Page 30 of Bristol

He moves effortlessly with my arms around his waist, slathering butter on the toast and scooping grits into a bowl. He slices the toast into halves and sets it in the bowl then places the bowl on the bar. He repeats the process until there are two bowls sitting on the bar. I reluctantly peel myself off him and open the fridge.

“What do you want to drink?” I ask, grabbing the gallon of milk.

“I’ll take a coke,” he calls over his shoulder as he walks around the wall to the bar.

I grab a coke before shutting the door of the fridge. I grab a glass from the cabinet and bring the glass, the coke, and the gallon of milk to the bar.

“This is such a thoughtful thing you do,” I say, sitting down next to him. “I’ve never had anyone cook for me like this before.”

Saying the words aloud makes my cheeks redden. It sounds silly.

“I love to cook. It’s my love language, I’ve been told.”

“Love language?” I ask, unsure of what he means.

He shoves a bite of grits in his mouth and swallows it before responding. “Yeah, it’s how I show I care. I don’t know, it’s just a thing I do to show my affection for someone.”

“Oh. It’s wonderful,” I say, shoving a bite of toast and grits into my mouth quickly because I don’t know what else to say or do. He’s showing me his affection? I like it. But it scares the shit out of me. I want this, I want him, and I have no idea what we are or what we’re doing.

“When we’re finished eating, I’m taking you to the mall.”

“Okay. Maybe this experience will be more thrilling than the last,” I laugh, thinking of the last trip I had to the mall with Princess.

“Oh, it will definitely be more thrilling,” he says, sliding his hand up my thigh until his fingers brush against my bare pussy.

I press into him and he tsks, pulling his hand away.

“Not yet, my greedy little vixen,” he whispers, taking another bite of his food.

I let out a breath and give him a side eye. “Tease,” I quip, closing my legs and angling slightly away from him.

He chuckles. “Just wait.”

“So tell me about Reaper and Kendra,” I say, changing the subject and trying to distract myself from the throbbing pulse between my legs.

“Reaper is one of the best guys I know. He and I prospected together and have been tight ever since. He’s fucking loaded, travels the country regularly and is loyal to a fucking fault. And brings the best pot brownies you’ll ever taste in your life.”

“I’ve never had one of those,” I say, feeling the heat rush to my cheeks again.

“I’ve got some. If you want to try one, you’re more than welcome.”

“Can I think on it?” I ask, feeling stupid and child-like.

“Of course. You don’t ever have to do anything you don’t want to do and if someone tries to tell you otherwise, point them in my fucking direction.”

I chuckle at how protective he’s gotten over me. It’s nice, oddly.

“I will, pinky swear,” I say, offering my pinky. He doesn’t hesitate before wrapping his pinky around mine. His lack of hesitation makes me feel a little less child-like and little more… accepted.

“Okay. So, Kendra is kind of like the little mother hen of the ol’ladies. She guides them through any kind of issues they’re having or if they have doubts or reservations about what the guys are doing or whatever. Things of that nature. She helps everyone kind of understand club life, especially those that haven’t been around it. She’s genuine, kind, and she keeps Reaper in line when he gets a little out of his box.”

“She sounds nice,” I say, taking the last bite of my breakfast. I gather our bowls and rinse them in the sink.

“Let’s get ready. We’ve got to get you something to wear to this party.”

It’s a beautiful day out and as much as I want to go for a ride on the bike, Sebastian said it would be better if we took the truck in case I buy too much shit at the mall.

The mall is crawling with people. It’s Saturday and there are so many people everywhere. I feel a panic begin to rise in my chest but Sebastian grabs my hand, grounding me. I wish I could tell him how secure his touch alone makes me, but I don’t want to sound even more stupid than I already feel.

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