Come Back To Me Read online

  You, me, and a mess of sheets. “Nope. I’ll probably just go back home and curl up with a good book or something.”

  Clearing his throat, Bryce leveled his gaze at her. “Keep me company for a little longer?”

  If she didn’t know better, she could swear she heard his voice quiver. He couldn’t possibly be nervous about his next move.

  “I suppose I could show you around.”

  One Night Stand—JC Chasez

  Bryce held her hand as they walked back to the car, but instead of opening her door this time, he pushed her against the side of the car and placed a hand on her cheek. He ran his thumb over her lips, taking it all in before he slowly lowered his mouth to hers. At first, his kiss was gentle, but he wasted no time pulling her closer, and slipping his tongue inside her mouth.

  Lacey let out a moan as he deepened the kiss, moving his hand to the back of her head, his hand now knotted in her hair. His cock hardened against his zipper, straining to break free and claim her. If he didn’t stop now, he’d end up doing something stupid, like fucking her up against the car. With a deep breath, he pulled back – breaking their kiss.

  “We should get out of here,” she whispered.

  Once they were both inside the car, Bryce turned toward her. “Lacey, listen, I gotta be honest here.” He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “I’m not looking for anything serious. I don’t have time for it.”

  He could see her trying to push down her emotions before she nodded. “I get it, Bryce. It was pretty clear you were only after one thing from the moment you started hitting on me at the bar.”

  “I enjoyed having dinner with you tonight, I – this isn’t me. I don’t date. I fuck and move on. I imagine that makes me look like a pig, and you wouldn’t be wrong about that. But I don’t have the luxury of getting serious with someone, when I never know when I’m going to be called out again.”

  This was her chance, their defining moment. She could tell him to take her home, or she could take his lead and give in to the ache between her legs that was evident by the way she wiggled in her seat. Would she let him make her forget about everything else, even if it was just for a little while?

  “Are you still staying at the hotel?” she asked with a twinge of hope in her voice.

  “I am.”

  “Take me back there then. Fuck me. Use me for what you need… what we both need.” There, she’d said it. She gave in and let herself go.

  “You don’t have to do this. I can take you back to your place, kiss you goodnight at the door, and leave.” Even if it meant he went back to the hotel alone with a raging case of blue balls. He would do it, for her. Because she was different. She deserved more than he could give her and he knew it.

  Lacey squared her shoulders and met his gaze. “I know I don’t have to. I want to. Don’t act like you don’t want it, too.”

  Bryce muttered, “Fuck,” under his breath as he slipped the car in reverse and accelerated out of his parking spot.

  She said yes. She was going to let him fuck her. This was happening.

  The hotel was less than a mile away. There was no time for her to change her mind. No awkward silence, just attraction filling the air. Electricity looking to spark.

  Bryce guided her down the hall to his room, his hand on her back. He slipped the card in the door and the green light appeared. This was it. He held out his arm and welcomed her inside.

  Lacey dropped her purse at the door, as it clicked shut behind them, and he was immediately consuming her space. He pinned her to the door with a molten hot kiss, his rock-hard cock flexing against her stomach. The fuse had been lit. Her hands tore at his clothes, trying to free him, to feel his skin against hers. Bryce slid her sweater past her shoulders, and she let him go long enough for it to pool on the floor as he peppered nips and kisses along her exposed shoulders. He had the hem of her tank in his hands and over her head in an instant. As it dropped to the floor, he cupped her still-covered breasts in his hands, eliciting a groan from her as she fumbled with his belt buckle. She needed him like she would starve without him.

  It was an insane feeling. One that should worry her, except she couldn’t think right now. Not now, with her bra pulled down and her nipple in his mouth. Her head knocked back against the door. “Oh, oh God,” she groaned.

  Pants. She was trying to get his pants off. Maybe she should pull his shirt off instead? But then he’d have to take his lips off her.

  Bryce’s hand slipped between them; she heard the click of his belt unhooking and then his hands were working on her zipper instead.

  Lacey got his zipper down while his calloused fingers dipped inside her panties, tracing her sensitive flesh. She pushed his pants off his hips and down over his taut ass, before paying him back, dipping her hands inside his black Under Armor boxers, brushing against his cock.

  “Fuck, Lacey,” he hissed, toeing off his shoes and stepping out of his khakis.

  He pulled away from her for a moment and slipped his boxers off, then pulled his polo shirt over his head, tossing it to the floor with everything else.

  Her breath hitched as she took in his amazing body. The tattoos and lines, the hard plains that lined his six-pack. She didn’t miss the tiny scars and nicks that told a story, but his throbbing erection stole the show, begging for attention.

  Had Bryce not moved quickly and swept her up in his arms, she would have fallen to her knees and worshiped him. Instead, she rubbed herself against his rigid cock as he carried her to the bed.

  The minute his knees hit the mattress, he let her go, and chuckled as she squealed and bounced on the bed.

  “Pants off,” he ordered as he stroked himself slowly.

  Lacey obeyed him, peeling her silk panties and jeans off in one swoop. Bryce leaned forward and unsnapped her bra, throwing it over his shoulder.

  “Scoot back. Spread your legs for me,” he commanded again.

  What she must look like, sprawled out before him. His hungry gaze had her core aching. She should have been embarrassed, ashamed. Except, she wasn’t. As he gave her a onceover, he crawled up the bed, pushing her legs further apart.

  “Fucking gorgeous, Lacey. I need to taste you. Do not come until I say,” he warned before he lowered his head and lapped at her clit.

  Her hips rose off the bed. “Holy shit!”

  Bryce threw her legs over his shoulders and held her down with one hand as his tongue continued its assault. The fingers on his other hand found their way inside her, eliciting more moans of pleasure. The man certainly knew what he was doing.

  When he curved his fingers upward, he hit her G-spot, and she could feel her body getting ready to explode.

  He froze and looked up at her. “Don’t come.”

  “Goddammit. Bryce!”

  His motions resumed but slower, torturing her.

  “Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck,” she chanted over and over, as he continued working his fingers and his mouth against her. “I’m going to come.”

  “Let it go now, baby. Come on my tongue.”

  She couldn’t stop it, there was no way. Her pussy clamped down around his fingers, her body jerking. Bryce’s tongue flicked over her clit again, sending another shockwave through her body. He didn’t stop. As her orgasm washed over her, he continued licking and working his fingers in and out slowly – drawing everything out of her.

  Bryce slowly withdrew his fingers and placed gentle kisses along her thighs before moving up her body, until her legs were once again wrapped around his waist.

  “That was fucking beautiful,” he growled as he kissed her lips. Lacey reached down between them and carefully took hold of his cock. “Stop. Don’t. You move your hand, and I’ll explode.” Her hand froze in place. “I need to bury my cock inside your pussy.” He moved an inch and grabbed a condom from the box on the nightstand.

  “A little presumptuous, aren’t you?” Humor danced across her face as she cracked a smile.

  He watched her with hooded eyes as he rolle
d the condom over his shaft. “Always prepared, sweetheart.” Fully sheathed, he rubbed his cock through her folds before slipping the tip inside, teasing her.

  Lacey bucked her hips again, pulling him closer and forcing his cock further inside. “Fuck me.”

  That was all the encouragement he needed as he slipped all the way inside her and began pounding relentlessly. He leaned down, hovering so close to her. Lacey couldn’t resist the urge to wrap her arms around him, to run her hands down his smooth, toned back - as he thrusted in and out of her. Bryce kissed against her neck and moaned in pleasure. As another orgasm grew near, she grazed Bryce’s back, clawing for something to hang onto.

  “Goddamn.” Bryce’s voice strained as her pussy clamped down on his dick. “Fuck. Lacey. Damn. Gonna fucking come.”

  “Oh, fuck!” Lacey squealed, riding her own high.

  Bryce continued driving into her. “Motherfucker,” he growled as he exploded. “Damn, Lacey.” He continued pumping his release inside her until she felt his cock grow softer. Then he stilled and placed another kiss against her lips. “Fucking perfect.” A small whimper fell from her lips as he slipped from inside her. “I’ll be right back.”

  He rolled off the bed and retreated to the bathroom. Lacey watched his ass as he walked away, admiring the view with a smile on her face.

  Bryce returned a few minutes later, slipping under the covers and pulling her close. “You ok?” he questioned.

  She tensed against him, momentarily. She hadn’t expected this part. No, she expected for Bryce to hand over her clothes and take her home – not cuddle up beside her like this was something more. “I’m good.” Her voice cracked. “Better than good, actually.”

  “That right?” he said, looking down at her. Lacey nodded against his chest. “Good, because I’m not done with you yet.”

  Dirty Little Secret—The All-American Rejects

  “Lacey dear, how did your date go with that nice young man?” her grandmother, Eloise, coaxed sweetly.

  Lacey groaned from her post in front of the stove, where she was cooking lunch for her grandmother.

  Eloise’s kitchen was tiny and outdated. The range had been replaced, and a microwave sat on the counter top. Aside from that, it remained in its former glory, with the Pepto pink walls and mint green cabinetry straight from the 1950’s. Even the well-worn, retro table, with its pink Formica table top and matching chairs, still stood proudly. Nothing could convince Eloise to upgrade to a more modern design.

  “Lacey Lane,” Eloise called again, breaking her train of thought. “I know you hear me, young lady.”

  Do not roll your eyes like a bratty teen, Lacey mentally scolded herself. “It was nice. We went to dinner and I, uh, showed him around. You know, touristy stuff.”

  If her grandmother only knew how well things went. She’d probably be sending Lacey to confession and forbid her from dating ever again.

  Turns out that Bryce was not a gentleman in the bedroom. Oh, he made her body hum in the most delicious ways possible, and made damn sure she was satisfied. But he certainly checked the charming gentleman persona at the door. And damn, if Lacey didn’t enjoy every fucking minute.

  But Lacey knew the moment her dear grandmother caught her leaving for their ‘date’ – Eloise would start planning her wedding.

  “That’s nice. Seems like a nice young man. You didn’t scare him off, did you?”

  This time, Lacey sighed. “I didn’t scare him off, Grams. He’s a soldier; you know they never stay long.”

  “Unless you give them a reason to, sweet child. How do you think I got your grandfather to come back to me after Normandy? It certainly wasn’t because of my good cooking.”

  Lacey spun around, glaring at her eighty-seven-year-old grandmother. Surely, she wasn’t insinuating…

  “Child, do not look at me like that. I’m old, not dead, how in the Lord’s name do you think your momma came into this world? I had a few tricks up my sleeve in the day.”

  “Eloise Calvert, tell me you’re kidding! You were fifteen when Papaw met you!”

  Eloise shrugged. “I was quite mature for my age.” Not missing a beat, she changed topics. “Now, don’t burn my lunch. In fact, shouldn’t that soup be just about done?”

  Shaking her head, Lacey turned back around to put her grandmother’s soup in a bowl. Sliding it in front of the older woman, Lacey sat and said grace, while holding Eloise’s hand.

  “I think it’s time you move out of this house, my Laceybug. Spread your wings and fly. You certainly cannot do that if you’re here, taking care of me.”

  Lacey shook her head. “Grams, I’m not moving out. No matter how many times you ask, I won’t do it.”

  “I’m not going to live forever, child, and then what? You’ll be alone and lonely. This house is falling down around us; it’d serve you well to sell it after I go, and use the money to take care of yourself.”

  Lacey put her head in her hands and fought back the tears. “Can we not have this discussion today? I’ll deal with it all when the time comes.”

  Truth was, she wanted to be with her grandmother. There was nowhere else she’d rather be. She understood Eloise’s time on earth would one day come to an end, but Lacey had decided long ago that she’d do all she could to make her last days as comfortable as possible. It was the reason she worked two jobs, just to pay for nursing care for Eloise, and keep her home as long as possible.

  Eloise’s only child – Lacey’s mother – had skipped town with the little money that Papaw had left behind for his daughter, and never looked back. The rest was Eloise’s, but once her health began to decline, it all went quickly. If Lacey left, the state would step in and put her grandmother in a state-run nursing home. There was no way she’d let that happen.

  Her grandparents raised her most of her life. When she was two, her father got drunk one night and took a drive, killing another man and woman. The last her grandmother had heard, Roger was currently serving a twenty-five-year sentence in the state prison because he couldn’t seem to behave, even behind bars. He liked to start fights and cause trouble anywhere he went. There were rumors that he’d nearly killed one of his cellmates.

  Her mom, who was in the car with her dad that night, was never the same after the accident.

  Eloise and her late husband, Robert, did all they could to try and help Sandra, but she had all but given up. They cared for Lacey when her mother couldn’t. She was fifteen when her Papaw died and her mom skipped town, leaving just Eloise and Lacey. She hadn’t heard from either of her parents since.

  She wouldn’t even know her own father if he crossed her path.

  No, Lacey owed so much to the sweet woman sitting across from her. She would never leave her to die alone. Everything else would come in time.

  “You can’t keep caring for me, Lacey. One day, I won’t be able to get up on my own. My bladder function is dwindling as it is, and I don’t really want you changing my diapers. In fact, you should be changing diapers on your own kids by now. Instead, you’re stuck here with little ol’ me.”

  “I’m not stuck, Grandma; I want to be here. I want to take care of you. When I can’t do it anymore, I’ll hire a full-time nursing staff. But I’m not leaving you, and that’s final.” Lacey sent her a stern glare, which only caused her grandmother to chuckle. “Now, eat up. Holly will be here soon, and I’ve got to go to work for a bit. She’ll be here until midnight. I should be back home by then but if not, call me if you need anything. Otherwise, I expect you to be in bed when I get home,” she teased.

  “You know, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you were my mother, bless your heart.”

  Lacey gave Eloise a hug and headed to her small room, just off the kitchen, to change. She hated that she had to hide her other work clothes in her purse, but Eloise would really kick the bucket if she knew her granddaughter was working at a dive bar and being hit on every night. So instead, she’d told Eloise she’d gotten a job at the local hospital, working mid
-shift. It was believable enough, considering she worked in a doctor’s office Monday through Friday.

  Holly, her grandmother’s nurse and companion, walked in as Lacey made her way to the front door. Lacey smiled at the other woman.

  Holly was ten years older than Lacey and had become her surrogate sister in many ways. She’d been a godsend when it came to Eloise, too. Lacey had been nervous when Holly arrived for her first day; Eloise was old-fashioned in many ways, and Holly – she was African-American. When they spoke on the phone, Lacey was impressed with both her resume and her personality. She could only pray her grandmother wouldn’t act ignorant, as she had seen her behave in the past.

  Turns out, Eloise and Holly became fast friends. For that, Lacey was more than thankful.

  Need You Now – Lady Antebellum

  Lacey’s phone buzzed from inside her pocket, startling her as she checked in a patient at the front desk. Worried it might be concerning her grandmother, she slipped the phone out and hid it under the cover of her desk as soon as she’d finished. A text message from an unknown number flashed on the screen.

  Unknown: Round 2? Free 2nite?

  L: Who is this?

  A minute passed before a reply buzzed through.

  Unknown: Now sweetheart, I know you haven’t forgotten my name. Especially not the way you were screaming it not less than a week ago.

  She tried to fight the smile that played at her lips and the hum that took over her body. The memory of their night together still burned brightly in her mind.

  L: Bryce?

  Unknown: Yes. Now. Answer the question. R u free 2nite?

  L: Bar till close. Sorry.

  Unknown: Fuck. Need 2 c u.

  L: See me, or fuck me?

  He had a lot of nerve. Lacey hadn’t heard a word from Bryce after he dropped her off at home, and now he suddenly needed to see her again?