Shutout (Rules of the Game, #2)(66)
“Have you ever considered hanging out with someone like Abby could be a form of that? Like putting yourself in situations where you’re not fully comfortable and trying to compensate?”
Is it? I’ve never thought about it like that before. Smaller house parties and bars like Overtime are fun, but I’m not sure I’m ever truly at ease at those crowded nightclubs and frat parties. My friends like them, so I’ve always gone along for fear of seeming boring or potentially losing friendships. Clearly not the right reason to do things, and deep down, I know that.
“Maybe…” I trail off. “How do you—how did you figure? That’s such a specific thing to say. I’m not saying I’m mad or I disagree, but it’s never occurred to me before.”
“I used to do things like that. It wasn’t exactly the same, but I didn’t cope well with the stress I was under, and I compensated in destructive ways. Which brings us back to the stress cleaning and the tattoos, like I said before.” He points to the elaborate compass inked onto his other hand. “I got this one as a reminder to myself to focus on where I want to go, not get caught in the weeds.”
That tattoo is the first thing that made his identity click for me. I love it even more now that I know what it symbolizes.
“You’re the most focused person I know, Ty.”
We’re interrupted by the server setting down our crab cakes and ahi tuna tower to start. Seafood is too hard to prepare properly at home—or at least I haven’t mastered it—but I always order it when I go out to higher-end places. And as we dive in, Rouge does not disappoint.
“Oh, god. That’s so good.” I take another bite of ahi tuna and Asian slaw, letting out a moan. It’s heaven on a fork. The fact I’m starving makes everything taste that much better.
Tyler eyes me over the rim of his glass. “You can’t make those noises, Ser.”
“Why? Getting dirty ideas?”
“Getting?” His eyes gleam with dark amusement. “More like actively trying to stop myself from acting on them.”
We talk nonstop throughout our meal, interspersed heavily with flirting and innuendo. While Tyler also seems to be enjoying the food, his attention is mostly fixed on me while we eat.
By the time we’ve ordered a dark chocolate soufflé to share for dessert, we’re both on edge.
Beneath the tablecloth, his hand creeps beneath the hem of my dress and comes to rest scandalously high on my bare thigh, fueling the anticipation that’s been simmering within me all night. He isn’t actively doing anything, but that’s the point.
If he’s going to dish it, he’d better be prepared to take it.
I slide closer to him in the booth and press my thigh to his, ensuring he can see right down the front of my low-cut dress. His gaze slowly, leisurely tracks a path down my face to the intended target, and a muscle in his jaw flexes.
“What’s wrong?” I bat my eyelashes at him.
“Tink…” he warns.
“You seem tense. Didn’t you enjoy the food?”
“Not as much as I’m going to enjoy eating your pussy when we’re done.”
A shock of desire jolts through me. If there’s any justice in this world, I’ll get to experience that at least once in my lifetime.
Tingles run down my spine as he brushes my hair away from my ear and leans in. “Remember what I said on FaceTime?”
Who could forget? Those words have been permanently imprinted in my brain. “I’m going to make you come so hard you make a dripping mess. Once I’m finished, I’m going to kiss you so you can taste how sweet you are.”
My thighs clench around his hand, which is still several inches south of where I’d like it to be. I wriggle impatiently, growing more frustrated by the second. I’ve been waiting all day for him to touch me. If he doesn’t do something soon, I might do it myself.
A teasing smirk appears on his face. “You want to be a good girl for me, don’t you?”
I nod. “Mmm-hmm.”
“Then take off your panties and give them to me.”
“You want me to do that here?” I whisper, glancing around. Our table is partially shielded by one of several towering floor-to-ceiling fireplaces, and our lower bodies are concealed by the tablecloth in the way. No one is within hearing distance. “In the middle of the restaurant?”
“Or I can do it for you, but I promise I’ll be a lot less discreet.”
Tyler looks at me expectantly while I feign shyness. He thinks he has the upper hand here. Little does he know, I impulsively slipped off my underwear while I was getting dressed. Hence, no panties to give.
“Can’t. I’m not wearing any.”
Dark desire flashes across his face. He pushes my legs apart with his hand and cups my center. My back arches, my breath snagging as one broad finger slides along my soaking, heated entrance.
Warmth floods my body, and I gasp quietly. “Ty.”
As much as I wanted him to touch me, I’m not sure I can be quiet enough to let him continue.
Shadows cast across his handsome face, determination in his eyes. “Stop thinking, Ser. I’ve got you.”
Two fingers slide inside me, the sudden fullness delivering a massive dose of pleasure. Bliss rolls through my body, and I grip the edge of the table, fighting to keep my hips from rocking.