She slides the pint over to me, then fills another. “I thought you’d know where I was. I thought you would have hunted me down even if it was to check I was okay or keep your eye on me or whatever it is you do.”
“I was trying to give you space and respect your privacy. But don’t you think for a second that I stayed away because I wanted to. I fought every day to resist the urge to track you down and bring you home to me.”
I lean over the bar and lower my voice in her ear. “I’m still fighting the urge to drag you over this bar, carry you to my car and fuck your sweet cunt till you’re sore. Then I’d lick it better just so I could fuck you again.”
I don’t miss the shiver in her body and her trembling breath or the way her thighs clench together. She’s practically panting like she’s run around the block.
“Dom.” My name is a breathy whisper from her lips.
“Yes, little fox?”
Another shiver racks through her with a small whimper from her lips, like she’s just orgasmed. “Dom, please.”
“Please what? Just say the word, Red and I’ll take you in the back, make you come on my beard, and I’ll enjoy having your scent on me for the rest of the night.”
Her chest heaves, pushing her tits higher under her cotton shirt. “Stop it with the dirty talk. I’m at work.” She shoos me back from hovering over the bar area with a curl of her lips. After opening the bottle, she places it next to my order then rings up the till.
I grin as I wave my card over the machine, then collect the drinks in my hands. “I’ll be in the back when you’re ready.”
She waves the bar towel in my direction. “Get outta here.”
Fuck, I was too strong. So much for giving her space. I push the pool room door open with my back, then let it swing shut. “You fuckers could’ve warned me.”
All three of them stand there as though they have no idea what I’m talking about.
I roll my eyes. “Do you think I have a shot?” I slide the drinks onto the table.
Dan takes his pint. “You don’t think she stuck around here just for the scenery, do you?”
35
POPPY
Iwatch him leave the bar, his eyes smouldering with heat, and I think he just set my soul alight. Gosh, I’ve missed him. I didn’t realise just how much until I saw him and my knees weakened.
Of course I’ve secretly been hoping he would show up here or at my home. The first time I saw his friends here a few weeks ago, I’d asked about him and they hadn’t given much away, just that they hadn’t seen much of him and he must be working.
I know I wanted this. I wanted space. But I didn’t know it would leave a void in my heart where his should be. I didn’t know I’d crave how he would always be watching me with a heated gaze, and I didn’t know I would miss the way he made me feel like I’m the most treasured woman in the world.
I serve the next person and sway my hips to the band, but I need to go and take care of business. When he called me little fox, I think I just had a mini O. The heat in my cheeks burns, even more now he’s left me hanging with the need for him.
“Someone’s looking all flustered.” Heather says with a huge smile on her face. She knows our history. I had to confide in someone along with Sasha, of course. She knows Dom too. She’s known him since he was a boy. I’ve enjoyed listening to all the stories she had of him.
“Do you think he’ll take me back?” I know the answer, but what I’m really asking is, do you think it’s right for me to want him back after messing him around? Do you think we could work if I go back with him? Do you think I’m just going to break his heart again?
“Girl. That man is smitten. You need to jump on that tonight. If only I was ten years younger.”
I giggle, then continue to serve the customers, my eyes glued to the back door the whole time, waiting for a glimpse of him again.
This time it’s not Dom that approaches the bar, but Dan. “Hey Poppy, how you been?”
“Good, thanks. You?”
“His intention was always for you to keep the necklace, you know? He didn't want Billy to get his hands on it until he was left with no choice.”
“I think I already figured that out. It doesn’t matter now. It’s all in the past. What can I get you?”
“Two pints and two non-alcoholic bottles, sweetheart.”
