“I don’t have time for dates.”
“I’ve noticed. And I’m tired of staying at a hotel.”
“Then go home,” I suggest but a weird ache hits my chest when I say it. I push that away.
“I’m going to stay with you.”
“What?!” I half yell.
He shrugs at my outburst. He’s used to them. Why do I find that endearing? He even gives me one of those smirks. I have a feeling he’s going to win this round.
8
Jax
I wish I could have taken a picture of my little protestor’s face when she realized she wasn’t in the building alone. Yet, even though I’ve caught her red-handed she’s still giving me an attitude about it. She tries to skirt her way around the entire thing by dangling those keys in front of me. I knew going in to this stakeout tonight that I would have the upper hand.
My plan was to catch her and have her agree to go on a few dates with me. I know it makes me a dick by doing it this way but she’s given me no other option. I finally took matters into my own hands and her breaking into my place was the perfect opportunity for me to get what I want. The only thing that I want is her. The mention of me staying with her shocked me almost as much as her. That part was a spur of the moment suggestion. My mind already solving problems before they can spring up.
We both stand here looking at one another until she finally nods her head yes. That was too easy. I know she probably thinks I’m the biggest asshole for holding calling the cops over her head but as long as it gets me closer to her, I don’t care. In time she’ll see that I did this for us.
“You’re sleeping on the couch,” she says as if she’s the one calling the shots here. Yet she doesn’t sound convinced herself. I continue to smirk because we all know that’s not happening. I’ll let her have this little thing for right now, though. I need to get into her space and then we can fight over where we’ll be sleeping.
“Bear will also need somewhere to sleep.” I see the excitement light up in her eyes at the mention of my dog. One day I hope they do the same for me.
“He can stay with me in my room. I don’t have a bed for him but he’s more than welcome to sleep with me,” she replies with a little devilish grin.
“Don’t worry. I’m always prepared.” I grab her other hand that’s not holding the keys as I head back out the back door to where my car is parked. She willingly comes. I’m using her shock to distract her for the moment. It will soon wear off. I need to move fast before she comes to her senses and calls me on my bullshit.
Bear’s head pops out of the back window of the SUV. I had it brought down for me to drive. I give him a nod and he easily jumps out the window for a dog as big as he is.
“Bear!” Bailey half screams. “You can’t just jump out of car windows.” She scolds him even as she falls to her knees to engulf him in a hug. I don’t let her hand go. She tries to give a pull but I don’t budge. I’m going to take advantage of every little second that she allows me to touch her in some way. I’ll memorize the feel of her hand. Later in the dark I’ll imagine that it’s jerking my cock to orgasm. I’ve never wanted anything like I want Bailey. I’m not just talking about short term either. I want her for as long as she’ll have me. Getting her to agree will be the toughest thing I’ll ever do but I am a Roberts and we always get what we want. That means making her one too.
“I told him he could,” I reassure her. “He’s well trained.” I finally let her hand go so I can grab my bag from the back of the SUV, along with Bear’s bed.
“You don’t have to go to the hotel and get your stuff.” I’m not sure if she’s asking or if it’s dawning on her that I am prepared to stay here already.
“Open the door, babe.” I nod to the door that goes to her coffee shop. Well, Millie’s shop but it’s where she lives for now. She stands from where she is still giving Bear too much attention.
“I’m not your babe,” she tells me but she does as I ask.
“We’re dating. I get to call you babe.” It sounds good saying it. I’m not sure which I like more, calling her my little protestor or babe. It doesn’t matter. I can do both. One day I’ll call her my everything. Hopefully sooner rather than later.