Rachel pushes back in her stool, grinning likeyou’d better tell me everything. Maddox squeezes my shoulder, then mouthstomorrowas he stands to go.
In seconds they’re gone, and Gabe sits next to me. “I saw you here and I was compelled to come over and talk to you, even though I don’t know you,” he says, leaning into the role play.
Normally, I’ve led the scenes, improvising with him following. This time, I let him tell the story. I’m still hurting over last night, but I’m also delighted that he’s here.
“What did you want to talk about?” I ask, carefully.
He might just be here for more sex. He might just be here to strike an arrangement.
He blows out a deep breath. “There’s this guy I know,” he begins. “He was such a dick last night, and he needs to apologize to his woman.”
My heart jumps, but does that mean he still wants me to behis?
“Does he, now?” I ask, hunting for the answer in his eyes.
His dark brown eyes are vulnerable. “He was moody and cold, and he handled everything badly. And that’s not cool,” he says, but then he winces, drags a hand over his chin. “Shit, Ellie. I’m sorry. I can’t do it like this.”
“Like what?” I ask, alarmed that he’s backing off. Is he saying he thought he could make a go of things but now he can’t?
He lifts a hand, cups my cheek. “I’m crazy for you. Just absolutely crazy for you, and I want you to be mine. No games, no challenges, no fake dates. All real, if you’ll have me,” he says, taking the narrative for himself and leaving the stranger play far behind.
My lips tremble, and I’m overjoyed. By the simplicity, by the honesty, by the complete break of character. “I’m pretty wild for you too. For real,” I say, then lift my chin in a request for a kiss.
He obliges, brushing his lips across mine with a sigh. “Fuck, baby. I fell so hard for you. I was terrified you didn’t want the same things I did.”
Melting in his arms, I swat his broad chest. “You’re ridiculous. Of course I do,” I say.
“I had no idea. You’re allI’ve got thisand shit, and I thought there was no room for me in your life.”
“I thought there was no room for me inyourlife! Your last football season and all,” I point out, and we’re both laughing and smiling and touching.
“I want to spend my last season with you. And then whatever comes after that,” he says.
I’m floating, and I can’t be in public with him much longer. “Me too,” I say, then I kiss him—a tender, passionate kiss that feels like a promise.
When we break it, I say, “Hey, stranger, I better pay this bill and take you home. I have something in mind for tonight.”
“Tell me,” he says urgently.
“I’ll show you.”
A minute later, we’re gone.
29
NEW NECKLACE
Gabe
She shows me all right.
There’s no scene, though. Just my woman riding me. Her palms press hard against my chest, her hips swivel, and her breath comes hot and fast. Her expression twists in exquisite pleasure, and she’s close.
She’s so damn close.
I slide a hand between her thighs. Stroke her till she’s shaking. “So good,” she murmurs.
“Because it’s you and me, baby,” I tell her as my other hand snakes up to her hair, curls around her head.