Page 8 of Paved Paradise

“I’m so sorry, Frankie. I didn't mean to fall asleep out here,” he says, rubbing his eyes and trying to clear the sleep.

“It's okay. I’ve slept in worse places,” I say, laughing a little and trying to get through the morning after awkwardness. We didn't even do anything, so it shouldn't be awkward.

“I have to head to the front building. That call was work. I’m so sorry.” Again, he apologizes, but I understand he has to work. I just wonder how the heck I’m going to make it out of here by myself. His next words have the panic fading, though. “Want to come with me? I just need to fix the espresso machine, then we can get some breakfast at the diner.”

“That sounds like fun,” I tell him honestly. I’m not ready for this to end, which should be scary, yet all I feel is excitement. Still, I know it will have to end at some point.

The next three hours are spent following Beck around as he fixes one issue, just for him to find a new problem. I’m just happy spending time with him and occasionally handing him tools. He looks hot as fuck working with his hands, and by the time he tells me we're done, I’m having to rub my thighs together to stop the ache. It doesn't work.

“Ready for some pancakes smothered in syrup?” he asks once he places his tool belt and box back in the maintenance office. He has his own office. That's insane.

“I’m more of a biscuit-smothered-in-gravy kind of gal.” I wink at him, causing him to throw his head back and laugh.

“Trying to steal my heart on the first date, Schnookums,” he says, shaking his head but still chuckling.

“Technically, I would call this the second date.” I shrug, smiling his way. We are just about to walk out the door when we hear his name being called.

“Beck!” a girl I’ve never seen before says excitedly as she waves her arms in the air. She’s wearing a maid uniform, and when she rushes up and pulls Beck into a hug, I want to claw her eyes out. Fuck, when did I get so jealous?

“Hey Talli! You're here early,” Beck says, hugging her back.

“Yeah, trying to get some extra hours. Need it for the twins, ya know? How's your family doing?” She smiles his way, and while I want to hate her, something about this girl tells me she's not malicious. Being in foster care, I’ve learned to read people.

“About the same. You know, just trying to get through life. Sorry to rush. It was good seeing you, Talli, but I’m taking my girl out for breakfast. Try not to work so hard.” Beck smiles my way before placing his hand on my back and moving me beside him instead of behind.

“Oh, my goodness, I’m so sorry I didn't even see you there! Hi, I’m Talli! Gosh, you're beautiful, and I love love love that top! Where did you get it?” she asks, and all the jealousy leaves my body. I smile widely at her and tell her I made it.

“You're lying! This looks like something right off the runway! You have some major talent!” she says excitedly, and all I hear is kindness in her voice. Just as I’m about to reply, my stomach takes the time to perk up, growling loudly.

“Oh, my gosh, I’m holding y’all up from breakfast. Beck, get your girl out of here and feed her. I’ll see you later.” And just like that, she’s gone in a whirlwind.

“She was… nice,” I tell him because I really want to know what he thinks of her, as crazy as that is.

“Talli’s one of the best people I know. She lives over by Kas with her twin sisters she raises. She's had a hard go of it, and I try to help her as much as possible. She’s got a heart of gold, but there are some fuckers who just can't see what’s right in front of them.” He glares at the tall building surrounded by windows, and I realize it's an office.

“You two aren't….” I don't want to ask, but I need to know.

“No, never. Nothing against Talli, but she's not my type, plus she has her hands full raising her sisters. She's a good kid, but like a little sister to me. Plus, I like my girls a little bit feisty,” he says, and I blush from head to toe. I roll my eyes but can't stop the smile that overtakes me. A smile that does not go away all through the walk to the diner, then through breakfast, even as we make our way hand in hand back to my bus.

When I get to the back of Al’s store and see my baby parked there, I have this sudden urge to ask Beck if he wants to see what all I’ve done with it. I don't let many people into my van; it's my home and my safe space, but there's this pull to Beck. One that has me wanting to show him every dark corner of my heart. Starting with every single thing I own and hold dear.

“So, umm, do you want to come in for a minute?” I ask nervously. I rush on before he has time to answer, “It's not much, but it’s….”

“I would love to come in, Schnook. Thank you for letting me into your life,” he says, and I can't help but release the breath I didn't even realize I was holding.

With a smile, I unlock the door to my van and slide it open with shaking fingers, more nervous than I have any right to be. It’s not like I haven’t had someone in my space before, or even had one in my space… but this feels different, like the start of something… more. I feel more nervous and anxious than I ever remember feeling just standing here, pulling back the curtains for him to enter the place that is more of a home than anything I've ever known.

I don’t know what I expected, especially after the last 24 hours with him, maybe for him to get a look at my space and laugh before running away, but he did the most perfect and unexpected thing possible. He gave my space a quick glance with one of his killer smiles before tugging the door closed behind him and tugging me into his arms. As much as I love the feeling of him pressing me against the inside of the door and the rush of adrenaline I get as we fumble and paw at each other's clothes, it's nothing compared to the intimacy of a slow, deliberate, passionate undressing.

Wordlessly, we are on the same page, and both kick off our shoes. I start to undo the buttons on his shirt while he slides his hand up under my shirt. I’m still in the tank and jeans from last night. I love the feel of his warm hands on my skin, the pressure of his palm easing from my side, across my abdomen and slowly inching further down, as his lips met mine, softly and slowly, his tongue gently touching the tip of mine, as he pressed against my pubic bone, my pussy instantly moistening and growing hot, wanting him so much more now.

I finish unbuttoning his shirt, and he removes his hand long enough to take it. The T-shirt he wore underneath is off, and he drops them to the floor. He’s slim and fit and not particularly muscular, but already I can tell I will never get tired of seeing the smoothness of his chest and shoulders.

Between kissing him and the next steps, I pull my knit tank over my head, letting it fall where it may. As soon as I do, Beck reaches his hands up and cups them around the swells of my breasts, still contained in the longline bandeau bra I have on, lifting my tits, squeezing them a little. I close my eyes, my lips slightly apart, and let the moment be still, just feeling him holding me.

Beck moves his hands, bringing them to the lacy-edged bottom of the garment. He slips his hands under the edge, getting a hold of it before silently urging me to lift my arms. He slowly tugs it over my head before tossing it somewhere behind him. As he strips me, his lips find one nipple and begin licking and sucking it, and I think I might melt into a puddle.

It’s my turn, and I want more, so I put my hand on his shoulder and guide him onto his back on my bed. It’s a small space, and the bed isn't all that big, but the mattress is perfect. The sheets are clean, and the pillows are fluffy, so we have no trouble fitting in here. Struggling out of my tight jeans as quickly and gracefully as I can manage, I finally kick them free before climbing on the bed after him. I lay beside him, propping myself up on an elbow, and trace my fingers lightly up and down his chest and abdomen, feeling him respond, his breathing heavier and slower, and I watch his skin rise and fall under my touch.

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