I stare up at him. He’s so…Robbie.
There’s just no other way to describe it. We look so silly right now, wrapped up in one another in the middle of the floor… His tanned, toned skin next to mine… His strong, massive build overtaking my small frame.
We make no sense, but I’m tired of trying to figure it out.
I want that night of passion he’s promised, want to know if us rolling around in the sheets is going to feel as good as this.
I want him, and I’m done trying to tell myself otherwise.
“What if I want to say more than that?”
His nostrils flare as he tries to hold himself together.
“Monty…” His voice is hoarse and raw. “Don’t say things you don’t mean.”
“And if I mean them?”
He groans as his head falls back onto mine, our foreheads connecting again, noses rubbing together. “Fuck,” he mutters.
Another prayer—one I’ll answer.
I push onto my tiptoes until my lips are brushing against the shell of his ear.
“Take me home, Robbie.”
11
Monty
“I should text Denny.”
“Already did.”
“How?”
“Technically, I texted Zoe, who then told Denny. We’re good.” He tugs on my hand. “Come on. Cab is almost here.”
“Cab? But I drove—we can just take my car.”
He stops short and I nearly crash into him. Spinning my way, he grabs my arms and pushes me against the nearest wall.
I’m starting to find that I like being pressed between Robbie and a wall…or a sink…any hard surface will do, really.
Without warning, he dips down and captures my lips between his. The kiss is hard and urgent, like he’s not sure if he’ll ever be able to do this again, which is so silly because we’re going to do far more than just kissing.
He wrenches his mouth from mine. “Because I can’t not kiss you the entire way to my house.”
“You think I’m going to make out with you in a cab in front of a stranger?”
“Yes.” His answer is sure, strong, like he knows that’s exactly what will happen.
Thing is, he’s not wrong.
Every time Robbie presses his lips to mine, I’m lost—lost like I never want to be found, no matter the audience we have.
His phone pings and he tugs it from his pocket, checking the screen. It must be good news judging from the way his eyes light up.
“Cab is here. Let’s go.”
He takes my hand and rushes us toward the front of Lola’s.
We slide into the back and Robbie gives the driver his address. The cabbie takes off and we’re silent. Though I know he’s staring at me, I don’t look over at him.
It’s partly because I know I’ll start kissing him as soon as I do, and partly because I’m starting to get nervous. This all feels so…real.
I’m about to have sex. With Robbie.
A man I met three weeks ago. A man who makes me think of him non-stop, who sets me ablaze with a stupid grin.
I just need to figure out how to tell him I’m a virgin before we reach his house.
How exactly do you explain something like that to someone? I never talked about it with my ex-fiancé. He was told by my parents I was to save myself for marriage, and he respected that—if sleeping with everyone but me means respect, that is.
But Robbie…he has no idea. We’ve never discussed it. There aren’t many twenty-something-year-old virgins out there, so it’s not something that comes up naturally.
How am I supposed to bring it up now?
I can still feel his gaze on me, and it makes me shift uncomfortably.
I hear his hand slide across the seat. He strokes my finger with his own and I shiver from the touch…which is so stupid.
If one simple collision of skin can cause this reaction, what will it feel like when we’re naked in his bed? When his body is pressed against mine, all our delicious places lining up?
How am I going to survive any of this?
“Monty.”
It’s not a question, not really a statement either. He says my name like he can’t help himself.
“Yeah?”
“I want to kiss you again.”
I’m on the other side of the car before I can stop myself.
I press against him, my lips finding his with ease despite the darkness of the cab. We cling to each other, but it’s not enough. I don’t think it’ll ever be enough. His hands are on my waist, fingers flexing against me over and over again until he lifts me and hauls me onto his lap.
I sigh in relief the moment we connect.
This is what I’ve been missing.
“You’ll need to buckle in if you’d like to continue this ride,” the cabbie says with laughter in his voice.
Robbie yanks his mouth from mine and sighs dramatically. His eyes are glazed over, and I can tell he’s regretting not letting me drive my own car in this moment.
He nods toward the other side of the car. “Better get back over there. We’re still miles away and unless you want our first time to be behind some bush in the park, scoot.”
With reluctance, I slide away.
Speaking of first times…
“Ro—”
“I remember being in love like you two—best five minutes of my life.” The old man laughs again.
Robbie and I exchange a look.
“It’s not love, sir. We’re just…uh…”
“Relieving some tension,” Robbie supplies.
The cabbie turns around just long enough to wink at us. “That’s why I said five minutes.”
I politely laugh and then tune out as Robbie directs him the best way through his apartment complex.
My heart is beating so fast.
In just moments, I’ll be inside Robbie’s home. Then inside his bedroom. Then under his sheets.
Is this happening too fast? Am I insane for doing this? Will I regret this? Will I—
“Here we are!” the driver announces. “That’ll be twenty-two fifty, please.”
Robbie pays the man and slides out of the car then sticks his hand back in to help me out.
“You two have fun. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” the cabbie says before speeding off once we’re clear of the vehicle.
We’re quiet as Robbie grabs my hand and leads me up the walkway.
For a Saturday night, it’s rather noiseless outside. All that can be heard is the cars passing on the street and the chirping of the crickets.
We come to a stop in front of a door, and he pulls a set of keys from his pocket.
As he pushes the key into the slot, he turns my way, eyes searching and questioning.
“Are you sure about this, Monty?”
I chew on my bottom lip as I stare up at him.
I haven’t known him long, and I might be crazy for doing this, but every inch of me is screaming to say yes.
“Open the door, Robbie.”
Without another word, he obeys my command.
I’m met with the smell of something sweet, which surprises me because I know Robbie lives here alone.
“It smells amazing in here.”
“Lavender. It’s an essential oil diffuser.”
“I’m not going to lie, I was kind of expecting the smell of dirty socks or something equally disgusting.”
“Nah, I’m kind of a neat freak now. I used to be a mess, but now that I have my own place, I’m trying to keep it as together as possible.”
“So you’ll trash your buddy’s pad but not your own?”
He blushes. “Now I sound like an ass.”
“If the shoe fits…” I shrug with a grin as I walk past him and farther into the room.
The apartment is small but cozy. The walls are bare, but the overstuffed navy couch is full of vibrant throw pillows, enough to give the room some life. On top of a sleek stand, there’s a TV against the wall opposite the couch. It’s massive, taking up
most of the space in the room.
“Sure you can see that thing?”
He laughs. “It might be a bit big.”
“You think?”
“Hey, a man’s gotta have his toys.”
“Fair enough. I like this apartment. It’s cute, warm.”
“It’s a little boring, but we manage.”
“We? Ah, yes. I almost forgot about your spawn. Where is he tonight?”
“He should be here—it is my weekend after all—but he’s at Zach and Delia’s. I promised him two weekends ago he could stay the night soon. Good thing, too, or we might not be where we are right now.”
“Delia…that’s the girl Zach met via wrong number, right?”
He nods. “A situation not too different from ours.”
“Right.”
You can literally feel the sexual tension in the air, but I’m still scared, still nervous…and I still haven’t told him about that pesky virginity thing.
“Where’s that cute bunny of yours?” I ask as a distraction.
“You want to see Thumbelina? Now?”
“Yes, Robbie, now. It’s not like we have to go bang right this second. We have all night, don’t we?”
“We also have all night to see the bunny.”
I smirk at him. “What? You’re not going to tire me out so much that I won’t be able to get out of bed? What a shame.”
He steps toward me, towering over me with his massive frame. “Don’t think I don’t have special plans, Monty. I’m very prepared to spend the entire night in bed with you.”
My body sings at his promises, legs quaking in anticipation.
Tonight is going to be the best night of my life.
“Where’s Thumbelina?”
He laughs and leads us into the small kitchen. Much like the living room, there’s not much to it, and it’s exceptionally clean, not even any appliances out on the counters. I’m impressed.
Sitting in a small space near the back door, there’s a wire cage taking up every inch. Curled up inside is a cinnamon ball of fluff, my new favorite obsession.
“She is so cute! I love her already. Can I hold her?”
“Sure, but just so you know, she’s a little skittish. She might try to wiggle away.”
“I just want to touch her. I bet she’s soft.”
“The softest. I keep finding myself holding her and petting her for stupid long amounts of time. It’s a little embarrassing how she’s managed to wrap me around her finger already.”
“Nah, you’re a father—being that way is just ingrained in you now.”
“Good point.” He lowers down onto his haunches and unlocks her cage. “Hey, girl. How you doing?” he coos, scooping her up with his hands.
The bunny panics for only a moment before realizing who has a hold of her.
“Ah, there she is.” She curls into his arms and snuggles close. “How was your night?”
Thumbelina makes a noise in return and it’s so cute, like they’re having their own private conversation.
“You want to hold her?” he asks.
“Actually, maybe another time. She looks really comfortable and I don’t want to freak her out.”
“Are you sure? She’ll calm down after a few minutes.”
“I’m sure,” I tell him, though my fingers are itching to reach out and touch her fur.
Robbie smirks. “You can pet her.”
I blow out a relieved breath. “Thank you. I was dying.”
With caution, I run my fingers through her fluff, and she’s just as soft as I was hoping she’d be.
“How big will she get?”
“Not very. She’s a Mini Plush Lop, so only about three or so pounds max.”
“I think she can fit in my purse,” I comment.
“I think you’re on crack cocaine if you think I’m giving her up.”
“Can’t we share her? Please?” I beg. “I’ll come over and walk her and change her litter box, whatever you need.”
“First, you don’t walk bunnies. Second, having someone to help with the litter box might not be a bad idea… Third, are you planning for our future, Monty?”
Robbie’s flirty grin has me blushing and fighting the urge to duck my head and hide behind my hair. Instead, I laugh off his comment. “I’m planning my future with Thumbelina. You’d just be a bonus.”
I can tell he likes my answer. I like my answer, no matter how much it scares me.
“Fucking hell,” he mutters, bending down again to lock the bunny back in her cage. “You’re going to be the death of me.”
“You shouldn’t put that on Thumbelina’s shoulders, Robbie. So rude.”
He side-eyes me. “I meant you.”
“I know.” I grin back. I point toward the sink. “Mind if I wash up?”
I quickly wash and dry my hands, then begin roaming around the small kitchen, opening and closing cupboards as I go.
“You’re so…minimal.”
“Is that your polite way of saying I’m severely lacking in decorating skills?”
“No. It means you’re… Well, okay, yes, I suppose it is. Either way, I like it.”
I walk over to the fridge and pull open the doors. Robbie leans against the counter, watching me and letting me explore.
“Checking out my fridge too? Damn.”
“I had to check for severed heads.”
“I keep those in the basement.”
I tap the side of my head. “Smart thinking.”
“I know. You gonna let all my food spoil?”
“Huh?” He nods toward the still open fridge. “Oh rats. Sorry.”
I take a quick peek inside and am surprised to find so much healthy food.
“Not what you were expecting, huh?”
“Not at all. I thought for sure it would be takeout box after takeout box. That’s what our fridge looks like. Denny isn’t much of a cook, and cooking for one isn’t very fun.”
“You cook?” he asks, flabbergasted.
“I dabble.”
“Nice. I make meals at home as often as I can. Makes the dad life easier sometimes too.”
“Oh, I’m sure.”
We fall silent, and the reality of the situation lands on me. I’m in Robbie’s apartment, in his space. I’m looking through his cabinets, his fridge, acquainting myself with his pet. I’m in his life now, and it’s so weird that I didn’t even know him a month ago.
If we do this tonight, if we follow through with our plan, it’ll all be over.
I’m not sure I want that, but I am sure I don’t want tonight to not happen.
The sexual tension rises with each step I take toward him. I don’t stop until our toes are touching. With a much-needed breath of confidence, I look up into his searching eyes.
“I’m ready.”
12
Robbie
I’m ready.
With two words, my cock is throbbing painfully against my jeans.
I haul her to me, dropping my mouth to hers in an instant. The way she feels against me…fuck. It’s like she was made for me, which feels so fucking foreign.
She’s pliant and soft beneath me, begging for more with her body.
I want more. I want it bad.
I slide my hands down her sides and grip her ass, lifting her until she’s wrapped her legs around my waist. I spin us until she’s sitting atop the counter.
“You missed this, didn’t you, Monty?”
She lets out the softest sigh when I say her name.
“You know you sigh when I say your name?”
As predicted, her cheeks turn a bright red, possibly the brightest I’ve seen yet. She smacks my chest and laughs nervously. “I do not!”
“You so do.” She ducks her head, another signature move of hers. I grab her chin, pulling her attention back to me. “You do, Monty, and it’s the sexiest fucking thing I’ve ever heard.”
“It is not. It’s stupid.”
“My very hard dick says otherwise.�
�
Her sea green eyes blaze to life with need.
“You like hearing that, don’t you? You love it when those dirty words drop from my lips. They turn you on, make you feel alive.” She nods. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”
I take her mouth again, this time being less gentle than I was before, which is just the way she likes it.
It’s not long before she’s scooting forward on the counter, her body reaching for mine, pleading for the contact.
She moans when she finally connects with me, her hips working to get the friction her body desires so much.
I can feel my legs beginning to give out, and I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to endure this.
I need to be inside her—now.
“Bedroom,” I mutter as I lift her off the counter and carry her down the hallway, though not before pressing my lips to hers over and over again.
I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of kissing her.
I push my bedroom door open and walk us to the bed.
Depositing her on the mattress with a bounce, I step back and slip my shoes off.
Monty sits there, panting and staring up at me with pure want.
“You should take your shirt off too,” she says.
I can’t help but laugh, which again causes her to blush. “As you wish,” I reply, stripping the material from my body.
Barefoot and jean-clad, I stand here for a moment, hers for the taking.
She rises from the bed, standing so close that my chest brushes against her with every breath I take. Her hands land on my bare chest, and the touch burns my skin.
“I wondered if you had more.”
I give her a singular nod, not trusting myself to speak.
“Robbie…this is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Why the phoenix and the dragon?”
“I like what it represents: strength and courage and rebirth and second chances. I was kind of thrown for a loop when Xavie was born. That moment changed my life, and it was like I got a whole new one.” I shrug. “It fits.”
“And it wraps up here and…” Her fingers skate softly over my chest and shoulder, tracing the tattoo as it continues. “Keeps going.”
I turn slowly, letting her take it in. The piece is colossal, taking up nearly my entire front half, both shoulders, and wrapping around to my back. I spent many hours in the chair and way too much money it, but it was worth it. The dragon and phoenix wrapped together—it’s me.
Texting Box Set: The Complete Series Page 52
