Page 73 of Fall Over You

I’m on Tyler Davis’s shoulder and making a pouty face that is in no way true to how I actually feel.

“Say goodnight,” he says with a squeeze to the back of my thigh, like he’s a ventriloquist and I’m his puppet. Still, I have to fight a moan. His callused hands feel fucking divine on me and I’m already picturing how he’ll look at me while I unbuckle his belt, when I pull him out of his pants hard and aching for me.

I don’t know what this is. I don’t know if he actually likes me. But there’s something here and every part of my body screams to release the tension.

I don’t care if it’s just sex for him. I’ve been curious about what it would be like to be with him since I was old enough to put my hands between my legs and feel something. I want this badly.

“I guess we’re leaving,” I call to our friends and family with a wave from behind his back. “Thanks for coming out!”

Whoops and hollers come from their table, and even though there are a thousand reasons why I shouldn’t enjoy this, I’m letting myself have it.

What’s the harm in letting off some steam with the guy I’m engaged to, even if it isn’t for love?

Tyler ducks, careful not to hit me anywhere on the doorframe.

“Do I get to walk on my own two legs?” I ask.

His hand creeps up the back of my thigh and his fingers sweep under the hem of my shorts. “Depends. You gonna run off or you gonna put your money where your mouth is?”

“I think it’s you that has more to prove,” I shoot back. “You’re the chickenshit.”

“What do I have to prove? I put a ring on your finger and kissed on you in front of everybody.”

“Yeah, see, husbandly duties entail a little more.”

“What, like back rubs and foot massages?”

“Oh my god,” I sigh, exasperated, but he laughs. He’s fucking with me for once.

He told Jake to pick us up at the garage, which is just a couple buildings down from the Legion. He really is carrying me all the way there. Lights brighten around me and I’m on my feet against a warm brick building. “Be good,” he says, holding his hands out to steady me.

“Why should I?” I ask and he rolls his eyes while he unlocks the garage’s door. He leans past me to turn on some lights.

“After you.”

I stroll inside, taking in the scent of motor oil and tires. He’s messing with the door and I need something to occupy myself. I walk over to the LeBaron, peeking through the passenger windows.

“She’s in pretty good shape,” I say. “Can’t believe you bought it back.”

Tyler’s footsteps sound behind me and a gentle finger moves my hair off my shoulder. Tyler’s lips and stubble coast over the crook of my neck. “Had a lot of memories in there,” he says into my skin. “Call me sentimental.”

That one night. The night when he hauled me out of a bad situation, smoked me up, and calmed me down. That couldn’t be the kind of memory he’s talking about. This can’t be real.

I handle this the only way I know how: messing with him.

“Did you lose your virginity in here, grumpy? Did you want to remember the best thirty seconds of your life?”

Electricity shoots down my body as his teeth nip under my ear, everything between my legs feeling tight and heavy. “No,” he snarls.

But I keep pushing him. Pushing him is half the fun.

“You know, I’ve been starting to think you don’t want me,” I challenge him. “All this fuss. Very little kissing. No bar bathroom adventures. How’s a girl supposed to know she’s wanted?”

A frustrated growl rumbles over my shoulder as Tyler buries his face in my neck.

“Do you have any idea, Reba?” His lips drag from the nape of my neck to my jaw. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve wanted you?”

Tyler’s hands comb across my stomach, fingertips playing at the waist of my shorts. I throb with the need for him to put his hand inside, to relieve this insistent ache.