“Wow, I bet that was hard. Losing your parents so unexpectedly.”
“Yeah,” I sigh. The past is heavy to visit.
“Thank you for talking to me about this. I know you don’t have to tell me about your past.” Her body shifts as she sits up.
“I want you to know the truth instead of making assumptions. Penny doesn’t remember her mom, and she never asks about her. In her eyes, having one parent is as normal as having two. I’m sure that will change as she grows up.”
I dig for my phone in my front pocket and turn on the flashlight app, closing my eyes for a second at the brightness. Sutton covers her face with her hand and laughs.
“Sorry, but I wanted to see your face and didn’t feel like going to the front of the car to turn on the lights.” I place the phone in a corner, so it’s not pointing directly at us but still illuminates the bed of the truck.
“I wanted you to know about this, so you understood me better. I’m new to all this. In a sense, I feel like I’m inexperienced when it comes to dating. I was with Hadley for ten years before she left. And these last five years have been solely focused on Penny and healing our lives.”
Sutton tilts her head, and the corners of her lips move up the slightest bit. “Gavin, I don’t care if you’ve been with one hundred girls or none. I’m not here to judge your dating record.” Her hands hold my face. “I like you. Nothing else matters. Well, unless you didn’t like me because this would be really awkward right now.”
A deep chuckle vibrates through my chest, and my hands land on her waist. How she can make me laugh while talking about this is beyond me. “You already know, I do.” I pull her closer to me. My body tenses and my cock pulses, wanting to feel her.
I sit up and feel her breath against my lips a second before I press them to hers. Sutton sighs as her hands move around my neck. I kiss her softly, exploring these new sensations. I growl when Sutton’s tongue swipes my bottom lip and deepen the kiss.
I didn’t know how it’d feel to kiss someone again, but she’s perfect against me, all soft curves, full lips, and quiet sighs.
“Gav…” she trails off as my tongue strokes hers. I kiss her fast and hard, tasting every bit of her.
I rein in my control before I go wild, needing to feel every inch of her. I slow our kiss, swiping our tongues together before I peck her lips. Pressing my forehead to hers, I close my eyes and focus on the sounds of our heavy breathing.
“God, I want you,” I whisper.
“God or me?” Sutton replies with a laugh and hides her face in the crook of my neck.
A hoarse laugh leaves me, and I lift her head, so she’s looking at me. “That’s a way to break the tension.” I kiss her swollen lips, holding her chin.
“Terrible timing for my joke, huh?”
“Nah, it was perfect.” I keep her close to me as I inhale the fresh air and calm my racing heart.
Sutton makes me want to forget the world and get lost in her. It may not be possible, but right now, I plan to do just that.
I kiss her again and say, “Dessert time. Be right back.” I step off the truck and switch on the light on the rear panel that illuminates the bed. I grab our dessert from the basket in the back seat and adjust myself in my jeans. Fuck if I don’t want to strip her naked and have her for dessert.
I take a calming breath and head back to the bed.
“What did you bring?” Sutton asks, sitting up and facing me. She bites her lower lip in anticipation.
“It’s not cupcakes, but I promise you’re going to love it.” I place the clear, plastic container in front of her and stretch my legs out.
“Oh. My. God. What is that?” Her eyes pop open, and she flicks her gaze toward me.
“It’s Oreo cake.” The huge slice of chocolate cake is frosted in Oreo buttercream and then drizzled with chocolate ganache. Whipped cream and an Oreo rest on the top.
Sutton licks her lips. “It looks freakin’ mouthwatering.”
I smirk, happy I chose a good one, and snap open the container. “The cake has pieces of Oreo, too.”
“Goodness.”
She takes the spoon I hand her and goes straight in for the kill. I smile as I watch her taste it and moan. “This is delicious,” she says as she covers her mouth.
“It’s one of my favorites.” I take a bite and savor the flavors.
“Does Mrs. Engle make this, too?” Sutton asks between bites.
“Yeah.”
“Oh, I know what I’m ordering next time instead of a cupcake.”
I chuckle. “I’m glad you like it.”
I wipe a bit of chocolate that’s on the side of her lip and lick my thumb.
“That was hot.” Sutton stares at me, her eyes darkening. I bet she’d taste better than this cake.
We finish eating dessert and lie back down on the bed and look at the stars. I like talking to Sutton. She’s funny and smart. One moment she’s making me laugh, and the next, she’s engaged in deep conversation.
I made the right move in asking her out. Not just because I want her in my life, but because I made sure to take my happiness in my own hands and not let the past continue to dictate my future.
Sutton
I’ve been walking on a cloud for the rest of this week. Gavin and I have spoken every day, sending text messages throughout the day and phone calls at night after Penny’s in bed. Since Sunday, we’ve been on track toward something meaningful.
When he told me about Hadley on Tuesday, I
