Spirited Ride (11 page)

“Don’t you people have something better to do than gossip about me?” she asked.

Laughing, Lilly said, “No… I don’t believe so. Plus we enjoy it so... why would we do anything else?”

After they’d finished clearing the dishes and wiping down the counters and stove, Lilly pulled a couple of wine glasses out of a cabinet and poured them each a glass.

Then she pulled a small carton of strawberries out of the refrigerator. Taking her glass of wine, she went and sat at her kitchen table. Sherri took her glass of wine, followed her sister to the table and sat down as well.

“Is he mad?” Lilly prompted.

She’d come here to talk. So rather than wasting Lilly’s time and her own, she sighed heavily and said, “Yes and no… He started his normal yelling and then… just stopped. Then he got in his car and left.”

“Well that’s good, right?” Lilly again prompted.

“Yeah, it is good. So why is it killing me that after all the times we’ve argued over stupid things in the past, that this time… he didn’t fight a little harder?” she heard herself say.

Lilly shrugged and then took a couple of sips of her wine. She knew the answer to that question as well as Sherri did but was being kind and not saying it out loud. After all the years and all the bullshit… Sherri still loved the man.

How much longer would she suffer with feelings for a man who only saw her as an option, rather than someone he couldn’t live without? Would she have to actually catch him in the arms of another woman to learn her lesson?

“Do you think he’ll sign it?” Lilly asked.

“With TJ it’s hard to say. He is anything but predictable these days. Ten years ago I could have confidently said hell no… now I just don’t know,” she replied.

Leaning over, Lilly gave her a hug and then took another sip of her wine and opened the container of strawberries, offering them to her. Sherri stayed long enough to tuck Little Three in and read him a story and then headed home.

TJ’s silence over the next few days had Sherri so on edge that even Lindsey had begun to avoid her. Having made friends with another employee from the bar, Dawn, sometimes the young woman just stayed with her instead. Sherri was hoping the two of them would become friends as they both needed a support system and a friend was a good start to one.

Right now she was getting a little pissed at her own friend though. When she needed someone the most, Gina was sometimes nowhere to be found. This was one such time.

Fortunately, she had her sister along with some of the other wives of the men who worked for Bobby.

Carla had brought over a plate of cookies and brownies, stating Meredith had wanted them but then only eaten one or two. Carla claimed that she didn’t want them at her place for fear of eating them all herself.

It was a great excuse to just show up and check on her and it would have flown, if Meredith hadn’t stopped by ten minutes after Carla left and eaten half the plate.

Dana called asking if one of the girls might possibly have brought her hairbrush to the house and left it, as they often used it as a microphone. Then she’d tried to coax Sherri into talking about what was going on between her and TJ.

She had ended up telling her about the changes in TJ and how she didn’t like the man he’d become. In true Dana fashion she’d just said that a failed marriage was hard on anyone… including TJ… and to just give it time and the anger and hurt would dim and then things would calm down between them. She hadn’t the heart to tell Dana that lack of anger or any emotion from TJ was what had changed… and what she didn’t care for.

When she’d finally come to the conclusion that he didn’t intend to talk to her about the divorce agreement prior to coming with the girls for their ‘jam session’ as Gretchen called it, he finally called right as she was walking out the door to go to the bar.

“I just wanted you to know that I read over your offer and I’m willing to give you the bar and pay you back for every mortgage payment you’ve made on that house, but you can’t have my grandmother’s house. I’m sorry… I just can’t walk away from that place,” he said when she answered.

“Do you even have that much money, TJ?” she asked in doubt.

“Not at the moment but I just finished a song, and I think it’s going to be a good one. So you can have all the money from the sale of it along with all rights to it and any future royalties,” he replied.

“So you expect me to take a little bit of cash now with the
potential
of eventually getting every payment I made back through royalty payments over time and just walk away from my home? Now that the place is basically paid off? You’re crazy! I’ll sue you for it and see the house sell first!” she replied.

“Fine… find a realtor then because I’m telling you now that home holds as many memories for me as it does you… if not more… and I’ll be damned if you replace those memories with someone else,” he replied angrily.

“It’ll be on the market by the end of the week. Make sure you let Gretchen know that since you’ve decided we should sell the house she’ll need to find somewhere else to practice because this isn’t my doing so I’m not going to be the bad guy,” she replied and then hung up the phone.

Damn him! If he thought she would back down from this… he was crazy. It wasn’t the money involved or even about being the ‘winner’ but more about the fact that he’d left her
and
the house behind when he bailed. This time she was going to call his bluff.

Her anger simmered all evening while she worked at the club until Chuck came in and sat down at the bar. Going over to him she said, “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, I’m good. I just wanted to stop by and talk to you for a minute. TJ said you guys are going to be selling the house. Is that right?” he asked.

Suddenly her anger went from zero to sixty in less than a second. She had to take several deep breaths to keep from unleashing some of it on Chuck. After a little bit she managed to choke out, “We’re considering it… yes.”

“If you guys do decide to sell, please let me know. I need another property in that area for interns. These kids have a heck of a time in the foster care system and then they are given a couple of courses about how to budget money and take care of a household and then just booted out into the cold. There are so many of them and not enough of me. It’s not enough to just give them money… they need to learn how to live on their own and learn a trade skill or go to college so they can support themselves before they’re really ready to take on the world. You know my charity is on the up and up and I’d make you a good offer,” Chuck said.

“I promise… you’ll be the first person we call if we do decide to sell,” she said.

When Chuck left, she found herself in the back office, so angry that she was shaking. When Dawn came in Sherri asked if she and Lindsey would stay and close the bar because she wasn’t feeling well. On the ride home, when the first scalding hot tear trickled down her cheek, she knew she was going to have it out with him one way or another. She’d had enough of this shit!

“Open this door, TJ! I know you’re in there!” Sherri yelled through the entrance to his apartment.

He took a minute to wipe the grin off his face before opening the front door for her. She nearly had steam rising off of her, she was so angry. Feeling his grin return, he turned and walked away from her and into the little kitchen.

He heard his front door slam shut and felt her join him a moment later from where he hid behind the open door of the fridge. Straightening to his full height after selecting a beer, he turned and offered it to her.

“How dare you?” she asked.

“I dare a lot… so you’re going to have to be more specific,” he replied, twisting the cap off his beer and tossing the top in the trash at the end of the narrow kitchen.

“You’re going to stand there and tell me that you don’t know why I’m here? What right do you have to offer
my
house to Chuck?” she asked angrily.

“Why wouldn’t I offer it to him? He’s a friend! If it’s going on the market, he has as much right to it as anyone else,” he replied. After taking a sip of the beer he continued, “I was just giving him a heads up, since he’s looking for another house… maybe two… in the area.”

“You are such a shit!” she said angrily, snatching the beer out of his hand and taking a big drink of it.

There was absolutely no woman alive sexier than Sherri, especially when she was mad and about to rip him a new one. She was undeniably beautiful standing there, challenging him.

Her cheeks were flushed with anger so that she looked like she’d just had an orgasm. In her irritation her breathing was coming in short pants as though she was about to have another one. The only thing missing was her hand pulling his hair as she held on for the ride.

Attempting to push the visual of her surrendering to his touch out of his head, he pulled another beer for himself out of the refrigerator and turning back to her said, “Do you have something against Chuck buying the house? He seems like a great guy… but you know him better than I do…”

“My
problem
is that you’re willing to sell the house to
him
but not
me
. When I’m the one who has
paid
for the house. That is just childish, stupid and makes no sense,” she ground out, oblivious to the fact that she was physically stomping her foot in the process.

Fighting the smirk that kept threatening to show itself was nearly impossible now. Last time she’d been this pissed at him, she’d kissed him until he was within an inch of taking her standing up, in broad daylight, in front of anyone who might happen by.

He’d started it that day… by kissing her first. She’d made it clear since then that she didn’t want him touching her anymore so this time there would be none of that unless she instigated it. He’d given enough in this feud they were fighting anyway… and honestly the rejection over and over was starting to get to him.

Sighing he said, “I told you… I’d see the place sold first. In fact, I’d
donate
it to Chuck’s charity before I have you moving some fat fuck up in there and building a new life with him… in
our
house! It’s not going to happen, Sherri. You can give that idea up now and take that promise note to the bank.”

“That is such
bullshit!
You are just trying to impress the guys at the shop!” she yelled.

She had edged up to the line and any second she would stomp across it. There was no way to prevent that… it was Sherri after all.

The question was could he actually keep himself from reacting to her. Already he could feel the blood flowing a little faster through his veins, heading south, making his vision hazy from a combination of anger and arousal.

“No, it’s not bullshit but it is only
part
of the reason. I think it’s something my grandmother would have approved of. It’s not like the house is worth much in that neighborhood anymore… you were right about that,” he replied calmly, taking a sip of his beer.

“And what is this shit? Stop with your better than me tone and being all matter of fact. This calm and collected act of yours is ridiculous. Did you forget your balls up there in Nashville too?” she yelled.

There it was… the line… and she’d more than stomped across it… she’d kicked the mark trying to eliminate it all together. He’d put up with this crap long enough. The woman needed release as badly as he did… she was practically begging for it and he certainly had balls enough for
that
job.

Regardless of how her smart mouth and anger sounded, her eyes told him differently. She wanted him and it was pissing her off… big time. Her no touching rule made it impossible for him to do anything about it for either one of them.

He’d probably regret this in the morning but right now… for tonight… he was going to put a stop to this before he really lost it and things got out of hand.

“Enough!” he yelled back. Her eyes rounded in surprise first and then victory shone in them just before he calmly said, “Leave… now!”

A hurt shown in her eyes that mirrored what he felt deep in his soul but if he took it back now this war between them would rage on and on until the end of time. The only thing these types of fights between them had ever been good for was sex. Making up with her had been incredible but at the moment that wasn’t an option.

“I’m sorry. I… I shouldn’t have said that. It was inappropriate,” she stammered quietly. As surprised as he was at her response he just wasn’t in the mood.

“You brow beat me, insult me in my own house… not once but
twice
… and I’m just supposed to gloss over that and forgive you? I don’t think so…” he replied. “Now… leave.”

“TJ… I didn’t mean it. It’s just…” she began. As much as he missed her and wanted her, it was all for show. Unless she really meant what she said… was sorry for being so argumentative and
hateful
… he was done with this.

“Save it, Sherri. I’m sick of hearing how you are right about everything and if I’d only done this or hadn’t done that… it changes nothing. If you’re sorry… then prove it. Otherwise… just leave. It’s late… I’m tired, you’re tired. We can get back in the ring another day,” he interrupted.

“Are you expecting someone? Is that why you are trying to get rid of me?” she asked angrily. Jealousy shone on her face loud and clear.

“Who would I be expecting, Sherri? You think some other bitch is going to satisfy me when I’m high on you at the moment?” he asked in disgust, staring at her for an instant before looking away.

Was she serious? He
was
a shit sometimes, but not a big enough one that he would take another woman because the one he really wanted declined his proposition and left him in need. No one deserved to be used like that.

Placing her beer bottle on the counter and then stepping up close to him, she hesitantly reached out and touched his arm.

Then in an attempt to appease him, she reached up and wrapped her arm around his neck, pulling him down to her, hugging him loosely. He could smell her perfume.

“I’m sorry… okay?” she whispered. Her mouth was so close he could nearly taste her from memory alone.

“Prove it...” he replied, staring at her.

The look on her face told of her need for him but he wasn’t giving in this time. So reaching down he unbuttoned his jeans and then partially unzipped them. She slowly backed away from him and gazed up at him with shock, questions, and excitement sparkling in her eyes.

“Apologize to me, Puppet.
Now.
Show me how sorry you are for being so ugly and nasty to me both times you’ve come over here and I’ll forgive you in return. I’ll forgive you to the stars and back,” he demanded.

Then he leaned down and nuzzled her neck slightly… coaxing and breathing in the scent of her at the same time. When he pulled back from her she pressed her mouth to his hesitantly at first until the amazing sensation of it sucked her in. Then her excitement won out and she was kissing him with such hunger that he was suddenly lost. God she was starving for him, it was there in the way her entire body was shivering as though she was chilled to the bone.

He let her tease and tempt him with her kisses for several moments before he feared finishing too soon and missing out on the feel of her lips wrapped around him. Straightening so that she was forced to relent with her hungry mouth, he set his beer bottle on the nearest counter and then whispered, “Apologize to me, Sherri. Suck me off. God… please?”

The Sherri he remembered returned with a vengeance and it was all he could do to remain standing when she dropped to her knees in front of him. Unable to watch her for fear that in future days the exquisite memory of this would haunt him relentlessly, he instead let his head fall back on his shoulders and stared at the ceiling.

He’d dreamed of and remembered this so many times over the years. After some brief tugging on his clothes he felt her hand on him and then her mouth. All the breath left his body leaving him gasping for air.

After some more tugging on his jeans and underwear, her hands found his bare hips and she was taking as much of him into her mouth as she possibly could… just the way he’d taught her. His hands covered hers. Pressing her fingers tighter into his flesh as his hips began to move on their own. A breathless growl escaped him from her delicious attentions.

When the tingling and pressure became almost too much to take, he could no longer resist. TJ pulled his head back up straight so he could glance down at her.
Just one look.
Her eyes were closed and she was enjoying bending his heart, body and soul to her will… knowing it would be the only control she would have for the rest of the evening.

“I’m close and you’re going to take it all,” he ordered. Then without warning it hit him. His entire body jerked forward but she’d been anticipating it and finished him off. The pleasure was so intense he had to hold on to the edge of the counter to keep from falling.

His head dropped down to his chest as he tried to catch his breath. Opening his eyes he met her gaze from where she sat looking up at him. He could hurt her badly right now if he so chose but he needed to say it as much as she needed to hear it.

“Damn, Puppet. I forgot how good you are at that… that mouth of yours is fucking incredible. First hall on the left is the bedroom… bathroom is on the right. Go. I’ll be there as soon as I can walk without falling down,” he ordered with a light laugh.

Would she do it? He held his breath as she stood up on equally shaky legs.

Then glancing at him, she turned and left the kitchen, heading down the hall. He breathed a sigh of thankfulness and relief.

His memories of her had eaten at him for years and now he would get one more chance to have her. That excited him as much if not more than what she’d just done to him.

Other women had tried over the years to satisfy him… he’d even tried to tell a woman about some of his darkest desires once… but no one could replace Sherri. They didn’t get him like she did… only her.

Right now she was in the bedroom stripping down naked for him and would be sitting on the edge of his bed with her legs spread… waiting…
because he’d told her to.
This was the one and only area that she didn’t argue with him on… she begged and pleaded sometimes… if he allowed it… but she didn’t argue or deny him what he wanted.

Pulling himself together and righting his clothing, he finally headed down the hallway. Opening the door to the bedroom he found her just as he expected. A pain that was almost physical in nature hit him so hard it nearly winded him.

How could she trust him enough to allow him to do the sexual things to her that he wanted but yet not care enough to support him?

He just couldn’t figure out how she would allow what was about to happen between them but not let him follow a dream.

“Please…” she said, pulling him back to the present.

Obviously Chris hadn’t been good to her in this area either or she wouldn’t be offering that sweet body to him instead. This made him wonder again about why she had even been with Chris. The hungry look on her face tore at him. Had she been unfulfilled for as long as him? He was here now and would give her what she needed.

“Show me,” he said nodding at the place between her legs, which she was trying to hide from him or protect… which one, he wasn’t sure.

Reaching down, she slid her hands along her inner thighs, gently spreading her legs apart for him before he had to even tell her. Then she touched herself, rubbing the little bud nestled between her cleft.

“Faster and harder, Sherri,” he ordered. He watched as she did what he told her until he could see her legs shaking and her eyes closed at the pleasure. Walking across the room, he dropped to his knees in front of her and grasped her wrist in his hand to stop her motion.

“Please? I’m almost there,” she whispered.

“Not yet,” he said, pulling her hand away from her glistening folds and raising it to his mouth where he placed the fingers she used to please herself between his lips.

A half cry, half whimper escaped her as he sucked as much of her flavor off them as he could. Then he moved both of her arms behind her so she was propping herself on the edge of the bed. Picking up her legs one at a time, he placed them over his shoulders.

Her head fell back on her shoulders as he’d done when she’d performed this intimate torture on him.
He’d have none of that though.
He wanted her to watch what he did to her. It would brand her heart and mind with exactly who it was that could make her come undone like this. The only one who could take her to the heavens and back.

Leaning forward he gently bit the crease of her leg upon noticing that she’d groomed herself the way he preferred. She’d known before ever coming here tonight where fighting with him might lead and had come prepared. A noise escaped her mouth as she tried to hang on to some semblance of control and not cry out. Then she also tried to close her legs around his head.
There would be none of that either.
He forced them back apart and sucked the soft skin hiding the very core of her into his mouth. Rolling it between his lips. Licking at it, this time she did cry out.