by Sade Rena
I grab the wine and exit my vehicle, listening to the gravel under my shoes on my way to her porch. I knock softly at first, then a little harder a second later. She opens the door, and the wide smile I’ve grown accustomed to is what greets me. And just like that, my nerves settle, all the anxiety I felt earlier washing away.
She steps aside, and I enter, impressed by the change in decor. When I was here last, the floors were dusty, and there wasn’t a lick of furniture in sight. Now there’s a large, plush sofa in the middle of the room and a TV a few feet in front of it. The walls still need painting, so she left those bare, but it feels homier with the little touches she’s added.
“Nice. You brought a couch and a TV?” I turn to face her.
“I did. Well, the TV and stand I already had. They were in my room. But, they delivered the sofa this morning. It cost me an arm and a leg, with the only furniture store being all the way in Bradford, but I’m happy with it.”
“Looks comfy.”
“It is. I almost want to sleep on it.”
We laugh.
“It’s big enough for that. Here, I brought you a gift.” I hand her the bottle. “I took it from Leah, but it still counts, right?”
She smirks. “You keep on touching her wine. She’s going to mess around and chop your fingers off,” Renee takes the drink. “This will be perfect with dinner.”
“See, it’s a good thing I was willing to risk having my fingers chopped off,” I chuckle.
She does the same. “Sure. We’ll see what you have to say when Leah gets you,” she adds while turning on her heels for the kitchen. “I made a steak salad; I hope that’s okay. I know you do hard work, so I hope it fills you up.”
“Is there enough for seconds?”
“There’s probably some for thirds,” she jokes with a sideways glance.
“Then, I’ll be fine.”
“Awesome. Since I still haven’t gotten a table yet, we’ll be copping a squat on the oversized pillows I brought the other day.”
“Fine with me. Need help bringing anything into the living room?”
“If you can take these two, I’ll put the wine on ice then bring plates and glasses.”
She hands me a large wooden bowl and a smaller one with rolls. I hear the fridge open mere seconds before the continuous thud of what I gather to be ice cubes filling a basin. I sit the items in the center, dropping on the fluffy cushion.
Renee joins me carrying a stainless-steel wine chiller under her arm, two-long-stem glasses in one hand, and utensils in the other. I reach out to help her, taking the bucket and placing it next to the salad she prepared.
“Thank you,” she says, sitting down beside me.
“This salad looks and smells delicious. I’ve never had it before.”
She frowns while loading a dish and hands it to me. “You’ve never had a salad before?”
I suck my teeth, amused by her shock. “I mean, I’ve had salads, but never nothing this fancy with meat and cheese crumbles. And certainly not as a full meal. My dad is a meat man, so that’s what momma cooks. Thick juicy cuts of steak and whatever other fixins’. The only time we eat lettuce is on a burger.”
“Well, you’re about to discover what you’ve been missing out on. I love a good hearty, leafy salad.”
“There’s a first time for everything, I guess,” I add, taking a fork from her and two dinner rolls from the bowl.
“This is true.” She prepares her own helping, but instead of digging in, she sits it to the side to open the wine.
Without words, I take the bottle from her along with the corkscrew. She holds both glasses out to me, and I pour us both a serving before returning the drink to the bucket. She picks up the remote from the couch, giving it to me.
“You can choose the movie?” she says.
“Okay.” I take a fork full of food before accepting the controller and opening the streaming app.
Her saved list of movies and shows is the first thing I see when the screen loads up. My eyes go wide as I fight the urge to laugh out loud. Renee notices my expression, and pauses to check on me.
“What?”
“Pippi Longstocking? Are you for real?” I tease.
“Aht. Don’t judge me. It’s a childhood classic.”
“Before my time, sorry,” I joke, expecting her to swat my arm for the innuendo I attempt to give.
She pushes out one hearty laugh. “Ha. Don’t try to fool me. You knew who she was.”
“I just don’t know anyone who’s got childhood classics saved to their queue.” I shrug through a smile.
“Oh, you’re judging, judging. Well, what movies do you like? Westerns?” she asks, rolling her neck yet grinning all the same.
“No,” I lean forward, enunciating the word. “Action movies.”
“Okay, I enjoy those too.”
“Marvel movies don’t count,” I blurt.
“LIES. Why don’t they? They blow shit up, catch bad guys, and have awesome fighting scenes. Sounds like action to me.”
“Ooo. Did I hit a nerve? Marvel girl?”
“Absolutely,” she rolls her eyes, trying hard not to show she finds our conversation funny. She takes another bite but uses her hand to cover her mouth. “Name your top five action picks.”
I swallow my steak before continuing. “The Equalizer, John Wick one, two, and three, 007-”
“Which Bond, though?” she cuts in.
“Daniel Craig, of course,” I shrug.
“What?” she screeches. “You’re kidding, right?”
“Nope!”
“Parker, there’s no better Bond than Sean Connery—the original.”
“I never saw those. But you can’t tell me Casino Royale wasn’t good.”
“Oh, it was good. I love Daniel Craig, but he’s not better than the first versions.”
“I beg to differ. How about we watch that? And see if you’ll have the same thoughts when it’s over.”
“I will.”
We laugh.
I search for the movie and press play. As it shows, we finish our plates. Renee offers me more, and I happily accept it.
“What kind of dressing is this?” I ask with a mouthful.
“Cilantro and avocado.”
I nod between bites. “Did you make it?”
“Yes, with a little olive oil, salt and pepper, and lemon juice.”
“It’s good. I can get used to having you and Leah around. She’s prepared so many meals for us, and now I have you.”
Renee doesn’t offer a response, and when I turn to gaze at her, she’s working to push away a smile. I forge one of my own, certain my cheeks have grown red. She gathers herself and refocuses on the movie as I dust off my second helping.
She stands to take our empty dishes into the kitchen. I attempt to join her, but she refuses my offer, insisting I continue watching. A few moments later, she rejoins me, reclaiming her space beside me. I shift so I’m closer to her, but not too close that I look like some eager teenager, fiending to be next to his crush. From the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of her drinking from her glass. Now distracted, I follow the curve of her chin, paying close attention to the way her neck moves as she swallows.
I breathe in and reach for my beverage, downing it in one motion. She notices and tops me off. This time I take slower sips, still passing my sights between her and the TV screen. She’s into the movie, almost like this is the first time she’s seeing it.
My lips pull into a grin from the thought of her enjoying it because I said it’s my favorite. She’s perfect that way, always open to explore things through my eyes. You don’t realize how much you’ve missed out on something like that until you’re presented with it.
The next time I stare at the show, I suck in another deep breath and straighten my posture. Daniel is on his back with Penelope on top of him, and her breast pressed into his bare chest. I blink away the memory of Renee and me in that same position during our date at my family’s ranch.
I clear my throat and toss back more of my drink, hoping it calms the nerves fluttering inside me. The characters kiss, their lips locking in front of me stirs my libido. Renee doesn’t break away from the TV, seemingly unfazed by the affection shared.
She stretches out her right leg, her thigh brushing against mine. I sigh and push up on my palms to sit with my back straight against the bottom of the couch. Come on, Parker, it’s just a kiss. It’s not even real. Yet find myself inadvertently inching closer to her.
The scent of her hair fills my lungs. Vanilla and Almonds. Renee leans toward me, resting her shoulder close to my arm. Feeling her skin on mine awakens me in more ways than I need right now.
I shake out my leg, hoping to reposition the slight erection forming in my jeans from the urge of following in Daniel’s footsteps. I want to touch her, kiss her the way he did his love interest, and hopefully get the same reaction. The front of my pants tightens with the memory of her straddling me.
Stop it, Parker. It’s just dinner and a movie. Contain yourself.
But the desire continues to build, and so does the stiffness of my dick. I sit forward to hide the evidence of yet another episode of premature excitement.
Shit.
Denton’s words play in my mind, and I contemplate if they hold any truth. If you feel yourself getting too excited, rub one out before you get there. At this moment, I wish like hell I’d taken that advice.
“Can I use your bathroom?” I blurt.
She glances in my direction. “Yes, it’s the first room when you reach the top of the stairs.”
I hop up without a thank you, rushing to get away without her seeing anything. I close the door a little too hard, hoping she doesn’t hear the commotion. Taking several breaths, I brace myself.
“Come on. Go down,” I whisper to my crotch. “You can not embarrass me, not tonight.”
I push down on it, though I know it won’t help. There are only two things that can fix this. Denton’s suggestion and time, and ironically, I don’t have much room for the latter. I stare at my crotch, and I can’t believe I’m even considering it.
No, all you have to do is breathe. It’ll go down on its own.
“Fuck,” I say in a low grunt.
My hand trails to my zipper, and a second later, I undo it. I shove both my pants and my boxers down under my ass and grip myself. A breath rushes out of me as I squeeze and jerk my shaft.
“Ah, fuck. Renee,” I whisper her name, and my head falls back against the door.
Chapter Fourteen
Parker
My dick pulses in my grasp, the veins staring back at me angrily. I can’t believe I’m doing this. In her bathroom, no less. But I have to relieve myself.
My mouth flies open as I grip the base and work my shaft. Images of our first night together flood my thoughts. Every desire I had then is just as prevalent now. The softness of her lips on my neck and the firmness of her breast on my chest isn’t a memory. It’s real. And like that moment, I’m dying to spill my seed. Only this time, I wish it was her hand I’ll be filling.
I choke the head, reminiscing about the woman who’s crowded my mind while moving my fist up and down. Tension builds in my guts, making its way down to my sac. I’ve masturbated—a lot. But it’s never felt this good. Maybe it’s because she’s only feet away, and could burst in at any point. Or maybe I’m ready after all. This might be the perfect night to live out my fantasies and have her.
Finally.
“Parker? Are you all right in there?” Renee calls out, her voice pouring in from the other side of the door.
Fuck! Ah. W—why did you have to talk, Renee?
My breath erupts from me and my back buckles. That tension soars into pure pleasure. She speaks to me again, her east coast accent sending chills to my toes and fueling my pending orgasm.
“Ah. Yeah.”
“You’re okay?”
“Y-yeah. I’m-” I swallow hard, thrusting my hips to meet my strokes. “I’m coming.”
Literally.
“Okay. I’ll pick another movie,” she says, unbeknownst of what’s happening on the opposite side of this flimsy wood door.
I wonder what she’d do if she knew what I was up to? Would she be disgusted, or would she watch me?
Ahh—God. Why do I want her to see what she does to me?
I lock her voice to the forefront of my focus, pretending she’s still talking to me and not descending the stairs. I hold back a groan, fighting the urge to scream out her name. I almost fail, but bite down on my lip to snuffle my moans.
My breathing levels out, allowing me the strength to clean myself up. I’ve been up here a while and don’t want her to grow suspicious. I sigh with my eyes shut tight before running cool water over my face.
When I reach the bottom, she’s sitting on the floor, lost in her movie. I couldn’t tell a soul what she’s viewing, but witnessing her like this, calm and clueless to how I feel, makes her ten times sexier to me. Yeah, I’ve shown her through action and consistency that I like her, but she does not understand how deep my admiration runs.
She chuckles at the screen, and I smile, grateful for the opportunity to be here. Is it bad, I’m also grateful for the pain she faced that led her here? I never want to see her tears, but the hurt she endured may be the best thing that ever happened to me. If her douchebag of an ex didn’t break her heart, I wouldn’t have a chance at mending it. Hell, if Madison hadn’t done the same to me, she wouldn’t be the person I’ve grown to desire.
I push my shoulders back and rejoin her, placing my arm behind her back. What’s playing on the TV is the last thing I care about. I’m too busy watching the grin that rises and falls from her lips, wanting nothing more than to kiss them. Renee snuggles close to me, pulling my forearm further around her. I smile at the sentiment, recognizing she wants to be near me too.
I stare at the screen; It’s one of those teen flicks—one with a young Asian girl who writes letters to her crushes. It’s cute, perfect for a girl like Renee, who, despite how hard she tries to pretend, is a sucker for romance. But so am I—with the right woman. And every fiber of my being tells me Renee’s it.
We get further into the show and are at a point where the female character realizes she’s in love with her co-star. I shift my gaze to Renee and move a curl behind her ear. She’s so beautiful. Inside and out.
“Did my food ruin your stomach?” She faces me with concern in her eyes.
I shake my head. “Ah. No. Um, I was checking on something. Your food was delicious. I was wondering about dessert.”
“Oh. I have ice cream. Cookies and cream,” she beams.
“I’ll take some.”
“All right.” She presses pause. “Be right back.” She stands and heads for the kitchen.
My eyes narrow in on the sway of her hips. I huff before breathing deep to still my already loaded libido. I hear dishes clink against the counter and then the freezer opening. Wanting to be near her, I hop up and stroll to where she is. I lean against the brand-new frame I replaced for her new, now open, living space. Wetting my lips, I inch closer to her, resting my palm at the small of her back.
“Need help?” I offer.
She lifts on her toes. “Nope, I am all—done,” she grunts, putting one final scoop into each of the bowls.
She snatches two spoons from the drawer and hands me both servings. I turn on my heels to lead us back to our spot with her right next to me. She skips ahead and sits. Once settled, she reaches for her dessert but waits for me to take my seat before digging in.
It doesn’t take us long to get back into the movie, but my focus wavers when that Centineo guy kisses his girl. I sit my empty bowl to the side and peek at her from the corner of my eye.
“Babe.”
She doesn’t answer me at first.
“Renee.”
She passes me a quizzical glance.
“I want to kiss you,” I announce, unsure of where this sudden self
-assurance comes from.
She parts her lips, letting her sights fall to mine. “What are you waiting for?”
She darts her eyes back to mine, and my arousal peeks. That’s how she looked at me at the bar—nothing but lust, and a pinch of nervousness in her gaze. But I sense more behind her eyes. She doesn’t use words to tell me she wants to kiss me too. Her leaning into me and the heavy fall of her chest does it for her.
As smooth as I can, I cup her cheek and wrap my hand around her waist, pulling her into my lap with one motion. My body dips further into the pillow I use as a chair when the weight of her frame settles on top of me. Without warning, my palms find their way to her ass. She fills my hand, and I desperately squeeze. I’ve waited to do that again, to grip her thickness and lock every curve to memory.
She’s still holding her ice cream, and when I take it from her, she relinquishes it. We stare at each other, neither saying a word, yet the language our bodies speak takes over. I need her, and she needs me.
Denton was right. I took care of myself ahead of time, and it’s instilled the confidence I didn’t have an hour ago. Then, I was afraid and sure I would ruin things. But now, I’m man enough to show her what I’ve wanted since we met. Show her what I’ve waited all these years for.
“I want to give it to you.”
“Oh.” She pulls back with her eyes wide.
I bring her to me to taste her mouth but bump my forehead against hers.
Ouch!
I kiss the spot. “Sorry,” I offer.
She finds her focus again, leaning into me. Our lips meet, and I welcome every ounce of her. Renee’s back arches as she pushes into me, deepening our embrace. Her hands go to my face while mine continues to roam her body. Her soft flesh sends chills, tingles, and everything else you can think of down my spine. She always does this to me. Rile me up with ecstasy and passion. Emotions I never want to dissipate.
Both of our breathing is out of control, and I couldn’t tell you who wants it more. I’d bet it’s me, but she’s just as feverish. And even with all this energy flowing between us, she remains patient with me, only moving at the pace I’ve set. I want more, though. I need to take our relationship to every level possible. Is this a relationship? I’d love for it to be.