Extreme Close-Up (Perspectives Book 1) (10 page)

LISA’S PHONE RANG and she glanced at Braden’s truck in her rearview before answering.

“You did great today,” she said. “Declan seemed really happy.”

He grunted. “Yeah. Hard to ignore the irony that once again, my success has nothing to do with my mind.”

“It’s a means to an end.” She couldn’t help teasing him a little, “I know it must’ve been torture, but it’ll go a long way toward paying for med school.”

“Was it torture for you, too?”

“Nah, just another day at the office.” She was still reeling from the infusion of jealousy and lust with a shot of potent chemistry on the side. And she sounded it.

“You going straight home?” His voice was rough.

“Yes.”

“Good,” he said darkly before disconnecting.

Lisa pulled into the garage as Braden parked at the curb. She was barely out of the car when he grabbed her and shoved the door shut. He pressed her against the car, trapping her there with his big body as he took her mouth in a bruising kiss. Lisa’s phone began ringing in her handbag, the muted tone easily ignored. She dropped the bag and ran both hands up his shirt, desperate to touch the warm, smooth skin of his chest and to erase the mental image of Andie’s pert nipples pressed against him.

Lisa didn’t realize her hips had been moving until he lifted her and wrapped her legs around his ass so she could hump him properly. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she was aware that she was grinding on him in her open garage, but her pussy was so wet and needy, she just didn’t fucking care.

One strong hand slid under her ass, supporting her, while the other shoved her shirt and bra up, exposing her swollen breasts to his hungry mouth. His wicked tongue flicked over her nipples until they were harder than Lisa had ever felt them. Then he gently bit down on one tight peak then the other, tugging and elongating until she felt every pull on her clit.

The muffled sound of her ringing phone registered and she remembered where they were. “Inside.”

“Yeah...” He held her up with one hand and started to work his jeans open with the other.

“In the
house
,” she panted.

He grunted agreement and carried her inside, punching the button to close the garage before kicking the door shut.

“Bedroom’s too far.” He tumbled them to the floor in the hallway and shoved his jeans past his hips. “I can’t wait.”

“Me neither.” She shucked her jeans and straddled him. Her shirt and bra were still up near her neck, and even as she ground herself against him she felt the urge to cover herself. He stared at her with long-lidded eyes and filled his hands with her breasts. “Sorry they’re not as perky as you’re used to now,” she goaded.

Lifting his hips so Lisa’s knees were off the floor and there was no mistaking how hard he was, he scowled. “Do you hear me complaining?”

“Of course not,” she smirked. “You’re about to get laid.”

He grabbed her arms hard enough to leave red marks. “Is that all you think this is?” In a flash, he slipped out from under her and pushed her belly-down on the rug, holding her in place with a tight fist in her hair. She tried to lift her ass and he pressed her back down until her mons hit the floor. The fat head of his cock nudged her wet entrance, and he easily sank balls-deep. At her moan, he growled, “You like that? I like it, but of course any hole will do for me.”

“That’s not what I meant,” she panted, trying again to push up.

He rose up on his knees and squeezed her ass cheeks with punishing hands, still holding her flat on the floor as he plowed into her again and again. “Then what
did
you mean?”

“It was hard to see you with her. Touching her.”

“You mean, it was hard to see me doing my job?” He pulled out until just the tip of his cock connected them. Flexing his hips, he teased them both with slow, shallow thrusts. “The job I’ll be doing again soon, only with less clothing?”

“Yes,” she gasped, so wet, she could hear it each time he moved in her.

He grabbed her hands and held them tight against the floor over her head. “Since we’re being honest, I don’t like the way Declan looks at you.” He reared back and drove his cock in to the hilt. “And I don’t like the way he talks to you.” He pulled out and slammed back in. “And I don’t like the way you look at him and talk to him, either.”

Lisa couldn’t think straight to respond, as he’d started fucking her fast and deep, hitting her sweet spot with each stroke as he drilled her into the floor. He corkscrewed his hips and his thick base brushed her distended clit. The orgasm hit her long and hard. Wave after wave rolled through her, milking his iron-hard cock and dragging him over the edge with her.

For long minutes, they lay sweaty and panting on the hallway rug. When Braden roused himself enough to refasten his jeans, Lisa went to the bathroom to clean up.

She’d never had angry, jealous sex before. It was wild and almost primitive. But although she’d had one of the most intense orgasms of her life, she didn’t like the way she felt now. Unsettled. She had no claim to jealousy, because she had no future with Braden. And he was right; much as she tried to hide it, she was attracted to Declan. She dreaded the conversation she and Braden clearly needed to have. After straightening her clothes and giving up on her just-got-fucked hair, Lisa knew she couldn’t hide in the bathroom any longer.

She found him in the hall where she’d left him; a haunted look on his face. As soon as he saw her, he grabbed her in a fierce hug. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” he whispered into her hair.

And then a familiar voice said, “Not really what I had in mind when I asked you to help out around the house,
bro
.”

“Jake!” she gasped, pushing Braden away. “You’re home early. What happened?” He looked to have grown an inch in the month and a half since she had seen him, but his face was boyish as ever. He held his big duffel bag between them, blocking her attempt at a hug.

“Dad got in an argument with the camp.” He glared at Braden. “He was surprised to see
your
truck out front.”

“He was about to leave,” Lisa said, begging him with her eyes to do just that.

Braden started to speak, but Jake cut him off with a harsh laugh. “Guess I should’ve expected this would happen, knowing you.”

“Honey, go put your bag down and I’ll make you something to eat.”

Jake ignored her and sneered at Braden. “Right, Player?”

“Enough!” Lisa got between them, but the taller young men simply continued to face off over her head.

Braden’s face tightened with anger. “You don’t know what you’re talking about, Jake.”

“Fuck you, Brady. Well, never mind. Looks like my mom already did.”

Lisa jumped out of the way as Braden slammed Jake against the wall. “Don’t talk about her like that,” he snarled. “Have some respect.”

Face pressed next to the thermostat, Jake laughed mirthlessly, “Now that’s funny.”

No
, she thought.
None of this was funny.

Jake had to feel horribly betrayed to discover that two people he loved and respected had been carrying on an illicit relationship. She knew all too well how he felt, and it killed her to know she was the cause.

She felt even worse when she realized Vance and Elena could find out. Vance would give her a ration of shit about it despite not having a leg to stand on, and Elena would make Braden’s life a living hell as long as he lived with them. What did Vance think was the reason Braden’s truck was out front? Had Jake explained that he’d asked Braden to help around the house? She itched to ask, but this wasn’t the time.

Jake struggled to push Braden off him, and Lisa realized she had been standing there like an idiot hugging herself. She needed to take control before one of them got hurt. With a light touch on Braden’s shoulder, she murmured, “You should go.”

“You heard her, Player, get out of here,” Jake spat.

“I’m sorry you found out like this, Jake, but it’s not what you think.” Braden released him and backed away, out of punching range. “I love her.”

Lisa’s hand fell over her mouth.
No, he can’t mean that. He only said it for Jake’s benefit, right?

Then Braden flicked those stormy eyes to hers and broke her heart.

That long-overdue conversation was going to be harder than she thought.

HE LOVED HER.

Shit.

When this whole thing began, Lisa expected they’d have some fun then Braden would leave her devastated. It never crossed her mind that she’d be the one to end it.

And she
would
end it. Today.

However, that difficult conversation couldn’t happen until Braden came out of Jake’s room. She was trying not to pace a threadbare path in the hallway rug, but they had been in there a while.

After Braden struck her mute with his misguided declaration, Jake had said some more unflattering things about them both and shut himself in his bedroom. Braden followed him in and for the last fifteen minutes all she had heard were muffled, occasionally-raised voices.

As Jake’s mom, she should have been the one in there talking to him. On the other hand, Jake felt most betrayed by Braden, so maybe Braden had a better chance at getting through to him.

To say she felt helpless was an understatement.

From inside Jake’s room, she heard the murmur of Braden’s calm voice and a yelled response from Jake. Suddenly, the door flung open and Jake stormed out with Braden right behind him.

The next minute was a blur, it all happened so fast.

Before Lisa could utter a word, Braden stopped Jake with a hand on his shoulder and Jake spun around to punch him. He had been aiming for Braden’s jaw, but Braden ducked and Jake’s fist made loud, cracking contact with the wooden door jamb.

At her son’s howl of pain and anger, Lisa shoved her way between them. “Cut it out!”

Jake’s arm shot past her and he punched Braden’s bad shoulder. Both young men grunted in pain.

She put her hands on their chests to keep them apart. “Enough!” Not that they were going anywhere.

“God dammit,” Braden spat.

Jake shook out his hand, then cradled it against his belly. “Serves you right, you dick.”

Braden rubbed his shoulder. “Nice shot, though.”

“Shut up, asshole.”

Lisa let her hand drop from Braden’s chest. “You should go,” she said quietly.

His look told her he disagreed, but he nodded and headed toward the door.

She touched Jake’s hand and he winced. “It still hurts?”

“What’d you expect?” He snapped. “I just punched a wall.”

“Guess I expected you to be smart enough not to punch a wall.” She gently prodded until he let her look at his hand. It was already turning purple and swelling.

Braden reappeared. “Sorry. Think I left my keys in Jake’s room.”

Lisa hardly noticed him passing by, as Jake was beginning to freak out, staring at his hand with alarm. “What if I broke it?” He panicked. “I won’t be able to pitch when the season starts.”

“We’d better go have it x-rayed,” Lisa sighed.

Braden came out, shoving his keys in his pocket. He approached Jake cautiously, like one would an injured animal. “Mind if I take a look?”

Jake gave him a venomous glare, but Lisa interrupted whatever insult he had planned. “Thank you, Braden.”

They moved into the kitchen where the lighting was better. Jake and Braden sat at the table, while Lisa made iced tea as an alternative to hovering.

Jake allowed Braden to examine his hand, but he kept his eyes averted, scowling out the window. He winced once or twice, but Braden had a gentle touch.

“Make a loose fist for me... Good. That’s good. You’ve got all your knuckles, see? Sometimes, this one kind of disappears after a punch. Then you can be pretty sure you’ve got a break. Do you have any numbness or tingling?”

“No, but my wrist hurts like hell.” He glared at Braden. “You don’t have to look so happy about it.”

Lisa was relieved when Braden chuckled, “Sorry, but pain is better than numbness with this kind of injury.”

“So you think I’ll be able to pitch?” Jake asked hopefully.

“Yeah. You jacked up the joints, but I doubt you’ve done any permanent damage.” He carefully turned Jake’s hand over. “There’s swelling here around the joint and it’s already starting to bruise... I’d say you’ve sprained your wrist, young man,” he concluded in a cartoonishly-serious voice.

To Lisa’s amazement, Jake grinned. It was as if the fight had never happened.

“Keep it elevated.” Braden rested the injured hand against Jake’s opposite shoulder. “I’m gonna make you an ice dip, then I’ll show you how to wrap it up.” His manner was calm and confident. He was so clearly meant to be a doctor.

While Lisa dug through drawers to find an elastic bandage, Braden filled the sink with ice water. “Okay, now you’re gonna dunk your whole arm in up to the elbow...” He helped Jake lower his arm into the icy water. “Hold it there for five or ten seconds at a time.”

Jake winced. “That’s unpleasant.”

“In and out for two hours,” Braden continued. “You’ll want to do it for the next few days.” He took the bandage from Lisa and showed her how to wrap Jake’s injured hand by having her practice on his good one.

“So we don’t need to have it x-rayed?” she confirmed.

“Not unless there’s a sharp pain or new swelling or bruising,” he said, addressing Jake. “Rest it for at least two days. Keep it wrapped when you’re not ice-dipping. And you wanna hold it above your heart to keep the swelling down. I’ve got a couple slings at home. I’ll bring one by later.”

“Thank you, Braden,” Lisa said, relieved. His bedside manner worked wonders for worried moms, too.

He gave her a rueful smile, then watched as Jake continued to dip his arm in the frigid water. “Just like that, keep it up. You’ve only got another hour and fifty-five minutes to go,” he grinned.

Lisa laughed when Jake scowled at him.

Braden palmed his keys and Lisa opened the kitchen door. As he walked out, his eyes were full of things he couldn’t say.

“Hey Brady,” Jake called, stopping him. “Thanks, bro.”

“Anytime, bro,” Braden smiled and left, closing the door behind him.

Lisa straightened her spine and reminded herself that she was the adult in the house before turning back to her son. She leaned on the counter beside the sink and watched him dip his arm in the icy water. After long minutes of silence, she had to say something.

“So.”

“So,” he repeated without looking at her.

“I’m sorry you had to leave camp early.”

He snorted. “I’m sure you are.”

“We’re just good friends,” she sighed.

He squinted at her, disbelieving. “Is that why he said he loves you?”

She shook her head. “I don’t know why he said that.”

“So you don’t love him?”

“Not the way you’re thinking, no.” She was relieved to know it was the truth.

He went quiet, studying his swollen wrist as it went in and out of the water. Eventually, he asked, “Was he nice to you?”

Sweet boy
. “Yes. He took care of the yard and tried to help me get in touch with your dad about the camp payment. He was very nice to me.”

“That’s good.” He looked pensive again.

“Jake, I don’t want you to be uncomfortable, so let’s talk it all out. Is there anything else you want to--”

“Nope,” he cut her off with almost-comical finality, and they both laughed.

Despite their horribly-awkward and unexpected reunion, Lisa and Jake ended up having a nice evening. He told her about camp and complained about coming home early, but ultimately he seemed happy to sleep in his own room.

Lisa was happy to close herself in
her
own room, too. Although, when she was finally alone with her thoughts they were a jumbled mess.

Jake’s home... god that could’ve been a much bigger disaster.

Braden can’t love me.

Fuck. Hate that I’m going to hurt him.

Hated seeing him with Andie...

He did a great job, though.

She smiled to herself, looking back on the exciting day. The pictures would be fantastic, she knew.

So proud and happy... and Declan.

Holy lord. Declan.

He wasn’t beautiful like Braden, although he was definitely a very attractive man.

Magnetic. That’s what he is.

As she sifted through mental snapshots of his sexy smile, her skin came alive again as she remembered how it felt to be near him. An insistent throb started between her legs.

Absolutely not.

What’s on T.V.?

Maybe it was out of respect for Braden or maybe she worried it would make her a horrible person, but she felt guilty enough about her attraction to Declan; she refused to think about him while getting herself off.

So it was good timing -- or bad, or just fortuitous -- when Braden pinged.

Hey.

Hey,
she tapped back. She was still resolved to end things with him. Unfortunately, having Jake home early pretty much put the kibosh on private conversation. Breaking it off via text wasn’t her first choice, but she might not have another. She typed and erased a few attempts before he buzzed again.

Jake ok?

That was a broad question. She opted to address the easy part.
Yup. He did the ice-dip for two hours. Stopped complaining halfway thru when he went numb. :)

LOL. He’s got it in the sling now?

Yes and thanks again for dropping it off.

Her phone indicated he was typing... then not... then typing again... eventually buzzing in with,
Any excuse to see you.

Lisa winced. The bastard didn’t even use a smiley. He wasn’t gonna make this easy. She typed out a response -- slowly, so she wouldn’t have to backspace over most of it.

Can you come by tomorrow? Jake will be at a friend’s house and we need to talk.

Her phone indicated he read her text immediately. She watched the screen until it went dark two minutes later. Braden was smart. He’d know why she wanted to talk. Fuck, she really didn’t want to see those eyes filled with hurt. She was a goddamned idiot to have gotten involved with him.

Finally, her phone buzzed again.
This about what I said earlier?

In part, yes.

OK, but just so you know... I meant it and I’m not taking it back.