Breaking Free: Breaking Free Duet Book #1 Page 6

  hank God. What a relief. No way I could’ve allowed her to accompany me to the hospital and see me turn into a giant baby.

  “Come into the bathroom with me,” Brooke says, as she walks toward the door.

  “I’m not going in there.” I shake my head. “That could get me into major trouble, don’t you think?” She must not be seeing me as she normally does to have forgotten that I’m a felon. One mistake is all it takes to send me back.

  Brooke’s face grimaces. “I’m sorry. I just can’t win with you.” She sighs. “I’ll go into the men’s then.” Brooke opens the door. “Hello!” she yells. With no reply, she turns to me, “Come on. I don’t want to get into trouble either.”

  I wonder what she considers trouble. I can’t help myself. “What’s the worst thing you’ve ever gotten caught doing?” I watch as she washes her hands and takes the band-aid out of the wrapper.

  Brooke seems to avoid the question until she’s busy and I’m no longer looking at her. While putting the band-aid on my neck, so close to me again, she says, “I got caught having sex in the movie theater.”

  My eyes widen. “Really?” I ask, as she runs her finger across the band-aid, making sure it stuck well.

  “Why do you sound so surprised, Cole?” she asks, now looking at me and standing too close to be appropriate.

  “I didn’t mean to sound so surprised. I’m sure you had a crazy streak in college. Am I wrong?” I arch a brow.

  “You’d be correct.” Brooke nods. “Who says I’m not still that way?” She walks over to the trash can and throws away the band-aid wrapper.

  I have no idea how to reply to that. I’m more shocked than before. Have I gotten her all wrong? When I think I have her all figured out, I’m completely off the mark. She’s extremely hard to read.

  “I’m pretty good at rendering you speechless.” Brooke grins. “You think I’m a prude because of my job and the stupid pantsuits.”

  She’s not asking. She’s stating it and she’d be correct as well. I smile smugly. She is a prude and she’s trying to tell me all the reasons why she isn’t. “I’m sorry. I just find it hard to believe, I mean you being wild and crazy.” I motion with my hand.

  “You’d be quite surprised then, Cole. I’m not going to give a list of the many crazy things I’ve done. Your approval isn’t necessary.” She snubs her nose at me.

  “Okay. You’re so crazy. Are you happy now?” I chuckle.

  Brooke turns and gives me the look; the look that women give you with their eyes and it makes my dick want to run and hide. “You didn’t mean it,” she huffs. “I don’t have to prove myself to you.”

  “What if I want to see your crazy?” I dare her, as she stands across the room, staring at me in shock.

  I stand here unsure. I’m unsure of what to say, what I should and shouldn’t do. What could happen to me if I acted on this? I could be fired if anyone found out. I could possibly find the love of my life. I won’t know if I don’t try. I want to scream right now.

  I take a step forward, only one. This could potentially ruin my family’s name. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. When I open them, Cole is standing in front of me, his eyes staring down into mine.

  “I see what this is doing to you, so I’m going to leave.” Cole touches my arm and gives me a tight-lipped smile before he walks away.

  “Cole! Wait! Please don’t go.” What in the hell am I doing? I seriously don’t know. My heart is now in my throat and I feel as if I can’t breathe.

  Cole stops, but he doesn’t turn to face me. “Brooke, I’m extremely attracted to you and have been enjoying the extra time we’ve been spending together. It’s not right, though. You could lose your job. I can’t do that to you,” he says, not taking one glance toward me.

  “I’m very aware of what can happen. What if I just don’t care anymore? I don’t know what has happened to me since you walked into my office that first day.” I walk over to him to force him to look at me. “You seem to be the exception to everything I’ve trained myself to believe. You have a label that doesn’t fit you. You made a mistake and it doesn’t define who you are.”

  Cole steps closer. He takes my trembling hands in his and squeezes gently. “I would never jeopardize your career, Brooke. Never.”

  “Your parole stays completely separate from this.” I motion between us, or try to. He won’t release my hand. “I will not give you any special treatment. I’ll probably be harder on you.” I nod.

  “Not a problem. I look forward to it.” He pulls me against him with a grin on his face. My hands now pressed against his chest, I can feel his heart racing. “Can I kiss you now?” he whispers.

  There’s no need for a reply. Our lips meet and I melt into him as I grip his shirt in my hands and deepen the kiss. He then moans into my mouth. I can feel him growing against my stomach. If he hasn’t been with anyone yet, it’s been quite a while for him. I’ll imagine that later.

  I haven’t kissed a man in a long time, but I’ve never been kissed this tenderly. His tongue explores my mouth as if he’ll never kiss me again, and I never want it to end.

  We break apart as the door to the bathroom opens, startling both of us. We’re panting and staring at each other in awe. Neither of us were thinking about where we were. Being in the gym bathroom isn’t quite the first kiss story I’d imagined with Cole. In that moment, I was completely consumed by him. Nothing else mattered; not my job, my family, and not even my reputation. I’m completely insane or completely infatuated by him. Everything I believe in went out the window the moment our lips touched.

  The intrusion brings me back to reality. I push against his chest. “Come on, let’s go work out.” I release a long breath. It would be so easy to get lost in Cole Ferguson. He’s gorgeous, sweet, smart, and funny. He just has a label. It isn’t that big of a deal to me. He allows it to affect him, though. It affects how he sees himself; as less of a person.

  “Treadmill?” I ask. “I’ll kick your ass.”

  Cole’s face lights up. “You’re on.” Cole steps on the sides and gets the machine set before he steps on the belt to begin running.

  “I see you couldn’t wait for me?” I tease him as I get started myself. I set mine a bit faster than his just to prove that I can. “Are you not very confident you’ll win?” I tease him.

  “I’m very confident in my stamina.” Cole’s stare flows down my body. I got the double meaning loud and clear. I can’t allow him to distract me. I’ll end up on my ass with rubber marks across my forehead. That wouldn’t look attractive. He then adds, “Did you not see in my file that I ran track in high school?” Cole gloats.

  “I wasn’t very good at sports. I was more in to gymnastics.” I can’t look directly at him. If I do, I’ll lose it.

  Out of the corner of my eye, Cole loses his footing but was lucky enough to catch himself before he went flying off of the treadmill. “That’s not even right, Brooke,” he pants and shakes his head with a pained look on his face.

  “Yeah, they say I was pretty good.” I shrug. “Have you heard of the broken candlestick?” I bite my bottom lip to keep from laughing. Cole has no idea what I’m talking about. He’ll wish he did. “You’ve heard of the splits, haven’t you?”

  A look of surprise flashes over Cole’s face. He gulps. “Can you still do it?” He arches an eyebrow in curiosity, waiting for my answer.

  “The splits? I can still do every pose.” I say breathlessly and drop the speed down to a jog. Between running and Cole, my heart is going crazy fast. I don’t need to pass out. That would boost his ego, though, I bet.

  “You’re killing me, and you know it. I need water.” Cole sighs, turns off his treadmill, and then hops off.

  I didn’t really think about the frustration I must be causing him. I now have my answer to my previous assumption. He hasn’t been with anyone since he was released. I’m extremely relieved. He needs to get laid. We definitely have that in common. I’m not sure what to do or how to proc
eed from here with Cole.

  I get off the treadmill, feeling bad for what I’d done. I know how frustrating it can be. I decide to follow him to the vending machine. “Sometimes, I speak before I’ve thought it through first.” I crinkle my face in an attempt to be cute. I hope it works. “It can be a problem and get me into trouble. Forgive me?” I don’t want him to be upset with me. I obviously care.

  “As you know, I’ve been away on vacation for quite a while. I can’t hear things like that. It’s hard enough being here with you dressed the way you are.” His eyes trail down my body. “I’m not used to seeing you out of the pantsuits and it’s just too much.” Cole adjusts himself. He didn’t even try to hide it. “I can’t get that kiss out of my head either.” His eyes hold mine.

  It’s probably the reason I wasn’t thinking about the torturous things I was saying to him. I can’t stop thinking about it either. The way our lips molded together, how his tongue felt against mine, and the moan; it’s torturing me as well.

  What is it about him that every bit of rationality goes out the window when I’m with him? He is everything I normally wouldn’t want, shouldn’t want, even. But in this moment, I can’t think of anything I want more. He is the exception to all the rules, and that includes my career. Obviously.

  “So, what exactly is happening here?” I motion between us. “What are we doing, Cole?” I can feel a tightness in my chest. What I want and what I should do are not one in the same.

  “Let’s go back to my house and talk about it.” He glances around at the few members scattered around the room.

  I have to agree. This isn’t the best place to discuss our situation. “Okay. It wouldn’t hurt to do a pop in anyway.” I grin.

  Cole nods, but I don’t think he really followed my joke. “Lead the way, Ms. Hartford.” Maybe he did.

  I turn to him while I continue to walk. “I’ll see you there.” I feel the urge to kiss him and linger a minute.

  Cole does too. He takes a step forward, and then hesitates, looking around the parking lot before he looks back to me. With a heavy sigh he says, “Okay.” He nods and walks to his truck.

  Once inside my Land Rover, I slump back into my seat. The look on Cole’s face when he realized he shouldn’t kiss me in public, it really pulled at my heart strings. It will be like that for a long time if we pursue this. I’m not sure he is capable of there being an us by his reaction.

  He is in the system for a long time, but I’m not sure how long. That all depends on him and the progress he makes. Can we keep this a secret for that long? We can’t go out on dates together with the chance of me being recognized. My father being the well-known, respected man that he is, I tend to be recognized as well.

  It’s possible that we could make it work. We could go out of town to reduce the risk of being seen. This could get complicated, but it could also be worth it. My heart is telling me to go for it. I’m terrified at disappointing my father, not so much my mother. I don’t want to lose my job. I would have to find a new career. I’m already panicking over what-ifs. Here’s to hoping Cole has some better ideas and suggestions, if he even wants this with me. I guess I’m about to find out.

  I hurry home and run into my house and scan each room before Brooke gets here. I’m not trying to hide anything. I just don’t want there to be any dirty underwear lying around, or her to see the lube beside my bed on the nightstand. I’d hate for her to witness that pathetic scene. I’d be mortified. I mean I’m a man and am not embarrassed about masturbation. It’s just, it’s Brooke. I wouldn’t want her to think I’ve got a jerking problem.

  “Cole!” I hear Brooke yell from the front door.

  I pull off my sweaty shirt and quickly grab a clean one from a drawer. “Come on in,” I say on my way into the living room as I pull the shirt over my head.

  “Who’s the tease now?” Brooke says frankly, as she sits down on the couch. Was that irritation I heard in her voice?

  “So, Brooke, where should we begin?” I glance at her nervously, as I sit down beside her, but not too close. I don’t want to put pressure on her. I have no idea what to say or what she could be thinking about ‘us’, if there is an “us” at all. I’m hopeful there is.

  “I’ll be honest. When it comes to you, I can’t think straight and it’s pissing me off, Cole. I feel like I have no control over myself, over my thoughts. I don’t know what we should do. I can’t think clearly.” Her head falls in her hands.

  “What if we don’t think at all? What if we just live in the here and now? No one knows you’re here. No one, Brooke.” I lean in, pulling her hands from her face. My lips linger inches from hers.

  “I think that’s a great idea.” Her lips curl upward slightly, her eyes relieved yet hungry. She glances down at my lips and licks her own.

  I move closer to her, take her hands in my own, and squeeze gently. I bring one hand up and caress her cheek with my thumb as she stares into my eyes. I slowly lean in closer and kiss her. This time I take my time. I have one hand tangled in her hair and the other currently losing the battle with her bra. I know it’s been a while, but this bra is ridiculous.

  “Is there a secret to this thing?” I joke while I struggle to get it off, more embarrassed being this is our first time together in this way. I shouldn’t be having bra issues at all. How manly am I?

  “I struggle with it too, so don’t feel bad.” Brooke reaches behind her back with one hand and the next moment her breasts fall from the lack of support. She giggles before pulling it from under her shirt, tossing it behind her.

  I reach for her just as she leans forward, and our foreheads smashtogether. “I’m so sorry.” I pull her in and kiss her forehead several times very lightly. Brooke studies my face as I do. “Why are you looking at me like that? I didn’t mean to hurt you,” I say apologetically.

  “I know that, Cole. I guess I’m just seeing how sweet you can be is all.” She pulls at my shirt and I lift my arms for her. Brooke’s eyes roam over my chest. She bites her lip before she kisses me again. Her hands grip my shoulders as she lifts herself onto my lap, her lips never leaving mine.

  My hands start to roam across her soft skin, down her back, across her ribs, and around to her stomach before I cup both breasts in my hands. It’s been too long. They are heavy, her nipples peaked and ready for me to bring them into my mouth.

  I break the kiss only for a moment. “Lift your arms over your head,” I whisper, and she complies. I try not to look like a born-again virgin, but that’s basically what this feels like. They’re fucking perfect. I suck a nipple into my mouth. Brooke’s head falls forward along with her hair, giving in to the pleasure and exposing herself to me.

  I release her breast slowly with one last twirl of my tongue before sucking the other breast into my mouth, making sure to give it the same amount of attention. I don’t want the other one getting jealous. Brooke folds over, cupping my head in her hands with a shiver as I twirl my tongue around her nipple before releasing it just as I did the other.

  I grab her around the waist and lay her down on the couch. Now on top, I stop and stare a few moments as I catch my breath. Brooke’s absolutely stunning. The sun is setting through the living room window, reflecting its beautiful glow onto her skin and a lust-filled shimmer in her eyes.

  I’m not sure exactly how far Brooke is willing to go. I know I’d go all the way if she’d let me. I’m a man and it’s been two years after all. She’s a nice person and I feel connected to her in many ways. I couldn’t ask for anything more at this point.

  I lower myself onto her, sure not to hurt her in any way. “You’re not going to break me, Cole.” Brooke reaches for my neck roughly, pulls me down, and closes the distance between us. She kisses me urgently, letting go of any hesitations that she had before. She pulls away and kisses my neck, licks her way up to my ear lobe, and sucks it into her mouth. My head falls into her touch. That is my spot. I should be kicking my leg at this point.

  “Cole.” Brooke st
ops. “Can you take me to your bedroom?”

  That’s all I needed to hear. I wrap my arms around her once more, lift her with me, and walk down the hall to my bedroom. Brooke never takes her eyes off of me as I carry her. Maybe she’s looking for any hint of regret I might have. She won’t see any, not a bit. I’ve wanted her since day one. She fought it for a while, as did I. Not to be arrogant, but I knew she’d break eventually. I honestly thought it would take longer.

  I lay her on my bed, and she pulls me down with her demandingly and I like it. I like her like this “Are you sure, Brooke?” I search her eyes for any chance she doesn’t fully want this.

  She lifts slightly and drags her leggings down her legs. No panties. Sweet Jesus. “Are you going to just stare at me, or are you going to make me forget all the reasons we shouldn’t be doing this?”

  “I’m going to show you all the reasons why we should be doing this; why it’s worth the risk.” I bend down and kiss her red, swollen lips. She sighs and relaxes as I leave a trail of kisses down her neck.

  I reach her stomach and circle her bellybutton with my tongue. Her stomach dips in a bit and she giggles. “Please. Don’t. I’m so ticklish,” she whispers, watching my every movement.

  “Are you?” I pause, hovering over her other lips that are also swollen. “Here?” I flick my tongue against her clit ever so lightly.

  Brooke sucks in a deep breath. “Don’t stop. Please,” she says almost pained, as she grips my forearm. I can feel her nails beginning to dig in and it’s driving me crazy. I’m pretty sure my dick just twitched. I guess he’s letting me know he’s still alive and can still function when needed.

  Her taste, her scent, her sounds, it’s all so much, too much. I flick my tongue out and circle figure eights before I suck hard. Brooke releases a guttural scream as her orgasm peaks. Her thighs clamp down around my neck. I can barely breathe, but I continue as she falls and eventually releases the death grip around my throat.