Love Drunk (Complete Series), page 59
Epilogue
Lisa smoothed the front of her black jersey gown, a critical eye on her reflection in the ladies’ lounge. She pivoted to the left and frowned. It was slightly clingier than when she’d tried it on a couple of weeks ago at the store, though not obscenely so. The strapless bra, once relatively comfortable, now constricted her lung capacity, but at least the girls were tightly packed. No risk of a wardrobe malfunction tonight. She grasped the door handle, catching a glimpse of the large diamond glinting on her left hand. The facets sparkled in the soft light, mesmerizing her, as they did ever since the moment A.J. slipped the ring onto her finger a few short weeks ago. A small smile played at her glossed lips as she stepped into the lobby of the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, spotting Richard by himself. That certainly wouldn’t last long.
He greeted her with a kiss. “Lisa, you look absolutely radiant.”
“You look pretty snappy yourself, Mr. President.”
A chuckle escaped his lips. “Once your future mother-in-law waltzes over, I’ll fade right into the background.”
“She does look amazing in Tom Ford. Ah, the perks of being First Lady.”
Helena sailed toward them, the silky champagne colored fabric clinging to her lithe frame. Perfectly accessorized – chic, glamorous, a vision. The true embodiment of politica-luxe. She pulled Lisa in for a warm, perfumed embrace. “Oh, I just love that gown on you. You look fabulous.” She turned toward her husband and nodded toward the ballroom entrance. “Richard, some of your benefactors are here and they want to congratulate their new president. I’m afraid your two minute break is over.” She winked at Lisa as she led him away. “Don’t forget to save room for dessert, dear. It’s quite a spread.”
The smile froze on Lisa’s face. What the—?
“Lisa!” Avery breezed across the lobby, stunning in a sleek, white ensemble, her smile so bright it practically emitted ultraviolet rays. “Your fiancé sent me on a quest to find you. I also spoke to one of the agents at Atlanta Records last week. I brought him your demo and he’s very interested. They’re hosting a showcase in LA next month and he wants you to perform. What do you think? It could be an amazing opportunity!”
Atlanta Records… interested in her? It seemed so long ago that she’d spoken to Avery about the possibility. Somehow, life had gotten in the way, not that she would have changed a thing. “Avery, oh my gosh, I can’t believe… I just… I don’t even know what to say.”
“Say yes, of course! You have an incredible talent. You deserve this.”
Talk about poetic justice. For such a long time, she’d dreamed of having the chance to become a real performer. But things were different now… heck, everything was different… ever since she hung up the phone only minutes earlier. Amazing how only a few simple words could confirm she really did have it all. She thought she’d heard those words when A.J. proposed, but life surprised her yet again. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted him in the distance, huddled in a corner with Paul, no doubt strategizing about the future of Blue Coat. Once the big news broke about Paul’s new job, it would likely rocket their funds to new heights.
Mia swooped down on them, looking Jackie O. glamorous in a floor-length red gown. Perfect for an inaugural. “Ladies, why are we congregated by the lounge? It’s so cliché. Let’s get back to the party. We have lots to celebrate.”
The ballroom at the Fairmont was swathed in deep red linens, blanketed in a dim glow given off by crystal chandeliers lining the ceiling. Tall, glass pedestals sat in the center of each table, an array of fragrant white blooms spilling over the tops. The aura was one of elegance, sophistication and glamour. Paul Emerson had spared no expense on the event to honor his new boss.
Lisa sidled up to A.J., snaking an arm around his waist. “I heard you were looking for me.”
“Yeah, all my life.” His lips lifted into a sexy grin, his heated gaze awakening the butterflies that had taken up permanent residence in her belly.
Her voice dropped and she squeezed his hand. “Hey, can you escape for a minute?“
His dimple deepened. “I thought this morning would have tired you out at least until we got home.”
“Like I could get enough of you.”
“Hey! Looks like the gang’s all here!” James and Jessica walked over, hand in hand, followed by a waiter carrying a large silver tray of tall crystal flutes. “I think we have a few things to toast. Champagne, anyone?”
A.J. picked up a glass. “To the newly appointed head of the president’s financial advisory council. Who would have guessed you were on the short list after all?”
Paul snickered. “I told you I’d eventually work my magic. You should have had have more faith in me.”
“God help this country if Emerson is headed to Washington, D.C.” Chris held up his glass.
“Be afraid, Chris. Be very afraid.” Paul raised his flute, wrapping an arm around Avery’s narrow waist. “I have another exciting piece of insider information to share. My beautiful wife is expecting a baby.”
Chris rolled his eyes heavenward. “Jesus, the only thing scarier than Emerson regulating domestic financial matters is him fathering a child.”
James grinned. “I can come up with a more frightening prospect. Mia, what do you have to say about that?”
“I think Chris is going to be a great daddy. In about six months.”
Jessica gasped. “Wow, did Savannah inspire all this baby making? Okay, all you preggos can just pass your flutes over to me and Lisa since it looks like we’re the only ones celebrating tonight.”
Lisa bit her lower lip, sneaking a look at A.J. A hot flush crept up her neck. “Jess, I um… I think you should probably take them all.”
A.J. furrowed his brow. “What? Why?”
Jessica let out a loud whoop. “Oh my God! Stop! I don’t believe it!”
Mia clapped a hand over her mouth to silence a squeal. A loud gasp escaped Avery’s lips.
Lisa gazed at A.J. through lowered lashes. “I wanted to tell you before. I just got the call from my doctor.” She smiled at Avery, giving a half-shrug. “It’s not the ideal time to switch careers, you know?”
A.J. grasped her shoulders, his eyes wide with disbelief. “I’m really going to be a dad?”
Jessica cleared her throat, catching Lisa’s silent plea. “Hey guys, why don’t we give them a minute alone?”
Lisa nodded as their boisterous group was redirected toward the bar. Tears pooled in her eyes, threatening to fall in torrents and ruin her makeup. “Yes. Are you upset?”
“No, my God, no! I just… I don’t understand. You’ve been on the pill for months. How did this even happen?”
“Remember election night? How we were up late, celebrating?”
“I don’t think I’m going to forget that any time soon.” He grinned, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Are my boys that invincible?”
“Hate to burst your bubble, but no. The antibiotic I was on for that throat infection? Well, guess what? Birth control pills are rendered ineffective against it.”
“So…”
“So… yeah.” She grazed the side of his face. “You’re good with this?”
“Are you kidding? This is the best news I’ve ever gotten in my life. We’re getting married, having a baby. I couldn’t be happier.”
“I was so nervous. I know we didn’t plan it, but seeing you with Savannah, how great you are with her… I can’t wait to see you with your own little princess. You’re going to be such an incredible daddy.”
His strong hands cupped her face, thumbs gently brushing away the tears that escaped. “I didn’t think I could ever feel this much. What you’ve done to me… I never knew it was possible to love like this. God, I still can’t believe how lucky I am to have you in my life.” He stroked the back of her neck, making the little hairs stand at attention, in anticipation of how much she would make him feel later.
Her lips curled into a smile. “I’m flattered, really. But you don’t need to call me God. I know that’s your thing.”
HUNTER is up next in BEFORE YOU GO!
And if you love sexy suspenseful reads, then check out Kristen Luciani’s MOB LUST series, starting with SCREWING THE MOB!
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Book Four - Before You Go
Screw the golden rule.
When she saved the new kid Hunter McKinnon from near-death by strawberry milkshake twelve years ago, Liv Larson never imagined they’d become best friends. Or that he’d become the hottest guy on their college campus whose dorm room had a revolving door for every bleached blonde, big-boobed girl with daddy issues. No promises, no strings, no commitment. Just mind-bending, body-quaking, soul-sizzling orgasms.
That's Hunter’s MO.
His manwhore ways never really bothered her. She’d just laugh at the pathetic girls who’d fall all over themselves trying to catch his eye...until she became one of them.
A road trip home with Hunter to celebrate her sister’s engagement is exactly the distraction she needs. And big sister has the perfect solution for Liv’s 'Hunter hang-up' - her fiancé’s hot best man.
But when a bee sting sends Hunter into anaphylactic shock and he says some pretty crazy things, Liv wonders if her feelings are as one-sided as she thought or if jealousy has his mind in as much of a twist as hers.
And as if she wasn’t confused enough, he tries to kiss her!?
It could have been the drugs or the threat of death. Or maybe, just maybe, it could be more.
Maybe…it could be everything.
Prologue
Hunter
Sometimes, memories with the most lasting impact are the ones you’d least expect.
The sound of tires screeching along the pavement, the noxious smell of burning rubber, the shattering of glass, the roar of the crowds when I hit that last shot only moments earlier…the one that won the national championship basketball game for the University of Southern California... Yeah, I remember it all. But those foggy thoughts are blunted by the image of one blinding white smile – a smile that was not directed at me, but at some undeserving tool who had no fucking idea how lucky he was.
It was the second worst night of my life.
But it didn’t start out that way. No, that night had been filled with hope and possibility. Dreams to be realized, a promising future, all of that crap. And just as I hovered over the brink of greatness, ready to take the final leap, everything came crashing down around me.
Everything.
That’s what I remember most…watching it all slip away as my window of opportunity slammed shut for good.
Chapter 1
Hunter
I squeeze my eyes shut, fisting long wavy hair - that could be blonde - as I thrust my hips harder and faster. Blood rushes between my ears and my gut clenches as her greedy pussy pulls me deeper. Ankles lock tightly around my waist as fingernails scrape down my spine.
Her head dips lower, her lips seeking mine. I can feel the heat of her breath hovering over my mouth, but I turn my head, letting her devour my neck instead. She clenches and squeezes, rubbing her tits against my chest, trying to open my lips with that devious tongue.
But I can’t. I won’t. My mind is somewhere else…with someone else.
“Ahh, Livvie!”
Lacie gasps and stops mid-thrust as if her batteries just crapped out. “What did you just say?”
Oh, Christ. My eyes fly open to witness a glare that can freeze water. Actually, it can probably freeze hell, come to think of it. “I, uh, said, ‘don’t leave me’?”
Panting, she narrows her eyes, staring at me like she desperately wants to believe the bullshit lie I just spewed, but knows deep down that she’d just be deluding herself. A split second later, her decision is made.
“That was amazing.” Lacie collapses next to me and purrs against my ear, her long fingernails raking across my skin. They are navigating along a very determined path south of the border. Deep south. I just yelled out another woman’s name, and Lacie’s hand is already grasping my cock again. Okay, delusional it is.
While my rebound rate is pretty impressive, we’ve already gone four rounds, and it’s barely midnight. Spike needs a breather, and no amount of sucking, tugging, or squeezing is going to make him spring to life this time. But Lacie doesn’t take no for an answer. The girl is relentless, and sometimes I think she likes to keep my lower body thoroughly occupied to stop my mouth from speaking words she doesn’t want to hear.
But I’ve let enough time pass, and they need to be said.
Too many red flags indicate that we are far from being on the same page, and it’s time to clue her in since the evidence tells me she’s probably picking out a wedding dress.
I look around at all of the frilly crap she’s been sneaking into my dorm room. As if I wouldn’t notice a bunch of fake fruity smelling pieces of paper in jars or candles on every windowsill. I mean, this whole place smells like the New York Botanical Gardens. I’ve found stuffed animals peering at me from all corners of the room, hanging out on my desk, sitting on top of my laundry basket…or more accurately, buried at the bottom since I haven’t done laundry in almost a month.
I should have said something when I found her pink fuzzy slippers in my closet. I have no idea when the hell she even managed to unload her shit. There isn’t usually down time for decorating. Our routine is pretty solid. She walks into my room, drops her skirt, and she’s on her back within seconds.
Why does she need to mess up our arrangement?
Or maybe the better question to ask is why I’ve let this arrangement get so far out of control?
It’s been a couple of weeks...a lifetime for me. I told her in the beginning I don’t do relationships. But the fact that I’ve let things get this far gives her hope. She thinks she’s changing me. But she’s wrong. Dead wrong.
And as much as I hate the thought of having a noose in the form of a girlfriend choking the life out of me, I hate the confrontation more. I cringe just thinking about dropping the bomb. The teary-eyed begging, professions of love, the desperate blowjob…wait, scratch that. I love that part. There, I said it. You can think I’m an insensitive jerk, but really, I’m just a normal twenty-two-year-old guy who would graciously accept a good blow, circumstances be damned.
It never changes my mind, though. I always send them on their way.
My life is perfect the way it is. I don’t have time for relationship drama. Most of my time outside of classes is spent running my own company, Rising Star Sports, a sports coaching service for little kids, and it’s made me a boatload of cash over the past two years. It started out as mental therapy when my glory days of commandeering the basketball court came to a screeching halt after a horrible accident my sophomore year, and since I launched the company, it’s become the most booked service in the San Diego area. I have waiting lists for months in several locations in southern California and I’ve expanded north and east with college-aged coaches in different schools up and down the coast running camps all year round. I guess the moms just love watching virile athletes with huge guns shoot hoops with their kids, and I won’t lie, I’m happy to serve up the goods to the hot divorcees whenever the occasion arises.
I don’t get tied down. I’m the guy who prefers to get tied up.
I take a deep breath. Yanking off this Band-Aid sure ain’t gonna tickle. “Lacie.”
“Mmm?” She lifts the bed sheet and dips her head under it, her hot tongue not so innocently weaving a path down my torso.
“We have to talk.”
Why the hell do people even say that? Don’t they really want to get out of the situation that forces them to put their thoughts into words? Especially if the words are going to turn a smiling face into one contorted with disgust and anger? Yeah, I’ve seen that face a million times before. You’d think I’d be better at this part, but it still makes me cringe, mainly because I’m not a complete jackass. I don’t want to hurt Lacie, I just don’t want to screw around with her anymore because pretty soon, she’ll ask to bring me home to meet Mommy and Daddy.
It’s only sex. It’s always only sex. Some girls get more than others because they play by my very clear rules, but at the end of the day, none of them can handle it when I pull the plug. They always want more, and I can’t give it to them.
Won’t is the more accurate word, if I’m being honest.
She gasps and her head reappears, hair tousled from being under the sheet. “Talk about what?” Her eyes light up. “Oh my God! Do you…want to come home with me this weekend? My parents would love—“
Dammit. I knew this was coming. “No, not about that.” I let out a sigh. “Listen, it’s been fun, but I think we need to cool things off a bit.” Good move, slick. Tell her that after you’ve rocked her world for the better part of the past three hours.
Then the nostrils flare. “It’s been fun? We need to cool things off?”
And here we go.
“Are you freaking kidding me?” She leaps to her feet and kicks me from all angles. Red toes are assaulting me from different directions, and I don’t know which way to roll first. “How could you do this to me, to us? I thought we had something special, Hunter! How could you just throw it all away?”
