Finally, You (The Finally Book Duo 2)

by Burke, Roseanne

  I grabbed the sides of his face, bringing his lips to my eagerly awaiting lips. His kiss was hungry, making mine even hungrier. I pushed my tongue in his mouth, savoring the sensation of his tongue moving rhythmically with mine. I could feel his hands travel down my back and around the front to my thighs. His fingers skimmed my bare skin, pushing my dress further up. Damn, why had I put on underwear? I shifted myself up slightly so he could push the dress completely up over my hips. The counter was chilly against my hot skin. He broke our kiss and pulled back, grinning at me.

  His smiling eyes bore into mine as his fingers looped under the band of my panties. I wrapped my arms around his neck, using him for support as he lifted me up, sliding them down my legs. His mouth crashed back to mine as his hands traced up my legs. I ached, feeling his fingers get closer and closer to my apex, but not quite reaching it. I decided to take matters into my own hands. I took his right hand in mine, directing it where I needed it to go. His lips curled into a smile as he continued to kiss me. He pressed into my most sensitive spot, circling with the perfect amount of pressure. It amazed me how good he was at this.

  He then took my hand in his free one, directing it to his zipper. I was happy to oblige. I quickly unbuttoned his pants, shoving them to the floor. I reached for his bulge, rubbing it through his underwear. A low groan escaped his mouth into mine, making me even hotter. I wanted to feel the real thing. I pushed the material to the floor, taking his hardness in my hands. I still couldn't get over how thick it was. I needed him inside me that instant.

  I scooted myself forward slightly, leaning back, so he could reach me. His strong arms held me up as I guided him to my entrance. I wrapped my legs around him as he shoved himself in. No question of a condom this time. I cried out, taking in the fullness. My limbs enveloped him as he moved, slamming himself in and out of me. It felt amazing.

  I leaned back further, allowing my upper body to rest back against the cabinet. I could hear the dishes within it start to shake. It was a steady rhythm of breathing, moaning and dishes clanging together. I honestly didn't give a fuck if they broke. My body was quickly being taken over with pleasure. I was loving what this man could do to me. My lower muscles started clenching faster and faster as he continued ramming into my sex.

  "I want to make you come, Shannon," he growled.

  God, hearing my name from his lips was so hot.

  "I'm going to, really soon," I cried. "Just keep going, just like that!"

  His grip on my skin tightened as his breathing grew more harsh. I dug my nails into his skin, unable to control myself.

  "I want us to come together," I moaned.

  "Ah, Shannon, yes!" he yelled out, releasing himself inside of me. My body rippled and tightened in ecstasy around him, causing me to cry out.

  God, that had felt incredible, yet again. I sat, holding onto him tightly, breathing into his neck. Despite sitting on a hard cold counter, I was content to stay like this forever. His head turned slightly, kissing my cheek. I started to grin.

  He pulled back, allowing me to release my grip on him. He helped me slide down off the counter, then wrapped me back in his arms. "You're fucking amazing, you know that?" he asked into my hair.

  I nuzzled my head deeper into his chest. "You're not so bad yourself."

  What was I getting myself into? The sex between us was incredible. We barely knew each other, but I was getting the feeling that I didn't want to be without him. I was frightened a little bit, but excited even more so.

  I slid my dress down as he stepped back into his pants. I looked over at the clock. "So, seven twenty-two. We still have a little time," I giggled.

  He flashed his grin at me. "What would you like to do?"

  We stood facing each other in the kitchen. I had to admit the nervous energy from before was completely gone. Maybe, this is how all dates should go: have sex first, then get to know each other.

  "Well if we're having Mexican, do you want to do a shot of tequila?" I asked playfully. Not that I really needed one, it was more just out of habit that I suggested it.

  He grimaced. "I thought I told you, I can't do tequila due to the waking up on the toilet incident."

  "Yeah, yeah, that was how long ago? Five years? The statute of limitations is up."

  He laughed. "Ok, I'll do one. For you."

  "Yay!" I clapped my hands and reached up for my bottle and shot glasses.

  As I poured, he came up behind me, his arms surrounding me as he said, "First you make me fix my collar, then you make me take shots of tequila. What are you doing to me?"

  I grinned as his lips kissed my cheek. "I guess I'm persuasive, that's all."

  I spun around, handing him his glass.

  "What, no lime? No chaser? You're dealing with an amateur here."

  I rolled my eyes jokingly. "Fine, I'll slice up my whole lime so you can use it for your one shot."

  I opened up the fridge, bending over to pull the lime out of the bottom drawer. I cried out in surprise as his hand smacked my behind.

  "Hey!"

  I stood up to face him, holding the lime.

  "Sorry, I just couldn't resist," he grinned.

  I glared at him teasingly, then pulled out a cutting board, slicing the lime.

  "Here you are, knight," I said, handing him his slice.

  "Thank you, princess," he responded.

  We held our glasses in the air. "To what?" I asked.

  He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "To blondes having more fun."

  We clinked our glasses and threw the shots back. I stood, snickering at him as he grimaced.

  "Ugh, I think you owe me a blow job later for that," he said, his face scrunched in disgust.

  I burst out laughing. "Well I would've done that even if you hadn't taken the shot." I ran my hand up his chest, grabbing his chin in my hand. I stepped up on my tip toes as I brought his mouth to mine. I loved tasting liquor on him.

  I pulled back, letting go of his chin.

  "Shall we," he asked, his eyes narrowing.

  "Yes, otherwise we will never eat," I breathed. I could already feel myself dampening again. "Let me just go look myself over before we go out."

  "Well I can tell you, you look absolutely gorgeous," he said, smiling. He had a way with his words that made me feel absolutely ravishing.

  "Thank you. But I have a feeling I might need to fix my hair after what we just did."

  He laughed as I stepped into the bathroom. I eyed myself in the mirror, smoothing out the slight wrinkle in my dress and running my fingers through my hair. Ok, time to go.

  We climbed in his silver SUV, and made our way to the restaurant. As I suspected, there was no need for a reservation; over half the restaurant was empty. Not that I was complaining, though. I had thoroughly enjoyed our time filler.

  We walked in the door, the familiar music blaring. We were quickly shown to our seats.

  "Ah, Shannon! How are you tonight?" asked our server. I think his name was Michael.

  Todd looked at me in surprise. Yeah, maybe I came here a little too often.

  "I'm good, thanks," I replied politely.

  "Shot of tequila tonight?" he asked.

  I looked at Todd, sheepishly. "No, I think we're good. But I'll have a strawberry margarita, frozen please."

  "And for you, sir?"

  "I'll have a regular margarita, on the rocks," he responded, nodding his head.

  Michael stepped away, leaving the two of us to ourselves.

  "They know you by name here?" he laughed. "And immediately offer you tequila? I think you may have swindled me, saying you take shots of tequila 'sometimes.'"

  "Ok, you got me there. I really don't come here that often. It was just the first place I went to after moving here. And I needed to drown my sorrows that night. Apparently I made an impression," I said, sliding my hands under my thighs on the booth. I still couldn't exactly remember how I got home that first night.

  "Well, it would be hard for someone as beautiful as yo
u not to make an impression," he said, reaching for my hand. I brought one up, resting it in his. "But drowning your sorrows? Is this part of that back-story you won't tell me yet?"

  He rubbed his thumb over the back of my hand. Even though we were both smiling, trying to be playful, I could see an earnestness in his eyes. But I realized I still wasn't ready to talk about it.

  "Yep."

  "Still not ready?"

  "Nope."

  He squeezed my hand. "Ok, but the clock is ticking. I told you mine, you should show me yours. Oh wait, I mean, tell me yours."

  Back to joking around.

  I laughed. "Maybe. We'll see how this goes." I picked up my menu, pretending to be engrossed even though I knew exactly what I wanted to order.

  Michael came back with our drinks. He gave me a wink, indicating he had put an extra shot of tequila in it. I smiled, hoping Todd hadn't seen the exchange. Maybe I did have a bit of a problem.

  "So, what's good here?" Todd asked, picking up his menu.

  "Pretty much everything, but the queso is to die for."

  He grinned. "Ok, so something with queso."

  Michael came back and took our order. I folded my arms on the table. I no longer had my menu in front of me as a shield.

  "So," Todd said, lacing his fingers together. "What are some obligatory first date questions we could ask each other?"

  "Is it still really a first date if we've already slept together, how many? Four times?" I laughed.

  "I think so. One may argue that this is more difficult, sitting together, having a conversation. As opposed to just hooking up," he said, shrugging his shoulders.

  "You are probably right about that." He was definitely right about that. I had been so comfortable with my random hookups. "But I think we talked a lot the other night. That should count for something."

  "I know, for some reason it was just so easy. We stayed up til practically five in the morning. I couldn't tell you the last time I did that," he laughed.

  "Cinco de Mayo, senior year?" I joked.

  "Ha, well I've pulled some all nighters in my time, but it's been a long time since anyone has been able to hold my attention for that long."

  "Is that supposed to flatter me?" On the outside, I was being playful. But on the inside, I found myself to be slightly bitter. I didn't want to think about anyone else "holding his attention," although I knew there had been quite a few before me. A slight twinge of jealousy shot through me. Nope, cut that off.

  "Well I don't know about that, but it's true. I've been trying to figure out what it is about you. You've kind of been a game changer for me." There returned his earnest eyes.

  I was speechless for a second. "What does that mean?"

  He shifted slightly in his seat. "Meaning I can't stop thinking about you. And instead of being relieved you were gone in the morning, I missed you and wanted you there." His words were giving me goosebumps. It sounded eerily similar to what was going on in my head.

  "You've changed some things for me too," I said quietly. "I wanted to give you my number. I wanted you to call me." I neglected to tell him how I didn't need to down shots of tequila to go back to sleep after my night with him.

  "Oh you did, did you?" he smiled as our plates were set in front of us.

  I unfolded my napkin in my lap, grinning. "Maybe. I guess." Again, I left out the minor detail how I had freaked out and drank a bunch of tequila at the thought of him rejecting me.

  "Well I'm glad you had the balls to do that."

  "I think you're the one with the balls. Or don't you remember what we did before coming here?" I smiled, picking up my fork.

  He took a bite, grinning as he chewed. "Oh, I remember. Kind of hard to forget."

  "Very hard."

  What the hell was wrong with me?

  We continued talking throughout dinner, the conversation flowing easily. He told me some of his stories about him and his brothers growing up. I told him about some of my favorite elderly patrons at the diner. We had long finished our food, and decided to order another round of drinks.

  "Are you sure? Don't you have to work in the morning?" I asked.

  "Absolutely," he said, flashing his adorable smile at me. Something about the way his tongue rolled across his lips after he took a drink made me hot. I suddenly regretted ordering more. I wanted to be back in my apartment, in bed. I panicked slightly. Was he wanting that too? Or would we just call it a night after this? We had already "ahem-ed" earlier. I found myself drinking quicker than usual, just so I could find out the answer.

  "So, Shannon," he said, glancing up at me.

  "Yes, Todd?" I playfully stirred my straw, my chin resting on my fist.

  "It seems our date is coming to an end, here." His eyes were twinkling. I hoped it meant he was thinking what I was thinking.

  "Yes, it seems that way." I brought my straw to my lips, sucking down the last of my drink.

  He reached across the table for my hands. They felt so warm and comforting, wrapped around mine. God, I wanted them elsewhere.

  I sat, willing him to say something more. What was he thinking?

  "I had a really great time tonight, yet again," he started. Ok, this is good, keep going. "Would it be alright with you if I see you again?"

  You could continue to see me now, I wanted to say. This was so strange, yet so sweet. I grinned at him. "Absolutely."

  I could see him visibly relax. Seriously? Did he think I would say no?

  "How about Friday?"

  "Friday? Yes, I'm actually off Friday," I responded.

  "Perfect. I thought maybe we could do my favorite restaurant this time."

  "Jack's, right?"

  "Good memory," he grinned, finishing up the last of his drink.

  I eyed his empty glass. God, I wanted him to suggest coming home with me. Usually, I had no problem doing that. But this time, I really cared whether he said yes or no.

  "So," I said, glancing down at my phone in my purse. It was already almost ten thirty. "We should probably get going." Back to my place. Both of us.

  "I suppose you're right," he sighed.

  We shifted sideways out of our booth. He caught me by surprise when he reached down and grabbed my hand, leading me out of the restaurant. A smile stretched across my face. Sexy and adorable, all at the same time.

  He drove back to my place and pulled into a spot in front of my building. He put the car fully into park, taking the keys out of the ignition. Perfect. We walked hand in hand into the building and to my door. I was definitely on a first date high. I fumbled slightly with my keys, trying to unlock it. He was coming in, right? I pushed the door open, and we stepped into the entryway.

  He stood behind me, his hands running up my bare arms as his lips found my cheek. I sighed, enjoying the feeling of him so close to me.

  "I really had such a great time tonight. I know I keep saying that, but I did," he whispered.

  I moaned softly as his mouth moved to my ear. "Me too," I said.

  "And as much as I would like to continue this, I know I have a crazy day tomorrow, so I should probably get going."

  My eyes snapped open. Fuck.

  I tried to recover quickly. "That's ok." I felt myself stiffen slightly.

  "Hey." He spun me around to face him. I was trying not to show my true feelings, but I was beyond disappointed. He placed his finger under my chin, bringing my eyes to meet his. "Trust me. I want to stay. I want to see you tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day. But I know our schedules wouldn't allow that. So just know, until Friday, I'll be thinking about you."

  A small smile formed on my lips. I reached my arms up, wrapping them around his neck. I brought his mouth to mine, kissing him deeply. I wanted to give him something to think about the next few days. This kiss was different than before. It was still passionate, but more sweet then lusty. I didn't want to let go.

  I reluctantly pulled away. He smiled sweetly at me, bringing his thumb to my lip.

  "Good night, Sh
annon." He stepped slowly toward the door.

  I held it open for him, leaning back against it. "Good night, Todd."

  I didn't want to watch him walk away, so I closed the door behind him, and walked into my living room.

  What had just happened? I sat down, trying to decipher what I was feeling. I felt slightly sick. Was it the drinks? The food? No, I wasn't exactly sick, per se. But I had a weird feeling in my stomach. Butterflies? Is this what that was? Oh my god, it was. He gave me butterflies. I grinned to myself, thinking over the night's events. I absolutely could not wait for Friday to come.

  Chapter 14

  The whole rest of the week, I felt like a love crazed teenage girl. I had done all but put big red X's through the days on the calendar leading up to Friday. I wanted to talk to Lacey about it, but she had been working at the hospital, not the bar. I considered texting Carrie, but I figured her mind was a little preoccupied at the moment.

  When I woke up Friday morning, I decided to just go shopping for a brand new outfit. No debating until the last second on what to wear this time. I grabbed my phone off the charger to check the time. I was pleasantly surprised to see a text on the screen from Todd. "Hey princess, pick you up at seven? I promise this time we have reservations at seven thirty ;)" it read.

  I smiled. "Sounds perfect," I sent back.

  It was almost noon. I rolled out of bed, getting dressed quickly so I could have plenty of time at the mall. The butterflies returned as I drove, pulling into a spot in the sparsely populated parking lot. I made my way into one of the department stores, sifting through the dress collection. I knew Jack's was a fairly casual place, but I wanted to look good. Correction, I wanted to blow him away.

  I slid the hangers one by one, dismissing one dress after another until I found it. The one. It was a black halter dress with a pretty silver beading at the plunge. I grabbed it and headed directly to the dressing room. I eyed myself in the mirror, twisting to view my body from all directions. Perfect. This would make him hard just looking at me.