Vince: Book Two of the Perfectly Independent Series

by Amanda Shelley

  “Okay—but just kick me out when it’s time for you to leave. I don’t want to make you late or anything.”

  “Don’t worry, I’m a stickler for punctuality, so it won’t be a problem,” comes out more wryly than I anticipate, but I’m met with a glorious smile, so I don’t think he took any offense.

  As soon as we enter my apartment, I’m relieved we have it to ourselves. Vince drops his backpack by the door and follows me to the kitchen. On the whiteboard next to the fridge, I see a note from Chloe telling us she has a late study group, so eat without her. Turning to Vince, I waggle my eyebrows playfully. “Guess what this means?”

  “Uh… we’re eating alone?”

  “Yep.” I grin, stepping closer to snake my arms around his neck. “It also means I can finally do this…” I don’t even have to tug him in my direction. As he’s already meeting me halfway when I rise to the tip of my toes.

  I may start our kiss, but Vince quickly takes control. His hand reaches the nape of my neck in an instant, guiding me just how he wants me. It’s the perfect combination of pressure and pleasure. When his tongue slides across my lip, I eagerly invite him in to play. My body ignites, and I can’t get enough of his taste, his touch, or his scent. I instantly crave more. It drives me wild and makes me wish I didn’t have to work tonight.

  Eventually, all good things must come to an end.

  When Vince breaks our kiss, we pull apart panting, but the triumphant smile on his face tells me I’m not the only one feeling this way. Though his words don’t quite match his expression. “So… dinner?”

  His expression is so torn, obviously he wants more, but he’s trying to do the right thing. I can’t help but laugh. “Sure. It will only take a few minutes to throw this together, then I’m sure we’ll have enough time for a few more kisses like that,” I tease suggestively.

  “Good, because I’ve been dying to do that all day,” he admits with a grin that he tries to rub off his face with his palm.

  “On that, we can agree.” I turn to the fridge as a distraction so I can refrain from wrapping my arms around him and never letting go. I have no idea what’s gotten into me, but Vince pushes my buttons like he’s built for me—and me alone.

  As I set into frying the meat, Vince makes use of the cutting board and gets the lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese grated. I chose not to include onions because I plan on kissing him more, and there’s no way I want either of us smelling of them.

  Within twenty minutes, dinner is ready, and we’re both sitting at the table digging into our meal. Vince is an expert at rolling the soft flour shells into burritos, and I have to admit I’m a bit in awe of his talents. Finally, when he has his second one loaded and rolled like a pro, I finally ask, “So, are you a professional burrito maker or something?”

  “Something like that.” He smirks then shakes his head. “My first job was working fast food at a local Mexican restaurant. I had to learn how to roll them quick, or hear the wrath of my boss. I only worked there for a few months, but it’ll forever be engrained in my memory the need to be efficient.”

  “I was never allowed to cook,” I admit. “It’s not that I can’t cook, but I’ve always been much faster at serving food than making it, unless it came to drinks. As you can see, I’m quite efficient there.”

  “With the way you bake, I’m sure your efforts are better spent there—you can’t rush perfection. I still can’t believe how quickly I devoured that container you sent home,” he says with a laugh. “You’re more than welcome to bake for me anytime.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind,” I tease. “Do you have anything in particular that’s your favorite?”

  Vince shakes his head adamantly. “No. I’m sure anything you bake will be better than I could ask for.”

  “Wow… no pressure or anything…” I deadpan, but something tells me I think he’d like a few of my special recipes. Maybe someday, when I get the time, I’ll show him. The thought alone has me smiling. It’s been so long since I actually tried to impress anyone with my skills. What I did the other day was just out of habit—nothing special.

  Vince and I carry a casual conversation throughout dinner and into cleaning up. He’s not the type of guy who sits back and lets me do all the work. He’s right alongside me throughout the entire process, which is refreshing. Just as I’m wiping down the last of the counters and table, I feel two strong arms snake around me from behind when I stand to my full height.

  “Mmmmm…” he moans as he brushes my hair aside to reach the nape of my neck. “You smell so good.” When his lips trail along my neck to that spot just behind my ear, my knees go weak—literally. If I weren’t able to lean against the table, I’d likely be a puddle on the floor. It takes all the energy I have to turn around and loop my arms around his neck.

  “I could get used to this,” I admit in almost a moan as his lips go from that spot again behind my ear along my jawline to my lips. Once his mouth meets mine, I return his kiss with every ounce of effort I have left.

  Damn. Vince can kiss. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve kissed my share of guys—plenty of toads in the pond, too, but he’s the first person to kiss me where I feel it in every square inch of my body.

  What the hell is he doing to me?

  My toes curl, and my need to be closer to him is all I can think about. Needing to feel his skin, I trace one hand under the hem of his shirt and run it along his toned back.

  How the hell can just touching his back be so sexy?

  I’m like a moth to a flame as I run my fingers along his spine. The more I touch, the more I need him closer. When I drag my fingers to feel his tight stomach and along his rib cage, he murmurs, “Two can play that game.”

  Oh my God! His fingers feel amazing as they skirt under my shirt and roam their way along my body. My nipples tighten, and my breasts feel heavy, eager for his touch. When he finally cups my breasts and plays with my sensitive nipples, I encourage him to take what he needs. “Oh… right there…” I place my hand over his and apply more pressure.

  Vince quickly picks up on my cue, and I’m rewarded with the most amazing gift. My body turns to liquid as Vince forces me to step back so I’m leaning against the kitchen table. He places a leg between my thighs to hold me up for support as he kisses along my neck to my collarbone. Knowing he’s just where I want him, I quickly reach for the hem of his shirt and tug.

  A low chuckle escapes as he breaks our kiss momentarily to pull his shirt over his head with one hand while giving me the sexiest of smiles. As I slowly peruse his exposed chest, my mouth goes dry. When I meet the hunger in his dark hazel eyes, I swear I feel my clit thrum.

  Is it possible to come from just a look alone?

  Knowing my roommates are gone for the evening, I make a hasty decision for us by ripping my shirt off as well, so I can feel his skin on mine.

  I feel each—and every—inch of Vince’s perusal as the heat from his eyes burn into my skin. My nipples stand erect and practically pop out of my satin bra. I swear, if he keeps looking at me like that, there will be a wet spot on his jeans as my leggings are nothing in the form of a barrier to protect my arousal between us. Fuck… he shifts his legs and hits my clit in the perfect spot. That feels so good.

  Reaching to his neck, I pull him closer so I can kiss that sexy grin right off his face. Vince doesn’t disappoint. His expert hand unclasps my bra from the front, and my boobs spring free from their confinement as he trails kisses along my neck. I squirm in anticipation against his leg, and the pressure builds more and more.

  God, I need him now.

  He cups one breast, while running his thumb back and forth around my hard as steel nipple as he lowers his head to run his tongue along the other side. I feel the cool wood against my back as I slide back onto the tabletop, causing my clit to press firmly against his leg between my thighs.

  “Holy fucking shit…” I pant when he pinches one nipple and sucks hard on the other. My hips buck and are met with the continued pressure
from his leg.

  “You like that?” he asks around the nipple he’s lavishly sucking, as if he didn’t already know I’m on the edge of no return.

  “Yes, Vince… right there,” I encourage as I buck against him again shamelessly.

  Sensing I need the pressure, his thigh rubs my clit in the best way possible. Reaching out, I run my fingers through his hair and encourage his efforts.

  His tongue runs around the point of my peak, then his teeth take a quick nip, just as he pinches the other.

  Stars.

  All I see are stars as my orgasm rips through me like never before. To keep the glorious pressure, I grind down on his thigh like I’m chasing the best orgasm of my life. Because let’s face it—it is.

  I’ve never come from nipple play like this. As he licks, sucks, and pinches my nipples through each and every quake and quiver, I’m left writhing on my kitchen table and clenching onto his thigh like my life depends on it.

  When my breath calms, I open my eyes to see the sexiest man grinning down at me. “You okay?” he asks with equal parts of amusement and concern written clearly across his face.

  “Vince…” I draw out, trying to find words. I need words to express what I’m feeling. “I’m more than okay. If I were any better, I’d melt into a puddle of goo.”

  “Okay then,” he teases as he leans in with a satisfied smile to kiss me once more. When he pulls back, he asks, “Do you think you can stand, or did I break you?”

  Rolling my eyes, I peel myself from the table and force myself to a standing position. “I think I can manage.”

  “Good because, unfortunately, you have to go to work, and I need to leave so you can get there on time.”

  Wondering how he can stand there so calmly, I glance down to see if I’m the only one who’s had this reaction.

  Nope—there it is, clear as day. I swear just as I make eye contact with his impressive erection, it jumps to get my attention.

  “Uh, Sydney?” Vince’s voice is almost a plea. “You’re not helping matters…” he draws out as he purposely adjusts himself.

  “I can help you with that,” I tease, licking my lips in appreciation.

  “Not helping, Syd,” he chastises, but I can see amusement and desire in his eyes as well. “You have to be at work in thirty minutes. We can take care of this another time.”

  “If you insist,” I singsong as I press my entire body against him to kiss him once more. Holy hell. The man is packing. I can’t wait to see him up close and in person.

  “You’re the devil.” He grins. “But seriously. Just give me a minute, and it will go away.”

  “Maybe I don’t want it to?” I tease.

  Shaking his head, he pulls away. “The devil… I tell you,” he mutters. But in a firmer voice, he demands, “Go get ready for work. As soon as I get decent enough to walk down the street without being cited for public indecency, I will be on my way. But this raging boner won’t be going away on its own if you’re all naked and on top of me.”

  “I’m just sayin’,” I playfully suggest.

  “Go… or you’ll never be getting to work tonight. I’m trying to do the right thing here, Syd. Don’t make it any more difficult than it is.”

  “Okay, Mr. Responsible. I’m going. But don’t blame me for your hard predicament. I’m more than willing to do something about it.”

  “Go!” He points in the direction of my room as he rolls his eyes. As I turn to gather my shirt and readjust the clasp on my bra, I swear I hear him mutter, “She’s gonna be the death of me.”

  I can’t hide the smile on my face as I walk away and regretfully do what he asks.

  12

  Vince

  Walking away from Sydney yesterday is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. No pun intended. I was so hard that I thought my dick would break if I didn’t get some relief soon. It took everything in my power to get that beast under control. I was so relieved she’d given me enough time to calm down before returning to the living room to kiss me goodbye.

  Yeah, I walked home with a partial stiffy that didn’t go away until I took a shower. A very cold shower and even then, I had to take matters into my own hand to get things under control. God, I’ve never been more turned on in my life.

  Shut the fuck up and stop thinking about it! I scold myself. Being in class with a hard-on is not how today should go either.

  I’m picking up Julia after my last class, and she’s finally going to learn how to ride with no training wheels. Vanessa’s last class gets out after mine, so I told the two of them I’d pick Jules up early so we can go to the park to ride.

  As I’m walking across campus to pick up Jules, I hear the sexiest voice call my name. Turning in surprise, I smile in greeting as I wait for her to approach.

  “Fancy meeting you here,” she teases.

  “What are you up to?”

  “I just finished writing a paper at the library, and I’m done for the day.”

  “I’m on my way to pick up Jules from daycare, then we’re meeting Vanessa at home to go to the park. Today’s the day! She’s gonna ride her bike without training wheels,” I say eagerly. I know Jules is ready, and they’re just holding her back.

  “Sounds fun. Mind if I walk with you for a bit?”

  “I actually drove to campus. But if you’re not doing anything this afternoon, you’re welcome to join us.”

  Sydney takes a moment to let what I’ve just said sink in. Then for the first time ever, I see a smidgen of self-doubt. “Are you sure? I’d hate to intrude.”

  “Syd, one thing you’ve got to learn is I never say what I don’t mean. If I don’t want you there, I won’t invite you.”

  Her confident smile returns and has me reaching out to pull her in for a chaste kiss. Knowing we’re in public, I can’t let myself get carried away. God knows what she does to me, and I’ve got to keep some boundaries firmly in place.

  When I pull back, she wipes a bit of her minty Chapstick from my lips. “Sorry. I just reapplied. Wasn’t expecting to share it.”

  “You won’t hear me complaining.” I grin as I spread what’s left of it around further by rubbing my lips together.

  Laughing at my antics, Sydney rolls her eyes. “No, I’m sure I won’t. Where are you parked? I’m sure Julia’s dying to learn how to ride.”

  Julia’s shocked expression when she sees Sydney in my Jeep is priceless. “Unks? Is this my surprise?” She looks from Sydney to me as if I’ve just brought her a new puppy.

  Trust me, kid. I feel the same way.

  The more I get to know Sydney, the more I want to keep her for myself.

  When Jules tugs on my arm once more, I’m brought out of my revelry.

  “No—you don’t get to keep her, squirt. But we’re meeting your mom at the house, so we can drive to the park together. Then I can teach you how to ride with no training wheels. What do you say?”

  “Yay!” she squeals adorably. “Sydney comes, too, right?” she asks once she’s calmed down enough to remember we have company.

  “Of course. I wouldn’t want to miss your big day,” Sydney beams, and my heart melts a little.

  Taking a minute to ensure Julia’s straps are tight on her five-point harness, I help Sydney get settled into the seat in front of her. Once they’re both settled, I walk around the Jeep to drive. Jules is busy chatting Sydney’s ear off when I open the door to climb in. Sydney must have asked about her day because Jules is talking about what she did in class and how much she loves to paint.

  I don’t even get a word in the entire ride home because Sydney’s like the shiny new toy Jules has become obsessed with. The two of them are practically old friends by the looks of it when I pull into our driveway and park in the garage.

  I help Sydney out of the Jeep then pop her seat forward to let Jules out. Julia jumps down from the vehicle independently because she wants to show how big she is. Once inside the house, she practically drags poor Sydney to show off her bedroom.

&n
bsp; I follow them to intervene if necessary, but Sydney is a trooper and manages to hold her own. Just when Jules is done showing Sydney her new dollhouse she got for Christmas, Vanessa hollers through the house. “Anyone home? I thought we were going to the park today?”

  Sydney’s long forgotten as Julia bolts down the hall to greet her mom. Before we follow, I quickly kiss Sydney on the lips as I say, “I know she can be a lot to handle, but she seems to like you.”

  “She’s adorable. I can’t wait to see her ride.”

  Reaching for her hand, I lead her down the hallway. “Let’s go, or she’ll be back. Trust me.”

  Walking to the living room, Sydney casually mentions, “This house is way nicer than any college student’s house.”

  “Instead of renting, we decided to buy. Once we’re done with school, Vanessa and I will sell it and split the profits. Or if one of us should choose to stay, we’ll buy the other out,” I tell her, knowing it made the most fiscal sense.

  Sydney stops in her tracks to stare at me. “Seriously?”

  Shit. I don’t want to get into this now, so I skate around the topic the best I can with a shrug. “Yeah. It just made the most sense at the time.” There’s no way I’m ready to tell her about what brought me to living in this house. I don’t want her pity and with Julia expecting to ride her bike, there’s not enough time to explain things properly.

  “I guess I can understand that.” She looks anywhere but at me. Clearly, she’s at a loss for what to say—and I just make it awkward. Fuck, I can’t win for losing in this situation, but thankfully, she quickly changes the subject. “So…” She pulls in a deep breath. “What park are we going to?”

  God, I swear, I’ll tell her everything. I just need to be ready. I don’t want the look on her beautiful face to change when she sees me. I need her to know the me I am now, before I unload my past on her.