Page 52 of The First Time

“Just fucking get over here, you idiot,” he replies as he punches Liam’s arm.

The two of them walk off, bickering at each other. With the two of them gone, I lean against the railing and watch Layla squirm like she’s nervous to be left alone with me.

“I didn’t know you were gonna be here,” she says softly with her arms behind her back.

“I wouldn’t miss being here for my favorite girl.” Her lips part in surprise. “Brie,” I clarify.

“Right. Of course,” she replies.

“Aww, don’t get jealous. She’s my favorite girl. You’re my favorite woman, Freckles.”

She rolls her eyes like she doesn’t care, but I know she does. I see that she wants to smile. I’ll get her there. Right now, I’m guessing she is still questioning where we stand. I didn’t call her this week, and it’s probably messing with her. I just don’t want to rush this and scare her.

But now that I’m with her, I don’t think I can keep myself away.

“Uncle Joshie!” Brie screams as she runs up the deck stairs.

I bend down and lift her into my arms. While I’m showering her with kisses, I notice Charlotte pulls Layla into the kitchen for help. She may think she’s escaped me, but I’ll be back for her.

Chaos ensues as the birthday cake is brought out. We sing Happy Birthday, my eyes on Layla the entire time, and then everyone starts to disperse as they eat cake. It only takes about two minutes for the sugar high to kick in, and all the kids flock to the bouncy house again.

Layla disappears into the kitchen. I look around to see everyone deep in conversations on the deck, then put my beer down and walk inside. I find her putting out some more snacks. I know she sees me walk in, but she keeps her head down.

I walk up behind her, my body only an inch away from hers, then I grab her hand. I lead her down the hallway, into the bathroom and shut the door behind us.

Not giving her a second to talk, I grab her behind her neck and kiss her. It’s a hungry kiss, letting her know just how much I’ve missed her.

Her hands fist the front of my t-shirt as she kisses me back with just as much desperation.

“God, I’ve missed you, Freckles,” I say through our kisses.

I push her against the door and slide one of the straps of her dress down, exposing her breast. My hand wraps around it, massaging its fullness as my thumb glides over her nipple.

She moans into my mouth while I continue. Then I pull away and move my mouth to her nipple, sucking and biting lightly.

“I missed you too,” she finally answers me.

I stand up and free both breasts, looking into her eyes while I take one in each hand. Her eyes are almost shut as she reacts to my touch. Then we hear voices coming from the kitchen, and her eyes are alert.

“Shit,” she whispers as she pulls her straps back into place. “We can’t be doing this here.”

She’s right. A child’s birthday party is hardly the place to get her naked and fuck her.

“Come to my place after this,” I insist, rubbing a finger across her smooth cheek.

I need to see her, need to hold her in my arms and remember what it felt like to feel content.

“Your place?” she whispers.

“Yeah, my place. You know where I live, right?”

“Of course, I know where you live.”

“Good. Come back and spend the night with me.” I don’t give her a chance to overthink this and decline. I kiss her forehead and open the bathroom door.

“I’ll go first,” I whisper, then walk straight out to the deck.

Whoever was in the kitchen is gone now, so the coast is clear. Asher and his father are talking football, my kind of conversation, so I grab my beer and jump in.

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