Tiny's Sweet Obsession

63: Birthday Wish

Lily POV

Tiny made my head spin, and my body felt as though it was on fire. Everything was new, and every time I questioned myself or my lack of experience, Tiny reassured me. Despite it all being overwhelming, I wanted more. It's as though no matter how close Tiny and I's bodies were, it wasn't close enough. Thankfully, Tiny didn't mind it and seemed to crave it too.

As my body and mind came down from the high, Tiny held me against his strong chest, assuring me I was safe and he wasn't going anywhere. I could feel tears brimming my eyes from his kindness, but sleep took hold of me before they could spill over. The few hours I slept were the best I had in a long time, wrapped in Tiny's arms. Safe.

I woke up to Tiny's arms wrapped tightly around me and listened to his soft snoring. Since returning from Atlanta, Tiny has not left my side, giving me all the attention in the world, and truthfully, I have never felt more protected or loved in my life.

Twenty minutes later, Tiny stirred, groaning and stretching his long limbs before kissing my head.

"Good morning," I laughed.

"Morning," Tiny mumbled in my hair. "Have you been up long?"

"No. Not long," I said, but I'm sure Tiny didn't believe me.

"Want to go get breakfast?" he smiled.

"And go see Pops?" I asked, hopeful.

Tiny nodded, and I kissed his cheek before sliding out of bed. However, my legs betrayed me and collapsed under me. Thankfully, or embarrassingly, Tiny caught me and pulled me safely into his arms.

"Easy there, Sunshine. You may be a little sore today, which is normal, so let's take it easy for a while. Okay?" he murmured while massaging my thighs.

"I think it'll take some time to get used to jello legs," I mumbles, causing Tiny to laugh and his chest to vibrate against me.

I used Tiny's arms to steady myself, and I carefully made my way to the closet, grabbed my clothes, and changed into the new bathroom. It wasn't warm yet, but I put on the yellow sundress, knowing it was Tiny's favorite, and paired it with a jean jacket and brown booties. It took me a while to figure out how to curl my short hair, but once I did, I loved it.

Stepping out of the bathroom, Tiny sat at the edge of the bed, beaming at me. He grabbed my hand and twirled me around, giving me a whistle. I laughed and noticed the leather on his cut looked brand new.

"Is that a new cut?" I asked.

He nodded and pointed at the bottom of it. "What do you think?"

A sunshine patch. I haven't given Tiny my answer, but he is giving me his. Tiny wants me, all of me, and although I am damaged and far from perfect, he still chooses me.

"You didn't have to," I said, rubbing the patch.

Tiny ignored me and pulled me into him, capturing my lips in his. His tongue dances against mine, forcing me to only focus and feel him. The passion and emotions behind every kiss are slowly healing the wounds others left on my soul and heart.

Pulling away, he kissed my nose and said, "Come on, the others are waiting downstairs to celebrate you."

We all loaded up and headed to the diner, and as soon as we stepped into Redemption Diner, I heard Pop's booming voice yell, "Lily!" He rushed out of the kitchen and wrapped me in a bear hug.

"I missed you," I whispered, tears falling down my cheeks.

Pops pulled away and wiped them for me. "You are home now, and that's all that matters. I hope Tiny and the others are treating you well," he said, eyeing Tiny behind me. "If not, you call me, and I will handle it."

There was no way Pops could take on Tiny or any of the Riders. He is in his late fifties, shorter than me, and loves any home-cooked meal. But I know he wants what is best for me, and his heart is in the right place. So if he thinks he can beat Tiny's ass, then I won't stop him.

Tiny and Pops shook hands before he smiled, saying, "One birthday breakfast coming up!"

We joined the others at their corner booth and ate until we couldn't eat another bite. After the plates were cleared Pops walked over holding a cake with eighteen lit candles. Pops set the cake on the table, and everyone sang an off-key version of Happy Birthday. My cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

The singing ended, and Pops said the words I wait all year to hear, "Close your eyes and make a wish."

Every year I ask for the same thing, but this year...this year is different. I have everything I could ever want.

Almost everything. One wish can change it all.

I squeezed my eyes shut, made my wish, took a deep breath, and blew out all my candles. Barely.

Tiny's green eyes stared back at me, and I knew this would be the best year yet.

Thankfully, Pops made a boxed cake mix, and no one died from food poisoning. He pulled over a chair to sit with us and handed me a small wrapped box. Every year, Pops gets me the same small gift, but it is the one thing I look forward to. Opening the box, I smiled.

A charm. This year, a pink donut with sprinkles.

"It's beautiful," I smiled, squeezing his hand.

"I thought it might bring you some good luck with your new job at the coffee shop." Pops smiled. "Something to add to your collection."

The coffee shop. A new adventure and unknown. I know Tiger assured me the diner would be in good hands, and it did manage for a few weeks without me, but part of me wasn't ready to say goodbye.

We packed up the extra cake and said our goodbyes to Pops, and I promised I would be back soon. While we waited for Ginger and Blade to load Ellie into the car, Tiny stood behind me and played with my hair. However, I was distracted by the new charm and wondered where the rest of them were or if I could find them again.

Tiny and I climbed in the back seats, using the middle aisle to stretch our long legs, and I relaxed into Tiny, resting my head on his shoulder.

Eighteen. Finally free to make my own choices and live life my way.

Between the food coma and the car ride, my eyes drifted closed. I was almost asleep when I felt a kiss on the top of my head, and I bolted upright, my heart pounding in my chest.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you. You don't have to move," Tiny apologized.

"It's okay. I just wasn't expecting it, and I guess I am still getting used to affection," I shyly admitted.

Tiny cleared his throat and changed the subject. "Does Pops get you a charm every year?"