19. Bridger
19
brIDGER
“ B ridge!” Lettie yells, as she flings open the front door. “Can you help me with the bags?”
Sighing, I set my coffee cup on the counter and silently curse my sister, because I’m just running out to grab a few things shouldn’t require multiple trips into the house.
Also, I’m still in a mood.
Even my parents aren’t picking up their phones.
Seriously, where is everyone?
I’m about to say as much when I stop short, frozen in place as I gaze out into the driveway at the two smiling faces staring back at me.
“Mom! Dad!” I call before racing down the steps and immediately pulling my parents in for a hug. “What are you doing here?”
The words are choked as my mother holds me tighter. God, how long has it been? My father’s aftershave is an instant balm to my nerves, and in this moment, it’s like I’ve reverted back to being a boy instead of a man.
But I don’t care because we almost lost him, and it’s been far too long since I’ve held him.
“Let’s get inside,” my mother says with a watery laugh. “I thought your friend would be here. So thoughtful of them to arrange this trip for us.”
“Who? Corbin?” I ask, confused because they’ve known Corbin for as long as I’ve known him. He’s practically like their kid too.
“Nope,” my sister says, popping the p and smirking.
My mother frowns. “She didn’t tell you?”
“Who didn’t tell me?”
“The girl you’re seeing. She said you were just friends but a mother always knows. She was adamant that this would be a good surprise.” My mom pauses. “It is a good surprise, right?”
“The best,” I manage with my heart racing and my thoughts ping-ponging around my skull. “Lettie, can you get them settled? I just need to…” I hitch my thumb toward next door.
“Sure, sure. Just remember, you’re cooking dinner tonight!” The words end with a laugh but I’m already halfway across the lawn, dodging the landscaping and racing up to her door, my fist pounding on it as I call her name.
“Saige! Open the door.”
“Oh my God, what is—” I don’t let her finish, her eyes wide as I close the distance between us and grip her face with my hands. Mouth crashing over hers, I back us into her house and kick the door closed with my foot, pouring every ounce of gratitude I can into the kiss.
She moans and I swallow the sound, sweeping my tongue around every inch of her mouth before wrenching back and staring at her.
“You flew my parents down.” I kiss her again, nipping at her lip and absolutely devouring her before pulling back. “You flew them down here for me. You did that. And knowing what you had planned, you want to act like you’re unsure about us.”
She’s panting, her eyes wild and a little unfocused as she swallows. “I didn’t know what was going to happen. I just wanted to see you happy—to show you I was listening.” The last part is quiet, and I have half a mind to spread her out on the table and show her my appreciation.
“I’ve been trying to get them to come down for months,” I tell her, brushing my thumb back and forth along her cheek.
“Your mom mentioned that.”
“How’d you convince them?”
“I can be persuasive.”
“Don’t I know it,” I tease as she gives me a flirty look. “It’s gonna be real hard to top this when Christmas rolls around.” Her mouth opens and closes, but nothing comes out as her eyes widen and her body tenses a little. “Saige, you do not take a guy to see his favorite baseball team play and fly his parents down just so you can fuck him and move on.”
“I was trying to think outside the box,” she murmurs, her palms flat against my stomach as she leans into me.
“And what are you thinking about now?”
“I really want to get you naked.”
“Yeah, well, that’s going to have to wait, seeing as I now have to entertain house guests.”
“Lettie said you’d be upset if I got them a rental.”
“She’s right.”
“Maybe you can sneak back over later,” she muses, pressing her body against mine and making my brain short-circuit.
“Or,” I try, clearing my throat when she rocks her hips, my cock hardening at the contact, “you can come and meet them.” Pressing a kiss to her lips and stalling any excuses already on her tongue, I ask, “Hang out and have dinner? My sister has already tasked me with that considering I had to come over here while she gets our parents settled.”
“Bridge,” she sighs, pliable and still so needy in my arms.
“Yes?”
“I didn’t get them here to make it about me. You guys need the time together.”
“Beautiful, you’re forgetting one very important thing.”
“What’s that?”
“I don’t have to choose. You said you’re in, and I want to do this together. Come meet my parents, let them get to know you so they can see how incredible you are.”
“But—”
“They’re going to love you,” I say and she huffs, resigned. “That’s my girl.”
“I’m doing this under duress.”
“Consider it noted and very appreciated.” Letting my hands slide down her back, I cup her ass and pull her tight against me. “You can pick how you want me to make it up to you.”
“Fine,” she says, jumping up into my arms as she wraps her legs around my waist, “but this first.” Her mouth crashes over mine, taking control and dominating the kiss, dominating me , and I let her, because she needs it.
And all I need is her.