Love Required (16 page)

He got another nod from Hal as Tori leaned in and whispered something in his ear. The old man softened and smiled at her before she kissed his cheek and they were walking to his truck again. Opening the back door to lock the car seat in, he said, “His face lit up when you whispered in his ear. What did you say to him?”

She smiled and gave her a head a small shake. “A girl can’t reveal all of her secrets. How else would she remain mysterious?”

He helped her into the front seat, and when she looked down at him, he said, “I look forward to you revealing any secrets you hold, Tori.” And with a wink, he shut the door.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

TORI couldn’t remember the last time she’d been to the drive-in. As a child, she remember going quite a bit with her mother. But when the drive-in near home had been torn down for new buildings to go up, there hadn’t been any left in the area. The thought of being back at one, with her daughter, caused a couple happy tears. Quickly dashing them away, she waited for Jason to pay before leaning over the center console and placing a quick kiss to his cheek. When he looked at her in surprise, she smiled. “Thank you for bringing us here. This is beyond perfect.”

He chuckled as he turned his attention back to maneuvering his truck into a spot. “Feel free to kiss me repeatedly throughout the evening to show your appreciation. I accept all forms and in any location.”

With another kiss on his cheek, she settled back into her seat with a bounce. “I bet you do.”

“Is this one of those secrets?” he asked with a smirk.

She rolled her eyes, shaking her head. “No, not a secret. More like a really great memory. I used to go with my mom when I was little.”

“Then I’m really glad I thought of it. Now, the important question is, do you want to watch it from inside the truck or from the back?” he asked. She looked to the back of the truck and grinned.

“Do you have anything for us to sit on back there? Or would we just sit on the tailgate or something?”

Jason snorted his disbelief. “What kind of slacker do you take me for? I’ve got whatever we’ll need either way, so you just have to pick.”

“Then definitely in the back. I’ve never done it in the back of a truck,” she said a little too excitedly. When Jason raised his eyebrows and looked to be hiding a smile, she replayed what she said in head. Closing her eyes, she dropped her face to her hands as she groaned, “Oh my God …”

“Well then, we’ll definitely have to rectify that for you,” Jason said with obvious enthusiasm. She didn’t have to look at him to know he was smiling. It could be heard clearly in his tone.

Still shaking her head, she lifted it from her hands when he turned off the engine. Certain her face was a bright shade of pink, she glared at him. He put his hands up in mock surrender. “What? You’ve never watched a movie at the drive-in from the back of a truck, and I aim to please.”

Reaching across the distance of the front seat, she playfully smacked his arm. “You’re doing that on purpose! You should really be careful because two can play that game.”

JASON couldn’t help but laugh as he conceded. “Okay, okay, point taken. I see the error of my ways. I’ll behave so long as you don’t forget to give me those kisses of appreciation.”

She didn’t confirm or deny, so he’d take that as a good sign. He definitely didn’t want to miss out on more kisses. It was like a tiny hit of lust stimulating his nerve endings to pay attention and beg for more. “I’ll get the stuff in back ready, and why don’t you get Lexi out of her seat.”

“Okay,” she agreed in a soft voice before he got out. Moving to the back, he unlatched the straps holding stuff down and went about setting up. He’d picked up the small travel playpen they used with Ella and a few things for when the whole gang went camping or had bonfires—cushions, blankets, puffy beanbag-like chairs, and he even grabbed the portable space heater they used for late night sporting events. He had the playpen set up and was sliding it into position before Tori and Lexi came around.

“Wow, did you have all of this stuff just laying around? Or do you come to the drive-in often?” she asked as he jumped out of the back to meet her on the ground. He was certain there was a hidden question in there, so he made sure to answer it.

“No, I haven’t been here in a while, and never on a date. Not since high school at least. My friends and I go camping and have bonfires at the beach. We seem to have equipment for anything,” he said, reaching out and taking Lexi from her arms. “Climb up, and I’ll hand her to you.”

Once again, he was blessed with a view of her tight backside. Putting down her bag, she turned to him and bent forward, letting her hair fall all around her. It was a test of his restraint as he fought the need to touch it while he handed her the baby. Once she had Lexi, he closed the tailgate and then climbed up.

“Is this your niece’s?” she asked while placing Lexi in the playpen and grabbing stuff for her to play with. Opening the cooler, he pulled out their iced tea and sandwiches, hoping that, of the four he brought, she’d like at least one.

“Yeah, it’s Ella’s. I ran over to my brother’s and borrowed it. Is it okay?” he asked, wondering if maybe it was wrong to assume she wanted to use another baby’s equipment. He suddenly second-guessed his plans.

“Oh yeah, it’s fine. Thank you for doing this,” she said, soothing his concerns. His shoulders relaxed again, and he gave her a smile. Motioning for her to take a seat, he reached out and adjusted the speaker for the movie before settling in. Once seated, he handed her a drink.

“I wasn’t sure what kind of sandwich you’d want, so I got a few. I figured there had to be one you’d like. I assumed you’d bring food for Lexi, but now I’m wondering if I should’ve brought her some milk or something,” he said, disappointed he hadn’t thought of that sooner.

She smiled and patted him on the arm. “You didn’t need to bring anything for Lexi. She already had her dinner, and I brought her bottles just in case.”

“Okay, good.”

“And I’ll eat whichever sandwich you don’t want; I’m not picky,” she said as she glanced at her options.

He motioned to the food he laid out for them. “No, I insist, ladies first.”

Shrugging, she went about picking her meal. When they both had their choices, they settled back just as the movie started. For the next hour, they snacked and watched the movie, but Jason couldn’t tell you what it was about. He paid more attention to Tori and Lexi than anything else, just enjoying how comfortable it was to be with them. They chatted quietly about things that really didn’t matter, but it gave him more insight to her.

When Lexi started getting fussy, Tori pulled her bottle out, and Jason offered to hold her while she had it. With Lexi settled in his arms, Tori scooted her seat closer to his and tucked a blanket over him and the baby. He was smiling down at Lexi as she stared up at him when he felt Tori press her lips against his cheek again. They lingered longer than the last time, and Jason felt his eyes close as he absorbed her touch. Her lips on his skin had to be one of the most invigorating sensations he’d ever experienced. Intoxicating.

Opening his eyes when she pulled back, he looked over at her. She was still close—her breasts were pushed up against his arm, and her hair was hanging on his chest. Her eyes darted from his, to his lips, and he knew what she was thinking. He was thinking it, too. But he wanted her to come to him. When she ran her tongue along her bottom lip, the sweet anticipation grew. And then she leaned in.

TORI was having trouble fighting the intense need she felt just from being next to Jason. Maybe it was his delicious scent; it made her want to stick her nose in the crook of his neck and inhale deeply. Maybe it was his sexy beard; it made her want to slide her cheek against its soft bristles. Maybe it was his beautiful hazel eyes; the way he looked at her broadcasted the hunger he was holding back. Maybe it was his lips; since they made her want to run her tongue along the seam before slipping inside to taste him.

With thoughts of tasting him, she leaned forward. She had never felt such powerful arousal in her life, and she wasn’t sure how long she could hold it back. The only thing preventing her from losing control was the fact that Lexi was nestled in his arms. A momentary feeling of jealousy almost made her laugh. But the sexy sight of Jason doused that feeling and added to the desire burning up inside her.

She brought her gaze back to his. They didn’t need to talk because his eyes told her everything she wanted to know. He was fighting the same losing battle she was. Leaning in, to put them out of their misery, she slid her hand up his shoulder to the back of his neck as the other one rested across his body near Lexi. His eyes went half-lidded as her hands stroked the back of his neck. 

“Jason,” she whispered, “I feel the need the show you a little appreciation right now.”

“Thank God,” he groaned before her lips made contact with his. He let her lead the kiss for a few moments as she slowly slid her tongue along the seam of his lips. Just like she wanted to. But when his hand reached up and cupped the back of her head, he took over. He groaned deeper as his tongue swept into her mouth, dominating hers. Together, they tasted one another as their tongues dueled. The arousal she had trouble fighting moments before now washed over her in waves, pulsating through her body, as her need for him demanded more.

Tori didn’t know how much time passed as they continued giving and taking from one another, but she whimpered her disappointment when Jason pulled away. Using his grip in her hair, he held her still as he peppered small kisses against her lips, all the while they struggled to catch their breaths. When he rested his forehead to hers, he sighed, making her smile. Opening her eyes, she met his and felt another surge of arousal flood her system from just the sight of him. A shiver stole through her body as her nerve endings tingled with awareness.

He smiled and rubbed his nose against hers. The sweetness of the gesture made her feel precious, leaving her a little choked up. It was contradictory to what she was already feeling, but it didn’t negate it in the least. Jason broke the silence with his husky voice. “I can’t even begin to describe how much I love your lips.”

She smiled, moving back a little farther to take in more of his face. Her hand absentmindedly ran over his beard. Clearly she had a thing for his beard. Leaning in for another peck to his lips, she whispered, “That’s good to hear because I love having my lips on yours.”

Kissing her again, he said, “Best … news … ever.” He punctuated each word with another kiss. When he smiled big at her, she giggled. Then he reached his arm behind her and made sure her chair was snug up against his before pulling her firmly into his side. Her head rested on his shoulder, and her hand reached up to hold his, which was on her shoulder. In comfortable silence, they finished watching the movie as Lexi slept in one arm and Tori filled the other.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

JASON found himself once again smiling like an idiot as he looked at his phone. Throughout the day, whenever she’d find time, Tori had texted back and forth with him. Since she was working and he couldn’t see her, he’d take whatever he could get. He stood in the baggage claim area waiting for Jake and Gillian, not paying attention to what was going on around him. Even though she wasn’t there, Tori had his full attention.

Their date the night before couldn’t have gone better, and he was still relishing in the memory of it. Every time he recalled their kissing, his body responded—it was very similar to his teenage years. He chuckled to himself as he wrote back to her. While waiting for her response, his brother’s amused voice interrupted him. “With that smile on your face, I can only imagine what you’re looking at.”

Putting his phone in his pocket, he looked up to find both Jake and Gillian staring at him. He rolled his eyes at Jake then moved to Gillian for a hug. “Hey there sis, good to see you.”

Gillian laughed. “Hey handsome, how are you?” She kissed his cheek before stepping aside so he could greet Jake, too. After a handshake-one-armed-hug, he stepped back and smiled.

“I’m great. Did you guys have a good time? You look a little tanner to me.”

Together, the three of them moved toward a baggage carousel. When they paused to watch and wait, Gillian asked, “So the boys didn’t give you any trouble when you had them?”

“Of course not,” Jason assured her. “But then again, I had them before Allie did, so who knows what trouble they’ve caused since then.”

Jake chimed in, “Just so you know … I made sure you were top of the batting order for babysitting. You can thank me anytime.”

They laughed, knowing how much trouble they could get into with Allie. Jake managed to grab their bags pretty quickly and before he knew it, Jason was leading them to his car. Gillian had her hand on his arm and gave it squeeze. “So, Jake says you’re bringing Tori with you tomorrow. Does she have anything to do with that smile on your face?”

He shook his head. “I should’ve known we wouldn’t even be on the road before you asked.” Popping the trunk, he and Jake loaded the suitcases before he answered, “And yes, she has everything to do with it.”

“Yay!” Gillian jumped and gave an excited clap. “I’m so excited for you. She was so sweet when we were arranging things for the wedding. How was your date?”

Jason moved to the driver’s side as Gillian jumped in the backseat, with Jake in the front. When their doors all closed Jason said, “You do realize that guys don’t talk about this stuff like you women do, right?”

Gillian just waved her hand at him, dismissing his words. “I’ll never understand why you don’t. Sometimes the stuff we talk about can be very informative.”

Jason looked questioningly at her in the rearview mirror before looking to his brother. Jake just shrugged. “I don’t even try to understand, man. Even though I’m worried about what is said that pertains to me, I will say there have been a few things from which I’ve benefited.”

Shocked, Jason looked in his rearview again to find a smirking Gillian. “We talk about
anything
and
everything
. It’s why we’re so smart and our men are so happy.”