by Meghan Quinn
“Hand them over, muffin.”
“I’m fine.”
“I don’t care. You drank, therefore you don’t drive. Give them up; this is non-negotiable,” I said rather sternly.
“You just want to get your hands all over my wheel,” she joked, as she handed her keys over with a smirk.
“You have no fucking clue,” I said, as I followed behind her, taking in the beautiful sway of her hips.
On the drive back to the house, we listened to the best of Britney Spears that Solo just so happened to have in her glove compartment. I tried to refrain from busting out my rich dance moves and kept my singing to a respectable amount, but it was hard with Britney grunting and singing through the car speakers.
“Favorite Brit Brit song,” Solo asked while “Oops, I did it again” started playing.
I turned the music down just a little, so I could hear Solo better and said, “Will I lose my man card?”
She patted my shoulder and said, “You kind of already lost it when you got passionate about Justin Timberlake earlier.”
I nodded my head. “Fair enough. So, if there is zero man card to lose, I’m going to have to go with ‘Sometimes.’ There’s something about the beach and the lyrics that can bring a grown man to his knees.”
Solo’s head flew back and she erupted out in laughter while clapping her hands. “Oh, my God, that would be your favorite song.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” I asked with fake offense.
“I like you Adam, but you’re kind of girly.”
I pulled into the driveway and shut off the car. I got out of my seat, ran to her side, and pulled her out. Once I closed her door, I pinned her against the car and pressed my body against hers. Her eyes shot open in shock from the whirlwind I just created.
I leaned down and ran the tip of my nose along her jaw until I reached her ear, where I said, “Clearly, I’ve been giving you the wrong impression of me then.”
I felt her gulp while I ran my nose back to her chin and then looked up at her through my lashes. Her chest heaved from my proximity and her eyes were heavy with lust. I had her; she was giving in. I just needed to move slowly, because I knew if I worked too fast, I would scare her. I had to get her to the point where she couldn’t possibly take it anymore and she’d finally hand herself over to me, and by the look in her eyes, I was halfway there.
“Come on,” I stood up and pulled her hand into mine. “Let’s go check out those aircrafts. They have to be more visible up in the hills.”
Without pulling away, she allowed me to grip her petite hand in mine and guide her to the lounge chairs. The fact that she didn’t pull away or refuse her hand to me made my ego boost up a couple of notches. Solo had this way of putting me in my place, and it was a small victory when she gave in. So, I relished every one of those tiny victories.
I pulled her over to one of the double cabana chairs that flanked the edge of the hill that looked over the valley and sat her down. From below, I grabbed a blanket and then sat down next to her. Taking my hat off, I placed it on her head for safe keeping and then smiled when it fell over her eyes.
“Your head is big,” she laughed, as she straightened out my hat so she could look up at me.
My heart seized in my chest from how adorable she looked.
“You know what they say about big heads,” I wiggled my eyebrows.
“Eww, are you referring to your penis?” she asked, laying back.
I looked down at her and said, “It’s concerning that you used ‘ew’ and my penis in the same sentence. Care to try that again?”
“Nope,” she said with a smile.
“You’re impossible.”
I laid back with her, after pushing the cover of the cabana chair back, so we could look up at the sky. With a bout of bravery, I pulled Solo into my chest so my arm was wrapped around her shoulder and my hand rested on her hip. I was ready for some push back, but instead, she curled in closer and pressed her head against my chest. Her hair brushed against my nose, and all I could smell was her fruity shampoo, which was doing strange things to my senses.
Her hand rested next to her head and we sat in silence as we looked out onto the valley. Lights scattered around the darkness of the night, but we were still able to see the stars, which was what I wanted.
My chin rested on her head while I asked, “What’s your favorite Star Wars movie?”
“That’s like asking me who’s my favorite child.”
“Hard, I know, but you have to choose.”
“Says who?”
“The question game gods,” I joked.
“Fine, if I had to pick, I would have to go with Return of the Jedi.”
I stiffened under her and then pulled her away to look her in the eyes.
“Seriously?”
“Yes, why? What’s yours?”
I shook my head. “We’re meant to be,” I smiled. She rolled her eyes and laid back down, but this time not on my chest.
“Excuse me, ma’am, you were keeping me warm, so if you don’t mind coming back over here, that would be greatly appreciated.”
“For such a strong guy, you can be a little wuss.”
“I love it when you insult me, really gets my blood pumping.”
“So, I guess all I have to do is insult you and you’ll be warm, right?”
She gave me a devilish look, and at that moment, I had an all-encompassing need to press my lips to hers; it was all I ever wanted, to feel how soft they were against mine and the taste of that delectable mouth.
“What?” she asked, catching me staring at her.
“Nothing,” I shook my head and went to pull her into me, but she moved to the side.
“Tell me what you were thinking, Adam.”
“If I tell you what I was thinking, then you would most likely run away, so just come back and lay down with me.”
She looked at my chest and contemplated our recent position. My hands itched to grab her, but I wanted her to make the decision on her own. I wanted her to want to be with me, because even though it felt like heaven when she was in my arms, I wanted her to be the one to make the decision.
“What were you thinking?” she asked, while she looked at her hands.
Damn, it looked like I was going to be putting my heart out there once again for her to crush.
I lifted her head and made her make eye contact with me. Her brown eyes sparkled in the moonlit sky. What I was about to tell her would be one of the easiest things to ever say.
“I was thinking how damn beautiful you are. How it would make my fucking day to press my lips against that gorgeous mouth of yours. How I would do anything for just one more moment with you in my arms, to feel your head pressed against my chest and the steady beat of your heart against my side.”
Her eyes lit up from my confession and a small smile twitched at the corner of her mouth.
She shook her head in disbelief and then cuddled up next to me, making my heart soar. My arm wrapped around her and I brought her in closer. My hand went to her hip, where her shirt was lifted ever so slightly. Taking a deep breath, I allowed my thumb to trace the patch of exposed skin, and instead of Solo getting up and slapping me in the face for being so bold, she cuddled in closer and rested her arm on my lower stomach, making me gulp.
“I’ve never met anyone like you, Adam.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” I asked, as I rested my chin on her head, taking in the fruity scent of her hair again.
“You’re so honest, and you really don’t care about what people think about you.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
She pulled away from my chest to look me in the eyes and said, “No, it’s a very good thing.”
We sat in silence for a little bit, looking out on the dark of the valley, just enjoying each other’s company. It was so easy with Solo. I didn’t have to try to impress her; my dorky self did that all on its own, which still baffled me.
“Tell me, wha
t was Solo like as a little girl?” I mumbled into her hair.
She sighed and nestled her head deeper into my shoulder.
“Well, you already know about my cutting fixation that caused me to go through school looking like a misused chia pet.”
I laughed, “Yes, our little Vidal Sassoon.”
“Something like that,” she laughed. “Other than that, I was a bony little girl, smallest in my class, always with big glasses and eighties Star Wars shirts that were two sizes too big. I was the awkward girl that no one really talked to because I had my own style and I knew what I liked and I was cool with that. I didn’t need friends. It wasn’t until high school that I found the SciFi Club.”
“It was like coming home to your people,” I teased.
“It was,” she laughed. “I could speak geek to them and they knew what I was talking about.”
“You can speak geek to me any day, muffin. It’s what I like most about you.”
“Wow, low standards,” she joked.
“No, I just know what I like. And, honestly, I never would have guessed that you can totally nerd out like me. I knew you were different because your style shows it, which I totally dig, but you’re different in a good way.”
“You’re different in a good way too.” She sat up and pressed her hand against my chest as she studied me. My hat that she had been wearing was now on the ground, and I could see her eyes full of need. I knew the look because it was the same feeling running through me too. She ran her spare hand through my hair and said, “I don’t want you to change. I like your hair messy, and I like the fact that you’re not fake orange from too much tanning.”
“I’m not going to change, Solo. My outer appearance might be slightly different, but I’m not going to change.”
“Fame changes people, Adam.”
“Fame means nothing to me, Solo.”
“Then, why do it?” she searched my eyes.
“I just have to; I have no other options.”
“Why?”
I didn’t want to get into this, not with her and not now. I wanted to enjoy the night and end on a good note. So, I brought her hand up to my mouth and gently kissed it. She leaned into me and I got the distinct feeling that she wanted me to kiss more than just her hand.
“I don’t want to talk about that right now.”
“What do you want to talk about?” she asked, leaning in further.
“I want to talk about how you keep moving away from me. Get over here.”
I pulled her in close, and this time, my hand went distinctly under her shirt. Her quick intake of air let me know that she was surprised, but when she settled in, I knew I was good to go.
I rubbed her back and reveled in the soft feel of her skin on the palm of my hand. This woman was going to be my undoing.
While looking out at the stars, I felt her hand creep to the hem of my shirt and in a slow, deliberate movement, she lifted my shirt up an inch and placed her thumb over the exposed skin. My heart hammered in my chest as her thumb moved up and down, right near my waistline. My nerves tingled with pleasure from her small hand, and I swore to myself to contain my emotions because one slip up and I would be sporting a tent for she and I to crowd under.
“Favorite cartoon,” she interrupted the silence and the thoughts of Solo on top of me running through my head.
“Besides Ninja Turtles?” I asked.
“Obviously.”
I laughed and thought about it. “You know, I really think you might make fun of me.”
“There is nothing you can say now that will surprise me, Adam, so just lay it on me.”
“Alright, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” I took a deep breath and said, “Muppet Babies.”
The slow circle she was making on my skin stopped and she looked up at me without lifting her head.
“Scratch what I said earlier. You still have some things up your sleeve that can surprise me. Really, the Muppet Babies? Come on, Adam, you’re not helping your case here. You’re never going to win your man card back at this rate.”
I laughed and said, “There is one sure-fire way that I can win it back, if you want to try.”
“Don’t even think about it,” she responded, knowing what was on my mind.
“Then I would be careful with how close your hand gets to my waistline. You’re playing with fire, muffin, and I would hate to see you get burned.”
“Well then, I better get back to my room before I do,” she said, getting up and grabbing her purse.
I wanted to scream, “No,” but I held back the outburst and nodded my head. It was late, and I had an early morning workout.
“Can I walk you to your house?” I asked, as I stood up after grabbing my hat.
She took my hat from my hand and put it on my head, backwards. Her hands ran over my hair, pushing the loose strands behind my ears as she smiled brightly at me.
“It’s two steps away, Adam, I think I can handle it.”
“Let me be a gentleman.”
She shook her head and laughed. “Fine, by all means, walk me to my door.”
I grabbed her hand and brought it close into me so she had to press up against my side.
We walked probably a total of six steps and were at her front door. It was slightly pathetic, but it gave me a few more moments holding her hand. It was what I needed.
She turned toward me and said, “Thanks for tonight, I had fun.”
“So did I. Thank you for coming out with Scout and me.”
“Thanks for inviting me.”
We stood there, in front of her door, looking at each other. It was slightly awkward, because I was deciding what I wanted to do, and whether or not she was going to like what I was thinking about.
She smiled at me and was about to turn to open her door when I stopped her and gently pushed her against her door. My hands ran to her hips and pinned her in place. I was going for it. I couldn’t wait any longer.
I left one hand at her hip and brought the other hand up to cup her chin. Her eyes searched mine, and I waited a breath to see if she was going to protest, but when she licked her lips, running her tongue along her lip ring, I knew I was golden.
Slowly, I lowered my head and rested my forehead against hers right, before I took one more deep breath and pressed my lips against hers.
If we were in a romantic comedy on the big screen, the camera would be floating in circles around us and sappy music would be playing in the background…that was how amazing our kiss was.
Her lips were soft, just like her skin, and she tasted like heaven. Her lip ring was cold against my lips, sending my nerves into overdrive. My lips nipped at hers, and when she nipped back, I pressed harder, became more demanding, and licked her lips, begging for entrance. When her mouth opened, a moan escaped the back of my throat and my entire body pressed against hers. Her hands went to my lower back and lifted my shirt, where she pressed her hands against my skin.
Holy fuck, I was going to lose it, and because I didn’t want to scare her, I knew I had to stop this glorious feeling before things became too intense.
Reluctantly, I pulled away and stared her in the eyes. Ever so slowly, her eyelids opened, showing me a hazed over Solo. It was one of the most delicious sights I’ve ever seen. The fact that with just my mouth, I could sedate her, was so empowering. I needed more; I craved more, but right now was not the right time, so I stepped back and adjusted my hat as I tried to rein in my emotions.
“So, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?” I asked like a dumb ass.
She smiled and shrugged her shoulders while touching her lips. “Maybe.”
We stood in silence for a second, and I then I lost all self-control.
“God,” I said, as I pulled on the back of my neck. “Fuck it.”
I pressed her against the door again and took her mouth with mine. Her hands went up the front of my shirt, exploring my body, and my hands went to the hemline of her shirt to reciprocate the exploring, but I kept min
e a little more PG, just around the waistline. Her hands wrapped around my body as her lips closed over mine.
Fuck, she was a good kisser.
Her tongue darted out of her mouth and teased mine. I pressed against her harder and moved my tongue into her mouth, where she matched each and every one of my strokes.
She moaned in my mouth, and that was it, I needed to leave before I took her up against the door and fucked her. I didn’t want to do that. When, not if, but when I took Solo in the bedroom, it was going to be long and slow. I was going to enjoy every last minute of it.
I pulled away and took two big steps back to put some distance between us. Her lips were swollen and her eyes were clouded over with lust. Her shirt was lifted ever so slightly, showing her flat stomach. She was gorgeous, and I was in so much fucking trouble. She was everything I’d ever looked for in a girl.
“I have to go before I do something I’ll regret.”
Her face fell at my words. “Wow, and I thought that’s what you wanted,” she said defensively, as she turned and dug in her purse for her keys.
“Wait,” I pulled up behind her and spun her around. “That’s not what I meant. I meant, I need to leave now before I lose all self-control and fuck you up against your door in the middle of the dark night. When I take you, Solo, and I will, it will be long and slow. I will cherish every last inch of that gorgeous body of yours, and when you think you’re about to come undone, I will start all over again. That is how you deserve to be treated, to be worshipped, and right now, I don’t have enough strength or control to do so. So, I’m going to say good night and hope that you will come around to see me tomorrow.”
I gave her one last peck on her cheek and then took off toward my room. I needed to get away, because I was seconds away from progressing our relationship to something I knew she wasn’t ready for just yet, even though it was all I wanted.
Chapter Fourteen
Solo
“Why do we have to set up all this food if no one ever eats it?” Nolly asked, as she unwrapped a tray of pastries.
“People eat it; the models just don’t touch it.”