“I was thinking Catsup and Mustard,” Tobias said, his gaze still on the little dogs.
“That’s stupid.”
“Salt and Pepper?”
“No.”
Tori clapped. “What about Tango and Waltz.”
“Now that is super stupid.”
“Ugh. I can’t think.”
Tobias chuckled. “I’m not responding to that one.”
“Bella and Stella,” Tori said with a grin. “I think that suits them.”
He studied her for a long moment. “They could be your pups and you can name them whatever you want.”
The air sizzled between them as Tori struggled with an appropriate response. He wasn’t smiling and his gaze darkened as it traveled to her lips.
“I meant what I said the other day, Tori. I want us to try. You are it for me. If you don’t want me, then I’m done.”
The declaration took her breath away. How was it possible that after all these years, he would finally admit to his feelings so freely?
“What if things don’t work out, Tobias? What if after all this time, it’s too late?”
He stood and neared, and then pulling her to her feet and tipped her face up. “That’s just it. I don’t want to lose any more time. We’re both stubborn as hell and I know how scary this is for you. I mean, it wasn’t easy to admit how I feel.”
“I admire you for it,” she whispered. And then she allowed herself the freedom to wrap her arms around his waist. “Oh, Tobias, I don’t know that I’m as brave. I am so scared of the resentment you have to have for me. I was wrong on so many levels.”
He placed his cheek on the top of her head. “I don’t resent you. Not you, right now. The nineteen-year-old Tori, now her I don’t like very much.”
She couldn’t help but chuckle. “She was an idiot.”
The deep rumble in his chest when he laughed made her smile. It was time to take a chance to let the true feelings take over. Perhaps they would crash and burn. Who knew for sure? But Tori agreed with him. She didn’t want to lose any more time or moments.
“I love you,” she said into his chest. “I have always loved you, even when I hated you, I loved you.”
“I know,” Tobias quipped, jumping when she pinched his side. “Ow. That hurt.”
Tori laughed. “You had no clue.”
“I know that when I enter a room you always straighten. You keep an eye on me when I am around and you defended me once.”
She looked up at him with brows drawn. “Defended you?”
“Yep.” Tobias nodded. “Taylor told me that one day people were saying that I wasn’t good enough to run this ranch on my own and you jumped in and stood up for me.”
After a long breath, Tori shrugged. “It’s one thing for me to be mean to you. Anyway, it’s the truth. I know you have a steady head for business.”
“You love me?” His expression was a combination of awe and happiness. The way his eyes shined made Tori want to hug him tighter.
“Yes, Tobias, I may as well admit it. There were many times I wished I didn’t.”
When his mouth covered hers, Tori wanted to devour him, to take everything he had to give and even more. It wasn’t enough, not by a long shot. If only she could freeze the moment forever. The warmth of the sun on them, the steady cool breeze and the wonderful feeling of his hard body so tightly against her were overwhelming.
More. She needed to be skin-to-skin, to feel the length of his limbs entangled with hers.
“Make love to me, Tobias.” She got the words out between kisses. Each time he pulled up just a bit, she pulled him down for more. The hunger was uncontrollable, every fiber of her being screaming for his touch and kiss.
He closed the doors as they worked their way into the house. “The dogs will be fine, there’s water and places for them to chill.”
There could have been a raging storm and Tori would barely notice. In two steps, Tobias swooped her up in his arms and stalked to the bedroom, one she’d never been in before.
It was classically Tobias. A huge bed centered on the widest wall and a dresser across from it with a giant flat screen tv above it. In the corner were two large dog beds and other than a side table on one side of the bed, that was the extent of the furnishings.
Once again, he took her mouth with his and while trailing kisses down from her neck to her shoulders, Tobias unbuttoned her blouse. Tori tugged at his shirt and once he dragged it up over his head, she almost cried at the beauty of him.
Her fingers itched to trace over every muscle and ripple. Losing control, she tugged off her shorts while he removed his jeans and, without hesitation, they crashed against one another, excited at the prospect of what was to come.
The prodding of his erection against her stomach only added to Tori’s excitement, her breaths short and quick. Tobias took his time, slid her to lie across the bed fully naked and on display for him to take in.
His lips curved. “I am going to apologize now for what is going to be a quick release.”
Tori stretched her arms to him. “I want you too much to wait.”
And then he came over her, the large heaviness of him so very perfect while at the same time sending her senses so high, she dug her fingers into his shoulders and down his back. It was as if by some strange instance, they could absorb into one another and become one.
Tobias understood her need, but he teased her, his mouth moving away from hers to suck in her left nipple. At the same time, he toyed with the other pert peak.
A moan escaped and Tori bit her bottom lip to keep from screaming. Not that anyone could hear them, but she didn’t want to alarm the dogs.
Moving to take in the other breast, Tobias licked and suckled it. This time, his free hand moved down her stomach to between her legs, which she eagerly parted for him.
The man knew exactly what to do and, within moments, she was spiraling out of control, no longer able to keep from crying out as she tumbled down from heights, she didn’t remember existed.
When he drove into her, Tori was already out of control. Her entire body trembled at the wonderful sensation. He thrust in and pulled out only to drive back in, hard and fast, just like she loved it.
“Yes!” Tori screamed, unable to keep from thrashing as a wonderful rush of heat surged from where they were connected down her legs and back up to her stomach.
“Oh my God.” Tori tried her best to not climax again, wanting to wait for him, but her eyelids fluttered closed as stars sparkled behind her eyes.
In the fog of delight, she heard his deep moan as he found release and, moments later, his weight crushed atop her.
Tori couldn’t form a coherent thought. Her entire being was still shaking from the strength of her last orgasm.
“Tobias,” she whispered, kissing his damp temple. “That had to be the most amazing sex I’ve ever had.”
He’d not pulled out and she dug her fingers into his butt to keep him in place.
“Mmmm.” Tobias lifted up just enough to look at her. “I have to agree with that.”
There was a slight twitch. He was getting hard again. Tori let out a contented sigh. “Good. I was about to ask if we could do it again.”
The puppies woke Tobias. They were whining and scratching at the crate, wanting to be let out.
“You two are going to be trouble,” he whispered at them. Both sat side by side and cocked their heads to the side.
Although groggy, he smiled. “Okay, that’s cute.”
Tori let out a sigh and continued to sleep and he peered at her. She wore a short pixie cut, but it was disheveled and adorable. When they’d dated before, her hair had been almost to her waist. He decided he liked it short.
Her lips were pursed in slumber, begging for a man’s kiss. He would have obliged if not for a second set of puppy whines.
“Okay. I’m coming.” He slid from the bed and pulled on a pair of sweats. Instead of opening the door and letting the pups out, he reached in and pick
ed them up. After a couple times of them peeing as soon as he let them out, he’d figured out it was a bad idea.
When he came back inside with the puppies on his heels, Tobias poured kibbles into bowls. The two larger dogs looked up from their dog beds, which had been moved to the kitchen, not at all interested in the goings-on.
He slipped back into the bed and snuggled against Tori. Her slight body was warm and supple. Instantly, he wanted to plunge into her again. She was the only woman who could make him lose control to the point of almost passing out. The night before had been an awakening of sorts, not just sexual, but emotional. It made Tobias understand the difference between regular sex and being intimate with someone he cared deeply for.
Things were totally different when the heart was involved.
“Good morning,” Tori mumbled, turning to him and nuzzling his neck. “I don’t want to deal with reality.”
He slid his hands down her back, cupping her round bottom. “Me, either.”
“And yet we both do,” she stretched, her delicious curves melting against him. “What time is it?”
“Seven. It’s Saturday. You don’t have to get up early, do you?”
“Yep, have to be at the restaurant at nine to be ready for the lunch crowd.”
When she started to move away, he pulled her close again. “We’re good, right?” Tobias grimaced at hearing the fear in his voice. Damn, he was turning into an emotional sap or something.
She cupped his jaw and smiled. “Totally.”
“So I can call you twenty times a day and you’ll come here tonight?”
After a soft kiss that sent tingles down his spine, she slipped out of his arms. “Dinner isn’t over until ten. By the time we clean up, it’s midnight. I will be bushed.”
“So?”
She chuckled. “So you have two puppies to care for. I have a restaurant. You have cows. I have hungry diners. We’ll have to work it out.”
“I didn’t think about all that.” He sat up and scratched the stubble on his jaw. “We’re going to have to figure out the logistics. Tomorrow then?”
Tori had already pulled on her clothes. She climbed back onto the bed and leaned against his chest. “The restaurant is closed tomorrow. We can spend the whole day together.”
“Good.” He huffed when there was scratching at the door. “Those two are going to drive me bonkers.”
Tori laughed and went to the door. The puppies raced in and ran in circles, yapping. She picked them up and put them on the bed. “There’s your daddy.”
Delighted, they scampered to him and began licking his face. Tobias pushed them away gently and they ran back, enjoying the game.
“I’ll see you tomorrow. Call you later.” Tori was heading out the door, but he wasn’t about to let her go that easily.
Tobias caught her at the front door and spun her around. “Maybe you should call in sick.”
“My boss is a bitch,” Tori quipped. “Kiss me goodbye.”
He took her mouth and kissed her until she moaned. “Tobias…no…mmm…oh no you don’t.” Tori firmly pushed away and he allowed it.
“Call me.” She slid out the door and dashed down the front steps to her car.
A few moments later, Tobias caught himself standing in the same spot with a wide grin. He was an idiot. But damn, he was a happy one.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Allison’s mouth opened and closed. Her wide eyes locked with Tori’s. “Oh.” She managed after a few beats. “You and Tobias finally…” she looked to Leah whose expression was almost identical.
“That’s why I wanted to tell you both at the same time, because I knew you’d be speechless,” Tori said and the sipped from her wine glass.
They were at Luke and Leah’s house. They’d decided to meet there to discuss and plan a new event for the new community project they were heading.
“When’s the wedding?” Leah asked, her gaze soft. “It’s so romantic. I can’t wait to see you both together.”
Tori sighed. “It is romantic. You won’t believe the change in him.”
“Speak of Dr. Jekyll, he just pulled up,” Allison said, motioning to the huge front window of the living room.
Sure enough, Tobias was climbing out of his truck and placed the puppies down. Luke walked over from whatever he was doing.
“Don’t make a big deal,” Tori warned. “We’ve only been a couple for two weeks. So we’re still getting used to things.”
“I’m so excited,” Leah said with a wide smile. “You guys were meant to be.”
Allison high-fived Leah. “I told you the other day, didn’t I?”
“Told her what?” Tori narrowed her eyes.
“That something was afoot,” Allison replied with a grin. “You are glowing and shit.”
When the twins walked in, Tori couldn’t tear her eyes from them. They were so alike and yet so different. Luke was bulkier, his expression always cautious, as if always on alert. Tobias, on the other hand, had a more relaxed demeanor.
Luke looked to them and scowled. Leah and Allison held their wine glasses halfway to their lips, eyes moving between Tori and Tobias.
“What’s going on?” Luke asked no one in particular and Tobias nudged him with his elbow.
“Let’s grab a beer and go out back. The puppies are digging.”
Everyone turned and, sure enough, Bella and Stella were making good progress on a hole. Leah gasped. “So much for my garden. You better go out there and stop those two.”
Tobias winked at Tori and walked through the living area and past the kitchen to the back. Meanwhile, Luke made a beeline for the refrigerator.
“They’re so cute,” Allison said, grinning.
“The puppies?” Leah asked.
“Yes, but that’s not who I was referring to. After all these years, I am still shaken up when I see them together. So identical,” Allison remarked.
Leah laughed. “I can tell the difference immediately. Luke is cuter.”
Both looked at Tori who shrugged. “I can tell who’s who, and I think Tobias has a bit of an edge in the good looks department.”
Luke cleared his throat. “Seriously? That’s what you three still talk about? Boys.”
“Yep,” all three replied in unison.
He walked out to where Tobias was attempting to keep the puppies from returning to their project.
“I didn’t know you’d be over at my brother’s,” Tobias said that night. It was early evening, the sun not yet setting. Tobias was setting up a pen of sorts in a closed in area he’d built on the back deck. It would be where Bella and Stella would stay whenever he left the ranch. They were not quite yet potty trained and he didn’t like crating them for long periods.
Tori neared and peered down. “Wow, I’m almost jealous of them. Plush beds, toys and rawhides. Plus enough room for them to play and be out of the elements if it rains.”
He crawled out of the enclosure. “Knowing those two, they’ll drag everything out into the rain and scratch at the back door.”
“True,” Tori said and laughed.
When he whistled, all four dogs raced from wherever they were and looked to Tobias, obviously expecting treats. He picked up the puppies and placed them in the enclosure. They ran in circles, tumbling over each other to fight over a toy.
“Let’s see how long that lasts.” Tobias sat in a chair and watched them. There was a clear Plexiglas top over the enclosure, which had three solid wooden walls and the front of it was a metal fence. He didn’t close the door so the puppies could go in and out.
“Looks like they like it so far.” He held out a hand to Tori. “Come here. You seem pensive.”
She sat on his lap and snuggled against his chest. “I have been thinking.”
It was interesting when he stiffened. Tori hated how he always seemed to expect bad news from her. “About?”
“I am considering selling the restaurant.”
“What would you do with your time?”
> “I want to explore other things. I’ve been tied to that place for so long, I’ve not traveled or gone to visit family as often as I would like. I haven’t seen my brother in months.”
“What about income?” Tobias asked and then let out a long breath. “Does this mean you want to leave Laurel Creek?”
She giggled and kissed his jaw. “Never. I am not allowing you out of my sight. It took us too long to get our shit together. I have a good amount in savings plus I’ll have the restaurant money.”
Tobias relaxed. “Why don’t you move in with me? You’re always here anyway.”
“Are you serious?” Tori straightened to meet his gaze. “How long before we have a fight and you kick me out?” She laughed. “We haven’t been friends long enough I don’t think.”
He kissed and nuzzled neck. “I think we get along just fine.”
Tingles of desire ran down from where his lips touched her skin. “Don’t do that while I’m trying to think. I get distracted,” Tori protested weakly.
Tobias lifted his head and met her gaze. “All right, talk. Tell me what you’re thinking. How can I help?”
She bit her bottom lip. “Right now, my plan is to offer Marco ownership. I want to take a couple years to relax, travel and, hopefully, convince you to go to Paris with me.”
“Sounds good so far.” Tobias nodded. “What do you think you want to do after that?”
“Owning a business takes too many hours. It’s a commitment that I’m a bit tired of. I have a degree in marketing, so maybe I’ll do something with that. I’ll take a few courses to familiarize myself with what’s new.”
Tobias grinned. “Sounds good. But right now, I have something I really need to take care of. Can we finish talking later?” He pushed her to stand and got up. “Come with me.”
The smell of whatever was cooking in the slow cooker welcomed them when they entered the kitchen. Tobias closed the French doors and turned to her. “I’m horny as all get out.”
Tori laughed. “So what else is new?” She took his hand and led him to the bedroom. Tobias’ heated gaze followed her every move as she slipped from the sundress she wore. In her bra and panties, she motioned to him. “Undress.”
Ruined: Tobias Page 14