Chapter 7
Torch
“This is the place that has the best milkshakes?” she asks, looking at me like I’m crazy, but she has no idea.
“Trust me.” I take her hand, leading her into the bar. I can’t keep my hands off her. And unlike with Caleb, she molds right into my touch. “The place looks like a dive,” I say, opening the door for her, “but Hank makes the best chocolate malts I’ve ever had.”
“Torch!” the old man himself hollers from behind the bar. Buddy, Kitch, and my dad are all sitting in their usual spots. I probably should’ve taken Evie somewhere else for our first date, but based on what she said about wanting to feel normal, I didn’t want to take her somewhere pretentious.
That is what this is, isn’t it? A date. At least, that’s what I want it to be.
But I’m gonna have to get rid of that boyfriend of hers first. Which won’t be a problem.
The guy’s been digging his grave all day.
Even her dad doesn’t like the guy. And every time he speaks, I see her retreat from him—right into my arms.
“What brings you in, son?” My dad turns on his stool. Same old mustache, same old crooked grin. “And who’s this pretty young lady you’ve got with you?”
She is pretty, isn’t she? Understatedly beautiful.
The girl doesn’t have any makeup on, no fake eyelashes, or Botox lips, but she doesn’t need it.
She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever been in the company of.
And when she walked out in those converse high tops tonight, my dick sprung right up.
Her choice in attire is sexy as hell. No pretense.
No desperation for attention. She’s just doing Evie.
And I’m learning that she’s a pretty cool girl.
“We came for Hank’s famous milkshakes.” I wrap my hand tighter around her waist as we step up to my father. “This is Evie. Evie, this is my dad. And that there is Hank, the owner of this good ol’ establishment. That’s Buddy.” Buddy tips his head. “And the old gray beard is Kitch.”
Kitch runs his hand down the silver beard that runs to his chest, and he gives her a smile.
“Nice to meet you. Not sure what you’re doing with this one—a girl as pretty as you—but it’s certainly a pleasure.”
“It’s nice to meet you all too.” She smiles sweetly, giving them a little wave. She couldn’t be cuter.
“So, what brings you to our neck of the woods, son? Did you just want to stop by and introduce us to the new woman in your life?”
“Oh, no! We’re not together,” Evie corrects my pops, but that protest settles uneasily in my gut. One conversation over a shared burger and I’m forming a bit of a crush on her.
“She’s in the mood for something sweet. How about one of those milkshakes, Hank?”
“I’m on it.” Hank nods. “You want yours with or without booze, young lady?”
“Without,” she tells him.
“I’ll have mine dry too.” I’ve got a fight coming up next weekend and I need my body to be primed and ready.
“Why don’t you two come take a seat?” my father offers.
I’d rather keep her right here tucked in my arms, but she walks over and hops up onto the stool next to him.
Maybe I should have taken her someplace else because now I have to share her attention.
But as I hear her start to giggle, and see the way her eyes light up as the guys do their best to humiliate me with their stories, I realize this was the perfect place to bring her.
She’s having a good time, and I’m loving every minute of watching her let loose in a place that’s close to my heart, with the people who mean the world to me.
“Well, I best be getting this one back.” I nuzzle into her neck. She giggles at my touch, not shying away or telling me to stop. She melts. “It’s past her bedtime.” And way past my dick’s patience. It’s practically worn a hole in my jeans and is desperate to be released.
The guys all snicker, making their comments about me wanting to take the pretty girl to bed.
They’re right. I’d take her straight to my bed if she were a free woman, but she’s got a boyfriend we need to deal with.
I’ve already crossed a line kissing her soft skin and letting my hands roam all over her, palming her fine ass as I pulled her into me.
But I won’t take things further until she’s mine.
“It was nice meeting you all.” She goes around giving each one of the men a hug. In return, they each give me a wink or a thumbs-up or an approving smile. She’s captured everyone’s heart tonight, not just mine. “And thanks for the amazing milkshake, Hank.”
“Anytime, doll. Come back again and I’ll make you my famous burgers to go with the shakes.”
“I will.”
“Bring her by the house, son.” My dad squeezes my shoulder. “Your mom’s going to want to meet her.”
Didn’t he hear the part where she told him we’re not together? Though if I have my way, we will be before the weekend’s up.
“She leaves in a couple days, Dad. So, we’ll see. If I can convince her to stay longer, I’ll be sure to bring her over.”
For some reason, her cheeks turn rosy pink, looking bashful all of a sudden.
Goddamn… She’s gorgeous.
“If you keep showing me a good time, I’ll never want to leave.” Her soft smile hits me dead center in the left side of my chest. Never knew a girl could hold such power, but she’s proving me wrong at every turn.
I wrap my arms around her waist, palms laying claim to her perfect ass as I nuzzle into her ear. “That’s what I’m hoping for, baby.”
A shiver rocks her right into my chest and her body trembles softly against me. That’s my dick’s final straw. It’s had all that it can take for one night. If I don’t slake the madness soon, I won’t be able to walk right.
“Time for us to go.” I turn and give the men a final salute then take my pretty girl’s hand and lead her out to my truck. Next time, I’ll be putting her on the back of my bike. That seat’s been reserved for my old lady, and I think I may have found her.
“That was fun.” She hops up into the truck. “Thank you.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. It wasn’t Cirque du Soleil, but those men are good for some laughs.”
“It was better than any show, Torch. I couldn’t have asked for a better evening. And you were right. That was the best milkshake I’ve ever had.”
I swear this girl makes my chest cavity expand every time she opens her mouth. My entire assumption about her was dead wrong. She’s not a snoot or a brat, she’s perfect.
“So, what do you want to do during the day tomorrow?” I ask hopping up into the driver’s seat. “Shopping? Touring around and seeing some sights?”
“I hate shopping.” She claims my heart again. “I was kind of hoping to sit by the pool and relax. Maybe read my book.”
Sounds like a perfect way to spend my day. Lounging next to her. Seeing all those cute curves on display. Doing my best to keep her from reading that book.
Just the thought of her skin all slick with water after a swim.
Her wet hair slicked back. Her nipples beaded up from the chill of the pool…
I’ll be using that image as I fist myself in a tight grip.
Imagining my tongue sucking right over her nipple, latching on through her suit.
Sliding my tongue along her curve and licking up every drop of the water.
Then I’ll tease myself under the cup of her bikini, tickling the end of her tightened spot, sucking until she’s begging me to bury my face between her legs and suck on her other spot.
I’d do it right in front of everyone too.
I wouldn’t give a shit who watched. Let them see me latched onto her swollen clit, making my baby come.
Let them be envious as I sink my tongue into her tight heat, pumping in and out as her juices run down my chin.
Her hands gripped on the edge of her chair, holding on tight as her back arches—the orgasm tearing through her body.
I’d want them all to hear her scream my name, staking her claim on me.
I nearly swerve into the oncoming lane of traffic, consumed by the madness again. My hands clench the steering column tighter, as I struggle to get a grip on myself. I need to get her home safely. I have precious cargo in the car. My future wife.