Griffin tucked my hair behind my ear. “We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for.”
“Okay.” Griffin was more dangerous than the other guys I dated. For the first time, I didn’t want to hold myself back. I wanted to get lost in the sensation of being with him.
Chapter Twelve
Griffin
When Avery relaxed, letting her guard down, I loved spending time with her. The problem was she was so quick to step back, steeling herself against me. I didn’t want that to happen. I wanted to break through one wall after the other, not pausing to let her build the same one back up again. I’d keep trudging forward, pushing her boundaries, challenging her rules, until I was all the way in. Until she was right there with me, wanting the same things I wanted. The promise of this moment is what kept me going.
It was also why I planned another outing while we were together. If she’d gone home, she’d regroup, pulling back, erect the same walls I’d spent all day chipping away at. If I was persistent I’d be rewarded with the essence of Avery, a caring woman who was desperately seeking love.
We’d eaten ice cream cones and bought fudge to take home, parting with Avery with promises to see her tonight.
“Is Avery coming over later?” Declan asked from the back seat.
“I invited her.” She’d said yes, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she called to cancel, effectively giving herself space.
He looked out the window. “I like Avery.”
“Me too, buddy.”
“She likes planes and boats too.”
I laughed, glancing at him in the rearview mirror. “Is that all it takes with you?”
“She’s fun.”
I was glad he felt that way about Avery. It made pursuing her easier. “She is.”
As soon as we were home, I pulled chicken from the freezer, chopping veggies, before I took a quick shower. I told Declan he could play a video game while I got ready.
In the shower, I thought back to this morning when I’d approached Avery from behind. She was relaxed, her face tilted up to the sun, her lips tipped up in a smile. I wanted to see her like that more often, open and vulnerable, sweet and soft. She wore a sundress with a cardigan to protect against the breeze over the water. I’d been able to hold her close on the narrow bench of the boat, breathing in her tropical scent, pulling back one layer at a time.
Was she taking a shower before she came over? Was she naked in the shower now? I gripped the base of my cock, squeezing at the memory of her breasts under her dress, the idea of touching her waist, pulling her hips into mine, pressing my erection against her belly, telling her everything I was thinking and feeling. She was lovable, beautiful inside and out. I wanted her with a ferocity I hadn’t wanted anyone with before.
I stroked my cock, thinking I’d take the edge off before this evening. As much as I wanted her, she wasn’t ready for that level of intimacy. I didn’t know much about her, whether she was able to withdraw emotionally during sex, or if she avoided it because she couldn’t. But when we went there, I wanted her to be there physically and emotionally.
I braced my hand on the wall, still gripping my cock, giving myself over to the fantasy of her bare legs wrapped around my waist, her back against the cold tiles, as I entered her bare, my mouth on her nipples. It was too much. I stroked harder, faster, chasing the seemingly impossible image until I groaned my release, lowering my head against the tiles.
Fuck, what was this woman doing to me? I quickly finished washing myself with shaky hands, turning off the water, and toweling off. I left the scruff on my face, pulling on my new uniform, a T-shirt and cargo shorts.
I jogged down the steps, calling down the basement stairs for Declan to get off the video games. He grunted his acknowledgment, but I knew I’d have to yell down one or two more reminders until he complied.
It was crazy how quickly I’d adjusted from being an engaged business owner to single, unemployed, and a guardian to my nephew. So much had changed in the last six months, my life was unrecognizable. Yet, I was happier than I was working sixteen-hour days.
Declan, and now Avery, were the most important people in my life, outside of my parents. The people we surrounded ourselves with mattered. I’d do anything to be worthy of keeping them in my life. Eventually, I’d look for something to invest my money into.
Declan’s feet sounded on the steps. “Is Avery here yet?”
I stacked the chicken on a serving platter, coating it in barbecue sauce. “She should be here soon.”
“Cool. Think she’d play a video game after dinner?”
“You’d have to ask her. I think she’s a bookworm though.”
“Okay. I will.”
I loved that Declan wanted to bond with Avery. I could see her attempting to play to humor Declan. A knock sounded on the door.
My heart rate picked up at the sound. I was excited to see her even though we’d spent most of the day together.
“I’ll get it.” Declan shot off the kitchen stool, running for the door.
“Hey, Declan. You get a chance to play your game?”
That was all it took for Declan to ramble on about the level he beat and what he had to do to get through the next one. They both walked into the kitchen, Declan talking.
Avery smiled at me, loosening the tightness in my chest that had been present since everything happened.
I winked. She was a sweetheart for humoring Declan and his video game obsession.
When he paused, I said, “Want to help me carry this out to the grill?”
“Sure.” He picked up the tinfoil wrapped veggies and headed outside.
“Thanks for listening to him.”
“Oh, I don’t mind. I’d have given anything to have someone to talk to me at that age.”
“It must have been rough being the only child at home.”
She nodded. “You learn to entertain yourself. I was content.”
It didn’t mean she wasn’t lonely.
With Declan outside, I was very aware we were alone. I walked around the counter. “Thanks for coming.”
“It was an offer I couldn’t refuse.” Her lips tilted up into a teasing smile.
I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m happy you decided to come.”
“I enjoy spending time with you guys.” Her eyes shined with happiness.
I wondered if we were merely a cure for her loneliness or if she was a cure for mine. I leaned down, touching my lips lightly to hers, cognizant that Declan could walk in at any time. She pressed her lips to mine, her fingers tangling in my hair before I gentled the kiss, knowing it wasn’t the time or place for more.
I picked up the platter of chicken, opening the slider to head outside.
“Can I help with anything?”
“You can set the table before you come out if you’d like,” I said over my shoulder.
“I can do that.”
“Thanks.” I headed out the door.
Declan was running circles around the fenced-in yard.
When he stopped in front of me, his hands on his thighs, breathing hard, I asked, “What’s your time?”
Looking at his stopwatch, he said, “Forty seconds.”