This Time Around

Tracy and Lucy. I truly believe without you both, this book would never have been finished. This book is for you.

Keep being you.

Penny

Come on, Penny. What is the worst that can happen? My best-friend Jodi says. She dragged me out to see a band that she loves. The band is, ‘Fucking lickable and fuckable’, her words not mine. I am not a huge fan of heavy rock music but Jodi loves it. The concert ended an hour ago and we are walking through the back hallways trying to find the room where the band is holding a meet and greet with fans. Jodi being Jodi flashed her boobs to get us backstage so she can meet the band and do very naughty things to them, again her words not mine. I am the very calm, shy one of the group.

Our other best friends Adrian and Rachel couldn’t make it tonight. Well Adrian didn’t want to come to be honest; too wrapped up in his new girlfriend. The three of us have grown up together since we were babies. Lived in the same town and did everything together. Rachel joined us later in our lives, but she planted herself there and she stayed.

The noise from the room can be heard from down the hall and it grows louder the closer we get. My heart beats heavy in my chest proving that we should not be here, we were not invited and I know that we are going to get kicked out. Jodi lets out a loud squeal making me jump out of my skin. I blink and see her dart into the room in front of us. There are people everywhere; standing by a bar in the corner, standing along the wall, sitting on the chairs and sofas dotted around the room. The room smells of sweat and beer. I stay in the threshold of the door taking it all in. I am not a fan of big crowds so staying on the sidelines is fine with me. I spot Jodi already sitting on the lap of the drummer; damn she works fast. She leans in and whispers something in his ear and he laughs at whatever she said and then he takes her mouth in a hard kiss, making me blush and look away.

At nineteen I have only slept with one guy and that was my boyfriend in high school. He left for college but we parted on good terms. I set my mind on my studies and not much else, so boys were out of the equation. Glancing down the hallway I see a couple making out against the wall which again makes my face heat up, I cannot seem to get away from all the sexual energy that fills this place. Stupid thinking I could get away since I was backstage at a rock concert.

Are you going in? A deep voice comes from close behind me. He is so close that I can feel his breath on the back of my neck. My skin breaks out in goosebumps and my breath catches. His voice ripples through me like no other has. Turning my head to the right I see just how close he is standing to me, our lips almost touch as I turn my head. Heat spreads across my face and I quickly drop my gaze to my ankle boots.

N-not my scene, I reply, answering his question.

If it isn’t your thing then, why are you back here? he asks.

I point to Jodi. M-my best friend dragged me here so she could meet the band, I whisper.

Not much of a rock music fan I take it. I shake my head no, keeping my gaze averted. I am done for the night. Do you fancy getting out of here and maybe grab a coffee or something to eat? His question catches me off guard. Why would he want to take me out for a coffee? He doesn’t know me.

I d-don’t know. I should really stay with Jodi, plus I don’t know you. My mother always told me never to talk to strangers. He laughs from behind me, and the sound does something to my lady parts.

Damn the sound is making me hot.

I feel a warm hand rest on my hip and I almost jump out of my skin; making me blush furiously again. He moves to the side of me without removing his hand. His other hand comes up and tilts my chin up so my eyes meet his gaze.

Holy shit.

He is hot. Scratch that he is freaking hot.

His eyes are a misty grey colour and they pull you in; holding you captive until he is finished with you. I suck in a breath and he smiles at me knowing the affect he is having on me, and no doubt every other woman that looks at him. His hair is ink black and is short on the sides with a little faux hawk on top. He has some very sexy stubble going on and he also has a labret piercing with a silver stud. His tattoos catch my eye and I am sucked in by the designs.

His voice breaks the lust filled fog I am in.

If I tell you my name and you tell me yours then we won’t be strangers anymore. What do you say? I look back into the room and see Jodi and the drummer guy practically eating each others faces off. I look back to the man standing next to me who is causing me to want to do things I would never normally do.

Okay, I say.

Good. Hi, I’m Liam Bradley. And you are?

Penny Miller. I offer a shy smile that he returns.

Miller? Like the beer? I nod and smile at him. Nice. I wonder if you taste that good too. So coffee or a bite to eat? I shiver at his words of tasting me.

Umm, I could eat. Whatever you want to do, I’m good with whatever so... I say and Liam cuts off my rambling by placing a finger over my lips.

Penny, babe, you pick. I’m easy, he winks at me.

I bet you say that to all the girls. My eyes widen and I slap my hand over my mouth, not believing my boldness. Crap. Liam throws his head back, and laughs a big belly laugh at my words.

Oh. My. God.

That laugh. That laugh is enough to make any woman melt. The hand on my hip tightens a little as he calms his laughing and his face turns serious. His eyes devour me for just a split second before his sexy smirk appears across his face.

"Baby, I don’t ever offer to take girl out for coffee. Ever. So, do you want to go in there and tell your friend we are leaving, or can she handle a text?" he asks.

I look into the room and back to Liam before taking my mobile phone out of my bag that is draped across my body. Locating my phone, I send a quick text to Jodi telling her that I am going for a coffee with Liam and that I will meet her at home.

All done? I nod at him and a triumphant smile spreads across his face.

Well then let’s get out of here. Without a second thought Liam wraps his large calloused hand around my own as he leads me out of the arena and into the parking lot. The warm-ish British air coats my skin as soon as we step through the door. Even with no alcohol in my system I still manage to trip over the small step, but Liam catches me before I hit the concrete ground.

Whoa there Bambi, watch the step. Liam chuckles.

With his hand now on my hip, Liam guides the way to his car. Without words he opens the passenger side door for me and then he helps me into the seat. Giving me a wink he closes the door and walks around to the driver's door and climbs in. Starting the car Liam turns to me and gives me a knicker melting smile that I am sure has melted hundreds of knickers before mine. I feel my face heat up again and I try to pull my eyes away from his, but he seems to have me locked in.

He bites his bottom lip, and my eyes follow the small action. Liam groans from his seat and in a flash he has a grip on the back of my neck and he is crashing his lips onto mine. His demanding tongue forces my lips apart and seeks out mine. He tastes like beer. I sink into the kiss, but as fast as the kiss started Liam ends it and rests his forehead against mine.

Damn. You taste fucking amazing, Bambi. But we need to stop before I take you here in my car, and a girl like you deserves so much more. He takes a deep breath and leans back in his seat before asking me. So, where is a good place to eat?

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts of the kiss, I reply to him. Drive over to Hitchings Road, there is a great cafe that sells the best burgers and pie and mash around.

Okay, let’s go, he winks at me.

After we eat the best burger and chips in London and a ‘get to know you’ conversation, I find out that Liam works as a roadie with the band. I take Liam back to my place because I know that Jodi will not be home any time soon. That girl has more energy than an energizer bunny. I am nervous because this is the very first time I have ever brought a guy home. Unlocking my apartment door, I tell Liam to take a seat while I go and fetch us some drinks. Walking back into my living room to join Liam, I find him stretched out on my couch flicking through the TV channels. His boots are off and sitting next to the table. His feet are resting on my coffee table and he looks like he belongs in my home. I walk over to him and step over his stretched out legs, he takes his eyes from the TV and smiles up at me. I hand him his beer and take the seat at the other end of the couch, not sure what we do from here. I know I really want to kiss him again, I want to feel his warm firm lips on mine, I want to taste him again. A blush creeps across my face as the naughty thoughts filter through my head. I turn to look at the TV hiding my face from this sex God that is sitting on my couch.

Why are you all the way over there, baby? Come closer, he says, his voice taking on a huskier tone. I unfold my legs from under me and lean forward to place my drink on the coffee table. Once I have done that I sit next to Liam and his arm goes around my shoulders pulling me closer into his side. His musky smell sets my body tingling again and I clench my thighs together. I feel Liam’s chest ripple with a silent laugh beneath me. I turn my head up to face him and he sneaks in a quick kiss to the tip of my nose.

You turned-on, baby? I suck on my lip and duck my head into his chest to hide my embarrassment. The heat seeping through his t-shirt warming my cheek. Baby, don’t hide from me. The colour red looks amazing on you, he chuckles. Using his index finger and thumb he lifts my chin up so I am looking into his eyes. His eyes flicker between mine like he is searching for something deep inside me. I do not know how long our gazes lock but Liam breaks the spell and lowers his head and takes my mouth in a hot kiss, leaving me melting against him. Liam’s hand leaves my face, and travels down my arm and across my thigh. In a flash I am lifted from my seat and set back down so I am straddling his legs, our mouths never breaking contact. We kiss for minutes, hours, I am not sure, but I know that I am ready to feel his lips all over me. This is a new feeling for me, I am never the one with a high sex drive; that’s Jodi.

Liam stands with my body clinging to his, my legs wrap around his trim waist, my arms wrap around his neck. Bedroom? Liam says, against my swollen lips.

Second door on the left, I answer him, arousal coating my voice. We kiss all the way to my bedroom, I jump when I hear the door slam. Not noticing that we have already entered my room. We both fall onto my bed, Liam nestled between my thighs, his hard shaft pushing against my wet, throbbing core. Just our clothing separating our bodies. He thrusts hard once and I cry out.

LIAM.

Yeah, baby, he says. I want you so fucking bad, Penny. Please, tell me I can have you, he pants out.

Yes. I don’t hesitate to answer him.

Liam strips me of all my clothing and then he stands at the side of my bed. He pulls his t-shirt over his head, his abdominal muscles flexing with the movement, his tattoos stand proud against his skin. He drops it on the floor and he reaches for his Batman belt buckle. I chuckle to myself and Liam smirks because he knows why I am laughing.

Batman, rocks, babe. He can kick arse, he winks at me. Loosening the buttons on his jeans, he slowly pushes them down over his hips and he lets them fall to the floor, showing me that he is commando under his jeans. His dick stands proud and hard and ready for me. Bending down Liam takes a condom out of the back pocket of his jeans. I watch as Liam places the condom over his shaft. I look from his steel rod to his face and see pure sexual hunger. No time for foreplay, baby, I need you now. I need to be deep in your pussy, right now, he says, while lining up against my opening. Liam doesn’t wait for me to reply, he thrusts deep into me and fills me completely to the hilt. I moan his name and that spurs him on, his thrusts become almost frantic. I run my hands down his back, feeling the heat from his skin beneath my fingertips. Goosebumps spread across his skin and he shivers. Feeling a little bold I reach down further and grip his firm arse in my hands and pull him tighter to me, making him go deeper causing my back to arch in pleasure. Liam pulls back slightly and brings his hands down to my clit and starts rubbing, making my body ignite with desire, I can feel my climax building and so can Liam.

That’s it, baby. Come for me. Come for me, Penny. And I do. After three more hard thrusts Liam follows me and we finish our orgasms together in a loud scream from me and a growl from Liam. He growls my name and I am pretty damn sure that my orgasm spikes again. Our breathing fills my darkened bedroom as Liam lays his sweat covered body next to mine. Neither of us saying anything, as we lay there in the darkness. My insecurities come to the surface. I roll out of bed and walk over to my dresser opening the top drawer and pull out an old movie t-shirt that has seen better days. I turn to see Liam watching me with tired eyes, and my heart sinks a little for him. He must be so tired running around all day and night setting up for the band. They travel all over the world and I can only assume that since Liam is one of their roadies that he travels with them. I offer him a timid smile and he returns it, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.

Come here, babe, he says, holding out his hand for me to take. I climb back into the bed with him and snuggle up to his side; my head rests on his chest, my ear resting over his heart listening to the steady rhythm. He wraps his arm around me, slowly stroking my bare arm. His chest is rising and falling with his breathing and I know that he has fallen asleep, I follow soon after.

I wake to a cold empty bed and my heart sinks to my stomach. I thought we had a connection, well enough of one that he would wake me up before he freaking left my bed. Tears spring to my eyes and I don’t bother holding them back. Liam left without a word and that hurts, truly hurts. I know nothing about a guy I spent the night with. Hurt and embarrassment laces through my body, my one night with Liam reminded me why I do not do one night stands. I am just not built for them. At least I know that I will never have to face him again.

Penny

10 years later

I really wish this taxi driver would drive faster. I have been counting down the days until I got to fly home and see my family again. I have missed them so much over the last month, but I was needed. When my best friend and co-worker Rachel asked me to join her in South Africa to help the Nurse Aid program, to help with tending to the ill and the injured, I jumped at the chance. I have known Rachel since we were six years old when she moved into our area and started in our school. Rachel fitted in perfectly with my other two best friends. Adrian was the only boy in our little crew. He acted like our older brother, protecting us from all the boys at school who wanted to go out with us, sometimes it worked but more often that not with Rachel and Jodi, he failed epically. Those two were wild back in the day; me, not so much. Jodi. Oh my sweet wild, crazy Jodi. I miss her so much, every day I think of her. She was such a huge part of my life and the reason for my new journey in life.

Jodi was the fourth part of our crew. Where there was one of us, there was always more of us just around the corner or a few steps behind. Jodi was the life and soul of every high school party we went to, hell even in college she brought the life to the parties with Rachel right by her side, while myself and Adrian would always hang back and see how their night played out. More often than not it would be one of us rescuing the girls, but this is what best friends do for each other through thick and thin. My dad always says. ‘If you take on one of us, you take on all four of us.’

Friendship should have no bounds or limits. No secrets. Always love and loyalty.

Some people never understood how the four of us could be friends since we were four totally different characters and wanted different things in life. Rachel wanted to become a clothes designer but ended up becoming a pediatrician. Adrian had always wanted to become a mechanic because he loved working on cars, building them from scratch, restoring them. Now Jodi, Jodi always wanted to work in journalism. Me, I had always wanted to be an A&E nurse.

Jodi was going to go places but after one very drunk night at a party her life changed. Some say for the worse but for Jodi she loved her new path. She owned it and kicked its arse. Thinking of Jodi makes my chest ache.

I look out the window and watch as the scenery flashes by in a hurry with the speed of the cab. The buildings start to change from high class modern city to wooden, worn but totally loveable buildings. Living on the South Coast of England is lovely. The people are friendly and can’t do enough for each other. Everyone knows everyone else's business in our little fishing town. I haven’t quite figured out if that is a good or bad thing yet, but I still love living here none the less. Noticing the car taking a left turn onto my street, I sit forward in my seat and try to contain my excitement for being home after a long month away.

Licking my dry lips and focusing my eyes on my home as we draw closer, I place my hand on the handle of the door ready to open at the first chance I get. It is true what they say, ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’, I am not saying I need time away from my family, but by God it made me miss them and appreciate them more after what I was doing during my time away. No one should take the little things for granted. The things like clean water or