“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with Chick-fil-A mayo packets and honey mustard.”
“No, there’s not. If you want to keep them in your fridge in little baggies, go ahead. I won’t stop ya, babe. Just don’t want to squish packets of sauce all over my food.” His eyes crinkle in the corners as he talks, and it’s too cute.
“Very funny, big guy.”
“Show me where you want everything. I won’t presume to take over.”
“Uh-huh.” Like, he hasn’t already been a little aggressive and pushy. Mostly, it’s just been kissing me and barging into my life, but I don’t mind. He’s thoughtful and kind in ways I’ve never experienced with a guy before. It makes me realize that not all men are the same. Some are pretty amazing despite the jerks I’ve dated in the past.
We put the condiments away, and he removes a bag from my favorite restaurant.
“Got you some chicken tortilla soup, nuggets, and a club sandwich. I wasn’t sure which you’d prefer. There’s a sweet tea, too.”
I flash him a bright smile and press a kiss to his cheek. “You just might make me fall in love with you, Torque.”
“That’s the goal, beautiful.” He’s not kidding the way I am. I can see it in the smoldering look in his eyes. “I’m wondering if I can convince you to come to the clubhouse. To be honest, I think this ice storm is gonna be worse than they predicted.”
I’ve been wondering the same thing.
“Kroger was packed. People were buying all the shit off the shelves. Gave me Covid flashbacks,” he jokes. “Even the damn toilet paper.”
I can’t help laughing because I’m sure it’s true. “Well, it’s probably not a bad idea. I don’t want to get stuck here alone without help if the power goes out.”
“I can stay, or we can go to my clubhouse. It’s the better option, but I’ll let you decide.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“Then pack a bag, babe. We’re leaving as soon as you’re ready.”
“What if my sister and Ainsley get stuck?” Maybe I should go to them instead.
“Sweetheart, if they need help, we’ll go. That’s a promise.”
With that settled, I nod and head upstairs to pack a bag.
This man is breaking down all my defenses, slipping through the cracks, and already finding a way to take up residence in my heart. It’s getting harder to keep this light and fun.
A part of me is already falling for him.
Chapter 6 Torque
Ican’t believe Noelle agreed to come to the clubhouse with me so easily. I’m fucking relieved. I was starting to plot how I’d kidnap her if she said no. I’m not leaving her here alone when the worst storm to hit Ohio in decades decides to dump a foot of ice over the city.
Will it be that bad? Who knows? Better to be prepared.
I follow Noelle upstairs, pausing to stare at the artistic display of framed photos on her wall. There’s a little nook here with a recliner, a bookshelf, a big plant, and a window that lets in plenty of natural light. The pictures must be of family. I see her, I’m guessing her sister, brother, mom, and dad. There are quite a few shots, but none of them are recent. I’d say at least five years old.
My girl doesn’t see her family often. Other than spending time with her sister and niece, it seems like she’s alone too much. I’m about to change that.
I head down the hall and see another display of framed photos. This time, it’s all her sister and niece, mostly Ainsley, from birth to her current age. They’re all adorable. I already knew that Noelle loves that little girl, but this proves it. Noelle and her sister, Amy, must be close.
There are two empty rooms on each side of the hall, one a bathroom, before I see my woman. She’s bent over a suitcase and framed by the doorway. I lift my hand and rub over my sternum because she’s a near-ache in my chest every time I see her.So fucking beautiful.She’s everything I want and more.
When I walk inside Noelle’s bedroom, she straightens and walks to her dresser, grabbing bras and panties that she carefully packs in neat little stacks. I watch her because it’s my favoritething to do, just admiring her ass and the graceful way she moves. She turns me on just by breathing.
It’s fucking crazy. I’ve never felt like this with a woman. It’s always sex, and then I’m on my way. I don’t make any promises, and there’s no misunderstanding. I make it clear what I want, and there’s no room for more.
Until now.
