Thursday Nights (The Charistown Series) Read online

  ”Janie…babe, I’m gonna come.” He tried to warn her, but his voice was horse and his breathing labored. It didn’t stop her though as she continued to lap at his engorged head. His unique flavor compelled her to continue the sinful tourture. “Fuck!”

  He exploded in her mouth. The warm liquid coated her tongue and trickled down the back of her throat. She felt powerful as she licked him clean, purring like a kitten while doing it. He nearly came again when he watched her use her thumb to wipe away the come he left behind and then suck her thumb as if not wanting to waste a bit.

  “Seriously, Jane, if you were any sexier, I would die.”

  She kissed her way up his body the same way she had licked her way down and rested her head on his chest, the crisp hairs tickling her cheek. She loved this man. Janie had never felt this kind of happiness. It was light and airy like cotton candy, but it fed her soul like chicken soup. She listened while Max’s heart raced and couldn’t help but smile knowing that she was the one making it sprint.

  “I can hear your mind working, babe. What’s up?”

  Janie looked at him. “I’m just really happy, Max. Here we are. We finally got here. I finally found a man who is great to me and for me and who isn’t so bad in bed,” she teased.

  With that comment Janie found herself lying flat on her back, laughing out loud with a large naked man glaring down at her.

  “Not so bad?” Her leggings were stripped down in a flash. “You think I’m not so bad, huh?” he huffed.

  She giggled as her panties met the leggings on floor across the room. He slid down her body, warm flesh on warm flesh, until his face was level with her sex.

  “Max, I just meant that…Oh…oh Max…” He clamped his hands on her knees and spread them wide, exposing her bare cunt, already glistening with her juices. Stroking her sensitive lips with his thumb, he slipped two fingers between her wet folds. He plunged them in and out as he used his thumb to roll her swollen clit. Janie’s giggling was quickly replaced with throaty sounds of pleasure when Max leaned in to take his first lick of her pussy.

  “Not laughing now, are you, babe? Mmm, you taste so good.”

  She couldn’t answer. She could barely breathe as he slid his fingers in and out of her slick heat while the Beast made his first appearance in what felt like ages.

  She panted when he slid his fingers in deeper, hitting her golden spot. “Oh, Max!”

  He nipped her clit with his teeth as he continued to stroke her G-spot. Her body started shaking as it hit its detonation point. He could feel her walls tightening around his fingers.

  “Come in my mouth, Janie. I wanna taste you,” he demanded as he applied more pressure to the sensitive bud, sliding his thick fingers in and out of her opening. She wound up like a rubber band, stretching tighter and tighter until she did what Max had demanded. She snapped.

  Janie saw fireworks. Like the Fourth of July, she exploded, as she came with Max’s mouth at her pussy. “Oh, Max…don’t stop!” she begged.

  And he didn’t. He milked her until every last pulse had seeped from her body to his.

  They must have fallen asleep because when he opened his eyes, there was no daylight coming in from the window. In the darkness, it took a second to remember where he was. But then he felt her warmth next to him. Her soft, naked body cuddled up against his, her back to his front. His mind was spinning, replaying everything that happened, all the things they had said to one another. He not only found the woman of his dreams, but he finally deemed himself worthy of love. Her love. And he would spend the rest of his life meeting her halfway. Need rippled through him as his desire combusted into an inferno.

  “I want you, Janie. I need you,” he whispered in her ear as he ran his hand down the side of her body. She shivered. He loved how she responded to his touch.

  “You have me, Max…forever,” she said, her voice sleepy but telling only the truth.

  He pressed a kiss into her shoulder, and she pressed her ass against his hardened length. Max slipped his hand through her arm to cup her breast. He started to pinch her nipple between his thumb and middle finger when she let out a sigh. He loved this woman.

  “Turn over, babe. I wanna see your face when I make love to you.”

  Her body tingled at his tender request. Max reached over to turn on the bedside lamp, and then stroked Janie’s face. “Thank you for loving me, Janie—”

  “Max—” Janie tried to interrupt.

  “No, listen to me. Thank you for loving me when I couldn’t love myself. Thank you for sticking around when it would have been easier to leave. Thank you for being everything I could’ve ever wanted, and all of the things I never knew I could have. Just…thank you.”

  Quiet tears slid down Janie’s face. “You’re welcome, Max,” was all she had time to say before he lowered his mouth to hers. His kiss was no longer as searching as it was consuming. His full lips pressed into hers as he swept his tongue along the seam of her mouth.

  “Open for me, baby.” His eyes were filled with pent-up desire as he swept a lock of hair behind her ear and hungrily devoured her lips. His tongue plunged into her mouth, stroking hers with equal parts fervor and skill. His hands roamed her body with purpose, both igniting her skin with patches of fire and leaving chill bumps once the smoke cleared.

  “I love you, sweet Janie,” he whispered into her ear just before he nipped on her lobe.

  The small bite of pain was followed by a sweet lick of pleasure as he sucked deeply at the soft skin. The overwhelming maelstrom of sensations had her head spinning and her body responding in the most primal of ways.

  “Oh, Max, I want you inside of me,” she begged. Her legs were wrapped tightly around his trim waist as she gyrated her pelvis into his. He could feel her arousal, all warm and wet, as she rubbed against him. Waves of lust, love, and happiness crashed over him, bathing his senses in a bliss he had never before known. He wanted to take his time and draw out her pleasure for as long as he could. He wanted to worship her body the way he did her heart and her soul, but he could feel her pulse racing and legs shaking. He knew her climax would hit hard and fast the moment he touched her, and he wanted to be inside of her when it did.

  “Max…please.” She looked down and moaned as she watched him palm his hard shaft and enter her in one smooth stroke.

  Her gaze traveled up his magnificent body to his face, where his eyes glistened with moisture as they seemed to drink her in. His skin was smooth under her touch, and he hissed through his teeth when she lifted her head to take his nipple into her mouth. “Janie, you undo me.” In and out he rocked, his cock almost completely leaving her slick pussy before plunging back in deep. “You feel so good babe.” He groaned as she squeezed her inner walls around his length, and then rolled her hips into his, each thrust causing a friction against her clit that had her climax quickly building.

  “I’m gonna come, Max,” she said on a groan. “Come with me.” Her verbal demand to his internal desire had his orgasm rising from the base of his spine up to his balls. Harder, he drove into her body, giving her all that he had and all that he was. Her body quaked. His skin burned. Her heart raced. His pulse thrummed. They came apart. They came together.

  “Heaven,” he whispered stroked her arm. Janie let out a content sigh, she couldn’t agree more.

  A few hours later, Janie stroked her fingers up and down Max’s naked chest.

  “So, how did you get Lyla to help you? I mean, she doesn’t tell anyone about her writing.”

  “How does anyone get Lyla to do anything?”

  They both laughed and said simultaneously, “Raspberry truffles.”

  Early November

  “This is delicious, Janie,” Kyle said as he took another piece of garlic bread from the basket. He didn’t look well, Janie thought to herself. He looked tired and hungover…again. She would have to talk to Max about it tonight after everyone went home.

  “Don’t tell me. Max was in charge of the bread.” Janie smiled as
Max pulled her in tight to his body and gave her a kiss that would melt popsicles in January. She could feel the blush as it crept down her neck. PDA still embarrassed her sometimes but she was getting more used to it.

  Sunday dinner was at their house that week, and the whole group was stuffing their faces with homemade lasagna, salad, and garlic bread. Janie had moved into Max’s house only a few weeks after they became a couple. They were already spending every night together, neither one wanting to say good-bye at the end of the day. So when her lease was up, Max gave her his sexy grin and asked her to move in. And his house became theirs.

  Now that they were together and Janie worked during the day, Max finally made the decision to give up his bartending shifts at Danny’s and work full-time at the Gage Garage. He spent his days working with his hands alongside his best friend and his nights curled up with the love of his life. Yep, life was pretty fucking great.

  After dinner, everyone settled in the family room to watch the Eagles game. During the halftime news break, Janie, Lyla, and Julie quickly went to the kitchen to get drink refills.

  “Every time I see you guys together, I get so…happy.” Julie sounded choked up as she continued her thought. “It’s like seeing my kids growing up. You guys are a good pair.”

  Janie could feel the emotions bottled up in her friend. “Thank you, Julie. I wouldn’t have come this far without you.”

  The women walked back into the family room just as the meteorologist spoke on the television:

  Tropical Storm Leo is gaining strength in the Atlantic as we speak. We are expecting him to turn into a hurricane as soon as Tuesday or as late as Wednesday, and landfall by Wednesday night. Get ready, people. This is going to be a big one.

  Julie went straight into Danny’s arms, her face stoic but solid, and Max reached out his hand and looped it around Janie’s waist. She snuggled into his lap but watched as Lyla froze. Turning her head to see what had caught her friend’s attention she saw Ashley sitting on the floor in front of the sofa. Her hands were shaking like leaves on a tree in a windstorm as the color bled from her face. Ryan, who had been sitting on the coach behind her slid to the floor, pulling her between his jean-clad legs and wrapping his tattooed arms around her.

  The pair was quiet—not a sound came from either one, but their silence screamed pain. Janie had no idea what just happened, but she had a feeling the coming storm was going to bring a whole lot more than just rain…

  COMING SOON

  The second book in The Charistown Series

  How do I begin to thank all of the people who have helped to make Thursday Nights possible? I guess, I’ll start at the beginning and work my way out. But please know that my gratitude in no way lessens as the list goes on.

  While I have always loved writing, this journey truly began in the winter of 2012 when I started my blog, Lisa’s Reads. So, my first “thank you” goes to Kristen Sewards for not only setting up my website, but for dealing with all of the ridiculous questions I constantly called and e-mailed her with on an almost daily basis. Kristen, without you, there would have been no Lisa’s Reads. I am truly grateful for your time and your patience.

  The most awesome thing happened following the start of my blog—I started to gain readers! I know it may sound silly to say, but I was overwhelmed by the acceptance and the positive feedback I received from the amazing people who were following my blog. I was amazed and humbled by each and every comment I received. So, thank you to every one of my Lisa’s Reads readers. You gave me the courage to continue to write and move forward to the next leg of my journey.

  To my Jodi Frankel– When life hit you over the head, you kept getting back up and laughing in its face! You are a strong and incredible woman. Your courage and ability to kick fear’s ass has taught me how to be a stronger woman and a better person. Our Thursday nights are the inspiration behind not only this book, but the entire series. My life would suck without you! Thank you for reading this story many, many times and for always showing enthusiasm for my thoughts and my characters.

  Sharon Price – If not for you, there literally wouldn’t be a book. “You should write a book!” you told me one morning after reading one of my blog posts. As always, I listened to you and did exactly that! Hee-hee!!! Your presence in my life has made it so much richer and fuller with love, happiness, and laughter. Thank you for always believing in me…even when I didn’t believe in myself.

  Michelle Mankin – I met you in Chicago and knew then that you were going to be someone special in my world. From the first second I decided to go ahead with this crazy plan and write my story, you were my “Yellow Brick Road.” You have held my hand each step of the way and given me invaluable advice. Thank you so much for your guidance and patience. I adore you.

  To my beta readers Lisa Jones Maurer, Cary Bruce, Kathy Sizemore, Jessica Hayes, and Lori Ramos – What can I say to you ladies? You have been my saving grace!

  Lisa – The amount of time and effort you put into beta reading was truly unbelievable! There aren’t enough strawberry chocolates in the world to thank you for your help. Your sense of humor kept me going when I felt like I was ready to throw the whole book out and start over! I truly love you!

  Cary – You jumped in to this project as a favor to a mutual “friend,” and you gave me everything you had! I am eternally grateful for all of your help. Your input was invaluable. So much so that you are officially stuck with me for the rest of the ride! *wink*

  Kathy – You are my soul sister! I knew we were meant to be when I “met” you through my blog. Thank you for your valuable input on my story. You are one of the very few to have been fortunate enough to have read TN from the very first draft. God love you, girl! Thanks for sticking it out with me! I wouldn’t want it any other way.

  Jessica – You were always right on top of things, offering great feedback and telling me when things didn’t make sense. For a writer, that feedback is even more important than the positive. You helped me make my story better, and I am eternally grateful!

  Lori – Your feedback posed a question that I had never thought of, and because of you we now know that Danny’s on Main is closed on Sunday’s. *wink* That may sound like a small detail, but we both know how big the small details can be. So, thank you!

  Not only am I not embarrassed to admit it, but I am proud to say that I do tend to judge a book by its cover. *Protects head from flying tomatoes* That being said, I am and will always be eternally grateful to Sarah Hansen of Okay Creations. She listened to what I wanted for my cover and then made me the most beautiful design I could have imagined. I love it, Sarah, and I can’t wait to work with you again in the future.

  The part of the cover that most authors tend to dislike is writing the blurb on the back. I found it extremely difficult to sum up my entire story in just a few short paragraphs, and that’s when L.B. Simmons (Sparky) entered my life. She was one of the first people to read my story from start to finish. Her kind and supportive words made me giddy. And when I asked L.B. to help me with my blurb, she accepted the challenge without hesitation and helped me to craft what I am proud to say is the back cover of Thursday Nights. She then stepped up again, when the editing process was kicking my butt and spent countless hours helping me work through sentences that needed some…spark. Thank you so much, L.B. I am so happy to know you, and I can’t wait to finally be in your presence. (And I owe you BIG time!!)

  To John Dolaway – You have no idea how much of Danny’s character came from hanging out with you. Every time we entered your bar it felt like we were walking into Cheers. You are a fun friend with a warm heart. Thanks for all of our Thursday nights!

  To my editor, Danielle Poiesz–– thank you for all of your help in this process. You have taught me lessons I will never forget.

  To Robyn Petrilli – I can’t even begin to imagine what would have happened to Thursday Nights without you. (I shiver at the thought!) Thank you so much for your keen eye and your amazing skill. I will NEVER doub
t your proofreading skills…ever again!

  To “The Writer’s Club” – You have been supportive, inspirational, an outlet for frustration, and a huge source of comic relief. Thank you for including me in your world. I don’t know what I would have done without each and every one of you during this process.

  Thanks to Brandee Veltri from Brandee’s Book Endings for all of the work you are doing to spread the word about Thursday Nights. I am so happy that we met in Chicago. I can’t wait to see you again. Thanks in advance to all of the blogs that are taking the time to add this book to their blog tours, too. Your help is greatly appreciated.

  Thanks to JT Formatting – without you Thursday Nights would still be in Word Doc form. Your help and guidance was invaluable.

  To all of the people I constantly bothered with endless questions (this is an ongoing list, so I am so sorry if I forget to mention your name—shoot me an email, and I will mention you in book 2, I promise!): Kyla Linde, Lisa Maurer, Julie Titus, Sharon Price, Gail McHugh, Jessica Hayes, Kathy Sizemore, Toni Pirrello, and Shannon Stephens.

  To my family – Both of blood and marriage (or, in my case, luck), I am truly so blessed to have each and every one of you in my life. You have each taught me how to be a better person. I am who I am because of you. The time we spend together is unforgettable and irreplaceable. Thank you for standing behind me during this process. I love you.

  To my husband – Jon, I honestly don’t know how I could have done this without you. In fact, I know for certain that I couldn’t have. From the first second I told you I was going to write a book, you stepped aside and let me do my thing. You have believed in me, supported me, and loved me during this entire journey. You literally became both the dad and the mom to our children on many, many occasions when my face was stuck behind the computer screen. You may not be a reader, but you have always been a believer. You have stood next to me and held my hand. You have whispered encouragement (even if it was through your snoring). I love you so much. Thank you for everything.