Charged (13 page)

Cradling her head, I pull every last breath from her I can. My heart pounds, my chest heaves, and I want everything. Pulling back before I’m ready, Kate relinquishes the warmth of her mouth and the feel of her hands on my skin. Goddamn, I don’t want to let her go. 

“Ryker, I’m not that type of woman. I don’t do relationships.” 

Laughing deep, I grab my cock to accent the point. “Spark plug, no one holds
these
balls in their fucking purse.” She glances down at my hand, and her heated gaze causes my fever-rushed cock to grow. “I want to fuck you, not keep you.” I lie. To her and myself. 

“Ryker. I’m from nowhere. I’m not even sure what state I’m from anymore. There’s been so many that I can't count enough dots on the map.” She pops up on her toes, laying a soft kiss on my lips. “I appreciate all you do to get me on the road, but this won’t work.” 

My heart sinks a little, but I ignore it. “So no coffee then? Damn shame. There’s this place in town that tastes just like Romeo’s, from 6th.” 

Kate pauses and I can see the internal war. Nothing is better than Romeo’s and if she’s been in New York before, she knows it’s the best. 

Kate turns, looking at me quizzically and smirks. “Romeo’s? Tempting. Very tempting.” 

“It’s coffee, and like I said before, I’ll be gentlemanly. I’m not a total slut.”

Rolling her eyes and mumbling, she purses her lips and shakes her head, exasperated. “Fine, but don’t think this is gonna get you in my pants. I’m
not
Kendra.” 

I don’t even bother to hold back my triumphant smile. “Fine. I’ll grab you after closing. Wear long pants and a sweater.” I say closing the distance between us. “It may be July, but nights are cool after a rain. I’d hate to see your precious cargo chilled.” Motioning to her perfect tits, my heart soars when she chuckles and playfully swats at me.

I didn’t really get what I wanted, but I feel like I’ve won one small battle. Kate shakes her head, then waves goodbye, leaving me on the porch alone. 

As I watch her tight ass, I push my swollen cock down, adjusting it before going back to work. Fuck. I definitely need that cold shower, now.

Kate

R
yker is like my own personal Kryptonite. I’m drawn to him, and I have a feeling he will be the death of me.

Just being in his space is difficult. If he hadn’t had that escapade with the slut, I might have had my way with him. But I have morals and restraint, and I’m not like her. There is so much sexual tension between us; it makes it almost hard to breath. But I’ve seen how he treats women first hand, and I mean it. I’m not that type of woman. 

Damn him. Damn him for dragging me in for a soul searing kiss! As our tongues touched, and our teeth smashed together in a rush, I was lost to the passion. I couldn’t take it. I needed to touch him. 

His smooth soft back was tight and defined — magnificent — but to touch it up close and personal was a totally different experience.

Finding he could recognize my accent, right down to the borough was damaging. He knew that Romeo’s would get my attention. If he can pick it out that easily, who else can?

And, why does it excite me so much, that here in shit-stick-Mississippi, there’s a coffee that tastes just like Romeo’s? 

Do I miss it? Good coffee. Yeah, more than I’ll admit. My mom used to take me there as a kid. I know I shouldn’t have had it, and yeah, I know it stunts your growth, but at the time I didn’t care. One sweet espresso with raw sugar was sweeter than any Brio or tangy cola. I was drinking the elixir of the gods. 

As I walk back to Harvester, to deal with the two traitors, I laugh. They tossed me to the wolves, but only meant it in the best way, I’m sure.  

Swinging the screen door, it hits the frame hard.

“Hey, that you Kate?” Hazel calls from the front, her voice all sweet and innocent like. 

“Yeah, it’s me.” I respond in an exaggerated, chipper tone. 

“Mind grabbing a set of those new water jugs by the back door for me on your way thru. I’m gonna toss these worn, cracked ones.” 

I pick up two from the open box and start towards the front. Passing the kitchen, I see Gus is at the grill flipping, and frying god knows what. I walk through without a word and step into the front part of the restaurant, finding Hazel filling jugs from the spigot in the sink. I’m surprised to find the restaurant is vibrant and full once more, as students fill in the limited seating.

“Bulldogs won,” she says in explanation, handing me a full jug. “Victory football party. Grab a book and start taking orders. This is gonna be a long night.” 

I nod, smile and put on an apron. Stepping out into the crowd of rabble rousers, I drop the grudge about her stringing me out. I feel bad. She was dealing with this chaos, while I was fondling Ryker. 

I hit the room running. Taking orders, handing them off to Gus, then rounding up shot after shot. These people are showing more face paint than I’ve ever seen before. Not to downplay the mascots and losers in school jerseys wanting to match their faves, but the jock-cock-rockers that hunker around the winning teammates are pretty decked out in their school colors with the skimpiest tanks and skirts. 

I’ve been back in the restaurant for more than an hour, wiping down tables, whipping up drinks and making change — for the cheapest kids on the planet — when it hits me. I’m actually anticipating going out with Ryker tonight. Can I relax, and enjoy this without looking over my shoulder? I hope so. 

I’m clearing a table as a new group of kids arrive and it’s obvious by the letterman coats that they’re all a part of the team.

“What ya havin’?” I ask the one closest to me.

“Well, why don’t you bring us a pitcher of whatever’s on tap tonight. A round of Raging Bull’s, Sex on the Grass, eight fried Gorilla’s with fries, and your phone number.” Really smooth kid. Nice try. Too bad I like men, not boys. 

“Well I can bring you all of it, except the number. It doesn’t fit on the grill.” I write down the order and start away. The letterman reaches out, taking ahold of my arm. In any other setting that would put me on edge, my fear meter needle climbing the scales. Here at Hazel’s place, I’m completely at ease…which is freakin’ awesome.

“Sorry.” he says, pulling his hand back. “Was that too forward? I’m Kade. I saw you here this morning, when I stopped in for a shake. You made me an apple blossom double protein cocoa, and I wanted to ask you out to coffee.”

What is it with the coffee in this town? It’s either really good, or there’s nothing else worth doing here. 

Kade’s not a bad looking guy. His broad shoulders, chiseled marble jawline, deep dimples, deep, dark almost black eyes, and jet black, bristly short hair. All of it is indicative of his Asian heritage. What a good looking young man. Young being the key.

“Thanks. Really. It’s sweet of you, but I
just can’t.” I smile, then leave to fill their order. 

I really need to get my head out of my ass about Ryker. Normally, I would have jumped at an offer from a guy like Kade. He’s cute and he’s not that much younger, but my mind is elsewhere. It’s a tall, broody, sexually charged, bristly, blue eyed mechanic that has my attention. 

As the night passes, I move from table to table, filling orders, refilling drinks, and clearing dishes. The time passes faster than I thought it would. By the time I look back at the clock, five hours have gone by. 

Kade had tried one more time to get my number, but after the second no, he understood I just wasn’t interested. He was just
too
sweet and I have something else in mind. He’s harsh, rough and bearded.

“It’s time, Kate. Get yer’ ass over here.” 

We’d closed the doors about twenty minutes ago, and now Hazel is ready to start their end of night ritual. 

“Not tonight. I’m going out for coffee.”  

Hazel’s face splits in a wide smile as she shoulder bumps Gus. “Our girl is all grown up, Pa’,” Hazel clips off, in the fakest Texan drawl I’ve ever heard.

Gus chimes in as he pours the shots. “Sure is, Ma. Do ya’ think it’s ok to let her out without a chaperone? We wouldn’t want her maidenhood compromised before the wed’n.”

“Sure. Poke fun.” Grabbing up the shot, I raise it high. “I’m grateful tonight for three offers, one pervert beat down — that the man-whore Clit deserved and to good friends to share this shot with. Satisfied?” I tip it back, expecting the sweet caramel taste. 

“Fuck! What was that?” I wince as it fries the inside of my mouth. “That wasn’t bourbon, was it?”

“Sorry.” Gus laughs, almost falling off his rickety stool. “I couldn’t resist.”

Hazel rises, coming around the counter to the other side, pulling me into a tight hug. It’s only been two days, and I feel so at ease. Leaving here will be harder than I thought. A whole week will feel like a lifetime. 

“Have a great night,” she whispers in my ear. “Don’t hurt him, please. I care for that kid like he’s mine.” 

“It’s just coffee, Hazel. I think Ryker can hold his own against me.” I break the bear hug, telling her I’m going for a quick shower. No way am I going out with Ryker reeking of bacon grease, beer, tequila and moonshine.

Kate

T
he time on the alarm clock in Hazel’s spare room says ten-thirty. I’m sure Ryker isn’t going to wait all night, so I dress, dry my hair, and toss on a pair of shoes as quickly as I can. I’d hate to make him wait. 

He’s right about one thing. My reverse ombre hair
is
something. Visiting the closest pharmacy should be a priority. If my accent gives me away, there’s no use in covering my hair colour. The platinum peeks through almost immediately, anyway. 

Grabbing a light sweater out of my bag — which Ryker brought over after the toss up with Clit — I pour myself into a pair of jeans and mentally prepare myself. I hope this coffee shop lives up to its reputation. I highly doubt it’s as good as Romeo’s, but I’ll give anything a try. 

The weather isn’t cold, but Ryker was pretty emphatic about me wearing a sweater. Why fight him? So, I’ll do as I’m asked in favor of peace. I don’t normally do as I’m told. Typically, there’s no one to boss me around. I am the master of my ship. But if I want a frustration free coffee, I’ll be good.  

Leaving the house and walking across the blacktop, I see the lights are on in the restaurant. Hazel and Gus sit conversing in laughter. The moonshine seems to be flowing freely.