by Jacob Chance
“Rex, thank you so much.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
“I love it. This was so thoughtful of you.”
“It’s the least I could do after almost knocking you out.” He chuckles.
“Well you more than made up for it. And how did you know M&M’s are my favorite?”
“Is that where they went? Those were for me,” he jokes.
“You’re not getting them back.”
“Next time I’ll know to buy two bags.”
“If we’re going to work out that’s a good plan.”
“Oh, we’re going to work out just fine,” he says confidently. I want to believe him. “You relax and enjoy your night. That’s an order.”
“I’ll accept your bossiness tonight, but don’t get used to it.”
“Talk soon.”
“Bye.” As soon as I hang up, I light the candle, placing it on the end table next to the couch. It smells amazing. I add the new pillow to my stack and lean on them as I turn Netflix on. I select Outlander and open the bag of candy. The only thing that would make this moment more perfect is if Rex were here with me.
Officer Gray stops me in the hallway. “What happened to you, Putnam?” He gestures to the bruise under my eye.
“I had a frisbee accident this weekend.”
“Are you sure that new boyfriend of yours isn’t getting handsy with you?”
“New boyfriend?” How the fuck does he know about Rex?
“One, Rex Winters. The very same guy I arrested less than two months ago.” I don’t answer and he smirks. “What’s the matter? Nothing to say about dating a criminal?”
“He’s not a criminal. He’s a great guy. But I’m still trying to figure out how this is any of your business.”
“Well, you might want to keep better company. Did you know that your boyfriend dragged a key down my new car, gouging the paint, the night he got out of jail?”
“What makes you think it was him?”
“We had words before he left.”
“Officer Gray, you have words with a lot of people. I’m sure there’s a long list of culprits it could’ve been.”
“You might want to clue him in that he could be facing time for this.”
“If you had any proof, you’d have already charged him.”
“Are you sure about that, Danika? Maybe I was going to let it slide until I realized he was your boyfriend.”
“Back off, Gray. This conversation has been completely inappropriate. You have no say in who I date. And to make empty allegations against someone just because he didn’t bow down to you is total bullshit.”
“Look who developed a backbone. I’d be impressed but now’s not the time. Keep your distance from Rex Winters. He’s trouble you don’t need.”
I storm off without another word. Who the hell does he think he is threatening me? Should I go to Sergeant Glen with this? But what if Rex did key Gray’s car? Is it really such a stretch to think he might’ve?
The rest of my morning goes about as well as the start of it. I spill scalding hot coffee down my shirt, and I have to break up a shouting match between two middle-aged women over a parking space. I thought for sure they were going to come to blows. It starts to pour at about eleven, and I look like a drowned rat by noon. All I want to do is have a meltdown. No, all I want to do is talk to Rex.
I dial his number and sob his name when he answers. “Rex.”
“Danika, are you okay?”
“Yeah, but I’m having a horrible day, and I’m hoping you can help me calm down.”
“I can do that. What’s got you so worked up?”
Should I tell him about Officer Gray’s allegations? “It’s a compilation of things. Today’s been one of those days where everything that can go wrong, has.”
“Take a deep breath, darlin’.” I do as he says. “It’s Monday and you’re allowed to get worked up, but it’s not worth it. Take another deep breath.” This time he breathes with me. “How are you feeling now?”
“A little better, thanks.” Merely hearing his voice was enough to make me feel calmer.
“Good. I’m glad I had a turn to help you out for a change. Are you sure there isn’t anything else you want to discuss? I’m a good listener.”
“Yeah, there is something.”
“Uh-oh. This doesn’t sound good.”
“Did you key Officer Gray’s car?” I hold my breath and wait for his answer.
“Yep, I did. Why?”
“He said something to me about it at work this morning. He said my boyfriend was a criminal. I told him he had no proof.”
“Wait a minute. This guy is harassing you?”
“No, Rex. It’s nothing.”
“The fuck it isn’t. This motherfucker is trying to threaten my girl.”
“Rex, please calm down. Don’t make me regret telling you.”
“Danika, you can’t keep secrets from me because you might not like my reaction.”
“I don’t want you getting into more trouble. Just let it go. I’ll handle it.”
“You don’t need to do a thing. If he had proof, we’d already know.”
“I’m sure you’re right.”
“Of course I am. Now, if he bothers you anymore you need to tell me.”
“I will.”
“Danika, I mean it. Promise me.”
I sigh. “Fine. I will. I’m going to get back to work now. Thank you for listening.”
“How about you let me take you out tonight. I know the perfect place when you’re having a rough day.”
I smile. “I’d like that.”
“I’ll pick you up at seven, and wear something you don’t mind getting dirty.”
“Oookay. Now I’m intrigued.”
“Trust me. This isn’t like any other date you’ve been on, but you’re going to love it.”
“I’m already looking forward to it.”
“See you later.”
“Bye.”
Where could he be taking me? A date where you could get dirty? Are we going four wheeling? I can’t wait to find out. Not only did he improve my mood, but he gave me something to look forward to for the rest of my shift.
“Where are we going? I try to avoid this part of the city.”
“Yeah, well, I feel at home in this part of the city. Sometimes you have to let those preconceived notions fall away like blinders and you might find you’re missing some amazing stuff.”
“I trust you, so I’m assuming there’s something really cool hidden here behind the filth.” My eyes are wide open as I study the graffiti covered factory with cracked window panes. I can honestly say I’ve never been on a date somewhere this sketchy looking.
“Have you ever heard of a rage room?” he questions, and I shake my head. “Well, it’s one of my favorite places to come when I need to blow off some steam. Sometimes the gym just isn’t enough and I need something different.” He takes my hand, leading me inside the building. “This is a business where people can vent their anger by demolishing the objects within the room.” I giggle and flash him an ‘are you serious’ look. “No, I’m not joking.”
“Wow. I had no idea this existed.” I shake my head, baffled at the idea.
“What do you think? Want to give it a try?”
“Hell yeah.” I grin, my excitement apparent.
Rex pays for both of us and we’re taken to a room to put on white coveralls and hard hats with face shields. They gave us each gloves and a sledgehammer to smash things with.
“Why do you get the bigger sledgehammer?” I ask.
“Because this one is twenty pounds and that’s a lot for a woman to handle. Here.” He stretches his arm out for me to take it. I try to grab it with one hand and have to catch it with the other.
“Damn, that is heavy. Okay, forget I asked.”
Once we’re dressed, we meet up with the employee in the hall. “You paid for thirty minutes in the kitchen. Follow this hallway and it’s the last doo
r on the right.”
“Thanks.” Rex catches my arm and draws me along with him.
“Why did he say the kitchen?” I ask.
“Because we can pick what room we want to smash, and take it from me, kitchens are fun to destroy. All the cabinets and countertops are great to demo. You’ll get to see what a day in my life is like.”
“With your job, I’m surprised this is something you’d like to do.”
“I don’t come here often, but sometimes it’s a nice change. Especially, because I don’t have to put it back together again.”
We enter the door and glance around. This kitchen has orange countertops and blue tiled walls. The cabinets are dark brown. We’re stuck in a 1970’s flashback. This might be the Brady house. “We’re doing them a favor by destroying this eyesore.”
“Get to it,” Rex orders.
“Eek, I don’t know what to hit first.”
“Whatever you want.” He swings his sledgehammer, blasting a large hole in one of the upper cabinets. It looks like so much fun, I find myself unknowingly jumping up and down. Winding up the sledgehammer over my shoulder, I swing it like a baseball bat right into the bottom cabinet. The wood cracks and I squeal, hitting it again until I make a large hole.
“Great job,” Rex encourages. “Keep going, baby. Let that anger out.”
“Hiyah,” I yell, as I smash another hole in the same cabinet and then move on to the next one. “Oh my God, I love this.” I keep smashing the wooden cabinets, and then I decide to give the tile backsplash a try. I swing as hard as I can and nothing happens.
“Come on, put your back into it. You got this,” Rex cheers me on. I wind up and swing again, this time the tiles crack in a spiderweb pattern.
“Yes.” I pump my fist. We continue on for the remainder of the time. I try kicking holes in the cabinets with some of the Taekwondo kicks I learned as a kid. By the end, there’s nothing left. Rex has even knocked the cabinet doors off the hinges and removed the countertop. It’s obvious he knows what he’s doing, and watching him has me more than a little turned on.
Who knew destroying things could be so exhilarating? I feel so free and alive, like I can conquer the world.
We change back into our clothes and get in Rex’s truck. I haven’t stopped grinning since we started smashing things. “Rex, this was the most awesome date I’ve ever been on.”
He grins. “I’m glad you enjoyed it so much. Where to next? The night is still young.”
I bravely meet his blue eyes. “Let’s go to my place.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’ve never been more sure of anything.”
19
Rex
I don’t even remember the drive to Danika’s condo. Or how we got inside. I only know that once the door closes behind us, I cage her against it and slam my mouth down on hers. Our eager tongues duel and twist as we try to get impossibly closer, but our clothes are in the way.
Fingers gripping the bottom of her t-shirt, I raise it over her head and throw it behind me. My hands slide up her ribs to cup her full tits wrapped in a lacy bra.
“Take your shirt off,” Danika orders. I tear it over my head and kick off my sneakers before moving onto my jeans. Impatient, she pushes my hands out of the way. Undoing the button, she eases the zipper down painstakingly slowly. The buzz of the metal teeth only makes my cock harder because I know her hands will be on me soon. Hands sliding inside my jeans, she pushes them down my hips until they pool at my feet. Stepping out of them, I hook my fingers into the waistband of her jeans, dragging her closer.
“It’s your turn now.” Nuzzling her neck, I undo the button and zipper, teasing a fingertip along the top edge of her panties. Back and forth I move until I dip inside, my knuckles brushing over her sex. She moans and bucks her hips forward. Dropping to my knees, I tear her underwear and pants off in one fell swoop and part her thighs with a hand on the inside of each leg. Slicking my tongue between her lips, I taste her sweet, tangy juices for the first time.
Danika’s fingers burrow into the longer pieces of my hair, gripping and tugging with every corresponding flick of my tongue. I slip two fingers inside her wet channel, hooking and pulsing them. And my lips pluck her clit between them, sucking and swishing with my tongue until she comes with a high keening noise. I wait for her trembling to stop and smile against her wet pussy before I lick up every single drop of her orgasm.
“Oh my God, Rex.” Danika rests her head back against the door. “I’m not sure my legs will hold me any longer.”
I scoop her up into my arms. “Which way is your room?” She points down the hallway and I deliver her to the bed in a matter of seconds. The room is lit with one lamp on a nightstand. Just enough light to let me appreciate every inch of her gorgeous body.
Placing her down on the mattress, I shove my boxer briefs off and remove my socks. I smile when I notice Danika pulling her socks off and removing her bra before lying back, completely bare. Her eyes lock on my cock and she bites her lip.
“You’re gorgeous, Rex. Every inch of you.”
Placing a knee on the bed, I crawl up between her thighs, my chest coming down over hers. “You’re so fucking beautiful. I can’t believe I’m here with you and about to make you mine.”
“I want to be yours. I already am. Let’s make it official.” She smiles sweetly, brushing my hair back from my eyes.
The tip of my cock nudges her opening and I hesitate. I know we’re on the verge of something incredible. Cupping her face with my palms, we stare into each others eyes as I slide into her with one long, slow thrust. Our moans mingle, as do our breaths, as my hips begin to move. So tight, and so hot, her pussy squeezes my cock like no other. And I’ve never felt as if every part of me was making love to someone before. My heart has never been so engaged in the act.
Her legs wrap around me, thighs gripping my hips and her heels kick into my ass, urging me to go faster. Gripping the headboard with one hand and her hip with the other, I repeatedly thrust into her. It takes every bit of my will to hold on until she trembles, unraveling around me before I let go.
An orgasm more powerful than any I’ve experienced rockets through me. My back arches and my hips jerk and it feels like every bit of liquid in my body is being wrung from my cock. It’s a torturous pleasure.
Rolling to my back, I take her with me, cradling her to my chest. “You’re amazing.” I press a kiss to her forehead.
She smiles up at me dreamily. “Did we really just do that?”
“We did.”
“Was it as good as I think it was?”
“It was better.”
“Can we take a little nap now?” she whispers.
“Get some rest. I’m not going anywhere.” I can’t think of anything I’d like better than holding her in my arms while she sleeps.
Ruby is with her mom, so I have no reason to rush home. A nap sounds like a great idea.
“What is that amazing smell?” Danika strolls into the kitchen wearing only my t-shirt.
“Damn, baby. If you’re going to wear my clothes we might have to skip dinner. Nothing is sexier to me.”
“You’re easy to please.”
“Sit your heart-shaped ass down. I ordered Chinese food for us. I figured we could use a late night snack.”
“You figured right. You keep giving me reasons to keep you around and I’m not going to let you go.” She begins piling food on her plate.
“That’s been my plan all along. I’m in it for the long haul.” She doesn’t realize how much I mean those words, but she will someday. I set out all the containers of food, plates, and silverware. “What do you want to drink?”
“Water, please.” She forks a large bite into her mouth and moans. “So good.”
I grab bottles from the fridge and sit down across from Danika at the small table. There’s barely enough room for all the food.
“How was your nap?”
“Mmm, it was amazing. Except I woke up alone.”<
br />
“I slept too, but I woke up starving and decided to get up and order food.”
“This is delicious. You really do know all the best takeout places.”
“I’m glad I’m good for something.”
“Oh, you’re good for a lot of things.” She winks and then blushes.
“Are you okay with what went down?”
“Don’t you mean who went down?” she jokes.
“Wow, I’ve created a sex fiend. I like it.”
“I’m great with what happened. I feel fantastic.” She beams, stretching her arms over her head. Her happiness makes me smile. I like knowing I put that look on her face.
“Does this mean our dating trial is over and I can officially be given the privilege of being your boyfriend?”
“I think I’m comfortable with that plan.”
“Good. So, girlfriend, are you okay with me spending the night? Or is it too soon?”
“I’d love it if you stayed over.”
“I can’t wait to wake up and see your face first thing.”
“You might not feel that way when you see what I look like in the morning.”
“I don’t buy it. You even looked gorgeous with a lump on your face. By the way, how are you feeling?” My eyes scan the area. “There’s barely a bruise.”
She waves her hand. “I heal fast. I told you it was nothing.”
We manage to eat most of the food. Danika surprised me with the amount she was able to put away. We clean the table off together and place the leftovers in the fridge as if we’ve done this hundreds of times. Being with her has always felt so natural for me, but I can tell by the quick, furtive glances she sends my way and the small smile teasing her lips that she thinks so too.
We walk toward her bedroom holding hands, but she stops at the bathroom door. “I need to brush my teeth. I have an extra toothbrush for you.” She hands me a pink toothbrush still in the package with a mischievous grin. We stand side by side at the double sinks brushing our teeth like an old married couple, and I love the way it feels. Could this be the way the rest of our lives will go? Is she wondering the same thing? I hope so, because for the first time in my thirty-eight years, I can see spending the future with one person and it doesn’t scare me one bit.
