Chapter Thirty-Three
ARCHIE
“Are you sure you don’t want to try it? You like coffee.” Her head tilts to the side as she sets her espresso martini glass down.
I shake my head with a laugh. “I’m sure.” I take a sip of my whiskey.
“This place is really nice, and I must say, you clean up nicely.”
Her finger brushes up and down the stem of her martini glass. She leans forward and grabs the menu off the low table.
We’re sitting at one of the reserved booths.
Although it’s less like a traditional booth and more like a private alcove.
Tables for two to six people are scattered around the middle of the restaurant amidst the blue and purple mood lighting.
The walls of this place are lined with what they refer to as booths.
Sectioned off by walls and sheer curtains to give an illusion of privacy.
The dark purple cushions are soft, but the dark wooden table is lower than a traditional restaurant table. Meaning even if I weren’t sitting next to her, I could see her toned legs in that little black dress that shimmers with every little move she makes.
“You look beautiful.” I know I’m repeating myself.
It was the first words out of my mouth once I picked up my jaw when she’d first walked down the stairs at her house. I was nervous because I’m not usually the type to go to fancy places, but then I’d seen what she was wearing and knew I would definitely find an excuse to go somewhere nice again.
Tabitha looks gorgeous no matter what she’s wearing. I’ve seen her in everything from pajamas to workout clothes, costumes to prom dresses. But now—like this—knowing she’s mine. Fuck.
The past few days have been a whirlwind. I don’t think either of us has been able to keep our hands off of each other for long. We’ve made out like a couple of teenagers, but haven’t taken it farther.
I don’t want to rush anything or do anything until I know she’s ready, until she tells me. Every brief look she’s given to me tonight feels like it’s headed that direction, and it has me on the edge of my seat.
Our server arrives in that moment, pulling back the sheer curtain. “Are y’all ready to order, or would you like a few more minutes?”
I look at Tabitha, and she nods.
“We’re ready.
“Let’s do the date night course and add on the triple chocolate dip.” She grins.
He types something into the tablet and nods. “I’ll be back in a while to check on y’all.”
“Is that okay?” Her eyes widen. “It looked like it had a variety of stuff for us to try.”
“I told you, whatever you want.” I meant it.
I’ve also never been to one of these fondue restaurants, so I was fine with her picking what we would share. Everything had a variety, and I’m not picky when it comes to food.
In a matter of minutes, our food is brought to us. A tray of fruit and chocolate dips. A platter of different breads, meats, and veggies. Another tray with dips, the server lets us know which dips is which before leaving us to dig in.
It’s all delicious, and we’re mostly silent as we eat. Tabitha doesn’t seem to notice the way I’m watching her. I can’t help it with the way she moans at nearly every other bite. The way she licks her lips after she dips something with too much cheese or chocolate.
I try to think of anything else so I don’t have to awkwardly readjust myself in my pants. It’s not like the table is at a height where I can discreetly do it.
Her eyes meet mine, and she licks her lips—slowly. She smiles, and it’s then I realize what she’s doing. She’s been doing it all on purpose. Every lick. Every movement. Every fucking moan.
“Are you okay over there, Arch?” She licks her lips.
I lean closer to her, wanting her to hear me clearly when I whisper the words meant only for her ears.
“Moan like that again and I’ll have you moaning my name. I don’t care if we’re in the middle of a restaurant.”
She swallows. “I’m ready to leave now.”
I can’t pay for the check fast enough. My whole body feels on edge as we make our way out of there and back to her place. The entire twenty-minute drive to her place is torture. Every muscle in my body is tense.
The door clicks shut. I lock it and then turn to face her.
Tabitha rounds the island in the kitchen. Her hands grip the marble counter, and she stares at me. As if a piece of furniture between us is going to stop me from claiming her. She’s been teasing me all damn night, and I plan on showing her just what that means.
Part of me wants to tease her too. But this has been building for too long. The silence stretches for a moment longer, which with everything unspoken until I know neither one of us can hold out any longer.
I round the island. Her eyes follow me until she has to spin to face me. For one moment—we both hold our breaths. Another step forward and I cage in her body. It’s like time slows, but I know it’s about to catch back up.
My mouth is on hers, hard and hungry. She gasps into the kiss, and I take the opportunity to tangle my tongue with hers. I smile against her lips as I feel her push my jacket off my shoulders before she’s tugging at my shirt and belt.
I move my hand to her hair and pull her head back, my lips kissing and biting along her jaw and down her neck.
“I need you.” She pleads. “Archie, please.”
Fuck, to hear her beg. I need more.
I pull the strap of her dress down as I make my way down her neck. A kiss here. A bite there. I’ve slowed down just enough to savor the taste of her skin on my lips. My hands grip her waist and lift her onto the counter.
Tabitha spreads her legs, and I step between them, running my hands up and down her thighs. I want my lips and hands on every inch of her, and I don’t know where I want to start.
“Just a quick taste, baby.” I drop to my knees.
She spreads her legs and reveals another secret. She wasn’t wearing any fucking panties the whole night.
“Fuck.” I drawl out as I pull her closer to the edge.
Her dress gets stuck behind, revealing every beautiful, glistening inch. All I can do is stare for a moment before looking up at her face. She bites back a grin.
“Now what are you going to do?”
“Have my dessert.” I lean forward and lick her.
She inhales as her hand goes to my head, fingers gripping my hair as I wrap my arms around her legs. I push one finger in, then two before curling them slightly as I lick and suck at her clit. I don’t stop until she’s panting my name and coming on my tongue.
I crash my lips to hers. My hand moves to expose her breast, cupping it in my hand before twisting the nipple.
“Archie, please.” Her hands push at the waistband of my pants. “I want you.”
“You need me to fill you up, baby?”
She nods.
I push my pants down, and they slowly fall to my knees. I line myself up, my eyes looking down where I coat the tip of my cock in her wetness. My eyes move back up to hers.
“I’m never giving you up after this, Tabitha. Are you ready for forever with me?” My jaw tightens as I wait for her response.
“I’ve always been yours.” She cups my face and leans forward to kiss me.
I press the tip in and hesitate. I need to see this. My lips pull back from hers, and I look down. This is the moment I claim her. I take it slow, feeling her wrap around every inch of me.
All. Fucking. Mine.
It’s not until I’m fully sheathed that I let out the breath I didn’t know I’d been holding. She feels so tight. So heavenly. So undeniably mine. I pull out slowly, mesmerized at the sight.
“More,” Tabitha pleads before leaning back on her hands.
“Greedy. Me too.”
I thrust in fast, and she gasps. I pull most of the way out, slowly. Then lift her leg to push in even deeper.
“Arch… I….” She moans.
“I love you.” I blurt out the words without thinking. Maybe it’s too soon. Maybe she’ll think it’s just because we’re in this moment. I’m done waiting, though. No more holding back when it comes to Tabitha. She’s my everything. Always has been.