Tackling Tobias (Big Sky Universe)

I spin her onto her back and lean over her. "While we do that. How about we finish dinner?"

"Oh my. I'm going to have to make the noodles over again. That batch is most definitely ruined."

"I'll help." I drop my mouth onto hers, kissing her until we're breathless. I look at the clock and it's almost ten thirty, so I get up because I'm more than starving and I know Ava is as well.

She goes into the kitchen with just my flannel and her panties on. The red and black plaid material is buttoned just to the top of her cleavage, falling to the bottom of her ass. When she raises her arms I get a sweet view of her white panties. I watch her as she moves around the kitchen looking sexy as hell. Even as she stirs the sauce, I'm fascinated. Her long blonde hair is flowing free down her back, and I feel like the luckiest man around. As if sensing my stare, she turns to look at me with a half smile.

"What do you need me to do, babe?"

"Sit there and look handsome. Better yet, how about you get us some wine."

"That works for me." When she's finished straining the noodles, she puts them on our plates, topping in them off with creamy chicken and broccoli alfredo sauce.

"Let's go eat by the fireplace, babe." I take the plates, and she grabs the wine and our glasses. The blankets and pillows are set up nicely for us to enjoy the blaze. I set down our plates on the coffee table that I pushed to the side so that I can stoke the fire. We turn the television on to the annual countdown, but it’s on low because we’re focused on us. Settling down on the rugs and pillows, we sit with our legs crossed and our pasta in our laps.

“This smells delicious, Ava.”

“Thank you.” We dig in and both let out tiny moans. Our eyes meet, and we let out a laugh.

“Do you think we’ll ever stop being this horny for each other?”

“I don’t want to make you sore, but I sure as fuck hope not. John and Landon still chase their wives around.” And I’ve stuck my foot in my mouth. We haven’t even gotten to that part in our relationship.

“Here’s to passion.” We lightly clink our glasses, giving us time from the heavy topic. Not that I’m not prepared to ask her to marry me. I purchased the ring the day after I met her. She doesn’t need to know that, though—at least not yet.

We’re almost done with our food when I’ve had enough dinner. I look over to Ava and see that she’s already set down her plate and wine glass on the table. A tiny drop of sauce landed on the top of her large breast. I lean in and say, “You spilled some sauce.” Dipping my tongue out, I swipe it off and groan. “You taste so good.”

“Tobias. Just so you know—I’m not sore at all.”

“I need to fix that. I want you to feel me with every step you take,” I whisper, kissing my way up her slender neck while I slide my hand down her stomach and then over her hip. Slowly we continue to lose ourselves, missing the countdown as we cry out our releases.

We certainly ring in the new year. I love having her in my arms. I carry her off to bed, laying her down beside me. My poor sleepy woman yawns and then cradles into me. "Rest, my sweet love."

I close my eyes and let sleep take me too.

I wake up to my alarm. Reaching over, I hit the off button. It continues to ring, and then my ears perk up. It's not my alarm. It's the phone. I rush downstairs because the damn thing doesn't stop going off. I look at it, and it's John.

"What's going on?" I answer. The sun isn’t even up yet.

"I need a favor. We need to drop off the boys. My mother-in-law and father-in-law got into an accident with some drunk drivers." His voice is shaking.

"Okay. Where are you?" I croak out.

"We're about two minutes away. I'm sorry."

"No. No. Drop the boys off. Shit. Let me know if there's anything you need."

Luckily, I slipped on some pajama pants when we went to bed so I would stay out of Ava. I go to the door and Louisa is still in the truck, crying. Shit. I hope they pull through. "Come on, boys. You get to hang with me today."

"Uncle Toby. I'm hungry,” Greyson says, rubbing his eyes. I can see the sun beginning to rise in the trees across the road, so it’s got to be around five.

"How does pancakes sound?" Ava says from behind me.

"I'll call you later,” John says.