by Kaylee Ryan
“Look who the cat dragged in,” Olivia says loudly with a beaming smile.
I keep my eyes locked on Mike and tense as he slowly turns to look over his shoulder. I can feel everyone’s eyes on us, but I don’t dare look away from him. His eyes capture mine and they widen. I suck in a breath when he pushes from the table and stalks toward me. He’s grinning and I relax, but I barely have time to take a breath before his lips crash into mine. This is not the greeting I expected, but I embrace it, embrace him as I wrap my arms around his neck and lean into him. He deepens the kiss and I hold on for the ride. Catcalls and cheers have him pulling away, resting his forehead against mine.
“Good surprise?” I whisper, my voice laced with my desire for him.
“Best fucking surprise ever.” He kisses me one more time, soft and slow. When he pulls away, he’s still grinning. He laces his fingers through mine and pulls me to the table. Whit and Aaron are already sitting on the opposite side of Evan and Kinley, which leaves an open seat beside Mike for me. Mike has other plans as he takes his seat and tugs me into his lap.
“What are you doing?” I laugh.
“It’s been too damn long, darlin.’” He pulls our still-laced fingers to his lips and his soft lips caress the back of my hand.
“Surprise,” Olivia, Whitney, and Kinley say in unison.
Mike just laughs and shakes his head. “How did you know what I wanted?” he asks them.
I look down to my lap to avoid them seeing the embarrassment heat my face. Mike pulls me closer; he knows how his words affect me.
“Sister.” Olivia points to her chest. “I know all.”
“Thank you,” Mike says. It’s then I feel his lips next to my ear. “You’re exactly what I wanted.”
Lifting my head, I look into his deep blue eyes and see they’re filled with nothing but sincerity. Relaxing further into his hold, I lean against his chest. He slides his hand just under the hem of my shirt and lets it rest there.
“The birthday boy needs a shot,” David says, standing.
“I got all I need right here,” Mike says low enough that only I can hear him.
Olivia, Kinley, and Whitney start talking about the wedding while Evan and Aaron talk about a new horse they’re venturing in on together. Mike and I stay quiet, me on his lap, his arms around me, rubbing slow circles against the bare skin under my shirt. I’m not sure how I thought this night would turn out, but this is a pretty damn good outcome.
Please don’t let this be a dream. Please don’t let this be a dream.
If the guys could hear my thoughts right now, they’d be giving me hell.
I don’t care.
“Here you go.” David hands me a shot. Jamie moves to stand and I hold her tighter against me.
“Stay,” I say, my lips next to her ear. I see my sister watching me intently. This isn’t me—I know this, she knows this, my friends know this—but I can’t seem to find it in me to care. I feel connected to her. I meant it when I told her I would come to her. Never in my wildest dreams did I think she would show up here, and on my birthday of all days.
She remains on my lap and David hands her a shot. Once he’s passed them all out, he raises his in the air, the others following suit. “To the birthday boy,” he cheers.
Everyone joins in and we down our shots. Leaning forward, I place mine on the table. Jamie leans in and kisses my cheek.
“Happy birthday, Michael,” she says softly.
I give her waist a gentle squeeze and settle back in my seat. I wasn’t looking forward to tonight. Not because I don’t like to hang out with my friends, but because I knew the one person I wanted to see wouldn’t be here. But she’s here now, sitting on my lap, and that’s where she’ll stay if I have anything to say about it. I don’t want to let her out of my sight the entire time she’s here.
“When do you leave?” I ask, even though I’m dreading the answer.
“Sunday. Around noon again, more than likely.”
“You staying with me?” I want to demand that she does, but we’re not there yet—at least I don’t think we are. I want her, all of her, whenever and wherever I can have her. I want to see her, touch her—hell, just talk to her. I know she lives hours away, but I’m not going to let that stop me. As long as she’s willing, so am I.
“Do you want me to stay with you?”
“Yes.” It’s a simple answer, and I don’t bother beating around the bush.
“I’m sure Whit won’t mind. I feel bad though, since I’m supposed to be staying with her.”
“I’ll take care of Whitney.”
“Oh yeah?” She turns to face me fully, her legs hanging over the side of my lap. “And just how do you plan on doing that?”
“Aaron.” I grin up at her. “We guys have to stick together. I’m sure he can distract his fiancée long enough for me to sweep you away to my place.”
“You think so?” she laughs.
“You’ve seen the two of them together, right?”
“Good point. Well, work your magic, birthday boy,” she says, a challenge in her voice.
Leaning in close, I let my lips graze her cheek. “Consider it done.” Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I send off a quick text to David, Aaron, and Evan, just to be safe. I don’t need anyone volunteering for Jamie to stay with them; she’s coming home with me. I watch as the guys read their message, each of them giving me a slight nod of understanding. Satisfied, I slide my phone back in my pocket.
“Just like that?” she laughs.
“Just like that, darlin.’”
The rest of the night is spent talking, laughing, dancing and just hanging out. I can’t remember a birthday when I’ve had this much fun since I was a kid. Of course, I know that’s because of the sexy green-eyed beauty who’s been by my side or in my lap the entire night.
“We’re going to head out,” Evan says, standing and holding a hand out for Kinley.
She walks toward me, leans down and kisses my cheek. “Happy birthday, Mike.”
“Thanks.” I grin up at her.
“Catch you later?” Evan says, holding out his fist. I bump with him and then they’re gone.
“Why don’t we get started on closing this place down, let the birthday boy take the night off,” David tells my sister.
Olivia raises her eyebrows at me. “Thank you,” I answer her silent question. That seems to be all the reassurance she needs as she blows me a kiss, mouths “happy birthday” and then heads back toward the office.
Then there were four. I watch as Aaron leans over and whispers in Whitney’s ear. She looks up at him and smiles.
“You’ll make sure she makes it home tonight?” Whit asks me.
“You staying with me?” I ask Jamie. Even though I want to tell her that she has to, I would never take that choice from her.
“Yes.” Her answer is immediate and without hesitation. “I’m going to stay with Mike tonight,” she tells Whit.
Whitney nods and bends down to hug us both. “You two have fun and be safe. Mike, happy birthday. Take care of her.”
“Thank you, and you know I will.”
We wave goodbye and finally it’s just us. For the first time ever, I leave the bar without another thought. I don’t worry about locking up or making sure those who need to be are efficiently cut off and rides called. I know my staff and my sister have it under control.
I just want to spend some time with her.
“I can’t believe you’re really here,” I say once we’re in my truck and headed to my house. Reaching over, I lace my fingers through hers.
“I guess we hadn’t made it to the birthday conversation,” she teases. “Luckily Whitney was looking out for me.”
“When is yours?”
“July first.”
“That’s not too far away.”
“A couple of months. Are birthdays usually a big deal in your family?”
“Not really. When we were kids and lived at home, Mom would always bake a
cake. Well, I mean she still does,” I laugh. “Actually, they’re having dinner there on Sunday. I’m going to call Mom and have her move it to lunch. I’d like for you to be there.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I know I don’t have to, but I want to. I want you to meet my parents.”
“Are we there? Meeting the parents and all that? I mean, no pressure, I just don’t really know what this is.”
I trace her knuckles with my thumb. “Honestly, Jamie, I don’t know either. I do know that my day is better when I talk to you, even if it’s just over text.” I pull into the drive and shut the truck off. “I know that when I found out you were here tonight, this became the best damn birthday I’ve had since I was a kid.” Leaning in, I cup her cheek. “I know that you live hours away from me and that if you were mine, truly mine, I couldn’t deal with that. Not being able to hold you and kiss you.” I lean in and press a soft kiss to her lips. “I couldn’t deal with that.”
“So we’re what, friends with benefits?” she asks.
I cringe at the thought. “I don’t want that either. If I’m ever lucky enough to be inside of you, that’s a game changer. Friends with benefits would never be enough for me.”
She closes her eyes as I trace her bottom lip. “What are we doing here, tonight, at your place?” She opens her eyes. “What are we doing?”
“Spending time together. I want to hold you and kiss you, and if I’m lucky, fall asleep with you in my arms.”
“But we’re not together?” she asks, her teeth chattering.
“Let’s take this inside.” Climbing out of the truck, I rush to her side and open the door. I offer her my hand, which she takes, and lead her inside. I take a seat on the couch and pull her into my lap. “What do you want, Jamie? Where do you see us… this going?”
“It’s complicated,” she says softly. “I’ve never felt… attraction like this before. Only with you. I want to explore that and see where it takes us, but the distance…”
“I don’t have the answer, Jamie. All I know is that you’re here, and I don’t want to waste one single second of the time I get to spend with you.”
Leaning in, she presses her soft lips to mine and I wrap my hand around the back of her neck, holding her to me. I could kiss her forever.
“Let’s not worry about the when or how. Let’s just enjoy the next couple of days,” she says, pulling her lips from mine.
“Deal. Now let’s get changed and get to bed. It’s late, and I know with the drive you have to be exhausted.”
She covers her yawn and nods. “I think it’s starting to hit me.”
Tapping her thigh, she stands. Placing my hand on the small of her back, I lead her to my room. “T-shirts are in the top drawer, and shorts and lounge pants are in the two below it. I’ll set out a toothbrush for you.” I leave her to change and head to the bathroom to do the same. I didn’t ask if she wanted to sleep in the guest room, partly because she didn’t the last time, and even more so that I don’t want her to. It’s not about sex, because we can’t go there. I can’t go there and then watch her leave. I’m already too enamored with her, and sex changes things.
After brushing my teeth and laying out a toothbrush for her, I wait a couple of minutes, just standing there like an idiot. I want to give her time to change without the pressure of me watching her, even though I really want to watch her.
When I think enough time has passed, I slowly yet loudly open the bathroom door. She’s standing at the foot of my bed, her blonde hair pulled up into a knot on top of her head, a few stray strands framing her face. She’s wearing one of my Mike’s Tavern T-shirts, her sexy legs bare. I swallow hard at the sight of her. “It’s all yours,” I croak out like a pubescent teenager. That’s what this beautiful woman reduces me to.
A light pink blush coats her cheeks as she pulls on the hem of the shirt. “I hope this is okay,” she says, her voice soft.
I nod because speaking really isn’t an option for me right now. In two long strides, I’m standing before her, cupping her cheeks. “You’re perfect,” I say before kissing her softly, slowly, taking my time with her. Enjoying the fact that she’s here with me.
“I just need a minute,” she tells me.
Again, I nod and drop my hands from her face, stepping to the side to let her pass. Once I hear the click of the bathroom door, I climb into bed. Running my fingers through my hair, I let the last few weeks run through my mind. It’s a little unconventional, but I feel as though I’ve really gotten to know her. I fucking hate that she lives so far away.
“Light out?” she asks, pulling me from my thoughts.
“Your choice,” I tell her. The light won’t keep me from sleeping—having her in my bed will.
She flips the switch and the room is filled with darkness. “Follow my voice,” I say.
She giggles. “This reminds me of Marco Polo in the pool, except there I can’t stub my toe.”
“It’s a straight shot, darlin.’ Just follow my voice.”
“I made it,” she says, and I feel the bed dip as she climbs in.
“Come here.” I hold up the covers and feel her move closer. Once she’s where I want her, I drop the blanket over us and wrap her in my arms. “I missed you,” I say, kissing her shoulder.
“I was worried, you know?”
“Worried?”
“Yeah, I didn’t know how you would take me crashing your birthday weekend.”
“You didn’t crash it, you made it. I was serious when I told you that I would come to you. I still will. You just have to tell me when.”
“We’ll plan something,” she says, not committing. She rolls over so we’re lying face-to-face in the dark. “Can you do something for me?” she asks, her voice low.
“Anything.”
“Will you kiss me?”
I don’t bother with words; instead I run my hand up her stomach and over the swell of her breast, a featherlight touch. My fingers trace up her neck until I reach her cheek. Cupping her face, I lean in and kiss her, my lips easily finding hers like a beacon in the night. As much as I want to devour her, I also want to take this slow. I want to cherish her taste, the way her soft lips feel pressed against mine. She’s leaving in two days, and I want this memory for when she’s gone, so I’m taking my time with her. I want to show her exactly how glad I am that she’s here tonight.
She came for me, and that’s a heady feeling.
Slow, wonderful torture—that’s what his kisses are. I want more of him. I need more of him. Leaning in, I push him on his back, never breaking our kiss as I climb over to straddle his hips. I rock against him and he groans, pulling away.
“Jamie,” he murmurs.
“Hmmm?” I run my lips down the column of his neck.
“You’re killing me.” He grips my hips tight, trying to hold me in place. “I can’t do this,” he says, squeezing his eyes closed.
“Do what?” I ask, rocking against him one more time.
Suddenly he sits up and we’re face-to-face. He cups my cheeks and his blue eyes flame with desire. “I want nothing more than to bury myself inside of you and never leave. To feel you, be a part of you. It’s a craving.”
He closes his eyes, leaning his forehead against mine. I close my eyes too, just relishing the feel of being this close to him. He drops his hands from my face and wraps his arms around me, holding me tight.
“If I’m ever lucky enough to make love to you, I’m going to need more than two days. I know if we cross that line tonight, I’ll never be able to watch you leave on Sunday.”
I stay quiet as I listen to what he says. I know he’s right, but my body is screaming for me to challenge him. I’m sure I could push until he can no longer resist, but like him, I don’t know that I could leave him on Sunday either. It’s going to be hard enough as it is; sharing that part of myself with him will make it almost impossible.
“Talk to me, darlin,’” he whispers.
“I’m
sorry.” My voice is barely a whisper.
“Don’t,” he says firmly. “Don’t do that. You have nothing to be sorry for.” He raises his hips and I can’t help the moan that falls from my lips. “You feel that, baby? That’s how much I want you. I do. God help me, I want you, but—”
“I know. I know you’re right, but I just feel like I’m taking advantage of you. Showing up here unannounced, and now this, throwing myself at you.”
“Really?” he laughs, lifting his head to look at me. “We’re both in this bed, Jamie. Neither of us is at fault. I just can’t and then watch you go. I know what I’m feeling, in here.” He grabs my hand and places it over his heart. “I’m not saying never, but I am saying not tonight. Not this weekend. I just—”
“We need to get to know one another more than we do now. See if we really are as compatible as we think we are,” I blurt out, saving him from having to make up an excuse.
“I know you, James,” he whispers. “I also know that you scare me. You consume my thoughts, and that’s just from tasting your lips. I can’t imagine.” He shakes his head. “I can’t imagine how I’ll feel once I’ve made love to you. We just need a little more time, darlin.’ Time to figure this out, us, and how we would proceed with where we live.”
“Okay.” I move off his lap and start to slide off the bed when he grabs my elbow.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m going to call Whit and get changed.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. Isn’t that what you want?”
“Baby, at any time did I say I don’t want you here? No, I didn’t. I want to hold you.” He runs his thumb across my bottom lip. “I want to taste these lips until we fall asleep from exhaustion. I want to wake up with you here, next to me. I want to attach myself to you until the very final second that you drive away from me on Sunday.”
“So what are you waiting for?”
His lips capture mine and I let myself get lost in the sensation—the way his tongue explores my mouth, the way his hands roam my body. Minutes, hours I have no idea because I lose track of time. We eventually fall asleep facing each other, our hands clasped tightly between us.