Ellie
December 23, 2013
Tonight we’re having a little get together at Muncy’s Pub to celebrate Rhea’s birthday, leaving her husband and her to celebrate it on their own tomorrow without interruptions from friends. Chelsi and Jude are out in my living room, laughing and chatting away while I’m back here in my bedroom, trying to psych myself up because I know Bobby will be there tonight.
It’s been three days since he’s been back and I’ve tried to dodge him the best I can. I just can’t find the strength to talk, hell, even think about him without crying and I’m tearing up now as I try to apply a little makeup. The only trace I’ve seen of him is his truck parked in the driveway of the home he’s purchased, and his form in the front window as I dropped Jack off the other day from our breakfast.
Jack, my loving big brother—hell, I give him points for trying to talk to me about Bobby, but at one point in our conversation as we sat in the small diner in town, I screamed at him out of frustration to just stop. People looked our way, but God bless Janice Ludwell’s heart; she shushed their whispering and told them to mind their own business. He didn’t bring Bobby up once after that and we had spent the entire day together, just walking around town as it snowed lightly. He’s been all over the world numerous times, but he’s still the same Jacky that I remember; funny as hell, humble-yet cocky, and loving. It’s good to have him back.
“Ell? You almost ready?” Jude’s deep voice echoes off the old walls of my trailer, shocking me from my musing and I snap back to reality, seeing the tears lining my lashes and I fight them away with a shake of my head. Before I know it, his muscular, always tan, tattooed figure is leaning against my door jam in jeans and a worn out Lynyrd Skynyrd tee, his arms crossed over his chest making his muscles bulge. “Are you okay?” he asks quietly, looking from the tears now streaming down my cheeks to my shaking hands and I give him a strained smile, nodding slowly. Jude’s dark eyes wash over me, and his concern makes me more nervous about seeing Bobby. So I look to my shoes, focusing in on wiping some invisible spots away from my boots.
“Ellie Mae…” he drags out my name, plopping down on the bed next to me and throwing his arm around my shoulders. “Ya know you’re gonna have to talk to him sooner or later, so why drag it out?”
“It’s jus’…too hard,” I say on a sigh, sinking my head onto his shoulder and accepting the one armed hug.
“Yeah, but…it’s not gonna go away,” he says, shaking me a bit and making me stand with him. He squares me with him, gripping my shoulders for a second before rubbing his thumbs over my cheeks, brushing the tears away. “Alright! Enough of this…let’s go have some beers and celebrate Rhea’s birthday.” I can’t help but smile when he makes a funny face at me and I slap him in the chest, grabbing my sweatshirt and following him into the living room.
I can tell when Chelsi notices my red eyes and she grabs my hand, throwing my purse over her shoulder and locking up for me. “It’ll be alright,” she says, giving me a one armed hug before she slides into the back of Jude’s sports car. “The words will come when they are needed.” She gives me a smile, but right now, I don’t believe her.
Right now, I don’t feel as if I’ll ever be ready to talk to Bobby, the tightness in my chest growing by the second as Jude speeds toward town. I know, I’m acting like a pissed off teenager, but hell…I just don’t know how to say all of the things that I want to or need to without them coming out wrong.
Pulling into Muncy’s parking lot, I finally notice that I’m twisting the corner of my sweatshirt, and release it with wiping my sweaty palms on my jeans. His truck, his muted red, lifted up, rusty-in-some-spots truck is sitting right there, not five cars down right next to Chad’s bright red one. I take a deep breath and step out into the crisp, dusk air, meeting Chelsi and Jude already ten steps ahead of me.
The party atmosphere that hits me when Jude pulls the heavy wooden door open automatically makes me smile. The loud country music coming from the jukebox, the yummy smells of burgers and fries, and of course the laughter and shouts of all my cousin’s friends that are filling the bar. And I mean filling the bar; we have to wind our way through the crowds of standing and sitting patrons, around the tables and past the booths, finding Rhea and Chad standing near the bar with a bundled up Charlie in Dana’s arms.
“Elwie!” he squeals, reaching out for me and clearing away any anxiety or worry that has clouded my mind, replacing it with sticky, lovey, toddler goodness in a second as I take him from his grandmother. He hugs his little arms and legs around my body and I squeeze him tight, making him giggle loudly and Chad eggs him on with some tickles.
“Alright, lil’ guy,” Dana says to him, holding her arms out and when he shakes his head no, she gives him a pout. The little man can’t resist the pout from his mother or grandmother and he immediately reaches for her; Dana’s smile lighting up the entire room almost. She reminds me of my mom, and Rhea says the same about hers, and I am glad that she accepted me with all of my faults and secrets. “It’s good to see ya, Ellie Mae,” she says, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek that I reciprocate.
“Alright, Mama,” Chad laughs, pulling my attention as he wraps his wife in a tight hug, “leave us be so we can get all drunk ‘n rowdy.” The smart smirk that finds his lips makes everyone within a few feet of our group laugh and Dana slaps him on the arm, before kissing his cheek and Rhea’s. Watching her walk out, it seems like everyone in the entire bar says a goodbye or ‘see ya later’ to Dana Payne, drawing my attention to a booth near the jukebox; under the twelve point white tail buck that Chad shot this past fall.
Bobby’s laugh mingles with my older brother’s, seeming to travel all the way across the crowded room and squeeze my heart, taking my breath away. He’s sitting on the outside of the booth, his jean clad legs stretched out and taking up a lot of the space with his height; his worn out work boots sticking out into the walkway. Austin French, my brother, and Elliot Uclid are crammed into the booth with him, all laughing away, and I have to turn away. His smile and slight five o’clock shadow are too much for my heart and mind to take.
Spinning back around, I am immediately pulled into a half hug by my cousin, easing my mind a little, and I wrap my arm around her waist. “Seems like all the town is here!” I have to shout because a new song is blaring into the sound system, pumping Dierks Bentley all throughout the place.
“Yeah, it’s great seeing everyone in one place.” She smiles, nodding to the different groups of people. “You don’t really notice how much time slips by when you don’t see someone ‘cuz life just takes precedence.” I agree with her statement, following her nod to a booth that houses Jesse Ludwell, Duke Orr’s cousin, and his new wife; Holly Unger. Yup, after being shocked to the core by what Duke did to Rhea, Jesse and Holly both took it hard, but they eventually found each other and tied the knot not three weeks ago. Plus, as Holly shifts in the booth, I see her very pregnant belly.
“Life works in funny ways,” I say, seeing Rhea’s smile and laughing lightly with her as she turns back to the bar.
“Yes it does,” she agrees, squeezing my shoulders and kissing me on the cheek. I know she’s trying to tell me something, but Brad catches my attention before I let the hidden meaning of her words sink in.
“Hey, girlie.” He smiles and winks, his dark hair getting longer each time I see him. Now it’s slicked back with gel, making him look a little like a young Elvis, and his stare reaches over my head as he signals to someone in the room. “Wanna do me a favor?” His eyebrow raises and I can’t say no to him. I nod and his grin grows, making me laugh to myself as he reaches across the bar and slaps me on the cheek lightly.
“Take this over to Jesse and Holly’s booth, would ya?” He pushes a tray with two cups of coffee, a cup of hot cocoa, and a bowl of chowder across the bar top toward me and I pick it up without second thought, balancing it on my shoulder and weaving through the room. I’ve helped the bar out more than once with Rhea and Kendall, so when some of the locals see me with the tray, they signal for refills and I nod my acknowledgement.
“Hey guys,” I say with a smile, shocked with the bright ones I get in return. Jesse and Holly had never been the social butterflies since I’ve been around, and the whole Duke thing, but in the last couple of months they’ve been around more and it’s great to see them healing with each other. Well, hell…if that isn’t a sign I don’t know what is, but I shake it away and return my attention to their smiles. “Here is your stuff. Do you think ya need anythin’ else?”
Holly almost snatches the cocoa out of my hand and takes a deep breath, the happy little grin on her face telling me that she was having a craving for it. It makes me giggle and I look to Holly’s mother, seeing her shake her head along with Jesse as he pushes the bowl of soup toward his wife; his arm thrown over the back of the booth and around her shoulders.
“We’re fine. Thanks, Ellie.” Holly grins, her eyes telling me that she really is happy and I tuck the tray under my arm, heading back for the bar when a shrill whistle fills the bar. I know who it belongs to, but I’m not stopping or turning to see what my brother wants. He can get another waitress.
I fill the next couple of hours with helping Brad and his waitresses serve the people, ignoring Bobby’s table every chance I get, and sitting and eating with my cousin and friends. I’m laughing away with Rhea and Rosa at some of their stories about their kids when a pair of work roughened hands slip around my waist, pulling me to my feet and spinning me to face those familiar green eyes, lined by the scar.
“Hey girlie, wanna dance?” Garth’s smile and wink are just as irresistible as his boyfriend, Brad’s, and I nod as he grabs my hand leading me out onto the dance floor dotted with other patrons. The last few verses of Luke Bryan’s ‘Country Girl’ are pumping through the speakers and Garth spins me fast a few times, crossing my arms over my chest and leading me into a full spin around his stationary spot, making me laugh as the love of dancing fills me immediately. If I had to have one guy ask me to dance I’d always want it to be Garth, because he’s an awesome partner.
Luke Bryan fades and Garth pulls me into him, taking my hand and settling for a classic two-step in the silence. More than a few hollers and yips fill the air and I know a good song is coming. Sure enough, the first few beats of Jason Aldean’s ‘My Kinda Party’ fills the air and Garth picks up his pace, leading us around the dance floor as the other couples join in. He pushes me out, spins me and pulls me back in, never losing a step as we make our circle; the lights playing off the darkened walls.
“Comin’ in hot, Mr. Walters!” he shouts to the older couple dancing at a slower pace and they step in closer to the center of our circle, to avoid a collision, and I smile at Mrs. Walters. I don’t miss it as she pinches Garth in the butt when we pass and neither does her husband, but he just smiles and shakes his head, tipping his hat as Garth and I both laugh.
“Ready, Ellie?” Garth smirks at me and I know he’s planning to put on a show when the beat picks up again with the chorus. I just scoff at him. Really? He’s asking if I’m ready! The chorus kicks on and sure enough, Garth pulls my hands above my head and guides me into a fast spin, stopping it and pulling me in with our arms out to our sides, then out and sliding our arms over our shoulders, grabbing my right hand and spinning me again, this time back into his arms so my back is at his chest.
I can just see the onlookers lining the floor as the other couples spin and two-step, but Garth isn’t satisfied with their cheering and clapping, oh no. He likes the attention and he pulls me in for a few lifts, tossing me from one hip to the other, then having me wrap my legs around his waist as he lets go of my torso so I dip. He pulls me up and I unwrap my legs to a perfect dismount and another long spin as we rotate along the floor.
He’s laughing with me as we settle for a fast two-step, trying to catch our breath and doing lazy spins. Other couples dancing around us say how they liked the show, the guys slapping Garth on the back and the girls asking for the next dance.
“You’re gettin’ good, cowboy,” I joke, hitting him in the shoulder when he pulls me in from a slow spin and his green eyes light up. As I look at him, his expression changes to slight confusion right before hands grab my waist, pulling me from his arms and spinning me around.
Looking up…up…into familiar hazel eyes, I see the aggravated look on his face. He doesn’t waste a second before he bends over, throwing me over his shoulder and lifting me from my feet. I’m shocked at first, but I start to kick and yell when I see he’s headed for the door.
“Bobby Timmons! Put. Me. Down!” I’m kicking my feet, but he has his arm over the back of my knees, making my fight futile. I try to grab for someone to help me, but they all act like there is nothing happening, even Jude and Chelsi just sit at the bar, shrugging their shoulders when I yell for them.
“Stop fussin’,” he yells over the now booming noise of the bar, weaving us through the people that are not helping me. I hit him in the back a few times but stop when a hard spank meets my ass, making it sting, and a loud squeal leaves my lips. I’m not going to lie, the chuckle that flows from Bobby does make my heart skip, but I don’t like this.
“Yeah, stop yellin’ an’ screamin’, lil’ sister.” That familiar chuckle fills the space around me and I brace myself against Bobby’s back, looking up to see my brother and Austin French smiling at me. Damn them. I flip them off, but they just laugh some more. “Don’t keep her out too late, now, ya hear?” Jack looks from me with a raised eyebrow, but the smirk kills the seriousness and I look over my shoulder to see Bobby nod, his hand patting my ass again and I struggle, trying to kick him but failing and falling back against his back.
“Oh don’t worry, Ellie girl,” Austin’s smooth voice comes over me, catching my attention and I look up into his blue eyes. “I’ll keep your pretty blonde friend company. No need to worry ‘bout her.” He waggles his eyebrows and motions over his shoulder to Chelsi. I just shake my head again and let it fall as Bobby carries me toward the door, stopping only to pull our jackets from the deer antlers on the wall.
The chill of the night air and the crunch of his boots in the gravel breaks the silence between us and when I hear the creak of his truck door, I’m pulled from his shoulder and gently set on my feet. He’s only illuminated a little by the outside and street lights, but his eyes still burn a path to my heart, squeezing and pulling, making me want to break down already.
“What do you think your doin’?” I ask angrily as he holds my jacket out to me. I snatch it from his hand, pulling it on to stay off the chilly air. He gives me that wicked grin and I almost return it, then remember that he just pulled me from a packed bar Tarzan style.
“We’re goin’ to talk. I’m done with the shit,” he says plainly, motioning for me to get in. I refuse and stand my ground, shaking my head when he nods again for me to slide into the truck. His hand firmly, but gently, wraps around my upper arm and I step up on the rail, getting into the Chevy but not without a huff.
My anxiety builds and my heart is racing, but I’m trying to hide it. I have to hold it together as much as I can.
~~~~
Bobby
Ever since she walked in the door and totally ignored me I couldn’t keep from watching her. Keeping my eyes on her while trying to act like I’m in on the conversations with the guys—yeah, wasn’t easy. Hearing her laugh through the other noise made my chest hurt and my legs shake, and French yelled at me more than once, even kicked me in my prosthetic, telling me to stop.
Yeah, they all knew I would be on edge in her presence, Elliot and Jack having dealt with my non-stop working out and silence for the last three days and nights. I tried to give her the space I thought she wanted, but seeing her out there dancing, knowing it should’ve been me as her partner, I just couldn’t take it anymore.
So that brings us to now, thundering through the parking lot and down the street. She’s sitting there with her arms crossed over her chest, an angry look on her pretty face, but I need to talk to her. I can’t put it off any longer.
“Where are we goin’?” she grinds out, and I see the peek she gives me from the corner of my eye. She huffs more and shifts, throwing her elbow onto the arm rest on the door and facing the window, her warm breath fogging the cold window.
“To the car wash,” I reply, not hiding the smile that breaks out as she snorts out an unbelieving laugh. I see the look she’s giving me in the corner of my eye, but when I turn to look at her real fast she turns away and it hurts more than a little. Is she that mad that she can’t look at me?
“Why the hell are we goin’ to the car wash?” She giggles incredulously, shifting and leaning more on the door than before, throwing one of her boots up against the glove box knowing that I hate when she does it. Bare feet is one thing, but leaving dirty show prints on the dash of my truck is not cool. I don’t miss the small smile that flashes across those perfect lips when I lean over and grab the tip of her boot, picking her foot up and off, letting it fall to the floorboard. “I’m not helpin’ ya wash this hunk of junk, if that’s what ya want!”
At a stop sign, I turn and face her finally, catching her off guard and she doesn’t turn away. Her eyebrow rises even more and she crosses her arms over her chest again, giving me that sass that I love too much. I just shake my head at her, getting her to ask me what I’m smiling at, but I just keep my eyes on the road until we’re in the only car wash in town. The lights are super bright, but I pull it into one of the stalls, throwing it in park and shutting it off; the radio being the only noise for a few long moments.
“Well, what are ya waitin’ for? Ya gonna get out and wash this rust bucket or jus’ sit there?” she says angrily, but I just chuckle to myself, making her even more annoyed. She sighs heavily and her leg is bouncing up and down rapidly, telling me she’s nervous as all hell.
“I’m not washin’ the truck, Ellie Mae,” I finally get out, my hands still gripping the steering wheel and squeezing it tight as I fight the urge to just grab her and shake her, telling her to snap out of it. I sink back against the bench seat and throw my hands behind my head, taking a deep breath. “I wanna talk…I mean, really talk.”
The moments that stretch on between us after I say that are excruciating. The radio is low, but I hear her ragged breathing over it. It sounds like she’s fighting with herself. This pain in my chest is growing by the second and I finally hear her sniffle, then sigh; her hand coming up and wiping at her cheek.
“Sweetheart,” I whisper, reaching out to her. But she just puts her hand up. I can see the tears streaming down her cheeks, that are now red, and the mascara running right along with it streaking her pale skin. “Please, Sweetheart…stop cryin’.”
“Bobby…” she sobs and I know her voice is trying to fight the squeezing on her throat, the same that’s around my heart as she faces me. God damn it, I didn’t want to make her cry, that’s the last thing I wanted so I reach out to her again, hoping she’ll take my hand. She looks at it, resting on the seat before her then looks back up to me, sniffling some more. “Bobby….I’m…I’m sorry.”
When she reaches out hesitantly, wrapping her fingers around mine, I’m done for. The warmth that seems to flow through me from her touch sears me to the core, and I have to take a deep breath to reel in my heartbeat. Looking at our fingers, I nod my head, letting everything that has passed between us out in the open for the last time.
~~~~
Ellie
I can’t hold it together anymore, especially when he calls me Sweetheart. Damn it! Damn that look he has on his face and damn these tears running down my cheeks. Looking to his fingers joined with mine, I let the feeling sink in. I’ve missed it. I just wish I could be a little stronger.
“Sweetheart…I’m sorry, too,” he says on a breath, tugging on my hand causing me to look up at him. I can see the hurt written all over his face, the deep crease in his brow making me want to smooth it out. “I…damn it. I shouldn’t have left like that.” He shakes his head, squeezing my hand and it breaks my heart a little more.
Trying to make it so that I can talk without too much gasping and sobbing, I turn toward him and wipe my free hand across my cheeks. “I shouldn’t have lied to you.” He nods slightly, but I’m not satisfied with my confession. “I should have tol’ you ‘bout the stripping, and the abortion.” The words come out like poison, but after they pass my lips, I feel better. It’s like there is a weight lifted off of me and I take a deep breath. “I especially should’ve tol’ you ‘bout the night with Brad and Garth, but I just….I…” I can’t continue as the emotion takes over again and I fall victim to a heavy sob that wracks my body, causing me to fall over on the seat and give into it.
I cry, not caring anymore, just letting it all out. I’m face down in the seat, my knees up to my chest, when I feel his hands rub over my back and grip my waist on either side. He pulls me up and into his arms and I don’t fight him, letting my head fall onto his shoulder as my hands cover my face from his sight.
“I’m so sorry,” I get out in a hiccup, burying my face into his neck as his arms hold me tight, cradled in his lap. I wish I could take it all back, but this is life and not a movie, so all I have left is to apologize. I grip his jacket as if I can pull myself any closer to him and his hands rub up and down my back, arms, and legs. “I’m jus’ so sorry,” I whisper again, feeling his lips on my forehead ever so lightly.
“I’m sorry, too, Sweetheart.” His lips move against my skin, warming it and sending tingles deep down into my heart like no one has ever done before and I’m reminded why I need this man. His arms squeeze me tighter and I can feel him tense, his heartbeat just under his shirt beneath my fingertips and I want so much to reach under it and feel his muscles bunch and flex with my touch. I wipe my hand across my face again and bury my face in his neck, my nose just below his left ear; breathing the unique smell that is Bobby in with every breath. His cologne is only faint on his body and that’s alright with me; his masculine scent is enough to calm my heartbeat so that I can catch my breath and stop sniffling.
“I’m so fuckin’ sorry for leavin’, Ellie,” he says, his chin resting in my hair as his arms tighten around me again. I can feel his jaw working and can hear his teeth grinding as he says, “I’m a coward for doin’ it and I’ll never be able to apologize enough.”
I let go of his jacket with my left hand and snake it up over his shoulder, taking my time while running my fingertips over the material, ending with my touch just on his neck; unsure of whether or not I should do this. What’s that old saying? ‘If you love something, let it go. If it comes back than it was meant to be?’ or some shit like that? Yeah, I’m going with that right now and going with my heart. Fuck the depression and fuck the demons; I know what I want and I’m sitting in his lap.
“Sweetheart…I’m jus’ so…” I stop him when I run my hand up his neck, across his chin, and place my fingers on his lips. Those damn lips, they catch my stare for more than a second as my breathing spikes and my heart races. I know I must look like crap, but wiping my other hand over my face and back through my hair, I lean closer to him; feeling his warm breath on my skin as his eyes roam shamelessly over me.
“Say it again,” I beg, removing my fingers from his lips and locking my eyes on his as I shift in his lap, begging him with every ounce of my body to kiss me. It’s all I need right now.
That cocky as hell-sexy ass smirk lifts up one corner of his mouth as one of his hands makes its way slowly, painstakingly so, up my back. “Say what, Ellie Mae?” he whispers, running his nose along mine, teasing me. My heart is thundering in my chest and I know he can feel it when his hand rests between my shoulder blades. He knows what I want him to say and he knows how it gets to me every time.
I move my fingers up, under the edge of his knit hat, along his hairline then down his jaw and back up; my touch just as light as a feather. I can feel how it affects him beneath my ass and it makes me blush. “Call me it again,” I beg again, my chest bumping into his as I shift again; this time straddling him and I love the surprise in his look.
His head leans back and he’s laughing, chuckling even, at me. What the hell is he laughing at? But before I have the chance to get mad, the hand that was between my shoulder blades is gently, but commandingly, gripping the back of my neck; his thumb and fingers just underneath my ears. His nose runs along mine, his lips brushing mine only for a split second and I’m his prisoner; happily so trapped in this truck cab with him.
“My… Sweetheart,” he whispers the name I love and I don’t hold it in anymore. I grip his face and slam my lips into his, hearing him grunt in reply. It’s so familiar, the feel and taste of his lips against mine as they slowly move in sync at first. He’s holding back, his hand still gripped at the back of my neck as if he doesn’t know that I want him to touch me. I don’t want him to hold back and I lean into him, up on my knees so that my body arches into his and I can’t hold in the giggle of my reaction at the smile that caresses his lips pressed to mine.
My fingers rake over the back of his head, pushing his knit hat up and off as his hand on the small of my back moves down and over my jean covered ass; not skipping a beat in gripping each cheek and making me squeal when he bites my bottom lip. He’s still grinning into our kiss as I make him lean his head back, his other hand gripping into my hair and pulling it slightly; the tension of it running through me like lightning and setting my body on fire even further than it is. This is Bobby, he just does something to me and I fucking love it. When my fingers tug at his hair his hand moves from mine to grip the back of my neck again, gentle but demanding, applying only a tiny bit of pressure but my limbs feel like going slack at the action and I sink into his kiss letting him claim my lips.
“God, I missed you, Sweetheart,” he mumbles against my lips as he shifts beneath me and when his rock hard, trapped in his jeans, erection brushes the inside of my thigh, my body shakes in anticipation and need. I know he felt it and as he bites my lip, soothing it with his tongue and pulling my face tight to his, the hand on my butt moves around to my belly; lifting my jacket and shirt seeking the button and zipper of my jeans. Before I even have time to take my lips from his, the button and zipper are open and his hand is diving in, making me squeal both in delight and surprise. He holds my mouth to his, mumbling an apology as his cold fingers brush my clit, immediately sending an uncontrollable tremor through my legs. One touch, that’s all it takes.
“Are we really doin’ this right here, Bobby?” I gasp against his lips, pulling at his jacket buttons, practically ripping it apart and running my hands under his shirt and up his chest. Eh, what the heck? In a truck, in a bed; I’ll go anywhere with this man right now.
“Would you rather go back to the bar and wait till the party is over? Because you know once you’re under my roof you ain’t leavin’ anytime soon.” That Georgia drawl smoothes over me and I can’t take it anymore. Taking my time, tracing the lines of his pecs and abs, I land on the waistband of his jeans; my lips never leaving his as our breathing is hot and heavy.
Just as my fingers push the button free the familiar ‘Whoop-Whoop’ warning siren of a cop car echoes through the cab and I freeze. My mind can’t help but replay some of my horrible marriage and feed into my fear of law enforcement. The way Jake used to use his position to keep tabs on me, even follow me as I did errands around town. Yeah, I’ll admit it, I still look over my shoulder twice when I see any kind of cop car. Bobby tenses for a second, but as the crackle of a speaker rings through the air, I recognize the voice as local Deputy John Kenny.
“Bobby Timmons! Ellie Mae! Take your asses home before I get out of this squad car and hose ya both down!” he shouts into the microphone, his message edged with laughter and I can hear whom I guess is his partner laughing in the background and pick up my head, seeing their car right behind Bobby’s truck. They flash the lights real fast and sound the sirens, making me breakout in a giggle. Bobby sighs heavily, grunting a little as he leans us forward to wave out his window. “Make sure you wipe down those windows so ya don’t run into nothin’ on your way home!” the Deputy shouts again, then I watch as his car backs away, turning and heading back toward town.
Bobby takes his hand from my jeans slowly, to my dismay, and I sag into his chest as he holds me, kissing the top of my head. “You know, Chad prolly called them on us, right?” He chuckles lightly and I pick my face up to look at him. He’s smiling, shaking his head before he captures my face and kisses me, and taking my breath away again. “I don’t know how he knew where we were, but damn it, I know Chief sicked him on us.”
He pulls our foreheads together, kissing the tip of my nose. “Back to the party then?” I ask, sighing heavily and sliding off his lap. I lean my hips up with my feet pressed against his thigh to readjust my jeans and he’s watching me the entire time; his stare setting me on fire.
“Hell no!” he basically growls, starting the truck up and squealing his tires out of the carwash. “Do you think Rhea will really mind if we blow the rest so that I can have my way with you?” His eyebrows waggle and I can’t help but laugh, shaking my head at him and quickly sending my cousin a message telling her that I’m with Bobby and I’ll call her tomorrow. Her reply is only a second later and it’s only a winking smiley face. Yup, she knows what we’ll be doing; hell, she’ll be doing plenty of it herself tonight since Dana is babysitting for them.
Tossing my phone down into my purse, I slide over next to Bobby, ignoring him as he starts to ask what I’m doing and I take his earlobe between my teeth. His slight grunt in return and his arm wrapping around me, squeezing my butt cheek tells me he still likes it, and I soothe the tiny bite with a quick lick; trailing kisses down his cheek, jaw line, and neck, nipping at the part of his collar bone just above his shirt.
He’s holding onto me with one arm and driving with the other as I continue my assault. I know he’s rolling through the stop signs, his hand rubbing my back and running up into my hair, tugging it back when I bite a little too hard. The familiar houses of my cousin’s, now Bobby’s, street pass by around us and his tires squeal into his driveway. He slams it into park, holding onto me for only a second before pulling me onto his lap again, claiming my mouth and exploring me with his tongue.
“Grab your purse,” he orders and I reach blindly over to my seat, feeling for the familiar fabric. Once my fingers are wrapped around the strap, I’m yanked from the cab and I can’t stop the squeal falling from my lips. “Hold on,” he whispers harshly in my ear and my legs wrap around his waist tighter. I throw my arms around his neck and wait until I hear the click of his key in the deadlock to cover his lips with mine, letting go of my purse and not caring where it falls.
His hands are frantically pulling at my clothes, and using my legs for support. I do the same at his shirts, pulling his jacket off and forcing his arms from my body for only a second as I throw that and his shirt to the floor. His lips are latched onto my throat, giving me a hickey when my back hits a wall, forcing what little breath is in my lungs to rush over my lips in a gasp. My legs squeeze him and he grunts into my lips before leaning back, his hazel eyes burning a path over me even in the shadows of his empty house.
I’m burning for him, but he just stands there, looking at me. I trail my hands down his bare chest and he grins at me, brushing just the back of his fingertips against my cheek. God, I want him, now, and I let the need thundering through me fuel a whimper that leaves me and I arch my hips into him, feeling his once again rock hard erection trapped in his jeans. His eyes roll shut for only a second before snapping back open with an evil glint.
“Hands above your head, Sweetheart,” he growls into my ear, kissing me only for a second even though I want more. I hold my hands up, the backs pressed against the cool wall and his naughty little grin reappears, making my heart thunder even faster. My jacket being shed only seconds after he slammed the door shut, Bobby only has to deal with my shirt, tank, and bra, which he makes quick work off leaving me bare with my hands still held high.
“You are more beautiful than ever, Sweetheart,” he whispers and my heart swells for this man. His hands cover mine as he leans in, capturing my lips and pressing his chest into mine, grinding his hips into me and making me moan in need for him. I bite down on his bottom lip, this time not trying to be sexy or playful, but out of need and the rumble that comes from his throat makes my skin vibrate. He pulls me from the wall, walking only a short distance before laying me down on the kitchen table.
My legs still wrapped around his waist, he yanks my shoes off with his hands behind his back, tossing them into the darkness. His hands reach for my waistband and it’s then that I notice the new tattoos joining his pirate ship on his forearm and SEAL Team homage on his upper arm. I stop his hands and sit up, running my fingers over the tribal design across his left pec. He holds my hand there, gripping my chin lightly and tilting my face up.
“Wanna know what it says, Sweetheart?” he whispers, his lips hovering over mine and I nod my head, under his spell and he smiles. “Sacrifice all but love.” I freeze at his words, feeling his hand covering mine on his chest flex and hold it tighter to his skin. I don’t know what to think, or say. Even in the dark I know he can see my confusion and he smiles into my lips. “I’ll sacrifice everything if it means I can have you,” he breathes, leaning over me, laying me back down while his lips move with mine. All this time, all the lies, and this man still loves me? It can’t be.
My fingernails dig into his chest, not believing his words and he releases my lips. “Don’t fight it, Sweetheart; not anymore. No shit, just us. You and me.” His hand presses mine deathly tight to his skin, acting as if he wants to burn my touch onto him. “Ellie and Bobby. A sweetheart and a cocky jackass.” I can’t help but laugh a little at his words and he smiles down at me, kissing my cheek. “What do ya say?”
“I say stop your fuckin’ talkin’ and make love to me, damn it!” I grip his face, not letting him go until he forces me to and that naughty smile is back. He doesn’t waste any more time as his fingers slip into my waist band and my jeans and panties are on the floor in a flash. He steps back out of my reach so my hands fall short of his jeans, coming back when I hear the clang of his belt hit the tiles.
He leans over me, kissing all the way up my body as his fingers work their magic between my legs, but I’m more than ready for him. As he sinks his fingers in, he smiles and groans against my kiss, removing them after only one thrust and replacing them with the head of his shaft. His size will always make me gasp, and as he slowly pushes in, his hands roam my body paying special attention to my breasts; cupping, teasing, and pinching until I’m already teetering on the edge as he seats himself fully.
“My perfect sweetheart,” he whispers over my lips, slowly kissing me as he matches his movement everywhere else. He oh so slowly pulls out and slides back in, stoking the flames and making me arch into him as he hits all the right spots. I don’t want him to go slow, I want him. So, wrapping my arms and legs around him, I show him what I want with pulling him to me, loving the slight pain of his size stretching me forcefully.
He takes the lead and within seconds I’m throwing my head back and screaming his name into the darkness of his empty house, my fingernails digging into his forearms as his fingers dig into my hips, holding me steady to have his way with me. Coming down from that earth shattering orgasm, my vision clears to see him smiling down at me, that naughty look in his eyes as he slows to tease me, building the delicious tension once more.
“Did you miss me?” he asks, thrusting hard so that all I can do is nod, my use of speech obliterated. He laughs, keeping a teasing pace; one of his hands releasing my hip to trail up the middle of my body, over my breasts and neck. His fingertips graze my chin before they grip it, forcing me to look at him. His index finger rolls over my top lip as his thumb lines my bottom and I open, darting my tongue out to just flick it on the pad of his thumb. He laughs again, still holding my chin and asks, “Did. You. Miss. Me?”
“Yes!” I answer on a scream as he thrusts into me again, letting go of my face to grab my hips with both hands again and drive into me. I love it and I want all I can get tonight. As the heat grows, I arch into him, lending him full access and I find myself screaming ‘Yes’ on every thrust as my second climax rolls over me, shaking my limbs. I feel myself milking him and his grip falters, his face falling to my chest as he thrusts hard three more times before biting lightly on my right breast in his release.
It’s a pleasurable pain and I hold his face to my body, both of our breathing hard and unrelenting as we lay there. I’m running my fingers through his hair and I’ve missed the feeling of his breath on my naked body. He turns his face down and trails slow, long kisses over my chest and stomach and I can’t help the tears that fill my eyes. I try to hold in that stupid sniffle, but when it happens, he pulls me up into his arms and I hold him tight. It’s totally dark, but it’s his house, and as he moves with ease I sink my face into his neck letting the tears slip out at their will.
Up the stairs in a bound, I’m bombarded by moonlight when we’re in his bedroom; the large bay window with its curtains open looking out onto the snow covered tree line. He sits us down so that his left leg is still on the floor and holds my face in his hands, rubbing the tears away with his thumbs. This man that can be so cocky, so demanding and Alpha, has the soft side that I love and crave sometimes and I lean into his touch.
“I won’t go back on that promise I made to you again, Sweetheart,” he whispers, kissing me lightly before leaning over and removing his prosthetic and suspension sleeve. There is nothing weird about Bobby’s leg to me. It’s part of him.
“What promise, Bobby?” I whisper, wiping the last tear away and sinking into his side as he lays down beside me, pulling the sheet and comforter up around us.
“To never let you go. I slipped up once, but never again. You’re my sweetheart, and nothing, especially no one, will take me away from you.” His look and words bring back the day at the pond then the day at our spot and my heart beats wildly for him again. I was so broken back then, so much more so than now, and I had given it all to him.
Knowing he’ll keep his promise, I climb on top of him and kiss him, moaning at his touch as it warms my skin again. “I know Bobby,” I whisper between kisses. “I won’t ever let you go, either. Especially not tonight.” I smile into his lips as he grins, squealing as his soft touch turns into demanding tickles and pinches.
“That’s my sweetheart,” he says, rolling me over and hovering over me, that mischievous look glinting in his moonlit eyes as he pulls the sheets up over his head. It’s a good thing my brother isn’t home right now, or that Bobby’s neighbors aren’t really that close, because it seems like Bobby Timmons here wants to take advantage of every second alone.
Hey, I’m not one to complain. My man; he’s back. What more could I ask for?