Page 38 of Needing Your Love
As usual, Sutton didn’t appear moved by my blatant flirting, his brow furrowing as though annoyed by my flirty behavior. But how else was I supposed to show my interest?
Remembering his hard length grinding against mine gave me the courage to strive onward regardless of the inner sirens warning me of even more impending disappointment.
“Or we could go straight for dessert at my room at The Moose.” I flicked one of his buttons while taking in every glorious inch of the chief in his somewhat rumpled uniform.
Shit.
My grin wiped away as I remembered why Sutton might not be his usual pristine self. “Is Kurt okay?” I asked, all trace of toying with the chief gone from my voice.
Sutton’s steady gaze lightened slightly as though he was proud of me for thinking outside of my own selfishness.
“He’s sleeping off the booze on your favorite jail cell cot.”
I grimaced. “God—don’t remind me.”
“You’ve come a long way since then, Jimmy. It’s nice to see you investing in DJ’s life.”
Warmth welled inside me at the words of praise I’d been desperate to hear leaving his lips. I couldn’t contain the heart eyes shining from my face as I peered up at him. “So about that dessert…”
Sutton narrowed his gaze even though interest and heat resided behind his stern stare. “Knock it off.”
“Yes, da?—”
He popped an eyebrow in warning at the same time a voice cut through his radio requesting his presence back at the station.
I squirmed, my backside aching for his hand and hole desperate for the stretching sting of his cock.
“Be a good boy and stay out of trouble,” Sutton said, pulling his door open.
Good boy.
Holy fucking hell…
I shivered and stared as Sutton backed out of Mary’s driveway, his gaze flicking down over me with definite desire in his eyes before he drove away. “Jesus,” I whispered while fanning my face and heading toward my car.
I hadn’t lied to Sutton that night in the bathroom—I trusted him.
But I didn’t trust whoIwas beneath the exterior I allowed him to see. One moment of weakness had revealed the emotional ugliness beneath. The connection and affection-starved clinger who didn’t know how to stop the driving force for attention spurring me on. What man would want to get tangled up with someone as broken as me?
I lay curled in my bed at The Moose later that night, staring off into the darkness, replaying every minute I’d spent in Sutton’s presence since returning to Pippen Creek. I was desperate for some sort of assurance, the slightest hint ofpossibility, he might be swayed toward lowering his own walls regardless of me not being good enough for him.
His body might want mine, but I longed for a hell of a lot more than physical release. I teased him about being a daddy and didn’t really have interest in that type of dynamic, but I yearned for the safety of his presence, the quietness in my mind while being wrapped up in his arms. His nature was to protect and nurture—exactly what I craved, a perfect fit for every single one of my needs.
A weight sat heavy on my chest as frustration over my shortcomings ruined every single fantasy I’d built up over the years.
My cell dinged, and I heaved an exhale, rolling to grab it off the bed stand.
A zing zapped straight to my groin at the name I’d given the chief, and giddy bubbles popped in my belly. Breath held, I tapped the text box open.
Daddy McDreamy:I appreciate you looking out for DJ.
I nibbled on the inside of my lip. Was he telling me that as the police chief of this town, or was there more behind him reaching out to me for the first time with words he had to know would make my heart swell? I debated on how to reply but decided on a game plan change. Maybe giving Sutton what he desired from me—honesty—would lead me toward that damned sunset I longed for.
Me:He’s a good kid and doesn’t deserve the cards he’s been dealt.
I stared at the screen in anticipation of another ding, proud of myself for not going my usual route even though my libido climbed aboard the flirt and fuck train while waiting for a reply.
Daddy McDreamy:You’re proof that a phoenix can rise above the ashes, Jimmy.
