The Broken Road (13 page)

“Megan,” he sighed. Pressing his body to mine, I felt his erection through his thin jeans. I wanted to – no I needed -- to feel it. I grasped for his belt, but he chuckled and slid his body farther down. His lips and tongue navigated every inch of my torso, moving to my core. I cried out with ecstasy as Shane slowly stroked my most sensitive area, first with his finger, then with his tongue. I gasped for breath as his stubble grazed my ultrasensitive flesh, feeling myself climbing higher and higher. I arched my body and tightened my thighs around his neck, begging him for more. With every thrust and every pull, I got closer to the brink. I begged, “Shane. Please” and he moaned in agreement. He finally brought his face to mine and I eagerly kissed him, tasting myself on his tongue. Standing up, Shane quickly discarded his jeans and pulls out a condom. I take it out of his hands. Staring straight into his eyes, I placed it over him. Shane growled and crushed his lips to mine as I guided his hard cock inside me.

Oh dear god, I moaned. That fit on the dance floor applied to the bedroom as well. I had never had a man make me feel this good. It was as if his body was made to fit mine. We moved together, matching each other’s movements and need. My body was a roller coaster, cresting and crashing with each stroke. I felt constant explosions and my body started shaking. I couldn’t get enough of him. Shane’s teeth nipped the curve of my neck as I dug my nails into his back. I pulled his lips to mine, greedily taking whatever he gave me. We exploded together, groaning loudly and out of breath. My heart was racing. He rolled over on the bed, his head on my pillow and pulled me next to him. Panting, I gazed up at his face. I had always imagined what it would be like to make love to Shane. My dreams and fantasies were nothing compared to this. He gently stroked my jaw-line and kissed my lips softly. I fell asleep as he was stroking my arm, without even worrying about the next day.

Chapter 10

I opened one eye and let my arm reach over to touch him, to see if it was real. All I felt was the coolness of the sheets. I closed my eyes, reliving the memories of last night. Last night was absolutely magical, I thought, as I stretched my sore muscles. No awkwardness, no hesitation.

I laid there wondering for a while until it was time to face the music. I sniffed the air. Coffee. He made coffee. I sat up and realized I was stark naked. I threw on some clothes and was about to head down the stairs, when my door opened. Shane was shirtless, his sweatpants hanging low on his hips.

“Hi,” I said shyly. How do you act when you sleep with someone that was until very recently totally off limits? I didn’t have to wonder long.

“Hey you.” He placed my favorite mug full of coffee on the nightstand and came over to me. He cradled my face in his hands and gave me the most luxurious kiss. My toes curled, my pulse raced, and it took everything I had to not throw him on the bed. When he pulled back, I had to blink to bring myself back to reality.

“Um –,” I started tentatively, but his finger on my lips silenced me. He gazed at me with his beautiful hazel eyes.

“Last night was amazing. I’ve wanted to kiss you for the longest time; I just didn’t know how you felt. Unless it was just the alcohol talking…?” he faltered, raising an eyebrow.

“No. I loved last night; I’ve been waiting for last night. I just didn’t want this to be awkward,” I said, deciding that laying it all out in the open would be the best way to approach whatever it is we’re doing.

“What would be awkward? It’s us, Megan. You and me: two people attracted to and care about each other. I’ve had these feelings for you for so long but I wasn’t sure you felt the same way,” he said, gently kissing me again. This was the first time I’ve truly seen him open himself up to me. My stomach flipped and my heart soared.
He has feelings for me.

“If only I had known,” I whispered. Shane’s arms tightened around me and pressed his lips to mine. Our kiss deepened as his hands made their way up my shirt and the fire inside me started smoldering. His cell phone rang.

“Argh." he groaned “I have to take this.”

“Yeah, Adrian,” he said, walking out of the room. I wanted to scream, “Come back and finish what you started!” but I refrained. I brought my coffee downstairs and flicked on the TV. I forced myself not to wonder "what does this mean”. Like Shane said, we’re two adults who care about each other.

I zoned out on the morning show while Shane was upstairs. It was Saturday and didn’t have any other plans but to relax. Apparently, my mother didn't realize my plans when she called.

“Hi sweetie,” she said.

“Hi Mom, what’s up?” I didn't pay much attention and choked on my coffee when I heard her say “... and the police came to check it out.”

“Wait. What did you say, Mom? What about the police?”

“I just told you. Someone broke into the house. But don’t worry, nothing was stolen. The police think it was some random teenager prank or something. Apparently there have been a string of break-ins lately,” she said, exasperated that her twenty-six-year old daughter still had the attention span of a child. I quietly processed this. Mom didn't know about the break in at my house, I hadn’t wanted to scare her before. I wonder if she told Kyle.

“Yes, I told your brother,” she said, reading my mind like always. “He threw a fit, obviously. Kyle contacted your cousin Jeff, who’s coming out tomorrow to install a new security alarm. Apparently the one I have now is too old.” She sounded frustrated. I knew my brother. As the man in the family, he took his job of protector extremely serious.

“I’m glad that you’re okay. Do you want to stay here until Jeff comes over?” I asked. I didn't want her to be alone if, god-forbid, they come back.

“No, that’s alright. I was planning on heading out to the beach with your Aunt Nancy anyway. I’m leaving tonight and coming home next week. Just be careful, okay? Make sure you lock the doors. You have my key and cell phone?”

“I do. Be careful Mom. Have a good trip” I tried to keep the worry out of my voice. After we hung up, I sat there for a minute. What is going on; first my house, now my mother’s? Could the break-ins be related? A sense of foreboding washed over me. As the daughter and sister of law enforcement, there could be any number of people who hold a grudge against my family. And with Uncle Bob prosecuting a big drug-cartel case, that number triples.

“Megs, are you okay?” Shane asked, leaning over behind me to nuzzle my neck. I quickly shrugged. I didn't want him to worry, but I had to tell someone.

“Mom’s house was broken into. It just feels odd. It’s like we’re being targeted or something,” I said dryly. I tried to not let the worry creep into my voice but Shane wasn’t stupid.

“Is your mom okay?” His eyes were blazing.

“She’s fine. She’s going with Aunt Nancy to the beach this weekend. It’s their annual getaway. This is too much of a coincidence.”

Shane circled around the couch and sat down. He pulled me into his arms and said, “I’m sure it’s some stupid teen gang trying to assert their dominance. Let the police handle it. I doubt that there isn’t any more of a connection than that.”

Feeling slightly reassured, I calmed down. I always had an overactive imagination. “You’re probably right,” I said, gazing into his eyes. Shane always makes me feel safe. I briefly recalled how he took care of things when my house was broken into. Well, our house…

“I’m always right,” he said with a cocky grin. I leaned into his neck, inhaling his scent of soap and aftershave. He had already showered and was dressed in a long-sleeved gray t-shirt, jeans, and work boots. I could see the cut of his muscles through his shirt. “I’m heading into the shop for a while. I’ll see you later.” He pulled me off the couch and lifted my chin. Shane’s enticing eyes darkened. “Your mom is okay. That’s the most important thing. Try not to worry.” He lowered his head and brushed his lips against mine, teasingly at first, then deepening. I greedily accepted and wanted more. Shane chuckled as he pulled back. “Bye,” he said, smacking my butt.

I smiled as he walked out the door and the second it shut, jumped up and down. I didn’t know where our relationship was headed, but I was determined to enjoy the ride. I walked upstairs, took a shower and put on jeans, a layered pink t-shirt, and a white cotton jacket. I slid on my sneakers and whistled for Penny.

I clipped on her leash and we headed up the street. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, birds were chirping, and I was walking on air. My emotions have been on a roller-coaster for the last twenty-four hours. I don’t think I could be any happier than I am right now.  I thought back to Alex and how big of a mistake I almost made. I fooled myself into thinking that I could forget Shane. I thought briefly of calling Dr. Collins to thank him. Without him, I would have never realized how big of an ass-hole Alex really was. And I would not have had the courage to kiss Shane last night.

Chapter 11

When I started contemplating what to have for dinner, I froze. Should I assume that Shane and I would have dinner together? I didn't want to be rude and make dinner for just myself. But then again, I didn’t want to assume that we were eating together.  “Damnit, Megan. Stop over-thinking,” I told myself, I pulled out some chicken and bell peppers. While the chicken and peppers simmered in fajita seasoning, I decided to just send a quick text. Nothing committal, just informative, I told myself, pressing the send button. You can’t read too much into a quick text that says, “Chicken fajitas for dinner if you’re hungry.” If he doesn’t respond, that’s okay. No expectations, no disappointments, right?

I was taking the Spanish rice off the burner when I heard the familiar exhaust of Shane’s Harley. Butterflies quickly replaced the hunger in my stomach. I busied myself with slicing up the zucchini and squash for a quick sauté and had my back to him when he came in.

“Something smells good,” he said, coming up behind me and hugging me to his chest. The butterflies took off and I could barely keep the glee from coming out in my voice.

“Thanks. It’s almost ready,” I said as nonchalantly as I could. His lips grazed my jaw bone and pulled away. I shuddered at the electric shock and almost sliced my knuckle.

“I could get used to this,” he teased. Shane grabbed a beer from the fridge and kissed my cheek. “I’m going to shower. Give me ten minutes.”

I just nodded. I
am
getting used to this, I thought, as I put the tortillas in the microwave. I replayed his words last night, how he had feelings for me and wanted to kiss me. I wondered how long he has wanted to kiss me and why didn’t he act.
Does really matter?
I chastised myself. It doesn’t matter. I got out the salsa, shredded cheese, and sour cream, and had everything ready when Shane came down. I practically drooled at the sight of him. Even dressed in sweat pants, sleeveless muscle shirt, with bare feet, he looked gorgeous.

I pulled out two beers and sat down, right as Shane came into the kitchen. “This looks great. I’m starved!” he exclaimed, making himself a wrap.

“I guess Adrian has you working too hard to take a break huh?” I joked, as I helped myself to the rice and squash.

Shane nodded, his mouth full. He quickly swallowed, took a gulp of beer, and said, “Yeah, we have a bunch of orders. We got behind when I was in Trenton, so now we’re playing catch up. I have a feeling we’re going to be putting in a bunch of overtime for a while.”

We chatted while we ate, like nothing changed for us. It was comforting to know that while our relationship has grown, nothing has changed between the two of us. I didn’t feel the shyness or the awkwardness of being with him that I felt with Alex. We are still the same two people, just with the added benefits of having mind-blowing sex. After dinner he helped me put away the food and dry the dishes. I was about to put on my sneakers to take Penny for a walk, when Shane slipped her leash off the mudroom hook. Penny started dancing; she loves her evening walk. “It’s starting to rain. Why don’t you stay here and get some popcorn ready. I picked up the latest “Transporter” movie. I’ll take her out.”

I looked at him, surprised. “Sure. That’s fine,” I said. I made popcorn as the storm raged outside. Ten minutes later, I let out a breath when I heard the mudroom door open. I hurried to the mudroom and grabbed a towel from the basket. I handed one to him and vigorously rubbed Penny dry with another.

“A little wet out there?” I asked. “How far did you walk?”

“Not far. We stopped under the bus stop shelter for a while. The rain picked up more than I expected,” Shane said, drying off his face. Penny wiggled out of the towel and went racing for her bed upstairs.

“You’re soaked. Just put your things in the washer. I’ll get you some dry clothes,” I said as I turned to go back into the house.

“Oh come here. Where’s my hug?” he teased, reaching for my arm.

“No! You’re all wet!” I screeched, as he enveloped me in his arms. My clothes were getting drenched. I could feel the cold air radiating from his body.

“Well, well, well. Looks like you’re wet too. Let’s get you out of these clothes,” he said huskily. The fire started in the tips of my toes and quickly raged through me. I stared into his hazel eyes and saw he had the same reaction. I gave a smug sigh and we promptly forgot about the movie that was waiting for us.

Chapter 12

Shane and I fell into a routine, albeit an odd routine of sorts after that first weekend. Shane often worked late and sometimes when he was home, I’d wake up in the night to the sound of his cell phone. But I didn’t care; it’s enough to be with him. For the rest of the time, we were together. We made plans around each other’s schedules, ate meals together, went out with our friends together. We were a couple in everyone’s eyes, although we never spoke those words. I wasn’t seeing anyone else, and I was fairly certain that he wasn’t either. Being “together” was amazing – never weird, like a natural progression in our relationship with one another. The way I felt around Shane was nothing like how I felt for Tommy. Tommy was proper and by the books, almost regimented. I felt light and comfortable with Shane. I am so grateful that Tommy and I never got married. Shane is what I had been looking for. I was falling hard for him, harder than I did before. When I thought of the future, he was it.