I Need You (Meant For Me Book 1)

by N. Natishna

  I couldn’t help but laugh now, seeing Reggie’s shocked face. Then he grinned devilishly.

  “Oh, it’s so on.”

  Things got out of hand after that. Pizza toppings went flying, flour and dough was smeared everywhere, and the whole kitchen rang with loud laughter. This is what happened whenever we were all together. We were a crazy bunch of kids and were never not having fun. Now, having Deklan here with me, I felt like I was having the best time of my life. He was six feet, four inches of tattooed and pierced sexiness, who looked like he could lift a truck, yet he was so good-hearted and poetic.

  I ducked when he came at me with a handful of pizza sauce and yelped when he caught me around the waist. He smeared sauce down the side of my neck and it dripped down my chest.

  “Deklan, gross!” I scolded, but sighed when he bit my earlobe.

  “I bet it tastes even better now,” he whispered and ran his tongue over the sauce on my neck. “Hmm, I was right.”

  I hissed in a sharp breath and pushed away from him. He chuckled. “Deklan, you can’t do that around people.” I didn’t sound so convincing, mostly because I liked what he did.

  “I know, that’s the last time, I promise.” I knew he was lying, because that damn mischievous glint in his eyes held nothing by trouble.

  I couldn’t help but smile. “You’re too much trouble than you’re worth, bucko.”

  He just laughed and kissed my cheek with his sauce-covered lips.

  When we were done, and the kitchen was disastrous, we finished our pizzas and put them in the brick pizza oven. Aria groaned as we checked out the damage we did.

  “We’ll be here forever!”

  Zane shrugged and hugged her to him. “Nah, we’ll be good.”

  “Yeah,” Reggie agreed as he wiped his face with a towel. “We’re good at cleaning up our messes.”

  “We’ve made plenty of them,” Bianca said with a chuckle.

  I nodded my head and headed to the storage closet. We all grabbed the stuff we’d need to clean and got started. With all of us working, the kitchen was halfway clean by the time our pizzas finished. By the time they’d cooled the place was spic and span. I went with the girls to the restroom to clean ourselves up.

  “Thank God that’s over with,” Bianca said as she wiped the pizza sauce from her hair. “I’m definitely starving my ass off now.”

  I nodded and agreed. “I’m with you on that one.”

  “Of course you are, Slim,” Aria said and playfully rolled her eyes. I laughed and hurried to finish cleaning myself up. My shirt was definitely going to stain, and I was glad that I was only wearing my wedges. I’d shit myself if I had been wearing any of my favorites.

  When we left the restroom, we spotted the guys by a few tables that they pushed together. Three large pizzas sat in the middle and I almost drooled. I could probably eat a whole pizza to myself, I was that hungry. Deklan pulled out a chair for me and I giggled softly as I sat.

  “You continue to impress me, Dek.” He pushed in the chair and his hands brushed my shoulders.

  “You bring out this side of me, I guess.” He sat next to me and piled his plate high with pizza. I did the same and took a big chomp out of cheesy deliciousness. I closed my eyes and moaned in elation. I hurried to finish off the rest and then picked up a second before I was finished chewing. Before I took a bite I looked over and saw Deklan watching me in shock and amusement.

  I frowned and lowered my pizza. “What?” I asked.

  “You just inhaled a slice of pizza before I’ve even finished half of mine, that’s what.” A slow grin appeared and he shook his head.

  “I’ve never seen someone eat so fast, let alone a girl.”

  Reggie roared with laughter. “You’re in for a rude awakening, bro. Slim can out eat anybody.”

  I grinned and shrugged. What could I say? I loved food. Deklan winked at me, sending my pulse skyrocketing.

  “I think it’s hot, sugar.” He went back to eating his pizza and I sighed sweetly. He knew just what to say and do to make me melt.

  “So, Emma, we were thinking more about your party,” Bianca announced. Great, I’d completely forgotten about that. I nodded and continued to eat while she talked. “Liam thought it’d be cool if Coming Undone replaced the DJ near the end. We think it’d be a great idea, what about you?”

  I nodded again, this time with more vigor. Watching Deklan play on my birthday would make my day so much more special to me. I’ve yet to watch him at practice, but I’d stop being such a coward now and go. I could be like Deklan’s groupie! Well, except for the whole having sex part. Although, an image of Deklan on my white fluffy comforter had my face heating with something a whole lot different than embarrassment.

  Someone cleared their throat and I jumped, remembering that they’d asked me a question. “Oh, um…” My voice sounded rough, so I cleared my throat. “Sure, that would be great.”

  “This is going to be a great birthday, Slim, I promise.”

  I nodded in agreement. They sure were going all out for me. That was the great thing about my friends. No matter what happens, I could always count on them. I was actually getting excited about the party they were throwing for me.

  We finished eating and then cleaned up. Everyone walked outside and Aria locked up behind us.

  “Are you staying at my house tonight, babe?” Zane asked her as they walked to his jeep.

  “Yeah, I already told my dad I’d be staying with Emma tonight.”

  Deklan grabbed my hand and pulled close to his side, and I went willingly. “Moll, do you want to ride with me to take Emma back? That way Zane doesn’t have to drive out of the way.”

  “It’s no biggie, man,” Zane said.

  I shook my head. “It’s okay, Zane, we don’t mind.”

  “No, I’m fine,” Molly told us with a small smile. “You guys enjoy the rest of your night.”

  I blushed, because I really wanted to spend a little more alone time with Deklan tonight, and I nodded.

  “Okay, I’ll just see you at home, Moll,” Deklan told her and pulled me closer to his side. Everyone called out their goodnight’s as we made our way to our cars.

  We followed behind Liam’s motorcycle out of the parking lot. Once we were on the road I reached over to wrap my hand underneath and around Deklan’s bicep. I really liked doing that. The feel of his muscles under my grip was addicting.

  “I had a really great time tonight, Dek.”

  He sighed and his arm flexed as he gripped the steering wheel.

  “Emma, what did you mean earlier when you said we weren’t even officially dating?”

  I was a little startled that he remembered that. I had been just joking with him, but the truth was, I didn’t know if we were official or not. We’d had such a wonderful time, and he’d given me something special out on the beach. Something he’s never shared with anyone else. I wanted to be with him. I wanted that so badly I could taste it. But I was terrified to ask him if we were an item, even as he’d done nothing but show me that he wanted exactly what I wanted.

  “I didn’t think we were, Deklan,” I said honestly. “I mean, this was our first night out together. I didn’t want to assume that you were my boyfriend after just one night.”

  He sighed again, this time louder than before. “Emma, I told you that there’s something special here. The first day I saw you I was gone, and it just got worse every time I was around you.” He pulled over on the side of the road and put the car in park. When he looked over at me I saw how distraught he was. “I thought that you felt the same way, Emma.”

  I reached up to touch his cheek. “Of course I do, Dek. I wasn’t thinking, I’m sorry.” I leaned over the center console and he met me halfway for a kiss. “I do want to be with you, okay? More than anything.”

  He kissed me once more and took the car out of park. “I’m just happy we’ve got that cleared up.” He grabbed my hand and held it the rest of the way to my house. Instead of calling for someo
ne to open the gate, I told Deklan to punch in the code.

  “Aren’t you afraid I’ll sneak in and kidnap you?” he teased as the gate opened up. I chuckled and shook my head.

  “Nope. I’ve got two great Danes that can do serious damage, and they’re very protective of me.”

  “Seriously? Great Danes?” He sounded shocked and I shrugged. He wouldn’t be the only one that’s been surprised at my dogs. But they were my babies and had soft hearts.

  “Yeah and their huge, too, so I wouldn’t try anything when they’re around.” I smiled as he parked behind Miracle. “When they’re on their hind legs they dwarf me.”

  “It doesn’t take much to dwarf you, baby.” He got out of the car and I bit my lip. I loved when he used sweet endearments. They rolled off his tongue like he’s been saying them to me for forever. He came around to my side and I grabbed the hand he held out.

  He walked me up to the front door and turned me to him.

  “Just so we’re clear, we’re exclusive, right?”

  I nodded vigorously and hugged his waist.

  “Can I see you tomorrow?”

  “Of course.” I beamed a smile up at him. “What are we gonna do?”

  “I was thinking we spend some time on the beach.”

  A picture of Deklan in nothing but a pair of swim shorts…his chest bare and delicious looking. He was so drool-worthy. I’ve been wondering what his body looked like underneath those clothes. Whew…if my parents found I was having constant naughty thoughts about a big, pierced, tattooed drummer, they’d have a heart attack. Heck, my dad would have multiple heart attacks.

  “I think that sounds perfect.” I jumped and placed my hands on his chest. “I could make us food for a picnic!”

  He raised his pierced brow. “You can cook?”

  I scoffed and rolled my eyes. “Of course I can cook, Deklan. Our cook, Josie, has been teaching me since I was like ten.”

  “Okay then, a picnic sounds wonderful.” He lowered his mouth to mine and I rose to my tiptoes to deepen it. I let my lips part and he dove into my mouth, his tongue sweeping through. I could kiss his soft lips forever.

  When I needed air I pulled back an inch and rested my forehead on his chin as I sucked in a breath. “Promise me you’ll call when you get home, so I know you made it safely.”

  He nuzzled my neck. “Okay. I should probably let you go now, before Jay comes out. She kinda scares me.”

  “She’s been taking care of me since I was a baby. She wants to make sure I’m in good hands.”

  “No problem there.” He sighed and kissed my neck before pulling back. “Go inside before I ravish you right here.”

  I grabbed the doorknob and looked back at him. “Goodnight.”

  “’Night, sweetheart.”

  I went inside and leaned back against the closed door. I heard his car start and drive off. I sighed and bit my lip. I just had the most memorable night of my young life, and it was thanks to Deklan Mayfield…a guy I’ve only known for two weeks, but have the deepest of connections with.

  Mrs. Jefferies cleared her throat and I turned my head to see her leaning against the stairs to my parent’s wing. I grinned and my face heated at her scowl.

  “Your parents are not going to be happy, girl, and you know that. Especially your father.”

  I shrugged, dismissing that fact. I was living for the moment and I wanted to be with Deklan more than anything. “We’re still getting to know each other. They don’t have to find out yet, Jay.”

  She shook her head and sighed. “This could blow up in our faces, darling. Promise me you’ll be careful.”

  I ran to her and threw my arms around her neck. “Of course I will, Jay!” I let go and ran up my stairs. “Goodnight!” I yelled to her at the top of my stairs.

  Once I was in my room Nitro and Rocket bounded over to me. I wrapped my arms around their necks and hugged them close.

  “I just had an epic night!” I kissed their heads and tossed my purse on my desk. I was just wrapping a towel around my body after my shower, when my phone rang. I hurried over to it and couldn’t stop the grin at seeing his name.

  “Hi,” I chirped as soon as I answered.

  “Hey Beautiful.” That deep voice washed over me like a sensual tidal wave.

  “You made it home okay?”

  He chuckled. “Safe and sound, baby. What are you doing?”

  I looked down at my towel and hesitated. “I just got out of the shower.”

  There was silence on the other line and I was afraid I’d totally screwed up. Had I been too forward?

  “Dek?”

  I heard him clear his throat. “A shower, huh?”

  I held the phone away from me and covered the receiver as I giggled. This was so foolish, but way too much fun. I took a deep breath and brought the phone back.

  “Yeah…hold on a minute, Dekky, I have to fix my towel before it falls off.”

  “Emma!” he whined and I didn’t hide my giggle this time. “You did that on purpose.”

  I walked to my dresser and pulled out a new silk nightie set, this time in peach. “I’m sorry, Deklan. I’ve never done that before.”

  He chuckled. “Our first date and already your naughty streak is coming out. I’d love to see the way you act a month from now.”

  I held the phone between my shoulder and ear as I changed. “Trust me, this side of me is as shocking to me as it is to you. Even Aria and Bianca are already giving me goofy looks.” I walked over and hopped up on my bed. “I never kissed Cody so much in front of my friends. With you I can’t seem to help myself.”

  He laughed again. “Feel free to kiss me as much as you want. I promise to not mind.”

  Snow and Twinkle rubbed up against my sides. “I should get to sleep now, Dek. What time did you want to pick me up?”

  “How about noon? We can spend the whole day together.”

  “Noon is good. I can’t wait.”

  “Goodnight, Pixie. Sweet dream.”

  “’Night, Deklan.”

  I hung up my phone and fell back against my pillows. I tossed one over my face and squealed with glee. In a matter of five hours my life had changed. Deklan was right for me, I just knew it. I loved the feelings he brought out in me, even if they weren’t so innocent. This could end badly, and I might get my heart broken in the process, but it was a chance I was willing to take.

  Feeling content with my life, I called the cats and dogs up to the bed and snuggled under my duvet. Almost instantly I fell asleep with the feel of Deklan’s kisses running through my mind.

  CHAPTER 8.

  I woke early so I would have enough time to make food for me and Deklan, and then get ready. Sure, I could have had Josie cook, but I wanted to be able to say that I cooked for my boyfriend on our official first date. I don’t know why, I just did. I threw on my white, short cotton robe and tied it tightly before filling the cats’ food bowl.

  I grabbed my cell phone and hurried downstairs with my dogs on my heel. I usually took them for a walk on weekend mornings, but I’d let Jay do that today. I was smiling as I walked into the kitchen, but froze when I saw my dad sitting at the island counter. He was drinking a cup of coffee and reading the paper.

  “Daddy, hey,” I said hesitantly and walked over to the sliding door to let the dogs out.

  “Good morning, Princess. What are you doing up so early on a Saturday?”

  I shrugged and went to lean across the counter from him. “I’m heading to the beach later and I’m going to make lunch.” I tilted my head and frowned. “What are you doing here, daddy? You’re usually at work right now.”

  He sighed and set down his paper. “I took two days off and let Dr. Hammond fill in for me. I’ve been working so much lately that I feel worn to the bone.”

  “Do you want me to cancel my beach plans and stay home with you?” I hoped he’d say no so I could spend the day with Deklan, but to me, family came first. If my dad wanted me home, I’d stay.

&nb
sp; Thankfully, Dad shook his head. “You go and spend time with your friends, Princess. But tomorrow I was thinking we can have a father/daughter day. What do you think?”

  I was silent for a beat, then straightened with excitement and threw my hands in the air, and Dad did the same. “Sea World!” we both shouted and then laughed. Sea World was our thing. Whenever it was just the two of us home by ourselves we’d go and make a day of it. Our favorite thing to do was sit at the Turtle Reef and just watch as they swam by.

  I ran around the counter and hugged him hard. “Thank you, Daddy!” I kissed his cheek. “We’re going to have so much fun!”

  He got up and set his empty mug in the sink. “I’m going to call your sister and see if she, Jon, and TJ want to hit the golf course this afternoon.” He bent to kiss my forehead. “Have a fun time at the beach, Princess.”

  “Love you!” I called to him as he walked out.

  “Love you, too.”

  I was in an even better mood than when I woke up, which put me way past gleeful. I grabbed the remote to the ceiling radio and turned it on. I had one of Coming Undone’s demos that Liam had put together. They were my ultimate favorite band, mostly because they were my best friends – now one was my boyfriend.

  I danced around the kitchen making fried chicken and side dishes, while perking my energy with two cups of coffee. Katy Perry’s ‘Teenage Dream’ rang from my phone when I finished packing the basket and I couldn’t help the rush of pleasure that ran through me. I had set that ring tone for Deklan half an hour ago, because I couldn’t get it out of my head.

  I clicked off the radio and grabbed my phone, answering it. “Good morning!” I said brightly and heard him chuckle.

  “Somebody sure is a morning person,” Deklan said. “I was just calling to say I’ll be on my way soon.”

  I stiffened when panic shot through me. If Daddy saw him, he wouldn’t be happy. I wasn’t ready to tell him or mom yet.

  “Wait ten minutes and then leave, okay?” I had to by myself some time to get ready, as well.