Cockloft Read online

  Confusion masks his expression. “What the hell do you need me for?”

  I consider sharing with him what’s about to go down but the last thing I want is to be talked out of it. “You’re about to find out. Come on.”

  He follows me out of the truck without question. A cold blast of air hits our faces as we walk in.

  The receptionist looks up, her eyes widening for a fraction of a second before appreciation reflects back at me. “Hi there,” she greets us, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Can I help you?”

  “No thanks, we’re just here to pay Graham Davis a little visit.” I move down the hall where all the offices are, gesturing for Johnny to follow.

  “Wait! You can’t go in there without an appointment,” she calls to our retreating backs.

  Ignoring her, I check the name on each door we pass.

  Johnny remains close, beginning to look nervous. “You wanna tell me what the hell is going on? You look like you’re about to commit murder.”

  Once we reach the door I’m looking for, I finally acknowledge him. “Do you remember the access code to my account?”

  He frowns. “Yeah, why?”

  “Use it if I need bail money.”

  His eyes widen. “What?”

  I don’t waste time explaining further and grasp the door handle.

  “Gabe!” His heated whisper drifts behind me as I barge into the office, coming face-to-face with the bastard who made my woman cry.

  Graham Davis sits behind his mahogany desk, holding the phone up to his ear. “I see them, Amanda, thank you.” Hanging up, he stands and walks around to greet us. “Can I help you?”

  “You Graham Davis?” I ask, ensuring I have the right guy.

  He smooths his hands down the front of his expensive tie and buttons his suit coat. “Yes.”

  I slam his office door, the loud crack echoing through the room. “I’m a friend of CeCe’s.”

  The flash in his eyes is instant. He turns to reach for his phone again but I’m faster. My fist strikes out hard, connecting with the side of his jaw.

  He loses his footing and crashes into his desk. Grabbing the back of his neck, I pin him there, crushing his face into the shiny wood.

  “It doesn’t feel good to have someone’s unwanted hands on you, does it, asshole?”

  “You have no idea who you’re messing with,” he says between clenched teeth.

  “What are you gonna do, call the cops?” I ask. “How about I do it for you? I have a lot of friends in the department who would love to hear about how you tried to blackmail my girl to have sex with you.”

  “She’s lying,” he spits out.

  Lifting his head, I slam his face back into the desk, relishing in the blood that spills from his nose. “You’re a sick fuck who preys on girls half his age, but this time you messed with the wrong one.” I lean down close, peering into his beady little eyes. “If you do anything to fuck with her business or ever come near her again, I will be back and I will not leave you breathing. Do you understand?”

  When I don’t receive an answer, I add pressure to the back of his head, making him howl in pain.

  “Answer me!”

  “I understand,” he grits, his breathing choppy.

  I make no move to release him, a war battling inside of me, the need to shed more blood overpowering all else.

  “That’s enough, Gabe. Let’s get out of here and get back to CeCe,” Johnny says, his voice calm and cool as always.

  It’s the sound of CeCe’s name that has me releasing him but not without a final shove, his face smacking the desk again before he crumbles to the floor. He cups his bloody nose and glares up at me.

  “I mean it. Stay the fuck away from her or my face will be the last one you’ll ever see.” I storm out of his office, knowing if I don’t leave now there will be no stopping what happens next.

  Johnny follows closely, the receptionist watching us nervously as we tear out of the bank.

  Once we make it outside, I get a hard shove in the shoulder by my best friend. “You mind giving a guy a heads up before you fucking play hero?”

  I turn on him, my furious eyes colliding with his. “It needed to be done and nothing was going to stop me, Johnny. Not even you.”

  We glare back at one another, his anger reflecting the one twisting in my chest.

  “What would you have done, huh?” I ask. “What if he had done that to Leah?”

  His hard expression eases, a heavy breath escaping his chest as he drives a hand through his hair. “Okay, I get it. So what now? You gonna go to the cops?”

  I shake my head. “I’ll leave that up to CeCe. I think I got my point across.”

  He grunts. “It was a nice right hook, I’ll give you that.”

  He deserved a hell of a lot more but the next step will be CeCe’s decision and hers alone. I have a feeling I’m already going to be in shit for this.

  Shoving the thought aside, I clap Johnny on the shoulder. “Come on. I’ll take you back home so you can fuck your fiancée again.”

  His bright smile returns full force, all the earlier tension disappearing. “You’re the bestest friend I’ve ever had.”

  We both cut into laughter as we climb back into my truck, leaving the heavy moment behind us.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CeCe

  The first thing I notice when I come awake is the warmth that I had wrapped around me all night is gone. My eyes flutter open and I stare into the face of my sweet Pep.

  “Morning, boy,” I coo, stroking his wet nose.

  My hand falters when I spot something beyond him. A single flower with a note attached to it. Smiling, I grab it and bring the white rose to my nose before opening the folded piece of paper.

  Went to grab us coffee and breakfast.

  Be back soon.

  Gabe

  P.S. You’re even pretty when you sleep.

  Warmth invades my heavy heart. Turns out the man not only knows how to give kick-ass orgasms but he’s also a great listener. He eased my pain last night more than anything or anyone else could have. His arms brought me the comfort I often long for.

  As the day went on yesterday, the pain I felt had less to do with that sleazeball Graham Davis and more to do with missing my father. Sometimes I wonder if it will ever get easier. If the gaping hole in my chest will ever close. I have to admit that the more time I spend with Gabe, the less it hurts. It’s a little unnerving because I still don’t know where we stand with one another, but I do know I’m starting to really like the arrogant jerk.

  The sound of my phone vibrating pulls my attention over to my nightstand. Picking it up, I see it’s my mom.

  “Mom, hi,” I answer, relieved to hear her voice.

  “CeCe, honey, can you hear me all right?” she yells, making me have to pull the phone away.

  “Yes. I can hear you fine.”

  “Oh good. I am so sorry it’s taken me so long to call you back. We’ve been all over the place with very little reception.”

  “It’s all right. I knew you’d call when you could. I just wanted to check in and tell you I miss you.”

  “Oh, honey, me too. I miss you dearly. I can’t wait to hug my sweet girl again.”

  Sadness claims me, wishing she were here now. I could have used her hug last night. “Are you having fun with Aunt Viola and Aunt Sadie?”

  “You bet. As always.”

  “Good. I’m glad.”

  A moment of silence fills the line.

  “What’s wrong?” she asks.

  “Nothing.”

  “Don’t lie to your mother. It’s a sin.”

  A genuine smile teases my lips. It’s her famous lecture. She always told me that if you sin you don’t get to shop in heaven. It was a clever thing to threaten me with while I was growing up.

  “Tell me what’s wrong,” she presses. “I can tell something is. I can hear it in your voice.”

  I don’t want to tell her about Graham, no
t yet. I want to do that face-to-face. “Just missing Daddy is all,” I say instead.

  The line is quiet and I have no doubt it’s because she’s choking back her own sorrow. “I miss him, too,” she admits quietly. “No matter where I go or how busy I keep myself, I’m always thinking about him.”

  “Me too.” My confession is thick with emotion.

  “Do I need to come home, CeCe?”

  Her offer takes me by surprise, and I even consider saying yes but she only has a few weeks left and I don’t want to ruin it. I know how much she needs this to keep preoccupied.

  “No. It’s okay.”

  “Are you sure? Because I’ll come back for you.”

  Her words are like a soothing balm to my wounded heart. She has no idea how much I needed to hear that right now. “No, you stay, but maybe…”

  “What?” she asks when I trail off.

  “Maybe when you come back this time you can stay a while.” My words are laced with guilt, hating to even ask that of her, but lately I’m realizing I need my mother more.

  “Oh, CeCe. If my being gone is hurting you, why didn’t you tell me?”

  “It didn’t bother me at first but I miss our mom and daughter dates.”

  “I miss them, too,” she whispers. “I’m sorry, honey, I haven’t coped well with your father being gone. I’ve been selfish.”

  “No, you haven’t. I get why you do it, and I’m happy you have Aunt Viola and Aunt Sadie. Just don’t forget, you have me, too.”

  “I’d never forget you. You’re my life.”

  Those are exactly the words I needed to hear.

  “When I get home we’ll plan the best mother daughter date ever,” she says. “We’ll go shopping, hit the spa, and eat all the food.”

  “I can’t wait.”

  “I love you, honey.”

  “I love you, too,” I whisper.

  “I’ll call as soon as we have reception again.”

  “Sounds good. Tell Aunt Viola and Aunt Sadie I say hi.”

  “Will do. Bye.”

  “Bye.”

  My heart is much lighter when I hang up the phone, and that peaceful feeling only grows when I look down at the flower I’m still holding. Glancing at the clock, I notice it’s almost noon.

  Holy crap!

  Climbing out of bed, I head into the bathroom and groan at my appearance. My eyes are red and swollen, face blotchy from crying all night.

  And Fireboy told me I was pretty.

  Liar.

  Throwing my hair up in a high ponytail, I splash water on my face, the coolness a welcome relief. Next, I brush my teeth then reach for the shower but end up hearing my apartment door open and close. I walk out to find Gabe holding two cups of coffee and a take-out bag.

  He turns around, his eyes colliding with mine. “Hey,” he greets me, his deep voice eliciting goose bumps across my skin.

  “Hey.”

  “You get my note?”

  I nod. “And flower.”

  His lips kick up in a sexy smirk. “It was a nice touch, wasn’t it?”

  “Very,” I agree, a matching smile claiming my face.

  He raises the items he’s holding. “I figured you’d be hungry since we didn’t eat last night.”

  “Thanks.” I walk over to take my coffee from him and catch sight of his swollen knuckles. Gasping, I grab his wrist and yank it closer to me. “What happened?” My eyes lift to his and my stomach hollows out, the realization hitting me quickly. “Oh, Gabe, you didn’t. Please tell me you didn’t kill him then buy us breakfast?”

  “I didn’t kill him,” he says, but doesn’t reassure me of anything else.

  “Oh god!” My feet begin wearing out the floor, panic flooding my chest. “I’m going to lose everything. He’s going to ruin me and my boutique. I’ll have nothing left.”

  He grabs my shoulders, halting my frantic steps. “Listen to me. He’s not going to do anything. I made sure of it. He won’t ever come near you again!”

  Tears cloud my vision, blurring the man before me. “I can’t believe you did this, you big sweet dumb jerk.” I fall onto his chest, blubbering like a fool.

  His arms come around me, his hand coasting up and down my back in a comforting gesture. “He had to pay for what he did, CeCe. I couldn’t let him get away with hurting you like that.”

  “No one has ever beaten someone up for me before,” I cry, feeling touched he would defend my honor like that.

  “I’ll kick anyone’s ass for you, Blondie.”

  It’s the sweetest and hottest thing anyone has ever said to me. Sniffling, I lift my head. He wipes my tears away with his thumb, erasing so much more than he could know.

  “Thank you for staying with me last night,” I whisper.

  “You don’t need to thank me. I’m glad I came when I did.”

  “Me too,” I admit.

  His gaze drops to my mouth, tension thickening the air. My heart races in anticipation, needing to feel his lips pressed against mine, but he holds back from giving us what we both want.

  “Gabe.” His name falls from me on a breathless whisper, my fingers gripping his shirt.

  “Yeah, Bella?”

  “Kiss me,” I plead.

  He closes the distance between us, the contact of his lips rocking the world beneath my feet. My arms curl around his neck, greedily seeking more.

  His growl penetrates the kiss as he cups my bottom and lifts me off my feet. My legs hug his waist, fingers spearing into his hair as I lose myself in him and all the beautiful feelings that come with it.

  “We should eat before the food gets cold,” he mumbles, but his mouth never misses a beat.

  “I don’t want food. I just want you,” I tell him.

  I want to be reminded of what it feels like to be touched by him. I want him to erase the dirty feelings Graham plagued me with and replace them with the feeling of his body against mine.

  Unfortunately, he sets me on the counter and does the opposite, pulling his mouth away. His head drops on my shoulder, his breathing harsh.

  “What’s wrong?” I ask, wondering if I misread things somehow.

  The moment he lifts his head, the upsetting thought leaves me because I see the same need I’m feeling battling in his eyes. “I work the night shift,” he tells me, regret burning in his gaze.

  “Okay…” I say slowly, not seeing the problem.

  “If I get you in that bed, Blondie. I’m not fucking leaving it.”

  Shivers race across my skin, the dark promise in his voice fueling my desire. “Did you want me to call work and tell them you’re sick?” I offer.

  Another smirk curls his perfect lips. He cups my neck, his thumb tracing my racing pulse. “What I want is for you to eat breakfast with me then promise we can pick this back up when my rotation ends so I can touch you the way you deserve.”

  I clear my throat and squirm, trying to alleviate the ache between my thighs. “Well, when you put it like that, I guess I can wait. But I expect lots of orgasms.”

  His laughter trails into a groan. “Believe me, baby, when I get you back in bed I will have you begging for mercy.” The arrogant words are followed by another mind-drugging kiss.

  My heart dances for not only the promise of another incredible night but also knowing I will be seeing him again, and if I’m really lucky, sleeping in his arms.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Gabe

  I’m struck by the summer heat as I walk out of the station, glad to be finished with what felt like the longest rotation of my life. I love my job and enjoy being here but it’s been a long week without CeCe.

  Texting and talking to her over the phone isn’t enough. I’m not able to see her smile or watch her cock a hip when she gets sassy with me, but most importantly, I’m not able to taste her lips, something I’ve come to crave on a daily basis.

  My phone vibrates in my pocket as I climb into my truck. A smile forms on my lips when I pull it out to see it’s the girl plaguing my
every thought.

  “Blondie,” I answer. “I was just thinking about you.”

  “Good morning,” she greets back, sounding exceptionally cheerful. A far cry from the sad girl I found a week ago. “Guess where I just left?”

  “Tell me.”

  “Cliff Bidon’s office,” she informs me, talking about the banker whose number I gave her. “He loved my proposal, Gabe. He’s giving me the loan. I’m getting the men’s line!”

  Her excited squeal has a huge grin breaking out across my face. “I knew he would come through for you. He knows a good thing when he sees it.”

  “He does. He was very impressed with my success so far and agrees the line will be the perfect addition.”

  “I guess that means he treated you right?” I ask, wanting the reassurance.

  “Yes. He was very professional.”

  “Good. Then I don’t have to kick his ass.”

  “Definitely not.” She chuckles but it trails off quickly, her voice softening with what she says next. “Thank you for giving me his number. This wouldn’t be happening if it weren’t for you.”

  “You got this on your own, CeCe. I had nothing to do with it.”

  “I disagree, but instead of arguing about it how about a celebration?” she suggests. “Dinner tonight?”

  Disappointment crushes me and my eager dick. “I’d love to but I can’t tonight. I have this thing at my mom’s that I can’t miss.”

  “Oh…that’s fine,” she says quickly. Too quickly. “We can do it another night. No biggie.”

  It’s a very big deal, especially when I’ve been missing the hell out of her.

  “Come with me,” I blurt out.

  Inviting her to meet my family is not something I would generally do, at least not this soon, but as the words leave my mouth, they feel right.

  “Don’t be ridiculous. How about tomorrow night instead?”

  “No. I want to see you tonight.”

  “Okay, then how about you just call me after you’re done and we can decide from there?”

  “How about you just come with me?”

  “I’m not intruding on your family time, Gabe.”

  “You’re not intruding. I’m asking you to come,” I argue, refusing to give up.