7

Becca

I hadn’t planned on saying yes to drinks with Dave after he returned Falcon to me at the coffee shop, but something about his easy smile and calm demeanor had made it hard to refuse. Now, sitting across from him in the cozy booth, I didn’t regret it one bit.

Silvy had stuck around just long enough to make sure I was enjoying myself before excusing herself with a knowing smirk. She’d whispered something about “letting loose for once” before she left, and I almost called her back. But then Dave leaned in, his deep voice cutting through the noise of the bar.

“Have you ever sung karaoke?”

I laughed, gripping his arm without even realizing it. His forearm was solid beneath my hand, the ridges of muscle strong and steady. “Not a chance,” I said, shaking my head. “I’m a terrible singer.”

His smile was warm and teasing. “I don’t believe that.”

“It’s true,” I said, tossing my hair over my shoulder. I’d picked out a sleek black dress for tonight, something that made me feel confident and just the right amount of sexy. Judging by the way Dave’s gaze lingered, it was working.

He hadn’t glanced at anyone else all night, not even the stunning waitress who’d brought our drinks. His focus was solely on me, and for once, I let myself enjoy it. Maybe this was what Silvy meant by “living a little.”

Dave’s silver-streaked hair caught the low light, and his sharp jawline softened when he smiled. He exuded a quiet confidence, the kind that made you feel safe and seen. I could feel my resolve slipping. If he kept looking at me like that, I might actually invite him back to my place.

“How’s Falcon?” he asked, pulling me back from my thoughts.

“Falcon is great,” I said, grateful for the distraction. My thoughts were starting to wander into dangerous territory, imagining things I wasn’t sure I was ready for.

Silvy’s earlier words echoed in my mind, though. I should be home studying for Evan ’s class, trying to make sense of the lectures that went over my head half the time. But here I was, sitting across from a man who made me feel like the only person in the room.

Dave’s knuckle brushed against the back of my hand, trailing up to the soft curve of my elbow. It was such a small gesture, but the intimacy of it sent a shiver down my spine.

“Penny for your thoughts?” he asked, his voice low.

I hesitated, then glanced toward the bar where Silvy stood, giving me a subtle thumbs-up. Maybe she was right. Maybe it was time to stop overthinking and just let myself enjoy the moment.

“I’m thinking we should get out of here,” I said, my voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in my chest.

Dave stilled for a moment, his hand brushing over my shoulder and up to the hollow of my throat. “My place or yours?”

“Mine,” I said, barely managing to get the word out.

His eyes darkened, and a slow smile spread across his face. “Lead the way, Princess.”

It should have sounded cheesy, but coming from him, it felt like a command wrapped in velvet. My heart raced as I slid out of the booth, his hand lightly resting on the small of my back as we walked toward the door.

By the time we reached his car, the tension between us was electric. He opened the door for me, and as I settled into the leather seat, he leaned in, brushing a kiss over my lips.

“I had to know if you taste as good as you look,” he murmured, his lips a breath away from mine.

Before I could stop myself, I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him closer, deepening the kiss. His hands framed my face as he pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against mine.

“I hope you live close,” he said, his voice thick with desire. “I need you naked and moaning my name. But not here. Somewhere soft, where I can take my time with you.”

His words sent a rush of heat through me, but they weren’t crude—they were confident, intimate, and laced with just the right amount of restraint.

I swallowed hard, my voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t live far.”

The corner of his mouth lifted, and he kissed me again, slow and deliberate, before closing my door and walking around to the driver’s side.

Tonight felt different. Special. And for once, I wasn’t going to overthink it.

“Get in the car.” I tugged him toward me, placing a soft kiss on his palm. “It’s not far.”

His relief was palpable. “Thank God,” he muttered as he got into the car, focusing on the drive.

The journey passed in a blur of directions and the tension that simmered between us. Every glance he stole in my direction only fueled the fire. I slid closer to him, my fingers brushing his arm, feeling the heat of his body.

“Don’t,” he warned, his grip tightening on my hand. He shifted, his voice low. “We’ll have all the time we need. I’m not someone who rushes.”

My breath hitched at his words. He was serious. “When I say I’ll take my time,” he continued, his hand guiding mine gently, “I mean every moment with you will be worth it. You deserve to be cherished.”

His words ignited something inside me, but I didn’t let it show. “Good,” I whispered. “We’re here.”

I practically rushed inside, the excitement building. He followed close behind, his hand on my back sending shivers down my spine.

As soon as the door closed behind us, he pulled me into his arms, our lips meeting in a kiss that deepened with every second. Falcon padded over, sniffing Dave before darting away.

Dave’s hands found their place on my hips, pulling me closer. The kiss became more urgent, more intense, and I couldn’t help but respond, matching his energy. When he trailed his lips down my neck, a shiver ran through me.

“You’re burning up,” he murmured, his touch setting fire to my skin. “Let’s see what we can do about that.”

Each step toward the bedroom felt like an eternity, every touch a slow buildup of anticipation. He helped me out of my dress with an intensity that left me breathless. I could feel his gaze on me, appreciative, making me feel more desirable than I had in a long time.

Soon, we were both undressed, standing inches apart, the air thick with tension. His hand brushed across my skin, his body pressing closer to mine, and I found myself pulling him in even closer, the need between us undeniable.

“I need you,” I whispered, my voice shaky as I guided him into the bed, pulling him on top of me. His touch was gentle but firm, his gaze never leaving mine.

The moment stretched on as he moved with careful intention, his body responding to mine. It wasn’t just physical—it was an emotional connection, building with every movement.

His lips on my skin, his hands carefully guiding me, everything felt so perfect, so in sync. I was lost in the moment, every kiss, every touch, only adding to the electric tension between us.

As the night unfolded, every sensation was amplified, and all I could think was that I needed him—fully, completely.