Page 31 of Those Two Words

An image of my hands in her hair for a totally different reason flashes in my head, and I have to shift in my seat as my cock thickens at the filthy thoughts. Her on her knees. Eyes watering. Pouty mouth open and swollen. Swallowing me down.

Yeah, that doesn’t help. My dick strains against the zipper of my jeans, and I hope the darkened cab hides the effect she’s having on me without even trying. Jesus, it’s been a long time.

“How’s living above the bakery?”I genuinely do care, but I’ll talk about anything at this rate, just to stop my mind from wandering into the gutter.

“Unlimited coffee and pastries? I’m living the dream.”

“It’s a nice spot. Great grilled cheeses,” I say and throw her a wink. Suddenly, the cab is filled with the sweetest sound. A sound I haven’t heard in so long. Her laugh. And god, have I missed it.

“Coffee and cheese. I’m so basic.”

I shake my head and laugh as she singsongs the last part in that over-the-top British accent; something she’s done since we were younger, and it’s comforting to know she hasn’t lost that little quirk.

“You could never be basic.”

At this rate, it’s futile trying to filter anything that comes out of my mouth when she’s around.

“I’ve been meaning to ask if I could sign the restaurant up for the Easter fair in April? It might be good to showcase some of our staple dishes, but also give Booth the chance to show off his talents. It’s a great way to give back to the community too.”

“That’s a…really good idea.” I laugh, even though I’m annoyed at myself for not thinking of it first. “I’ll see if Graham knows anything about the permits we’ll need and how to apply for a table.”

“How is Graham? Tonight was the first time I’ve seen him.”

“Same old. Always scowling, but still no bite.”

“Are he and Jenna still together?”

I hiss through my teeth. “Tough subject. It ended about a year ago. And not well either, but Mom doesn’t know that, so keep that to yourself.”

“Permission to speak honestly?”

“Go ahead.”

I catch her glancing around the cab, like Jenna is hiding in the backseat waiting for her. “Ialwaysthoughtshewasabitchface.” I almost don’t catch her words, but when I brake at a stop sign, I turn to see her biting her lip.

“Johanna May Thomas. The mouth on you.” Her shoulders slump like she’s been carrying that weight around for years. “You’re not alone there. It just took us a few years to figure that out.”

She hums in what I think is agreement but then a gasp has my eyes darting to her shocked face. “First the truck, and now I see you have the same old, ratty wallet?”

She reaches to where I haphazardly threw my wallet between us. Panic has me intercepting her, and I snatch it up before she can grab it. And see what’s inside.

“Oh. Sorry, that was rude of me,” she says, hands recoiling back to her lap, and I hate the shocked confusion on her face.

“No, no. It’s just old and falling apart. I need a new one.” I hope she accepts the little white lie as I tuck it away safely in the glove compartment. I’ve already confessed my past feelings to her tonight, no need to add to the list of things I’d rather she didn’t know about.

The rest of the drive is filled with silence, nothing like the days spent riding around in this truck as teenagers, goofing around or riding along the coast. Everything between us was always easygoing and honest. Well, apart from the long-standing crush I had on her, but that never disrupted the good thing we had going on. We’ve sure as heck been honest tonight, but the easy part is still missing.

When we approach the block where her apartment is, disappointment floods my veins. What excuses can I make so she has to stay a little while longer? Left my coat at the bar? Nope, wearing it. Maybe I could fake a flat? Also dumb, as I can see her apartment from here.

“This is me,” she calls out as I pass her building. Is this classed as kidnapping?

“Oh yeah.” Pulling up a little down from the bakery, I park the truck.

“Thanks for the ride.” She goes to unbuckle herself but struggles with the seat belt that I now remember is busted.

“Ah, fuck, I should have warned you. That one’s broken. It’s usually only Lottie with me, and I’ll drive my other truck then so she can sit in the back,” I explain as I lean over to help her, secretly giddy that she has to stay a while longer.

My hand slides along the strap across her chest right when she yanks at it, pulling it taut. Taking me with it. Anddd now I’m touching her tit.

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