Miss ~ Harloe Rae

by Rae, Harloe

  “Oh, really?” she asks with a quirked brow.

  I offer a shrug. Devon snorts, no doubt knowing how hard I’m biting my tongue. Delilah looks between us, most likely trying to figure out the silent exchange.

  He claps and takes a step back. “Anyway, I didn’t mean to interrupt. Just wanted to say hello.”

  “Oh, you don’t have to go. I can’t stay much longer and actually have something for you,” she tells him.

  “Wasn’t expecting that,” he muses. “Whatcha got for me?”

  Delilah holds up a finger. “I’ll be right back.”

  As she’s dashing off to her car, Devon makes a noise of appreciation. “You’ve got quite a catch there, Zeke.”

  “Don’t I fucking know it.”

  “Better hold on tight and never let go.”

  “Planning on it,” I reply.

  He nods. “Good thing you came back to Garden Grove, huh?”

  I grunt. “Yeah, yeah. Gloat all you want. This was a great choice, and you won’t hear me complaining.”

  “Damn fucking straight. Always remember the boss knows best.”

  Delilah is heading our way and walking far too fast. Her tits are swaying with the rapid steps and a nip-slip is a serious possibility. I groan while fighting the urge to cover Devon’s eyes. At least the container she’s carrying covers most of her torso.

  “Here you go,” she says and passes him the white box.

  He shakes it and asks, “What could this be?”

  She laughs. “Nothing too special. Just some dessert from my shop, Jitters. My friend is a baker and makes everything from scratch. I wanted to say thanks for all you’ve done.”

  “I didn’t know fixing up this bar was cause for receiving treats,” he jokes.

  Delilah glances at me. “I don’t really care about what happens with Roosters.”

  The grin I offer in response can be seen from two counties over. This girl gets to me.

  “Good answer,” Devon says. He lifts the cardboard flap and peeks inside. “If I wasn’t already convinced, this seals the deal. This woman is a keeper, Zeke.”

  “Thanks for the approval,” I say with sarcasm thick in my voice.

  “I like you,” Delilah tells him.

  “That’s nice to hear because I hold a lot of weight in decision-making.” He rocks back on his heels, sending me a smirk.

  I grunt. “Is that so?”

  Devon rolls his shoulders. “You wanna steal him away, right? I can already tell how this will go.”

  Delilah looks like she’s been caught robbing a bank. “Um, well, we haven’t talked that much about it,” she mumbles. Her pleading gaze swings to me, begging for a rescue. I’m just as caught off guard and not much help.

  Devon hoots. “You kids. So in love. It will be a challenge to keep you two apart. The struggle might as well be painted across your shirt. There’s plenty of time before decisions need to be made. I’m sure we can work something out,” he says to me with a slap on the back.

  I feel like wiping my brow in relief. He just saved me the trouble of having to bring up quitting. There’s no way I’m leaving Delilah when the job is done.

  “Thanks, boss. You’re a lifesaver,” I say and truly mean it. Devon has done so much for me, and letting me off the hook easy is another item on the list.

  He drums his fingers on the box. “Just doing my job, same as you.” With that, he gives us a salute and walks off.

  It feels easier to breathe, a cinder block lifting off my chest. We don’t need more obstacles in our path, and this was a big hurdle to clear. Our outlook should be smooth sailing from now on. I move closer to Delilah, linking our fingers tight. “Let’s have some carefree fun this weekend. Like the old days.”

  She tilts her head, giving me a shy smile. “There’re so many options. What do you have in mind?”

  “I miss taking you out for ice cream. And picking fresh blueberries. We need to visit that abandoned red barn off I-65. Maybe have dinner at Mel’s and sit on the patio. We can sit on the same side of a booth.”

  “I’d love to do all of that, Zee.” Delilah’s soft lilt wraps around my heart, and I tug her against me.

  “There’s so much to miss, but not anymore. We’ll do everything together again.”

  “That’s all I’ve ever wanted,” she whispers. Delilah tilts her chin up, and I answer with a kiss.

  I pull away and lightly spank her. “Now get your sexy ass home and put on some snow pants or a trench coat.”

  She licks her lips. “Isn’t your lunch break starting soon? Maybe you should help me pick out something more appropriate.”

  I prowl forward with a growl and she turns away with a playful squeal. I scoop her into my arms and jog to her car. “We’ve got thirty minutes. Better make it count.”

  ROOMIES

  Delilah

  ADDISON TOPS OFF my wine, pouring too much so the red liquid almost overflows. She doesn’t seem to notice since her laser-focus is set on Raven’s full glass. We all have a mutual appreciation for booze, but Addy is being extra pushy tonight.

  As if to confirm my suspicion, she snaps, “Do you see a problem with this bottle?” She jostles it in front of us. We don’t dare respond. “It isn’t empty yet,” Addison bites out.

  I grimace at her snarky tone while Raven snatches her own cup and takes a healthy gulp.

  “Didn’t mean to piss you off. I’m not much of a wine-drinker,” Raven murmurs.

  “I have vodka in the freezer,” Addison says and blindly gestures toward the kitchen.

  Raven glances at me, and I shrug.

  “It’s Wednesday,” she tells our fiery friend.

  “So?”

  My gaze ping-pongs between them, and I choose to remain silent. They’re capable of working this out, right?

  “I have to get up early,” Raven replies.

  “That’s a convenient excuse. Just toss the cakes in the oven and go back to bed,” Addison suggests.

  I hold up my hands, calling a timeout. “What the hell, Addy?”

  “Not sure what you mean.”

  I raise my brows. “Your panties are in a seriously tight wad.”

  She settles back on the couch with a groan, tugging fistfuls of red hair in the process. “I’m an effing mess. Sorry for being a bitch,” she whispers and looks between us.

  “Oh, please. Like you have to apologize. We’ve been there.” I rub her shoulder.

  Raven nods. “Yeah, we wouldn’t be women without mood swings. But what’s the issue?”

  Addison glares at the ceiling. “Where to begin? Dagos has been a madhouse with summer traffic. Shane keeps blowing me off. I got my period yesterday. And most recently, Tania told me she’s moving out.”

  I wince at her itemized list. “Yikes, that’s rough. What can we do to help?”

  She blows out a frustrated breath. “I thought getting drunk sounded like a good idea.”

  “But the headache tomorrow will bring it all back,” I point out.

  “Ugh, you’re being too logical.”

  “I’ll be here all night.” I laugh.

  She sniffs. “I’ll be all alone in this empty space soon.”

  I look around, trying to analyze the area from an outside perspective. The loft has an open concept layout with a ton of natural light. Addison has made sure every spot measures up to Pinterest perfection. She has at least ten inspiration boards dedicated to home decor. It’s trendy-chic and screams of her personal style. She loves candles, and this week it smells like a tropical vacation. I’m not sure what Tania has contributed, but it can’t be much.

  I clear my throat. “Before Tania, you lived with Gia. This is clearly your place, Addy. Maybe you’d prefer having the place to yourself.”

  She sighs. “I enjoy having company.”

  “In that case, you have an adorable apartment right off Main Street. It won’t be difficult to find someone,” I tell her.

  “But what if I don’t like them?” There’
s a slight edge to her voice and I push the bottle closer. Addison laughs and gives herself a refill.

  “You’re a mess, love. Can’t seem to make up your mind, huh?” I murmur and she nods.

  “Do you need a roommate immediately? Or can you get by without one?” Raven asks.

  Addison’s hand seesaws back and forth. “It’s tough to say. I could probably make due if needed. Splitting the bills in two is always nice, though.”

  Raven plops down on the couch. “Where’s Tania going?”

  Addison huffs. “Her boyfriend is finally ready to settle down so they’re getting a place together.”

  “Well, that’s great for her. She’s been waiting for him to pull the trigger forever,” I say.

  “Yeah, I guess,” she mutters.

  “I feel like we’re missing something. You’re not happy for her?”

  Addison tosses her hands up. “That’s not it. I’m glad she’s moving on and getting a happy ending. But now I have to search for a new roomie. Tania was low maintenance and really helpful. It’s difficult finding that balanced relationship. Living with someone is so personal.”

  “Tell that to the residents of New York City,” Raven mumbles. We turn and gape at her. “What? My mom and I stayed there for a few months while she dated some random dude. It’s madness.”

  “Really?” I prop my foot on the coffee table.

  Raven continues with, “It’s crazy expensive. You can’t find a spot to rent in the worst areas of the city. Get this—we found cockroaches in the shower one night.”

  I gasp. “Oh my gosh. That’s so gross.”

  Addison gags. “I can’t imagine my reaction to that.”

  Raven cringes. “Yep, it was bad. I couldn’t fall asleep without picturing them crawling all over me. I’d fly out of bed screaming. We didn’t stick around much longer after that.” She shudders. “So yeah, no one can afford to be picky in the slightest. You’d have people lined around the block at a crack to live here with you.”

  “Never pegged you for a city girl,” I say.

  “I’m far from it. Not sure I ever belonged there. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a total trip with a lot of fantastic culture. It just wasn’t meant for me.”

  I wrinkle my nose. “Yeah, I’ll pass. It would be great for a vacation, but I couldn’t hack it long term. That sounds like a constant ball of stress. Jeez, we’re complaining about our shops being busy in our tiny town during summer. Could you imagine working in downtown metropolis? With the potential of roach infestation?”

  “Not even a little bit,” Addison says softly.

  “Been there, done that,” Raven adds.

  Addison hums. “Either way, we’re far from the Big Apple. The renter’s market in Garden Grove is not stellar. I might be roomie-less for months. It’s better than bugs, though.”

  Raven taps her chin. “Trey told me Shane is on the hunt. Something about his landlord being a dick. Blah, blah. I wasn’t really listening, but maybe you should offer to let him move in.”

  Addison chokes on her mouthful of wine. “Great plan. I’ll merge two of my problems into a bigger one.”

  “Shane has shown interest. What’s the issue lately?” I ask.

  “Lord only knows. He has great boyfriend potential, but damn. I’ve tried making it pretty obvious that I like him. He either doesn’t get it or the feeling isn’t mutual. I cannot wait around forever. My lady bits are neglected as it is.”

  “Maybe this arrangement wouldn’t be the worst thing,” I press.

  Addison squints at me. “I dunno. I’ve never lived with a guy, not to mention one I’m interested in. Do you think rooming with a man could work? If we’re just friends?”

  I think about her question for a moment. “I don’t have experience with that, either. The boys in our dorm don’t count.”

  “Don’t look at me,” Raven says. “Until Trey, the only guys I stayed with were my mom’s boyfriends. I prefer to leave that part of history forgotten.”

  “Maybe this is a positive alternative. It might end up being the best of both worlds,” I say.

  Addison scoffs. “Doubtful. I’m not sure it’s even an idea to entertain.”

  “Why not?” Raven asks.

  “Because I like him, and he clearly doesn’t care one way or another. Being around him constantly would be terrible,” she grumbles.

  I lift my chin, assessing her somber expression. “Really? I feel like the more you’re exposed to him, the easier it would be to move on. You’ll learn all about his worst habits and be totally turned off.”

  Addison waves me off. “Let’s put a pin in this hairbrained idea.” She takes a sip of wine. “Tell us what’s new with Zeke.”

  “Oooh, yeah. I want some juicy updates,” Raven joins in.

  I bite my lip. “We’ve been having a lot of fun together.”

  Raven winks suggestively. “Guess you’re outta that funk.”

  “You could say that.”

  “Is getting it on the regular fantastic or what?”

  “Big time. Zeke can play my body like a perfectly tuned guitar. I’ve really missed having sex.”

  Addison’s brow furrows. “Uh, okay? It hasn’t been that long, right?”

  I feel my cheeks burn but decide to hell with it. “Well, five years until like . . . ten days ago. But who’s counting, right?”

  Raven sputters. “W-what?”

  I cluck my tongue. “I’ve always talked a big game, but it’s bullshit. There’s only been Zeke for me.”

  They’re wearing matching expressions—hanging jaws and wide eyes. Addison chokes out a cough. “No shit? Wow.”

  “Uh huh. Zeke is on a mission to recreate some of our favorite teenage memories.”

  “Oh, no.” Addison groans and covers her ears.

  I toss a pillow at her. “Get your mind out of the gutter. It isn’t all sexual.”

  She snorts. “Yeah, right.”

  I roll my eyes. “Whatever. Last weekend we picked fresh fruit, went kayaking, ate at our favorite diner, and made a bonfire. It was lovely.”

  They simultaneously exhale, long and whimsical. Addison rests her chin on a fist and says, “Lucky duck.”

  I giggle and my heart skips a beat thinking of him. “It’s pretty damn romantic, if I do say so myself.”

  “I’d second that,” Addison answers.

  “Guess you’re falling into old habits, easy peasy,” Raven comments.

  I smile, liking the sound of that. “Yeah, I suppose.”

  “I’m really happy for you, D. I know how much you’ve missed him,” comes from Addison.

  Raven leans in. “Are you sure he’s going to stay in Garden Grove?”

  I bob my head. “His boss was pretty reasonable last week when I stopped by the Roosters site. I think there’s a decent possibility Zeke can stay without much trouble.

  “How big of a chance?” Addison asks.

  I take a healthy gulp of wine. “Enough that I’m not worrying about it right now. More of a cross that bridge when we get there sort of thing.”

  They both look at me, nodding their heads.

  Raven says, “Good plan. Either way, there’s a ton of building left to do.”

  Addison’s eyes light up. “Oooh, speaking of the construction zone, were there hot guys everywhere? I haven’t gone to inspect their work, if you know what I mean.”

  We all laugh at that.

  “Who knows? All I see is Zeke,” I tell her honestly.

  Addison groans. “I’m jealous of all the magic you two are getting.”

  I give her a hug. “You’ll find someone special if he isn’t already around.”

  “Wish he’d hurry up,” she gripes.

  Raven bounces in her seat. “I have a great idea. Let’s all go out dancing. Maybe to Cyclone? It’s been ages since we’ve been there.”

  Addison makes an approving noise. “That could be interesting.”

  “It’s a magical place.” Raven sighs.

  “
Uh huh. We all have memories there,” Addison says.

  I bump my shoulder into hers. “Shane joined us last time.”

  “Precisely,” she adds.

  Raven taps on her phone before saying, “How about next Saturday? Looks like they have a band lined up. Guaranteed to be a fun time.”

  “And live music always draws a crowd. Maybe I can finally meet someone interested in me,” Addison murmurs.

  “This will take your mind off that laundry list of worries.” I inject my voice with plenty of fluff.

  She narrows her eyes at me. “I’ll believe that when it happens.”

  “I’ll hire a stripper if that’ll make you smile,” Raven suggests.

  Addison’s mouth curves slightly. “I might be desperate, but there’s a limit.”

  “I’ve got it!” I say. “Let’s call Sam Walker.”

  The mention of Addison’s high-school crush lifts her lips into a huge grin. “Yes, now we’re talking. Do you think he has the same number?”

  We all break out in a fit of giggles and open another bottle of wine. Cheers to all the second chances, right?

  YOURS

  Zeke

  THE MUTED LIGHTING IN The restaurant offers subtle hints at some of Delilah’s most tantalizing features. The dip of her cleavage. The slender column of her neck. The slight blush rising in her cheeks. I’ve just inhaled my steak dinner, but lust and desire for this woman still have me starving. I’m a fucking ravenous fiend for her, as always.

  My muscles are tense while we wait for the check. Lava pools in my gut when Delilah nibbles on her bottom lip, peeking up at me through thick lashes. The shy smile she shoots across the table has me more than ready to get the hell out of here. If we hurry, I can be balls-deep in less than five minutes.

  Delilah pats her flat stomach. “I’m so full. I couldn’t eat another bite.” The moan she tacks on eliminates any chance of lowering my erection, no matter how hard I think of puppies or grandmas. But her clean plate could work in my favor.

  “So, no ice cream then?” I’m preparing to jump from my seat upon her giving the all-clear.

  She twists her mouth. “Let’s not be too hasty. There’s always space for ice cream.”