Rough and Rugged: A Meet Me In Milwaukee Charity Anthology

Chapter Six

Noah

As the last week of August slips into the first week of September, my schedule starts to fill up with trips that I booked well over a year ago. Between hunters and wildlife photographers, I’m in high demand for most of Montana’s hunting seasons.

I’m not itching to get out in the field for weeks on end this year like I usually am by this time of summer. Instead, I’m trying to figure out layovers and overnights that have decent cell phone reception and internet service so I can still talk to Alex.

Over the last two weeks, we’ve managed to meet up for two more in-person dates, and we’ve spent almost every night video chatting with each other. Her classes started this week, so she’s busier than ever. I have only one more chance to see her before I leave for a two-week packing trip up in Northern Montana. When I saw the itinerary, I’d died inside a little since it was in one of the most remote areas of the state with almost zero phone service. But this was a pair of clients who’ve been coming to me for years, and they’d specifically requested this location.

I want to do something special for her since I’ll be gone for so long. After some cajoling, I convinced her to let me come by her house and make her dinner. Not that I expect anything to happen, but I don’t want to share her with anyone tonight. It might be greedy and possessive of me, but knowing I won’t be able to see her or hold her for two weeks is driving me a little crazy.

My phone buzzes with an incoming message, and I pick it up, finding a text from my best friend Beckett.

Beckett: Can I say I told you so yet?

He was the first person I know who found his significant other on a dating app, and he’s also the one who convinced me to make my own profile.

Noah: No.

Beckett: Seriously?!

I smile. He’s probably rolling his eyes right now. Alex is all I’ve been talking about for weeks now. It’s hard to believe we only started talking a couple of months ago.

Noah: I mean, you could say it, but the next time I see you I’m going to smack you.

The three little dots bounce around while he types his response.

Beckett: I’ve got a couple of weeks to prepare. Good luck tonight, and stay safe on your trip.

As much as we might hassle each other, we do have everyone else’s best interests at heart.

Noah: Thanks, man. And seriously. Thank you for pushing me to do this.

Beckett: That’s what friends are for.

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“Don’t be offended, but I wasn’t expecting you to be that good of a cook.” Alex grins impishly from the opposite side of her little kitchen table.

I can’t resist teasing her back. “And what kind of cook were you expecting me to be?”

“More of the slap it on the grill and bake a potato type.” She stands up and tries to clear our plates, but I lay a hand on her arm.

“Let me.”

“You cooked. It’s only fair.” She sticks her bottom lip out in a pout.

“How about I wash and you dry?” I stand up and not so subtly crowd against her, aiming to distract her so she’ll let me take the plate from her.

“Okay.” Her voice is squeaky, cheeks flushed, eyes bright.

We stand side by side at the sink and make quick work of all the dishes.

“Do you have to go right away?” Alex asks, wringing the towel between her hands.

I don’t want to, but if I stay much longer, it’s going to be harder and harder to resist pulling her into me and asking for things she hasn’t brought up yet. When I suggested that we have dinner at her house, I thought it was a good idea, but being so close to her with no one around, so close to her bed or the couch, it triggered a swirling eddy of ideas in my head all night.

Plus, we’ve been brushing against each other constantly. Each little touch stokes my hunger for her more.

“We could go for a walk?” It’s cool enough outside that it won’t turn us into sweaty messes. This week has had a late summer heat wave that’s been stifling.

“Or I was thinking maybe we could watch the next episode together for once?”

She looks so hopeful there’s no way I can tell her no. We started virtually watching the latest trendy comedy show together a couple of nights a week. “All right.”

Alex takes my hand and leads me to the couch, pulling me down beside her and then cuddling into my side. My arm finds its way around her shoulders, and she tucks her head against me, folding her feet up and inching closer.

God, she feels good. All her curves press against me, and I’m losing the fight with a raging boner. Not wanting her to see it and get uncomfortable, I shift a degree away from her and make sure there’s a pillow within grabbing distance.

Just in case.

She picks up the remote and cues the next episode. When she leans back, her boobs brush against my side. So soft. I inhale sharply, fist clenching against the back of her couch. Her only reaction is a quick glance out of the side of her eye before she settles in to watch the show.

I’m going to have to rewatch this later at home because there’s no way I can pay attention to what’s going on. Not with her so close and our sides pressed together.