by Harloe Rae
Our life together is finally starting. We’re going on a date in less than an hour, another first for us. I’m picking her up, like a gentleman, despite her living next door. Lennon doesn’t know we’re neighbors yet but I’ll reveal that offense tonight. Can I blame it on a strange coincidence?
Lennon seems to accept my need to keep her safe so my stomach shouldn’t be in a jumble of knots. Her patience and understanding never ceases to amaze me so there’s hope she’ll forgive my violations of her privacy. She deserves the truth but terror scratches my skin whenever I consider exposing my secrets. I shove the mounting worry to the back of my brain and concentrate on the evening ahead.
While she’s been in class, I’ve been busy planning a romantic outing. Too bad I don’t know the first fucking thing about wining and dining the girl of my dreams. Thankfully the internet is good for more than just making money. After some research, I selected the best spot for a quiet and secluded dinner. The reviews claim the intimate Italian restaurant has the best cheesy pasta, which Lennon will appreciate it. There’s a spectacular view of Lake Michigan too.
Choosing the correct flowers was another task I wasn’t prepared for. After much internal debate, I settled on a bouquet of brightly blooming peonies that remind me of her vibrant aquamarine eyes. The fancy sewing machine from Lennon’s wish list sits in the entryway, wrapped in pink paper and ready for her talented hands. The message boards warned me that I was going overboard but what the hell do they know? This will make her happy and I want that blinding smile aimed directly at me.
I blow out a slow breath to cool the incessant nerves poking at me. I step in front of the mirror for a final appraisal of my appearance. I’ve never put much thought into what clothes I’m wearing but for Lennon, I stepped out of my usual black attire. The navy and gray button-down offsets the color of my light eyes. I peer closer as the blue hues of my irises swirl together like a tragic storm.
What does she see in me?
My head jerks out of habit, expecting hair to cover the direct view. With my crazy stare still on display, I clench my lids shut and turn away. Lennon will make me feel better and I don’t want to waste another moment here alone.
I grab her gifts before locking up and walking the short distance to her place. Apprehension slithers under my skin but I shake it away. Everything about tonight will be perfect, just like the woman waiting for me behind the door. I lean the heavy box against the wall before knocking hesitantly. While waiting, I hide the flowers behind my back and send off a silent wish to whoever’s listening.
Please stop me from fucking this up.
With a whoosh, Lennon stands before me with an odd look crossing her glowing features. “Hey, Ryker. How’d you get in? I didn’t buzz you.”
She looks stunning with her long brown hair loose around her bare shoulders. Her face has a light layer of makeup that adds glitter to her skin and those lips that touched mine earlier look glossy. Lennon is still wearing the bright yellow sundress from earlier, which hints at her curves without giving too much away. When I’m done perusing her beauty, her question bangs into my distracted brain.
Shit, here goes nothing.
I gaze into her warm aqua pools and whisper another truth, “You don’t have to because . . . I live in the building. Just down the hall, in 303.” My head motions in the direction of my apartment.
She looks at me with a blank expression, as if her gears are grinding. Lennon’s mouth is all that moves when she asks, “For real? Like, no joke?”
I shrug and bob my chin, feeling my cheeks flame.
“Huh, interesting. Do you live there on purpose? To be near me?” She tilts her head and pops out her hip.
“Yeah. That probably freaks you out, but I just want to keep you safe. To do that best, I need to be close.” My voice is steady but my insides are thrashing.
Lennon hums, “Hmmm, do you like, spy on us in the shower or anything?”
“No! I would never do that,” I sputter as my face tingles with shame. I’ve imagined watching her that way countless times, but I’d never act on those impulses.
“I’m totally messing with you,” she giggles softly. The noise soothes the ragged tension in my muscles. “I’m mostly surprised you stayed out of sight this long. Lucy and I always wondered who lives there. We figured it was an older couple who never leaves.”
“You’re not upset?” Awe rings clear in my voice.
Lennon straightens and places her fingers around my forearm. “It doesn’t bother me that you’re always here if I need you, especially now that I know who you are. I think it’s sweet that you watch out for me, like you can’t help it. Am I romanticizing? Probably. Do I care? No.” She adds pressure to her hold on me and I almost groan from the tingles zipping up my arm. “All I know is there’s something special between us and we’re finally going to explore it. Starting tonight, right?” My nod mirrors hers. “Good, I’m glad we got that out of the way. Anything else you wanna share?”
My limbs lock up like concrete as my pulse roars. There’s so much I need to tell her, that she deserves to know, but I can’t force the words out. My eyes shift around, searching for something to anchor me. I swallow before trying again but right versus wrong keep warring in my chest.
Her candy-coated tone yanks my stare back to her. “It’s alright, Ryker. You’ll tell me when the time is right. Just don’t hold back forever because I wanna know everything about you.” Lennon points to the bouquet peeking out from behind me. “Now, those can’t possibly be for me. Are you making another stop to deliver those somewhere?”
I manage to respond, “Of course they’re for you. As if I’d bring gifts to anyone else.” My eyes roll as I scoff. “Glad you saw them because I almost forgot.”
“They’re kind of hard to miss. You really shouldn’t have brought me anything else. There’s so much you’ve already done,” Lennon states smoothly.
Her eyes widen when I grab the large package from the floor. “This is for you too,” I explain while holding it up for her to see.
She shakes her head as the smile on her lips stretches wider. “Do you want to come in quick while I open that and get the flowers into some water?”
I nod silently before following her inside. Lennon sets the flowers on her kitchen table and I place the box down next to the blooming bundle. She motions over her shoulder. “Would you mind grabbing a vase above the sink? I always have to drag a chair over since I’m vertically challenged.” She laughs while I move toward the cabinet. “I can’t believe you brought me more gifts. Seriously, you’re—holy shit!”
I spin around at the alarm in her voice. Lennon rips off more wrapping paper so the sewing machine image and brand name are exposed. Her trembling fingers stroke over the cardboard and my skin tightens with longing.
Great. I’m jealous of a box.
“Ryker! You bought me a Brother SE1800? I repeat, holy shit! This sucker costs over a thousand bucks!” Lennon’s pitch is loud with excitement and a tiny grin curls my lips. Her reaction is worth every penny. I’d spend far more and expect nothing in return but her smile. The fact she’s here with me, beaming so bright, is better than winning the lottery.
She lifts her shocked orbs and blasts me with overpowering light. I’ll never be cold or dark again. “Ryker, I can’t possibly accept this. You spent way too much money. This machine is truly amazing but I wouldn’t feel right letting you pay for it.”
I immediately shake my head before shutting her down. “No way. This is a gift and I want you to have it. For your own studio someday.”
In the next breath, Lennon rushes over and flings her arms around me. “Thank you so much. I don’t deserve all of this but please know I’m grateful. This is the sewing machine I’ve been saving for. How did you know?” She utters sweetly with her face tipped up to mine. There’s something secret in her eyes I don’t understand, or can’t give so much hope to.
“You have a public wish list online. I didn’t have to use any
special skills to discover you wanted this.” I whisper along her temple, fighting against temptation to taste her soft skin.
Her fingers dig into my sides and my control wanes when she gives a breathy sigh.
“I don’t know how but everything you do is what I’ve always wanted. I can’t wait to start our adventures.”
My hands roam down her back. “Should we go? I made reservations.”
Lennon nods before her eyes widen.
“Oh! I almost forgot. I have something for you.”
“Lennon, you don’t have to get me anything. All I want is you.” I clutch her closer as my muscles constrict.
“That’s not fair and don’t be silly,” she says and swats my chest. “I’ll be right back.”
Lennon dashes down a hallway as my mind whirls with wonder. What could she possibly have for me? There’s nothing that could make me love her more, or so I thought.
She bounces back into the room with her hands behind her. A wide grin stretches her lips while she struts toward me. Lennon stops a foot away before rocking back on her heels.
“Don’t get too excited, okay? It’s nothing super special or anything. I had extra time in my seminar and was thinking of you so . . . yeah.” Red creeps up her neck onto her face as she dips her chin. Lennon’s left arm comes forward and I see something brown nestled in the palm.
I lean closer and realize it’s . . .”A bracelet?”
Lennon nods quickly and dimples dent her blushing cheeks. “Yeah! The leather is really soft but I styled it to be masculine, just a cuff and buckle. No sparkle or fluff,” she explains while unclasping the silver cinch.
My brain is jammed and I don’t know what to say. All I can do is stare at the custom piece she made for me, and try to determine how this is real.
She makes a strange noise. “So, you hate it. Um, that’s okay. I should have known accessories weren’t your thing, seeing as you don’t wear any. Seriously, it was a spur of the moment—”
“I love it, Lennon,” I interrupt. “No one has ever made me anything. And to be honest, I haven’t received a present since grade school. Can you put it on for me?” I extend my arm after unbuttoning the shirt sleeve.
Lennon’s nails scrape lightly along my skin as she attaches the cool leather around my wrist. It’s like a part of her sunshine will always be with me, no matter what. I grit my teeth but a muted groan slips out. Everything this girl does drives me wild and my desire is shoving against the final strands of my resistance.
“Perfect fit,” she whispers while glancing up from under hooded lids.
I fixate on the bracelet momentarily but Lennon’s fingers lingering on my arm snag my focus. I’m ready for more, and hopefully she is too. My feet shuffle forward until there’s mere inches between us. My chest rises and falls with my rapid breathing, suddenly nervous as fuck. My tongue sweeps along my bottom lip, erasing any dryness. I watch Lennon track the movement and that’s my cue she’s with me.
My palm frames her gorgeous face before tilting her jaw up toward me. Her eyes slide shut as I lower my mouth to hers, puffs of air filling the sliver of space between us. “You’re so beautiful,” I murmur softly before pressing our lips together.
With the initial contact, we both freeze for a single heartbeat then melt into each other. My other hand rests along her hip and hers lace around my middle. At first, I’m afraid to move as uncertainty prickles up my spine. My mouth gently settles over her glossy pout without seeking more but easily slides along the slickness. When Lennon pulls me closer, I squeeze her tighter in response and everything changes. Like a lock clicking into place, my mind catches up to my body and I figure out what happens next.
I glide my tongue along her strawberry-flavored bottom lip, like I did to my own moments before. Lennon gasps and opens for me, granting access to her sweet mouth. The first few sweeps are a burst of exotic spice after eating bland mush my entire life. I shift slightly and seal us together in a heated embrace as my lips skate along hers.
Our movements are slow but fluid, like we’ve been kissing for years. I softly drag her lip into my mouth while her tongue follows along, tracing my movements. Lennon gives and I take, control swapping back and forth easily. I dive into her sugary flavor before she pushes back into me for more. This kiss is like a practiced dance we never took lessons for. When Lennon scratches down my back I groan into her. Then my teeth nip lightly along her tart lips before sucking on her tongue. She moans in response and my jeans tighten uncomfortably. Our mouths keep sliding together and my eyes cross from the extreme pleasure crackling through me. Eventually my dick screams loud enough to break the spell and I realize this needs to stop before we move too fast.
When we pull apart, Lennon’s face is flushed and I’m sure mine matches.
“Wow. That was really hot.” She whispers against my stubbled cheek before pecking along my coarse skin. “I can’t wait to do that again.”
“Me too, Sunshine. You have no idea.” I pant while trying to rein in my blinding lust. “I want to take you out though, like we planned.” Everything below my belt begs me to reconsider when she sighs faintly.
“I suppose you’re right, but that was a great way to start.” She lifts a haughty brow that has me leaning closer again. “Thanks for giving me dessert first.”
Lennon
Crashing waves have never been so hypnotizing.
WE SETTLE INTO opposite sides of the darkened booth as the hostess reviews the evening’s specials. I’ve always wanted to eat at Mustavoe’s but never had the chance. This place definitely counts as an item on my ‘must-experience’ list. As a person who loves carbs, especially pasta, this quaint Italian spot calls to my taste buds.
“Should we get some wine?” Ryker asks after a quick glimpse at the beverage list.
I purse my lips while deciding. “Absolutely. It seems fitting for the occasion, right?” My curious gaze lands on the enormous bar that makes up the center of the restaurant.
“Alcohol will help my nerves, that’s for sure.”
“Nervous? With me?”
Even in the dim lighting, I see his blush. Why is that reaction so hot? Probably because Ryker is a huge presence that most wouldn’t dare assume got embarrassed. The shy expression makes him even more attractive.
“There’s always far too much running around up here.” He taps his temple.
“Like what?” My voice rises as I lean closer.
Ryker lazily blinks several times before the openness in his eyes snuffs out. “That stuff doesn’t matter now. All I care about is you having the best time tonight.”
My lips purse as I let the question drop. I know he’s hiding a lot under his defensive armor but there isn’t much that would keep me away at this point. Ryker has occupied my fantasies for years and now that he’s here, directly in front of me, it would be impossible to let go. How bad can his secrets possibly be? What could be worse than stalking?
I shake my head to wipe away those problematic thoughts, ready to enjoy the night rather than obsess over unknown possibilities. My eyes hungrily scour the extensive list of savory dishes before I sneak a quick peek at my date.
The recently introduced butterflies attack my belly as everything else fades away except this glorious front row seat to him. I stare at him unabashedly as his eyes scan the menu, completely unaware of my spying. He dressed up tonight and the effort he put into looking effing scrumptious really shows. The dress shirt stretches over his broad form every place it counts—his biceps, shoulders, and chest. My fingers fidget at the memory of the soft material covering his solid muscles and the temperature in the room suddenly spikes twenty degrees.
I blow out a long breath to cool my racing jets and lift my gaze to his other sexy features. Ryker’s thick eyebrows are two dark slashes against his lightly tanned complexion. His lashes shift slightly while he reads and I’m envious of their natural volume—cursing the injustice for womankind. The unfairness scale is easily tipped the longer I look at t
heir heart-stopping impact against the ice-blue of his eyes. Even with his handsome face slightly downcast, I can make out the high cheekbones and square jawline that pack a powerful punch to my awakening libido. Ryker’s stubble is such a turn-on, especially when pressed against my delicate skin. Even though I’m burning up, a shiver wracks my limbs at the thought.
I save his mouth for last for very good reason. I have to bite my tongue when remembering his lips gliding over mine not too long ago. I glance up and my cheeks burn as Ryker’s crystal eyes lock on me. Those light blue flames are throwing sparks my way, and I like to think he’s recalling our kitchen kiss too. I could have spent the night wrapped in his arms while passionately connecting in that intimate way. My hips squirm on the vinyl seats as Ryker continues blasting me with blatant desire.
Holy crap, we need to talk about something before I combust.
I take a healthy sip of cool white wine to douse the lust flashing through me.
“Do you know what you’re having?” I ask.
“I heard the lasagna is really good. I mean, there were a lot of great reviews for everything but that stuck out for me. What about you?”
“I’m a sucker for Mac and Cheese so that was an easy choice,” I explain while closing my menu.
Ryker follows suit and the server pops over to take our order after placing a breadbasket on the table. I take a toasted slice and decide to bring up my exciting news, although the unknown details cause worry to prod at me.
“Something interesting happened to me today. I’m not sure what it means yet but it’s a pretty big deal. I got an email responding to my interest in a rental property in Denten. I don’t even remember filling anything out for that space because it was way out of my price range. I replied to let them know there was a mistake but it turns out, the form was definitely completed because my name and information was all correct. I’ve been so crazy with graduation prep and finals that it must have slipped my mind. Or maybe Lucy filled it out.” A breezy laugh bubbles out of me just thinking about the stunning spot becoming mine.