A Life Without Fear (Life #2) Read online

  “What’s wrong? Are you okay?” he calls out as he nears us.

  “I’m fine, I’m fine. Luckily Adam found me and is helping me get home. I just overdid it, that’s all.”

  “You ran here?” Blake asks shocked.

  “Yeah. Only I didn’t mean to, I just ran.”

  “Why?”

  “I had a nightmare. I thought a long hard run would make me feel better.” He starts to talk when I interrupt him. “No, it didn’t work,” I answer before he can ask. Adam laughs from beside me.

  “I asked her the same thing,” he says to Blake. “I’ll go run and get the car now.”

  “No, I’ll take her home. Thank you, Adam. I owe you.”

  “You owe me nothing. I hope you feel better Angelica,” he says before he walks toward the building.

  “Thank you, Adam,” I call after him.

  “Let’s get you inside and ice your knees. I bet they’re killing you right now.”

  “God, more than you know.”

  Without warning, Blake lifts me up into his arms and carries me into the building. I don’t argue, I just nestle into his chest and relax. Damn, he smells good. What is that? Shaving cream? Maybe even just deodorant. Jesus, he’s just perfect. The trip into his penthouse is too short for my liking. After setting me down on his leather couch, he walks into the kitchen to retrieve an ice pack. After propping my legs on pillows, he takes off my shoes and places the large ice pack across my knees. Oh man, that’s heaven.

  “Do you want to talk about it?” he asks his voice laced with concern.

  “Not really, I just had a bad dream and wanted to clear my mind. I over did it, I didn’t mean to, I was just in the zone I suppose.” He stares at me with kind eyes and a soft smile playing on his lips. “I’ll be fine, mind giving me a ride home, though? I need to shower and change then come back here to prep all day.”

  “Of course not, let me get you some Aleve first then I’ll drop you off.” He stands and walks out of the living room before I can object.

  After giving me medicine and a water bottle, we head out of his penthouse to the garage, very slowly. I refused to be carried again, I deserve to feel pain, it’s what I get for being so stupid. On the drive home Joey text messages and informs me that he will be spending the day with me. It’s random that he’s up before ten, but I don’t question it.

  “Do you mind if Joey comes over to your place while I’m prepping today?” I ask Blake, not wanting to just assume he wouldn’t mind.

  “Of course I don’t mind. Please don’t feel the need to ask me for permission.”

  “Well, I was just being courteous, I didn’t want to assume,” I tell him honestly.

  “Thank you for asking but you don’t have to. I don’t mind at all who you invite to hang out with you.”

  Oh Blake, how did I get so lucky to find you? I ponder this thought as we pull up to my house and he walks around the car to open my door.

  “Would you like me to wait and give you a ride back?”

  “No way, I’ve already taken up enough of your morning. Really I’m fine. I’ll have Joey come over and we can share a taxi.” Pushing through the pain, I push onto my tiptoes and give him a peck on the lips before heading up the stairs to my house, slowly. “Bye Blake,” I call to him from over my shoulders.

  “Have a good day, Angelica,” he says back right before I close the door behind me.

  Very gingerly I make my way up the stairs and head straight for my bed. Stripping out of my clothes until I’m in nothing but a sports bra and underwear, I submit to the exhaustion that comes over me.

  “Angelica, wake up damn it. You’re freaking me the fuck out,” Joey’s voice startles me awake.

  “What the hell? When did you get here?” My voice is heavy with sleep. “Why are you up so early?” I ask him, he doesn’t do early. The text was one thing, but actually being out of bed is something else.

  “Early? Bitch it is 10:00 a.m. What the hell happened to you?” He eyes me warily.

  I look down and see I’m in my sports bra and thong with the blankets under me. Yeah, this may look odd. I wish he didn’t have to have that worrisome look on his face or the fear in his voice, but I understand why he does.

  “It’s a long story, start the bath for me and I’ll explain everything,” I tell him tiredly.

  He quickly goes into the bathroom and starts the tub. I strip out of the little clothes I have left then follow him into the bathroom. He’s filled it with bubbles. With a grin, I slowly enter the bathtub.

  “Oh good God that feels so good.”

  “Spill it, sister. Now!” His tone in stern, not wanting to worry him any longer I begin my rather embarrassing story.

  “I had a nightmare last night where I was running at night with Rodger and someone popped out of the bushes and started to chase me. Rodger went after him and I woke up screaming. I was restless after that, and figuring I wasn’t going to be able to go back to bed, I changed into running clothes and went for a run. I wanted to go a little further and a little faster to try and clear my head of the fucked up dream.” I’m playing with the bubbles in the tub in order to avoid Joey’s eyes. I know they look sad and if I look at him I may cry. “Anyway, I didn’t realize how fast and how hard I’d run until Adam, Blake’s driver, spotted me and came up to me. By this point I was sitting on a bench panting like a maniac, I’m sure. I didn’t realize how far I’d run or that it wasn’t even four in the morning when he spotted me.”

  “Jesus, Ang,” he says.

  “I know. Anyway, Blake was walking out for his run when he saw us. He iced my knees and gave me some Aleve then I had him drop me off at home so I could get ready to go back and cook. And here we are now.”

  “And do you feel better, Angelica?” Joey asks no humor to his voice.

  “No, no, I don’t. Lesson learned. Help me wash my hair and I’ll love you forever.”

  “As if you had a choice, sit up.”

  Doing as he says, I sit up and enjoy the feeling of him washing my hair and rubbing my scalp. After rinsing off in the shower, Joey is waiting for me with a blow dryer. I sit in front of him without argument letting him dry my hair. After putting it in a side braid, I change into some sweats and a long sleeve top, throw on some Uggs and head down to meet Joey in my living room.

  “Seriously, that’s what you’re wearing over there? You really must love the man,” he says sarcastically.

  “Shut your ass up, I’m going to be prepping shit all day and I’m going to get messy. Let’s go, I need coffee ASAP.”

  “Yes ma’am,” he says in his best southern accent.

  Walking out arm-in-arm we hail a cab and head to Blake’s penthouse, of course, we stop at Starbucks on the way. Well, I stop, Joey runs in to get our drinks and food. Once we finally make it to Blake’s place we go up without incident. Joey takes it upon himself to take a tour of the place while I plop my ass down on the bar to drink my coffee and eat my bagel.

  “Jesus Joseph and Mary this place is fan-fucking-tastic. Way to pick ‘em, Ang.”

  “Shut the fuck up, I didn’t pick him because of his wealth, and you know it asshole.”

  “I kid, I kid. You know I’m just fucking with you,” he says as he takes the seat next to me. “I’m not kidding though, this place is on-point.”

  “It really is nice, isn’t it?” I walk around the island into the kitchen to start pulling out the ingredients I need. “When we went grocery shopping, we just dropped everything off downstairs and they came and put everything away! Fucking insane.”

  “Damn, now that’s service.”

  “Right? That’s what I said.”

  We fall into easy conversation after that, about everything and nothing. We spend most of the day reviewing all the recipes checking what needs to be done now. We brine the turkey and prep the deserts. The day is going well, I’m so sore that I end up sitting on a barstool most of the day, luckily it doesn’t restrict me all that much. At around four that even
ing Blake comes home with massive amounts of Chinese food in tow. We all fix ourselves a plate full of food and sit down with a bottle of wine and watch Step Brothers. Joey and I know the movie by heart so we put on a good show for Blake. After the movie we all help to clean up the mess and Joey heads out for the night. After we say our goodbyes, Blake walks him to the elevator as I go up to his room for another shower. I knew I’d get filthy, I have so much shit in my hair and on my skin I need a serious shower. Just as I was about to get out of the shower, I notice Blake in all his naked glory walking in. Nope, not getting out now.

  Blake’s shower is plenty big enough for the both of us and probably four others. I notice his rock hard erection is already sheathed in a condom. Stalking up to me his lips tenderly find mine. The first the kiss is slow and passionate, but as soon as I tangle his hair in my fingers he deepens the kiss and pushes me against the shower wall. Wrapping my legs around his waist he hoists me off the ground and grabs my ass. Breaking away from my mouth he kisses my neck and my chest, slowly sucking my nipples, one at a time. He’s applying just enough pressure where there’s no pain. After gently unwrapping my legs from his waist he kneels in front of me and puts one of my legs over his shoulder. The action causes me to be open right in front of his face and he takes advantage of his position. The tip of his tongue gently rubs on my clit.

  “Oh Blake, I’m not going to be able to hold myself up if you keep doing that.”

  Breaking away from my clit he responds, “Don’t worry, baby, I won’t let you fall.”

  With that, he resumes his position between my legs and goes at it with a vengeance, burying his face into my pussy and licking me senseless. The water is running down my body and landing on his face, but it doesn’t stop him. My moans are loud and demanding, I’m holding onto his shoulders for support. When I think my legs are going to give out and an orgasm is going to overtake me, I push him away. He stands and I wrap my legs around his waist once more and he slams into me as my back hits the wall.

  “Fuck! Blake, fuck me, faster,” my voice is unrecognizable.

  “Whatever you want, baby.” Blake pounds into me harder and harder. The pressure I feel inside of me is at an all-time high, and I feel the explosion coming. “How’s that Angelica? Is that what you want? How about this?”

  Without waiting for a response, he pulls out of me and quickly turns me around so my front is now on the shower wall. He slams back into me and relentlessly thrusts from behind, hitting an all new spot and having me seeing stars.

  “Christ Almighty Blake, I’m going to come. I’m going to come.” I’m panting the words out. He doesn’t let up in the slightest. He holds my hips tightly, slamming into me harder and I’m lost to the orgasm that hits me. “Blake!” I scream as I come, he grunts incoherently and follows my lead and yells my name when he finds his own release. Panting against the wall, I feel him slowly pull out of me. Turning around, I find him standing there just staring at me in awe.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?” A blush creeps across my cheeks.

  “You’re cute when you blush like that.” He pulls me into his arms and kisses the top of my hair.

  He walks us under the stream of water and washes my body with his manly smelling body wash. Once I’m rinsed to his liking, he washes himself quickly then we both walk out. He grabs a towel off the warmer and wraps me up in it. We move into his closet and he finds me an oversized shirt to wear. Slipping it on, I then head back into the bathroom to comb my hair.

  Walking into the bedroom, I find him pulling back the comforter on his bed. Walking up to him, I kiss his back then slip into bed. He gets in behind me and pulls me to him before covering us both.

  “Goodnight Angelica. I love you.”

  “Goodnight Blake, I love you too.”

  Feeling a great sense of peace overcome my body, I easily fall asleep.

  Internally groaning at the sound of my alarm, I reach across Blake’s very nice pectorals and silence my phone.

  “Mmm, I like the way you groan,” he says in a deep, gruff morning voice.

  “Sorry, it was meant to be an internal groan, I hadn’t realized I did it aloud. Go back to sleep.” I kiss him tenderly before climbing over him.

  “Not so fast, why are you up so early?” He pulls me on top of him and nestles into my neck.

  “I have a few things that need to be done for dinner right now.”

  “Jesus, I had no idea so much work went into Thanksgiving dinner. I’m going to have to call my mom and thank her for all the Thanksgivings she cooked us.”

  “Yes, you should,” I say with a giggle.

  “I can’t go back to sleep now, so how about I run and get us some coffee and breakfast while you start cooking?”

  “Oh, that’s a great plan,” I shriek.

  “Man, you really do love your morning coffee don’t you?” He slaps my ass as I stand. “Mmm, nice.”

  “Get out of here, caveman. Go get me my coffee.” I grab my overnight bag and head into the bathroom to change into some sweats.

  “As you wish, m’lady.” He stands. The man is stark naked, and with a cocky grin he walks into his closet with incredibly hard morning wood.

  “Have you no shame?” I ask throwing a sock at him.

  “Not where you’re concerned I don’t,” he responds as he disappears into the closet.

  An hour later we’re both sitting at his kitchen table drinking our coffee and eating the most delicious donuts. Everything I needed to do this morning has been done. I just now need to prep a few more things, but otherwise the day will be spent just monitoring the stove and oven.

  The rest of the morning we spent lounging around before we decide to get ready for the evening at around noon. Blake takes all of ten minutes to get ready, whereas it takes me about an hour to be happy with my hair, makeup, and outfit. Once I’m pleased I join Blake in the kitchen and start chopping some veggies for an appetizer.

  At 1:00 p.m. there’s a knock on Blake’s door, knowing it’s not my guests arriving early I let Blake answer the door. He’s smiling as he walks past me to answer it. Curious as to what has him so happy, I follow him to the entry way.

  “Good afternoon Mr. Harper. We’re all ready if you are.” I hear a woman’s voice.

  “Of course, right this way.” He turns to the side and I see a woman in her late forties walk past him.

  “Good afternoon, I’m Rebecca and this is Sarah. We won’t take up much of your time.” She smiles kindly then walks past me to the dining room.

  She’s carrying three large bags and Sarah is walking in with a rolling suitcase. Blake closes the door behind them then walks up to me.

  “You told me to cover the decorating. So I hired Rebecca. She’s the best of the best, or at least that’s what my mother told me.” He kisses my forehead then heads into the dining room after her.

  Oh Blake, only that man would hire someone to decorate for dinner. When I told him to decorate I thought he might buy a turkey themed tablecloth, I should’ve known better. I hear their murmurs of conversation in the next room as I continue on with my appetizers.

  About an hour later Blake escorts Rebecca and Sarah out. Curious to see what they’ve done, I grab my glass of wine and head into the dining room. I’m stunned. She’s completely changed the appearance of the room with slight accents everywhere. Strong arms wrap around my waist from behind.

  “Your mom was right. The woman is a miracle worker.”

  Breaking away from him I take in the room. The table cloth is a rich gold color, the cloth napkins are dark red. Various sized candles in different shades of white are in the middle of the table along with real pumpkins and various other harvest vegetables. Each spot has a name tag written in intricate calligraphy leaning against a small pumpkin. I pick up Joey’s and can feel the richness of the paper used and the thick ink on the pen. Three plates are set on each setting, all rimmed in the same gold as the table cloth and with delicate scrolls all around. Two glasses accomp
any the plates. I lift them to feel their weight and they’re heavy, beautiful pieces. Putting it down I walk into the living room which I hadn’t even noticed she decorated as well. The fireplace is lit and around the mantle there are autumn leaves and tall pillared candles. There are decorative pillows on the couch to match the table.

  “She had all these in her bags? What is she…Mary Poppins? Jesus, I need her in my life. If she did this in an hour, imagine what she could do to my house in a few days!” My voice mirrors the amazement I feel.

  “Your place is beautiful as it is, you don’t need her. Although she did an excellent job decorating didn’t she?”

  “Oh Blake, it’s amazing.”

  Together we head back into the kitchen and start bringing the appetizers to the coffee table in the living room. When I return with the last tray filled with stuffed mushrooms, we hear banging on the door.

  Now that will be my guests.

  “I’m coming,” I scream.

  “Quit fucking and let us in already!” Joey yells from the other side of the door. “I’m starving.”

  “Such a gentleman that one,” Blake says jokingly as he opens the front door. “Hello, Joey.”

  “My, my, my, don’t you clean up well.” Joey walks in while patting Blake on the back. “Blake meet Liam and Sammy.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Blake shakes both of their hands.

  “Lordy, look at your place it’s gorg!” Sammy’s flamboyant voice rings out. “Don’t mind me I’ll just be looking around. I need to find me a man in this building. Know any gay men in here Blakey?”

  “Haha, I’m afraid not.”

  “So you think, you’d be surprised how many straight men love them some Sammy.” With a sashay of his hips, Sammy walks past Blake and heads straight for me. “Oh my bella Angie girl, look at how perfect you look in this setting doll.”

  “Oh my, Sammy dear, what setting would that be?” I ask quizzically.