“Woah! That’s tight enough.”
He stops spinning the tire to look me in the face and laugh at me. “Hold on, Babe.”
He releases the tire and it starts spinning so fast that I can barely hang on, yet I can’t stop laughing as I fight to keep my head up.
As it slows down, I catch glimpses of Royal watching me in satisfaction.
“Did you enjoy me screaming my head off?” I tease, when it stops.
He grabs the top of the rope and pulls me to him. “Oh . . . you were laughing your head off. You loved it.” Leaning in, he runs his tongue over my lips, before slipping it inside my mouth and swirling it around my tongue.
The indescribable feeling of my heart about to beat out of my chest takes over and I find myself gripping the rope even tighter, afraid that I’ll faint and fall off.
This man truly has no idea what he does to me. I don’t even know what he does, but I love it.
“Hey!” Cole runs out from the barn. “She runs like a beast. Damn, Man. I owe you.”
Royal grabs my hand and helps me out of the tire. “You want to meet me in the truck? I want to check on him before I leave.”
I nod my head. “Of course.” I smile over at Cole. “It was great meeting you.”
“Hey, you too.” He watches me as I walk away, before turning back to Royal.
I’m in the truck for about five minutes before Royal jumps into the driver’s side and instantly grabs for my hand, pulling it into his lap.
“Is everything okay with Cole then?”
“He’s good,” he responds. “He’s getting by.”
We’re halfway to my house when Royal’s phone starts ringing in his pocket. “Shit. Can you grab that for me?”
“Yeah, sure.” I dig into his pocket as he leans up for me to be able to get my hand inside.
I hit connect and hold it out to him.
“Take the call for me,” he says. “I’m not going to talk and drive when I have you in my truck.”
Feeling a bit awkward, I hold the phone to my ear. “Hello.”
“Hey,” Jax says into the phone. “Royal driving you?”
“Yeah,” I respond. “We just left Cole’s.”
“Good,” he says. “That’s real good. Hey. Tell Royal that his appointment is here and I have them set up in his chair already. Kay?”
“I’ll let him know, Jax.”
“Thanks, Babe.”
With that, he hangs up.
“Jax said your appointment is waiting on you.”
“Oh fuck!” He grips the steering wheel. “I forgot all about that shit.” He grabs his phone from my hand and tosses it in my seat. “You good for the day?”
I smile and nod my head as he grabs my hand. “Yeah, I’m good. I could use some rest before work. The stupid owner stops by every Thursday. She’s sort of a cunt sometimes.”
Royal looks over at me and smiles. “I love that dirty mouth.” He pulls up in front of my house and shifts the truck into park. “I’ll pick you up from work, alright? Don’t walk outside until you see me.”
I lean in and run my fingers over his face. He grabs my hand and his eyes meet mine. “I’ll wait for you,” I say. “Thanks for breakfast.”
He grabs my hand and kisses it. “Alright.”
I jump out of his truck and stand on the porch, watching as he drives away.
What am I going to do about this man? I’ve completely fallen for him . . .
Royaclass="underline" How’s work, baby? You busy?
SMILING, I SET MY HALF eaten chicken sandwich down and respond to the message that Royal sent about twenty minutes ago.
I wanted to check my phone as soon as I felt it vibrate in my pocket, but Claudette has been around all day watching us all like a hawk. I’m doing my best to stay on her good side so hopefully she will cut her visits down to twice a damn month.
Avalon: It’s been pretty boring. The customers know to stay away on Thursdays when the evil bitch is lurking around. I’m actually ready to pull my hair out from boredom. You?
I pick up my sandwich and continue to eat it, while waiting for his response. This damn sandwich has been the most action that has happened since I walked through the door four hours ago. Madison is lucky she got the morning shift. What I wouldn’t have done to switch with her.
Royaclass="underline" You know the boys. Never a dull moment here. No windows broken yet, and no one has gotten choked out. Pretty fucking tame compared to some days.
I respond to his message, while laughing to myself. I almost feel sad that I’m not there with them . . . like I’m missing something. I’ve found myself wanting to hang around his friends more and more with each day. I feel like they’re the norm for me now.
Avalon: Yeah, well I’d much rather be there than stuck here for the next three hours. I miss you and the boys. Especially you . . .
It takes about five minutes before his next response comes through.
Royaclass="underline" Who is this crazy lady with the Ronald Mcdonald hair that is looking at me as if I’ve just robbed a bank?
“Holy shit!” I drop my sandwich and jump to my feet, rushing to the door. “There’s no way . . .”
I open the door and look outside to see Royal sitting at my station, looking at the break room door, as if he’s been waiting for me to appear.
He instantly raises a brow and smiles at me when his eyes meet mine. “Come here, baby,” he demands.
I close the break room door and glance over at Claudette, who is giving me a disapproving look. She’s probably never seen a man that looks like Royal and his friends around here. She almost looks nervous for the first time ever. “Avalon? You know this man?”
“Claudette,” I say with confidence, walking past her to get to Royal. “I do. Very well. He’s pretty amazing to know.”
Royal stands when I reach him. Locking eyes with me, he cups my face in his hands and leans in to press his lips against mine. His kiss feels hard and desperate, as if he’s telling me that he missed me too. “So you miss me?” He questions with a grin.
I laugh against his lips and place my hands over his, not caring what Claudette thinks. I fucking love this man. It’s becoming clearer with each time I see him. The way my heart reacts to him is undeniable. “So damn much. How do you always know the right time to show up? You truly amaze me.”
He leans in closer, intimately brushing his lips over mine. “Because it’s always the same time that I’m needing you,” he answers. “Which is way too fucking much.”
Claudette clears her throat from beside us, looking appalled. “Perhaps you two can take this unwanted show outside.” She looks down at her watch and then looks up, avoiding any eye contact with Royal. “For the last six minutes of your break. You know better than this, Avalon.”
I tilt my head and narrow my eyes at her. I’ve never, and I mean ever, questioned her in the entire time I’ve worked here. “Do I, Claudette?” I grab Royal’s hand and lace my fingers with his, causing her eyes to lower to our hands. “Better than what?”
“To . . .” She swallows hard and looks up at my intense stare. “I would just appreciate it if you would take that outside. We’ll talk later before I leave.”
Her pen accidently falls from her hand, landing next to her feet as she begins to walk away.
Without hesitation, Royal bends down, picks it up, and hands it to her. “Ma’am. I don’t normally bite. Only if you ask nicely.” He winks and lifts a playful brow.
Claudette cautiously grabs the pen and sucks in an uncomfortable breath. “Thank you.” Smiling weakly, she walks away without another word, leaving us with the clicking of her heels.