Then Came Abby (Southern Love #4)

by E. L. Todd

When they reached her apartment, she stopped in front of her door. She suddenly felt awkward. She wasn’t sure what to do or say. “Thanks for walking me home…”

  ‘Thank you for letting me.”

  She held her keys in her hand.

  “You’re very strong.”

  “I am?” she asked.

  “You’re a fit chick.”

  “Oh.”

  “And I like fit chicks.”

  “Oh…” She tucked hair behind her ear.

  Toby continued to stare at her, making her feel tense with every second. “Same time tomorrow?” he asked.

  “Yeah.”

  He stepped back. “Goodnight.”

  “Goodnight.” He waited for her to walk inside.

  She fumbled with her keys for a moment before she got the door open. After she walked inside, she looked behind her. He was still standing on the threshold, waiting for her to shut the door.

  Chapter Sixteen

  “Darling, I want to talk to you about something.” Fernan approached her desk then rubbed his chin.

  She finished typing her email then looked at him. “Yeah?”

  “I’m attending an art show in England. I would love it if you came along.”

  She processed his words for a moment. “What?”

  “It’s a smaller show, but has a lot of potential buyers. And it’s good networking. I should go.”

  “But you want me to go?” she asked incredulously.

  “Of course. You can organize my itinerary and everything.”

  “Which I can do from here…”

  “And I would also love to have you there—for you.”

  “Wow.” She drummed her fingers on the keyboard.

  “All your expenses would be paid for.”

  “I just can’t believe you want me to go with you.”

  “Why wouldn’t I?” He smiled at her. “Is that a yes?”

  “I’m not turning down a free trip to England.”

  “I thought not.”

  She stood up and hugged him. “This will be so much fun.”

  “I’m pretty familiar with London so we can do some sightseeing.”

  “Ooh…”

  “And make love every night.”

  “I like that.” She rested her face against his chest.

  His hand moved into her hair. “I’m glad you’re excited.”

  “When are we going?”

  “In a few weeks.”

  “I’m not going to be able to sleep.”

  “Good,” he said into her ear. “I don’t like sleeping anyway.”

  She pulled away, realizing their affection was becoming unprofessional. “Thank you for inviting me.”

  “You’re the only one I’d want to tag along.”

  She returned to her seat. “My sister is going to be so jealous.”

  “Even better.”

  “Oh.” She remembered the concert. “My sister and her fiancé have two extra tickets to see Coldplay. Do you want to go?”

  “You’re inviting me?”

  “Well, they’ll be there too, unfortunately.”

  His eyes widened. “You want me to spend time with your family?”

  “It’s not a big deal. But if you don’t want to go, I totally understand.”

  “No, I’d be honored to.”

  “Great,” she said. “That settles everything.”

  “And I like Coldplay.”

  “Who doesn’t?” she asked with a smile.

  Fernan stared at her for a moment before he stepped back. “I look forward to it.”

  “Me too.”

  He headed toward the stairs when the front door opened. The bell rang loudly, announcing the presence of a customer.

  “Fernan?” A petite blonde smiled at him.

  He turned around. “Patrice?”

  She extended her arms and hugged him tightly. “You look so handsome—like always.” She giggled and smiled again.

  “Uh, thank you.” He glanced at Abby then turned back to her. “How are you?”

  “I’m well. I’m actually in town for a few weeks. I was hoping we could spend time together.” Her hand rested on his arm and didn’t let go. Abby recognized her as one of his many bimbos.

  Fernan looked at Abby again. “Actually, I’m rather busy right now. I don’t think I can manage.”

  She looked distraught. “Oh…I was hoping we could pick up where we left off.” Her voice was quiet like a whisper, but Abby still heard her.

  “I’m sorry,” Fernan said.

  Patrice stared at him then ran her fingers through her hair. “Well, I’ll be in town if you change your mind.”

  He nodded. “I should get back to work. Lots to do.”

  “Okay…” She stepped away. “It was nice seeing you.” She left the shop and disappeared down the street.

  Fernan ran his fingers through his hair, which he didn’t do very often, then came back to Abby. “I’m not sleeping with her or anything…”

  “Okay.” Abby nodded then looked at her computer.

  “I had a thing with her a while ago, but that’s over.”

  Abby nodded again. “Okay…”

  “Just so you know…and I’m not sleeping with anyone.”

  She typed her next email, needing something to dissipate the tension. “Your personal life is none of my business.”

  “Right.” He put his hands in his pockets then walked up the stairs back to his office. When she heard the door shut, she released the breath she was holding. That conversation was extremely awkward. She wasn’t sure why they had it at all.

  When work was over, Fernan came back downstairs. “A new bar opened downtown. Would you like to accompany me tonight?”

  “I have my training. Plus, I’m exhausted. I just want to stay home tonight.”

  “That’s fine,” he said. He grabbed his bag then walked out the door. When they were outside, he locked it. “I hope you get some rest.”

  “I’ve never been this sore in my life.”

  He hooked his arm around her waist. “You know where to go if you want a nice massage.”

  “Don’t tempt me,” she said with a smile.

  He kissed her gently on the lips, his kiss achingly good. “Goodbye, darling.”

  “Bye, Fernan.”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow.” He got inside his limo then drove away.

  Abby walked to her building then finally reached her floor. Her ass was so sore, she thought it would fall off. When she reached her door, she saw a box on her doorstep. It was black, plain. She immediately thought it was from Fernan, but he didn’t know where she lived. She picked it up then opened it.

  It was a set of workout gloves. They were leather with patches of pink. When she examined them, she saw the wording on the knuckles. Fit Chick. She smiled when she read it. Then she examined the box and found the note.

  Abby,

  Make sure you wear these tonight. Otherwise your hands will feel like your ass.

  T.

  She smiled again then walked inside. After she changed, she pulled the gloves on. They were light but protected her knuckles and palms. It felt a little uncomfortable, but she knew she would get used to it.

  She jogged to the park and saw him standing in front of the bench. “I’m on time today.”

  “Are you expecting praise for doing what’s expected of you?”

  She sighed. “Always an asshole.”

  He eyed her gloves.

  She rubbed her hands together. “Thank you. That was…”

  “Not asshole-ish?”

  “Don’t get carried away,” she said with a laugh.

  He smiled. “Let’s go.”

  “Are we running?”

  “No,” he said. “We’re going to my gym.”

  “We could just meet there.”

  “No. I like walking with you.”

  They walked to his gym then moved inside. They’d been using free weights to work muscles she normally did nothing to. But t
hey walked to the rock climbing wall.

  He grabbed the gear and started to put it on.

  “Are we climbing it?” she asked incredulously.

  “Why is that surprising? You have to use your upper body strength to reach the top. And there will be something very similar on the course.”

  She sighed. “This race better raise a lot of money.”

  “It does. Several thousand.”

  “Then I guess it’s worth it.”

  Toby handed her the gear. “Put this on.”

  She buckled herself to the rope. Toby checked all the cables.

  “You’re good.”

  “Now I know why I need the gloves,” she said.

  He nodded. “Let’s go.” He gripped a rock then pulled himself up. Abby watched him for a moment before she copied him. She stared at the rocks above her and found the right grooves. Sometimes the gap was too large and she had to jump to the next handhold. Toby constantly watched her, making sure she was progressing.

  Abby felt the sweat drip down her body, soaking her forehead. She wiped it away then kept going. The athletes always made rock-climbing look so easy, but it was really kicking her ass. Toby was almost at the top and she was struggling behind. When she reached the top, she stopped and caught her breath.

  “How are you so fast?” she asked.

  He shrugged. “I’ve been doing it for a long time.”

  “I’ll say.”

  He stared at her.

  “What?”

  “What?” he asked.

  “You were staring at me.”

  “So? I like to stare at you.”

  She wiped the sweat from her forehead. “Well, I’m not a very pretty picture right now.”

  “You’re always a pretty picture.” His sweet comment made her heart flutter.

  “Uh, thanks.”

  “Why is it hard for you to take a compliment?”

  “It’s not.”

  He eyed her. “You always act completely shocked.”

  “Because I don’t expect a compliment from you.”

  “Why?” he asked.

  “Well, you’ve never been very nice to me.”

  “I have,” he said. “I apologized for my behavior and have been nothing but a gentleman since. I think that says more than most guys.” He checked his cables then made the descent back to the ground. Abby watched him for a second before she followed him down to the bottom.

  When her feet finally touched solid ground, she breathed a sigh of relief. She had no idea that activity would be so physically demanding. Toby removed her gear because she was too tired to do it.

  “Good job,” he said.

  “Are you being sarcastic?” she asked.

  “No. You’re doing your best. That’s all I can ask of you.”

  She pulled loose hairs behind her ear. The sweat on her skin was making her feel gross. “I can’t wait to shower.”

  “Me too.” He smiled at her. “We can do it together.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Nice try.”

  “I was just thinking of the environment.”

  “I’m sure.”

  They walked out of the gym and headed back to her apartment.

  “You don’t need to walk me every time,” she said.

  “I like walking you—I already said that.”

  Their shoulders touched as they moved down the sidewalk.

  “Why did you want to be a lawyer?” she asked.

  Toby put his hands in his pockets. “A lot of reasons—some better than others. I was influenced by my dad. He wanted both of us to follow in his steps. But watching him in court really motivated me to be one.” His voice changed as he spoke. It didn’t seem so harsh and rude. “My dad had a homicide trial, and everyone knew the suspect was guilty. My dad totally nailed him to the wall. The mother of the victim came up to him afterwards and hugged him. She said, “You’ve finally given me peace. Thank you”. That’s when I knew.”

  Abby smiled at him then put her hands in her pockets. “That’s very admirable.”

  He shrugged. “I’d rather be Batman and catch the criminals on the streets, but this will have to suffice.”

  She chuckled. “You have my respect.”

  “Wow,” he said. “We’re actually getting somewhere.”

  “Alex’s fiancé is in school to be a lawyer.”

  “Oh.” His joking demeanor was gone.

  “He’s actually a really nice guy.”

  Toby said nothing.

  “How’s Paul?” she asked. “I haven’t seen him in a few days.”

  “That’s surprising.”

  “What?” she said. “Paul is my really good friend.”

  “And what am I?”

  She stumbled to find her next words. “A friend—I think.”

  “About time,” he said. “I’ve worked hard for that title.”

  She smiled. “There’s no denying that.”

  When they reached her apartment, she fidgeted with her keys.

  “Since I’m your friend…can I ask for a favor?”

  “So you’ve been using me this entire time?” She laughed. “That’s sweet.”

  He shrugged. “Guilty.”

  “What favor?”

  “I want a hug.”

  She thought she hadn’t heard him right. “What?”

  “You’ve never hugged someone before?”

  “No—I have. But why do you want one?”

  “I’ve wanted one since the moment I saw you. If I were greedy, I’d ask for something more.” His meaning hung in the air.

  She fidgeted in place.

  He sighed. “I’ll have to work a little harder, then.”

  “No,” she said. “I can do a hug.”

  “Excellent.” He wrapped his arms around her waist then pulled her to his chest. The scent of his sweat drifted to her nose, and it carried the scent of strength and masculinity. His palms took up her entire back, and his chest felt like a concrete wall. She rested her head against him.

  “You call that a hug?” he asked.

  She wrapped her arms around his neck then rested her face against his chest. The sudden intimacy washed over her. His chest pressed against her every time it expanded. Toby looked down at her, his head pressed against hers. He held her for a long moment, giving no indication of letting her go.

  She felt the arousal start between her legs. She wasn’t sure where it came from. The sight of his broad chest kept playing with her thoughts. She imagined him leaning over her as they made love, sweat dripping from his body to hers.

  Toby moved his head slightly, and she could hear him breathe. It was slow and steady, but made her feel excited. When she thought about the freckle in the corner of his mouth, she thought about licking it, tasting it.

  When she realized the direction of her thoughts, she pushed them away. She stepped back but Toby kept his hands on her back. He didn’t let her move. His face lowered to hers, his lips in her sight. She glanced at them and felt her breathing increase. When the desire bubbled, she stepped back.

  “Thanks for home walking me,” she said in a rush. She pulled her arms back to her body and looked at him.

  He smiled. “Sorry. What was that?”

  She realized what she said. “I mean, thanks for home walking me.” She cringed when she realized she did it again. “Damn.”

  He chuckled. “Having a hard time, there?”

  “Uh, I need to go.”

  “Okay.” His grin was wider than she’d ever seen it.

  She fumbled with her keys then dropped them. She was too flustered to function.

  Toby grabbed them then unlocked the door. He pushed the door open. “Good thing I’m here.”

  She stepped inside. “Have a good night.”

  “You mean, have night a good?”

  Her cheeks turned blood red. “Bye.” She shut the door quickly. When the wood separated them, she took a deep breath and released the air from her lungs. She never made such an idiot of he
rself. When he held her in his arms, it confused her. Such powerful emotions shot through her. The desire and need circulated in her body, lighting her on fire.

  She took a cold shower before she went to bed, but she had trouble sleeping because she kept thinking about him. The freckle in the corner of his mouth kept coming back to her. She wasn’t sure what it was, but she had an obsession with it. When she finally fell asleep, Toby came to her.

  “Toby…”

  He held her hips and elevated them off the bed while he moved into her. His ass tightened and relaxed with every thrust. His length penetrated her in just the right spot, making her writhe on the bed.

  “Don’t stop,” she begged.

  “I won’t until I make you scream.” He moved into her harder.

  She gripped his forearms and widened her legs. “Toby…Toby…”

  “There you go,” he said. The sweat dripped down his perfect chest. “Come on…”

  “I don’t want the kids to hear me.”

  He dug his fingers into her skin. “Come on.” The metal from his wedding band felt warm against her hip.

  She felt the explosion between her legs, a combustion more powerful than the hydrogen bomb. “Baby…”

  He leaned over her and gripped her neck. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” She leaned her head back as the sensation dissipated from her body.

  Toby pressed his face close to hers as he came inside her. “Yeah…”

  She gripped his back while she watched him.

  “Baby #3,” he said with a moan.

  She grabbed his face and kissed him passionately. His lips caressed hers with the affection she’d never known. The simple touch told her she was the love of his life, everything he’d ever need. When she pulled away, she saw him look down at her, the same look on his face.

  Abby sat up in bed, covered in sweat, when she realized what just happened. The dream felt so real. She touched her lips and felt the burn from his mouth. The orgasm echoed through her body, making her feel full and satisfied. She gripped the sheets around her, feeling her own sweat drenched in the fabric.

  Everything felt so real. A part of her wanted to go back just to feel that love. Their commitment and relationship was beautiful, trusting. They had a family together. The panic rose inside her as her mind cleared. But she reminded herself it was just a dream. It didn’t mean anything. It was a random organization of her inexplicable thoughts.