Ask Me Why

by Harloe Rae

He could easily sell this look. Hell, after one glance I’m ready to buy it off him. He’s fucking lickable.

“And you sell what exactly?” “A little of everything. Odds, ends, and everything in between.” “Sounds stupid.”

What I wouldn’t give to be a child again, my biggest worry being picked first for kickball. But I’m not so lucky. Adulting can kiss my ass.

“Why do you hate Miss Braelyn?” I grind my molars as we circle back to this topic. Again. After blowing out a string of silent expletives, I manage to force out, “I don’t.” “Yes, you do.” “What’s the point of asking if you’re certain?” Little fists park on his hips. “Because I want to know why.” “It doesn’t matter how I feel.” “Does so.” If there was a brick wall nearby, I’d bash my head against it. There’s no wonder where he gets this stubborn streak from. “And why’s that?” “I want you to marry her. My teacher says two people get married when they’re in love. How do I get you to love Miss Braelyn?”

This parenting gig never gets easier. But I’ll never quit giving that child all of me.

She’d guarantee a wild night with that sassy mouth and quick temper. I’d gladly find another use for those pouty lips. And that sharp tongue would wrap around my shaft quite nicely.

Wake up and smell the man-meat, girlfriend. You’re stuck in limbo, not dead. I bet that guy is fine as hell. I don’t blame you for coming outta hibernation for him.”

We’re celebrating.” “And what might that be exactly?” Sadie grabs the bottle and pours in a healthy dose. I tap my lips. “Being nightmare free for a week.” “Oh, that’s a great reason. Don’t forget the sexy man responsible. Complicated or not.” “Why in the world would we toast to that surly bastard?”

She wrinkles her pert nose. “Let’s get one thing straight, I’m not your type. Desperate and needy clashes with this outfit.”

“Oh, I wasn’t volunteering. Just a suggestion to keep in mind. Might make you less… bitchy.” Her eyes narrow into green slits. “You’re such a pig.” I hike up a shoulder. “Oh, yeah? You stink like grief and sorrow.”

movements. I need to get the fuck out of here before actual damage is done. “Ollie,” I bellow. “We’re leaving.” “About damn time,” Braelyn mumbles. I point at her. “If it wasn’t for him, you’d never see me again.” “If only I could be so lucky.” She spits the words.

He prowls into my personal space. I catch a heady whiff of his scent and almost moan. Crisp outdoors and spicy musk assault my senses. The combination is lethal. Hello, pheromones. Please have mercy and take pity. I’m growing weak.

“That kid gets the best of me. There’s nothing left to spare. I’d apologize, but I’m not sorry.” His chiseled jaw tics, giving away his true feelings. I smile at that. “At least you’re spending it wisely. That’s how it should be.”

He draws a perfect heart on his menu. “Yeah, I’m lucky. My dad tells me we don’t need her. His heart beats twice as hard for me to cover for her part.” There’s a hitch in my breath. I fall a little in love with Brance Stone in that moment. Heaven help me.

I straighten against the strain in my pants. “Everyone gets a smile but me. Each and every person who walks through that door gets a pleasant greeting. All I get is a fake-ass grin and plastic attitude.”

Her tactics don’t deter me. “All I can think about is wiping that sad look off your face.” “I’m fine, other than these inconvenient visits from you.” Her guarded eyes skitter away from mine. “Don’t lie. You want me. Just once would do. I’d turn that frown so far upside down, you’d never stop smiling.”

“Please, Brance,” I beg again. “I’ll explain later. Kiss me. Make me break. I wanna see stars again.”

Her breath hitches. “I-I really didn’t come for that.” My chuckle is dark. “No shit. Pick a chair.” I point to the matching set in front of my desk. Braelyn plops down with a huff. “Thanks for the warm welcome.” “What can I say? My filter is weak on the best days. All bets are off when I’m stunned.”

His palm settles on the small of my back. The simple touch settles me more than I appreciate. After one small taste, my body is turning against me. Freaking harlot.

“This is delicious. It’s so rich and thick.” He wags his brows. I snort into my glass, bracing for the worst. “Sounds like what you were grinding on earlier.”

She just finished ripping her wounds open. The least I can do is spill a few guts of my own. I won’t let her bleed all over the floor alone.

My appetite has been replaced with a revolting gurgle that might require antacid. That describes Veronica quite perfectly.

“Kindred fucking spirits. Awesome.” “I’m glad we’re on the same page,” she giggles.

“Mm-hmm, I need a deal like that. My lips haven’t been sucked on in months.” I laugh. “A kiss would suffice.” “Nope. I want passion all up in my lady bits.”

“Please don’t deprive my child of affection, Braelyn. If he wants a hug, give him one. You’ll likely shatter his heart by denying him.” “What? Why?” Brance flails his arms in a wild circle, the answer waiting right there. “Because he’s crazy about you.

month. If he asks me to marry you one more time, I’m likely to go insane. He’d have you living with us in a second.” I’ll never admit how breathless that possibility makes me. “That’s silly.” “But it’s the truth.” My heart pounds so hard it’s liable to burst. “That might be the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

“I’m in the mood for something you wouldn’t give to just anyone. At least, I hope not.” Brance’s long stride is impressive. He covers the distance between us in mere seconds. Before I can gasp, we’re separated by a few short feet. “You’re back for more?” “Much.”

His lips drift up my cheek and temple. The move is almost tender. “You’re such a pain in my ass,” he growls close to my ear.

I motion around my temple. “Up top isn’t running the show. The goal is to only feel ecstasy. That’s where you come in handy.” I’ll say anything to get his mouth back on me. A rumble rises from Brance’s chest. “Fuck yeah.”

When he plunges a finger into me, I detonate instantly. A wash of color blasts behind my clenched eyelids. I chase the rainbow, soaring on its vibrant hues.

Good Lord, he’s coated in me. Why’s that so hot? I clear the dust from my throat. “If that’s how you celebrate, sign me up for all the parties.” His husky chuckle sends aftershocks through my core. “Consider yourself lucky.”

“Y-you feel so amazing. I never want you to stop.” “Jesus, Brae. Gonna make me come if you keep talking like that.”

“Do you like this sort of literature?” “Mm-hmm.” “Should I read you an excerpt?” I choke on my shock. At my silence, he flips through the pages. I slam the book closed. The idea of him narrating an erotic passage is too much.

I climb the stairs for a quick shower, trying to ignore the pep in my step. I’ll never admit the effect that woman has on me. This shit will be taken to my grave.

I blink at her, trying to process this curveball. “You’re pretty fucking epic, Braelyn. Bonus points for the throwback.” She holds the package open for me. “Want some?”

“You better repeat that while I’m buried deep later,” I murmur into her ear. There’s a hitch in her breath, but she recovers quickly enough. Braelyn’s toes climb up my shin. “Even louder.” I choke on a ball of lust. “Dirty girl.”

Brance strokes himself through his shorts. Such a damn tease. “Take off anything you don’t want ripped into shreds.” A shiver skates over me with his filthy promise.

“In this bed? With you?” Brance scrubs over his mouth. “Why is that so crazy? It’s just an idea. I hate that you run out immediately after we finish. No matter where we are.” I quirk an eyebrow. “Does it make you feel cheap?” That earns me a laugh. “Yeah, something like that.

I’d held my breath, waiting for regret to rain down on me. But there were no gloomy clouds or sinking feelings. Nothing of the sort. Only that faintly familiar clink as another piece found its place.

“You’re in an awful great mood.” I stretch my arms out. “Why wouldn’t I be? Got my dick wet before sunrise. Hot shower. Strong coffee. Gorgeous scenery. Can’t beat that.”

“What are you suggesting? We call the whole thing off?” “Yes, exactly. I’m permanently scarred. This was a mistake. I don’t belong with anyone. I can’t go through that again.” “You’re a fucking coward.”

grab my purse and run for the door. With the twisted knob in my hand, I give one last peek over my shoulder. “For what it’s worth, I care about you.” “That’s your own damn fault.”

“Oliver is a child. Of course he’s pushing for his way. He takes after someone else in that respect.” “Yeah, great. Is my daily dose of guilt over?”

“I know we have more shit to solve. That’ll all come out soon enough. You’re my sunlight and rainbows after a lifetime of storms. Don’t leave me in the dark.”