Calista shushed her.
Mel rolled her eyes. “Ash gets this reaction all of the time. It’s all good, girlfriend.”
But Harlow ignored them, entranced inside her own little world that included this intriguing video Toby wanted to share with her. She turned up the volume.
“Hello, Harlow Ross. I hear you’re a huge fan, and I can’t tell you how humbled I am to know it. I could tell from the moment Toby mentioned you, you were somebody worth knowing. It takes a special woman to knock my cousin to his knees, and I know that must not have been an easy task. You both seem to have a lot in common, from what I hear, and a unique understanding of each other. He tells me you make him want to be a better man. And, let me tell you, Toby is one of the good ones. It’s why I was excited to help him pull this off. I hope you’re listening closely before I pass you back to him because Toby loves you from the bottom of his heart. Take it from me.” Ash finished with a wink. “I’m currently still on tour, but as soon as we can manage it, the band and I would love to meet you. Until then, I present to you, Toby James, everyone.”
The camera moved away from Ash and onto Toby’s lone figure. He was sitting on a stool with a guitar in hand, and Harlow felt like she melted on the spot at the sight of him.
“Hey, Harlow. I know you’re a huge fan of the band, and I thought it might mean something special to hear Ash speak as if he knows you already. I also figured it might help this post reach more people if Love the Sinner’s prodigy was on it. His fan base has a far better outreach than mine does. Local tattooist with an old show.” Toby pointed at himself. “And the rock star. I love you, baby, so much, and I’d like the whole world to know it. Hence the video, my step number three, but there’s more…” Toby’s face lit up with hope as he gave her his signature smirk, and her heart soared with happiness. “Ash and I also co-wrote this song for you that I’m about to sing for the very first time. You ready to hear it?” The moment Toby started playing the guitar, she wasn’t the only one in tears. The whole apartment was. Calista, Mel, and Dee joined her. While she suspected theirs were tears of envy, hers were of complete joy. She hadn’t remembered ever being so jubilant before. It was incredible, and she absorbed every word he sang. If this wasn’t proof enough that he loved her, then nothing would be.
Drifted alone as an empty shell
My scars burned while I was in hell
Took women to bed
I was distracted with dread
A shallow escape to quell the pain
Loves were lost and a new one was gained
I was absent and alone but no more
You showed me I deserve to feel more
I’m ready to say goodbye to the past
You’re going to be my second chance
My lady to love forever and more
So here I am reaching out to you
You’re holding my heart
It’s yours to store
You showed me I deserve to feel more
Continuing to run would be insane
I want to be with you to dance in the rain
To hold your hand, to cherish, and kiss you
When you’re not around I ache, and I miss you
It breaks me to see you cry
I’d rather see us both fly
When I look in your eyes
And my arms go around you
I know I’m in bliss
And thank God that I’ve found you
So, baby hear my plea
You’re it for me
You give me the will and strength to continue
I’ve found my forever
to infinity and a day
My love will never go away
Like a sunflower on a beautiful day
Together we shine bright
please don’t push me away
With visions of our future where we’re holding hands
I’ll show you I’m strong enough to be your man
I’m ready to say goodbye to the past
You’re going to be my second chance
My lady to love forever and more
I’ll do what it takes to show you I’m yours
Baby hear me plea
You’re it for me
When you’re by my side
There isn’t a need to hide
I’m ready to be the man you need
Girl, you showed me I deserve to feel more
The past is lost, and the future is what I’m looking for
You showed me I deserve to feel more
That I deserve to feel more
I love you
“Oh my God!” Calista fanned her face. “That was amazing.”
“Harlow,” Mel gasped. “I’ve never seen Toby like that before. It’s like the words bled right out of him. They were so heartfelt and personal.”
“That right there is your proof.” Dee enthusiastically pointed at Harlow’s phone. “He’s finally ready to move on.”
“I have to see him.” Harlow jumped up from the couch and cradled the phone to her chest. “I’ve got to go.” She raced around the apartment to grab her jacket, keys, and shoes. She threw open the door and paused. “Stay as long as you like. Callie has her key to lock up, and I’ll keep you posted. If all goes well, I won’t be texting until sometime tomorrow.” She winked as her entourage whistled and clapped with excitement.
“Go get him, girl.”
Harlow rushed down the stairs, taking them two at a time, and nearly tripped over her own two feet in her haste to get to the car. She started the ignition and prayed that he was home.
Chapter Thirty-One
Toby
Toby began pacing his apartment the minute he’d sent the text, and a million and one questions bombarded his thoughts.
Was she watching it?
Did she like it?
Did she finally believe him?
Would she take him back?
And if she didn’t, what could he possibly do to top that?
He’d shout out his love from the rooftops if that’s what Harlow needed from him. Contacting Ash to ask for some help seemed to be a good idea at the time. This video would hopefully tell the world. It hadn’t been online for very long, and the viewings already surpassed six figures. It was crazy. He shook his head and picked up his sketch pad. Ten minutes later, and he was still looking at the blank page. He gave up, tossed the pad on the coffee table, and sat forward with a sigh. The suspense was killing him.
Come on, baby. Call me. Tell me you watched it and loved it.
His phone made a noise, signalling a notification, and he lunged for it on the cushion beside him.
Mel: If you’re not home, you might want to get there pronto. Your girl saw the video, and she’s on her way. Good job, Tob. Harlow couldn’t get out of here fast enough. I’m so glad you’ve finally found your happy. Proud of you too.
After reading it, Toby smirked and gave himself a mental high five. He looked around the apartment and quickly straightened up. He gathered his dinner dishes and dropped them in the sink. He quickly wiped the counters and threw the rag back on the counter when he finished. It’d have to do. Toby looked around, satisfied now that the place looked decent enough. But what about him? He turned to sniff his pits and sighed with relief. He smelled decent but now felt anxious. This was it.
Within a couple of minutes, there was an insistent pounding on the door, and he knew it was her. His heart raced, and he eagerly opened it. No words were exchanged. The moment they locked eyes, she pounced, and it caught him off guard. She jumped up, threw her arms around his shoulders, and wrapped her legs around his hips. Toby fell backward, taking the brunt of the fall, while she peppered kisses all over his face. It shocked him.
“I’m so sorry. Please tell me you’re not hurt.” Harlow scrambled to get up and held out her hand to help him do the same. The moment he stood, his arms went around her again. She was magnetic, and he couldn’t stop touching her if he tried. Didn’t want to.
Harlo
w’s gaze ran from his feet to the top of his head, checking him out. Her hands rested against his heart, and he couldn’t help but smile. She was right where he wanted her to be. “I’m fine, Harlow, promise. In fact, I’m now more than fine.” He bent down to rest his forehead against hers and whispered, “It’s so good to see you again.”
Her whole face lit up at his words, and he cherished the moment. “It’s good to see you too. Toby, I feel like it’s my turn to apologize. When you walked out on me, I was shattered.”
“Har—”
Harlow held up her hand and took a step back, leaving Toby no choice but to drop both of his arms to his sides. He fisted his hands to keep from reaching out. “Please let me finish,” she said. “You have to understand, when I first met you, I could feel this pull. I was attracted to you, of course, but there was more to it. You’re so talented and hard-working; you’re successful and likeable, the whole package, but you were also damaged and hurting. It’s a trait I can understand well because I am too, in my own way. You got me, though, and still do. It’s like we’re two imperfect puzzle pieces but put us together and we fit. I just couldn’t help but love you, but in the back of my mind, there was always this insecurity. You never promised me anything permanent, but I wanted it badly.” She shrugged. “When you found the letter and walked out, I thought I’d never be able to compete with Carley. She was the love of your life, a-and I’m just me. I guess what I’m trying to say is, I decided to protect my heart. The other night when you tried to tell me how you felt…God, Toby, I’m so sorry.” She rushed forward and began to kiss him all over his face again. It was adorable. “I.” Kiss. “Love.” Kiss. “You, so much.” Kiss. “And I know you love me. That video was the sweetest, sincerest, most incredible thing anyone has ever done for me.” Kiss. Kiss.
Toby gulped and gave her a nod. He needed a minute to compose himself. He hugged her tightly and smiled. “Finally. I honestly didn’t know how I was going to top the song. When we met, I think my problem was that I could see our dark, and I let mine consume me. Been living with mine for too long. The difference was yours had holes all over it, letting the light shine through, and I was drawn to you. I know you’re still grieving your daughter, but you don’t let it eat at you like I did when I lost Carley. Despite it, you help people every day. I’d wish for anything to get you your daughter back and keep that hurt away, and I’m so sorry I don’t have that ability. One thing I can give you is me, though. I swear to you from this day forward, if you give me that chance, I’ll make it my mission to love, protect, and cherish you for as long as you’ll let me.”
“Toby…” Harlow looked up with tears in her eyes.
“It’s my turn to finish.” He pressed a finger to her lips. “When I lost Carley, it took a part of me. Not going to lie to you. I wanted an eternity, and it was ripped away the first time. So when you came along, and I saw Mel’s letter, I used that shit as an excuse to push you away. Why? Because from the moment I saw you in my lobby at Misfit, I could see you were special. You made me feel things I didn’t want to. Suddenly, my dark began to crack, and I had light in my life again. I wasn’t drowning in grief because I had you with me. It freaked me out some. I fucked up, Harlow, and I’m not perfect, so I’m going to probably screw up again at some point. However, I do know without a doubt that if you give me that second chance, I’ll make sure you know there isn’t anything or anybody to compete with from this day forward. I love you that much.”
“I believe you.” Harlow nodded her head and grinned. “Now that we’ve both said our piece, can we please get to the love making?”
“Missed you,” he said. Toby kissed her to show her how much. Speaking his feelings wasn’t something he excelled at, except with Harlow. Showing her them like she requested, however, was in a more comfortable territory. He’d gladly oblige.
Let the sparks ignite.
The moment his mouth crashed down on hers, the kiss went eager and hard. She nipped his bottom lip, and he moaned, loving the slight sting before she soothed it with her tongue. Toby broke the kiss for a few seconds to yank her shirt off and threw it behind him. He did the same with his own. With a flick of his fingers, he had her bra unhooked, and Harlow finished the honors by working her arms free. The lacy undergarment fell to their feet. He pulled her closer and took her mouth again. The feel of her skin against his was phenomenal. Her nipples were hard, and he groaned as Harlow ran her finger nails down his back. He loved that signature move. She gasped as his lips trailed against her jaw. “I want you so badly, Toby.”
Those words were like music to his ears. He grunted and kissed his way down her throat, could feel her pulse beat as frantically as his was. “So beautiful,” he mumbled. Harlow moved her leg up to his waist and thrust against him where they stood. He gripped her bottom, and her other leg wrapped around him as well. Her hands played in his hair while her arms were wrapped around his neck, and he pressed his forehead against hers again. They were both panting, and it gave them a moment to catch their breath.
Toby walked with her until his legs hit the side of his bed. He gently lowered her down on the mattress before climbing on top. He tucked some hair behind her ears and lovingly caressed her face. “I have the world in the palm of my hands right now. My world is right here.” He quickly kissed her lips. “Love you, baby.”
“Oh, Toby,” Harlow whispered with emotion. “I lo-ove you too.” She hissed the last part and writhed against him. His left hand palmed one breast while his mouth worshiped the other. Once he paid equal attention to both, he kissed his way down her stomach and gripped the waistband of her pants to get rid of them, underwear and all. Toby stood to admire the view, wanting to commit this very moment to memory. Harlow was a vision fully clothed, but get her naked, and she blew his mind.
Mine.
“Say it again,” Toby said. He could see the love in her eyes when she looked at him, but he needed to hear the words before they went further.
“I love you, Mr. James.” Harlow partially sat up and eyed his straining erection with interest, and she licked her lips.
“And who do you belong with?” Harlow looked at him again when he asked the question, and she maintained eye contact as she answered with sincerity.
“I belong with you, Toby. I’m yours and you’re mine.”
“Damn straight,” he said.
He grabbed her thighs to spread her wide and dove in to taste her. He felt like a starving man in need of sustenance, and she was his favorite flavored dessert. He loved this pussy. It was glistening and smooth, sticky sweet. He licked her slow at first to savor the moment. He tongued her opening, tasted around her slick folds, and lapped at her clit repeatedly. Her fingers went through his hair, and she moved her hips eagerly against his face. Her juices dripped from his chin while he licked, flicked, and fucked her with his tongue. Her taste became more potent the wetter she became, and he knew she was close the minute she yanked on his hair to move him precisely where she needed him.
“Please, Toby, I’m almost there.”
He smiled against her and obliged her request. His head moved side to side while he played with her clit, and then up and down. He took the bud into his mouth and sucked it.
“Oh God, so fucking good,” she cried out. He looked up, and her chest rapidly rose and fell. Her eyes were closed, and he’d become mesmerized as he worked her into bliss. This woman was amazing, and all his. It felt like his heart was expanding. He was so happy. Her eyes popped open, they locked with his, and she gripped his head tighter to her core. Her legs began to shake, and her moans were louder. “I’m coming, Toby. Fuck me, I’m c-oming!”
Harlow erupted like an active volcano, and it turned him on so much, he was ready to cream in his pants like a freaking newbie.
Toby stood while Harlow recovered, and he ripped his pants off, almost tripping in his haste to free his cock. He was aching so bad. A couple of weeks apart felt torturous. He may be pathetic, but he also didn’t care. He sighed with reli
ef the minute he was free and grabbed a condom from his drawer.
“Here, allow me.” Harlow winked and reached for it. She tore open the wrapper with her teeth and quickly put it on him. “Now we’re talking.” She stretched out and turned around to get on all fours. She looked back and smiled while he admired the view of her bum in the air. “Love me, Toby. I feel empty without you.”
Toby grabbed her hips and pulled her closer to the edge of the bed. He stood behind her and palmed her ass before smacking it. He squeezed her cheek again, grabbed the base of his dick, and rubbed his tip between her folds. At her opening, he paused and slowly sunk in. They moaned in unison the moment he was balls deep and began to move. It felt amazing. Her cunt was wet, snug, and warm. So soft, and incredible. He gripped her hips and flexed his fingers, trying desperately not to blow too soon. He fucked her fast, then slowed down, fast and slow some more. He leaned forward to kiss her back, and it gave her goose bumps. He licked her skin. “You feel incredible Harlow.” He stopped, pulled out, and flipped her over. “But tonight, I want to look in your eyes.” Her boobs bounced when he entered her, and he could feel her fingernails dig into his shoulders leaving their mark. The familiar sounds of their moans and skin slapping skin filled the air, muting the TV at the other end of the loft. He was so close now and made sure to rub against her clit every time he pumped out and back in. He wanted to reach ecstasy together this time.
“Toby.” Harlow’s back arched, and he gasped the moment she let go. Her walls tightened and spasmed around his shaft. Ripple after ripple of pleasure consumed him, and his cock jerked with the force of his own orgasm. It left him boneless.
“Uh, Toby?” Harlow pushed at his shoulders and giggled. “I love having you on top of me. But you’re getting heavy.”
Forever With You (Misfit Tattoo Book 1) Page 16
