“I need a shower, but otherwise I’m yours for the evening.”
“I need a shower too.”
Aubree laughed but made no move to pull away. “Really? I hadn’t noticed.”
“This is nothing. Imagine how much sweat there will be when I finally have my way with you.”
“Ah,” Aubree sighed. “There’s the Drew I know and love.”
Although he knew she didn’t mean the words, they still hung in the air between them. Without giving her a chance to guess at his intentions, he dipped his head and touched his lips to hers. It wasn’t really a kiss, merely a promise of things to come. He pulled away before she could protest. “You don’t get to take it back,” he said, knowing she would understand he what meant. Stepping away, he added, “If you don’t mind hanging out for a few minutes, I’ll jump in the shower here and then take you home. I’m in the mood to pamper you.”
Without waiting for her response, he strolled away. It wasn’t until he was in the shower that he realized there was nothing keeping her from leaving. She’d found her way there and she could as easily find her way out again. Once the idea settled into his mind, he couldn’t get done with his shower fast enough. Rushing through the motions, he threw on an old pair of jeans and t-shirt without bothering to dry off. Since he kept his head shaved, hair wasn’t an issue for him. It was the annoyance of struggling to pull a pair of jeans over soaking wet skin that had him in a panic.
His anxiety didn’t subside until he caught a flash of her blonde hair inside the front office. Even then, he didn’t draw another easy breath until he saw her face. Deep in conversation with his mother, Aubree didn’t notice him right away. He stole a moment of simply watching her. Drew found it almost funny how oblivious Aubree was to her effect on men. They all stopped to watch her when she walked into a room. It wasn’t just her gorgeous body or beautiful eyes. In fact, there wasn’t anything about her that wasn’t sexy as hell, but Aubree also glowed from the inside. It took one glance in her direction and men were hooked.
His mother smiled at him knowingly, but Drew couldn’t dredge up an ounce of shame over her catching him ogling Aubree. Obviously sensing something going on, Aubree turned in her seat and the same feeling that had overcome him the first time he’d seen her happened all over again at her open happiness at seeing him.
“Are you ready?” At his question, both women came to their feet, and Aubree gave his mother a quick hug before moving to his side.
“It was nice to see you again. I hope we can get together soon,” Aubree told his mother, and he could tell she meant her words. After a quick exchange of pleasantries, Drew motioned Aubree through the door. His mother snagged his arm. Hissing under her breath, she made sure Aubree couldn’t hear her. “Love her! Do not let this one get away.”
“Not gonna happen,” he said without hesitation. He knew Aubree was still struggling against the truth, but sooner or later, she was going to have to accept her fate. She belonged to him.
This time as he drove Aubree home, she was a bit more animated. She began with a story about another nurse she worked with, from there moved into the patients she dealt with each day. It was obvious from the tone of her voice, she loved her job, and she possessed an uncanny ability to find the humor in every situation.
It wasn’t until he’d followed her all the way into her bedroom that she seemed to realize she’d not stopped talking the whole time. A blush touched her cheeks. “I’m so sorry. I swear I’ll be quiet now and let you have a turn.”
“I’ve got nothing,” he admitted. “I have a match coming up so I haven’t done anything but train lately.”
“Oh a match. See you did have something.”
“Come with me. You’ll be right up front.”
Her mouth lifted in one corner, and a mischievous glint entered her eyes. “Are you asking me on a date?”
“I guess I am. Does it matter? You’ve already managed to charm me all the way into your bedroom.”
Aubree glanced around as if only now realizing where they were standing. “Wow. I am good.” In spite of the teasing note to her voice, she shifted nervously from foot to foot and he immediately regretted pointing out their surroundings.
“Go take your shower,” he said urging her on. “I’ll be right here waiting on you.” To punctuate his statement, he toed off his shoes, and leapt onto her bed. It was considerably softer than he anticipated and he sank in about two inches upon impact. “Holy hell. This mattress is awesome,” he said as he climbed up to the head of the king-sized bed and settled back onto the pillows.
“You have a knack for making yourself at home.”
“I’ve been in your bed. You’ll never get rid of me now.” As he said the words, the mattress conformed to his body, and he leaned over the edge pulling up the sheet to get a closer look. “Shit. I’m really not joking. What the hell is this thing made out of?”
“It’s some type of foam,” she explained as she moved to the dresser and pulled out some clothes.
“Whatever it is, I’m already addicted, and you’re stuck with me.”
“See what you’re missing out on by living in a hotel?” Without waiting for his response, she moved to the closet and came out with a towel. “I’ll be right back,” she added as she headed for the bathroom attached to her bedroom.
“Do you need any help? I might have missed a few spots myself when I showered earlier.”
She growled as she slammed the bathroom door and he couldn’t help but laugh. He knew she thought he was outrageous, but what she didn’t realize was, it was her. He was normally a somber person, but when he was with her, things popped out of his mouth without his permission. Snagging another pillow, he crammed it under his head before settling back down again. The bed met him halfway. “Fucking hell,” he moaned in memory foam heaven. “I’m going to have to marry her.”
Aubree’s bedroom was the least girly room in her apartment. The dresser, bedside table and entertainment center were all solid oak while her comforter was some crazy dark abstract thing he couldn’t seem to look away from. It wasn’t bad though, he mused in a valiant attempt to distract himself from what was taking place on the other side of the closed door. With every splash of water, he imagined her hands sliding over her body and he had to fight the urge to kick the door in. The bathroom didn’t seem very big from the outside, which meant the shower was probably small, but he wouldn’t need much room to bring her pleasure.
With his dick begging for release and his mind completely in the gutter, Drew cast a glance around the room in hopes of finding anything else to concentrate on. In his desperate bid for distraction, he made the biggest mistake of all. He slid open the drawer of the table beside him. Although he hadn’t thought such a thing possible, his shaft hardened even more, and he quickly closed the drawer. Draping his arm over his eyes to shut out the room, he concentrated on bringing his body under control. He’d known Aubree wasn’t a puritan, and he was damn glad for it, but he’d still been surprised by the collection of toys. The water shut off and he begged his dick to cooperate. He was going to have her. It was only a matter of time. When it happened, he’d make sure she became so addicted to his touch, she’d never be able to shake him. However, today wasn’t the day. She wasn’t ready for him yet.
The bathroom door opened and he turned on his side grabbing a handful of comforter along the way. He managed to hide his erection from sight while exposing the sheets next to him. He patted the spot beside him. “I’m not getting out of this awesome bed so you’re going to have to join me.”
She’d twisted her hair into a clip at the crown of head. She’d changed into a pair of yoga pants and a cotton form-fitting shirt. He knew she wasn’t trying to tempt him, but she still was, and he was grinding his back teeth to keep from pouncing on her. Thankfully, instead of the argument he was expecting, she climbed onto the bed and settled in next to him. At the last second, he pulled one of his knees up to keep her from pressing too close, and to his amazem
ent, she simply threw her legs over his and scooted in until her shoulder hit his chest. Incapable of resisting her, he slipped his arm beneath her head.
The delicious smell rolling off her body did nothing to ease his lust. As she stared silently at the ceiling, he contemplated what she would sound like as she came against his mouth. As he began to wonder if he would start panting soon, she asked, “Why me?”
With his brain no longer fully functioning, he couldn’t process her question. “Why you what?”
She turned her head meeting his stare. “I imagine you know thousands of people,” she explained. “But you’re here with me. Why?”
Of all the topics she could’ve chosen to discuss, she landed on the one that immediately brought his body back in check. “I don’t know anyone,” he admitted. “Everyone I know is a fake. Everyone I meet lies to me and tells me what I want to hear.” He hated to say the man’s name and bring him between them, but Drew needed to make her understand. “Take Ryan as the perfect example. I met him while he was going from club to club, asking if he could leave brochures for his self-defense classes. He struck up a conversation with me and even as I recognized he was after something, I didn’t guard myself against it. I thought he was angling for the free weekend at the casino, which he ended up with. Obviously, I could’ve never guessed his true intentions, but still, it’s always the same with everyone I meet. Most of the time, I don’t care because I’m fairly self-sufficient, but today when I got the news about Max, it mattered. You’re not like anyone else. Not once have I felt as if you want anything from me.”
Her expression never changed as he made his confession. He was grateful she didn’t show him an ounce of pity. He really didn’t need it. He had more than most people in the world and he was more than aware of it. But when it came to Aubree, it mattered. After a moment, Aubree said, “I am after something from you. Your friendship and your time are something I’ve come to realize I want more than anything.” His heart swelled at her words, but she wasn’t finished. “I also yearn to bask in your wildly inappropriate remarks. You to make me a bit uncomfortable with your overwhelming presence and I crave it. Come to think of it, I probably expect more from you than anyone you’ve ever met.”
Clearing his throat, Drew did his best to talk in spite of feeling as if someone were sitting on his chest. “I expect some things in return.”
Aubree gave him a solemn nod as if she would accept no less. “Go on.”
Keeping a straight face, he began the rundown of his list, “Your undying love and affection along with your unwavering loyalty.” Aubree covered her face with her hands and let out a snort of laughter, but he didn’t let up. “I also demand sexual favors and at least half this bed, which I suspect was actually handcrafted by fairies.”
“Oh shut up!” she cried, playfully slapping at his shoulder. He caught her hand, holding it in place.
“Okay, I’m being serious now,” he said, making sure he had her full attention before adding, “I want as much of you as you’re willing to give. Your friendship means more to me than I can explain, but I’m not joking about the sexual favors. I’m really going to do some naughty things to you.”
“For the love of…” Aubree sighed giving in. “Tell me about your upcoming match. Who is your opponent, and what are your chances of winning? Is he hot?”
His cheeks hurt from smiling. Drew refused to let her bait him. Instead, he bored her to tears with training strategies and fighting stats. She looked completely wiped out. The longer he spoke the more he intentionally dropped the pitch of voice, lulling her to sleep. Spending time with her was enough. He didn’t need her to keep him entertained. He let her doze for close to an hour while he simply enjoyed watching every nuance of her face while completely unguarded. Aubree slept with her chin tilted toward him, and she curled against him so trustingly. He couldn’t look away. Drew traced the curve of her cheek with his eyes until—giving into temptation—he cupped her face in his hand. She snuggled closer to his chest at his touch. Everything he felt and every intention he had toward her became clear. Being with her had nothing to do with besting anyone, as Max accused. She wasn’t a game to him. While it was true, he couldn’t pretend as if he hadn’t seen the way Ryan and Max looked at her, even before he’d known the truth of their relationship, it wasn’t about stealing her away from them. Drew cared about her more than he had anyone in a long time. A few short minutes after meeting her, she’d managed to make him want to fight for her.
With his fingers splayed across her cheek, he brushed his thumb along her bottom lip as he urged her closer. Settling his lips at the corner of her mouth, he inhaled the scent of her skin into his lungs before opening his mouth over her bottom lip and sucking it between his teeth. His stomach growled as the tang of cherries exploded across his taste buds. The weight of her hand fell across the nape of his neck and she stroked his tongue with her own. He knew she was more asleep than awake. He didn’t have any intention of dragging her from her dreams. It was the driving need to experience this moment with her causing him to act. With an internal cry of denial, he untangled himself from her hold and whispered against her ear. “Go back to sleep. I didn’t mean to wake you.”
Doing as he bade, she turned on her side. He hauled her against his chest. Even as he swore he’d never be able to sleep with her hips cradled by his, the darkness pulled him under.
Aubree jerked awake. She immediately reached for Drew, finding him gone. The smell of his cologne lingered, proving he hadn’t been a dream. She cursed her stupidity as her heart ached over the loss of his warmth. One day, she swore she’d stop longing for things she couldn’t have. Tears sprang to Aubree’s eyes adding to her annoyance with herself. Funnily enough, she’d never realized she was weak until recently. The discovery wasn’t a pleasant one. With a groan, Aubree slapped her forehead. She was a pathetic chick with no way to work since her car was still at the hospital.
“Idiot,” she grumbled, throwing the covers back. Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she caught sight of a note leaning against the lamp on her bedside table. She pressed her lips together in a vain attempt to suppress a smile. Weak, she reminded herself harshly as she reached for the paper. Drew’s handwriting was as bold as the rest of him, Aubree realized as she read the words in front of her.
Your car is out front. I’ll see you tonight—D.
Jumping from the bed, Aubree rushed to the window and peeked out. Sure enough, her car was sitting at the curb. She didn’t know how Drew had pulled it off, but somehow he always managed perfection. Brushing her fingertips over her lips, she pictured his kiss. She’d been half-awake, but she knew it hadn’t been a dream. A nervous flutter began in the pit of her stomach. The soft, undemanding way his mouth had settled over hers ran through her mind once more. It was official. She was fucked. Whereas Ryan and Max had stung her pride with their betrayal, Drew was going to burn her life to the ground if he didn’t return, except he did.
Every night after the first one he spent sleeping at her side, Drew continued turning up at her door. Sometimes she would find him waiting on her porch. He always carefully avoided her questions on how long he’d been there. Finally, she worried over it so much she gave him a key. His triumphant smile told her how easily she’d been maneuvered. Secretly she wondered who’d lured whom into the other’s constant company. Aubree couldn’t get enough of his scandalous sense of humor and hot glances, but the bite of reality kept her from acting on her desires. She’d proven how stupid she could truly be already.
Chapter Five
The fight Drew trained endlessly for rolled in like a freight train. Aubree wasn’t prepared. It was facing two fears at once for her. She had to choke down the memories of the times she spent going to these events with her father, accepting he was gone, while witnessing Drew under attack. Pushing those things aside, Aubree concentrated on Drew and refused to show him how she was really feeling. His room in the back was a private one, but the sound of the crowd still f
illed the tiny space reverberating from the walls. Gigi hovered in the doorway waiting for Aubree to say her goodbyes.
“Mom knows where your seat is located. She won’t let you get lost in the mayhem.”
“Don’t worry over me,” she fussed. Drew leaned in, touching his forehead to hers. She stared into eyes, determined to be the best damn cheer section he’d ever had.
An official poked his head in over Gigi’s shoulder. “It’s time to get your tape signed off on.”
“You’re going to win,” Aubree reassured him.
Drew flashed a confident smile. “I know.” With a crook of his finger, he called her closer and spoke against her ear. “I feel it’s only fair to warn you, before the end of this night, I’m going to be inside you and you’ll never be able have another orgasm without thinking of me.”
Heat exploded across Aubree’s face and Drew threw his head back laughing. Punctuating his promise, he touched his lips to hers quickly. “Now go with Mom. I want to know where you are.”
Pulling away, Aubree did as he bade and followed Gigi through the packed aisles until they made their way to the edge of the steel cage. Finding their seats, Aubree sucked in a deep breath as she sat down, doing her best not to think about anything. It was hard work making her mind a blank slate.
Gigi patted her knee. “Sweetie, you won’t have time to worry.”
It wasn’t exactly the truth. Aubree had to sit through two matches before Drew’s, and she chewed on her nails while counting blows. Some lessons she’d not forgotten over the years, it seemed, since she knew the exact moment both matches were over, and who won when it came down to scoring hits. By the time Drew’s name was announced, Aubree thought she’d be sick. The roar inside the building was deafening when he entered the cage. His opponent seemed pumped and fit, adding to her nervousness. She knew Drew would win, but she didn’t want him to so much as get hit. While the names were being called and the rules read, Drew moved to the wire where she sat, linking his fingers through. He stared at her without saying a word, but she could feel the intensity rolling off him in waves. He was in battle mode but still there in the moment with her. The look was so hot she fanned her face. When he broke their connection, it felt almost physical.
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