Chapter twenty Nix #2
He followed me inside, and I made him wait in the living room while I cleaned up.
I styled my hair and searched my closet for something decent.
I found a crisp white shirt, my gray slacks, and a matching sports jacket.
The clothes were comfortable and worked well together. It would have to be enough.
When I walked into the living room, Cole stood, and his eyes grew wide. He whistled. “You look so good.”
“Thank you.” I grabbed my wallet off a side table and tucked in my pocket. “Where are we going?”
“I was thinking about Chops.” That was an upscale restaurant, not far from my house, it was actually called Chops and Lobster Bar.
“Did you make a reservation?”
“Yes. In fact, I did. So, I’m really happy you’re coming. I mean, I could have cancelled, but this is so much better. I heard the food is really good.”
“I’ve heard the same.”
“Never eaten there?”
“No.”
“Well, let’s go.” He stretched his arm out to the door, indicating I should go first. It was a gentlemanly thing to do.
It was also like a chisel chipping into the wall I’d built around my heart over the last twenty-four hours, or so.
Sincere apology—chip. Nice clothes—chip.
Great restaurant—chip. Gentleman like behavior—chip.
I could feel that wall crumbling. I’d have to give in soon.
Cole opened the passenger door on his Mustang for me. Another chip.
He had soft music playing on a low level that we could talk over, even though the drive was less than five minutes. Another chip.
“This is nice, Cole.”
“I want to make things right between us.”
“You’re on the right track.” I slid my hand on his thigh. Mistake. That leather was so soft, I couldn’t stop myself from rubbing up and down his thigh. We arrived at the restaurant entirely too soon.
The valet took Cole’s car, and we went in.
I’d never been there before, though I had heard the food was amazing.
The place certainly looked upscale with tons of light brick everywhere, lovely arched ceilings, and dark wood accents.
The bar area was practically a work of art.
The lighting was perfection with each table individually lit from above and the surrounding area a bit darker.
It would be a filming nightmare with all the different levels of light, but for a romantic dinner? It was perfect.
We ordered lobster bisque for an appetizer, and our main course was ribeye and lobster tails.
We had a lovely white wine to go with it.
I wasn’t a wine connoisseur by any means and had no idea what kind it was, other than white and delicious.
The conversation revolved around the food until we were finishing up.
We had both eaten at nice places like this at different times in our lives, but this place was a first for us both, making it feel special.
“I didn’t know you owned clothes like this.” I reached over and felt the jacket where it hugged his arm perfectly.
“I bought it earlier today. Uh…Ryker gave me that idea. He said I needed to go nice and expensive leather would be perfect.”
“He wasn’t wrong.”
“You’re not jealous?”
I pursed my lips together. Had I given him the impression that I was an irrationally jealous person? “No. I’m not normally—I don’t know why I’m insecure with you.”
“Because you know my history. It’s not like I’ve been out a long time. I’ve never had a boyfriend before. Or a girlfriend for that matter. I mean, I’m not a safe bet. I get that.”
I grabbed Cole’s hand and laced our fingers together, resting our joined hands on the table. “That’s a terrible excuse. You’re actually doing very well with everything. Better than me, apparently.” And the truth was, I’d been caving before I ever got off the plane.
“Nix…” He rubbed his thumb over my knuckles. “I was telling Tyler—”
I pulled away, interrupting him. “I don’t think I’m ready to hear this.”
“I think you would be if you would listen. Give me one minute, please. Just one.”
I sighed and nodded for him to go on.
“Good. I was telling Tyler that I had been so horrible to him because I liked him, you know like-liked him, and I didn’t know what to do with it.
He was the first man I was attracted to at that level, and we worked so closely together I couldn’t ignore it.
I lashed out instead. But I know it was a crush.
Nothing more. Yes, Tyler Whitmore is attractive.
But he’s no Nix Braumere. And that crush I had—as in past tense.
Yeah, that’s nothing compared to what I feel for you.
I meant it when I said you’re everything. ”
That wall around my heart did not crumble. Nope. It crashed down. That Miley Cyrus song about the wrecking ball came to mind, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“What?” Cole asked.
I scooted closer and slid my hand under the table to grab more of that supple leather. “I’ll give you another chance, Cole. And this time, I’ll reel in the jealousy. I’ll try not to go nuts until I know for sure I have a reason.”
“Thank you.” He leaned in and kissed me. “Can we go home now?”
“Yeah. I’d like that.”
Cole paid the bill. I’d estimated the cost as we ordered, and expected it to be large, but Cole wouldn’t show me. He simply took care of it.
“What? No dessert?” I asked as we climbed back in the Mustang.
“That’s at home, Nix.”
“I can’t wait.”
Once we were back at the house, I couldn’t keep my hands off that leather. I rubbed his arms, down his back and grabbed his ass.
“I’m really glad I listened to Ryker.”
“Me too. And as much as I like you in all this leather, I think I need to peel you out of it.”
“Peel away.” Cole lifted his arms, and I took his jacket off.
His white shirt was crisp but also soft, and I had to touch all of it.
Cole kicked his boots off while I ran my hands all over his chest. Getting his pants off was more work than a sexy strip, but it still gave me plenty of opportunity to touch.
Then he was naked, but I still couldn’t keep my hands off him. All that bare skin. I couldn’t get close enough.
“Your turn, Nix. Turn around.” Cole took his time stripping me down. My outfit might not have been as sensual to the touch as his, but it didn’t seem to slow him down any.
We spent plenty of time touching each other. I wanted him more than ever. “You promised dessert.”
“Right here.” He took my face in his hands and stepped closer.
He licked my lips, and I opened right up for him.
He kissed me with passion and need. I kissed him right back, putting my relief into every slide of my tongue.
Relief that he was back. Relief that I had caved.
I’d been heartbroken, but every little sound he made, every touch on my arm or back, everything about that moment healed me. No more walls, no more pain.
Cole pulled away gently. “I’ve missed you.” I loved how growly his voice sounded.
“I missed you, too. Sorry I took off. I was an ass.”
“We’re together now, that’s all that matters. Now, come on.” He took my hand and led me to the bedroom.
We climbed on the bed and writhed against each other. I couldn’t get enough contact. Our cocks bumped against each other, then we were grinding. It was like we were back at the beginning. “Cole…” His name was a hot breath from my mouth. “Need more.”
“What do you want?” He kissed my neck and flicked a thumb over my nipple.
I pushed my hips into his. “Please fuck me.”
“With pleasure.”
A little lube and a condom later, and before I could breathe, Cole pressed into me.
He pushed my legs back, and I wrapped them around his waist. He moved slowly with long sure strokes.
I hadn’t realized how much I needed to feel him inside me, around me.
He smelled like home and comfort beneath that familiar cologne.
It made me want to roll around on him like a cat, but I’d have to save that for later.
I lifted my ass and moaned.
“Want more? You ready for it?” Cole asked.
“Yes.”
“Okay, babe.” He lowered himself and kissed me. “I love you, Nix. I mean that.”
“I mean it, too. Now fuck me.”
Cole grunted and sat up on his knees, pulling my feet up to his shoulders. “Here goes.” Then he fucked me hard and fast and deep. It was everything.
He grazed my prostate several times, sending shock waves through my body. I grabbed my dick, needing to jack off as he fucked me. Orgasm eluded me, but I chased it down. Then came hard, shooting over my hand and stomach.
“You’re so. Fucking. Sexy.” Cole pumped into me hard a few more times then came with a grunt and a shiver. “Fuck…Nix. You’re everything.” He collapsed on top of me, and I didn’t want either of us to move. We could lie there forever for all I cared.