Page 47 of Whiskey & Honey
“What? Us? What us?”
Chuckling, he reaches for my hair and I know he’s going to push it away from my face. I do it before he can and his hand stops mid-air. He seems a little bummed that I took the task from him.
“Us. You and me. We should probably have the conversation sooner than later.”
“There is no us, Ben.” I drop my chin to my chest and begin to pull my leg away so I’m no longer on his lap, but he stops me. Placing his hands, his very lovely hands, on my thighs, he begins lightly forming circles with his thumbs.
“Yes there is, Piper. The only thing that kept me from making you mine completely was the fact that you are too good for that to happen here in my freezing-cold house on the damn floor.”
No words. I have no words. I lift my chin to look at him. Staring at him speechlessly, he scoots a bit so I am able to remove myself from his lap. This gives Ben time to stand and offer his hand. I put my smaller hand in his and he tugs me up. Still at a loss for words, I look up at him and don’t argue when he kisses me. Gentle at first, he begins to deepen it as I lean in to him. Just as I’m about moan in delight he pulls back and rests is forehead to mine.
“Us, Piper. I can’t go back. I told you that. I like you and want to see where this goes.”
“I … I.” Stuttering, I am unable to complete a thought before he’s kissing me again. His kisses are gentle and full of promise. Not only does he render me unable to argue, but I want nothing more than to live off these kisses. A few more sweeps of his lips across mine, he pulls back to straighten the coat I’m still wearing.
“Let’s get out of here. It’s fucking freezing.”
I laugh and realize that with every word he speaks little puffs of air are visible. I nod and he leads me out of the house, turning off lights as he goes. Not releasing my hand until we reach his truck, I hop up into my seat and he pinches my rear, causing me to yelp and giggle.
“Sorry, I couldn’t resist.”
I only smile and shake my head in response before he closes the door and is taking his place behind the wheel.
“I preferred you over here against me.”
“I think it’s best if I stay over here.”
“Piper.” He says my name so that it draws out enough to sound like a plea.
“Fine, but eyes on the road,” I relent as I slide over to lean against him. I’ll just enjoy these moments until he drops me off at my place. It can’t hurt.
The drive to my apartment is quiet but comfortable. I used to imagine moments just like this with Ben when we were younger. Of course, I was a stealthy crusher. I don’t think anyone ever knew how in love with Bentley Sullivan I was. I went through more notebooks in high school because I doodled hearts, flowers, and “Mrs. Piper Sullivan” all over them instead of using them for their purpose. The one thing I never imagined was a sexual experience with Ben. As a teen my fantasies consisted of nothing more than kissing and maybe a boob grab. Tonight was even more than my adult dreams. We didn’t even have sex and I can’t imagine ever imagine having an orgasm to top the one I just had.
Bentley Sullivan has both fulfilled my greatest teenage fantasy and single handedly ruined me for future men. Fabulous.
Just as I realize that I am destined for mediocre orgasms from this point forward, Ben pulls up to my building and puts his truck into park. I’m about to ask why he’s parked, when he opens his door and, before I can protest, he’s opening my door and smiling at me. Processing, I slide across the seat to the door and accept his hand to step down.
“Do you have a key somewhere I didn’t see on this costume?”
I laugh at that.
“If I did, I’m sure you would have found it. No, I have a spare under my mat.”
Not waiting for the lecture I’m sure to get on safety, I start walking toward my apartment. While I want to say goodnight and thanks for the ride, I know it will be pointless and he’ll follow me to the door. Bentley Sullivan is a gentleman, well unless he has me flat on my back doing wicked things to my body, and will walk me to my door. At the thought of the wicked things he’s done I feel a tug in my lower belly. Damn orgasm ruiner.
I pull my key out from under the mat, but before I can open the door his hand is on mine. “Let me look around first. You never know if someone is lurking inside.”
“So you think a lurker came here knowing I wasn’t home, found my key, let himself in, came back out and placed the key back under the mat and locked the door before hiding in my apartment?”
“Don’t make light, Piper. It could happen.”
He’s completely serious. And adorable. It’s my turn to place my hand to his cheek.
“Don’t worry, Cowboy. I had my neighbor put the key under the mat at midnight. I knew I wouldn’t be home before then. So, it’s only been there about an hour. I think I’m safe.”
“You brat. You let me think it had been there all night.”
Shrugging, I turn the key to open my door. As soon as I step inside I turn to face him as I strip off his jacket. Just as I hold it out to him he walks past me inside. Not less than ten steps in he removes his boots and sets them to the side and walks to the kitchen.