Take It Slow

by Scarlett Brooks

  “This might sound stupid, but you're only single and young once. If you like this guy I think he deserves a chance. And I know that I don't know you at all, so maybe this advice is coming out of left field, but it sounds like you guys had a connection. And if he asked you out after just a few minutes, clearly he feels some type of way about you. I vote that you give him a chance.”

  “Also you will get to see him again, he's part of the wedding party. The only reason he even came to that auction was because Lucas convinced him to. But I'll also tell you that he was not happy to be there, so if he felt good enough to ask you on a date, he must have really liked you,” Lauren offered.

  “Why didn't he want to be there?” I asked.

  “I don't know, something to do with not wanting to be auctioned off.”

  I took a breath and closed my eyes again. That made a lot of sense, when the auction started he seemed cold and distant, but when we were dancing he was a perfect gentleman. He made me feel beautiful and appreciated, something I hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe Mallory was right, maybe we could overcome our differences and somehow make it work.

  At least I needed to give him a chance.

  7

  Levi

  It had taken a whole week for Emily to call me. And when she did she set some ground rules that I wasn't expecting. But for some reason I didn't care. I just wanted to see her again. Taking in those beautiful gray eyes and that dark curly hair. I could see myself running my fingers through those locks. I would do things to her that no one else had even tried.

  However her first rule was something I hadn't expected. She didn't want me to cook for her. It might have been mentioned in my most eligible bachelor article that I was an excellent cook. Personally I really enjoyed manning the grill, but she recommended some hip restaurant downtown. Also she didn't want me to pick her up, she said that she would get an Uber to the place. And then her third rule is that we would split the bill. No matter how the date went, she didn't want me to feel like she was using me. Which considering I spent $10,000 for a dance with her, seemed kind of silly to me, but I wanted to put her at ease.

  Whatever she wanted, she got.

  I arrived at the restaurant about ten minutes before our reservation, but apparently she was also someone who arrived early to events and was already sitting at our table. She had on a beautiful blush short dress, that I could see her smooth legs crossed just underneath the table. When the hostess asked me who I was looking for I simply pointed at Emily and made a beeline right for her. I didn't like that she had beat me there, I always like to be first for everything.

  “And I thought I liked to be early,” I joked with her as I sat down at the table. The place was simple, very minimalistic. Our table only had two chairs, and they were modern with plastic backs, but beautiful wood legs. The table almost looked like it was handcrafted. She had good taste, I had to give her that, but I had never been to the place before. And as I quickly scanned to the other tables I noticed there was something missing from all of their plates.

  “I'm always early. I like to pick the best seats and people-watch. I won't even try to hide the fact that I came here early to people-watch,” She admitted blushing just slightly so that her cheeks almost matched her dress. My eyes traveled from her cheeks down her neck to her collarbone. Where dainty straps sat just over her shoulders, and the sundress covered what I was sure we're beautiful breasts.

  “I like that you're honest. So what have you seen so far?” The waitress sat water down in front of me but I brushed her off before ordering anything else. I just wanted to listen to Emily talk.

  “Well, the couple over there is arguing. I think it has something to do with the lease on their apartment. Sounds like she wants to buy a house, but he's not ready for that level of commitment. I don't know that they're going to make it,” she said in a cool tone. “And those two girls over there might be sisters, or maybe best friends. But the one keeps crying so I think she just broke up with someone. I think we've all had the friend who cries in the bathroom at the restaurant, even though they promised you that they wouldn't. But so far that's all I've seen. You also arrived early, and so you cut out some of my people watching time. Now instead I have to talk to you.” She rolled her eyes in a playful way so I knew she was kidding.

  “I hope that's not a chore,” I said to her, flashing a grin.

  “I don't think it will be. But I think you should know before you get the menu that you're at a restaurant you would probably never visit.”

  “There's no meat here is there?” I stared at her closely waiting for her answer.

  She shook her head. “No there's not. And also I'm impressed by your observational skills Mr. Gunner. I need you to know something about me before this date even starts, because I'm pretty sure once you find out you will walk right back out that door. Which would be a totally acceptable response.”

  “Fair enough,” I countered. “So are you married?” I tried to keep it light and I laughed a little at the end but she barely cracked a smile.

  “No, definitely not married. But I'm a vegetarian. I don't eat meat. I have never had one of your steaks. And I don't care to try one.” She sat up a little straighter in her chair, looking me dead in the eye. Cool gray pools that I wanted to fall into.

  I laughed out loud, so loudly in fact that the table next to us actually looked at me.

  “Why is that so funny?”

  “I don't care if you don't eat my meat. Hell I barely do. I taste tested it so much in the beginning, making sure that we were feeding the animals all the right types of proteins, letting them age to a certain growth point to make sure that the meat was as tender and protein-packed as possible, that I hardly have a taste for it anymore. I mean I do eat meat. And this is Texas, so I enjoy a fair amount of barbecue. But I'm not offended that you don't. That's your own choice, I'm not here to change that. To be honest Emily I'm not here to change anything about you. I really enjoy what I'm looking at, I have no reason to want to change anything.”

  I could tell that she was completely shocked by my response. Her mouth hung open just a little so that her pouty lips didn't touch one another. I imagined wrapping those right around my cock. How warm and perfect it would feel.

  “I'm guessing that's not the answer you thought you were going to get.”

  She shook her head, “I'm sorry. But no, not at all. I thought that you would walk right out the door. I didn't imagine that you would want to stick around and eat tofu and salad for dinner tonight.”

  “I'm full of surprises Emily Kennedy. Just you wait.”

  She smiled at me, sweet and innocent. She was perfect.

  The waitress stopped by and gave us menus. I looked over it, and a pasta dish sounded delectable. “You know if you wanted I could tell you more about my business. I'm not trying to change your mind, only put it at ease.”

  She set her menu down and folded her hands on top of it. “I'm listening.”

  “We treat our cattle like they deserve to be treated. They are completely free range and grass-fed. We're a totally organic farm. And there is staff at the ranch twenty-four hours a day to meet the needs of the cattle. The slaughter process is as quick and calm as possible, even though I understand it's still slaughter and definitely not your cup of tea. But I promise you that we follow all of the regulations to the best of our ability and attempt to do it as humanely as possible. Nothing is wasted on the farm. We also have several other types of animals that are more for fun to be honest.”

  She studied me closely, “I thought you didn't really like animals.”

  “I didn't say that. I said I wasn't really sure about your rescue. But after I gave such a large donation I did a little bit more research. You didn't tell me that you work with a lot of farmers. I appreciate anyone who understands the agricultural business. I may consider giving to them again in the future.”

  She smiled and my cock twitched in response. “You are not at all what I expected.”

&
nbsp; “And what did you expect? I'm sure Lauren tried to dissuade you from giving me a phone call.”

  She chewed on her lower lip just a little bit to let me know that I had hit the nail on the head.

  “She didn't tell me not to call you…”

  “But she wasn't voting yes was she?”

  “It's not that. She just is very protective of me. Me and my sister Gwen. It's been the three of us for a few years now. So I think she just worries about us, you know she's moving on with Lucas and we're kind of still in the same place.”

  “Are you happy? In whatever place you are in?”

  She sighed. “I think so. I mean I work at a bank, and I don't mind my job there. I'm really good with money. And then I have the rescue. Besides that I run every morning and I have a small vegetable garden. And that's all there really is to know about me. What about you? What makes Levi Gunner tick?” She leaned forward putting her chin in her hand. It was adorable.

  “Most people would say my job. And they wouldn't be wrong. I built my business from less than a dozen cows. But I also like to run. And I like to cook.”

  “You do? Crap. So you were probably offended that I wanted to go out to eat.”

  I brushed her off, “Not exactly. More surprised than anything else. Especially because you picked a restaurant I had never heard of before, but I don't particularly seek out vegetarian establishments. But the food looks good, I'm excited to try this pasta and vegetable dish. I don't mind stepping outside my comfort zone.”

  She smiled at me but it still seemed like she was holding back just a little bit as the waitress approached us and took our order. I would break down all of her walls, but I knew it would take a little bit of time.

  The rest of the evening we talked and laughed. She was unlike any girl I've ever met before. She knew more about Lucas and Lauren’s wedding than I did, which made me feel kind of stupid since I was in it and she wasn't. But I liked listening to her go through every detail that she knew. She watched everything, and everyone. She was constantly analyzing everything that was happening around her and I was impressed. She was smart and funny, but with just a little bit extra logic. Some people would probably say that she over-analyzed things, but instead I appreciated it. It was exactly the type of tone I had taken in order to build my business to be as successful as I was. She knew things. She saw people for what they truly were.

  As we were nearly finished with our meal the couple that she had referenced earlier had left, and not together. Apparently the woman's choice of a house and his commitment issues we're enough to end dinner going home in separate cars. I could tell that it made Emily a little bit sad. So on top of all of the other traits I enjoyed about her she was also compassionate. Which I guess I should have known considering she helped at the rescue. Someone who cared about animals the way that she did, they had to understand compassion and empathy. Something other people had told me in my past that I lacked.

  Emily was different though, she made me feel warm and welcome. And as the night continued to lead on and we finished a bottle of wine at the table all that I could think about was getting her back to my place. Showing her how much I appreciated our night together.

  I would graciously thank every part of her body.

  I promised her I was full of surprises.

  Now we would find out if she was ready for them.

  8

  Emily

  Levi offered to drive me home, and I let him which I think surprised both of us. But the date was going so well, the conversation was flowing as smooth as the wine. I was letting him get under my skin. And I definitely was considering letting him get under my skirt too. As we pulled up in front of my apartment he laid his hand on my knee. Our skin touching was electrifying. I didn't know what to do. We were so different and yet everything had gone so well. Would this be our one and only encounter? Or was there something more here left to be discovered?

  I put my hand on the door handle just as he lifted his hand up to pull my face back and closer to his.

  “I had a really good time tonight,” he whispered. “I don't want it to end.”

  The truth was, I didn't either.

  He leaned in and placed his lips on mine. They were rough and delicious. I fell into him, nestling into his arms. I could feel his muscles under his tight shirt. I slowly pushed his blazer over his shoulders. He pulled away slightly to wriggle out of it and I could see the hunger in his eyes.

  I’d let him eat me up.

  He brushed his thumb across my cheek and I felt the calluses from years of farm work. He wasn't just your average billionaire, he had worked hard for his money. He had put in the blood, sweat, and tears that you needed in order to be successful. I liked that about him. Hell, I liked everything about him. Especially how easily he accepted me even though we were different. Fundamentally different. But he took everything in stride. The conversation had gone so easily in the restaurant, like we had known each other for years.

  He pulled me back into him and our lips crashed into one another. I hooked my finger under my dress strap and seductively pulled down my dress. His hands found their way to my breasts. His hot breath melted against the skin on my neck and down across my collarbone. His lips found my nipple and he pulled on it just slightly with his teeth. It sent a shiver down my body. Goosebumps appeared on my skin and I ran my fingers through the back of his hair. He leaned his car seat way back and took his rough hands around my bottom, pulling me on top of him. I wasn’t surprised by his strength, just impressed by how he navigated the stick shift.

  I ripped off his T-shirt and threw it into the back seat. His abs were displayed perfectly in the moonlight. God he was hot. Sweat glistened on his tanned skin, he had seen his fair share of the Texas sun. I traced my fingers over his pecs, strong and hard.

  The windows began to get foggy and I was sure that if someone passed by they would know exactly what was going on in that car. That made it all that more exciting.

  He continued to kiss down my neck, putting his hand into my hair and pulling me close to him. I reached down and unbuttoned his pants. I had never had sex in a car before, but this was hot and I wasn't about to ask him to come in to my place. The whole idea that we could be caught at any moment just made it all that more enticing. I slipped my hand down into his pants and wrapped my fingers around his engorged cock. I slowly slipped it out and stroked it. I watched as his head rolled back and he took deep breaths. I continued to stroke it as I pulled my panties to the side and got up on my knees.

  Our kisses got more feverish. Feeling like we were having stolen moments. Seconds that may never be repeated.

  His eyes locked with mine for a moment, “Take it Emily. Take it all.”

  Slowly I came down on his cock and began to ride him. “Fuck, it feels so good.”

  He filled me up completely, as I stretched around him.

  I moved up and down, his hands finding their way to my hips. Supporting me but also every time I came down, he would push himself just a little bit further into me.

  “Yes, oh my God Levi, yes.”

  We continued, rocking the whole car back and forth. His nails digging into my thighs, panting and kissing. I pushed myself further, up and down, continuing our rhythm. In that moment he was everything.

  “Come on Emily, give me everything.” I was being pushed to the edge, I could feel the waves building up inside of me. Like fire trying to blaze out of my skin.

  “Fuck Emily, I’m going to cum. You going to take it all?”

  “Yes, give it to me,” I moaned. I was barely keeping it together. I wanted more, all of him. Every last drop.

  I put my hand on the ceiling of the car, moans coming from my lips as I continued to rock my hips. His pace increased and I could feel him tensing up. Finding his own limit, his own edge. We moved in unison, just a few more thrusts and the wave began to crash over me. My body soaking in every ounce of pleasure.

  Slowly I came down from my high, my breath still rapid and o
ur hearts beating faster than a good run.

  “That was amazing,” I told him, meaning every word.

  He slipped out of me and buttoned his pants as he continued to kiss my neck. “You have no idea.”

  “We’ll do it again sometime?” I offered with a wink.

  “Yes, I’m sure we will. I want to see you again, Emily. I’ll call you, we’ll get together before the wedding.”

  I smiled at him, kissing him on the cheek. “That would be perfect.”

  Maybe I would have a date to Lauren’s wedding after all.

  A tall, dark, and handsome one.

  9

  Emily

  I woke up a couple days later with a surprise on my mind. I couldn’t get our date out of my mind. The romance. The beauty. The passion of it all. I wanted to surprise him with something to show him my gratitude. And to maybe get a little more time with him. He hadn’t called me yet, but I knew things were ramping up with the wedding, so he was probably focused on being a good groomsmen. So, I decided on a picnic lunch. He had to take lunch breaks, right? I packed us up something nice. Decadent salads and freshly-brewed sweet tea. Rich chocolate cake for dessert and small cups of soup if the salad wasn’t enough. I packed it all away in a wicker picnic basket I had, then stored it away while I was at work.

  And just as my lunch break rolled around, I made my way for Levi’s office downtown.

  But, I didn’t expect to come across what I did.

  The day was beautiful, and Levi’s office was only fifteen minutes away from my work. The sun was partially covered in the blue sky with clouds, making the Austin heat more bearable. Everyone was out and about, shopping and holding hands with loved ones. Getting food and dipping in and out of the small boutiques our city boasted of. At any given moment, someone could have told me today was the perfect day. A great day to be alive. To get out, smell the fresh flowers blooming in the air, and draw in the scent of happiness.