I’d never had real feelings for a guy before, and every time one of them looked at me with any sense of adoration, I took that as crossing the line…and I’d take off running for the hills. For some reason, I wanted to stay when it came to Tanner. Maybe it was because I knew Tanner was leaving, so there was no long-term-commitment option. I was going to have fun with him for the week, then he would go home and I’d go back to my life. No feelings.
He seemed embarrassed as he looked down at his feet. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was doing that. I’ll try to stop myself.” He glanced back up, and my cold heart melted just a little for this guy.
Fuck it. I leaned in and kissed him, a long, closed-mouth kiss. But when I tried to pull back, Tanner tugged me into his lap instead.
Placing both hands onto my cheeks, he looked into my eyes. “There’s just something about you, Easton. Since the moment I saw you up on that stage and you gave Joe the finger, I’ve felt this pull—an unexplainable attraction and draw.”
I held in the girlish giggle that threatened to break free. That’s what awkward moments did to me.
“I had to meet you. If I stare at you, it’s because I’m intrigued and can’t wait to hear what you say or do next. I don’t care if you’re stuffing your face with a bunch of chocolate or cursing like a sailor. I seem to hang on every word.”
Ummm. What the actual fuck? I really should’ve just got up and left; this guy had stage-five clinger written all over him. But my radar wasn’t going off like it usually did. It had to be the safety net of knowing his time here was limited. There was no other explanation. It was nice to know that this had an expiration date, and I wouldn’t be the bad guy this time. But I also couldn’t let Tanner think this was more than what it was.
I smiled softly at him and climbed off his lap, then his face fell. “Listen, you seem like a great guy.”
“Shit. You’re giving me the great guy speech already? Before you go any further with that spiel of yours, I’m not delusional in thinking this is going anywhere. I leave in a week and live over four-thousand clicks away. After next weekend, we will walk away and never see each other again. But until then, can you live in the moment with me?”
I nodded without a second thought.
“I just want to spend time with you while I’m here. I don’t care what we’re doing, just as long as we can live in a bubble for the next seven days. Does that work for you, Easton?”
“It’s funny because that’s exactly what I’ve been telling myself. I don’t do relationships at all—no feelings, no attachments, just fun. So, yes, that works. One week to live in a bubble of our own…I like it.” I smirked and leaned across him. “Now, where were we?” I grabbed a plate and loaded it with desserts before devouring them one by one.
“This is so good,” I said around a mouthful. I ate in the most unladylike fashion, and I couldn't give two fucks.
Four
Fuck Romance
Tanner
I burst out laughing. “I can see that. Want to wash it down with a Toasted Almond? It has Rumchata and some other shit in it.”
She eyed me suspiciously but took the drink. “You’re trying to get me drunk, aren’t you?”
I thought she was teasing, so I feigned a look of astonishment.
Before I could object, she continued, “I’m kidding. I can tell you’re not that kind of a guy. For the record, I don’t need any alcohol to sleep with you. If you recall, I told my friend, Rhian, that I was going to ride you like I stole you.”
She downed the rest of her drink and put down her half-empty plate of desserts before lying back on the sofa with her eyes closed. “I can’t eat another thing. If there is such a thing as a chocolate overdose, I definitely have one. That was extremely good, though. Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome.” I set down my plate but kept my eyes on her. Being able to watch her while her without her realizing it made it less creepy, I supposed.
We stayed there in silence until she groaned. She looked like she could barely move, almost like she was at that uncomfortable stage where you want to undo your pants. I shook off the thought, maybe that was just wishful thinking on my part.
“How’s your stomach? Feeling like you might explode?” I grinned, holding in the humor that threatened to come out.
She let out a loud sigh. “Yes, but it was so worth it. Best. Chocolate. Ever. Rich people make the best shit.”
“I’m surprised you haven’t undone your pants yet.”
She opened her eyes and looked over at me in mock horror. “Tanner Fields, are you trying to get me naked? We just met. What kind of a girl do you think I am?” She put her hand to her chest, feigning shock.
“That’s not what I meant, Easton, and you know it.” I gave her a look.
She sat up quickly. “I was kidding. Don’t get all serious on me now.”
“So…” I drew out the word as I tried to figure out what to say. “It’s ten o’clock. What do you want to do? Do you work tomorrow?”
“I do, but not until noon. We could watch a movie?” She cocked a brow.
“Sounds good to me. What are you into? I’m good with anything except romance.”
“I’m with you on that one. Fuck romance. How about Jaws? Can’t go wrong with that one. It’s classic, plus you want to surf, so you need to prepare yourself,” she said teasingly.
She better not be serious; I was terrified of sharks, not that I would tell her to what extent.
“Don’t shit your pants, Tanner. I was kidding. You aren’t going to get eaten by sharks.”
A half-hearted chuckle forced itself passed my lips, but I couldn’t manage a smile, too. “Very funny. I’m not scared. Well, I do have a small fear of sharks. We have lakes in Ontario, so no sea creatures that could eat us.” I shuddered at the thought.
“All right, then Jaws might be a bad idea. How about Transformers?”
I looked over at her. “Perfect. Absolutely, perfect.” Of course, she would like Transformers. Why couldn’t I meet a chick like this in Canada? Maybe I could smuggle her back home in my suitcase. Smiling to myself at the thought, I got up to move our desserts out of the way.
“Hey, where do you think you’re going with that?” She grabbed my wrist.
I arched a brow. “You can’t be serious. Five seconds ago, you looked like you were going to die from overeating. You can’t possibly want more.”
She got to her feet and stood toe to toe with me. “First off, don’t tell me what I want. Secondly, I will fight your ass for that chocolate. Don’t ever come between a woman and dessert. Didn’t your mama ever teach you that?” She sounded a little more defensive than I had expected, so I put up my hands in surrender.
“Okay. Okay. Can I move it over, at least? That way we can see the TV. I’ll put it right beside your end of the sofa,” I teased.
She pushed up onto her tiptoes and kissed me. “You’ll make some woman very happy one day, and she will have me to thank for my lesson on a girl and her chocolate.”
“I was actually just plotting how to smuggle you over the border. I mean, what guy can let a girl who loves Transformers get away?” My tone was light and playful, although there was some truth behind not wanting to let a girl like Easton go.
She threw back her head, and I couldn’t stop myself from memorizing the way she looked when she laughed or how her throat moved or the sound—I wanted to capture it so I could pull it up in a week or a month or a year and remember Easton just like this. “No way in hell. I’m a California girl. I cannot do the cold. The snow might be pretty for a few days, and I could probably handle that but not for a whole season. And no surfing? That’s a complete deal-breaker.” She shook her head dramatically.
“Ah, well, it was just a thought. Kidnapping might have to be the next option.” That earned me a full-on belly laugh where her shoulders shook, and her eyes nearly disappeared.
I moved the cartful of chocolate to her side so I didn’t get my head ripped
off and put on the movie. “Do you want anything before I press play? Drink, blanket, pillow?”
“There you go, still trying to get me drunk.” She shook her head and tsked at me. “A blanket would be awesome. Thanks.”
I tossed the blanket onto the sofa and grabbed myself a beer from the minibar before sitting down purposefully close to Easton. She didn’t seem to flinch so that was a good sign.
About halfway through the movie, Easton adjusted herself under the blankets to cuddle up to my side. I took that opportunity to put my arm around her and bring her in close. I was so tired; the time difference was getting to me, but I was determined to stay up until I couldn’t take it anymore.
Tonight had honestly been the most chill night I’d ever had with a girl. I wish it were always this simple. Easton and I had this easy banter between us, and she was super cool. I could be myself around her, and she seemed comfortable enough with just being herself as well. And man was she low maintenance—no makeup, jeans and a tee, burgers, chocolate, and she was happy! I loved it. Too bad, I was only here for a week.
My musings were interrupted by Easton’s movement as she sat up and stretched. “It’s just about midnight, so you must be exhausted from jetlag. I really should get going so I’m not too tired to run in the morning.” She stood, letting out a big yawn, and I watched as her hoodie crept up, exposing her tanned skin. “Do you mind if I use your bathroom before I go?”
“Of course, it’s that door right there. And yeah, you’re right; it is getting pretty late. It’s nearly three in the morning back home.”
When she came out from the washroom, I said the dumbest words ever, “You’re welcome to stay the night.”
Her eyes went wide, but she recovered quickly. “Sorry, Tanner, I don’t do sleepovers. It’s a rule of mine.”
“I meant I would take the sofa. But it’s fine, just thought I’d offer.” I shrugged. “Let me grab you an Uber, at least.”
“Uber? This is Pahokee. I doubt we even have that shit. I can walk to one end of town to the other in an hour. I only live a few blocks from here.”
I didn’t think she was going to give in, but I had to try one last time. “Since you’re just a few blocks away, would you mind if I walked with you?
“Tanner, I’m a big girl.” She patted me on the chest to placate me. “I’ll be fine.” She gave me a look that told me it was a lost cause. God, she was stubborn, but she probably didn’t want me to know where she lived.
“I would feel more comfortable if you let me get you home safely. My mom would also beat my ass if she knew I let a girl walk home alone at night.”
“Listen, I get it, but you’re tired, and I’ve lived in this town my whole life—I’m good. If it makes you feel better, we can exchange numbers. And I’ll call you when I arrive home safely.” She seemed exasperated.
“Are you sure? I’m really not that tired.” I tried to sound more awake.
“Yes, I’m positive. Give me your phone.”
I handed over my cell so she could program in her number, and then she gave it back.
“There, I’m programmed in, and I texted my phone so I have yours, too. I promise I’ll be fine; it’ll literally take five minutes to get there.”
I grabbed her around the waist and pulled her in close. “You’re pretty stubborn, aren’t you?”
“I prefer the word independent.” She put her hands on her hips in defiance.
“Let’s agree to disagree. So, you’ll call me as soon as you get home.” I left no room for discussion in my tone.
“Yes, holy shit. I’ll call you when I get home. I don’t know why you’re so obsessed. I walk home every night. We don’t drive much around here. I also work at a bar and leave work late—alone.”
I’m sure the look on my face portrayed my fear, but I reined it in. “That’s just how I was brought up. I’m not going to apologize for being concerned for your wellbeing.”
“Thank you. It’s sweet.” She smirked. “I guess.”
I took her face in my hands. “God, you’re a pain in the ass. Just shut up and let me kiss you already.”
She chuckled, but I stifled it with my mouth. Easton gave in and wrapped her arms around my neck. She opened for me and softly moaned when I slipped my tongue inside. Before I knew it, my hands roamed of their own free will, exploring her curves. I gripped her ass, and on cue, she jumped up to wrap her legs around me.
“Fuck, Easton, you taste so good.” I nipped at her collarbone, and she tilted her head to allow me better access as I continued my way up her neck. “Easton, we really need to quit.” I didn’t stop but instead went on exploring her soft skin with my tongue and teeth.
She ground down on my painfully hard cock. “Doesn’t feel like you want to stop.” Her playful tone told me she didn’t want to, and it took everything I had to keep from taking her up on continuing.
“We really should, though.” I groaned but pulled back and placed her on her feet.
She scowled. “You’re no fun.”
“Are you pouting, Easton?”
“Fuck off. I’m a little worked up is all. I’ll be fine.” She was totally sulking, and it was super cute, but I decided to keep that to myself.
I did sympathize, though; I felt the same right now. I was so worked up and would love nothing more than to throw Easton onto the bed and have my way with her, but I wanted to take my time, too. I knew I only had a week, so I should’ve been jumping all over the opportunity, but I had a feeling that’s what she was used to. I wanted to be different, stand out, even if it was only for a short time.
“I know what you mean.” I adjusted myself in my pants.
She looked down and cracked up. “Serves you right. It’s your fault we’re both in this state.” She tried to grab my cock, but I gripped her wrist.
I looked her in the eyes. “Can I see you tomorrow?”
“I work until five. I’ll text you after and let you know what’s going on.”
“Sounds good. You’ll call me when you get home?”
That earned me an eye roll. “Yes, Daddy, I will call you as soon as I get home. Oh, give me your phone for one sec.”
I handed it over. “Don’t be a smart ass. I’m just looking out for you.”
She handed back my phone. “I know, I’m just giving you a hard time.” She winked and kissed me on the cheek before wrapping her arms around my neck. “I had a great night, Tanner. Thank you.”
I gripped her waist. “I did, too. Best night I’ve had with a chick in a long time, and we didn’t even make it to the bedroom.” I picked up on her disappointment when she narrowed her eyes playfully. “Goodnight, Easton.” I needed one more taste, so I leaned down and took her lips.
She ended the kiss and stepped back. “Night, Tanner.”
I stared after her as she walked down the hall toward the elevator and didn’t look away until the doors closed with her inside. I debated discreetly following her home but decided that would be a bit stalkerish, and if I got caught, it would likely be the last time I saw her at all.
I sat out on the balcony, gripping my phone in my hand. I wasn’t sure what had come over me. The only women I’d ever felt this protective over, were my mom and my sister. I needed to get a grip; she said it was only five minutes away.
Calm the fuck down, Tanner.
I looked down at my phone and saw it had only been one minute, so to take my mind off of Easton, I opened the games folder and pulled up Candy Crush. It was addictive and a great distraction.
It worked, and what felt like seconds later, my phone rang. I couldn’t help but smile when I saw the name that popped up on my phone. I hit accept to answer her call.
“Beaver dammed, eh?”
“You like that, eh?” She accentuated the word eh.
“Oh, now you’re making fun of me?”
“I can’t help it; you make it so easy with your Canadianisms.”
“What does beaver dammed even mean?”
“The fema
le version of cockblocked, and seeing as you’re Canadian, I thought beaver was doubly appropriate.”
I couldn’t help but find her amusing. “Fuck, Easton.”
“What? You totally cockblocked us tonight.”
I ignored that and focused on the reason for her call. “So, you arrived home safely, I assume?”
“Yes, Daddy, I was a good girl and came straight here.”
“Are you into the whole Daddy thing?” I chuckled.
“Ew. Oh my God, definitely not. That’s fucking nasty.” She sounded utterly horrified.
“Thank fuck, I was a little worried. That’s the second time you’ve called me Daddy, and we met less than twelve hours ago.”
Her laughter hung on the other end of the line. “I can’t even right now. You’re hilarious.” She paused for a moment. “So…did you take care of your situation after I left? You know I would have done it for you, right?”
“Ugh,” I groaned. “Easton, you’re killing me. I didn’t take care of myself, but now, I wish I had. He’s on high alert all over again, thinking about you.”
“You had your shot, and you blew it, mister.”
“Are you saying that was my only shot with you?” Please say no.
“We’ll have to see. You’ll need to do a lot of groveling if you want to get into my panties now. Being turned down can really bruise a girl’s ego, you know?”
“I was trying to be a gentleman; we had a great night, and I didn’t want you to think that was all I was after.” My tone was quiet, a little embarrassed.
“Tanner, you do realize you’re leaving in a week, right? And even if you weren’t, I don’t do relationship, so what else would it be about?”
“Okay, I guess you’re right. It’s just that I truly enjoyed spending time with you.”
“I did, too. I also know it could’ve been even better.” She was going to tempt and taunt me until the bitter end or until I got us both off.
“I have no doubt it would’ve, but I’ve heard that anticipation makes things so much sweeter.”
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