This is Scout. Derrick dropped to our level, embarrassment from having a dog interrupt us gone except for the red tint I spotted lingering on the back of his neck. He’s technically Ryan’s, but I think he secretly loves me more. Ain’t that right bud ? Aren’t you a good boy ?
I cracked a smile, watching him interact with the dog he clearly loved as if it was his own. The scene gripped my heart in a tight squeeze, spreading a warmth through me that was only intensified when Derrick turned to meet my gaze.
You back already, man ? I heard Ryan’s voice travel through the apartment and was somewhat startled. Having been so focused on getting back to Derrick’s place-or more specifically, his bedroom-it momentarily slipped my mind that he didn’t live alone. What ? Couldn’t seal the-
Rounding the corner from what I assumed was a hall leading to the bedrooms, Ryan stopped short-both in steps and words-when he noticed me. He had surely only heard the tail end of our conversation, thinking his roommate had returned alone. Which wasn’t the case.
What I meant to say was, he started, rubbing the back of his neck while quickly veering away from his original thought, it’s good to see you again.
A wry grin pulled at my lips and I stood. You too.
How was bowling ?
Oh, it was great, I replied gleefully. Especially considering I ended up winning both games.
Ouch. Ryan winced playfully, laughing as he shot an amused look at his roommate. That must’ve been a hit to the ego.
With a quick shoulder shrug, Derrick rose from the ground, leaving Scout to circle around his feet. Apparently my competitive streak wasn’t enough to beat her, he drawled, tossing a small smile my way before turning back to Ryan. She won fair and square.
I bit my lip, pushing down my full elation as my eyes flitted between them ; the silent conversation that stretched between the roommates not going unnoticed. What was said was anyone’s guess, but I wasn’t entirely stunned when Ryan headed toward the kitchen, returning seconds later with a red leash in his hand.
Well, I think it’s about time I take Scout on his walk, he declared. A nice, long walk along the riverside. Who knows, maybe we’ll even stop at one of the guys’ places. He leaned down to attach the leash and ruffle Scout’s fur. Would you like that, bud ?
Ryan’s question was met with a loud bark as Derrick rolled his eyes at his roommate’s exaggeration.
Then it looks like I’ll be gone for an hour or two. Grabbing his jacket from the hook near the door, he threw it on before turning back to us. This whole thing was clearly entertaining to him as hilarity shone through his features. You guys good here ?
We’ll be fine, Derrick mused.
Good. Ryan wriggled his eyebrows suggestively. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.
When the door closed behind him, it felt like a deafening boom, punctuating the fact the two of us were alone again.
He’s not subtle at all, is he ? I asked, trying to calm the blush I could feel spreading across my cheeks.
Derrick chuckled. No, not normally.
As he trailed off, a prolonged silence sprawled between us, not at all helped by the foot or so of space that separated us. And with each second, we veered further into awkward territory. Making me wonder if, somehow, I was unconsciously throwing out don’t touch me signals, because surely he would make a move if I wasn’t, right ?
Or was this him giving me the reins ? Letting me be the one to stoke the sexual flames and get them burning once more.
Tick. Tock.
This place is nice, I finally said before mentally kicking myself for such a lame conversation starter. Couldn’t I have thought of anything better ? Something more original ? How was talking about his apartment in any way sexy ?
Admittedly, though, it wasn’t a lie.
The apartment was a bit of a bachelor pad, which wasn’t surprising considering two single men lived here, but it did have a modern style to it. One wall had floor to ceiling glass windows and a sliding door that led to a balcony overlooking the city, the walls were painted a subtle light grey, and the hardwood floors were stained dark brown. There was a large flat screen bolted to the wall and the rest of the furniture seemed upscale, while still comfortable. The living and dining rooms were open and spacious, while most of the kitchen was closed except the pass-through, and there were presumably at least two bedrooms down the hallway.
One I was hoping to explore. And soon.
Yeah, he replied, trailing off while his gaze arced around the apartment. It almost seemed like there was a hint of sadness that slithered its way out of the shadows as well, but I didn’t feel it was my place to prod. It’s definitely nice to split the rent, and the space, especially considering we’re both out of the city so much of the year.
Right, right. I nodded, knowing I needed some other way to spin this conversation back onto a sexier track. And then it hit me. Actually, I just remembered something.
He lifted an eyebrow. Oh ?
See a wariness cross his face, I realized my words could’ve been misconstrued as a lead up to wanting to go home. Which was the last thing I wanted in that moment.
I never collected on that kiss from back at the bowling alley.
Understanding flared in his irises, replaced in a blink with pure, untethered heat. Is that so ? His voice was smooth and deep as he took a step toward me, eliminating the open space. Raising a hand, he slid his fingers beneath my hair and cupped the side of my neck, his thumb running softly along my jaw. Well, I wouldn’t want to deprive you of your winnings.
My breath hitched as his mouth brushed against mine, a featherlight touch so soft it felt like a whispered cue. One that told me things were about to heat up.
And when he pulled back, eyes searching my face, he found exactly what he was looking for. My libido-an open book in my expression-ready and raring to go.
We met in the middle, both of us having had enough of skirting around each other, and the kiss immediately deepened, his tongue sliding alongside mine as we each worked to pull the other’s jacket off.
With that layer gone, Derrick wrapped his arms around my waist and palmed my ass, pulling me flush against him. Enough so I could feel every hard ridge of his body, making my grip on his biceps tighten in want and with need.
And damn were those biceps just as good as I remembered.
Realizing what was building between us was in no way leading to a slow or romantic time, but instead a frantic and intense craving needing to be fed, Derrick took the lead. Without breaking the kiss, he bent down slightly, gripping my thighs and guiding my legs around his waist while walking purposefully toward his bedroom.
There was no time to close the door as he marched straight for the bed, the two of us tumbling onto the mattress in a tangle of limbs.