Page 22 of Rough and Rugged
“If you think anything about me is typical, then you’re in for a surprise,” I grumbled, pulling into the bar parking lot. I had to remove my hand, making me irrationally angry at the steering wheel.
“Oooh, what made you extra grumbly just then?” I glared over at him, lifting a brow. He smiled, words falling out of his mouth faster than I could digest. “Screw the rules. I’m Asher, a thirty-five year old whose boyfriend cheated on him two months ago, but no matter how much I try, I can’t escape him. So, I’ve fled to my hometown, hoping to escape him, and you look like the perfect way to do just that.”
Who would cheat onhim? Idiot.
“Great, now I brokeyou.” Asher laughed, but it was tinged with nervousness, and I already missed the brightness from before.
Asher. I couldn’t wait to shout it later.
I kept staring, my thoughts racing as fast as his words. He had an air of familiarity, but I brushed it aside, too eager to take him in. Asher bit his lip, tapped his fingers on his thigh, and searched my eyes. I hated seeing him unsure, which seemed the key to jump-starting me into action.
I needed to make him smile again. The urge was all-consuming.
I shoved the keys into my jeans and twisted as much as the tight space allowed. I clamped my hand on his knee, squeezing it before I traveled higher. His nervous movements stopped, his throat bobbing as he swallowed and zeroed in on me with deadly precision. I wrapped my other hand at his nape and pulled him closer until our foreheads met.
The green in his eyes was magnified this close, shifting from emerald to the dark evergreen I loved. They swirled so fast with emotions and promises that I couldn’t grasp one before it slipped through my fingers. Asher appeared so confident that seeing this gorgeous man doubt himself was disarming. His ex did a number on him, and a part of me wanted to track him down and make him pay for hurting Dimples. But the selfish and possessive part of me didn’t want that asshole to be reminded how great this man was, so I curbed thoughts of disembowelment. For now.
“Everett, thirty-seven, and I hope your plans for tomorrow were lying in bed because when I’m through with you, not only will you be ruined for anyone else, you won’t be able to walk without the reminder of me owning your ass.”
True to his word, Asher’s eyes dilated, and a whimper passed his lips. “Yes. Yes. Yes. To all that. All the yeses. Right now. I’m saying it.”
I gripped his chin. “Consent isn’t a blanket thing. You always have the choice to say no at any point. Understand, Dimples?”
A shudder ran through his body, lighting me up on the inside. “Yes, Dad—”
“No.” I narrowed my eyes and he smirked, licking his pouty lips, and I knew I’d never get them out of my head.
“I understand, Everett.”
This time, I was the one to shudder as something clicked inside when he said my name for the first time. Lust and logic battled, but I pushed it aside, too focused on remembering why it was a bad idea to fuck him against my truck.
Smoothing my hand down his throat, I cupped his neck and pressed our mouths together in a soft kiss. Tingles danced across my skin, and my heart skipped like a rock dancing across a pond.
“Come on. I promised you mediocre music and overpriced drinks, and I’m a man of my word. If we don’t get out of here, I’m liable to lose all sense of reason.”
With Herculean effort, I pulled back after pressing a lingering kiss on his lips. I sucked in some air, but it was all him, so it did nothing to quell the raging boner in my jeans.
“Damn, Lumbergrump.” Asher chuckled, smoothing his hands down his pants and shifting his erection. “You’re good for one’s ego.” He lifted his head, his smile back in place, filling the cab with lightness.
I returned the gesture without question. It felt good to share it with him like it was our secret. I rounded the front and took Asher’s hand, pulling him toward the bar. He chuckled, and I smiled again, loving how easily he found delight in things. I pulled out my wallet and shoved two twenties at the man guarding the door, ignoring Asher’s protest behind me. I wanted it to be clear he was with me so there was no confusion about who he’d be going home with tonight.
“Drink or dance first?” I asked, lifting a brow when I caught him staring at my ass.
“What? You’re the only one who can check out butts?” he challenged, stepping in front of me and dragging me to the bar. He braced his arms on the top, waving to capture the bartender’s attention. I pressed myself into his backside, wrapping my arms around him, and bent to whisper in his ear.
“You can look at my ass all you want, Dimples. I’ll even give you your own viewing party. All you have to do is ask.”
He trembled, his breath hitching as I nipped the spot behind his ear. A throat clearing followed by a chuckle pulled our attention, reminding me we weren’t alone. The bartender stood with an all-knowing grin. “What can I get you two lovebirds?”
“Water and your most expensive drink. Grumpy Bear here said he was treating me,” Asher teased while thrusting his ass back into my very hard cock. I groaned, my eyes fluttering closed as I tried to rein in my arousal. I refused to come in my pants like an inexperienced teenager.
The bartender snorted, and I opened my eyes to see him nod at Asher. A look of interest flashed across his face before he lifted his eyes to mine. “And for you, Grumpy Bear?”
I narrowed my eyes. Only Asher could get away with calling me that, and he was mine, so the bartender needed to back off. “Whatever you have on tap.” I kissed Asher’s neck, keeping my eyes locked with the bartender’s.
“Got it.” He laughed again, moving on to fill our requests.
“Look at you being all toppy.” Asher turned in my arms. His hands smoothed over my chest, reminding me how he’d done it back in Applewood. That kiss seemed so long ago now, before I’d even known him.