Finding Home (Breaking Free Series Book 1) Read online

  Caleb pulls me close to his body, wrapping his arms around my back. “So you like that, huh? You into rockstars?” I can only nod my head in response as I lick my lips. He gives me a quick peck, then smacks my ass. “Let’s see if I can turn you on some more by playing pool. Because I’m definitely not a rockstar. I’m just in a band that still plays occasionally.”

  We claim two tables side by side. Jeremy and Bentley are playing on one, while Caleb and Josh play on the other. Hunter and Gabby seem to be off in their own world, not playing pool I might add. He seems be talking to her while she sits with her pouty face on, phone still in hand. As for Aly and I, we are just admiring the view of the guys bending over the table as we drink our beers. I may have snapped a few pictures. Caleb looks over his shoulder, “Like the view, baby girl?”

  I tilt my head to get a better look at his ass, “Yes, carry on sir.”

  “As long as you are only checking out me, and taking pictures of my ass. It’s all good.”

  “It is a mighty fine ass, Caleb.”

  He makes his shot then comes to stand between my legs. He grabs my ass to scoot closer, crushing his lips to mine. He grinds his hips into my dampening panties. I have to work on my control with this man. PDA is not normal for me, but with Caleb, I want whatever I can get. He gives my ass a quick squeeze, grabs my phone, and takes a picture of us before returns to the game. “Send that one to me.”

  Aly is looking at me fanning herself. I mouth, “I know, right.” I say to the boys, “We play winners.”

  Bentley looks at us, “You girls play?”

  Duh. “Yes, we do. And we are pretty good for girls.”

  He laughs. “I didn’t mean it like that. Most girls here like to sit, and drink while their guy plays.” He nods his head in Gabriella’s direction.

  “Not me. And if you win, I’ll play you.” I will beat your cute butt too.

  “You’re on.”

  Both Bentley and Caleb win. Aly plays Caleb. I pick my cue, “What game do you fancy? Eight ball, nine ball? Winner’s choice?”

  Bentley looks at me, “Eight ball. And how about we make a little wager? Say, twenty-five to the winner. Loser also buys the next round.”

  Oh, I am so going to enjoy taking his money. We shake, “Game on.”

  The game goes fast. I sink only two balls, missing the rest of the shots. “Best two out of three. I’ll get us a round of drinks first.” Did I also mention my Pops used to be a pool shark? He taught me well. When he was a kid he hustled guys at pool halls. Until they all figured him out. Hustling for me is even easier since I’m an innocent little girl.

  Aly loses her game, but Caleb sits out the next round to watch. He helps me get drinks that he paid for, refusing to let me pay. Bentley looks towards me, “Ladies first this time.”

  “How about we up the wager this time? Give me a chance to win back my money. Say fifty bucks and next round of drinks?” When I give him my sad eyes, he nods as I rack the balls. I set the cue ball and break. I sink three stripes. “Huh, I guess I’m stripes.”

  From behind me, I hear Caleb laugh as Bentley grunts, “You playin’ me?”

  “Do I look like the type that would do that?” Batting my eyelashes innocently, I call the next four shots sinking them all. I still got it. “Guess it’s my lucky night. Eight ball left side pocket.” With that said, I sink the eight ball and twenty-five dollars richer.

  “Best two out of three?” Bentley asks me.

  Caleb says his protest. “No way man, next game is mine. Now go lick your wounds, and get another round. Get me water.”

  Bentley starts to walk away and Aly follows. “Wait up. I’ll tag along.” Interesting.

  Caleb sets up the game and decides on eight ball. “You ready, baby girl? Take it easy on me. Don’t want to hurt my manly pride, do you?”

  “I’ll be gentle. You break. I want to give you a slight chance to win.”

  He sets up his break. I make my way behind to watch his ass while I take a sip of my beer, actually more like down it. The man seriously knows how to wear a pair of jeans.

  “Solids. Your shot.”

  I move next to Caleb nudging him with my hip. I call my shot. “Eleven ball right corner pocket.” It’s a stretch, but I think I can get it in. Just as I bend over, I feel Caleb grind against my ass causing me to miss my shot. “No fair! Foul.”

  “I just couldn’t resist with you bending over the table like that.” Then he kisses my neck in that sensitive spot making me purr. Yes, I actually purred, dammit. Just then Kid Rock’s Wasting Time comes on, and our game is on pause. Aly immediately gets up, and we start dancing together. The guys start whistling. Bentley steps up behind Aly dancing with her, while Caleb does the same to me, forming an Aly Kat sandwich. Bentley begins to sing along. He can sing too. Damn these men! Not only are they hot, they are sweet, polite, can move, and rock it.

  The rest of the night we eat food, drink beer, continuing the games. Around one in the morning, we call it a night. We head out to the parking lot. Bentley catches up to Aly. “Hey, Aly, I don’t know if you are interested but I bought a duplex. I’m looking to rent out part of it. If you are, give me a call and we can set up a time for you to check it out.”

  “Sure. Give me your number and I’ll call you in the afternoon.” The plot thickens.

  We say our goodbyes. I get on Caleb’s bike. “Did you have fun, baby?”

  “It was a blast. I love your friends. Aly really likes them too. I think you won her over.”

  I enjoy the ride home. Wind in my hair. Hot man between my legs. What more could I ask for in a date? It was perfect. Since Caleb came into my life, the checks on my list seem to be adding up rather quickly.

  When we reach my place, Caleb walks me to the door. Taking my keys from my hands, he opens the door, letting me in first. Damn, he’s good. He looks around the apartment taking in my decor. “Nice place.”

  “Nothing special. Would you like a drink or anything?” The truth is, my apartment never felt like home. Yes, it’s nice, but there has always been something missing. When Travis moved in and then left, the place seemed tainted.

  “Nope. I’m good”

  He walks up to me, pushing me back so I fall on the couch. Hooking my fingers into the loops of his jeans, I pull him on top of me. He pulls my legs up, wanting me to wrap them around his waist. His lips instantly find my neck, licking and sucking every inch. “Oh, that feels so good.”

  He groans as I grind myself against him. We enjoy a good old fashioned make out session. “Kat, I want to stay, but I have to go soon. If I don’t walk away now, I’ll never get out of here.” I pull him in for one more kiss. “Shit, baby. Feel what you do to me.” He grinds into me one more time before he gets up off me. He adjusts himself. “It’s going to be one uncomfortable ride home. I don’t think I’ll be getting much sleep either.” I think he is just trying to be somewhat of a gentleman, and assume that I won’t put out for the first date. But I would.

  He opens the door to leave. “Next weekend I’m off from work. I have a charity motorcycle run, then my band is playing afterwards. Actually, a bunch of bands are playing to donate to the cause. Would you want to come?”

  “Yes! I want to see you play.”

  “Good. Bring Aly. The concert starts after the rally around six. Then afterwards, you can stay with me for the night.”

  “Okay. Let me know when you get home safely.” Gently grabbing behind my neck, he pulls me close, kisses my forehead, then leaves. I close the front door watching out the window as he rides away.

  I get a text from Aly about thirty minutes later.

  Aly—Tonight was a blast.

  Me—It was!!

  Aly—I think I might go to see Bents. Will you come with me?

  Me—Sure. Let me know when. Night chickadee.

  Aly—Night tramp.

  I strip out of my jeans, wash my face, and climb into bed. I read my smut book to try to help me fall asleep. It doesn’t help at all. It
just makes me wish Caleb were here doing all the dirty things I’m reading. My phone pings again. I recognize it as Travis’s number. I wondered how he had gotten my number; I had changed it after the whole bar incident.

  The douche—You asleep?

  Me—It’s 2 am. How did u get this #?

  The douche—I have my ways.

  Me—Lose it and don’t call again

  The douche—But I miss you.

  Me—Goodbye.

  The douche- How was pool?

  What the fuck? He saw me out?

  Me—Leave me alone. Travis we are done. Stop following me.

  The douche—Xx See you soon

  A few minutes later, I get another text. My phone is usually quiet, and it’s getting a little annoying. This time it is Caleb, and I breathe a sigh of relief.

  Caleb—Night baby girl, sleep well.

  Me—Night, sweet dreams.

  Caleb—Will be if they are of you. Dream of me, baby.

  Caleb settled my nerves with just a few texts. Finally, I fall asleep, and I did dream of Caleb.

  Katerina

  I DIDN’T GET TO see Caleb this week, but we talked almost every morning, and evening by texts or phone calls. I had a full week of traveling to do some in-house training. Plus, I’ve been working out with Logan in the evening. The one good thing about being busy: it makes my week go fast.

  The day of the Bikes and Boobies motorcycle rally finally is here. The charity event will raise money for local breast cancer patients and breast cancer research. Motorcyclists will ride for fifty miles, ending with a benefit concert. From what I understand, there will be food, venders, free breast exams, and music. Caleb told me about his mom, her surviving, and how whenever they can, his band does events like this.

  Of course, Aly and I had to go shopping for something pink to wear. Not only did I find the cutest pink sequined butterfly top with the breast cancer ribbon, I found a black pleated leather skirt to fit the motorcycle vibe, and killer knee high, open toe boots. For an added effect, I found black laces to tie them up with that had the pink breast cancer ribbon on them. I styled my hair in a messy bun, since it’s hot as balls outside. Florida humidity is a bitch.

  I’m meeting Caleb there since he is riding, then helping set up the stage area and performing with his band, Slither. Aly and I wanted to get there early, so we set up a cab ride in advance. We figured that would be much better than trying to find a parking space. We walked around checking out the various tents and stations. Most were food and drinks. Of course, we hit the drinks line first. We each got two drinks since the lines were starting to get long.

  After we got our beers, we made our way to the stage. People were already setting up blankets to claim their spots. Aly and I flirt our way up to the front of the stage, wanting to get a good view of the bands. “I can’t believe there are so many people here. How did we never come to this before?” I ask Aly.

  “I know, right? I’m glad we got here when we did. How long before the bands start?”

  “I think we have about a half hour or so. What time is Mike supposed to meet us?” Aly’s man is coming out tonight, again. I try to put on my happy face since he is actually attempting to do something Aly wanted to do.

  “He should be here soon. I texted him where we are. He said he just found parking.”

  Suddenly, she taps my arm, jerking her head with a look of disgust. When I look over to where she pointed, I see Travis making his way toward us. “Hey Kat’s Meow, how you been?”

  God, I hate that nickname. “Hey. What are you doing here?”

  “My band is playing. What brings you here?”

  Aly takes the opportunity to chime in, “Her BOYFRIEND is playing tonight too.”

  With a shocked look on his face, Travis adds, “Oh, the guy I saw you with the other night? How are you, Aly?”

  “Fuck off, douche. If Caleb sees you bothering her, he will kick your ass.” She didn’t know that he would do that, but she wanted Travis gone.

  Looking back at me, Travis says, “You are dating Caleb? From Slither?” He stresses the ‘You,’ like he can’t believe someone like Caleb would want me. “What happened to the other guy you were with at the club? You sure are getting around.”

  Aly answers for me, “Yeah, what of it? It’s none of your business what she does anymore.”

  “Nothing, just an observation. I’ve just seen him at a few gigs before. He doesn’t seem like a one-woman man.”

  “Shut the fuck up, Travis. You don’t know anything.” Aly is talking for me because I just don’t know what to say. I just look between the two of them. It is verbal ping-pong match, back and forth.

  “You’ll see.” He kissed me on the cheek, “I better get up there, we are playing first. Maybe we can get together after my show?” What the fuck was that? What do I even say to that? He runs and jumps on stage. Travis grabs his guitar, and begins to warm up the crowd.

  Garage Days is just your average band, good but nothing special. Travis prefers classic rock. After two songs, Travis motions to Jim, his lead guitarist, to start the next song. I knew the song. My head snaps up as Travis begins to sing Buckcherry’s Sorry. While he sings, he looks right at me. This is the most uncomfortable three minutes and fifteen seconds in history.

  Aly looks at me, “What was that about? Does he think you are going to jump up there and forgive him? Please tell me you won’t do that.” No way will I do that. Before we broke up, seeing him onstage was thrilling, now I feel nothing, nada, zilch.

  The song ends, and Travis starts talking to the crowd, “Some of you out there have seen us play before and know there is a special girl in my life. Every once in a while she would give in and sing with us. I think if you guys show her a little love. She might just join us.” The crowd screams loud, really loud. “Come on Katerina. Sing with me for old time’s sake.”

  I can’t believe he is putting me on the spot like this. One of the bouncers walks up to me, and I felt like I had no choice but to join him onstage. Travis bends on his knee, reaches his hand out to me, and the bouncer gives me a boost on stage. How can I say no now? Jim brings me his microphone. I look at it, taking a deep breath, praying my face is not too red. It is not from embarrassment; I am furious he did this to me. “How about we do one of your favorites, Kat’s Meow?” Jim starts strumming the first few notes to What’s Up. It was always one of my favorite songs to sing, but the memories behind it are ones I want to forget. Travis and I met when I was singing karaoke to this song at his favorite bar. When his band would play gigs, he would have me sing. It was one thing I did enjoy doing together. Now, not so much.

  When the song ends, I just want to make a quick exit, but Travis would not take the microphone from me. “How about one more? Don’t leave me hangin’ now. Let’s ask the crowd. Ya’ll want Kat’s Meow to sing one more?” The audience screams their approval. Once again, he ambushes me. The band begins playing Picture. Inwardly, I groan because now I have to sing a duet with the douche. Travis sings first, looking directly at me. When my part comes up, I do everything I can to avoid eye contact with him. I walk around stage focusing on the other members of the band, or keep my eyes on the audience. Glancing to the side of the stage, I see Caleb looking at me. His heated eyes watching my every move. For a moment, I think he’s pissed. Giving him my best sorry face, I make it through the song. Travis grabs my hand after we finish, pulling me in for a hug. He whispers in my ear, “We need to talk later.”

  I pull my hand out of his grip, wave bye to the crowd, and exit the stage. Heading straight for Caleb. I run right into his arms, not letting him go. I breathe in his scent to relax me. “Damn, baby. You are full of surprises. You looked fucking hot up there.”

  I look up to his eyes surprised. “I thought you were mad.”

  He laughs, “Mad, why would I be mad about that? You were amazing. Who is that?”

  With Caleb’s arms around me, I do not want to think about the past. “No one that matters anymore. K
iss me. I need to feel your lips, Caleb. Please kiss me like you mean it.”

  He grabs my lower back, pulls me tight to his body, lowering his lips to mine. His tongue runs along my upper lip, so I open for him. Instant heat floods my body when his tongue connects with mine. I feel the kiss all the way down to my toes. Check, kiss someone who makes your toes curl. This kiss is demanding as he touches every inch of my mouth. He curls his other hand in my hair to pull me closer, going deeper. God, the things he makes my body feel.

  He slows the kiss, beginning to pull away. “Kat, I have to be on stage in a few. If I get any more worked up, playing will be impossible.”

  I stare at him, trying to catch my breath. He holds me tight to his body until he has to get ready backstage. When I look up, I see Travis looking at us with pain in his eyes. “I’m going back down by Aly so I can watch you up close. Rock it out, babe.” I kiss him gently, and make my way down the stairs. People pat me on the back, or fist bump me in a job well done kind of way.

  “Holy shit, Kats! What is going on? One minute you’re next to me, then you’re up onstage! What the hell was that douche thinking?” She’s not happy with what just went down.

  “I don’t really know. What could I do? He said we need to talk after the show. How can I avoid this conversation? I need another drink before Slither goes on.” Hell, I need five drinks to get through this. With that, Josh walks up handing me one of the beers he had in his hand. “You are my savior.”

  He gives his best smile, clinking his bottle to mine. “You looked like you needed it.” I downed the drink in three gulps. The stage crew is setting up for Slither’s set. Just then, Mike arrives carrying more drinks, and for the first time I can say I was liking Aly’s man. He wraps his arms around Aly’s waist. This is the second time he’s shown affection to her around people. Maybe he is coming to his senses.