Things around the apartment were tense. For the last two weeks, he and Natalie seemed to be two ships passing in the night.
Yeah, okay, some of that was deliberate on his part. Okay, a lot of that had been deliberate on his part. But after he'd gone looking for her at Alex's, he’d tried to fix it.
Fat lot of good that did him.
The problem was, he missed her. The one time he'd seen her in the hallway and tried to engage her in conversation, she'd looked through him and acted as if he wasn't there. A couple of days ago, he'd seen her laptop open to Rent to Me, the apartment-finder roommate site.
What the hell was he going to do if she left? This was impossible. Yeah, he'd fucked up. And he had no idea what to do about it. She wouldn't talk to him, she wouldn't look at him. The stress was affecting him. It made it hard to study, hard to concentrate.
The crazy thing was, he was more affected by this than when Courtney left. With Courtney, he really hadn't thought much of anything.
When he'd come home to find her things gone, it had been more like a 'Let's just get back to work' situation. All he'd had to do was turn his attention to work and it was easy to forget her. He couldn't do that with Natalie. She'd infiltrated every aspect of his daily life.
He wanted to hear her laughing as she talked with Alex on the phone. He wanted to watch her as she mouthed the lines to bad movies. He looked forward to her little notes on Tupperware containers. He liked her bad singing when she tried to do her own rendition of pop songs and replaced all the words with ones of her own.
You're a fucking mess. Yeah, tell him some shit he didn't know.
He had it bad, and right now he would do just about anything to have her back. Professor Washington had been right about one thing. With Courtney, he had been hyper-focused on his job search. On his career. He hadn't put enough into that relationship, and she eventually got sick of it.
Having Natalie here, was like a breath of fresh air. Once, everything in his life had been so tightly controlled. Now, everything didn't fit into a neat little box anymore. And while he’d first thought that would kill him, it didn't. In fact, he liked it.
He wanted to figure things out with Natalie. They could work it out. Whatever it was, whatever happened. He wasn't putting his career on the back burner, he was taking a more holistic look at his life. Just like he didn't want his sister Talia to be lonely and only focus on school, he needed to take his own advice and balance the professional and personal aspects.
He wanted Natalie. More than that, he wanted to be with her. He needed her. Trevor had spent way too much time dicking around over the last two weeks. Trying to fight whatever it was that he was feeling. How much time had he wasted?
He needed a break from his books, so he closed them all and headed out into the living room. The lights were almost all out except the one he'd left on in the kitchen. Natalie was probably out again, looking for a new apartment.
Did you have to be such a dick?
Good question. No, he didn't have to be such a dick, he'd willingly chosen to be and pushed away the one girl who got him. He grabbed a beer from the kitchen and didn't even bother turning on the lights in the living room, but instead parked it on the couch and grabbed the remote. One of the movies from her collection was still in the Blu-ray player. He turned it on, needing some kind of connection to her.
Because you need help. Yeah, he did.
On the screen, Segal had a great action sequence that made it look like he was doing no work at all. In all likelihood, he probably wasn't. By the time he'd filmed this one, he was a lot older. So chances were good that Trevor was seeing a stunt double. It didn't matter though. He still loved it.
"I'm never going to find another girl that appreciates you the way I do, Segal."
"If only you'd appreciated the girl in front of you."
He whirled around, nearly spilling his beer. "Natalie. You're home."
She nodded. "Yeah, I got back an hour ago."
That tightness in his chest, the pressure that he'd been lugging along with him over the last couple of weeks, eased and dissipated for the first time in a while. He felt like he could breathe. And he knew that was her doing. The question was, how could he fix it? How could he make this better? How could he have her in his life?
He licked his lips and said the only thing he could think of, the only common ground they had right now. Inclining his head toward the TV, he asked softly, "Want to watch with me?"
Thirteen
Natalie sat on the couch next to Trevor, wondering if she was making a mistake. She’d been doing so well avoiding him, but when she’d heard the unmistakable sounds of a Segal movie, she hadn’t been able to stay away.
Damn him and his wonderfully horrible taste in movies.
“I’ve missed you,” Trevor said without looking at her. His eyes stayed glued to the television where Segal was currently fighting several bad guys with nothing more than a lead pipe and a shoe. He spoke so softly that she wondered if he’d really meant for her to hear that. But his words didn’t even make sense. She wasn’t the one who’d messed everything up and then walked away. All she’d done was try to salvage the remains of her heart and her pride.
“You haven’t had time to miss me yet. I’m still here.”
He turned then. “No, you’re not here where it counts. And I really don’t want you to leave. I saw you looking at that apartment-finder site. Please don’t move out. I just got used to having a roommate.”
Natalie sighed. It didn’t make sense that he was trying to guilt trip her. He was the one who’d brought some girl home knowing she’d be there. Maybe he should ask Jenny to move in so he could have his harem on site.
“Trevor, what did you think was going to happen? That I would just go to my room and ignore it when you bring your skanks home? No, thank you.”
“No, that’s not what I expected to happen. I had no idea she was coming over because I didn’t invite her. There’s nothing going on with Jenny. She’s just a girl who asked me to tutor her.”
“She was wearing a pretty obvious push-up bra for a tutoring session.”
“I wouldn’t know because I’ve never gotten near her bra. You have to believe me.”
Natalie wanted to believe him, but she was done being played for a fool. If it looked shady, it probably was. She wasn’t going to be taken off-guard by a man’s infidelity again.
“Then your aunt came by and reminded me that I’m pursuing international opportunities after I graduate. I didn’t think it was fair to you to start a relationship knowing that I plan to leave.”
Wait, what?
Her aunt had come here and talked Trevor out of dating her? Natalie didn’t know what to think of that. Aunt Patty had never been the type to be overly pushy or interfere in her life before. But the more she thought about it, it kind of made sense. Her aunt knew she’d just gotten out of a bad relationship with a guy who didn’t plan on sticking around. Maybe she thought she was protecting her.
But Natalie didn’t need anyone else making decisions for her. That was the main thing she’d learned over the past year. She wanted to be in control of her own life. And she wasn’t going to let anyone else dictate what she did or didn’t do.
“Okay I didn’t know that Aunt Patty did that. She shouldn’t have told you that. I was hurt before so she’s overprotective, but I can make my own decisions. And I wanted to be with you. And you just left like that didn’t matter at all.”
No longer watching the movie, Trevor took her hand and brought it to his mouth. The soft kiss in her palm made Natalie smile.
“I only stayed away because I thought it was better than having to leave later. But if I’m a wreck after just a few days, there’s no way I can handle leaving you later. I need you, Natalie.”
Happiness bloomed and Natalie thought she’d burst from the sudden emotion. “So that’s the solution. You can just never leave me.”
Trevor smiled against her hand. “I guess so. You’v
e bewitched me with your great taste in movies.”
“This might even be a good thing, you know?” When Trevor looked at her curiously, Natalie stood and then settled herself on his lap, straddling him.
“I’ve always wanted to travel, too. It would be kind of cool to have a boyfriend who lived in Europe so I could come visit.”
“Do you really think that could work?” Trevor watched her with serious eyes.
“You’ve never heard of long distance relationships? Hello, you’re a tech guy. Surely you’ve discovered the benefits of video chatting by now. Besides, it’s not like you’d be gone forever.”
Trevor grabbed her suddenly and she laughed in delight as he buried his face in her chest. “I really thought I was doing the right thing. But screw that. I need you with me, Natalie. Whatever happens we’ll find a way to make it work. Because I love you too much to let you go.”
Natalie blinked back tears. “I love you too much to let you get away. Now let’s see if you can make it up to me.”
Jesus, Natalie had missed him.
All she wanted were Trevor's hands on her, sliding over her skin, making her hot and tingly. He ducked his head down and sucked on her neck, as she let out a low moan. His hand tightened on her hips and he seemed to revel in the sound that she made, giving her open-mouthed kisses along her neck and jaw, before finally nipping gently at her bottom lip.
Natalie rocked her hips over the ridge of his erection, and he hissed before pressing his tongue between her lips and into her mouth. She'd missed this. She'd missed him.
That dizzying feeling he could instill within her. It felt like the rush of the wildest roller coaster along with the best kind of electrical zap.
In seconds, they were shoving at each other's clothes. Trevor slid his hands up her torso, gently skimming her breasts with his thumbs before helping her tug her shirt over her head. She didn't care where the damn thing landed. She was simultaneously trying to drag his T-shirt over his head.
With a smirk, he helped her out and reached behind him, grabbing two fistfuls of material before pulling it over his dark curls.
While he worked that out, she only let herself get momentarily distracted by the display of muscles before going for his belt and unbuckling the brass.
Trevor wasted no time with his T-shirt, tossing it somewhere near the dining room table. With his hands tucking under her skirt, Natalie cursed soft and low when his knuckles brushed over her sex.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
With a frown, she asked, "For what?"
His fingertips snuck into the edge of her panties, and then he twisted. "For this." With a flick of his wrist, he snapped her thong.
The shock and sting of pain was quickly replaced by the warmth and pleasure of his hands running over her skin, soothing away the hurt. "Trevor," she gasped.
He shrugged. "I said I was sorry."
He kissed her again, licking into her mouth even as he slicked his thumb over her clit. Good Lord, it was impossible to think at all when he did that. Anytime he had his hands on her, her brain just took a hiatus.
There was some shifting and wiggling, a couple of curses, but they managed to work his jeans and boxers down to at least midthigh so that they could free his cock together. When she reached between them and wrapped her hands around him, Trevor threw his head back into the couch cushions and cursed low, his hand digging into her hips. "Jesus, fuck me."
Natalie chuckled. "I think I'm getting to that."
She slid both hands over his satin smooth skin and then used her thumb to spread the drop of liquid that pooled at the tip. She marveled at how he could be so hard but so soft at the same time.
"I like how you feel," she whispered as he pushed himself further into her hands.
When he spoke, his voice was strained, more of a low growl really. "I love how you make me feel."
Trevor's brows knit but his hips rocked upwards pushing him further into her hands. "Please don't fucking stop. I've imagined this a million times."
"Well you don't have to imagine anymore."
One of his hands finally released her hip and slid up her torso, stroking his thumb over her nipple through the lace of her bra. Trevor smirked when she had to halt all motion to focus on the wave of lust rushing through her.
"I love how responsive you are. One day soon, I want to see if you can come from me doing nothing else but this. Just pinching your nipples, licking them, biting them."
She shivered. She wanted that, too. But right now, there was something else she wanted more. She raised herself up on her knees and positioned him at her cleft. One hand stroking down to the root of his cock, she held him still before gently swiveling her hips. Coating the tip of him.
"Jesus. Natalie. Oh my God." As if he couldn't help himself, his hips rocked into her. The first inch of him slid inside her easily.
She threw her head back and held perfectly still. "Oh my God." Yeah, she could come like this. With just the tip of him inside her. She felt full, stretched, and oh so heavenly.
"Jesus. Fuck, you feel good." Trevor mumbled then pinched her nipple harder.
Natalie gasped. That motion alone sent her body down another inch over the thick length of him. "Trevor. God you feel so—"
He shoved a hand into her hair and gripped tight. The sting of pain had her opening her eyes and focusing on him. "Natalie. We can't—the condoms are in my bedroom."
She licked her lips before biting down and rocking her hips a little bit more, taking more of him inside her. "You feel so good, though."
Trevor panted, sliding in just a little bit more and then retreating an inch. The glide and pressure made her tingle. "Natalie. Listen to me. We need to stop. This isn't safe. And—"
Natalie wasn't listening. She wanted more of him. She wanted all of him. Forcing her eyelids open she said, "I'm on the pill. I started right when I moved to New York. Not that I anticipated this but—"
His green eyes went dark suddenly, and he gripped her hips again, his fingertips pressing deep into her skin as he slid all the way home. With her skirt bunched up around her waist, he watched intently where they were joined. As he made love to her, he muttered words of need and longing and love.
Natalie arched and leaned back so she could brace herself on his knees. That new position gave him all the access he needed.
One hand reached behind her, unsnapped her bra, and then shoved the lace cups up. He leaned over her body, sucking one stiff nipple into his mouth, and groaned against her breast. His other hand slid between their bodies, pressing slow, easy circles on her clit.
She was coming in seconds. Flying high and clamping around his dick. But he wasn't done. Trevor kept going. Snapping his hips forward and making her gasp and widen her eyes when he hit that magical place deep inside her. And then he would retreat. With each snap of his hips, she couldn't help but call out his name.
As her orgasm coursed through her, sending her body into wicked convulsions, Trevor growled and pulled her forward on his lap. He slid his lips over hers and pressed his tongue into her mouth, kissing her deep. The top of her pelvis rubbed along his, prolonging the pleasure and the hit of ecstasy.
Natalie held tight onto his shoulders as he kissed her, her hips still working, her body still taking him deep. This was perfection.
Trevor dragged his lips off of hers and kissed along her jaw, whispering to her, making her hotter. "So fucking beautiful ...I could do this all damn day... You feel so good..." His hand fisted in her hair more gently than before, while the other slid over her ass, rocking her more firmly against him as he loved her. When he slid a finger down the seam of her ass, she hesitated for only a moment but then relaxed against him.
She trusted him. She loved him. She was his to do with what he wanted.
When his finger pressed against her pucker, the first sensation was shock, and then astonishment at the sting of pleasure. But when he eased a finger gently inside, she broke apart again, pushing herself up onto her
knees and slamming back down over him.
Trevor held perfectly still, his muscles going rigid. As he came his gaze didn't leave hers, and he sank home one more time. "I am never letting you go. We belong together."
Natalie sank over him once more, and they both groaned, riding the wave of the last vestiges of their orgasms.
He might never let her go, but more importantly she never wanted to leave. This was where she belonged.
In his arms.
Dying to know how Trevor took the news about Talia & Cage? We’ll send it to you FREE!
BONUS READ - Bad Benefits
There are some things you should never see...like ever! Things like your boss j*cking off in his office while he moans your name.
There was no way this day could get any worse for Bailey … Good thing her best friend Hunter has the perfect cure for her woes … vodka.
There are some things you always hope to see... Things like your best friend, Bailey’s, perfect tits soaped up in the shower. Too bad she thinks he’s Mr. Nice Guy.
She wants to pretend none of that happened. But he’s not going to let her. He’s wanted her for ages and he’s finally going to show her he’s not that...nice.
A laugh out loud, alpha male romance that will make you look at interoffice relations in a whole new way!
Fourteen
Get your ass down here now.
Bailey smiled to herself at yet another text from her friend Hunter. It was Friday night and the rest of the office had already knocked off to go down to Happy’s, the bar right down the street from their building. It was their favorite spot for happy hour, thanks to the cheap drinks and terrible music. She’d be right there with them if she hadn’t gotten so behind on her work today.
Or if her asshole boss hadn’t dumped project busy work on her just a few hours ago. She wasn't even assigned to any of his projects specifically. Who did that?
Bad Roommate Page 9