Uncovering Hope (Uncovering Love Book 3) (17 page)

“I’m scared.” He’s trembling.

“I know, little man. But I’m here, ’kay? Nothing and no one is coming inside this house. I guarantee it.” I hug him and pat his back.

“Promise you won’t leave. Even after I fall asleep.” His voice breaks and I pull back to meet his eyes.

“I promise you I’m not going anywhere until your Uncle Tate gets back, okay? I’ll keep you safe.” He nods and his entire body relaxes at my reply. He’s clearly relieved by my response. Yeah. I’m keeping watch tonight. That was scary as fuck and I’m an adult. This little guy is one brave kid.

Carly disappears down the hallway with Eli and I stand up and follow, holding Ezra’s hand. I catch her laying Eli down on a twin bed. He’s already fallen back asleep. She glances up at us.

“Ezra, go brush your teeth first.” She covers Eli with a blanket. I walk with Ezra, since he still hasn’t let go of my hand. The squeeze of his fingers goes straight to my heart. I’ll do anything to protect this child. The thought comes so quick and steals my breath. He finally releases his grip to pick up the brush and paste.

Carly comes up behind me and touches my back, nudging me to the side so she can squeeze through the doorway. She mouths thank you as she slides by and then checks Ezra’s teeth. “Good job. Let’s get you to bed.” I step down the hall to the living room and take a seat. A few minutes go by and Carly returns, exhaustion and worry apparent on her face.

“You don’t have to stay.” Her words lack conviction.

“But I will. I’m not leaving. At least until your brother gets here.”

“Oh, thank God.” She plops down on the couch next to me, closes her eyes, and heaves out a breath.

“Come here.” I snake my arm between the cushion and her back and tug her to my side. Her muscles tighten for a second and I wonder if she’ll pull away. She releases a shuddering breath and turns, curling her legs up and on top of my leg. She burrows her face into my chest.

“Hey, it’s okay, mama. I’ve got you.” I can feel her crying, though she’s not making a sound. Her shoulders shake and I trace my fingers up and down her arm. Long moments pass and her breath hitches with each path my fingers take. I inhale a deep breath to steady my own racing pulse, because this close, holding her in my arms is starting to turn me the fuck on. My cock strains against my pants and I’m thankful for the thick denim that hides my arousal.

I inhale again, only it backfires as my nostrils fill with her scent. It’s clean and sweet and a little something else that’s unique to Carly. I bury my nose in her hair but she lifts her chin at the same time and I’m met with those damn pink lips just millimeters from mine.

Her tongue darts out to trail across her lower lip and it’s more than I can take. I close the space between us and capture those lips with my own in a kiss that’s steady and firm. The gasp of pleasure she lets loose spurs me on. I pull her over my lap; her legs move of their own accord to straddle my hips. Her mouth opens and I take full advantage, moving my tongue with hers.

Panting. Licking. Heavy breathing. Hips rocking. My hands trail up, down, and around her clothes. Her hands pull, grab, caress. It’s not enough. I want more.

I dip my finger into the waistband of her jeans and pull at the fabric so I can reach my fingers to where she’s a bundle of sex and nerves. I slip one and then two inside and rub my thumb to find her clit. I hit the spot and she lets out a soft cry. I capture her moans with my mouth and press my finger over and around that little nub. Her hips rock harder, her breaths come faster, and my fingers coat with her desire. I don’t let up, circling faster and harder, and swallow all the sounds she makes.

Her release is almost silent, but the wave of her orgasm crashes down and then ricochets against my hand. I slow my fingers to a lazy rhythm and her body spasms. I release her lips and lean back so I can watch her face. Her skin is flush and a light sheen of sweat covers it. A few loose locks of hair frame her gorgeous face.

“Beautiful,” I whisper, and I pull my fingers from her pants and lift them to my lips. “You promised me a taste,” I murmur and then suck her juices from my fingers. She blushes and squeezes her eyes shut. I’ve embarrassed her, but I don’t know why. She tastes fucking fantastic.

The sound of hushed voices and the scraping of a key at the doorknob snap her eyes wide open. She jolts off my lap and scoots across to the opposite side of the couch just as the door swings open.

“Oh, you’re still up?” Tate glances at Carly with surprise and then cocks his brow my way. “And you’re still here.”

Carly hops up from the couch and crosses her arms across her waist. “When we got back with the boys there was a strange man at the door.” She worries her lip between her teeth, and if I weren’t sporting a hard on I’d stand at her side. Instead I lean forward, discomfort and pain pulsing in my jeans as I coax my Johnson down from his erect state.

“We called the cops, but he didn’t try anything. It was really strange, though, and scared us all—well, except Eli, who was asleep,” she continues to explain.

“I promised I wouldn’t leave until you got back.” I add. I stand and gather the pieces to my costume as Carly continues to recount our stranger mishap.

“Thank you.” Tate nods, his expression full of appreciation.

“Wait. Is everything all right with Kate?” Carly turns to Evie, who nods.

“Yeah. Fine for now. Her dad had his prelim hearing today. I guess he’s up for bail but they’re broke, as always, so her mom had the nerve to call Kate and ask for five grand. It really messed with her head. You know she has such a bad relationship with them anyway. And the fact her dad was involved in a drug ring.” Evie closes her eyes and shakes her head, but it’s Carly’s reaction that has my attention. Her eyes gloss over and I wish I was a mind reader. “Anyway, doesn’t matter. She ranted. I listened. Tate and Jon drank beer. It’s over. For now, at least.”

“She won’t give them any money, will she?” Carly’s tone is harsh.

“No. And that’s best. They’ve been nothing but cruel to her for years, but they’re still her parents, so she’s working through the guilt of telling them no.”

Tate walks behind Evie and rubs his hands up and down her arms, before resting them at her hips.

“I should probably go . . .” Carly stays across the room and I wish she’d volunteer to walk me out. We need to talk. I want to kiss her. But I can tell the moment is over by her body language. Arms crossed, shoulders squared, and eyes that won’t meet mine.
Shit.
Maybe I pushed too fast? Or capitalized on her vulnerability?

I wave good-bye and Tate locks the door behind me. I get in my SUV feeling like a total prick. I just wanted to make her feel good. I only wanted to taste her. Have her. Consume her.
Damn it.
I need her to know I never meant to take advantage. Before I pull out onto the road I send Carly a text.

I’m sorry. I know I crossed a line. Forgive me?

She never returns my message.

I DON’T KNOW WHAT CAME
over me last night. For those few minutes I completely lost myself in Derek. His scent. Pure masculinity mixed with a little mint. His taste. That metal barbell rolling and moving inside my mouth and sending a pulsing need straight to my core.

Stupid.
I can’t believe I let things go that far.

Like some hormonal teenager, I practically dry humped him in the damn living room. No regard for the fact my boys were asleep down the hall and could’ve walked in on us!

But his fingers.
Fuck.
The way he stroked me. He knew exactly what he was doing. I’ve never been with someone like that. I came hard and fast and I won’t deny it was amazing. And the way he licked his fingers afterward.
Damn.
Had my brother not walked in I’m sure I would’ve fucked him right then and there.

Clearly, I’ve lost my mind.

I lost myself in Derek’s touch last night.

That was the problem.

I lost myself with Josh years ago.

And after leaving I vowed to never again lose myself in a man. Coming back from that kind of relationship almost ruined me. Recovering my individuality is something I never desire to do again.

I need to stay clear of Derek. Which is why I haven’t answered his text.

I can avoid him, at least until my shift tonight at the hospital. Though I hope he has other plans because it’s the weekend. I don’t even know what to say to him. How to act. Will this change the friendship we’ve forged these past weeks?
Come on, Carly
, be realistic. Of course it does.

I don’t
need
Derek.

I watch Ezra and Eli race across the back lawn while I sip my coffee. My phone vibrates beside me and I almost don’t look. I’m sure it’s him again.

An unknown number flashes across the screen. The masked man from last night pops into my mind and I swallow back the fear.

“Hello?” My voices quivers and I hate how weak I sound.

“Hello, Carly. I hope you don’t mind I got your number from one of your co-workers.” Garrett’s cheerful voice quiets my nerves and I sigh in relief. “I hope that’s okay and not too forward.”

“Of course, that’s fine. It’s good to hear your voice.”

“I’m glad you think so. I know it’s last minute, but I’d like you to join me tonight for a charity dinner at The Biltmore? It’s masquerade themed, and I’d love to have you by my side. That is, if you can find someone to watch your boys.” Of course, I work.

“Garrett, that’s really sweet. I’d love to go—”

“I’m sensing a ‘but’ here.” He chuckles.

“I have to work tonight.”

“I see. Of course. It was presumptuous to hope you would be available at such short notice. Could maybe . . . that is if you’d like—” There’s a pause on the line and I can’t help but grin. His nerves are apparent.

“Yes, Garrett?”

“Would you like to get coffee some morning after work? Away from the hospital? I know this charming little spot.” His voice holds brightness. We had fun together hiking. He’s charming, educated, and sweet. He’s understanding of my work schedule and time with my boys. I owe it to myself to see where this leads.

“I’d love to.”

“Perfect. Well, you have a good night at work, though I’d rather you were with me at the masquerade. I’ll call again soon. We can set a time for that coffee date.”

“Sounds good. ’Bye, Garrett.”

“Good-bye.”

Eli and Ezra tear across the covered patio, one chasing after the other. I tuck my feet back, barely moving out of the way in time before I accidentally trip one of them. I set my coffee down, wrap my arms around my knees, and hug them into my chest.

I blow out a frustrated growl. How, after years of no action, do I suddenly have two very different men vying for my attention? I need a girlfriend’s perspective. I text Jenny. I don’t always do what she says but she brings a clear head to the table and has my best interest at heart. And she
knows
me.

I pick up my coffee again and enjoy the last drops. My phone buzzes with an incoming text.

Jenny: Working. Meet u in break room at end of shift?

“But let’s go back to the part where you’re making out with
not so little
drummer boy . . .” Jen’s eyes sparkle and she waggles her brows.