Safe With You: Winter's Rose #1 Read online

  Fuck, I was so screwed with her.

  “Alex, stop thinking so much.” She looked up at me and I could see no fear or worry reflecting back at me. “Just be here with me. Just you and me. Together.”

  I nodded and let her pull me down to her lips. I reached down and slid my hands beneath her t-shirt, spanning the width of her stomach with my hands.

  She pushed me to the side and climbed on top of me. She reached down and grabbed the bottom of her top and slowly began pulling it up her body. She tossed it to the side before she began pushing my t-shirt up my chest. I reached behind me and grabbed the back of it and yanked it up and over my head, tossing it aside and pulled her back down to me.

  “You look so fucking beautiful.” I reached up and palmed her bra-covered breast, gently squeezing it.

  She moaned at my touch before I felt her rotate her hips against me, causing friction. “That feels good,” she whispered. She dipped her head, seeking out my lips.

  I fisted the back of her hair, forcing her down against me. I reached down and grasped her arse, but before we could get any further, we were interrupted by my bedroom door slamming open against the wall.

  “Dude! What the fuck?” I snapped at James standing in the open doorway.

  I moved Charlie aside and covered her with the blanket, not appreciating the way that his eyes were lingering on her.

  “Outside!” I nodded my head towards the lounge before grabbing my t-shirt and forcing him back out the way he came in. I shut the door behind me, restraining myself from slamming it closed the way that I wanted to. “What do you want?” I asked.

  “We have a problem downstairs.” His eyes shot behind me when Charlie came through the door.

  “Problem how?” I crossed my arms, still not appreciating being interrupted.

  He looked behind me at Charlie coming out of my bedroom.

  “Is everything okay?” she asked. She reached down and took my hand in hers, entwining our fingers.

  “You need to come downstairs,” he said and turned around and walked out of the apartment.

  I sighed, following him through the door and down the stairs. I kept my grasp on Charlie’s hand before coming to a stop beside the bar-top. There was smashed glass all over the floor and the window at the centre of the front of the storefront was put through. There was a large brick on the floor amongst wood splinters from a turned over table. Large shards of glass were still attached to the frame. I looked over to the right and saw several customers were huddled away from the damage. They seemed scared and very concerned.

  “What happened?” I ground out.

  “Everything was normal,” James replied, turning around to face us. “I was serving that family of four over there when suddenly there was a loud screeching noise of brakes and then that brick came flying through the window. Luckily, it didn't hit any customers, but it could have done some serious damage.”

  “This is awful.” Charlie gasped at my side. “Who do you think did it?”

  I looked at James, knowing full well who fucking did it. He subtly nodded his head at me before he walked past me. “I’ll go and get a dustpan and brush to clean this mess up.”

  “I’ll go and help him,” Charlie said, following him back to the storeroom.

  After apologising to the customers and offering some complimentary freebies for their next visit, I watched them leave before locking up. I quickly took some photographs of the damage for insurance purposes and then took a seat at one of the booths.

  That fucking ex of hers was going to regret taking me on.

  7

  Charlie

  Sitting on a barstool watching James brush the debris away, I was filled with guilt and remorse. Neither of them would say it, but we all knew who had done this. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out.

  “Go on up,” he said, breaking the silence. “He needs someone tonight.”

  Alex had silently disappeared up to his apartment a half-hour ago. His shoulders had been slumped and he’d looked like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders.

  “He’s so upset,” I whispered. “This is all because of me.” I was so ashamed. I had now dragged Alex and James and their respectable business into my stupid break-up. “He probably hates me now.”

  “Go on up,” James said, repeating his words. “He’ll talk to you.”

  I nodded before taking the stairs slowly, feeling dread settle in my stomach. I wouldn’t have been surprised if he threw me out and asked to never see me again. I grasped the door handle and slowly opened the door, stepping inside. The lounge was empty and so was the kitchen so that left only the bedroom. I knocked gently on the door and walked in.

  “I’m sorry,” I whispered.

  Alex was sitting on the end of his bed looking completely depressed. He gazed up at me before he raised his hand to me. “Come here, darling.” He waved me closer until he could grasp my hand to pull me down into his lap. “I’m sorry. I just needed a moment to think.”

  “I’m the one that’s sorry, Alex.” I linked my arms around his neck. “It’s my fault this happened.”

  “What makes you say that?” He stared up at me and I hated the fake look of innocence that was pasted on his face.

  “I think this may be too much too fast.”

  He frowned at me, not even bothering to mask the look of hurt on his face.

  “David was in here shouting about us the other day and now this…” I shook my head. “I just think we should maybe calm down things a little.” I planned to stand up and leave him while I go home and pretend that my words weren’t affecting me, but instead, his arms tightened around me.

  “Don’t go,” he whispered. “I’m not letting you go.”

  “Are you going to chain me to your bed?” I asked sarcastically. The giggle died in my throat when I saw the look of lust appear on his face. His eyes dipped down to my lips before I felt his hardness grow beneath me.

  “Stay with me tonight,” he whispered.

  “I shouldn’t…” I felt his arms loosen from around me and I stood, leaving his embrace. “I think we should take what happened tonight as a sign and just…”

  “I don’t care about what happened tonight.” He reached up and took my face in his hands. “Stay with me tonight and when tomorrow comes, we can deal with it then.”

  I looked down at him, trying to get the strength to continue with my plan, but as I stared at him, I realised that I didn’t want to walk away from him. I liked the way that he didn’t want to let me go.

  “No sex,” he promised. “I will try and be a gentleman.”

  I giggled before nodding my head, giving in to him. “I hope you don’t have cold feet.”

  I let him lead me to the side of the bed and kicked off my shoes before climbing in. I scooted over until I was in the middle and waited for him to turn off the light and join me.

  He slid his arm around my waist and pulled my back against his chest.

  “Good night, Alex,” I whispered.

  He dipped his head and kissed my cheek. “Good night, darling.”

  I was somewhere between sleep and awake when I felt movement. Soft, gentle fingers began stroking their way up and down my arm, stirring me from dreamland. Little sparks bloomed out from his touch.

  “Time to wake up, sweetheart,” Alex whispered before he kissed my cheek.

  “It’s too early,” I groaned. I turned my face into the pillow, attempting to hide my eyes from the rays of sunlight that were coming in through the window. “What time is it?” I asked.

  “It’s just past five am.” He wrapped his arm around my waist, cuddling me closer. “You need to get up if you have to bake sugary treats for opening.”

  I groaned, knowing how right he was. If I didn’t get into that kitchen in the next hour, I would be so screwed come opening time.

  “I suppose”—he whispered, his fingers trailing down to my stomach to stroke random patterns against my skin—“I could come up with
a way to wake you up.” He moved his palm further down and slipped his fingers beneath the waistband of my leggings. He stopped his movements and lowered his head, pressing his lips to my neck. “Is this okay?”

  I nodded my head, tilting my head to the side, wanting his lips back on my skin. I placed my hand on his and guided his hand down lower. “Touch me,” I whispered. I reached behind me and thread my fingers into the back of his hair.

  He slipped his hand down further until his fingers were against my clit. He rubbed me before he kissed me softly, thrusting his tongue into my mouth.

  I moaned against his lips, parting my legs more. “That feels good.”

  He slipped a finger inside of me before adding another. He thrust them, making me moan once again.

  I sucked his tongue into my mouth and rocked my hips against his hand.

  His wrist sped up, pulling moans of pleasure from me. The only sounds in the room were his fingers moving inside me and my moans being swallowed by his mouth.

  “Come for me, my darling girl.” He leaned down and sunk his teeth into my naked shoulder.

  I tightened my grip in his hair as I came apart for him, calling out his name. I lay there a quivering mess, smiling when I felt his arms wind tighter around me.

  “You’re so fucking sexy when you’re mid-orgasm.”

  I giggled at him. “I’m going to take that as a compliment.”

  “You definitely should.” He leaned down and began kissing my neck, his tongue tasting my skin.

  “Don’t start that now,” I groaned. “I need to get home and take a shower.” I crawled out of bed, thankful he didn’t try and keep me there. I had a feeling that if he tried to, it wouldn’t take much effort on my part to let him.

  He walked me downstairs through the bar, unlocking the door for me to go through. “Hold up,” he said. He took my wrist and pulled me back to him. “Not so fast.” He grinned down at me before lowering his head and kissing me. “Can I see you later?”

  “Uh, I’m not sure.”

  His face dropped.

  “I might have a girly night with Addie.”

  “Ah, I see.” He had a bit of a cocky tone to his voice. “Girl time and maybe talk about the new guys in your life.”

  “You got it.” I grinned and walked down the block, leaving him.

  I was halfway down the block when I turned around, giggling when I saw he was still standing on the door. I gave him a wave and disappeared inside. After entering the apartment, I made my way straight to Addie’s bedroom. She was awake but not out of bed yet.

  “Are you only just getting up?” she asked. She reached up to wipe her eyes before sitting against the headboard. She looked down at my outfit before her eyes shot back up to mine. A look of shock appeared on her face. “You dirty slut! Did you spend the night at Alex’s?” We both giggled at her insult. “Get over here and tell me everything!” She patted the side of her bed enthusiastically.

  “I can’t. I need to take a shower,” I said, pointing my thumb over my shoulder in the direction of the bathroom door. “I have to get over to the shop and start baking.”

  “Fine.” She had a mock-pout on her face. “You have to give me all the juicy details later though,” she reasoned.

  “Tonight?” I asked. “I was thinking we could have a girly night. Just me and you.”

  “Definitely.” She nodded her head and lay back down. “I’m going to have another hour.”

  “That’s fine. Just be there by nine am.” I gave her a small wave and went back to my room.

  I quickly stripped out of my clothes and grabbed my towel and headed to the bathroom. I closed the door and turned the shower on before stepping inside. The water was hot and was already relaxing my stiff shoulders.

  After soaping some shampoo into my hair, my thoughts drifted back to last night with Alex. It had been perfect. He’d made it perfect.

  I spun around, frowning when I saw the bathroom door was wide open. I’d definitely closed that door. I turned back to the shower and washed the soap out of my hair and off my body before turning the faucet off and wrapping a towel around myself. I slowly walked to the doorway, hating how unnerved I was feeling. It wouldn’t have been Addie: she wasn’t a morning person and would certainly have fallen back asleep after I’d left her room.

  I stepped through the doorway cautiously, not liking the path of goose bumps that had travelled up my arms. I froze in the lounge when I saw the door to my apartment wide open. I went to the door and quickly shut it before sliding the chain lock on and turning around to run straight to Addie’s room. She was flat out, cuddling into her pillow, imitating a starfish.

  I quickly checked my room, the lounge and kitchen and went back to my room. After drying off, I changed into a pair of jeans and a café branded t-shirt, adding a bit of foundation and mascara. I grabbed my keys and locked the apartment up, heading up the block to the shop.

  The whole way there, I was looking over my shoulders on the constant lookout for David. I hated to think that he could have broken into my apartment this morning but after last night, seeing the damage caused to Alex’s place of work, I was at a loss as to who else it could be.

  Who else would want to hurt us both? He was the only person I could think of.

  After mixing up a batch of cookie dough, I set it out in uneven blobs on several baking trays and popped them in the oven. I looked around and after checking the counters, I was relieved to see that the only products I needed to stock up on were cupcakes, donuts, cookies and some caramel bites. They seemed very popular with the customers—not excluding Alex.

  I reached for my phone and dialled Alex. I didn’t like to take my dramas to him, but after last night, I know he’d hate to be left out of the loop.

  “Missing me already?” he asked.

  “I need to see you. I’m at the kitchen but I—”

  “In the shop?” he asked.

  “Yes. Right next door.”

  “On my way.” He hung up on me. Several moments later, he came through the back door, not stopping until he was standing in between my parted legs. “What is it?”

  “It’s silly,” I whispered, “but I thought you should know.” I reached up and placed my hands on his wrists where he was holding my face in his hands. “I was taking a shower this morning and I…” I blew out a breath. “I was washing my hair when I heard the creak of a door. I turned around and my bathroom door was open.”

  He frowned at me and I could see the thoughts written on his face.

  “I closed it, Alex. I know I closed it.”

  “It frightened you,” he whispered. “Do you think maybe…?”

  “That didn’t frighten me.” I shook my head at him before continuing. “My apartment door was wide open when I came out of the bathroom. That’s what frightened me.”

  His jaw tensed and I knew that he was now worried.

  “Do you believe me?” I asked.

  “I do.” He rubbed his hands up and down the outside of my thighs, comforting me with his touch. “Thank you for telling me.”

  “What do we do?” I asked.

  “When you and Addie are at home, I want you to keep the lock chain on until I can come over and change the locks. Okay? We can do it this weekend.”

  I nodded my head before pulling him into a hug. “Thank you, Alex.”

  He turned his head and kissed my cheek. “Anytime, darling.”

  8

  Charlie

  Walking home, I was exhausted. Today had been crazier than yesterday. I needed to start looking at suppliers for some products because if it continued like this, I’d have to start working through the night as well.

  I had planned to go and see Alex to make sure he was okay after we’d chatted about my intruder, but come six pm, the only thing that I wanted was my bed, which wasn’t going to happen considering I had promised girl time to Addie.

  I slid the key into the lock and walked inside, turning and putting the chain across. I laughed when
I saw the pile of DVD’s stacked on the coffee table.

  “You’re finally home!” Addie came dancing out of the kitchen wearing her red strappy vest and matching shorts. “I was starting to think that you had dumped me for your new guy.” She wiggled her eyebrows at me.

  “I thought about it.” I giggled at her before dumping my bag on the worktop. “Let me go and get changed and then girl time needs to start.” I turned around and headed to my bedroom. “Pour me a vodka, please,” I called over my shoulder.

  I quickly changed into my blue strappy top and pyjama trousers and walked back to the kitchen to join Addie. Before I could grab the Doritos and join her in the lounge, my phone rang from where it was inside my bag. I smiled when I saw it was Alex.

  “Hi. Is everything okay?” I asked.

  “Hey, darling. Of course, it is. I just wanted to check and see if I could change your lock earlier. Say Friday?”

  “You sound worried.” I didn’t like to tease him because I knew he was freaked out over someone being able to just walk in here—more specifically David.

  “Addie has a date on Friday night so we could do it after work?”

  “I’ll be there.”

  “Maybe you could stay the night if you don’t have to be at the bar?” I asked nervously. “Maybe we could have some alone time just me and you?” I don’t know why I ended it as a question.

  “I’d like that. Have a good time later and I will see you on Friday.”

  “Bye, Alex,” I said quietly.

  “Bye, darling.”

  I hung up and walked into the lounge, chuckling when I saw that Addie already had the Dirty Dancing DVD playing. It was at the part where Baby was carrying a watermelon and her life was about to go upside down.

  I took a seat next to her before tucking my legs beneath me. “So what’re the plans for tonight?”