Awakened (The Fighter Series Book 3)

by TC Matson

  She pushes the door open presenting Adam with a shit eating grin and a brown bag at his side. Emily winks as he steps past her and shuts the door.

  I stand as Adam approaches me.

  “Surprise,” he says placing the bag on the corner of my desk and turns around surveying my office. “Cozy.”

  “How’d you know where I worked?”

  It’s the only question on my mind.

  “You gave me hints. The Internet did the rest.” He scans over the top half of my body, not obscured by the desk. “You look amazing.”

  “So you’re stalking me?”

  “No. More like digging to find you.”

  “It’s the same thing,” I say gruffly.

  He opens the bag and pulls out two Styrofoam plates and a set of plastic silverware. “I didn’t know what you wanted. Hope you like steak salad.”

  “You’re evading my question, Adam.”

  His brown eyes flick up to me. “I was in town and wanted to have lunch with you.”

  I lean my hands on my desk. “You drove twenty or more minutes out of your way to hunt me down and bring me lunch? Please forgive me if I’m a little uneasy about this,” I sneer.

  “No need to be uneasy.”

  “I have a man I barely know standing in front of me in my office who wasn’t invited nor did I tell him where I worked. I’m more—”

  “Nervous,” he interrupts me with a wickedly intense glare. “I figured a sweet surprise would be, well, a sweet surprise. You should be ecstatic about it.”

  I take a breath.

  “I assure you I’m not stalking you, Miss…” he nudges my name plate with his fingers, “Stratton. If you’d like me to leave, tell me so and I’ll gladly exit. But,” he holds his finger up, “the food comes with me, so ponder this carefully.”

  There’s a long pause. I don’t know if I should be worried or flattered. Scared for my life or swept off my feet. He stands before me confident—shoulders back, head up—with a sharp, but fond stare. His body language screams he isn’t up to anything malicious.

  I study him for a long minute and then exhale and sit down in my chair, sweeping my bangs off my forehead. “Since you threatened the food, you can stay.”

  Victory spreads across his expression and he slides the chair closer to my desk. “Don’t blame the food. It’s me you can’t refuse.”

  I rock back in my chair back and tap the arm of it. “You’re quite conceited. What if I don’t like you and just believe I need to be polite?”

  If there is a smile that could burst your panties into flames, this one is definitely it. “Confident is a better word. And your eyes.”

  I blink. “Excuse me?”

  “I’m not conceited. I’m confident. And your eyes tell me a different story than the words coming out of your mouth. For a split second, you lit up when Emily opened the door for me.”

  I bite the inside of my cheek trying to hold back my smile. I hate that my emotions shine so easily. “Thank you,” I say quietly.

  He zeroes in on me. “Your smile is the most beautiful part of you.”

  Heat spreads over my cheeks.

  He winks. “How’s your day so far?”

  He opens the silverware and hands me my plate.

  “Long.”

  “It’ll get better from here,” he says and then takes a bite of his sandwich.

  I observe him for a moment, baffled at how headstrong he is. “You seem too much of a ladies’ man to be focusing on one woman.”

  Yeah…that just came out of my mouth.

  He doesn’t skip a beat. “What makes you think I’m a ladies’ man?”

  Screw it. I’m already on a crash and burn mission. Might as well just finish it out. “You’re pretty smooth not to be.”

  He wipes his mouth with his napkin. “There’s not much to me. I say what’s on my mind.”

  “Add the fact you completely enjoy evading my implications.” I grin.

  He takes a sip of what’s in his Styrofoam cup and clears his throat. “There’s something about you I like. You’re mysterious, beautiful, a little bitchy, and fun to be around. Nothing wrong with curiosity.”

  “Bitchy and friendly. Contradictions, don’t you think?” I ask.

  He shakes his head. “Bitchy because you keep a guard up. You’re cautious of possibilities. But it’s in your blood to be sweet. You can’t hide that.”

  I tilt my head. “So you think I’m broken and you’re hoping I’m vulnerable so you can put my pieces back together?”

  “I don’t do puzzles.”

  “You’re unnervingly too interested in me.”

  His lips quirk up. “Don’t insult yourself. You’re relishing my interest.”

  I’m caught without a word to say. He’s right. I’m enjoying his pushy-interest and smartass banter. It’s a fresh breath of air considering there hasn’t been much “air” around me.

  “That was one of the best salads I’ve ever had. Where did you get it?” I ask placing the trash in the bin.

  I gasp as he wraps his arm around me and pulls me into him. “It’s a secret.” His eyes flick to my lips then back up. “Let me take you to dinner tonight?”

  I’m braced against his chest. My mouth is open but nothing is coming out. My mind is a tangled chaos, fighting the overwhelming desire to kiss him.

  “It’s a yes or no question, Kelsie,” he says richly smooth.

  “You’re pretty steadfast.”

  “I told you. There’s something about you I like.”

  “Um…” I pause trying to gather my thoughts. “During the week, my schedule is a little hectic. I never know what time I’m getting off work,” I try explaining.

  His eyes slide back down to my lips and my heart jumps in my throat. Lust drenches my soul. A craving aches in my muscles. I take a step back scared of all these feelings rushing me.

  He takes a frustrated breath rocking his head from shoulder to shoulder. “Lucky for you, tomorrow is Saturday and you don’t work. So we can have dinner as late as you make it tonight.” He steps to me again, closing the gap I just placed between us but doesn’t touch me. “What time would you like for me to pick you up?”

  My eyes widen and then I clear my throat. I’m not enjoying the fact he continues to catch my escapes. “Shoot for seven. If I’m running late, I’ll text you.”

  He stands there for a moment, but I don’t dare look up to him as I stare at the hem of his shirt. There are way too many lusty feelings running through me and I’m at work. I have to hold strong.

  Finally, after a few intensely desirable, soaked eternities, he starts out the door but turns before exiting. “Have a good day.”

  I drop to my chair and close my eyes, resting my head on the back and try to catch my breath. He’s intense. Very, very freaking intense. And extremely sexy—mouth-watering.

  Chapter 5

  I texted Adam my address just as I was leaving work and he should be here any minute. I’m so damn anxious. I don’t know what to wear, how to look, or what shoes go with what. I’m extremely excited, but sick to my bones. I’ve decided that tonight will be the night I drop the bombshell on him.

  My heart hits the ceiling when there’s a knock on my door. I’m crawling out of my skin as I open it. And although he’s done nothing different but change his clothes, he’s absolutely stunning. His hair is shaggy, face stubbly, muscles tight and hidden by a gray t-shirt with a black striped shirt unbuttoned over it.

  “I don’t know if you should wipe my drool or if I should be wiping yours,” he says with a chuckle.

  “Wow. You look good.” I stumble the words in an exhale.

  The right side of his lips pull up into a sexy-as-hell grin and his eyes slide the length of my body. “You should see what I’m looking at.”

  Can you blush to death?

  “I have a question.” He steps just over the threshold. “Order Chinese in or go somewhere in the rain?”

  I blink staring at his chest. The fabr
ic is slightly stretched over his muscles and nearly suffocating his arms. On his right forearm, he has a tattoo of scattered roses wrapping around a cross.

  “Kelsie?” He knocks me out of it.

  “Yeah?” I shake out of the daze. “I didn’t know it was raining. I, um—”

  He places his hands on my shoulders. “You get worked up easily.” He laughs. “Take a breath. I didn’t mean to throw a loop in the plans.”

  Home. It’s my safe place. It’s where I feel the most comfortable, and if I’m going to have an awkward conversation with him, I might as well not have a weird drive home afterward.

  “Want a beer?” I ask.

  He grins and nods.

  I have an open concept house, so you can see front to back. The only thing separating my living room and kitchen is a black granite island. I can feel his eyes on me as I grab two beers from the fridge, the sensation wriggling over my body.

  “Nice place.” He peers at me as I hand him his beer.

  “It’s not much, but I like it.” I take a seat in my gray, fluffy, overstuffed chair.

  “I have a confession,” he states before taking a swig. “I was hoping you’d say Chinese. It’s on the way.”

  I laugh. “What if I had said out to eat?”

  “You’d have a ton of food.”

  The very minute the words exit his mouth, there’s another knock on the door.

  “It’s for me.” He springs to his feet.

  After paying, Adam takes a look around and sets his sights on my coffee table. He moves the coasters and decorative bowl to the island and then places the food boxes down.

  He’s grinning like an idiot. “Dinner’s ready.”

  “You slaved,” I tease as I sit, placing my back on the couch.

  “Over a hot stove,” he adds, resting beside me.

  As simple as it sounds, it’s the most romantic thing I’ve done in a long while. We talk about much of nothing while we dig into our food. Honestly, he tends to fall mute when food is in front of him.

  “This will last me a week,” I cry out stuffed to the gills.

  “That means I’ll stay on your mind.” He looks to me satisfied.

  With or without the food, I’m pretty certain he’d stay on my mind.

  He slides closer to me and my heart beat picks up in tempo. His eyes are glued onto mine with hunger swirling in them. And then…it happens.

  He leans, taking to my lips. Flutters scatter my body and I melt into him. He drags his hand up my arm and over my shoulder, grabbing my nape and pulling me harder into him. The world dissipates around me. A small sigh escapes me, and I grip the back of his neck. His lips are soft with each movement slow and easy.

  Unfortunately, his kiss starts tapping into my memories I’ve begged to forget and the unfamiliarity hits me, slamming me back to Earth.

  “I can’t do this.” I reluctantly rip my lips from his and drop my head.

  He tucks a finger under my chin pulling me to look at him. “Yes you can.”

  “Adam, I can’t.”

  He furrows his brows.

  “I don’t know where to start,” I say with a shaky voice. “I’m married. I mean, I’m divorcing, but I’m separated.”

  Darkness glazes over his expression. “Clear that up for me.”

  I sigh. “My ex won’t sign the divorce papers. He refuses to.”

  “What does that do to us?”

  “Technically, in the state’s eyes, I’m still married. And if I’m dating, it’s considered adultery.”

  He narrows his eyes at me.

  “My ex-husband is refuting everything. He says if he catches me with anyone, he’ll have my ass. I know he’s pushing it off just to piss me off. But if he catches me, I’ll lose my fair share of the property and I’ll have to pay all the divorce fees, even though he fucked up the marriage.”

  He scratches his cheek. “He’s controlling you with a piece of paper?”

  I nod.

  He pinches the bridge of his nose and shakes his head leaning back on the couch. “Why didn’t you tell me this from the get go?”

  “I didn’t think it would get this far.”

  “And when it started to?”

  I glance to the floor and chew my lip. “I don’t have a good answer for you.”

  The room falls silent. My mind is racing everywhere and I have no idea what to say or do. He’s quietly staring at his beer bottle, slowly twisting it between his middle finger and thumb.

  “Is this why I only get glimpses of you? You start letting loose but then you shut down.”

  I don’t answer him.

  “Those little glimpses have fucked with my mind. I was having fun and doing my own thing. You gave me a taste of you and it intrigued me. But I’m playing peek a boo with your conscience.”

  “I know I should’ve told you earlier, before we got to this point, but I really like this.” I point between the both of us.

  “Where’s the douchebag live?”

  “About an hour away,” I say.

  “Then like me and let’s have fun. I’m not asking to be your boyfriend.”

  I flinch at his statement. “I’m not going to be some booty call. I think you may have the wrong idea of me.”

  He grabs my hand, placing it around his neck and splays his on my back. “Tell me you don’t want to know what my lips will feel like over every inch of your body.” His whisper is seductive and low causing my body to sink and my eyes to want to roll.

  He stands, pulling me up along with him and backs me against the wall beside the couch. His lips brush against my cheek bone. “I’m assuming that shiver means yes?”

  “I…”

  He softly traces his tongue across my bottom lip. “I need your answer, Kelsie. You’ve dreamed of it, haven’t you? Feeling my hands against your skin?”

  He drags his hand up the side of my body and twists his fingers in my hair. Gently, he tugs, and I gasp. I’ve never been touched like this and holy shit, it feels phenomenal.

  “Kelsie,” he growls, getting impatient.

  “I-I have,” I sigh.

  His lips twist up and then he kisses me long and really hard, pressing his body against me. My knees feel weak, and the floor beneath me quakes. Heat spreads all over me and my skin aches to be touched.

  He lowers his hand under my waistband, sliding under my panties, and grazes my clit. “You’ve dreamed of this more than you’ve let on,” he groans pressing his fingers into me.

  My breath hitches and I drop my head back to the wall, melting into his touch. I bring my leg to his waist and subconsciously rock into his fingers. It’s been so long, I’m already about to explode.

  “Oh God.” And I fall off the deep end. Waves of euphoria slam into me and I grip his arms to keep from buckling and sending me straight to the floor. His fingers drive into me and I moan riding the glorified sensations.

  “Fuck, Kelsie,” he groans compelling me to open my eyes to his. They’re hungry and carnal, fervidly watching me.

  Bashfulness engulfs my relaxed satisfaction and I tense.

  “Don’t,” he says pushing his finger into me again. “Don’t shut down on me. Enjoy this.”

  He pulls his hand out and licks his fingers, keeping his eyes fixed on me. It’s erotic as hell.

  “You taste fantastic,” he hums, leaning his elbow on the wall, dropping his face to mine. “I like you dreaming of me.”

  I glance up with a lazy smile. “I can say the same about you.”

  “One day I’ll show you exactly what I’ve pictured, but tonight isn’t the night.”

  He just flattered me and broke my heart at once. Gently, he nibbles my bottom lip before kissing me softly. He grabs my hand and presses it against his jean-clad erection. “If you’re worried I don’t want you, think again. I want to fuck you for hours so you ache with a constant reminder of me. But I’ve got to keep your mind on me, not your douchebag ex.”

  I blink. “How do—”

  “I jus
t know, Kelsie. Practice.”

  My eyes widen, appalled at his words. “You’re one of them, aren’t you?” I say sliding out from under the invisible cage his arms have created. “I’m an idiot.”

  He grabs my elbow pulling me back into him. “I’m one of who?”

  “You’ll not give me another thought once you get what you want.”

  He laughs amusingly. “And what if I want more of it?”

  I flick my eyes at him. “You’ll hurt me.”

  “Then keep your heart out of it.” His expression and tone are completely straight faced.

  I scowl, stepping back. “I think it’s time for you to leave.”

  He takes a deep breath, studying me for a moment with an arched brow. “Kelsie…” he trails off, reaching for my hand and tugging me toward him. “You even said you weren’t interested in dating. I can’t promise where this will go, but for now, enjoy it and don’t make things difficult.” There’s not a drop of forcefulness in his tone.

  I swallow hard. “I said that before I started enjoying my time with you. I need to think about all this.”

  He puffs out a breath, looking defeated. “I’m not a man who sits back and waits.”

  My heart skips a beat. “I know the repercussions.”

  He doesn’t say another word and after what feels like an eternity, he ends the tension and walks out the door. After I hear the click, my strength subsides and hot tears sting my eyes. I drop into the chair, holding my head in my hands, and cry.

  I enjoy his touch and I yearn for more of it, but I’m stuck, frozen in fear of the prick—solidified by my past and how it haunts me. My heart has hurt for so long over Nick’s choices that I’m so scared it’s going to happen again. Hell, I know it will. Adam’s words were very clear when he said to keep my heart out of it. I’ve never been in the position where I’ve had to. I’ve never needed to try. I don’t even know if I can.

  I feel like an idiot allowing the sexiest thing I’ve ever laid eyes on to walk out of my life. Wants versus needs…I hate this shit.

  Chapter 6

  Last night I left Kelsie’s pissed. Just as everything started, so did her thoughts. Not only did she shut me down, she shut me out. Since she’s so damn cautious, she’s labeled me. Partly, the label is right, but I’m not as bad as she thinks I am. Telling me she needed some time to think about things pissed me off worse than her inaccurate accusations. Waiting isn’t a game I’ll play.