"I know what you need."
She was tight and warm around me, and I knew I wouldn't be able to go slow. We both needed it hard and fast. She pressed her heels just under my ass cheeks as we both moved ferociously. We kissed each other's groans until the very end. In that moment, I wasn't sure I even knew my own name, let alone if we'd been loud or not.
We held onto each other until our ragged breaths turned to laughter. Lori pressed her forehead against my shoulder, speaking into my chest.
"That was intense," she murmured between fits of laughter.
"You could say that."
After we cleaned up, we slipped under the covers, and I could tell Lori was going to fall asleep in a matter of minutes. I, on the other hand, felt wide-awake. She blinked slowly, clearly making an effort not to drift away.
Kissing the tip of her nose, I said, "Go to sleep, Lori."
"Aren't you tired?"
"No."
I shifted her so that she could use my chest as a pillow. She sighed contentedly, shifting even more, half straddling me.
"I've always had troubles falling asleep," she murmured. "But not when I'm with you."
"Then go to sleep. I'll hold you."
She was out in seconds, and her shallow breath was tickling my chest. This, right here, was all I needed to be a happy man.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Lori
The meeting with Jeff took place one week later in a cafe in Silver Lake. I'd been giving myself mental pep talks all day, but I was still nervous as hell by the time Graham and I arrived. I'd been biting my nails and wringing my hands during the drive. Part of me was grateful Graham was with me; the other part wished he wouldn't see me in this state.
"Baby, we're doing this together, okay?"
I nodded, too nervous to reply. Graham kissed my hand before we climbed out of the car.
When we entered the coffee shop, I located Jeff at a table in the corner. Seeing him was a shock. He looked as if seventeen years had passed, not seven. His hairline had receded somewhat, and he'd grown a second chin. When he rose to his feet, I also noticed a beer belly.
"Lori, it's been too long."
Not long enough was what I wanted to say, but I just shook his hand. Jeff jerked his head back when Graham introduced himself.
"The LA Lords's Graham Frazier?"
"Yes."
"Man, I'm a big fan of the Lords."
"Glad to hear it." Graham's voice was curt and in no way invited further conversation.
"Lori, I'd like to speak with you alone."
I lifted a brow. "Tough luck."
We all sat down, and after an awkward silence, Jeff said, "You two are an item, I gather?"
Graham draped an arm around my shoulders.
"Yes, we are," I confirmed.