill my thoughts.

“Hey, where’d you go?” Adam looks intently at me, like he knows I’m off thinking about something else. Or someone else. My big brother knows me pretty well, after all.

Thank goodness he can't read my thoughts. I'd be in serious trouble. “Um, nowhere. What’d you bring me?” I change the subject with a smile. He always brings me some sort of gift each time he sees me, usually something small, things that would mean nothing to anyone else. But I cherish them all no matter what.

“Don’t lie to me Anne. I know you too well. But you know me, too." He smiles to take the sting from his words. "Of course I brought you something.” Reaching into his bag, he pulls out a small envelope and passes it to me with this huge smile.

I look from him to the envelope. “What is it?”

“You gotta open it silly. Go on, look inside. Hurry up. You’re killing me.” My big bad brother is practically jumping up and down and grinning ear to ear. Half-afraid he’s going to snatch it back and open it himself, I start to tear it open slowly.

“Damn it, rip it open Anne!”

Startled, I jump and the envelope drops to the floor, contents spilling out. Then I see it. I start screaming. I seriously can’t believe what I’m seeing. On the floor are not just Taylor Swift concert tickets, but VIP passes too!

“I take it, you like the gift?” he yells over my screaming.

A fresh shriek starts to build in my throat. “Oh my god. Adam, how did you get these? I thought they were sold out? Wait, do I wanna know? Wait. Don’t tell me. No tell me. These are real right? You didn’t steal them or buy them off the street did you?”

He laughs again. “Lotta faith you have in your big brother. No, I knew someone that owed me a favor. Thought it was the perfect time to cash in for my baby sis. There’s two tickets there. You still going to make me go with you?”

Until a few days ago, that would have been a resounding yes. Now, I can't stop myself from wishing Blake could go with me.

Is it too early to go to Anne's door? I've been sitting on the back porch listening to the waves for hours, trying to give her time. The last thing I want to do is pressure her or scare her, though I have a feeling that brother of hers will gladly do both.

Shrill screams echo down the beach and command my full attention. Panic sets in when I realize its Anne’s voice. I have to get to her. Speeding through the condo, I pause long enough to grab my .40 semi-auto off the coffee table and race to the door and hurry towards her.

That goddamn hill is
steep
and I have to power up it. At the halfway point my shoulders are burning like crazy, but Anne is still screaming. Terror gives me a strength I never thought I could have. Finally it levels out some and I can pick up respectable speed.

It kills me to have slow down and take the beginning of her ramp with care, but I won't be of any use to her if I'm face first on the ground under my damn chair. So I do what I have to do and slow down and take the ramp right and get myself up on the porch where I can see what's going on.

Some guy is in there, standing over her. Too fucking close. He’s probably over six foot, not too built, but at my angle I’m at a serious height disadvantage. Fuck, I’ll figure it out. I slide the door open. Damn it all to hell, she has it unlocked again. Wait until I get her alone, she’s not going to forget after this.

Their backs are to the door and they don’t even hear me come inside. I switch off the safety and tuck the gun under my thigh, ready in case I need it. Rolling quietly, yet fast and hard, I ram him right in the back of his heels.

He goes down hard. “Shit! What the hell?” The guy is on the floor holding his legs and groaning.

"Don't move!" Pointing the gun at him, I risk a quick glance to Anne. “Anne, you okay?”

She's pale, shaking. “Ohmigosh Blake! What are you doing? Stop it. Put that thing away.”

In that second, I almost doubt my actions. No. I will not compromise where her safety is concerned. “Not until I find out what’s going on, I heard you screaming bloody murder. I came here as fast as I could. Now explain, and babe you better hurry the hell up, my patience is running thin.”

She rolls over to the bastard on the floor, helping him up as much as she can. “Blake, meet Adam… my brother. Adam, meet Blake.”

Oh,
fuck!
I back away and put the gun back in the concealed holster on my ankle. Uh, Hi.” With adrenaline still racing through me, I don’t really have much else to say to him at the moment. “Why the fuck were you screaming Anne?” Staring at her, I wait for her response.

You keep that gun away from her, she could have gotten hurt.” Adam is back on his feet and clearly pissed. Maybe even a little justifiably so. “And don’t yell at her, and stop cussing at her.”

Fucker better not get any closer. My control is just about gone, and wheelchair or not, I’ll take him out. “Would you rather I just nicely ask a would-be rapist to leave?" He stood silent, proving my point. "Yeah, didn’t think so. Anne, I’m still waiting.”

She’s still right beside Adam, like she’s not sure what to do.

I want her beside me. Now. The thoughts that went through my mind on the way over here—I just need her close, right now. “Anne, come here, babe.”

She looks to me, then to Adam and back to me. It shows in her eyes the instant she decides. My Anne lets go of her brother’s arm, and heads my way with the sweetest smile. "You were really worried?"

As soon as she’s within reach, I grab her. "Babe, I was terrified." I kiss her hard, earning a little whimper from her. Her eyes close, and she's lost in the most possessive kiss we’ve had. Yes, making love to her yesterday was possessive, but this is different. This is me telling her she matters to me, and not just for the sweet way she goes to pieces for me. She reaches for my neck, wrapping her arms around me, almost like she’s needing more. I plan to give her everything she needs and more very soon. Starting with showing Adam here who’s the boss now and helping him realize his baby sis isn’t his to protect anymore..

But for the moment, I'm content to just hold her close and taste her. Hearing her screams unleashed wants and needs I never had before with another woman. Hell, never even knew I was capable of. The thought of Anne in trouble and in danger hit me hard.

What the hell am I going to do? This tiny slip of a girl holds my everything in the palm of her hand. If she doesn't want me, well, I'm not sure I'd survive that. The thought gives me pause. At the time, I didn't think I could make it when a drunk driver took my legs, but I did, and I'm stronger for it in ways. No, this is different. A man can't go on without his heart
.

Her brother clears his throat, loud, in a definite hint, but I refuse to let go of her until I finish proving to myself that she really is okay. He will just have to wait.

Chapter Nine: Blake

If looks could kill, I’d be dead right now. He’s not happy at all and I'm very satisfied with myself in more ways than one. I bet he thinks I’m not good enough for Anne. No one is. But newsflash, she’s my girl already. Fuck, my girl?

My girl. At least for now she’s mine. And no one else’s. Adam isn’t going to stop me either. I'm perfectly willing to fight dirty if need be.

Adam's scowl promises he plans to fight, too. “Anne, why don’t you go fix us some lunch? Show me how well you’re doing here on your own, and let us guys have a little chat. I'd like to get to know Blake a little more.” His knuckles are white where he grips the doorframe. Yeah, big brother isn't going to wait to tell me what he thinks. At least he's careful to get Anne out of the room first.

She looks up to me, questioning, like she's asking if it’s okay. Damn, I like her checking with me first. If things were to go beyond here this summer, she’ll need to look to me for protection in the club life. That look shows she trusts me.

I'll talk to Adam because I know how much he means to Anne. I can't hold back a little grin. “Go on, babe, we’ll be fine. Plus, I’m a little hungry. I was thinking of other things than food this morning.”

A cute little blush spreads over her cheeks as she realizes what I mean. “Okay, I’ll go fix something up quick.” With no sign of shyness, she leans in and give me a quick kiss, then rolls right by Adam without a word, and heads to the kitchen.

As soon as she's out of earshot, I tense up, ready for whatever he has to say because I know he’s ready to snap.

He leans down, like to make sure I hear him. “Don’t you touch my sister, motherfucker! I don’t know what you think you’re doing here, but stay the fuck away from her.” Anger, and fear, distorted his face.

I take a deep breath, I’m going to let that slide. For Anne’s sake, him being her brother and all. Of course he's worried for her. He should be. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her happy and safe, including put up with this asshole. But that doesn’t mean I won’t let him know what I would do if he wasn’t her brother.

Another deep breath to make sure I keep control. “You know, if you were any other fucker and spoke to me like that, I’d go with my first impulse. I'd just put a bullet through that head of yours. But since you mean something to Anne, and Anne means the world to me, I’m going to cut you some slack.”

He laughs, loud and mocking. I’m not liking this kid at all. Anne is fucking lucky right now. “YOU cut ME some slack? Are you kidding me? Fucker you’re on wheels. Don’t kid yourself into thinking you can protect Anne, take care of Anne, and care for Anne more than me. I’ve been here, you haven’t.”

“Oh you think you can, do you, Adam? You can take better care of her than me? Really? Because I seem to remember taking real good care of her last night. She makes the sweetest sounds.” He’s fuming but I’m not done yet. Fucker, needs to back off. “You’re remembering aren’t you? Her breathlessness when you called?”

He lunges at me. I'm ready for it, and make a sharp turn to the left, counting on his height and anger to work against him. He loses his balance and trips over the back of my chair to land on the floor with a thud.

“Everything ok?” Anne calls out from the kitchen.

Pressing on his chest, I lean down and speak even quieter. “Give up Adam, she’s mine. I can and will take better care of her than you can, and she’ll fucking love every single second of it too.”

“Guys? Hello? My hands are dirty right now, you ok?” Anne sounds concerned.

“Tell her we’re fine.”

Adam gives in, grunting he calls out. “We’re fine sis, just goofing around.”

"Okay, if you say so. Just worried you were trying to kill each other." She laughs, not know how close to the truth she is.

I offer Adam my hand to help him, even though I realize how risky it is, counting on his need to keep Anne happy. “Remember, your precious sister is a grown woman. She's not a child anymore. I give you my word though, I’ll never intentionally hurt her. I’ll treat her like she should be treated.” I wheel a few feet away to watch him looking at me.

He’s not sure how honest I am. How could he be? He doesn't know me from Adam. But he knows I've won this round and I see it in his eyes. He's not ready to concede the war yet, though. And it's okay. I understand time is the only thing that will convince him I'm sincere.

I’m not at all sure what went down in the living room after I left them, but I know something did. Probably something not so nice. A little twinge of guilt hits me, but doesn't last long. Regret for meeting Blake, for the time I've had with him, will not take root in my heart. There's nothing but happy excitement.

The tension between Adam and Blake practically suffocates me. I'm no idiot and I know exactly why Adam is so angry. He's having trouble accepting that I'm all grown up and capable of feeling this way. Even while he's been on my side in this struggle for some measure of independence, he treats it as a temporary thing. As if a summer spent making my own choices will get it out of my system and I'll go back to the status quo after.

As we came to the table, I deliberately rolled in at Blake's side. Not Adam's. Across from me, my brother's hazel eyes are furious but he manages to hide his scowl after a few seconds.

The BLTs and chips look nice on the colorful plates and the accomplishment pleases me. My first time making an entire meal for anyone other than myself went well. Now if the eating part stays peaceful, it might be a minor miracle..

Crap, I forgot a drink for myself. I start to back from the table, hand on the controller, but Blake stops me by laying his hand over mine for a second then dropping it to rest on my knee. With a wicked smile, he moves up the inside of my thigh a little, teasing and making me want him to continue.

“Babe, where you going? Something you need?” He knows darn well what he’s doing to me and that I can't very well leave the table with his hand under my dress.

It takes me a minute to remember what I even wanted. “Uh, I forgot a drink for myself. Crappie crap, and my afternoon meds too.”

He looks right at Adam. “I’m sure Adam is willing to go get that for you, babe, since he’s closer, let him. Right?” The looks passing between them is like they are speaking more than they are saying out loud.

Adam swallows, hard. “Sure, sis. Fruit punch, and your normal meds?” He pushes back from the table and his gaze deliberately drops to where Blake's arm rests on the inside of my armrest. Luckily, he says nothing.

My cheeks feel like they're on fire. “Yeah, nothing has changed. Thanks Adam. Love you.” The last words just sort of spilled out, unplanned, but maybe they'll ease the hurt in Adam's face.

My brother gives me a little smile, almost sad, and turns for the kitchen. The moment he's out of sight, Blake’s hand moves up even further, to trace the edge of my panties.

My breathing increases with the anticipation. I’m on fire, needing more. I can’t believe I want this, him. Now, here, with Adam coming back any minute. But I also know I won't deny him. And if he happens to plan on giving me another orgasm, I won't care where or when.

The position is a bit awkward, with our chairs so close and side by side, instead of facing each other. Trying to help, although not really sure if it does, I part my legs, just a little, hoping that lets him know my wants without speaking.

Air hisses between his teeth. “Oh sweet Anne, you’re not so innocent are you? Give them to me.” His breath in my ear causes chill bumps, even while warmth flashes over my skin.

“Give you what?” I barely speak loud enough, but he hears me.

He looks at me with that knowing smirk. He doesn’t mean it, does he? Seriously, in front of Adam, I don’t know about this. But his hand continues to tease, its causing me to forget any objections I might have considered. Throwing caution out, I lift up just a little. The realization hits me that I am powerless to deny this man anything.

That's all the encouragement he needs and in one pull they’re down past my knees. Thank goodness I choose a sun dress to wear today. Shorts would create some logistics problems. I hold my breath and wait to see what Blake will demand next, and what I will give him.

His mouth brushes over my ear and he's breathing hard, almost panting. “Lift up your legs for me, babe. You won’t be needing these things.”

He takes my panties and tucks them in his pocket with a very satisfied smile. My face is burning and I must be as red as a tomato right now. And yet, I wait to see what he’ll do next. I’m on edge with anticipation, breathless.

He runs his hand down my cheek, pulls me in for a kiss with so much promise it’s nearly too much for me. Needing air, I try pull back. Holding me tighter, he waits another second before letting go.

“Anne, do you want a straw?” Adam calls from the kitchen.

Crappie. Taking a deep breathe, I try my best to sound calm, as if Blake didn't just steal my panties and promise me so much more in a kiss. “Sure, that would be best.”

Blake traces his finger down my neck and shoulder, under the strap of my sundress, then along the top of my breast. “We’ll finish this later. Eat up, you’re going to need your strength, sweet Anne.” His eyes sparkle with mischief and he brushes his thumb across my nipple as Adam's footsteps approach from the kitchen.

Adam places my medicine and my glass of juice on the table with a slight thud. He's not pleased at all, and I wonder how much he knows. I thank him and take a sip of the cold punch. Hopefully my cheeks aren’t as flushed as I know they were before.

Blake and Adam exchange some type of look I don’t quite understand. Must be guy talk, and I can't imagine it's anything too pleasant.

Blake tips my head his way with a gentle finger and leans in for a lingering kiss. “Anne, I have a few things I have to do for work back at my place. Why don’t you spend some time with your brother, okay? I’ll be back in a couple of hours. Sound good?”

Is he seriously going to leave with my panties? The gleam in his eyes coupled with that smirk answer very clearly. Darn it, yes he is. “Uh, sure. Okay. Maybe later tonight we can have a fire out in the back?” The thought of cuddling with him beside a fire makes me hope he’ll say yes.

Blake groans a little and heat fills his eyes. “Oh, yeah, we could definitely do that." He draws me in for another kiss that ends with us both breathing harder. "Why don’t you come roll me to the door?”

I glance over at Adam, but don't wait for him to nod permission like I might have in the past. Rolling back from the table, I lead the way to the door, still unsure what’s going on.

“Sweet Anne, don’t put new ones on. I want you just like this when I get back.” Not waiting for me to respond, he pulls me in for a hard kiss, and leaves before I open my eyes.

Now to go finish lunch, with no panties on and my brother across the table. Terrific.