11. Brooke
Chapter 11
Brooke
I smooth my emerald silk dress for the hundredth time as I step into the Silver Willow, the familiar scent of garlic and rosemary doing little to calm my jangling nerves. Soft classical music floats through the air, mingling with the clink of silverware and the murmur of conversation.
The Silver Willow is the most elegant restaurant in Hibiscus Harbor and the one place where Charlie can keep an eye on me for this blind date of mine. She promised I’d ‘love’ the guy she’s setting me up with – like all friends that set you up with someone – but since she’s the head chef here, I’m safe if this guy turns out to be a real asshole. Charlie promised to watch out for me and she’s always had my back no matter what.
"Deep breaths," I mutter to myself. "You can do this."
God, I hate blind dates.
My heels click against the polished hardwood as I follow the hostess, my mind racing. How do I let this guy down gently? I've barely started seeing Trevor, but I already can't imagine being with anyone else.
"Your table, miss," the hostess says with a smile.
"Thank you, I—" The words die in my throat as I look up and see none other than Trevor himself sitting at the table, looking devastatingly handsome in a crisp blue button-down.
Our eyes lock, and suddenly the floor seems to tilt beneath me. I stumble, my ankle twisting.
"Whoa there!" Trevor jumps up, reaching out to steady me. His strong hands grasp my waist, sending tingles up my spine. "Are you okay? Do you need a doctor?" His smile is devilish and handsome as fuck.
I let out a breathless laugh, my cheeks burning. "I'm fine, just surprised to see you here. I thought?—"
"That you were meeting someone else?" Trevor finishes, a bemused smile playing on his lips. "Yeah. Me too.” He kisses my temple.
As he guides me to my seat, his hand lingers on the small of my back. I sink into the chair, my heart racing. "I can't believe this," I say, shaking my head. "I was so nervous about how to tell my blind date I'd already met someone else."
Trevor's blue eyes sparkle with amusement. "And here I was, wondering how to politely excuse myself from my blind date to go meet the beautiful librarian I can't stop thinking about."
His words send a thrill through me. I lean forward, unable to stop the grin spreading across my face. "Well, Dr. Jacobs, it seems the universe has other ideas."
I can't help but chuckle, the tension melting away as I meet Trevor's warm gaze. "You know, in the romance novels I love so much, they'd call this a 'meet cute'," I say, twirling a strand of my red hair around my finger. I’ve got to stop doing that.
Trevor raises an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Is that so? Well, as a man of science, I'd say it's more... serendipitous."
"Serendipitous?" I echo, leaning in closer. The scent of his cologne, a mix of sandalwood and ocean air, fills my senses. "That's quite a word, Doctor, but I prefer to think of it as fate."
His eyes soften, and I feel a flutter in my chest. "Fate, huh? I like the sound of that," Trevor says, his voice low and intimate.
I bite my lip, fighting the urge to reach across the table and touch his hand. Instead, I say, "So, tell me, were you as nervous about this blind date as I was?"
Trevor laughs, the sound rich and warm. "Honestly? I was a wreck. I kept thinking about you and feeling guilty for being here."
His admission sends a rush of warmth through me. "Me too," I confess. "I couldn't stop thinking about last night on your boat."
The clink of silverware against porcelain punctuates our conversation as we dive into our meals. I can't help but steal glances at Trevor between bites, admiring the way his blue eyes crinkle when he smiles.
"So, tell me more about your work at the hospital," I say, genuinely curious. "It must be intense, being a trauma surgeon."
Trevor nods, his expression growing serious. "It can be. There are days when it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. But then, you save a life, and it's... indescribable."
I lean in, captivated by the passion in his voice. "It sounds incredible and terrifying."
"It is," he agrees, then grins. "But enough about me. What's it like being surrounded by books and kids all day? I bet you have some interesting stories."
I'm about to answer when a familiar voice interrupts us. "Well, well, well! Look at you two lovebirds!"
I look up to see Charlie, her curly brown hair as wild as ever, beaming down at us. "Hi Charlie." I exclaim, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. “I’d like you to meet Trevor.” I point to him as he stands and shakes her hand .
“Nice to meet you, Charlie. Trevor Jacobs…Garrett’s friend.”
She shakes his hand. “Nice to meet you, too.” She looks over our table to see our plates empty and a glimmer of pride flashes in her eyes. "I’m just checking on my new favorite couple. So, how's the blind date going?" She winks at me.
Trevor and I exchange a glance, both of us fighting back laughter. "Actually, Charlie," I say, "we've already met. We had a date last night."
Charlie's eyes widen comically. "No way! Talk about a small world. Garrett and I are genius matchmakers and didn't even know it!"
"How do you two know each other?" Trevor asks, gesturing between Charlie and me.
"Oh, Brooke and I go way back," Charlie says, throwing an arm around my shoulders. "We're on the same kickball team. Speaking of which," she turns to me, "the co-ed practice starts next month, don't forget."
I nod, trying not to think about how I'll have to skip the first practice to meet my publisher in New York. "Right, thanks for the reminder."
Charlie continues, "I met Trevor that day I stopped by the hospital to drop off some paperwork for Sunni. Remember?"
Trevor's face lights up with recognition. "Of course!"
“But then when Garrett asked Sunni if she knew anyone single for his friend, she tossed me the question and I thought of you.” Charlie says as she straightens the silverware on our table, ever the perfectionist chef.
As Trevor and Charlie chat, I can't help but marvel at how small Hibiscus Harbor truly is. Everyone seems connected in some way, and yet, I still have my secrets. I push the thought aside, focusing instead on the warmth of Trevor's smile and the easy flow of conversation around our table.
As Charlie leaves us to continue our date, I find myself wrestling with an unexpected wave of guilt. Trevor's blue eyes catch mine, and I'm struck by the openness I see there. He's been nothing but genuine with me, and here I am, holding back a significant part of my life. But in reality, I do that with everyone in my life…Charlie and Kendall, too.
"You okay?" Trevor asks, his brow furrowing slightly. "You look like you're a million miles away."
I force a smile, shaking off the doubt. "Just thinking about how small this town really is. It's kind of amazing we haven’t met before, isn't it?"
He reaches across the table, his fingers brushing mine. "Maybe the universe was waiting for the right moment."
My heart flutters at his touch. "Dr. Jacobs, are you getting sentimental on me?"
"Hey, I've seen enough in the OR to know that sometimes, timing is everything," he says with a wink.
As we finish our dessert, the urge to tell him about Sophie Quinn dances on the tip of my tongue, but I hold back. It's too soon, I reason. We've only known each other less than a week. Two dates isn't enough time to start sharing all my secrets, right?
Trevor's voice pulls me from my thoughts. "So, what do you say we get out of here?"
I nod, gathering my purse. "Sounds perfect. Where to?"
He stands, offering his hand. "How about your place? If that's not too forward."
I take his hand, feeling a jolt of electricity. "Only if you promise not to be as chivalrous as you were the last time you were there. The last time you were at my place, my heart got crushed." I tease him.
Trevor's laugh is rich and warm. "I make no promises, but I'll do my best."
As we step out into the cool night air, Trevor sweeps me into his arms without warning. I let out a surprised squeal that turns into laughter.
"What happened to being chivalrous?" I ask, wrapping my arms around his neck.
"I lied," he says, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Now, which way to your bedroom, Miss Edwards?"
I burst into laughter. "You know you have to actually get us to my house first, right?"
Trevor pauses, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Right. Maybe I didn't think this through entirely."
"Put me down, you goof," I say, still giggling. "I'll drive and you follow me. Then you can sweep me off my feet all you want."
As he sets me down, our eyes lock, and for a moment, the world stands still. In that heartbeat, I know I'm falling for him, secrets and all.
Once we arrive at my beachside cottage, I fumble with my keys, my hands trembling slightly as I unlock the front door. Trevor's warm presence behind me sends shivers down my spine.
"Welcome to my humble abode," I say, flicking on the lights. "Now, about that bedroom..." I tap my lips with my fingers as if in deep thought.
Trevor's eyes roam the space, taking in the bookshelves lining the walls. "Wow, you weren't kidding about loving books."
I feel a pang of guilt, thinking of my secret writing career. "They're my passion," I say, pushing the thought aside.
Trevor pulls me close, his voice low and husky. "Right now, you're my passion."
My breath catches. "Second door on the left," I whisper, pointing down the hallway.
He scoops me up again, this time with purpose. As we cross the threshold into my bedroom, my heart races. Trevor's lips find mine, and suddenly, everything else fades away.
Our kisses deepen, our hands exploring, clothes falling to the floor. I lose myself in the sensation of his touch, the warmth of his skin against mine.
"You're so beautiful," Trevor murmurs, his eyes dark with desire.
Before I realize his intention, he picks me up and carries me to the end of the bed and sits me down on the edge. I hate my rolls and would prefer to lie on my back so everything falls to the sides making me feel like I look thinner, but before I can protest, his head is buried between my legs.
His tongue dances around my folds, teasing and tantalizing me. I moan softly, my hands grabbing at his hair as I arch my back, offering my body to his oral exploration. I can feel his breath against my sensitive skin, the roughness of his evening stubble grazing me, sending shivers of excitement through me. My body tenses as I feel the familiar buildup of my climax, the intensity growing with each passing second.
“I can’t-” groaning I break off as he inserts two fingers inside me. One finger curing to find my g-spot. I cry out as the orgasm shatters my body into a million pieces. I can’t make coherent sentences let alone thoughts. All I know is I can’t take another one, but his mouth is on me and his fingers are still inside me.
“Trevor,” I sob, my voice pleading.
“One more.” He groans against my core.
“I can’t.”
“You can, baby. I promise you.” He inserts a third finger.
The intensity of my release is overwhelming, but I can feel another one building already. I know I can’t handle another orgasm so soon, but I also know I can’t say no to Trevor right now. He’s a man on a mission. Instead, I moan and shake, preparing myself for the inevitable as it overtakes me .
Suddenly, he stands up in front of me, his erection standing tall between us. I can feel the heat of his body, the tension in the air as we both gasp for breath. I want to taste him. I need to taste him. With the audacity of a Sophie Quinn heroine, I reach out and wrap my hands around his girth as I push him back from the bed and drop to my knees.
As my mouth envelopes his throbbing erection, I can feel his hands grip my hair, guiding my movements. The taste fills my senses, mingling with the scent of all things Trevor.
The sound of his ragged breathing and the occasional groan fuels my desire, urging me to go deeper, faster. He growls, a primal sound that sends shivers racing down my spine, as he grabs me from under my arms, lifts me up, and throws me onto the bed. “I need to be inside you right now, baby.”
Without any preamble, he thrusts into me as his hands grip my hips, pulling them back towards his rock-hard body. Every movement of his hips drives me further into the mattress. I cling onto his shoulders, biting my lip harder, trying to hold back the moan that is threatening to escape.
“I want to hear you, Brooke. I want to hear my name on your lips.”
“Trevor!” I scream, my head tossing back and forth against the pillows as he pumps into me faster.
He groans, grazing his teeth over the tender skin of my jawline as his hips meet mine in a rough rhythm. His free hand trails up my stomach, teasing my nipple. I gasp at the sensation, arching more into his touch as he pinches it, my back bowing almost in half.
The pressure building up inside of me with each thrust becomes harder and harder to hold back. “Trevor - I’m so close.”
“Then come for me, baby. Let go.” His voice ragged as he pinches my other nippl e
My climax hits me like a freight train, shattering every thought in my head but the ecstasy ravaging my body. His pace increases, his strong hands gripping my waist, pushing into me with each powerful thrust. I’m being claimed and I’ve never wanted anything more in my entire life.
As he drives deeper and deeper into me, I hear a feral roar as he slams into me with full force, his cock pulsing deep inside me as he comes. His grip tightening, as he releases everything he has inside of me before collapsing onto the bed next to me, completely spent.
Afterwards, we lay tangled in the sheets, catching our breath. Trevor traces lazy patterns on my skin, and I feel more content than I have in years.
"That was..." I start, searching for the right words but not finding them which is unusual for a writer.
"Amazing," Trevor finishes, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.
I agree as I snuggle closer to him, pushing away the nagging voice reminding me of my secrets. For now, I just want to savor this perfect moment, but he’s right. That was amazing.