Chapter 5 Appetizer #2
“My vote’s for racing. Give me a fast car with an open road, and I’m all in. Yeah, buddy,” Braden says, giving me a high five. I knew he’d be up for something.
Sebastian sighs while shaking his head.
“Dude, I’m going to Vegas for your bachelor party. The least you can do is indulge in something fun for once. We’ll be gone for two hours—three, tops. It’s my treat,” I plead with my brother.
He sighs in defeat. “Fine, I’ll do it. But when you say your treat, do you mean you’ll put in a full workweek for once?” Sebastian quips—cocky fucker that he is.
“I wouldn’t want to take away your reason for griping at me.” Besides, he knows I get shit done.
“Oh, trust me, I’ve got plenty. Another is this addiction of yours to life-threatening activities.”
“Just staying young, brother. You should try it sometime. If you keep up this old-man act, you’ll become one sooner than later. Lily’ll have to trade you in for a younger model.” I wink at Lily.
Cici’s eyes are bugging out, probably afraid for my life, but this is normal banter for us. Giving each other a hard time is one of our favorite hobbies. My hand reaches Cici’s leg, squeezing it in reassurance but maintaining a PG rating this time.
Sebastian doesn’t miss a beat, raising one brow while responding, “Says the guy who can’t seem to wrangle in a woman.”
All right, too far, asshole.
“Boys. We should be celebrating, not fighting. Come on, let’s toast to our upcoming trip.” Cici jumps in at the perfect time, holding her glass out as the rest of us follow.
Thankfully, the rest of dinner flies by as we enjoy our meals, talking about this and that without bringing up the elephant in the room.
I catch glances between Lily and Cici in my peripheral vision, but when I turn, they abruptly stop.
Overall, the group did well, feigning ignorance other than that comment from Sebastian, and I’ll let it slide since he is the reason I made my move.
I finally took my brother’s advice after the millionth time to stop pussyfooting around.
If she’s what I want, then I’m going after her.
He was right when he pointed out that I’ve never backed down from a challenge, so I’m not sure why I was okay accepting failure this time.
I’m just glad I ultimately came to my senses because tonight was hot as fuck.
Talk of wrapping up the night begins, and I’m more than happy to help it along.
“With everything settled, we can have Lucy start making arrangements tomorrow,” I say, trying to close up shop.
I’m hoping Cici took an Uber like she usually does so I can take advantage of offering a ride.
Since I took the motorcycle tonight, I was careful to consume only one glass of champagne.
Plus, when Cici gives in, I want my wits about me.
“Tell me if you need help with something. I don’t think I’ve done enough to earn the title of maid of honor,” Cici says to Lily while I pour the last of the champagne into her glass—nothing like a little liquid courage to loosen her inhibitions.
“You’re fine. You have so much on your plate as it is. You helped us with the planning and came up with the idea in the first place. That’s plenty,” Lily placates.
Cici notices the empty bottle before I set it down.
“Ooh, that’s the end of it. I should probably order an Uber.
” She reaches for her purse, but when I place my hand over hers to make my suggestion first, her eyes nearly pop out of her head at my outward display of physical touch.
She’s in denial if she still thinks we’re undiscovered.
“Actually, I only had one drink early on, so why don’t I give you a ride and save you twenty bucks.”
She pulls her hand back like it’s on fire, panic written all over her face. “That’s silly. We’re already downtown. Why drive all the way to Balboa when you don’t have to?”
I’m about to reply when Braden beats me to it. “It’s on my way. You can hop in my Uber since it’s almost here.”
The death glare I send his way could melt glaciers.
“Perfect,” Cici says quickly before I form a response.
Sebastian and Lily are staying quiet but are obviously confused by Braden’s offer based on the glances they’re throwing. If Braden thinks he’s getting away with this bullshit, he’s in for a reality check. He’s lucky I’ve already staked my claim, or he and I would need to have a little talk.
“It just so happens I was planning a night drive anyway, so I insist. No arguing, Cici, you’ll come with me.” I use the same words from earlier, and they do the trick. She may like her independence, but I know exactly what she wants in the bedroom—and she knows I provide it.
“Fine. Only so you’re not butt hurt,” she says, trying to play it off.
The table laughs, and Braden snickers my way, knowing he forced my hand. The fucker has it coming.
Outside, Lily and Sebastian climb into their car while Braden gets into his Uber, and the two of us are finally alone. I can tell Cici’s uncomfortable and decide to spare her for now as I take her hand, leading her down the street to stop in front of my bike.
“Where’s your car?” Cici asks, looking up and down the street.
“Oh, did I not mention I rode my bike tonight?” I ask casually, expecting her reaction.
“Eli. I’m not riding on the back of that. I’m in a dress. Not to mention the last time I was in a car with you, you tried to kill me. This is so much worse,” she groans, causing me to laugh.
“Have I told you you’re adorable when you argue?” I proceed to place the helmet on her head despite her protest and buckle it below her chin, making sure it’s snug, before leaning down to kiss the tip of her nose.
“Let me settle in first and then climb on behind me. I promise I’ll drive carefully. Give it a chance—you’ll like it.” I caress her chin but don’t dare lean down to kiss her, or I might not stop.
“Unless I want to wait here for another ten minutes to call an Uber, I have no choice. Just hurry before I change my mind.”
Laughing, I swing my leg over and sit patiently while Cici does the same.
“Come on, cutie, don’t be shy. Scoot up against me and wrap your arms around my waist. Wouldn’t want you falling off the back.” The minute she closes the distance, the warmth from her body engulfs me—especially the heat between her legs.
“Good girl.” I start the engine and pull onto the road. “Hold on tight, baby.”
“Eli, you said you’d go slow,” she practically screams, sitting up tall to watch the road.
I chuckle while responding, “I promised to be careful, not slow.”
“Eli!”
“I’m kidding. I’m not going fast. It just sounds like it because of the motor. Relax and enjoy the ride. I’ve got you, baby.” My hand covers hers that are clasped tightly against my stomach, squeezing the life out of me. She’s so nervous, it makes me smile.
“Both hands on the wheel. Or handlebars… or whatever. Just put them where they go.”
I laugh heartily. I’ve never enjoyed having a woman on the back of my bike so much.
And that’s saying a lot considering a hand is usually on my crotch when I do.
With Cici, all I need is the feel of her body behind me, her arms around my waist, and her chin over my shoulder to make me a happy man.
Not that I’d complain if she slipped that hand down.
I’ve got plenty for her to hold on to since I’m perma-hard for this woman.
Christ, I’ve been in a constant state of arousal all evening.
I can’t get her sweet pussy out of my head.
If I don’t have more of that tonight, my hand will be working overtime.
“How you doin’, cutie?” We’re stopped at a light when I check in with her. She’s been quiet, which isn’t typical for Cici.
“Just saying prayers that we make it alive.”
I can’t help but laugh again. She amuses me. “Honey, save your prayers for the bedroom. You might need them later. You’re safe, baby. Have I made you nervous yet?”
“Are we still talking about the ride? Because—” Right then, the light turns green, and she stops talking as if she needs all her concentration when I accelerate.
Luckily, I don’t. “Cici, the only thing you should be nervous about is how many orgasms I’ll be giving you tonight. Or whether you’ll get one at all. Maybe you should grind on me and get yourself off while you can. Because tonight, baby, I’m in charge.”
The words that follow don’t match up to the hitch in her breath I felt seconds ago. “Eli, you’re not coming in. We can’t do this.” The sullenness in her voice tells me she doesn’t like it any more than I do, but the resolve is there just the same.
I’m not addressing her comments until we’re on two feet.
Pulling up to the curb minutes later, I hop off first, then lift her from the seat, placing her on the sidewalk.
Taking her helmet off, then mine, I stand silently, staring into her beautiful baby blues.
She’s waiting for me to speak… waiting for my acceptance of her rejection. Fuck that.
I reach up and cup her cheek, rubbing my thumb over her pouty lips before I lean down to kiss her softly.
A light brush until I sneak my tongue out for a taste, and then all bets are off as I pull her chin down, forcing her mouth to open for me.
Her arms reach around my neck, and the moan she releases makes my cock twitch.
Fighting the urge to go further right here on the sidewalk, I pull back, gripping her head between my palms. “You know you want this as much as I do. Your body’s craving what I can give it. Come on, baby, we do so well together. Stop denying it.”
She groans, “I’m not. We’re great in bed. That’s not the problem. I’m only here for a little longer, and we shouldn’t go down that road again. You know as well as I do, for some reason, it’s not just sex with us. Let’s not risk opening that door, Eli. Please… I’m leaving soon.”
“Life’s too short not to take chances, baby. Didn’t anyone tell you to have a little fun before you die?” I ask, quoting lyrics from the song “All I Wanna Do” by Sheryl Crow that coincidently became my life motto.
“Yeah, the man next to me. His name is Eli and he’s reckless,” she says, playing along.
“Only when it comes to you, Cici.” I lean down to kiss her, unable to resist any longer. I’m not sure if this is the start of the evening or the end of it, but if it’s the latter, I want to give myself something to take with me.
She lightly pushes my chest and leans back to look up at me. “From what I hear, you’re pretty reckless with everything these days. I’m drawing the line on this one. I’m sorry, Eli.”
A frustrated sigh escapes unbidden. “You’re killing me here. It won’t be all those dangerous things I do that’ll take me out—it’ll be you, leading me to a slow and untimely death.”
“So dramatic. I think you’ll survive without getting me into bed. You have plenty of others to satisfy that itch.”
Is she for real right now? “You’re wrong. There’s only one, and she’s right here.”
“Okay, we have to stop. I’m going upstairs now before my resolve crumbles.” She steps back and starts walking toward the front door.
“So you’re saying there’s a chance?” I ask with her back to me as she retreats, adjusting the biggest set of blue balls I’ve ever had.
“Goodnight, Eli.” She laughs, waving as she opens the door to walk inside.
Fuck. This woman. What the hell am I supposed to do with her?
She wants this just as badly as I do. Is she right that it’s a bad idea to cross this line knowing she’ll be gone soon?
Hell no. Any amount of time with her is worth a thousand years without.
And if I’m lucky, I’ll break her walls down eventually.