"Wow." Angel laughed when we came to a stop at my door. "You said it wasn't far, but I didn't think you meant a block." She looked back down the street, noticing how close I lived to the shop.
"It's convenient, to say the least," I said as I turned the key in the lock and motioned for her go in ahead of me.
Once we got inside I showed her the galley kitchen and the small dining area off to the right.
As if seeing it for the very first time, I looked around and realized she might not be very impressed. I'd never been self-conscious about my place before, but I knew it wasn't extravagant.
The man who remodeled the place did a great job, but didn't use fancy materials. The kitchen had white appliances, oak colored cabinets, and gray laminate counter tops. Throughout the entire apartment, the floor was a peel-and-stick vinyl that resembled wood flooring and the walls were painted a basic off-white.
Frowning, I looked at the eating space, which was just an old card table and three chairs.
In true Angel fashion, she pointed out the obvious. "What happened to the fourth chair?"
I chuckled. "There wasn't one. We bought the set from a yard sale down the street when we moved in. That was three years ago." I self-consciously raked my hand through my hair, realizing I'd left my hat back at the shop when Colton knocked it off. "I guess it's probably time for an upgrade."
"Don't be silly!" Angel exclaimed. "It gives the space character."
She turned around and took in the living room, which was literally two steps away. My apartment had an open floor plan, but the space was small.
"The living room," I said pointlessly as I made a sweeping motion with my arm.
Colton and I spent a decent amount of money on the beige microfiber living room set. An armchair sat adjacent to a large couch that lined the back wall of the living room. The coffee table sat on top of a large white shag rug and our 46" flat screen TV was mounted to the wall opposite the couch.
"It's really nice." She turned in a full circle and smiled.
I could tell she was being honest. She really did think it was nice. I guess I could add ‘low-maintenance' to the growing list of things I already liked about her.
"Thanks. Colt and I like it."
"You know what I'd really love?" She looked up at me with those big eyes. "A shower."
Angel then proceeded to explain her unfortunate attempt at bathing in the restroom at the truck stop. By the time she finished the story I was laughing so hard I could barely breathe. I flopped down on the couch and she sat next to me.
"That's why you looked like a drowned rat when you came out." I sucked in a breath, trying to get my laughter under control.
"You saw me?" Angel gasped. "You were there?"
Although she glared at me, the corners of her lips twitched. I thought it was cute she was pretending to be offended. She knew that shit was hilarious.
I nodded. "Yeah, I recognized you. That's why I pulled over."
Her eyes softened and her voice came out quietly. "I'm really glad you did."
"So am I. If I hadn't, you could be sopping wet on a bathroom floor somewhere," I teased.
She shuddered and shook her head. "I'll never do that again."
"You won't have to, even when we go on trips. The truck stop we were at was small and outdated but most of them have showers now, especially the big chain stores," I told her. "Some of them are really nice and truckers usually get free shower coupons when we buy fuel. It can get a little expensive for other people, though. Sometimes six to twelve dollars per shower … "
I trailed off because my attention was drawn to her mouth. She was biting her lower lip and looking at me like she wanted to say something. Or do something.
Fascinated, I watched all the thoughts play out across her features. I could clearly see her contemplating her next move. She was so transparent. I could get lost in all her different expressions.
Taking me by surprise, Angel lunged forward and hugged me around the neck.
"Thank you," she whispered, but she didn't let go.
I knew what she meant. This wasn't a simple thank you for the trip we were going to take or the hot shower she was going to get. She was grateful for everything.
At first glance, someone could assume Angel was spoiled rotten. That she'd lived a life of privilege. But they'd be wrong. She was one of the most sincere, humble people I'd ever met.
She was sitting on her knees next to me on the couch and her arms were still wrapped around me as I returned the embrace. I felt her breasts press up against me and they rubbed up and down slightly with each breath she took.
I thought about how easy it would be to hook my hand under her thigh and bring her leg around my waist so she was straddling me. And I wanted that. Wanted her legs wrapped around me.
My skin tingled everywhere she touched me and I wondered if she felt it, too.
She pulled back until our faces were so close I could feel her breath against my cheek. Her eyes were wide and searching as she looked at me, and I could tell she didn't know what to do next.
But I knew.
I slowly brought my lips to hers and gave her a gentle kiss.
Keeping my eyes open, I watched her reaction. Her eyes lids dropped and she softly returned the chaste action, her lips automatically responding to mine.
Then I did what I'd wanted to do since the first time I saw her. I drew her pouty bottom lip into my mouth and bit down a little. Angel gasped and I released it. But I wasn't done yet. And the look in her eyes said she wasn't either.
This time when we kissed, she parted her lips and I slipped my tongue inside her mouth.
When her soft tongue met mine, the kiss turned heated. Her hands left my neck to thread her fingers through my hair. Our mouths melded together as we desperately nipped and stroked each other in perfect rhythm. She sucked my tongue into her mouth and I groaned.
Bringing my hands to her waist, I dragged her onto my lap, placing her thighs on either side of mine. My hands slid down from her waist to grip her hips, while my mouth traveled to her neck. I gently sucked the place under her ear and she whimpered.
Sexiest fucking sound I'd ever heard.
Returning my lips to hers, I didn't hold back. I sucked her bottom lip into my mouth. Hard.
Whether it was intentional or not, her hips bucked forward over mine and I hissed when her hot center rubbed over my throbbing, hard-as-hell cock.
We both went completely still, panting into each other's mouths. Her fingers were tangled in my hair and my hands still gripped her hips.
I think we both realized at the same time we needed to slow down.
The kiss had been so unexpectedly explosive, and the attraction was intense-so far beyond anything I'd ever experienced before. I think we were both surprised by the impact of the moment because the look of shock on her face mirrored mine.
The hammering in my chest was so loud, I was sure she could hear it.
Who knew a kiss could be so powerful?
ANGEL
I was completely out of control.
My mind told me one thing-Don't dry-hump him on the couch, Angel-and then I did the exact opposite.
Travis's hands left my hips and came up to cradle my face but he didn't kiss me again.
He gently ran the tip of his nose down the slope of mine.
Such a simple gesture.
It was sweet and intimate and it made butterflies erupt in my stomach. It was, hands down, the most romantic thing anyone had ever done.
"You better go take that shower," he whispered against my lips. "Feel free to use as much hot water as you want." He released my face and leaned back. "Because I'll definitely need a cold shower after this."
I giggled. Well, I attempted to giggle but I was so wound up from the sexual tension it came out sounding more like a squawk.
After awkwardly climbing off his lap, Travis showed me to the bathroom and got me a towel from the hall closet.
The bathroom was small, but surprisingly clean for a bachelor pad.
Feeling giddy, I stepped into the stand-up shower. I took my time getting clean, enjoying the hot spray and making the effort to shave. If we were going out tonight, I would probably wear a dress-the only dress I had in my backpack. I almost hadn't packed it, thinking I wouldn't have a reason to wear it. Now I was really glad I did.
I changed back into my leggings and a clean tank top, realizing I needed to do laundry soon.
After coming out of the bathroom, Travis finished the tour of the apartment.
Leading me down a small hallway, he pointed to Colton's door before showing me to his room, which had one of the most comfortable beds I'd ever seen. A fluffy, dark blue comforter was spread neatly over the mattress and several white pillows were piled at the head of the bed.