12. Drake
Chapter 12
Drake
Me: I enjoyed being followed by you today.
January: It’s a small town, there's only so many places to go. Chances are we’d run into you.
Me: It’s okay. You don’t need to explain. I get the appeal.
January: Such a show off.
Me: You know I can back it up.
January:
Me: I do remember your eyes rolling back a couple times.
Me: Anyway, I wanted to make sure you’re okay with me coming to Lily’s party. I know she doesn’t understand about not asking in front of someone.
January: She’s four, with no social graces yet.
January: And it’s fine. If you’re fine.
Me: I’m fine. More than fine.
January: Fine.
O h, she’s not fine , I think to myself. My coming to her house is definitely pushing her boundaries, but I think it’s good for her. She needs the push, and I want to be the one to do it.
January: You know she doesn’t like raspberries, right?
I smile. I wondered how long it would take for her to question this.
Me: Those cookies aren't for her.
January: Who are they for then?
Me: You. Every time I see a raspberry now, it reminds me of you. That sexy lace color you wore, your sweet taste. I’ll never forget it.
I see the text bubbles start and stop. Start again then stop. I wait for a text to come through, but it doesn’t.
Me: Can I take you out Friday?
January: After we close the shop, I have errands to run for her party.
Me: Let me come with you. Two of us will take half the time. And we can stop for something to eat.
January: Why would you want to shop for party supplies for a four-year-old?
Me: Doesn’t matter what we’re doing, I just want to be with you.
January: A quickie in the bathroom to buying party decorations. I don’t know who’s crazier, you or me.
Me: Oh I’m definitely crazier, but you’ll catch up.
I put my phone down, knowing she most likely won’t text again. And that’s okay. I’ll let her work it out in her head. After our night at the bar, I decided right away that if I ever saw her again, I wouldn’t let her get away a second time. Cole calls me crazy for being so heart-led, but it’s always worked out for me. He says emotions and feelings get in the way of making an informed decision, but I say it’s the only way to truly be happy with a decision.
Why pour over details, what ifs, and possible scenarios of what could go right and what could go wrong, only for fate to make its existence known anyway? Humans can make all the plans they want, but the world is only going to allow it to happen if it wants it too.
I’ve always had this way of thinking, and it’s probably why my dad forced all the business stuff on me at a young age. He knew it wasn’t my natural way of thinking, but he wanted someone who thought like him. So the more he pressured me to understand numbers and actuals, the less dream-like a world he thought I’d live in.
But when my sister died, I knew there was no amount of planning or scenarios that could have changed that day. Could she have taken a different road home? Sure. Could she have stopped for a soda at the convenience store and delayed her approaching that intersection by ten minutes? Of course. But she didn’t. And not one of us thought to tell her to take a different route or get us a soda for later. Because losing her in that accident was something that was unimaginable. A thought that never crossed my mind.
So if my heart wants January but my mind gives me every reason why it may or may not work, it leaves me stuck in limbo and never knowing if I don’t just go for it. I’m done being rational, I like the irrational title my father donned me with.
Because love is never about logic or reason.
January: 30
Me: Is that how many orgasms I owe you?
January: It’s how many I finished on my own because of your virgin stamina.
Me: I think I’m in love
Me: GIF of a cougar
“Do you think Party House is ready for us?”
She gives me a tentative look as she climbs into my truck. I want nothing more than to meet her at the door, kiss her, hold her, then walk her to my truck and help her in, giving her a pat on the ass as we go. But I know doing things on her own is important to her. Right down to opening a car door, I know to let her do it.
For now.
But that’s going to come to a quick end.
“I hope you’re going to behave. I don’t need to be kicked out before I get what I need for tomorrow.”
I chuckle. “I won’t get us kicked out.”
She clicks her seatbelt into place, and I throw the truck in reverse, pulling out of her driveway. The snow is coming down again, but it’s light and the roads are still nice and clear.
“So what’s the theme for tomorrow?”
She glances at me. “What do you know about theme parties?”
“I went to college. Every party has a theme.”
“Oh? I bet it was a toga night every night.”
“If you want to see me wrapped in your sheets, all you need to do is ask. Really, babe, these innuendos are getting old.”
She huffs a laugh. “I’m surprised you’re being as patient as you are.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, our first night was very … hectic?”
“Hectic?!” I laugh out loud at her word choice.
“I just mean, that need was intense.”
“It’s called passion, January. And we have it. Our bodies knew it before our minds did.”
“It’s never happened to me before.” She almost whispers it and my chest puffs. I love when she gives me these pieces of herself.
I pull into the parking lot of Party House and throw the truck in park, turning off the engine and shifting around toward her. “Then I’m honored it happened with me.”
“If I forget to tell you later,” she takes a breath, “thank you for coming with me tonight. I’ve done this trip alone for the last three years. It feels kind of nice to share it with someone else you know?”
I grab her hand and give it a squeeze. “Do me a favor and stay right where you are.”
She furrows her brows, but I jump out of the truck, round the front, and come to her door. Opening it, I step onto the running board, lean in, and undo her belt. She never takes her eyes off me, and when I remain standing on the board, she laughs. “What are you doing?”
I peck her on the lips. Then do it again. And she giggles. “Drak–”
“I want you to feel that way. It means so much to hear you say it. I want to share it all with you, and I want you to want to share it with me. Let me. It starts right here. Let me help you from this truck.” I step down onto the asphalt and put my hand out. She bites on her bottom lip before placing her hand in mine and stepping out. I don’t move back, allowing not a single inch of space between us, and wrap my arms around her. “Thank you.”
“I don't know what to say.”
“Tell me what you feel.”
“Your heart eyes are scaring me.”
I bark a laugh. “Should I switch to my fuck me eyes?”
She snickers and buries her face in my chest, the snowflakes sticking to her hair. “I shouldn't ask you this now because we have a lot of shopping to get finished but…” Her words drift off.
“But …”
“Lily is staying overnight at Blossom’s house. Will you stay with me tonight?”
Her eyes are vulnerable; she’s clearly afraid of my answer, as if I’d ever tell her no. My heart begins thumping in my chest but I have to do my best to not scare her. “You're right. You shouldn't have asked me.” She frowns, but I hold her tighter. “Because now all I’m picturing is everything I’m going to do to you tonight.” Her blush is deep and I punctuate my comment with a tilt of my hips. “And now my dick is hard. Come on, January! How am I supposed to shop like this?”
She snickers. “Is there a stockroom around?”
My eyes get wide. “You heard that story, too?”
“Oh, Drake. Small towns and big ears. Plus, I know my sister. Give your friend a warning. She’s a maneater.”