Page 34 of Bad Call
Promising to send some photos to the boutique’s social media account, which she’s also in charge of, I head back out, turning toward the café where Emmett said he and our friends would be waiting for me. I exchange pleasantries with everyone I pass, butterfly wings tickling the inside of my tummy as I imagine his reaction when he sees me in my new dress. I’ll admit that I almost didn’t recognize my own body as Alessia zipped up the luxurious garment. The way it hugged every single one of my curves had us both convinced that it was made just for me. Will Em and I actually make it to the club, or will it all be in a heap on the bedroom floor before we even get out of the house? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
I’m so lost in thought that I barely notice the door opening right in front of me until I’m slamming into it, my entire body recoiling as embarrassment pinkens my cheeks. Thankfully, I’m toward the far end of Main Street,so there aren’t as many onlookers who might’ve witnessed my snafu.
“Oh my,” a feminine voice says. “I’m sorry, dear. I didn’t see yo—” She pauses as I push the hair from my face, eyes widening in horror as the one person in the world that Idon’twant to see realizes who she just ran into. “Stella? What are you doing here?”
“Hi, Mom,” I reply, cringing internally. “I’m just…shopping.” Lifting the bags in my hands, I hope she buys it and leaves me alone. But of course, she doesn’t, kicking off the inquisition by reminding me of what a bad daughter I’ve been.
“You’ve been sending my calls to voicemail and leaving my text messages unanswered for weeks. I was starting to think that man you work for had done something awful to you.”
I take a deep breath, trying to stay as calm as possible so this doesn’t turn into a scene. This place is entirely too nice for us to be arguing on the sidewalk, as much as my blood is already starting to boil. “His name is Austin, and I’ve never felt safer. He wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
She swats the air, dismissing me. “Whatever you say, honey. I was just getting ready to go back to the house. Why don’t you follow me in your car? We can catch up there and discuss your plans to come home to Tinsville.” She reaches for my arm in an attempt to pull me toward the parking lot, but I step back, putting space between us. Her brows furrow in confusion, head rearing back as though she just expected me to go along with that. In her defense, I’ve mindlessly given in to so many of her requests since the day I ended my marriage—but I’m notthat girl anymore. I don’t need validation from someone who only wanted me tothinkI was happy when, in reality, my heart was missing a giant piece.
“No,” I say, raising my chin. “I’m here with people. And my plans have changed. I’m staying in Cleveland longer. Maybe even forever.”
“That’s ridiculous,” she laughs. “You need a break, Stella. Come home and take some time to decide what you want.” I can feel the tension building in my shoulders, so I roll them back, letting my eyes fall closed as I inhale a deep, soothing breath. I’m so incredibly tired of feeling unheard, and it’s time to end it, once and for all.
“Emmett and I are back together,” I tell her. “I’m not leaving Ohio—not unless he gets traded. Then, I’ll go wherever he goes.”
She shakes her head rapidly, huffing a laugh as her face twists. “You’re really going to go back to that boy after all the anguish he put you through? I didn’t think I raised a foolish girl, but now, I’m not so sure. You divorced him because you knew you’d end up hurt and alone in the end. Those professional athletes only care about themselves, Stella. You need to find yourself someone who can take care of you, not a manwhore who sleeps his way around the country while you wait at home.”
My nostrils flare, my previous objective of keeping this thing hushed and peaceful gone with the cold Pennsylvania wind. It’s one thing for her to insult my character. Sadly, I’m used to it. But speaking such ugliness about a man who did everything he could to show me how special I was—not fucking happening.
“Don’t you dare talk about him that way,” I seethe. “Emmett Hayes is the best person I’ve ever known. He’s always put my dreams right up there with his own, making sure I felt loved and cared for, no matter what. The one time I felt like I wasn’t being heard by him was when I had convinced myself that he’d eventually break my heart—a seed that had been planted and sown by you long before we were ever married. But I’m not you…and Emmett isn’t Dad. He’d never hurt or disrespect me in a million years.” I spit the words like venom, shaking my head as the bitter taste of disgust rises up my throat. “I used to think my worst mistake was signing those divorce papers, but really, it was trusting that you actually gave a fuck about my happiness. If I hadn’t, I’d have never left Emmett in the first place, saving him years of heartbreak and pain. I’ll use my last breath to apologize to him for that, but I sure as fuck refuse to waste any more on you. Until you’re ready to treat him with the respect he earned a long goddamn time ago, you can forget about being a part of my life. I have all the love and support I need, and I’ll never have to question any of it.” I can practically hear the adrenaline pumping through my veins as I push past where she stands, shocked and speechless. It isn’t until I focus forward that I see Emmett in the middle of the sidewalk about ten yards away, definitely within earshot of the entire exchange.
My eyes fill with tears, and I drop everything in my hands right onto the cement, running at full speed into his open arms. The entire street fades away, the hustle and bustle going completely silent until it’s just the two of us, him holding me tightly as I sob.
“Shhh,” he whispers, pressing gentle kisses to my hair. “I’m here, baby. I’ve got you.”
“Em,” I choke out. “I’m sorry I got lost. And I’m sorry she said that about you. I shouldn’t have listened. I should’ve known better.”
He pulls back just enough so I can see him, his strong arms still wrapped around my waist as a soft smile pulls at his lips. “It doesn’t matter. We’re here now, and we aren’t going to let anyone come between us ever again.” Shaking his head in disbelief, he huffs a quiet breath. “I’m so proud of you for standing up for yourself—standing up forus.”
I yank on the back of his neck, pulling him down until our mouths are pressed together. The contact sets off a million fireworks behind my eyes, the smell of his spicy cologne making my head go dizzy with desire. Forgetting that we’re not alone, he traces the seam of my lips with his tongue, separating them so he can push inside, which I eagerly allow. I do my best to stifle the moan that escapes me, but it’s no use with the way he’s licking and tasting like he’s been starving for an eternity.
Remembering that we’re in a very public place, I break the connection, both of us breathless and wanting more as our gazes collide. My clit pulses between my thighs, begging for some kind of relief. It’s a struggle not to climb his body and grind against his cock, just to quell the ache. “Take me somewhere,” I plead pitifully. “Anywhere. Please.”
He chuckles, leaning down so his lips are hovering over the shell of my ear. “Arden and the guys went to visit their parents for a few hours. We have the cabin to ourselves, and I’m putting an end to your little pause. Ifyou don’t want me to wreck that sweet little pussy right here on the sidewalk in front of everyone, I suggest you grab your pretty new dress and get your ass in the fucking truck.”
Faster than I’ve ever moved, I turn, picking up my belongings and sprinting toward the parking lot, the sound of Emmett’s dark laughter barely audible over the heavy footfalls behind me. I’m in the cab with my seatbelt on in record time, ready and willing to be at his mercy for however long he tells me to be. Leave it to us to turn something so emotional and raw into what promises to be an unforgettable night with just the two of us.
It’s who we are, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
THIRTY-TWO
EMMETT
We’re barelythrough the front door of the cabin before I’m devouring Stella’s mouth. My foot was like a lead weight against the gas pedal for the entire drive, my cock harder than it’s ever been with all the depraved thoughts running through my mind. Watching her defend our relationship to her mom did something to me, and now all I can focus on is claiming her in the filthiest ways.
“You taste so fucking good,” I rush out, my tongue dominating hers as I pull at the hem of her shirt. I only break our connection long enough to tear it over her head, kissing her again while I work to get rid of her bra. It’s on the floor in no time, her sweet little moans vibrating through my entire body as I pinch both nipples between my fingertips. She throws her head back in pleasure, but it’s short-lived, because I’m way too frenzied not to take what I want from this woman right now.
“You said you’d use your last breath to apologize for what you did to me,” I drawl darkly, reaching down to unfasten my jeans. She watches with rapt attention as Ipull my aching erection from my boxer briefs, stroking slowly while fire ignites behind her gaze. Gripping her chin, I tilt her head so she’s focused on the rough demand as it leaves my lips. “I’d rather you choke on it, instead. Get on your fucking knees.” She obeys immediately, lowering to the floor right in the middle of the living room and waiting for her next instruction with zero regard for the fact that we could get caught at any moment. I continue jerking myself off, slowly and painfully, making her sweat it out for a few seconds longer, pressure already starting to build in my core with each pass of my fist. She looks like she’s famished for it, thighs already rubbing together every time she shifts her hips. I want her so needy that by the time I touch her, she’s begging to be filled.
“Open,” I command, landing a tight slap to her cheek. She does, sticking her tongue out like the good girl she is and giving me the warmest, wettest place to fuck. The first unhurried slide of my length past her lips is met with a hungry whimper, telling me that even though I’m about to use her, she’s loving every single second of it.
I pull back, dragging my heavy shaft out to the head before thrusting in again. Pleasure skitters across my skin like electricity, stoking the burning embers that’ll soon become a raging inferno. That’s how it always is with Stella—how it’s been since the very first time I touched her. She owns every part of me, even from her knees.
“I’m going to fuck this beautiful, greedy little hole,” I rasp, skating my thumb across her top lip. “Tap my thigh twice if you need me to stop. Otherwise, keep it wide and show me how sorry you are. Understood?”
