Drew: Book One of the Perfectly Independent Series

by Amanda Shelley

  I roll another strike.

  By the time we leave the bowling alley after a few more games, Drew’s convinced I bowl more frequently than I let on. I try to tell him otherwise, but he won’t have it. I didn’t even beat my personal record. But if we’re looking at the numbers… my score practically doubles his at one-forty.

  At least Drew’s a graceful loser. He celebrates my success as well as his. Sure… he teases me, but he doesn’t make it into an issue. Overall, I’d say we had a great first date.

  As we get into his SUV, Drew turns to me and asks, “So, what’s next on our list?”

  “Uh…” I’m totally unprepared for what to say. I’d been having such a good time, I hadn’t thought about what we can do for the next item on the list. “Well…” I drive out. “Since I picked this one, it’s only fair you get the next.”

  This earns me a devilish grin. His perfect lips perk up, making me want to kiss the cocky expression right off his face. Oh, who am I kidding? Now that I’ve had a taste of him, I can’t wait to kiss him again.

  Drew places a finger on his chin, and his eyebrows pull together. His expression morphs from cocky to concentration in an instant, and I can’t help wondering what he’s thinking about so heavily.

  Finally, he breaks the silence. “What do you think about geocaching? I used to love going all the time when I was younger, but I don’t think I’ve gone since Summer was re-diagnosed. It was something we used to do together when I babysat her.”

  “Are you sure?” I don’t want to do anything to cause him pain.

  He nods enthusiastically. “Yeah, I’m sure. She’d kick my ass if she knew I’d stopped going because it reminds me of her. I don’t think that’s the reason I stopped; I haven’t had the chance since I started college. What do you say to doing that, then it’s your turn to choose?”

  “Won’t you be tired of me by then?” I tease. Because seriously, he’s talking about a couple more dates, and this is only date one.

  Drew stares at me in disbelief, his jaw slack. “Not gonna happen, Angel.”

  When we get back to my place, Drew parks the car and walks me to my door. This time thankfully, there’s no awkwardness between us. It’s natural when I offer, “Wanna come in?”

  He surprises me with his brutal honesty. “I don’t want to hijack your day, but I’m not ready to leave either.” Then he rocks back on his feet as he awaits my response.

  Wanting to put him out of his misery as fast as possible, I suggest, “Let’s go inside, and I’ll start a load of laundry. I’m caught up with studying for the week. Maybe we can watch a movie?”

  Drew’s instant smile causes my heart to skip a beat. Seriously, how does anyone get anything done around this man? His dimple pops, and I know in this instance, I’d do practically anything to keep him looking at me in this way. “Only if you let me pick,” he teases.

  Yep. He can watch whatever the heck he wants, with a smile like that. “I think I can manage letting you choose. But be warned, I’m picking the next one.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” Drew nods in agreement as he walks inside.

  22

  Drew

  After finding we have the apartment to ourselves, Abby suggests watching the movie in the living room. While she attends to her laundry, I scroll through the options to watch. Not having time to watch anything current, I pick the first thing that looks interesting—the latest Avengers movie.

  Abby’s eyes light up when she sees my selection. “Oooh… I haven’t seen this yet.” I stretch out my arm to suggest she sit next to me. My heart soars when she doesn’t hesitate. Pulling her close, my arm wraps around her with ease. Instinctually, I kiss the top of her head and let out a deep sigh as her body relaxes into mine. Normally, I’m not what you’d say a touchy-feely type, but with Abby, I can’t stop myself. The girl must have some sort of spell on me.

  The smell of her shampoo’s intoxicating. I take in a deep breath and savor the scent as Abby snuggles closer and rests her head against my chest. Before the opening credits roll, my body zings to life, and I suddenly have the urge to do a hell of a lot more than just hold her. Since this is only our first date, I manage to contain my urges—just barely.

  My concentration’s shit. About twenty minutes into the movie, I realize I don’t have a fucking clue as to what it’s about. But I can tell you Abby has natural highlights in her hair, there are six freckles on her arm, her breathing is slow and even, and she smiles when either of the Chrises make an appearance on screen. I’d almost be jealous, but when she glances in my direction, I see more heat directed at me than at them—so I let it slide.

  When something funny happens on the screen, and I don’t laugh, Abby turns to me and catches me studying her. Her cheeks darken as she asks, “Are you not interested in the movie?”

  “The movie’s fine,” I reply in a deeper tone than normal. I clear my throat as I brush a lock of hair from her face. My thumb lingers on the corner of her lip when it makes contact. Suddenly, I have the urge to taste her again.

  “We can watch something else,” she suggests as her eyes carefully flit back and forth to watch mine.

  Even though I have no idea what the plot is, I offer, “No. This is fine.” She could put on my favorite movie in the world, and I’d still rather watch her instead. Her lips purse, and I lean in to kiss the confusion off her face.

  To my surprise, her hand instantly cups the back of my neck and pulls me closer to deepen the kiss. She feels amazing. Her tongue darts out to meet mine, and I know I need more. But sitting like this, I can’t get close enough to kiss her the way she deserves. I guide her to change positions so that she’s straddling my lap. Somehow, we manage without breaking our all-consuming kiss. Knowing she wants this just as much, my dick strains against my jeans when she places her knees outside my thighs to get better leverage.

  Damn. The woman can kiss.

  I love how her heat radiates through the fabric of her clothes, and her body perfectly aligns with mine. When Abby lets out a quiet moan, my senses go into overdrive.

  Now that she’s right where I want her, I allow my free hand to roam the hem of her shirt. The feel of her smooth skin, the taste of her soft lips, and the smell of her intoxicating body isn’t enough. I need more. I run my hand along her spine under her shirt. Her body hums with desire to match mine.

  When I feel like I can no longer breathe because she’s completely consumed me, I force myself to break our kiss. Not wanting to break contact with her skin, I kiss along her jawline to her neck. When her breath hitches as I reach a sensitive spot, I know she’s just as turned on as me. Her hands run through my hair as her body shifts to find a release against my straining cock. She rubs herself along my ridge, as her fingers fist my hair.

  “Angel,” I groan as I reach her earlobe, and her movements become more intentional. My hand cups her perfect breast, and I roll her nipple through the fabric of her silky bra. Her body bucks on my lap, letting me know I should continue.

  “Oh… Drew…” she moans as I push the fabric aside and kiss my way down her bare skin. When I pull her darkened nipple into my mouth and flick it with my tongue, she writhes almost out of control.

  Could she come, just like this?

  The thought alone has my dick turning to steel, and my mind wanders with possibilities. She’s so responsive. With every nip, suck, and lick, her body comes more alive. Our bodies are so in tune with one another, I can’t believe this is our first experience together.

  Abby’s hands roam down my chest and reach under the hem of my shirt. Her fingers feather their way across the muscles of my abdomen and instinctually, my abs tighten. Her light grazing sends shivers up my spine because—fuck—I’m ticklish. I let out a stifled groan, well, more like a cross between a laugh and a moan. Why, of all things, is my body betraying me at this moment? Hell, I’ve never been this ticklish before. As much as I enjoy her touching me, I can’t let this continue.

  Not wanting to ruin the mood
, I reach out and lace my fingers through the offending hand. Abby doesn’t seem to notice my intent because she only intensifies our kiss. Holy shit. I could get lost in this.

  Abby’s other hand locks me in place as she once again maneuvers her body along the ridge of my cock. Whether it is intentional or not doesn’t matter. If she doesn’t stop soon, I’ll blow my entire load like a prepubescent teen—And that just can’t happen.

  “Angel,” I practically pant as I shift her back just a fraction of an inch, in hopes of some relief. “You’re killing me.”

  Abby raises a brow as a smirk forms. “In a good or bad way?”

  The vixen.

  I reposition her to let her form her own opinion.

  “What do you think?” I reply, almost feral.

  From the sly grin on her swollen lips, she rolls out, “I can’t say that’s a bad thing.”

  Before she can say anymore, I flip us so that she’s lying on her back, and I hover over the top of her. “Angel, unless you plan on following through with that thought, I suggest you watch your words very carefully.”

  Her eyes gleam, and her smile widens. Holy shit, I think I’ve met my match with Abby Angelos. When her legs wrap around me, her intention is clear.

  Not wanting to disappoint, I close the distance between us and continue kissing her senseless. Her body writhes and moans escape as she gets lost in us. I still feel as if my cock is made of steel, but in this new position, I manage to maintain control of myself.

  Abby’s hands pull at the hem of my shirt and the next thing I know, her warm fingers trace up my spine. I rest my entire body weight on one elbow as my other hand slides along Abby’s rib cage. By the way she arches into me and the purr that escapes from her lips, I know I’m on the right track. Her skin feels smooth and soft against my fingertips. Trailing my lips along her jaw to her collarbone, Abby makes the sexiest moan imaginable. By the time I reach that soft spot behind her ear, she’s practically clawing at me to take off my shirt.

  I pull back to see for myself if that’s what she really wants, and not just a figment of my imagination. Nope—The desire in Abby’s eyes is undeniable.

  “Need to feel your skin on mine,” she practically begs as she nods in reassurance to my unanswered question.

  As her hands snake up my back to remove my shirt, her front door flies open, banging against the wall. I nearly jump out of my skin as I clamber off Abby to put myself between her and the intruder.

  As soon as my eyes land on Sydney’s, she shouts, “Oh—Shit. Sorry. Had to pee. And couldn’t get the door to release my key.” She glances at the wall behind the door and sees a small dent from the handle. Maybe it was already there; she shrugs at Abby, then bolts to what I presume is the bathroom.

  Abby bursts out laughing as Sydney shuts the door. “Doesn’t she have impeccable timing.”

  That’s for damn sure. I want to mutter as I adjust myself before turning to face Abby. But her infectious laugh has me changing my tune in a heartbeat. “Guess she really had to go…”

  This causes us both to laugh harder.

  Abby reaches out her hand to me and pulls me back to her side. “Thanks for being willing to take one for the team. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone move so fast to protect me. I was almost afraid for who was coming through the door. You were in total beast mode.”

  “Glad I can be your entertainment, too,” I deadpan, and this earns me a smack on the arm. It doesn’t hurt, but the scowl on Abby’s face is adorable.

  “You know what I mean.” Her eyebrows narrow in her attempt to sound stern.

  “I’ll always protect you,” I tease, and she shakes her head. “Do you often have people breaking down your door to pee?”

  Abby shakes her head. “I’ve gotta say, this was a first.”

  Sydney interrupts our conversation when she opens the door and steps out with a loud huff. When her eyes meet mine, she shakes her head as if to clear her thoughts. “I am sooo sorry. Today seems to be my day for cock blocking you, Abs. You just can’t catch a break with me around.”

  Cock blocking? Seriously. She thinks we were about to have sex. On the couch of all places? I have way too much respect for Abby to even have considered that. A good make-out session—Yeah, I’ll give her that. But I had no intentions of taking things much further. Not wanting her to get the wrong impression, I stop her in her tracks with, “Not that it’s any of your business, but we weren’t having sex, so there was no ‘cock blocking’ involved.”

  “Ohmigod.” Abby covers her mouth to contain a giggle. “No—We were definitely not having sex. You know as well as I do, Syd, that I don’t roll that way. I’m not an exhibitionist and have no desire to flaunt my bits in public.”

  I’ll keep her bits for myself—thank you very much. There’s no way I want her on display for the world to see—or even her roommates for that matter.

  Whoa. When did I get so possessive?

  Before I can give it another thought, Sydney draws my attention to her. “Gah… you are so adorable when you get embarrassed, Abs. You know I’m just teasing you. I’m happy you found a guy worthy of dating. Sorry if I made it sound like you were just his conquest. I’ve known from the start, it isn’t like that with the two of you, and I shouldn’t have opened my big fat mouth. Seriously, I was joking—you know—since I walked in on you this morning and just now. I felt bad for interrupting, and to be truthful, I was a bit scared when someone came charging at me as I entered the door. It was a knee-jerk reaction to make light of the situation.”

  “Please stop,” Abby begs. “It’s not a big deal. It’s not like I have company over often—well, the kind that would have you of all people stammering.”

  What the hell does that mean?

  Instead of getting an answer, Sydney turns to me. “I’m sorry if I came across rude. I was teasing Abby and didn’t realize you might have taken it the wrong way.”

  To shrug it off and completely change the subject away from this slippery slope, I ask, “Would you like to watch the rest of our movie with us?”

  Sydney looks between Abby and me a few times, then glances to the screen before she replies, “Are you sure?”

  Abby scoots over, so that she’s in the center of the couch, as she grabs my hand. “Absolutely. Who else am I going to enjoy Chris with? No offense, Drew, but I don’t think you appreciate him as much as I do.”

  “Got it—It’s a good thing I’m up for some competition.” I grin as I hunker down to watch the movie.

  Honestly, I don’t care what I’m doing. As long as I get to do it next to Abby.

  23

  Abby

  After spending the day with Drew last Sunday, I’ve hardly seen hide nor hair of him. Not that I’ll admit it to anyone, but I’ve missed him. Just thinking about his smile, the way he reaches out to hold my hand as if it’s the most natural thing in the world, and his sexy masculine scent brings a smile to my face. I’m not sure how I’ve grown accustomed to him in my everyday life in such a short period of time, but somehow, he’s managed to worm his way in, and I’m not sure what to make of it.

  I can’t fault him for being gone though. He’s had away games and traveled most of the week. He wasn’t even in class, though he managed to do what he could of our assignment from a hotel room—since our professor had given him the assignment early. We worked on it before class over the phone.

  I’m sprawled out over the couch. Books and papers everywhere as I study for an upcoming exam the following Friday night. Suddenly, there’s a knock on my front door. Knowing Sydney’s at work and Chloe is with her parents for the weekend, I holler, “Just a minute,” as I scramble to my feet to answer the door.

  I tug on my holey sweatshirt and adjust my sleep shorts as I hear another impatient knock.

  “Hold your horses,” I grumble as I open the door, preparing the words I’m about to unleash on my unexpected guest, to show them just what I think of their impatience.

  Instead of unleashing m
y irritation, I’m blown away by the sight of Drew. Standing there in a dark gray henley, faded jeans, and a pair of Chucks, his blue eyes crinkle at the corners when a smile forms on his perfect lips. His hair is still wet from a shower, and it doesn’t look like he’s shaved in days. He looks almost edible.

  He isn’t supposed to be back until later tonight, so we’d made plans for tomorrow. I look down at my battered and worn-out sleep clothes and shyly glance in his direction. I quickly pat down the messy bun I’d thrown my hair into in my haste to make it stay out of my way while studying.

  Drew rocks back on his heels as he looks me over from head to toe. I can only imagine what he’s thinking. I look worse than a three a.m. shopper at Wally World. I’m not ready to impress anyone. My cheeks heat as I feel his stare glide over me.

  “Um… am I interrupting?” he asks, unsure of himself.

  “No.” I shake my head and bat my hand in the air. “Not at all, come in.”

  “I couldn’t wait to see you,” he practically growls as he reaches out to wrap me in his arms. Tugging me closer, he slants his head and presses his lips to mine. The second our lips meet, a zing of electricity ignites, short circuiting my brain. The next thing I know, he lifts me with ease, and my legs dangle in the air as I kiss him for all I’m worth.

  Eventually, he breaks our kiss and practically pants, “Damn, I’ve missed you.”

  As he steps inside and shuts the door behind us, he slowly releases me to my feet. “Uh—good to see you, too,” I tease as I inhale his fresh out of the shower scent. Damn. He smells edible. I want to lick him from head to toe. My mouth waters as my mind fills with possibilities.

  When I feel his eyes roaming my body, I give myself another once-over and immediately apologize for my state of disarray. “Sorry, I wasn’t expecting anyone.”