I take another swig of beer and seek out Addison in the crowded bar. Every man in this place seems to have his sights set on my girl. Not that I blame them. She’s the definition of irresistible. I find myself unable to look away for more than a few moments, drawn to her more than ever.

As if she feels my stare, Addison peeks over at me. Her secret smile hits me square in the gut, and I suck in a sharp breath. I send her a smirk and pat the spot she kissed earlier. Her lipstick is staining my skin, and I never want the evidence to wash off. A flush colors her freckled cheeks, and she smiles wider.

Every glimpse is a tease, those lingering glances driving straight south. I adjust my aching cock and beg for relief. My desperation for her is driving me mad. I thought it was bad before. This is much worse. I can almost feel her body beneath mine, encouraging moans spilling from those lips. All her freckles and shades of red are alluring. This bone-deep desire is clawing at me and getting more intense the longer I sit here.

I’ve been holed up at Dagos all afternoon, sulking like a sullen child who’s told to wait a bit longer. Addison has hours left on shift. This is a true test of patience, and an unfortunate reminder of my extensive experience waiting. The numbers on the clock mock me, ticking like frozen molasses. My body is strung so fucking tight, I’m liable to snap at any unlikely source. Whenever she passes by my table, a few whispered words are all it takes to get me revving harder. As if further provoking is necessary, especially after this morning.

I fling a few popcorn kernels into my mouth, munching roughly, and attempt to shake off the lingering shame. I’m positive my face is still red from embarrassment. How could I be so careless, letting her catch me jerking off? But Addison wasn’t mortified, which is baffling. Why isn’t she disgusted by my actions? My addled mind tries to calculate her reaction, but comes up short. Even in my wildest dreams, she would take off running and screaming. Imagine my dumbfounded shock when she told me watching that was a turn-on.

Could she be more amazing?

My focus follows Addison across the room, and I let loose a string of expletives. A stranger strolls up to her and leans far too close. Why is he invading her personal space? I force my ass to remain glued to the stool, recalling her scolding from thirty minutes ago. She’s at work, and I can’t barge in each time a man talks to her. I’ve been hulking around like a barbarian, pounding on my chest and chasing off any potential competition. Isn’t it my job to protect her?

I tense when the guy edges in further. But I hold myself back, confident Addison will handle his unwanted attention. She’s mine in all ways that matter. The connection between us is strong and continuing to gain power. She’s in my bed each night, curling up against me, sharing intimate feelings and promising more. Our lives are weaving together as one. How do I make it permanent?

After guzzling the rest of my drink, I search for a distraction. As if hearing my summons, Trey enters the bar with Mitch trailing behind. I wave and they amble over, wearing matching smirks. This ought to be good.

Mitch grips my shoulders and gives me a shake. “Hey, man. How the fuck are you?”

I shrug him off me. “Uh, fine. Why?”

“Heard you might need reinforcements,” Trey says.

I bunch my muscles. “For what?”

Pretty sure Trey’s eyes are sparkling, and it’s creepy as hell. “Why don’t you tell us?”

“I’m just enjoying a relaxing Sunday at the bar. Not sure what you’re referring to.”

I lock my jaw, preparing for him to give me shit about masturbating with Addison at home. She wouldn’t rat me out, though. I’m being paranoid, and these two are digging for dirt.

Trey grunts. “This place is a zoo and is only getting worse. I was told to keep you entertained before someone gets punched out or something.”

My chuckle is forced. “Real funny.”

Mitch hoots and points at me. “Dude, you look ready to cause damage.”

“Whatever.” I grumble.

Addison stops by and drops off a round of beers. She shares a look with Trey and Mitch, proving my suspicions.

I lift my chin at her. “You called them to keep me occupied?”

She pats my cheek. “Sweetie, you’re scaring away my customers.” Addison dips down and whispers, “I know you’re hot and bothered. The feeling is very mutual. But there’s nothing we can do about it right now.”

I inhale her cinnamon apple scent, and a calm wave washes over me. My pulse slows, and I take a deep breath. “Yeah, I’m aware.”

She straightens and gives me a wink. “Good. I’ll be done real soon. Until then, spend time with your friends.”

As if on cue, Trey and Mitch give me cheesy smiles. Fuck, I’m really losing my cool if these two were sent to deal with me.

“Okay,” I say.

Addison flounces away, and the guys bust out laughing. I groan and cover my face.

“Holy shit, you’re so pussy-whipped. You’ve been a grouchy asshole all week at the garage. Even Jack made a comment about your bitching being louder than mine. But one touch from her and you’re a totally different man. Wow.” Trey whistles.

“That’s rich coming from you.” My voice resembles a growl and I swallow roughly. Maybe I need to rein it in, at least a bit.

Trey shakes his head. “You’re not turning the tables on me. What gives?”

I comb through my hair, searching for a plausible cause. With the holidays approaching and bringing more traffic, Jacked Up is busier than usual. I glance around Dagos, people packing in wall to wall, and realize Garden Grove in general is experiencing the influx. “Uh, the garage has been a madhouse lately. Guess I’m more bothered than usual. The tickets never seem to quit.”  

That’s feasible, right? I’m not about to give him more ammunition when it comes to Addison. The limited amount of time we have together has been dwindling. My urges are a monster that hasn’t been fed. Our date last night was supposed to be it, consummating all I am with her. That fell fucking flat. Now she’s untouchable for twelve hours. I had to take matters into my own hand, quite literally. My patience is a fraying rope, and I feel like the asshole Trey is accusing me of being.

Trey’s features tighten. “Fuck, we’re all feeling that added pressure. Holi-Daze will be here soon. It’s gonna get worse before it gets better.”

I grin and cover it with an exaggerated yawn, hiding the reaction that goes against my words. I’m actually looking forward to the winter festival this year. After rolling my neck, I say, “Yup. That’s what I mean.”

Trey scrubs over his mouth. “You know the best cure?”

“Exercise?” I guess.

He steeples his fingers. “More specifically, getting laid.”

“Oh,” I mumble stupidly.

Trey tilts his head, picking up on my flat tone. “Addison isn’t giving you the goodies?”

Mitch chokes on his drink, and I bang a fist on the table. “Shut up, Sollons. Don’t talk about her like that.” Placing any blame on her leaves a bitter bite in my gut.

He just rolls his eyes. “Take a fucking chill pill. Honestly, you’re worse than Raven on the rag. What’s got your briefs in a bunch this time?”

“Let’s drop it,” I demand.

Trey squints at me. “Need some pointers? I can recommend a few moves.”

I chug some beer to keep myself from agreeing. It’s so fucking juvenile to admit I’ve never had a girlfriend until now. Most days, I feel decades behind these two with plenty of experience. If I’m honest with Trey, he’ll laugh in my face.

“Just loosen up. She’ll come around eventually. Look at how much progress you’ve already made,” Trey points out.

“I think you’ve got it backwards,” Mitch tells him, and I glower.

Trey motions him on. “Well, spit it out. Apparently we’re here for moral support or some shit. Might as well make it interesting.”

Mitch shrugs and gestures to me. “Your story.”

Ah, fuck it. Why not?

“We haven’t had sex yet,” I mutter under my breath.

Trey almost falls off his chair. “What was that?” He scoots closer.

“We’ve been... waiting for the right time,” I say.

“You gotta make a big move, dude,” Mitch offers.

I cross my arms. “Don’t you think I’ve tried? Addison wants to be sure. I mean, we both do.”

Trey snorts. “She nervous about popping your cherry?”

I don’t respond, keeping my expression neutral, but his assumption is dead-on. I have zero attachment to my virginity, at least since meeting Addison. She gets all of me, and I’m ready to tear her clothes into shreds.

Mitch makes a noise of agreement. “Chicks are weird about that shit. What’s the big deal, right?”

Trey snorts. “Too romantic at heart, the lot of them.” He studies me and says, “I’m almost impressed you lasted until twenty-five. Not really sure how that’s possible. And I also feel really bad for your dick. You moved to Garden Grove two years ago? In all that time, I never saw you out with any girls. Makes it pretty damn obvious you’re a one-woman kind of guy. No offense... Nah, scratch that, you can be offended. I’ll be the first in line to congratulate you after it happens.”

I want to bang my head against the table. “Why are we still talking about this?”

“Because we’re fucking bonding, rookie. Grit your teeth and deal with it,” Trey mutters.

I’ve never hated that nickname until this moment. My skin is tight and itchy. I need a kiss from Addison to take the edge off. She’s at the server station loading up her tray with drinks. Some douchebag is hovering nearby, watching her, probably hoping to get a moment of her precious time.

Addison tips her head back and laughs. The guy keeps staring, captivated by the sound. I recognize the expression covering his face. Hell, I wear the same look of stunned wonder almost constantly. He reaches for her, looping an arm around her slim waist. Addison tries side-stepping out of his hold, but he tugs and she falls into him.

Bold fucking bastard. That was a big mistake.

A brick of dynamite detonates and I jump to my feet. The stool crashes to the floor, but I barely hear it over the roaring in my ears. That’s the fucking line, and he just steamrolled over it.

I storm toward them, one goal in mind. No one else gets to touch her that way. I’m the one to make her laugh and blush and fidget. That’s my job. Addison is my girl. The list bangs into me with each pounding footfall.

She’s escaped his grabby palms when I arrive in front of them. Addison notices me first, eyes wide, and shakes her head.

“Rooks, I’m fine—”

I don’t let her say more. I haul her against me, staking my claim like the caveman I’ve turned into. “It’s most certainly not fine,” I rumble dangerously low, my glare centered on the moron who put his paws all over her.

He holds up his hands. “Yeah, man. She already told me off. Didn’t mean any trouble.” Before I can argue, the stranger disappears into the crowd.

Addison’s startled gaze meets mine. “Shane, what the hell? We discussed this exact thing not even—”

“We’re going home,” I interrupt.

Her brow furrows. “I’m in the middle of a—”

“Doesn’t matter. We’re taking care of this right the fuck now.” Then my lips are on hers, drowning the rest of her resistance. Addison melts against me, opening for me like a blooming rose. Her immediate surrender gets me harder than a steel pipe, and I groan out loud. Sharp nails bite into my back, her rough handling solidifying my decision.  

I rip away from Addison’s mouth and smirk when she dives back for more. Instead of giving in, I hoist her over my shoulder in one swift move. She squeaks and begins protesting, but her weak murmurs get swallowed by the rowdy patrons.

I spank her lightly. “This ass is mine,” I say loud enough for her to hear.

She shivers and exhales a breathy, “Oh, my.”

My chest shakes with a rumble. “Is that a yes?”

Addison nods quickly. “Uh-huh.”

“That’s my girl.” I kiss her blazing cheek.

I rush to the door like my feet are on fire, Addison secured in the fireman’s hold. Hoots and hollers ring out behind us, but Trey’s are the loudest. “About damn time, rookie. Go get some.”

In-fucking-deed.