Chapter 33 Addie
Addie
Istand on the edge of the driveway as Zane parks his beat-up truck behind mine. He gets out, his shoulders stooped, a defeated expression on his face.
I hold my arms out to him, giving him permission to sink into my hug. He holds on to me, letting out a deep breath before pulling away.
“Thank you for offering me a place to stay. I swear I won’t take advantage of your generosity. I just need a little time to figure out my next move.”
“You can stay as long as you need to, Zane. I’ve already checked with my parents, and they’d love to have you.” We walk arm in arm to the backyard. “Are you ready to meet the whole gang?”
He huffs out a laugh, running his fingers through his dark hair. “Not even close.”
“Caro’s not here, unfortunately, but Ryan and Michael are, so at least you’ll know some people.”
“One of those people hates my guts. I don’t think he counts.”
“He doesn’t hate you, he’s just protective. Maybe this is your chance to get to know each other better.”
He hums. “Maybe.”
“Zane!” Dad calls out. “Come grab a plate!”
We walk to the table where Aunt Natalie has all the food laid out. For a second, Zane just stares, until I nudge him toward the plates. He shakes his head before taking small portions of a couple of dishes.
“We’ve all eaten, so take as much as you want.”
“Thanks. I haven’t felt up to eating much lately, so I figured I’d start small.”
“I’m really sorry life has kicked you in the pants recently.”
Zane shrugs as he nibbles on a roll. “It is what it is. There’s nothing I can do about it now.”
“Fair. Hopefully, we can help ease some of the burden to let your brain focus on other things now.”
He wraps an arm around my shoulders in a side hug. “You’re an amazing friend, Addie. I have no idea what I would’ve done without you.”
“Right back atcha.”
“It’s good to see you again, Zane,” Ryan says, his cheeks slightly pink. I love my shy, adorable brother.
“You too. How’s your soccer team doing?”
Ryan seems surprised that Zane remembers he plays on an intramural team. It’s indoor, so they play all year round. “We’re still at the very bottom of the league, but we have fun. Now that you’re sticking around for a while, do you want to join us?”
“Really?”
“Yeah, we’re always looking for more players. It sucks when we don’t have any subs, and that happens frequently. I’ve tried to get Addie to play, but she refuses.”
“Look, I don’t run unless I’m absolutely forced.”
Ryan and Zane laugh. “If I’m still here when you have your next game, I’d love to play. It’s been forever though, so please don’t hold it against me.”
“It’s not like our team could get any worse,” Ryan teases. “We play on Sundays, so when you want to play, just let me know.”
“Thanks, man. I will.” They exchange phone numbers, and Zane seems to settle into being around my family.
It makes me happy to see him getting along with them so easily.
Zane hasn’t had anyone in his life for a long time.
It’s one of the many reasons I’ve been trying to get him to come to Sonoma.
He needs a family he can count on, and mine is just the one to do it.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?” I ask again.
“No, Moooom,” Zane groans, his lips tipping up in a smile. “I’ve been to your house. I’ve even slept in the guest bedroom before. I’ll be fine. Go snuggle your man, and we can grab breakfast in the morning before you go to work.”
“That sounds perfect.” I hug Zane before getting into the passenger seat of my car.
“All set?” Michael asks. Ryan’s in the backseat, scrolling on his phone.
“Yep. I hate that he’s stuck having to couch surf. He’s been through enough as it is.”
“Mom and Dad will get him settled and make him feel welcome,” Ryan says.
“I know they will. I just wish there was more we could do.”
The three of us are silent as we drive back to Michael and Ryan’s.
It’s late now. Our sleepy town is tucked in and still for the evening.
In all the time Michael and I have been dating, I have yet to sleep in his bed.
I’m oddly nervous about it. When we camped at the lookout, it was a matter of necessity.
There was nowhere else to sleep but together.
Tonight, he invited me to stay when he didn’t have to.
How is this going to work? Will he have to sleep on top of the covers? Will I? Cuddling feels out of the question, but what happens if we end up snuggling like we did last time?
My spiraling thoughts are brought to a halt as Michael pulls into their driveway. He holds my hand all the way inside and up the stairs to his bedroom.
“Good night, guys. Try to keep it down over there. I’d rather not have to sleep with noise-canceling headphones.” With a wink, Ryan slips into his bedroom.
“Oh my god,” I whisper, palming my flaming cheeks. Michael laughs while pushing me into his room. “He’s such an asshole.”
“You know he was just doing it to get a rise out of you, right?” Michael walks across his minimally decorated room, grabbing the back of his T-shirt with one hand and pulling it over his head.
I get tongue-tied for a second, watching his muscles flex as he bares his tan skin to me.
Damn, he is one fine specimen. I want to lick him.
“That could be arranged.”
Oh, shit. I said that out loud. “Wait…really?”
“I’d let you do just about anything you wanted.” He gives me a cocky look as I unapologetically watch him work the button and zipper on his pants. He reveals black boxer briefs that are molded to his body. “I seem to be the only one getting ready for bed right now.”
“I’m not sure what you expect me to do when you’re putting on a show over there,” I sass.
Michael stalks across his room until he’s looming over me, his dark eyes sparkling. “Shall I help then?”
“Mm-hmm. Definitely.”
He reaches for the hem of my shirt and gently pulls it over my head. Then he works on my jean shorts until all I’m left in is my underwear. I unhook my bra, baring myself to him. His hungry eyes eat me up. It’s a heady feeling, having this man’s full attention on me.
“You’re a fucking sight, Trouble. You know that?” Michael’s words are a quiet rumble through his chest.
“You make me believe it.”
He picks me up, my legs naturally wrapping around his waist. I carefully rest my forearms on his shoulders, ensuring my hands don’t brush his back.
I press gentle kisses to his cheeks and forehead, reveling in the tiny smile that pulls at his mouth.
He lays us down on his bed, the dark grey comforter soft under my bare skin.
“I think you’ve cast a spell over me. I’m wholly and unequivocally addicted to you, Adalaide.”
“Good. I’ve achieved what I set out to do.”
Michael laughs, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He kisses me, whispering against my mouth, “Witch.”
“You gonna do something about it?” I taunt.
“Nope. I find I quite like being under your spell.”
“Then my work here is done.”