14. Thayer
Chapter Fourteen
Thayer
My legs go limp as my feet touch the shower floor, but Hardy never let's go. Keeping one arm tightly around me, he tugs my chin around for him to kiss me. Giving in to his mouth is the sweetest thing. Nothing I can control or want to.
“Let’s get you cleaned up; we still have work. We’ll both have some explaining to do, I believe,” he reminds me he rubs soap into a washcloth. “Spread ’em.” I gape at his demand, not really sure what he’s meaning.
“What?” Eyes wide with my mouth hung open just as wide.
“Hun, we need to wash me off you. Believe me, I would prefer to leave it, so other men will know you’re mine.” He takes my mouth as it continues to hang open, kissing me vigorously.
“I can do it,” I say, looking everywhere but at him.
“Are you embarrassed?” he asks, as if in shock. “We’ve been naked for nearly ten hours, doing all sorts of fuckery, and now, you’re getting shy?”
“No! It’s just…. you know - personal.”
“Thayer, it’s okay. I plan on sharing many things with you, including a lifetime of showers. Spread ’em.” I bite the corner of my lip, and his brow kicks to one side as he grins.
Twenty minutes later, we’re showered, and teeth are brushed. One is going to lay into me about being so late. After dressing, I start coffee for us both. Hardy walks into the room with worn-out jeans and a wife-beater, damn. Wish we could stay in bed all day.
“Hey, hun. Things went incredibly fast last night; we still need to talk.” Dropping my eyes to the floor, I jut my chin out, trying to be brave.
“I know, I’m sorry. I should have explained I was a virgin sooner. I understand you may not be ready for all of this, Hardy. I knew the risk when I did it, don’t worry about it.”
“I’m not talking about your virginity. I’m honored, which makes me feel weird, but I am.
It means more to me than you may understand right now.
What I need to say is, we need to talk about everything.
Things from my past I haven’t shared with you and what all of it means to us.
” Listening intently, I try to understand. It’s not happening.
“I’m not sure what you mean.” Refusing to look at him, I pretend to clean the kitchen. Taking me by the hand, he leads me to the front door.
“We need to talk, that’s it, hun. Stuff like I’ll need to bring Lulu once in a while if I stay over.
I’ll need more clothes. We need to tell your family.
I’m older than you, it may matter to them.
Most importantly, Thayer, I have a past. It’s ugly.
More than I’ve already told you, I need to be honest with you.
Okay?” Searching his eyes, I see he’s worried. I nod.
“You’re right; we need to talk. We should’ve last night. Of course, Lulu can spend the night. Yes, let’s tell my family. As long as you’re honest with me, we’re good. Your past is just that, Hardy. Your past. I want it all with you, everything.” Stepping closer to me, he takes me in his arms.
“Sounds like a plan, hun.” Puckering his lips, he comes in for a kiss. I lean away as he narrows his eyes.
“Why do you keep calling me hun? I hate it, you realize that, right?” He tightens his hold, wrapping his hand around my neck to pull me closer.
“I do. I like it, hun.” He kisses me breathless before leaving.
Watching him leave makes me nervous. I went all-in last night with him, and I’m not sure if he can handle it. I’m not entirely sure I can. He intimidates me in so many ways good ways. But I can’t help to worry if I’m enough for him. He’s experienced things I never will.
Gathering my things, I leave for work. Again, I’m nervous as hell for fear of running into One. I don’t care if he knows, but Hardy isn’t so ready. I pray all the way to work they’ll be gone by the time I get there. They’re not. What’s worse? One sends me a text that he needs to see me. The fuck?
Walking into my office, I throw my things on a chair and try to calm my nerves.
I’m sweating bullets, nice. I answer a few messages, trying to postpone the inevitable.
One text again, this time with asap attached.
Rolling my eyes, I straighten my clothes, grab my phone, and walk next door. They’re all here, great.
“Hey, what’s up?” I say, scanning the room quickly to spot Hardy in the corner, looking pissed. What the fuck?
“Did you not learn anything over the last six years? Or did you just forget, a job site injury must be reported? I don’t care how small it was; we have an example to set and procedure to follow.” He’s barking at me as if I work for him.
“First, I was trying to help since no one else saw it happen. Second, he’s a grown-ass man; ask him. Finally, Yes, I know. I apologize.” Lowering my eyes, I see Hardy’s standing now.
“I said it was on me. One’s making it an issue. I apologize, Thayer.” Hardy’s eyes switch between me and One.
“It’s fine. Next time we do better, okay? Let’s get the truck ready. Thayer, Hardy, can you stay behind for a few minutes?” One doesn’t even look at us when he asks.
“I have ten minutes; I got a late start,” I say, peeking at Hardy with a grin. He’s pale with his mouth ajar. I can’t help but snicker when Hardy glares at me.
“What? What’s funny?” One looks up from his papers to ask.
“Nothing. So what’s up?” I say, trying to move this thing on.
“Alright, so I’m not going out to Lea’s today. I, ahh, I’m not sure where we are, but I think I should stay here. When are you having lunch with her, Thayer?” One shuffles papers on his desk.
“Saturday. What’s up? Oh, God. You slept with her. You did. Oh, my.” One looks up at me from his papers, lips pursed.
“Thayer, please. Would you like to talk about this guy you’re seeing? I just need you to see if she’s okay, alright?” He pulls his brows down to look menacing, but it doesn’t work, and I begin to giggle.
“Recon, I got it. And if you have time, I’d love to give you an update about him.” I cross my legs as I get comfortable. Hardy’s green in the face.
“He back? Is he treating you better?” Now, Hardy’s face is poker red. Shit.
“We’ve talked. Things are good.” One relaxes in his seat as he sits back.
“Good. Don’t sleep with him until he can commit, got it?” Son of a bitch.
“One. Seriously.” Looking over at Hardy.
“Hardy would agree; you need a good man.” One nod at Hardy, who scratches his face.
“You do, Thayer. You need a good man.” He pretends to look out of the window.
“I have a good man. He’s not had it easy, but he understands we’re meant to be together. Now, if you’d both excuse me, I’m going.” I stand swiftly. One knows I’m mad.
“Thayer, I’m sorry. We understand he hasn’t had an easy life; we just want you to be careful.” He folds his hands together like Dad does when he’s about to deliver a lecture.
“I’m careful, One. I’ve waited twenty-four years; I’m not a fool. Besides, Hardy’s had a hard life; do you think less of him?” His eyes go wide as his face brightens.
“No. Hardy’s a good man.” Agreed. So I nod with a smile.
“Yes, he is. I need to go. I’ll call.” I exit the room with a smile of satisfaction.
I no sooner walk through my office door when my phone chimes. It’s Hardy. “Hey.”
“Hey, long time no see.” His voice is light while music plays in the background.
“Tell me about it, you good man, you.” After a long pause, he answers me.
“That was a trick question, Thayer, and you know it. You should have asked if dating me would matter.” He’s smug in his answer. I put an end to it.
“He’s still here; I’ll go ask.” I open and shut my door for effect.
“The fuck you will. Just hang on until we talk this evening, okay?” We both chuckle.
“Tonight. It won’t matter; I’ve already slept with you.” I laugh as I end the call.
The day goes steadily. I’m excited to see him.
Hurrying home to freshen up, I change into a summer dress, sans underwear.
Hardy was right about one thing; I didn’t sit all day.
I’m not complaining, though, not in the least. Even after he told me, I thought he was exaggerating.
He wasn’t. Nothing painful, but I definitely thought of him every time I tried to sit.
No sooner do I change when my favorite text hits my phone.
I do my best not to run to the front door.
I fail miserably. Throwing the door open, I watch him swagger over to me.
Damn, this man is hot as fuck. His shirt is thrown over his shoulder, his pants riding low, heavy from the tool belt he wore today. His hair spiked everywhere from sweat.
“Hey, hun, I’m home,” he declares with a crooked smile. So he is.
“Good day at the office?” I ask offhandedly as I focus on his fine ass bending over to take his boots off. “Come in and do that; we’re not leaving that outside.” I reach to grab them.
“Really? You don’t want that inside; I’ve sweated in them all day.” He tugs them from my arms.
“They’re fine. Don’t argue.” Slipping my hand in the waistband of his jeans, I pull him into a kiss. He releases the boots as he fists my dress in one hand.
“Tell me you’re naked under this,” he mumbles against my lips.
“I am. Although, a little sore.” He grins against my lips.
“Good. Now, take me to bed, and let’s work that out.” Ask, and ye shall receive.
Taking him by the shoulders, I wrap around him.
An hour later, we shower and change. It’s late, so I check the fridge for dinner. Not much in here; I need to change that if we plan on doing this every night. Just as I’m about to offer to make a store run, Hardy walks through the door.
“Would it be okay if we go get Lulu? I’d hate to leave her alone another night.” His face is soft, his eyes downcast as if he expects a negative answer.
“Perfect. I need to grab a few things from the grocery store. Is that okay?” Reflecting his face like a mirror, his eyes light up. It worked.
“Really? Yeah, sure. That’ll work. Are you sure?” he questions me as if my answer has changed.
“Positive.” He kisses me quickly and runs off.
“Grabbing my wallet.” He jogs back and opens the door.