Keep My Heart (Top Shelf Romance Book 7)

by Lex Martin

  Knowing that Viola leaves for Boston in just a month, I want to give her a going away gift that will ensure she comes back to me. I know that’s selfish on my part, but I’ve been waiting ten years for the girl of my dreams, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure I don’t lose her again.

  I’ve been thinking about it the past couple of weeks, and I found just the right one for her.

  After picking up the gift, I arrive back home, fortunately before Drew, so he doesn’t question me.

  Viola: I’m heading over soon. Is the coast clear?

  I read Viola’s text and immediately send one back. I can’t wait to see her.

  Travis: Yes. Get your ass over here. I have a surprise.

  Viola: What kind of a surprise? Should I bring my wand?

  I smile at her response.

  Travis: I’ll be the one with the wand, princess ;)

  Viola: Let’s hope you know how to use that thing before you break it :)

  I shake my head at her response, loving her filthy mouth.

  Travis: Was that really necessary? Low blow, princess.

  Viola: Sorry, King. Sometimes you have to pay the price of being a smartass.

  I set my phone down and get her gift ready, so she sees it when she first walks in. I know she’s going to lose her mind.

  Hearing Viola’s car pull into the driveway, I immediately greet her at the door. She smiles, and I press my lips to hers before she even has a chance to speak.

  “Well, hi,” she says, gasping for air.

  “Hi.” I smile in return. “I have something waiting for you.”

  I lead her into the house and down the hallway to my bedroom. “Are you ready?”

  “Nothing’s going to pop out at me, is it?” She pulls back slightly, and I wrap a hand around her neck and pull her lips to mine again.

  “No, unless you’re into that kind of thing.” I wink at her, and she holds back a smile.

  “You have no shame.” She chuckles against my mouth.

  I softly kiss her lips once more and pull back slightly as I open my bedroom door.

  Stepping out of her way so she can walk in, she immediately gasps and runs to the bed, where an eight-week-old puppy is wiggling with excitement, anxiously waiting for her to pick him up.

  “Oh my God!” she screams—her excitement addicting as I follow her. “You got a puppy?” She picks him up and holds him close to her chest. “He’s so sweet!” She rubs his fur against her cheek.

  I wrap an arm around her waist and pull her into me. “I got you a puppy.”

  Her eyes widen as she looks up at me. “What? Why? I mean, I can’t have a puppy in the dorms. What about when I leave?” Her bottom lip trembles, and I can tell she’s not getting my whole point.

  “He’s going to live here with me until you come back.”

  “He is?”

  “Yes.” I smile confidently. “That way I know you’ll come back. I know you can’t resist puppies.”

  She chuckles, rubbing the length of her chin along his face. “So he’s collateral? I don’t come back, and you get to keep the puppy?”

  “I don’t want to keep the puppy, princess. I just want you.”

  She tilts her head and narrows her eyes. “You have me. Regardless of being gone for six months, I’m not going anywhere. We’ll still text and Skype, and I’ll call you every night. I’ll be back before we know it.” Her words are reassuring, but I can’t help but notice the tone in her voice isn’t as confident.

  “Well then, think of him as a thank-you gift.”

  She repositions him on her chest, and soon, his eyes are closing as he rests his head on her shoulder.

  “A thank-you gift for what?”

  I brush my fingers through her hair and look her in the eyes. “For taking care of me and making sure I was fed and properly cleaned.”

  “Oh, yes. Those showers were a terrible inconvenience for me.” She smiles and presses little kisses to the puppy’s cheeks.

  “So what do you want to name him?”

  We sit down on the edge of the bed and take a good look at him. He has fluffy golden fur and dark, beady eyes.

  “He looks like a Gryffindor to me. Gryff for short.”

  I throw my head back and laugh. Of course, she’d give him a Harry Potter name. I rub my hand along his back as he rests peacefully on Viola’s lap. “Sorry, little guy. We didn’t stand a chance on giving you a more manly name, but I’ll be sure all the single ladies know you’re macho and badass.”

  Viola chuckles and rests her head against my shoulder. “Now I’m going to have to say goodbye to two special men in my life.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m sure we’ll keep each other company.”

  “You’re going to have to feed him while I’m gone. And take him for walks. And give him baths. He’ll probably want to sleep with you, too. They usually miss their brothers and sisters for the first few weeks after being separated.” She continues to ramble until I finally interrupt and shut her up.

  “Viola!” I shout. “I think I can handle a harmless little puppy.”

  She tilts her face up, uncertainty written all over it. “What are you going to tell Drew?”

  “Don’t worry about Drew. I’ll take care of it.”

  We lie on the bed, petting and playing with Gryff. He chews on our fingers, my comforter, and even Viola’s hair. The way her face lights up when she looks at him makes me so damn happy, and I wish I could bottle up this moment and just keep it this way forever.

  I remember Viola telling me how much she wanted a dog. She asked for one every Christmas, and like clockwork, it never came. I didn’t grow up with pets, except one old cat my mother cherished like a baby. I never got close enough to it to consider it a companion, but Viola would go nuts every time someone would walk a dog past their house. She talked about dogs like she did her books, and I knew she’d always wanted one. Some girls want a pony, but Viola’s always wanted a puppy.

  Even though she lives in the dorms, and she’ll be leaving for Boston soon, I wanted her to have Gryff. Another reason to come back, even if it ends up being for the wrong reasons.

  No matter what I do, I can’t wipe the stupid grin off my damn face right now. Gryff is smothering me in kisses, and Travis is looking at me like he wants to rip off all my clothes, which is probably accurate. This is Travis, after all.

  “Thank you,” I whisper as we both lie on the bed with Gryff sleeping between us. “It’s the sweetest thing anyone’s ever given me.”

  “Yeah?” He raises a brow. “Feel free to show me just how thankful you are.”

  “Sorry, King. There’s a new man in my life now.” I pick up the puppy and set him on my chest.

  “I can give you puppy dog eyes and lick your face if that’s what it takes.” He rolls to my side and faces me. “Or if you prefer, I can lick you somewhere else, too.”

  I smile at his attempt. “Drew’s going to be home soon, and unless you want him to find me with a puppy in your bed, I have to get up.”

  “Well, it wouldn’t be the weirdest thing he’s ever found in my bed.” He flashes a smug smile, and I’m tempted to smack that look right off his face.

  “Perhaps it’s a good thing Gryff will be here while I’m gone. He can keep an eye on you,” I say, climbing off his bed. “He’ll be my little spy.”

  “You don’t trust me?” He places a hand over his chest and pouts with those sad, pathetic eyes of his.

  “I do, it’s the hos I don’t trust,” I say matter-of-factly.

  He sits on the edge of his bed and pulls me between them. “You have nothing to worry about, princess. I promise you that. It’s just going to be Gryff and me, waiting until the day you return to us.”

  My heart pounds in my chest as the words sit on the tip of my tongue, but I can’t push them out just yet. I love him. I think I’ve always loved him, even when I hated him, but I can’t help feeling scared to say those words aloud. I’m worried if I do, it’ll jinx everything
we have going for us so far.

  Drew walks in the door thirty minutes later and immediately curses the second he sees the dog run toward him. “Travis?” he calls out, bending down and picking the puppy up. I’m watching him from the living room, but he hasn’t seen me yet. “Did a new roommate move in that I’m unaware of?”

  “He’s mine,” I say, bringing his attention to me. “Isn’t he cute?” I smile, hoping he won’t ask a million questions about him, but I know better.

  “Yeah, adorable,” he deadpans. “Why’s he in my house?”

  “Because he lives here,” Travis chimes in, stalking from the hallway without a shirt on. Dammit. Why is he shirtless?

  “Since when?” Drew asks, setting him down and watches as he runs back to me.

  “Today,” I answer, picking him up. “Travis gave him to me as a thank-you gift for taking such good care of him. Is it okay that he stays here?” I give him my best pleading look and pout out my lip.

  He sighs, setting his gear down on the table. “You’re okay with this?” He directs his question to Travis. “I mean, you basically bought yourself a dog, man.” He shakes his head a little with an amused chuckle.

  “Yeah, it’s fine. But it’s Viola’s dog. She’ll take care of him when she’s around and then…” He slips his hands into his front pockets and shrugs carelessly. “I’ll take care of him until she’s back.”

  I watch as Drew furrows his brows at Travis, trying to read his intentions. “Something weird is going on.”

  “Drew, c’mon. You know I’ve wanted a dog forever.” I keep my eyes locked on his, knowing he’ll cave any second.

  He inhales through his nose, and I watch as his chest rises and falls with a deep sigh. “Fine, whatever. But I’m not picking up any dog poop. I deal with enough shit at work. I don’t need more of it when I come home.”

  I smile in victory but hide it behind Gryff’s head. I know Travis and I dodged another bullet with Drew, but now isn’t the right time to tell him.

  “Are your clothes in the wash, Vi?” Drew asks from the kitchen. “I need to throw a load in.”

  “Just set it down by the washer, and I’ll throw it in after I change mine over.”

  “Okay, thanks. I’m going to hit the gym for a couple of hours then.”

  I nod, and he disappears into his room for a few moments before he resurfaces in his workout clothes. “Fuck!”

  I nearly jump from the couch and run down the hallway when I spot Drew standing in front of a pile of dog poop. “Oh, no.” I pick Gryff up and hold him close to my chest. He’s shaking. “He didn’t mean to. He’s just nervous.”

  Drew walks around me without saying another word, and I know he’s already unhappy about the puppy. He heads down the hall, and I exhale as I hear the bathroom door click shut.

  “I’ll clean it up, princess. Don’t worry. Drew’s been an emotional mess the past couple of weeks. It’s not you.”

  It may not be me, but I can think of a certain someone who is probably the cause of all his pent-up aggression. Mia.

  Once Travis cleans up the mess and sprays the carpet, he calls me to the kitchen. I hear him banging around pots and pans, and I can’t help but wonder what the hell he’s getting into now.

  “I know you said you didn’t want anything of mine near your mouth, but I make a really kick-ass pasta dish.”

  “A puppy and dinner?” I ask with a smug smile. “You sure know the way to a girl’s heart, don’t you?”

  He cups my cheek and pulls me in, so our mouths are just barely touching. “Just yours, Viola.” He presses his lips to mine for a deep, passionate kiss. “You were always the girl.”

  “And you were always the boy, Travis King.”

  He wraps his arms around my waist and attacks my mouth with his tongue and lips. I take everything he’s offering and more.

  “Let’s skip dinner,” he whispers against my mouth. “I’d much rather have dessert instead. What do you think?”

  “Too much dessert in your diet isn’t a healthy balance,” I say.

  “Since when have I cared about a healthy balance?”

  I laugh and press my palms against his chest to push him away. “Drew’s home,” I remind him. “In fact, I should probably be cursing you out or something before he walks back in here.”

  “Or we could just tell him?” He arches a brow.

  I drop my shoulders and frown. “You know how that would work out if we did it right now?”

  “Oh, c’mon. He’ll get one good punch in, and then—”

  “Travis!” I scold, and he laughs. Asshole.

  “He always takes long showers after work, so we have some time to kill.” He brushes loose strands of hair behind my ear and smiles.

  “Good. Then you can make that dinner,” I say.

  He groans, adjusting himself. “How the hell am I supposed to cook with this distracting me?”

  “Hmm…” I pinch my lips together, pretending to ponder it. “How can we remedy this little situation?”

  I kneel and start undoing his belt. I can feel how hard he is underneath the fabric of his jeans. I stare up at him, still shirtless, and study the tattoos that cover his arms and chest. I want to lick my tongue all the way up his body and suck on every design, but I stay focused on getting his jeans undone instead—for now anyway.

  Once I successfully strip him out of his jeans and boxer shorts, I palm his cock and begin stroking. He nearly stumbles at the first touch, and I know I’m the only one in charge right now.

  “All right, chef. Get started.”

  “What? Right now?”

  “Yes.” I turn my back against the oven, and he turns to face me so I can suck the tip of him. “You cook. I’ll get started on dessert.”

  “Fuck, Viola,” he hisses when I slide my tongue along his shaft. “You really want me around sharp knives and a hot stove when you have my dick in your mouth?”

  I nod, running my tongue along the edge of his tip as it twitches from the warm, teasing contact.

  “You realize I’ll end up cutting my damn hand off or something.”

  “Then I suggest you be extra careful.”

  “No way.” He moans, leaning his hands on the stovetop and sliding his dick deeper into my mouth.

  I pull him out and tease him once again, watching as he nearly crumples over me. “C’mon, King. You don’t want to play?”

  “Goddammit, Viola,” he hisses, knowing exactly what kind of game I’m talking about. “Fuck, princess. Your mouth is fucking perfection.”

  “Don’t forget the rules,” I say, reminding him of our little game. “You come before dinner’s ready, you lose.”

  “Sounds more like a win to me,” he says smugly, trying to control his breathing.

  “And if you don’t, you get to come somewhere else…” I drawl, lingering my words because he knows exactly what I mean. The only reason I agreed to those terms is because I know Travis King well enough to know he’ll never be able to hold off that long.

  “Game on, princess.”

  Chapter 12

  Travis

  Drew strides back into the dining room just as I’m setting the table. I can tell something’s bothering him by the way his features tighten up and how he brushes his hand through his hair. I know he’s been talking about Mia a lot lately, but he hasn’t really said much about her since the last time he told me they spoke.

  “What’s going on?” Drew asks, nodding his head toward the table.

  “I have some food in the oven. You want some?”

  “You made dinner?” He arches a brow in disbelief.

  “Yeah, Viola said she was hungry, so I put something together.”

  He pulls a chair out and sits down. “Since when can you cook?”

  “Since now,” I fire back. “You going to eat or drill me all night?”

  “Sorry, man. Mia is driving me nuts.”

  “I thought you two were going to talk or something?”

  “Well, we
were, but she won’t tell me anything until we’re face-to-face, and just by the tone of her voice, it doesn’t sound good.”

  I pinch my lips together, knowing exactly what Mia should tell Drew, but knowing her, she’ll twist it around somehow and play the victim.

  “When is she coming, then?”

  “My next day off isn’t until next Wednesday, so she’s going to drive up Tuesday night and spend the night.”

  I contemplate giving him a heads-up, but I’m not really in the position to be delivering bad news. “Well, hopefully, you guys can work it out.” The words come out sincere, but not at all believable.

  “It’s just driving me insane. Is it that bad she can’t just tell me over the phone and put me out of my misery? I’ve even contemplated taking a sick day and driving up there myself, but she’s in the middle of studying for her upcoming finals, so I just have to fucking sit and wait.”

  Viola walks in before I can respond. “Maybe Gryff can cheer you up.” She holds the puppy up with a wide smile.

  “Doubtful.”

  “Geez. Now who’s the one manstrating?” She cradles Gryff to her chest and takes a seat.

  He sighs. “So, what’s the deal here? Are you two like...friends now?”

  I see Viola’s body go stiff in her chair and know I’m going to have to be the one to smooth this one over. “I thought you’d appreciate no fighting for one night.” I flash a small smile, shrugging nonchalantly. The oven timer goes off, and I walk back to the kitchen, leaving Viola alone with Drew.

  I can hear her talking to him about the puppy and trying to get him to warm up to the idea of having him at the house. By the time I bring the food in, he’s smiling and holding Gryff.

  “Well if Mia and I don’t work out, at least Gryff will be around to keep me company,” he says as he gets licked by the dog.