Page 72 of The Rescue

“Jesus, can a guy not take a pretty girl to the pub with their friends? We don’t know where this will lead, we’re not putting any pressure on it,” Rabbie added.

I place my hand on Rabbie’s thigh and give it a squeeze, a silent thank you for taking the lead on this interrogation.

“Not like you Rabbie,” Cam mumbles.

I look at Cam, I see a hint of stoic resignation on his face. His large arms are crossed, and his body is stiff. He’s probably the most protective of Rabbie out of all of us, in his own way. Cam isn’t much of a talker, but just one look from Cam can put you on edge. I know he likes me as Dylan’s best friend, but he wouldn’t hesitate to call me out if he thought I was going to hurt Rabbie.

Rabbie’s leg bounces under my hand, I can tell he’s nervous after what Cam just said, maybe he’s not all calm and open as he seems. I wish we’d had this conversation just the two of us, but maybe it had to happen this way as both of us would’ve been too scared to bring it up. We seem to be pretty good at talking openly to each other about our family and our trauma, but when it comes to dating or relationships we seem to be closed off. There’s fear there, but he doesn’t make it seem scary at all.

Dylan can sense the tension between us as Cam’s face is still struck with thunder. She rests her hand on his large forearm, and like a large beast that needs taming he grumbles and softens under her delicate touch. It seems only Dylan can wrangle the grumpy redhead.

The conversation of the night turns light, and I’m relieved that the topic is not about us anymore. Rabbie has relaxed after Cam’s weird comment, he hasn’t pulled away which was one of the first thoughts that crossed my mind. He’s leaning into me, and stroking my thigh under the table. It’s driving me crazy. I need to be alone with him, and soon. Otherwise I might go completely feral and start climbing him in front of this whole goddamn pub.

After a few more drinks I’m really riled up, and I can see out the corner of my eye that Rabbie is enjoying this from the smirk on his face. He wraps his arm around my shoulder and leans in close, I can feel his warm breath on my neck and I pray I can keep myself together in front of everyone.

Cam and Dylan are whispering to each other, stealing glances. Hamish and Fiona look like two kids at the movies whilst they smile at us.

“Ready to get out of here?” He purrs.

My stomach bottoms out, and goosebumps ripple across my skin even though we’re sitting right next to the fire.

I can’t find the words, I’m too stunned to speak. All I can muster is a slow nod of my head as I turn to face him. His gorgeous green eyes have darkened and they’re mostly black. He’s got a daring look on his face, I’m nervous and excited to find out what type of Rabbie I’m going to get when we leave. We hurriedly bid our goodnight to the group, they’re all wearing smug grins as we leave them at the table. The pub is mostly empty now, and I’m secretly happy about that. The less looks on us as we rush out the door the better. Hooking up in a small town like Crossmackie is like living in a glass box. You can’t leave a pub together without people speculating that you’re going home to fuck.

As soon as we step out into the cold night air, Rabbie hands are on me. He runs his fingers through my hair as he backs me up against the cold stonewall of The Drunken Duck. He groans against my lips as he kisses me hard and fast. I feel him brush against me, and he’s already hard. How the fuck did that happen? I wrap my arms around his neck, as he slips one hand under my t-shirt. His cold hand touches my stomach and I jolt.

“Are we ever going to make it to a bedroom?” I laugh as he kisses my neck.

He leans back, and looks down at me.

“You started driving me crazy as soon as you came downstairs at the cafe. I was about ready to cancel on drinks, but I knew they’d come looking for us,” he leans his forehead against mine.

I take a little pleasure in knowing he’s been thinking about me for that long, and was able to keep his composure. I started to fray at the edges as soon as he put his large hand on my leg at the table.

He strokes his large thumb across my stomach that is still under my t-shirt, I hiss at his frozen fingers.

“Let’s go, your hands are like icicles,” I grab his hand and lead him down the street.

26

Rabbie

I couldn’t get out of the pub quick enough,as soon as we were out the door I had to have my hands on her. I’m surprised I lasted that long, touching her bare legs in public was a high I never knew I needed. I’m shocked at myself for taking the plunge, and making a very bold statement to the village as we walked into The Drunken Duck holding hands.

Since my mum showed up a couple of weeks ago, Crystal has shown me time and time again that not all women are like her. Crystal has had my back countless times, and supported me through this weird time. She doesn’t owe me anything, and yet she continues to prove me wrong about my insecurities by showing me that family isn’t always about blood.

We haven’t spoken about her leaving or what the plans are for the future. I’ve realised that I’ve been living in fear of the future for so long, and not living in the moment. But with Crystalbeing here, she’s shown me that we can’t always plan for the future and it’s okay to let the walls down to live in the moment.

I know she wouldn’t intentionally hurt me, it’s not who she is. I don’t know what the future holds for us, but right now I’m focusing on the present. I never thought in a million years that I would have this outlook, let alone step out of my comfort zone and actually allow myself the chance of getting to know someone. I feel like a new man, and I want him to stay.

We rush down the main street of Crossmackie, usually we take our time and smell the fresh crisp air, but tonight I want her naked in my bed. We barely make it through the back door of the cafe, our eyes land on the stainless steel island and both of our eyes light up. I push the thought of urgency out of my mind, I want to take my time with her. I lead her upstairs and into the flat, she pounces on me as soon as we’re in the hallway.

I lift her up and she wraps her soft legs around me. I back her up against the wall and trail kisses down her neck. I love those little hissing noises she makes as I nip her delicate skin. Her tiny hands are in my hair, and she gently tugs on it. Heat is consuming my body, and all I can think about is how good she’s going to feel when I’m inside her.

“I want you so bad, Rabbie,” she mewls.

Hearing her say my name like that makes me want to fall to my knees and worship the ground she walks on.

After last night I’m toeing the line of going completely savage on her, and I will if she doesn’t stop grinding against me. I kick open my bedroom door and carry her in. Edie is asleep on my bed and wakes with a startle as the door hits the wall. I gently place Crystal down on her feet, and grab Edie off my bed.

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