Frenemy Fix-Up, page 17
“You minx.” He reaches for his pants, which are hanging at his ankles and kicks them free. He grasps a condom from his wallet, tosses the wallet to the ground next to his jacket and dons the protection. Then he grasps me from underneath my arms, and before I can stop him he’s lifted me and braced me against the wall. I have no choice but to wrap my legs around him and give myself up to my fate.
When he enters me, I gasp and my spine arches.
“Tell me you don’t like this.” He remains still, not moving inside me until I say something, but I refuse to speak. So he slams into me once again, and my muscles contract around him, trying to hold onto him.
One of his hands grasps my locs and tugs my head so I have to look into his eyes. “Answer me, Shay,” he urges. “Tell me you want me.”
“No, I don’t.” I don’t know why I lie—I only know this punishment is one of the best I’ve ever received.
He drives into me again and then again. My eyelids flutter closed, and his body sets a rhythm, taking me closer to the end, closer to where I want to be.
But Colin is determined that I submit to him.
“Tell me!” he demands. My head lolls back against the wall, and my breathing hitches. As he thrusts deeper inside me yet again, I can’t hold back. I say the words he’s been waiting for. “Yes!” I scream. “Yes, I want you!”
Only then does Colin bury his head in my neck and groan out his release. We stay like that forever, our bodies pressed against the wall until our heartbeats slow and return to their normal rhythm.
Colin lowers me to the floor and my knees nearly buckle, but he holds me upright. “Are you okay?”
Nodding, I move away a fraction, using the wall as leverage. A glance in the mirrors shows I’m wrecked. My locs, once in an intricate updo, are now around my shoulders, and my makeup is smudged and my lips are swollen. I look like I’ve been fucked.
And I have been. Thoroughly.
Thankful the suite has a bathroom, I quickly excuse myself to freshen up. I thought I would show Colin I was in charge, but it’s evident neither one of us is. We’re both slaves to the explosive passion between us.
I’ve never found this kind of connection before. Why is this happening now? At nearly thirty years old with a relationship leading nowhere?
Eventually, after repairing the damage to my face and sweeping my locs into a simple updo, I walk back into the living area of the suite. Colin is sitting down with his head between his hands. He looks up when I walk in the room.
“Hey.” He stands when I move toward him. “Are you okay? I was kind of rough earlier.”
“I’m fine. Good, actually.”
A wicked smile crosses his lips. “Good? Shay, are you telling me you like it a little rough?”
“I guess I do.”
“Duly noted.” He takes my hand. “We should head back. Your friends probably think I’ve kidnapped you and will have police on the hunt.”
I laugh. “They’re not that bad.”
“Ha! They were about to put me out to the firing squad for offending you earlier.”
“As they should have.”
Colin chuckles. “I suppose.” He grasps my hand, and we walk back to the reception. The bride and groom are on the dance floor, and it looks like my brother is underneath Wynter’s skirt.
I walk up to Egypt who is hugging Garrett on the periphery of the dance floor. “What’s going on?” I inquire.
“Look who finally decided to join the party,” Egypt replies. “We were looking for you. Wynter was ready to throw the bouquet, but she wouldn’t without you. They’re doing the garter first.”
“I’m sorry. I was otherwise entertained,” I whisper for her ears alone.
Egypt hazards a glance at Colin. “I don’t need to guess who with. I do believe you had a different hairstyle for the wedding.”
I touch my makeshift updo. It’s certainly not what the hair stylist created earlier. I blush.
Egypt pats my hands. “It’s okay. Enjoy him, all right? It’s been a long time since you’ve been with a man. Just be careful. Promise?”
“I promise.”
And I mean it. I won’t get carried away and find myself in love with Colin. I never want to be like Mama, destroyed if it doesn’t work out between us. The feelings I’ve developed for Colin will lead nowhere. I have to accept that. I have my business and the love of my family and the Gems to support me. No matter what, I’ll be okay.
* * *
“You caught the bouquet!” Wynter hugs me as if I’ve won the lottery. I’m stunned. I thought Asia or even Egypt would be the recipient, but me? My feelings are way too unsettled to think about marriage, especially with Colin.
“I think it’s fate you caught the bouquet,” Wynter whispers. “You could end up together.”
I shake my head. “You’re such a romantic, Wynter.”
I don’t burst her bubble, not on her wedding day, but I know better. Colin has never said he wants more than a friends-with-benefits situation, and that tryst in the bridal suite confirmed it. He only wants one thing—even if I’m starting to believe I want more.
Soon, the evening ends. Before Wynter and Riley leave, I take my brother aside. “Don’t fuck this up.”
Riley laughs. “I won’t. Wynter is the best thing that ever happened to me, and I never would have met her if it hadn’t been for you. Thank you, Shay.” Riley wraps me in the warmest of brotherly hugs.
When he releases me, I say, “I love you too, Riley, and I wish you both every happiness.”
Seconds later, he and Wynter wave as they walk through sparklers and leave the reception. A moment of wistfulness comes over me as I watch their departure, until strong hands engulf my shoulders.
“They make a great couple,” Colin whispers from behind me.
“Yes, they do.” I turn to face him. “If you want to head out, you can. The Gems and I are ensuring the wedding planner gets all the help she needs to close out the evening.”
He frowns. “Are you sure?”
I nod. “Go ahead. I’ll see you on Monday.” I can’t be with him tonight. Our earlier encounter is still too fresh in my mind.
His brow furrows. “You’re not coming over?”
“It’s been a long day. Thank you for coming.”
“Of course.” His words are stilted. Is he angry? Then, to my utter surprise, he bends down and his mouth covers mine. Our tongues mate in a searing kiss before he lifts his head. “Good night, Shay. Ladies.” He inclines his head, and I swivel to see the Gems staring open-mouthed as he walks away.
Lyric approaches me first. “I thought you guys were just, you know, friends with benefits? He doesn’t kiss like someone who’s in it just for sex.”
“I’m going to have to concur with Lyric on this one,” Teagan says. “Your Colin might just have a thing for you.”
Even though she’s five foot two, Asia pushes past them and over to me. “Don’t believe the hype, Shay. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it’s a duck. If Colin says he only wants to be fuck buddies, then take him at his word.”
“Damn, Asia. Do you have to be such a killjoy?” Lyric asks. “Maybe Shay wants to believe in happily ever after.”
“Shay,” I reply, “can speak for herself. And I know exactly where Colin and I stand. But I appreciate all of you being there for me.”
“We got you, boo,” Egypt says with a grin.
Later, after the Gems have changed clothes, ensured the extra food has been donated to a local shelter and checked that the bridal suite is clean, I head home weary and ready for bed.
After a shower and jammies, I recall everything that happened today. My brother marrying my best friend. Colin’s introduction to the Gems. And finally, that heated encounter in the bridal suite that had Colin’s dick in my mouth and my back against the wall with him deep inside me. My body still shudders at the memories.
As I am drifting off to sleep, I hear a ping from my phone.
I glance down and see a text from Colin.
Had an amazing day with you today. Thank you for allowing me to share it with you, your family and friends.
His words slide their way into my heart.
It’s a losing battle.
I’ve fallen in love with Colin.
Twenty-Four
COLIN
Ever since the wedding, Shay and I have retreated to our respective corners to figure out what the hell it is we’re doing.
After our sessions, she doesn’t suggest we go back to her place, and I don’t offer mine.
The question that gets in my way: Why have I let this woman wrap me around her little finger?
The last couple of months, I’ve focused on my health and well-being and Shay, and I’ve made no moves to achieve my other goals. I’ve worked too hard to let up on the gas now, but that’s exactly what I’ve done. Why?
Because I’m torn between wanting to make my father proud and following my heart.
Maybe the only way to figure out what’s next is to talk to Claire. Figure out if she’s truly the woman my dad thought she was. I’ve always thought Claire was beautiful and intelligent with a wry sense of humor. The chemistry between us was off the charts back then. Plus, she came from the right family, which appealed to me.
And so, here I am, meeting Claire for a drink. Initially, she was surprised to hear from me. It has been months since she first gave me her number. But after what happened at Riley’s wedding and the connection with Shay I can’t seem to shake, I need to give my derailed plans a chance to get back on track. I need to take control of whatever runaway thing is happening to my emotions.
So I’m at the country club waiting for Claire. However, before she arrives, I see Craig Abbott from the Myers Group.
“Craig.” I stand up to greet him. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m meeting my wife for lunch. It’s so good to see you, Colin. How’ve you been?”
“I’m doing well.”
“You look amazing. Not so stressed,” Craig says.
“Did I look that way before?”
“Maybe stressed is the wrong word, but you were intense.”
“I was worried about the IPO. Matt told me everything went well.”
“It did. There’s been a few changes now that we’re public, but you have nothing to fear. Your position is solid under the Family and Medical Leave Act.”
I feel myself frown. “Would it not be, in other circumstances?”
Craig pats my shoulder. “No, no, that’s not what I meant. Only that there’s been a lot of shake-ups. You know that’s to be expected when we’re a publicly traded company. More people to answer to.”
“Of course. If there’s anything I can do during the transition—”
Craig waves me off. “Not necessary. We’ve got everything covered. You should take this time to get well and evaluate your life. Make sure you’re going down the path that’s right for you.” And with those words, he shakes my hand and walks over to a woman with a chic blond bob who just walked in.
Despite Craig’s attempt to reassure me, his comments have the opposite effect. Is my job in jeopardy? My promotion? I worked so hard at the Myers Group. I can’t fathom all of it was for naught.
I need to figure this out, but then Claire approaches me. Statuesque at five foot nine, her honey-brown hair sways as she moves. Her oval-shaped face, arched eyebrows and cupid mouth are highlighted by the perfect makeup. She’s wearing a belted shirt dress and high-heeled pumps. She looks nothing like Shay with her bohemian locs, makeup-free toffee skin and constant wardrobe of tank tops and leggings.
In the past, the sight of Claire all put-together excited me. But that was before Shay. Right now, I don’t feel anything except fondness for an old friend.
I rise to my feet. “Claire.”
Instead of accepting my open arms, she nods. I take the cue and pull out her chair. Once we’re seated, I say, “You look beautiful.”
“Do I?” she asks, peering at me.
“You know you do.”
Claire always liked to be complimented on her appearance. When we were together, she spent a great deal of time and effort making sure she looked good whenever we went out.
She grins widely. “Thank you. Though, I must say I was surprised to receive the invite to lunch.”
“Why?”
“I’ve seen you twice, first at your sister’s and then at Vegan Avenue. When I didn’t hear from you, I assumed you had moved on.”
“Not at all,” I say automatically, thinking I was just consumed by a certain yoga instructor.
“Are you sure? You were with Shay Davis. It looked like a date.”
“It wasn’t a date.”
Her eyebrows rise skeptically. “If that’s the truth, then I’m glad. I always regretted our breakup.”
“You did?” My recollection of events is different. She was eager to date other men.
“Absolutely. You were always so intense and focused on the future. At the time, I wanted to live a little. We were much too young to be getting serious when we had so much life to experience.”
I understand what she’s saying, but back then it felt like way more than a first love. “And now?”
“I’m ready to settle down,” Claire replies, “have a family of my own. I need someone like you, who has your life together.”
If she only knew.
The last two months, my life has been anything but together—when I compare it to the plans Dad wanted for me. Yet I’ve had more fun than I can ever remember having. And sitting here with Claire now, mulling over Craig Abbot’s words, something feels off about all my plans and goals.
“I’ve done so much with my life since we were apart.” Claire rattles on about everything she’s accomplished over the last decade, from work to travel. During our entire lunch, she never once asks me a question about what I’ve been up to or how the last ten years have treated me. By the end of the meal, I’m exhausted by her chatter.
I find myself missing Shay, who knows how to be quiet in the moment. How to breathe and sit with silence. I’ve never had that peace with any other woman, including Claire.
“When would you like to get together again?” she asks as lunch ends and she wipes both sides of her mouth with the napkin.
“I have a busy schedule at work,” I fib. I’ve found out what I needed to know. Getting involved with Claire would be a mistake. “Can I call you with some dates?” I ask out of politeness.
“Don’t wait too long again, Colin.” Claire stands. “If you do, you might find someone else has scooped me up.”
I walk her to her car and tuck her inside. There’s a moment when she pauses, perhaps for a kiss, but I push past it by looking away as I hold the car door open for her.
She pauses, seeming to recognize that things have shifted between us for good.
“Thank you for lunch,” she says solemnly, as if she’s saying good-bye. “I’ll call you later.” Though we both know she won’t.
Then she drives away.
I stare at the retreating vehicle. Times have changed. I thought I could follow my dad’s advice and everything would work out okay, but trying to live his dream has gotten in the way of my own happiness.
My feelings have changed.
My plans have changed.
I’ve changed.
And yet I still can’t reconcile the maelstrom of emotions I feel toward Shay. What do they mean? Do I want more than just friends with benefits? Does she?
And if she does, what am I going to do about it?
Twenty-Five
SHAY
He’s done it again.
Colin has pushed me away since the wedding just like he did after our run-in with Claire. Were the Gems and their expectations too much? Or was it the intensity of our sexual encounter?
Or maybe he’s done with our fuck-buddies arrangement?
No matter the reason, the rejection hurts.
However, we agreed that when one or both of us were ready to call it quits, we would end it, plain and simple, while keeping our business relationship intact. I just assumed the sex would last as long as our ninety-day agreement.
And those feelings I’ve been harboring for Colin? They’re more than just lust. They’re love.
That’s huge. I’ve been afraid, reluctant to love again... But I’m in love with Colin.
And I haven’t even had a chance to talk with him about it. That he doesn’t feel the same is evident by how distant he’s been since the wedding. Since the sexual encounter when I admitted to myself what I could no longer deny—I need him, want him, love him.
And now, I can’t go back to how things used to be.
* * *
The next morning at the studio, I meet with an interior designer about the layout for the expansion. The landlord and I came to an agreement on the suite next door with money toward renovation, and I’ve signed a lease amendment. Now all I have to do is wait for the designer’s plan, which she’ll have ready in a few days, then I can send it out for bids to general contractors.
After the meeting, I’m heading to the locker room to change into my workout gear when Colin knocks on my door for our session. Since my meeting just ended, I’m still dressed in a blouse and slacks.
“I’m sorry I’m not ready yet,” I reply, not looking at him. “Give me a few minutes to change.” My emotions get the better of me, considering how he’s been distant the last week. I try to push past him, but he grabs my arm.
“Shay, can you wait a second? I’d like to talk.”
Don’t look at him... If I do, I’ll fall into the same pattern of getting caught up in the physical, like I always do.
Colin doesn’t feel the same way about me as I do about him. I want to admit everything I’m feeling and beg him to love me, but I don’t. I won’t be like my mother, begging for my father’s love.
