Just Right for Me Page 7

  Mia set her cart to the side and stopped to help. She gathered up what she could find and handed it to the woman.

  “Thanks.” The woman glanced up and smiled. “Mia Adams isn’t it?”

  Mia narrowed her eyes. “Yes, it is. Do I know you?” She frowned and peered closer. “Kelly Watson?”

  The woman nodded. Mia couldn’t believe her eyes. Loose skin hung on Kelly’s emaciated body. Long blonde hair fell limply in front of her face. She reminded Mia of a skeleton.

  “Please don’t feel sorry for me,” Kelly said quickly. “I know I’m a mess and it’s my own fault. A careless lifestyle and drug use is why I’m in such pathetic shape in the first place.”

  Mia opened her mouth to politely disagree, but Kelly held up a boney hand. “My parents tried to tell me to slow the hell down, but I wouldn’t listen. I knew everything, and no matter what they said, they were wrong.” Her dry laugh ended in a cough. “I have HIV.”

  Despite everything Kelly had done to make her life miserable, Mia couldn’t find any happiness at the woman’s misfortune. “I’m so sorry, Kelly. Is there anything I can do?”

  Despair darkened Kelly’s once bright features. “There’s nothing anyone can do at this point. I heard Karma was a bitch. I need to tell you something. All through high school, I tried to get Ross’s attention but he’d have nothing to do with me. I even hid in the guys’ locker room and offered to give him a blow job.”

  She glanced away for a moment, obviously ashamed. “He turned me down, Mia. I knelt in front of him willing to take his cock into my mouth and he refused. I was so pissed I swore I’d get him back. A few years later, someone mentioned that you and he were dating. I had to get even. I hope you’ll forgive me.”

  Mia merely smiled and walked out to the parking lot with Kelly, then they parted ways.

  Mia unlocked the door to the apartment, went right into the kitchen and set the bags on the table. Ross hurried over and kissed her lightly on the forehead. “Hi sweetheart, did you get everything you need?” He brushed the side of her face and Mia’s mouth trembled. “Hey, what’s this all about?” He sat down, pulled her onto his lap and cradled her against his chest.

  “Ross, I was so wrong and I just want to die.”

  He took hold of her shoulders and gave her a little shake. “Don’t you ever say that again or I’ll paddle your ass. Now, I want you to tell me what’s wrong.”

  “I saw Kelly Watson today and we had a talk.”

  Ross pressed his forehead to hers. “What did she say?”

  Mia ran her hands through his wavy black hair. “I’m so, so sorry for all the crap I put you through. She told me everything. I couldn’t understand how she knew about that mole you have on the inside of your thighs and that’s why I was so angry. Any explanation you’d come up with didn’t seem feasible at the time.” She caressed the side of his face. “Do you forgive me?”

  Ross kissed the inside of her palm. “Of course I forgive you. I’m glad she told you the truth.”

  “Ross, she contracted HIV. She’s so thin. I couldn’t bring myself to yell at her for lying all those years ago.”

  Ross smiled. “That’s because you have a kind heart, Mia Adams.” He reached into the front pocket of his flannel shirt. “And I’d like nothing more than to change that last name to Garrison, if you’ll have me.”

  He opened his hand and Mia gasped. In his large palm was his mother’s engagement ring. The same one she had thrown at him. She recalled looking for it, but she couldn’t find it.

  Tears fell from Mia’s eyes. She held out her hand and watched as he placed it on her finger. “Where did you find it?”

  “When I came to the apartment that day I didn’t close the door right away. After I had walked out I stood in front of the door for a minute or so and I saw something shining on the ground. I picked it up and shoved it into my pocket.” He picked up her hand and kissed each finger. “You are not to take off this ring ever again. Do you understand?”

  Overwhelmed with happiness, Mia replied, “Yes sir.”

  “Good. Just remember that if we get into an argument, which I know we will because we’re both stubborn, and you take off that ring, your butt will suffer the consequences.”

  Mia remained quiet. Guilt gnawed at her very being. She had accused him falsely without giving him the benefit of the doubt. Only he could erase the guilt. Mia slid from his lap and stood directly in front of him. “What’s wrong, Mia?”

  She pointed to his belt. “I need to be punished for not believing you. I’m ready to take my punishment.”

  “Honey, the past doesn’t matter anymore.”

  “But it does to me. I jumped to the wrong conclusion.”

  Ross ran his hand across her cheek. “And I was wrong for leaving so we’re both even.” He popped her on the nose. “No more jumping to conclusions, okay?”

  Mia blew out a breath. “I’ll try, but you know my temper.”

  “Yes, I do, and we are going to work on that. You know I would never leave you again without talking things out.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Ross and Mia were spooning in bed after a bout of lovemaking when he suddenly burst out laughing and succeeded in spoiling the mood.

  She twisted her head to glare at him. “Well, I don’t know whether I should be insulted or pleased.” She poked him in the ribs. “Care to share?”

  Ross flung aside the covers. He didn’t bother to pull on his boxers and walked naked across the room to where his clothes were lying on a chair.

  Mia swore she’d never grow tired of admiring his hard muscled body.

  He rummaged through his pockets. “I wanted to show you this note.” Once again, he joined her on the bed. “It’s from Aunt Maggie.”

  Mia pushed up against the headboard. The covers slipped, exposing her breasts to his heated gaze. She reached for the blanket, but he stopped her with a firm hand. “Leave it. I’m enjoying the view.”

  His deep, husky voice hardened her nipples and her clit began to throb. “How am I supposed to read this while you’re staring at me like that?”

  He arched an innocent brow. “Like what?”

  She smacked his arm. “Like you want to eat me up.”

  His grin grew sinister and oh so wicked. “The correct phrase is eat you out, and yes, I plan to do just that once you do as you’re told and read the note.” He pinched one of her nipples and she moaned. “Don’t keep a hungry man waiting, Missy.”

  Mia forced herself to concentrate on the letter while Ross played with her nipples. He slid his other hand under the blanket and rubbed her clit. She spread her legs for easy access and bit her lip when he inserted a finger into her pussy. She lifted her hips with each stroke. Damn, she’d read this note if it killed her.

  A minute later, she looked up at him and shook her head in amazement. “Unbelievable.”

  Ross kept finger fucking her as he spoke. “Aunt Maggie made sure I knew you weren’t sitting around waiting for your Prince Charming to show up. She hoped I’d get jealous enough to come back home and claim you as mine.” He inhaled a deep breath and sighed. “She loved those romance books of hers and was disappointed when I didn’t do what she wanted.” He pulled out his finger and her pussy made a sucking noise as if trying to pull him back in.

  Ross cupped her face and kissed her hard. “Your happiness meant more to me than my jealousy.” His fingers skimmed across her temple and traced the skin behind her ear. He stroked her cheek, and then clasped her jaw. His thumb and forefinger squeezed and she opened her mouth. Ross lowered his head and pressed his lips firmly to hers.

  Mia sighed. She pressed her body closer to his. Her breasts flattened against his broad chest and her heart pounded in rhythm with his. She felt safe and protected and hot as hell.

  The letter forgotten, Mia slid one hand around the back of his neck and pulled him closer. They were flush against each other. His cock stabbed her belly. His moist tongue pushed inside her mouth and a mating ritua
l began. He mimicked the sex act and Mia moaned low in her throat.

  * * * * *

  Ross’s cock ached, but he controlled the urge to ram inside her tight, wet sheath. She was primed and ready. He smelled her arousal and couldn’t wait to sample her essence. His fingers trailed across her throat, down to her breast and tugged insistently at one large nipple. Mia threw back her head and arched, offering him her other breast. Ross lowered his mouth and sucked loudly. He dropped a light kiss on both breasts and licked his way back up to her throat. “I love your tits.”

  Mia’s breath hitched.

  “Hmm, you like it when I talk dirty, huh?” Mia whimpered and guided his head back to her breasts. Ross licked, sucked and nuzzled each soft globe. He moved to kneel between her legs. He let his eyes wander over every delicious inch of her and marveled at how her long hair tumbled wildly about her heart shaped face, her perfect breasts and long legs. He bent down and kissed each toe in turn before blazing a trail up one leg and down the other.

  He grabbed her ankles and planted her feet flat on the mattress, then pushed until her heels rested against her bottom. He took a deep breath. “I can’t get enough of your sweet pussy.” He pushed a finger inside her. She was soaking wet. He lay between her thighs and inserted another finger. He poked out his tongue and swiped her clit.

  Mia clenched the blanket tightly and peered down at his dark head. He licked the insides of her thighs and every once in a while he skimmed her clit with his tongue. “Ross, please.”

  “Please what? What do you want, sweets?”

  She ran her tongue over her lips. “Make me come.”

  “You know the rules.” He smacked her pussy and she jolted upwards. He smacked her again and she whimpered. “Tell me what it is you want me to do. I’d be content just to stay here all night and inhale your scent.” He licked her again and Mia swore. He eyed her sternly. “I should spank you for using such filthy language.”

  “I’m allowed to curse in the bedroom, dammit.”

  Despite his hard on, Ross chuckled. “Right you are.” He flipped her onto her stomach. Reaching underneath her body, he lifted her up so that her ass was in the air. He kept one arm wrapped around her waist and plunged inside her.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Mia lay on her side as the tears fell down her cheeks and soaked her pillow. She’d been so sappy lately. If she hadn’t gotten her period last week, she might have wondered if she was pregnant. Her sobbing grew more intense and she tried to keep herself under control so she didn’t wake up Ross.

  “Mia honey, what’s wrong? I thought we were having a good time here. Tell me what has you so upset.” Ross pulled her into his arms and stroked her hair. “Shush now. Everything will be okay. Come on.” He rocked her against his chest and made soft crooning noises.

  Mia cried until she swore she’d shrivel into a prune. The beating of his heart soothed her and the solid chest beneath her cheek made her feel so secure it was almost frightening. “I’m so sorry about all the time we missed because of my jealously.”

  “Hey now, I thought we were finished dwelling on the past?”

  Mia hiccupped. “So much time wasted when I could have been with someone who really does care about me.”

  Ross cupped her chin and brushed away her tears with the back of his hand. “You have plenty of people who care about you. There’s Becky and Jason and Celia and her husband.”

  “I know. It’s just that Becky and I had such a lousy childhood. It wasn’t rainbows and unicorns. I tried to shelter her from the ugly things in life.”

  “Such as?”

  Mia sensed she’d feel better if she told Ross what her uncle had tried to do to her. “We didn’t have a loving home. Mom was only interested in money and Dad worked more hours than he spent at home so we didn’t have a father figure.”

  Ross hugged her close and nibbled the back of her neck. “I gathered that.”

  Goosebumps popped up on her skin and Mia smiled sadly. “Uncle Bob rented the spare bedroom and would watch me and Becky when mom and dad went out. He was kind and gentle. He’d tell us stories, but then all of a sudden he started paying more attention to me and I was so happy. I finally had an adult figure I could count on in my life. We’d watch television together, usually after Becky went to bed. Being the oldest, he would let me stay up later. I’d sit on his lap and he’d rub my back.” She took a deep breath and let it out in a loud whoosh. “I developed breasts at an early age. In hindsight, I should have realized that his intentions were sick, but I hadn’t a clue. He was my uncle and I loved him. Soon the hugging became more frequent and he’d hold me longer than necessary. I started to keep my distance from him, but one day I went into his room with his laundry and he grabbed my breast. I slapped him with all my strength and locked myself in my closet until the next day. After I told mom what had happened, I didn’t see him anymore.” Ross kissed the top of her head. “I thought I had done the right thing.”

  His expression turned grim. “Of course you did the right thing. Why would you think otherwise?”

  Mia shrugged. “Mom started to doubt me as time went on. She suggested that maybe I had imagined the whole thing. She couldn’t believe her brother would do something so twisted and perverted.” She rubbed her temples. “After a while I began to doubt myself but then when I’d close my eyes, I could feel his hands on me. I was so confused. I didn’t feel comfortable talking to my dad so I pretended not to hear her when she went on one of her tirades. I really thought she had been on my side and truly believed me.”

  Ross gritted his teeth. “She most definitely should have been on your side. There’s no excuse for her horrible behavior toward you. Where is your uncle anyway?”

  “He’s dead. He died over five years ago.”

  “Good, because I’d probably kill him if I saw him.”

  Mia’s lips thinned in anger. “I was only twelve years old at the time. I trusted him, and in return, he took away a part of my childhood. I didn’t feel safe anymore. Then mom told me I tempted him by wearing my clothing too tight.”

  “Is that why you wore such baggy clothes all through high school?”

  She nodded. “I didn’t want to attract any attention because my dad told me to keep my legs closed. He didn’t have the extra money to feed another mouth if I came home pregnant.”

  Ross blew out a ragged breath. “Christ, no wonder you don’t trust anyone. You can trust me, Mia.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  The following day, Mia went to work and Ross stopped by Jason’s office for a brief hello. “Hi, Becky, how’s it going?”

  “Good, Ross. Jason should be right out. He’s on the phone.” Her brown eyes twinkled with devilment. “How are things between you and my sister?”

  Ross propped his hip against her desk and folded his arms across his chest. “Wonderful. You and Jason can come over for a visit, you know. I’m sure Mia would love to see you. Besides, I don’t bite.”

  “But you do spank now.”

  Ross regarded her with amusement. “Yes, I do so you better behave.”

  Jason stepped out of the office wearing a grin. “I just caught the tail of that remark. Who better behave?” He glanced at his wife. “If you’re referring to the little brat sitting over there, don’t hold your breath.”

  “I just stopped by to let you know how the house is coming along. I should be finished sometime today.” He chuckled when Becky’s scowl disappeared and a smile lit up her face.

  “I can’t wait to throw you both a housewarming slash engagement party.”

  * * * * *

  Ross stood in the kitchen of his aunt’s house and studied his handiwork. He’d learn to accept the fact that it was now his house, but it seemed too soon since Aunt Maggie had passed away. The crack had been sealed and the ceiling repainted. Once he and Mia moved in he’d let her pick out the colors of tile she wanted in the kitchen and carpet in the other rooms.

  She had accepted his marriage proposal and he
couldn’t be happier. Once everything was in place he’d stop at Celia’s and bring home the gray and white kitten Mia had been cooing over that day at the shop. He asked Celia to keep Samantha there until he was ready to collect her.

  Things were going well between him and Mia. She had finally opened up and told him about her uncle. She still carried the emotional scars from her uncle’s attack, but so far, she hadn’t recoiled from the physical side of their relationship. If she showed any signs of fear, Ross would take things slower. His cell phone vibrated in his pocket. It was Pete Harmon, his former boss.

  “Hey, Pete, what’s up?”

  There was a slight pause. “Is it possible for you to come out here for a couple of days? I need you to take a look at some papers.”

  Ross frowned. Leaving Mia for only a day didn’t set well with him. He had too much to do. “Can’t you email or fax them to me instead?” He hated disappointing the old coot. Pete had been his mentor when he joined the software company five years ago.

  “I’d rather talk to you in person.”

  “Alright, I’ll book the first flight out.” Ross sighed and hit the off button.

  Later that night, as he cradled Mia in his arms, he asked. “Are you sure you don’t want to come with me?”

  Mia lifted her head from his chest and stared him straight in the eyes. “Will Connie be there?”

  His brow furrowed. “I doubt it. The only time she stops by to see her dad is when she needs his credit card. Why do you ask?” He scooted to a sitting position, pulling her along with him and rested his back against the bed board. He dipped his head and eyed her sternly. “Tell me you’re worried about Connie and we’ll end this night with a spanking.”

  Mia rubbed her nose in his chest hairs. “I don’t want to land in jail for assault, because if I see her I’ll yank her hair out.” His chest shook and Mia smacked in the belly. “I’m serious, Ross. She’s lucky she didn’t leave the restaurant bald that day we saw each other.”