Dashing: A Friends to Lovers Romantic Comedy (Unleashed Romance, Book 2)

by Kylie Gilmore

  Her T-shirt goes flying into the hallway a few feet ahead of me. Then a black lacy bra.

  I swallow hard.

  She follows a moment later, stepping into my personal space, bold as you please. “Hello, stranger.”

  I grab her, my mouth on hers, my hands stroking all over her curvy body. I slide a hand to her ass and then between her legs, her moan vibrating against my mouth. I need, I need.

  I can’t keep doing this.

  I can’t stop doing this.

  Within minutes, she’s writhing against me, naked, my fingers expertly working her. I send her over, thrilling in her soft cries, the way her body shudders against mine.

  We’re still standing. One of us naked.

  I ache fiercely. I don’t know how much longer I can hold out.

  “Adam,” she says, pulling at the button on my jeans, “please let me.”

  I shift away, gather up her clothes, and hand them to her. “You’d better get back to work.”

  “You’re still holding me to a month of waiting?” she asks incredulously.

  I completely forgot about my ridiculous schedule for seduction. “Yeah.”

  She sighs and pulls her bra on. Her chest is still flushed pink from her orgasm. I know what she likes now, how to get her there fast or slow. Tonight was fast because of the time limit.

  I turn away, done torturing myself with her sexy body.

  And then she surprises me, wrapping her arms around me from behind in a hug. “I’m going to wear you down.”

  It wouldn’t take much.

  Adam

  I decided Kayla and I need more time in public together to limit the temptation, so I invited her to go fishing today. I park in the lot of The Horseman Inn and text her. It’s early Sunday morning, before sunrise, which is the best time to get out on the lake. The fish are biting at dawn.

  A few minutes later, she appears, her hair up in a ponytail, wearing a T-shirt that looks strangely boxy on her curvy figure, jeans, and mismatched shoes. She squints at me and then makes her way to the car.

  I get out to meet her. She’s wearing a black sandal with a beige one, and her shirt is on backwards and inside out. “Morning. Do you want to go put on matching sandals?”

  She looks down and back up at me. “I’m still a zombie. Why do we have to fish at dawn, again?”

  “Because that’s when the fish are biting.”

  She waves at her feet. “I’m comfortable.” She wiggles her shoulders. “My shirt must’ve shrunk in the wash.”

  “It’s backwards.”

  “What?” She looks down at the tag. “Oh, it’s inside out.”

  “Yeah, inside out and back—Kayla!” I spread my arms wide, blocking her from any Peeping Toms. She just whipped her shirt off. No bra. Not looking, not looking.

  “There,” she says. “Let’s go.”

  I glance down. Shirt on right. Ponytail askew. Good enough.

  A short while later, we’re on the lake in my rowboat, Kayla yawning mightily. “I worked until midnight,” she says. “I only got five hours of sleep.”

  “It’ll be worth it. Have you ever watched the sunrise?”

  “No.”

  “It’s beautiful. Plus you can catch your first fish.” She’s holding the rod I borrowed from my neighbor Levi.

  “Are you sure these fake worms fool the fish?” she asks.

  “Yes.”

  “Well, so far, no fish have fallen for your trick.”

  “Just wait and see.”

  She gets quiet, which is good. You want to be still and quiet when you’re fishing. I relax as the sun’s first rays show through the leafy green canopy surrounding us. Nothing better than being out on the water on a warm summer day.

  I glance at Kayla to see how she’s enjoying it. Her head is lolling forward. I nudge her foot with my foot, and she startles awake. “Did I miss it?” She looks around. “Oh, there it is. Sunrise. I’m good now. Can we—ah! Adam!” She tightens her grip on the rod. “I caught something! It must be huge. It’s pulling hard. What do I do?”

  “Reel it in. Use the—”

  She flings her rod up and over into the boat, a small trout wriggling on the end. “Grab it! I don’t want it to touch me!”

  “It’s catch and release. You have to throw it back.”

  She swings the rod wildly. “Release it!”

  “Stop swinging the rod. Grab the fish, take it off the hook, and throw it back.”

  “You grab the fish!”

  “I can’t because you keep moving it around.”

  She stills and stares at it with huge eyes, where it’s flopping in the bottom of the boat. “Adam!”

  “It’s going to die if you don’t throw it back.”

  She grabs it and flings it overboard. I’ll make a fisherwoman of her yet.

  Then she holds her palms up to me, panting. “I need hand sanitizer.”

  Or not.

  Kayla

  I fear I made a bad impression on Adam last Sunday when we went fishing, and it’s important that we connect doing his favorite activity outside of work. After all, he’s always happy to do what I want. So here I am for fishing date number two. This time I’ve set myself up for success.

  First, it’s eleven a.m., a reasonable hour for two people to go out on the lake. I’m not convinced you need to go fishing at dawn. Adam admitted he’s never tried fishing late in the morning since his dad taught him you have to fish at sunrise. We can both learn something new today. Second, I prepared by going to Mike’s Bait and Tackle shop, a cute place that looks like it hasn’t changed since it opened in 1969. Mike was very happy to have me as a customer.

  Adam just texted me that he’s here. I bound down the steps and push open the door of the restaurant to a beautiful sunny June day. I’m all caffeinated, showered, and wearing a cute pink V-neck T-shirt with denim shorts and matching beige sandals. I had to make up for last week’s disheveled appearance. Fortunately, it was mostly dim and dark in the wee hours last Sunday, so I don’t think he got a good look at me then.

  “Morning!” I call.

  Adam’s leaning against his car, his long jeans-clad legs crossed at the ankle. “Afternoon.”

  “No, it’s before noon.” I walk over and hold up my white bakery bag. “I brought breakfast.”

  He opens the bag. “Cupcakes for breakfast?”

  “They’re chocolate muffins.”

  He arches a brow. “Looks like chocolate cupcakes.”

  “Muffins are healthy for you.”

  “If you say so.”

  He opens the passenger-side door for me and shuts it behind me. Lately, Adam’s been doing more of these polite gestures like we’re a couple. I know we said it’s casual, but it’s starting to feel different to me.

  I wait until we’re out on the lake in his cute white rowboat with navy trim to give him his surprise. He’s leaning back in a Yankees cap with sunglasses, looking relaxed.

  I open my large white Kate Spade hobo bag, a splurge when I earned my master’s degree, and pull out my find. “I went to Mike’s Bait and Tackle shop and got you this.” I hand over a red cap that has two fish facing each other with the shop’s name. Then I put my matching one on.

  He stares at it. “Thanks.”

  I hold my palm out. “Here, I’ll put your Yankees cap in my purse. Go ahead and put it on.”

  He inspects the inside of it before switching the new cap for the old one. I tuck his hat in my purse and smile.

  “Now we look like real fishing buddies.” Then I remember what we’re here for. Oops. Forgot to hold my rod during all this. Well, it seems just fine resting on the side of the boat. No fish have bit yet, but I’m sure there will be some swimming up for lunch soon.

  “Mike must’ve been thrilled you bought a hat,” he says.

  “Actually, yes, he was. Aren’t they popular?”

  He bites back a smile. “He got a deal ten years ago and bought three thousand of them. He still has tons left, so I’d
say no, they’re not popular.”

  “I don’t see why not. We look cute. And more like official fisherpeople.”

  He shakes his head with a smile.

  “What?”

  “Nothing. Did you get any bait while you were in there?” He glances at my purse. “I’m guessing no.”

  “Well, I was going to. That’s why I went in there, but…” I crinkle my nose. “The can of wriggling worms made me queasy, so I said no, thanks, Adam has fake worms that work just as well. Then we had a lively discussion on real versus fake worms before I finally told him that I had to go because I was meeting you. And that’s when I noticed the cute hats.”

  “You’re a force of nature.”

  I can’t read his expression very well with the cap and sunglasses. “Is that good?”

  “It’s just who you are.”

  I quirk my lips to the side, still not sure if he’s complimenting me or not. “Even you, Mr. Nature Guy, have to agree it wouldn’t be sanitary to eat breakfast after touching dirty worms.”

  He pulls a small bottle from his back jeans pocket. “Ah, but I brought hand sanitizer this time.”

  I put my hand over my heart. See? He keeps doing couple-like things. “So thoughtful.”

  After our late breakfast, we float for a while, but there’s just no action going on under the water. (Though above water, Adam kissed me several times. And, okay, I briefly stood with the intention of sitting in his lap, almost tipping us over.) In any case, not a bite on our fake worms. Other people are out on the water now, rowing canoes and rowboats. In the distance, a few people are sailing small boats.

  Adam’s being polite not to mention it, but after more than two hours, we haven’t caught a single fish. I don’t mind, they’re kind of gross and slimy, but Adam enjoys the challenge, so I try to appreciate what’s fun for him.

  I’m not admitting defeat either because this is the time I’m willing to go fishing, and it’s not so bad being out on the lake with him. Actually, it’s really nice. He’s very relaxed and talks more than usual, sharing about his dad and the times they went fishing together just the two of them.

  I never saw myself as the kind of woman to go fishing (with no fish), but I’m happy. There’s no place I’d rather be than with Adam. I may be halfway in love with him.

  11

  Kayla

  “I’m just trying to prove a point,” Jenna says, steering me to sit on the far side of the bar for our Thursday Night Wine Club. “He’ll magnetize straight to you, staking his territory.”

  I follow her, along with Sydney. Audrey is in the back dining room on another first date from eLoveMatch. Her date seems nice—short blond hair, clean-shaven, wearing a shirt and tie. He even gave her a book, which was one of her requirements in a guy. I can’t tell the title from here. We gave her the thumbs-up.

  I settle at the end of the bar and take a sip of chardonnay. “Adam’s not even here. And if he does show up, it’s not because he’s staking his territory. That’s silly.”

  “He’s like clockwork,” Sydney says. “Seven thirty on the dot. Prime meat-market time.”

  I giggle. “I wouldn’t exactly call ladies’ night a meat market.” It’s mostly women enjoying half-price drinks with their friends just like us. A couple of guys in their thirties are here, watching the game. Drew’s at his usual table in the back, eyes glued to the TV.

  “He’s trying to prevent another guy from asking you out,” Jenna says.

  My friends know we’re only fake engaged. I keep telling them we’re just casual, even though part of me wishes it were more. It’s not fair of me to expect more. We were both clear up front, and I understand why he doesn’t want to get serious with anyone.

  “He’s usually hanging with Drew,” I say.

  “But his eyes never leave you,” Sydney singsongs.

  My lips curve up. “We see each other every night anyway. This is no different.”

  “Every night!” Jenna exclaims and then whispers, “Does that mean you finally gave up your V-card?”

  Sydney leans in to hear the big news. Unfortunately, there is no news.

  I paste on a smile. “No, but it’s fine. We’re just very, uh, close friends.” With half a benefit. Mine. He gets me off, and then he pushes me away. Am I frustrated? Yes. But I really can’t complain when he makes me feel so good.

  Sydney shakes her head. “I don’t get it. You fool around every night, right?”

  “Shh,” I say, looking around for Adam. He wouldn’t appreciate me sharing the nitty-gritty. But I already told them so much there’s no going back now.

  “Sorry,” Sydney whispers. “What’s the deal?”

  I gesture them both closer. “We always stop before it gets that far.”

  “Why?” they ask in unison.

  “I think he’s overprotective of me, which is nice. He’s looking out for me.” Or he’s just not that into me. I don’t quite get it myself.

  “Just tell him it’s okay to keep going,” Jenna says.

  “Yeah, some guys need it spelled out.” Sydney’s brows scrunch together. “I didn’t think Adam was one of the clueless guys though. It’s not like he’s inexperienced. There was—”

  I wave that away, not wanting to hear about all the other women Adam had sex with. “Not a big deal. I’m happy.”

  “But wasn’t that the whole reason you crossed the line with him?” Jenna asks.

  I down my wine in one long swallow. “I’m sure it’ll just happen.”

  Jenna leans close to whisper in my ear, “Has he seen you naked? You’re hot.”

  I blush at the compliment. Now why can’t Adam say something like that? “Thanks and yes.”

  She straightens and signals Betsy, the bartender. “Not a good sign.”

  A familiar masculine voice sounds behind me. “What’s not a good sign?”

  I turn with a bright smile. “Adam, hi! Jenna was just saying they’re running low on margarita mix. Terrible sign for ladies’ night. They usually sell them by the pitcher.”

  He nods. “Good to see you. I’m going to watch the game with Drew.”

  “Sure, no problem.”

  He strides over to his brother.

  “See?” I say. “Just normal hanging out. He’s definitely not here to keep guys away.”

  “We’ll see,” Jenna says. “Just need a guy to sidle up to your side to prove it.”

  I roll my eyes.

  Audrey squeezes in by my side. “I’m done. No more first dates. I can’t take it anymore.” She grabs Sydney’s wine and chugs.

  I look to where her date was, and he’s sitting there with an older blond woman.

  “What the hell?” Jenna exclaims. “Did he bring another woman on your date?”

  “It’s his mother,” Audrey hisses. “He invited her to make sure we get along because he could never date someone Mother didn’t approve of. I get that you want your family to like your significant other but on a first date?”

  “That’s kinda creepy,” Sydney says.

  “They live together,” Audrey says. “He gets the downstairs, and she gets the upstairs.” She shudders. “I can’t even…ladies, why is this so hard? Why can’t I meet a great guy who gives me all the feels?” She gestures to Sydney. “Like you did.”

  “Are you forgetting I used to call Wyatt Satan?” Sydney asks. “We couldn’t stop fighting in the beginning.”

  Audrey exhales sharply. “We all knew that was just sexual tension. It was so obvious the chemistry between you two.” She moans and leans over the bar top, resting her head on her forearms.

  I rub her back. “I’m sure it’ll happen for you when the time’s right.” That’s what I keep hoping for with sex. I have to believe that’s true or wallow in despair like Audrey here.

  I glance up, catching Drew’s intense stare. He’s checking in on Audrey. They’re friends. Kinda. I never see them talk beyond a brief hello, but that’s what Audrey calls him. I think he cares for her, but doesn’t know ho
w to express it. And Audrey is prickly about him. Sydney says she suspects Audrey told him she’s had a lifelong crush on him, and he didn’t return the sentiment. Though at this point, with Audrey being a mature twenty-nine, I suspect it’s much more than a crush. Too bad Drew’s the clueless type. Maybe that runs in Sydney’s family. She was clueless to how wonderful my brother Wyatt is at first. She even turned down his first proposal. Luckily, she came to her senses and realized Wyatt’s a great guy.

  “Yoo-hoo!” Jenna calls to a dark-haired guy wearing a backwards baseball cap down at the other end of the bar. “Can I get you a drink?”

  He flashes a smile and approaches her. His friend joins him.

  Audrey lifts her head and turns to me. “I’m going to end up with nine cats and a houseful of books.”

  “I’m sure that’s not true. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with a houseful of books. Maybe pare it down to two cats.”

  “Or a dog,” Adam says, appearing by my side. “Dogs are superior companions.”

  Jenna pokes my shoulder in an I told you so gesture. She inclines her head to the two guys now standing nearby.

  I study Adam with his handsome scruff in a white T-shirt and faded jeans. His expression is the same as always, reserved. Is he really territorial about me? Is that why he came over just as Jenna called the two guys over?

  Did we somehow fall into a relationship?

  What is going on in his head? I used to always know. Now everything is so confusing.

  He gets into a lively debate with Audrey about cats versus dogs, which is a nice distraction for her. She actually laughs.

  I sigh. Jenna’s wrong. He’s just hanging with us. He doesn’t give me any special attention whatsoever.

  I have to be okay with that.

  12

  Kayla

  It’s now officially been five weeks that Adam and I have been fake engaged. That’s a full week past the month he said we needed to see each other before he’d take my virginity, he still hasn’t followed through, and I’m not even in complete despair. Okay, I’m a little upset, but I’m also ridiculously happy. I’m afraid I’ve done the unthinkable—confused casual for serious. Not that I’ve said anything like that. It’s just when I see him, I feel lit up inside, even before he touches me. And when he smiles, those rare fleeting smiles, my heart squeezes with affection. He’s just so wonderful, so thoughtful and kind. We can talk about anything and make each other laugh.