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Rooter (Double H Romance)

Page 29

by Smith, Teiran


  Rooter hasn’t been waiting for a perfect moment to arise. He’s been waiting for tonight. A night he has very carefully orchestrated.

  When I step out of the shower, there’s a note waiting for me on the bed: Wear your hair down. I’ll be waiting outside. R. There’s a heart drawn next to his initial. My pulse quickens at the thought of him waiting for me and in anticipation of what is yet to come. Although I hate to admit it, he was right about anticipation after all.

  I hurry to the bathroom to apply my makeup and blow out my hair. I wish Miranda was here to help with the eyeshadow. I do my best, but am unable to recreate her famous smoky eyes. Instead of red lipstick, I go with an understated nude. Thankfully I brought my curling iron. I use it turn my tresses into loose, flowing waves and top the look off with a little finishing spray.

  I scurry to the bedroom to get dressed and stare at the bustier. I may enjoy fancy underwear, but I’ve never worn anything like this. The thought of having it on, and Rooter seeing me in it later, makes me giddy. It takes a few minutes, but eventually I’m able to get it secured comfortably. The dress is a little harder to manage having to zip it up on my own. Once I’ve finished adding the heels and necklace, I appraise myself in the mirror.

  I feel like a princess and look like one too. The dress fits my body type perfectly, accentuating my long legs. The bustier even makes my girls appear bigger. I might have to invest in more of these. I twirl in front of the mirror and then take one last glance at my reflection.

  The moment my hand clasps the door handle my heart races. Tonight is the night. Our night to make love for the first time. I want it to be perfect for both of us. I already know it’ll be perfect for me. Rooter has put together such a beautiful evening. And he’s outside waiting on me which is so incredibly exciting and yet nerve-wracking at the same time. I don’t want him to be disappointed in me. He picked all of this out for me, and what if I don’t look the way he hopes I will?

  What if I’m no good in bed? He’s used to being with girls like Candace who know what they’re doing. I wonder if he’s ever been with a virgin? Or a girl like me who seriously lacks experience. He could’ve gone to all this trouble just to be let down.

  Get it together Sophie! I take a deep breath and turn the doorknob. I straighten my posture, open the door, step into the hallway and make my way to my man. My man. And tonight, he’ll finally be mine in every way.

  When I make it to the french doors leading to the deck, Rooter’s sitting with his back to me. I open the door and step out onto the deck. Upon hearing my heels click on the wood, he stands and turns to face me. Not at all prepared for the vision standing before me, I come to a halt and gasp. He is in a tailored, charcoal gray suit paired with a black shirt and black tie. The fabric clings deliciously to his body, accentuating his muscular physique. We both stand and stare at one another for a long moment. Finally, he makes his way to me.

  “You are gorgeous,” he says and reaches for my hand.

  “So are you,” I breathe and eye him up and down.

  “I clean up all right.” He flashes a bashful smile and leads me to the table.

  Rooter pulls out a chair for me and I spy his half-finished glass of whiskey.

  “I think I need one of those,” I say.

  He fills the glass in front of me with ice from the silver canister on the table before pouring the Jack. He hands me the glass and then holds his up for a toast.

  “To a perfect night with the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

  My heart skips a beat. I don’t know how to follow that up. “To you, and what is sure to be the best night of my life.”

  Rooter and I each take a sip of our liquor without taking our eyes off of each other. I’m no expert on reading male desire, but with the way he’s ogling me it’s like he wants to have me for dinner.

  The feeling is mutual. An hour ago I was famished, and as good as whatever Vic and Martha have prepared smells, I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to eat a bite of it. My appetite for food has completely disappeared and has been replaced by a hunger for all that is Rooter.

  “You’re going to have to quit looking at me like that,” he commands huskily and leans forward, “or we’ll never make it through dinner.”

  “That’s fine by me.” I test him and take another sip of my Jack.

  Passion flickers in his eyes. “You’ll need to eat with what I have planned for you.” He winks and I choke on my whiskey prompting him to chuckle. “You all right?”

  “Mm-hmm.” This is going to be a very, very long dinner.

  I try to think of something to talk about, but all I can think about is Rooter naked, with me, in bed. I watch his muscles flex as he raises his glass to his lips. Those perfect, delicious lips. I need a taste.

  “Do you like the dress?” He asks, breaking me from my spell.

  “I love it.” I graze the fabric with my fingertips.

  He reaches down and captures a piece of the skirt between his fingers. The sleeves of his jacket squeeze his biceps. “When I saw it, I knew it was the one.”

  “When did you go shopping for all this?”

  “On Monday.” He leans back in his seat. “Isa went with me.”

  I shake my head. “You really went above and beyond with all of this.” Then a question pops into my head. “But what if I hadn’t been ready for… this?”

  He traces the rim of his glass with his index finger. “Then tonight would’ve gone a little differently.”

  I raise my eyebrows. “You had a plan b?”

  “I always have a plan b, babe.” He takes a sip.

  “Of course you do.” I drink in the sight of him. “Would you have been disappointed?”

  He shakes his head adamantly. “No. That’s not what this trip is about, Sophie. It’s about you and me reconnecting. If we make love that’ll just be a bonus.”

  “If?” I raise an eyebrow.

  “I never assume anything.”

  “And yet you’ve made all these arrangements.” I wave my arms around and peer down at my dress recalling what’s underneath it.

  “I said I don’t assume not that I don’t hope.” He winks, and it sets my skin ablaze.

  Chapter 37

  Best Laid Plans

  When Martha appears before us, I’m surprised. I would’ve thought they’d be gone by now. “Are you ready for dinner?”

  Rooter looks to me for the answer. I shake my head. “Not yet, Martha,” he says with a smile.

  “I’ll check back in a few minutes.”

  “Thank you.”

  I swallow last sip of the liquor in my glass and Rooter pours me another.

  “For a guy who’s never had a girlfriend, you do romance very well.”

  For a fraction of a moment, his face turns a faint shade of red. “I can’t take all the credit. I had help.”

  “Yeah?”

  “After you told me I needed to make uninterrupted time for us, I came up with the idea of getting away. But I wanted to make it special.” He strokes the top of my hand with his thumb. “I don’t know what girls want so I went to my mom. We talked about you and the things you like. She helped me find this place and got me in touch with Vic and Martha. Isa gave me the idea for the dress.”

  “I’ll be sure to thank them when we get back.”

  He smiles. “My mom loves you. Said you’re the best thing to ever happen to me.” He brushes a hand through his hair. “She was so pissed when I told her Candace is pregnant. She smacked me upside the head and cussed me out in Spanish.” He chuckles, nervous.

  I stare at him in silence, unsure know how to respond to that. To be honest, I don’t want to talk about Candace or the baby tonight. Tonight is our night. Though something tells me he’s bringing it up for a reason.

  “Sophie, you were so mad. Honestly, I was afraid too much damage had been done. That things would never be the same with us. It scared the shit out of me. It still scares me.”

  “Things have changed,”
I admit and shift uncomfortably in my seat. “There’s no denying that. But, my feelings for you haven’t changed.”

  He breathes a sigh of relief. “We haven’t been together very long, but I knew I wanted you a long time ago. I had it so bad that I’d sit in my room at night with the light out and watch you study in yours.”

  “Stalker,” I accuse with a snicker. Not that I’m any better.

  Rooter cocks his head to the side and shrugs before continuing. “I knew being with me wouldn’t be easy for you, even without Candace and a kid. But I just couldn’t stay away from you any longer.”

  I lace my fingers with his. “It took you long enough to change your mind.”

  “You deserve so much better than me. I struggle with that knowledge every day because I want better for you, but I want you for myself more.”

  “I already told you. You’re all I want.”

  “I can’t imagine why. But now I have you, I’ll never let you go.” His tone is light, but the intensity in his eyes conveys his meaning.

  “I hope not.”

  Rooter shifts forward and motions for me to give him my other hand so that he’s holding both. His eyes are piercing and when he speaks, his tone is intense. “I need to be real with you right now.”

  “Okay.” I swallow.

  “I’ll try to give you everything you want and need. But life with me isn’t going to be like the life you had planned.”

  “I don’t care about those plans. I made them before I knew what I really wanted.”

  The corner of his lip curls in appreciation of my words, but he continues. “I’m going fuck up and piss you off… a lot.”

  I appreciate his candor and I know what he’s doing. He’s making sure I understand what I’m getting into before we take things any farther. What we have, isn’t a perfect fairytale. He has loads of baggage and he wants confirmation I won’t bolt when the next catastrophe comes our way. “I’m beginning to figure that out. But even after everything that’s happened, this is still where I want to be.”

  “Babe, I’ll never do anything to purposely hurt or upset you. I’ll never lie or cheat. But I am what I am. You understand?”

  “Yeah. You’re complicated.”

  He cocks his head to the side and sighs. “That’s putting it mildly.”

  “Just promise me no more Candace’s or surprise babies.”

  “I can definitely promise you that.” Rooter looks down at the table and takes a deep breath. When he looks back at me his gaze is profound and unwavering. “You own me Sophia Noelle Holt. My heart is yours.”

  I gasp and I’m pretty sure my heart just skipped three beats. Rooter continues.

  “I started falling for you way before that first conversation in your back yard. But that first moment I looked into your eyes, there was no going back. I’m in love with you.”

  A tear spills down my cheek and Rooter catches it with his thumb. “Rooter, I—” he puts his fingers on my lips to stop me.

  “I don’t know what you’re getting ready to say, but if you’re getting ready to tell me you love me, don’t say it. Not yet. I haven’t earned it.”

  I was going to tell him I love him. As crazy as it seems, I do. Even after everything and even though it seems way too soon, I do love him. Completely and irrevocably. He’s the one for me. I can feel it in the depths of my being. After I nod he slowly lowers his fingers.

  “We’ll have tough days,” he says, “but I promise to make more days like this for you.”

  “I don’t expect days like this. All I wanted was a little time for you and me.”

  Martha clears her throat from a few feet away alerting us of her return.

  “Ready to eat?” Rooter asks me. “I don’t think the food will keep much longer.”

  Not at all. The man just told me he’s in love with me. My heart feels as though it will explode from my chest. How the hell am I supposed to eat? “Sure.”

  Vic and Martha have prepared an exquisite meal: braised short ribs, garlic mashed potatoes, fresh bread, and a dark chocolate trifle for dessert. I eat a little of everything, but not nearly as much as I should. I’m just so overwhelmed.

  Once we’re finished, Martha clears our plates and she and Vic begin cleaning up. Rooter gets up from the table and peels off his jacket. His taut muscles flex underneath his fitted black shirt. He kicks off his shoes and crouches before me. His hands are hot as they gently unstrap and remove my sandals.

  “Walk with me?” He stands and reaches out for my hand.

  Walk? No I don’t want to walk. I want you to throw me over your shoulder and carry me to the bedroom and… I slide my hand into his. “I’d love to.”

  The sun hangs low on the horizon as we stroll hand in hand to the beach. It’ll be dark soon. We stand at the edge of the water and I close my eyes, enjoying the gentle breeze. I love the smell of the fresh lake air and the sensation of the sand between my toes. Even though my eyes are closed, I can sense Rooter watching me.

  “Stop staring,” I say and turn to see I’m right.

  “I can’t help it. I like seeing you happy and relaxed.” He sits and motions for me to join him.

  “I’ll get my dress dirty.”

  “You won’t be wearing it much longer anyway.” He smirks causing my stomach to do somersaults.

  I put my hands on my hips. “I thought you said you don’t assume things.”

  “What?” He looks up, squinting from the low hanging sun. “All I said is you won’t be wearing the dress much longer. That’s not an assumption, it’s a fact. It’s not like you’re going to sleep in it.”

  “Mm-hmm, we both know what you meant.”

  He tugs on my hand and pulls me into his lap. “Hey, I’m a guy. I can always hope.”

  “You don’t have to hope.” I gaze into his eyes. “I’m a sure thing.”

  Rooter rests his hands on my hip and nuzzles my neck. His breath is warm against my skin when he groans. “God you smell good.”

  I comb my fingers through his soft hair. “You didn’t really want to go for a walk, did you?”

  He regards me with hungry eyes and shakes his head. “Is it that obvious?”

  I hold up my thumb and index finger about a quarter inch apart. “Just a little.”

  He chuckles. “Vic and Martha need time to clean up. I was going to try to play it cool like it was part of my plan to be romantic but…”

  “You know what they say about anticipation,” I toy with him.

  “Fuck anticipation. This is agony.” We both laugh.

  “How long are we supposed to wait?”

  “An hour,” he groans and plays with the hem of my dress.

  Great. We get to sit here for the next hour waiting to make love for the first time while trying not to think about it. This ought to be fun.

  We spend the next fifty minutes mostly in silence. For me it’s because I literally can’t think about anything other than making love with Rooter. My brain is a pile of mush. I force myself to think of things to talk about and it all seems so trivial when compared to what is to come.

  The sun has set in entirety and the only light we have comes from the lamps leading up our stairway. Rooter checks his phone for the time. He smiles and kisses the side of my head. His expression is a mixture of desire an angst.

  After a few more minutes pass, he squeezes my hand and says we can make our way back to the house. We climb the stairs in silence, but every now and again steal glances at one another.

  Once we reach the top of the stairs all signs of Martha and Vic are gone. The kitchen and dining table are clean. A few candles are still lit, but most of them have been blown out. On the table is a bottle of champagne sitting in a chiller alongside two long stem crystal glasses.

  Rooter pours us each a glass and clinks his with mine. Neither of us says a word before tasting the sparkling wine. I’ve never had champagne before, so I’m not sure what to expect, especially since I’m not a fan of wine. I’m delightfully surprised
at the flavor and nearly empty my glass.

  “You really thought of everything.”

  “More?” He asks when he sees how much I drank.

  “Please.” I take another sip the moment he hands it to me. “This is really good.”

  He shows me the label: Dom Perignon. “It’s supposed to be the best.”

  I’ve heard of Dom before and know it’s expensive. “You’re spoiling me.”

  “You deserve it.” He winks, and it hits me like a wrecking ball right between my legs.

  The sexual tension between us is palpable. Rooter licks his lips and his stare is penetrating. I squeeze my thighs together in an attempt to keep my desire at bay, but the pulsing between my legs remains. I watch his mouth curve around the glass as he takes another sip and long to feel it on my skin. I’m not sure how much longer I can keep this up.

  Rooter takes a step forward and gazes directly into my eyes, his jaw is set. He cups my elbow and pulls me against him. “We’re going to take this slow,” he murmurs deep and raspy sending tingles from my head to my toes. “So slow that you’ll be completely satisfied before you even feel me inside of you.”

  Oh my. My mouth parts and my eyes go wide. I’m not sure how to respond to that. But damn I like it when he talks dirty.

  Chapter 38

  The First Time

  Holy fuck, the way he’s looking at me right now. My chest rises and falls with shallow breaths. He’s so very close I can feel the heat radiating from his body. I don’t know if I can take this slow. I want to rip his clothes off and lick every inch of his rock hard body. I need to see those sexy tattoos and chiseled abs right the hell now.

  Rooter leans down and gives me a chaste, soft kiss and pulls away with a smirk, well aware of exactly what he’s doing to me. He takes a half a step back, tosses back the rest of his champagne and sets his glass on the table. He takes me by the hand and leads me at a seductively slow pace through the french doors into the dimly lit living room.

 

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