How could she tell? I didn’t say anything, but Mel was paying close attention to me, anticipating my wants and needs in a way that made me fall harder for her.
Gripping the back of her head, I pulled her to me, kissing her hard. Her mouth was addictive and delicious. She moaned against my lips, riling up my instincts. Rolling her over, I explored her neck and her chest, kissing along the neckline of her gym shirt. It was so thin and elastic that I only had to tug at it a few inches and I’d be rewarded with her delicious bare skin.
“Dylan...,” she whispered, pushing her hips into me. “We’re in a park.”
I groaned against her chest. “Think I don’t know that? You drive me crazy.”
She took my face between her hands, bringing it up so we were eye level. “That’s it. No more nipple flashing for you.”
“What?”
“I thought you’d appreciate the view if I wore my training bra since my nipples show easily when I’m turned on.”
I groaned again. “And you thought I’d behave?”
“Yup. Totally misread the situation. Sorry. My bad. Not such a good influence after all.”
“Yes you fucking are. You’ve changed me, Mel. I was so numb to everything before meeting you. I wanted to stay numb.”
“Why?”
“Because it was easier.”
“And now?”
“I like experiencing everything. With you.”
She kissed my neck and chin, wiggling under me. “I like what I’m hearing. Are you happy about the submission tomorrow? Or still stressed?”
“I’ll be relaxed once it’s over. But right now, I’m pissed that there’s a networking event tonight, and I completely forgot about it. But one of my junior project managers is going.”
Her eyes became wary instantly. “I'm so sorry.”
“It's not your fault.”
“Kind of is, though. You're bending over backward to make sure everything's fine with Dad, and you’re neglecting your work.”
I could see her pull into her shell a bit, and I didn't like it at all. “Mel, it's not so bad. Someone else is taking care of it.”
I could tell she was still thinking about it as we lay back in the sun, and I decided not to tell her again. She wasn't used to others thinking of her the way I did and taking care of her. When the going got rough, fucking Elliot ditched her.
“How’s your dad?” I asked.
“Glad to be home again.”
He’d decided a few days ago that he needed to return to his own space. We’d had the door repaired, and Brayden contacted the company that installed the security system for their new house. They did a great job on Martin’s place. He stayed with us longer than strictly necessary, and Mel took him home today. I was sorry to see Martin go because I honestly didn’t mind having him with us. It made Mel feel better.
“So, since we have the apartment all to ourselves, I thought we might take advantage of it,” Mel said.
“How? I have a few ideas.”
She pinched my arm, smiling from ear to ear. “We’ll get to those too, but I have more in mind. We have to be home in forty-five minutes.”
“So specific.”
“My plan is time sensitive. Trust me?”
“Do I have a choice?”
She pinched my arm again. “Hey!”
“Whatever you want, babe.” I skimmed one hand to her waist, gripping it. I cupped her cheek with my other hand possessively. When it came to Mel, I couldn’t be anything but possessive.
“I aim to please.”
Chapter Twenty-five
Mel
I loved pampering Dylan, especially since the previous two weeks had taken a toll on him. Whatever he said, I did feel guilty about him forgetting his cocktail event, but I planned to make it up to him in spades tonight. I was going to surprise him with a romantic late-night dinner. I’d prepared a lasagna this morning after I dropped off Dad. I put it in the crockpot, setting the timer to be ready by the time we were home.
Dylan’s eyes bulged when he noticed the lasagna. He turned around slowly, and I watched with deep happiness as the corners of his mouth lifted in a smile. I’d put candles everywhere. They weren’t lit yet, but it still looked very romantic. I’d also set the table.
Dylan took out the lasagna, bringing it to the table.
I felt his eyes on me as I filled both plates. His legs touched mine under the table.
“Babe, this is amazing. You are amazing,” he said.
“I wanted to help you relax this evening so you’re in shape for tomorrow. I know it’s a big day.”
His eyes widened in surprise, but he didn’t add anything else.
My phone rang midway through our romantic dinner. It was Dad. I immediately answered, a feeling of foreboding already creeping down my spine. He didn’t like late evening calls.
“Hi, Dad,” I said, hoping I was paranoid after the last couple weeks.
“Mel, that good-for-nothing Elliot’s here again.”
“Oh my God. Are you hurt?”
“No, he’s outside the door. Keeps ringing the damn bell.”
I swallowed hard, running a hand through my hair. “I’ll be right there, Dad. Don’t open the door, okay? It’s a high-security door, so it’ll hold.” We hadn’t gotten that restraining order yet. Things were moving so slowly that I wanted to kick something.
“I’m not worried. That door’s more solid than a brick wall.”
“And call the police too, okay?”
“Already did.”
Dylan’s gaze was trained on me. As soon as I hung up, he said, “I heard everything. Come on. Let’s go.”
“I can go by myself. You should go to bed. You’ve got a big day tomorrow.”
“Mel, I’m coming with you. End of story.”
“Thank you. Let’s go.”
On the drive to Dad’s house, I couldn’t stop fretting. I kept twisting my hands in my lap, right until Dylan clasped one of them. His touch calmed me almost immediately. By the time we reached Dad’s house, I felt so much stronger than right after the phone call.
But all that strength seemed to go down the drain when I saw Elliot pacing in front of the house. There was no sign of the police. Dylan put an arm around my shoulders after we got out of the car, and we walked toward the front door together.
Elliot froze when he saw us. “What are you doing here?” he asked.
“This is my dad’s house,” I said calmly.
“I know. And I’m here to pick up some stuff I couldn’t carry last time.”
I drew in a deep breath, trying to keep my calm. It took me a few seconds to realize Dylan had already lost his. He’d grabbed Elliot by the collar.
“You fucking moron. She gave you all her savings, and you dare show your face?” Dylan bellowed.
“Fuck off, man. You’re not in my position. My business is bleeding money again. I need every dollar I can get for all the shit I gave her. If I hadn’t wasted three years with her, I would’ve made something of myself.”
My eyes instantly started to burn, but I was determined not to let him get to me. I was stronger now than when I broke up with him.