Latte Darling (Darling, #2)

by S.J. Tilly

“Maddie.” I repeat her name, only this time I don’t say it like a question. This is her. It has to be her. Pretty green eyes blink up at me through long dark lashes and she’s… I take a deep inhale. She’s fucking stunning. Beautiful. Perfect. She’s half hidden by the table, and I’m trying hard to avoid staring at the cleavage she has on display. Because if I focus on that for even a second, I’m going to dive in face first. But even if I couldn’t see any of her softly curved body, it wouldn’t matter, because her face captivated me the second I laid eyes on her.

“Speaking of dating…” He taps his finger against the table once more. My heart drops at his words. I forgot all about Brian, the man I was supposed to be meeting tonight. I touch my phone screen and see he’s now several minutes late. “Brian won’t be meeting you tonight.” The big man’s gruff words sound angry. “He won’t be meeting you any night.” My hands close around my glass again, needing something to hold on to. “Is that how you know my name? You know Brian? He sent you here to let me down easy?” I’ve never met Brian, hardly even talked to him, but the sting of his rejection still hits me right in the throat. My teeth bite down on my lower lip for what feels like the hundredth time tonight. This isn’t about me. Brian doesn’t even know me. But no matter how much I tell myself that, it doesn’t make it hurt any less. I finally put myself out there, after all this time, and the first guy I try to meet can’t even show up to tell me he doesn’t want to get to know me. Isn’t that just great?

“Maddie.” His hands squeeze gently around mine. “Baby Doll, look at me.” Slowly, I bring my gaze up to meet his. His head gives the smallest shake, “Don’t you dare be sad over this.” One hand lets go of mine and I watch as he brings it up to my face. The pad of his thumb lightly rubbing against my lower lip. “Stop biting your lip like that. If you hurt yourself over this, I’ll have to go lay a world of hurt on Brian. And I don’t want to do that.” Doing as told, I release my bite, “You don’t?” “No.” “Why not?” I whisper the question. His thumb rubs once more over my now free lip, “Because Brian is my son.”

“That boy can’t remember shit on his own, so I figured he’d probably forget to show up.” He glances around, proving his point. “And it didn’t seem fair to leave a lady here, waiting alone, considering I was the one who took his phone away.” Well, that was hardly the reason I was expecting. “What’d he do to make you mad?” The big man sighs. “He was supposed to be taking this summer college course to make up for one he failed last semester but turns out he’s been fucking off all day instead. Wasting his time and my money and pissing me the fuck off.” I press my lips together to keep from grinning. This guy has gone into full Daddy Bear mode and it’s amazing. If we weren’t in public, and magic was real, I’d morph my clothes into a schoolgirl outfit and climb into his lap. I’ve been skipping classes, too.

Chill, Maddie. You need to freaking chill. Except I can’t chill because he’s staying. Axel, the tall, dark, and so-handsome-I’d-swear-he-was-fictional man is staying. The server starts to walk away, and as Axel turns his head back to face me, I catch the wide-eyed look that the waitress throws my way – a look that says holy shit that man is hot. I raise my brows in a oh my god I know look before she turns away and heads to the bar.

Setting the empty mug down, he tips his chin to me, “You want to get going?” I feel a little bad about bringing the mood down so swiftly, but I appreciate that Axel is a man capable of reading social cues. But really, if my little admission followed by gulping down my fourth drink doesn’t say please rescue me from myself I don’t know what does. Nodding my answer, I slide my chair back. The second I push up to stand, I realize just how much vodka I’ve consumed. Woah, girl. I sway a little. You’re fucking Drunk with a capital D. Then I snicker a little to myself. I wish I was getting some actual D. “You alright?” Axel stands at the same time, stepping in front of me. Following his movement, my gaze moves up. And up. “You’re so big.” My eyes widen. “Oh my god, I’m sorry! I don’t mean big like fat, you’re just ginormous. And not that there’s anything wrong with fat. Fat is fine.” I wave a hand up and down, gesturing to myself. “Clearly.

Fucking Hell. I’m trying to be a good man. A good human. But this little Siren is testing my goddamn limits. Her big, beautiful eyes and the sad soulful look in them when she said she said didn’t want to be alone… That shit almost killed me. How fucking unfair is life if someone as stunning and sweet as Maddie is stuck being stood up at bars when she just wants to meet someone? Because she doesn’t have anyone to go with her to her best friend’s wedding. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to flip every table in this stupid place, or if I wanted to pull her into my lap, wrap my arms around her, and tell her she’d never be alone again.

A touch of surprise in her eyes that makes me just a little bit pissed off. I stand up straight as she steps towards me and watch as she reaches her hand out, flattening it against my chest. My lids lower and the urge to twist us around, pinning her between me and this wall is real. “Ready?” I hardly recognize my own voice, it’s so deep and full of need. “I’m ready.” Her breathy reply goes straight to my dick. Fuck me. I bet she’s ready. I close my eyes and breathe. Unwanted boners were a problem I thought I left 35 years in the past, yet here I am.

“You’re too nice.” I snort. Her head tips back so she can look up at me, “What?” I shake my head, “Nothing, I just don’t think anyone’s ever described me as too nice.” “That can’t be true.” The scowl that forms between her eyes is stupidly cute. “Afraid so, Baby.” She makes a small humming sound, and somehow I know it’s her way of disagreeing. I squeeze her hand again, “You want to argue about it?” I tease. I fucking tease! Who am I? Her exhale is audible, “I really hate arguing.” Every hackle I have rises and I stop walking. The abrupt halt combined with my grip on her hand spins her around on the spot. She teeters with the movement, and I reach out with my free hand and grip her shoulder to steady her. “Woah,” she laughs. Then her smile falters when she sees the thunderous expression on my face. “Everything okay?” My mouth starts to open, but what am I supposed to say? Is there someone I need to dismember and bury in the woods for disagreeing with you? God help me, I’m trying to comfort the girl, not scare her. She stares up at me with those big glassy eyes and I can’t handle it. “Everything’s fine,” I try to not growl the words. “You sure?” she looks rightfully doubtful. “Yeah, Doll. I was just teasin’ you.” I try to say the word without choking on it. “But you can disagree with me whenever you want. I won’t get mad at you.”

I almost launch into a spiel about the Charger, telling her why it’s my favorite of all my vehicles, but then she looks back up at me over her shoulder and asks, “So, you gonna give me a ride, or what?” Suddenly, I don’t remember a single fact about cars. A heartbeat later, she slaps a hand over her mouth. “Oh my god! I didn’t…” Her eyes widen even further. I can only manage a choked sound, because I want to laugh at her expression- but the idea of giving her a ride is now seared into my brain. “I’m so sorry!” her palm muffles her words, but I still understand them. “No need to apologize,” I press my hand to her back and lead her around to the passenger side. I clear my throat wanting to curse my luck. It’s like the universe knew my type exactly, and dropped her in my lap, about 20 years too young, just to drive me mad. And nothing against skinny women -I’m really not picky, and I’m well aware that the personality makes or breaks someone’s attractiveness - but big girls have always been my thing. Maddie just happens to be both curvy and tiny. Something I didn’t know I wanted until now. Reaching down, I open the door for her.

My body doesn’t care at all that she’s too young. Or that she was at the bar to meet my fucking son. My body only cares about the fact that she seems to have everything I’d look for in my perfect match. If I were looking for such a thing. Which I’m not. But if I were, she’s exactly what I’d want. She’s smart, witty, a little shy, the flawless mixture of innocent and sexy. And my inner neanderthal likes the sadness in her eyes. It’s fucked up, I’m well aware of that, but I like feeling needed. And I haven’t felt emotionally needed in a long, long time. Stopping at my door, I tip my head back and blow my breath out towards the sky. “Get a fucking grip, man. You’re taking her home, so she gets there safely. Then you’re dropping her off at the door. Nothing more.”

“Time for me to set you straight, Baby Girl.” Even in the darkness, I can see her green eyes sparkle as she blinks at me, “And just how are you gonna do that?” “Like this.” Keeping my foot on the brake, I close the space between us and seal my lips to hers. And she moans. The little sex pot fucking moans. Our lips part at the same time, and I delve my tongue into her mouth. Finally getting a taste of her sweetness. Her back arches, and I groan, straining to press our chests together. But it just won’t work. Not here. Not like this. And when her hands grip at my shirt, I almost wish I drove that big piece of shit van. I bet there’d be enough space in there to drag Maddie onto my lap.

“Welcome to my home,” Maddie uses her free hand to gesture through the doorway. This is where I tell her goodnight. Maddie steps through the door. And I follow.

I release my hold on Maddie and step around in front of her. “Don’t be embarrassed, Doll. You’re fucking perfect.” Her fingers slowly part and she looks up at me. She stares at me for a few moments. “Why are you so-” “No.” I hold up a hand to stop her. “Don’t call me nice again.” Maddie’s hands drop to her sides and her mouth moves, but she doesn’t say anything. Then she shocks the shit out of me by stepping forward and wrapping her arms around me in a hug. A fucking hug.

My arms are in the air, like she’s placing me under arrest instead of showing me affection. I don’t… I don’t remember the last time someone hugged me. Her fingertips press into the muscles along my spine and I break. I drop my arms, encircling her small frame. The second I pull her closer, she relaxes into me. As though this is normal, and not the most spectacular thing that I’ve experienced in years. My lungs expand, fighting against the tightness in my throat, and I watch her head move with the rise of my chest. Looking down on the top of her head, I imagine this is the same view I’d have if she fell asleep sprawled across my chest.

“I can’t finish it,” a yawn punctuates her statement. “Another thing about late night snacks, my eyes are always bigger than my stomach.” “If you’re sure.” I should insist she eat more, but she’s right that the sandwich was fairly large. But lucky for me, I’m large too. “I’m sure, Big Guy.” She smiles as she says it, like we were having the same thought. My grin matches hers as I pick up her castoff. I’m not sure anyone’s ever given me a nickname before. Save for asshole or something of the sort. And I’m finding I like it. A lot.

My eyes snap up to hers. She caught me staring and the last thing I want to do is make her uncomfortable. But then she speaks. “I know this probably sounds stupid,” she starts, “but I like having you here.” Biting her lip, she glances away. “You make me feel safe.” She meant it as a compliment, but it sends my mind into all dangerous territory. Thinking of all the sharp corners in this world. I’m moving towards her before I can stop myself, “Do you not feel safe here when you’re alone?” I hate that she’s here with no one to help her. No one to protect her. Maddie shrugs, “I’m used to it.” My feet take me closer until we’re only an arm’s length away from each other. “How long have you been living by yourself?” An emotion I can’t place flitters across her face before she answers, “A while.” Her eyes leave mine and she bites her lip again.

My pulse kicks up and I wonder if I’m finally having that heart attack my son keeps claiming I’ll suffer if I don’t chill out.

I wait for the angel on my shoulder to tell me to keep my pants on and to walk out the front door. But the devil on my other shoulder has the angel tied up and gagged. So, pants off it is. Moving further into the room, I pull my hoodie the rest of the way off. In for a penny…

Time to stamp my one-way ticket to eternal damnation. My fingers move to the button of my jeans and with a quick motion, I have them undone and unzipped. Turning back to face Maddie, I give her one last chance to stop me, to tell me to leave. But she doesn’t do any of that. She just stares, right where my hands are, holding my pants up. So I do the only thing that’s left to do, and shove my jeans down my legs, stepping out of them when they pool at my feet. And standing in my white t-shirt and gray boxers, I accept that one night of laying in the same bed as Maddie will be worth any punishment the universe decides to dish out.

Irresistible. Literally irresistible. I drop my hips. I won’t fuck her. But I never promised myself I wouldn’t torture us both a little. The contact is enough to make me groan. “Did you spread your legs for me, Baby Doll?” Maddie nods- back arched and pressing her lower half up against me. “I need it, Axel.” Her hips roll again. “Please.” Keeping my grip on her hands, I lower until our lips are just an inch apart. “Please what?” “Please, Daddy.” My brain screeches to a halt. Daddy? Then my mind rockets right past reason. With my eyes locked on hers, I thrust my hips. My cock rubbing against her cotton-covered pussy. “Fuck.” I bite out the word. Why was that so hot? Why was her calling me Daddy so fucking hot?!

I lower my gaze to Maddie. It’s got to be this little woman. Sleeping next to her is apparently the same thing as falling into a coma. The arm still slung across her middle starts to tighten its grip on her, but I force myself to stop. I can’t chance waking her. If she blinks those big green eyes at me and offers to make me breakfast – hell, I’ll be proposing to her by lunch. As gently as my big body is able, I start to remove myself from Maddie’s bed. I get my arm out from under her, then pause. The need to kiss her one last time is overwhelming. But I don’t.

Don’t be stupid, Maddie. It was just a- Even my inner bitch can’t finish that sentence. It was just a what? A date? It wasn’t even that. A one-night stand? Not really. We didn’t, you know. And he didn’t… My face flames, the shimmer on my lower lids returning. I can’t even do a one-night stand right. Axel was nothing but kind. A true gentleman. And I dragged him into my house, rubbed myself on him until I came like some sort of inexperienced virgin, and then passed out without even offering to return the favor. And this is why you’ll die alone.

“I know this might be cringe, but you could always message Brian and ask him for his dad’s phone number.” I feel my mouth pop open as I stare at Elouise. “You can’t be serious.” “Look, I get that it’d be weird, but clearly you like the guy. And you don’t have any other way to get a hold of him. What’s the worst that could happen?” “Hmm, but what would I say?” I tap my chin and make an over-exaggerated thinking face. “Oh, I know! I’ll say – hey, sorry you got grounded last night. But don’t worry about standing me up, because your dad showed up to our date. And as you probably know, he’s hot as fuck. And I’d really like to get my hands on that girthy Coke can cock again, so could you give me his number? And if this thing works out between us, we’ll have to decide if you should call me mom or sister because I call Axel Daddy, too.” There’s a beat of silence before Elouise laughs herself off the couch.

My lungs fill with another deep breath and I let myself sink into the ground beneath me. Let the warmth of the sun heat my skin. Let the feel of his hands slide up my sides- My eyes fly open. That wasn’t supposed to happen. That’s a different sort of happy place. I almost snicker at my own thoughts, but then I hear the rainstick – alerting me I’m no longer alone.

But then you start making out and she… um… then she grabs your… thing. Would that be bad?” Dean doesn’t reply. Nothing. Silence. Slowly I lower my hands and find him staring at me wide eyed, his cheeks turning red. “I knew it! It’s bad, right?!” My chest starts to hurt at the thought of causing Axel any sort of distress. “Oh my god. I’m the worst human ever!” Dean shakes his head, “It’s not that.” His words are choked and I’m about to ask him what he’s talking about when his gaze darts to the side. Slowly, so slowly, with all the color draining from my face, I turn and find my 17-year-old employee, Griff, standing just a few feet away, grinning. “Damn, Boss! You had yourself a weekend.” I spin back to my neighbor, “Dean!” He throws his hands up, “Sorry! I thought you knew he was here!” “How would I know that?!” my words are shrill, but I can’t help it. “He came in when you were making my drink!” Dean’s face is stuck somewhere between a laugh and a grimace. “I thought you saw!”

“Really,” Griff carries on conversationally, “it’s all about consent and safe sex. Miscommunications are gonna happen, but if you talk it through, and everyone feels understood and okay, then those gray areas don’t have to be so scary.” I press my lips together, and swallow through my embarrassment. “Thanks, Griff.” “Anytime, Boss.” “If I give you an extra freebie from the case, will you pretend this never happened?” My eyes are still trained forward but I can sense him straighten. “My choice?” I nod, “Your choice.” “Deal!”

“What?!” I hit the brake too hard and screech to a stop, yards before the stop sign ahead of me. “What the hell?!” “Calm your tits, old man. I’m going in undercover.” I ignore the tits and the old man comments and move right to the last word. “Under. Cover.” “Yep. Figured it was the perfect way to get some hands-on experience with guys that’ll treat me as just another worker. And it’s good to see how other people do things.” “But… Did you put Axel’s on your resume? Didn’t that tip them off?” He snorts, “Lots of people have worked for you. And I have Mom’s last name so even if they happen to know your full name, there’s nothing to connect us.” I mull that over, “Huh.” “And I mean it’s not like I’ll lie. If someone asks is Axel Davis your dad I’ll tell them yes. But if someone asks was Axel Davis a dick to work for I can also reply honestly with a yes.” I have to smile at the genius of it all. “You’re a sneaky little shit.” “I learned from the best.” “Hmm, I won’t ask you to clarify.” He chuckles, “Bye.” The smile stays on my face as I hang up the call.

And just like that, there she is. All wide eyes, pink cheeks, and wild black hair framing her beautiful face. My pulse slows. Heat infusing my blood at the sight of her, but somehow seeing her – knowing she’s close – calms me. She moves out of view for one agonizing second, then reappears on the front side of the counter, meaning I can see all of her. She winds between tables, picking up empty cups, chatting with the people she passes. Looking comfortable and content. I shouldn’t be here. This sight isn’t meant for me. Then she smiles and my blood simmers for a different reason. Because those smiles should be mine. I don’t deserve them. I’ve done fuck-all in my life to earn a woman like her. But I don’t care. I’m a greedy bastard.

I see what she’s wearing. Including the familiar black hoodie hanging down to her knees. A smile pulls across my own lips as my cock swells with caveman satisfaction. This one choice has sealed her fate. Oh Maddie, you shouldn’t have worn my sweatshirt. There are consequences for your actions, Baby Doll. And you’re about to find out what happens to naughty girls who misbehave.

Turning my attention to the server, I realize she isn’t the one that’s been helping us tonight, but she’s the one who served me the last time I was here. “Um, yes?” I ask, my voice uncertain. Her smile is sly, and I feel my embarrassment rise knowing that she recognizes me too. “The gentleman at the bar sent this over to you,” she states. I’m about to ask what she’s talking about, but she’s already lowering a steaming white mug down to the table. What- I watch as she sets it on the surface directly in front of me. Coffee? My mouth goes dry.

He has to know I’m following. He wants me to follow. Right? Self-doubt creeps into my mind and I slow as I reach the turn. But I don’t let myself stop. Not now. Not after a week of wishing I could see him just one more time. My hands press against my stomach, holding the butterflies in, as I round the corner. I expect to see him further down the hall, but he’s right here. Right freaking here. Standing in front of me. Looking me straight in the eyes.

“Baby Doll.” His gravel filled voice is just as perfect as I remember. “Axel.” I breathe out his name. I want to say more, but I can’t think of anything that fits the magnitude of relief I feel at seeing him. Axel takes a step towards me and I find myself stopping. “You shouldn’t be here. Not with him.” He takes another step. “No?” I ask, barely audible. Axel shakes his head. “You don’t need a boy like that.” “What do I need?” “You need a man.” Axel inhales through his nose, his huge chest expanding further with the action. “You need me.”

“You feel safe with me.” He says it like an accusation. “You fed me.” He leans in, our lips just an inch apart. “You made yourself come by rubbing that hot little slit all over my dick.” My lungs forget how to pull in air as memories of that night flash through my brain. Me on my back. Axel above me. My hands trapped under his large palm. The way his hardness felt, right where I needed him most. His breath ghosts across my lips as one of his hands slides up my arm until it’s cradling the back of my head. It’s a possessive move, but also protective, putting himself literally between me and the concrete wall at my back. My pulse kicks up another notch and then I hear his ragged inhale before he says a sentence that wrecks me. “You fucking hugged me.” My eyes sting. My throat feels tight. Axel says it like me hugging him was monumental. And my heart clenches, because it was monumental for me too. His face turns until his lips are brushing my cheek. “And I want more. Of everything.”

“Don’t ar-” he halts mid-word, his hands sliding up my body until he’s framing my face. “You can always argue with me. I won’t get mad. But right now, about this, I’m not changing my mind. I’m not letting you out of my sight.” His thumbs brush over my cheeks. “Not until I’ve gotten you home and buried myself in that sweet little pussy.” He… I’m hyperventilating. Is this hyperventilating? “You remembered,” I whisper. The fact that he remembered I don’t like to argue floors me more than his dirty words do. When I thought about the next morning, I was so embarrassed that I’d said anything. But he was so nice about it even then… I feel my eyes start to shimmer. “I can’t believe you remembered.” “I remember every word you said.” He says it so simply. So matter of fact. And that’s all the convincing I need. I blink rapidly and swallow against the growing tightness in my throat. “Take me home.”

“I want to kiss you.” His deep voice admitting that is the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard. “But if I start,” his thumb moves until it’s brushing against the corner of my mouth, “I won’t stop. And I’m not gonna have our first time be in a bar bathroom.” “Better drive fast then.” I turn my head on the last word and suck his thumb into my mouth. Axel groans, leaning all his weight into me. It’s hard to draw breath with his heavy body against mine. And I love it. “Naughty Girl,” he growls, pushing his thumb deeper into my mouth. My lips circle the digit, and my tongue boldly licks the tip. Hands still holding my face, Axel turns my head further to the side.

The angel on my shoulder lifts his head long enough to glare at me. A silent what in the fuck are you doing expression on his face. But it’s not enough to stop me. Maybe I don’t know what I’m doing. And maybe I don’t know how much I’m willing to give. But I know I’m going to lose my damn mind if I don’t get her taste on my lips and her wetness on my dick. The devil leans forward, rubbing his hands together, approving of my plans.

I don’t look over at Maddie. I can’t. If I see that needy, horny look on her face, I’ll be tempted to fuck her right here in this car. And I’m too old for that shit. “Seatbelt,” I command. Clicking my own in, I reverse out of the parking spot and make my way through the lot.

reach down and start to zip up my pants. “Don’t.” That one word halts me, and I comply. Slowing, Axel turns his car into my short driveway. I wait for him to put it in park before I undo my seatbelt and open my door. “Wait for me.” Why I keep listening to these commands, I don’t know. But I want to listen. Something about doing what he says feels good. It’s nice to just listen. To not think.

“See? It was bad!” I exclaim, trying to push away from him. His hand clamps down on my shoulder, securing me in place. “No, Baby. The only thing bad you’ve ever done was saying the word penis just now.” His chest rumbles. “I’m being serious.” He lifts his head off the pillow to look down at me, “So am I.” “What am I supposed to call it?” “Dick. Cock.” He pauses. “Feel free to add your own adjectives.” I roll my eyes, “Noted.” The hand on my shoulder slides down, over my back, and down to my ass. “And you can grab my dick anytime you want.” I watch his face and I know he’s being honest. “I’m still sorry for doing it.” His fingers pinch my butt cheek and I yelp. “I’m not sorry. The feeling of your fingers trying to wrap their way around my cock have gotten me through every night since then.” “Oh.” Axel grins – full on grins – at me, and I feel my face go pink all over again. “God, you’re fucking adorable.” His fingers spread against my ass until he’s palming my whole cheek. “And fucking sexy.” He squeezes. “Pretty sure doing all the things I want to do to you might kill me. But I’m willing to take the risk.” I flatten my hand back against his chest. “I mean… you are pretty ancient.” He barks out a laugh, then pinches my ass again, “Keep it up, Brat. See where that gets you.”

I want to be with her. Date her. Whatever she wants to call it. But I don’t want to meet her father. I mean I really really don’t want to meet her father. Obviously these photos are older, but it looks like her parents had Maddie young, meaning I’m probably only a few years younger than they are. But, there’s no avoiding it – the awkward meeting. Especially if they still live around here.

“Jesus, Axel.” My arms encircle her, pulling her into my body. And just as I’d hoped, she wraps her arms around me in return. “I’m still a little surprised you like hugs,” she mumbles. I squeeze her tighter. “I like your hugs.” She makes a humming sound, “No one else’s?” “Nah. No one else hugs me, Baby Girl.” Her arms do their best to squeeze around me. “No one else hugs me either.” It takes a moment for Maddie’s words to sink in. “No one?” I think about the photos on the mantle. “What about your parents?” I feel her body tense against mine, but when I go to pull back, she hugs me tighter.

“I just grabbed the first box I could reach.” I laugh, “Hey, I’m not complaining. It was better than climbing out of bed to fetch the one I brought.” That perks her up, “You brought one?” I nod, “I certainly did.” “So, you were… planning to…?” She can’t finish the question, so I do it for her. “Fuck you? Yes, I was planning on that.” Her cheeks flame even hotter, “Just once?” I push my chair back. “No Maddie, not just once.” Her eyes widen and I remember my promise to leave her poor pussy alone until tonight.

A minute later, with her phone in hand, I storm back into the kitchen where Maddie’s placing the plates into the dishwasher. “Why’s your phone dead?” Her shoulders sag. “Oh, crap! I must’ve forgotten to plug it in again.” “Again?” She bites her lip. “Sometimes I forget.” “How often?” “What?” She blinks at me with those pretty green eyes, but I won’t be deterred. “How often are you forgetting to plug in your phone?” Then I hold up a hand, “Never mind. Your phone should last the night even if you forget.” “I know,” she sighs. “I’ve been due for an upgrade. I just hate going to the dumb phone store.” I hum, my plans for the day solidifying. “Let’s go.” Her mouth pops open, “Go where?” “The dumb phone store. By the time we’re done it’ll be time for that lunch I owe you.” I pause, “Unless you’re still hungry.

“Jesus, woman!” his head whips over, eyes doing a split-second scan of me and our surroundings. “Sorry,” I squeak. “Either with your body or your outbursts, you’re bound to kill me with a fucking heart attack.” I want to laugh, but he sounds so put out, I don’t dare. His eyes slide back over to me, “You gonna tell me what that was all about?” “Oh, right!” I perk up. “Are you the Axel of Axel’s Bodyshop.” I can tell he’s surprised by the way his posture shifts, “Don’t tell me you’ve been there?” “Oh, um, I don’t think so. Why? Do you not want me to?” Just asking that sends a dull throb into my sternum. He shakes his head, “It’s not that, Baby. I’d just have to kick my own ass if you’d been there before and I hadn’t seen you.”

I try to take the two of us in objectively. Axel in his worn jeans, slightly messy hair, intense blue eyes, and a tight white t-shirt. I don’t think it’s meant to be tight, but Axel is just so built, that no normal shirt will fit him. The material is stretched tight around his massive chest – which is eye level for me – and the dark lines of his tattoos are just visible through the light color of the cotton. It’s fantastic. And then there’s me. Full face of makeup. Hair dried into somewhat styled curls. Wearing pink flats and a bright yellow summer dress. The straps are wide, hiding my bra – a padded push-up number to satisfy Axel’s desire for me to wear something “thicker”. But instead of making my breasts more modest, it just makes them more pronounced. The scoop neckline would probably be perfectly conservative if I didn’t have big boobs, but I do, so it isn’t. Moral of the story, we make quite the pair. The voluptuous beauty and the burly beast. Or something like that.

Dan is obviously under the impression that Axel’s in charge, and I don’t feel even the smallest urge to correct him. It’s nice to have someone else in command for once. I’ve been doing everything on my own for so long it’s become second nature. There’s no one else for me to fall back on. No one I can ask to help me, aside from Elouise. But I don’t want to be that friend, the one that’s constantly a burden.

The angel on my shoulder is torn between approval over my act of doing something nice, and disapproval over the overbearing nature of said act. And the devil is no help, since he’s reclined back, staring at the way Maddie’s ass looks in that hot little dress. “Yeah, that works.” I lean back in my chair and cross my arms over my chest.

I’m watching his retreating form when a big hand covered in a rose tattoo cups my chin. Not fighting his gentle urging, I tilt my head back to look at him. “It wasn’t safe to have an old phone.” I open my mouth to argue but his fingers tighten just the smallest bit on my chin, silencing me. “How many times did you wake up to a dead battery?” This time I don’t need help staying quiet, because the answer is many. I’ve woken up many times to a dead phone. And even though it’s never been an issue, it could’ve been. “It wasn’t safe,” He repeats, then leans closer, “I want to keep you safe.” My chest fills with so much emotion it almost chokes me. “Axel,” my voice breaks on his name. He shakes his head, “No, Baby. Don’t get sad.” His fingers loosen on my chin, sliding down to palm the side of my neck. “Let’s go get some waffles.”

“I just…” I stop and start again. “This is a really big gift.” I hold up the bag, lamely. Axel shakes his head, “It’s not.” I open my mouth and his palm slides higher. “It’s not. And I’m not arguing with you, Baby, I’m just telling you how it is.” His pinky finger traces along the bottom seam of the shorts I’m wearing under my dress. I watch as his eyes dart down to my lap, but he keeps talking. “I’m not saying this to sound like an asshole, but I have money. Plenty of money to buy you a little fucking phone. So if I want to, I’m going to. And if, for some reason,” he growls those last three words, “you decide you don’t want to go out with me again, the phone has nothing to do with it. It’s yours. You owe me nothing.” His hand moves a little higher, his ring finger brushing over my shorts now. “But you better have a damn good reason if you want to be done with me, because I’m not gonna go quietly.”