Time to make it right. “I can afford one. You deserve a new car, and this old gal deserves a well-earned retirement.”
“I’m not letting you buy me a car.”
“I’ll buy you one, anyway.” I expect a smile, but she scowls, instead. Wonderful, I’ve stepped in it again. “Did I say something wrong?”
“Heoffered to buy me a car, after everything he did to me. What did he call it? Oh yes, a parting gift.” She pulls her keys from her purse, her hands trembling. “I told him where he could shove his parting gift.”
“Tally, I’m not him.”
“I know, but—”
“But what?”
She throws up her hands, her eyes bright. “Why do you want this? You know my situation now, just as I know yours. I’m broke. My money goes to care for my Dad. I can’t afford the lifestyle you’re used to. Hell, I ordered a salad because I couldn’t afford the meal.”
I grab her to me, anger flashing through my brain. I’m tempted to march her ass back inside and order one of everything on the menu for her. “Don’t youeverdo that again, Tally. You order whatever you want.”
“It’s not fair. I can’t contribute at places like this. Hell, I’m barely able to cover an extra round of brews at Wicked Chucks.”
“Let’s make a deal, Darlin. We take care of each other. I ensure that you are happy and healthy and loved. You, in turn, grant me unlimited access to this body.”
I push her back against the car, my dick springing to attention as it nestles against her curves. If she had parked the car in a dark corner, I’d hike this little black skirt up to her waist and slide inside her, showing her just how much she contributes. It would be worth a night in jail to hear her scream my name.
“I knew it was going to come back around to sex,” she jokes as I claim her mouth.
“Had to happen eventually.” I press kisses against her throat, knowing I’ll have one hell of a hard-on by the time I’m through.
“Who’s going to ensure that you’re happy and loved, Owen?”
I slide my hands up her thighs, palming her delectable peach. “It’s a guarantee when I’m with you.”
“Good answer,” she laughs, rewarding my statement by pressing her body closer.
I stage a one-sided internal argument before asking the next question, but I need to vocalize it. “Tally, can I ask you something?”
“No, we cannot have sex in the parking lot.”
“Damn.” I press my forehead to hers, feeling that inner fire smoldering beneath her skin. “If you’re pregnant, you’ll tell me, right? You wouldn’t hide that from me, would you?”
She pulls back, her eyes wide. “It’s just a stomach bug.”
She’s trying to reassure me, now it’s my turn to reassure her. “Likely, but we weren’t very careful, Darlin.”
Tally snorts. “You meannevercareful? Is that what you mean? I blame you. Totally your fault. You shouldn’t be this good-looking. I can’t be held responsible for my actions, such as ripping off your clothes or dry-humping your leg.”
“I’ll take the blame,” I reply with a grin.
“We’ll be careful from now on,” she offers, pressing her mouth to mine.
Like hell we will.
I get it. Some will say it’s not the smartest route. But I’m clean, she’s clean, and I’m not a twenty-year-old delinquent. That, and I’m obsessed with Tally. Knocking her up is not my definition of hardship.
“We’ll see.” That’s as close to a concession as she’ll get. Besides, all this sex talk is sending my dick screaming into overdrive.
“If we don’t take precautions, then you’ll keep worrying about it.”
“I’m not worried about it.” It’s the truth.