Crashing Hearts: An Oakport Beach Romance Read online

  Crash quite literally takes my breath away. It’s only as we’re resting on the floor of the shower that it dawns on me that we never used a condom. He’s a man who pays attention to detail. Not only did he fuck me raw, but he cleaned me up with a gentleness that consumed my whole heart. The selfish side of me hopes Aunt Millie never gets better, keeping me here forever.

  After putting on a clean and warm pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt, I head into the kitchen, seeing Crash is half naked. He’s only in a pair of boxers. I watch as he stirs the hot chocolate then adds whipped cream and some sort of sugar on top.

  “That looks delicious,” I say, coming up to hug him from behind.

  “Not as delicious as it will be eating it off your body later.”

  Leaning beside him, my finger takes a scoop from the top, placing it into my mouth.

  His hand cups my wrist, slowly removing my finger from my lips, before he maneuvers it to his mouth. His tongue swirls my finger before pulling it out. “Yup, delicious.” He pauses, handing me the cup of hot chocolate. “I got a little carried away in the shower.” His eyes watch mine, looking for my reaction.

  “I’m on the pill, and I’m a nurse. I get regular checks, not that I need to. I normally use a condom.” My words get tripped over as I become nervous, thinking I’m saying all the wrong things. “I’m actually very responsible.”

  His lips cover mine in response, quieting my words. “Sorry I never had that conversation with you before. I should have been able to control myself. I promise I’m clean. I haven’t had a girlfriend in a long time. I’m a bit rusty at these things,” he confesses.

  The way he says girlfriend has me smiling. Does this mean he considers me his girlfriend?

  “You’re forgiven.” I kiss the side of his jaw, taking my hot chocolate.

  CHAPTER 18

  I have gotten into a comfortable routine out here, tending to Aunt Millie and Crash and me hanging out. The heatwave has passed, but it’s still hotter than hell during the day. I’m used to being in air conditioning most of the time, not realizing how hot the outside world is most of the time. I would go from a perfect heat-controlled hospital to my air-conditioned car to my house that was also the perfect temperature year-round.

  We’re sitting out on the porch. I have my legs up on an old, yellow, plastic square container, and Crash is leaning against his house, each of us with a cold beer in hand.

  The sun is slowly going down, making it the perfect temperature.

  “You know my arm still tingles,” I say, looking out onto the yard at that stupid fence. I wonder how long it’s been like that.

  “You’re lucky you didn’t get more seriously hurt.”

  I can’t help shuddering at the thought of everything that could go wrong. I’ve seen some gruesome stuff in the hospital. At least it was dry as hell out instead of wet. “I’m shocked you would have something that could hurt your horses like that.”

  He lets out this deep, rough chuckle. “Their weight is like a gajillion times the amount of yours.”

  I hold up my hands. “Just saying.”

  “Come here.” He nods for me to come sit on his lap.

  Standing, I go to him. He has this smile on his face that lights up when he’s happy. I love it. It is the most genuine smile I’ve ever seen. With Crash, what you see is what you get.

  Sitting down, I sink against his chest, leaning my head on his shoulder. Our breaths even out to match each other. The silence is comforting as we look out into nothing, holding one another. He kisses the top of my head, and I return the gesture on his shoulder.

  I wait for the scared feeling to begin to creep in, that Crash has the power to shatter my heart. I feel safe enough that my heart trusts him to not break it. No one has ever had that much of a hold over me that when I should be scared, I’m not. I trust him that much. That feeling alone has made me fall head over heels in love with him.

  I can be me and not hide any part of myself. Even the embarrassing mess I sometimes become. This is the lightest I have ever felt in my life. There is no judgment or need to strive for more, to change parts of me to fit better. I have never felt this much freedom to be me. The thought is shocking, even to myself.

  I’m a strong, independent woman, yet I caved to others, changing myself in ways to fit the other person.

  “My brother was being an ass and broke it. It took me hours to get my horses back.” His response startled me with its honesty. This is the most he’s mentioned his brother. I get the feeling they might not be that close.

  “How did he break it?”

  “Let’s not talk about him.” His thumb glides over the sensitive skin of my bare thigh. It’s innocent yet not. The touch itself is casual, comforting, and playing with my heart in ways I could never describe. Just the thought of him touching me has already made my panties wet.

  I don’t move in his arms, soaking up his attention, becoming excited for what’s to come.

  “Remember the time I tricked you into believing Aunt Millie was a person?”

  Looking up at him, I lift an eyebrow. “That was almost three weeks ago.”

  “I also said you wouldn’t regret the job and it’d find a special spot in your heart.”

  I smile, because he is right. This job has, and in more ways than just Crash.

  “What I didn’t say then was that I knew you would make a difference here, and I knew, whatever the change, I wanted to be a part of it. Since I saw you on that road, I knew you were a person I had to get to know.”

  He’s quiet for a moment, then continues, “That day was the first time I’d hung out with my friends in two months. I had been so tunnel-vision with becoming successful and building my businesses that I forgot what having fun was like. You brought that part back to me.” He gives me a tight hug where I feel secure and safe. Crash looks completely endearing in how he’s looking at me and the way he sounds. I swear he knows the perfect things to say to me. “I can’t help but keep thinking about you leaving, and I don’t want that.”

  I feel the same way, but I haven’t allowed myself to think much about it, focusing on the present. “Aunt Millie has come so far in the last three weeks. I don’t think she will need me longer than a month.” I hate my honesty. I should be saying she needs me more than ever.

  “Stay for another month. Millie should have someone around for at least two months.”

  I want to so badly. But then I start thinking, is this thing between Crash and me perfect, because I’m only here temporarily? I also would hate for Crash to have to pay me when I have no use here either. I like feeling like I’m adding to the community or group where I’m working.

  Tilting my head up, his eyes lock mine and I feel like all the oxygen outside has escaped my lungs. I have never wanted to stay so bad in my life, but I’m scared. Nothing has ever come this easy to me.

  He must sense my indecision and changes the subject, making my heart break a little for him. “Anyway, that one part for your car is still on back order, so either way, it looks like you won’t be able to drive out of here,” he says lightly.

  For quite possibly the first time, I go with my heart. “I would love to stay. Then at least we will have more time planning my welcome party,” I joke, hiding the fact that I want to cry happy tears.

  “How about I give you a private Welcome to Oakport Beach Party tonight?”

  I pretend to think about it. “What would one of those be like?”

  Without warning, he picks me up, cradling me like a bride. “I’ll show you right now.”

  He takes us inside, his foot slamming the front door behind us. My head automatically whips around at the loud noise, my ponytail hitting him in the face.

  I can’t help myself; I start kissing up his neck, sucking small bits of him in, hoping to leave my mark. He stumbles as soon as my lips touch his skin. Standing me on my feet, his hungry eyes look me over. “You’re much too dressed,” he growls, before lifting my shirt and ridding me of it.
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br />   “First one naked gets to play first.” We both start pulling off our clothing, stumbling as we go, hoping to get an edge over the other. It’s hopeless. We both end up falling naked onto the bed at the same time.

  We’re already breathing hard while chuckling. He runs a fingertip starting at my collarbone down between my breasts to my belly button. He makes me feel beautiful, no matter what. Whether covered in mud, after being in the barn all day, to just lying here naked and vulnerable.

  “Ladies first,” he says, and I think he’s referring to me making the first move, but then he’s kissing me, stealing what breath I had away. “I meant ladies first, as in I get to touch you and watch you come first.” His forehead rests on mine, and I start to believe maybe I fell in love with Crash the very first time I saw him, but it’s taken my pigheaded heart this long realize it. I have no doubt I’m in love with him. The thought is crazy. Who falls in love after a few short weeks? I used to be the girl who rolled her eyes at anyone who talked like that, but here I am.

  “What if I want us to come together?” I challenge.

  “Challenge accepted.” He kisses me again, and I put my whole self into it, trying to show him how I feel, scared to say those words out loud. Wishing he would say them first. He takes his time, moving his mouth on mine, while I feel frantic, needing more. He sets the pace, driving me wild, as I want to claw my way to feel him. His mouth moves down my neck, my chest, my midriff until his tongue runs along my pelvis. He teases me, my hips arching, wanting what he’s offering.

  With a light touch, his tongue caresses exactly where I want him. Arching deeper, he gives in to my desire.

  “I thought we were going to come together?” I pant.

  His chuckle vibrates right up against me. “When I come, so will you,” he promises.

  I moan, loving the sensations when he starts to kiss my inner thigh, away from my clit even as it throbs for him. His mouth has me clawing at him in ways I’ve never done before. My head thrashes against the mattress, never wanting this feeling to leave. When I think I can’t take it any longer, my orgasm almost breaking through, he’s gone once again, kissing his way up to me. I almost scream in frustration.

  “Don’t pout. I’ll make it worth it,” he says between kisses.

  His hands are braced on the bed as he hovers over me. Man, he is sexy as hell; between his eyes, shoulders, washboard abs, he’s every girl’s wet dream. He is my definition of edible and delicious.

  My hands run down his chest, grabbing hold of his dick. This time, I assert myself and playfully try to push him down, as I want a turn to play. I crawl over him. Grasping his cock, I give it a firm squeeze as I stroke his shaft before lowering my mouth to him. Wrapping my lips around him, I hollow my cheeks while sucking his cock into my mouth. My lips hurt from the size of him, but I don’t let up. His fingers thread through my hair, giving me short, small tugs. Just as his hips start bucking wildly, I do what he did to me. I allow his cock to pop out, while I come back up to kiss his lips.

  I can feel him fumbling as his hand stretches out to the bedside table, trying to grab one of the condoms on it. I watch with fascination as he rolls it onto his hard cock. I still can’t get over how well-endowed this man is.

  Coming back down on his forearms, he slowly rocks into me. He feels perfect, stretching me in all the right ways. I sigh, him feeling great inside me.

  “Fuck, you’re perfect, Piper,” Crash compliments as he’s filling me. He slowly pulls out then thrusts back in.

  My eyes flutter at the sensation of him as I gasp and moan with each of his skilled moves. I swear I have died and gone to heaven.

  “Crash,” his name rasps out of me, but I hold back what I want to say. I want to tell him that I love him but try to keep those words in. I don’t want the first time of me telling him to be during sex.

  He starts to move more aggressively, hitting my clit with each of his strokes. I cry out each time, unable to get enough.

  My body starts climbing once again. I can already feel the power behind it. This isn’t going to be some little orgasm.

  Faster, with perfect precision, he fucks me harder than before. Our bodies slap against each other until my muscles give out. My inner muscles clamp down as my orgasm tornadoes through me. It hits me hard, making my body go limp. Crash makes a deep guttural moan, his cock staying in me longer as we both come together.

  I honestly don’t think I can move.

  “You have ruined me for all others,” Crash says, kissing me lightly as he falls onto the bed beside me. My chest flutters at his compliment and I exhale fully. In that one breath I let go of all insecurities I have.

  “Guess you’ll just have to keep me.” Leaning over, I give him a peck on the cheek.

  CHAPTER 19

  Going by Crash’s room, I can see the outside shower is on. I can’t help the smile splayed across my face as I decide to go outside to join him. I’ve just put on an old T-shirt I’ve found at the bottom of his closet. It comes just past my behind; no doubt when I walk, my cheeks poke out. But it’s comfy, and I like the idea of wearing his clothes.

  Heading to the back door, I step out, sweat from the heat instantly dewing my skin. With each step closer, I can hear him sing. His voice is good, not off-key like I would have expected. I see his naked and tanned ass shaking around as he sings to himself. It makes me wonder when he tans nude to not have a white ass like everyone else in the world. His muscular legs are spread, his calf muscles protruding nicely. There doesn’t seem to be an ounce of fat on him. His body isn’t huge like the gym rats I always saw in the city. His frame is a medium build, and every part of him looks tight. His eyes are closed as soap bubbles run down his face, drowning out some of his words as he’s forced to start humming them.

  His body turns, facing me, water running fully down his face. I stand there, taking him in. Every inch of me wants to touch and taste. My body is humming at the sight of him, knowing it’s going to get what it wants very soon. His six-pack is on full display. My tongue wants to explore his ridges and valleys all over again. My body vibrates in anticipation of him seeing me, inviting me in. I stand in front of him, trying to look sexy yet innocent, changing my pose repeatedly as I wait on him. My perked nipples strain against the fabric, giving me away.

  From the first time I saw him in this shower, I’ve wanted to test it out. It makes a fantastic backdrop for shower sex. It could easily become my favorite place.

  Letting out a whistle, I try to bring his attention to me. I want him to see me in his old school shirt before I take it off. I envision myself doing some sexy fling over the wall, or maybe walking in so the water makes the material hug my body tightly for him to admire.

  His eyes open after his fingers push any remaining water away. His eyes brighten as he sees me, making my chest burst with pride. I love the way he looks at me. I could bask in it all day. He makes me feel special.

  I watch his lustful eyes take me in but then diminish slightly. My heart accelerates as I become nervous. It’s second nature. I feel like fate wants to be a bitch again. I can feel it in my bones. I’ve almost forgotten about her. My life is finally feeling like it matters, and I’m happy. I love it here. It’s started to feel like home.

  He hides his frown quickly, but I saw it. “Why don’t you take that thing off.” His brows move up as he flirts. Maybe he has a thing about people wearing his clothes. There goes the sexy idea of flinging it off.

  “I should have asked first,” I say hesitantly. My instincts are going crazy for me to run.

  “It’s just I’d prefer you in my old T-shirt.”

  It takes me a second, looking at him and analyzing his word choice. Then it all of a sudden dawns on me. I’m not wearing his clothes. My mouth opens in an O-shape. Well, I just ruined all my sexy ideas.

  “Oh—” I go to tell him I hadn’t realized it wasn’t his, when another voice comes from behind.

  “I think Piper looks pretty sexy in it though.”

&n
bsp; My heart drops into my stomach hearing that voice. I left the city because of that voice. Slowly, I turn around the same time as Crash steps out of the shower, fully naked.

  “Epic.”

  “Jackson.”

  Crash and I speak at the same time but with a different name for the same man before us, and realization dawns on me once again. It slams into me like a freight train. I should have caught on by the last name alone, but it was so out of context. Their features are similar, yet their mannerisms are completely different.

  Where Crash is this beachy, country, easygoing guy, Jackson is polished, preppy, and rigid. My stomach becomes nauseated, and I have to cover my mouth. My deep breaths do nothing to calm my breakfast from wanting to spill out.

  “I see you know my girlfriend,” my ex, Jackson, tells his brother.

  Crash’s eyebrows furrow in confusion. I’m in complete shock, unable to voice any verbal comeback. It’s like my vocal cords have been temporarily ripped out of me. Girlfriend? He’s fucking married! The same anger I felt when I found out and then later was fired for runs wild through my blood. This man ruined my life, forcing me to leave. I wished for his dick to be ripped off and fed to tigers, for goodness sake. Instead of my wishes coming true, he stands here in front of Crash, calling me his girlfriend, stealing away the one good thing I have in my life.

  Fucking karma! This must be event number three. The finale of her epic way of destroying my life. Epic? It’s ironic, isn’t it?

  I’m rooted in place, my feet turned into stone, unable to move. Panic rises as fast as my breakfast, and I’m forced to swallow it down. Jackson has this repulsive smirk on his face, like he just won something, while Crash stands like stone beside me.

  I can feel my face drain of color when I feel the anger inside Crash. His body still vibrates in place, his jaw twitching in short little back-and-forth movements. I want to reach out to him, but Jackson’s words stop me. “Figured one day you would try to get me back.” I look back at Jackson, unsure if he’s talking to me or not. “But seriously, my sloppy seconds?”