by Skyla Madi
“Oh, yeah.” She chuckled. “When can we go again?”
He laughed with her. “Anytime you want. Would you like to come up for a drink?” He gestured toward his loft upstairs and placed an arm around her shoulders.
Harlow nodded. “What a rush.”
When they stepped inside Toby’s apartment, she twirled herself around with enthusiasm and sat on his couch, as if in a daze. Toby shook his head with amusement and tossed his keys on the kitchen counter. He opened the refrigerator.
“Glad you think so. Not every woman can appreciate the experience. It’s refreshing to see that you do.”
“Calista once told me she thinks they’re death traps.” Harlow shrugged. “To each their own, I guess. I obviously got my love for motorcycles from my dad. We both did growing up.”
“We, as in…” Toby looked up at her.
“My sister and I.” Harlow smiled. “We’re eleven months apart. She’s younger. I don’t see or hear from her very much. Harper is an English teacher overseas.”
“I see. Is it just the two of you?” he asked.
“It is,” she replied. “How about you? Are there any James siblings out there?”
“No, just me,” he said. Toby stood up with his hands full of food and kicked the refrigerator closed. “I didn’t get a chance to eat much earlier. Are you hungry? I’ve got some leftover pasta and a salad.”
“Maybe a little.” She held up her forefinger and thumb to show him just how much. “Need any help?” She hopped up and walked to the kitchen before he could answer. He passed her the container with the salad.
“Bowls are in that cupboard.” He pointed to her left, and she helped herself while he nuked their pasta. “We’ve got milk, water, coffee, tea, or soda to go with tonight’s late dinner. What’ll it be?”
“Water, please.” She smiled as he tossed her two bottles, and she placed them beside the salad bowls on his small kitchen table. A few minutes later, Toby joined her at the table with two plates, one in each hand. He placed one in front of her and went to get them some utensils.
“Dig in.”
There was a comfortable silence between the two of them while they ate. When they were done, she insisted on helping him out with the dishes.
“How’s the side?” Toby asked as he leaned against the kitchen counter. “Are you itching to take off the wrapping yet?”
“My very talented tattooist suggested I keep it on until morning,” Harlow replied. “It’s a little sensitive, but I’ll survive.”
“May I?” Toby gestured to the side of her shirt as if to ask permission to lift it up. He wanted to have another look.
Instead of answering, she lifted it up herself and looked down at her new art. “I’m in love with it, I swear.” She smiled as she looked at him, and he took a step closer. “My vision is now a reality. How can I not be?”
“You’re so fucking good to me.” He smirked and gave the tattoo a gentle touch above the clear wrapping. “At least the redness is gone. And it doesn’t look like you bled too much. Should heal nicely for you.”
“I have no doubt,” she said. “You know it goes both ways, right?”
“What does?” When he looked up, she let her shirt fall back into place, and she closed the distance between them. Her hands rested on his pecs, and Toby automatically put his arms around her.
She licked her lips and then explained.
“You’re good to me too, and for me actually. The first time I saw you, I was instantly intrigued. Here was this very attractive, confident man sporting sexy tattoos, who got me to open up by explaining the tattoo I needed and why I wanted it.” Harlow blushed and rested her head against his beating heart. “Then I was in awe with you when you took my idea and made it so beautiful. I mean, I’d imagined it, but what you did seemed to be so much better. I know it doesn’t really make sense when I try to explain it, but that’s how I felt. I’ve been alone for such a long time, especially in the romantic sense, and now here I am with you, and I feel so alive. I like you, Toby, and I sense the feeling is mutual. I also know you have your own scars to deal with, whatever they may be, and I’m here for you when you’re ready.” She took a deep breath, almost dreading the answer to her next question. “Am I scaring you yet?”
“Yes and no.” Toby sighed and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “No because I like you, too. And yes because I like you much more than I probably should in such a short time. You’re special, Harlow, but I haven’t told you my story, and I don’t know if I can completely get past it to move on.” He stepped back and placed a finger under her chin. He gazed into her eyes and continued. “You deserve everything, and I really want to give that to you, though.”
“You and me both,” she whispered. “Would you please kiss me already?”
She’d been anticipating this kiss since their last one a few hours ago. She couldn’t get enough. His touch and taste had been all she could think about all week. Enough talking. She was ready to put her words into actions. The kiss started out sweet. Toby placed kisses all over her face, starting with her forehead again, then her eyelids, on her nose and finally to her lips. He nibbled on her mouth, took his time, and she savored every second of it. But the moment she opened for him, his tongue finally sought entry, and it soon turned hungry and rough. Toby picked her up, and she gladly wrapped her legs around his waist. He carried her to the other side of the apartment and gently laid her on his bed. Their hands began to explore each other, and she became breathless.
“We’ve got to be careful of your side. Are you good?” Toby asked. His deep timbre sounded rough with need, and her heart beat a little faster.
“I’ll be fine.” Harlow bucked her hips up and rolled them both over so that she was on top now. “But how about we let me be in control this time? Just in case.” She winked and pulled her shirt above her head to toss into the corner. Her bra soon followed.
“Fuck me. You’re hot,” Toby replied. “Still too many clothes on.”
Harlow agreed and moved over to get rid of the remaining barriers, while Toby did the same for himself. Once they were both completely naked, Toby lay back on the bed and patiently waited for her to join him. He was so tall and built, masculine and sexy, her mouth watered. His hard cock rested against his tattooed stomach, and she licked her lips. She sat beside him and gripped the base of his dick, stroking him from root to tip with her hand. Her other hand fondled his balls, and he thrust his hips up, wanting more. “You’re so sexy.”
“Took the words right out of my mouth.” He panted, “Need you, Harlow. Need more.”
“God, yes,” she hissed. She wanted the same thing. Harlow leaned over him to replace her hand with her mouth on his shaft. Her ass was in the air for his viewing pleasure. He gripped her hips and pulled her closer to him. Her legs spread, and he maneuvered her so that she was on top, ass to face. She shivered and cried out when Toby latched on to taste her dripping pussy. The more turned on she became, the harder she worked him. Her tongue circled the head of his cock. She licked down the side of it and back up again to taste every inch before she enveloped the entirety of his length inside her mouth to suck. Back and forth, her head bobbed, up and down. He hit the back of her throat, and her gag reflex kicked in. She released him from her mouth like a big old lollypop and stroked him harder with her hand. Toby was magic with pussy, a master at making her come apart. She was so close. She rode his face, knowing she was about to explode. Her breath hitched, her nipples pebbled, and Harlow panted. “Holy shit.”
She could tell he was loving her responsiveness when he began to fuck her hand as she jacked him off. “So good, baby. I love that mouth.” Her body began to tremble, and she was weak in the knees. “Oh God, Toby!” She couldn’t hold back any longer and went off like a rocket into oblivion. It was sweet, sweet bliss. Harlow lay boneless on top of him while he lapped her juices and kissed her thighs. When she was done riding that wave of ecstasy, Toby squeezed her ass and slapped it.
“No
more mouth. Give me that pussy.”
“Kay.” She pushed some hair out of her face and moved so he could grab a condom from his night table beside the bed. He quickly put it on, and she eagerly climbed on top again. He positioned his cock to align with her wet cunt, and she slowly sank inch by inch until he was seated to the root. They both moaned in unison.
She paced herself slowly because it felt way too good to rush. There’d be time for that later. Her hands rested on his chest for leverage while she moved over him. Toby matched her rhythm. He played with her breasts, and she leaned forward to kiss him, couldn’t get close enough. Harlow could taste herself on his lips, and it excited her more. They explored each other, were getting to know each other, and she was falling so fast, she needed to catch her breath. She broke the kiss with a gasp and cried out again when Toby’s mouth latched onto her boob. Her pace quickened and pussy pulsed. She wanted to make him feel as good as he made her feel and gave it her all. Sweat cascaded down her back, and Toby grabbed onto her ass cheeks to help guide her into a faster pace.
“Feel so good, Harlow.” He hissed, “Tight—warm—wet. So close.”
Harlow nodded and sucked on her index finger while she bounced. She trailed the digit down her body to her clit and started to rub it. “Me too, baby.”
Toby’s gaze zeroed in on her ministrations. She knew exactly how to play her body like it was a finely tuned instrument. It wouldn’t take her long to erupt again. She was too worked up. “Come, Toby. Fill me up.”
“Fuck, yeah!” he hollered, and his cock twitched. Toby held himself still and sighed her name when he finally let go, and that’s all it took for her to pulse again with her own release while he filled the condom inside of her.
Chapter Twenty-One
Toby
She was abso-fuckin-lutely glowing, and his chest swelled with pride. They were breathless and well spent after this first round of making love. If all went according to plan, he could go for another round or ten before exhaustion hit them. But first, they needed to talk. He at least owed her that much. She’d confided in him several times, and he’d given her nothing about himself in return. At least, not the fucked up or important parts. The stuff she needed to know going forward. It was time to man up and spill if he wanted a shot with her, and he needed to do it fast before he changed his mind. This shit wasn’t going to be easy.
Toby took a deep breath and exhaled. “I think I’m addicted already.”
“What?” Harlow giggled and lifted her face off his chest to look at him.
“To this, us, and the sex is…” Toby grinned when Harlow finished his thought for him.
“Incredible, epic, the best?”
“No doubt.” He chuckled and rubbed a hand down his face. They had some serious chemistry; there was no denying it. “I’m going to get cleaned up, then I’d like to talk to you about something.”
“Is everything okay?” Harlow sat up and looked adorably confused in all her naked glory. He wished he could have taken a picture right then to capture the memory in case things got too heavy for either of them to handle. This was it, or it would be in a minute or two, but first, he needed to handle the condom.
“Yeah, I just figured it was time to talk about me, my baggage, whatever you want to call it. You’ve already given me you. It’s only fair I do the same,” he said. Toby got out of bed and turned away from her to discard the condom. He threw it in the trash and sat back down on the edge of the bed, dreading what came next.
Harlow traced the broken angel wings he’d had tattooed on his back after Carley died and whispered, “If you’re sure you’re ready, then I’m here for you.” She massaged his shoulders, and her touch and encouraging words soothed him enough to go on.
“I don’t think I’ll ever be ready, truthfully. Talking about this is hard, but I care about you, so I will.” Toby leaned forward and rested his head between his hands. “You’re special to me, Harlow, and I feel like you understand where I’m coming from.”
Harlow kissed him between his shoulder blades and hugged him from behind. “Somehow, I think I might.”
“Right,” he agreed. “Mel ever tell you how I lost Blank Canvas? My old place. If not, you’re about to find out. It’s a big part of this shit show I’m stuck with.” He didn’t bother to wait for an answer. “But first I get to tell you about the best part. Her name was Carley, and she was my fiancé for about five minutes. We were together for a few years, and she was everything to me. She was short and cute as a button. Fierce, loyal, and tough through and through. She’d come into the shop, a tattoo virgin, just like you. Only she wanted to start out small. Got herself this little blue butterfly on her left shoulder. From there, she was hooked into getting a full sleeve and eventually got into piercings, by Mel’s influence.” Toby exhaled. “We had this magnetism, and she was so easy to be around. You kind of remind me of her a bit in that sense. It was just before Christmas, and she was coming in to get her nipples pierced on the night I proposed. I talked everyone into leaving early so it’d be just the two of us. I had my office all set up with candles and flowers, crap to make it romantic for her. I gave her the nip jewellery, and we headed to the back. Later on, we fell asleep on the couch I had back there with her curled around me. Not sure how long we’d been out, but by the time I woke up, I was drenched in sweat. I had a hard time catching my breath, and I was weak. It was surreal. My eyes opened and closed a few times before I caught my bearings. The place was burning, smoke was everywhere, and I could hardly see. I called out to Carley, but she wasn’t responding. When I tried getting up, she rolled to the floor. I couldn’t focus, and I knew I had to get us out.” Toby finally managed to look behind him to gauge Harlow’s reaction and tried to breathe past the tears that threatened to fall. “Managed to drag us out of the burning office but blacked out before I could get us outside. Carley died. The burns on my calves and feet are my reminder.”
“Mr. Idiosyncratic?” Harlow whispered in shock. It all made so much sense now. She sprang off the bed and knelt in front of him. “Oh, Toby, I am so sorry.”
Toby let out a grunt when Harlow flew into his arms. He had no words. What was somebody supposed to say to that? You’re not the only one. He hated being broken.
Instead, he just held onto her tightly, and it felt good for the moment. She felt good. His heart physically ached at the memory, and he rubbed his chest when she leaned back a couple of inches. What he wasn’t expecting was for her to kiss him there. She literally moved his hand out of the way and placed her lips right above his heart.
So sweet. Shit.
Harlow never failed to astound him. He held her hands with both of his. “This is why I’m not sure I can commit to anything long term. I can’t make you promises, Harlow, and you deserve them. Losing Carley nearly destroyed me, and the hurt won’t fucking go away.”
“It’s not easy, Toby. I understand. What you went through was heartbreakingly traumatic. It’s not something someone can just get over, just like that.” She withdrew her hand from one of his and snapped her fingers. “Carley sounds like an amazing woman, and no one should expect you not to feel the way you do. I don’t think I’ll ever get over the loss of my daughter. What I do know is that I like you a lot. I enjoy spending time with you, and I feel this connection between us. We’re two people who, unfortunately, were dealt a shitty hand. Life is hard, but it’s also what you make of it. I’m willing to take a chance if you are. Day by day, one date at a time.”
“I can handle that.” He gave her a sad smile and quickly kissed her on the lips.
“Talking about it helps. I had to see someone for a while after I recovered from my injuries. I don’t go as often anymore, but I do if I feel like I need to. Have you ever thought about seeing someone for that?” Harlow asked.
“You mean a shrink?”
“Yeah, it gets easier with time, and it helps with the healing process. I can give you a recommendation if you’re interested. No pressure, though.” She held a
hand to her chest and looked adorable doing it. His mouth twitched to hide a smile, and suddenly, his heart didn’t feel so heavy.
She did that for him.
“Not sure I’d like that so much.” He shrugged. “But I’ll give it some thought.”
“Fair enough.” Harlow lifted from her knees and hugged him again. Her lush breasts rubbed against his chest, and it stirred his cock back to life. She was incredible, and he wanted her again.
“You’re beautiful, baby. Inside and out.” Toby caressed the side of her face and kissed her with everything he had. This time he was going to show how much he appreciated her by going slow with his insatiable need.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Dear Harlow:
I must have the worst luck ever. Three weeks ago, I went out with some friends and met someone. We had a good time, but it was a onetime thing, and I never expected to see him again. Then last week, I go into work to meet my new boss, and it’s him. My one-night guy. Talk about awkward.
To make matters worse, just as I’m about to shake his hand, I trip over a chair, land on all fours, and split my pants open. I was mortified, while he seemed to be amused. I’ve been doing my best to avoid him ever since, but I know I’ll have to face him eventually. Any advice?
~Unlucky and Clumsy in Minneapolis~
*
Dear Unlucky:
It sounds like you have the same type of luck I do. I can choke on air and trip over my own two feet at times. It happens to the best of us, but we’re all adults here, and as such, we should be able to get past our embarrassing moments. I say go in there and confront it head-on. Act confident, like it never happened, and if he brings it up, laugh it off and move on. Life is too short to dwell on the little things we can’t change.
Best wishes,
Harlow
***
Harlow