“You can skip your bath tonight,” I said. “Go brush your teeth and then get your PJs on.”
“I’ll come read to you when you’re ready,” Stoney offered, and I smiled tiredly.
“Thank you.”
Once Felix was out of eyeshot, Stoney wrapped his arms around me and kissed me gently. “You wiped?”
“So, so wiped,” I whispered, sliding my hands up his back.
“I’ll read to Fox, then head out. You free Tuesday?”
“No, I’m actually having dinner with my dad.”
“What about after dinner?”
I leaned back so I could meet his eyes. “Are you asking if you can have a sleepover, Mr. Stonewell?”
“Yeah, Ms. Moretti, I am,” he said. “If you feel comfortable with that.”
“I’m not sure I’m ready for more than this just yet,” I said. “Not that I don’t want to.”
“I get it. We’ll just hang out and I’ll sleep on your sofa, or leave late, whatever you want.”
I smiled. “That sounds nice. Meet me here at ten?”
“Sure.”
“Ready!” Felix called down the stairs, and Stoney released me to take care of his son while I opened a bottle of wine and poured a glass.
As much as I couldn’t wait for Tuesday, I also knew it would be an exercise in frustration, but I had to stick to my guns. I wasn’t in the habit of jumping into bed with someone I didn’t have a relationship with, and we weren’t at that level yet. Admittedly, tonight however, I realized it was a level I wanted to reach. I just didn’t know if he wanted the same.
I sipped my wine and tried not to obsess, easier said than done for me.
* * *
Tuesday night, Dad picked me up at six and we headed to our favorite little hole in the wall Italian place in Monument. It was owned by an old friend of my father’s, Angelo Scartucci, and had been here since the fifties. As had Angelo. I considered it our place, since we’d been coming here since I was barely old enough to walk.
“Benito Moretti, and sweet Bree,” Angelo announced to the room. “Two of my favorite people!”
I grinned. Dad shook his hand and I accepted a hug.
“Come. I have your table ready for you,” he said, and led us to a table by the fireplace. “Menus?”
“We don’t need menus,” Dad said, and Angelo laughed.
“Of course you don’t,” he said. “I’ll send Mateo over to take your order.”
“Thank you.”
Angelo’s son, Mateo arrived within minutes, and Dad ordered a bottle of wine and his regular chicken parm. I chose the special, lamb with risotto, my mouth watering before Mateo had even left our table.
“So, fill me in on this boy.”
“What boy?” I asked, sipping my water.
“Are we really playing that game, bella?”
I sighed. “I’m assuming you’re referring to Stoney and so far, he appears to be a really good guy.”
“But you haven’t received your background check report back, am I correct?”
“Yes. But please don’t tell Luca. He’s already amped up about Stoney and I just want to keep the peace.”
“Why is your brother amped up about this boy, cara mia?”
“Who knows why Luca gets amped up about anyone. He’s convinced Stoney’s a criminal because he’s part of a motorcycle club, but so far, there’s no evidence of that.”
“He’s part of a gang?”
“No, Papa, it’s not a gang. At least, I don’t think it is.” I bit my lip. “I took Felix to their family night and there were kids of all ages running around having the time of their lives. The president’s brother-in-law has some challenges intellectually, but every single one of those men treated him with dignity and respect, and they’re very patient with him and the kids. So, as much as Luca might say they’re a gang with illegal activities, I just don’t see it.” I sighed. “But maybe I don’t want to see it.”
Mateo returned with the wine, poured a tester. Dad approved it, so Mateo poured us each a glass then walked away again.
“This is why I don’t worry about you,” Dad said.
“What?”
“The fact you are so self-aware. You trust your gut, sweetheart, it’s always right.”
I smiled. “Thanks, Papa.”
“But I want him at Sunday dinner.”
I rolled my eyes. “Butter me up, then drop the hammer. I see how it is.”
He grinned. “Just because I trust you doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have backup.”
“Fair enough,” I said, and tipped my wine glass toward me.
We clinked a toast, then our meal arrived, so we focused on the food in front of us, talking about nothing of real importance, just laughing and enjoying each other’s company. I loved my dad. He was the best.
* * *
Dad dropped me home just before nine, and I took a quick shower, then called Stoney.
“Hey, baby,” he said, answering immediately.
“Hi. I’m home, just in case you want to come over early.”
“Yeah, I’ll be there in twenty.”
“Okay, see you then.” I hung up and rushed around my house doing a quick clean.
Stoney arrived less than twenty minutes later, and I pulled open the door where I was immediately pulled against his hard chest and kissed deeply.
“Hey,” he said after breaking the kiss.
“Hi.”
“You smell good.”
I chuckled. “I ate a shit ton of garlic at dinner, so I thought you’d appreciate it if I showered.”
“I’d rather shower with you, but yeah... you don’t smell like garlic, so I appreciate it,” he returned. “How was dinner?”
“It was great. Dad wants you to come on Sunday.”
He frowned. “To family dinner?”
I walked toward the kitchen. “Yes. Why? Is that a problem?”
“Never done family dinner, Sabrina.”
I faced him. “You’ll be great. Just be you. They already like you just the way you are, you don’t have to be nervous.”
“Yeah, but if they knew I planned to fuck you senseless sooner rather than later, they might change their mind.”
I shivered. “We’ll keep that to ourselves.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“What?” I asked.
“You didn’t say it wasn’t gonna happen, so I’m feelin’ hopeful about tonight.”
I laughed. “Oh, it’s not happening tonight.”
“You sure?” he asked, taking my hand and pulling me against him.
“No, I mean, yes.” I frowned when he leaned down. “Stop confusing me.”
“No,” he whispered, covering my mouth with his.
I slid my hands up his chest, looping my arms behind his neck and weaving my fingers into his hair. When his hands slipped to my ass, I forced myself to break the kiss, dropping my forehead to his chin. “We can’t.”
He patted my butt and kissed my forehead. “Okay.”
“I want to,” I rushed to say.
“You don’t have to qualify it, Breezy. No’s an acceptable answer.”
I relaxed. “Okay.”
He smiled, stroking my cheek. “You got beer?”
“Yes, I’ll get you a bottle.”
He squeezed my hand. “We’re gonna have our time, baby. I’m patient.”
“Full disclosure, I don’t sleep with someone I’m not in a committed relationship with.”
“And...?”
“And, that scares me.”
“Why?” he pressed.
“Because you’ve admitted you don’t date, and I don’t know how to be in a ‘fling,’ so I’m not sure where that leaves us.”
“Well, I’m here,” he said. “On a Tuesday night, after you’ve had a dinner date with another man.”
I smirked. “He is pretty charming.”
“I like you, Sabrina. I like you more than anyone I’ve ever met, honestly. I want to get to know
you better, and I really, really want to fuck you. I’m willing to wait for as long as it takes, so I guess that means we’re in a committed relationship,” he said. “Or, I am at least.”
“Really?”
“Why is that surprising for you?”
“Because you’re...” I shrugged. “Well, you.”
He cocked his head. “Which means...?”
“Gorgeous, alpha, desirable... desired.”
“You’re all those things too, Breezy.”
“It’s different for women,” I countered. “More emotional.”
“Sometimes,” he agreed.
“I have more to lose.”
“That’s not true.”
“You’re probably right.” I closed my eyes. “Sorry.”
He gripped my chin gently and I met his eyes again. “You’re beautiful, Sabrina. Inside and out. I’d like to be in this. What about you?”
“Will we be exclusive?”
“I’m not fuckin’ anyone else. You?”
I shook my head.
“Then, yeah, exclusive,” he said.
“Are you saying this because you want into my pants?”
He laughed. “No. I’m resigned to waiting, baby.”
I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him. “Okay.”
He grinned. “Okay.”
“I’ll get your beer.”
“Thanks.”
“How long’s it been for you?” he asked.
“Since I was with someone?”
“Yeah.”
“Three years.”
“No shit?”
I nodded. “It was a bad breakup. Actually, the whole relationship was bad. I was getting my company up and running and he didn’t like that he wasn’t my sole focus, so we broke up. I concentrated on work, then Ria died, and you know the rest.”
“How was it bad?”
“He was just mean. He’d say things about my body... things he wanted me to change.”
“Like?”
I sighed. “He gave me a birthday card once with a check for ten-grand and a breast augmentation brochure.”
“Fuck me. Asshole.”
“Indeed.” I smiled. “But I dumped him, and now I’ve found you.”
He chuckled. “I won’t ever make you get fake titties, baby.”
“I appreciate that.” I leaned against him. “How long has it been for you?”
“I’m not gonna answer that.”
“What? Why? I answered. You have to answer.”
“The night before you showed up at the club.”
I met his eyes. “You were... intimate with someone the night before you met me?”
“Yeah.”
“Why not after?”
“Because I couldn’t get you out of my head,” he said. “It’s been you from the second you elbowed me in the sternum and told me not to call you a bitch.”
“Shut up.”
He chuckled. “You made an impression.”
I grinned, kissing him again. “I like that, Mr. Stonewell.”
“I like it too, Ms. Moretti.”
For the rest of the night, we just snuggled and watched a movie. He ended up crashing on my sofa, then leaving with me Wednesday morning. My resolve was crumbling in regard to sleeping with him, but I was starting to feel comfortable in my discomfort.
* * *
Sunday, I headed to my parents’ home with Felix. Stoney was meeting us there, so I wanted to make sure we got there early, since he tended to get everywhere early.
“We’re here,” I called, helping Felix with his coat.
“In the kitchen,” Mom called back.
“Go see if Nonna needs help, please,” I said, and hung up Felix’s jacket.
After hanging up my own, I headed back to the kitchen as well and found Mom, Dad, and Luca standing around the kitchen island while Felix told them all about his day. I smiled, joining my family and snagging a deviled egg off the tray. Felix continued to chatter on as Mom cooked, so I poured him a glass of milk and then pitched in to help with the food.
Stoney was due to arrive at six, and of course, he arrived five minutes early.
“Is that Stoney?” Felix asked.
“Probably,” I said.
He jumped down off the stool and made a run for the door. I rushed to follow, pulling it open to find Stoney in all his biker glory.
“Hi,” I said. “Come on in.”
“Stoney!” Felix squeaked, jumping up and down.
“Hey, buddy, how ya doin’?” Stoney lifted him and hugged him.
“I’m good. Come meet Nonno and Nonna.”
“Okay,” he said, setting Felix on his feet. Felix grabbed his hand and started dragging him down the hall.
I tried not to pout because we had no privacy for a hello kiss as I followed the pair, enjoying the view of Stoney’s ass as he walked in front of me.
“Nonno, Nonna, this is my dad, Stoney.”
Both Stoney and I froze for a split second, and I had to force back happy tears.
“It’s lovely to see you, Stoney,” Mom said. “Welcome.”
Dad shook his hand and my brother just eyed him. I glared at Luca and gave him a sharp nod, warning him silently to be nice. Luca rolled his eyes and softened his expression, but didn’t move to shake Stoney’s hand and it pissed me off.
“I’m gonna borrow Luca for a minute,” I said, and grabbed my brother’s arm. “Come with me.”
“Ow,” he said, trying to pull away, but I held firm as I dragged him into what used to be my old bedroom.
“Don’t be a dick.”
“You brought a criminal into our parents’ home, Bree, dick is all I can be.”
I let out a frustrated squeak. “That man is Felix’s father, ergo, he’s a part of the family. You need to wrap your mind around that and learn how to be nice.”
“Is it just because he’s Felix’s bio?”
“Yes.”
He narrowed his eyes and leaned forward. “You like him.”
“Of course, I like him. He’s nice.”
“Yeah, but you like him more than that.” He scowled. “You slept with him.”
“I did not!”
“You want to though, huh?”
“You are such an asshole,” I hissed, and stormed out of the bedroom. I took a deep breath, then another, wiping my palms on my jeans and forcing a smile as I walked back into the kitchen. “What can I do?”
“Stoney and Felix are setting the table, so if you want to help carry dishes out, we’re ready,” Mom said.
Once the food was on the table, we all took our seats, Stoney next to me, Luca next to Felix, and Mom and Dad at the heads of the table, then Daddy said a prayer, and it was time to eat.
“So, Stoney, what do you do for a living?” Dad asked.
“I’m a mechanic.”
“That’s a good skill to have,” Mom said.
“Where do you work?” Dad asked.
“I split my time between the BMW shop downtown and Rocky Mountain Motors on fifth,” Stoney said.
“And when you’re not doing legitimate work?” Luca asked.
“Luca,” I warned.
Stoney studied him for a few seconds. “Everything I do’s legitimate, but I’m pretty sure you know that already.”
He said it sweetly, but I knew his tone was laced with warning.
“Felix,” I said. “Why don’t you tell Nonna and Nonno what you and Stoney did on Thursday.”
Felix chatted away, and I slid my hand to Stoney’s thigh, giving it a squeeze. He linked his fingers with mine and smiled.
The rest of dinner progressed peacefully and by the time we decided to leave, Felix couldn’t keep his eyes open. He was, in fact, sacked out on my parents’ couch.
“I’ll carry him out to the car,” Stoney said, lifting him off the sofa. He faced my parents. “Thank you for a wonderful dinner.”
“Thank you for doing the dishes,” Mom said.
“Anytime.”
&nbs
p; I hugged my parents, flipped Luca the bird (outside of the view of my parents), and followed Stoney out to my car. I unlocked it and he settled Felix inside, buckling him in as he slept, then closing the door.
“Do you want to follow me home?” I asked.
He grinned. “Yeah, baby. I’d love to follow you home.”
I climbed into my car and headed home, smiling the whole way as Stoney followed on his bike.
Sabrina
Two weeks later, I dropped Felix off at school, then headed for work. Halfway there, I noticed a group of bikes behind me. The Harley kind, not the zippy kind. I couldn’t stop a smile. Stoney and I had had two blissful weeks, spending as much time together as we could, and I was falling for him. Hard.
My phone rang and I saw it was him, so I answered immediately. “Well good morning, gorgeous.”
He laughed. “You’re entirely too chipper on a Monday morning.”
“Well, I got a good night’s sleep.”
“That’s good.”
“Is there a reason you’ve got bikers following me?” I asked.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, I have four...no, five bikes currently following me. I thought it was a litt—”
“Can you see their patches?”
I glanced in my rearview. “Ah, no. They’re not quite that close.”
“Baby, drive here. Drive here now.”
“What?” I squeaked.
“Those aren’t my guys,” he growled. “Get the fuck to the compound now, and drive like you’re being chased by the devil.”
“I don’t want to lead them directly to you, Noah.”
“They already know where the compound is, baby, so come here. They’re like vampires. They won’t come in unless invited.”
I glanced in the rearview mirror again. They were getting closer. “I’m not a NASCAR driver.”
“Well, today, you better find your inner Earnhardt and put your Mercedes through its paces. You’ve got the all-wheel drive turbo, use it.”
I swallowed. “Okay.”
I approached a light, just as it was turning yellow, so I slowed down, then gunned it, flying through the intersection before the bikes, and giving myself a head start. Not much of one, unfortunately, but enough to get me that much closer to the compound.
“You still there?” Stoney asked.
“Yes. I’m about five minutes or so away.”
“Okay, baby, we’ll be ready. When you’re a mile out, let me know and we’ll open the gates.”
Primal Heat Page 12