Chapter 11

ELEVEN

Auden

My phone buzzes on the desk beside me, but I ignore it, my focus locked on the list in front of me. It's been a whirlwind of a few days, delays, broken shipments, and a never-ending stream of phone calls to suppliers trying to sort everything out. I haven't had time to even think about taking a break, let alone sit down for dinner with Wade.

That's what I've been telling myself anyway. The truth is that while sure, I've been busy, I also kind of freaked out after our night together. I'm not sure that I'm ready for a distraction right now, and certainly not one as big as Wade. This is the biggest job of my career and it could be life changing for me and my small business. It could mean more clients, bigger projects. I need to keep my eye on the goal here, but it's hard when I'm around him.

I was telling myself that it would be just a hook up, but it's more than that. I was lying to myself if I thought that I could stop from falling for Wade.

I've been out of the building, working on finding decor items and fixing a delivery that was totally messed up so we haven't seen each other much these last few days. Part of that was by design. I wanted to get my feelings under control before I faced him again. Now I'm realizing that that's never going to happen.

Wade.

I feel a pang of guilt every time I think about him. He's been so patient, so understanding, but I know he misses spending time together. And the truth is, I miss him too. More than I want to admit, even to myself.

The knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts, and I glance at the clock. It's already past seven. Who could be here at this hour? Most of the crew that installed the shelves in the back left hours ago, and I was hoping to finish up these last few tasks before heading home.

I push back from the desk, rubbing my temples as I walk to the door. When I open it, my heart skips a beat.

It's Wade, standing there with a brown paper bag in one hand and that familiar lopsided smile on his face, the one that makes it seem like he hasn't had much practice with smiling, but that he's trying to, just for me. The one that makes my knees go a little weak.

"Wade," I say, unable to keep the surprise out of my voice. "What are you doing here?"

"I figured you might need a break," he says, lifting the bag slightly. "Thought I'd bring dinner to you since you've been too busy to come home."

The warmth in his voice, the way he looks at me—it's like the stress of the day melts away in an instant. I hadn't realized just how much I needed to see him, to be reminded that there's more to life than the chaos of work.

"You didn't have to do that," I say, though I'm already stepping aside to let him in.

"I wanted to," he replies simply, walking into the building and setting the bag down on the nearest table. "Besides, I haven't seen you in a few days. Thought maybe you forgot about me."

I laugh, but there's a twinge of guilt beneath it. "I could never forget about you, Wade. It's just… everything's been so crazy around here."

"I know," he says, his tone gentle. "That's why I'm here. To make sure you're taking care of yourself."

He pulls out two containers from the bag, the delicious smell of takeout filling the room. My stomach growls in response, reminding me that I haven't eaten since lunch. Wade catches the sound and grins, handing me one of the containers.

"Come on," he says, nodding toward a stack of chairs in the corner. "Let's sit down and eat before you pass out from hunger."

I can't help but smile as I follow him, grabbing a couple of chairs and pulling them over to the table. We sit down, and for a moment, it's like we're the only two people in the world. The dim lighting, the quiet hum of the building around us. It's almost cozy, in a strange sort of way.

As we dig into our food, the conversation flows easily, like it always does with Wade. We talk about the project, about the challenges I've been facing, and he listens with that attentive, thoughtful look that always makes me feel like what I'm saying matters.

"I'm sorry I've been so caught up in all of this," I say after a while, setting down my fork and looking across the table at him. "I feel like I've been neglecting you."

He shakes his head, reaching across the table to take my hand in his. "You don't have to apologize, Auden. I get it. Work's important.":

"It's just… I miss you, you know? I miss us. I hate that we haven't had much time together lately."

"We'll make time," he says, his voice steady and reassuring.

I smile at him, feeling a little lighter than I have in days.

"You're too good to me, Wade."

"I'm just trying to keep up with you," he teases, and I laugh, the sound echoing in the empty building.

We finish our meal in comfortable silence, the stress of the day melting away with each passing minute. It feels good, being here with him, just talking and sharing a meal like this. It's a reminder of why I fell for him in the first place, his steadiness, his kindness, the way he makes everything feel just a little bit easier.

After we're done, Wade helps me clean up, tossing the empty containers into the trash before turning back to me with a smile. "You ready to head home?"

"Yeah," I say, nodding. "Let me just grab my stuff."

I collect my things, the familiar routine of shutting down for the night somehow made sweeter by his presence. He watches me, a patient smile on his face as I finish up, and I can't help but think about how lucky I am to have him in my life.

As we walk to my car, the night air is cool and refreshing, a gentle breeze ruffling my hair. Wade stays close by my side, his presence a comforting warmth against the chill of the evening.

When we reach my car, I turn to him, not quite ready to say goodnight. "Thanks for bringing me dinner," I say, my voice soft. "You didn't have to, but I'm really glad you did."

"Anytime," he replies, his hand finding mine again. "I'll always bring you dinner if it means I get to see you." His words are simple, but there's something in the way he says them that makes my heart flutter. It's the kind of thing that reminds me just how much he cares, and how much I care about him in return.

We stand there for a moment, the night settling around us like a comfortable blanket. The silence between us isn't awkward; it's filled with the kind of contentment that comes from being with someone who just gets you. I don't want this moment to end, but I know I need to get home and get some rest before another busy day tomorrow.

"I guess I should head home," I say, though I don't make any move to open my car door just yet.

"I'll follow you," Wade says, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Make sure you get home safe."

I smile, nodding in agreement. "I'd like that."

We both climb into our cars, and as I start the engine, I glance in the rearview mirror to see Wade's truck right behind me. It's a small thing, but knowing he's there, watching out for me, makes me feel a little more secure. The drive home is quiet, the streets nearly empty this late at night, and I let the calm wash over me, my mind wandering back to the evening we've just shared.

By the time I pull into my driveway, I feel a sense of peace that I haven't felt in days. Wade parks right behind me, and I can't help but feel a little thrill at the thought of him coming inside, of spending just a little more time together before the day ends.

I get out of the car and wait for him to join me, and when he does, he places a gentle hand on the small of my back as we walk up to the front door. There's something so natural about the way he does it, like it's the most normal thing in the world, and it sends a pleasant shiver down my spine.

"Do you want to come in?" I ask, my voice quieter now, more intimate.

Wade meets my gaze, his eyes soft in the dim light. "Yeah," he says, his voice just as soft. "I'd like that."

I unlock the door, and we step inside together, the familiar warmth of my home wrapping around us like a welcome embrace. For a moment, we just stand there in the entryway, the quiet of the house settling over us.

"Make yourself comfortable," I say, motioning to the living room as I set my bag down on the table by the door. "I'll be right back."

I head to my bedroom to change out of my work clothes, opting for something more comfortable—a simple t-shirt and pajama pants. As I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I realize I'm smiling. It's a small smile, but it's there, and it's because of him.

When I return to the living room, Wade is sitting on the couch, his long legs stretched out in front of him, looking so at ease that it makes my heart swell. I sit down beside him, close enough that our legs brush against each other, and the warmth of his body is a comforting presence.

"Thanks for coming by tonight," I say, my voice soft as I lean into him just a little. "It really meant a lot to me."

He turns to look at me, his expression serious but tender. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay," he says. "You've been working so hard, and I didn't want you to forget to take care of yourself."

"I've been trying to," I admit, my voice a little hesitant. "But it's hard when there's so much to do. I don't want to let anyone down."

"You won't," he assures me, his hand finding mine once again. "You're amazing at what you do, Auden. But it's okay to take a break, to let yourself breathe. You don't have to do everything on your own."

I squeeze his hand, feeling a lump form in my throat at his words. "I know," I whisper. "It's just… I'm so used to handling everything by myself. It's hard to let go, to trust that everything will be okay if I step back for a minute."

Wade shifts closer, his arm sliding around my shoulders, pulling me gently against him. "You don't have to do it alone," he repeats, his voice a soothing rumble in my ear. "I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."

I close my eyes, letting myself relax into his embrace, feeling the tension that's been building in my shoulders slowly start to melt away. It feels so good to just be held, to know that someone is there for me, not because they expect something in return, but because they genuinely care.

We sit like that for a while, the only sound is the steady rhythm of Wade's breathing and the faint ticking of the clock on the wall. I could stay here forever, wrapped up in this moment, with him.

But eventually, I pull back slightly, just enough to look up at him. "You want to stay for a while?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Wade smiles, his hand coming up to gently brush a strand of hair behind my ear. "Yeah," he says, his voice just as soft. "I'd like that."

And just like that, something shifts between us—something that feels like a new beginning, like we're moving forward into something deeper, something more real.

His lips land on mine and I move to straddle him. Already I can feel my body heat with need and I smirk as an idea hits me.

"I want to suck your cock," I whisper against Wade's lips and he groans.

"Jesus Christ," he moans, his fingers tightening in my hair.

"You got to taste me last time," I point out. "It's only fair."

"You can do anything that you want to me, Aud. I'm never going to say no. I just… wasn't expecting such filthy words to come out of your sweet mouth."

"I can be dirty," I whisper against the shell of his ear and he shivers beneath me.

I crawl off of the couch and drop to my knees at his feet. I see Wade swallow hard as he stares down at me and confidence blooms inside of me. I have no idea what I'm doing, but I have a feeling that doesn't matter to Wade.

I feel sexy as I kneel before him and reach for his jeans. I pop the button and tug the zipper down, my eyes locked on Wade's as I reach into his boxers, my fingers wrapping around his stiff length.

He's so big, part of me can't quite believe that he was inside of me last time. My body warms as I remember everything that Wade and I did last night.

Wade's hips lift and he helps me push his jeans and boxers down, giving me more room to explore him. I grip his strong thighs, shifting on my knees closer to him. His dick is hard and pointing up at the ceiling and my mouth waters as I look at it.

I never thought a dick could be pretty, but Wade's somehow is. His thighs tense under my palms and I slide my hands up, one hand wrapping around his length… or trying to anyway.

"You're so big," I tell him, giving his cock a few test pumps.

"You can't talk about my dick and kneel in front of me and look like that," he tells me and I smirk.

"Or what?"

"Or I'm going to pin you down beneath me and I'll be the one licking you."

"That's not the threat that you seem to think it is," I sass him and then squeal when he moves to reach for me.

I dodge his hands and tighten my grip around his cock. My thumb swipes back and forth against the underside of his dick and he hisses out a breath.

"Auden," he breathes and the way that he says my name, like it's an oath and a plea, has me burning up.

I lick my lips, leaning closer to him. My hand slides down to the base of his cock and I squeeze there as my mouth opens over him. I lick the tip of him and his hips jerk on the couch.

"Aud," he begs and I smile as I open my mouth wider and start to take him into my mouth.

He tastes salty and virile and totally male. My tongue trails along the vein on the underside for as far as I can and I see Wade's fingers grip the edge of the couch tighter as my mouth works up and down his length.

"God, you're so good at that," he groans and pride grows inside of me.

My movements grow bolder as my confidence grows and I start to test what makes Wade's finger tighten on the couch, what makes his hips lift, what makes his cock swell against my tongue.

I suck harder on the tip of his dick, my hand twisting slightly as I jerk him off.

"Aud," he snarls and I can tell that he's closer.

I double my efforts, wanting to feel him come down my throat.

"If you don't want me to come in your mouth, then you need to stop now," he warns me.

I moan and he cusses above me. A second later, he starts to come and I moan again as I swallow down his release.

I let him go with a pop and smirk up at him.

"My turn," he growls and the next thing I know, I'm flat on my back on the living room floor.

Wade is on me, his lips claiming mine in a steamy kiss before he kisses a path down to my chest. He scoots back, kneeling between my legs as he reaches for my pants and rips them and my panties down my legs.

"Did sucking my cock turn you on?" Wade asks as he holds up my soaked underwear.

"Uh huh," I moan, spreading my legs in invitation.

An invitation that he greedily accepts.

I cry out as his mouth starts to move over my pussy. His tongue spears into my opening and my fingers tangle in his hair as he starts to fuck me with his tongue.

"Wade!" I cry out as his thumb starts to circle my clit.

There's so many sensations and I can feel that string inside of me growing tauter with every flick of his tongue and pressure from his thumb.

"Wade, Wade, Wade," I chant, my hips starting to rock and sway with his movements.

His mouth latches onto my clit and he presses two thick fingers inside of me, curling them to rub against my g spot.

All it takes is two strokes and I'm flying over the edge, screaming his name as I reach my peak.

"That's it, Aud. Fuck, you're so goddamn beautiful. Especially when you're screaming my name and coming all over my face."

"Wade!" I cry out, his words sending a baby orgasm to roll through me, right on the heels of my last one.

I suck in a deep breath, panting as I try to come back down to Earth. When I blink my eyes open, we're lying side by side on the living room floor, both of us flushed and half dressed.

I roll onto my side and smile at him and he grabs me, pulling me into his chest.

"Are you staying the night?" I ask him and he nods.

"Yeah, if that's alright."

"Yeah, I'd like that."

We spend the rest of the evening together, just talking and enjoying each other's company. It's not about grand gestures or big declarations; it's about the simple, quiet moments that make everything else fade away.

When it's time to head to bed, Wade follows me, and there's no hesitation, no awkwardness. It feels natural, like this is where he's meant to be.

As we lay down together, his arms around me, I feel a sense of peace settle over me that I haven't felt in a long time. It's not just about the comfort of having him here—it's about knowing that, no matter what happens, we're in this together.

"I'm glad you're here," I murmur, my voice sleepy as I nestle closer to him.

"Me too," he replies, his voice a low rumble in the dark.

And as I drift off to sleep, I know that whatever tomorrow brings, we'll face it together. Because that's what we do. That's who we are.