Rewriting the Rules Read online

  Sweetly I smile and walk over to them. “So nice to meet you. Excuse me, please.” Walking into his kitchen, I hear her whisper and inside I’m throwing my arms in the air. I know I’m hot, and I’m confident. I’ll give her a few points. She’s absolutely gorgeous, fit, and is his girlfriend. Only I wonder how serious they are or how long they’ve been together.

  Turning around, I jump on the island, hanging my legs, and look in Andrea’s direction. “So, tell me more about yourself. I’m moving to Rochester and would love to get to know you. All I know is you’re a supermodel and dating Troy.”

  “Ah,” she starts to say and leans against the counter, facing me, with her hands cupped together. “Yeah, I’ve been modeling since I was ten years old. Grew up in New York City and came here to visit one weekend. Met Troy, we started dating, and I’m in-between Rochester and NYC.”

  “I love the city! I bet you have a penthouse and everything.”

  “Well, I live in a model house with other models, but usually, I’m in hotels paid for by the agency, or traveling. Troy and I were talking about moving to the city.”

  I hear Troy huff and not respond. Looking over my shoulder, I see him walking outside and taking a seat by the pool.

  “So you and Troy have been together for a while,” I ask, turning my attention back to Andrea.

  “About two years.”

  “That’s cute.” Hopping off the island, I open his fridge to find ingredients to make a breakfast smoothie. “Do you want me to make you a smoothie?”

  “No, it’s okay. I’ll ask Troy.” I watch her walk outside to talk to him. There’s tension and bad vibes coming from them. He’s not relaxed like he used to be. Last night when we talked, he wasn’t so moody, I guess. He’s always been a complex man and even now, I’m sure he’s guarded. I’ve always been able to read him and years apart hasn’t changed that ability. He’s confused as to why I’m here and soon he’ll know.

  “You know what,” she marches inside with a pissed off look on her face. Troy’s right behind her and I have no idea if I should get popcorn ready to watch this fight or stand back and giggle on the inside. “Never fucking mind. I don’t get your attitude this morning. I’m leaving for six weeks,” she yells. This is too good. Thank goodness I’m up. This woman has no shame. I’m surprised Troy’s with someone like her. He hates complications and drama, yet she seems to be all about that.

  “Excuse me, Charlotte. Can you give us a moment please? As you can tell, we’re trying to have a conversation.”

  I hear the annoyance in her voice and turn around with a sad smile. “Oh sure,” I wave my hand. “I’ll be outside enjoying the sun. You two talk it out.” I smirk and skip outside.

  Walking outside, I rest on the chair. It’s so beautiful out today. The sun’s out and the skies are clear. Taking off my dress, I toss it to the side and lie down on the black chaise. I’ve never been ashamed of my body. I work hard to keep it tight. I eat right and work out every day. Stretching my arms over my head, I smile and think about last night. The memories between us are so strong. We have unfinished business and as soon as Andrea is gone we’re going to deal with it. No more skirting around the issues. I worked hard to make myself who I am today. The confidence, my brain, my body, and my personality all represent a strong woman. I am strong because I want to be. I didn’t change for Troy or any other man. Everything I did to get where I am is because of my own strength and courage.

  A woman should never change herself to get a man’s attention. She needs to work hard for herself, and sometimes getting his attention motivates, but it should never be the primary reason. A woman needs to know her worth before she can make someone happy. Love yourself first, then you can freely give love.

  My phone rings and I grab it to see who’s texting.

  Jessica: Hey babe. Make it okay? I didn’t hear from you last night.

  I’m missing my best friend. I hate leaving her especially since she’s planning her wedding and I’m the Maid of Honor. When things settle down, I’ll go back for a weekend and help get things done. I can do a lot of planning and helping online and via Skype. It’ll work out. I’ll be there for my best friend and her special day.

  Me: Well, hello, my love. Yes, I’m here. At Troy’s house.

  Jessica: STFU. Did you talk to him yet?

  Me: He has a girlfriend. They’re talking or fighting right now.

  Jessica: You’ve been there less than 24 hours and you’re playing the homewrecker role.

  Me: No. I think they’ve had issues before me. Who knows. I’ll find out. I miss you! How’s my JimJim?

  Jessica: Good as usual. We just had sex! ;) My God, that man can work it and make me come! LOL!

  Me: STOP! My eyes!

  Jessica: Oh, whatever.

  Me: Shawn texted me last night.

  Jessica: Yeah I know . . . He was here when he texted you . . . Do you think you guys will be okay for the wedding? Jim said he doesn’t have to have Shawn be the best man.

  Me: NO! It’s YOUR day . . . Don’t make changes because of me. Everything will work out and it’ll be okay . . . Shawn and I need space.

  Jessica: Totally get it . . . Just let me know if you need us to do anything.

  Me: I know, but it’ll be okay! So I made some appointments for you and Jim. Let me know how it goes! I can’t wait to go back and see you guys!

  Jessica: Thanks babe! I know we’re so excited. Thanks for helping me. You’re the bestest friend I have and I’m so honored you’re my MOH. <3

  Me: I love you! We’ll talk soon. XO

  Jessica: XO

  I put my phone away and settle back in the chair.

  Chapter 5

  Troy

  “Do you want to do this now?”

  “Of course! You’re my fucking boyfriend. What’s going on with you?” She touches my arm and I pull away. “Troy?” Her caring voice is nauseating. I can’t wait to get her out of my house and my life.

  I back away from her and cross my arms. “I don’t believe in love and you knew that going into this. You told me you understood and felt the same way.”

  “Things change, Troy. I’m sorry I fell harder for you than intended.” She walks closer to me and places her hands on my chest. “Just let me in, please. Let me in and let’s work on our future.”

  “I know you want more. I can’t give you what you want, but I was damn sure going to try and keep you happy. Even though I don’t believe in love, I’m still honest and faithful to you.”

  “Okay,” she rubs her temple. “You lost me.”

  “When we first started dating you told me you understood and accepted what I wanted. I’ve noticed a pull, and I thought it was because we’ve been busy and you’re traveling more.” She doesn’t say anything. “I did my best. I gave you everything I could and made sure to keep you happy and satisfied.”

  “I know and I get it. I can get used to this life with you. I was upset earlier, but after some time away, I know this is something I want with you. We don’t have to get married or any of that. As long as I’m with you then that’s what I want.”

  “I got a phone call yesterday, Andrea. I fucking have chlamydia! I didn’t think this shit would happen. But when you piss and it fucking hurts, that tells you something. Do you know how it fucking feels to find that shit out? I have a damn STD and it’s because you couldn’t keep your legs closed.” She stands before me with wide eyes. “Got anything to say?”

  “Well, you didn’t get it from me!”

  “Bullshit! So my fucking piss burns for no damn reason? I have a fucking STD, you bitch!” I calm myself so I don’t kill her with my bare hands. “I never cheated on you, but since you couldn’t show me the same respect, then you can pack your shit and get out of my house.”

  “Baby, I’m sorry.” I raise my hand to make her stop talking. “Baby, please. I was lonely. We’ve been together for so long and you never wanted more. I need more. It wasn’t the sex. I mean, my God, you were great. But a w
oman needs more than sex.”

  “So you fucked someone else? Is that it?” I roll my eyes. “I hope whoever he is will put up with your shit.”

  “It was a one-time thing,” she quietly says.

  “So wait,” I laugh. “You fucked someone else, who gave you an STD, because you were lonely and wanted more, but I fucked you like a God. Do you see my confusion, Andrea?”

  “It’s more than that, Troy. You don’t get it. He paid attention to me and made me feel good.”

  “Right,” I laugh again and shake my head. “Baby, admit it, you fucked up and got caught. You know I was the best.”

  “I know and I’m sorry I cheated. We can work this out. I promise you no more games. I’ll do whatever you want.”

  “Get out before I throw your skank ass out my door and burn your shit.”

  Tears well in her eyes and my heart grows colder. “Where am I going to go?”

  It hits me then. I’m her sugar daddy. When she travels, she’s in hotels paid for by the agency, and it never occurred to me she didn’t have her own place. I’ve been supporting her since the day we met. Well, fuck that shit. “Go to your boyfriend. I’m sure he’d love to be with you.”

  She doesn’t say anything and runs upstairs. I don’t care what she does as long as she’s out of my house and life.

  I’m waiting to go in for treatment and get the medicine so I can get this shit taken care of. I can’t have sex until it clears, so guess who’ll be a major asshole. I look at my hand and smirk. Looks like we’ll be best friends again, buddy.

  I look outside and find her lying down. Not caring about Andrea, I walk outside and nearly fall to the ground. She’s in her bra and panties. Her lacey white bra and white boy shorts make her look innocent. I want to sink myself inside her and hear her moan my name. I want to bring her to oblivion and then back down so we can do it again.

  Her eyes are closed and she’s sunbathing. Fuck, her body is out of this world. So toned, curvy, and begging for my lips.

  Last night, thoughts of Charlotte kept me up. I want to know more about why she broke up with Shawn and why she thought coming to me would matter. Having her close to me isn’t what I need or want. We can’t have the relationship we had before.

  Today she’s leaving my house to stay with her brother. I can’t have her living with me for another night.

  “Hey,” I finally say, and take a seat next to her. “Ready to talk yet?”

  “I’m hangry,” she whines. “Are you two done yet?”

  I laugh. “Oh yeah, we’re done.”

  Charlotte opens her eyes and looks at me. “What does that mean?”

  “It means,” I start to say, “I don’t like cheaters or liars, so I broke up with her.”

  “Ah, gotcha. I’m surprised you went for a woman like her. Doesn’t seem like your type.”

  This intrigues me. I lean in closer and whisper in her hair. “And what would my type be, Charlotte?” I see her body tense, and smirk. Oh . . . this is going to be fun.

  Pulling back, I watch her and sense she has a lot on her mind. The girl from Michigan is different. I tilt my head and look more at her. Charlotte’s still there, but now she’s in a new body and damn, that body is something I’d like to know. She’s feisty and no longer the shy girl from before. I’m not sure if this is a rouse or what, but whatever it is, I like it. Women with confidence, who also wear it proudly, are the sexiest women on this earth. When a woman knows her worth, and knows what she wants, then to me, she’s what I want. I hate insecure women who depend on compliments. If you don’t know your worth, then figure it out. Having a banging body won’t get you far in life.

  “You’ve changed.”

  “So have you,” she turns her head to look at me. “But you’re still my Troy.”

  My Troy.

  “Not anymore, Charlotte.” Not wanting to continue the conversation, I excuse myself and head inside. Andrea’s at the front door with her bags.

  “So I guess this is it.” I nod. “Are you going to say anything?” She sniffs and I notice her red eyes.

  “There’s nothing left to say. You cheated on me after everything I’ve given you.”

  “Not your heart,” she sadly says. “All I wanted was your heart, Troy.” I look away from her and set my focus on Charlotte.

  “Goodbye, Andrea.”

  “Bye.” She turns away to leave and I watch my front door shut.

  Going back to the kitchen I make us our protein shakes and head back outside. Handing her shake to her, she sits up and smiles at me. I should take the time to talk to her and figure out her story. I should. Only I won’t. Getting close to her means opening myself up to her again. That won’t happen. She can’t stay here as long as she wants. The sooner she’s out of my house, the sooner I can get back to my normal life, without Charlotte.

  “So good,” she moans, and my cock says good morning. “So are you going to tell me what’s going on with you?”

  “Not until you tell me why you’re here, and why you won’t tell your brother.”

  She turns her head and stares at me. “I need time, and before everything fell apart you were the one I ran to whenever I needed someone.”

  “I don’t know what you want me to say. It’s been four years.”

  “I know,” she turns her body to face me and places her hands on my knees. Fuck, I miss her touch. “Listen to me, okay?” I look down, unable to focus on her. “I made a mistake. I miss you guys, and I especially miss you and the love we shared.”

  “I can’t do this, Charlotte.”

  “I get it. Can we try to be friends?”

  “We can try.”

  “Better than you saying no,” she laughs and I can’t stop the smile forming on my face just from the sound. “So I really want to know what’s been going on with you and how you ended up with Andrea.”

  “She didn’t break any promises,” I lie and see her wince. I keep an emotionless look on my face and wait for her to respond. Instead of a feisty response or a punch in the arm, she turns back around and puts on her sunglasses.

  Heading to my office, I log on and get some work done. The space away from Charlotte is what I need.

  Chapter 6

  Charlotte

  Watching him leave, I sit back and cannot wrap my head around how rude he’s being. I understand the pain he’s feeling. I’m feeling broken without him too. He’s acting as if he’s the only one who was hurt. Thinking back to a time when we almost got caught sticks with me.

  “I wanna kiss you,” I smile and straddle his lap, feeling his erection against my pussy. “Show me how you like to be kissed. Show me how you like to be pleasured.”

  He moans, throwing his head back and closing his eyes. I feel his hands gripping my waist and I know I’m getting to him. “I want that so bad, but sweetheart, your brother’s in the next room and he’s already told me to stay away from you.”

  “It’s not fair,” I rest my forehead against his and feel his heart beating against my chest. I love this closeness I have with him. Right now it feels like we’re the only ones here and no one else can touch us. “He should know how good you are for me and that you’ll protect me.”

  “He loves you, Charlotte, and only wants the best. I don’t have the best past with girls and he thinks I’ll treat you the same.”

  “But you won’t. I know it.”

  “I know.”

  Not liking the quietness, I march into Troy’s office to get the answers I need to understand where his head’s at.

  “Don’t act like you’re the . . . ohmyGod!” I stand frozen in the middle of his office and stare at his beautiful cock. He’s so hard and I see his hand at the base. Our eyes are locked on one another and neither of us says anything. Licking my lips, I imagine walking around his desk and getting on my knees. What I would give to feel his cock in my mouth, and hearing him moan my name. I wonder if he’d talk dirty to me and fully take control. I’d submit to him without fighting and do anythi
ng he asks of me.

  He doesn’t make a move to cover himself up and I don’t move from where I’m standing. Seriously . . . how can he be that big? Everything is big! Usually I think cocks are really ugly because of the veins, and some are kind of wrinkly, but Troy’s is the image of perfection. If there was a cock pageant, he would win hands down.

  “So . . . ah, I’m sorry for bursting in,” I stammer. “I can see you’re busy, so I’ll leave.” Forcing a laugh so it’s not too uncomfortable, I rush out of the office and jump right into the pool hoping to drown and die so I’ll never have to face him again.

  When I come to the surface, I look up to find deep, golden brown eyes staring at me. The mysterious way he’s looking at me makes my body sing with desire.

  “Hey,” I finally say.

  “Having fun swimming?”

  “I am.”

  When he stands up and takes off his shirt, my eyes roam his sexy body and sexy as hell tattoo on his chest and down both arms. I can’t believe I never noticed his ink before. The six-pack and glorious v he’s sporting are delicious and I love how his brown hair looks touchable.

  Troy gets in the pool and relaxes against the pool wall. His arms are spread out and he’s staring at me, not saying anything. I swim around a little before standing in front of him in the pool.

  “I’m sorry about not knocking and just barging in.” He shrugs and closes his eyes leaning his head back and enjoying the sun. “I mean . . . you know it’s not weird for me.”

  “Not weird.”

  “Do you masturbate a lot?”

  This causes him to laugh and he shakes his head. “Sometimes. Why, do you?”

  I swim a little closer to him and see his body straighten. Am I making Troy Harding nervous? “I do. A lot,” I slowly say. “It’s healthy and I have a healthy appetite for ensuring my cravings are met.”