The Edge Read online

“I’m sure it’s going to be a great cake.” Joe looked in her direction once more, winked and returned his focus to Taylor.

  Sissy wanted to punch the man. How dare he disrupt my concentration like this and act as if what he was doing didn’t mean a damn thing. Almost as if it was a game.

  “Get out of your wet clothes, Taylor. I’ll have your drink ready when you come back.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  The second he left the room, Joe was flush against her, this time without leaving any space. His hard body pressed along her and she wanted to lean further into him, craving to be wrapped up in his embrace.

  “You and I have some unfinished business, Sissy.”

  Decadent promise fell from his lips and he lowered his mouth to hers. She held her breath, hopeful, anticipating. The man never kissed her, just allowed his warm breath to brush her skin, leaving her wanting even more. Then he backed away once again.

  “So, what kind of cake are you having?”

  Joe’s question made her realize that she’d not made Taylor’s hot cocoa yet, so she hurried to snag a cup and at the last moment, she took one down for her visitor as well.

  Chapter Five

  Joe stared at the Christmas decorations hanging throughout his house. It was quiet. His father—on the mend—was sleeping in his room. His mother was resting beside him. He hadn’t any clue where his sisters were but he did know his brother was in town finishing up paperwork to become sheriff of The Edge.

  Snow fell fast and furious, making it hard to see much beyond the front porch. He meandered down the stairs and after a curious glance in the kitchen, he moved on. There wasn’t even any sound of Taylor running around. He had to admit, he did enjoy hearing the boy play throughout the house. That makes it feel more like home.

  Her humming grabbed his attention before he saw her. Sissy couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket but it never stopped her from trying as she worked. She was in the laundry room, folding towels and killing whatever song she was supposed to be singing.

  He stepped in the room and crossed his arms as he stared at her. Jeans, slip-on shoes that she never wore outside, but just in the house while she cleaned, and a sweatshirt. Today, her long black hair had been semi-tamed by a braid falling down her back.

  His cock rose and thickened within his own jeans. It never failed to do that around her. Joe wanted to have his dick buried deep inside her wet heat.

  “Something you needed, Mr. Meyers?” She never turned to face him as she posed her question.

  He strode up behind her and spun her around, claiming her mouth before another word could escape.

  Fuck.

  She tasted of cinnamon buns and coffee. He didn’t even think they had any in the house. At least not the cinnamon buns. With a growl, he yanked her tighter to him, desperate to have all of her against him. Sissy slammed her fists into his chest once, then she flattened them out and moaned, pushing up on her toes to increase the intensity of the kiss.

  Joe wrapped his hand in her braid and tugged, drawing her head back so he could stare into her green eyes. “Sissy,” he said on a ragged breath.

  “I shouldn’t,” she began.

  “Then tell me to go.” He kissed her again. If she wanted him to leave, he would, but she had to tell him because he wasn’t going to without that instruction from her.

  “No,” she whispered against his mouth.

  “Fuck, I want to strip you down and enjoy all these curves. We don’t have tons of time. Where’s your son?”

  “Out with Mary at a vet call.”

  He spun them around and pushed the door shut before sliding his hand down the front of her jeans, cupping her pussy. Her panties were damp and she squirmed against him.

  “For the love of, holy shit, please…” she begged, her voice a strained thread. “Don’t tease me.”

  Christ, she was already so close to blowing. He wanted to be inside her when that happened.

  Joe swore and squeezed his eyes shut. He didn’t have any condoms. My fingers it will be for the moment. She tore at the snap on his pants and he bit off another curse when she closed her fingers around his shaft.

  Strong, warm hands. Soft skin. She fisted him, moving slowly up and down his length.

  He bucked his hips, thrusting farther into her grip. “I want inside your pussy, Sissy. God help me but I don’t have protection with me.”

  “I can’t get pregnant,” she gasped, wriggling her hips, causing more friction between her panties and his hand. “Please, just fuck me.”

  His cock throbbed at her blatant talk. He wasn’t going to ask for proof but was taking her at her word. Removing his hand, he undid her jeans with swiftness and pushed them over her curvy hips to pool at her feet. Joe stared down at her, her lips swollen from his kisses, eyes deep green with desire and a healthy flush on her skin, making the pale hue rosy.

  He lifted her, set her against the closed door, moved the edge of her panties to the side and lined his cock up to her pussy. With a single thrust, he filled her. Her slick heat surrounded him and he bit back his cry of pleasure.

  Sissy wasn’t so good about keeping quiet. “Oh, my God,” she wailed. “Move!”

  He put his lips on hers. “Shhh. We can’t make any noise.”

  She flexed her internal muscles and he prayed for control.

  “Move,” she demanded against his mouth. “If we have to do this quick and quiet, stop making me talk about getting you to move.”

  “I don’t want to do this quick. I need to spread you out on my bed and take my time licking every inch of your skin. Driving my tongue deep into your pussy and tasting your cream as it spills free. I long to hear you scream my name as I drill my cock into you.” He pushed forward again, drew back then did it once more. “I want you on your hands and knees as I fuck you from behind. I want to fuck your ass.”

  She trembled, eyes locked on his. With her leg hooked around his waist, she drew him closer and she spread her hands over his chest. “Then do it.”

  “You’re going to kill me, Sissy.” He braced one hand against the door and began fucking her, thrusting hard and deep as he claimed her screams with his own mouth.

  So much fucking better than high school. Oh my God, so much.

  She undulated and rolled her hips, keeping up with his pace. Taking all he gave and asking for more. Her breaths came faster and faster. Using his free hand, he cupped one breast and tweaked her nipple, eliciting another gasp from her and more cream to coat his dick.

  Sissy nipped his tongue and came hard, her eyes widening before the lids fluttered closed. He increased his pace and pumped his hips until his cock shot his seed deep inside her, his low growl more animalistic than human.

  Releasing her mouth, he then buried his head against the side of her neck, inhaling her subtle scent deeply. He wanted to roll in it, have it cover him from head to toe. She smelled perfect.

  “Well, you’ve definitely learned a thing or two since high school,” she muttered in his ear.

  He chuckled, loving how it broke the budding tension.

  “So have you.”

  Lord help him, he had no desire to pull free. But he did and before he righted himself, he swiped one of the towels she’d just been folding and cleaned them both. He couldn’t keep his eyes off her as she fixed her clothes and straightened her apron.

  Joe reached out, pulled her back to him and wrapped his arms around her. “No more running, Sissy.”

  “I can’t do this, Joe. I won’t. Just because I’m here and convenient, I won’t be treated like a whore to be fucked in a dark corner whenever the mood strikes you.”

  Anger flooded him within seconds. “Is that what you think I’m capable of doing?”

  “I don’t know. But I’m not risking my job.”

  “The hell you’re not. Come on.” He gripped her hand and dragged her out of the room.

  She stumbled after him, trying to keep up with his longer strides. “What are you doing?”

  “
Eliminating the problem.”

  His mother was in the living room, knitting, and she looked up when they entered.

  “Lord, Joe, I raised you better than that. Don’t be dragging her around like she’s a sack of seed. What’s going on with the two of you? You seem a bit disheveled.”

  “We’re going to need to find a new housekeeper, Mom.”

  “Joe, stop,” Sissy protested even as his mom glanced between the two of them. “Don’t do this.”

  “What’s this all about?”

  Sissy tried to yank free of his hand, but he held her there, unwilling to release her.

  “This is about me compromising her in the laundry room and now I’m going to do right by her.”

  He stared at her.

  “I’m marrying you, Sissy.”

  Chapter Six

  Am I hearing this right? Marriage? To a man I’ve not seen in years for no other reason than he fucked me in the laundry room?

  Mrs. Meyers’ blue gaze homed in on her like an eagle on a mouse. Sissy gulped and tried not to show the incredible panic that coursed through her. Heart thundering in her chest, she swore if God could have her waking to find this nothing but a dream—or nightmare—she’d be forever grateful.

  Of course, my luck doesn’t work that way.

  Mrs. Meyers ran her gaze over them both, from the way Joe clasped her hand to the way Sissy stood tense and embarrassed.

  “Compromised?”

  Oh, what sweet hell this is. Do I truly have to go through this?

  “Yes,” Joe replied right away. “Plus, I’ve been to her place a time or two. I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors around town. I don’t want to ruin her or Taylor’s good name.”

  It is official, I’m going to kill him.

  “This isn’t necessary,” she began trying again to free her hand from his grip. Again unsuccessful.

  “Mom!” Taylor called from upstairs.

  What is he even doing up there? He knows he’s not supposed to go up there. Not to mention he is supposed to be out with Mary. What kind of mother doesn’t know her son returned? Oh, right, the kind fucking the boss’ son in the laundry room. Me.

  Could her mortification get any worse? Her son knew better than this. Truly, he did.

  “Taylor,” she snapped, feeling her world crumble around her.

  “Mr. Meyers would like some water.”

  All three of them paused then headed up the stairs, hurrying to get to his side. She held Taylor to her and watched Mrs. Meyers and Joe surround the bed and begin talking in low tones to the man lying there.

  While she was thrilled he had spoken, this wasn’t time for her to be there. She edged to the doorway, keeping Taylor moving with her step for step. Determined right now to get as far away as she could.

  Thankfully her son didn’t argue and walked with her. As her feet hit the polished wood of the first floor, she gazed about for her jacket, then decided to hell with it. Get away was the mantra running through her head.

  She led Taylor to her older model Civic and waited for her son to buckle himself into the seat. Her own belt fastened, she started the engine and drove them away.

  “Did I do something wrong, Mom? I know I wasn’t supposed to be up there but I heard him and no one else was around because Ms. Mary was out at her truck putting something away.”

  She reached over the gearshift and patted his leg. “I’m sorry. It was my fault for not being within hearing distance.” I was too busy fucking his son to hear Mr. Meyers call for help.

  Okay, so she may not have been able to hear him back in the laundry room. However, had the door been open there was a much greater chance she would have had the opportunity to do so. Not the case when Joe’s cock was shoved deep inside her and she was crying his name into his mouth or neck.

  Shame heated her face once more and she shook her head, not needing Taylor to ask her what was wrong.

  “I just wanted to help.” Taylor’s voice was softer and she longed to hold him tight.

  “I know. You’re fine, this was on me. I’m sorry for snapping at you. We’re all just worried about Mr. Meyers.”

  “I hope he gets better. He’s always been so nice to me. Told me to call him Pops.” Taylor jerked his head in her direction. “I didn’t, you told me to always call him Mr. Meyers.”

  “I am sure you did the right thing. Thank you for remaining respectful to him.”

  He dug his book out of his bag and began reading. She smiled and put her attention back on the road. The Edge wasn’t that big a town and it didn’t take her long to get to her place. She waved at the people they passed.

  Her anxiety had faded as she turned into the short drive of her home. She sighed and realized it truly was her home. She was here to stay and raise her son where she’d grown up. Her teachers would become his.

  Sobering. Had her husband not died in service of his country, she doubted she would have come back for more than selling off her mom’s house when she’d died.

  They entered the house and she began fixing supper while Taylor continued to read his book in the living room, out of her way. Any little sound and she jumped, waiting for the phone to ring or a knock on the door to come and strip away her job.

  And if I lose said job I don’t know what I will do. I suppose I can look for a job at the local bakery. Mrs. Millie is getting on in years… Maybe she’d like some help.

  She would think on it later. Right now she had to focus on her son. Once he’d been bathed and put to bed, she poured herself a drink and settled on the couch to mull over the events of her day.

  * * * *

  Joe stood in the room with his father, who was sitting up with help from the adjustable hospital bed, but the man had come to and he was proud of that fact. However, as always with the senior Joseph Meyers, it was like a raging storm—he was all or nothing. And right now, it was all.

  “You’re here,” he rasped.

  Joe faced his father and crossed his arms. “Where else would I be when my mother calls me home because you had a stroke and she nearly lost you?”

  “Mind your tongue, boy, I’m still your father.”

  Almost lashing back, he curbed himself and sighed. “Yes, sir. And so, I mean what I’m about to say with all the respect I can put in it. I’m staying home. I’m taking over the running of the orchard. You will be on limited duty because we’re not about to lose you over some stress. Jennifer is taking over the books and we will get this place back in the black.”

  His father glared at him and opened his mouth. Joe shook his head and held out a hand.

  “No arguments on this, Dad. It’s been decided. Mom headed up the meeting and all of us agree. We’re all home.”

  His siblings and mother filed in and stood behind him.

  “We’re home and we’re staying home. No point in your getting upset.”

  His father moved his gaze around them all. “Everyone is agreed?”

  Joe held his breath as his mom moved to her husband’s side. “Do this for me, Joseph. I’m not ready to lose you.”

  Each of his siblings left the room as his father cupped their mother’s cheek and kissed her.

  That. That there is what I want. That intense love shared between two people that will sustain for a lifetime.

  I can have that with Sissy. He knew it. She filled that part of him that was empty. Being back home in The Edge did the rest.

  His mother left and again he was alone with his father. Sharp blue eyes hit him and he straightened instinctively.

  “Don’t lose her. I like Taylor and he will make a wonderful grandson.” He shut his eyes and waved a hand. “Go. Go!”

  Joe stared at his father, who seemed to sink back into the mattress and fall asleep within seconds. How the hell does he know about what is going on with Sissy?

  His family waited outside the room for him. No one spoke. He kissed his mother and jogged down the stairs to his truck, praying he’d left the keys in there. Not that it mattered. He didn’t
care if he had to drive the tractor—all he knew was he had to get to Sissy faster than running from the orchard to her house on the outskirts of town, on the other side.

  Chapter Seven

  Thankfully, Joe didn’t have to utilize one of the tractors. He had found the keys to his old truck in the ignition and was in it heading across the small town to get to Sissy. His body hummed with energy.

  Yes, to some part because his father had shown he was on the mend, but also because he was still sustaining a high from his time with Sissy. That woman rocked his world. Their short exchange in the laundry room had been more than he’d believed anything could be with a woman. Fire in his veins, thundering heart, blood pounding and more.

  The way her pussy gripped his cock was something he’d never forget. But it was more than the sex. He was happier around her. All the way around. She’d been part of their lives growing up. It made sense for her to be back in his life now.

  He even enjoyed her son and wouldn’t at all mind having him around either. Hell, he was already envisioning Taylor and Sissy with him, along with another child. Or two.

  As he pulled in her drive, her words of how she couldn’t have children rang through his mind. Is that just something she’d said? Joe shook his head. He didn’t think so. She didn’t strike him as a woman who ran around using that so she could sleep with people.

  He killed the engine and hopped out. One light shone through the curtains covering the front window. Joe tugged his jacket tighter around him and hurried up to the door. He yanked his hand from his pocket and pounded on the wood.

  The outside light flicked on and the door opened, allowing him to see Sissy’s green eyes. Her gaze widened then narrowed before she furiously shook her head.

  “Let me in, Sissy,” he implored. “I’m freezing my balls off out here.”

  “Then get back in your truck and go home.”

  “Nope. You let me in or I’m going to freeze to death on your front step.”

  “You would too, wouldn’t you? Just to fucking spite me.” She ripped the door open enough for him to enter the warm interior.