Ross let go of my hand when he headed to Harriet and engulfed her in a hug.
Not long after, I pulled up outside my place, Ross behind me in his Hilux.
I waited for him to exit before going inside, eager to give him a proper greeting. I didn’t have to wait long. In a few steps, he was in my arms, his mouth connecting to mine, the two of us pressed together so close the heat from him embraced me.
This was no feathery-light kiss.
When his mouth moulded against mine, I groaned at the connection. Warm tongue, perfect lips, and just the right pace, and I held him close, my mouth moving against his.
A not-so-gentle tangle of his tongue against mine, and my whimper broke free, wanting more, eager for the connection, desperate for his mouth to stay on mine, on my skin, anywhere I could get it.
With my cock perking up and the bittersweet memory of the agreement we’d made earlier this morning front and centre, I knew I had to slow this down.
It didn’t matter how much I was already regretting my commitment to take this slow.
When I leaned back for breath, a goofy grin on my lips, I didn’t give a damn that my happiness was so transparent. “Hey,” I said, my goofiness continuing.
Ross beamed at me. “Hey, back.” He placed a small kiss on my lips before angling back. “You look knackered.” Despite his smile, concern had his brows dipping. “You sure you’re okay with me being here tonight?”
I tightened my grip on his waist. “I’m definitely good with you being here. An early night wouldn’t hurt, but that can be with you.”
“An early night sounds very doable,” he said, his soft smile doing all sorts of things to my insides.
“Good.” I bobbed my head, brushed one more kiss against his lips, and reluctantly released my hold on him. “Let me just put some veggies on to cook before I jump in the shower.”
We headed into the kitchen, and I rummaged through my fridge.
It didn’t take long to pull the veggies out to eat with the pie. I took a quick shower while Ross prepped it all. By the time I headed back to the kitchen, he was straining the broccoli.
When I stepped up behind him, I placed a kiss on the back of his neck. The gesture was instinctive. “Smells good,” I said, wrapping my arms around his waist, wondering how I’d managed to go so long without allowing this to happen.
Fuck, I’d been a dick to hold back for so long.
Fear was terrifying and visceral, the thought of losing my friends holding me hostage. But the idea of not having this joined a whole other league of dread. I was finally realising having the chance to give this a go with Ross was worth the worry and anxiety.
How could it not be when we fit so well?
Unaware of my musings or the reason for me tightening my hold on him, Ross simply sighed into my touch. “That’s all down to Mum’s pie.”
It took me a moment to catch up, my mind focussed on thoughts of Ross rather than the scent filling my kitchen.
“She does make a good pie.”
“She does that,” he said, indicating he was ready to dish up.
I shifted back, giving him space, and collected the plates.
“Where do you want to eat?” he asked, slicing the crusty pastry.
“In front of the TV all right? Could put a show on and chill.”
Ross smiled. “That sounds good. My backside needs cushion time.”
I snorted and made my way to the lounge, sitting and switching on the TV. “What do you want to watch?”
“Movie rather than a TV show that I’m going to get hooked on. I don’t have the energy.”
“Good plan.” I did a quick search and selected an old action movie, not expecting to see it through, too bone-tired, but I’d give it a fair go. And with Ross snuggling up against me, I was beginning to think I could definitely get used to quiet nights in with him. It would be my aim to make it happen as often as possible.
