What Mother Doesn't Know Read online

  “I think that’s a good idea. You need to get away from your mother. I don’t trust her or her cronies. They’re bad news, Gab. What a shitty thing to have to go through. I’m sorry I’m not there for you.”

  “You’re here for me. Who picked up her phone at this ungodly hour to talk to me? You’re the best, Marce. I really miss you.”

  “Me too. I’m coming back to visit at the end of the summer. Just a couple more months. Now, back to Rick. The other issue I was talking about was your age difference. It’s like twenty years, isn’t it?”

  Gabby sighed. “Seventeen. I know it’s a lot, but I guess I just don’t care. I’ve dated guys my age and those who were older. Not as old as Rick, but really, what difference does it make? He’s a very young thirty-seven. And I’m kind of an old almost-twenty.”

  “Well, here’s my two cents then. Ready?”

  “Let me have it. I can take it.”

  Marcy laughed at the serious tone of Gabby’s voice. “Here it is. I think you should go for it.”

  Gabby could not have been more shocked. “Huh? Are you sure?”

  “Why not? Gab, life is short. Your father died when you were what, four? You’ve essentially lost your mother now, too. You’re an adult, he’s an adult. Why can’t you have a relationship? It’s nobody’s business but yours and his. Fuck everyone else. Who would you be hurting? No one.”

  “Yeah, I guess that’s true. I’m not sure if I’m brave enough to go for it, though. I think it’s more of a sex thing for me. He makes my pulse race—he excites me. I mean I care about him, but not like I think he cares about me. And I don’t know if I’m strong enough to put up with the whispers. You know people will talk. God, it’ll be like a real life soap opera.” Gabby never much cared about other people’s opinions of her, but this was pretty big. “I really do want him, Marcy. I’m just not sure if it’s more than a physical thing for me. What I do know is that I want to climb all over him like he’s my own personal jungle gym.”

  “That’s my girl. Go get him! The hell with being politically correct.”

  They chatted a while longer, but when Marcy started yawning, Gabby let her go. It was exactly what Gabby needed. And Marcy was right. Life was short. She wanted to live it, and right now that meant getting Rick naked.

  Chapter 4

  Rick’s meeting was just coming to a close when his phone vibrated in his pocket. He broke into a grin when he saw who the text was from.

  Gabby: Hey. When you’re done, can I see you in your office?

  Rick: Sure. I’m heading there now.

  Gabby: Now? Like, right now?

  Rick: Yes.

  Gabby: Okay. See you in a minute.

  Oh my God. Am I really going to do this? Gabby was so nervous, she actually felt a bit ill. What if he rejected her again? No. She wouldn’t let him.

  The hallway seemed endless, but at the same time, it didn’t take her long enough to get to Rick’s office. Cindy, Rick’s secretary, looked up as she approached. “Is he in there?”

  “Yup. He’s expecting you, hun.”

  “Thanks, Cindy.” Gabby walked in and shut the door.

  “Hey, Gabby. What’s up?” Rick was going for casual until he figured out what the hell he was going to do about her.

  Gabby was wringing her hands. When she noticed what she was doing, she shook her head at herself. “This is ridiculous,” she murmured.

  “What? I didn’t hear you.”

  “Nothing.” Gabby straightened her shoulders, flipped back her hair, and strode over to the desk where Rick was standing with his arms crossed. “Rick.”

  He smiled at her with a puzzled look. “Gabby.”

  She wasn’t sure what to say. Actions spoke louder than words, didn’t they? Walking closer, she unfolded his arms and stepped into him. She pressed herself against him leaving no room between them. His hands flew to her waist as he tried to push her back, but she batted them away. “No. Not this time.” On tiptoes, she brushed a quick couple of kisses along his jaw, earning her a groan.

  “Gabby …”

  “Shut up and kiss me. Now, Rick.”

  Rick moaned as he fought with himself. Ultimately, he couldn’t resist what she was offering. “Fuck it.” He bent his head down to her and licked her bottom lip. “Oh God, you have no idea how much I want this.” Hesitating only a moment more, he slanted his lips over hers. Gently nudging her to open for him, he slipped his tongue inside and tasted her for the first time. Heaven. She tasted minty and fresh. He wanted to savor that moment for the rest of his life.

  Gabby raised her hands to run them across his chest and up over his broad shoulders, as his went down to cup her bottom. He broke away from her lips to trail kisses over her jaw and both sides of her neck. When he gave her a love bite, she shivered in his arms.

  “Oh my God, Rick. You feel amazing.” She threaded her fingers through his hair and tugged his mouth back to hers, frantic in her actions. “I need … more. Please, I need more.”

  “Hold on a second.” Rick pressed a button on his phone, and Cindy’s voice came through the speaker.

  “Yes, Rick?”

  “Hold all my calls for now, Cindy, and see that we’re not disturbed, okay?”

  “Sure. Can I bring you anything, sugar? Or do you need me to call someone?”

  “No. I can handle this one. Thank you.” Cindy had been with him for ten years and was more of a mother figure than a co-worker. She knew all about his problems with Sophia, and thought that’s what they were dealing with yet again.

  Rick pressed the speaker button again, ending the call. “You sure about this, Gabby?”

  “I’m not really sure about anything, but I know that I want to try. I think we deserve it. We did everything we could to fix my mother. Those days are gone. I’m done thinking about the past. I want to move on. I want to be happy. One thing I do know is that when I’m with you, all I can think about is us getting naked.”

  “You’ve thought about getting naked with me? Gabriella, you naughty girl.” Rick winked at her and swatted her bottom. “I might have to spank you.”

  Gabby gasped. “Really? I, um, don’t have a lot of experience, but I’m a very, very eager student.”

  “Let’s start with this.” He lifted her up and sat her on his desk. Her flowing skirt fanned out around her. Rick slowly walked closer to her, invading the space between her legs. She tightened her grip on his arms, as the width of his body made her spread her legs wide.

  “I want you to tell me if anything I do makes you uncomfortable.” He took possession of her lips again as he slipped his hand under her skirt. He lightly caressed her silky skin as he continued his way up her thigh. He was pleased to find that, instead of shying away, she spread her legs a bit wider for him. “That’s it, Gab. Open for me.”

  Gabby moaned as all the new sensations assaulted her. Everywhere his hands roamed, nerves snapped to life. It was as if he was giving her energy, making her heart beat faster and her breaths multiply. His hand was now on her most private place, and all she could think of was that she still needed more. “Please, Rick.”

  Rick pulled her closer, toward the edge of the desk, and lifted her skirt higher so that he could look at her. “Jesus, you’re beautiful. I have to taste you.” He dropped to his knees before she even realized what he intended. Instead of being shocked, she opened wider and threw her head back.

  Rick watched her with joy. He slowly kissed her calves, her knees and the insides of her thighs. She was panting with need, and he could see how wet she was by the telltale mark on her panties. He pulled them off with his teeth, drawing more provocative moans from her. As soon as she was bared before him, he wasted no more time. He put his mouth on her, loving that she tasted even better than he imagined she would. She cried out instantly.

  “Oh God, yes!”

  Rick laughed but hushed her. “You’re going to have to try to be a little quieter, sweetheart.” He went back to his now very favorite spot with gentle
licks. He wanted to bring her along softly, slowly, sensually.

  As she wriggled around on his desk, begging for something she wasn’t sure she could put a name to, she lost any inhibitions that may have been lingering. Propping herself up on one arm, she grabbed his head with the other. “Please, Rick. I’m so close to … to—fuck, you’re so much better than my vibrator.”

  At being compared to a vibrator, he gently bit down on her clit. He’d show her how much better he was.

  “Wuh …”

  He was relentless in his attention now. He gradually inserted a finger into her, which had her crying out again. She pushed up and down on his finger, and when he thought she was ready, he inserted another. With a couple fast strokes and a final hard suck on her clit, she flew apart.

  “Holy shit! Oh God, yes. Please don’t stop. Ah, that’s it. Jesus!” Gabby was shocked at how good she felt. None of the other times she’d been with a guy had produced any kind of orgasm, hers had always been self given. Before she was completely calmed down, Rick was standing before her, breathing heavily.

  He cradled her head as he placed sweet kisses on her brows, eyelids and nose. “God, Gabby. You are so sweet.” He hid his face in her hair as he tried to get a grip on his need to bury himself deep inside her, but her scent was torturous to him. Groaning, he pushed slightly away from her.

  “Rick? Is something wrong? Don’t you want to, um, finish this?” Gabby reached out and grabbed his belt loop, pulling him back to her. Her lips were on his before he could formulate a response.

  Arms that had been around his neck, now found their way under his shirt. Fingers danced over his abs and brushed over his nipples, drawing out another moan. “Hell yes I want to finish this. But I’m not going to take you for the first time in a locked office on my desk. You deserve better than that.”

  “But I can see that you want me. It doesn’t seem fair.” She tugged at the button on his jeans. “There are other things I can do for you, you know.” Licking her lips, she slid her hand inside and cupped him.

  Rick sucked in a breath and closed his eyes, more than enjoying the sensations Gabby was causing. He had to stop her or he was going to come right there in his jeans, and wouldn’t that be a memorable moment?

  Calling forth every ounce of willpower, Rick gently removed her hand. Pulling her in close, he whispered to her. “Trust me, sweetheart. I want you in every way imaginable.” He paused to kiss that sweet spot just beneath her ear. “So much. But when the time comes, I’m going to make love to you slowly. I’m going to show you how much you mean to me, and it’s going to take all night.”

  Gabby shuddered at his words. “Wow.” She leaned back and held his face in her hands as she slowly kissed him. “That sounds wonderful. Please don’t make me wait long.”

  Gabby hopped off his desk, and this time he let her go. As soon as she was gone, he stripped out of his clothes and stepped into the small shower in his office bathroom. He stroked himself hard and fast, thinking about the way she tasted and the way she clenched around his fingers when she came. He groaned as his orgasm started. “Oh, fuck.” His load shot out hot, and he continued pumping his cock until his hand was covered. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d come so quickly and hard. She did that to him.

  Chapter 5

  Oh my God, what have I done? The thought ran continuously around and around inside Gabby’s head as she sat in her room later that night, avoiding Rick at all costs. There was no logical reason for him to want her. He was way out of her league. It simply didn’t make sense.

  The pillow she was holding as she rocked back and forth reflected her not-so-long-ago youth with its delicate pink lace trim and yellow flowers embroidered on both sides. Her curtains matched, as did her rug. It was as if a bottle of Pepto had exploded over every surface.

  Something as insignificant as the décor of her room indicated it was time to move on to the next phase of her life. At the very least, she needed to get out of her mother’s house. With Marcy staying in Italy for another year, it was up to her to take the initiative and find a place to live.

  Gabby had always been smart with her money. She wasn’t spoiled, and Rick had taught her well the value of a dollar. He’d started his business from nothing and was now able to spend as he liked.

  With almost a year’s worth of living expenses in her savings account, she knew she’d have no trouble finding, and paying for, a nice apartment. Maybe she wasn’t rich, but she could certainly afford to live on her own.

  The following morning, she quietly snuck out of the house and made a beeline for her car. Her Honda wasn’t fancy, but it was reliable and good on gas. And on the plus side, it was relatively quiet when it started. Gabby made it to work without running into Rick. Of course, she knew her luck would end there. It was kind of hard to avoid the boss at work.

  ***

  Gabby looked gorgeous as usual. Rick could only see the top half of her sitting behind her desk, but he liked what he saw. Her gauzy, deep blue top complemented her strawberry-blonde hair nicely, but what caught Rick’s attention was the pearl pendant resting between those glorious breasts. He forced his gaze upward as he spoke. “Gabby. When you have a minute, could you come see me in my office, please?” Rick smiled at her just like he always did.

  Gabby took a deep breath and got up to follow him. “I’m coming now.” At Rick’s raised brow and sly smile, it dawned on her what she’d said. “I mean we can do it now.” Rick just laughed as the color rose in Gabby’s cheeks.

  He was hyper aware of her walking behind him. Her heels made that sexy clicking sound as they continually came down on the hardwood floors. The sound was muted when they reached the carpet in the hallway leading to his office, and Rick missed it. Slowing a bit, he let her catch up to him.

  “What?” Gabby stopped and looked sideways at him.

  “Nothing,” he whispered in her ear, giving her delicious shivers. “I just think I’d rather watch you walk in front of me.”

  She gave him a demure smile with just a hint of vixen. He winked at her and put gentle pressure on the small of her back to start her walking again.

  As she swung her hips, he felt a wide smile split his face. “Yeah, that’s about right.”

  Closing the door, Rick leaned back against it, feeling the lock on the handle and forcing himself not to turn it. He wanted to talk to Gabby, not get her naked. Well, that’s not really what he wanted, but he needed to make sure she was okay with what was happening between them.

  She sat down in one of the overstuffed chairs in Rick’s office, crossing her legs. He scanned the space and looked back at Gabby.

  So much had changed over the years. When he started his business, his office was in a dusty trailer at one of his construction sites. It moved with him from job to job, but when the company grew, he leased space downtown to permanently house his operations staff and his own office. Now he had a large, comfortable office with oversized, overstuffed chairs to relax in, a huge solid oak desk, built-in filing cabinets, an expansive view of the city with mountains as a backdrop, and at the moment, a terrific view of Gabby.

  “What’s up?” Gabby asked from her seat.

  Rick walked over and perched on the arm of the chair. The sunlight was shining through the window, making Gabby’s hair look like spun gold. He yearned to feel it brushing his chest as they made love.

  “I wanted to make sure you were okay. It was pretty obvious you were avoiding me last night.” Even though he was afraid to hear the answer, he asked a tough question without meeting her eyes. “Do you regret yesterday, Gabby? Did I totally screw up any relationship we had?” Please say no. I couldn’t stand it if you weren’t in my life.

  Gabby’s head snapped up. “No! God, no. You didn’t screw anything up, Rick. I just can’t help but wonder what you want with me? I’m not sophisticated or educated or as pretty as other women you could have. I’m just me. I’m just a simple twenty year old who has a shitty mother and a regular job. Hell, I st
ill live at home. How pathetic is that?”

  How she could see herself as anything other than extraordinary was beyond him. She was easily the best person he knew. His knees hit the carpet as he kneeled in front of her and took her hands in his. “Gabby. You can’t be serious. You’re one of the best people I know. You have such a generous heart … it scares me. I’m so afraid I’ll hurt you. And sophistication? You have more class in your pinky than anyone else I’ve ever met. As far as still living at home—and believe me, I really hate to point this out—you’re only nineteen years old.”

  “Twenty. Well, in a couple of days I will be anyway.”

  Rick smiled at her. “Okay, twenty. As far as education goes, I never had a formal education, and look at me. I’m pretty successful. And I happen to think you have an excellent job. You just about run this whole office. Aside from all that, you’re wonderful to be around. People are happier when they’re with you. Don’t you see that? You always know how to make people smile and feel good. You’re an incredible woman, Gabriella Tuttle.”

  He could see the tears pooling in her eyes right before she flung herself into his arms.

  “You make me feel so good, Rick. If I’m truly any of those things you just said, it’s because you’ve been in my life to influence me. You’re a good man. A really good man.” She leaned back to look at him, with those beautiful doe eyes, wet with unshed tears, and he had to kiss her.

  Rick licked his lips, and Gabby involuntarily did the same. Just as he was about to press his lips to hers, Cindy walked in without knocking.

  Startled, she looked at them, quickly looked away, and then did a double take. Rick didn’t know what to say to her, but she took the matter out of his hands. Her face broke into a big grin, and she said, “Well, it’s about time. I’ll catch up with you later. As a matter of fact, I think I’ll take an early lunch. See you both in a little while.” She winked in their direction and let herself out.