Chapter Thirty-Eight
Joslyn
It’s been over a week since Christina’s accident.
Not only have Damon and I not had time to talk, but Jacob’s been out all week, so it’s been crazy busy for all of us.
So much so, we’re all frazzled and far too caffeinated for a Saturday afternoon.
I’ve decided that since it’s five o’clock, enough is enough for this week.
Everyone needs a night off, including me.
Nothing is happening that won’t keep until Monday.
It’s time Damon and I spent some time together.
Past time for us to talk about everything.
We’ve had no time this week for anything but pleasantries, and I’m tired of being in limbo about our relationship.
I’d be willing to bet that he is as well.
I’m about to make the rounds when Damon appears in my doorway, looking devastatingly handsome as usual.
His tight black t-shirt, Wolves logo prominently displayed across his chest, showcases his drool-worthy muscles.
The worn and faded blue jeans that lovingly hug his thighs show off that hockey ass to perfection.
Earlier today, I felt zero shame when ogling his backside.
I’m pretty sure he knew, based on the smirk he was sporting when he glanced back at me.
I’ve concluded that we need to order more t-shirts for our staff.
Can I require them to be worn daily? I sigh.
Probably not, but a woman needs her eye candy.
When I bring my gaze back up to his face, he doesn’t bother to hide his smug smile. I grin right back because… fair. I’ve been completely blatant about checking him out today. But I’m also ecstatic to see him. I’ve missed him, and I want time with my man.
My man.
Oh shit, he really is my man.
I am about to ask him to be in a relationship with me. I won’t deny that I enjoy thinking about him as mine. It brings a huge smile to my face, and I don’t bother to hide it.
“I was just about to shoo everyone out of the office for the weekend.”
“Great minds. I already sent them home a few minutes ago. You were next on my list.” He threatens with a smile. Looks like he can’t stop grinning, either. Aren’t we a pair?
“Oh, really? And where would you be dragging me to, I wonder?” I return coyly. “Hopefully, someplace with food because I am starving and I forgot to eat lunch today.”
I gesture to the deli bag on my office coffee table.
“That’s probably not good anymore.” He picks up the bag and tosses it in the closest trash can. “Besides, I can do much better than the deli.”
I close my laptop and tidy up my desk. Abby, accustomed to my nightly routine, hops up from her corner bed and trots over to my side, but Damon is way ahead of me.
He’s already retrieved her leash from the coat rack and is calling her to him.
My heart sings when I see how much he cares about her.
I could never be with someone who didn’t love her.
A lady has to have her priorities straight.
“Well, Mr. Hawk, I place myself in your capable hands.” I wink, heading toward the door. He catches my arms and swings me around into his arms. It’s cheesy, but I don’t care. I giggle like a teenager on her first date.
“Not so fast, beautiful. I’ve barely seen you all week, and I’m starting to go through withdrawal. I need to kiss you.”
He brings me close, his ice blue eyes darkening. My body heats at his touch. He feels so damn good. His hugs are by far the best. Of course, his kisses are even better. I bite my lower lip at the thought, and he groans.
“You’re killing me, baby.” He doesn’t wait for my reply.
He simply lowers his head, lips gently brushing mine, and that’s all it takes.
I push up, locking my mouth over his. I want more than just a touch of his lips.
He’s so in tune with me, it’s like he can feel exactly what I need.
He kisses me back, and our tongues tangle.
My need fuels his, and before we know it, we’re panting with desire.
“Fuck!” he growls, as his fingers grip my hair.
“Yeah,” I say, my voice husky with yearning.
With one more quick kiss, he’s reluctantly pulling away, muttering about food.
Do I love that I can get him this worked up?
Oh, hell yeah! It’s such a rush to know that just kissing me makes him hard.
It’s a new feeling for me, so I’m enjoying the ego boost. Plus, it’s just so damn hot.
He gets himself together while I smirk. I think I’m entitled.
“I’m feeding you first, pretty lady. Then I’m taking you home to bed. We can sleep or fuck. I honestly don’t care as long as I get to spend some alone time with you, finally,” he grumbles as he pulls me in for another hug. “You okay with that?”
“Absolutely. Lead the way, handsome.” Yeah, I’m still smirking. Don’t judge.
“I got us a reservation at Ajax in half an hour,” he boasts, and I’m suitably appreciative. Getting a last-minute reservation there on a Saturday requires either incredible luck or an act of God.
“Mr. Hawk, are you trying to impress me?” I give him a sly grin.
“That depends, is it working?” He raises an eyebrow and winks at me. “Do you want to walk or take my car?”
“It’s definitely working.” I smile at him as he holds the arena door open for me and Abby. His hand is a hot brand on my lower back, and I shiver with a spark of need. God, I love it when he does that.
“Car. Walking across Speer Boulevard is a giant pain. Abby hates it. Oh, Abby! What should we do about…”
“Already taken care of. Got us an outside table and everything.” There he goes, looking quite pleased with himself again. That’s fair, he did plan our date after all. Getting to do something I didn’t have to plan is really wonderful. A woman could get used to this.
Thirty minutes later, I’m drinking a delicious Cabernet and enjoying the cool Colorado evening, puppy at my feet.
We sit in comfortable silence, savoring the fresh air and the warm night while recovering from the turmoil of our busy week.
There’s nothing like Denver in the summer.
The days are hot and sunny, but the nights are cool and comfortable.
Being outside on a summer night somehow feels magical and full of promise, or maybe that’s just how I feel tonight.
After perusing the menu, we decide that we’re both hungry enough to split the tomahawk steak.
We get it medium rare because neither of us likes it well done; we aren’t heathens after all.
We also split the potato and some broccolini.
It’s such a couple thing to do, and I love it.
Kurt hated that kind of thing, and then after a while, we rarely spent time together, so it didn’t matter.
“How’s Jacob?” He reaches out to take my hand, and it feels so beautifully ordinary. I love how being with him feels comfortable, like I’m wearing my favorite pair of worn jeans.
“Still pretty broken up. I got him to shower when I stopped by last night. I’m pretty sure he’s still hitting the whiskey pretty hard. I’ll only let him get away with that for so long, and his time is almost up.”
No way is whatever misplaced guilt he has over the accident derailing his life. I’ll let him wallow for a bit, but I’m about ready to put a stop to it. That woman was not worth it, no matter what he thinks.
“Yeah, this seems to have hit him pretty hard. I thought their relationship was struggling?”
“Oh, it was, I think, in a way that’s adding to his guilt. I’ll sort him out.” I’m nothing if not determined. Then I chuckle, remembering who I saw pulling up as I was leaving Jacob’s place. Maybe I won’t be the one to sort him out, but I keep that to myself for now.
“I’m sure you will.” He’s looking at me with soft affection, eyes sparkling with humor, and all I can do is smile back with a silly, happy grin.
“How’s Lexi doing? Is she settling in at your place? I’ve been thinking about her this week.” She went through a lot, and I hope she’s getting the help she needs. He smiles a wicked smile.
“Lexi is at her mother’s for a few days. Julia really needed some mother-daughter time. I think the time together will be good for both of them.”
Spending time with Damon is effortless, and a new experience for me in a relationship.
That’s what this is. No matter how uncomfortable the thought makes me, this is a relationship.
Maybe it’s time I address the elephant in the room.
I’m fairly certain that he’d wanted to discuss it with me before Jacob’s untimely arrival.
It’s been over a week, so we’re due. I know it’s time to talk about us, and I need to be the one to start the conversation.
“Can we talk about what happened last week?” I begin timidly.
“You mean the discussion we were about to have before Jacob?”
I love that he knows exactly what I mean. The man really does pay attention.
“The very one. I’m sorry I didn’t call you after the big debacle with Bill.” I hesitate, but he waits patiently for me to get it out. “I didn’t want to bother you, especially if you were dealing with Lexi.”
“I get that,” he responds quietly, but when he doesn’t continue, I force myself to tell him the rest.
“I’m not used to having someone to rely on. I’m used to handling everything myself, even when I probably shouldn’t. If it’s any consolation, I didn’t call Jacob or my daughter, either. She totally read me the riot act about it, too.”
“Well, I’m not going to do that. Would it help if I told you I understood?”
“You do?” I squeeze his hand with surprise and relief. He doesn’t speak for a minute, index finger caressing the back of my hand as he considers how to respond.