Loved by a Roughneck Read online

  “You know we’re just friends.”

  “The way your hand’s on her ass says more than that.” Her mother swayed and grabbed onto the black stool lined up against the wall opposite the pool tables. Tangela’s dirty blonde hair tumbled down her back. The skin tight, red dress she’d poured herself into highlighted every nuance of her rail-thin body. Tangela had a habit that didn’t involve liquor, but drove her just the same. What she saw was a trio of sadness. Craig smirked, a slash of white teeth that stood out against his olive skin. His amber colored eyes were full of glee at being fought over. He lived for this shit. She had to hand it to him. He was handsome with his Roman nose, strong jaw, and long, lean frame. His looks were used to charm, cajole, and entrance the weak-willed like some sort of Pied Piper.

  “Mom!”

  Her shout turned her mother’s head. “Maci! Are you here for a night out?” She went from mad to happy in the span of a second.

  “No, she came here to meddle and look down her pert little nose at us, like always.” Craig sneered, and Maci narrowed her eyes.

  “Can’t you two stop for a minute!”

  “Mom, I thought you were going to pay the rent.”

  “I did. Craig came into some money and took us out. Wasn’t that nice?” Her eyes sparkled, and Maci rolled her eyes.

  “I think you’ve had enough fun for one night. Why don’t we head home and get something on your stomach, maybe some coffee.”

  “Yeah, babe. Go ahead. Tang will be happy to keep me company.” Craig patted Tangela’s ass, and her mother growled.

  “You good for nothing son of a bitch!” Rushing him Maci’s mother shoved Craig back. Stumbling back he crashed into the wall with Tangela.

  “You bitch!” The blonde wiggled out of his hold and leapt at Maci’s mother, the red daggers she called nails poised to strike. They came together like two cats, hissing, clawing, and hair pulling. A crowd had gathered around them, and none wore familiar faces or seemed inclined to help.

  “Are you just going to stand there?”

  “What? Let them blow off some steam,” Craig said.

  “You’re a pig!”

  “I’d watch my mouth if I were you.” Pushing off from the wall Craig straightened to his six foot plus height.

  “Oh, why is that, Craig?”

  “Because one day someone is going to put you in your place.”

  “I’d like to see you try.”

  “Is there a problem here?” The gruff rumble made her heart bang against her ribs like a battering ram. She turned.

  Ty. He cut a formidable figure in his form fitting black t-shirt and jeans. His muscles bulged, and his jaw appeared to be made of steel. The look in his eyes screamed murder.

  “Can you help me get them apart, please?”

  “Sure, I’ll take the blonde.”

  Ty lifted Tangela, allowing Maci to pry her mother’s hair loose from the other woman’s tight grip.

  “Mom, calm down. It’s over!”

  Breathing heavily her mother struggled for a bit longer before admitting defeat and going limp. Vern emerged from the crowd.

  “I think it’s time you three leave.” He gave her an apologetic look. “I’m sorry, darling, but you know the rules, no fighting.”

  “I know, Vern. Thanks for the call.” Releasing her hold around her mother’s waist, Maci stepped back, allowing her space and a chance to catch her breath and process. “Mom, it’s time to head home.”

  “I can’t leave my car. I have work tomorrow.”

  Covering her face, Maci slowly counted to ten.

  “You drive. I’ll follow you and bring you back here.” Ty’s baritone slid down her spine giving her the shivers.

  “We don’t need your help, Hercules,” Craig slurred.

  “That’d be great, Ty. Thank you.” Accepting his help simply to spite Craig felt fantastic. She’d deal with the fallout later.

  “Come on, Mom. Let’s go.”

  Her mother paused. “Come on, Craig, it’s time to go.”

  Maci held her breath, praying he’d go along quietly for once, and save her the trouble. She’d never hated any one, but Craig pushed her right to the edge of dislike.

  “Fine.” Ignoring the red-faced Tangela, he stalked off, grabbing her mother’s arm and pulling her away. The action hit her like a slap in the face. After all that’d happened she had to watch her mother walk away with this man yet again. Disgust, anger, and a healthy dose of shame hit her in the gut. A smart person would walk away. No one would blame her. She’ d hung in there long enough, played the role of parents collecting a wayward child more times than she could count. The logical arguments sounded reasonable, but in her heart walking away felt too much like giving up on her, and that she wasn’t okay with.

  The crowd parted, and excitement waned, wilting like dying flowers. Mercifully, Ty remained silent as they made the journey. Craig and her mother climbed into the back, and she paused outside the driver’s door of Craig’s white truck.

  “I’m the black truck over there. I’ll follow you.” Ty nodded.

  “Okay, they don’t live far, so it won’t take long.”

  “I’m not worried about that.” The sincerity in his voice moved her more than it should have.

  You’re just setting yourself up for heartache. A little while longer, and he’ll be breezing out of town like all the other roughnecks. Feeling his gaze on her she cleared her throat.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  “I’m fine.”

  “Hmm. I’ll bring my truck around.”

  Relieved that he didn’t pry she slipped behind the wheel and turned over the engine.

  ****

  She climbed into his truck, and he couldn’t help but admire the way her breasts peeked from beneath the dress. Full, round, and inviting they hinted at the treasures that lay beneath her clothing.

  His mouth watered. The door shut, and he pulled out of the driveway.

  “You remember how to get back?” Her voice was low and subdued. He frowned.

  “I have an excellent memory. You don’t have anything to be embarrassed of. You know that, right?”

  “So, you’re an authority on this sort of thing? When’s the last time you pulled your Mom out of a bar brawl?”

  He snorted. “Never. My brother, however, is another story.”

  She gave a bark of laughter, and he grinned. He’d thaw her yet.

  “Thank you for that laugh. I needed it.”

  “I could think of a more pleasurable way to turn the night around.” His drawl thickened.

  “Is that why you did this? You think I’ll sleep with you now?” She huffed.

  “I did it because I saw you needed help. You knew I wanted to sleep with you before then.”

  “At least you're honest.” She shrugged her shoulders.

  “I’m plenty of things, but a liar’s never been one of them.”

  “I doubt a liar would tell me he was one.”

  “Are you questioning my integrity?” He lifted an eyebrow.

  She snorted. “Maybe. How about we play a game of twenty questions?”

  “What do I win?”

  “If you’re a good boy … those two weeks you wanted.”

  His hands clenched the steering wheel tighter. “Why?”

  “Does it matter?”

  Yes. “No, let’s start the game.”

  “Why be a roughneck? It’s clear to me you have a brain rattling around in your skull. So why choose back-breaking labor?”

  “To get away.” His jaw ticked. He’d wanted to avoid telling her his sob story for a while.

  “Are you a criminal?”

  “No, just a man who had a bad streak of luck.” He paused, waited for her to dig at the opening he’d given her.

  “Fair enough. How old are you.”

  “Thirty-five.”

  “How long have you wanted to fuck me?”

  He choked on air, coughing.

  “Too blunt?”
/>
  “No, I like them that way.” Amused, he smirked.

  “Good. Now answer the question.”

  “From the minute I laid eyes on you.”

  She gasped. “So why wait until now?” The breathy tone made his muscles flex. A wave of desire flooded him, and he growled in his throat.

  “I didn’t want to.”

  “Want to what, Ty?”

  “Want you. I tried to fight it.”

  “Because I’m black?”

  He chuckled. “No, because you’re too young, and I’m fucked up.”

  “I’m twenty-one, not sixteen.” She rolled her eyes. “Are you into weird shit?”

  “No.”

  “Then why would you say that?”

  “Because I lost my wife in a drunk driving accident, and I pretty much lost my mind.”

  The air between them grew charged as quiet crept in like a ghost and stole the joy that had risen inside his cab.

  “God, I’m sorry.”

  “It’s been years. But having everything taken in one swoop made me see how pointless the life I was living was. Stuck day in and day out shut up in an office as an accountant to provide for a family and make my parents proud. I hated it.”

  “What did you want to do?” she asked.

  “Hell, I don’t know really. At that point numbers was what I had a degree in.”

  “What do you like to do?”

  “Be outside, do things with my hands.”

  “Well you certainly have that now.”

  “I’d say.”

  He pulled into the parking lot and stopped the car. The lights shone in revealing the thoughtful expression on her heart-shaped face. He brushed the back of his fingers across her high cheekbones. Her skin was softer than he imagined. Lids lowered over her dark brown eyes, and she shivered.

  “I think it’s my turn to follow you home.”

  He cupped her cheek forcing her gaze to meet his. “I don’t want a pity fuck, Maci.”

  “That’s not what I’m offering. Now if you’re up for two weeks of blazing hot sex, when, where, and how I want it … we have an agreement. “

  His breath came in pants. He wanted more than in her pants. He wanted to burrow in her heart, infect her bloodstream with emotion so deep she’d never be able to get him out of her system. In the back of his head, the hour hands on the clock started to tick.

  “Unless you want to start right here in the car I suggest you go get into your car.”

  A throaty purr filled the cab. “What if I want it in the car?” Her small hand wrapped around his and placed it on her lap. “I was in such a rush to get here, I might’ve forgotten a few things.” Moving his hand beneath her dress he found her trim pussy bare, and dripping wet.

  “No panties? You’re naughty, aren’t you?” Moaning he stroked a finger down her cleft, parting her lips to reach the slick, swollen, bud.

  “M-maybe.”

  Rolling her clit between two fingers he grunted when she covered his hands with her own, digging her blunt fingers into his flesh. Her head rested against the seat, and her breasts rose rapidly. Heading the call of her turgid nipples he bent and bit down. Her body shuddered. A fresh gush of warm liquid moistened his fingers.

  “Don’t tease me.”

  “No?” He thrummed her clit, once, twice, and then moved down to circle her entrance. “You’re so wet for me, Maci.”

  “Yes.” She thrust her hips upward, forcing his finger into her opening.

  “Impatient—”

  “Needy.” Her husky words undid his control, and he thrust into her tight heat. Her hips flew off the seat. Meeting him stroke for stroke she gave him the sight of her coming undone. Her hair fanned out around her. Her cupid’s bow lips fell open. Breathy sounds of pleasure slipped free, and she gripped him tight.

  “You’re so tight. We have to make you ready for me.” Her walls pulsed around him, and he added a second finger. “Can you feel me moving inside you, Maci?” Increasing his speed he imagined he ways she’d hold him inside her. “That’s going to be my dick soon, stretching you out, so only I can satisfy you. Is that what you want?”

  “Yes, yes!” She thrashed back and forth as her body clamped down, milking his fingers as she rode them hard and fast. The raspy sound of heavy breathing, his and hers, and steamy windows convinced him it was time to relocate.

  Chapter Three

  They pulled up to a nice hotel in the middle of town. Roughnecks made an exceptional deal of money, especially experienced ones like Ty. They liked to have a bit of comfort during their down-time. Her stomach was a jumble of nerves. He exited and walked over to her car to help her out. The extra care was nice. She hadn’t experienced a lot of it in her life, so, despite her desire to remain distant, she clutched it tight to her. Gorging herself on the tingly feeling he created to keep her to the cold spell ahead when the two weeks ended she allowed him to entwine their fingers. For a moment, she could pretend to be a girl with her boyfriend out for a special night at a nice hotel. The idea warmed her more than it should.

  That’s why Ty Price is dangerous He makes me want what I can’t have.

  Just the thought of risking her heart made her sick to her stomach. He opened the door, allowing her to step inside. The door clicked shut, and a light turned on illuminating the room. A king-sized bed with a white duvet turned down and a double row of plump pillows, sat center stage between a set of matching, dark wood, night stands. Directly in front of her a flat screen television rested against a wall. His place was neat, aside from a few articles of clothing tossed over a chair on the far side of the room. Heat radiated from his body, and her hairs stood on end as she waited for his next move. He trailed his fingers down her bare arms and nuzzled her neck with his nose.

  “You smell good enough to eat.” He cupped her heavy breasts, and she leaned back against him, powerless in the grip of the strong attraction that pulled her to him. Pinching her nipples lightly, he rolled them between his thick fingers. She cried out, pressing her ass into the denim covered monster straining against his pants. He felt thick and long. Her walls trembled in anticipation and fear. She hadn’t been with anyone in a long time, and all her lovers had been average.

  “So responsive.” The husky whispers fanned air onto her heated flesh. The dull throb grew steadily until it became an insistent pulse. She ground her hips into him. He growled, pulling her closer as his opposite hand trailed down her belly.

  “Look up, Maci. I want to see your face when I make you come.” Her legs shook, and only his hand kept her up right.

  “B-but what about you?”

  “Your pleasure is mine.” He nipped her ear, pulling her dress up. “Spread your leg for me, baby.”

  She obliged.

  “Good girl.” His thick fingers plunged inside her dripping wet entrance, and she clutched him between hungry walls.

  “You’re so tight. I can only imagine how you’ll feel wrapped around me.” He worked inside, deeper, in and out, filling and retreating in a maddening rhythm. She worked her hips, grasping his forearms to stabilize her emotions as she fought against the wave that threatened to bowl her over. Capture by the undertow of desire she drowned in sensation as fireworks went off beneath her skin.

  “Raise your arms.” Floating on a cloud she raised her shaky arms. Cool air met heated flesh, and the room spun as she was lifted into his arms and carried over to the bed. Ty placed her gingerly onto the bed.

  “I won’t break.” She rejected his tenderness.

  “No, but you deserve to be treated like a prize because you are.”

  She opened her mouth, and he swallowed down her answer, covering her mouth with his full lips. His tongue darted inside, dominating her. The taste of beer and something more masculine washed over her palate like a fine wine. Burying her fingers in his shaggy hair she feasted. Their mouths battled. Teeth, tongues, and lips clashed.

  Parting she grabbed the bottom of his shirt and tugged. “Off.”

  �
��Yes, Ma’am.” Pulling apart he yanked the shirt over his head and flung it behind him, returning to the cradle of her thighs.

  “Pants, too.”

  “Bossy.” He smirked.

  “My way, remember?”

  “Mhmm.” Pulling away he stripped off his pants. He was long, thick, and flushed red with veins running down either side. Gripping the base he walked toward her.

  “ I think you’ll like what I do to you.”

  She arched a brow. “Is that a challenge?”

  “No, a promise.” His confident tone made her cream.

  “Why don’t you show me a preview?” She cured the tremor in her voice.

  His cocoa colored eyes darkened to black, and the light dimmed as his massive form blocked out the light. He nibbled at her bottom lip. This kiss was different, less harried, and too personal. She squirmed, gasping when his head nudged her fabric-covered pussy. The heat he built melted her from the inside, turning her into pliable putty.

  “Lift up, baby. I want to see those pretty breasts.” He undid her bra, cupping her left breast as he sucked the other one into his mouth, hard. Arching her back she whimpered. Rivers ran between her legs, soaking her upper thighs. He released her breast with a loud pop and rolled over to the desk drawer. The glint of silver caught her eye before the rip of the packaging sounded loud in the room. Sheathing himself he spread her legs and nudged her with his head.

  “You don’t expect me to do all the work do you?” Dazed she glanced up. “I want you to fuck yourself on my dick.” She gasped. “Can you take me, Maci?”

  “God, yes.” She slammed her hips up and screamed as he impaled her. Pleasure tittered on the edge of pain, and he was only halfway in. She clenched him tight, breathing through the burn.

  “You can do it, baby. I want to be buried deep.” His thumb circled her clit. Blood rushed down, and swirls of bliss rose up inside her, distracting her. A new rush of liquid eased his way. Inch by inch he moved further until he was bumping her womb. She wrapped her arm around him, digging her nails into his back. Her eyes drifted closed.

  “No. I want you to look at me.”

  Forcing her eyes open her gaze latched to his. Something shifted inside her, and a door chained shut burst open. The realization toppled her into the white abyss of gratification.