Lessons of the Past (9 page)

“How did you two meet?” Courtney asked.

Stephen placed his ankle over his knee and looked at me. “I helped her move in. I noticed her dad was the only guy, so I offered my services.”

“That’s sweet.”

I smiled. “Stephen is pretty sweet.”

The band began playing and the noise died down a bit. The singer’s husky voice filled the room, singing a song I didn’t know, and I felt chill bumps creep up my spine. I glanced around, looking for Javier, but didn’t see him.

Stephen moved in closer and wrapped his arm around my shoulder. My body tensed, but I didn’t move him off. I hated giving him the wrong signals, but was having his arm around me that bad? Lane touched and hugged me all the time and it meant nothing. I was probably making a bigger deal out of it than it really was.

The song ended to a round of applause. The band started the next song, and I smiled, loving that they were playing one of my favorite songs. I glanced at Courtney, knowing she would be laughing. The year the song hit radio stations and became a hit, I became obsessed. I played it constantly.

As suspected, she shook her head and smiled at me, then began singing along. I glanced behind her and my eyes landed on a pair of livid blue eyes. Javier sat at the bar, staring at me.

My breath caught for a few seconds and I sat motionless, staring back at him. After a minute, I swallowed the lump in my throat and turned around.

“I think your phone is buzzing.” Stephen pointed to my clutch sitting between us.

“Oh,” I said, “thanks.”

I pulled it out and checked the screen, my breath faltering.

Javier: Listen to the lyrics. You belong with me not him.

Sucking in a breath, I stared. And stared.
I belong with him?

The song ended and another took its place, but I wasn’t listening. I was still staring at my phone.

Javier: Tell him you are going to the restroom. Go down the hallway to the last door.

What the fuck? Was he crazy? He just expected me to ditch my friends for him?

I felt a tap on the shoulder. “What’s wrong?” Courtney asked when I faced her.

“Nothing.” I cleared my throat, trying to think fast. If I said I needed to go to the restroom, Courtney might come too. Maybe I should just ignore him? “It’s Rebecca. I’m going to find someplace quiet to call her. Give me five minutes.”

In the end, I didn’t want to ignore him any longer. If we got the conversation over with, maybe I could move on, and so could he.

I pushed past the people, finding where he had said to meet him. I took a steadying breath and opened the door.

In one swift moment, Javier slammed the door and pushed me back, his lips claiming mine. His tongue was urgent, his hands everywhere. I wanted to push him off, but his teeth caught my bottom lip, sucking. The moment his lips had touched mine, any resistance I had shattered. He fucking owned me.

“We are not over. Do you understand that?” Javier growled, pulling away. He was breathing heavily, running his hands through his hair, and looking like sex on legs. “What the fuck are you doing? Did you bring him to make me jealous? It damn sure worked!”

“What?” I breathed, touching my tender lips.

He stepped in front of me and pulled me close. “We are not over. You don’t get to kick me out of your apartment and decide we’re over. That is not happening.”

“Javier…” I had no idea what to say. I was confused. More than confused. “You weren’t breaking up with me the other night?”

“No.” He sighed and stepped away. “I know I should. I can’t give you the relationship you deserve, but I’m selfish.”

“Oh…” I glanced around for the first time since entering the room. “Whose office is this? We can’t be in here.”

“It’s my friend Jason’s. He owns the place.” He scrubbed his face and the memory of what that scruff felt like on my face, on my breasts, my stomach, between my thighs, had need bubbling up within me. I wanted to feel it now. Wanted to feel him.

“Don’t,” Javier warned, and I shot him a confused look. “Don’t start thinking about us fucking. You’re already making me hard.”

“Sorry,” I muttered, looking down.

He took a step closer and lifted my chin. “Hey. Look at me. I want you so badly right now, it hurts. But we need to talk first.”

I licked my suddenly dry lips. “Okay.”

Lowering his hands to my hips, Javier said, “The other day…when you were sick, I hated knowing you hadn’t even tried to call me. You didn’t even try. It was like you gave up on me before I even had a chance.”

“I—”

“Shh,” he cut me off. “I understand why. I do. But it still gutted me. We’ve only been together a small amount of time, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care. I was worried about you, you looked awful, but I was so pissed. I hate this situation. I hate that I’m asking you to do this, but I don’t hate it enough to walk away. I fucking want you, Alexandria.”

“I want you, too,” I said, leaning in to kiss him. “I want you so much. I just figured we were over.”

“Is that why you let that asshole touch you?”

I laughed. “He’s just a friend, but he does want to be more. I didn’t have the energy to fight it, so I let him put his arm around my shoulder. That’s as close as we’ve gotten.”

“Or ever will.”

“Yes. Now, kiss me.”

He grinned, then planted his lips on mine. “I told you I’d try and you have to let me. Don’t assume I won’t be there for you, okay?”

“Okay.”

“And just so we are clear, I know our relationship isn’t conventional on my part, but I will not share you.”

I nodded and planted my hands in his hair. “You either need to shut up and fuck me now, or I have to go. I told them I was making a phone call. Courtney will come looking for me.”

“Mmm,” he breathed. Javier picked me up and carried me to the desk. “I can’t wait to see that perfect little—”

I cut him off with a kiss and reached for his belt. He leaned forward as I unbuckled it, kissing the swell of my breasts. “This shirt…I fucking love it…and fucking hate it.”

“Is that so?” I asked, unbuttoning and unzipping his pants. I hooked my fingers in the waistband of his jeans and pushed them down.

“Yeah, that’s so. I had to sit at the bar and watch that ass look at your tits. It’s a miracle he’s alive.”

I freed him from his boxer briefs and took him in my hand. “He’s not an ass. He’s a really nice guy.”

He grunted as I began stroking him. “Fuck…that feels good.” In a flash, he had my breasts exposed, and pushed me back on the desk. “You are so fucking sexy.”

“So are you.”

Leaning down, Javier sucked one nipple into his mouth and tugged with his teeth. I cried out in pleasure, my sex throbbing. “Oh, baby.”

While keeping his mouth on my nipple, sucking, swirling, and nipping, one hand rolled and kneaded my other breast. His free hand unbuttoned my jeans then jerked them down.

“I need you inside me,” I cried, my hands roaming his back.

“Mmm,” was his only reply. His mouth freed my nipple and kissed down my stomach. My hands followed his movements, finding his hair. He gave me a wicked gleam and I knew he was going to do something that would drive me crazy.

Javier’s tongue darted out, plunging into my entrance. He began to fuck me with it as his thumb rolled over my clit. I arched my back, moaning. He let his tongue and fingers switch places and an explosion ricocheted through my body. “Javier,” I moaned.

He didn’t say anything or stop. Instead, he kept his same rhythm and pace. I pulled on his hair and I could feel his small chuckle before I broke, coming with a jolt.

He leaned lower, licking me from entrance, to entrance, to clit before placing a kiss on each thigh. “I missed you.”

“I really need you to fuck me,” I said, pulling his biceps closer to me. He placed both hands on my hips and entered me in one quick move. My head lulled back, soaking in the feeling of him. Slowly, he began to thrust, both of us staring into each other’s eyes.

He found a rhythm and before I could think, I was coming again, and he followed.

Javier lay his head on my chest as we both caught our breath. He kissed each nipple before moaning, “Baby.”

I closed my eyes and realized I’d probably been gone a long time. “I have to go.”

He helped me up and I put my clothes back on. I watched him dress, then placed a kiss on his cheek. “I’ve gotta go.”

“I’ll drive over to your place after you leave here.”

“Okay,” I agreed. “What about Caroline?”

“Staying at a friend’s house tonight.”

I smiled and blew him a kiss before shutting the door behind me. I felt free…almost giddy.

He was mine.

Running my fingers threw my hair, I took a few deep breaths and rejoined Courtney and Stephen. “Hey.” I sat down in my original spot, noticing Stephen’s glassy eyes.

“Hi. I was about to come looking for you,” Courtney said, then mocked Stephen drinking. I guess he’d been throwing them back.

I leaned in close to him. “This isn’t your thing at all, is it?”

“I’m sorry. I’m trying.”

“That’s okay.” I looked around at the crowd. Javier was back at the bar. He said something to the bartender, then tossed some money on the bar. “We can head out if y’all want. After that exhausting conversation with my sister, I’m beat. And she’s probably going to call back.”

“That’d be great,” Stephen said, and Courtney shrugged. We all stood and began walking toward the exit.

“I’m going to run to the restroom really quick,” Courtney announced, then walked away.

I stood with Stephen next to an empty wall, trying to think of something to say. “I’m really sorry. I don’t understand how you couldn’t like this, though.”

“I’m more into heavy metal…” he trailed off, looking over my head.

I glanced back, noticing Javier approaching. Swallowing hard, I tried to give him a
what the fuck
look, but he still approached. “Ms. Wilson. I thought that was you.”

“Professor Rodriguez,” I said tightly.

“Enjoying the band?” he asked, moving closer to my side.

“Sure,” I replied as Stephen said, “They’re okay. But I’d put up with anything for Alex.”

Javier nodded and grabbed my butt. “I’m sure you would.”

I cleared my throat. “It was great seeing you, Professor, but I’m kinda stuffy. I think we’ll just wait for our other friend outside.”

Stephen gave me an odd look and Javier smirked. He was enjoying making me uncomfortable. Discreetly, I took my hand and slowly trailed up the side of Javier’s hip to his stomach. Then, I pinched the shit out of him.

He grunted and flinched slightly, but I don’t think Stephen noticed.

Javier recovered quickly. “It was nice seeing you, Ms. Wilson. I do hope you enjoy the rest of your night.”

“I’m sure it’ll be bangin’,” I quipped, not thinking.

Javier snorted and left. I turned my attention back to Stephen, and thankfully, he was busy checking out some girl’s tits.

“I’m back,” Courtney announced.

“Oh, good,” I said, then tapped Stephen’s shoulder. “Let’s go.”

We strode up the staircase single file, making our way into the muggy night air. Stephen slung his arm around me and I cringed.

“What?” he asked, noticing.

I grabbed his hand, removing his arm from me. “Stephen…I just wanna be friends.”

“O-kay. Can I not touch you?”

“Of course. Just as long as you know we can only be friends.”

He pursed his lips and picked up his pace. “Friends it is. You’ve got it.”

“Stephen…don’t be mad. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you think anything more would happen.” Had I made him think it was more? I invited him to a coffee shop along with Courtney. How the hell would
that
lead him on?

“I’m not mad,” he pouted, stepping next to the car.

“Hey,” I said, touching his arm. “I want us to be friends. I really do. It’s just not the right time for me to get into a relationship.”
Because I’m currently sleeping with my married professor.

Stephen wrapped his arms around my shoulder. “Okay. But if something changes…I get a shot.”

I smiled. “Deal.”

We got in the car and I situated myself in Courtney’s small backseat. My phone buzzed and I knew exactly who it would be.

Javier: Do I need to kick his ass?

I inwardly laughed at his jealousy.

Me: Nope. Just friends. Besides, he could totally take you. ;-)

I giggled to myself for messing with him.

Javier: I’m going to take you. And you will like it.

Me: Mmm.

I put my phone away and tried to make conversation with Courtney and Stephen. The ride seemed long, but we finally made it back to my building.

Courtney dropped Stephen and me off and left without even getting out of the car.

“I’m sorry tonight sucked,” I told Stephen as we reached my door.

“It didn’t suck. I was with you.”

I had no idea what to say to that. “Well, have a nice night. What’s left of it anyway.”

Leaning forward, he placed his hand on my cheek. “Alex—”

I took a step back and he dropped his hand. “Stephen. I’m sorry…”

“Yeah.” He sighed. “Me, too.” Then he walked away, toward his own apartment.

I stood for a second before turning and opening my door. Stepping into my apartment, I decided against locking it. Javier needed to be able to get in quickly now that I had introduced him and Stephen.

Kicking off my shoes, I walked into the bedroom to change. Comfy clothes were calling my name. I pulled my shirt over my head, tossed it on a chair, then unhooked my bra.

“Mmm.” Hands covered my breasts, and I leaned my head back at the feel of him. “You have the most incredible tits. I fucking love these,” Javier said, kneading my breasts.

“Do you?”

He spun me, sealing his mouth over mine. His hands tangled in my hair as I wrapped my arms around his torso. Our tongues glided with one another, and he tasted of whiskey and mint.

Pressure began to build in my core, and I couldn’t get close enough to him. We had just had sex, but it felt like it had been days. I was starved for him. “Javier…I need you to fuck me. Now. Hard.”