“Oh my God,” I moan. “This is amazing. Mmm.” Garrett smiles at me.
“Everything they make is beyond compare. You could go to the most upscale restaurant in Boston and it wouldn’t measure up to the food they serve here. Colin is an amazing chef.” We both enjoy the companionable silence as we dig into our meals. I know where I’m coming next time Hailey wants to go out to eat.
I eat everything on my plate and I'm so full it feels like I swallowed a boulder. I groan and rest my hands on my stomach.
“I ate way too much...but it was so good. I couldn’t let any go to waste and you know leftovers are never as good the next day.” I realize I’m rambling and pause.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it so much. We’ll have to come back here again soon.” I smile at him before taking a sip of the water Megs left on the table.
I notice a large, blonde guy coming up behind Garrett. He claps him on the back a couple of times, surprising him.
“You’re getting lax in your old age,” Colin says. Garrett jumps up from his chair.
“Hey, brother.” They exchange a bro-hug before I get introduced to Colin.
“So Shelby darling, what are you doing with Garrett? How did this guy get a beautiful girl like you to give him the time of day?”
“I’ve been asking myself that same question all night Colin.” The guys share a laugh.
“This one will keep you on your toes. She might be just what you need G.”
“She just might be.” He playfully winks at me before continuing. “Dinner was delicious man. This is Shelby’s first time coming here.”
“Did you enjoy your meal?” Colin asks.
“It was the best steak tips I’ve ever had. I’m totally beached now. Garrett may have to carry me to the car or I guess he could just roll me there.”
“I have to get back to my kitchen but I want to see you soon G...you too Shelby.”
***
After we leave the restaurant, he takes me to his condo. It’s on the second floor of an old brownstone, similar to the one I live in, but his is located in a highly sought after area, close to Fenway Park. The location is prime with access to everything he could need all within walking distance. Once we’re inside, I notice the high ceilings and beautiful hardwood floors. His furniture is mostly modern in style with some antiques mixed in and somehow it ends up looking eclectic and not out of place.
“Make yourself at home. Can I get you a glass of wine?” I untie the belt on my sweater and remove it, laying it over the back of his couch.
“I would love a glass of water if you don’t mind.” I smile at him at I sit down on his large, dark gray microfiber sectional. The material is soft to the touch and the cushions are extra deep.
“Your couch is so comfortable. If I had this in my apartment, I would never get anything done. I would curl up with my kindle and not move.” He hands me my glass of water as he sits down next to me.
“You’re welcome to come and sit on my couch anytime you want.” He winks at me before picking up the television remote. “Let’s see if we can find a good movie to watch. He flips to the guide channel and scrolls through. We settle on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which is one of my favorites and surprisingly one of his too.
“I never would’ve pegged you as a Harry Potter fan. You continue to surprise me and I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not.” He turns and locks his eyes on mine. In this lighting, I can see more green flecks than I’ve ever noticed before and they are truly stunning.
“Will you lie down with me, here on the couch? I just want to hold you and watch the movie.”
“Sure.” I kick my flats off before I stand, allowing him the room he needs to get situated. He puts two pillows down for our heads and he lays sideways on one of them; leaving one for me to use. I lie down in front of him, facing the television. His arm wraps around my waist and he pulls me back against his chest. He smells so good. His cologne has a woodsy scent to it but it’s soft and not overpowering. It’s taunting me, making me want to turn over and press my nose to his neck so I can breathe his delicious smell in repeatedly. I can’t allow myself to do that so I try to focus on Harry, Ron, and Hermione. He nuzzles my neck and gently kisses below my ear and I groan out loud.
“Garrett, you need to behave or I’m going to have you take me home.” I peek over my shoulder at him. He looks more innocent than a choir boy. “Behave,” I order him, trying to be stern.
“I’ll behave, don’t worry. I just couldn’t help myself for a minute there. You smell so fantastic.” He settles back down behind me and we continue to watch the movie. I can feel myself getting drowsy but I’m so comfortable I don’t ever want to move.
I wake to heat all around me, as though I’m wrapped in an electric blanket. It’s toasty warm and cozy. When I open my eyes, I realize I’m crushed against Garrett’s chest and our legs are tangled together. Oh shit. I definitely didn’t plan on this happening. Now I have to figure out a way to get out of here without waking him. His arm is wrapped around me with a vise-like grip and I really can’t see any way out of this other than waking him up. I poke him in the chest.
“Garrett.” He doesn’t move. “Garrett.” I say it a little louder and poke him at the same time. He slowly opens his eyes and when he notices how tangled up we are he smiles.
“Good morning gorgeous.” Oh my God! His “just woke up” voice is all husky and sexy and I need to get out of here before I do something stupid...like strip him naked and climb on his cock.
“Good morning,” I reply in a calm voice that doesn’t reflect the inner turmoil I’m dealing with. “Hey, can you take me home now? I have a study group I need to go to. I didn’t plan on falling asleep on you. Sorry about that.” Here I go rambling again. I start to sit up but Garrett pulls me back against his chest.
“Hey there, not so fast gorgeous. Let’s savor this moment a little longer. I want to remember the first time I woke up with you in my arms.” He kisses the top of my head, where it lays under his chin. His fingertips are running up and down my back, sending chills through my body, making me shiver. My nose is against his chest and he smells just as good this morning as he did last night. He feels amazing too, the full length of his body is pressed against me and his arms are firmly wrapped around me. If it weren't for his morning erection snuggled between my legs, I could probably be lulled back to sleep. I try to hold perfectly still because if either of us moves and our parts rub together, I may beg him to make love to me. It’s too soon for that and I’m not even sure if I’ll ever want to go there with him. It could be a life changing experience and I like my life just fine, the way it is.
“Garrett, I really do have to get going. I can call for a cab if you want.”
“Shelby, you’re not calling for a cab, so don’t even think about it. Of course, I’ll take you home. I’ll even buy you coffee and a bagel on the way.” He leans down and drops a quick kiss on my lips, before sitting up. I rise from the couch and pause, awkwardly.
“Where’s your bathroom?” He points to a door across from the kitchen and I head in that direction. Once I’m inside, I take a look at the damage last night has wrought on my hair and face. I use his brush to tame my tangles and notice my makeup isn’t smeared under my eyes like I imagined. Garrett has mouthwash on the shelf next to the sink, so I swish some all around inside my mouth and hope it’s enough to get rid of my morning breath. By the time I come out he’s waiting for me. He’s dressed in running pants, a New England Patriots hoodie and a gray beanie. He looks hot and a lot younger than he does when he’s in his professor mode.
“I like casual Garrett,” I say as I look him over.
“Casual Garret?” He quirks his eyebrow in question.
“Yeah, you have different sides to you...Professor Hanlon, date night Garrett and casual Garrett. I can’t wait to see more sides of you.”
“You can see any side of me you want gorgeous, no questions asked.” I giggle at his reply and roll my ey
es.
“Come on, I need to go.”
He only lives about ten minutes from me so we’re able to make it to my apartment in plenty of time for me to get ready for my study date with Jeff. I really didn’t need to leave his condo quite this early but I thought it was for the best. Garrett stopped and bought me coffee and a bagel just like he promised, but I didn’t dare eat it in his pristine car. He walks me to my door, holding my hand and carrying my bagel with his other.
“Thanks for everything. I had a great time.” It feels awkward saying goodbye.
“Shelby, when can I see you again?” He lets go of my hand to rub his finger up and down my cheek.
“I’ll see you tomorrow in class.”
“Shelby, you know that’s not what I meant. Don’t play games with me. I want to know what night you’re free. I want to spend more time with you and I don’t want to have to wait until the weekend.”
“I guess we could do something on Wednesday night as long as I don’t have too much homework. I’ll have to play it by ear and see what’s assigned so I won’t have a definitive answer for you until that afternoon.”
“I’m okay with that. I can’t wait to spend more time with you gorgeous.” He leans down and takes my lips in a gentle kiss. “I’ll see you tomorrow in class. Thanks for giving us a chance.” I unlock the door and step inside; taking one more glance at him.
“See you tomorrow.”
Chapter 8
It's late Wednesday afternoon and I have to cancel my date for tonight with Garrett. I’m buried in school work and since it's not going to take care of itself, I need to buckle down and knock some of it out. When I have this many assignments hanging over me, it makes me anxious. That's one of the reasons I work so hard to stay on top of things. My schooling has to be the priority and I can't lose sight of that for a guy...not even Garrett.
I type out a quick text and send it to the number he programmed into my phone, the other night.
Sorry, can't make it tonight, too much work.
It's only a minute before my phone chimes with a new text alert.
Can I bring dinner to you? You need to eat.
As sweet and thoughtful as his offer is, I know I need to pass on it. If he comes over, I know I won't get my work done. He’ll be way too much of a distraction for me.
No thx, see you Friday.
I don't hear back from him and I know he's probably annoyed that I turned him down. He seems like someone that's used to getting his way. Oh well, I have to do what's right for me.
I spread my books out on the kitchen table and dive right into my work. I'm saving my math assignment for last because Jeff and I have plans to study together tomorrow afternoon. I'm working on my psychology paper when there's a knock at my door. I glance at the time and notice it's eight o'clock. I've been working on this assignment for over three hours now. I roll my shoulders to stretch them out as I walk toward the door. When I open it, I find Garrett standing there with a pizza box in one hand, a bottle of wine in the other and a smile on his face.
"I know you're too busy to go out tonight but I wanted to make sure you had dinner. The wine is for after you finish your work." He says, merriment shining in his eyes.
"Garrett, this is very sweet of you. I haven't had a chance to eat dinner yet. I've been too busy writing this paper."
"Don't worry, I'm not staying. Just consider me your own personal delivery boy." He sets the box down on the kitchen counter and hands me the bottle of wine.
"I'm going to let you get back to work now. Do you need anything else before I go?" Yes, you naked, on my bed. I set the bottle down on the counter next to the pizza and turn to face him. I rise up on my tip toes and wrap my arms around his neck. He looks pleasantly surprised before his arms slip around my waist.
"Thank you for bringing me dinner Garrett. It was really thoughtful of you and I want to make sure I thank you properly to inspire more of this reward worthy behavior." I raise my mouth for a kiss and he presses his lips to mine. As I nibble on his lower lip, he loses patience and thrusts his tongue between my lips. The kiss instantly becomes heated as he explores every part of my mouth. His hands lower to cup and grip me, pressing my hips to his. What I meant to be a simple kiss has quickly become a scorchingly hot one. He ends our connection and pulls me to his chest, kissing the top of my head.
"Wow, that was some kiss. I need to leave now before I can't. I didn't come here for anything more than to drop off dinner for you and I'm going to go now so you to have time to eat. Can I take you out on Friday night?"
"Sure, Friday night sounds great." I smile up at him. He leans over and brushes my lips with his for a final kiss goodbye.
"You stay here and eat, I’ll let myself out. I’ll see you on Friday." I lean against the counter as I watch him walk to the door and leave. Once the door closes, I drop my head back onto my shoulders and exhale. I'm in so much trouble when it comes to Garrett. I'm in so far over my head. If I were smart, I would run far…far away from him…while I still can.
***
Garrett picked me up at seven sharp. I'm wearing a pair of black skinny jeans with a pair of black Michael Kors stiletto ankle boots. I have on a dressy gray tank with a cropped black motorcycle jacket. I think Garrett likes my outfit because he groaned out loud when I opened the door and he took a good look at what I'm wearing.
Now we're sitting next to each other in a dimly lit piano bar, enjoying the romantic atmosphere and having a drink. His hand is on my thigh, just above my knee and even that simple touch has me amped up. Earlier he took me to dinner at a popular steakhouse in a nearby town. It sucks that I'm his student and we have to be careful of where we go together. I wish we didn't have to hide our involvement. If he weren't my professor, I wouldn't be so hesitant to pursue a relationship with him.
"You look really beautiful tonight. I wanted to tell you when I first saw you, but I was pretty much speechless." His fingers are drawing slow circles on my leg and it's making it difficult to think of anything else.
"I think you look really handsome, but then again, you always do." He's wearing a black sweater with tan cargo pants and black chucks. I love the way he dresses. He has a great sense of style that leans toward dressy casual.
"Will you stay over my place tonight? I just want to hold you all night...this time in my bed. I've missed you sleeping in my arms all this week."
"I'll stay over as long as you promise to behave. I'm not having sex with you and I don't want you to try and convince me I should."
"I promise I won't take advantage of you unless you want me to."
When we arrive at his condo, it's almost midnight so we decide to watch a movie in his bed. He hands me a tee shirt and a pair of boxer briefs for me to sleep in.
"I have an extra toothbrush in the top drawer of the vanity. Help yourself to anything else you need. There are towels in the closet."
"Thanks, I'll just be a few minutes."
I close the door behind me and take a look around his bathroom. The walls are painted a medium gray and the dual sink vanity top and shower tiles are marble. Large, dark gray tiles that look like linen cover the floor. The decor is tasteful but the marble gives it a luxe feel. This just might be what my dream bathroom would look like.
I quickly undress down to my underwear and put on the black Nirvana tee he gave me. His shirt falls to mid-thigh on me so I don't bother putting on his boxers. I brush my teeth and wash my face, before taking my hair down. I brush out the curls and try to tame my frizzy hair into some semblance of order, but it's no use. My hair isn't going to cooperate. Good thing his room will be dark. I fold my clothes and his boxers, putting them in a neat pile on top of his laundry hamper. He keeps his condo clean and I don’t want to mess up his space.
When I walk back into his bedroom, Garrett is seated on his bed in only a pair of black Calvin Klein boxer briefs. Oh my God. He looks like a male model with his perfectly chiseled abs. His well-defined chest is mostly hairless and he has the �
�arrow’ which is what Hailey and I call those delicious muscles on a guy’s lower stomach that point toward "the goods." He looks me over and I’m self-conscious as I walk over to where he’s sitting.
"Wow, that shirt never looked so good before." I smile and try to fake like I'm feeling confident.
"Which side of the bed do you prefer?" I ask, trying to cover up how awkward this seems.
"I usually sleep in the middle so you can choose whichever one is most comfortable for you. I'm going to brush my teeth. Think about what movie you want to watch. The remote is on the nightstand." As he goes into the bathroom, I climb under the covers on his bed. I’m on the side closest to the bathroom. It's the side I typically sleep on in my own bed. When I lay down on one of his pillows and snuggle into the soft sheets on his cloud-like Tempurpedic mattress, I suddenly realize how tired I am. I decide to rest my eyes until Garrett comes out of the bathroom.
"Shelby, wake up doll. I need to kiss your sexy lips goodnight." He's leaning over me as my eyes slowly open. It takes me a minute to realize where I am and what he's talking about.
"I'm sorry, I must have dozed off." I wrap my arms around his neck and gaze up at him through half-closed lids. He smiles down at me and rubs his nose against the end of mine. I love that he called me doll. It sounds so sweet coming from such a large, muscular guy.
"I need to feel those lips on mine. I've been thinking about kissing you all night." He swoops down and takes my mouth in a hard, passion filled kiss. Our tongues are dueling as he shifts his lower body so our hips are now aligned. He rolls his pelvis into mine and we both moan into each other's mouths as our kiss continues. I’m suddenly wide awake and more turned on than I’ve ever been. He pulls back suddenly and brushes my lips with a single gentle kiss, before rolling to his side.
"Get some sleep, doll. I know you're tired." Now that he has me all fired up I'm not sure if I’ll be able to fall asleep. It's not easy to resist him when he's fully clothed but it's damn near impossible in only his boxers. I turn over to my left side so I'm facing away from him and I'm close to the edge of the bed. If I'm going to get to sleep at all, I can't be staring at his muscled pecs.
Waiting for Love ((Waiting) Book 2) Page 7