The Breakfast Club

The first rumble of thunder was distant, a low growl that shook the windowpanes rather than the ground. I stirred, pulling the duvet tighter around me, trying to convince myself it was just a passing cloud, a trick of the night. Then the lightning flashed, stark white against the dark bedroom, momentarily illuminating Glen’s sleeping face beside me, his steady breathing a stark contrast to my suddenly racing heart.

“Just a storm,” I whispered to myself, even though the words felt hollow. My childhood fear of thunderstorms wasn’t something I'd grown out of, not entirely. As an adult, it manifested as a deep, unsettling anxiety, a primal fear of the raw power outside. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to regulate my breathing, trying to be the calm, collected woman I was during the day.

But then the crack came, directly overhead, a deafening explosion that made me jump. My breath hitched, a silent whimper catching in my throat. I pressed my face into my pillow, forcing myself to stay still, not wanting to disturb Glen. He worked so hard, he deserved his rest. And besides, what was I going to say? "Honey, I'm scared of the thunder"? How embarrassing. I was an adult, for crying out loud.

Another flash, then another boom, closer this time. My entire body tensed, the muscles in my shoulders and neck rigid. I could feel my heart thudding against my ribs, a manic drumbeat in the quiet room. I could still hear Glen’s soft snores, but was that a shift beside me? Did he stir? I held my breath, listening, but his breathing remained even. Good. He hadn't noticed.

I lay there for what felt like an eternity, trapped between the desire to hide under the bed and the necessity of appearing normal. Each flash of lightning made my eyes clench shut, each clap of thunder sent a jolt through me. Sleep was a distant fantasy. My mind raced, picturing downed trees, power outages, all the irrational fears my childhood self had conjured.

Finally, after a particularly violent volley of wind and rain against the window, I knew I couldn't stay. My body was screaming with tension, my nerves frayed. I couldn't risk waking Glen with my thrashing, and I certainly couldn't articulate the sheer terror I felt without sounding utterly ridiculous.

Very slowly, as quietly as a mouse, I eased myself out of bed. The cool air of the room hit my skin, raising goosebumps. I tiptoed around the bed, careful not to brush against the covers, not to make a single creak. I snatched my discarded t-shirt from the chair and pulled it on, then padded out of the bedroom, barely breathing until I was in the living room.

The couch beckoned, a safe haven of sorts. I curled up on it, pulling a throw blanket over myself, and tried to find a comfortable position. The living room offered no real escape from the storm, of course. The rain still lashed against the windows, the thunder still rumbled, though perhaps slightly muffled by the extra walls. I closed my eyes, willing myself to sleep, to find some peace, but it was no use. Every time I started to drift, a sudden burst of sound would yank me back, my body rigid, my eyes wide open in the dark.

I must have been there for twenty minutes, maybe more, just lying there, listening, when a soft voice reached me from the hallway.

“Y/n?”

My eyes snapped open. Oh, hell. He’d noticed. My cheeks immediately flushed with a heat that had nothing to do with the room temperature. I mentally cringed. He was going to find me out here, curled up like a frightened child. How utterly mortifying.

Glen appeared in the doorway, a tall, shadowy figure against the slightly lighter hall. He rubbed his eyes, his voice still thick with sleep. “What are you doing out here, love? I woke up and you were gone.”

"Oh, uh, hey," I mumbled, trying to sound casual, as if I just fancied a midnight couch nap. "Couldn't sleep, you know? Just... tossing and turning. Didn’t want to disturb you."

He took a step into the room, his eyes adjusting to the dimness. Another flash of lightning lit the room, and I saw his gaze land on my tense form, then on the window where the rain was beating down. His eyes narrowed slightly.

“You okay?” he asked, his voice soft, not laced with accusation or amusement, just… concern.

"Yeah, totally fine," I said, trying to force a smile that probably looked more like a grimace. "Just decided to, uh, try a different sleeping arrangement. For a change of pace."

He walked over to the couch, his bare feet silent on the rug. He didn't say anything, just sat down on the edge of the coffee table facing me, his large hands resting on his bare thighs. Another rumble of thunder shuddered through the apartment, and I couldn't help but flinch, pulling my knees closer to my chest.

His gaze softened further. "It's the storm, isn't it?"

My breath hitched. My face felt hot. "What? No! Don't be silly. I'm not a kid, Glen. I just... it's loud, that's all. And I didn't want to wake you up."

He reached out, very gently, and stroked my hair away from my face. His touch was warm and reassuring. “Y/n,” he said, his voice a low rumble, similar to the distant thunder, but infinitely more comforting. “You don’t have to pretend with me. I know you don’t like storms.”

My carefully constructed facade crumbled. My lower lip started to tremble, and I pressed my face into my knees, hating myself for it. “It’s stupid,” I whispered, my voice muffled. “I’m a grown woman. I shouldn’t be scared of a little thunder.”

He didn't laugh. He didn't even smile in a teasing way. Instead, he reached out and gently pulled my head up, guiding me until I was looking at him. His eyes were full of such tenderness, such understanding, it almost brought tears to my eyes.

"Hey," he murmured, his thumb gently stroking my cheek. "There's nothing stupid about it. Everyone's got something that spooks them. Mine's spiders. You think that's less 'adult'?" He gave a small, playful shudder.

I let out a shaky laugh, a fragile sound that was half-sob. “Spiders are different. They crawl. They bite.”

“And thunder shakes the whole damn house and sounds like the sky is falling apart, right?” he countered, a small, comforting smile playing on his lips. He rose from the coffee table and sat down beside me on the couch, pulling me into his arms. I went willingly, pressing my face into his warm chest, inhaling the familiar scent of him – sleep, and something uniquely Glen.

He wrapped his arms tightly around me, holding me close, and I instantly felt a little safer. The next clap of thunder, though still loud, didn’t make me jump quite as hard.

“Come here, you,” he whispered, his voice vibrating through his chest. He shifted, pulling my legs up so I was practically in his lap, my head resting on his shoulder. His hand began to stroke my hair, a slow, rhythmic motion that was incredibly soothing.

“You know what we need right now?” he said, his voice a playful murmur against my ear. “A distraction. A really good one.”

Before I could answer, he started to hum, a low, off-key rendition of some silly cartoon theme song. I giggled, despite myself. “Glen, what are you doing?”

“Trying to annoy the thunder into leaving,” he said with mock seriousness. “Or at least make it regret showing up.” He punctuated the sentence with a soft kiss to my temple, then let his lips trail down to my cheek, brushing against the corner of my mouth.

The kisses deepened, soft and exploratory at first, then more insistent. His hand, which had been in my hair, slipped lower, finding the curve of my waist, pulling me even closer until there was no space left between us. His lips were so warm, so soft, tasting of sleep and something sweet. He kissed me slowly, deeply, as if trying to pour all his comfort and affection into me.

My hands, initially clutching his shoulders, relaxed and drifted up to his neck, tangling in the soft hair at his nape. The storm outside receded, becoming a distant backdrop to the much more immediate and intense sensations he was stirring within me. His tongue traced the seam of my lips, asking for entry, and I parted them willingly, letting him explore.

His kiss was a gentle seduction, a promise of safety and pleasure. He shifted slightly, nudging my legs further apart, settling me more comfortably on his lap, the soft fabric of my t-shirt doing little to hide the warmth of his skin against mine. His fingers, ever so lightly, began to trace patterns on my bare skin, just above the waistband of my shorts. A shiver, not of fear, but of delicious sensation, ran through me.

"Better?" he murmured against my lips, pulling back just enough to look into my eyes, his own eyes dark and full of warmth.

I could only nod, breathless. He smiled, a truly beautiful smile that reached his eyes. “Good. Because I have more where that came from.”

He kissed me again, his lips soft and demanding, driving away all thoughts of the raging storm outside. His hand, which had been caressing my back, slipped under my t-shirt, his bare palm warm against my spine. He trailed his fingers upwards, sending delicious shivers through me, until his thumb brushed just beneath my bra line. It was a feather-light touch, but it sparked a warmth that spread through my chest, calming the last vestiges of my anxiety.

"You're so warm," I whispered, pressing closer, loving the feel of his hard body against mine, the comforting weight of his arms around me.

"And you're safe," he replied, his voice a low, husky promise. He kissed my neck, a trail of soft, open-mouthed kisses that made my head loll back against his shoulder. His breath was warm on my skin, his lips tender. "Nothing's going to hurt you when I'm here, Y/n."

He continued to kiss my neck, occasionally grazing my ear with his teeth, eliciting a soft moan from me. His hand, still under my shirt, moved lazily, just enough to be wonderfully distracting. The rhythm of his touch, the warmth of his skin, the scent of him, all worked together to weave a spell that banished the storm from my mind.

Another clap of thunder, still loud, but now it merely registered as a distant echo, unable to penetrate the bubble of intimacy we had created. I felt myself growing heavy, not with fear, but with comfort and a delicious languor. My eyelids felt heavy, my body relaxed against his. He was still murmuring soft, nonsensical things against my skin, peppering my face with light kisses.

“Sleep now, love,” he whispered, his voice a soft lullaby. “I’ve got you.”

I grabbed his face and brought my lips to his. Glen didn't hesitate to kiss me back as he grabbed my hips. Neither one of us thought about the repercussions of what we were doing. All we did was focus on letting go.

For a while, we made out with me straddling his hips. Soon, things sped up. Glen readjusted us by pulling me down to his lap. As soon as he made me sit down, I felt him hard underneath me. I subconsciously moved my hips against his, making both of us moan.

He broke the kiss and swooped down, pressing his lips to my chest. I arched my back, letting my head fall back as he kissed the skin peaking out behind my bra. I reached up and pressed his face more to my chest. I closed my eyes and focused on Glen biting me.

Without pulling his lips away from my chest, he reached up and struggled to unhook my bra. I reached behind myself and helped him unhook it. The second I did, he tore it off me. A moan slipped out as he wrapped his lips around my nipple.

"Fuck!" I moaned loudly when he started to suck. "Oh, Glen."

My moaning his name made him go from sucking to biting. All I could do was moan as he explored my chest. I wanted to make him feel how fucking amazing he was making me feel, so I started grinding my hips against his. It was his turn to moan as I rocked my hips against his.

Suddenly, my phone started ringing.

"Don't fucking answer that," he growled against my chest.

"Wasn't gonna," I moaned. I gasped when he roughly tore his mouth away from my breasts. The second I was free, I grabbed his face and smashed my lips to his.

His cold hands slid up and down my back, giving me chills. He smirked against my lips as he laid us on the floor. Once he was on top, it felt like we went into autopilot. Without breaking the kiss, Glen slid my shorts off, bringing my underwear with him. I reached up and started pulling his boxers down. Before I could discard them, he roughly broke the kiss.

For a brief moment, he just stared at me. I was about to ask him what was wrong, but he brought his lips back to mine. I pushed aside any nerves that his look brought up, and focused on Glen.

As our lips moved messily in sync, I finished taking off his boxers. I moaned against his lips when I felt him press and slightly rub himself against my leg. I ran my fingers through his hair, pulling on strands as things got rougher.

I moaned against his lips as he grabbed my thigh and wrapped my leg around his waist. He grunted when he pushed himself into me. I broke the kiss and remained inches from his lips. I struggled to catch my breath as I got used to the feeling.

"I need," he gasped, breaking the kiss, "to tell you something, Y/N."

"Now?" I barely got out. I arched my back and gasped when he slowly pulled out of me. We breathed heavily as we stared into each other's eyes.

"I have been in love with you our entire childhood," he confessed. "No girl I dated was good enough for me because none of them was you. You are the reason I'm able to play a man madly in love on screen. All I have to do is imagine you. You were the first girl I fell in love with. You made me realize what love was. Hell, you're the only woman I have ever loved."

"But this last breakup almost destroyed you," I whispered. He smiled as he cupped my face in his hand.

"The first drink was because of the breakup," he nodded. "But the next 7 drinks were about you."

"Me?"

"The next 7 drinks were me drowning away the fact that I have wasted my entire life not telling you how I feel. Not being with you. Not loving you."

I gasped when Glen leaned down and roughly pressed his lips back to mine. I instantly wrapped my arms around his neck as I kissed him back.

"Not anymore," he moaned, breaking the kiss. I let out a loud moan when he roughly pushed back into me. I gripped his shoulders to try and contain myself, but it was pointless. My moans matched his thrusts.

"Glen," I moaned.

"Yes, baby?" He groaned as he kept his focus on his thrusts. I let out a sharp gasp when he pushed further into me.

"I love you."

"Fuck," he moaned as he slowed his hips. "Say it again, baby girl."

"I love you, Glen," I whispered.

"Louder," he demanded.

"I love you, Glen," I tried to say louder.

"That's it," he moaned. "That's what I needed to hear."

We kept repeating "I love you" as we pushed each other further and further. Soon, we got each other to finish. I let out a weak moan as Glen slowly pulled out of me. He collapsed onto the ground next to me, and all you could hear was our heavy breathing.

My mind seemed to slow down as I thought about what just happened. In the blink of an eye, Glen and I destroyed our friendship. Instead, we threw it across a line that we couldn't uncross. And what we did felt different than when I did it with anyone else.

This time, with Glen, felt perfect. I looked over to see him lying on the floor next to me with his eyes closed. My heart jumped into my throat when he slowly turned his head toward me and opened his eyes.

"How's your heart, now?" I smirked as I caught my breath. Glen didn't say anything. Instead, he rolled toward me. I copied him.

He reached up and gently moved some hair out of my face, his hand lingering. He looked deeply into my eyes as he slowly leaned in. My eyes fluttered closed as we kissed. This kiss was slow and gentle. A lot different than any kisses we've shared.

After a few minutes, Glen broke the kiss and kept his forehead pressed to mine. My body relaxed when he slid his hand up and down my arms.

"The only way for my heart to stay beating," he whispered, "is if I can give it to you. Can I give it to you, Y/N? Will you take care of it?"

My heart sank into my stomach when his voice broke. He closed his eyes and took a shaky breath. I reached up and gently grabbed his face, making him open his eyes.

"I promise I will take care of your heart, Glen," I whispered. "As long as you take care of mine."

Enjoy!

“Guess I'll end this life alone

I am not dramatic

These are just the thoughts that pass right through me”

-

There was a simple saying that been passed down from generation to generation, and you knew it all too well. 

‘No use crying over spilt milk’. 

Your grandma used to say it whenever you had boy problems back in middle school and your mother took up the saying when you went on to middle school and in both of these stages in your life you hadn’t quite understood what they meant. 

Now, sitting cross legged on Tyler Owens hotel floor as he repeated those very words to you, you knew them all too well. And by the look of his smug smile in your direction as he got ready for the day you knew he knew his words struck a nerve. 

“Now don’t get cranky at me, sweetheart.” He warns, pointing at you as he kicks his boots closer to the bed so he can sit on the end of it to put them on. “I warned you he wouldn’t be worth it last night when you left.”

The ‘he’ in mention was some guy named Jake that you had matched with on Tinder last night, and who you had dumbly agreed to meet up with. It had been a long week of storm chasing and dealing with Tylers crappy music in the truck and you just wanted to relieve some pressure. 

“He quoted shakespeare.” You try to defend only for him to laugh at you. 

“You sleep with every guy that quotes shakespeare?”

“Guys who quote Shakespeare are hotter than guys who haven’t touched a book in their life!” You snap back. “And-”

“It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” He interrupts, shoving his feet into the boots with a small look in your direction. But you were too focused on staring at the floor from exhaustion. 

“Mkay Yoda.” You sigh and his hands fly up in the air from lack of belief. 

“Seriously?”

“And I mean he was hot.” You continue, falling back to lay on the floor and stare at the ceiling as he finishes with the boots and moves to get his bag together. “Honestly he kind of reminded me of you. But then he had to talk. And he just kept ruining it.”

“How so?”

“He was all ‘You ever seen a jet, Sugar’? And can’t forget ‘There is almost nothing better than the high feeling of flying through the air….almost.’ And it was-” You finish off the sentence with a loud groan as you slap your forehead making him laugh. 

“Did he not know what you do for a living?”

“Oh, you mean chase storms and kill them? No. Why would he? That would involve him asking me a question.” You seethe before Tyler comes into view, standing over you with that smug smile you hated and loved so much. 

“Alright, come on Sugar. It’s time to go.”

“Tyler, I’m gonna die alone.” You groan, closing your eyes before covering your face. He is having none of it though, reaching down to grab at your forearms, hauling you up with an ease that makes your skin flush. His hands are warm on your skin and the way his thumbs circle your flesh has images of your nasty daydreams flashing through your mind. 

“Enough of that mopin’. We got storms to chase and I ain’t got time to tell you that you’re never gonna die alone.” 

“Cause you don’t believe it?”

“No, cause the chances of us dyin’ in a tornado together are far more likely.” He laughs, deep and throaty as he leans down to scoop you up by the waist, taking a second to slap at your back thigh before exiting the hotel. “Cate will also kill us if we’re late again.”

-

“All the douchebags in my phone

Play 'em like a slot machine

If they're winnin', I'm just losin'”

-

“Not to be that guy…” Tyler starts, his voice already filled with annoyance. “But is now the time to be checking your phone?”

His hands were tight on the wheel as the truck raced through the fields, efficiently tracking down the storm that had caught Cate’s eye. And while you normally took the passenger seat next to Tyler after fighting with Boone for it so that Cate could take her own ford with Javi, today she had taken the seat and you were in the back with Boone who was just as upset by losing his special spot next to Tyler. 

It had been a rough day, between realizing one of the cars were completely broken down in the hotel parking lot and Boone nearly breaking his pinkie while trying to fix it. Let’s just say the hood of the truck came down a little too fast. Not only that but you had gotten stuck in the bathroom of your room until Tyler had to come save you in your towel, treating you like you were plague victim number one ever since. 

But the best part of the day so far? The introduction to Scott loservains new team, conning poor victims one at a time. 

“Hey man, I’m tracking our filming.” Boone argues, already offended.

“I’m making sure Javi has the same stats as us.” Cate argues. 

“Not talking to either of you. I’m talking to little miss lovestruck in the back.” 

“Hey!” You snap, immediately closing your phone. “Mind your business Tyler.”

“You’re in my truck. My truck is my business and everyone in the truck is my business.” He snaps back, shrugging his shoulders. “And besides, the more you let those fools win the more you lose.”

“How do you even know I was texting a guy?” 

“Because Sugar, I know you.” He snaps, casting you a quick look from his spot at the wheel before turning back to the road. 

“I think if you focused less on me then you would be able to drive better.” 

“I think if you focused less on the boys in your phone you wouldn’t be bitchin’ and moanin’ at me all the time!” He snaps back making you gasp as Cate and Boone switch their attention back and forth between you both. 

“Should we be worried?” Cate blurts, landing her gaze on you with her eyebrows pinched together in worry. 

“Not unless Tyler can’t learn to mind his own damn business!” 

“I’ll mind my business when you stop makin’ it my business!” 

“FINE!”

“FINE!”

-

“A boy who's jacked and kind

Can't find his ass to save my life”

-

The bar that sat 3 blocks away from the current hotel the team was staying at could only be described as a dingy cowboy bar, and considering you were mad at a certain cowboy this was the perfect place.  Surrounded by dozens of cowboy hats, none of them belonging to ‘Mr. Can’t Mind His Own Business’. 

He currently stood at the other end of the bar, closer to the live band as the dance floor began to fill with line dancers. Even that far away he was still being a pain in your ass with the way he glared across the floor every time you looked over. 

“You two don’t fight a lot. This is weird for you.” Cate chuckles, spinning her bottle of beer on the counter sat in front of you both, hearing the glass ring on the wood of the counter. “It sends the entire vibe of the group off.”

“It’s his fault.” You huff, scratching at the label of your own bottle as you avoided looking in his direction again. “I honestly don’t know where his freakout came from.”

“You don’t?” 

“No!” You huff, slapping your hands on the counter. “We were fine yesterday, I told him about that date with the aviator-”

“Oh that Jake guy. He was kind of cute.”

“Thank you. Anyways-” You take a quick inhale of air before looking at her. “We were fine and then today he was fine when he came to help me out of the bathroom but the second the door to the bathroom opened he got pissy.”

“Do you know why?”

“No, I assumed he had been getting hounded by everyone all day. He must have been stressed.” 

“Hmm.” She hums out, taking a look around the bar as you sit and mope. “I’m sure you both will get over it soon enough.”

“Slim chance. I am gonna ignore him forever now.”  It’s obviously just you being over dramatic but you were angry and embarrassed that he would call you out like that in front of the group. “Besides, if he didn’t want me talking to him about all that boy stuff he should have just told me. I don't know where his boundaries lie unless he sets them.”

“Damn, that’s deep.” She nods before tilting her head. “They should have put you on the shirt.”

“That’s what I said.” 

“And yet they-”

“Excuse me for interrupting ladies…” A new voice joins the group, making you both turn to the figure. A tall man with bruises along his jaw and a scratch right above his eyebrow. A black cowboy hat paired with a black shirt.  A fine specimen if you could say so. “I just saw the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my life and I had to come say hello.”

“Well would you be pickin’ here?” Cate smiles. 

“There is no wrong answer.” You hum out, tilting your head like a cat assessing prey. 

“Then can I say both?” 

“Oh, look at that. Even with a map leading to the answer he still managed to mess it up.” You snipe, giving Cate a knowing look as you both grab at your bottles of beer and move to make your exit. 

“Wait wait.” He reaches a hand in front of you to try and stop you from passing. “Not a great start. I know that. So let me just start over, yeah?”

“Oh… I didn’t realize I did do overs.” 

“Then what can I do to be granted one?”

“Is there a problem here?” Leave it to Tyler Owens to enter this scene, giving his best glare as he inserts himself between you both with his back to you so he can glare down the cowboy.

“There is no problem here.” The cowboy smirks, and you are shocked to see just how brave he was. Then it clicks, the bruises and the hat. This was a bull rider. “You got a problem, bud?”

“Oh yeah I have-”

“LET’S DANCE!” You interrupt, sending a glare to Tyler before pulling the bullrider to the floor as Tyler rolls his eyes. 

Before you can make it too far his hand reaches out to grab your elbow with a knowing look, and even when he is mad he still holds your arm with a gentle ease and traces the skin with his thumb. “This isn’t a good idea.” 

“Well that’s interesting…. Cause it’s MY business!” You scoff, pushing his arm back and moving to the dance floor with the stranger. 

-

“Oh, it's slim pickings

If I can't have the one I love

I guess it's you that I'll be kissin'”

-

It was only fair, since there weren’t many options of men you would just lower your standards and have fun with this idiot for the night. 

He had two left feet, and was pressed against you the entire time but not in a hot way, more so a sweaty mess kinda way. And you would have abandoned him already but every time you looked for an escape you saw Tyler and his glare, there was too much at stake here. You could never admit Tyler was right. In YOUR business. 

So you ignored him and turned back to the stranger, just in time for this waste of space to press his lips to yours. It was awkward, the way your noses pressed together and how hard he smashed his lips to yours. There was no rhythm, no preparation or molding together. It was just his lips devouring your face as you tried to lean back. But the further you tried to get away the more he leaned with you. 

When he pulls back he keeps his hands on you with a sharp smile. “Wanna go back to your place?”

There wasn’t many options, and the one option you truly wanted would never happen let alone the fact that you were fighting with him so you would make do with what you had. “Sure, let’s go.”

-

“Just to get my fixings

Since the good ones are deceased or taken

I'll just keep on moanin' and bitchin'”

-

Telling Cate that you were heading out with him was easy, she made you promise to update her that you were okay, which was easy to do.  You managed to avoid any conversation about Tyler in his truck, which was hard because Mr. Bull Rider was dead set on asking about him. 

“What was that guy with white hats problem?” He asked, and you changed the conversation to the music he was playing. Then he tried the “You guys ever date or somethin’?” 

That one was harder to change since your throat got clogged up thinking of the answer. It’s not like you never wanted to date Tyler, in fact he was all you dreamed of. But it wasn’t meant to happen. Tyler wasn’t yours. 

So you simply started giving him directions to the motel like he hadn’t asked. And by the time you made it to the destination you had hoped that the conversation had passed as you unlocked the door. 

“This is it. Home sweet home….. For a little.” You smile, allowing him to look around while you take your shoes off. 

“So you live in a motel?” 

“When it’s tornado season, yes. We travel around but when he find a specific spot we try to stay.”

“You follow tornadoes?”

“Yes, and we chase them. And if there is destruction we try to help out the communities.” You explain, picking up the tornado shirt with Tylers face on it so you can show him then debate it at the last second you drop it down. “It’s fun.”

“I’ll bet.” He nods before allowing himself to sit on your bed. “We doing this?”

“Oh. Straight to the business.” You mumble, a little shocked as he begins unbuttoning the black top. 

“Sorry, did you want to talk or something?” 

“Well no- I just-” You couldn’t tell if you were thankful that the door opened in that second or absolutely furious as Tyler appeared with that fake innocent smile. 

“Hey Sugar,” He starts, letting himself in fully and shutting the door. “I just wanted to come make sure that bathroom door was all taken care of for ya’.” 

“Tyler, is now the time?”

“Oh, please. It’ll only take a minute.” He chuckles, walking past you both to get to the door. “Wouldn’t want you getting stuck in there again.”

“Tyler, what on eart-”

“Hey man, we were kinda in the middle of something here.” Stranger boy snaps out, scooting so he was right on the edge of the bed, his face pinched between confusion and anger. 

“Hey, safety first.” Tyler laughs, the sound fake and bitter as he leans down to check the hinges of the door while you just blink in shock. “Ah I see the problem here.”

“Tyler.” You hiss. 

“Just give me a moment.” He murmurs, working on the hinge of the door while you glare. “Just a minute……”

“Dude.” Stranger boy sighs and you are wound between shock, anger and embarrassment. 

“I can’t believe this is happening,.”

“There she is. Good as new.” Tyler smiles, standing to swing the door. “Look at that. Bet you’re glad I did it.”

“Tyler. Out.” You snap, moving forward to grab parts of his shirt to drag him out the door and slam it on him. “Now where were we?”

But it’s no use, since the door reopens with Tyler giving yet another innocent look. “Oh, sorry to interrupt. I forgot my screwdriver here.” 

“Tyler, grab it and then leave. And leave the key.” The fact that you were even in this moment was so bizarre. 

“Actually, I think I’m gonna get going… but let me write my information for when you get rid of dumbass barbie over here.” Stranger cowboy mutter, grabbing the pad of paper from the desk and writing his stuff down before moving forward to attempt to kiss you but Tyler is there, patting him on the back aggressively with a slight shove. 

“Sorry to see you go bud.” He smiles, a tense and angry smile before throwing an arm around your shoulder. “But we’ll be fine here.”

And you watch the bullrider leave, the door shutting before you whirl on him. 

-

“Jesus, what's a girl to do?

This boy doesn't even know

The difference between "there," "their" and "they are".”

-

“I can murder you.” You seethe, shoving his arm off of you and taking a couple steps away from him. “Matter of fact, what’s stopping me from doing so?”

“I just figured you might want help with the door-”

“Enough with the bullshit Tyler Owens!” You yell, whirling on him with your hands on your hips and a heavy glare. “What on earth were you thinking? After your fit today and that scene I’m starting to think you have lost your damn mind!”

“Hang on now-”

“And what on earth-” You take a moment to snatch up the pillow from the motel bed to swing it at him. “WOULD MAKE YOU INTERUPT-”

“HE WAS TERRIBLE!”

“IT DOESN’T MATTER!” You yell. “Look around for a second Owens! There aren’t many options. The ones that are worth it are already taken, the one that I want would never go for me. I don’t have many options!”

“AND WHEN AM I GONNA BE AN OPTION?!” He yells out, grabbing your wrists before you can hit him with the pillow again. “When do I get the chance to prove myself?”

“Oh stop.” You snap, moving to walk away. “Don’t mess with me about this.”

“Why would I be messing with you? Is it so hard to believe that I want you?” He follows, making sure to keep a hand on you. “Time and time again you rant to me about these men, how they suck and you hate them. And I keep waiting for you to notice me, to give me a chance. Cate tells me that you might just be nervous, or that our time will come but Sugar I don’t think I can survive this much longer.”

“What do you mean?” Your tone is gentle and you’ve given up walking away, choosing to turn to him and allow him a chance to talk. Your heart was thumping through your chest and you were struggling to catch your breath. 

“Sweetheart, from the moment I met you I’ve been stuck. Comin’ in with all that attitude like you owned the world, which if you ask me you do, and you didn’t hesitate to put me in my place.” He continues, moving closer to set his hands on your hips. “And I just kept begging the winds to give me a chance. To give me a single shot with you.”

“Then why wouldn’t you say anything?”

“Why would you give me a chance?” He laughs, pulling you in. “But I need one now. I’m begging you for a chance here.”

And though no words are spoken you both know the answer, especially when you pull him in with your hands on the back of his neck to attach your lips to his. And unlike the kiss in the bar this one felt perfect. 

There was awkwardness. He tilted his head perfectly, pulling you chest to chest as his hat covers both your heads while his lips melt against yours. He takes his time learning the kiss, his hands rubbing up and down your back as you deepen the kiss some more. This is what was meant to be and you both knew it at that moment. 

There is no objection when you begin unbuttoning his flannel, one at a time, never breaking the kiss as you push it off his shoulders and allowing it to fall to the floor before he reaches a hand up to throw the hat closer to the nightstand. He doesn’t waste time after he hears the thump of it landing to reach and lift his undershirt off, throwing it somewhere else as he makes eye contact. 

“Please tell me I ain’t dreamin’ right now.” He whispers out as you begin to undo your own shirt to slip off before leaning up. 

“I can’t tell.” You whisper back, leaning on your tiptoes to attach your lips once more, his arms wrapping around you to undo the back of your bra. 

Normally when a man removes the bra it is thrown away and he doesn’t focus too much on any of it, but Tyler? He kisses around your jaw as he undoes the buckle of it before his kisses move down your neck while he drags the bra down until he can drop it, allowing his hands to roam. The feel of his hands sends shivers throughout you and yet they keep you warm as you try to back him to the bed. 

“You sure?”

“Never been more sure.” You whisper back, undoing his belt as he kicks off his boots. “I want you.”

“I’ve been waiting to hear those words from you.” He grunts out, pulling you closer before falling back onto the bed and dragging you with him. 

-

“Yet he's naked in my room

Missin' all the things he's missin'

God knows that he isn't livin' large”

-

It doesn’t take long for you both to strip, slowly and gently, until you are both bare. He doesn’t waste time kissing you gently before guiding you up the bed until you’re leaning on the pillow you hadn’t dragged away, kissing along jaw as you sigh out in relief. 

He takes his time kissing down your neck, nipping a bit to pull out a breathy moan from your lips before moving further down to kiss and suck at your breasts. He grunts out at the way you wiggle, a breathy giggle passing your lips until a moan passes them the moment his tongue circles one of your nipples. The sound draws his eyes to yours and that sweet lovestruck look falls into one of ferocity, the heated light within them as your lower stomach tightening and your hands rushing to get some contact. 

Once your hands find purchase he abandons your breasts, leaving them cold to the air, as he makes his way further down. Every kiss is followed by a lick, every nip is given a bushel of kisses to make up for it. He works your body until he makes it to your thighs, spreading them open for him to view, sending a shiver across your body. 

“Tyler, please.” You gasp out, that tight feeling in your stomach begging for relief as your thighs beg to shut, but he is having none of it. Keeping them forced open so that he may give your inner thighs the same treatment he had given the rest of your body. 

He gives up his torture with a growl before diving straight in to lick right between your folds. He keeps his hands around your hips to keep you pinned to him when your back arches as you moan out loud. He devours you, licking and sucking over and over with grunts and growls to match your moans. 

He doesn’t relent until your moan hits near scream and your hands grip at the pillow, dragging it to your face to bite into as you reach your peak, entire body shuddering as you moan out. 

He continues until you come down, pulling away to give you the smuggest smile you had ever seen from him, your entire body ablaze as you sit up to reach for him. 

The other kisses were sweet and gentle, this one was two animals claiming each other. And he let you take charge, your speed and your lead. Tasting your own juices as you dragged him back down to lay over you. 

-

“A boy who's nice that breathes

I swear he's nowhere to be seen”

-

He’s quick to flip you both over so that he’s beneath you and you are on top, a wave of panic filling you. 

“Tyler….I’ve never-” You begin, hands landing on his chest as he gazes up at you with the softest eyes you have ever seen from him. 

“If you don’t want to then that’s fine, Sweetheart.” He mutters, reaching over to grab where his hat landed and bringing it to set on your head. “But you might just need a little confidence.” 

And he was right, with the way he was looking at you and the way the hat felt, suddenly you believed you could rule the world. So you lifted yourself a bit, keeping the gaze as you reached down to line yourself up to him, and with a loud moan you sunk yourself down. 

-

“It's slim pickings

If I can't have the one I love

I guess it's you that I'll be kissin'”

-

His grunts were easily replaced by moans as you sunk down, his hands digging into your hips, letting you take a moment to adjust before guiding your hips slowly. You tilt your hips with each guide, struggling to catch the proper rhythm and getting pleasure nonetheless. 

A moan escapes you as he guides you down at the same time he thrusts up and it’s like something clicks as you begin to find your own rhythm. Using your hands on his chest to keep yourself stable as you begin to speed up your movements. 

Tyler gives in, enjoying your new pace, thrusting up into every bounce. Grunting and growling as his nails dig into your hips and he closes his eyes to enjoy the pleasure while you lean down to nip at his chest which makes him groan. “Darlin’...”

And that makes something inside of you burn, a feral moan passing your lips as you speed up, nails digging into his chest before he sits up to kiss you, helping you bounce on his cock with ease. 

“Y-you’re…” He groans. “Fuckin’ perfect.”

His arms wrap around you, and he readjusts so that he was on his knees to thrust into you, pulling you down to meet him. The sound of skin slapping is alluring and your thighs clench to cage him in as you lose your breath and shut your eyes. 

“Tyler.” You whine, nails digging into his back as something in you begins coiling, tighter and tighter until he bites down between your neck and shoulder and it all falls in an instant. All you can see is white as you bite down on your own lip, holding him tight to you as the waves of pleasure subside. 

He continues to thrust before falling under the same spell that had you, keeping his forehead pressed into your collarbone as he spills his cum into you. 

You both fall into the cushion of the bed, shuddering as he pulls out before closing your eyes to catch your breath from that experience. And when he wraps his arms around you it’s far too easy to fall asleep from his warmth surrounding you like a blanket of it’s own.

-

“Just to get my fixings

Since the good ones are deceased or taken

I'll just keep on moanin' and bitchin'”

-

It’s the feeling of him moving that wakes you a couple hours later, when the bed dips as he stands, making you blink in the dark to see what he is doing. Apart of you panics that he might be leaving, and this was just going to be a one night stand until he pulls on his boxers and turns back to come lift you. 

“Why are we awake?” You croak, already feeling cranky at the fact that you had been woken up. 

“I figured you’d want to shower, and this is when I normally do.”

“You shower at 4am?” You scoff, clinging to him as he sets you down so your feet touch the cold bathroom floor. 

“Yeah. I figured out that no one else showers at this time-”

“Because it’s crazy.”

“Well since no one else showers at this time the water is always at its best pressure and warmth.” He explains, reaching in to turn it on. “Then I can get another hour or so of sleep.”

“Oddly genius.” You giggle, laughing when he shucks the boxers off as a pretend strip tease before hauling you into the shower with him. 

-

“Moanin' and bitchin'”

-

He takes his time washing your body, lathering the soap over your body with gentle hands as his eyes traced over you over and over again like he was trying to memorize every inch of you. 

He let you do the same, the only words spoken never went above a whisper so you didn’t break the bubble and shampooed eachother before shutting the water off and using the towel. 

When he swings the door open he makes sure to raise his eyebrows, a look of pride covering his face that makes you scoff. 

“You cannot be serious.”

“I wonder what hot scoundrel fixed that for you…”

“Hmmm. I wish I knew.” You tease, “I might have rewarded him.”

A small growl leaves his lips as he scoops you up and hauls you to the bed once more. 

-

“Since the good ones call their exes wasted

And since the Lord forgot my gay awakenin'

Then I'll just be here in the kitchen

Servin' up some moanin' and bitchin'”

-

You sit on the motel floor as Tyler works around you to get ready for the day, listening to you bitch and moan as he struggles to put his boots on. 

“I’m so sore.” You whine, falling flat on the floor to stare at the ceiling. “Yeah? At least you never have to worry about dying alone.”

“No,” You huff out a laugh. “Now I just have to worry about you killing me.” 

“Never.” He smiles, coming to haul you off the floor just to throw you over his shoulder and head for the door.

No matter how long you lived here, you knew you would never grow tired of seeing that breathtaking sunrise peeking over the Austin skyline. The vibrant hues of orange and pinks blending within each other was enough to make just anyone breathless. It's the only reason you woke up as early as you did every morning. You would wake up, pull up an audiobook through your headphones and go for a run.

One more lap later along the water and you were making your way back home- to him.

Glen was an unexpected surprise in your life, hell you wanted nothing to do with men period. However, Glen being Glen charmed his way right into your heart. Now here you are three years later, still together and now you were living with him in Austin. It had only been six months so far, but it was already changing your life. Glen was not exaggerating when he raved about how astonishing Austin was.

You made your way through the front door, still slightly out of breath, trying your best to be as quiet as possible. Glen just came off of a grueling schedule and for once had a chance to sleep it. As you tiptoed up the stairs you tried your best to channel your inner stealth mode. Unfortunately, for you, you had coined the bull in a China shop saying. Just as you were about to make it the bathroom for a hot shower, you stubbed your toe on the corner of the table that sat in the hallway. It also happened to be right outside of the bedroom you shared with Glen.

"Son of a bitch?!" You whisper yelled as you bent over grabbing your toe to try and contain the pain shooting through your entire foot at this point. Still bent over, you were so focused on your pain you didn't even hear the bedroom door open.

"Am I gonna need to start wrapping you in bubble wrap my love?" Glen's beautiful soothing voice rang out and you lifted your head to look up at him.

A bashful smile took over your face as you straightened back up "Hi."

Letting out an amused chuckle Glen replied back "Hi."

"I didn't mean to wake you, go back to sleep. I will live I promise." You said, now trying to usher him backwards into the bedroom.

Glen shrugged "I'm up now." He smirked, noticing your post run glow "I'd rather join you in the shower you were just about to take." His hands landing gently on your hips.

You could not help but giggle, he knew you were a creature of habit. You had to take a shower after every morning run or else you felt gross the rest of the day. "Ok but I need to actually shower." You said in a firm tone as you pointed a finger at him.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah I will be on my best behavior." He said in a mocking tone before suddenly picking you up into his arms, catching you off guard.

"Glen!" You let out a string of giggles as he practically ran to the bathroom holding you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, you should have known better when Glen said he would behave himself. At least he let you finish washing yourself, helped here and there too, before pinning you against the cold tile of the shower. His mouth hot on your neck as your breathing came out in shallow ragged breaths. "How was your run baby?" He cooed against your wet skin, leaving a trail of kisses up and down the side of your throat.

"Mm, good." You barely managed to get that out as he started to suck on that one spot he knew drove you crazy. Your fingers threaded through his wet strands of hair as your back slightly arched when he teeth sank into your flesh "Fuckkk, Glen baby." You moaned, already craving more of him.

Ignoring your plea for more Glen just continued taunting you as he mumbled against your neck "The sunrise as pretty as ever?"

All you could get out was a soft hum and a small nod, now tugging on his hair a little harder.

Glen let out a small laugh at his effect on you "I bet it wasn't as pretty as you though." His lips now making their way down to your breasts, his mouth taking ahold of one of your nipples. You let out a small moan as Glen sucked on the sensitive peak. Between that and his sweet compliment your head grew fuzzy and your body felt like it was on fire. "You're are so pretty, I do not know how I got so lucky." Now turning to the other breast to do the same "So fuckin pretty."

You whimpered, eye's falling shut as Glen continued to praise you. You felt his hand go between your legs and you both let out a soft string of curse words at how wet you had gotten. "Are you this wet because of me? Mmm, this all for me baby?" He mumbled against your lips before kissing you so passionately you felt your knees start to buckle.

Still in a daze, you didn't answer him so Glen decided he needed to get your attention better "I asked you a question baby girl." Then without warning he pinched your clit between his thumb and finger just hard enough to bring you out of your fog.

Your eye's shot open as you let out a whimper of surprise "Yes! Yes Glen, it's all for you no one else." Your hands now gripping his biceps as your nails lightly dug into him.

Glen let out a hiss at the sensation your nails left but smirked at your eager response "I think I should remind you why I am the only man that can make you this wet." He smirked, already dropping to his knees.

God, this man would be the death of you.

Your thighs clenched in anticipation before Glen pried them apart. He moved one of your legs and hooked it over his shoulder. Now, you were spread out and on full display for him. Glen looked up at you with a smug smirk on his lips and eyes darkened with pure lust. He licked his lips like he was about to have a full feast, before moving his head between your legs. At first he just softly blew on your clit, making you curse his name at the chill that ran down your spine. Then he placed gentle kisses along your inner thigh on both sides.

He was teasing you and it was driving you insane.

"Glennnn" You begged with a moan "Please."

"Patience has never been your strong suit." He chuckled darkly. Then without warning he licked a long strip with his tongue between your folds. Within seconds he had you falling apart with his tongue. He was licking one second, then flicking his tongue then sucking on your clit. Without warning he inserted two fingers while still assaulting your clit that was now swollen from his mouth.

Your moans grew louder as your felt yourself reaching your breaking point "Glen!" You screamed his name as your breaths came out in uneven gasps.

He knew you were close, hell he probably knew your body better than you did. "Cum for me baby- cum for daddy." He said, his mouth never leaving your dripping pussy. God, he knew the whole daddy thing turned you on. Now and then you'd call him that during sex and it spurred him on just as much as it did you. It was just a matter of time, as he finger fucked you even faster his tongue went back to flicking against your clit and that's when you saw stars. Your eyes screwed shut as the orgasm crashed over you. You screamed out his name as you gripped his shoulders for support.

As you were coming down from your high, trying desperately to catch your breath, Glen stood up. He planted a tender kiss along your collarbone whispered how well you did for him. "I will never get tired of watching you fall apart for me like that." Then he placed another tender kiss, this one on your lips "God I love you."

You giggled as your eyes finally fluttered open to meet his "I love you too."

"Some way to start your morning huh?" He smirked, wrapping his arms arounds your waist "So, tell me. Have I beat out your sunrise morning run as in the best way to start your day?"

You couldn't help smirking back as you wrapped your arms around his neck "Only if I could start every morning like that."

Glen's eyes darkened as he blindly reached over to turn off the water "Oh, I'm not done with you yet baby."

You laughter echoed off the walls of the bathroom as Glen picked you up, and stepped out of the tub before running off to the bedroom.

* * * * *

After an afternoon of his castmates begging him, he finally went to the bar. Glen looked around the room, knowing that he should feel happier, but he couldn't. His mind was on the phone call that went unanswered at lunch.

He tried not to worry about Y/N not answering. She's been really stressed with work lately and was probably distracting herself from not being with him. He tried to rationalize with himself by telling himself that he's missed a couple of her phone calls. 

"I have a surprise for you," Perry smirked as she walked over to Glen.

"I don't know whether to trust you or not," he laughed off. 

"Trust me," she laughed. "You're gonna want this surprise."

With that, she grabbed his arm and turned him around. His heart jumped into his throat when his eyes fell on his girlfriend in a gorgeous dress, looking perfect.

"Y/N," he gasped. He roughly put his half-drunk beer on a nearby table and ran toward his girlfriend.

Y/N giggled as he picked her up and spun her around. The second Glen put her on her feet, he pressed his lips to hers. She kissed him back as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He wrapped his arms around her waist, keeping her close to him.

When he broke the kiss, she still had her smile on her face. "I've missed you so much, baby," he whispered, his voice getting caught in his throat.

"I've missed you, too," she said in her perfect voice.

Glen couldn't help but lean in and kiss her again. And just like that, the weird feeling that he's had the past few weeks disappeared. He broke the kiss and slowly pulled away from her.

"Come with me," he whispered.

"We can't leave," she chuckled. "This is your birthday party."

"We're not going to leave," he said, matching her teasing tone. "We're just gonna go away from prying eyes."

She laughed as Glen pulled her away from the party. Just like he said, they stayed at the bar but found a booth in the corner. They ordered drinks and sat with Glen's arms wrapped around her.

"Damn," he moaned, briefly closing his eyes, "I've missed you so much."

"So you've said," she teased. She cleared her throat before adding, "When Perry called me, she seemed kind of worried about you."

"What do you mean?" He asked even though he knew the answer.

Y/N sat up and turned toward him, instantly taking his hands and studying his eyes.

"She made it seem like you haven't been yourself," she said, her voice dropping. "She told me that you've been kind of. . . Have you been depressed lately?"

Glen looked into her eyes and decided to tell her the truth. He reached up and gently tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.

"I have," he admitted to her.

"Baby. . ."

"A little," he added quickly. "But all I needed was you. I just needed to be with you, darling."

"Why didn't you tell me?" She asked, her voice dropping.

"I didn't want to worry you," Glen said, scooting closer to her.

"I worry about you no matter what," she said with a small smile on her face. "But if I had known you were struggling, I would've called more. I would've made sure I didn't ignore your texts. I would've made sure none of your calls went to voicemail. I would've visited you more. I would've. . ."

He cut her off by leaning in and gently pressing his lips to hers. When he broke the kiss, he kept his forehead pressed to hers.

"It wasn't because of you, baby," he whispered. He leaned back and looked into her eyes as he continued, "I missed you like crazy. When I'm not with you, Y/N, I feel like there's a piece of me that's missing. The longer we're apart, the harder the days are for me."

"I wish there was something I could do to help," she said slowly as she tried to figure out what to do. Glen laughed when she gasped. "Wait! I finished my project before flying out here, which means I'm in between projects at work now. I could come with you for the rest of your press tour."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," Glen smiled. His smile turned serious as he added, "In fact, it'd be great if you could come with me forever."

The look in Y/N's eyes slightly changed as she tried to figure out what he meant by that.

"You want me to go with you to all your press tours?"

"That," he smiled, slightly leaning in, "and every movie set and every interview. I want you with me everywhere I go for the rest of my life."

"The rest of your life," she repeated slowly. Glen gently grabbed her chin and leaned in, delicately pressing his lips to hers. Her heart was in her throat as she kissed him back.

"The rest of my life," Glen said again as he broke the kiss. He was about to tell her he loved her for the first time, but she beat him to it.

"I love you, Glen," she said, not looking away from his eyes.

Her saying that made Glen's heart jump into his throat. In that moment, Glen couldn't be happier.

"I love you too, Y/N." He was going to kiss her again, but he resisted for the moment. Instead, he clarified something. "I would be the happiest guy on earth if you would travel around with me."

"Supporting you as we go?" She teased. She smiled as she added, "I would, by the way. Every single step."

"Good," he said, pulling her closer. "Because that's right where I want you."

Y/N wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. He deepened the kiss by pulling her over so she was straddling his hips. She giggled against his lips as she allowed things to progress.

"Damn, I've missed you," Glen broke the kiss with a moan. Y/N smiled as his eyes glanced down at her body on his lap. She used her finger to lift his chin so he was looking back at her.

* * * * *

I didn't hear the rest of their conversation. I decided to work at a picnic table outside. I lost track of time as I continued putting our statistics into my formula that Tyler shut down yesterday.

"You ever gonna eat something?"

I looked over my shoulder to see Tyler walking over to me, holding a plate with a sandwich on it.

"Didn't think you cared," I scoffed, turning back around.

"Boone made me bring this out to you," he said, clearing his throat as he put the plate on top of my files.

"Tell him thank you," I said, instantly moving it off my data. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Tyler shove his hands into his back pockets. If I didn't know him, I'd say he was nervous. But I do know him, so I know he wasn't nervous. Not around me.

He started to leave but stopped. "You really should eat something, Y/N."

By the time I built the courage to look over my shoulder, he was gone. I spent the next few hours inputting numbers a little slower than before my weird exchange with Tyler. Boone had to physically pull me away from the numbers. Literally. He picked me up and dragged me to the truck.

And that's how I ended up at a bar with the Tornado Wranglers. I slowly ate pretzels as they played some drinking game I didn't recognize.

"Y/N!" Boone yelled. "Come play with us."

"No thanks," I chuckled.

"What?" Tyler taunted. "You think you're better than us?"

"No," I said slowly. "I'm just not a big drinker. I'll have a couple of beers but nothing stronger than that."

I ignored my heart diving into my stomach when he scoffed. He grabbed another shot and threw his head back. I cleared my throat and looked away.

A little while later, I was testing the app I created this morning on my phone when I was interrupted. I gasped when Tyler roughly sat down on the barstool next to me.

"You know something, Y/N?" Tyler slurred. "If you were my wife, I'd put poison in your coffee."

I leaned in and whispered, "If you were my husband, I'd drink it."

I raised my beer bottle to my lips, but froze when I saw the smallest change in Tyler. It almost looked like the expression in his eyes shifted. I opened my mouth to say something, but he got off the barstool and tried to walk away without stumbling.

I didn't stay after that weird exchange.

But I did spend most of the night overthinking that weird exchange. When I walked into the barn the next day, the state of the team made me laugh.

"Damn," I laughed as I walked past everyone and toward my station. "You guys really can't handle your alcohol."

"Why are you so loud?" Boone asked with his head still resting on his laptop.

"I'm speaking at a normal interval," I smirked.

"Soooo loud," he mumbled.

"How do you look so good after a night of drinking?" Tyler groaned as he walked in.

I cleared my throat when I realized that his question almost sounded like a compliment.

"I didn't drink as much as you guys," I said, unable to stop myself from eyeing him. I crossed my arms over my chest and asked, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he snapped.

"Tyler," Boone elongated. "Play nice."

"That's not possible for the Tornado Wrangler," I scoffed. I grabbed the recent storm statistics from Boone and went over to my desk.

Every once in a while, I'd look up from my desk to see Tyler staring at me. Whenever I caught him, he instantly looked away. About an hour later, the rest of the team went to check on the trucks and the equipment. I looked up, the feeling in my stomach changing when I realized that Tyler and I were alone.

I ignored that feeling and walked over to his desk. I leaned slightly against his desk and crossed my arms over my chest. "Do you want to talk about last night, or should I?" I asked, not looking at him.

"What about last night?" He asked, refusing to answer my question. Or look at me.

"That weird exchange we had," I said slowly. When he finally looked up at me, I clarified, "The thing where you said something about putting poison in my coffee and me saying I'd drink it?"

"It was a joke," he said, quickly standing up. My heart fell into my stomach as he walked away.

"There it is," I sighed. "Tyler Owens will never forgive me for not being Kate Carter."

Little did I know that Tyler was right outside when I said that.

* * * * *

Lily and I were handing out food as the rest of the team handed out water. Every once in a while, I'd catch Tyler watching me. I brushed it off and continued helping Lily.

The mood shifted when the tornado sirens went off. Instantly, the team and I started ushering people to safety. I had just gotten a family into the pharmacy's storm cellar when I noticed Lily. She was securing our equipment and didn't see the piece of debris heading straight toward her.

"Lily!" I yelled as I ran over to her. I got to her just in time. Without thinking, I pushed her out of the way. The second she was out of harm's way, the debris hit me and knocked me down. Due to the force, I rolled a few feet.

"Y/N!" Lily yelled. I was in and out of consciousness, so I'm not entirely sure that what happened next actually happened.

"Y/N!" I think I heard Tyler yell.

I tried to sit up, but my arm gave out. As I collapsed to the ground, my entire body ached. My head was hurting too badly for me to try and figure out my injuries.

The world was spinning as I heard Tyler yell again. "Don't move, Y/N!"

In the blink of an eye, Tyler was at my side. He knelt down in front of me, and I felt him gently grab my shoulders. I sucked in a pained breath as he tried to gently help me sit up.

"I'm sorry," he whispered once I was sitting up. He looked around before mumbling, "I need to get you out of here."

I looked up at him and saw a look on his face that I've never seen on him when he was looking at me: worry.

"What happened?!" Boone yelled as he ran over to us.

"She pushed me out of the way," Lily said.

Tyler tried to object when I pulled out of his arms. Boone and Lily instantly stepped forward and helped me stand up. The spinning got worse, making my legs collapse. Tyler instantly took a step forward and caught me.

"We need to get her to the hospital," he said before easily picking me up bridal style. I don't remember anything past Tyler putting me in the front seat of his truck and reaching across, grabbing my hand as he drove away.

When I woke up again, I was in a hospital room. My head continued to spin as the doctor walked me through my injuries. The debris broke several of my ribs, dislocated my shoulder, cut me in several places over my torso, and gave me a concussion. As the doctor left my room, I leaned my head against the pillow. I lifted it again when someone softly knocked on the door.

"Come in," I said weakly.

"Sorry, Y/N," my nurse smiled. "But you have a visitor. Is now a good time?"

I hid my pain as I nodded and slightly sat up a little more. When the door opened, I wasn't expecting my visitor to be Tyler Owens.

"Hey," he smiled weakly.

"Hi," I said softly. "What. . . What are you doing here?"

"I came to see how you were feeling," he said, the look in his eyes dropping.

"This wasn't your fault," I said before I could stop myself. "The debris was heading toward Lily. I didn't even think before I pushed her out of the way. I wasn't fast enough to get myself out of the way. . ."

I shrugged, but that made my entire torso ache. When I gasped in pain, Tyler instantly took a step closer to me.

"What do you need?" He asked softly.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked, slowly catching my breath.

"Doing what?" He tried to laugh off.

"Why are you suddenly worried about me?"

"What do you. . ." He stuttered.

"Come on, Tyler," I sighed, leaning my head against the pillow. "I'm too tired to pretend like I don't know you hate me."

"I don't hate you," he said, looking away from me. I looked at him and waited for him to look back at me. When he did, there was an unreadable expression in his eyes.

"Tyler. . ." I stuttered.

"I'm sorry," he cut me off. "I know I've been an ass to you lately."

"Lately?" I couldn't help but scoff. I cleared my throat and added, "Sorry."

"It's okay," he sighed, sitting on the chair by my bed. "You're not wrong. I've been an ass to you since the day we met."

"Can I ask you why?"

Tyler looked at me, and it felt like we were both holding our breath, waiting for something.

"It's not anything you did," he said, slightly lowering his voice. "After Kate left. . ."

"What?" I asked when he didn't finish. Just then, I realized that I needed him to continue.

"After Kate left, I shut myself off to meeting anyone else," he explained, not looking away from me. "Especially, someone as badass as you."

"I never meant to replace her," I said, my voice softer than I meant it to be.

"I'm glad you did," he said with a soft smile. My breath got caught in my throat when he reached over and grabbed my hand. "I never should have treated you like that," he whispered, not looking up from our hands. "I am so sorry, Y/N. I'm so sorry it took you getting hurt for me to snap out of the angry, grumpy version of myself. But I promise never to go back to that version. I promise to have your back, to keep you safe, to treat you the way I should've been treating you."

"And how should you have been treating me?" I whispered. He answered me by gently cupping my face in his hands and pressing his lips to mine. Confusion flooded me as I slowly kissed him back. It didn't take me long to realize that this was a horrible idea.

"We shouldn't do this," I whispered, breaking the kiss.

"What do you mean?" He asked, his eyes slightly sinking.

"Be honest, Tyler," I sighed, "this would never work between us."

"Says you?" He slowly smirked.

"This wouldn't work," I shook my head. He stopped me by grabbing my face again and kissing me. I knew we shouldn't, but I couldn't stop myself. Tyler slowly broke the kiss, keeping his forehead pressed to mine.

"Who says we won't work?" He asked again.

"Our relationship could be poisonous," I stuttered. I mumbled, "It started out that way."

You’ve been seeing Jake for a little bit now, but have made sure to keep everything quiet as you know that your relationship will cause quite the outrage with your dad and Rooster. 

Mav and Bradley are the most overprotective men, always wanting to look into your boyfriends or ‘make sure they’re good enough’. So the second you got involved with Hangman, you *knew* they would try to forbid you from seeing him or something along those lines. 

They mean well but it can get exhausting having them constantly trying to get in the middle of any relationship you have. Rooster acting as your adoptive big brother essentially meant that you spent the entirety of your middle and high school years being off limits to any boy since Brad was ready to throw punches without question.

Mav being the overprotective father who made sure he was cleaning his rifle whenever a guy came to get you for your date. The combination is just awful. 

You met your boyfriend while you were out for drinks with Bradley, he had just gotten back into town and was practically itching to see you. Since he was running late, you dared to entertain Jake, enjoying his cocky attitude. 

Thankfully you got his number before Bradley showed up because you’ve never seen him that pissed over a guy before. He warned you to stay away, that Jake was bad, bad news. The type of man needing a warning sign hanging from his neck. 

All of this talk, trying to turn you off of the blond, only piqued your curiosity more. So of course you had to entertain his date request. 

Honestly you were beyond shocked that he didn’t try to get into your pants at all that night. You figured, with all the ranting of Bradley, that you wouldn’t make it 30 minutes into the date before he would be bursting at the seams with desire. 

But the way he touched you, brushed your hair from your face, insisted that he sit next to you while you ate so that he could cut your steak and have more intimate conversation. Jake was nothing like Brad tried to convince you he was. In fact, he sent you a boquete of roses the next morning to ask you on a date the following day. 

I mean obviously at first you figured he was trying to undo all the blabbering he would assume Rooster had done. Yet his sweetheart act never faltered, it took *you* initiating intimacy on the third date before he even touched you in a sexual manner. 

He’s the perfect boyfriend, someone you can depend on, and would want to. Jake is a totally sweetie who just pretends to be this cocky aviator. God does he drive you wild with his attentiveness. 

Your mind is stuck on him as you mindlessly scroll through Netflix suggestions, sinking on the couch as you wait for Jake to arrive. You haven’t been able to see him for days as Maverick upped the training, fully exhausting him and the rest of the team. So tonight, you were extra prepared. 

Restless even, you tried dressing up sexy for him. In a lingerie set matching the color of your eyes, a color which has now become his favorite, but it feels slightly embarrassing sitting there in barely anything. Even if it is your home. 

You finally decide on a random romcom, sprawling across the couch as it begins. Before you know it you’ve already fallen asleep, being awoken by Jake’s delicate touch on your skin. 

You felt a pair of soft hands run over your skin. Rubbing you, waking you from your peaceful sleep. “Hey pretty girl…” a soft, familiar voice whispered. His arms wrapping around you and pulling you into his chest.

Jake’s muscular frame, towering over your small and vulnerable self, pressing up against your body, holding you close. “You look beautiful tonight love.” He mumbled, pressing a soft kiss against your exposed shoulder.

“Mm baby,” you wrap your arms around him, pulling him tight against your chest. “You took so long and I’ve missed you so much.” You murmur into his ear.

“I’ve missed you too darlin’…” he whispered back, burying his head into the crook of your neck. Inhaling your scent. His body pressing up against yours more, practically laying on top of you.

Jake’s hands wander all over your body now. Running all along your curves and down your bare thighs. “Damn I missed you…”

“Jake,” you whisper into his ear, leaning into his touch. 

“Mmm yes sweetheart?” He murmured back. His hands slowly, softly, working their way up under what little clothing you were wearing.

His full attention was on you now, his focus on your body, your voice, his hands exploring every inch of you. Wanting to memorize every part of you. “You’re so goddamn perfect….” He mumbled

“You stink,” a soft giggle escapes your lips as you wrap your legs around his waist, the mesh fabric around you giving way and exposing your naval. 

“Hey, that's not very nice doll,” he smirked against your skin. His lips trailing down your neck and to your chest, peppering soft kisses against your skin.

Jake looked down, noticing the soft mesh clothing hugging your body, the color complimenting your eyes. “Well damn…” he mumbled. Taking a few moments to admire the way your body looks right now. “Is this for me baby?”

“Do you like it?” Your fingers grasp at the hem, pulling the fabric away, exposing more of your abdomen. 

“Oh I love it.” He breathed, watching your body as you pulled away more of the fabric. His eyes run up and down your body, taking in your every curve and inch. “You look absolutely stunning love. This is all for me?” 

He leaned in a bit. His lips hovering just above your hip, but not touching your skin yet. Jake was dying to touch you, but enjoying the tease.

“Mhm, all for you,” you wrap your arms around his neck, pulling his face to yours. “Though, I hope it doesn’t stay on for too much longer.”

“Oh that’s definitely not staying on for much longer sweetheart.” He chuckled. Pressing a few kisses along your jaw and cheek, stopping just millimeters away from your lips. 

His nose grazed against yours, breathing in your scent. Jake’s hands roamed along your body, still admiring just how beautiful you looked all dressed up, just for him. “I’ve been thinking about this for days now….” You arch into his touch, pressing a delicate yet desperate kiss to his lips.

“Then show me,” you let go of him, laying under his frame with a smirk. “Show me what you’ve been dreaming of doing to me..”

“Oh I will darlin’. I’ve got a few ideas, just for you.” He smirked, sitting up a bit to look down at you. Jake’s eyes locked with yours, burning with desire.

His hands gripped your waist, holding your body firmly. He slowly started trailing kisses down your body. His lips running all along your neck, down between your breasts, and stopping right above your hip again. 

“Mmm you’re so beautiful like this doll. I’m gonna ruin you..” you shiver in anticipation. 

With a predatory grin, Jake's eyes darkened as he took in your willingness. He leaned in, his breath hot against your skin as he kissed you, his tongue delving into your mouth in a passionate dance that left you breathless. 

His strong hands gripped the flimsy fabric of your lingerie, tearing it away from your body with an urgent growl. Your heart raced in anticipation as you felt his warmth and weight pressing you into the couch, his kisses growing more intense, claiming you as his own. 

His rough fingers traced your curves, his thumbs brushing against the lace of your panties, teasing the sensitive skin beneath. You gasped into his mouth, your hips instinctively moving to meet his touch, eager for the pleasure he promised. The anticipation was unbearable, a delicious ache building within you, and you knew that tonight was going to be one to remember.

With a groan of appreciation, Jake gently peeled away your panties, revealing your bare, wet sex. His eyes widened with lust at the sight of your swollen folds, begging for his touch. He kissed a trail down your stomach, his breath hot and teasing against your skin. When his mouth reached your center, he didn't waste a moment, eagerly lapping at your arousal. 

You gasped and arched your back, feeling your core pulse with need. His tongue danced around your clit, flicking and circling with expert precision, making you squirm and whimper under his touch. Jake's hands slid up your thighs, spreading you wider, giving him full access to taste and explore you. The feeling of his mouth on you was heavenly, and you could feel yourself getting closer and closer to the edge with every stroke.

With a feral grin, Jake looked up at you, his eyes smoldering with desire as he stripped away his clothes. His pants hit the floor, revealing the hardened length of his cock, standing proud and thick with need. He positioned himself over you, his muscular body a stark contrast to your soft curves. 

His hand guided his erection to your wet entrance, the tip teasing you as he lined up to enter. "You're mine," he murmured, his voice gruff with passion, and without further warning, he pushed into you, filling you completely. Your eyes rolled back as he began to move, his hips rocking in a slow, steady rhythm that had you panting for more. 

Each thrust sent waves of pleasure crashing through your body, and you wrapped your legs around his waist, urging him deeper. His teeth grazed your earlobe as he whispered sweet nothings and dirty promises, his breath sending shivers down your spine. You clung to him, your nails digging into his back, as the intensity grew, your bodies moving in perfect harmony.

With a wild surge of passion, Jake's hips slammed into yours with desperation, his movements becoming more primal and demanding. The couch beneath you creaked with the force of his thrusts, your legs wrapped tightly around his waist, urging him deeper with every stroke. His grip on your hips tightened, his eyes never leaving yours as he claimed you, his powerful body moving in a rhythm that sent shockwaves of pleasure through your core. 

Each time he filled you, you could feel yourself inching closer to the edge, your breaths coming in ragged gasps. Your fingernails dug into his back, leaving marks as you held on for dear life, your body a canvas for the overwhelming sensations he painted with his skilled touch. 

His teeth sunk into your lower lip, holding you in a possessive bite that made you moan into his mouth, the pain only heightening the pleasure. The room was filled with the sounds of your muffled cries and the slick sound of your bodies moving together, a testament to the desire that had been simmering between you for so long.

With a feral growl, Jake felt your body tighten around his, the intense contractions of your orgasm milking him, pushing him closer to his own climax. His strokes grew faster, deeper, as he chased his own release, his eyes never leaving yours. Your nails digging into his back, leaving a trail of fire that only added to the symphony of sensations coursing through him. 

He could feel the warmth of your pleasure coating him, the wetness of your desire smearing against his skin, and it was all too much. With a final, powerful thrust, he let go, filling you with his hot seed, his body shuddering with the force of his orgasm. 

For a moment, he remained still, buried deep inside you, savoring the feeling of your body clenching around him in the aftermath of ecstasy. Then, with a sigh of contentment, he collapsed onto the couch beside you, pulling you into his arms and kissing the top of your head. "Fuck, baby," he murmured, his voice still thick with lust. "That was..." Words failed him as he tried to express the depth of satisfaction he felt, his heart pounding in his chest. 

You giggled, snuggling closer, your cheek pressing against his chest as you felt his heartbeat slow. "Yeah," you agreed, still panting. "It definitely was."

You press a gentle kiss to his forehead, “Now come on, let’s get you washed up pretty boy.” Your thumbs brush over his cheeks as you gaze at him lovingly. 

His face was a picture of contentment, a soft smile playing across his lips. Jake's chest rose and fell with each deep breath, the rhythm of his heart beginning to return to normal. 

He chuckled softly at your suggestion, wrapping his arms around you in a tight embrace. "Mm...I think I like the sound of that," he mumbled lazily, his voice tinged with exhaustion. 

He let out a soft sigh, resting his chin on the top of your head. "Are you trying to tell me I stink darlin’?"

“Didn’t I already mention that?” You smile sweetly, pulling him closer to you. 

He chuckled again, rolling his eyes dramatically. "Alright, alright," he mumbled, reluctantly sitting up, his body still heavy with exhaustion. 

Jake runs a hand through his messy hair, taking a moment to stretch his arms above his head. He let out a tired groan, his back popping softly. 

"Ugh...I swear I need a nice hot shower right about now," he grumbled as he stood up, holding a hand out to you.

“And I’ll wash you up,” you move to massage his shoulders, “get you nice and clean.” 

His smile widened slightly as he felt your hands massaging his shoulders. "Mmm…now that’s what I like to hear,” he said, leaning into your touch. 

Jake leaned back against you, letting out a soft sigh of relief as you worked the knots out of his muscles. "Damn darlin’...I could get used to this,” he mumbled.

You push him toward the bathroom, your hands moving on his tight muscles. “You like me that much?” You hum, pressing a kiss to his back.

He chuckled warmly, letting you guide him to the bathroom. The feeling of your hands on his back, rubbing and massaging his muscles, felt incredibly relaxing. 

Jake glanced over his shoulder at you, a lazy smile on his face. "Mm…you have no idea. I like you a whole lot, sweetheart," he responded, his voice low and soft. 

As soon as they made it to the bathroom, Jake turned to face you, wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you close.

“I like you a whole lot more,” your lips connect with his. “How about we take a warm bubble bath? That way I can pamper you some more.” 

Jake's smile widened under your touch, his hands roaming over your waist as he returned the kiss. "A warm bubble bath, huh? Well, who am I to say no to that…especially if you're doing the pampering," he teased. 

He gently tugged you closer, his body pressing up against yours. "You gonna wash my hair too darlin’?"

“Mm, anything you want.” You wiggle out of his grasp, starting the bath water, “You deserve all the pampering after all your hard work,”

As you worked on getting the bath ready, Jake took the opportunity to admire you from behind. Despite his exhaustion, seeing you move around the bathroom with confidence and care fueled his desire for you all over again. 

He approached you from behind, wrapping his strong arms around your waist and leaning down to press a soft kiss against your shoulder. "You spoil me, you know that?" he whispered, his breath hot against your skin.

“What can I say?” You move your hands to his arms, caressing his skin delicately, “you have me hooked on you.” 

Jake's heart skipped a beat as he felt your gentle touch on his skin, the feeling of your fingers running along his arms sending a shiver down his spine. 

He let out a soft chuckle, pulling you closer and pressing himself against your back. "Oh yeah? You’re hooked on me, huh?" he murmured, his voice low and possessive. 

He nuzzled his face into the crook of your neck, his lips finding your skin and leaving a trail of soft kisses.

“Come on handsome,” you pull his arms away, “get in the bathtub.” 

He chuckled softly at your forwardness but obeyed, stepping into the tub and settling down into the warm bubbles. 

Jake let out a content sigh, sinking lower into the water and letting the heat soothe his sore muscles. "Damn, that feels good," he murmured, his eyes fluttering shut for a moment.

You slide in the water behind him, your legs pressed against his sides as you wrap your arms around his neck, pulling his back against your breasts. 

The feeling of your body pressed against his back was comforting and exciting all at once. Jake leaned back into your embrace, letting out a soft moan of contentment as he relaxed into your touch. 

He tilted his head slightly, giving you access to his neck as he closed his eyes and surrendered to your gentle touch. 

"Mmm…you know just how to treat a guy, don’t ya darlin’?" he mumbled, his voice dripping with desire. He let out a deep sigh of pleasure, his body relaxing once again under your touch. 

You continue to bathe him, making sure *every* inch of him gets clean. Intoxicated by the soft groans of pleasure coming from his lips, his body pressing into yours. 

Your hands move to his shoulders, giving him a massage, working on his tight muscles. “You’re so handsome,” you murmur in appreciation. 

You notice his erection standing in the water, loving the effect you have on him. Your hand trails down his abs, fingers wrapping around his length. 

Jake's breathing hitched as he felt your hand on him, your touch sending a jolt of pleasure through his body. His shoulders tensed for a moment before he forced himself to relax, letting himself give in to your caresses. 

He let out a soft moan, his head falling forward as his eyes flicked open to look down at your hand. "Damn…you-you can’t just do that darlin’…" he mumbled, his voice strained with arousal. 

“I’m pampering you tonight, remember.” You kiss his temple, your hands working at his hardness. 

"Let me take care of you," you murmur, your hands stroking him faster, feeling him throb in your grip. The warm water swirling around you only added to the intimate atmosphere as you teased the tip of his cock with your thumb, smearing the precum that had beaded there.

Jake's breath grew ragged, his hips subtly rocking against your touch. "Yeah, baby...just like that," he breathed, his voice thick with need. You kiss his temple again, smiling against his skin as you feel his body tense. The sensation driving him wild, and he knew it wouldn't be long before he was begging for release.

As you stroke him with increasing fervor, you feel Jake's body begin to tremble beneath your fingertips. His breaths become shallower, his hips rising slightly to meet the rhythm of your hand. The water laps against the sides of the tub as he moves closer to the edge of ecstasy. 

His muscles tighten, and a deep groan rumbles from his chest. "Fuck, baby," he whispers, his voice a desperate plea. The tension in his body reaches a peak, and with a final stroke, he comes undone in your grasp, his hot release filling your palm as he surrenders to the intense pleasure coursing through him. 

His body goes limp, leaning heavily against you as the aftershocks of his orgasm pulse through him. "Damn, darlin'," he gasps, his voice filled with awe and satisfaction. You pepper his cheeks with gentle kisses, shaking your hand in the water to clean his cum from it. 

Jake's body trembled against yours, his chest rising and falling with ragged breaths as he tried to come down from the intense wave of pleasure you had just given him. His eyes were dark with desire, and his voice was soft and rough as he spoke. 

"You're gonna be the death of me," he murmured, his eyes fluttering closed as he leaned back against you, his body completely relaxed in your arms.

You run your hand over his pecks, kissing down his neck as you press your body closer to his. “Honey, it’s getting late. Are you tired?” You hum into his ear, noticing the water around you cooling with the surrounding air.

Jake let out a soft moan as your lips brushed across his skin, his body still buzzing from the pleasure you had gifted him. He leaned into your touch, his eyes half-lidded with exhaustion. 

"Mm, yeah...I guess I am," he admitted softly, his voice tinged with a hint of fatigue. "Time sure flies when you're having fun, darlin’," he added with a weary chuckle.

“Let’s get dried off baby,” you pat his chest softy, motioning for him to get out of the tub. 

Jake nodded in agreement, his body still heavy with exhaustion as he slowly rose from the tub, the water dripping from his skin.

He stood there for a moment, taking in the sight of your naked body before him, his gaze darkening with desire. "You're quite the sight, you know that darlin’...?" he murmured, his voice laced with tiredness.

Your cheeks flush in embarrassment as you cover up with a towel, drying your body as you hand him one. “You’re full of compliments tonight.”

Jake chuckled softly, accepting the towel from you and drying himself off. He couldn’t help but let his eyes roam over your body as you covered up, his thoughts no doubt lingering on the intimate moment you had just shared in the bath.

“Lets go to bed, flirt.” You press a chaste kiss to his lips, walking toward your room. You throw on one of Jake’s shirts he’s left behind for you, basking in the scent of his cologne seeped into the fabric.

Jake followed you into the room, his gaze never leaving your form as you slipped into one of his shirts. A warm smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he took in the sight of you, his scent enveloping you like a gentle caress.

He closed the distance between you, his arms wrapping around your waist from behind and pulling you close to him. "You look damn good in my shirt, darlin’..." he murmured, his voice filled with affection.

Before I could stop him, he walked out of the shower.

"Hey!" He yelled. "This is a closed gym. What the hell are you doing here?"

"I'm looking for someone," Nate scoffed. "It doesn't concern you."

"It kinda does," Gary said, his voice between threatening and warningly. I knew that tone of voice. It was the tone he used when he was about to go nuclear.

I instantly knew that he went nuclear because I told him I'd never been this scared.

"I'm only going to warn you once," Gary said, still in that tone of voice. "Leave."

"Or what?" Nate mocked. I held my breath, waiting to see what he would do.

"I'm gonna do something I hoped I wouldn't have to do."

"Oh yeah?" Nathan joked, still using his mocking tone. "And what's that?"

"Kick your ass when I'm naked."

I moved the curtain aside just enough to see what was going on right as Gary swung at the guy. The guy stumbled back, but Gary didn't leave it there. He grabbed his shirt and punched him several more times.

Briefly ignoring the fact that he was naked, the fact that he was beating the shit out of this guy, crazily turned me on. I also decided to briefly ignore the fact that if our superiors found out we had hooked up, we'd both be fired.

I snapped out of it when Gary grabbed Nate's shirt and brought his face close to his.

"Get out of here," Gary sneered into his face. "Or I will kill you."

My breath got stuck in my throat when Gary threw Nate back. He stood there, unmovingly, as he waited for Nate to leave. Once he left, my heart rate didn't relax. It sped up when Gary walked back into the shower, pulling the curtain closed behind him.

"You. . . You didn't have to do that, Johnson," I stuttered with my arms wrapped tightly around myself.

"Of course I did," he shrugged, stepping so he was in front of me. "Like it or not, we're basically partners. Out of all the people in our unit, I've worked the most with you. Hell, I trust you more than any other. . ."

I grabbed his face and pulled his lips to mine. Gary didn't hesitate to wrap his arms around me and kiss me back. As our lips moved faster and rougher, Gary pushed me up against the side of the shower.

Without breaking the kiss, he grabbed the skirt of my dress. I moaned against his lips when he used both hands to slide my dress up. As he held my skirt up, I slipped out of my underwear. The second I kicked it aside, Gary grabbed my thigh and wrapped my leg around his waist.

I broke the kiss, leaned my head against the wall, and moaned when I felt him push into me.

"Fuck me, Johnson," I moaned.

"Oh, believe me," he growled into my ear. "That is exactly what I plan to do. Just stand there, moan for me, and enjoy."

A moan got stuck in my throat when he roughly pressed his lips back to mine, pushing himself further into me. I continued to moan in sync with his thrusts. When the leg I was still standing on gave out, it made Gary break the kiss with a smirking laugh.

"Damn, baby," he moaned, rubbing his nose against mine. "I love hearing the effect I have on you."

"Don't stop," I chastised. "I have wanted this for sooo long, Gary."

The way I said his name with an extra moan made him groan in pleasure. I arched my back and moaned when he slowly pulled out of me. When he was finally out, I gasped and swore under my breath. I was breathing heavily when he grabbed my chin, returning my eyes to his. He kept his eyes glued to mine as he roughly pulled my dress over my head and tossed it into the corner of the shower.

I held our eye contact as I reached behind me and unhooked my bra. He broke our eye contact as I tossed my bra into the other corner. I smirked when he chewed on his bottom lip, taking in my bare chest.

"Don't stop either, baby," he said through his clenched jaw. His eyes slowly returned to mine. "Keep moaning for me gorgous."

"What would you like me to moan?" I teased him as I roughly grabbed his waist and pulled him toward me. He gasped, catching himself with both hands on the wall behind me.

We held our very tension-filled eye contact as I brought his hips into mine. His name got stuck in my throat, and my name got stuck in his when I pulled him so far that he slid into me. Without breaking the kiss or pulling out of me, Gary leaned down and wrapped my leg around his waist.

"Fuck," he moaned when I squeezed my thigh around him, forcing him to go further into me. We didn't hide our pleasure as we thrusted into each other and moaned for the other.

Our lips moved in sync as we continued to give in to each other. When he slipped his tongue into my mouth, our movements got rougher. Our moans, thrusts, and lips moved in sync. We soon lost track of time and where we were until we were reminded.

"Shit," we both gasped when we heard people walking into the locker room. We looked at each other, and it was unbelievably difficult to stop ourselves from laughing.

"As much as I would love to continue devouring you until you lose your voice from screaming my name, I'm afraid we can't do that with witnesses."

"Where would you like to continue this?" I asked, completely out of breath.

"Anywhere with a little more privacy," he chuckled.

He pulled out of me, causing me to arch my back and moan. As I caught my breath, he leaned in and gently kissed me. He started to walk out of the shower, but I quickly grabbed him and pulled him back to me.

"What's wrong, gorgeous?" He asked, his worry from earlier returning. I opened and closed my mouth, struggling to find the right words.

"Thank you for having my back, Gary," I whispered. "You saved my life."

"Of course," he shrugged. "I've always got your back, baby."

* * * * *

I lay on the couch as I waited for Glen to arrive. His apartment was only about 15 minutes away from mine, but I knew that LA traffic would most likely double that.

As I waited, I thought about my friendship with Glen. Ever since we first became friends, Glen has called me 'darling'. Growing up, I was obsessed with Peter Pan. Specifically, the fact that the family's last name was Darling.

Whenever he called me 'darling,' I would feel giddy inside and couldn't get rid of the smile. The more he called me 'darling', the more I knew that he knew I was really struggling.

I was just starting to fall asleep when someone knocked on the door. I gasped, sitting up straight. It took me a second to realize that it was Glen at the door. I stood up and, with shaky legs, walked toward the door. When I opened it, a frog formed in my throat. Glen stood there with a beautiful and sweet smile on his face.

"You came," I whispered.

"You called," he shrugged.

My tears restarted streaming down my face as I jumped into his arms. Glen instantly caught me and held me tightly. The second I was in his arms, the sob I thought was over returned. He tightened his arms around me when he felt my body shake.

"It's alright, darling," he soothed, his voice soft. "I'm here. Whatever happened is over. Whatever is wrong, we can fix it."

I whimpered when Glen slowly broke our hug. His eyes widened as he studied my black eye. He reached up and gently grabbed my chin. Tears streamed down my face as he moved my head a little so he could examine my bruised eye.

"Darling," he sighed, pulling me back into his chest. His voice dropped to a whisper as he said, "Please tell me this is the first time he's hit you."

I didn't answer him. I cuddled into his chest and tightened my arms around him.

"I knew that son of a bitch wasn't good enough for you," he angrily grumbled. I let out a small whimper as I tucked more into him. I felt Glen force himself to take a slow breath.

"I don't want to be with him anymore," I said, my voice breaking.

"You're not," Glen said firmly. "You are done with him."

"I can't. . . I can't get away from him," I whimpered. "He doesn't even let me argue with him, but. . . Breaking up with him?"

I instantly felt cold when he stepped out of our hug. "Nothing is going to happen to you," he said firmly. "I promise that I am not going to let that sorry excuse for a boyfriend ever lay another finger on you. From now on, you've got me as a buffer. I will not let him hurt you ever again."

My anxiety spiked when I looked towards the front door. "He has a key," I mumbled. I looked back at Glen with nothing but fear in my eyes. "He has a key. Eric has a key to my apartment, Glen. I can't. . . I can't stay here. I'm not safe."

"It's going to be okay," he soothed as he reached forward and rubbed my arms. "We'll get you a new lock or find you a new apartment. Until then, you can stay with me."

"Aren't you filming?" I asked.

"Only a few hours a day," he shrugged. "I'm usually home every day no later than 7 o'clock. I will have my phone with me all day, so if you need anything, you can call me. Plus, my building has a security guard. I can give him a picture of Eric and ask him to make sure he doesn't come inside."

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice breaking.

"I'd do anything for you," he shrugged with a playful smirk on his face. It slightly fell as he reached up and gently cupped my cheek in his hand. "Let's put some ice on your face, darling."

He grabbed my hand and led me into the kitchen. I weakly smiled when he picked me up and put me on the counter. I couldn't help but slightly kick my feet as he got some ice from my freezer. He wrapped it in a towel and walked back over to me.

Glen smiled as he stood between my legs and reached up, gently pressing the towel of ice to my cheek. He looked into my eyes and kept his hand on my face as he sighed. "I'm sorry I haven't been a very good friend."

"What?" I gasped. "Glen, you've been an amazing friend."

"No," he sighed, "I haven't. Ever since Top Gun, I've been jumping from project to project. I haven't been around much."

"But you're around when it matters most," I whispered. I reached up and put my hand over his. He smiled as he took a step closer to me. "Whenever I need you, you drop everything and run to me. Just like you did today. I know that I can always depend on you."

* * * * *

A few hours later, I was asleep on the couch in Glen's arms. We both jumped awake when someone angrily knocked on the door. It wasn't until we heard his voice that we reacted.

"Open the fucking door, Y/N!"

"No," I whimpered. Glen instantly snapped into gear. He gently grabbed my arms and turned me toward him.

"It's going to be okay," he soothed. "Go to your room and do not come out."

"What are you going to do?" I stuttered.

"I'm going to answer the door."

"No!" I gapsed, quickly grabbing his shirt before he could leave. "If he finds out you're here. . . He'll hurt you, Glen."

"I'll be fine," he shrugged.

"No," I said, my voice breaking. Glen instantly relaxed when he saw the different type of fear in my eyes. "If Eric finds out that you're here. . . Glen, Eric has always been jealous of you. He was always worried that you'd steal me away from him. He has been trying to get me to see that you have feelings for me. He thinks. . ."

"He's right," Glen cut me off.

"Wait, what?" I stuttered.

"He's right," he repeated. He grabbed my face and pressed his lips to mine. I moaned as I slowly started kissing him back. We couldn't see how far we would go because Eric interrupted us again.

"I said, 'open the fucking door', you little bitch!" Eric yelled.

I broke the kiss and tucked into Glen's chest. He wrapped his arms around me and gently kissed my head.

"Go to your room and lock the door," he whispered. "I'll get rid of him."

"And then. . ." I paused as I leaned out of our hug. Glen smirked as he reached up, gently grabbed my chin, and kissed me again.

"Then," he smirked, "I'll prove just how right Eric was about my feelings for you."

"And you'll officially steal me away from him?" I teased. He gently grabbed my chin and pressed his lips delicately to mine. He broke the kiss and leaned his forehead against mine.

"Officially," he moaned, "you're mine."

I opened my mouth to say something to him, but Eric got impatient. When he angrily pounded on the door, I tucked into Glen's chest.

"Please go to your room, darling," he whispered. "Let me handle this."

"Please be careful," I whispered back. He leaned down and kissed the top of my head.

Glen led me to my room and waited for me to close the door. I leaned against it and tried to take calming breaths as I heard Glen answer my door.

"Powell," Eric scoffed, "what the hell are you doing in my girlfriend's apartment?"

"Ex-girlfriend," Glen corrected, his tone changing.

"Excuse me?" Eric laughed harshly. I grabbed the door handle, but didn't open the door. "Last I checked, she was my girlfriend and your friend who put you in the friendzone."

"You sure about that?" Glen challenged him.

"I knew it," Eric sneered through his teeth. "I knew you were in love with my girlfriend."

"I am," Glen said, his tone matching Eric's. "I am in love with Y/N. I've been in love with her since her family moved into the house next to mine. I've been in love with her all my life. With that being said, I would never stand by as some piece of shit uses the love of my life as a punching bag."

"Look. . ." Eric started, but Glen didn't give him a chance. There was some scuffling, and I could imagine Glen grabbing his shirt and throwing him against the wall.

"Here's what you're going to do," Glen threatened. "You are going to walk away and find some other girl to push around."

"And if I don't?" Eric challenged.

There was some more scuffling that I guessed was Glen throwing Eric out of my apartment.

"I guess I wasn't clear," Glen said, lowering his voice. "Stay the hell away from Y/N. If you come near her again, I will show you exactly how I trained for Running Man."

"You don't scare me," I heard Eric scoff. Even I could tell he was lying.

"You might want to tell that to the fear in your eyes," Glen chuckled.

I finally had the courage to walk out of my room. When I did, Glen instantly heard me and quickly turned around.

"Y/N, I told you I can handle this," he said, taking a hesitant step toward me.

"Don't tell my girlfriend what to do," Eric snapped.

"Ex-girlfriend," I shakily said. His glare made me take a step back.

"You little. . ."

Glen wasn't a violent guy. Unless you threatened someone he cared about.

When Eric took a step toward me, Glen instantly swung his arm. His fist connected with his jaw, and Eric fell to the floor. I quickly closed the gap between Glen and me, tucking behind him.

"It's okay," he soothed as he wrapped his arm around me. His voice changed when he talked to Eric. "Get out," he threatened. "If you ever come near my Y/N again, I will kill you."

My breath got stuck in my throat as Glen walked toward Eric. He picked him up and threw him out of the house. I jumped when he slammed the door shut behind Eric and locked it. When he turned back toward me, I ran and threw my arms around his neck.

"Thank you," I whispered.

"Of course, darling," he whispered back, tightening his arms around me. He leaned back and looked into my eyes as he continued, "And I promise that son of a bitch will never lay a hand on my girl ever again."

I cut him off by grabbing his face and pressing my lips to his. Glen smiled against my lips and started kissing me back. The kiss started off slow and hesitant, but it slowly picked up. Finally, I broke the kiss.

"So," I said, my voice showing how out of breath that kiss made me, "I kind of heard what you said to Eric."

"Oh, did you?" He chuckled, tightening his arms around me. "And what exactly did you hear?"

"I heard you confess that you were in love with your best friend," I whispered.

"I am," he said, his smile slightly falling. "I am absolutely, crazily in love with you. I've been in love with you since we were kids. You're more than just my best friend, Y/N. You're the girl of my dreams."

My heart was in my throat as I slowly slid my hands up his chest, intertwining my fingers behind his neck.

"I am absolutely, crazily in love with you," I said, my voice dropping to just above a whisper. "I've been in love with you since the first time you walked me home from school. You're more than just my best friend, Glen. You're the only guy I want to wake up next to every morning."

"That's good," Glen said, slightly lowering his voice and pulling me closer. "Because I want to be the only guy who gets to wake up next to you. I want to be your guy forever, Y/N."

"I want you to be my guy forever," I whispered.

Glen leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. Without breaking the kiss, he picked me up and carried me to my bedroom. I let out a girly giggle as he gently dropped me and crawled on top of me.

"I plan to be your guy for the rest of my life," Glen said, his voice deep as he hovered over me.

"I want you to be my guy for the rest of my life," I said, grabbing his face and bringing his lips to mine. I felt him smile as he kissed me back. Our lips moved messily in sync until Glen broke it.

"Before we officially take the next step," he whispered, pressing his forehead to mine, "there's something I need to make sure you know."

"Okay," I said under my breath as he leaned back.

"I promise to always protect you," he started. "I promise to take care of you. And more importantly, I promise to always come running to you when you call for me."

"What's wrong?" Russ asked. I smirked when I looked at his disguise. I reached up and slowly pulled off his wig.

"To be honest, I don't really want to sleep with Chad Powers," I smirked. I gasped when he leaned down and smashed his lips to mine. I moaned as our lips moved messily in sync.

"Give me five minutes," he moaned against my lips. I laughed as Russ quickly got off of me and ran to the bathroom. I sat up and leaned against the couch cushions on the uncomfortable hotel couch. I stood up when I got an idea.

While Russ took off his Chad Powers makeup, I moved over to his bed. I tossed my hair aside and pulled my shirt down to try to look sexy. It was clear that it had worked when Russ walked in and froze when he saw me.

"What?" I asked, faking innocence.

"Damn," he moaned. I laughed when he tore off his shirt and was next to me in the blink of an eye.

The second he got to me, I lay down and allowed him to climb on top of me. I held my breath when he hovered over me. He didn't lean down and kiss me right away. Instead, he just studied me.

"Is anything wrong?" I asked, my voice soft.

"No," he said quickly. He let out a small laugh as he added, "I was just. . . I've been with lots of girls." He stopped talking when he saw the look on my face. "I didn't mean it like that," he stuttered.

"Yeah, you did," I shrugged. I smirked as I pressed my hands to his chest. I dragged them up and down his chest before wrapping them around his neck.

He laughed as he moved, leaning on his elbows and bringing his body closer to mine. "Yeah, I did. Anyway, I've been with other girls," he said, changing his wording, "but this feels different."

"Different. . . How?"

"Whenever I was with other girls, I felt. . . numb. I mean, it was great during," he laughed. He stopped laughing when he saw the look on my face. He cleared his throat before adding, "But afterwards, I'd always feel empty."

"But with me?" I couldn't help but ask.

"With you," he said, leaning closer to me, "it feels electric."

"Electric?" I teased, tilting my head up so our lips brushed against each other.

"On fire," he moaned.

I moaned when he pressed his lips to mine. I ran my fingers through his hair as our lips started moving messily in sync. When he broke the kiss, I arched my back, trying to keep our lips together for as long as possible.

He leaned back, the look in his eyes different, more serious. "It feels like this could be something real," he whispered. "Do you. . . What do you think?"

I grabbed his face and brought his lips back to mine. I felt him smile as our lips instantly started moving in sync. I broke the kiss with my hands still on his face, keeping his forehead pressed to mine.

"Call me crazy, but I think it could be something real," I whispered. He leaned back and looked into my eyes with a smirk on his face.

"Then let's do this, crazy," he whispered.

I gasped, and it quickly turned into a moan when he roughly pressed his lips to mine. I instantly started running my fingers through his hair, pulling on a few strands to make him moan.

Without breaking the kiss, Russ tore off my jeans. I reached up and slid off his football pants. When he started to pull my shirt over my head, I roughly pushed him to break the kiss.

He opened his mouth to say something, but I cut him off by rolling us over so I was hovering over him. His surprise was quickly replaced by a smirk. I sent him an "innocent" smile as I grabbed my shirt and slowly pulled it over my head. As I did, I felt him getting harder underneath me.

I used my shirt to hide my face long enough for me to change my "innocent" smile into a smirk.

"Fuck," he moaned, his eyes glued to my chest. His eyes remained there as I reached behind me and unhooked my bra. I bit my bottom lip as I slowly slid my bra straps off and dropped them on the floor.

I very obviously bit my bottom lip, not looking away from his eyes, as I used both hands to grab the waistband of his boxers. As I yanked them down, he gasped but cut himself off with a moan.

I looked down at his size and moaned. "Damn, baby," I said breathlessly. "I can't wait to have you inside me."

I grabbed his face and roughly smashed my lips onto his. He put his hand on the back of my neck, bringing me closer to him. As our lips moved messily and hungrily in sync, Russ grabbed my waist.

I grunted, breaking the kiss, when he roughly brought my hips down to his. We stared into each other's eyes as he moved my hips, making me grind against him. The movements started out slow, but both of us got more and more impatient.

"I fucking need you," he growled as he quickly rolled us over so he was back on top.

"Then hurry up and fucking take me, baby," I moaned. My moan got caught in my throat when Russ pressed his lips to mine. It felt like every time we touched each other sent a pulse of lightning through our bodies.

And neither one of us tried to put it out. At least not until we were both satisfied.

"Why are these still on?" He angrily grumbled as he tore my underwear off. I moaned when I heard fabric ripping. That sound officially set us on fire, forcing us to finally give in to each other.

"Oh, baby," I moaned. "Please, fucking give it to me. . ."

My request got stuck in my throat when Russ leaned down and attached his lips to my chest. I swore as he left open-mouth kisses on my breasts. I put my hand on the back of his head, smushing him between my breasts.

"Fucking hell, Holliday," I gasped when he focused on one of my breasts.

"Damn, you taste so good," he moaned against my cleavage.

"You haven't even begun to taste me yet, baby," I moaned.

I closed my eyes and focused on how it felt to be touched by him. Sure, I've been with guys. But none of them had this kind of effect on me. His hands were massaging my hips, but I could only focus on his lips and his tongue.

"Please tell me you have a condom," I moaned as he switched breasts.

"I'll have to get up," he moaned, not pulling his face away from my chest.

"Let's risk it," I said, grabbing his face and forcing him to detach. He opened his mouth to say something, but I pulled his face down to mine. He chuckled against my lips before obeying my request.

My whole body was on fire as he opened my thighs and got into position. When he finally pushed into me, I broke the kiss and choked on my moan.

"Holy shit!" I yelled. "Fucking hell, Russ."

"Keep moaning my name, baby girl," he growled as he kept thrusting into me. He smirked before changing his request, "Keep yelling my name."

I did exactly that as I let him do the kind of things I only did in my darkest, dirtiest dreams.

"Oh, Russ!" I yelled, arching my back and making him push deeper into me. He smashed his lips to mine, moving them messily against mine as he pushed deeper and deeper into me.

His movements were fast and then slow and then fast and then slow to drag this on. I lost track of time as we both took turns pushing each other close to giving in as we wanted before switching. This game went on for a while before, finally, I felt Russ release into me.

"Fuck," he gasped as he let go.

"I'm not done yet, baby," I moaned. I wrapped my leg around his waist, bringing his hips closer to mine. He thrusts in and out of me a few more times.

"Come on, baby," he moaned into my ear, slightly nibbling on it. "Cum for me."

I dug my nails into his shoulder blades, making him gasp. He got back at me by pushing himself deeper into me and holding. Then he whispered something that made me finally give in.

"Stop holding back," he growled into my ear before squeezing my breast.

"Fuck!" I yelled as I finally released. We stayed intertwined for a second before he slowly, very slowly, pulled out of me. He had a smirk on his face when his slow movement made me gasp.

"Sorry, darling," he chuckled. "Didn't mean to hurt you."

Russ leaned down and pressed a messy kiss to my lips before grunting and collapsing next to me on the bed.

"That felt so fucking good," I moaned as I relaxed.

"Glad I could satisfy your dirty needs, baby," he chuckled so deeply, I felt the bed vibrate.

The room filled with the sounds of us catching our breaths instead of us fulfilling each other's dirty desires. I felt Russ look at me, so I slowly looked at him. The second my eyes fell on his, he smiled. I rolled toward him, and he copied me. I reached up and put my hand delicately on his bare chest.

"Your tattoos are horrible," I teased. He laughed as he wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me closer.

"I know," he chuckled. "I was drunk."

"You and your drunken mistakes, Holliday."

He leaned in and delicately pressed his lips to mine. I broke the kiss when something that should've popped into my head hours ago finally popped in.

"What's wrong?" Russ asked, instantly catching on to this.

"I have. . . I need. . . I meant it when I said I could see something happening with us," I struggled to get out.

"I did too," he said softly as he reached up and cupped my face in his hand.

"But there's one thing I need you to do."

"Anything," he said instantly. I felt the tension I caused slightly lighten as I smirked up at him.

"Don't tell my brother."

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