by A. K. Layton
She knocked on the door. It took a couple of moments for him to answer, but when he did it was worth the wait. He was dressed to the T in a full suit, his hair slicked back, looking ready for the nicest restaurant in town, which seemed to be his apartment.
“Wow, Kiki, you look fantastic!” Wade leaned in, kissing her on the cheek. “Come on in.”
Kiki smiled at the compliment, as she took a moment to look around the apartment. The lighting was dimmed, and the table was set with formal flat wear and candles. Wade had gone all out for their fancy dinner date.
“I mean it, wow. You look amazing.” Wade licked his lips as his gaze ran over her body.
Her cheeks heated, and she was instantly happy that she’d let Leena talk her into buying a little black dress.
“Well, you look quite handsome yourself.” Kiki smiled, batting her eyelashes at him. “So, I take it we aren’t going out?”
“No. I hope that’s okay. I wanted to make you dinner, which was why I couldn’t pick you up.”
“This is very romantic. Thank you.”
Kiki set her clutch down on the counter, hopping up on the barstool as Wade went back to work in the kitchen.
“What are we having for dinner?”
“Well.” Wade turned toward her, now with a blush. “I only have one dish that I can make well, and that is chicken parmigiana.”
“That sounds delicious!”
“It still has about ten minutes. Can I get you a glass of wine?” Wade asked, grabbing a bottle and two glasses.
“That would be lovely.”
“I had another reason for asking you over here tonight,” he said as he filled the glasses.
“Okay.”
“As much time as we’ve been spending together, and as much time as I want us to spend together… Well, I was hoping that you might want to move in with me, here?”
Kiki’s mouth dropped open with surprise. That she was not expecting, so she wasn’t sure how to proceed without hurting his feelings, but she had some major reservations about moving in together.
“It’s just that I own this place, so it would make more sense than moving it to your apartment. And there are two bedrooms and two bathrooms, so you could have your own space if you needed. I know it’s a big step, but please just consider it.”
“Wade.” Kiki gave a soft sigh. “I know that this is your grandmother’s ring and how special it was for you to give it to me. And I truly not only love you, but I’m so in love with you. But…” She paused. “I can’t move in with you.”
Kiki watched Wade’s stance deflate as his shoulders sank. She didn’t want to hurt him, but it was inevitable. Turning a man down never went well.
“Please, this isn’t about you, just let me explain,” Kiki begged.
Wade only nodded, with a flat expression.
“You know that my ways seem old-fashion, and this is one of those things. I don’t want to live with a man until we’re married. And I’m not saying this to rush you into anything, and I don’t want to rush. We’ve only gotten back together. Let’s make this strong.” She motioned between them.
Kiki let Wade consider it, almost able to see the wheels in his head turning. She hoped he would understand, she needed him to. She prayed that this wouldn’t be another line in the sand. And the hard fact was, if he couldn’t get past this, she didn’t know what she would do.
Wade came around the counter, and Kiki hopped off her chair as he closed the distance between them. She let him wrap his arms around her waist, resting his forehead against her own.
“Kiki, I’ll take you any way I can get you. And just as I promised, I want to give you everything you deserve, and I will marry you one day. Until then I’m happy to play by your rules.” Wade placed a kiss to the inside of her neck, and she giggled. “You know this has been a total takedown.”
“What?”
“It’s an MMA term, you should know this,” he teased. “A takedown is when you take your opponent by surprise, pushing off balance, only to take them to the mat. You’ve taken down my walls, you taken down my heart, you have the upper hand. And for once, I’m okay with that. Like I’ve said, you’re in charge.”
Kiki felt the tears starting in the corner of her eyes. Wade always made her feel powerful, and wanted and needed.
“I know a little bit about takedowns in my time of studying MMA, and I know that the person doing the takedown lands on top of their opponent.” Kiki blushed. “I was sort of hoping you could be on top.”
“Kiki, how brazen!” Wade said before scooping her up in his arms. “You don’t have to ask me twice. Crap,” he said, setting her back down. “Let me just take the food out of the oven.”
Kiki couldn’t help but laugh at the situation. “Should we eat first?”
“Nope. Let’s go work up an appetite. Besides, it reheats well.” Wade gave her a playful wink.
* * * *
Kiki threw her bag on the chair, after locking the two new deadbolts on her door. It had been a long day at work, and lately she’d been really tired. Making up with Wade had taken a lot of energy out of her. She smiled fondly at the thought of all the fun they’d been having.
They hadn’t made plans tonight, but even so she needed to come by and pick up some clothes and such. Since the incident, she’d only spent a couple of nights at her place, and it felt foreign being there. Nervously, Kiki went over and turned on the TV, not caring what was on, just needing something to fill the harsh silence of the room, and the memories that flashed in front of her like a movie.
Shaking it off, she went over to her bag and pulled out her cellphone.
Kiki: Hey honey, wanna come over?
Kiki watched the phone, waiting for a reply, but none came, so she tried Leena.
Kiki: Hey lady, wanna meet up for drinks?
Leena: Sorry, sweetie. I can’t, Gav’s family is coming over for dinner.
Kiki: No problem. Another time.
Leena: You okay?
Kiki: Totes. Have fun!
Kiki sighed, walking into the kitchen for a large glass of water. Gulping it down, she thought she might try and see what Vi was up to.
Kiki: Hey lady, wanna hit up the diner for some greasy food?
When Vi didn’t respond, Kiki decided it was time to change out of her work clothes and get comfy. It was going to be a long night in alone. Grabbing her cellphone, she headed to her bedroom, subconsciously turning on every light on her way.
The buzzing of the phone startled her enough that she jumped a bit. She swallowed hard, gathering her wits, and looked at the phone to see a text notification from Wade.
Him: Hey, baby. I’m out with the boys tonight.
Kiki: That’s okay. Wanna come over after?
Him: You know I’d love to see you, but it’s going to be a late night. Rain check for tomorrow?
Kiki’s heart sank. She was sure that Wade would come through to see her tonight, but a boy’s night was only fair; he’d been spending a lot of time with her. He needed a night with the guys.
Kiki: Deal. Just behave yourself! Xoxo
Him: Have a good night, baby. Love you.
Kiki: love you too!
Kiki tossed her phone on the bed as she sulked around the bedroom. She thought about taking a shower, but decided against it. I can’t hear the front door when the shower is on. Kiki changed into her PJs but not without scolding herself. Why couldn’t you just say yes to moving in with Wade? Sure, you might be alone now, but he’d be coming home. He’d be there at night.
Kiki let out a huff as she went back to the living room, pacing the room. She didn’t know what to do with herself. She glanced to the door, making sure she’d locked it. Maybe some TV would be a good distraction...
* * * *
The loud knock on the door startled Kiki out of her sleep. Panic hit her, and her heart pounded. She reached for the mace that she kept on her nightstand, but she couldn’t find it. Fear seared through her body as she curled up small in the
bed, wrapping herself tightly in the covers.
“Baby, baby, it’s okay,” Wade cooed. “You’re at my place. You’re safe. I’m here.”
Kiki let out a breath she’d been holding as she wrapped her arms around Wade, holding on to his strength. Her doctor had said that she might experience some PTSD, but this was the first real time she’d experienced it. She’d jumped at a little noise here or there, but nothing that got the fear pushing hard in her veins.
“It’s just the front door. You stay here.”
“No. Please don’t leave me,” Kiki said as she turned to the side of the bed, grabbing her skirt and slipping it on, awkwardly paired with Wade’s black tee that hung big on her.
Wade hopped out of bed, not bothering to put on more than basketball shorts over his boxers. He held out his hand, wrapping his arm around Kiki as they walked to the living room as another knock hit the door, softer this time.
“Who is it?” Wade called.
“It’s Vi.”
Kiki let out a sigh of relief. It made sense that Vi would come check on her little brother. The scare almost had Kiki rethinking the idea of moving in with Wade; it was secure here. But she knew if she hid from her past she’d only be hurting herself.
“I’ll get some coffee,” Kiki said with a smile.
Wade left her to open the door and Kiki went to put on a pot of coffee. She glanced at the clock. It was a little after 10 AM.
Kiki looked over to see Wade and Vi exchanging words at the door, but she couldn’t hear what they were saying. This was something she’d become used to—people talking about her. Is she okay? How is she doing? She tried to not let it upset her, reminding herself that they only cared about her, but it had been weeks since the Joshua incident. She wasn’t okay; it was a part of who she was now, and their questioning that wasn’t going to change anything.
“I’m fine, Vi,” Kiki called from the kitchen. “You want a cup of coffee?”
Vi had the decency to look embarrassed as she stepped into the apartment, Wade closing the door behind her.
“No, I’m good. I actually came to see if you two wanted to come to brunch with me and Colin?” Vi asked, shrugging her shoulders with the question.
Kiki looked at Wade, who didn’t seem to be very excited about the idea. She couldn’t blame him. She’d much rather spend the day staying in with Wade.
“I’m really not hungry. I think I’m good with coffee, unless you want to go, Wade?” Kiki asked.
She didn’t want to disappoint Vi, but with as much time as she was going to be spending at Wade’s place she was sure they’d make a brunch date sooner or later.
“Yeah, I think we’re good. Maybe next time, sis.”
“All right,” Vi smirked. “Next time.”
“Sounds good. See you later.” Kiki waved as Vi let herself out.
Kiki was aware of Wade locking the door as Vi left, something she now paid attention to anywhere she went these days.
“I thought she’d never leave,” Wade said, drawing her attention as he stalked toward her. “How about a shower?” He raised his eyebrows, causing Kiki to blush at the idea of getting wet with her man.
Chapter 27
Wade enjoyed the wide-eyed look on Kiki’s face as he swooped in, lifting her up. It was a relief to see her mood had changed drastically from the panic she’d awoken with. He also knew the pain of waking from a nightmare only to realize that it wasn’t just a dream, but a new reality. But now they had each other—he’d found his one to take on the world with.
“I love you, Kiki,” he said as he placed a soft kiss on her lips.
Those beautiful almond eyes looked up into his, peering into his soul, filling a place in his chest that had been empty for so long.
“How about that shower?” Kiki bit her bottom lip with a coy smile.
“Hell yeah.” Wade hoisted her up over his shoulder, giving her bottom a slap as he headed to the bathroom.
The squeal from her lips and the way she tenderly scratched her hands across his bare back had his cock at half-mast.
Making his way in the bathroom, he set Kiki on the countertop before moving to the shower, turning it on. Coming back, he stepped between her dangling legs, brushing the wild hair from her face. His hands caressed her cheeks then made their way down her body, brushing every so tenderly past her breasts, finding the hem of her shirt. Slipping his hands under the shirt, he let his fingers glide against her warm skin.
He smiled when Kiki lifted her arms, motioning for him to take the shirt off. A little tell of her impatience to get down to the love making. Lifting the shirt to reveal her bare breasts was a sight he’d never get enough of. Wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her toward the edge of the counter, he held her firmly against his body. Pressing a kiss in the crook of her neck, he was rewarded with a tender moan, and the hardening of her nipples rubbing against his chest had his cock aching.
Impatient himself, he helped Kiki off the counter.
“Take off your skirt.” Wade took a step back as he made the request.
There was a soft blush that brushed across Kiki’s face before she unzipped the skirt, letting it drop to the floor.
“Now it’s your turn,” she said.
“Not just yet…I want to see those panties drop.”
“Eager, are we?” Kiki snickered.
“It’s your fault,” he countered.
“Fault?”
“Poor word choice. It’s your doing,” Wade said as he pulled his shorts off.
He liked the way Kiki’s eyes roamed over his body and locked on his hard erection. She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth as he stalked toward her. He placed a chaste kiss on her cheek before reaching around her, pulling a condom from the drawer, giving her a playful wink.
It took him a moment to realize what was going on as Kiki leapt into his arms. He relished in the bold attack of her arms wrapped around his neck, as her wild lips found his.
With Kiki clutched against his body, he walked them into the shower. She tipped her head back as the hot water rushed over her body. With her back arched, Wade took the opportunity to latch on to her nipple, flicking it with his tongue. The act startled Kiki, but she recovered, holding his head against her breast, rocking her core against his body. It was more than Wade could take.
“Turn around,” Wade ordered as he untangled their bodies, settling her on her feet.
Kiki furrowed her brow at him, but ultimately turned around. Wade planted a hand firmly at her waist as he rubbed the other up her spine before guiding her to bend over. He savored the moment of running his hand up her thigh, over her sweet ass, and again. It took all his control to keep from taking her, thrusting hard and deep into her tight cunt. She gave him pleasure in so many ways, and he wanted to make sure he returned that pleasure.
Kiki’s soft panting was music to his ears. Knowing that just his touch, the anticipation of it, could make her so wanton was more than he could ask for.
Running his hand up her silky leg, this time he moved toward her core, teasing the outside, running his fingers across her seam. When he felt a tremble shake through her body, he wasn’t sure how much longer he could last without taking her. Wade shook off his own needs, focusing on Kiki as he slipped a finger into her warm body.
“You like that, baby? You like when I fuck you with my hands?” Wade taunted as he upped the pace.
“Hmmm.”
“Yeah? How about this?” Wade reached a hand around in search of her clit.
“Oh God, Wade. Fuck,” Kiki swore.
Wade smirked at the swear word. He must be doing something right if it caused those pretty little lips to swear.
“Here we go. I need you to come. I want you to come. Do it for me,” Wade cooed, massaging the sensitive clit while he took up the pace on his fingers fucking her.
“That’s it. Don’t stop,” Kiki demanded. “Yes! Yes! Yes!”
Wade felt her core contract around his fingers as her orgasm
rolled through her body; not letting up until every aftershock ran out. Kiki slumped forward as she placed a hand on the shower wall, obviously spent, but now he needed her.
“I can’t… I have to have you.” Wade could hear the desperation in his voice as he fumbled with the condom.
“Yes.” The soft word rolled off Kiki’s lips, barely a whisper.
Sheathing his cock, he slipped into her slick pussy, and the way it grabbed him was glorious. Gliding his hands up from her hips, he pulled her front upright, cupping her breasts, holding them as he thrust into her.
Aware of the warm water showering down on their bodies, the soft glow of the lighting reflecting off Kiki’s flawless, sandy skin had him moments away from coming apart. Frantic, Wade reached his hand down, cupping her smooth pussy, massaging his hand against it, in rhythm with each thrust. He wanted to take her to her breaking point again; he needed her to come apart with his cock buried deep inside.
“Oh God, Wade.” Kiki panted.
He loved the way his name rolled off her wanton lips. Finding the sensitive nub hidden between the folds of her precious pussy, he ever so gently pinched it. Kiki’s head flung back, her ass thrust against him, causing his cock to hit deep inside her.
“Do it again, please,” she begged. “I’m going to come so hard.”
Wade massaged the sweet button until he heard her release echo in the small room, and felt her tight cunt squeeze him. His desperate hands took hold of her hips, thrusting all he had into his perfect woman, as she took it all, riding out her own aftershocks as he came.
“Fuck, Kiki,” Wade cried out, unable to contain his own pleasure.
Both spent, Kiki leaned her back against his chest, reaching her arms up, back around his neck. He wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her tight as the warm water massaged their bodies. Leaning his head down, Wade nuzzled the crook of Kiki’s neck, inhaling her scent.
“Thank you, baby,” he said, pressing a kiss to her ear.
Kiki only giggled. He hoped she knew that he was thanking her for more than just the sex, but for the love that was thick in the air. Almost tangible in that moment.
* * * *