Chapter 26
26
C had hands me a glass of wine and leans down, placing a baby kiss on my lips. “Time to make you dinner,” he says, pulling back and heading toward the kitchen.
Even though I can see the kitchen from the couch, I stand and follow him. I want to be closer.
“You’re going to be my sous chef?” he teases.
“No. I’m going to watch from the front row.”
He smirks, opening cupboards and gathering what he needs. I hop up onto the countertop, my legs swinging with nervous energy. I take a sip of wine, trying to calm down, but I love this.
Watching him move around his kitchen, I start to fantasize about a future with Chad—us cooking meals together in this gorgeous, homey space. I didn’t expect his home to be this nice, but I feel so comfortable here.
Chad steals a sip of my wine as he passes by, then leans in and kisses my forehead. Am I dreaming? He’s being too damn cute. I replay our flirty moment from earlier. This man is not vanilla. Chad is going to fuck me like I’ve never been fucked—and I’m not mad about it. Smirking, I take another sip of wine.
“Where’s your drink?” I ask, surprised he hasn’t poured himself a glass or grabbed a beer.
“I can’t handle another distraction right now.”
I smirk, and we fall into a comfortable silence. As he stirs the meat sauce, I ask, “How long have you had this place?”
“Almost a year,” he says, focused on the sauce.
“What made you decide to get a place out here, so tucked away?”
“I wanted something quieter,” he says, focused on the sauce. “Renting was fine, but after bouncing from place to place, I realized I wanted something more permanent. Something that was mine.”
“I get that,” I say, then decide to share, “I’ve been in my apartment for two years.”
Chad turns, catching my eye. “So, you’re good at commitment?”
“When I really like something, I am.” I smirk, playing into the double meaning.
He chuckles, but there’s a new heat in his eyes. The space between us feels charged again, and I can’t help but add, “Also ... where are your hands?”
His eyes darken as he steps toward me. “I’m sorry I don’t have more hands.” He moves closer, his hand sliding up to the back of my neck, pulling me in for a kiss. His lips are soft but firm, and when his fingers curl into my hair, I moan.
“I like that you’re needy,” he breathes, his lips hovering above mine.
I inhale sharply, my heart racing. His touch, the way he’s looking at me—it’s too much and not enough at the same time. “You’re turning me on so much. How else am I supposed to act?”
Chad smiles, but the intensity in his eyes stays. His hands slide down to my thighs, his fingers press into my yoga pants as he spreads my legs. Every inch of me is on fire. I raise my glass to my lips, trying to calm the shaking inside me. I take a slow sip, savoring this, holding his gaze over the rim of my glass.
“I want you to be comfortable,” he says, his voice low.
“I am.” Though I’ve never felt this kind of tension before. It’s so hot. I’m literally sweating through my shirt.
He inches closer, his fingers tracing a slow line along the inside of my thigh. “Good. I don’t want you to hold anything back. I want to know where your mind is at.”
Biting my lip, I decide to be honest. “Right now, I’m thinking about whether or not you’re going to fuck me on this countertop.”
Chad’s hands tighten on my thighs. “Thinking about it more now.” He grazes his fingers higher up my legs. The teasing—gosh, I’m so fucking wet. “But I want to do a few other things before we get to that.”
“What things?” I manage to ask, my heart pounding.
He leans in, his lips brushing against my neck. “Feeding you,” he whispers.
“And?” My voice is shaky.
His lips trail lightly over my neck. “Making you scream.”
I exhale, flushed and breathless. “I approve,” I whisper back.
He crashes his lips into mine, the kiss deep and hungry. His hands grip my thighs tighter, and I’m sure we’re about to go there—right here, right now. But then he pulls back, his hand sliding up to cup my chin. He squeezes it lightly, forcing me to meet his eyes.
“Back to part one,” he says, teasing, his lips inches from mine. “I need to plate the food.”
I let out a frustrated laugh, but I can’t stop the smile spreading across my face. “You’re mean.”
“I’ll make it worth the wait.” Chad presses one last lingering kiss to my lips before pulling away.
I watch him as he moves back to the stove, my heart still racing. Pulling off my hoodie, I know the real fun is just getting started.