CHAPTER 7 DARLING #3
“He is fucking hot.” Dre laughed and moved her hips faster. She was clearly enjoying herself too much. “What you thinking, hon?”
“I don’t know.” I licked my lips, my entire body deflating like a popped balloon. “My head hurts from thinking too much. Men are a fucking head trip.”
Nat grabbed my hand. “Water time. Come on, Dre.”
She led the three of us back to the bar where maybe half the team still was.
Davis held three cups of water out to us. We happily took them, gulping them down. TJ walked back over, wrapping an arm around my waist. He was sipping on water too. My eyes felt so heavy, and I just wanted to lay down now.
“You want a ride home, darling?”
Nodding, I looked at TJ. God, he was so handsome.
TJ’s cheeks flushed pink. It highlighted the blue in his eyes and for a moment, I got lost in his gaze.
“Thanks, Aife.”
I slapped my hand over my mouth. “Shit, I was supposed to think that. That was meant to stay an inside thought, not an outside one.”
“Hey, maybe you should stay with me and Nat.”
Dre looked over at me. “Or stay with him, but I don’t think you should be alone. You’ve had a lot to drink, and you look like you’re starting to get green.”
“That might be smart.” I started to sway on my feet,
a sure sign I was beyond drunk.
“TJ, take Aife. Zeke and I will manage the other two.” Davis flashed a smile. “TJ’s got an extra bed, unlike these two.” He hooked a finger at my two best friends.
“Okay,” I said quietly. Tiredness hit me hard, and I just wanted a bed now. Rubbing my eyes, I glanced at TJ. “Can we go?”
He nodded and grabbed my hand, heading outside.
He helped me in the car before buckling my seatbelt and driving to his home. The weird part in all of this was that TJ was still almost a stranger to me. Yet, I felt at total ease around him. He felt safe, and I needed safe.
My eyes closed, and I drifted off into a light sleep.
I could still feel the car moving under me.
Next thing I knew, I was cradled into TJ’s arms as he carried me inside his home.
My eyes didn’t want to open; I was so tired.
A yawn forced itself out of my mouth as I settled against his firm chest.
It was hard and warm, and I could picture myself here for the rest of my life. That thought immediately woke me up.
“I can walk,” I said. My voice was rough, hoarse from all the drinking I had done.
TJ looked down at me, eyebrow quirked. “Okay.”
Carefully, he set me down as he opened the door to his condo.
I wasn’t sure exactly what I was expecting, but it wasn’t what I found once he opened the door.
His place was spacious with an amazing view of downtown Chicago.
He had huge windows—floor to ceiling on one side of the condo.
It was jaw-dropping. TJ had decorated surprisingly well.
It didn’t look like a typical bachelor’s pad at all.
His 117 home was all dark greens, blacks, and grays.
The man had style. He also had a balcony.
“Oh my god,” I said and felt my feet move toward the balcony. I’d always wanted one, especially with a view like his. “Can we go out there?”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Sure. Let’s grab a blanket.” TJ turned around and rummaged in an ottoman. Fairly quickly he found a cozy, green blanket and handed it to me. Once it was wrapped around my body, TJ opened the door and guided us outside.
I shivered despite the blanket. It was a crisp cold,
nipping at my extremities. Even though I was instantly freezing, the view drew me in.
The lights of downtown contrasted beautifully against the dark night sky.
It brought a smile to my face, reminding me a bit of Houston.
A wave of homesickness hit me. Houston’s skyline had been home for so long, and there were times I regretted leaving.
“What are you thinking about, darling?” TJ dropped his arm over my shoulder, providing me with some extra needed warmth.
“Houston.”
“Do you miss it?”
I nodded. “Houston is home. I spent a few years in Denton, but I was still in Texas. I miss the wide-open spaces and genuine Southern kindness.”
“Yeah, I get it. Why’d you move here?” He squeezed my arm, providing quiet comfort.
“Other than for my PhD?” I cuddled closer into his side. “I needed to get away. Houston is home, but it holds memories I’d rather forget.”
His brow furrowed. “Do you wanna talk about it?”
His offer seemed genuine, his tone gentle.
“Maybe one day.” Talking about emotions was a part of my job, but I hated to do it when it was about myself. It was just easier to pretend things didn’t happen to me. That made life easier in all aspects; disassociation was a cruel mistress.
“I’m here whenever you’re ready, darling.” He squeezed my side again, a constant warmth I didn’t know I was missing. It felt right being here.
I loved that he called me that. His accent came out when he drawled the word. Every moment I spent with him, I felt more attracted to him. TJ really was every woman’s wet dream. How did I get lucky enough to know him?
“Thanks, Talon. I really appreciate it.”
“Talon?” His voice dropped an octave.
“Sorry,” I said, “Do you not like it?”
“I like it when you say it.” He licked his lips. “You make it sound sexy.”