Page 13 of Merry With A Milkman

Scumbag takes a step backward, stumbling over a chair. “Okay. Okay, I’m out of here. This ain’t no friendly bar and I’m spreading the word.”

“Whatever makes you happy, bud. As long as you never set foot on our property again.”

After straightening his shirt and glancing around at the interested observers, scumbag stomps toward the exit. Pax blows out a frustrated breath. “Sorry about that, Tegan. I’ve been trying to ban him for a couple months now. Want me to walk you out when you leave? Just in case?”

“I’ve got her,” I say. I appreciate he wants to keep Tegan safe, but she’s my responsibility. My woman. Pax’s lips twitch before he nods and returns to the bar.

“Ready?” I ask when Tegan slips from my side leaving a cold void.

She gathers her bag and notebook. “More than ready.”

I follow her through the bar, casting a quick glance at the guy in the corner. He arches one eyebrow and I return themovement. His other brow lifts. I’ve surprised him. Not sure what the signal means to him, but it’s good to know I haven’t lost all of my observation skills.

Her car’s not far from mine. I’ve scanned the parking lot and don’t see anyone loitering. I’m not sure I trust that scumbag’s actually not waiting somewhere to cause trouble. “Want me to drive to the restaurant? We can pick up your car after.”

Tegan stares into the dark sky. “I’m not sure I’m up for a fancy meal tonight.” Then she drops her gaze to me and grins. “What about some takeaway at my place? I could go for some Chinese.”

Not a bad idea. Get her out of the public eye. “Works for me. How about I follow you home, then go grab food?”

Her eyes twinkle in the parking lot lights. “Worried about that guy? Don’t be.”

“Can’t help worrying about you, sweetness. Besides, the best Chinese takeaway is on the other side of town, so we’d need to go by your apartment anyway.”

Lifting to her toes, she laughs and kisses my cheek. “I won’t argue. Kung pao chicken for me.”

“So, you like the spicy stuff?”

“Sometimes. Oh, and an eggroll and some of those crab rangoons. With fried rice. I’m hungry tonight.”

After a more satisfying kiss, she slips into her vehicle and waits until I pull up then I follow her from the Sandy Sipper back toward town. At her place, I wait until she waves and closes the door safely behind her. Fifteen minutes later the aroma of soy and the sweet and sour that’s my favorite fill my car. She meets me at the door and the sway of her hips as I trail behind her up the stairs makes my mouth water more than the meal I carry.

She has me place the bags on the island next to the place settings she’s created. Instead of opening the bags, she crowds close to me and wraps her arms around my waist. Her cheekrests against my chest and I lift one hand to tangle my fingers through her hair and cup the back of her head.

“Rhone.”

“I’m here, sweetness.”

She speaks without lifting her head. “Remember when I told you about my v-card?”

Remember? The words have been an ever present companion since that night. The now familiar need tightens my groin. Anticipation mixed with the dread she’ll take back her words nearly steals my breath. “Yes.”

“That guy at the bar made me think about us.”

Fuck. I steel myself for her rejection.

With a sigh, she eases back and stares at me with wide, luminous eyes. “I meant what I said, Rhone. I want you to be my first. And I want to put supper in the fridge and change my status. Now. Tonight.”

My dick comprehends before my brain, twitching and straining against my jeans.

“Please don’t tell me no,” she whispers. “I don’t want anyone else. Only you.”

I caress the smooth curve of her cheek and tuck my finger under her chin. My thumb strokes along the fullness of her lower lip. “Tegan, I won’t be your first.”

She twists her face away.

“Sweetness, look at me.” When she does, there are tears shimmering in her eyes. I’m confused for a moment then realize what I’ve said. “Tegan, I won’t bejustyour first. Once we do this, I will be youronly. And you will be mine.”

“My only? Oh, I like that. Please be my only. Show me what I’ve waited for.”

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