We barely made it in the door when I had her pressed against the wall. Our clothes disappeared fast and I took her roughly, her gasping my name as I filled her. She dug her fingers into my shoulders as I slammed into her hard and fast, unable to stop myself. After, I carried her to the tub for another soak, and we’d ended up back in bed, where we spent the rest of the day.
We made slow love, later that afternoon, and once more after dinner, yet, it wasn’t enough. It would never be enough when it came to Avery.
“Tell me what you want,” I pleaded.
“You . . . inside me . . . please, Daniel. I’m so close.” She moaned as her hands frantically grasped at my shoulders.
I gave her what she wanted—what we both wanted.
One thrust and I was deep inside her. We rocked and moved in unison, pressed as tight together as possible. Our mouths molded together, our breaths shared. I cupped the back of her head, twisting the long strands of her hair around my fingers as my tongue tasted and commanded her mouth. Avery’s legs wrapped around me, hands splayed across my back, and her fingers dug in as she moaned and whispered my name.
The headboard slammed against the wall rhythmically, growing louder as we lost ourselves in each other. The bedding moved and twisted around us. At one point, Avery’s arm flung out, knocking the clock off the bedside table, somehow activating the alarm, its beeping noise persistent. I didn’t care. Nothing mattered. Only her. Only us.
My spine rippled with fire as my orgasm built. The heat exploded as I cursed and begged her to come with me. Her body shuddered, her cries became louder, and she pulsated around me, gasping my name. I drove into her deep, coming hard, her name a raging plea as I quaked over her.
My chest dropped to hers and I lay, panting and satiated, wrapped in her arms. She peppered tender, loving kisses on my head and down my cheek as her fingers stroked the back of my neck. I shivered at the warmth of her touch, loving how right it felt.
I rolled over, gathering her up. She fit against me perfectly; the same way she fit into my life.
I pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. “I can’t let you go now.”
“I don’t want you to.”
I stroked the soft skin of her shoulder. “I have a big house.”
“I know that.”
“Lots of room to share—” I kissed her lips “—and to grow.”
Other than a quick intake of air, she was silent.
“How attached are you to city living and your apartment?”
“Daniel—”
“I know,” I assured her. “I know it’s reckless.”
“It’s crazy.”
“It is. I don’t care.”
She sighed. “My lease is up in three months. I have the papers on my desk to re-sign.”
I lifted her chin and stared into her beautiful eyes. “Don’t sign.”
“I . . .”
“I know it’s fast. I know it’s crazy. It’s right. We’re right. Tell me you feel how strong this is—how strong we are.”
“I do.”
“Don’t sign, Avery,” I pleaded. “Think about it. Please.”
“I will.”
I tugged her back to my chest.
“And Avery?”
“Hmm?”
“Soon, I’m probably going to send you a text. One that says I love you again.” I blew out a long breath. “Only this time, it won’t be a mistake.”
I felt her tears on my chest. “I’d like that,” she whispered.
I pressed a kiss to her head.
“Good.”
Avery
Beth smirked at me knowingly as she arched an eyebrow. “I am not wearing some off-the-rack, ugly green dress when you get married, Avery.”
“It’s a little soon to be talking about a wedding, Beth.” I huffed, dropping my fork, picking up my glass of wine.
“You spent the whole weekend with him. You forgot about me. Your best friend.”
“I’m aware.”
“You had sex with him.”
“Yes.”
“Numerous times.”
My lips quirked at the memories flitting through my brain. Daniel’s wandering hands. His wicked, talented mouth. His strong, muscled body. His massive . . .
I swallowed heavily, trying to calm my increase in breathing. “Yes.”
She tapped my phone. As soon as I sat down, she had grabbed it, scrolling through our text messages, crowing in delight at them. “He adores you. He says so—repeatedly. He’s building up to the ‘L’ word.”
“I know.”
She studied me for a moment. “You love him.”
I sighed. “I think maybe I do.” I shook my head. “How is it even possible, though?”
“It happens.”
“In fairy tales, and maybe, to other people. Not to me.”
She studied me over the rim of her glass. “Why not you?”
“I haven’t had the best of luck with relationships.”
“Hmm. You have had a run of bad luck—especially, the last one. I know Grant ended up being a complete ass, and I know he wasn’t very nice to you. I’d like to knee him in the nuts for what he said to you.” She covered my hand with an affectionate squeeze. “But don’t you see? Daniel is different. Everything about him is different.”
“I know. He’s amazing. It seems too good to be true.”
“Or maybe, your luck is changing. Grab it, Avery. I’ve never seen you look so happy.”
“I am. He makes me feel special.”
“How?”
I shrugged, unsure how to describe it. “When he looks at me, the expression on his face, it’s as though everything he sees is perfect. All the things I think are wrong, he finds right.” I sighed. “He makes me feel beautiful.”
“I think there’s more.”
“More?”
“You’re holding yourself differently. You aren’t hiding. I think he’s bringing out your confidence.”
I thought about it, and had to agree. I did feel more confident. Daniel made me feel that way. Beautiful. Confident. Enough.
Beth beamed at me. “You have always been enough, Avery. I’ve told you countless times you’re beautiful. If Daniel makes you feel that way, hold on to him.”
I had obviously spoken aloud—again. I smiled at my friend. “I plan on it.”
“Good.” She winked and lightened the conversation. “I don’t even need to ask how good he is in bed. You’re walking a little funny today.”
“You’ve already asked. Many times.”
“And you keep changing the subject.”
“How’s work?”
She rolled her eyes. “Throw me a bone here. I know you’re private and I understand, but something—anything!”
I stalled, twirling my pasta around my fork to buy me a little time. I was a bit stiff today. Still, I couldn’t hide my happiness. I was dying to tell her everything, but I was less forthcoming than Beth.
Beth leaned forward, her voice low. “He’s an animal in bed, isn’t he?”
I drew back my shoulders and met her gaze. “If we make it to the bed . . . Daniel has a thing for walls.” I winked. “He’s like a sex machine, too.”
Her jaw dropped, then she began to laugh. “I knew you had it in you.”
“Several times, actually.”
“Woohoo!” she exclaimed. “That’s what I’m talking about!”
She picked up her wine. “No ugly green dress.”
I gave in. “You can pick whatever dress you want.”
“That’s all I’m saying.”
We grinned at each other, clinked our wine glasses, and drank.
I rolled my shoulders, glancing at the clock in my living room. Another hour and Daniel would arrive.
The past two weeks had been hectic for both of us—even the weekends. Steven and Caitlin were on vacation, and although he had a temporary vet who filled in and another receptionist, it was one of the busiest times of the year at the clinic.
&nb
sp; “With the nicer weather, pets are more vulnerable. They are outside more, get off their leads, or indoor pets sneak out and get lost. Dogs and cats that have never been out of their yard, get hit by cars or wander away,” he stated sadly. “I’ve seen too many cases of that. Or too many incidents of owners forgetting to make sure their pets are hydrated or have a cool place to get shade.” He shook his head. “Some days are harder than others.”
He had shown up at my door last night, looking tired and upset. Once I got him something to drink, he told me about losing a dog because the owner had “forgotten” to let him in during the heat of the day, and neglected to fill his water bowl.
“I did all I could,” he told me with tears in his eyes. “I couldn’t save him.”
I held him tight, allowing him to let go of the pain. He worked tirelessly for all his clients, but I knew some pet owners were better than others when it came to their care. For someone like Daniel, it was a mystery. To him, if you loved your pet, you took care of it. Unfortunately, that wasn’t always the case. He took it very hard when an animal died, although he was strong at the clinic. I had already seen the more vulnerable side of him, and I was glad he felt comfortable enough with me to allow me to care for him when it was too much to handle.
He still seemed upset and tired when he woke this morning. He held me close all night, but I knew he didn’t sleep much. Every time I woke up, his fingers were running over my skin, drawing abstract patterns across my flesh. When I looked up at him, he pressed a kiss to my forehead or mouth, then cradled my head back to his chest.
“Sleep, Sprite.”
“But you—”
“As long as you’re here, I’m fine. Just let me hold you.”
I studied him as he pulled on his clothes in the dim light of the morning. “Do you want me to cancel tonight?”
He rested his arm on the bed, cupping the back of my neck as he bent close. “No. I’m fine. I’m looking forward to a night out with my girl and meeting her friends. Don’t change our plans.” He kissed me gently. “Are you still planning on driving to my place tonight and we’ll come in together?”
It was the most logical thing to do. Then my car was at his place for the weekend and I could drive myself in on Monday morning. “Yes.”
He studied me for a moment. “You know, if you just moved in we wouldn’t have to have this discussion every weekend.” He sighed. “We’d be together every night.”
I tried not to sigh. It was getting harder to say no to him every time he asked. “Daniel . . .”
A frown marred his features. “Too soon, I know. I’m going to keep asking, though.”
“I know.”
“Think about the kitchen. You love the kitchen.”
I pushed him away, unable to stop my smile. “Yes, I love the kitchen. You love what comes out of the kitchen.”
He bent forward, his face so close, I could feel his breath wash over my skin. “I love having you in my kitchen. In my house. I want to make it our house. Our home.”
“I need a little more time.”
“The offer is open-ended, and there is a generous early signing bonus.”
“Oh?”
He yanked me to his chest, kissing me hard. “Me.” He promised. “Any time, anyway, anything you want.”
“Even the shower?”
His eyes darkened, sadness fading. We’d used the bench he had put in the shower a few times already. “Especially the shower.”
“I’ll think it over.”
“Think hard.”
Spreading my hand wide, I cupped his erection. “I think you’ve got hard covered.”
He yanked his shirt over his head. “Let’s see about covering you.”
I shivered thinking about the way his body had covered mine and filled me. He was certainly persuasive.
Tonight, I would be officially introducing Beth and Ryan to Daniel. I was nervous and excited—much the way I felt when I met his parents. I wanted them to like him; although if they didn’t, it wouldn’t stop me from seeing him. Beth was right; I was already in love with him. Even my mother commented on how cheerful I had been the last two calls. While I had admitted to meeting someone, I kept it fairly low-key. My much older parents were very protective, and they would be horrified to know how deeply I already felt for Daniel. It was a conversation best left for their next visit, which would be in the fall. Of course, if Daniel had his way, I’d already be living with him by then.
My phone rang with Daniel’s ring tone and I picked it up. “Hey.”
His voice was weary. “Hey. I’m going to be late. I have a last minute emergency.”
“No problem. I’ll let Beth know. Want to just meet there?”
“Why don’t you drive out and bring your stuff, then we can go in together. That way you aren’t driving in the dark.”
I tried not to roll my eyes at his protectiveness, but I failed. I knew he did it because he cared.
“Sure. I can leave now.”
“You have your key?”
“Yep.”
“Okay. I’ll see you at home.”
I hung up, thinking about what he said. His place did feel like home. I wondered how much longer I would resist the lure of his house, bed, and constant company. Probably not much longer.
We pulled up in front of the restaurant. It was later than anticipated, but Beth was insistent they were still fine, and Daniel wanted to go. He was quiet, the weariness etched on his face, and I knew without asking he had lost another patient. I let him collect his thoughts, while I hung on for dear life as he barreled toward the city.
He shut off the motor and glanced my way, a frown on his face.
“You can let go of the handle, Sprite. We’ve arrived, perfectly safe.”
I pivoted in my seat. “That was your shortcut?”
“Yes.”
“You drove like Mario Andretti!”
He tried to suppress his laughter, failing badly. “I was barely going over the speed limit. It seemed fast because we didn’t have to slow down, and there were no other cars around, that’s all.”
I shook my head. “No, you were going way too fast.”
“I realize, to someone like you, it seemed fast, but I assure you, it wasn’t.”
I didn’t like his tone. It was almost patronizing. “Someone like me?”
He got out of the truck, came around to my side of the vehicle, and opened my door, extending his hand.
I ignored it and scrambled down from the truck on my own. I had to admit, it was a lot easier when I let him lift me down, but I was trying to make a point.
I glared up at him. “Someone like me?” I repeated, crossing my arms. “You mean a woman?”
He mimicked my actions. “A ninety-year old woman, named Gladys, yes.”
Gladys?
“I do not drive like a ninety-year old woman.”
“Avery, you do.”
“I’m a cautious driver, unlike you.”
He narrowed his eyes. “I am cautious. Your driving is far more dangerous than mine. Don’t even get me started about the way you handle reverse.”
“And what, exactly, is wrong with the way I reverse?”
“Nothing, if you’re ninety, can’t see well, and like to hold up traffic.”
“You’ve driven with me twice! How can you say something like that?”
He shrugged his shoulder. “It only took me once to pick up how tense you are behind the wheel, which is why I offer to drive when we go out.” He cocked his head to the side. “Were you in an accident at some point? Is that why you dislike driving?”
“I have never been in an accident!”
“Who taught you to drive?”
“My mom.”
“Ah, well that explains it.”
“Excuse me?”
“You said yourself your mother was older. She passed her nervous habits on to you.”
“Take that back! You don’t know my mother, and you can’t just be spouting shit!”
He arched his eyebrow. “Shit, Avery? You shoulder check at least six times before changing lanes, you go under the speed limit, and it took you a full five minutes to reverse from the parking spot last week—and there were no cars around. It’s not shit—it’s true fact.” He shook his head with a frown. “You turn into an old woman behind the wheel. An overly cautious stick-in-the-mud. You need to learn to relax. Or else you’re an accident waiting to happen behind the wheel. A real hazard.”
A memory stirred of Grant standing in front of me, sneering. “You’re so dull, Avery—a real stick-in-the-mud. Old before your time. Besides your odd looks, frankly, you bore me. I’ll be glad when I don’t have to deal with you anymore.”
Tears pricked my eyes. Daniel felt the same way?
“I’m sorry I’m so much trouble to you.”
“Don’t twist my words. I didn’t say that.”
“Yes, you did.” I sucked in a shaky breath. “I’ll call Beth and tell her we need to cancel. I think it may be for the best.”
“Is that so? You want to leave?”
“I want you to leave.”
“Now you’re being childish.”
His words stung.
“Well, then, it’s for the best if you aren’t stuck with my childish, hazardous behavior this evening, isn’t it?”
“And how will you get home? Walk?” He dragged a hand through his hair, no longer smiling or teasing. His eyes narrowed in anger as he glared. “I suppose you’d get there quicker than driving.” He added in a sardonic tone.
That was it—I was done with this conversation. “That isn’t your concern. Beth will make sure I get home safely. You take your shortcut, go home, and pat yourself on the back for saving your precious four minutes in such a manly fashion.” I spun on my heels, heading toward the restaurant. I half expected for him to shout my name or come after me, but all I heard was the slam of the truck door, and the tires peeling on the asphalt as he tore out of the parking lot.
It Started With a Kiss Page 12