“I’m calling in sick,” I say against her lips, feeling her smile.
“He’s not leaving. I about had a heart attack when I heard that it was him at the door. What did you tell him, by the way?”
“He knew I had a date last night, and that she’s still here. He kept pressing me about who it was so I just made up a quick answer.”
“Who did you tell him was here?”
I pause a few moments and reply, “Vanessa.”
“Ex-girlfriend, Vanessa?”
“She’s not my ex-girlfriend. We went out a few times but we weren’t looking for the same things.”
“And what things are you looking for, Maddox.”
“I don’t know, honestly. I don’t have relationships. Ever. But I want to be with you in ways I’ve never wanted to be with someone before. I don’t know what to do with that. This is all new for me.”
“Well, I’m not really looking for a serious relationship right now either. They haven’t really worked out so well for me in the past. Maybe someday I’ll be ready, but right now? I don’t want to rush into anything.”
I lean forward and kiss her soft lips again. “How about we just see where this thing goes. We’ll spend time together without everyone else knowing and interfering. If the time comes where we need to tell everyone, we’ll deal with it then.”
“So, we’re friends who hang out?” she asks with sparkling, hopeful eyes.
“Good friends who hang out. And maybe do other stuff too,” I say with a big grin on my face.
“Good friends who hang out and do other stuff together and maybe not do other stuff with other people?” she asks, her voice dropping to where I almost don’t hear the ending.
The thought of Avery doing other stuff with any other guy makes me see red. I’ve never been the jealous type before but this feels different. I want to hurt anyone who even thinks about picturing Avery naked. “Definitely, no other people while we’re doing stuff together. You’re the only one I want to do stuff with.” When it comes to Avery, I don’t share. Plus, I know she has trust issues from those douchebags she’s dated in the past, and I want to do everything in my power to put her at ease.
She leans in and kisses me again. Our mouths are molded together, tongues sliding back and forth against one another. I could kiss this woman all damn day if I could figure out how to pay my bills with it.
“Come one, dick! Pull your pants up! We’re gonna be late!” Jake’s loud voice booms from the living room.
“Shit. I’ve got to go to work.” I give her one last lingering kiss on the swollen lips and walk over to my dresser. I throw on a pair of boxer briefs and an undershirt before heading towards my closet to grab a clean uniform. I’m dressing at an almost record speed; Avery sitting on my bed watching me. I get a warm feeling with her in my room. It’s almost a happy feeling. Who knew?
“Don’t leave until we’ve been gone for at least fifteen minutes. I can leave you my truck keys so you can get home.”
“No, I can walk. This way, Jake won’t accidentally see your truck in my driveway. It’s only a few blocks and I can use the fresh air right now.” She gives me another beautiful smile.
“I hate leaving you here like this. I want to stay with you today. Maybe do other things and then take another shower,” I say and can’t keep the smile from my face. After I lace up my boots, I turn towards my night stand and retrieve my service pistol and badge from the lock box.
“There’s coffee in the kitchen. Help yourself. Just lock the door behind you whenever you leave.” I lean in for one more kiss. “I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Bye. Thank you for a best date I’ve ever had. I really did have a wonderful time last night, and this morning,” she says and leans forward one more time for another kiss. God, I could kiss her all day long. I know that if I don’t back away from her now, I never will. And with Jake waiting in the living room, the chances of him finding out who is back in my bedroom are getting better and better with every passing minute.
“Me too. I’ll call you soon.” With that, I turn and walk out my door, making sure it’s securely closed behind me.
Jake is pacing the living room when I walk out to meet him. “It’s about damn time, man. What the hell? Did you have a quickie back there?”
“No. And what the hell are you doing here anyway? Since when do you pick me up for work?”
“I was up early this morning so I was ready early. Thought I’d stop by and have a cup of coffee with you. But since I was fortunate enough to get here while you still have company, I decided I wasn’t leaving. I like to watch you squirm.”