The Philadelphia Series: The Complete Collection Boxed Set

by Taryn Plendl

  That was, until my stupid stomach growled.

  Trevor laughed. “Hungry?”

  “Well, some guy had me in knots during dinner, so I couldn’t even eat.” I pushed him away.

  He reached and pulled me back tight against him. “Well, let me make up for that inconsiderate guy and make you something to eat.” He kissed me on the head and rolled off the bed, walking naked to the bathroom.

  Holy mother of Greek Gods!

  He was the single most stunning man I’d ever laid eyes on. Okay, he was only the second man I’d ever seen naked in real life, but he topped that and every movie star I’ve seen or dream I’ve ever had! His shoulders were wide and rounded with muscle; the hardness of his chest, and the tightness of his abdomen was exquisite. He was overwhelmingly sexy. Larger. More dominating. Incredibly male. It was breathtaking.

  He came back out in nothing but a pair of faded jeans, which hung low on his hips. He handed me a pair of boxers and a t-shirt as I admired his muscular body. “Feel free to shower if you want, and then come join me.” He leaned down and kissed me gently on the lips.

  I watched him leave the room and then made myself get out of bed. After a quick shower, I dressed and headed out to the kitchen.

  Trevor was moving around, throwing together grilled cheese sandwiches and soup. So simple, but oh so perfect. When I sat down at the breakfast bar, he placed a glass of wine in front of me.

  “Wait. If I drink this, will you refuse to touch me later?” I challenged.

  He turned around smiling. “Ah, there she is. I’ve missed my little sarcastic girl.”

  I laughed.

  “And no … that rule is gone now. My intentions are now known and I have no intention of ever refusing you again.” He winked at me as I picked up my glass of wine and sipped.

  We ate our soup and sandwiches and moved to the sofa with our wine. Trevor laid back and pulled me down to lie between his legs. I scooted back against his chest, feeling the warmth of his body as he wrapped his arms around me, gently drawing circles on my arm with his fingers.

  “Can I ask you something?” Trevor asked.

  “Of course.”

  “Did Kyle ever hurt you before that night?” I could feel the strain in his voice as he asked.

  “No. Looking back now, I see how verbally abusive he was, but before that night, he’d never put a hand on me in anger,” I assured him.

  “What happened with you two?” He pulled me deeper into his arms.

  I sighed, knowing I was about to share something that had filled me with such humiliation at the time. “I walked in on him screwing some girl on our couch.”

  “Are you fucking kidding me?” Trevor turned my face toward his.

  “I wish I were.” I smiled and shook my head. “I was so humiliated. I just grabbed my stuff and left. Kyle tried to make it my fault, and couldn’t understand why I walked away. I guess I knew our relationship had run it’s course for some time, but I never thought he would cheat on me. I could never do that to someone.” I turned back around and put my head back to rest on his chest.

  “He’s an ass, Ava. I’m not going to lie, if I see him again I may not be able to stop myself from kicking the shit out of him for leaving bruises on you,” he growled.

  I couldn’t help myself. I started to giggle.

  “You think that’s funny?” He tickled my sides as I doubled over in a fit of giggles. I rolled myself over so that I was lying stomach to stomach with him.

  “No, it’s not funny. I guess I just don’t ever remember someone taking up for me like that. Thank you for wanting to protect me. It actually means a lot.” I leaned down and gave him a kiss.

  “Will you stay with me tonight? He brushed my hair away from my face.

  “I don’t have a change of clothes, Trevor, and we have work in the morning.” I put my head down on his chest, closing my eyes as I heard his heartbeat right under my ear.

  “We can swing by your place in the morning. I will give you plenty of time—please just stay with me. I’m afraid if I let you walk out that door that I might not get to hold you like this again.”

  “Okay, on one condition …” I looked up at him.

  “What’s that?” He smiled at me, tilting his head to the side.

  “Take me back to your bed, and let me enjoy that amazing body of yours again.” I winked at him.

  “As you wish!” He sat up and scooped me up like I weighed nothing as he carried me to the bedroom, kissed me on the lips, and lowered me to the bed.

  ***

  The night I spent with Trevor was more than I could have imagined. He was the epitome of a passionate lover. We explored each other’s bodies, and he brought mine to new heights that I never knew were even possible.

  By the time we fell asleep in each other’s arms, it was well past midnight. Even so, I woke up feeling better than I had in years.

  Trevor showered and dressed for work and then took me to my place where I did the walk of shame past the doorman in the same clothes from yesterday. Ever the professional, he just smiled. “Good morning, Miss Murphy.” I smiled back.

  “Good morning, George.” I bit my lip to keep myself from giggling when he winked at me.

  Trevor made coffee as I showered and got myself ready for work. After pulling on a grey shift dress and a red jacket with matching heels, I looked myself over. My cheeks had a lovely natural blush to them, and I couldn’t help but smile, remembering last night.

  I pulled my hair back into a low ponytail and walked out to the kitchen. Trevor stood there with two travel mugs and a gorgeous smile! “Wow, I must say, you clean up nicely.”

  “Thank you.” I reached out and accepted the coffee Trevor made. I watched him move his eyes over my body as I took a sip of my coffee. He had a way of making me feel so hot without even saying a word. It also didn’t hurt that he could make a mean cup of coffee!

  “Ready?” I asked.

  He reached over and cupped my cheek with his hand. Without breaking eye contact, he leaned down and kissed me. As soon as his warm, moist lips touched mine, I closed my eyes and moaned. His tongue darted out, licking my bottom lip before gently sucking it into his mouth. I put my arms around his neck, pulling him deeper, smiling when he let out his own moan this time.

  “We need to stop this if we plan on ever getting to work.” He placed a small kiss on my nose and took my hand in his as we walked out into the hallway. He waited for me to lock my door and brushed his hand across the back of my neck, sending chills through my body. He smiled at me before taking my hand in his and walking me down to his car. God, he was unreal!

  I was in so much trouble!

  Chapter 11

  Trevor

  “Did you take penis enlargement pills today, Nick?” Talia asked with a straight face.

  “Why do you ask?” Nick replied, looking cautious, but confused.

  “’Cause you’re an even bigger dick tonight than before.” She shrugged as the rest of us busted out in laughter.

  We had all decided to hit the clubs on Saturday night. It didn’t take long for Nick to make some sexist comment about someone before Talia called him out. As much as they were constantly at each other, we could tell they were becoming friends. There seemed to be a mutual respect hiding under the insults. With that said, I could almost guarantee there wouldn’t be a love connection between the two of them—not unless we wanted a murder on our hands.

  Talia looked over to me. “So, Trevor, I see you finally dug yourself out of that hole, huh?” She smiled looking between Ava and me.

  “Yeah, I might have to stop talking and just keep kissing. I seem to get a lot further that way.” I chuckled when Ava pushed me.

  “I’m not a dick!” Nick finally exclaimed after processing what Talia had said earlier. We all broke out in laughter again. “You’re something else, girl!” he scoffed, shaking his head.

  “Yeah, I'm a pain in the ass, I have a big mouth, and I’m stubborn as hell. Thanks for taki
ng the time to notice—now who’s going to dance with me?” She stood up and walked to the dance floor as Tom stood up smiling.

  He winked at us. “I got this.”

  I shook my head. It was gratifying to know that my friends weren’t the only crazy people. Talia could take on a whole room on her own.

  “Do you want another drink?” I pointed to Ava’s empty glass.

  She leaned in closer, brushing her lips against my ear. “I don’t know. Are there still no rules against me drinking?”

  I laughed, knowing what she was referring to. “I promise to take you to bed whether you’ve had one drink or ten.” I kissed her in that sensitive spot right below her ear.

  “In that case, please.” She licked her lips, and I almost groaned out loud.

  “Ava, can Trevor have his balls back long enough for us to go to the bar and get more drinks?” Nick rolled his eyes as he stood. “Ouch!” he whined when I punched him in the shoulder.

  We ordered our drinks and waited against the bar. “So, what’s the deal with you two?” Nick asked in all seriousness.

  “I like her, man … a lot. I guess we’re just trying to figure it out as we go right now, but things are real nice so far.” I smiled.

  “So, she seems to feel the same way, right?” Nick questioned.

  “I think so, why?”

  “I was just wondering who that guy is in your seat.” Nick pointed to our table where Ava was sitting.

  I moved toward the table quickly to make sure this guy realized she was with me, but as I got closer, I recognized him, and I saw red.

  “I suggest you walk away, Kyle,” I demanded with more control than I felt as I came up behind him.

  The asshole turned and smiled at me. “I’m just having a word with my girl here,” he sneered.

  I pulled him up by the back of his neck until he was fully standing. “I’m only going to say it one more time. Walk. Away. Now.”

  “Trevor, he’s not worth it,” Ava pleaded.

  “No, baby, he’s not, but you are,” I assured her.

  “You better let go of me now.” This dumbass had no common sense.

  “Or what Kyle? You put bruises on my girl there. Do you think that makes you tough? To put your hands on a woman? To belittle her?” I was shaking with anger, still holding on to his neck.

  Nick and Tom came and stood behind me, and Talia pushed Kyle as she passed and slid in next to Ava.

  “Kyle, you’re such a douche! Cheating is played out—grow the fuck up. If you wanted to fuck around, you should have just been single. I waited for years for her to drop your sorry ass!” Talia yelled at him.

  “Shut up, Talia, you’re such a bitch!” he spat back at her.

  Before I could flinch, Tom punched Kyle straight in the jaw, and if I hadn’t been holding him up, I’m sure he would’ve hit the ground. I spun around and looked at him, shocked. I had never seen Tom hit anyone or anything before. I still held Kyle as Tom leaned in. “Watch your fucking mouth, asshole.”

  If I wasn’t so shocked, I might have laughed. Nick did just that. “Holy shit, man!”

  Kyle stood there, not quite sure what even happened. I turned back to him. “Kyle, you’re lucky it was my friend here that hit you first. I suggest you walk away now, and if I catch you around Ava, or Talia, for that matter, I won’t be so generous next time.” I gave him a push, and he walked away rubbing his jaw.

  I turned back to Tom. “What the hell was that? Do you need some ice for your hand, princess?” I chuckled. He shook his head, looking back at Talia who was quiet for once in her life. He just smiled and walked away.

  I turned back to Ava. “Are you okay? What did he say to you?” I sat down on the other side of her.

  “He was just being his normal, condescending self. I don’t know why he can’t just leave me alone.” She shook her head. “So what was the deal with Tom?” she asked, looking from me to Nick, who was still amused.

  I felt a laugh escape. “I have no idea. Tom is the least violent person I’ve ever met. I can honestly say that I have never seen him hit anyone.” I looked over at Talia. “I guess he didn’t like Kyle calling you a bitch.” I laughed again. She shrugged, looking away.

  “Yeah, I mean we expect that shit from Trevor here, being a trained fighter and all, but not Tom.” Nick took a long draw from his beer, still shaking his head.

  “What do you mean by a trained fighter?” Ava raised her eyebrows. I swear Nick had the biggest mouth.

  “Trevor here is a mixed martial arts expert. He taught while we were in college,” Nick told her.

  “Do you still fight?” she asked curiously.

  “Not competitively. I just do it to stay in shape now.” I smiled.

  “Well, you certainly are doing a nice job with that.” She wiggled her eyebrows at me as she ran her finger over my arm. I was about ready to take her home and show her just how in shape I was. I grabbed her finger and brought it up to my mouth, kissing it before tucking it back in my grasp.

  “Want to dance?” She nodded.

  Just as we stood, I saw Tom walking back. “Give me a minute. I want to make sure he’s okay,” I whispered to her so Nick and Talia wouldn’t hear. I had a feeling there was more to that punch than Tom led on.

  “Hey, you okay?” I asked as I approached him. He looked down for a minute, and I could tell he was upset.

  “Yeah. I can’t believe I hit him.” He shook his head.

  I put my hand on his shoulder. “He deserved it, Tom,” I tried to reassure him.

  “I know. When he called Talia a bitch, I just reacted, you know?”

  There was obviously more to it, but I could tell now wasn’t the time to press him. “It’s cool Tom; come back. I was just about to go dance with Ava. Grab Talia and let’s have some fun.” I clapped him on the back.

  “Come on girls, let’s dance.” I grabbed Ava’s hand as Tom took Talia’s. We spent the rest of the night dancing and forgetting about Tom’s infamous punch from earlier.

  Chapter 12

  Ava

  “Are you coming out with us on Friday?” I asked Talia.

  We were having a late lunch at one of the local restaurants close to my work. Talia was off today after a long night of call.

  “No. I’m on call again. We have a nurse out on maternity leave, so I’m picking up a lot more call than usual.” She shrugged. I could tell she was tired, not only because of the way she looked, but also because of the complete lack of sarcasm.

  “Hey, did Tom ever say anything else about punching Kyle last weekend?”

  Talia shook her head. “No, but I know he was upset about it.”

  “Yeah, Trevor told me Tom had never hit anyone before. He said when Kyle called you a bitch, he just reacted.” I raised my eyebrows, watching Talia’s reaction.

  “Humph.” Really? That was all I was getting?

  We finished lunch and took a walk outside, sitting on the fountain in a small courtyard. The day was beautiful! The sky was clear and the early fall sun felt warm against my skin. I leaned back on my hands and tilted my head up, closing my eyes for a moment, just letting myself go.

  “You look happy Ava,” Talia said in a decidedly serious tone. I glanced up to see her watching me.

  I smiled. “I am Talia. It’s been a long time since I could truly say that, huh?”

  “Well, you have me to thank for that,” she said, matter of fact.

  I laughed. “How do you figure?”

  “Well, if I hadn’t dragged your sorry, pathetic little butt away from your pity party of one out that night to the club, you would have never hooked up with Trevor.” She winked at me. I shook my head at her. She was too much. I didn’t remind her that I would’ve met him at work anyway.

  “What about you, Talia? I haven’t heard of any recent dating disasters lately. Are you losing your touch?”

  “Absolutely not! I’m just being more selective. I’m appalled you would even think I was losing my touch, please!” She
looked offended, and I couldn’t help but laugh at her.

  “Go home and get some rest.” I stood up. “Thank you for having lunch with me.” I gave her a hug and headed back to work.

  ***

  “Where are we going?” I asked Trevor as he continued to drive out of the city. This morning, when I showed up to work, I thought we were going to the clubs tonight. Trevor had made other plans for us. He had asked me to pack an overnight bag and an elegant outfit and was taking me away for the weekend.

  The workweek had flown by. We had been given two more accounts to work on and were working like crazy to put them together. Trevor and I had spent several late nights at the office, and it felt like we hadn’t had much time with each other outside of work.

  With our relationship being so new, I felt like I couldn’t get enough of him. Every time he walked by me, I wanted to reach out and grab him, but somehow I think that wouldn’t have been well received at work. I was acting like a sex-crazed teenager. It was all so new for me.

  “It’s a surprise, Ava. Sit back and relax—we have a while longer on the road.” He smiled that gorgeous smile at me. God, he was beautiful!

  Somewhere along the drive I must have dozed off because I awoke to light kisses along my face and neck. “Mmmm. Hello, handsome.” I smiled as I opened my eyes. It took me only a couple of seconds to realize we were no longer moving. I sat up and looked around.

  “Where are we?” There was an immense building in front of us, with lights and lush gardens surrounding it. It was breathtaking!

  “We are in Hershey, Pennsylvania. We are staying here to be spoiled and pampered all weekend. Come on, let’s get checked in; we have dinner reservations in an hour.” He kissed me on the nose and opened his door. I still couldn’t get over how beautiful everything looked in the setting sun.

  Our room was breathtaking! Crème and dark chocolate browns with gold decorated the room. The large king-sized bed had a massive padded headboard, and the linens were exquisite. The bathroom was enormous with a two-person soaking tub and double vanity.