Love, Baby: a Crescent Cove Romantic Comedy Colletion

by Quinn, Taryn

  I tucked the sheet around my breasts. “Well, you traveled from across the country.”

  He raked his hand through his hair. “Yeah, but I’m not a monster, for fuck’s sake.”

  I sat up next to him. “Didn’t say you were. You’re getting a little worked up about it. Kids get sick all the time.”

  “Yeah, well, when it’s your own I guess you get a little more upset about it.”

  “Oh, I’d have kicked you to the curb if the baby was mine.”

  He huffed out a half-laugh. “And yet you’re surprised that I’m the one who’s being magnanimous?”

  “Oh, magnanimous.”

  “Ah, for feck’s sake.”

  I laughed as his Irish temper roughened his voice and his frustration mounted. “So touchy. I was just saying it was nice of you.” I climbed over his lap and let my sheet free.

  His jaw flexed, but he didn’t unfold his arms.

  I cupped his face and smoothed my thumbs over his scruffy jaw. “Ah, LC, you’re just mad that people know you’re actually a nice guy under the grump.”

  “I am not.”

  “Aren’t you though?”

  He grabbed a condom, hooked an arm around my waist and dumped me on my back, rolling between my thighs. “Would a nice man do this?” He snapped the condom on and eased himself inside of me.

  I arched at the quick invasion, but I was embarrassingly ready for him.

  He buried his mouth in my neck. “Fuck, why do you feel so damn good?”

  I groaned and adjusted my position to take more of him. I hissed out a breath as he drew back and sunk into me again and again. Sweat pooled between us as we grappled with each other. Teeth and lips clashing as he tried to prove to me that he wasn’t a sweet and giving lover.

  Instead, he was showing me he was just the opposite. Before he got off, I was always treated to at least one orgasm, if not two. And this time was no different. Even with just an evening and half an afternoon between us, he knew my body better than any boyfriend who’d come before him.

  My nails clawed down his back to grip his ass to pull him deeper, ride him harder as my feet dug into the bed to rise up to meet each of his thrusts. By the end of the power play between us, my head was hanging off the end of the bed and my chest was heaving with the need for oxygen.

  Rory’s cheek was pressed to my belly, and I was pretty sure I’d just learned an entirely new language.

  “What is that language you keep muttering just before we…you know.”

  He lifted his head. “You know?”

  “Come our brains out.”

  He nipped the skin next to my belly button. “Shouldn’t be doing it if you can’t say it.”

  “Shut up.”

  He laughed. And rolled off me to flop onto his back. “I didn’t realize I was saying anything.”

  “Evasive maneuvers, sir.” The blood was rushing to my head. I inched down until I was next to him then noticed the time on his watch. “Oh, shit.”

  “What?”

  I scrambled off the bed. “I can’t believe we’ve been fucking for almost three hours.”

  “Well, there was a shower in there, but huh. Yeah, I guess so. Quite the nooner, my little ginger fairy.”

  I flipped my hair back and groaned at the rolled up state of my shirt. “Thank God, I’ve got a spare uniform in my locker.” I shook it out, but it was nearly hopeless.

  He rolled onto his side. “My shirt will be miles too big on you, but you can borrow one if you’d like.”

  “You don’t mind?”

  “Not a bit.” He slid off the bed and went to his battered leather weekender.

  I followed him, clutching the sheet against me. I snagged my bra hanging off the footboard of the bed. How did that end up there?

  He pulled out a fresh pair of boxers for himself and tugged them on. Which I was grateful for since I didn’t seem to have any impulse control when it came to this man and his dick.

  “Not sure this will go with your snazzy pants, but…” He held up a well-worn fisherman’s sweater.

  “No. You’re going to let me wear that?” I snatched it out of his hand. “Is this…” I brought up the material to my cheek. It was destined to make me itchy, but it also happened to be the most perfect gray I’d ever seen in my life. I’d always wanted one of the famous sweaters from Ireland. They were so out of my price range.

  He tossed me a white shirt. “You’ll probably need that under it.”

  I almost hated to do it since I’d probably only get to wear the sweater for a few hours, but it was pretty scratchy. “Are you sure?”

  He nodded. “You can probably wear it like a dress.”

  I laughed. “Almost.” I rushed over to him and went onto my toes to brush a kiss along his cheek. “I love it.”

  He scrubbed his hands into his hair again, ruddy color climbing his neck. “No big deal.”

  I dashed to the bathroom, then stopped at the threshold and turned back. “Do you need to go?”

  “My flight’s not out until tonight.”

  “Oh.” I nibbled on my lower lip. “If you don’t have anywhere to be, maybe you can come to the diner with me? I’ll feed you. You know, since I depleted all your electrolytes.”

  His lips twitched. “It’s the least you can do.”

  “Right. I’ll make you the very best club sandwich and fries. Everything’s better with bacon.”

  He snapped out a pair of dark washed jeans. “That it is.”

  “Okay, cool. I’ll be right back.” I snatched my pants off the chair by the bathroom door and went to get dressed.

  I wasn’t quite sure what the hell I was doing, but I was glad to have a little more time to figure it out.

  Eight

  The drive to the diner was a quiet one. We weren’t exactly sure what to say to each other.

  Maybe that was just me.

  Maybe I should have driven my car. Parking on Main was at a premium during the day. It was smarter to leave it where it was.

  More like a red flag that I’d stayed at the Hummingbird to get laid, but whatever. It was done.

  I couldn’t even distract myself with my phone. It was currently so dead that it was taking a few minutes to charge up enough to turn on.

  As we pulled into a spot outside the diner, his fingers flexed on the steering wheel.

  I unsnapped my belt and turned to him. “Look, it’s okay if you—”

  He released his belt and dragged me in for a hot, hard kiss. His gaze blazed into mine when he leaned back just enough to speak. “I know it doesn’t really make sense, but I do want to be with you. I like being with you.”

  His lips kept brushing mine as he spoke and I had a hard time following what he was saying. “Right. Me too.” Too much. I didn’t understand why it was so easy and so hard to be around him.

  This part was easy. The hot flash of attraction blanked my brain, but the rest…not so much.

  Because I wanted to know everything and was too afraid to ask?

  Perhaps.

  Or was it just worse that I’d actually met someone I wanted to talk to and he was going to be leaving in less than twelve hours? That, of course, was my luck.

  I forced my lips to curve up into a smile. Relax. Enjoy. Keep your planning for the future focused on the ice cream truck.

  That should be easy, since it was my longest held dream and the one closest to coming true.

  I leaned in for one more scorching kiss, then slid back to my side of the car, unhooked my phone from the charger, and pushed open my door.

  “Dammit,” he muttered behind me just as I closed the door.

  Whoops. I’d forgotten to let him open the door for me again. At least that was what I thought the dammit was for.

  He caught up to me on the sidewalk and held open the door for me. I patted his cheek as I strolled into the diner to find it nearly empty. I frowned and dug my phone out of my pocket.

  Gina came out with a smile, her perky smile fading to her r
egular one when she saw it was me. “Hey, girl.” Her gaze slid back to Rory with an arched brow. Probably because he was nearly on my ass.

  I kinda liked it and yet I wondered if I should make some space between us.

  There were going to be a lot of damn questions. People were nosy as freaking hell in this town.

  “Sorry, I’m late.”

  She tipped her head. “Didn’t you get my text?”

  I pulled my phone out and noticed the three texts loading. One from my brother and two from Gina. “Dammit, I didn’t have the phone charged.”

  She played with the end of her fat braid. “As you can see, no one is really up and around today. I think I’ve had four people all day.”

  “Really?”

  She swung her braid over her shoulder. “Not sure what the hell’s going on. The Cove is usually much hardier than this. It was even a pretty nice day.”

  Rory stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Shouldn’t the snow be gone? It’s spring in like…two days or something.”

  Me and Gina both laughed.

  “Oh, honey. Snow is forever here in Central New York.” Gina tucked her thumbs into her apron pockets, then looked from me to Rory. “So, who might you be?”

  “About that text?” I needed to steer her away from asking questions. Mostly because I had no answers.

  Gina narrowed her eyes.

  Rory pressed his lips together, then sighed. “I’m—”

  I put my hand on his chest. “A friend. And if you don’t need me today, I’d love to have a rare day off to go hang out with my…”

  “Friend,” Rory finished.

  “Right.” I smiled brightly.

  Gina grabbed my arm and dragged me over to the counter. “Girl.”

  “I’m fine.”

  “You got laid is what you got.”

  Was there a scarlet letter on my chest or something? Hmm, wrong analogy, but honestly, how could she tell?

  “You’re wearing a dude’s sweater.”

  “Oh. Yeah, that’s true.”

  “And you have walk of shame vibes, which you shouldn’t have. We’re adults and dammit, he’s fine.”

  “Thanks.” I glanced over to him. He was on his phone, but it was that bored scroll I could spot on a male from fifty paces. “It’s just a one day thing. He’s not from around here.”

  “Um, that’s obvious. His shoes alone cost more than my rent.”

  I spared him another look. They just looked like boots to me. Not ones that would get him up a mountain since they were brand spanking new and he’d have blisters for days, but they were just boots. However, his jeans… I was pretty sure those were designer.

  “You know what you’re doing?”

  “No.”

  “Well, at least you’re honest.” Gina shook her head. “I expect details, in all forms.”

  “Maybe.”

  “Girl, there’s no maybe. You will give me all the details,” she said in a whisper that so wasn’t a whisper.

  I winced and couldn’t help notice the side eye from Rory.

  “Just be careful and have fun. You deserve to have some fun. All you do is work.”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “That you will.” She looked over my shoulder and waggled her fingers at Rory. “Nice to meet you, stud.”

  “Jeez, Gina. It’s not like it’s a secret.”

  “Then what’s his name?” she asked out of the side of her mouth.

  “Rory. Okay, his name is Rory. I’ll be fine, Mom.”

  “Have fun and make sure you keep some raincoats in your pocket.”

  “I’m leaving.”

  I stopped in front of Rory. “Ready?”

  “We’re not eating?” His gaze dropped to my lips then back up to my eyes. “Kind of worked up an appetite.”

  I swallowed hard. We sure did. And everyone in this town knew who I was. And I’d be answering questions all day if I took him anywhere else. Except…

  I held up my finger, then took out my phone and quickly texted my brother back.

  Where the hell have you been?

  Do I ask you these questions when you are out late?

  Yes.

  Okay, so that was true. Rory gave me a hard look.

  Something came up. I ran into a friend and passed out at their place.

  Their? Her?

  Are you working or home?

  Obviously, you’re still not home, but no, I’m at the shop.

  K. Heading home, just didn’t want you to worry. Didn’t need me at the diner, so I’m going to work on some new recipes.

  Sounded like a good enough excuse for him not to rush home. He hated when I took over the kitchen to try out ice cream recipes.

  Please, for the love of all that is holy, make something other than mint.

  No promises.

  PITA.

  Love you too.

  When I got the middle finger emoji as a response, I knew all was okay in my world.

  “Okay, let’s go to my place. I’ll cook you dinner.”

  “Why don’t we just get some food to go?”

  I looped my finger into his jeans. “You really want me to cook.”

  “Do I now?” His smile was slow and delicious in a way that made my stomach do a little flip.

  I could feel eyes on us. Gina was rudely staring and I was absolutely done with that. I turned Rory around and pushed him toward the door. “Bye, Gina.”

  “Bye. Remember raincoats.”

  “Ugh.”

  Rory glanced over his shoulder. “Do I want to know?”

  “I’m sure you can infer.”

  He gave me that winged brow. “Lovely.”

  “Better than the alternative.”

  “That is for certain. Not that I don’t think you’re clean as a whistle.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” The bell above the door made its usual jingle, but it still seemed weirdly loud. As if it was ushering me out the door and into a huge change.

  “It was more the kid thing.”

  I suddenly wanted to yank my arms into the huge sweater and hug myself. The kid thing. He’d said it with such derision.

  Instead of the full withdrawal, I just hid my hands. “No kids, huh?”

  “I’m not the family sort.”

  “That’s it? Just not the family sort?”

  He shrugged. “I didn’t have a bad home life or anything.”

  “And yet still no?”

  He shoved his hands into his pockets. “I just don’t think I’m suited for it. You have to be very selfless, and I’m definitely not that.”

  “Selfish people aren’t usually that aware, LC.”

  He sighed. “Don’t you think this is kind of a heavy topic?”

  “Agreed. That’s not what today is about, right?” I pushed the little bit of wistfulness down back where it belonged. Maybe it was all my own issues popping up. Not sure why it was happening around this man.

  Okay, that was a lie. It was because we had connected during naked time.

  At least I had. I wasn’t quite sure how he was feeling. As soon as he was touching me, he was all in. Otherwise, he could be standoffish.

  I really didn’t know what to make of him or us.

  Hookups in college were one thing. The next day, you went to class and maybe you saw the dude again at a party.

  This?

  Weird.

  Different.

  Addictive.

  I just needed to stay in the moment. No matter how hard it was.

  “Give me your keys?”

  “Are you on my insurance?”

  “Um, no.”

  “Then you cannot have my rental keys.” He held open the door. “You can direct me to your place.”

  I sneered up at him. “It would be faster if I drove. Or better yet, we get my car and you follow me.”

  “Where’s the fun in that?” He cupped the back of my head and drew me up on my toes. “My pushy fairy queen. Guess that title is quite fitting, yeah?
” His lips hovered over mine before stepping back.

  My heart raced and damn those stupid black dots danced again. I got into the car and he closed the door for me. I fiddled with my phone again, plugging it back in just in case.

  “Where are we headed?”

  “Go straight. Take a right at the end of the street.”

  “Not so hard.”

  The journey was quiet, save for my instructions and the low murmur of the radio. A Wilder Mind song came on and I turned up the volume.

  He gave me a bit of side eye. “You like these guys?”

  I nodded. “Sucks about the keyboardist. I hope they don’t break up over it.”

  “Remains to be seen.”

  “Are you president of their fan club?”

  He laughed. “No.” But he didn’t volunteer any more information.

  I tapped my leg to the rhythm and hummed the lyrics under my breath. Wilder Mind was a semi-local band. I’d followed them simply because they were from the area, then fell in love with their sound along with the New Yorker pride element.

  My brother’s duplex was on the fringes of town. He’d been forever in fixer upper mode. The plan had been to rent out the other side of the duplex, but it had become a sort of showcase for all his furniture. A virtual storefront of sorts as long as no one picked up on the fact that the area wasn’t zoned for businesses.

  Then again, things were very gray on that front since many people worked from home. I didn’t mind the two kitchens, however. Or the fact that I could have a super large freezer in the other half of the house.

  August’s truck was gone and I blew out a relieved breath. I got out before Rory could come around and open the door for me again. Chivalry be damned. I waited on the porch for him.

  “Nice place for a waitress.”

  “Got a filter to go with that mouth?”

  “No.”

  I rolled my eyes and twisted a stone behind the large glider bench that was currently tarped against the winter elements. Soon, it would be spring and I could sit outside with my ice cream instead of huddling under a blanket.