by E. L. Todd
He smiled. “Good.”
She rested her hands in her lap and looked down. When she looked up, he was staring at her. She averted her gaze and looked at the bar. The heat from his stare still burned her skin, so she turned back. His eyes were glued to her face. Nervous, she looked away again.
“Sorry,” he said. “I like staring at you.”
“I’m not used to it.”
He chuckled. “I doubt it. I know men stare at you all the time. You just don’t notice.”
“I think I would notice that stare if I got it all the time.”
“Well, you don’t.” He sipped his wine. “You’re the most beautiful girl I’ve dated.”
She laughed. “I don’t believe that.”
“It’s true,” he said with a straight face.
She shook her head. “No, it isn’t.” She looked around the room. “I see two gorgeous girls right now. And they kick my ass.”
Toby didn’t look. “You’re blind to your own beauty.”
“No, I’m realistic.”
“And your personality is even better.”
She laughed again. “Do you not remember the first time we met?”
He smiled. “Well, I was being a jackass.”
She clapped. “You finally admit it.”
“And I liked your no-bullshit attitude. It was hot.”
She tilted her head. “You liked that I punched you?”
“Hell yeah. My woman doesn’t take shit from anybody. I like knowing you can handle yourself.”
“I’m not your woman,” she said immediately.
“We’ll see.” He finished his glass then poured another.
When the waiter came to their table, they both ordered. When the menus were gone, Abby had nothing to stare at. She was forced to look at him. His jaw was chiseled and strong, a small amount of hair on the skin. His lips were thin but slightly curved in a sexy smile. And his blue eyes were hypnotic to stare at it. The cockiness and confidence always shined bright. But the freckle in the corner of his mouth immediately stole her attention.
“Have you seen Paul lately?” he asked.
His words broke her thoughts. “No. It’s been a while.”
He nodded. “I’m a little relieved, I have to say.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’ve never been attracted to Paul, and he’s never been attracted to me.”
“Are you sure about that?” he asked. “You do look similar to Alex.”
She remembered the kiss they shared on the sidewalk. “I’m not her.”
He drank his glass while he stared at her.
“But…I do see the way he looks at me sometimes, like he wishes I was her. I say and do things that remind him of her. I think it makes him feel worse.”
“I feel bad for him. I wish there was something I could do.”
“Me too,” she said sadly.
“My brother really fucked up. Alex was a winner.”
“She was.”
“Do you like her new choice?”
“He’s great,” she said.
“Their relationship is still strong?”
“They are madly in love.”
Toby nodded. “So there’s zero chance my brother will ever get her back?”
“Less than zero,” she said firmly.
“When’s the wedding?”
“Alex hasn’t decided yet.” She sighed loudly. “I’m not looking forward to that since I have to plan it. Yuck.”
He smiled. “You don’t seem like the wedding planner type of girl.”
“God, no.”
“I can help.”
“Are you kidding me?” she said with a laugh. “You’re an even worse person. Besides, that’s a huge conflict of interest.”
He shrugged. “Paul would understand.”
“So, he doesn’t know about us?”
“I haven’t said anything to him. I’ve always kept my personal relationships private.”
She nodded. “So have I.”
“So, tell me why you are they way you are.”
She was caught off guard by the blunt question. “No.”
“No?” he asked. “It helps to talk these things out, you know.”
“I—I don’t want to talk about it.”
“I thought you trusted me?”
“I do,” she said immediately.
“Then spill it.”
She felt the glass in her fingers as she drank from her wine. Her dark past was always hidden in the back of her mind, hidden but not forgotten. “My ex-boyfriend wasn’t a good guy. Let’s just leave it at that.”
“No.” His eyes were darker than ever before. He gripped his glass, about to break it.
Seeing the anger on his face made her uncomfortable. “This isn’t the place.”
“Baby, tell me.”
Abby processed his words, but it took her a moment. “Baby?”
“That’s what I call you.”
“Since when?”
“It just came out.” He stared her down. “Don’t change the subject.”
Fortunately, the waiter came and placed the dishes in front of them. It dispelled the tension in the room slightly. Toby picked his fork and devoured his pasta. He ate quickly, shoveling the food into his mouth. But he didn’t make a mess.
“You eat really fast,” she said.
“I’m hungry.”
She picked at her food and ate slowly. When she was full, her entire plate was gone. But it took her twice as long to eat it.
He eyed it in approval. “I hate it when girls don’t eat.”
“Well, I’m on the opposite end of that spectrum.”
“And you still have a smokin’ body.”
“You haven’t seen my body,” she argued. “I have a belly and an ass.”
“Exactly. It’s smokin’.”
Her cheeks turned red again.
When the check came, Toby immediately grabbed it. “You know what else I hate?”
“Huh?”
“When girls do the check dance. So don’t ever bother.”
She glared at him. “I can pay for dinner whenever I want.”
He handed the tab back to the waiter. “Don’t even think about it. I take my girl out and I treat her right.”
“I’m not your girl,” she repeated.
“I’ll take the long road if I have to.” He rose from his seat then pulled out her chair. His arm hooked around her waist and led her out of the restaurant. His fingers dug into her sides, feeling the fabric of her dress.
The smell of his cologne wafted to her nostrils. It was light but masculine. She wondered what he wore. When they returned to her building, he walked her to the door like he usually did. But this time, he pressed her body against the wood, blocking her in. Her heart raced when he came near.
“I had a great time tonight,” he whispered. His face was close to hers, breathing into her face.
“Me too…”
He grabbed her hips and pressed his body against hers. Her breasts pushed against his chest, feeling the hardness underneath.
“This is how it’s going to go,” he said. “If you invite me inside, I’m going to kiss you—a lot.” She swallowed the lump in her throat while she listened to him. “If you don’t, I’ll leave and try again some other time. The ball is in your court, baby.”
She stared at his chest, watching it rise and fall. His eyes bore into hers, waiting for her announcement. His body pressed against her even more. His heartbeat was felt through her chest. It was strong and fast.
“Abby?”
She felt the anxiety course through her. It would be easy just to turn him away and walk inside her apartment alone. But she didn’t want that. “Would you like to come inside?”
He sealed his mouth over hers, his hand resting on her face. His lips pressed against hers, not moving. His chest rose with an extended breath. She immediately felt the air leave her lungs when they touched. The chemistry between them combusted, igniting everything around them.
His lips sucked her upper lip, gentle but firm at the same time. She gasped when she felt him kiss her. Her hand automatically grabbed his hand on her face, unsure what to hold on to.
Toby stuck his hand in her purse and pulled out her keys. Without breaking their trance, he unlocked the door and pushed it open. Before she fell back, Toby grabbed her then picked her up, carrying her inside. He shut the door with his foot.
Abby wrapped her legs around his waist and dug her fingers into his hair. He still kissed her, being just as aggressive as before. He lowered her to the couch then pinned her arms over her head, taking control.
She kept her legs tight around him, feeling him rub against her. A quiet moan escaped her lips, out of her control.
Toby slipped his tongue inside then moved against her own. His touch wasn’t overbearing. It was used with just the right amount of force. He was an excellent kissed her. Every caress made her feel wanted and desired.
When his erection pressed against her, she was surprised by his size. He was impressive in length and girth, even through his jeans. She tried to move her arms but Toby wouldn’t let her. His fingers interlocked with hers, gripping her tightly. She wanted to feel him everywhere, feel the curve of his chin, the muscles of his chest, his narrow hips. But he wouldn’t let her.
He moved his lips to her neck and sucked the skin. “You taste good,” he whispered. He moved down to her chest and licked the valley between her breasts without removing her dress.
“Toby…”
He pressed his mouth over hers again, silencing her. Abby moved underneath him, her foot rubbing against his calf. Her dress was pulled up, revealing her thighs and underwear. But she didn’t care. She just wanted to devour Toby until nothing was left.
He broke the embrace then hovered over her. He didn’t speak, just stared. “You want me to let you go?” he whispered.
“Yeah…” She squeezed him with her thighs.
He released her then moved one hand to her thigh. “I love your legs.”
Now that she was free, she grabbed his face and deepened their kiss. Her lips were out of control, touching every inch she could get to. Her breathing was elevated, and her body shook for him, wanting more than he could give. Her hand moved up his shirt and felt his body. It was like moving her hand across ancient stones. Everything was hard and refined. The lines between his muscles were firm, like valleys in a historic pastureland.
When she ran her hands down his back, digging her fingers into the skin, she became more excited. The arousal was at its peak, and she was spinning out of control.
He broke their kiss then grinned at her. “I knew you wanted me.”
“Shut up.” She grabbed his lower lip and sucked on it.
“I’m going to make you come like this.”
The statement made her spine shiver. She gripped his neck then looked up at him. “Just like this?”
He put his hand under her back and lifted her hips slightly. “Yeah…”
“I’d like to see that.”
Toby unzipped his jeans and pulled them down slightly. When he pressed against her, she felt the form of his cock inside his briefs. It was large and swollen. He rocked into her, rubbing past her clit.
When she felt her body temperature rise exponentially, she shivered. He moved again, staring down at her. The touch ignited her once more. Toby cupped her face and kissed her again. His kiss was gentle and loving, different than it was before. He took his time, enjoying every inch of her lips. His tongue slipped in and danced around hers before he pulled it back. He rocked into her at the same time.
Abby moved her hand to his lower back, pushing down every time he moved against her. She wanted more, wanted him. His cock slid past her clit, applying just the right pressure. She kept imagining him inside her, the stretching that would make her legs shake. Before she knew it, she was diving head first into a powerful orgasm.
“Toby…oh god.”
He rocked into her harder and ended their kiss. “I want to watch you.”
She breathed heavily. “Yeah…”
He pressed his face close to hers and watched the redness tint her skin. It darkened as the momentum pushed through her, stinging every part of her body. Her clit immediately felt tender, pleasurable. She gripped his forearms and bit her lip.
“I want to hear you,” he said as he rocked.
“Oh fuck…”
“There you go.” His breathing increased as he watched her. When he moaned loudly, he thrust into her irregularly. “Yeah…”
She stared into his face while she finished her orgasm. Watching him come made hers a million times better.
When he was finished, he rested his head against hers. “I feel like a teenager again.”
She ran her fingers through his hair. “I like being a teenager.”
He smiled then kissed her lips. “I never thought I could get off like that.”
“Neither did I.”
He kissed her forehead then pulled away. “You’re just that fine.”
She blushed. “I’m really not.”
‘Tell that to my drenched boxers.” He pulled his jeans up then headed to the bathroom. “Give me a moment.”
She laughed. “You miss being a teenager?”
“Shut up.” He shut the door and cleaned himself up. When he returned, he sat on the couch. “I feel better now.”
“I changed my underwear if that makes you feel better.”
His eyes darkened. “That’s hot.”
“You’re hot.”
“Wow…another compliment.”
She giggled.
He snuggled next to her on the couch then turned on the TV. “What should we watch?”
“No more food network.”
“Fine,” he said. “What do you want to watch?”
“Animal Planet.”
“Okay.” He turned it on and wrapped his arms around her.
She stared at the TV but didn’t really watch it. Toby made her happy, elated. They started off as enemies but now they were friends. And then the guilt rose to the surface. She wasn’t doing anything wrong, but she felt innately malicious. She knew she needed to come clean about her personal life. She hoped it wouldn’t blow up in her face.
Chapter Twenty Two
“Let’s get a drink,” Fernan said when their workday was over.
Abby felt awkward just looking at him. “Uh, can we go tomorrow?”
“I haven’t seen you in days,” he said. “And I’m getting anxious.” His meaning was implied.
She felt cornered.
“Abby, is there something wrong?”
“No,” she said quickly. Too quickly.
“You clearly need a drink.” He leaned over and turned off her computer. “Let’s go. We’re leaving for England soon, and you need to get this off your chest, whatever it is.”
She sighed. “Okay.” She grabbed her purse and they walked outside.
Charles immediately opened the door.
“We’re going to walk. Pick us up at Le’ Michelle’s in an hour,” Fernan said.
Charles nodded. “Very well, sir.”
Fernan grabbed her hand and walked with her up the street. Abby never felt more confused in her life. Holding his hand made her feel a million different emotions. She felt safe, happy, secure—protected. But she shouldn’t feel that way. She felt a connection with Fernan, but she also felt a connection with Toby. She wasn’t sure what the hell was wrong with her.
When they arrived at the bar, they sat at a table in the corner. Fernan ordered their wine then sat across from her. “It’s an 1810 Chardonnay.”
Abby didn’t understand the meaning of his words, but she took a drink. “It’s good. Do you drink anything else besides wine?”
“I like scotch—smooth scotch. But I like to drink that when I’m alone.”
“Any reason why?” she asked.
He shrugged. “It helps me calm down when I’m upset.”
“You’re never upset.”<
br />
“Well, it takes a lot to anger me. But when I do get angry, I’m on fire.” He put his glass on the table.
Now her heart was beating even faster. She wasn’t sure how he would react but she had to get it off her chest. She felt like a liar if she didn’t. “Fernan, I need to tell you something…”
He eyed her, waiting for her to speak. “Go ahead.”
“I—I’m kinda seeing someone else.”
His voice remained stoic. He gripped his glass but didn’t move. “Oh. Is it serious?”
“No,” she said quickly. “We’re just—friends. It sorta just happened.”
“Okay.”
She waited for him to say something else. “Okay?”
“Well, you made it clear we weren’t serious. You aren’t doing anything wrong.”
She breathed a sigh of relief. “I just didn’t want to—hurt you.”
“I’m not going to lie, Abby. I wish you weren’t sleeping with anyone else. I want you all to myself.”
“I haven’t slept with him. We just kissed.”
“Oh,” he said. “I see.”
“I just thought I should be honest.”
He nodded. “I appreciate that.”
“Are you sleeping with someone?”
He drank from his glass. “No. Just you.”
She fidgeted with her hands.
“I don’t want you to be with anyone else, but that’s out of my control,” he said simply. “But I’ll try to persuade you to be exclusive with me.”
Abby wasn’t sure what that meant. She stared at his face, trying to gauge his features. “What does that mean?”
“Abby, we’re the same person just in different forms. We think the same, we behave the same, we just click. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have that connection with people very often. It’s very rare. And because of that reason, I want something more with you. I don’t just want to be a friend that you sleep with. But I also understand your hesitation. Hopefully, one day you’ll recover from your pain and see what’s clearly in front of you.” He drank from his glass again. “Because if there’s such a thing as soul mates, I’m clearly yours and you’re clearly mine.”
She was winded by his words. “Fernan…”
“Do what you want. You never lied to me or mislead me. But I will beat this other guy. You’ll grow tired of him, and kick him aside. But I’ll be here, waiting.”