Chapter 4

CHAPTER FOUR

Dinner had been amazing.

The cheesecake had been delicious.

But the sexy man laying on top of her and kissing her like she was vital to his survival was the actual star of the show.

If anyone would have told her she would not only sleep with Wyatt, but that he’d be making plans for the two of them beyond that, Gemma would have told them they were crazy. Things like this just didn’t happen to her.

And yet…here I am.

The weight of his body felt so good, and his kisses were becoming addictive. She still didn’t believe this was going to go beyond the weekend, but for now, she was okay with it.

Pushing all the negative thoughts aside, she gave herself over to him. It didn’t matter how exhausted she was or how desperately she needed sleep, her need for Wyatt was greater. His lips, his hands, the way he moved…everything about it had her on sensory overload. Her hands raked up into his glorious hair and tugged as she arched beneath him.

“Couch or the bed,” he murmured against her throat. “I’m good with either.”

“Couch,” she panted, unwilling to stop what they were doing to get up and go into the next room.

Fortunately, her jammies were really just a pair of super soft yoga pants with an elastic waist, so they went flying fairly easily. The top was just a loose T-shirt that Wyatt tugged over her head with ease. In nothing but her panties, she breathlessly watched as he got up on his knees and whipped his own shirt up and over his head, adding it to the pile of clothes on the floor. His body was all lean muscles, and she reached up and smoothed her hand up over his abs and chest. Grabbing her hand, he held it over his heart as they locked eyes. Gemma swallowed hard because there were so many things she wanted to say—to tell him how she felt and how much this moment meant to her—but he seemed to already know.

“Me too,” he whispered with a small nod. “Me too, beautiful girl.”

He leaned down and kissed her breasts briefly before standing up and kicking off the rest of his clothes. Then he was back on top of her, settling between her thighs, and she hummed with appreciation of the skin-on-skin contact.

“Like that?” he asked, moving down to tease her breasts again.

Gemma’s legs wrapped around his waist and her hands went back to his hair, holding him to her like she was afraid he was going to change his mind and leave.

But he didn’t.

He wouldn’t.

This was happening.

And she was going to enjoy every damn second of it.

They slept in the next morning because they were both exhausted. When they were getting ready to head over to his place, he said, “Pack a bag.”

So she did.

It was almost noon when they got to his place. In all the years they’d known each other, Gemma had only been there once.

“How come we never hang out here?” she asked, marveling at how nice his house was. It was a Craftsman bungalow, but everything looked like it had been newly updated. “This place is nicer than all our places.”

Wyatt smiled at the compliment. “I normally have some sort of project going on and honestly, no one seems to think I can host. You know Ty is like the dad of our group and he’s a bit of a control freak. I think having everyone at his house just makes him happy.”

That made her laugh because Tyler was older than both Wyatt and Lucy, and even though he was single, he was definitely the dad of the group.

“And Lucy’s place just works sometimes because she typically always has something going on that requires us to go and help her out or cheer her up,” he went on. “It’s going to be weird when she and Jax get a place of their own here in South Creek. You know it’s going to be fancier than all our places put together.”

“Well, Jax is a millionaire, so I would hope their place would be better,” she teased. “But they’re going to divide their time between here and Wichita for a while so…” The sigh was out before she could stop it. “Things are changing.”

Before she knew it, Wyatt had her in his arms. “It’s not a bad thing, though, right? I mean…change can be good.”

Looking up at him, she gave him a small smile even as she told herself not to say anything negative like how this thing between them hasn’t been proven yet.

Stop looking for trouble…

“I hope so,” she finally said, and then got up on her tiptoes and kissed him.

His arms tightened around her, but then, just as quickly, he broke the kiss and stepped back. “If you keep that up, we aren’t going to leave here, and I’m starving. You wore me out again last night.”

When he turned to go to his bedroom, she was tempted to follow but decided to keep her distance because he was right, they had exhausted themselves again and she was pretty hungry herself. Lunch at the pub sounded great. They had a fabulous menu, but this was the first time they were going out anywhere, just the two of them. Small towns were famous for their gossip, and she was trying to brace herself for whatever was going to be floating around about them soon.

“Ugh…stop…” she quietly whined.

Wyatt came out two minutes later looking beyond sexy in his faded blue jeans and dark Henley, and it was on the tip of her tongue to suggest they get lunch delivered. He chuckled softly as he slowly walked toward her. “I can see it in your eyes what you’re thinking, but we are going to leave this house and have lunch at the pub.” Then he hauled her in close. “But we can come back here afterwards and do whatever it is you want before going to the movie tonight.”

Her cheeks heated, but she said, “Deal.”

Sitting across from Gemma in the booth over lunch was borderline hysterical. She jumped at every noise and kept looking around like she was completely paranoid.

“Would you please relax?” he asked with amusement. “No one’s paying any attention to us.” Picking up the menu, he waved it at her. “What are we getting?”

It was a great distraction. “Um…I think I’m going to just get a salad.”

Wyatt instantly shook his head. “Nuh-uh. No way.”

“What? Why?”

“Gem, come on. It’s me. I’ve seen you eat double burgers with extra bacon, fries, and beer when we’ve come out with friends. Don’t go all girly on me now. I know you’re hungry. Eat like it.”

“Fine,” she mumbled, looking at the menu. “Then I’m going to get the fried chicken club with ranch dressing and fries.” Smiling sweetly at him, she added, “And a sweet tea.”

“Good girl.”

Their server came and took their orders, and basically, no one bothered them the entire time they were there.

After lunch, they’d gone back to his place, and Gemma had launched herself at him as soon as they were through the door. She was the first woman he’d ever brought to his place—the first woman who he ever made love to in his bed—and everything about it felt right.

This is how it’s supposed to be.

They’d curled up in bed and watched TV in between all the sexy touches and kisses, and Wyatt knew he was going to have to work hard to convince her they weren’t just compatible in bed or as friends, but that he wanted so much more with her.

He wanted forever.

This wasn’t a new thought for him. For years he’d thought about her and wished things could be different, but she was with Mike, and everyone seemed to think they were going to go the distance. Hearing her say they had broken up had been like a sign from the universe that maybe he could have what he always wanted.

Did the timing suck? Absolutely. But he was confident that in time, he could make her see that he was the right man for her. Of course, he thought he’d have to take things slow, but once he took her home and she asked him to kiss her, all thoughts of slow were off the table. And what was the point of waiting? They weren’t strangers; they’d known each other for years. Hell, he knew her almost better than anyone else because he’d been paying attention.

For a damn long time.

Now he had to hope that she could see what he’d been seeing all along.

They’d run into some friends at the movies and sat with them and then went to grab dinner together afterwards. No one had to ask what the two of them were doing out together, because Wyatt had kept his arm around her or had her hand in his the entire time.

She’s with me…

It was almost midnight when they were back in his car. He couldn’t wait to get her home to his house and have her there with him all night.

And it was as satisfying as he’d hoped it would be.

The next morning, they’d gone to brunch. They didn’t see anyone they knew, and Wyatt could tell Gemma was way more relaxed than she’d been the day before. The actual test was going to be what came next.

Placing his napkin down on the table, he looked over at her. “So? Are we going to Ty’s to watch the game, or are we buying groceries and making dinner together?”

“I really want to say the whole grocery thing. There’s a recipe I’ve been dying to try for Tuscan chicken.”

Hiding his disappointment, he nodded. “Sounds good! Should we try to make our own dessert too? Maybe bake some cookies?”

In his mind, he sounded completely casual, but the look she was giving him told him she wasn’t buying it.

“What?” he asked. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Because I know you really want us to go to Ty’s,” she said, actually sounding casual. “I kind of wanted to see how you’d react if I went with the dinner plan.”

“Wait…so…?”

“We can’t orchestrate running into people while we’re out,” she reasoned. “And if we’re going to really see how people are going to react, then we have to actually be with the people we spend the most time with.”

“We were out with people we knew last night, and no one seemed shocked,” he reminded her.

“I know, and that’s why it’s important for us to go to Ty’s today.” She let out a long, confident breath. “I’m ready. I swear.”

Bracing his hands on the table, he leaned over slightly. “That’s my girl.” Grinning, he added, “If I could, I’d haul you over this table right now and kiss the hell out of you.”

“Now that would cause some gossip!”

“And it would be worth it.” Sitting back, he reached for his wallet and paid the check. “But we’ll save that for another time. I’m gonna text Ty and let him know we’re coming.”

“Oh? We’re not just going to show up together and get a genuine reaction?”

“Good point. I’ll just text and ask if I can bring anything and not mention anything else. Will that work?”

“Absolutely.”

His brother naturally said he didn’t need to bring anything, but they picked up drinks and some chips and dip anyway. When they got out of the car at Ty’s, Wyatt saw Gemma staring intently at the house for a solid minute.

“We don’t have to do this.” His heart was hammering hard in his chest because he really wanted this to work and for her to feel comfortable.

Then she surprised him by walking around the car and kissing him soundly.

Just as his brother opened the front door.

Uh-oh…

“It’s about damn time!” Ty called out.

They immediately broke apart, both looking guilty as hell.

Raking a hand through his hair, Wyatt put a little space between him and Gemma as his brother came toward them, grinning like a loon. “Hey, we brought snacks!” he said nervously.

Tyler stopped in front of them, slid his hands into his pockets, and nodded. “I was beginning to wonder if this was ever going to happen,” he said, as if he wasn’t dropping a bombshell on them. “It’s nice to see you both got your heads out of your asses.” He motioned toward the house. “We’ve got sandwiches and all kinds of snacks inside already, but thanks for bringing more.”

As soon as his brother turned to walk away, Wyatt stopped him. “What are you talking about? How…?”

“How did I know about the two of you?”

They both nodded.

“Guys, we spend a lot of time together. Do you have any idea the longing looks you both shoot at each other? Like all the time? It was pretty entertaining. So basically, I’m just thrilled that you finally figured it out for yourselves.” And with a shrug, he took the bag of snacks from Wyatt’s hand and walked into the house, leaving them both speechless.

“Well, that was anticlimactic,” he murmured.

“It really was.”

Wyatt looked down at her. “So? Are we good?”

Her laugh was as nervous as his was a minute ago. “I…I think so. Ty’s always easygoing, so…”

His head fell back as he sighed with frustration before looking at her again. “Why do I feel like you’re still looking for the escape hatch here?”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you not understand that I’m crazy about you? That this isn’t about a weekend, but it’s about tomorrow, and the next day, and the one after that? And then possibly all the ones after that? Gemma, I’ve been in love with you for years! You’re the only woman I have ever clicked with. Ever.”

“I’m not looking for the escape hatch, Wyatt. I swear. I just don’t want anyone to think this is a rebound fling. I’m trying to be careful. This is…it’s us, you know? It’s crazy how much I feel for you that I never felt for anyone else either. I don’t want to make a mistake and lose you.”

Moving in close, he placed his hands on her waist. “That’s never gonna happen. I’ve waited a long time for you. For this. What we have, beautiful girl, is unbreakable. I’m in this for the long-haul. And I don’t care what anyone else thinks. Let them. I know how I feel, and I think you feel the same about me.”

She nodded. “I do. I really do, but I can’t help but worry about how Lucy’s going to react.”

Grinning, he pulled back and took out his phone. “Funny you should mention that.” He tapped the screen and held it up to her. “Read the texts.”

Lucy: Do me a favor? Gemma and Mike broke up. Please bring her dinner and make sure she’s okay.

Wyatt: Done. But I need to tell you something.

Lucy: What?

Wyatt: I already knew that and I spent the night with Gemma last night. And not as a friend. So if you’re going to give anyone shit…

Lucy: OMG! FINALLY!

Lucy: Dammit, now I owe Ty like a hundred bucks.

Lucy: But yay you!!

Wyatt: Seriously? You’re cool with this?

Lucy: Absolutely! Just make her happy or I’ll have to kick your ass!

Wyatt: Consider me warned. Now go back to enjoying your vacation.

Lucy: Will do! And give Gemma a hug and tell her I’ll call her next week!

Looking up at him, Gemma started laughing. “So we really were the only ones who were clueless! That’s awesome!”

Putting his phone away, Wyatt hauled her in close and kissed her thoroughly. “But not anymore. Now that we’re together, the best is yet to come.” Caressing her cheek, he smiled. “You and me, beautiful girl. Always.”

She smiled back. “I like the sound of that.”

Gemma & Wyatt were actually secondary characters in my WYLDER LOVE series!

Get it here: https://www.chasing-romance.com/wylder-love-series

And if small town romances are your thing, check out my DONOVANS series!

Get it here: https://www.chasing-romance.com/the-donovans-series