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Edwin
She liked him.
When she’d said those words, his world opened up. He’d gone from feeling like he was drowning in a dark cave to having the sun shine down on him while he was completely out in the open.
He’d gone from sad that his time with her was ending to so damn happy that she wanted him for more than friendship or just sex.
Although, both of those were parts of her he wanted.
“What if, for now, we keep this between us?” she said, her eyes full of hope.
“Yes,” he said, closing the distance between their mouths and kissing her. Every kiss they shared was better than the last. He loved her lips and the way her tongue linked with his. And she always tasted of chocolate even if she hadn’t eaten any in hours.
It was just how she tasted.
When he’d taken the call from Shane, his first emotion had been happiness hearing that she'd known he was there and came especially to see him. Then he’d started thinking of the things she’d said and he’d thought she’d only come to have a fling.
It felt good to know she’d come because she liked him and wanted him for more than a few days.
It felt even better knowing they now had some sort of future plans.
“I need you,” he said as his lips trailed to her jaw, her ear, and then down her neck. Every inch of her was perfect and he loved having his mouth on all those perfect inches.
“Take your clothes off.” She rushed to get her own off while he did the same. When they were both naked, they came crashing back together, his lips finding hers as he backed her up to find a flat surface. The first one he hit was the wall.
It would do.
This would not be slow or sweet or anything even close to that. This was going to be hard and fast and it was going to feel so fucking good. He ripped open the condom that he’d pulled from his pocket before stripping his pants off. He’d gotten in the habit of keeping one there because they never seemed to make it to a bed. Once it was on, he wasted no time lining up with her pussy and thrusting inside.
“Oh yes,” she moaned out, her hands gripping his shoulders tightly.
She felt so good, so fucking tight around him and there was no way he was going to last. It was like this every time they were together. He had to concentrate hard not to come before her. To make sure she got there first.
His fingers dug into her soft, round ass as he pounded her back against the wall. The sounds she was making were primal as she begged him to fuck her harder. He had no problem following her directions, thrusting as deep as he could go each time.
“Get there,” he demanded because there was no way he was going to last much longer. To help her along, he lowered his head to her breast, sucking her nipple into his mouth. Scraping the sensitive bud with his teeth was all it took to send her over the edge.
“Oh god, oh, god,” she bellowed as she tightened around his cock and came.
He kept up his rhythm until he felt himself go over the edge and then he just held her against the wall, breathing heavily against her neck as he came down from the high.
He kissed her neck when she started laughing. Pulling back, he stared at her, confused.
“I can’t believe how stupid we both were.” She kept laughing, barely able to get the words out. “I mean, how can two people be so oblivious to what’s right in front of them?”
Her laughter was infectious, making him chuckle in agreement. “I guess it's a good thing neither of us are detectives or FBI agents. We wouldn't get very far.”
She laughed harder, shaking in his arms. He lowered her legs to the ground and reluctantly pulled out of her body. She stood with her back against the wall, naked and laughing.
He’d never seen anything sexier in his life.
Ripping off the condom, he disposed of it quickly before pulling Hannah to the couch where he covered them with a large blanket.
“We’re definitely going to need to have this couch sanitized for Shane and Allana,” Hannah said, snuggling into his side.
“If you think they haven't sat here naked after just having sex, then you might not know them well enough.”
She tipped her head up to look at him. “Really?” A look of disgust was on her face.
He laughed, leaning down to kiss her gently. “Really. There is literally a couch in Shane's office that he doesn’t let anyone sit on besides himself or Allana.”
“Ahh, man, I did not need to know that.”
“It’s the same with Dallas and Ruby. I just don’t sit down in her office and I don’t ask questions that I don’t want to know the answers to at their house.”
“Was it weird for you when Dallas met Ruby? You used to spend so much time together and I imagine that has changed.”
“I wouldn’t say it was weird.” He hadn’t really been shocked because from the moment Ruby had joined the club, his friend had been different. It had actually been nice to see him so focused on one woman. “Dallas struggled a lot the last couple of years with who he was on the field and off it. Ruby is the best thing that ever happened to him. We still spend a lot of time together and it helps that Ruby and I have become close. She helps me a lot.”
Hannah turned fully in his arms. “She was the one person who was concerned about me coming here under false pretenses. And even though I didn’t listen, I’m glad you have someone who cares that much for you.”
He lifted his hand, smoothing a piece of hair off her face and behind her ear. “That’s because she knows how I feel about you. All of it. One night after she and Dallas got together, I got pretty drunk and spilled my guts. Since then, she's who I talk to about you. Dallas has gotten pretty sick of hearing me pine away for you and still do nothing about it. And he never had good advice. Ruby was full of advice.” Both good and bad. She’s the one who suggested he switch agents and limit his contact with Hannah.
Those were part of the bad advice.
“You talked to Dallas about me for all these years?” Her face dropped to a frown.
“I needed to talk to someone and he was my closest friend.” He rubbed her frown line with his thumb. “Or I should say he was my closest friend that I didn’t want to sleep with.”
That made her smile.
“Did you never talk to anyone? What about Zara? I thought you guys were close.” He’d met Zara many times over the years since she represented a lot of the guys on the team. When he’d found out that she and Hannah were best friends, he’d made sure to seek her out when she was around just to see if she’d say anything about Hannah.
His obsession ran deep.
Hannah shook her head. “Before,” she said, pausing before going on, “when we were just friends, I felt like telling anyone could get me into trouble. Zara knew we talked more than I talked to most of my clients, but I never told her how close we really were.” She bit her bottom lip. “After, when I realized my feelings for you, I kept it to myself because I sort of liked having that part of you all to myself. Even when I ran out of the party on New Year’s Eve, I didn’t tell her why until I came back to town.”
“I hate that I waited so long to say something and in the process, fucked up your life.”
“You didn’t fuck up my life. The contract from TA does that all on its own.” She shrugged and gave a small shake of her head. “I still don’t know how this is going to work but I just need time before I make any huge, life-altering decisions.”
He took her hand in his, entwining their fingers. “I meant it when I said I’d do whatever you needed me to do. I won’t love keeping this a secret and hiding like we're doing something wrong, but I’ll do it if it means I get to be with you.” He’d hate every minute of it except for the ones when he was with her. He wanted to tell everyone how he felt about her.
He’d take out a full-page to do it, if he could.
She looked sad and he hated that he was part of the reason she looked that way. “Let’s not worry about what comes after.” He stood up, the blanket falling off his naked body, and pulled her to her feet. “I believe you promised me cookies.”
She finally smiled, her whole face lighting up. “You are a cookie whore.”
He laughed. “You’d think that but I’m only that way with your cookies.” He raised his eyebrow at his intentional suggestive words.
“I am aware of how much you like my cookie.” She waggled her own eyebrows at him, laughing. “Let’s get dressed and then I will make you all the cookies you want.”
They grabbed their scattered clothes from the floor, each of them putting their own back on and then he ran to the bedroom and grabbed himself a shirt and her a pair of sweats. He’d love to keep her naked, but baking could be messy.
Although maybe he could use that to his advantage and lick the frosting from her body.
He’d tuck that thought away for later.
They spent hours in the small kitchen, laughing, baking, and telling stories. Everything about it felt perfect. He loved being able to touch her randomly, or lean in and give her a kiss as they rolled dough. He tried not to think of the future, but it was hard. He could see them doing this same thing, years down the road.
She was his future and there was no getting around it.
He just had to find a way to make that happen.
––––––––
The next day the roads were clear enough to head home but they decided to stay for one more day. Neither of them was ready for their time together to end so they spent the whole day in bed, alternating between sleeping and making love.
It was the perfect last day.
When they each packed up their cars the following morning, dread was seeping in for Edwin.
“I can see you frowning,” she said from next to her car where she’d thrown her bags in the back seat. “You’re going to see me in a few hours.”
They’d made plans to meet back up later that night at his house. Technically, she was staying with Zara but after they met up and had some time together, he was going to pick her up at Zara’s house and take her to his place.
One last night together before they each went their separate ways. Her back to Chicago and him down to Florida for a week of training.
“I know, I just can’t help thinking that once we leave here, things are going to be different.” He dropped the bag he was holding into the back seat of his truck and took a few steps toward her. He cupped her cheek when he reached her, lowering his head and pressing his forehead against hers. “I’m going to miss seeing you.”
She sighed, pressing her body closer to his. “We’ll call and text and FaceTime.”
“It won’t be the same.” His words were low and filled with so much emotion. He was minutes away from crying, all because he wasn’t going to be able to see her.
“I know, but we can do it.” She lifted her hands, running them through his hair. “Just think of all the amazing phone sex we can have.”
That made him smile. “Not only the phone. I’m going to need to see that pussy from time to time.”
She gasped in mock exaggeration. “What?” She winked. “That’s so dirty.”
“You like when I’m dirty.” He tipped her back and claimed her mouth with his in a long deep kiss.
“You’re right,” she said when he brought them back to standing straight. “I do love your dirty.” She stepped back, looking at the cabin one last time. “I have to say, this place was pretty magical.”
He stood next to her and turned to look at the place too. “Yes, it was.” He swiveled his head to look at her. “I'm not sure I’ll ever forget it.”
“Do you have everything?’” she asked, still staring at the cabin.
“I think so. You?” He hated this. Hated the thought of knowing their time together, at least for a few weeks, was coming to an end.
“Yeah, it’s all in my car.” She turned her head. “I guess this is it.”
He took her hand in his, bringing it to his lips and giving it a gentle kiss. They’d already talked about her following him home so he could see her just a little while longer. “Text me as soon as you get to Zara’s.”
She nodded. “And you text me as soon as you get home.”
They walked hand in hand to her car, where she opened the front door and then spun to face him. “I’ll see you in a few hours.”
Instead of answering with words, he dipped his head down and kissed her again, this time with all the pent-up desperation that was inside him. He wanted her to know how he felt and showing her with a kiss was the easiest way for him to do it.
As soon as she was in her car, he jumped into his truck and followed her down the long drive. On the main road, she slowed down so he could go around her and take the lead. She gave him a smile and wave as he passed and he did the same.
The drive was boring and tedious when all he kept doing was looking in his rearview mirror to make sure Hannah was still there. When her exit appeared, he watched the whole time as she got off and until she was out of view.
His heart literally ached and all he wanted to do was turn around and follow her. There was no way he could go home and be alone for the next several hours. All he’d do was think about her and about their future.
When he took his exit, he turned right instead of left and headed to Dallas and Ruby’s. He needed to talk this out and who better than to do it with his friends.
He really did think of Ruby as his friend and not just as Dallas’ girlfriend or his PR director at work. She understood him and helped him anytime he needed it. And right now, he needed help.
So much help.
He had no idea if they were even home but when he pulled up to the gate at their home, it automatically opened. They were definitely home. The gate could only be opened from inside the house or from their phones and Dallas wouldn’t do that if they weren’t home.
He parked his truck and got out, right as the front door opened and Dallas stepped out of the house.
“I wondered if you’d show up here.”
He slammed the truck door and walked the path to where his friend was standing. “I assume you are aware of Hannah showing up at the cabin?”
Dallas ran a hand through his now-grown back hair. For a long while, he’d shaved it but after meeting Ruby, he’d decided to grow it back out. “Yeah, I know and for your information, Ruby didn’t think it was a great idea but without telling Hannah your secrets, she really wasn’t in a position to say anything.”
He waved Dallas off. “I’m not mad.” He shrugged and smiled. “I’m the opposite of mad.”
“Wait,” Dallas put up a hand. “Did something happen?”
“Maybe.” It was hard to be coy when he was so happy about his possible future with Hannah. Even if he missed her and worried that something would tear them apart.
“Ruby!” Dallas yelled into the house. “Edwin finally did it!”
Ruby appeared in the doorway. “Why are you standing outside yelling?”
Dallas scooped her up into his side. “Our boy finally did it. He finally closed the deal with Hannah.”
Edwin rolled his eyes as Ruby’s widened. “What? Holy crap. I need details.” She reached out, grabbing his arm and dragging him into the house. “Dallas get us drinks. We need alcohol for this story.”
“Why am I in charge of drinks?” He said but strolled off toward the kitchen like it was no big deal. “He’s my best friend.”
“And that makes him mine by default,” Ruby said, pretty much shoving Edwin down on the couch. “Talk.”
He couldn’t help but laugh. “You are pretty demanding.”
“Tell me about it!” Dallas shouted from the kitchen.
“I am invested in this and that’s saying a lot when I had to sit there and keep my damn mouth shut while she waxed poetic about how much she liked you.”
That got his attention. “What did she say?”
“Uh uh.” She wagged her finger at him. “You first.”
Dallas joined them, passing him a beer and Ruby a glass of wine. “Alright, let's hear it.”
Edwin took a big sip of his beer and then leaned back on the couch with it dangling from his hand. “As you both know, Hannah showed up at the cabin on my second day there. Needless to say, I was shocked to see her but also it was like she’d stepped right out of my dreams.”
“I wanted to stop her from going,” Ruby said. “But I wasn’t sure how to do that without divulging your secrets and once I knew she liked you, I wasn’t sure I should.”
“It’s fine. I’m really glad she came. It was weird at first but soon after, we eased right back into our friendship.”
“Please tell me this isn’t all about friendship,” Dallas said, clearly annoyed by that thought.
Edwin shook his head. “No, it wasn’t all friendship. Things boiled over and eventually, we slept together.” He didn’t really want to say more than that. It felt wrong somehow to talk about what they did. “We had a great two days and then Shane called.”
“Oh hell,” Dallas said.
“I’m guessing Allana told him what she did,” Ruby said.
He nodded.
“That should have been a good thing, though,” Ruby said. “Hannah likes you and wanted time alone with you.”
“I didn’t know that at the time he told me. He never mentioned any of that and she and I had made an agreement that what we were doing would end when our time at the cabin ended.” He toyed with the label on his beer bottle. “I thought she just wanted a fling.” He didn’t mention how badly thinking that had hurt. He didn’t even like remembering it.
“Please tell me you cleared that up.” Dallas said.
“I confronted her and she finally told me how she felt. And I finally told her how I felt.” He smiled remembering how good it had felt to hear her say the words.
Ruby clapped. “I’m so happy for you guys. I love Hannah.”
“Babe,” Dallas put a hand on her arm, “you might want to wait to hear the rest of the story because I doubt Edwin would be here talking to us when he could be with Hannah if things were settled.”
She frowned. “Oh, is that true?”
“We want to be together and we are going to try and do it on the down-low while she figures out what to do about her job.”
“Well fuck,” Ruby and Dallas said at the same time.
His sentiments exactly.
“What does that even mean?” Ruby asked.
“We’ll talk and text and see each other when we can out of the public eye.” He hated even thinking about it, let alone voicing it. It made their relationship sound so wrong. Like they were hiding from the world. “I’m seeing her tonight after she spends time with Zara.”
“I hate this for you, man,” Dallas said, clearly meaning it.
“I hate it for me too. But if this is the only way I can have her, I’ll do it. I can’t go back to being without her. Not after this week.”
“For what it’s worth,” Ruby said, “she was miserable that night when we went out. She hates that stupid clause in her contract and I think she might even hate her job. But she feels stuck. Like there is nowhere else for her to go. Zara said she’s turned down offers from her company because she wants so badly to make it on her own. Which is why she rarely tells anyone who her brother or dad are. If she dates you publicly, I think she feels like she’ll get special treatment.”
“That's stupid.” He shook his head. “And probably true. But it’s still stupid. She's a hard worker and the best agent out there. Nobody should judge her on anything other than that.”
“The world is a fucked up place,” Dallas said.
“Do you want my advice?” Ruby asked.
“Yes, please tell me what to fucking do.” He was desperate.
“Give her time. Show her how much you care and how much she won’t be able to live without you in her life.”
He could do that. He’d shower her with love and support and friendship, so she had no choice but to choose him over her job.
This time, he’d be the one who wasn’t pushed aside and left behind.