It’s been a week since that first ride on his bike, and since then, he’s taken me out three more times. I absolutely love the freedom of riding on the back of his motorcycle, my arms wrapped around him. I never in a million years would’ve imagined me doing something so reckless, but I love the thrill. I even talked him into wearing a helmet, telling him that I’m not the only precious thing on his bike. Maybe I’m less sweet innocent Ana, and more daredevil.
Even my friends have noticed a difference. Telling me they are happy to see me finally coming out of my shell and loving seeing me so happy. They’ve all forgiven Carson for being mean to me, especially Lani and Margo, because they both understand the whole growl-growl-mine-mine thing that Carson has going. Prue took a little more convincing but seeing me so happy has her onboard.
“I love staying here with you,” I tell Carson one morning as I’m making coffee. “But I feel guilty letting my dream house sit there empty.”
When I get off work that day, all of my things have made it back to my place, along with a bag of Carson’s stuff. I quickly unpack the bag, loving seeing his stuff alongside mine. The man is absolutely perfect. Everything is moving crazy fast, but it also feels right. So right that I’m falling in love with my overprotective, growly brute of a man.
“So… tell us… how are things with you and Carson?” Lani asks with excitement dancing in her eyes.
I feel the smile spreading on my face before I can stop it. “Good… really good.”
She sighs with happiness. “I’m so happy for you!”
Lani purses her lips then turns her attention to Prue.
“No. Nope. Not going to happen,” she says.
“You’re the last one. It’s in the air… you’re going to fall in looove,” she teases.
Prue laughs at that. “I’m so not the falling in love type. I’m perfectly happy with my business and Lolli.”
Margo rolls her eyes. “Cujo and work are not a substitution for love.”
“I don’t need a man to be happy. Besides, I get all the love I need right here with my best friends. Even more than I want sometimes… like now,” she says, scowling at all of us. I raise my hands up, letting her know that I want no part of this argument.
Prue passes the bottle of wine my way, and I set it on the table in front of us, not even taking the small sip I would typically have. I don’t tell them that the reason is that Carson and I have been screwing like rabbits and haven’t been using any protection. He knows I’m not on birth control, and even though it’s downright reckless, I don’t care.
Actually, I do care. I want a baby. I’ve always wanted a family, and even though we’ve only been together a short time, I know that he’d be a great dad. Even if we don’t work out. His own dad and mom didn’t stay together, and they managed to co-parent him into the man he is. I have no doubt we could do the same thing.
I’m not embarrassed or ashamed, but I’m also not ready to share it with my friends. This is something that I want to keep all for myself.
Our conversation moves on to other things. Margo tells us all about the new cupcake she came up with and that she’s excited that her creativity didn’t stop with her sadness cupcakes she made when she thought things were over with Amos. In fact, she’s made more new flavors of cookies, cupcakes, muffins, and other confections since they got married. I love seeing how happy she is; love looks good on her.
Once our “book club” is over, I head home. When I pull into my driveway, my excitement builds when I see how dark Carson’s house is and the warm glow of light in my own house. I absolutely love coming home to him. He’s told me he feels the same. We’ve moved from enemies to practically living together in the blink of an eye. Still, I’m falling in with both eyes open, knowing that Carson will catch me.
It’s both scary and exhilarating.
10
Carson
I’m sitting in my regular booth watching Ana flit about the busy diner, serving her customers with a bright smile. She’s wearing that skirt that drives me crazy. Except for today, she’s worn it special just for me. Every time she bends over, her pert little ass is pointed right at me, driving me fucking insane.
“Hey, handsome,” she says, bending ever so slightly so that I can see right down her shirt to the white lace cupping her breasts. “Can I get you anything?”
I growl lowly. “Nothing on the menu. I have something else I’m starving for.”
Ana’s eyes dilate, and her cheeks flush with desire. She wants me as bad as I want her. This little game of hers is a double-edged sword. She drives me crazy, and the possessive looks I shoot her way make her pussy hot and needy. Later, when we get home, she’ll attack me like a wildcat in heat.
She licks her lips. “I think I might have just the thing you’re hungry for…”
I grip the back of her neck and pull her in for a toe-curling kiss, not giving a single fuck about the full diner. She pulls away breathless, with kiss-swollen lips. “Soon,” I rumble.
She gives me an imperceptible nod, then returns to her work as if our little interlude never happened.
“Why are you so nervous, darlin’?” I ask, grabbing her up in a hug. “I’ve met your grandmother dozens of times.”
“But never as my…” she waves her hands around almost frantically, “whatever we are.”
I smirk at her loss of words. “I’m your boyfriend… lover… obsessive
