Searching for Bristol, page 23
That was sweet in its own way. “I have a feeling it’s going to be hard for us to keep our hands off each other for a while,” she told him honestly.
“Agreed. But I’m not exactly small, and the last thing I want to do is hurt you. So change of plans…you can take a hot bath after we eat, then I’ll eat you out and you can fuck me.”
Bristol giggled. “Deal.”
Rocky stared at her for a long moment.
“What?” she asked when she couldn’t take his intense scrutiny for another second.
“I’m just wondering how in the hell I got here. How you’re here with me.”
“Guess I’m just lucky.”
“Wrong, I’m the lucky one.” He leaned down, kissed her long, hard and deep, then rolled off. He walked over to the closet without one iota of self-consciousness. And why would he? He was built.
Determined to display the same confidence, Bristol scooted over to the edge of the mattress and stood. And his come immediately began to leak down her inner thigh.
Surprised—because she hadn’t lied earlier, this was the first time she’d let anyone come inside her—she could only stand there, staring at her legs.
“Sorry, but that’s damn sexy,” Rocky said. He went down on his knees in front of her and watched as his come continued to leak out of her.
“It’s gross, Rocky. Get me something to wipe it up.”
“It’s gonna do that for a while, huh?” he asked, instead of doing what she asked.
“No clue. Probably.”
He smiled wider. “Fuck, I’m a caveman. Knowing I’m the first to see this, and it’s the first time it’s ever happened for you, turns me on so bad.”
“I can see that,” Bristol retorted, eyeing his hardening cock between his legs.
He reached out and ran his thumb between her pussy lips, sighing in contentment when he easily slipped through the folds because of her own juices and his come. Then he leaned over and grabbed the T-shirt he’d thrown on the floor earlier. He gently wiped her thighs and between her legs. He straightened on his knees and kissed her hard once more.
“Can’t lie. Thinking about that while we’re eating dinner is gonna make it hard to not haul you right back into this bed.”
“Try,” she said dryly. “I’m hungry, and I know you are too.”
He smiled, then sobered. “I’m going to do everything in my power not to fuck this up.”
“Me too,” Bristol told him.
“I’m serious. You’re literally the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I’m gonna guard that with my life.”
“I don’t want you to do that,” she told him.
“Too bad.” He then stood, threw the dirty T-shirt into the hamper and strode over to his dresser. He grabbed a pair of boxers and two T-shirts. He snagged his sweats from the edge of the bed where he’d removed them earlier and grabbed her hand. He towed her to the bathroom, where he grabbed a washcloth, wet it with warm water, and handed it to her.
This should be weird, but somehow with Rocky, it wasn’t. Bristol cleaned up and put on the T-shirt Rocky had grabbed for her. After he’d washed himself and gotten dressed, she started to go back to the room to find a pair of underwear, but Rocky grabbed her hand once more.
“Hey! I need to go put on some undies.”
“Nope. You’re perfect just how you are.”
“Rocky, seriously.”
“I am serious. You don’t need ’em. I’m just gonna take them off later.”
“But you put on boxers—and those sexy sweats, I might add. And I’m gonna take them off later.”
He pulled her to him and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “But I want you to sit on my lap while we eat so I can feel if any more of me leaks out of you.”
Bristol rolled her eyes. “You’re so weird.”
“I know. I’m sorry. But you’ll do it anyway, right?”
“This once. Yes. Since it’s the first time.”
“Okay.”
Their dinner was waiting for them in the oven she’d set to warm before he’d gotten home. The gravy was a lost cause, but the rest of the meal was delicious. Bristol sat on Rocky’s lap, as he’d asked, and she didn’t even feel too self-conscious about it. The shirt she had on was large enough to completely cover her, so she didn’t feel naked.
“Sorry I skipped lunch,” he said as he ate. “I just got busy and wanted to finish up the drywall so it had time to dry before I went in tomorrow.”
“It’s okay. You haven’t seen me when I’m completely lost in my stained glass. I forget to eat all the time.”
“We’re a lot alike,” Rocky said.
Bristol nodded. “Yeah.”
“I can’t wait to see you lost in your creativity,” he said, pausing from eating to kiss her temple. “I bet it’s hot.”
Bristol rolled her eyes. “It’s not. I get sweaty and dirty, and probably smell a little funky.”
“As I said—hot.”
Bristol laughed. They finished eating and when he helped her stand, she couldn’t help but notice the small wet spot on his sweats. He saw it too, and grinned at her, but didn’t say anything. “Leave the dishes, I’m gonna go start your bath,” he told her.
Bristol waited in the living room, feeling just a little off-kilter. She loved that their relationship had shifted, but couldn’t help but worry a bit, wondering if it would continue to be this good between them.
Then Rocky was there, taking her hand and leading her back into the bathroom. He kissed her forehead and said firmly, “This is gonna work.”
Bristol pushed her misgivings to the side. “Yes. It is.”
“Relax, take your time, Punky. I’ll be in our bed waiting to eat my dessert when you’re done.”
“Jeez, Rocky. If you wanted me to take my time, that wasn’t the way to do it,” she complained.
He grinned, clearly unrepentant. “Can’t wait to taste you, sweetheart. Don’t get that cast wet.” Then he kissed her once more on the lips and left the bathroom, closing the door behind him as he went.
Blowing out a breath and shaking her head, Bristol turned and caught her reflection in the mirror. She had a huge smile on her face and her cheeks were flushed. She looked happy.
Rocky was good for her, and she hoped he felt the same way about her.
She was looking forward to her future for the first time in a long while. It wasn’t that she was unhappy before coming to Fallport, and her art was fulfilling. But with no one to share her life, she was just…existing.
That had definitely changed. She felt as if she was experiencing a brand-new life.
Quickly stripping off her shirt, Bristol sat on the edge of the tub. She eased herself into the water, keeping her leg propped up on the side. She sighed. The water felt heavenly and Rocky had even put something flowery in the water, so it smelled amazing.
Yes, she had a good man. And Bristol was determined to treat him as wonderful as he treated her.
Chapter Fifteen
Bristol couldn’t stop smiling. When she lived in Kingsport, there had been days where she’d laid in bed in the morning wondering where her life was going. Her routine had been the same day in and day out. Most days she didn’t talk to anyone, just got up, ate breakfast, and immediately started to work. She loved her art and her home, was financially secure…but her existence was pretty lonely.
Now, her days were filled with texts, phone calls, and visits with friends. She’d been over to Ethan and Lilly’s house several times, had visited Zeke and Elsie, been to a soccer game of Tony’s, and even gone with Rocky on more of his jobs.
She was still making jewelry now and then, but honestly, she found she loved being with other people more than she liked being inside by herself, making her art. The urge to create would never go away, but she’d built up a large enough nest egg that she didn’t have to push herself as hard as she had in the past. Thanks to Rocky and her new friends, Bristol wanted to experience life, not be tied to a website or a worktable.
That said, she was still looking forward to creating stained glass again. She’d had lots of ideas for new projects she wanted to make since being in Fallport, and couldn’t wait to find a place she could purchase to get started.
Smiling as ideas swam in her brain for a huge stained-glass piece featuring a forest—with Bigfoot sticking his head out from behind a tree—she jerked in surprise when Rocky touched her hand.
“Sorry, what?” she asked.
“I just asked what you were thinking about,” he said softly. They were sitting at his table, finishing breakfast. For once, Bristol didn’t have a full day planned. She’d gotten in touch with a realtor and she was meeting her today to go over her wants and desires, so the woman could start on the hunt for a piece of property and house. Afterward, she was going to come back to the apartment and relax. She was also going to make a cake for Rocky. For no specific reason; just because she wanted to spoil him.
He was starting work on a new project today. Something about the foundation of a house. Bristol didn’t know the details, but since Rocky was happy about the job, and the money it would bring in, she was too.
“I was just thinking about getting back in the workshop with my stained glass,” Bristol told Rocky.
“Do you miss it?” he asked, frowning. “I’m sure we could figure something out so you could get back to it before you buy a place.”
“I’m okay,” she told him. “I mean, yeah, I miss it, but I’m not going to die if I can’t make something immediately.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. Besides, this break gives me a chance to plan what I want to do.”
“Yeah?” Rocky asked with a lift of an eyebrow.
“Uh-huh. What do you suppose Sandra would think of replacing one of the front windows of the diner with a stained-glass forest…with Bigfoot of course?”
Rocky burst out laughing. When he had himself under control he said, “She’d jump at the chance to have one of your designs at her diner. But seriously? Bigfoot?”
“It’s either that, or a hot, bearded search and rescue guy in the trees,” she said with a grin.
“Bigfoot it is,” Rocky said firmly.
Bristol knew he’d say that. Rocky—and the rest of the team, actually—disliked any kind of attention. They enjoyed their work, and they didn’t do it for recognition or pats on the back.
“You plan anything else for the day while I was in the shower?” Rocky asked.
Bristol frowned. “Like what?”
“I don’t know. Bungee jumping with Finley, rearranging all the books in the used bookstore downtown, or meeting up with Sandra to taste test a new menu?”
Bristol giggled. “No! I’m meeting with the realtor then coming back here to chill.”
Rocky smiled at her affectionately. “Just checking. For the record? I think it’s adorable how everyone you come into contact with wants to be your bestie.”
“That’s not true,” Bristol protested.
“It is. You’ve fit in here seamlessly. It took a year of me living here for people to even remember my name.”
“Whatever,” Bristol said with a roll of her eyes. But inside, she was secretly delighted.
They finished their breakfast and then it was time for Rocky to head out. He took her into his arms near the front door and kissed her deeply. They were both breathing hard by the time he pulled away. “What time do you think you’ll be done with the realtor today?”
“I’m not sure,” she told him. “Before lunch though. She’s picking me up around nine, and I can’t imagine we’ll talk for more than two hours or so.”
He laughed gently. “Don’t bet on it. I’m guessing by the time your meeting is up, you’ll have another best friend.”
Bristol just shook her head at him.
“As happy as I am that you want to settle here in Fallport, I have to admit that I’m going to miss you,” Rocky said softly.
“Miss me?” Bristol asked in confusion.
“Yeah. I like having you in my apartment. Even if you didn’t come to be here because of a good thing, you’ve filled my space with all your good energy.”
“Oh, um…” Bristol wasn’t sure how to respond.
“What? What’d I say?” Rocky asked.
“Nothing. I mean…yeah, I’ve loved being here too.”
He wrapped a hand around the side of her neck. “Look at me, Punky.” When she did so, he asked, “What’s wrong?”
Taking a deep breath, Bristol said, “I just thought…when I found a house I liked…that maybe you’d want to move in with me.”
Rocky stared at her for so long, Bristol felt the need to backtrack. It was either that or she might throw up.
“But I know that’s silly. I mean, we’re dating. I was just here until I got better and my leg is almost as good as new. Of course you don’t want to leave your place.”
His thumb brushed against her lips, stopping her nervous words.
“You want me to move in with you?” he asked quietly, ignoring her babbling.
Bristol shrugged self-consciously. Then nodded. “Well…yeah. At least, that’s what I was hoping. But if you don’t want to, that’s okay too.”
“I want to,” he said fervently. “I’ve been dreading the day you’re back on your feet…and I know that makes me a dick. I didn’t lie, Bristol. I’ve loved having you here. And now that you’re sleeping in my bed every night, the idea of you moving out seems even more repugnant.”
“I feel the same,” she said softly.
“Damn…I hate that I have to go right now,” Rocky said.
Bristol could see the desire in his gaze. “The sooner you go, the sooner you can come back,” she said cheekily.
He grinned. “True.” Then he tilted her head up and lowered his own. He kissed her once more, a gentle, intimate meshing of lips, before he straightened. “Looking forward to hearing what the realtor says.”
“Me too.”
“Fuck. You make me happy,” Rocky said, his gaze roaming her face.
“Same,” Bristol told him.
Taking a deep breath, he dropped his hand. “Right. If I’m going to go, I need to go now. Have a good day.”
“I will. I’ll text you after I meet with the realtor and let you know what she says.”
“And if she sends you any interesting properties, email me the links…that is, if you want my opinion on them.”
“Of course I do!” Bristol exclaimed. “And I will.”
Rocky nodded and turned for the door. He smiled at her once more, then was gone. Bristol stood in the doorway and watched him walk down the corridor outside the complex, toward the stairs. He headed for his Tahoe and waved to her when he was behind the wheel, before he backed out of his parking space and headed for the exit.
Bristol closed the door and leaned against it once she’d locked it behind her. She smiled into space for a full minute before forcing herself to get on with her day.
As it turned out, Bristol didn’t return to Rocky’s apartment until early afternoon. She’d hit it off immediately with the realtor, who’d ended up taking her to see two properties that she thought might work, even though that hadn’t been in the plan for the morning.
Bristol wasn’t as sure about either of them, but her enthusiasm hadn’t dimmed. She had no doubt she’d find the perfect property and house.
She texted Rocky to see how his day was going.
* * *
Bristol: Hi! I’m back. Things with the realtor went great! We went and looked at two houses, but neither were exactly what I’m looking for. But I think she has a better idea now so I’m sure I’ll find something soon. How’re things there?
* * *
Rocky answered by sending her a picture of a huge hole in the ground filled with brown, muddy water. She had no idea what the problem was, but it was obvious he wasn’t exactly having an easy first day on the new job.
* * *
Bristol: Oh my. That doesn’t look good.
Rocky: It’s not. I might be a bit later than I thought getting back tonight.
Bristol: It’s okay. It’ll give me time to get your surprise finished.
Rocky: Surprise?
Bristol: A sweet one.
Rocky: You, naked on our bed, waiting for me when I get home?
Bristol: lol. No, but that can be arranged too.
Rocky: For the record, you don’t need to give me any surprises. I just need you.
* * *
Bristol closed her eyes for a moment, absorbing the way he always made her feel so good.
* * *
Bristol: Just for that, I might have to break out the new underwear I bought for a special occasion.
Rocky: It’s impossible to work with a hard-on, Punky.
Bristol: Sorry. Not. Be careful today. Let me know when you’re on your way home?
Rocky: I will. Glad you had a good meeting.
Bristol: Me too.
Rocky: Although I had no doubt that you would. You fit here, Bristol. I’ll see you in a few hours.
Bristol: Later.
* * *
It was so hard not to type “I love you.” The words were on the tip of her tongue, and she wasn’t sure why she was holding back. Hell, they were planning on officially moving in together. Saying she loved him didn’t seem too fast compared to that. But since he hadn’t said it yet, she didn’t want to either. Again, stupid. She was an adult.
Shaking her head in disgust with herself, Bristol threw her phone on the counter and opened the cabinet. She had plenty of time to make the cake, but she wanted to make sure it cooled completely before she put on the frosting, otherwise it would melt and look funny. She might not be as good a baker as Finley, but she was determined to have something amazing waiting for Rocky when he got home from what was obviously a tough day at work.
