Page 23 of Simply You & Me

"You good, man?"

Startled, I drop my phone. The familiar whoosh of a text being sent makes me nauseous. "Damn it, Tate!" Scrambling for the phone, I pray like hell my message doesn't sound stupid.

Me: Hey, sweetheart! It's Julian. I was wondering if you want to get a coffee with me tomorrow morning. xoxo

I hate that it's only Friday. The antsiness of not having any work set up after a month of being here is getting to all of us. Addie isn't only a perfect distraction from our issues. I just feel like I need more of her. More of her shy smiles and gentle touches. Since we all decided we want to truly date her, I'm getting mighty impatient, especially after seeing her so distraught the other night.

Am I the reason she's struggling?

Tate chuckles. "Why are you so jumpy? It's just Addie. She's so sweet. I don't see her laughing and turning you down." He nips at my neck and rounds the couch.

When we went to see her on Wednesday, I was prepared for her to scoff and shout at me for treating her poorly last weekend. Zach was my moral support, or so he says. I think he just wanted to see Addie. Gabby was on board with helping me talk to Adelyn, which was a relief. We don't know Addie well yet, so showing up on her doorstep without Gabby would have been odd.

"Julian. You kick people's asses for a living; what has you scared?" Tate sounds baffled by the nerves I'm showing.

I frown, elbowing him in the side where he leans against me. "I don't kick people's asses for a living, Tate. I'm a bodyguard. There's a big difference."

Tate rolls his eyes playfully. "With a big gun," he purrs, his hand inching up my thigh. The subtle scent of coffee tickles my nose when he nuzzles and peppers kisses along my neck.

A moan rumbles in my chest. "Does my boy need some attention this morning?"

"Yes, please," he whispers, nibbling on my earlobe.

Ting! I gasp when my phone vibrates against my hardening cock. Oh shit, she responded!

Sweetness: Hey, Julian! Yeah, tell me when and where. I don't work until four tomorrow night.

Fumbling, I rush to respond. To make matters worse, Tate teases the waistband of my sweatpants. Dropping to his knees between my thighs, my attention splits between the man about to worship my cock and texting the woman I haven't been able to stop thinking about.

"Reply to our woman, Julian."

I narrow my eyes at Tate. I may be the silly one in our family, but I won't hesitate to spank his ass. His cheeks heat, eyes dilating at my silent warning. Tapping the send button, excitement bubbles in my chest. I’m taking our girl on a date! But for now, I’ll focus on the way my boy’s scruff scratches my thighs and his hot tongue heats the underside of my shaft.

"That's it, baby," I moan. I can't take my eyes off the way his lips stretch around me and his eyes water. Mm, so fucking good.

"This place is so cute," Addie says in awe. Her wide eyes take in the coffee shop around her, seemingly relaxed.

Clearing my throat, I realize I haven't said anything yet. She's just so damn mesmerizing to watch. "Leo has a knack for cozy places." Her head whips around so fast that I chuckle. I guess she didn't know one of Rylee's husbands owned a coffee shop. "He owns this place. Did you not know that?"

Her cheeks redden. "I didn't know which one exactly." She bounces in her seat excitedly. "Oh my, this is awesome! He's so talented!"

Swiveling in her seat again, she takes the warm environment with new eyes. I wonder how long she has been friends with them. Rylee and her guys treat Addie like she's family, which is interesting to watch because the woman in front of me seems to hold everyone at arm's length.

Taking a deep breath, I gather the courage to bring out why I asked her to meet me today. "Addie, I need to apolog?—"

"Here's your latte, s-sir," a small, hesitant voice says. Looking up, I see a young girl who refuses to make eye contact with me. With her head down, she places my cup in front of me. "Here you go, ma'am," the barista sets Addie's drink in front of her as well.

"Thank you," I murmur, worried about scaring the young teenager. Addie adds her appreciation, also eyeing the girl with concern.

With the barista scurried away and back behind the espresso bar, I turn to her, my nerves sizzling with apprehension. "Adelyn, I'm sorry for my behavior last weekend."

"Julian," she drawls, but I cut her off. I need to say my piece before she makes her own conclusions.

"No, please." I reach across the table and grip her warm, dainty hands. I'm shocked by the calluses I feel on them. "We were both really drunk, and it probably shouldn't have happened that way. But I don't regret it whatsoever. I need you to know that, Addie. I remember everything, and I can't stop thinking about you. Nor can I curb this awful feeling, knowing that I fell asleep right after and left you on your own. I should have..." I trail off, uncertain how much to say.

"You should have what, Julian?" Her blue eyes are soft while she waits for me to gather my thoughts.

I swallow. "What I should have done and what I will do if given another chance is take care of you. Sweetness, I should have cradled you to my chest and kept you warm while we cleaned up. I would have offered you my favorite pillow and a snuggle if you would have taken me up on the offer of sleeping over."

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