HOLLIS
“Why are you rushing? We have to go over our workout and talk about our positives and negatives.”
Any other day I would never try to duck out on my sister but I have to pick up Melony for the barbeque, and I won’t be late. Just from the brief interactions I’ve had with her, I can sense she’s skittish, that she doesn’t trust much. I want to make sure she can trust me. When I tell her I’m going to pick her up at a certain time, you can bet your ass I’ll be there on time, even a few minutes early. I don’t ever want to her to not be able to trust me.
Ever.
Knowing Holly won’t let me leave without telling her what’s going on, I confess. “Remember that girl I was telling you about a little bit ago?”
“The one who won’t give you the time of day?”
Of course Holly wouldn’t miss one of my shortcomings. She loves rubbing it in when she gets a chance.
“Yes, that one. Her name is Melony. Reese is having a small gathering today and he invited us. Melony lives in my complex and I offered to drive her.” With a bright smile and my chest puffed, I say, “And she agreed.”
The moment she said yes, I did a private dance in my condo. I fist-pumped the air so fucking hard.
“She agreed to you driving her to a gathering. So you’re her chauffer?” Holly shows no hint of happiness for me.
“It’s more than that. I’ve been busting my ass to spend a little alone time with this girl, so I’m fucking stoked I get to drive her.”
Holly looks at me as if I’m crazy but I don’t care. I woke up this morning with one thing on my mind: getting to see Melony and spending some time with her. Fuck, it’s driven me to have one of my best practices since Coach Wilson passed. A little bit of it has to do with Holly and her coaching technique, but I also think it has to do with the potential I see in my future with Melony.
“Whatever works for you. Tomorrow morning we’ll go over what we accomplished today. Does that work?”
“You’re the best, Holls.” I lean down and place a kiss on her forehead. “I would love to stay and watch you beast mode it in the gym but I have to shower and get the hell out of here.”
“Okay, but be safe driving. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind if you were a few minutes late. And don’t look at your phone when driving.”
As if she has to remind me. I would never make that mistake again.
As long as I fucking live.
“You got it, Holls.” I shoot her a wink and say, “See you in the morning.”
I spend the next ten minutes showering, dressing, and shooting a text to Melony that I’m on my way. Thankfully I already purchased some beer to take to Reese’s barbeque, so I don’t have to stop at the store.
This is going to be the best fucking car ride of my life. And who knows, I might take the long route to create a few extra moments with her.
Future wife, here I fucking come.
***
Well, that was the worst fucking drive of my entire life.
All my expectations of making a special connection with Melony flew right out the window when she refused to look at me and only answered me with single words, never elaborating. I’ve had much longer conversations with her before. What’s so different about today?
Did she not like my car? Hell, I know it’s a Prius, not the manliest car in the world, but I save the earth.
I park in Reese’s driveway and turn to Melony who is evacuating the vehicle at rapid speed.
“Hey, where’s the fire?” I ask, slightly insulted she can’t seem to leave fast enough.
With one foot out the door, she turns to me and says, “No fire, just getting out. You don’t expect me to just sit in the car with you, do you?”
“Wow.” I tilt my head and study her. “That was the most you said to me all drive.”
She shrugs. “There wasn’t much to talk about.”
I raise a surprised eyebrow at her. “I asked you what your favorite cuisine was and your answer was yes. Last time I checked ‘yes’ wasn’t a type of cuisine.” Her face reddens. “So what’s the rush?”
She looks down at the pie she’s brought and says, “I don’t know. Just excited about barbeque.”
Lie, such a big fat lie, but I will let it slide because I by no means want to push her. Nope, I’m going to take my time with Melony. I don’t want to scare her away.
“Well then, let’s get fucking to it.” She glances at me for a second, a little suspicion in her eyes but I don’t let her examine me for too long.
We walk up to the door together, light beer in my hands—I still have a diet I have to worry about—and a pie in hers, which I will be eating at least two pieces of. Yes, I have a diet but I also have a sweet tooth that hasn’t been fed in a while. It’s time to indulge and I can’t think of a better thing to eat than Melony’s pussy . . . I mean pie! Pie! I want to eat her pie. Fuck, I want to eat her pussy too.
It takes a few minutes for Reese to answer the door but once he does, I wish he didn’t. Dude looks like hell. Woof!
“Well, don’t look like you want to kill yourself,” I say sarcastically not bothering to wait for a response but instead letting myself into his place.
From the entryway, I can hear Melony’s sweet voice say, “I made some chocolate pudding pie, it’s all sugar-free.” Fuck she’s adorable. Sugar-free wouldn’t be my first option but if Melony made a shit pie for me like in The Help, I would eat it. Dedication, men, it’s what makes a true romantic.
“Thanks, you can put it in the fridge for now. Looks good, Mel,” Reese sounds off.
Melony and Reese meet me in the kitchen. Melony quickly puts her pie in the fridge as I open one of my beers and take a sip. Reese seriously looks like he’s on death row, constantly checking his phone. He must be waiting to hear from Paisley. Shit, if I was with Melony and I didn’t hear from her, I would most likely look just as crazed.
The best thing about having a friend like Reese, is you can bust his balls when he’s out of sorts and he won’t punch your dick off. “Grip that phone a little tighter and an itty-bitty gnome might pop out,” I say with a smirk.
Reese shoots daggers at me, but that’s the most harm he will do. He then eyes my beer and says in a gruff tone, “Shouldn’t you be watching what you imbibe?”
I hold up my hands in defense. “Hey, Mom, get off my back. I just made the Olympic team, pounded it out in the gym and on the tramp today, so my shit’s covered. Let me enjoy a beer. Damn, what’s your problem? You’re the one who invited us over for a cookout. Is Paisley in the back? She needs to calm you down.” Poke the bear, that’s all I’m doing, poking the bear. Why? Because it’s fun. He would be doing the same fucking thing to me right now if roles were reversed.
Once again, he gives me a dirty look. “She’s not here.”
Maybe sensing the tension building, even though it’s playful tension, Melony adds to the conversation, something she didn’t bother to partake in on the drive over. Difficult woman. “She’s coming though. I talked to her about it today. When I left Bellini earlier, she was still there, addressing envelopes to celebrities for the fashion show Bellini is putting on later in the year.”
I sometimes forget Melony works for Bellini. She’s so nice and sweet, and it’s hard to associate her with someone of Bellini’s narcissistic status. “Fashion show?” I ask, looking for any reason to talk to Melony. “What is she going to show off? Different colored sweater sets?”
“Dog fashion show,” Melony answers, a quirk to her lips. “She’s created a line of religious wear for dogs. She’s gathering auditions now for models.”
Now this fucking interests me, even though I’m slightly confused. “Dog models?”
“Dude, you know she’s fucking insane. Why do you even try to understand?” Reese points out, while grabbing a light beer for himself. I can sense he’s giving zero fucks right about now with what he drinks, thanks to Paisley’s tardiness. Man, he’s wound up about this girl; it must be serious. This would be normal behavior for me, but not for Reese. I’ve never seen him act like this before.
Thinking about dog models, I say, “What if I want Taco to walk in the show? Might be a good opportunity for my little chihuahua to get some exposure. You know I’ve been thinking about breaking her into the acting side of dog careers.”
Taco actually belonged to Holly but I took him in after the accident since it would be too hard for her to recover, go to physical therapy, and take care of a small dog she rescued from a shelter.
But I’ve kept him. We formed a manly bond, and there is no going back for him. Holly has accepted his choice and cashes in on her visiting rights when she gets a chance.
“You have a chihuahua?” Melony asks. I can see the judgment in her eyes. It’s not every day you see a strong, muscular man like myself carrying around a little dog, but it’s true, and I own that shit, and every wardrobe item he owns.
Liking she’s engaging in conversation with me, I sidle up next to her, intent on milking this conversation as much as I can. “If you actually let me take you out on a date like I’ve been asking for a while now, you would know that.”
She rolls her eyes. “I told you, Hollis. I don’t date.”
“What about a late-night fuck? I’m sure you do those.”
She sizes up my six-foot stature. “Not with men who drink light beers and own dogs smaller than a cat.”
“Ouch.” I feign hurt. Girl knows how to throw some zingers but I fucking like it. I’ve always enjoyed her feisty side.
Reese pulls his head out of his ass for a second to engage in our conversation. “She’s got a point, man.”
Payback’s a bitch, but I will take it.
Curious, I ask, “So if I drank Guinness and had a St. Bernard, where would we stand?”
A smart smile peeks past Melony’s lips. “Then I would probably be taking you to the back of Reese’s house right now to give you what you want.”
Once again, I know she’s lying, but damn if I don’t get a little turned on by her answer.
“Hell.” Quickly making work, I search Amazon on my phone and start typing away.
“What are you doing?” Melony laughs, trying to take a peek at my screen.
“Searching to see if an Amazon drone will deliver a St. Bernard and a six-pack of Guinness to me right now.”
“Pretty sure those drones don’t carry dogs, man,” Reese says, squashing my pretend dreams.
“But what if they did?” I counter.
Reese doesn’t answer, he just shakes his head and says, “I’m going to start getting dinner ready. Why don’t you two go enjoy the sunset outside?”
That’s my cue to lead Melony outside for some private time. Being a little daring, I place my hand on her lower back and wave my hand toward the pool, escorting her out to Reese’s backyard. It’s quite secluded, closed off from his neighbors by plush trees and shrubbery, giving it a homey feel. Scattered around the pool are black-and-white-striped cushioned lounge chairs with matching teak tables between each set of two. One day I will have a house of my own and I will take pride in its appearance like Reese does.
I can’t wait to own a house, a place to call mine. I have plenty of money for such a purchase thanks to my multiple endorsement deals, Olympic gold wins, and investing in all the right places—thanks, Dad—but I’m not ready to buy a house for one reason and one reason alone. I want to buy a house with the love of my life. I want to buy a property with her that we can create all on our own. I don’t want her to move into my place and try to make it a part of hers as well. No, I want to hold my girl’s hand while we go house hunting, looking for the just the right place that’s the combination of both of us.
It’s going to be Melony. I can feel it in my fucking bones. We will be picking out a house together one day. You might wonder why I keep persisting, but I see something in my girl. She had her heart broken once, and I know I’m the one who can provide healing. She’s funny, clever, and fucking gorgeous. How could I not want her as my forever?
“So why Taco?”
“What?” I ask, confused by her question thanks to my daydreaming.
“Your dog’s name, why did you name him Taco?”
“Oh, I didn’t name him,” I say casually, starting to get nervous about this set of questions. I will talk to Melony about anything, except for one thing: my sister. Since Taco once belonged to Holly, that makes him unwanted conversation. “My sister did. She just thought it would be funny.” I keep my answer vague, not welcoming any other questions.
“How come I’ve never seen him with you?”
“Because he lives like a fucking king in my condo. He has his own bed and litter box.”
Melony stops her pursuit toward the pool and turns to face me. “He has a litter box?”
I take a sip of my beer and nod. “Yup, and he’s so classy he actually doesn’t even bother trying to eat his own shit. Imagine that.”
“What a wonderful thing to put on his résumé,” Melony teases. Kicking off her sandals, she holds her skirt close to her body and bends down so she’s sitting on the side of the pool, feet dangling in the water.
Not even waiting for an invitation, I lower myself next to her so my shoulder bumps with hers, my feet dangling in the water as well. The view in front of us is fucking incredible. There is a cut-out in the trees toward the ocean so all you see are waves for days. Not going to lie; I’m kind of jealous of Reese right about now. He has the perfect romantic setting with his backyard. Right now I have a balcony. Looks like I will have to woo Melony borrowing my buddy’s pad. No problem there.
Nudging my shoulders with hers, I ask, “Thanks for letting me drive you today.”
“It was just a car ride,” she says, splashing her foot around in the water. Her toes are painted an orange-pink color, almost neon. I fucking like it.
“It was a moment you gave me that I could spend with you.”
Leaning back just slightly, she turns to me and gives me a disbelieving look. “Are you really that desperate for pussy?”
“I’m desperate for your pussy, Melony. I’m also desperate for your mind too. I want to know what goes on up there.”
“But you don’t even know me.”
I laugh. “That’s the point of dating, you get to know someone. So, what do you say, should I pencil you in for Friday? We can go out to dinner, maybe take a walk somewhere, and then go back to my place where I can lick that sweet pussy of yours until you scream my name. Sounds like a great night to me.”
“I don’t do that kind of stuff.” She turns away from me, her gaze on the water in front of her, avoiding any and all contact with me.
“Yeah, well when I’m done with you, you will. That’s for damn sure.” Changing the subject, I say, “Now tell me what you know about Reese and Paisley.”
Tilting her head so her hair falls to the side, she peeks up at me through her eyelashes and smiles. “I was hoping you could fill me in with some information. I don’t know much. I just met her.”
My eyebrows rise in surprise. I point to my chest in fake surprise. “You want me to tell you what I know. Well, well, well, looks like I might have some information you’re looking for. My, have the tables turned. What are you willing to do to get the information?”
“If you think I’m about to suck your dick for some measly gossip, you’re wrong.” She stands and I quickly join her.
“Wow, that’s kind of aggressive. I wouldn’t have my dick shoved down your throat for gossip, I would shove it down there if I want you to stop talking.” I wink at her. Unfortunately she rolls her eyes and starts to walk away. I chase after that. “I was just looking for a kiss, maybe a little nip slip. If my hand happens to catch your breast as it falls out of your shirt, I wouldn’t mind that either.”
Stopping in her pursuit toward the house, she places her hand on her hip, her eyes playful. I fucking like this fiery Melony. This is the Melony I met that first go-around. “How do I even know you have good gossip? You could be harvesting some bullshit news about how they both like the color blue and then I have to pony up to you.”
“Do they both like blue? I pictured Reese more of a green type of guy,” I say, pondering.
“You’re so annoying.” Taking off again, I follow her.
“Test me, I bet you I have something good.”
“You have nothing,” she counters.
“What if I do? What if I tell you a juicy tidbit, would I get something in return?”
She crosses her arms over her chest, causing her cleavage to lift slightly. Fuck, I want to bury my head in those breasts. “What would you want? And don’t say my breast in my mouth, because that’s not going to happen.”
What do I want? What a fucking wide open door. Well, let’s see. I want her to let me take her on a date. I want to take a fucking picture with her so I can look at it when I need a fix of her gorgeous face. I want to be able to hold her at night, fuck her to sleep, and then wake her up with my tongue eating her pussy. I want to be able to call her and talk to her for hours without one ounce of awkward silence between us. I want to watch her glossy lips slide over my rock hard cock . . .
Fuck, I want her lips all over my damn body. I want MY lips all over hers. I want her to trust me, to believe me when I say I’m a one-woman man. I want her to open up and be willing to allow me to woo her, to pull a Noah Calhoun on her ass and build a dream house with her.
I fucking want it all.
But that request might be a little much for a little swap of gossip so I make my offer small.
“If you are pleased with my gossip, in return, all I ask is for you to let me hold your hand on the drive home and to walk you to your apartment.”
“That’s it? You’re not going to try to kiss me? To ask to come in, to try to stick your penis in my vagina?”
I chuckle, a deep rumble that vibrates through my chest. “Although my penis being inserted into your vagina is a fantasy of mine, I swear, all I want is to hold your hand and walk you back to your apartment.”
Suspiciously, she quirks her lips to the side, as if she doesn’t quite believe me.
Motioning with my fingers over my chest I say, “Cross my heart. That’s it, but you have to promise that you will follow through with your end if I have good enough gossip. You can’t lie.”
There is a pause as she assesses me. “You have nothing.”
“Test me. Shake on it and I’ll divulge what I have.”
I hold out my hand, which she studies. With a sigh, she shakes it and I revel in the second I get to hold her hand right before she disengages our connection.
Looking behind her, to make sure Reese is still in the house, she turns back to me and says, “Okay, spill.”
Chancing a glance into the house as well, I see Paisley has finally arrived so I have to make this quick. Reese has told me very little but there is one detail I do know that I believe will secure my victory.
Rubbing my hands together, knowing I’ve got this in the bag, I lean forward and say, “Are you ready for this?”
“Just get on with it,” Melony says exasperated, but also a little giddy to see what I have to tell her.
“You can’t tell her I told you this. That would be breaking the gossiping code.”
“There is no such thing and stop delaying, just tell me.”
“Promise you won’t tell.”
Rolling her eyes, she says, “I promise I won’t tell.”
“Wow, so convincing,” I say sarcastically. “I don’t believe you. Pinky promise with me.”
Irritated, she asks, “What are you, a twelve-year-old girl?”
I wiggle my pinky at her. “Pinky promise, pineapple puss.”
“Fine.” She wraps her pinky around mine and we shake on it. “Satisfied? Now tell me and this better be good for all the trouble you put me through.”
Smiling brightly, I lean toward her, taking in her fresh, flowery scent and say, “Reese would chop off my dick if he knew I told you this, but the first time they were intimate, she gave him a blow job on his welcome mat. Didn’t even make it into the house.”
I knew the minute I gave up a juicy fact, Melony’s eyes would widen with surprise. She knows it’s good gossip. I know it’s good gossip. It’s solidified: I fucking own the title of gossip king. And you know what, I will wear that title with pride because it’s given me the chance to be closer with Melony. Sorry, Reese and Paisley, I will buy you a fruit basket to make it up to you for throwing you under the bus for my own benefit. But I don’t feel bad because the look on Melony’s face was all worth it.
Without a word from her, I say, “Now how do you like to hold hands, linked fingers or unlinked? I want to make sure you’re comfortable.”
She swallows hard and answers, “Unlinked.”
When she looks up at me, I see the vulnerable girl she tries so hard to hide. I want you, too, Melony. I want to hold you, too.