Chapter One

 

I was lucky. I knew that.

I took a deep breath and forced a smile over my face. I could be working at the fast food joint down the street, but instead, I was working here. I got tips—and normally they were good ones.

I was lucky.

But I was also tired, sore, and run down.

That didn’t matter.

I plastered on a smile as I headed towards the table where an old woman sat, and what looked like might be her son or just a much younger friend of hers.

“Hi,” I said, making my tired voice as chipper as I could. “Welcome to Bloom, my name is Melina, and I’ll be your server today.” I’d been focused on the elderly woman until now. I glanced over at the man quickly, then back to her. My eyes shot back to him, taking everything in.

His hard eyes sparkled, a soft grin covering his face as the corner of his lips tilted up. He wore a well-tailored suit and a silver watch that sparkled in the light.

Damn.

I forced myself to look away from him and turned my attention to the woman again.

“Is there anything I can get you to drink to start off?” I pulled my notepad out of my skirt pocket in case I needed it.

“A tea, please.” She gave me a soft smile.

I nodded and turned my attention back to the man. “And you, sir?” I couldn’t help my eyes roaming over him again. His black hair had specks of grey in it, but it looked damn good if you asked me. He must be older than I realized.

“Water, please.”

I nodded, not bothering to take down either of the orders and headed to the kitchen to grab a tea and a glass of water.

As I made my way back to that table, I couldn’t resist locking eyes on the man as soon as he saw me. My best flirty smile spread across my lips. You’re at work, I reminded myself.

Right. I took a deep breath and stuffed that flirty smile away, replacing it with the kind I would give the elderly woman he was with.

“Here you are.” I smiled softly. “Are you ready, or do you need a little longer to decide?” I looked from him to the elderly woman.

“I’m ready,” she said, glancing over at the man.

“Same.” His voice made my heart skip a beat.

I mentally shook myself, trying not to get too caught up in anything, and pulled out my notebook again.

“I’d like the corn chowder,” the elderly woman said, “with garlic bread.” I nodded, taking her order.

“And would you like a salad with that?”

“Garden salad.” She nodded. “Ranch dressing, please.”

I nodded as I jotted down notes and turned my attention to the man.

His eyes sparkled. “Steak, please.” He took a second, and I could have sworn his eyes roamed over my body. I took a deep breath, suddenly glad I’d worn the shorter of my two skirts.

“With fries or a baked potato?”

“Fries, please.”

So polite. My eyes sparkled. I wonder if he’s like that in the bedroom. My cheeks flushed as I thought it. I knew I shouldn’t.

You weren’t even supposed to flirt to get tips. Not that none of us did. A girl needed to make a living after all, and not everyone was lucky enough to have a family who could help her through college.

But I only did that on game nights, like all the girls here. We had to be careful; it wasn’t something you wanted a customer complaining to the manager about.

“I’ll get this back in a jiffy,” I promised them as I walked away, resisting the urge to turn back and check him out once more.

 

I glanced at the clock as the man pulled out a credit card and slipped it into the machine.

“I’m going to go get in the car,” the elderly woman said.

“Alright.” He gave her a smile. He’d already given her the keys.

I waited until she was out of earshot before I spoke.

“Is she your mother?”

“Yes.” He glanced up and gave me a smile. “I take her out every Friday on my lunch break. It’s a bit of a hassle now that she’s not able to drive herself, but I just take a little extra time off for my lunch.”

“You’re lucky to have someone who lets you.” I gave him a smile as he handed me the debt machine. His warm fingers touched mine for a fraction of a second, and my heart skipped a beat as his eyes locked on mine.

His smile widened into a playful grin. “I am.” He agreed. “Have a good day.”

Turning on his heel, he walked away without another word.

I looked down at the debit machine, printing off the receipt. My jaw dropped as I stared down at it.

Tip: $20

No one had every tipped me that much when sober.

I tucked the receipt into the cash register without really thinking. My mind was still racing, trying to process the fact that he’d just tipped me twenty dollars.

“I’ll get your table.” Ashley’s voice brought me back out of reality.

“Thank you.” I gave her a soft smile. Ashley took the bus too, which meant she knew how crappy it was if you missed one. We’d always cover for each other if we needed to leave a little early to catch our buses. I’d already been ready to go, except for my purse, which I’d moved before getting the customers their bill.

I pulled my name tag off my chest and tucked it into my purse, slipping it over my shoulder and heading out of the restaurant as fast as I could in 4-inch heels.

With practice, you could get from one place to the next pretty fast actually, and being a waitress gave me a lot of practice.

The bus ride wasn’t too long. If I wore running shoes, I’d be able to make it to my classes in time from work. That’s why I kept a spare pair, not that I liked doing it. But it was something I had to do every now and then; that was the price I paid for working my way through college. Not that I really had another choice.

My parents would have helped if they could.

I stepped off the bus, slipping my backpack over my shoulder and looking around. A grin spread over my face as Rebecca walked along the sidewalk a couple feet ahead of me. I’d recognise her bright green backpack anywhere. I’d been with her when she painted the cat face on it.

My pace quickened as I lengthened my stride to make it to her in a couple of seconds.

“Hey,” I said, falling into stride with her.

“Hi. How was work?”

“Fine.” I shrugged. My mind drifted back to the man I’d served before my shift ended. It wasn’t the tip that I thought about; it was him. His dark eyes as they sparkled and the way his lips curved into a grin.

I should have slipped him my number, I thought. I knew it was wrong, but what were the chances I’d ever see him again?

“Hey,” John said behind me.

I turned to see him coming up to us quickly and gave him a soft smile and a nod.

His eyes sparkled.

“How’s it going, Melina?”

“Fine.” Smiling broadly, I asked, “How are you?”

“I’m good. Are you going to class tonight? I thought we could grab dinner and go over notes together.”

John was sweet, but this wasn’t the first time he’d asked me out to dinner. It hadn’t gone half as well as either of us had hoped, but he wasn’t willing to admit that. I pretended that I didn’t realize he was trying to ask me out on a date every time he asked.

“I’m sorry.” I gave him a soft smile. “I already promised Rebecca I’d study with her.”

I knew she hated me using her as an excuse, but I wasn’t sure what else I was supposed to do. I didn’t want to have to tell him there was no chance. I didn’t want to hurt him.

I caught Rebecca’s eye. She wasn’t impressed that I used her as an excuse again, but I couldn’t help it! I needed to. I wasn’t going to break the poor boy’s heart. He’d move on in no time.

“Oh, darn. Well, I guess I’ll see you later then.” He smiled softly, his eyes still sparkling.

“You should give him another shot,” Rebecca scolded, her eyes lingering on him.

He wasn’t the only reason I kept turning him down.

“He’s not my type.” I shrugged.

“So what is?”

Older men. The thought took me off guard. I didn’t realize that was something I’d ever be into, but after seeing that man today, I couldn’t say it wasn’t something I wouldn’t be interested in. It’s probably just because he gave me a nice tip, I told myself.

I cleared my throat, realizing I hadn’t answered. “No one. I’m too busy for boyfriends.”

Between work and school, and any side jobs I could pick, it was true. I had no time for boyfriends.

“Ohhhh, are you trying to say you want to go out to the bar this weekend?” Rebecca wiggled her eyebrows dramatically.

I snorted. “If I had the time, I’d say yes.”

“You work too much. It’s not fun.”

“It’s not meant to be fun.” I rolled my eyes at my best friend. “It’s meant to get me through college.”

I had decided a long time ago that this wasn’t the stage of my life for fun. It was for work, and I was going to work my ass off until I could have fun without having to worry about being able to afford it.

Rebecca and I said goodbye to each other as we came to her classroom. She promised that we would see each other tomorrow and that she’d bring me some cookies if she baked any.

I was stuck here for the rest of the day—although it wasn’t too bad. I only had one night class a week.

 

By the time I was finally done with school, it was past 9:00. Which meant the buses were only running for another two hours. Of course, it wouldn’t take me that long to get home, but it did put the pressure on me not to miss my bus.

I stepped outside and let out a groan.

The rain soaked my hair within seconds, and I was not impressed, but what was I going to do? I could spend the night in the library, but I’d still be soaked by the time I got there.

So, it was home, a hot shower, and then a nice tea and bed.

I blew out a deep breath.

I was past overworked and knew it, but that was what I wanted. I wanted to get this all done so I could move on with life.

I know a lot of people love college, but I didn’t. I wanted to have a career.

I wanted to stop studying.

I wanted to stop worrying about my debt. And the faster I paid everything off, the sooner I could stop worrying about that. Which was why I worked so much—even on my days off, I did dog sitting, or babysitting. I even made graphics every now and then. A lot of people were looking for a nice blog layout for a good price. And I could provide that; sort of.

My pace quickened as I saw my bus turn the corner. I pulled my wallet out of my pocket, almost sprinting towards the bus, and made it just in time.

“Evening,” I said as I stepped onto the bus.

“Hello.” It was the same middle-aged woman that always drove the bus on Thursdays.

I paid, got a transfer and headed to the back of the bus. I was pretty much the only one on it, except for two other girls and an elderly man. I didn’t make eye contact with any of them as I sat down and put my headphone in, tuning the world out with music.

Pulling out one of my school books, I got back to taking notes.

The sooner I got these notes done, the sooner I’d be able to actually write the paper, the sooner I’d be able to decide it was dreadful and not have the time to rewrite it. I smirked to myself, Sublime blasting through the headphones into my ears.

I tuned out to the bus ride, not bothering to pay attention until we came to a stop at the central bus stop downtown. Tucking my book into my purse, I stood up, realizing that everyone else had gotten off the bus already.

I looked out the window as the rain poured down harder and harder. I bit my lip not wanting to go out there, but it’s not like I could just sit here.

“You didn’t hear the announcement, did you?” The bus driver padded over to me.

“What?” My brow furrowed.

“When we got to the stop, I told everyone that the buses for the rest of the night have been canceled.”

My eyes widened. Canceled. How was I going to get home?

My jaw dropped.

“The radio is saying that the storm is going to get worse within the hour, so we’re supposed to get the buses back to the station as soon as we can. I’m sorry.”

I could feel a tear pressing against the corner of my eye and took a deep breath, trying not to let myself cry.

“O-okay. Um, thank you for telling me.”

It wasn’t her fault that she had to take the bus back to the station, or her fault that the bus wouldn’t be coming to get her.

I took a deep breath, trying to remain calm as I turned and stepped off the bus into the crowd of people who were trying to figure out what the fuck they were going to do.

Pulling out my cell phone, I strode away from the crowd to make sure whoever I called would be able to hear me. John. He’d answer, and he would give me a ride home. My stomach twisted.

I shouldn’t take advantage of him like that. I knew that was true, but who else was I going to call? Rebecca took the bus just like I did.

“Excuse me.” His voice made my heart skip a beat. I looked up from my phone, my eyes wide.

“H-hi.”

Even in the dim light provided by the street lamps, I could see the gray flakes in his hair. My eyes roamed over his body. He wore a leather jacket over his well-fitting suit.

“You were my waitress today, weren’t you?”

“I believe I was.” I gave him a smile. “You were my last customer of the day, and you gave a very generous tip. Thank you.”

The man shrugged. “Are you alright? You look drenched.”

“I … I was taking the bus home, and they just canceled them.” I tried not to make it sound like a big deal. “I was just over here trying to figure out who I was going to call to rescue me.” I gave a soft laugh. Not that it was funny, but I didn’t want to come off as whiny.

“That’s dreadful.”

I glanced at him, then to the building we were standing outside. Why was he here so late? I knew he had a car. “Working late?” I asked, trying to turn the attention away from me.

“Yup, like most nights.” He paused. “Look, it wouldn’t be much hassle for me to give you a lift.”

I opened my mouth to object, then paused. What if this was my only chance to get a ride home? I bit my lip.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to be a hassle.”

“I can’t leave you in the rain with no hero to rescue you.”

I swallowed dryly. “So you’re going to be my hero?” My eyes sparkled as I said it.

He laughed softly. “If you need saving.” Motioning for me to follow him, he said, “Come on.”

My jaw dropped as he led the way to a small sports car, circled around to the passenger side and held the door open for me. Wow. Before I slipped into the car, I took note of the plate number and emailed it to myself—just in case.

He circled around the hood and slid into the driver’s seat, gunning the engine as he shook the water off himself. It kind of reminded me of a dog.

“I know, it’s not the best for a rainstorm,” he said as he backed out of the parking spot. “But it should get us home safely. Where do you live?”

“There is an apartment complex on Wilson St.”

He nodded as if he knew where I was talking about, and we headed down the street. He cranked the heat and a shiver ran through my body. I hadn’t realized how cold I was until I got in the car and had the heat blowing at me.

“I’m Melina, by the way,” I said in case he didn’t remember my name from lunch.

“Aron.”

“It’s nice to meet you. And thank you.”

“You’re very welcome. I’d have felt like a total asshole if I hadn’t at least offered you a ride.”

At least, he was honest.

I bit my lip, wondering if I was supposed to make conversation, or if he’d rather I just shut up. I mean, he was going out of his way in a rainstorm to make sure I was okay, that had to count for something—right?

“My mother really enjoyed breakfast,” he said.

“I’m glad to hear it.” I wasn’t really sure what I was supposed to say.

“It’s quite the compliment. She’s a picky eater. For her to say the food was good, much less very good is a big deal.”

“I’ll be sure to let the chefs know they are doing something right.” I knew they wondered about that. A lot of them were new to it, and Kenny—the head chef—was putting a lot of the recipes together himself. He often worried about if it was any good.

We made our way out of the downtown core slowly, the rain making the roads slick.

“Are you close with your mother?” I asked.

“Yes. My father passed away and since then I try to see her at least a couple times a week, but work makes that hard.”

“Long hours?”

“This is my normal quitting time.” I could feel the sad smile in his voice as if he hated it but loved it. I nodded.

“I get what you mean.” It was hard. I may not know what he did for a living, but I knew it was hard. “I work, go to college and then on my weekends I take on any extra work I can. Babysitting, freelancing.”

“What do you freelance?” I could hear the wheels turning.

“Graphics.”

“I design websites,” he said.

“Really?” That perked my interest. “That must be exciting.”

“It can be. I’ve had the chance to work on some amazing websites, with some amazing people, and even better companies.”

Okay, now he really had my interest.

We turned onto my street, and my heart sank a little. I wanted to keep talking to him. As we came to a stop in front of my apartment, I bit my lip.

“You know,” I said. “You should come in and try to wait it out a little.” We got rainstorms like this a lot. They’d be done within the hour, but during that hour it was dreadful. “It’s not safe to be driving out here, and it’s late. Let me at least make you a coffee.”

He turned to me; I could see the smile across his lips.

“Alright, you win.” He put the car into park, shut it off and pulled the keys from the ignition as I popped the door open.

The crash of thunder met me, and my heart skipped a beat. Drops of rain pounded against the pavement. I took a deep breath and bolted from the car, suddenly regretting that I was wearing heels.

I felt a hand touch my arm, warm and supportive. I glanced at him as we rushed for the door, pulled it open for him, and we both ducked inside as quickly as we could before I pulled open another door, and we headed for the elevator.

Within a couple of minutes, we had made our way up to my apartment, and I’d unlocked it.

Compared to Aron’s car, my house was nothing, so I wasn’t even going to start wondering what his house was like.

I set my purse down on the counter, because I didn’t own a table, and set the kettle on.

“Thank you,” I said again. “I mean, for bringing me home.”

I knew I’d never be able to thank him enough.

“It was my pleasure.” He stepped towards me.

I raised an eyebrow as I slipped out of my thin jacket; my clothing and hair were soaked. I knew my makeup was probably running, and as silly as it was, my cheeks flushed as I realised what a mess I looked in front of him.

Doesn’t matter, it’s not like you will ever see him again, I thought. Yea, but that’s what you thought before, I reminded myself.

“Although …” He paused as he stepped towards me again. “I can think of a way you could thank me.”

My heart skipped a beat. Really? It took everything I had not to frown at him. He was going to peeve on me? I didn’t care how hot he was; he was older than me, and I was willing to guess it was quite a bit.

“Really?” I tried to make it sound like I didn’t know what he was about to ask from me while I tried to figure out the best way to tell him to go fuck himself.

Don’t get me wrong; he was cute, but I never was a fan of men who just jumped right into trying to get down my pants. I mean, where was the romance in that?

“I’m free tomorrow, something that is very rare for me, are you free?”

My jaw dropped. He was asking if I was free?

“I … I’d have to check my schedule.” I forced a tight smile over my lips. I didn’t really have time for dating, but I wanted to say yes. I wanted to go out, despite the fact I had to write 6000 words over the weekend to stay on schedule with my homework. I took a deep breath, trying to figure out what I was supposed to do as I turned to the kettle—just in time to hear it pop.

I made two cups of coffee, one for myself and one for him. I turned back to him and handed a cup to him.

My heart skipped a beat as he took it from me, his eyes sparkling.

He’d taken his leather jacket off, along with his suit jacket. As he took the coffee from me, I could see his muscles flex. My heart skipped a beat, and I swallowed dryly. I tore my eyes away from him, suddenly wishing that he had tried to get down my pants.

I couldn’t help the small smirk that spread across my face. Make up your fucking mind, girl, I thought.

I took a small sip of my coffee, then headed into the bathroom and grabbed two towels. I stared at myself.

Yup. My mascara was running, and my hair was soaked to the bone. So much for the nice waves I had this morning. It doesn’t matter. I’d have to redo it in the morning anyways.

I padded out of the bathroom and tossed a towel to Aron. He caught it without batting an eyelash.

“Nice catch.” I grinned, starting with my hair.

His eyes roamed over my body as I slipped out of my blouse, revealing a simple white tank top that easily showed my black bra.

I didn’t mind showing him.

After he hadn’t tried to get down my pants, I kind of wanted to see his reaction.

His eyes locked on mine as he set the coffee cup down and toweled off his own hair.

My heart skipped a beat as I watched him unbutton his shirt, his eyes still locked on mine.

I tried to hold eye contract—I wasn’t going to break it just to check him out. Now if he broke the eye contact first, I wasn’t going not to check him out. That was for sure.

 

I’m not sure how this seemed to turn into some sort of game with her, but it did.

She wanted me to look away, and I wanted to see if she’d break eye contract.

I may be a little older, but that didn’t matter. I slipped out of my shirt with ease, revealing probably the best body she had ever seen in person. Her eyes widened, all but confirming it.

Some people may think I’m old, but I was in better shape than most 20-year-olds.

I worked out and took care of myself.

Her eyes lowered to my abs.

 

Damn, damn, damn.

I drank everything in as he carefully folded his shirt and lay it on the back of my couch—yes, I did have one of them.

His six pack surfboard abs, the way his the muscles in his chest flexed as he stretched. I took a deep breath.

“Do you work out or something?” I asked, a grin spreading over my face.

He laughed. “A little.”

My gazed trailed down those abs, to a small trail of black hair that led down his well-tailored black pants. My heart skipped a beat as I licked my lips. Eyes on his, I reminded myself.

I forced my gaze up, as much as I wanted nothing more than to just stare at those abs, and a little lower.

My best flirty grin spread over my face as I slipped out of my tights and sighed.

“There, much better.” I stretched my arms above my head, pushing my breast out as I took a deep breath.

As quick as I’d done it, I finished, heading for my coffee. After all, I didn’t want him to think I was easy.

I’m not sure what he’ll think of me now, I admitted to myself. I’d all but come out and told him he could have me, but still, he stood there.

“Why don’t you have a table? Or a TV? Or a coffee table? Or ...”

“I don’t have a lot of stuff.” I cut him off. “I never saw the point in buying furniture I’d never use anyways. I have a bed and a couch. I do all my studying on one of them. There was no point in getting a TV because I decided I wasn’t going to have cable. I don’t have a table because I have a small lap desk I can use instead. Why waste the money on stuff I’d never use?”

Most people thought it was crazy.

His smirk widened. “Smart.”

My heart skipped a beat. No one had ever told me it was smart.

“I ...” I had no clue how I was supposed to react. “Thank you. No one has ever told me that,” I admitted.

“Not many people see the wisdom in it.” He shrugged. “I lived in a five-room house for a long time so I could save up to buy something nice.”

My head tilted to the left.

No one understood when I tried to explain it. And here this man was thinking it was a good idea. I couldn’t help being taken a little off guard.

“Thanks,” I said again. I really couldn’t put into words how nice it was to have someone who understood.

He closed the distance between us in a few short strides, coming to a stop about a foot in front of me.

“What are you in school for?”

“I’m going for a degree in computer science.” But I wasn’t very good yet.

“Really?” His head tilted to the left as he placed the coffee cup down on the counter behind me.

I hadn’t realized just how close he’d moved to me until I looked up. My lips almost touched his, and my cheeks flushed. I opened my mouth to say something, but nothing came out. Instead, I just stared at him, my cheeks growing brighter and brighter. A shiver ran down my spine, though not an unwelcome one.

He reached out and touched my arm.

“You’re cold.”

It was a statement, not a question. I opened my mouth to say something but found myself speechless, staring into those dark eyes.

I reached out and touched his chest. Heat surged through my body, and I took a deep breath, lust pooling in the pit of my stomach.

Aron pulled away from me. He cleared his throat and turned away, his muscles flexing as he reached for his shirt.

“I should be going.” I could take the hint. I’d made him uncomfortable. I’d over-stepped some sort of boundary.

Thunder cracked, lightning flashing outside of the window.

“Are you sure?” My voice shook. I took a deep breath and forced myself to move away from him, looking out the window as another flash of lightning lit up the sky. “It doesn’t look safe out there.”

I turned to see him looking down at his phone. He didn’t look happy.

 

I really didn’t want to be stuck with her.

I wanted her so bad, and she seemed to want me, but what good would come of that? She was a young woman; she wouldn’t want to be with me. This was a game to her; that’s all.

Breathing deeply, I closed my eyes. It was too bad to be out there, especially in my car. I’d just got her and didn’t want to risk the drive. The winds were bad, and the rain was coming down fast and hard.

I turned to her. “Looks like you’re right. The city’s strongly suggesting you don’t go anywhere unless you need to for work. So cops, EMTs, that sorta thing.”

She nodded, refusing to look at me.

“Well, the spare room doesn’t have a bed in it, but you’re welcome to take the couch for the night.”

She turned on her heel and headed for a closet. She pulled it open, and I rushed to her side as she grabbed a blanket, reaching up onto her tiptoes. I was just about to take over when she managed to reach it and pull it down. She turned, closing what little distance there was between us.

My eyes roamed over her body. Over the black lace bra and the short skirt. Her perfect legs. I took a deep inhalation, forcing myself to look away before I tried to reach out and touch her.

“Here.”

She handed me the blanket.

“Thank you,” I said.

Neither of us moved. I forced myself to look at her, and she looked me in the eye. A soft smile spread across her lips.

I studied her face. She had gorgeous green eyes that lit up when she’d been flirting with me like she’d actually been enjoying it. I reached out, brushing a strand of her dark brown hair from her face.

Her hair was still wet from being outside. I couldn’t help wondering how long she had been there before I came out.

My fingers brushed over her cheeks.

I’m not sure who moved. All I knew was that we were closer than we had been.

 

I knew it was a bad idea. I knew I shouldn’t, but I moved closer to him, wanting to feel him touch me more. I wanted to feel his hands all over me. Not just in dirty places, honestly all over me.

He pulled away from me as fast as I moved towards him.

I reached out and grabbed his wrist, pulling him to a stop, closing the distance between us.

My lips crashed against his.

My heart skipped a beat. He didn’t react. He didn’t move. He just stood there as I kissed him.

I pulled away from him, looking down. Of course, he pulled away. What had I really expected from him? I should have known he wouldn’t have had any interest in me. He’d just been trying to be nice when he gave me a ride home. What about earlier? I could have sworn he checked me out.

Maybe I wasn’t his type.

I tried not to let that hurt me. After all, I wasn’t going to be everyone’s type. But it hurt.

His warm fingers reached out and touched my cheek again.

“Melina,” he whispered softly. “You’re a nice girl.”

Oh, I heard the speech before.

His hand traced its way along my jawline to my chin, and he pulled my chin up, my eyes locking on his.

My cheeks burned and my heart raced, telling me to pull away before he could try to let me down gently, and fail.

“But … you’re so young,” He paused. “You deserve someone … younger.”

That’s what this was about? How old was he?

Did it even matter?

I bit my lip.

No, it didn’t matter to me. I wanted him, and it was that simple.

I took a deep breath, closed what little distance there was between us and kissed him softly. “And what if I want you?” I whispered against his lips. I could see him struggling to speak. “Deep inside me.”

My hands traced over his chest, making their way lower and lower. My fingers grabbed at the waist of his pants.

“I want you under me, ass naked and pulling me down onto you. I want you to take me and hold me up against this wall as you touch every part of me.”

Lust blazed in his eyes.

His hands traced over the curves of my body.

I didn’t have anything against an older man. I’d never been with one, but it didn’t bother me the way it would some people.

He opened his mouth but didn’t say anything.

His fingers tightened around my hips, pushing me backwards, his lips crashing against mine.

A soft gasp passed through my lips. I moaned, my fingers tangling in his hair.

I felt my back hit the wall, and my heart skipped a beat as his lips traced their way along my jawline, down to my neck. His fingers dug into my upper thigh as he pulled me into the air. I gasped, his lips touching the nape of my neck.

I moaned, closing my eyes as his hold tightened around me. He pressed me against the wall, holding me in place. His eyes locked on mine as he pulled away. I didn’t dare say a word.

I didn’t dare open my mouth, I wasn’t even sure I could speak right now.

My heart raced as his lips touched mine, and he lowered me to the ground gently.

“Perhaps it’s best we move this to the bedroom.”

“You’re strong; I’m sure you could hold me up.”

I couldn’t resist the urge to touch his muscular chest again as I slipped away from him and made my way into my small bedroom.

Like the rest of my house, the bedroom was pretty empty. There was a small bed and a dresser.

That was all I needed. I flicked the light on and reached behind me to unzip my skirt.

“Leave it on.” He grabbed my wrist, his warm finger circling around it.

He pulled me close to him, brushing my hair out of the way as his lips traced over my neck ever so gently.

I moaned, a shiver of anticipation running through my body. His chest was warm against me. He let go of me, and I made my way over to the bed, turning to face him.

He closed the distance between us, his hands tracing over the curves of my body. His eyes locked on mine.

“This … isn’t your first time, right?”

I laughed softly. “No.”

I may not have much experience, but I had enough.

My fingers tangled in his hair, and I placed a soft kiss on his lips. “I’m guessing it’s not your first time, is it?”

Aron laughed softly against my lips. “No.” His fingers dug into my skin gently. “But I plan on having a lot of fun with you.”

“I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the night.”

As if Mother Nature was trying to suggest something, the lights flickered and went out.

Aron and I both laughed quietly. “I think I have a few candles somewhere.” I pulled away from him and headed into the kitchen.

I didn’t find candles, but I did manage to find a large flashlight that we set up on the dresser, which gave off just enough light for us to be able to see each other.

As long as I could see him, I knew I’d be happy.

Pulling a condom out from the dresser, I crossed over to the bed and handed it to him without a word. I knew some guys didn’t like the idea of having a girl making sure they had condoms, but I didn’t want a baby—which meant I made sure the guy had a condom. If they were going to judge me for that, they weren’t the kind of guy I’d want to spend my night with.

However, it did surprise me when a grin spread over his lips.

“What?” I said before thinking about it.

“I like a girl who carries protection.” He shrugged, closing the distance between us and pushing me down onto the bed gently. My heart skipped a beat. I’d never had a man tell me that before. Maybe it was because he was older; maybe it’s just because most of the guys I knew didn’t care.

Aron cleared his throat. “But uh, I don’t need it.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You ... oh.” I realized what he was saying.

I didn’t need to worry about him getting me pregnant.

Aron undid his pants, let them slide down to his ankles, and his thick cock sprang forward. My heart skipped a beat. I took a deep breath as my eyes locked on him. He crawled onto the bed, straddling my chest.

My mouth opened.

His fingers tangled in my hair.

“If it’s too much, just say so.” I nodded as his cock slid into my mouth and let out a soft moan.