Collide (Impact Book 2) | h.s. | complete

15. Do It Right

~Tori~

“Tori?” I openned my eyes slowly then blinked rapidly, glancing around. “We’re home, love…”

“Oh, thank you so much.” I said, rubbing my eyes. I openned the car door then rounded the car, pulling Cici out of her car seat and into my arms. “Can you-” I began but Madame Cross held up her hands.

“Of course, you just get her inside and I’ll grab everything.” I nodded, smiling gratefully at her. As I walked up the steps and openned the door I paused, seeing Tanner’s shoes placed haphazardly on the mat. I slid off my shoes as quietly as possible, and walked further into the house, the living room coming into view. It was dark apart from a dim light from the kitchen.

“Where have you been?” Tanner’s voice startled me and I jumped.

“Please whisper, we just got her to sleep in the car.”

“We? Who the hell is we?”

“Keep you voice down.” I hissed as Madame Cross openned the front door holding the carseat and the diaper bag. She set them down and Tanner straightenned, his expression softenning.

“What’s going on?” He asked looking between the two of us.

“I thought that there was something wrong with Cici so I took her to the doctor and Madame Cross helped me out.”

“You were gone all night, you left so long ago I-”

“Yea, she needed blood tests and scans.” I said, starting towards Madame Cross who was still standing in the doorway.

“She has a small infection, with a course of antibiotics she’ll be right as rain in a few days.”

“That’s good to hear.” Tanner said without taking his eyes off of me.

“Well, if you’re alright I think I’ll head home, we’ve had a long night.” Madame Cross said, planting a soft kiss on the top of Cici’s head.  

“Thank you for everything. I wouldn’t have gotten through the night without you.” I said, my voice low as I felt Tanner’s eyes on my back.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” She asked, her eyes sliding to Tanner then back to me.

“I’m sure,” I smiled assuringly and she nodded, turning to leave.

“Thanks,” Tanner said, his mouth a straight, hard line. Madame Cross nodded, slowly ambled down the front steps. When she was gone, I turned to find Tanner standing closer than he was before.

“I’m just going to get her into her bed.”

“Why didn’t you call me?”

“Do not start with me. I called you a thousand times. Can we talk about some other time please I’m exhausted.” I said, lifting the diaper bag and hooking it over my shoulder. I started up the stairs and Tanner followed, his footsteps soft.

“Is she really okay?” He asked, watching as I lay her in her crib.

“She will be.” I said, brushing a whipsy short brown curl from her forehead.

“Are you alright?” He asked and I turned, nodding. He pulled me into his arms and held me tightly, stroking my hair.

“I’m so tired, and I was so scared…I made a mistake Tanner…”

“Shh…” He soothed, kissing my head. “Its nothing we can’t fix. I’m sorry I wasn’t there, but I’ll make it up to you, I promise.” He said as I turned towards the door, dimming the light. Once we got to our room, I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor. Tanner crossed the room and stood infront of me, his hands cupping my face.

“I love you Victoria Melbourne…” He said, leaning down to kiss me.

“I love you, too.” I said, but something in my body didn’t feel quite right. As I thought about the best way to tell Tanner that I had completely blew our cover tonight, he reached down and tugged the hem of my shirt upwards, pulling it over my head. “T…I’m so tired.”

“Let me tire you out a little bit more.” He said, carefully pushing my shoulders back towards the matress and I let myself fall, my body too tired to fight back.

“I don’t really think that’s possible,” I giggled as he unbuttoned my pants, sliding my jeans down my legs and tugging them off, sending them flying across the room.

“Oh, ye of little faith,” He laughed, kissing my neck. And as easy as that I was putty in his hands, and my whole body was wired to the electricity of his touch. He lifted me swiftly tossed me further back on the bed, making the wrought iron bed frame shake.

“Tanner,” I said, surprised by his ferocity.

“I wanna do this right.” He said, taking off his shirts then his pants. He came towards me, his eyes abalze with passion and raw desire.

“Then do it.” I said simply. And he obliged.